Mortal: Starting with the Seven Mysterious Sects, I proved my Dao through sacrifice.

The next morning, Li Feiyu and Murong Fan walked on the road to Shenshou Valley. The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the air was damp and chilly. Dewdrops rolled on the tips of leaves in the forest, reflecting the faint light of the rising sun.

Li Feiyu walked ahead with steady steps, but her eyes kept glancing at Murong Fan beside her, her heart still filled with a complex mix of emotions.

This once high and mighty Senior Brother Murong is now embarking on this unknown journey with him. His resolute words last night, "Let's take the marrow-extracting pill together," still echo in his ears.

"Senior Brother Murong, you really need to think this through! As the sect leader's personal disciple, do you really want to take this Marrow Extraction Pill? If the sect leader finds out about this, you'll be in big trouble. And... please don't expose me!" Li Feiyu started nagging again on the way to Divine Hand Valley.

Murong Fan appeared quite calm, dressed in a plain long robe, his steps light and slow, as if he were simply going to an appointment. He occasionally glanced at the surrounding scenery. Shenshou Valley was located deep in the back mountains of the sect, with ancient trees reaching the sky and birds and beasts scattered along the way, exuding a secluded and tranquil atmosphere.

"Junior Brother Li, this Divine Hand Valley is usually a place where very few people can set foot, right? Junior Brother Han must be a person who loves peace and quiet to be able to cultivate here in seclusion." He suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence.

Li Feiyu withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Han Li is indeed aloof. He almost never leaves the valley except for necessary sect affairs. If I hadn't met him a few times and received some guidance from him, I might not have been able to bring you here today."

"Doctor Mo and Junior Brother Han are both reclusive masters within the sect. I've come here not to seek their protection, but to genuinely make a deal with them. I have something that I think might interest them." As he spoke, his hand gently stroked an inconspicuous cloth pouch at his waist, a hint of certainty flashing in his eyes.

Li Feiyu's heart stirred slightly, but he did not press the matter. He knew that Murong Fan was always deep in thought, and since the other party was unwilling to explain, pressing him would be futile.

The two walked in silence as the mountain path beneath their feet gradually became steeper, and the spiritual energy in the air grew increasingly dense. In the distance, an ancient courtyard built against the mountain could be vaguely seen. A pale blue halo surrounded the courtyard, enveloping the entire valley entrance like a semi-transparent glass dome. Fine golden spiritual patterns flowed along the edges of the halo, undulating gently with the mountain breeze, occasionally rippling with spiritual energy, exuding a tranquil and mysterious seclusion from the world.

"The Valley of Divine Hands is just ahead." Li Feiyu stopped and pointed ahead. "Junior Brother Han doesn't like to be disturbed. Let's wait here for a moment while I go and inform him."

Murong Fan nodded, his gaze falling on the courtyard, his eyes sharpening. He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement and trepidation. He had been planning this step for a long time; success or failure might hinge on this one move.

"Senior Brother Li, I could hear your laughter from afar. Your skills must have improved quite a bit!" said a boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old, with dark skin and an ordinary appearance.

"This is our sect leader's last disciple, Murong Fan, whom we all call Senior Brother Murong! And this is the divine physician Han Li." Li Feiyu's face was plastered with a flattering smile, but his eyes unconsciously glanced at Murong Fan, with a hint of boastful self-promotion.

"Han Li!"

Murong Fan stared intently at this seemingly ordinary but actually calm and unassuming young man.

Han Li first calmly observed Murong Fan, but when he saw who it was, his pupils suddenly contracted, and he immediately turned to look at Li Feiyu. His lips tightened into a straight line, and his chin was slightly raised, silently conveying his suppressed anger.

Han Li took a deep breath, quickly concealing the anger in his eyes, though a chill still lingered in his eyes and brows. As he cupped his hands, his fingertips tightened almost imperceptibly: "I am Han Li, greetings to Senior Brother Murong."

"I have long admired the name of Divine Hand Valley and have come to pay my respects today," Murong Fan said, clasping his hands in greeting.

"Senior Brother Li," Han Li said in a very low voice, his gaze fixed on Li Feiyu like a torch, carrying a clear warning, "I already have the answer to that confidential matter you asked me about last time."

"Good heavens!" Han Li grabbed Li Feiyu's sleeve and dragged him to a secluded corner of the courtyard. His voice was low and laced with suppressed growls, his eyes glaring at the other man like knives. "Why did you bring him here? Didn't we agree that our deal wouldn't be known to a third person?" His chest heaved slightly, his fingers almost digging into Li Feiyu's arm. "It hasn't been that long, and you've already broken your promise. How can I trust you in the future?" he said with a look of utter disgust.

Li Feiyu looked apologetic, then said with a grin, "Oh dear! It's all my fault. I just wanted to find more people to help you! Okay, calm down."

"Junior Brother Han, Senior Brother Murong has also come for the Marrow Extraction Pill." Upon hearing this, Han Li immediately became alert.

