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

Yang Ling also bowed and asked, "Senior, could you please give us some pointers?"

The old man nodded and said, "Now that you have found the core of the dragon vein and obtained a great opportunity, you should focus on cultivating your mind and character. Remember, only with a calm mind can you perceive the essence of all things."

Yang Ling agreed in a deep voice, and then led the group away from the mysterious immortal's abode. They walked slowly along the stone path, the surrounding trees seeming to understand their spirit, their branches swaying gently and making a rustling sound. The fragrance of flowers mixed with the damp scent of earth in the air was exceptionally comforting.

"This Penglai Immortal Island is truly a wondrous place," Ziya exclaimed as he walked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and awe for the unknown.

Xu Fu, however, wore a smile, his gaze frequently sweeping around as if searching for some rare talismanic material. He suddenly stopped, bent down, picked up a fallen leaf from the ground, and examined it closely. The naturally formed patterns on the leaf seemed to contain some mysterious power.

“Look at this leaf. Nature’s wonders are everywhere.” Xu Fu showed the leaf to everyone and said, “These kinds of patterns can be used to make talismans to enhance protection.”

Li Si excitedly leaned closer to examine it closely. "It's truly amazing! Brother Xu, can you teach me how to identify these special patterns?"

Xu Fu nodded, “Of course, these are all part of cultivation. Every natural thing has its own unique spirituality and power. Learning to perceive and utilize these powers will greatly benefit us.”

Yang Ling led the way, then suddenly stopped and pointed to a thick fog ahead. "There is a mysterious fog forest there, which is said to be traversable only by true cultivators. Let's give it a try."

Although everyone felt a little apprehensive upon hearing this, Yang Ling's suggestion also stirred their adventurous spirit. They all nodded in agreement and decided to go and find out for themselves.

As they stepped into the mist, the surrounding scenery began to blur. A play of light and shadow appeared around each person, as if they had each entered their own private world.

Ying Zheng sensed a strange power testing his heart. He saw a massive golden tornado slowly approaching him. Ying Zheng took a deep breath, raised his longsword, and swung it with all his might. The spiritual energy on the sword collided with the tornado, bursting forth with dazzling light.

"Do not be deceived by illusions; these are all illusions to test our will!" Ying Zheng shouted, reminding his companions.

In his illusion, Yang Ling saw a colossal white dragon, its eyes radiating compassion and wisdom. Instead of using force, Yang Ling clasped his hands in reverence, paying homage to the dragon. The dragon nodded slightly, then transformed into a beam of light and merged into Yang Ling's body.

"Feel the power of nature, sense it with your heart, and don't try to resist it." Yang Ling's voice pierced through the mist and reached everyone's ears.

In Li Si's illusion, a sea of ​​fire appeared, the flames scorching his body. He remembered Yang Ling's words and tried to feel the power within the flames instead of resisting them. Gradually, he felt the flames no longer burning him, but warming him and bestowing strength upon him.

Ziya then encountered a colossal phoenix, its tail feathers ablaze with brilliant flames, its eyes filled with challenge. Ziya raised his long whip, but then lowered it, instead gazing silently at the phoenix. Seeing this change, the phoenix spread its wings and soared into the sky, leaving behind a trail of spiritual essence that drifted into Ziya's palm.

Finally, the fog gradually dissipated, and everyone gathered together again, their eyes shining with a new light. Each person had gained different insights and experiences. "This fog forest is indeed extraordinary; everyone's experience has been a spiritual baptism," Yang Ling said with a smile.

The group continued onward, arriving at a towering waterfall. The waterfall cascaded down with a deafening roar, its spray seemingly capable of cleansing all impurities. Yang Ling pointed to a hidden path behind the waterfall, "That's the path to the mountaintop. We can go there to Shenlong Lake at the summit."

Shenlong Lake is said to be the soul of Penglai Immortal Island. The lake water is crystal clear, and a sleeping dragon dwells in the lake. Only those who gain the dragon's approval can obtain elixirs from the lake.

Summoning their courage, the group began to climb the steep path beside the waterfall. The rocks were slippery, the path narrow, and a slight misstep could lead to a fall. But no one gave up; they supported each other and overcame the difficulties together.

Upon reaching the summit, a vast lake came into view, its waters a vibrant emerald green. In the center of the lake sat a small island, its pavilions and terraces creating an ethereal, otherworldly scene. The group gathered at the lake's edge, quietly awaiting the appearance of the divine dragon.

Soon, ripples spread across the lake, and a colossal blue dragon slowly emerged from the water. Its eyes, like two bright stars, were deep and mysterious. The dragon surveyed the crowd, its gaze finally settling on them, and it slowly spoke: "Have you come seeking higher cultivation, or are you here to covet the treasures of the immortal island?"

The group exchanged glances, and then Yang Ling, on behalf of everyone, replied: "We have come here to learn more about cultivation and improve our own abilities, not to covet the treasures of the Immortal Island."

Upon hearing this, a hint of approval flashed in the dragon's eyes. Its body slowly sank down, leaving behind only one sentence: "In that case, you may cultivate here until your mind and strength are sufficient to comprehend the power of heaven and earth."

As the dragon completely submerged into the lake, the lake returned to calm.

Yang Ling nodded in understanding, then turned to his companions, his eyes shining with determination, "From now on, we will enter a deeper level of cultivation on this sacred land. Every day, we will face ourselves, challenge ourselves, until we reach the realm of comprehending the power of heaven and earth as described by the divine dragon."

Everyone nodded in agreement, their hearts filled with anticipation and determination. They sat around the lake and began to cultivate. A gentle breeze caressed their faces, bringing a touch of coolness, and the fragrance of grass and trees soothed their minds.

Ying Zheng closed his eyes, adjusted his breathing, and placed his long sword horizontally on his knees. His heart was surging, and the battle scenes in his memory kept flashing through his mind, but he gradually learned to let go of those fighting spirits and murderous intents, and instead feel the peaceful power from nature.

Li Si frowned slightly, clearly encountering some difficulties in his cultivation. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at Yang Ling for help, "Brother Yang, I always feel that I can't fully relax, and there's always a sense of anxiety in my heart."

Yang Ling responded softly, “Relaxing your mind is the first step in cultivation. You can try listening to those subtle sounds, such as the wind and the water. They can help you harmonize your mind.”

Li Si nodded, then closed his eyes, trying to focus his attention on the natural sounds around him. Slowly, his expression shifted from tense to peaceful, and the wrinkles on his forehead gradually smoothed out. (End of Chapter)