Chapter 117: The Primordial Spirit Bead

Xiahou Lu, intending to challenge the Technique Alleys, inquired about the rules before asking, "Could you please explain what types of Technique Alleys are available?"

"Right here, they are all listed," the receptionist replied, handing over a sheet of paper. It featured a detailed map of the alleys along with comprehensive descriptions for each one.

Li Sibai leaned in to take a look. The Technique Alleys were categorized by grade, ranging from A, B, C, D, E, F, to G. Each grade corresponded to a specific level of cultivator; naturally, higher grades offered more advanced techniques. Challenging any of these alleys required one hundred Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills. Additionally, there were specialized alleys for elemental arts—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, and Lightning. Each attempt in these cost fifty Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills. Crucially, one could only challenge the alley corresponding to their own elemental affinity; challenging an alley of a different element was prohibited.

In other words, if one wished to challenge the Metal-element alley, they had to demonstrate a Metal-attribute spell to gain entry. This prevented individuals from having others assist them in bypassing the requirements of their own attributes, which would otherwise lower the difficulty of the challenge. As for Earth-level spells, those could be learned in the library, posing no such issue.

After processing this information, Xiahou Lu turned to the receptionist and asked, "Are there any cultivation level requirements for these challenges? For instance, is a minimum of the third level of the Heart-String Realm required?"

Li Sibai listened intently, his eyes wide. This was exactly what he had been wondering, and he felt a surge of gratitude toward Xiahou Lu for asking on his behalf.

The receptionist smiled. "That is not a strict requirement. Those below the third level of the Heart-String Realm may also challenge them, but..."

"But what?" Li Sibai asked, sensing hope.

The receptionist cast a look of disdain at him. "It is just that the puppets inside are at least at the third level of the Heart-String Realm. If you lack the strength, you will likely be beaten to a pulp. Although these puppets are calibrated to avoid causing fatal injuries, it is common for those who are unprepared to be severely bruised."

Li Sibai nodded upon hearing this. "That is no problem at all!"

"No problem?!" The receptionist stared at Li Sibai, bewildered. Is this guy crazy? Did he not just hear that he would get hurt?

Fearing Li Sibai had misunderstood, he added hurriedly, "Not long ago, a foolhardy fellow came to challenge the alleys. He chose the lowest grade, the G-Alley, and was beaten to a wreck within minutes. We had to carry him out, and he is still bedridden to this day."

Li Sibai nodded again and said, "I am an inner sect disciple. Here is my identification token and fifty Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills. I wish to enter the Wind Alley. Is there anything else you require?"

The receptionist looked annoyed. He had tried to offer a kind warning, given the boy's youth and status as a fellow disciple, but since his advice was being ignored, he decided to simply watch the boy make a fool of himself.

The receptionist required Li Sibai to demonstrate his Wind-attribute spell. Although Li Sibai had felt the spells in the library were too low-level, he had still picked up two support-type techniques.

Channeling his internal Wind-attribute vital energy, he created a vortex in the air. A gentle, cool breeze began to circulate, making everyone nearby feel refreshed.

Xiahou Lu clapped in admiration. "Young Master Li, that 'One-Star Wind Blade' technique is truly ingenious. If I am not mistaken, you have altered the flow of your vital energy to make it rotate in place. While it causes no harm, the resulting breeze is indeed pleasant. Brilliant, simply brilliant."

Li Sibai nodded and looked at the receptionist. "Does this suffice?"

"I suppose so," the receptionist grunted. He was also a cultivator at the second level of the Heart-String Realm, and he felt a mix of amusement and contempt. A spell that only produced a breeze and had zero offensive power? It was laughable.

Li Sibai cupped his hands toward Xiahou Lu. "Young Master Xiahou, I shall go in and take a look."

Xiahou Lu looked embarrassed. "Young Master Li, please wait a moment..."

Just then, a stout man came running over, panting heavily. "Young Master! I got it! I got it!"

Xiahou Lu recognized the loud voice immediately and offered a strained smile to ease the awkwardness. As the man, Taicheng, arrived, he gasped for air and said, "Young Master, here is the token from Elder Yun Li. He said you may challenge the gates here and keep the token; if you need to access other places with similar requirements, you can simply notify him."

Xiahou Lu took the token and nodded. "Thank you for your hard work. Go get some water and rest."

He then pulled Li Sibai aside. "Young Master Li, could we speak for a moment?"

Li Sibai nodded. This young master had patiently answered his questions along the way, broadening his horizons and even leading him to the Technique Alleys, a place he would never have found on his own.

Once they reached a secluded corner, Xiahou Lu said with a hint of embarrassment, "Young Master Li, I wonder if you might have any spare Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills? I am new here and lack the sect's currency. Would you be willing to trade?"

Li Sibai chuckled. "Is that all? How many do you need? I happen to have some."

Xiahou Lu felt a weight lift off his shoulders. Because he had just arrived, he lacked the local currency—the Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills—and even with Elder Yun Li's token, he would not have been able to enter without the funds.

He reached into his storage ring and produced a bottle, from which he poured out five fist-sized spheres. They were crystal clear and shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight; they were clearly no ordinary items.

"Young Master Li, these are Primordial Spirit Orbs. Although they are of a lower tier, they contain a vast amount of spiritual energy. I have five here; would you be willing to trade them for five hundred Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills?"

"This..." This was the first time Li Sibai had ever seen a Primordial Spirit Orb. He had only heard of them; because they lacked elemental attributes, they could be absorbed by anyone.

These orbs contained immense spiritual energy, far purer and easier to absorb than standard vital essence, offering significant benefits for cultivation. Even within the inner sect of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect, only those from powerful, influential families possessed such items for training. Most disciples relied on Profound Heaven Jade Clarity Pills, or Profound Heaven Great Clarity Pills at higher levels.

Li Sibai had never dreamed of seeing such a treasure, and for Xiahou Lu to casually produce five of them was truly staggering.