Chapter 8: Disciple Initiation

After nearly half a year of intense cultivation, Han Li finally stood before Doctor Mo to undergo his test. Zhang Tie, standing right next to Han Li, was at a loss, which was understandable. Han Li had long known from Zhang Tie that he had made no progress in the cultivation technique over the past half year.

Han Li knew that Zhang Tie's dedication to the cultivation technique was no less than his own. Although Zhang Tie did not match Han Li's life-or-death intensity, he had put in a considerable amount of effort, working diligently and conscientiously.

However, strangely, the cultivation technique had no effect on Zhang Tie. No matter how hard he tried, he achieved no results, indicating that he had no affinity with this technique.

Han Li's heart was also uneasy. He knew that Zhang Tie would likely fail this test, and although he had made some progress, it was not much better than Zhang Tie's. Despite his intense cultivation, the strange energy flow in his body had only become slightly stronger. If the energy flow was as thin as a hair before, it was now as thick as a cotton thread. However, he was unsure if this would be enough to pass Doctor Mo's test, so his heart was also in his throat, feeling anxious and uneasy.

"Are you both ready? Show me the results of your cultivation," Doctor Mo said, squinting his eyes and sitting coldly in his armchair, looking at the two of them.

"We are ready," Han Li and Zhang Tie replied, bracing themselves.

Doctor Mo slowly stood up from his chair and placed the book he always carried on the table.

"Extend your hands."

"Show me your cultivation."

Doctor Mo grabbed Zhang Tie's right wrist and placed his other hand on Zhang Tie's dantian. After a moment, he withdrew his hands, his face expressionless as he carefully examined Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie's face turned red, and he nervously placed his hands behind his back, lowering his head, not daring to look at Doctor Mo. He knew that Doctor Mo had definitely noticed his lack of progress and would not be pleased.

"Your turn," Doctor Mo said.

Surprisingly, Doctor Mo did not scold Zhang Tie. He only showed a slight look of disappointment, then turned to Han Li.

Doctor Mo grabbed Han Li's right wrist as he had done with Zhang Tie.

"How cold, like an ice block, not at all like a living person's hand," Han Li thought, feeling a bit annoyed.

Doctor Mo's hands were dry and calloused, causing a slight stinging sensation on Han Li's skin. Perhaps due to the external stimulation, the energy in Han Li's body began to circulate on its own, flowing through the eight extraordinary meridians, passing through various acupoints, from the dantian to the head, and then to the limbs, before returning to the dantian. Once the energy began to circulate, the discomfort on Han Li's skin immediately disappeared.

"Ah!" Doctor Mo involuntarily exclaimed, having detected the energy in Han Li's body.

"Quick, run the technique again," Doctor Mo said, trying to hide his excitement but failing to mask the fervent look in his eyes, which left Han Li somewhat startled.

"Slowly, let me observe carefully," Doctor Mo added, his usually cold tone becoming urgent as he placed his other hand on Han Li's dantian.

Han Li felt Doctor Mo's hands trembling slightly, indicating his excitement. He followed the instruction and let the energy circulate again.

"Good! Good! This is exactly what I was looking for. No mistake! No mistake at all! Ha ha..." After a thorough examination, Doctor Mo could no longer contain his laughter. He grabbed Han Li's shoulders tightly, his squinted eyes wide open, staring at Han Li as if he were a rare treasure, his gaze tinged with a hint of madness.

Han Li heard Doctor Mo's laughter ringing in his ears, feeling the pain in his shoulders and the madness in Doctor Mo's eyes, which made him feel afraid.

"Good, very good," Doctor Mo, noticing Han Li's fear, realized he had lost control and stopped laughing.

"Continue to work hard from now on. Starting today, you are my personal disciple," he said, releasing Han Li's shoulders and patting them to encourage him.

Doctor Mo's face returned to its usual calm, as if nothing had happened, but the occasional passionate look he gave Han Li revealed his continued excitement.

"As for you..." Doctor Mo finally turned his attention to Zhang Tie.

Zhang Tie, who had been stunned by the events, snapped back to reality when Doctor Mo addressed him. Thinking about the serious reality of failing the test and being expelled from the mountain, Zhang Tie's eyes pleaded with Doctor Mo.

"You lack the aptitude. After such a long time, you have made no progress. It would be a stretch for you to be my disciple," Doctor Mo said, shaking his head.

Zhang Tie's heart sank with each shake of Doctor Mo's head. Both Han Li and Zhang Tie understood from Doctor Mo's words that he did not intend to accept Zhang Tie.

However, Doctor Mo suddenly seemed to have an idea, and his gaze towards Zhang Tie became curious.

"But I just examined your constitution and found another technique that might suit you. Are you willing to learn it from me?" Doctor Mo's tone changed, indicating he might let Zhang Tie pass.

Zhang Tie, hearing this, immediately agreed.

"Good, very good. You two may leave. I will teach you a new technique tomorrow," Doctor Mo said, his mood clearly improved, repeating "good, very good."

Han Li and Zhang Tie exchanged glances, both feeling relieved that the test, which had been full of twists and turns, had ended with both of them passing.