Tushan

Tushan (涂山) is the home of the Fox Spirit Matchmakers such as Tushan Susu, Yaya, and Rongrong. It has existed for over 500 years.

## Name

* Translated literally Tushan 涂山 means "Painted Mountain".
* Tushan is also a mountain in Zhejiang province, located on China's southeast coast.
* Tushan is also known as the legendary Cupid's Realm or Matchmaker's Realm (红线界).

## Overview

Tushan is home to the giant Bitter Love Tree, where Spirits and humans make vows of love so they can meet in the after life and reincarnate. The Tushan Fox Spirits are protectors and caretakers of the tree, controlling access and which couples may make heart pledges to it. The city of Tushan has been built in a circle around the tree.

Tushan is home to a luxurious resort, which can be quite expensive to stay at. There are many servants who tend to every need and ensure the comfort of visitors. Tushan is surrounded by a large stone wall that overlooks the lake that runs up to the edge of the outside of Tushan.

As explained in Arc 6, Bai Yuechu views Tushan as being operated like a business, with Yaya the CEO, Rongrong the COO, etc. Indeed, Tushan needs to make profit to keep its matchmaking business running. Though it is a place for love, visitors still need to pay entrance fees, room and board--unless they get special discounts or coupons. With the money it has accrued from its profitable business, Tushan is able to hire many servants, once even hiring Dongfang Yuechu. Stingy with money, the Tushan matriarchs do not like owing anything to anybody.

Even though Bai Yuechu is one of the main characters, groom to Susu, and Tushan's son in law apparent, he still needs to work to receive a yearly salary (because he has accumulated an enormous debt with Tushan over his many reincarnations who kept putting off repayment to the next reincarnation), completing quests for his bosses Yaya and Rongrong. Bai once tries to negotiate a salary raise, but Queen Yaya brings him down to earth, saying the Love Thermometer indicating his love with Susu barely changed. Yaya then says that Susu's love with Bai is not their personal business, but the business of all of Tushan.

## History

Over 500 years ago Tushan Honghong was the leader of Tushan, however, it is currently managed by her successor Tushan Yaya--who leaves the everyday affairs to her sister and second in command Tushan Rongrong. Tushan's business revolves around the resort and their Matchmaking service available for human and Spirit couples who wish to make a Pledge of Love. Those who make a vow beneath the tree will have their names written in the Tushan Matchmaker's books so that when the human is reincarnated the Tushan's Matchmaker's can help guide them back to their loved one and help them recover their lost memories. While Tushan cannot guarantee that every love story will be a success, as it depends on the agency of the two who make the vow and their own efforts to again fall in love, they do everything in their power to help them get back together.

The Tushan Pledge of Love is the only known reliable method of reincarnation for humans. The city-state of Tushan is also the leader of the Spirit Union and a major player in the Yi Qi Dao Spirit Union Alliance and their influence is very considerable in the major world. A single letter from Tushan's Queen can quickly condemn or save a person.

Tushan charges an entry fee to all visitors who wish to pass through based on each individual's strength to guarantee safe passage and it can be said to be somewhat exploitative. Setting even a single foot across the boundary of Tushan without permission will notify the Head of Tushan.

## Defense

*See also: Battle of Tushan*
The city of Tushan has many considerable defenses developed over the years; however, the most formidable is its leader and Queen. In earlier times, Tushan Honghong defended the city and clan from any attack with her brute strength. Now Tushan Yaya defends it with her powerful ice magic and spirit power. Tushan Rongrong also assists her sisters when needed. In addition to its leaders, a stone wall surrounds Tushan adding to its beauty, but also serving as a functional defense. The Silver Moon Guard also patrols the city keeping its citizens safe and defending its entrances when needed.

Each member of the Silver Moon Guard has at least 300 years of magic studying experience and is very formidable. A number of powerful individuals who await their lover's reincarnation and owe favors to the Tushan also at times come to Tushan's defense, hoping to earn a favor defending the city and protecting the Bitter Love Tree at its center where they live. Tushan is also protected by a spirit array which prevents anyone from entering or leaving without permission of the Tushan Queen.

## Destinations

*See also: Terminology*

 Spirit Candy House
 Antique Workshop
 Dating House

## Matchmakers

The oldest and traditionally respectable profession for Tushan residents is that of a Matchmaker. Each Matchmaker has a sacred book or Tianshu that contains key information that helps them in their matchmaking assignments. The books are said to be made from the Bitter Love Tree. Through these books they obtain information about each couple they are to work with in helping them restore their lost love.

Their work is made even more complicated by opposition from the Shadow Foxes, the enemies of Tushan as explained by Yaya. They try to thwart Tushan's efforts to reunite humans and yaoguai by inciting hatred and breeding violence. Their ultimate motive though is to obtain Yuechu's Xukong Zhilei and become all-powerful rulers of the world.

The #1 Matchmaker duo at the moment is Tushan Susu and Bai Yeuchu who have managed to save and bring together many different couples while also foiling the work of the Shadow Foxes.