Chapter 34: The Blink Sword Technique

Chapter 34: The Blink Sword Technique

Eli Mason turned toward the door, ready to leave. Just as he reached the threshold, he paused and asked, "Who is the silent man standing behind you, Doctor Mo? What's his story?"

Doctor Mo, hearing Eli's sudden question, smiled slightly but cunningly dodged the query. "You're smart, Eli. Why don't you take a guess?"

Eli shook his head and walked out of Doctor Mo's room without further probing. It was unclear if he couldn't guess or simply chose not to.

Outside, Eli's expression darkened.

"In this confrontation with Doctor Mo, I had no chance to fight back and was easily subdued. It shows I was too naive, thinking my cleverness alone could outsmart him. My painstakingly crafted Five Venoms Water didn't even get a chance to be used. I need to go back and carefully consider how to strengthen my own abilities."

With this thought in mind, Eli strode purposefully back to his quarters. He was far from willing to remain under Doctor Mo's control.

Inside his room, Doctor Mo stared, dumbfounded, at the wooden floor, where a large, blackened hole had formed. Moments earlier, he had casually tested the contents of the iron tube Eli had prepared. The venom had easily eaten through the floorboards. Seeing the toxic potency of the liquid, Doctor Mo couldn't suppress a shiver of fear and began cursing vehemently.

"That damned boy! When did he learn to make such deadly poison? I never taught him anything like that. I thought it was just a harmless sleeping potion. That kid really has a heart of stone!"

Unaware of the shock he had given Doctor Mo, Eli returned to his room and promptly collapsed onto his bed, falling into a deep sleep. The day's events had been exhausting, and he needed rest to recover his strength.

When Eli woke from his slumber, he found it was already early morning. The sky in the east was beginning to lighten, indicating dawn was approaching. He had slept longer than usual.

Sitting up in bed, Eli propped his chin on his hands, his elbows resting on his knees, and began contemplating how to escape Doctor Mo's control.

Clearly, he was safe for the next year. Doctor Mo wouldn't harm him, as he needed Eli alive. But what about after that year? The uncertainty was unsettling.

The issue of the Long Spring Technique didn't worry Eli. He had already reached the fourth level a few days ago and would certainly attain the fifth level within a year without much trouble.

The real concern was the Deadly Insect Pill. However, if he could demonstrate his progress in cultivation to Doctor Mo, he might be able to demand the antidote before performing the treatment. He believed Doctor Mo wouldn't risk alienating him.

Suddenly, an idea struck Eli. He took out a small vial from his robe, poured out a jade-green pill, and swallowed it. After a moment, he focused inward, observing his body's condition.

"Damn! That old fox Doctor Mo wasn't lying. The Clear Spirit Powder, known to neutralize all poisons, is useless against this Deadly Insect Pill. It seems I'll have to wait a year to get the antidote," Eli muttered in frustration.

After stowing the vial back into his robes, he got out of bed and paced around the room, his mind racing with thoughts.

Doctor Mo's story had many holes, and Eli didn't believe everything he said. Yet, bound by threats to his family, he had no choice but to comply.

Eli was skeptical that Doctor Mo would keep his promises in a year. If things were as straightforward as he claimed, Eli wouldn't have to worry. But the possibility of hidden dangers kept him on edge.

If Doctor Mo decided to betray him, Eli needed to be prepared. He couldn't leave his fate in the hands of someone so deceitful.

After considering various possibilities, Eli devised a plan to enhance his own strength and leverage. He needed to prepare for any eventuality, ensuring he could protect himself if Doctor Mo turned on him.

It was a clumsy solution, involving passive defense and letting Doctor Mo make the first move. But for now, it was the most practical and comprehensive approach.

Having made up his mind, Eli decided to take a walk outside. He pushed open the door, stepped out into the open space, stretched lazily, and yawned.

