The sun hung high in the sky, and even though it was early autumn, it still gave off a hint of sweltering heat.
Doctor Mo was in his room, somewhat restless. Although he was very confident in the methods he used to coerce Han Li, as the time approached, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and worry.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps came from far down the hall, gradually drawing closer to this room.
Hearing that familiar stride, Doctor Mo was overjoyed. He quickly took a few steps to the door, pushed it open, and looked out.
A figure was slowly walking from not far away—it was the very person he had been eagerly waiting for, Han Li.
Watching the other approach, Doctor Mo suppressed the excitement within him and forced a smile onto his face.
"Not bad, you're punctual. Seeing that you haven't attempted to run away makes me very pleased—it shows you're wise. Come inside now, we need to have a good talk."
Doctor Mo's expression was now as kindly as a neighborly elder, his face as radiant as a blooming flower.
"Rest assured, there are no tricks set up inside; it's not a tiger's den or dragon's lair." Seeing Han Li's guarded glance toward the room, Doctor Mo quickly added an explanation, employing a small goading tactic.
"Hmph! Since I'm already here, would I be afraid to enter your room?" Han Li gave a soft snort, seemingly genuinely provoked, and spoke up.
Then, he took the lead and stepped forward.
Doctor Mo hastily smiled and moved aside, clearing the path into the room. As Han Li walked in, he moved to close the door behind him, but suddenly heard Han Li say without turning back: "If you dare to shut that door, I will assume you intend to trap me in a jar, and I will no longer discuss anything with you."
Doctor Mo froze for a moment upon hearing this, hesitated briefly, but then moved away from the door, saying nonchalantly: "I genuinely want to discuss matters with you and harbor no ill intent. You say don't close the door? Then it won't be closed."
With that, Doctor Mo promptly settled back into his grand armchair. Han Li didn't stand on ceremony either; he pulled over a stool and sat down boldly opposite him. Having not seen each other for nearly half a year, they sized each other up for a moment.
Han Li noticed that Doctor Mo had aged significantly compared to before, now indistinguishable from a seventy-year-old man. A thought secretly crossed his mind: "Could what he said before actually be true? Did he only want me to help restore his vitality, without any hidden agenda? Was I overthinking it?"
Han Li scanned his surroundings, and suddenly his pupils contracted slightly. That tall, mysterious man was standing silently in the corner, motionless and soundless, like a lifeless object. Had one not been specifically looking, it would be impossible to detect his presence.
At this moment, Doctor Mo finished observing Han Li and, seeming satisfied with his condition, spoke gently: "Seeing you like this reminds me of when you first joined the sect. Back then, you were just a child of ten or so, only this tall. Now, you've grown so large and tall. Time really does spare no one!"
This casual, conversational tone from the other party immediately left Han Li a bit perplexed, unsure of his intentions. However, in his heart, he instantly heightened his guard, reminding himself that this was an old fox who had seen far more of the world than he had, and he must not carelessly fall into his trap.
"Elder Mo, I have always remembered and been grateful for your care of me. If you have any instructions, please do not hesitate to command me." Han Li's expression softened, and he used an honorific, seemingly becoming the obedient disciple of old once again.
"Good! Good! With words like these, I haven't wasted all the effort I've put into you. Come, let me first check your progress in the Eternal Spring Technique." Doctor Mo seemed to truly step into the role of a kindly mentor, rising and walking over to take Han Li's pulse directly.
"Old fox! Really relying on his seniority and thick skin to push his luck." Han Li cursed silently, and quickly dodged sideways to avoid the other's grasp.
"Elder Mo, don't be anxious. I can tell you plainly: my Eternal Spring Technique has indeed reached the fourth layer. However, wouldn't you first bestow the antidote for the Corpse Worm Pill? Once I'm relieved of my worries, you can examine my cultivation with peace of mind." Han Li smiled and spoke to him in a very sincere tone.
"Oh! My, look at my mind—growing old has made my memory fail me. I originally intended to give you the antidote as soon as you entered the room." Doctor Mo seemed to come to a sudden realization, as if he had just remembered.
He fished a silver vial from his sleeve, poured out a dark pill, and tossed it to Han Li.
Han Li pretended to fumble, barely catching the pill. He held it under his nose to sniff; a pungent smell hit him. He looked up at Doctor Mo, who was watching him with a faint, enigmatic smile.
He hesitated for a moment, suspicious of the pill's authenticity.
But he had to take it, because the day the Corpse Worm Pill would act up was approaching. If he didn't take it, he really would meet his end! He assessed that the other still had use for him, so it was unlikely to be a fake. With a solemn expression, he swallowed the pill, then waited quietly for its effects.
Doctor Mo, in turn, was in no hurry now. He slowly leaned back into his seat and began making idle conversation with Han Li, seemingly having forgotten the ultimate purpose of summoning him.
Not long after, Han Li felt a brief, sharp pain in his abdomen, but it passed quickly. He hastily checked his body and found that the "Corpse Worm Pill" had completely dissolved without a trace. His heart couldn't help but fill with joy, and a hint of it showed on his face.
These changes naturally did not escape Doctor Mo's notice, who had been facing him the whole time. After Han Li finished assessing the pill's effect, Doctor Mo smiled at him and said: "Han Li, you must understand that administering the Corpse Worm Pill was a last resort. Without it pushing you from behind, I'm afraid it wouldn't have been so easy for you to reach the fourth layer!"
"I thank you for your kind intentions, Elder Mo. However, I hope you won't use such 'kindness' on me again in the future." Having eliminated one major concern, Han Li's mood improved considerably. He was slightly more inclined to believe in the other's sincerity and ceased his sarcastic retorts against the hypocrisy.
"Now, can this old man take your pulse?"
Doctor Mo still uttered this sincere request, putting Han Li in a difficult position. Who knew if he would seize this opportunity to subdue him?
(End of Chapter)