Chapter 227: A Wrinkled Choice

Chapter 227: A Wrinkled Choice

As I look up, Elder Gu is still awaiting my answer patiently. A gracious, but understandable, action because of the seriousness of the situation.

To show my gratefulness for his offer and patience, I bow and decline.

My apologies, Senior, but my cultivation method has a few restrictions on it. One of which is the usage of sword arts. Such a wonderful show of skill would be wasted on one such as me.

I can see his face fall, but he nods in understanding as the others gain some valuable knowledge.

Things like restrictions, constitutions, and features can help pinpoint the cultivation method a person uses. Not only that, but it can provide insight into what to and not to offer a person.

But its time. Theres really only one sure way to get them to step aside without issue. Even if I dont like the approach.

Before they can say anything, I actually deepen my bow and apologize further.

Im truly sorry, Esteemed Elders, but theres actually one that has already stolen away my thoughts.

They look at each other, as my wordage was weird.

Elder Yin is once again the one to speak up first, after a pause.

Who would this person be, Young Master?

I summon all the admiration in my heart and direct it to my far right towards Elder Song.

I continue with passion.

Since I first saw her, I couldnt keep my eyes off her. After taking the exam and issuing my challenge, I then knew there was only one Elders side Id want to stay by.

I literally hear a pen drop from one of the hiding students.

Its so silent.

Senior Song is practically frozen in place. The other three were slightly less so, but only by a little.

Ill need to add the bait for Senior Song, as shell likely not want to be involved.

In fact, Ive worked so hard since that time to figure a real answer to what might be ailing the person who I admire so And finally coming to an answer.

The air shifts as real attention from her now shines palpably around us.

Although the three elders before me are likely Nascent Soul, the strength of Senior Song is clearly higher, even being at peak Core Formation level. An unthinkable occurrence, as the strength gap between those two levels is massive. The reason she could become an Elder at such a young age becomes more and more apparent.

Sweat shines on the others brows as she steps forward.

My my

I didnt know I had such an admirer in you, Young Master James. With such words, I guess I just have to take a better look at you.

Slowly, she steps towards us and even the elders creep backwards subconsciously. But her only focus is on me as she moves.

All until she arrives in front of me. She leans in close, staring me directly in the eyes.

After this dizzying series of actions, things finally went silent, and she slowly turned to me.

Her aura seems to have calmed down, now that were in a location where no one else can hear. While I have an instinctual reaction to fill the silence with words, my instincts indicate this is the time for silence.

She continues moving towards me, but instead of stopping, moves right past me and drops into a chair. Turning to face me, she takes a relaxed posture and asks a question.

What do you know about what ails me? As a forewarning, if youre too far off, Ill send you back into the outer court for wasting my time and energy. Regardless of your potential.

From just these words, its easy to see that she doesnt hold much importance for the spirit root. I dont believe would have taken me in if I hadnt had thrown out the bait of healing her.

Since I cant directly use the scan on her, Im not totally sure that my findings are correct.

98% sure, since the scan ran through multiple scenarios and this was the likeliest one from the combination of information. But, theres still a chance Im wrong.

Shes losing her patience, though. Its time for an answer.

You are cursed with massively accelerated aging, or at least something that mimics its effects.

From what I could figure out, your lifespan has been extended by upgrading your cultivation realm to this point.

She thinks about it for a bit, making me quite nervous.

Hmm Thats close enough to the truth, but how did you find this out?

Theres been a lock on this information for quite a while and the plant shouldnt have given enough indicators for that

She pauses her words and then shakes her head.

Disregard the last question. Your ways of finding that out are your own. What can you do to fix this beyond what I have done?

A simple question, but with many answers.

How deep should I go?

I definitely wont go as deep as I did for my closest allies But I have a good feeling that I can give inferences to my actual abilities with her. A compatibility with taming creatures, an increased ability to heal myself and others. A sixth sense.

I certainly wont be able to hide them completely if were going to be working together closely.

Either way, I should start with what shell care most about.

I can heal your curse.

I can tell shes been watching me carefully for every physical reaction sent from my body and anything that could be an indicator that Im lying to her.

After a moment or two of this, she asked another question.

Will you allow me to use my spiritual sense on you? Before we begin, I want to know my disciples better.

I dont see a problem with it. Ive already been cross-examined by the other three elders.

The cat is already out of the bag, at this point.