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

Upon hearing this, the three exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with anticipation and determination: "Thank you for your guidance, senior! We are ready and willing to meet the challenges ahead!" They knew this was just the beginning, and the road ahead would be even more difficult, but they also understood that as long as they held firm to their beliefs, nothing could stop them from moving forward!

After thanking Xuanfengzi, the three embarked on their journey to the second trial. Their hearts were filled with uncertainty, but even more so with anticipation for the upcoming challenge and hope for the future.

Guided by Elder Xuanfengzi, the three stepped into the mysterious passage leading to the second trial. Stars twinkled on both sides of the passage, making it feel like being in a vast universe. With each step forward, the surge of immortal energy grew stronger, soothing their minds and spirits, as if each breath was drawing upon the purest spiritual essence of heaven and earth.

Ying Zheng, who was walking at the front, suddenly stopped and turned to Xu Fu and Pan Gu, saying, "It seems that this second test not only examines strength but also tempers willpower. The road ahead is uncertain, so we must not be careless."

Xu Fu nodded, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes: "Senior is right. On the path of cultivation, one's mindset is of utmost importance. We must not only face external challenges, but also confront the confusion and bewilderment within our hearts."

Pangu brandished his giant axe, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit: "No matter what difficulties lie ahead, I, Pangu, will forge ahead without hesitation and never retreat!"

As they were talking, a powerful force surged from ahead, and a massive immortal gate, inscribed with ancient runes, slowly appeared. The runes shimmered with an obscure light, as if they contained boundless mysteries and power.

Ying Zheng gripped his sword tightly and said in a deep voice, "This should be the gate to the second trial. Are you all ready?"

Xu Fu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, his gaze was resolute: "I am ready. No matter what trials lie ahead, I will do my utmost."

Pangu laughed loudly, his giant axe swinging with high spirits: "I, Pangu, was born to fight, what fear do I have of trials? Bring it on!"

The three exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with unwavering determination and trust. They strode together towards the mysterious immortal gate, stepping into the trial passage.

Upon entering the passage, an unprecedented pressure immediately overwhelmed me. This pressure did not come from the outside, but from the deepest part of my heart. Every step I took felt like a battle against my own shadow.

Before long, they arrived before a massive celestial array. In the center of the array, an old man dressed in white robes with a long beard reaching his waist sat in meditation with his eyes closed. The faint radiance surrounding him exuded an inviolable majesty.

The old man slowly opened his eyes, his deep gaze sweeping over Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, and Pan Gu in turn, as if scrutinizing their cultivation and character. Finally, he spoke: "I am Yunxiaozi, the guardian of the second trial. This 'battle of souls' requires you to confront the deepest fears and weaknesses within your hearts. Only by conquering yourselves can you move forward."

Ying Zheng frowned. He knew all too well that he feared defeat and the loss of power. Taking a deep breath, he replied firmly, "I understand. No matter how turbulent the fear in my heart, I will face it with equanimity."

Xu Fu said softly, "Everyone has hidden fears in their hearts. I am willing to face my inner demons and cut them down with the sword of wisdom."

Pangu swung his giant axe and laughed heartily, "Fear? I, Pangu, have never known what fear is! Today I'll see what demons and monsters lurk deep within my heart!"

Yunxiaozi nodded slightly, and with a flick of his sleeve, three beams of light rose from the formation, enveloping the three individuals. Within the pillars of light, they each fell into an illusion—

Ying Zheng stood amidst the ruins, witnessing the collapse of his once mighty empire and the displacement of his people. This scene gnawed at his soul like a venomous snake.

Xu Fu was adrift in endless darkness, the memories of past failures turning into sharp blades that tore at his chest. Before his eyes appeared a huge ancient book, recording all the regrets and setbacks.

Pangu was surrounded by numerous powerful enemies, each more valiant than him—this was the scenario he subconsciously feared most.

