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

The ruler smiled slightly. "Now that you have come here, I will naturally offer my assistance. But before that, I have a favor to ask of you."

"May I ask what brings you here?" Ying Zheng asked.

"My palace houses a divine sword, acquired in my youth, yet for centuries I have been unable to wield it. Legend has it that only those with pure hearts and unwavering wills can master it. If you can help me achieve mastery of this sword, I will be richly rewarded."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt curious and eager to try. They all expressed their willingness to give it a shot.

Led by the ruler, they arrived at a secret chamber behind the throne. In the center of the chamber was a jewel-encrusted pedestal, upon which sat a longsword emitting a ghostly glow. The sword appeared unremarkable, yet it exuded a sharp aura that dared not be looked at directly, as if touching it would cause injury.

"Is this the divine sword?" Yang Ling asked curiously.

“Indeed.” The ruler nodded. “This sword is named ‘Yiyun,’ an ancient divine weapon imbued with immense power. Only true warriors can wield it.”

Each person took turns trying, but neither Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, nor even Xuanzhenzi could make the sword react in the slightest. Every time they tried to grasp the sword, Yiyun Sword seemed to have its own will, trembling slightly in refusal.

Just as everyone was feeling somewhat discouraged, Li Si stepped forward, his eyes filled with determination and resolve. "Let me give it a try," he said, his voice soft but full of confidence.

All eyes were on Li Si, who slowly reached out and gently touched the hilt of the Yi Yun sword. To everyone's surprise, the Yi Yun sword did not tremble and reject him as before, but instead emitted a soft ringing sound, as if welcoming him.

Li Si gripped the hilt of his sword, and the Yi Yun Sword instantly burst forth with dazzling light, illuminating the entire secret chamber. Li Si's figure seemed to merge into the sword light, making him appear sacred and inviolable.

"He...he succeeded!" Yang Ling exclaimed in surprise.

The ruler also showed surprise and admiration, remarking, "Truly a pure heart and unwavering will; to actually succeed in wielding the sword."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Li Si slowly drew his Yi Yun Sword. A faint blue light flowed across the blade, and the tip emanated a sharp aura that seemed to pierce through the void. Li Si swung it several times, and the air seemed to be torn apart by the sword energy, producing a whistling sound.

"Thank you all for your help. I am finally able to wield the sword," Li Si said, turning to the crowd with gratitude in his voice.

The ruler also stepped forward to express his appreciation and gratitude to Li Si, saying, "Thank you all for helping me fulfill my wish. I will certainly keep my promise and grant you what you requested."

Afterwards, the ruler imparted to them knowledge about this realm, as well as several powerful spells and cultivation methods. The group studied there for a long time and gained much.

After completing their studies, Ying Zheng and his entourage prepared to depart. "We have benefited greatly from this journey and are deeply grateful. I wonder if there will be another opportunity to meet?" Ying Zheng asked respectfully.

The ruler smiled and shook his head. "Meeting in this world is all predestined, and who can predict the future? But I believe that with your talent and courage, you will surely write your own legend in this vast world."

Having said that, he waved his hand, and a portal of light reappeared before everyone. "This is the portal to your return; may you have a safe journey."

The crowd bowed to the ruler, then stepped into the gate of light and disappeared into the dazzling brilliance.

When they opened their eyes again, they were back in their original world. Although this adventure had come to an end, they knew in their hearts that this was only a part of a long journey, and that many more miracles awaited them to discover and many more challenges to overcome.

Through countless adventures, they will grow and surpass themselves, ultimately reaching their ideal state. Along the way, they will support each other and journey side by side until the end of the world.

Upon returning to their homeland, the group did not rest but continued their pursuit under Ying Zheng's leadership, seeking more extraordinary adventures. This journey, imbued with the mystique of ancient China, is rich in cultural heritage and mysterious power. One day, they arrived at an ancient mountain range, said to be the dwelling place of mythical beasts. The mountains stretched endlessly, shrouded in mist, seemingly concealing countless unsolved mysteries.

"This is the legendary Spirit Beast Mountain Range. It is said that all kinds of divine beasts, each with astonishing power, inhabit the mountain." Ying Zheng stood at the foot of the mountain, his deep gaze fixed on the distance, his tone revealing a desire for exploration.

"Do mythical beasts really exist? Could we be fortunate enough to see one?" Yang Ling asked excitedly, filled with curiosity about them.

"The mythical beasts of the mountains are no ordinary creatures; only those with the right destiny can encounter them. Even if one enters the mountains, one may not necessarily meet them." Xu Fu, well aware of the mystery, spoke with caution.

After discussing for a while at the foot of the mountain, the group finally decided to venture into the mountain to explore, hoping to encounter the legendary mythical beast.

They cautiously ventured into the mountains, proceeding along the rugged mountain paths. The scenery within was ever-changing, sometimes revealing deep canyons, sometimes dense primeval forests. They even discovered many rare and exotic herbs and flowers, emitting strange fragrances.

Just as everyone was captivated by the mysterious mountain scenery, a strange cry came from afar, attracting their attention.

"What is that sound?" Xuanzhenzi looked warily toward the source of the sound, his brows furrowed.

Everyone listened intently, and saw the figure of a giant bird slowly rise from the dense forest, spreading its wings and soaring. Its plumage was colorful and vibrant, like flowing clouds, a truly magnificent sight.

"It's a phoenix! The legendary divine bird!" Yang Ling exclaimed in amazement, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The group was both surprised and delighted, never expecting to encounter the mythical phoenix here. Just as they were about to approach for a closer look, the phoenix suddenly let out a clear and melodious cry, then transformed into a stream of seven-colored light and disappeared into the sky.

"The light left by the phoenix seems to be guiding the way." A glint of wisdom flashed in Li Si's eyes, as if he had already grasped the mystery.

Guided by the light, the group continued deeper into the mountains. They traversed dense forests and crossed streams, finally arriving at a wide valley. In the center of the valley stood a massive stone platform, surrounded by nine stone pillars, each engraved with intricate totemic runes, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.

“This place seems to be an ancient altar,” Ying Zheng said in a deep voice, gazing at the stone platform.

“These runes seem familiar.” Xu Fu stepped forward to examine the runes on the stone pillar closely, his brows furrowed.

Just as everyone was examining the altar, a bright light suddenly burst forth from the center of the stone platform, forming a huge halo that enveloped everyone.

"What kind of power is this?" Xuanzhenzi asked solemnly, sensing the immense energy contained within the halo.

Enveloped in the halo, everyone felt a warm and powerful force surge into their bodies, and their cultivation level improved instantly.

"This is an ancient sacrificial site, rich in spiritual energy. We are blessed by the altar," Xu Fu said happily.

The group had cultivated at the altar for a long time and benefited greatly. Just as they were about to leave, the melodious sound of a flute drifted from afar, its tune gentle and mournful, full of moving charm.

"Is this... the sound of a jade flute?" Ying Zheng listened intently, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Following the sound of the flute, the group arrived at a secluded bamboo forest. Deep within the forest, a young man in white was playing a jade flute; its sound was as clear as a mountain spring and as gentle as a night breeze, captivating all who heard it. (End of Chapter)