Han Li didn't have the luxury of time to wait for the long process of perfecting the Blinking Sword Technique. At most, in four or five months, Mo Dafu would confront him, and Han Li needed to be prepared. If he couldn't reach a level of self-defense by then, his life would be in danger. Therefore, Han Li decided to focus on mastering just a few of the easier techniques from the Blinking Sword Technique, those that could be used immediately in real combat. The rest of the techniques would be set aside for later, after he successfully escaped from Mo Dafu's grip.
This approach drastically shortened his training time, allowing him to gain proficiency in some of the basic but highly effective skills. Han Li knew full well that even if he mastered these techniques, he still might not be able to defeat Mo Dafu. If what Mo Dafu had said about his past was true, the man was a former leader of a powerful faction with access to many deadly techniques, some of which were likely still hidden. Mo Dafu's display of skill in their last encounter was likely just a fraction of his true power. The thought of facing him again made Han Li shudder.
Han Li was under no illusion about the limited progress he could make in such a short time. Even if he learned a few tricks, they would hardly pose a threat to someone like Mo Dafu. But Han Li refused to just sit back and let himself be a puppet. He knew that if he were to face Mo Dafu again, his only chance to win would be if the doctor underestimated him, if Mo Dafu grew complacent, and Han Li could strike out of nowhere.
Over the next several days, Han Li committed the entire Blinking Sword Technique to memory and selected a handful of techniques that he believed could be useful in his current situation. He carefully devised a training regimen that would allow him to learn and master these skills as quickly as possible. Han Li was impressed by his own efficiency—he had managed to organize such a complex set of techniques in just a few days, which was no small feat.
For the next two weeks, Han Li took care of all the small matters he needed to attend to, ensuring that everything was in order and that he left no loose ends. He returned the original Blinking Sword Technique manuscripts to Li Feiyu, explaining to him the encounter with the Wild Wolf Gang spies, and how he had uncovered the true identity of the kitchen manager. Li Feiyu, as expected, was both surprised and thrilled by the information. He embraced Han Li, calling him a "good brother" and expressing his deep gratitude for Han Li delivering such an important lead to him.
Han Li, however, was less interested in hunting down spies and more focused on his own survival. If he could accomplish the same goal while making use of someone else's efforts, he certainly wouldn't hesitate to do so.
Once the matters with Li Feiyu were settled, Han Li visited a few skilled blacksmiths within the sect. He commissioned them to craft several short swords of different designs, and secretly requested modifications to be made to the blades. In addition, he ordered a few small, mysterious iron components, along with a set of delicate iron bells. Han Li spent a considerable amount of money on these orders, which made him feel a pang of regret. However, the quality of the items once completed made him feel it was money well spent.
Several days later, Han Li received the completed items—a set of gleaming short swords and small, intricately made iron bells. He was very pleased with the craftsmanship and praised the blacksmiths for their skill, feeling that his money had been well spent.
That same night, Han Li disappeared from his quarters without a trace, leaving only a note on his bedside table. The note read:
"Mo Dafu, there's no need to rush or worry. I am not running away in fear; rather, I feel that staying here in the same valley is too stifling for the practice of Longspring Art. Therefore, I have decided to find a more secluded place on the mountain to go into seclusion and focus on my cultivation. You need not worry. I will return in four months, on the same day, to meet with you."
Han Li respectfully,
Han Li.
Back in his room, Mo Dafu sat in a large chair, holding the note in his left hand and reading it carefully. His face darkened as he read. On the table beside him lay another piece of paper—Han Li's order list for the blacksmiths.
The only sound in the room was the soft "tap-tap" of Mo Dafu's finger on the table as he processed the information. After a few moments, he suddenly scoffed, crumpling the note into a ball and letting it fall to the floor.
Standing up in a restless motion, Mo Dafu paced back and forth, his brow furrowing as he contemplated the meaning behind Han Li's actions. After a few laps around the room, he suddenly stopped, muttering to himself, "Little brat, I don't know what you're up to, but whatever tricks you're planning, they won't escape my grasp. I will have you in my palm."
Turning sharply, Mo Dafu walked over to the window and let out a low, long whistle. A small, unnamed bird with yellow feathers flew in from outside, circling the room before landing on his shoulder. The bird chirped happily and affectionately rubbed its beak against his face.
Mo Dafu's grim expression softened slightly as he looked at the bird. He smiled and took out a yellow food pellet from his pouch, feeding it to the bird. "Alright, I know you're hungry. Here, have your favorite 'Yellow Nut Ball.'"
After the bird had eaten, Mo Dafu gave it a gentle pat and spoke as though speaking to a person, "Go, as you've done before. Follow him. The moment he leaves the mountain, return and inform me immediately."
The bird chirped and flapped its wings, excitedly flying around the room before darting out the window and vanishing into the sky.
Mo Dafu leaned against the window, his expression dark once more. "Hmph, with the Cloud Wing Bird tracking him, what can he possibly do? You won't escape me, no matter what plans you have." He laughed coldly to himself, his eyes flashing with malicious intent.
"Four months? I'll be waiting for that day. When you return, that's when my plan will come to fruition. Anyone who dares to stop me, I'll kill them. Gods in my way, I'll slay them. Buddhas in my way, I'll kill them."
Suddenly, he burst out laughing, his tone filled with madness. "Hahaha! Hahaha!"
The sound of his laughter echoed through the room, as his eyes gleamed with dangerous ambition.