Of Princes and Paupers

by doctorfluffy777

Summary:

In another universe, a new System is assigned to Shen Yuan. A screw up on it's end means Shen Yuan is landed the role of a nameless but pivotal cannon fodder villain whom Luo Binghe first encounters as a child. As Shen Yuan grows attached to his new life , he does his best to hug the protagonist's thigh. Only to realize....Eh? Since when did he hug the protagonist's heart from the very start?

Notes:

To every one of my old readers who saw this. I accidentally deleted my original work while writing. I am so , so sorry ! My copmputer crashed and my mouse somehow cliccked on the delete work button , I am devastated this has happened . I made so many friends here, I am genuinely devastated this has happened. Unfortunately now I will have to reupload everything!

Hi everyone! I'm new here! I hope you all like the route I'm gunning for which is more of a spoiled Tsundere route which Shen Yuan is trying to play.

Chapter 1: Tra La La It's a wonderful day to DIE

Summary:

Guys . This is a reuploaded fic . Currently reuploading a 25 chapters of my fanfic which my computer crashed and somehow ao3 managed to delete . I am so sorry to everyone who had supported this fic . It isn’t dead . It just was Avery bad accident and now my computer is gone and I’m relying on my phone to reupload all my backups .

I will also be rewriting the story majorly. So if you haven't been back here for a bit. You might wanna take a looksee! <333

                                                                                                                                                                                         
   

                                                                                                       

---

                                                  

There are hypotheses throughout history on god and the possibility of an afterlife by believers and non-believers. And equally hotly debated between scientists is the possibility of there being infinite universes . What these scientists and the priests would beg to politely disagree would be that said god in charge of a particular universe can be a novice , hypothetically if there was a god.

What these learned and religious men would never guess is that not only there are multiple universes, but like grains between sand , prospective mortals are sorted through after their time is determined to be up, by a Central processing unit called the MotherBoard that controls all these souls and decides if said souls will be reborn in their universe of origin or be capable enough to change certain macrocosms which are ironically similar to literature works made by said humans.

And that is not taking into account if a universe generates excess energy by the soul being successful in completing the assigned task and then some more. Generating enough energy too create a duplicate universe but perhaps with a different scenario. To which another System will be assigned to this 'duplicate' universe.

The purpose ? To aid in thus contributing to the cause of an eternally expanding cosmos. To which the Motherboard will appoint a program called a System to guide the soul to go through this particular universe.

Some of these systems are seasoned veterans, having guided countless souls through thousands of worlds.

Some are freshly minted, just finished the Motherboard's training program.

Like the one in which this story is about to unfold .

——- Tong Tong’s no good onlining——-

In one reality , a capable , experienced ( and brutally effective ) system called BB ( It's full name was a hefty one 'you can up you up no bb', the 'bb' was a short form of nag from the chinese word 'Bibi' or 哔哔 ) was assigned to an unfortunate young man called Shen Yuan whom in turn according to protocol would play the role of Shen Qingqiu .

That was the original plan and it worked extremely well.

So well that it generated countless alternate realities of the same universe.

In one reality - This reality , BB thought the guiding of a transmigrator to the paltry plot of Proud immortal demon way was way too beneath a system of it's calibre and thus allowed a younger more inexperienced system to take over the handling of this plot .

Tong Tong was young . It had just completed its first system training certification and in its excitement over receiving its first real assignment From the Motherboard had promptly blanked out of pure excitement as the long awaited for assignment appeared in it's inbox.

When it had come back online and hastily accepted the task, it nearly screeched in horror when it entered its host original world to retrieve the soul .

What was this ?! It was late !

So very, very late!

---

It’s host was in death throes and his soul was splintering !!!!

It hastily pulled the soul out of the body and thankfully it was not too far gone to be salvaged.

But it would need time to bring back the splintered soul to full condition and that this put Shen Qingqiu out of consideration . Too much effort for the delicate soul to handle an adult cultivator's role , it would stress and likely permanently fracture the soul . No ... this job needed to be covered up . Swept under the rug. Before-Before.... Tong Tong shuddered.

.....Before the Motherboard found out.

It needed it's transmigrator in tip top un-splintered soul condition .

So an alternative was chosen .

——- Shen Yuan’s terrible no good day —//

Shen Yuan was not having a good time . The first inkling that shit had hit the proverbial fan was that irritating cacophony consisting of a electronic screech with beeping, that sounds like dial up wi fi accompanied by the sound of what sounded like a Vocaloid character panicking as he rocked around in death throes from that expired steamed bun he had inhaled courtsey of a piece of foul tasting gluey meat had lodged itself in his windpipe like a rabid chipmunk that decided to bunker down in a tree by slipping into a crevice , as he choked in rage over the final ending chapter of Proud Immortal Demon way.

Fucking fucketty fuck.

What the heinous holy heaping pile of bullshit did he waste a good half a decade of his life and was now dying for ?!

Why, on such -such trash!

Oh, it wasn't always that way, he lamented. Even in his dying moments he remembered the good times.

Ah, hard not to feel sentimental. Considering he spent five years of his life-

.....

This remembered fact makes him choke even more on the stale piece of meat stuck in his throat.

-ON!

THIS!

SHIIIIIIIT!

This finally brings his suffering to an end as his blood pressure skyrockets towards the sky just like Luo Binghe's sky pillar upon seeing a new voluptuous , pea-brained, large boobied princess who happened to be a virgin!

Then it all goes blissfully dark .

—-

But not for long . Would you like an absolute free service and experience of the feeling of an almighty vacuum sucking the very essence out of your body?

0/10. Would not recommend it.

But that was the feeling Shen Yuan got as he felt the pain of existence fade and the strangest feeling of being pulled out and sent to somewhere else by an omnipotent force.

【Activation Code：「Stupid author, stupid novel」. Automatically triggering system.】

【Hello, Host! 0w0】

Shen Yuan looked around. It was like he was floating in a virtual space, it was pitch-dark. That voice came from everywhere, it was exactly like a vocaloid character's voice. Still, the sweet earnestness of the voice was reassuring in this confusion.

【Congratulations! Congratulations! Due to a technical error, you have been given more leeway to enjoy a premium experience to aid in the developing concept of 「you can you up, no BS」. We hope to provide you with the best experience once the time comes! It is our sincere hope that during the course of your experience, you can achieve what you desired. To transform a piece of stupid writing in accordance to your wishes into a high-end, impressive, and high-grade classic work. We pray for your success- I mean,happiness! 0w0 】

If he could turn and run, he would upon hearing this.

【H-host? Why the long face ? 0A0 】

//"System. When you put it like that. Clearly you screwed up something so spectacularly that you have been forced to give me leeway for me to even have a chance of succeeding in whatever task you have in-store for me. Which means whatever is awaiting for me can't be good." //

[ ....]

[...wuwuwuwuwuwuuuuuu, Lao Da please help me out or I'll be sent back for retraining by the Mot-My boss! I don't wanna go back !]

---

In Proud Immortal Demon way , it was said in Volume 1, Chapter 1, Pg 233 that Luo Binghe was abandoned by his parents immediately after being born. He was wrapped in white cloth, put in a wood basin, and set into the water.

It was the coldest time of the year and it was only because the fishermen in the river fished him up that he didn’t freeze to death and die in his early childhood. Because he was floating on the Luo River and it was the season when the river was filled with thin ice, he was given his current name.

He wandered the streets in his youth, starving and never wearing enough to be warm. It was a dreary childhood. A rich family’s washerwoman saw that the child was pitiful and she had no children at her knees so she adopted him and treated him as her real son while she raised him. The mother and son were poor, suffering humiliation at the hands of the wealthy whose charity they relied upon in order to live.

That extremely unhealthy growing environment as a child was the planted seed of disaster that caused Luo Binghe’s twisted nature: after darkening, he fought over every trifle, seeking revenge for the smallest grievance, and had thousands of knives set to kill in his heart while his mouth smiled and agreed.

However what Airplane never specified was what the name of the city was where Luo Binghe eventually would meet the kindly washerwoman or even the name of the wealthy household which served as the first point of blackening for the protagonist.

On a starry night, when the moon waned, and people shut their doors and the fishermen dared not fish . A chill wind blew , across the icy Luo river, and rattled the golden roof shingles of this very same city that would later be graced by the young protagonist.

But while the entire world of Proud Immortal Demon way was focused around Luo Binghe. This story is not focused around Luo Binghe but the newly transmigrated Shen Yuan.

And this story starts not anywhere near the banks of the Icy Luo river, nor the innumerable riverside shanties where the poor squat, it does not take place in the towns that circle the hill that sits on which rests a wondrous citadel of which everything seems to be made of gold and every person here lived in comfort, splendor and never wanted for.

At the crest of the hill, and the dead end of the fanciest neighbourhood of this grand citadel, and well-fortified was the largest and most elegant manor which belonged to the appointed ruler of the small country is where Shen Yuan's story starts in this universe.

The ruler had been voted into power as this was a democracy , and while he had made a name for himself for being the best weaver for this entire country was a fabric producing country and he had been already very well to do when many decided due to his charity, leadership and enviable skill, he should rule.

The ruler naturally was considered very respectable, from those privileged to live within the walls of the Golden Citadel to the lowliest beggar huddling at the streets of the shanties near to the Luo river,

Not only because of his aforementioned riches , but because he or his well respected clan which all were equally well bred and well known for their prestigious pedigree AND because they came from a long line of wealthy whom never had the need to go on adventures or did anything out of the ordinary,

Infact you could tell what someone from this line of whose ilk, which Shen Yuan had been reborn into would do or say on any opinion without the bother of asking him.

This is a story of how the son of the ruler of the Golden citadel, born of a long line noblesse had an adventure, and found himself doing and saying things altogether unexpected. He may have lost the wealthy neighbours' respect, but he gained-well, you will see whether our dear Shen Yuan gained anything in the end.

A cry of a child filled the night, coming from the window of this extravagant manor , followed by the comforting murmuring of the child's father, the ruler of the Golden Citadel . "Ai yo, don't cry, don't cry. Ba ba is here. My precious brave little boy, wait a little longer. The doctor is coming with medicine~"

Shen Yuan didn't care though.

He was not amused to find himself flung from out of the pot and into the frying pan.

For now, he was a full grown 28 year old man stuck in the body of an INFANT. The cooing older gentleman whom looked like a thug , a portly man with a pug face that only a Mother could love , who was acting like a devoted mother hen had no way of understanding his son wasn't exactly himself or rather the person he would canonically grow up to be.

Crap, did this make him a bodysnatcher?

[ Lao da ! You were ordained by the Motherboard to come to this world to mend the plot ! This is your body, by all rights !]

//...Yeah that and a splintered soul and a looming death flag . Thanks for that by the way. Yannow, telling me . So that I can freak out more about the reason why my body is gonna be super weak is the cause of that. //

[ ,,,, ]

[Lao Daaaaaaaa! OAO]

--

Still it wasn't too bad. It could be worse. He could be a main villain like that Shen Qingqiu or a decrepit old bag like the Old Palace Master .

In his previous life, Shen Yuan had been well-off growing up, and could qualify as a modestly wealthy second-gen. With two older brothers, set to inherit the family business, and a little sister to dote on. The entire family had been very close.

From childhood he’d known that even if he idled the rest of his life away, he’d never want for anything. Perhaps it was due to this carefree environment, devoid of competition and pressure, but he’d always believed that as long as a competition had more than ten participants, placing in the top ten was good enough. To put it simply ... He was a bit of a lazy bum .

So this role to him, a future pampered young master was not too hard to play. His days thus far were spent idling by his father's side .He had TWELVE nannies for when his father had business meetings that needed to be baby free , a room full of toys which were , surprise, surprise, all gold coloured and high quality. Whatever he was , well, he was probably a side character but at least a pampered one!

And boy was he pampered! His new baba was attentive to him and insisted on nannying him. Shen Yuan did not need TT to guide him, the pair listened in astonishment as the old man took time to tell his son about the bright beautiful city , and how everything that the golden rays of the sun that touched this wondrous citadel would be all his oneday.

Shen Yuan on good days when they had a little time, would be taken out and paraded around the city which was imaginatively called The Golden Citadel. Technically it was a castle town and as large as it was, was nothing to what Shen Yuan found the city that was beneath the hill upon the fortress perched which was technically an entire state.

The Citadel and the surrounding land was next to the mighty and freezing Luo river from which striped down the land next to the settlement that finally wound around the mighty Tian Gong Twelve Peaks mountain range before flowing to the vast sea .

Sometimes , Baba told him, it flooded. A myth that went like this, that in reality, the ancient Luo river was a sleeping dragon whose powers were of water and frost , hence the always freezing temperature of the lake, however, the immortal creature was so very old and tired that it had settled down to slumber, becoming the river. However sometimes it would toss and turn in it's sleep, hence creating waves that swamped the shores and flooded the shanties and towns nearest to its banks.

A bad feeling was starting to arise in Shen Yuan’s heart as this sounded awfully familiar to a critical plot point in PIDW vol 3, chapter 23, pg 134 , regarding how Luo Binghe repaid vengeance upon a particular cannon fodder.

Admittedly this was what earned Airplane shooting towards the sky his begrudging acknowledgement that at least that plot hole was semi filled ....

...But he wasn’t going to confront Tong Tong with it .

Not till there was enough proof of confirming his new identity .

His Baba was a real politician, a man about town and well liked. Soon, Shen Yuan swore he could walk about or rather waddle about and identify each and every shop blindfolded.

Shen Yuan reflected somewhat bitterly that he had lost three siblings but gained a father, something he had wished for back in the real world. His baba might shout loudly at times during debates and maybe not the image of a noble, saintly king.

But to Shen Yuan, or rather his son , he was the very model of an excellent single parent, even to the point of excess that Shen Yuan thought privately (For he could not speak) that it was lucky he was NOT the original owner who likely would have become a spoiled brat.

Yes, a single parent.

Ah, history repeats itself. Both his new PIDW! Baba and his father from the real world were single dads.

But where Father Shen was the classic deadbeat dad, embittered from a divorce from a gold digging wife and resented the existence of his four children born of her , paid for a housekeeper to mostly care for the four siblings. It was his older brothers whom practically raised him and Mei Mei.

He was filthy rich and cared more about his company and clients more than his old offspring. When he was a child, admittedly what he wanted was his father's approval, some crumbs of affection.

Sure, he had his two big brothers and a loving sticky little Mei Mei but it was not the same. His godlike father was a former film emperor whom retired early to concentrate on his pet passion which became the family business-

Hair shampoo! Which made a killing and which his two older bros naturally went into when they came of age.

Shen Yuan had resolutely refused to bloom , and taken up , of all things, a degree in fashion , something that had for the first time , prompted the father he had seen just thrice growing up , to show up at dinner and attempt to guilt trip Shen Yuan to take up a degree in Shampoo manufacturing.

That trying and stressful time while ultimately resolved by his siblings yelling at their father to back off , and pointing out that he already has TWO sons to take over his business , a heir and a backup heir , meant he was being an unreasonable and controlling dick, was what made Shen Yuan's childhood wish for a loving father crumble completely away.

Father Shen was a spoiled bully who if things didn't go his way, or his children express any desire to be other than a pawn for his own desires . In order words, your typical Asian tycoon father! And thus set in stone that he had no need for any parental influence .

Here though, from what he heard, PIDW! Baba married an immortal rogue cultivator and despite his sworn brother's concern of this marriage, a child was born. Unfortunately after the child was born, his wife left with a valuable stone that could open a secret realm , the true reason why she married an old man , to gain enough time to gain access to it, vanished off into the night.

Despite this, this only intensified his poor silly old man's love for the last remnant he had left, born of their romance.

He was nurturing, pandering, and sticky as glue . Of resentment, there was none. Baba thought his child was as lovely, as talented and simply darling as his lost mother was.

 

Many a praise was sung of his mother’s great beauty and charms and what a talented wonderful darling he was by simply being .

He however had not a single sibling. His cousins all older than him while called ‘sons of the manor’ were not his blood siblings and despite being cooed over and their obvious doting of him , they all went back to their own houses once evening came.

And boy howdy did he miss his real siblings. // The theory of equivalent exchange sucks balls.//

In an ideal world , he would be in PIDW sans a vengeful death flag called Luo Binghe hanging over his head, with his three siblings, and his new Baba .

...Come on. Even he wasn't that naive to think he was a helpful npc . He was a rich little master , with an overindulgent father , an inherited role of nobility and with far too many parallels to Luo Binghe to take it as a mere coincidence. The sheer willingness of the system to make up for his splintered soul meant it was a critical role that clearly was gunning for villain route.

So, he had to make plans to Ensure for survival , for it wasn't just him anymore . Somewhere along the line....

He looked over at this point at the man himself whom was blowing carefully a pot of twice boiled goats milk which had been specially ordered from the Cang Qiong sect’s An Ding peak which kept a herd of the finest goats of the region that only nobles could hope to get from and only if they had connections with a peak lord

. It was early morning, despite working late last night by candlelight , to complete paperwork, the man had awoken early to dress his son and feed him. They were in his nursery , a maid had just delivered the breakfast right from the kitchen.

His new Baba, no, his Baba smiled at him brightly. "Here comes the dragon~ Flying straight to your mouth~" He sang and fed him the tasty treat with a wooden spoon. Little did he know of his infant son's musings as the child obediently opened his mouth and squealed appropriately in glee.

Shen Yuan had never expected to get attached to anyone here.

He would do anything to ensure his new father made it through safe from Luo Binghe's wrath. No matter what.

"Oh! You're so clever! Look! Look! You're nearly halfway through! And once you are done, you can meet all of your family ! And your godfather! "

Today seems like quite an event is taking place as his Baba swept him up excitedly and nuzzled him excitedly on the nose.

"It's your name day! Your woooonderful Gan Die* is going to pick a name for you!"

So it seems he would be learning of his identity today.

--

Shen Yuan recognized that rat face right from when Qing Jing’s peak Lord stepped through the door. Ferret! Weasel! Rat! Snake!

//TT?//

[ 0w0 Yes, Lao Da?]

By now the pair were on civil terms after Shen Yuan had shortened the obliging system's name to TT as small payback for what he would be subject to. It never failed to bring him a smile by being able to say 'TT' without being ridiculed.

//Will I get any penalty if I sick up on Rat face as of yet?//

[030 As of now your soul regeneration is at 32%. And Lao Da is still an infant. So I can report you can sick up on Shen Jiu all you like! 0w0]

And thus became the newly established routine of Shen Yuan throwing up on Shen Jiu every opportunity he got.

Infront of his cooing father and loving family, the infant acted as he loved his Shen Gan Die* by fussing on everyone else BUT him and the old man and given that Old Master Dichan upon seeing this thought this was a sign that Shaoye had accepted his good brother as a god father , made it official.

But BOI.

It was all according to Keikaku .

//This is for BINGHE, YOU SCUM! // Shen Jiu found the front of his new silk robes ruined by mushy beetroot porridge that first birthday that he was offered to feed his god Son with.

//THIS IS FOR THE TEA SCENE. SCREW YOU! BINGHE DESEEERVED BETTER! SCUUUUUM!// Shen Jiu found yellow wee , stinky and by the bucket full , peed all over him.

Cousin Fan Fan chortled upon seeing this but quickly shut up when the peak lord shot a look of pure rage at the twelve year old. Fan Fan sweated bucket loads , his parents had informed him that he would be sent to Peak Lord Shen’s sect this year and they had bribed the lofty immortal to take him on as a head disciple .

The poor sucker . Shen Yuan was rather fond of him as dull witted as he was , Fan fan was one of the few cousins whom seemed to genuinely like him and visited him daily to gift little trinkets and made the effort to play with him. He had told his infant Cousin of his future role and apologized for not being able to see him grow over the next few years .

//...AND THIS! THIS IS FOR LIU QINGGE! // Shen Jiu exasperated, had to sit in place as neon green barf was thrown up all over him as he had his portrait painted with the little monster for an hour . Fan fan smacked himself to stop screaming in laughter as the scene was immortalized in the artwork forever .

//AND THE BEST BOY!!! YUE QINGYUAN!// Shen Jiu found- Well, you get the idea.

--

Shen yuan’s name day started from bad to horrendous . His god Father was Shen Qingqiu, main villain and final boss to this story’s hero . His final end , not even a death which would be a mercy , was to become a human stick and submerged into a pickle pot for the rest of his days for his deeds against the blackened protagonist.

His silly , dimwit of an older cousin who was partial to praise and liked to swagger around and inflate his exploits to him was Dichan Mingfan , the main cannon fodder villain and mook of the BOSS. Luo Binghe’s scumbag senior martial brother ! His death was to be buried and eaten alive in the pit of Thousand knife mouthed ants .

And he. He himself was ...

“ I think Shaoye will be a fine name for the little master .” Shen Qingqiu was saying as though from far away, which he was , for he held the wiggling puke machine away at arms length . Fan fan bit his lips but clearly was sniggering.

“ Shaoye? What a fine name , brother ! “

Chortled his Baba, and clapped his hands in great merriment and raised his voice . “ A fine name to the future heir of the Golden Citadel and to our clan, Dichan !” All assembled cheered and clapped in approval .

The newly named Shaoye , destined to become the scum cannon fodder villain of Proud Immortal Demon's way , and whose body Shen Yuan inhabited , smiled , his lips curving into a cute little smile.

While inwardly screaming in utter horror.

AAAAAAAAH!

AAAAAAAAAAAH!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

——

Why the hell was he the very first cannon fodder?!

The very seed of darkness inside Luo Binghe had been nurtured by that evil brat. AND HE WAS THAT DAMNED LITTLE DEMON!

….

In a way this was a sort of poetic parallel~

 

 

Luo Binghe has a mother and had nothing . He later becomes the emperor .

Dichan Shaoye has a father and had everything . He later lost everything .

[ 20 B points for adding depth to the plot!]

//Are you just giving me points for the heck of it?!//

—-

Dichan Shaoye. A name that just by memory made Shen Yuan’s blood pressure sky rocket.

For no rhyme or reason he tormented Binghe.

Mocking, sneering at his lack of status and ordering his underlings to beat him up.

Innumerable were the times he deliberately overturned Luo Binghe’s lunch and stomped it into the ground while knowing that the boy lacked both food and clothing but intended to save a portion of his lunch to give to his adopted Mother, the lowly washerwoman later.

But the worst thing was this. Luo binghe was an extraordinarily beautiful youth even as a thirteen year old . The little nine year old tyrant at this age loved employing courtesans into his so called harem and visiting dancing parlours , he thus on one memorable occasion shortly after the old washerwoman’s death had his manservants hold Luo binghe down while a hideous beggar was paid coin to mime indecent actions from behind him.

Right in front of the little palace Mistress, then Dichan Shaoye's arranged fiancée and Luo Binghe’s first crush !

For Luo binghe, this was the straw that broke the camel's back and spurred him to leave the city and seek out the Cang qiong sect.

In PIDW vol 3, chapter 23, pg 134 , regarding in how Luo binghe repaid vengeance upon a particular cannon fodder which earned Airplane shooting towards the sky his begrudging acknowledgement that at least that plot hole was semi filled ? .

He was that cannon fodder !

The first and most significant villain and whom Luo Binghe saw to utterly destroy the bugger! If Shen Qingqiu and Ming fan met grisly fates , what Luo Binghe did to what could be called his ‘first hate ‘ was truly noteworthy .

In PIDW vol 3, chapter 23, pg 100, Luo Binghe spent a passionate night at Huan Hua palace with his future wife but his father in law, the Old Palace Master told him that she had been promised or rather through blackmail by the Lord of the nearby Golden Citadel that a marriage had been arranged between both their children .

Of course , how could Luo Binghe have forgotten that horrible dark time of his childhood ? While it seemed like a lifetime away , like ants crawling beneath the sands of a desert , the hate came spilling out like if an unfortunate traveller stepped upon said ant’s nest .

And it made sense now!

---

The little master was Shen Qingqiu’s godson and Ming fan’s beloved cousin and undoubtedly encouraged their abuse of him .

And that was what led to the events in PIDW vol 3, chapter 23, pg 134.

Luo Binghe no longer was a hapless unwanted child . Using his demonic blood , he called upon his sleeping ancestor .

The Mighty Luo River rose up , a roaring , furious tempest and heeded his descendant's cry for justice.

And thus was the Golden Citadel flooded , with all drowned .

Well, except for one person whom Binghe wanted alive and witness the utter destruction of his standing and status.

Not out of mercy but to be tortured.

He took time in castrating Dichan Shaoye , it was done in the span of two days, carved out slowly bit by bit with a tiny whittling knife. The pain was so great, the pampered young man nearly died thrice but always was revived by his former boyhood punching bag.

Then left him on the streets of Huan Hua county for more than half a month during the cold winter to beg during the wedding with the Little Palace Mistress.

After that, his hypothermic body was executed by dismemberment, pulled apart by five horses.

He even fed his remains to a blinded Shen Qingqiu later on , tricking him that the pickled meat was pork . His bone-deep hatred was very apparent. And this filled a plot point that made the blackened protagonist’s actions not merely disgusting but poetic!

But now he was said first cannon fodder villain…. The infant’s eyes narrowed to a very un-innocent glare. He was going to do his best to survive and hug the protagonists thighs.

And the best way to do that?

Kick the main villain’s thighs !

---

After making a point of upchucking on his unfortunate godfather every time the man had to interact with him and it was a lot that first year .

Which was a lot as Shen Jiu had just gained the title of Peak lord upon his master's recent and unexpected death . He had been invited by Old Master Dichan to celebrate his recent ascension for as long as he wanted, a little getaway to soothe his nerves and to meet his infant nephew.

After two weeks of enduring being puked upon every day. Every time he had to interact with the little barf maker , meant his robes got a free colour change .

Shen Qingqiu had left in great haste , taking with him a wailing Fan fan early for training.

It was thus as such seeing less and less of the man, five years would have passed.

Shen Yuan luckily remembered the B-points and promptly asked ahead , seeing as the date to his execution so as to speak was coming closer. A newly adopted, seven year old Luo Binghe would accompany his elderly mother to the citadel to seek lodging and employment.

Despite the elderly washerwoman being rightfully chosen by the management of the estate , and the fact the rich masters should logically , realistically never see the lowliest of the household as they were living in two different worlds . By the powers of the author, Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky, did Dichan Shaoye somehow managed to bypass his personal tutor , his maid servants who acted as bodyguards , the guards whom patrolled the estate and somehow make his way from the inner yard to the servant quarters , whereupon he came across the filial child tagging along his Mother to help her with the laundry, and voila!

Hate at first sight! A handy and convenient plot device meant to introduce the start of Luo Binghe’s suffering at the hands of a deviant privileged sprog .

And to prevent his death as a deviant privileged sprog....

He needed to know the game mechanics.

Surely there had to be some way to use these b-points the system threw at him for ‘fixing a plot hole .’ Or for ‘being in character.’ To aid his chances of survival , preferably with him surviving with all limbs intact .

[B-points, also known as points given for putting on airs. The higher the B-points, the higher the quality, the more awesome , the better the rating .] TT cheerfully and promptly answered .

Then, how can I raise my B-points?

[ One, change the nonsensical plot, and raise the villains’ and side cast’s IQs; two, avoid breaking the suspension of belief; three, ensure the protagonist’s gratification levels; four; discover and complete hidden plot points.]

//Hmmmmm.... Can I buy stuff ? //

[ 0w0 Lao Da! Have no fear! Given your premium account! You can purchase special packs at a special discount and preview the items before purchase! These packs can add twists to the plot and aid you in finding satisfaction and by that , you can use them to change the plot once OOC has been unlocked! ]

If Shaoye had a tail, it would have wagged with joy. This small but significant cannon fodder had just three critical scenes post Qing Jing Arc and once those were fulfilled, well, he was free to spoil and hug the thigh of the future big drumstick of the great Bingge.

//Show me the horizon.//

['H-horaizon'? Lao Da? 0A0] 

//Show me the store that might forestall my DOOM, PLEBIAN.//

With much whining and sniffling, TT proceeded to show the wares. Unsurprisingly, only the most useless abilities or trite packages were available for the current number of points he had procured, with miles and miles to go before he could even think of purchasing items that actually did anything.

Many were the plans did Shen Yuan have. But what caught his eye was the most pricey item twinkling away at the farthest reaches of the shop.

[ The Plot Armour Halo : 1000000 B-points. Need to have accrued at least 12 relationships with <Important> characters , all of which have gifted you 500 ? points!] 

Shen Yuan stared and stared. Clicked away, re-reading the information about the properties equipping this wondrous get out of hell card. As long as the player had it on, whatever shit Bingge dredged up would not be splattered over him. After clicking and agonizing over the halo, he finally ,reluctantly retreated.

Surely if he played his cards right, Bingge would at most demand the city's cooperation and spare him and Lao Ba. Of course he would break the engagement long beforehand between him and the Little Palace Mistress so Binghe could marry her .

The good thing about Binghe was this:

 

 

 

“Luo Binghe smiled and said, ‘The humiliation this disciple suffered in the past, today I’ll return it one hundred-fold. For hurting my hands and feet, I’ll tear off your limbs and grind them to dust.’”

— < < Proud Immortal Demon Way> >, featured paragraph number two

Okay. Maybe not exactly a plus point at first glance but many a time, he would repay any kindness shown to him a hundred-fold, even if it was a mere scrap in inverse to the way he dealt with his enemies .

Ning Ying Ying was spared this same fate by this logic , even though she was inadvertently complicit in his abuse endured by his Shizun and his Head Disciple brother, Ming Fan , allowing her a ticket into the harem. Though, this was the reason why she was merely wife #5 and not the top three .

Shaoye Dichan could already see it before him, a glorious future pampering his Lao Ba, weaving his fabrics in peace and occasionally laughing at Bingge's antics in the news. A nice, lazy , adventure-free cushy life.

//TT . Have I mentioned that I love you lately? //

[ >w< ! This system is eager to help his Lao Da! ]

Deep down , Shen yuan wasn’t that optimistic. But he had a chance , a mostly helpful invisible assistant and he had been planning this for years . Plus he had over the course of two years since he could waddle , had bumped into ( Hint: TT told him where she was ) gained a helpful unwitting trump card .

All the worlds a stage and we are all it’s actors .

Well, Dichan Shaoye thought grimly , let the games begin .

[ Ding! Congratulations! You have made it to a hundred percent ! Please note the following incoming event of : The protagonist arrives at the Citadel event will be happening in just an hour ! ]

—-

Five year old Dichan Shaoye was a spoiled brat . He swaggered around with three of his cousins which served as an entourage , and loved to threaten anyone whom displeased him with his father’s name . In addition to that , he was nearly always carried by a manservant who had to wear a special padded saddle to ensure the Shaoye’s comfort when they went outside .

There were only Two people in the citadel spared from his swaggering .

One was his Baba and the second , was ironically a poor washerwoman called AhYi .

On her first day of working at the Golden citadel , She had stumbled upon a bawling two year old , and instantly recognized him as the lost young Master everyone was in a panic over, judging from the innumerable portraits of him around the house . The poor little dear likely had wandered out .

Ahyi had brought him back to the grateful father who promptly raised her salary and saw to it that she got a private room near the great furnace that was highly coveted by servants .

It seemed Dichan Shaoye took a liking to her and when around her like a cute fluffy kitten showing off his fuzzy belly , would demand her attention .

Ahyi has seen the boy strut around and menace everyone else like a hissing and uppity spoiled cat swatting away at anyone unfortunate to grace his path and then turn to her , mewling for approval and belly rubs .

He monopolized her attention , demanding imperiously but politely for stories , to be fed and for her to pat him .

Ah Yi ....felt sorry for him . It was well known that the child was motherless , his birth mother was well known to be a seductress whom promptly made off with a priceless stone when he was just born .

Poor boy , without a mother’s touch . She sensed a lonely child behind all that bluster and superficial rage .

She would kindly but firmly tell him off for watching girls far older than him that it was not appropriate. But maybe that was his way of looking out for that touch only a mother could bring . Even if it was misunderstood by others to be perverse .

Then when Dichan Shaoye turns five , Ahyi stumbles upon a young orphaned boy of approximately age eight straggling around the docks when Shaoye begged her for a dish of fresh cod that she was sent to the port to retrieve by the Master. It seems rather like fate had ordained this.

Perhaps it is the lost and lonely expression on his face like a kicked puppy's , or the thought of Dichan Shaoye half starved or shivering like this child only hastened her decision.

The boy already had a name and was well known around the docks for being a stray . Despite their pity , the fishermen whom had fished him out of the Luo River themselves nine years ago and named him , already were struggling to survive .

They certainly could not take in a growing boy . So she did . Certainly not that day, the dirty little boy had run off to one of the alleys despite her calling for him to come with her.

It wasn’t easy to gain his trust . Like a wary wild puppy it would take two weeks after the birthday to gain Luo Binghe’s trust that she wasn’t going to drug him and steal his organs or sell him to a brothel that she won him over with action but she had time,

Dichan Shaoye seemed to have developed a craving for fresh fish and was of the opinion she chose the 'yummiest, most nice-tasting' fish .

Which meant she was appointed the one chosen to pick fish and bring it back with haste from the port , of which Luo Binghe lived nearby , begging for coin.

But eventually like rays of sunlight warming a small sunflower kept in the dark, slowly did Luo Binghe unfolded to her. And today, hand in hand, they sat on the cart taking them to the Golden Citadel.

It was a brisk drive back as the fish were top priority to be as fresh as possible to be fit to be on the pampered little master's plate.

She brought him to the servants quarters via the back entry . It was supposed to be a quiet day , and perfect for introducing shy and meek Binghe slowly to his new home.

What a shame the pair had no idea that fate or rather , one transmigrator and his system had in store for them.

—-

Luo Binghe’s dark eyes took in the spacious yard that was supposed to be the servants entrance . His eyes that were already wide when they had entered the Golden Citadel , widened even further at the large manor, so opulent and massive, it was really a palace, wasn't it?

That was where they were heading to. It was the grandest building to crown all the grand estates they had passed and while they being servants sidestepped not through the main gate , but through a still large entrance at the back of the manor where the servants came through that had a large yard .

They entered an emerald door and went through at last into the servant’s quarters . Ahyi walked fast through the long dark corridor and Binghe soon discovered why . Many curious faces poked out and many were the unkind expressions on said faces when they saw who had come through and whom was bringing along another mouth to feed .

They arrived at last at the end and right next to a large furnace was Ah Yi’s room . It was pleasantly warm and rather well furnished . Binghe was not expecting this splendour as for the first time in his life , he sat on a soft bed , in a warm and dry room to boot.

Ah Yi smiled seeing the joy on his face. “Is it nice?” “It’s the best room ever!” declared the child, scarcely unable to believe such good fortune had come his way. To him who had never been in a home, this was akin to being elevated to royalty.

There was a sudden tap-tapping noise that slowly was growing louder and louder. The mother and son were too busy basking in happiness that they both jumped as the heavy door banged open . “ Ah yiiiiii! Where did you go?! I missed you!” A cheerful little voice shouted. Startled, Binghe sat up to see for himself who the newcomer was.

It was like an electric current as the two very different souls from two very different worlds stared at each other . The universe itself seemed to stop at this moment as though this was never meant to have happened , in such a way.

Dichan Shaoye harrumphed loudly and attempted to puff himself up in an attempt to look bigger and ignored Binghe’s greeting . “ Who is this ?!” He demanded imperiously.

“ Shaoye , this is my son , Ah He .”

“ Is this urchin the one taking up Ahyi’s time with ME ?! He smells like a turnip and I'm betting Ah Yi that he has got worms to match !!”

Binghe bristled at this but he stopped once he realized his mother was laughing , “ Is Shaoye jealous ?”

The little boy gaped and open and closed his mouth like a shocked kitten when it’s target turned around to reveal they had known all along of its presence.

Then he puffed himself up in rage . And stomped his little shoes for good measure . And yowled appropriately so loudly , that several pigeons whom were on the roof scattered off in great shock and everyone in the surrounding vicinity jumped .

“ Noooooo!”

Binghe could not help it . That noise that came out of those rosy lips sounded exactly like the mewls of an angry kitten that was told it could not feed from it's mother anymore whenever he passed the innumerable shanties that overlooked the pier where he scrounged first food . Cute.

He giggled .

Dichan Shaoye stopped at this and opened his eyes and mouth, likely to shout something unpleasant no doubt.

That same inexplicable electric tingle went through his body as that pair of honey brown eyes met his obsidian . Dichan Shaoye was a plump and fair five year old, like most noble children but the rose red cloak he had chosen to wear that day paired against his already pale skin gave him a delicate look with the sharp contrast .

He was swaddled in many layers of rich silks despite the warm weather .

Binghe had seen plenty of spoiled , pampered children since he had entered the Golden citadel as this was literally the place where the wealthy lived with well paid middle class and their servants who were paid to cater to their whims but this kid may take the cake as his mewls went on and on .

Still ; he was very cute and his voice even when scolding wasn’t bad to listen to - Binghe froze at this musing and shook his head frantically . What was he thinking?!

As he was a-shaking his little head, and Ah Yi was too busy smiling knowingly at his blush, did the tomato cheek reddened little master hop off the stairs and rush forward to give Binghe a welcome present to his new home .

A good kick, right in the shins .

“Don’t shake y-your head at me-OW!”

Binghe blinked as the spoiled little boy kicked his shins then promptly began mewling in pain. To his hardened , lean legs from years of roaming and being kicked at by larger adults and running around meant this mere lashing out was akin to a kitty hitting him with it’s jelly bean pads . It barely hurt. In fact the action tickled him.

Binghe accompanied his new mama as she picked up the bawling baby and brought him to their room to be soothed from the pain of kicking the newcomer. The pair did not notice a devilish grin form on the little master’s face as an invisible guide announced to him excitedly he had completed an important plot point of being introduced to the protagonist.

// Completed : Greeting Luo Binghe with a kick . ++100 plot points
-<> With the young master attaching himself to Luo Binghe’s mother as a maternal surrogate which caused him to resent Luo Binghe’s appearance.>> ++ 50
-<< Unlocked 【< <3 > points! +10】

All according to Keikaku .

—-

{Lao Da! You have to throw something at Luo Binghe‘s face that makes him fall on his butt ! This is a critical plot point that upon fulfilling will give you 200 B-points!]

//Oh spare me!//

TT cowered and started to tear up. [Laaaaaao Daaaaaa!]

It had scarcely been a month since the protagonist had settled in and ANOTHER plot point had come up again? System! A break was in order! After such a long time of laid backness, he wanted that easy going life back again!

Sucking on his bottom lip, Shaoye threw himself carelessly onto his cushy bed, for once he was glad that Airplane had added in western and futuristic inventions like mattresses.

//Oh for god sakes,// He huffed irritably, blowing a stray strand of hair that had fallen into his eyes. // You don’t think I have planned ahead for this? It had been five years in the making!// Upon hearing this, gradually the sniffling stopped.

[So...Lao Da has something planned?]

—

Today was rather quiet . Dichan Shaoye had left with Dichan ye to go apparently , for all things flower picking at one of the manors . Binghe had learnt over the months that Shaoye's bark was worse than his bite, his kicks had no strength when they did hit on the few occasions they crossed paths and caused more self-harm to the kicker that Shaoye had learnt not to kick him...Most of the time.

In a rage over his apparent innumerable failings of which grew increasingly absurd ((“ You’re too skinny! Eat more so that when I kick you , it won’t hurt too much!” Or “ Hey dumb-dumb! , You have a really nice voice , so I order you to learn to attend classes with this assigned tutor to learn how to read and write so that you can read to me stories !” Or the new favourite, “ I don’t want people thinking us Dichan’s ill-treat our staff, so you better damn well put on these new clothes !”)) and forgetting it hurt lots to kick the older boy, Dichan would kick him and Binghe would watch him squall in pain for half an hour and smack anyone else whom tried to help him up.

Still other than squeaking angrily at him for hours after...Shaoye never laid hands on him.

At least he did not target him in the fashion like the other children or adults did. At least Shaoye was kind to his mother.

Like now.

Blows rained down his battered little body but he held the bowl of porridge within his embrace, protecting the bowl which was the mere rations he could get from the resentful children of the servants whom worked at the estate . "Don't think because the Master and young master favor your mother means you get it easy, you little sprout!" They liked to target him as unlike his mama, they thought better than to target one favored by the masters.

The room that was within the manor walls that was given to his mother was coveted by many staff whom thought they deserved it better than a mere newcomer who worked as a lowly laundry woman to boot , it was close to the central fire , and had been given comfortable bedding.

But Binghe cradles the bowl of porridge which he had gotten from the head chef , or rather begged from and ran to his mama after they had swaggered off, laughing .

She was doing laundry as usual. Or was , she was busy admiring something in her arms.

Ahyi gave him a bright smile as he brought it in .

“ Look, Xiaohe. “ his mother smiled , passing him the bouquet of flowers, the something she had cradled in her arms . “ Aren’t these lovely ?”

Binghe had never seen such bright and delicate flowers . Red magnolias, white pussy willow buds and some sweet smelling golden star shaped Lillies that were wrapped in an ornate ribbon.

Somehow the flowers reminded him of his little master, delicate and white , always wrapped almost always in a red cloak .

He was 9 to the little Master’s 5. He worked hard on his own from beginning and his life was rough. He had only ever seen grey weeds before, the docks and people who lived in it . Even the people whom lived here were grey and lifeless, obsessed with accumulating wealth and sucking up to others.

His little master is like a fragile small flower carefully cultivated in the greenhouse , different and rare .

In a gray world, the little boy was like a splash of colour.

Someone should take care of him, Binghe thought. He never wanted those bright colours bleed out to grey and the fragile little flower crushed by the harshness of the world.

Ah.

He frantically shook his head.

Lately he had been having these weird thoughts about his little master.

Well, ever since they had met. But they had only grown stronger since that day.

“Ah He.” His mama was smiling knowingly at him , her grey eyes crinkling. “Shaoye dropped by just now with these. Apparently the manor they visited had these flowers all transported and planted for the occasion. “

Binghe scrunched his face and privately thought it was a great waste. As lovely as these flowers were, they were picked and would die soon even after being given water.

She placed the bright flowers in a little vase by the window, before settling down to eat the porridge Binghe had brought for her. Binghe in the meantime picked up where she left off.

He had just finished and was reaching for the next load when a usual tap-tapping of light foot steps came from outside before screeching to a halt . The door dramatically slammed open.

“Ah! Shaoye! What can we do for you?” His mother chirped, then paused.

“That is lovely, Shaoye. Are those for Binghe?”

At this, Binghe turned to look around , to meet the equally wide eyed and bright tomato-cheek red Shaoye whom was holding something behind his back.

The little boy stared at Binghe , then quick as a flash , threw a clump of something .

Right at Binghe’s face .

He yelped and fell down on his bottom as the something - soft , rained all over him .

His mother was shaking but in laughter .

“Next time hand it to Xiao He , nicely . Shaoye!” She called after the little bright beetroot red faced boy who was running far , far away .

Binghe gaped at the roses and peonies meant to be a bouquet but now littering the floor and all over him , and a bright red ribbon that was loosely holding it together , was in his hair now .

He thought his little master was a right weirdo.

// Completed : Making Luo Binghe fall on his butt. ++100 plot points

-【<<3 > points! +50】

Plot Armour Halo, look out, here I come! Every small step brought him closer to the coveted item within TT's shop , the one thing that could save his new family and him from the wrath of the Blackened Protagonist!

Dichan Shaoye ran away, a little smile on his face. He sure was on a roll today!

--

 

 

 

Notes:

Will SY succeed in living in this strange vast new world . Will Binghe really keep his puppy crush fixation on SY for long … or will he stubbornly follow his wish to find a rich , good tempered older partner as his one true love ? And will Shen Qingqiu ever get over the trauma that was the Puke and pee saga ? Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas !

Chapter 2: Look at how much PAIN you can fit into this good boi

Summary:

As mentioned . This is a reupload after my computer managed to crash and somehow it deleted my entire fic which I must have clicked in a panic when I was editing a chapter . Anyways onto chapter 2!

Notes:

Also, I did reference a bit of idea from One piece! OG!Binghe kinda was a stepford smiler , and I was wondering if it went way back to his time to even at the estate him and his mama worked at. And of course in any world and time, there's slavery and organ trafficking. So yeek.// Warning : If you find the idea of organ trafficking and child abuse squeamish. Be warned , there is a bit of that .// Oh and I actually had 12k words and more then realized I had to split the chapter into two seprecate ones as it would not be fair to Bunhe or. SQQ . Sorry , SQQ ! You’ll get your turn soon ! Ahaha! *dies* ....Anyone whom can guess whom Squire Qui's identity is? Sorry for the word vomit and on with the story! 0w0

Dichan Shaoye eyes himself in the silver mirror inlaid with precious jade.

 

Those honey-almond eyes belonging to this body stare back at him , but it is Shen Yuan’s smile that greets him in the mirror .

 

 He tries to memorize it , sometimes he catches himself wondering where Shen Yuan begins and where it ends at Dichan Shaoye. Or where Dichan Shaoye began and where Shen yuan ended.

 

No matter.

 

He shakes his head,his wet hair slapping his face.

 

The new shampoo was working wonders and added a softness to his hair , which lost it’s greasy quality.

 

After using himself as a guinea pig for months , finally it was paying off .

 

Shen yuan had discovered he did not like going without his modern conveniences and sought after suffering for years to create shampoo . Against all the odds he had succeeded .

 

Well.

 

After the hair turning pink . After his scalp being stained green . Big deal to be honest , Shen Yuan thought , no pain, no gain . Though his father had wailed like a cat in heat and the pigeons on the surrounding estate houses all had been scared off by the unholy yowl , after he saw his sweet angel’s locks a bright pepto-pink .

 

After a hurried explanation , Old Master Dichan’s eyes had gone very wide and there was many reverent a Whisper on how clever his Shaoye was and how proud his absent Mother would be if she knew of his ingenuity .

 

Needless to say , bravely it was that the Ruler of the citadel sniffed back his tears over his precious baby’s unfortunate hair mishap and reluctantly gave said treasure his full support to continue with his research.

 

It lasted for a month .

 

But to the unfortunate staff of the Largest Manor of the Golden Citadel , it seemed like it lasted a lot longer.

 

The haughty young master , sensitive to this unfortunate change to his visage would go about  purposely and arrogantly asking anyone who looked at him if they thought the sight was hilarious.

 

If he didn’t like their answer, which was often the case , they would be treated to a long and loud rant about knowing their place. (Shen Yuan inwardly threw up each time he had to regurgitate nonsense he did not believe in and he had overheard from his dear old father from the real world when he yapped at his underlings. )

 

For 20 b points , he had bought a package that he foresaw would be an investment.

 

Titled the <<Lion’s Roar>> , it was a skill set that  gave the user enhanced lungs , the endurance to rant for hours and the perk to scream so loud , the volume could shatter a window and only grew stronger if he went into cultivation.

 

Binghe and Ahyi as a result had taken to stuffing their ears full of cotton and cloth, both far too savvy to laugh at the new look  , thus were spared being yelled at by the little master.

 

But everyone else who did not possess the almighty protagonist I.Q or shield. ? Rants, screeching , kicks and smacks for everyone with no brains and loose mouths !

 

As a result , half of the household became deaf for half a month from withstanding the volume of the vitriol. The paper windows had to be replaced everyday . And the pigeons on the manor’s roofs had been scared permanently off.

 

Shen Yuan was quite pleased. He was well on his way to practicing the technique on people whom deserved it .

 

Why?

 

Because  the servants and their children who normally had the energy to harass Binghe were also the ones with said low I.Qs to comment on said new look .

 

They were far too busy lying down to recover after being screamed at , with the memory of his howls still ringing in their ears for hours after. Shen Yuan did not feel sorry , considering it tit for tat for his favourite character. 

 

The ones whom were happy however? His Baba circulated the product once it was deemed safe to use. 

 

The shampoo, the formulated charcoal scented one that conditioned your hair as well as cleaned it ,  was currently a hit throughout the county , although his father claimed credit for it at his behest .

 

Coined as a hair tonic , it had managed to eradicate half the flea and lice population that was the bane of many . The ordinary citizens went about happy! His Baba was happy. And for that measly month , Binghe and Ahyi went about harassment free and genuinely happy.  

 

The only unhappy people were the idiots. 

 

Hehehehehe- Ahem! 

 

He thanked his original father and brothers hammering their trade secret of all organic shampoo trade into him in the... Real world ? 

 

Urgh , as time went on , he was starting to think of the former world he hailed from as such rather as the real world though this world was definitely very much real.

 

While charcoal was all very well and good, which he still was trying to experiment with the likes of roses,peonies and lilies. He had noticed the willingness of the female population to part coin for scented products and was gunning for that market.

 

If he made a little extra more, Shen Yuan had many ideas of what to invest with the money.

 

Ahhh..This brought great pleasure to him.

 

Now if only the rest of his actions were granted a bit more freedom.

 

With the OOC! Lock still in place , it had been determined that it would be far too great a character change if he allowed himself to be as kind as he wanted to .

 

Because Shen Yuan was a 28 year old in a 6 year old body and he wanted to shield the little white sheep - Luo Binghe from the world .

 

But no , he couldn’t . Gosh darn plot devices and character plausibility .

 

Shen Yuan wanted to help Binghe so badly but already he knew that the staff were set off by ‘Dichan Shaoye’ s preference and favoritism to Ah Yi .

 

So like in canon they targeted Binghe , if not twice as brutally because they could not take it out on Ah Yi .

 

But plausibly , logically , a spoiled little master no matter how clever he was at times , would not care unless it was blatantly displayed in front of him and it affected his routine .

 

So all Shen Yuan could do was bide .

 

And it hurt his heart that he could not help outright Binghe.

 

As challenging and as gratifying it was to play Dichan Shaoye at times ...

 

Being helpless and unable to help a child whom needed help sorely right in front of him grated on Shen Yuan . Useless , a voice that sounded like his father’s from his original world sneered mentally .

 

Glaring at the now scowling little face before him, Shen Yuan petulantly splashes some water at the reflection in the mirror before hopping off the stool.

 

He would be getting dressed for the occasion .

 

His godfather had sent a huge jar of pickled Thousand winters Cucumbers after hearing how delicate his god son’s Constitution was and while in reality Shen Yuan was acting , it was for once to his advantage .

 

For today , he had the chance to get up close and examine the body of a mystical beast .

 

Or should he say many , for despite a misleading name and looking like actual cucumbers when slain and pickled ,the Thousand winters cucumber was a Low level Monster that ironically was carnivorous, with the ability to infect small animals , turning them into snow with their spores before feasting on their bodies .

 

Cultivators whom had immunity from their Qi were immune , and slaying these Low level beasts was a popular source of income for rogue cultivators.

 

Why? Because the flesh of the thousand winters cucumber was oddly beneficial in aiding the building of spiritual meridians and boosting the health of sickly humans .

 

Despite his godfather not coming ( Shen yuan suspected that the peak lord likely was still reeling over being used as a vomitorium and potty by his then infant godson ) his Baba has organized a grand opening of the jar ceremony and invited his clansmen to come attend a party being organized in honour of the occasion .

 

What a shame no one knew the weak and delicate front was but an act .

 

The original goods had been hale and healthy , and had been born of two cultivators , one rogue ( His Mother ) and one ... technically rogue (His Baba) .

 

But he had absolutely no interest in attending Cang Qiong mountain sect despite the God son of Shen Qingqiu , boasting that he need not need to set out to prove himself due to being born literally into wealth .

 

This was often said basking away on a comfortable chair, in the cocoon of his entourage. 

 

 Which consisted of his adoring older cousins and some boot-licking noble children and at the very outer perimeters were the children of servants daring to risk it all to gain favor of the inner circle .

 

This was often said within the hearing range of Luo Binghe whom was slogging away nearby.

 

//Original goods. If I could smack you a thousand times with glee !!! //

 

So, It was with great reluctance he chose the crimson cloak over the sea green teal robe again .

 

To be honest he was getting quite sick of pretending to be delicate but if all went to plan ...

 

Luo Binghe was a kindly white sheep at this stage and if he had to rouse the pity of him by playing a wounded gazelle gambit , then he would do so.

 

The red made his skin seem fairer , and added a look of fragility to the six year old .

 

Sure , he might be plump but it gave a bonus to the appearance of a plump little rabbit . Everyone loved bunnies .

 

So maybe this rabbit was in reality a fox but what no one knew did not hurt them.

 

Picking himself up , he walked out to the waiting room in his large bedroom .

 

Ah Yi was waiting for him there . The little master had demanded her services to even help putting on his accessories over the maidservants a week ago . He had thrown a temper till he had gotten his way which he always did .

 

Today however-

 

He jumped in actual shock at the sight of the protagonist beside the old lady , the child bearing the box of Jewelry , eyes trained obediently on the floor . //The protagonist is reduced to a piece of furniture ! Oh why oh why - what will this spell for me after his blackening ?//

 

He inwardly screamed as he ducked behind Ahyi. Unaware of the child’s true thoughts , she chuckled at the wide eyed little boy who alternated planting his face into her skirts and peeking shyly out at her son .

 

“ Ah...Shaoye. My hands are bad today so Binghe is here to help me . I hope you don’t mind, dearie? .”

 

Despite the obvious embarrassment, how could the proud little thing bear to admit his discomfort at the sight of Binghe ? 

 

The proud little boy puffed his cheeks out and widened his eyes to look bigger and fiercer, glowering at Binghe whom inwardly rolled his eyes at this sight, unimpressed.

 

It was like a fluffy kitty hissing at a puppy of a much, much larger stature . Not scary at all.

 

“ Well... Ahyi is very important to me so I ...Suppose. Even if it’s him .”

 

Binghe twitched at the lofty arrogant , holier than thou sniff sent his way . “- Clouting as always , in on Ah Yi’s time with meeeeeee.” It ended in an obnoxious whine. 

 

The box shook in his hands as it shook, the contents a-clacking within.  But he kept a forced , steady smile on his face showing no outward sign of his anger . He would bend but he would never break. That was his motto.

 

Well, Ah Yi was his mother. Who exactly was clouting into her time spent rightfully with her son ?!

 

He himself didn’t get it . Why did his mama try to get him to make friends with someone as weird and mean as the young master ? They were from two different worlds !

 

True , the other four years younger . But that did not mean he was friendly or amiable . And Binghe was faced daily with that posturing attitude .

 

It irritated Binghe to no end , and coupled with the weird feelings that had arisen since the day they had met that had over time only grown , that himself could not put a name to , only added to his frustration whenever they crossed paths .

 

((Well , whatever you feel towards me to treat me as such ? I feel the same way towards you ! Pot and kettle and all that ! So there !!!))

 

At least he was nice to his mama . At least he was not half as horrid as the other Noble children .

 

He must keep it together .

 

Despite the little master’s cheerful front towards her , it was clear he kept an eye on Binghe as always.

 

This watchful , unexplainable behavior both amused and irritated the older child .

 

Ah Yi opened up the jade box Binghe was holding . Inside were three compartments , the first of which held a great many intricate brooches , of which was to fasten the cloak the spoiled little master wore at all times.

 

He decided on a brooch that was made of gold , fashioned into the likeness of a Phoenix clutching a ruby the size of a chicken egg .

 

Something that even if Binghe worked all his life and sold several organs and his body would never be able to afford .

 

Ah Yi placed it aside .

 

The second compartment contained several intricate hair pins to hold the vain little boy’s hair .

 

These were all made of white jade and inlaid with intricate designs .

 

These were small and tiny , so it was up to the ten year old to pick them out as his mama’s arthritis ridden hands could not pick up the dainty tiny piece.

 

As the little master pointed , Binghe would pick up the selected one .

 

“ Ooh! That one ! That one !” Binghe rarely got to see the little boy up close and when he was not sneering , but excited and happy like now as he eyed a particularly pretty pin , he was quite - cute .

 

“-That one ! It’s from the Heigu mountains and has a charm to prevent the pains my head gets sometimes ! No. Not that one , this one !”

 

So excited was the little master that he grabbed Binghe’s hand and directed it to the item . Binghe froze .

 

It was the first time anyone had gently touched him aside from his mother .

 

Many nobles never had to work a day in their life , but Dichan Shaoye’s hand was so tender , it put theirs to shame .

 

It was nothing like his mama’s weather bitten , callused one or his reedy clever hand  decorated with innumerable scars from fending himself in fights . The fair little hand atop  his , was as soft as a feather , silken to touch and fit in his palm perfectly as though it was the missing puzzle piece to his.

 

His breath hitched and he shook his head again to dispel the weird feeling that came to the forefront that caused his heart to beat oh so fast. Weird , weird , weird !

 

Nonetheless , he stiffly picked up the hairpiece and put it aside . “ Two will do for now , Ah-he.” His mama instructed him with a smile , and gently guided him towards the smaller boy whom had hopped upon a stool .

 

There was no sign of the shouty , overbearing and arrogant little master , as the child obediently bent his head and allowed the old woman to brush his thick wavy locks .

 

Binghe noticed that as gentle as his mama was , he bit back whimpers if the brush caught on a few tangles and pulled .

 

He knew many had gossiped on how sickly and delicate the Golden Citadel’s little master was but he didn’t really believe it . Well not much .

 

The way he bellowed and chased anyone whom offended him did not seem to suggest an invalid .

 

But was it just an act ?

 

If he had to go about hearing about how frail he was since birth and even if he had not such a proud temperament, would he be happy being pitied ? Could anyone really blame the little master for having a fiery temper ?

 

Binghe shook his head again . He was thinking too much . What was there to pity ? The little master had everything handed to him on a silver platter since the moment he was born, had a loving living father , and at least - He bit his lips .

 

At least he knew of his birth mother .

 

The over-coddled child never had to fight to survive , never -

 

His mama chooses at this moment to let down the hair gathered in her hands , which has been brushed to a glossy sheen .Binghe watches wide eyed , suddenly his mouth feels dry as the little boy giggles as his now shoulder long hair cascades down in gentle waves of  mahogany . The strands tumbled, reflecting the daylight filtering through the paper window behind them .

 

For the life of him, Binghe has no idea why of the sudden urge to reach out and run his fingers to see if those tresses were as lush as they looked .

 

Or why all anger , resentment and jealousy died at the sound of the boy’s laugh .His laugh sounded like birdsong, awash in the same wonder a sparrow, realizing the sun has risen, sings to the golden world.

 

-Clack-

 

He fits the two pins into the hair his mama had set. She left two bangs to frame the little face, the rest bunched up into the customary bun that all noble children spotted.

 

The last compartment contained seven hairpieces .

 

Despite the newness of the six others, the little master oddly selected the oldest , most well worn one .

 

It was a head piece of gilt silver with the unusual design of a dragon paired with a phoenix crafted encircling a single pearl with two crimson ribbons dangling to the side to be affixed beneath the chin .

 

A mirror was brought out and once the child deemed his appearance acceptable , he nodded his head .

 

The heavy  cloak was attached and the brooch affixed. 

 

Upon his brow, the signature circlet bearing the crest of the Dichan family was placed.

 

Shaoye bowed low to Ah Yi , “ This Shaoye thanks Ah Yi for helping him dress up! “ He chirped sweetly, clasping his little hands and smiling beautifically at the elderly woman.

 

Ah Yi was not immune to that smile and despite the discrepancy in their caste, patted him on the head.

 

“ Shaoye is an obedient child.” Beaming , the little boy butted his head affectionately into her touch.

 

Binghe meanwhile gathered the box up and prepared to quietly depart.

 

“HEY , Dumb-dumb !”

 

The older boy jumped and nearly , very nearly dropped the priceless jade box with a startled Yelp.

 

Indignation flashing in obsidian depths , clutching the cold weight to his breast , Binghe turned on his heel and whirled around with his usual false smile affixed to his face .

 

“ Pardon , Young master?-”

 

“ -Thankyoutoo.” it was so quickly muttered that Binghe nearly missed it . something in his heart warms at the hesitant glance shot his way then before it flickers back to the floor.

 

Unbeknownst to Ah Yi and Binghe however , in reality , Shen Yuan was busy screaming at an equally panicky TT.

 

// I want out !! Did you see how he glared daggers at me for being in character and bared his teeth to boot ?! //

 

Heart pounding , Shen yuan shot him another quick glance and the next vision was not much better . The ever present thin smile on the face of the other has quirked up in a way to suggest mild confusion.

 

//Look at him now ! He hates me so much that he is in disbelief that a small thank you for this can suffice for all the fuck ups I have caused him over the past year !//

 

[OAO !! L-Lao da ! Calm down! You still have time left to change the protagonist's mind !]

 

//Oh - I give up. At the very least I want to see what a Thousand winters cucumber looks like, before I meet a painful end being castrated !//

 

The little master bowed to Ah Yi hurriedly , “ Ah Yi! D-Dumb-dumb. I will be going to see the cool plant thingy Gan Die sent over to be boiled into soup ! I’ll take my leave !”

 

“ Alright.have fun looking at it .” Ah Yi naturally had heard of the jar of pickled Thousand Winter Cucumbers but she would be far too busy doing the washing up and wasn’t interested in all honesty . She didn’t need to raise her head as the excited child was about to run-

 

“ But don’t run, alright, Shaoye ? We don’t want you getting out of breath .”

 

“ Yes, Ahyi. “ the little master chimed obediently ,but still scampered towards the door as though hell hounds were in his heels.

 

Halfway there , he thought of something before pausing to a halt and turning around . “ I will tell Baba to let you and Dumb-dumb off with a full days wages as thanks for helping me get ready ! Thank you again , buh-bye !”

 

Then proceeded to still fly out of the room as fast as he could . Somehow, Ah Yi chuckled , shaking her head , she didn’t think it was just pure excitement over the chance to view the jar and its contents . Ah, young love.

 

She eyed her Son whose eyes flickered to the door where the little master had flown out of then back to her.

 

“ Would you like to join Shaoye ?” She suggested with a knowing smile . Binghe shook his head hard , frantically in response .

 

“ No thank you , mama! I’ll be happy being useful to the Dichan household by marking myself busy !”

 

At this words, Ah Yi frowned, her wizened eyes turning sad ,

 

“ Ah he . Old master Dichan is a kind man .And even though young master Dichan ....has a funny way of showing it, I can tell he genuinely...likes you a lot . They both really aren’t like that horrid girl and her Grandfather back at the Docks whom tried to -“

 

Binghe’s smile goes frighteningly large , but fails to reach his eyes, it is tense with terror , a defense mechanism long learnt.

 

Ah Yi takes her trembling poor adopted Son and gently rocks him back and forth as best as she can in her frail arms . “ I’m sorry. I brought up bad memories didn’t I?”

 

She wishes her son will cry , as horrible as that sounds, it let out the negativity inside and allowed one to open up .

 

He hadn’t cried since that dark day and she was worried. “Why don’t you take your day off and go read that nice book Shaoye gave you earlier this week ?”

 

This brings Binghe out of the terrified daze. Funny, Ah Yi thinks fondly as her Son rolls his eyes and corrects her, saying his young master had thrown it at his face and told him he could have the sissy book .

 

The same sissy book , a collection of stories , notably contained an illustrated fairy tale that Binghe loved hearing her tell Shaoye and him.

 

It was an old fanciful legend and frankly she was not too fond of it privately as she found it too focussed on the emphasis of physical beauty and wealth

 

But as much as the little master jeered at Binghe for liking an apparently ‘sissy book’ , on a trip with his Baba to the Shopping district , he had bought the book, brand new, still in its wrapping and upon returning , had thrown it at ‘Dumb-dumb’ claiming the unopened book was boring .

 

How funny.

 

Funny how the mere mention of the young master can chase away the shadows on her son’s face .

 

—/

 

The Largest manor at the crest of the hill, was three stories high. It had been established as the official residence of the appointed ruler since antiquity. 

 

The Manor was always bustling with activity , even if it’s master oftentimes was  in his study. Guards patrolled every floor, and the servants made sure to polish the floor so as to keep it mirror bright. 

 

The kitchen kept well stocked by a proud head chef whom managed the cooks and ensured that their masters would never have to go hungry. You could barely turn without knocking into someone , and when not under scrutiny of the employers, would bellow at each other constantly.

 

The laundry in this stately home was helmed by both men and women, and having nothing to do as they washed, dried and hung the carpets, the clothes , the expensive furs that belonged to the Dichans , a constant burbling of gossip that went on and on.

 

Thus it was very hard if you were a lowly and very small servant boy to find a quiet spot to rest and read your favorite book.

 

However if you are very small and keep very quiet , it is quite funny how often people don’t see what is right before their eyes.

 

 Beneath the portrait of a beautiful woman which was hung upon the wall of a particular stairwell leading to a hidden room that was used as a lookout point for archers in long past wars , eyes glued to the rich tome set  to a particular page , sat Luo Binghe. 

This is his favourite story.

 

Crazy Fairy Magic Road follows the path of a poor maiden abused by her cruel step Mother . One day she steps on a sentient magical road whom seeing the virtuous heart of hers,  grants her a change of attire , thus attracting and marrying a passing fairy prince, joining his vast harem. 

 

Her step Mother is dispatched off most satisfyingly by being tortured till she turns crazy , and the young maiden never has to suffer again , contented with serving her lord by being kind, virtuous and honorable. 

 

Binghe hoped one day like the poor maiden, he would meet someone as beautiful as the princess in the portrait and as rich as the prince in the legend. 

 

They would marry in great pomp and style, he would cook dishes and happily serve the love of his life for the rest of his days.

 

And no one would ever hurt or think lowly of his mama and him again !

 

Binghe would have no reason to be sad and would smile all the time .

 

Preferably , his future spouse would be older , thus , they would patiently look after him and their three children, a dog . They would also, ideally look like the beautiful Gong Zhu in the painting .

 

With her Phoenix eyes, neat with two black eyebrows and her skin pale as alabaster and her dark wavy locks with a gentle smile - 

He looked up to the maiden in the silk painting and sighed. 

 

She was the very image of grace, demureness and benevolence.

 

His obsidian-black eyes flicked to his book .

--

A great clamor came from below him, Binghe rolled his eyes .

 

There was a jar of pickled Thousand winters Cucumbers brought from Qing Jing Peak , sent specially from the little master’s god father to be brewed into soup.

 

Judging from the hubbub from the front courtyard wherein the unveiling of the likely beautiful jar holding the priceless contents , the whole Dichan clan had been invited to come. 

 

The most prominent and piercing voice that thrummed above the excited cheers and whoops was both one that brought equal tired fondness and exasperation to the obsidian eyed boy. 

 

“This is AWESOME!”

 

What Dichan Shaoye saw in studying the carcasses of dead low level beasts, Binghe had no idea. 

 

He was so weird. Binghe resolutely ignores his own weird thought that for such an oddball and how weird the little master could be, he kind of liked said weirdness. 

….

-Shake!-

 

-Shake!-

 

Out! Out! Bad thoughts! 

 

As cute and as weird the little master was, his fiery and impatient personality and his clear resentment for him being by virtue his Mama’s son by adoption , meant he was not Binghe’s type! 

 

Plus, the Shaoye  was plump, short for his age to boot and his main hobby was shouting at people!

 

Binghe turns green at the thought of him marrying and spending the rest of his life shouted at and having stuff thrown at him with someone whom so obviously disliked him. 

 

NOPE. Not his type! Not his type! 

 

He flicked his eyes back to the tome, then at the maiden in the painting. Then sighed. 

 

Luo Binghe couldn't wait to grow up and have his happily ever after-

 

“Haha!” Binghe freezes as a cruel high laugh breaks his reverie. 

 

His heart sinks to the bottom of his stomach.

 

He knows that laugh all too well and lifts his head to see a trio of boys grinning unpleasantly at him, just a few steps away.

 

Smart mouth, braids and Aleck.

 

...It wasn’t really their real names but as the three boys considered him beneath their notice to give their actual names and Binghe loathed them, these were the names he had assigned them.   

 

How did they find him? Actually, the more pressing thing was how could he escape-

 

A painful kick sends him flying before he can even get up. 

 

Aleck sneers at the beaten child before him , his right leg raised. “ Aw. Poor widdle bastard . Did we hurt your fweelings?” He was referring to the event a day ago. They were bullying him as usual, despite him being due to go and piggyback Shaoye who was changing. 

 

The little master whom came out, raging on the time he was taking, saw the sight before him .

 

Stared, then ran forward and kicked Aleck right in the shins. It was only at Binghe’s behest that the little master did not kick them blue and black or give their parents the boot like he wanted.

 

As much as he despised the trio and their parents , Binghe was an upright boy . Unfortunately the trio or their parents did not possess even half of his conscience .

 

---

 

Aleck was the son of the head chef , and thus was allowed to swagger around . He liked to refer to the kitchen as his domain , he was highly respected and feared due to his father’s influence. 

 

“ It's ‘feelings’ . '' Smart-mouth corrects but sneers at Binghe too . Smart-mouth was the son of a songstress , and Dichan Shaoye’s reading companion. He gained the unfortunate acquaintance of a lowly servant boy  when the little master decided he wanted Luo Binghe , his new favourite mode of transport (piggybacker) and favorite storyteller to join their literature lessons . 

 

Of course no one actually wanted to do the roles Binghe did .

 

The resentful servants and their children all laughed when they saw him being harried ragged around by the little master .

 

But that did not mean they could not take out their frustration on him over the young master’s clear favoritism of Luo Binghe’s foster mother , Ah Yi . A mere washerwoman , treated and paid better just because she had the favor of Dichan Shaoye .

 

That despite how entertaining it was seeing Luo Binghe being treated as such by the envious little master over being Ah yi’s son even if it was via mere adoption....

 

If he vanished one day , how sad would the old lady be ? She was suffering from an incurable illness. Everyone could see that.

 

The shock of losing her precious son would likely kill her and someone whom deserved it better than her would gain the rightful place of being favoured .

 

It was a dog eat dog world where it was every man for himself to gain a better position in life .

 

People like their parents.

 

And Binghe knew that, knew the way they thought. And hated them all the more for thinking such awful things. 

 

He did not fear the other two . 

 

But he did fear Braids.

 

--

 

Braids used to be part of a clique of street orphans who had terrorized him at the Docks. Rather like Binghe he had come to the Golden Citadel after his father managed to get a job as a guard .

 

He knew all about Binghe’s past and spread it like jam on bread to anyone  whom cared to listen.

 

A rough and tumble former street urchin, he was tall for his age and strong which allowed him to easily wrench the tome from their victim’s hands. 

 

“Hey! This looks expensive, how did you buy such a thing?” 

 

Braids sneered, peering down at Binghe whom was being brutally beaten up by the other two boys.

 

They were bored, and thus seeked to alleviate their boredom by  using their favorite punching bag.

 

Binghe opened his mouth as if to answer only for the gangly youth to deliver a blow so strong right to his chest , there was a sickly crack.

 

Rather than be frightened, the trio only continued even as the child on the ground gasped in pain and  began gagging.

 

To them,Binghe was less than human, even more lowly than a dog .

 

Their resentment and entitlement fed to by their parents gave them no conscience .

 

Cruelty was learned and unfortunately this poison flowed through their veins giving them no mercy. 

 

His origins unknown, his mother was a lowly old washerwoman whom their parents hated. 

 

He was easy pickings.

 

Gloating, Braids stepped on the already battered chest , smirking at the pained squeak it earned him.

 

He was preparing to give the child a painful strike at the side of his face no matter what answer or the lack of he got. 

 

“I asked you a question, mongrel.  This is an expensive book, how did you get the mone-”

 

“He didn’t! ”  An angry yowl came from nearby , answering the bully’s question. . 

 

Suddenly, all the blows stopped. And the three bullies looked up, gaping in shock. They recognized that voice. Everyone did . And everyone answered it’s owner and said owner’s father. 

 

 There,bouncing up the stairs was the last person they wanted to see witness them doing this deed and said punching bag’s adopted mother running after him, horror on her face as she took in the scene before her. 

 

“ Y-young master!”  ‘RUN!”

 

“Who said you could touch Lao Zi’s present to D-dumb-dumb!? HEY! Get back here! I’ve booked an appointment for you three idiots with Lefty and Righty! “

 

The book fell to the ground as the three fled down the other staircase on the other side of the stairwell .

--

 

All Binghe could feel was the racing of his heart and anger, so much anger filled his heart.

 

He was a fool , such a fool. The little master never cared about him. He was an amusement , someone to throw his scraps at .

 

If that silly spoiled little boy never had fixated for some strange reason on his mama, he would not be treated like this.

 

A pair of soft little hands touched him, “Hey ! A-are you okay?” 

 

He wants to shake them off. 

 

“Don’t touch me! I wish I had never met you! I hate you! I hate you!” Part of Binghe wants to say to him so badly.

 

But the part that always won, the strange feelings and protectiveness over hurting someone younger and so delicate as always drowned it out , pushing the fury to the murky depths of his heart.

 

  Besides , a reasonable voice at the back of the pounding fury whispered  ,  Mama and you are paid very well and Shaoye always uncannily came to your rescue whenever you get into scrapes .

 

Binghe bites it down. Forces his smile to his lips, the same one he wore since that day at the Docks

. 

“...I’m fine, young master.” 

 

Ah.

 

Shen yuan thinks . 

 

Binghe looks both close to tears and so angry . That smile wasn’t real, it was what Ah Yi and him called Binghe’s ‘mask’ that he put on whenever he was pissed. 

 

At the same time, the ever helpful TT chose to chime in.

 

[ Lao Da!!! OAO. Luo binghe’s anger has risen! Unlocked: Anger points! ]

 

…

 

Shen Yuan did not need to know what those points signified and waved at the panicking system to continue.

 

[ OAO ;;;;; - And the current level is 90! … Lao Da, you can purchase a small scenario starter pack at - ]

 

//Hell no! I’m not spending any more points ! Besides. I think I can afford to sacrifice a little to gain some much needed insight  ! ]

 

If he was going to die anyway. Then he might as well get to the bottom of why Luo Binghe refused to cry . 

 

Shen Yuan was not blind, Luo Binghe was long overdue for a good session of letting it out but the child refused to do so , due to something that occurred to him in the past.

 

Shen Yuan was not a good person , the fact he willingly was complicit in a role that allowed this abuse was testament to that. But he was a big brother and not entirely an asshole.

 

For once the little master allowed Binghe to walk away with nary a grumble, a thoughtful look at his face. Ah yi with great reluctance ,and to Shen Yuan’s great surprise , let the other little boy totter off alone. 

 

“Ah yi…? Will Binghe-ge be alright? “ The little master’s soft worried voice broke her out of her worry. 

 

She smiled a little sadly. “That child...He always does not want to bother others, if I ran after him, he will get more upset  …. Besides ,he clearly wants to be alone right now.” 

 

The old washerwoman watched her son then relaxed . 

 

 “ That and Ah He has an unusual healing ability .” True enough , Binghe was already running , the strength coming back to him in spurts as though he had never been brutally beaten up minutes ago. 

 

-Ka!-

 

The little master kicked a pebble. Hard.

 

“That Dumb-dumb- Why doesn’t he cry? “ He muttered. 

 

Ah Yi watched him for a while, then sat on the stairs. 

 

“Can Shaoye keep a secret?” She asked, her voice for once utterly serious.The little boy, wide-eyed nodded, seating himself next to her . 

 

“Is it about why Binghe-ge cannot cry? “ At her nod, the little boy nods his head so fast, it becomes a frantic blur.  “Please tell me! I want to help him! He looks like his heart hurts bad- But he can’t let the hurt out of it. Baba tells me that laughter is the best medicine but sometimes-I-I think you need to cry to let the sad out!”  

 

And so she told him.

 

And for the first time since she had entered the Golden Citadel, she watched the little boy whom only cried to get his own way, weep for what had happened to someone else . 

 

But he didn’t lament for too long.

 

Ever since she had came here, Ah Yi got the strangest feeling, increasingly so that the little Master had been born to meet her son. Whenever her poor child was in trouble, the younger boy seemed to have an uncanny sixth sense and rush over to help. 

 

True, she honestly thought that he could convey his...Affections and goodwill toward Ah He in a nicer way , but Binghe had learned to read and write due to the lessons he had been demanded to take. 

 

He had nice clothes and a chest full of new toys due to the young master claiming that apparently he was bored of them . 

 

And every day, they would eat together at the little master’s insistence that he wanted Binghe to feed him . Before Binghe fed him however,  the little master would pile on food he apparently did not from his plate full of high quality ingredients like onto Binghe’s plate that contained the standard servant’s meal. 

 

Ah Yi knew the jealousy of the head chef whom gave Binghe even smaller portions than the standard meal . Knew how they harassed her child if he went to eat at the kitchen where the servants ate. Binghe had started filling out after this insistence, and being able to eat without being abused. 

 

“A-ah Yi. Thank you for telling me! “ The small boy shot up, blinking away unshod tears and startling her out of her musings . “ Find Baba,please and tell him to bring several guards - Binghe-Ge , that dumb-dumb is in trouble again!” 

 

And without waiting for her to respond, he ran off. 

 

Ah Yi took a few steps forward, then coughed. 

 

Bright red blood flecked the stairs.

 

But she grit her teeth.

 

Her baby was in trouble. She knew and trusted Shaoye to save him. 

 

She had to find help. 

 

---

 

Anger flared in him and it gave him the strength to deal Braids a brutal strike right across his face. “You can beat and insult me all you like, but I won’t have you slandering Young Master Shaoye! “

 

Famous last words. 

 

Panic makes his strokes come faster but it is fruitless. 

 

The jar of pickled Thousand winter cucumbers was indeed empty of the precious cargo BUT it had been filled with water to be cleaned.  

 

This was something the bullies had not expected after they had decided to corner him , him striking back in a rage after Braids commented Shaoye being weak for pretty faces like his. And then they had decided to stick him in the presumably empty jar. 

Now he was trapped, and drowning. Him hearing them trying to come up with reasons for his inevitable drowning and saving their own hides outside does not help matters. 

 

Binghe never felt so frightened in his life . Not even when that day at the Docks. That dark day ,the Jie Jie and her Grandpa decided it was time to-  At least Ah Yi had come in time and saved him. At least he h-hadn’t died in the same fashion like so many of his fellow orphans. 

 

“Help! Someone!  Anyone! Help me, please! “ Water went into his lungs , his calm long since ebbing away when he discovered there was no foothold for him.

 

It was so cold.

 

Was he going to die like this?

 

In the cold? In the dark?

 

By now the cold had gotten to him.

 

As if from far away he could hear yelling.

 

What was going on in that far away place?

 

People say as you are dying , you see images of those whom you love. His mother, she who had loved him, saved him and given him so much.

 

They say no one dies without regrets.  It is nigh impossible to accomplish absolutely everything. 

 

It is more saddening if you have barely began living when life does you a cruel turn.

 

I wish ...Unbidden , he thinks back to the bright bouquet of flowers in the room shared with his mama a year ago , and somehow his mind jumps to his little master.

 

His strange little master whom seemed so harsh at first glance but then said and did things that were so kind. 

 

Despite his bluster, teasing him with nick names , trying (failing ) to kick him , making him piggyback him , read to him . Weren’t all these done to try and protect him from the wrath of the other children ?

 

Why?

 

Why did he go out of his way to be kind to him?  Even if it was hidden under bluster that had no heat.

 

Like a priceless treasure swathed in layers of silk that he had only wished he had , only now , the chance to unravel .

 

I wish I had the chance to unravel the mystery that is you-

 

“ -Shaoye !”

 

“ What’s the esteemed young master doi-oh no! Young master! Please put that down ! “

 

“ If y’all don’t shut the hell up, Lao Zi will club all of you with this rock !” A very familiar voice roared from that very far away place. 

 

*THUD!* 

 

*THUD!* 

 

-CRACK!- 

 

There was a great crack and suddenly, the water around him was rushing away and he swept away. 

 

Out into the warm sun.   

 

Binghe can breathe again .

 

The warmth of the day was a great relief.

 

Never had the air smelt so sweet and fresh .

 

The sky had never seemed so sky; the world had never seemed so world.

 

The guilty boys were still there and were joined by their parents , whom were all trembling . They were surrounded by a band of grim guards , and Dichan Lao Ye had arrived on scene.

 

But he didn’t have eyes for them or could not see them as his mama pulled him into her bosom . “- Oh , Ah He . Thank the gods , you’re safe !”

 

Tears prick at the corner of his eyes . Then his eyes widen .

 

Oh no. Oh no-

 

Old master Dichan and his little master were both here and both were watching him- 

 

His breath quickens . 

 

“Mama. Mama. I’m fine. I’m fine. I might have fainted but I didn’t cc-cry-”

 

No one is laughing as the little boy smiles , a sickly rictus grin and tries to get up from the embrace “- So please, Masters , don’t please take out my organs or Mama’s to be sold !  I swear I won’t cry , no matter what-”  

 

Some of the Guards upon seeing this scene , begin to chatter sympathetically amongst themselves . 

 

They often traveled outside and on long trips with Old Master Dichan and knew quite a bit about the good ….And the bad of their County. 

 

“-Poor thing. One of ‘those’ isn’t he?”

 

“ He’s a ‘organ-flower’. Organ traffickers trick these slum children into thinking they can be trusted then  are offered to be employed into houses ...That in reality are black markets, ain’ it -?"

 

“There used to be a huge underground one nearby the Docks- ”  

 

“Aye. Bunch-a sickos. I heard they brainwash ‘em kids to think that being killed n’ having their organs harvested is deserved if they don’t ‘smile’ while being worked to death!”

 

“Urggh! That poor thing! God knows how many of his fellow orphans he had to watch being picked off! ” 

 

“-No wonder he can’t and won’t cry. Anyone would close themselves off after such an ordeal from the world! Who can blame him for being terrified he might be next?!”

 

Someone barrels into him, and he falls down on his right side, his mama letting go in shock.  

 

Binghe is so startled it takes a moment to register who it is who is right now atop him, screaming at him. 

“-t’s okay to cry!”

 

Shaoye is yelling at him. His eyes are red, snot is flying out.

 

Ah, Binghe thinks, dazed.

 

I made you cry.

 

“IT’S OKAY TO CRY! YOU CAN CRY IF YOU WANT TO! “

 

Really?

 

“NO ONE HERE WILL EVER LAY HANDS ON YOU AGAIN!”

 

I-it’s okay , to?

 

“Listen good, and listen well, Luo Binghe. “ for once his little master is not shouting, those almond brown eyes lock into his .

 

And even as spaced out as he was , a strange electric tingle ran up his spine just like the first time they had met a year ago. It felt like an explicable invisible ripple spiraling around them . Like history itself was being changed and made at the same time.

 

“- You great Ninnycoop, you monumental moron. You-you preposterous pillock . Y-y-you …” Veins pop out in great detail on his master’s face.

 

People back away. 

 

Finally he explodes. “ YOU DUMB-DUMB! Why shouldn’t you cry?! How dare y’ think Lao Zi’s t-the same as those trash ?!”

 

“NO ONE HERE IS GUNNA TAKE YOUR ORGANS AWAY IF YOU ‘MESS’ UP BY USING YOU NOT SMILING AS AN EXCUSE TO DO SO.”

 

He took a deep breath. “I-I LIKE YOU! I REALLY LIKE YOU! EVEN IF YOU DON’T SMILE. EVEN IF YOU ARE A DUMB-DUMB! AND NO ONE HERE OR ANYWHERE ELSE WILL EVER HURT YOU AGAIN! I SWEAR OR THIS LAO ZI WILL NOT BE A DICHAN! “ 

 

Somewhere faraway, someone is crying.

 

The sound seems to be growing louder and louder.

 

It is only when a pair of soft hands gently, ever so gently brush away the wetness on his cheeks, does Binghe realise that that whining , hiccuping sound was coming from him. And he is crying so hard that his tummy hurts for the first time in five years since his lucky escape from nearly getting his organs harvested.

 

It’s different now.

He cries . And cries. 

 

Once he had stopped crying, and using the little master as a hankie, though... True enough , the little boy gave Binghe a vicious look when the older boy had calmed down, and hurriedly pushes him away, face all beet-root red  .

 

 “And you’re a dumb-dumb too-” 

 

He stood up to full diminutive height , and cast a sneer at the guilty parties, “-  Letting these short lives tramp all over ya. ”

 

 Smart-mouth at this,  raised his head and opened his big mouth.

 

Ah.

 

It is kind of like watching two carriaages crash into the other, Binghe thought, you know what is going to happen but you can’t turn away to stop watching.

 

“Uhhh, sorry , esteemed young master Shaoye, don’t you mean , ‘low-life?’ “

 

There was a stunned silence.

 

Everyone watched as Shaoye turned from red to puce in rage.

 

“I.”

 

He took a menacing step forward.

 

“KNOOOW.”

 

There was a foul smell as Smart-mouth promptly soiled himself in fear.

 

“THIS LAO ZI* JUST SAYS IT MY WAY. “

 

Yes .  The bullies and Binghe cowered. We know. Oh yes, we do.

 

“YOU GOTTA  ISSUE WITH LAO ZI’S  WAY?! ”

 

No! No! We don’t! 

—-

The little master had decided with many eye rolls that since he had declared he and Luo Binghe were besties in front of the whole damn world , they would be as such. 

 

Tonight they were having a ‘sleep’ over. 

 

Binghe never had a ‘friend’ before. Shaoye had turned puce when he told him no one played or had done anything like this with him before , and it took a lot of convincing the little master not to not force the other children and his own cousins to be Binghe’s friends. 

 

Something in Binghe’s heart twisted as the little master seemed ... Almost confused when he had to be told you could not force people to be friends with you. 

 

I guess I’m not the only one.

 

Binghe entered the large room in his thin pajamas. Despite waiting here in the light of day daily , as grand and like a dream it seemed to live in such a huge space.

 

When night came, the shadows cast by the many ornaments as the lamplight flickered, made him nervous.

 

 He slept with his mama in their  cozy little room , and nearby through the paper-thin walls came the snores and light chit-chat of the other servants. It was not lonely and always was warm, right next to the great brazier that heated up the house. 

 

The guards outside whom rotated duty never came inside. 

 

Old Master Dichan would give his son a goodnight kiss but ultimately retire to his own room at the end of the grand hallway of the same level. 

 

But that was it. 

 

This large room...Seemed awfully big , far too quiet and lonely. At least to Binghe. There was a chill in the air , for some odd reason the heating from the brazier did not seem to reach here. 

 

Binghe hopped quickly to the bed where the young master was busy fluffing up a pillow. Underneath the bed were many stoves to heat the mattresses. That, he was looking forward to. A nice, warm bed. Someone he trusted to snuggle to.

 

So hurried he was, eyes darting from shadow to shadow , did Binghe’s foot catch on the carpet and fall. 

 

“You lumbering lummock!” The little master jumps out of bed and runs over to help him up. Worry etched on his face. “Are you okay?!” 

 

Binghe is quite alright as he helps himself up more than the delicate child who struggled to even put the older boy's wiry arm behind his small head in a vain attempt to help him up as a support. 

 

 But his breath hitches as his eyes cast on a very familiar lady in a portrait on an elegant set of shelves .

 

Only she is holding a little bundle. A little very familiar looking  bundle with a tuft of the same wavy hair. 

 

Ignoring the little master’s queries then blusters and then the subsequent kick he receives from the enraged child whom begins screeching in pain.

 

 Binghe in a trance,  walks over, to the shelf , absently notes the dusty box full of shampoo prototypes just below the portrait that was on the top , which he picks up.

 

The little master stomps , painfully over , all a-glower. Then the fire in his eyes goes out at what is in his hands.  

 

--

“ That is my MuQing da-ren ... I never knew her .”

 

“Shaoye has never met his mama?”

 

The little master looked like he wanted to stomp his feet but then deflates. He walks back to the bed, and hops back into it, mouth sets in a grim line.

 

Binghe follows him, having replaced the portrait back on the shelf.

 

Shaoye is tossing on the bed, restless. At the dent on the bed , signalling his friend had come to the bed , he turns around. 

 

“ She left when I came out of her belly .”

 

He turns back and continues tossing , voice curiously flat .

 

 “You heard Squire Qui a month back. Like all the staff does. “ 

 

“I didn’t.” The little boy stops tossing and studies him . “I didn’t. I don’t listen to gossip. Too busy reading that ‘sissy’ book you gave me.” Binghe laughed ruefully, and this confession at least calms the child down. 

 

“Squire Qui was tellin’ me it’s thankful I look nuthin’ like my mama. Only got my hair from her. Said she was a temptress and did Baba and me dirty by leaving us after she got what she really wanted.  He was really loud, so a lot of people heard him. “

 

Shaoye pats the pillow he was hugging.

 

“Everyone then started crowdin’ around and going on about what a poor thing I am. “ He tilts his head proud , and scowls fiercely. “What rot! This Lao Zi only has got a Baba, a Fan-Ge, an Ah Yi and a-a Dumb-dumb and that’s all he needs! “

 

Binghe did not like Squire Qui. He was a greedy man who sometimes came by to see Dichan Shaoye and provided him with dancing girls. 

 

 He could tell Dichan Ye didn’t like the brothel owner either but was weak to the little master’s demands to be entertained by the pretty jie-jies. 

 

The brothel owner was a sinister squalid toad like man and there was something dark and wrong when he looked at his little Master and licked his lips . 

 

 Binghe never liked him. And after hearing this , was seized with the urge to claw out the man’s eyes for this act. 

 

 Is ... is that why you clung to Ahyi , Shaoye ?

 

Squire Qui was coming by tomorrow. Binghe remembered the dusty box full of shampoo prototypes that turned the user’s hair pink and smelt like sewage , marked to throw , a shelf below the painting of Shaoye’s mother. 

 

The beginnings of a plan began to form in his head but he kept quiet, listening to the little boy cuddled against him.

 

“ Y-you’re lucky . Your mama didn’t care she wouldn’t gain a gem by keeping you .... And she’s nice S-so you better look after her . You dumb-dumb !” 

 

....Because you think you’re a mistake that everyone sees as of your mother’s machinations .

 

Binghe tried to put himself in his master’s shoes . They are alike , aren’t they ? Their birth mothers both abandoned them . Both were mistakes .

 

But at least no one reminded him everyday of this . He didn’t have a face to be reminded of this fact and rubbed in his face .

 

Dichan fu-ren’s visage however was everywhere .

 

Even in his little master’s bedroom .

 

And he was told everyday by Old Master Dichan of how lovely and saintly she was despite what she did to her young son whom had to live with her mistake everyday as long as he lived in this Citadel .

 

Binghe felt sick .

 

He recalls thinking of how pretty and sweet the gong zhu in the portrait was . Now he knows the story, of what she did to his little master, the gentle smile on her face looks more like a taunting smirk at having fooled Luo Binghe.

 

You really cannot judge a book by it’s cover. 

—-

 

Binghe later crawls out of bed when he determines the little boy in his arms is fast asleep.

 

He scampers over to the shelf, easily picks up the portrait.

 

Luo Binghe gives the woman staring back at him a fierce glower and puts it face down with a sharp , admonishing clack  .

 

Someone else- Another servant whom cleaned the room would put it back face up but as long as he was by Shaoye’s side, he would put it down when he was in the room .

 

He extinguished the candle and crawled into bed with his little master, snuggled close and hugged him hard like a lifeline, squishing the child’s face against his shoulder . 

 

Binghe drifted off to sleep , not realizing in reality his sweet little master was hiding a slow smile in his shoulder at an invisible guide’s excited proclamation of him having gained 50 complexity points .

Or the fact said little Master was mentally chattering with an unseen System about a Plot Armour Halo that could trump his own invisible Protagonist halo.

Had Binghe known, he would likely have gladly swapped over said item he unknowingly possessed , never wanting said Protagonist halo.

The little Master rolled around in a good mood once he was certain Luo Binghe was fast asleep , and stuck out his chest. The skies outside his open window was clear and the big yellow moon shone down like a polished silver mirror, reminding him of the light of celestial beings. Just like the saving grace of the Plot Armour Halo that would entitle him to a life of leisure! And boy, was he looking forward to that!

---

The next day , Shaoye was brought back to the waking world by someone gently singing close to him. 

“ The sun is coming up . the moon's coming down,

the day is beginning . The birds and the bees,

the flowers and the trees are all waking up, too.

It's time you wake up , sleepyhead.

It's time you open those eyes .

Wakey wakey …. “

He yawned as he forced himself awake . Someone stroked his head , and he blinked the last vestiges of sleep from his eyes . Luo Binghe smiled at him , already dressed in his uniform . “-A new day has begun ~” He finished . 

Shen Yuan felt a blush come to his cheeks involuntarily. Aah . So meng* ! What a pure little white sheep the protagonist was !

”Uhhh. You … You sing good .” He stuttered inelegantly, and made sure despite his own amusement to glower at Binghe when then the older boy laughed . Gotta keep in character , after all .” Oi! What’s so funny ! For that I order you to sing me awake with this song , from now on !” “ Yes , young master .” Binghe sing-songed affectionately , like a loving owner dealing with his spoilt pet . “C’mon ! Let’s got going ! “ Shaoye bounced out of bed , careful not to reveal his personal distaste as he uttered the next words . “ Gotta see the fat ass. He’s bringing entertainment for me !”

It took Binghe a whole scandalized minute to realize he was calling Squire Qui a ‘fat ass’ . “Young master . This one agrees he is quite … Large . But maybe you shouldn’t call him that . “ “Why not ? “ Shaoye asked , genuinely innocent . “ He’s a ton of fun ! Even you said he’s huge ! Sides , I call him that all the time !”

Binghe could not help it . He fell over laughing . “Pardon this one, young master . But , to his face ?” “ Yep ! Hey ! What’s so funny ?!” 

Binghe , despite finding it hilarious that the creepy Squire Qui had his large assets pointed out to him by his own target at each meeting , had long decided since last night to go ahead with his plan and proceeded with it .

That late morning , Squire Qui found a bucket of foul smelling liquid tipped on his head when he departed from the Dichan estate on what unbeknownst to him was the last time he would come to do business with the young master .

 

 The malefactor likely was from one of the innumerable windows high above , making them impossible to catch. 

 

When he swore and cursed foully in front of his bewildered patrons, ranting about the ‘useless’ and ‘disgusting’ liquid, the entire estate saw the portly man being kicked out on the enraged little master’s orders.

 

No one insulted anything he had made, for from the smell the boy had determined it was his first prototype of his shampoo. Even if it was a failed experiment. 

 

To rub it in, the old tub of lard stepped and slipped on rotten fish carcasses that for some reason had been placed in front of his carriage. 

 

High above the chaos on the ground, from the third floor of the manor and walking away from a staircase window, Luo Binghe studied the second bucket of failed shampoo he had just poured from said window.

 

The contents belonging to the dozens of bottles of the first shampoo prototypes the little master had made, he had found, dusty and placed in a ‘to throw’ box  in the little master’s room and mourned not being able to go for a second round.  

 

Oh well.

 

 He then cheerfully picked up the plate of decaying fish that the head chef had discovered at the back of the ice box and had ordered him to throw .

 

He might have made a little diversion , but it was quite worth it.

 

Humming happily , Binghe went on his merry way. 

 

Today was a good day, it seemed.  

 

--

 

 

 

Notes:

Notes:

Will SY get that all important Plot Armour halo to ward against the future ! Bingge’s tyrannical rule would bring to his beloved Citadel ?Will current! Luo Binghe get the incriminating smell of rotten fish off his clothes ? Will Aleck and company ever stop being a bunch of annoying buttholes ? Why is Squire Qui such a creep around SY ? Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas !

 

—-

Now with Art~! <3

End Notes:

*LAO ZI -Lao Zi -lǎo zi. father daddy "I, your father" (in anger, or out of contempt). Another way of saying ‘I’m the BOSS.”

*“Mu qin means mother in chinese. It’s more formal than Mama. 

*Fan-Ge is Mingfan btw. XD SY is not as immune as he likes to think to all 'villains'.

Ages thus far

Luo Binghe -10 ((3 years more to 'Graduation' and departure to Qingjing ))
Dichan Shaoye-6

 

Chapter 3: The FINE art of Bullsh*t

Summary:

Hi, everyone! I hope you like this chapter where Shen Qingqiu shows up! Originally two other characters showed up but I had to scrap it as too much was going on. I do hope you all like it!

Edit: Thanks for the kind comments, everyone! :) I was really worried about how everyone would like my portrayal of Shen Qingqiu in this chapter and am so happy that he has been well received!

I also have decided to spend every 3 chapters editing my chapters hence there may be a small delay as I also am a webcomic artist and have a day job, y'all 0A0 ((I'm old as heck)) due to feedback I received that this chapter was mostly and largely 'unreadable', especially pertaining to the letters. I don't mean to sound a bit salty but that particular section is meant to be written by a 6. an 8 and a 10 year old and I had to go back to make it grammatically incorrect on purpose, haha! I dug up my old compositions written from those respective eras and asked my aunt whom is a school teacher to judge it . Realistically, kids will make lots of errors and try to pronounce words but do so wrongly. Shaoye shortens and says words 'wrongly' also due to his 'young' age so just for consideration.

 

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

This’s your fiance, Dichan Shaoye . While we’ll not meat till the date of d weeding ,which will occur when we are old and according to Baba , custom . I do hop we can be fwends 1st. I’m 6 . Who old r u ? I like monsters , sewing , n red cuz real men like red . I dun like spinach n make Binghe eet it for me. He’s my new fwend tho I knew him since his Mama came to do our washin up wen I was 5.

 

How r u doing ? Isn’t it amazshing dat we can send each other messages like this by just writing on this magickul parchments as long as have each udders address and receive it in an hour ?

 

P.S: This letter was red by Luo Binghe . He’s 10 . He’s Berry smert n nice n Gud lookin n cooks gud. He teld me to led him cheek for spelling errers . I led him bed did not correck eet cuz I am the Lao Zi n no one tells me waddle do even if they are my fwends . I hope you unnersand dat .

 

P.P.S : We totes should hang out wundae , to hash wiv de silly customs I dink you will like Binghe! ;3

 

Hope 2 heer from you soon .

 

Eggcitedly,

Your fiancé ,Dichan Shaoye .

Heir of the Golden Citadel

—-

 

 

---

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Ahem Shaoye ,

 

First off I’m 8. Second I think this engagement’s a joke that my Daddy made cuz he wants your dads big land . Third , I’m not hanging out with or am into kids younger than me . Fourth your spelling’s so bad , I pity this Luo Binghe for having to read through this . But shoor , I’m bored so I’ll humour you with this since you’re the first person to try n talk to me . Even tho making friends is crass and for the lower classes that’s what Daddy tells me . Cuz you’re my fiancé and Daddy says I have to kiss up to you n your dad.

 

Urgh , why do I bother talking to someone whom likely will never go into cultivashun ? The reesun why the parchment is becuz it’s magic . Duh . We live in a word where cultivadors travel by flying in swords and other stuff . I thot your clan infact creates your own weapons to fly about in rather than going to Wanjian peak like other respectable and sensible cultivadors do ?

 

How am I doing ? Well , I’ve finished my dancing lessons and a shopping trip with my favourite maid . I had lunch alone as usual before I received this message from one of the Huan Hua disciples in charge of mail . My daddy is busy off who knows where . As usual .

 

Also What does Laozi mean ?

 

Also ew. I cannot believe you actually would willingly mix with servants. If we ever do meetup I am absolutely not interested in meeting this Luo Binghe who is the son of a lowly washerwoman. My Daddy says that servants carry germs cuz they run around n take care of moondane nonsunse a lot. So EW. NO.

 

Yours disgustedly ,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

___

 

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu

 

U r meen . Ah Yi ( Binghe’s mom) sez de moor meen a gurls is to a boy dat meens she likes u but lemee tell u dat is not de way into mai hart . >:( Also Ah Yi is de greadest , how dare u. Binghe who is reely nice normalee agrees u r a big rude meenie too . So dere )

 

U should sae sorry to him as he cooks reely gud, gives gud piggybaccks , tucks me in at nite , reads me stories n is reely gud looking. He also reeds all de ledders, even tho I dun ccorreck it ccuz Im de Lao Zi .

 

Today I am going to go on an outing wiv my God father . Witch brings me to remind u might wanna bee nicer as he is the peek lord of Qing Jing peek . N also I might not think of sending you a present from said outing .

 

What’s Lao Zi ? Say pls n mebbe I’ll consider . Hehee

 

Will write moar ledder.

 

Brb. Baba is calling me to hurree. ((p.s even tho u were mean, I gave Binghe a piece of parchmen to say someding to you. Mebbe you shud say surrey to him while u are at it so u two can b fwends . He’s, as I menshunned berry nice n Kyoot.)) >:3

 

Yours frantically ,

Your fiancé ,Dichan Shaoye .

Heir of the Golden Citadel

 

—

 

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Really ? You wrote in just to complain ? Your handwriting is atrocious . I had to call one of the first year Huan Hua disciple's to help me decipher it . A Qin Wanyue . She told me to be a little nicer to you as you’re only 6. I told her to mind her own busyness n her little rat of her sister whom followed her in too had the nerve to say this is why I have no friends !

 

I sprayed them with germ killer and they ran out screaming . That’ll learn ‘em.

 

I don’t need friends anyway. I just need to be served everyday and oneday marry well. Which happens to be taken well of. And by and by? I am not afraid of your godfather . My Daddy can kick his skinny butt in combat with his eyes closed.

 

Also, I am not interested in talking to your boy toy whom you clearly wanna snog . Go and hang out with him yourself if you think he is so cute instead of botherin me . I’ve discovered I’d rather watch paint dry din respond to a kids asinine letters.

 

Yours borededly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

---

 

 

 

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Dear Milady Xiao Gongzhu,

 

This’s Luo Binghe, Dichan Shaoye’s friend , ‘boy toy’ and said lowly washerwoman’s son . I’ll make this fast so as not to waste my or your time. This letter will self go out once you’ve read it as I’ve charmed it , so dun bother trying to save it.

 

My little master seems to think we’ll make good friends so he told me to write to you.

 

I said yes , so I could say this:

 

You might want to cawncider being nicer to my little master. Not all of us have the same kindness and toleerance as he has. I’m one of them. 1 month ago, I was given a book called Spells for those with an excess of qi by the Lord of the Manor. Your future father in law whom observed I’ve said excess , only asked in return for it I continoo lookin out for my little master in the future.

 

Ive made great strides with it . Why Am I tellin you this?

 

I came acrosses a very interesting one called ‘Frogged down’ , might you’ve heard of it? It makes frogs attracted to you. I also know the region of Huan Hua is famous for it’s overabundance of frogs . Would you like said frogs in your bath tub, frogs hoppings into your bed, your shoes, your closet and frogs coming after you every day for a year?

 

All I need is to know of the person’s address to cast it on said person .

 

And how conbeenient isn’t it, that it’s right there?

 

Shaoye seems to think I’m a kind boy. I am kind to my masters , I am kind to my mother.

 

I, however, can be very, very unkind to people whom slander them. So, I’ll give you a chance to reply to my little Master’s later letters like a proper lady and friend henceforth.

 

Or else.

 

Yours unamusedly,

Dichan Shaoye’s other friend,

Future right hand man to the Future ruler of the Golden Citadel.

Luo Binghe (10 years of age)

--

 

It was soon time for an outing with his father’s esteemed guest.

 

The man. The legend. The rat whom will abuse Luo Binghe in four years time from now.

 

Qingjing’s peak lord. His God father . Former puke and pee recipient.

 

His father would be busy handling a business conference with Lao Gongzhu ,  despite nearly cancelling it , Qingqiu had brutally shot down the idea , deeming it unacceptable for a ruler to cancel something important to building bonds between even a mediocre second rate sect like Huan Hua Palace which only encompassed a small but crucial enclave.

 

So it was decided that Qingqiu would still visit and be his godson’s au pair for the day .

 

It  would be the first time in years since they had met face to face since when he had been a newborn. 

 

The little master was to leave early after he had been dressed appropriately , then had a light breakfast .

 

He was to meet the renowned company at the Manor gates , to depart with the other in one of the best carriages. 

 

Right now the boy was in his room having breakfast in bed, it was one of the many pleasures he thought he could never get sick of having. 

 

Shen Yuan privately wondered why in a world of cultivators , did they need horse carriages?

 

The ever helpful TT responded cheerfully to his mental musing 【OwO . Lao Da, your body’s core is undeveloped and you’re still young , so you need a carriage to travel ! ]

 

It made sense, sadly. It would take years and time to cultivate and he was not of age. 

 

Only swords in the world would allow anyone to hitch a ride with a sufficiently powerful cultivator without needing to know how to sync qi. 

 

Riding his father’s sword with his Baba (Theoretically even if this had not come up)  alongside Qingqiu was thus out of question, it was hung upon the wall and was not even a sword. It was a halberd and a large chunk of it had been brutally broken off. Even if their qi did sync and allow him to take a ride, there was no guarantee it would not affect him adversely. 

 

Baba had explained to him that as he was not of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect , he like many other rogue cultivators had to improvise with what they had. If you were to take it into context, in this world, a sword from Wan Jian Peak was like a branded nimbus broomstick. His halberd would have been an ‘off-brand’ broomstick. Serviceable but buggy at the start but absolutely not recommended to be ridden with a child of such a young age. 

 

It was possible to hitch a ride with their guest as his sword as a WanJian Peak sword but according to etiquette it was considered rude to ask any cultivator for a ride unless the person himself had offered. 

 

Ahhh. What would he get? Something not too flashy , a sword would be nice and his thoughts turned to Luo Binghe, his favorite character whom would not just get one but two!

 

Despite Xin Mo being almighty and definitely awe-spiring as its name, it was Zheng Yang whom made its mark on readers .

 

The immortal sword was manifested from Luo Binghe’s qi and its body was filled with spiritual energy. This worthy, top-quality sword that was pulled out by Luo Binghe from the rock wall was but if you had to compare it to the Xin Mo sword that ‘truly’ belonged to Luo Binghe...

 

Truly , it wasn’t in the same league at all.

 

But for it’s defense of it’s master till it’s own end, when the blade had shattered at the Abyss arc , many a fan had written in bemoaning the sword’s ‘death’. 

 

He would be lying if he wasn’t one of those fans. Peerless Cucumber had written a veritable essay on Zheng Yang’s symbolism and reasons why Airplane should totally bring back the sword somewhere along the line.

 

But there were so many alternatives and he definitely wanted to impress his Baba with his own weapon ala mode of transport. 

 

Centuries of Dichans had crafted their own weapons. Despite their noble lineage , it was never forgotten the first Dichan had been a warrior and had founded the Citadel . While the people would sometimes vote for other elders on the council, the Dichans always had a representative in the parliament due to their lineage.

 

But more often than not, people like stability and thus it was often they would be more than happy

to vote a Dichan whom had proven himself to be the ruler over a newcomer .

 

//Aah. This world really was real, wasn’t it?// Shen Yuan thought as he hurriedly accepted an offered Amuse-bouche from the plate - a mantou dyed in a shade of tea green , to eat from an oddly quiet Luo Binghe. 

 

The protagonist had been oddly quiet and truthfully, so was he. Though definitely they both were quiet for different reasons. 

 

This would be the first time in a long time they would be apart. Binghe had to be so happy that he was free of catering to the demanding little master’s every whim that he was simply lost for words in sheer excitement , while he was quiet in giddiness and fear on meeting the scum villain and having to spend a whole day with him. 

 

 //You’re getting sidetracked again!//

 

Either way, Shen Yuan mused, as he munched on the mantou , which indeed was a dessert one, with a sweet mung bean filling with a crunchy lotus seed in the center. 

 

It was tradition to have a weapon of sorts in their line and not just any weapon but something unique to the individual’s personality. Shen Yuan had an idea of a possible experiment but only time would tell , and that was what he had, didn’t he?

 

The little master bites into the mantou, and chews. Time.

---

And time he did have today.

 

Luo Binghe and Ahyi had been given the day off from their roles. 

 

It had been decided as punishment for the stunt of trying to drown the older boy that the trio of boys would take over their harsh duties for a day , receiving the scant rations as the pair had by their own parents whom had been so unkind to the pair. This was decreed by the Old Master himself .

