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

On their return journey to Lingxiao Peak, Ying Zheng and his entourage's expressions noticeably became solemn and serious. Ying Zheng suddenly slowed his pace, turned to Yang Ling, and asked decisively, "Yang Ling, the power in the illusion you saw earlier that could avert calamity has greatly intrigued me. In your opinion, how should we utilize the Heavenly Mystery Grass to guard against potential future dangers?"

Yang Ling pondered for a moment, then replied, "Your Majesty, I believe that besides enhancing personal cultivation, the true value of the Heavenly Mystery Grass lies in its ability to foresee the future. If we can accurately predict worldly disasters and take timely countermeasures, we can avoid many unnecessary losses."

"Not bad." Ying Zheng nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the mountaintop, as if pondering grand plans for the future.

Ziya walked to the two of them and joined the discussion: "Not only that, we should also explore the combined use of Heavenly Mystery Grass and ancient magic arrays. Perhaps, we can create a brand new defense mechanism to protect our country and people."

Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, carrying the fragrance of flowers and bringing with it a masked messenger. He wore a gray robe, held a feather fan, and his face was hidden behind a black cloth, revealing only a pair of deep eyes.

"May I ask who you are?" Li Si asked warily.

The masked messenger smiled slightly, his voice soft yet carrying an indescribable air of authority: "I come from the Spirit Valley on the other side of Lingxiao Peak, and I am known as the Illusion Messenger. We have sensed your arrival and the fluctuations of the Heavenly Mystery Grass on your bodies. The Spirit Valley intends to explore the further possibilities of the Heavenly Mystery Grass with you."

Upon hearing this, Xu Fu's eyes lit up, and he eagerly asked, "Illusionary Envoy, could you lead us to the Spirit Valley for a visit? We also hope to learn more so that we can better utilize the Heavenly Mystery Grass."

The Illusion Messenger nodded: "If you are willing, I can lead the way immediately. The Spirit Valley not only contains another mutated form of the Heavenly Mystery Grass, but also an ancient illusion array that can reveal different aspects of the Heavenly Mystery Grass."

The group exchanged glances and unanimously agreed. Guided by the illusionary messenger, they traversed dense forests and crossed streams, finally arriving at a valley shrouded in mist. The valley was not only lush with flowers and plants, but also dotted with strangely shaped rocks, and babbled with flowing water; everything seemed mysterious and unpredictable.

"This is Spirit Valley." The Illusion Envoy pointed to a huge stone array in front of him and said, "This Illusion Array is the core of my Spirit Valley. It can use the power of the Heavenly Mystery Grass to create various scenarios to test the cultivator's character and ability."

Yang Ling asked curiously, "Can this illusion array allow us to glimpse our true desires deep within our hearts?"

“That’s right,” the Illusion Messenger explained. “As long as you have a thought in your heart, the Illusion Array can reflect it. This is not only a baptism for yourself, but also a rehearsal for the future.”

Then, the Illusionist led the curious and expectant crowd into the mysterious and ancient stone array. In the center of the array, a massive circular platform stood silently, as if telling a story of millennia-old secrets. Following the Illusionist's instructions, the crowd found their places, stood solemnly, and prepared to face the mysterious illusion that was about to unfold.

The illusionary messenger took a deep breath and began to chant an ancient incantation in a low voice, which gradually rose in pitch, as if communicating with the heavens and earth. As the incantation continued, the entire stone array seemed to come alive, slowly rotating, and the surrounding mist gradually thickened, enveloping everyone.

Suddenly, a beam of light descended from the sky, illuminating the center of the stone formation, and everyone felt a powerful energy surge from their feet to their hearts. Immediately afterwards, various illusions appeared in their vision.

Ying Zheng found himself standing inside a magnificent palace, surrounded by endless treasures and graceful dancers. He gazed at it all, a sense of unease rising within him.

"Is this just an illusion in my mind?" Ying Zheng muttered to himself.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” a voice replied, and it was the phantom of the Illusionist appearing before him. “This place reflects your deepest desires—power, wealth, and glory.”

“But this is not my true desire,” Ying Zheng frowned. “What I pursue is the unification of the world, not personal pleasure.” The Illusion Messenger smiled and said, “The illusion merely amplifies the thoughts deep within your heart; perhaps even desires you yourself are unaware of will manifest here. Do you truly believe that what you seek is only the unification of the world?”

Ying Zheng was silent for a moment, then said firmly, "Yes, I am certain. Everything I have done is for the purpose of realizing the dream of unifying the world."

The illusion suddenly shifted, and Ying Zheng found himself on a battlefield, surrounded by smoke and fighting fiercely. He watched all this, a flicker of excitement in his eyes.

“This is the battlefield in my heart,” Ying Zheng said, “but it is still not my deepest desire.”

"What is your wish?" the Messenger of Illusion asked.

Ying Zheng closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then slowly opened them: "My wish is... a peaceful and prosperous country, where the people live in peace and contentment, no longer suffering from the ravages of war."

The illusion shifted again, and this time Ying Zheng saw a thriving village where children played in the fields and adults were busy with farm work, their faces beaming with happiness.

"This is my true wish," Ying Zheng said with emotion.

The envoy nodded and said, "Your Majesty truly cares for the world. So, are you ready to face the next challenge?"

Ying Zheng took a deep breath and nodded firmly: "I'm ready."

Meanwhile, others who entered the illusion were also undergoing their own trials. Some faced the temptation of money, while others were tested by power. And in every corner of the illusion, there lay hidden explorations and purifications of the depths of each person's heart.

As everyone gradually awoke from the illusion, a hint of understanding appeared on their faces. The illusory messenger stood in the center of the stone array, watching them with a smile.

"You have seen your desires and faced your challenges in the illusion," said the Envoy of the Illusion. "May you draw strength from it and remain steadfast on your path."

Ying Zheng stepped forward and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your guidance, envoy. Today's illusion has made my goals and responsibilities even clearer to me."

The Messenger of Illusion helped him up: "Your Majesty is too kind. Illusion is merely to help you see yourselves clearly; the true path still requires you to walk it yourselves."

Everyone expressed their gratitude and then left Ling Valley. Their beliefs and goals were strengthened, and they had a clearer plan for the future.

After everyone left, the Illusion Messenger watched their retreating figures and murmured to himself, "May you all have your wishes fulfilled..."

The experience in Linggu was very beneficial to everyone, and they continued their exploration deeper into Lingxiao Baofeng. As the mountain path became increasingly rugged and the mist thickened, it felt as if each step led into an unknown and mysterious world. Ying Zheng sensed the surrounding spiritual energy becoming increasingly abundant and suggested they pause for a short period of cultivation. (End of Chapter)