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

Ying Zheng's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this; he understood the profound meaning behind Lingxiao Immortal Lord's words. This trial was not only a test of their strength but also a test of their character, wisdom, and teamwork. He took a deep breath and solemnly said to Lingxiao Immortal Lord, "We understand. Since we are fortunate enough to come to this Lingxiao Immortal Realm, we must give it our all. Whatever the outcome, we will not regret it."

Lingxiao Immortal Lord nodded in satisfaction, then waved his hand, and a cloud bridge leading to the initial trial site took shape before them. This cloud bridge was wide and flat, with colorful clouds drifting on both sides, its surface covered with soft white clouds, resembling a broad avenue leading to a celestial realm. The cloud bridge stretched all the way to the distant mountain peaks, where clouds swirled, as if concealing endless mysteries and treasures.

"Head to the place of the initial trial. Elder Xuanfengzi will be waiting for you there. Remember, be cautious with every step, for every test concerns your future." The voice of Immortal Lord Lingxiao faded into the distance, and his figure disappeared into the clouds. The three of them remained standing on the cloud bridge, smiling at each other, their eyes filled with determination and anticipation.

As the three stepped onto the cloud bridge leading to the preliminary trial, they felt a gentle and mysterious power softly enveloping their bodies, as if silently guiding them forward. This power was like a spring breeze, bringing peace and tranquility to their hearts, gradually calming them down.

The cloud bridge soars high into the clouds, surrounded by swirling mists, resembling a fairyland. The scenery on both sides appears and disappears in the mist, like a series of flowing landscape paintings. Walking on it, one sometimes traverses a vast sea of ​​clouds, as if stepping on clouds; sometimes crosses winding mountain ranges, as if walking within a painting. Each step forward seems to enter a completely new and mysterious world, filled with endless fantasy and ethereal beauty. The interweaving of clouds and mountains outlines a mystical fairyland, captivating visitors and making them reluctant to leave. Gazing at this poetic and picturesque scene, one cannot help but deeply admire the wonders of nature.

After walking for a while, they finally arrived at a platform shrouded in mist. The platform was wide and flat, as if nature had specially prepared a resting place for them. In the center of the platform, an old man dressed in a blue robe and carrying a long sword stood quietly. His demeanor was extraordinary, giving him an air of unfathomable mystery. This old man was none other than Xuan Fengzi, mentioned by the Immortal Lord Lingxiao; he would be responsible for guiding them through the first trial.

Xuan Fengzi nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the three individuals before finally settling on Ying Zheng's face. He slowly said, "Welcome to the preliminary trial grounds. I am Xuan Fengzi. Here, you will face your first trial—'The Illusion of Inner Demons.' In this illusion, you will encounter your own inner challenges and fears. Only by truly understanding and overcoming your inner fears and doubts can you successfully pass this trial."

Ying Zheng respectfully replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Xuanfengzi. We are prepared and willing to face this test." He deeply understood the importance of this test and knew that only through his own efforts and wisdom could he find a way to overcome his inner demons.

Xuan Fengzi nodded again, then pointed to a circle of light ahead and said, "Simply step into this circle, and you will enter the 'Inner Demon Illusion.' There, you will encounter all sorts of challenges and difficulties. But remember, only by using wisdom and unwavering faith can you find a way to overcome your inner demons. Good luck!"

Pangu gripped his giant axe tightly, his eyes flashing with resolute light: "No matter what trials the inner demon illusion presents, I will forge ahead and never retreat!" His voice was loud and firm, full of confidence and power.

Yang Ling chanted the incantation softly, his expression solemn and focused: "Although the illusion of the inner demon is an illusion, it can penetrate our hearts and touch our souls. I must remain clear-headed and calm, and use the Daoist arts to guide myself to find a way to break free." His voice was low, but it revealed determination and perseverance.

Encouraging each other and gathering their courage, the three stepped into the circle of light together. In an instant, they felt enveloped by a gentle force, and their vision gradually blurred. When they opened their eyes again, they found themselves in a completely different illusion.

Ying Zheng found himself on a boundless battlefield, surrounded by soldiers locked in fierce combat, the air thick with the stench of blood. He wielded his longsword, fighting his enemies, but for every enemy he felled, more surged to fill the gap. Here, he had to confront his deepest fears: the fear of failure and the fear of being forgotten. This fear weighed heavily on his heart, making it almost impossible to breathe. Yet he knew that only by conquering this fear could he truly grow and become strong. So he gritted his teeth and fought his enemies with his sword. Each enemy he felled was like a victory over a fear within him; each wound he sustained was a reminder that he could not give up or retreat.

Pangu arrived at the crater of a volcano, its lava gushing and heat billowing. He needed to confront his inner yearning for power and his fear of failure. Within the crater, he saw a colossal phantom—the very state he had strived to surpass yet never reached—the state of true invincibility. This phantom constantly mocked and provoked him, filling him with immense anger and despair. However, Pangu was not swayed by these emotions. Instead, he closed his eyes and focused on sensing the immense power of nature around him. He understood that true power stemmed not only from physical strength but also from the resilience and unyielding spirit of his heart. When he opened his eyes again, he had guided the forces of nature to dissolve the colossal phantom into nothingness.

Yang Ling's illusion is an ancient labyrinth filled with traps and mechanisms. Here, he must confront his lack of confidence in his own magic and the shadows of past failures. Whenever he reaches a fork in the road, he hesitates, unsure which path to choose; whenever he encounters a trap, he feels immense panic and unease, fearing another failure and injury. However, Yang Ling is not defeated by these difficulties and setbacks. Instead, he begins to reflect on his past and present. He understands that past failures do not equate to future despair; only by facing them with a calmer and more focused mind can he find the opportunity for success. Thus, he begins to unravel the traps and mechanisms of the labyrinth step by step, using wisdom and courage to find his way out.

After a period of arduous effort, the three finally overcame their inner fears and doubts, successfully escaping the illusionary realm of their inner demons. When they returned to the place of their first trial, Xuan Fengzi was waiting with a smile: "Congratulations on successfully passing the first test! Being able to find yourself and overcome your inner fears within the illusionary realm of your inner demons proves that you possess sufficient courage and wisdom to face even greater challenges! Now proceed to the place of the second test, where even more exciting and thrilling adventures await you!" (End of Chapter)