 

There had been a massive reshuffling of rank and staff after the incident, the parents who were so resentful to encourage such behavior were demoted and their pay cut for half a year, to be reviewed again upon good behavior. 

 

An impartial guard had been placed to supervise that the punishment was carried out and to report to the master if there was any deviation. As such,no one dared blatantly abuse the old washerwoman or her son since the incident. There had been plenty of falling outs however after this. For one, Braids, the so-called leader of the trio had quickly found out that Smart-mouth no longer wanted much to do with them. And well, without Smart-mouth to act as a buffer. The clique that at the time seemed impenetrable had fallen apart. Braids and Aleck had a bit of a falling out . And finally, Braid's own repentant father had sent the lanky teenager away out of the Grand Manor.  And for that....[ 0w0 For giving motivation for resentment to clique one-time cannon fodder filler villains towards Luo Binghe- 10 points! ] Sure, it might not seem like a lot, but Shen Yuan was very satisfied.

There was something he wanted to try. As THE best and most loyal book-buff of the Proud Immortal demon way series, he knew he had completed one major milestone and while the looming task of psychologically breaking down Luo Binghe was upcoming by pouring away the Congee he wanted to get for a dying Ah Yi. It was the final milestone he was steeling himself for. As such, he rigorously worked day and night at , well, being a spoiled brat. A spoiled, well intention-ed brat but still a brat. Churning away at gaining world building points. For some reason he was gaining a TON of ??? points by merely interacting with certain characters. Luo Binghe and his mama gave him the most points.

The pretty shiny halo in TT’s shop? That granted the user with Immunity from Protagonists actions ? For a mere 1000000 points? 10 points very half an hour, 50 points for correcting some miscellaneous character's opinion of Dichan Shaoye? 100 ??? points for being a sweet baby to Ah Yi? 300 ??? points from Binghe , his golden chicken thigh , his lamb-chop , for hugging him, then kicking him , then howling in pain for kicking the youth? Rinse and repeat. Every day. Grinding away distracted him from the upcoming task milestones , and moral quandary that came with it. 

And he really did not want to think more about it.

And yes. 

.... Yes, Binghe gave out ??? points even when he got KICKED. 

// TT. Do you think I ruined a perfectly fine protagonist into a masochist? //

 

[ L-lao Daaaaaaa :0000 //

 

Today was proof he had turned a perfectly fine stallion down the route of a masochist. To his private surprise, Binghe had to be coaxed to go out and have fun with his mama, and even after being reassured their day off would be an all expenses covered affair , the older boy had kept looking worriedly back at his little master as he departed with his mother.

 

//… Did I overdue the spiciness of my ‘fiery’ young master persona to the extent that the protagonist is even scared of enjoying himself. TT?//

 

[ O3O W~Ell...I think it’s really cute, Lao Da!}

 

//Sigh. It’s going to be weird not having the little sheep around, TT.//

 

It was not just weird but deathly boring. 

 

To Shen Yuan’s great disgust, the man of the hour was three hours late. And so he allowed himself to pout and throw a temper tantrum out on the lawn where a selected retinue waited to greet the cultivator , in hopes that maybe the meeting would be put off.

 

He only stopped at the pained look his Baba’s eyes took on.

 

Oh come on. He huffed inwardly. He really was doing this for his old man’s good!

 

The sooner they distanced themselves from Shen Qingqiu, the better, wasn’t it?

 

“Ah-Shao.”

 

Oh, fine. The little master of the Golden citadel turns to his father, indignant tears brimming inthe depths of his eyes. “Baba. Where is Gan Die? I’m tired, it’s hot , it’s sticky~ And you wouldn’t let me bring Binghe-ge.” Faced with waterworks from his baby, but not wanting to offend his sworn brother .

 

Dichan Ye naturally cooed over his treasure, “ Oh my poor child . I understand it’s hot but I promise you that your godfather is coming soon . He’s very important, probably got held up by student affairs . Please be patient - Would my sweet angel like to go back to the shade to rest ?”

 

The poor manservant whom was holding a large umbrella and piggybacking the child while sweating from the heat quite agreed with this statement . Everyone envied Luo Binghe and Ahyi for being favoured but none really wanted to do their duties.

 

The little master shook his head resolutely, biting his bottom lip . “ No! How can I leave Baba to stand in the heat alone ? I will stay and suffer in this horrible heat with him as we await my god father !”

 

The old master felt like crying , what a filial son he had !

 

The manservant felt like crying too , he wanted to escape the heat !

 

Luckily for the manservant, there was a faint sound that sounded like the shaking of thousands of bamboo leaves in a chill gale that grew louder .

 

The trio looked up to see a handsome austere man probably in his late twenties descend from the sky astride a sword so bright with its infused qi that made it flash with a silvery light . He would however look a great more handsome if not for the ever present tetchiness on his face .

 

The peak lord of qing Jing peak stepped off the mystical Xiu Ya sword and sighed .

 

His already gloomy face darkened further at the sight of the complaining enfant terrible -Good God . Why was he ever convinced to become a godfather to this again?  -Whom sat on the back of a sweating manservant next to his sworn brother . The things one did for friendship .

 

“Come now , Lao Xiong* .” Boomed Old Master Dichan whom had no idea of his thoughts or was pretending not to see the clear disdain on his face . “ Why the Long face ? Which maleficus creature tarried you ?”

 

“Yue Qingyuan attempted to waylay me again.” Shen Qingqiu looked like he had bitten into a bitter lemon at the mention of the man.

 

There was no need for further explanation as old master Dichan’s gaze turned sympathetic and he clapped his meaty hands. “ What an ordeal it must have been . “ He was completely serious , for not a note of sarcasm was in his rumbly voice.

 

And judging by the minute relaxation of Shen Qingqiu’s raised hackles , it was genuine .

 

“You must be weary and from that Long drive ! Come , sit and relax in the carriage. We have prepared a carriage for you and little Ah Shao!”

 

“Urgh . Is that a new model ? You’re just as crazed over these inferior modes of transport ten years ago . But I do suppose if it makes you happy ....”

 

“ Lao Xiong . You’ve not seen this beauty . She’s a lean speed machine . And -“

 

“ Gan Die !” The little master interrupted his father . “ Where’s Da ge-?” At the reproving glower, “-If you would please ?”

 

“ Ming Fan has been held back to sorting out the mail and responding to correspondence on my behalf as per his training as head disciple of Qing Jing peak .”

 

Hearing this , Shaoye tilted his head and threw back his head to whine .

 

“Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!”

 

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes and inwardly winced at this ear-splitting yowl from the whelp as Dichan Ye hurried to sooth his precious little pearl . “ There, there. Ming fan will join us for lunch next time during the holidays at home! Speaking of which, you wanted to buy a present for your darling little fiancee, didn’t you? Here’s a little extra thousand taels, get something nice for her.”

 

Like a penny being flipped. there was no sign of the sniveling little Monster a second ago and he was a perfectly sweet little angel.  “YESSSS! “ Two faced little brat .

—-

Shen Qingqiu was not looking forward to the ride at all . 

 

And now he was stuck with the miniature terror that Dichan Ye had raised , for a glorified play date session .

 

Which meant he was stuck for a whole whopping few hours depending on the brat’s whims .

 

Shen Qingqiu had once had the misfortune of being ordered to oversee a cat show as his first task as a disciple of Qing Jing Peak, it was the worst day of his entire discipleship.

 

Stuck with a bunch of yowling, over coddled, uppity , temperamental creatures whom hissed and spat at anyone not their owner was not for him .

 

He watched as the miserable flea-bitten felines were taken out of their extravagant cages to be sunbathed, fanned , their feed calibrated and fussed over.

 

It truly confounded him anyone would be willing to care for such weak , self centered , self important , think-the-whole- world revolves around them , lowly beasts .

 

Spoiled , vain and stupid .

 

Just like what he had heard about his god son and what he had seen . A pampered mewling kitten whom demanded and got whatever he wanted and judging by the attention to his clothing and accessories . Qingqiu resolved to see him in two years time and was already dreading going about town till Dinner.

The little boy looked like Dichan Ye might have as a child, before the man had sacrificed his youth to cast a protection barrier so powerful, it had held off invaders for a year and nullified any attacks. This was what had won him the rule of the city at a great cost.

 

Shen Qingqiu knew many people liked to coo at what a beauty Shaoye was, and how he obviously got it from his mother.

 

Those people clearly never had seen Dichan Ye before the spell. As pretty as Ye’s unfaithful wife had been, Dichan Shaoye greatly resembled his father except for those wavy dark locks that the vixen had sported .

 

More importantly, no one else except Qingqiu and Yue Qi knew what Ye had looked like before the barrier had been cast. What a bunch of useless simpletons. For all these high and mighty wealthy dandies liked to boast how close they were to Ye, they claimed the boy resembled his mother ? What a joke!

 

Still. No brains with the inherited looks meant this was going to be a very long day. He hoped his brain would not shrink a few sizes from breathing the same air as stupidity was said to be contagious . His god son had it in great quantities. Joy. 

 

——

They stopped off at the Pleasure district . Qingqiu Rolled his eyes as the manservant obediently squatted down and the spoiled brat clambered upon his back which even had to be done up with a cushioned saddle .

 

The immortal then rolled his eyes a second time as the manservant shuffled obediently forward upon the child’s direction to the particular store he had in mind.

 

“Don’t you want to feed your brain ?” He asked sarcastically and pointed to a good book store down the road . “ Instead of feeding the eyes of others , how about you do that poor starving brain of yours a favor and feed it from time to time ?”

 

The little boy made a face .”Books?! Ew. Only Dumb-Dumb reads those and I make him read it to me aloud for bed time stories !” Giving up hope , Qingqiu was dragged in by an excited little master to update his monthly wardrobe.

 

It was a high end luxury boutique naturally. The store owners were quite well acquainted with the little master and recommended several beautiful articles. This was like watching grass grow as the child hemmed and hawed over the choices .

 

A red cloak dyed with the petals of the Crimson Tai flower or a blue cloak embroidered with king Phoenix feathers ?

 

A jade rabbit fur muff or one made of enchanted mist elk fur ?

 

Shen Qingqiu was bored. Dreadfully, mind-numbingly bored.

 

He gazed outside the window and was woefully reminded of the pleasure that was in plain sight . A high end whorehouse with educated and trained courtesans was just across the street. A large ornate building that was once a bank that was tastefully decorated with peonies under each window . He had fond memories of that place. 

 

Dichan Ye and him would spend time at this particular establishment enjoying good company , drink , stimulating conversation with gorgeous and kindly young women , having a grand old time.

“Gaaaan Dieee!” The tiny terror scampered towards him and gave a little twirl to show him the twelfth outfit. It was oddly a bit larger and draped far too baggily around that small frame . It was in shades of shimmering pastel green and silvery white . An unusual choice for his god son whom seemed to like bold colours of a red cloak and paired with an electric blue .

 

His eyes flicked to the expectant little face than out of the windows, glazing over .

 

“Unh.” He made a noncommittal sound . There was a stamping of a little foot .

 

“You’re not looking !” Yowled the over coddled little brat . “ Gan die . This is serious! If I was a good looking ten year old with dark hair and star like obsidian eyes , hypothetically would I look good in this to impress a hooty tooty 8 year old princess ?”

“Hypothetically yes !”

 

If he had to bloody listen to another screech like that for the next unforeseeable hours ....

 

Who in the darnation would willingly sit through hours of this bullshit ?

 

They would have to be deeply in love with the little bugger to tolerate this insanity and were welcome to it !

 

Elsewhere, Binghe sneezes . Then goes back to his off day half-heartedly , fretting about his little master’s care without him to supervise.

 

An idea came to him like a buoy in a raging storm at sea and he grasped it desperately like a lifeline.

 

“Hmmm. Are you a big boy ?” The little monster stomped both feet at this . “ Ah Shao is 6 this year ! I’m very big !”

 

“ Good . Here is 30 000 taels . Stay and pester these poor people and stay within the clothing district while I pursue my interests elsewhere .”

 

The little boy noticed his eyes and looked down the street , at the big building . Then his face brightened up .

 

“Gan Die likes to see pretty jie jies too?!”

 

[--

After a stunned silence that his sworn brother would allow his son to book such entertainment at such a young age and bring them to the Manor , Qingqiu was so shocked he agreed to let his 6 year old godson accompany him to a brothel .

 

Even if it was one of the nicer ones. 

 

He was further floored at how familiar the child was with the ladies when they walked in through the doors of the establishment, ‘The Spring Cloud Bordello’ .

 

Several older courtesans brightened up when they saw him and flew forward to greet the child . “Shaoye Didi!” they cooed and the biggest of them gently picked him up from the manservant’s back .

 

As he was not a patron , the unfortunate not so unfortunate man was allowed to rest and given a drink and some snacks to eat in a waiting room while the two patrons were allowed into the inner brothel .

 

Shen Qingqiu was welcomed back with open arms by the women , the older ones remembering him fondly from time to time in their younger years and the younger ones in awe as they remembered him from their mother’s stories .

 

They were led into a room that was elaborately furnished , the murals upon the walls were enchanted to show an ever changing landscape . The child studied it with obvious delight and began jabbering away excitedly to the older ladies .

 

Qingqiu nodded as he relaxed in one of the many lounge chairs and accepted a cup of piping hot tea .

 

The little master sat on a cushion on one of the older courtesan’s Lap and opened his mouth to accept a sugar cookie from her just like a good little kitten asking for a treat from its owner. 

 

Shen Qingqiu studied them .

 

There was nothing sexual at all, the ones well acquainted with and surrounding the little master were notably older women whom would have had problems finding clients in their middle age and likely due to the expansive pockets their little patron had business .

 

“How long have you all been seeing Shaoye Dichan ?” He asked the adoring group surrounding the little boy .

 

“Since a year ago . Shaoye Gongzhi is a little Angel . If it wasn’t for him we would be forced into one of the shadier establishments to seek coin .” The one whom held the child proclaimed .

 

“He even pays us to use and sponsor his father’s products . “A particularly beautiful courtesan nodded approvingly . She, Qingqiu recognized, was a red hot number , while well known country wide as a popular opera singer and actress , she often moonlighted here to offer certain services to her rich clients . 

 

It was her smiling visage that decorated the packaging of the hair tonic that Qi Qingqi favored that smelt exactly like lotuses .

 

“ How can we not recommend his products ? The lice , the fleas and Vermin that plague our hair from time to time have not made a comeback since the line was launched !” It was a very shrewd marketing plan , using celebrity endorsements and word of mouth to influence the product meant a steady flow of income into the Dichan coffers.

 

“Aah. We are elderly though , and this line is not for us , not for much longer . Shaoye Gongzhi often asks for us to come to his home to learn embroidery and tailorship. We plan to retire and join a cloth production factory after this  .” Added the one upon whose lap the little master sat.

 

Qingqiu gave the innocently smiling boy a sharp look.

 

“You know how to sew.”

 

At this harsh tone, all the ladies gave him a look of astonished disbelief. “Qingqiu Gongzhi...Begging this one’s asking.You are Shaoye didi’s godfather are you not?”

 

Did they have to put it that way?

 

“This Lao Zi is the Son of Dichan Ye, the current ruler of the Golden citadel who is the best tailor of the entire region which is a cloth production country... And I too wish to become the next ruler.“ The child chirped at this very second. 

 

In Fact Shen Qingqiu was feeling something. The faintest stirrings of guilt. Was he so biased , that only judging by second hand accounts that he had neglected to visit this child to give himself a first hand assessment ? 

 

“-I do know a few tricks!”

 

The older lady planted a chaste kiss on his forehead.

 

“Little Angel. If it wasn’t for you , we would not have started a line of clothing or learned even how to design clothes meant for older women that is doing so well as of now that we can afford to leave.”

 

That good?

 

So impressed he was that he started when the boy jumped off the stool and placed his ear upon the screen door.

 

It was a clear pantomime for the loud voices outside could be clearly heard without that act.

 

“-Yeesh, so dis is the so-called Spring cloud b’rdello , de best o’ de red light district? De women here all luk shrivell’d up! Hardly worth this Da Ge’s rise in ascension.” 

 

It was a hard and arrogant voice belonging to a young teenager, accompanied by the answering grunts of his companions . Qingqiu disliked it at first note . 

 

“Things h’ve been b’ring since Braids left wiv his pops. An’ dat lil sprout Luo Binghe wus adopted. HIM. Ha! Heard dey both went upstairs, ti’s a shame .” 

 

“Why a shame, Da Ge?” 

 

“He’s far fairer than even the so called flowers of dis here best brothel. Shud have st’len him from those traffickers n’ sold ‘im here. I’d reckon wiv dat pretty face of his, he’s make a gud penny. N’ be o’ use at last, de lil runt,  hahaha!”

 

Outside came the sound of a bony hard fist hitting another in a resounding deciding thump accompanied by the spiteful guffaws of the group of hooligans .

 

Qingqiu watched as the child slowly got up and turned to them. “ I gotta go. It’s number 2 , Gan Die.”  He squirmed , looking so genuinely uncomfortable it brought back traumatic flashbacks of when the child had been an infant and had used him as a~ 

 

Qingqiu shuddered before he calmly responded with a mere.” Go ahead. The bathroom is at the end of the hall. If you do get lost, ask from one of the jie jie’s working here.”

 

He watched as the metaphorical tail of the kitten went up and with an admirable waddle that suggested incontinence .

He watched as the kitten stalked in search of his prey whom had insulted his ‘Dumb dumb’ ‘s honour.

 

Only a fool could be blind to the malicious and vengeful gleam in that tiny leopard’s eyes the minute that clown outside had invoked by slandering this Luo Binghe, his god son’s ‘Dumb-dumb’ whom likely was the one the brat had wanted to buy a suit for even and kept harping on about in conversations offhandedly. 

 

This should be interesting.

—-

 

//TT? Did you know life is really unfair?//

 

[ O3O Why’s that , Lao Da?] 

 

They were observing the trio of teenagers whom were causing all that ruckus stumble down the hallway , still snickering and talking about Luo Binghe’s..Charms.  Shen Yuan dubbed the leader who kept drolling on and on as 'Lout'.

 

//This guy technically  is the first villain, isn’t he?! Him and his gang beat up Luo Binghe when he was forced to take the scraps on ‘their’ streets , so why the hell does Dichan Shaoye get half starved, castrated, then torn apart by wild horses later on while he gets off scot free?! //

 

[OAO Well..Lao Da….]

 

//...Yes, yes. Technically the original Shaoye tormented him in various ways AND is hinted to have encouraged the abuse of Ahyi , while this lout only beat him up with his gang. No contest! Hence he was not even named in the memory flashback on PIDW Vol 13 pg 50! //

 

The small boy gave a mournful sigh. 

 

Then, he straightened himself up and began running as fast as he could towards them, eyes trained on the one whom was musing on happily beating his friend ((And sadly the only true one whom he saw daily  apart from frequent letters from Mingfan.)) 

 

//Such a shame, TT. Such a shame. //

 

He speeds up, then drops onto one knee, kicking out the other foot which slams right into the back shin of the swaggering braggart. 

 

//-I’m a petty little bitch.// 

 

-THUD!-

 

The impact throws the pair of them into opposite directions, the cursing licentious lout right against one of the fine wooden walls and the little boy backwards. 

 

'Lout', whose unfortunate face before it had hit against said wooden wall , already looked like life had taken a hit at it with the ugly stick, slowly lifted his head up. “Who is it?! Who de ‘ell flippin’ took a shot at Da Ge?!”

 

“Da Ge?!” Shrilled a loud and piercing voice . “ More like Xiao Di Di*! No one who insults pretty jie jie’s here AND talks smack about Lao Zi’s bestie can have a 'big one' between his legs!”*

 

“YOU! Y’lil runt! Catch him! Catch dat brat!” screamed the hooligan as he and his cronies gave chase. Their eyes widened as while still running, the child took a side of his own robes and gave a sharp , decisive tug-

 

*RIP!~*

 

*RIP!~*

 

Why the kid was deciding to ruin or had the strength to ruin a set of perfectly good robes was beyond the urchins. But the reasons why for,  would soon become clear. 

 

The child started to cry on cue . Very loudly . As he ran down the hallways. 

 

“Nooooo! Help me! Somebody save me! I wanted to give my kiss to my girlfriend when I’m 20! Help ! Haaaawwwwwwwlp! Gan Die! Anyone! Save me!!!”

 

The din was such that many heads poked out of the many doors lining the hallway and were greeted by this sight . 

 

A crying and screaming child in ripped clothing running away from a group of youth in their late teens whom looked extremely startled to be caught in the act by an audience .

 

//TT. I want to activate the endless fountain pack. Make them tear ducts rain, baby!// 

 

Shen Qingqiu reached first . Despite knowing by the fact that his godson was the instigator and was fake crying ....Even he wasn’t so hard hearted that he didn't felt a pang seeing the disconsolate little boy run straight into his arms .

 

“ G-Gan die . They ripped my new clothes , kissed me and said they were going to p-pluck my cabbage !” The normally uppity and spoiled feline was now a mewling and pitiful kitten seeking refuge and comfort from its mother from a pack of feral dogs .

 

 “They said they were gunna eat my chrysanthemum! I don’t want anyone to eat it, whatever part of m-my body that is ! Wuwuwuwuwuwuwuwu!! ” At this vulgar proclamation which was met by scandalized gasps ,  the obviously traumatized child burst theatrically into terrified tears .

 

Qingqiu didn’t even need to respond to this, Before he could unleash a very painful curse on the gang of hoodlums , the group of previously amicable courtesans whom had been accompanying them ran down the stairs and reached the group first . 

 

*Pa!*

 

“ You scoundrels ! You pack of rancid beasts ! “

 

*PA!*

 

“ The sweet little angel is only 6 years old, you louses ! You Whoresons !”

 

Qingqiu and Shaoye watched as the young man and his companions were treated to the beating of their lives by the group of rightfully enraged women .

 

Their yelps attracted the attention of nearly all the brothel workers of the building , whom upon hearing they had tried to attack their favourite patron , all came out in a furious swarm bearing pots, pans , hair pins and bats . 

 

The supposedly sweet little angel was cackling like a chook at the chaotic spectacle .

 

“You had a vendetta against him .” This was a statement not a question and stopped laughing . 

 

“ He was laughing about a friend of mine .” There is utterly no remorse in the way the child bared his teeth at him. So...This ‘Dumb-dumb’ is likely that Luo Binghe.

 

Deja vu.

 

Once upon a time he had said that to Dichan Ye about Yue Qi. How he had never expected to see Shen Jiu’s fierce loyalty reflected on that brat’s face for someone else other than himself.

 

“ A friend . Just for said quote, a friend you were willing to stir up a hornets nets just to avenge the honour of them who isn’t even here and even bought a set of clothes for , from an expensive store. Don’t give me that look, those measurements add up to your questions for ‘ten year old’ for whom I bet is 'Dumb-dumb'. ”

 

“No one hurts Lao Zi’s right hand man even before he becomes Lao Zi’s right hand man.”

 

What right hand man?! You bought clothes for him, you had the living shit beaten out of people whom just insulted him!

 

Qingqiu rolled his eyes and offered his arm for the boy . “Come. You must be tired after all that menacing. There is the issue of your gift for your fiancee.” 

 

The boy accepts it and whistles for the manservant in the room they were passing by , whom came out and allowed the child to climb up his back.

 

As they walked through the doors, the little master tilted his head in consideration. 

 

“ A gift for Dumb-dumb to give to my soon to be cancelled engaged fiancee.” Corrected the child,pressing his palms together in emphasis.

 

“Soon to be- Why in the seven hells would you want to give this ‘dumb-dumb’, your fiancee?” 

 

The child yawned, and scratched the side of his neck. “ I dunno. Pretty people go well together like char siew* and steamed buns* . I thought they may look good together.” He grabbed his godfather’s arm and allowed the man to steer him out of the brothel and to the awaiting livery carriage . 

 

Shaoye thought if it was fair that if his good godfather was asking so many, he could ask a bit back.   

 

“Why does Gan Die like to see the pretty jie jies?” Shen Qingqiu stills at this question, but does not stop in opening the door, and helping his charge up into the seat.

 

 Because they are not a threat.  Men hurt. Women are soft and non threatening.The reason for I  go to brothels so much is because I only feel safe around women after my time as a slave-

 

“The same reason as you do.”

 

They both gazed at each other at this before Qingqiu finally looked away. 

 

“ You’re not what I expected .” 

 

“ The same goes from me to you .” Dichan Shaoye returned as the door was shut into his face .

 

--

 

The coach started moving, slowly the screams and howls from the Spring cloud bordello got softer and softer as it went further.

 

Shaoye yawned. It had been a long day. 

 

“As your godfather, I think you should be getting home for a good rest. It’s been a long day.”

 

“Buttt-The present…”

The child found a green gem necklace dropped into his lap. “Here. Use this, Yue Qingyuan insisted on me taking it. Re-gift it to your...Dumb-dumb to gift it to her.”

 

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes at the gasp of shock as his godson examined it with a now-alert set of eyes. 

 

“This is so pretty! “ “Ah, ah. And it’s not for you, remember?” The child nearly blew out his cheeks in response before remembering his company and swallowing the inhaled air back. 

 

“What do you say?”

 

“Thaaaaank you, Gan Die!” The child whined and smirked as Qingqiu hissed at the volume. Sonuvabitch, did this brat have a set of lungs on him , despite being so sickly.

 

--

 

“Gan die?” 

 

He nodded in absently acknowledgement, eyes watching the golden streets wave them pass.

 

 “What do you think of the engagement between me and Xiao Gongzhu?” Dark eyes widened, not expecting this question but then narrowed in thought. 

 

“ Do you want a pretty lie or the ugly truth?” 

 

“ No matter how pretty the cover over ‘em , if the holes are not properly fixed, they will still remain there under said cover , won’t they ? .” The child quipped, playing with the gem, the sunlight reflected off it , shining clover into his eyes, making him blink from time to time .

 

Shen Qingqiu nodded at this, sucked in a breath and hissed it out.

 

“A joke. Your father was drunk when he made that terrible decision years ago and to blackmail Lao Gongzhu to agree to it . Sometimes I swear it feels like some insane god up there was controlling him to commit to such ludicrousness.” 

 

Elsewhere faraway. On An DIng Peak, Peak Lord Shang Qinghua sneezes violently.

 

“While it will yield some profits in the short term,  even if the marriage did succeed... It will only add onto the threat of your father in law scheming to gain control over the Citadel through it AND add on to the stress of managing an additional territory. Ultimately it is a pyrrhic victory to gain Huan Hua Territory...Is that why you are trying so hard to annul it?” 

 

//To be honest, I was trying to annul it to save my arse from dating Bingge’s wife #3. //

 

“Yeah. Haha, you got me there...I don’t think forcing an alliance like this with Huan Hua will end well or will be profitable too.I also don't want our country’s ruling to ever come under partial control of the Ruling. The Four Great Sects will thus be able to scrutinize and have some minor say into our country’s dealings through the marriage. “

 

The dying rays of the sun caught onto the boy’s hair,  brushing every hair on his head, turning each dark strand a rich brown.  The emerald gleamed as it bounced from one soft palm to another. Soft lips blew out unconsciously in consideration.

 

“I’ve big, huuuuge plans. “ This was accompanied by the child waving his hands as wide as possible for emphasis. “The shampoo was a minor gambit , Lao Zi’s real plan is to revolutionize this country’s clothing standards and ramp up the existing standards and at the same time train people not of cultivation background into creatin’ beautiful and functional pieces of fashion that even cultivators and demons will use and die for ...As such this will offset the need from needin’ the marriage between Huan Hua’s princess and me. “

 

While it was not cultivation or raw talent , this business and the prospects it brought would be extremely profitable , and it actually increased his respect for the .... Child .

 

However as testament to his young age however , he obviously had no idea that blurting out his knowledge , uncaring of whom he was with , could send him into scrapes .

 

Despite himself and what many would think , Shen Qingqiu was not an entirely heartless monster .

 

The eponymous Old Master Dichan, or Dichan Ye as he knew him , was a man he owed an irreparable debt to and actually was worth respecting . It was him whom never gave up on a stinky little brat and always believed him . 

 

When Yue Qi chose others , it was Dichan Ye whom stood steadfastly behind him even if he was wrong . When Shen Jiu needed an alibi , and a ear , he knew he could trust Dichan Ye to give him a brutally honest answer and keep his mouth literally shut .

 

When Jiang Liyan , a kind sister in a brothel whom sheltered a young Shen Jiu was sold to a perverted old widower , it was Dichan ye whom understood he only saw her akin to a sister and swore to keep tabs on her.

 

Years later, Jiang Liyan was allowed to divorce her husband whom she accused of countless amounts of marital rape and somehow the court turned in her favour. She walked out a free and wealthy woman, the wealthy anonymous backer whom paid for a lawyer to fight for her had given her enough to live well for the rest of her days , provided she moved to a town nearby Qing Jing peak.

 

It was there he met her again . It gave him small comfort till she passed of old age. Jiang Liyan never would know of her backer, but the portly frame and the cackling laugh he made behind the screen , was the clue to whom had freed her.

 

Not it was to say that Dichaan Ye was an angel.

 

The man was as wily , could be as cruel as he was , although he hid it under a bubbly and warm personality which even confused him on who the real person was even after all these years . Dichan Ye’s hands were long stained in blood and unlike Shen Jiu or Yue Qi, he had no qualms bathing in it with a cruel , carefree grin as long as he got what he wanted out of it.

 

Their brotherhood had begun before he became Shen Qingqiu, before he gained the others' real name and lineage, lasted after that disastrous whirlwind romance then wedding. Lasted after that sprog was pushed out and he somehow consented to become godfather to the puke maker.

 

Despite this , there was much Shen Jiu did not know of Dichan Ye. Why would a cultivator of noble lineage want to wander around ? Why would he disregard anything and everything to help him and expect nothing in turn just for mere curiosity?

 

Though one thing was certain , the man’s affection towards his son left behind by a careless partner was obvious and genuine .

 

By extension that meant he felt obligated to look out for the man’s precious little treasure , the aforementioned, Shaoye . And by the grace of whatever heavenly beings above-Shen Qingqiu knew his good brother spent a lot of time on his work , ruling the Citadel and recompensed it on spoiling his 'baby'. Dress-robes fit for a prince that Shaoye insisted on changing every month , toys by the cart load, the best Chef and best doctor in the Citadel to cater to Dichan Shaoye's every whim and health ....Shen Qingqiu had expected a spoiled brat. But for some reason, and by the same dumb luck that saw Ye somehow rise to the position of Citadel Ruler and do a passable job- It turned out that Dichan Ye had not managed to spoil his only son rotten. And thank whatever gods up there that his godson had also along with a heart , had a brain.

However, the effects of Ye's negligence could be seen now. Not only was Shaoye impulsive, though well intentioned, but it was clear he was in no way schooled in subtley or of knowing which company he was in before blurting out important information.

And hearing the only six year old spout out cloth dying techniques beyond his mere single digit years and comment on the running of this country .....

“ Don’t tell anyone else what you have just commented to me . You might in future might want to consider learning the art of discretion when talking to your elders and possibly only with elders who can be trusted .”

 

Dichan Shaoye studied him with narrowed eyes that for a second seemed far too old before they widened to their usual childish and innocent wide shape as though it was a trick of the light .

 

Qingqiu shook his head . He was thinking too much .

 

“ This Shaoye apologizes for worrying Gan Die ! He will henceforth try and be more careful when talking of his ideas !” Cheeped the little poodle , clasping his hands in a placating manner .

 

“ -But May I ask ass-teemed Gan Die a question? What is so important about the idea that cannot be told without confidence ?”

 

The little -

 

He swatted at the little poodle who yelped accordingly .

 

“Children should be seen-”

 

“-And not be heard. Aaaaah Ah , Gan Die. If I was just ‘seen’ and not heard, you would not have had a stimming conversation about politics and making loads of dough. “

 

“It’s stimulating. Not ‘stimming’.”

 

The Peak lord had heard of the veritable fireworks that the young master got up to if he was corrected but like he suspected, the little bully scarcely batted an eyelash.

 

A boy who already knew when and who to pick his battles with.

 

Not a wimp, nor an idiot.

 

“That is true. Many thanks to arse-teemed Gan die for his ass-teemed opin-onions.” The cultivator twitched , he knew sarcasm when he heard it and it was sour enough in his good god son’s speech that you could make lemonade out of it.

 

Shen Qingqiu looked at his faux-innocently smiling godson and lamented the breeding that went into him. He looked like a Dichan , and for the most part acted as per his lineage , but that rotten blood from his mother’s side showed up in his smart mouth.

 

He could only hope that the wildness in his make-up from his maternal side, would never get a chance to come out for the sake of his brother’s heart .

 

“...”

 

With a satisfied , insolent little grin, the tiny terror settled down back on his veritable nest of cushions and opened up a book that was on the side table next to him, which was revealed to be on Magical beasts of all things , eyes already glued to the contents. 

 

So engrossed was he that he did not notice his kind and oh so caring godfather pluck a bamboo leaf from the tiny decorative bamboo bonsai next to him , on a rich rosewood side table and charge it with qi.

 

-Flick-

 

It jabbed right at the heart of the pile of the already precariously balancing cushions which promptly toppled to the side.

 

The lofty immortal smiled , admiring the passing scenery over the squeals of terror emanating from the child . He was doing Shaoye a great service, bad eyesight from reading in moving carriages was the bane of many a disciple.

 

 With great satisfaction, he settled himself more comfortably into his seat. Passing scenery, the charm of a horse drawn carriage ride and of course music serenaded and provided by an indignant brat put in his place- What more could a bitter old man like him lack to not make this a fine day?

 

--

 

It was early evening , the sky was a rich blue black, like velvet of richest blue and spangled with the faintest twinklings of stars when the carriage came back. 

 

Old Master Dichan was greatly surprised but very pleased when his brother agreed to an offer for tea with his godson the next week .

Which he had been mailing the other about over the past half a decade since the time his sensibilities had been offended by what had been called the ‘Puke fest’.

Qingqiu even was in enough good spirits that he stayed over for a drink and to reminisce.

 

The sleeping little master was carried up, tucked into bed by his faithful Luo Binghe while this was all going on. He was the one whom unwrapped all the packages containing the new clothes , then placed them back to the bursting wardrobe from this little soiree .

 

Was the one found a package with a beautiful set of robes to which a note was stuck to that was titled (For you, Dumb-dumb) which caused a warm feeling to bloom in his chest. //Oh. He was thinking of me too, this whole day too!૮ ˶′ﻌ ‵˶ ა//

 

 

Then was the one whom found the gem with a note stuck to it, titled with a (For you, Dumb-dumb to give to Xiao Gongzhu :) ) which caused him to gnash his teeth . //...He was thinking of me ….and that nasty girl. ૮ ⚆ﻌ⚆ა // 

 

Binghe wore it about the next day, looking like a prince as Shaoye insisted on him being a model for a painting. Binghe of course , was so pleased and happy, the usually sensitive boy was not aware of the envious tittering of a particular boy gazing at him from a barely open door , as the youth sat there , and allowed the court painter called for this occasion to paint him. Shaoye stood around , directing the painter.

"Look at him. " Aleck hissed , as a disinterested Braids filled out a paper while Smart-mouth looked uncomfortable. The three of them had chanced on this scene as they were passing by on their break. Well, actually, Aleck had dragged Braids and Smart-mouth over by bribing them with a free lunch each . He found it odd that these days the other two had a lack of interest in Binghe. "He looks like a mutt attempting to be a purebreed dog in those clothes."

"Yeah, yeah . " Aleck shifted a bit upon hearing the non-commital response from his 'leader'. "Aren't you upset?"He demanded, confused at the lack of anger.

"Well, a bit. But you know, Binghe's got that face rocking for him , so yeah, the brat we serve would have taken notice or given how deranged the kid is, he thinks it is some kinda hum-humilatsun-" "Hummiliation." Smart-mouth meekly and uncomfortably chirped. Braids calmly continues,"-Eh, some of us get it unlucky. I've got my own fish to fry." He continued scrutinizing the paper.Oh that was it. Nothing had gone right since the day they had mistakenly dropped Luo Bing-turd into that pot a while back. Aleck had realized that Braids no longer cared and seemed more interested in something else. While Smart-mouth seemed eager to be rid of him or Braids. 

"Why the hell are the two of you not angry! This isn't fair!!" In haste to get Braids' attention, he grabbed and crumpled the paper the large boy had been slaving over. The expression of pure rage , once directed at Luo Binghe, directed now at him was disconcerting. "That. Was my job application t' a coonstruction company oustide dis here shithouse y' just done ruined!" And he received a punch that shattered his jaw.

As Aleck fell , and he was dragged away by the furious Braids to get beaten somewhere else , he saw Smart-mouth hastily runnin g off out of the corner of his eye. Rage filled his heart and hatred towards Luo Binghe as always deepened. It was all his fault! His father had gotten a paycutt since that day, the clique of which he could spend time happily picking at Luo Binghe was dissolved.- IT WAS ALL HIS FAULT! Why was Luo Binghe lavished with such luck and NOT he?!  Come to think of it, what did Dichan Shaoye  see in that mutt, worth loving to lavish such affection on him and-and.... While on this train of thought, a small seed of delusion, of hate was planted in the grounds of Self centredness and entitlement . And it even sprouted as Braids dragged his former supporter to a secluded alcove to be strangled and beaten . Somehow from merely why did Dichan Shaoye lavish such affection on Luo Binghe to ....Why was he born as the son of a mere head chef and why a spoiled brat was born to the Citadel Master?

--

Shen Yuan only allowed the small tentative and dissapointed frown to mar his grin amongst the musical chimes of TT informing him of the ever rising satisfaction points that Binghe was feeling towards him.

As expected, he had chosen to be public about the fact he would be getting Luo Binghe being the subject of a portait. And of course Binghe had worn the beautiful robes that none of these servants could ever afford through the hallways and doors. Shen Yuan had known this would spike Aleck's hatred. He was banking on the fact that slowly but surely Aleck's hate would be transferred from Binghe to him, Dichan Shaoye. And it had worked. All according to keikaku,logic gloated.

But the part of him was saddened about being proven right on the fact that you could not save everyone. That some people could not be saved. Aleck just hated Binghe for existing , refused to shake it off despite being given ample opportunity to do so and the little sheep didn't deserve this.  

And speaking of Binghe....

The robes of shimmering pastel green and silvery white that he had picked out with Shen Qingqiu at the boutique looked like he was made for Qingjing peak and of course he was. Part of him wonders at how something so small could make Luo Binghe happy.

As if noticing his thoughts, Binghe looked up and gave Shaoye a beaming smile. Guilt strikes him as the protagonist mouthed,"Thank you."

Don't say that.

I am trash.

I can't stop you from being abused for fear of getting 'OOC' and I can't protect you the way I should.

The Shaoye you know is a sham.

He's a tailored lie and the man who wove him sees gaining your affection is a way of getting an item to stop future you from killing everything he has attained these long years.

We will have nothing to do with each other once you leave the Citadel.

Why does his heart hurt so bad thinking of Ah Yi dying , of Binghe and him becoming strangers? ...Shen Yuan pushes that messy feeling to the back of his head. Peerless Cucumber took over autopilot. Cold and calm logic took over , as it always did. It felt better . Shen Yuan always ran away from ...Stuff. Ran away from the dissaprooval of his father, then when nothing he did and he had ruined his life , ran into the world of Proud Immortal Demon's way .  

" Young Master! The portrait is nearly done! " The court painter beamed , and it was indeed praiseworthy. "Xiao Gongzhu is going to love this!" Shaoye declared loudly for Binghe to hear, expectantly he looked up- Binghe must be overjoyed, he had masterminded him and his first love's affection to grow deeper- Only to meet hurt and slightly angered obsidian eyes. "-Young Master." Binghe was smiling. But it was the kind of smile he made when he was mad as a bull but due to his organ flower conditioning , that came out as a sweet smile. It was just his eyes that spoke volumes.

Shen Yuan was confused . Why was the protagonist acting like a wronged maiden by her scumbag boyfriend's scummy actions?

"Young Master, what was the purpose of the robes and portrait for?"

"Oh! " The court painter chimed in at the very moment, unaware of the growing awkawd atmosphere. " Young Master Dichan said it would be included to please his fiancee, Young Mistress Lao! " He beamed as his brush stroke danced . All that was left was to capture that perfect smile....

Binghe instantly scowled, alike a sudden thunderstorm materializing across a sunny day.

Involuntarily, the portait of Luo Binghe beaming becomes one of Luo Binghe fuming.

"Ahhh! The painting! "

[Protagonist satisfaction points -1000 Points!! 0A0]

//Wha-WHATTHEFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK?!//

[Points remaining after deduction! 30000 Points! 0_0 Lao Da, what did you do?!!!! 0A0】

//How should I fucking know?! Shouldn't he be happy the one childhood but unattainable sweetheart at the time gets a portrait of him?!!!!//

--

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Dear Shaoye ,

 

Thank u for the gift that Luo Binghe says was from u , but u said in your letter was from him. Haha. Erm.And for the portrait of Luo Bingge , er, Binghe himself. Sure,  he is scowlin in it , but he looks like a million taels! And the special handwritten note he wrote for me that says : " I only did this for Little Master Shaoye .  Don't get any ideas I like you in any way . >:( " Haha! He is funny! Whadda joker!

Also, I will be nicer 2 u . It has absolutely nothing to do with the letter from your frankly terrifyin footure right hand,  Luo Binghe who says no one talks to his little master like this not even a princess . He also did not tell me to say sorry and be nice to you even if whatever gift you got for me was bird doo doo . Or else I will find frogs in my tea and dresses everyday .

Erm. Could you put in a good word for me to your manservant? Not that I’m actually scared of him of course , as I am a princess but he’s pretty intimidatin. 

 

Yours pleadingly,

Xiao Gongzhu

 

---

 

 

Notes:

Will Xiao Gongzhu be able to put aside her pride to even be remotely friendly to the so-called ‘lowly’ Luo Binghe ? Will SY succeed in his matchmaking attempts to harvest more of those sweet, sweet points for that all important plot armour halo ? Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas !

—-
Notes: Charsiew is a popular way to flavor and prepare barbecued pork in Cantonese cuisine. It is classified as a type of siu mei, Cantonese roasted meat. I used the cantonese spelling as my Mum is cantonese and it just feels right to spell it as such. 0w0 It is also commonly put as a filling in steamed buns!

 

2.Lao Xiong means 'Old buddy' or 'brother' in chinese.

 

3.Guys ;3 Dichan Shaoye and the unnamed lout gang leader are actually from the donghua ;3 They actually have canon! Appearances ! hahaha! XD 
Lout Gang leader on the left AND Braids on the right---Link!

OG!Dichan Shaoye on the left AND Braids on the right ---

Chapter 4: Sounds like MURDER Ma'am

Summary:

Hey everyone! I am floored by the support ! I read through all the comments and loved to read through each analysis and careful observations. After a long week grinding at my job, and facing career instability , it was wonderful to come back to see all of your kind words!

Notes:

I know I responded to Cucumberbro in the comments section, but they raised a very good question :

“I have a small question: are you going to follow the plot of PIDW or SVSSS? This question came to my mind, as there are major changes between the two?”

Me: it follows PIDW as Shen Jiu is around but as Shen yuan is also around several events that happen during SVSSS does happen too... I suppose it’s more of a mix ? Haha 😂 We will see when the time comes ! :)

Please take note this starts off really way before Luo Binghe begins his life at Qingjing , he’s like a little egg that is being peppered and seasoned and being prepped to be PUT IN THE FIRE. ) So just a minor note if you all don’t know , the Canon stuff has not happened yet ! Also as SY is there early on and has a different and much more easygoing system, he has not as many restrictions! :) So things WILL be different from SVSS or PIDW but some stuff will happen!
Dichan Shaoye - 7 years old

Luo Binghe - 11 years old

Xiao Gong Zhu - 9 years old

Guys ;3 Dichan Shaoye and the unnamed lout gang leader are actually from the donghua ;3 They actually have canon! Appearances ! hahaha! XD
Lout Gang leader on the left AND Braids on the right---Link!

OG!Dichan Shaoye on the left AND Braids on the right ---Link!

It was the middle of summer when Shen Qingqiu and the little Master had met again after nearly more than half a decade apart.

Over the course of many meetings over the subsequent seasons, the emerald leaves of the azalea tree outside turned golden, dropped, then the barren branches were lowered under the weight of snow.

Then as the snow melted away, the leaves regrew again, then the crimson flowers came out in full glory as a large celebration was held under it. The little master was a year older , and many were the guests whom came in attendance. 

Much to the surprise, (Or barely disguised relief of the following threesome , Shen Qingqiu whom despised the Old Palace Master and by extension his sprog , Luo Binghe whom had was still bitter that the little Master had told him that he could not use the frogged down curse on girls even after a particularly scathing letter , and Dichan Mingfan whom thought anyone beneath his Shizun’s notice was surely not worth considering AND had been updated by Luo Binghe on the letter’s contents  , didn’t have a high opinion of her.)of the Dichan Clan and nobles, the Old Palace Master had refused an invitation for his daughter and his attendance. 

Well, Dichan Ye had looked shocked for a scant few minutes before shrugging it off with a “ Oh well , more birthday cake for us all ! Fan fan gets extra two slices !”

“It’s Mingfan! I’m not 7 anymore, bóbo !!!!“ Shrieked the teenager  in question whom was legendary for eating his weight in food at each cousin’s birthday party and already running towards the huge cake in question. “ AND YEAH ! Imma feed my face with cake !!!” 

An aghast Luo Binghe watched as the cake he had supervised in the making of, after listening to the little master’s instructions for a unusual confection a week ago and after much experimentation , was in the matter of minutes devoured by the horde of the little master’s ravenous guests. 

He blushed as the little Master sidled up next to him with a cake slice he had managed to steal , presenting it to him. 

They spent the next minutes observing the ensuing bloodbath as Mingfan grappled with several other cousins for the last slice, while peacefully taking turns to feed each other from the single slice. 

Nonetheless, Dichan Shaoye had a wonderful time celebrating turning seven with his cousins, friends and had eaten a glorious meal surrounded by people who loved him.  He pointedly lavished Binghe with affection , especially infront of Aleck who was one of the serving staff .

Aleck, the head chef's son who was now rather friendless , found that without the backing of Braids-His former leader or Smart-mouth's vocal support, he felt increasingly aware of the fact that he was alone. No one really liked him , even his father who went on and on , berating him in private for not getting the favor of Dichan Shaoye.

He glared at Binghe who was dressed prettily, and now shone like a polished pearl, tucking into cake at the side of the young master .

What was so good about him. Oh wait, he was pretty. Pretty face, talented.. .

Jealousy brewing within , he didn't notice the very protective and largest Dichan cousin notice his gaze.

Only thing was Dichan Mingfan mistook his gaze for resentment against his precious baby cousin. "HOI. PAL!" He roared, strolling up, bunching up his sleeves.

A gaggle of other Dichan cousins followed suit. "-YOU GOTCHA ISSUE WITH OUR BABY COUSIN?!"

Aleck was chased around the garden by the sugar-hyped gaggle of cousins, nearly strangled and tossed around like a ball before escaping again .

He then crashed into the head servant who naturally dragged him away to be disciplined in private. Of course, Mingfan and the Dichan cousins all got away .

It was then and there, a small seedling of resentment against Dichan Shaoye blossomed as the hapless Aleck being dragged away for a beating, watched as presents had all been collected which had nearly towered to the height of a small mountain , all for the spoiled little prince . Mingfan sniffed viciously , blocking Shaoye's view from him.

Why does he get all this for just existing and I have to suffer this miserable life?!

 For once, he felt what Luo Binghe must have felt and he didn't like it . At all. 

Unbeknownst to everyone, Shaoye's smile deepened . Shen Yuan noted the increasing animosity from Aleck with grim satisfaction .

Aleck was un-named cannon fodder and grew from a heartless cowardly boy to a heartless scheming man who only encouraged the original goods to fall deeper into depravity in the original Proud Immortal's Demon way. There were two people he had thus far seen as iredeemable. Aleck was one, and the other was the Lout Gang Leader aka 'Lout' who had gotten beaten at the brothel by him.

Shen Yuan had hoped he might change, like Braids whom left and had , last he heard, found a job as an honest laborer outside ,was happy at his new place, finally being challenged and appreciated . Smart-Mouth likewise had kept his head down and once out of the toxicity of that clique , seemed to have come to his senses and worked hard at his studies. But Aleck had remained the same, albeit he never dared openly attack Ah Yi or Binghe. It was clear. He could not be changed. Like the Lout Gang leader, who recently had attempted to rob the construction company Braids currently worked at, only to get beaten up. 'Lout' narrowly escaped jail for selling out his gang members. Last Shaoye heard, this had fulfilled the plot point of this Lout gang leader who had terrorized Luo Binghe when he was a beggar at the Docks, from beggar gang leader to merely a decrepit , perverted beggar who was engaged by the original goods to-

The transmigrator's eyes darkened.

And for that, he was perfect to tie up some plot holes AND to gain a special item he had seen in TT's special item shop. Shen Yuan had seen it, bright and shiny.  Sometimes if he squinted hard at Binghe, a similar halo flickered for a few seconds before vanishing.

That was the Protagonist's halo.

And there was the holy, the almighty- Plot Armour Halo. In sale at TT's special item store . For 1000000 points :) 

He had plans for that Plot Armour halo. And a problem to deal with it if he chose Plan B rather than the original Plan A after checking the terms and conditions of said Halo, he had come up with. Because Plan B was the moral solution but it's cost- .Urgh, what a headache.

But for now, Dichan Shaoye opened his presents and enjoyed the warmth he was showered upon with.

 

---

 And as evening came and he bade farewell to a mournful Mingfan who was dragged back to Qingjing by the Peak Lord.

Tuckered out, the still small child was piggybacked up the stairs, then tucked into bed by his ever faithful Luo Binghe. The next day , he rose bright and early and with the aid of Luo Binghe and a trusted secretary whom worked under his father , began sorting through the mountain.

The sorting through went on the day after then the day after next.

The little master kept all of the books, a few beautiful golden and jade pieces  .

The toys and the rest of the artifacts were taken to be resold , the little Master's nest egg was growing yearly.

A  week would have passed by when the little Master would have finally gotten through said mountain.

And finally he got his weekly letter from his soon to be cancelled Fiancee from Huan Hua Palace. As always, even a year later, it was disgruntled.

--

 

 

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Hey Shaoye ,

 

Can you please quit yelpin about your Baba, ‘Fan Ge’ oor Luo Binghe and more recently , the Qing Jing Peak Lord? NO. I am not jelly as you said . Some of us have a ding called dignity and cleanliness standards.

 

Today was my birthday, the only person whom wished me aand remembered was my kid fiance from a marriage my daddy made because all he cares about is gaining more wealth n a dumb picture of some long dead woman then ackowledgingg I’m alive n my Mom died on the same day!

 

Yours frustratedly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

--

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

Wud de crap. Ur dad sucks . So aside from that dress I got for u dat means dat only ur fwends gave u presents ?

 

Yours unbelievably,

Dichan Shaoye .

 

—-1

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Hey Shaoye ,

 

Don’t insult my daddy . He’s just doing it to keep me safe , while I can’t comphrehen why yoor Baba would put ur life at risk by leddin u mix wiv commonfook.

 

I’m shoor that yourBaba must do similar things.

 

Like burning ur mothers stuff she left for u in front of u while tellin u dat it’s for ur own good . I know ur mom left u too AND of her own will . Were you born annoying that even she got chased off by ya big mouth?

 

Yours frustratedly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

—

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

.... no . My baba has never done that . I still got my Mama’s hankie and a bolster I sleep wiv every night dat she embroildered.

 

My baba also celebrates my birthday wiv me every year wiv the whole family . Infact we all do whenever we turn anuvver year older .

 

... Gongzhu . I don’t think what ur baba is doin to you is normal . :0 also you did not answer if ur friends came over to celebrate it with you .

 

Yours worriedly ,

Dichan Shaoye .

 

—

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Hey Shaoye ,

 

Well... he’s doing it because he loves me ! And besides it’s just to build character through discipline .

 

Don’t talk bad about him . I dun wanna talk about it anymore !

 

Also no . I don’t have any fwends so the only present I got was from you.

 

Yours mind-your-own-businessly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

—-

 

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

Ok. Ok . But you gotta know dis. Dat no one not even immortal cultivators are infallible .

 

Parents r only human and sometimes they make mistakes .

 

If you dun mind me askin , do u still remember ur mama ?

 

Yours still worriedly ,

Dichan Shaoye .

—-

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Hey Shaoye ,

 

We had gone to tidy up Daddy’s man cave as mama liked to call it abd found a portrait of a woman . I don’t know why mama got so angry but she went to yell at daddy and that was the last I saw if her alive after dat . She was missing like yours did for a month den I found the body floating in the water prison .Daddy said to me it’s cuz she got too emotional dat she up n decided to join the gods early so for my own good to stop me for ending up loke her it’s best to get rid of any fin she infected with her emotions .

 

.... I don’t know why I did it but I somehow managed to save her scarf that he threw into the fire and smuggled it back to my room . It’s all I have left of her . 

 

Yours sadly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

——

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

..... I tell you what , what would you say if I told u I could fix your mama’s scarf ?

 

And that dress I sent to you was one I actually did and not Binghe ?

 

Yours still worriedly ,

Dichan Shaoye .

—-

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Hey Shaoye ,

 

If you can fix it then I will do anything yiu ask of me except wear yellow becuz that’s a dumb colour like the colour of pee. N I have to see that sodden colour every day like ew . Pink is my colour cuz it’s pretty and ME .

 

 But if you ruin it I’ll make ur life a living hell . Attached with this letter is the scarf . Don’t make me sorry for trusting u . I’m already regretting this

 

Yours unbelievedly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

—-

 

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

Aw ye of lil faith. I know it’s been a month but I’ve been sendin you updates ,haven’t I? :) anyways attached to this letter is your mama’s scarf . Fully repaired :)) you’re welcome btw

 

Funny thing : did u know your mama’s scarf oddly enough is one of two scarfs that belong to the Nu Yuan Clan ? There’s a similar one from a Su Xiyan and I do beleef the one belonging to Su Xiyan may be your mama’s mate as girls from dat clan will often exchange scarves as a sign of sisterhood .

 

I searched through an archive of reference from previous orders from that clan ( because I knew o had seen that particular design somewhere!) and found the only one that matched your mama’s scarf belonged to her .

 

Just a funny little tidbit I thought you might wanna know :) also , this Su Xiyan was a low ranked servant and your mama was obviously a high ranking noble though they shared the same blood . The records say your mama , a Xiao Gongmu purchased them both as a sign of sisterhood

 

Sooooo, I suppose it up to you if you wanna follow your mama or daddy . But one of your parents thought highly enough of one of the lower ranked to be come sworn sisters with her .

 

Yours consideringly ,

Dichan Shaoye .

 

—-

 

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Hey Shaoye ,

 

How did you...The cake was really nice . Tell your right hand thanks fir baking it . I really liked the frosting that said “ BE NICE or “ in bright red and the ...cute frog underneath it . Hahaha . What a kidder your future right hand is .

 

Also , your sect is that old ?!

 

And the scarf is just like before Father burned it. So... I guess, thanks .

 

I know I’m not a good person and I don’t think I have it in me to be sorry for what I have done , I know Ive been real rude to you.

 

Binghe is right, I dunt deserve your friendship.

 

I just was scared that if I trust anyone or anything good ,.... it gets taken away. But Mama wouldn’t have wanted me to live like this. 

 

I'm not asking for your forgiveness becuz there is no excoose for how I've treated you from the start. But just your understandin.

 

So,  I am determined to do better . Be a proper friend.  For mama .

 

Yours ashamedly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

—-

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

No one is born a good person, ya can learn. I’m still learning everyday.

 

I used to be a real class act to Binghe cuz I was jelly he had a mom. But now I learned that it’s nit he’s fault he’s got a grea mom and besides I have a great dad .

 

Also, Binghe’s a reely cute n nice guy . Er, not in that order haha . So you guys totally should be friends!

 

Also I didn’t like my Gan Die originally , I heard all kinds of ... roomers bout him that he was a bit of a butt but it turns out ...he is a butt .

 

Buuuuut also a reely cool guy .

 

He knows how to turn people bright green if they piss him off, and is actually gives a rats ass about people whom are in dire straits !

 

So, if you dun geev people a chance u may never know if Dey might turn out to be a good fwend .

 

You’re stronger than you think you are. Kinder than you believe and more deserving of real love than you know .

 

I’m your Friend first before bein your fiancé and there’s Binghe whom we can share n I think you will reely like ! :) I honestly think he likes you really! He just tends to joke a lot .

 

Also , on ur question . My sect is not a sect , it’s a clan . The Golden Citadel is a meritocrazee, as the leaders are chosen by the peeple. But my clan was the first Lao Zi and many of my ansisstors and clansmen are frequently elected to sit in the council and often times rule said council and the Citadel .

 

My clan , Dichan however is famous for its members being inventors  n merchants whom excel at both tailor ship and business .

 

Long, looong ago, like older than Baba n Gan Die or even Ah Yi, one of my ancestors Dichan Jiangwei founded a clothing store that supplied disciple robes to the various sects as well as services to the various clans . 

 

The Nu Yuan Clan was an old clan that did business frequently with our clan , to the extent dey entrusted the creation of their tradeetionul scarves to us .

 

Misses Xiao Gongmu and Su Xiyan were maternal half cousins according to our records and were a pair of many who ordered their sisterhood scarves together . 

 

Your mama was apparently if store records show , a frequent visitor to buy robes and really was chummy with diis Su Xiyan . The records show her as early as the age 10 buying robes for the other girl .

 

Miss Xiyan even had the inside of her robes embroidered with “Gongmu’s sister from another mother till the end . “

 

It seems your mama was a kind and nice girl :) that’s great , Inst it ? :)

 

((P.S: Promise me dis. Make friends! U are surrounded by many kids like u!  )) 

 

Yours hopefully ,

Dichan Shaoye .

---

Dear Milady Xiao Gongzhu,

 

This’s Luo Binghe aggain.

 

I just wanted you to know that I've seen your most recent letter , and it was only that apology that stayed my hand.

 

That and Shaoye seems confundingly to want to make things work with you.

 

Don't mess it up.

 

I read all the letters still.

 

Continue being civil and friendly to my little Master.

 

But know you are being watched not just by me but Shaoye's older and equally angry cousin whom has less off a leash when it comes to safeguarding Shaoye's honour. Don't bother replying to this as I have charmed it to burn up once you have read through. Now, where was I? Oh yes.

 

So.

 

Continue.

 

Being.

 

Nice.

 

Capiche? :)

 

Yours sternly,

Dichan Shaoye’s other friend,

Future right hand man to the Future ruler of the Golden Citadel.

Luo Binghe (11 years of age)

---

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Dear Shaoye ,

 

I tried saying sorry to Qin Wanyue for being rude and spraying her n her brat of a sister with germ killer last week n she looked like she saw a ghost . I ran off and hid in my room then later on she came in n said sorry for reactin the way she did as she was surprised .

 

She’s like a lotus bun , far too sweet and nice . If I was her I wouldn’t have forgiven me. I gaped at her like an idiot n den blurted out that can she n me be friends or at least try because I don’t have any . She den keeled over n fainted right when her sister came in . If Wanyue is a lotus bun, den her sister is a pickled chili bun dat went bad n smells .

 

Cuz she smells like she hasn’t bathed in a week . She started raving at me and of cuz I fought back . It ended in me winning cuz I grabbed her pigtails n pulled . I made her call me mama before letting her go .

 

Throughout all this that Wanyue was conked out , can you believe that girl ?! I found out dat the brat actually isn’t called brat , her name is wanrong and she’s nuts . Wat kind of weirdo says that cuz I beat her ass means we can be friends ?! Wanrong .

 

More like wanrong with your head ! ... what kind of girl goes around wrestling other decent people in what she calls trials of friendship and if her opponent beats her dat means they can be friends ?!

 

.... I don’t know who’s more weird or pathetic as I accepted. Wanyue woke up to Wanrong giving a speech about us being beating ass buddies since I managed to pull one over her.

 

Urgh, I hope things are more normal on your end .

 

That said , that was interesting. I wonder why Daddy never mentioned this to me . That said , is there a way to track down Miss Su through the records your store had  ? This would make her my aunt of sorts , right ? She probably would be more willing to talk about mom .

 

((P.S : Could you put in a good word to your older cousin and your right hand . Like mention me more! In good terms! You know, haha...Cuz they are seriously scary and protective. Pleasehalp.  What are fiances and fiancees for, amirite?))

 

Yours sweating bullets of fear-ingly,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

—-

To: Huan Hua PALACE , the Room facing the imperial gardens

 

Nee: Xiao Gongzhu

 

Deer Xiao Gongzhu ,

 

They seem nice . Wanrong sounds fun . Hey , it’s good to have a sparring partner or get friendly with them early on before haha , hypodedically you three get married to the same guy along with 3000 other girls  . Erm , hypodedically of cuz. Ahahhahaha .

 

Idk , sorry but it’s confeedential . I mean , I’m already breaking protocol to tell you of thus . That said ... er , I’ve got bad news . Your daddy ordered a set of funeral robes for a Miss Su Xiyan . So she’s probably dead unless your father wanted to send her those as a death threat to her door step . But I highly doubt it .

 

Oh lookit the time . As I write this guess who’s come to visit ? Haha, brb.

 

Yours frantically,

Dichan Shaoye .

 

—-

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Dear Shaoye ,

 

What kind of weird mushroom did u eat to spew out dis . First , I’m gonna be married to you n if you are thinking of adding the Qin sisters and a harem over 3000 , you must be off your rockers . 

 

N I’ll cut off ur peepers . (To Luo Binghe , I'm joking! I'm joookingg! Figure of speech! Shaoye is amazing and perfect in everyway! Hahahah! ))

 

Second , the Qin sisters are both nuts . The older one just came wailing to me about being rejected (kindly ) by a Gongyi Xiao, he’s just the fifth one this morning.

 

I’ve had to listen to her gush about four different flavors before noon .

 

The second year disciples just came back from camp and have been introduced to the first years , so whoop dee doo.

 

The younger one just came in after her saying she put a red hot dragon’s breath pepper in his meal .

 

Which explains why I have been heerin someone outside screaming “ It burns! Itttt buuuuurns!!!” For a good hour or so.

 

Ones a boy mad pre teen and the other is a plain mad kid . She’s three months older than you I think . If you wanna marry them, I wanna divorce  or if any hypothetical guy wants them in his 3000 girl harem , good luck to the bozo .

 

Also . Dammit . But why would daddy want to send funeral robes for my aunt ? That’s more of a husband’s role over here, it’s our family custom .

 

Third , I know who . It’s your Gan Die . Again over for some tea . Have fun .

 

((P.S , Daddy likes to say after inter-sect meetings , that as frustrating that it is that he has to deal wiv a zoo that your Gan Die is a greasy old bat to top all the bats  from the cave dat is Cang Qiongg Sect . I didn’t know dat your godfather n his friends lived in a cave tho . Or were bats .

 

Can you check for the  wings and if there are, to see if it is indeed greasy , to see if it’s true ? He’s honestly doesn’t look that old to me ... or that much like a bat.

 

Oh and he likes to call some guy , I think his name is Shang Huaqing , or summat like that . He’s another peak lord ,  “ An overgrown whimpering rodent .”

What kind of species is that , could you check from your bestiary ?

Wanrong says her aunt has a large hamster but she has never heard it whimper or anything that large .

 

P.S I just found out Qin Wanrong hates baths and hasn’t has any bath since the year started as apparently no one dares to touch her and her sister is weak as frick when it comes to her baby sister’s tears n whining  . I think you n Wanrong wound be good buddies . BRB and will update you as I have convinced her sister to make her take a bath .))

 

Yours curiously ,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Will Aleck learn to extricate whatever crawled up his ass and died there ? Did our dear Xiao Gongzhu learn a thing called friendship ? Did Shaoye throw a few clues Xiao Gongzhu’s way regarding her mama’s mysterious death ? Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas !

 

—-
Notes:
Bo bo (伯伯) - father's elder brother . Dichan Ye is Mingfan's dad's oldest brother :)
--

Again, I do apologise, this week's update comes early but only early as it is very short! :( I've been having a very bad time at work lately so please forgive me! :( As a suprise, I will update with chapter 5 randomly next week! So please keep a look out! :)

Chapter 5: Backstreet's back ALRIGHT

Summary:

Hi everyone! Happy Halloween! 0w0 I hope you all will like this rather lengthy trick ...or trea ! I intend to take a week off after this to reply to comments as I have a feeling it will be lengthy AND draw for the chapters I have so far . That said , I do have a warning for everyone before you proceed. This contains one sided LBH x Shen Jiu AND onesided Shen Jiu x Ning Yingying. I thought long and hard whether to include this in the story . But please hear me out. LBH is still young, he hasn't matured yet and SY is his awakening so as to speak, he does not know what love is . Shen Jiu wants to fall for NYY though I did think of using the Donghua's excuse for making it fatherly protection but decided to stick to canon PIDW . BUT they both are wrong. LBH is in love with the idea of SQQ and SQQ is in love with the idea of what happily ever should mean for him. LBH x SY and SQQ x YQY is the endgame FYI, yall. Oh and yay! Thank you for making it to 50000 words! I started this fic as a challenge to complete an early NaNoWriMo...So thank you everyone for making it with me! I really , really cried reading all the encouragement and kind words! I really hope you all will like this lengthy chapter! Oh n bonus secret 3 characters!

Notes:

Dichan Shaoye - 7 years old
Luo Binghe - 11 years old
Xiao Gong Zhu - 9 years old (now)
Liu Mingyan -11 years old (edited! :)))
For reference - NYY - 12 years old ( Guys, decided to keep NYY as older than LBH for plots ;3 )
Dichan Mingfan- 13 years old
Qin Wanyue - 10 years old
Qin Wanrong- 8 years old<

“And here’s a big bag of sugar candies for m’ baby cousin!” Mingfan’s bag of candies was received well by the child whom began chomping away at the goodies.

 

Shen Yuan had seen it in his original world but as the Golden Citadel was far from the farming communities near the Tiang Gong Mountain range , refined sugar was a rare commodity that had to be imported through trade and shipped over via the Luo River.

 

Only the wealthy could afford the occasional rare sweet indulgence and by the rare cook whom actually had knowledge making sweets, or eating at FanYi restaurant that was owned by Mingfan’s father.

 

He got only a bit of it through honey and cream thanks to an innovative protagonist.

 

Mingfan’s father owned the largest beehive farm that provided most of the only steady and local source of sweet through the honey produced.

 

He also owned a sizeable tea plantation nearby Qingjing peak , which they sent several boxes a month up the mountain.

 

But honey and tea leaves could not make sugar candy art. Shen yuan had bemoaned this but accepted it till today . Oh sweet manna of the gods. 

 

And while not surprised to see the candy, Shen Yuan hadn’t had the time to think of sugar candy. He hadn’t time to dwell on his old world.

 

And he still did not .

 

“ Thank you, Gege!” Dichan Shaoye, bright eyed and hero worshipping, chirped , “Where did you get these ?!”

 

“There’s a small village nearby at the base of Qing Jing. Shizun passed it t’ me a one time portal key t’ use . “ Mingfan drew what appeared to be a key shaped stone with several unintelligible scribbles inscribed on it that were vaguely Chinese characters on a paper napkin .

 

Portal keys were talismans that had an enchantment that allowed you to port to another distance in seconds , once the deed was done, the enchantment within it would dissipate and the key would become dust. They were for mostly young cultivation students who had not a sword of their own and needed to travel a vast distance. 

 

Dichan Shaoye oohed and aahed over the drawing . “ Fan Ge is so good at drawing !”     

 

// TT . On the scale of just Harry to Harry Potter , how much of a rip-off do you think Airplane towards the sky is ? He completely stole the idea of port keys from JK Rowling ! /

 

“ It’s very expensive f’r lower classes . But nothing f’r us Dichans . Had to take a horse ride to Shuang He then followed explicit instructions from my parents t’ access the rune that would allow me to go into the Cultivators only village that in turn housed the portal that would allow me to be ported t’ outside the Golden Citadel ports .” Mingfan felt and looked very grown up as he explained it to his wide eyed cousin whom in reality was having a conversation with an invisible guide .

 

[ Lao Da ? What’s Harry Potter and what are pot keys ? OwO//

 

//...Go google it . RIGHT NOW , TT. I want to see you reading all of the POTTER NOW.//

“I bought these snacks from said small cultivator hamlet nearby Shuang Hu city , it’s called Baoliu town.”

 

“ Baoliu town ?”

 

“ It was created for Cultivator’s since Cang Qiong sect was built in the year the Four Great Sects were established . “Mingfan parroted , he was a walking encyclopedia on various cultivator techniques and as it turned out history .

 

If it wasn’t for his impatience in theoretical war strategy that always landed him below fifty over a hundred marks and brashness in combat that sent him often to the infirmary , Qingqiu would have seriously considered him for Peak Lord material .

 

“ It was created so that cultivator’s could send their children and keep an eye on them near the sect . In those days there was also an active law enforcement of cultivators from there that helped Shuang he city . Due to a huge witch hunt however in the year o’ emperor Qin Shi however those cultivators .. A barrier was erected t’ seclude the town from mortal eyes by the law enforcement group members whom cast it and even if mortals did try to get through it , it’s impossible .”:

 

“The law enforcement group was later merged under one sect that became the Liu clan. They still have one shop house there , THE Liu Mingyuan lives in an apartment above it ....”

 

Both cousins sighed at the mention of the flower of all the Twelve Peaks. 

 

“ That sounds wonderful! Well the town itself I mean . Fan Ge. Is it like Pleasure street ?”

 

“ Safer . It’s cultivator’s only, Ah Shao .” Mingfan closed his eyes in bliss .

 

“Pleasure street is lawless and kind of wild , honestly . Like anything kin happen there . Not that ah’m afraid ! “ He added with a puff of his chest to which the child nodded with utter certainty . “ Ah just don’t think I would bring you to Pleasure street . Ah’m still pissed as heck to hear Shizun brought you there t’ visit that kinda joint !”

 

Mingfan didn’t mind his Shizun going there as it was a manly thing to do but drew the line at his baby cousin heading there .

 

“But , but ... I like to see the pretty Jie Jie’s -“ On seeing the outset of tears , Mingfan quickly switched topics .

 

“ -Yi , yi , yi !!!! E-er!!! Baoliu town is primarily geared towards school supplies , and boutiques. It’s more o’ a village r’lly ! There’s five lovely restaurants, ten small shops and an open air market that sells snacks and vintage clothing . And it o’erlooks a small lake . The gang and ah like t’ go swimming there sometimes . “ He leaned in to give a conspiratorial whisper . “ - See , we heard there’s a giant squid in that lake . “

 

“A squid ?! No way ! That’s so amazing ! “

 

// Is nothing sacred to you , Airplane ?! Next you will tell me that Luo Binghe is targeted by demonic cultivators and the leader of them has no nose !//

 

Binghe had come in bearing a late breakfast . As always , the little master motioned him to stay, he always did when he had guests from his clan over . So far nearly all the older Dichan cousins knew of Luo Binghe .

 

Mingfan had already seen Luo Binghe from the birthday party for Shaoye then the bash held to celebrate Mingfan’s turning 12. The little master had brought along and insisted on his friend’s attendance despite being a servant.

 

Despite some mild friction at the other’s stunning good looks , ultimately his affection for his younger cousin won over with a “ Yer the buddy of Shaoye’s wh’m he keeps mentioning how his back is so soft it’s to die for? Well ... Any friend o’ Shaoye’s is a bud of mine .” For some reason, Mingfan seemed to disdain and think of Aleck as a 'Menace' and constantly told him to be careful around him.

Shaoye would smile - And boasted loudly and proudly, strutting around that HE, DICHAN SHAOYE was the Laozi of laozi's and he wasn't scared of 'ugly things'. This was said in hearing distance, when Aleck happened to pass by . Aleck whom stiffened and animosity only grew, glaring at Shaoye's feet.  As such, while not outright treated badly in anyway, Aleck was friendless and now had the eyes of the oldest Dichan cousin on him as well as the knowledge that Ah Yi and Binghe were favoured by the Masters Dichan and those two definitely did not like him or his father . The bait had been sunk, only now was for the fish to grow big and be reeled in.

If Aleck wasn't having a good time, conversely, Luo Binghe was treated well . In fact, one day he was bemused to find himself at a family gathering surrounded by an entire family of cousins and welcomed as an equal.

 

Ironically , all the cousins were unanimous in that anyone whom the youngest thought was a friend meant he was welcome to their place . 

 

As such , he was treated courteously and nicely despite the snooty temperament of some of them . It did help that he was extremely good looking despite his tender age .

 

Half the male cousins were envious while the other half were in agreement with all the girls - That Luo Binghe was a sight to behold .

 

An icy demeanor , but when he looked at his little master, it seemed like his permafrost melted into softt spring water.

 

Of course , the story that Dichan Shaoye had told them all very proudly of raising hell for Binghe because he was beaten up set the tone - You don’t mess with him . Cousin or not .

 

Mingfan while leery of Binghe at first was quickly assuaged by the fact his baby cousin still viewed him as the Fan Ge and treated him with the awe and respect that being the eldest and the favourite entitled him .

 

As such , last birthday saw them parting on friendly terms . It helped that Binghe was not arrogant and was extremely servile . It spoke well to Mingfan that he could see how protective the boy was of his master .

 

Shaoye had seemed to be of the mind that the servant boy was some hapless nitwit to be coddled that had amused Ming Fan enough to put messing with the pretty boy out of mind.

 

It also helped to learn the tea he always so enjoyed was all cooked by the boy .

 

Binghe was a deft hand in the kitchen and much to the embarrassment of the head cook , the privilege of cooking for the masters was fast becoming the servant boy’s role . He would spend hours happily toiling away to create meals worthy of a king for his masters.

 

Currently , Mingfan nodded in acknowledgement as Binghe sat down . He agreed on Binghe attempting to curse the little palace mistress was right ( “ Haughty lil bint . She thinks she’s ‘oo great f’r m’ kid cousin , does she ? I’ll learn her ‘nce the Immortal conference c’mes !) and even taught him a hex that made one spit out slugs for an hour upon the recipient merely seeing it , in the event she really did go overboard again .

 

The oldest Dichan cousin continued , drooling . “ Yer ! A giant squid ! C’n ya believe how much squid skewers it kin fill ?! Barbecued squid , squid soup , squid stuffed with rice , squid baked with rice , squid -“

 

“Noooo! You can’t eat it ! They’re rare !” Shaoye objected before continuing excitedly ,” A giant squid ! I heard those are nearly extinct ! The last known case was during the end of Emperor Xiao’s reign ! They are called Ju Da! “ He pulled out a book and a quick flick to the desired page , then showing the teenager the elaborate illustrations within. The artwork was of a huge squid eating a screaming group of cultivators.

 

“ Ju Da‘s are said to be servants of the last dragon emperor , Luo whom was said to be the ancestor of the modern demon race ! Alive , I heard that if they can be tamed , they can be a fearsome force capable of fighting entire armies ! Dead , their carcasses are worth their weight in gold for the medicinal qualities !”

 

Mingfan made a face at that . Anything that had medicinal qualities if dead surely could not make for good eating .

 

Shen Qingqiu had gifted the little master a rare tome in the subject of mythical beasts on their second meeting, after observing the child’s keen interest in magical creatures . To the mild disbelief of everyone ( excepting Luo Binghe whom said he knew his little master was a genius all along ) , overnight it seemed that the child had become a walking bestiary . He proceeded to devour every book in the library then took to requesting Mingfan to bring him copies of books from the Qjngjing peak library .

 

Still , no matter how much the older cousin loved the little brother he never had , to make his two underlings join him in spending hours using a copying charm to replicate the library’s books , he drew a line at breaking into Qingjing peak’s forbidden library to copy texts on Beasts , those authored by Demonic cultivators or those of demonic origin . 

 

And no matter how much the little master pouted or cried pitifully , he was firm . 

 

So unbeknownst to the well meaning older cousin , Shaoye went to the next best supplier . Shen Qingqiu himself . Shen Yuan’s hair stood up at the impressive mass of copied books from the scum peak lord’s own private library . All were written by demonic cultivators and demonic sages .

While sweet as the gesture was , he honestly was not expecting a veritable mountain .

 

Or TT’s resounding ding [ unlocked ! Shen Qingqiu’s past ! 1/20! ] //The scum villain had a past ?! Well .... He had to , didn’t he ?//

 

Of course as did everything that went with Shen Qingqiu , this came at a price . Dichan Shaoye took a magical oath not to divulge the contents or how Shen Qingqiu had given them to him . In return he bequeathed the secrets of his hair tonic , the idea of the prototype for the weapon he planned to create and have at ready when he came of age and a third of the sales from the hair tonic .

 

// “ Know thy enemy .” Was what the Peak Lord commented on the mountain of books . “Enemy ?” The child chirped , looking up at the stern older man . “ Demons are evil creatures , sly and wily . They are a scourge upon mankind and those whom follow their ways are lower than even them . “ //

Shaoye didn’t dare push further , there was such a sad and bitter look when Shen Qingqiu had said it. Even he knew when not to overstep his boundaries.

 

“Yer see ? That’s ma cousin ! Future monster researcher , I tell ya , Bing Bing !” Boasted Mingfan , taking a bite of a roasted sesame scallion pancake from the towering plate. 

 

Binghe made a face at the nickname but said nothing . 

 

Shaoye who heard it and saw the reaction thought otherwise . “ Yeah ! Fan Fan-ge ! That’s right !” He cheered so loudly and excitedly that everyone peeked outside and heard the embarrassing nickname that Mingfan’s parents had given him when he was a little boy .

 

Mingfan blanched at this , while he had wanted to see his cousin’s vocal prowess , this was not the way he had wanted to see it.

 

The eldest cousin couldn’t tease Shaoye back and call him Yeye. That was plain horrible . **

 

Shaoshao was too long and didn’t have the same ring either .

 

Unaware of Mingfan’s musings, Shaoye dug into the spread with unrestrained glee . Binghe had been given full reign to decide the menu and of course all served were the little master’s favourite snacks .

The aforementioned Scallion pancakes , three small bowls of snowy white congee with roasted chicken breast strips that were peppered with parsley and had shreds of crispy deep fried dough sticks . 

A bamboo basket contained an assortment of piping hot , just steamed buns .

 

Two were of lotus paste ,three of red bean and three of minced chicken with a surprise hard boiled egg hidden within like golden gems .

The two boys began making a dent into the portions. The lotus paste was so infused with milk, and well pounded it melted on your tongue.

 

The congee gave you a feeling of your grandmother giving you a comforting hug after a long day. It spoke of home, nourishment and comfort.

 

For drink , there was an iced salted plum tea, which was met with enthusiasm from both the young masters.

 

Binghe had learnt a freezing spell from the book and it had taken quite a bit of tinkering to control the Qi to freeze chunks of ice to be placed in the drink and the tea which he had brewed . Freezing was not his forte . Burning and fire based spells were where Binghe truly excelled at as were curses and malignant spells , how odd .

 

The result was a refreshing treat - The first note tasted was the saltiness from preserving the plum then the sweet of the plum came through . It was wonderful for a hot summer day like this , to have a refreshing beverage at hand and to gaze at the beautiful view of late summer outside the window and admire the sight of flowers in full bloom .

 

With the taste of heaven lingering in his mouth , Mingfan decided it was far too hot to be angry, of which he could never be at for long or at all towards Shaoye . Besides , it was worth it for this drink .

 

The head disciple of Qingjing peak had ported here early to accompany Shaoye and later, Shen Qingqiu to Baoliu town. It was to be a surprise and a strategy to show off the wonders of being around more trained cultivators and try to entice Shaoye to join Qingjing peak .

 

Mingfan thought privately that if somehow Liu Shishu had come across a boy with cultivation potential and the ability to use the lion's roar , his cousin would have been a shoo-in to Bai Zhan peak . Not that he actually wanted his sweet little cousin around those nasty brutes.

 

He sneered at the mere thought , his mind turning quickly to more pleasant ones.

 

The day would be a tour of the picturesque town and ended with a delicious dinner at the town’s only restaurant- Cha Chan Teng.

 

As the sunlight burned brighter , and the shadows cast long shadows , did Shen Qingqiu come over also via port key to see his godson and to inform the devastated Mingfan that he was to return to the peak to redo his assignment at once.

 

The peak lord had deemed the essay on battle strategy unsatisfactory to the extent he wanted it redone .

 

Shaoye predictably threw a temper tantrum upon hearing this, how could the spoiled little master agree to his favourite cousin he had scarcely seen each passing year be shunted off for something so seemingly trivial .

 

Everyone’s ears ached after his screeches blew out the windows .

 

After the third blast, over Shen Qingqiu’s strangled swearing , Mingfan remembered the ticket still in his pocket that allowed one to dine at Cha Chan Teng. Oh, the things one does for love. He mourned as he made his way to the still wailing boy. “Hey. Life happens sometimes, buddy. Sides, yer won’t be going with just Shizun.” He slaps his ticket into Binghe’s hand.

Binghe gaped at him. The older teenager fixed him with a look that bespoke resignation, exasperation and a threat. “Binghe is goin’ t’ go wit’ you guys n’ make sure yer have a damn good time.RIGHT, Luo Binghe?”

 

Binghe gulped and nodded.

 

Shaoye still sniffed, big messy tears still pouring from his large eyes. “-Binghe-ge is my best friend but y’re my Fan-ge.It’s not gunna be the same.” His bottom lip trembled, Qingqiu and Binghe tensed but Mingfan was the head disciple for a reason and had held and watched over an infant Shaoye and knew how to calm the fussiest newcomers to the large clan as the eldest of the new generation.

 

“- Ah tell yer what, Ah’ll do really well n’ come back when winter comes, alright? Full marks at battle strategy an’ all dat!”

 

Shen Qingqiu’s eyebrows rose. “Sold, if you manage to do that, I will even fly you in to the Citadel myself as well and sponsor a trip to Cha Chan Teng for the missed adventure.” At the exchanged looks of delight, Qingqiu rolled his eyes then harshly snapped. “Now, off you go. To fix the essay you clearly rushed through in one night.”

 

Tears trailing down his face , his ears ringing with the echoes of the loudest shriek in the world , Mingfan made his mournful lone way back to Qingjing peak like a man condemned to a fate worse than death .

 

But his heart was warm, reassured that sure, this Luo Binghe might have a place in his cousin’s heart , and maybe if, judging by how the kid gushed about it , this servant boy might be the one whom captures it in the future. But there was room for him, room for his uncle and room for Shizun too. It wasn’t a contest afterall.

 

Shaoye had made it very clear he loved him just as much as before and to Mingfan, whom knew he was not clever enough to become much worth to his ambitious parents , not pretty enough to be married off, that was enough. To know that this familial love would never change. It was enough for him.

—-

It was strange . Shen Qingqiu thought.

 

Shaoye and him left first and earlyish, it was a quick port to the scenic little town. Both the boy’s playmate and Dichan Ye were busy with their duties . Or rather , again the Father was wrenched away from his ‘baby’ weeping noisily while Qingqiu snapped at him in exasperation to act his age , look at your son , he’s only eight and he’s more mature than you , you overgrown sticky baby.

 

Shaoye gave his baba a big hug and told him to do his important grown up stuff and he would see him soon at dinner . Grimacing , Qingqiu firmly closed the door on his wailing sworn brother’s face , leaving the man with tons of paperwork and the pair had set off in a fine new carriage . ( The ‘old’ one , the ‘speed machine ‘ they had just ridden in , just a year prior had long been sold off . )

 

In the carriage, They conversed in soft undertone on the region’s ruling , politics, and the special fabrics that came from various regions. Qingqiu was fascinated with the properties of the hair tonic and was willing to part his own private knowledge on recommending various texts on fabrics and sewing charms to strengthen fabric. It was a fascinating conversation to have as the countless others they had over the past year .

 

They had bonded well over books, politics , and a vested interest in ensuring that everything would be up and running when it came for Shaoye to be voted in as leader .

 

Dichan Ye ironically never wanted to be a ruler , he was an explorer first , a merchant second and first rate tailor third . His love for his clan however and his willingness to ensure its protection forced him into the role .

 

If it was not for having the boy and wanting his child to want for nothing , he wondered if Ye would have left his role to one of the new generation and been free to resume his life of travel after establishing an era of peace by silencing the region’s once vocal warlords and bandits .

 

His son though ....

 

From what Shen Qingqiu could see, he did not have the raw power that came from a good core like his father had . But the child was ambitious, savvy , and innovative. On several occasions he used a mixture of wiles to defeat foes older and stronger than him without using his rank or class for the sake of someone whom no one would have cared for . That Luo Binghe. Whom Qingqiu would be meeting today at dinner .

 

Qingqiu honestly did not know what to do about that one . A servant and the next in line for the leadership of the Golden Citadel ? 

 

Could his fiery godson take the tongues that would wag from such an unconventional marriage and splitting from a traditional wedding with another alliance ?

 

Qingqiu shook his head . That was far off in the future . He hoped desperately it was just a childhood fling and his godson would find a better and more suitable lover than a talented servant boy or a spoiled noble brat in the far future .

 

And more importantly, Shaoye wanted to become the next leader and had ideas to bring to the table regarding reform and to boost trade .

 

He wasn’t entirely helpless either . Qingqiu had discovered that his godson possessed an impressive screech that upon research and consulting Mu Qingfang showed that there was a high chance the boy had an ability to use the Lion's roar technique that was a bloodline inherited skill . It wasn’t unheard of this skill and ability to use it to appear from generation to generation.

 

The first Dichan had the ability . As did two ministers . Qingqiu had advised his sworn brother , it was for the best that Shaoye received some form of education to handle his skills .

 

Dichan Ye had been firm that while his Shaoye would decide what was best for himself when he came of age , he did consent to training . Qingqiu made time to research the technique , in the event the child wanted to improve on the technique .

 

While they had spent time together , Shen Qingqiu was under no illusion that the boy genuinely and would ever like him .

 

He seemed wary but sufficiently respectful not to be rude but not a boot-licker.

 

And that was the way the peak lord preferred it , for fools , sycophants or boorish louts were not to his liking .

 

He was satisfied his godson was actually worthy of being called his godson, and wasn’t just a pretty vase.

 

The ideas the child had merit . It would do well to follow the child’s future to profit a little or perhaps much more if it proved abundant to do so . It helped that Dichan Shaoye knew his place despite being the future heir to the Golden Citadel .

 

For even if he practiced long and hard would never hit the crucial golden cultivation stage and if he showed any talent at all , at most he would be an immortal without any real power and that comforted Shen Qingqiu . Sure, he had detected a reservoir of Qi within Shaoye but it was locked in a delicate body, without any way to come out . 

 

And even if he did unlock it , what would he do? Shoot needles at his foes? The child was woefully inexperienced in combat at his age.

 

So, not a threat at all , even if he had an adorable face.

 

One less worry for him regarding competition even in the looks department, the older man thought privately with satisfaction.

 

The child had never left the Citadel before , or been in the vicinity of an entire village of his own kind aside from his father, him and Ming Fan. He had clung to Shen Qingqiu with as much dignity and his pride would allow as possible once they had entered the city by the proper cultivator’s only entrance . It was in the middle of a vast forest, the other entrance was only to be used in the most dire of situations. 

 

Shuanghe city shone in the distance, and the only reason why the coach had not been attacked enroute was because of the monster repel charms cast on it. 

 

Centuries ago, a great witch hunt had been waged on cultivators by an overtly religious emperor . It was a dark day for the female cultivators , men could hide behind being holy ascetics but women, even nuns were burnt at stake or hung for suspected dark magic.

 

Overcome by this madness, Shuanghe city turned on it's own protectors. The once harmonious tie was severed forever , with the cultivators sealing the remainder of their numbers away from the city to this day. The normals had made their decision, and far too many innocent blood had been spilt for the cultivators of now Baoliu town to forgive the city for the repayment of their help in such a fashion.

 

The cultivators had set and summoned beasts in the forests to waylay their pursuers before creating a ward that allowed any other cultivator to come to the village but repelled normal humans and demonic beasts. 

 

The coach came to a stop , a bewildered young master got off as did his godfather. Right in the middle of nowhere.

 

The coachmen were tipped and sent back. Qingqiu and the little master had walked down a winding path dappled with sunlight, till they had come to a large oak tree. Qingqiu had demonstrated , walking straight at it, and ...Vanishing. 

 

It clearly was bespelled . 

 

A second later, Shen Qingqiu popped out of the trunk, the peak lord gave him a look as his godson yelped at the seemingly disembodied head. 

“Well, get a move on, will you?” Shaoye gulped and gathering his wits, and his courage, ran right at the trunk. It was truly disorientating to a second be in a forest then next a bustling city. 

 

Baoliu village was truly once allied to Shuang he city . Many of the intricate tiles that adorned the large ‘norm’ settlement were on the same roofs of this small city’s buildings . The limestone was of the same stone that was carved to make bricks for the same buildinggs on Shuanghe hence even the buildings were extremely alike to the bustling city nearby. However what was curious was that the buildings all appeared to be shaken, leaning slightly to the side. As though as some great shake had caused them to shift forever and never would be righted. Shen Qingqiu commented when asked that originally Baoliu was much larger and had encompassed to the surrounding forest outside. But when the witch hunts began, the head of the law enforcement group of cultivators that would become the Liu clan had decided to , with the help of the Ning clan to move all the cultivator's into a warded enclave that would never be seen by human eyes again.

There was no time, as the mad emperor sent a vast army after these 'witches' with traitors branded as 'holy men', they retreated and hastily and clumsily began to shift as many houses to the safe zone. The Nings did the heavy lifting, the Lius cursed and hexed as many of the army as they could . A forest grew , filled with unspeakable dangers, and by the time the remnants of the army that had not been killed off, poisoned by the sentient venomous plants , or eaten by various animals loyal and summoned by their masters- The cultivators had long vanished as if they were never there. 

But the buildings never could be righted, the magic that brought them in was so powerful that as such that they had been deemed to be unfixeable and indestructable. 

However it was definitely a cultivator’s village , and the tilted buildings added a touch of whimsy to the already clearly magical city. 

Walking down the busy mainstreet, that was bustling with people and lined by shops- A vendor blew out enchanted bubbles that when burst rained candy over squealing children .

A crowd clamoured outside a shop that advertised good sword polish that was guaranteed to mark any sword shine like a new pin after being applied and stones for sharpening the blades that were having a sale .

Elderly cultivators allowed their grandchildren on their blades and took them squealing for a joyride around a park demarcated for flights.

A curious tavern with the head of a tiger with a uniccorn horn sticking out of it mounted on a plague bleated whenever one entered it ,and warm inviting smells of cheap fried food and the thick , pungent smell of beer wafted from within.

A young man held up a shrieking red fruit that looked curiously like a baby of a basket full of this curious fruit and shouted it’s properties of an added century by merely consuming it. **  He was noot the only curious vendor, next to him was a store selling many, many cauldrons for brewing pills and potions.

 

There was so much to see . If one was a first time visitor, truly you would wish to grow an extra eight eyes to take in all the sights. 

 

 Qingqiu fondly remembered when Ye and he had travelled here and he gaped like a right fool at so many of his own kind around him , the rich history that surrounded them that was still alive .

 

It had been Qingqiu’s first taste of freedom and he had such good memories here with his sworn brother that summer they had spent here among their own kind .

 

He was pleased to see the boy properly impressed , though he conducted himself as befitting his class . Wide eyed yet admiring and taking care not to gape like a twit. 

 

Speaking of which , today he had a test of sorts for his god son. This village was surrounded by cultivators of old blood . It was the safest village except maybe in the Cang qiong sects itself .

 

“-I have a test for you . “ He carefully announced to the child . “ If you manage to complete it, I will give you a prize. Do you feel up for it ?”

 

Predictably, the little master stuck out his chest in pride.

 

“ If you succeed , both of us will profit . So do not fail me , are we clear ?” The peak lord warned , and flicked his robes somewhere on towards a street across the lake .

 

“There lies a villa converted into a cafe . Peak Lord Shang Qinghua has been at his wits end about finding a new supplier to sponsor the robes of our disciples and likes to eat there . The only way you can get into the villa is if you have a token of a Peak Lord . The token is hidden , and at the end of the maize . If you find it , find the cafe and meet with peak lord Shang and if you manage to convince that hamster-brained buffoon to in turn sign over the the Cang Qiong sect supply of disciple uniforms to do business again with the citadel , you will have earned both the prize and my respect .”

 

When Shaoye turned around , predictably , his erstwhile guardian had vanished .

 

He preferred his godfather to have a location: if he were nowhere, then he could be anywhere. And, after all, it is always you had no idea you were being watched and he didn’t like to look like a fool in front of the peak lord.

 

Shaoye straightened himself up and walked on to find a maize field .

 

—-

The sight of a small boy trotting around on his lonesome caused a bit of a stir . He was obviously rich judging by his attire . Proud temperaments were frowned upon on adults but on a child it was adorable . It was like a trusting and pampered kitty scampering around , after wandering away from its rich household .

 

And so Shaoye looked , and he looked and he looked . But to his despair , it was fast becoming evident that the maize field was nowhere to be seen .

 

As he rounded a corner of the same row of shop houses , so busy eyeing each and every nook and cranny did he bump into someone else .

 

“Owie .” He uttered as the someone he had done a number on, muttered her agreement .

 

Books were scattered everywhere .

 

As in a hurry as he was , Shen Yuan wasn’t as horrible as to not help someone else whom he had knocked down especially if they were an older cultivator .

 

Especially once he looked up and recognized his favourite love interest for Binghe . Liu Mingyan .

 

Calm , ladylike and noble . Graceful and wise beyond her years and even before grief clouded the Xianshu peak disciple’s life later on by the death of her beloved older brother .

 

//Could I make her a bit happier by saving Liu Qingge? ... Actually if I can somehow prevent his Qi deviation he would be able to go head on with Bingge if he came to seek revenge against Gan Die right ?//

 

Even now as a girl , he could see the future lady she would become . The fluid and graceful movements as she began gathering the books closest to her and the slow serene way she got up .

 

He quickly handed the rest of her books , apologizing all the while. Mingyan took them hastily and with a soft thanks .

 

TT dringed in in horror [ Lao Da! Why aren’t you being rude to her ?! Dichan Shaoye was rude even if he is in the wron-]

 

//Dichan Shaoye was a greasy little git with an eye for beauties . How can he curse and swear at a pretty jie jie ? // A pause then a sheepish electronic chuckle . [ Oh. Ohhh ya....]

 

// Stick close to me, TT. I’m gonna show you how to sell meng.//

 

“You are...very young to be wandering around . Where are your baba and mama ?” She asked gently , peering down at him .

Shaoye straightened up, remembered how to make his eyes watery and large like how Binghe did whenever the older boy had to coax him to eat his vegetables Shen Yuan hated vegetables in this life and from his previous world .

“ Pretty Jie jie , this Shaoye only has a baba , a Fan Ge , a Ah Yi , a Binghe Ge and a Gan Die ! “ This long winded cheep brought a small smile on that tranquil face. “And my Gan die has given me a test to prove myself and to keep myself out of his hair ! “

 

The pitiful little chick gave her the most pleading look in his book . “ Can Jie jie help this Ah Shao ? I’ve been trying for an hour to find a place but I’m lost and I want to go back and eat dinner. I’m hungry .”

 

“ What kind of test is it ?”

 

“ A finding things test . “ The boy exclaimed, rolling his eyes in incredulity for the task hoisted upon him, stretching his arms out to show his dismay. “My Gan die hid a charm to access a villa restaurant in a maize field , the old bugger.  “

 

“ So first, you are looking for a ?...”

 

“ I’m lookin’ for a maize field. “

 

Mingyan paused and gave him a thoughtful look ,” What exactly did your Gan-die say to you exactly?”

 

“ The only way you can get into the villa is if you have a token of a Peak Lord . The token is hidden , and at the end of the maize.” Shaoye repeated obediently.

 

“ This is Baoliu village . There has never been maize .” Liu Mingyan told him . “There is however a large maze that is used to trap normal people , soldiers and enemies whom tried and may try to cross to the town .”

 

The child looked at the sun in dismay , it clearly was late afternoon. By the time he completed the maze, it could be night...

 

His new companion however provided a solution. “My family was the one whom created the maze, I know a shortcut to its end.”

The maze was situated thankfully a short walk away, upon her setting a mere foot upon the worn cobblestones , the child gasped in awe as the heavy stone walls that made up the maze , groaned and creaked but obediently parted till there was a clear path right to a simple stone tablet.

 

Even after centuries past, the blood ward held true and obeyed the descendant of its original casters.

 

Something bright on the top of the grey marble of the tablet glinted , the afternoon sun burning down on it , it was the token .

 

“ Mingyan jie that’s amazing !”

 

Beyond the village was Shuang He City, but evidently the teeming crowd beyond the tablet could not see them due to said stone marker’s properties that cloaked anyone with the ability to use Qi With invisibility till they stepped past the barrier of the Tablet , as they made their way through the parted maze.

 

Mingyan tilted her head in confusion but Shaoye easily saw the item and ran forward. He then noticed at last the way her gaze squinted and the small timorous way she stepped forth.

 

It wasn’t because she was ladylike but because she could not see well.

 

He got the token, a jade charm in the shape of a carp and ran back to her, offering a forearm by tapping her left dominant hand and holding it there till her arm grasped it. It was a form of chivalry used by olden families and while a bit unusual in an informal setting was not too out of place and considered good manners.

 

“You need glasses, Jie jie.” He observed , but not unkindly.

 

“What are glasses?”

 

Mingyan felt the child pause in shock then continue walking.

 

“You will thank me for them! They help aid your eyes!”

 

A potion, it was then?

 

Mingyan thought wistfully of being able to see her brother again, and read without pressing it closer to her face since this had started five years ago and after she had spent late nights devouring books .

 

Embarrassed by this and not wanting to trouble her parents or brother ( Not to mention the wry comment she was bound to get from her brother about his reminders that those late nights under dim candle light being bad for her sight) , she had kept mum .As such, the now 10 year old had spent 3 years stumbling around , nearly half blind .

While Mingyan could read and write spells , she did so in utmost secrecy , burning candle oil. While her Shizun praised her as the flower of her year, Liu Mingyan did not fare well socially. Her beauty even at such a young age and her family name meant her fellow disciple sisters viewed her with awe and fear . Her avoiding and seemingly serene silence often had them misunderstanding she was rightfully haughty or disapproving.

Her senior disciple sisters did not dare bully her openly but she knew that many were the tongues that wagged of her supposed snootiness and apparent unwillingness to participate in social activities. It was hard to be friendly when you could not see the faces you were talking to .

As such Mingyan had not heard a kind voice for a long time since she had entered Xian Shu early due to Qi Qingqi taking a liking to her dedication to reading and learning at 7. Since her eyesight had begun failing her once she found she could get a steady supply of danmei novellas from a friendly book seller in BaoLiu village where she stayed .

 

She wondered what the child whose arm she was gently grasping , for she sensed a delicacy about him , looked like. He sounded very young, far too young to be wandering around .

 

It surely could not be her Shizun but given how much Qi Qingqi loathed men , it was a possibility. And it was safe for a child to run around freely here . She sighed and shook her head , there were bad men and there were good men . Sometimes she wondered on her peak lord’s harsh stance on them even extending to little boys . If this was her god son .

 

The Xian Shu peak disciple eyed the books in her arms . Hmm, she really hoped the child had not seen the material . It really was not child friendly and if Shizun saw it ... Liu Mingyan shuddered . No, she would lead the child to the villa where he would be meeting another peak lord and leave .

 

She knew it at the back of her hands with or without good vision . The boy chirped happily , twittering away . A trusting and cheerful proud little thing with the gift of the gab . Somehow she allowed him to talk her into exchanging addresses , somehow unphased by her seemingly quiet demeanor . The child wanted to know everything about the village . Her vision problems and her life at Xian Shu . Everything .

 

He was very insistent infact she tell him everything of her vision problems, reminding her of the checkups she would get from time to time to Mu Qingfang Shishu .

 

“You are very young to be a potioneer.” To answer, she felt the vibration of the huff of the proud little thing as he expelled air.

 

“ Well , someone has gotta walk for others to run . It is appalling’ how under-underdevilipped the culdivashion world is regarding basic cleanliness n’ basic health !”

 

That was quite true . The world of cultivation sects presently was mostly focused on improving their magical talent , strength and it was heavily immersed in combat and hunting demonic beasts . As such , it was considered outlandish and flamboyant when the Golden Citadel , a sizable settlement quite a distance away from Cang Qiong started churning out potions for cleanliness geared towards hair care a year ago .

 

Tongues wagged . , what did you expect for a country led by one descended from a sectless cultivator other than to profit from the common folk ? Still . It was undeniable that in a mere month’s time , the lice and fleas of the Golden Citadel that were a bane in many a city were nearly all eliminated and for the price of peanuts . People started to travel there exclusively to purchase this potion .

 

And unlike spells or charms , this potion smelt divine . Charcoal for men , then later lotuses, roses and peonies came out for the ladies .

 

It eventually took the cultivation world by storm and while there were attempts to replicate the tonic , none could get it to last or have the same effects as the original brew by the Citadel . Slowly the wagging tongues died down to a reluctant grumble of respect .

 

Mingyan thought it was quite clear that time waited for no man, even if they were cultivators in sects. And so it seemed her new companion thought so too.

A card was pushed into her hand. “Thank you , Jie jie for helping me."

Her eyes widened at the words on the small card in her hand . { Dichan Holdings. Company address: Golden Citadel. 10% Discount if you present this at any ‘Dichan Dresses’ or ‘Dichan Devilocks’ outlet while wearing Qingjing sect robes.}

 

Wasn’t that the same potion she was talking about?

 

Dichan. Wasn’t there one at Qingjing peak and another whom was the Peak lord’s god son?

 

“Is your cousin, the Head Disciple of Qingjing peak and your Gan Die, Shen Shishu?”

 

“Yup! My Fan-ge is awesome, isn’t he? And Gan Die is Shen Qingqiu.”

 

Shaoye could see Mingyan still at the sound of both their names but he cheerfully continued apparently unawares , “ But this Dichan Shaoye is his own Lao Zi. They are their own lao zis . We three have very different ways of being Lao zis.” A short pause as laughter shook her body.

“..That’s an interesting way of saying it.”

 

“Thank you. My Gan Die says my mouth is too big for my own good n’ Fan Ge says I’m cute when I point that out. Me. Cute! How can anyone call a man among men cute!”

 

Mingyan is half tempted to ask how come he has managed to retain his niceness when surrounded by the drooling hound dog of a cousin and snooty pervert of a Shizun, but then stops that train of thought.

 

It was judgemental to judge anyone based on the opinions of others, even of those older and whom she loved .

 

[ Ding! Congratultions! Yoou have made enough connections to unlock <FP!>]

[Congratulations! You have unlocked Liu Mingan’s FP! ...FP+25~!]

 

If there was a slight pause in the babble bubbling out of the bubbly child , Mingyan did not notice as they finally arrived at the villa which overlooked the same lake.

 

There was a towering enchanted suit of jadee armor complete was a vicious looking flail. Upon being shown the token, it swept into a low bow to the side to allow the diminutive holder inside.

 

The child gave the older girl an uncertain look and wave. “Hope to hear from you soon! Thank you, Mingyan Jie!”

 

“I’ll write ! I hope things go well with Shang Shishu!” “Aw ye of lil faith! I am the Lao Zi! “ Giggling and in good spirits, Mingyan waited till the door was shut, before resuming her slow walk back to her family home in much better spirits.

 

---

 

The villa was an exclusive place for Peak lords and their guests only. The lord in question would gift a token to their guest and await their arrival.

 

It was , as of what Shaoye had seen, a typical lofty place, to this little master , the finery was merely respectable to the little master. What took his breath away were the various levels.

 

The building was designed more along the lines of a pagoda with twelve peaks for each lord. **

 

The higher the level, the higher the rank of the peak. As such the first level was for Qiongding peak. As such An Ding peak would be the 4th level,

 

Being of non cultivation background, the child was panting like a puppy as he scampered to the 4th level up the polished oak stairs. //This place needs some damn escalators! Or a dang lift!//

 

[ You can invent it, Lao Da! 0w0 ]

Finally he had time to talk to this system of his. Especcially regardng the ubiquitous ?? points, now known as FP that he was earning!

//Hey , TT. What is FP? //

 

[ FP stands for Friendship points , these points are attained when you manage to gain the friendship of a character ! Would Lao Da like to see his current score of people he has attained FP status with ? OwO]

 

Shen Yuan gave a near unnoticeable nod but continued the winding stairs, despite with every step his gut felt like lead.

 

Shang Qinghua .

 

An ambitious unsatisfied peak lord who betrays his sect siblings to the demons , readily submits to being a spy for demons,doing every wicked deed unimaginable and helping the demons overthrow the Human realm.

 

Still. Shen Qingqiu didn’t seem scared or wary of the man, infact even calling him a ‘Hamster brained buffoon.’ And didn’t the Old palace master call the An Ding Peak lord something along the lines of an oversized rodent? . Then again, this was the Shen Qingqiu.

 

[ OvO Current FP levels! Ahyi- 80 FP! Shen Qingqiu- 85 FP ! Luo Binghe-150 FP! <redacted>pts Dichan Mingfan-185 FP! Dichan Ye- 200 FP! Xiao Gongzhu-75 FP Liu Mingyan-25 FP! ]

 

Shen Yuan was a bit shocked at how high the protagonist’s FP stats were to be around the same level as his own family members . What a little white sheep. At least it was high, the higher , the more the lesser the chance of being castrated slowly and painfully, left outside to freeze for a month during winter then torn apart by wild horses later on.

 

The fourth landing loomed at last infront of him. After traversing eight levels, Shen Yuan was feeling the burn and regretting he could not bring a manservant as per ‘Dichan Shaoye’.

 

//I’m going for exercise after this is over. Dear lord. I’m dying!//

 

[OAO. Lao Daaaaa! Don’t die! I need you to stay alive for assigned tasks by the Motherboard for this world first at least !]

 

//SEMANTICS!//

--

As per all the levels, there was a theme. If Zuixian peak lord’s private level smelled like alcohol and bawdy designs reminiscent of a tavern outside the private inner room, and Kuxing peak’s level was filled with many carvings of disciples of that peak enduring arduous challenges and had an astringent stench of medicated incense and various tapestries reminiscent of athlete bandages. 

 

An Ding Peak’s level was unique as it looked like the exterior of a bank as grand as those found in the Golden Citadel.

 

The scrolls hanging upon the wall were all scrolls from An Ding peak’s logistic records in aiding important events in the past. The token started glowing a soft sea green hue as he approached the door. He could hear the voice of a man...And a young girl?!

 

The simple heavy door made of pine and favoured by banks in this era swung open as the token activated, revealing the Peak Lord and his companion to the startled child.

 

“WTF!” squeaked the Peak lord , he wasn’t expecting any guests!

 

Shaoye stared dazed at him, his mind racing a mile a minute before taking a small step forward.

The man in question was proper and handsome, but as his Gan Die had mentioned , Shang Qinghua had rather chubby cheeks reminiscent of a hamster and huge eyes that reminded one unfortunately of a rodent for the shifty way they roved around.

 

His companion however was someone who was the natural enemy of cultivators, had any respectable member of their ilk chanced upon her , despite having the appearance of a 12 year old girl , would have attacked on sight.

 

She had yet to wear the many braids described in Proud Immortal Demon Way, and was simply plaited with two gauzy ribbons weaving through her hair and testament to her youth, the demoness still wore shoes to protect her feet. Her face was however overapplied with rouge and lipstick, and seemed to scream of wanting the world to acknowledge she was an adult despite clearly being no older than 12 . Of the signature bells she would later sport, she had only one and it was attached to a pretty choker on her neck.

