After changing into clean clothes, the young man returned to find Yaoxi narrowing her eyes and staring at him intently. The scrutiny made him uncomfortable, and he avoided her gaze.
"Daizi, come here. Sit by my side," Yaoxi called, motioning for him to join her.
Though he was hesitant, the young man obediently walked over and sat down beside her. Yaoxi examined him closely, then sighed softly.
"I can't believe how much you've grown. I guess I've been neglecting you," she said. It seemed to Yaoxi that the reason Daizi had started to distance himself from her wasn't that he disliked her, but that he had become aware of the differences between men and women.
She realized she needed to think seriously about his future. While she could roam freely, tasting all the delicacies the world had to offer, Daizi was just a mortal with a limited lifespan. He would grow old and eventually die.
She had considered teaching him cultivation, but his constitution was poor, making it impossible for him to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. So, she had only taught him some basic martial skills to help him protect himself in the mortal world.
Perhaps it was best for him to live a simple, peaceful life as an ordinary person. The thought of their next destination, Peach Blossom Valley—a secluded, prosperous place full of natural beauty—strengthened her resolve. Once they arrived, she would help him settle down, maybe even arrange for a matchmaker to find him a suitable bride.
With that thought, Yaoxi smiled to herself, imagining Daizi living a peaceful life in Peach Blossom Valley. The young man, noticing her smile, simply stared at her, committing the moment to memory.
After finishing their meal, they continued their journey. This time, Daizi didn't get back on the horse, and Yaoxi didn't insist. He led Little Red Horse while Yaoxi rode leisurely, enjoying the scenery. Although what should have been a one-day journey took them three days, the leisurely pace allowed them to appreciate the beauty around them.
When they finally arrived at the renowned Peach Blossom Valley, they were greeted by a scene of warmth and tranquility. The people there wore expressions of contentment, greeting each other with smiles and laughter. The air was filled with the enticing aromas of street vendors' offerings.
It was a place that only reinforced Yaoxi's decision to settle Daizi there. As Daizi led Little Red Horse toward an inn, Yaoxi suddenly spoke up.
"Daizi, we're not staying at an inn this time. We're buying a house."
The young man stopped, looking at her in confusion.
"Don't ask questions, just trust me," Yaoxi said, waving him off.
Nodding, Daizi led her to a real estate agent. Beneath his mask, a smile began to form. Though he loved traveling with Yaoxi, the thought of living with her in a peaceful place like Peach Blossom Valley was a dream come true.
"This house is the best in the area," the agent said enthusiastically, "perfect for your wife, who is as beautiful as a fairy. The price is also very reasonable. What do you think?"
The young man, flustered by the agent's words, struggled to respond. His usual difficulty in speaking was made worse by his nerves, leaving him speechless. Meanwhile, Yaoxi didn't bother correcting the agent's assumption about their relationship. She liked the house and said, "We'll take it!"
"Excellent!" The agent beamed as he quickly completed the paperwork, making the house officially theirs.
The young man, however, didn't realize the house was meant for him alone. He believed that he and Yaoxi would live there together, so he eagerly set about cleaning and organizing the place.
For the next few days, things went as he had hoped. He spent his days with Yaoxi, enjoying the local delicacies and taking care of various small tasks to ensure she wasn't bothered by them. They became well-acquainted with their neighbors, who came to know them as a wealthy, mysterious couple—the beautiful, lively woman and the quiet, masked man.
Then, one day, Peach Blossom Valley became more lively than usual. Curious, Yaoxi took Daizi to the bustling streets to find out what was going on.
They soon learned that the annual Peach Blossom Festival was approaching. It was a special event for the unmarried men and women of the valley—a large matchmaking festival of sorts.
On this day, young men would present a handmade peachwood hairpin to the woman they admired. If she accepted it, it signified her agreement to the match.
Yaoxi's eyes lit up upon hearing this. She had been planning to find a matchmaker to arrange a marriage for Daizi, but now it seemed there was no need. Why not let him participate in the festival and choose a girl he liked?
With a serious expression, she turned to the young man and said, "Daizi, stop worrying about all those little chores for now and focus on making a peachwood hairpin."
The young man nodded vigorously. In fact, he had already been thinking about it. Since arriving in Peach Blossom Valley, Yaoxi's actions had sparked a hope in his heart—a hope that had once seemed impossible but now felt almost within reach. His heart pounded in a way it never had before.
For the next few days, he locked himself in his room, meticulously carving the hairpin. He worked with such dedication that he barely ate or slept, pouring all his effort into the task.
Yaoxi, seeing his determination, felt a sense of relief. Once Daizi was settled with a family of his own, she could leave in peace.
On the day of the Peach Blossom Festival, the young man stared at the hairpin he had spent days carving. It was rough and simple, far from the fine work he had envisioned. His face was filled with disappointment.
To him, the crude hairpin was unworthy of someone as extraordinary as Yaoxi. But before he could dwell on it further, Yaoxi's voice called from outside.
"Daizi, what are you dawdling for? The festival is about to start—don't be late!"
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8