Unknowingly, Lu Fengmian's heart suddenly ached. Still in his fox form, he slowly came closer to the voices. He was able to see faint figures holding another man, the snow behind them was red. Lu Fengmian knew who the man was right away, even if he could barely see him, just this was already enough. This was the man he loved, yet in this world, Lu Fengmian didn't even know if he would have the chance to be together with him for he still had to complete his task.

Lu Fengmian's paws moved rather slow but he could see that some tents were set up. There weren't many, only a few, but it should be able to house close to fifty soldiers. In the snowy mountains like this, fifty soldiers were already a gamble, particularly this mountain that was known for avalanches.

Lu Fengmian was a bit hesitant but he got closer and closer. The people had already rushed into one of the bigger tents, and voices could be heard. There was no one around Lu Fengmian, so he listened in on what was happening.

"What happened? The General had always been careful and barely gets injured. Today is the first time that he has been attacked this heavily."

"It was my fault. We were ambushed by the barbarians in the other mountain. I was distracted and the General was attacked because of my lack of attention and care."

Lu Fengmian's ears twitched, but he couldn't do anything to help his lover who he now knew was the general. He hadn't been given any information, this world was too different from all the worlds beforehand and he was too limited. This was the first time he had felt so useless.

Revealing his identity would be too suspicious, he would risk revealing his identity and Lu Yingyue's, especially when fox demons were not welcomed and killed by many.

"Nianzhen, help me bandage my wound quickly. I saw footprints when I was exploring this mountain leading to the forest. It seems like there is actually someone who lives here."

"Qingshan, the wound is bleeding but you should be able to move without any hindrance. In the mean time, Qi Yue and Hou Li, stop arguing and get me my tools, I will need to clean the wound and take out the arrow."

As soon as Lu Fengmian heard this name, he knew who his lover was. Tang Qingshan, Emperor Mo Chou's close friend and the fierce general of Mo Nation. At the age of 13, he had led his army to defeat the Wei Nation and conquered the land. Now 20, he had already won countless battles and wars, never defeated, he was seen as the most promising figure to helping the Mo Nation expand.

Upon hearing this, Lu Fengmian was able to relax. It seemed that the wound wasn't too heavy if Tang Qingshan was alright and still talking. What he had to worry about next was whether Tang Qingshan would find him and Lu Yingyue.

Lu Fengmian wasn't too worried, because a part of knew that nothing would happen. Lu Yingyue would be worried, but to be honest, Lu Fengmian felt a bit selfish. He wanted to see Tang Qingshan, the man who he knew was his lover.

When Lu Fengmian heard footsteps coming closer to him, he sprung away from the door, retreating back into the forest faster than the eye could see.

"That's weird, I definitely heard something." Hou Li said as he lifted the cover of the tent.

"Wait, I think these are fox prints." Qi Yue knelt down and looked at the prints that were a quite a bit bigger than normal foxes but still belonged to fox's.

(Tang Qingshan (Blue mountains), 20 years old)

Tang Qingshan suddenly lifted his head, his robe opened as Jiang Nianzhen began taking out the arrow at the side of his stomach. He had just felt something, he was sure of it. But then, his eyes glinted as he closed them for it was gone as soon as it was felt. No, it was most likely just fatigue catching up to him.

Lu Yingyue looked outside, her eyes glazed with noticeable worry. She had heard them, a very faint sound of hooves on this mountain. Right away, she knew that soldiers were on this mountain now. Even if they left at this time, they would be discovered regardless.

Lu Yingyue changed into her demon form. White fox ears appeared on her head, her nails grew long like claws, and fangs grew from her teeth. There was coldness in her eye as looked at her hand. Then, she turned back to a human as if nothing had happened. It seemed like these people wouldn't be a threat at the moment. Now that she had returned back to Lu Fengmian, she couldn't be reckless. She couldn't just kill anyone anymore.

Closing her eyes rapidly, Lu Yingyue quickly got rid of the ice within her eyes just as Lu Fengmian stepped through the doors.

Lu Yingyue turned to him, a light smile on her lips as she asked, "Did everything go well?"

Lu Fengmian wasn't going to lie, he knew that Lu Yingyue was much more powerful and should have already figured that something was wrong or that people had stepped onto the mountain.

"There are some people who have set up a few tents here. It looks like they are soldiers but their purpose here is also unknown." Lu Fengmian replied, skipping over some other facts that he didn't want to say.

His task was to protect Lu Yingyue, but it didn't mean that he also couldn't be with the man he loved. The original soul had said that he could do as he wanted, so long as he protected Lu Yingyue.

"I see then. Sit, I have already prepared lunch for us." Lu Yingyue merely nodded as she pointed to the table.

On this mountain that was normally frozen over, there was only one spot that was rather warm. This place was quite hidden though, and far below the mountain. Lu Yingyue often came to that place to find fruits and edible plants. Lu Yingyue also had the original soul set traps for animals too.

As Lu Fengmian sat down on the chair, grabbing his pair of chopsticks, Lu Yingyue suddenly asked.

"Feng'er, remember to be careful. They are humans, no matter what, we are still fox demons. It will always be better to keep our identities hidden, so to remain safe. The humans hate us demons, and while we demons are also cruel towards them, each demon is different. Just... be careful," Lu Yingyue softly advised, her eyes turning warm with adoration as she looked at Lu Fengmian.

