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An ordinary mountain village youth, by chance enters a minor Jianghu sect as a provisional disciple. How does he establish himself within the sect's hierarchy? How does one with mediocre spiritual roots ascend the celestial ladder of immortal cultivation, ultimately reigning supreme across Heaven, Earth, and the Mortal Realm?

Start with a mortal

Senior Brother Li's eyelids trembled, betraying his inner turmoil. After a moment, he opened his eyes, staring feverishly at the pill in Han Li's hand.

Without a word, Han Li pushed the pill into Li's mouth. As Li swallowed dryly, Han Li carefully removed the silver needles from his body.

The pill's effects surged. Li's pallid face flushed crimson, his limbs convulsing as suppressed groans escaped his lips. Though he fought to maintain dignity, the agony soon erupted into raw screams.

Eventually, the cries subsided. Li's complexion normalized, and his body stilled—the worst had passed.

Li sat cross-legged, meditating to recover. Han Li lounged on a nearby rock, observing.

Suddenly, Li's eyes snapped open. He grabbed his blade and pressed it to Han Li's throat.

"Give me a reason not to kill you!" Li's voice dripped with murderous intent.

"I saved your life. Isn't that reason enough?" Han Li replied calmly, though his brow twitched faintly.

"I knew saving you might invite trouble," Han Li sighed. "But as a healer, I couldn't abandon you."

Li's glare softened slightly, but the blade remained.

"Swear an oath of silence," Li demanded.

Han Li complied, vowing never to reveal Li's secret. *If he breaks it, I'll kill him,* Li thought, sheathing his blade.

Han Li touched his neck—a thin cut oozed blood. *Too close. Never again will I meddle in others' affairs without gain.*

This near-death encounter hardened Han Li. Kindness gave way to pragmatism.

"I owe you a debt," Li declared, now composed. "If you ever need aid, seek me—**Li Feiyu**."

"You've enough troubles yourself," Han Li smirked. "A mere Protector surpassing elders' favored disciples? Enemies must swarm you."

"But I *can* ease your Marrow-Extracting Pill's pain," Han Li offered.

"I'll brew the remedy tomorrow. Meet me at Divine Hands Valley at noon."

"Thank you, Brother Han!" Li clasped his hands eagerly.

"Call me **Junior Brother Han**," Han Li corrected, cringing at the familiarity. "I'm Physician Mo's disciple."

Chapter 20: Painkiller