Sha Hualing, future Demon Saintess and future member of Luo Binghe’s harem and hot favorite of thousands of readers on Zhongdian Literature , likewise stopped tugging on the whimpering man’s side fringe to stare at the small boy holding a token at the doorway.

 

Despite the pause, the child gambolled in , bold as brass as his little feet skipped over the rich carpet.

 

Hop, hop, skip, skip-HOP.

 

Shang Qinghua howled in pain as the brat jumped on his toes.

 

“Wow! He really does sound like a hamster!”

 

“OW- Who the hell are you?!” squeaked the unfortunate peak lord , which earned him a fierce tug on his fringe from the red clad child sitting on his shoulder. “Don’t friggin’ swear infront of lil kids!”

 

“This one is called Dichan Shaoye. Godson to the Peak Lord of Qingjing peak! How do you do, Hamster Peak Lord and his esteemed guest !”

 

“Hamster?!”

 

“Yeah! Aren’t you the Large whimpering hamster in charge of An Ding Peak , my fiancee’s dad, Lao Gongzhu says is, right?”

 

It went so silent that you could have heard a mouse fart

 

Then, Sha Hualing shaking, fell from the shaking peak lord’s shoulders. But she was shaking in laughter while Shang Qinghua was shaking in rage.

 

“Y-y-you! What a shame , Shen Shixiong has not taught you better manners! Yo-”

 

The rich little master has turned around, but the peak lord swore an insufferable grin probably adorned that little wretch's face. “ Now, now, Hamster lord. That was the name my father in law, Lao Gongzhu gave you. Would you like Sir Squeaks-a-lot? Big cheese?...” Calculating hazel met enraged sea green as abruptly the boy turned around. “... Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky?”

 

In that instant, it was like a bolt of lightning from the heavens had struck Shang Qinghua in the head, rendering him unable to speak.

 

After a long time, he managed to stammer out, “You… how do you know this ID of mine?”

 

Seeing his reaction, it was like Shen Yuan had also been burnt to a crisp by this bolt of lightning.

He’d only wanted to observe Shang Qinghua’s reaction to this name to determine if he had also read Proud Immortal Demon Way. But looking at this… He was the AUTHOR?!

 

After three long seconds, Shen Yuan jumped on him.

 

Okay. He didn’t.

 

But it was a dang close shave.

 

Sensing the murderous rage emanating from the not-little-boy, the other transmigrator let out a shaky laugh. “Truly. Haha, forgive your shishu, Ah Shao, I’ve been having a rough morning. Haha, Shen Xiong’s godson is a godson to me too, hahahahaha~”

 

Shen Yuan breathed in.

 

This fucking bastard was the one who made Binghe bleed and lead a shitty childhood. If it hadn’t been for Shen Yuan’s intervention , life would have been rough for the little boy, and even then the restrictions he was under meant he could not interfere as much as he wanted to-

 

Breathe out. What did Binghe tell him ? Think before kicking . He would give Shang Qi- No, Airplane , a chance . He needed to prove himself to Qingqiu .

 

“Gan-shu ! Gan-shu , you’re so lucky to have a lovely jie jie by your side ! How can you say you have a rough time ?” He admonished, jumping up and stretching Shang QInghua’s right cheek.

 

Sha Hualing preened at the praise and following the other child’s stead, gave Shang Qinghua’s left cheek a good stretch too . “ Hear that , Gege ? You should be calling this Lao Da “ Lovely Mei Mei !” What lovely Mei mei?! You’re truly befitting a demonic saint with your temperament!

“Why’re you here , though ? Shen Xiong should be the one coming to meet me about the new uniforms for Cang Qiong sect .” He looks behind the child hastily to see if the old vulture in question would show up to hover behind the small chick. This earns him a knowing smirk from the child .

 

“Aaah. I’m the one whom Gan Die sent in his stead.”

 

It was show time . Dichan Shaoye brought out a small embroidered pouch and from within the tiny bag , he took out a huge binder twice his size which he totters for a while, then with determination, heaves it onto the table with a resounding whack. 

 

“How’d you do that?” Qinghua gaped , Dichan Shaoye was nowhere near the age one could use his qi and this bag was clearly old. “Space-time shrinking charm.” The voice was bored as though it was something commonplace where he grew up. Er, where did this little cannon fodder grow up again?

 

“A eh-what now?”

 

The child gave him an unimpressed look, then smirked. “If I tell you, you gotta promise me you will not try to weasel your way out of listening me make my pitch , ‘kay, Gan-Shu?”

 

Shang Qinghua thought of hemming and hawwing but received a painful tug on his left cheek by the little demoness on his left shoulder. “Make up ya damn mind fast, squab !”

 

“Ow! Owwww! Yes! YES!”

 

“This is a trademark Qianshou bag of the Golden Citadel,” The child pulls it open to show the pair an intricate embroidery in gold thread on the inside , “ It can last long as the charm is there cuz it has an embroidered charm woven with Brimstone phoenix tail cores in the thread that makes the characters of said charm.”

 

“Waaaao. Can I order some of these?” The little kitten raised an eyebrow, then smiled. “ Well...Normallee it’s only for friends n' regular customers of the Dichan Clan. Buuuut I suppose if ya sign an agreement with us on providin' the uniforms of Cang Qiong sect for a hundred, no, a thousand years, it would allow ya t' qualify~” He then spread open the binder , dazzling the two others with the sheer number of samples, a veritable rainbow of different fabrics was held within .

 

“Yes. YES!” Even if that little display had not occurred, Shang Qinghua would have caved,. Carrying his own writing instruments and the heavy logistics materials was a pain. And given this was logistics peak , everyone carried their own heavy work load .

 

Nevermind the lecture and sneers he would be sure to receive from his sect siblings aside from Qingqiu.

 

This was worth every cutting remark from Qi Qingqi and disapproving stare by Yue QingYuan! So what if Cang Qiong sect had only sourced previously from Huan Hua Palace the past hundred or so years since the last supplier of clothing to Cang Qiong had lost its traditional supplier . It would get Qingqiu off his back , he would get some form of revenge on that old goat of a Huan Hua Palace master . A hamster , he thought Shang Qinghua was , eh ?! He would see who was the one squealing once the contract was signed over to his worst enemy!!

 

It was legendary , the tale of how Dichan Ye had blackmailed the old Palace Master into engaging his only daughter to his only son. And the helpless rage and humiliation of the decrepit old bag.

 

Airplane had wrote the old Palace master as an honourable old guardian, whom was meant to be the wronged old father in law of one of Luo Binghe’s favourite wives. But transmigrating here , he had seen snippets of his true character and that honourable and wise was only to people whom the wizened old goat favoured, to people he deemed unworthy of his attentions? Heh, good luck. 

 

Unaware of the gloating, the two children stood infront of the open binder.

 

Sha Hualing stared at the finery. Even her own robes were put to shame by these samples .

 

She licked her lips .

 

“These are traditionally for men. But if Jie Jie wants to be fashion forward?...”

 

Sha Hualing had never seen such bold colours and beautiful designs embroidered on the cloth that was not flimsy material , this was clothing that could take a hit from a cultivator and still stay . Secretly, she thinks it is lucky she met the boy. 

 

She shudders to think of never knowing of the wonders of clothing or considering the possibilities of spelled practical yet flamboyant clothing . 

 

To think, if she faced off as a teenager as her first test as a newly minted Demon saintess , still in these gauzy fabrics only against cultivators, what if they cut through those gauzy fabrics?

 

She could laugh it off as she was no prude, but it would be inconvenient and besides, left her further open to their blades. 

 

These fabrics though were as good as any armour, the embroidered charms emanate with a power that made her skin tingle with excitement already and would not dredge on her sense of style . 

 

The real reason why Sha Hualing wore red gauze was because it was the only fabric she had managed to get in such a bright colour which she adored . Beauty was suffering! Beauty was pain ! Beauty was inconvenience. Till this day! She rejorced inwardly.  

 

Lookout world, powerful,  fearsome and beautiful Demon saintess coming through! 

 

Shang Qing Hua butted in . “Ah Shao...She’s a demon.” This earns him a vicious tug on his fringe by his charge forced unto him by his King this morning, a pout on her face. 

 

“I am not a cultivator of no sect .” Shaoye tuts ,” N’ second, I won’t be enterin’ no sect. Three, I’m a businessman first . Anything can be settled with items of worth, which I think Xiao Jie has.”

 

Sha Hualiong puffed out her chest at this, she tugged again at the whimpering traitor’s cheek. “True. True. ”

 

Hualing flips another page, and her heart soars.

 

Red and gold, red and black greet her. Not a single awful pastel colour in sight.

 

She nodded resolutely and picked out three designs of the array of red and black cloth samples.

 

“Wanna this!”

 

Shang Qinghua gaped as the pair, a 12 year demoness and a 8 year old boy proceeded to barter over what goods were to be traded.

 

The Demon Realm didn’t have a common currency, so they often traded: if something caught their eye they’d trade for it, otherwise they wouldn’t. He watched Sha Hualing brutally negotiate three thousand spirit stones, a special herb plant that if brewed could stave off qi deviations , and a cart full of Shanxi glass that was to be carved to razor thin in exchange for three carts of three different designs of cloth.

 

More waving of her hands and gesticulating. Oh my. He had never seen the little miss look so excited to have found an equally vicious match to spar and negotiate for goods with.

 

Shaoye had taken out a fan to hide the bottom half of his face, but those eyes were narrowed into a thoughtful squint that Qinghua had seen far too many times at sect meetings.

 

With the demons’ craftsmanship levels and artistic tastes, an ordinary piece of embroidery would be considered a top-notch artisan product. And the least valuable were the various crystals with special effects that were a dime a dozen in the Demon Realm.

 

Finally a deal was brokered, with both sides conceding on an agreement. Hands were shaken. The book was shut. It was clear today had been a fruitful day for all involved. Shaoye bade a fond farewell to the pair . Well, he smiled daggers at the sweating Shang QInghua and chirped.

 

“This Shaoye can’t wait to see Shang Shishu within this week at the Golden Citadel.”

 

This. This isn’t a request, but an order, right?

 

Airplane-juju deflated. “A-ah. Of course! Of course! Let us get along harmoniously,right?” 

 

He patted the small boy and yelped as he received a kick for his efforts at God-nephew bonding.

 

The child gave him a bright smile, murder in the depths of those hazel eyes and chirped,“Bai bai!” Airplane watched the little terror saunter off and inwardly heaved a sigh of relief.

 

He wasn’t alone anymore, heh, that was kind of reassuring. And the other guy got the same end of the stick as he did too! This Airplane had a fellow sufferer in the ‘Grownass man reborn into a baby’ spiel too! And he had left, bless him ,so his right cheek were free from pinches and legs were free from kicks at last-

 

Hualing then tugged his cheek where Shaoye had left off, to her great glee and fascination, both the unfortunate man’s cheeks stretched like mochi.

 

“Ow-ow!”

 

“I’m still here, Shang gege!”

 

My King , come back quick and save your servant!!!!!

 

---

His Godfather was waiting for him outside , standing in front of the lake with his arms folded. Those jet black eyes were expressionless, but his lips were pressed tightly together in tense worry that upon seeing the child stumble blinking then gamboling over upon seeing him, softened just a fraction.

 

Shen Qingqiu reached out one long elegant hand, and crooked a finger. Shaoye walked toward him. The Peak Lord said nothing.Like a steady and running brook meeting the great and vast ocean, the little master spilled it all out in an excited rush.

 

The peak lord smiled in satisfaction and nodded. Xiu Ya flew out of it’s scabbard and hovered low. “Your reward. “ He got on and beckoned to his godson to step upon the snow white blade.

 

Luckily for him, Shaoye was compliant and clung to his leg in both equal awe and terror as they sped off to the restaurant. 

 

Qingqiu took a look down . The boy was gazing at the tiny houses below them , his eyes shining bright like amber flickering and held against the sunlight . 

 

He could tell the child would grow into a good looking young man .

 

However , As pretty as Shaoye might grow to be… How does one put it? Dichan Ye had a soft, cute little face before the incident , the kind of face with the cheeks that made little old ladies want to pinch, and looked innocent incarnate. It had a sweet boyish charm to it .

 

The very first Dichan whom had established the Citadel in fact had a bit of a napoleon complex due to his short stature . And every descendant from that line had been on the tiny side .

 

Dichan Ye had been petite before and he was still just as short. Just like centuries of Dichan’s before.

 

His old master , Qiu Jianluo had quite a lust for that type .

 

.....So you had to have quite a unique taste if you agreed with him .

 

But still, if you wanted to compare this type of novelty to his calamitous classic beauty ? 

 

Pitch-black eyes and brows, thin nose and lips, coupled with a scholarly flair . Combining this with a slender body and long legs, many a hymn had been sung of his austere grace through the centuries .

 

It was like comparing a small crimson azalea blossom to a lofty Magnolia tree in full bloom.

 

No contest at all.

 

---

 

They arrived at the restaurant .

 

By now it was late evening . The sun was setting , infusing the blue eye a dark violet with steaks of orange and hues of pink . Baoliu town had one lake but there was an artificial and smaller one that was built by the restaurant owner , right in front of Cha Chan teng to show off his status .

 

There was a sense of contentment and calm as light music drifted down the street played by a pipa , charmed by its cultivator to self play whom happily thanked everyone whom tossed him coin.

 

Young couples strolled down the streets , elderly cultivators walked home , their shopping charmed to walk alongside them and every so often they would see an old friend and stop to gossip . Families window shopped , all filled up from dinner or on the look out for a good dining spot .

 

Many stopped to tip their heads in acknowledgement as the Qjngjing peak lord strode through with his small charge mimicking his stride towards the grandest and most pricey restaurant in the little town .

Cha Chan teng was a large ancient shophouse that had been converted into an entire establishment for the dining of the wealthiest of Baoliu town . 

 

Not just anyone could come in to dine , infact Qingqiu remembered it was Mingfan’s father and Ye’s third cousin whom owned it , having bought it as part of his plan to expand his restaurant countrywide. It was a traditional fine dining restaurant and many saved money to be able to afford to come due to the freshness of the ingredients and quality of the meals served. 

 

There waiting for them was old master Dichan and the boy servant . To Qingqiu’s bafflement , he had never seen such a nicely dressed and well fed looking boy servant ever . Was he supposed to be a nanny to his god son ? Even more puzzlingly was the clear affection in the older boy’s eyes as he gazed at his little master . Somehow he thought of a loyal little puppy that had been at daycare rushing forth to meet its rightful owner .

 

Even more surprising was the obvious affection returned in his god son’s eyes .

 

“ Dumb dumb !” He beamed and Qingqiu gripped his shoulder to stop him from running in a formal setting , which in the eyes of fellow cultivators was the sign of ill manners.

 

“Ow! “ squeaked the child and much to Qingqiu’s shock , it seemed genuine enough that he let go . The little boy servant bounded forward in a hurry .

 

“ Young master !”

 

God almighty , even his whines sounded like a puppy’s !

 

Qingqiu has never felt any body that soft before . Despite being in clear pain , the little master held his head high and even tried to grin as his playmate fussed over him .

 

“ Are you alright ? I’ll ask the kitchens and apply a cold compress for you . “

 

“Lao Zi’s the man ! A little pain won’t hurt Lao Zi!” Boasted the banty little rooster. Shen Qingqiu then patted the spot he had gripped . The rooster’s eyes bugged out in pain .” Yi-Yi-Yeow.” He squeaked .

 

The older puppy looked up to shoot the man whom dared hurt his master a look of pure rage , but as obsidian star-like eyes met calm and indifferent dark eyes ... Qingqiu inwardly rolled his eyes at the faint flush on those cheeks despite the anger .

 

Luo Binghe then huffed and tossed his head , still blushing furiously. “ I’ll get a cold compress , right away!”

 

He then ran off before the little master could call him back .

 

“ I told him ! I’m the Lao Zi !” Complained the child and turned to his godfather in fine exasperation .

 

“The Lao Zi whom cannot get his feet dirty . Ah yes.” The peak lord returned , the child’s mannerisms sometimes were truly too amusing to stay annoyed at .

 

Not even knowing he was being laughed at , the little kitten turned up his tail in pride . “ I’m awesome , aren’t I ?” He seemed to say .

 

In better spirits , Qingqiu brought him to the table . Shaoye was fussed over by his baba whom cooed and lamented over being separated from his baby for the few hours.

 

Dichan Ye laughed it off as an accident and clearly his son did not resent Qingqiu for the mistake . “Gentleness, brother. He’s delicate, always has been! ”

 

The Peak lord shook his head in faint worry, “I’ll write to Mu Qingfang to request some herbs to increase hardiness and boost one’s immune system , I told you to allow me to start training Shaoye ..So, fine, a compromise .When the holidays start, Mingfan will come to visit and train Shaoye. No buts on this, do you want your heir so delicate through life?”

 

“Yes, yes, brother. Of course, I quite agree and appreciate your care and concern for little Ah Shao. Now, have you decided what you would like for dessert? ”

 

Shaoye fairly vibrated with excitement at the sight of his playmate whom was returning with a cold compress . He got down as fast as he could from his chair to beg the two adults for permission. “Baba. Gandie. May I please take Binghe-ge to see the bunnies?” “Be back soon, and don’t run, pet!” boomed Old Master Dichan as Qingqu gave a nod. 

 

Still a bit wobbly, the little master walked briskly to the older boy whom insisted on applying the compress first to the bruise. Then, the pair of very different stations walked with haste to the sugary display that housed the enchanted rabbits. 

 

Made by the chefs and enchanted by Mingfan’s father who had some cultivation ability, these rabbits were of pounded glutinous rice and were sentient. They lived in a sugar palace that was meant to pay homage to the Goddess Chang e’s palace.** 

 

Qingqiu watched as they slowed as the windowed wall appeared before them, heaped with sweet treats.  Of snowy white mochi and red bean , some so light that the puffs of dragon’s beard candy floated in the air shaped and meant to represent clouds , some resting lazily on cushions of custard. Luscious jellies oozing between layers of cream sponge: sugared fruits twinkled like stars and cut to look like such . Elaborate pagodas made out of glittering sugar were the residences of these rabbits whom liked to hide away inside . 

 

The peak lord watched as his god nephew pointed the rabbits out and excitedly jabber to his companion. The older boy had a soft fond look in his eyes as he gazed down indulgently at the little master , Qingqiu had seen that insufferable expression far too much on Yue Qi’s face in the past. 

 

He sneers. While he had not been formally introduced to Luo Binghe yet , he already disliked him. 

 

“So, how was the trip? Saw that cute little lass again, did you?” Ye’s booming voice broke him out of his dark thoughts. He straightened himself. “ Yes. Ning Yingying is of good standing. It is certainly not appropriate now, but when she is of age….” He places several gifts on the table. The girl’s grandmother had rejected them all and warned him that it was not time yet and she would let her Yingying decide whom she would choose when she was of age.  Qingqiu however persistent. What was twenty years to centturies of waiting?

She was full of naivety , a sweet and adorable girl whom would likely grow into a beauty. Of a famed bloodline and her grandmother had named her heir to a large estate. He was getting on and it was about time to settle down.

 

Of course, he didn’t love her yet, but when she was older...Ning Yingying held everything Shen Jiu looked for in a wife, beautiful and powerful in circles. He could learn to, right ? What else was there to think about? **

 

Ye is giving him the look like he is doing something extremely stupid. Like the time Shen Jiu told him of following Yue Qi back to confront Qiu Jianluo. 

 

“Xiongdi. I love you. But yeh a bloody idiot sometimes.” Is what that look says. 

 

Qingqiu feels awfully young and stupid when his sworn brother does it. 

 

“What about that bugger?” “Yue Q-Qingyuan?” Something twists in his heart when he thinks of the man’s reaction on that wedding date, even if it was set far off in the future later . 

 

“Y’see? The minute I mention that bastard, yeh know who I’m talkin’ about.” Ye sighs heavily , looking away at his son and the servant boy obliviously chatter away in their own little happy world, that hard gaze softens a little ...Then back at him , that jaw is drawn resolutely. 

 

“ You know I never liked dat bugger. Stupid, self righteous, namby-pamby goody two shoes. N’ Yeh, of all de men in de world yeh had to go and tangle yourself up with him.” 

 

Yes, and? Qinghqiu thinks, why bring up Yue Qingyuan of all people into this conversation?

 

“I hate Yue Qingyuan fer what he did t’ yeh. But I have to admit that he n’ yeh-” 

 

“..It’s not his fault. Well, not all of it, he has a reason , a dumb one I am sure but it all worked out in the end anyway and I don’t need him.” Qingqiu decides primly and rolls his eyes as theatrically the rotund man gasps in betrayal. 

 

“ Y’see?! Dat vixen has got his weaselly claws in yer heart even after all these damn years AND yer too much of a prat to admit it!” 

 

Him? With Yue Qingyuan? An old , long dead feeling he thought died with the little slave boy back at that manor rises only to be firmly shoved back into the furthest reaches of his heart. 

 

“You senile after casting that spell, Ye?” He tuts but a sharp glare from his sworn brother silences him. “Answer me this, Xiongdi, honestly.  And I swear never to pester you again on your...Insistence on this farce of an engagement to a child . But why again do you want so badly to marry this Ning Yingying when she comes of marriageable age?”

 

“She is a pretty child, comes from a long line of beauties, and likely will be beautiful too when she comes of age. Her grandmother is the head of the Ning clan and as we all know, the Ning clan was what sponsored the building of Baoliu village . The Lius may have protected it but everyone knows whom built it.” He pauses to let it sink it. “It truly is a good match, would you not agree?”

 

Why does his voice come out so hollow ? 

 

“Beauty and power, yes.” growls his sworn brother , some unknown emotion in those hazel depths, clasping his meaty paws as he gazes at him. “But what else, xiongdi? Tis all ya need? A pretty face and the money n’ power that comes with her? ” 

 

“What else is there?”   He murmurs dully in answer, and wishes fervently this would put an end to these oddly painful questions.

 

--

 

Thankfully, Ye quickly changed subjects much to Qingqiu’s relief . The waiter came over with several menus which were handed to each member at the table. By now the two boys had returned to come eat. 

 

Qingqiu decided on a healthy watercress soup with dates and gold leaf sprinkled on it with a side of the finest wine.

 

For the Dichans, they chose the same, a plate of assorted  Baozi with a roast chicken shared between them, and a tasty bowl of yam paste with sweet goats milk drizzled atop.

 

And the boy servant was allowed free reign to choose whatever he liked.

 

Qingqiu looks at the well fed, well dressed and happy boy across the table and twitches. His eyes catch sight of a cheap looking piece of jade that stood out of place around his slender neck.

 

“Interesting necklace.” He sneers, and the child startles at his tone, looks around at the finery , the fine people he was dining with , were surrounded around, all with genuine jade pieces on their persons, then back at the fake jade guanyin around his neck and flushes with embarrassment.

 

The little master chooses to chirp in at this moment.

 

“ Oooh! That is from Ah Yi , who is Binghe ge’s mama ! She’s the greatest and brought him here one day And yes!” He shoots his godfather a bold stare, his smile turning wider. “It is interesting! I asked Ah Yi where she bought it and got one for myself! “ He then displays the twin to Binghe’s, wrapped under his right arm as a sort of bracelet. .

 

So this little street rat was adopted and came here with her .

 

Silenced by this , Shen Qingqiu watches as his godson resumes chattering happily and teasing the little mongrel.

 

Bitter , angry resentment washes over him as he watches a mere slave eat at the same table and be fussed over by his godson.

 

Why.

 

Why do you get a loving mother?

 

Why do you get a nice master and get defended always by the heir of said estate?

 

Why are you allowed to remain soft and have happiness? While I. I….

 

The dishes are served. Shaoye excitedly grabs at one of the buns on his plate, molded into the shape of a mandarin duck and dyed to look like one. 

 

“-And this is Bao zi!” Shaoye chirps, he nearly bites into it until Binghe quickly knocks it out and cuts it open. Steam wafts out , the boiling heat was clearly evident. 

 

“Let this Binghe feed you , Shaoye.”

 

The child opens his mouth willingly like a chick fed by a mother hen. People screamed as the windows blew open at the rage Qingqiu expelled.

 

The little master squeaked in terror and clung to the shocked older boy who tried to remain calm for his master . “Something came up at Qingjing. Next time I would be greatly appreciative if this was a private meal between family.” He sneered. The previously calm boy servant wilted at this.

 

// Boys . You’re both pretty !//

 

“Huh ? Gan die ? What do ya mean ?” Binghe started to sweat , he knew that tone .

 

As much as he adores his little master , he didn’t want him to get into trouble for standing up for him to his gorgeous godfather . He deserved it. It was like a weed being planted into a garden full of rare flowers. He did not belong in this bright and glittering world .

 

“Lao Xiong.” Dichan Ye bit his lips but knew his sworn brother well. He turned to the nearest waiter who was trembling like a leaf. “Be a gent and pack some food for my good brother? And place it in a magical heating device, he’s got a long journey back.”

 

He spared a look at his brother who was in a staring match with a wilting ten year old and his clearly confused son looking from man to boy. And gave a weak chuckle.

 

“-And be a doll and make it snappy, won’t you? “

 

---

{ Unlocked Qiu Haitang } Shen Yuan sees that alert appear by TT’s message , stiffens by a fraction but Dichan Shaoye ploughs on without a care. 

 

“Gee. I wonder what was so important that Gan Die had to go off .”

 

“ Probably had something to do . “ Binghe mourned. His eyes were still watching the graceful peak lord flutter away. He had left in a pique , with a brisk farewell and taking his near untouched meal with him. 

 

The pair were waiting for a horse and carriage , Dichan Ye had to call for one of suitable standards to come take them back . 

 

Bored , the little master patted his friend . “ I’m bored . Let’s go shop around and buy something back for Ah Yi and Xiao Gongzhu , Baba will take ages to choose a ride back , he is carriage-mad !”

 

Binghe pursed his lips at the mere mention of the princess . “ Young master - Are you certain you want to accept her invitation to Huan Hua palace?”

 

The little boy cocked his head at him, as they walked down a sidestreet.

 

“ Why not ? She’s pretty nice once you get pass her defenses,”

 

Binghe bit his lip, bitterness filling his heart. His little master was far too kind.

 

“-I know ur mom left u too AND of her own will . Were you born annoying that even she got chased off by ya big mouth?” Rankled particularly , the most memorable of those letters like a terrier gnawing away at a bone which symbolized his patience.

 

He hadn’t forgiven her personally, because of how low that blow must have hurt the kittenish little master whom always froze whenever anyone mentioned his missing mother. When Binghe wrested the offending letter from the unusually blank faced child, it took all of his respect and affection for his charge not to hex her after he read through it.

 

It felt like a slam to his gut , the idea of anyone whom could think of hurting the clever, sweet and brave boy he had cared for these past two years who had saved him so many times and asked for naught but his friendship.

 

So maybe he had sent a letter professing his acceptance of their friendship . Oh he had accepted after she had expressed her sorry-ness for her prior actions, but had not forgiven her for her past actions to the most amazing person he had known in his short life .

 

Not by a long shot.

 

She did not deserve his Shaoye’s wit, his kindness and his forgiving spirit.

 

“-You clowns lookin’ for a fight?” A shrill woke him from his dark thoughts. So immersed in his pondering did Binghe realize there were three burley men , fury on their faces as they surrounded them.

 

Binghe wondered indignantly what their problem was until he saw the trashed stores behind them , and the proud look on his little master’s face. Oh no.

And to make things worse, they were at a street end. They were surrounded by buildings. But the lights all out meant the people within were sleeping. No one could hear or respond to their cries for help. 

 

He moved in front of his little master just in time to deflect a blow, the man was blown away from the force returned by the seemingly delicate child. Binghe watched , his heart thumping away in his chest as the ‘clowns’ came after them. Oh no no.

 

Six pairs of rough hands tried to seize him. Binghe’s right shot out. With a gurgle,the skinny one  in gold staggered backward to crumple on the hard cobbletones. The tallest of the three, leapt forth like a panther, landed on Binghe’s back. Dropping abruptly, the child executed a somersault, shook himself free and rose only to butt his head into the stomach of the man. 

 

Then the last man standing charged forth. Quick as a flash, Binghe leapt , grabbed the other man's hair, bringing his face down sharply onto his bent knee. Blood flowed from the last man's broken nose and he staggered backwards and fell- Only to be caught by the other two now standing and far angrier companions. 

 

Wheezing, the future demon lord , the protagonist faltered as he and his master were surrounded on all sides. 

 

“Duck!” Binghe obediently dodged just in time as the little master seized a pot of pig’s blood from the ground that was unsathed in the tussle and flung it at the trio. 

 

Temporarily blinded, the shopkeepers squealed as the older boy gave them no quarter, a painful roundhouse kick -Clack!- caused them all to fall down with a series of pained grunts and yelps. 

 

The unrepentant little kitten roared in laughter as Binghe frantically gathered him atop his back , preparing to bolt when at the exact moment , a rough hand tugged his ankle and - No! His little master was on his back! 

 

With a shriek, Binghe twisted himself so he ended up falling on his side.

 

“Binghe!” Shaoye tried to get up but hissed in pain as he collapsed again. His side was likely bruised from merely falling, the delicate body of this cosseted child rarely felt pain as such , he likely was in unbearable pain.

 

Despite his own fall, this sight enraged the older boy .

 

Quickly and brutally with an animalistic strength that he did not know he had, the fool who had accidentally caused the little master’s injury found his fingers kicked off the ankle he had grasped then his palm stomped on with a sickening crack by his own victim.

 

Over the howls of pain from the now injured man, the next goon stumbling blindly in the direction where the sound was coming from, found himself again flying back as Binghe backflipped to give the unfortunate soul a painful kick right across his face, then sent him flying again this time into the other third member. The duo crashed against a stone wall with two resounding thuds.

 

For these civilians of cultivation blood who had grown up in the safety of this village but never gone to a sect and relied on their qi merely to maintain their immortality , how could they hope to defeat, even as adults against a boy whom had fought on the cold streets and was incandescent with fury? 

 

The three men were groaning in a heap . Binghe took one step after the other, killing intent in his eyes , as he eyed the trio until a pained sniffle startled him out of his battlerage. Like a bucket of cold water dumped over him, guilt suffused him, Shaoye was hurt, revenge could wait, he needed to attend to his charge first. He rushed forward, all fretting and worry. 

 

“Little Master Shaoye~”

 

“Ow. It hurts.Binghe-ge, it hurts really bad.” Binghe bit his lip as he tried to find a way to pick up the other when his heart stuttered in shock at the angry muttering and moans from behind as the three men came back from unconsciousness. Oh no , no.

 

Suddenly, there was a sound like the crashing of waves, and a green glow surrounded the vengeful trio. Their eyes widened.

 

Then they slumped back to sleep.

 

“Thank you , little masters. For standing up to this unworthy one.” A soft voice declared. From the shadows came a beautiful woman, clad in robes that were perhaps once pink and fine but were now faded.

 

“My sword, Meiren only can send one into slumber if they are heavily injured. It’s more of a healing sword of all things.” She flashed her sword which was indeed glowing that same green glow. “- Sorry, I am pretty useless and I dragged the both of you into this.”

 

// Tt? Is it just me or does Squire Qui and this lady have really similar features ?//

 

Binghe frowns at the look of interest in his little master’s face . He had heard all about the brothel Shen Qingqiu had decided to bring his innocent Shaoye, and many were the details he shared on how pretty they were. 

 

Oh yeah? Well, he was way prettier than those girls! He could cook better, his back was soft and he bet they didn;t know a note of poetry that he had memorized!

 

He was sure...He flushed at the memory of that beautiful face, cold as it was, and as cutting the words were….

 

Eyes flashing like emeralds, skin as white as freshly fallen snow, and raven dark hair that shimmered in the cool moonlight like the finest gossamer threads . 

 

His head held high, the lofty immortal , the Peak Lord of Qingjing Peak, waltzed into the restaurant with an effortless saunter. 

 

The clicking of his heels added rhythm to the soft classical music that played onward without pause. Luo Binghe cannot believe such beauty exists-

 

Binghe sighs again, dreamily. Shaoye’s mother? She had nothing on Shen Qingqiu, the Peak Lord of Qingjing peak. 

 

If the gods are real, he told himself, then this man is their masterpiece.

 

-He was sure the Shen Qingqiu had to have a good reason to bring Shaoye to a brothel but that didn’t mean Binghe liked it . He shook his head as an indignant voice reminded him that this god father had injured his little master.

 

Disloyalty! Disgrace! Disesteem!

 

Well, said indignant voice in my head, he thought hurriedly, it was a mistake, Shen Qingqiu had immediately stopped and didn’t know how delicate his godson was.

 

The voice grew more shrill. DISLOYALTY. Is beauty and power all you need to decide what makes for in a partner , a mate in life?

 

What? Shen Qingqiu looks like any man’s dream come to life. He’s all Luo Binghe ever wanted!

 

Thank you for your shrewd observation, the voice says dryly. But, what else?

 

Soft laughter breaks him out of his self conflict.

 

The servant boy looks over to see Shaoye chatting away with this woman and loudly reassuring her that everyone was deserving of respect and she deserved as much  as these storeholders whom had grown up here to set up stores here, especially more so given she was a traveller and needed the money to survive! 

 

He couldn’t let them chase her away AND listen to them deride her like such without enacting justice on her behalf on his honour as an honourable Lao Zi.

 

A small smile unconsciously tugs at Binghe’s face. This was his little master, kind and clever , no matter how much bluster and airs he feigned, Shaoye could not hide his heart of gold. He cared about people , and would never stand by idly to watch someone being wronged even against foes older and stronger than him. Binghe...Admired him so much.

 

Binghe, the indignant voice pressed on, is beauty and power all that matter to you?

 

He shook his head to cancel it out as the lady took a step forward to better see his charge and the older boy bared his teeth in subconscious threat at her. Binghe, what else?

 

What else is there? He thought impatiently, and stamped out that annoying voice, having more pressing matters to attend to at the present.

 

Binghe already had to watch Shaoye cozy up to his fiancee, the spoiled silly little Palace mistress .Now he had to watch this pretty lady of dubious intent get fawned over by his little master.

 

To Luo Binghe, future right hand to the heir of the Citadel, he who had vowed to protect his little master, this newcomer and that little Palace Mistress were like wasps circling a small adorable little azalea blossom .

 

Unworthy! Unwooorthy!

 

And wasps must be chased away.

 

This lady looked suspicious, that smile painted on her simpering face , the coquettish voice she had. Urgh. A full body shiver went through his body as he got a whiff of the perfume she sprayed over herself.

 

Her body was slim, her bosom ample—her appearance was, to the distrustful little boy servant. Suspicious. What were the odds of a pretty lady of clear noble bearing wandering about and allowing herself to be treated as such by cultivators of middling caste? There was clearly more than meets the eye here.

 

“Young Master, stay behind me.”

 

How could the little master stand to be ordered to be told what to do?

 

He glowered at the older boy, his cheeks puffed out . Both the young woman and boy stared at him. Binghe was brought back to a time he had the great fortune to be beginning for coin near a cat contest held nearby the Docks when he was a mere motherless and friendless beggar.

 

His favourites were naturally the soft and fluffy kittens , and he could spend a whole afternoon happily watching the judges lift up the mewling helpless and trusting creatures to the sun which made their already white creamy pelts seem like they were glowing from within.

 

His little master was like those defenceless trusting fluffballs .

 

His defensive instincts kicking in, he moved forward and shielded his master from view of the threat.

 

Qiu Haitang however seemed to be lost in memory as she looked at this touching scene that reminded her of happier long lost times . The older , protective boy reminded her of her gege and ...the little one behind him .How bratty , how spoiled and pampered she used to be.

 

It felt like a lifetime ago when she had been innocent like this child is now.

 

[ Qiu Haitang : +50 FP! <Congratulations! Lao Da! You have gained one ally!]

 

//What the hell? That much at the first meeting?! Not even Liu Mingyan had that much! //

 

[ Qiu Haitang is one emotional lady, Lao Da! ]

 

“Jie jie?” The bright , high pitched voice broke her out of her reverie. The small boy had somehow managed to persuade his older brother to allow him to come forward.

 

The older boy glared at her viciously , his hand still holding the child’s . A wise boy, she thought privately.

 

“Of course you could have saved yourself. This lowly old woman concedes.” She acknowledges gracefully and true enough , she could see the metaphorical tail of the kitten , point up at the praise and her concession.

 

The child takes out a fan from one of his sleeves and with a snap, unfolds it and begins fanning himself. Large almond eyes peek at her , and lower in embarrassment.

 

“ U-uh. W-well, Jie jie isn’t old , at all. Ha ha! What nonsense! She’s very pretty and strong and can fight well. Doesn’t Binghe-ge think so too? - ”He gives his ‘brother’ an expectant look.

 

‘‘Binghe-ge’ was not impressed.

 

Qiu Haitang had thought at the beginning the older boy next to the child was his brother but judging by the darkening of his face and that piercing glare which seemed to wish it could cut her into a thousand pieces-

 

She hid a smile as the younger boy turned to look at the taller one net to him and upon seeing that expression pulled a face .

 

“W-why are you looking at Jie Jie like that, dumb-dumb?! ”

 

“Shaoye must be careful, it is said that a wolf may hide under a sheep’s hide but it will always be a wolf.” “What- This Laozi can take care of himself, thank you very much!”

 

Ah. Puppy love.

 

It was nice that some arranged marriages would end well, and how wonderful it was that times were advancing as such that same-sex marriages even extended to them now!

 

The older one even looked a bit like a puppy , with his big black eyes and the way he yapped at her and whined at his ‘Shaoye’ to leave her.

--

Unknown to the other two, the seemingly innocent little kitty’s line of thoughts were quite different.

 

//Qiu Haitang//

 

In the original work, Qiu Haitang’s appearance signified only one thing: Shen Qingqiu’s complete fall from grace.

 

Though Qiu Haitang was no longer a young girl in the spring of her life,because her appearance was extraordinary, she naturally could not escape the fate of becoming part of Luo Binghe’s harem.

 

The problem was, she once had a relationship with Shen Qingqiu.

 

Congratulations! To be involved in ambiguous relationships with two wives of a stallion novel protagonist, the original Shen Qingqiu was truly one of a kind!

 

Hence Shaoye thought it was a great way to curry favour with her and Binghe by introducing them AND being kind as possible too her . Of course he hadn’t known of her identity as she was in shadows at the time . 

 

He could not merely sit by and watch a helpless woman get bullied by a gang of men for something as trivial as shop space .  Praise being kind! Good things truly happen to those whom do good! 

 

Qiu Haitang insisted on giving a good deal on those beautiful jade hair pieces, for apparently Shaoye being so brave and standing up for an old maid like her.

 

Ah Yi and Gongzhu both got a hairpiece but the little master ordered a particularly lovely bangle of fine magical jade for Luo Binghe whom he observed was getting a little pouty for being left out of the purchase.

// Bingge! What are you doing acting like a jealous maiden around your future wife?! You will be teased for this later on by her ! //  Shen Yuan shrieked as Binghe shot the laughing Qiu Haitang a triumphant look as the coin was exchanged and the older boy displayed the bangle on his wrist like a medal of glory. 

 

She also walked them back to the restaurant where a frantic Dichan Ye was running around like a headless chicken for his baby. Snot and tears running down his bearded face , his head had shot up and he had run to sweep both Binghe and his child in a huge relieved hug. 

When Shaoye turned around to introduce their new companion, she had melted away into the shadows. The only evidence she was ever there was a beautiful handkerchief that wrote “I hope to see you again. Come by soon , I’ve settled here for a while :) “ found stashed in the little master’s silk coat. 

 

Binghe sniffed at the fabric when it was offered to him and told Shaoye that the child could keep it after a good wash to get rid of that cheap perfume and no, he did not want it .

 

 //Oh well, he isn’t a teenager yet. I’ll hold onto it for him . Bingge will probably want this after he comes back from the abyss. //

 

He set on the plush cushions, Binghe was already dozing off, slumped over, head pressed into the plush cushions, an arm thrown protectively behind his charge’s head as though even in sleep he wanted to protect his little master . The bright lights of the streets whirred past and reflected in those bright eyes.

 

It was nightfall, the night wind sang like as it whistled past. Crickets and the sounds of cicadas greeted them as they made their way onward back to the Citadel. 

 

Shaoye still didn’t trust Shen Qingqiu

 

There was far too much risk by association via proxy . His Baba came first , but if he could knock some sense into his godfather, maybe he too could be- He sighs and wearily shakes his head. 

 

Dear lord. Silly sentimental Shen Yuan, you had to up and go and get attached to the scummiest of scum, did you? 

 

He knew what was going to happen . The abuse endured by Luo Binghe was unforgivable as well as the endless abyss was an unavoidable scene .

 

But he had a lot of questions and the man wasn’t completely without redemption or his positive points .True, Shen Yuan may be a bit biased because the man had spent time with him and seemed to like his company back as well, but these were all very valid points! 

 

Things did not add up . If Shen Qingqiu was truly a villain, then why would he bother in his own way , show care by sending monthly herbs and medicines to their household .

 

Shen yuan had puzzled over it. Logically if he wanted to there would be poison hidden in the herbs . Shen Qingqiu was the next of kin if the Little master died , set to inherit Dichan ye’s great fortune . The number of ways to off a clearly then disliked god son were innumerable .

 

Yet why would the man not only defy Shen Yuan’s preconceptions of his character but look out for him . Was the bond of brotherhood of Dichan Ye and Shen Qingqiu truly as strong as it was in the book that it extended to his son ?

 

And why would he visit the brothels - but only to chit chat , provide free medical care and buy the freedom of women kept in appalling conditions ? He thoroughly had investigated the brothels Qingqiu had visited , admittedly to get a bit of nudge on the man, but to his astonishment he never had intercourse with any of the women he ‘engaged services ‘ of but treated them with respect . The women in question were all loyal to Qingqiu and spoke only genuine praise of him according to his spy master .

 

Infact , it was with great reluctance that he had to thank his godfather for unknowingly giving him a get out of jail pass on how to get on Luo binghe’s good side and still visit the brothels .

 

Also why was Qiu Jianluo still alive ? And masquerading as a Squire in the golden citadel , rather than try and rebuild the Qiu manor and look after his sister ?

 

Infact as an older brother himself , he was now far more livid at the toad of a man than the fox whom at least for now kept his tails hidden .

 

Squire Qui. If you rearranged his surname it became Qiu. And even more unimaginatively was the name itself. Loujian . If you rearranged all of it, it was there smirking away at him. 

 

Qui Loujian. Qiu Jianluo. 

 

Damn good for nothing , sorry excuse for a brother -

 

//TT?//

 

[ yes, Lao Da?]

 

// I think we have got quite a few mysteries on our hands.Things are going to get pretty interesting in the coming years. //

---

 

 

 

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

 

Dear Shaoye ,

 

We did it. I say we because Gongyi xiao fished all three of us out of the baths. Here in Huan Hua Palace , we have two massive baths for the students. It’s powered by an underground spring . 

 

Pretty neat, isn’t it?

 

Well, what was not cool is that Wanrong fought like a demon. We ended up falling with her into the lake which as a precationeery measure had filled with soap. What we did not plan was fallin into the deep end.  

 

Gong Yi Xiao used a spell, I think it’s one to do with levitatsun and got us out from the deep end. 

 

He took a sniff of the twerp and was like,” Wow. She doesn’t smell like rotten fish anymore!”

 

The eengrate in question tackled him to the ground and I had no idea what she used on him to smell like fish the whole day. Or what he used on her that made her legs into jelly . 

 

They both are in detention.

 

Wanyue is disconsoliet that she’s gonna end up an old maid at this age. I told her she’s only 10 and she started wailing that no boy is going to kiss her before she’s 12. When will my life be normal? IDK. 

 

Well, I bugged Daddy and he says if I insist and leave him alone till he needs me, then perhaps next year on my birthday he may consider extending an invitation to you and another to come for my birthday. I can introducce you to my other new friends. Gongyi Xiao is pretty cool, he knows every tunnel and likes to go exploring. The Qin sisters and I will be joining him on a night walk. 

 

Daddy won’t know nuts. Wanrong , the mad hatter bugged the charm he put on me to make it seem I am at the room tonight while I live a little. Will update wiv more stories! :) 

 

Brb, I need to get changed. 

 

Yours soggingly drenched ,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of Huan Hua sect and

Huan Hua Palace

 

--

Time went on. A year flitted pass , filled with so many adventures. The little master spent three months tinkering with Shanxi glass shaved to razor thin blades, but he came up with a fantastic new invention called spectacles.

 

The first trials later, and not only could the invention correct vision but it also was charmed to slowly heal the eyes .

 

Shortly after it had taken the world by storm, for it lended a look of worldliness and wisdom to many that even people without vision problems were wearing them- Did the little Master produce a new invention he called “Contact Lenses.” 

 

These were thin pieces of gelatin soaked in a special healing potion that would gradually correct the eyes and at the same time would ensure the user could see AND not to have to remove it unlike the spectacles.

 

While all this was going on, Liu Mingyan wrote an excited and happy letter thanking the little master for the ‘contact lenses’ . Not only were her family none the wiser, but her sight was nearly back. She had made great strides in making so many friends and her shizun had commented she was so happy lately. It was only thanks to him that a Book club had been born and she had other girls willing to join her! 

 

Oh, and on behalf of her brother, she wanted to thank him too! That strange plant he had sent over truly was working wonders on his qi deviations ! They were happening less and less frequently ! 

 

And unknown to most of the cultivation world, ironically this new celebrated invention was achieved with the aid of Demons, whom they loathed, bartered for with goods from a citadel most sects looked down upon.

 

Not that the Dichan’s cared, except to celebrate the health flowing into their coffers.

 

 Wanyue remained a topic of amusement to the little master and Xiao Gongzhu, her hijinks were praiseworthy and she had a penchant for pranks. Wanrong with her weekly chasing after every available and exasperated boy in Huan Hua . The Qin sisters truly were an eccentric pair. 

 

Gongyi Xiao in particular loved to hunt and many a time he would tell her of his experiences which she in turn shared with her equally monster-mad friend. 

 

Unknown to the little master, the little Palace mistress had been discussing with Gongyi xiao not only about monsters but also about many suspicions she had regarding her mother’s mysterious death . He had been open to listen, was upright and objective and more importantly was there to help. 

 

The tunnels had opened up many questions as they combed the hidden paths her mother could have had taken the final night, and further probing had given her unwanted answers. Gongyi xiao had wanted to bring it up to his parents but she persuaded him not to. 

 

Maybe she was overthinking things. Surely, surely.

 

This was her father after all. 

 

He was an honourable and well respected sect leader and despite what her friends were all telling her, surely all parents loved their children? 

 

Even if his way of showing love was rather unconventional?  

 

Maybe it was just a big misunderstanding, her mother had died after a mere fall into the pool of acid after an argument with Daddy. 

 

 Maybe this was the case. 

 

But - Xiao Gongzhu does not realize she had been gripping her new and favourite pink brush pen so hard, it creaked in warning. 

 

She sighs and throws away the thirtieth letter she wanted to tell her friend about her latest findings. No, she does not want to bother Shaoye. Over time, she had come to view him as a safe space, one where she could talk to about anything nice and interesting. 

 

What she did not want was their conversation, at least for now to become clouded by death and mystery . At least not yet.

 

 Still, the time to her birthday was drawing, as was the day her mother’s body had been discovered,  and it was there and when the little Palace mistress intended to use it as a chance to access the forbidden room she had seen with her mother. 

 

Her father would be far too distracted by the arrival of his sworn enemy’s son , his future son in law and Gongyi xiao . She would use this chance to sneak within to find out the truth. To confirm her doubts for once and for all. 

 

Gongyi Xiao had questioned her on length about it, and he had come up with a theory on the markings engraved on the gilt edges of the painting. 

 

The painting of Su Xiyan. 

 

It was the unspoken coffin in the room . Gongyi xiao had used his privileges of head disciple protege to enter the records of previous disciples who had entered the sect . 

 

A single portrait of a girl ,much younger but definitely her, the girl who would grow to become the woman whose portait was painted to hang in her Daddy's secret man-cave , was discovered within  the papers. 

 

And that receipt. That receipt from the Dichan tailorshop showing Lao Gongzhu’s order for a Miss Su Xiyan…. She knew. 

 

There was no explaining that away.  

 

Her father had...Had…. // “Mama, ewwww. Why are you ordering funeral robes for Daddy?” She is only five. Her Mama smiles and boops her on the nose, it is afternoon, they are sitting in her bedroom, Daddy was off again as usual doing Daddy things as usual but Gongzhu has her mama and all is right in the world.

 

 “I know it sounds silly, but it is our family custom. Well, on your Daddy’s side. We will order for each other, husband and wife funeral robes. Well in advance, sweetie.” Mama pats her and lifts her up. “One day , Gongzhu will marry a handsome prince and you too shall order a set of funeral robes and he shall for you too. And you two shall live a long and happy life together and if the Gods ask you both to come to the heavens , you two shall wear the robes you both selected for each other to the heavens . As husband and wife. “ To that she receives a delighted giggle. “Ewwww! Mama! Boys have cooties!” - // 

 

She shakes her head. That was the hammer. 

 

The nail to be hammered into said coffin? What lay behind that painting. 

 

“...ind the painting! Your journals , the things you have done!” Her mother’s voice shrieks , a fragment of a memory of that dark day.  It rings through her brain , like a banshee demanding justice. Scattered here and there , there are bits she cannot remember, perhaps the mind’s way of protecting its owner even after imbibing a potion to remember. 

 

Qin Wanyue had raised an eyebrow at the potion she had begged her to let her drink and brew in secret. She claimed she wanted to find something important she had promised for her deceased mama , and the soft hearted older girl instantly agreed without hesitation. 

 

It was easy to remember the golden memories, enhanced by the potion, her Mama alive and sweet . What was not so easy were the broken bits of her mama screaming and raving at her Daddy, about someone, something he had done , so unspeakable it had sent the sweet natured and kind woman into a fit. 

 

Every night Gongzhu would drink a cup of the brew. She knew it was probably fruitless but what she gathered from the remnants was that her father stored something important AND his journals on things he had done behind that damning painting. 

 

Was it easy? No. But doing what was right was never. She had not lied when she told Wanyue she had promised to find something important for her mama. 

 

It was justice. 

 

Her brush dances across the parchment, she watches as it expresses delight and on the day to day on Huan Hua Palace and her own vast improvements in combat.

 

It is getting late, shadows dance across her room as she holds a flickering match to a wick, and watches as the darkness is chased away by the candle’s illumination. 

 

Soon, all will come to light. 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Is Mingfan in the running for the best Big brother of the year award again while Luo Binghe wins a special award in the Knight Templar big brother category ? YES. They ARE . Will Luo Binghe succeed in his quest to get into Shen Qingqiu’s pants ? And what has SY in store for the nasty Aleck ? Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas !
—-

End Notes:

Yeye- 爷爷 - yéye. (grandpa in Chinese)

The fruit the vendor was selling in Baoliu village are actually Renshen shu fruit. Which originate from Journey to the west: In Chapters 24 to 26 of Journey to the West feature a magical Ginseng Tree (人參樹, Renshen shu) that produces crying, baby-shaped ginseng fruits (人參果, renshen guo) capable of extending the lives of those who eat them to 47,000 years

Azalea flowers can come in red and Magnolias come in white . SQQ wears quite a bit of white along with his green . SY! Shaoye is trying to buy pity from LBH by going about a delicate little master route so he wears a lot of red to the extent OG! SQQ thinks he really likes the colour

Azaleas represent happiness and prosperity and can always evoke people’s warm passion for life.

Magnolias are also known as 玉兰花 yù lán huā 'jade orchid flower' and together with a crab apple 海棠 hǎi táng and peony give 玉堂富贵 Yù táng fù guì meaning a wish for wealth and honor as ‘Jade Hall’ (yutang) was the academy of scholars. In a painting with bees

 

** The villa which is according to the levels of peak lords is based off the ranking system of the Cang qiong mountain sect according to the Yue Qingyuan and Shen jiu extras pt 5!~

“There was a fixed order of seniority for the twelve peaks of Cang Qiong Mountain. This order had nothing to do with the peaks’ strength, it was only decided by the order in which each peak’s first generation had made a name for themselves. “

Hence An Ding peak is 4th~

** Chang e had a rabbitt to help her around the moon and care for her in the myth. They both lived in a palace on said moon .

***"This was because he had designs on Ning Yingying. Ah no, more like the original Shen Qingqiu had designs on Ning Yingying.

Shen Qingqiu’s settings were that of a shady hypocrite. Since on the surface he looked pure-hearted, free of desire, and immune to evil temptations, then underneath he must be immoral, shameless, scummy, and despicable. He was a teacher, but had dirty intentions towards his obedient and lively disciple. He’d tried to carry them out several times, and had almost succeeded.

Daring to try and get a taste of the male lead’s woman, one can imagine the result! - Shen Yuuan on PIDW lore , SVSSS Chapter 3

Chapter 6: Howdy Do Fellow Kids

Summary:

Heeey everyone ! Thank you for the kind comments and I’m a but disappointed with this chapter as it’s a bit short but due to health reasons and being unable to fit all 14000 words and counting into one chapter meant I had to halve it.

My writing game is a bit rusty :p and I do apologise and hope you will enjoy this chapter still !

Please been warned though , there is a lot of nasty unhinged old men creeping after young boys so there’s an underage warning ! (FYI. I got a couple of comments saying it's disgusting I included that in as of 15/11/2020. I am gonna sound salty but erm, I don't sanction pedophillia and in you read my actual fic, it paints the both pedophiles in a negative light :( And it's not explicit or much at all. It's hinted heavily and LBH does not tolerate even the hint of it and mouths off at his predator and even stops the act from helping to SY sooooo...If you are getting angry , I don't know. I guess find another fic? Thanks!))

Notes:

Luo Binghe - 12 years old

Xiao Gong Zhu - 10 years old (now)

Liu Mingyan -12 years old (edited! :)))

For reference - NYY - 13 years old ( Guys, decided to keep NYY as older than LBH for plots ;3 )

Dichan Mingfan- 14years old

Qin Wanyue - 11 years old

Qin Wanrong- 9 years old

Gongyi Xiao - 14 years old

Every day Binghe had a schedule since he had been declared as Shaoye’s ‘Best Friend’ . Before dawn, he would awake to the sound of birdsong , set some congee on the stove , before clambering up the stairs to sing Shaoye awake . 

“ The sun is coming up . the moon's coming down,

the day is beginning . The birds and the bees,

the flowers and the trees are all waking up, too.

It's time you wake up , sleepyhead.

It's time you open those eyes .

Wakey wakey …

A new day has begun . “

By the time, he finished , the child would be yawning and blinking as he rose from the grasp of sleep. 

 

Today was not just any day however as those bright little eyes focused on him, then an uncharacteristically serious smile alighted on those lips. 

 

“Today’s the day.”

 

Binghe nodded , “Today’s the day.” 

--

 

Huan Hua palace loved yellow. Not gold. The more bright the shade, the higher the rank and more respected you were said to be as a symbol of status . As such, the little master had experimented since the day he had received an invite. 

 

Flowers, rocks were deemed ‘not garishly’ yellow enough, then one day. To the horror and disgust of Ah Yi and all who witnessed it, the little Master who had been watching Binghe clear out the ice box , or what they called the food preservation box that was packed with ice and enchanted to be cold found the perfect shade of yellow for his robes at last.

 

Over the past winter months, they had an influx of food. 

Sometimes dinners that were unable to be finished were stored for the day next to be consumed. However, Dichan Ye had managed to pull off the management of a good harvest for all his citizens and his own private reserves has yielded more than enough to feed his household. As such, a particular dish of vegetables was pushed to the end of the fridge, and only uncovered several months later.

 

Binghe had removed a particularly glowy yellow object that shone in the dark of the ice box and was revealed to be a mushroom of all things growing on the moldy vegetables. 

 

As the kitchen staff and Binghe struggled not to hurl , the little Master started to cry. But it wasn’t fear or disgust, he eyed it as if his best  friend had just uncovered gold. “It’s so beautiful.”  He whispered reverently , stroking the edges of the plate. “Beeeeeeautiful.” 

 

The little master had insisted on bringing the fungus back to his loom.

 

It was mashed up into a paste, and a set of robes were lowered into the paste . When it dried, the robes became the most luridly yellow set of robes anyone had laid eyes on. 

 

“How is it so yellow?” Binghe asked in disgusted awe. 

 

“The secret to my dye was in that mushroom. It’s a-uh- chemical compound called fluorescein . “ The Child flung the robes out to dry further. “It gives the mushroom and the dye by extension, this shade of neon eye-rape ! “ 

 

The older boy tuned his little master out mentally after that, as much as he admired him, his random insights and keen intellect were outmatched to him! 

 

 “-But this type is a little unique as it needs a special liquid to activate it’s special power. Not that I’ll need it! I mean we aren't going to any dark cave BUT THE Huan Hua Palace!  ” 

 

That day had been a year ago and since that day, the special robes Binghe called them ‘Puke robes’  were unearthed by Ah Yi and taken to the room for the outfitting.

 

 It was for the invite they had just received a week ago, inviting the little Master and any friend of his choosing to come attend Xiao Gongzhu’s 10 year old birthday.  

--

Back in the present day.

 

Binghe was not amused when Aleck snickered at Shaoye's robes as the sallow faced boy entered to serve the standard meal. "-Puke-yellow...Rat. Haha." Was what he overheard.

He was already not in a good mood that Shaoye had accepted to go and walk into Huanhua. The older boy had a bad feeling in his gut about this, but if Shaoye insisted into walking into the lion's mouth, he would follow.

They were at present being served in Shaoye's bedroom.  And he, did not take likely to any slight against his little master.

"-What Puke-yellow 'rat', pray, 'Aleck'?" He commented, loudly. Aleck stiffened as Shaoye instantly turned puce hearing this, bellowing. "'PUKE-YELLOW?! YOU, YOU PILLOCK, THIS IS CLEARLY MARIGOLD."

The little wildcat ran over and was about to kick Aleck when he was scooped up. " Don't dirty yourself, young master." Binghe huffed , and gave Aleck an icy look. "He's NOT worth it."

Shaoye stared, then as though one word from Binghe was able to calm him,  he then merely sniffed. " Fine. " Then miffed, the tiny boy snapped at Aleck, though not unkindly. "Oi. Put it down there, the usual stuff."

Gritting his teeth into a smile that was more bared teeth, the other older boy opened the tray, not only was the tray supporting the meal , but underneath it was a beautiful container. Shaoye beamed, the slight easily forgotten at the sight of a meal, and the box. Binghe however glowered , as the glower on that sallow face turned to a simpering , triumphant smirk.

Mingfan had warned Binghe to look out for Shaoye , especially around Aleck. At first, Binghe had brushed the concerned older cousin off. Aleck? Aleck HATED him,  Luo Binghe. Not Shaoye. To aim for Shaoye was like a roach aiming to take down a star.

But now... Shaoye's cough distracted him. He hurried over to feed Shaoye, feeling already more at ease upon hearing the click of the door, signalling that Aleck had left the room.

Binghe first tasted a bit of the soup, it tasted fine to him , a bit overly-spiced but other than that, he did not cough upon eating it as did Shaoye had began to do so from time to time. As such, he dismissed the presumption there was poison.

The little master's already fair skin which for a time started to get tanned, seemed to get noticeably paler. Shaoye who was very vain , was pleased. Binghe privately did worry as since he noted that for some reason, his little Master seemed prone to fainting, complained of migraines , was easily irritable, got cold easier and tired easier along with this lighter skin. But he had been examined by the family doctor- The best doctor in the Citadel, infact, a former disciple of the Mu Qingfang of Qiancao peak !- And the doctor just fretted that the fragility of the young master due to his premature birth as well as not getting vital breast milk or had his qi circulated like most pure-bred cultivator children did , meant that the child was weak from the start. The man had merely reccomended extra elixirs, less excitement and pampering in a bid to recuperate strength.

The man also had aided in Shaoye's concception, delivered the little master into the world. With much sadness, he commented that Shaoye had always been weak, had been this weak as a baby. The child seemingly had gotten better aas he grew older....But now-

To hear confirmation that Shaoye was really physically weak and whatever ailment that had plagued him as a babe was making a re-occcurance, had shaken Binghe and Ah Yi. Ye had responded by ordering more elixirs for the little master.  Binghe frowned a little- That was another thing he had noticed .

Citadel, or no Citadel, he personally would have checked up on Shaoye at least every few days. Instead Ye was oftentimes gone on business , diplomatic missions , or visiting his Lao Xiong* , Shen Qingqiu for months on end . If he was at home, he would be in the study or in a conference with Ministers . Rare were the times he had come and coo over and baby Shaoye. And the man was just so happy to see his son and be with his son, he just gave into everything Shaoye demanded of him, and seemed to concentrate on making Shaoye happy , rather than take the time to observe or ask about his son's health.

Said son of Dichan Ye in question was seemingly unaware of his 'Dumb-dumb' 's turbulent thoughts, tossing his head with pride at his appearance in the mirror.

"My skin looks as white as milk!" He commented cheerfully to Binghe who duly admired said skin. "I think the new face-powder gifted to me is a miracle!" Binghe frowned as he scrutinized the cosmetic box, it was a seemingly innocent looking box of blue glazed pottery and within it beheld a fragrant smelling snowy powder as white as bone. *

"Help me put it on, please,please,pleaaaaaase, Binghe-ge?" Something about the way Shaoye begged him so coquettishly pleased Binghe. Casting his suspicions and unpleasantness of dealing with Aleck, he happily applied the powder on the already fair little face and added lip -balm that made those pert lips glow. Shaoye beamed so happily at him , it was like the starlight chasing away the darkness of the night. And to him , as though he had been a lost traveler looking for some  guiding light, it was the saving grace. For the oddest reason, Binghe knew that if Shaoye cheerfully asked him to jump into hell for him, he would. He would do anything to make and keep his little master happy.

"More, please! Sprinkle some on my clothes! " Binghe obliged but noted that for some reason the powder seemed already applied on the lining of the clothes his little Master wore.

"-Please? C'mon, Binghe!" And he proceeded to do so. What harm could some more powder do?

---

“Be careful , Binghe. That hairpin is very sharp .” Prudently, using the very tips of his fingers so it was more of his nails handling the article, the twelve year old took it from the golden box.

 

There was a heavy air of expectancy and resignation as Dichan Ye , who had taken an hour out of his already packed schedule to be with his son, oversaw the styling and even chose out the robes. He blinked at the hairpin in question and a bittersweet grin spread across his face. “Th’rs the pin I wore when your Mama and I got engaged. Centuries of Dichan’s have used it . It is infact the last remnant of the legendary blade , Tang En that the first Dichan wielded against the Dragon emperor, Luo.”

 

Binghe had heard it before many a time, as did Shaoye who let out a beleaguered sigh. 

 

“Baba. I’ve heard it a thousand times , infact I am sure when I was in Ma-mama’s womb, you probably were telling me! “ The same sharp hairpin was snatched out of Binghe’s hand , narrowly nicking a bit even with his callused hands , causing him to yelp.

 

Shaoye whirled the hairpin around and jabbed it himself right in the bun while reciting in a fair approximation of someone much older and more boring judging by the lowered monotone. “-Dichan Zǔxiān battled Luo , the Dragon emperor for three days and nights before using the last of his strength to send him into an enchanted slumber.”

 

He firmly adjusted his robes . 

 

“Blah-blabbity blah. Just cuz Luo swore to freeze Zǔxiān’s brand new sparkly Citadel  in an eternal winter for forevers for kicks. The blade Zǔxiān used shattered to dust , safe for one piece that was carved down to a single pin.”  

 

Shaoye tapped the pin in his hair, bored. 

 

“Yah dah Yadeddy Yah. Many old fogies of old used it in times of danger to save those they cared for, yaketty yak, and it’s always been placed in one’s hair when one is about to meet their engaged.” 

 

Binghe could not help it, he let out a snort of laughter at this fast paced commentary. 

 

“I think tradition is for borin’ peeps . But I’ll do it-” The child jumped up and kissed his father on his cheek. “-Cuz I love ya! Bai bai! “ 

 

He jumped down and scrambled atop Binghe who had learnt to drop down and allow him to alight,  giggling, the pair ran out into the sunshine. 

 

Ah Yi sighed “They grow up so fast.” She mourned. “Why, it seems only yesterday Young Master Dichan was just six and toddling after me. And Ah he was a skinny little ten year old . And now my little boy is twelve and accompanying Shaoye on a diplomatic visit to see his in laws… Next thing I know, the little master will be married. ” 

She picked up the box , only for it to nearly clatter as Ye commented in low , doleful tones to her. "If m'poor lil angel does survive t' dat age...Awh, what's a poor daddy t' do? " He heaved himself onto a chair , and indicated he wanted Ah Yi to sit down next to him. The room clicked shut, ensuring the privacy of the both of them. 

Ye seemed older and sadder as he gazed outside. Binghe was full of vitality and life. Shaoye however had a certain droop to his step ,a lack of energy and eventually had to be carried by his beloved 'Dumb-dumb' fully to the awaiting carriage. But his eyes blazed bright as though his soul could not be extinguished by the confines of his failing body. Ah Yi did worry. Her attention flickered back to her employer.

"-Ah checked everything, M'dm Tang." Tang Ah Yi, as a mother, felt her heart clench in sympathy at the sheer self-loathing and sorrow in Ye's voice. "The best poison experts did tests on the food , the sources of the powder -Which y' n' y' luvverly son suspected o' m'head chef n' dat son o' said head chef might've tampered with. ....All came out negative. I sent spies after them, but aside from some rude comments 'bout that head chef's brat about the Lil darling's 'pompous-ness'... T'ain't them .The f'mily d'ctor himself says that it's m' angel's body- "

Ah Yi thought that everyone was entitled to their own opinion.

Though indeed , she found Ye's retaliation even against his 'Angel' being badmouthed by Aleck in private by removing the older boy from interacting with Shaoye- a bit out of hand.

Aleck only kept his job because the Head chef begged him to keep his 'erstwhile' son in employ that Aleck was not outright fired. Ye had some private suspicions about this mystery. And it was better to keep your enemies close.

Unaware of her master's brooding or schemes, Ah Yi only saw a sad old man. A worried and terrified father.

Sometimes, you had to lie to someone to get them going.

Shaoye was alive now, and that was...That was what mattered, right?

"Young Master Dichan is so loved by you, Master Dichan. I am sure that love will somehow heal the young Master's body. And he is loved by everyone. He WILL recover soon. " Tang Ah Yi spoke, clenching her wizened hands together under the table."Why,I am sure it is just a passing phase. All children fall sick at some point in their lives. Mayhap it is just his bones growing. He will be right. We just have to wait it out with him." She comforted, Ye looked at her, desperate and hopeful as though a drowning man grasping at straws.

"Th'nk you, M'dm Tang."

—-

The little master was brought out to the awaiting carriage dressed to the nines . The breeze billowing the ends of his long wavy strands of dark silk as if they were the ribbons of a kite, but this was contrasted with a determined look in his eyes , astride his faithful Luo Binghe . 

Binghe wondered on the song his little master was humming , sometimes he would catch some stray phrases of the melody. It was a cheerful little ditty in light of the momentous occasion. 

 

“-C’mon grab your friends. We’re goin’ to distant lands~”

 

They clambered up the carriage . The door was shut.

 

It was still dawn, and the sun hadn't even begun his morning rounds. 

 

The carriage started to clitter and clack as it made it’s long journey to Huan Hua county. 

 

“~ The fun will never end. Hm Hmm Hmm!” 

--

Fun? Yeah , right! 

 

It had been raining hard since five o'clock that morning. Typical Huan Hua weather, Shen Yuan thought. He repressed a smile at the feeling of being like a character in some Mary Shelley Gothic romance. The driving rain, the cold, the two-hour ride from the Citadel in one of the best carriage , which appropriately was crimson . The colour of Ichor . Joy .

 

Binghe and him played Xiangqi* to pass the time. He got the distinct feeling that the protagonist was letting him win after the twelfth win. Shen Yuan thought it was adorable, Dichan Shaoye under the restrictions could not.

 

He blew his cheeks out and gave Binghe his best glower.

 

“Take me seriously!” The spoiled little boy pouted, kicking his feet in frustration.

 

Binghe was now 12 years of age, //only two scant more years before his innocence was ripped to shreds, oh god, how he hoped the kindness he received would be enough to last//, and was starting to lose his baby fat. Today he was garbed in marigold-yellow and white to contrast the neon garish robes Shaoye had dyed specially for the occasion.

 

He smiled patiently and sweetly . It was like an angry chick cheeping at him in indignation.

 

“It’s because you’re so adorable.” The older boy teases, and doubles over in laughter as it provokes another mini tantrum from the child. “ The heck’s wrong with you describing Lao Zi as adorable?!” “Oh you’re so scary~ What am I going to do? Oh no~”

 

Finally, seeing as his tantrum was not getting him anywhere but amusing his friend, Shaoye puffed his cheeks out and settled in his cushions .

 

The carriage creaked as it rolled on.

 

The pair of them gazed out , at the hill-ringed valley lying ahead, its floor obscured by a thick blanket of mist.

 

Minor tantrum forgotten,Shaoye shuffled off his cushions to hide behind Binghe , and peeped out from his spot every so often as though equally terrified and fascinated.

They stared through the windows at the curling fog. It was as though they were undersea in a dirigible peering out , slowly navigating downward through a sea of curdled milk. At intermediate times , strange human-like figures , shrubbery and the occasional skeletal tree would appear beside the car, then disappear. The only sound was the clacking of the horse shoes and soft whistling Binghe made to sooth his spooked charge. While apprehensive , he could not show any fear .

 

Ah Yi had made him promise to care for the little Master and he intended to keep it.

 

“I’m here . It’s okay . “

 

“Th-those are claws , right ?”

 

“It’s just tree branches , Little master.” Binghe reached out of the window and grabbed one of the ‘claws’ and gently swiped a leaf off it.

 

“And those weird shapes ?”

 

Binghe gently held him as the terrified kitten shook . “Now , now. You read all about Huan Hua palace , right ? “

 

“Y-yeah ?” “ Tell me about it . What’s it famous for ?”

 

Shaoye took a deep breath and concentrated. “ I-it’s famous for its maze formation and military strategy. It houses many of the cultivation world’s Criminals in an impenetrable jail . The palace itself acts as a sprawling dormitory .”

 

Binghe could hear the rapid feather light thud of the heart within that small body in his embrace .

 

“-And the region ?”

 

“It’s cold and wet and misty . It’s known to inspire famous authors .” A pause as another hideous human-shaped blur whirred past them.

 

“...A-and it’s famous for its statues .” It was as if the dots connected and the little head shot up staring at the other in the carriage with him.

 

“Oh! So those are the statues , right ?”

 

This time , Shaoye stuck his face right at the window to make silly faces at each and every passing statue.

 

“What’re they for ?” Binghe too peered out and scrunched his face at a particularly gruesome one of a man screaming in terror . 

 

“Gods . Well , probably. Why else would these ghastly things be made ?”

 

This made the pair pause and mood dampened , Shaoye clambered back to the safety of the carriage . The wind outside picking up, decided to start to wail like an agonized banshee. Cheerful place. No wonder the little Palace Mistress was such a character when Shaoye had decided to start writing to her. The little master tucked his head under Binghe’s chin and resumed his shivering. 

 

Huan Hua palace was only accessible by invites or if you were a disciple there  . As such the coach men and carriage dropped them off at the gate . There , awaiting for them was a single enchanted lantern with the Sigil of a golden lotus , it’s bright light cold but reassuring in the mist .

 

Shaoye hopped off Binghe’s back. “C’mon. I want you in fightin’ condition in case we meet any demons!” 

Binghe was not listening, he had stiffened at this slight.

 

“What is this ?” He growled , the way a spoiled puppy might bare its fangs at a dismal meal presented to it . This was an insult , anyone with half a mind could see that .

 

For there to be no welcome retinue. For the fiancee’s father not to show up to greet the fiancé .... Disgrace! Dishonor ! Disregard !

 

“It’s fine . “ The little master shrugged and in an undertone to Binghe,”Shows more promise and willingness when I try to cancel the engagement later on . “ 

 

Binghe’s eyes widened and reluctantly gave a stiff nod to the lantern who jumped up the path .

 

They continued through the mist led on by a single glowing light.

 

“-We can use it as proof later on as a sign of disrespect . However , I do think it would be beneficial if we could retain Xian Gongzhu as an ally.”

 

Sometimes Binghe was in awe of how merciless and forward thinking his little master was .

 

Then the boy looked out , cheeped in shock and hid his face against Binghe’s robes as they passed a statue of a woman in apparent death throes .

 

“Watch your step.” Binghe cautioned , his voice soft and sweet .

 

Another step forward and if not for the tactful maneuvering of the older boy , the pair would have stumbled over a particularly slimy stone .Binghe sighed but it was in fond indulgence .

 

“You might trip, little master , clinging like that to me .” 

“Who says I’m clinging ?” The little master muttered but kept his face resolutely smooshed against Binghe’s robes as they made their way shivering through the thick blanket of white .

 

Slowly but surely, a dark shape rose out of the mist with each precarious step they took.

 

It was Huan Hua Palace. 

 

It was located at the bottom of a valley , nearby Bailu mountain stood proudly above it and the surrounding forest loomed around it. 

 

Binghe  concentrated on the neon yellow robes of his little master who despite his fear was less disgusted due to his fascination with the myriad of toads and frogs that they came across . Binghe whom was less enchanted by the slimy, hairless creatures that not only crawled but some actually slithered despite not being snakes across their path. 

 

He suppressed a shriek as something cold, slimy and wet slithered over one of his sandals and quickened his footsteps , doing his best not to fall. The path seemed to go on forever , and Binghe had the distinct feeling if he fell down , the nasty creatures would not hesitate to devour him and somehow he knew if he fell , he would never get up again.

Amid the thick mist and despite it being day,  the stone walls seemed to hold a supernatural stillness. Some windows, illuminated by reflected lantern light, seemed to observe the pair from up high. The causeway that crossed the moat was slick with moss and algae, painting it an eerie green. The portcullis was down, but was stuck two feet from the stone floor. 

The same light from the lantern reflected off the water of the moat that seemed home to dark things that swam just out of sight. Unperturbed for it was nonliving , the lantern hopped up the drawn bridge that was let down for the occasion. 

The Courtyard beyond the gate was dark except for a single fire brazier that burned atop an ancient fountain. It’s dark water seemed to absorb all light and made Shaoye tut. “Acid.” He informed Binghe, “Huan Hua county imports its water from the Citadel as all of it’s waters are not fit for human consumption. Handy for keeping prisoners at bay, threatening guests,  not so good for staying alive yourself.” This made the older boy snicker but as they worked through, as grand as the palace was, there was an air of coldness. 

 

Not the physical kind of cold. But the kind of chill of the knowledge of what had happened here. Huan Hua Palace was around when the Golden Citadel rose , and already had a name for itself for it’s brilliance in strategy and military held under a monarch. 

 

Everyone knew it. The slum people at the Docks had shared plenty of horror stories about the history of the Palace across the river and in Huan Hua County that Binghe had overheard as he was scrounging for food at the end of a long day from the dumpsters from fire-lit conversations as the Dock folk told stories around the piles of trash they would light up, and which kept him up at night. What past rulers had done to stay in power….Well. 

 

If this fort of stone, built on blood and bone, could talk, you'd beg for deafness.  He thought as they crossed the bridge, and true to the wealth of Huan Hua, there was nary a creak across the wooden bridge. 

 

The fortress of Huan Hua is a fine castle, built with a panorama of the surrounding land. From the towers patrolled guards , quiver and arrow ready to fly. Steadfast walls were built for defence in an age that was defined by jealousy, greed and the love of power as much as honour, nobility and loyalty to it’s crown. Past the iron gates that trapped would-be intruders, lives of servitude were eked, safe from battle-axe and ballista alike. This castle stood to inspire awe in a realm run on deference to royalty, to title and social status.

 

 From cloistered rooms , land parcels were given to local wealthy business owners for promised service and support.

 

Despite himself, and how fond Shaoye himself was of the little Palace Mistress , he knew of the history of Huan Hua . 

 

How ironic, he reflected .

 

That the Golden Citadel was framed as evil while in reality, it was fiercely democratic and protective of it’s own people. While the original Dichan Shaoye was a true scumbag who would grow to ruin the country, Dichan Ye was a good ruler whom had diligently tried to improve the lives of the common folk.  In contrast, Huan Hua had always prided itself on churning out promising cultivator’s first. As such, the conditions of the common folk were medieval and miserable while the rich who stayed within the castle walls lived in the lap of luxury. One of the Four Great Sects, Huan Hua Palace is the second most influential, as well as the wealthiest of the sects.

Huan Hua leans more towards a militaristic school of thought, including military strategy. Famous for divination, they are also fairly well known for their maze arrays and maintain the most contact with the world outside their sect.

Well, the profits of maintaining contact went back to maintaining the palace and the comfort of the students. Very good of the sect master. Or so it would seem. And what about the peasants and those non-cultivators? 

 Shen Yuan scorned Airplane’s lack of thought regarding this. On the other hand at least he had a living breathing example of what he knew what he did not want the Golden Citadel to turn into when he took the reins! 

They had entered the enchanted halls. The letter that had the Huan Hua Sigil on it from Xiao Gongzhu glowed pink and the great pine doors swung open , silent as the grave. 

Huan Hua’s great hall was fairly bustling with activity. Following the glowing letter, they walked on , up a great flight of stairs , then down a corridor where it paused under a statue of a woman in prayer atop a lotus, stopped then in a childish, rather apologetic lisp spoke.

“-Hey. Sorry, my Baba wants to see you guys. Look, he will probably be late again and if it goes pass twenty minutes, I don’t care if it is past decorum, but you guys just ask anyone of the Huan Hua disciples and ask to take you two to my room. “

It  paused and if a letter could look embarrassed and aggrieved, it could.

“I wanted to meet you two at the gates. But Daddy is weird. I have to apparently wear a special suit when talking to even the both of you and he does not even know I’ve made friends with the Qins and Gongyi. Sorry. He is ...Daddy.” 

The interminable wait in this corridor while disconcerted-looking disciples would fleet by ,glancing at the pair occasionally was agonizing.

The little master inched closer to his friend who was inwardly fuming. Luo Binghe didn’t like the little Palace Mistress but he liked her father less than her now. 

 

This was slap in the face by demanding they come greet ,then being late?! His hand scribbled across the little black book , reporting everything to Dichan Ye in angry detail.

 

Twenty minutes passed and Binghe had enough. He turned and grabbed the shoulder of a passing disciple. “Please. Excuse me, sir?  Could you show us the way to her Highness’s room? We have an invite.” 

 

“What’d you want ?” Snapped the rather unpleasant looking Huan Hua disciple , who wrenched his shoulder away. “We don’t talk to mere servants.”

 

Binghe reacted, a verbal hex on his lips ,  it was one thing to call him a servant but his master as such? 

 

Shaoye however was faster.

 

Appropriately, the child jumped on the unfortunate party’s toes . “Don’t talk to Binghe-ge like that !” He screamed over the unfortunate disciples howls of agony .

 

“Y-yoou-YOW!”

 

There was a sound of a sword being drawn , the harsh grate of metal against it’s scabbard but before the older student could even attack, quick-thinking Binghe had already hit him on the chest to stun , the brush he was using to complain drew out a curse sigil on where he had hit him . 

 

The unfortunate disciple staggered then slumped to his feet hiccuping, wide eyed , he gave a huge wet-sounding belch and out flew a particularly large toad from his maw. 

 

Screaming, and shouting rang through the halls. “O-outsiders! How dare you treat our brethren like so! You shall be sent into the Water prison without trial! The both of youuuu!”

 

“Care to repeat that?” The shouter broke into cold sweat . The sea of disciples parted before a person, a slender youth dressed in gold and white , a grim expression on his face. There was an intricate arm bracelet in the shape of a lotus signalling he was the head disciple in training on his right hand. Shen Yuan instantly knew who he was. //Tis him! The #2 Male lead of PiDW ! Every xianxia novel needs a pure good senior martial brother! A good boy! The Good boy to top all good boys! Sorry Yue Qingyuan! //

 

Dichan Shaoye did not and glowered at him. 

 

“Da Shixiong…”  Ugly stuttered as his younger head disciple in training glared at him.

 

“We do not imprison guests without trial . First, you were in the wrong by responding so rudely . Second, you drew your sword challenging a twelve year old , two years younger than even our first year disciples to a duel. Third, the letter shows the symbol of the Huan Hua official sigil. Our sect master invited them here , himself. “ Giving the toad retching teen a severe admonishing glare , the head disciple in training asked, arms akimbo. “Now, what do you say?” 

 

The teenager glared daggers at the pair and retched out a large bullfrog before sullenly admitting . ‘Sorry.”

 

Satisfied, the head disciple in training nodded his way . “The infirmary is up ahead, I will inform the master of our next class that you are to  be excused.” 

 

Without a pause, the rabble-rouser surged towards the direction , without so much as a word of thanks. Not if he could even if he had wanted to, a trail of toads and frogs were left in his way. 

 

By now, the crowd had dispersed, having lost interest. 

 

However, not the unexpected savior who was walking towards them, the ire gone from his eyes as he bowed his head. “ Young Master Dichan and his right hand , Luo Binghe of the Golden Citadel, I presume?” 

 

Unimpressed, the little Master glowered at him. “ No. I’m Sun Wukong and this here is Bai Gu Jing. YES, I’m the Laozi, you , uh, whatever your name is! !” 

 

The older boy nodded his head in acknowledgement . “ Gongyi Xiao .”

 

“Yeah, yeah. Gongyi Miao. Lead us to the other Lao Zi!”

 

“He means , in Shaoye-speak, to bring him to see the esteemed Little Palace Mistress, please and thank you.” Binghe said with nary a pause and turned to his charge. 

 

“Gongyi Xiao is innocent . I don’t think it’s nice to take your anger on him .” The older boy gently chided and Shaoye scowled but held his tongue at this soft rebuke.

 

 Binghe sighed as they followed their new guide . “ Sorry , young master Shaoye is a bit moody because of how late the Old Palace master was and never showed up in the end.” “It’s fine. He’s actually pretty polite in comparison to some of our students! And he does have a reason to be angry.” Laughed the teenager as they walked up a flight of stairs to a stone tablet , it acted as a lift as it beamed them up to a hidden level of the Palace. 

 

 “-Am. Still. Here.” Growled the young master in question and Gongyi Xiao laughed. “You’re adorable. I am certainly glad you are still here!” “Why in the five blazes of heck does everyone call Laozi ‘Adorable!’ “ screamed the child. The shriek was so high, a glass vase nearby shattered. 

 

Binghe liked this Gongyi Xiao who shared similar sentiments that the little master was to be revered and adorable. He liked him even more when after this little display, he simply smiled. “Ah. I see you are a lot like Ah Rong. I can tell the both of you will be good friends.” 

 

Defeated, Shaoye sunk down and sulked like a wet kitten for the rest of the ride.

 

They reached the level , which was more elaborate than the ones they had already seen. 

 

Gongyi Xiao led the pair right to the end of a large hall where three girls , two in sunshine yellow and the one in the middle who was in pink , stood .

 

The one clad in pink’s face brightened . “ Are you Shaoye ?”

 

“Gongzhu? Wow! At last us laozis have met !”

 

The pair ran at each other and embraced each other ,laughing as the impact knocked each other over . Binghe stiffened just a little while Gongyi Xiao beamed.

 

Shaoye looked up at last . The little palace mistress was a slightly taller girl with a doll like face . That is to say she had large eyes , an ever present blush and fair skin . Her hair was twisted up into a bun with a small crown holding it in place . A pair of pigtails framed her face as bangs .

 

What contrasted this sweet appearance was the reality and knowledge that she had an acidic tongue and a glare that could already make grown men’s balls shrivel off.

 

In other words , a capable woman in her own right in the making and not a shrewish crybaby ! Of course the original was capable and known for her whip skills . But Shen Yuan hadn’t liked her much as her attitude was like a female copy of the original Shaoye! 

 

Oddly enough this timeline’s Gongzhu had taken to experimenting with weapons . It was in fact why Shen Yuan was so excited to meet with her and share his own experiments  .

 

The little Palace mistress finally looked past her friend.

 

Gongzhu stared and stared .

 

It turned out, the threatening mother tiger ‘Luo Binghe’, the boogey man who haunted her dreams with his threats of sending frogs after her turned out to be a looker.

 

Luo Binghe’s two eyes were as bright as morning stars; the tender beginnings of a handsome young man were starting to shine through.

That pencil-straight back and stance showed a proud core that would rather break than bend.

It was a bit of a shame, he was eyeing her and the other girls like bugs. A bit over protective, wasn’t he? 

 If she did not know of Luo Binghe’s temperament and protectiveness of his charge that was like a mother tiger defending her cub , she would have instantly had a crush on him . Qin Wanyue was eyeing him with a faint blush on her face . 

 

But that face . As she was not as enamoured as Wanyue or Gongyi xiao((Wanrong was busy cackling away and more interested in Shaoye as he was around her age.)) by the attraction halo this Luo Binghe emitted, Gongzhu could see and recognized that face. 

 

She knew she had seen it somewhere before . Hanging in her father’s man cave , the eyes were not the same, but the same wry smile, the curve of that face while younger was definitely the lady’s portrait. .

 

“You’re ... May I know who your mama is ?” She asked . “ Tang Ah Yi . Washerwoman of the Golden manor . “ Xiao Gongzhu tilted her head and was relieved , surely it was a mere coincidence. Yes it had to be . 

 

She needed two people to distract her Father and surely it would not come at too high of a cost.

 

The little Palace Mistress tilted her head and indicated they were to follow her. 

 

At the end of the hall was a small bedroom, similar to the layout of the Manor’s abode back in the Golden Citadel, there was also a large bedroom at the end, presumably Lao Gongzhu’s.

 

The band of six stealthily made their way to the bedroom , where once the door was shut, everyone inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

---

 

Binghe and Gongyi Xiao watched as the pair began cheeping over blueprints . Gongzhu’s whip wasn’t really one , it looked like a sword at first glance but split into a vicious barbed cat tail flail if the user wished it to and more importantly could allow her to fly .

 

Or at least she hoped to.

 

So far she got off a mere inch as expected, Gongzhu was far too young but the fact even at ten , that she could get an inch off showed the strength she would possess in the future. 

 

Shaoye hadn’t even managed to bring his weapon prototype. But he shared with her the concept which intrigued the young blacksmith . A weapon that defended and allowed one to absorb and weaken the enemy as well as launch multiple attacks? It was unusual but had not been seen for a hundred years.  

 

It was the right decision to come here . If his concept was elegant , Gongzhu’s solutions to his quandaries were practical and almost common sense and filled the gaps.

 

He yawned, the beginnings of a headache starting to creep up. TT had given him pain-immunity but it was easy to act as though he were weakening due to the special meals and the special face powder given by Aleck by his father, said head chef.

Gongzhu studied him . "-Hey, your skin is as pale as milk. " She observed ,  a tentative neutral observation.

Shen Yuan inwardly smiled. A smart girl.He was wondering when someone would notice.

"Nice, isn't it? It's this special face powder from the Jiangnan region! Our head chef presented me a box for my birthday! " The little kitten boasted , then attempted to twirl to show off every angle of his fair face.

Only to let out a little sigh and to everyone's shock, appear to faint.Luckily, Gongzhu grabbed her friend. "H-he feels like ice. And this flowery , powdery smell-"

Concerned, but this being convenient, she allowed Binghe to take back his little Master and being a good host , showed them a pretty and comfortable settee to rest.

“You can rest here. I’ll whip up some trouble.” Five pairs of eyes alert and bright stared at her.

“What?” Binghe growled, his right eye twitching. “E-er? Did I say trouble? I mean treats! Treats!” Xiao Gongzhu squeaked, “Yeah, so I miiiight be gone for a bit. Er, Binghe, keep my dad busy if he comes by and absolutely don’t let him know that we’re going to his man cave!”

 

A pause. As Gongyi xiao sighed and muttered something like “You’re absolutely rotten at lying.” and turned to Binghe. “We call the kitchen ‘Man cave’, our sect master likes to spend time there. So please just help out, k’? Thanks? Bye for now!” 

 

The twelve year old watched as the four ran off and scowled as he observed a bulky suit , likely to prevent Xiao Gongzhu from being 'infected' by them from the Citadel on a nearby couch given by Lao Gongzhu, that his daughter had rejected.

His mod as black as thunder, he muttered sullenly as he tucked his poor little Master's head under his chin. “Only the Young Master gets to call me Binghe.” 

Smooths the cushion before gently placing the small head atop it, seething all the while with this fine observation.

“And I knew coming here was a bad idea!” 

---

 

Finally the old man had shown up .

 

Binghe had prepared himself by staying at an appropriate certain distance as per social norms, it was funny after spending so long being treated fairly by Shaoye, he had started to see that these norms were restrictive and silly as were the stereotypes associated with class .

 

As such, he didn’t have a good feeling about meeting this Lao Gongzhu. 

 

 He mused as he watched the shadow of a man draw closer and closer. The door swung open to reveal a regal elderly gentleman, dressed in a similar garb to his young daughter . Binghe got the strangest feeling that this encounter was happening too early and the strangest feeling they should have never met in such circumstances. He shook his head again to clear the strange thoughts, there was a stranger and his internal alarm was sending him warnings that this man was not to be trusted. 

 

The old man’s eyes flicked to Shaoye and he got the idea of a butterfly being pinned to a board .

 

“You look just like your father .” The way he said it was as though it was comparing him to a particular vile species of cockroach.

 

Binghe bristled as the little master snored. 

 

This ancient warthog not only disrespected the sweetest , kindest being to grace this world , by not showing form,  by being late, then insulting him to his sleeping face?! 

 

Dishonour! Disgrace! Demerit!  

 

Then those cold eyes flicked to him.

 

While he was assured the old man was not interested in Shaoye, the way those crimson orbs widened as they took in him was not reassuring at all. 

—-

 

Slowly, methodically, taking his time though the intense gaze had never once left Luo Binghe, Lao Gongzhu came forward ,  stopping short of near inappropriate , as though he chose the distance very reluctantly. Binghe got the feeling of a starved tiger in a zoo eyeing up a plump rabbit through thin bars .

 

Despite himself, he stiffened.

 

He could see the old Palace master was a tall man, not even bending in his age.

 

  “Good evening,” he said, as though he had answered the door. His cultured voice was surprisingly smooth , and silky even in his old age with hardly a crack in it.

 

“It’s been a long time, Su-?” Binghe huffed and straightened himself up, and pushed down the feeling of unease. He was angry and not afraid to let this old decrepit bag know it.

 

“It’s Luo Binghe.” The tone that came out was sharp and clipped. “And I don’t believe we have met...Sir.”

 

The Old Palace Master’s eyes are an unusual shade of a mixture of red and brown,  and they reflect the dying light of the sun in pinpoints of red. Sometimes the points of light seemed to fly like sparks to his center. His eyes held Binghe whole.

 

“You look very much like your mother .”

 

A part of Binghe , desperate hope rose in him but he quashed it by the memory of dealing with another suspicious old fogey. 

 

--

 

There was one afternoon when Binghe had returned early to give Shaoye his cookies.

 

The dancing girls had gone downstairs for a late lunch and mentioned it to the loyal little guard dog that their master was left in the room with the child. Binghe naturally had hurried up as fast as he could, not wanting his little master alone with the brothel owner.

 

As mentioned, Binghe was already creeped out by the man. He was as mentioned, a squat man, but slightly taller than the Dichans, but where Old Master Dichan had a warm reassuring presence like an inviting fireplace might greet you after you had just come in from the cold. Qui Loujian was alike an open , ancient sewer that you stumbled upon and quickly walked right back in the opposite direction whence you had come across it.

 

He had a rictus smile that stretched from cheek to cheek that he made whenever he saw Dichan Shaoye , coupled with a thin pale tongue that licked thin lips and a pair of bulging eyes gave Binghe the impression of a large toad eyeing a butterfly.  Creepy old fart.

 

This was the scene that awaited Binghe as he opened the door gently, for he knew the little master would be fast asleep.

 

Qui Loujian was hunched over the sleeping little master who trustingly had dozed off on the couch. There was a dent still visible on the adjoining armchair’s cushion where he had gotten up from. The old man was just standing there, far too close to the other , drool actually trickling down from the right side of his mouth and staring down at the slumbering child.

 

Binghe stood there, frozen in shocked disbelief and growing rage. Then as the decrepit toad bent down, breathing heavily his likely rancid breath ghosting over , closer and closer to the drowsing kitten , did the little sheep finally bleat. 

 

“What are you doing?!”

 

The squalid toad like man jumped backward at this shrill cry , and freakishly scuttled away in the same unnatural fashion. Binghe resisted the urge to scream in horrified disgust , tasting the bile at the back of his throat .

 

He stepped out of the way as the thing scuttled past him and out of the room.

 

Binghe glared at his retreat , eyes wide , breathing fast and shut the doors for fear he might decide to return.

 

He had promptly  reported everything to Old Master Dichan upon the man’s return from a day trip.

Shaoye had requested a meeting while he was away. Old Master Dichan was nearly always away.

 

The protective father had promptly put an end to anymore dancing girl sessions as Loujian owned nearly all of the brothels . The little master in return had requested the approval of setting up a formal association for former dancing girls to transition to the roles of governesses or seamstresses.

 

It was granted and while Binghe had rejoiced over seeing less of Mr Toad , he never forgot the incident , and scrutinized any man who seemed to seem over familiar to the little master.

 

While he had yet to see anyone as creepy as Qiu Loujian , over time Binghe had honed what he called a creep sensor. And it buzzed fairly around all castes. If Binghe had never gotten close to Shaoye, he doubted he would have gotten the invaluable skill at all and presumed only poor people bred perverts.

---

It was the same gaze the Old Palace master was looking at him now.

 

Binghe was not blind or stupid. He had spent time on the street, and knew men like that existed everywhere.

 

Just bear with it. He thought angrily. He had qi thrumming down his veins, and already had advanced to Book two of Hexes and verbal curses for those with Qi Excess,  if the old stoat tried anything on him, he would be very unpleasantly surprised.

 

Lao Gongzhu stroked Binghe’s hair with his slender fingers . Binghe shook his head. “Don’t do that,”. The old man took his  hand away.

 

“My dear boy. So, you must be the poor Luo Binghe whom was subject to living with the little Citadel Master and forced into servitude.” He put his hand on Binghe’s shoulder. Automatically, the boy backed away.

 

“I was not forced into anything, sir. My Mama , Tang Ahyi brought me to the palace and I have been treated well. I could not have asked for a better master.” He glares fiercely at the old man. “...Why were you late , sir? “ 

 

“Indeed I was late. Far too late to realise you were...Kept alive. Your mother, Su Xiyan was a student-” He twitched as that bony hand clamped down on his slender shoulder. Binghe’s tether was wearing thin, and furious, he glared at the unpleasant hoary bag.  

 

The bony hand scuttled off Binghe’s shoulder like a frightened rat.

 

“No. I am not interested in the past. What I meant was that you , sir, did not show up at all for the appointed time , and was late to meet my little master AND that is unacceptable ! ”

 

After that miniature tirade, he breathed fast , eyes wide. Had he gone too far? 

 

Then the Old Palace Master laughed. “ Ah, you have the same classic humour as your mother, Su Xiyan did. That same smart mouth, the same perky lips that crack those same jokes. Classic Su Xiyan, my dear boy.” Binghe twitched. He now had an inkling of how his little master felt not being taken seriously and it was an unpleasant nasty feeling.

 

Groaning inwardly, he did his best to stay alert while he endured the creepiness of the Huan Hua Palace Master while hoping that the little Palace mistress soon returned.

-

 

Elsewhere, unaware of this. Xiao Gongzhu was being dragged away from the hidden chamber by Gongyi Xiao. 

 

The Qin sisters were both crying in compassion as they secured the vault. “-T’ think any man could do that to his own daughter and wife!” Wanyue whispered in horror, Wanrong swiped her tears away. “That old lily livered rotten horsethief. I’d like to’ tear his gizzard out!” 

 

“Enough.” Gongyi Xiao himself was far too disheartened but not too surprised. “We cannot sit around , mourning on what haves and what ifs. We have to get Xiao Gongzhu to safety.” 

Xiao Gongzhu’s head shot up at this and she began to struggle fiercely in the head disciple in training’s arms and began crying. “ I will go back and tear Lao Gongzhu to pieces.” “And what good will that do?” That might have seemed heartless but Gongyi Xiao was pragmatic as he held on even more firmly to the struggling girl within his arms. “You have no proof, no judge to prove him guilty. You will be ultimately executed for patricide. Do you truly wish to waste your Mama’s sacrifice, Gongzhu?” 

 

Gongzhu fainted again. Wanrong scrubbed her eyes, her friend had become so sad and angry this past year . There was a growing darkness within her and it frustrated her for not being able to help. “Xiao Gege, what can we do?” 

 

Gongyi Xiao bit his lips. “The old Palace master will ultimately find out that his safe has been tampered with. It will no longer be safe here for the little Palace Mistress or me. I will bring her to my family right now and reveal the truth.”

 

Wanyue started at this. “But, that means -” She whispered in shock.

 

Gongyi Xiao shook his head “ Doing the right thing is never easy and my parents will understand. At least they will consider shifting sects .” 

 

He dragged the prone little body to a corridor only to come face to face with a contingent of Guards . They surrounded Gongyi Xiao and Xiao Gongzhu . Qin Wanrong wanted to jump and help but her Sister grabbed her and pulled her back into the shadows. The both of them held on their bodies the copied texts and evidence from the journals. They had been ordered to keep the, safe against all odds .

 

They couldn’t reveal their locations and help their friends for far all their work would go to naught . Helpless, the two girls ran and escaped as the two others were dragged to meet their fate for the crime of conspiracy against the crown . 

Notes:

Xiangqi are Chinese chess

Also, didja know men in ancient china had lip balm and applied face powder? THEY DID! https://www.newhanfu.com/14573.html

Chapter 7: Now Would Be A Good Time To Be Anyone But Me

Summary:

Thank you once again for reading my fanfic and the wonderful support! I truly struggled with writeers block but ultimately I have too say it was so challengng to write action and dark scenes. I am truly boggled by how supportive and encouraging everyone has been. I hoope you all will enjoy this latest chapter as I had writing it! 0w0

Oh and btw! This contains attemots of molest by the Huan Hua Palace Master towards Binghe. 0A0 Also it contains child abuse of a father towards his daughter . It also has blood in it but no gore! This is just a trigger warning. Please take note!

Warning: Artwork of SY cutting arms towards the end. Blood warning!

Beneath one of Huan Hua Palace’s temporary imperial residences lay an underground water prison. With a complex terrain, coupled with Huan Hua Palace’s Labyrinth Formation, this “shoving to the bottom of the trunk” kind of method was not on the same level as those protective arrays only used to stop non-cultivators.

 

The interior of the water prison was densely guarded, the equipment of the torture chambers comprehensive, specialized without compare. All those imprisoned inside were the cultivation world’s most heinous and reprehensible cultivators, their hands having been stained with blood or having violated prohibitions.

 

To put it briefly, Huan Hua Palace’s water prison was the cultivation world’s public prison.

Apart from this, if a place was needed to temporarily keep custody of cultivators suspected of endangering the human world while they were investigated, those cultivators would also be sent to this place. After the four sects held a joint trial, the punishment would then be meted out.

 

Well.

 

Normally.

 

There was a private chamber for sentencing Huan Hua students who had committed grievous crimes against the monarchy of Huan Hua , away from the prying eyes of the prisoners. Today it was in a private session.

 

The little palace mistress was shoved into a cage,  with a grim Gongyi Xiao . Opposite them in another cage was a frustrated looking Luo Binghe and calm Shaoye .

 

“Where are the sisters ?”  She hissed at last, heart in her chest beating like a bird in a cage now that the shock of being captured had worn down.

 

“ They managed to escape .” Gongyi Xiao sagged slightly in relief and she too breathed a sigh .

 

“ Good ? You two broke into the sacred archives of Huan Hua !”  Binghe who was far less forgiving , seethed, clutching his small charge in his arms .

“-Disturbed and destroyed thousands of years of preserved articles and history and -And, most heinous of all ,” The twelve year old glared, glowering through  the bars as though he wished he could bend the stone bars and come over to give both of them a good smack.

 

“ -You didn’t have the common courtesy to tell little master Shaoye about your plans . SO, thanks to you two , we have been embroiled in this mess accused of treason too!” This shriek amplified , a hundred times louder than usual, made the innumerable little ornaments rattle on the Crown molding of the ceiling cornice, and echoed deafeningly off the golden walls.

 

His previously barely put together look of a white lotus, tolerant and smiling was gone. Smashed to pieces! Gongzhu couldn't think he could look even more disgruntled than just now but there you were!

 

“Look. “ Xiao Gongzhu sighed , feeling a headache coming on already , Binghe might be eye candy but whatever that came out of his mouth when dealing with her was anything but sweet .

 

And that shriek. 

 

 “ We share a common enemy . The Huan Hua palace master murdered your mother too !”

 

There was a shocked pause . “Got proof ?” The twelve year old challenged , sharp as a blade. And gave her a raised eyebrow when her head sunk . The proof was with the sisters after all.

 

“ Binghe-ge.” Shaoye tugged his sleeve and shot the older boy a look of recrimination, at this, Gongyi Xiao untensed. “Sorry. Binghe-ge can be really protective of me. I get into all kinds of trouble and also cause all kinds of trouble and he has to bail me out. So, he’s kind of used to defending me. “ He winced a little , Gongyi Xiao could get what the little Master was saying, so he held back. Then Shaoye shivered, it was a cold room but to the frail and clearly weak looking child, it must be freezing.

 

Binghe seemed to want to say something more, but swallowed it with a sigh. He shot Xiao Gongzhu , a disgruntled look, and she wilted expecting something harsh from the other boy’s tongue.

 

“Gongzhu.”

 

Gongyi Xiao fingered the curse rune in his pocket. He liked Binghe from the first appearance but he had shown to have something of a grudge against his friend , granted she used to be a piece  of work but that was in the past.

 

“Sorry.”  He muttered. “ I can be pretty immature , it was a low brow for something so serious.”

 

Gongzhu gave him a timid but genuine smile. “‘Apology accepted.”

 

“Your dad is a real piece of work . How do you stand living with the ol’ cree- Sorry, I mean, really suspicious?” The girl snorted at Shaoye’s jibe. “You’re too kind.” She muttered and the two others exchanged significant looks at this.

 

“Sooooo….Why’d you break into the archives. “Shaoye enquired, titling his head curiously to the side. “ I presume that was the ‘man-cave’ you was talking about.” Gongzhu stifled a laugh at the little quotation marks he made with his fingers as he reminded her of the issue at hand. 

 

The little palace mistress’s borrow furrowed at this and she pressed herself against the bars of her cage. “It’s my father. He-”

 

The courtroom, while not as large as the one they had been passed through outside, was made to seem larger by the polished walls made of pure gold.

 

And the space itself was of an octagon, Huan Hua had prided itself on it’s feng shui, and it showed even in its architecture. In the centre on it’s ceiling was a bell , the size of a small house.

 

It’s booming chime was as solemn and as grim as one might be rung when announcing an execution. 

 

At the same time, the wide gilted doors swung open to reveal the Huan Hua Palace Master and an entire battalion of guards.

 

It was an agonising wait as the old palace master walked to the centre dais , judge, juror, executioner.

 

There was something dark in her father’s eyes as his eyes shifted from side to side.

 

But clearly he had favourable eyes for only two of the accused , Gongyi Xiao and Luo Binghe.

 

Well.

 

He did sneer at the little Golden Citadel heir, the child's face however was carefully schooled to one of neutrality. A blank canvas. As expected, Binghe knew his little master was smart, as much as this trait agitated him , it was part of his charms. He would not attack an older, much more powerful foe.

 

At least.

 

At least not till he found out and knew of said foe’s weakness.

 

Of his own daughter, there was no acknowledgement.

“I am disappointed in you two.“ His rapier-piercing eyes stared down , and his white head went side to side like the pendulum bob of a grandfather clock. Right at Luo Binghe, Left at Gongyi Xiao.” I had such expectations considering your mothers are an excellent law enforcer and a brilliant disciple , respectively.” 

 

-Swish-

 

-swish-

 

-swish-

 

Went the constant sound of many brushes of the court room scribes  as they recorded everything.

 

“ Your Mother, Gongyi Ren, clearly has been lacking in training you in respect and I am afraid I will be having words with her .”

 

Gongyi Xiao opened his mouth but found his hand squeezed by Xiao Gongzhu . Whatever he wanted to say was swallowed back and he glared viciously at the cage floor .

 

“Your dear mother , Su Xiyan would know better than to believe lies by the likes of a Xiao.” This time , Gongzhu stiffened at the slight . The first time he had spoken to her in nearly a year and of course it would be to insult her surname and clan .

 

Shaoye however clung to the bars. “ Hey ! I don’t care if you’re my father in law but you don’t get to talk ‘bout my fiancée’s clan like that !” His yell fairly echoes in the hall .

 

Lao Gongzhu raised an eyebrow, unphased .” Anyone with any sense knows that a Xiao cannot be believed in. And fiancée or not  she was trespassing in the Huan Hua Palace sacred archives . As her father , I have to punish her .”

 

There was zero emotion on that face , nothing a normal father would show . Of concern , of frustration, of regret . Zilch . Nil. Nada .

 

The three boys watched the lone girl’s head sink lower than it already was and one by one , the rest of the unlikely  group, none of her clan or blood stood up for her against her own father  .

 

“ It was just a mistake , sir. Punish me if you will but the little miss was just wandering around and it happened to be ajar . I should have stopped her before she went in .” Gongyi Xiao declared , shifting himself in front of her so she only saw his reassuring back and not those hollow eyes of the man she had thought of as father for nine years .

 

“ That’s right . She’s only nine years old , sir . “ Binghe stood up for her too , busily stroking his little master's long hair to calm the enraged child . “ It’s just a small mistake .”

 

Lao Gongzhu smiled gently.

 

“Ah, as sweet and forgiving as your mother , Su Xiyan,”

 

Gongyi Xiao and Xiao Gongzhu had no idea why the old Palace master kept talking about Binghe’s mother and gazing at Shaoye’s play date like that but they both felt the urge to get him far away from the old man at once . Binghe too clearly felt the same way as he looked equally creeped out .

 

“I have a proposal for you , my boy .”

 

“What has this got t’ do with Binghe-ge? And if you wanted to give Binghe-ge a proposal , I don’t think it’s nice of ya to put him n’ all of us into cages .” The little master was not having any ‘dear boy’ nonsense as he jumped up to gnaw on the bars, blocking the view from the bodach.   

 

The old palace master’s smile grew a little forced as his stare was matched by a mere eight year old moppet. He clicked his fingers and a piece of paper floated up, lighting with a golden qi. There was the rumbling ‘rrrr’ of the drawer of the judge’s podium, and a single needle , sharp as a razor floated out and joined the contract.  

 

“You needed to be taught a lesson, for distracting me  ...Just so my daughter could get inside the archives .” 

 

Shaoye rolled his eyes at this.

 

Clearly the old geezer had planned his speech and as suspected ignored the explanations and pleadings by the two older boys .

 

“ But we temper our justice with mercy here in Huan Hua to those ...worthy; we love the sinner and hate the sin.”  The contract floated to their cage. Binghe peered at it, squinting as he read what was on it in the dim candle light. 

