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

"Thank you, senior," Ying Zheng said respectfully.

The old man waved his hand: "Go then. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, never give up easily. True strength comes from inner perseverance and resilience."

Everyone expressed their gratitude in unison, and then left the pavilion, embarking on a journey to find rare and precious materials and strengthen the seal.

After leaving the attic, the group followed the map given by the old man and headed to the first marked location—Lingxiao Mountain. Legend has it that Lingxiao Mountain was an ancient place where immortals cultivated themselves, and it is said to be filled with countless rare treasures, but also fraught with unknown dangers.

On their journey to Lingxiao Mountain, the group frequently encountered various monsters and treacherous terrains, but they overcame these difficulties one by one thanks to their extraordinary strength and tacit cooperation.

When they finally arrived at the foot of Lingxiao Mountain, the scene before them left them in awe. The entire mountain was shrouded in mist and clouds, its peaks appearing and disappearing intermittently, like a fairyland on earth. Streams murmured in the mountains, ancient trees reached for the sky, and all kinds of rare and precious herbs could be seen everywhere.

"This Lingxiao Mountain truly lives up to its reputation," Li Si exclaimed.

Yang Ling looked around excitedly: "Every plant and tree here is imbued with abundant spiritual energy. We're sure to gain something from this trip."

Xu Fu cautioned, "Although this place is rich in spiritual energy, it is also fraught with danger. We must proceed with caution."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "Following the map, we'll first search for the 'Azure Cloud Fruit.' It's said that this spiritual fruit can enhance the primordial spirit, greatly benefiting our efforts to strengthen the seal."

Following the directions indicated on the map, the group ventured deeper into Lingxiao Mountain. As they ventured further in, the monsters they encountered grew increasingly powerful, but they remained undeterred and pressed onward.

After a difficult search, they finally found traces of the Azure Cloud Fruit in a secluded valley. These Azure Cloud Fruits grew on a huge ancient tree, the fruits were crystal clear, emitting a faint glow, and looked very tempting.

"We've finally found it!" Yang Ling exclaimed excitedly.

Li Si cautiously surveyed their surroundings: "We must be careful; there might be a guardian spirit beast here."

Just as Li Si had predicted, a deafening roar suddenly echoed through the valley as they prepared to pick the Azure Cloud Fruit. A huge spirit beast then leaped out of the forest, blocking their path.

This spirit beast was covered in thick scales, and its eyes glowed green like lanterns, making it look extremely fierce.

"This is the guardian spirit beast 'Azure Scale Beast,' we must be careful," Xuanzhenzi warned in a low voice.

Ying Zheng gripped his longsword tightly, signaling to the crowd to prepare for battle. Immediately, a fierce battle unfolded in the valley. The Azure Scale Beasts possessed immense power; each attack carried the force of a storm, making them difficult to withstand.

However, facing such a powerful enemy, Ying Zheng and his companions did not back down. They each displayed their unique abilities, using swordsmanship or magic to subdue the beast, engaging in a fierce battle with the Azure Scale Beast.

After a fierce battle, they finally defeated the Azure Scale Beast with their superior strength and perfect teamwork. As the Azure Scale Beast fell, tranquility returned to the valley. The Azure Cloud Fruits seemed to sense the demise of their master, and they fell to the ground on their own, landing in the hands of the group.

"This battle was truly thrilling." Yang Ling patted his chest and let out a long sigh of relief.

Xu Fu picked up a Qingxiao Fruit and examined it carefully: "This Qingxiao Fruit is indeed extraordinary. This harvest is more than enough."

Ying Zheng gazed at the Azure Cloud Fruit in his hand, a resolute look flashing in his eyes: "This is only the first step. We have many more tasks to complete and many more difficulties to overcome. Only in this way can we truly stop the erosion of that evil force and protect this world."

The group nodded in agreement. Although the road ahead was fraught with unknowns and dangers, their hearts were filled with confidence and courage. They believed that as long as they were united, no difficulty was insurmountable. So, after a short rest, Ying Zheng and his companions set off again, their hearts brimming with curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown world.

After bidding farewell to Lingxiao Mountain, Ying Zheng and his companions, following the map given to them by the old man, headed towards their next destination, Youming Valley. Legend has it that this deep, unfathomable valley is inhabited by countless demons and monsters, a perilous place fraught with danger.

As dusk deepened, the group set up camp to rest in an open area. In the flickering light of the campfire, Xu Fu broke the silence: "The Netherworld Valley has a notorious reputation; many cultivators who have entered have never been heard from again. We must proceed with extreme caution."

Xuanzhenzi, fiddling with the talisman, added, "Not only is the valley treacherous, but it is also home to many powerful demons. It is said that deep within lies a Ghost King's Palace, inhabited by a Ghost King who rules over all demons and frequently wreaks havoc in the surrounding areas."

Yang Ling gripped the sword at his waist and declared loudly, "Now that we've come this far, there's no turning back. To stop the spread of evil, we must cross the Netherworld Valley to obtain the spiritual treasure."

Ying Zheng gazed at the leaping flames and said in a deep voice, "We shall set out at dawn. Even if there are countless difficulties and dangers, we must overcome them one by one, and never allow evil to run rampant in the world."

As dawn broke, the group prepared and set off. After half a day's trek, they finally saw the entrance to the Netherworld Valley shrouded in thick fog, a chilling aura emanating from it. Exchanging nods, they resolutely stepped into this forbidden land.

The valley was filled with a chilling atmosphere, as if countless ghosts were whispering in his ears. Yang Ling suddenly stopped: "Look over there!"

Ghostly figures roamed the mist, their mournful howls sending chills down one's spine. Li Si frowned and whispered, "These must be demons from the valley; do not disturb them."

Just as the group was making their way in stealth, a sudden gust of cold wind arose, and the demons all turned towards them.

"We've been exposed!" Xu Fu cried out urgently.

In an instant, the demons swarmed forward, their claws tearing through the air. Ying Zheng's sword flashed with a cold light as he led the charge, while Li Si and Yang Ling each unleashed their unique skills to support him. Xu Fu and Xuanzhenzi activated their magic to protect the entire area. After the fierce battle, the demons scattered, and everyone suffered minor injuries.

Wiping away the blood and sweat, Ying Zheng solemnly said, "The infamous reputation of the Netherworld Valley is well-deserved. From now on, we must be even more careful in our words and actions."

Deeper into the valley, one sees gnarled and twisted trees intertwined with craggy rocks, and eerie sounds emanating from them. As one passes through a forest of withered trees, a faint light suddenly appears ahead. Upon closer inspection, it is revealed to be a cluster of strange flowers, each bloom as white as jade.

“This flower is quite peculiar.” Xuanzhenzi examined it intently.

Xu Fu bent down to examine it closely: "It should be the Ghost Shadow Flower, unique to the Netherworld Valley. Legend has it that it can absorb moonlight and transform it into spiritual power."

Yang Ling, curious, pressed further, "What are the wonders of this flower?"

"It is said to ward off demonic attacks, but harvesting it requires a special method."

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment: "Perhaps we can gather some; it might help us get through this dangerous situation."

Following Xu Fu's directions, the group held their breath and approached the flower bushes. Just as they had placed several spirit flowers into their bags, a sinister voice rang out from behind them: "How dare you steal my spirit flowers!"

Turning around, they saw a man in black robes standing in mid-air, his body surging with demonic energy. (End of Chapter)