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

Xu Fu specifically selected some spiritual herbs that could be used to refine pills. He planned to combine these herbs with the Heavenly Mystery Grass to create a new type of pill. He said to Yang Ling, "Now that we have obtained so many precious spiritual herbs, we should study them carefully and try to refine pills that can help people cultivate better and improve their physique."

Yang Ling agreed, "Indeed, this will be a major breakthrough in our research on the Heavenly Mystery Grass. We can not only use this method to help the country, but also provide more possibilities for cultivators."

After gathering the spiritual herbs under the guidance of the monkey, Ying Zheng and his companions continued their journey along the towering mountains, traversing ancient forests and jagged rocks, searching for more places to cultivate. Amidst the biting mountain winds and swirling mists, a profound and unfathomable aura slowly spread out.

"The spiritual energy here is unusually dense, as if it conceals some ancient power." Ziya sensed the strong fluctuations in the air and couldn't help but stop and look around at the changes.

Li Si looked around and suddenly pointed to a valley ahead: "Look there, there seems to be a light flickering in the valley. Why don't we go and investigate?"

The group then proceeded towards the light. Upon closer inspection, they discovered it was a small lake surrounded by ancient trees, with a light mist floating on its surface. In the center stood a huge floating rock, covered with intricate runes, emitting a faint glow.

“The layout here seems to be a natural spirit-gathering array.” Xu Fu said as he stepped forward to examine it closely. He gently touched the runes, trying to sense the information contained within them.

As everyone gathered to examine the floating stones, ripples suddenly spread across the lake's surface, and a powerful force surged from the depths. Suddenly, a voice resounded in their hearts: "Brave travelers, you have touched the very heart of Mount Ling. Are you willing to accept its trials?"

Ying Zheng immediately responded: "We have come here to seek cultivation methods and to meet challenges. We are willing to endure any kind of trial."

The voice continued, "Then, please choose one of you to enter the floating rocks in the lake and receive the baptism of Mount Ling."

Yang Ling stepped forward and said, "I am willing to be the first to accept the trial." He walked slowly to the floating rock in the center of the lake, found a spot on it, sat down cross-legged, closed his eyes and concentrated, and began to sense the spiritual energy around him.

As Yang Ling entered a meditative state, the runes on the floating stone suddenly lit up with dazzling brilliance, and a powerful surge of spiritual energy converged on him from all directions. Yang Ling's body was completely enveloped in the light, and his expression gradually changed from calm to pain, clearly indicating that the intensity of this trial far exceeded expectations.

Ying Zheng and the others watched intently, ready to lend a hand at any moment. Just then, Yang Ling's voice rang out again, this time from the depths of his heart: "I have seen a vision of the future, where the people of the Great Qin live in harmony, without war or disaster, a true world of great peace."

As he finished speaking, the light on the floating stone began to slowly fade, and Yang Ling's figure gradually became clear. He slowly stood up, a knowing smile on his face: "I have passed the trial. I understand now. Cultivation is not only about increasing personal strength, but also about achieving harmony and balance of the mind."

The crowd gathered around Yang Ling, listening to him recount his experiences and feelings during the trials. This experience gave Yang Ling a deeper understanding of cultivation and strengthened his resolve to assist Ying Zheng in unifying the world.

Ziya suddenly pointed to a spot on the lake: "Look over there, there seems to be something alive swimming in the lake."

Following his gesture, everyone looked and saw a giant water dragon appear in the lake. Its body was wrapped around floating rocks, and its eyes, like bright pearls, shone with the light of wisdom. The water dragon slowly raised its head and let out a long, resounding roar that echoed through the valley, a sound that was awe-inspiring.

Li Si whispered, "This is the Water Dragon of Mount Ling, a legendary guardian spirit beast capable of seeing the past and the future." The Water Dragon's voice rang out again, this time conveying itself directly through the mind: "Travelers, your path is full of challenges, but also full of hope. Each of you harbors a dream; follow your heart, and you will find the true answer."

The water dragon swam slowly, circling the floating rocks several times before diving into the depths of the lake and disappearing without a trace. It left everyone with deep contemplation and profound awe.

After the water dragon departed, the entire lake returned to calm, as if the scene just now was merely an illusion. However, everyone deeply felt the powerful spiritual energy and the wisdom of the water dragon.

"The appearance of the water dragon is undoubtedly a guide for our path of cultivation," Ziya pondered, his eyes gleaming with a light of exploration for the unknown.

Ying Zheng nodded and said with emotion, "Indeed, with each step we take forward, we realize how extraordinary this mountain is. This sacred mountain is not only protected by spirit beasts, but also by an invisible force that is testing us."

Xu Fu, however, was more interested in the insights he gained from the mythical beast: "The water dragon mentioned following one's dreams. Does this mean that we should focus more on our inner voice rather than just pursuing external power?"

Yang Ling responded: "That's right. On the path of cultivation, inner peace and wisdom are equally important. We should cultivate our character while enhancing our own strength."

Li Si analyzed from a strategic perspective: "If we can bring back the things we have seen and heard on this journey to Qin and use them to guide our governance, we may be able to achieve a state of peace and truly realize a country without war."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's eyes shone with hope: "Li Si is absolutely right. We must consider how to transform these extraordinary experiences into concrete strategies for governing the country."

The group then continued deeper into the mountains, where they saw rows of strange flowers growing on both sides of the mountain path. These flowers emitted a faint glow, and whenever the wind blew, they swayed and made a melodious ringing sound.

"This flower is called the Spirit Sound Flower. Legend has it that it can guide cultivators to find inner peace." Xu Fu explained as he approached the flower and gently touched its soft petals.

As they explored further, they suddenly heard low chanting coming from the cave ahead. The sound was both melodious and mysterious, as if it possessed some kind of summoning power.

"There seems to be something hidden in the cave ahead," Yang Ling said solemnly.

"Let's go and see; perhaps a new challenge awaits us there." Ying Zheng led the way toward the cave from which the voice came.

Filled with curiosity and awe, the group followed closely behind into the mysterious cave. The cave was dark and quiet, with only the occasional sound of dripping water echoing within. Upon closer inspection, they discovered that the cave walls were covered with exquisite rock paintings. These paintings, depicting numerous mythical beasts and ancient cultivators with vivid strokes, seemed to narrate an ancient and mysterious story. As the group reached the depths of the cave, they were astonished to find an elderly man in a long robe, with white hair, sitting quietly on a stone seat. The old man's eyes were closed, and he was chanting ancient incantations, his voice reverberating throughout the cave, giving him a sense of transcendence, as if he possessed some mysterious connection with the universe.

Sensing their arrival, the old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze piercing: "Welcome, everyone, to this secluded place deep within Mount Ling. I am the guardian of this place, known as the Poet Immortal." (End of Chapter)