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

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "Your swordsmanship is indeed exquisite, and I have benefited greatly from it." He paused briefly, then added: "Would you be willing to accompany me to explore the depths of Illusionary Spirit City? It is said that even more opportunities are hidden there."

A glint flashed in Bai Ze's eyes: "That's exactly what I was thinking! I also want to see what treasures this city still holds!" He sheathed his sword and brushed the dust off his clothes. "When shall we depart?"

"Let's go immediately!" Ying Zheng said without hesitation. He knew that anything could happen at any moment in this mysterious city, and he had to seize the opportunity. After bidding farewell to the old man, he and Bai Ze embarked on their journey to the depths of Illusionary Spirit City.

The two wandered through bustling yet mysterious streets, encountering all sorts of strange people and events. On one occasion, they even met a mysterious woman who could foresee the future. She told them that a secret realm with an ancient heritage lay not far ahead, awaiting a destined person. This news made Ying Zheng and Bai Ze even more eager for the rest of their journey.

However, when they arrived at the entrance to the secret realm, they found themselves surrounded by a group of men in black. These men exuded a cold and powerful aura, clearly indicating their ill intentions. "Who are you? Why are you blocking our way?" Ying Zheng stepped forward and questioned.

The leader of the men in black sneered, "Who we are is unimportant; what matters is that you can't go in!" He pointed to the entrance to the secret realm, "What's inside isn't something you can covet! If you know what's good for you, leave now!"

Ying Zheng and Bai Ze exchanged glances, both seeing the resolute look in each other's eyes. "What if we insist on going in?" Bai Ze asked coldly.

"Then step over our corpses!" the leader of the men in black shouted, drawing his weapon. At his command, all the men in black assumed a fighting stance.

Just then, the entrance to the secret realm suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, and a powerful and mysterious force forced everyone back several steps.

"What's going on?" The leader of the men in black looked around in alarm, but no one could answer. As the light faded, a figure slowly emerged from the secret realm. The man was dressed in flowing green robes, exuding an air of otherworldly grace, like a hermit.

"I am the Azure Emperor, the guardian of this realm." He surveyed the crowd and spoke calmly, "You mortals dare to covet my inheritance, you are truly overestimating yourselves!" With a flick of his sleeve, an invisible force sent all the men in black flying.

Turning to Ying Zheng and Bai Ze, he nodded slightly: "Although your cultivation is still shallow, your will is firm and you are not afraid of powerful enemies, so you are quite promising. My inheritance is not something mundane; it is a profound method of cultivation and the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. I wonder if you are willing to inherit it?"

Ying Zheng and Bai Ze were overjoyed and immediately bowed, saying, "We are willing! We humbly request your guidance, senior!" The Azure Emperor smiled and nodded, flicking his finger. A golden scroll appeared above each of their heads and slowly descended. "These are the 'Azure Emperor's Longevity Manual' and the 'Sword Flight Technique.' I hope you will diligently study them and not disappoint me."

After speaking, he vanished in a puff of green smoke, leaving the two men holding the golden book and smiling at each other excitedly. "Thank you for bestowing this teaching upon us, senior!" they said in unison, and then eagerly began to read it.

Under the guidance of the Azure Emperor, Ying Zheng and Bai Ze's cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds. They not only comprehended the profound methods of the "Azure Emperor's Longevity Technique," but also mastered the essence of the "Sword Flight Technique," enabling them to fly through the air on their swords. Their reputation in Illusionary Spirit City grew increasingly prominent, not only because of their exceptional strength, but also because of their chivalrous hearts and upright character.

That day, the two were enjoying tea and discussing philosophy in a teahouse when they suddenly heard a commotion outside the window. Out of curiosity, Ying Zheng and Bai Ze got up to investigate. After squeezing into the crowd, they discovered that an old man was selling a strange creature—a spirit fox with nine tails.

"This is no ordinary fox, but the legendary nine-tailed spirit fox!" the old man shouted. "It possesses supernatural powers and wisdom, and can bring its master boundless good fortune. Today, the highest bidder wins!"

Upon hearing this, the onlookers began to murmur amongst themselves. Some looked doubtful, believing it to be just an ordinary fox; others' eyes gleamed with greed, wishing they could possess it immediately. Ying Zheng and Bai Ze exchanged a glance, both seeing the other's worry. "This nine-tailed spirit fox is no ordinary creature; it must not fall into the hands of evil people," Ying Zheng murmured.

Bai Ze nodded in agreement: "That's right. We must find a way to save this spirit fox." He looked around and noticed that most of the potential buyers were menacing-looking individuals with sinister expressions and menacing auras. "What should we do?" Ying Zheng frowned. "We can't just forcibly take it; that would only cause trouble."

Bai Ze pondered for a moment, then a flash of inspiration appeared in his eyes: "I have an idea. Let's first discuss it with the old man and persuade him to give up selling. If that doesn't work, we'll think of another way."

Ying Zheng agreed: "A good plan! I'll go and talk to the old man now."

The two men pushed their way through the crowd and approached the old man. Seeing their distinguished bearing, the old man's eyes flashed with suspicion: "What brings you two gentlemen here?"

Ying Zheng smiled and bowed, his tone gentle: "Old sir, we are quite interested in this nine-tailed spirit fox. Would you mind telling us its origins?"

The old man looked wary: "Why are you asking this? Do you perhaps want to buy it too?"

Bai Ze quickly explained, "No, no. I just feel this fox is extraordinary, and I'm worried it might fall into the hands of evil people and meet with misfortune."

The old man seemed moved upon hearing this: "Alas, I know this is no ordinary creature. But I am too old to care for it, and I only hope to find it a good home."

Taking advantage of the situation, Ying Zheng advised, "Since you are worried about its safety, why not consider releasing it back into nature? Heaven and earth are its true home."

The old man shook his head with a wry smile: "Young master, you're oversimplifying things. This spirit fox is used to being with humans; releasing it rashly would be more dangerous."

Bai Ze nodded in understanding: "The old man is right. In that case, we are willing to pay a high price to buy the spirit fox and guarantee to take good care of it, ensuring it suffers no mistreatment whatsoever."

Unexpectedly, the old man shook his head again: "No, no! I've already promised to sell it to that gentleman." He pointed to the sinister-looking man in black not far away, "That man offered a very high price; I cannot break my promise."

Ying Zheng and Bai Ze looked in the direction the man pointed, and saw the man in black staring at them coldly, his eyes filled with hostility. "So it's him!" Ying Zheng thought to himself, realizing that the man's aura was powerful and that he was no ordinary person.

"Sir, please wait!" A clear voice suddenly rang out, and a young woman in green stepped out from the crowd. "This humble woman also wishes to buy this spirit fox. Is that possible?" She took out a bag of gold coins and handed it over. "It's just a small token of my appreciation; I hope you'll accept it."

The old man's eyes flashed with surprise at the sight of the gold coin, but he quickly regained his composure: "I appreciate your kindness, young lady, but since I have already promised that gentleman, I cannot resell it to you." He then pointed to the man in black.

The girl in green looked in the direction he was pointing and saw the man in black. She looked displeased but did not give up. She turned to Ying Zheng and Bai Ze for help: "Could you two gentlemen help me? I am willing to pay double the price." Her voice was sweet and pleading, making it hard to refuse.

Ying Zheng and Bai Ze exchanged glances, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. They knew this girl was also a kind-hearted person, and refusing might cause trouble. "Alright, we'll help you," Ying Zheng nodded, "but not for money, only for the safety of the spirit fox." (End of Chapter)