Han Li was in a state of confusion, a little afraid, a little regretful, and most of all, utterly茫然. Despite having delayed until now, he still couldn't figure out a way to escape, and he began to feel慌. After all, he was still quite young and could not compare with the seasoned master, Doctor Mo. Even his efforts to remain composed and mask his emotions had been detected by Doctor Mo. The fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead revealed the frailty of this paper tiger. Doctor Mo had not missed any subtle change in Han Li's expression, and he was thoroughly satisfied with the immense pressure he had successfully exerted—always believing that only when the patient's mental composure was lost could he truly elicit honest revelations. "Do you think I'm deliberately slackening my efforts and delaying my progress in practicing the techniques?" Han Li was momentarily stunned by this unexpected blow. "Of course. After two years, you haven't even reached the fourth level—how could you possibly think I wouldn't see through your little tricks? The first three levels were completed in just three years. Even if the fourth level is particularly difficult and requires medicinal aid, you wouldn't have made any progress at all in just two years without it." "Master Mo spoke with solemnity, his brows standing upright like spears, radiating an aura of stern displeasure—seeming increasingly dissatisfied with Han Li since long before, and now finally erupting. 'No matter how much I explain, Master Mo won't believe me,' Han Li murmured with a quiet smile of resignation. He hadn't expected that the progress he had carefully concealed would be precisely the root cause of the current situation. Indeed, he had inadvertently moved a stone that had crushed his own feet. Whether or not he had successfully anticipated and triggered Master Mo's outburst to reveal the truth of this matter—now remained to be seen. 'I don't need you to elaborate further, nor do I care whether your past actions have been genuine or not. Simply listen now. I have just one question: if given another year, can you bring the Changchun Technique to the fourth level?' Master Mo chuckled coldly, slowly uttering the most crucial sentence of the day, then fixed his gaze steadily on Han Li without blinking, patiently awaiting his reply. Han Li was very clear-minded, knowing that the answer to this question not only determined the other person's life one year from now, but also directly affected whether he himself could survive at this very moment. "You must already understand that I can't offer you any other answer. Come, first, let me have my acupuncture points released." As soon as Han Li spoke these words, he felt his entire body relax, and his tone became lighter and more relaxed. The ink doctor reached out, lightly pressed on Han Li's body to unblock the meridians, then before he could move, placed the box in front of him. "You're a wise man—you don't need me to say any more nonsense. You know exactly what to do." The ink doctor narrowed his eyes, with a touch of disapproval. Han Li slightly moved his slightly numb limbs, then, without further words, reached out and took the sandalwood box, gently lifting out the pills with two fingers. Facing the other man, he looked neither left nor right, and simply swallowed them whole. "Clap, clap! Excellent! A wise man knows when to act. As long as you help me restore my normal condition, I'll surely repay you generously. I won't waste any empty promises. Though we've grown distant, I can't truly take you as my disciple—there's no way that will happen. But I can certainly ensure you a lifetime of prosperity and honor." The ink doctor clapped his hands several times, sincerely promising Han Li. "Now, it's time to tell me the function of these pills—so I don't inadvertently offend you and end up losing my life." Han Li stood motionless, showing no sign of being moved at all. "Haha, this medicine is called 'Corpse Worm Pill.' It's not truly a drug—it's actually a secret preparation of worm eggs. Once you consume it, the eggs will remain dormant inside your body for one full year. Rest assured, during that year, you'll be completely safe and unaffected by any other activities. At the end of the year, simply take a specially prepared antidote, and the eggs will dissolve on their own, leaving no trace or risk behind. But if, after one year, you fail to take the antidote—hmm!—the eggs will absorb sufficient nourishment, hatch, and then feed on your internal organs, one by one, until they've completely consumed your body. You'll suffer unbearable agony, screaming for three or four days before finally passing away." Dr. Mo spoke calmly and matter-of-factly, yet subtly warning Han Li of the medicine's severity. Upon hearing the grim details of the pill's potency, Han Li's body trembled slightly, his face turning pale, nearly unable to contain the fury building within him. Master Mo's trump card was now about to be unveiled. "By the way, I've heard you have many relatives at home. I wonder if the monthly sum you send back is still sufficient. Should it fall short, please don't hesitate to ask me—my concern for your family is genuine," said Master Mo, speaking with a tone both gentle and heartfelt. At this moment, he truly revealed his sharpness, striking hard at the very core of Han Li's vulnerability. Han Li's face had turned ashen, completely unable to maintain the calm composure described in the book—his mind frozen, his spirit still. With all his remaining strength, he clenched his lips, fearing that any outburst of anger or plea would escape him. He knew well that no matter how much he pleaded or threatened, Master Mo would not release this most critical advantage. "You needn't worry. Within one year, I will surely reach the fourth level," Han Li said, gritting his teeth and speaking each word with deliberate clarity, no longer concealing his deep resentment toward Master Mo. Under bare threats, he could only temporarily yield. He still couldn't bring himself to abandon his family ties or disregard his parents' lives entirely. Now, with his vital weakness exposed, Han Li had no choice but to abandon even the idea of fighting to the death against his opponent. This initial encounter with Doctor Mo had proven to be a complete failure for him. Upon hearing Han Li's submission, Doctor Mo finally exhaled a long-held breath of relief. His own anxiety had been no less than Han Li's, though he had masked it perfectly with an array of strange and shifting expressions. "Indeed, the Changchun Technique is quite peculiar—this young man, so young and promising, is simply hard to handle," muttered Doctor Mo internally, feeling a mix of admiration and envy, and casting a fierce curse at the technique. While the Changchun Technique does offer certain benefits in refining the body and enhancing intelligence to those who practice it, its actual effects depend heavily on the individual. Han Li, by nature, had always been more mature and intellectually sharp than his peers. After mastering the technique, his intelligence and strategic acumen surpassed those of ordinary youths even further.