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

Ziya toyed with the arrow in his hand and said in a deep voice, "While those creatures and landscapes are breathtaking, we cannot ignore the challenges we face. That enormous vortex and the power hidden within it are clearly a trial."

“Indeed, there are still so many unknowns for us to explore.” Li Si nodded in agreement. “The mystery of Kunlun is not just an adventure, but also a test of wisdom and courage.”

Yang Ling pondered for a long time before suddenly speaking, "I remember the Dragon God once said that to find the core of the Kunlun mystery, we need even more wisdom and courage. Perhaps we should try to understand the power of the Kunlun Mirror and the true meaning of that mysterious world more deeply."

Everyone agreed and decided to continue studying the Kunlun Mirror, hoping to find more clues and guidance from it.

Several days later, they found a suitable campsite in a secluded mountain forest. The Kunlun Mirror was placed in the center, with incense burners around it emitting wisps of smoke. The group sat cross-legged and began their in-depth exploration of the Kunlun Mirror.

Xu Fu spoke first: "We already know that the Kunlun Mirror can guide us to a mysterious spatial passage. But the runes on the mirror's surface seem to contain a deeper meaning."

Ziya, however, focused on the method of use: "Each time the Kunlun Mirror is activated, it seems to require some kind of spiritual resonance. Does this mean that the true power of the Kunlun Mirror originates from the user's inner beliefs and will?"

“Indeed, this direction is worth exploring further,” Yang Ling agreed. “The Kunlun Mirror is not merely an object; it is more like a bridge, connecting the human heart with the mysterious forces of the universe.”

Li Si then offered his insight: "Could we try to stimulate the Kunlun Mirror with different emotions and thoughts? For example, friendship, courage, and wisdom—these are qualities we have demonstrated during our exploration."

Ying Zheng nodded: "That's a good idea. The mystery of Kunlun is not only about external exploration, but also about the deep exploration of the inner world. Each of our minds is unique, and perhaps it is these unique emotions and thoughts that can awaken the deeper power of the Kunlun Mirror."

In the days that followed, the group embarked on a series of experiments. They tried to infuse different emotions and thoughts into the Kunlun Mirror and observe its reactions and changes.

On a moonlit night, everyone sat around the mirror again, each closing their eyes and concentrating, silently reciting their most sincere wishes and emotions.

As time passed, the Kunlun Mirror began to glow faintly, its light gradually intensifying until it formed a halo that enveloped everyone. Within this halo, they felt an unprecedented connection and resonance, as if their souls had achieved perfect harmony at that moment.

Just then, images suddenly appeared in the Kunlun Mirror—towering mountains reaching into the clouds, a vast and boundless ocean, and islands floating in the air.
"These images are part of the mystery of Kunlun!" Xu Fu exclaimed.

Everyone opened their eyes and stared at the scene in the mirror, realizing that these images held clues to the mystery of Kunlun. So they began to carefully analyze each image, trying to find a path to a deeper level.

After discussion and deliberation, the group gradually pieced together the clues. "Look here, the shape of this mountain is quite similar to the one we passed before. And this ocean seems to be the one we saw on our way to the Nine Dragon Pool," Ziya said, pointing to the image in the mirror.

"In other words, the scenes depicted in these images are all related to our previous journey," Ying Zheng realized. "The clues to the mystery of Kunlun may be hidden along the path we have already traveled."

Everyone was thrilled upon hearing this. "Should we retrace our steps? Perhaps we'll make some new discoveries?" Li Si suggested.

“Yes, this method is worth trying,” Yang Ling agreed. “Every step in exploring the mysteries of Kunlun is full of unknowns and surprises. We need to feel with our hearts and discover with our eyes.”

So the group packed their belongings again and prepared to set off. This time, they were not only there to explore the unknown, but also to uncover the mystery of Kunlun. They followed the path they had taken, carefully observing and experiencing each place in hopes of discovering new clues. They once again traversed dense forests and climbed treacherous peaks, proceeding with extreme caution with every step.

As they passed through a mysterious canyon, a powerful energy surge suddenly caught their attention. This surge originated from the depths of the canyon and was filled with an ancient and mysterious aura.

“This power…” Ying Zheng frowned, “feels very familiar, and seems to have some connection to the Kunlun Mirror.”

Upon hearing this, the group immediately ventured deeper into the canyon. They carefully traversed the canyon and eventually arrived at a hidden cave.

The cave was shrouded in a faint glow. As the group entered, they discovered a huge stone platform hidden inside, covered with intricate runes and patterns.

“This place seems to be an ancient altar,” Xu Fu exclaimed.

Upon closer inspection of the altar, the group discovered a circular groove in the center of the stone platform, the shape of which remarkably matched that of the Kunlun Mirror.

"Could it be that this altar is the original location of the Kunlun Mirror?" Ziya guessed.

Everyone was shocked upon hearing this. "If that's true, this altar might hold a crucial clue to the mystery of Kunlun," Yang Ling said.

After a moment of contemplation, Ying Zheng finally decided to place the Kunlun Mirror into the groove of the stone platform. The instant the mirror touched the stone platform, the entire cave suddenly trembled, and the runes on the stone platform began to glow, forming a halo that enveloped everyone.

Within this halo, everyone felt a powerful and mysterious force surging within them, as if the power of the mystery of Kunlun was awakening within them.

Just then, images suddenly appeared on the stone platform, similar to yet different from what they had seen in the mirror before.

Behind these images lies the true meaning of the Kunlun mystery. Gazing at these images, everyone understood that they were now one step closer to uncovering the truth.

After leaving the mysterious cave, the group continued along the winding mountain road, their destination being an ancient site said to be closely related to the mystery of Kunlun.

"I feel this expedition will be very different from any other," Xu Fu said, adjusting his glasses with anticipation in his voice.

“Yes, every journey brings us new insights and challenges.” Ying Zheng’s gaze was firm. “I believe this time will be no exception.”

Along the way, they encountered various challenges, including strange natural phenomena and inexplicable attacks by creatures, but they overcame them one by one through their unity and cooperation.

"Look over there!" Yang Ling's shout broke the silence. He pointed ahead, and everyone looked in the direction he pointed. A gigantic vortex came into view. This vortex, like a natural riddle, slowly rotated and formed on the ground, as if controlled by an unseen force. Even more astonishing was that a bottomless crack at the center of the vortex was quietly expanding, like the earth opening its "giant mouth" to devour everything. Everyone was deeply attracted by this strange sight, their hearts filled with both curiosity and a strange fear, wondering where the crack led and what consequences it would bring. (End of Chapter)