The Fate of my Soul.

Part 16

It is early morning, and after a fitful sleep, I rise with the thought of the East Seas Princess on my mind.   Making my way quickly to the Main Hall, I find Die Feng, Chang Shan and Xiang Ru already awake and preparing for an earlier breakfast so the Hall can be cleared and prepared for the arrival of the East Seas Princess, a visit I am no longer sure I want to go through with.  But seeing my disciples happily chatting about the Princess among themselves, one that Die Feng knows well, I can't help but remain out of view as I listen to the comments he makes about her. 

 It seems she is very beautiful and well loved, though he thinks a part of our personalities may clash.  She loves to attend banquets and functions, has a love for the finer things with an extensive wardrobe and a very large collection of jewelry and perfumes.  She also keeps a large retinue of staff, which includes her own personal maids and guards who travel with her everywhere she goes, and travelling is her most favored passion, she does not like to stay in one place for too long, owning many properties both in the Immoral Realm and the Mortal Realm.

"I doubt we will even get to see her once she marries Shifu." Chang Shans says, as the other two nod in agreement. 

"I don't even think a child could tie that woman down." adds Xuang Ru, followed by more nodding.

"Come on now." Die Feng softly chides them.  "Her habits and lifestyle may not suit Kunlun Mountain, but she is very nice.  She is well educated, exceptionally intelligent and has an extremely sharp analytical mind.  She is also very gentle, kindhearted and considerate of others less fortunate." he says in her defense.  

"Though not as beautiful as Bai Qian, she is lovely all the same, in fact, apart from her love of travel and a need for the constant throb of people around her, she has much in common with Shifu." he adds with a wry smile.  "Tactical Formation Strategies is a favorite subject, she has even created several of her own. She also likes to debate on many issues with a penchant for stripping back the Mortal Realms Religions and baring their inconsistencies, including Taoism." he laughs, knowing what that would mean for me.

"Then we definitely won't be seeing anything of her, they'll be too busy ripping each other up in his study." laughs Zhi Lan, followed by loud gawfuls by Xiang Ru and Die Feng.

Eventually they move towards the kitchen and out of view, while I enter the Hall and take my place at my seating.  I am now interested in meeting this Princess.  It is the most information I have heard about her, and she has definitely peaked my interest, and for Die Feng to hold her in such high regard, whose judgement I consider to be sound and reasonable, then this Princess must indeed be someone worth knowing.

Though the thought of Kunlun Mountain being overrun with guards, maids and a nonstop flow of visitors does not appeal in the slightest, and it is one I will not be allowing.  However her love for extravagance and travel, I will allow within reason.

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The arrival of the East Sea Princess was just as extravagant as Die Feng suggested it would be, as she was led into the hall by her parents, family members, personal assistants and friends.  And behind them, trailed 24 maids and a large retinue of armed guardians as well as her families personal guards and soldiers.

She is quite tall for a woman, one who will look me in the eye.  Her black hair has been curled and falls about her face and shoulders in soft waves.  Wearing a beautiful crimson robe with the East Seas Golden Coral embellishment in gold thread adorning the left hand side, and a beautiful peach pink dress beneath, she is beautiful.  A lovely full bust and slim waist, she has the perfect figure, and with a lovely smile on her face as she walks towards me, I instantly feel myself drawn to her, returning the smile as she reaches my side.  And as she does, I notice her smile has reached her deep green eyes.  How lovely, I think to myself.  Her smile is warm and genuine and she seems to be quite happy to be here, which will make our first meeting easier.