 

“Now, if you will be a good and intelligent child who sees sense , be compliant and fair-spoken, I do not think you will disagree with my offer:”

 

Binghe stared at the contract , here was the one thing that could elevate his status , that one day could ensure a chance he could become someone. Two years ago he would have jumped at the choice, and to one day be able to pursue Shen Qingqiu-

 

“Hm.” He tapped his nose, as if considering.

 

“If you want to join, and I will even give you the position your dear mother held, of Head Disciple. It is only right you continue where she left off. ” continued the old man blithely as though he already knew the answer to his query, “There’s only one little thing we’ll have to do, so you can stay here forever and always.”

 

Head Disciple. 

 

That meant he would become sect leader once Lao Gongzhu expired. Meant he could pursue the beautiful peak lord of Qingjing peak, as a fellow sect leader, gain power and prestige in a swoop-

 

Binghe, the indignant voice echoed once again in his mind, a constant battle with his psyche to answer that question he couldn’t seem to grasp ahold of since a year ago.

 

Is power and ... Beauty  all that matter to you?

 

The needle shone under the candle light . 

 

Binghe then looked down at his little Master in his arms, pressed against him flush against his heart , so close, he could feel the child trembling like a  leaf in a hurricane . 

 

Clad still in his signature red silk cloak , despite the hideous shade of yellow, the red made him look as always, delicate and fragile. 

 

Dichan Shaoye gave a brave smile , or rather tried to , but his lower lip began to tremble and he bit it with his upper teeth and said this. “...Binghe-ge. It really is..A good opportunity. If you really want to, then...It’s up to you, I will always have your back, whatever decisions ya make , no matter what!.”

 

 A cold little hand found his in the dark and squeezed it firmly and reassuringly. 

 

Binghe already had made his decision but this only solidified his conviction he was right.

 

He looked up , back at the sect master.

 

A smile was on his young face and shone like a halo in the dimly-lit room.

 

“I don’t think so.”

 

“Oh, but I want you to, you should think of your future” said the Old Palace Master.  “I  want you to stay. And it’s just a little thing. You just prick your finger with the ceremonial needle and drip your blood on the contract and all will be yours. A bright , shining future many would die for. ”

 

His eyes widened as if he suddenly thought of something on why Binghe would refuse such a tempting offer. “It won’t hurt.” 

 

Binghe shook his head.

 

He knew that when grown-ups told you something wouldn’t hurt it almost always did. 

 

Besides.

 

“I have made up my mind. My loyalty is to little Master Shaoye, to be by his side and protect him no matter what. Thank you for the offer , sir, but I am happy where I am.“ 

 

The old palace master’s mouth still smiled like a doting old grandfather but his eyes glared daggers at the small master in the older boy’s arms. 

 

“I only want what’s best for you,”

 

“Hey.” The little master hissed like an angry kitten bristling at a threat , irritated at the dancing around the answers so clearly given by his friend. “Binghe-ge made his decision. Respect that, Palace Master.” 

 

The old Palace master’s smile totally faded away at this. 

 

“The same smart mouth as your father.” He sneered , addressing Shaoye at last. “Clearly , poor Binghe is far too terrified of you to make any sound decisions in your presence. I shall do what is best for him. Oh and by and by, Binghe, dear boy? You will be staying at Huan Hua Palace from now on to recover from your ordeal under the Dichans.” He rapped the gravel.

 

“Gongyi Xiao will step down as a Head disciple in training and be sent to scour the lowest dungeon. Xiao Gongzhu will be kept under watch and wear a scold’s bridle* to prevent her wagging tongue for five months to ensure she does not continue her mother’s bad habit of lying.”

 

That was the last straw. Gongzhu threw herself at the bars,” How dare you, you hypocrite! My Mama never lied! YOU MURDERED HER ! “ Her raw , ragged scream of rage made everyone else wince. “She found your diaries and confronted you only to be dispatched off! You lied to me and everyone for years and years . In fact I am sure you will do to me what you did to her once it is convenient, too!  ”  

 

Grief and fatigue overcame her. “You never loved me. Never did.” Her quiet weeping made even the Huan Hua guards look away in guilt but of remorse or any emotion, there was none on the patriarch's face for his clearly upset child. 

 

Binghe looked up, his eyes hard, “You never meant to keep your word .” He realized . “ You claim you want what’s best for us, but it is clearly what suits your purposes. You are cruel to even your own daughter and I would be a fool if I truly had accepted your offer! “ 

 

“Xiao Gongzhu is no liar. “ Gongyi xiao’s normally soft voice was cold as ice as he hugged her to him, tucking her head under his chin. 

 

“Now, I think you’re both being silly,” Boomed the Palace Master . “I am justice, I have presided over a thousand cases , and kept the entire cultivation world safe by enslaving millions of criminals and you take the words of a mere slip of a girl over mine? Besides . Nobody sensible believes in Xiaos anyway—that’s because they’re all such liars.”

 

A grim looking guard came forth at the rap of the gravel, carrying the scold's bridle. It was a cruel looking iron muzzle in an iron framework .

 

The four children could tell that the device would enclose the head  once fitted on and would slide into the mouth and be pressed down on top of the tongue as a compress .

 

Gongzhu whimpered in terror as the guard took out the keys to hers and Gongyi Xiao’s cage-

 

Shaoye drew back his head and emitted an ear splitting roar.

 

The stone cages shattered against this aimed cannonball. Huan Hua had not expected for the past thousand years for a lion’s roar user to be judged or for proper facilities to be constructed. 

 

It’s current user had spent far too long secretly mooning after his underage disciples and other activities to do any changes . 

 

Stunned, the Guards sluggishly stumbled as a whole unit  and the stunned Old Palace master slumped over his desk , they were no challenge to the children whom quickly ran . 

 

Gongyi Xiao and Binghe made fast work of the few that tried to valiantly attack them.

 

The now former head disciple flung his rune at the biggest troll of a guard and he turned into a comically tiny mouse , his duelling had been unrivalled and even against adult guards, he was superior.

 

 Binghe struck any guards whom approached , using them as launching pads as he leapt from man to man , taking out the enemies and moving fast . 

 

“ Enough !”There was the sharp sound of a fist hitting stone , the Hua hua palace master had activated something. “ It seems you four are woefully under schooled  when it comes to history , I shall give you all a demonstration, yes ?”

 

Shaoye’s eyes bugged in horrified realization .” Everyone ! “ he cried .”Jump on the walls ! The floors are bugged with fail safe runes  that will trap anyone once they are activated !”

 

Gongyi Xiao instantly grabbed hold of the exhausted little  palace mistress while Shaoye was already astride Binghe and the older boy was already sprinting towards the door on the adjacent wall , barely phased .

 

“ We are gonna make it !” Shaoye cheered and levelled a bone shattering shriek at a guard nearby who made a grab at them , who proceeded to throw up from the sheer velocity of the sound . Binghe winced but forced himself forward.

 

Frogs erupted everywhere as a mere swipe by Binghe with his brush spelled the curse On anyone who tried to attack him by vomiting frogs and other slimy creepy crawlers . 

 

They were nearly there . Binghe’s arm stretched out a mere inch from the brass door knob-

 

“Nooooo! Xiyan!” The old man’s enraged scream was even louder than Shaoye’s .

 

Too tired , this scream was enough to take the already exhausted Gongyi Xiao who was unfortunately closer to the old man out .

 

Stumbling , he faltered and stumbled to the floor -

 

Only for the floor never to meet him, Gongzhu just barely whipped out her weapon and placed it beneath them. Her eyes went white as she barely managed to keep the both of them barely floating a scant inch off the ground …

 

A rough callused hand grabbed them , tugging both in an embrace.

 

Binghe panting , and looking particularly angry , exasperated all in one,  hugged them to him, pulling them to the side of the wall. 

 

He had seen them and somehow ran all the way back . Or more likely his little master had convinced him to do so . 

 

 “Cover your ears!” The twelve year old ordered. Obediently, the little Palace mistress and Gongyi Xiao hastily did so. Binghe was whispering, and whispering...And slowly everything went quiet.

 

Because whatever he had whispered had taken away their hearing. The Qi that vibrated around them truly a testament to his overflowing excess.

 

She then noticed Shaoye clutching for dear life, on the edge of the massive bell that was centre of the hall. Binghe likely had tossed him there seeing as he was still swaying from the impact, and struggling to hang on.

 

Time seemed to slow down as Shaoye sucked in his breath and she swore his chest expanded as it filled with air...

 

Her father’s eyes were comically wide and he was yelling something . But it was too late . 

 

The second likely deafening roar that emitted and amplified by the bell was aimed at the floor.

 

Gong Zhu watched as the stone floor shattered and sent her father and the guards down.

 

But not for long likely, he was a cultivator.

 

Binghe leapt forward , by now, Gongyi Xiao had recovered enough to be let loose. 

 

There was something akin to a pop, and suddenly just like that, the curse Binghe had placed on them ironically to protect their ears wore off as the other boy sped towards his little master.

 

The child , far too weak and already given his all , slipped off the bell.

 

Binghe caught him, but clearly the older boy was tired as he caught the small body only in the nick of time and landed on a ledge a bit slower than before.

 

The four of them ran pell mell to the door , Binghe twisted the door knob frantically , and thankfully it opened easily and through it they went .

 

Gongzhu had barely cursed it shut when there came a loud thud and her father’s roar of fury.

 

But by the time the enraged man had emerged through the hole through the door which he and the guards attacked , the four were running away in the far distance .

 

—-

 

Walls shifted , the shadows seemed to contain unimaginable dangers and the floor wobbled . The children supported each other . Shaoye and Gongzhu seeing their friends tiring had jumped off and were now running alongside them .

 

Gongyi Xiao and Gongzhu insisted on sandwiching the pair of guests as they led them down alleys , through secret paths . But as skilled and well learned of the passageways as they were , their knowledge was outclassed by the older owner of this castle , himself . 

 

And he was fast on the heels behind the three of them like a vengeful wraith . 

 

Shaoye nearly stumbled and screamed in terror as the floor rose up with sharp nails and a cavernous mouth , his Lion’s roar could not be used more than twice and he had a sore throat coming on already .

 

Binghe caught him only just and stomped brutally on the floor , the nail-teeth of the floor creature completely shattering .

 

At the same time , the floor beneath his own feet wobbled and he himself nearly fell.

 

Luckily Shaoye hurriedly pushed him up while they were still running . 

 

Gongyi Xiao blasted a wall that attempted to block their way and saw a very reassuring sight . 

 

“ The entrance ! I see it ! “ there , at the end was an entrance to Bailu forest . The tired little group quickened their footsteps , relief and joy giving them the energy to leap forward . 

 

Binghe sagged in relief as they got closer to the doorway and the smell of fresh flora and fauna and life became stronger . Hope filled his heart after a terrible and long day -  

 

“A common scut like your father. I heard your mother abandoned him too. “ Shaoye stopped as he realized one member of their group had paused . “What did you say ?” Binghe’s voice was deceptively gentle but his clenched till white fist and eyes hidden in the shadows spoke otherwise , asking the old Palace master behind them . 

 

“ Everyone knows how Dichan ye’s wife married him only for a gem which she needed to open a secret realm . A match made truly in heaven , gutter trash and a scut which produced a horrid ,useless little rat .” 

 

“Binghe-DON’T!” Too late, Binghe turned on his heel , Shaoye’s attempts to drag him back was fruitless as the maddened guard dog  ran back to attack the old man for insulting its master . 

 

Calmly ; the old man allowed Binghe to give him a brutal strike across his face . Tarry black blood splattered everywhere . 

 

“You dare call the one whom saved me, and gave my life meaning a what?”  Binghe's chilling whisper sent shivers down everyone’s spine , as did his eyes blank with rage . Black blood coated his fists as he continuously struck the old man. 

 

“A scut. A lowly little eat. Take your pick, dear , silly boy.  '' Gongyi xiao had run back to attempt to free the other boy but too found himself helplessly stuck .

“Ràng tāmen qù ba!” Xiao Gongzhu had run back , her qi crackled and formed as it hit the now tarry fiure that had trapped her friends.

Her spell did not have the desired effect and in fact the black tar splashed over her, stretching and squeezing till it all covered her but her head. It was a tar golem , she realized far too late. Her father had set a classic trap , and all it needed was one jab to capture all-

 

Well, not all. 

 

Later as Xiao Gongzhu, Luo Binghe and Gong Yi Xiao were freed by the Huan Hua Palace master and guards from the tar golem , did they realize their missing member, looking back and around , their hearts sinking in disbelief .

 

Of the smallest member of the Quartet,  there was no sight . 

 

—

 

“I could care less about one little rat.”

 

Was the Old Palace Master’s opinion on Shaoye’s escape.

 

Gongyi Xiao had refused to let go of Xiao Gongzhu , the guard holding the scold’s bridle was coming soon.

 

The three of them were in yet again a cage, in one of the Huan Hua holding cells. 

 

To Gongzhu’s disgust and rage, her father attempted to fondle Binghe through the bars of the cage , who kicked out at him understandably confused , enraged and equally revolted.

 

There was a brutal slap and Binghe reeled back, a mottled mark appearing on his fair skin as he was thrown back, hitting the bars of the cage.

 

“How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!” Mourned the Palace Master , holding the same right hand he had just struck the twelve year old boy with his left, as if he had been the one struck . 

 

He then reached back to grasp at the barely conscious child, those terrible red pin pricks holding the hapless Binghe whole…

 

“Inch those gnarly old claws further to touch Binghe-ge AND your precious gets it!” A sharp , angry and very familiar screech echoed through the hall.

 

 Everyone whirred around to see a slight and very diminutive figure standing in the open door way. A malicious glim in those hazel eyes, teeth showing , a sword twice his height and clearly stolen  from somewhere that was pointed at a folder with the words in crimson, ‘Su Xiyan’s student files’.

 

The old man whirred behind. “You!” He roared, like a hurricane would as it rushed by. 

 

“Me.” The child glared, pure hate reflected right back at the old man, a delicate and unyielding sapling in his storm. 

 

It was the little master . He had come back for them . 

 

“ Let Binghe-ge n’ Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao go. Now!”

 

The old man took a step forward, eyes trained on the files in the child's arms.

 

Then , Binghe gave a low moan of pain, eyes scrubbing as he registered his little master’s voice. The Palace Master turned and looked back at the very alive son of his Xiyan , and then back at the gremlin.

 

“You would have to offer something more if you want me to consider doing that .” 

 

Shaoye’s eyes trembled with tears but held his gaze strongly.  “I heard Huan Hua was famous for it’s games,” he  said. “That’s what I’ve been told.”

 

That was a jab.

 

“Shao-Young Master Shaoye!” Binghe ran to the edge of the cage, both elated and horrified that his master had come back to save him ...And the other two too. And now taunting the old man.  

 

Everyone knew that was how Lao Gongzhu was forced to engage his daughter by Dichan Ye after losing a bet . 

 

The trapped threesome looked on in dismay as The other old palace master’s black eyes flashed at the jab. Clearly, he remembered. . 

“Everybody likes games,” was all he said.

 

“Yes,” said Shaoye, a mocking tilt to his full lips.

 

Gongzhu was torn between tearing her hair out and laughing.

 

She looked over and saw Binghe with a similar expression, their eyes met and for the first time, he gifted her a wry grin of understanding.

 

"Wouldn’t you be happier if you won Binghe , and your other prized disciple and only blood related daughter fair and square?” asked Shaoye, seemingly nonchalant .

 

“Possibly,” said the old man . He had a show of unconcernedness, but his fingers twitched and drummed and he licked his lips in anticipation and those terrible crimson eyes eyed the trembling caged children like a hungry wolf might eye a coop of baby chicks . “What exactly are you offering?”

 

“The cancellation of the wedding to your daughter , and I will in addition pay a toll yearly to you in recompense for my father’s bet,” said Shaoye .  

 

Binghe gripped his knees to stop them from shaking as his little master calmly continued . 

 

“If I lose , you will regain fairly , victoriously two disciples and your daughter and will profit from the bet.  ”

 

The old palace master stared at the child , crimson pin pricks unblinking. “That sounds very fine,” He said, stroking his beard. “And if you do not lose?”

 

“Then you let Binghe-ge go. You let everyone go. ”

 

“Yes,” The old man considered . “I think I like this game. But what kind of game shall it be? A duel game? A test of knowledge or of skill?”

 

“An exploring game,” suggested Shaoye. “A finding game.”

 

“And what is it you think you should be finding in this hide-and-go-seek game, Dichan Shaoye?”

 

Shaoye hesitated. Then, “The way out of here ,” said the small child , clenching his free fist. “And my friends whom you have in the cages .”

 

“Two.”

 

“What do you mean by two?”

 

“Two things for each transgression. A toll for her breaking in and the challenge is for Binghe’s kicking of me. Do we have a deal, little rat? You ‘pay’ the toll .“

 

Shaoye raised the blade , and it trembled in his small hands. “ Deal.”

 

Lao Gongzhu smiled at this, triumphantly,

 

Shaoye bit his lip , looked away, then forced himself to look back  his eyes hard at the old man .

 

“Swear it . So I know you mean it .”

 

“I swear it,” said the old Palace master. “I swear it on my own father’s urn.”

 

“Does he have a urn?” asked Shaoye .

 

“Oh yes,” said the old palace master. “I put him inside there myself. And when I found him trying to squirm out, I placed him back.”

 

“Swear on something else. So I can trust you to keep your word.”

 

Lao Gongzhu put out his blade. “My blade. I swear on its power . “ He unsheathed the blade , the sheer power radiating  made the three aand everyone fall to their knees while the proud little master barely held on , using his stolen blade to stand upright.

 

It crackled as the vow was made , the Qi formed around the both of them . A true oath. 

 

The little master bit his lips.

 

“Then a deal it is.”

 

“Then throw your stolen blade away and return me the folder.” 

 

He threw away the sword, which fell to the floor far away in a clatter ,his teeth bared in rage. The folder was enveloped in the same golden light, and it floated back to the ancient’s hand.

 

“ Deal, sir,”

 

The old man’s lips curled . “ The toll is quite simple . Prostrate yourself before me and bow like the Low born son of sectless cultivators you are . “

 

The proud little boy stiffened and bit his lips at this . 

 

Binghe’s eyes went white with rage and the other three held him back to stop . “How dare you ! Young master ! Don’t ! You’re the son of Dichan Ye, the heir to the throne of the Golden Citadel! “

 

“Well ? What’s the matter ? Need I remind you we had a deal.” The Old Palace Master taunted. 

 

 Dichan Shaoye’s eyes hardened at this and slowly he sank to his knees and facing the gloating Palace Master, his spine curved into a bow as he bowed , his head touching the ground.

 

It was alike a vexing of the soul for what the three witnessing this, all felt the rage burn like fire lacing their veins and creeping up their spines. 

 

Binghe in particular ached all over, but all he could feel was desire.

 

A desire to hate. As he watched the old man mockingly walk around the small figure , Binghe memorized every thin , triumphant laugh the old man gave each round he made around Shaoye and the way his little Master, his savior trembled in helpless fury on the cold , dirty ground. 

 

He was intoxicated with emotion he had no intention of ever feeling, the acidity of it residing in his stomach was aching to be spat out of his mouth in foul and vulgar words he would be stared at for saying.

 

Except Luo Binghe wasn’t going to say them, he was going to screech them with every ounce of breath that dwelt in his lungs. Especially when he saw this .

 

At a single motion by the old Palace master, a Huan Hua guard came up and grabbed the arms of the child, pinning them behind him.

 

Binghe recognized this guard as the one whom had grabbed hold of him when he had been freed from the Old Palace Master’s tar golem. 

 

Shaoye tried wrenching his arms from the man’s grip but to his shock , he couldn’t .

 

If Luo Binghe could not break out of the grasp the man had on him then when he had back then, how could the little master .

 

 Xiao Gongzhu felt her heart wrench as her friend twisted in the grasp of the Huan Hua guard .

“ You like his hair, don’t you , my boy .” An insane gleam flickered in those eyes as he tenderly smoothed through those dark locks .  

 

Binghe watched the terror on his little master’s face as all blood left his already pale face and like an enraged guard dog , he fought harder to be freed.  Xiao Gongzhu closed her eyes .

 

“ Let him go ! Bastard ! Dog ! You promised! “

 

“ What . “ The old man’s caress turned to a brutal  iron grasp and Shaoye screamed in pain as his long locks were tugged hard enough that a whole chunk came away in the old man’s grip .

 

“ Shame it will be the price . For your blind loyalty .”

 

It was not painless .

 

A rough rusted blade was selected , mockingly shown to Shaoye and then roughed to make it even more blunt . Shaoye struggles , tears falling from his eyes as he twists and turns like a small helpless kitten caught in the grasp of an unmerciful trap , mewing pitifully for its mother to come save it .

The little Citadel heir was shoved to the ground and all Binghe can hear is the thud , thud of his own heart as the blade bore down on those long locks like a tiger on a rabbit , tearing the hair . The blade was mockingly jerked back and forth to prolong the torture as long as possible, they wanted Binghe to see .

Shaoye could feel the locks roughly shorn off at odd angles to make it as short , as unruly and ugly as possible .

 

The once adorable young master would look a sight , a laughing stock . The vain little boy loved his hair and would make Binghe brush it for three hours a day .

 

Shaoye had stopped crying , and was sniffling and hiccuping in misery as he watched more of his locks land on the ground before him.

 

Three hours , then they forced him up . The sight of the odd haircut , the dirty tear-streaked face not unlike a low down beggar , made him near hysterical .

 

Gone were his soft shoulder length locks that he had become so fond of, canonically was his crowning glory and earned him so much compliments of late after he had taken care and lavished attention on it  .

 

Lao Gongzhu nodded in approval and the child was shoved towards his minder to which finally , Dichan Shaoye opened his mouth and promptly burst into tears of relief that his torment was over .

 

“ Gege ! “ he wailed , his bravado displayed earlier all gone and ran right into Binghe’s embrace .

 

“ Shaoye . “ Binghe has no eyes for anyone else , all he can feel is immense guilt and helplessness . If he could shield his master from the world at this moment  ,he would .

 

He wraps himself around the small body and frantically examines his charge .

 

Other than the traumatic haircut , there are no cuts or even bruises other than the arms where they had held the child  down . “Why, why did you do it? You’re the son of the Citadel ruler! I'm nothing! ” 

Why would a noble risk everything to save a lowly slave, a fiancee who once treated him like dirt upon first correspondence , and a near stranger?

 

Shaoye looked up and gave him a watery smile , “What good is freedom if I'm alone? And you're everything to me! Don't y' ever dare think that ever again!  “

 

As the old man roared in laughter as if this declaration was a great joke and opened his mouth likely to say something horrid to this when there was a sharp crack like the sound of breaking glass. 

 

The same blade that the Palace Master had sworn on emitted a glowing light as the magical vow he had made took effect.

 

Cracks started to appear all around the sacred blade that had served it’s master well for centuries , and with a booming clatter, it shattered to bits. 

 

He threw up blood . A cultivators sword no matter what was somewhat bound to its owner and the shattering of one took its toll. The quartet watched , not sorry at all as he staggered around till he clutched a wall , breathing hard. 

 

“YOU.” His eyes were wide with disbelief as he gazed at the child whom shrank. 

 

“You-You actually had enough Qi to ensure the magical vow was valid?”  

 

Shaoye nestled in his friend’s embrace and refused to answer, far too shaken by the trauma he had undergone. 

 

The old palace master eyed the four of them , determining there was nothing to be done or answers to be gotten . “ You have paid the first debt .” A terrible grin split his face was very bad to see and the other three looked away . 

 

“ Now comes the last one for the ticket to freedom . If your little master can find you in the Maze formation of the Huan Hua palace , you will be set free .”

 

To Binghe’s horror , the terrified boy was wrested out of his arms and taken away.

 

Again they were to be separated .

 

Down to three once more , they were led down a series of dark tunnels , and shoved into the fabled Huan Hua maze formation.

 

It was the way out but no one could get out unless they had the enhanced charms and Qi formation that have one the ability to go out of the extensive prison complex.

 

All they had was Dichan Shaoye who would be taken to the entrance and left to find them himself and lead them back . If he did manage to do so .

 

This was the game he had proposed after all. The final test. 

 

If by the next day you three are still here , Luo Binghe will become a disciple of Huan Hua palace .

 

They spent hours walking but it was clear they were hopelessly lost.

 

“- It’s hopeless .” Xiao Gongzhu was on the verge of tears . Binghe was not panicking . Infact he had even sat down to eat some cold mantou and drink some tea from his belt pouch.

 

Xiao Gongzhu stomped her feet in frustration . “What’re you doing?! We have to find the entrance or we will be lost forever!”

 

Binghe took a prim little sip from his flask. “We might be lost but the Young Master said he would come and find us .” 

 

“He’s -he’s only eight! And this is the Huan Hua Maze formation! Unless he has some tools on him to help and I know you both came in bold as brass because there were none on your bodies and thus the security runes let you both in! “ 

 

“ About two years ago , I had just entered the golden citadel . The head chef had tasked me to find the cellar in thirty minutes and get the plates from there . The Manor was a huge place and eighteen minutes had passed and I despaired about getting a solid beating with no dinner. “ 

 

Finally too, tired out , Gongzhu stomped over and sat next to Gong Yixiao whom was already sitting next to the other boy who handed them each a mantou and a sip from the flask. 

 

“ Shaoye found me . He directed me to the correct place and went to yell at the chef for doing it .”

 

Binghe took a bite out of his mantou , it was sweet and good. 

 

“ Another time I was on the third story and a well hidden pathway , I was Ambushed by three bullies and Shaoye still found me and saved me . “

 

“So , you are saying you have the worst luck unimaginable.” Xiao Gongzhu groused, swiping her lips after a good sip from the canister.  “That’s true.“ Binghe agreed. 

 

The wind howled around them, it was a chill wind. And they huddled closer for warmth. 

 

“However, what I am trying to say also is that Shaoye and I have a bond, even before I liked him, he would find me. I had faith then and I have faith now. And he will find us and bring us home.”

 

“How darn lucky I am,” said the Little Palace Mistress, “in havin’ a buddy of such insight and reasoning.” Her tone remained sarcastic, but she was snuggled right against Gongyi Xiao, trembling in fear.  

 

There was a scrabbling and a pattering as the age old tiles were walked on. 

 

Someone was coming . 

 

Light little footsteps came closer and closer.

 

Slowly, the dimness gave way to a warm light. The three heads turned. At the end of the maze corridor , a light glowed , chasing away the darkness. The light came from a candle. A boy stood, silhouetted by the light coming from a candle upon a lamp he was clutching, a little ahead of the trio.

 

“-Gege? G-gongzhu? Gongyi Xi-xiao?” His little wobbly mewl of distress while shaky definitely belonged to the same boy Binghe had been singing praises just now.

 

“Shaoye!” cried the threesome as one, and all ran forward, eager and relieved.

 

The little master looked forward however, still as a statue.

 

“ Anyone got a match ?” He asked hurriedly. 

 

To Gongyi xiao’s shock , Binghe summoned a small flame with a murmured ‘Chi Xiao .”

 

“Thanks , Gege.” 

 

To their shock , he stripped his neon yellow robes and burned them. Gongyi xiao covered his friend’s eyes till he realized Shaoye was wearing thin robes beneath . 

 

“ The neon yellow clothing that was burnt contains a dye of fluorescence . It’s a kind of material that stains if there’s ... A special liquid on the ground  . “ 

 

Upon being burnt the bright yellow robes turned to a dark orange ash.

 

Everyone of them was ordered to gather all of it , Shaoye took a handful , careful not to miss a single speck of ash and sprinkled it on the ground

 

To the great shock and joy of everyone , there was a glowing sparkling like starlight path slowly beginning to glow upon the ash meeting the liquid , activating the shimmer , leading to where Shaoye had come from .

 

“What kind of magic is this ?”

 

“ Well... I suppose you can call science a type of magic .” The child laughed shakily . He walked forward . “ Come on, let’s get out of this dump . I’m starving !”

 

It seemed to the three others that it went on for a longer distance than anything could possibly go. But at last the glowing trail and darkness gave way to bright , reassuring day light. 

 

Xiao Gongzhu froze at the sight of a tall man waiting for them, at the edge of the meadow they were in. It was her father. He was waiting for them.

 

Shaoye had been so brave but the sight of the man who had ordered his torture sent him freezing up in fear. He turned around and hid his little face into Binghe’s waiting embrace. The older boy scooped him up and held him like he had when the little Master was much younger .

 

You’ll be fine,” said Binghe. “Everything’s going to be fine.We are going home.”

He took a brave step forward. 

“If the only way out is past that old dragon,”added Gongyi Xiao, with a valiant attempt at cheer “Then that’s the way we’re going to go.” 

 

And so, they walked towards the Old Palace Master who was waiting clearly for them with his arms akimbo . His eyes might seem mild and inscrutable, but those wrinkled lips were pressed tightly together in a cold fury.

 

They bored into the terrified boy in Binghe’s arms as if blaming the child for completing and succeeding in the tasks he had set forth.

 

Xiao Gongzhu stopped forward and blocked the younger boy from his view , equally furious but at the man she had once loved.

 

“ Have you no honor , father ? we won. Dichan Shaoye did . If you do not get out of our sight , I will release all your vow to the entire Huan Hua palace ! Everyone will know you are an oathbreaker who broke an alliance engagement over something so trivial .”

 

She then took out a rune which upon a mere shake , replayed his magical vow. The Huan Hua Palace Master reared his head back in fury at being thwarted. 

 

“ You dare do this to your own father?” He bellowed at last. 

 

His aged face turning puce, spit flying in her face . 

 

Gong Yixiao held Binghe back as he lunged forth in rage , and he only stopped when Shaoye started to cry in exhaustion and fear.

 

 

But Xiao Gongzhu stared back at the man she once called Daddy , her expression was resigned. “ I’m starting to realize I only ever had a mother but never a father .” She stated , flatly. 

 

Then her eyes narrowed. “Now, git. Golem. Back to your darn master.” And to the three boy’s shock, the man melted to a black tarry mess. This was another golem created by the Huan Hua Palace Master.  

 

The girl turned to Dichan Shaoye as did Gongyi Xiao .

 

“ We will be joining you two back.”  

 

As much as Binghe wanted to return to beat the old man up , he knew when to retreat .

 

He was of no match right now as he was only twelve and had a disconsolate little master to comfort .

 

But later ... oh yes . That old bastard would pay .

 

Dichan Shaoye had , once the old man’s golem had departed insisted on jumping out of Binghe’s arms and walking himself , as Binghe was clearly exhausted. 

 

They walked to the edge of the Bailu woods . They had been walking for what seemed like hours , luckily no beasts had come forth or attacked them.

 

And finally they were seeing some hills and houses upon said field and a strip of silvery ribbon that was definitely the Luo river , far off.  Their torment was nearly over. 

 

“ You said you used science . What kind of liquid was that guided us back ?” Gongzhu inquired, walking briskly to talk to Shaoye. It had confounded her all this while and she was dying to find out , fellow inventor to fellow inventor.

 

In the maze of the Huan Hua palace , strong winds would have scattered apart a path of sand and pebbles , had it been a red string , the wind would have ripped through it .

 

And ordinary water would have dried up and left no trail before the droplets even had landed on the stone pavement of the maze. 

 

Whatever he had used had to have left a stain that would have activated the bioluminescence in the ash. 

 

Dichan Shaoye was moving slowly.  He was possibly tired . “ The dye was in my clothing , thus it had to be burned to be able to be mixed again with the special liquid I had dripped to form a liquid again .... I laid a path from where I left the entrance . Hence when I came back with you all , all I needed was your water infused with the dye to activate the path .”

 

Xiao Gongzhu tilted her head cautiously , “ Then what was the special liquid you used to create the path that glows once you add the liquid to it ? It’s definitely not water.”

 

“-The dye stains and glows once it comes in contact with blood stains. “  And it was then that Binghe noticed the trail of red trickling down from the sleeves of his master .

Horror gave him energy to run forward , just in time to catch his little master who fainted in a dead slump . Dreading but needing to know where the blood was coming from , he flipped the sleeves up .

 

Crimson blood dripped from the self inflicted wounds on many small cuts on his young master’s snowy white arms as did the blood stained jade hair pin that his mother warned him to be wary of as it was sharp enough to cut , clatter out of Shaoye’s now limp fingers .

 

“Blah-blabbity blah. Just cuz Luo swore to freeze Zǔxiān’s brand new sparkly Citadel  in an eternal winter for forevers for kicks. The blade Zǔxiān used shattered to dust , safe for one piece that was carved down to a single pin.”  

 

Shaoye tapped the pin in his hair, bored. 

 

“Yah dah Yadeddy Yah. Many old fogies of old used it in times of danger to save those they cared for, yaketty yak, and it’s always been placed in one’s hair when one is about to meet their engaged.”  The little master's voice from that morning echoed , in Binghe's memories , searing like a brand.

 

The sacred hairpin that was purportedly been the legendary blade used by the first Dichan ancestor and throughout history used by countless holders of it of Dichan blood to save the loved ones in danger had once again been used to by it's current user.

But the price to do so had been so very high.

Shaoye had to cut himself many times to produce enough blood to create a path to bring them back .

The glittering path they had walked on back was bathed in blood .

 

Binghe reared his head back and screamed .

 

--

 

 

 

Notes:

And things appear to have gone completely of the rails for our intrepid group of friends . Lao Gongzhu has shown his true colours , they might have won their freedom but it has come at a high cost and they are still a ways off from the Golden Citadel or even Cang Qiong mountain sect . How will they get back to safety ?! Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas ! :D

 

——
Notes:A scold's bridle- It is a western torture device BUT this is a fantasy world, right? Ahahaaha *sweats* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scold%27s_bridle

*Ràng tāmen qù ba!” means 'let them go in chinese. Literally!

**We chinese store our deceased ashes in urns in creamtoriums! Just an FYI.

**Guys. This is pseudoscience. Bioluminescence is NOT found in ashes though it is found in certain species of mushrooms and certainly not activated by bloodstains. 

***Guys, guys. Our dear Shen Yuan isn't in any pain. But he needs an oscar.

Chapter 8: The Good, The Bad And The Okay I Guess

Summary:

Hey everyone. I wanna say thank you to everyone who took the time to comment last week , even knowing I was going to delete chapter 8 which was just an update on my life problems and why there was no real update last week. Your kindness and support mean the world to me and knowing that you guys value my mental health makes me feel so happy. Thank you once again. This chapter is really fluffy and we will be seeing a lot of fammiliar faces! <3

 

Warning: Trauma recovery. Shen Yuan despite what he tells everyone is NOT okay.

When Shaoye was just five and far, far more energetic. Binghe would get up before cock crow and piggyback him to see the birds. It was their routine .

 

At the garden , they would fling grain and scraps of mantou* far and wide and watch as the birds alight .

 

It was the second time but there was something different . Something far more intimate as Binghe watched the unguarded tenderness and the way the normally crabby child handled the small creatures with such care made his heart surge with happiness to be able to see this side of him .

Carrying his little master home , Binghe felt as much grief as he felt joy when the first time he carried him to to see the birds come out.

 

Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao had run over and when they saw what Binghe was screaming over,screamed too . Or rather Gongzhu wailed and cried throughout the whole operation while Gongyi Xiao quickly recovered enough to organize her to sew up the cuts .

 

Binghe watches as the pair work as one , they condense their Qi which forms a needle of shining white and and each needle enters the Snow White skin . 

 

It isn’t painless. Several times

Even unconscious , Shaoye thrashes in Binghe’s arms screaming in pain .

 

And nearly awakens due to the agony of feeling the needles enter his skin and stitch the open cuts together .

 

Binghe is forced to use a sleeping curse on him , he dips his brush in Shaoye’s blood and writes the rune on his left arm and when Shaoye’s eyes flash open , he shows him it . 

 

“I’m sorry .” Binghe whispers as his little master’s eyes slowly close and he falls into a cursed slumber .

 

His tears land on the little cheek of the sleeping child but due to the curse the only indication that he is alive is the reassuring rise and fall of his chest . Shaoye sleeps the sleep of the dead and does not and cannot respond to his apology.

 

Binghe says it anyway .

 

“I’m so sorry .”

 

Binghe watches as the crude operation is complete . He doesn’t dare make any other sound throughout and only allows himself to make the softest and briefest echo of what might be a choked sob as the last stitch is complete .

 

He makes it to the side of the valley where he nearly collapses in  relief to see a shocked retinue coming to pick them up .

 

—/

Dichan Ye burst into tears as he and his sworn brother took in the bedraggled and pathetic state of Dichan Shaoye who was unconscious , in the arms of a Luo Binghe who could barely even lift his head and looked half dead .

 

The contingent had found the two boys and their companions unceremoniously wandering after the visit to Huan Hua palace .

 

The Huan Hua Palace Mistress and one defected disciple  had stitched the innumerable cuts on the child’s hands with a simple spell,  thus saving his life and thereby  saving their own lives.

 

Qingqiu was deemed the faster of the two to bring Shaoye to get proper medical help 

Without question , and far more gentler than he had handled any one of his disciples , did Shen Qingqiu pick the prone child up,  to bring him to Qingjing peak which was ironically closer from where they were stranded . 

 

Blood pounding in his ears. The peak lord mounted the sword and kicked hard against the ground and up, up he soared, air rushed through his hair and his robes whipped out behind him, carrying away the tiny body of his godson away to the peak of scholars and bamboo. 

 

Dichan Ye meanwhile began the journey back with the new arrivals.

 

When he frantically returned after delivering Binghe to his mother, ensured good living accommodations for the new arrivals AND informed Gongyi Xiao’s parents to Qingjing peak-

 

There . Waiting for him at the mountain base , mouth set in a tense trembling line, eyes bloodshot , utterly furious was his sworn brother . 

 

The peak lord of Qing Jing peak had not cried for a long, long time. And he was not about to start now. 

 

“Look at him !” Shrieked Qingqiu like a banshee, so enraged that he spat into his sworn brother’s face , “ You knucklebrained plebeian ! You actually engaged my poor godson to that sick trash’s spoiled little rat ?! What drugs were you taking to make you think it was a good idea ?!”

 

The cacophony had not ended since the long screaming match since they had departed from Huan Hua .

 

It may have been more than ten years ago  And Qingqiu reminded him every time they had met, even before he had bonded with the little master , that he would only wish such a fate of being engaged to the sprog of the old bag of bones upon his current worst enemy, Liu Qingge. But he was  pissed to hell and back then  , and now he was madder than a bee that returned to its hive to find it had been smashed . 

 

Dichan Ye endured every slap and beating his sworn brother dealt out . Qingqiu always had been the more expressive of the pair of them . Magma flowed beneath his veins and when that anger alighted it was a spectacular sight indeed . He deserved it anyhow , his sworn brother was right . 

 

His poor , poor baby boy . 

 

Whatever had transpired there had scarred him for life and by the gods , what wouldn’t he give to have received in his treasure’s place ? He was only eight years old and had endured what would have ended the lives of grown men. 

He wouldn’t be surprised if this stayed with his proud little son for life . 

 

Finally , Qingqiu had run out of steam and only his red rimmed eyes told otherwise as he calmly raised his red hand that was fairly steaming . “ He must not get away with this .” That was no question of Lao Gongzhu expecting to get away scot-free . 

One could almost hear the gnashing of the bearded man’s teeth as he chewed at the end of his tobacco pot that somehow had survived the onslaught of slaps. 

 

Dichan Ye’s heartache was like the music of a great orchestra. At times it was quiet and allowed him to function, at other times the violins would play and he would be sad, then at other times it would rise to a crescendo and the anger would burst from his chest in a vicious shout of anguish. Like now. 

 

“ Ah know !  “ The Citadel master roared , and the great halberd rattled upon its board , in response , vibrating with its master's killing intent .

 

.” Ah’m gonna kill him for this deed . Imma gonna head over there right now and spear ‘im, right through dat buggers , darn ‘eart! ”

 

Again Qingqiu hit him with a strike . “ Am I truly talking to Dichan Ye who defeated the Gilded triad a century past ?! “ The peak lord of Qingjing peak near yelled into his brother's gaping face . 

 

“ We aren’t talking about a small slight done by some run out of the mill bandit ! It was done by a sect leader and ruler of a county and who has acted as judge and jury of our entire cultivation world for the last few centuries !!!” 

 

Ye twitched at this reminder . Qingqiu was breathing hard and fast , wide eyed as he stared at his sworn brother , like a spooked cat. 

 

He turned on his heel, walked rapidly away then turned again sharply and paced back. Back and forth, back and forth.

 

Finally he lifted his head, thin lips biting and hands pinned primly behind him trembling .

 

“We have three witnesses to the abuse. Yes, but it’s all going to be outruled by the fact that one is the son of a mere washerwoman- Oh, I know there’s a story going on there , that little brat looked like trouble and I just know he had something to do with the suffering Shaoye has undergone - Look into his history , coerce him as soon as possible into revealing what that old bogart told him.” He slammed his fists together . “Torture it out of him if you have to.” The peak lord hisses like an irate cat , as his sworn brother merely blinked .

 

“Y’know ‘ow fond Shaoye is of Luo Binghe, Lao Xiong. ” 

 

This silences Qingqiu who looks away . That fact was undeniable . 

 

They both stared at each other for a long time before Shen Qingqiu continued his pacing , wringing his hands. “Fine.” He groused , “Moving on. We can use his obvious affection for Shaoye to strike back at the decrepit bogan when the iron is hot. “

 

“We have two additional chips , the now former Huan Hua head disciple in training seems to be decent , albeit he is too soft for my liking. “

 

“He seems to have a good head on those shoulders once he has exchanged his evidence and testimony. The little rat whom you thought was a fantastic idea to betroth Shaoye to? “ He sneers at the mention of her.

 

“I suppose she will be a good chip to use with Binghe and seems pretty vengeful, which is a great motivation.”

 

Dichan Ye gazed into the fire, his eyes were cold like in the old days. “Indeed, y’re wise as ever. Brother. Heat th’ blade, din sharp’n it along the stone,  makes fer a more cuttin’  edge.” 

 

He chewed the end of his pipe and smiled at a thought . It was not a nice smile , Qingqiu nearly shivered despite himself and almost , almost , mind you ,felt sorry for what was in store for Huan Hua Palace .

 

He knew what Ye was capable of doing . A good friend to have , a terrible enemy to make . “ Did you know there used to be a huge statue of the Emperor Luo ? At the Luo river banks , Lao Xiong ?” 

 

Qingqiu shook his head as the glowing light of the fire made his sworn brother’s eyes look red as the portly man rose to stare into it.

 

“It was there when I was a wee lad . Beautiful statue . People used t’ worship it cuz The Gilded Triad constructed it and when I defeated the three daft buggers , the old buzzard claimed at the hangman’s noose that their legacy will live on through the old Huan Hua goat like that statue of Luo . “

 

“Yes . That was good . “ Qingqiu smiled at the memory of the breaking of the triad , then it soured .” Shame you left one rat of the three vermin alive and even had the brilliant idea to engage your son to its offspring  .”

 

“ Lao xiong. I thought at the time the rodent would be too terrified ter strike out. Besides , the ability fer smithing an' arrays tha' is a bloodline trait would be useful fer any future progeny between Ah shao an' Xiao gongzhu .”

 

Shen Qingqiu glared at him at this , outraged . “He’s your son ! How could you see him as an experiment?!”

 

“I only want what is best for Ah Shao and if he did not object to the match , I would have had a grandchild with four bloodline abilities .” Ye’s eyes are unapologetic , “ We live in a fast changing world ,if possible my future grandchild would have the abilities to continue and survive . “

 

Qingqiu’s forehead ached with the intensity of his frown  . “He’s already paid the price for your intelligent decision to marry him to the brat . Would you be happy if he dies due to any further machinations ?!” 

 

Ye freezes at this then sighs . “Tha'... Yeah. There’s no excuse fer tha' . “

 

Qingqiu relaxes minutely at seeing the remorse on his brother’s face . 

 

“Well. Go on then . Something about the Luo emperor’s statue at the river ? ”

 

“ Do you recall grouching at me for “-framing a pebble of all things?!” , which is currently in the center of the dining  hall back in the Manor at the Holden Citadel ?”

 

“I think you are on the road to becoming a hoarder and by the time you expire, poor Shaoye and Mingfan will be left with a Manor full of junk. '' was the acidic response , to which Ye gave an aggrieved , theatrical gasp. “You would wish ill on y’own brother?! You wish DEATH on y’poor old brother? oh! oh! Jail for Lao Xiong! Jail for Lao Xiong for One Thousand Years!!!!

 

Ye winks at his twitching sworn brother who scowled.”I hate you. So. Much.”

 

“You love me, really. Really-really. Really enough to hear the rest of the escapade of the pebble. You see, Lao Xiong. The three stooges forgot one thing, time and the tide.”

 

“That’s two things, plebeian.” 

“Oopsa daisy. So, by the time the war was over and I became an old fart in appearance, I noticed the once beautiful statue had been eroded . By the time I had ruled for two decades , it had become a faceless boulder after the Great Flood. And when I married my darling angel , it had become a mere popular scrubbing stone for washerwoman to wash their laundry. By the time Little Ah Shao came along , and I chanced over to see it, the once great , so-called everlasting statue had been reduced to a mere pebble. “ 

 

He puffed away at his pipe. “What I’m saying.” He says. “Is that we are like the gentle tide. Slowly we will erode away at the Huan Hua Palace Master, starting with his image , then with  it comes the confidence of his people , then his friends , then his family , and before he knows it, he is a mere pebble, a mere nothing ,” His eyes open. “ Then we will rise and envelope him in one swoop.”  

 

“So. By the way you are phrasing it ...The time isn’t yet.” Shen Qingqiu glared at the fire as if it had personally insulted him . 

 

“That is a way of looking at it. On the other hand, we can always instigate and move things along more fast-like.” Qingqiu stared at him as he smiled innocently . 

 

“Interesting. “ He says in a way none of his former victims at the ill fated Qiu manor would have cared to hear and took a comfortable chair facing his sworn brother .“Tell me more.”

 

And so , the portly old man did . 

 

Till dawn came In Fact . 

 

—-

Shaoye awakes to clean sheets and the sound of birdsong. And irrationally tetchy he had not been awoken by Binghe’s usual morning call of sorts . Which reminded him why he wasn’t  back at the Golden Citadel . 

 

For a moment he had felt completely adrift , not knowing where he was; not entirely sure who he was. It is amazing, the child- No, the man in the body of a child, mused. 

 

How confounding that how much of what we are , can be tied to the beds we wake up in in the morning, and it is surprisingly fragile that can be.

 

Sometimes he would forget who he was supposed to be playing while he was daydreaming that he was biting into a hamburger at a local 7-11 or he was typing angrily away at another disappointingly asinine chapter of Proud Immortal Demon;s way by Airplane, and it was not until someone (Usually, Binghe) tapped him on the shoulder or said his new name that he would come back from an entire world away with a start, and all in a fraction of a second have to remember who he was, his assumed name, and that he was even there at all.

 

Now there was the late morning sun on his face, and he was Dichan Shaoye. Yes. And then the red and reassuring gold of the room he was in, and the gentle jingling of the wind chime nearby an open window , told him where he had woken up.

 

Judging by the rushing of a nearby brook, and the rustle of bamboo outside he was at Mingfan’s home . 

 

Mingfan’s father , Dichan Lao and Ye’s younger brother owned a residence just at the base nearby Qingjing peak’s base that adjourned a beautiful tea plantation. 

 

It was his estate that would be nearest from at the time to receive urgent medical care as it had an in-house doctor on at all times and his …condition at the time had not been life threatening. 

 

\\ TT? \\

 

[Yes, Lao Da? 0w0]

 

// I-is it possible to get a preview of what to wear from the wardrobe depths?//

 

[ One handy dandy wardrobe inventory simulation, coming up! 0w0]

 

\\ ….//

 

[L-laoo Da? 0A0]

 

//Why is the wardrobe full of clothes that clearly are not Mingfan’s style from when he was a squirt and certainly not what he wears now ,so I presume it is for me ?//

 

[ oooh . Lao Da , Dichan Lao based it off hearsay from when you were under the Ooc lock . He had it pre made the contents of your wardrobe  till this age to fit your apparent tastes . ]

 

He sniffed . // Well, he’s fucking ridiculous. //  Growled the man in a child’s body, the dark anger oozing from somewhere broken and still burning in his chest scared part of him , yet also glad at it being released.  //Children fucking change . //

 

The neon and blue interface that only he could see , trembled . It vibrated and like a crack of a whip, the dark anger was forced back down. Shen Yuan, //Yes, that was who he is.// dipped his head and sighed. “Sorry, I’m not myself since ...That happened.” 

 

[Lao Da…. I’m so sorry ! ]

 

// Oh stop that .// The words might seem harsh but Shen Yuan said it with an undercurrent of affection . // How old are you to still wail and cry like a baby  ?//

 

He raises an arm, and gently strokes the interface, half expecting to pass through thin air only to feel the slightest vibration , of resistance like if you touched a brand new electric appliance and you could fairly feel static in the air. 

 

//No, no need to answer . You have your own problems and I understand, TT.  // 

 

The digital interface , then nuzzled itself against his hand, it felt like jolts of static lightly tingling his fingers with each affectionate bump. 

 

“Then we’re friends still?” asked the child, following the question with a shaky laugh.

//0w0 Always have been, Lao Da!//

“I suppose I should go out , right?”

[0A0 Lao Da! I highly recommend it! Your health is dangerously low and I recommend you consume something to get it back up !]

 

//Oh yeah. I’ve been in bed for ...How long again?//

 

[ Lao Da has been in bed for the past two weeks and only revitalized by Dichan Ye, Dichan Mingfan, Dichan Lao and Shen Qingqiu! They took turns spelling food and donating your qi to your body but from what I’ve observed, your body rejects 40% each time they attempt ! //

 

Well, that explained the brief instances of jolting awake, the sensation of discomfort , of acidity in his mouth . He had to have thrown up after they had spelled food into his stomach.

Still...Two weeks?! 

 

Oh yeah. He had a brief memory of opening his eyes after hearing Mingfan’s voice calling so close as though it seemed right next to his ears . “Ah Shao! Ah SHAO! WAKE UP! ”  He said it in a tight sort of way, urgently,  and so he did , mostly to want to whine at his Fan-ge for yelling so loud when he was having a nice nap. 

 

He opened his eyes , to find he wasn’t in his little bedroom. The whole Dichan clan had somehow all gathered around , squeezed into the large living room that was his paternal uncle’s. The one house on Qingjing peak surrounded by a massive tea plantation . Mingfan was gazing at him, he looked like he had been crying a long time and had run a long distance judging by the sweat and dry heaving as he staggered in from the doorway. 

 

Why was he at Qingjing Peak , at Mingfan's place , wasn’t he-

 

He remembers.

 

His vision darkens again , no longer having any energy to support wakefulness after remembering the ordeal he had gone through. 

 

And that felt quite a time ago. 

 

---------------

 

He had gingerly and sluggishly struggled out of the decadently soft bed and onto the rich carpet .

The small boy reached for the curtains that held back the bright glimmer of late morning before freezing and turning to the ornate wardrobe at the end of the room. 

 

He climbed out of the bed reluctantly . He certainly could not wear his ragged remains during the day, he decided, even if it meant wearing the other Shaoye’s clothes. (Was there another Shaoye? No, he realized, there wasn’t. There was just him.) 

 

The closet contained a lot of gold and blue. There was a familiar looking red cape. Shen Yuan gave it a look and with a bitter smile thought it was time he could retire it at last. Hadn’t what he had gone through, merit a change in fashion? 

He didn’t want anything with sodding yellow .

 

There were no regular clothes in the cupboard, though.

They were more like dressing-up clothes or (he thought) the kind of clothes a child would love to have hanging in their own wardrobe at home: there was a miniature copy of an emperor’s possibly in the Ming Dynasty if he were to judge from costume studies from his original world; a lofty but small version of Shen Qinghqiu’s costume; one that looked eerily like Luo Binghe’s future attire but in white and gold that glittered and blinked; and one that was of a fancy outfit one might wear to Spring festival that was covered in dragons and phoenixes . 

 

Finally, in a drawer, he found a pair of pants that were of the colour of cream, and an overshirt the color of turquoise , the colour of the sea on a fine day. 

 

He pulled on the overshirt and slowly struggled on the pants sloppily. Then he put on a pair of dark brown boots found at the bottom of the cupboard.

 

At the end of the bedroom he was in, close to the door was a large bronze plate that acted as a mirror which he walked to. 

 

There was nothing reflected in it but a young boy with horribly cut hair that looked like a mad man had hacked away at it , clad in ironically sensible clothing of high quality, who looked like he had recently been crying but whose mouth gave a small tentative smile as if in greeting . 

 

He looked at the boy in the mirror and the boy in the mirror looked back at him.

 

Dichan Shaoye will be brave, He thought fiercely. No, I am brave.

 

And he slowly reached for the door knob.

--

The sun shone brilliantly and the virescent colour of the spring day under its glare was offensively bright and cheerful. It was as if they conspired to show Luo Binghe how the world would go on though so much had changed . It shouldn't. Everything should be as grey and foggy as his  emotions, it should be cold and damp with silent air.

 

But the birds still sang and the flowers still bloomed. Binghe  walked through the Grandest Manor’s courtyard like a silhouette of himself, wishing he really was as insubstantial as the shadows so that his insides might not feel so mangled. 

 

Binghe had been set to task to wash the steps of the Grand Manor, a simple task. Infact, everyone had steered clear after a hasty briefing of the staff two weeks ago.

 

The young master’s favoured playmate was to be left strictly alone and given light duties. 

 

Ah Yi had fainted when she saw the states that her poor baby and heard about her little kitten , had returned in , and upon rising had wanted to go to Huan Hua Palace and in her own words, “-Tear the horrible man to shreds! What kind of animal will do this to any child?!” 

 

She had been kind to Binghe . But Binghe felt nothing and made himself busy so as not to focus on the issue at hand .

 

He did not feel ready to tell her or relive the trauma again by telling her though he knew he ought to do so . 

 

This melancholy is a cloak he couldn’t simply let fall to the floor, and though he held it so tight he couldn’t find the warmth he needed, yet it clung. It was the anchor to his feet, the reason he couldn’t find the surface or the sunshine, that feeling of soft joy that lives in memories that now can't rise within.

 

Binghe lugged the pail of well water and splashed it over the steps . There was a stain on one of the steps there , and no matter how much he scrubbed away at it , it refused to go out.

 

Frustrated, the child took a seat on one of the stairs that had dried and was spotless, sunk his head into his arms, and felt the burning sensation of tears pricking his eyes.

 

This was where Ah Yi found her poor son, bawling and pointing to an apparently stained stair upon hearing her enquiries but from what she could see , it was the same as the rest.

 

Spotless to her but stained in Binghe’s eyes, who let his long held back tears flow. He was not ashamed to cry, he was devoted to his little Master and now the child was gone, far away to recuperate , his absence was a cold reminder of what had transpired that dark day.

 

A light had been extinguished in his heart, by now Binghe was silent in his grief as he dully allowed his mother to gently coax him to come back to their room and take a rest.

 

“Ah He, come now. Take a rest. It’s spotless, sweetheart.”

 

“It will never be clean again.”

 

Ah Yi felt the hairs at the back of her neck stand on end as her poor little son shook his head, listlessly repeating the same thing , eyes glued to his feet as she is forced to bodily drag him away. “-Never ever again.”

 

The old washerwoman's mood dampened further when she overheard unpleasant laughter . It was the high , thin kind of laugh a weasel would make when it chanced upon a nest of baby rabbits . She looked up and spied two very familiar figures skulking in the shadow of the bushes behind the kitchen.

The head chef looking guilty and worried but the sallow, hard-faced boy whom had picked on her Binghe , 'Aleck'- Said head chef's son smirking away. "-Sooner then expected. It is as if the heavens must be smiling down on us. If the powder...The food , now the HuanHua Palace master taking down that little ra-" The head chef noticed they weren't alone and when he saw who had heard this , he turned pale , pulling away his son.

Ah Yi had a very bad feeling about this, was sickened that Shaoye could be so hated just because he stood up for her and Binghe by these two beasts and to actually-. She quietly filed this information away, intending as soon as possible to tell Dichan Ye....

--

 

Time seemed to slow down in the tea plantation. 

 

Lao gāoyuán (Lao Highlands)  was in reality a fancy name for the plantation and were named after his eponymous uncle , Dichan Lao, and the architecture of the buildings were  modeled on a traditional Chinese village. The aim of building cozy yet clearly classy small cottages that acted as chalets was to provide visiting townsfolk from the nearby Peak base with some respite during the summer months and allow them to enjoy the cooler climate here, and here and there were pavilions to gaze upon the picturesque view.

 

Thanks to its fertile valleys and cool climate, a visiting Lao realised that this was ideal for planting tea, even developing the area into a hill resort. Now, it was the leading tea-growing region in the country like it’s brother, the Golden Citadel. 

 

It was easy to imagine oneself in a different country if you stood in the middle of this majestic sea of green. Rustling tea leaves form waves alike ripples upon a sea of emerald with every brush of the wind. Ever the entrepreneur , Lao had made a number of the larger pavilions including cafes and restaurants and all had a little gift shop within. 

 

Was it any little wonder why Mingfan had so easily supported the original goods boast those born of the Dichan line never needed to work a day in their life? His old man , Lao had made a pretty penny from royalties and tourism. 

 

Shaoye never questioned why Mingfan in question was allowed to stay at home , and accompany him, his steady presence was a comforting rock in the day.

 

Unknown to him, it was no coincidence. Mingfan had been so distraught upon getting the news of his baby cousin returning in such a fashion ,that Qingqiu had granted him leave to come and stay at his home at Lao Gaoyuan and care for the little master for a week .

 

To top it off he was allowed to come by every weekend to accompany his cousin until the child was well enough to return to the Citadel. As if he knew it was his cousin , the unresponsive little master awakened just as Mingfan came running in .

 

Which was just as well, you see. He was alone here. Binghe remained back at the Citadel , likely receiving help as did Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao. 

 

Ye was busy, especially when he had to work while on so-called compassionate leave and rule the Citadel even at his Brother’s base.

 

He had to seek out Ye if he wanted to. Sometimes, Shaoye caught himself feeling angry even though he and Ye had discussed this before . He understood Ye only wanted him to show when he was comfortable enough to be around him and wanted to respect his boundaries. They had talked about it that first day he had come out of the room in two weeks.

 

Yet, Shaoye was constantly reminded that things were not and could never go back to the same way they used to be . A new normal would rise eventually but he-Was it so bad he wanted the old back?! He wanted things to go back to normal! Why and how was it fair that the old bag of fucken' shit could rule his roost while he had to live with the effects ?!

 

It wasn’t fair.

 

It WAsn’t fAIR-

 

“-So, I wus sayin’,Ah Shao?” 

 

There is nothing but mild curiosity on Mingfan’s face as he points between the choice of pomegranate milk  tea or milk tea. They were at one of the many pavilions, where Mingfan was telling him of had the best tea. 

 

Shaoye breathes hard and fast and a flare of anger is shoved down. “I dun wanna any dumb tea. “ He mutters, shoving his hands into his pockets and scowling at his feet. He thus misses the flash of sadness on his older cousin’s face, when he looks up, he only sees the usual reassuring grin that he characteristically wore. 

 

“Well, if ya dun wanna , yer missin’ out, kiddo!” 

 

And he proceeds to order a cup for himself.

 

Why was Mingfan his fucking favourite cousin again ? This, no good little- He watches Mingfan take the cup of pomegranate  milk tea from the vendor. Then deflates.

 

Oh. Who was he kidding. He would pick Mingfan anytime . While he loved the huge clan he had been born into, he knew and accepted that some of his cousins had ulterior motives also mixed with the affection they treated him with .

 

 Mingfan though was protective and affectionate from the start . He was genuinely interested in his hobbies and interests and if he could help his cousin in any way , he happily did it . 

 

Shaoye eyes the cup, except for today. 

 

Oh how he regrets not taking up Mingfans earlier offer. Cursed mood swing! I Damn thee to hell!  Shaoye eyes the milk tea in Mingfan’s hands mournfully.

 

 Strawberry milk was one of his favourite flavours back in Beijing. And while there was no strawberry here , he soon developed a love for pomegranate of all things .And he used to love Lao Gaoyuan’s tea leaves. Mingfan would send him a box of pomegranate  milk tea every month in fact. Huh.

 

Come to think of it. Didn’t Mingfan HATE pomegranate  milk tea-?

 

Mingfan yawns and to Shaoye’s horror starts to eye a nearby dustbin . 

 

His suspicions were further confirmed as the teenager took a step in that direction and began juggling of all things , with the manna of the Gods . 

 

“Oh no, ya don’t ! Fan-ge!”

 

In the original work , Shen Yuan had mused on the possibility of Mingfans clinginess to Shen Qingqiu being a result of a mixture of homesickness and also being rejected by the Original!Goods as time went on . 

 

Wasn’t there a chapter where Mingfan had beaten up Binghe , of course in true protagonist fashion , Binghe had won but what did his beaten foe say his reason was for again ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

// Mingfan, face dirty and tear stricken ,with snot running down his face cried in defeat . “- Shaoye said he wanted me to . It would Make him happy and maybe he would want to hang out with me again. Now , you have done and ruined it ! .” The rain poured down as the young hero gaped at such an absurd reason.- PIDW Vol 6 , Chapter 6 Pg 123. //

 

Here though , I mean , you had to be a real scum to reject someone who had only been kind and nurturing . 

 

Huh . Come to think of it , by acting like a baby and sticking close to Mingfan meant that in this universe the older teenager couldn’t be as childish as he wanted to and had no reason to be so clingy to Shen Qingqiu, right ? And in a way , his protective instincts had been assuaged . 

 

Mingfan could not be the same spoiled insecure little master in the original work as he had gained the security and assurance of having someone to care for . 

 

While this realization makes his heart warm , Shen Yuan is quickly reminded that he has a more pressing issue at hand . 

 

At the same moment Mingfan patiently continues to juggle the cup . 

 

He was like a patient large dog that was repeatedly teasing a small agitated kitten it had cared for since it had been born , not minding as it swatted at the canine’s snout for the teasing . 

 

Mingfan holds the cup out of reach . 

 

“Let’s ...Barter.” His eyes wrinkle in mischief . “ For this cup of pomegranate  milk tea ? What would ya like ta trade for ?”

 

“ Uh. I dunno, I guess-“ Inspiration  hits him as he gazes at Mingfans tacky choice of red and mottled ruby  robes that made him look rather like a pomegranate  himself . 

 

“I’ll design you a set of new robes .” He blurts out . “I’ll even-“ 

 

“Sold.” Mingfan obligingly lowers the cup and Shaoye grabs it before the other can change his mind . 

 

As he begins talking about the designs he had in store for his cousin ,Shaoye does not notice the spark in his formerly dull eyes, or how Mingfan smiles with relief at seeing it again . 

--

It is evening time . 

 

It has become customary for Dichan ye and Shen Qingqiu to dine together in the drawing room . It was a dining room exclusively for the adults only . 

 

Mingfan and Shaoye whom made it a routine to explore recently around the highlands , oftentimes had dinner in the Cerulean Lounge early due to getting hungry . 

 

There was a routine of all things for the older boy to greet his Shizun . Unlike Shaoye , Mingfan had not the fortune ( or some might say , misfortune )of being named the godson of the Peak lord . 

 

Mingfan no matter what had to hurry back promptly and greet Shen Qingqiu and bring him to the drawing room to be wined and dined at least thrice a week. 

 

Shen Qingqiu always made some small talk , then -

 

“Yes, Shizun.” Prim, obedient. That is the image of a Qingjing peak head disciple . 

 

“Would you want dinner served in the Emerald drawing room with Bobo?” 

 

Of any address to Shaoye , there was none. And to be honest, it was the same tune as to how Ye carried out his treatment, as though handling a just-repaired , delicate vase. There was only the tensing of that brow, the pursing of lips as though the Peak Lord wanted to say something to his godson . 

 

Then like the ice cold gale rustling through the bamboo outside every night, his god father would stride past the pair , away to the area relegated to only adults. 

 

He is an adult. Just one stuck in the body of a- 

 

“Yer’re it!” Mingfan taps him on his shoulder and laughs as he runs off , leaving his younger cousin to chase after him and to muse on another observation .

 

Mingfan speaks with nary of his signature thick dialect that is the signature of his father , Lao Dichan when talking to Shen Qingqiu . In Fact he speaks exactly like OG! Mingfan did in the novel . However the minute they are out of sight of his Shizun , Mingfan switches back to his thick accent that is unique to their clan.  

 

Shaoye decides to ask , once they have had a warm bath and are settling in for the night in their shared guest room , he tilts his head . 

 

“Why’d you speak fancy to Shizun ?”

 

“He’s a peak lord . M’Dad told me Shizun likes fancy . It makes things easier and ah don’t want no trouble .”

 

“You speak fine to me .” Shaoye grouses as he gives up fiddling with innumerable tiny little buttons that were the nightgowns . 

 

Mingfan is actually rather like Binghe , at least when dealing with his cousins , all of thirty of whom were younger than him. With practiced ease, and no swaggering or pompousness from the novel he would apparently display much later on towards Luo Binghe or his junior disciples , he easily fastens the buttons on . 

 

“That’s coz you’re m’ cuzzin, yannow , ah never did think of it that way . Come t’ think of it . Ah only talk like dis around the clan.” 

 

“See? Then why don’t ya do so, around Shizun?”

 

Mingfan gazes into the dark of the evening before he asks this,”Ah Shao. What’d ya think of Luo Binghe?”

 

“He’s my future right hand and other best friend !”

 

“Even though his lineage is unknown ? Even though he’s a commoner ?” 

 

A shiver ran down Shaoye’s spine at the coldness of the tone as it grew more pronounced , it sounded like his Godfathers . 

 

Mingfan turns to him and his eyes are solemn , his voice is warm. “D’... World isn’t as kind or as open as y’ are , Ah Shao. Not everyone will agree with y’ideas. “

 

//So, in a way he’s telling me Shen Qingqiu is still being butt hurt baby even from a mere meeting before the Qingjing arc .//

 

“Do you like Binghe ?” Shaoye asks , biting his lips. Somehow he really does not want the two of them to fight. He doesn’t want Binghe to throw Mingfan into the ant pit , doesn’t want to hear of Mingfan hating and resenting Binghe for his looks and powers, then this progressing to hating Binghe for even existing. 

 

“ Yep. Good head on his shoulders , that one . Ah approve him being yer future...Right hand .” There’s something about the way Mingfan is smiling as though he is trying his best not to laugh at a private joke he found funny. Still, it was better than a sullen pout or glower and he definitely did not seem to be antagonistic towards Binghe . 

 

“Ah. But he’s not as nice or sweet as Fan-Ge of course! He’s a-a Dumb dumb!” Shen Yuan hastily added , hoping to the gods he had not invited the other’s famous jealousy. 

 

“ Ah Shao, ya know…. if y’ want Binghe to be sweeter , ya could try laying out some honey .You’ll attract the bee with it rather than swattin' away at it.” 

 

Mingfan patted him,” Ah’m y’ Cousin. Y’r Fan Ge but not everyone is gunna give into yer whims, even if they r a dumb dumb ,” 

 

Why is he talking about bees and honey again ?!

 

“ Well he should , cuz I’m the Lao zi!”

 

“Y’ don’t force people y’ wanna ...like ya to like ya.” Mingfan was laughing now, not unkind but as if laughing at a funny situation that Shao Ye had not clued in yet .

 

“And I mean, like-like you.”

 

A pause, an expectant beat. 

 

When The older cousin sees no comprehension on his cousin's face , he continues hooting in laughter. 

 

“Binghe is a good kid, you can’t just buy his feelings .Trust yer old Fan Ge. I learnt a lot from observing yer in how t’ treat my Shimei.” 

 

“ Hey. Why’re ya so bent on me being nice to dumb dumb, anyhow?” groused the little master.

 

To his ire, the others' smile only grew .

 

“Nuthin’” 

 

Seeing as he was not going to get any answers from his older cousin , they bade each other good night and settled in . 

 

Shaoye stayed up, alone in his thoughts long after Mingfan drifted off to sleep , curled up into a ball at his side . The single beds they had pushed together after Shaoye awoke several times from a night terror and found he slept better if someone was next to him , had him facing the window . It was a full moon that night, the sight of thousands of bamboo has him wondering , as of many other similar nights, of Binghe. 

 

The same ice cold gale rattles the leaves of the bamboo, making a sound like countless sighs.

 

This wind travelled through the country, he hoped Binghe had been wrapped up nicely this night by Ah Yi’s side. It just was not the same, Mingfans care was of an older brother, there was a certain barrier . Binghe’s care was - Aww geez, why was he thinking of Binghe again? 

 

The leaves sighed outside , just as he caught himself sighing too.

 

Okay, maybe he missed the sticky little sheep like Mingfan kept teasing him daily about. 

 

….And speaking of the cold, how come it was actually penetrating the room they shared? 

 

Wait, the window was open-Huh . Didn’t the servants always shut them once evening drew round ?

 

“Psst! “ Shaoye’s eyes bugged open as he gazed upon the little demoness and he nearly fell out of the bed in shock . “ How did you get here ?! “ he hissed in shock . 

 

“Hello to you too.Pipsqueak .” she fairly floated around their bed in a way that was reminiscent of a shark circling a school of sardines . “I asked the Hamster lord . Duh. I was wondering why you were taking so long to come back for a small business meeting .” 

Airplane ? 

 

“I’m a bit rusty . “ he confessed to which she waved an impatient , careless hand . “ Oh please . “ her tinkling  laugh like the ringing of bells was carefree and might agitate some by it’s heedlessness, but sounded like freedom to Shaoye .

 

“ I didn’t come all the way from the Southern Demon kingdoms to be denied an entrance . Surely you can grant moi an audience to discuss possibly opening up a trade route between the Southern Demon Realms and the Golden Citadel, yes?.” 

 

Shaoye looked at the snoring Mingfan next to his side and gently placed a large pillow , padding it with blankets till it looked appropriately Shaoye-ish .

 

When dawn broke, did Mingfan ring a bell for breakfast to be served in bed for the little Master slept the sleep of the dead, and the oddest thing was a bell charm that definitely was not there the night before clasped around the child’s right wrist. 

 

When queried about it, Shaoye cheerfully told everyone he had a good friend called Ah Hua who made it for him. Shen Qingqiu upon hearing his godson was now inventing imaginary friends ,decided it was high time to bring in the company he was used to. 

 

Ye promptly sent for said special guests to be included in the retinue that was to be sent over to ensure the little master’s comfort and continued recovery. 

—

 

Xiao Gong Zhu and Gongyi Xiao arrived at the Lao Gaoyuan plantations one fortuitous winter day accompanied by the Gongyi parents . 

 

Gongyi Ren and Da were a pair of cultivators long used to doing law enforcement and had settled down for years at Huan hua county.  They had been aghast when they got the letter from their Son who, apparently had been declared as dead by their own sect leader due to a freak accident .

 

Ren and Da tracked down their Son who had seeked asylum and too were granted citizenship and refuge at the Citadel.

Ren listened in disgust and horror as her Son confirmed a cold case involving her junior disciple sisters .

 

The pair were then assigned to a special department after Ye had determined she and her husband were truly loyal and more importantly wanted the old palace master to pay for what their child had suffered at the hands of their master .

 

While the engagement had ended , Ye and Qingqiu had stayed their hands after Shaoye told them she had stood up to her own father and what she had discovered he had done to her mother . Gongyi Xiao’s parents had joined them and were welcomed by the law enforcement at the Golden Citadel , wasting no time in moving in and took in Xiao Gongzhu who would be raised as a sister to Gongyi Xiao .

 

It had been two months and winter had come to the highlands . Despite the cold , a handy barrier charm cast acted as a greenhouse over the tea plantation which remained evergreen.

 

The four of them arrived with the rest of the staff after a long trip to the highlands. Xiao Gongzhu was now tanned brown and had discarded her pink for a more hardy purple and Gongyi Xiao wore a subdued blue . The pair looked like they had recovered sufficiently and were eager to see their friend . 

 

The Dichans welcomed them and the staff from the citadel. Ah Yi surged forth , and hugged the little master hard. She seemed very relieved as she checked him all over, though she frowned when he begged her for the powder that the head chef had procured for him.  Ye and Shaoye listened as she voiced concerns over the powder but it was laughed off by the overconfident little Master. And seeing him so confident , Ye naturally brushed off any concerns, wanting his son to be happy first. Ye did frown over Ah Yi’s accusation against Aleck and the head chef but even Ye was aware of the bad blood between Aleck and Binghe  that even extended to their parents . And he only had her word. Unfortunately, in this case, even as how nasty the words spoken by Aleck were , it was only Ah Yi’s word. There has been no other witnesses.

All they could do was test the powder that Ah Yi had brought along for any poison and to her disbelief, the tests the poison expert conducted on the powder turned out negative .

So, it was safe to use. 

Shaoye seemed fine. And without food supplied by the head chef here, Shaoye's appetite had returned to normal. Ah Yi thus had no proof and seeing how indeed happy and healthy Shaoye was, she forced herself to remain quiet.

 Of her son...Luo Binghe was apparently busy.

 

She  swore the youth had rode the same carriage as them along with Ah Yi . 

 

Binghe...Continued to be evasive. The most Shaoye got a glimpse of, was two weeks after the guests had gotten settled in , was a long ponytail and the hasty clatter of spoons as he ran off , turned a corner , by the time Shaoye had come after him, Binghe was long gone. 

 

Angry, agitated, but above all, hurt, Shaoye had gotten the bright idea the very next day to pursue Binghe.

 

He always would awaken around 7 in the morning . His old timing , with the last echo of Binghe’s song that always woke him up , echoing in the chill morning air . The door , always swinging shut in the older boy’s wake . 

 

So , today he got up even earlier and waited in his bed , pretending to be asleep. He heard the door creak open . The bed dipped . A gentle , yet mournful voice broke the silence . 

 

“ The sun is coming up . the moon's coming down,

 the day is beginning . The birds and the bees,

 

the flowers and the trees are all waking up, too.

 

It's time you wake up , sleepyhead.

 

It's time you open those eyes -“

 

“Binghe-ge!” 

 

Like a startled deer, and fast as the wind, Binghe flies out of the bedroom. 

 

Now, it is a known fact a pre-teen can run faster than a small child, especially over short distances. But a sleepy and clearly tired preteen is no match for a determined small boy moving at a run.

They reached the steps on the outside of the building.

Shaoye was racing pell-mell down the steps in pursuit of his best friend who he had missed since the day he had awoken in a faraway place and who had been avoiding him throughout .

Certain he was gaining on Binghe, it was only far too late that he realized that he was running fast—too fast, as he came to the bottom of one flight of stairs, and his foot skidded and twisted and he went crashing onto the concrete landing.

His left knee was scraped and skinned, and the palm of one hand he had thrown out to stop himself was a mess of scraped skin and grit. It hurt a little, and it would, he knew, soon hurt much more. Shaoye picked the grit out of his palm and clambered painfully to his feet and, as fast as he could, knowing it was already too late, he heard the sound of footsteps grow softer and softer.

Shaoye looked around the bamboo, but of course Binghe had long gone, he likely did not even know he had fallen.

His hand stung where the skin had been scraped, and there was blood trickling down his ripped trouser leg from his knee.

“Ah Shao?” Mingfan is gaping at him, Gongyi xiao next to his cousin, equally wide eyed. The pair were covered in dirt and each held a basket full of tea leaves. Likely Mingfan had taken time to show off the plantation to the other teenager. “What happened?”

—

“ I don’t think you should go and see him . “ Gongyi Xiao confessed quietly, the three of them were in one of the many pavilions nearby.

 

The scraped knee was cleaned with water from a fresh brook, and then bandaged by the former head disciple who had nearly everything on him at all times. Naturally that included a first aid kit.

 

“ He carried you all the way down from the mountain and even I can see how devoted Binghe is to you.  I am not saying he is right, by behaving this way...But he is likely guilt stricken as well . “

“ But it’s not his fault . I did it so everyone could come back safely. “

 

Mingfan’s pat was a steady calming source . “ Ah know , Ah Shao . But we can not control how people feel . Give ‘I’m time .”

 

Shaoye scrubbed at his eyes and glared at the tears left on his palms . “ It’s dumb . “

 

 “Well .He is dumb dumb after all . “ Mingfan gave a shaky laugh and Shaoye had to smile at that .

 

“ He will come around .” Gongyi xiao encouraged , he then tightened the bandage on the child’s knee “ Time has a way of healing all wounds.”

 

They walked up the stairs, Gongyi xiao went back to his room while the cousin duo retreated to theirs. The mood was sombre despite it being the start of the day,

 

Mingfan held up a tray . On it was a bowl of porridge that rested on a table. Binghe had come by and given them his special batch .Well, who it was for, was clearly stated. ‘SY’ was written in cured ham , decorating the congee.

 

Shaoye looked at it, heart turning warm at the shortform that made it seem to be addressing 'Shen Yuan'. S hen Y uan. S hao Y e.

 

  “ Come on . The dumb dumb made it for you . It’s fresh . At least take a bite , yah? I swear he’ll weep fer real if you refuse to.”

 

True enough , the mere mention of incoming tears by the ‘dumb dumb’ meant compliance . The little master ate half of the bowl while Mingfan finished it for him .

--

 

Mingfan didn’t,like his baba come in and cry upon seeing him or like Shen Qingqiu come in and look at him and start ranting on the various ways he would get back at the Old Palace master . 

 

He didn’t avoid him like Binghe did .

 

He just sat next to Shaoye daily and talked about seemingly random things . 

 

He talked about the leaves outside , the way the Luo River had roared as he had gone out for a boat ride the other day. And when Shaoye wanted to talk , he listened and said ‘ah’ at the right bits or patted him gently whenever he got to the terrible parts.

 

“I don’t feel much like Shaoye ..Or anyone else lately.” Confessed Shaoye, one day as the both of them observed clouds rolling past , on one of the many small picturesque hills. He wonders if he will forever feel empty, hollow inside and -

 

‘Hey. Hey~ It’s okay. I’ll be here. We’ll all be here and ride it out and when you feel like yourself , we will still be here for you, kiddo.” 

 

Mingfan is all hard , wiry muscle but he is reassuring and warm when Shaoye hugs him.

 

“It’ll be alright.” 

 

—

 

It was of no surprise that after being treated by his own father in law that the little master expressed he did not wish to enter Qingjing peak or any other sect .

 

No one had the heart to object .

 

Qingqiu could not retaliate as he wished but he sent two missives that screamed his rage addressed to the Huan Hua palace master and the sect leader of Cang qiong sect .

 

Yue Qingyuan had forbidden him to head off to Huan Hua to confront the old man and the crevice between the pair’s already troubled relationship had only deepened.

 

Infact to the extent that he decided to take matters into his own hands.

 

At a later date, quite out of the blue actually, that Shaoye was called to the Emerald drawing room. It wasn’t even dinner time. Mingfan led him there.

 

The little master was actually quite looking  forward to it. He would be having a talk with his dad and godfather which he hadn’t for a long time!

 

Uh. Why was his cousin looking so worried?

 

“Here. Press it when ya feel at any time uncomfortable during the talk.Binghe or ah will be alerted. N’ will come bring y’ out ”

 

It was one of Gongyi Xiao’s runes being pressed into the palm of his hand.

 

Mingfan opened his mouth as though he wanted to say more then, the oak door opened and he shut it. 

 

The peak lord of Qingjing peak stood , his slender form silhouetted against the warm fire light, clad in  a dark green over shirt and twill trousers, there was an air of ease and laziness from him unlike the elaborate and heavy peak lord attire he wore daily. 

 

He nodded in acknowledgement to Mingfan whom obediently bowed and gestured to his little godson,for the first time making eye contact.

 

The door shut with an almost soundless little clack. 

 

There was a large table in the centre of the fireplace. On it was a miniature perfect replica of the whole country, down to the landscapes , the crevices, ravines, and even boasted a small enchanted river of Luo that mimicked actual water .  

 

//Well that is odd.TT, ain’t that only used for war councils?//

 

[0A0 I dunno, Lao Da.]

 

//Just musing out loud . I didn’t expect you to know. Even after eight years spent here.] 

 

//Laaaao DA! OAO]

 

Dichan Shaoye , eight years old , however responded as any boy his age would have.

 

“THIS. IS. SO. AWESOME!!!!” He trilled and flew forward to inspect the set and the two adults watched him examine the piece and happily begin moving the little figures around.

 

“Baba! This is amazing!” The little kitten had raised his tail and gambolled towards his father who laughed, bending down to pick up his small son, “Why if me angel wishes , I will order a copy fer yeh ter be made back at the citadel, alright?” 

 

The response was an affectionate nuzzle.

 

“War is not a game.” Ever to the point, the peak lord cut in , harshly. The child looked up at his father, confusion in his hazel eyes.

 

“Baba?” 

 

The two adults exchanged an unreadable look before the Citadel master brought his son to the table. “What do you see?” “Our home! The whole country ! “ He beamed fondly at the tiny golden spires of the Golden Citadel, but his smile turned forced when it fell upon a familiar county across the Luo river, it was Hua Hua, a garishly marigold territory.   

 

Qingqiu picked up little golden figurines- Golden Citadel soldiers and began placing them across the river. “We will first cut off all trade routes to Huan Hua. Of course, as discussed by now we should have lured them into a sense of complacency with bugging the clothing given via the route we have given earlier , which in reality are all...Cursed.Then the Golden Citadel soldiers will then come via the forests and rivers , cutting off available food. Then-”

 

“Wait. Wait!”  Shaoye’s eyes were growing wider and wider with each word. “Whuh-Gan Die, Baba! Are you guys, serious? As in you guys actually are prepared to start a war just cuz the ...Old Palace Master cut my hair?”

 

“Do you not want revenge?” Qingqiu asked, giving the boy a confused look, then his eyes darkening when he remembered the cut wrists, the state Shaoye had returned in.

 

 “The Old Palace Master has committed an unforgivable act of absolute insult and disrespect by breaking an engagement in such a fashion. Are you not angry?” 

 

“Yes, but-” 

 

“What do y’ think, my pet? “ 

 

“Baba . Gan Die. Don’t !”  Shaoye is looking at them both with horror in his wide eyes. “Th-the Huan Hua county citizens, even the disciples, they are innocent! It’s not worth making them all suffer because of what the-the Old Palace Master did!” 

 

Qingqiu glared fiercely back, snapping shut his fan “It matters to me. To your Baba. Who cares about some nameless nobodies who chose to serve the wrong master? The point is to make the old bag of bones pay for what he did to you. ”

 

“I care.” 

 

And with that one soft whisper, all the will to continue the crusade went out. 

 

“I don’t want war. Ah Yi n’ Binghe-ge read me stories of what happens , war brings about no happy ending for anyone. I never want this!” Large tears rolled down the young citadel master’s cheeks from wide luminous eyes, he frantically began pressing something in his hand. 

 

At the same time, the doors burst forward and two wide eyed boys practically ran into the room, Shaoye sobbing reached out for one of them- Binghe who without question , eyes glued on his crying little master scooped him up from Dichan Ye’s grasp .

Mingfan bowed to his uncle and shizun. “Apologies to Bobo and Shizun. My youngest cousin is clearly overwhelmed. May we take him to rest?” 

 

Qingqiu nodded, rolling his eyes as already Binghe had left already with his little master. Ye and him shared another look, this time of agreement and the pair followed Mingfan back to the room where he and Shaoyer shared.

 

He entered, Qingqiu hesitated and decided to stay put. He didn’t feel worthy of entering, Shaoye had been through so much, and instead of getting revenge for him, the mere prospect of it had upset his little godson so. When did something so small come to take up such a big part of his heart? He wonders . 

 

Qingqiu looked up as his brother came from the room.

 

“Er. Looks like the idea is a no-go. Lao xiong.” chortled the old Citadel ruler , rather awkwardly.

 

 “What did Shaoye say? I heard you both talking.”  

 

“Shaoye had a wish. The best revenge is a life well-lived.” Dichan Ye shrugs in the manner of ‘What can we do?’ , “He wants to become stronger, go exploring later on, and get elected t’ become Citadel ruler as early as possible...Ah don’t deserve such a sweet lil angel. The best thing m’ angel ever left fer me. He says he wants me to retire early n’ enjoy m’self.” 

 

Qingqiu bites his lips till they bleed . 

 

“Fine . Then we go about it slowly , as planned .” He reminds his sworn brother whose eyes flash , then narrow in glee. 

 

“As yeh were , lao xiong. As yeh were. No war, but we target dat old coot.”

 

—-

 

It was the next week from that confrontation and yet another one rose . This time it was the question of the guest list . Shen Qingqiu was away attending a private peak lord meeting with Yue Qingyuan . And Ye was away having tea with Dichan Lao. 

 

The first guest to arrive was Mingyan who had made the trip as soon as she had overheard Qi Qingqi discussing it with Shang Qinghua , along with her brother who escorted her . 

They obviously had an argument on the way because she refused to look back as he left.

 

Sha Hualing was second to arrive but in secret , invited to further discuss the plans to continue the trade route and promptly been greeted by the hostile and very protective Mingfan who showed that while he was able to be nice to Binghe, was not a demon-fan.   

 

“Demons are evil incarnate! ” He roared, jabbing a finger at the sniggering and hardly afraid demonic future saintess. 

 

“And so are cultivators .” Snapped Gongzhu , shielding the girl . “Look at what he did to the four of us .”

 

Finally Binghe patted the bristling Mingfan who snarled at the equally bristling demoness, they exchanged looks, Mingfan relaxed minutely before looking up, an ugly snarl on his face still . “Ah’ve got my eye on yer, Demon girl! One toe outta line n’ yer skewered n’ barbecued! ” 

 

“For Shaoye.” Binghe’s eyes held no liking for the demoness either as he barely held back Mingfan. 

 

“Yeah?! Well , this Laozi was invited here , so sucks be you two clowns!”

 

“Guys. Guys. Calm down, will ya ? Sha Hualing is a good friend of mine, she is here on a business dealing.” Shaoye soothed, as he stood between the three. “Hualing, this is my cousin and-” “Yer future right hand. '' scoffed the demoness, “Pretty faces don't mean power, SY. Really, a pretty princess like this guy here? “ 

 

Binghe’s face turned dark as thunder, Mingfan this time held him back as the ‘pretty princess’ lunged forward. 

 

Liu Mingyan seeing as it was to be chaos stepped forth . “ That’s enough . We all have been invited here by Shaoye . I do think anyone who has been invited here is of good character -“

 

At the moment Shang Qinghua wearing a large moustache clambered in.

 

Airplane had come over under the disguise of a steward working for the Grandest manor in the crummiest disguise as he was supposed to be at a boring Peak Lord meeting where no one really cared attended and put a golem there.

 

 He had somehow put on of all things , a fake moustache , swaddled himself in garlic that he knew Shen Qingqiu loathed and stuffed a huge coat full of pickled and dried meats so as to make the rest of the staff give him a wide berth literally as he looked thrice his size.

 

To put it nicely, he smelt like a bad joke and looked like one.  

 

Sha Hualing and Shaoye had grinned evilly when they saw the massive shuffling figure coming through. “Shang Shishu!” They squealed loudly enough the rest of the playgroup all looked back, gaping. 

 

“Shang..Shishu?” 

 

“Huh. I thought you said he had chubby hamster cheeks. I don’t see any chubby hamster cheeks.” Xiao Gongzhu commented, tilting her head in consideration. 

 

Mingyan opened her mouth , remembered her manners and firmly closed it. 

 

---

A little later on, Binghe had wandered off a bit bored as Shang QInghua had started a story swap game of  all things and honestly? It still was a bit awkawd between him and Shaoye. What had happened was still raw and new.

Binghe frowned as someone tapped him. It was Sha Hualing. 

Shen Qingqiu , according to Mingfan, hated demons. 

 

And if the man , he who walked in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright meeting in his aspect and those beryl-green eyes; mellowed to tender light which heaven to gaudy day denied, thought demons were an abominable race, then surely the Peak Lord of Qingjing Peak must be right. 

 

But.

 

If his little master truly liked her, he would be civil, he supposed. 

 

“Hey. Gotta beef with that old geezer? So do I. He interrupted Shaoye and I’s business meetings.” She gave him a fierce grin.  

 

Binghe found himself liking Hualing much more at this statement. 

 

“I do. Can you help me?” “Easy. I need ya hate, and lucky me, you got loads of it to link to the old Buzzard. Then from there, I can use it to curse him.” 

 

He tilted his head in question on what he could do to make it happen. “All ya need to do is close your eyes and bump your head against mine. And voila! A link is established and hello, sweet revenge times! So, ya in or not-”

 

His only answer? To close his eyes and bump his head against hers.

 

It seemed like an eternity before Binghe heard Hualing’s voice amusedly comment .

 

He heard it inside his head like if he talked to himself mentally. But it was a sly girl’s voice that sounded in his head rather than a boy’s voice.

 

“Hello there. Wow, there’s a lot of hate there towards da old warthog . Yowzaa. “ 

 

There was the sound of footsteps and he winced as they echoed through his mental space . “Can’t you find the location gentler?”

 

“Ouch. Easy there, cherie. These things take finesse.”

 

“Oh. The finesse of an elephant?” 

 

“I’ll have you know, I’m a pro at this, princess.”

 

There is the sound of scrabbling then the oddest feeling of the heat of hatred being slowly and surely being let out, like as if a dam had been removed and the lava was slowing out.

 

“Ha. Found it! “ Is the last thing Binghe hears before his eyes flash open. 

 

Sha Hualing is panting but not too winded as she gives him a triumphant cackle.

 

“I got it! I got itttttt!”

 

 She even dances a little as though she had won a prize . 

 

Binghe watches her and smiles for the first time in a long time . Hualing reminded him a little of Shaoye , the way they would dance and celebrate if they learned something new .

 

“ What do you have in store for him ?” 

 

“Oh. I dig up his worst nightmares , his greatest fears , basic demons stuff. I stole Gramp’s book on dream terroism for idiots . I’m not an idiot though- Hoi, what’s that smug look for? I’m your laozi and benefactor - And make him pay .”

 

Binghe tilts his head . “That seems awfully more than you would do for a mere business associate.”  He comments. And she huffs and blushes.  

 

“Well. If you tell Shaoye , I’ll kill you!” The little demoness scowls and before Binghe can give an acidic response-  

 

“ Alright . Are you sure you are ready , cucumber bro ?”

 

“ Just do it , Airplane .” The pair jumped at hearing this exchange. 

 

A short distance away, Mingfan ,Gongyi Xiao , Liu Mingyan and Xiao Gongzhu all gathered around as support . Sha Hualing and Binghe hastily rejoined their circle. Shaoye had decided it was time to get back his groove by doing away with the haircut courtesy of the old Palace Master. 

 

And of Shang Qinghua? 

 

Right now , he was holding a pair of scissors . 

 

Shaoye’s fingernails dug into his flesh to stop his trembling. 

 

“ I’d have you know , my day job was a hair stylist and I was good at my job .” The Anding peaklord whispered and at the raised eyebrows , huffed .

 

Shen yuan concentrated on the voice to avoid the quake at the sight and sound of the snipping of the scissor blades .

 

“ Hey. I’ve a question . About my newest novel . “

 

“ A novel ?” Mingyan ventures in interest . “ -It isn’t bad . But it could be vastly improved if you would just have the female characters have character . The love interest in particular. “

 

The girls all tilted their heads and inched closer. Shen Yuan continued , for it was him now , giving consultation. 

 

“So, the female lead has a crush on the popular smart guy. Who interestingly enough shows traits of being a sociopath. WHAT is a major turn off is how much she single mindedly pursues him . You said , first she was supposed to want to be a nurse. Then amazingly , when she sees this complete adonis of a Hannibal lecter, out goes all motivation for this goal! Never addressed again! “ 

 

“She sounds like a right bimbo.” commented aloud Hualing, much to Mingyan’s scandalized gasp, “What? You said that before me!” “You didn't have to voice that aloud!”

 

“ She writes a story about him, FYI, that is creepy , idealizing the f-ishing! Fishing! Bugger! And he somehow grabs it from her then proceeds to read in front of the whole class while she's sobbing uncontrollably. The whole book is this guy manipulating the girl until they get married. It's genuinely upsetting to read sometimes, mostly due to how much of a doormat she is. And then-”

 

“Ew . How braindead do y’have to be to tolerate shit like that ?” Xiao Gongzhu asked, making a face to which the other two girls agreed angrily.

 

“Er...Love makes you do strange things…And see past even falsehoods?” squeaks Shang Qinghua , nervously snipping away. 

 

The withering looks all the girls shot him made his balls want to shrivel up .

 

Gongyi Xiao , Luo Binghe and Mingfan eyed their Shang Shishu  then slowly backed away as though he had the plague .

 

Over the conversation , Shang Qinghua had truly been a hairdresser as he finished trimming away the jagged cut  though judging by the aghast looks of the others except for Hualing whom

Declared it a great look among her kind

 

Shaoye eyed his new look , it wasn’t a bad look , in fact it was reassuringly similar to the look he had when he was Shen Yuan back in his original world .

 

Shang Qinghua returned to his peak after Shaoye and all the girls sat around and critiqued every single hole in his novel till his ears ached from their nagging. 

 

Hualing left with him, happily using the poor beleaguered man as a steed. Silently, everyone said a prayer for the poor overworked man. 

 

Mingyan was picked up by her erstwhile and silent brother after a nice dinner. As the pair ascended into the night sky, the rest of the group went back into Shaoye’s and Mingfan’s room which was large enough to fit the rest of them. When Ye peeked in upon returning, he smiled at the sight of his little angel surrounded by his sleeping cousin and friends , all who had decided to squeeze on the huge bed . Mingfan and Gongyixiao slept on the right side with Xiao gongzhu in their middle. On the left , Binghe and Shaoye squeezed together, his son was drooling over the older boy who snored gently. 

 

He closed the door gently and went to sleep with a light heart. 

 

—/

 

Slowly but surely , Shen Yuan started to regain interest in life again . 

 

It was easier to think of himself for now as Shen Yuan playing the role of Shaoye , and certain as the sun , Lao Gongzhu healed like an old, vicious scar. Shaoye and Shen Yuan became one again , and with it, his zest for life. 

 

He designed Mingfan many beautiful new suits, helped Binghe test his cookery and new recipes, and snuck out to secretly explore the nearby bamboo forest with Gongyi Xiao and Xiao Gongzhu. 

 

Had tea with his godfather , learned and recited poetry , and different herbs and poisons. It was funny to read about the so-called Scum villain and hating him in another life . To now see softer sides, like gold between a cracked but beautiful vase. 

 

Ye and him began to train. Slowly but surely his qi was refined . He never wanted to be as helpless as he had been that day, ever again. 

 

Shang Qinghua and Liu Mingyan set up a mail exchange to which they critiqued his writing and he offered tips on accounting which was invaluable. And of course, at least once a week at night , did Sha Hualing drop by to discuss the formation of a trade route. 

 

Life, Shaoye thought, was so interesting.

And, caught up in the interestingness of the world, did he relish in being human and growing.

 

Winter went by and when Spring emerged , the little master left with an army of staff back to the Golden Citadel. 

 

Gong Yi Xiao had decided he and Xiao Gongzhu would stay for a bit longer at Lao Gaoshan before heading off into the wide world to explore for a bit and deciding what to do with their lives . 

 

Oh so that was the claim . 

 

Well, the darkness in Xiao Gongzhu’s eyes had lightened a bit . But it was clear she had vengeance in mind. Not yet, but one day down the line. Mingfan, hand in hand with Gongyi xiao who was lightly teasing his fellow teenager for bawling over the departure of his ‘baby cousin’ and Xiao Gongzhu waved them goodbye. Shen Qingqiu escorted them till the base of Qinggjing peak before elegantly turning abruptly around and gliding back to his peak. 

 

Binghe watched him fly back,  a fierce blush on his face and squeaked when Shaoye clapped a hand upon his shoulder wanting to play Xiangqi with him . And so they did till they reached the Citadel perimeters.

 

As the view of the familiar golden spires appeared in the distance , and the now nine year old little master stick his head out to taste the salt air courtesy of the Luo River, he thought that as wonderful as it was to see his Fan Ge and stay with him, it was even nicer to finally return home.

 

Binghe too stuck out his head and gave a laugh of joy, his starlike eyes twinkling. Ye in the front passenger seat gave a hooting chortle and Ah Yi began to caution the pair of them of the dangers of doing so.

 

And mused on how fantastic it was as well, to return safe with those he loved.

---

 

Notes:

Our little group has made it to safety . SY and Luo Binghe have a long road ahead of them to recover . Aleck , surprise , surprise does not cease in his attempts to be an absolute bag of moaning pus . Ah Yi contemplates murder ( understandably ) . Xiao Gongzhu and her best buddy Gongyi Xiao go on a journey to level up to BEAT the living shit of her despotic nasty dad . Can the Qin sisters trapped in Huanhua really keep their mouths shut till backup arrives ? And will that old Maggot, Lao Gongzhu really get off Scott free ? Find out in next week’s chapter , Bellas and Belas !

Chapter 9: Firecrackers and Actual Crackers

Summary:

Warning y'all. Major character death and descriptions of a kid being poisoned. Not the happiest of chapters ahead :p

13 years old. Luo binghe will be leaving soon.

 

13 is the age he leaves to join Qingjing peak and he is 14 by the time he completes the arduous journey by foot.

 

Shen Yuan eyes the awaiting death flag and sighs . 

 

The second final task . Pour away the porridge meant for Ah Yi who is on death’s door .

 

[ L-Lao Da?]

 

// It’s not fair . Why does she have to die ?//

[.... Lao Da. I’m sorry but her death is Canon . She was supposed to die actually earlier , if it makes you happier , she dies due to old age and ….Because of her own choices .]

 Shen Yuan felt quite ill . His mood did not lighten at all at the sight of the bowl of stew before him . Aleck might not have direct contact with him anymore , and had in fact been sentenced to working as the lowest rank of servant , a cleaner of the chamber pot - after Tang Ah Yi had tattled him out but the transmigrator knew what would happen after he ate from this bowl . The second he lifted that spoon to his lips . 

At least the only consolation is that the handy purchase he got from TT’s System shop was the iron stomach meaning he would not feel any pain from said poison . He just had to act like he was in pain and any one with half a mind and not biased by Aleck’s machinations could see physically , the little master was weakening . 

Luo Binghe following a huge growth spurt which saw the pair at a stalemate , saw the former shrinking Violet not as terrified of his former tormentor . And the tormentor resorted to merely bitching about Luo Binghe behind his back . 

The growth spurt must have given Binghe a lick of liquid courage , the former meek little sheep was frosty and bordering on rude if he crossed paths with Aleck . Binghe was very vocal that he knew that Aleck disliked his little master and anyone who disliked Shaoye was Luo Binghe’s enemy. 

It seemed that Luo Binghe had become as protective of his little master as of his mama . 

Had Shen Yuan not read about how a blackened Binghe would later treat his so-called friend , Gongyi Xiao later on by stealing his love interest , Xiao Gongzhu , disregarding their former brotherhood and having his former good brother exiled to the borderlands  . He would have genuinely have thrown all of his chips behind Bing-ge* now . The only person he could rely on was himself . 

…. Fine .

Binghe had a way of working his way into this black tiny rotten thing Shen Yuan possessed that some might call a husk of a heart !

 He was weak , alright ?! Weak against how cute Luo Binghe has been pre-blackening , okay ?! And faced against the full blast of the protagonist halo , it took everything to stand against his big brother instincts - Even now he still was swaying back and right from obtaining said halo and using it or - or ….

…….

………..

…………..

You know what ? He’s saving this conundrum for another day ! 

Where was he again ? Ah yes . How much he got Binghe to see Aleck as the real asshole (<-----TRUTH)! 

It  was hilarious to see the metaphorical tail and ears of the small guard dog raise whenever he thought Aleck was around . 99.5% of the time , the protagonist’s killer instincts were nearly never wrong ! 

On one memorable occasion , the faithful friend got tired of the shady servant gazing at his little master from across the garden, through a crack in the opened door  - promptly chasing the other out away for 'Staring too long and making Young Master Shaoye uncomfortable.' 

Even though Aleck was peeping and (likely) gloating through a crack . 

Somehow Binghe had sensed the unkind , all too familiar gaze - had chased the malefactor away. 

You go, Binghe. Everyone should have a ride or die buddy like you who is ready to chase creeps away ! 

Shen Yuan paused. He remembered something that was coming up and a ghost of a smile alighted on his lips. 

//TT. Do you know what I liked about Proud Immortal Demon Way?// 

[What, Lao Da? 0w0]

He forced himself to stumble towards the dressing table, and apply as roughly as he could, thick cakes of the ‘special’ powder from Aleck’s father from that little compact . 

He didn’t have a high opinion of entitled , easily jealous morons who were willing to poison a child . No matter how bratty said child might be , it was to Shen Yuan , the most despicable deed to hurt a defenseless being . Even if said defenseless being was Dichan Shaoye .

And given his constraints , even the reworked model was to  put it nicely , a brat with fragile mommy issues and acting out because of his frail health . 

In short , not a nice kid.  

But. Still a kid .  

He looked up , smiling at his system . 

//Face-slapping. //

[? 0_0]

//You’re gonna learn , very soon,little friend. Hehehehehe///

——

Tang Ah Yi had lived a long life . Life, she reflected ,was a long drawn out affair . To be honest , she had merely survived till she came to the Golden Citadel .

 

She had seen the coming and going of civilisations when she had been foolish and very young . 

 

When her fellow staff ill treated her innocent little son and herself , she reflected that had it been just a century  prior , she would have cursed them all  be haunted by spectres and ghouls with just a Talisman formation . 

 

But she didn’t need to . There was something far scarier than ghouls and demons who saw to protect them . Her little master .

 

Binghe was destined for great things . 

 

And his destined other was a fitting match. 

 

Their fates were intertwined for she had seen a red string tangled and long , but the ends of which linked the pair together . She had shaken her head at her son’s sighing over a portrait of the little master’s mother of all people - Really, Ah He ? A married woman ? - the red string from her son’s end dangled around the portrait but could not be linked to an inanimate object. Ah Yi was not blind. 

 

Once upon a time, eons ago, a foolish and talented girl wanted to find her fated other, using any means possible. One thing led to another, and somehow she had gotten mixed up in demonic cultivation which had eventually tainted her core. Centuries of using it, and finally, how funny it was to discover her fated other was killed off due to her own machinations..

 

The day she discovered her red string lead to a lone grave , the owner at the other end killed off due to a stab through the chest after fighting in a bloody war , the same one she had a hand in machinating was the day Tang Ah Yi swore never to mess with demonic cultivation again, turning her back on it.  

 

What a foolish child she had been! 

 

Powerless as she might be now, but her considerable foray into demonic cultivation had given her the sight to see the red string of fate.

 

Her only wish was that her poor little son would grow to have more sense, sensible he might be towards conduct and work but the mere mention of romance sent him into a lovelorn tizzy. 

 

Ah Yi had told him many times, much to the moans of “ Ma. You don't understand !” that echoed her own moans her own mother had told her.

 

Being in love with the idea of love is dangerous. So different from being in love with someone.

 

Shaoye was a fine and sensible boy and was fast outgrowing his prickly and spoiled exterior, she could not have asked for a better match.

 

Binghe had a long road of trouble ahead of him and she was glad that her son had such a person to look out for him. 

 

She frowned in worry at Binghe’s latest loop, which was around the peak lord of Qingjing peak - Silly boy, he already has a string binding him to another and what is it with you going after older partners who are already claimed for? -   She adds another stitch to the quilt she wanted Ah He to have. 

 

The only dowry was a simple old marriage quilt for spouses, a poor thing, but she hoped Shaoye would understand. 

 

Ah Yi set out the ingredients to make lunch. As she stirred the pot , she could not help notice the scene outside her window  . 

A minor confrontation between a small child and two teenagers who had accidentally crossed paths . 

The small child paused to kick at said sallow faced teenager who had glared at the taller teen- Her Ah He . She heard Binghe and the little master refer to the sallow faced teen as ‘Aleck’ and to be honest that was how he acted as- A smart ‘Aleck’.  

Ah Yi herself was not fond of the boy - Cruel self centred little fool - She regarded him with a suspicious eye for his joy over Shaoye’s suffering at the hands of Lao Gongzhu . 

‘Aleck’ retreated,-gaze flickering from Binghe to Shaoye. Ah Yi felt relieved when they each departed. The way he had watched Shaoye was like a vulture watching a sickly lion cub and waiting to strike when it was weakest.

That one was dangerous . He was charismatic, and that voice in the hands of the wrong person with a grudge was a dangerous combination . 

Ah Yi had heard how the other kitchen staff or guards laugh off his comments about Shaoye who wasn’t well liked due to his temper. And all because Aleck could crack jokes, knew gossip, and was simply put-Amusing. It was saddening how the world loved a show . Even if the message getting across was amoral . 

She watched her son and little master , pondering.

A long time ago, Shaoye had been fed peanut brittle , during Chinese New Year- Just a tiny bit of it -And he threw up for a whole week after.

From then on, no peanuts were allowed in his meals. Ah Yi remembered this well . 

 The temper tantrums the little master used to throw when he was told he could not have peanuts in any form in his meals that Binghe or Mingfan could have. 

 As always, Shaoye came in to eye her cooking (And to eye her son). Despite being nine years old already and knowing that no peanut in any form was to be put in his food, those large almond eyes greedily eyed the peanuts she was chopping to make into sauce for hers and Binghes alongside his meal.

 No words need to be spoken, the little master wants a smidgen , a little bite of the sauce . 

 From her perspective , it was quite simple. 

 Binghe and her know he cannot have this, because peanuts will make him very sick. 

 Shaoye doesn't remember the time when he was barely a year old  and got terribly ill after a small morsel of peanut and won’t understand.

 He pouts and wraps his little arms around her leg like a scarf , mewing and begging .

 Trying to convince her to give him just a tiny bit. When she does not give in, he eventually gives up and lays at her side,  stomping his little feet.Binghe goes to him , pets him, trying to comfort the child. 

  She hopes whatever gods out there are out there have her Ah He’s best interest in mind like she has for him. 

When he wants someone with his entire being, and the gods withhold said person from her stubborn little puppy, she desperately hopes they comment as they receive prayer after prayer from him : "Silly boy. He thinks this is who he wants, but he doesn't understand how being with the wrong one will hurt.”

 Binghe takes over the frying . Ah Yi then comforts the little master by letting him read to her. Her mind is failing her, the sickness due to old age , tainted and brought faster by her past affair with demonic cultivation. 

 Shaoye is like a warm little stove in her arms. His voice is clear like a lark’s song breaking the chill and silence of a winter morning , as he excitedly shows the new plans he has for the Citadel . 

There was to be an opening of a road of all things between the Southern Demon kingdoms and the Golden Citadel and it was starting to gain traction. 

“ It will be called the Silk Road . “ Ah Yi smiles in amazement , fostering better human and demonic relationships starting by trade , only her little master could have conceived of something so elegant and so straight forward. 

The Southern demon kingdom was home to the greater glacier spitting spider demon tribe who ironically thrived in colder environments . They would export their silk to be purchased at a large discount in exchange for a substantial number of silk clothing that would be bought back at a certain rate . At the same time, they too would purchase lotus silk clothing , a beautiful and rare silk that was unique to the golden citadel due to it being a highly guarded secret. And best of all, it was to be exclusive to only the Southern demon kingdom. 

Sha Hualing didn’t mind the high price with the amnesty deal they brokered, it was to set a tone to the other demon kingdoms that her coming reign was to have an edge over theirs by even collaborating with humans . Hers was to be of iron clad peace and prosperity. Her people will be fashionable , live in wealth and eat well. 

