Around twenty-two or twenty-three years old
I was heartbroken. "What kind of person is she?"
Lou Xiyue praised, "Master Mu is decisive and loyal, and Mu Xue Manor enjoys a high reputation in the martial arts world."
After thinking it over and over, I gritted my teeth and asked, "Mu Yanxue, does she know medicine?"
Lou Xiyue smiled helplessly, "Xiyue doesn't know."
I was disappointed. I had thought that compared to many girls, I might have advantages in appearance, age, or personality. Even if I lost in those areas, I could still win with my skills, because I was quite good at medicine. But after meeting Mu Yanxue, I was at the bottom of all those categories, which left me panicked.
I then asked Lou Xiyue, "If she is truly as talented, beautiful, and accomplished as you say, then why go to such lengths to send out invitations and hold such a grand event to find a husband?"
Lou Xiyue pondered, “Master Mu’s move is indeed unexpected. I have heard that many disciples from various sects have gone to Mu Xue Manor, hoping to form a marriage alliance with her, but Master Mu has refused them all. This time, however, she has made a big show of inviting heroes from all over the world, and even used the Jiang Xue Sword as bait. It is really hard to believe.”
Before I died, I made one last desperate attempt: "Did she have any conditions for choosing a husband? Usually, there would be conditions, right? Like being the best in martial arts, having the best family background, or having parents who are still alive?"
Lou Xiyue shook her head, "No, basically it's enough if we just click."
I let out a long sigh, my heart filled with a torrential downpour.
Lou Xiyue and I traveled through Luoyang and found a tavern to rest. As we ate heartily and drank heartily, two people at the next table talked about Muxue Manor.
I peered over: one man was burly and wielded a ringed broadsword; the other had delicate features, waved a feather fan, and had a cold expression.
Lou Xiyue whispered in my ear, "These two are the 'Ghost-Faced Duo.' The thin one is Ghost Fiend, skilled in using hidden weapons and ruthless in his actions. The strong one is Face Fiend."
Then he calmly picked up some food with his chopsticks.
I asked, "And then?"
"And then what?"
I glanced at the table next to me. "What are the special skills of the Face Demon?"
He took a sip of his drink and said casually, "They're all called 'Face Killers.' Their ultimate technique is naturally their facial features."
The demon seemed to sense that we were talking about him, and turned around to glare at me. The instant I saw his face, I felt as if my heart and lungs had been pierced; I was utterly terrified: those who roam the martial world truly lived up to their reputations.
The man with the savage expression spoke with anticipation, "After all these years, such a wonderful thing has finally happened. During my trip to Mu Xue Manor, I will definitely take down Mu Meiren and that Crimson Snow Sword."
Ghost Fiend sneered, "You? Ever since the 'Mu Xue Sword Manual' was lost, the manor's reputation has plummeted. This time, it's just Mu Yanxue using a pretext to try and revive Mu Hua's former glory. Even if that little wench is bored and wants to find a man, it's not your turn."
The demon slammed his palm onto the axe, shouting, "Ghostly Fiend, what do you mean?!"
Ghost Fiend snorted coldly, stood up, and went out. Face Fiend grabbed an axe and swung it down from behind with great force, but Ghost Fiend dodged it and sneered, "Isn't she just a woman?"
Lou Xiyue and I silently lowered our heads and ate our food.
I occasionally looked up and saw a poignant scene: two men with vastly different personalities and appearances, each possessing unique skills, fighting fiercely over a beautiful woman, leaving the inn stained with blood.
After the "Ghost-Faced Duo" had gone some distance, I discussed with Lou Xiyue, "Is Mu Yanxue so desperate that she'll eat anything?"
Lou Xiyue disagreed, saying, "You may think he's ugly, but he has a devoted heart."
I was filled with dread. I was dreadful because of the fantasies that Face Demon had given rise to, which seemed quite incompatible with his appearance; I was terrified because if all the heroes and chivalrous men who went to Muxue Manor to propose marriage were of the same caliber as Face Demon, then the one who would ultimately be the one to win over the crabapple tree would undoubtedly be my master.
At the beginning of October, Lou Xiyue and I arrived at the foot of Meishan Mountain. Meishan Mountain is very high, rising abruptly from a range of mountains. Looking up, the mountain is sometimes hidden and sometimes revealed in the swirling clouds and mist, majestic and imposing, like a fairyland.
The mountain peaks were covered in snow, and even at the foot of the mountain, I occasionally felt a chill.
We started climbing the mountain, and the higher we went, the colder it became. Since we hadn't brought a cloak for warmth, I couldn't help but shiver.
Lou Xiyue stopped and turned to look at me. After a moment, he took my hand.
I was startled.
His palms were warm, as if true energy was flowing from his palms throughout his limbs and bones, and the warmth gradually spread out.
I was surprised, "I didn't know you had such a special skill."
He laughed and said, "When I was young, I went to Muxue Manor with my father. The former manor master saw that I was freezing and gave me this 'Sunrise Heart Sutra'."
I tried to pull my hand away, but I felt much better.
But he held on tightly and intertwined his fingers with mine.
Lou Xiyue smiled knowingly and said slowly, "If you let go, your heart and lungs will definitely be damaged by the cold."
I looked at him with a smile, "That's too much trouble. Wouldn't I have to take you everywhere I go? Why don't you teach me this Heart-Warming Mantra? That would save a lot of trouble."
Lou Xiyue tilted her head to look at me innocently and said, "This mental technique can only be mastered by those who practice martial arts, and it requires the assistance of internal energy. I'm afraid Master won't be able to learn it in a short time."
I said awkwardly, "It's broad daylight, and everyone's watching. It's really not appropriate for two men to be holding hands like this."
Lou Xiyue leaned closer and said flirtatiously, "Actually, there's another way. I'll channel my inner energy into Master's body..." He paused, raised an eyebrow at me, and continued, "However, we'll have to meet naked. When we get to Muxue Manor, we can find a room where I can channel my inner energy to keep Master warm."
I paused, "Ah, Xiyue, you've worked hard practicing martial arts, there's no need to use your internal energy. Let's leave it as it is, and try to avoid being noticed."
Lou Xiyue smiled and nodded.
Lou Xiyue used her lightness skill, and before long we arrived at Muxue Manor.
The mountain villa is located at the very top of the mountain, where branches intertwine and are covered with several feet of snow. When the strong wind blows, it carries ice and snow that sting the skin.
I took a secluded path and entered the village with the moon over the western tower.
He pulled me toward the front hall, and I caught a glimpse of two people standing under a cluster of winter plum blossoms in the courtyard.