Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 2603  The Mei Clan Matriarch And An Alliance For Descendants

Lin Mu was surprised by the unexpected treatment he received.

If it hadnʼt been for the fact that he sensed no danger from her—and that Mei Nienzhen had brought him here—he wouldnʼt have allowed the woman to come so close, let alone touch him.

”Who...” Lin Mu began, but the woman interrupted.

”I am Mei Zhaoshi,” the mature woman introduced herself, her voice steady yet graceful. ”The Matriarch of the Mei Clan and Mei Nienzhenʼs mother.”

”Ah, so youʼre her mother,” Lin Mu said, realization dawning. He now understood why Mei Nienzhen had brought him here: it was to introduce him to her family.

The Mei Clan, ruling over Iridescence Peak, was one of the most influential powers in the Dao Wind Empire. Their strength was evident, especially in Matriarch Meiʼs formidable cultivation base. She wasnʼt alone in her prowess; several other women in white were present, three of whom were at the Sixth Tribulation Stage of the Immortal Realm.

The Crown Prince, seated nearby, watched the interaction with an amused smile.

”To what do I owe this pleasure, Matriarch Mei?” Lin Mu asked, suspecting there was more to this meeting.

”I wanted to meet the man who managed to inspire my lazy daughter to work hard,” Mei Zhaoshi said with a warm smile. ”And also to see if her taste in men is as good as mine.” She added the last part teasingly.

”Uh, what?” Lin Mu was baffled, while the Crown Prince chuckled quietly.

”The Mei Clan is matriarchal,” Mei Zhaoshi continued, her tone turning informative. ”We cultivate a unique cold technique that is best suited to women. Because of its nature, we cannot marry just anyone; we require partners who can complement us.”

Lin Muʼs confusion deepened, and the Crown Prince decided to step in.

”Matriarch Mei is here to matchmake you with Miss Nienzhen,” Crown Prince Feng Shun explained, a teasing grin on his face.

Lin Mu exhaled deeply, recognizing the familiar situation of elders meddling in his affairs. Heʼd encountered it often enough before and was slowly learning how to handle it.

”Iʼm flattered by the offer,” Lin Mu said diplomatically, ”but I donʼt think itʼs possible for me to settle down.”

”Oh? Do you not like my daughter?” Mei Zhaoshi asked, her gaze sharp but not unkind. ”Or... perhaps you already have someone in mind?” Her piercing eyes seemed to search his soul.

Lin Muʼs thoughts wavered momentarily, and an image of flaming red hair flashed in his mind.

”I see...” Mei Zhaoshi said softly, her experienced eyes discerning everything. ”It appears this wonʼt work out after all.”

”Mother...” Mei Nienzhen tugged gently at her motherʼs sleeve and whispered something in her ear.

”If you say so, then it should be fine.” Mei Zhaoshi nodded before addressing Lin Mu again. ”I have another proposal for you.”

”What is it now?” Lin Mu braced himself, half-expecting another outrageous suggestion.

”Itʼs simple,” Mei Zhaoshi began. ”While you might not marry my daughter, perhaps your descendants could form an alliance with our clan. With your vitality, your lineage is bound to be extraordinary.”

Lin Mu was taken aback. ”My descendants? What do you mean?”

Mei Zhaoshi smiled, producing a token that resembled a lotus carved from solid ice. Its surface bore the Mei Clanʼs emblem.

”This token represents our clan,” she explained, placing it in his hand. ”As long as you or your descendants possess it, the Mei Clan will always welcome you. This is my way of ensuring our paths might align in the future.”

Lin Mu examined the icy token, its cold touch contrasting with the warmth of her words.

”Thank you,” he said sincerely, recognizing the significance of the gesture.

”I wonʼt take more of your time,” Mei Zhaoshi said as she gestured for her clan members to follow her. ”I understand youʼre leaving soon, so I wanted to make this one last attempt on behalf of my daughter. Farewell, Lin Mu.”

The other women left the room, leaving only Mei Nienzhen behind.

Lin Mu looked at her, uncertain of what to say, when she suddenly stepped closer. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks.

”Mmm...” she murmured before grabbing his shoulders.

”Wha—” Lin Mu barely reacted as she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Before he could process what had just happened, Mei Nienzhen turned and ran off.

Laughter erupted in the room, one voice external and the other internal.

”Hahahaha...”

”HAHAHAHAHA...”

Both Crown Prince Feng Shun and Xukong, Lin Muʼs companion, were thoroughly amused.

”So, there is something that can make you lose your composure,” Feng Shun teased, barely containing his laughter. ”Though I must say, for the Mei Clan to personally propose a marriage alliance—not just for you but for your descendants—itʼs unheard of! This hasnʼt happened in thousands of years.”

”They donʼt do this?” Lin Mu asked, his hand brushing the lingering coolness on his cheek.

”No, not at all,” Feng Shun replied. ”Quite the opposite. The Mei Clan members are famed for their beauty and are courted by tens of thousands each year. Most of those suitors fail to meet their requirements.

”The Mei Clan only accepts partners with exceptional vitality or those cultivating Fire or Yang-element techniques,” he added.

Xukong chimed in, his tone sagely. ”Itʼs a common situation for clans specializing in extreme techniques. Their choices are limited, and they have to be meticulous.”

Lin Mu sighed, still holding the token and feeling the weight of yet another twist in his journey.

”You can consider this an achievement.” Crown Prince Feng Shun stated. ”If others were to find out, the men of the Dao Wind Empire would all be extremely envious of you. Perhaps even the rest of the Rust Sky Worldʼs men might come to challenge you in order to catch the attention of the Mei Clanʼs women.” He added.

”That would be a pain.” Lin Mu shook his head.

”Perhaps it would be a greater pain for the men. First they would experience Heart ache and then they would feel the body ache after you crush them.” the Crown Prince continued to laugh.