Stepping into the Technique Pavilion, a wave of cyan light surged toward Han Yu.

The light rippled across his body—a clear reaction to his status. The barrier recognized that he was neither an Inner nor an Outer Disciple.

Sensing the fluctuation, a youthful voice called out from a nearby room: “Laborer Disciples seeking entry must declare their names, possess Minor Merit, and specify the technique category for exchange.”

A blue-robed Inner Disciple emerged from the room as he spoke.

“Come here to verify your identity. Leave your Storage Bag at the entrance; it is not permitted inside.”

“Only after verification is complete may you exchange for cultivation methods.”

Han Yu set his Storage Bag down. The formation’s azure glow immediately enveloped it, preventing anyone from touching it or bringing it into the pavilion.

He approached the Inner Disciple and stated his identity. “Han Yu, Laborer Disciple of the Spirit Field Department. I hold fifteen Minor Merits. I wish to exchange for Beast Taming and offensive techniques.”

Recalling his Thousand Illusions Secret Art, he added, “Or perhaps illusion techniques. I would like to browse the categories, if possible.”

“Wait until you enter the Outer Sect,” the Inner Disciple dismissed. “Laborer Disciples cannot browse. I will retrieve the Jade Slips based on your request, and you will decide then whether to exchange or not.”

He led Han Yu into the room and stood him before a stone stele.

Another figure, a purple-robed Deacon, sat in the room. He offered a single glance but remained silent.

Han Yu was no stranger to such steles. When he first entered the sect, the Deacon’s Hall had used a similar one to record his name and test his Spirit Roots. It served a dual purpose: detecting talent and issuing sect contribution points.

Compared to the massive stone in the Deacon’s Hall, the Technique Pavilion’s version was much smaller and more delicate, measuring only about four feet square.

The Inner Disciple addressed the stone. “Han Yu, Laborer Disciple of the Spirit Field Department, requesting exchange.”

Text surfaced on the stele: Han Yu. Laborer Disciple. Age Thirteen. Four Spirit Roots. Fifteen Minor Merits.

“Inject a wisp of Spirit Breath into the stele,” the Inner Disciple instructed.

Han Yu had already concealed his true cultivation with the Thousand Illusions Secret Art before setting out. He stepped forward, outputted a trace of Spirit Breath, and pressed his finger against the stone.

Qinghe Qi Refining Heart Method confirmed, the stele displayed.

Han Yu noted the difference immediately. This stele was not only smaller than the one in the Deacon’s Hall but also inferior in capability.

The main hall’s stele could verify identity with precise depth; this one merely sensed the cultivation technique being run.

The Inner Disciple nodded. “Good. No errors.”

“You want three categories: Beast Taming, Attack, and Illusion, correct? I will fetch the simplest entry-level spell for each. Five Minor Merits apiece. Fifteen will cover exactly three.”

The purple-robed Deacon, surnamed He, suddenly raised his eyes. He spoke slowly.

“Fetch him the Beast Taming Technique, the Sharp Gold Technique, and the Phantom Body Technique.”

The Inner Disciple started in surprise. “Deacon He… those seem to exceed the value of fifteen Minor Merits…”

“This Laborer Disciple has a talent for spells,” Deacon He replied. “He rendered meritorious service yesterday; I was informed of the matter at the Sect Main Hall.”

“Tomorrow is the Laborer Disciple Grand Competition. If he enters the Outer Sect, he will already be entitled to choose two from the standard four: Wind Blade, Ice Condensation, Earth Control, or Flame Technique. There is no need for him to waste five Minor Merits on those basic spells now. Give him something better.”

The Inner Disciple nodded, though he hesitated, looking troubled by the breach of protocol.

Deacon He waved a hand. “Go. Even if Elder Bai were here, I would say the same. If the Elder asks, tell him I handled this personally.”

“Yes.” The Inner Disciple bowed and went to fetch the Jade Slips.

The room fell quiet, leaving only Deacon He and Han Yu.

Han Yu bowed. “Disciple Han Yu thanks Deacon He for his care.”

“No need to thank me. You possess the potential yourself. To leave it buried would be… shuwei kexi—a truly great pity.”

Deacon He’s voice carried a heavy, melancholic weight. “The sect faces difficulties, unpredictable and hard to foresee.”

“If one day the sect truly cannot sustain itself, disciples like you may be the last remaining sparks.”

