NTR: Choice Based System

"That, Ye Yang, is one of the most closely guarded secrets of the artificers," Elder Zhao repeated, his voice laced with a hint of reverence.

"They are a rare breed, those who can manipulate the very fabric of reality to create such wonders."

"Think of them as array masters, but instead of simple arrays, they craft artifacts—objects imbued with power, often working on the principles of array manipulation. And spatial artifacts… those are their masterpieces."

Ye Yang's eyes widened. "So, artificers are like specialized array masters?"

"In a way, yes," Elder Zhao confirmed.

"They possess a deeper understanding of materials, energy flow, and the intricate relation between the physical and spiritual realms."

"They work with rare materials, ancient techniques, and often, inherit knowledge passed down through generations."

"The creation of a spatial ring is a testament to their skill. It's not merely inscribing an array; it's growing it, weaving it into the very molecular structure of the jade, making the ring itself the array."

"Is… is Elder Zhao an artificer as well?" Ye Yang ventured, a flicker of hope in his voice.

Elder Zhao chuckled, a dry, self-deprecating sound. "No, my young friend. I am but a humble instructor, a guide on the path of arrays."

"My talents lie in understanding and teaching, not in the forging of such intricate creations. Artificing is a different calling altogether."

Ye Yang's shoulders slumped slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Do you know any artificers, Elder Zhao? Perhaps someone who could shed some light on this 'growing' process?"

"I do," Elder Zhao replied, his gaze drifting towards the distant peaks of the sect's mountains.

"One of the Prime Elders, in fact. Elder Yahu, the renowned Fiery Elder. He is a master artificer, his creations legendary. However,"

He paused, a hint of caution in his voice. "He is a very… unique individual. Meeting him is difficult enough, let alone seeking his relation."

Ye Yang nodded, understanding the implied challenge. "Thank you, Elder Zhao. I understand. I will… I will find a way."

"I wish you luck, Ye Yang," Elder Zhao said, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Your dedication is commendable. Perhaps… perhaps your path will cross with his."

Ye Yang bowed his thanks and left, his mind buzzing with newfound information.

He headed straight for the sect's library, eager to delve deeper into any texts that might mention artificers or their techniques.

As he entered the grand hall, lined with countless scrolls and tomes, a figure materialized before him, seemingly out of thin air.

It was the Master, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Ye Yang," the Master greeted, his voice echoing slightly in the vast space. "You seek knowledge beyond the basics, I see."

Ye Yang was startled but quickly recovered his composure. He bowed respectfully. "Master. I… I was just going to research artificers."

"Artificers?" The Master raised an eyebrow. "And why this sudden interest?"

"I… I'm trying to understand spatial rings, master," Ye Yang explained.

"Elder Zhao said they are created by artificers, not through simple inscription, but by 'growing' the array within the jade. I want to understand how that's possible."

The Master nodded slowly. "And you believe this knowledge will aid you in your… pursuits?"

"Yes, master" Ye Yang replied, his voice filled with conviction. "It all ties together. The spatial ring, the jade stone, the five elements… it's all connected."

"Five elements?" The Master's gaze sharpened. "You have been quite engrossed in the study of the five elements lately. Tell me, Ye Yang, what is your purpose? Why this fascination with elemental energies?"

Ye Yang hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal.

But he trusted the Master, the man who had chosen him as his disciple. He took a deep breath and began to explain.

"When I first joined the sect, Master, during the initiation trial, I was placed in an illusionary world. In that illusion, I learned a Yang element technique, a powerful and intricate manipulation of energy. It was… breathtaking. But when I returned to reality, I couldn't replicate it. The feeling, the understanding, it was all gone."

He clenched his fists, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "I tried everything, but I couldn't recapture that spark.

"It was then that I realized… I didn't want to simply copy someone else's technique. I wanted to create my own. Something even more potent, something that resonated with my understanding of the world."

"And you believe the key to this creation lies in the five elements?" the Master asked, his eyes fixed on Ye Yang.

"Yes, Master," Ye Yang confirmed. "I believe that by mastering the five elements; by understanding their interplay and their potential, I can create something truly extraordinary. Something that will surpass anything I've ever seen or imagined."

The Master listened intently, his expression slowly softening into a look of approval. He was impressed by his disciple's ambition, his drive, and his desire to forge his own path.

"Your ambition is commendable, Ye Yang," the Master said, a hint of pride in his voice. "You do not seek to merely imitate; you strive to innovate. That is the mark of a true cultivator."

He paused, then a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. "Tell me, Ye Yang, do you wish to meet the Prime Elder, the artificer you seek?"

Ye Yang's eyes widened in surprise. He nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master. I would be honoured."

The Master chuckled. "Then let us not waste any time."

Before Ye Yang could react, the world around him dissolved into a swirling vortex of colours. He felt a strange tugging sensation, a disorientation that lasted only a moment.

Then, just as suddenly, the chaos subsided, and he found himself standing in a magnificent hall, bathed in the warm glow of countless lanterns.

The air crackled with a palpable energy; a sense of raw power that made the hairs on his arms stand on end.

Before him stood a figure wreathed in flames, his features obscured by the flickering light. This was Elder Yahu, the Fiery Elder, the master artificer of the sect.

The fiery aura surrounding Elder Yahu dissipated slightly, revealing a tall, imposing figure with a face etched with the wisdom of ages.

He wore robes of crimson and gold, embroidered with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer and shift in the light. But it wasn't the Elder himself that caught Ye Yang's attention. It was what lay beyond.

In the distance, Ye Yang saw a mountain, its peak shrouded in swirling mists. And it was familiar. Horrifyingly familiar.

It was a near-perfect replica of the mountain from his trial, the one where he had faced the Yang element beast.

The memory of that trial, the sheer struggle to defeat the beast and claim its core, flooded back. He had emerged victorious, yes, but it had been brutal, a test of his limits. He still remembered the burning intensity of the Yang energy, the near-overwhelming power of the beast.

Then, another memory surfaced. The red-haired elder, one of the trial overseers, who had praised Ye Yang for his rapid completion of the earlier trials.

"Ye Yang," the Sword God's voice cut through his thoughts, "that old man over there," he gestured towards Elder Yahu, "has agreed to impart some of his knowledge regarding spatial rings. But, as is his wont, he has set a… small challenge."

Ye Yang turned his attention back to Elder Yahu, who was now regarding him with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"Before you can even hope to discuss the intricacies of spatial manipulation, you must answer three questions," Elder Yahu's voice boomed, resonating with power.

"These questions are inscribed at the foot of my mountain, the very mountain you see before you. Only those who can decipher their meaning are worthy of my time."

Ye Yang's gaze returned to the mountain. He understood now. This wasn't just a replica; it was a symbolic representation of the challenge he had overcome.

And the questions, he realized, were likely connected to that experience, to his understanding of the Yang element, and perhaps, to the very principles of creation he was trying to grasp.

He looked at the Sword God, a mixture of apprehension and determination in his eyes. "I understand, Sword God. I will answer the questions."