Liu Buli smiled and pulled Lu Wuming inside.
This Matchmaker Temple was indeed a place that appeared in the book. Liu Buli still remembered a bit of the plot; it was roughly where the protagonist brought the woman he admired, worshipped the Matchmaker, and secretly pledged their lifelong commitment.
According to the novel's description, this Matchmaker Temple had been abandoned for a long time. Although the statues and the like were still there, they looked somewhat dilapidated due to the lack of worship for so long.
So, when they arrived, Liu Buli had actually prepared himself mentally.
But at this moment, seeing the actual state of the Matchmaker Temple, Liu Buli suddenly realized that his mental preparation hadn't been quite adequate.
This wasn't just "somewhat dilapidated."
It was practically on the verge of collapse!
Green moss covered the stones, and various unknown plants grew in layers beside them, almost engulfing the entire Matchmaker Temple.
Of course, the most terrifying thing wasn't here.
It was the house that looked like it had been neglected for years, half of which had collapsed. The main beams of the house had long since snapped in two, with one half caved in and the other still standing precariously. The Matchmaker statue inside, while still appearing normal with a benevolent smile, looked extraordinarily eerie when paired with the moss covering its entire body.
Liu Buli felt a moment of awkwardness.
Lu Wuming also chuckled helplessly, "Master, why didn't you think of finding a larger Matchmaker Temple? I recall there's one not too far below our Dan Sect's mountain that seems quite popular, isn't there?"
"Of course, I know that," Liu Buli scratched his hair and lowered his head, saying, "But I was thinking, since we are master and disciple, and both men, it's impossible for us to hold a grand Dao Companion ceremony. So, I thought we could worship the Matchmaker and lock a 'heart-to-heart' lock, which would be as good as being married. I don't want anyone to look down on me or gossip about me at my wedding. That's why I chose such a secluded place. Who knew..."
The rest of his words were cut off as Lu Wuming suddenly leaned in and sealed his lips with his own.
Liu Buli froze for a moment, and when their lips parted, he didn't continue speaking.
However, he felt a sense of hesitation.
He didn't know if he should proceed further.
Unexpectedly, Lu Wuming tightened their clasped hands and strode towards the Matchmaker statue, saying, "Master, if that's the case, Wuming actually thinks you've found the best place."
Liu Buli was momentarily puzzled, "What makes you say that?"
"Because you are human, and I am of the ghost clan. We are both men, and master and disciple. For us two to be together, if it were a popular Matchmaker Temple, even the gods might not bless our love," Lu Wuming said. "But look at this one before us. It's about to collapse, and no one has ever worshipped it. Gods exist through the power of human prayers. So, if we worship and pray, won't he have no choice but to bless us?"
Liu Buli listened to his exceptionally possessive statement and was slightly taken aback. He then couldn't help but laugh and nodded vigorously. He said, "Wuming is right, we will definitely receive blessings!"
Lu Wuming lowered his head, his forehead gently touching Liu Buli's. Then, with a hint of regret, he said, "Master, you didn't tell me before coming. If I had known, I would have worn red today, which would have been more fitting for a wedding ceremony."
Unexpectedly, Liu Buli chuckled and immediately pulled out two bright red jackets from his Qiankun Bag. He said, "I brought them! I was thinking, if we both wore red clothes here, it might make others in the sect overthink things. So, we can change here. I've prepared everything."
He paused mid-sentence and then added with some helplessness, "But speaking of which, I never expected you to grow another inch in just a month. These clothes might not fit very well when worn, so..."
"No, these are the best-fitting clothes I'll ever wear," Lu Wuming replied calmly and, without hesitation, took off his outer garment and put on the red one.
Liu Buli looked from side to side. Indeed, it was a bit small.
But since Lu Wuming said it was fine, he didn't say anything more. He also changed into his own clothes, then looked down again and smiled, "Wuming, look, these clothes are truly festive."
Lu Wuming softly hummed in agreement.
He pulled Liu Buli to the Matchmaker statue.
Standing side by side, they imitated what they had seen in books. Lu Wuming loudly declared, "First bow to heaven and earth!"
They both bowed together towards the Matchmaker.
As they straightened up, Liu Buli laughed and said, "I have no parents, and Wuming has no relatives. Who should we bow to as 'high hall'?"
Lu Wuming thought for a moment, then pulled Liu Buli to bow to the Matchmaker again, declaring, "Second bow to the high hall!"
Finally, he pulled Liu Buli to face him. His smile became even more radiant as Lu Wuming said, "Master, husband and wife bow to each other. From today onwards, you are my rightful wife."