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

Upon hearing this, everyone looked astonished. They had never imagined that they would step into such a mysterious place.

"So what should we do now?" Li Si asked.

"Now that we're here, why don't we take this opportunity to explore?" A glint of light flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes. "Perhaps this place holds even more secrets of cultivation and treasures."

Led by Ying Zheng, the group began exploring the realm of gods and demons. They encountered many strange creatures and sights, and also comprehended many secrets and powers of cultivation. Their cultivation levels were further enhanced and they achieved breakthroughs here.

However, the realm of gods and demons was not a place to linger. When everyone felt it was time, they began searching for their way back. After some twists and turns, they finally found the exit from the realm of gods and demons and successfully returned to the human world.

Upon returning to the valley, they recounted their experiences in the realm of gods and demons to the other disciples. The disciples, upon hearing this, all showed expressions of envy and admiration. They cherished their cultivation opportunities in the Dragon Vein Land even more, striving to improve their cultivation and mental state.

Having traversed the desolate lands of the battlefield between gods and demons, the group gazed upon a majestic palace, faintly visible deep within the clouds. Ancient chanting echoed from within the palace, like a summons from a thousand years ago, stirring the urge to explore within each person's heart.

"Listen carefully, everyone. There seems to be the sound of chanting scriptures inside the hall." Li Si listened intently, his expression solemn.

"Chanting scriptures? Could it be that there are still monks practicing in seclusion at this place where gods and demons meet?" Yang Ling speculated curiously.

"No." Ying Zheng's wise gaze swept across the palace. "This sound sounds more like an ancient incantation, perhaps a protective barrier around the palace."

Ziya's eyes gleamed with the fervor of an explorer: "Shall we venture inside and investigate?"

“Having come to this treasure mountain, how can we return empty-handed?” Li Si declared resolutely.

Ying Zheng cautiously reminded him: "However, this place is no ordinary place; we must proceed with extreme caution."

Having reached a consensus, the group slowly walked towards the palace. The gilded palace doors opened silently, as if they had been waiting for it. Stepping inside, the murals depicting gods and demons battling on the walls took their breath away; those lifelike scenes were telling tales of lost ancient legends.

"This mural must depict an earth-shattering battle between gods and demons," Xu Fu said, examining the mural closely.

"The power of gods and demons is truly beyond imagination," Ziya exclaimed sincerely.

Upon reaching the center of the hall, a majestic statue stands with its eyes closed and hands in a mudra, surrounded by nine dragon-shaped streams of spiritual energy, subtly reflecting the mysteries of heaven and earth.

“This statue is breathtaking,” Li Si murmured.

Suddenly, the statue opened its eyes, and its majestic voice resounded throughout the hall: "It is truly rare for mortals to set foot in this place."

The crowd, though startled, remained composed and performed the rituals with utmost respect. Ying Zheng, on behalf of the crowd, pleaded: "This junior has mistakenly trespassed into this sacred place, disturbing your peaceful cultivation; I beg your forgiveness."

"Hmph, since you have entered this place, it is fate. I am willing to grant you a great destiny." The statue's words were filled with divine might.

Everyone looked at each other in astonishment. Yang Ling excitedly asked, "What kind of blessing or grace do you mean by this, Senior?"

"I am willing to offer you my entire life's cultivation to help you break through your limitations."

The entire hall was astonished. Under their persistent questioning, the statue solemnly declared, "After a thousand years of cultivation, I have comprehended the ultimate principles of heaven and earth. Yet, upon reaching the summit, I feel only loneliness. Today, I form a bond with you all, and wish to offer you my cultivation, so that we may explore the supreme Dao together."

As soon as the words were spoken, nine radiant spiritual orbs emerged from the palm of the statue and slowly flew towards the crowd. Each orb contained immense spiritual power and was incredibly wondrous.

"These are Heavenly Dragon Pearls, each containing a century's worth of my cultivation. Consuming them will help you break through your bottlenecks."

The group respectfully accepted the spirit pearls and consumed them as instructed. Instantly, a surge of powerful spiritual energy coursed through their meridians, causing their cultivation levels to rise steadily.

