That night, Liu Buli and You Siqi talked for almost the entire night. There wasn't anything particularly special, but perhaps because they were the only ones in this world who could understand each other's past, the conversation flowed easily, and they had a lot to say.
They chatted about their favorite celebrities from their previous world, the TV shows they used to watch, and complained about various plotlines, before finally returning to the novel they were now in.
As they talked, without realizing it, the sky outside gradually began to lighten.
The Dao Companion Ceremony in the cultivation world wasn't overly complicated.
As long as the chosen time was auspicious, the exact hour, whether morning, noon, or night, didn't matter.
You could even hold the ceremony in the dead of night if you wished; after all, no one here had a concept of sleep. As long as the date was announced, no one would find it odd.
Although You Siqi had said they shouldn't let the existence of the ghost tribe disrupt their lives, not caring didn't mean complete abandonment. Necessary precautions still had to be taken. For instance, their wedding ceremony was scheduled for noon, a time the ghost tribe detested.
The scorching sun blazed overhead. Liu Buli felt unbearably hot just looking at You Siqi's heavy wedding attire.
Seeing that Shen Muzhi hadn't arrived yet, he leaned closer to You Siqi and whispered, "If you feel too hot, you can circulate your spiritual energy around yourself. Even if you can't perform any techniques now, as long as you can make spiritual energy surround you, you can maintain your body temperature and prevent yourself from suffering heatstroke and fainting during the ceremony."
You Siqi's lips twitched.
Liu Buli's concern was, admittedly, very practical.
Unfortunately, his own abilities were limited. With an awkward glance at Liu Buli, You Siqi asked, "Liu Buli, you don't think I can do something that difficult, do you? My current cultivation level can at most extend my lifespan; I can't do anything else. Altering temperature is something I haven't even considered. You think too highly of me."
Hearing his reply, Liu Buli almost lost his balance and fell.
After finally steadying himself, Liu Buli hesitated and said, "Then let me think of other ways. The sun is too fierce today; not just the ghost tribe, but even ordinary people would find it unbearable. I'm afraid you might be that ordinary person who can't take it, so..."
"No need for such trouble. After all, Shen Muzhi has already thought of a solution for my problem," You Siqi said with an awkward smile, extending his arm to show Liu Buli the bracelet he was wearing.
At first glance, the bracelet seemed ordinary. However, upon touching it, one could feel a strong surge of spiritual energy emanating from it.
Liu Buli blinked.
You Siqi explained, "This is a magical artifact Shen Muzhi made himself, capable of storing spiritual energy. He usually stores some of his spiritual energy here, so I can use it anytime. The surrounding temperature, whether hot or cold, won't affect me much."
His tone was filled with pride as he spoke.
And he certainly had reason to be proud. From this perspective, Shen Muzhi truly doted on him.
Not long after, the sound of gongs and drums echoed from outside, accompanied by the crackling of firecrackers.
Shen Muzhi had arrived to pick up You Siqi.
You Siqi put on his veil, and Shen Muzhi entered the room, scooping him into his arms.
Perhaps it was because this world was one where everyone cultivated and practiced martial arts, that even ordinary female cultivators had slightly robust physiques from years of training.
But You Siqi was a frail scholar who couldn't even lift a finger. He was like that in his previous world, and even in this one, Shen Muzhi had never allowed him to do any strenuous work. Because of this, he had maintained his slender physique, which was even more delicate than that of most female cultivators.
Now, curled up in Shen Muzhi's arms, his fair, clean hands, which reached out to embrace Shen Muzhi's neck, were as delicate as those of a young lady from a noble family. Coupled with the veil covering his head, the onlookers were momentarily confused, wondering if the initial reports were mistaken or what. The person Shen Muzhi was marrying didn't look like a man at all.
Ignoring the curious glances of the crowd, Shen Muzhi carried You Siqi towards the banquet hall. As he walked, he lowered his head, leaning close to You Siqi's ear, and whispered, "Siqi, are you hot? I told you long ago to just wear something lighter. See, you wouldn't listen, how uncomfortable it must be?"
His words were filled with concern.
You Siqi heard him clearly and couldn't help but chuckle, "I thought you'd compliment my appearance today, but you immediately ask if I'm hot. You're such a straight man!"
Shen Muzhi didn't quite understand the meaning of this description, but he sensed it wasn't a compliment. However, since it was You Siqi saying it, he didn't mind.
With a slight upward curve of his lips, Shen Muzhi said, "Looking good is one thing, but I care more about your health. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, you must tell me immediately. Don't make me worry too much, understand?"
"Don't worry, with the magical artifacts you've given me, what problems could I have?" You Siqi replied with a smile. "What you need to focus on now is the Dao Companion Ceremony. Nothing else is important."
Since he said so, Shen Muzhi withdrew his thoughts. The two entered the hall and walked hand in hand to the front of the ceremonial platform.
They bowed to heaven and earth, then to their elders.
As they had no elders to speak of, the so-called elders' bow ultimately became another bow to heaven and earth.
After these rites, they exchanged a marital bow. Then, Shen Muzhi removed You Siqi's veil.
The face beneath was indeed quite beautiful.
But even with its beauty, it wasn't so androgynous as to be indistinguishable. Thus, everyone could clearly see that this person was definitely a man.
A murmur of discussion rippled through the crowd.
Shen Muzhi, however, heard nothing, feigning ignorance.
In front of everyone, he lowered his head and kissed You Siqi's lips. Looking into his eyes, Shen Muzhi chuckled softly, "Wife, from today onwards, we are officially a family. So, with the atmosphere being so good, how about calling me 'husband' for me to hear?"