Chapter 84 The Path Ahead

Lin Li did indeed need someone to help him decipher everything about the secret arts of the Southern Border. His understanding of these peculiar methods was still limited. Although the book contained descriptions of all sorts of materials, it never told Lin Li where to find them. That was precisely why he had gathered this group of people here.

"For someone of your reputation to approach me and propose a collaboration is already a great honor," the other said. "Normally, I would have no reason to refuse you at a time like this. I imagine anyone in my position would be inwardly delighted—for who could say no to working with someone of your stature? But for me, things aren’t so simple. You must have your own reasons for arranging things this way."

Lin Li’s gaze was sharp as he looked at Fu Bowen. No matter what, he knew Fu Bowen must have his own motives. If those reasons weren’t made clear, Lin Li couldn’t fully trust his actions. If, at a critical moment, he were to be betrayed, then no matter how strong Lin Li was, he wouldn’t be able to withstand such a blow.

Fu Bowen narrowed his eyes at Lin Li. "Do you know, long ago I was a renowned authority in the medical world? As a Gu doctor, my research was always ahead of its time. But it was precisely because I advanced so quickly that I could see further than anyone else to the end of the road. There are countless Gu techniques in the Southern Border, but as for the path of the Gu doctor—I saw no future in it."

When he said this, Fu Bowen was filled with despair. Once, he had been full of ambition, hoping to carry this field to new heights and to stand atop the world, earning the admiration of all. But as he climbed toward the summit, he realized, to his dismay, that the so-called pinnacle didn’t exist at all. For someone who strove for perfection, this realization was the hardest to accept. Unable to come to terms with it, Fu Bowen gradually fell into decline and finally abandoned his pursuit entirely. Until now, he had never spoken to anyone about his former glory.

It was only by chance that he heard Lin Li searching for certain materials, which instantly rekindled his hope. He remembered that an ancient text had also recorded some of these materials—clear instructions as to how to obtain them and where these organisms could be found, though it barely touched on their uses. Over the following decade, Fu Bowen had continued to investigate every clue he could find on this subject. Deep down, he felt that if he could get to the bottom of all this, perhaps he would finally understand the future of the Gu doctor. Yet, after all these years, he had uncovered nothing—except, unexpectedly, Lin Li.

Because of this, Fu Bowen chose to be forthright with Lin Li. If Lin Li agreed to collaborate, it would be a joyous outcome for both; Fu Bowen might find everything he had been searching for. But if Lin Li refused, Fu Bowen would have to find another way to convince him.

Seeing Fu Bowen’s solemn and eager expression, Lin Li considered for a moment and, in the end, nodded in agreement. These matters were indeed complex, but from Lin Li’s perspective, agreeing to Fu Bowen’s proposal might not be a bad thing. Besides, what followed might turn out to be completely different from what they’d previously imagined.

"If you insist on reading it, I suppose it’s not impossible," Lin Li said. "But you must first promise not to let any of the book’s contents leak out. You know how dangerous this knowledge can be. I can tell you it can indeed cure and save lives, but if used for killing and robbery, the means would be far more cunning."

Fu Bowen was momentarily stunned, then threw his head back and laughed heartily. "That’s the nature of Gu—so complex. Very well, I swear on my life!"

Hearing Lin Li’s words, Fu Bowen was surprised, but he agreed without the slightest hesitation. If Lin Li hadn’t been so desperate to cure Xia Ningshuang, he might have taken more time to consider whether to accept Fu Bowen’s request. But given Xia Ningshuang’s urgent condition, Lin Li knew he couldn’t afford any more delays. Even though such a choice might invite trouble, Lin Li pressed on, believing things might prove simpler than he feared.

Thus, Fu Bowen became Lin Li’s right-hand man in every sense. Lin Li, meanwhile, devoted himself to studying the book in earnest—the Secret Arts of the Southern Border.

The book delved into many complex subjects, such as how to cultivate special Gu insects. But collecting the necessary materials was extremely difficult—even for Lin Li, obtaining even a few of them would be a challenge. That was why he had summoned people from the Southern Border; they had unique advantages in these matters, and Lin Li hoped to purchase some of the materials from them. Now, it all depended on whether Fu Bowen had the right connections.

To Lin Li’s surprise, Fu Bowen’s capabilities far exceeded his expectations. Having once stood at the pinnacle, a single phone call was all it took for Fu Bowen to mobilize the help of many. In just a single day, he managed to find all sorts of materials for Lin Li.

With the materials in hand, Lin Li began to develop the Rejuvenation Elixir—true to its name, a medicinal concoction created through the secret arts of the Southern Border, capable of restoring a person’s skin over time. No matter how severe the damage had been, it could ultimately be repaired without leaving the slightest trace. Such was the power of the Southern Border’s Gu techniques, and Lin Li was eager to test his skills with this opportunity.

If he succeeded, all would be well. The only fear was that something unforeseen might happen during the process. Whenever he encountered something he didn’t understand, Lin Li would consult Fu Bowen for advice.

In this way, more than a month passed. Through Lin Li’s tireless efforts—after failing over a hundred times—he finally succeeded in creating a single dose: the Rejuvenation Elixir. Though it bore the name "elixir," in truth, it was a salve to be applied topically. Moreover, its effects could not be achieved overnight; they required the slow accumulation of time.