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

Shui Ling turned to the crowd and said, "You have traveled a long way, but to reach the true destination, you still need to undergo a baptism." She pointed to the spiritual spring and continued, "You all need to bathe in the spring. This is not only to cleanse your bodies, but also to purify your hearts. This is the final test to see if you can let go of worldly thoughts and desires."

Each person slowly stepped into the sacred spring in turn. The moment they entered the water, the warm current surrounded them, seemingly possessing a mysterious magic. As the water flowed, they felt the dust in their hearts being washed away bit by bit, and their daily worries, anxieties, and desires all dissipated.

"This water is truly warm and soothing." As the first person stepped out of the spiritual spring, his eyes shone with a clear light, as if he had been reborn.

“I feel my soul has been completely purified,” the second person added, his face showing an unprecedented serenity.

Then the third person, the fourth person... each of them stepped out of the sacred spring with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude.

"Shui Ling, we are truly grateful to you," everyone said in unison. "This baptism has elevated our bodies and minds."

Shui Ling smiled gently: "This is all due to your own efforts and choices. The Spirit Spring only helps you recognize your true nature; the real change still comes from yourselves."

Everyone who heard this agreed wholeheartedly.

After being cleansed by the spiritual spring, the group continued their journey deeper into Lingxiao Baofeng with the gentle breeze. The further they ventured, the taller the surrounding trees became, standing majestically like ancient trees thousands of years old. Rare flowers and exotic herbs were everywhere, vibrant in color and fragrant, refreshing the mind and spirit. The entire mountain range was filled with rich spiritual energy, as if every breath invigorated them.

Ying Zheng abruptly stopped, his gaze fixed intently ahead. The sight before him was unbelievable even to the emperor who had unified six kingdoms. Between two towering mountain peaks, a celestial bridge formed from flowing clouds spanned the sky, like a mysterious passage connecting the mortal realm and a fairyland. The bridge was shrouded in mist, dreamlike and ethereal, as if celestial figures were flitting about within it.

Those immortals, clad in flowing robes, moved with effortless grace, seemingly untouched by the weight of the mortal world. Some chatted and laughed, others sipped fragrant tea alone, and still others meditated with closed eyes; every movement exuded a serene, otherworldly ease. Ying Zheng couldn't help but yearn for it. What a wonderful experience it would be to step onto that mysterious celestial bridge, share tea with the immortals, and discuss the affairs of the world!

"Where is this?" Ying Zheng asked, his voice filled with surprise.

Feng Qingyang smiled and looked intently at the sky bridge: "This is the path to Yunxiantai. Yunxiantai is the most mysterious place on Lingxiao Baofeng, and only those with pure hearts can see it. Stepping onto this cloud bridge, you will have the opportunity to meet a true immortal and receive his guidance."

Upon hearing this, Yang Ling's eyes gleamed with excitement: "Will we really be able to see immortals? What kind of guidance will they give us?"

“The guidance each person receives will be different,” Feng Qingyang replied. “The immortals will bestow the most suitable wisdom and guidance according to your temperament, cultivation level and needs. This is a rare opportunity, and I hope you will cherish it.”

Li Si, however, appeared more cautious, frowning as he asked, "What preparations should we make? Would it be presumptuous of us to go directly like this?"

“No special preparation is needed,” Feng Qingyang explained. “Simply focus your mind and sincerely step onto the cloud bridge, and the immortals will sense your sincerity. However, if your mind is filled with too many distractions, the cloud bridge may not appear, and even if it does, it will be difficult to cross.” Hearing Feng Qingyang’s explanation, everyone silently adjusted their emotions, striving to remain peaceful and devout. Ziya took the lead and stepped onto the cloud bridge. His figure was gradually enveloped by the clouds and mist, eventually merging completely into them and disappearing from sight.

With Ziya leading the way, the others mustered their courage and followed suit onto the cloud bridge. The moment Ying Zheng stepped onto the bridge, he felt the mist beneath his feet was both light and solid, as if he were walking on solid ground. They walked amidst the clouds, the surrounding scenery as beautiful and dreamlike as a fantasy world. Celestial birds occasionally flitted across the clouds, and distant mountains were covered with rare and exotic plants and herbs—all beyond imagination, captivating them completely.

As they reached the middle of the bridge, a melodious flute tune drifted over. The clear, pleasant sound, accompanied by a faint fragrance, calmed the mind. Following the sound, the group looked and saw an old immortal with white hair and a white beard appear before them. He held a jade flute, wore a snow-white robe, and wore a kind smile, as if he had been waiting for some time.

"Welcome to Yunxiantai." The old immortal's voice was gentle and kind, like a spring breeze and rain, making people feel at ease. "I am the guardian of this place, and you may call me Elder Yundi."

Xu Fu stepped forward respectfully and asked, "Elder, how can we obtain guidance from the immortals? We have all come here with sincere hearts, hoping to receive your teachings."

Elder Yundi nodded and gently played his jade flute. As the music began, various illusions gradually emerged from the clouds. These illusions danced in the air as if they were alive, each radiating a captivating glow. Before each person appeared an illusion related to themselves, reflecting their past, present, and future.

Ying Zheng saw the long river of history, witnessing the rise and fall of the Qin Empire under his rule; Ziya saw thrilling battles and his own heroic figure leading the charge; Xu Fu saw himself searching for the elixir of immortality in a vast sea of ​​books; Yang Ling saw himself saving the people from suffering in a chaotic world; and Li Si saw himself leading the people of Qin on a magnificent journey to explore the unknown world.

Elder Yundi explained: "These illusions are manifestations of your destiny and spiritual energy. Through them, you can gain a clearer understanding of how to proceed on your own path. Everyone's destiny is in their own hands, but it also requires aligning with the right time, place, and people. Only by understanding your heart's desires and striving for them can you achieve success."

Everyone fell into deep thought, observing their own illusions and trying to grasp their deeper meaning. These illusions were like clear mirrors, reflecting their innermost desires and pursuits, and also strengthening their beliefs and goals.

A moment later, Elder Yundi played his jade flute again, and the illusion gradually dissipated into the clouds. Everyone returned to reality, but the shock in their hearts lingered, and each person's eyes shone with a determined light, as if they had found their way forward.

Elder Yundi observed their expressions and nodded in satisfaction. Then, he slowly said, "At this moment, I will impart to you a mental cultivation method. This method will help you make better use of the power of the Heavenly Mystery Grass in the years to come and take control of your own destiny."

Everyone listened intently, knowing the gravity of the moment. To receive personal instruction from Elder Yundi, an immortal, was a rare opportunity and an immense honor for them. Elder Yundi began to impart the mental techniques one by one, his voice calm yet profound, each word seemingly carrying boundless wisdom and power. Everyone felt these words deeply imprinted on their hearts, not only touching their souls but also subtly guiding them towards a brighter future. This experience would undoubtedly have a far-reaching and profound impact on their lives.

After the teachings were completed, Elder Yundi said, "You all now have a deeper understanding and greater ability, but the road ahead is still long. May you use what you have learned and understood to benefit the world and make this journey worthwhile."

Everyone bowed to Elder Yundi in gratitude, their hearts filled with anticipation and confidence for the future. Guided by Elder Yundi, they retraced their steps across the cloud bridge, returning to Lingxiao Peak to continue their exploration. (End of Chapter)