Chapter Seven: Potions and Sparring

Investigation Bureau.

Lin Lei arrived at the Equipment Department.

He had originally planned to save up two hundred investigation points before applying for breakthrough materials, so he had been extremely cautious, never daring to spend his points lightly.

But with Li Xueshu’s reminder, there was no need to keep saving up.

He now had over two hundred points—already quite a windfall for a newly appointed investigator, more than what five or six assignments might yield.

That was enough to exchange for a fair number of items.

As for “Source Artifacts” and other such treasures, those were out of the question; at most, one could rent them, and with the Bureau’s “Seals” in place, even if Lin Lei borrowed one, he wouldn’t dare keep it for himself. They weren’t of much practical use to him.

The most useful things he could exchange for were potions.

Of course, these were not ordinary medicines, but extraordinary potions with special effects.

Lin Lei soon spotted, among the list of potions available to him, the very same bottle that Li Xueshu had given him last time—the one that calmed emotions.

That potion was called “Icy Heart Elixir.” It cost thirty points to redeem and had no further requirements.

“Not too expensive, actually.”

If Lin Lei hadn’t already swallowed the “Calming Pendant,” with his rate of Source Energy growth, he would indeed have made good use of such a potion.

But now, it was no longer necessary.

In truth, aside from the restorative potions that healed injuries or soothed emotions, and a few functional potions with special effects, the majority on the list were the Source Energy potions Li Xueshu had mentioned.

In short, these were potions that increased Source Energy.

There were many types, each with different effects and point costs, but to redeem them, one needed more than just points—they also required a recent report on mental and Source Energy fluctuations, and the potion had to be consumed on-site; it could not be taken away.

“When it comes to increasing Source Energy, the Bureau is very strict with oversight…”

Lin Lei also didn’t see any “Enlightenment Elixirs.”

In fact, when even Source Energy potions were so tightly controlled, it was only natural that the even more critical “Enlightenment Elixirs”—which could trigger awakening—would be grouped with breakthrough materials and require a special application. Ordinary people simply couldn’t buy them.

Not just the unawakened needed “Enlightenment Elixirs”; even some natural awakeners who hadn’t unlocked their first Source Quality required them as well.

“‘Enlightenment Elixirs’ are probably categorized together with things like breakthrough materials—you have to apply for them, and regular folks can’t get their hands on them…”

The side effects of Source Energy were simply too severe. If supervision was lax, it could easily lead to disaster.

Ten minutes later.

After careful consideration, Lin Lei exchanged his points for two types of potions.

The first was a “Truth Serum.” As its name implied, its effect depended greatly on the subject’s willpower, and for Source Energy users, its efficacy dropped another level.

The second was called a “Booster Elixir.” This “boost” referred not to Source Energy, but to muscle strength.

One bottle of “Booster Elixir” provided ten minutes of enhanced strength, after which muscle soreness and weakness set in as side effects…

He bought two bottles of the former and three of the latter, nearly depleting his points.

Though potions were far cheaper than Source Artifacts, Lin Lei’s points were still limited…

These two were already among the most cost-effective and practical options available.

…

Having carefully stowed away his new potions, Lin Lei suddenly felt a vibration on his wrist.

It was his wristband alarm.

“Hm? Three o’clock already. Time for the martial arts class…”

Given the disparities among Source Energy users, these classes focused on general combat techniques and couldn’t be tailored to each individual.

In truth, technique was only a means to increase the odds of victory when power levels were equal or close; the real deciding factor was always raw strength.

Lin Lei valued skill, but he never believed technique was more important than raw power.

He took the elevator up to the thirteenth floor.

Exiting the elevator, he strode quickly down a silver corridor and soon entered a spacious, well-lit training hall.

Many people had already gathered inside.

An elderly man in a coarse linen martial uniform stood at the center, surrounded by the others.

Lin Lei didn’t know the man’s real name—everyone simply called him Master Jiang.

Master Jiang was the Bureau’s martial arts consultant, a Third Realm Source Energy user specializing in the Body branch.

He was also Lin Lei’s martial arts instructor.

After changing into his uniform, Lin Lei joined the group by Master Jiang’s side.

The old man gave him a genial nod.

“Lin Lei, you’re here!”

“Master Jiang.” Lin Lei, inheriting his predecessor’s prodigious memory and learning capacity, coupled with a powerful physique and the combat skills of his previous life, had picked things up very quickly.

He had only attended two classes so far, but already had earned Master Jiang’s special attention.

Master Jiang inclined his head slightly, then stepped aside, gesturing to a nearby youth who looked about seventeen or eighteen, with delicate features and a head of fiery red hair.

“Today, let me introduce a new friend to everyone,” he said. “This is Investigator Wen Xiang, a prodigy who just joined our Operations Division yesterday. From today on, he’ll be attending martial arts classes with us…”

The young man’s gaze swept cold and indifferent across the assembled Source Energy users. He offered a slight nod, exuding an almost arrogant chill.

“This one… doesn’t look easy to get along with…” Lin Lei narrowed his eyes.

After the introduction, Master Jiang turned to the youth and said, “Wen Xiang, since you’ve just joined us, I don’t yet know the extent of your strength and skills. I’d like you to spar with someone, if you don’t mind?”

“They’re all new investigators here. Anyone you pick to fight me makes no difference!” Wen Xiang sneered.

At these words, the surrounding investigators exchanged glances and whispered among themselves, their expressions a mix of amusement and unease.

In truth, though what Wen Xiang said was not entirely wrong, his arrogance was excessive and naturally provoked resentment.

Master Jiang’s brow furrowed briefly, a flash of displeasure crossing his face as his gaze roved the crowd before finally settling on Lin Lei.

“Lin Lei, you’re a newcomer too—why don’t you spar with Wen Xiang? Remember, Wen Xiang isn’t of the Body branch, so focus on defense and don’t injure him.”

As he spoke, Master Jiang gave Lin Lei a meaningful look.

Lin Lei immediately understood—Master Jiang wanted him, as a Body specialist, to spar with a non-Body specialist, likely hoping he would take the edge off the youth’s arrogance.

Wen Xiang turned to glance at Lin Lei, grinning: “Fine. A Body branch user is a worthy sparring partner for me!”

Lin Lei smiled and nodded at Master Jiang.

The others cleared space for them.

The sparring match began.

Both Lin Lei and Wen Xiang took up bamboo swords, donning special protective gear.

After all, even in practice, Source Energy users could inflict serious injury.

Lin Lei settled into his stance, gripping the bamboo sword tightly in both hands, ready to defend.

Wen Xiang’s eyes burned like fire as he stepped forward, sword clenched, launching himself with astonishing speed.

“A non-Body branch user with such explosive power?”

For him to move so fast, his physical abilities must be extraordinary!

Even most First Realm Source Energy users at full overflow might not match this level of physical explosiveness.

A newly minted investigator, just joined the Bureau, yet possessing such terrifying strength—no wonder he was so arrogant. Even another Body branch novice might not compare!

These thoughts flashed through Lin Lei’s mind in an instant as he shifted left, sweeping his bamboo sword in a sudden thrust.

Crack!

A clear, ringing sound filled the hall.

Wen Xiang’s charge came to an abrupt halt, his bamboo sword flying high from his grasp.

Thud!

He staggered backward several steps and landed heavily on the floor.

Whoosh!

Lin Lei’s bamboo sword hovered at his throat, a faint smile on his lips. “Thank you for the match.”