Chapter 86: The Nun's Heart, The Witch's Passion

Zhang Fan's intervention to block Meiya's attack delighted the opposing vampire loli, who relished any opportunity to undermine Meiya. Her tone, dripping with mockery, ignited a fiery rage within Meiya.

"Step aside, Zhang Fan, these demons must be utterly eradicated!" Meiya, though seething, managed to retain a semblance of rationality. Had Zhang Fan not been Kana's brother, Meiya might have struck him down alongside the monsters.

"My word is my bond, and remember, Senior Meiya, our mission was solely to gather evidence of wrongdoing, not to slay demons!" Zhang Fan's expression turned solemn. Regardless of the Vatican's grievances with the witches, he was resolute in following his own convictions.

"You!" Meiya, infuriated, was caught off guard when Zhang Fan suddenly raised his gun towards her. Was he about to attack her? Frozen in shock, she didn't expect the bullet to graze her cheek, instead hitting Hilda, who lurked behind her.

"Little sister, sneak attacks are not a commendable habit," Zhang Fan remarked with a cold smirk, blocking Meiya but not permitting attacks on his allies.

Hilda, taken by surprise, received a precise gunshot wound to her abdomen. Her vampire resilience was strong, yet not impervious to harm. The bullet from Zhang Fan ensured she'd be incapacitated for some time.

"Damn you! Despicable man, how dare you ambush me!" Hilda retorted sharply, her pride unmistakable. Zhang Fan sighed at her typical tsundere demeanor.

"Zhang Fan, what are you..." Meiya was confused about his intentions.

"Don't forget, we're partners," Zhang Fan said with a slight smile. Warmth flooded Meiya's heart. Though she had teamed with many, none were as fitting as Zhang Fan. Could he be the ideal partner she had longed for? 

However, Meiya couldn't assure this future. Her path, dedicated to vanquishing demons, diverged from Zhang Fan's. She lamented the growing distance between them, her once bright eyes dimming with sadness.

"Naïve man, but your hopes are in vain. The Meiya before you is nothing but a hypocrite, a lapdog of the Vatican. She'll execute their orders without question, even if it means killing you!" Kats, regaining consciousness, had witnessed and heard everything. She scorned Zhang Fan's naivety, yet couldn't hide her disdain for the Vatican.

Meiya, witnessing Kats's helplessness against her strike, began to doubt her own convictions. If the Vatican ordered her to eliminate Zhang Fan, could she bring herself to do it? Despite their brief acquaintance, she recognized his kindness, but her loyalty to the Vatican...

Lost in thought, she was startled by Zhang Fan's stern call. "Meiya!" He continued, "Don't overthink. I pose no threat to the Vatican. And you, little witch, stop your deceptions, or I'll have to spank you!" His gaze was stern yet protective.

"Hmph! Remember my words, Zhang Fan. The Vatican is full of hypocrites. Cross them, and they'll mercilessly reveal their true colors..." Kats's bitter warning was cut short by Meiya's commanding shout, silencing everyone.

"Enough! You wretched demon! I'll spare you today. But next time, I will personally ensure your destruction!" Meiya's sudden leniency towards her foes left Zhang Fan puzzled.

Kats, with a scornful smile, mocked Meiya's hypocrisy. Meiya, restraining her urge to retaliate, vowed to settle scores with these witches later.

Thus, the trio exchanged all the criminal evidence they had for their freedom. Zhang Fan was content with this outcome, while Meiya brooded in silent disapproval. For Zhang Fan, it was a win-win situation.

"Remember my advice, Zhang Fan. Be wary of Meiya," Kats whispered in his ear before vanishing. Zhang Fan contemplated her words, knowing well to always be cautious, advice from Kats or not.