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

Ziya leaned closer, trying to understand the difference Yang Ling was referring to. "Yes, it's as if there's a calming feeling in it."

Xu Fu chanted a spell in a low voice, probing the changes in the surrounding atmosphere. "The bamboo forest here is permeated with spiritual energy, and every bamboo contains a rich power of heaven and earth."

Yang Ling nodded, signaling everyone to proceed with caution. They slowly ventured deeper into the bamboo forest. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew by, and the bamboo leaves rustled, producing a melodious sound like the music of a zither.

"This...is this music played by the bamboo forest itself?" Li Si exclaimed in surprise, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ying Zheng closed his eyes and listened to the heavenly music. "This is the magic of nature. We are so fortunate to be able to feel it here."

Yang Ling looked around and suddenly noticed a string of ribbons tied to a bamboo stalk. The ribbons swayed gently in the wind and were decorated with ancient runes. He walked over and examined them closely, then said softly, "These runes record an ancient cultivation method, which may help us better understand the subtleties of the world."

Xu Fu followed closely behind, studying the runes on the ribbons. "This...this is actually the long-lost Cloud Dragon Heart Method, which can greatly enhance the ability to control spiritual energy."

Yang Ling nodded seriously, then turned to face the crowd, "In that case, we might as well stay here and cultivate in seclusion for a while to explore the mysteries of the Cloud Dragon Heart Method."

Everyone was excited upon hearing this and expressed their agreement. Ziya laughed and said, "Now we'll be busy. I want to see how much this Cloud Dragon Heart Method can improve my whip technique."

They chose a flat area in the bamboo forest and began to build a simple training ground. Ying Zheng and Li Si were busy moving bamboo and stones, while Xu Fu set up an array to ensure that they would not be disturbed by the outside world while they were cultivating.

After completing the preparations, Yang Ling first tried cultivating the Cloud Dragon Heart Sutra. He sat in the center of the bamboo forest, formed hand seals, and slowly mobilized the surrounding spiritual energy. Soon, wind began to automatically generate around him, and the bamboo leaves danced in the wind, forming small vortices.

Upon seeing this, Ying Zheng couldn't help but murmur in admiration, "It seems Brother Yang's cultivation is about to break through again."

Not to be outdone, Li Si began to cultivate according to the instructions on the ribbon. Soon, the aura around him changed, and a warm current surrounded him.

Ziya and Xu Fu were also immersed in their cultivation, filling the bamboo forest with a strong atmosphere of practice. Every now and then, they could hear the sound of a zither emanating from the bamboo forest, and each note seemed to propel their cultivation to a higher level.

Yang Ling carefully examined every detail of the bamboo forest, then softly explained to his companions, "This Cloud Dragon Heart Method is not an ordinary cultivation method; it is more like an art of communicating with the elements of nature. The wind you feel is actually the resonance between the spiritual energy in the bamboo forest and our minds."

Upon hearing this, Li Si frowned slightly, seemingly puzzled by the explanation. He gently waved the bamboo branch in his hand, attempting to establish some connection with the surrounding wind, but found his own spiritual energy somewhat unstable. "Brother Yang, I feel that my spiritual energy seems incompatible with this style. Why is that?"

Yang Ling walked over, patted Li Si on the shoulder, and said gently, "This is because your heart hasn't fully opened to nature. Cultivating the Cloud Dragon Heart Method requires us to let go of all distracting thoughts and completely merge with nature." Ying Zheng listened attentively. He squatted down, his fingers lightly touching the ground, feeling the faint tremors emanating from the earth. His gaze gradually deepened. "I can feel the earth breathing; it's a very wondrous feeling. Brother Yang, does every element have its unique language and rhythm?"

“That’s right.” Yang Ling nodded, then gestured for everyone to form a circle and began to guide them on how to better communicate with the natural elements around them. “First, we need to close our eyes and feel with our hearts every gentle breeze and every rustling of bamboo leaves.”

As Yang Ling's voice gradually deepened, everyone closed their eyes and tried to follow his instructions. For a moment, the only sounds in the bamboo forest were the wind and the rustling of bamboo leaves, as if the whole world was assisting their cultivation.

Li Si slowly felt a gentle force surrounding him, and a faint smile appeared on his face. He finally felt the warmth of the wind; this force flowed through his body, gradually calming his heart.

Ziya felt a surge of intense power, the element of fire. His body seemed to be enveloped in a thin layer of flames, but these flames were not scorching; they only gave him warmth and strength. He slightly opened his arms, as if he could control the dance of these flames.

Xu Fu's experience was even more miraculous. He felt as if he had become a drop of water, able to flow, penetrate, and encompass. His soul formed a wondrous connection with the surrounding moisture and the dew on the bamboo leaves.

Just as everyone was immersed in this state of cultivation, a mysterious light suddenly emanated from the depths of the bamboo forest. The light, tinged with a faint gold, illuminated their faces. Yang Ling was the first to notice this change. He slowly opened his eyes and walked towards the source of the light.

Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the light emanated from a strangely shaped stone. Its surface was covered with intricate patterns that shimmered with light, as if telling a story. Yang Ling gently touched the stone, and the patterns suddenly came to life, flowing like water.

“This is a spirit stone, which has the ability to record and transmit information about heaven and earth.” Yang Ling turned around and explained to everyone, “In ancient times, cultivators would use such spirit stones to record important cultivation methods and the great principles of heaven and earth.”

Ying Zheng and Ziya also came over, curiously examining the spirit stone. "So, what can we learn from this spirit stone?" Ziya asked.

Yang Ling pondered for a moment, then replied, "We can try to communicate with the spirit stone telepathically; perhaps we can decipher the information within."

Everyone nodded, and then Yang Ling demonstrated how to communicate with the spirit stone. He closed his eyes, placed his hands on the spirit stone, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled. Soon, a faint halo began to appear around Yang Ling's body, echoing the patterns on the spirit stone and creating a harmonious resonance.

Seeing this, Li Si and the others followed suit. One by one, they placed their hands on the spirit stones, trying to sense the information within. As they tried, the wind in the bamboo forest seemed to become more active, the bamboo leaves swaying gently and making pleasant sounds, as if welcoming their exploration.

Night deepened, and every sound in the bamboo forest became exceptionally clear. The light surrounding the spirit stones gradually softened, as if guiding everyone into a deeper state of cultivation. Yang Ling slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sparkling with a new, profound light. (End of Chapter)