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

Xu Fu took out several newly made talisman papers and gently traced intricate incantations on them. His fingers moved nimbly across the paper, each stroke precise and powerful. He would pause occasionally, take a deep breath, and then continue drawing his talismans.

Ziya was practicing martial arts, his movements expansive and fluid. His long whip drew beautiful arcs in the air, whistling as it cut through the air. During his practice, he would occasionally stop to deeply experience the internal flow and energy changes brought about by each movement.

Day after day, each person gradually found their own methods and feelings through their own cultivation. They began to be able to perceive the spiritual energy around them more clearly, and even resonate with it to some extent.

One night, the moonlight, as clear as water, illuminated the entire lake, making the water shimmer and appear exceptionally mysterious. Yang Ling stood up, gazing at the lake under the moonlight, feeling a strange connection.

“Moonlight is also a very strong source of energy,” Yang Ling explained to his companions. “Especially on nights like this, we can try to absorb the moonlight to purify our minds and strengthen our spiritual power.”

Upon hearing this, everyone rose, faced the moonlight, closed their eyes, and began to try cultivating according to Yang Ling's method. They could feel the moonlight falling on them like a fine rain, each drop filled with cool energy, gradually absorbed by their bodies, bringing an unprecedented sense of freshness.

Suddenly, the surface of the lake began to ripple, spreading out in waves. Everyone opened their eyes and saw a huge water sphere slowly rising from the center of the lake. The water was crystal clear, and the moonlight reflected in it, making it exceptionally beautiful.

“This is a response from the spiritual energy in the lake,” Yang Ling explained. “It seems that our cultivation has already touched the spiritual power in the lake.”

Then, the water sphere slowly transformed into a giant dragon head made of water, facing the group with a mysterious light gleaming in its eyes. Yang Ling immediately realized that this was the divine dragon of the lake giving them guidance and assistance.

"We express our respect and gratitude to the dragon," Yang Ling said in a low voice. The crowd then clasped their hands together and bowed to show their respect for the dragon.

The dragon head nodded, then slowly sank into the water, and the water sphere dissipated. Moonlight continued to fall on the lake, and everything returned to calm.

As dawn broke, Yang Ling was the first to awaken from his cultivation. He took a deep breath of fresh air, his eyes gleaming with an inner light. He turned to his companions, who were slowly waking up, and suggested with a smile, "Today, we can try a new cultivation method—telepathy. This method will not only deepen our spiritual power but also enhance our mutual understanding."

Ying Zheng stretched and stood up. He rubbed his eyes and replied with a smile, "Brother Yang's suggestion is always so timely. I was just finding simple internal energy cultivation a bit boring."

Li Si and Ziya also expressed their support, while Xu Fu asked with some curiosity, "How exactly does telepathy work?"

Yang Ling explained, “Let’s start with something simple. Everyone, form a circle, close your eyes, relax your mind, and then try to sense the presence and emotions of those around you. The key to telepathy lies in perception, not in verbal communication.”

Everyone prepared as instructed, closed their eyes, and began trying to sense the presence of others. At first, they could only sense each other's breathing, but gradually, as their cultivation deepened, they began to sense more.

Ziya suddenly spoke, his voice somewhat surprised: "I can feel the burning passion in Brother Li Si's heart, like a flame."

Li Si opened one eye and smiled slightly: "Then you should be able to sense my current predicament."

Everyone laughed upon hearing this, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Yang Ling continued to instruct, "Excellent. Now let's deepen our understanding, attempting to sense each other's thoughts and synchronize our heartbeats and breaths as much as possible." Over the next few hours, they felt as if they were immersed in an invisible current, their minds gradually connecting to form a harmonious whole. This profound spiritual connection significantly enhanced their cultivation levels.

Just as they were immersed in this magical experience, the lake surface suddenly rippled slightly, and bursts of blue light rose from the bottom of the lake, forming gentle energies that surrounded them.

"This is the energy bestowed upon us by the divine dragon of the lake," Yang Ling said in a low voice, his voice tinged with awe.

Just then, an even more intense beam of light shot straight into the sky from the lake, forming a huge halo that hovered above their heads. The halo slowly rotated, radiating a mesmerizing light and energy that cleansed their minds and bodies.

After feeling this power, Ying Zheng couldn't help but sigh, "This feeling is as if my whole being has been purified."

Xu Fu excitedly added, "This energy is extremely pure and will greatly benefit our spell cultivation!"

As time passed, the halo in the sky slowly dissipated, but the power remaining within them was enduring and profound. Yang Ling stood up, looking at everyone with eyes full of trust and expectation: "Today's cultivation was quite successful, and each of us has made progress. In the days to come, we will face more challenges, but as long as our hearts are connected, nothing can stop us."

Ziya nodded in agreement: "Yes, today I deeply felt the power of the collective. Cultivating alone is a completely different experience from cultivating with others."

Li Si also smiled and said, "Sometimes, a completely new experience can lead to unexpected progress. Brother Yang's telepathy method is truly a timely help."

Xu Fu then began to organize his talisman paper and writing materials, pondering how to incorporate today's experiences into his talismans: "I need to write down these feelings; perhaps I can create new talismans."

Ying Zheng patted Yang Ling on the shoulder and said gratefully, "You always bring us new insights. Brother Yang, you are truly our guide."

Yang Ling smiled and accepted the praise, then looked up at the distant horizon and made a silent wish in his heart, a wish that concerned their future path and the pursuit of a higher realm.

As their cultivation deepened, a strange radiance gradually appeared in the sky, spreading out like a colorful ribbon and illuminating every corner of Penglai Immortal Island. On this day, Yang Ling suggested, "We should explore this island more deeply; perhaps there are still undiscovered wonders."

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up, ready to explore together. Li Si excitedly waved his arms, "Who knows, we might even find some rare immortal herbs and fruits!"

Ying Zheng adjusted his sword belt, his face showing anticipation. "I'm more looking forward to encountering the mythical beasts on the island or some strange challenge."

Led by Yang Ling, the group traversed the dense forest, heading deeper into the island. Soon, they arrived at a seemingly ordinary bamboo grove. But Yang Ling stopped, his brow furrowing slightly, as if sensing something. "The air here… is a little strange." (End of Chapter)