Li Shixiong's eyelids fluttered slightly, revealing that he was in the midst of an intense internal struggle. Han Li observed him quietly, knowing that the decision he was making would have far-reaching consequences. The room was thick with tension, as both men seemed to be caught in a moment of unspoken understanding.
After a brief period of internal conflict, Li Shixiong finally opened his eyes. His gaze locked onto the pill Han Li held in his hand, a flicker of madness and determination flashing in his eyes. Han Li said nothing, simply popping the pill into Li Shixiong's mouth and watching as he reluctantly swallowed it down with a painful grimace.
Once Li Shixiong had ingested the Marrow-Sucking Pill, Han Li removed the silver needles he had so carefully inserted into his body. As soon as the last needle was withdrawn, the pill began to take effect. Li Shixiong's once-pale face began to flush with an unnatural redness, and his body began to tremble violently. Low, guttural groans escaped his lips, and though he tried to stifle the noise, the pain was clearly too much to bear.
Han Li observed silently as the pain took hold. Li Shixiong's grunts gradually intensified into shouts, his body writhing as if caught in an unseen force. After what seemed like an eternity, the intensity of the pain slowly ebbed away. His shouts diminished to nothing, and soon his body ceased its jerky convulsions. His complexion returned to its normal shade, and it was clear that he had survived the worst of it.
Li Shixiong gradually sat up, crossing his legs into a meditative posture. His eyes closed as he began to regulate his breathing and circulate his internal energy. Han Li, sensing that the recovery process would take a while, sat on a nearby stone and waited, letting the silence of the mountain surround them.
An hour passed before Li Shixiong's eyes snapped open. Without warning, he drew the long blade resting beside him and leapt to his feet. His arm swept in a sharp motion, and the glint of the blade was immediately at Han Li's throat.
"Give me one good reason not to kill you," Li Shixiong growled, his voice cold and filled with killing intent.
Han Li remained calm, his expression unchanged. He only raised an eyebrow slightly, showing no sign of fear. "I saved your life. Wouldn't that be a reason?" His voice was steady, though a small part of him did tense up in response to the sudden threat.
Li Shixiong's expression faltered for just a moment, though his eyes still bore into Han Li with an unrelenting intensity. Han Li continued, his tone slightly self-mocking. "I knew that saving you might bring me trouble, but once I've learned the art of healing, I can't just stand by and watch someone die."
Li Shixiong's gaze softened slightly, but the knife did not lower. There was still suspicion in his eyes, though Han Li's words seemed to resonate with him.
"I'm not someone who talks too much," Han Li continued, his voice calm. "You can tell by looking at me that I'm not one to gossip. If you still don't trust me, I can swear an oath. You should be able to tell that I'm no expert in martial arts, and if I break my oath, you'll have no trouble killing me."
Li Shixiong took a moment before speaking gruffly. "Swear the oath."
Han Li nodded and quickly swore the oath, making it clear that he would not betray Li Shixiong's secret. Afterward, the long blade was finally withdrawn, though it remained in Li Shixiong's hand, a silent reminder of the earlier threat.
Han Li, feeling the coolness of the blade against his skin, couldn't help but exhale a quiet breath of relief. A thin cut had been left across his neck, drawing a small line of blood. He wiped it away with his fingers, feeling the cold sweat on his back as his pulse slowed.
"That was close," Han Li thought to himself, a little shaken. "I should have been more careful. Next time, I'll think twice before getting involved in other people's troubles. If someone else wants to die or get into trouble, that's their business."
He mentally scolded himself, vowing never to rush into a situation like this again unless there was something in it for him. The near-death experience had left a mark on his mindset, one that would influence his actions from here on out.
Li Shixiong finally spoke, his voice softer and tinged with gratitude. "You saved my life, and you promised to keep my secret. I, Li Feiyu, owe you a great favor. If you ever need help, just let me know. I will do whatever I can for you."
Han Li raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I doubt I'll need your help, but you seem to be in a lot of trouble yourself, don't you think?"
Li Shixiong's expression darkened immediately, his lips pressing into a tight line. He remained silent for a moment, clearly weighing his options.
"How do you know?" he asked, his voice laced with surprise.
Han Li simply shrugged, a knowing look in his eyes. "It's obvious. You're a mere guardian disciple, but you've managed to climb above a large number of hall masters, elders, and even the sect masters' favored disciples. There's no way your life is peaceful."
Li Shixiong's face darkened even further, and for a long time, he did not speak. Han Li didn't press the issue, understanding that Li Shixiong had more personal matters to deal with.
"I won't pry into your affairs," Han Li said after a moment, his tone softening. "But I can help you relieve some of the pain you're enduring from the Marrow-Sucking Pill. I have a formula that can help."
Li Shixiong's eyes lit up at the mention of relief. His face, which had been clouded with the weight of his troubles, now brightened with hope. "Really?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Han Li simply smiled and nodded. "It works. I developed it when I was helping Zhang Tie. It greatly dulls the perception of pain. I can prepare some for you, but you'll have to wait until I return to the Valley of Healing."
"Please, anything," Li Shixiong said eagerly, his voice almost pleading. "I can't stand the pain anymore."
Han Li, trying to hide a slight chuckle, waved his hand dismissively. "I'm not going to make you beg for it. But I do need to return to the Valley to prepare it. I'll bring it to you tomorrow at noon. You'll have to wait outside the Valley since Dr. Mo isn't here, and I can't allow outsiders inside."
Li Shixiong immediately agreed, his excitement palpable. "I'll be there at noon, I promise. Thank you so much, Han Shidi!"
Han Li smiled faintly. "Just call me Han Li. I'm Dr. Mo's direct disciple, so don't call me 'Shidi.'"
Li Shixiong looked a little sheepish but nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you, Han Li!"
With that, the two parted ways, Han Li heading off toward the Valley of Healing to prepare the painkiller, while Li Shixiong headed off to take care of his own pressing matters.