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

In the illusion, everyone confronts their inner fears and the temptations of desire. Ying Zheng sees a prosperous and peaceful Qin Dynasty, while Ziya is caught in an endless battle.

"These are all illusions, we must break free from their shackles!" Yang Ling shouted, pulling himself out of the illusion with his indomitable will, and then helping others break the illusion one by one.

When the group finally emerged from the illusion, they found themselves standing at the foot of Zhu Zi Peak. The peak was majestic and imposing, its summit shrouded in mist, appearing deep and unfathomable.

“We have arrived at Zhu Zi Peak,” Xu Fu said, pointing to the mountain peak ahead. “The Heavenly Mystery Grass is in the mysterious garden at the top of the mountain.”

The group began their ascent along the mountain path, where the scenery was ever-changing. Sometimes waterfalls cascaded down, sometimes colorful clouds filled the sky, and exotic flowers and plants could be seen everywhere, making it exceptionally enchanting.

However, their journey did not go as smoothly as expected. Just as they were walking through the forest, suddenly, the entire mountain range seemed to tremble, and a violent tremor spread all around. Accompanied by a rumbling sound, a towering rock giant appeared in their path. This rock giant was as large as a mountain, its entire body made of hard rock, and its eyes gleamed with a cold, hard light, like a moving mountain peak.

"Mortals, you desire the Heavenly Secret Grass?" The rock giant's voice boomed like thunder. "Then you must first prove your own strength."

The rock giant posed an extremely difficult challenge, as he could manipulate the rocks of an entire mountain range as weapons to attack the group. This time, Ying Zheng and Li Si joined forces, using their swords to parry the flying boulders while searching for an opportunity to strike.

After a fierce battle, Xu Fu discovered the rock giant's weakness—its core was exposed in a relatively soft rock on its chest. He quickly relayed this information to Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng concentrated all his strength and thrust his sword into the soft rock. The rock giant's movements suddenly stopped, and then it slowly crumbled into a pile of rubble.

"We've finally made it through this ordeal," Li Si said, panting, before leading the group back up the mountain.

When they arrived at the mysterious garden at the mountaintop, a strange sight came into view. The garden was filled with all sorts of unknown flowers, and in the center was a clump of grass that shimmered with light—the legendary Heavenly Mystery Grass.

"We found it!" Yang Ling excitedly pointed to the gleaming grass.

Just as everyone was about to pick the Heavenly Mystery Grass, a clear and melodious tune suddenly rang out, and a woman draped in a light veil stepped out from the flower bushes. She was surrounded by delicate petals, beautiful and mysterious.

"Welcome, brave travelers." The woman's voice was melodious and pleasant. She smiled at the group and said, "You have passed all the tests and now you can obtain the power of the Heavenly Grass."

The woman was the guardian of this mysterious garden. She told everyone that the power of the Heavenly Mystery Grass was extremely strong, capable of foreseeing future crises, but also requiring exceptional wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility to wield it. Ying Zheng stepped forward slowly, his gaze fixed firmly and earnestly on the guardian. "We are willing to bear this power, and the responsibility that comes with it. We humbly request your guidance on how to properly utilize the Heavenly Mystery Grass."

The guardian smiled and nodded, then led the group to the Heavenly Mystery Grass in the center of the garden. "The Heavenly Mystery Grass can connect with the energy of heaven and earth and foresee the future, but its power is not limitless. When using it, one must be guided by a pure mind and a clear purpose, otherwise the power may backfire."

Ziya gazed at the shimmering light emanating from the blades of grass and asked, "How should we prepare ourselves to ensure we can receive such power?" "Cultivate your mind," the guardian replied succinctly. "Cleanse your mind of distractions; only with a clear and tranquil mind can you reflect the true power of the Heavenly Mystery Grass."

Li Si took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tried to calm his mind. "Do we need to perform some special ritual to purify our souls?" he asked.

Deep within the mysterious garden, the guardians silently watched Ying Zheng and his entourage. A resolute light shone in their eyes, a determination honed through countless challenges. The guardians knew that this group was ready to face even deeper trials.

“You have indeed shown enough courage and determination,” the guardian said slowly, his voice full of affirmation and respect. “Indeed, there is an ancient ritual that can help you purify your hearts so that you can better accept the power of the Heavenly Grass.”

He pointed to a purification platform not far away, surrounded by clear flowing water that reflected the bright moonlight, like a tranquil and sacred painting. "Each of you must bathe in this flowing water," the guardian explained the ritual steps in detail, "not only to cleanse your bodies, but also to purify your souls. After bathing, sit on the purification platform and silently recite your wishes under the moonlight."

Ying Zheng was the first to approach the purification platform. He removed his outer robe and resolutely stepped into the clear, flowing water. The water was icy cold, yet it seemed to possess the power to cleanse the soul. He closed his eyes, feeling this magical power permeate his body and mind, as if all worldly worries had been swept away. Under the moonlight, he silently made a wish, then stepped onto the purification platform, sat down quietly, and began to meditate.

Subsequently, Ziya, Xu Fu, Yang Ling, and Li Si also completed the ceremony in turn. Each of them found their own peace and strength in this sacred place. The flowing water carried away their weariness and distracting thoughts, while the moonlight seemed to infuse them with new vitality and hope.

After everyone had completed the ritual, the guardian led them, their hearts purified, back to the Heavenly Grass. At that moment, they felt a greater harmony and integration with heaven and earth, as if they had become a part of the universe.

The guardian stood beside the Heavenly Mystery Grass, her gaze deep as she looked at Ying Zheng and the others. "Now, each of you may pluck a leaf of the Heavenly Mystery Grass and place it under your tongue, allowing its essence to permeate your bodies." Her voice was filled with a sacred quality, as if each word carried the weight of a thousand pounds.

Ying Zheng, Ziya, Xu Fu, Yang Ling, and Li Si exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting the same unwavering determination. This determination stemmed not only from their pursuit of the Heavenly Herb, but also from the various challenges and hardships they had shared.

So they stepped forward solemnly one by one, with reverence and solemnity, and carefully picked a green leaf of the Heavenly Secret Grass, as if performing a sacred ritual.

Ziya first put the leaf into his mouth, closed his eyes, and quietly felt the strange energy spreading from the tip of his tongue. He seemed to see countless pieces of information rushing through his mind, these information were profound and mysterious, and in an instant he understood many principles that he had never understood before.

Next came Ying Zheng, Xu Fu, Yang Ling, and Li Si, who also placed the leaves of the Heavenly Mystery Grass under their tongues in turn. Each of them was immersed in that strange and profound feeling, as if their body and mind were permeated by this energy, receiving an unprecedented baptism and sublimation.

As the energy gradually subsided, everyone opened their eyes, and their gazes shone with an unprecedented clarity.

"You have already experienced the power of the Heavenly Grass," the guardian said, "but to fully master it, you will still need a period of practice and comprehension." (End of Chapter)