Han Li stood silently in place, watching Li Feiyu’s retreating figure gradually fade into the distance.
After agreeing to collect the medicine at noon the following day, Li Feiyu had taken his leave, saying he needed to rest and recuperate further. Throughout their long interaction, Han Li had never pressed him about the reason for taking such a dangerous secret drug. He knew that even if he asked, it wouldn’t change what had already happened.
Since Li Feiyu was willing to sacrifice his future for the present glory of being the renowned “Senior Brother Li,” it was clear he had compelling reasons for doing so. No one would willingly choose to end their life, even gradually and at great cost. Forcing him to explain would only reopen wounds that had barely begun to heal.
Han Li’s discretion proved wise. Before leaving, Li Feiyu seemed grateful that Han Li hadn’t pressed him about the “Marrow-Extracting Pill,” and though he didn’t say it aloud, Han Li knew he had earned another small favor.
Han Li intended to keep his promise—not only would he keep Li Feiyu’s secret, but he also decided to prepare a medicine to alleviate his pain as soon as he returned to the valley. His reasoning was simple: since Li Feiyu wasn’t a dishonorable person and hadn’t tried to kill him, Han Li would make sure he owed an even greater debt, one that would make it difficult for him to refuse any future requests.
Li Feiyu’s martial skills would only improve in the coming years, and the stronger he became, the more useful he could be to Han Li. Even if his help wasn’t needed, assisting someone who wasn’t a bad person was still a satisfying and heartening experience. Though Li Feiyu might not be entirely virtuous, after today’s events, Han Li felt assured he posed no threat.
After carefully reviewing everything and ensuring he hadn’t overlooked anything, Han Li leisurely made his way back to Divine Hand Valley.
Once back in the valley, he began preparing the medicine Li Feiyu needed. The pain-relieving concoction wasn’t difficult to make—all the ingredients could be found in the valley’s herb garden—but the process was tedious and required meticulous attention.
After a busy afternoon, Han Li prepared enough medicine to last Li Feiyu a year. He could have made more, but he wanted Li Feiyu to return each year to collect it, ensuring he wouldn’t forget the debt he owed.
As evening fell, Han Li sat unusually in a chair outside his door, gazing up at the dark, starry sky and the bright moon, lost in thought. He was thinking of his family.
It had been over four years since he left his parents. Since coming to the mountain, he had devoted himself to cultivation, with little time to think of home, and he had never returned. He sent most of his monthly earnings home and received only one letter a year, written by Uncle Zhang on behalf of his parents, assuring him they were well. The letters were brief, mentioning only that life at home had improved—his eldest brother had started a family, and his second brother was engaged to be married the following year. All these changes were made possible by the money Han Li sent home.
Yet, from the tone of the letters, Han Li sensed a growing formality, almost as if his family were treating him like a stranger. At first, this realization frightened him, and he didn’t know how to respond. But as time passed, the fear gradually faded, and the images of his family grew hazier in his mind.
Only on nights like this, stirred by the scenery, would he reminisce about his family and the warmth of home—a feeling he now rarely experienced but cherished deeply. He savored it slowly, bit by bit.
Han Li placed his hand over his chest, fingers gently brushing the small leather pouch containing a protective talisman through his clothes.
Usually, this simple act brought him a faint sense of comfort. But tonight, for some reason, it left him more restless than ever, his mind unable to calm down.
An indescribable feeling of oppression weighed on him. He couldn’t control his emotions, and his body felt increasingly unsettled. His blood and qi churned uncontrollably, and the strange energy he had cultivated through his practice grew restless.
The terrifying thought of “qi deviation” suddenly crossed his mind. Han Li stood up, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down. With Physician Mo absent, he had to handle this crisis on his own.
He found it puzzling that he would experience qi deviation for no apparent reason. Though it wasn’t the time to investigate, addressing the root cause was the only way to resolve the problem completely.
He raised his head and scanned his surroundings but found nothing unusual.
As he rubbed his chin with his right hand, his elbow bumped against something bulky. His gaze instinctively fell upon it.
“Leather pouch.” “Protective talisman.” The names flashed through his mind.
“Could this be the cause of the trouble?” Han Li couldn’t be sure, but he had no time to hesitate—his internal condition was worsening, and he risked losing control at any moment.
Without delay, he yanked the pouch from his neck and hurled it as far away as he could.
“No, it’s worse now. The turmoil inside me is even stronger.”
Struggling to suppress the internal chaos, Han Li stared with bloodshot eyes at the distant pouch, desperate to understand why things had taken a turn for the worse.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage