The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 60: Testing the Poison

Yu Zitong was very confident in his words. He didn’t believe anyone could resist the temptation of Immortal Ascension, attaining the Dao, and eternal life.

Back then, even Doctor Mo, who had hated him to the bone, had obediently cooperated under the same words. Yu Zitong believed that with just a little more incentive, Han Li would surely fall in line.

However, Yu Zitong was disappointed. After hearing his tempting words, Han Li didn’t show any excitement. Instead, his expression remained calm, as if those words hadn’t stirred the slightest ripple in his heart.

“As for cooperation, I’ll consider it later. But now, I have a question I hope you can answer,” Han Li said softly, his clear eyes fixed on the glowing sphere.

“If I answer your question, will you agree to cooperate?”

“That depends on whether your answer satisfies me.”

“Alright, ask away!” Yu Zitong readily agreed, showing that he understood the principle of “when under someone else’s roof, one must bow their head” very well.

Han Li didn’t speak immediately. Instead, he raised his head and gazed at the ceiling, deep in thought, as if considering how to phrase his question appropriately.

Yu Zitong was startled by Han Li’s serious demeanor and began to fret inwardly, wondering what troublesome question Han Li might pose.

“I want to know, after I counter-absorbed parts of Doctor Mo’s and your Primordial Spirits, what adverse effects might there be? Why does my head feel swollen and painful, as if there’s a lot of extra stuff in it, but I can’t access it? Is there something wrong?” Han Li finally voiced the concern that had been weighing on him since he woke up.

Upon hearing this, Yu Zitong immediately relaxed, realizing that Han Li was only worried about such a minor issue. His tone became much lighter.

“Haha! So that’s what’s bothering you. Brother, you’re overthinking it. There’s no need to worry at all. The things stuffed into your head will gradually dissipate on their own within a year or two. You don’t need to concern yourself with it.”

“So, you’re saying that absorbing these things is completely useless, and I won’t retain any of it? I find that hard to believe,” Han Li said, casting a skeptical glance at Yu Zitong, his expression tinged with distrust.

“Well, it’s not entirely true that nothing will remain. But what can be retained is indeed very little,” Yu Zitong quickly explained, fearing that Han Li might misunderstand.

“The memories, experiences, and emotions contained within are absolutely untouchable. If you absorb them, the best-case scenario is that you’ll become an idiot or suffer from a split personality. The worst-case scenario is that your mind will explode from the overwhelming surge of energy, leading to death.”

“You must understand, the Primordial Spirit is the most delicate thing. It can’t be casually fused with other elements. Temporarily storing someone else’s Primordial Spirit in your mind is possible, but turning it into your own is pure fantasy. Otherwise, if one could simply gain another’s memories, experiences, and Cultivation Methods through Possession, the world would be in chaos. Who would bother diligently practicing and comprehending Realms and Cultivation Methods? With just one Possession, one could have it all.”"The only thing that can be utilized from a devoured Primordial Spirit is a trace of Origin power contained within. This can slightly strengthen one's own Primordial Spirit, but only by a tiny amount. Moreover, this power dissipates the fastest, and within a few days, it will completely vanish from the devoured Primordial Spirit, rendering it unusable."

Han Li listened to Yu Zitong's explanation and finally let go of the last bit of concern in his heart. He could tell that the other party was not lying. At this moment, Yu Zitong was likely thinking of forming a partnership with him, just like Doctor Mo had done. Naturally, he wouldn’t deceive Han Li on an issue that could be easily verified with a little time.

After finishing his explanation, Yu Zitong noticed Han Li nodding, seemingly convinced by his words. A sense of joy welled up in him, and the light sphere formed by his Primordial Spirit seemed to grow brighter. He eagerly asked:

"Brother Han, it seems you’re satisfied with my explanation. Shall we now discuss our cooperation?"

"Of course! To be able to collaborate with a Cultivator is a rare opportunity I’ve been longing for!" Han Li suddenly smiled, his white teeth gleaming, appearing utterly sincere.

"Really?" Yu Zitong was thrilled. He hadn’t expected Han Li to agree so readily without much persuasion. He quickly spoke up to confirm.

"Of course," Han Li replied swiftly and clearly.

Then, with a smile, he pulled something out from his chest and said to Yu Zitong in a friendly tone:

"Since we are now partners, Your Excellency wouldn’t refuse to cooperate with me in a small experiment before we get into the specifics, would you?"

"An experiment?" Yu Zitong was taken aback. He stared at the cylindrical object in Han Li’s hand, feeling it looked familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before. A sense of foreboding crept into his heart.

"Indeed, a poison test."

Before Yu Zitong could react, Han Li’s thumb moved slightly, and a stream of black, foul-smelling liquid sprayed out from the cylinder, directly targeting Yu Zitong.

"Ah!"

A scream erupted from the light sphere as Yu Zitong’s Primordial Spirit was drenched in the black liquid. The green light dimmed significantly, indicating that he had suffered a serious injury.

"You... you actually poisoned me? You ambushed me?" Yu Zitong shrieked hoarsely, seemingly unable to accept what had just happened.

Han Li ignored the other party’s fury. He reached for the buckle on his belt and, with a swift motion, drew a gleaming short sword from a hidden compartment.

The sword was about the width of a finger and roughly half a foot long. Its entire body was incredibly flexible, making it a rare "Jade Belt Short Sword."

This weapon was the last and most expensive short sword Han Li had commissioned from a blacksmith. However, he wasn’t skilled in using such weapons, so he had never brought it out before. Now, it seemed, it had finally found its purpose.

Han Li held the sharp weapon that had been hidden on his person but had almost never seen the light of day. His expression turned grim, and the smile on his face vanished completely.

With a look of disgust, he glanced at the trembling Primordial Spirit. Without a word, he lunged forward, swinging the flexible sword like a chopping blade, aiming directly at the light sphere.

(End of Chapter)