As demons loved rotting meat , the Golden citadel would send any dead or dying animals to them and export dying or sickly animals to the demons from other settlements . It was to be essentially set up as a trade hub . 

Sha Hualing had thrown a tantrum, nagged at her incredulous father who bowed to her screeches and she had gotten a tentative go-ahead (( What a joke. Everyone in the Southern demon kingdom knew the little miss had been spoiled by her father from an early age and he was terrified of her fits.)) 

While silk clothing was geared to be the major trade item exported from the Golden Citadel , many other goods and ideas were to be exchanged, sciences, and cuisine. So in addition to economic trade, the Silk Road was to be set to be a route for cultural trade among the civilizations along its network.

The demonic guards sent to escort the best merchants of the demon kingdom and to also ensure the safety of the humans were given strict orders to be on their best behavior or death awaited them. As were the human guards and their merchants who were to strictly collect their dues. Everything would be tallied and reported to both the prospective heirs of the respective kingdoms , likewise, Ye cheerily informed the terrified merchants if there was any wind of funny business, they could expect to face a public execution once they reached home. 

Shaoye continued, unaware of her worries, jubilant and proud of his trade route , the future he had plotted out.

Of course, Binghe-ge would be welcome to return as the next Citadel ruler’s right hand from his studies if he wanted to, the small master finished with a grin. 

That reminded her...

“ Ah He . Make sure it is just studying you are doing , you hear ?”

 Her son sputters , turning red . 

They had been discussing him going to Qingjing peak as it was the peak he was the most interested in .

 Shaoye naturally supported it because his godfather was the peak lord .

But Ah Yi had seen her son mooning over the man ...And distraction in studies, he needed not.  

“ Ma!” He whines . “That’s the … only reason why I’m going to Qingjing peak to study ! ” 

“Yeaaah. Ah Yi ! Binghe-ge is going there to become brave and strong like Sun Wukong and beat up bad guys !” 

 Ah Yi laughs as the little master makes sounds of fake explosions and fighting as he bashes a dragon and a tiny doll together in battle , then she sobers. 

“ Binghe . You are too young for a boyfriend or girlfriend . Make sure you study hard and don’t waste the money Dichan Ye is sponsoring for you .” 

“... I can look though .” Binghe muttered mulishly , too Low for Shaoye but not Low enough for his mother even as the oil sputtered , bubbling and crackling as he added garlic and spices. . 

“ No means no l-“ Suddenly , the world swung around her , becoming a  blur .

The plate she was holding clatters to the floor . 

“Ah Yi?!”

“Ma?!”

---

“Her condition has worsened.”  The doctor confirmed , grimly . 

Dichan Ye had to drag a confused Shaoye away from Ah Yi to let Binghe have some time with his mother . 

When he came out , his eyes were red . The news was grim , her days were numbered , the terminal illness she had seemingly beaten had come back in full force and seemed bent on taking her life this time . 

—-

Time spent in the dark little room gave her time to think .  In between her plotting and planning , and sleep , Binghe and Shaoye were her only constant visitors . 

She only knew of pain associated upon awakening but short-lived joy that meant it bound her still to this mortal coil , that she could see her son and her little master. Darkness brought respite and dread that the sand in her hourglass was nearly all gone. 

Binghe didn’t say much , he clung to her as much as possible and begged her not to leave him . 

Shaoye came in frightened and trembling after what felt like two days after her grim results had been announced . She heard the pattering - As if wolves were at his heels and as he jumped on her bed and snuggled beneath her arms . There was another thump as Binghe joined them, angry but not at the little master. 

Shaoye had been a little rough during play and broke his favourite dragon toy, so he had gone to his Baba’s room to have it fixed . The head of news in the Golden Citadel was there and arguing with his Baba about not publishing the news about nearby Huan Hua Palace’s mysterious disappearance of it’s Little Palace Mistress. 

There was a thud , and both adults looked up to see a small child fleeing , a broken dragon toy left in his wake. The shocked head was shown the door by Binghe who barely stopped the enraged father from taking vengeance with this action.

Throughout the Citadel, word spread that Huan Hua Palace had disgraced their land by first canceling the engagement then torturing the boy who had been invited there as a guest. There was even gossip that he had been killed .

Till nearly half a year later, a grand parade had been orchestrated to welcome the child from what tabloids called a holiday to regain his health.

But everyone knew that Huan Hua had something to do with it. 

Ah Yi stroked the small shivering form and thought. Something had to be done. 

Binghe still jumped whenever an adult patted his head and would even smack hands away , sometimes he would still stare into the distance , a blank look on his face. Her poor, little son. 

He had been through so much, and that animal had further scarred his trust in such a fashion.  

Oh, she wasn’t blind, there was a rightfully vengeful look in her master’s eyes whenever there was talk about the Old Palace Master.

But he was tied by his position . She however was a mere washerwoman now, but Ah Yi once had power at her very fingertips .And she intended to use the remnants of that power ironically for good this final time. 

Soon , it was time for lunch and Shaoye was coaxed to leave the safety of the bed with the promise of a special treat and his now repaired toy by the Citadel Master. 

“Baba’s the best!”

 “Haha! That’s wha' baba is fer ! Fixing stuff! “ 

The Dichans left , laughing. 

Days flickered past like a waning candle.

One day, she awakes to the familiar pump of the bellows outside as the great furnace is lit up and smiles . 

It was time for tea .

 ————-

Ah Yi had long since made up her mind , her time might be running out . But what was that they said? A mother’s work is never done.

Calmly, she takes out a dusty old tome locked away at the back of the room . The room is quiet. 

Binghe had been coaxed earlier to leave her side  today as she asked him for a bowl of porridge.

Ah Yi had fallen asleep again to recuperate her strength for the final curse she would cast as Binghe’s mama. 

She returns to her bed, which was to serve as her final resting place.

As each glowing symbol was drawn in a circle on the book , as the tome glowed red and burst into flame as she completed the last note, the former washerwoman willed her hatred and determination into each mote , calling on dark forces to carry her will. 

 As her dwindling life force was drained to power the curse , Ah Yi thought of the day Binghe had accepted her and called her Mama, his young face had burst into a small as he accepted her hand. The way the light made his large obsidian eyes look like a night sky full of stars . She held that memory , like one would hold onto something priceless. 

--

【Warning! Important second final mission: Pour the congee away, has officially opened! If unable to be completed, the protagonist’s determination level -20,000! 0w0】

 

Shen Yuan has practiced and rehearsed this many times. 

He has had time , and time will only see if this second final act , for it was a play, would end.

Today is also the day that Dichan Ye had organized a treatise signing between various interested parties whom the new Silk Road would be passing by. 

It clashed a bit with the Dichan clan reunion so both the events were held one after the other . Food and drink was to be free flowing to soothe hurt feelings . 

Family before all was the Dichan code . And was taken seriously . 

In light of such an occasion, a special treat had been organized . 

Congee.

 But not just any old congee . Special grains from An Ding peak , the aviary the Dichans had,  found the prized Phoenix within squawking in protest as one of its tail feathers was mercilessly plucked by its bird keeper  for the occasion . From the docks arrived a thousand year old carp of which it’s great age justified its immense size, shipped from Bailu forest lake . 

The whole manor had been in a tizzy as the chefs made the special porridge for the dignitaries and the Dichans first , then used the same fire on the side to help cook the same dish albeit with middling grade rice and far common ingredients for the staff.

There is a ruckus in the kitchen. Shen Yuan walked like a disgraced prince going to meet the chopping block, dignified and calm. He had been literally born for this, he could do this , he was ready. He had to be ready for this. 

//It ‘s time , TT.//

[ Good luck, Lao Da!~ 0w0]  

--

 

 

The head chef sneered , “Young Master Dichan , this little bastard stole prized porridge meant only for your clan reunion.” Luo Binghe doesn’t need to raise his head to behold those cruel flashing eyes of common mud , or that vicious smirk that always adorned Dichan Shaoye’s face. He was surrounded on all sides by the gang who accompanied the pampered boy everywhere,  

  Despite knowing his words would not reach , the young teenager protested. “I didn’t! The chef promised and gave it to me- Ah!” 

  Before he could even finish, he received a kick right to his face by a gold lined little heel. Smacking Binghe around wasn't just about the little Citadel Master losing his temper, it was a stress relief to him. Some folks played squash, he played smash.To the selfish, sociopathic child , what was the difference?

  Searing shots of pain ran up the teenager's body, screams escaping his pale lips as the devastating sounds bounced off the kitchen walls as he was punched and kicked by the group of children - Shaoye’s ‘posse’ 

The little master in question didn't seem at all bothered by the screams that came from his victim. If anything, he seemed amused by the teenager’s pain. His cruel eyes stared down at the twitching body before him as if the child was inspecting a freshly plucked turkey, all ready to go into the oven. The flames that licked up the sides of the fireplace reflected off the beads of sweat that had settled on the teen's forehead.

“P-please, it’s for my Mama- S-she’s sick...N-no, no,..Noooooooo-! “ Binghe wept as the head chef’s son wrested away the bowl of congee he had been protecting and gave it to their master. With a sick grin, the spiteful nine year old poured away the congee, right in front of the beaten teenager.

Luo Binghe’s agony was the little master’s entertainment.           < < Proud Immortal Demon Way> >, Vol 1, Chapter 13, pg 118. 

 

“What’s going on?” A shrill little voice interrupts the cacophony , the fight that was taking place in the kitchen. Binghe wide eyed froze , kneeling down over something, to protect it from the beating he was receiving from the staff and the head chef. 

Seeing the characteristic flare of nostrils, the way the young master rushed to his favourite playmate, the head chef smoothly accused , having foreseen this. “ Young Master Dichan , this little bast- I mean, your playmate stole prized porridge meant only for your clan reunion AND for the dignitaries!”

Aleck, the son of the head chef , chose to chime in. “- Surely you who want to become the next Citadel master must be fair in passing justice! Especially for theft!” 

Binghe looks up when this is met with uncharacteristic silence from the loud , protective kitten. 

“Hand it here.” His heart jolts to a halt at the coldness , the blank tone in that voice he knew so well. 

The congee that his mama wanted ! No! 

He resumes his struggles but somehow , Aleck grabs it and triumphantly hands it to the head Chef who presents it to the little master .

Shaoye gives it a disgusted sniff, then without a pause , pours away the congee.

Binghe looks down and up, shock and betrayal on his face. “S-shaoye?-”

The small master looks up , his eyes shadowed coming to the light.

“You're my best friend! Ah Yi is also my mama! “ Shaoye glares at him as though he had insulted his ancestors and his clothes to boot , “Binghe-ge! You can't feed Ah Yi that nasty slop! I’ll ask the chef to whip up something actually edible and tastes good !” 

The teenager is shocked at this sudden turn of events as was everyone else around them.

They all gape dumbly as the child continued , turning to the head chef , voice high and indignant. “ Hey, pal! Where’s the good stuff for a poor sick old lady ?!”

“Uh-uh-uh- Young master! There’s no more porridge , there’s only a set amount for the esteemed Dichan clan and the dignitaries ! And I’ll be cooking other snacks and a-appetisers for the dignitaries!” The man squeaked and shot Binghe with a hidden look of satisfaction. There was a chorus of agreement from the other staff . 

“Humph. You’re useless!” The little master thumps his foot in consideration for a beat against the concrete floor then stamps that same foot on the chef’s foot. “Well, where’s MY bowl, then?” He snarls in an ill temper over the man’s howl of pain. 

The ass-kisser doesn’t waste a beat and presents him with a bowl of the priceless porridge which is snatched without a word of thanks .

“There!” The child chirps and presents Binghe his bowl. “C’mon, ya slowpoke! Take it to Ah Yi!”

“Y-young master. It’s your bowl ~” The thin adult begged, wringing his hands as he looked from boy to teenager . 

 Binghe hesitated , and looked up into the large caring eyes of his little master and felt shame fill his heart for even doubting his best friend for a second. 

Shaoye huffs;” Bowl schmowl , besides , this way, I am giving it to him so he so-called doesn’t have to...” He declares and presents the bowl of Phoenix tail congee with thousand year carp meat to Binghe , then pauses “...Wait, I know Binghe, he won’t steal, not even if it is SHIT . .” He turns around scowling. “ Out with it, or do I need t’ yell at y’ lot to get some true answers?”  

“L-look, please don’t give it. Your father, his greatness will have my head if you tell him what you did . The bowl I gave the little br- Luo Binghe was from the servant’s pot, I will- .” 

The head chef’s eyes widen in shock as he realizes he revealed the truth in his panic.

Shaoye narrows his eyes in cold satisfaction as if this merely confirmed his suspicions. 

Aleck , said head-chef’s son, glared at him, white-faced.  Shaoye knew that boy likely never let him off for the grievance of his father’s loss of salary for their own heartless actions towards Luo Binghe when he along with two other boys attempted to drown him a while back in the pot. 

However , of the original trio who had attempted the despicable deed , Smart-mouth, Aleck and Braids, they had broken up. Aleck was the only one who refused to change . As did the Lout gang leader who tormented Binghe before the protagonist was adopted by Ah Yi , of course , that one was more of a case of being too stupid and perverted to live, 

This however fixed a plot hole on why the Lout Gang leader who tormented Luo Binghe appeared again as a beggar to be employed by Dichan Shaoye just after Ah Yi’s death, and well….

These two? They were long due for a lesson.

Plus, he was well aware of what Aleck had convinced his father, and quite a few others to do to him, Dichan Shaoye. 

Oh ho ho . Shen Yuan thought , amused. 

Not knowing of the very un-innocent thoughts of his little master, Binghe quickly realized that he had been so frantic he hadn’t smelled the congee. The staff’s congee was greasier in smell while the one Shaoye was holding, the genuine article smelled fragrant. 

He had been bamboozled and the little master had cleared his name and gotten him what he needed again. Time after time, Shaoye had saved him and once more, he had done so.  

“Y’ shut up ! Y’ think I’m blind n’ deaf AN’ Anosmic*?!” Bellowed the young master , as Binghe took the bowl carefully . “ I’ve no need for pot-litics that have y’lot bein’ mean to Ge! .”

Smart mouth who had come to the kitchen for a serving of his soup,  raised his hand despite everyone else mouthing at him not to. “Uh...Young master Dichan, don’t you mean , ‘Politics?

Oh no. Binghe thought as Shaoye turned puce and started vibrating in rage. He looked like a tomato bobbing up and down in the soup, vibrating as it got hotter and hotter. 

“AND I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF Y’LOT BEIN’ TWITS! “ 

By the time Binghe looks up, his ears ringing, all of the staff had been blown off their feet , several pots had shattered , and the paper windows had all met a terrible fate at this gross misuse of the Lion’s roar. The huge pot for the dignitaries had been spared, but the porridge meant for the kitchen staff was everywhere. Infact the messy goop was plastered all over them. The hapless but innocent Smart mouth who had been spared , ran off with an ‘eep.”

Scarcely sparing them a second glance , Shaoye began running to the other doorway . He inwardly smirked as he spotted Aleck raise his head up and watch him , a hazy look of rage and consideration on his face.

That’s it, asshole. He thought , viciously. I’ll give you a reason to HATE ME.

IT’S MORE FUCKING LOGICAL TO HATE ME THEN BINGHE AT THIS STAGE. 

Poor innocent Binghe , unaware of this, did not know whether to cry in gratitude or amusement as the tiny lion tugged him towards the door .

“Come on! Let’s go and see Ah Yi! You have been really weird lately about not seeing her ! ”

Far too fast for Binghe, hampered by the congee, the little master ran off to see her . 

Binghe really did not want Shaoye to see her in this state . “Young master! Wait !

He called , walking fast , though Binghe knows he is already too late as he hears the food open. 

“Ah Yi? Ah Yi!” 

Judging by Shaoye’s panicked shriek , it couldn’t be anything good. Binghe sped up , and when he saw what his little master had seen . He too screamed in fright . 

 His Mama was in bed , gasping for breath , as though each she took was her last.

The thirteen year old rushed to her.

“Please, get up!” He begged. 

“My little river, do you remember the way to Qingjing peak?” Her eyes were nearly closed . 

Binghe nods his head frantically. “Ah He knows! Mama taught Ah He well! But Mama must get up! Please! So the doctor can treat her and she can live a long life and watch Ah He enter and become someone!”

“ l'll be with you, always . Even if you can't see me. “

“What do you mean if l can't see you? l can always see you.”

“Mama? "

"Mama !”  

--

 

 

Notes:

What will our dear SY choose ? Luo Binghe or the Plot armour Halo ? . What diabolical scheme has Aleck in store for our seemingly stupid SY? Will Xiao Gongzhu and Luo Binghe ever be on amiable terms let alone romantic terms ? Find out in next week’s chapter !!!! Ciao , bellas and belas!

Chapter 10: Les I’m miserable

Summary:

In which Shen Yuan discovers the tiny shrunken thing in his chest might actually still beat, especially when it comes to Luo Binghe’s welfare . Binghe counts to a hundred under his breath and tries not to murder Aleck . Shen Qingqiu gives Dichan Ye the eye pokes of DOOM for being a moron . Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao meanwhile are on the way back after a family reunion .

Notes:

Happy Halloween 2021, y'all! Stay safe and I hope this is a sweet treat...Or is it really a trick? Ohuhuhuhu <3333 Thank you for your support! I truly appreciate it!

“Binghe-ge ? Why isn’t Ah Yi movin’ ?” The small child fidgeted as the older boy bowed over the prone body of his mother . 

[0A0 Lao Da. Errrrr. She’s dead .]     

// I know that , dumbass. But Dichan Shaoye has never seen death before . He’s a spoiled 9 year old and doesn’t know piddly squat. // The child tilted his head , then suddenly jumped as though an epiphany had struck him. 

 “Is she broken? My Baba is really good at fixing things! He can fix her in no time, I bet!” Binghe looks up in horror as Shaoye desperately runs to the door.

“Hang on ! I will ask Gan Die to help too ! He’s a cultivator !” He scampers away from the dark room . Binghe knew Shen Qingqiu had arrived to also partake in the congee and catch up with his sworn brother . 

Part of him knew it was highly unlikely but desperate hope rose into him . 

 “See you soon ,mama?” He sniffles to his mother and runs after his young master . 

As he reaches the room the little master was in , an easy task , the child’s loud panicked voice echoes through the house . 

“Gan Die! Gan Die! Teach me cultivation to fix Ah Yi! She’s not moving! ” 

There was a stunned silence from within the room as Binghe watched his young master innocently look from cultivator to cultivator . The way their surprise turns to sympathy and sadness . He knows the answer already . Shaoye doesn’t but he dreaded the reaction . 

“ Baba! You always know how to fix my toys , you can help too, right ?” The child turned to his father , eyes large and imploring .

 

 “Shaoye. “ There’s something gentle about the way Shen Qingqiu grasps the little hand . “ What you are suggesting is demonic cultivation and even then what you bring back won’t be Ah Yi  .”

Binghe gave a loud sob upon hearing this confirmation and turned on his heel , running straight back to his mama’s body. Heart breaking all over again . 

“Then what’s the point of cultivation?!” He heard his young master scream , before the sound of crying followed Binghe in his wake . 

And he can’t help but agree . 

—

Before Ye can reply , Shen Qingqiu smiles bitterly . “ You know what ? You are right . All cultivators start off with the intent of being able to tap into the intrinsic Qi hidden inside themself and being able to use it for their own purposes . And like it or not, the choice to use it is selfish .”

“Cultivation is to learn how to use that skill . Rightful cultivation is to learn to use that skill , by right ...For good . Demonic cultivation ironically can be used to supposedly resurrect the dead . “

[ Shen Qingqiu: Backstory unlocked 2/10!  You have gained insight and added dimension to a 2 bit villain ! 0w0]

 “So you can fix her-?”

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes turn pained . 

“Demonic cultivation as I have mentioned can put something inside the body of the person , that something can mimic the actions of the formerly living person but never is the same soul .”

Large tears start to bubble from the child’s eyes and strangled sobs start to erupt . “ So-So, she’s gone forever ?”

Emotions were a messy business , Shen Qingqiu reflected . Small crying children he could smack for this weakness .  

 But for some reason he hesitated smacking his godson . Wasn’t this woman something of a mother figure ?  

No, she was a mother to him . 

This Ah Yi was ten times the mother Dichan Ye’s so-called Angel has been to Shaoye and that deserved some respect . He opened his mouth , only for Ye to bumble in . 

“ Living things are different from toys . Ah Yi and you have life. Ah Yi’s life...Has ended and can’t come back .” The sworn portly man boomed, far too caught up even as his brother wrung his hands and his son’s just dried eyes started brimming with tears again.  “Life will eventually come to an end . A return to dust whence we came .”

Shen Qingqiu hissed and gave his brother a dirty look as the little master ran off bawling as a response to this cheerful pep talk. 

 “What did I do ?-Ow!”

“You did what a pea brained Moron would have done ,you great dolt! ” “But - Ow! - I was just pointing out - my eyes ! - the facts !” 

“Oh , I will give you the facts!“ 

—-

As the mortician came and took Ah Yi’s body away, Binghe was sent to speak to the priest regarding the last rites . Of Shaoye , there was no sight to be seen . 

“There you are .” Shen Qingqiu found his small godson wedged in a miserable lump under an azalea tree . Infact , if he remembered correctly , Ye told him Ah Yi had found a 2 year old lost Shaoye under it after he had wandered out . 

Ye had turned the whole manor inside out in his panic in search of his precious baby  . History repeated itself.

“You have worried your poor father sick . What do you have to say for your running around like this ?” 

The child glares at his feet and swipes his eyes . “It's not fair. She should have eaten better n’ told us she needed medicine earlier on . Now Binghe-ge is all alone and my heart hurts bad n’...n’’... It's all her fault. “

Shen Qingqiu didn’t know what to say to that , his own mother had sold him to be an Organ Flower when he was just five and luckily he had run off just a year later before the harvest started. The need for a mother was foreign to him. 

The angry little kitten’s growls turn to soft , sad mews. “Why didn’t I notice stuff earlier?” 

“Now you listen here, Dichan Shaoye.” A paper fan raises the child's chin.  Almond meets stern emerald for his godfather had squatted down. 

A lesser man would have looked classless doing this , but Shen Qingqiu looked like one of Michelangelo’s statues given life as he squatted down. “ It's not your fault. lt's not anyone's fault.”

A soft wind starts to blow , as the bamboo leaves flutter in the breeze, the sound they make sounds like gentle weeping. 

 “The spirit becomes a memory living in the minds of people . Everything changes , the same with human life .” 

 “What'll l do? l already miss her so much.” 

“You'll always miss her, “ His godfather admits , gently taking one of his soft little hands, “But she'll always be with you if you remember what she taught you. “ He presses it against his own beating heart then over Shaoye’s “You'll never really be apart, for you're still a part of each other. In here.”  

A warm little bundle rushes into his embrace. Shaoye doesn’t weep but his tears are hot and wet against Qingqiu’s robes. It takes time but slowly , as though it had been centuries since he had done so, Qingqiu returned the hug. 

What was this? 

He hisses in concern.

Shaoye smelled odd , sickly-sweet and flowery. 

He felt like a dying baby-bird in his hands, boney and now that he had the chance to look properly…. His godson was pale. 

Very pale. 

His Qi reservoir cycling healthily beneath his veins- Meant this wasn’t a Qi-deviation but something sinister . 

“ Aw.” Startled, the Peak lord looked up to see his sworn brother clasping his hands against one of his cheeks in saccharine mimicry, a huge beam on his face. “-Looks like someone caught feelings~” “If you tell anyone else about this. I swear, Ye, I will end you in such a fashion, your descendants will feel it in their nether regions.” Hissed the elegant man , handing the small child to his smirking father. 

“Baba. Can I pay for Ah Yi’s funeral ? I want her spirit to reach heaven and have a nice afterlife there .” Shaoye asked, sniffling. 

“Me sweet little angel. O' course yeh may . “

“ Can Binghe-ge sleep in my room ? “ His bottom lip trembled. 

“ O' course , but maybe yeh should ask 'im firs' .”

 Ye oofed in concern when Lao Xiong passed his son to him, the boy was already asleep, tuckered out by the crying and his as of late weakened condition. “Yow. It’s awfully cold tonight, my poor lil angel is cold as death. “ 

Maybe it was the recent death at the Manor, or maybe the uneasiness over how poorly Shaoye seemed but Shen Qingqiu was not amused by this comparison.  “Not funny, half-wit. What has Luo Binghe been doing that my godson looks like he lost even more weight than merely a month before ? What the hell have you been paying your staff to do? “ He growled , fanning the air around them to clear the odd flowery stench. 

“By and by? That new powder Shaoye has gotten into a tizzy over? It reeks. I’ll send over some good , high quality ones next month made from the essence of thousand year scallops.” 

Ye teased him, hardly phased, promised to increase the quality of the food for Shaoye and quantity , until even said dark mood lifted and Shen Qingqiu was restored back to relatively good humor.

But the Peak Lord couldn’t help but worry even as he watched the pair head back to their rooms and he to his rooms that night. He had to rush back soon to the Cang Qiong Mountain sect , back to his sect master and back to his classes  . 

Yue Qingyuan didn’t mind him spending time with his sworn brother and godson, but never did anything to correct the poisonous hisses or barks of Qi Qingqi or Liu Qingge of his mingling with a ‘dirty' outlier sect. 

Shen Qingqiu cannot for the life of him , ponder why he continued to give such care to what others think of him . Why should he care for the thoughts of people who would never like him no matter how much he bent over backwards for them ? And yet despite how much Shen Qingqiu acted like he did not care , deep down , Shen Jiu who wished desperately for a chance to earn favour from the people he wished to call family . 

Shen Jiu was always a stupid hopeful brat for al his cynicism. 

He still is . 

Still . This might actually work out in his favor , he had questions to ask from his good Shidi . 

Shaoye , he knew , was subject to weekly checks by a private family doctor , one of Mu Qingfang’s former disciples . 

 Ye was saddened and equally frustrated by this but the food tested by the chef was proven normal. And the powder of the place his poison experts  had checked that his head chef had procured said powder from proved that the powder ingredients were made with harmless rice powder . 

Ye in turn had always made sure there was a testing period for each facial product his sweet Angel wanted . The women and men who had been paid to act as guinea pigs all did not exhibit such symptoms . 

The family doctor thus concluded it was definitely his nephew’s own frail and unstable body acting up again. Poor little chap . 

Binghe and Ah Yi had of course reported on Aleck and his father being suspicious. But aside from the smirking , the unpleasant gossiping (Aleck) and having spies watching and tasting the food the head chef produced, the pair kept their heads down . Ah Yi and Binghe had been targeted by the other two and naturally there would be no good feelings between these clashing pairs .

Shen Qingqiu knew he was probably being paranoid, but the powder smelled familiar , and out of curiosity he bought a sample of the powder from one of the branches , far from the Citadel and managed to grasp a pinch of powder from Shaoye’s container which he sifted into an untainted glass bottle , to take back to Qiancao peak . 

Mu Qingfang might be a healer , but that meant he also knew a lot about poisons and the effects of poisons on adults, children . 

Regrettably , the Qingjing peak lord had turned his back on Wu Yanzi’s teachings on the myriad ways of poisoning so his memory is ...Lacking when it comes to that old subject. He doesn’t like to admit that it digs like daggers to remember anything from that dark period in his life. Of what he had done to survive.

But surely, not. After all, Ye was both beloved and feared through the Citadel and his protectiveness and love for his son was legendary….

Right?

---

Binghe, as it turned out while sobbing , and utterly miserable, did not want to be alone in his misery . 

He stuck to Shaoye like a limpet , silent and grieving throughout . 

The funeral was a fine affair , the Dichan reunion was called off as it was considered inauspicious . The dignitaries likewise had no intent to hang around -A quick meeting and ceremony proceeded before the sympathetic men returned quickly homeward bound.

Shen Qingqiu likewise left with them , his austere form shimmering like a celestial returning to the heavens in the evening sun. 

As per funeral rites, all statues of deities in the house are covered up with red paper so as not to be exposed to the body or coffin and all mirrors are removed for it is believed that one who sees the reflection of a coffin in a mirror will shortly have a death in their family. A white cloth is hung over the doorway to the manor house and a gong is placed to the left of the entrance to the right as the deceased was female.

Before being placed in the coffin, the corpse is cleaned with a damp towel dusted with talcum powder, and dressed in her best clothes .

Binghe hadn’t the heart to watch and after picking up the first article and breaking down into tears . Shaoye did it for him , anger on his face as he flung each article into the bonfire . Anger not at him but at Ah Yi , why did she have to leave them ? Why did she have to die ?! Why did the gods have to take a good soul while evil people were allowed to live on ?

 When all the other articles of clothing were reduced to dust . 

Ah Yi’s body is placed on a fine mat. The body is completely dressed, including the footwear, and cosmetics, the mortician and the handling of the funeral had all been sponsored by Dichan Ye . 

White, black, brown or blue were to be usual colors. Binghe had started when he saw his mama’s last will but as it was her last wish...He wondered who could have angered her but it was her will and he dutifully allowed her to be clad in a fine red silk dress that had been selected . Shaoye didn’t understand the significance but Ye did and raised an eyebrow too . 

// -Darling Ah He, to clad me in red is my last wish. An unusual one, but please be assured that I am prepared to pay for it and I will never wish ill on you or the Dichans. I will watch over you. //

He sobs at this. “I wanted you to go to heaven, Mama.” But Mama can’t reply to him even if she is watching at this moment . 

 // -I don't believe the whole world has gone mad , and while it may seem so to you now and perhaps in the future . Please never forget that someone somewhere will help you. And you have to live on and keep walking! That is the only chance you have of survival. If you survive, so do I through you.  Love, your Mama. //

“Binghe-ge. “ Shaoye might be only nine, but he is determined and has come a long way since he was a fragile, pampered little master a year back, he tugs Binghe to a nearby table.

“You haven’t even had lunch yet. I command ya to eat!” 

It is high quality congee sent over by the head Chef. Binghe slowly and woodenly eats a little and forces down half a bowl which Shaoye dutifully finishes for him . Ah Yi used to chide him for being wasteful and it seems at last her teachings had stuck to him . 

Shaoye reattached the sackcloth atop Binghe’s clothes and fussed about his clothing before allowing the older boy to dumbly lead him to where the wake would be held .

Binghe frowned in concern as Shaoye coughed. It was a weak cough but seemed to rattle the small boy. “Young Master, are you fine?” He fretted.  “Pft. I’m the Laozi. And the Laozi is always fine! Worry about yourself ,first! ” 

In the darkness of the evening, clad in heavy silks of dark blue. Shaoye looked paler than pale, and frail as though he might blow away in the cold wind. 

He hadn’t been eating well these days , while Binghe did worry, he had been too caught up in the funeral rites to be on the ball as usual. The child’s old ailment had returned as soon as they had returned from the bracing airs of Lao Gaoyuan. 

Shaoye had always been frail, since he was born , though for a time, it seemed he was normal-ish , it seemed these days whatever ailed him as a babe had made a comeback. He coughed more , and had to be carried more often due to nausea, vomiting, severe migraines which contributed to fatigue.  It was as though - No, Binghe clamped down on that train of thought. 

He had already lost his rock, if he lost his lone guiding star….

*Clang* The prayer gong tolled. 

 The Wake had begun, the coffin was placed on its own stand in the courtyard , as it was a huge affair . The coffin is placed with the head of the deceased facing out, resting at about one foot from the ground on two stools; wreaths, gifts and a portrait of the deceased are placed at the head of the coffin. 

The coffin is not sealed during the wake. Food is placed in front of the coffin as an offering to the deceased. The deceased's comb is broken into two -- one part is placed in the coffin and the other is kept by Binghe.

It is customary for blood relatives to wail and cry during mourning as a sign of respect and loyalty to the deceased, there was no daughter or son in law yet, but Binghe wailed and bawled enough to make up for it alongside his little master. 

He was clad in black , and the first time Shaoye had seen him , he had jumped . Binghe was far too dejected to notice this. 

At the wake, Binghe, being the only son, sits at the left shoulder of his parent . An altar where burning incense and a lit white candle are placed is positioned at the foot of the coffin. Joss paper and prayer money (to provide the deceased with sufficient income in the afterlife) are burned continuously throughout the wake. 

During the wake there is usually a group of people gambling in the front courtyard of the deceased's house because the corpse must be "guarded," and gambling helps the guards stay awake during their vigil. This custom also helps to lessen the grief of the participants.

While the coffin is in the compound , a famous monk chanted verses from Buddhist scriptures at night. It is believed that the souls of the dead face many obstacles and even torment and torture for the sins they have committed in life before they enter the afterlife: Prayers, chanting and rituals offered by the monks help ease the passage of the deceased's soul into heaven. These prayers are accompanied by music played on the gong, flute and trumpet.

Dressed for deep mourning in  black robes  and a sackcloth hat that framed his stricken white face, tears wanted to come, but they only hovered at the rims of his eyes. Well-bred children were seen and not heard, even when their worlds were falling apart.

His little master squatted next to him on the mat and butted him gently . 

“You’re not going away ?” Binghe can scarcely recognize the hoarse , a heart-wrenching whisper coming from his dried lips. 

“ You need sleep .”  Shaoye returns , sternly , lifting a cup of cool spring water to the other’s parched lips. “And where would I go ? This is Lao Zi’s place and here’s where I will stay . But no . I’m not going away . Not now . Not ever . It’s you and me forever , Ge. “ 

Tears sparkled in those obsidian eyes as Binghe forces himself to finish the cup before he starts to sob. 

“ Shaoye . I’m lost . So very , very lost without my mama . And I’m not sure when I’ll find myself ever again . “ Shaoye wrapped an arm around his shaking shoulders and pulled Binghe close, gently rubbing the older boy’s  back. Despite the heaviness in the thirteen year old’s heart , it fluttered at the feeling of the small body pressed against his. 

“It’s you and me forever , what , you think I’m an oath-breaker ? I’ll always be here . I’ll always catch you when you fall.  “ 

Binghe’s tears soaked through the thick silk but Shaoye held him tight like an oath. 

“‘I’ll worry enough for the both of us so you won’t have to anymore . You’re not lost because I’ve found you .” 

He sunk into the warmth of the little master’s  side, appreciative of the simple gesture -The pair quietly watched the monks chant , watching the way the candlelight cast soft shadows across the ground. The evening might be cold, Ah Yi’s body cold in it’s coffin but at least they had each other to hold in their shared grief.

—-

There is a special custom that all Citadel folk have. From the lowliest peasant to the highest noble, everyone tries to have a special room for letters. 

Naturally , Dichans Ye and Shaoye had a letter room. As of right now, a growing stack of letters delivered by spirit falcons are added to the dusty table. The latest one added to the pile is from the one constant who is growing significantly more frantic said letters are not being answered. 

The latest one from said person thus reads-

 

 

 

 

 

To: Dichan Shaoye

Golden citadel , inner castle town

The largest manor on the hill

The third story room on the right end

Hey Binghe’s #1 fanboy ,

It’s been a bit since I heard from you boasting about the exploits of said ‘awesome and fabulous Binghe-ge’. And I usually hear from you every other day. 

So yeah . I’m coming back to your Golden Citadel to thump you for worrying me . I don’t care if Binghe is reading this , also if he is reading this , I don’t care what Shaoye says about ‘ If anyone does not believe in the God of beauty , they should gaze at my Binghe-ge.” Or how much you grow to rival Pan An* in good looks daily . <—— This again according to Shaoye . Your good looks don’t make up for a good nature , buddy! 

Now where was I? Oh yeah. If you got my three other letters, I kinda managed to find myself at a family reunion. Gongyi Xiao and I stumbled on the NuYuan Clan which is my mama’s clan near the borders to the Mortal settlements. Er, I also kinda might be the heir of the current clan seeing as my Mama is no more and my Granny is kinda beating herself over marrying her to Lao Gongzhu. Yeah, it’s kinda a long story .

Oh yeah. There’s another reason, no matter how big Binghe’s pecs are gonna grow, SY , me n’ him are a NO GO - his fantastic personality aside- Apparently Binghe and I are kiiinda sworn cousins ? My Mama and his were sworn sisters. I did say it is a long story.

I have so much to tell you.

Anyhow. 

Try n’ not kill yourself till I come back t’ see you, mmkay? 

You have friends , okay? We do a thing called caring. So don’t let me come back n’ find out you somehow managed to starve yourself to death over designing a new outfit for Sha Hualing AGAIN like the last round but for REALZ hypodedically this times round .

 I will KEEL Binghe for not looking after you better, resurrect you from the dead then KEEL YOU for making me sad. MMKAY? 

...You have been WARNED.

Yours worriedly ,

Xiao Gongzhu

Heir of the Nu Yuan Clan and future ruler of Huan Hua Palace

Had Shaoye actually read this letter, he would have awwed over the former little Palace Mistress turning a soft touch . Or sweated over the two honing missiles called ‘Frantic female bestie’ and ‘Frantic mother-hen #2’ heading their way. But as it is, he just tossed around on the bed wondering why he had been sneezing so much as of late* 

----

-Huan Hua County .

That night as well, the old Palace master walked through the hallways . As he took his supper, he felt a slightest bit uneasy, wasn't the meat a little tough and gamey? Then he looked down and went pale. There, gazing back at him was a horrible and very familiar eyeball.

He knew it well,

For it’s owner, he had pushed her down the acid pools and laughed as she screamed and screamed, those terrible violet eyes never leaving his face even as they went down and sank in, dissolving .

Thud. Thud.Thud. Thud. Thud. Went his heart. 

He blinked .

And that eyeball was gone. 

He forces down the meal in defiance, only to feel the meat upon entering his throat to split and wiggle, squirm and move as it goes down his throat.

Repulsed, he throws out and screams as millions of squirming maggots , squirming and sliding over each other spill onto the floor .

 Lao Gongzhu spits out mouthful after mouthful in horror and revulsion and throws the plate to the ground. 

But as the crockery shattered on the ground , he saw that it is just meat after all.

Breathing fast he swirls around and decides to spend time perfecting the arrays . He wasn’t very hungry...He had been working too hard lately, mayhap it was his body telling him to rest...

---

A week had passed. It was time for the burial. 

When the prayer ceremonies are over, the wailing of the mourners reaches a crescendo and the coffin is nailed shut (this process represents the separation of the dead from the living). Then yellow and white "holy" paper is pasted on the coffin to protect the body from malignant spirits. 

During the sealing of the coffin all present must turn away since watching a coffin being sealed is considered very unlucky. Binghe wanted to look, but seeing his little master, forced him to look back. Weeping,  ( Shaoye bawled loudly , allowed to die to histender age . Binghe silently stumbled along , crying in contrast.  ) They clung to each other as the coffin was then carried away from the house using a piece of wood tied over the coffin, with the head of the deceased facing forward.

The coffin is not carried directly to the cemetery but is first placed on the side of the road outside the house where more prayers are offered and paper is scattered. The coffin is then placed into a hearse that moves very slowly for one mile , with Binghe and the Dichans following behind with their heads touching the hearse. 

If there are many relatives, a white piece of cloth is used to link the hearse to family members behind. The order of the funeral procession follows the status of the family members. A white piece of cloth is tied to vehicles accompanying the hearse, or a white piece of paper can be pasted on their windshields. Binghe sits next to the coffin. He wishes Shaoye could have been allowed to be next to him. 

He looks behind, Shaoye and his Baba sit next to each other on a coach carrying the invited guests, the paid mourners . 

A long, lit joss stick is held throughout the journey, symbolizing the soul of the deceased; it is relit immediately if it goes out. 

Beautiful paper palaces, of maids and manservangs are carried during the procession to symbolize the wealth of the deceased's family.

Ah Yi had agreed to be interred with the rest of the Dichan clan before handing in her will as she had discussed it due to her poor health and terminal illness to a sympathetic Dichan Ye .

 It was an honour and rather unorthodox but Ye had overruled the clan and his Advisors all , making it clear the old woman had been a mother to his beloved son and thus would be buried with the family. 

Chinese cemeteries are generally located on hillsides since this is thought to improve Fengshui (geomantic omen). The higher a grave is located, the better. The Dichan Clan had it’s own private cemetery that was on a high hill. Shaoye shivered in terror as he looked at the grim , cold place , for the first time as was Binghe, the pair were confronted with mortality. A little away from the main clan but still pretty high , a grave had been dug for The Coffin to be lowered down into.

At the graveside, when the coffin is taken down from the hearse and lowered into the ground, all present turned away. 

Binghe could hear the soft thud as his mama was lowered into the ground. 

Family members and other relatives would throw a handful of earth into the grave before it is filled. Binghe was the first and only son. 

Both Shaoye and him are the first.  Luo Binghe picks up the first handful and robotically, Shaoye follows suit. Next is Dichan Ye and the staff who follow .

After the funeral, all of the clothes worn by the mourners are burned to avoid bad luck associated with death. 

After the coffin is buried, the keeper of the cemetery will also offer prayers to the deceased.

 Family members and relatives are presented with a red packet (a sign of gratitude from the deceased's family, and the money in it must be spent). Dichan Ye paid the mourners and gave red packets to the others kind enough to attend a stranger's funeral . 

White towels are handed out as a sign of gratitude although it is also used by funeral guests to wipe away perspiration . 

Binghe, as per custom, retrieves some earth from the grave to put into an incense holder, and the deceased would be worshipped by the family at home using an ancestral tablet.

The old room he slept with his mama is now closed, he sleeps with his little master now and he wishes the tablet nightly before bed .

A week would pass since the burial, and next month, Binghe would be setting off to continue his education. 

The Chinese believe that seven days after the death of a family member the soul of the departed will return to his/her home. A red plaque with a suitable inscription is placed outside the room at this time to ensure that the soul does not get lost.

On the day of the return of the soul, family members are expected to remain in their rooms. Flour or talcum powder may be dusted on the floor of the entrance hall of the home to detect the visit.

Binghe desperately wanted so badly to see his mama one last time and had counted the days till a week later on the same date and then the hours as it inched to night.

As he waited, and waited, cold disappointment and sleep overtook him. 

What was taking his mama? 

— 

Shen Yuan had other problems.

Moral quandaries . 

He flicked open the LCD screen, imperiously commandeering poor TT to open up shop just to gaze upon the one item he had been grinding all these years for. 

Initial elation filled him upon seeing the coveted item. 

The Plot Armour Halo shone down on him . It’s light as bright as moonlight.

The glow illuminates the room, and the halo’s light is as bright as the similar one that Luo Binghe wore. It was it’s mate. 

…

Shen Yuan’s smile died a little as the light of the Plot Armour’s halo  also illuminated the still tiny protagonist snuggled around the tiny body of his young master. Even in sleep, the depths of Binghe’s devotion to his young master could not be denied. 

//Poor desperate little sheep. What he believes is a friend is a sham .//

[ L-Lao Da. Forgive this TT for observing … But… This TT thinks you seem to go out of your way to help  l < Luo Binghe >. Even if it doesn’t give you any points . . //

//...//

//Shut up , will you, TT?//

He snapped , ignoring the beleaguered system’s quailing. 

If Shen Yuan had not read < < Proud Immortal Demon Way> >, upon seeing the scene of Luo Binghe losing his mama , he would have done everything and anything to aid the little sheep he was now . 

As it was, he’d seen everything from beginning to end as an omniscient reader, and been privy to Luo Binghe’s plentiful and colorful thoughts post-darkening.

 To summarize, Luo Binghe was pitiful now, but in the future he’d grind his heel into others’ faces, while laughing with reckless malevolence. Though he wore the mask of a kind and humble gentleman, inside all he thought about was how he’d rip out your tendons, pull out your bones, peel off your skin, then hang it all out to dry.

 

“…Of the once arrogant , swaggering dandy, there was no sight. Beneath the scant rags perhaps once fine robes , he was naked and frost-bitten, his pale puffy flesh dotted with weeping sores and scabs. No one had bathed him or shaved him for many days, from the look of him. Both eyes wept pus, and his mouth was crusty with dried vomit. 

His voice had gone, both from starvation, frostbite , having survived the cold winter on the icy ruins of the Golden Citadel while in nearby Huanhua province did the recently crowned demonic emperor celebrated his nuptials with Dichan Shaoye’s former fiancée- Xiao Gongzhu-  , also prior to that the former pampered young master had his male parts torn away on command by the demonic emperor. 

Emperor Luo Binghe, he who had conquered the depths, brought the cultivation world, the demonic realms to their knees,  smiled in dark glee “...Have whatever that is left of him pickled and fed to my dear Shizun. “ He affably commanded the executioner in charge. “I am sure Shizun is dying to meet his dear godson after so long.” The executioner noted this down , and with a ring of a gong , did the ‘performance’ proceed. Ropes made of barbed steel were secured around the arms and legs of the son of the former Citadel ruler , and tethered to a horse each. At a signal, were the horses set loose and thus-

With three sharp tugs did finally the appendages give way, splitting the body open in a gout of black blood and yellow pus like a grisly pinata .The bits of the childhood tormentor of Luo Binghe, jerked violently within in the ropes used to rend him apart or on the blood soaked ground, then lay still. An awful stench filled the execution grounds. Xiao Gongzhu bolted for the steps of the viewing gallery , as did many of the harem . The air was mildewy and stale there, but much cleaner by comparison. ”

— <<Proud Immortal Demon Way>>, a featured paragraph on Dichan Shaoye’s fate.

Shen Yuan, no, Dichan Shaoye shuddered, hiding his pudgy little face into his soft down cushion.

He wasn’t in any position to lament how horrific other people’s deaths were; the most horrific death was his , okay!

Must avoid any serious errors!

Snuff out any sign of a mistake√

From now on, cling madly to the male lead’s thighs√

Do all the tasks, achieve every milestone assigned by TT to attain the all important Plot armour halo, lalala! √

Profit ! √

And yet….

Yet this black wolf so contrasted with the sobbing puppy-ish boy who clung to him . The boy who pounded and shaped carrot and potato and spinach patties into little bunnies for him to eat, the one who sincerely cared for him . 

Shaoye’s physical body would tremble and shake these days. Any other grieving person would not care for a boy who had tormented , kicked and insulted him. But Luo Binghe was the one who, no matter how tired , how heart-sore he must be, never forgot his young master’s care . 

The first one who fretted, who noticed when he realised his little master took ill frequently . When Shaoye’s lips and hands turned white as the withered lilies , and his already sad crown of hair dulled , and one evenfall he lacked the strength to even stand . Many was the mocking titter by Aleck , sneering at Luo binghe being chained day and night to an invalid .

 Shen Yuan heard this though he appeared asleep when most of these arguments between the two- Binghe and Aleck occurred.

But Luo Binghe never begrudged Shaoye , was his fiercest defender against these taunts, like an enraged rat terrier puppy against a crafty rat. 

He was the one who made the effort to fetch the freshest spring water from the private centre the Dichan estate had hourly which he fed his young master , cooled the fevered brow with a damp cloth, and held Shaoye’s clammy hand .

Shen Yuan watched and watched and wondered.

//Why?//

[ Why what , Lao Da ? :o ]

//I don’t see what it is about me worth fighting for . //

//My own father from my first world told me it would have been better if I had never been born. //

//Nothing I did pleased him. Going against my own dreams disappointed me so much, I simply lost the will to try to do anything else. Except to criticize another’s hard work to make myself feel better. //

//I am pathetic , a lie-  //

 He nearly yelped as the bed shifted, long, thick eyelashes covering dark starry eyes , which groggily gaze at him with faint worry. “Young Master?” 

“-Can’t sleep.” “Oh.” [ Protagonist satisfaction points +15!] Binghe’s lashes lowered , biting his lips, not noticing Shen Yuan, who was staring at him as if he had grown a second head.

This . This little white sheep. He thought, fondly exasperated. Jumping to conclusions. And speaking of jumping to conclusions...

//...Hey.Hey.TT.// 

[Your handy dandy TT reporting, Lao Da! 0w0 ]

// Usually when I gain points off tricking Binghe or the others and all I think is "WOW! I can make a ton of points off by gypping them this way and that way !" …. But recently I've been having this  annoying  nagging voice in my head. Constantly. Yapping about stuff like this being amoral n’ like! It’s dead annoying. Is it a system bug? //

[ ... I believe that voice is your conscience, Lao Da oAo? ]

// …………….Shut up , you useless system! //

[ 。゜゜(´Ｏ`) ゜゜。 ]

Shen Yuan hissed as a tiny jolt of pain shot up his spine. It seemed the vessel he inhabited was wracked by fever again.  He believes that if he tops Luo Bingmei’s head With a pair of ears, those ears must be drooping, and if there is a tail behind him, the tail must be down as the child feels a tremble to the soft press of a rough hand against his forehead. 

Still, if he had fucked his way into this doodle-heckle and he would now fuck his way out of it. 

So when he opened his big fat mouth and said this . “Gege. When is mama coming home ? “ He ploughed on , despite feeling Binghe stiffen at his side, voice a weak little mewl . “ Gege. It’s hot . How come it’s so hot ?”

“Yes,”  Binghe said with utter sincerity . “Mama will come soon .” That was a part truth, part lie.

“ It’s summer. So it’s a hot night. Would you like me to fetch some ice from below?” The protagonist's voice is soft and indulgent, like the warm sunlight glinting off the clear waters of the Luo river. 

It was the middle of October. And it was a cold night. 

Shaoye weakly grabbed and hugged the protagonist in response . Binghe gently shifted the child closer . 

 “Maybe we can walk out to meet her when she comes. Wouldn’t that surprise her, to see you and I ?” The older boy suggested . “And afterward, we’ll walk to that beautiful Azalea tree and have breakfast there  .” 

“ I remember . That’s where Ah Yi found me, “ Shaoye’s jagged breathing slowed down. “ - What colour do you think it is. The tree ?” 

“...Red. “ Shen Yuan heard the ding of the points informing him that Binghe likely remembered what he used to love to wear. Of brighter , happier days when the little master had the strength to chase after the older boy, in said beautiful  cloak.

“ It will be a beautiful scarlet red. The colour of your favorite cloak . “ 

“ What kind of breakfast will we have?”

“We will have...Congee. “ “Ew. Again?” “Well, what else would you like? It has to be something light and healthy .” “Muah chee. “ Binghe heard the little master lick his lips greedily. “Peanut brittle.” 

Binghe himself made sure that no peanuts of any kind were in Shaoye’s meals. Mama had told him Shaoye was deathly allergic to peanuts. Shaoye himself never had any peanuts since even Binghe had come here . He however said nothing of this, weaving a beautiful lie for his little master . Sometimes , the kindest thing one could do for the other’s benefit , was lie .

“ Alright . Peanut brittle .I will make some .And we will eat it under the beautiful tree . “ 

“ Just the three of us, Mama ,you , me. It will be an adventure.”

“An adventure,” Shaoye repeated wistfully.

Then he heard it in the quiet of the night.

A strangled sob.

The room was so dark he could not see the tears on the others face, so he reached out and found his hand. Their fingers twined together like two halves of a whole . 

He reached out the other tiny hand, gently pressed Binghe’s face to his chest, tucking the fluffy head under his chin and soon, he fell into slumber . 

Shaoye recalls vaguely being roused from the depths of slumber by Binghe’s song . The same one the older boy always sang to awaken him daily come morning . 

“ The sun is coming up . the moon's coming down,

the day is beginning . The birds and the bees,

the flowers and the trees are all waking up, too.

It's time you wake up , sleepyhead.~”

He opened bleary eyes to find a spoon held out to him , it smells of herbs and spices . Ah Yi had taught Binghe how to brew herbal remedies to aid in fighting off a fever .

There was a cool pack on his head , which Binghe had wrung out and replenished hourly , judging by it’s still frostiness . 

He accepts the spoon of remedy and drifts off to sleep , wondering : 

Why ?

What did I do that warrants such devotion ? 

What do you see in me that is worth helping ? 

Heart and logic warred within him. Logic warned him that he was only hastening his own doom should he choose to stray from his original plan.

 Heart whispered to him that he would not regret aiding Luo Binghe for being the only one who unerringly supported and cared for him , never leaving him in this apparent darkest hour.

Shaoye drifted in and out of fever-ridden sleep that night , battling with himself, puzzling over what he had done to warrant such devotion from the protagonist  , the pros and cons of each of the two plans -Long after Luo Binghe’s breathing informed him the other had fallen asleep.

Even then , he did wonder and agreed with Binghe over one thing as he finally succumbed to blissful , fitful rest . 

What was taking Ah Yi ? 

---

 

   

                               

Notes:

Pan An- Xiao Gongzhu compared Binghe to Pan An, means he is indeed a good looking guy as Pan An is a , if noot, THE legendary male beauty of ancient china. https://daydaynews.cc/en/history/196705.html

Addictively tasty, Muah Chee is a light snack consisting of sticky glutinous rice dough that is cut into bite-sized pellets and coated with fine peanut and sugar. This sweet mochi-like delicacy originated from Southern China where it is commonly eaten for breakfast. It is also considered a vegetarian food and is therefore often served in Chinese temples during religious festivals. Although there are several hawker stalls in Singapore selling Muah Chee, the night markets also offer decent servings for a quick fix.

—-

Author’s comments :

Will Shen Qingqiu make mantou out of his sworn brother for being a halfwit and unknowingly negligent dad ? What is SY’s decision and plan regarding the Plot armour halo ? And does he really have it in him to go though the final step to actually break Luo Binghe’s trust in him to gain the one item to ensure that the future blackened protagonist will actually have no effect on him?! And will he ever figure out WHY Luo Binghe is so devoted to him?! Find out in next week’s chapter , Bella’s and Belas !

Chapter 11: In loving memory of the craps i used to give

Summary:

In this week,Shen Yuan finally decides which path he will walk, changing the fate of the world he is in forever. Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao reunite to update on where they have been . Shen Qingqiu finds something horrifying AND is the subject of many a Qiancao peak disciple's nightmares and Lao Gongzhu has a VERY BAD TIME.

Notes:

Hiya. Sorry if I sound a little down. My grandpa died suddenly , a few hours after my weekly visit . The whole family is in shock . Sorry. it sounds pathetic but my writing this fanfic is the only thing that makes me happy now :( This has been a bad year and not only because we lost him , my job has been giving me hell , and I face a lot of abuse being a front line worker . I only pray it gets better next year :( I hope y'all are having a better time than me :(

<<Qiancao peak , the medical division of Cang Qiong Mountain sect .>>

Shen Qingqiu practically stormed through Qiancao peak’s doorways . His glare was vicious enough to send any poor disciples standing in his way scurrying off in tears . 

A medicinal plant with two pairs of enchanted legs growing out of its pot - One of Mu Qingfang’s ‘pets’ . A plant that had gained sentience after prolonged exposure to the abundance of Qi that all disciples and its peak lord had - actually dared to attempt to spray him with a pollen designed to calm the person down . 

-Flick-

A strong gust of wind blows the plant to its side with a single swipe of his middle finger .Meekly , it gets up , hobbling away in the opposite direction as fast as possible . 

His mood worsened , as he strides away to the medical wards. 

If he was a better person , had the tragic incident never occurred , Shen Qingqiu grudgingly admitted that Shaoye would be best suited for Qiancao peak due to the Qi reservoir he possessed  . 

Shaoye needed a firm hand . Someone kind to guide him yet firm enough to not give in to his whims   . He long guessed seeing Shaoye’s bluster he was dealing with a child with parental issues . A missing mother , a barely there Father whose shadow cast long over Shaoye as well as a weak body . Mu Qingfang would have guided Shaoye into becoming a proper cultivator . Tempered the steel to become a shining blade or shield . 

Yue Qingyuan would treat Shaoye like a cosseted pet , on behalf of whatever bond they had remaining. Liu Qingge - That was a foregone conclusion . They hated each other and the man snorted rudely each time he brought up Shaoye’s accomplishments or ill health when they discussed each other’s relations  . 

He and the rest of the lot minus Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang could kindly go traipse off into the sunset as far as he was concerned . 

No . It would have been his peak , first choice Out of pride . His pride …. Something he loathes to admit. Will be the death of him someday  , then perhaps Qian Cao . 

Not that it mattered anymore . Lao Gongzhu had seen to the destruction of any fancying of his godson towards any proper cultivational institution . It was a miracle already that the child did not loathe or exhibit any aggression towards male adults like Shen Jiu had done . 

But it would be over his own dead body if he let anyone else hurt Shaoye again . Or see to the boy’s premature demise . 

To Mingfan who worried and loved his youngest cousin like a very beloved younger blood brother , the Peak Lord wisely kept quiet of his own suspicions lest the overprotective oldest Dichan cousin rush back and maybe beat two possibly innocent souls to death . 

“-Shixiong!”

A moving wall attempts to waylay him - cursing vilely , he stomps his foot , smashing it into smithereens with a devastating blow of Qi . It crumbles, just in time as he strides through the dust left behind .

“Shen -Shixiong! Wait !” 

He turns around , rage practically erupting at the wide eyed and unfortunate Mu Qingfang . 

“Is this behavior befitting of Immortal Peak lords ?! Leaving an innocent child to die because of attending to societal niceties ?!” 

“ Shen Shixiong . No one is dying . And certainly not your godson . Did the herbs I sent to you not work ?” 

His raw rage abated momentarily at the gentle reassurance and genuine worry in the calm voice , Shen Qingqiu huffed , mollified . Mu Qingfang also was innocent of Yue Qingyuan’s repeated messages advising him to attend at least one function . 

Everyone seemed to forget his peak was the peak of scholars , and the one also to design every peak’s curriculum as well as his own . It was all very well to attend balls for societal dancing , but not when he was deeply worried about his godson’s life . And what Yue Qingyuan was suggesting , to rub salt on the wound, was an inter-sect meeting which Lao Gongzhu would be attending . Lao Gongzhu who was responsible for causing Shaoye’s trauma.Shen Qingqiu had responded that the only time he would happily attend any event with Lao Gongzhu in it would be at the man’s funeral. 

“For the oddest reason , it seems that Dichan Shaoye’s condition has not been improving . The herbs aided him in postponing his ailment, but it is… Whatever ails him is strong.” 

“ Hm. My former disciple , Ziyi Daizi, could have consulted me, his old teacher. …..But there is a reason why I did not offer him the position of head disciple .”

Ziyi Daizi . Shen Qingqiu’s sharp mind recalled a thin scraggly boy . An easily influenced fool who was easily swayed by more manipulative first year disciples on his own peak and cowered like a pill but whenever he deigned grace the obligatory check on Qiancao peak .

That said , Daizi was talented in his line . Talented enough that he had risen to become the Golden Citadel’s best and personal doctor to its ruler himself . 

Come to think of it , Mu Qingfang used to comment that his dimwitted disciple had a younger brother who was also a proficient chef . A man who could just cultivate to keep his own immortality . 

And wasn’t the name of the head chef the Dichan’s employed oddly similar ? 

Wei Shenziyi? 

He filed it away as Mu Qingfang frowned , a bit of self recrimination on his face . “Either way , come into the private business quarters . The walls have ears as they say .” 

——

There was one thing to appreciate about Mu Qingfang was that he always had an ear open and ready for anything that was bothering his martial siblings . At present he has listed everything that thus had afflicted his godson .

The Qiancao peak lord’s face had darkened as he religiously added to the patient’s case file that was Dichan Shaoye’s . And it was a long , long file for one so young . 

“ Your godson is, as you suspect, being poisoned .”

Hearing this , the Qingjing peak lord’s face was as blank as a canvas but his Qi spiked with killing intent . 

“Shixiong.” Mu Qingfang cautioned. “Shixiong . Murder isn’t good. Even if they were trying to do it to someone you care about  .”

“ Spit it out . “ The Qingjing peak lord growled , he hated feeling nervous,hated feeling helpless . “ And the brat is an investment . I don’t have a heart , remember ?”

Mu Qingfang had been subject to his Shen Shixiong boasting about his godson or worries about his health . 

He thinks Shen Qingqiu should know that love is not a weakness, that one could allow oneself to enjoy the company of a loved one. He also thinks Shen Qingqiu should really go for therapy sessions , but he likes having his limbs intact.

As always , he chose to be the bigger man . The adult . 

“ There are two signs your godson is exhibiting that show poisoning . However, one seems to be an allergic reaction . I need to know this , does Dichan Shaoye have a peanut allergy ?” 

Shen Qingqiu’s stomach dropped . 

Peanuts . 

Shaoye had thrown up all over him after Ye fed the then two year old just one peanut . Could it be that the food contained trace amounts of peanuts ? And that was why the food tested negative for poisons but because his stupid , dunderheaded , careless sworn brother was stupid enough - And believe him , even He knew Ye was infamous for being careless - To forget his son was allergic to peanuts to such a degree. 

“But you said your godson has migraines , and is paler as of late , isn’t he ?” Mu Qingfang asked clinically , it helped stabilize the clearly frantic martial brother of his . “ - It seems to be latent Arsenic and Lead poisoning .” 

“ It can’t be .” The green clad immortal declared , pale with disbelief . “ Ye told me he had the food checked  and before the food ladled onto each plate, it was screened . It can’t be poisoning . “ 

“ Not overtly. “ 

“Pardon ?”

“ Not if whoever has been doing it has merely sprinkled it . So little it would barely register in the boy’s food by poison experts  . However over time the build up has advanced in that small body to what you see today. “

The sun was shining .

Shen Qingqiu rose, and paced the room. He was going to kill Dichan Ye.

Well,No. He was going to question his sworn brother over self-invitation to tea. Then he was going to kill that fool in front of his godson for allowing this shit to go down under his nose . 

---

<<Huan Hua County , the Palace. Sect Master’s bedroom>>

Lao Gongzhu hasn’t had a good sleep since two weeks ago and the activity only increased in strength since a week ago . There had been attempts by a young demoness a month back but they were swiftly thwarted . This additional problem however - He dreams every night of voices long dead of people he had silenced eons ago. 

And every night, every hour there was scratching on the door, the windows. Despite the centuries old runes to keep out demonic and cultivation spells etched around the openings , deep gouge marks were scratched on the thick windows of glass and on the wooden door. 

 

And the oddest thing was that the gouge marks were clearly caused by the long fingernails of a woman. 

 

He sneered . It had to be the work of that woman’s rotten egg* that had corrupted the minds of his disciples. No doubt it had to be the work of her sympathizers . 

 

No matter, he would purify the taint left behind by stained minds. 

 

As well as the two irritants. The wizened fat joke of a Citadel Master and the scrawny bat who headed Qingjing peak who both had ordered sanctions and a total stop on imports to Huan Hua.

 

In fact, he was certain those two had something to do with these unusual activities too. He would check his guards, his inner circle. Leave no stone untouched, yes~

 

So lost in his plotting, did the normally sharp sect master not see, or rather he could not see , the distorted skeleton , floating above him like a spider eyeing a fat fly .Blood-red bones wore a fine silk dress of crimson that moved in an eternal breeze. A gaping maw contorted into a silent howl. If she still had flesh, the phantom would have bared her teeth at the predator that had caused her to seek vengeance for her children. 

 

Hollow eyes staring, accusing. 

 

She floated through sheer will by day, never leaving him. By night the specter was free to wreck his dreams , not strong enough yet to attack directly. The old palace master might refuse to believe it , but it did not change the fact his subconscious sensed her actions. 

 

Slowly the cracks were starting to appear on that perfect facade. Time the gory red wraith had to aid and help along Dichan Ye and Shen Qingqiu who already were acting out.  

 

--

<<4am, The Golden Citadel, The grandest Manor. Another night . >>

 

 Time did not heal all wounds.

 

Ah Yi had been dead for almost two weeks  and Binghe missed her more than ever.  Binghe had cried himself to sleep. The pair lay in Shaoye’s large bed as had become since her passing  .

 

 The hurt in both their hearts seemed deeper and more painful with each passing night. 

 

The books that Ah Yi and Shaoye had read together, a few pages every night, were mottled with dust. Both Binghe and Shaoye could not bear to open them.

 

Shen Yuan glared at the tears trickling down his face now that Binghe was asleep. Stupid plot, stupid kiddy body and stupid kiddy feelings. He was 29 years old when he had passed , why was he bawling like a fucken nine year old twerp again? He had to be strong for Binghe didn’t he? He had -The water clock at the end of the hall outside counted time between his sobs that he allowed to flow now Binghe was asleep, like an axe striking wood. 

 

Outside his  bedroom window, the icy gale that blew past the Luo River rattled the paper windows. The beautifully appointed Dichan manor was cold that night, as it had been every night since Ah Yi’s death. Shaoye shivered and inched closer to his friend. 

The poison coursing through his veins makes the vessel he inhabits weaker . The household was under high alert . But they , aka Dichan Ye, were at a stalemate. Shaoye had purposely thrown a temper tantrum to crown all temper tantrums when his father suggested nervously to fire their head chef  . Sure , he may not like Aleck but that was because he was mean to ‘Dumb-dumb.’ 

His food was periodically tested for poison but came out with no result . The source of his powder was also purely rice flour . And Shen Yuan always knew cultivating an image of a frail little dandy , a fragile waif with two self esteem issues called ‘Mommy isn’t here n’ exchanged me for a magic rock.’ and ‘I’m scared I might die cuz I’ve been weak since I was a kid and also am frustrated that everyone acts like I’m gonna die .’ Which Made everyone else dismiss the idea of poisoning -Would come in handy . 

No one as of yet had remembered his severe peanut allergy he has taken pains to cultivate the image of having . 

Shen Yuan was privately amused that wily characters like Binghe , Ye or Shen Qingqiu did not take note . Bat eyelashes , pout , cry and the first two folded like wet tissue . The other while chiding him viciously on etiquette…. Would be distracted sufficiently by tears and whining that he forgot the whole point of said threatening in the first place . 

And everyone with half a brain by now knew only Shaoye was allowed to ‘terrorize’ Luo Binghe by ‘fattening’ him , using him to play dress up , to get taken on excursions and to show off how good the Dichan household could be bu giving him an all expenses paid education . Of course he had not been the only beneficiary. Smart-mouth had also received a sponsorship and the construction company Braids worked for received all sorts of contracts recently . 

Shaoye had no beef with the head chef , at least on the surface . In fact , he seemed to like the man as a source for the face powder provided which had a particular flowery fragrance that while sickly sweet to most who smelt it seemed to click with Shaoye who loved it for bestowing on him a fairer skin . 

And everyone knew the young master was vain , judging by the accessories and clothing he purchased weekly as well as the attention spent on skin care and hair care products . 

And irregardless of whether Binghe kept a grudge . ( FYI, he did.) Shaoye actually characterized his tyrannical little master as being impartial . He kicked everyone who wasn’t Dichan Mingfan , Ye , Ah Yi or Shen Qingqiu who ‘annoyed’ him. Other Dichan cousins got kicked and shouted at too actually as did the staff . Even Binghe got kicked and swatted at though the little sheep was so hardy , it was like kicking a hard stone wall . Shen Yuan doubted this body could do any real damage to the protagonist . 

The only reason why Aleck saw him as such a threat really was firstly : Calculated bad luck on his part , framing it till he, Dichan Shaoye was the one who bore most of the resentment. 

All according to Keikaku !

A cold wind blew , and the small child shuddered . Brought back to the present . 

  I wonder if she is cold, down in the ground . Shen Yuan couldn’t banish the thought, even though he had been told a dozen times—a hundred—that Ah Yi was in a better place.

The clock ticked, counting off the seconds, hours, nights of life without Ah Yi. Endless. Relentless. Heartless.

Shao ye tossed in restless near sleep, the line between sleep and reality blurred . He groused , and fussed, a subconscious sharp instinct telling him something was up .

 

Soft , familiar footsteps walked towards the room the pair now shared even though no one should be up and about in the manor at the dead of the night. 

 

The door gently creaked open, and someone . Or rather something that had been someone glided in.  

 

A cold hand stroked his furrowed brow, brushing the little master’s messy bangs away from his troubled face. 

 

But he felt no fear.  In fact the action soothed him for since when he was a toddler, the same hand had rocked him to sleep  and sung him lullabies nightly till the little master had decided foolishly he was much too old for them.

 

Shaoye slowly drifted off to the first peaceful sleep he had since this living nightmare had begun as the cold hand patted him , feeling a familiar feeling of being loved and protected . Another cold hand belonging to this visitor skimmed to the older boy , tucking an errant strand away from his ear. 

 

A shade. A spirit compelled by inextinguishable love to return, by desperation to speak. Gliding, with the rustle of red silk, and the clack of bone and withered flesh.

 

Binghe is fast asleep, but he recognizes the hoarse distortion of the voice he had known better than his own as if it was whispering into his very ear -The answer he had asked for as she lay on death’s door :

 

““Let your heart guide you , listen closely.It whispers.“

 

The next day Binghe and Shaoye were delighted to finally see talcum footprints leading to their bed and the offerings at the altar touched . Ah Yi had indeed come in the end to see the two most important people in her life. They bowed before her altar and thanked her. 

 

What they didn’t know is that she had been busy. 

 

Very busy indeed visiting someone else beforehand.  

 

---

Shen Yuan had the feeling he had forgotten something very important and that was about to bite him in the ass as TT chose to chime in one chilly morning. The day after . 

For the oddest reason , his godfather was coming over without any warning . Xiao Gongzhu had arrived- Bright-eyed, tanned with a big smile with Gongyi xiao in tow. 

【Lao Daaaaaa!  Because of your enthusiastic hard work and energetic cooperation, each value has already reached the necessary minimum standard for promotion! 0w0】

The four of them were sitting in the grand dining hall. Binghe oversaw the menu , of which there was fragrant tea brewed to perfection from Lao Gaoyuan. A Tie Guanyin that paired perfectly with fluffy Lo mai chi that were fun to chew yet tender, moist enough to glide down your throat in a perfect marriage of glutinous rice and sweet filling of sesame.

For the main course, chee cheong fun steaming hot from it’s basket, replete with crunchy shrimp hiding within the bouncy rice rolls  graced by the presence of a sweet sauce concoction. This of course was accompanied by char siu baos- Crispy and warm to the touch that upon biting into the light bun revealed large chunks of juicy pork that was liberally drenched in tangy sauce that provided a sweetness to each mouthful, and when coupled with the small sacs of creamy pork fat, they formed the perfect dynamic duo.

And to finish off the course was a creamy Lotus Root & Pork Soup, golden shimmering oil flecks danced through the rich broth , juicy chunks of pork floating through the sea, its flavor clarified by ginger and rice wine. Bits of crab -feathery shreds of sweet meat accompanied with a drip of black vinegar, sharp and honeyed, steadies the luscious fattiness, a contrast across the surface of the soup.

【For covering my ass, and  keeping to the original role <<Dichan Shaoye>, OOC has been unlocked with the <second> last task!! 】

“-Boy, SY. You should have gone to the Ning farm at Bao Liu village. Ning Yingying is the sweetest and prettiest girl to ever grace this earth! Er, the milk is pretty nice too. Hey, pass me some of the baos, won’t ya?” 

Shaoye stared and stared.

The last role.

The last role that would utterly destroy any trust Luo Binghe had in him.

“Hullo? Hullo? Earth to Shaoye! Geez! You would think you were deciding something earth-shattering! “ 

__\

Dichan Shaoye’s final role was this .

Not only was he originally responsible for Luo Binghe’s mother unable to receive a drop of congee but also of instigating Luo Binghe to be humiliated in front of Xiao Gongzhu in the initial novel by employing Lout to do indecent actions to the delicate teenager in the final chapter of PIDW Vol 1 , ‘ The plucking of the lotus’. 

Shaoye peeks at Binghe who definitely is not the slender waif described in the original Proud Immortal’s demon's way . While not fat , chubby , he definitely could hold his own in combat and was significantly more bulky than the -

 

 

 

 

“ Perhaps it was because he never got enough to eat and was worked to the bone as soon as he could walk, but Luo Binghe had always been small and skinny for his age. He had a thin face, black hair and obsidian eyes that seemed far too big for said face and shivered everytime the wind rushed by. “ -Proud Immortals demon’s way Vol 1, Chapter 1 pg 3.  

The protagonist was at present conversing with Gongyi Xiao ,noticed his little master’s stare ,gave him a sweet smile that felt both like an arrow of guilt through his heart and reaffirmed his decision. 

Shen yuan closed his eyes .

Enough of this .

Who was he kidding ?

He made his decision with a single swipe . 

Motionlessly , he waited . Enjoying the final few minutes of peace as the system processed his purchase . 

<<Congratulations! You have attained the Plot armour halo! >>

--

<< Equip: Plot Armour Halo?>> 

Shen Yuan narrowed his eyes and flicked his finger again. 

[L-lao Da? What are y’-] 

The panicked reassuring beep of TT was replaced with a crackle, as though another program had momentarily replaced them. The newcomer spoke. They had a deadset , monotone voice that despite it’s emotionless chime, sent chills down his spine as it enunciated each word calmly.

<<Warning.>>

<<WARNING>>

<<Do you wish to proceed with exchanging Plot armor halo in order to subvert a remaining task? >>

<<System configuration…. <scanning.> ….System has determined-<1> major task remaining,<‘The plucking of the lotus> event.

 WARNING. WARNING. 

This is a major event. Do you really wish to exchange the <item> ((Plot Armour halo )) , the only item once purchased due to it’s ((MEGA RARITY status)) that can subvert this major event?>>

“SY? Buns, helloooooo?”  Xiao Gongzhu’s voice- shrill,bossy and sharp as a blade.

//…..//

[ < Proceed to exchange item? > <Equip Halo>] 

“Let him be, Zhuzhu.” Gongyi Xiao- Soothing, mild , sonorous like a bell.

[ < Proceed to exchange item. > <Equip Halo>] 

“Young Master Shaoye?” Binghe- Gentle, firm, and mildly concerned. 

A burning pain travelled up Shen Yuan's spine.

 His mind suddenly erupted with a long string of alarms, as if one hundred police cars carrying one hundred shrieking beasts were zooming past, so cacophonous he shuddered, clutching his head in pain.

 The system kept sending out red alerts━

System: [“The Plucking of the lotus” branching plotline cut off. Mission Stats: Reputation Value -1000000. Mission Accomplishment Status: Total Failure!]

He grit his teeth. 

This would be the first time he’s ‘failed’ a task in all the time he’s been dealing with TT and it was an unpleasant discovery how lucky he had been-

His brain suddenly assailed with sensations of sharp pain and severe vertigo. 

[Mission failed! Points deducted! Calculating! Calculating! ]

Any value below zero meant being sent back to one’s original world!

The new system coldly stated. [ -1000000 pts to 1000001 pts! ]

[......]

[Pts remaining after deduction. 1 pt!] 

Ding! System: [Transaction exchange successful. Coolness points zeroed out. Please note your balance. Penalty will also be issued for failure to complete the task regardless of the exchange of the <Plot Armor Halo though you will remain in this world due to having <1 pt>  <10000000> FP in your balance!  Please note that <Dichan Shaoye> will be taking on the role of <Luo Binghe > in “ Plucking of the Lotus” shortly after Penalty has been enacted!.> ]

//Y-you’re a fucking sadist, yannow that right, newcomer?//

[ Balance : <1 pt>. <10000000> FP in your balance! Please work hard to regain your points! ]

//FFFUUUUUUUUUUUU-//

---

Shaoye swayed as though he was drunk in his seat. 

“Ah Yi?” He slurred , sounding drunk. 

Binghe instantly leapt to his side, grabbing him, feeling the young master’s forehead. 

It was scalding . 

Blood starting to trickle from his nose,Shaoye giggled deliriously , weakly clutching at him like a lifeline.

Binghe instantly forgot all about heading off to admire Peak Lord Shen. All he could think of was Shaoye and ensuring he did not join his mama so soon. He forced himself to be calm even as Gongyi Xiao started panicking and Gongzhu predictably threw up at the sight of blood again .

 He frantically ran to the kitchen , placed Shaoye on the floor, where he pressed ice to staunch and stop the bleeding, barking at Gongzhu and Gongyi Ciao to make themselves useful .

He works on autopilot , it seems like he is gazing at himself grimly feeding Shaoye healing Qi , and allows the child to vomit tainted blood- a dark-greenish vile mess mixed with scarlet red-  while directing the head staff to call for the doctor who had cared for Dichan Shaoye . He can hear Gongyi Xiao start to screech in horror while Gongzhu steadies herself, finally coming up to aid by guiding the equally panicked staff, 

To his non-surprise the personal doctor, to everyone else’s panic, had gone missing a week ago . Calmly , for it was the only way to ensure Shaoye would live , his Qi combatted the poison in Shaoye’s veins , for now .

Ye had been led in and instantly broke down , howling his grief as though Shaoye had actually died .

Binghe had gaped at the man for a second before rage overtook him , how dare he waste his time being sad when his son was dying , how dare in fact he be so consumed with work that he did not even notice his son was slowly being poisoned since a year ago, and cast aside his Mama’s , Shen Qingqiu’s, Mingfan’s and his worries   - How dar e ..:..

“-Will you all please shut the hell up and be useful ?!” A shriek silenced the hubbub, and a pair of cool hands wrenched his off Shaoye’s. “…I will take over . “ 

The Peak lord informed Binghe , voice cold though his it might have held a tiny bit of grudging gratitude. Binghe normally who would be ecstatic merely nodded , stumbled for a minute then righted himself , heading to the door. 

Ye who had finally collected himself rose up . He was the only one who noticed Binghe stumbling . “ Where are yo-you going , my boy ?” 

“To KILL three dogs.” 

Binghe stopped as a warm hand stopped him :

“ No y’r not . At least not yet. Sit down , lad .” Binghe doesn’t realize he is shaking , crying so hard he barely can stand  till Ye firmly plants him at Shaoye’s side .

He doesn’t dare hug the little master, but he squeezes himself at the side of that little body , stilling himself to feel the faint heartbeat grow stronger and stronger. ...

Notes:

Wanna Know what Binghe served for tea? :)
- Lo mai chi is a Chinese chewy rice cake, filled with sweetened crushed peanuts.
-chee cheong fun is a rice noodle roll is a Cantonese dish from Guangdong Province in southern China and Hong Kong,It is a thin roll made from a wide strip of shahe fen, filled with shrimp, beef, vegetables, or other ingredients.
-Char siu bao is a Cantonese barbecue-pork-filled bun. The buns are filled with barbecue-flavored cha siu pork. Cha siu refers to the pork filling; the word bao means "bun".
-The combination of lotus root with pork ribs and peanuts is a classic Chinese soup. In Cantonese, we call lotus root soup ling ngau tong (莲藕汤). Lotus root signifies abundance and prosperity to the Chinese so this is a popular soup for many who celebrate Chinese New Year.
---
Author's note : Shen Yuan has a bad time, Shen Qingqiu is likely going to go grey before his time, poor Binghe puts the letter M in Miserable. Will Aleck and his allies get caught for their attempt on SY's life? And what miserable fate has SY have for the Lout Gang Leader who had a hankering for sheep chops in the original PIDW? Find out in next week's chapter Bellas and Belas! :)

Chapter 12: Pasta La Vista

Notes:

Author’s note : Can you guys guess I had fun writing this chapter? At LAST , I have ended this Childhood arc! Binghe tra-la-la’s to Qingjing peak woo his one true love , Mingfan gets very friendly with Gongyi Xiao as does Xiao Gongzhu with Ning Yingying. Oh and Aleck and his allies have a very UNPLEASANT TIME as does the Lout Gang leader! :D

--

There was a very frantic beeping noise as TT, the original system he had been bound to , returned, all a-twitter as the Penalty system retreated upon ensuring he had gone through said penalty. 

[ Lao Daaaaaa! You -You, why did you do that?!” OAO]

Shen Yuan sighed. 

//Come now. I’m 29. Binghe is just a child. I might be playing Dichan Shaoye but I have no wish to be him .//

//Hey. Who was that creep just now?//

[ Oh! My senior took over for a bit. I get queasy dealing out punishment protocols OwO.] 

[....Lao Da. Are you okay? O__O ]

//Ach. I didn’t expect it to feel like my original world’s Dad taking a bamboo cane to me across my face for mouthing off at him . But... I’ll live.So, that the main punishment is over, be a pet and activate the <Pain be gone> skill I purchased a while back? //

---

The little master was carried to the medical ward where he was placed on the bed as soon as his condition relatively stabilized .

Shaoye’s eyes were dull and glassy, his skin clammy , yet sweating . “Gan Die. It’s really hot. Then it gets really cold.” 

Shen Qingqiu frowned as he brushed away the sweat-sodden bangs from the child’s face. “Oh stop complaining, are you still a baby? You just got a fever. ” 

That was a lie. 

Everyone here knew had the Peak Lord not rushed over , Dichan Mingfan would have been the next on the prospective succeeding line, and the name Dichan Shaoye, a mere tragic footnote in history. 

The poison coursing through Shaoye’s bloodstream had been long term. While Luo Binghe had managed to withhold the grip of poison, had Shen Qingqiu not rushed over to stem the poison's effect , and known how to stopper it , it would have been fatal . 

It had been long term exposure, but only had chosen to strike up due to the stress the child had been through. 

Xiao Gongzhu frowned as she and Shen Qingqiu stood before the two pieces of evidence . The poison experts, the best of the Citadel-were stumped. She however had learnt cruelty by observing her father, had been the heir of Huanhua palace. You did not become the heir of the sect used to torture information out of spies ,  reprobrates or unruly prisoners without being trained in poisons.One did not simply aspire to become a blacksmith without studying the ill effects of metal poisoning. That and she also was a clever girl who thought out of the box. 

The lass grimly brushed the top of the powder pot and around it .

Compared the blue ceramic pot with others from the artisan who produced said pots to be laden with facial powder .

While similar , it became obvious the blue ceramic pot that the head chef had given was not the store bought one . 

And while the powder was innocent at the beginning , and it’s refills were innocent . The ornate blue box itself was revealed to be made of lead and actually contain arsenic-laden paint, which contaminated the powder .

The inside of the pot turned out to be flaking away and what was flaking away was toxic quantities of lead and arsenic 

Still reeling from shock, the plates that Binghe identified that were served to Shaoye also on extremely close scrutiny by her revealed that these were not the original plates but also made of lead .

The contaminated powder by the poison container placed on his face , all over the little body by an unsuspecting Shaoye , as well as eating and drinking food from pure lead based plates and cups poisoned him long term . It was only sheer luck and his own innate ability to cultivate that the little Master had survived . 

Aleck and his father naturally and Uncle predictably had gone missing since last night . 

Of all this , Ye said nothing - Beamed down as Shaoye grasped the sleeve of his godfather, the other tightly clasped Binghe’s robe. “ Gan ….Die? Dun leave me.” 

 “Naw, naw. Don’t worry, sugar. Y’r Ol’ Gan Die isn’t going anywhere. “

“Ba….Ba? 

“Daddy has to attend to something imp’rtant. W’rld-shakingly- imp’rtant!” 

Shen Qingqiu became aware of the killing intent and looked up sharply at his sworn brother. “Ye.” 

Ye still smiled as the Peak Lord gave him a sharp look . “-Whatever you have got rattling in your brain. Drop it.” He hissed, whisper-soft. Not that Shaoye could hear, as he started to convulse again in the throes of an attack. The Peak Lord transferred more of his qi , freezing the poison in it’s path, aiding the meridians before he looked up again.

“- I am not asking you to do it because of mercy .” He spat . “- I am asking you what Shaoye, whom we all know has a soft heart , think of an entire family killed off because of the actions of a few black sheep who belong to it, and who are responsible for him being poisoned? “

Shen Qingqiu clearly had no sympathy for the foolish teenager and his even stupider family who decided to poison the beloved heir.  

 “- He would even ask us to spare that yellow rat across the river. What say you on these creatures?” 

Everyone else started , then their heads dejectedly bobbed down. That was very true. Shaoye might lash out and shriek, but it was like the antics of a spoiled purebred kitten batting away half-heartedly at it’s aggressors. 

“No ifs. No buts. This isn’t about your feelings. It is about aiding your son to recover as fast as possible.” Shen Qingqiu glared , “ This makes all of us at fault for being too blind , bending into Shaoye’s vain whims and our own  overconfidence that led to this . “

“....Yes, Lao Xiong.”

“However. Take note that I did not say you may not hold back in dealing out punishment.”

A twisted smile alit on Shen Qingqiu’s face. “ They think they can get away with murder of the heir . True, he might be very young, and true, he hasn’t started his training seriously yet. But it seems they and perhaps the world have forgotten who he is protected by till he is ready.”

To Ye: A mischievous street child grinned at him, holding a pilfered locket . Lao Xiong is such a kidder! 

To Mingfan: Wuwuwu. I am sure glad I’m not the one who pissed off Shizun!

To Luo Binghe: ….What a G-god! <333333333 

“Careful, Lao Xiong.” Ye yawns . “One might think you care about m’ Lil Angel.”

“-He is my godson.” Shen Qingqiu sniffed haughtily. Then with a flick of his fingers, the stove started to boil and bubble. The scent of menthol, herbal and astringent filled the air. 

“Quickly now, before the rats escape.” He growled , and paid the group that swiftly left the room no more heed . Binghe turned around to gaze at what he was leaving behind . 

Shaoye looked like a doll , quiet and lifeless as Shen Qingqiu fought to counter the poison , gesturing impatiently to a maid to bring forth a cup of the medicine that was now bubbling on that portable stove. 

He felt the burn of tears behind his eyelids before forcing it down. 

When Luo Binghe stepped out of that room, it was as though he had left all tenderness , all his warmth back there. There was nothing but black , glittering rage and a cold desire to see three traitors brought back for judgement.

--

The Dichan clan might all have been nobles, but they were all born of Zuxian and married other powerful cultivators or martial artists with standing. And every one of them held some modicum of genuine affection for Shaoye who was their youngest . 

Aleck as well as his father and uncle did not stand a chance against the organized search led by the so-called pampered nobles,  despite nearly reaching the border with his father and the former doctor  … The three of them were captured by a furious Luo Binghe, beaten up brutally by a seething Ming Fan then dragged back by several strong men .  

Being the son of the Citadel ruler , and the godson of Shen Qingqiu, the Qingjing peak Lord, the case was pushed to the Cang Qiong Mountain sect . The sentencing and trial that followed was short, brutal and painful.

Lao Gongzhu was not invited due to him being under investigation for child abuse and endangerment. Not that everyone here minded much as the general consensus was that of late he had been rather odd , yelling sometimes at people who weren’t there or prone to staring off in wide eyed terror at nothing. 

The audience hushed as the Peak lords filed into the judgement hall . Many were relieved that the poor victim, just a child, had survived and even bravely wanted to be there for the sentencing. 

A gong sounded. 

The court was in session.

Mu Qingfang, angrier than anyone had ever seen him as well as an entire legion of utterly enraged medical professionals had torn into a weeping Ziyi Daizi for betraying his medical vows by allowing himself to be swayed to perform the most despicable of deeds, abettment in the murder of a patient due to personal prejudice.

Then he was stripped of his medical license by his now former Shizun. In front of a hall full of the cultivation world’s most influential. 

This was followed by the furious culinary professionals country-wide who denounced an ashen faced Wei Shenziyi, in reality, the half brother of Ziyi Daizi  , and whose real name was Ziyi Weishen , for disgracing their craft -For listening to his clearly deranged son-Ziyi Weisi. 

Ziyi Weishi-Also known by Shaoye and Binghe as Aleck, ranted a bit , but slowly as he boasted about his ‘even-ing the field’ , of ‘getting rid of a useless little rat’ , he slowly realized, mid-rant that no one was laughing. There was only disgust in the eyes of the Peak lords, of most of the adults who were not the staff of the Grandest Manor. 

The huge cousin of Shaoye , the one who sneered at him , made rude comments about him to Luo Bing-turd -Both snickering away whenever both caught sight of him , nearly vaulted over the stand twice , sleeves balled up, roaring in fury as he was wrestled back by several armed guards. 

The staff of the Grandest Manor, who all had also been brought there to witness this, who had all laughed and some even joined in his rants about the spoiled little dandy, were all white as ghosts . None of them who had smiled or cheered when he raved and ranted about Dichan Shaoye ..Did so now.

The one peak lord in green- The utterly enraged one who had several times twitched his hands which glowed green with a kind of energy, killing intent visible as he stared down from the dais where he was seated along with several martial siblings,at them . The one who always scowled at him whenever the man visited the little master , was smiling. But it was the kind of smile a fox would make before it dealt the killing blow to a particularly fat mouse.

“ Mr Ziyi. Allow this one to advise this. Always remember that the crowd that applauds your ‘coronation’ is the same crowd that will applaud your beheading.”

 

The peak lord’s voice, lilting, cool, yet utterly gleeful purred through the silent room. Aleck twitched , face turning pale as each word hit him like a sledgehammer. The man concluded with a mocking titter, emerald eyes glinting poison over his fan . “....People like a show. O’ All knowing one.”

The sickening realization that came to Aleck, was that he had dug his own pit and would be buried in it. Everyone here wanted him dead, playtime was over, and the only one who seemed to be looking any sympathetic was ironically the one person he conspired to be killed.  

---

Ye yawned . 

Evil begets evil. Well, if it was done shoddily. So classless.

He dug into a bowl of red bean soup mixed with cream that Luo Binghe had prepared for him.

 Yue Qingyuan had to hammer the cudgel to get the clamours , the demandings all sorts of punishments for the trio. 

Fools, the lot of them . The same sort who , had he accused these three before tragedy had struck, would have leapt at him first for ‘Targeting three innocent men.’ The strong bullying the weak. No one ever said that the weak were all helpless or without wiles or scheming. 

“-So we can conclude, that the only right thing to do is death for treason to their professions which all have a code of honour , from conspiring to kill a child in such cruel a fashion, can only be death.And one that they would have dealt to the victim.”

The three men to be executed all blanched as the executioner came up holding a chest, and within it a poison. One that replicated both arsenic and lead poisoning before the same effects killed the one who drank it after eight hours of agony . 

“Sir Qingyuan!” A loud voice declared. Too fast to be stopped, a tiny figure clad in gold and blue leapt on the podium before the three . Large earnest brown eyes gazed at the stunned peak lords , a pert mouth begged. 

“I plead for you to spare the lives of these men!”

A low murmur started through the crowd . Shen Qingqiu scowled .

Yue Qingyuan smiled placidly,a challenging glint in his eyes even as most murmured in wonder at the child’s apparent mercy .

 “Young Master Dichan. You truly wish  to spare the ones who would dance on your grave?”

The child was no dimwit, or coward and puffed his chest out . The audience all chuckled indulgently at this display or muttered at him ‘taking after that oafish father of his’. Yue Qingyuan was not fooled however, ‘cute’ as this might seem , there was a challenging gleam in those eyes . Something was afoot.

“Does a caterpillar remain a worm forever? They change into butterflies! I think ...Well, I don’t think it is fair t’ condemn them t’ death for a bad decision! They can change if given time like butterflies! ” Dichan Shaoye declared and gave a seemingly defiant nod at his father . 

Ah Jiu looked ready to spit blood , as did the boy’s minder, a pretty lad with flashing obsidian eyes who wrung his hands while the swarthy cousin of the boy bellowed at him to ‘Get back up ‘ere!’ .

Yue Qingyuan smiled placidly as the Citadel Master gave his son a wink before starting his own protests by listing every gruesome miserable way these three men should die. Several in the audience threw up listening to his ideas , many looked disgusted , horrified or were taking down notes.

 The loyal Binghe who had jumped down to retrieve his master had covered his little Master’s ears.   Aleck and his relations looked green as green could be. 

So, the bad prefect* , good prefect* method. Ye wanted to be the ‘evil’ tyrant to contrast the ‘merciful’ and ‘wise’ ruler Shaoye would be in the eyes of the public. Yue Qingyuan was impressed as the pair played off each other like expert actors in a dramatic play .Ye always did have a flair for the dramatic, and so it seemed the line continued. 

“-Darlin’ Sweet Lil Pea . They be evil. EVIL! An’ y’ kin change their minds no more than y’ kin change de tides! “ The Citadel Master concluded to which his son frowned. “Tain’t true! T’ain’t true! Baba! Anyone can change their mind with a lil medicine!”

“Eh wut medicine, Angel?”

“You always told me t’ give anyone who might bully me a taste o’ their own medicine. So maybe if we give ‘em, just a taste an’ not kill them, they might learn not t’ be evil?” 

Shaoye pointed at the bottle of poison. “Well, I think you should still give ‘em a lesson, just not death!”

“And what. What would forestall death, m’ lil angel?” There was a calculating grin on that bearded face as he dared his son.  

“THIS! “ The child chirped and happily took out a grimy packet . He unveiled his cure to the public. 

The cure was what appeared to be a black brick. 

“Er. What is dat, Angel ?” 

“A miracle medicine for poison! It sucks out the death in it! “ Shaoye boasted. “ Well...It’s supposed to, but it should work! An’ it’s completely vegan! It’s made out of clay and charcoal!”

Aleck felt his initial elation give way to growing dread at the sight of that little clay even as Shaoye merrily prattled on about how clay and charcoal combined absorbed the venom in the bloodstream….Well, Shaoye paused, looking sheepish, you would still feel pain, but they would live! Live!   Binghe and Mingfan were smirking poisonously away, while Xiao Gongzhu looked impressed and Gongyi Xiao looked dubious. 

Yue Qingyuan kept his face neutral but seemed oddly approving as he looked down .

It wasn’t cruel-  for Shaoye had begged them to spare them an execution . So he definitely was not following Dichan Ye . 

It wasn’t mercy without a lesson - The clay would absorb the poison so death would not fall to them . But the pain they would feel from imbibing said toxin would be felt . Many a kind , well meaning but ineffectual ruler sparing any would-be assassin meant more wolves came after them . 

Shaoye was thus stating this to the world  . I am not my father . But I am no fool to be killed so easily either without any repercussions. 

Shen Qingqiu had hoisted himself up, a poisonous smirk on his fair face that spoke volumes that proudly and plainly said this:

That’s my godson.

Binghe himself was smiling poisonously while Mingfan had started cackling loudly . 

The rest of the Cang Qiong Mountain sect approved of this . 

Ye himself blustered a bit . Whining about not having the chance to dig their entrails out .

“ Can ah murder ‘em ? ” He whined to his six year old son . “ No baba. Murder is bad .” 

“ ‘Ow about maiming ? Yannow …. Jus’ a lil wee bit ? “

“No.”

“Ow ‘bout torture? Y’r ol’ man won awards for makin’ it an art, y’know! 

“ Baba. No .” 

Ye sighed gustily before settling himself back on his throne . That was the indication for Binghe to bring Shaoye back to the stands, where he scampered back atop his father’s knee . The ruler of the Citadel glowered down at the trio , an ugly sneer on his fat face.

“ Well. M’boys , “ Ye gloated , sneering down on them atop a throne brought all the way from the Citadel for this occasion, then scratched his hairy belly , then picking his teeth with said long fingernails .  “ Whassee gonna be, hmmm?”

Naturally , all three of them tried the clay . Then with a sombre toll of the bell , the punishment proceeded . 

It wasn’t painless . The burn of the poison still affected them . It was meant to replicate the feeling of Lead and arsenic poisoning- Definitely a tit for tat . 

The original Shaoye, who was the twisted kind , would have enjoyed this .

Shen Yuan however...

“ -He deserved it .” He blinked at Luo Binghe who nodded his head determinedly . Mingfan , who had been granted leave from his studies to come come support his family, settled his bulk , blocking his cousin’s view of the trial, “ Ah Shao, there is a time n’ place f’r feeling sorry for people. He a nasty trash who insulted y’r behind y’r back n’ plotted y’r murder , dun waste y’r feel’ngs on him. “ He scolded gruffly.

Even after this pep talk, Shaoye twitched at every pained screech , the sound of retching  , despite his own resolve, he truly had a kind heart . 

 “ Close your eyes.” Binghe turned Shaoye’s head away. Sure enough, lulled by the sounds of his friends all around him, and his protector, and just recovered of late, he fell into a deep sleep. 

Binghe however continued watching . 

He watched as Aleck screamed, writhing on the floor in agony .

He watched as the teenager threw up . 

He watched till the poison ran its course and the three men were collected, and placed on a cart. The three were tortured , but alive. They were exiled to a far off land , barred forever from the Citadel . 

The pain, the terror, the panic of the prospect  of losing Shaoye had engraved itself like scars left by a knife slashing away at his heart . Shaoye was the only other person who had brightened the darkened way of life which he trod on . If his Mama was the moon who chased away the shadows , his little master was the guiding star who lit his path and guided him to safety. And Aleck had wanted it put out due to his stupid ego. 

He was satisfied that the conniving and insane man and his fellow conspirators could never hold their heads up high or ever return here . But he would never ever forgive them for this act. 

----

<<Pivotal scene approaching. Final event!>> 

Shaoye stuffed a tanghulu in his mouth. 

It was the day after the trial. Morning. 

After the three of them - Mingfan , Binghe and he ate a simple breakfast, Shaoye excitedly brought them both to go shopping. 

Well .

He had thrown a temper tantrum to cow the pair into sneaking him out . And it succeeded seeing the trio on the streets incognito. 

Walking around the bustling town of the Inner Citadel  was no matter how time flew - An experience for him. It was hard for him to cover up his excitement as he wandered everywhere, so he looked just like a country bumpkin that had recently entered a city.

Binghe and Mingfan glued themselves to his side , chattering about Gongyi Xiao and Gongzhu- The other two had decided to stay in today to answer important mail from the Nuyuan clan - as well as Binghe’s upcoming admission to Qingjing peak  . 

After they walked around in a few shops,  Shaoye became subtly aware of a gaze on them . First on Binghe … Then on him . And tried not to both throw up in his mouth or grin in triumph. 

It was the Lout Gang leader turned beggar . The other one who had tormented Luo Binghe so in the original Proud immortal demon’s way . 

Damned pervert . He likes the innocent, weak looking sort . Shaoye gazed at himself in a passing mirror . Binghe was no longer a waif or looked anything like a child due to receiving good food and rest , and looked like the healthy teenager he should have become. Shaoye now in contrast was fair pickings in contrast.

Shaoye was small , relatively cute and unlike in the original PIDW, had been surrounded by armed guards and now was going to lose his two bodyguards to kickstart the roleswap. 

“Ah shao? Did sumthin' 'appen?” Mingfan asked , noticing the ugly expression on his cousin’s face. 

“Fan Ge . I want to eat a pancake ,” Shaoye squeaked and the spoiled kitten began listing off what he wanted. “ An’ I want roast sesame brittle . And a toy . And some roast duck, an- .”

“ Oh ya do , don’t ya ? ‘ow about ah hand ya thuh world too on a silver platter t’ boot ?” Mingfan snorted rudely , even as his good friend gave him a smelting look . 

“ That would be nice . Could I also have a side of stars and the appetizer , the moon, please ?” 

Mingfan opened and closed his mouth even as Binghe tried not to laugh . “ Y’ lil pest !” He roared at last in exasperation as Shaoye predictably fled to hide behind Binghe , giggling merrily . Binghe also predictably bristled at any perceived threat to his charge , friend or foe . 

“ You spoil ‘im , Ah He .” Mingfan growled at last  . 

“ He has been through so much , how can you not spoil him ?” Binghe retorted , spotting a store selling sesame brittle . 

Turning back, he told Shaoye: “Wait a little bit for me here, I’ll go and buy it for you.”

“ And there’s a store sellin' the pancake ya like, over yonder.  Now…” Mingfan placed a gold coin in his cousin’s hand . “ Here’s coin for the toy.  Ah want ya back here under this lamp post in five minutes and t' stay there , ya hear that, Ah Shao ? “ The older Dichan cousin demanded . “ Stay here after buyin’ that toy, you melon .”

Shaoye nodded his head, and after watching the leaving backs of the two teenagers . 

“Pretty little kitten . Are you lost?” Pressed a loathsome , reedy voice . Shaoye forced himself not to retch . //TT. Activate the //Make it rain// skill. I’m gonna pour these tearducts dry!//

He turned around ,fake tears rolling down his face . When the Lout gang leader  saw Dichan Shaoye’s face, immediately his face revealed a greedy and lustful look.

Dichan Shaoye opened his lips , the very image of distress: “Uncle……I can’t find my way home……”

The obscene look on the man’s face was impossible to be covered up as he asked in pants: “Then can Uncle bring you home with him?”

“O-Okay ah……” Dichaj Shaoye sniffles as he reached toward him……

—-

Although this Inner Golden Citadel town could be considered as one under Dichan family’s control, there were still many places in this town that were dirty and bad.

Not talking about other things, but just the fact of how the original him had managed to hire a pedophile in this town to corner Luo Binghe was enough proof. Due to suffering this humiliation scarce a week after his own mother’s death and in front of Xiao Gongzhu who had been visiting her ‘fiancé’ then, it was no surprise that poor Luo Binghe had been traumatized  until he twisted. 

He on the other hand was 29 . He knew how to defend himself . Besides , the lout gang leader clearly had been smoking opium , so much so he couldn’t ‘perform’ anymore . Thank the gods . 

<< Initiating the ‘ Plucking of the lotus ‘ event  OAO!>>

<< ( Luo Binghe ) ‘s role has been replaced by ( Dichan Shaoye) . Do your best to wait till you are discovered ! Reward: 100 pts for this final task ! OwO >>

—-

This is what Binghe and Mingfan saw as they frantically ran through the streets and turned one corner  . Well , Mingfan was bawling loudly like a mother who has lost her newborn and Binghe was dragging him along . 

This was what they saw.

A lowly beggar mimicking doing vulgar motions on … Their ….. Mingfan threw up blood in rage . Steam came out of Binghe's ears and he predictably started crying . 

Mingfan who was more “ Act fast then talk and cry later “ in a murderous rage was already balling up his sleeves and striding over . 

<<You have completed the  ‘ Plucking of the lotus ‘ event  OwO! >>

<<You have attained 100 pts! Total pts : 101 pts! OwO>>

【Completion of FINAL checkpoint mission: +100 Points. Congratulations! Please continue your efforts! OwO 】

The rest we can say .

Is history . 

Shaoye got some shaved ice dessert  for dinner that night . He was spoiled and cooed over his apparent ordeal . And even received an expensive fluffy kitten that he promptly named Bingbing . He only said the weird gege told him to turn around for a bit and wait till he told him to turn around then next thing he knew , Binghe and Mingfan had decided to play a very aggressive game of tag with the weirdo and he had been packed off home . He seemed none the wiser thankfully of what the Lout gang leader had been mimicking of doing to him. 

Binghe and Mingfan weren’t seen for hours, so busy playing ‘tag’  with ‘Lout’ but the next day , the local Dibao reported this .

<< Licentious pervert gets his ass run out of town by two teenagers  . >>

Below it. It described this . Dichan Mingfan aged 15 , the son of a prestigious tea owner , nephew of the Citadel Ruler and Luo Binghe , a servant of the Dichan household witnessed an act of indecency of a well known pervert , Mr Gong on a child  . The boy’s identity has been kept secret due to his young age . 

The pervert was chased half naked and exposed through the entire lap of the Golden Citadel three times by the teengers . It was a wonder that the pair did not destroy half of the settlement in their rampage. 

He managed to escape for thirty minutes to the top of the Golden Citadel flag pole where he was pelted at by indignant townsfolk , shouted at and threatened by said two teenagers .

Witnesses say Dichan Mingfan threatened to remove his manly bits . Luo Binghe said he would milk his spleen and feed his meat to the dogs . This went on for nearly half an hour . 

Thirty minutes of shaking the pole later saw  both teenagers decide to rip off the flagpole , using it as a crude ballistic device to forcibly catapult the man to the far off distance . Witnesses say the man was last seen flying off to Cang Qiong mountain sect . “

Then , the next day this came out : Deranged Pervert drop kicked by three peak lords to Huan Hua province . 

The deranged half naked man who was pelted to the Qing Jing Peak , was instantly catapulted from it upon landing by its Peak Lord . Its peak lord Shen Qingqiu heard yelling : “ You dare attempt to poach my investment  ?!!!!” After he finds out from the head disciple , Mingfan that the boy had been nearly poached by this man . 

The enraged peak lord then kicked the man to Baizhan park where he apparently landed near the Baizhan peak lord and his visiting sister , Liu Mingyan . Liu Qingge proceeded to kick him to Anding , where its Peak lord , Shang Qinghua boasted he had somehow frozen the man’s dangly bits before drop kicking him to Huanhua province. 

Shang Qinghua himself was beaming with pride , as Shaoye looked at him. The Peak lord had dropped by with this dibao* , and Sha Hualing in tow  to check on Shaoye.

“You froze the man’s dangly bits . You who cannot even lift managed to kick him go Huan Hua ?” 

“Bro. Cucumber bro, I am the Anding Peak lord-” “Mobei-gege was visiting his hamster boyfriend here in secret. They was smoochin’ when that nekkid wacko crashed through the window an’ Mobei gege went ape on him.” Sha Hualing cackled .

“LIES! The lies you tell, Ah Ling!”

“Indeed.” Shaoye stared. “What a lie she spins. “ 

Shang Qinghua reassured ,opened his mouth to continue his boast only for the child to continue. “Oh, and Shang Shishu? You might want to wipe away that mysterious ice-encrusted lip stain on your cheek. And I have some wo-nd-er-ful makeup that will hide those hickies on ya neck before Binghe asks questions.”

“....”

—-

Luo Binghe left early in the morning the next week . Shaoye had recovered once the poison had been drained, and he had been given enough medicinal brew to revive the dead .  Gongyi Xiao and Xiao Gongzhu had decided to stay. Gongzhu for now had decided to stay till correspondence 

Binghe’s satchel was stuffed to the brim with medicines , herbs , coin and dried food for the long journey ahead and as a parting gift he had been given a fine steed to speed the journey up.

The teenager’s heart felt heavy as lead , as tears streamed down his face , looking around the room he had shared often with Shaoye.  He didn't want to leave the one that had made him feel loved. All of that was soon going to be gone and he would end up with no one except himself again like he did when he was just a mere ten year old orphan at the docks. .

Binghe strode out , lugging his satchel. There, outside waiting were both Dichans next to a snow white steed . 

The thirteen year old walked towards the person he was going to miss most , just hugged the child and sobbed into his chest.

He didn't want to let go because he knew that if he let go, he would not be able to hold him again for a very long time.

 "I don't know how I'm supposed to do this without you" The teenager confessed, then lifted his head to gaze at his best , beloved friend in the eyes.

Shaoye bit his lips , and forced a smile , like he did when he was terrified but was trying to be brave for him. 

 "I'll be there with you even if you won't be able to see me."  And this time, the smile he receives is sincere . "And so will Ah Yi. We'll always be there, Binghe-ge."

Somehow, Binghe remembered a voice in the darkness, a gentle whispering voice, and what it had told him and how similar it was. And he smiles back as well, a soft warmth filling his heart. 

He pulls away from his little master and grips that soft little hand tightly. The sun shines down on the other who has changed his life forever like a comet pulled from orbit as it passed the sun. 

 

Somehow, Binghe knew, as the sun rose in the east , that if he had not met Shaoye, he would not have become who he was.

All he was, all he had , was because he met the little master. Emotion swelled in his heart and he blurted them out, these three simple words.

 "I love you."  

Shaoye’s eyes widen , Binghe too feels dumbstruck at this mislip of tongue. What-What was he saying? He, Luo Binghe, was in love with Shen Qingqiu, he was going to marry the elegant , older peak lord and he definitely was not marrying a little boy he had babysat. 

  What was he thinking?!   The words had just fallen out - oh so easily , as if it was natural like breathing - and -And….He shakes his head to clear it and laughs shakily. “Sorry. Misspoke. Haha. Heat of the day and all that.”  A sweet laugh of relief accompanies this. Shaoye clearly did not mind, infact his eyes were looking awfully red-rimmed as well….

His heart clenches , he breathes hard. Looked down at their joined hands. 

This. This really was happening, wasn’t it?

….It was really goodbye.  

 And with one last tear shedding down his face, he let go. 

Binghe ambled his way to the horse and swiftly mounted it. 