Facing the crisp morning air and the rising sun, Eli felt a surge of determination. "My fate is in my own hands. I won't let anyone else control it."

With renewed resolve, Eli set off for the secluded pool he had discovered. He needed to clear his mind and focus on the tasks ahead. The sun had fully risen by the time he reached the pool, its rays reflecting off the clear water.

The pool was one of Eli's hidden sanctuaries, surrounded by towering cliffs and accessible only through a narrow, almost invisible path. Here, he could train in peace, away from prying eyes.

Eli stripped off his clothes and plunged into the cool water. The chill invigorated him, sharpening his senses. He swam a few laps, letting the water wash away his fatigue and clear his thoughts.

After his swim, Eli climbed out of the pool, dried himself off, and dressed. He sat by the water's edge, meditating on the new techniques he had learned from Zane Sterling. He mentally rehearsed each move, breaking them down into their smallest components, analyzing and perfecting them in his mind.

This was one of the benefits of reaching the fifth level of the Long Spring Technique. Eli's mental faculties had sharpened to the point where he could vividly visualize and internalize any technique he observed. It was as if he had an eidetic memory for martial arts.

Two months earlier, relying on the potency of the Yellow Dragon Pill and the Golden Essence Pill, Eli had forcibly broken through to the fifth level of the Long Spring Technique. The effects of the pills had far exceeded his expectations. These meticulously crafted medicines were truly priceless treasures.

However, using the two elixirs had depleted a significant portion of his stock. What remained would barely be enough to help him reach the sixth level. Yet, Eli was eager to see what new abilities the sixth level would unlock.

The deadline set by Doctor Mo was now less than six months away. Although Eli had learned some new moves from Zane, without the corresponding internal energy, they were little more than ornamental.

While these skills might suffice against lesser opponents, they would be useless against Doctor Mo. Eli knew he had to find a way to bridge this gap.

He thought about the mysterious Blink Sword Technique. It was his last hope. If it lived up to its potential, it might give him the edge he needed.

Determined, Eli rose from his spot by the pool and began his walk back to his quarters. The path was steep and treacherous, but Eli navigated it with ease, his thoughts focused on the challenges ahead.

As he neared the valley, he noticed the imposing figure of the silent man standing guard outside Doctor Mo's house. The man, with his hooded cloak, seemed impervious to the summer heat, remaining as still and silent as ever.

Eli paused at his door, casting a wary glance at the mysterious figure. Ever since Doctor Mo had blackmailed him, Eli had been intrigued by this silent guardian. The man never spoke, never moved, and seemed to have an almost inhuman endurance.

Eli had tried to engage the man in conversation several times, but the man had remained unresponsive, like a statue. It was as if he were a puppet, devoid of any will or emotion.

Doctor Mo had certainly succeeded in creating a formidable protector. The man exhibited absolute obedience, remarkable stamina, and an eerie silence. Eli couldn't determine the man's martial prowess, but he was certain it was formidable.

Eli had a nagging feeling that he had seen the man's silhouette before, but he couldn't recall where. There was something oddly familiar about the man's back, yet the memory eluded him.

Sighing, Eli turned away and closed his door. He knew the man would remain at his post, motionless, until commanded otherwise by Doctor Mo.

Inside his room, Eli lay back on his bed, his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes. He replayed the techniques Zane had taught him in his mind, breaking them down and analyzing each movement.

This mental practice was a new ability he had gained upon reaching the fifth level of the Long Spring Technique. With it, he could master techniques much faster, refining them to perfection in his mind before practicing them physically.

As he lay there, Eli's thoughts drifted to the Blink Sword Technique. If Zane could smuggle the manual out, Eli would have a chance to memorize it. This technique could be his secret weapon, the key to his survival.

The days ahead would be challenging, but Eli was ready. He would master the Blink Sword Technique, protect himself, and secure his future.

With a final deep breath, Eli cleared his mind and drifted into a meditative state, ready to face whatever the next day would bring.