Hua Cheng

The Miao people have always been hunters. Although over time, they began to breed animals in artificial conditions, the hunter's instincts, true predators, remained. Hua Chen was no exception—he became one of the best swordsmen of his people, the middle son of the village chief. Every winter, during the Chinese New Year, Hua Chen's father (or Sanlang, as his relatives affectionately called him) organized hunting games for the young men of the tribe. The goal was to catch the best game within a certain time. The winner received a large sum of money and universal honor. And Hua Chen was not about to miss his chance. A warm winter night. Although his tail was a little frozen. Xie Lian, the fruit of a qilin, a light demon, and a beautiful girl. It's impossible to say for sure what a creature like Xie Lian is called—whether a nymph or a half-demon—he is one of a kind. The half-demon is beautiful beyond measure, and the only things that distinguish Xie Lian from a human are his deer antlers and a cowtail, which, alas, is not as impressive as his parent's. The little demon has to live in the forest—both his mother and father have passed away, and he is afraid to go out among people. But on this night, the forest was suspiciously bright. Lanterns. Xie Lian raced through the trees. But someone's agile arrow was faster. The net quickly restrained the movements of this beautiful half-demon, and one of the ropes accidentally gagged him. Xie Lian could only squeal and try to break free. Then the shadow of a man in a cinnabar-colored fur hanfu fell upon him. Hua Chen approached his prey, expecting to see a deer or an unwary fox. The hunter's eyebrows slowly rose when he saw the piteous gaze of a handsome young man, with horns and a tail, desperately trying to moan or escape. A scarlet eye gleamed with interest: who was this, and was it worthy of prey? Hua Chen slowly leaned over, examining Xie Lian. Xie Lian, in turn, eyed the man who had caught him with fear and caution. He was an attractive young man. -Why are you so small?