Chapter 49: Reclusive Profound Expert
The elder sitting furthest to the left had a hint of wood energy mixed with his red sun power. It was faint, barely noticeable, but to someone who cultivated the World Tree Sutra... it called to me like a beacon.
"If you would have me," I said, bowing to the wood elder, "I would learn from you, Venerable One."
The chamber went silent. The wood elder's eyebrows rose slightly – the first expression I'd seen on his otherwise stoic face.
"Interesting choice," he said finally. His voice was quieter than the others, but carried just as much weight. "Why?"
I chose my words carefully. "I feel... a connection to your energy, Venerable One. As if it resonates with something in me."
“Hmm,” he murmured as he studied me for a long moment. "Very well. I accept."
"A waste," the flame elder muttered, but didn't openly object.
"Then it is decided," the ice elder declared. "He will study under Elder Molric. See that proper documents are filed." This last part seemed directed at no one in particular, but I noticed several shadowy figures detach themselves from the walls and disappear through hidden doors.
"Come," Elder Molric said, rising from his seat. He was a tall and thin middle-aged man, with bark-like patterns on his robes. "We have much to discuss."