On a certain afternoon over ten days later, Han Li once again slipped out of Divine Hand Valley in secret to meet with Li Feiyu.
Though it wasn’t really slipping out in secret—Physician Mo was well aware of his frequent exits from the valley but never interfered, allowing Han Li to come and go as he pleased.
At first, this hands-off approach made Han Li uneasy, unsure what schemes the other might be plotting. But after several safe trips in and out, he realized no one was actually tailing him, so he relaxed and went about his business boldly.
After a long period of reflection, Han Li gradually came to understand why Physician Mo was so lenient with him.
Physician Mo had his own reasons for being so tolerant.
Though he had Han Li firmly under his thumb with the “Corpse Insect Pill” and the threat to his family, he also knew that such brutal methods would inevitably breed resentment. If Han Li wasn’t willing in his heart, his cultivation would suffer. Restricting his freedom of movement would only make things worse. After all, Physician Mo’s intention was for Han Li to cultivate the Eternal Spring Art proactively—not to force him into it bound hand and foot.
Once Han Li understood the whole story, he grew even bolder. Before, he had to be somewhat cautious, avoiding Physician Mo’s gaze and slipping out quietly. Now, he didn’t even bother explaining—he swaggered right past him without a word.
On the surface, Han Li seemed careless and completely unconcerned, but inwardly he remained as cautious as ever.
The moment he stepped out of the valley, he activated the Eternal Spring Art, heightening his senses to an almost supernatural level. Everything within several dozen meters that moved fell within his awareness.
Han Li was confident that even if Physician Mo personally tried to tail him, he wouldn’t escape detection.
In a direct confrontation, he might not stand a chance, but when it came to mastery of the five senses, he had absolute confidence in himself.
Along the way, Han Li carefully avoided the patrolling disciples and climbed through the secret passage in the old locust tree, arriving near the small pond where they had met last time.
As soon as he entered, he saw Li Feiyu sitting barefoot by the pond.
Head lowered, his feet submerged in the cool water, he kicked vigorously at the surface, splashing colorful droplets everywhere, completely engrossed in his fun.
Hearing Han Li approach, he didn’t even look up, complaining directly, “Junior Brother Han, you’re arriving later and later. Every time, I have to wait forever. Can’t you come early just once?”
“Sorry, I—” Han Li brushed the dirt off his clothes, about to explain.
“Here.” Without waiting for Han Li to finish, Li Feiyu tossed an enormous bundle he’d been hiding behind his back straight at him.
“What’s this? Something tasty?” Han Li was puzzled but then noticed the bundle was hard and heavy—nothing like food.
“All you think about is food! Didn’t you ask me to bring the Blinking Sword Art manual?” Li Feiyu glared at him, then spoke seriously.
“This is the manual? You’ve got to be kidding! You didn’t accidentally pack the whetstone from your yard, did you?” Han Li stared at the massive object in his arms, disbelief written all over his face.
“So heavy!” He strained to lift it, nearly toppling over from the effort.
“Hahaha!” Li Feiyu could no longer hold back, bursting into uproarious laughter until he was rolling on the ground, covered in grass and dirt.
Han Li eyed his friend’s bizarre behavior suspiciously, then glanced at the enormous bundle.
*Thump.*
He gave it a light kick with his foot—it really did feel like books.
Ignoring his friend, who was now beside himself with laughter, Han Li stroked his chin, crouched down beside the bundle, and stuck out his rear.
To him, guessing about something he could verify immediately was a foolish waste of energy.
His fair, slender hands settled on the tight knot of the bundle, his ten fingers twitching slightly. A blur of finger shadows flickered over the bundle, and miraculously, the tightly tied knot loosened.
*Clap, clap!* A crisp round of applause sounded.
Instead of opening the bundle first, Han Li turned to look at his mischievous friend.
At some point, Li Feiyu had stopped laughing and put his shoes back on.
Now he was clapping enthusiastically, cheering him on as if he didn’t care that his palms were already bright red.
“Tsk, tsk! Every time I see you use the ‘Silk-Winding Hands’ technique so masterfully, it amazes me. It’s like this martial art was made for you. It’s only been two months since I taught it to you.” Li Feiyu continued clapping, showering him with praise.
“You didn’t turn one book into this huge bundle just to make me perform, did you?” Han Li said irritably.
“Of course not. Open it, and you’ll understand everything.” Li Feiyu’s playful expression vanished, replaced by seriousness.
Seeing his sudden change in demeanor, Han Li’s curiosity was piqued. He turned back, his gaze falling on the bundle again. Tilting his head slightly in thought, he extended his index and middle fingers, lightly pinched a corner of the bundle, and lifted it, revealing everything inside.
“This is…” Cold sweat instantly beaded densely on Han Li’s forehead, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.
“What do you think? Pretty shocking, huh?” Li Feiyu sauntered over and patted his shoulder.
Han Li turned stiffly, staring blankly at him for a long moment without a word.
“Why are you looking at me like that? I’m not going to offer myself to you!” Li Feiyu teased with a grin.
Hearing this joke, Han Li seemed to snap back to reality.
“I’m cutting ties with you. From now on, pretend you don’t know me, and I’ve never met you,” Han Li shouted angrily.
“Either I’m seeing things, or you’ve gone mad. You’ve brought nearly half of the Seven Mysteries Sect’s library! If the patrolling guardians find out, death will be the least of our worries.” Han Li pointed at the large pile of martial manuals in front of him, roaring at Li Feiyu.
On the upper left corner of each cover, the eye-catching golden characters “Seven Mysteries Sect Library” were uniformly inscribed in brushstroke.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage