Clap... clap... clap.

The quiet was shattered by a single pair of hands clapping slowly. The crowd turned to see none other than Umi Nagisa, the usually aloof Elder, standing and applauding with a faint smile. Her approval was rare and left onlookers buzzing in astonishment.

"You there, young girl," Umi Nagisa's gaze landed on Mei, her voice laced with faint curiosity. "What is your name?"

"Seito Mei," Mei managed, still breathless from her fight, bowing respectfully.

"Seito Mei," Umi repeated with a smile, savoring the name. "Congratulations on becoming my disciple."

The words hit the crowd like a thunderbolt. Shock rippled through the onlookers as they whispered in disbelief. Umi Nagisa, the youngest master in academy history, had chosen a disciple—and her choice was Mei, the "cursed" girl. The murmurs rose quickly:

"Did you hear that? Elder Nagisa actually took a disciple!"

"Is she ignoring the cursed eyes?"

"Why would she pick someone so... risky, even if she won?"

Mei could barely contain her joy, her heart swelling with pride. Meanwhile, Umi Nagisa observed her new disciple closely, intrigued not only by Mei’s abilities but also by the powerful yet mysterious deity behind them—a deity that, given the nature of Mei’s powers, was likely as fierce as it was obscure.

"Seito Mei," Umi Nagisa continued, her voice cutting through the whispers, "you've proven to be of great interest to me. Come, we have much to discuss." She turned with a graceful pivot, motioning for Mei to follow.

The murmurs of the crowd faded as they left the arena behind, stepping into the quieter, shaded walkways of the academy. Umi Nagisa led the way, her robes swaying with each step. Mei followed a few paces behind, her mind spinning with a mixture of exhilaration and nervousness. The academy grounds grew more serene as they ventured deeper into the inner sanctum reserved for the masters.

Umi glanced back at her new disciple, studying Mei’s quiet determination. She may be unpolished, but there’s potential here, Umi thought. Already, she was formulating plans, noting the many unknowns about Mei and the deity behind her gifts—an uncertainty Umi was determined to resolve.

Soon, they arrived at a secluded courtyard surrounded by tall, flowering trees. The scent of jasmine hung in the air, and a small koi pond glimmered in the center.

"Welcome to my private sanctuary," Umi said, gesturing for Mei to sit on a stone bench. Mei looked around in awe; the courtyard was a stark contrast to the bustling academy grounds, filled with a sense of calm and exclusivity.

Umi Nagisa turned to Mei with a soft smile. "Let us speak frankly with each other. First things first: who is the deity that granted you their blessing?"

Mei froze momentarily, the suddenness of the question catching her off guard. Her mind raced—why would her new master ask this so soon?

The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"I'm... I'm not certain why you're asking so directly, Master," she replied cautiously.

Umi Nagisa's lips curled into a wry smile. "Your abilities are unique, Mei. I’ve never seen anything like them, and I’m simply curious."

Mei hesitated. "Master, I would gladly share, but I feel I should seek my deity’s guidance first."

Umi Nagisa nodded, her gaze sharp. "Then go ahead. I’ll wait."

Bowing her head, Mei closed her eyes, silently calling out to her deity, Lord Vasu-Jin, I seek your guidance. May I reveal your name to my master?

Vasu-Jin’s voice, calm and serpentine, coiled through her mind. Sssilly girl, do not keep the truth from your masster. Trussst begins with honesty. I am unknown here; she will find little to learn of me.

"As you wish, Lord Vasu-Jin. I worried when you spoke of the many enemies I might face."

Do not fret. I ssshall watch over you, child. No need to constantly asssk permission; I am here, as I will be whenever you need me.

A sense of peace filled Mei. Whatever doubts she had melted away, reassured by her deity’s constant presence.

"Master," Mei said softly, raising her head to meet Umi Nagisa’s steady gaze.

"Yes?" Umi Nagisa’s eyebrow lifted slightly.

"My deity is known as Vasu-Jin, the Serpent God of Venom."

Umi Nagisa’s reaction was a mixture of shock and intrigue; she had never heard of a deity by that name, let alone one within the academy’s established pantheon. Judging by Mei’s abilities, this was no minor deity. A god of venom? That certainly matched the brutal, efficient fighting style Mei had displayed.

"Interesting," Umi mused. "Come, let’s have dinner and discuss your training. There is much to prepare."

They walked into the main courtyard building, its halls lit by soft lantern light as twilight descended. Umi Nagisa waved to her silent servants, who immediately moved to prepare a meal. Mei marveled at how they responded without a single word; her master’s mere presence seemed to command respect.

Once inside the dining hall, Umi settled onto a plush cushion, motioning for Mei to do the same. The room was cozy, with walls adorned by intricate silk tapestries depicting ancient battles.

"Tell me, Mei, about your family. Are you from nobility?" Umi asked, pouring herself a cup of fragrant tea.

Mei’s face colored slightly. "No, Miss Nagisa. I come from a small village near the Great Northern Forest. My family... we are not wealthy by city standards."

Umi Nagisa’s expression softened. "I see. So you’ve had no formal training in etiquette or decorum?"

Mei shook her head quickly, thinking of the times her family had mocked the nobles. "No, and I always thought it was rather... pointless."

Umi Nagisa chuckled, amused by her disciple’s honesty. "The first lesson, then, is that etiquette and decorum are essential for a cultivator. Politics are as important to our lives as Ki. Do you think I became the academy’s youngest master without knowing how to navigate political currents?"

Mei blinked, the thought never having occurred to her. But as she listened, she began to understand. She was used to thinking of herself as an outsider, someone too insignificant to bother with such matters.

"I understand, Miss Nagisa. But... what if my lack of training embarrasses you?"

Umi Nagisa smiled, watching her disciple’s concerned face. "Don’t worry. I won’t allow any disciple of mine to embarrass me in public. Over the next few days, you’ll receive a crash course. In a week’s time, nobility from across the empire, even the crown prince, will be here for an annual event. You, Mei, will be my new... ornament." A devious glint sparkled in Umi’s eyes.

A shiver ran down Mei’s spine as she watched her master sip her tea with a calm, unreadable expression. What have I gotten myself into?