Back then, Shen Yan, though a bit foolish, still understood the principle of men and women keeping their distance.
Thus, he always maintained a deliberate distance from Gu An.
It was for this reason that Gu An liked him; he was unlike other men she had met.
Seeing the expression on Gu An's face, Xiang Nang hesitated before asking cautiously, "Then, can you tell me why you became a matchmaker?"
"Back then, Shen Yan went to the demon realm for two reasons."
"What?"
Gu An recalled, "First, he was going to discard the Soul Sword..." Halfway through her sentence, her eyelids grew heavy.
Noticing Gu An's changed expression, Xiang Nang asked, "What's wrong?"
"After I find Shen Yan, I will definitely have him help me retrieve the Soul Sword from the underworld."
"That might be difficult?"
The Soul Sword was filled with soul essence, and Gu An had entered hell because of it. Xiang Nang knew this better than anyone, and Shen Yan's master had also asked him to discard the Soul Sword out of concern that it would bring trouble to Shen Yan.
Now, Gu An's confident declaration had clearly stunned Xiang Nang.
Gu An said, "I've inquired. As long as the Soul Sword stays in the underworld for a hundred years, the demonic essence on its blade will dissipate. Calculating the time, it should be about right by the time I find Shen Yan."
"Do you know how many years you were imprisoned?"
"Decades, perhaps."
"Decades?" Xiang Nang's mouth twitched.
Gu An looked closely at Xiang Nang's contorted expression, then glanced at Shen Xian and asked, "Why do you have that look?"
Xiang Nang replied helplessly, "You were only in the underworld for ten years, not decades. How could you remember it that way, Master?"
Gu An's brow furrowed. "Ah? Then, the Soul Sword will have to continue waiting down there."
"Yes, Master."
"Alas!"
"Master, why are you sighing?"
"I was hoping to have Shen Yan rescue the Soul Sword, and then..." Gu An pouted, "I would gift it to him. It seems that plan will have to be postponed."
"Master, this matter is far from certain. I think... you should tell me first why you became a matchmaker?"
And so, the topic turned back.
"Oh, continuing," Gu An said, thinking for a moment before continuing. "One, he was going to discard the Soul Sword, and two, he was also going to find a companion."
"Companion?"
"Yes. He said his cultivation of immortal rank is quite special; he can only have an official immortal position after finding a companion. Therefore, I thought," Gu An glanced at Shen Xian again, "he must be looking for an immortal-destined maiden this time."
"..."
"So, next, I will approach him in the guise of a matchmaker. This way, everything will proceed smoothly."
"Master, you have no experience in these matters. If you... find the wrong person, his future lives could be ruined. I think you should think of another way."
"No."
"Master!"
"Alright, I'm going." With that, Gu An looked around, and when she confirmed no one was watching, she snapped her fingers, and her clothes transformed into rags.
Seeing this, Xiang Nang was startled. "Master, this...?"
"First, I need to gain his sympathy," Gu An said, swaggering towards Shen Xian.
Xiang Nang: "..."
Moments later, Gu An walked up to Shen Xian and sat down opposite him.
Seeing Gu An as a beggar, the tea stall owner immediately grabbed her arm and said, "Go away."
Gu An had expected to strike up a conversation with Shen Xian smoothly, but instead, she was interrupted by the owner.
Then, she glanced awkwardly at Shen Xian opposite her, who didn't even look at her. She shook off the owner's hand and said, "Why should I go away?"
"You little beggar, your presence here only hinders my business. You're filthy, go away."
"Discriminating against people like this, isn't that improper?"
"I am discriminating against you. Do you have money? Can you afford my finest tea?"
"Finest?" Gu An repeated, reaching out and directly taking the teacup from in front of Shen Xian. She then drank a mouthful without hesitation, tasted it, and grinned. "Good tea, who are you kidding? It tastes terrible." After saying that, she slammed the teacup onto the table.
Shen Xian: "..." He raised his eyes and looked at the unreasonable Gu An opposite him.
The owner's eyes widened in anger. "You stinking beggar, if you don't know how to taste tea, don't spout nonsense. Hurry and leave." He grabbed Gu An's arm again.
Immediately, Shen Xian said coldly, "Let go."
Hearing this, the owner was taken aback and turned to look at Shen Xian. "Guest, what do you mean by that?"
"Although she is a beggar, she is still a person, and a woman. Your actions," Shen Xian looked at the owner, "are perhaps excessive."
"Me?"
"Let go. Go."
The owner: "..." He sighed, released his grip, and walked away.
Gu An glanced at the owner's retreating back, then looked at Shen Xian and smiled, saying, "Thank you!"
"You are a demon cultivator."
"....." Gu An froze.
"Don't let me see you again," Shen Xian pointed at Gu An and stood up.
At the same time, Gu An also stood up and asked, "Where are you going?"
"....." Shen Xian walked ahead.
Although Shen Yan was aloof, he would respond no matter how Gu An spoke to him.
Unexpectedly, this Shen Xian was so arrogant. Gu An must have been angered by this.
But in order to see Shen Yan, she could only swallow her pride and follow.
Half an hour later.
Shen Xian stopped in front of an inn and said, "Leave quickly. If you follow me inside and are driven out by the mortals there, I will absolutely not speak up for you."
"I've been following you for nearly half an hour. If not for my sake, at least for Buddha's sake, take me in. I have something to tell you."
Shen Xian: "..." He stared at Gu An's face.
Gu An felt uncomfortable under Shen Xian's gaze. "You... why are you looking at me? Is there something on my face?" She touched her face.
Immediately, Shen Xian suddenly reached out and cupped Gu An's cheek.
Gu An was stunned. "What are you doing?"
The next second, Shen Xian grabbed Gu An's face and said, "Your skin isn't that thick either." With that, he removed his hand.
Gu An rubbed her face in pain and said, "Men and women should keep their distance. Why did you touch me?"
"You know that too?"
"I do."
"Then do you think it's appropriate for you to follow me like this?"
Gu An: "..."
"Stop following me," Shen Xian pointed at Gu An and turned to walk into the inn.
Because Shen Xian's words were indeed reasonable, Gu An had no retort.
However, even so, she still had to pester him, because she wanted to see Shen Yan.
"Wait for me." Saying this, she followed him in.
Another half an hour later.
Gu An sat outside Shen Xian's room, her lips constantly repeating, "Let me in," four words.
Inside the room.
Shen Xian stood by the window, unaffected by Gu An, and looked down at the women on the street, muttering, "None of them have immortal destiny."