Chapter 90: Sword Talisman

Everyone who witnessed this scene wondered if their eyes were deceiving them.

When the grey light initially turned and flew towards the Seven Mysteries Sect disciples, people assumed the dwarf had changed his mind. They thought he intended to eliminate the less skilled disciples first, then return to confront the grey-robed man. To everyone's astonishment, once the grey light reached the crowd, a seemingly ordinary disciple effortlessly collected it with a simple raise of his hand. It was utterly unbelievable!

On the Seven Mysteries Sect's side, including Sect Leader Wang and the grey-robed man, everyone was overwhelmed with a mix of surprise and joy at this sudden rescue from despair. Amidst his euphoria, Wang Juechu felt immensely fortunate for his foresight in allowing Han Li to participate in the death match. He now understood that everyone's survival in the current confrontation, and the very future of the Seven Mysteries Sect, hinged entirely on this suddenly enigmatic Doctor Han.

Meanwhile, Li Feiyu, who had some familiarity with Han Li, was utterly dumbfounded, his mouth agape. Although he knew his friend was somewhat extraordinary, the ability to instantly seize an immortal flying sword, like those wielded by sword immortals, left him feeling disoriented, as if in a vivid dream. Zhang Xiuer, Elder Li, and even Jia Tianlong and his group on the opposing side were similarly speechless, their faces displaying a myriad of shocked expressions.

All eyes, filled with fear, doubt, and astonishment, converged on Han Li. Yet, he remained perfectly composed, maintaining a faint smile, seemingly unbothered by the multitude of gazes. What no one knew was that beneath Han Li's serene exterior, his heart was currently filled with vexation.

Han Li, in fact, had no intention of acting at that very moment! His original plan was to wait until the dwarf, through carelessness, deactivated his golden shield, then launch a sneak attack. At that point, he could have easily dispatched his opponent by secretly getting behind him and using a small "Fireball" spell. However, fate had other plans. Han Li, seeing the grey light darting back and forth, felt an irresistible impulse. Without conscious thought, he instinctively performed the "Item Manipulation Art," a technique he had practiced countless times, effortlessly seizing the item.

The ease of seizure was completely unexpected. He simply extended his spiritual power over the grey light, effortlessly erasing the dwarf's spiritual imprint and establishing his own connection to it. Under his command, the grey light wobbled over to his side, like a newborn learning to walk, and he smoothly collected it.

At present, Han Li was secretly delighted at having effortlessly claimed the opponent's treasure. Yet, he also harbored some concern about having to confront the dwarf directly. He was well aware that he had little confidence in forcibly breaking through the dwarf's formidable "turtle shell" defense. His only source of self-assurance was his spiritual power, which was several times greater than his opponent's.

Naturally, no trace of concern was visible on Han Li's face. He understood that gaining a psychological advantage could significantly boost his chances of victory in actual combat, a trick he had learned from the "Blink Sword Manual." Thus, upon seeing the dwarf's wary expression, Han Li, in stark contrast, adopted an air of complete confidence.

He leisurely manipulated the newly acquired treasure. The grey light in his hand pulsed with spiritual energy, constantly changing shape and emitting a cold gleam, obscuring its true form. Han Li glanced up at the somewhat pale dwarf and offered a faint smile. Wrapping his hands in spiritual energy, he gently rubbed the grey light between his palms. The radiant glow on the object immediately dissipated, revealing its true nature: a talisman, specifically a peculiar one adorned with the image of a small grey sword.

The small grey sword depicted on the talisman was incredibly lifelike, appearing genuine. Even without the infusion of spiritual power, the tiny sword itself emitted a faint, flowing light, as if it were a truly peerless sharp blade, exuding a palpable chill. Han Li felt a pang of disappointment. It was clearly not a flying sword or any similar magical artifact; despite its peculiar nature, it was merely a talisman. However, he then recalled the talisman's impressive display of power and felt a degree of satisfaction. After all, he had witnessed its potency firsthand, and it would undoubtedly prove very useful to him in the future.

Han Li casually tucked the talisman into his robes. He wouldn't dare openly use the item in front of its former owner, uncertain of any hidden mechanisms the dwarf might have placed on it. Furthermore, his "Item Manipulation Art" was still unpolished from lack of real-world practice, making it unlikely he could inflict significant harm with it at this moment.

Facing him, the Golden Light Master watched helplessly as Han Li tucked away his treasure, his rage flaring. Yet, he lacked the courage to confront him. Knowing that the opponent could so easily remove his spiritual imprint from the talisman indicated that their spiritual power was at least several times greater than his own, leaving him utterly without the nerve to fight.

Observing the dwarf's hesitant, infuriated yet silent demeanor, Han Li realized that his opponent was completely intimidated and unaware of his true capabilities. This realization emboldened Han Li further. Han Li decided to fully exploit this "fox-borrowing-tiger's-might" situation. After casting a Wind Manipulation spell on himself, he shimmered several times before appearing directly in front of the dwarf.

The Golden Light Master's fear intensified upon witnessing Han Li's uncanny, elusive movements. He involuntarily recoiled several steps, timidly whispering: "What do you want? I haven't seized any of this area's minerals, nor have I harvested any spiritual herbs or elixirs. I've merely collected some gold from common folk. I haven't infringed upon your local family's interests. You have no reason to kill me."

Hearing this, Han Li secretly rejoiced, realizing his opponent had mistaken him for a member of a cultivation family. His confidence immediately surged. He offered a faint, deliberate smile, then adopted a mysterious demeanor and whispered, "May I ask who you are? Why have you actively involved yourself in mortal affairs and disrupted the order of the local secular world? This presents a significant challenge for our family!"

The dwarf brightened instantly upon hearing the gentle tone in Han Li's voice, which seemed to suggest no intention of attacking him. His small eyes darted around several times before he hastily replied: "I am a disciple of the Ye family from Qinyeling. I was merely passing through this area. It was only due to a prior acquaintance with the leader of the Wild Wolf Gang that I couldn't refuse his earnest pleas and offered a helping hand. I assure you, I had absolutely no intention of deliberately offending your esteemed family. I hope you will forgive me, esteemed brother. May I inquire about the name of your noble family? I will certainly pay a visit to offer my apologies in the future!"