Doctor Mo is quite satisfied with Han Li's consistent dedication to cultivation. Yet, he still finds the progress of Han Li's unnamed technique to be too slow. In recent years, Doctor Mo's illness seems to have worsened—his coughing has become more frequent and lasts longer each time. As his own health declines, Doctor Mo has grown increasingly concerned about Han Li's cultivation progress. The repeated urgency in his daily remarks reveals his growing anxiety. Doctor Mo clearly holds Han Li in high regard. Not only does he pay Han Li more silver than other disciples as agreed, but the way he gazes at him is especially distinct—like viewing a rare treasure, cherished and protected. However, Han Li, now at the third level of the technique, has grown remarkably perceptive. In his subtle observations, he has noticed that behind these warm and attentive glances, there occasionally lingers a hint of unease—of quiet greed or yearning—that makes him feel somewhat uneasy. These expressions made Han Li feel rather uneasy, as if the Doctor Mu were not looking at a living person but at an object. This left him somewhat puzzled—what could he possibly have that Doctor Mu desired? Of course, he firmly believed he had nothing of value. On occasion, Han Li even felt as though he had developed a mild allergy from his prolonged practice of internal cultivation, quietly criticizing Doctor Mu for seeming ungrateful. Yet, for some reason he could not quite explain, there remained a quiet sense of vigilance toward Doctor Mu deep within his heart, and this sense only grew stronger over time. Now, a pressing issue had arisen before Han Li—he had reached a critical point in his cultivation, and even more troublingly, over the years of his intensive training and medication, the precious medicines that Doctor Mu had once held so dear had been completely depleted. It was obvious that Han Li was not born with extraordinary talent. Without the aid of medicinal treatments, his progress in cultivation had completely stalled. This left Han Li deeply ashamed when facing Doctor Mo. Doctor Mo had nearly devoted all his heart and resources to Han Li, creating the most favorable conditions for his cultivation—yet Han Li himself was unable to meet even the most basic requirements. As a result, Han Li felt utterly at a loss when facing Doctor Mo's eager inquiries. It was strange—though for some reason, despite his high level of martial skill, Doctor Mo was unable to perceive the details of Han Li's cultivation progress, only gaining a vague understanding through pulse examinations. Thus, for several days, he remained unaware of the difficulties Han Li was facing. Recently, after growing increasingly anxious, Han Li finally confided in Doctor Mo about his cultivation situation. Upon hearing that Han Li had not made any improvement in his recitations for a full year, that his originally pale, expressionless face had now turned noticeably paler, and that his complexion had grown increasingly wan, Doctor Mo was deeply concerned. Master Mo did not scold him, but merely informed him that he would be away from the mountain for some time, going to gather medicinal herbs, and urged him to diligently practice his internal cultivation, never to relax on the refinement of the oral techniques. Two days later, Master Mo packed his belongings and tools, and departed alone from the Seven-Immortal Gate. After his departure, the entire Shenshou Valley was left with only Han Li. Two years prior, when his senior brother and close friend Zhang Tie had unexpectedly achieved the third level of the "Xiang Jia Technique," he suddenly vanished without a trace, leaving only a letter of farewell, stating his intention to establish himself in the martial world. This caused a significant stir throughout the Seven-Immortal Gate. Eventually, it was learned that Master Mo had personally interceded on his behalf, thus sparing his recommender and family relatives from being affected. This sudden departure deeply moved Han Li, who was saddened for several days. Later, upon reflection, he sensed something was amiss, though being young and relatively unassertive, no one asked him about it, and the matter eventually faded into obscurity. Over time, Han Li began to suspect that Zhang Tie might have been afraid of advancing to After several days of cultivation within the valley, he still saw no noticeable results. Moreover, Han Li, being a young and spirited lad, decided to leave the Shen Shou Valley and stroll around Caixia Mountain. Walking along these paths both familiar and yet somewhat foreign, Han Li felt a quiet sense of reflection. In recent years, he had been so immersed in his practice that he had never left the small valley—like a prisoner, truly. He presumed that his fellow disciples outside must have long since forgotten him. On his journey, he encountered several sentry disciples who, seeing him dressed as a regular disciple but with an unfamiliar appearance, approached him with suspicion, asking numerous questions. It took him a good deal of explanation before he could finally pass them by. To avoid unnecessary disturbances, Han Li simply chose winding, secluded trails, steering clear of bustling, crowded areas. Indeed, throughout his journey, he encountered no more such bothersome inquiries, and he continued to move steadily and freely, growing ever more distant from the valley. Gazing at these scenes so vastly different from those within the valley, and listening to the lively chatter of various birds, Han Li momentarily forgot all his worries. Suddenly, from a more concealed cliff below, came the distant sounds of weapons clashing, accompanied by shouts of encouragement and complaints. So remote a place! So many people gathered here! And such a vibrant, lively commotion! Han Li's curiosity surged, and no longer afraid of being questioned, he followed the sounds of the combat to the vicinity of this cliff. What a scene! He was momentarily stunned, surprised. Beneath the cliff, completely shaded by trees, a group of over one hundred people had gathered, filling the relatively small space so densely that even on several larger trees, people stood on the branches, gazing out. Within this circle of people, two groups were facing each other with clear hostility. More people were on the left side, about eleven or twelve, while fewer were on the right, with six or seven. Han Li noticed that, whether they were standing around or in the center of the gathering, all of them appeared to be about his own age—just teenagers. Han Li smiled slightly, truly a pleasant coincidence. Among so many people, he easily recognized several familiar faces. "Wan Jinbao, Zhang Daliu, Yan Yun, Sun Lisheng... Ah! Wang Dabao has grown even fatter—no wonder his family runs a kitchen; he must truly be well-fed and well-cared for! This one—this one is Liu Tietou. Hm, hm! The once dark, charcoal-like hair has now turned into a clean, fair complexion!" Han Li also climbed up onto a tree, calling out the names of his familiar acquaintances below.