Chapter 66: Poisoned

Han Li had high expectations for another spell, the "Heavenly Eye Technique," especially after witnessing the remarkable power of the "Fireball Spell." However, once he actually cast the spell, Han Li realized it was merely a simple trick: a minor application of spiritual power to the eyes. It presented no difficulty and he mastered it with ease.

Its function, however, matched its simplicity: it was a purely auxiliary spell, used only to observe whether spiritual power resided within a person's body and to what extent. Han Li was initially quite enthusiastic, repeatedly casting the "Heavenly Eye Technique" on himself. Using his spell-enhanced eyes, he observed his own body, seeing a faint white glow enveloping him. This glow appeared denser the closer it was to his Dantian.

This, he concluded, must be spiritual power. Han Li instinctively reached out to touch the white glow, but felt nothing. It seemed spiritual power, like true qi, was intangible and formless, only observable through the "Heavenly Eye Technique."

However, after using it just a few times, Han Li completely lost interest. In the entire Seven Mysteries Sect, he was the only one who could be considered even a semi-cultivator. Who else would he use the "Heavenly Eye Technique" on? He certainly couldn't spend all day narcissistically staring at himself!

Consequently, while continuing to intensively practice the "Fireball Spell" for practical combat application, Han Li also shifted his interest to several other unlearned spells. He began practicing and experimenting with them bit by bit, hoping to achieve further breakthroughs. Reflecting on the difficulty of cultivating the other spells, Han Li, who had just recovered a bit of his strength, couldn't help but sigh again. He realized he had been sighing far more frequently since he began practicing magic.

"Dong—dong—"

Deep bell chimes echoed from outside the valley.

Han Li frowned. Lately, for some unknown reason, there had been a sudden surge in people seeking medical attention, mostly for external injuries such as broken limbs, knife wounds, and sword cuts. Knowing that saving a life was like putting out a fire, he dared not delay. Grabbing his pre-prepared medical kit, he quickly left his house and headed straight for the valley entrance.

At the forest exit just outside the valley, Han Li spotted a senior disciple in brocade robes pacing anxiously beneath the large bell, agitated like an ant on a hot pan. As soon as he saw Han Li, he was overjoyed and rushed forward.

"Doctor Han, you're here at last! My master has been gravely poisoned and is fading fast. Please, hurry and see if you can cure him."

As the person approached, Han Li recognized him. It was Ma Rong, the favored disciple of Elder Li, who ranked fifth in the sect. Ma Rong had visited Divine Hand Valley with his master several times before, making him a semi-acquaintance.

"Poisoned?" Han Li muttered, feeling a pang of ill luck as he hurried alongside Ma Rong. He asked for details, aware that he himself still carried an unresolved poison.

"Yes, my master was on a mission down the mountain when he encountered a high-ranking member of the Wild Wolf Gang. He was accidentally hit by one of their poisoned projectiles. Initially, he didn't think much of it and even managed to kill his opponent. But as soon as he returned to the mountain, the poison took effect, rendering him unconscious."

"Have you consulted other doctors?"

"Of course. If it were a common poisoning, I wouldn't have troubled you, Doctor Han. Those quacks knew nothing beyond the fact that my master was afflicted by an uncommon toxin; they didn't even dare to prescribe a remedy." Ma Rong spoke with clear disdain, evidently very displeased with the other doctors.

Han Li's expression remained neutral as he listened, merely humming in acknowledgement before pressing on with Ma Rong. Inwardly, however, he began to have misgivings. To be honest, he wasn't particularly adept at detoxification. He had a degree of confidence treating internal or external injuries, thanks to a few potent medicines he possessed. However, curing a rare and powerful poison was entirely beyond his expertise.

He knew that although he possessed "Purity Spirit Powder," a panacea capable of curing a myriad of poisons, the world held countless toxic substances. There was no guarantee "Purity Spirit Powder" would be effective against this particular toxin. Moreover, the other doctors on the mountain were not incompetent; they possessed unique skills for treating common martial arts injuries and poisons. Otherwise, the sect's influential figures, who greatly valued their own lives, would have long since expelled them rather than tolerating a group of unqualified individuals.

Yet, the fact that these capable doctors didn't even dare to prescribe a remedy suggested this poison was truly formidable and unusual. He would simply have to assess the situation and adapt. Even if he failed, it wouldn't ruin his reputation; after all, no "miracle doctor" could truly cure all diseases. His standing within the sect wouldn't be significantly affected.

As Han Li pondered his strategy, Ma Rong, almost half-carrying him, ran swiftly while pulling at his sleeve, urging him towards Elder Li's residence. Witnessing Ma Rong's frantic demeanor, Han Li realized the profound bond between the master and his disciple.

A pang of sadness struck Han Li as he thought of his own relationship with Doctor Mo – nominally master and disciple, but in truth, adversaries. How he wished their bond could have been as harmonious as Ma Rong's with his master. Deep down, he still harbored a degree of respect for Doctor Mo, who had, after all, imparted to him his considerable medical skills and the Evergreen Arts. But fate, regrettably, had intervened. It seemed destined that they could not coexist, leading to their clash and Doctor Mo's unexpected death at Han Li's own hands.

As Han Li was lost in these wistful thoughts, Ma Rong had already led him to Elder Li's residence.