Chapter 31: The Corpse Worm Pill
Chapter 31: The Corpse Worm Pill
Eli Mason's mind was in turmoil, filled with fear, regret, and confusion. Despite his efforts to stall, he couldn't devise an escape plan, and panic began to set in.
He was still young, unable to match Doctor Mo's seasoned cunning. His attempts to appear calm and composed were seen through by the experienced physician. The beads of sweat forming on his forehead betrayed his anxiousness.
Doctor Mo observed every change in Eli's expression, satisfied with the pressure he had applied. He firmly believed that only by breaking his opponent's composure could he extract the truth.
"Do you think I've been deliberately slacking off, delaying my progress in cultivation?" Eli was stunned by the sudden accusation.
"Of course. Two years without reaching the fourth level? Do you think I can't see through your little tricks? You completed the first three levels in just three years. Even if the fourth level is difficult and you lack medicinal aids, you should have made some progress in two years." Doctor Mo's tone was icy, his brows furrowed with anger, clearly dissatisfied with Eli's performance.
"It seems that no matter what I say, you won't believe me." Eli sighed inwardly, realizing that his recent concealment of progress had backfired, leading to this confrontation. He wasn't sure if provoking Doctor Mo to reveal everything was the right move.
"There's no need for further explanations. I don't care whether your past actions were genuine or false. Now, listen carefully. I'll ask you one question: If I give you one more year, can you reach the fourth level of the Longevity Technique?" Doctor Mo's voice was calm yet stern as he posed the crucial question, his gaze fixed intently on Eli, awaiting his answer.
Eli knew this question was vital, determining not only Doctor Mo's fate but also his own survival.
"You should know very well that I can't give you any other answer. Now, unseal my acupoints." Eli relaxed completely, his tone becoming light and airy.
Doctor Mo's expression softened, showing a hint of appreciation. However, he didn't immediately unseal Eli's acupoints. Instead, he cautiously retrieved a delicately carved wooden box from his robe.
"Words alone aren't enough to reassure me. What if you continue to pretend to work hard but make no real progress? For both our sakes, we need a safeguard." He spoke sinisterly, opening the box to reveal a white pill lying quietly in the center.
Doctor Mo reached out and unsealed Eli's acupoints. Before Eli could move, he handed the box to him.
"You're smart. You know what to do." Doctor Mo narrowed his eyes, his intent clear.
Eli flexed his limbs slightly to relieve the numbness. Without hesitation, he took the box, picked up the pill with two fingers, and swallowed it without a second glance.
"Clap! Clap! Very good. A wise man adapts to circumstances. Help me regain my health, and you'll be handsomely rewarded. I won't make empty promises. Though we can't continue as master and disciple, I can ensure your future is filled with wealth and honor." Doctor Mo clapped his hands, sincerely promising great rewards to Eli.
"Now, tell me what that pill does. I wouldn't want to unknowingly break a taboo and lose my life." Eli's expression was indifferent, showing no sign of being moved by Doctor Mo's words.
"This pill is called the Corpse Worm Pill. It's not a true medicine but a special concoction containing insect eggs. After ingestion, they will remain dormant in your body for a year. Don't worry; they won't affect your daily activities during this period. After a year, you'll need to take a special antidote to dissolve the eggs safely. If you don't take the antidote, the eggs will hatch, consuming all your internal organs from within, causing excruciating pain for three days before you die." Doctor Mo explained the gruesome nature of the pill calmly, emphasizing the need for compliance.
Hearing the horrific details of the pill, Eli's body trembled slightly, his face turning pale with anger barely contained. But Doctor Mo wasn't done yet.
"By the way, I hear you have quite a few relatives. If the money you send home each month isn't enough, just let me know. I'm very concerned about their well-being." Doctor Mo's words were filled with a menacing undertone, revealing his true leverage over Eli.
Eli's face turned ashen. He couldn't maintain the calm, collected demeanor described in books. Using the last of his willpower, he bit his lip to stop himself from lashing out or begging for mercy. He knew begging or threatening would be futile. Doctor Mo wouldn't release this leverage.
"Rest assured, within a year, I will reach the fourth level." Eli's voice was firm, filled with hatred he no longer concealed.
Under the blatant threat, he had no choice but to yield. He wasn't ready to forsake his family.
With his vulnerability exposed, even thoughts of a desperate, mutual destruction seemed impossible. This initial confrontation with Doctor Mo ended in complete failure for Eli.
Doctor Mo relaxed upon hearing Eli's reluctant compliance. He had been just as tense, though his ever-changing expressions had masked it.
"This Longevity Technique is truly bizarre. This young kid is already so tough to deal with." Doctor Mo muttered to himself, unsure if he felt admiration or jealousy.
Indeed, the Longevity Technique had enhanced Eli's innate intelligence and cunning, far beyond that of an average teenager.