Sorry but I only accept female disciples!

Xue Hua listened, absorbing each word as she pushed herself harder, trying to correct herself with every move.

*woosh* She channeled even more demonic energy, her strikes growing fiercer, faster, each one landing with a force that would shatter grounds.

And yet, Zhang Fumin held steady, meeting Xue Hua's full strength with nothing but a calm smile and the occasional nod of approval.

At one point, Xue Hua's fist came dangerously close to Fumin's face, powered by an explosive burst of energy that shook the ground around them.

Fumin simply leaned back, her face inches from the strike, her smile never faltering.

She caught Xue Hua's wrist mid-punch, holding her in place with a grip so firm it felt like iron.

"Good,"

"Now, feel the difference between strength and control."

With that, Fumin released her grip and dropped back, signaling with a gesture for Xue Hua to come at her again.

"Haa..." Xue Hua exhaled, her muscles burning and her breathing heavy, but she didn't hesitate.

She launched herself forward with renewed determination, throwing everything she had into her strikes.

In a final burst of energy, Xue Hua poured every ounce of her demonic power into a powerful strike, her gauntlets shining with a blazing purple as she swung toward Fumin.

Fumin met her with a single open palm, her hand catching Xue Hua's fist as if absorbing the entire force of her energy in one calm motion.

*woosh* The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but Zhang Fumin held firm, standing like an unmovable mountain.

Xue Hua stared in awe, her energy dissipating as Fumin's calm, steady aura washed over her like a soothing river.

'She really is something else.. she is very talented in gauntlets. Even an inexperienced like me can tell.'

Zhang Fumin gave a nod of approval "Hm.. it is good."

Meanwhile, Ming Yuelin sitting on the ground still sitting on the ground absorbing the profound energy around her for cultivation.

...

Zhang Yuan is sitting quietly on the wooden bench, the leaves gently swaying in the evening breeze.

His hand was wrapped around Long Yue's smaller one, his grip firm yet gentle, calming the turbulent energy within her.

Long Yue's gaze was lowered, her usually bright eyes dimmed with concentration and tension as she felt the powerful current of demonic energy swirling restlessly inside her, like a storm seeking release.

Long Yue took a deep, shaky breath, feeling the weight of his touch anchoring her as she controlled the raging force within her.

Being a half-demon meant that her power was far from stable; it could flare up unexpectedly, threatening to spiral out of control.

"Take it slow," Zhang Yuan's calm voice broke through the fog of her mind, his words felt like a cool stream flowing over her senses.

"Feel the energy, don't fight it. Let it move, but guide it. Like a river through a narrow path, it flows best when it has direction."

Long Yue nodded, trying to follow his advice.

But suddenly the memories of her biting his arm clouded her mind, moments when her demonic energy had lashed out uncontrollably.

But Zhang Yuan's hand, warm and reassuring, brought her back to the present.

She focused on the rhythmic rise and fall of his breathing, letting it calm her own erratic pulse.

With Zhang Yuan's steadying presence, she gathered her strength, visualizing the energy within her as a current that she could steer rather than suppress.

She felt it surge, attempting to escape, but this time, instead of clamping down on it, she let it move through her, weaving it into a controlled path.

A faint glow began to radiate from their joined hands, the energy shifting as she continued to channel it.

Each time her control faltered, he offered gentle reminders, patiently helping her redirect the energy.

"You're doing well," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth.

"T-Thank you.. Master."

As she continued to control it beads of sweat dripped down her face but she focused on concentration and a bit later, they stopped their training.

"huff.. huff..." Long Yue took deep breaths, her chest rising and falling after the intense session.

"M-Master.. I kind of get the grip of this."

Zhang Yuan gave a faint nod "Hmm... You have a good affinity towards ice element and you train swords, right?"

Long Yue nodded her head "Yes master, back in the palace.. I trained myself in swords."

He let go of her hand and mumbled "You can still cultivate like that.. and with demonic energy, you can also strengthen your body."

"You can become powerful like that. What do you say? Do you also want to join the competition?"

H-Huh?

Long Yue was taken aback to hear this and lowered her head "But master.. the competition is for geniuses."

With a soft chuckle, Zhang Yuan spoke "You are the princess of a great Dynasty, so of course.. you have good talent and I can hide the demonic energy in your body."

Upon hearing this, Long Yue nodded her head "Yes, Master.. I will try my best."

Zhang Yuan smiled gently in his heart. Now, among his disciples, Long Yue has great potential as she is a half-demon. If she used her cards correctly, in the future, she could even go toe-to-toe with Ming Yuelin and Xue Hua.

...

As the golden light of evening washed over the kitchen, casting warm shadows on the walls, Mei Yu stood by the stove, focused on the tea in front of her.

Silently, Zhang Yuan approached her from behind, a soft smile on his lips.

He watched her for a moment, admiring the way her hair caught the warm glow, the small, focused expression she wore as she carefully looked at the milk boiling.

Unable to resist, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her gently against him.

Mei Yu gasped, startled at first, but quickly relaxed as she felt his familiar warmth envelop her.

She chuckled softly, her body melting into his embrace. "My Lord…you can't keep sneaking up on me like that," she said, her tone light but full of affection.

"Oh? I think I can," he replied, his voice a low murmur close to her ear. "You don't seem to mind."

His lips found her neck, brushing against her skin with a featherlight touch.

She shivered, her cheeks flushing as he pressed a tender kiss just below her ear, and her hand instinctively went to his, resting against her waist, her fingers intertwining with his.

"Maybe," she admitted softly, a smile playing on her lips.

But Zhang Yuan wasn't content to let her attention drift away.

His hands slowly slid around her waist, resting comfortably as he leaned in, his lips now trailing down to her shoulder.

He planted a few more kisses, and Mei Yu bit her lip, trying to focus on the task, though every brush of his lips on her skin sent her heart racing.

"If you keep this up, milk will overflow," she warned him, though her voice held no real resistance.

Zhang Yuan chuckled, his arms wrapping a bit tighter around her. "So let it oveflow," he whispered, his voice teasing.

He continued his gentle kisses, his lips brushing her cheek as he whispered, "You're far more interesting than whatever's in that tea pot."

Mei Yu laughed, her voice soft and warm as she turned her head slightly to look at him, their faces close enough that she could see the mischievous glint in his eyes.

She leaned in, brushing her nose against his, and he tilted his head to capture her lips in a tender kiss.

As they pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his hands slipping from her waist to settle around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

"You're making it very hard to concentrate, you know that?"

"Good," he replied with a grin, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.

He pressed a playful kiss to her cheek, and she laughed, leaning into him even more.

Finally, Mei Yu turned around fully in his arms, placing her hands on his chest as she gazed up at him, her eyes shining with affection.

She playfully pushed against him, but her smile betrayed her enjoyment of his closeness. "Alright, alright, but let me finish before you distract me too much."

Zhang Yuan chuckled, taking her hands in his and gently lifting them to his lips.

He kissed her knuckles softly, his gaze never leaving hers. "As long as I get to help," he said, his tone still teasing but with a warmth that made her heart flutter.

She looked at him, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation, though she felt her cheeks grow warm. "Fine. If you're so determined, you can chop the vegetables for dinner," she said, handing him a knife with a smirk.

They moved around the kitchen, sharing small touches and laughter as they prepared the meal together for the night.

He would sneak a kiss on her cheek whenever she leaned close, making her laugh as she tried to stay focused.

At one point, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close again as she stirred the pot.

She playfully scolded him, though her smile never faded.

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!