Han Li reclined lazily on the grand chair that Mo Dafu had often sat in, holding a book titled "The Long Life Sutra", its cover seemingly benign. However, he knew that inside it were the key teachings of the Changchun Gong—the very foundation of the cultivation method that had already brought him so far. He was engrossed in the text, absorbed as though it was a new discovery. His curiosity piqued, he understood now why Mo Dafu had spent countless hours poring over this book. It wasn't about longevity; Mo Dafu had always been secretly studying the Changchun Gong's secret formulae, trying to break through his limitations despite the doubts that lingered about his own spiritual roots.
The book was one of the hidden items Han Li had found among Mo Dafu's possessions. To his delight, it contained not only the six layers of Changchun Gong that Mo Dafu had previously mastered, but also two more layers—ones Han Li had never seen before. The discovery thrilled him.
He knew now that the path he was following would eventually lead him to the legendary power of controlling the elements, the ability to summon storms and bend nature to his will. Who wouldn't desire such power? Who wouldn't want to live forever, to transcend the boundaries of life and death?
It was midday, and the sunlight streamed warmly through the open skylight. The soft rays bathed Han Li in warmth as he lay there, half-squinting in comfort, his posture relaxed, a stark contrast to the intensity of the book he held. For a moment, he paused, glancing up at the skylight, irritated by the bright light. He casually used the book to shield his face from the sun, and as his vision darkened, he felt a deep sense of ease wash over him. With a contented sigh, he resumed silently memorizing the seventh layer of Changchun Gong, feeling the progression of his cultivation.
The breakthrough was near. His continuous consumption of spirit medicines had finally led to the long-awaited step—a breakthrough to the seventh layer. This was just the beginning. Having knowledge of the next stage would aid him in his development, helping him break through the bottleneck faster.
It had been over six months since Mo Dafu's death and the subsequent events. After the death of his former mentor, Han Li had forged a letter under Mo Dafu's name, claiming that Mo Dafu had returned to his hometown to visit family. The letter explained that Mo Dafu had fully entrusted his medical expertise to Han Li and that, since his return would take an indeterminate amount of time, Han Li was now in charge of his duties, treating both high-ranking disciples and the lower-ranking ones. He forged Mo Dafu's handwriting with an uncanny precision and sent the letter to the Elders of the Seven Mysterious Sect.
The Elders were suspicious at first. Although Mo Dafu had frequently traveled for long periods gathering herbs, his sudden disappearance seemed strange. However, Mo Dafu had a deep history with the Sect, especially after saving the life of the Sect Leader, which allowed him considerable freedom. Because of this, no one questioned the letter.
Still, the Elders had doubts about Han Li's ability to take over Mo Dafu's role. While Mo Dafu had performed miraculous feats for the higher-ups, treating only the elite figures like the Elders and Sect Leaders, Han Li, though skilled, had never been tested at such a high level. So, they decided to have him treat lower-ranking disciples first, as a test of his abilities.
Han Li paid no attention to their doubts. He had only asked to take over Mo Dafu's role for one reason: the remote and peaceful valley where Mo Dafu's residence was located. Within this valley, there was an expansive herb garden, and as long as he had control over it, Han Li could use his mysterious small bottle to secretly cultivate rare and precious herbs without fear of discovery.
The Elders remained unconvinced for a while, so Han Li used every opportunity to prove himself, working tirelessly with all the rare medicinal herbs he had at his disposal. In a short time, he gained a miraculous reputation. He had treated the sick and injured so effectively that, in just three days, patients were fully recovered. His reputation spread quickly across the Sect.
The results were even more astounding when compared to Mo Dafu. While Mo Dafu had been a brilliant healer, he didn't have access to the vast array of rare herbs that Han Li now had, making his treatment methods far less potent than Han Li's. With these advantages, Han Li's medical prowess seemed to transcend the expectations of everyone around him.
Soon, word reached the higher-ups, and they could no longer ignore the miracle worker within their ranks. Less than a day after another miraculous recovery, a messenger arrived with an invitation for Han Li to meet with none other than Vice-Sect Leader Ma, a figure he had once met during a trial at the Bone Refining Cliff.
Ma was surprised to see Han Li, as he had hardly remembered the once-unknown disciple. Yet, he was now more than willing to offer Han Li the full duties and title of the late Mo Dafu, along with all the privileges that came with it. Of course, Han Li's age was still a problem—at just sixteen or seventeen, it was hard for other Elders to take him seriously as a full "Attending Physician." But the Sect was willing to offer him the salary of a full physician, and promised to consider elevating his status when he proved himself further.
"If you have any concerns, or if something's not quite right, don't hesitate to let us know," Vice-Sect Leader Ma offered with a smile.
Han Li, however, remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. He wasn't concerned with titles or recognition—what mattered was that he had more freedom and control. He had begun to walk down a path where power and influence came not just from cultivation, but from manipulation, and he was beginning to see the far-reaching consequences of the choices he was making.
The stage was set.