Sorry but I only accept female disciples!

As Zhang Yuan and Jin Wei reached upstairs, Zhang Yuan glanced at the woman waiting for him "Shi'er?"

Hong Shi who was sitting on the main hall couch, hurriedly stood up and dashed to him "Master."

Without hesitation, she leapt into his arms, her hands wrapping tightly around his neck. "I'm back, Master."

Jin Wei, who already know the story let out a soft sigh and patted Zhang Yuan's shoulder "Then, Yuan... good night."

As she left, Hong Shi hurriedly leaned forward and kissed his lips.

Smiling, Zhang Yuan reciprocated the kiss, his hands wrapping around her waist.

When their lips parted, he reached up and gently pinched her cheek, a playful smile curving his lips. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire

"What are you doing here, Shi'er?" he asked softly, his tone filled with warmth.

Hong Shi laughed, her cheeks dimpling as she leaned into his touch. "You're the one who told me to come to you after the tournament, Master. Did you forget?"

"Of course not," he replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a tenderness that made her heart flutter.

Her eyes sparkled with pride as she looked up at him. "How did I do in the tournament, Master?"

Zhang Yuan's smile softened as he caressed her cheek. "You were beautiful, dear,"

a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, and she buried her face against his chest, her voice muffled but filled with happiness. "That makes me so happy, Master."

He chuckled, his hand gently stroking her hair. "Well, if you're here, the entire Yu Hong Holy Land will be searching for you, won't they?"

She nodded against his chest, snuggling closer. "Yeah… but I know with Master, everything will be alright."

"Well, I already told Xinyi that I am going to see my Master.. maybe she will tell the worships about me."

"I see," Zhang Yuan said thoughtfully. Without another word, he crouched slightly and scooped her into his arms with ease.

"ah..." Hong Shi let out a soft squeak of surprise before settling comfortably against him, her arms wrapping around his neck.

He carried her down the corridor and pushed open the door to one of the reserved rooms.

Opening the door, he saw Ming Yuelin and Xue Hua waiting for him in the bed "Master..."

Xue Hua's eyes narrowed looking at Hong Shi in her Master's arms "Hong Shi..."

Feeling Xue Hua's gaze Hong Shi smiled dryly and waved her hand "Hello.."

Xue Hua turned her gaze away, clearly unimpressed, while Ming Yuelin let out a soft sigh, her smile turning wry.

Zhang Yuan also noticed this and he could only sigh "Let's sleep..."

He carried Hong Shi to the bed, placing her down carefully before settling beside her.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the air heavy with unspoken words and subtle glances.

Hong Shi nestled close to Zhang Yuan, her head resting on his shoulder as she shot a wary glance at Xue Hua.

Xue Hua finally spoke, "You're too bold, Hong Shi. You should know your place."

As she spoke, she climbed onto Zhang Yuan's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him closely.

Ming Yuelin leaned on his shoulder on the right side.

Hong Shi's eyes narrowed, but she didn't speak. Instead, she tightened her hold on Zhang Yuan's arm, making her presence known.

Xue Hua, however, was unbothered. Her hands moved with a deliberate slowness as she loosened Zhang Yuan's outer robes, her fingers brushing against his chest.

Leaning forward, she pressed a lingering kiss to his neck, her lips trailing upward in a bold display of affection.

Hong Shi, still clinging to his arm, shot her a look, but Zhang Yuan's gentle nudge reminded her to behave.

Zhang Yuan leaned back, allowing his head to rest against the headboard. Hong Shi snuggled closer to him, while Ming Yuelin shifted to a comfortable position on the opposite side.

...

Next day morning-

The soft rays of sun filtered through the curtains of the inn's room, casting a golden glow over the modest furnishings.

Zhang Yuan stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the peaceful silence.

The warmth of the bed and the faint scent of jasmine lingered, but as he glanced around, he noticed his disciples are not beside him.

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he stretched his arms leisurely, the morning calm settling into his bones.

Swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, he stood and made his way to the washroom to freshen up.

A little later, he stepped out of his room and saw the people gathered in the main hall.

Zhang Fumin, Hong Shi, Ming Yuelin, Xue Hua, Jin Wei, Long Yue and Chen Zin are seated there.

His gaze fell on Feng Xinyi who was sitting there with a troubled expression.

Looking at Feng Xinyi, she hurriedly stood up "Master Yuan..."

"Xinnyi..." He glanced briefly at the others, noting the tension in the room, before returning his focus to her.

Feng Xinyi clasped her hands in front of her, her eyes darting toward Hong Shi, who was now watching intently. "I came here to bring Hong Shi back," she muttered, her tone firm but laced with hesitation.

Hong Shi immediately stood up "Xinyi, I already told you I'm staying with Master,"

Looking at Hong Shi, feng Xinyi spoke "Shi'er, You know this isn't about you or me. The Holy Land needs you back. The elders…" She trailed off, her eyes briefly meeting Zhang Yuan's, seeking support.

Zhang Yuan stepped forward, "Xinyi, if Shi'er wishes to remain here, then that is her choice. She is no longer a child to be bound by others' decisions."

Xinyi's lips parted as though to protest, but she hesitated.

Hong Shi moved closer to Zhang Yuan, "I've made my decision. The Holy Land will survive without me."

Feng Xinyi's shoulders sagged slightly, and she exhaled slowly. "The elders will not be pleased," she said softly, her words directed more to herself than anyone else.

Zhang Yuan's gaze squinted in thought "Then, let me come and speak to them directly..."

Eh? Hong Shi and Feng Xinyi were dumbfounded "Master?"

Zhang Yuan gently patted Hong Shi's head "Let's have breakfast first, and after that we can leave..."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!