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

Facing the ferocious Yuanling, Ying Zheng advanced instead of retreating, his longsword gleaming like a dragon, each strike imbued with immense power. His companions, too, displayed their unique abilities, using magic to subdue the enemy or martial arts to break through the formation.

After a fierce battle, the group, relying on their exceptional strength and seamless teamwork, finally defeated all the elemental spirits. The woman, seeing this, showed approval in her eyes.

“Very good, you have proven your strength. Next is the final test—the Gate of Wisdom.” The woman’s voice carried a hint of anticipation.

As she finished speaking, a gigantic door suddenly appeared before everyone, its surface covered with strange symbols and totems. This was the passage to the source of evil power, but to open it, the riddles on it had to be solved.

The crowd gathered around the door, carefully observing and discussing it. They tried to corroborate their knowledge with the symbols on the door, searching for possible clues.

Time passed quietly, the sun gradually set, but the door remained tightly shut. Just as everyone was growing anxious, Xuanzhenzi suddenly had a flash of inspiration, as if he had made a discovery.

“Perhaps we should try to understand these symbols from a higher level. This is not just an ordinary puzzle, but a test of our wisdom,” Xuanzhenzi pondered.

Upon hearing this, everyone broadened their thinking and began to interpret these symbols from the perspective of nature and the natural order. Through in-depth discussion and deliberation, they gradually touched upon the core of the puzzle.

It turns out that the symbols on this door represent not only specific knowledge or laws, but also a profound understanding of the interconnections and influences among all things in the universe. This is precisely the fundamental meaning of their journey—to seek and maintain the balance and harmony between heaven and earth.

When Ying Zheng incorporated this insight into his swordsmanship and gently pointed at the door, the complex symbols suddenly flowed like living water, eventually converging into a beam of light that pointed directly at the door.

Guided by the light, the colossal gate slowly opened, and a radiant light leading to the unknown surged forth from behind it. Though filled with doubt and unease, the group knew their mission was not yet complete, and even greater challenges awaited them ahead.

After a brief preparation, Ying Zheng and his companions embarked on their journey once again, stepping into the gateway to the unknown world, their hearts filled with a thirst for the truth and a commitment to justice.

After passing through the Gate of Wisdom, Ying Zheng and his companions arrived at a mysterious and unpredictable space. This place was unlike anything in the mortal realm; a pale purple mist permeated the surroundings, and strange orbs of light floated in the air, radiating a soft glow. Unknown spiritual herbs grew on the ground, emitting a refreshing fragrance that soothed the soul.

"This place seems to be some kind of forbidden area or secret realm." Li Si looked around, his tone full of curiosity.

Yang Ling crouched down, picked up a spiritual herb, and examined it carefully: "I seem to have seen these spiritual herbs recorded in ancient books. They are said to be able to cure all poisons and enhance vital energy."

Xu Fu was also observing the surrounding environment: "This purple mist seems to contain a miraculous effect of nourishing the soul; it should not be underestimated."

Just then, a melodious zither tune drifted from afar, gentle and lingering, as if carrying some mysterious power, guiding them forward. Following the sound, the group walked towards the sound, and gradually, an ancient pavilion came into view.

“That music must have come from that pavilion.” Xuanzhenzi pointed ahead, his expression solemn.

Ying Zheng was the first to walk towards the pavilion and push open the door. There he saw an old man with white hair sitting in the center of the pavilion, his hands caressing an ancient zither, each string and each bridge containing profound artistic conception.

Upon seeing the group enter, the old man stopped playing, raised his head, and his gaze sharpened. "Young people," he said, "you must be destined to come here. May I ask what brings you here?"

Ying Zheng stepped forward and respectfully said, "This junior, Ying Zheng, is Master Xuanzhenzi, along with my companions. We have come to find and stop the corruption of an evil force." The old man nodded slightly, his tone calm: "I am naturally aware of that force. It originates from an ancient taboo, and if allowed to develop unchecked, it could indeed endanger the world. However, stopping it will likely not be an easy task for you."

Li Si asked, "Senior, what should we do? Is there any way to eliminate this corrosive force?"

The old man pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "This is a long story. The reason that power is so strong is because it has absorbed the resentment and negative energy of countless living beings. To eradicate it, we must find its source and break the seal there."

"A seal?" Ying Zheng asked in surprise.

The old man nodded: "Exactly. Long ago, a wise man foresaw the danger of this power and placed a seal at its source to prevent its spread. However, as time has passed, the seal has gradually weakened. If you can reinforce the seal, you may be able to stop it."

Yang Ling asked, "Then how should we reinforce the seal?"

The old man rose and walked to the bookshelf, took down an old book, opened a page, and handed it to everyone. "This contains the specific method for the sealing and the necessary materials. However, to complete all of this, you will need to make tremendous efforts and sacrifices."

Everyone took the book and read it carefully. The book described in detail the sealing process and the materials required, including some extremely rare and precious natural treasures.

“This is probably quite difficult,” Xu Fu said, frowning.

The old man sighed softly, "Indeed. But how can we prevent disasters from happening without paying a price?"

Ying Zheng clenched his fist and said firmly, "No matter the cost, we must try. Only in this way can we protect the innocent from disaster."

Xuanzhenzi also spoke up, "Senior, we are willing to accept this mission. However, could you please offer some guidance on clues regarding the search for these materials?"

The old man nodded, took out a parchment with an ancient map drawn on it from his robes, and spread it on the table. "This map marks the possible locations of some rare and precious treasures. Although many years have passed and the situation may have changed, it still provides a direction."

The group gathered around the map, studying it carefully. Several mysterious locations were marked on the map, each posing a significant danger.

"It seems we have a new journey ahead." A determined light shone in Ying Zheng's eyes.

The old man looked at them, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. "Young people, your path ahead will surely be filled with difficulties and obstacles, but I believe that with your courage and wisdom, you will overcome everything. However, before that, I have one more thing to entrust to you."

As he spoke, the old man took out an antique wooden box from a cabinet behind him and handed it to Ying Zheng. "This is a talisman left behind by an ancient immortal, called the 'Disaster Averting Talisman.' It might be of some help to you as you travel the world."

Ying Zheng took the wooden box, opened it, and saw inside a talisman made of an unknown material. The talisman was decorated with intricate patterns and emitted a faint glow. (End of Chapter)