After hearing their offer, I still feel some internal skepticism.

… Even with my abilities, I didn’t think that I qualified for being a core disciple. Or at least shouldn’t.

Even nobles have an extremely hard time getting into those positions.

Elder Yin steps forward and slowly brings out a familiar sight, and something that confirms why we’re having this conversation.

In her hands is a mirror, one very similar to the one used for the spirit root testing that it started this whole journey into the jungle.

However, a simple glance can easily show that it is different in subtle ways. Whether it’s the small glow that comes from it or the silvery finish to it, it’s easy to see that it’s of a higher quality.

“Since your last result was… unclear, we wanted to allow you a chance to see what your true level is as you embark on your journey.”

From here, she gives a sly smile.

“And if it’s as we believe, then we can give you the chance to be a core disciple here in the sect.”

Her face turns immediately serious, showing a clear change in tone.

“But if we find that there was any manipulation done to bring about a higher score, then we will deal with that accordingly as well.”

And so, the real reason comes out.

An opportunity and verification.

I bet the uncertainty of my first result caused some waves within this sect. Ones that need to be addressed in fear of foul play.

Interrupting my thoughts, is Elder Yin turning toward the lingering crowd of people, who were hoping to catch more information.

Unlike how she treated me, I can see a fierce look and a scowl cross her face.

“What are you waiting around for? Get out of here!”

She gives a wave and they all scatter like flies.

Even with that, some remain nearby, but out of sight. Still looking to gather as much as they can.

This seems enough for her, as it becomes clear why she even bothered.

Similar to how Elder Song had done in my exam, she holds the mirror out toward the sun in a way that allows it to reflect on the ground before us.

Like the previous time, the back of the mirror shows on the ground as a large sun. But this time, there are two smaller suns besides the larger one. The area reflected is much larger now, being around 10 meters in diameter.

Rising from the ground, it shines extraordinarily bright, even in the clear sunlight.

Different from the last exam, the elders are not shy in their examination of me. As the suns twirl around me, they going in deeper than Senior Song did.

… They’ll definitely be able to see my Healing Constitution at work.

Shivers crawl down my back at this realization, which calms soon after.

Sadly enough, there should be some evidence of my healing capabilities already from my previous interactions.

With that in mind, I can see Elder Ro’s eyes raise up slightly, while the others look shocked.

Which isn’t too much of a surprise for me, as Elder Ro is connected to the Alchemy Guild, who in turn might have heard something from the Female Assassin. In fact, part of the reason he’s part of this might be to verify the information.

Well, that automatically takes him out of the running for me being a disciple under him.

While all this is happening, the suns continue to revolve around me, going faster and faster.

It is only after three minutes of this that it finally stops to announce the result.

“Temporary, Orchid Heaven 2. Actual, Orchid Heaven 8.”

Oh my.

It actually pulled up the real, final result of what my spirit root would become. They must have brought out the serious goods for this analysis.

I’ve been severely restricting my scan while in front of these elders, so I could only tell the mirror was a much higher tier and rarity than the one used before.

This is the one they use when they need a sure answer.

If their eyes were wide before, then they are saucers now.

Huge grins cross their faces, and I can hear Elder Yin victoriously say something aloud.

“HA. Those old fogeys will be so jealous that they didn’t ‘gamble’ on this. All the signs were there, but they just refused to see it.”

Her face has the epitome of a shit-eating grin on it, proud that she got one over on them.

It’s mirrored on the face of the others, though Elder Gu seems to have a more retrospective take.

While also stealing another glance at Senior Song.

… it doesn’t seem to be a glance of attraction, but one of guilt. I’m curious about what is between them.

On Senior Song’s side, she also has the same grin, but for a different treason. But she doesn’t say a word about it, only looking proudly in my direction.

But then the air changes, as it inevitably would.

The three elders turn predatory gazes at me. If before it was as if I was a great catch, now I have become a succulent hare in front of a starving family.

It’s not a good feeling.

That gaze quickly turns from me to their now competitors.

Senior Song, for her part, looks on as if entertained by the now rising tensions.

Elder Ro gives the first pitch.

“Congratulations on passing to be a core disciple, young master! Now all that is left is to choose your master.

“I, for one, can provide many things for you, being one of the Alchemy Masters of the sect. As I know you are an aspiring and prodigious alchemist in your own right, I can lead you down the path of greatness.”

He finishes his words and looks to his right at Elder Yin.

They seem to respecting each other’s time to pitch. This might be part of a type of informal courtesy to other elders. Or maybe a wish not to be interrupted themselves.

Elder Yin seems to come from a different angle. Giving me a sweet smile that is tainted by her obvious greed, she speaks.

“Young Master James, considering your abilities and cultivation method, I could provide you with a way to leverage those abilities to make you many close friends. While I do not share a similar method, I have several contacts that do and could share many insights that have helped them on their journeys.”

She pauses and hesitated.

“In know Elder Ro’s ability to progress one through cultivation is high, so you wouldn’t be at a loss if you chose him as your master instead. In such an eventuality, I’d still be willing to provide such help to you.”

Hmmm… she’s trying to maintain the relationship with Elder Ro, likely because of his role as an alchemist. No matter the world, you don’t want to piss off the person who heals you and strengthens you.

Even more so if your business is focused around connections, which is how it seems for her.

Finally, it is Elder Gu’s turn.

Although he clearly wants me to join him, his specialty is the sword, which I’ve shown no aptitude for.

He seems to come up with an idea and asks me a question.

“Young Master, I am simply a swordsman and that is all I can offer you. With your abilities to heal, both yourself and your allies, you could become a force to behold on the battlefield. While you are quite a bit old to learn, with your capabilities, it would be worth the effort to attempt it.

“Have you considered following the way of the sword? If you’d like, I could show you a demonstration…”

I can feel my excitement grow.

Although I wouldn’t be able to use sword Qi because of my cultivation method, seeing it in action would allow me to get a better grasp of it for my allies.

There’s always the potential one of the Demi humans could have a gift for it.

And unfortunately, sword Qi is one of those things you have to feel, in order to get a true grasp of.

But I quickly catch myself.

To agree to this would infer that I would like to join him. Using him for that onetime experience would be insulting, in its own way. Adding to that, what my actual plan is, it would clearly aggravate him.

… I’d rather go with Senior Song.

From the time I had arrived here, to my introduction into the sect, she’s been relatively benign and forgiving.

Heck, even as a mortal, she was forgiving of my disrespectful comments.

I don’t even need to check to know what the normal response in this world would be from people of her status.

Even though these elder are being nice now, if I were to lose value or cause issues for them, I easily could see them turning their backs on me.

For Senior Song, I feel there’s a quite a bit of difference there. That there would be an attempt to help from her, even in bad situations.

If I cultivated that relationship deeper, that is.

… now I just have to figure out how to make her my choice.

A check to my scan tells me the answer, but makes me unsure if I want to even try.