The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 33: Private Exchange

Han Li grabbed the rope of the wooden bucket, tossed it into the pond, and then pulled it back up.

A full bucket of spring water was drawn up.

Without any effort, Han Li lifted the bucket high above his head, and with a flick of his wrist, the entire bucket of cool water poured down from his head to his feet.

"So refreshing!"

"So comfortable!"

Han Li and another youth exclaimed in unison, feeling the coolness.

It was no wonder. It was the height of summer, and the scorching heat was unbearable. Both of them were shirtless, and the icy mountain spring water pouring over their heads brought an indescribable comfort to their entire bodies.

"Heh, Junior Brother Han, you really know how to find a good spot. Such a hidden little pond, and you managed to locate it," the cold-looking youth suddenly spoke up.

"It's nothing. I've found places even harder to locate than this, but none of them had water as cool as here," the other youth replied without hesitation, accepting the compliment wholeheartedly.

This youth was none other than Han Li, while the other was Li Feiyu, who had come to collect medicine.

Ever since Li Feiyu first obtained the pain-relieving medicine from Han Li and tried it, he found it to be incredibly effective. The pain from the Marrow Extraction Pill was significantly reduced.

From then on, Li Feiyu became completely dependent on it. Without Han Li's medicine, he could no longer endure the agony of the Marrow Extraction Pill. As a result, the supply that was supposed to last a year was completely exhausted in just a few months.

Tormented by unbearable pain, Li Feiyu had no choice but to swallow his pride and actively seek out Han Li for more medicine.

At this time, Han Li was eager to strengthen his own abilities. Upon learning that Li Feiyu had entered the Seven Wonders Hall for training, he directly proposed an exchange: he would provide the medicine in return for Li Feiyu teaching him the secret techniques of the Seven Wonders Hall.

Li Feiyu, who had only a few years left to live, agreed without hesitation, readily accepting the offer.

To ensure their secret exchange remained undiscovered, Han Li found several hidden spots within the dozens of miles of the Rainbow Haze Mountains to conduct their transactions.

Every so often, the two would secretly meet. Han Li would hand over the medicine, while Li Feiyu would teach him some of the martial arts he had learned from the Seven Wonders Hall.

In this way, both of them were quite satisfied with the exchange, and it continued for over half a year.

During these six months of interaction, Li Feiyu and Han Li found each other increasingly agreeable, and without realizing it, they became close friends who could talk about anything.

Li Feiyu was particularly satisfied with the locations Han Li had chosen, especially this spot with the small pond. It was surrounded by steep cliffs, with a small basin in the center. The only access was through a hidden narrow cave, so tight that one had to crawl on their stomach to pass through. The exit of the cave was even more inconceivably located within the hollow of an old locust tree clinging to the cliff.

Most importantly, in this sweltering heat, having such a cool little pond here was a blessing.

After stretching their limbs, pouring a few buckets of cold water over themselves was an incredibly refreshing experience.

After finishing with the cold water, Han Li glanced at the sun and said, "The Mad Serpent Force you taught me last time is too fierce and forceful. I don't think it suits me. Do you have any more delicate and gentle cultivation methods?""Junior Brother Han, do you really think the Seven Wonders Hall belongs to me alone? That I can learn any martial art I want? I can only choose a small portion to learn. My cultivation method leans towards the yang and vigorous, so naturally, I have to learn the fierce and powerful techniques," Li Feiyu replied, giving Han Li a sidelong glance with a hint of annoyance.

"Senior Brother Li, who are you? You are the top among all the disciples. How can you compare to the ordinary disciples of the Seven Wonders Hall?"

Han Li awkwardly chuckled, seeing that Li Feiyu was somewhat irritated, and quickly stepped forward to say a few flattering words.

"It's not easy to receive a few compliments from our great genius, Han," Li Feiyu teased with a half-smile.

"What genius? I’m always defeated by you in just a few moves."

"Hmph! That’s because I use my True Qi to overcome your techniques with brute force. It’s not really a skill. If I didn’t use True Qi, I probably wouldn’t be able to defeat you even after a hundred moves."

"Who would fight without using True Qi? Senior Brother Li, you’re being too modest."

"Modest? I’m not being modest at all. You’ve never learned martial arts before, nor have you ever fought with anyone. The only thing you’ve learned is that useless cultivation method. Yet, in such a short time, you’ve managed to understand the moves so thoroughly. If you’re not a genius, then what are you? By the way, that chant of yours has no power at all. I don’t know why you keep learning it every day."

Han Li inwardly sighed, thinking:

"Do you think I want to learn it? I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I have no choice but to continue."

"Junior Brother Han, I’m not being naggy, but with your talent for martial arts over the past six months, you should throw away that useless chant and learn some real skills from me. I’m sure that within two years, you’ll rise to prominence and make a name for yourself. Then, the two of us can dominate the Seven Mysteries Sect. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?" Li Feiyu earnestly advised him once again.

Han Li was somewhat moved. Although Li Feiyu had said this many times, and it had become a bit tiresome, he could still sense the sincerity in his words.

Han Li gently shook his head, indicating his refusal, and quickly changed the subject.

"Is there any martial art in the Seven Wonders Hall that can defeat enemies without using True Qi?"

Seeing that Han Li had shifted the topic and was unwilling to dwell on the old issue, Li Feiyu didn’t press further. He knew that Han Li, like himself, probably had some unspeakable difficulties.

He lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then looked up and said:

"There is indeed such a strange sword technique that can be used without True Qi, but..."

"But what?" Han Li was overjoyed to hear that there was a martial art suitable for him and eagerly pressed for more details.

"But this sword technique has been in the Seven Wonders Hall for over a hundred years, and no one has ever successfully cultivated it. It’s said that even the Elder who created this technique passed away before mastering it. The name of the technique is also quite peculiar—it’s called the Blinking Swordplay. Don’t you think that’s strange?" Li Feiyu spoke of the technique with a tone of wonder.

(End of Chapter)