"This is simply outrageous," Duan Chen's face darkened instantly.
It was like a storm was about to break.
Even a three-year-old child, after being exposed to psionic energy and understanding its definition, would not do something like this.
This could no longer be called fooling around; it was a complete disregard for one's own life!
It was a path to certain death.
Everyone knew that the only way to gain innate talent was to possess it inherently and have it awakened later.
The methods of awakening were varied; it could be due to emotional stimulation, the use of expensive potions, or other unconventional means.
Then there were those who lacked talent but wished to become psionic users. This brought to mind Sun Xiaoxiao, whom they had met before.
Her ability was acquired by becoming a lackey of an evil god's apostle, who bestowed her with talent.
However, that ability was plundered from someone else by the apostle.
It was then implanted into her body, allowing her to use it, rather than it being her inherent talent.
For those without talent, their only recourse was to plunder the talents of others.
But there was another way.
A method known to very few, and classified as a forbidden art by the Spirit Hunter Guild, not to be disseminated.
That was prolonged exposure to uncanny items.
Specifically, uncanny items with influence.
Being exposed to the influence of such items, one's body would constantly mutate, and when the mutation reached a certain degree, one could manifest abilities akin to innate talent.
This was one way to acquire talent.
Back when people first discovered psionic energy and the existence of the uncanny, upon acquiring their first uncanny item, especially one with influence, they had used a similar method and successfully obtained a pseudo-talent.
However, after a mission, those individuals, due to excessive use of their talent, fell into a state of depletion.
All their internal organs failed, their bodies burned from the inside out, their blood completely consumed, leaving only their skin, a living inferno.
"But there was no other way. That uncanny item cannot be obtained by anyone," Xiao Li said hesitantly, her mouth parting slightly.
Duan Chen's interest was piqued by the uncanny item that was constantly mentioned. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Xiao Li with a hint of threat.
"Tell me everything you know."
However, this invariably effective interrogation tactic was met with a firm refusal from Xiao Li at that moment.
"I cannot say." She clutched her mouth tightly, a look of panic evident in her eyes. She pleaded with Duan Chen.
"Do not ask. Even the Guild Leader would not tell you."
"This truly cannot be mentioned."
Duan Chen's temper began to flare. The last person he felt close to in this world was lying in a hospital bed, her fate unknown. How could he remain patient?
He threatened Xiao Li again.
"If you do not tell me, I will investigate using my own methods."
But this time, even though she felt immense tension, Xiao Li gritted her teeth and shook her head stubbornly, refusing to reveal any information about the uncanny item that Ming Yan had swallowed.
"I really cannot say."
Duan Chen gave Xiao Li a deep look.
"Fine."
He said nothing and turned to leave. Xiao Li watched his retreating back and, for reasons unknown, suddenly grew anxious. She quickly stood up and called out.
"Officer Duan, where are you going?"
"Do not follow!" Duan Chen immediately turned and yelled.
Xiao Li was startled and could only stand rooted to the spot.
Duan Chen's heart remained unmoved. He cast a cold glance at the new agents who had followed and were now standing outside the corridor, unsure what to do, then frowned at Prince Hao.
"Prince Hao, come with me."
Prince Hao, with a hint of confusion, followed Duan Chen to the training hall.
"What is it, Instructor?" he asked.
Duan Chen turned to face Prince Hao.
He spoke directly, giving an order.
"In front of me, display the power of your ancient scripture. Use it completely."
Prince Hao's pupils contracted violently.
"Instructor, you want to..."
He was not a fool; in fact, he was quite intelligent. When Duan Chen issued this command, Prince Hao understood exactly what was needed.
He hesitated, wanting to refuse.
Duan Chen saw through Prince Hao's wavering resolve at a glance.
"No more nonsense," he said, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"With the psionic energy you currently have stored, you likely won't be able to investigate what that swallowed uncanny item is before your energy runs out.
"Before this, I also replicated a portion of your ability, though not entirely.
"Demonstrate it for me now, and I will be able to use your ancient scripture. Although I won't be able to use it many times, as this innate talent isn't something I can perfectly replicate at will, it will be sufficient for this one instance.
"You can choose to refuse."
Duan Chen gave Prince Hao the option to refuse, but Prince Hao looked at Duan Chen deeply. After contemplating for a moment, he suddenly nodded in agreement.
"Alright."
Only then did Duan Chen's heart relax. He watched as Prince Hao unleashed his ancient scripture ability, continuing until his face turned pale and he could no longer sustain it, whereupon he released his power and slumped to the ground.
Duan Chen seized the opportunity to replicate it.
In the next second, he skillfully used the ancient scripture's ability.
The psionic energy within him was far greater than Prince Hao's.
However, even so, his face gradually turned pale, and he swayed precariously.
Just as Duan Chen's psionic energy was about to run out,
"Found it!"
He suddenly opened his eyes and rushed out, returning to the corridor and finding Xiao Li.
"Officer Duan, I..." Xiao Li was flustered and looked at Duan Chen, who had returned.
However, Duan Chen had no time for pleasantries. He blurted out,
"Is the name of that uncanny item 'Charm Money'?"
Xiao Li's eyes widened in disbelief, and she blurted out,
"How did you know?"
"It is indeed."
Duan Chen ran his hands through his hair in exasperation.
"That foolish woman Ming Yan actually swallowed an uncanny item directly into her stomach. Is she tired of living?"