Han Li looked at Li Feiyu's face, now full of an imposing air, and couldn't help but feel speechless. He wasn't sure what to say in response.
Suddenly, Li Feiyu retracted his aura with a sharp shift, returning to his usual playful demeanor. He winked at Han Li and grinned, saying, "So, how was that? Was my aura strong enough? Did it make me seem like a great hero, making you want to bow down and pledge your loyalty to me right away?"
Han Li couldn't help but laugh bitterly. One moment, he had almost been moved by Li Feiyu's intensity, but in the next instant, Li Feiyu's words deflated the entire moment, as if it never happened.
With a scowl, Han Li gave him a long glare before gritting his teeth and saying, "A great hero? I think you look more like a clumsy bear!"
Li Feiyu burst out laughing, thoroughly enjoying the moment as if his teasing had successfully gotten the better of Han Li.
Han Li, however, slowly regained his composure, and amidst Li Feiyu's laughter, he suddenly spoke in a calm voice, "Earlier, I warned you. You're well aware of your situation, so I'll ask you again—if you were to stop using your cultivation, I could help you live many more years. That way, you could spend more time with Zhang Xiu'er. Have you really thought this through?"
Li Feiyu's laughter abruptly ceased. His face darkened as he stared sharply at Han Li, his eyes glowing with intense focus, but he didn't respond. Han Li, however, remained unfazed, meeting Li Feiyu's gaze with a steady and clear look.
For a long moment, neither spoke, and the silence seemed to stretch on for what felt like an eternity. Finally, after what felt like a small eternity, Li Feiyu slowly retracted his piercing gaze and his face softened.
"Han Li, you know that I will never consider giving up my cultivation. I know you're doing this for my sake, but please don't bring it up again," Li Feiyu said, forcing a smile. There was a hint of pleading in his voice.
He sighed deeply, adding, "Besides, do you really think Zhang Xiu'er would still care for me if I became a powerless fool?" His words carried a note of self-mockery.
Han Li fell silent and turned his head to gaze down the path in the direction Li Feiyu had come from. After a long moment, he spoke softly, "Since you've made up your mind, I won't advise you again. You should head back. I truly hope you and Zhang Xiu'er can be happy together."
Hearing this, Li Feiyu's face immediately broke into a wide smile. He clapped Han Li on the shoulder several times, his voice filled with warmth. "Good brother, those words are exactly what I needed to hear. I'm so glad you said that. I'm off now."
With that, Li Feiyu sprang into the air, quickly vanishing down the path in just a few leaps, leaving no trace behind.
"Ow!" Han Li suddenly groaned, clutching his shoulder. Just moments ago, Li Feiyu had sneakily used his internal strength when he slapped Han Li's shoulder, and now his shoulder was swollen and tender, looking like a red dumpling. The pain was unbearable, and Han Li cursed inwardly.
"This brat... He can't resist getting back at me for exposing his weakness. He really went all out with that slap," Han Li muttered, wincing as he fumbled around for some healing herbs from his robe. He quickly applied the medicine to his shoulder.
"Ugh! After all that kindness, this is the thanks I get... Maybe I'm just not cut out for doing good deeds. I should focus on learning more techniques instead. Next time I see him, I'll make sure to pay him back for this!" Han Li thought bitterly, shaking his head.
Some time later, Han Li had turned eighteen.
During this period, the Seven Mysteries Sect, pressured by the constant encroachments from the Wild Wolf Gang, finally declared war. Numerous small and large skirmishes erupted along the border of their territories, and many of the companions who had joined him on his journey into the mountains had fallen in these battles. Han Li couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret.
The large bell outside the valley rang frequently as the number of injured increased, and this allowed Han Li to practice more advanced healing techniques, greatly improving his medical skills. However, despite his impressive abilities, many of the mid- to high-ranking members of both sides still fell—either dying in battle or succumbing to injuries before they could receive treatment.
As a result, many young talents from both factions rose to fill the void left by the fallen. Among them, the most famous were the "Five Fiends, Three Eagles, and Two Leopards" from the Wild Wolf Gang, and the "Seven Talents and Two Heroes" from the Seven Mysteries Sect. Li Feiyu was one of the Two Heroes, having personally killed the Purple-robed Banner Leader from the opposing side and risen to the high rank of Vice Leader of the Outer Blade Hall. He had also become a key figure, and his relationship with Zhang Xiu'er had progressed rapidly, even reaching the point where they were considering marriage.
Upon hearing this, Han Li could only sigh. He wasn't sure whether what Li Feiyu was doing was right or wrong. After all, Han Li wasn't Li Feiyu, and he couldn't truly understand the intricacies of the situation.
However, if it were him, Han Li thought to himself, he couldn't possibly watch the woman he loved fall into someone else's arms. But knowing he would die soon, he also couldn't muster the courage to marry her under those circumstances. His resolve would likely fail under such harsh conditions.
Thus, Han Li chose to remain silent. After all, people had varying degrees of closeness with one another. Li Feiyu was his friend, and naturally, Han Li would lean in his favor. He felt at ease with this decision.
There was, however, another matter that had been consuming much of Han Li's thoughts and focus lately, one that had kept him from giving much attention to the current situation.
After many failures, Han Li finally succeeded in learning to use the "Wind Mastery Technique" (御风诀).
Much like the "Heavenly Eye Technique" (天眼术), the Wind Mastery Technique was an auxiliary spell, only usable by the caster themselves and not on others. However, its utility far surpassed the Heavenly Eye Technique.
When Han Li cast the "Wind Mastery Technique," he felt as light as a feather. With a slight push off the ground, he could easily leap several yards in an instant, feeling no strain at all. The sensation of moving so fast, leaving everything behind, was so exhilarating that Han Li couldn't resist running around the valley at least five or six times a day, thoroughly indulging in his newfound ability. It was like being a master of lightness skills, and Han Li couldn't get enough of it.
However, the Wind Mastery Technique was not to be confused with the "Smoke Step" (罗烟步). The Smoke Step emphasized threading through tight spaces and using a lot of energy to increase speed in short bursts, making it ideal for confined areas. In contrast, the Wind Mastery Technique consumed minimal magical power and required no physical effort, allowing the caster to run at high speeds without tiring. This technique could be maintained until the caster's magical power ran out or the technique was stopped, making it ideal for long-distance travel. It was a must-have spell for low-level cultivators when journeying outside.
This technique had become Han Li's new obsession.