Mortal: Li Feiyu, who came from the realm of a supreme being

The dry toilet near the Seven Mysteries Gate and the Outer Blade Hall.

Under the blazing sun, an indescribable, mixed odor rose from the latrine.

Li Feiyu pinched her nose and squatted in the innermost cubicle, weighing her plan in her mind again and again.

"It's a bit of a loss... but it's useful, that's all that matters."

He listened intently to the sounds outside. A short while later, people entered the two adjacent cubicles one after the other. Judging from the footsteps and the rustling sounds of undressing, they seemed to be two familiar outer disciples.

The time has come.

Li Feiyu held his breath, his throat muscles subtly adjusting. When he spoke again, his voice had become that of a young disciple, slightly hoarse, with a casual, conversational tone.

"Hey, don't you think that kid Li Feiyu's been... a bit slow lately?"

The sound of water running next door paused for a moment.

Another voice rang out, tinged with doubt: "Li Feiyu? You mean Li Hu? What happened to him?"

"He's just not as conspicuous as he was a couple of months ago." The 'hoarse voice' continued, the tone perfectly controlled, conveying a sense of certainty born from long observation. "That incident with the Wild Wolf Gang spies last time sounded efficient, but I heard... he took advantage of their unpreparedness. In terms of real skill, it seems like that's all there is to it. He hasn't shown up in the recent gang competitions either, keeping a low profile. I think his stamina is waning."

"Now that you mention it..." The person next door seemed to think for a moment, "It does seem true. They were all the rage a while ago, but they've been quiet lately. How long was their heyday?"

"You bet once that momentum stops, that's pretty much it..."

The two chatted about other things for a few more minutes, then finished relieving themselves, and their footsteps gradually faded away.

Li Feiyu squatted in the cubicle for a while longer until there was no more movement outside, then slowly got up, straightened her clothes, and remained expressionless.

Very good, the news has been released.

In the days that followed, he intentionally or unintentionally "cooperated" with this quietly emerging discussion.

He no longer deliberately tries to get to the front row when practicing, and winning is more "difficult" when sparring. He even occasionally shows signs of fatigue and silence.

After giving him some pointers one time, his master looked at him, patted him on the shoulder, and sighed: "Feiyu, the path of martial arts is ultimately a slow and steady one; it cannot be rushed. You... should act according to your ability and take care of your health."

Li Feiyu lowered her head and replied "Yes," her face revealing a hint of resentment and sullenness at having her thoughts exposed.

That's enough groundwork.

A month later, the opportunity arrived. The Outer Blade Hall issued a batch of overseas missions, one of which was to be stationed in Qingniu Town for a long period of time to coordinate and manage several businesses belonging to the Seven Mysteries Sect, including the thriving restaurant in town—the one run by Han Li's third uncle.

This task offers little contribution, is far from the sect's core, and is seen as an exile by disciples eager to make contributions and advance in rank. There is almost no competition for it.

Li Feiyu "just happened" to need some "quiet time" and "adjustment," so she naturally accepted this three-month overseas assignment.

As the news spread, many disciples showed expressions of "I knew it" and "What a pity," which seemed to confirm the rumors about the outhouse.

Being stationed abroad? In many people's eyes, this is almost like ruining one's future. After a few months, one's martial arts progress will stagnate, and the relationships within the sect will fade. It will be difficult to catch up when one returns.

Before leaving, Li Feiyu went to Shenshou Valley.

It was the height of summer, but the valley was lush and green, with a babbling brook, making it much cooler than outside. Li Feiyu, familiar with the place, went to the back of the house and, sure enough, saw Han Li shirtless, drawing a bucket of cool well water from the well and pouring it over his head.

"Ah! That feels good!" Han Li shook the water droplets off his head, then looked up and saw Li Feiyu. "Senior Brother Li? What brings you here today?"

"I took on an overseas assignment and I'm leaving tomorrow, so I came to let you know." Li Feiyu leaned against the bamboo next to her, watching him take a shower.

"Posted abroad?" Han Li paused, wiped the water off his face, and asked in confusion, "In Qingniu Town? That kind of job... doesn't contribute much, right? Why did you decide to take this job?" In his memory, Li Feiyu should have been desperately trying to get into the inner circle.

Li Feiyu smiled, deliberately lowering his voice with a hint of mystery: "I'll find a quiet place to cultivate in seclusion. I've recently gained some insights, and maybe... when I come back next time, things will be different."

Han Li looked at him, his eyes clearly showing disbelief. Secluded cultivation? In a place like Qingniu Town?

He didn't expose him, but simply nodded: "Oh, well... I wish you all the best." After a pause, he added, "Qingniu Town... is close to my home. Senior Brother Li, could you do me another favor?"

"explain."

"Take some silver back for me, as usual, just say it's a reward from inside the sect." Han Li went into the house and quickly came out with a small cloth bag, heavier than last time. "Also... if it's convenient, could you occasionally look after my family? My mother is in poor health, and my father's legs ache on rainy days..."

"Understood." Li Feiyu took the cloth bag, weighed it in her hand, and said, "Don't worry, with me there, nothing will happen."

Han Li watched him put the silver away, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Senior Brother Li, that booklet you gave me... I've been practicing with it lately."

"Oh? How's your training going?" Li Feiyu asked casually.

"...It's strange." Han Li frowned, seemingly unable to find the right words. "But it really works. I feel...much lighter now, and my energy is much better. It's just..." He pointed to several spots on his body, "These places sometimes feel warm, like something is jumping inside, but there are no such acupoints in medical books."

A barely perceptible smile flickered in Li Feiyu's eyes.

In just one month, he independently explored and opened up nearly a hundred acupoints? This speed would be considered above average even in the real world.

It seems that this future Old Demon Han was seriously underestimated in martial arts.

"Different techniques will naturally lead to different experiences. If you find it useful, keep practicing. Don't overthink it," Li Feiyu said calmly. "By the way, what about your strange technique? You haven't forgotten about it, have you?"

Han Li's eyes flickered, and he said vaguely, "...I'm practicing." In fact, since he discovered the real benefits and harmlessness of this nameless technique, he has spent most of his meditation time visualizing acupoints and cultivating the faint "Golden Elixir," and his progress in the Everlasting Spring Technique has almost come to a standstill.

The feeling of drawing strength from the depths of his own being gave him a sense of solid control.

"That's good." Li Feiyu didn't point it out. "I'm leaving. Be careful here by yourself."

In fact, Li Feiyu didn't mind giving Han Li a formal cultivation method after he completed his hundred-day foundation building. After all, the "One Lifetime Method" was different from the traditional cultivation system. Compared with immortal cultivation, it hardly consumed any resources before reaching the outer realm.

The true core of this cultivation system is the cultivation method. Without a suitable cultivation method, merely understanding the theory is insufficient. Even if one manages to open the nine orifices by chance, one will never be able to create a good inner world and will never be able to advance to the outer realm in one's entire life.

Li Feiyu has many martial arts techniques, but the problem is that if Han Li doesn't master the Everlasting Spring Skill, he could very well be possessed.

To resist possession by relying on the power of a lifetime, one would at least need to open the ancestral aperture between the eyebrows. Even if Han Li has considerable martial arts talent, there is not enough time.

"Yes, Senior Brother Li... take care."

The next day, amidst the slightly regretful instructions of his Dharma protector and the various gazes of the other disciples, Li Feiyu led his horse and left the Seven Mysteries Sect.

Two days later, a travel-worn Li Feiyu stepped into Wuligou.