A Lotus Pendent Between Peaks
Damn... are all the female students of the Holy Water Division this beautiful?
Leon kept the thought buried deep behind calm purple eyes.
A figure appeared in front of him - still, graceful. Not stiff, but poised like sothing carved to stand against ti. A blue garnt followed the lines of her body, cut close, held by a light band at her middle. That tie drew attention without asking for it, shaping what ca next - the drape sweeping down, unhurried, over her sides. Air moved between broken walls, catching the cloth just enough to make it whisper along her legs.
A quiet grace followed her steps, as if born in halls lined with old books and whispered verses. Her face showed little, yet kindness lingered in the corners of her eyes. Words ca slowly, each one asured, never rushed. Stillness shaped the way she moved, calm and deliberate.
Yet there was warmth beneath that refinent.
Quiet.
Graceful.
And striking.
No wonder the other Divisions’ students always find excuses to wander near the Holy Water Division... Leon thought faintly.
Outwardly, however, he remained composed.
"Yes," he said calmly. "You are the chief student of the Holy Water Division, correct? I’ve heard of you. Among the younger generation of the Seven Division, you, Kevin, and Shan of the Secret Sword Summit are the most outstanding. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation."
First star of the Astral Realm.
At her age, that alone spoke volus.
Amaya’s eyes brightened slightly at the praise, though she lowered her gaze modestly.
"You are too kind, Guardian Elder," she replied softly. "Amaya’s aptitude is average. How could I compare to my brother?"
Leon paused briefly.
"Your brother?"
Before he could ask further, Maya stepped in smoothly.
"Kevin is her biological brother."
"Oh?" Leon nodded in understanding. "I see."
A subtle smile curved Maya’s lips.
"Amaya," she said lightly, tone layered with aning, "it seems your Guardian Elder Leon holds high expectations for you. Your Guardian Elder is very generous. You should speak with him more about cultivation. If you perform well, perhaps he may be pleased enough to teach you a peerless sword technique... or reward you with a treasure."
Leon’s eyelid twitched.
Eh?
What is she plotting now?
Amaya seed to understand the hint imdiately.
"Yes, Teacher," she replied with a faint smile. Then she looked up at Leon. "In the future, I will visit the Athyst Summit Division more often to seek guidance from Guardian Elder Leon regarding cultivation experiences. Guardian Elder... you won’t reject , will you?"
Leon’s mouth twitched slightly.
"It’s fine," he said evenly. "The Athyst Summit Division is quiet — too quiet. One more person would make it livelier. If Martial Niece wishes to beco my student, I will not refuse. The Athyst Summit Division never hides anything from its students. Techniques and treasures... if suitable, can always be given."
The air went still.
Amaya’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly.
She had indeed heard from Sana that Selena had received spirit pills, dicinal resources, treasures — and even direct guidance without reservation.
It wasn’t rumor.
It was truth.
Her heart stirred.
Such a Teacher... where else could one find such sincerity?
For a brief mont, the idea flashed vividly in her mind.
Maya’s heart, however, tightened imdiately.
Good heavens...
She had only ant to fish for so benefit.
Not hand her precious disciple away.
Amaya was her pride. Her hope.
If she lost her to Leon with just a few words—
Wasn’t that a complete loss?
Maya cleared her throat abruptly.
"Ahem. Amaya. The Martial eting approaches. Ti is short. It’s best not to wander frequently to the Athyst Summit Division. Remain on the mountain and focus on cultivation."
Amaya hesitated.
A flicker of disappointnt passed through her eyes before she bowed her head.
"Yes, Teacher. I will rember your instruction."
She would not betray her Teacher.
No matter how tempting the offer.
From the day she entered Celestis Academy, it was Maya who guided her path. She would never abandon her for benefits.
Still...
A trace of regret lingered in her heart.
If only I had entered the Athyst Summit Division from the beginning...
Maya let out a subtle breath of relief and shot Leon a sharp look.
"You win," her eyes seed to say. "From now on, you are not allowed to have any thoughts about my precious student. Anyone else is fine. But not her. Otherwise, I’ll fight you to the death."
Leon caught the look and smiled faintly.
Just one student?
Sooner or later... I’ll take your entire Holy Water Division along with you.
Trying to trick ? You’ve only trapped yourself.
Aloud, he replied innocently, "Senior Sister, weren’t you the one who sent her to ? Why does it sound as though I’m trying to snatch your student? That’s unfair."
"I don’t care!" Maya said bluntly. "You are not allowed to touch Amaya."
Leon nearly laughed.
Not allowed?
Does that an I must obey?
With calm ease, he reached into his sleeve and slowly produced a lotus-shaped pendant. The delicate carving shimred faintly in the sunlight.
"Martial Niece Amaya," he said gently, "this is our first eting. I do not have any grand gift prepared. Consider this lotus pendant a greeting token. It is a superior-class Prized artifact. Wearing it will greatly assist your cultivation."
The mont the pendant appeared, Maya’s expression darkened.
He wasn’t stealing in secret anymore.
He was openly stealing her student.
Right in front of her.
Amaya froze.
Carefully, she accepted the lotus pendant. As soon as her spiritual sense brushed against it, her breath caught.
The Mana within it was pure.
Balanced.
Deep.
This was no ordinary artifact.
"This... Thank you, Guardian Elder..." she said softly, voice trembling with genuine gratitude.
Her eyes lifted to et his.
There was no calculation in them.
Only sincerity.
He had given such a treasure so casually.
As though it ant nothing.
Just as the rumors said—
He never withheld from his students.
Amaya felt her heart soften.
Ah...
I really want a teacher like this.
And standing nearby, Maya silently cursed under her breath.
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