The sun hung high in the sky, still bringing a hint of heat even in early autumn. Doctor Mo felt restless in his chamber, though he was confident in his strategy to pressure Han Li. Yet, as the moment approached, he could not help but feel uncertain. Suddenly, a series of footsteps came from the distance, growing steadily closer to the house. Upon hearing the familiar rhythm, Doctor Mo was overjoyed and rushed forward, swiftly pushing open the door. A figure approached slowly—exactly the one he had been eagerly awaiting: Han Li. As Han Li drew nearer, Doctor Mo suppressed his excitement and forced a smile onto his face. "Well, you've kept your appointment—your calm demeanor shows that you're wise and composed. I'm glad to see you didn't flee. Come in, let's have a proper conversation." At this moment, Master Mo's expression was kind and warm, like that of a senior neighbor, his face glowing as bright as a fully bloomed flower. Seeing Han Li's gaze toward the house, slightly alert, Master Mo quickly stepped in to explain and employed a subtle tactic to encourage him. "Hmph! Since I've already come, what could possibly make me afraid of entering your house?" Han Li gave a light scoff, as if truly stirred by the remark, and then spoke out. Following this, he took the lead and stepped forward. Master Mo hurriedly smiled and stepped aside, clearing a path for him to enter. As Han Li walked in, Master Mo reached for the door to close it, but suddenly heard Han Li, without turning around, say, "If you dare close the door, I'll consider you playing the classic game of trapping me—like a fish in a bowl—and we'll never talk again." Upon hearing this, the Duke of Mo was momentarily stunned, hesitated for a moment, then quietly stepped out of the room, speaking with ease and indifference: "I am truly here to discuss matters with you, and I have no intention of doing you any harm. If you say we should not close the door, then we shall not." Immediately, the Duke of Mo lay back into his state chair as usual. Han Li, equally unceremonious, pulled over a stool and sat down across from him with a composed air. The two had not seen each other in nearly six months, and now exchanged a few quiet glances. Observing the Duke of Mo, Han Li noticed that he appeared significantly older than before—now almost indistinguishable from a man in his seventies. He found himself silently wondering: "Could it be that the Duke truly meant what he said all along, simply wishing for me to restore his vital essence, with no hidden intentions at all? Had he, perhaps, been overthinking this entire matter himself?" Han Li glanced around, and suddenly his pupils contracted. There, in the corner, stood the tall, enigmatic man silently, motionless and quiet, as if a statue—so still that one would hardly notice his presence unless deliberately seeking him out. At that moment, Doctor Mo had also finished examining Han Li, as though satisfied with his current condition, and spoke gently: "Seeing you now, I'm reminded of the first time you entered. Then you were just a child of about twelve or thirteen, only this tall. Now, look at you—so much taller! Truly, time does not spare you." Han Li found himself momentarily puzzled by the doctor's casual remarks, unsure of his intentions, though immediately raised his guard, silently reminding himself that the man was a seasoned observer—someone who had surely eaten more salt than Han Li had ever eaten rice. He had to be careful not to fall into his subtle trap. "Master Mo, your care and attention throughout have always been deeply appreciated and never forgotten. Should there be any task I can undertake, please feel free to instruct me at any time." The tone of Han Li softened, and he used respectful titles, as though he had returned to being his former obedient apprentice. Indeed, look at my mind! As I grow older, my memory grows weaker. I had originally planned to give you the elixir the moment you stepped into the room." Dr. Mo suddenly realized, as though just recalling it. From his sleeve, he fished out a silver vial and poured out a dark, pill-like medicine, tossing it toward Han Li. Han Li pretended to be hurried and clumsy, barely catching the pill, which he then held close to his nose. A sharp, pungent aroma immediately filled his senses. He glanced up at Dr. Mo, who was now smiling faintly, half-amused. Han Li hesitated slightly, beginning to doubt the authenticity of the medicine. Yet he couldn't afford to wait—since the effects of the corpse-feeding pills were due soon, if he didn't take it, he would surely be in serious trouble. Believing that Dr. Mo still had a use for him, he decided the medicine must be genuine. With a serious expression, he swallowed the pill and waited patiently for its effects to take hold. Instead, the ink doctor now seemed unusually relaxed, slowly lying back in his original position and chatting casually with Han Li, as if he had completely forgotten his initial purpose for coming. Not long after, Han Li felt a sudden pain in his abdomen, which quickly subsided. He immediately checked his body and found that the "Corpse Worm Pills" had completely dissolved—his heart filled with relief, and a subtle smile appeared on his face. "Han Li had rid himself of a serious concern, and his mood had improved considerably. With a slightly greater belief in his sincerity, he no longer insisted on countering his insincerity point by point." "Now, may I have the pleasure of taking your pulse?" The old physician still said this earnest request, which truly put Han Li at a disadvantage—after all, who knew whether Han Li might seize the opportunity to gain the upper hand?