This is a threat, isn’t it? And it’s an outright and blatant one.
The Master knew all too well that the current him not only could not protect, but also could not understand.
Otherwise, why would he take him as a disciple?
"Master, I will certainly study diligently."
Moh Li had always known what choices to make under any given circumstances.
"Back then, your grandfather placed his belongings with me because he hoped that you would come to retrieve them personally. To take them, you must defeat my apprentice, even though you have now become my apprentice. But if I say you are not qualified, then you are not qualified. Wait until you have defeated me before we speak further."
Old Han looked coldly at the Moh Li standing before him. This Moh Li was smart enough, but he just couldn’t trust others, his heart filled with thoughts of revenge—how could he save others?
"But when can I start learning?"
After all, he was still somewhat impetuous. He had been patient for far too long and was struggling to contain himself.
"Dig the soil then. Wait until you can calmly tell me what happened to your grandfather, can jovially talk and laugh with your enemy, and have a heart that aspires to save others. Moh Li, do you realize that Xingxing actually didn’t have an easy life before?"
Old Han’s gaze drifted toward the window. Old Bai cared deeply for his granddaughter, a fact he was well aware of, yet he managed to restrain himself, waiting for the moment when his granddaughter would emerge anew from her cocoon. Now, he was waiting for Moh Li to undergo the same transformation.
"What do you mean? How could she possibly have had a hard life? She was so strong, who could have defeated her?"
To this day, Moh Li could still recall that day when she had emotionlessly, indifferently smashed someone with a mountain pear.
"Moh Li, she too had a difficult past, forgotten by everyone. The more she tried to prove herself, the more she was humiliated by the insignificance of her efforts. But can you see any trace of her past self in her now?"
Old Bai had felt heart-wrenching pain, yet he had endured it, all just to wait for the day his granddaughter could break free from her cocoon.
Otherwise, Old Bai would have taken Xingxing away long ago. The resilience of the human spirit can only be forged through experience and self-reliance.
No one else is her; no one else can help her. Now, Bai Zhi is truly reborn from the cocoon.
"Really?" thought Moh Li. That’s because you haven’t seen her taking care of them.
"Moh Li, you should go back for today. Take this book with you; these are some of your grandfather’s writings."
Old Han produced a yellowed book, the aged look of its pages clear to see.
"Your grandfather probably never told you, but he and I were fellow disciples. Of our group of five brothers, only two of us remain here now. Moh Li, this is your grandfather’s original aspiration. Take a look, and I hope you can find your own original aspiration as well."
Old Han handed the book to Moh Li with great solemnity, which made Moh Li himself take the moment much more seriously. In that moment, the old man truly resembled the figure of a Master.
Moh Li’s hands trembled slightly, remembering the moment his grandfather urged him to hurry away. Telling him to find his maternal grandfather at all costs, to survive, and to let people witness the rebirth of the Moh Family Clinic.
Here he was, digging the ground.
He recognized it at a glance; indeed, it was his grandfather’s handwriting. He slowly opened the book, which read:
On the first day of becoming the Master’s apprentice, I was extraordinarily excited. The path to learning medicine lies in the heart.
"You may read it here or take it back with you; decide for yourself. I need to go out."
Old Han had his hands clasped behind his back, walking slowly, like a great teacher, yet in the moment he stepped out the door, he let himself go.
"Ah, I’m starving to death?"