As they looked at the combinations, sometimes surreal, Min-Su and Jin thought of what they read. Picking what suited them best... It was obvious when mentioned this way but it wasn't so. Many people would never be able to do so. Some because of their sects and others due to inability to procure the required treasure.

Jin's previous lifetime was focused on training his martial arts. And those martial arts had one thing they focused on. Redirecting the force of the opponent. If he could only pick one element, it had to be something related to that. But as he thought of this, he felt it a shame that he was going to be stuck with thunder and wind. And that's when it hit him. It wasn't him that was stuck with those but his weapon. And as mentioned in the book, even if his core didn't have one element, it didn't mean he would be unable to use it.

As this thought appeared in his mind, it invaded it. In mere moment, it became the only truth. And he was no longer thinking of basing his entire future on the elements of that spear. He stopped looking at the book as he continued to deliberate.

Redirection.

This was what his entire art revolved around. But what kind of element could be linked to it. What could be considered as an element anyways? The book said that everything could be an element but how much of this was true. Considering Hae-Hyuk gave them this book, everything was likely true. But it was tough to admit and believe. Can you realistically consider a table as an element? Jin was having difficulties doing so.

After an hour, Min-Su asked him: "So, what do you think?"

Jin turned to him and returned the question: "What about you?"

Min-Su sighed exaggeratedly before he shrugged: "No idea"

It was clear that they had to start thinking about it very seriously. After some time, Min-Su left to work on the beast master technique. Jin, on the other hand, decided to visit Hae-Hyuk once more. He had many questions.

...

He entered Hae-Hyuk's quarters to find him reading a book. He saw the title and frowned slightly, it was "How to find your soulmate as a long-lived cultivator", a book he knew. How could that book be so famous? He would really need to get himself a copy.

As for Hae-Hyuk, he didn't seem bothered that Jin saw him reading it. On the contrary, he was even thinking of gifting a copy to both his disciples. The book was very enlightening. He would need to speak with Isla later...That being said, he dropped the book as his disciple sat. Since Jin came to see him so soon, it meant he had questions. He didn't think for a second that Jin had already made a choice. Otherwise he would be disappointed.

He asked his disciple: "What is it, Jin?"

Jin wasn't one to turn around the pot* and went straight to his questions: "I have questions about elements"

Expecting it, Hae-Hyuk signaled him to continue. Which he did: "I was thinking of picking different elements for my core"

Hae-Hyuk smiled as he told him: "Good. I am glad you reached that conclusion yourself without much guidance. It would have been a shame to let your future be impacted by a weapon"

Jin was now sure of it. It had been a test of sorts meant to teach him a lesson. Cultivators pursued immortality, going against the heavens and fate itself. What was this spear if not a 'fate' on his path? Jin smiled as he was glad to have been right. He looked at Hae-Hyuk and asked: "So, will the weapon still be viable?"

Hae-Hyuk nodded: "It will. Picking an element doesn't mean shunning all others. Only familiarizing yourself more with one over the others. Just like having many friends but only one or a few best friends. Just because the weapon has different elements from your core won't make it useless. But you will need to focus on more elements. Which is a good thing to be honest. Having more cards up your sleeves is good"

Jin ruminated for some time before he decided to ask: "Do you have any suggestions for the weapon's third element?"

Hae-Hyuk looked at Jin and asked back: "What do you think?"

Jin expected such an answer. Hae-Hyuk had never tried to force him or Min-Su on a particular path and always guided them to their own answers. Jin was lost in thought but Hae-Hyuk didn't press him. He had lived for more than two thousand years, what of a few minutes? He was a patient man. As he gazed at Jin, he recalled his younger days. He had a tough time making a decision back then but he never regretted it afterwards.

That book he gave Jin was the very book that helped him turn his fate around. He hoped for the same to happen to those two. He wouldn't be with them for much longer but he still got close to them. He picked them out of necessity but he taught them as a master.

Jin thought for a long time yet he was unable to come to a decision. He decided to not disturb Hae-Hyuk further and go meditate on his own. Maybe a little stroll would help him have an epiphany. He left the tower with his head filled with different ideas.

His steps led him to a tavern. It was filled with wandering cultivators with more women than men due to the location of the city. He picked a seat and ordered some Frone, the alcohol he enjoyed most in this world.

As he remained deep in his thoughts, two women sat at his table. They were both gorgeous like any other cultivators and seemed to be twins. They exchanged a look and decided to approach Jin. They brought Jin back from his reverie as they introduced themselves as Amber and Grace Colling.