"Junior Brother Han, rest assured, no one else will know about what happened today. I guarantee it with my integrity. Of course, I, Murong Fan, am a reasonable person and will never let Junior Brother Han suffer any loss."

"Oh, then what does Brother Murong intend to exchange for?" Han Li's words were calm, but carried a hint of probing.

"I, Murong Fan, would never treat my friends unfairly. I'm sure you'll like this treasure." Murong Fan slowly took out the cloth bag, which then revealed a Seven Star Sword.

The sword has a long and narrow blade, and its entire body is dark blue. Seven silver stars, each the size of a bean, are inlaid on the spine of the blade. In the morning light, they gleam with a faint, cold light. Upon closer inspection, one can see that there seems to be a faint flow of spiritual energy around the stars.

"This sword is called 'Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon.' It is a treasured sword that I obtained by chance. It is said to have a certain spirituality, and its blade is exceptionally sharp. It can also slightly enhance the user's internal strength."

Murong Fan gently stroked the sword, his voice low but confident, "I know that Junior Brother Han is well-versed in medicine and may not care much about this treasure, but this sword was forged with 'cold iron essence', which has a natural effect of restraining evil energy. If Junior Brother Han is refining pills or dealing with certain poisonous substances in the future, it may come in handy."

Han Li's gaze lingered on the Seven Star Sword for a moment, and a ripple finally appeared in his originally calm eyes. He came from an ordinary background, and although he had become a disciple of Doctor Mo, he had very little contact with the outside world. This sword was indeed extremely rare.

In particular, Murong Fan's mention of "Cold Iron Essence" and its ability to "restrain evil spirits" stirred something within him—he was currently researching a poisonous herb with malevolent energy and was struggling to find suitable tools to process it. However, he remained outwardly calm, simply saying, "Indeed quite good. I wonder what Senior Brother Murong would like to exchange it for?"

"Junior Brother Han, you can estimate the price, but don't be too stingy and disgrace this precious sword," Murong Fan said, cupping his hands in greeting.

Upon hearing this, Han Li's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, as if he were making a mental calculation.

Han Li extended his finger and said in a deep voice, "Three months' worth of dosage."

"March?" Li Feiyu, who was listening from the side, was astonished and couldn't help but interject, "Junior Brother Han, isn't this a bit too much..."

Murong Fan raised his hand to stop Li Feiyu, his expression remaining calm, though a glint flashed in his eyes: "Junior Brother Han is quite direct. The Marrow Extraction Pill is not easy to refine, requiring many rare medicinal herbs, and the amount needed today is indeed considerable."

He paused, looked directly at Han Li, and continued, "However, Junior Brother Han should know the value of this 'Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon' sword. Cold Iron Essence is no ordinary material, and the sword's sharpness and spirituality are incomparable to ordinary weapons. Let's do this: two months, that's my bottom line."

Han Li remained silent for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing his cuffs, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. The air around the courtyard seemed to quiet down, and for a moment, a stalemate ensued.

"Alright, two months it is then." Han Li finally spoke, his tone decisive. "However, I don't have much left, and I need some more time to refine it. I'm afraid Senior Brother Murong won't be able to take it away today. Come back to Divine Hand Valley to collect the medicine at this time seven days from now. The two-month supply will be exactly twenty pills."

"It's a deal." Murong Fan replied without hesitation, handing over the Seven Star Sword in his hand. "I'll entrust this sword to Junior Brother Han for safekeeping."

Han Li took the Seven Star Sword. It was slightly cool to the touch, and a faint chill spread along his arm. The seven silver stars on the sword seemed to come alive, shimmering slightly. He examined it carefully for a moment, nodded in satisfaction, and then put the sword into his storage bag.

"Then we'll take our leave now, and will come to bother you again in seven days." Murong Fan felt a great weight lifted from his heart after the deal was done, and bowed to Han Li in farewell.

"No need to see me out." Han Li nodded slightly, but his gaze had already turned to Li Feiyu, carrying a hint of warning.

Li Feiyu chuckled and quickly pulled Murong Fan away, saying, "Let's go, Senior Brother Murong, let's go back first and not disturb Junior Brother Han's cultivation."

The two slowly descended the mountain path they had come from. Li Feiyu finally breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, "Senior Brother Murong, you really dared to agree! Two months' worth of marrow-extraction pills! That Han Li kid is too ruthless!"

Murong Fan walked briskly, clearly in a much better mood. He smiled faintly, "As long as I can get the Marrow Extraction Pill, a small price is worth it. Junior Brother Li, just wait patiently for the next seven days. Once I get the medicine, I will fulfill my promise and go with you..." He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already clear.

He knew that this deal with Han Li wasn't a one-off transaction, but rather an important step in cultivating a network of useful people within the Seven Mysteries Sect. Han Li, seemingly ordinary, was actually meticulous and possessed exceptional medical skills. Forging a good relationship with him today might prove invaluable in the future.