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

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions turned solemn. This deep, dense forest clearly held hidden secrets, but having endured the previous trial, they were no longer afraid.

"There's no need to worry," Ying Zheng encouraged his companions loudly. "Now that we've passed the trial of the mind, we'll surely overcome this challenge with our wisdom."

Led by the golden monkey, they entered this mysterious realm. Soon after entering, a strange, intoxicating fragrance assaulted their senses, causing dizziness. Ying Zheng immediately circulated his inner energy to protect his heart meridian and loudly warned, "This fragrance is deceptive! Be careful, everyone!"

Unfortunately, the warning came a little too late; the companions stopped one after another, their eyes gradually becoming unfocused. One of them murmured dreamily, "I saw a myriad of flowers in full bloom, a breathtaking sight."

"It's all an illusion!" Ying Zheng shouted sharply, but he couldn't wake his companions who were lost in the illusion.

The golden monkey suddenly appeared and warned, "Ying Zheng, these beautiful sights are all illusions. Only by using wisdom to distinguish truth from falsehood can you break free from this predicament."

Ying Zheng observed intently and discovered that as the fragrance intensified, illusions appeared, each corresponding to a deep-seated desire. "So that's it!" he exclaimed, suddenly enlightened. "These illusions are all manifestations of desire; as long as one holds fast to one's true nature, one can see through them!"

He turned to face his companions, gathered his inner strength, and roared, "Wake up, everyone! This is all an illusion!" His voice, like a booming bell, reverberated through the forest, and the group gradually regained consciousness.

"That's right! We can't get lost in this illusion!"

"Hold fast to your beliefs, and you will overcome any obstacle!"

The revitalized team, led cautiously by Ying Zheng, moved forward. They held their breath as they traversed areas thick with fragrance, reminding each other to remain vigilant. Although the hallucinogenic flowers repeatedly caused trouble, the group remained steadfast, repeatedly thwarting the tricks.

Just as they approached the edge of the forest, an unprecedented illusionary barrier stretched across their path. This barrier was as solid as a towering mountain, upon which alluring scenery flowed.

"This is the final test," the golden monkey solemnly declared. "Only by overcoming this obstacle can one pass the trial."

Ying Zheng concentrated his energy and punched the barrier. However, his energy was like a mud ox entering the sea; the barrier remained unmoved.

"It's so sturdy!" Ying Zheng was surprised but not flustered. He then carefully observed the barrier. He discovered that although the illusion of the barrier was beautiful, it was actually deceptive. As long as he stayed true to his original intention, he would be able to find its flaws.

"Concentrate your attack here!" Ying Zheng instructed his companions to aim at the weakest point in the barrier. Everyone focused their energy, silently chanting their resolve to hold fast to their spiritual platforms. Under the relentless assault, a crack finally appeared in the barrier.

"Boom!" With a deafening roar, the illusion barrier shattered. Sunlight streamed through the branches and leaves, illuminating the path ahead.

"We succeeded!" Ying Zheng wiped the sweat from his brow, a relieved smile spreading across his face. His companions embraced and celebrated, overjoyed.

A glint of approval flashed in the golden monkey's eyes as it raised its paw and pointed to the distant, majestic mountain peak: "That is the arena for the final trial, the 'Trial of Courage.' Only by passing this trial can one obtain the Heavenly Secret Stone."

As everyone looked up at the towering, precipitous peak, they felt both awe and pride.

"May I ask, senior, what exactly is the Trial of Courage?" Yang Ling asked respectfully.

The golden monkey stroked its beard and explained: "This test requires you to confront your deepest fears. Only by overcoming fear can you gain true courage."

Ying Zheng and his companions exchanged glances and nodded, then in unison volunteered, "We would be grateful if you could lead the way, senior!"

The golden monkey transformed into a beam of golden light and soared towards the mountain peak, with the crowd following closely behind. Before the altar, the golden monkey solemnly warned: "To obtain the Heavenly Secret Stone, you must undergo the trial of the Nine Dragons. Place your hand on the stone to receive the baptism of dragon breath, but the slightest carelessness will result in death."

