Chapter 6: The Nameless Mantra

"Wake up! Wake up!"

A distant voice roused Han Li from deep sleep. Startled, he jerked back to find Zhang Tie's broad face inches from his own.

"Eat these. We need to see Doctor Mo after dinner." Zhang Tie handed him two steaming buns.

"Where'd you get these?" Han Li blinked.

"There's a kitchen nearby. Everyone gets food there. I grabbed extras for you." Zhang Tie grinned sheepishly.

"Thanks, Brother Zhang." Han Li's gratitude spilled out.

"No problem. I'm used to chores. Need help? Just ask!" Zhang Tie scratched his head, awkward yet earnest.

Han Li devoured the buns, hunger overriding manners. As dusk painted the valley, the boys entered Doctor Mo's study.

Shelves groaned under dusty tomes. Doctor Mo reclined in a grand chair, engrossed in a book. He ignored their presence until Han Li's legs began to ache.

Finally, Mo set down his tea and scrutinized them with icy eyes.

"You are now my probationary disciples," Mo declared. "I will teach you herbology and medicine—**not martial arts**."

He paused, voice hardening. "However, you will learn a **nameless mantra** to cultivate vitality. Practice it diligently. Fail my test in six months, and you'll be expelled to the outer sect."

Han Li and Zhang Tie bowed in unison.

As they left, Han Li glimpsed the book's title—three bold characters he couldn't read.

For days, Han Li floated on pride. *A Seven Mysteries disciple, even probationary!* If he failed, joining the outer sect like Third Uncle wasn't so bad.

Mornings were spent learning herbs; afternoons, literacy and martial basics—meridians, acupoints, horse stances.

A month later, their training narrowed to the **nameless mantra**. Mo forbade sharing it, threatening expulsion.

Through whispers, Han Li pieced together the sect's hierarchy:

- **Outer Sect**: Skyhawk, Treasure Gathering, Four Seas, Bladed Edge Halls.

- **Inner Sect**: Hundred Forge, Seven Extremes, Offering, Bloodblade Halls.

- **Elder Council**: Equal to the Sect Leader.

Doctor Mo's past unraveled: Years ago, he saved Sect Leader Wang Lu from an ambush, earning a place as an Offering Hall elder. Though his martial prowess remained a mystery, his医术 (medical skills) commanded respect.

The Divine Hand Valley, gifted by Wang Lu, became his sanctuary. To disciples, Mo was an enigma—cold yet revered.