The moment they caught sight of that "Flight Talisman," both the swarthy man and the stall owner were visibly moved. Their gazes toward Han Li grew considerably more solemn — anyone who possessed a high-grade talisman was unlikely to be ordinary.
"Fine, I'll make the trade!" the swarthy man said without hesitation. A deal this obviously in his favor was not one he could pass up.
"However, before we proceed, I'd like to test what you just said — that this fragment won't interfere with the spiritual energy being absorbed from the outside by whatever it covers. If that's true, I'll exchange immediately. If it proves false, I can't afford to take a loss on this item," Han Li replied in an unhurried tone.
The swarthy man was momentarily taken aback by Han Li's words, but once he understood what was being proposed, he broke into a grin.
"Everything I said about this item's properties is the absolute truth. Please, go ahead and test it!" the swarthy man said with complete confidence.
Han Li didn't stand on ceremony. He produced a small cup-shaped vessel from his person and set it on the ground, then draped the piece of "cloth" over it. Once the cup vanished from sight, he extended a forefinger and condensed a pea-sized orb of white spiritual energy at its tip, gently pressing it downward. The orb dwindled bit by bit and disappeared entirely, as though it had been devoured.
Seeing this result, a look of delight appeared on Han Li's face. He picked the "cloth" up lightly, and the cup reappeared — inside it floated the very orb of light that had just vanished.
"My friend, what you said is entirely accurate. I'll take this treasure fragment. The Flight Talisman is yours!" Han Li slipped the "cloth" into his sleeve, stored it away, cupped his fists toward the swarthy man, and spoke.
"Good! You're a man of your word." The swarthy man was overjoyed. He bent down, snatched up the Flight Talisman, and hastily turned it over several times to confirm it was no counterfeit. Only then did he beam and nod.
Han Li offered a faint smile, said nothing further, and turned to squeeze his way out of the crowd. He had not taken more than a few steps when a chorus of murmured discussion rose from the people behind him.
"What an idiot! Trading a high-grade talisman for a piece of useless junk!"
"Exactly. That fragment is so small — what good could it possibly do? That trade wasn't worth it at all!"
"Don't be so sure. He might have some special use for it…"
…
Han Li heard every word and let out a cold, silent laugh. "What would these cultivators know about how important this thing is to me?"
"Hey, brother — wait up! Hold on a moment!" Han Li had not gone far before a voice suddenly called out from behind him, accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.
Han Li was somewhat startled. Could they be calling for him? He turned his head involuntarily.
A short distance away, a round-faced young man — the very one who had nearly caused a terrible incident — was sprinting toward him, drenched in sweat, still shouting as he ran.
Han Li blinked, curiosity piqued, and stopped in his tracks. He wanted to know what business this walking calamity of a fellow could possibly have that would make him chase after him so desperately.
"Brother, I finally caught up with you!" The young man skidded to a halt in front of him and panted out the words.
"What can I do for you?" Han Li glanced at him, puzzled.
"Here — take this! Consider it my thanks for getting me out of trouble back there." Without another word, the young man thrust a small booklet into Han Li's hand, then scurried off with a bashful expression.