Spiritual Sea
Opening her eyes, Xiaolong once again found herself in her spiritual sea. Just like the first time, she awoke outside of Zeus's temple. But unlike before—when she had only entered after being called—this time she walked straight inside, determined to find the beautiful Goddess.
However, something had changed. Instead of the great hall filled with paintings and statues of Zeus, she found herself in a vast library. And there, stacking a small pile of books, was none other than the Goddess herself.
This time, Zeus was dressed in a slightly translucent white gown that gracefully accentuated her figure.
— Hm, you finally arrived, Long'er — said Zeus with a smile, gently ruffling the little girl's hair.
— Goddess, did you break free from the chains? — Xiaolong asked in shock, seeing the Deity so relaxed.
— Ah? That? No, no… I'm still sealed, unfortunately. What you're seeing is just a projection of my divine consciousness. Even though I'm bound by those chains, they couldn't completely restrain me, so I can still pull off a few tricks — explained Zeus, finishing stacking her books before sitting down and inviting Xiaolong to join her.
— Anyway, let's not dwell on those small details. Come, sit with me. Let's begin your training and studies. We have a long and arduous journey ahead to make you stronger — she said, patting the bench beside her and pulling out a book.
— Since we're in your spiritual sea, even if I try to help you train your body, we won't achieve any results. But that doesn't stop us from working on other areas, like your spiritual energy, your knowledge, or even teaching you how to wield a weapon — Zeus explained as Xiaolong sat down. She handed the book she was holding to the girl.
— But Goddess, you just said we can't train my body, so why should I learn swordsmanship? — Xiaolong asked, only to be met with a light flick to the forehead.
— Silly girl. Just because we can't train your body doesn't mean I can't teach you swordplay. Sure, your body won't benefit physically from this training, but simply learning how to handle a sword will help you once your body catches up — Zeus explained, retracting her hand as Xiaolong rubbed her forehead with a pout.
— But why a sword? Wouldn't it be better to train with a spear? Even if my martial soul mutated, it used to be a spear — Xiaolong asked with a hint of protest.
— Well, originally, I was going to train you with a spear. But because of your soul's mutation, it's unlikely that any of your soul rings will grant spear-related abilities. Besides… I've found a way for you to access a fraction of my power as your martial soul — Zeus replied, holding back the urge to pinch Xiaolong's cheeks. For now, she had to stay in teacher mode.
— Really, Goddess? That's amazing! — Xiaolong's eyes sparkled with admiration and excitement, completely forgetting about the forehead flick.
— Hm. But like I said, it's only a fraction of my power. You'll be able to use the sword I wield, but because it's just a small part of my essence, the sword won't be able to absorb soul rings or gain new abilities. Of course, it will regenerate on its own if damaged, but to others, it'll seem like nothing more than an ordinary weapon — Zeus explained, touched by the pure admiration in Xiaolong's bright red eyes.
— Even if it's just a part of your power, that's already amazing, Goddess. That way, I'll be prepared when I'm strong enough to wield your full strength — Xiaolong said, even more motivated than before.
— Fufufu, I'm glad you're this motivated, Long'er. But motivation alone won't be enough. You'll have to work hard — Zeus said with a lighthearted laugh, redirecting Xiaolong's focus to the book and their studies.
-----X-----
Yang Xiaolong's Home
Lying in bed, Xiaolong slowly opened her bright eyes and yawned as she stretched. Still drowsy, she walked into the kitchen.
— Good morning, Long'er. I made breakfast—hope you don't mind — said Wutong with a smile as she saw her approaching.
— Good morning, Tong'er. No problem at all. Thanks for preparing the meal — replied the blonde girl, sitting at the table to eat with her blue-haired friend.
— By the way, thanks for letting me read the book yesterday. It was really enlightening — said Tang Wutong suddenly, breaking the quiet between bites.
— Don't mention it. Like I said, it's better for those books to be read than left to collect dust. If you want to read more, feel free to come by anytime — Xiaolong replied casually.
"She really is an excellent candidate for the Tang Sect. Maybe I should start teaching her the basic techniques of the Mysterious Heaven Skill and see how she handles it… And if she ever tries to run off with them… don't blame me for being ruthless."
With thoughts of restoring the Tang Sect's glory in this world, Tang Wutong stared intently at Xiaolong's cute little face.
Feeling the intensity of Wutong's gaze, Xiaolong looked at her, confused, only to receive a smile in return. Trying to shift the mood, the blonde girl asked:
— By the way, Tong'er… Are you going to Nuoding Academy?
Upon hearing the question, Wutong squirmed uncomfortably in her chair, her expression darkening. Thinking she had asked something wrong, Xiaolong was about to apologize when Wutong spoke up:
— My father… He won't let me go to Nuoding Academy. Yesterday, Grandpa Jack tried to convince him, but he refused to listen. That's why we argued, and I ended up coming here — she explained hesitantly.
A long silence followed, and instead of offering comfort, Xiaolong asked:
— Do you want to go to the academy?
— Of course I do! But without my father's approval, Grandpa Jack won't be able to register me as a working student — Wutong replied, eyes welling up at the memory of her father's rejection.
— In that case, I'll pay your tuition — Xiaolong said without hesitation, feeling guilty as she looked at the girl on the verge of tears.
— Eh?! No, no… Thank you, but you don't have to. Grandpa already told me how expensive these academies are. I'll just try to convince my dad again — Wutong replied quickly, her blue eyes widening in surprise.
— Alright then. But if he still refuses, just let me know, and I'll pay your tuition. I mean, what good is money if you don't use it? — Xiaolong said with a playful smile.
— Besides, I have more than enough to pay both your fees and mine. So don't worry.
"What a strange feeling..."
Hearing those words from someone her "own age" and seeing that warm, sunny smile, Tang Wutong felt a strange emotion rise in her chest—an odd blend of embarrassment and affection.
— Thank you… — she whispered, barely audible, but enough to make Xiaolong's smile grow even brighter.