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

Time passed, the sun rose higher, but the mystery of the totem remained unsolved. Just as everyone was feeling discouraged, Xuanzhenzi suddenly spoke up: "Perhaps we should change our approach. This immortal formation not only tests knowledge, but also tempers character and wisdom."

Ying Zheng had a sudden inspiration: "That's right! The previous trials were all about willpower, so how could this final test be just a question-and-answer session?"

So they changed their approach, focusing on the wisdom of mind and spirit, no longer fixated on totem symbols, but looking at the entire sacred mountain and the significance of their journey.

After in-depth discussion, they gradually grasped the key to solving the mystery. It turned out that this formation secretly conformed to the laws of nature and the true essence of immortality, which coincided with their mission to uncover the mystery of the Ghost Flower and protect all living beings.

When Ying Zheng incorporated this understanding into his sword intent and pointed lightly at the totem, the complex patterns gradually calmed down like ripples on water, eventually transforming into streaks of light to guide his future.

The towering divine tree swayed gently, and the spiritual fruits slowly drifted down, like a gift from the celestial realm, lying quietly in everyone's palms.

"We did it!" Everyone looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with joy and awe.

They clutched the spiritual fruit tightly, sensing the vast immortal power and wisdom within it. This was not only an affirmation of their character but also a powerful driving force for their future endeavors.

However, at this moment, a dark crack suddenly appeared in the sky, from which a cold and deathly atmosphere emanated, chilling people to the bone.

"This is..." Xuanzhenzi's expression changed drastically. "Could it be that the remnants of the Netherworld Sect have not been eliminated, and there is an even greater conspiracy?"

Everyone immediately became alert, gripping their weapons and magical artifacts tightly, preparing to face any potential danger.

The woman in purple reappeared, her face solemn: "You have passed the three trials and gained the divine tree's approval. However, the crisis facing the world remains unresolved. The force emanating from that crack is an ancient evil power, attempting to tear apart the boundary between immortals and mortals and erode this realm."

Ying Zheng gripped his longsword tightly and resolutely declared, "No matter how evil it may be, if it threatens this world and everything we cherish, we swear we will not stand idly by."

The woman in purple nodded approvingly: "In that case, I will open a passage to the source of evil power for you. But remember, the dangers there far exceed your imagination; you must proceed with extreme caution."

Guided by the woman in purple, the portal slowly opened. Without hesitation, everyone stepped inside, disappearing behind the portal and heading towards the unknown dangers.

The moment they passed through the portal, Ying Zheng and his companions felt as if they had traveled through time and space. When they opened their eyes again, the scene before them astonished them—they were now in a vast, boundless wasteland, the sky a strange dark red hue, and a suffocating, oppressive atmosphere permeating the surroundings.

"This is..." Ying Zheng looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings, trying to find any familiar landmarks.

Li Si frowned deeply: "According to the woman in purple, this should be the source of that evil power. Judging from this unusual phenomenon, it's clearly extraordinary."

Xu Fu stroked his beard and said in a deep voice, "The air here is thick with a sinister aura. I'm afraid we're about to face an opponent even more terrifying than the Netherworld Cult."

Yang Ling gripped his weapon tightly, his expression solemn: "Regardless, now that we've come this far, we can only press forward. We have no way to retreat."

Just as they were preparing to explore further, a silvery laugh suddenly came from the sky, and then a figure gracefully descended, landing lightly in front of them. The newcomer was a beautiful woman in white, surrounded by a faint halo, as otherworldly as a fairy from the moon palace.

"It is truly a rare privilege for you all to have traveled so far," the woman said with a charming smile, her voice melodious and captivating. Xuanzhenzi stepped forward: "May I ask, fairy, what place is this?"

The woman turned her gaze to Xuanzhenzi and nodded slightly: "This place is called 'Phantom Wasteland,' a forbidden area formed after being corrupted by evil forces. You have all come here, presumably to stop that force."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "Exactly. We intend to find the source of the evil forces and eradicate them completely."

A hint of approval flashed in the woman's eyes: "Commendable courage. However, before that, you must pass the three trials I have set. After all, venturing to the source of that power is no small feat; it requires sufficient strength and wisdom."

Yang Ling couldn't help but ask, "What exactly are these three trials? Please explain."

The woman chuckled softly: "The first trial is called 'The Realm of the Mind.' You will enter an illusion, confronting your deepest fears. Only by truly understanding and conquering yourself can you pass this test."

Li Si nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised.

The woman continued, "The second test is the 'Elemental Spirit Duel.' I will summon the elemental spirits from the Phantom Wasteland, and you must fight them one by one to prove your strength."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions became even more solemn, knowing that the upcoming battle would be extremely dangerous.

"As for the third trial, it is the 'Gate of Wisdom.' You will face an ancient riddle, and only by solving it can you obtain the path to the source of evil power," the woman said loudly, her body radiating increasing light.

The group exchanged glances, each seeing unwavering resolve in the other's eyes. Ying Zheng took a deep breath and said to the woman, "We are ready and willing to accept the test."

The woman nodded in acknowledgment and with a flick of her jade-like finger, everyone felt a blur before their eyes, and then found themselves in a strange space, which was the entrance to the realm of the mind.

“Remember, everything in the realm of the mind originates from the illusions deep within your hearts. Only true courage and wisdom can guide you to find a way out.” The woman’s voice seemed to come from afar, gradually dissipating into the air.

Ying Zheng stepped into the illusion first, where various illusions appeared in the hazy mist. Some were childhood memories, some were the faces of deceased relatives, and some were the fears and desires hidden deep in his heart.

Ying Zheng knew that these were all illusions testing his will. He calmed his mind, proceeded cautiously, and dealt with each illusion with his own understanding and courage.

Meanwhile, Li Si, Yang Ling, Xu Fu, and Xuanzhenzi each faced their own inner trials. Some calmly analyzed the situation, while others bravely forged ahead, overcoming their fears and doubts one by one.

After a difficult internal struggle, the group finally passed the test of the mental realm, and their willpower became even stronger. When they regrouped, they found themselves in another space, the battlefield of the elemental spirits.

The woman's figure reappeared, and with a wave of her hand, several beams of light surged forth from all around, condensing into elemental spirits of various shapes. These elemental spirits were either ferocious, agile, or enormous, each possessing unique abilities, and were clearly not to be trifled with.

"These spirits are all transformed from the souls of the Phantom Wasteland, each possessing unique abilities. You must be careful," the woman's voice rang in their ears.

Ying Zheng nodded, signaling everyone to prepare for battle. The fierce battle against the Yuanling then commenced. (End of Chapter)