Chapter 6: Aurelia Lotus

After a while, Tang Jian and Yang Yuhuan decided to take a much-needed break under the comforting shade of a majestic tree. Although it bore a resemblance to an oak tree, there was an unmistakable air of mystique surrounding it—a tree that seemed ordinary at first glance but held secrets within its branches.

Curiosity got the better of Tang Jian, and he turned to Yang Yuhuan, his senior companion, and asked, "Senior, what kind of tree is this?"

A sparkle of enthusiasm lit up Yang Yuhuan's eyes as she explained, "This, my dear junior, is a Radiant Oak tree. Its exterior may appear akin to a common oak tree, but its essence possesses a calming and soothing effect. That's precisely why our beloved academy is adorned with these remarkable trees."

A sense of awe filled Tang Jian as he absorbed this new knowledge. "Ah, I see," he replied, grateful for the insight.

As they rested on the bench beneath the embracing branches of the Radiant Oak, Yang Yuhuan, growing restless, turned to Tang Jian and proposed an enticing question, "By the way, junior, would you like to witness the very heart of our esteemed Azure Dragon Academy?"

Excitement surged through Tang Jian's veins as he eagerly embraced the opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of the academy. "Senior, I would be honored to experience something entirely novel and awe-inspiring," he replied, his anticipation palpable.

With unbridled enthusiasm, Tang Jian and Yang Yuhuan embarked on a captivating journey toward the heart of the academy—a path that promised revelations and wonder.

Moments later, they arrived at the hallowed center, only to discover that their close proximity to the core was restricted. Their eyes, however, beheld a sight that shattered the boundaries of their imagination. Before them stood three stupendous lotuses, each ethereal and colossal, suspended effortlessly in mid-air. Senior students of the academy encircled these celestial blooms, their serene meditations adding to the ambiance of reverence. Delicate veins connected the lotuses to the surrounding air, akin to the intricate pathways of the human nervous system, orchestrating the flow of spiritual energy.

Overwhelmed by the sight before him, Tang Jian found himself questioning the limitations of his previous perspective. How could he have fathomed encountering such transcendent beauty within the hallowed halls of a mortal martial arts academy like the Azure Dragon Academy?

Achingly curious, Tang Jian's wide eyes implored Yang Yuhuan for an explanation. Sensing his yearning for knowledge, she began to unravel the enigmatic nature of these lotuses—Aurelia Lotuses, as they were called.

According to Yang Yuhuan, the Aurelia Lotuses served as conduits for spiritual energy, harvesting and channeling its essence to nourish the Azure Dragon Academy. These rare blossoms were instrumental in providing the spiritual energy required for the growth and cultivation of the academy's four halls. Furthermore, those on the precipice of a breakthrough could bask in the nurturing radiance of the Aurelia Lotuses, facilitating their advancement on the path of cultivation. The lotuses powered every facet of the academy, from the alchemical pill cauldrons to the refining furnaces, even extending to the ethereal glow of the street lamps.

Tang Jian couldn't help but marvel at the significance and rarity of these lotuses. Their existence was a testament to the academy's exalted standing and access to abundant resources and accomplished array masters. Such treasures were exclusively held by the esteemed seven great sects, while the three supreme forces deemed them unnecessary. It was a marvel that these captivating lotuses graced the halls of a martial arts academy, a testament to the academy's distinction and influence.

However, Tang Jian soon realized that the Aurelia Lotuses were not within his immediate reach. Only the privileged third-year students adorned with golden batches had the honor of cultivating in their presence. Tang Jian and Yang Yuhuan could merely observe from a distance, albeit feeling a faint resonance with the lotuses' abundant energy.

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These golden batches, which granted access to the Aurelia Lotuses, symbolized the students' potential and status within the academy. Divided into three tiers, the bronze batch represented those with modest potential, capable of reaching the peak of the Body Forging Stage. The silver batch denoted individuals with average potential, able to reach the Qi Condensation or Core Formation stages. Finally, the illustrious gold batch encompassed students of exceptional promise, destined to attain the Nascent Soul Stage or even surpass it.