He dared not look back, only after he had passed the great gates of the manor itself, reserved only for friends and family ,did he look back .

By now his little master and the Citadel Master were just two specks waving away still in the far distance. 

The youth rode on his horse and it was nearly three hours before he left the gate of the city. Luo Binghe looked back at the capital that he had never left before.Part of him wished this would just all be a dream.But it wasn't. It was reality and reality hurts more than dreams.

When he turned around again, the young man hid his tenderness, leaving only pure determination to carry out his mother’s final will and to pursue his dreams. 

In only the span of a month he reached . 

Naturally Mingfan reported to Shaoye that there had been a minor altercation at the selection ceremony . Despite Mingfan pointing out the boy , Shen Qingqiu had icily told him to know his place . Desperate, Mingfan turned to the carrot method since the stick had failed , pointing the boy to Ning Ying Ying, their new Shimei whom Shizun doted on. 

Of course when she  had chosen Binghe and requested him,  being unable to refuse her request , Shen Qingqiu had finally chosen the boy. 

Success! He would of course report back to Shaoye on Binghe’s progress in the coming years and take care of his future cousin in law -little cousin’s best friend!. Binghe would be treated well , and have a great time here ! It was going to be great! 

This was the message Mingfan had sent to his sweet little cousin in the morning. 

Later at night, the magical parchment between Mingfan and Shaoye vibrated with urgency. Things were a complete 180 from the tone of his cousin’s cheerful message in the morning. Shen Yuan watched, heart clenching as the message spelled out was grim.

 Mingfan always kept his word, even before his revered master, he kept the Dichan Code closer than his teachings. His loyalty was to family above all and he would never lie. Binghe had cried himself to sleep as the head disciple coaxed him to come to the student’s quarters to sleep. 

Sleep was the best remedy to misery. And boy, unlike Mingfan, Shen Yuan knew full well ((Though he had vainly hoped things would be different.)) what would happen. This was the start of Binghe’s tumultuous teen years. 

For this section was the beginning of the “Luo Binghe comes under ‘Shen Qingqiu’s’ tutelage” arc in the original work and it was just starting.

---

 

Notes:

Author’s note : Luo Binghe has two hands , even if one hand is clutched around his enemy turned best friend to ambiguous situation - who is completely oblivious to his dilemma AND the other around said little Master’s DILF Godfather who is trying to disentangle himself from this mess . :D What adventures await? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas!

Chapter 13: How to unintentionally nearly commit fratricide

Summary:

Y’all . I survived the third COVID booster jab from hell , the racist supervisor from hell who won’t give a rats ass if I die from overwork , and soggy and nasty cafeteria food . But I liiiiiiive ! * Coughs * And I live to write this chapter !

 

// The Qing generation year 135. peach month*  . Day 7. Qingjing Peak// 

 

Dear Shaoye,

 

I hope this letter finds you well. It has been a week later, and it is getting chilly in the nights. Please dress warmly, and make sure not to stay up too late. And remember to eat your vegetables though you may despise them . I would trouble you to put a stick of incense for Ah Yi on my behalf . I already, truthfully miss you. It is not the same here. 

 

Qingjing Peak truly is a breathtaking place. Mingfan has been a great source of comfort and cheer , and introduced me to several other boys my age. Life here is different. 

 

Your godfather, the wondrous Shen Qingqiu truly is a man whose talents are once in a generation. Truly a marvel to watch his demonstrations, what skill, such grace, such breathtaking beauty, the way the early sun makes his porcelain face looks like it was made of pure jade.

 

He is ...A strict master, he had me recite the scriptures and poured his tea on me upon first meeting. He told me that I was speaking too softly .

 

I promise to work harder to be worthy of being a disciple of this prestigious peak.

 

To breathe the air and share the space of a living legend, is truly an honour!

 

Someday I hope to gain his approval. His validation. A smile from his peony red lips…

 

Ah, I dawdle too much. I must get back to chopping firewood! Please, take care. Don’t eat too much roast meat ,or candies  before dinner. You do recall sugared haws give you a tummy ache.

I keep you in my thoughts. We share a disciple’s quarters and none of the other boys are as tactile. It feels weird not having someone to soothe or hug in the night. 

I miss you so much.

Take care,

Your most obedient and most humble servant,

Luo Binghe,

Age 14.

---

The Qing generation year 135.  peach month*  . Day 6. Qingjing Peak// 

 

Dear Shaoye, 

 

It  has been three months of not hearing back from you and I grow worried. If you do get this, I would be obliged if you could address it to Mingfan as he offered kindly to hide my letter in his parcel. 

 

Thank you for the scarf. It seems the post and I have a problem, so Mingfan asked ahead for me , to which I received  a valentines day present as did he with his mail. I hope you like the small wooden charm in the shape of a kitten. It will mew if there are any demonic beasts around. As I know you have been talking about exploring and cataloguing demonic beasts in the future, I decided to create something practical. The spray of pressed Red Azaleas included is because I thought of you and the time we shared together at the Golden Citadel . 

 

The silk white scarf with lotuses embroidered on it is truly a  work of art. Mingfan probably has conveyed his own thanks for the scarf he too has received and praise of you . But he is too, very proud of how far you have become.Today  I caught sight of Shizun smiling -He looked like an angel descended from heaven in that moment. 

 

 It appears he too is pleased with the scarf he got from you for valentines day. Sect Master Yue came by, and he appeared shocked by the scarf . Mingfan and I shared a giggle when Shizun informed him that the scarf was from a sweetheart, the only one apart from his sworn brother who gave a damn about him in this soul crushing charade called life.  

 

Which brings me to point. 

 

Young master Shaoye, I do not see the appeal of these creatures- AKA , the fairer sex, aka girls. 

I don’t understand girls. Mingfan says it is basic manners to be nice to them but I can’t bring myself to feel a crumb of kindness or sympathy. 

 

It grows grating. You liked to joke that you gave both Ah Yi and I no end of trouble with your tantrums, but I digress, at least your tantrums were harmless. 

 

The whines some of my female fellow disciples make , make my hair stand on end.

 

Fetch water for me, Ah Luo. Luo Shi Di , my feet are tired, gimmie a piggyback ride, Luo Shi di, your hair smells so fine , I am going to sniff it even though you clearly find it creepy .

 

 It gets worse around valentines day. Which brings me to point. Valentines day. 

 

Mingfan seems oddly conflicted but pleased. He showed me a single pressed snow lotus , some candies in a package from Gongyi Xiao .

 

You probably know this but Xiao Gongzhu and he have gone to west county and it’s famous for its rare flora and beasts ! I read up on flower language and did you know that the Snow lotus means ‘Everlasting love’? The one Gongyi Xiao sent was yellow , so it meant ‘I fell for you the moment I saw you.’ ...I wonder if one can dye the flowers . Does Shizun like any particular flower ?

I ask because I think Shizun didn’t like the gift of a bouquet of Magnolias I made for him for Valentine’s Day . 

 

He burned it . 

 

…

 

Maybe Shizun is  allergic . I just thought he reminded me of jade white beautiful magnolias, silky and silver like the moon . Silly me, haha! 

And while Mingfan mourned over no flowers or cookies from girls. The fact he got a green scarf from you and a pressed flower , treats from his ...Good friend has him in a good mood. 

 

I do not wish to sound ungrateful, but valentines day has seen me mobbed by my female disciples. The one in particular called Shi Shimei and our Ning Shijie got into a fight over being able to walk me down hill to fetch firewood. Then it turned into a brawl as one girl punched another girl. I don’t understand it. Mingfan jokes it is like I have some kind of halo that somehow reduces their intelligence. 

 

The ruckus grew loud enough that Shizun and Sect Master came out to see nearly every female on the peak fighting and caterwauling away. 

 

And guess who got punished for inciting a brawl? Me! 

I really don’t like the holidays. I wish I didn’t have this so-called halo :( The other guys say they would trade with me for it . They can have it with pleasure . I miss sleeping with you in the cozy room. The food here is bland and I got punished for cooking.

 

... I know . 

 

Immortals aren’t supposed to eat in the first place , that I owe so much to your family and you above all which is what is keeping me here . Besides , I really want to impress Shizun one day, maybe even Court him. Got to Go , I’m being called to chop firewood again. 

 

Take care,

Your most obedient and most humble servant,

Luo Binghe,

Age 14.

---

The Qing generation year 135.  'plum flower month*  . Day 9. Qingjing Peak// 

 

Heya Ah Shao.

 

It’s ya Fan Ge over here. Bad news. I don’t know how you are gonna get this. But Shizun really, really hates y’Dumb-dumb. I found out yesterday Shizun has stopped all mail from Binghe reaching the Golden Citadel since Binghe started here. 

 

When I asked why, I was told not to ask so many questions, that he never approved of the friendship between one lesser in caste.

 

Ya know. If I had never met Binghe early on, had you not introduced us both, I dare say I would have kept quiet and agreed and thought the same way. But ya know. The famous Dichan temper got in the way. Bo bo told me Binghe had carried you all the way that dark day . That your survival clung to the fact he had saved you. So what if he is of uncertain birth, that old lump o’ pigskin and festering bunions is of noble birth and he ordered the deeds done to you. 

 

One should be judged by their deeds and not their blood. So I told him if he weren’t gonna let Binghe talk, that wasn’t stoppin’ me from yelping.

 

Never seen Shizun so pissed in my life. He told me it is lucky Ye is so fond of me that I am spared. Shizun tells me that ‘The little beast’ and my behavin’ irrational would not tamper with your growth. In a way...He does care about ya. I hate to say that.

Please, tell Bo Bo to bring Binghe home. He is being tortured here ,  as your cousin, I know how much yer care about him.Yesterday Shizun ordered me to whip Binghe due to displaying wrong forms during a physical sparring session and Binghe has been barred from attended the scant classes we get sometimes .

Binghe rightfully pointed out that our classes were dependent on the whims of our peak lord and ...I hate to admit it but if the besotted pup can see that,  that means it’s really apparent.

 

If it wasn’t for me wanting to please Shizun , I doubt I would have put in the effort.  I feel like a heel, Shizun has been cold but he practically raised me for most of my childhood.Yet me blood boils whenever my bud get trashed. Tis a conundrum. I too don’t like seein’ Shizun so angry.  But he isn’t acting’ like a teacher should. 

Surely Binghe can find alternate modes of study? Surely he will be happier around you? Bingbing will tell you he likes studying here, but all I see is a silly crush on Shizun , and I heard he’s engaged , accordin’ to one of our classmates. Shizun I mean. Binghe will be so much happier and safer by your side. He’s a softie, I don’t think he can last long here . 

Yours worriedly,

Dichan Mingfan 

--

 

 

 

 

 

// The Qing generation year 135.  'apricot month' *  . Day 1. Golden citadel//

 

“He will be fine.” Shang Qinghua sighs in pleasure over the tea leaves and mourns the fact Shen Qingqiu is big enough of a bastard that he doesn’t share any tea leaves from Gao Laoyuan . They have met up again at the villa at Baoliu village. A popular meeting spot this time, Shang QInghua had mailed Shaoye the token to enter the restaurant.  

 

“He’s not going to be fine!” Shen Yuan hissed as he stalked back and forth in frustration. The cause of frustration that Binghe was as per canon, starting his miserable time at Qingjing Peak . 

“Well, what can you do? You honestly want to stir up a pot of bees? From what I recalled, Binghe was not pursued by Dichan Shaoye after he left.” Qinghua shivers at the thought of his martial sibling’s face if Shaoye mentioned Shang Shishu had a hand in mentioning Binghe which was why the child wanted to visit . Things would only get 10000x worse for the protagonist! 

 

“Cuz Dichan Shaoye was a prick.” But he concedes, and to Airplane ju-ju’s relief, Shen Yuan appears to remember and deflate.

 

Seeing his sombre mood, Qinghua changes his tune. “ Ah! Speaking of which, how goes your trade route?” Shen Yuan rolled his eyes at this. Of course , Airplane , no, Eagle flying towards the sky in this verse was interested. He had secretly sponsored several of his graduated students as accountants under his pen name for the silk route and was raking in the money. 

 

“The trade route is a huge success. Mingfan is making a lot of noise already about the way Binghe is being treated. I suspect he won’t stay long...And he doesn’t after it becomes clear Ning Yingying is being targeted by his beloved Shizun as his future wife in canon Proud Immortal’s demon way, anyway, doesn’t he?” 

 

He raises an eyebrow as Airplane spits out a mouthful of tea.

 

Mingfan disappears for a time before Luo Binghe goes for the Immortal Conference Arc . Bingge had face-slapped his former nemesis by pointing out the closeness of Yingying and Shizun. 

 

Many users had not missed the aggravating guard dog, the Lu Bu to Shen Qingqiu’s Dongzhuo** , but Peerless cucumber had pointed it out several times that a whole character was tossed aside , and only appearing at the end to challenge Luo Binghe , being the only other miraculous  survivor of the Golden Citadel drowning aside from Dichan Shaoye, screamed of ‘What happened to the mouse.’**

 

Mingfan in the original work , after said flooding, had been working as a leader to a group of lawless cultivators. He had organized a coup against the new Huan Hua Palace Master , Luo Binghe. 

 

Mingfan had some leadership properties, and from what Shen Yuan determined was serious and trustworthy . If he went off on an adventure, likely Mingfan would take over happily and warm his seat while he was gone in organizing the trade routes. 

 

And honestly? Another trusted set of hands was welcome. Ideas were floating in his head on how to prevent many of the calamities that later Luo Binghe came across in the novel .

 

Shen Yuan, formerly peerless cucumber, now in the body of Dichan Shaoye gave the withering Shang Qinghua a ball-busting glower. “I’d take a loyal gege with anger issues over a sycophant under the whims of a system , Airplane.” 

 

Then his gaze softens.``Plus, focus on getting’ your boyfriend off your ass first.” Translation: Mobei Jun is a hard ass, I am sorry for you, and the plot you have to carry out that is imposed by your bitchass system .  

 

Shang Qinghua sighs in dismay at that. “Yeaha..Yeah, you’re right-” 

 

“However! I don’t care how you do it.” Shang Qinghua squawked as Shen Yuan hopped onto his foot. “You are coming with me to fix your mess of a novel, we are starting with creating a bestiary. To make sure the death count is reduced, and no ifs. No buts. “

 

“But...But…” Airplane squeaks. “W-why a bestiary? “ 

 

“The Immortal Alliance conference from what I understand is coming. “ 

 

“A-aren’t you being a worrywart? It's four years away-” “Four years is stretching it. We can only hope and we will speed it up so as to get it printed and distributed.” The little leopard growled. “Do you realize how many innocent lives will be lost? How much devastation will be wrought that could have been prevented if people were better informed?! ”   

 

His chubby little face darkened, as he grit out the final and clearly most important thing that would be ruined . “-How much suffering Luo Binghe went through? Granted, I do get being chucked face first into the Endless Abyss itself didn’t do wonders, but clearly he was suffering from PTSD already from seeing people get killed off right infront of him. A perfectly good hero ruined by anxiety and survivor’s guilt!!” “-Yannow, you are bein’ awfully protective of the kid.” The peak lord laughed awkwardly only to find a pint of fury pressing his little face against his. 

 

 “Don’t try me, pal! I won and was voted top of the year for the ‘Luo Binghe went through too much’ essay for the Character analysis challenge of 20xx then for three years thereafter for ‘Why Luo Binghe deserved better!” and my magnum opus “Why the Harem is bullshit for all involved!’! I wrote 33000 reviews for on each and every chapter you came out with and when you came out with that ball busting 15th volume that many took a year to read, I chugged red bull, pure black coffee from the Gulf, and mixed it with ramen noodles to finish that horror in a WEEK. You try that ‘I’m being too attached bullcrap’ on me.  I will shit fury all over you and you will drown in it. Because I loved Luo Binghe before I even came here!” 

 

They stared at each other , or rather Airplane gaped at the pint-sized terror in utter horror before breaking his gaze first. “ Yessir , Mr Peerless Cucumber sir !”

 

“T-the character,  I mean . I loved his character .” Muttered Shen Yuan , blushing faintly as he thought over the words he had blurted out. 

 

“ Yessir, Mr Peerless Cucumber ,sir . No homo, sir!”

 

The Immortal Alliance Conference was Proud Immortal Demon Way’s first major climax. At the same time, it was also an important turning point of the novel.

 

It was held once every four years, and was an excellent opportunity to pick out new talent and establish one’s reputation. 

 

Each time, due to the major sect leaders’ discussions, the exact structure of the proceedings, but there would definitely be a top ranker’s list.

 

No matter if you came from a prestigious sect, or from the poorest parts of the jianghu, as long as your performance in the conference was outstanding, your name would be listed on the gold-inscribed tablet, and you’d gain fame across the land.

 

The conference will last for a week. After everyone enters the gorge, The respective sect masters would set up a giant barrier, and cover the entire Jue Di Gorge. For seven days, the participants entering Jue Di Gorge will be isolated from the outside world on their side, unable to know the situation outside, but the observers would be able to know the situation within via the spirit eagles let loose above the valley.Over a hundred types of low level demonic creatures would be placed within the valley; the total number by right should be  close to five thousand. 

 

What no one knows is that Shang Qinghua will allow high level demonic beasts to be released within. No one except Airplane or Shaoye. 

 

“Technically, you aren’t doing anything suspicious. The OOC should have worn off by now, right? And besides, I know that time frame. There’s no damn plot for Shang Qinghua to be doing anything at this time.” 

 

For the first time, Airplane appears to be in conflict, he bites his lips , he subconsciously tugs at his hair in blind panic  . “But- but…” 

 

Something in Shen yuan softens , relents and sympathizes with Airplane upon seeing the sheer terror and worry at challenging his system . 

 

Shen Yuan places a soft hand on the other’s , and gently asks.  “How do you know, unless you try?” 

 

Over the years he had built a friendship with the author. Had actually admired him despite selling out pre-transmigration , and still continued to be in awe of his creativity . 

 

Airplane closes his eyes, his breathing stills as though he is mentally preparing himself for a great tribulation, when his eyes open, they are blank .The way Shen Yuan’s does when he is talking to TT. But judging from the way Airplane flinched , he doubted the pair had the relationship TT and he shared. 

 

Then his eyes widen, a spark returning as the connection with his system is disconnected. “I-it worked!” 

“Of course you did.” Huffed Shen yuan, “ now , I must rondevu with Sha Hualing, I think she can keep your king busy for something extra these four or so years. I will be making a loss but it’s a small sacrifice in the long run once the bestiary comes out .” 

 

“Better you than me .” Shang Qinghua shuddered  . Airplane departed first but Shaoye was waiting for a coach to pick him up. It was a day of praying and most of the normally busy cultivation village was quiet. An unusual butterfly fluttered by , and like a moth drawn to a flame , the child ran after it , pulling out a book . It landed on a pretty white flower. He titled his head, and gaped in shocked surprise as he confirmed its identity . A lesser Hundred year old Snow Drop of a thousand joys growing between the cracks of a street? 

 

Then again, it was a cultivation world. Stranger things had happened . Such the Holy Gilded Saint Butterfly that had chosen to land on the small flower . One of the rare animals that was of the Heavenly variant and actually not demonic.  

 

And best of all. Despite its name , it actually was of the moth species and could produce a rare type of silk that was so potent in warding off demons, lesser ones would disintegrate by merely touching the robes made of the silk . He approached it gently , and offered it some of his honeyed candy, smiling in delight as it accepted.

 

It softly butted it’s head against his hand , “ You remind me of Binghe . You too are too pure and sweet for your own good.” He told it , laughing . "I will dub theee .... Binghe-jr."

 

So engrossed into the gaining of a new pet, did Shaoye not notice the So interested, he was that he did not realize the toad-like man clad in violet watching him , just a few steps away.

Breathing heavily, the man stepped closer and closer to the unwary little kitten. He reached out, sausage thick fingers nearly grasping the slight back- “HEY!” A sharp cry reverated through the air, “What do you think you’re doing?!” 

A woman, clad in pinks and violet silk, ran forward. The toad like man made a burbling noise as a stray bolt of green qi struck where he had just been seconds ago. Unaware of all the hoohah, Shaoye miraculously sayed in the same spot , coaxing the butterfly to enter a bottle he had. 

 

As he placed the lid (It was meant for collecting larvae or silk moths and thus had holes for breathing and some water, a flowering plant within)) over his new pet, did the young woman skid to a stop ,after deciding the creep had been scared off, walks back.

 

“Shaoye-didi!”   

 

“ Haitang Jie Jie ! “

 

“ Are you alright ?” She asked , walking over to fuss over him . “Why wouldn’t I be?” He asked innocently and she groaned. “Well. Honestly!” 

 

—-

 

Qui Loujian had not expected to see her again . He sighed . Haitang was his worst nightmare given flesh . And he nearly had blown his cover. The little minx no doubt would recognize him . His eyes remained the same, the same shade of violet she had. Even more carelessly, his robes remained the same as the ill fated Qiu clan colour , of violet, which he admittedly favoured . 

Despite his age and bulk , she was a sentimental fool and had loved the facade of a good older brother that he had projected . Undoubtedly she would have recognized him had she taken a good look at him . 

 

Of course he had been distracted. 

 

The little master grew to look more and more like his father in his youthful prime  had,  until that horrible spell cast to protect his Citadel from the attack of the Gilded Triad had stolen away Ye’s beauty. 

 

Still , it was too soon to act . He had an appointment with someone who would hasten his own goals to make those dreams of his, a reality. Qui Loujian forced himself back to the damp and darkness where he had been hiding for so many years.

 

—-

 

Haitang was not happy about Shaoye’s decision to go on a journey to catalogue monsters . “You’re too young! “ She scolded “The world is full of wicked perverts! What would your fiance say? ”  “I’m going with an-an adult. My Gan-shu! He’s really tough and likes monsters too!” 

 

“What does your fiance say about this?” She repeated patiently again. “Binghe .” Huffed the child , pouting then sputtering as her words registered  ,” Is studying at Qingjing peak and he’s not my fiance!”

 

 “And I’m the Jade Emperor.” Haitang muttered under her breath, the way Binghe had snarled around her like a jealous , pampered spoiled pooch every time they met and the way Shaoye would boast of his Binghe-ge’s exploits like a proud little lion ? 

 

 She opened her mouth to say more but a sudden ringing of a bell informed her of whom she was going to meet. The pink clad cultivator sighed in irritation and took out a bell charm that had a symbol of a golden lotus on it. 

 

What she was not expecting was the way her small friend’s face turned ashen and he started to tremble in utter terror at the symbol. 

 

“Shaoye? What’s wrong, honey?”  Haitang quickly deactivated the charm and hid it in her pouch , she didn’t care for her associate she was going to meet but she definitely cared more for the small child who had stood up for her and forged a friendship with over the years. 

 

She pulled the sniffling child into a hug . In between wet shuddering gulps, he told her.

 

Why his previously long mane had gone and why he really wanted to go on a trip.

 

Somewhere different. Somewhere to forget. 

 

---

<<Elsewhere within Baoliu village>>

 

Qui Loujian sneered . “ -Of course . Of course,a small token . “ He and his meeting partner were in the back alley of the cosy little village . It was a rather seedy place . Then again, he no longer was Qiu Jianluo after all. A brothel owner whom most decent company would not be caught dead with especially regarding how much his features had wizened due to age and good food.

 

He thought of the profits , and smiled even after he handed over more jewels and gold.

 

His partner, an arrogant woman , Feng Huang , gave an unimpressed sniff , “Very well. For Half of your profits from your ...Unsavory business in addition to these tokens. We will allow you a place in our alliance . It grants you a seat at Huan Hua palace.”

 

Silly chit.what she was unaware was that he was eyeing her body. Or the gem that gave her power and life and that he needed to open a tomb where her fathers body lay in the Huan Hua crypt.He would have both in his grasp with this signing. Now all it needed was the right time. 

 

Feng Huang was the second Feng Huang. The first had been part of the gilded triad of which the old palace master was the sole survivor of. 

 

The first’s body was what he was interested in.

 

It was a bright shining future that fit him . 

 

Dichan Shaoye. Ye’s prized son by his side once he gained that body . He would get him and he nearly had gotten a taste earlier if not for that guard dog who snarled around him and now his own Sister . 

 

Granted he wasn’t as coquettish or charming as Ye had once been . But they both had that wildfire that all Dichans had. 

 

He still remembered the times the fellow nobleman had rejected his offers of marriage to his sister , of an alliance .  Ye had called him a creep, a lousy dog, all manner of names and did his utmost best to run his business down for keeping Shen Jiu . The pair had struck up a friendship of sorts of all things . 

 

Ye had wore a number of faces during his youth and one was a high end male prostitute to gain intel . He never slept with him though .

 

  No matter how much coin was offered, even escaping once when his then brothel owner ordered him . Choosing to break cover and compromise his mission then toss in bed with  Qiu Jianluo.That burned . 

 

If he couldn’t have Ye, then his treatment of Shen Jiu, was his repayment .

 

Shen Jiu had to suffer . Just for being friends with Ye and refusing to give up any information on the other. 

 

The little slave had been seen chit-chatting several times to the other  . Ye would have stolen him away if not for Shen Jiu vehemently insisting that a ‘Qi-Ge’ was coming for him and the dumbass would freak out if he wasn’t there at the Qius. 

 

Stupid  little rat . 

 

Nothing like Ye though he was comely in his own way . 

 

Stubborn and loyal to a fault to both this Qi-Ge by staying, enduring torture and horror after horror and refusing  divulge any secret by Ye at the Qiu manor . 

 

The discomfort it had caused him when the rat called Shen Jiu killed his doppelganger . His father had, of all things, invested in buying a golem that looked like him from a rogue cultivator . 

 

Sentimental old fool, he had thought at the time the old man was throwing away his money. 

 

He supposed he should have thanked him but either way,he was too late. 

 

Faraway and enjoying himself at a brothel with his favorite prostitute who bore a likeness to Ye . He felt the tinge of pain that came if your golem had been killed and had rushed back to the manor .

 

He blinked at the burning wreck that had been his home . Then smiled .

 

Quite a shame but he felt nothing for the deaths except for the money and valuables left over that was burnt up. Now that was a pity. 

 

He nearly sighed in regret as he watched the women of the Qiu manor escape that fiery day .

 

 Oh well .

 

Shen Jiu . Shen Jiu . You truly are a failure not to finish the job by killing all . 

 

It was so tiring to act like one cared about that weak whiny brat of a sister . 

 

Still Qiu Jianluo was nothing but a disingenuous survivor . Like a Phoenix , he would rise again. And now that old oaf was taken care of and the crybaby thinking that he had been burnt along with the other males  ...He was a rich man , for he didn’t have to share his inheritance with her after all . 

 

Haitang was a nuisance, thrice he had attempted to suffocate her as a baby, push her down a slope, then he slipped pills into her food in a bid to get all of the inheritance .But always luck prevailed on her side, and he was forced to pretend he rescued her from said fiascos he had ironically placed her in.

 

Well, he was free from that . Good riddance to nonsense. 

 

Upon selling off the ruined property and investing in setting up brothels at the Golden Citadel , he had become so much richer . And had a never ending supply of stress relief and outlets for his lust . 

 

//He always chose young teenagers , with careless laughs . Clever eyes of almond and fire . Skin of velvet . But for some reason it feels like a cheap replacement for the real untamable Ye .//

—-

The Qing generation year 136.  'plum flower month*  . Day 9. Qingjing Peak// 

Dear Mingfan.

 

I send this to Qingjing peak. I know you will likely not get it, maybe it is venting, but I cannot let you not know of my gratitude to you. I have recovered well. Ye and I are travelling slowly and surely back to the Golden Citadel.

 

Of my education, I plan to continue it with the manuals. It surely cannot be any worse than...How , I've been treated. I still ...Have a dream . One day I will make Shizun proud of me, I will become someone , someplace else and return with glory and honour.

Best regards,

Luo Binghe

Age 15

—

The Old Citadel Ruler  was deeply troubled, and Luo Binghe knew it. He went out to talk to the old man. It had been half a month since Mingfan had smuggled a half dead Binghe from the bamboo shack and brought him to a horrified Ye who nursed him to health along the way back. 

What a kind master he had . Apologetic , rather than enraged that his money getting Binghe to Qingjing and sponsoring an education there for him gone to dust , was more concerned about his health and well-being.

The least he could do was lend a helpful ear . 

Dichan Ye was out for a stroll trying to think of a way to get rid of the despot. Things had hit a stumbling block as Qingqiu and he had exhausted their gamut of threats to use against the tyrant and no one else dared to stand up to the old bag of bones . The old toad needed to slip first and he needed his alliance to start losing faith in him due to his own irrational actions.

But what could make him act irrational and show the monster lurking within . 

Time was ticking. They had a mild edge given how recent the acts against Shaoye, Gongzhu , Gongyi xiao and Binghe but as time went on, the more people lost interest in the case, the less of a chance they had to act. 

People, Ye, reflected , as a whole , were selfish mules who needed to get a good ass-kicking of their own a second time round  to get riled up to make a change , right when the hooves had just been soldered on the kicker’s and they already had just kicked before the second round .

And for emphasis, the first kick had to be just fresh to make round two count.

“Dagnabbit, I knew I should have all o' 'em Gilded Triad blighters killed off . Qingqiu was righ’…” He puffed his smoke , and watched the white smoke drift off. “ As he always is ” Normally , Ye would smile at the mention of his sworn brother but all he let out was a disappointed huff. . 

Since nearly half a month ago of visiting and having the first row he ever would have with his sworn brother over the state he found Binghe in. Dichan Lao had expressed worry about not being able to receive email from Mingfan , and thinking it was a minor issue, Ye dropped in for a midnight visit. What he did not expect was to witness Luo Binghe chopping firewood , his forehead hot and his breathing dragged , he had a fever and innumerable whip marks in the cold of the night . Mingfan stood nearby, wringing his hands. Unable to dissuade the stubborn boy . Apparently this was according to their Shizun’s orders . 

To see Lao Xiong forget how he had once been treated by the Qius , the world at large , disappointed Ye. He loved his bro, tried to talk sense to him as did Lao Xiong would try to smack sense into him sometimes .

Said talk sense session had become a shouting sense session . 

Sometimes, he reflected, you couldn’t talk to people and had to let life whoop their ass before they learnt a lesson. He left with a feverish Binghe who had thankfully recovered well. He actually wanted to go back to Qingjing peak to continue his studies till Ye pointed out brutally that Qingqiu was extremely uncomfortable around him and being a jerk because of his past issues.  

Boy had a heckuva crush on Lao Xiong. Ye did not want to think about the kid’s face when he found out Qingqiu was gunning for his female classmate. That. That was a can of worms he knew was slated for disaster. 

Ye shook his head. “Not now, stupid brain! Revenge for yer angel! Ensuring the old blighter is picked off fer good so y’  darling little angel can live long and trauma-free! BURNING REVENGE FER YER BABY BOY-” Soft footsteps broke him out of his monologue. 

He blinked as he turned around . Binghe walked towards him , holding a tray bearing sweets. The moonlight shines over him for a moment before darkness covers the courtyard, the moon obscured by clouds. In awe of the boy’s personage , he thought to himself that it was as if even the moon was ashamed to see him  face-to-face. That’s when it struck him. 

The one thing that could turn the tide.  

Binghe just turned fifteen a week ago . And he had matured physically vastly , his baby fat had all but been lost and he looked like he would develop into a heartbreakingly handsome young man . 

He also looked more and more like Su Xiyan.  Touted as the most beautiful cultivator of the generation just before Lao Xiong’s . Ye had survived several assassination attempts by the woman on orders of Lao Gongzhu .

A cunning blighter , she was . 

Though her apparent consorting with demons had led to an execution by judge and jury . Or so that was according to the press.

Ye however felt nothing towards her, and thought her son deserved to be treated fairly and as a son of Ah Yi whom had loved his baby son as her own.

Speaking of Binghe....

The boy had confided in disgust to his master a while back about Lao Gongzhu’s abnormal interest in him during the Huan Hua palace visit . 

How the mask of a gentle and refined man had split to reveal a wolf when he was in the vicinity of Binghe. 

Su Xiyan was the old man’s weakness . His one Achilles heel and Binghe had her face . Of the “Thirty Six Stratagems,” there was one stratagem that could be used in desperate times—the beauty trap. 

The ruler , with tears in his eyes, knelt down in front of the 15 year old boy servant.“Why are you doing this, my lord?” cried Binghe in alarm.

“Will you do something to help poor little Shaoye?” he asked, knowing of the teenager’s devotion to his little son.

“Of course! “ Binghe gasped , eyes widening in fear of the perceived threat to his little master , “I would give my life to save him ! How can I stand here while you kneel? Please rise, my lord.”

Seeing the determination in his eyes, the Citadel Ruler whispered to him his plan. Binghe appeared troubled. But, upon deep consideration, he slowly nodded.

“ The lives of Shaoye and the whole Citadel depend on you . I fear that if this tyrant is not taken down - “  The old man  paused for dramatic effect .” We all are in grave danger . Far too long we have allowed this wound to fester . The choice is ultimately yours,the Golden Citadel already owes you a blood debt for saving my son .  Again, I give you the choice to refuse my proposal .” 

 

“Master need not worry . “ Binghe stated firmly , steely resolve and that vengeance hidden away normally , brought to the forefront .

 

Dichan Ye only felt great admiration for the young teen’s commitment and devotion to his son to be willing to jump back into hell itself just to protect him . 

 

A brave young hero indeed, self sacrificing to a fault . 

 

His Son though….He hardened his gaze , forcing himself not to stop the teenager . Shaoye loved Binghe , likely and deservedly would hate Ye for suggesting it to the teenager after this . 

 

Ye never regretted whatever he did, questionable, horrifying,dubious , especially if it was for his Son . He did not regret suggesting and begging Binghe for assistance. 

 

Especially since even after explaining everything that could go wrong and giving the teen the choice to refuse ….

 

“ Master has no idea how easy this will be for this lowly Binghe . Or what this one will do for little Master Shaoye . “

 

—1

Qiu Haitang stormed up to the meeting point on the wings of rightful indignation after she had seen Shaoye alight the coach home . 

 

The doors to the private room of the restaurant she had been invited to , slammed open. Then slammed shut behind her with a snap. This particular establishment valued its complex silencing charms and thus the privacy of its patrons who were often the rich and famous. 

 

“-He tortured a little boy! You didn’t tell me that Lao Gongzhu tortured a child, has a history of abusing his own daughter and had designs on a minor!”  

 

Feng Huang sighed . 

 

Haitang was a fantastic strategist to Huan Hua’s alliance , but her kind and upright nature was definitely grating. Only time would tell if she ended up as jaded as Feng Huang herself or would bite Lao Gongzhu back . 

 

Still , it was too early to do biting back . Lao Gongzhu was supposed to be her uncle , though fat lot of good it did for the first Feng Huang , her daddy dearest, who had been his sworn brother of the Gilded triad which he had been part of . He referred to her as his beloved niece but they both knew public appearances aside , their relationship was purely business . 

 

She saw the profits of supporting his banner , gold, valuables and stability in the region . Sure , Lao Gongzhu dealt in a lot of dirty dealings but which ruler didn’t ? 

 

“And who wanted vengeance for her clan ? Are you that naive that you actually believed true justice exists in this world ? “ She paused scornfully to let her words sink in.” In exchange for a price, we will aid and help the old warthog cover up minor scrapes , look away when he does questionable things to young disciples , anyone who looks like his lost Chang e* and boost his reputation.”

 

Qiu Haitang gazed at the female mercenary , daughter of one of Lao Gongzhu’ now deceased sworn brothers , in horrified disgust . “ That’s corruption! “ 

 

“Then what do you wish ? Chaos to descend ? A mass distrust and loss of the idea of law and order itself ? And have your objective incomplete ?” The other calmly asked and Haitang clenched her fist. Loyalty and vengeance warred between her .

 

The mercenary knew the battle was won when the other bowed her head in defeat. “ That’s it. Think about the reward. Your clan, wasn’t it ? Vengeance for their deaths ? Concentrate on  that. Ignore all else. It makes it easier,” the other encouraged. 

 

Haitang walked as though her feet were made of lead and sat next across the other . “ But is it right ?” She whispered before starting the discussion , on how to put down a peasant uprising due to the lack of water . As well as negotiations for buying water from other places that weren’t the Golden citadel. 

 

Dinner ended early. 

 

Haitang had no appetite . The normally tasty dinner at this restaurant, a sponsored treat by Huan Hua at ‘Dichan Lao’s fine cooking’ only reminded her of her little friend’s suffering. 

 

She felt sick . Shaoye had- had to … He still had scars on his little hands and despite what he told her , it would take years to recover from the ordeal he had been through . 

 

She excused herself early and while Feng Huang allowed it as the advisor had settled the issue of water and bamboo with her Ingenuity and allocation of resources to find new water sources ….”Haitang . “ The slender woman pauses , standing stiffly a few steps away from the door . The one still seated and biting into a plump steak , shook her head , feeling the need to stress to her fellow alliance member the importance of sticking to the alliance . 

 

“Those morals of yours will set you into trouble one day . Need I remind you this : Whose side are you on again ?” Haitang , deigned not to reply , opened the private sitting area’s door then marched straight out into the blue of the evening through the restaurant’s main entrance ,mouth pressed into a Thin line of displeasure. 

 

—-

 

That night back at Huan Hua palace where she currently stayed , rent free and in a beautiful bedroom , Qiu Haitang slept a troubled sleep despite being safe and surrounded by luxury she had once been accustomed to . She dreamed of Shaoye’s crying , the heat of the flames of the burning of her childhood home and Feng Huang’s last words “-Whose side are you on, again ?” 

 

In the morning, her mood worsened when she heard the news that Shaoye’s fiance was being brought to Huan Hua . Luo Binghe apparently had a change of heart and decided to pursue his fortunes here, and had discontinued his studies at Qingjing peak  . 

 

She rushed downstairs , hoping against hope to be proven wrong , only to watch a grand procession march into Huan Hua Palace. 

 

Haitang watches wide eyed, leaning against the bannister alongside others , blood pounding in her  ears as the Old Palace master waved to his disciples , his head of houses, advisors and guards with his right and his left draped in a seemingly friendly gesture over a young teenager, both in the centre of the parade . 

 

She recognised that face . 

 

The boy was now a teenager , and clad in the robes of a disciple of Huan Hua . And not just any disciple but of a head disciple.

 

Qiu Haitang had thought , hoped against hope that Luo Binghe was a different person than the likes of Shen Jiu . Had thought he was Different . 

Shaoye had endured torture to save his fiance , and this-this little monster repaid him by heading back to the lair of the man who tortured his savior?!

What decent person would betray his own fiancé like this ?! 

 

——

Notes:

Authors note : Gaaaaaassp. Betrayal ! Or is it ? ;) Who will Qiu Haitang attempt to beat the living daylights out of first ? Lao Gongzhu or Binghe ? What is Qiu Jianluo up to ? Will Qin Wanrong ever be able to fit 1000 hot dogs in her face at one sitting even as her aghast older sister tries to ignore this display and get into an uninterested Binghe’s pants ? Find out in chapter 14! :)

Chapter 14: There's no we in fries

Summary:

*Shen Qingqiu worrying about his godson's wellbeing and being angered by Luo Binghe's 'betrayal' : I am not nice.
Everyone else with eyes:......

Shen Qingqiu reflects that even though they may not be blood related, Shaoye and him have rotten taste in men. Ning Yingying has a lot of growing up to do as SY is not SQQ in this Au.This week has no Bing or much of SY, sorry! Buuuut there is a lot of Qijiu suffering. Also, please note SQQ IS NOT romantically interested in NYY but he is waiting to court her once she is of age because of interest in her titles and properties. You guys have been warned!

Here is something Shen Qingqiu would never admit.

He loved Yue Qingyuan. Warts and all.

From the first day when nine year old Yue Qi offered him a bite of scavenged scraps . Back then, Shen Jiu thought that he was like a piece of priceless jade encrusted in dirt. 

He was beautiful then.

Over time, it became clear that he was just one of those who started out gorgeous and just somehow only grew more so.

So by the time they reunited that fateful day at the Immortal Alliance Conference after an eternity apart, the second their eyes met, Shen Qingqiu bitterly admitted that he was as gone for him as the first day they met . 

Yue Qi, no, Yue Qingyuan had grown no less striking, not after all these years. 

It was a ridiculous thought,  but Shen Qingqiu couldn’t let go of the hope that one day Yue Qingyuan look at him.

Really look at him and smile.

He, Shen Qingqiu would finally let his walls down . Then they would sit together to have a real chat. 

He would boggle Yue Qingyuan’s mind with his brilliance,somehow charm him with his manner. Then perhaps it would be the start of something concrete 

And he was resigned it would never happen.

It had never happened.

He was relieved that the little beast turned out to be a beast . All the better, Shaoye's heart was broken now rather than grow into a full blown pining . 

Ye wrote that Shaoye was miserable and confused regarding Binghe leaving Qingjing peak to accept an offer at Huanhua palace . But otherwise holding up well, throwing himself into his work. Mingfan , his former head disciple, had left shortly after Binghe’s departure, now spent his days glued to his cousin’s side.

Beast. He thought , fingernails digging into his flesh till crimson rivulets welled from crescents .

 Just thinking of how kind his godson was , and how clear his feelings towards that ungrateful little beast were, made him want to puke. And that viper’s repaying that kindness by biting the hand that had fed him made him want to vomit blood.

Beast.

Just the same as -as.. .He snarled at himself, grief and rage fighting within. For all his feelings for Yue Qingyuan, it too came with a bone-deep resentment. Loyalty to Yue Qi railed against his rage about being left behind by his Qi-Ge for Qiong Ding Peak.

It was all very well for him to have suffered as such . He was born a beggar , and was shaped by life’s injustices, hardy even against Yue Qi’s betrayal. But for Shaoye who had been pampered from birth , had known no hardship.The agony would be-

He began to pace the room, contemplating and plotting. 

 If he went ahead and had the little beast murdered, Shaoye would not understand , it might even have the opposite effect of him turning on Shen Qingqiu.

 No, the only thing he could do for now was bide . Dichan Ye was notoriously vicious against the smallest slight against Shaoye, so for him to be silent and not be raising hell for this transgression meant… He snorted as he forced down his killing intent. 

Fine, Ye. I’ll play nice. But you better let me know soon, or you will find yourself a beard short.

In his busy schedule,did the Qingjing Peak Lord make time for his godson, even managing to pull some strings to let the child view the Cang Qiong Mountain sect’s abodes from the outside as a treat . He certainly could not go inside but surely the sect master would not mind if his godson got a short tour of the exterior .

At the end , after much sneering , lots of silent treatment from his part and Yue Qingyuan finally caved in and after tormenting the new head disciple after Mingfan to teach in his place for the day, he got his day off with the third person whom made this hellhole of a life somewhat bearable to live in. 

------

It was a dark blustery day today. 

The halls of Qiongding peak had been engraved with seal script at the tops that kept the abode warm. The sect master gazed outside the windows, after a discussion with Liu Qingge, his martial brother , regarding boosting the training for Baizhan peak in reaction to the disturbing fact that Huanhua seemed to be engaging in solicitous activities. 

 

Deep inside, Yue Qingyuan knew who he was, and that person was smart and kind and brave , but somehow his personality always got lost somewhere between his heart and mouth finding himself saying the wrong thing or, more often, nothing at all. Especially when it came to Shen Qingqiu. 

Even Liu Qingge , abrasive as he could be, shook his head whenever he watched the both of them dance around each other after all these years . 

“At least make up your mind whether you want to shag him or punch him.”  He commented as they watched three figures walk . Shen Qingqiu and Liu Mingyuan had taken it upon themselves to give a special guest a tour of the outsides of each peak today  . 

Dichan Shaoye looked bright-eyed , perky , fully recovered from his poisoning. 

Yue Qingyuan looked at Liu Qingge who was looking from Peak Lord to god son . “ Well . They definitely aren’t blood related . “ Was his only terse comment . 

The same pair of wide brown eyes caught a glimpse of two pairs of eyes staring at them from above .

The smallest one stuck his tongue out at them, making an ugly face, also proving he was a child. 

Liu Qingge snarled fiercely only for the moppet to start shaking with laughter  . Yue Qingyuan sighed. “Liu Shidi . He’s just a child.Didn’t you make silly faces at adults you thought were a bit…Stern ? .” .

The Baizhan Peak Lord shook his head in response. As they turned away from the window , he thought he heard Yue Qingyuan mutter . 

“Huh. I used to do that.” 

--

Yue Qingyuan watched from the corner of his eyes as Shen Qingqiu made his way up to the lonely Qingjing peak with the child in tow. 

When Wu Yanzi got his claws into Shen Jiu, it was as if his love had been good as buried.

Like the moon , sometimes he saw Shen Jiu, but only momentarily , before that side was turned away, submerged. 

The unqualified truth was that he, Yue Qingyuan loved his Ah Jiu with the love of a man, loved him simply because he found the other irresistible.

Of course, Shen Qingqiu was the inspiration of it, the heart of the chase.

 He knew to his sorrow, often and often, if not always, that he loved Shen Qingqiu, Shen Jiu against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be. 

He strode forth fast , and came to the entrance of Qingjing peak with its jade walls sculpted to look as if made of bamboo, blocked windows, strong green Nanshan Vines clasping even the stacks of chimneys with its twigs and tendons, as if with sinewy old arms, had made up a rich attractive mystery. 

It was the smaller of the two who noticed them first, clever amber eyes noting them down. 

Shaoye beamed and nodded. “ Good morning to Gan-Bo n’ Gan-Shu! “ He chirruped , bowing down to Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge. 

The Qiong Ding peak lord stopped to look at the child . Despite his bright grin , it was evident that it was very much forced for those eyes held sadness .

Yue Qingyuan greatly suspected Luo Binghe , who was very much like his Ah Jiu, had gone to Huan Hua with the intent of revenge. But that was just a suspicion.

He smiled at the child, but his eyes flicked to his Peak Lord brother.

Shen Qingqiu's handsome robes had trailed upon the ground. He held it in one hand now, and with the other held Shaoye’s hand , Liu Mingyan already was doing damage control , hurrying over to her brother’s side . “Sect Master.” Qingqiu mused coolly. “What a surprise.” Of Liu Qingge, there was no acknowledgement to which the Baizhan Peak lord blustered over, to which his sister hastily protested .

There was no discrepancy of years between them, to remove his Ah Jiu far from him; they were of nearly the same age, though of course the age told for more in Shen Jiu’s case than in Yue Qingyuan’s ; but the air of inaccessibility which his beauty and manner gave the stunning immortal , tormented Yue Qingyuan in the midst of his delight, and at the height of the assurance he felt that fate had chosen them for one another. 

“ Gan Die !” Shaoye eagerly chirped ,his messy hair bouncing as his feet danced impatiently .“ I wanna see the giant skeleton of the Black moon rhiny-sore-us demon that Gan-Bo has in his yard !…. Puh-leeese with sugared haws on top ?” 

Shen Qingqiu waved his godson away dismissively . 

Yue Qingyuan smiled placidly as the child bounded over to the Skeleton . “ He seems to be doing well . You both have such a bond . “ 

“He is useful .” His martial sibling commented , eyeing the child like a pretty brooch to be pinned on his person . Yue Qingyuan’s heart sank , broad shoulders drooped . “ Shen Shixiong . He and you … I thought …” 

“You must know,” uttered Qingqiu, condescending to him as a brilliant and comely man might, “that I have no heart.”

Something in Yue Qingyuan splintered at the bitterness in that voice . “No . Don’t say that . ”

“I have a heart to be stabbed in or shot in, I have no doubt,”Shen Qingqiu drawled, “Naturally , if it ceased to beat I should cease to be. But you know what I mean. I have no softness there, no—sympathy—sentiment—nonsense.”

Thin lips pursed at his reaction . 

“I am serious,if we are to be amiable Martial brothers , you had better believe it at once. “ Emerald eyes flashed as the sect master  weakly opened his lips to rebut . 

“No!” imperiously stopping his martial brother  as he opened his lips. “I have not bestowed my tenderness anywhere. I have never had any such thing.”

“ Shen Shixiong . It would not kill you to show some love and concern to those who love you . You are worthy of love .” 

This moment was promptly ruined as the silver clad peak lord nearby the pair snorted  rudely , loud enough that everyone in the vicinity could hear . 

“Him ? I don’t think he knows what love is .” 

“ Liu Shidi.”

Yue Qingyuan’s calm voice held a note of warning , a hand already raised to stop Shen Qingqiu who was already cupping something under his sleeves . 

At a look from his sect master , he glared viciously but otherwise shifted whatever he held back into said sleeves. 

“ Wha- Urk !” 

Mingyan gave them both an apologetic look , her elbow jabbed square at her brother’s rib . 

Even Shaoye who clearly was eavesdropping, winced , pausing from his frantic jotting into a book. 

Yue Qingyuan’s expression was unerringly patient from beginning to end. He was just about to continue when Shen Qingqiu cut him off. “Stop. Thank you for your instruction, Yue-shixiong, Qingqiu will continue to listen in the future. We are leaving.”

He called to Shaoye who was bidding Liu Mingyan goodbye. “Come, godson. It is clear we must not tarry here where we are clearly not welcome.” 

Shen Qingqiu strode away, Shaoye toddling as fast as he could over to his godfather’s stride. 

Liu Qingge who was receiving the scolding of his lifetime by his baby sister finally looked up , to join Yue Qingyuan in observing the pair’s departure back to Qingjing peak . 

It was like watching an elegant persian cat followed by an admiring kitten.  Mingyan however was not looking at this adorable sight , she was watching - eyes wide at Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu gaze at each other with barely concealed longing as they parted . 

Liu Qingge twitched as his beloved baby sister quickly as lightning,  took out a well worn notebook and began scribbling whatever brainwave struck her upon seeing this scene , down into it  .

“ Ah Yan.” He whispered furiously , face heating up and wishing he did not stumble on one of her stories definitely not based of each and everyone of his male peak lord martial brothers-  engaged in having very depraved and kinky sex or torrid , pining scenes that could make the most hard hearted of souls weep and blush alternately . 

“ Do you have to do this while I’m around ? “ His indignant voice rose an octave as he watched her brush pen excitedly swish from side to side . 

“ Do you absolutely have to’ gather material ‘ for your newest novel when I’m around , heavens above ?!”

---

“ Ew . You got cooties .” Shen Qingqiu without a word struck the spot where his cackling godson had been seated a moment ago . Little pest .  They were currently at a pavilion outside Qingjing peak, awaiting Dichan Mingfan to come pick up Shaoye.

“You’re old n’ you graded Yingying-jie’s papers , therefore you got her coooooties ~” Shaoye sang , hopping around .

 The Qingjing peak lord mourned the fact he was one of the righteous now and could not gore Shaoye to make into a flesh puppet. So he settled for a half hearted gust of wind to trip the fool of which the cocky rascal leaped ahead off onto his proto-type of a spiritual weapon.

“Cooties! Coooties! Coo-aaah!”

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes as the cloud made of strings lasted a second before the child fell to the floor with a hard smack once his control over his qi ran out. As he had expected.

Shaoye scrubbed at his nose , a nasty bruise forming on his forehead. 

“Hey! I got a couple inches off the thing!

“And you were able to float around for five minutes not this mere second, though it is commendable you were able to reach a higher point.” He threw another paper into the fireplace, where it blazed green. “...Are you still sad about that little beast going to that dump over the river?” 

Shaoye responded with an incredulous guffaw. “Awwww! Gan Die! Do you caaaaaare about me?” 

“I care.” Shen Qingqiu drawled. “I care about the lack of progress in the robes you and I collaborated on and which you promised you were going to produce for me which I see naught of.” 

“Aw! Right in my heart-” 

“More good men have been lost to their base emotions than to war, famine, disease and disaster. You have talent,godson. Don't squander it because of your feelings.”  

Only silence followed this statement . 

Then Shaoye hung his head, starting to sniffle as the repressed emotions started to come out as the sadness behind his eyes he locked away came out  .There was sadness , betrayal and … Was there panic there ? Fear gripped Shen Qingqiu’s heart at this , had that little beast been abusing Shaoye in secret ? 

“It’s all my fau-fault. “ He hiccuped , voice croaky with pain . “Binghe hates me n’ never forgave me f’r treatin’ ‘im like dirt those early years -“ 

“Don’t you dare blame yourself for that beast being an ungrateful mutt!” The green clad immortal snarled, pushing aside his own private worries , storming over. Shaoye squeaked as he was hefted up - Amber eyes meeting emerald. 

“I’ll tell you this , Godson,” said his Godfather, in the same hurried passionate whisper that made Shaoye shiver, “What ‘ love’  is.”

They sat there in the pavilion , the evening light setting a kind of finality to the day, purple shadows danced everywhere as the night chased after the back of day .

 “It is blind devotion, unquestioning self-humiliation, utter submission.” 

 Shaoye absently noted that there was a slight shiver to the unflappable Qingjing peak lord. 

“Trust and belief against yourself and against the whole world.” 

Shen Qingqiiu tells himself his heart might be made of jade. Hard, cold and glittering. 

But he would never wish for what had molded him to such on Shaoye who was soft, warm and alive. 

He once had  a heart that was as soft  and light as silk .

Life stole that silk from his heart , turning him into who he was today .  

But he would fight light tooth and nail for Shaoye to keep his soft heart for as long as the child could. 

He looked at his godson straight in his eyes. “Never, Shaoye. Never fall in love. Giving up your whole heart and soul to the smiter—”

His voice turns desperate . “-as I did!”

The child tugged him into an awkward hug.

“ Gan Die. Don’t worry. I just want to live well n’ look after the Citadel. “ 

Shen Qingqiu snorted. “That was exactly what your Baba said ...Then he met your mother.” 

Shaoye flinched a little at the sheer hatred in that last bit , then those cold emeralds looked at him and softened, it was like the ice melting to reveal frozen bamboo - Just for a moment. “-You were the only good thing to come out of that union. BUT look at me, and look at your poor father. Do you ever want to be broken the way we were?” 

The child bit his lips,” Gan Die. Relaaaaax. I don’t need anyone that way. I’m just happy to invent cool stuff, design new stuff for the grateful masses , bask in their adulation and even more once I get elected as Citadel Ruler! ” He puffed out his chest. “Does it sound like I have time to find a pretty sister? “

Shen Qingqiu snorted as he heard that, but felt relieved . Shaoye might have some feelings for Luo Binghe , but it seemed eclipsed by the fear of whatever the beast might be plotting with the Old Palace Master . 

Shaoye had calmed down a little , muttering softly about all sorts of horrible revenge Binghe might enact on them that Qingqiu would not have heard , had he not learnt to read lips . 

Irregardless . Shen Qingqiu thought grimly as he clutched Shaoye to his side . Let that little beast stay with that delusional old rat , let them plot  . 

There was no good worrying about the future . What is coming would come, and they would meet it when it does. 

Ungrateful, blundering, self-centred little fool who had a pearl in his mouth but refused it because of ‘Better offers’ . Just like Yue Qi-

“Gan Die. Need to breathe.” Shaoye wiggles himself out of the suffocating embrace.

…. Enough of Yue Qingyuan. Ning Yingying was coming of age soon. He would be able to court her and with that, good riddance to whatever inane , childish fantasies he had involving his Sect Master. 

---

Ning Yingying was a pretty girl. 

The prettiest girl of her peak .

 Infact , she was the only girl at Qingjing peak.

 Ning Yingying’s baba and mama died when she was young and her baba had been Shizun’s disciple as well . So it was no surprise that she saw him since she was a small girl .

Shizun was always kind to her, she thought of him as the distant but sweet uncle she never had . She had been hoping for Xian Shu peak but Shizun naturally scouted her out first . 

There weren’t many children her age at Bao Liu village. In fact, there hadn’t been many pure-blooded cultivators from the old bloodlines marrying and producing children as there was no need to given those of cultivation bloodline could cultivate to gain immortality. 

She was quite lonely until one day, another girl dropped by. 

And not just any girl, but a princess! 

Ning Yingying had immediately invited her to stay at her place; they had plenty of room for another little girl. 

Xiao Gongzhu had the loveliest eyes, they were thickly lashed . She favoured pink , despised yellow . She also loved to cuss and swear whenever she got riled up.

She loved to smith weapons ,could identify poisons with ease and had the ability to turn bright red sometimes after Ning Yingying noticed her staring at her . 

Yingying did not like it when her Gongzhu cried. As she so often did when it involved her asshole dad. It didn’t take long for the sorry , sordid tale of why she was on the run , why she was so strong despite her tender age to come out. 

Ning Yingying had never heard of such a horrid man , and told Gongzhu her home was always open to her.  Gongzhu had been very grateful but ultimately continued her weary journey to reunite with her maternal clan, the Nu Yuan Clan, and ultimately realign with the Goolden Citadel which had granted her and Gong Yixiao , asylum . But the short girl had appreciated the offer enough to offer her to exchange instant parchment seals, which allowed them to keep in contact.

Instant write parchment cost a lot of coin, but it was worth it.  Gongzhu was worth it.

She really wished Gongzhu would enroll into Qingjing peak, but for some reason, Gongzhu didn’t seem to like Shizun either. 

“-Y’ are like Binghe. He didn’t see the way the Huanhua palace master looked at him. Just like I bet your Shizun looks at ya.”  -Which was another thing. Shizun wasn’t like that! She was relaxing , having been given break as Shizun oversaw her martial brothers doing their chores . Though she wasn't doing much relaxing as her good friend pointed this out.

Yingying thought about Luo Shidi a lot. She really regretted the day they parted. And with it, Mingfan-Dashixiong had left after him. Both of them were very close. Da Shixiong often told her proudly that Luo Shidi would someday marry his cousin.

If Shen Qingqiu was described as a Pan An*, an ethereal immortal by her comely shidi who swooned everytime Shizun trooped into the room . 

Then the little master was described as kind , fiercely loyal , the most courageous person Binghe had known of , in his short life.  

Yingying did not know why out of the two, she felt Shaoye was more of a real threat . Until she realized unlike Qingqiu, it seemed that this Shaoye was reciprocating her Ah Luo’s feelings . That they had spent a whole happy childhood together to the extent that even Mingfan considered them good as married in the future. 

Every week,Ming Fan would receive two packages . One for Him and the other , for Binghe . Within it came care packages filled with food , and beautifully tailored robes that probably cost a fortune. Ning Yingying did not know that Binghe was not wealthy , well dressed as he was, until she noticed how well he could cook and did chores around the Peak with such ease . 

Binghe would, eyes shining so brightly like the stars  , would read the letters fervently . Often he would laugh, or fret , or beam so proudly , at its contents.

For all that Binghe would sigh after Shizun, Yingying doubted he showed as much interest in Shizun’s welfare or had so much shared interests that he did with Shaoye . 

Shaoye loved to eat, Binghe loved to cook. Binghe wanted to return to his home county to work there , Shaoye wanted to become the future ruler of said county . Binghe thought the world of Shaoye.

Shaoye , it seemed from his letters of -‘ Binghe -Ge.’ -this and that , somehow was endearing to Binghe when it came from him , received a scornful look for when it came from her - thought the world of Binghe too. 

Not that it mattered anymore. Binghe had left Qingjing peak for Huanhua palace shortly after the whipping ordered by Shizun that dark night.

Yingying really, really did not like to think of the events that had led to Binghe getting whipped so badly by Shizun , then sent to do chores, which led to him getting a fever and then-. It’s her big mouth, she thinks. Her big mouth as usual that led to things somehow making things worse for her shidi. Of the ever increasing look of derision, of resentment at her . 

Shizun was kind to her. Part of her shrieked disloyalty for thinking otherwise, even if this was happening in front of her, was proof he also was horrible to others,just not her  . So...She ignored it as best as she could. Tried to be kind to Binghe, but the no-nonsense boy wanted no part of it as time went on.  

“- Did you know that even Young master Shaoye is more mature than you, Ning Shi-Jie?”  Binghe is a lot like Shizun. She doesn't like it, seeing the ice reflected in those obsidian eyes glaring at her.  Blood oozes from the innumerable cuts on his body. Mingfan, who is sterilizing the wounds from the whipping administered by one of the other disciple brothers with a cream, looks up angrily blustering . He applies strength on one of the cuts in a bid to stop his shidi’s  enraged tirade . Binghe gives a pained hiss , his eyes going white from pain , for a second he seems almost contrite , then his eyes blaze with rage.

“ Ning Shi-jie, here is some advice by this little beast , maybe you should go home to be babied by your dear Granny , the road to cultivation is one for adults, not babies!”

“Luo Binghe! “ Mingfan bellowed as she felt the burn of tears from behind her eyes seep out.“What the hell ?!” 

 “She acts even more immature than young master Dichan and she’s older than me! “ Binghe retorted . Ning Yingying sobbed harder, unable to meet Binghe’s scornful gaze, eyes flicking to the ground where there was a small bottle of healing salve that Mingfan was helping apply to Binghe. 

She absently noted the little note stuck to the healing salve stating “ For: The best Binghe-ge in de wurld. Not dat u will need it . Hugs, SY! “ 

Her tears blur her image, ignoring Mingfan’s desperate calls for her , she turns and runs off to the safety of her private bedroom at Qingjing peak, Luo Binghe’s dark gaze burning at her back. 

Mindful of the fact Shizun has an adjacent bedroom across hers, she closes it as timorously as she can, just as comes a knock at her bedroom door. “Ning Shimei. May I come in?” Mingfan boomed and upon hearing her weak affirmative, he came in, only to find himself with an arm full of his Shimei.

“Ah Luo hates me!” She wailed in his embrace.

“Ning Shimei. Ah He was angry and tired, don’t take it t’ heart. Ah’m sure deep down ‘e likes you. “  Mingfan soothed, patting her back , just like her grandmother would do to soothe her after she fell as a child. “Yi-Yingying needs to apologize to him! Does Mingfan Shixiong know where Ah Luo is, now?”

“Shimei …” Mingfan bit his lips. “Ah He has been retrieved back to the Golden Citadel . Mah uncle was really angry when he found out Shizun was treatin’ ‘im like this. ”

“Your uncle?” Tired, crabby, still reeling from the shock that Ah Luo was gone from her life so soon with no chance of any reincouncilation , thanks to Mingfan’s uncle , whom she knew was Dichan Shaoye’s father. “-Da Shixiong. Can’t your kid cousin keep his grubby mitts off Ah Luo ?!”  

The look on her elder disciple brother’s face was as though he was seeing something for the first time and what he saw was not pleasant.

Slowly her own words hit her.  

“.....Shimei must be tired. “ Mingfan’s chuckle is forced ,  an uncertain expression on his usually adoring , rough face as though the chill of autumn entering the summer air. “Y’ never met Ah Shao . N’ sides, my uncle always liked Ah He when he was workin’ f’r ‘im.” 

Her teardrops smudge the instant write parchment, blurring out . Mingfan and her had never reconciled. 

A few careless words said in the heat of the moment and the once admiring older teenager had been awkward with her thereafter that day,  till he too left Qingjing shortly after Ah Luo. 

“No one likes me anymore.” She scribbles, miserably, only to watch eyes wide as Gongzhu wrote back clumsily, each letter appearing on that blank script. 

“I like you.” 

Ying Ying stares at the three simple words and somehow feels that they are worth more than any of the gifts Shizun gave her. 

“You make me smile. You never give up. You always do what is right even when it isn’t easy.”

“You always give me advice when I wanna do something stupid. “

“So, listen to me. Lay low for a bit , Mingfan has a soft heart n’ likely will need to cool down but he will come back.”

“Yingying wants to say sorry to Ah Luo even if he was a douche.”

“Yingying. He was a jackass to you . There’s no need to say sorry . Sides,that ass actually betrayed Shaoye and went to Huanhua! “ Ning Yingying tilted her head in confusion at the rage in the text from Gongzhu.

A long and angry wall of text later, saw Yingying thoroughly educated on what a piece of shit everyone now knew Luo Binghe was , several expletives that would send any well mannered elder who read it frothing about sharp implements shoved up where the sun didn’t shine on the Huan Hua Palace Master’s person.

“-You know what the saddest thing about this whole shebang is? SY can’t get around to the fact that Binghe played him like a fiddle .”

Yingying knew it was her crush speaking, but part of her agreed with Shaoye. She refused to believe kind, silly, loyal Luo Binghe who only had nothing but glowing praise about Shaoye, who despite his own growing resentment with her, let her copy his notes, who cooked exquisite meals for her and Mingfan-Shixiong , was evil. 

“Do you…” She paused, ink brush poised to ink out her next words. “Do you really think Ah Luo is really a traitor? He seems to like Shaoye very much and he really seemed to hate Lao Gongzhu.”

“Then why would he join that old garbage rat across the river, YY?” Gongzhu challenged. 

“Maybe he is spying on Lao Gongzhu?”  Her brush danced across the parchment. 

“That would make sense. Urgh. Fine, fine. It would be nice if Binghe really is a spy on our side.” Ning Yingying smiled to see her friend's begrudging acceptance appear on the parchment, though it was shortlived as her friends began to hesitantly pen back a message.

“Speaking of Binghe, that reminds me, he has got a horrible point about your Shizun.”

“Don’t be mean, Zhuzhu.”

“Look. Qingjing peak was traditionally an all male peak. Yet you are allowed on it, if his intent was pure, shouldn’t he have picked other girls ? Don’t you find it strange you get really expensive gifts from him n’ he takes only you out for dinners at restaurants ? You’re 16 this year, not a little girl. Sounds fishy to me.”

“Shizun is being nice!” Yingying scribbled furiously, feeling the first stirrings of doubt surface of her Shizun. 

“I’m just saying , YY. Food for thought.”

That said.

Ning Yingying really did not want to talk any more about Dichan Shaoye. 

He probably was really pretty, had a nice temper, and was perfect in every single way that everyone, even Gongzhu liked him! …. Fine. She knows she is being immature. Was jealous that he had won Ah Luo. Was jealous of the bond they shared.

“Look . “

“I could be well wrong . Listen , you know I’m always in ur ballpark , aight , YY?”  Yingying had to smile seeing this.

“Yingying thinks Gongzhu is the kindest, loveliest friend any girl could have!”She scribbles happily, 

There is a slight pause , then her good friend jots down.

“And I, you, YY.” 

----

 

Notes:

Authors note: Poor Ning Yingying. Binghe and her aren’t on exactly good terms in this au. And she unwittingly has estranged herself from Mingfan due to her comments. I did say she has a lot of growing up to do in the au. :( Poor Xiao Gongzhu. The road to your best friend’s heart is a hard one but you are the goodest girl . Meanwhile , Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao are having a happy time :D We get to hear from Bingbing’s side of the tale next chapter! 0w0 Hang tight, Belas and Bellas!
---

Chapter 15: Apparently I'm Broken Or Something

Notes:

Author’s note : Binghe finds out the act of carrying out vengeance is not a pleasant affair . Qiu Haitang really needs a raise and a holiday and counselling . Liu Mingyan has a world changing moment and Liu Qingge wonders if you can also share godson rights with your martial brother whom you hate and ignored you while you were having a qi deviation because said kid is quite nice :D …In this week’s episode ! :

/ The Qing generation year 135. plum flower  month*  . Day 23.Huan Hua Palace . Head Disciple’s abode//

 

 

Dear Shaoye,

 

 

 

You won’t get these and I burn these letters as candle fuel to prevent getting implicated. 

 

 

 

I miss the Golden Citadel, and Qingjing so, so much.  It seems a lifetime away when I accompanied you , listened to you talk , I never thought about it as at the time it was commonplace, and it’s something so small….But I miss listening to you talk about..Everything.

 

 

 

Monsters, demons, how to improve the Citadel’s way of life . 

 

 

 

I miss cooking for you and there is no way I am cooking for the man who did so many terrible crimes. No way I am cooking anything vaguely edible for that festering bag of  pus.

 

 

Someday, I will prove to your beautiful godfather that I am worthy of pursuing him. Not as a disciple, but as an equal. I hope to have your blessing when that day comes. 

 

 

 

I have met a demonic elder called Meng Mo who has been quite helpful. He seemed amused and mentioned his granddaughter, Sha HuaLing stole his book on dream enchantment. 

He has been very helpful in teaching me to make the old bag of bones suffer nightly. 

 

 

 

And during the day, I act the perfect head disciple, hah. How I wish I could actually do that by day to Lao Gongzhu. 

 

 

 

No. I am a newcomer and I need to ‘prove’ to my ‘dear’ master that I am as -

 

 

Binghe pauses. He had gotten the faintest inkling of being watched. While it set him on edge, it was the feeling of someone , a loved one watching you from a far distance and running off whenever you looked their way.

“Hello?” He keeps his voice steady, with nary a quaver. 

The doorway is empty, as he gets up quickly to open the doors to his private quarters. 

 

The raven haired boy shivered , quickly closing the door.

 

There is an ever present chill in the air , be it in the bright of day or the dark of night.As though as the lives stolen by the old Palace Master stole the heat of the living as recompense . 

 

Writing continues till three in the morning before said letter was burnt. 

 

Binghe snuggles into the bed ,  slowly drifting off to sleep. Unaware of the crimson wraith morphing through the enchanted stone walls as though passing through water.

 

The spectre waved a hand over the smoke coming from the candle where Binghe had burnt the letter .

 

The smoke morphed to the shape of a letter though it too shimmered and flickered in the wind like the ghost did. 

 

Finally read through, the spectre let the ‘letter’ melt to mere smoke again.

Like a butterfly alighting on a flower, it floated down to the right of the sleeping teenager’s bed side. 

 

It raised clawed ,skeletal hands…. Then gently smoothed the furrowed brow upon the sleepers face , placed the blanket that had been kicked off ,whispered in a soft voice reminiscent of when she was alive close to his ear. 

 

“ Listen to your heart carefully, Binghe, it whispers.” 

 

The teenager’s eyes shot open , “Mama?” He gasped the way a drowning man breaks the surface of the water and sweet air fills his lungs.  

No one else was in the room, it was now dawn. The young teenager shakes himself awake , takes a bath. He uses plenty of hot water , and sighs sadly as all too soon the moment of peace ends .

 

 He clad himself in the yellow robes, bitterly musing sardonically that once he had been horrified that Shaoye wanted to impress his supposed father in law, , yet here he was, wearing the same puke robes of his own choice to avenge his little Master.

 

 The last tiny button is tied , Luo Binghe walks out to start his duties at Huan Hua.

 

His heart is empty, and his mind burning with schemes to further the cracks of trust in this fine institution and in it’s sect leader.

 

—

// The Qing generation year 135. plum flower  month*  . Day 30 .Huan Hua County.//

 

 

“I can’t believe this!” Wu Wang growled. Zhao Hua temple had a natural reservoir of water and hearing about the Golden Citadel and Qingjing  ganging up on Huan Hua palace , the very cornerstone of justice in the country , of course back then the abbots had accepted, delivering water to the county out of goodwill.

 

Till today that is . 

 

“Can’t believe what , Shi-ge?” Wu Chen asked patiently of his irascible disciple brother . 

 

“Now, you listen here, Shidi!” The mild mannered , kindly monk guessed what his elder disciple brother was about to tell him - given that he had already told his head abbot a month back this same thing but the other was too blindly loyal . “Listen , regarding what , Shi-ge?”

 

”T-this travesty!” The head abbot gestured to the scene beneath them as they waited in the grand drawing room to be granted attendance with the prestigious Huan Hua Palace master . 

 

Unfortunately for the man , his guests could still see everything they were so unhappy about right outside the open window where their chairs were placed . 

 

The Abbots had come across a vast famine passing by Huan Hua County.

 

Enroute to a meeting someplace else the starving citizens had seen fit to mob the pair and their disciples for food , money and water . Huan Hua Palace had turned a blind eye to it’s ailing non-cultivator citizens , revolts , robbing travelers passing through had started.

 

Unable to ignore the misery, the abbots had helped as much as they could but were forced to face the truth that the ruler , their ally, had silenced all reports of the famine, and not helped the serfs he ruled.

 

The Golden Citadel nearby also had suffered a similar famine, but in response to it , not only introduced food rationing, but had ordered all available cultivators who lived in the settlement to aid their fellow citizens.  

 

Eventually, the famine blight was discerned to be a fungal infection of the grain due to the change in climate. In response, several noble households were paid to give up their land to allow for food cultivation by their rulers . Grand lawns, and orchards became places to cultivate as much food as possible.

 

And throughout this, Dichan Ye and his son paid close attention to their citizens, responded and ensured everyone was accounted for in such a crisis. As such , the citizens over there were extremely happy with their rulers . 

 

Wu Wang had demanded an audience only to be told the Huan Hua Palace master was having music lessons with his new head disciple. 

 

As they waited , the monks became aware of the vast plates of food being taken to be served to the music room where the private lesson was being held . “Ah.The Old Palace Master wants his head disciple to be able to have a variety to choose from” Was the explanation given by a helpful server when asked . 

 

The blustering Wu Wang had enough when he saw leftovers of said feast taken out to be fed to the palace wolves that Huan hua kept. 

 

The people were starving outside yet it’s ruler was blind to the people and luxuriated in excess .“Ah.The Old Palace Master wants the wolves that his head disciple said looked amazing to be well fed. “ Was the explanation given by yet another helpful server when asked why there were wolves and why they were being fed.  

 

“Enough! “ The head abbot roared at last . “Let it be known we are withdrawing drinkable water to Huan Hua Palace! “ He slammed his staff , “Let it be known we shall advise our neighbour, Ba Qi sect to withdraw water too!” 

 

By the time  a dismayed and overworked Qiu Haitang had found out, Zhao Hua temple was silent to any further pleas and Ba Qi Sect also sent out a joint proclamation that they would be withdrawing aid. 

Haitang stormed back , and when she was refused entry to the sect leader, called an emergency meeting with the rest of the Alliance. Feng Huang saw no choice but to propose the raid on several neighbouring prefectures which had a lake and several springs . The water while dirty could be cleaned provided they sent cultivators willing to do the job. 

 

The council having no choice despite what this will do to Huan Hua’s reputation agreed as they truly were at a stalemate as Zhao Hua and Ba Qi were the last remaining of thirty aides to Huan Hua originally willing to source water, the problem being these thirty aides were of righteous and reputable sects and seeing the cracks in the facade and the suffering of the non-cultivational citizens had slowly , one by one withdrew their aid . 

 

Haitang who headed the administration committee and served as a key Chief advisor was horrified that things were heading on such a rapid decline. 

 

It was as if the Old Palace Master had flung all caution to the wind , having come across Luo Binghe who apparently had been on the run , Haitang had not been there on the scene, and later heard that the story was that Shen Qingqiu had been abusive to the young man and he had been mistreated by the Dichan staff growing up , hence he wanted to make a fresh start somewhere else.

 

Haitang nearly vomited blood in rage . What! Mistreatment! By the Dichans!!! She screamed as her poor staff who were gossiping about the matter, cringed.

 

 She had seen Luo Binghe eating well , dressed to the nines, infact….In comparison to Shen Jiu, he seemed extremely protective of Shaoye, affectionate and jealous of anyone who came close to him. 

 

Her gege and Shen Jiu….She could tell they did not get along, that Shen Jiu liked being near her then with him. Infact, at any chance, the young boy would snatch the chance to be with her. 

 

To be honest, Haitang had to admit. Binghe seemed to genuinely have a bond with Shaoye , so why would..

 

. She shook her head angrily , gulping her warm cup of honey to fortify herself to handle the latest tax fracas, having solved the problem of water , another issue presented itself . 

 

Enough with the traitorous little louse -

 

How was she to explain to the already beleaguered and miserable non-cultivational citizens of Huanhua county that taxes were to be increased?! 

 

--

 

// The Qing generation year 135. orchid month , day 15*  . Somewhere enroute to the Golden Citadel// 

“Your brother suffered a Qi deviation.”

 

Were the cold words on the letter handed over to her by the special courier who worked under the Liu banner around six months back from this same date.

 

 Mingyan was excused to accompany the courier to Qian Cao Peak.

 

 It felt rather like she was following a shopping list given to her by someone else as she stumbled in a daze into her private quarters afforded to the head disciple on Xian Shu Peak . 

 

Into her travelling case went a single change of clothes, a huge pile of her favourite Eagle shooting towards the sky novels which she had to sit upon in order to ensure the case closed.

 

She grabbed the plant Shaoye had given her that she watered without fail every morning , that she dried in her free time , and packed it as dried tea leaves for him. 

 

The young Xian Shu student never would forget the terror thrumming down her veins as she ran through the halls, the icy calmness in which she forced herself to function .

 

As she flew into the medical suite- where her brother lay asleep after suffering a Qi deviation.

 

She asked for a kettle and a cup from a helpful Qian Cao Peak disciple.

 

As Qingge slept the sleep of the dead, barely alive , lucky to be alive but shaking every so often in the throes as the Qi deviation wracked his body still. Mu Qingfang had raised an eyebrow as she forced as much as the tea she hastily brewed while he still slept, down her brother's throat. 

 

Dark, sticky, tarry black was the congealed blood he spat out. 

 

It was clogging up his internal organs, despite the gory display, Mu Qingfang sagged in relief upon seeing this . To everyone’s amazement, half an hour later, the ragged breathing and convulsions even in his sleep lessened , and his eyes fluttered open. 

 

Too weakened to speak, but alive, lucid and sane. 

 

Over a period of several months, Mu Qingfang had checked against all family records of Qi deviations, and experimented with the dosage of the tea .

 

It was determined the plant Shaoye had given her was a rare medicinal plant found normally bordering the Southern Demonic territories and appeared to have properties that could block and maintain the spiritual roots of a cultivator prone to qi deviations if taken for a long period of time and regularly .

 

However , as a shamed faced (Or as ashamed as she had ever seen him)) Liu Qingge grit out. He had not been brewing tea leaves from Mingyan’s friend. Because he apparently could not be bothered . 

 

Long held exasperation at his prejudice at Shaoye who just was by association, Shen Qingqiu’s godson , Mingyan had shouted at her older brother that this Qi deviation was partly his own fault and she was done with him being disapproving of her friend.

 

Mu Qingfang chose to chime in at the moment that he recommended Liu Qingge be put on leave , suggesting that the bracing air of the Luo river , and maybe asking Shaoye if he had a stronger variant of plant from that same family, seeing as theirs was the only settlement willing to do dealings with demons .

 

Liu Mingyan had instantly, with their parent’s approval, despite her brother’s protests , written away to her friend .Instant write parchment was expensive and ran out after ten messages , but worth it.

 

Shaoye had written back, expressing concern and had promised to have the plant Mu Qingfang spoke of as soon as possible . The Golden Citadel would be honoured to play host to Liu Qingge who technically was his Gan Shu . 

 

Liu Mingyan meanwhile wrote to her shizun of wishing to put her studies on hold.

 

Qi Qingqi expressed gentle dismay but understood her decision to put her studies on hold. 

 

Against his will, Liu Qingge was carted off under strict orders by Mu Qingfang, and his parents .The Liu sect heads would join them later, but right now, the family holiday was of Liu Mingyan and Liu Qingge. 

The first sign they were reaching the Citadel was the sight of the signature golden peaks. To Mingyan’s surprise, there appeared to have been a huge makeover . The Docks appeared to have undergone a huge makeover. There were no more homeless or shady characters and the broken down shanty homes all appeared to have been upgraded, renovated to towering buildings that appeared to host many households.  

 

Formerly, once a place for the poorest, it seemed that poverty had been eradicated. A large villa that had all things, rooftop farms, and had a picturesque view of the river stood in front of their carriage .

‘The Luo River Centre’ read the large placard affixed above the main entrance .

 

According to the helpful guide who was waiting for them , it was a restorative centre , people of all walks of life and cultivators came to undergo therapy here. 

 

“Masters Dichan founded the centre and it originally served as the base for treating the sick whose conditions were exacerbated by the famine.Even now that the problem has been fixed, it is to remain open to people of all walks of life.” 

 

The beaming guide showed them a room and presented Mingyan with a key.

 

 “Your key, Little Miss.We wish your brother a swift recovery!”    

 

The key opened up to a beautiful room, it had a balcony and if Mingyan leaned over far enough , she could see Shaoye’s manor , a huge manor at the top of the hill , with an impressive golden spire. 

 

Qingge, exhausted and frustrated , refused to be treated as an invalid , had struggled despite the guide’s sunny smile turning a bit hesitant , Mingyan’s struggle not to lose her temple the twentieth time that day, up the stairs and onto the bed.

It looked to the young girl, the start of a long recuperation period. 

 

--

// The Qing generation year 135. ,reed month , day 15*  . / 

 

 

Dear Shaoye,

 

 

 

This is the 1500th letter which you will not be getting. 

 

 

 

You turn 12 in just three months  . That a huge celebration is in the process to be organized in honour.  How I wish I could have been there to see you turn another year older. My heart feels like it is torn apart for not being able to be there by your side. My heart turned , and it took all my will not to run over when I heard of the famine that struck the Golden Citadel, to aid you . But...The first thing your father did was to ask me to do a blood pact , that I would be granted the addition of his Qi and resources in return till the primary goals are achieved. 

 

 

I cannot return unless Lao Gongzhu brings me there for some odd reason. And doing so will cause me immense pain till my feet don’t touch the ground there. I know you will likely be angered if you find out, but I am doing this out of my own choice. Lao Gongzhu is now facing increasing opposition and cracks are appearing in his appearance. 

Now, ...I think it is enough talking about unpleasant things. I must talk about the immense pride I feel that you sacrificed your initial plan to head out into the great unknown , your fondest dream, I recall, for as long as I have known you was to head out to catalogue monsters. 

 

And you again sacrificed it without a thought to save others. You even took the time to restructure and aid the homeless by constructing free housing for the homeless and poor. The Docks are magnificent now from what I have heard and that self-sufficiency is at twice it’s output and the excess stored in granaries . While the newspaper claims Ye did it, I know your handiwork anywhere, and Ye confessed you were the one who piloted the idea, in the secret messages I get from time to time from him on the instant parchment. 

By and by,I heard Liu Qingge suffered a Qi deviation. That his Sister is grateful that they had a plant from you .

Liu Qingge for the first time has left Bai Zhan to come to the Citadel. I heard he’s recuperating, that against all odds he is the one in a million to survive such a severe Qi-deviation, that it was by the grace he had some of the tea it wasn’t so severe as ones he used to get.  

 

 

I heard you are leaving the Golden Citadel with a famous author soon now that the crisis is resolved . That my Shizun tried his best to stop you , likely out of well meaning . But I know you, nothing can stop you when you have made your mind up. You’re like a force of nature. 

I recite prayers every night, praying for your safety and safe return eventually to the Citadel and that you are successful in your endeavours. Every night I pray for success in completing this mission. Dichan Ye said he will grant me a wish and I intend to use it to court your godfather once I return. 

Your trusted friend,

 

Luo Binghe-

 

 

 

-Thack-

 

 

 

Binghe pauses in his writing. It is the dead of the night, the witching hour. 

 

 

 

The sound came from outside his window.

 

 

The witching hour, his Mama had once whispered to Shaoye and him , so many years ago while tucking them into their shared bed , was a special moment in the middle of the night when every good child and decent adult was asleep, and all the dark things- Demons, goblins , cultivators who consorted with said dark things,  came out from hiding and had the world to themselves.

 

 

Shaoye had excitedly listened but Binghe had scrambled fast into bed, barely wanting to listen. 

He missed both of them, so, so very much.

 

-Thack- He glares at the window, arrow-sharp both in gaze and words.  “I’m not afraid of you. Go away.”

 

 Luo Binghe has faced far scarier monsters of flesh daily, who wore skins of respected men, and fought a daily battle to not get his cover blown. He wasn’t a dumb baby who squeaked at every bump in the night.

 

Not. He swallows back a sob. Not anymore. 

 

Then sighed. This was a good indication he needed sleep. Lao Gongzhu wanted him to accompany him for a bath tomorrow , early and alone. Just normal sect leader and head disciple bonding. One that would leave him to scrub his skin raw and red after said session to feel clean again in its aftermath. 

Binghe finally dragged himself to his unpleasantly soft bed (It felt like sleeping in the maw of a giant mouth )) , closed his eyes and lay quite still. He tried very hard to doze off.

 

It was no good. 

 

The house was absolutely silent. No voices came up from downstairs. There were no footsteps on the floor above either.

 

The window behind the curtain was wide open, but nobody was walking on the pavement outside. No guards went by on the castle grounds below. Not the tiniest sound could be heard anywhere. Binghe had never known such silence.

 

He misses his little space, right by Shaoye back at the Golden Citadel. Even sleeping next to Mingfan , surrounded by hundreds of snoring disciple brothers at Qingjing was better. There, Luo Binghe knew he was safe at least. 

 

Here he fears for his life.

 

He turns on his side, so lost in his misery that he does not notice the air surrounding him seeming to flutter, and then to thicken. A figure swathed in crimson emerges from the gloom, and gently hums an old melody so softly that the troubled teenager unwittingly slowly but surely begins to fall asleep.

As his eyes flutter close , he feels a gentle hand tuck a stray hair behind his ear.

“Listen to your heart carefully , Ah He. It whispers~”  

 

Are the soft words that follow him into the blissful oblivion of sleep. 

 

The next day, an hour just after Binghe falls asleep really, the baths of the entirety of Huan Hua are mysteriously clogged with a mountain of rotten , dead toads. 

 

The private bath session he was meant to have with Lao Gongzhu is called off , the guard who reports this , a kindly , fatherly looking man who Binghe rather likes and always told him he needed to eat more , looks oddly relieved as he delivers this news and also brings Binghe some piping hot food to eat.

 

While mildly disappointed that the chance to place a specially tailored curse talisman that would make Lao Gongzhu smell like rotten mushrooms* into the bathwater was skewered , as the old man had a meeting with his increasingly frustrated alliance after said bath….

 

….Binghe had to admit, he was relieved not having to act that he enjoyed the company or touch of the decrepit ancient bogan.   

---

 

The Qing generation year 135. reed month , day 15. The Luo river recuperative care and therapy centre , Golden Citadel. 

Liu Qingge started as a short little boy poked his head in. “Hullo? Mingyan-jie?” There was a certain accent to his speech , native to the Golden Citizens. The child had large almond eyes, a pert , some might say, spoiled little mouth that seemed twisted in what seemed to be perpetual grumpiness , and mahogany locks shorn to a rather unusually short length.  

 

 

The room was a mess, chairs were smashed everywhere . Liu Qingge had been very expressive about showing his rage daily when a quarter of the strength he wielded returned about said strength at being a quarter . 

Today the head physician who had been in charge of his care came in with the diagnosis that the pain Liu Qingge would dissipate with time, that he would be able to live and cultivate to live as long as before the deviation struck but would need to take the tea leaves , the stronger variant forever .

 

And his strength and ability to use his Qi? Well, that was unfortunate but it seems that ability was stolen by said deviation. He would likely never be able to wield his legendary strength like before, but still , he was alive, the physician boomed .

 

And that was the last sentence he would speak to said patient, as he dodged a chair being thrown in his direction. 

Mingyan had tried to calm him down, but his hot temper got the best of him, the pain he felt from flinging the chair exacerbated it .

 

 An argument broke out and she ran off again. Leaving him  to stew in his regrets and rage. 

 

Calmly, the small boy strode briskly down through the chaos. 

Pulled the sole chair spared during his rampage earlier up , clambered on it’s back , gazed at the adult square into his eyes now that they were the same eye level  and opened that mouth.  

“ Are you done being a butt face?” He asked seriously. 

 

There it was, the proof in the pudding that this was Shen Qingqiu’s godson, only the brat had shown he was even more unplesant to deal with , for at least Shen Qingqiu wasn’t so vocal or crass . 

 

“Your sister was crying when she wrote to me , begging for me to get this plant for you.” Flat was the tone , accusing was its message . 

 

“Everyday is agony. “

 

  How could this pampered brat know anything ? “

 

“Everyday, I awaken to a world where I know I can no longer wield my Qi to be counted as a peak lord.”He ploughed on , mulishly . “Everyday I awaken to a day where I spend hours with twisted spirit veins .”

 

“ In fact, I wonder what is the point of waking up at all-”  

 

“YOU SIT DOWN!!!!”  

 

The roar emitted, blew a stunned Liu Qingge back on his bed, blew out the paper windows, the ceramic crockery shattered. Somehow the pot of tea didn’t shatter . 

A lion’s roar user. Liu Qingge thought, stunned as hardly winded, but still pissed, did the lion cub with the roar of a thousand full grown lions , hop up to his bed, and grab him by his lapels. 

 

 

“You . Are going to say sorry to Mingyan-jie. The child states, a low , angered growl , nothing like the cold , spiteful hiss of his godfather.

 

 “Say that you are going to take your veggies, drink lots of healing leaf-water , and live a long life for her , for your parents.”

 

Slowly, Liu Qingge realized what was the name of the emotion disguised as rage ,as the child’s words hit him at last. Shame.

 

“ Do you know how lucky you are to have a little sister who loves you that much? To have both your parents alive and both who love you ? ” 

 

Those harsh amber eyes then softened a touch.

 

  “-I..I’m not going to say it’s not going to be a struggle to live , that things are not going to be the same as they were once. That it indeed is agony to continue on . That it is not fair this happened to you. But it’s the coward’s way to cop out, when so many care about you.” 

 

 

Liu Qingge expected the child to let go of his lapels , and braced for the back of his head to hit the hard cushion.

 

Only for the moppet to gently loosen his grip .  For him to fuss over as though he had experience. 

 

Come to think about it. Mingyan had mentioned that Dichan Shaoye had an elderly maid who he was extremely close to since he was a toddler, that Shaoye had been heartbroken over her decline, then death. 

 

He had refused to believe it at the time...

 

But now that he had met the child, if Shen Qingqiu had an outwardly fair and pure appearance, but held a blackened and foul heart, then his godson looked like a spoiled brat , growled like a lowly lout,  but had a kind heart. 

“I’m not gonna promise you anything, but this resort has the best physiotherapists and good doctors who can maintain your health.” There was a clink as the child adjusted the curtains so Qingge stopped feeling like the world was a glaring light. “- If you continue to drink the tea leaves, well...I will leave it up to their hands and your body. Life holds many mysteries, some kind and unkind. But for all it’s tragedy it also contains hope. ”

The peak lord watched as the child placed the steaming kettle of tea of the Sighs of a Thousand depths - the variant of the Moans of a hundred bowels plant that had initially been brewed for him , filled a single unshattered cup nearby his bedside within reachable distance with practiced ease. 

 

Like he had done so, perhaps for an old woman even though they were not related by blood for months till death stole her from the child, leaving him motherless again. 

 

“I was going to meet Mingyan-jie cuz I was gonna tell her I was going to go soon. The famine is over, free and clean housing districts had been established for the poor with the slums cleared. Self sufficiency is at an all time high . ...It’s time to leave soon.”  

Ah .

 

He had heard people talking about a trip that the young boy had been invited to take with a famous anonymous author called Eagle Flying towards the sky. 

 

Of all things it was to compile a complete bestiary on various demonic beasts throughout the land. Not something he would have done but to each their own. 

Liu Qingge watched as the child slouched a bit , guessing at why his brow furrowed . 

 

“I heard you were enthusiastic about the trip.”

 

 “I...I am. Just, everyone is telling me I’m too young to do stuff. “ The child’s voice breaks a little .

 

“ You helped prevent a famine, and improved the lives of the poor by making housing free for them and ridding the unsanitary slums by pushing for reforms. And you’re telling me you feel hampered by the opinions of a few people who just look at your age.” The boy flushes at the Peak lord’s wry tone. 

 

“...Yeah. You’re right.” The boy smiled at last, and it was like the sun coming out after a storm. “Take care, ‘kay, Gan Shu?*” 

 

 

Liu Qingge’s mouth drops open for the first time in months as the child runs out and away with him goes the black mood that had been plaguing him since his deviation happened . When Mingyan returns, he apologizes, admits his worries and fears. 

They end up tidying the mess together and he has to admit it as Mingyan brings him a big cup of tea again , watching the way smoke floats up. The way pages rustle , and the way the golden sunlight turns her hair a dark violet. Maybe things would never be the same as they used to be, but that didn’t mean that he, Liu Qingge , had to wallow in regret forever. 

 

 

After all, he wasn’t alone . And that made the difference. 

 

-

// The Qing generation year 135. ,reed month , day 17*  . / 

 

Dear Shaoye ,

 

 You won’t get this letter . I know because I always burn it in case of getting implicated . But I write anyway because I wouldn’t feel so alone here . 

 

Today , Rain finally came to Huanhua county .  I ran outside to feel it . It was beautifully cool. It was marvelous because it started out of the blue , bringing relief to the parched lands . It was alternately awespiring and gentle.

 

I think of you all the time , therefore have little to say that would not embarrass you, for my first feeling about the rain was that it was like you.

 

Missing you terribly ,

Your trusted friend 

Luo Binghe .

Notes:

Notes: Author’s note end : Luo Binghe continues to suffer from a lack of SY in his life . The Old Palace master continues to win the ‘worst father of the year’ award AND the ‘being a nasty old creep over your underaged discipline’ award at one go ! :D Meanwhile SY and Airplane go touring - I mean , Monster hunting ! :D What adventures await? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas!

—-

Notes:
Hi! I’m not sure how this will clash but I characterise other than ages apart, Binghe and Shaoye are born literally as foils. Same month but different dates. Binghe is 31 of January and Shaoye is 13 of January , now as “Luo Binghe was abandoned by his parents immediately after being born. He was wrapped in white cloth, put in a wood basin, and set into the water.

It was the coldest time of the year and it was only because the fishermen in the river fished him up that he didn’t freeze to death and die in his early childhood. Because he was floating on the Luo River and it was the season when the river was filled with thin ice, he was given his current name. [4]” take note that Binghe’s exact month is just hinted vaguely . Spring is for the Golden Citadel, one of the coldest times of the year while they have a relatively warm winter. I hope it clears matters up and is a good explanation ! <3

**Guys, when Bingbing says the curse would make Lao Gongzhu smell like rotten mushrooms. According to studies, gonorrhea-infected people smell like mushrooms. First I want to say that, I have nothing against STDs other than it’s horrible for all involved BUT it is shown that people have discriminated against people with STDs . And if you are a person in power, tongues will definitely wag if word got about if you had it or smelt like you had it. Second, Binghe HATES Lao Gongzhu and will do anything to besmirch his reputation.

***The months are named after the Lunar chinese calender.
1 between 21 January – 20 February * 陬月; zōuyuè; 'corner month'. square of Pegasus month
2 between 20 February – 21 March * 杏月; xìngyuè; 'apricot month'
3 between 21 March – 20 April * 桃月; táoyuè; 'peach month'
4 between 20 April – 21 May * 梅月; méiyuè; 'plum flower month'
5 between 21 May – 21 June * 榴月; liúyuè; 'pomegranate month'
6 between 21 June – 23 July * 荷月; héyuè; 'lotus month'
7 between 23 July – 23 August * 蘭月; 兰月; lányuè; 'orchid month'
8 between 23 August – 23 September * 桂月; guìyuè; 'osmanthus month'
9 between 23 September – 23 October * 菊月; júyuè; 'chrysanthemum month'
10 between 23 October – 22 November * 露月; lùyuè; 'dew month'
11 between 22 November – 22 December * 冬月; dōngyuè; 'winter month'; 葭月; jiāyuè; 'reed month'
12 between 22 December – 21 January * 冰月; bīngyuè; 'ice month'

Chapter 16: What's The Secret?

Summary:

Author’s note : In this week's episode , we find a series of highs and lows for Binghe . Qiu Haitang finally makes a world changing decision . Liu Mingyan is lowkey on the path for VENGEANCE.Oh, and there is a very unhappy reunion to which we see Gongyi Xiao and Mingfan attempt to murder their former friend, due to Lao Gongzhu in this week’s episode ! :

The Qing generation year 135. Dec , day 15

 

 

 

At first the ghost was no more than a chill in the air, a shimmer of mist, diffuse. Through it the furniture and the wallpaper that peeled with the rising damp became slightly out of focus, like mist as it rose from the meadows.

 

 

 

Huahua had been stricken by a mysterious mold , it was a black stinking mass that ate up all the wallpaper and grew all over the walls and had started in the middle of the  past year .

 

 

 

As nightfall approached, the heads of the sect who managed classes found their rooms blisteringly cold. 

 

 

 

There was a howl, soft and whining, as if a gale meant to bring a storm upon the young wide eyed teenager who had broken into the library.  

 

The chill of the area should have been enough to raise the hairs on his bare arms and neck. 

 

 

 

Luo Binghe's breath was fogging in the chill air, he watched white puffs float up, up, then diffuse into nothing, yet he felt no cold.  

 

 

 

A skeletal figure rose from the floorboards, blood red, and pointed a finger at a shelf.

 

 

Cree-

 

 

 

-Creeei

 

 

 

-Crick

 

 

 

Slowly, a slim tome slid from the shelf as though someone had taken it out , shifted out of place and dropped it to the ground.

 

 

 

Binghe rushed forward.

 

 

 

When he looked up , the ghost was still there watching patiently . 

 

 

 

Heart pounding, he flipped open a page only to confirm that it indeed was what he had been searching for, the student files of the students who had filed sexual assault cases against the sect leader himself , who all coincidentally bore a strong resemblance to Su Xiyan and all their information before oh so coincidentally dissapearing.

 

 

 

Only. The raven haired boy shivered. Only, it wasn’t a coincidence.

 

 

 

Lao Gongzhu could not burn the student records ,  but he could hide them away and keep information about them away from authorities , reducing these students to mere Jane or John Does.

 

 

 

He managed to buy off most of the student's parents but there were three still protesting the lack of interest in their  missing children.

 

 

 

It didn’t take much to replicate the book, when the raven headed boy finished, he felt a sudden icy burning chill , and let go of the replica with a muffled yelp.

 

 

 

The spectre once again lifted it's right hand and pointed to the shelf

 

 

 

The replica book floated up and with a soft thud, it was slotted neatly where the original had been.

 

 

 

When Binghe looked from the shelf again, the ghastly apparition was gone.

 

 

As easy as pie, he smuggled himself with his hard won prize , the tome snug in his robes , through the secret passage to the private records room and back to his room before dawn broke. He did not have time to fret about his ghostly ally. 

 

 

It was easy to make himself appear disheveled , easy to exclaim about a ghost when queried on his state by a concerned teacher enroute to his next class in the busiest hour when students were flitting to their next lesson . He made sure to loudly exaggerate on the terrifying vision , floating down this same hall before he turned in last night. 

Mass hysteria quickly spread, as many of his fellow disciples had seen the spook too ,who were tired of the unnatural cold , the slamming shut doors, the omnipresent feeling of being watched . Now they had a face to match , they were properly spooked. 

 

 Lao Gongzhu’s threats did nothing to sway the terrified disciples.Many pampered young masters and misses proceeded to write to their parents .

 

 A thousand brushes swish on instant write parchment . 

 

Parental retribution was swift and brutal

 

A seventh of the parents refused to be swayed , and took their offspring , leaving the region entirely. The rest demanded to be bribed , coerced or have allowances made for their children at least . 

 

Binghe, who was allowed by the Old palace master to stay in his room to calm down, smiled while sipping a hot bowl of soup as he witnessed the large exodus happening outside.

 

--

 

/ The Qing generation year 136. corner month , day 12

 

“You like him.” Qingge harrumphed as his sister laughed , but he couldn’t help but smile.

“I admit nothing, Ah Yan. “ 

 

 

“Ah. Another one is won over by the charms of our Golden Citadel kitten.”  Xiao Gongzhu drawls. 

“I for one liked him at first sight, as did Miss Liu , I believe.” Gongyi Xiao demurs, taking a dainty little sip from his cup. 

 

“I did. He was such a sweet little boy. And still is.” The younger Liu sibling declared.

 

“He’s halfway through the country , you know.” The former little Palace Mistress smiled proudly. “ We met him and his companion. That book of theirs is gaining real headway.” 

 

“Is he alright?” 

 

 “Dirty, stinky, grumpy as hell , but he’s alive and kicking. The other guy had passed out, foaming at the mouth though , the grown wuss.”  Xiao Gongzhu takes a large bite of her dumpling. 

 

It was a fine wintry morning. Despite another year passing , it ironically snowed from Corner to Peach month at the Golden Citadel . 

 

The four of them , the Liu siblings , Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao who had just returned from a short trip . sat at the Centre’s only restaurant. The pair had decided it was enough of travelling around and finally had decided to continue their studies as well as picking up apprenticeships at the Golden Citadel. Gongzhu was keen on blacksmithery but also in expanding her knowledge of poisons. Gongyi Xiao also was intrigued by poisons but to cure them. He was dithering between apprenticing with the current best doctor in the Citadel. 

 

Xiao Gongzhu and her faithful friend left soon to return to the Gongyi Household.

 

 

The Lius watched them leave. “ Shaoye has some good friends , he must really appreciate them and you ….Considering the Luo Binghe incident .”

 

 

“Luo Binghe ? Isn’t he still at Qingjing peak ?”

 

Liu Qingge, astonished,  told his sister of how Luo Binghe had left the peak of Scholars , and joined Huan Hua Palace . He watched as his stunned sister picked herself up ,and told him she needed instant-write parchment right away to contact several friends regarding this . 

 

—-

 

 

 

/ The Qing generation year 135.Apricot month day 15

 

 

 

Binghe turns sixteen . One more year older to the age when he is a ripe flower to be picked .

 

 

Like a spider crawling up his arm , Lao Gongzhu’s right arm then strokes the young teenager’s shoulders . Binghe keeps an ever present near rictus smile on his  face despite wanting to tear that hand off the old man’s body .

 

 

 

They are on a large yacht . Binghe had made comments over Feng Huang’s yacht to the extent Lao Gongzhu had taken the angered General’s boat , telling him it was a small gift for him .

It was a large ship , manned by a thousand serfs from HuanHua county . Binghe privately thought the men all looked starving and diseased . Part of him felt sorry . 

 

 

 

Part of him knew what he had to do . 

 

 “Sir….This Binghe is bored and hungry .” Right now, Binghe was seated on a small lounge chair next to the right of the Gaudy marigold yellow throne of pure gold - The sect Master’s throne . Qiu Haitang glared at him , clenching her dress, tense as an arrow drawn on a bow, seated on a chair of her own on the main deck . 

 

 

Binghe ignored the hisses that followed this like of geese by his fellow disciples. He himself knows only a concubine of a king would sit at the right of the throne on a lounge chair . 

 

 

Lao Gongzhu merely gestures to a server and Binghe is served some baozhi and hors d'oeuvres.

 

 

The slamming of the door and absence of the furious head advisor to Huan Hua had left the upper deck to enjoy the privacy of her own quarters.  

 

 

The musicians , all Huan Hua students, begin to play . 

 

 

Two girls, sisters perhaps gazed in mild concern at the Head disciple, even as the others bitterly and jealousy hissed over his privilege as the music flowed. 

 

 

 

Half an hour passes by and Binghe slowly feels the rise of panic as familiar golden spires appear in the distance, the creak of the boat as it draws to a halt, the ship docks at …The Golden Citadel ?!

 

 

 

“I thought it would be wonderful if we took a small walk at the docks there. Maybe even caught up with some old friends of yours.” Binghe forces down the sensation of bile as the spidery hand lazily strokes his inner thigh.  “Why, I heard that your old friend Dichan Shaoye was coming down today.”

 

 

This was a test . Lao Gongzhu might be delusional  , but he still was a petty bastard and ironically like a spoiled child who had gotten the toy he wanted, wanted to rub it in the face of his enemies. Even if said enemy was a small child. 

 

 

 

Binghe closed his eyes , mentally calculating how to profit from the mission even though by doing so would break him down emotionally, break him down physically from the blood pact. 

 

—-

 

“Guys! Guys! Oh! You are all here!”

 

 Mingyan laughs as the still diminutive boy gives them a hug. But it is hard when there are four and they are much larger than you. 

 

“Of course we were coming! How could we miss meeting up with ya after so long?! “ 

 

 

Gongyi xiao rolls his eyes ,the girls sputter as Mingfan elbows the rest of them to fuss over his youngest cousin ”Oh, Ah Shao, Look at ya! “ 

 

“He looks fine. Mother!” Xiao Gongzhu groans before adding to the small child who was being smothered in a bear hug by his older cousin.  “Not that we aren’t happy to see you, but how far is the Beastarium coming along?” 

 

“Oh, halfway down, we will be heading to the Northern territories after this , I spent last night over at the Manor , we will be departing.” Grinned the small kitten. 

 

 “Ya mean ya aren’t stayin’?” “No, Fan-ge. Sorry but you will have to look after Lao Ba for me and the handling of the Golden Citadel for a while longer. Sorry, I know it’s a lot.” 

 

“Naw, kiddo. It’s fine. More than fine. At least ah’m ‘ppreciated here.” Mingfan snorts a trite bitterly over his leaving Qingjing peak a year back , after seeing so much of how Binghe was treated, reflecting on the way classes were conducted, after finding out Ning Yingying was engaged to his Shizun was just the nail in the coffin. 

 

Gongyi xiao placed a gentle calming hand on the other’s shoulder. “And we are here to lend support.” “Support? Support for what?” Shaoye asked innocently and the four friends exchanged looks. “We are here to support you- “ stated Xiao Gongzhu somewhat hesitantly. “Because we heard about Binghe -” 

 

“-Who chose to come to us.” An all too familiar voice , unpleasant and undulating cut in. Xiao Gongzhu felt the hairs at the back of her neck stand up , slowly she turned around to see the last man she wanted to see walking around free on the docks of the haven she had found.

 

 

 

Local law enforcement barely held back angered citizens who all were shouting and fighting to have a go at the unwelcome guests who had docked at the Citadel harbour . 

 

 Everyone knew the state Shaoye had returned in was thanks to the Old Huan Hua Palace Master, and right now, given the popularity of how the current rulers was at an all time high, the citizens were naturally angered to see the man who had shamed them here, bold as brass on their shores.

 

 

Next to him, clad in marigold robes, the same robes Gongyi xiao might have worn in another lifetime, was - “Luo Binghe!” Mingfan roars, and it takes Gongyi xiao himself and Shaoye to stop him from rushing at the other teenager . The middling grade sword from Wanjian Peak that Mingfan had gotten was unsheathed , furious qi poured out and it waved in his right like a bat. 

 

 

“Geddoff ah me! “ The teenager roars  as Liu Mingyan grabs and wrestles the blade away from it’s enraged owner .” Ah’m going to run my blade through the black, stinkin’ ‘ole where ‘is heart oughta be!  “

 

“Leave it ! He’s not worth dirtying your hands , Ah Fan ! “ Gongyi Xiao begs, barely hanging on as the enraged teen thrashes in his bid to be free and attack the unwelcome guests. 

 

 

Xiao Gongzhu meanwhile stood in front of Shaoye, blocking him from the view of the Huan Hua palace master and head disciple, a doubtful frown on her face as she focused on the other boy. 

 

 

“He chose to come to me because of how terribly you treated him as a child.” Lao Gongzhu continued, slow and gloating. 

 

 

“Treated him terribly as a child?” This time, Gongyi Xiao’s face contorts, a terrible fury on his face. “ Luo Binghe. I didn’t want to believe it ...You were my brother! We fought this man together to save those most important to us three years ago! Well, now you're nothing more than a mere slither of worthlessness. I don’t care even if you were alone at the time when you escaped from Qingjing and when you encountered the Old Palace Master. Even if he threatened you with death or to join him….” 

 

 

 

This time, Mingfan grabbed the slender teenager’s right arm as he shouted this, “"Then you should have picked the option to die ! Dispatched yourself rather than betray your benefactor , as he would have done for you!”

 

 

 

 Liu Mingyan shook her head in dismay and growing anger as well. “ We trusted you! We cared for you! All of us here, I believe, prayed to the gods that you remained healthy, happy, and strong when Mingfan told us of your time at Qingjing. And this is how you repay the one person who even made it possible for you to have an education!” She gestured to the person behind Xiao Gongzhu. 

