Chapter 8, Novice Disciples

Han Li knew that Zhang Tie was as dedicated to practicing this mantra as he was himself. Although he could not match Han Li's reckless fervor, the effort he had put into it was by no means insignificant, and he could certainly be described as diligent and earnest.

Ah! Doctor Mo could not help but exclaim, as it seemed he had discovered the energy within Han Li's body

Zhang Tieshou stood helplessly next to Han Li, which was understandable, as Han Li had already learned from him that after nearly half a year of cultivation, he had made no progress with this set of incantations

It is your turn

"Good, very good." Doctor Mo noticed a hint of fear on Han Li's face and realized that he had somewhat lost his composure, so he immediately stopped laughing

Han Li felt that Doctor Mo's hands were slightly trembling, indicating that he was very excited. He then followed his advice and allowed the energy within his body to circulate once more

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tie readily agreed on the spot, as there was no reason to refuse

After nearly half a year of intense training, Han Li finally stood before Doctor Mo to undergo his assessment

Doctor Mo grasped Zhang Tie's right wrist with one hand while placing the other hand over Zhang Tie's dantian. After a while, equivalent to the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, he finally withdrew his hands from Zhang Tie's body and examined him carefully from head to toe with an expressionless face

Doctor Mo once again firmly grasped Han Li's right wrist pulse

Perhaps influenced by external stimuli, the energy within Han Li's body began to operate autonomously before he could even harness it himself. It flowed along the meridians, traversing the acupoints throughout his body, moving from the dantian to the head, then to the limbs, completing a rapid cycle before returning to the dantian. Once this energy began to circulate, the slight discomfort on Han Li's skin immediately vanished.

"Your qualifications are lacking. After such a long time, you have managed to achieve nothing. It is indeed a bit forced for you to be my disciple." Doctor Mo shook his head repeatedly.

After a thorough examination, Doctor Mo could no longer contain his laughter, bursting into a hearty laugh. He firmly grasped Han Li's shoulders with both hands, his squinting eyes widening as he stared intently at Han Li, as if he were gazing at a rare and precious treasure in the world, with a hint of madness reflected in his gaze.

Not bad! Not bad! This is the feeling, this is exactly what I want. No mistake! There will be no mistake! Haha ... ...

As for you ... ... '' Dr. Mo finally turned his gaze back to Zhang Tie.

Dr. Mo slowly stood up from his chair and placed the book, which he had kept close at hand, on the table

We are ready," Han Li and the other person replied with a forced determination

Han Li and the other person exchanged glances, both feeling that today's test had been full of twists and turns, with unexpected developments. Remarkably, both of them passed the assessment, which brought them a sense of relief.

Extend your hand and show me your skills

But suddenly, Doctor Mo seemed to think of something interesting, and his gaze towards Zhang Tie revealed a strange expression.

Doctor Mo's hands were somewhat dry, covered with calluses, and when they touched Han Li's skin, there was a slight stinging sensation. This was Han Li's first impression of being grasped by Doctor Mo's hand.

Zhang Tie had long been stunned by what had just happened. When he noticed Doctor Mo directing his words towards him, he finally came to his senses. Realizing the grave reality that failing the assessment would mean being expelled from the mountain, Zhang Tie looked at Doctor Mo with a gaze that could not help but reveal a desperate plea.

"So cold, icy cold, not at all like a living person's hand," Han Li felt somewhat restless in his heart

Despite his relentless efforts in cultivation, the result was merely a slight increase in the strange energy flow within him. If the energy flow had previously been as fine as a hair, it had now thickened to the size of cotton thread. However, whether this would be sufficient to pass the test set by Doctor Mo left Han Li feeling uncertain. Consequently, he found himself in a state of anxiety, his heart hanging in suspense, feeling restless and uneasy.

Han Li felt quite unsettled, his mind in turmoil. He knew that Zhang Tie had a high probability of failing this assessment, and although he had achieved some minor results in this regard, he was not significantly better off than him.

Han Li heard Doctor Mo's continuous laughter echoing in his ears, feeling a slight pain in his shoulders as they were gripped. Upon seeing the crazed expression on his face, he couldn't help but feel a sense of fear arise within him

"However, I just examined your fundamental qualities, and there is another method that is more suitable for you. I wonder if you would be willing to learn from me." Doctor Mo's tone suddenly shifted, and he seemed to imply that Zhang Tie could pass the test.

Zhang Tie's heart, along with his shaking head, kept sinking downwards

"Hurry, run the incantation again." Although Doctor Mo was trying hard to suppress his joy, the fervent expression in his eyes still left Han Li somewhat astonished

"Is everything ready? Show me the results of your training," Doctor Mo squinted his eyes, sitting coldly in the armchair as he looked at the two.

"Take your time, let me take a good look." Dr. Mo added immediately, his usually cold tone becoming urgent as he placed his other hand on his lower abdomen.

However, it is strange that this incantation had no effect on Zhang Tie; no matter how hard he worked on it, there was not a trace of result. It seems that this set of incantations has no connection with him or the books.

Surprisingly, Doctor Mo did not show any inclination to reprimand Zhang Tie; instead, a hint of disappointment briefly flickered in his eyes before he turned and approached Han Li again

From Dr. Mo's words, both of them sensed his reluctance to accept Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie's face was flushed, and he hurriedly placed his hands behind his back, lowering his head and daring not to look at Doctor Mo again. He knew that Doctor Mo must have noticed that he had made no progress in the cultivation of this mantra, and he estimated that he would not be treated kindly from now on.

"Good, very good. You two may leave now; tomorrow I will pass on to you the new mental techniques." It is evident that Doctor Mo is in a good mood, as he casually expresses another "good, very good."

Doctor Mo's face returned to its usual calmness, as if all the frenzied actions from earlier had never occurred. It was only from his occasional eager glances at Han Li that one could sense he was still in a state of excitement.

"From now on, you must continue to work as hard as you do now. Starting today, you are my direct disciple." He released his hands and patted Han Li's shoulder to show encouragement