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

Yang Ling laughed heartily, "The more perilous the situation, the more we must press on. Besides, we possess the spiritual elixir bestowed upon us by the Heavenly Emperor; we are sure to fight."

Xuanzhenzi repeatedly agreed, saying, "You all possess such heroic spirit; I will certainly cooperate fully. However, there is one thing I must inform you: that Black Fiend is cunning and treacherous, and may have already sensed your intentions."

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

Ying Zheng, however, replied resolutely, "That is precisely why we should act swiftly and decisively, lest things escalate and become unpredictable."

Led by Xuanzhenzi, the group embarked on their journey to Black Wind Canyon. Along the way, Xuanzhenzi provided detailed explanations of the Netherworld Cult's information and the terrain of the canyon.

However, just as they approached the canyon, a black light suddenly descended from the sky, surrounding them completely. When the black light dissipated, a group of black-robed cultists were revealed, led by Black Fiend.

"Hahaha, Ying Zheng, I already knew about your plans. How dare you trespass on my Netherworld Sect's territory? You're courting death!" Hei Sha sneered incessantly.

Ying Zheng stared intently at Hei Sha and said in a deep voice, "Hei Sha, your evil deeds are countless. Today, we will punish you on behalf of Heaven!"

Black Fiend's face contorted in a ferocious expression, and the black mist behind him coalesced into a giant ghostly hand that lunged forward.

Faced with such an offensive, everyone calmly deployed their forces. Ying Zheng drew his sword to meet the enemy, Li Si used the art of divination to construct a defense, and Xu Fu and Yang Ling each displayed their unique skills, engaging in a fierce battle with the followers.

The battle was fierce, with the Netherworld Cult members launching wave after wave of attacks. Black Fiend unleashed dark magic from time to time, making it impossible for the group to defend against.

In the midst of the fierce battle, Xuanzhenzi suddenly summoned an ancient bronze mirror. The mirror's light flashed, forming a protective shield that temporarily ensured everyone's safety.

"Quickly use the spiritual elixir bestowed by the Heavenly Emperor!" Xuanzhenzi cried out.

Without hesitation, Ying Zheng took out a jade bottle, and the four of them sat around it, each taking a drop. They immediately felt a warm current flowing through their bodies, and their cultivation levels increased rapidly.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the group launched another attack, this time even more fierce and ruthless. Hei Sha's expression changed upon seeing this, not expecting the opponent's cultivation to have improved so much.

After a fierce battle, Hei Sha was finally pierced through the heart by Ying Zheng's sword, and the remaining troops scattered and fled upon seeing this.

Xuanzhenzi stepped forward excitedly: "Thank you all, heroes! I will never forget this kindness!"

Ying Zheng patted his shoulder lightly: "Daoist, you are too modest. We were merely doing our duty."

At this moment, Li Si frowned deeply, as if he had something on his mind.

Ying Zheng sensed something was amiss: "Li Si, is something wrong?"

Li Si pondered, "I'm wondering why the Netherworld Cult suddenly reappeared in the world, and why they are so obsessed with the Ghost Flower. Could there be some hidden story behind this?"

These words caused everyone to ponder. Indeed, the sudden appearance of the Netherworld Cult suggested that their purpose went beyond the Ghost Flower.

Xuanzhenzi's expression also turned grave: "Brother Li Si is absolutely right. There may be a larger conspiracy behind the Netherworld Sect, which requires further investigation."

Yang Ling clapped his hands and said, "In that case, why don't we venture deeper into the canyon to search for clues?"

Ying Zheng nodded: "That's exactly right. We must find out the true plot of the Netherworld Cult."

Guided by Xuanzhenzi, the group ventured deep into Black Wind Canyon and discovered a hidden ancient ruin. The ruin was filled with strange runes and totems, seemingly related to the Ghost Flower.

Xu Fu examined the runes closely, his expression growing serious: "These patterns, could they be..." Ying Zheng pressed anxiously, "Have you discovered anything?"

Xu Fu took a deep breath: "If I'm not mistaken, these should be fragments of ancient forbidden techniques, closely related to the power of the Ghost Flower. It seems the Netherworld Cult's ambitions are far more complex than we imagined."

These words sent a chill down everyone's spines, making them realize that this adventure might only be the tip of the iceberg.