 

 

“Guys.” Xiao Gongzhu growls, an uncertain look on her face that was fast growing . “Guys, chill. Maybe if we all stepped back and looked at this later on...Something doesn’t add up-”

 

 

Lao Gongzhu snorts and continues, hardly phased. 

 

 

“And why wouldn’t Binghe? Why would he return and be a mere servant when he can be my Head Disciple? Why-”

 

  -Smack- 

 

A contract bounced off the man’s head. Qiu Haitang stormed past them, a travelling case in her arms, likely all she had in the world.

 

 “Why? That’s my resignation. I am done with you! Done with Huan Hua! ”

 

She staunchly stood in front of the small group, adult to adult. Haitang was a tall woman, and now she was fully angered, and no longer in the mood to play nice, did not bother lowering down to greet her former employer.

 

“You? How dare you, Qiu Haitang! We had an agree-”

 

“ If revenge on Shen Qingqiu means I have to close a blind eye to your wrongdoings, you disgusting old warthog. Then it is not worth it if I have to sacrifice basic decency and humanity!” 

 

She roared right in his face. 

 

 

“To listen to a second more of filthy lies coming out your gaping maw ...I would rather live in peace, live the best life I can in honour of my clan then allow you to bully, no, intimidate small children whom you tortured!” 

 

 

Her voice rose at the last note, and the surrounding crowd roared in agreement. 

 

 

“And let us talk about the famine which you ignored, look at the Citadel, look at your Huan Hua County! Yet despite you ignoring the problem, playing around with your dear Head disciple everyday…” She pauses and gives Binghe a withering look like he was a roach.“-Your underaged Head disciple, by the way, you damn pervert- the problem clearly is not going away!”

 

All eyes went to the emancipated state of the sailors, and skinniness of the musicians on board the yacht.  Now the crowd was stirred up and booing in agreement to Haitang . 

 

 

As a shouting match occurs between the two , Binghe’s heart leaps as he sees for the first time in two years his little master. Shaoye peeped out at him and despite everything , gave him a friendly grin and even mouthed what might have been a ‘hello.’ 

 

 

The other's mahogany hair was shorn to a short length, it might have grown out again then he cut it again. He-

 

 The slow throbbing pain bursts into pure agony as though knives are stabbing through his feet. 

 

 

It is agony standing on the shores. It is the earth of the Golden Citadel. The blood pact is doing its work every second he stays on the ground here . Gasping, his knees buckle , and he falls to his knees. Only one person notices. Only one person cares. 

Shaoye coughs angrily . “SHUT UP ! ALL OF YOU!” He snaps , silencing the hoohah.

 

 “Irregardless what you accuse me of, Lao Gongzhu ...You claim you provide for Binghe. “ Shaoye takes a step out from behind Gongzhu and glares at the old man, angered enough to overcome his fear. “

 

Yet you force him to come out? When he’s clearly unwell?”

 

“He is my Binghe. He does whatever I tell him to do.” The old man hisses , and if anything this only angers the child further . 

 

 “He is not your Binghe. Luo Binghe belongs to himself, sir .” The pure rage in that voice silences the old man at last. 

 

 

Those bright almond eyes shifted to Binghe and seemed to soften just a fraction . “Binghe-ge. ...Remember that no matter which path you choose, the Golden Citadel is always open to you.Take care, please.” 

 

He closed his eyes then turned around , the group of now five , seeing as the small boy did not want to pursue matters and even sided with the detractor , had no choice but to follow Shaoye. 

A Golden Citadel Guardsman, scorn clear on his face though his voice was respectful , came forth from the law enforcement holding back the enraged public and addressed the Old Palace Master. 

 

“Sirrah. By decree of the Golden Citadel, Huan Hua is not welcome here, you have thirty minutes to remove your yacht and move on or deal with the Magical guard and army which will arrive shortly.”  

 

The sect leader sneers before he picks Binghe up, just like Tang Ah Yi had when Binghe was much younger, cradling the delirious teenager to his chest as if he were an infant .Lao Gongzhu carried Binghe back onto the yacht , went down to the room given to his precious Head disciple and put him down very gently on a settee.

 

Binghe feels strength return to him, and , conscious only for the moment of having been cuddled and loved, and wanting more of it, then realizing where he was and who he was with.

 

The boat creaks again, and he can see the Golden spires growing smaller and smaller in the distance. He closes his eyes , a tear rolling down his cheek. Somewhere within him ,Binghe could feel a huge sob welling up.

 

The strain of having to see Shaoye so close , being forced to stay silent and act aloof, and endure the effects of the blood pact and being denounced by his friends who had no idea of his mission , who thought he would actually betray Shaoye- He bursts into tears at last .  

 

“My poor lovely Binghe.” Binghe’s skin crawls at the fawning tone, and he sobs harder, turning hysterical. He wants to go home. He wants to run out, jump off the ship , swim back screaming all the way and tell everyone the truth upon reaching the shore.

Shaoye would hug him and make sure everything was alright again.

But he can’t.

Lao Gongzhu winces in disgust as snot and tears run over him and he withdraws . 

“Come now. Are you a boy ? Your mother, Su Xiyan, never cried. “ His previously cajoling voice turns cold. 

 

In Lao Gongzhu’s eyes, Binghe knew that he was a trophy,  nothing more. An amusing pet, one was brought to replace the old one , whose behavior was no longer amusing by said owner if he did not display actions similar to how the previous one was supposed to display . Binghe sobs harder , uncaring. 

 

Grimacing, Lao Gongzhu strides out, slams the door shut on the so-called beloved head disciple of his. 

 

--

Thump

 

Thump

 

Binghe lays in the dark , far too weak to move , to call for help , yet that noise that he sometimes hears sounds achingly familiar now he thought about it . 

 

It sounded just like his mama’s clogs as she walked across the floor. 

 

The air smells like … Like . “Rose water ?” The brand mama loved.

 

Binghe blearily opens his eyes

 

Levitating a foot off the fine oak floorboards a ruby-red translucent object shimmered with a hazy crimson. Slowly it came into focus like an object looked at through a telescope,growing and lengthening. 

 

 Till it was the same gory red wraith that stood before him , then with a step forward , a red mist formed around it, a shimmering mist that slowly took the form of a crimson silk dress that flowed in an ever present wind . 

 

 Binghe had seen that dress before and it’s owner as he watched her be put in the grave .

 

 “ Mama?”

 

 At the call of her name, Binghe watched as with every step , flesh grew over the gory bones , hair sprouted and as she came to a stop before him, stood his-. “Mama!”

 

 

His hug passes through her , it’s like passing through freezing water .”Mama…” His starlike eyes blink with fresh tears . 

 

 “Xiao He… “ He hears the voice as though coming from a great distance away. “Listen carefully , I can’t maintain this form for long … But please remember no matter what path you choose , Shaoye and I love you . And remember . “ 

 

 Her touch is freezing like it sucks all the warmth from his body , and is placed over his heart .

 

 “ Remember . Listen to your heart ,carefully.It whispers .” 

 

 “Binghe remembers . Can … Mama stay with Binghe for maybe a bit longer ? So much has happened…” He whispers , scrubbing his eyes . 

 

Then as the raven haired boy looks up he already realizes the answer and how pointless his request was . “ Why am I asking you this ? You, you were with me all this time . Looking out for me.  Helping me . I’m so silly . “ 

 

 He puts out a hand , ignoring the sub zero temperature as it traces over her face . “ Mama… I’ve caused you so many problems in life and death.I’m so sorry .” 

 

“Silly...Boy.” Ah Yi is becoming see-through , as she struggles to maintain her human form , vanishing in the process , ” Never ...Be sorry for ...For being loved .”   She sighs , finally vanishing. 

 

 Mama leaves him again but this time his heart is warm , and he knows she is watching over him . 

 

A knock at the door broke him out of his musing . 

 

Upon opening it revealed two Huan Hua disciples , a small girl maybe a year older than Shaoye and her older sister . Binghe recognizes them from the group of students selected to provide music and entertainment from earlier on deck. It is hard to forget the kind and concerned looks they had given him , a small comfort on this trying day. 

 

 “Da-shixiong?” The small girl grins cheerfully. 

 

 Binghe relaxes . That big grin and outgoing nature reminded him of Shaoye. “Sorry , do you need anything ? “ he asked . 

 

 “ We were in the orchestra just now watching Old n’ Baggy drool over you like a mastiff over prime grade steak . You looked so sad when Ancient and asshole still made you go down to meet your friends who mostly all seemed to be cheesed off at you for some reason. You came out like half dead in his arms . So we just came by to check on your cute ass.” She chirped with nary a pause , even as Binghe’s eyes went wide at the bold way she had described the Huan Hua Palace Master , and her sister who squeaked every so often gasped at the audacity. 

 

  “Wanrong! “ 

 

 “What ?! “

 

 “You can’t say things like that!”

 

 “What ! He’s our friend!” 

 

 “Uh. “ Binghe broke in,  feeling quite awkward . “I’m sorry but I just met the two of you today .” 

“Da Shixiong is so mean!” “Wanrong!” The squeaking girl scolds again.“ What?! It's true! He helped us a couple of times! We are friends! He even helped us cover up and thus helped us not blow our cover on our hiding Gongzhu’s doc-“

 

 The two girls freeze then slowly turn to look at him like deer caught in the headlights . 

 

 Binghe pauses …. Then bops them both on their heads. 

 

 “You both are the worst fellow spies ever.” He scolds, pulling them into his room and slamming the doors. “What if someone else heard that slip ?” 

 

 “Please don’t tell- Wait, huh?”

 

 “I thought Qiu Haitang and Feng Huang might have been the two agents who helped Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao , who hold the two documents and who were still trapped here . I find it astonishing how long the both of you have managed to keep mum and act so long.”

 

 “Wait.” The squeaker raised a hand. “ You ? You’re a double agent too?!”

 

 “I came to rondevu with two agents who are allied to Xiao Gongzhu whose affiliations are to bring down the old man. “ His tears are fast drying, Binghe wipes them away, feeling a lot more cheerful, a lot less alone. “ I expected experts. I will have two experts who will be trained to carry out the final stage of the plan successfully .” 

 

 “You- Why do you presume we will; go along with ya, Da- Shixion-Pal?! You think we will give up every secret just cuz y’ say so?!” The small one, Wanrong, challenges .

 

 Binghe smiles at this. “Very good. So maybe you aren’t entirely hopeless. But you still are untrained and so far have failed in your mission by me discovering your true affiliations!” Wanrong squawks as she receives a hard bop again on her head. 

 

 “Ow! You call that a smack?! My grandma can smack harder using her butt, ya baboon!” 

 

 Binghe smiles as the sisters continue to squabble. And thinks things are indeed looking up for him , that he is not so alone. 

 

Maybe he can do this. 

 

  No, they can do and will do this. 

 

---

 

/ The Qing generation year 137 , corner month ,  day 1

Shaoye departs again with his escort .  Time passed , a  completed book soon was published , and was spread countrywide . He was on his way back to the Golden Citadel . Mingfan was disgustingly proud and boasted everyday that it was his baby cousin who wrote the bestseller . 

 

 Gongyi Xiao and Gongzhu had entered apprenticeships with talented leaders in the fields they wished to pursue. 

 

 The Immortal alliance approached , and …”Mingyan. Are you sure?” Liu Qingge queries again, his voice soft. “On your decision to transfer to my peak , to work your way up to become head disciple and eventually takeover when it’s the next time? ”

 

“Yes.Well … I mean if you believe if I can, that is.” She bites her lip, uncertain . Her hands twisted into her dress in worry . 

 

 “Of course I do . Why, if there's anyone who can , it would be you .” A note of pride in his baritone voice . The older Liu had been overseeing her training and she had improved by leaps and bounds after she had confided her change of plans in education to him. 

 

 “How’s your veins today ? You took your tea again so you should be -“

 

 “It’s fine.” Qingge laughs quietly. He doesn’t feel the pain anymore. He has learned to take things more in his stride. 

 

 “It isn’t fine while that snake who stood by while you suffered gets off scot free due to favoritism by Sect leader Yue Qingyuan . ” Her soft voice turns dark . 

 

 “Mingyan. The snake is your good friend’s godfather.” Liu Qingge’s  voice turned razor sharp upon hearing this . “I despise Shen QingQiu but he still is my peak lord brother and Yue Qingyuan is doing the best he can . ”  “But still . How can this be an accident , Shen Qingqiu-“

 

 He touched her hand “Let us leave it in the past , shall we? Come now, show me your forms.” 

 

 She sighs , and resigns herself to leave the topic in the dust for now. Liu Mingyan gets through halfway before a shrill little voice mews. “Mingyan jie ! Gan shu!” 

 

 Mingyan grabs her blade, sheathes it , laughing in joy as the little master runs up the steps . He is filthy , covered in days old leaves and a smelly backpack that somehow smelt even worse than him . 

 

 Qingge huffs. “How old are you again?” “Nice to see you too, Gan Shu! “ The cheeky child retorts as he opens his arms for a hug . Qingge grumbled , as he too accepted his lot in life and for another bath . 

 

All in all another day passed very agreeably at the Golden Citadel .

 

--

Midnight , Huan Hua palace . 

 

Qin Wanyue and Wanrong blinked nervously as they eyed the flickering portal. Or rather, Wanyue yelped as her carefree and impulsive little sister ran straight through with a hoot.

 

 “Please, hurry-”  Binghe , Binghe who was doing his best to open said portal, grits out.

 

 She gave a quick bow as thanks before running through with the last of the collected files and documents. 

 

 Just recently turned seventeen year old Luo Binghe breathed out as in relief as the glowing portal to the Golden Citadel , to the secret location where Dichan Ye had been informed via the last scrap of instant-write parchment and would be meeting the pair , shuts.

 

 His suffering is nearly at an end. The long dark winter is almost showing signs of spring. He still has a few loose ends to tie up, then he would finally be able to join the Qin sisters , return to the Golden Citadel and reveal the truth . 

 

 He had helped them , their disappearance explained away with some robes thrown into the acid pools and a joint suicide note written by them to spice things up , of supposed hopelessness regarding the lack of teaching, a haunting, and the famine still brewing outside would be met well by the already terrified student body here , likely leading to more disciples leaving. 

 

 The pair and him had compiled all of the evidence needed against Lao Gongzhu. The chess piece, the head advisor, Qiu Haitang had joined the Dichans as planned , and would likely be happy to testify against Lao Gongzhu when the case came out. 

 

 He had managed to get rid of the head advisor , and one by one, each of the Alliance members either left of their own will or ...Met an untimely permanent end due to his machinations in convincing the Old man they were against him ,  the last to deal with was Feng Huang . 

 

 The last fervent supporter of the crumbling Huan Hua Alliance with any clout and once she’s down … The smile he grinned would have frozen fire . 

 

A sparrow outside chirps , heralding dawn. Part of Luo Binghe wants to crush it in resentment , that dawn hasn’t come yet for him but part of him admires the fierce , proud little thing defying larger predators to sing .

 

“Well sung, little friend.” He at last whispers, scurrying away.

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Author's note: Is Bingbing's winter coming to an end? Will SY and Binghe ever reunite? And the Qin sisters meanwhile meet up with Gongyi xiao, Xiao Gongzhu. Just what does Liu Mingyan have planned? Stayed tuned to next week's episode!
---
Notes:

Hi! I’m not sure how this will clash but I characterise other than ages apart, Binghe and Shaoye are born literally as foils. Same month but different dates. Binghe is 31 of January and Shaoye is 13 of January , now as “Luo Binghe was abandoned by his parents immediately after being born. He was wrapped in white cloth, put in a wood basin, and set into the water.

It was the coldest time of the year and it was only because the fishermen in the river fished him up that he didn’t freeze to death and die in his early childhood. Because he was floating on the Luo River and it was the season when the river was filled with thin ice, he was given his current name. [4]” take note that Binghe’s exact month is just hinted vaguely . Spring is for the Golden Citadel, one of the coldest times of the year while they have a relatively warm winter. I hope it clears matters up and is a good explanation ! <3

**Guys, when Bingbing says the curse would make Lao Gongzhu smell like rotten mushrooms. According to studies, gonorrhea-infected people smell like mushrooms. First I want to say that, I have nothing against STDs other than it’s horrible for all involved BUT it is shown that people have discriminated against people with STDs . And if you are a person in power, tongues will definitely wag if word got about if you had it or smelt like you had it. Second, Binghe HATES Lao Gongzhu and will do anything to besmirch his reputation.

***The months are named after the Lunar chinese calender.
1 between 21 January – 20 February * 陬月; zōuyuè; 'corner month'. square of Pegasus month
2 between 20 February – 21 March * 杏月; xìngyuè; 'apricot month'
3 between 21 March – 20 April * 桃月; táoyuè; 'peach month'
4 between 20 April – 21 May * 梅月; méiyuè; 'plum flower month'
5 between 21 May – 21 June * 榴月; liúyuè; 'pomegranate month'
6 between 21 June – 23 July * 荷月; héyuè; 'lotus month'
7 between 23 July – 23 August * 蘭月; 兰月; lányuè; 'orchid month'
8 between 23 August – 23 September * 桂月; guìyuè; 'osmanthus month'
9 between 23 September – 23 October * 菊月; júyuè; 'chrysanthemum month'
10 between 23 October – 22 November * 露月; lùyuè; 'dew month'
11 between 22 November – 22 December * 冬月; dōngyuè; 'winter month'; 葭月; jiāyuè; 'reed month'
12 between 22 December – 21 January * 冰月; bīngyuè; 'ice month'

Chapter 17: Oh so, that’s the secret.

Summary:

Author’s notes: Goods news is no more Old Palace master creeping after LBH , bad news ? Qui Loujian is nasty. And a creep. And hung up about Dichan Ye and making SY into Ye 2.0 . Ewwwww.

“ The dream enchantment works when the mind is muddied .” Tender is the kiss on his cheek, and genter is the voice whispering into his ear, a voice so faint it was barely there at all, a wispy nothing of a voice so hushed that Binghe could almost believe he was imagining it.

 

 In between dreams and the world of the living , did this message come with him awakening with that soft echo repeated multiple times of late. 

 

Binghe affixed a charming smile and waited expectantly with a plate of delicious food .He would do anything for his little master. 

 

 It was easy to bat eyes at Feng Huang , easy to use honeyed words to beguile her and rouse her to save him from a perverted old man , that he would be oh so grateful for her aid.

 

 Since last year , he has played the old Palace master and his general like two dueling fiddles against the other . Today he intended on making sure the alliance was fully broken and likely with the pair dead from battling the other powerhouse by merely provoking one’s affections . 

 

 Seconds , minutes trickled by .

 

 The ‘eye of many’ array is easy to cast on the door .

 

 Inside is chaos .

 

 Binghe knows before his scheduled meeting that Qui Loujian had a meeting with Feng Huang.He had sneered at the sight of the odious man in Feng Huang’s entourage around four months back .

 

Rats were naturally attracted to garbage heaps. 

 

 There is no sign of the man . But there is a very dead general lying on the floor, her gem and life force plucked out  . And the glowing shimmering remnants of what had to be a portal . So . Qui Loujian likely got close to her to get her gem to access the ancestral tombs of the Phoenix immortals . 

 

 Binghe had no idea why a niggling worry that sounded like Shaoye’s sharp little voice seemed to be whispering the information in his ear or why that voice seemed particularly worried . 

 

So maybe Qui Loujian needed a body from there but what could he do with a dead body ? Raise it ? He was a non cultivator. And Shizun had told them even demonic cultivation is impossible to raise the dead . 

 

He , Luo Binghe had better things to do . Like celebrating as the burning sensation trickling beneath his veins indicated that the blood pact was canceled out within him .

 

 This informed him that his primary objectives had been accomplished.That he was free.

 

 

Elation spread through him . He was free. He could run back and tell his little Master that vengeance had been achieved on his behalf. That the Old palace master’s reputation was thoroughly in the gutter and he could walk free and happy without fear . 

 

He needn’t kiss up to the old roach anymore. Time was of Essence to make his escape. It was when he was halfway and across the river to Qing County -where Shaoye was publicized to make an appearance by the dibao …did he have an epiphany.

 

 He wanted so badly to stay with Shaoye after their reunion. 

 

 However … Becoming a sect leader of Huan Hua was not unwelcome . He might be young but all of the current disciples liked him better than the current sect leader . As a sect leader , he co-could - He flushes at the thought of cold , stunning Shen Qingqiu who haunted his dreams nightly like the cold star that glittered and outshone the moon nightly outside his bedroom window in the velvety darkness of the night sky. 

 

A sect leader could court another.  

 

The remaining Huan Hua disciples had all seemed to agree that their kindly head disciple brother was a far better leader than the mad man who not only had ordered a mass invasion of the surrounding areas to get contaminated water for the serfs and who ignored their pleas and queries on how a ghost with demonic capabilities come within supposedly sacred and just grounds .

 

 Only thing left now was drumming up enough support from the surrounding villagers and non cultivators to organize a coup…. Smiling , he thought it was about time to get cracking . 

 

 Freedom was in his grasp, but there was no harm getting some bang for his buck-

 

 —-

<< The tomb of the Phoenix immortals >>

It had taken him centuries to play the game .

But Qui Loujian and Chongzhi had succeeded . 

A shining wooden door came into view in the middle of the blank wall.

He reached out hesitantly for the doorknob.

It took all his might and pressing the gem against it but eventually with a slow groan . The door began to open . 

It was heavier than he imagined a door could be.

There was a final moment of resistance, but as if someone else  also was pulling on the other side  , with a crash, the wooden door swung open.

A blinding wind as cold as ice blasted into his face . He hissed , scrabbling away at the centuries old grave air and grit from his eyes.   

The same something that had aided him , no… Someone . Someone desperately flew past him and he thought the sound sounded odd as the sound of soft thumping continued , until by the time he had scrubbed out the grit from his eyes , whoever had long escaped . 

It was as though that someone had lost their ability to walk but could still fly . Huh . 

This was no mere secret corridor, or any ordinary door , the secret realm  bears itself as both as a mass treasure house and … Final resting place for the Phoenix immortals . 

Here and there , plantation grew but the valuable items still shone through with their might . He walked past many mystical plants , absently noting the presence of a single wilted Phoenix drop , a plant that only grew once every century before dying till being reborn another century later . 

An endangered and powerful herb , it could return a cultivator back to full power and to the blossom of youth, someone like his formerly beautiful Ye would be restored instantly . But alas the plant was wilted and clearly someone else had picked it before it wilted , though had been careful enough to leave the roots . 

The Phoenix drop only grew in this particular secret realm . Though that plant was hot his reason for coming today . 

Trunks and boxes and bags; piles of books and magical instruments; flasks of potions; gold and jade statues; hats and cloaks and past finery of all the ages; chairs and desks and pillows and velvet curtains draping over painted folding screens. There were perfume bottles, and umbrellas, and chess sets, and, and cabinets of strange curios, There were photographs and tiny miniature paintings on porcelain. 

Some jewelry was displayed: dainty pendants and heavy collars. He walked past it, moving on to more interesting items.

There were a number of screens standing together a little further on, past a maze of opened crates and trunks. Their contents spilled out temptingly. Chongzhi brushed past them and peeped behind the screens.

There was  a grave but with a heavy blanket , likely stolen from one of the graves , being fused as a makeshift bed.  A perfectly proportioned chair was pushed into it. On the table were a gold plate and a gold goblet, and the remains of what appeared to be …. He made a face . Ashes . Chongzi  looked at the bed again.

Someone was living here. Living off the dead but they had been living here , trapped likely for years since they entered to pick the Phoenix drop . Or had been, very recently.

He shrugged before finally he reached a grave that had not been desecrated by someone and a pristine body still lay encased in it’s ice tomb . He smiled . 

Finally . 
——-

 

 

<<Qing Territory. A new town allied to the Golden Citadel>> 

 

 

A month ago, a desperate unallied city bordering the Citadel had finally caved in and sent a desperate plea to the Golden Citadel, begging for protection from robbers, refugees from nearby Huan Hua county , even giving up independence.

 

 The then-ruling governor was surprised and happy when he was informed that he would remain as a minister . A small manor was granted , and it was turned into a part store front. A new outlet for Dichan tailors. 

 

 Qiu Haitang was rather happy to help out over there , for some place safe to stay. Surprisingly , she wanted nothing to do with seeking revenge against Shen Qingqiu.

 

 Infact, Shen Yuan observed that she seemed understandably listless. Choosing justice over getting revenge had taken a toll on her. Dichan Ye had wanted to murder her , viewing her as a threat to Lao Xiong. 

 

Shen Yuan would have once said to let her be and do the deed. But Shaoye, who was now equally loyal to both, did not want either dead. 

 

 For now, she seemed to be in the dark about him being Shen Qingqiu’s godson. And he intended to keep it that way by keeping her in Qing county . Far, far away from Qing Jing. A backwater and calm little city. 

 

This week saw him designing some in house clothing for the store there . Shaoye had some ideas regarding the unique situation and problems the city faced and had designed some low cost and practical robes that were armored underneath . The first batch had sold out and now he was helping the harried tailors over there get through the second batch .

 

 Haitang had welcomed his company happily ,it had been an otherwise uneventful week.

 

 Until today when a Luo Binghe clad in marigold yellow sneaks in .

 

 Shaoye had his suspicions given that his dear old Baba had rigged all their stores to with charms blast anyone loyal to Huan Hua on command but this confirmed it . The charms stayed silent as the young man slipped through .

 

  Luo Binghe was not loyal to Huan Hua . 

 

 “Little- Young master Shaoye .” The tone was soft , hesitant . 

 

“Binghe-ge!” Shen Yuan makes sure to act surprised as he hurries down . Eyes wide as the older boy knelt down before him. “I ensured the Huan Hua Palace Master has been shamed thoroughly” Something in Shaoye breaks at how broken Binghe looked . You didn’t need to. All I ever wanted was for you to-

 “I ended his alliance , you can walk without fear now, he has no more power due to the loss of respect .” 

 

Binghe feels calloused hands brush his tears away. 

 

“Oh .You great dunderhead. “ Shaoye whispers , his voice rough with that unexplainable emotion, that soft , warm feeling that battled with that frantic worry melded into one big messy goop.

 

  ““Oh, my poor dumb-dumb. The greatest gift is your safe return. I’m so happy you are back for good .”

 

Binghe gulps at this. “On that. I need a week and I will be back for good.”

 

 The little master gives Binghe a look that was part worried , part incredulous . “ -You know I don’t like you being near that monster .” He huffs , squishing Binghe’s cheeks in retribution  “What’s stopping ya from returning , ya big doofus ?”

 

 Those small hands squish even harder menacingly in threat. “ You're scared of Fan Ge and Baba? I can go scream at ‘em till they see sense if that’s what’s got your undies in a twist .”

 

 The now Huan Hua palace head disciple’s smile faltered a little before he forced it back up again ,Shaoye blinked, sensing the change in atmosphere .

 

 “ What’s wrong ?” He asked so gently , so kindly , it was like Binghe was still a scared twelve year old and they were back in that shared space where he would run to him after dealing with the horrible staff for comfort . 

 

 Everything had been wrong . 

 

 Everything had been going wrong since he was born . 

 

 But the day he decided enough was enough was the day that old bag struck and threatened the most important person in his life was the day Binghe had vowed no more would he sit back , no more would he be unable to defend his most beloved .

 

 An eye for an eye . A tooth for a tooth . Lao Gongzhu had dug his own grave the day he humiliated and threatened Shaoye.

 

 Being ogled and allowing invasive touches , the borderline molesting as well as the knowledge he was dealing with his birth mother’s murderer and the reason why he was an orphan in the first place , the cause of all his suffering made him physically sick.

 

 Literally . 

 

Binghe had thrown up upon gaining this knowledge . 

 

It had taken all the steel inside to remind himself of his carefully cultivated plan of revenge for three years . 

 

Shaoyes strangled sobbing still sears within his heart. It burns far more than the fire that burns around him . 

 

What was that his mama liked to say ? 

 

You made your bed, you had to lie in it . 

 

It was worth it. He had nearly seized power over the Huanhua sect . 

 

  One week . Binghe decided. 

 

One more week and he would gain control legally of Huan Hua Palace. Gain the right to court his wondrous star. For Shizun.

 

Soon . Soon it all would be worth it . Forcing down the guilt that burns like a furnace in him , that it’s too soon to ask for Shaoye’s blessing to court his godfather . He pleads again . “ Please believe me . I have some loose ends to tie up there then I’ll come back next week .”

 

Shaoye looked at him and sighed . “‘Kay.” His tone was comically resigned .

 

 “ I’m just thankful you believe me .”  The older teenager confesses at last.

 

“ You’re Binghe-ge . Even if you told me you wanted a harem of 3000 girls I would have agreed to it .”

 

“ Oh ,Young master Sha-What ? What kind of person do you think I am , Shaoye ?” Binghe’s touched look turned furious as the smaller boy gave him a confused look at this . “ I respect girls too much to do something like that . I respect my future husband far too much to do something so vile .”  

 

“Theoretically.” Shaoye added hurriedly as Binghe huffed at this. Then paused . “ You sure you are gonna leave that place soon .” 

 

“Yes, Young master .”

 

“ Really ?” The young boy  gave him a look . 

 

Binghe gave him a tired but genuine smile . “ Really- really .” He quipped playfully and dodged a halfhearted whump . 

 

The sounds of a quarrel and battle started outside, Binghe blinked in worry as Shaoye’s eyes widened. “Damn! I forgot the banana bunch is coming ! “ Binghe knew by habit that the Banana bunch meant the others who were on holiday break. His heart tensed at a possible confrontation. 

 

“What’s that noise though-Ah!” 

 

“You gotta hide !” There was an airing cabinet , Shaoye hastily flung out everything and threw the bewildered Binghe within , covered him with cloth and slammed the cabinet in his face . 

 

“Look. Just stay in there, ok? It’s probably an angry customer! And I can probably handle it! ” 

 

It wasn’t an angry customer. 

 

—-

 

Chaos reigned outside. Mingfan had been flung to the side, blood dropped from a cut to his head as a crying Gongyi Xiao tried to heal him , but his hands shook. 

 

 

Xiao Gongzhu was gasping in pain , leaning against a pillar ,  grasping her middle as though someone had kicked her with great force. Liu Mingyan and Qiu Haitang were narrowly at the entrance , just barely holding off-

 

 Needles razor sharp and infused with qi narrowly missed the old man whose superior cultivation and years of experience made it an easy feat . Shaoye falters , his normal accuracy affected, terror and fear clear on his face as he faces down his childhood tormentor. 

 

“And I can probably handle it! ” ? Famous last words .

 

Lao Gongzhu did not look good. He smelled rank, as though he had not bathed in months , his robes once bright and garish yellow were dark with dirt, and god knows what else. 

 

His beard and hair were all matted and tangled. He looked like a low down bandit rather than a respected sect head. It doesn’t matter. All Shaoye-No, Shen Yuan can see is that horrible laughing face as rough hands hold him down , taking delight in his terror and helplessness as his prized hair is hacked away with a rusty blade. 

 

“Now. Now, little rat. Be a good boy and tell me where you have kept my Binghe.” croons the old man and raises a mocking eyebrow as  he advances on the small teenager who is frozen in his panic . Like a terrified kitten as it watches a large boa constrictor slowly slide up to it.  

 Lao Gongzhu doesn’t manage to take another step forward as he is blown back by a blast of Qi . 

 

 There is the sound of doors slamming open behind the petite thirteen year old .  Shen Yuan hears the startled murmurs of everyone else and the normally soft and mild voice of Luo Binghe raised in rage .  

 

 “ Get out!” Everyone jumps at the unbridled fury in their gentle teenager’s shriek . The entire courtyard trembles as the sheer power released from Binghe makes everyone, excepting Lao Gongzhu or Binghe himself take a stand back .

 

  “ -How dare you darken the doors of this establishment. The law enforcement here will be arriving shortly, so you better get the hell out ! “ He unsheathed an old sword and readied it to his opponent in warning.  

 

“Su - Luo Binghe ?! How dare you speak to your sect lord like this ?!” “ You were never my sect lord .” The venom in the teenanger’s voice makes the old man take a step back and his Qi slowly gathers around him like a dark storm cloud. Binghe was going to strike first. A duel was going to happen as energy crackled in the air. 

 

“ I hated you from the first day we met. I hated every loathsome touch . “ The rest watched as Binghe’s gathered Qi condensed into a single shining sword shot forth and it was only by summoning an array that stopped the old man from being pierced through as Luo Binghe breathed hard and ragged in wide eyed fury . “Die, you rotten bastard!”

 

 “ You’ll be expelled! Don’t even think of setting foot back into Huan Hua palace, Luo Binghe-Away! Curse you, you horrible ghoul!? “ Qiu Haitang grabbed Liu Mingyan as they narrowly dodged a blast of Qi that immolated a nearby tree. 

 

 Binghe watched as like a drunk man did the Old Palace Master cast arrays, blasting more holes into the once beautiful courtyard to defeat foes invisible. His mind was muddied. 

 

 Ah Yi had done her work and perhaps even hounded him now though he could not sense her presence. 

 

 “The dream enchantment works when the mind is muddied.” The gentle voice told him repeatedly when he was in between the realm of the living and dreams. 

 

 It was now or never. The slight teenager went still as his eyes closed. The energy suddenly changed , the others could not tell but they sensed a great shift at this action. Binghe was doing something using his Qi and his mind.

 

 “ No! Wang Lizi? Y-you’re dead! More than twelve years ago! No! Stay away!  Xiao Gongmu? You witch! You had  to be done away with! No! No! Stay away ! ”

 

The old man batted away at invisible phantoms. Binghe appeared to be in deep concentration, the floor around the pair’s feet became hot and cracked, both were fighting to kill. One to kill multiple, and the other, just the one.

 

Slowly, one by one, the rest regained their strength to attack. 

 

Finally, with a wail , besieged on all sides and still plagued by invisible phantoms did the old Palace Master turn and run straight out of the door.

 

There was a great clatter outside . Qiu Haitang jumped atop the wall and watched as several guards outside threw their weapons down, choosing to desert the contingent that had accompanied their sect leader back to Huan Hua county.

 

 The rest reluctantly and looking extremely embarrassed, slowly accompanied the  man running off in the far distance . 

 

 ---

The world is gray and shaking . Then slowly, he became aware of something cool pressed to his lips , and of noises. 

 

Someone was feeding a cup of water to his lips. 

 

 “ -Gah . What happened ?”  Shaoye groaned at last. 

 

 “ You saw that uglyass , freaked out over his hideousness. We beat his ass up and brought you here and fed you water like a good wife . ... You’re welcome , by the way .” Xiao Gongzhu strode in , gloating and basking in clear victory . Her bruised lip and bleeding nose told a different story however . 

 

 “ - Is he gone ?” He hates how terrible and weak he sounds . How much control that  Monster has over him even after all these years  . “ Yes he is . “ Binghe soothed , putting away the cup.

 

 Those dazed eyes floated to Mingfan who was now awake and being supported by Gongyi Xiao , Gongzhu who was clutching her middle still . Quietly, Haitang and Liu Mingyan had came in, the doors shutting after them 

 

 “Y’...Y’r all alright?” “I found it highly therapeutic.” The former Palace Mistress smirked, cracking her whip. “I only wish I had given him more.”

 

 They were back in the shop. Binghe must have carried him back.

 

 

“ I’m no longer a Huan Hua palace disciple anyway, so I will be accompanying you back to the Golden Citadel .”  The older boy in question soothes, then smiles as Shaoye blinks , then blinks some more as he gaped dumbly at the handsome patient face in front of him . “Eh wut now?”

 

“ I’m no longer a Huan Hua palace disciple anyway .”  Binghe recited patiently . “ I quit on the spot after that stunt I pulled when I went against the head .” For you went unspoken and something melted in Shaoye’s  heart . He knew Binghe was up to something there , his obvious distaste was shown whenever Lao Gongzhu had to be brought up. That he wanted to tie up loose ends but had thrown that all away just because he heard Lao Gongzhu’s threats towards him. 

 

He never liked Binghe going into that place . But he had his reasons and he seemed well fed and outwardly treated well , save for that one incident. 

 

But still . This was very good news .

 

Binghe was free . That loathsome pest would not touch his pure little white lotus anymore . 

 

He pulled Binghe into a warm hug . The other seemed torn between  amusement and relief . 

 

“ You seem happy .”

 

 “ Oi .You know  I’ve never liked you going to that place but respected it as you’ve grown up . You have no idea how worried I was about you being stuck with that man .” 

 

The five others looked less angry and more confused now . “ Ya 'ave ten seconds startin' now.” Growled Mingfan . “Ten seconds t’ explain what thuh blazes is goin' n’ why ya joined Huan Hua palace .”

 

“I had my reasons.” Binghe states calmly. “Let me say this…The yellow sky is rotting and dead , the Golden sky is on the rise. Long live the Gilt thread!”

 

This seemed to have a profound impact on the rest.

 

Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao blinked and gaped like idiots while Xiao Gongzhu smiled and Liu Mingyan sighed in relief  . 

 

“ I knew you were acting . “ 

 

“ Don’t do that again ! I nearly thought you went to the dark side !” 

 

Qiu Haitang started .” You were a double agent .” She murmured , slapping herself .

 

“Will someone explain to me what the hell this Yellow sky and Golden sky is?” Shaoye bellows, stamping his little foot impatiently.

 

“The Yellow sky is what Huan Hua County is called by many .’The Gilt Thread’ is a covert operation I have heard of spoken as an underground operation to take down Huan Hua by the Golden Citadel and this saying is used as a code word by special agents involved in it.” Haitang clarified, her eyes accessing the seemingly innocent teenager who was still being hugged . It was like a trained guard dog being groomed by a small tiny pampered kitten. 

 

 Binghe calmly took out an object, presenting it to the girl clad in lavender. “I thought you might want this ,” It was a ring , but clearly one that Gongzhu was familiar with .

                     

“My mama’s ring ! It’s got the deeds to her properties within the Nuyuan clan and entitlement that Lao Gongzhu was supposed to have awarded her after their marriage that she willed to me ! How did you- Why did you .”

 

“ Because I too finally understand what it is to lose a mother to that monster .I only hope this brings you some small form of comfort . ”

 

“ Oh …Binghe -Oh thank you and I’m so sorry !!” 

 

 “ Both Shaoye and you were the only ones who believed in me . It’s inky fair . ” Was the soft whisper and she blinked back tears of compassion at this . How alone Binghe must have felt. 

 

In the midst of all this , Binghe only looked guilty about one thing . 

 

 

He had made young master Shaoye worry . 

 

 

Binghe worried his lip in guilt , Shaoye looked at the tall teenager and felt his heart melt . 

 

 

“Binghe-ge should not fear , you can join this business till you figure out what you wanna do next . You will always be welcome here !” 

 

 

That was not what he was worried about per say but nonetheless....

 

“ I would be extremely grateful to young master Shaoye , this Binghe has no place to rest for the night   .” Come to think of it , he had no clothes or anything of importance to call of his and his blade, or rather Su Xiyan’s old blade which was swiped from the Old Palace Master’s treasury naturally was on his body before he departed to just see Shaoye when he heard the news the other was nearby .

 

Shaoye shot him a look ,” What are we, strangers ? My old man likes you , he would be more than happy to let you stay as long as you like there in the Dichan compound . It would be an insult if you thought of even renting an inn while you were here !” 

 

He slapped the other on the back , chuckling as the other sputtered and shot him a wounded look . 

 

“Then clothes , O’ Young Master ?” Challenged Binghe , though the smile on his face told a different story. 

 

“ You wound me , Binghe. You’re looking at the best tailor shop in the entire country . In Fact I’m pretty sure we have the biggest and best company and several outlets in different provinces . Clothes ...” Shaoye spread his hands in a grandiose , careless gesture as the rest sniggered  . 

 

“... Clothes as well as being not dressed to the nines should be the least concern of yours .” 

–

It was a long ride back, after a small but sumptuous tea. 

     

Binghe had been in his element and had never been happier to be back in a kitchen. The baozhi,silky-soft and accompanied with a spicy peanut dipping sauce. A leftover duck was basted and roasted expertly , it’s flesh juicy and near melting off the bone. The sauce poured over the crispy golden brown skin is sweet , yet sour and gives a umami to the piece de résistance. 

Some good mulled wine was fetched from the cellars and everyone had a small cup of each . All in all, it was a good celebratory meal. 

 

A proper feast would likely be hosted to make it official. 

 

 Afterwards, Binghe had watched in amazement as within seconds, he had a whole week's worth of beautiful robes, the young master’s skill in tailorship was unparalleled and with his reservoir of Qi unlocked , it was a fast affair. Shaoye had made a face and growled at him when he attempted to pay and sheepishly and obediently did he keep quiet and take the bag full of clothing.

 

 Mingfan , Gongyi Xiao , Liu Mingyan and Xiao Gongzhu , tummies full, returned to their peaks . Qiu haitang had hugged the little master hard and bade Binghe a respectful farewell and the heir to the Golden Citadel along with his trusted right hand returned back to the land of the Golden spires by late evening. 

 

After a warm bath , shown to what used to be one of many guest bed rooms , Binghe had come down for dinner after greeting his Mother’s tablet for a long time. Coming home felt like a warm kiss by an old Friend. It felt good being home, Binghe realized , here was where he truly belonged. 

 

Old master Dichan had warmly greeted and welcomed the young man back again and was extremely sympathetic about his loss of lodging and being expelled , although immensely happy he had stood up for his Shaoye .

 

“- Extremely grateful , my boy . “ he beamed ., “I have a large bone to pick with that Huan Hua palace master for his…. treatment of Shaoye when he was a wee lad .” Binghe caught his conspiratorial smile and smiled back too.

 

Shaoye came in late , sweaty , smelling of game birds and gravy.

 

Then , dinner was served , a homely and simple interlude. Chicken stew and rice . 

 

“Huan Hua sect has been banned from even setting foot in this settlement and now Qing county . Lao Ba was thorough when he got word about said encounter.” Shaoye added drily , feeling a headache coming on at the pleased gleam in Binghe’s eyes . “ Lao Ba thinks the Old palace master is a menace to society, and since Lao ba has won a landslide victory in the recent re-election again and gained the governorship of Qing -“ 

 

 “ - Any so-called leader who would enforce such treatment on mere juveniles should not even be given such reigns of power ! “ enforced Old master Dichan and took a large bite of his drumstick to illustrate the point . “ And especially if it’s based on his whims, ... Hereditary , I heard it is that the role of leader is passed by blood over there . What old fashioned nonsense, I dread to think of him remaining in power a year more . Come , Binghe , eat more . You are too thin , what do they feed you over at that place ?” 

 

Binghe found a large helping of rice dished out onto his plate , Shaoye next to him rolled his eyes but also scooped some chicken stew onto his plate . “Our Shaoye’s specialty . '' Commented the old man , chuckling as Binghe started stuffing himself upon hearing that . “ Why, he was in the kitchen just now. He only cooks for people whom he loves, you know-“ 

 

“Binghe’s cooking is way better , Dad.” Shaoye commented , and the elderly man tutted . “ All very well , but we certainly can’t make a now-guest cook for us , can we ?” A tone of reprimand in that normally jovial voice . “Young Binghe is a hero and will be rewarded for raising the alarm on a wanted man .”

 

“Lao Ba. Lao ba .” Shaoye groaned,smacking his head on the table in immense embarrassment .”You can’t just call the old Palace master a wanted man for merely coming into our shop .”

 

 “ Wanted and dangerous . I heard he came in hallucinating that his dead Wife was alive and dead people were around when there was nobody but you both and four others were there .” 

 

The young man clad in white ,  bit his lips , an old habit whenever he was worried . Shaoye wondered again why he was so worried about losing . His image ? His dad seemed to consider the young man practically family since that dark day . Then he guessed the reason why. 

 

“ What Binghe would like to ask . Is ...Can he come back and work here , Dad. He in fact would like to work as a chef . He was expelled after a confrontation with the old palace master at our outlet in Qing county .” Two pairs of concerned eyes gazed as unconsciusly , the slight young teen’s fists bunched up in his robes, his eyes lost in memory , his voice short and brittle . 

 

“ O-of course ! Luo Binghe , we are indebted to you once again for your kindness . Ask for anything and if it is within my power, it shall be granted to you. “

 

Shaoye flushed at this . Oh god , what was he , some kind of rescued princess and Binghe his knight in shining armor led to feast before the grateful king before the inevitable question of a reward ? . “ Lao Ba. Quit it, you’re embarrassing me.” 

 

“ My little boy is growing up so fast ,” sniveled Old master Dichan . Too fast to be stopped he pulled out a huge tome of scrolls . “ Want to see his baby portraits ? He was such a cute baby !” 

 

Binghe wanted very much so, he had seen Shaoye as a five year old but only once as a baby.

 

 Shaoye’s face turned the colour of puce . He grimly grabbed his friend's hand and frog marched him out of the room . “ Binghe is exhausted and will be going to his room right now , Dad !” He shouted and dealt a swift elbow to the poor teen’s ribs before his friend could protest and hurried out of the room with both men whining aloud . 

 

However, it was to the little master’s bedroom that he was led to. 

 

Shaoye’s bedroom had been turned into a massive workroom. Dye splattered the once pristine floor, ribbons and bolts of cloth were all cluttered  in cupboards that reached the ceilings . It was a horrible mess. It took all of Binghe’s might not to tidy up instantly .

 

Shaoye began measuring him , and a click of his fingers had a mannequin spring up and to Binghe’s horror , a near perfect copy of himself smiling serenely morphs from it . “ What are you looking so shocked for ? My spiritual veins are wood and metal . Which makes sense as our family has had tailors for ages . “  He shifts the wooden model in the visage of Binghe to pose and starts with a small vest as a base. 

 

“ Why the measurements?” 

 

“A set of robes for a gala of course. “ Shaoye tutted.” My dear old baba will definitely spring a ball to welcome you back and introduce you to the elites. And repay you for helping me face off Lao Gongzhu.” He pulls out an array of silks and high grade velvet. All of the shimmering light coloured clothing “ Now . Go and have a good rest . You have had a bad time. ” 

 

Binghe sighs .

 

He pulls out a chair next to his little master and gently picks up the others non dominant hand .

 

It is littered with tiny scars from needlework and burn marks likely from boiling dye , callused and there on the underside are a mishmash of old scars from the hairpiece .

Binghe thinks of the time when that little hand was silky soft and felt the burn of tears behind his eyes .  He should have been by his side. Part of him was proud of how far his little master has come. Part of him was horrified by what his charge had been through alone. 

 

“Now. Now . What’s this for .” A lot of things . Binghe thought. And pushed back the soft, tingley , warm feeling that he always got when around his little master, the feeling of wanting to always support him , how grateful that they both knew each other and so much more-

 

“ Just to clear the air. “ Binghe’s bottom lip trembled  “I ask forgiveness for the things I've done, you will blame me for.”

 

 His little master was silent for a long while before a gentle voice breathed out . “ Hush . We know there's blame to share. “ And those rough little arms tugged the older boy to him.And as they embraced, none of it seemed to matter anymore.

 

—

 

In an unknown location. 

 

Qui Loujian heads off, the corpse of the first Feng Huang safely stowed away in an ice chamber to keep in pristine condition and is off,  limping to meet his dear employer . The soul transfer had failed. Still, no matter. He had expected it and his next employer, hilariously in the dark on his true identity, was the one who held the keys to making it possible.

 

He himself was in disbelief the other didn’t recognize him, but providence smiled upon him. And for nearly five decades, Qui Loujian had acted as an informant , spy and broker to provide good dancing girls to the Peak Lord.

 

When he speaks to the other, it is in a shaky ,reedy stutter. Qui Loujian kept his eyes always to the ground and, turned off by the odor , his patron never requested him to raise his head. 

 

As always, Shen Jiu, that warmth under your permafrost will be your undoing.

 

Qui Loujian clads himself in the ragged robes of a beggar. And he always pretends to shake as though he truly is wracked by some kind of neurological disease when in the presence of the other.

 

It is a long journey, even though the tunnel was designed to transport one from his hideaway to a secret entrance to Qingjing peak. 

 

A bell chimed outside, signaling his arrival.  

 

Inwardly he sneered as the door opened and his former slave stood before him. 

 

Well, all he can see are a pair of feet clad in fine silk boots of cream, the sigil of a bamboo with a tiny diamond twinkling in the centre of the embellishment .

 

 “Chong Zi. What is the situation at HuanHua palace? “ 

 

 “C-chóngzi responds to G-great and benevolent M-m-master. HuanHua is in chaos and-and lost it’s standing. T-the Old Palace Master w-went on a wild goose chase, chasing down Luo Binghe who went to Qing County. A-as expected, he headed to the Dichan outlet where Dichan Mingfan and t-t-three other disciples and the-the former advisor to Huan Hua, Q-qiu Haitang were on the way for a meeting , it seemed. H-h-he attacked all of them and t-threatened the young master who , we both know,  had been there for a while.” 

 

 The ivory white fist on the right clenches in unconscious worry upon hearing this. 

 

 “ This o-one reports from h-his sources that Luo Binghe a-appeared behind the young master and yelled at the O-old Palace Master . Then there a-appeared to b-b-be a Cultivator’s duel , of which the f-former head disciple wa-was victorious. It-it seems L-l-Luo Binghe used his mind and q-Qi. And hardly appeared winded after.“ Qui Loujian makes sure to quaver and unconsciously emphasise this miracle . 

 

 “Luo Binghe was powerful enough to overpower a weakened sect lord by merely using his mind and Qi.” The venomous and very resentful hiss told him that his bait had been sunk.

 

 “How suspicious. It sounds awfully a lot like demonic cultivation. Specifically, only an actual demon can do without fallback.” Those slender nails but into that snowy white palm. 

 

 “Still. It’s far too early and if I have my way,I will not be having a thing like that as my godson in law.... And he did save Shaoye.” The fist unclenches .

 

 “Very well. What will be your fee ? You have done well.”

 

 He shakes . “ T-to serve Kin-kind and Gre-great Ma-master is all the pa-payment , Chong Zi needs .” That hand carefully taps , smoothing its owner's robes in careful consideration.

 

 “M-master. If it we-weren’t for Great Mas-master’s benevolence, this Chong Zi would still be homeless and ro-roaming th-thuh streets . This old, wo-worthless Chong zi is not lo-Long for this earth…” That whining voice creaks then hesitates.

 “-All I uh sup-pose if G-great Ma-master could be so kind…..Just a small to-token fuh old Con-Chong zi to remember Be-beloved , beautiful M-master . A s-strand of h-his beautiful shining hair. “

 

 That hand goes up and shortly , those elegant feet walk closer to him. 

 

 He waits with bated breath .

 

 And true enough, that creamy white hand presents him with five strands of inky hair. Stupid sentimental slave , one for each decade of service , probably.

 

Played right into his hand. He thanks , kowtows several times, sniveling all the until his patron sends him off, satisfied at this show.

 

 Fool . Now, he had just what he needed to complete the soul transfer , to summon hellfire to consume this pathetic mortal vessel in sacrifice to ensure the soul transfer to the body of the first Feng Huang.

 

Then... Well, it would be satisfying to play Shen Qingqiu into handing over his precious little godson , wouldn’t it ? 

 

 As satisfying as it would be to swoop in and claim Dichan Shaoye in his new , true form,...He would have to deal with his once-beautiful Dichan Ye, a furious Shen Qingqiu and that yapping pair of guard dogs called Luo Binghe and Dichan Mingfan.

 

 No . It was far more practical to feed upon Shen Jim’s hatred of Luo Binghe. Feed his former slave the notion that it would be convenient to throw Binghe down the abyss , then reveal the boy’s parentage . Qui Jianluo had been very interested when he had come across records of what was imprisoned beneath Bailu mountain and the boy’s Mother.

 

Very interesting to overhear several demons gossiping about an abyss set to be opened at Jue Di Gorge by their higher ups at the Immortal conference. And doubtlessly, Luo Binghe would be attending that.

 

Feed the frantic godfather’s panic and fear that Luo Binghe doubtlessly would be thirsting for vengeance and would be determined to strike his precious Godson first for his treatment during childhood days as a servant boy , once he returned from the abyss . Why, the small teenager would become mincemeat , used against Shen Jiu. Better to have him hidden away and protected.

 

 And who better than his faithful and loyal dear Chongzi?

 

 He drools at the thought , of how tender and silky Dichan Shaoye’s skin must feel, and the delicious horror on his former slave’s face as he reveals his true identity , and the fact that he, Shen Jiu delivered his beloved godson into the clutches of the man he hated.

 

 Qui Loujian licks his lips.

 

 Revenge would be oh so sweet.

 

Notes:

Notes:

End Notes:

Chong zi means worm in Chinese ;3

Edited with extra stuff now as of 2022

Chapter 18: Blackmail is Such an Ugly Word

Summary:

Merry X'Mas 2021 to you guys! I hope y'all had a great one with your famillies! :)

Notes:

Author’s note : In this week's episode , Binghe SIMPS over Shen Qingqiu like a starving dog that has chanced on a grade A piece of steak. Shaoye nearly earns himself the head-POKS of DOOM from Xiao Gongzhu for even thinking she likes Binghe or Gongyi Xiao. Oh, and there is a ball , y everyone goes to celebrate Binghe escaping Huanhua Palace and being a super duper spy ((And getting a TON of PTSD and Anxiety AND mental health issues in the process.Which no one likes to think about :D)) What will happen ? Find out !

In the darkest of times when he was undercover in Huan Hua Palace , what gave Binghe hope -After getting revenge for Shaoye , was the thought of one day being able to court the child’s godfather … His wondrous Shizun . While indeed those few months at Qingjing was arduous , and near broke him physically, emotionally....Binghe convinced himself that a great master only deserved the best students . 

That a great master only deserved the best.

Binghe had flung himself in perfecting the various dances fashionable amongst the nobility during their innumerable soirees. Shaoye, seeing him so troubled , ‘asked’ his cousins for favors to help Binghe get accustomed to various social settings  . 

It was a nice word for a mix of bribery , threats , a butt load of  fake crocodile tears and whining that cowed the rest of the older Dichan cousins . And if that did not work , Shaoye only had to threaten to send the oldest Dichan cousin - Mingfan after them to send any would be dissenters into submission . 

So by the end of merely two weeks , Binghe could match any one of the local nobility for foot to foot in dance . By the end of two weeks , all of the Dichan cousins learnt three tragic facts  :

1. Luo Binghe was a pretty moron who was stubborn enough to want to keep hyper-fixating on a childhood crush on a man who clearly had no interest in him and was way out of his league . Aiya.
2. Luo Binghe was actually deeply in love with their silly youngest cousin . But he being a moron , didn’t pick up on his true feelings due to said hyper-fixation. Aiyaya.
3. Actually it could be a match made in moron-hell , as said silly youngest cousin was also unaware he was in love with Luo Binghe . Aiyayaya.

—-

Binghe practiced every day even after his dancing lessons had ended . It was a good way to keep his body lithe , a good distraction from any darker thoughts . 

The older Dichan cousins seemed oddly keen to badmouth Shizun , and kept harping on how better he got on with their Shaoye . 

The one about Shizun pushing him hard , rankled . 

He huffed as he spun around the room . The wind rushed past his ears , the music played on from a nearby musical box . 

So maybe Shizun pushed him hard, he just wanted Binghe to be better, the best he could be... Right?

Like a burning brand that was burned into what his very being, aside from the fateful day their paths crossed which culminated with Luo Binghe swearing to marry the aloof immortal one day , were three particular incidents .

—

<< The first >>

In the perpetual gloom of the bamboo forest , in its large training halls , did reside an immortal , he whose students were fortunate to be taught by , he who appeared to have been to have been the most masterful sculpture of the gods themselves .

Wherein cool dim of the pavilion , Shen Qingqiu’s light came along the dark passageways like a shimmering star.

He like the Dichans and other wealthy men and immortals do , always had hairpieces studded in his hair. But where the Dichans placed a singular large headpiece of gold on their buns, with two ribbons coming out which was fastened under their chins. Shizun’s were tiny , sculpted of Diamonds, and pinned throughout his hair, making it seem as though his hair twinkled with tiny stars as he passed his students . It was a foreign import and one that was popular outside the Citadel.

Qingjing Peak would receive a box full of said diamond hair pins - each time a different design, the current and latest fashion ,from a famous jeweler at least once a month .

One particular month , they each carried a heavy box each and presented it to Shizun .

The giver ? “Sect leader Yue Qingyuan.” Mingfan whispers , giving him a wink and a pitying chuckle at the poor man for some odd reason . Binghe watches as his shixiong opens the sliding door . Murmurs were heard and Mingfan’s shadow from within indicated that Shizun had given permission for Binghe to enter.

Shizun is behind a bamboo screen , his mesmerizing visage can be seen beyond. The pair of them present the offerings to him, bow as one.

Mingfan walks to the end of the peak lord’s private chambers before noticing his silly young friend is still there behind a bead curtain, watching their Shizun who has come out from the screen .

“Oh honestly ! “ he huffs and walks back . Binghe watches as his beautiful, stunning Shizun takes up a jeweled pin from the box, and tries its effect upon his fair personage and another against his luxurious black hair.

He is grimly and hastily dragged back with a hissed “ Are you crazy ?! Shizun hates peeping toms! Y’lucky Shaoye loves ya or I would leave ya to get beaten !” .

<< The second >>

The next memory that haunted him was a hard lesson between Master and Disciple- dueling using runes . His first one. Binghe does not remember the fight much, only what happened thereafter.

He remembers gasping as he lay on the ground . Flung so hard against the dirt due to the loss that his prized pendant Mama had left him had come out , twinkling in the sun.

The duel was over.

“-He calls the Huangdi* rune as Wang*, this little beast. !" said Shizun with disdain, before the first match was out. "And what coarse hands he has! “ 

Those cold emerald eyes narrow as they zero into the pendant .” And what a low grade piece of jade !"

Binghe had never thought of being ashamed of his hands before; but he began to consider them a very indifferent pair. Shizun’s contempt for him was so strong that it became infectious, and despite himself , the boy caught it.

Of course his Shizun won the match , Luo Binghe had misdealt, as was only natural, when he knew the other was lying in wait for him to do wrong; and Shizun naturally denounced him for a stupid, clumsy little sprout .

He took the opportunity of being alone in the courtyard later on to look at his coarse hands and his false jade guanyin . They had never troubled him before, but they troubled him now, as vulgar appendages. 

Binghe wished to go back in time and ask his mama why she had ever taught him to call that particular rune character by Wang, which ought to be called Huangdi. 

An angry and dark part of him now wished his Mama had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then he should have been so too.

Then he felt immensely ashamed and astonished at himself for thinking that way.

As Binghe had been punished from eating at the main hall as the others , Shen Qingqiu had decreed for losing the match . The immortal master would bring him his meal at where he would reside .

With a look of supreme aversion, of greatest disdain, did Shen Qingqiu pass by with some meat ( Though truthfully it was more bone ) , some crusts cut off steamed buns and a little cup of tea on a tray . With careful grace , he put the tray down on the stones of the yard, without looking at the teenager , insolently as if his disciple was a dog in disgrace.

The then fourteen year old was so humiliated, hurt, spurned, offended, angry, sorry,--that tears started to his eyes. 

In return , the elegant cultivator gave a contemptuous toss of his silky tresses, with a sense, Binghe reflected , of having made sure that his disciple was affected by this treatment , and left the teenager alone with his thoughts.

Now that his lovely , cold Shizun was gone, Binghe looked about for a place to hide his face in.

There was a nice sturdy looking wall so he stumbled over , leaned his sleeve against the wall there, leaned his forehead on it and cried. And cried .

But all he was left with was a bitter feeling without a name that sang in tandem with his longing .

As the youth cried, he kicked the wall, took a hard twist at his raven locks . So bitter , so sharp was the feeling without a name and how painful the longing was that needed counteraction.

<< The third >>

From the outside , the Jade pavilion that was where Shen Qingqiu taught his students , looked like an ivory fairytale castle .

It was the duty of the disciples to charge the many carved glass lamps that were attached to the roof of the stately institution with their Qi .

By night, it fairly sparkled at night like a glimmering mirage as from what Binghe remembers from the first evening when he arrived .

Now . If the Dichan manor was a huge , sprawling abode fit for a ruler . Then this was truly somewhere in Binghe’s wildest dreams , straight from his childhood fantasies .

One day . Binghe swore he would court and marry this man and live in this romantic fairy tale of a location . He would have his happily ever after . His Crazy Fairy Path . Well it would be once they were wed .

For in the present, he suffered every kind and degree of torture his immortal master could cause him both physically and emotionally .

The privilege of calling the fair immortal ‘Shizun’ and hearing him call Binghe by ‘Little beast’ or ‘Small sprout’ became part of his trials.

Yet seeing Shizun dangle himself in front of Ning Shijie ( Binghe still did not know what to make of this engagement that Mingfan told him might happen as the Ning Matriach-Ning Yingying’s grandmother had declared that once she was of age , if Ning Yingying did not mind, Shizun could court her . Well, Binghe thought, on one hand , she would grow into a woman and the Nings were a noble and respected bloodline . On the other hand there was the age gap and the fact Shijie seemed adamant she wanted to find her own true love . On the other hand it was Shizun and thinking badly seemed disloyal . In the end Binghe elected to ignore it .) and visit brothels , entertain the Cang Qiong Sect master and an array of suitors, admirers he had without end.

Binghe had no doubt that his jealousy made an admirer of everyone who went near his peerless Shizun ; but there were more than enough of them without that of both genders.

When disciples were let off and it was an oftentimes affair with Mingfan reporting on their teacher’s behalf that classes were canceled. Binghe saw Shen Qingqiu flittering often at the town’s pleasure districts near the Peak, he heard of him often in Lao Gaoyuan where poetry and dance recitals were held amongst the debutantes of the region .

Well , that and the instances of which he was used as a manservant . Shen Qingqiu cooly informed him that as his godson had clearly neglected to let him know his place, he would do so , and put him to some use as a manservant.

Thus Luo Binghe was used to take him and said company Shen Qingqiu entertained on the waters ; there were picnics, fete days, plays, operas, concerts, parties, all sorts of pleasures, through which he pursued Shizun,--and they all were miseries to the youth.

Binghe recalls never having had an hour's happiness in his Shizun’s society, and yet his young mind all round the twenty and four hours was harping on the possible happiness of having the austere cultivator with him until eternity after a successful courtship in the probable future . 

If Binghe was happy and at peace at the Dichan estate then here he was tormented by his feelings and the object of his feelings .

...And of course he cannot pass this page in his time at Qingjing peak without mentioning the name of Yue Qingyuan.

It was easy for the boy to notice, and he did soon , that the Sect master always followed the Qingjing peak lord closely, and that Shen Qingqiu allowed him to do it unlike other suitors, albeit with well practiced resignation . Yue Qingyuan was always in pursuit of Shen Qingqiu , and they both thus crossed one another frequently. He held on, in a dull persistent way, and Shizun held him on; now with encouragement, now with discouragement, now almost flattering him, now openly despising him, now knowing him very well, now scarcely remembering who he was.

Like a hound, Yue Qingyuan appeared used to lying in wait for his prey . Added to that, was his assured confidence in his position, in his image in the cultivational world , which did him good service. So, the hound, doggedly watching the bright star that was Shen Qingqiu, outwatched many other moths hovering around the other’s cold light, and would often hunch over and pounce at the right nick of time.

Binghe could not adequately express the envy that gave him to think that Shen Qingqiu Shen Qingqiu should show any favor to the Sect Lord - He was so-so boring ! Always decked in greys, and blacks. He was- Binghe sighs and droops - Oh what else he can say ?

He’s a sect master , powerful and well respected and clearly Shizun held some affection for him. He was kind and extremely handsome . Even Binghe admitted that it was his envy speaking when he had bad-mouthed the sweet natured gentleman .

Still,  he could not endure the thought of him stooping to that hound . No doubt he should have been miserable whomsoever Shizun had favored; but such a worthy suitor sent him into a tizzy.

At a certain intimate soirée hosted at Qingjing , whence many of great wealth, many beauties invited , and where the other peak lords had been invited but of course only the hound showed up , where naturally Shizun had outshone all other beauties, and was the star of the evening .

On this particular day , Binghe remembers sneaking out with Mingfan to gaze and gawp at the finery. Mingfan to gaze at Ning Yingying who had been invited, the granddaughter of a noble and Binghe at their beautiful, self-contained Shizun .

Over the banal chatter, the youth remembers his Shizun’s voice rising above like the enchanting tinker of-of….He frowns in concentration then gets it.

Shen Qingqiu’s voice echoed with affluence.It was full of silver—that was the inexhaustible charm exciting with promise, that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’ song of it.

He isn’t the only one . After countless dances with ladies and quite a few bold gentlemen , Binghe recalls seeing Shizun approached by his sect master .

They move off to a quieter setting , away from the hustle and the bustle .

Binghe’s heart clenches when he sees Shizun’s hand hesitantly reach out for Yue Qingyuan’s , then almost as if two puzzle pieces fitting , does Yue Qingyuan’s instinctively gravitate to that elegant jade hand and clasp .

Shizun does not shake it off .

After being unable to take the sight of this anymore, Binghe runs off, bitter , envious tears flowing , to cry in the dark of the disciple quarters with a concerned Mingfan on his heels.

One day , perhaps if he worked hard enough , became a sect head … Perhaps that could be him .

Binghe blinked as the sound of the music from the music box , a gift Shaoye had bestowed on him,  ended .

 It was nightfall . He was alone in his bedroom . After he had returned , he could not bear to sleep in the room he had shared with Mama . It was no longer appropriate to share a room with Little master - No, Young master . Shaoye turned 13 this year.

So he had gotten a small but elegant room that was just next to Shaoye’s . There was a reason Binghe had chosen it , one was he liked to look out and admire the sunrise every morning , and Shaoye would stick his head out of the adjoining window and loudly bid him a good morning . 

This was their routine . It was good to have this familiarity in an uncertain world . 

The second , was that their bedrooms were adjoining . Shaoye could visit him whenever he wanted to and he could visit Shaoye on those long , too-quiet nights when his time at Huanhua came to haunt him . 

It was quiet next door . Shaoye had gone for a jaunt with Xiao Gongzhu . Binghe felt a little lonely in the gloom of the evening and silence. 

His feet hurt from dancing . Part of him wondered why he put so much effort in looking his best at being the best until a light caught his eye . 

A sole lonely beautiful star shone in the velvety blue sky above . 

As a child , Binghe had been enchanted by the mighty sky . He was in love with the stars the way a child was naturally drawn to the light that chased away the darkness . 

So wasn’t it natural , he thought , that he should be attracted to the most distant inaccessible light - His lovely Shizun ? 

—-

The Golden Citadel

<<Gardens. Nightfall.>>

“How’d you meet the puppy, anyhow?”

“His mom introduced us.” Shaoye smiled, as he hopped up a fallen tree. Xiao Gongzhu had returned back for a short holiday from Xian Shu peak. They had decided to go on a small jaunt by themselves on the grounds of the Grandest Manor . 

. Binghe had sternly told them to come back when the moon was half way through the sky before hurrying off to practice his dancing. 

“How did you bump into her anyhow?” Gongzhu queried .” It sounds like something out of a fairytale. A servant meeting a noble-born son and her taking him under her wing.” 

“Merely fate for me to bump into Ah Yi as a kid, and for her to adopt Binghen’ us being introduced. “

“Oh you. C’mon. I think y’ over-exaggerating , kitten-” She paused as for once her friend did not jibe back but continued gazing up into the starry heavens.

“ Have you ever met someone so different , I dunno, special , you just know your life won’t ever be the same ever again ?” He asked, as if far away.

“Meeting Binghe felt like a comet being pulled from orbit , as it passed the sun. “ Dichan Shaoye looks up into the inky evening ,  a small hand reaches out to a distant star . Sirius - The Dog Star , Xiao Gongzhu remembered , as he clenched his hand as if wanting to grab it .

He closed his eyes at last and his fist relaxed .

 “I don’t think I can claim to have changed for the better because of meeting him . But I definitely can say I have been changed for good “

”You, kitten , are such a sap .” 

“Huh?”

“Shaoye n’ Binghe sitting in a tree . K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love . Then comes the ring . Then comes the baby in a baby sling ~”

“Wh-what ?! No! Aren’t you attracted to him ?”

Xiao Gongzhu gave him a revolted look. “Binghe? Gross . He’s cute but he's a mother hen . And Uh , buddy . He’s into you even if he’s not aware of it…. Besides , I’m already interested in someone else ..”

“Gongyi Xiao ?”

 “Ning Yingying!” Xiao Gongzhu bellowed , eyes bugging out in disbelief that he could consider anyone else . “ I am interested in Ning Yingying , y’ plebian! NOT Gongyi Xiao who has been like a big brother to me from day one ! Jeeze , Shaoye , it boggles me that you’d think I’m supposed to be interested in my best friend or the guy who has the hots for you since we were children , for some weird ass reason !” 

Shaoye sighed . “Well… if you are sure . “ 

“Of course I’m sure . “ Snapped his friend. “N-Ning Yingying is the one for me . It was l-love at first slap .”

“... First slap .” Shaoye echoed slowly , feeling as though night had turned to day. That Ning Yingying had somehow met Xiao Gongzhu when they only had met once the Harem had been created . That wife #3 (Xiao Gongzhu) was gunning for Wife Number #5 (Ning Yingying)

“I know. '' sighed Gongzhu as though the other girl had presented her with roses . “ It was so romantic. A month back, I was under an apple tree in full bloom resting after a small picnic, near Baoliu Village . I remember seeing a pretty girl walking past and she waved at me-”

“Yannow, I can’t tell which is more disturbing, the idea of you falling in love or acting sappy.”

“Shut y’pie hole. Does that sound more like ‘me’, dumbass? Now, where was I? -I waved back, n’ for some reason she started running towards me. Then with the full force of the cosmos, the goddess, who must be a fairy in her previous life- slapped me . Hard on my right cheek. “

 Shaoye stared at her and slowly backed away.

“Turned out I had a spider there. Of course, since she had bravely killed that creature, I invited her to lunch and since then we have been penpals….Ain’t love grand?” She sighed, leaning over her short friend.

“So. Looking forward to the gala next week, eh?” He jibed and raised an eyebrow as she went tense . 

“Yingying’s not coming.She may not have fully bought the truth that y’ Godfather is thinking of courting her , but even she has become mighty uncomfortable around him . “

She whirled around , her previous good mood gone. 

“Seriously, the guy is thinkin’ of courting a 18 year old in the near future whom he currently teaches . Oh and did I mention he’s fuckin’ ancient!”

“He’s….Complicated.”Shaoye weakly shrugged , flushing at her snort . 

Him not protesting the notion of Shen Qingqiu’s plan to court Ning Yingying once she came of age  only reaffirmed her suspicions that it was the truth . 

“Mingyan says he stood by watchin’ her bro Qi-deviate. I don’t know what you see in him , but I do hope you can eventually bring out his better nature. “ She pats his shoulder , “ Like you have done for me. For many others…” 

Her expression turns conflicted . “ Because of his good points ? Many of us can’t see it.”

Shaoye sighs. “He’s ...Like that. Ah, let’s change the subject, anything you would like to add on to your gala gown?” 

Xiao Gongzhu rolled her eyes in exasperation but kept quiet . He never had judged her for her cruelty towards him as a child ,  for her disbelief her father was evil . 

So she bit her tongue and began discussing with him about her gown’s design . 

Shaoye was kind , soft hearted but ultimately impartial , she would trust him just like he had trusted her. 

<<A week later..>>

Even though Dichan Ye had wanted it to be done as soon as possible, collecting and collating the guest list and setting up the gala did take up time  .

The staff had erected a huge tent to expand the dining and dance area , lighting and hanging enough colored lanterns everywhere to make a light show of the enormous garden.

On grand tables, garnished with glistening hors-d'oeuvres, spiced baked hams crowded against soups of cucumbers and roast pigs and chickens roasted to a crisp dark gold. In the garden, waiters waltzed around bearing trays of liquors so long forgotten that most of the guests were too young to know one from another.

By seven in the evening the orchestra had arrived—no thin five-piece affair but a whole pitful of flutes and Liuqin and erhu and guzheng and chimes and Hulus and low and high drums. ***

The peak lords of Cang Qiong mountain had been invited and given the loss of standing of Huan Hua Palace in the cultivation world , it was deemed safe , in fact good to ingratiate themselves to the Golden Citadel.

The largest manor in the Golden citadel was a colossal affair by any standard—a regal golden spectacle , with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of Nanshan vines, a man-made lake full of huge carp,  more than forty acres of lawn and garden.

As evening descended and the guests started to arrive. The air was sweet with promise. The roses imported from a far off continent and carefully preserved were in full bloom. Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao had done their best work there and the guests were delighted by the sight of the exotic flowers .

There was music that summer night. In the blue of the evening , through the gardens guests came and fluttered like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.

The carriages from far and wide are parked five deep in the drive, and already the halls and salons and verandas are gaudy with primary colors and hair braided , styles in the latest styles and robes , silk shawls beyond the dreams of Change E .

The gala was in full swing with floating rounds of wine permeating the garden until the air was alive with chatter and laughter and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot and enthusiastic meetings .

The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun and now the orchestra is playing golden bubbly music and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. 

Laughter is easier, minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word. The groups change more swiftly, swell with new arrivals, dissolve and form in the same breath—already there are wanderers, the confident who weave here and there among the stouter and more stable, become for a sharp, joyous moment the center of a group and then excited with triumph glide on through the sea-change of faces and voices and color under the constantly changing light.

Binghe strode out of the dressing room , the man of the hour.

He was clad in the finest and most pure white lotus silk , painstakingly extracted from the most ivory of white lotuses of the Golden Citadel and woven into fiber then a cloth. He wore boots of a cream that seemed to shimmer light green in the lights . A fine new ribbon tied his hair .

Shaoye had vehemently insisted he looked his finest in white . He shot down any requests , particularly against black and red for some odd reason .

And who was he to question his little fairy godfather ?

Binghe felt oddly a lot like that poor girl from a myth who helped a tiny kitten trapped in a trap who revealed it’s true identity as a kindly immortal . The immortal granted her wish to attend a grand ball at the palace and wove her a beautiful set of robes . Of course she had won the heart of the prince.

“ You look like a prince . No princess will be able to keep her eyes off you .” The small teenager declares at last after his careful ministrations.

“Prince. I’m hoping for a prince .” Binghe thought , feeling giddy at the thought of the peerless beauty.As he walked through the crowd, his heart stopped as lo and behold, there was the man himself.

In the middle of the garden, was an enormous outdoor settee on which a stunning man was buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon. He was in robes of moonlight ivory which were rippling and fluttering as if he had just been blown back in after a short flight around the garden. 

Binghe must have stood for a few moments listening to the whip and snap of the curtains of the manor blowing in a breeze and the groan of the swings. 

Then there was a boom as a manservant shut the windows and the caught wind seemed to die out about the garden and the curtains and the austere man ballooned slowly to the ground .

“Littl-Luo Binghe.” Binghe starts at the velvety , mesmerizing voice that had kept him spellbound as a fourteen year old.....

 

Notes:

Notes: Author’s note end : Luo Binghe is THIRSTY and has a choice of a long tall glass of Shen Qingqiu or a short sunny cup of SY. What hijinks will occur at the ball? And what has the dastardly Qui Loujian have in stall for our heroes? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas!

Chapter 19: Yue Qingyuan makes a small child cry

Summary:

Happy 2022, y'all!

Notes:

Author's note: In this week's episode , Binghe continues drooling over Shen Qingqiu while Shen Qingqiu and Shaoye have some quality godfather and godson time ( Aw !) . Also, Yue Qingyuan done goofs up in this episode and earns a spot in many , many people's shit list((He is at the second top of Bing Bun's , circled in RED and has a dart thrown at it )). Also, that maggoty old turnip, that mouldy old barnacle, Qui Loujian is still skulking around like a mangy possessed cat from PET SEMETARY around SY n' pals, scheming away! What will happen ? Find out !

——-

Shen Qingqiu was clad in robes of pure snow-white silk with tiny pearls embroidered into the very fabric , of shapes of cranes flying atop silvery sage green bamboo embroidery. He wore an ivory headpiece that had two lengthy ribbons affixed to it that trailed after him in a pair of shimmering trails of iridescent green. He stood up from the chair he had been seated upon moments ago , gliding towards his former disciple . 

The dress code today was themed with flowers , and so all the women wore flowers in their hair and men, sprays of flowers tucked neatly to their robe sashes.

Binghe’s was a white lotus . Shen Qingqiu’s was a Magnolia, so ivory, it appeared to be carved of the mineral itself .

Binghe kept noticing too, the fine jewels that were intricately woven into those inky black tresses. All those years ago and the sight and memory of the finery in which Shen Qingqiu arrayed himself had not changed , alike the diamonds nestled in his inky , silky black hair.

“ I suppose I must... Thank you for standing up for my godson.” Binghe opened his mouth to say more. So much more to him but the man already drifted away, attention somewhere else . 

So happy was Binghe , that he did not notice the way the cold , assessing contemptuous gaze those eyes bore into him , before shifting as a sharp little voice cried his name plaintively in delight .

Like winter frost thawing upon meeting the warm spring , did those icy emerald eyes soften at seeing the owner of that voice .

  Just a fraction. 

But worlds apart in comparison to how Binghe had been treated.

People laughed as the youth , so diminutive , clad so very plainly , so very homely ,thrust himself into his elegant , otherworldly godfather’s arms without any concern towards decorum .

Like the earth meeting the heavens .

If Shen Qingqiu was cold, fine dressed and elegant , then his godson was his opposite , Dichan Shaoye was prone to pouting with a face which spoke of having had his nose in a book for the tip of his nose was smudged with parchment ink .

Despite his youth and the occasion , he wore well tailored but otherwise plain robes of dull golden colour  .

Shen Qingqiu allowed this inappropriate behavior for the barest of seconds before the cultivator held the boy away to scrutinize his appearance .

Upon noticing his godson had neglected to wear a  flower , with a lazy wave of his hand , several crimson Azalea blossoms were cut expertly from a nearby tree and floated obediently down guided by the man’s Qi to his palm .

Light laughter abounded as the complaining youngling was forced to be still as the red blossoms were each tried for effect against his robes and only one was determined lovely enough and was thoughtfully slotted through .

When Shen Qingqiu made to discard the rest, Shaoye grabbed them .

A soft golden glow illuminated that little face as his Qi turned the blossoms into thin fiber threads that were quickly repurposed into a beautiful silk ribbon of the deepest red, and his fingers danced across the cloth . The needle adds an image of a carp dancing with peonies as an additional embroidery on the red fabric .

Claps abounded as the child showed off the beautiful handiwork and presented it to his godfather with a bow. 

Shen Qingqiu smiled , which stunned the audience . When a person who was like the coldest winter became pleased , their beauty was enough to stupefy others . And he tied it around his snowy neck as a choker .

The crowd surged forth, many demanding a similar gift. 

Binghe blinks , floating down from his dazed happy day dreamings , noticing the clamor as the Peak lord slammed his foot to the ground, Qi reverberated through the crowd throwing off the greedy. Shaoye winced but visibly steeled himself as though he was used to these outbursts . 

“Would it kill you louts to kindly refrain from mauling a child ?” He states, the previous good mood now gone and shoots a fierce glare at his sect master in the crowd .

What Yue Qingyuan said was far too soft for Binghe to hear but Shen Qingqiu’s face turned purple and shouted in response.

 “ My godson is the heir to the Citadel ! I have the right to protect him and if they -“ He jerked his head to the crowd with a disgusted snarl .” - Want a lowly entertainer , that’s not Dichan Shaoye !“

 With a haughty sniff, the immortal frogmarched his godson away from the rabble and his wilting sect master .

A while later….

The band started up . Luo Binghe felt quite lost as he danced with partner after partner .

He looked around for his little master , feeling quite lonely . How odd that he was surrounded by people but all he wanted was Shaoye by his side . 

But Shen Qingqiu was always fluttering away in the near distance and he didn’t want to lose the chance to dance with him .

“Hey !” He blinked as a pretty face obscured his view . “ It’s a beautiful night . Dance with me ?” Qin Wanyue chirped , holding out her hands . It was a gentle slow dance as the music turned soft and sweet . He placed his hands in hers . 

Boy crazy she might be , Wanyue had over the years become a good friend and respected the fact ( Well , after much bemoaning.) he was interested in someone else . Someone male.

The Qin sisters had been invited , as were the usual suspects . Qin Wanrong and Xiao Gongzhu were chattering away over a book nearby . 

In a small private garden , away from the rabble , Binghe spied Gongyi Xiao and Mingfan dancing together . 

Liu Mingyan had loyally decided to stay with her brother , after hearing Shen Qingqiu had been invited . 

The crowd shifted and again he could see Shizun’s elegant face in the crowd , presently chatting to Shaoye.

A slight blush was on Binghe’s face as he admired his gorgeous Shizun and sighed again , quite forgetting he was supposed to be dancing . As with a yelp, did Binghe find his partner shift him.

Qin Wanyue raised a knowing eyebrow at his flush . “ Someone has got a crush .” She sang and looked over to where Binghe was gazing and gave a low whistle of appreciation . “Is it the cute childhood sweetheart or the sophisticated mature gentleman?”

Her partner looked aghast .” He’s thirteen !” He yelped narrowly missing her toes as he misstepped . “Ahhh. Maybe in five ...Maybe six years more, would you consider it ?” The dance had ended and they bowed to each other .

Binghe blushed red and angry . “ I’ve babysat him since he’s five ! “ He insisted fiercely.

“ Babysat who ?” To Binghe’s exasperation, their neighboring dance partners were a curious Xiao Gongzhu and Qin Wanrong .

Wanyue looked at Shaoye, up and down . “.... And he’s now thirteen . Point being ?”

“ …The kitten ? Ah. I’m not surprised . “ Gongzhu chuckled gloatingly . “ I called it years ago .”

“I am not interested in my little master that way .” Binghe stubbornly growled . “ Could’ve fooled me . Mr ‘Frogged down ‘ .” Gongzhu muttered as Wanrong sniggered .

“Young Master Shaoye might be the kindest, most admirable ,farsighted and bravest person I know and I would die for him-“

Binghe paused in horror as his words sunk in. Wanyue smiled like a cat who got the cream .

Gongzhu made puking noises . “ I’m going to hurl . This is too sweet for my cold and bitter heart .” She declared , stalking off dramatically.

“I’m joining you !” Wanrong groaned , making gagging noises and hopping after the older girl.

Shaoye looked over at the gaggle of girls surrounding the protagonist and sighed .

“I need to invent condoms .”

Shen Qingqiu frowned .” Condoms ?”

“ Contraception ! “ The immortal master gasped scandalized as his godson made a crude motion , blithely . “-It’s a penis shield when you ejacul- “

“ Dichan Shaoye ! Language in public !”

—

It was tiresome work being in charge. Yue Qingyuan thinks . Out of the twelve Peak lords , two would not come. 

Liu Qingge had no wish to see Shen Qingqiu and the latter had made it clear that if Qingge had come, he would not have turned up at all.

 Qi Qingqi who disliked most men had elected to visit Qing county which was nearest to her peak for an apparent wardrobe malfunction. 

Everyone knew it was because she had heard rumors of a stunning beauty manning the Dichan Tailors outlet there.

So there was Mu Qingfang, Wei Qingwei , He Qingshang of Ku Xing Peak and Lan Qingying of Zui Xian Peak , Shang Qinghua , Jin Qingshan, Wen Qingruo and Bao Qingren. 

And they made up ten total, a tight knit little group. 

Well, except for Shen Qingqiu who had elected to dance with partner after partner and fuss over his godson. 

Then of course, there was the minor argument in which saw the Qingjing peak lord walk away from.

This was a party after all . Shaoye, who looked friendly , surely wouldn’t have minded doling out some small gifts to the crowd . It was good to keep up relations . 

Yet Shen Qingqiu had thrown a fit as if the crowd was a pack of ravenous beasts going after a hapless kitten .

Yue Qingyuan loved Shen Jiu , accepted his stubbornness and pride a long time ago but these traits just irked him sometimes .

That had been an hour later and ….And… Yue Qi could not keep away from his Ah Jiu for long . Even if Ah Jiu was mad at him.

Like an irate cat , Shen Qingqiu had predictably stormed off upon seeing him heading over there.

By the time Yue Qingyuan made his way over and greeted everyone as he had made his way through the crowd ….

Shen Qingqiu had long gone .

Yue Qingyuan sighed .

If Shen Qingqiu always gravitated towards the bright glitz even after the Qius , then Yue Qi had never liked it. He privately thought the present company was mostly a bunch of airheads but he was too polite and well schooled to show any distaste.

He sighed again , before noticing a small and very bored child sitting in a chair like a forgotten doll.

Ah. This must be Shen Jiu’s godson . And Liu Qingge’s and his by extension, god nephew.

“He’ll be bored . Nice kid, good set of brains. Awfully scraggly tiny little thing. You will know once you see the brat. Look out for him, won’t you?” Liu Qingge’s voice from that afternoon comes back to him.

Liu Qingge who was notorious for hating anything to do with Shen Qingqiu , and triple that after the Qi deviation , had oneday had a 180 degree attitude change at least regarding this godson of Shen Qingqiu’s.

Mu Qingfang had not met the boy in person either , but had expressed interest in working with him to develop medicated bandages that could self-renew the medication within and had offhandedly mentioned it was thanks to Shaoye that Qingge’s deviation had not been so severe.

Shaoye sat there, looking miserable , like an exotic kitten in a pet zoo eyed by visitors.

Once he too spotted a similar expression. Yue Qi had been bored stiff at social gatherings that his Shizun had brought him to.

The pair of them were bored to tears here and while he is an adult with responsibilities ... Shaoye did nothing to deserve spending a miserable evening , trapped in a space full of dandies who gawk at the small boy like he’s a pretty trinket. 

Yue Qingyuan refuses to admit it’s seeing Yue Qi sad and miserable in those soulful brown eyes.

So he is going to fix that.

----

“....Shaoye?”

Shaoye blinked . “Gan Bo?” He asked .

The man was tall , handsome and clad in simple dark robes that lent him a respectable look but otherwise practical look . If not for the headpiece that only a peak lord head would wear , due to his youthful appearance , many would have dismissed him .

Side by side , in a glamorous setting , the both of them stood out in their sensible attire like sore thumbs .

“Ah. You must be little Master Shaoye . Shen J- Shen shidi’s godson .” “Yah. “ The child tilted his little head back like a small kitten would fearlessly look at a friendly great dane.

“Then you must be my Gan Bo* ? Nice to meet you ! How are the disciple robes doing for your peaks?”

“Excellent.” Yue Qingyuan smiled, finding the boy very agreeable and bright.”Extremely well made and lasting. I don’t think we have had any complaints these past years since An Ding Peak signed up Dichan Tailors to provide disciple robes and shoes. “

The child preens , looks around, then looks up at him boldly.

“ Hey. Gan Bo, wanna see something pretty ? “

—-

Something pretty turned out to be a hidden spot away from the rabble. Yue Qingyuan had no idea how a noble could know of the location or have one of his lower staff tell him of it. Brambles and dead leaves littered the path but they pushed on.

“You look a bit different than I expected.” The boy fearlessly chirped as they got further from the bright glitz and sounds of the party.

“What should I look like?”

“I dunno. Old, a stick in the mud . Or really impossibly handsome and with his head stuck up his own butt.“ The boy hopped over a stone , and was now swinging his arms for balance , fearlessly scampering from tree limb to tree limb that overgrew the path .

“You seem to have a rather dim view of authority figures.” Yue Qingyuan gently observed. The child, for Qingyuan, decided to call him mentally as such , due to his diminutive stature and precocious nature , shrugged .

“I respect authority figures who have demonstrated they are worth respecting.” Shaoye then raised his hands imperiously , gesticulating at the balcony railing they had arrived at . Smiling, the tall man gently and gamely lifted him to sit on the balcony where they both gazed at the view below.

“ Like you , Gan Bo! Tell me of the time you defeated the eight headed dragon that was plaguing the Yangtze! Or how you talked sense to a stubborn old moron of an East Emperor of the west islands into not declaring war!” The boy, wide eyed and admiring , despite his travels showed interest in the many stories Yue Qingyuan had been through.

The night went on. They both swapped stories till the lights beneath gleamed brighter against an inky black sky.

The Golden Citadel looked like a glimmering land full of stars. All the land was alit and Yue Qingyuan had to admit, the reforms undertaken were tremendous.

When the Peak lords had flown in, they noted the clean streets, the happy citizens all of whom were plump and healthy . A far cry from Huan Hua.

And speaking of Huan Hua… “Nice, ain’t it? My bestie, Binghe-ge found it before he left. And I only let friends n’ family see it, so you are really lucky to see ‘Binghe’s Outlook.’ “

Luo Binghe.

And he had even named this spot after the older boy. Shen Qinggqiu’s former disciple, a devoted, besotted little thing who endured insults, abuse dealt at by his Peak lord.

Yue Qingyuan did not know how to feel about the case of Binghe running from Qingjing, then to Huanhua then back again to his masters. He recalls hearing all manner of rumors surrounding the shadiness of the boy’s reputation. Yet, here Binghe was welcomed back with full honors.

How can you trust your ...Best friend, so easily? He wonders .

He sees Yue Qi’s devoted love-sick smile on that young face. Yet nary a cloud of doubt follows thereafter. 

Surely you had heard rumours, you had been decried by your best friend infront of Lao Gongzhu whom everyone knows tortured you when you were a child - Shen Qingqiu had gone wild with rage when he heard of the incident at the docks and had wanted to head over to attack the boat for terrorizing his likely terrified godson .

 In the end , after a huge argument with his sect master had settled to fly over and fuss over for the remainder of the time Shaoye had been back at the Citadel .

Luo Binghe had stayed for three years at Huan Hua palace before returning back when things fell apart over there .

Yet without a doubt or any queries, he has been accepted back in the fold . 

The whole gala had been sprung to welcome Luo Binghe home, to boot . 

“-HuanHua palace is corrupt and has been rife with conflict . The old palace master has been found guilty of countless atrocities including being accused of sleeping with his underage disciples .” Soft yet grave is the warning Yue Qingyuan gives .

Shaoye’s eyes glimmer with light from below . They look so warm and soft , like sunlight gleaming through amber , but what comes out of that mouth is sharp . On defense already .

“ Yes , and -?”

“Luo Binghe was the head disciple of the Old palace master . I just … As your god uncle ..And your godfather too has expressed his concern to me , we both worry greatly about your association with him , of welcoming him back . “

The child tilted his head in mild curiosity and a very unamused frown on that adorable face .

“Yes , he was . But he’s my bestie . I don’t give a hoot about what others think . “ He gives a crude snort . “Screw ‘em . Look , I do appreciate Gan die and Gan bo for worrying . But I know Binghe better than you two , savvy ?”

“No. You don’t understand. “ Yue Qingyuan sighs , feeling a headache coming on . No wonder Liu Qingge liked this one . They both had a mulish temperament and a fiery nature .

“Did you know about the reports of Luo Binghe being given special privileges for carrying out orders on behalf of his former Shizun ? He has done many terrible things at Huanhua . And his behavior tonight … I don’t think a respectable and clean individual would socialize with only crowds of women . “

“ Binghe-ge has his reasons . I may not agree with him staying there but that’s his decision not his character . “ Shaoye snaps at last , eyes blazing with unholy fire  .

 “And so what if he did bad stuff ? He did what he could to survive there , I’m not going to judge him . Plus , Gan Bo , you yourself said it . The old fuck sleeps with-with h-his ..” To Yue Qingyuan’s dismay , big fat tears started coming down those rosy cheeks .

“... D-disciples . Oh , B-binghe. No wonder you ten-tense up whenever you have to talk to men, and do-don’t want to be in any room with el-elderly men . “

Guilt stricken , heartbreaking sobs burst out of the small boy , as if like an overflowing fountain of grief . 

Nothing Yue Qingyuan could say could comfort the child.The evening had been ruined.

All the pitiful crying kitten had wanted now was his Baba . His Fan-ge . His Binghe-ge.

While Shaoye had calmed down, his puffy red eyes and snotty nose spoke volumes by the time they headed back to the party .

 The boy looked bullied, and Yue Qingyuan felt a heel as lo and behold, there at the edge of the crowd , surrounded by a throng of attractive teenage girls , turning around to see his tear streaked little master was ‘Binghe-ge’ .

——

The normally polite and graceful teenager had bounded over to fuss over his charge and had started angrily querying the sect master without any decorum . The throng of squawking teenage females who also surrounded them , did little to calm the wrath of the Angry Binghe . 

It is Shen Jiu’s fiercely protective , loyal eyes reflected in those star-like eyes, the way those pretty lips pull into an angry snarl.

“-No.I made Gan Bo take me flying. I got scared when W-we got really high on his sword .” Placating, pleading. Shaoye gives him a parting, watery smile then turns to Binghe. “ Has Binghe-ge been having a good evening?” He subtly moves Binghe away .

 Binghe gives the sect master a parting filthy look that speaks volumes of what he would do to him if he wasn’t moved off by his young master . 

It likely involved sharp pointy implements and shoving it up somewhere where the sun did not shine on his person. It was like an enraged guard dog that was being tugged away by its owner after an intruder came on its turf . 

 Yue Qingyuan watched their backs for a long time before turning away, his eyes a bit wet as well, lost in old memories, old regrets .

Because what Shaoye had mentioned regarding Binghe’s fear of men ? It sounded eerily like how his Ah Jiu had - . ** He chokes back a bitter sob. How blind had he been?How unkind he had been and unsympathetic to his Ah Jiu? 

But no one comes to comfort him, only the moon bears witness to his lament.

—-

The pair made an odd pair as they walked through the dancing crowd , the band was now playing a sweet, gentle melody. Binghe, while inwardly unconvinced that Shaoye indeed had a scare , was not going to have his little master’s evening ruined by Yue Qingyuan.

“Would Young master like to dance with me ?” He smiles , holding out a hand to the smaller teenager who blew out his cheeks in response .

“Oh don’t pout . I’m no Prince Charming . But I think you should dance at least once to end on a good note .” Finally with much muttering, and a fierce blush on those fair cheeks, did that soft little hand clasp into his .

Shaoye was still tiny , but now reached Binghe’s chest barely and as Binghe twirled him around , realized Shaoye had grown a little .

How ironic , Binghe reflected that he was the pauper and in reality the prince was clad in rather common robes . Why , if he was Shaoye’s spouse , he would nag him into dressing up a little for the occasion . The little master didn’t care and called the present company mostly a bunch of stuck up ninnies who didn’t have much brains . Goodness . He fretted . He needs looking after .

Binghe rather thought that person should be loyal , responsible, patient and meticulous. And as his young master only deserved the best, that person should be handsome to match to be worthy of his young master’s affections and cook well. That last point was non-negotiable. Shaoye only started putting back some weight after Binghe meticulously looked after the little master’s diet in the past month.

Shaoye had a bad habit of skipping meals. So caught up in his innumerable schemes and reforms . And to make it worse, he was a picky eater . He hated vegetables, and all things healthy which taste if not in the hands of a talented chef , rather unpalatable.

And no one dared incur the fiery feral kitten’s wrath by forcing him to eat healthy and watch his health. No one. Dichan Ye agreed vegetables were for ninnies and was of no help.

No one except Binghe who mulishly coaxed, persuaded and reminded his charge to recharge his energy . And slowly those cheeks regained some of their chubbiness.

And even then it was after disguising the vegetables as rabbits or fish . And pounding and grilling them in patties to resemble in no way their original forms did Shaoye eat vegetables with his meat .

Binghe worried about what would happen to Shaoye when he eventually married Shen Qingqiu . Perhaps his future spouse would be amenable if Binghe cooked for Shaoye and spent his days looking at the citadel before returning at night ?

The dance had now ended , but Binghe’s thoughts were far off elsewhere .

Returned at night for … For … He blushed . And quickly turned his eyes at his little master .

In the blue of the evening, those silken locks of aged mahogany, rich and deep, yet with the subtle hues that only time could bring , seemed to alternate between honey and rich chestnut strands tumbling, reflecting the glow off the paper lanterns' light in waves.

With eyes of river waters, in glossy serenity, his young master’s aura seeped into the summer air between them.

 And in that moment, in that fraction of time, as the young boy turned around, as if noting his gaze, to give him a cheeky little grin, it was like the full force of the gentle spring sun beaming down on the older teenager even though it was dusk and in that instant ...For the oddest reason, Luo Binghe knew he was home.

Which was an odd thought , for how could a home be a person?

Shaoye , Binghe thought, was adorable, even when he opened his mouth to screech :

“ He doesn’t want to dance with ya nasty ass . Respect the gentleman , ya miserable harpy , yah ?!” The gremlin shrieked ,  it was only by grabbing onto the scruff of his robes like one would hold back an enraged spitting feline that Binghe prevented a societal fracas . His prey was a screeching older woman who Binghe recognised .

He had been accosted by a persistent duchess bordering her late forties all evening since he had made his debut . 

A nasty woman , she had not taken no for an answer and demanded dance after dance and had been the subject of frustration when he had confided to Shaoye about her pursuit of him despite his clear discomfort towards her advances a while back .

Fortunately or unfortunately, it seemed like Shaoye guessed at his ordeal at Huan Hua by snarling at anyone , man or woman if they so eyed Binghe covetously. This found the child hissing and spitting at fellow nobles and well respected figures . Shaoye didn’t care about his image but Binghe did.

Shaoye wanted to become the ruler of the Citadel in the upcoming elections . And while Binghe was confident his little master was a shoo in and would be the youngest ruler in the history of the rulings …. Discretion and firmness was needed to deal with these kinds of creatures and their support was sadly needed . Binghe did fret about relations between these kinds of people and how to retain their support . Shaoye really needed someone who was skilled at diplomacy , could sweet talk these kinds of upper class dandies and yet retain firmness .

Luckily for the woman , she made a speedy escape .

It was kind of funny , the minute Shaoye realized his feet were not touching the ground , like a particularly spoiled kitten he mewled and struggled to attack his prey who was making a fast getaway .

Shaoye ‘s vigilance around Binghe was legendary even amongst the elite . People laughed as after a while the scruffed kitten realized it’s prey had gotten away , sulked , and was carried back to the center of the party to calm down .

Binghe stays by the little master’s side the whole night after this . He doesn’t know why the bitterness intermingled with painful longing that he gets whenever he looks at Shen Qingqiu seems to change into something soft and warm when he looks at the youth next to him .

That lowborn Luo Binghe was worth fighting for . That there was someone willing to stand up for him even though he could do so himself after the terrors of being in Huan Hua Palace .

He blinks as he feels something soft touch his right hand . And his hand instinctively clasped on it .

He looks over and blinks twice for the record as if two puzzle pieces fitting , did his right hand link with Shaoye’s left .

Shaoye probably felt uncertain in this setting , the reason for his heightened nerves , the prickliness , and was subconsciously looking for comfort . Part of him glows and preens at being the one his young master instinctively seeked out for comfort .

And for the first time that evening he smiles .

Basking in the warm glow of happiness and his eyes trained on his small charge who has started chattering about an idea he has gotten , the young man doesn’t notice the way the crowd murmurs in appreciation.

Luo Binghe was a breathtakingly handsome youth but had seemed oddly melancholic the whole evening .

It turned out he was even lovelier when he smiled .

Many were the sets of teeth gnashed and envious muttering that late evening longing to be the object of the fetching youth’s affections and smile - The tiny terror on the handsome youth’s left chattering away .

One pair of emerald eyes however glared momentarily at them as after a short break, the smaller of the two tugged the taller one to resume their dance. 

Presently , Shaoye had thrown his head back, hooting in laughter as his locks cascaded as the music crescendoed to  faster pace. Binghe, far more graceful, nimbly followed his master. 

They dance in the careless way the young do before age and time take their toll on them, robbing them of innocence. 

The music is light, fast paced , intimate . 

There is a familiar shuffling noise next to him, the splish of liquid. Shen Qingqiu raised his refilled cup of wine to his lips, his emerald eyes flicked to Yue Qingyuan who had re-seated himself.

“Sect Master.” He acknowledges, internally admiring the way the firelight made his gray eyes sparkle in the flickering light.Eyes as bright and spellbinding as lode stars, they bewitched all those who fell under his steady gaze. 

He seemed moulded from a different cast from the usual human stock - Taller the most, with the austere calm that added more allure to his personage…He couldn’t help admire -Secretly, mind! - How comely Yue Qingyuan had grown. Elegant and his superior height, he reminded Shen Qingqiu of a steadfast, timeless mountain peak.

He - He gulps down his wine in a full swig, hissing as he feels the burn of alcohol due to the speed against his throat to distract himself from his feelings. 

It is a strong brew , even for him who had sampled many vintage wines due to his forays .

Yue Qingyuan is saying something but he can't hear it. Everything has gone blurry at the edges, the only sound he can hear is the sound the band is playing. Of the sight of Shaoye and Binghe dancing away.

The musicians are now playing something achingly haunting, achingly sweet. Shaoye and Binghe dance blithely away . The firelight illuminated their forms- His breath quickens- 

Time seemed to stand still as for a split second dancing before him was him and Qi-Ge dancing clumsily , as they attempted one night to replicate the dances held by the nobles on one of their grand outdoor soirees nearby. 

The night is young. Qi-Ge’s smile is as sweet as honey , his arresting grey eyes as warm as the sun. The older boy lifts him up  , Shen Jiu’s heart skips a beat as the wind rushes past him, he feels like he is flying. He laughs, and he never has felt so happy in his short life. And in that moment-

  “Shidi?” Yue Qingyuan’s gentle voice asks, concerned. He shakes himself out of it. “Shidi, are you-” “The wine is vile.I wonder what Ye was thinking of getting such a coarse range.” He spits in response, getting up to find his sworn brother. 

The world sways and he stumbles , the wine must be really getting to his head, the band’s music changes, going faster and faster. He never takes his eyes off Shaoye and Binghe who change their movements, to move faster, faster-

Qiu Jianluo laughs at his screams for him to stop. He can feel blood oozing from the tight, and far too tiny shoes the sadistic teenager had forced him to wear. It has been seven hours since he had been forced to dance like a windup doll for his master's sick amusement. And now Qiu Jianluo wanted to dance with him. The musicians play on, the tune going faster…Faster….Louder and louder till it drowns out his screams-

He throws up.

Someone is there , patting his back. Somehow he had been dragged back to his seat as he dry heaves.  Yue Qingyuan’s kind , gentle touch is on his back, grounding him to the present.

“Shidi.Shen Shidi?”Yue Qingyuan’s baritone voice broke in, concerned. “Are you alright?”

When silence greeted him, the sect master bit his lip.”Shidi. I noticed you get very agitated whenever either the Plum-Blossom in Three Movements or Wild Geese over the Calm Sands is played.”

“It…” Shame and the still present panic choked his reply, and twisted it. “It …Reminds me of the past.” A part truth, part-lie claws its way out. 

The Plum-Blossom in Three Movements was the lovely slower dance which Yue Qi and him had danced to many a time , that the nearby noble family had favored while Wild Geese over the Calm Sands used to be that monster’s favourit-

Enough , Shen Qingqiu thought , subconsciously leaning into his sect leader’s touch. 

The music has ended. Shaoye does not look terrified, or even the least bit ill-treated, if by judging how he is imploring a clearly beleaguered and sweaty Binghe to ‘Again! Again!” His wild mahogany locks are definitely in no way like Shen Jiu’s silky black tresses. Binghe, while dressed well, is definitely not as finely attired as the monster used to be.

 Nonetheless, a sour, niggling feeling was left as Shaoye laughs as Binghe obligingly lifts him atop his back . There is plaintive love in his godson’s eyes  as he gazes at the beast . 

Shen Jiu used to have eyes like that once. And he would burn this world to the ground if it meant his godson would keep those eyes . 

“Ah.Young love.” Yue Qingyuan commented approvingly as he saw this sight , unaware of his martial brother’s dark thoughts. “Remember when we used to dance like that in our youth?” 

The faint scent of the flowering Azalea trees danced on the cool night breeze. Shen Qingqiu fell silent , shifted closer , till he was flush against his sect leader’s sturdy chest. It was just Shen Jiu and Yue Qi again.

As The older boy lifts him up  , Shen Jiu’s heart skips a beat as the wind rushes past him, he feels like he is flying. He laughs,for he never has felt so happy in his short life. And in that moment he realizes something that brings tears of grief dripping down his cheeks.

Qi-Ge tilts his head , beguiling eyes confused. “Ah Jiu? Why do you weep?”

He raises a scarred hand to the other teenager’s petal-soft cheek. “I weep because you will never be lovelier than you are now.” Shen Jiu raises his head to contemplate his Qi-ge, and the full crescent moon that bathes all of them in a silver light.” And that we will never be this way or here ever again.” 

The stern , ancient mountains in the distance stand unyielding as the bamboo grove nearby go shaa-shaa in the wind. It sounds like weeping. 

The gala was deemed a success . Albeit for some reason Shen Qingqiu had thrown up for some odd reason towards the end, and had left early . And maybe Binghe for some reason seemed keen to glower at Yue Qingyuan for some odd reason. But overall there hasn’t been much hiccups . 

But as Binghe noticed his little master droop , eyes nearly closed in their exhaustion , long past his bedtime , the kindly older boy gracefully , soundlessly swept the child into his arms . 

Shaoye already was sound asleep , head trustingly placed against Binghe’s chest , as the older responsible teenager , quietly and carefully crept upstairs to the child’s bedroom where he placed his precious cargo onto the soft bed . Unfortunately or luckily for Binghe , Shaoye clung to him like a limpet , thus somewhat relieved , the equally exhausted boy settled in for the night next to his young master , like they used to do .

But unbeknownst to the pair and many others , this peaceful idyll would soon be a fond memory  . But for now , unknowing of the future , Shaoye merely hugged Binghe tighter while the older boy shifted closer to the source of warmth . 

<Elsewhere , far away from the Golden Citadel >

The fire that burned around him consumed the old pitiful mortal shell he had been given from birth , and had been forced to live with for nearly more than a century.

His new true body fit him like a glove .

The immortal who stepped out of the blaze tuts at his image . That won’t do -

It is easy to change his current physique to be identical to his past appearance. Qui- No, Qiu Jianluo in his prime and when he was pursuing his beautiful and cruel Ye , smiles at his reflection .

So close . He mourns. So soon but not yet .

——

 

 

Notes:

Author's note:

 ** Yue Qingyuan finally gets a clue to why Shen Jiu was and is ‘so difficult’ . I would say I feel sorry about him finding out but that would be lying, ngl . 

SY also figured out pretty fast why Bingbing has mild androphobia thanks to YQY and understandably freaks out .  He’s going to have a ton of guilt and I personally would not want to be Dichan Ye when he finds out his own dad suggested it to Binghe because the both of them are mutually protective of the other . Ohuhuhu. 

Meanwhile , Bingbing continues to win the title of Knight Templar Big brother of the year award again . Woohoo! 

SMH. These two idiots make each other happy , are the only ones who can bring the other out of a bad mood , and also get extremely mad if the other person is wronged and they are ‘just friends.’ …… Riiiiiiiight . 

( Bonus content !) :D

SJ: I see my godson as an investment . Nothing more , nothing less .

Also SJ : If anyone breaks my godson’s heart , I will torture the fool to death , burn the world to ashes then kill myself .

Chapter 20: Bazinga in the ball pit of AWCRAPNO

Notes:

In this week's episode , SY demonstrates why he deserves an Oscar for acting . Binghe uses Mengmo for target practice for the grave crime of insulting Shaoye while he’s in hearing range . Mengmo regrets the day he picked Binghe up as a student . Ohhh and the Abyss arc is coming up sooner than SY might like . How will he cope without Bingbing ? Find out !

