Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

Golden light cleaved the clouds, green vines broke through the earth, crimson flames swept the sky, mysterious waves surged, and yellow dust returned to its source—five-colored pillars of light intertwined to form a rotating innate Five Elements Array. The parched riverbed regained its clear waters, scorched earth sprouted new green, and withered trees burst into bloom. The three warriors smiled at each other, and on the reborn earth, they made an eternal vow:

"I am willing to dedicate my life to protecting this land!"

A new journey unfolded in the morning light. As they stepped into the dark forest, Pangu wielded his axe to sever the man-eating demonic vines, Xu Fu formed hand seals to illuminate the deep, dark ravine, and Yang Ling resonated with the spirit of the ancient tree to find the entrance to the secret realm. After unraveling the stellar mysteries of the ancient stone tablet, the altar suddenly burst forth with dazzling light.

Facing the surging chaotic power, the three stood back to back. Yang Ling pointed his sword to the sky: "The righteous energy of heaven and earth shall endure forever!" Xu Fu unfurled the Five Elements Formation, and Pangu's roar shook the heavens. The three forces merged into a pillar of light that cleaved the world, raising an eternal lamp in the center of the dark forest.

But this is merely the prologue to a legend.
In the solemn atmosphere of the ancient altar, three heroes—Yang Ling, Xu Fu, and Pangu—stood reverently. Their gazes pierced the mists of time like sharp swords, and a suffocating pressure emanated from them. This sacred land seemed to hold its breath at their arrival.

Clad in a black battle robe, Yang Ling broke the silence first, his voice booming like thunder: "This trial may be the most difficult we have ever faced. But even if the road ahead is fraught with peril, we will never retreat a single step. Sincere friendship and unwavering faith are our sharpest weapons."

Xu Fu lightly adjusted his blue robe, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "Brother Yang is absolutely right. We have overcome countless obstacles together, always managing to break through with our intelligence. This time, we should do the same, facing it with an even clearer mind."

Pangu gripped his battle axe tightly, his voice echoing across the land: "Let mountains of knives and seas of fire thwart us, we will surely conquer them if we join forces!"

A dazzling pillar of light suddenly erupted from the center of the altar, revealing a guardian emanating from pure light. His entire body was crystalline, and his eyes held a wisdom accumulated over millennia: "Brave travelers, you have demonstrated extraordinary courage. But this final trial requires the purity of your souls to be tested."

Yang Ling, sword in hand, bowed and said, "Honorable guardians, we are willing to accept this baptism with our purest hearts."

The guardian unfurled wings of light: "You will fall into a mental illusion, confronting your deepest fears. Only by conquering your inner demons can you attain the Great Dao."

The three exchanged a nod, then were engulfed by a seven-colored light. Yang Ling stood amidst the ruins of the ancient battlefield, the cries of countless fallen souls echoing in his ears. He wiped the blood and sweat from his brow and raised the tattered battle flag anew: "The dead are gone, the living must carry on!"

Xu Fu wandered through the labyrinthine maze, where countless scriptures fluttered in the air. Using his finger as a brush, he traced the hexagrams and laughed aloud, "Heaven and earth are my books, the sun and moon my scrolls; I have understood the true meaning of this place!"

Facing ten mirror-like incarnations, Pangu unleashed his ultimate techniques on each one. As his giant axe cleaved the illusions, he roared, "Only when the mind is free of attachments can one attain true freedom!"

When the three returned to reality, three golden lotuses bloomed from the Guardian's fingertips: "You have passed the final trial. Now I bestow upon you the ultimate truth of heaven and earth—" The altar runes moved like living things, and vast energy flowed into the heroes' bodies.

The three warriors, reborn, embarked on their journey home. Yang Ling suddenly stopped, his gaze burning with fervor as he looked at his companions: "We've weathered storms together all this way; without your companionship, I would have long since turned to dust."

Xu Fu responded with a bow: "Brother Yang's courage and perseverance have always guided us forward."