"I understand, sister. I know that you simply wish for my well-being and safety. I will take your words to heart, you shall not need to worry about this." Lu Fengmian returned Lu Yingyue's kindness.

No matter who or what persona Lu Yingyue really had, the love she held for the original soul was prominent. Lu Fengmian knew well that Lu Yingyue was a kind person to those she loved and treasured. It was why she was so protective, especially when the original soul had nearly been killed by humans. That was why Lu Yingyue had moved to the mountains, to keep the original soul safe and so that they would be able to hide easier.

The two ate in peace, casually speaking about other matters such as the forest and such. Since Lu Yingyue didn't know what may happen, she had started some coal warmers inside the tiny home. Although fox demons couldn't get cold, it was better to be safe. She had also give Lu Fengmian a cloak and also put one on herself. Else, the humans would be suspicious of them for living in such weathers yet not even feeling cold.

Lu Fengmian watched as Lu Yingyue began arranging the house so that it would look like that of a human's. Since they were fox demons, they were naturally different from humans and weren't cold. So even with the cloak, it didn't feel any different. Lu Fengmian used this time to think about some things. He was still confused.

Lu Fengmian knew that since Fei Shang had lied from the very beginning, his only purpose wasn't to gain the male lead's love. But that being said, why was this world suddenly so different from the rest?

Although Lu Fengmian had known that something was different ever since the last few worlds, he hadn't expect that things would suddenly take a turn like this. It made him a bit scared, especially since Fei Shang wouldn't be able to help guide him and that he didn't have a clue about how this world was to play out.

Lu Yingyue stood, hands holding onto her clock as she fixed it on her and then put her hand on Lu Fengmian's shoulder. "Feng'er, let's go. It may be better to go and meet them rather than let them come find us. We can treat it as simply going to explore a bit. Even though they may be suspicious, I will simply tell them that we were born and raised here, able to travel the mountain without danger."

Lu Fengmian's face remained the same, nodding his head in agreement. Lu Yingyue was smart and practical, Lu Fengmian knew that she wouldn't be easily fooled. The only thing was that she was quite protective towards Lu Fengmian but that wasn't such a bad thing.

In fact, Lu Fengmian could feel the love that Lu Yingyue held towards the original soul. It was a loving emotion, something so strong that even Lu Fengmian was affected by it.

"Let's go then, be careful though. There were some conflicts when I had seen them. It seems like the matters about the war has also begun to spread." Lu Fengmian didn't do anything as Lu Yingyue helped fix his cloak, lifting his hood onto his head before grabbing his hand and leading them out the door.

Stepping on the cold snow, Lu Yingyue walked side by side next to Lu Fengmian. The two looked quite similar in the sense that they both held an elegant aura to them. They each had exquisite features, and both of them were even very close. If one didn't know the truth, they would think that the two were real siblings borne from the same parents. Now that their cloak covered over them and hid their faces, they weren't too outstanding.

"They shouldn't be far from here. Feng'er, remember to be careful. If possible, I will try to talk to them and explain some things. It is best to be wary, we don't know if they might discover our identities." Lu Yingyue's voice was comforting as they began nearing the ground of tents.

Lu Fengmian nodded his head, his heart suddenly speeding. He could already feel the presence of the man he loved, it unknowingly brought his lips into a small curve.

By the biggest tent, smacked in the center, two soldiers now stood guard at each side. They were standing straight, dressed in their armor, a sword sheathed at their side. As soon as they noticed Lu Fengmian and Lu Yingyue nearing, they tensed.

Lu Yingyue stopped, her hand gently tapping so that Lu Fengmian knew to stand a bit further away.

"Who are you?" The soldier on the right spoke out in a grunt.

Lu Yingyue didn't take offense as she merely replied, "I am someone who lives upon this mountain. Having heard the commotion, I decided to come and meet your commanding officer to see what matters have been brought upon, so that he has come to this small mountain."

The soldiers looked at one another before the same soldier replied once more. "The General is currently resting. Whatever words you have to say, you will have to hold it for some other day."

Getting this reply, Lu Yingyue knitted her brows. If possible, she didn't want to use force to get her way. Lu Yingyue knew martial arts, having practiced it as a way to protect herself and Lu Fengmian was also capable at using martial arts. Lu Yingyue knew well that whoever was in the tent was wide awake, and it did make her a bit angry but she held it in.

Lu Fengmian stood next to Lu Yingyue, able to feel the slowly rising anger from her. He knew that it was simply because Lu Yingyue was suffering from too much worry, especially with all that was currently happening with the hunters and such.

"Sister, if the General is resting, then let us come another day." Lu Fengmian decided to retreat before anything happens. No matter what, his task was to protect Lu Yingyue and that was what he needed to worry about first. Even if the man inside was his lover, the water was still too murky. He didn't know what the outcome may be.

Lu Yingyue heard Lu Fengmian's voice, and her anger dispersed at once. Lu Fengmian was still with her, she couldn't be too willful with him here. But that didn't mean that she was going to retreat, she was still someone who practiced martial arts. "General, having stepped upon this mountain, I know that you will need someone to guide you. My offer is put out here and now, it won't stand any later."

There was a moment of silence as Lu Fengmian waited to see what would happen. It wasn't until he heard a faint shuffle inside that his heart rested at peace, a voice soon echoing afterwards.

"Forgive me for my lateness, please step in as you wish."

It was just his voice, yet Lu Fengmian's heart skipped a beat.

Meeting you once more, so many worlds have passed yet the feelings get stronger...

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