Chapter 20: Heart Demon Arises

Han Li watched Li Feiyu's gradually receding back, standing silently in place.

After agreeing to pick up the medicine the following day at noon, Li Feiyu had proactively bid farewell to Han Li, saying he needed to go back and recuperate further.

For all this time, Han Li had never pressed Li Feiyu about why he was taking this secret medicine. Han Li knew that even if he asked, it wouldn't change what had already happened.

Since Li Feiyu was willing to sacrifice his entire future just for the present glory of being "Brother Li," it clearly indicated he had a compelling reason for doing so. No one would willingly commit suicide, not even a slow, high-cost form of self-destruction. Forcing him to reveal his difficulties would only painfully reopen wounds that were on the verge of healing.

Clearly, Han Li's approach was correct. Before leaving, Li Feiyu noticed Han Li didn't press him for the specific reasons behind taking the "Marrow Extraction Pill." He was very grateful for Han Li's understanding; though he didn't say it aloud, Han Li knew Li Feiyu now owed him another favor of considerable significance.

Han Li intended to honor his agreement with Li Feiyu. Not only would he keep Li Feiyu's secret, but he also decided to prepare a secret medicine to alleviate his pain as soon as he returned to the valley.

The reason for this was simple: since Li Feiyu wasn't a villain and hadn't truly tried to kill him, Han Li wanted Li Feiyu to owe him an even greater favor, making it difficult for him to refuse any future requests.

Li Feiyu's martial arts skills would only improve in his final years, and the stronger he became, the more likely he could be of help to Han Li. Even if Han Li didn't need his assistance in the coming years, it wouldn't matter. Offering a small kindness to someone who wasn't truly bad was a pleasant experience for both body and mind. While Li Feiyu might not necessarily be a good person, at least after today's events, he posed no threat to Han Li.

After considering everything thoroughly and finding no omissions, Han Li leisurely returned to Divine Hand Valley.

Shortly after his relaxed return to the valley, Han Li began preparing the secret medicine for Li Feiyu. This pain-relieving medicine was not difficult to formulate; all the necessary herbs could be found in the valley's medicinal garden. However, the preparation process was somewhat intricate and required careful attention.

After a busy afternoon, Han Li had prepared enough finished medicine to last Li Feiyu for a year. He could have made more, but he wanted Li Feiyu to return annually for the medicine, ensuring he wouldn't gradually forget this favor.

By evening, Han Li uncharacteristically sat on a chair in front of his house door, gazing up at the dark, starry sky and the bright moon, lost in thought.

Han Li was once again missing his family.

It had been over four years since he left his parents. Since coming to the mountain, he had diligently practiced his cultivation techniques almost every day, leaving no time to dwell on family matters, and he had never gone back down the mountain. He only sent most of his monthly allowance home. Each year, he received just one letter from his parents, written by Uncle Zhang on their behalf, assuring him of their well-being. The content of these letters was sparse, mainly confirming that everything at home was fine, with little mention of other details. He knew only that their family life had improved significantly: his elder brother had married and established himself, and his second brother had found a bride and was expected to hold a wedding next year. All these changes were thanks to the money he sent home. However, Han Li had sensitively noticed in the greetings of a few letters that his family's tone toward him had become increasingly polite, almost as if they were treating a stranger. This feeling initially frightened Han Li, leaving him unsure how to react. But as time passed, for some unknown reason, this fear naturally subsided, and the images of his family members in his mind gradually blurred.

It was only on occasions like tonight, when circumstances stirred his emotions, that he would once again miss his family and recall the warmth of his home life. This feeling, now so difficult to experience, made Han Li feel very comfortable and cherished, and he would savor it slowly, bit by bit.

Han Li placed his hand on his chest, his fingers gently caressing the small leather pouch containing the peace talisman through his clothes.

Usually, a few touches would bring a faint sense of contentment to his mind, but tonight, for some reason, the caressing only stirred his heart more, leaving him unable to calm down for a long time.

Han Li now felt an inexpressible sense of melancholy, unable to control his emotions. His body felt off, his qi and blood surged uncontrollably, and the strange energy he had cultivated began to stir restlessly.

The terrifying phrase "qi deviation" suddenly appeared in his mind. Han Li stood up, took a deep breath, and forced himself to calm down. With Dr. Mo absent, he had to handle the immediate crisis himself.

Han Li was still puzzled as to why he would suddenly experience qi deviation for no apparent reason. Although it wasn't the time to get to the bottom of it, identifying the root cause that triggered the deviation was the most viable way to resolve this trouble completely.

Han Li looked up, scanning his surroundings, but found nothing eye-catching.

He rubbed his chin with his right hand when his elbow suddenly brushed against something bulging. His gaze instinctively fell upon it.

The names "small leather pouch" and "peace talisman" immediately came to his mind.

"Could this be the cause of such serious trouble?" Han Li couldn't be sure, but there was no time to hesitate. His internal condition was worsening, and he risked losing control at any moment.

Han Li decisively reached out, yanked the leather pouch from his neck, and threw it far away.

"No, my heart feels even worse, and my qi and blood are surging even more intensely," he thought.

Han Li, with great effort, suppressed the internal turmoil once more. His bloodshot eyes fixed intently on the small leather pouch, hoping to discover why things had become even worse.