Chapter 104: Becoming an Apprentice – Part One

“Hmm? You want to use the Spirit-Measuring Pearl? Could it be that your internal energy has changed? No, you’ve just broken through to the first level of the Qinxin Realm? What is your name?”

The elder’s eyesight was sharp. Although Li Sibai had tried his best to conceal his cultivation level, that only worked against those one or two small ranks higher than him. The elder before him exuded mighty internal energy and an imposing aura of overwhelming power. Li Sibai had no idea of his exact level, but it was clearly impossible to hide from him.

Knowing that the elder had probably guessed his true level, Li Sibai dared not conceal anything further. The identity jade token appeared in his hand. “I am Li Sibai, recently advanced to the first layer of the Qinxin Realm. This is my identity jade token. I request to have my internal energy tested with the Spirit-Measuring Pearl.”

“You are Li Sibai?” The elder examined the jade token carefully and nodded. “I remember you now.”

He paused briefly, then continued, “But what happened to you? Why do you look so wretched? You were such a promising young man… Ah!” The elder sighed as he spoke, his tone tinged with regret over Li Sibai’s current state.

Li Sibai’s face reddened, realizing there was no point in hiding anything before this man.

Though the elder appeared to be commenting on his desolation, he was actually probing the reason behind his disguise.

Quickly, Li Sibai withdrew his camouflage and restored his original appearance, speaking sheepishly, “Elder, I am entangled in some troublesome matters and had no choice but to disguise myself. Please forgive me.”

Seeing his honesty, the elder waved his hand dismissively. “No matter, no matter. The old man’s eyes are failing; let’s pretend I saw nothing. Come, let us proceed with the test so as not to delay your important matters.”

With that, the elder moved to a platform, grasped at the empty air, and soon held a crystal-clear orb in his hand.

“This is the Spirit-Measuring Pearl?” Li Sibai asked.

“Exactly. It can quickly analyze the attributes of your internal energy. Even if you have multiple attributes, it will measure each one with absolute precision,” the elder smiled.

“Here, you know the method: simply channel your internal energy slowly into it, and it will display different colors.”

Li Sibai nodded. He had heard of this method back in the outer sect, though he had never seen an actual Spirit-Measuring Pearl before.

He reached out and took the pearl from the elder.

Holding it, the pearl felt heavy in his palm. He attempted to channel some internal energy into it. Immediately, the pearl’s surface became shrouded in a faint mist, but no color change was evident.

“What’s this…?” Li Sibai’s face flushed with embarrassment. Was he really going to have trouble just measuring his internal energy?

The elder beside him smiled slightly. “Though it’s a single attribute, that’s not bad.”

“Not bad?” Li Sibai looked at him incredulously. Just this was already ‘not bad’?

The elder observed his expression and asked, puzzled, “Wind attribute—you’re dissatisfied? This is actually one of the more popular derivative attributes. Many cultivators favor it.”

The five basic elemental attributes—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—were said to be the original internal energy types. Later, through derivative transformations, additional attributes like Wind, Thunder, Ice, Poison, and Yin-Yang emerged. Among these, Wind attribute cultivators were the most numerous.

“So I’m Wind attribute?” Li Sibai asked in confusion.

“Yes. The silver color represents Wind. Didn’t you know?”

“Well, I thought it had no color and that I’d somehow broken it.”

The elder gave a wry smile, thinking, Does this student really not know something so basic? The Spirit-Measuring Pearl is a treasure—there’s no way it could be easily damaged.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Li Sibai quickly changed the subject. “Elder, since I’m Wind attribute, does that mean I can start learning Wind-type spells?”

The elder smiled gently. “You can, indeed. If you want to, go to the Nebula Pavilion. They have a collection of books there where you can find what you need.”

As Li Sibai was about to thank him and head to the library, the elder continued:

“However, if I were you, I’d find a master to apprentice under as soon as possible. Having a master’s guidance will spare you many detours and shield you from unnecessary troubles.” With that, the elder turned around, exuding an aura of a transcendent immortal, profound and unfathomable.

Li Sibai was struck by the elder’s words—they made perfect sense. He wanted to find a master, but before he hadn’t qualified. Now that he did, the question was: whom should he choose?

Li Sibai had been here a while. Several people at the doorway kept glancing inside and whispering, seemingly waiting for him to leave. Could it be that Guo Jian had learned of his return? He needed to hurry and find a master, Li Sibai thought.

Just as the elder said, having a master would shield him from many unnecessary troubles. After all, when you beat a dog, you must look at its owner.

He had considered apprenticing before. Ideally, he wanted to become a disciple of Sect Leader Yunfeng Zhenren. Not to mention that Mo Yun and He Tianshu were already disciples under the Sect Leader, just hearing that the Sect Leader’s disciples received the most resources made Li Sibai’s heart race. What he lacked most in cultivation now was resources.

Unlike other disciples who often came with their own resources and powerful sect backing, Li Sibai was not alone but had been worn down by years of hardship in the outer sect. Entering the inner sect had nearly exhausted Uncle Cai Da’s reserves. Only with sufficient resources could he advance rapidly.

But he had heard that Sect Leader Yunfeng was very strict in accepting disciples. Although he didn’t select disciples solely based on talent, he required them to have an outstanding quality. Mo Yun was said to have been chosen for his resolute mind and unyielding perseverance.

If that failed, Li Sibai planned to seek Master Yunfei Zhenren, the Martial Might Elder in charge of inner sect cultivation. His status was second only to Sect Leader Yunfeng. Li Sibai had some past contact with him in childhood. Though the man was harsh, they say strict teachers produce fine disciples. Besides, he was a familiar figure, so he was the second choice.

The other two were the remaining Four Elders. Yunli Zhenren was the senior of Yao Xueqing; apprenticing under him would at least mean more time with Yao Xueqing.

Yun’an Zhenren oversaw the sect’s rules and discipline—perhaps apprenticing under him might mean fewer punishments?

If all else failed, there were two other disciples of the Ninth Generation Sect Leader: Yunyang Zhenren and Yunwu Zhenren. Both were direct disciples of the Ninth Generation Sect Leader and held higher status than others in the sect. Being accepted by either would be a great fortune for Li Sibai.

Yet he knew he seemed ordinary and mediocre. These elders were highly sought after; it wouldn’t be easy. No matter how grand his hopes, reality would be harsh. He must prepare himself.

With people blocking the door, someone would surely cause trouble once he stepped out. Li Sibai looked at the elder before him, his instinct telling him that this man was no ordinary figure. Yet, unfamiliar with the inner sect’s workings, he dared not ask too many questions.

Besides, the elder had been kind and helpful from the start. He saw through Li Sibai’s disguise immediately and hinted he should find a master quickly. If he were to accept Li Sibai as a disciple, would he be willing?

Motivated by this thought, Li Sibai decided to try—so that he wouldn’t regret it later. He was a pragmatist.

He recalled their brief encounter at the sect gate and felt it wouldn’t be too abrupt to approach this elder now.