The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 41: A Message Left at Night

Han Li did not have the luxury of time to wait idly. In at most four or five months, Doctor Mo would confront him directly, and he needed to possess some means of self-defense before that inevitable showdown.

Thus, he ultimately decided to focus on mastering only a few simple and immediately applicable secret techniques, setting aside the rest for later. He reasoned that he could delve into the more complex techniques after surviving this perilous situation.

This approach significantly reduced the time required for training, allowing him to quickly learn several easy-to-master secret techniques.

However, Han Li was well aware that even if he mastered all these techniques, it was unlikely he would be a match for Doctor Mo. If Doctor Mo had not lied during their last encounter, given his former status as a dominant figure, he undoubtedly possessed numerous ruthless and cunning methods that he had not yet revealed. The skills Doctor Mo had displayed during their last conflict were likely only a fraction of his true capabilities.

Even so, the mere thought of Doctor Mo's ghostly agility sent chills down Han Li's spine, and he remained deeply wary of the man.

Han Li knew all too well that the limited skills he had acquired in such a short time posed little threat to Doctor Mo, almost negligible. However, he would never resign himself to being captured and manipulated without a fight.

Han Li understood that if they were to clash again, his only chance of victory lay in Doctor Mo's underestimation of him. Only if Doctor Mo became careless and let his guard down could Han Li seize the opportunity to strike unexpectedly and secure a slim chance of survival.

In the following days, Han Li memorized the entire Blinking Sword Manual and selected several techniques that were immediately useful to him. He began to study them intensively, seeking a quick and effective path to mastery.

After several days of intense deliberation, he managed to compile a complete set of training methods from the manual. He took pride in his efficiency, having accomplished such a complex task in such a short time.

Over the next half month, Han Li took care of various loose ends, ensuring he was fully prepared and leaving no room for future worries.

First, he returned the original copy of the Secret Manual to Li Feiyu on a certain day, exactly as he had received it. He also took the opportunity to inform Li Feiyu about his encounter with the Wild Wolf Gang's spy, including how he had uncovered the identity of the kitchen steward.

Upon hearing this, Li Feiyu was both shocked and delighted. He wrapped his arm around Han Li's shoulder, repeatedly calling him "good brother," deeply moved that Han Li had handed him such a significant achievement without seeking any credit.

However, Li Feiyu was unaware that Han Li was currently preoccupied with saving his own life and had no interest in catching spies. If he could avoid the effort and still do someone a favor, why not?

After settling matters with Li Feiyu, Han Li personally visited several skilled blacksmiths within the sect.

He commissioned them to craft several different styles of sheathed short swords, secretly requesting some minor modifications. Additionally, he ordered a few unnamed components of unknown purpose and several small, delicate iron bells, all to be completed as quickly as possible. This endeavor cost him a considerable amount of silver, leaving him with a slight pang of regret.A few days later, Han Li received the items he had ordered from the blacksmith. Seeing the gleaming short sword and the delicate iron bell, he was very satisfied and repeatedly praised the blacksmith's craftsmanship, feeling that his silver had not been wasted.

That night, Han Li disappeared without a trace from his residence, leaving only a note on his bedside, which read:

"Old Mo, there's no need for you to be anxious or angry. I'm not running away or hiding. I just feel that being in the same valley as you is too oppressive and not conducive to the cultivation of the Eternal Spring Art. Therefore, I have decided to find a secluded place in the mountains to retreat and focus on my cultivation. Rest assured, I will return to meet you on the same day four months from now.

Respectfully, Han Li"

Leaning back in his armchair, Doctor Mo held the note in his left hand, scrutinizing it carefully, his face clouded with anger. On the table beside him lay another note, which recorded the list of items Han Li had recently ordered from the blacksmith.

The room was silent except for the soft tapping sound of Doctor Mo's right finger on the table.

Suddenly, he let out a cold snort, and the note in his hand turned into shreds, scattering to the ground.

He stood up irritably, pacing back and forth in the room, frowning as he pondered something. After a few rounds, he stopped and muttered to himself:

"You little brat, although I don't know what scheme you're plotting, no matter what tricks you try to play, you won't escape my grasp. I've got my eyes on you."

After saying this, Doctor Mo abruptly turned and walked to the window. A long, low whistle escaped his lips, and soon a small yellow-feathered bird flew in from outside, circled the room a few times, and then landed on his shoulder.

As soon as the bird settled, it affectionately rubbed its beak against his face, emitting a series of clear, chirping sounds.

"Alright, I know you're hungry. Here, this is your favorite 'Yellow Chestnut Pellet.'"

Seeing the bird, Doctor Mo's gloomy face softened slightly, and a doting expression appeared in his eyes. He took a yellow bird pellet from his pocket and fed it to the bird.

"Go now, just like before, keep a close eye on that person. If he leaves this mountain range, fly back and inform me immediately," Doctor Mo instructed as if speaking to a person.

The bird, excited after eating, chirped happily and flew around the room. After hearing his words, it circled once more and then flew out the window, disappearing into the sky.

"Hmph! With the 'Cloud-Winged Bird,' said to be faster than an arrow shot from a strong bow, keeping watch, let's see what tricks you can pull off," he muttered darkly to himself.

"Four months, you say? I'll be waiting for that day. It seems the plan is about to succeed! Now, anyone who dares stand in my way and obstruct the plan's execution, I'll kill them. If gods block me, I'll kill the gods; if Buddhas block me, I'll kill the Buddhas."

"Ha! Ha!" Doctor Mo suddenly burst into wild laughter, his eyes filled with madness.

(End of Chapter)