Han Li’s mind was in turmoil, a mix of fear, regret, and utter bewilderment. Despite having stalled until now, he still couldn’t think of a way to escape, and he was beginning to panic.
After all, he was still very young—no match for an old hand like Doctor Mo. His forced attempt to remain calm and keep his expression neutral had been seen through, and the fine beads of sweat on his forehead exposed him as a paper tiger.
Doctor Mo didn’t miss a single change in Han Li’s expression. He was quite satisfied with the immense pressure he had applied, firmly believing that only when someone’s mental defenses were broken could they be forced to speak the truth.
“Do you think I’ve been slacking off on purpose, delaying my training progress?” Han Li was stunned by this sudden accusation.
“Of course. Did you really think I wouldn’t see through your little game, taking two whole years without reaching the fourth layer? The first three layers only took you three years to complete. Even if the fourth layer is harder to cultivate and you lack medicinal aids, it shouldn’t mean absolutely no progress in two years.” Doctor Mo’s voice was icy, his eyebrows furrowed fiercely, emanating a murderous aura as if he had long been dissatisfied and was only now letting it out.
“It seems no matter how I explain, Doctor Mo won’t believe me,” Han Li thought bitterly to himself. He never expected that concealing his progress would be the very thing that led to this predicament. He had truly lifted a stone only to drop it on his own foot. He wondered whether triggering Doctor Mo’s outburst early and uncovering this mystery was a good or bad move.
“Say no more. I don’t care whether your past actions were genuine or fake. Listen carefully—I’ll ask you one question: If I give you one more year, can you reach the fourth layer of the Evergreen Mantra?” Doctor Mo let out a cold laugh and slowly posed the most critical question of the day. Then, without even blinking, he fixed his gaze intently on Han Li, cautiously awaiting his reply.
Han Li was fully aware that his answer would not only determine the other’s fate a year later but also whether he himself would survive this very moment.
“You should know very well I have no other choice. Come, unseal my acupoints first,” Han Li said, his entire body relaxing as his tone became almost airy.
Hearing this, Doctor Mo’s expression softened slightly, and a hint of approval flickered in his eyes. However, instead of stepping forward to unseal Han Li’s acupoints, he cautiously drew out an exquisitely carved sandalwood box from his robe.
“I can’t just take your word for it. What if you decide to deceive me and refuse to cultivate seriously? That would be no different from before. For both our sakes, it’s better to have an insurance policy,” he said slyly.
Carefully, he opened the lid. Inside, a white pill lay quietly at the center of the box.
Doctor Mo reached out and unsealed Han Li’s acupoints. Before Han Li could move, he handed him the box.
“You’re a smart boy. I don’t need to waste words—you know what to do,” Doctor Mo said, narrowing his eyes with ill intent.
Han Li flexed his slightly numb limbs and, without a word, took the sandalwood box. Using two fingers, he gently picked up the pill and, without even looking at it, placed it in his mouth and swallowed it in front of Doctor Mo.
*Clap, clap!* “Well done! A wise man knows when to yield. Help me restore myself, and I’ll reward you handsomely. I won’t deceive you—there’s a rift between us now, so taking you as my true disciple is out of the question. But I can guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and honor,” Doctor Mo applauded, sincerely making this weighty promise.
“Now, tell me what this pill does. I wouldn’t want to unknowingly break some taboo and lose my life,” Han Li said expressionlessly, showing no sign of being moved.
“Heh, this pill is called the ‘Corpse Insect Pill.’ It’s not actually a drug but rather eggs treated with a secret technique. After you swallow it, they’ll lie dormant in your body for a year. Don’t worry—within that year, you’ll be perfectly safe, and it won’t affect anything else you do. After a year, as long as you take the special antidote, the eggs will dissolve completely, leaving no hidden dangers. But if you don’t take the antidote after a year…” Doctor Mo chuckled darkly. “The eggs will absorb enough nutrients, hatch, and devour all your internal organs—slowly and agonizingly. You’ll scream in torment for three days and three nights before finally dying.” He spoke casually about the pill’s lethality, subtly warning Han Li.
Hearing how vicious the pill was, Han Li trembled slightly, his face turning ashen. He could barely contain the fury rising within him. But Doctor Mo had one more trick up his sleeve.
“By the way, I heard you have quite a few family members. Is the silver you send home each month enough? If not, just ask me. I’m quite concerned about your loved ones,” Doctor Mo said leisurely, his words laden with meaning. Only now did he truly bare his fangs, striking directly at Han Li’s weakest spot.
Han Li’s face turned livid. He could no longer maintain the state of mental stillness and calmness described in the books.
With his last shred of willpower, he clenched his lips, afraid that curses or pleas might spill out. He understood clearly that no amount of begging or threats would make the other party release this leverage.
“Don’t worry. Within a year, I will definitely reach the fourth layer,” Han Li said through gritted teeth, enunciating each word clearly and no longer hiding his hatred for Doctor Mo.
Under this blatant threat, he could only yield temporarily. He wasn’t heartless enough to disregard his parents’ lives.
Now, with his weakness exposed, Han Li had to abandon any thought of mutual destruction with Doctor Mo. In this first confrontation, he had been utterly defeated.
Hearing Han Li’s submission, Doctor Mo let out a long sigh of relief. His tension had been no less than Han Li’s, but he had concealed it completely behind his eerie and ever-changing expressions.
“This Evergreen Mantra is truly sinister. How can a young brat like this be so difficult to deal with?” Doctor Mo inwardly cursed, unsure whether he felt envy or jealousy.
In truth, although the Evergreen Mantra had certain effects in cleansing the marrow and sharpening the mind, its efficacy depended largely on the individual. Han Li had been naturally more mature and intelligent than his peers from a young age. After practicing the Evergreen Mantra, his wisdom and cunning far surpassed that of ordinary youths.
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