“Grand Elder Lyra, I believe I can offer some unique insights into your star-based cultivation scripture. While everyone will contribute, I may have uncovered something particularly valuable that could aid you even further.”

He received no reply, even after waiting a few moments. Taking a deep breath, he tried again, addressing the door once more.

“I think I have a stellar affinity, Grand Elder Lyra.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the door swung open with a whoosh, and he was hit with a stark realization. The wall and door were impeccably soundproof and heat-insulated. The instant the door parted, an onslaught of noise crashed against his eardrums like a sledgehammer, while a searing wave of heat enveloped him, making him feel as if he were on the brink of collapse. The intensity of both sensations grew overwhelming by the second.

“Oh? My bad.” The sound of Grand Elder Lyra cut through the fog of pain in his mind, while he simultaneously felt all the sensations disappear. A thin film of light had enveloped him.

God! If I wasn’t saved by seniors I would have already died to sound and heat without even doing anything. The first time it was the sound of people cheering and thunder of Lord Lysander, and now, despite already being a cultivator, the sound of… machinery? Metal striking metal, and a few other sounds plus the heat of crafting would’ve killed me.

He knew it was the heat of crafting because he could see Grand Elder Lyra using heat to mold a block of metal.

He gave her a helpless smile and entered since she had opened the door, probably by some cultivation art.

Before he could even begin, Grand Elder Lyra had already stopped molding and shot him a statement.

“If you’re lying, I’ll kick you out right this instant and penalize you heavily.”

Spencer shook his head, indicating that he wasn’t lying. For a second there, her tone and threat made him doubt himself. Did he really have an affinity? Yet, his confidence was anchored in the system and the intuitive drive he felt, compelling him to correct the cultivation scripture.

With some faith in the system, he told her about his experience.

The middle aged lady simply tilted her head and replied. “Anyone can find out what affinities do if they visit the library.”

She leaned on her chair, not having invited Spencer to sit yet, and suggested. “Why don’t you tell me all the corrected meridians?”

“I can’t possibly tell you all the corrected meridians, only some, because I felt that my affinity was insufficient. As for the rest I can only tell you that they are incorrect, at least that’s what my instinct says.”

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Spencer began to recount everything he had gathered from his instincts. He detailed the insights and guidance he had received, explaining how his inner sense had directed him to refine and correct the cultivation scripture.

By the end of his explanation, Grand Elder Lyra was visibly impressed, her eyes shimmering with admiration and an almost eager intensity. After a brief moment of regaining her composure, she took a deep breath. The meridians Spencer had identified were precisely the ones she had questioned herself. Getting them right significantly bolstered the credibility of his words. But she wouldn’t have lived so long trusting others this easily.

“That’s certainly impressive,” she admitted, “but I’d still prefer to have it verified by the disciples who’ve already arrived.” She looked at Spencer with a wry smile. “What, were you hoping I’d dismiss everyone else so you could work on perfecting this cultivation scripture on your own? So you could then ask for the spirit stones I’d be saving by not making them work another day? Smart.”

Spencer smiled sheepishly. He just wanted to show off, and if possible get some benefits in exchange for helping her. What she said wasn’t too far off his line of thinking.

Instead of admonishing him though, the middle aged lady had a twinkle in her eye.

“You know,” Grand Elder Lyra said thoughtfully, “I might actually consider that. Having your help could indeed make it more efficient to identify the correct meridians. By the way, I should have realized earlier—if there was such talent in our sect, I wouldn’t have needed to post the mission for everyone. What’s your name?”

Spencer slightly bowed and answered. “Spencer Lowell.”

A look of recognition passed on her face. “Oh, the talent which Lysander scouted? They said you didn’t know about your talent yet.”

Damn! Talents really are rare. Even a Grand Elder knows about the new ones. Normally they wouldn’t care even about the inner disciples.

“Mmm, that explains why you’ve only discovered it now. Star-based cultivation arts are incredibly rare, especially in the lower realms. Without the star-based cultivation scripture I provided, it might have taken you years to uncover your talent.”

Spencer was thankful about that. Excluding the pay given in the mission, finding out if his affinity could prove useful was one of his intentions for coming here. He remained silent.

“You know,” Grand Elder Lyra explained, “affinities that manifest from using treasures are fairly standard. On the other hand, those that emerge through innate talent are quite unusual. Of course, there are also standard types of innate talent-based affinities. By unusual, I mean that some talents can enhance one’s affinity or add unique properties to it, allowing you to do more with it compared to a standard affinity. There are other types as well, but I hope you understand the general idea.”

Spencer digested her words before pointing to himself. “You are asking if I can feel something different with my affinity? If there’s something special about it since it is talent-based?”

The Grand Elder nodded, her gaze fixed on him. “I’ve encountered several talents that can enhance a person’s affinity, though they typically require rare items or treasures. While such items are uncommon, they are still less rare than those that grant an affinity to a cultivator. If your talent falls into this category, you don’t need to disclose the specific requirements if you prefer not to. The sect values the privacy of its disciples. However, if you need resources to acquire these items, I’m willing to assist. After all, by keeping you here and sending everyone else back, I’ll save some spirit stones.”

Another sponsorship!

Specter thought in glee. He wasn’t about to reject this.