Just as everyone was immersed in the progress of their cultivation, a demonic roar suddenly rang out outside the hall. Countless dark figures were frantically attacking the palace's barrier, their claws and fangs drawing blinding sparks as they scraped across it.

"It seems we have disturbed the demons here," Ying Zheng said gravely. "We must act quickly to avoid any unforeseen complications," Li Si warned.

The group hurried out of the hall, only to see dozens of demons baring their fangs and brandishing their claws, their scarlet eyes flashing with bloodthirsty ferocity.

"This battle is perilous; all of you must be careful." Ying Zheng stood with his sword in hand, his gaze sharp as lightning.

Ziya urged urgently, "Maintain formation and make good use of the power of the Heavenly Dragon Pearl!"

A fierce battle suddenly broke out. Li Si's sword swept across the eight directions, forcing back the vanguard of demons; Yang Ling's figure was elusive, moving among the minions to counterattack; Xu Fu unleashed a series of magical spells, weaving ice and fire into a net; Ziya's arrows never missed, precisely targeting and killing; Ying Zheng sat in the center, both overseeing the overall situation and frequently launching deadly moves.

Despite the overwhelming number of demons, the group fought with increasing ferocity, empowered by the divine power of the Heavenly Dragon Pearl. Finally, under their combined onslaught, the last demon collapsed with a mournful cry.

"The Heavenly Dragon Pearl is truly wondrous, transforming us completely," Xu Fu exclaimed, clapping his hands in praise.

After the war, the group returned to the mortal realm via the same route, recording their experiences in ancient texts. The Dragon Vein Land subsequently gained widespread fame, gradually becoming a sacred place for cultivation. Cultivators from all directions flocked there, hoping to find opportunities for breakthroughs.

To protect the purity of the dragon vein, everyone volunteered to serve as guardians, selecting those with pure hearts. That morning, a group of young cultivators arrived at the entrance to the holy land, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"This junior has come from afar and humbly requests permission to enter and cultivate." The leading young man bowed very respectfully.

Ziya scrutinized the crowd: "The power of the dragon vein is extraordinary; those with impure intentions will surely suffer a backlash."

Seeing that the crowd was unwilling to give up, Xu Fu proposed: "To enter the holy land, one must pass three tests to prove one's character."

Before the first spiritual mirror, the cultivators confronted their inner demons. Some wept upon hearing the rebukes of their loved ones, while others were blinded by the allure of power. After enduring this torment, half of the cultivators left in despair.

"Without eliminating inner demons, it is difficult to attain the Great Dao." Yang Ling sighed upon seeing this.

In the next training ground, cultivators and their guardian disciples sparred and competed. Only a few emerged victorious through sheer willpower.

"This test examines not only martial arts skills, but also one's moral character," Li Si pointed out the key point.

In the final trial of wisdom, Xuanzhenzi retrieved an ancient scroll. Ultimately, only two people solved all the puzzles.

"Congratulations on passing the test." Ying Zheng opened the gates of the sacred land. "I hope you will cultivate yourselves well."

Watching the newlyweds enter, the guardians were filled with emotion. Ziya recalled the past: "Back then, we were also so ignorant in our pursuit of the Dao."

"The grace of the dragon vein is indeed precious, but cultivation ultimately depends on one's own enlightenment." Li Si stroked his beard and pondered.

Xu Fu nodded in agreement: "External forces can be borrowed, but self-cultivation is fundamental."

"Haha, thinking back to the hardships of those years, they have all become resources now," Yang Ling said with a laugh, recalling the past.

Xuanzhenzi said solemnly, "As guardians, we must not only protect the sacred land, but also enlighten those who have strayed from the right path."

As the fame of the Dragon Vein grew, it inevitably attracted the covetous eyes of villains. One twilight, a group of mysterious figures in black quietly appeared at the edge of the sacred land. Their aura was cold, and their eyes gleamed with a fierce light; clearly, they had come with ill intentions.

"A storm is coming," Ying Zheng gazed into the distance, his eyes resolute. "But no matter what calamity may befall us, we swear to protect this sacred land to the death!"

Dark clouds shrouded the sacred land, but the guardians were already fully prepared. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with difficulty, but their belief in protecting the dragon vein and passing on the lineage would sustain them through any challenge. (End of Chapter)