Since Han Li learned the "Wind Control Technique", he has become more interested in the other two spells, "Calming Talisman" and "Object Expelling Technique". He has spent a lot of time and energy on them, hoping that one day he can suddenly understand and enlightenment like the "Wind Control Technique".
However, after numerous attempts and failures, Han Li made a surprising discovery. It wasn't that he lacked the ability to perform these spells; rather, it seemed that the external conditions were not right.
For the "Spirit Binding Talismans," as stated in the books, it required pre-made talismans, and Han Li had been using the ordinary yellow paper bought from the nearby town to draw the talisman symbols with a brush, based on the designs shown in the book.
Although the book didn't specify what kind of ink or materials were needed for the talisman's creation, Han Li, recalling the silver-colored talisman used by Doctor Mo, decided to use silver powder—an expensive and luxurious material. He didn't know if it would work, but at least the homemade talismans looked identical to the ones in the book.
Unfortunately, appearances alone weren't enough. When Han Li tried to activate these talismans with the incantations, the symbols didn't shine with the brilliant silver light like the ones used by Doctor Mo, and nothing unusual happened. His attempt failed, leaving him frustrated and confused, wondering whether it was due to an error in the incantations or hand gestures, or if the talismans themselves were poorly made.
After further research and diving into related materials and legends about magical talismans, Han Li realized that the talismans used by cultivators were certainly not made of the ordinary paper and ink that mere mortals used. They were likely crafted from special materials, and the process of making them required unique methods. Even if his incantations and gestures were flawless, without the proper materials and crafting methods, it was impossible to succeed.
The same issue applied to the "Object Control Technique." Han Li had initially assumed that any object could be used for the spell, so he tried to control furniture or swords—common items that could serve as targets. But none of his attempts worked, leading to even more disappointment. After realizing the limitations of the objects he had been using, Han Li understood that the technique likely involved controlling specific items that cultivators used, not mundane objects.
He then tried using items he had obtained from Doctor Mo, including the peculiar "Soul-Calling Bell" and the seven silver blades used in the "Seven Ghosts Soul-Biting Technique," as potential targets for the spell. But, unfortunately, none of these objects responded to his incantations. Han Li concluded that the items he had weren't suitable for the "Object Control Technique" either, and he would need to find the correct items.
Understanding the root of his problem, Han Li decided to shift his focus. He began to think about combining martial arts techniques with spells in order to rapidly improve his combat abilities. This idea would allow him to significantly enhance his strength in a short amount of time, which could prove vital for the challenges ahead.
With this new plan in mind, Han Li embarked on a rigorous training regimen and soon achieved some promising results. After several attempts, he successfully merged the "Smoke Step" (Luo Yanbu) with the "Wind Mastery Technique" (Wind Control Technique).
Although this wasn't a true fusion of the two techniques, Han Li simply used the Wind Mastery Technique to enhance his speed and then combined it with the Smoke Step's mobility. The coordination and synchronization between the two were tricky and required a lot of mental effort and practice, but after much trial and error, Han Li was able to move at an extraordinary speed. His movements became so swift that they were nearly impossible to track—his body appeared as a blur, seemingly teleporting from one place to another.
This breakthrough significantly improved his agility and evasiveness, addressing the weaknesses of both techniques. The Wind Mastery Technique allowed for effortless movement, while the Smoke Step, which was originally energy-draining, now became a perfect complement to his enhanced speed. Han Li could now move like lightning, making him a formidable foe in combat.
Soon after, Han Li made another breakthrough in his use of the "Fireball Technique" (fire bomb). Traditionally, when casting the fireball spell, the caster would use their spiritual power to propel the small fireball toward the target to inflict damage. Han Li, however, wasn't satisfied with the spell's conventional use.
He felt that the fireball's speed was too slow, and an expert in lightness skills could easily dodge it. This limitation made the technique ineffective in actual combat. So, Han Li came up with a unique approach: instead of launching the fireball, he would keep it in his hand and use its destructive power like a small weapon. With his newly enhanced mobility and the high-temperature fireball in hand, he could easily strike down any opponent, regardless of their strength.
With these new abilities, Han Li finally felt more confident in his power. He no longer had to worry about being weak, and he was ready to face the challenges ahead. His physical cultivation, too, had progressed. Thanks to his consistent consumption of spiritual herbs, his "Changchun Technique" had entered the eighth level, significantly increasing his spiritual power.
At this point, Han Li's spiritual energy far exceeded what it had been when he was still a mortal, but when it came to his actual mastery of spells and combat skills, he still lagged behind someone like Yu Zitong. After all, Yu Zitong had received proper guidance from elders and had many opportunities to practice with fellow cultivators. In contrast, Han Li's experience was largely self-taught, without the advantage of expert mentorship.
But Han Li wasn't bothered by this. Even if he knew he wasn't yet a match for a true cultivator, his current enemies were still mostly ordinary martial artists. With this in mind, Han Li was confident that his strength was more than sufficient for his current situation.
Just as Han Li was preparing to leave the Seven Mysteries Sect and venture down the mountain, a surprising piece of news arrived. The Wild Wolf Gang had requested a peace negotiation with the Seven Mysteries Sect.
This news created a stir within the Seven Mysteries Sect. Recently, the Wild Wolf Gang had been gaining the upper hand in their skirmishes, and they had been pressuring the Seven Mysteries Sect. So, it was strange that, in such favorable circumstances, the Wild Wolf Gang suddenly wanted to talk peace. Some sect members suspected there might be a hidden agenda behind the request.
The debate over whether to negotiate or continue the conflict was heated within the sect. Each faction had strong opinions, and the leaders were divided. Li Feiyu, one of the prominent figures, was strongly opposed to the negotiations.
Eventually, the sect leader, Wang Menmaster, made the final decision. He proposed that the sect should attempt negotiations and see if the terms were reasonable. If the conditions weren't too harsh, the sect would agree to peace, but if the demands were too excessive, the sect would continue fighting.
Although this solution didn't please either side completely, it was the only practical compromise.