A few days later, on a certain afternoon, Han Li once again secretly left Shenshou Valley to meet with Li Feiyu.
It wasn't exactly a covert operation; Doctor Mo already knew that Han Li often left the valley, but he made no attempt to stop him. Han Li was free to come and go as he pleased.
At first, this lack of interference made Han Li uneasy. He didn't understand why Doctor Mo would allow him such freedom, and he was unsure of the doctor's intentions. However, after numerous trips without incident, Han Li began to realize the reason behind it.
Doctor Mo was well aware of the resentment Han Li felt due to the restraints placed on him, especially with the threats involving the Corpse Insect Pill and his family's safety. Forcing Han Li into submission would only make him resistant and hinder his cultivation. Therefore, Doctor Mo had allowed Han Li to come and go freely, hoping that Han Li would take the initiative to train in Changchun Gong on his own, without feeling constantly restricted.
Once Han Li understood this, he became bolder. Where he had once been cautious of Doctor Mo's gaze, now he would walk confidently out of the valley without a care in the world.
Outwardly, Han Li seemed relaxed and nonchalant, as though he no longer cared. But in reality, he remained vigilant. The moment he stepped outside the valley, he activated Changchun Gong to enhance his senses, stretching them to extraordinary levels. He could now detect any living being within dozens of paces and keep them under his control.
He was confident that, even if Doctor Mo personally monitored him, he would not escape Han Li's perceptive grasp. Han Li was sure that while he may not be able to confront him head-on, his mastery over his senses would give him an edge in avoiding detection.
As Han Li walked through the mountain paths, he skillfully avoided the patrolling disciples and entered the secret passage inside the old locust tree, leading him to the hidden pond where he had agreed to meet Li Feiyu.
When Han Li arrived, he found Li Feiyu sitting on the edge of the pond, barefoot and gazing down at the cool water. His feet splashed into the water, sending colorful droplets flying into the air as he played, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Without looking up, Li Feiyu complained in a teasing tone, "Han Junior Brother, you're late again! Every time, you make me wait half a day. Can't you come earlier just once?"
"Sorry, I…" Han Li began, brushing off the dirt on his clothes, about to explain.
"Here." Li Feiyu interrupted him, tossing a large, heavy bundle from behind his back to Han Li.
"What is this? Is it something to eat?" Han Li asked, bewildered. But when the bundle hit his arms, he realized it was hard and heavy, definitely not food.
"You always think of food! It's not food, it's the sword manual you asked me for," Li Feiyu said, giving him a pointed look.
"This is a sword manual? Are you sure? You didn't just mistake one of your grinding stones for the manual, did you?" Han Li said, eyeing the massive package with suspicion.
"Good grief, how heavy!" Han Li grunted as he tried to lift the bundle, nearly losing his balance.
Li Feiyu burst into laughter, holding his stomach and rolling on the ground, unable to stop himself from laughing. The sight was so amusing that Han Li couldn't help but feel even more suspicious.
Han Li kicked the bundle lightly with his foot, and the dull sound it made suggested that it might actually be a book.
Ignoring his still-laughing companion, Han Li knelt next to the bundle, scratching his chin. He wasn't going to waste time speculating—he could figure it out in a few moments.
His white, clean hands quickly gripped the stubborn knot on the bundle. Ten fingers moved in a blur, and the knot, which had been tied tightly, miraculously loosened.
"Clap! Clap!" The sound of light applause filled the air.
Han Li didn't immediately open the bundle. Instead, he glanced over at his mischievous friend, who had long since stopped laughing and was now clapping his hands in approval.
"Every time I see you use that Silk Binding Hand technique so masterfully, it amazes me. It's like the technique was made just for you. In just two months, you've mastered it perfectly," Li Feiyu praised, his admiration clear.
Han Li shot him a look. "You didn't make the bundle so big just to watch me perform, did you?"
"Of course not. You'll understand once you open it." Li Feiyu said seriously, his smile fading as he became more solemn.
Seeing the sudden change in his friend's demeanor, Han Li's curiosity peaked. He turned his attention back to the large bundle in front of him, thinking for a moment before using two fingers to lift the corner of the wrapping, revealing what lay inside.
"What is this…?" Han Li's face turned ashen as his entire body tensed. Cold sweat began to pour down his forehead, and his eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets.
"Surprised?" Li Feiyu walked up, giving Han Li a hearty slap on the shoulder.
Han Li turned to face him, eyes wide with shock, speechless for a long time.
"What are you staring at me like that for? I'm not going to offer myself to you, you know!" Li Feiyu joked with a grin.
It took Han Li a moment to snap out of it, his face full of disbelief.
"I want nothing to do with you from now on! Pretend we've never met. You've never seen me, and I've never seen you." Han Li shouted, exasperated.
Han Li pointed at the mountain of thick books stacked before him. Each one clearly marked with golden characters reading, Seven Xuan Hall Secret Collection on the top left corner.
"You've gone crazy! You actually brought back half of the Seven Xuan Hall's secret collection? If any of the patrol guards catch wind of this, we won't even have the chance to beg for mercy. We'll be dead before we can blink!" Han Li yelled, panic rising in his chest.
Li Feiyu's face fell a little. "It's not that bad. I made sure to get the ones that no one would care about."
Han Li stared at the massive pile of books with no small amount of dread. Every single one of these was a forbidden text, and their theft was nothing short of catastrophic.