The smell of parchment made Jin Lu's heart flutter, and her eyes rounded as she looked in excitement at all the surrounding books. Long tables with globe lights and chairs in front of the entrance, with some people looking up before paying attention to their reading. Master Meng walked to a door and knocked softly before pushing it open. Master Mi was sitting at a desk, paperwork, books, scrolls, and knick-knacks scattered around the room.
"Sit," Master Mi instructed, gesturing to the two chairs in front of his desk. Master Meng took her leave, shutting the door behind her. Master Mi folded his hands under his chin, looking Jin Lu up and down, tapping his fingers together. "Jin Lu, your situation is… unique. Though your levels are basic, having both a martial and spiritual affinity isn't something that has happened in millennia. Therefore, I have arranged for you to take spiritual classes in the morning and martial lessons after lunch, alternating your specific cultivation practices each day. That way, you won't fall too far behind." Master Mi shot an irritated glance at Long Yin. "Because of your… condition… Long Yin will stay with you to deter any trouble from inside and outside the academy."
Master Mi's face was a little dark, but resigned.
"Alright. Settle into your dorm and report to Master Zhi's class tomorrow morning," Master Mi dismissed Jin Lu and Long Yin with a wave. Jin Lu bowed respectfully, while Long Yin inclined his head, his lips quirked in satisfied amusement.
"Did you know?" Jin Lu asked on their way back to his room. Long Yin gave him a sideways glance before lowering his head slightly in acknowledgment.
"How?"
"You showed me," Long Yin said simply. Jin Lu was startled, thinking over all that had happened since she had met Long Yin.
"So… the barrier, that was me?" Jin Lu waited for Long Yin's confirmation before asking, "I can't remember anything that showed a martial art, though?" Long Yin looked at Jin Lu as though calling her an idiot. Jin Lu could feel her face heating from the criticism, but she continued to wait for Long Yin to explain.
"Your body movements and skill told me," Long Yin told Jin Lu just as they reached the dorm. Jin Lu stepped forward, unlocking the door, before going inside to look around. A small table with cushions on the floor was set up in the middle of the small front area. A kitchen could be seen through the doorway on the left, while a closed door at the back must be the bedroom.
Opening the door, Jin Lu saw a bed and desk and another door to the right, most likely the bathroom. Not expecting much, Jin Lu was surprised and excited to see real plumbing in the bathroom, with faucets and nozzles at the bathtub and sink. A large mirror set above the sink, allowing Jin Lu to get a clear look at her new face for the first time.
White, porcelain skin, a button nose, soft full lips… if it wasn't for the thing dangling between her legs, Jin Lu would have thought she had inhabited a young girl. As it was, Jin Lu could only call herself effeminate. Even her ears were small and dainty. Her phoenix eyes were a startling bright purple, flashing with her turbulent emotions.
Long Yin's reflection appeared in the mirror above her, and she locked her eyes with his.
"I'm hungry," Jin Lu blurted out, blushing furiously. The look she had seen in Long Yin's eyes had made her stomach twist and her heart skip a beat, making her say the first thing she could think of to leave. Long Yin smiled slyly, moving just enough to let Jin Lu through the door. Their bodies slid against each other, Long Yin's aroused state obvious to Jin Lu when she felt something hard press into her stomach as she passed. Long Yin's quiet laughter followed Jin Lu out to the yard, where she waited for him to catch up. Though she wanted to get as far from Long Yin as possible, she knew it was hopeless right now.
Long Yin placed his arm around Jin Lu's waist, feeling the youth stiffen as he propelled Jin Lu down the path toward the building he'd seen on their way to the library. Long Yin had no intention of hiding his attraction from Jin Lu, but right now, the boy was too young and naive. There would be plenty of time for them to get used to each other while Jin Lu grew up and learned more about the world.