The Tale of the Lotus Heart

Chapter 14

The next day, after getting my class schedule from Headmaster, I headed to my first class. The plan was for me to spend a few years in each faction. I opted to start with Politics first. Even though this faction wasn't physically demanding, it would help me better understand the Heavenly Realm and all the rules. I also secretly wanted to understand Yong's position and influence so I would be better prepared. The class was like one big story time. We would read cases and examples while studying the history books and poetry. The books were also unexpectedly helping solidify my false origin story. It described all the territories of all the realms. I now knew what a coarse and cold environment the Northern Territory was. Even though politics didn't require much spiritual energy, I still made it a point to cultivate as much as possible. My internal energy was growing immensely by the day. The Lotus Heart was more powerful than I initially thought and I wanted to keep it under control.

I also made some friends. Ayana, the Fire Immortal's daughter who stuck up for me at the welcome banquet, was in politics with me. She became a fast friend. Alexander, the Water Immortal's son, also became a friend. He was in the Warrior Faction, but after classes he would show me what he learned and I would often train with him. There were a few more friends made, but I noticed that everyone else seemed scared of me. They would tread lightly around me, especially Hana. Tase didn't take action against her after hearing what happened due to my words, but after being personally punished by Headmaster, she steered clear of me. I made sure to keep Yong's charm in a safe place with Ixia. Ixia had become somewhat like my sister. During my classes, she would relax or do laundry while I was away. She still talked with me often, updating me on the happenings in the Palace and customs I needed to know.

I was also taught how to send letters with internal energy. It was almost like email. I would write the letter in the air and then think about the person I wanted to send it to. I wrote with Tase and Yong often. With Tase, I kept him updated on my progress and he told me what was happening with Yong and himself. Over time, Tase really started to feel like a godfather. He looked out for me and always had my best interest at heart. Yong's letters were a lot more romantic. He never wrote anything to make me worry, but always expressed how much he missed me. Tase was the one I had to rely on to tell me how Yong was really doing. Tase told me that he officially claimed me as his goddaughter in front of the Heavenly Emperor. He said it was a rough start because Tase was not yet married, but eventually his Royal Father warmed up to the idea. Tase and Yong had to go to battle with demons while I was at the academy. I couldn't write them as often during that time, and I worried every day, but I believed in them.

Like that, years passed. I switched to the warrior faction next. I wanted to quickly learn how to defend and protect myself. This faction was different. While most other classes were indoors, this class was held in an arena. Heavenly General obviously had other important duties and couldn't teach us all the time, so when he wasn't there, his deputy general was in charge of our classes. Our first lesson was to conjure up our own magical weapon. Alexander already told me about this lesson. I sat on the floor and focused my energy into the space between my hands. Slowly a sword started to form. It was a lightweight double edged sword with an intricate gold design on the white grip ending past the pommel in two sharp points. The guards curved in the direction of the sword in points as well.

"Exquisite," the DeputyGeneral complimented me as I grabbed the grip. I stood and tried it on for size. I put some internal energy into the sword and gave a few swings. My internal energy shot out of the sword easily and into the air. I froze and looked around hesitantly. I didn't mean to do that, and someone could've gotten hurt. My powers were increasing past what I could control these days. I had to learn how to contain and control it.

"Careful, while you're still getting used to the feel of your sword, only put the internal energy in the grip. You've created a beautiful and powerful weapon. You already have a god of gods internal energy. It's best to take your time getting started," the Deputy General instructed before he went to check on the other students. Alexander walked over, looking at my sword.

"Whoa," he breathed. "A double edged sword on top of that. You sure know the meaning of irony," he joked.

"What do you mean?" I asked as I touched the fuller with my index and middle finger.

"Your beauty is like a double edged sword. Beautiful and dangerous," he explained. I took my eyes off of my sword to look at him.

"Dangerous?" I questioned.

"Getting close to you brings two dangers. Your Royal status is one, and your internal power potential is the other," he elaborated. I put my sword at my side with a breath.

"You're one of my closest friends. Are you afraid of me like the others? Have I hurt you?" I asked. He shook his head with a small smile.

"No, but we're in a controlled environment. It's clear the Second Prince and Crown Prince are very protective of you. After leaving Heavenly Cloud, I don't know if we'll still be able to be friends. My family is just a weather faction family. To be honest, I'll be one of the first warriors to come out of my clan. It will be hard for the Second Prince to find someone worthy enough to marry you when the time comes," he admitted honestly. I frowned slightly. He was right. Changing my status meant the class of people I associated with would change as well. I was doing my best to prove that I was worthy of Yong, but I would lose some friends as a result if I wasn't careful.