Han Li slowly gathered the energy flow in his meridians back to his dantian. This was the seventh cycle he had completed today, and he knew his body had reached its limit. If he attempted another cycle, his meridians would likely rupture again, and he would endure that excruciating pain once more. Just the thought of that pain made Han Li, who was usually fearless, break out in a cold sweat.
It had been over half a year since Han Li joined the sect, and the formal assessment for registered disciples had ended over two months ago. Only a small portion of registered disciples were accepted into the inner sect. Most of those who failed the assessment became outer disciples and left the sect with their belongings.
Han Li couldn't help but feel a bit nervous when he remembered the terrifying tests the registered disciples underwent two months ago.
Running around the entire Caihui Mountain Range and then fighting in the remote forests in teams. Finally, they had to withstand attacks from skilled senior disciples. Thinking back on these tests, Han Li couldn't help but feel a bit relieved that he and Zhang Tie hadn't participated.
Doctor Mo had only assessed their progress in practicing the unnamed formula, as he had said. However, this assessment wasn't as easy as Han Li had expected. He still vividly remembered his practice during that time.
According to Doctor Mo, the unnamed formula was divided into several layers, and they had only received the method for cultivating the first layer. If they could make progress within six months, they would become official disciples of Doctor Mo and receive the same treatment as other inner disciples.
However, after three months of arduous practice, Han Li was shocked to find that his progress was incredibly slow. Despite his efforts, he could only produce a faint trickle of energy flow in his body, barely perceptible unless he focused his attention inward. It seemed like this was the so-called true qi of internal martial arts.
However, the true qi Han Li produced was completely different from what other disciples described. While they produced warm and powerful streams of true qi, Han Li's was cold and feeble, with little effect.
This unexpected discovery almost made Han Li give up. He believed his talent was too poor to make progress in the remaining time. He even prepared to leave the sect.
One day, Han Li learned from Zhang Tie, who had seen no progress in his cultivation, that he was not alone. This chance revelation reignited some of Han Li's lost confidence, and he resumed his intense practice with even greater determination.
Doctor Mo seemed to have completely forgotten about them after teaching them the formula. He spent his days engrossed in reading a book with a plain cover. At first, Han Li and Zhang Tie thought Doctor Mo had given up his role as a healer and was studying for an examination. It was only later, after they learned to read, that they realized the book was called the "Longevity Scripture," a book on cultivating longevity.
At that moment, they realized that Doctor Mo wasn't studying for an examination but seeking immortality, like the turtles in the river, wanting to live for thousands of years without aging.