As they delved deeper, they discovered more records about the Ghost Flower and ancient forbidden arts. The Ghost Flower not only connects the yin and yang, but can also trigger some ancient and powerful force.

A shocking secret gradually emerges—the Ghost Flower was originally cultivated by an ancient powerful being in order to comprehend the mysteries of life and death. To protect this flower, the powerful being set up numerous traps and formations, ultimately sealing himself within the ruins.

Faced with this truth, Ying Zheng and his companions felt increased pressure, but their resolve grew even stronger. They understood that this adventure was not only about their own fate, but also about the survival of the entire mythical world.

With Xuanzhenzi's assistance, they began devising a plan to deal with the ancient powerful beings, while actively seeking ways to counter forbidden techniques. They knew this would be an unprecedented challenge, but for the sake of world peace, they were determined to forge ahead.

Ying Zheng and his companions embark on a new journey, facing unknown dangers. This time, they must not only fight against the Netherworld Cult, but also uncover the secrets left behind by ancient powerful beings and stop a shocking conspiracy that could destroy the world.

On their journey deep into the Black Wind Canyon, Ying Zheng and his companions trudged along the winding mountain path. The wind howled mournfully through the valley, like the wails of ghosts, sending chills down their spines. Their faces were resolute, their eyes burning with a fervent desire to explore the unknown.

"Proceed with extreme caution," Li Si warned in a low voice, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "Every rock and every gust of wind here could conceal a deadly danger."

Ying Zheng nodded solemnly, his eyes resolute: "No matter how perilous the path ahead, we cannot retreat. Only by exposing the Netherworld Cult's conspiracy can we protect the peace of our homeland."

Although their steps were heavy, their steps were exceptionally firm. Soon, a majestic mountain gate came into view, with three powerful characters engraved on the lintel: "Netherworld Palace".

"Is this the stronghold of the Netherworld Cult?" Yang Ling frowned, his voice filled with worry.

Xuanzhenzi's expression was grave: "Exactly. We must be extremely careful. The Netherworld Cult members are vicious and cruel."

Just as everyone hesitated, an aged and deep voice rang out from behind: "Welcome everyone! The Netherworld Sect has been waiting for you for a long time."

Everyone turned around abruptly and saw Hei Sha, clad in black robes and with a sinister face, slowly approaching. He was none other than their old enemy.

“Black Fiend, we do not wish to be your enemy,” Ying Zheng said in a deep voice. “If you hand over the Ghost Flower and cease your evil deeds, we will spare your life.”

Black Fiend scoffed, "Ying Zheng, you are far too naive. The Ghost Flower is crucial to our sect's century-long plan; how can we easily relinquish it? Today is your death day!"

Before he could finish speaking, Hei Sha flicked his finger, and several streaks of dark light shot through the air. The crowd quickly scattered, each using their abilities to dodge and parry.

"Beware! The black light contains a strong corrosive power!" Xu Fu shouted, unleashing a water-blue light barrier that blocked the black light completely.

The fierce battle erupted again, and the plaza in front of the Netherworld Palace descended into chaos. Ying Zheng's longsword flashed like a rainbow as he clashed fiercely with Hei Sha; Li Si set up a magical array to disrupt the opponent's magic; Yang Ling and Xu Fu each unleashed their unique skills to fight against the Netherworld cultists. Although outnumbered, the group gradually gained the upper hand thanks to their tacit cooperation and superior strength.

The battle between Ying Zheng and Hei Sha was particularly fierce. Hei Sha possessed immense magical power, with each move containing the force to shatter mountains and split rocks. However, Ying Zheng, relying on the power of the spiritual liquid bestowed upon him by the Heavenly Emperor, was able to contend with him and even gradually suppress his opponent.

"What kind of power have you obtained?!" Black Demon looked alarmed, not expecting Ying Zheng's strength to have improved so much.

Ying Zheng gripped his sword hilt tightly, his gaze piercing: "Black Fiend, your evil plans come to an end!"

Just then, Xuanzhenzi chanted an incantation aloud, his hands forming a mudra. As the incantation resounded, a powerful surge of Taoist righteous energy erupted from his body, transforming into a pillar of light that shot into the sky. Within the pillar of light, phantom images of ancient Taoist sages materialized, each wielding a magical weapon and exerting pressure on the black demon. (End of Chapter)