Not long after Han Li left Cai Xia Mountain, Sect Master Wang announced he was taking Li Feiyu as his personal disciple, and even officially promoted him to Hall Master of the Outer Blade Hall, showing him great favor from then on. Several years later, Han Li's Third Uncle happened to make a serious mistake that violated sect rules, which should have cost him his life. Yet Sect Master Wang, overriding all objections, managed to save him.
As for Sect Master Wang himself, during subsequent sect conflicts, he encountered formidable foes and was severely wounded several times, left at death's door. Each time everyone thought his life was over, he would miraculously survive by taking a pill from a jade vial, soon bouncing back to full health. This aroused envy in others, who asked him about the pill's name and origin, but Wang Juechu always prevaricated, unwilling to say clearly. Naturally, those who sought to obtain the pill were unsuccessful.
It wasn't until Wang Juechu's death many years later that he revealed the pill's name—"Essence Nourishing Pill"—by which time only three pills remained in the jade vial. Yet even these three pills sparked a storm of bloodshed, bringing considerable trouble to Wang Juechu's descendants! But that is a matter for later, not discussed now.
Li Feiyu, meanwhile, was staring blankly at several small vials and a note that had appeared in his room when he returned that morning from Zhang Xiuer's place.
The note was left by Han Li. It was simple, just informing Li Feiyu that he had left the Seven Mysteries Sect and might never return. The medicine in the vials was specially prepared and should be able to extend Li Feiyu's lifespan somewhat. He hoped Li Feiyu would not refuse it.
At the end, near the signature, was a drawing of Han Li's smiling face. Beside the face was a message wishing Li Feiyu and Zhang Xiuer a swift marriage and many fine children.
After staring blankly for a while, Li Feiyu suddenly rushed out of the house and dashed up the nearest small mountain peak.
At the summit, Li Feiyu eagerly looked in the direction of the Seven Mysteries Sect's main gate. As far as the eye could see, all was lush green; not a trace of human figure could be found. After standing motionless for a long time, Li Feiyu sighed, and finally murmured with a desolate look, "Take care of yourself! Have a safe journey!"
Then Li Feiyu slowly descended the mountain, his retreating figure appearing exceptionally lonely and melancholy!
Meanwhile, a horse-drawn carriage was traveling along an ancient road, heading eastward.
Han Li and Qu Hun were sitting inside. Although this four-wheeled covered carriage had ample interior space, only the two of them were inside. Han Li had paid three taels of broken silver to temporarily rent the entire carriage.
The wooden carriage's exterior looked somewhat dilapidated and very old, but the interior was quite clean. The two horses pulling it were in their prime, running briskly and pulling the carriage swiftly.
It was precisely these two points that made Han Li willing to pay three taels of silver to charter the whole vehicle. Normally, such a carriage, working non-stop for several days, would only earn a little over one tael of silver.
The driver was an ordinary, dark and thin middle-aged man who wasn't talkative. Unless Han Li asked him first, he wouldn't speak. This also pleased Han Li. After all, Qu Hun accompanying him was unusually tall and wore a bamboo hat that obscured his face, looking mysterious and secretive. If it had been a chatty person, dealing with all the questions would have been troublesome.
Perched on Han Li's shoulder was the yellow-feathered Cloud Wing Bird. This spirited little creature had its eyelids half-closed, seemingly resting.
Seated at the other end of the carriage, Qu Hun had a large bundle resting on his shoulder. Inside, besides some spare clothes, were all heavy items like gold, silver, and various bottles and jars.
As for the small, easily concealed items like the magical tools, letters, and books obtained from Doctor Mo, Han Li carried them close to his body, fearing they might be lost.
Now Han Li sat quietly in the carriage, listening to the creaking sound of the wooden wheels. His expression was calm, without a ripple, showing no particular sadness over leaving the Seven Mysteries Sect.
If there was anything that made Han Li slightly reluctant, it was only his close friend Li Feiyu. However, he presumed Li Feiyu had received his message and seen the secret medicine he had prepared. Han Li hoped these pills would work and allow his friend to enjoy more of his life.
Thinking of this, Han Li stretched, leaned his back against the carriage wall, and began to doze off. The carriage's destination, he had already instructed the driver, was the small mountain village where he was born.
Although he knew it was unlikely, he still hoped that when he opened his eyes, he would see his parents and siblings.
It had been so many years since he left his parents! Even their faces had grown somewhat blurred in his memory. Therefore, before leaving his hometown far behind, Han Li absolutely had to see his parents with his own eyes; otherwise, he would never be able to leave with peace of mind.
"I wonder how my little sister is doing. She must be sixteen or seventeen now, a grown young lady!" Just before slipping into a hazy sleep, a small, thin figure appeared in Han Li's mind. The owner of this figure had always followed behind him, calling out "Fourth Brother" "Fourth Brother" in a childish voice.
"Time really does fly!"
Han Li finally fell into a deep sleep amidst a warm atmosphere. He slept extremely soundly and securely, as sweetly as when he was a child and his parents watched over him, swatting away mosquitoes.
Five days later, along a yellow dirt road, Han Li finally caught sight of the incredibly familiar small village in the distance.
Low mud walls, rows of straw stacks, and the uneven little path—all of this had once occupied Han Li's dreams. Now it all appeared vividly before his eyes.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Han Li had the driver stop the carriage far outside the village. Qu Hun also remained in the carriage, not sent down. Han Li himself walked quickly towards the village entrance. The closer he got to the village, the harder his heart beat.
This involuntary feeling was something Han Li hadn't experienced in a long time!
(End of Chapter)