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

Xu Fu stood to the side, stroking his long beard, his eyes gleaming with contemplation. He knew the importance of this expedition and understood the risks involved. "Yang Ling is right," he said slowly, "We now possess sufficient strength to explore that mysterious region. Moreover, it may hold countless treasures and ancient heritages, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us."

However, Li Si held a different view. He was always known for his composure and maintained a cautious attitude towards adventure. "But don't forget, it's said that powerful demonic beasts guard that place," he warned. "Are we really confident we can handle them? If something goes wrong, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Yang Ling was not surprised by Li Si's questioning. He smiled calmly, reached into his robes, and took out an item. It was a piece of crystal-clear jade, its surface shimmering with a captivating, mysterious luster, as if it contained a myriad of worlds within. He handed the jade to Ziya beside him, gesturing for him to examine it closely.

Ziya took the jade with a puzzled look and examined it carefully. He saw that a spirit beast seemed to appear within the jade, its light flickering and shifting, as if it contained some kind of mysterious power. "Brother Yang Ling, what kind of treasure is this?" he asked curiously.

"This is a treasure I found by chance in the Trial Grounds, called 'Spirit Beast Jade'," Yang Ling said slowly, his eyes shining with confidence. He knew the value of this jade and believed it would be a great help in this adventure.

"A spirit beast jade?" Ying Zheng also moved closer, curiously examining the mysterious jade. As a member of the royal family, he had seen countless treasures, but this jade gave him a unique feeling. He seemed to be able to sense the powerful energy contained within it, as well as the mysterious ability to communicate with demonic beasts.

“That’s right,” Yang Ling continued. “Legend has it that this jade stone has the ability to communicate with demonic beasts, and may even be able to tame them. If we can master this power, then we will have a better chance of winning when facing demonic beasts.”

"Really?" Ziya's eyes lit up as he looked at the spirit beast jade in Yang Ling's hand. "Then wouldn't we be able to live in harmony with the demon beasts and reduce many conflicts?"

“That’s true in theory,” Yang Ling nodded and smiled. “But the specific effects still need to be verified in practice. However, I believe that as long as we make good use of the power of this jade, it will definitely be of great help to this expedition.”

“Yang Ling is right,” Ying Zheng said in a deep voice. “If this spirit beast jade can truly communicate with and even tame demon beasts, then our chances of success on this trip will be much greater.” He expressed his agreement and support for Yang Ling’s suggestion.

“Then we can give it a try,” Qiu Shui interjected. “After all, more ability means a better chance of winning.” She was also filled with curiosity and anticipation for the spirit beast jade in Yang Ling’s hand. Although she didn’t know much about demonic beasts, she trusted Yang Ling’s judgment and abilities. At the same time, she also hoped that this adventure would bring more discoveries and gains.

“But a demon beast is still a demon beast,” Bai Wei reminded them, remaining vigilant. “We still need to proceed with caution and not be careless.” She was not misled by the mysterious power of the spirit beast jade, but was more concerned with practical safety. This was consistent with her character and principles.

“Bai Wei is right,” Yang Ling agreed. “This jade stone only provides us with the possibility of communicating with demonic beasts, but the real key still lies within ourselves.” He understood that no matter how powerful the external assistance, his own strength and preparation were paramount. Therefore, he had been working hard to improve his abilities to ensure he could handle any challenge with ease.

"Now that Yang Ling possesses this treasure, we have even greater confidence." Ying Zheng finally made his decision. "Make preparations, and we will set off tomorrow to explore that mysterious place!"

"So how exactly should we proceed?" Ziya asked curiously, and everyone's gaze turned to Yang Ling.

Yang Ling pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "First, we need to use the ancient formation to teleport to that celestial land. Once we arrive, I will try to use the spirit beast jade to communicate with the local monsters, hoping to gain their trust and help."

"But what if the monsters don't accept it?" Bai Wei asked worriedly.

“Then we’ll have to resort to the alternative plan,” Xu Fu continued. “We can use the methods taught by the ancient tree to find hidden treasures and inheritances, and try to avoid direct conflict with the monsters.” “Yes, safety first,” Ying Zheng emphasized. “We don’t want anyone to get injured on this expedition.”

Li Si sighed: "I hope Yang Ling's spirit beast jade will work. After all, if we can coexist peacefully with demon beasts, it will be a historic breakthrough."

“Moreover,” Qiu Shui added, “if we can truly communicate with or even cooperate with the monsters, it will have immeasurable value for future exploration and resource development.”

As night deepened, the discussion around the campfire continued. Yang Ling took out the Spirit Beast Jade again, examining it closely. He sensed a mysterious power surging within the jade, which filled him with anticipation for the upcoming adventure.

"Yang Ling, do you think this jade will really work?" Ying Zheng suddenly asked.

Yang Ling looked up at Ying Zheng, then nodded firmly: "I believe in it. This jade gives me a strange feeling, as if there is some kind of connection between it and me. I will try my best and not let everyone down."

Ying Zheng patted Yang Ling on the shoulder: "I believe in you. No matter the outcome, we are family and will face everything together."

"Yang Ling, what supplies do you think we need to prepare?" Bai Wei asked, her thinking always so meticulous.

Yang Ling thought for a moment and replied, "Food and water are essential, as are some emergency medicines and tools. In addition, we should also bring enough talismans and cinnabar in case of emergency."

“Yes, and those ancient talismans, they might come in handy at a crucial moment,” Xu Fu added.

“Then we must prepare quickly and set off tomorrow morning,” Ying Zheng said decisively.

"Tomorrow morning?" Ziya asked, somewhat surprised. "So soon?"

"Yes, things can change in the meantime. Since we've already made a decision, we shouldn't delay," Ying Zheng explained.

Li Si also agreed: "Your Majesty is right, we should act as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, everyone rose to their feet, preparing to return to their rooms to rest. However, just as they were about to disperse, a mysterious light suddenly shone from the mural, illuminating the entire room as if it were daytime.
"What's going on?" Ying Zheng asked in surprise, his eyes fixed on the beam of light.

Yang Ling was also quite surprised. He stepped forward and carefully examined the light. He saw mysterious patterns faintly emerging within the light, seemingly some kind of ancient formation. (End of Chapter)