Joy and Sorrow, Laughter and Tears
Xu Shulou and the Snow Maiden clasped hands, gazing into each other's eyes. "How could I bear to trade you away for points?" Xu Shulou lamented. "There are still so many icy treats we haven't tried together—fruit ices, red bean milk jelly, shaved ice mountains..."
The Snow Maiden broke free from her grasp, waving her arms animatedly.
Bai Roushuang mused, "Senior Sister, I think she's saying she'd be happy to be handed over."
Xu Shulou stubbornly refused. "I don't believe it."
The Snow Maiden grew increasingly agitated—if she could speak, she'd likely be cursing by now. Her classmates hurriedly intervened: "Xu Shulou, just turn her in. You can exchange the points for rewards."
Xu Shulou pondered, "Did the exam rules mention anything about keeping captured creatures?"
"Not explicitly," a classmate scratched his head. Who could have anticipated someone would even consider it?
As the Snow Maiden began forming an ice blade in her hand, another classmate hastily added, "What if we need her for future trials? The instructors worked hard to gather these monsters."
With a resigned sigh, Xu Shulou relented. "Very well, Ah Xue. You and I are of different worlds—human and spirit—destined never to stay together..."
Bai Roushuang shook her shoulders. "Senior Sister, snap out of it! I can make shaved ice mountains too!"
"...!" At those words, Xu Shulou immediately sobered up. Following her classmates, she briskly delivered the Snow Maiden to the instructors and waved breezily. "Farewell! May we meet again in future trials!"
The Snow Maiden bolted toward the instructors without a backward glance. Who wants to see you again?!
No. 29, who happened to witness the scene, suddenly turned to his friend. "Tell me—if I gifted Xu Shulou a Snow Maiden, do you think she'd be moved?"
His friend shook him violently, mimicking Bai Roushuang. "Wake up! Could you even catch one?!"
"..."
The capture of the top-tier monster marked the end of the exam. At the sound of the bell, students emerged from hiding spots and ambush positions, gathering in the courtyard while buzzing with speculation: "Who took down the Snow Maiden?"
Upon arrival, they spotted Xu Shulou and collectively shrugged. Oh, it's her. That explains it.
No. 29 sidled up to her. "Fair lady, you've finally emerged from seclusion? A day without you feels like three years."
"Good sir," Xu Shulou replied courteously, "two months apart felt precisely like... two months."
"..." Having received this useless response, No. 29 slunk away dejectedly.
The instructor cleared his throat. "This exam aimed to teach teamwork. That Snow Maiden may seem formidable, but with dozens of you attacking together, victory was certain."
The students perked up. "Then how many of us would it take to defeat Xu Shulou?"
The instructor stroked his beard evasively. "Well... hope springs eternal."
"..."
"Aside from the delayed capture, you all performed admirably," he continued. "Visit Instructor Zhou to claim rewards based on your points."
The students, reinvigorated, hurried off in small groups to Deming Hall—all except Xu Shulou, who first sought Instructor Xue to clarify difficulties in her Eternal Life Sword Technique before strolling leisurely to claim her prize.
When her turn came, Instructor Zhou produced an ice-making artifact—perhaps having heard rumors.
"This Frostpin can freeze an entire lake into any shape imaginable," he explained, then added meaningfully, "More practical than a Snow Maiden."
"..."
"Had you refused to surrender her, we'd likely have traded this for her anyway."
"..."
After a silent stare-down, Xu Shulou lowered her eyes first.
———
Days later, Song Ping returned to Xuan Cang Academy after a two-month absence.
"I secured leave for you," Xu Shulou greeted him warmly. "Was your search for that family's missing brother successful?"
"Mission accomplished," Song Ping smiled.
"Good." Xu Shulou felt genuine relief at the reunion, then inquired about their acquaintance from Phoenix Territory. "How is Miss Sheng? Did she return home safely?"
At Sheng Wuyou's mention, Song Ping's cheeks tinged pink. "She's well—back with her family."
Xu Shulou circled him, studying his expression. "Are you hiding something from me?"
"What I meant to tell you, Senior Sister," Song Ping said softly, "is that two months ago, after escorting her home, she convinced her family to aid our search for others wronged by Feng Jiuyou. She... was instrumental in the effort. During the journey, we grew close, and after succeeding, we confessed our feelings..."
