The Immortal Ascension

Chapter 75: Combining Spells and Martial Arts

Since mastering the "Wind Controlling Technique," Han Li had grown even more interested in the other two spells: the "Mind-Calming Talisman" and the "Object Manipulation Technique." He devoted a great deal of time and effort to studying them, hoping that one day, like with the "Wind Controlling Technique," he would suddenly achieve enlightenment and grasp their essence.

However, after repeated attempts, Han Li unexpectedly discovered that his inability to cast these two spells might not be due to his own shortcomings but rather the lack of necessary external conditions.

According to the book, the "Mind-Calming Talisman" was a type of talismanic incantation that required pre-prepared magical talismans. Previously, Han Li had used yellow paper bought from nearby towns, meticulously copying the symbols and patterns from the book with a brush to create what he believed were the correct talismans.

Although the book did not specify what kind of ink should be used to draw the talismanic symbols, recalling Doctor Mo's silver-scripted talisman, Han Li naturally opted for the expensive luxury of silver powder. Whether this pigment was effective or not, Han Li didn’t know, but at the very least, his homemade talismans looked identical to the examples in the book.

Unfortunately, mere resemblance was not enough.

When Han Li chanted the incantation to activate these talismans, the symbols on them did not emit the dazzling silver light as they had when Doctor Mo used them, nor did any other strange phenomena occur. It could be said that his attempt was a complete failure, leaving him in a dilemma. He couldn’t tell whether the failure was due to errors in the incantation or hand seals or because the talismans themselves were improperly made.

But after this research, things were different.

By delving into various related materials and books on spells and legends, Han Li finally realized that the talismans used by cultivators were definitely not ordinary paper and ink as mortals knew them. Instead, they must be made from specific materials unique to cultivators, and their creation might even require special methods. Thus, even if his incantations and hand seals were flawless, the spells would still not succeed.

The same logic applied to the "Object Manipulation Technique."

Han Li had previously thought that any object could serve as a target for the "Object Manipulation Technique," so he had tried casting the spell on common items like furniture or swords and sabers—naturally, with no effect whatsoever.

But now, reminded by the issue with the talismans, he understood that the objects manipulated by the "Object Manipulation Technique" were certainly not ordinary items but specific artifacts used by cultivators.

Thus, Han Li tested the strange objects he had obtained from Doctor Mo, including the "Soul-Guiding Bell" and the seven silver blades used in the "Seven Ghosts Soul Devouring Technique," as potential targets for the "Object Manipulation Technique." Unfortunately, none of them responded to the spell, leaving Han Li deeply disappointed. It seemed the technique wasn’t meant for these magical artifacts either—it must require something else.

Now that he had identified the likely root of the problem and understood that without the proper items, he couldn’t cast the "Mind-Calming Talisman" or the "Object Manipulation Technique," Han Li shifted his focus away from them. Instead, he began considering how to combine martial arts techniques with the few spells he could use, aiming to rapidly enhance his strength and elevate his abilities in a short time.With this unconventional idea in mind, Han Li embarked once more on his arduous journey of self-improvement and soon achieved Minor Achievement.

After numerous attempts, he finally managed to fuse the "Ruyan Step" with the "Windriding Technique."

To call it a fusion was somewhat of an overstatement—it was more like first casting the "Windriding Technique" on himself and then employing the "Ruyan Step" afterward. However, the coordination and synchronization between the two had to be precisely controlled; otherwise, mistakes were prone to occur. This cost Han Li considerable effort and mental energy.

But in doing so, he gradually overcame the shortcomings of the "Windriding Technique," which was originally poor at quick turns and evasions, and the "Ruyan Step," which consumed too much physical energy during movement. His movements became so swift that his figure would flicker like lightning, making his footwork even more elusive and unpredictable.

Not long after, Han Li also made his own innovations in the use of the "Fireball Spell."

Originally, after the small fireball of the "Fireball Spell" appeared, the caster was supposed to propel it toward the target using their own mana to kill the enemy—this was the spell's intended use. But Han Li found this approach unsatisfactory.

He believed that relying on mana to shoot the fireball made it too slow; any expert in lightness skills could easily dodge it. This imposed significant limitations in Jianghu battles, rendering the spell flashy but impractical. Therefore, he decided to cast only half of the "Fireball Spell." Once the fireball appeared, he would not launch it but instead wield it like a short, divine weapon in his hand, taking advantage of its ability to destroy anything it touched.

With his enhanced extreme footwork and the high-temperature fireball in hand, Han Li was now confident he could easily defeat any master.

With these newfound strengths, Han Li could finally relax. He no longer had to worry about his lack of strength, and now he could confidently head to Lan Province to detoxify.

At this time, Han Li's "Eternal Spring Art" had quietly advanced to the eighth layer, thanks to his daily consumption of Spirit Medicine as snacks, further increasing his mana reserves.

In terms of sheer mana depth, Han Li had now surpassed Yu Zitong when the latter still had his Physical Body. However, when it came to the number of Spells mastered and actual combat techniques, Han Li was still far behind the former Yu Zitong. After all, Yu Zitong had received guidance from elders and sparred with fellow disciples while cultivating Spells in his Family—advantages that far outstripped Han Li's amateurish efforts.

Han Li was unaware of these comparisons, and even if he had known, he wouldn’t have cared. He was never so arrogant as to believe that learning a couple of rudimentary Spells would allow him to contend with true Cultivators. His current enemies were still primarily Jianghu figures from the mortal world.

Thus, Han Li was in high spirits. Just as he was brimming with ambition and preparing to find an excuse to leave the Seven Mysteries Sect and descend the mountain, the Wild Wolf Gang suddenly proposed peace talks with the Seven Mysteries Sect.

This news caused an uproar among the Seven Mysteries Sect. After all, in recent conflicts, the Wild Wolf Gang had held the upper hand, consistently suppressing the Seven Mysteries Sect. Given such favorable circumstances, why would they suddenly seek peace? Could there be some trickery involved? This suspicion arose in many people's minds.For a time, voices both for and against peace talks rose within the Seven Mysteries Sect, with each high-ranking member holding differing opinions. Li Feiyu stood firmly among those who opposed it.

Since neither side could gain the upper hand in debate, Sect Leader Wang ultimately made the decision to proceed with negotiations first. If the terms weren't too unreasonable, they would shake hands and make peace; if the conditions proved too harsh, they would continue the conflict.

This compromise solution, though unsatisfactory to both factions, remained the only viable middle ground—there was simply no alternative.

(End of Chapter)