The Devouring

James felt the weight of the decision settle on his shoulders. He had barely started understanding Qi, and now he had to choose a technique that would shape his future?

Ren noticed the conflict in James's expression and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Choosing your martial arts technique is the first step in determining your path." he said. "There are many techniques in the world, but most of them require a cultivation spirit root. Each individual has an affinity towards a natural element water, wind, fire, earth, lightning, dark or light and some have extraordinary cultivation spirit roots, also more roots you have, the harder it is to detect and control them."

James furrowed his brows, processing the information "How do I find out what my root is?"

Ren smiled knowingly "That's what the martial arts competition is about, to select individual with spirit roots."

James nodded, but before he could ask another question, Ren continued. "Before that, let me explain the difference between cultivation and fighting techniques. A cultivation technique strengthens your body and spirit, allowing you to harness immortal Qi more effectively. A fighting technique, also known as a warrior's technique, strengthens your body only, allowing you to harness Battle Qi.

Though both are valuable to practice, there is a significant difference between them. One of the greatest differences is that a person's lifespan increases more when practicing cultivation techniques compared to warrior techniques as they continue on their path."

James's eyes widened in shock "Wait... cultivation can increase lifespan?" He struggled to process the idea. Living longer, perhaps even centuries beyond a normal human this was beyond anything he had imagined.

Mei smirked at James's reaction, clearly amused by his surprise, while Jiang, ever composed, kept a straight face and continued looking forward, as if this revelation was nothing new to him.

As they walked through the grand corridors towards the Li family's treasury building, Mei and Jiang followed closely behind, listening intently. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and incense as they approached the grand entrance. Before they could enter, another figure emerged from the shadows.

An elder, even older than Ren, stood before them. Unlike Ren, who appeared as a mature young man with silver hair, this elder bore the weight of true age, his long white beard flowing down to his chest and his eyes carrying the wisdom of centuries. Despite his frail appearance, there was an undeniable strength in his presence. He regarded James with an unreadable expression before nodding to Ren.

"Elder Xu." Ren greeted with respect. "We are here for James to select his technique."

Elder Xu nodded his head. "Very well. The Li Family has only one chance in their lifetime to select a technique that best suits them," Elder Xu said in a dead tone.

James blinked in surprise. "Only one chance in their lifetime?"

Ren nodded his head, looking at James. "That's right. Just one."

Elder Xu studied James for a long moment before stepping aside, gesturing toward the entrance. "Then let us not delay."

Mei and Jiang were instructed to wait outside by Elder Xu. Jiang accepted it without a word, standing still like a statue. But Mei, on the other hand, crossed her arms and scowled. "This is ridiculous! I also want to go in and we have to wait out here?" she huffed, tapping her foot against the stone floor. "What if he picks something useless? What if he messes this up?" Her frustration was evident as she turned to Ren. "Why can't we at least go in and watch?"

Ren merely chuckled "Patience, Mei, this is his trial, not yours."

Mei clicked her tongue in irritation but relented, crossing her arms as she leaned against the stone wall. "This better be worth the wait."

As James was accompanied by Elder Ren and Elder Xu they walked a little further inside were rows upon rows of ancient scrolls and manuals filled the vast chamber, the air buzzing with an energy he couldn't quite describe. It was as if the knowledge of countless generations lingered in the room, whispering their secrets to those who sought them.

Ren turned to James. "Okay, this is where I leave you, James. Hope you choose wisely."

Then Elder Xu said, "You have one hour."

With that, Elder Xu and Ren both left, leaving James alone in the vast chamber, the weight of his decision heavier than ever.