An Eccentric Rule

Chapter 66: An Eccentric Rule

Seeing the other party's generous attitude, Han Li knew that as long as his request wasn't too excessive, the man would likely agree to it. His original expectations could be met with ease.

This kind of preferential treatment was rare even within the entire Seven Mysteries Sect. It showed that the higher-ups understood full well what a skilled physician meant to those who lived by the blade.

Han Li did not stand on ceremony. He demanded on the spot that Divine Hand Valley be given to him alone, and that no outsiders be allowed to disturb his research there.

Such a modest condition was naturally accepted without hesitation by Sect Leader Ma. Perhaps hoping to further secure Han Li's loyalty, Ma even proactively offered to send a young, beautiful maid to attend to his daily needs.

For a moment, the unexpected offer stirred Han Li's heart. He nearly accepted. But after calming down, he recalled the many secrets he carried, and with some regret, declined.

This move actually earned Ma's sincere admiration. The Sect Leader praised Han Li repeatedly, calling him a promising youth who did not indulge in carnal pleasures, even joking that if he had a daughter, he would marry her to him.

Han Li could only smile wryly at these words. It was not that he disliked women—it was simply impossible for now.

And so, the entire Divine Hand Valley became Han Li's private territory. Outsiders were not allowed to enter without permission.

To enforce this, Han Li deliberately placed a large bell at the entrance of the valley. Whoever wished to see him had only to ring this bell, and Han Li would immediately come out to meet them. This eccentric rule was posted openly beside the bell, applying even to mid- and upper-level personnel.

Han Li had established this strange regulation for one purpose only: to prevent any last possibility of his bottle's secret being exposed. As long as no one barged into the valley, he could ensure that the bottle's astonishing properties would never be known to a second person.

At first, this rule was of no concern to the low-level disciples, but it aroused great dissatisfaction among many of the higher-ups. They thought Han Li was overestimating himself, not knowing his place. Even Doctor Mo had not put on such airs. How could a newly graduated apprentice be so presumptuous?

But when Han Li saved the life of a gravely wounded Protector—dragging him back from death's door and completely healing him—all the complaints vanished without a trace. No one brought it up again.

No one would risk offending a physician who could save their life several times over for the sake of a trivial rule. The bell-ringing protocol was naturally accepted as one of those eccentricities befitting a great doctor.

As days passed, even the Sect Leaders gradually acquiesced to the rule. When they needed medical treatment, they would politely send someone to ring the bell and respectfully invite Han Li.

Thus, Han Li gradually became a legend within the Seven Mysteries Sect—an anomaly.

Was he a high-ranking member? He held no official position and wielded no power. Was he a low-level disciple? But who had ever seen such an arrogant disciple? Even the Sect Leaders addressed him as "Physician Han." Few dared to call him by his given name anymore.

Li Feiyu, of course, was one of those few.

Li Feiyu maintained his cool demeanor in front of everyone else, but the moment he saw Han Li, he immediately switched to his usual carefree, slouching attitude, calling him by name without any hesitation. Unlike Wang Dapang and other disciples who had become distant and respectful due to Han Li's changed status, Li Feiyu treated him the same as always.

This actually comforted Han Li. The feeling of being utterly alone was not pleasant.

Thinking of Li Feiyu's grinning face, Han Li couldn't help but recall another face—a bitter, gourd-like one.

Not long ago, he had unexpectedly met another acquaintance from the cart ride into the mountain all those years ago: Wu Yan, now a core disciple of Seven Peaks Hall. Wu Yan had contracted a peculiar illness—neither serious nor mild—that other mediocre doctors had long failed to cure. He had been suffering considerably and had to ask Sect Leader Ma for an introduction to see the famous Physician Han.

Wu Yan's memory was surprisingly good. When he saw the renowned Physician Han, he immediately recognized the fellow traveler from that day—Han Li. The shock and awkwardness on his face were still fresh in Han Li's memory, because Wu Yan had not treated him kindly back then—in fact, he had been somewhat unpleasant.

Seeing Wu Yan's embarrassment, Han Li found it rather amusing. He naturally would not refuse to treat him out of spite. But to avoid damaging his own reputation, he deliberately increased the dosage of the medicine, allowing Wu Yan to recover completely in just two days. The only catch was that, due to the strong medicine, Wu Yan suffered a little extra pain during the recovery process. This was Han Li's small punishment for his rude behavior back then.

It seemed Han Li was not as magnanimous as he thought himself to be. He could hold a grudge.

Thus, Han Li gradually and completely replaced Doctor Mo's position within the sect—even surpassing him.

Now, every day, Han Li took out the small vial, placed it in an open area within the valley, and let it produce the magical green liquid every seven or eight days. He used it to accelerate the growth of rare herbs, then carefully refined various medicines.

A very small portion of these medicines was used on patients who came seeking treatment. The majority was consumed by Han Li himself, to fortify his vitality and qi and to push the Eternal Spring Art forward.

Han Li shifted slightly in the Taishi armchair, making himself more comfortable.

Though the armchair had once belonged to Doctor Mo, this was not Doctor Mo's room. It was Han Li's own dwelling. He had simply helped himself to everything useful from Doctor Mo's quarters and moved it all into his own. At his current status, even if someone saw him desecrating Doctor Mo's belongings, they would say nothing. In others' eyes, Han Li's importance had already surpassed Doctor Mo's. People were practical, after all.

In truth, Doctor Mo's residence was much larger than Han Li's. It would have been more suitable to move in there directly.

Unfortunately, Han Li always felt something strange about living in that place. After all, Doctor Mo's death was intimately tied to him. Brazenly occupying the home of a man who had died at his hands... it made his skin crawl. Much better to stay in his own doghouse, where he felt safe and comfortable.

But thinking of Doctor Mo, Han Li could not forget the matter still holding him hostage, even from beyond the grave.

In the days since, he had carefully examined his body several times. There was indeed a faint, elusive yin-cold thing lurking within his dantian. He had tried taking Clear Spirit Powder and various other detoxification methods, but none had worked. It seemed that the journey a year from now was unavoidable.