Within the three illusory realms, the three individuals each employ their unique abilities to confront their inner demons.

Ying Zheng, sword in hand, roared, "Even if it's reduced to ruins, I will rebuild this land! How can fear hinder my conquest!" With a flash of sword light, the illusions shattered one after another.

Xu Fu stood still, silently reciting an ancient incantation: "The heart is like a clear pool, undisturbed by waves. All past events are illusions; true wisdom lies in transcendence." As the incantation echoed, memories of defeat gradually vanished like morning dew. Pangu laughed wildly as he faced his enemies: "Well done! Let's see if there is any illusion that cannot be cut down by my axe that splits the heavens!" As the giant axe flew, the illusions retreated step by step.

In this battle of the soul, the three overcame their inner demons in their own ways. Their wills were tempered and strengthened, becoming increasingly unbreakable.

When everyone broke free from the illusion and returned to the immortal array, their eyes shone with a renewed light. Yunxiaozi asked with a smile, "Excellent. Have you gained any insight now?"

Ying Zheng solemnly replied, "I have learned my lesson. A true leader should not be dominated by fear. Only by subduing one's inner demons can one lead the people toward the light."

Xu Fu calmly replied, "The wisdom we gain comes not only from classical texts, but also from introspection and transcendence of our own hearts. When faced with failure, we should use it as a stepping stone rather than a cage."

Pangu's voice boomed like a bell: "So the strongest enemy was actually the projection of the inner demon. A true strongman can overcome his own cowardice!"

Yunxiaozi stroked his beard and smiled: "Now that you understand this principle, you may proceed to the third trial. Remember that the road ahead is even more difficult, and you must remain steadfast in your resolve."

The three nodded to each other, and Ying Zheng spoke first: "Even if there are a thousand difficulties and dangers, we will never retreat. Please guide us on the way, senior."

Yunxiaozi unfolded the light gate: "Pass through this gate and you will enter the third trial. Remember to break through with wisdom and courage."

The three bowed and stepped through the portal of light, and in a dizzying moment, they arrived at a new realm.

Before me stretched a vast plain, scattered with seemingly simple yet ingenious wooden structures. In the distance, majestic mountains rose, their peaks crowned with gleaming palaces, resembling the very center of heaven and earth.

A woman in green robes arrived gracefully, her voice as clear as a spring: "Welcome to the third trial. I am your guide, Qing Lingzi."

Ying Zheng stepped forward and asked, "Senior Qing Lingzi, what is the purpose of this trial?"

The woman smiled and explained, "This challenge is called 'Spiritual Resonance.' There are many trials set up on the plains, requiring everyone to work together to solve the puzzles. Only by understanding the true meaning of teamwork can you pass."

Xu Fu pondered for a moment: "But I wonder how to cooperate?"

Qing Lingzi pointed to a wooden structure in the distance: "For example, over there, we need to work together to lift the giant stone with the engraved riddle. The clues to the riddle are scattered all around, and we need to work together to figure them out."

Pangu exclaimed with great interest, "Excellent! This kind of test suits me perfectly. Let's go take a look!"

Upon reaching the giant rock, one sees an inscription on it: "Light as a feather, yet capable of bearing immense weight; when gathered, it reveals its power; when dispersed, it vanishes. What is this thing?"

Ying Zheng pondered: "Light as a feather yet capable of bearing a thousand pounds... it seems to be some kind of ingenious device."

Xu Fu suddenly realized: "There was indeed a wonderful method in ancient times that fits this analogy."

Pangu clapped his hands and exclaimed, "That's it! It must be a pulley! It saves effort when assembled and is easy to disassemble and store."

The three immediately split up to search and quickly gathered the materials. Pangu carried the heavy loads, Xu Fu supervised the assembly, and Ying Zheng coordinated the overall work. As the pulley system was completed, the giant stone rose with a thud, revealing a stone slab engraved with directional indicators. (End of Chapter)