"You..." Xu Shulou paused, her sigh laced with sorrowful understanding. "She's a mortal without cultivation. Your path will be... extraordinarily difficult."
"I know." His gaze never wavered.
Another sigh escaped her. Unlike her mischievous junior brothers, Song Ping had always been steady and principled—the least of her worries. Yet here he stood, making this monumental choice.
A man like him, once committed, would love for a lifetime. But a cultivator's lifetime spanned centuries... How would he face a mere grave mound millennia hence, clinging to fading memories?
"Have you... truly considered this?"
Song Ping nodded solemnly. "I have."
"Then congratulations." She embraced him, smiling through sadness. "I'm happy for you—heartbroken, yet happy."
During their brief encounter in Phoenix Territory, Sheng Wuyou had struck Xu Shulou as remarkable—a gentle, resilient woman from a scholarly family, forcibly made Qi Wutong's maid. Despite ten stolen years, she'd remained composed, even becoming Qi Wutong's confidante before seizing her chance to betray her.
Two good souls, choosing the hardest road together.
Her acceptance eased his lingering unease. Returning the embrace, Song Ping whispered, "Thank you for understanding, Senior Sister."
"What are senior sisters for?" Xu Shulou closed her eyes, already composing the words she'd use to comfort him a hundred years hence. But what right had she to deny him present joy for fear of future grief?
Life's bittersweet symphony—who dares dictate another's score?
Several junior disciples from Bright Moon Peak had already heard that Second Senior Brother had returned to Xuan Cang Academy and hurried over to greet him. They happened to witness the scene of the two embracing, and without caring for the reason, they all rushed in for a group hug, squeezing Xu Shulou so tightly that she nearly swung her fan to send them all flying.
After completing the collective embrace, someone finally asked, "Why exactly are we hugging?"
Song Ping repeated his earlier words, and the group reacted with both joy and sorrow, crowding around him to offer congratulations.
"By the way, Senior Sister, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you."
"What is it?"
Song Ping looked slightly bashful. "I want to propose marriage at Miss Sheng's family home."
Xu Shulou laughed. "Naturally! Her parents must be even more worried than we are. We'll follow all the mortal customs to avoid disrespecting the young lady. When do you plan to propose? Have you discussed it with her family? Do mortal marriages nowadays still require the three letters and six etiquettes? I can accompany you and act as your elder."
"Well, as for the elder role… wouldn’t Master be more suitable?"
"Ah, right," Xu Shulou said regretfully. "I forgot you still have a master."
"…" Wasn’t that also your master?
Jiang Yan tapped his chin. "I always thought I’d be the first in our sect to marry, with Senior Sister being the last. Never expected Second Senior Brother to beat us to it."
Xu Shulou looked at him in confusion. "How am I ranked behind Third Junior Brother, who once swore to cultivate the Path of Heartlessness?"
"…"
"Oh, one more thing," Song Ping added. "Remember that family we helped return their infant to? They’re building a shrine in your honor, Senior Sister. They commissioned a skilled craftsman to carve a statue of you and plan to burn all those romance novels praising the love story of the Phoenix and the Parasol Tree on the day the shrine is completed. They’ll also hire storytellers to spread the truth. If you’re interested, we can stop by during our trip to the mortal realm."
"Oh?" Xu Shulou perked up slightly. "Why would anyone build a shrine for me? What’s the reason—"
"That family said they suffered for centuries, and now that they’re finally free, no gratitude is too much."
Feng Jiuyou’s misdeeds, indeed. Everyone shook their heads at the mention.
"As for the statue’s face, they hired an exceptionally skilled craftsman, and I offered some suggestions. The wooden carving resembles you somewhat, but the aura doesn’t quite match—they couldn’t capture your essence," Song Ping admitted honestly. "The statue looks… kind and benevolent."
"…What do you mean by that?" How does 'kind and benevolent' not match me? Xu Shulou touched her face reflexively.
While Song Ping stood bewildered, the group burst into laughter. They all went to request leave from their teacher, preparing to return to Bright Moon Peak to fetch their master before heading to the mortal realm for the marriage proposal.