Pangu raised his arms and laughed heartily: "Good brother, no need for formalities! There's much more excitement ahead!"

As night fell, the campfire illuminated the three figures as they chatted. Yang Ling suggested they share their most unforgettable experiences, and Xu Fu spoke first: "Back then, I stumbled upon the 'Myriad Manifestations Heavenly Book' at the Lingxu Pavilion, and only then did I understand the true meaning of seeking the Dao. After meeting you all, this path of cultivation has become even more brilliant."

Yang Ling stroked his sword, lost in thought: "The most unforgettable moment was our first encounter, battling the nine-headed serpent together. Only then did I realize that true power stems from mutual trust." Pangu patted his chest: "That time I ventured alone into the lava cave, I almost became a roasted lamb! But it also taught me that even in dire straits, there is always a way out."

As dawn broke, they stepped into the Netherworld Forest shrouded in black mist. Amidst the howling wind, a child's cry suddenly rang out. A little girl in green was curled up under the Soul-Eating Tree, sobbing. Yang Ling knelt on one knee and gently inquired. The little girl choked back tears, saying she had been separated from her family who were gathering herbs.

Xu Fu calculated with his fingers: "This woman's destiny star is not dim; she should have a chance to live."

Pangu swung his battle axe, cleaving through the thorns: "Don't be afraid, child, I'll take you to find your parents!"

As they traversed the poisonous swamp, Yang Ling erected a wall of light with his sword energy; when encountering the illusionary demon, Xu Fu unleashed the Heart-Cleansing Mantra; and when faced with a giant spider blocking their path, Pangu roared and shook down the countless spiderwebs. Finally, they found the anxious herb gatherer by Moonlight Lake, and the scene of the mother and daughter embracing and weeping brought tears to the eyes of even the toughest men.

After bidding farewell to the grateful villagers, Pangu gazed at the deep forest, rubbing his hands together eagerly: "My axe is itching for a fight!"

Yang Ling's sword cleaved through the thick fog: "The secrets of this forest will eventually be revealed to us."

Xu Fu's compass spun rapidly within his sleeve, pointing to the darkest part of the forest: "There, extraordinary spiritual energy fluctuations surge."

A new legend is being quietly written in the dark forest.

In the solemn atmosphere of the ancient altar, three heroes—Yang Ling, Xu Fu, and Pangu—stood reverently. Their gazes pierced the mists of time like sharp swords, and a suffocating pressure emanated from them. This sacred land seemed to hold its breath at their arrival.

Clad in a black battle robe, Yang Ling broke the silence first, his voice booming like thunder: "This trial may be the most difficult we have ever faced. But even if the road ahead is fraught with peril, we will never retreat a single step. Sincere friendship and unwavering faith are our sharpest weapons."

Xu Fu lightly adjusted his blue robe, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "Brother Yang is absolutely right. We have overcome countless obstacles together, always managing to break through with our intelligence. This time, we should do the same, facing it with an even clearer mind."

Pangu gripped his battle axe tightly, his voice echoing across the land: "Let mountains of knives and seas of fire thwart us, we will surely conquer them if we join forces!"

A dazzling pillar of light suddenly erupted from the center of the altar, revealing a guardian emanating from pure light. His entire body was crystalline, and his eyes held a wisdom accumulated over millennia: "Brave travelers, you have demonstrated extraordinary courage. But this final trial requires the purity of your souls to be tested."

Yang Ling, sword in hand, bowed and said, "Honorable guardians, we are willing to accept this baptism with our purest hearts."

The guardian unfurled wings of light: "You will fall into a mental illusion, confronting your deepest fears. Only by conquering your inner demons can you attain the Great Dao."

The three exchanged a nod, then were engulfed by a seven-colored stream of light. Yang Ling stood amidst the ruins of the ancient battlefield, the cries of countless departed souls echoing in his ears. He wiped the blood and sweat from his brow and raised the tattered battle flag once more: "The dead are gone, the living must carry on!" (End of Chapter)