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

"These plants and crystals might be connected to the stone gate," Xu Fu speculated. "We need to find the connection between them to open the stone gate."

The three began to carefully observe the surrounding plants and crystals, trying to find their connection to the stone gate. After tireless efforts, they finally discovered an important clue: whenever the glowing plants and crystals were touched in a specific order, the runes on the stone gate would emit a faint glow.

Based on this discovery, the three began trying different touching sequences. However, after countless attempts, they failed to open the stone door. Each time they touched it, the light on the stone door would quickly dissipate, suggesting that their method was incorrect.

Time ticked by, and the three grew increasingly anxious. They knew that if they couldn't open the stone door soon, they would likely be trapped in this mysterious space forever. But they didn't give up and continued their search for the correct solution. Finally, in a chance encounter, they found the correct sequence and successfully opened the stone door!

The moment the stone gate slowly opened, a powerful gust of air rushed out, causing the three to stagger. But they had no time to care about that; they were simply excitedly embracing each other to celebrate their hard-won victory.

Upon entering through the stone gate, they were astonished to find themselves in a vast treasure chamber! The room was overflowing with all sorts of rare treasures and spiritual materials, a sight to behold. Even more exciting, they discovered the exit to the outside world!
"Finally, we can leave this place!" Pangu shouted with ecstasy. "And we've found so many treasures! This adventure was absolutely worth it!"

Ying Zheng and Xu Fu both smiled with satisfaction. They knew that although this adventure was full of hardships and dangers, it had also given them countless valuable experiences and knowledge. More importantly, they had also met a trustworthy partner—Pangu.

The three packed their belongings, preparing to leave the mysterious space. However, just as they were about to step out of the exit, the guardian's voice resounded in their minds once more: "Brave explorers, thank you for unlocking the secrets of this place. In return, I will bestow upon each of you a special treasure."

As soon as they finished speaking, the three felt a warm energy converging from all directions and flowing into their bodies. When they opened their eyes again, they discovered that their strength had been greatly enhanced!
"This is the power bestowed by the Guardians!" Ying Zheng said, feeling the surging energy within him. "We must make good use of this power to create a better future!"

Pangu and Xu Fu both nodded in agreement. Then they walked out of the mysterious space together and returned to the outside world.

After passing through the newly formed passage, the three arrived at an area with even dimmer light. There were no clear signs or directional indicators here, only dense rock walls and occasional low echoes, making the space even more mysterious and unpredictable.

Ying Zheng looked around and said, "It seems this is the second trial ground. The second of the three trials mentioned by the guardian is about to begin."

Pangu gripped his weapon tightly, his gaze resolute as he replied, "No matter what trials we face, we must forge ahead. As long as we work together, no obstacle can stand in our way."

Xu Fu nodded in agreement. His gaze swept around, trying to spot any hidden mechanisms or traps.

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble slightly, and the voice sounded again: "Welcome to the second trial, a test of courage. You will face the guardian beasts I have summoned. Only by defeating them can you prove your courage and strength and advance to the final trial."

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding rock walls suddenly moved, transforming into three enormous stone guardian beasts. They were of different shapes, one resembling a fierce tiger, one an eagle, and one a giant python, all exuding a powerful aura.

Pangu roared and charged forward to confront the guardian beast in its tiger form. He swung his battle axe, which emitted a dazzling light, and each strike contained immense power as he engaged in a fierce battle with the guardian beast.

Ying Zheng chose the guardian beast in the form of a hawk. He used his agile movements and exquisite magic to skillfully maneuver against the guardian beast soaring in the sky.

Xu Fu faced a guardian beast in the form of a giant python. He took out a stack of talismans from his robes and, combining them with his own Taoist magic, skillfully restrained and attacked the agile and powerful beast. The fierce battle lasted for a long time, and the three of them, relying on their individual abilities and tacit cooperation, finally succeeded in defeating the three guardian beasts. As the guardian beasts disintegrated, they turned into clusters of light and gradually dissipated into the air.

"This second test was more difficult than we expected," Ying Zheng said to his companions, panting. "But we made it through."

Pangu chuckled and patted Ying Zheng on the shoulder: "Indeed, nothing can stop us. Now, only one final test remains."

Xu Fu nervously looked around: "What will the final test be? Hopefully, it won't be harder than this."

As they were talking, a soft light shone at the end of the passage, seemingly the entrance to the next trial. The three nodded to each other and walked together toward the light.

Upon entering the light, they found themselves in a vast circular space, with a sphere of light radiating a warm glow suspended in the center.

The Guardian's voice rang out once more: "Welcome to the final test, a test of faith. In this test, you will confront the deepest fears and doubts within your hearts. Only with unwavering faith can you find the right answers."

As the voice faded, the sphere of light began to change, eventually transforming into humanoid phantoms, each a personification of the three people's inner fears and doubts.

Ying Zheng was facing his strongest opponent from the battlefield, a fierce battle that had plunged him into deep self-doubt.

Pangu was facing his own shadow, which revealed his thirst for power and his fear of failure.

Xu Fu was faced with a huge book that recorded all his failed spells and wrong choices, which were regrets and self-blame that he could never get over.

Faced with their respective trials, the three initially wavered. But they quickly realized that these were merely projections of their own minds; the real test was overcoming their own fears and doubts.

Ying Zheng took a deep breath and said firmly, "I have experienced defeat, but that does not mean eternal defeat. My strength comes not only from force, but also from my inner beliefs."

Pangu also said to his shadow, "I pursue power not only to defeat enemies, but also to protect everything I cherish. My belief is the greatest source of power."

Xu Fu then addressed the giant book, saying, "Past failures have taught me valuable lessons. I no longer regret my past mistakes, for every error is a stepping stone to my growth."

As they finished speaking, the phantoms gradually dissipated, eventually transforming into countless points of light that merged into space.

The guardian's voice rang out one last time: "Congratulations, everyone. You have passed all the trials. You have demonstrated wisdom, courage, and unwavering faith. Now, the door to the outside world has been opened for you." (End of Chapter)