Chapter 28

Han Li had originally not intended to prepare the last two substances, which had nothing to do with cultivation, but after careful thought, he decided that, as someone who was at least half a man of the Jianghu, he had no way of knowing when disaster might strike or when he’d be dragged into some Jianghu brawl—better to prepare some antidotes and healing remedies in advance; if he were poisoned or injured and died simply because he lacked proper medicine, that would be far too unjust.

After this reasoning, Han Li still prepared small quantities of the last two substances, intending to carry them on his person as a precaution—after all, everyone has only one life, and Han Li did not wish to die young.

Although this would reduce the quantity of the other two spiritual substances, thereby slowing his cultivation progress slightly, there was no help for it—there could never be perfect things in this world; one must sometimes make sacrifices.

On the very day he completed the medicine preparation, Han Li began taking them according to the instructions, consuming one “Huanglong Pill” and one “Jin Sui Pill.” These two substances truly deserved their legendary reputation as holy medicines; under their powerful, astonishing medicinal force, he shattered his bottleneck effortlessly that very night and attained the fourth level of the scripture.

Upon reaching the fourth level, Han Li immediately felt a sensation utterly unlike anything before—his five senses exploded into an unimaginable realm: everything in his vision suddenly became bright and crystal clear; previously invisible minute details now appeared magnified and sharply visible—even the delicate strands of spider silk in the corners of the room were plainly discernible; his hearing became extraordinarily acute, as countless sounds—some familiar, some never heard before—flooded into his ears: the soft “rustle” of a worm burrowing through the earth ten zhang away, the faint “buzz” of an unknown insect flying past the house, all as clear and near as if spoken beside his ear; additionally, sudden strange odors made him realize his sense of smell had also changed dramatically.

Han Li was both startled and delighted—this was the first time since he began cultivating this scripture that he felt his efforts had not been wasted; such an extraordinary sensation proved the scripture was not worthless, but possessed its own unique merits.

Although previous levels had slightly enhanced his five senses, none had changed them so dramatically, so profoundly—it was a qualitative leap, as if he had become an entirely different person.

Moreover, he felt his body had become much lighter and more agile, and his spirit had improved significantly; now, he could easily go three or five days without sleep without any major issue.

Han Li carefully savored the entirely new sensations within his body. Standing motionless, he could perceive every detail occurring within dozens of zhang—this sense of total control made him deeply enchanted and reluctant to let go.

Only now did he understand that the scripture had truly begun to show minor success at the fourth level.

He could not help but imagine: if the fourth level already offered such unforgettable sensations, what wonders would the fifth and sixth levels bring?

Shortly after Han Li had just grasped the subtleties of his cultivated scripture, his nominal master—Master Mo—returned to Ink Return Valley.

As soon as Master Mo entered the valley, Han Li heard the familiar cough from afar—he had been seated in the stone chamber cultivating, striving to advance another level. Sensing Master Mo’s approach, he immediately halted his cultivation, rose, stepped out of the stone chamber, and walked toward the valley entrance to pay respects to his master, whom he had not seen in nearly a year; he met Master Mo not far from the valley mouth.

Upon seeing Master Mo, Han Li was stunned—the man was the same, but his face now looked ashen and lifeless; though he had always been sallow and sickly, he had never before appeared so utterly depleted, as if his final hour had arrived.

Even more astonishing was the mysterious figure trailing behind him: clad entirely in a wide green robe that concealed every inch of skin, and wearing a black hood that obscured his face, the figure stood exceptionally tall and broad—two heads taller than Han Li, with the massive frame of a giant spirit—but due to the hood, Han Li could not discern his features, only sensing vaguely that his face must be grotesque and terrifying.

Han Li suppressed his inner questions and hurried forward to bow respectfully to Master Mo, then stood quietly to one side, awaiting his master’s inquiry.

He knew well that Master Mo cared nothing for his disciple’s courtesy or deference, but as a disciple, he must still uphold the proper rites—failing to do so would only give the impression of insolence, placing him in an even more disadvantageous position.

Based on his understanding of Master Mo, and knowing how much his master cared about his scripture cultivation, Han Li expected that after such a long absence, the first thing Master Mo would ask upon seeing him would be about his progress.

Indeed, when Master Mo saw Han Li stepping out to meet him, he paused slightly, coughed twice, then spoke weakly:

“How is your scripture cultivation going? Any slight progress?” His face immediately showed anxiety and anticipation.

Han Li had already prepared his answer in advance and delivered it as planned.

“Just as before—no significant change,” Han Li said, not intending to reveal his true cultivation status, for he could not explain how he had suddenly leapt from the early third level to the fourth level without external aid—it was as if granted divine assistance.

“Extend your hand,” Master Mo’s expression darkened, his tone turning harsh.

Noticing this expression, Han Li’s heart sank—he felt a faint unease.

Yet he was not afraid of Master Mo taking his pulse to examine his true qi, for since entering the fourth level, he had unexpectedly discovered he could freely control the strength of the strange true qi within him—he could easily suppress it to match the intensity of the third level, thus deceiving Master Mo’s inspection.

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