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

“The spiritual energy here is so abundant, we should seize the opportunity to improve our cultivation.” As he spoke, Ying Zheng found a flat boulder to sit on and closed his eyes to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy.

Li Si and Ziya each chose a suitable spot and began their cultivation. Yang Ling and Xu Fu sat together, discussing the different applications of the Heavenly Secret Grass.

"Besides the ability to foresee the future, what other new uses do you think we can discover with the Heavenly Secret Grass?" Xu Fu asked Yang Ling curiously.

Yang Ling pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "I'm thinking about whether we can combine the essence of the Heavenly Mystery Grass with other spiritual herbs to refine a new kind of pill. This kind of pill can not only enhance a person's physique, but also provide spiritual energy support at critical moments."

“Then we need to find suitable medicinal herbs as auxiliary ingredients.” Xu Fu nodded in agreement.

Just then, a clear and melodious bird song rang out, breaking the surrounding silence like heavenly music. Everyone turned to look, and saw a large, exceptionally beautiful bird with vibrant plumage descending from the sky. It gracefully and elegantly landed on a tall, ancient tree not far away, its magnificent wings fluttering. Once atop the tree, its bright, intelligent eyes surveyed its surroundings, as if it could see into the hearts of everyone present. Everyone was deeply captivated by its beauty and nobility, and couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

"This is the Spirit Bird of Mount Ling, a legendary divine bird that can understand human speech and know people's hearts," Li Si said in a low voice to the crowd.

Ying Zheng rose and bowed to the Illusionary Bird: "Senior Illusionary Bird, we are explorers from the Great Qin, hoping to find cultivation methods and elixirs on Lingxiao Peak. May I ask if there are any elixirs we need nearby?"

The phantom bird responded softly: "Human friends, I have sensed your sincerity. The elixir you speak of is found in a hidden herb garden in the valley, where all kinds of rare and precious herbs grow. However, the guardian of the herb garden is a spirit monkey, and you must obtain its permission before you can pick them."

After thanking the phantom bird for its guidance, the group followed its directions and arrived at a mysterious valley hidden behind a waterfall. Sure enough, there was a small garden surrounded by exotic flowers and rare herbs in the valley, where monkeys were leaping and playing happily.

"Senior Spirit Monkey, we wish to gather some spiritual herbs to refine elixirs. We hope you will grant us permission," Xu Fu said respectfully.

The monkey stopped playing and carefully examined them: "Humans, do you know that every spiritual herb is the essence of this mountain range? Picking them indiscriminately will damage the mountain's spiritual energy. You must prove your sincerity and ability before you can obtain what you need from here."

Ziya stepped forward and replied sincerely, "We understand Senior Monkey's concerns. May we ask how we can prove our sincerity and ability?"

The monkey pondered for a moment, then said, “Deep within this herb garden is a small trial array. Only by passing the test of the trial array can you prove that you are worthy of these herbs. Each of you must face your inner fears and desires and overcome them.”

The group exchanged glances, their faces hardening with determination, and nodded in agreement to accept the challenge. The clever monkey smiled slightly, turned, and led them through a garden full of exotic flowers and plants, with colorful butterflies fluttering around them, until they arrived at a circular clearing naturally formed by the intertwining roots of ancient trees. In the center of the clearing, an ancient stone platform lay quietly, its surface covered with symbols and patterns, weathered yet still clearly legible, as if telling a secret from a thousand years ago.

The monkey pointed to the stone platform and said, "You must enter this circular area one by one to face your trials. Remember, the real challenge comes from within; face it bravely, and you will find the answer."

As the team leader, Ying Zheng took a deep breath and steadily walked forward. As he stood on the stone platform, the ancient trees around him seemed to be summoned, their roots and branches slowly twisting, enclosing Ying Zheng in a closed space. His vision gradually blurred, and then a phantom appeared.

He saw the future of the Qin Empire: war raging, people displaced. He could almost feel the heavy responsibility and pressure, yet his heart remained steadfast and courageous. In his vision, he strategized and implemented a series of tactics, ultimately quelling the border conflicts and restoring peace and prosperity to the people. Ying Zheng emerged from the trial, his face bearing an unprecedented resolve. He turned to the crowd and said, "I have seen the future, and I have found the way to lead the Qin Empire to prosperity."

Ziya followed closely behind and entered the trial. He faced the temptation of power, but he upheld his principles. In the end, the illusion dissipated, and he walked out of the trial with a smile.

Next was Xu Fu, who struggled with his fear of failure during the trials, eventually learning to face it with equanimity and finding new courage and determination in the process.

Yang Ling and Li Si entered in turn. In the trial, they confronted their desires and thirst for knowledge, and both found the answers deep within their hearts.

When the last person stepped out of the trial, the monkey nodded and said with satisfaction, "You have all passed the spiritual baptism. Now, you are ready to face even greater challenges."

After the trial, the monkey acknowledged their abilities: "You have demonstrated sufficient sincerity and capability. Now you may gather the necessary herbs from here."

When the trials concluded, everyone felt a profound sense of purification and growth. They understood that this trial was not merely a physical challenge, but also a spiritual awakening. At that moment, they were sincerely grateful to the spirit monkey for this opportunity.

Ying Zheng, as the representative, stepped forward, bowed deeply to the spirit monkey, and said, "Thank you, Senior Spirit Monkey. It is your trial that has helped us understand ourselves better and has also shown us how to move forward in the future."

The monkey smiled slightly, its eyes sparkling with wisdom: "You are all outstanding, facing your fears and challenges head-on. This is the growth you deserve."

Xu Fu stepped forward and said gratefully, "Senior, your trial has helped me overcome my fear of failure. I have never seen my future as clearly as I do now."

“Me too,” Yang Ling replied. “This trial made me understand the true meaning of power. It is not for personal gain, but to seek the well-being of the country and its people.”

Li Si and Jiang Ziya also expressed their gratitude.

The monkey nodded, signaling them to follow him. He led the group through patches of strange plants, finally stopping in front of a clearing overgrown with rare and precious herbs.

“These spiritual herbs all contain powerful spiritual energy, which will greatly benefit your cultivation. You may carefully pick some according to your own needs.”

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with joy. They knew that these spiritual herbs were priceless treasures, coveted items for cultivators. Under the guidance of the spirit monkey, they all crouched down and carefully picked the herbs. (End of Chapter)