The Tale of the Lotus Heart novel Chapter 16

*Aivi's POV*

One thousand years. I spent one thousand years cultivating and training at Heavenly Cloud. Even though I breezed through my classes with ease, I stayed longer to get stronger and perfect myself. I even went through my heavenly trail of five lightning strikes and ascended to an High Immortal status while there. Finally, I'd graduated and was finally ready to go back. I knew that this was only the start of my trials though. Ixia finished packing our things with a smile as I placed the hairpin charm back in my hair.

"Princess, are you ready?" Ixia asked. I smiled lightly as I nodded. Over these years, I'd perfected my grace under pressure. The real tests to what I learned were coming soon. Ixia and I walked to the entrance of the school where our masters were waiting to send everyone off.

"Princess!" Alexander yelled from behind me. I turned and smiled slightly as he caught up to me.

"Princess, don't forget to write me," he reminded me.

"Where are you going from here?" I asked.

"Imperial Guard. I'll be under Heavenly General to continue my training. Where are you going?" He asked.

"Goddaughter!" I heard Tase call me. I smiled as I turned to see him come to stand beside me.

"Godfather!" I said happily. It was good to see him again. He took my hands in his before petting my head gently.

"You've grown up a lot since I saw you last, Little Flower. You're a High Immortal already," he said as he looked me over. I chuckled before moving his hand gently.

"Godfather, this is Alexander, the son of the Water Immortal," I introduced the two. Alexander bowed to Tase in respect.

"Alexander pays respect to Second Prince of Heaven," he said.

"And he is..?" Tase quirked an eyebrow in confusion. I saw the overprotectiveness beginning.

"Alexander is my friend. When I was in the Warrior faction, we often trained together. He's headed for the Imperial Guard," I explained.

"If 'you-know-who' ever found out about this," Tase started.

"We won't mention this. An immortal as old as he is and he's still got the jealousy of a teenage boy," I joked. Tase smirked before agreeing with me.

"Bye Princess," Ayana said as she came to join our little circle. Her eyes widened when she notices Tase. She curtsied hurriedly.

"Greetings, Second Prince," she said quickly.

"Forgo the formalities," he waved her off.

"Where are you going Ayana?" I asked. She smiled sweetly.

"Home, my father has a marriage prepared for me," she replied.

"Speaking of marriages, do you know who you're arranged to marry yet, Princess?" Alexander asked.

‘This boy is asking for a beating from Yong,’ Tase contacted me through thoughts.