"Is Junior Sister purchasing a spiritual instrument for the Outer Sect Tournament in six months?" The receptionist Senior Sister asked casually, leaving Chen Jinshu momentarily unsure how to respond.
"Wasn't the Alchemy Competition on Medicine King Peak supposed to happen first? How come the Outer Sect Tournament was coming so soon?"
"Senior Sister, does the Outer Sect Tournament take place every year?"
"Not always. This year it's been moved earlier because the Xuanming Secret Realm is about to open. They need to finalize the rankings before then."
Chen Jinshu nodded in realization—the tournament was indeed earlier than she had expected. She wasn't unfamiliar with the Outer Sect Tournament. It was the best opportunity for outer disciples to advance to the inner sect.
Even servant disciples who had reached the fourth level of Qi Refining could participate and potentially be promoted to the outer sect. If they were lucky enough to rank in the top fifty, they even stood a chance to enter the inner sect.
Still, that kind of opportunity was extremely rare for a servant disciple—one of the reasons why Chen Jinshu had been pushing to break through to the fourth level and join the outer sect.
Of course, the alchemy competition and the Outer Sect Tournament were two different things.
The latter involved all disciples of the sect, including outer disciples from all the main peaks. The top two hundred would be selected to enter the Xuanming Secret Realm.
Only the top fifty would receive rewards—unlike the alchemy competition on Medicine King Peak, where all participants received consolation prizes.
Moreover, what the tournament tested wasn't skill, but strength. Those who could place in the top two hundred were undoubtedly the cream of the outer sect. Lately, many disciples had likely been visiting the Wanbing Pavilion to purchase spiritual instruments in preparation for the tournament. That explained the receptionist's assumption.
After all, once one acquired a spiritual instrument, it took time to become proficient with it—anywhere from three or four months to half a year.
"I wonder if Senior Sister could recommend something suitable for a female cultivator?" Chen Jinshu asked softly.
She already owned a spiritual weapon—a white jade ornamental hairpin that could transform into a long sword when activated.
However, that hairpin had been specially crafted to conceal her appearance and cultivation. Unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn't use it lightly.
"Of course! Come with me," the receptionist said warmly, leading Chen Jinshu to the area for mid-stage Qi Refining instruments.
Soon, a large variety of spiritual instruments were laid out before her—fans, silk ribbons, flutes, jade zithers… all kinds, all exquisitely made. Under the pavilion's special lighting, they sparkled with soft glows of many hues.
"May I ask what elemental root Junior Sister specializes in?"
"Wood spiritual root."
"Then, are you skilled in music?"
"I only know a bit about the zither," Chen Jinshu replied modestly, recalling the ancient zither lessons she'd taken during her family's clan schooling.
The Chen Clan was a Foundation Establishment family and took education seriously, especially for female cultivators. As they were often married off for alliances, they were taught all four refined arts. Otherwise, how could they catch the eye of other Foundation Establishment families?
Although her past self had been considered unattractive and struggled with self-esteem, she had still worked hard on her four arts in hopes of changing her fate through marriage.
She was competent in all four—zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting—but her strongest skill was the zither, which she'd practiced until quite proficient. Still, it had been years since she last played, and she wouldn't dare claim mastery now.
"In that case, would Junior Sister like to take a look at this Snowpine Zither? Made from the trunk of a century-old snowpine tree, and strung with 500-year-old green silkworm silk. When played, snowflakes fall around it, slowing the enemy's movements. Its illusory string-blades carry piercing cold energy," the senior sister explained, gesturing to a white zither with faint golden veins.
Chen Jinshu was indeed drawn to the zither's stunning appearance.
But she hesitated. Her wood spiritual energy focused on healing, and this zither's attribute leaned toward ice. It might not suit her well. It seemed more impressive than practical.
Noticing her hesitation, the receptionist quickly moved on to a second instrument—the Wutong Zither. Made of valuable century-old wutong wood, it leaned toward fire attributes despite being primarily wood-based.
Though she did have fire among her elemental roots, she lacked any fire-based offensive spiritual power. She wouldn't be able to bring out the zither's full potential. Two more zithers were introduced after that, but none quite satisfied her.
"Senior Sister, do you have something specifically aligned with wood spiritual power and capable of some healing?"
She finally voiced her requirements—an instrument should match its user.
"Healing? So Junior Sister wishes to reduce spiritual energy consumption?"
"Exactly," Chen Jinshu nodded.
Her aim was simple: a zither that wouldn't drain her spiritual energy too much, while slightly healing her during combat. That way, she could wear down her opponent over time and increase her chances of victory.
She was going to participate in the Outer Sect Tournament—and she intended to place in the top two hundred.
The Xuanming Secret Realm's resources were far beyond anything available outside. Some rare treasures could only be found within, and it had one of the lowest mortality rates among all such realms.
"Perfect timing. Just last month, a senior disciple from Yanlie Peak's inner sect crafted a mid-grade spiritual zither. He was aiming for high-grade, but a slight error reduced its quality—though its power still matches that of a high-grade weapon."
"What's more, this zither might be able to be restored to high-grade quality later. When activated, it also provides slight healing to the wielder."
She led Chen Jinshu to a zither glowing softly green. The entire instrument was willow-hued, slightly translucent, and entwined with sturdy vines. Simple, ancient floral patterns traced its body.
"This zither is called Lüqi Zither (绿绮). It's forged from over 500-year-old paulownia and catalpa wood. The playing sensation is soft and fluid; the tone is rich and full, and the rhythm very balanced."
"Is Junior Sister satisfied with it?"
"Lüqi Zither?" Chen Jinshu murmured.
This was no ordinary instrument. In the life she glimpsed when awakening her past memories, Lüqi Zither had been one of the Four Famous Instruments of History, renowned for both tone and craftsmanship.
"To encounter it now—could it be fate?"
"How much is it?" she asked, tempted.
"Since it was originally a high-grade item that dropped a level, it's pricier than most mid-grade instruments, but still cheaper than a true high-grade one. One hundred and fifty spirit stones. Is that acceptable?"
"One hundred and fifty?!" Chen Jinshu was stunned.
Spiritual instruments for mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators usually cost no more than ninety spirit stones. This was sixty more—almost outrageous.
"Don't worry. That's the listed price. Sect disciples get a discount. I'll offer it to you for one hundred and one spirit stones. How about that?"
Chen Jinshu considered it. That price was… manageable.
Just as she was about to bargain further, the Senior Sister added, "Still concerned? Then let our Wanbing Pavilion throw in a zither score for you. Deal?"
"Then I'll take it. Thank you, Senior Sister," Chen Jinshu said, no longer hesitating.
In the marketplace, a zither score alone was quite valuable—especially ones tailored to cultivation. They weren't easy to find. Spending just a few extra stones for one was well worth it.
When she looked at the sheet music, the title read: "The Cry of Cranes Among the Pines."
With this, her main spiritual weapon was settled—her zither.