“It may fall to you to ensure the name ‘Wanchun Valley’ is remembered.”

Deacon He’s words were filled with deep pessimism. After speaking, he looked at the thirteen-year-old boy before him and shook his head with a self-mocking laugh.

What is the use of saying such things to a child?

“Study well. It will all be useful in the future.”

Moments later, the Inner Disciple returned with three Jade Slips. “Sect techniques are not to be lent out, and certainly not sold. Once discovered, punishment will be severe.”

“All Jade Slips bear the sect’s spiritual mark. Outsiders would not dare purchase them regardless.”

After delivering the warning, he handed the Jade Slips to Han Yu.

Knowing the techniques were worth far more than fifteen Minor Merits thanks to Deacon He’s intervention, Han Yu did not quibble. He thanked the Deacon once more and left the pavilion with his prize.

His replication ability for the day had not yet been used.

It was a shame the sect had strict rules; he couldn’t simply barge into the Technique Pavilion and browse the shelves like he was picking vegetables at a market. Otherwise, he could have quietly replicated at least one or two extra techniques.

But with detection formations monitoring every entry and exit, smuggling extra Jade Slips out was impossible.

The same logic applied to the market district. He couldn’t just reach out, touch an item, and replicate it without buying it first.

To replicate better items and techniques, Han Yu knew he needed to improve his own cultivation. As he rose in status, the things he could access would naturally improve.

At the entrance, the cyan light parted slightly, allowing him to retrieve his Storage Bag. Han Yu stowed the three Jade Slips inside and walked out.

“You dare hawk that junk right in front of the Technique Pavilion?”

Nearby, Zhong Yue was laughing as she scolded someone.

The person she was speaking to was Zhu San—”Pig Third”—the vendor from the market. He was now wearing the green robes of an Outer Disciple, though he looked as sloppy as ever. Whether due to his obesity or habit, his robe was wide open, exposing a large expanse of his chest. It was an unsightly display.

“Hey now, Zhong Yue, how can you say that?” Zhu San protested. “Even if you lent me ten guts, I wouldn’t dare cause a scene on the Main Peak!”

As he spoke, he looked up and spotted Han Yu exiting the pavilion. His eyes seemed to calculate whether Han Yu was a potential customer.

“Good that you know. Put away your little schemes, or be careful the Deacons don’t punish you,” Zhong Yue teased. She turned to Han Yu. “Han Yu, did you get your techniques? Shall we head back?”

“Mm.” Han Yu nodded. “I have to trouble Senior Sister Zhong again.”

“No trouble, no trouble at all,” Zhong Yue said cheerfully, releasing her Plantain Leaf and gesturing for him to board.

Just as Han Yu stepped forward, Zhu San’s eyes lit up. He raised a hand in an exaggerated greeting. “Aha! I was wondering who it was!”

“It’s the newly emerged technique genius of our Wanchun Valley! I’ve heard all about your exploits. Here to exchange for spells?”

“Why not listen to my advice—”

Han Yu’s expression darkened. He ignored the man completely, leaped onto the Plantain Leaf, and urged Zhong Yue. “Let’s go. Back.”

Zhong Yue burst into laughter. She urged the Plantain Leaf into the air, turning back to mock the vendor. “Zhu San, look at your reputation! It’s terrible! Dare to try your tricks again and the sect will skin you!”

Zhu San gave two awkward, dry laughs. He waited until they were far in the distance before muttering under his breath.

“Suckers are getting harder and harder to find.”

On the flight back to the Spirit Field Department, Zhong Yue asked, “You know about Zhu San’s reputation?”

“Whether I know or not doesn’t matter,” Han Yu replied calmly. “I am a mere Laborer Disciple. How can I bear a title like ‘Wanchun Valley Genius’? Hearing such praise just sounds like a massive trouble heading my way.”

Zhong Yue realized his point. “You are quite cautious.”

“Many people get sweet-talked by Zhu San, become dizzy with his flattery, and end up buying his trash.”

As they spoke, the Spirit Field came into view.

Han Yu disembarked, bidding farewell to Zhong Yue and thanking her again.

“Rest well,” Zhong Yue called out, waving. “Tomorrow is the Laborer Disciple Grand Competition. I’ll come to cheer for you!”

She turned her Plantain Leaf and flew off.

Once she was gone, Han Yu did not return to his stone hut. Instead, he took out the three Jade Slips and walked directly toward the Spirit Field Steward’s office.