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

Li Si focused his mind and sensed: "The laws here are unusual, and the power of divine illusion is even stronger. We must proceed with caution."

Yang Ling rubbed his fists together, eager for the challenge: "Excellent! Perfect for testing my newly acquired techniques on these monsters!"

Ying Zheng looked around at his companions: "Since we're here, let's work together. May we all achieve breakthroughs here."

Within the illusion, they encountered one extraordinary adventure after another. They befriended spirits who rode the gentle breeze, formed bonds with magical beasts that breathed in the moonlight, and even comprehended profound Taoist arts atop the rainbow peak. However, as they ventured deeper, the trials became increasingly difficult. One day, a majestic labyrinth suddenly appeared before them, filled with traps and hidden mysteries.

"What an intricate structure!" Xu Fu exclaimed, gazing at the winding corridors.

Li Si pondered intently, deducing, "Only by deciphering the underlying principles can we find the right path."

Yang Ling was eager to try: "Let me go first and scout ahead! I'm sure I can find the secret to passing the level!"

Ying Zheng smiled calmly: "With concerted efforts, we can surely break this deadlock."

After careful observation, they finally found a pattern in the intricate path and successfully navigated the maze. Unexpectedly, as soon as they exited the maze, they stepped into a magnificent arena, where cultivators from all directions gathered, creating a fierce atmosphere.

Suddenly, a resounding bell echoed from the heavens: "Welcome to the Illusionary Arena! Only those who surpass all others in strength can enjoy unparalleled fortune!"

Ying Zheng and his companions exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting an unwavering conviction. They knew that this contest was not only a test of their cultivation but also a severe test of their will; only by giving their all could they live up to this opportunity.

"Let's settle this here today!" Xu Fu rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Li Si straightened his clothes and said, "Gentlemen, you should all display your talents and let the world see our brilliance."

Zhao Gao grinned and said, "I won't show any mercy, everyone be careful!"

Ying Zheng focused his mind, his gaze sharp and unwavering: "Let's begin! Let strength prove everything!"

As the battle began, everyone immediately entered into combat. A dazzling interplay of spiritual light and magical artifacts illuminated the arena. In the fierce fighting, they not only displayed their superb skills but also learned valuable lessons from their opponents, gradually developing their own unique fighting rhythm.

Surprisingly, elements from ancient Chinese legends are everywhere in this arena. Some cultivators ride divine dragons to roam the heavens, some summon unicorns and phoenixes to aid them, and others perform the art of divination and escape—a dazzling array of mysterious spells.

Ying Zheng and his companions developed a strong interest in these mysterious elements, carefully observing and comprehending them during their battles. They attempted to integrate traditional mythological elements into their own combat tactics, achieving unexpected results:

Ying Zheng unleashed his swordsmanship, soaring through the air like a banished immortal; Xu Fu, empowered by elixirs, transformed into a giant tortoise, becoming unstoppable on the field; Li Si laid out a mysterious array, trapping his opponents within; Zhao Gao, on the other hand, transformed into a ferocious god, wielding his twin axes with chilling gleam.

Their outstanding performance attracted much attention, and many cultivators came to learn from them. Ying Zheng and the others were also happy to share their insights, and they improved together through exchanges.

As the competition progressed, their opponents became increasingly formidable. These cultivators not only possessed profound cultivation levels but also wielded unfathomable and mysterious powers. Faced with these powerful foes, the group showed no fear; instead, they fought with increasing ferocity, constantly pushing their limits in life-or-death battles.

The most thrilling battle was undoubtedly the duel between Ying Zheng and Chi You. This colossal giant wielded the "Nine Li Divine Power," capable of absorbing the cultivation of others to strengthen himself. The two fought from the ground to the heavens, their various supernatural powers and magical treasures dazzling the eye. In the heat of battle, Ying Zheng suddenly froze—he had been caught in the "Nine Li Soul-Locking Array"! Zhao Gao and Li Si, who were watching, tried to help but were blocked, and Xu Fu was too far away. In this critical moment, Ying Zheng had a flash of inspiration and mobilized the profound energy within his body to attack the array. With a deafening roar, the bindings shattered!

This scene caused a stir among the audience. No one had expected that Ying Zheng could break through such a bizarre formation and achieve a breakthrough in a desperate situation. After this battle, the competition was nearing its end, and Ying Zheng's team won the championship with their outstanding strength, becoming the brightest star in the arena.

However, victory did not make them stop. After basking in glory, they quietly departed to continue their pursuit of higher realms. For the path of cultivation is endless, and the trials of the arena have become their most precious accumulation.

Thus, in this fantastical world full of opportunities and challenges, Ying Zheng and his companions set off once again, marching towards an even more glorious goal.
Leaving the arena, Ying Zheng and his entourage soon encountered wondrous encounters in a new realm. One day, they came to a vast plain, where the sky was clear and the breeze was refreshing. However, this tranquil place harbored the mysterious power of the wind spirits.

"Have you all noticed? There's something special about the wind here." Xu Fu closed his eyes slightly, carefully sensing the movement of the breeze.

Li Si nodded in agreement: "Indeed. This wind contains a special energy that resonates with the spiritual energy within us."

Ying Zheng smiled knowingly: "It seems we've encountered another new opportunity. Everyone must proceed with extreme caution."

Suddenly, a clear laugh drifted on the wind. A fairy dressed in a jade-green dress appeared gracefully, her beauty unparalleled, like a celestial maiden descending to earth.

"Welcome to the Wind Plains! I am Qing'er, the wind spirit." The woman's voice was as clear as jade chimes, refreshing and delightful.

The group exchanged surprised glances. After Qing'er understood their purpose, she guided them to a massive vortex of wind. This vortex, tens of meters high, was filled with howling winds, flashing lightning, and thunder, seemingly threatening to devour everything.

"This is your trial," Qing'er said, pointing to the vortex. "You must endure within it for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to comprehend the true essence of wind."

Faced with such a perilous situation, although everyone had their concerns, none of them wanted to miss the opportunity. Ying Zheng was the first to step into the vortex, followed closely by the other three. In the eye of the raging storm, they not only had to resist the forces of nature, but also had to be wary of the strange creatures hidden in the wind.

In this extreme environment, they gradually comprehended the mysteries of wind: wind is not only a force of nature, but also a magical energy that can be controlled. As the incense burned out, the four emerged from the vortex as if reborn, successfully integrating the element of wind into their cultivation.

Qing'er said with satisfaction and approval, "Congratulations to everyone for passing the test. Now that you have grasped the true essence of wind, you can continue to explore other mysterious elements."

After bidding farewell to Qing'er, they encountered various mysterious beings, including the Water God, the Fire Phoenix, and the Earth Beast. Through exchanges and contemplation, they integrated the fundamental principles of the Five Elements and the balance of Yin and Yang into their cultivation, and their strength improved day by day.

During this journey, they met many like-minded companions, overcame countless life-and-death trials together, and their fame spread far and wide in the fantasy world. However, with fame came the covetousness of unscrupulous people.

"Ying Zheng, look at that mountain peak ahead." Li Si pointed to the majestic mountain range shrouded in clouds and mist.

The mountaintop glowed with shimmering light, as if protected by divine power. Looking closer at the ancient stele standing at the foot of the mountain, Xu Fu exclaimed in surprise, "This is Mount Buzhou, recorded in the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*! Legend says this mountain connects heaven and earth; could it be that we are about to climb this sacred mountain?"

Ying Zheng nodded resolutely: "Mount Buzhou holds unparalleled opportunities; only by ascending to its summit can one comprehend them." (End of Chapter)