NTR: Choice Based System-Chapter 238: Three Questions

Elder Yahu's voice resounded, "Ye Yang, I have seen you clearing the trials with bravery and honesty."

"Even though you failed one, I have seen how much you have learned from it. And now, seeing you accepted by Sword God as his disciple, I'm happy for you. But…"

He paused, his gaze intensifying. "Even with all those reasons, I will not have any conversation about artifact refining if you fail to answer my three questions."

Ye Yang nodded; his initial apprehension replaced by a steely resolve. He met Elder Yahu's gaze. "I understand, Elder Yahu. I am ready."

"Good," Elder Yahu boomed.

"Then let us begin. My first question pertains to the very foundation of our crafts: arrays and artifact refining. How do you see them? What is the relationship between the two?"

Ye Yang considered the question carefully. "Elder Yahu," he began.

"I see arrays as the language of creation, the fundamental building blocks. They are the blueprints, the instructions that dictate how energy flows and interacts with the world."

"Whether it's a simple gathering array or a complex illusionary formation, the principle remains the same: manipulating energy through structured patterns."

He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Artifact refining, on the other hand, is the art of imbuing those patterns into physical objects."

"It's taking the abstract language of arrays and translating it into a tangible form."

"A skilled artificer doesn't just inscribe an array onto a material; they weave it into the very fabric of the object, making the artifact itself a living embodiment of the array's design."

"So, an array is the what and artifact refining is the how?" Elder Yahu prompted.

"Yes, Elder," Ye Yang confirmed.

"The array defines the function, the purpose of the artifact. Refining is the process of making that purpose real, of giving it physical form and permanence."

Elder Yahu smiled, a flicker of approval in his eyes. "A good start, Ye Yang. You understand the fundamental connection. Now, for my second question: What is space, and how do you perceive it?"

This question was more abstract, more philosophical. Ye Yang thought back to his experiences with spatial rings, with the strange warping of reality he had witnessed.

"Elder Yahu," he replied, "space, to me, is more than just the absence of matter."

"It's a canvas, a dimension where existence unfolds. It's not empty; it's filled with potential, with the possibility for things to be."

"We perceive it as three dimensions, length, width, and height, but I believe there are more, hidden dimensions that we cannot readily perceive."

"Go on," Elder Yahu encouraged.

"I believe that space is malleable, that it can be bent and shaped, much like energy."

"Spatial artifacts, like the rings, demonstrate this. They create a pocket of space within another, folding the fabric of reality itself. It's not simply creating a void, but manipulating the very structure of space to create a separate, contained reality."

"And how does this relate to artifact refining?" Elder Yahu asked.

"The artificer," Ye Yang explained, "must understand these principles of spatial manipulation."

"They must be able to visualize how the array will interact with space, how it will warp and fold it to create the desired effect."

"It's not just about inscribing an array; it's about understanding how that array will reshape the space around it."

Elder Yahu's smile broadened. "Excellent. You grasp the fundamental nature of space and its connection to our craft. Now, for the final question, the most crucial of all: What is cultivation, and how does it aid in array making and artifact refining?"

This was the question Ye Yang had been anticipating, the one that had occupied his thoughts for so long.

He knew that cultivation was more than just increasing one's power; it was a journey of self-discovery, a deeper understanding of the universe and one's place within it.

He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

He remembered the feeling of the Yang energy flowing through him in the illusion, the sense of oneness with the element.

He thought about the intricate patterns of the arrays, the delicate balance of energies.

"Cultivation… he mused. It's not just about power. It's about control. It's about understanding."

He opened his eyes, a newfound clarity in his gaze. "Elder Yahu," he began, "cultivation is the process of refining oneself, of honing one's connection to the world around us."

"It's not just about increasing our energy reserves; it's about understanding the fundamental principles that govern the universe, the flow of energy, the interplay of elements, the very nature of reality."

He continued, his voice gaining strength. "In the context of array making, cultivation allows us to perceive the intricate patterns of energy flow with greater clarity."

"It sharpens our senses, allowing us to visualize the array in our minds before we even begin to inscribe it. It gives us the control to manipulate energy with precision, to weave complex patterns with ease."

"And how does this apply to artifact refining?" Elder Yahu prompted.

"In artifact refining," Ye Yang explained, "cultivation is even more crucial. It's not enough to simply understand the array; we must also understand the material we are working with."

"We must understand its properties, its energy flow, its connection to the spiritual realm. Cultivation allows us to perceive these subtle nuances, to feel the resonance between the array and the material."

"It enables us to 'grow' the array within the object, to weave it into the very molecular structure, as Elder Zhao explained."

"This is not something that can be achieved through mere skill or technique; it requires a deep understanding, a connection that can only be forged through dedicated cultivation."

He paused, taking a deep breath. "Ultimately, cultivation is about understanding the Dao, the fundamental principles that govern the universe. The deeper our understanding, the greater our ability to manipulate energy, to create, to refine. It is the foundation upon which all our crafts are built."

A long silence followed Ye Yang's answer. Elder Yahu's eyes were closed, his expression unreadable.

Ye Yang stood patiently, his heart pounding in his chest, but his gaze unwavering.

Finally, Elder Yahu opened his eyes, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Well answered, Ye Yang," he boomed.

"You have demonstrated not only knowledge, but true understanding. You have grasped the essence of our crafts, the connection between arrays, artifact refining, and cultivation. I am satisfied."

He turned to the Master, who was watching with a look of quiet pride. "Sword God, your disciple has proven himself worthy. I will gladly share my knowledge with him."

Sword God chuckled. "I had no doubt he would, Yahu. Ye Yang has a thirst for knowledge and a dedication that is rarely seen. He will make a fine artificer, in time."

Ye Yang bowed deeply to both Elder Yahu and the Master. "Thank you, Elder Yahu. Thank you, Master. I am honoured."

Elder Yahu nodded. "Now, let us begin. We have much to discuss, and much to learn." He gestured towards a nearby chamber.

"Come, Ye Yang. The path of the artificer awaits."

Ye Yang stepped into the chamber. It resembled a smithy, yet felt profoundly different. The air hummed with latent power, not the heavy heat of a forge.

Scrolls lay scattered, not haphazardly, but as if placed there after intense study, their contents hinting at complex arrays and arcane formulas.

The walls themselves were a canvas of intricate engravings – not mere decorations, but diagrams of unique designs, pulsating faintly with an inner light.

Ye Yang recognized some as variations of spatial arrays, others were utterly alien, hinting at artificing techniques beyond his current comprehension.

He felt a thrill course through him, a sense of entering a sacred space where the very fabric of reality was moulded.