Without hesitation, Ying Zheng stepped forward: "I'll lead the charge!" He placed his palm on the Heavenly Mystery Stone, and the nine dragon sculptures immediately spewed forth flames of various colors. A wall of blazing fire swept over him, engulfing him. A searing pain engulfed his entire body; Ying Zheng's clothes were soaked, and his skin was as red as a branding iron. "Ugh!" he couldn't help but cry out in pain, yet he still gritted his teeth and circulated his inner strength to resist. The dragon flames seemed endless, nearly suffocating him.

"Hold on, Ying Zheng!" His companions' shouts reached his ears. He rallied and gathered his inner energy once more. After countless struggles on the verge of collapse, he finally forced back some of the dragon flames.

The Heavenly Stone suddenly emitted a clear light, and a cool aura flowed through his limbs and bones. Ying Zheng felt his power greatly increase, having broken through his bottleneck.

"Great!" Everyone excitedly gathered around.

The companions then took turns undergoing the test. Although the process was extremely painful, they all successfully passed it thanks to their unwavering will.

When the last person passed the trial, the Heavenly Stone burst forth with dazzling light, illuminating the mountaintop as if it were daytime. Nine dragon roars resounded through the heavens, and the divine pressure stirred the hearts of all.

"We did it!" The crowd embraced each other in celebration of this hard-won victory.

The golden monkey nodded in satisfaction: "Young heroes are indeed extraordinary. This Heavenly Secret Stone is a gift to you; I hope you will make good use of it." It handed the spirit stone to Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng solemnly accepted this weighty gift, bowing deeply in gratitude: "I will certainly live up to your high expectations, senior."

The golden monkey's form gradually faded, eventually disappearing into the void. The crowd gazed at the radiant Heavenly Secret Stone, their hearts surging with emotion.

"Now that we've obtained the treasure, where should we go next?" Yang Ling asked excitedly.

Ying Zheng gazed into the distance, his eyes resolute: "The Heavenly Secret Stone is merely the beginning. Countless mysteries lie ahead for us to explore. Let us join hands and embark on this new journey!"

After successfully passing the Trial of Courage and obtaining the Celestial Stone, Ying Zheng and his companions were filled with excitement but also felt a heavy responsibility. They knew that this was only the beginning of a long journey, and many more hardships awaited them ahead.

"Where should we go?" Xu Fu asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and curiosity.

Ying Zheng gripped the Heavenly Secret Stone tightly for a moment, then declared loudly, "We should seek out the legendary Dragon Gate. Ancient texts record that beyond the Dragon Gate lies supreme divine power, which can help us break through our cultivation bottlenecks."

Upon hearing the words "Dragon Gate," everyone held their breath. This ethereal, legendary realm, while granting mortals the chance to transcend mortality and become immortals, is also fraught with unknown dangers.

"The road to Longmen is long and fraught with danger, requiring thorough preparation," Ying Zheng solemnly admonished, his resolute tone convincing.

The group immediately began preparations, gathering ancient texts and materials while simultaneously honing their skills through cultivation. Just as they were about to set off, a mysterious visitor, dressed in flowing white robes, quietly arrived. This person possessed an extraordinary air and claimed to be a descendant of an ancient immortal race.

"My name is Yun Zhongzi," the newcomer said in a voice as clear as a spring. "Knowing that you all wish to go to Longmen, I have come to assist you."

Upon learning that a celestial being had come to offer guidance, the group was overjoyed. Yun Zhongzi taught them celestial arts for purifying their minds, emphasizing that only those with clear and pure hearts could pass through the Dragon Gate. After this instruction, everyone's cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds.

After embarking on their journey, they encountered successive attacks from monstrous beasts. Facing the ferocious giants, Ying Zheng, wielding a magical artifact, took the lead in engaging the enemy, shouting sternly, "Form a defensive formation!" After a bloody battle, they finally repelled the monstrous beasts through their tacit cooperation.

The Phantom Swamp they subsequently entered was even more perilous, with deadly traps lurking beneath its dazzling lights. Ying Zheng warily reminded his companions, "Keep your minds clear and don't be misled by illusions." Although they encountered phantoms of loved ones and tempting desires, they all used their unwavering will to break free from delusion and attachment. (End of Chapter)