Maiden Of The Splitting Moon

Ling Xue nodded, stopping in front a pair of sliding doors. 

"This is your room. There is a small balcony for you to look out of and plenty of things to see in the clan. I will send someone up for your meals. We will set out tomorrow."

Ming Yue nodded and bowed, entering the room and clsoing the doors behind her. 

Looking around, she found the room to be simple and elegant, with all fo the necessary furniture as well as a bit of style. It was not gaudy in the slightest but a vibrant scheme or red and hazel giving a sense of warmth. 

"How nice..." she thought. 

The night passed by smoothly as Ming Yue enjoyed her first good meal in several weeks. A large bowl of noodles and lightly-flavored broth which must have been cooked for hours to achieve its delicate tast.* Atop it was thinly sliced meat along with a bevy of herbs and vegetables making it well rounded and satisfying. 

Both Xiao Yin and Hei Yue had their own meals as well, various seasoned meats stewed together to the point of melting in ones mouth.

Feeling well rested and energetic, the trio exited the room and walked down to the first floor where Ling Xue was waiting.

Together, they left the clan, taking a path into the deeper regions of the mountains. It was silent. Nothing could be heard, they were surrounded by stone and the echoing of their own steps. That is until Ling Xue spoke up. 

"How strange it is to meet like this..."

Ming Yue nodded but stayed silent. There was a pause before she finally asked a question that had pricked her mind ever since she saw Ling Xue. 

"Back then, at Maple Root City, why did you and your ancestor do it?"

She was curious, having never known their true intentions. 

Ling Xue continued to walk as if ignoring the question but in truth, she pondered on how to answer this question.

"That... in short, it was to return to the clan", she said.

"To return?"

Ling Xue sighed as she recounted her own story. 

"I didn't remember much of my childhood, it is nothing more than a blur in my mind. I can barely remember my own parents, only that they died protecting me from a beast. I wandered for twenty-odd years, blending in with human society while not knowing what I was, only that I was different. Because of my scarred face, I had to wear a mask. hiding it all away. "

"After wandering for so long, the ancestor found me and he became my only family. Even though we came from different clans, he nurtured me, teaching me of my bloodline from its history to how I can use it. He was like me, alone and without a home. From then on, we moved together, trying to survive until we heard news of the activating teleportation circles to the Demon Continent."

"From there, we scoured for more rumours. What happened in Mape Root City was a plan to gather resources and obtain an identity that would allow us to gain entry. After all, we're demons. In some places of the continent, demons are the bane of one's existence. We had to keep our identies hidden. As for our methods, I'm sure that you did not approve of them or that they were evil in a sense but at the time, it was a gamble we took to try and find our way back to the Demon Continent."

"Of course, then we were discovered by his clansmen and we were brought back . It went by so quickly and I soon found myself here in the Yao Clan, my people. And I'm sure that you must've realized that I am a princess here."

Ming Yue nodded, remembering back at the main hall that they refered to her as Princess Ling Xue. 

"Yes, when they first called me "Princess" it was shocking. To think my parents were royalty, even with my scarred face, I was a princess to them. But I never wanted that, I asked to be called by my name rather than that title but there are a few who still call me that."

"It must have been quite hectic, to be suddenly thrown in a palce you do not know of", said Ming Yue. 

"It was but it did not take long for me to adapt. The ancestor helped as well. Although he was not a Yao Demon but a Horned Demon, the Yao Clan accepted him for protecting me all this time. If it wasn't for him, adjusting would've been more difficult", said Ling Xue. 

There was a small smile on her face. 

"If it wasn't for the ancestor, I might still be in the Human Continent, wandering it. For that, I am truly grateful for him."

Ming Yue stayed quiet. She understood the feeling of being thrusted into a new environment. But like Ling Xue, they survived, finding a way to get through the hardships. 

"We're nearly there, it may get hectic but do not make a move", Ling Xue instructed. 

Walking down this straight path, it opened into a clearing in which a temple of sorts stood. 

It was small and pure white but it was eyecatching as a swirling portal opened at the doorway. The portal of red and white, giving off several types of energy. 

"Strange, one of the energies seem rather familiar. Where have I experienced it?" 

Ming Yue stared at the portal, trying to figure out what that energy was. 

As the group made their way to the temple, Ming Yue noticed that they were not alone. 

There were others, another group to be exact and they all had a third eye. As soon as Linf Xue made her appearance, one of them, a young woman, stepped forward with a cocky smile. 

"So you survived? How amusing", she said to Ling Xue. 

This person was not dressed in armor like the rest of her group but instead wore a lavish silver dress which had a white sash around her waist and a white mantle as well. It was a stark difference from Ling Xue's whose clothes were more simple and elegant. 

"So it really was you, Mu Jing. To send those four Glaive Guards to their deaths, do you believe that I will not kill you right now?" 

Ling Xue's tone turned dark and ice cold. Immediately, she took out her jade flute, holding it for the others to see. 

"So what? They were Glaive Guards, don't tell me you don't recognize the people beside me?" Mu Jing said. 

Her third eye narrowed, as if mimicking the disdain for Ling Xue. 

"I'm not blind. They are your personal guards, Glaive Protectors. But do you honestly think, that they can stop me from killing you?" she threatened, her bloodline power suddenly activated and her aura exploded for just a moment. 

Mu Jing flinched taking a step back as the Glaive Protectors stepped forward to shield her. 

"Fucking pitiful."

Ling Xue deactivated and released her energy, returning to her original form. She looked at Mu Bing and spit on ground in front of her. 

"Let me take you to the secret realm then, Ming Yue."

Speaking calmly, Ling Xue no longer bothered with the Mu Clan and lead the group away. 

As for Ming Yue, she looked at Mu Jing's group before following. Quietly, she dispelled the Zephyr Claws and put away the Pearlstone Dagger, having prepared it in case a fight broke out. If such a thing had happened, it would've been a very bloody end. 

Mu Jing's group only looked at them go and the she could only have a stifled and enraged look at the humiliation she was given. 

"How long will you last until Kong Zhi's men come? Then we'll see whose pitiful."