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

Li Si used his wisdom to try to find flaws in the illusion and weaknesses in the man in black robes. Xu Fu, on the other hand, used the power he gained from the Immortal Spring to provide support and healing for his companions.

In the illusion, they not only had to face various terrifying images and challenges emanating from the black-robed man, but also had to be constantly vigilant against traps and schemes around them. However, no matter what difficulties they encountered, they never gave up their faith and courage.

After a fierce battle and a contest of wits, they finally found the black-robed man's weakness and successfully defeated him. The illusion then dissipated, and everyone returned to the real world.

The man in black robes collapsed to the ground, his face finally revealed—a hideous old man. His eyes were filled with resentment and unwillingness, but he was powerless to resist.

Ying Zheng walked up to the man in black robes and stared at him coldly: "You once used evil power to control countless living beings and demons, and now you've come to this end. It's truly pitiful and lamentable."

The man in black robes gritted his teeth: "Don't be too smug. The power of evil is boundless. You have defeated me today, but many more challenges await you in the future."

Ying Zheng calmly responded: "We are not afraid of challenges. As long as our hearts are pure and steadfast, nothing can stop us from moving forward."

After saying this, he turned and walked towards his companions, embracing them tightly. They knew that today's victory was hard-won, the result of unity and joint efforts.

While celebrating their victory, they also understood that this was merely an interlude in a long journey. The road ahead remained long and arduous, requiring constant vigilance and preparation for new challenges.

Just then, melodious celestial music suddenly drifted from the sky. Everyone looked up and saw an elderly man with an air of otherworldly grace arriving gracefully on auspicious clouds. His face was kind and solemn, and his body radiated a soft glow.

"Congratulations on successfully passing the test of evil forces," the old man said with a smile. "I am the guardian deity of this place, and I have come to reward your courage and wisdom."

Ying Zheng and his companions bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you for your protection, guardian deity. We will certainly continue to strive forward."

The guardian spirit nodded: "Excellent. You have proven your strength and courage. Though the road ahead may be difficult, as long as you remain steadfast in your beliefs and forge ahead, you will surely reach your destination."

After speaking, he waved his hand, and a beam of light descended from the sky, enveloping Ying Zheng and the others. After the light dissipated, they felt a warm power surge into their bodies, greatly enhancing their physical and mental well-being.

"This is the power and blessing bestowed upon you by the gods," said the guardian deity. "May your journey ahead be even more successful and powerful."

Ying Zheng and the others, moved to tears, bowed again in gratitude: "Thanks to the blessing of our guardian deity, we will cherish this power and strive forward."

The guardian deity nodded with a smile, then slowly departed on auspicious clouds. Ying Zheng and his companions watched the guardian deity's figure disappear into the horizon, their hearts filled with gratitude and respect.

Ying Zheng and his entourage had just left Buzhou Mountain, their hearts filled with curiosity and anticipation for the spiritual elixir bestowed by the Heavenly Emperor. However, just as they were about to find a quiet place to properly study the elixir's uses, a hurried voice interrupted their steps.
"Wait a minute, heroes, please stop!" The voice came from a Taoist priest who looked quite old. He was leaning on a peach wood sword and panting as he caught up.

Ying Zheng stopped and turned to the Taoist priest, asking, "Old Taoist priest, what brings you here?"

The Taoist priest, panting, said, “Heroes, I am the guardian of this place, named Xuanzhenzi. I have just observed your trials with the Heavenly Emperor through the Heavenly Mirror, and I am deeply impressed by your strength and wisdom. However, I have a request, and I hope you can lend me a hand.”

Zhao Gao raised his eyebrows and asked curiously, "Master Xuanzhenzi, please speak. If we can help Wang, we will do our best." A trace of worry flashed in Xuanzhenzi's eyes. "It's like this. Recently, a cult called 'Youming Sect' has appeared in our area. In order to find a forbidden item called 'Youhun Flower,' they have not hesitated to slaughter innocent people, causing great chaos."

Xu Fu frowned and said, "Ghost Flower? I seem to have heard of this in the Classic of Mountains and Seas. Legend has it that it can communicate between Yin and Yang, and even control life and death."

Xuanzhenzi nodded and said, "That's right. Ghost Flowers are extremely rare, and the places where they grow are full of dangers. Once they fall into the hands of evil cults, the consequences will be unimaginable. My strength is limited and I cannot fight against the Netherworld Cult alone, so I have come to ask for help."

Ying Zheng exchanged a glance. He knew this was a difficult task, but they also didn't want to see a cult run rampant and harm the innocent. So he decided to accept the mission.

"Master Xuanzhenzi, we are willing to help you fight against the Netherworld Cult and protect the peace of this land," Ying Zheng said solemnly.

Xuanzhenzi bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, "Thank you all, heroes. I am willing to use my Taoist secret techniques to assist you in fighting against the Netherworld Cult."

After pondering for a moment, Li Si asked, "Daoist Master, how should we proceed? Where is the Netherworld Sect's stronghold?"

Xuanzhenzi sighed, "The Netherworld Sect's stronghold is located in Black Wind Valley, where the winds are strong and the fog is thick, making it easy to enter but difficult to leave, and extremely dangerous. Moreover, the Netherworld Sect's leader is a highly skilled evil cultivator named Heisha, and he also has many experts under his command."

Zhao Gao smiled slightly, "The more difficult it is, the more we must go. Besides, we have the spiritual liquid bestowed by the Heavenly Emperor, we are sure to be able to fight."

Xuanzhenzi nodded repeatedly, “All of you heroes are so courageous and valiant, I will do my best to help you. However, I have something else to tell you. That Black Demon is extremely cunning, and he may already know your purpose.”

Xu Fu frowned. "Then aren't we in danger?"

Ying Zheng, however, remained resolute. “That is precisely why we should act swiftly to avoid giving the Netherworld Sect more time to prepare.”

Led by Xuanzhenzi, they began their journey to Black Wind Canyon. Along the way, Xuanzhenzi continuously informed them about the Netherworld Sect, the terrain of Black Wind Canyon, and some precautions.

However, just as they were about to approach Blackwind Canyon, a black light suddenly descended from the sky, enveloping them completely. When the black light dissipated, a group of Netherworld Cultists dressed in black robes appeared before them, led by Black Fiend.

"Hahaha, Ying Zheng, I already knew about your plans. How dare you come to my Netherworld Sect's territory to cause trouble? You're courting death," Hei Sha said with a sneer.

Ying Zheng stared at Heisha and said in a deep voice, "Heisha, your crimes have shocked the heavens and the earth. Today, we are acting on behalf of Heaven to eliminate you in one fell swoop."

Black Fiend's face twisted into a ferocious expression. Suddenly, the black mist behind him gathered, forming a gigantic ghostly hand that reached out to grab Ying Zheng and the others.

Faced with such an offensive, Ying Zheng and his men remained calm. They quickly deployed their forces, with Ying Zheng wielding a long sword, Li Si employing the art of divination to create layers of defense, and Xu Fu and Zhao Gao unleashing their respective most proficient magic and martial arts skills, engaging in a fierce battle with the Netherworld Cult. (End of Chapter)