Letting out a sigh, Zhang Yuan spoke "Seems like the worships in the Yu Hong holy land is hiding things not just from normal people but from their own Holy maiden too."
Hong Shi was even more confused and blinked her eyes "Huh? What are you saying, Master.. what is Malefic and Nyxian horde?"
Taking a long, deep breath, Zhang Yuan began explaining. "The Malefic Horde and the Nyxian Horde are factions within demonkind that have existed for centuries, though you wouldn't know it if you only listened to what Yu Hong Holy Land teaches."
"These Hordes have their own order and hierarchy. The Malefic Horde thrives on bloodshed and chaos, seeking power by siphoning essence from humans and turning it into pure demonic energy."
"They have spread fear across countless lands, and to most mortals, they represent everything that 'demon' signifies... vile, ruthless, and devoid of humanity."
Zhang Yuan's voice softened as he continued, "But the Nyxian Horde is different. They are not inherently destructive, nor do they seek senseless violence."
"They honor the balance of nature, preferring to remain neutral and to protect their kin. But the teachings of the Holy Land blend the two groups together, erasing the line between the brutal and the just among demons."
Hong Shi listened intently, her gaze sharpening as his words sank in. "They never told me anything like this... they only taught me to kill all demons without exception," she muttered, her voice laced with an undertone of doubt and frustration.
"We were trained to see them all as a blight to be eradicated, nothing more."
Zhang Yuan gave a nod, "For some reason... they are hiding about this fact to all the people in this continent."
Hong Shi's gaze squinted as her mind spiraled into thought 'Is it maybe because of the 'Demon cradle'?'
Her eyes then flickered to Xue Hua 'I don't doubt master and since he has accepted a demon as his disciple.. then not all demons are vile.'
If Zhang Yuan, a man she trusted above all others, could accept a demon as his disciple, then surely, not all demons were as her teachings had made them out to be.
With a nod, she mumbled "Yes Master... I will look into that."
Zhang Yuan smiled and patted her head affectionately "And another thing, Shi'er, return to Yu Hong holy land."
Hong Shi's gaze wavered upon hearing this and Zhang Yuan smiled faintly "Investigate this for me and also join the competition in the future."
"But Master.. i..."
With a nod, Zhang Yuan spoke "I know, you waited a long to be my disciple. Wait for another 3 months, after that, you can be with me."
She didn't hesitate, leaning in boldly and pressing her lips to his lips. When she pulled back, her expression mirrored Ming Yuelin's smirk, her eyes flashing with triumph.
"I'm even closer than that," she murmured, her voice thick with pride.
Wha-
She looked at Zhang Yuan and saw him smiling.. 'Huh? They are...'
With that, Ming Yuelin also kissed his lips, sucking on his lips and Zhang Yuan too reciprocated the kiss.
Retracting with a contented breath, Ming Yuelin turned to Hong Shi, as she licking her lips provocatively. "Think you can top that?"
Hong Shi took the bait, leaning in close to Zhang Yuan with her cheeks flushed a deep pink.
Her gaze softened, and her voice turned gentle. "Master... your lips..."
Inching closer, her own face flushed with an endearing mixture of anticipation and bashfulness, she closed the space between them and kissed him, her movements tender yet passionate.
This time, her kiss lingered, and she tentatively slipped her tongue between his lips.
Her shyness gave way to fervor as their tongues entwined, savoring the warmth of each other's breath. Her hands curled around his shoulders as if grounding herself in the moment.
What the-
Ming Yuelin's eyes widened in shock as she took in the scene before her. 'Hong Shi... like me, is she also... his lover? If not, why would they be kissing like this?'
The realization left her stunned, her mind racing in thought.
She'd thought herself unique in her bond with Zhang Yuan, but seeing Hong Shi embrace him with such intensity filled her with a mixture of emotions.
Yet, instead of retreating, she found herself drawn closer, unwilling to let go of the man who had captured her heart.
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I hope you guys liked this chapter!