Han Li grabbed the rope of the wooden bucket and threw it toward the water pool. He then pulled the rope back, lifting a full bucket of fresh spring water. With ease, he raised the bucket above his head and, with a flick of his wrist, dumped the entire contents over himself, allowing the cool water to cascade down from head to toe.
"So refreshing!" Han Li exclaimed, his face lighting up with delight.
"Ah, this feels so good!" Another voice echoed his sentiments.
It was no wonder that both of them were so thrilled. The summer heat was unbearable, and with the scorching sun overhead, the coolness of the mountain spring water was like a blessed relief. Both of them stood there, topless, as the water drenched their bodies, cooling off every inch of their overheated skin.
"Heh, Han Shidi, you really know how to find good spots. A hidden spring like this… you found it all by yourself?" The other young man, who appeared cool and reserved, spoke up.
"That's nothing. I've found even harder-to-reach places, but none have water as refreshing as this one," Han Li replied without hesitation, accepting the compliment with a grin.
The young man speaking was none other than Li Feiyu, the one who had come to Han Li for pain relief medicine. After his first experience with the pain-relieving powder Han Li had given him, Feiyu had been hooked. The "Extracting Marrow Pills" had caused excruciating pain, and the effects of the medicine Han Li provided had helped alleviate it considerably. As a result, Li Feiyu couldn't get enough of Han Li's concoctions, rapidly depleting his supply in just a few short months.
Unable to bear the torment any longer, Li Feiyu had come to Han Li once more, seeking more medicine. But this time, Han Li had an offer of his own. He knew that Feiyu had joined the Seven Xuan Hall and suggested a trade: Feiyu would teach him some of the secret techniques of the Seven Xuan Hall, and in return, Han Li would provide him with more of the medicinal powders. Feiyu, who had only a few years left to live, agreed without hesitation, happy to accept such an exchange.
To keep their arrangement secret from outsiders, Han Li had found several remote and well-hidden places deep in the Caidian Mountains, using them as meeting points to complete the exchange. Every once in a while, they would secretly meet—Han Li would hand over the medicine, and Feiyu would share the martial techniques he had learned at the Seven Xuan Hall. This arrangement had been ongoing for more than half a year.
Over that time, both Han Li and Li Feiyu had grown comfortable with one another, becoming good friends without even realizing it. Han Li had found several places for their meetings, and Feiyu was particularly fond of the hidden spring, which was surrounded by steep cliffs and could only be reached through a narrow, concealed cave. This cave opened up into a small basin, and the only exit was a hole in the trunk of an ancient locust tree growing on the cliffside. It was a perfect hideout, a serene, private spot where they could cool off and relax.
After finishing their refreshing water bath, Han Li glanced at the rising sun and spoke up.
"The last technique you taught me, the Fierce Python Strength, is too aggressive for me. Do you have something lighter, more delicate?"
Li Feiyu, who had a naturally tough and straightforward style, shot Han Li a look. "Han Shidi, you really think the Seven Xuan Hall is just for anyone to pick and choose what they want? I only have access to a small fraction of their techniques, and my style naturally leans toward the more vigorous and powerful martial arts."
Han Li grinned sheepishly, quickly responding, "But of course, Senior Brother Feiyu is the leader of all disciples—how could you be compared to ordinary students of the Seven Xuan Hall?"
Li Feiyu rolled his eyes, exasperated, and muttered, "It's not easy being praised by Han, the genius."
Han Li laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "What genius? I always get knocked out by just a few moves from you."
Feiyu smirked, clearly amused. "Hmph, that's because I used my true qi. If I didn't, you'd have no chance. Without true qi, you'd be helpless after a hundred moves."
"Who fights without using true qi? Senior Brother Feiyu, you're too modest!" Han Li laughed.
"Modesty? Not at all. You've never learned martial arts before, and your experience with sparring is minimal. You only learned that useless heart technique. Yet in such a short time, you've already grasped the techniques so thoroughly. You're no genius?" Li Feiyu was both impressed and puzzled by Han Li's quick understanding.
Han Li chuckled bitterly in his heart but kept his face neutral. You think I want to learn this? I'm stuck—if I don't learn it, I can't move forward.
"Senior Brother Feiyu, it's not that I'm being stubborn, but with your martial arts talent, you should let go of that useless heart technique. If you learn real martial skills, I'm sure you'll stand out in two years. We can rule the Seven Xuan Sect together, wouldn't that be great?" Li Feiyu once again earnestly tried to convince Han Li.
Han Li couldn't help but feel moved by his sincerity. Although he had heard this same argument multiple times, it was clear that Feiyu was offering his advice out of genuine concern. Han Li smiled lightly and shook his head.
"I'll stick with my own path for now. But, is there really no martial arts in the Seven Xuan Hall that doesn't require true qi to use?"
Li Feiyu paused for a moment, sensing Han Li didn't want to linger on the previous topic. He gave a slight nod and started thinking deeply, then looked back up at Han Li.
"There is one unusual sword technique. It doesn't require true qi to use, but…"
"But what?" Han Li, sensing an opportunity, pressed eagerly.
"Well, this sword technique has been in the Seven Xuan Hall for over a hundred years, and no one has ever successfully cultivated it. Even the elder who created it died before mastering it. The technique is called the Wink Sword Technique. Strange name, don't you think?" Li Feiyu said, his tone full of intrigue as he spoke about this mysterious technique.
The mention of a sword technique that didn't require true qi caught Han Li's attention immediately, and a glint of hope appeared in his eyes.