Restrictions

Xu Su felt numbed as fear, regret, and helplessness filled his heart. Despite trying to delay the inevitable, he was still unable to figure out how to extricate himself from this predicament, and as a result, he grew panicked.

He was, after all, still very young, unable to win against Physician Wu's vast years of experience in Jung Hu. Physician Wu could most likely counter any cunning and ruthless method that Xu Su came up with. Feeling as exposed as a paper tiger, Xu Su started sweating profusely.

Physician Wu took note of the myriad expressions that flashed past Xu Su's face and was immensely satisfied with the pressure he caused. From his experiences, only when one was unsettled and confused would it be easier to extract the truth.

"You really think that I was delaying my cultivation on purpose?" Xu Su was surprised that Physician Wu came to this conclusion.

"Obviously. It's already been two years and yet you weren't able to reach the fourth layer? You really think I can't read what you're thinking? In the past, you only spent 3 years reaching the first three layers so even if the fourth layer was difficult to cultivate without the aid of spiritual herbs, it would impossible for you to have no progress in your cultivation," Physician Wu explained as his eyebrows arched up, emitting a killing intent. It was as if all the dissatisfaction that he ever felt was bubbling out to the surface today.

"Seems like no matter how I try to explain, Physician Wu will never believe me." Xu Su smiled bitterly. Never would he have thought that because trying to hide the progress of his cultivation would lead him into a deeper hole filled with Physician Wu's endless suspicion. He really kicked the stone on which he had placed himself.

"Enough! I have no wish to listen to any more of your bullsh*t. I shall give you one more year. Do you think you will be able to reach the fourth layer by then?" Physician Wu coldly laughed as he stared icily at Xu Su, waiting for his answer with a serious expression on his face.

Xu Su's mind was very clear. He knew his answer would not only affect Physician Wu's life but also his own survival.

"I should be very clear that there is no way I will be able to say no. Come, unlock my acupoints." Xu Su relaxed as he accepted the inevitable.

After Physician Wu heard his words, his face recovered slightly as praise reflected in his eyes. However, he did not unlock Xu Su's acupoint immediately. Instead, he took out an exquisitely carved seal boxed from within his robes.

"I can't be assured by your words alone. What would happen if you say one thing but do another; if you refuse to invest any effort in your cultivation, there would not be any different from now. Because my own life is at stake, I have to add another layer of insurance," stated Physician Wu in an icy tone.

Before opening Xu Su's acupoints, Physician Wu had to take extra measures to ensure his success. He cautiously unsealed the box, removed a white pill, and placed the pill in the center before unsealing Xu Su's acupoint. Before Xu Su could move, Physician Wu already placed the white pill in front of him.

"You are an intelligent person. There is no need for me to waste time talking too much, you should know what to do." Physician Wu looked at him, harboring malicious intents in his heart.

Xu Su moved his numbed limbs about, and without saying anything, he took the white pill out from the box. In front of Physician Wu, Xu Su immediately placed the white pill inside his mouth and swallowed it, unwilling to show any signs of weakness.

Clap clap! " Excellent! He who suits his action to the times is a great man indeed. As long as you help me return back to normal, I will reward you greatly. There is already a rift between us, so it is impossible for me to accept you as my disciple and pass onto you other techniques, but still, granting you a life of wealth is still possible for me." Physician Wu clapped his hands as he sincerely promised Xu Su his reward.

"Now, you should be able to tell me the effect of the pill I just consumed in case I accidentally overstep the restrictions and lose my life," Xu Su expressionlessly asked Physician Wu.

"Keke, the name of this pill is the Insect Coffin Pill. It's concocted from pure herbal components but in addition, the recipe requires different poisonous worm eggs. After being consumed, it will incubate inside your body for a year. You can rest assured, though. In this one year, I can guarantee that it will not affect you. After one year, once you consume the antidote, the pill will melt away, leaving no traces behind. However, if you do not consume the antidote after a year, the worm will hatch within your body and consume your innards for nourishment, eating you from inside out and leaving you in so much pain that you would rather die than suffer the agony. The pain will last for a total of three days and nights, and you will slowly die an agonizing death." Physician Wu slowly explained the effects of the pill as he silently warned Xu Su.

After Xu Su heard the effects of the pill he just consumed, shudders involuntarily spread throughout his body as his expression changed for the worst. Anger inflamed his heart, but before he could do or say anything, Physician Wu unleashed his trump card.

"Oh right, I heard that your family is living pretty well thanks to you. Do they have enough silvers to spend? If not, just let me know. Since you'll be doing me a great favor, I will especially take care of your family members for you." Physician Wu smiled as he patted Xu Su's shoulder.

Xu Su froze as his face turned green. Physician Wu's words made it impossible for his spirit to be calm and still.

Using the last vestige of his determination, he gritted his teeth and forced himself to keep silent. He was worried that he would say something to Physician Wu that he might regret. Xu Su understood that there was no way Physician Wu would not use his family against him.

"Don't worry, Physician Wu. I promise to reach the fourth layer within a year." Without a choice, Xu Su bit his lips as he assured Physician Wu.

Under Physician Wu's threats, Xu Su could only submit. He was still unable to sever the last trace of humanity in his heart and disregard the life and death of his parents.

Now, Xu Su's weakness had been grasped by Physician Wu, and even if he wished to die, he would still have to seek the approval of Physician Wu. Xu Su knew that he had been thoroughly defeated this time.

After Physician Wu heard Xu Su's words, he released a sigh of relief. His nervousness was not less than Xu Su's, but Physician Wu's face was akin to a stone mask as he had managed to keep his emotions under tight control.

"This Eternal Spring Arts in indeed extraordinary. This young brat is still so young but is already difficult to handle." Physician Wu did not know whether he felt envy or jealousy in his heart.

Actually, the effects of the Eternal Spring Arts varied for those who cultivate it. As for Xu Su, he had already been quite intelligent since he was young, so after cultivating the Eternal Spring Arts, his wisdom grew beyond his peers.