Chapter 6: Entry Disciples

After nearly half a year of intense cultivation, Han Li finally stood before Doctor Mo, ready for his test.

Zhang Tie stood awkwardly close to Han Li, which was understandable; Han Li had already learned from him that despite nearly six months of practice, Zhang Tie had made no progress with the cultivation technique.

Han Li knew that Zhang Tie had been just as diligent as himself in practicing the technique. While Zhang Tie couldn't match Han Li's desperate fervor, he had certainly put in a considerable amount of effort, diligently and conscientiously.

Yet, strangely, the technique had no effect on Zhang Tie whatsoever. No matter how hard he practiced, it yielded no results. It seemed this particular technique was not meant for him.

Han Li himself felt a nervous flutter in his chest. He knew that Zhang Tie was almost certain to fail this assessment. As for himself, though he had seen some minor effects, he wasn't much better off.

Despite his desperate cultivation, the strange energy flow within him had only become slightly more vigorous. If previously it had been as thin as a strand of hair, now it was about the thickness of a cotton thread. But whether this would be enough to pass Doctor Mo’s test, Han Li truly had no idea. Thus, Han Li’s heart was also in his throat, filled with apprehension and unease.

“Are you both ready? Show me your cultivation results.” Doctor Mo narrowed his eyes, observing the two from his grand armchair.

“Ready,” Han Li and Zhang Tie replied, steeling themselves.

Doctor Mo slowly rose from his chair and placed the book, which was always by his side, onto the table.

“Extend your hands.”

“Circulate your energy for me to see.”

Doctor Mo grasped Zhang Tie’s right wrist pulse with one hand and placed his other hand over Zhang Tie’s dantian.

After about a quarter of an hour, he withdrew his hands from Zhang Tie and scrutinized him expressionlessly.

Zhang Tie’s face flushed crimson. He hastily put his hands behind his back and lowered his head, not daring to look at Doctor Mo again. He knew Doctor Mo must have realized he had made no progress with the technique, and he anticipated a stern reprimand.

“Your turn.”

Surprisingly, Doctor Mo showed no inclination to scold Zhang Tie. A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes, but then he turned to Han Li.

Doctor Mo again grasped Han Li’s right wrist pulse.

"So cold, icy. Not like a living person's hand at all," Han Li thought, a little disconcerted.

Doctor Mo’s skin was somewhat dry and covered in calluses, causing a slight prickling sensation on Han Li’s skin—this was Han Li’s first impression when Doctor Mo gripped his hand.

Perhaps stimulated by the external contact, the energy within Han Li began to circulate on its own, without Han Li needing to consciously direct it. It flowed through his meridians and acupuncture points, from his dantian to his head, then to his limbs, completing a rapid circuit before returning to his dantian. As soon as this energy circulated, the slight discomfort on Han Li's skin immediately vanished.

“Oh!” Doctor Mo involuntarily exclaimed, apparently having detected the energy within Han Li.

“Quick, circulate the technique again.” Though Doctor Mo tried to suppress his emotions and not show his excitement, the fervent look in his eyes still startled Han Li.

“Slowly this time, let me examine it carefully,” Doctor Mo added, his normally cold tone becoming urgent as he placed his other hand over Han Li’s dantian.

Han Li felt Doctor Mo’s hands trembling slightly, indicating his intense excitement. He obeyed and circulated the energy within him again.

“Excellent! Excellent! This is it, this is exactly what I’ve been searching for. No mistake! Impossible to be wrong! Haha…”

After a thorough examination, Doctor Mo could no longer contain his laughter. He gripped Han Li’s shoulders tightly, his previously narrowed eyes wide open, staring intently at Han Li as if he were an exceedingly rare treasure. His gaze even held a hint of madness.

Han Li heard Doctor Mo’s incessant laughter, felt a slight pain in his shoulders from the grip, and seeing the frenzied look on the doctor’s face, a sense of fear crept into his heart.

“Good, very good.” Doctor Mo noticed the fear on Han Li’s face, realizing he had lost his composure, and immediately ceased his laughter.

“You must continue to work hard, just as you have now. From today, you are my personal disciple.” He released his hands and patted Han Li’s shoulders in encouragement.

Doctor Mo’s face returned to its usual calm, as if his earlier wild behavior had never occurred. Only the occasional fervent glances he cast towards Han Li revealed that he was still, in fact, quite excited.

“As for you…” Doctor Mo finally turned his gaze to Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie had been stunned by the preceding events and was only roused when Doctor Mo addressed him.

Thinking of the grim reality of failing the assessment and being sent down the mountain, Zhang Tie looked at Doctor Mo with a desperate plea in his eyes.

“Your aptitude is lacking. After such a long time, you haven’t managed to cultivate anything. Taking you as a disciple would truly be a stretch,” Doctor Mo said, shaking his head repeatedly.

Zhang Tie’s heart sank with each shake of the doctor’s head.

Both boys understood from Doctor Mo’s words that he had no intention of accepting Zhang Tie.

But then, suddenly, Doctor Mo seemed to recall something interesting, and a strange expression appeared in his eyes as he looked at Zhang Tie.

“However, I just examined your root bone, and there’s another cultivation method that might suit you better. Are you willing to learn it from me?” Doctor Mo’s tone suddenly shifted, indicating he might allow Zhang Tie to pass after all.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tie, of course, had no reason to refuse and immediately agreed.

“Good, very good. You two may go. Tomorrow, I will impart the new cultivation methods to you.” It was evident that Doctor Mo was in a very good mood, as another “Good, very good” slipped from his lips.

Han Li and Zhang Tie exchanged glances. Both felt that today’s test had been full of twists and turns, with a surprising turn of events. The fact that both of them had passed the assessment brought them great relief.