Touched by Yang Yuhuan's guidance and overflowing with gratitude, Tang Jian expressed his heartfelt appreciation, "Thank you, beautiful senior, for enlightening me with such invaluable knowledge. I shall exert every effort to cultivate diligently, aspiring to one day immerse myself in the nurturing radiance of these Aurelia Lotuses."

Yang Yuhuan smiled warmly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Do as you see fit, junior. On another note, you must choose to join one of the four halls—Alchemy, Refining, Practice, or Soul Cleansing. The General Studies Hall is a mandatory option. Ponder your decision carefully, for it shall pave the path you tread within the academy."

Tang Jian found himself caught in a dilemma, considering the allure of the Soul Cleansing Hall and the Alchemy Hall. He replied, torn between the two, "Senior, I have yet to make a final decision. However, I am inclined toward either the Soul Cleansing Hall or the Alchemy Hall."

Accepting his uncertainty, Yang Yuhuan sighed softly. "So be it. I had hoped you would choose the Alchemy Hall, as only true prodigies can undertake its entrance examination at such a tender age. Nevertheless, I must bid you farewell, junior Tang," she said, gracefully taking her leave after their enlightening exchange.

Left to his own thoughts, Tang Jian realized the need to engage in further training before the upcoming entrance examination. With a heavy heart, he departed from the central area, making his way back to his dorm room. Li Bai, his roommate, still lay deep in slumber on the adjacent bed. Witnessing Li Bai's peaceful repose, Tang Jian couldn't suppress a yawn of his own.

Yet, despite the fatigue tugging at his eyelids, Tang Jian's mind swirled with the possibilities and challenges that lay ahead. Thoughts of the Aurelia Lotuses pervaded his consciousness, intriguing him to no end. While their allure was undeniable, a subtle sense of unease lingered within him. It seemed inconceivable that a mortal martial arts academy could possess even one Aurelia Lotus, let alone three. Such treasures demanded an exorbitant expenditure of resources and the expertise of renowned array masters. It was no wonder the academy had earned its reputation and garnered attention from talents across the world.

And yet, as Tang Jian pondered the implications for the Empire, a realization dawned upon him. The majority of these gifted students, once they graduated, would depart the Empire, leaving behind only a handful to serve in the imperial army. It prompted the question of why the Empire had invested so much in the academy, considering the apparent loss of talent.

Deep in thought, Tang Jian unraveled another facet of the Empire's strategy. By cultivating a profound sense of gratitude and indebtedness within the academy's graduates, the Empire aimed to expand its influence within the cultivation sects. As these students embarked on their individual paths, their connection to the Azure Dragon Academy would instill a sense of loyalty and dedication. Rising in status within their respective sects, they would become influential figures, subtly promoting the Empire's interests.

Tang Jian recalled a clandestine conversation with his father, who had revealed the cultivation sects' covert actions, infiltrating the Empire through corrupt officials and nobles. It seemed plausible that the new Emperor of the Azure Dragon Empire would also strive to counter this encroachment.

"Mere facade," Tang Jian muttered to himself, his voice tinged with both amusement and bitterness. The long-standing agreement between the ancestors of the seven great sects and the founders of the Three Great Empires, vowing non-interference in each other's spheres of influence, appeared to be nothing more than a charade to deceive the common people.

Unbeknownst to Tang Jian, his murmured words sent a shiver down Li Bai's spine. The young man, who had been covertly observing Tang Jian, found himself overwhelmed by a mixture of fear and curiosity, wondering about the depths of his roommate's psyche.

As the room fell into silence, Tang Jian's mind continued to race, contemplating the significance of the Aurelia Lotuses and the empire's clandestine maneuvers. Sleep eluded him as he delved into the enigmatic workings of the world he had entered.

With each passing moment, Tang Jian's determination grew, fueled by a burning desire to navigate the intricate web of cultivation and unveil the truths concealed within. The prospect of embarking on his chosen path, uncertain as it may be, filled him with a mix of trepidation and excitement.

Finally succumbing to fatigue, Tang Jian settled into his bed, his thoughts drifting between dreams and reality. Little did he know that the journey ahead would test his mettle, unravel ancient secrets, and challenge his every belief.