---

As soon as Shaoye closed his eyes , he drifted off to a hopefully peaceful sleep . Life , he found , oftentimes did not grant your wishes .

Shaoye stumbled around . Shen yuan knew where this was but was confused and honestly a bit frustrated,

…Peaceful sleep , my ass!

He stood in the middle of a chaotic space of nothingness , looking towards the disappearing horizon in the distance.

Before, he had been smiling inside as he comfortably slipped into dreams on his bed. Who could explain why he had been dragged into this space?!

Shen yuan roared // TT !? What’s the bloody meaning of this ?!//

True enough , this good for nothing crybaby System of his started whining away .【 Lao Daaaaa!!!!! Do-don’t shout ! 0A0 how can I help you ?】

//Why the bloody fuck am I’m bloody fucking here?!/:

Please, don’t let it be what he thought. 

But before TT could answer , Shen Yuan saw a figure he couldn’t be more familiar with.

“Hello ? Someone there ?” A very familiar voice called .

// Eurgh. Must I do everything fucking myself ? //

“Hello ?”

After years of practice , Shen Yuan had mastered the fine art of being able to cry on cue .

He sniffled pitifully , loudly .

“Hello?” The voice repeated.

Shen Yuan rolled his eyes // I heard, you don’t need to call so many times.//

For Shaoye , this spoiled little master however- “Binghe-ge? Binghe-ge!”

He felt desperately through the mist and finally a warm hand grabbed his smaller one gently as though as the other knew instinctively where he was .

The mist cleared revealing a young man before him .

“Where are we,Binghe-ge?” He gasped, making sure to inject as much relief in his voice as possible .

“I have been accepting teachings from a Senior dream demon .” Binghe goes taut like a bow as if fearing condemnation from his little master after revealing this.

“ A dream demon .That’s so cool ! Can Binghe-ge teach me to trick Shang Ganshu into thinking he’s a hamster in his dreams ?”

The small boy breathed in admiration , and watched as his friend’s shoulders sagged in relief before being schooled into calm.

“Stay close to me , Young master .” Was the sharp reply as Binghe shifted in front of his charge.

TT’s cheerful voice sounded : 【Lao Da ! 0w0 You are currently entering an important plot branch: Dream Demon Enchantment. Please ensure that during this plot branch you support Luo Binghe so he attains victory over Dream Demon’s illusion. Otherwise, you will be deducted 1000 coolness points. 】

Shen Yuan snorted . He had racked up enough points from the careless TT throwing him any and all as a child and finishing the many bonus plot holes that littered Luo Binghe’s childhood and were supposed to make the protagonists life hell. Still , a thousand was a sizable amount .

However, this wasn’t the key point. The key point was – The plot was a mess.

The premise of this section in the original book was that Luo Binghe was pulled into Dream Demon’s attack range. Before getting attacked, as an unconscious measure of self-protection, he instinctively pulled the person he trusted most with him into the enchantment.

// Dear sweet TT~// Shen Yuan sang . //-Are you fucking sure there isn’t a Bug? This part is supposed to be Luo Binghe steeping with a love interest . Also, she is responsible for helping him unravel the tangles in his heart and using love to help him overcome his worst memories !!!!//

[ L-Lao Da ! 0A0]

//How come I’m given this role that Ning Yingying was supposed to fulfill ?!//

In the original work, the one pulled into the dream alongside Luo Binghe was Ning Yingying. As she was originally the person he trusted the most on Qing Jing Peak. This checkpoint + increasing intimacy task plainly should have fallen to her.

Before TT could answer, Shaoye sighed .

  Actually there was no need to answer that question. 

Ning Yingying had unwittingly instigated many punishments that Luo Binghe never forgave her fully for . Plus Binghe had left Qingjing early, then never returned , to seek vengeance for his beloved little master.So , logically he was not as enamored of her in this timeline and angrily sniffed whenever she was brought up , changing the topic.

Mingfan had revealed an incident at Qingjing Peak , that she had pestered Luo Binghe for a play date while the young teenager was busy chopping wood , then brutally shot down a suitor of hers who had tried to find her. Rejecting this disciple brother’s gift of a jade pendant and even mentioned Binghe’s prized jade pendant was far better than the gift. Right before Bi, on the spot. 

 Even Mingfan had rolled his eyes in incredulity as he recalled this incident . “She-Shimei didn’t mean it!” He lamely tried to defend his first crush while Gongyi xiao and Binghe sniffed. “-She 'as a pure heart really! it’s jus' she- she kay-yun be-”

 “-Spoiled, self-centred , childish and thoughtless?” Gongyi Xiao smiled innocently as Mingfan shot him a dirty look ,Shaoye and Binghe giggling in the background.

 Ning Yingying completely didn’t give any thought to the consequences of saying those careless words, only focusing on the fact that Luo Binghe wore a jade Guanyin pendant that never left his body.

 Towards the things their sweethearts have, all girls would want to get them into their own hands. Only Luo Binghe stubbornly refused to give his. She only raised the issue because she was unhappy.

Of course he was not willing to give it to her! That was Ah Yi’s present to him, a present that she spent the greater part of her life savings on just to procure for him! This was the tiniest bit of warmth during Luo Binghe’s darkest times and the only thing he had of her . How could he carelessly give it to people!?

This saw Binghe get in a fight with the jealous suitor . The boy had cornered Binghe and attempted to wrest the pendant from him which he managed to do and throw it .

Luckily for Binghe , Mingfan had been passing over and overheard his cries .

The then head disciple had stopped the fight , yelled at the suitor , had managed luckily to find the pendant strung up the tree. Despite Ning Yingying’s pleas and Mingfan’s threats , Luo Binghe had refused to forgive her . Blaming her for pointing out his pendant and being the reason why he had nearly lost his mama’s last gift to him .

This was not counting the innumerable times she asked him on dates while he was trying to study or was working through their Shizun’s punishments . Binghe was scornful of the fact she was older than him, yet acted so childishly in a bid to gain his attention romantically .

...For some reason , Luo Binghe seemed intent on winning over Shen Qingqiu . Shaoye wasn’t going to complain about that .Still, it was a shame about the good emotions and spiritual communion leading to acceptance into the harem scene that was now gone . What about the little apprentice-sister intending to never abandon him in either life or death? Gone and never would come to be.

 TT did a self diagnosis and shrugged 【Self-inspection did not reveal a Bug, Lao Da . I am running normally. 030 】

No Bug. That is to say, this scene is do right or die.

Shen Yuan experienced the power of the butterfly effect for the first time.

What is going on now?

‘The most trustworthy’ , the most trusted person, how did this hat inexplicably get buckled onto Dichan Shaoye’s head?

Shen Yuan was extremely flattered by this unexpected favor but he didn’t want to wear this hat at all!

Luo Binghe saw the small one’s unfathomable expression and asked concernedly: “ Young master , what’s the matter?”

Shaoye immediately recovered and hmmned “Ah ! I remember ! Dream demons usually attack the weakest part of a person’s heart. You should make preparations for your dream demon Shizun’s trials ! ”

Luo Binghe nodded. With a decisive expression, he said: “ Don’t fret . This Binghe will make sure Young Master Shaoye is safe at all costs .”

Great , not only was he immersed in a dangerous scene, if Shen Yuan guessed right , he would need to take on the love interest’s responsibilities.

Shen Yuan didn’t want to be the protagonist’s shield , follow him through mountains , across seas to face fearful memories ,dream demons and other scary things at all, ah QAQ!

This world’s stupid creator- Airplane Towards The Sky- Damn you Shang Qinghua ! Damn you!!! - As a red-blooded stallion novel writer, he definitely wouldn’t be willing for this kind of situation to occur in his writing. A perfectly good sister was switched to a minor scum villain, how bad was that?

The two people walked forward for a while. Above their heads, the clouds in the sky and the scenery around them was like a kaleidoscope. Sometimes it stretched and twisted, sometimes it broke into many pieces, unpredictable. Walking in this realm, it was like they were drawn by Da Vinci and the background by Piccasso. The styles were completely different and the sense of disharmony was very strong.

Suddenly, a very familiar sight appeared from the black clouds in front of them.

 Shaoye blinked in confusion . “ Binghe-ge . How come the Golden Citadel is before us ... Maybe we can ask for help ?” Walking to the city gate, Luo Binghe raised his head , slightly confused.

Shen Yuan knew it. He saw these scenes outside his window , far off. 

And now, it was right from Proud Immortal Way, Vol 2 pg 156, of course it was familiar, these were the miserable docks that Luo Binghe wandered as a beggar in his childhood.

This dream was so abstract it was a muddle of colored blocks and there was no delineation between time and reality. The road inside the city, the market, and the houses were all undoubtedly intricately crafted. 

The lights brightly lit with people coming and going, they watched the people bustle in the crowd from far away. But after walking closer for a better look, even if Shen Yuan had prepared himself better, his heart would still have received a shock.

  These bustling ‘people,’ none of them had a face.

 Their faces were just vague, unclear impressions. There wasn’t any sound either. They weren’t like living people at all, but still busily walked around in the city as silent as the dead. Shaoye’s eyes widened in fascination. “Awesome!”

 Binghe however grabbed the diminutive teenager closer. “ Not awesome! These are spirits!” 

 “Oh yeah! This is a city built by using dreams. Houses and such are made from dead things and can be created like this in a dream. Live people cannot be created and at most can only be made into these strange and indescribable things without noses or faces.Wow! Your shizun is really cool, Binghe-ge!” 

 Binghe glared at the mist swirling up where the sky should be above their heads . “He is NOT my Shizun! And I will be having words with him about dragging you into this test!”  At this proclamation , to both their great alarm, the scene rippled before them. Now they were in front of a small alley.

There were five people with faces in total. All their faces were clear rather than a vague mess. They looked like they were still in their teens. Four of them stood and held the advantage while one sat on the ground. The sound of cursing was unceasing, some “small mixed-breed” and “bastard” flew around. They were so absorbed in cursing that they didn’t notice the two people arriving behind them.

Shaoye recognized them, particularly the unsightly teeanger, the largest of the bunch .“ Binghe-ge. It’s him !“ 

Binghe grunted sourly. The Lout gang leader who had attempted to poach Shaoye that horrible time the child had wandered off from their sight, had been sent on a trip courtesy of Mingfan and him to Cang Qiong Mountain sect ( They had catapulted him from a flagpole) where Shen Qingqiu gave sent him on a trip to Baizhan (A powerful and likely painful kick.) Where Liu Qingge sent him to Anding and last Binghe had heard, Shang Shishu had sent him to Huanhua.  

Good riddance to bad rubbish!

He could see the metaphorical tail of the Shaoye stand up as he eyed the gang leader’s crotch . And it was up to Binghe to grab him, holding him back.

As this was from his past, there was no dream Shaoye , no dream Ah Yi there to save the dream version of tiny street urchin Luo Binghe from then.

Binghe knew full well his master was not kind .

The lout gang leader and the illusory Braids were actually projections of real people existing in his memories. Meng Mo, was only using a small trick to take these images sleeping in the depths of his heart to wake them up.

These four slimy teenagers surrounded a child sitting on the ground who looked to be around fifteen years old, punching and kicking him. 

“This mixed-breed kid who hasn’t grown eyes dares to come to this brother’s turf to get a job!”

“Tired of living!”

“Step on him to death. Isn’t he pitiful, doesn’t he have nothing to eat and is hungry? If he’s beaten to death he won’t have anything to eat anymore!”

Luo Binghe’s head hurt as though it would split. It seemed he could only see the tragic and weak little figure on the ground. That was him in years past, from the loose and messy hair to the face full of blood that revealed two eyes like stars. Like two sharp swords, those eyes met his.

He couldn’t move his gaze at all.

He raised his hands and held it to his temples, nerves spasming. For him , this was one of his most painful memories. 

He doesn’t know when he had let go of Shaoye’s hand  . 

But he feels a soft warmth encircle him.

Shaoye, no , Shen Yuan whispered, hugging him  “Binghe, this is only an illusion.”

This was Meng Mo’s illusion. It was the best at using the feelings in the depths of people’s hearts. Bringing out their most ancient terrors or rages or bitterness, it could then break down their psychological defenses. Therefore, all these countless hundreds of years, there had been no one (known) to break free.

And with these soft words, , startled out of his rage and sorrow, did he recall, he had Shaoye here, and he could not afford to lose himself into his master’s wily enchantment.

“Talk to me.” Shaoye blinked at the desperate beg in Binghe’s voice. “R-right. Why are you going to the Immortal Conference, anyway? The catering sucks! You’re gonna get even skinnier , Binghe-ge!”

Shaoye breathes hard as the gang of boys cruelly punch and twist tiny Binghe but the real Binghe’s attention is on him and his eyes are wide with … Something .

Still he had Binghe’s attention . That was something too .

Binghe’s laughter, shaky but genuine, breaks the entire dreamscape.

Shaoye does his best not to tremble as the small illusion the two people were in twisted and became another scene.It breaks apart like glass.

His heart cried ‘not good’, he had been caught unprepared for the following attack!

It was Ah Yi’s death. Dream-Shaoye was screaming , it was odd, Shaoye reflected seeing yourself younger and through another person's memories.

Dream Shaoye looks genuinely terrified, heartbroken and in a panic as he runs around the small room like a cornered kitten in a trap. Behind him, the door slams open, Dream-Binghe has entered the room. The smashing of the bowl of congee to the floor was heard as dream Binghe’s grip on the tray was lost at this sight , and both Binghes’ heart wrenching screams . “Mama? Mama !”

Shen Yuan already knew this scene, but when it played out in front of his eyes in reality, there was no way to be unmoved.

Somewhere , far off , there is an awful gasping sound.

He doesn’t know he is sobbing till someone wipes away his tears , that the awful gasping he heard is actually coming from his own lips.

Till someone grabs him , holds him close , hums a soft lullaby and he feels the great chasm that never had gone entirely away since she died- seem to close, just a fraction .

Slowly he stops sobbing , the hysteria and grief bubbling out that he pushed aside finally is locked again .

This soft lullaby was-

The same lullaby Ah Yi used to sing to him as a baby.

Binghe, now seventeen,very alive , very warm, hugs him close like a promise and comforts him .

Shen Yuan, 28 when he passed away in the previous world and thirteen years spent in this one-feels like dog shit , what was this? He was older and was supposed to be comforting Binghe.

“I-I’m sorry. She was y-your mama, and I’m doing this again- Having feelings . When I should b-be....” “Don’t be, she was your mama too. “

He looks up into those equally teary obsidian eyes. “It hurts, Binghe-ge . '' Shen Yuan can scarcely recognise the scratchy , heartbroken words that claw out of his own mouth. “I dunno-It still hurts so bad here- “ He grabs his chest where his heart beats .”How did you stop hurting? ”

Binghe’s grip on him turns tight for a split second. “I didn’t.” He confesses at last, tears falling down. “-But you make it bearable.”

The dream’s killing power was based on handicapping the person’s emotions. The more they felt, the greater the damage they received.

Secondly, it was necessary to be careful. The ‘people’ in the dream definitely could not be attacked.

All these ‘people’ in the dream were from the dreamer’s own consciousness and heart. Attacking them actually meant attacking your own brain. There were many people who didn’t understand this point, or couldn’t control their own emotions, and in the dream, attacked and grievously harmed their own ‘people.’ From then on, they entered eternal sleep.

According to the current situation, if Luo Binghe entered into eternal sleep, Shaoye would also accompany him and be trapped in the dream. Thus, Binghe had restrained him,and in turn had restrained himself from interacting with the dream ‘people’.

The surrounding scenery changed unpredictably. This was the most painful memory . The one that made Binghe- Luo Binghe.

A pretty girl but her face twisted into a maniacal grin , held a small screaming boy as a grinning old man advanced with a knife in a back alley. This was somewhere at the docks. back when Luo Binghe was an organ flower.

This dream was the worst memory that Binghe had and he had already completely entered into it! His breathing was unsteady and his two eyes were unnaturally red.

Shen Yuan felt that standing at his side was very dangerous. His heart ached as tiny Binghe screamed in terror while somehow trying his best to smile and beg that he could smile , that he wasn’t sad- See, and that he deserved to be spared-

The only way to break the dream was to resolve the tangles in your own heart, then the dream would defeat itself. Luo Binghe’s fist was tightly clenched, his bones resounding ka ka , spiritual power circulating throughout his whole body.

There was no choice. But to act out.

“Leave Binghe-ge alone!” He screamed and to Binghe’s great horror and shock , flew forward , fists swinging.

Shen Yuan had only meant to pretend to attack. ...How was he to underestimate how protective Binghe was?

A form leapt in front of the organ harvesters. Shen Yuan was so shocked, he actually released a blow of spiritual power. Right at Luo Binghe’s abdomen.

Silence, then with this attack by Shaoye , the surrounding illusion was broken. The figures of the people and objects all cracked into pieces like shards of glass. The place where they exited was a piece of remote, wild forest. A cold, ancient moon hung above their heads, the sky dark blue.

Once the illusion was scattered, Shen Yuan was suddenly sober. First, he looked at Binghe dazed, kneeling over from the intensity of the punch . Then he looked down at his own fist, a trace of spiritual power still remaining and vaguely recalled what he did earlier. His face immediately paled. // Oh sweet honey iced tea ! I’m dead meat ! I hit the protagonist ! I’m gonna be chucked into the cold of winter , frozen solid then pulled apart by wild horses -//

Shaoye , however, instantly flew to the protagonist's side , screaming : “ Binghe-ge ! You-you great blundering dummy! , why didn’t you hit back!”

Actually it did not make sense. With Luo Binghe’s current spiritual power, it was completely within his ability to harm him. With both of their spiritual powers attacking each other, not only could he dissolve Shaoye’s attack, he could also turn the attack back to him.

To his great alarm, Luo Binghe only laughed while wheezing. “Good . I was so worried that when I left for the conference you would be defenseless. I can go easy now knowing you can take care of yourself“

“Why didn’t you hit back?”

“Young master, I swore to protect your life before my own . If I hit back and hurt you, would there be any meaning to my promise?” Then he smiled , mischievously. “Besides, your hit was like a little kitten tapping it’s jelly bean pads on my abdomen . It didn’t hurt me at all.”

The older teenager paused over his chuckling over Shaoye’s shrieks of rage, looking up at the sky in great irritation. “ Hey,you stupid old bag. Let the young master go, or I’ll chase you again with a spike.” This was so uncharacteristically rude of the normally sweet and soft spoken Binghe that Shaoye squeaked.

“ Binghe-ge, that’s not nice ! Meng Mo is helping you without asking for stuff !!”

“ He’s got his reasons . He only wants his teachings to be passed down .” Binghe tried to argue . “ Besides, Shizun said all demons are evil creatures !”

“ Shizun this! Shizun that !” huffed the smaller teenager in exasperation. “ My Gan die isn’t infallible, dumb- dumb !”

“.... Shaoye! “

“ What ?! You’re laughing too ! Fan-ge has been telling me what he used to teach you guys and even he agrees it was a load of codswallop and outdated prejudice passed on from Gan Die’s own Shizun , yannow !”

“Alright. I’ve heard enough.” A grumpy voice echoed through the dreamscape. “Back you go, you ..You-” Binghe’s killing intent reverberated at this hinted slight against his young master in threat.

Meng Mo was suddenly glad he had not materialized his dreamscape body because if killing intent could kill him, he would be dead several times over by this mother tiger- This overprotective nanny dog who drooled and slobbered over his little master day in and day out.

If he said the wrong word , it would see Luo Binghe snarling and snapping at his heels , barking all the way . “-You young master of ...This Luo Binghe.”

This was Luo Binghe’s dream, so Luo Binghe could only rely on his own strength and quickly regain sanity for the enchantment to break.

Shaoye recalled Binghe mentioning Meng Mo a couple of times from his time at Huan Hua. So other than meeting Meng Mo fairly earlier, this was presented as a test to Binghe . As expected, the situation was exactly the same as it was with Ning Yingying in the original work, other than this person Luo Binghe, they would all be pushed out by the Dream Demon.

Shaoye yelped as his spirit was pushed out, one minute he was in Binghe’s dreamscape, next minute he was wide awake in his bed.

Elsewhere, still in the dreamscape, Binghe glowered at the night sky .

“Why did you drag poor little master Shaoye into your dumb test?!” Were the first indignant yaps out of his mouth .

“It -it was you! You dragged him into it, not me! Besides, you should listen to this old man and leave the little brat behind!”

“Oh really?” Binghe asked gently, his face in the shadows .” Why’s that?”

“ Bah! His mother’s a vixen !” The old demon materialized , so angry that he forgot the innumerable times this good for nothing, so called golden nugget had chased him like an enraged dog would do to an old fox , for expressing his opinions on Binghe’s beloved little master .” And I’m telling you ! The little rascal is going to grow up to become a carbon copy of her !”

The killing intent from the young man now emanated , Meng mo blinked .

“ You dare disrespect Young master, '' snarled the young man . A very familiar giant spiked mallet materialized in his arms and the old demon found himself being chased by the enraged teenager through the dreamscape .

—

It seems only a moment ago it was dark, the next minute, Shaoye reopened his eyes, sunlight spilled into the room; there was something warm and soft pressed lagainst his back, and middle.

It was the dawn of a new day. For him and …He feels Binghe’s steady breathing changes a little. Hears a tiny yawn as the protagonist awoke. A new dawn for Binghe.He closed his eyes , burrowing back into his blankets.

“Young Master.” He groaned as the warmth went away and started patting his back. “Young Master. Today is a new day~ “ 

“No wanna. Wanna stay with you. A bit longer.”

Just a bit longer. Let us be like this a little longer.

He could feel Binghe go taut at those words.

“As you wish.” Comes the soft whisper.

Soon. Far too soon, Binghe would fall, blacken. 

“Food for thought. We both were raised by Mama for both of our childhoods. Right ?”

Binghe asked , though it really did not seem like a question . Shaoye really , really did not want to open that can of worms . He ran from problems while Binghe tended to plow through . 

Still . He owed Binghe that much to try and heal him if it meant digging that up . 

He curled up tighter . “ Yeaaaah ?” Even he can hear the whine in his sleepy voice . 

“So half of her is in me, half of her is in you.”

“What’r y’ sayin’?” 

“So together, we make up one whole Mama.So in a way, she never really left us.” 

“Binghe?”

“Yes, young master?” 

“Why are we still whispering?” 

“...No idea.” 

Shaoye opened his eyes at last, to meet patient obsidian orbs.

For the same inexplicable reason, they both started laughing so hard that tears appeared in their eyes. 

Shaoye had to stop laughing after his tum started to hurt , and he shoves the blankets off himself . He the  noticed a spot of orange in the blue of the early Morn . 

The curtains add an orange glow to the morning light, every morning a perfect sunrise here . It reminded him of the times Shen Yuan had slept in a beach hut while on holiday with his family , watching the ocean emerge under the golden shimmer. For a moment his mind conjures the rhythmic waves, soft on the sandy shore and feels his heart beat to the same slow pace. 

He breathes in deeply. 

Shaoye reaches his hand out to the fabric, noticing how up close the light pours through every open space between fibers, illuminating like brilliant fire-flies, each dawn. The material is warm beneath his fingers, and when the sun floods the room, painting the colors anew, he feels a little of those golden rays soak into his skin. 

The sunlight turns Binghe’s hair golden . The older boy, still ensconced in the blankets,  lazily draws a shape of a cat absentmindedly into the duvet, notices his gaze and gives him a wide smile.

They stayed like this, just a little longer, looking as the room turned more and more orange and the blue shadows were chased away to the furthest ends of the room . 

 

There was no need for further conversation. Just being next to each other, in quiet contentment, felt a little like stealing away from the hustle and bustle of this too chaotic , ever changing world. All they needed was each other.

 

The sounds of clatter of cutlery as well as the chatter of the household staff outside the bedroom door , informed Shaoye that the world outside was awakening . 

 

Binghe is still watching him , as if waiting for him to give a signal of some sorts . 

 

In a way , Shaoye thought fondly , Binghe was very much like a cosseted pet dog that looked to its master for direction . 

 

He did worry about how Binghe would fare in the abyss if his godfather would do the unthinkable  . 

 

Still …. Worrying did no good to anyone . The inevitable could happen or it may not even happen . 

 

Shaoye smiles back at last .

 

“Alright, let us start, Binghe-ge!” 

 

Time awaited no man , marching to its own tune , after all . 

 

——

 

Sha Hualing sighed . 

 

“Gramps. Shaoye is off limits . Insulting him in front of Binghe is like decking yourself in red and letting the enraged Bing-bull loose in a pen with you.”

 

Mengmo cracked open dry lips. He had two black eyes, he looked like he indeed had narrowly managed to escape an enraged bull , then was mauled by a guard dog , his ears had been boxed so much they looked like a pair of cauliflowers . 

 

His normally well kept hair was in disarray and looked like it had been torn out by said guard dog. He also had many ,many painful bumps all over his head . 

 

“ Shut. Up.”

 

He growled . Sha Hualing was used to this, and even chortled.

 

“ Let me Guess...you called the kid a rat. No, no, a Fox…..Judging by how ya eyes bugged out, I assumed you called that nanny-dog’s baby, a vixen! “ Meng mo growled as his descendant resumed cackling .

 

Still, it was a step up from how she had been moping over that haughty little bint from that miserable Peak. Humans . Nothing but trouble. What was the new generation coming to by eyeing these useless flesh bags  ?

 

“Something good happened ?” He was not going to bring up that miserable escapade Hualing made to the Cang Qiong mountain sect. 

 

Hualing’s smile turned a bit softer .

 

“ Yeah.” She admitted , eyeing a yellow flower in Meng Mo’s dreamscape. “ I met someone new , someone interesting when I was traveling through various dreamscapes … Say, Gramps. got any books on archery ?”

 

——

 

Little Qin Wanrong groaned.it was six in the morning in their little home in the Golden Citadel,and she was already tired of her big sister’s antics .  “ Jie ! I am sure you can kick hypo-the-dical dream demoness ass in archery anytime of the day or night  . Will you put down that darn bow ? You’ve hit all the marks since the time ya woke us up at 5 to practice ! I wanna have breakfast !”

 

Qin Wanyue glared at her Sister. “ She . Was. Real. “ She ground out, a fierce blush on her face . “ And I am going to kick Miss high n’ mighty demon princess to the kerb next time we meet , not just win two out of three tries at archery !” 

 

With that, she turned back to unleashing several deadly arrows from her bow which all impaled the hapless straw targets . 

 

Wanrong hopped off her stool, making up her mind to visit Shaoye who would be better company , lend a sympathetic era to her woes of boy-crazed and now demoness-crazed big sisters,  and more importantly always had an open door for a delicious breakfast . 

Love . She thought, grumpily. Nothing but trouble ! 

 

Notes:

Luo Binghe and SY continue to be cute and cuddly . But the abyss arc is starting next chapter . Will Shen Qingqiu still throw Bingbun into the Abyss? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas

 

Notes:

Baike is a Chinese online encyclopedia

...Also did I just end on a cliffhanger? You betcha I did, mwahaha !

Chapter 21: tis Chimken nugger tiem

Notes:

In this week's episode ,our dear Luo Binghe continues to pine after Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu meanwhile gets the mother of all headaches with his situation with Ning Yingying, and his Godson's fancying of all things the same unwanted suitor of his. SY worries a lot. Oh , and the long awaited Immortal Alliance Conference arrives! How will it turn out? Find out !

 

To: Cang Qiong Mountain Sect

 

Qing Jing Peak Lord , Shen Qingqiu

 

The Sect Master’s official abode

 

I said to myself, what I would say to someone else in such a case: “You will have to resign yourself to the fact, and above all, not distress yourself about a misfortune that you have not deserved.” I did my utmost not to cry not to complain.

 

But when one does not complain, and when one wants to master oneself with a tyrant’s grip — one’s faculties rise in revolt — and one pays for outward calm with an almost unbearable inner struggle.

 

Day and night I find neither rest nor peace — if I sleep I have tormenting dreams in which I see you always severe, always saturnine and angry with me —

 

Forgive me then Shizun if I take the step of writing to you again — How can I bear my life unless I make an effort to alleviate its suffering?

 

Always yours,

 

Luo Binghe

 

Age 17

 

--

Shen Qingqiu felt his blood boil at this overly-familiar epistle. Dichan Ye had boomed in laughter when one of the letters was thrown right at his bearded face at one of their get-togethers. “Just ignore it, Lao Xiong! Not all first loves end up with us being with our supposed first crush as an endgame!”

…

He can’t decide whether that is self deprecation or a stinging half insult at Shen Qingqiu’s mess of a love life and he’s not going to have a gander at it anymore .

 

He still has no idea what to do about the engagement. Ning Yingying seemed to have realized the small little gifts were for a purpose and had taken the fact they were courtship trinkets …Badly, to put it nicely .

 

She was noticeably more awkward around him and while cheerful outwardly , would watch him like a hawk . Her smile was strained , being in the same room as her had a heaviness . 

Nope.

So maybe that was bad .

But nothing compared to what Chongzi had reported to him on Shaoye’s treatment of Binghe as a child . 

Adding on to that he had presented some files from Huan Hua archives he had managed to copy .

Worry and panic twisted Qingqiu’s gut . Any idea that Luo Binghe was possibly similar to Qi- Yue Qingyuan was thrown right out of the window upon reading said files. 

For Luo Binghe was not only a half demon,  but a half breed son of two of the cultivational world’s worst enemies . The last heavenly demonic emperor and a treasonous head disciple of Huan Hua Palace.

That would make him ….

It took all of his will not to storm over to the Golden Citadel with Cang Qiong and every other righteous sect once Chongzi had presented him with the Huan Hua case files on Tianlang-jun and Su Xiyan respectively .

A half breed . How could anyone with demon blood running through their veins comprehend gratitude , coupled with his knowledge of how cunning Su Xiyan was even from his disciple-hood. This small sprout doubtlessly would spare no thought like his mother , in tricking the Dichans then when unwary , murder the lot of them .

But Dichan Ye regarded Binghe as a Dichan already . Had even blithely it as Qingqiu , wringing his hands, liked to put it , and saw it as an investment . And look how well his investment with Huan Hua palace had turned out for Shaoye !

“ Wouldn’t that make the little tyke the Prince of the demon realm ? Haha , well done , Lao Xiong . I’d expect nothing less for a worthy future son in law!”

Shen Qingqiu had responded to this by smacking this lousy , good for nothing, sworn brother upside his snickering head.

Dichans protected their own , the entire clan of them which mounted to nearly a small sect worth had , despite being nobles , all would rise as an angry swarm if any one - As long as they were seen as one of their ilk,  was threatened - And attack the threat . It was their clan code - no one ever forgot their ancestor Zhu Xian had defeated and nearly killed a dragon god Luo just because said god had threatened their family .

And Shaoye… Shaoye wouldn’t understand . He already had a crush on Binghe . Probably as Ye said, once he reached a marriageable age , would act on his crush and pursue Luo Binghe . Throw all proprietary to the wind just like his father had and -

If he raised a blade to Luo Binghe-

 Shaoye would definitely turn his back on him for this .

No .

He would protect Shaoye as his godfather from being used like his sworn brother had been by that good for nothing wretch , Ye's wife and Shaoye's mother.

He would see to it that mutt never returned . 

As Chongzhi also reminded him - It was fast approaching the Immortal alliance . 

A perfect chance to ensure Luo Binghe never made it back alive .

 

 

To: Cang Qiong Mountain Sect

 

Qing Jing Peak Lord , Shen Qingqiu

 

The Sect Master’s official abode

 

Shizun, the poor do not need a great deal to live on – they ask only the crumbs of the bao which fall from the rich men’s table – but if they are refused these crumbs - they die of hunger - No more do I need a great deal of affection from those I love – I would not know what to do with a whole and complete friendship – I am not accustomed to it – but you showed a little interest in me in days gone by when I was your disciple at Qingjing – and I cling to the preservation of this little interest – I cling to it as I would cling on to life.

 

Yours devotedly and lovingly yours,

 

Luo Binghe

 

Age 17

 

Shen Qingqiu throws away the letters . He loathes letters . Shen Jiu used to write letters begging Yue Qi to return to him nightly and burn them so as not to be discovered by Qiu Jianluo 

Luo Binghe was a fool . What he loved was the ideal of Shen Qingqiu, a perfect immortal, elegant and cold as jade . The idea of possibly making him into something soft and gentle . Well , he was not interested in playing a charade to a half breed’s delusional daydreams .

 Shen Qingqiu was - He loathed to admit this, both Shen Jiu and the Cold lofty immortal. Shen Jiu was a ghost , hounding him every time with vicious words , acerbic wit that clawed past his lips . 

Shen Jiu breathed for a second when Yue Qingyuan said something that made the coldness of his long frozen heart melt just a fraction . He was both something rotten, aching and poisonous hidden in a cold glowing diamond.

He resolutely pushes away the memory of fourteen year old Shen Jiu fawning over Yue Qi , that these letters from Luo Binghe, bring back unbidden.

Of his childish daydreams and that soft sweet feeling that once beat in his heart , as he hopefully scribbled letter after letter in vain hopes one day the Gods would answer his prayers, those letters and Yue Qi would return to him .

Hope is a cruel thing. It is kindness already that he sometimes replies to Luo Binghe’s letters to reject . 

Shen jiu never got an answer to his questions.

 Did what they once had , ever mean anything to Yue Qi ?

He shakes his head . Enough unpleasantries , he was to see Shaoye today . To wish him well on the election and the ceremonial battle that undoubtedly lay ahead once he won .

Since Shaoye had returned and the Beastarium had been published , he had begun a political campaign to gain voter confidence and traction in the upcoming election. Every hundred years an election would be held to vote a new ruler into office as Citadel ruler . Despite his youth , it was clear that his efforts behind the scenes had not gone unnoticed by the Citadel’s grateful citizens .

While outwardly proud and confident in public , Shaoye had been a bundle of nerves every time the curtain fell . It had taken Shen Qingqiu all manner of threats, even pinching Shaoye to get the boy to perform . He would not mollycoddle the boy, this world was not a kind one, and to be cruel was kindness itself.

Dichan Ye boomed with laughter that it was his own father he was facing but Shen Qingqiu knew precisely it was his own father he was facing in the election that Shaoye was likely a bundle of nerves.

“M-master ?” Loyal Chong Zi croaked , interrupting his worries as the old spy trod timorously over . “I will be having lunch over at the Golden Citadel. My godson has invited me . In the meantime , find out all the exit points of the barrier array for the plan we discussed .” “O-of course , h-ha-have no fear , C-chongzi Qi-will carry out your wi-will , o’ma-master .”

As Shen Qingqiu turned around and walked out , preoccupied with worry and plotting , he did not see the ugly sneer that flashed on Chongzhi’s normally simpering face .

 –

<< Golden Citadel , the Grandest manor >>

 

“-And Hualing-jie actually did that?!” Shen Qingqiu did not know why Shaoye was so surprised by how dirty she fought .

 

Shaoye had calmed down around his godfather, and was talked out of a grim mood as his godfather diverted his attention from the stress of the elections to other affairs.

 

“ I have no idea why you are so surprised .” His tone was dry as a desert and he took a languid sip of his jade guanyin tea . It was early morning, and they were discussing the recent challenge issued by Sha Hualing to compete with Cang Qiong Mountain Sect over a cup of tea in the Grand dining room at the Grandest Manor . 

 

At her fierce insistence , cajoling and sweet talking and surprisingly agreeing to all terms and conditions set by Yue Qingyuan, did she arrive with her champions merely to spar , a week prior.

 

Shen Yuan was not surprised when TT excitedly informed him that Sha Hualing had decided to … Challenge the Cang Qiong mountain sect in such a fashion . Bold and unrestrained as she might be , He guessed she would think twice about invading the Cang Qiong sect seeing as one of its peak lords was her very good Trade partner’s godfather . To ruin several good trade deals and break the Silk Road agreement over antagonizing the sect was simply not worth it.

 

Through their correspondence and dealings , he was pleasantly surprised to see PIDW’s wily , spiteful , Bingge-crazed harpy and to be honest his least favorite of Bingge’s wives grow into a surprisingly tactful , sarcastic and very savvy negotiator with a not so secret love for brutal sparring with righteous cultivators in a bid to test out Shaoye’s armor that he designed for her at least once a month as per their trade agreement .

 

He would be loath to admit but he was quite fond of this Sha Hualing . They loved to debate with each other during each of the trade negotiations and it was nice to be friends with someone who actually loved fashion and it being practical , as much as he did .

 

Still , at times she surprised him . Then again most of the characters did . “ Yeah ! I’m surprised she went for the blood charge of a thousand sins strike rather than use the move I taught her last time we met ! Honestly , Gan Die . She’s pig headed as they come! “

 

Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan open , face unhappy. This was not what he was hinting at. “ No. I told you , Shaoye . I don’t like that you are in a trade agreement with the Southern Demon Kingdoms . But I can see and admit there are benefits . But never forget they are evil , black hearted , lawless beings who will not hesitate to turn on you .”

 

“ Then I’ll backstab her right back if she dares to . But honestly , Gan Die . I’ve been ...Trading partners with Hualing Jie for a long time . She needs me and I need her aid . After all , she’s vain , and no one can design robes and armor like I can. And I know all of the design's weaknesses . ”

 

Shen Qingqiu sighed then inwardly groaned as the door opened . The last person he wanted to see- Eyes shining bright , a silly smile spread over his face, and a spring in his step was the mutt , arms laden full of food .

 

Shaoye smiles at his Gan die then turns , eyes shining to Binghe . First at Binghe then at the food he held .

 

“ Binghe-ge . '' It takes all of Shen Qingqiu to stop himself from grabbing a hold of Shaoye , away from the threat in the room with them-as he innocently gambols over to hug the older boy and grab a steaming hot bun from the tray . “ Stay with me ! I’ll become skin and bones without ya cooking!“.

 

--

 

Binghe’s heart wavered again.

 

Shaoye was so young. He wanted with all his heart to stay by his little Master’s side. To be there with him, watch him win.. But-

 

If he won a high enough place in the Immortal Alliance Conference, riches and honor would be laid at his feet. He would become a rich man, possibly wealthy enough to purchase gifts worthy of , to win over hopefully- Shen Qingqiu.

 

“Shaoye … Shaoye , please . I want this . Mingfan and Gongyi xiao will be here and have sworn to look after your every care. I think they will do a….Satisfactory job.” After all, it wasn’t Binghe himself here looking after the small master.

 

Shaoye gave him a long look then sighed .

 

Binghe felt a tiny bit nostalgic for bygone days when Shaoye would throw a temper tantrum to get his way. How fast time flew.

 

“How can I say no to that face ? I’ll miss you and your cooking lots! Y’better think of me every day! ''

 

 Shen Qingqiu did not stay to hear any more rubbish and started walking out of the room they were in . “Make sure you win this election. Or else. ” He snaps , stalking off. 

 

“Love you too, Gan Die.” Shaoye tutted to which he received a loud bang as the dining room door slammed shut in the wake of his lovely godfather’s departure. 

 

 As such he missed Binghe’s shining eyes and delighted smile . Was Shizun jealous ?

 

Shaoye meanwhile , unaware of the drama, pressed a Qian Kun pouch stuffed full of rations, medicines to his best friend who would be leaving the day after for the Immortal Alliance Conference .

 

And much later, as Luo binghe discovered, the contents of the pouch was enough to last him three whole years as he struggled to find a way out of the Endless abyss, ironically filled with rage and hatred directed at his former crush .

 

Later on, the once beautiful pouch would become stained with tears and dirt but Binghe protected this last gift from the only person aside from Mama , who had loved him wholeheartedly from the start .

 

Years later, Luo Binghe would read through his old letters and angrily write comments criticizing his younger self’s blindness of the kind actions of the small boy who he would marry as an adult. To the years spent wasted, pining after the icy , cold and glittering Shen Qingqiu who had nothing but hate for Binghe’s mere existence.

 

But as of now, Luo Binghe smiled besottedly as his crush whirled on his heel , flying out of the room.Blind to the fact that his future husband for now was small, chubby, had untidy locks of shorn mahogany, a fierce temper and a love for discovering new monsters and beasts and was presently tugging at his sleeve demanding he take a free copy of the Beastarium to the immortal alliance conference .

 

—

[ 0__0 Sorry Lao Da. The <<Immortal alliance conference>> arc can’t be skipped for Luo Binghe . ]

// Urgh . Fiiiiiiiiine TT. //

The Immortal Alliance Conference was the first climax and resolution in “Proud Immortal Demon Way.” At the same time, it was also a turning point in the book.

It was now morning . Shaoye had an election to run for, therefore despite wanting to go see and cheer on Binghe , he was not going to go .

At present , he was waving from his window , as he was dressed by some maids . Binghe cheerily waved back , carrying the pouch and a carrying case likely with some supplies . The Qin sisters were already in their shared carriage , chattering happily . It had been decided that the three would be registered as sectless individuals but representing the Golden Citadel as the Qins had recently been granted citizenship. And for their efforts against Huan Hua palace had been provided with transport to the Alliance.

As Shen Yuan knew , for each four years, the Immortal Alliance Conference was a rookie selection offering great opportunities for fame and fortune. The form differed every year according to the major sect heads’ discussions, but there would definitely be a gold list.

Regardless of originating from which sect or from the Jianghu ,as long as you performed well in the Conference, your name would be on the gold list and made famous throughout the world. Therefore , many sectless cultivators like Binghe , like the Qin Sisters could still join in and win riches and prestige. 

What wasn’t so Canon was Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao both choosing to stay and watch over him , but one (Mingfan) had ended their studies at their respective sects early and already was working , Gongyi Xiao had chosen to intern at the ‘The Luo River Center’ , the Golden Citadel's leading restorative center under the present leading medical expert, so it didn’t make sense for them to join as they had a steady source of income AND were both busy . Xiao Gongzhu had long since been scouted out by a master blacksmith here at the Citadel. She would attend the ceremonial duel later but was busy at her internship now. 

Anyways , “Proud Immortal Demon Way” the novel didn’t have a warm or hot reception. But with the Immortal Alliance Conference installment, the book’s reviews and subscriptions increased greatly, immediately soaring back in his original world!

The reason for the rise didn’t just start from here. Great God Airplane Towards the Sky abandoned what original moral integrity he had left and sent up like a surging tide to readers a steel-wrought protagonist and sisters as graceful as water, great segments of presentable writing and all kinds of descriptions that let your face turn red in excitement, and also one important reason. It was also the important reason why Shen Yuan stuck through reading to the end.

That was the confusing setting!

Airplane Towards the Sky, as a person who hadn’t even researched how to set up a cultivation world properly and who frequently couldn’t even get the Qi Refining or Nascent Soul periods straight, truly didn’t get a tsukkomi from most people for this because that wasn’t his novel’s selling point.

“Proud Immortal Demon Way” was a book that could be called a ‘cultivation’ novel, but would be better called a ‘supernatural’ novel. Most of the supernatural contents completely steamrolled over the ‘cultivation’ parts. As a cultivation text, it was a model novel to the letter, but it was also quite interesting as a supernatural novel.

That is to say, very soon, Luo Binghe and this pair of sisters ...And Shen Qingqiu would have to face all the different kinds of extremely fierce and cruel supernatural creatures described in the book.

More importantly, very soon, it would be time for his godfather to handle Luo Binghe who revealed his demonic heritage and cruelly strike him down into the Endless Abyss.

Well… Maybe. Shaoye’s nails dug into the fleshy pads of his palms in subconscious worry .

Maybe his godfather would ... Spare Binghe . He knew how fond Shaoye was of Binghe . Perhaps for him ? Shen Qingqiu and him were close . Or at least he would like to think so .

—-

Two days later Luo Binghe and the Qin sisters had left to participate in the conference , did all the ballots come in and were tallied for the election results.

The results were staggering . Against adult congressmen and even his own father …A thirteen year old had won the right to become Citadel ruler .

Dichan Shaoye had shown exceptional grace , fierce protectiveness of his citizens who all knew that he had a hand in preventing famine from reaching their shores , had ushered in a new era of progress and nearly eradicated poverty and homelessness .

Thanks to the new trade route , the land had the funds to undergo a major healthcare reform during a crisis . Sales and trade had been booming since the Silk Road had been set up . Life had never been better .

So when he started campaigning, many were the ballots and support that rallied behind his banner . Despite being well known for a fierce temper , the young master had shown patience when asked questions , and was bright and succinct and respectful . His youth was looked at as an advantage , he would last longer and had shown to be dedicated to his people .

Plus , he was a Dichan . While the Dichans would compete in every election like everyone else , the Golden Citadel citizens agreed that a Dichan with some sense was better than a brilliant newcomer on the throne . And this year had turned up the youngest ever candidate and saw him winning the election .

But the ceremonial duel was what everyone was watching now with bated breath.

Every time a new ruler came to be , it was tradition to duel to prove their power to lead the troops in battle . Dichan Mingfan stood , watching in worry as father faced son in the arena as the crowds watched equally transfixed on the edge .

It was a close fought match . Dichan Ye had fought in a war , and defended this citadel with his raw might . The halberd he wielded sang with dark battle joy and one could feel the many souls wailing as he swung it from being cut short upon meeting it.

Shaoye might not be as powerful as his father with his halberd and array of Qi attacks but he was young , he was clever, innovative, wily , plus his reservoir of Qi gave him an advantage .

A long range fighter ,he floated on a cloud , seemingly weaponless .

But as it turned out , the cloud served as transport and a weapon . Out of it came needles that stabbed and ripped his opponent , stealing the very fabric he was wearing .

The cloud turned out to be made of strings so it could turn and self weave itself into ribbons that came out and tried to entangle its opponent . And even the halberd could take so much damage from the Qi infused cloth that wrapped around the blade and refused to let go .

Three hours later found Dichan Ye gasping , nearly naked from the top , as his son calmly looked down at him from his perch on the cloud . Several needles came out ,poised to sink into the man .

The crowd murmured worriedly.

It had been brutal . It had been fair . But surely a son would not wish to kill his father , right ?

“ Do you yield, Dichan Ye ?”

The man collected himself and he grinned . “ Ah yield ! Ah yield !” The needles dropped down and the small boy hopped off to help his father up , the man raised their interlocked hands .

“ Golden Citadel . Behold your new ruler !” He boomed as the crowd broke into raucous cheers .

The crowds cheered as the small boy stepped on the podium.

“Citizens of the Golden Citadel ... My father was the previous Citadel ruler .Yet growing up despite the lap of privilege I was born into, everyone knew the scandal in which my mother stole from the Citadel a priceless artifact for unknown reasons . My father , bless him, did his best to be a single father and continue the hunt for her and said artifact’s retrieval. “

Embarrassed tittering and puzzled murmuring abounded through the crowd.

“I grew up in her shadow , and to an extent my fathers great one . I saw no reason to want to be anything better . I was a sickly spoiled and angry child . “

“I was raised by my Father and … A washerwoman who found me as a toddler lost and wandering about . She was a kind soul and hid from me as all mothers do on the hardships she faced. One day this washerwoman introduced me to her son she adopted . A boy called Luo Binghe . “

“ Suffering , plagued and his family unknown, he was treated cruelly by nearly everyone , including I . Now there’s something I understand a little better. To grow up in the shadows of both parents, - Of Anger, envy, resentment. To be able to share it with another person… Luo Binghe . Growing up with him I learned that he knew pain like I did -“

“ Yet he showed me through his continuous kindness and patience in response to my cruelty to him that one could still be better than fate dictated , that we are more than our bloodlines or the deeds of our fore feathers . That it takes strength to be kind rather than cruel though one is hurting . That we could be the better person and be kind , noble despite how cruel and unfair life can be at times and persevere. “

“Overtime , he won me over with his effort to connect to me. Luo Binghe taught me many things . He was from the cold docks , had been destined to be an organ flower though thankfully he managed to escape , and grew up begging on the streets .

Despite our differences, Binghe bore no envy and believed that I could rise above what life had dealt me , that I wasn’t my mothers mistake or that I should give up trying to be a good person , my own person just because my father was a great ruler . He taught me that you can change your path. “

“ I decided that I did not want to merely exist as a mere spoiled silly weakling . But to improve the lives of this Citadel’s citizens so no one can suffer what he had gone through growing up . To create a society where one can be free to choose who they want to be and values a person by their actions rather than lineage! “ 

This was met by great cheers .

Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao, who were acting as his bodyguards , smiled conspiratorially over his head . “Yer got the fastest messenger t’ send it to Liu Mingyan? Oi betcha Bingbing would wanna hear he inspired the kiddy’s entire electoral speech.” The oldest Dichan cousin smirked as the slight teenager smiled sunnily.

“Of course not, Ah Fan. I have this little talisman charm you see. Very easily allows me to broadcast everything to her. She was very eager to hear and told me I must send it along as fast as possible so she can announce it at the Conference, it should be sent along right now .”

“Heh. Ah Xiao. ...D’I ever tell ya how lucky I am dat a plain ol’ dope like me attracted someone awesome like ya-Oop!” To Mingfan’s mild shock and great pleasure, the other leapt forward, kissing him on his lips. Both in their own little world, the pair did not notice as Ye chest puffed out in pride , walking over to his son .

He leant over . “ Dichan Shaoye . Do you swear to put the country before self interests ? “ He boomed as he took off the signature head piece the Citadel ruler wore , off his head .

Shaoye trembled with emotion but his voice was steady and determined. “ Yes .”

“Do you swear to protect the Golden Citadel through times of hardship , from strife , from outsiders who might seek to tear down its walls ?”

“ I swear . “

“Do you, lastly , swear to upkeep the peace and uphold justice , for the safety of every citizen here ? “

“Yes !”

With a booming laugh , the crown was placed on Shaoye’s head and loud were the cheers that rang through the country that day .

Dichan Ye swept his son up as soon as they were in private . “ Baba!” Shaoye laughed , wiggling as his father hugged him hard, and felt two other pairs of armsweet as Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao joined them in a celebratory group hug . 

Shaoye tilted his head as he finally noticed something off about his cousin . “Fan-ge? How come your lips are red ? Did someone kiss you ?” “Uhhh-“ Mingfan sweated as Gongyi Xiao sighed , before smiling .

“Infact , Gongyi Xiao - Your lips too ! You mean you guys -“ The pair waited with bated breath . “ You both got bitten on the lips by mosquitoes ?! Yeesh! I need to invent bug spray !” Gongyi Xiao laughed while Mingfan looked at his innocent little cousin and sighed at last . “Yer . “ He eyed the other teenager and winked , “It was a big one , kiddo .”

—

This time the Immortal Alliance Conference was held in complex terrain rising into a thickly forested mountain range. It was called Jue Di Gorge.

Binghe sat in a carriage with the Qin sisters.

Jue Di Gorge covered the span of seven mountains in a chain, rising and falling and all covered with verdant growth. Among them were secret undercurrents, waterfalls and strange rocks, quiet and deep secluded valleys with tall peaks in disorderly confusion. As its name suggested, the terrain brought a feeling of being ‘pressed to an impasse,’ but in the next moment letting someone see a road showed that the heavens wouldn’t seal off all exits.

Additionally to the four great sects, there were uncountable and numerous other small to middle-sized sects. Therefore, the total number of people who registered and gathered at Jue Di Gorge in the end would definitely be above ten thousand.

The formerly silent and cold entrance to the gorge was suddenly filled with an influx of thousands of people. The mountain animals who had never seen people were surprised. On all sides, there was a sense of liveliness and activity.

The rookie cultivators of the Alliance were preparing to stand neatly in an array. Surrounding the mountain gorge was an immense natural stone platform.

There had long since been a high tower put up at the gorge’s entrance for the cultivators who weren’t participating in the Conference to observe everything, the colorful flags representing each sect high up on the roof, open and fluttering. The first-class spot reserved for sect leaders was on the highest floor; since Yue Qingyuan was the sect head of Cang Qiong Mountain sect, he led the group to sit at the highest floor.

This year had no Huan Hua Palace in attendance which was thankful as Qingqiu quite fancied cursing the old bugger for the incident which saw Shaoye traumatized.

The only small surprise was the commentator, also called the Master of ceremonies for this year . Shen Qingqiu snorted as Liu Mingyan, now the head Baizhan peak disciple came up to the podium to read out important news before the Conference officially started , then the rules and arrangements. Many spectators leaned forward to survey the contestants.

Shen Qingqiu too leaned forward, but his eyes were trained on the handsome young man below him along with the other contestants . Luo Binghe.

It was a beautiful day indeed.

Birds are singing, flowers are blooming... 

On such a beautiful day, it was a good time to end a demon’s life.

Notes:

The Citadel gains a new ruler. History has been made. SY miiiiiight have nooooo idea that his little *cough* *cough* *Love confession* speech has been recorded and Bingbing will hewar it. What will Luo Bibghe think about SY's thoughts about him that he even made a WHOLEASS speech about him to the WHOLE OF THE GOLDEN CITADEL? ...Oh yeah. More worryingly, what will SHEN QINGQIU THINK ABOUT THIS? *Gaaaaaaaaaaasp* Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas

Chapter 22: Boo boo da fool

Summary:

In this week's episode , SY broadcasts how much he loves admires Binghe to the whole darn world . Binghe has decisions to make . On this beautiful day , Shen Qingqiu meanwhile contemplates the fine art of murder . Aaaand we all know it , the Abyss beckons . What will happen in this chapter ? Find out !

Notes:

Hiya <3 I also kiiinda changed chapter 17. So you guys might wanna check it out at https://archiveofourown.org/works/29873238/chapters/89068336 . A new character will be showing up pretty soon due to this change. Can anyone guess who they might be, I wonder? ;3

 

“ -The first order of the day is news. Dear spectators and guests , the conference will be starting shortly, so kindly bear with me as I read important news from around the cultivation world as this event is ongoing.“ The jewel on her choker flashed as news was received. Liu Mingyan calmly continued . 

“ Huan Hua Palace has been delisted from the righteous sects after an inspector found it’s leader has gone officially insane and has shown signs of human sacrifice and has been labeled a cult as well as engaging in warmongering-”

The spectators all tutted or murmured in worry upon hearing this . 

“- The Huan Hua Palace Master has gone on the run. As of right now. All deeds as well as management of the sect have been ceded over to Miss Xiao, who has been decided as the next available ruler due to being Lao Gongzhu’s daughter. “

The jewel flashes again.

“- This is just in ! The Golden Citadel has just announced its electoral results and concluded the traditional ceremonial duel, with the winner coming out, also the winner of the votes is popular candidate - Dichan Shaoye .We have received a recording of his electoral speech which we will be playing ! Here are the words spoken by the youngest leader, to rule the Golden Citadel and definitely in this entire land’s history ! And now, the electoral speech-”

There was a crackling noise , then the recording played. Binghe felt tears rise to his eyes in emotion, he should have been there , he was so proud and happy -

“Citizens of the Golden Citadel ... “ His little master - No, his young master’s voice steady and strong rang out, broadcast too to the many sect leaders and powerful cultivators assembled here.

“-My father was the previous Citadel ruler .Yet growing up despite the lap of privilege I was born into, everyone knew the scandal in which my mother stole from the Citadel a priceless artifact for unknown reasons . My father , bless him, did his best to be a single father and continue the hunt for her and said artifact’s retrieval. I grew up in her shadow , and to an extent my fathers great one . I saw no reason to want to be anything better . I was a sickly spoiled and angry child .

“I was raised by my Father and … A washerwoman who found me as a toddler lost and wandering about -“ Binghe’s heart stuttered to a stop.

“-She was a kind soul and hid from me as all mothers do on the hardships she faced. One day this washerwoman introduced me to her son she adopted . A boy called Luo Binghe . “ His heart had started again, only it was now racing along a mile a minute as the crowd around him started to chatter excitedly about this ‘Luo Binghe.’

“ Suffering , plagued and his family unknown, he was treated cruelly by nearly everyone , including I . Now there’s something I understand a little better. To grow up in the shadows of or the absence of both parents, - Of Anger, envy, resentment. To be able to share it with another person… Luo Binghe . Growing up with him I learned that He knew pain like I did -“ 

Shaoye’s voice is filled with so much reverence , so much warmth and respect , that Binghe can scarce believe this was the same child who screamed he was a dumb-dumb daily growing up.

The gentle , quiet feeling that had started when he first met his little master that fateful day , like a stream coming from a crack had always bubbled away , as Luo Binghe’s feelings for his cold, unattainable Shizun blazed like a wildfire , did the calm stream always flow through the forest that was Binghe’s tangled feelings and emotions provide relief, stability and in a crazy and uncertain world.

When the fires of Binghe’s passion for Shen Qingqiu scorched him ... The gentle stream’s trickling reminded him it was there to take succor in it .

But now it was as though a dam had broken and the stream became a river, surging around him , flowing and singing in joy . This unusual feeling- it ached his heart that they were apart. He just knew when the other’s heart came across Binghe’s in its path, every beat was celebrated in the young master’s grace.

“ Yet he showed me through his continuous kindness and patience in response to my cruelty to him that one could still be better than fate dictated , that we are more than our bloodlines or the deeds of our fore feathers . That it takes strength to be kind rather than cruel . That we could be a better person despite how cruel and unfair life can be . “

The boy’s speech clearly had touched many, Binghe looked up to see many learned men, hanging onto the young boy’s words like they were sutras from the heavenly realm.

And not many dry eyes remained in the stadium they were in.His young master was infectious with passion.

“Overtime , he won me over with his effort to connect to me... Luo Binghe taught me many things . He was from the cold docks ,  had been destined to be an organ flower though thankfully he managed to escape , and grew up fighting on the streets .

Despite our differences, Binghe bore no envy and believed that I could rise above what life had dealt me , that I wasn’t my mothers mistake or that I should give up trying to be a good person , my own person just because my father was a great ruler . He taught me that you can change your path. “

Binghe felt shame cloud him at this.

That wasn’t entirely true.

Many were the times he envied Shaoye ,starting out .

Resented their stations in the darkest of times when it seemed fruitless to carry on courting Shen Qingqiu.

Though that darkness was pushed away by the solid , gentle feeling that insisted that if he, Luo Binghe was given a choice to be born in riches and wealth , never suffering a day, engaged to Shen Qingqiu from the get go but never meeting Dichan Shaoye in this lifetime….

Gods above, he supposed this gentle quiet feeling must be madness for he would choose suffering every horror in his childhood, and being born poor and heritage unknown , then the alternative over never having Shaoye in his life.

“ I decided that I did not want to merely exist as a mere spoiled silly weakling . But to improve the lives of this Citadel’s citizens so no one can suffer what he had gone through growing up .”

Shaoye pauses as if shocked he had said that , then ploughs on.

“To create a society where one can be free to choose who they want to be and values a person by their actions and not by the deeds of their parents.! “

The recording ended. There was a stunned silence , then a great cheer reverberated through the crowd.

Pride filled Binghe, he had always known Shaoye could do it.

That the world too would one day see Shaoye through his eyes.

He felt like running back to the Citadel right at this very moment.

But he doesn’t. 

Shaoye is only thirteen. 

Is now a leader, a noble-born son , while he , Luo Binghe -

Well, he loved Shen Qingqiu didn’t he? Wanted to court him.

  Yes, that was safe.

He breathes in , smiles through his tears, whispers with pride .“ Oh, Shaoye . How much you have grown .”

Yue Qingyuan , up high in the stands , smiled too, it brought back fond memories of when he had been chosen as sect leader and of his own speech given. “ Your godson is quite well spoken, you must be so proud, Shidi. ” He blinked in mild concern as at the sound of a fan snapping. Shen Qingqiu glared at the broken weapon in his hands.

“He has no idea of the term self-preservation.” He grits out. “Shidi.” Yue Qingyuan tries, “Shaoye has even defeated his father, your sworn brother in battle . He might not be as powerful as us but clearly he is smart and extremely tactical. Why not try for some faith in him? Besides, what kind of threat does he face that has you so ill at ease that he can’t handle it ? 

” Did you ever have faith in me when I ascended as sect leader?

Yue Qingyuan blinked owlishly as the Qingking peak lord got up, his heart clenched as without so much as a by-your-leave does his martial sibling stalk off to somewhere else in the blackest, foulest of moods.

–

Luo Binghe sneezed. 

Someone was thinking of him. Probably Shaoye. 

Qin Wanyue was busy sharpening her arrows. She had dark eye bags but from oversleeping. “Say, Ah He. How would you theoretically kill a demon , a high level one?”

Ice flooded his heart. “I would …”

“Good . Because I am going to rip her hair out , then her bodice. Then I am going to kick her right in her exasperating , pretty head . That damn Sha Hualing is going down .”

In a heartbeat , his panic dissolved to mild irritation. 

“ Sha Hualing ? I… I may have heard about her . Don’t pay any heed to her , Ah Yue . She is infamous for teasing cultivators through travelling through their dreamscapes . She is likely doing it to get a rise from you .” 

“ Oh . I am paying heed , Ah He . No one calls Qin Wanyue ‘flat’ ! “ She spat and raised the razor sharp arrow to the sun to scrutinize it . “-Not without a sound beating !” “ You’re playing right into her claws, Ah Yue !”

“ ….She has pretty claws , though .”

“What.”

“ I-I mean ! I’m going to chop her claws ! Right off ! The next time we meet for our epic final death battle !”

--

<<Elsewhere, Golden Citadel>>

In the original Proud immortals demons way  , Sha Hualing had a crush on Luo Binghe but here she seemed more interested in trading and fighting . And had expressed distaste despite all attempts to matchmake Binghe to her .

She liked calling him all manner of names like ‘ Nanny-dog.’ Or ‘Cute till he opens his mouth .’ Or even less flatteringly ‘Mother-hen .” To drive this in further , TT chose to chime in at this very moment . 【Sha Hualing: Subverted the female character being a braindead love martyr. B-points +100!!!】

Hualing had seemed far more friendly with Liu Minyan since their first meeting and seemed far more interested in her than a ‘Nanny dog’ .

The young demoness in question had come bearing gifts of congratulations to her trading partner , it was only fair to invite her and her retinue in for tea and a good rest before they headed off .

At present they were seated in the dining room having a very intense discussion about a recent fight that she had won over Liu Mingyan .

Sha Hualing launched into her account of the battle. 

As per a ceremonial battle as a rite of passage for every noble born demon , She had chosen Cang Qiong . Knowing the ties to the Citadel, Hualing had sent a letter beforehand . For some reason , Shen Qingqiu who was acting peak lord master in Yue Qingyuan’s absence had accepted .

Hualing has arrived clad in crimson robes and armor by the golden citadel. She had fought and barely won the fight with Liu Mingyan. She had abided by their rules and goodnaturedly scolded her favored guards- A shamefaced Tian Chui and Elder One arm who instantly and eagerly agreed to be put on Route duty as penalty for losing to Cang Qiong. Route duty was to supervise the Golden Citadel trade route .

Shaoye too was a bit worried about Liu Mingyan . Honourable as she was, it was a known fact she had not forgiven Shen Qingqiu for standing by watching as her brother had a Qi deviation .

While fair and kind still , everyone in their friend group worried about Liu Minyan , rallied around her to support her in these terrible times . But there was only so much friends could do .

Shen Qingqiu had pointed out the young Bai Zhan peak heads disciple and the battle had begun . Mingyan had lost of course but it had been a hard fought battle .

Hualing had offered her a hand up . Mingyan and her … Had something , she had thought . Before the dark day when her brother had been struck by a Qi deviation , they had shared a correspondence about a shared interest in certain forms of literature over the years.

When Liu Qingge had taken ill, over time , her letters to Hualing grew sparser and sparser . Of her original love for romantic belles lettres that they both shared , it seemed to be overtaken by some sort of plan to get vengeance against Shen Qingqiu.

All Mingyan had eyes for was Shen Qingqiu in the crowd, glaring in dark rage, seething in humiliation at being defeated in front of her worst enemy.

 She got up , and walked away , leaving Sha Hualing gazing sadly at her back, hand still reaching out for a bit before the demonic saintess closed it.

“Are you alright ?” Shaoye’s scratchy , concerned voice broke into her pondering. She shrugged.

“ Now don’t you worry about me , Dichan Shaoye . Lao Zi has plenty of pretty faces and hot bods clamoring to get in my bed. And there’s plenty of fish in the sea for me to mourn over could have beens and possible futures . “ Hualing shakes her head proudly , the innumerable bells braided within are Canon to PIDW . 

The armored robes and practical robes she wore then and had just been repaired by Shaoye ? Beautiful , fireproof and made out of the minor Qilin of the North that was a bright red ? Not so canon.

Sha Hualing’s gifts had included rare demonic wasp’s honey in the gifts - That could aid the unblocking of one’s meridiens. 

Shaoye never stopped trying daily to find a way to help his Gan-shu. If Liu Qingge truly could recover his strength back, perhaps he could stop an enraged Luo Binghe from making Gan Die a human stick. 

Maybe, Liu Mingyan would regain her light.

Sha Hualing peered around . 

"Now. I was wondering. Might you know of a snaggle nosed , buck-toothed and flat shrew by the common name of Qin Wanyue?" 

Shaoye blinked , and blinked.

“Ehhhhhh, Hualingg-jie, how did you know of Wanyue-jie?”

“ Ah Shao. Ah Shao. Let me tell you the night I crossed into the pathetic dreamscape wasteland of a boy-crazed, limp-wristed, loser with no boobs~” 

Sha Hualing left in a merrier mood then  she had come in. She now had the coordinates to go rile up said arrow-crazed trollop in real life.

Aah , how red her cheeks got and how her nostrils flared when she brayed at her. Sha Hualing missed the sound of her screeching already and it had been just last night since their last rondeau.

—

<<Jue Di Gorge, Immortal Conference. The stadium>>

And below the highest level, Liu Mingyan concluded the details of the Conference, after letting all the new cultivators be sworn in and officially starting admissions.

Because there were so many people, they went in through twelve different exits in groups regardless of which sect they were from. The participating rookie cultivators all nervously stepped into the bounds of Jue Di Gorge. The event began, the already famous and successful elders on the highest floor remained calm and unruffled in the chaos while idly chatting or eating melon seeds.

How did the people outside know the circumstances inside Jue Di Gorge then?

There were many hundreds of spirit eagles inside the enchantment. The spirit eagles were controlled by special staff to watch. On their claws were silver rings inlaid with a special crystal. When soaring, the entire panorama below was within their view and uploaded to the many crystal screens set in front of the high platform. There wasn’t much difference compared to modern surveillance equipment.

Some people beamed radiantly: “Sure enough, the opening ceremony is number one!”

On the red announcement, the names of the top ten were all in brilliant gold. At this moment, the name in first place had already become the characters for “Liu Mingyan.” It was followed afterward by the number “Thirteen.”

That is to say, within the short span of half an hour ,she had already gotten rid of thirteen monsters and gotten thirteen beads!

Following close behind in second place was …. Was Luo Binghe who had gotten rid of monsters and attained five beads, a distance between them of twice the number.

The crowd gasped and cheered . Luo Binghe ? While he did not hail from any sect, he was the favorite of the new ruler of the Golden Citadel and five kills was a good number!

Behind him appeared two other names, Qin Wanrong and Wanyue , clearly a pair of sisters who had equally gotten a fair four each. This year seemed to be the year of strong women and underdogs!

---

<<Jue Di Gorge, Immortal Conference.Within the barrier>

Binghe quite liked the Qins . Though, he sighed as Wanyue tripped over fawning over yet another handsome boy. “ ...Dare I ask what the count is for her falling in love again?” “55, Da Shixiong!” Wanrong chirped , holding up a scorecard.

Wanyue tried to get up and the others sighed as she sheepishly looked up. “Y’sprained y’ darn ankle, didn’t you, Dajie?” grouched little Qin Wanrong. “Yeesh! What will you do without me?!”

She hopped up and put out a shoulder for her sister to lean on and the pair bickering kept up with Binghe .

Along the way , the small group of three grew to a group of eleven . Other weaker disciples seeing this strong trio , decided to tag along . Not everyone was suited for fighting and tired out , they saw that these three pairs of Golden thighs were good to cling to .

Despite the Qin sisters warning Binghe about being slowed down by these others , the kindly older boy had a soft spot for pampered or unruly younger disciples and allowed them to stay , or as Wanrong muttered in mild disbelief to her sister , it appeared that Da Shixiong actually liked trouble.

Among these closely-following disciples in rank and file, some at this moment were not suited for battle since their developmental conditions weren’t good.

There were also some who had neither learning nor skill, yet were unwilling to withdraw from the competition. They wanted to hug onto Luo Binghe’s thighs to muddle along and win some beads and prestige.

The sisters were not impressed with these extra loads .

After walking for a while, the small monsters that came during the night were mostly resolved just by Luo Binghe moving a finger. His sword didn’t even need to leave its scabbard. Still, people were unable to pick up speed.

The reason?

A Tianyi outlook disciple close to Qin Wanyue started crying loudly: “Aiyo , my feet hurt so much.”

Qin Wanyue was a kind girl and besides the Tianyi outlook disciple was a good looking boy. “Hang in there till we reach a safe zone.” She encouraged him .

Another boy groaned : “But my feet really hurt and I can’t walk anymore! And we walked an entire day without a place to bathe. My body feels so uncomfortable.”

In the team, many were unseasoned disciples even if they claimed otherwise.

Registration could be forgiven, but why did they have to drag people behind?

At the front, Luo Binghe didn’t turn around but his feet stopped. His head lowered and he massaged his temples.

Qin Wanrong who was not as sympathetic, glared at the whining boys . “ Heya, ya great chickens ! Do ya mommas breastfeed the buncha you still ? “ 

Wanyue groaned in embarrassment. “Wanrong. Y-you … sometimes I wish you were the pampered little girl from back then.”

Oddly enough, Wanrong had been pampered from birth but since Luo Binghe fed her stories during their time in Huan Hua about the exploits of Dichan Shaoye, she had become enamoured of his bold exploits .

Wanrong idolized Dichan Shaoye , and pushed herself daily to become hardier than the day before . She had discovered a love for danger and followed everything he said and did like a bible.

Qin Wanyue took another look at Luo Binghe’s back, then whispered: “um. I think we should continue on ...”

“I. Jin Guangran am done with walking like a damn foot Soldier . There’s no pavilions to rest . No amenities nearby-. Hey guys ! There’s a River end up ahead ! Let’s take a little break ! ”

Luo Binghe finally turned around. There was still a little smile on his face, handsome without friendliness, unassailably flawless. He didn’t speak. Qin Wanyue didn’t know why, but she secretly shivered. Wanrong cackled and shot the idiot a triumphant look .

But this Jin Guangran had cotton for brains. Seeing him smile, he took it as his agreement. ‘La la la’ like a sudden breeze, he dashed to said little riverbend nearby.

Luo Binghe was shocked as with a whoop and perfectly fine now , did the Tianyi outlook disciple jump into it .Having led the way like this, many other people followed his example. A group of people just like this began to laugh and make merry.

Wanrong gazed longingly at the water but held back.

“You guys are idiots jumping into the like like that ! Y’ mamas smell like elderberries and your dads are hamsters! “ The little bunch of sour grapes screamed at their answering jeers .

After fifteen minutes and keeping watch like a good watch dog , Binghe noticed Wanrong walking back and forth at a reasonable distance from the riverbend .

He went over , smiling but genuine this time . “What’s wrong ? “

“Da Shixiong! Jin Guangran is a moron !” She pointed to the Tianyi outlook disciple attempting to cartwheel in the water .

“Look at him and his posse! Swimming around in the waters without a care for the myriad of dark beings lurking beneath the waters .”

Binghe sighed at this ,” Now , now . Not everyone has the Beastarium-“

“The Beastarium Completus is only like 10 taels if you get the pirated ones and most of these rich kids are loaded!” Eager to show off the first edition of the Beastarium , she took out the well worn and well kept book , and showed it off .

Binghe smiled , as the girl chatted .

“This is a spring lake . And I observed there was a distinct lack of spiritual energy nearby so I checked the water with three detecting sachets that came free with this book . “

“Sacred sachets ?”

“Yup . I dunno what it is but it has to be big . Maybe a Malingering Tiger turtle spirit ?” Wanrong got up at the sound of three bells lightly ringing but muffled . It came from the lake . Mildly worried and curious , Binghe and Wanyue accompanied the girl who fished out three satchets with bells attached to them .

Binghe’s eyes widened in shock, his smile now wiped clean off while Wanyue cursed softly .

The sachets were black.

That could only mean a high level demonic beast was -

“Everyone get out of the lake ! “ Wanyue jumped on her sword and flew up with the sachets . Most disciples instantly began beating a hasty retreat , jumping on their swords or clambering on shore upon seeing the state of the sachets.

All except for Jin Guangran who stayed splashing in the middle of the lake , and scoffed . “Big deal ! Three black pouches with bells on it ? What’s that mean ?” He hooted unaware of the bubbling of the water near to him . Laughing as the others began screaming and pointing frantically to a-

Binghe had no idea what it was , he regrettably relied on Shaoye always to identify any sacred beasts .

“Nu Yuan Chan !” Screamed Wanrong in great morbid excitement. And instantly , The knowledge he needed to defeat the beast came to him as though Shaoye was next to him, talking passionately about the creature itself...And more importantly , how to defeat it.

Finally Guangran looked behind him and started screaming .

The Nu Yuan Chan was a demonic beast born of the combined resentment of women murdered in lakes and rivers. It seeked new victims . A sneaky creature and intelligent , it’s one weakness was-

“Get the blighter, Da Shixiong!” screamed Qin Wanrong as she held her sister’s hand, transferring qi as her more powerful sister quickly set fire to the creature.

Despite her soft heart, Binghe knew after two years of working with Wanyue that she possessed exceptional purifying abilities and her speciality was summoning a blaze that was infused with sacred energy .

Binghe meanwhile dove , quick as lightning and barely, just barely grabbed the lucky Tianyi outpost disciple and too singed the hairs of the beast. The flames of two experienced disciples was enough to send the creature wailing as it was purified.

The handsome youth dumped the shivering daredevil on the beach . The crowd all broke into cackles as Jin Guangran grabbed the younger teen’s thigh and hugged it tight. “I-I’ll have your babies!” He wailed , to which Wanrong snorted .

” Yeah right, everyone here knows Da Shixiong is engaged to Dichan Shaoye! “ She cackled,dancing away to answering whoops and hoots of agreement. “Why would he wanna do the nasty with ya weak ass?!” 

Binghe watched as a pearl revolved around them both, and it finally , to his non-surprise , went over Wanyue’s head. She had dealt the killing blow .

Qin Wanyue summoned her Night Pearl and raised it high, as though it were a beacon. It awakened those who had frozen in place.

 Her steady and kind voice calmed them : “Martial brothers and sisters, please don’t wander and get lost. Gather in one place and move together!”

 Next to her , Luo Binghe pulled out the standard Immortal Alliance Conference item that everyone received, the emergency firework and launched it towards the sky.

The emergency fireworks were given to the disciples to use in case they came across monsters they had no way to confront. Generally, the Immortal Alliance Conference wouldn’t release monsters that were too dangerous. Using it three times also resulted in an automatic waive. It was therefore used as a last resort during the Immortal Alliance Conference; hardly anyone would use it. But at this moment, many bright fireworks bloomed over the entire sky of Jue Di Gorge, one after another.

Binghe’s heart stuttered to a stop at this sight.

“We need to go.” He said, and without question, the entire band followed them.

It was a very beautiful scene. But now, these fireworks were not only far from being splendid. Instead, they made people feel as though their livers and gallbladders were being torn apart in grief and horror.

Because every firework rising into bloom represented a disciple who was confronted with an extremely terrible monster, his or her life in danger!

One by one, groups of students joined them. Binghe reflected it was lucky nearly everyone had a Beastarium on hand or in their bags as the death and injury count would have been much higher had the book never been published or so widely circulated .

The disciples mostly had stayed together in groups and consulted their Beastariums like a textbook to deal with these higher level demonic beasts .

Wanyue and Wanrong struggled along bravely but many were the others who were fast becoming exhausted.

At this moment.

xi xi suo suo.

A scurrying sound poured from the woods. Luo Binghe’s gaze turned cold. Spiritual power gathered in the middle of his palm, ready to be used.

From the underbrush, louder and louder, came the sound of something moving. As it came closer, people’s hearts came up to their throats. Perhaps it was because they were already terrified to the limit, but no one cried out.

Suddenly, there was a booming sound, like someone falling to the ground. Then, a round object rolled its way out of the underbrush.

That was a human head.

Both eyes in the head were closed, the face covered with blood, the hair as messy as a chicken’s nest. This picture in the original novel was very frightening. But at a time like this, a dead person’s head without any killing power was still better than a man-eating monster. Many people were relieved and let out their breaths.

Qin Wanyue quaveringly said: “……This……this martial brother, does anyone know what sect he comes from?”

Every disciple present drew close to identify the head, and all let out a breath in relief: “He isn’t one of ours.” “Have never seen him before.”

Luo Binghe looked towards the dark, black forest. In his mind, he thought: The head’s here and the body must be nearby. I should go see his clothes and figure out which sect’s disciple he is. He increased the spiritual power in his palm and walked towards the darkness.

“Wait.” Wanrong scampered forth and tugged his sleeve. “ Da Shixiong . Things aren’t right . Look at where the neck and spine should be there … It looks like legs at the base of the severed head , right ?”

“ Wanrong . Binghe is just going ahead to confirm , maybe give the poor body a decent burial -“ Her sister scolded, her soft and kind heart feeling pity at this unfortunate person.

Binghe however paid heed . He looked closely at the head and was stricken with terror.

His mother’s sword , stolen back from Lao Gongzhu , exited its scabbard, cold golden light glowed brightly as he shouted: “Back everyone !”

“It’s a ghost head spider ! “ Wanrong turned to her sister , slipping her hand into the others just as the head that had been peacefully lying crooked on the ground suddenly opened its eyes!

Its angry eyes were round and beheld the many people. From somewhere below the neck, eight long, thin, articulated and barbed spider legs emerged- What Wanrong’s sharp eyes had pointed out and Binghe had seen.

It jumped up while emitting a shrill whistle, like a baby crying.

Just at this moment, a light arrow condensed from spiritual power flew over, piercing through the mouth that was letting out long wails, beating this child that had forgotten itself in joy through to the correct answer!

Wanyue breathed fast as her younger sister held her hand transmitting Qi again for the energy to perform that move . “ I hate spiders .” She muttered , shuddering in disgust.

---“The Ghost Head Spider. Its temperament is irritable, it has hideous features, and uses its baby like cry to attract prey. Once prey draws near, the suckers beneath the head will firmly attach itself to the top of the prey’s head. Its eight legs are sharp and can be directly inserted through the skull to suck at a living creature’s brain fluids.”

Shaoye reads to a disgusted audience. Mingfan ploughs on despite looking green, Gongyi Xiao has not touched his meal . Binghe himself could just force down three bites after Shaoye had decided to do a reading of his book at dinner.

“These things are of demonic origin and unused to the earth and waters of the Human Realm. It’s already been many years since anyone has seen them. If you ever meet one , remember to strike directly at the temples. “ Binghe wonders why his little Master so likes this particular chapter on this beast. --

When from above the heads of the crowd, in the leafy canopy, came a rustling sound.

Several upside-down heads on white spider silk threads emerged from the trees!

The ghost head spider’s cry is used to call to its tribe to encircle prey .

Binghe wished that he had some special move . Mingfan had developed painful Qi based wind attacks from his time at Qingjing . While his aren’t as powerful or effective as his Ming-xiong’s.... They do the job . And what he lacks in experience , he makes up in power and determination .

His mother’s blade sings as it whirls like a dervish , cutting apart dozens of spiders to death and made the Ghost Head Spiders just like overripe fruit, falling -

‘putong’

‘putong’

Is the sound of their diced remains smashing to the ground.

Bringing up the rear of the fleeing group , Luo Binghe met the beasts with such carnage that there was a foul wind and bloody rain. The Ghost Head Spiders’ movements were nimble with strong jumping abilities, flying around and jumping in midair, but Binghe beat them until they were full of holes like a sieve.

Once he knew how to confront the enemy, Luo Binghe was like God lending a hand. Even if he closed his eyes, he would still be able to pierce over two spiders at once. Overhead was carnage, filled with grieving cries and strange shouts.

Still, the numbers were still too many. It would be difficult to deal with even if there was more time.

And more kept coming . Qin Wanyue led the group , Binghe kept batting their foes back while they ran .

But though Luo Binghe was strong , he was not yet an adult cultivator and would tire.

And judging by the sweat pouring from his brow and how his moments were turning sluggish -

Again, it was Wanrong’s love for the Beastarium that saved them . “These trees….”She frowned , stopping at a particularly silvery looking gingko tree. “Who cares about the tree !” Bellowed a frantic Baizhan peak disciple . “ Yeah! Move out of the way and stop blocking it !” Another teenager , this time one sectless .

“Shut up!” Binghe’s yell startled everyone to silence and compliance as she flipped the Beastarium to the section in herbology and botany .

The Pure Million saint ginkgo tree is an uncommon tree that grew around in rings around a certain flower that grew only on holy , consecrated ground -

“Da Shixiong! We must head to the right! Please trust me!” 

// Please trust me ! //

 “Please trust me!” Shaoye screams , fat tears rolling down his cheeks. Binghe fights to get to him but he is too little , too weak,  against armed Guards . All he , Gongyi-Xiao and Gongzhu can do is be taken into the maze . The Huanhua Palace master is saying something to his master . A smug smirk on that wizened face. 

Binghe wants to tear it out. 

Shaoye and him exchange terrified looks a last time, before the mist of the maze claims them.

Binghe chokes back a sob , his feet scrabble uselessly against the dirt of the maze  in a fruitless bid to delay the inevitable as the guards drag all three of them deep into the labyrinth and are left there . 

Their only hope of getting out lies in Dichan Shaoye to find them and for him to get them out . 

Naturally, against all odds , Shaoye had. 

At a terrible cost.

But he had. 

Weary, but determined, Binghe’s movements became like an enraged whirlwind.

The ghost spiders were beaten barely back.

Wanrong led the complaining survivors , past the silvery trees , into a clearing. Binghe was startled to observe indeed that the spiders and many other demons refused to come forth.

Instead, they clamored loudly while continuously retreating until they reached the shrubbery and canopy of the forest and disappeared.

Finally , Binghe released his breath.

Qin Wanyue panted heavily at the side while wondering aloud: “Why are the monsters unwilling to advance further after we came here?”

Wanrong scoffed , stroking a white flower like one would do to a faithful dog . “Thousand Leaf Cleansing Snow Lotus. “ She yawned . “This flower has long abided in the depths of Jue Di Gorge for thousands of years, full of spiritual energy. It is also a natural nemesis towards demonic types. Thus, it has also become a protective barrier to make monsters withdraw. As long as you are within range of its barrier, you will not suffer too many attacks from monsters.”

“We should be safe here.” Wanyue sighed in relief. 

Then , a terrifying bellow echoed through the woods.

Wanrong’s eyes widened in horror as she instantly identified the creature.

“It-Uh oh. Uhhhh, Da Shixiong? Yer energy still up?” The normally daredevil may care girl muttered , getting up and backing away .

“Why? “ Binghe knew whatever that could intimidate Qin Wanrong couldn’t be good .

“That's a Moon Python Rhinoceros cry. Very distinct . It goes Hssssssssss-Eowrghhh. And by the sounds of things…” She gulped .” ... It is hungry.``

Her eyes flew to a certain platform , a fair distance away. “There! That’s definitely temple ruins ! That’s why there are so many holy flora and fauna here! No demon being -Even a Moon Python Rhinoceros will dare come close past it’s barrier walls !” 

“T-that’s too far away! We won’t make it there in time!”

Binghe looked at the others and made a decision.

“Move!” He threw the startled Wanrong to her sister. “Head to the barrier! I will join you all later!”

“Da shixiong ?!”

The python rhinoceros demon - Shaoye’s voice murmured seriously in his memories , as Binghe raced towards the demon . It is attracted to red . And also hates being aggravated .

With a sudden crash, an extremely heavy object smashed through the forest. The trees give way to reveal a pitch-black giant beast.At first glance, the great beast appeared to be some sort of rhinoceros, a single horn curved like the crescent moon atop its head. But, opening its mouth and trumpeting, it spat out a giant scarlet python from its blood-red maw. The rhinoceros’ call mingled with the snake’s hissing cry, creating an especially shocking clamor.

Wanyue’s night Pearl glows bright as she leads the rest to safety , her other hand firmly grasping her protesting little sister’s .

Binghe moves fast . A tree revealed some especially spikey and unusual looking fruit that reeked . It would do nicely .

He flies up the tree and as the beast charges forth , starts plucking off and chucking the fruit at it . As it roared in confusion and rage , he thought of the most certain way to get anyone’s full attention.

 He summons his best impersonation of Shaoye and screams .”Hey , big and ugly ! “

The rhinoceros python demon’s eyes bug at the mocking shriek and fully turns away from the fleeing disciples . “Come and get me ! You stinking ugly piece of turd !!!! “

He runs off in the opposite direction , the creature hot in his heels .

Binghe knew there was a mountain nearby.

And there was where he had an advantage . The python rhinoceros demon had one weakness and that was its horn . So anything that affected it’s sense of smell or Snout area weakened it .

He planned to jump on it and attack its snout . After that - Well, he didn’t have much of a plan really but he at least had a start .

—-

An hour had passed . By now , the various sect heads had arrived to the point where to their relief , most of their disciples and the sect less cultivators , crying , tired , some injured but all present alive had been tallied . Of the thousands , only an unlucky thirteen had died , thirty eight were seriously injured and fifty eight had minor injuries . It could have been so much worse .

“The Beastarium saved us !” “Yeah ! If it wasn’t for it , I don’t know - We wouldn’t have stayed in a group or been prepared to deal with how to combat the dangers .” Wanrong watched as a handsome but cold looking man clad in green seemed to look proud as many similar murmurs of agreement echoed through the crowd. She had heard enough love lorn sighing by Luo Binghe to know this was - “Esteemed Peak Lord , Shen Qingqiu sir !” She ran up , and bowed hastily . “ Your godson saved us all ! Thank you ! Thank you !”

Wanyue cringed . She didn’t like the coldness in the man’s eyes.

But surprisingly, those glacial eyes softened , just a fraction , as the small girl kept her head down but looked up once to give him a cheeky grin .

From what she inferred from Binghe’s fondness for her sister and his constant boasting about his little master - Shaoye resembled her sister in a lot of ways , cheeky , small in size and a love for bullying others .

Wanrong was wearing a set of robes similar to Shaoye even . A set of gold and blue robes that was now a bit tattered .

It seemed that Shen Qingqiu, like Binghe ,liked Shaoye .

The man studied her then Wanyue . “ … Aren’t you two from Huan Hua pace but defected alongside Luo Binghe ?” His voice was neutral.

“Yes ! Da Shixiong went off to fight the big blighter!”

“A big blighter ?” “ A python rhinoceros demon ! It came charging through the forest . Da Shi-sorry , Binghe distracted it so we could escape ! He’s a hero !”

Wanyue studied the man’s eyes and was startled to see a malicious gleam flash in those emerald eyes . // But… Binghe clearly is loved by Shaoye ….. Surely not - //

“Thank you , Miss Qin. I shall go …. Aid Luo Binghe .Where was the last place you saw him ?”

Qin Wanrong trustingly pointed in the direction and with a slight inclination, the Immortal elder was off.

—-

<<Jue Di Gorge, Immortal Conference. The forest bordering the stadium>>

Now began a mass evacuation. As the lucky survivors emerged back onto the reassuring stadium , the Qin sisters had time to spare as they waited for news of Binghe . Wanyue had a bad feeling in her heart about Shen Qingqiu finding Binghe and guilt wrestled with her devotion to her younger sister’s safety but as fond as she was of Luo Binghe ... Wanrong always came first .

Devotion had won .

Right now , Wanyue had decided that they were in a safe environment to allow her sister to burn off some energy by exploring around the perimeter bordering the stadium . Bailu mountain loomed in the distance . The thick stretch of woods went from thither on as it buffered the stadium .

And all kinds of things lurked in the woods like the small snake the sisters found trapped in an cultivator’s array , struggling away .

“Aw . “ It didn’t take long for Wanrong to disable the trap , it sapped the qi of demonic creatures . Likely the snake had probably been much larger but had become much smaller to conserve life force as it lost Qi to the array .

Wanyue sighed as Wanrong gently picked up the small snake after putting on some thick gloves

“You a hardy little thing aren’t you ?” She grinned fearlessly . The snake hissed in confusion at the reaction .

“Wow . '' She opened her mouth in surprise .“ Yer eyes are beautiful. And y’scales like a rainbow . I betcha Dichan Shaoye would have loved to catalog you !” The snake seemed to blush , which was weird because how could any mere snake show such sentience and be trapped in a demonic array unless-

“ Of course it’s a demon . “ Snapped Wanrong at her sister’s expression . “It’s sentient , has beautiful ass eyes and sweet scales plus it’s radiating demonic energy . Also it’s highly lethal as seen from the venom that has scorched the ground where it was trapped . Nice defense , bub . Thanks for not choosing to drip it over me ! Heya , since you’re a demon and all . Could you do me a favour n’ head in over to Jue di gorge and check on my pal , Luo Binghe ? -“ She rustled through her pockets , and the contents were - several sticky sugar candies , a rock , a cushion that farted when you pressed it , and a portrait of three disciples .

To be more exact , of the Qin sisters and Luo Binghe on their first day back at the Golden Citadel together .

Wanrong pointed to the boy and smiled as the snake nodded after a while .

“- I mean , Peak Lord Shen is going to save him but maybe they could use some backup and hey ! Maybe he n’ Da Shixiong can learn that some demons are good , like humans actually . “

The snake hissed and actually nodded its head !

Wanrong gasped . “Thankies, Probably-is-a-demon snake ! You are awesome !”

“Wanrong !” Her poor older sister groaned in horror as the girl let the snake go . And quick as lightning it darted off to the direction of the stadium .

—-

<<Jue Di Gorge, Immortal Conference.Within the barrier>

As he was chased up the mountain , there was a rumble. Binghe screamed as he dodged narrowly, a brutal charge by the creature and avoided stumbling as a quake shook the earth.

Before his wide eyes, the cause of the rift was revealed….The mountain top split, and heat poured out as what appeared to be a huge gorge opened forth. A rift had opened. But not any rift, intense demonic energy poured forth. Binghe did not have time to ponder, he had a demon to slay.

Lesser demonic beings seemed to seethe from within the rift , but hesitated to emerge as the two powerhouses clashed.

Binghe swung the sword around as he charged the beast as well as mimicking the movements he had seen Wanrong do earlier on to take out the first ghost spider demon .

An arrow, infused with holy energy and borne of Binghe’s qi - hits the demon’s nostril. The creature screamed and reared up, giving the slight boy a chance to slip under his front legs.

Swift footed, Binghe dodged a wild swipe from the beast and slashed the sword across the beast’s foot. It tore through the thinner scales and blood seeped out onto the ground. Binghe readied for another blow, but the python rhinoceros demon recovered enough to move out of the way. It bent its head down and snapped at him. Binghe dodged it and brought the blade down across the beast’s maw. The python rhinoceros demon shrieked in pain, shaking its head as the youth sped back to the dragon’s back legs.

Binghe had struggled so much in his young life, yet for some reason a strange power seemed to sing beneath his veins as he sprinted around the beast, striking it. Never before had he been pushed like this, even at Huan Hua Palace.

There was a huge tree , and he ran around it. The python rhinoceros demon charged straight on-

The tree was smashed to splinters sending shards of wood and clumps of dirt flying.

Binghe ducked as a large branch speared the ground next to him.

But just as the python rhinoceros demon rumbled forth , Binghe scrambled faster to a huge boulder, flying behind the temporary shelter as it hit the rock.

The stone shuddered and blasts of the onslaught of venom spilled out from the edge of the boulder . The boulder shuddered but held firm. Suddenly, pain flared up Binghe’s arm. He smacked his arm to find a portion of venom splashed on it -burning pain took hold.

Binghe screamed in pain , tearing away his sleeve as the liquid ate through his clothing. He winced as the affected skin throbbed.

Frustration built up seemed to boil. He wasn’t powerful enough , his qi actually was near used up, despair sang a duet with this dark anger. Was he going to die here? - Oddly enough, he thinks of Shaoye , waiting at the Citadel for him. And the promise he had made that last evening at the Citadel , before night fell and the test he had endured with Shaoye,

// -”Come home safe to me.” Shaoye’s eyes gaze on the floor, his fists clenched with worry. He looks up after a moment, those almond eyes swirling with some unknown emotion. “Promise me. You will come back safe to me.”

- That gentle , certain feeling surges through Binghe at this as he grips the copy of the Beastarium in his arms that Shaoye had foisted upon him.

“I promise.” The older boy vows. //

No.

This was Binghe’s last conscious thought as a burning sensation- the strange power seemed to crawl up to his forehead.

Thomp.

Thomp.

THOMP.

The boulder splintered and exploded into many pieces as the beast lumbered forth. It paused at the young man kneeling on the ground. Something about him was...Off. It paused right mid gallop and observed the youth.

Luo Binghe, who had gone berserk with the need to kill, didn’t know that. He only knew that he had a strong headache, almost making him kneel on the ground. His entire body churned with a savage impulse he had no way to expend. Conveniently, with a toss, the demonic energy surrounding him, building up , finally exploded as though from the barrel of a cannon towards the beast .

Loud, agonized was the demon’s shrill scream as the blast was actually powerful enough to send the beast careening and right into the rift.

Experiencing a fierce battle, half-kneeling in the midst of ruins, Luo Binghe’s two eyes looked blank but about to tear apart anything at any moment. Pondering for a moment, the inside of his brain now was like a volcano dormant for twelve years suddenly erupting all at once, the blood flowing through his blood vessels like magma.

On his forehead , glowing bright ruby red was a strange marking in the shape of a flame.

Notes:

The Immortal Alliance Conference begins , and slowly the cogs of fate start to roll . Binghe and the Qin sisters have engaged in offering haircut services ; spider killing , and now Binghe attempts his best impression of a matador . He also gets a free magical girl transformation ala the grand seal breaking . Will he persevere against the stacked odds even with this power up ?! Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas!!!!

Chapter 23: Goodbye to a World

Summary:

Get ready for pain :) lots and lots of pain :) I honestly cried writing this chapter. Like full on bucket tears :( the next chapter made me cry too :(I hope you guys like it !

Also @SpeaksInRiddles, if you see this, thank you so much for your comment on my throwaway chapter 23, which I unfortunately received after deleting the chapter through my email. <3 I will confirm nothing as it is major spoilers ;3 But this chapter will definitely confirm your theory ? I really wanna say, I do appreciate you debunking it so quickly and congrats! It really makes me happy to read this :)

Notes:

In this week's episode ....The long awaited abyss arc arrives. But no one is ready for it. Will Shen Qingqiu spare or show no MERCY towards his former disciple ? Find out!

Slowly but surely, the agonizing pain subsided. Binghe felt -Different. It was odd, but it felt a seal of some sort had been removed.

He felt a sense of certainty , an odd sense of becoming who he was meant to be . This realization and surprise was quickly interrupted for he senses someone approaching, someone powerful, someone hostile...He turns around.

There was -Disgust ((Oh, how Binghe’s heart sinks further on seeing that emotion brought front and centre.)) ...And oddly fear In those emerald eyes.

“Luo Binghe. “ There is cold loathing in his former Shizun’s hiss and rage as the immortal clenched his fists, knuckles white. “Over my dead body you will return to the Citadel to contaminate my sworn brother and godson with your filthy presence! “

There was an electric anger in his gaze, a challenge that made Binghe tremble like a sheep before a wolf.

Shen Qingqiu took a step forward, fire light reflected from the fires from the rift behind Binghe , making it seem like the gems he wore seemed tinted blood red.

“How long have you been cultivating demonic techniques?”

Once these words were spoken out loud, Luo Binghe felt as though he’d dropped from a high altitude into a bone-chilling pond. Even if he didn’t want to be conscious, there was no way.

He saw Shen Qingqiu’s face cold as ice and frost, and his heart plummeted .

He whispered: “ Shizun , this disciple can explain.”

Although Luo Binghe was still an adolescent, he was always composed and calm, with an old head on his young shoulders. This time, an expression of alarm and bewilderment could actually be seen on his face as he hurriedly wanted to explain, but didn’t know where to start.

The peak lord snapped: “Shut your mouth!”

At these harsh words. Luo Binghe had also been scared into falling down, just like a child that had been struck, confused and ignorant. His dark black eyes just stared at him like that, his mouth obediently shut.

Shen Qingqiu relentlessly fixed his gaze on him without softening, dully enunciating his words: “From when did you start?”

“……Two years ago.”

‘Very good.” Was the venomous whisper . “You treacherous former disciple of mine , you actually hid this from me and the Dichans for so long!’

Shen Qingqiu considered : “Two years. “ He sneered . “No wonder you advanced by leaps and bounds to this degree. Luo Binghe, Luo Binghe, you are worthy enough. You truly have a natural talent.”

In an instant, the boy knelt down in front of Shen Qingqiu. That prone beaten form- It blurred as the flames from the rift behind them flickered, for a moment it was him, Xiao Jiu, kneeling down and begging Young Master Qiu to let him go, Red fire light on Xiao Jiu’s face as the flames over the ruins of Qiu Manor dance higher and higher-

He waved his sleeve and spat : “Don’t kneel to me!”

Luo Binghe was forced by the movement of his sleeve to retreat some steps, stunned as though his six vital organs had trouble working.

Did he not even have the privilege of kneeling to Shizun and asking for forgiveness anymore?

No . A small voice whispered. You never did. Fool you were.

You stood no chance in the first place,

“Spare me . “ Binghe does not recognize the terrified whisper but he realizes that it came from him when he hears the whisper break down into soft sobs that were coming from his own mouth.

Why did he get the same feeling of terror upon seeing Shen Qingqiu - The same as that pretty Jiejie who he had followed back to her den then who kept him as an organ flower back at the docks?

He knows now. I t is the look of utter disdain and hate on that beautiful face .

History repeated itself, life was a harsh mistress in drilling lessons into one’s head. But he was so blinded by beauty , that he forgot to look beneath the surface till it was far too late.

The peak lord thought for a moment, then laughed; a wicked, empty sound.

“ Spare you?! Even if you were an ordinary demon. I would have gutted you and left you for dead. “ He bared his teeth.

“You are half Heavenly Demon. This family has always killed countless people in the Human Realm. They have caused countless sins, no matter how things are said. They cannot be mentioned in the same breath as other demons.”

Personally hearing Shen Qingqiu speak like this broke his hopes, his heart. From his eyes, tears fell down like a broken string of pearls.

Shen Qingqiu’s gaze went straight through his figure, as always  “I will see to it that you will not sully this earth further with your presence, mixed-blood. ”

That cold and resolute expression towards him was now amplified by a thousand-fold. Even back then when he had first entered the Cang Qiong Mountain sect and he wasn’t in Shizun’s eyes, his gaze when he looked at him had never been so hollow, as if nothing was there.

No . Binghe felt terror fill his heart as snarling, his Shizun walked forth, the terrified youth backed and backed- Till he squeaked as he felt earth crumble beneath him, he had been backed to the edge of the rift.

He ...He- He wanted to go home! Heartbroken sniffles bubbled and burst out from his throat as he held out Su xiyan’s old sword , now splintered in defense - One strike would be all it would take to shatter it.

He wanted Shaoye to hug and assure him like when he was just nine again that it was a bad dream. 

This nightmare however was his reality.

And there was no Shaoye anywhere near. Even if Shaoye sensed his cry now, and rushed here, it would be too late.

No one to save him.

He stood alone, teetering to the edge.

Against a man he had once wanted to court.

Only now did he realize how foolish he was thinking that he might ever stand a chance of courting the frosty peak lord as Qingqiu paused, then sheathed his snow-white blade. “I am not going to sully my blade with your dirty blood. “

He raises his palm , and like a star does Qi start to gather in his palm , glowing white hot . His intent is clear , he will strike the now weakened Binghe down into the abyss .

As if in slow motion , Binghe watches as the Peak lord releases the qi. The way those chilling emeralds flash in vicious satisfaction-

“Goodbye , little beast .”

Regrets as heavy as Mount Tai piling up, Binghe closes his eyes, not wanting to see anymore of the man , but to apologize wholeheartedly to the one person who meant the world to him.

“ Young master. I have been blind and a fool to crown all fools.“

A blinding white hot pain like the bursting of a galaxy, the exploding of a star bursts across his chest.

“-I’m so sorry. I don’t think I can keep my promise in this life.”

The agonizing pain spreads across his body, he can feel blood spurt out of his mouth at the impact-

“If the gods are kind. Perhaps in another lifetime…”

Binghe feels the earth he is standing on crumble , and he is falling down…. Down…. Down …..

Sweet darkness greets him .

“..Another lifetime .I swear to never wander away again and stay by your side -”

And the last coherent thoughts are these words.

“-Forever, for a lifetime and beyond.”

--

The stadium was in chaos. 

Wanrong had not stopped crying since her Da Shixiong was announced as one of the deceased.At present, they were resting in the shade of a  huge tree , a bit far from the hustle  and bustle of the other participants.

 It was quiet. Wanyue felt ill at the thought of of having to be in the presence of the Peak lord who might have murdered Binghe or caused his disappearance.

The older Qin sister felt numb and to be honest…A little suspicious. Binghe was one of the strongest people she knew , but definitely the craftiest . Many a time, back in Huanhua Palace, she had seen him take down foes far stronger than him by determining their weaknesses within seconds, devising a plan within a blink of an eye and striking them without quarter. 

Something …Just wasn’t right. There was no body to be found and the way Luo Binghe had been declared as dead without even a search party conducted spoke of a hasty coverup. Plus,the way that Peak Lord had acted also was awfully fishy.Things were not as they seemed. 

She rubbed her twisted ankle, and squeaked as she attempted to put weight on it . It had puffed out to an angry blue black bruise after much aggravating it. Wanrong sat next to her , hiccuping in misery. They both jumped as a loud voice shrilled. 

“There you are!”

Wanyue yelped as an unfamiliar girl, clad in red, bounded up. There was something annoyingly familiar about her from her saucy smirk , and that shade of lipstick she wore . 

“ Uhm. Sorry, I don’t think we’ve met?”

The smirk curled up into a teasing , wide grin. Alarm bells were starting to ring in her mind. Surely not-

“Your tits look even flatter than in the dreamscape, green bud*. Whassamatter, can’t recognize your worst foe even if she’s wearing a disguise, Tiny Tits?”

Her eyes bugged out. 

That irritating voice alike the buzzing of a mosquito. That saucy smirk. That gaudy shade of red that she favored even in this disguise. The sound of many silvery bells as a pair of slim legs sahayed towards her. That braying laugh that echoed through her dreams….

“SHA HUALING.” She roared. 

Sha Hualing let out a delighted peal of laughter , danced easily out of punching range as the enraged older sister sent a deadly strike of Qi energy that obliterated an ancient camphor tree in an instant. Wanrong yelped as bits of wood flew everywhere.

“Get your pancake ass over here , for me to give it the beating it deserves!” Sha Hualing paused as a pained hiss came from the other girl when she tried to get up. “Oi. What happened to ya ankle? You tripped on your own drool after salivating after Bingbing’s fine ass?” 

“Da Shixiong’s dead!” Wanrong wailed , bursting into tears again. “He’s not dead!” Two voices yelled in unison. Ruby eyes met startled gold,and quickly looked away from each other. As Wanyue sputtered , the other girl marched forth towards her little sister .

“What happened?” The demoness asked, serious and yet , sympathetic. She squatted down to meet her eye to eye as the sobbing child updated her on the events that had transpired.

“-Y’really think Da Shixiong’s not dead?” Wanyue asked at last . 

“That rabid Nanny dog?” Sha Hualing snorted, scratching her neck idly.  “As long as Shaoye still breathes, even if Luo Binghe were dead , he would likely find a way back from the pits of the Afterlife back to his baby’s side. That guy lives and breathes on ‘Perfect Young Master Shaoye’ alone. No. This stinks of sabotage. You said the last place you saw the Mother Hen was …''She jerked her head over at the stadium. “...Within there? Got any landmarks , kid?”

“Uhn! There’s the ruins of a Holy temple, and before it was a field of snow lotuses! Da Shixiong ran in the opposite direction , leading the Black moon python rhinoceros away from us!”

“Opposite... That’s Tianya mountain. Huh.”

“Huh what?”

“Huh. That’s where a portal to the Endless Abyss is. It’s often closed up but sometimes it opens.Silly Bingbing maybe accidentally fell in while he was fighting that beast y’described.” Hualing chuckled. Wanrong looked relieved upon hearing this, grasping as a drowning man would at straws. “Really?” 

“Cross my heart, kid. “ Sha Hualing vowed, patting the small girl on the back.``I’ll head down under and find that silly puppy .”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” The demonic saintess clasped her breast,  mock-swooning as though wounded by her foe’s words.   

“Aw ye of little faith….Is that a challenge, Tiny-tits? And you trust me to keep it? You who keep going on , of demons being born-liars? ” There was something odd, Wanyue thought, about Sha Hualing’s eyes,how intense and mesmerizing they were. She could gaze into them forever and never get tired of how the tiny flickers of red sometimes permeated the black.

"Never.But if you bring Binghe back ... I'll say you'll have earned it regardless." Wanyue haughtily admitted, even as the demoness started cackling like a chook. 

 "I'll be holding you to your word, Wanyue ."

With a grin, she unwrapped the red silk belt around her waist and with a single wave of it, the demoness vanished before eyes , vanishing into a wind carrying crimson camellia blossoms .  

The wind whipped petulantly around an indignant Wanyue who started sneezing at  the overpowering fragrance for a moment, then it  carried up, up , and away to Tianya mountain.

The Qins watched till the blossoms were no longer visible.

“Jiejie…What do we tell Shaoye?”

That sobered Qin Wanyue,  who sighed.

“We give him the so-called bad news first. It’s more cruel to give  him false hope.”

—-

<<Endless Abyss. Starting point >>

Binghe coughed . His bones were surprisingly not shattered . The youth felt like death warmed up but he wasn’t dead . The pain , the itchy throat ,the crusty eyes told him that he lived .

What greeted his eyes when he opened them made him squeak .

Foul mists curled and smoked from bubbling pools of magma . The reek of the smog hung stifling in the still air. Mountains of pure tar loomed around the youth ,rugged clouds floated above dangerous mist-bound pools of lava .

The shrieks of unknown beasts echoed through this miserable place . Huge winged ogre-like beings capered through the air , the only sound they made was the flapping of their immense wings .

Towering mounds of bones , immense cones of earth fire-blasted and acid-stained, standing like an obscene graveyard in endless rows, slowly revealed in the reluctant light of the magma that oozes through the cracks . Between them crawled and oozed slimy and likely deadly small creatures .

“ The endless abyss . According to reports by the first Cang Qiong sect leader , Lan Xihe and the third Nu Yuan Clan leader , Xiao Ruyuan of the year 10 , Xi generation. The so-called Endless Abyss is an empty space at the junction between the Human Realm and the Demon Realm.

As a transitional space, the Endless Abyss was full of the dangerous and unknown, full of twisted and rent spatial whirlpools and fiery magma. The end of the abyss , despite the name , endless , does have a ‘floor’ . The endless bit is how long it goes on for, length wise .” Shaoye had repeated this chapter several times to Binghe , he seemed fascinated by this volume and insisted on reading to his faithful friend who wondered why his little master could not pick a more pleasant topic . The afternoon light filtered through the windows lit up Shaoye’s cherubic features that were marred slightly by a fierce frown as he glared down at the contents of the book he held as if the pages had offended him. Then he looked up at the older teen with almost it seemed, desperation.

“Binghe-ge! This is important ! The Endless abyss can be opened from time to time by the odd Python Rhinoceros demon that is sent out by the Mobei family which rears these creatures . Many are the unlucky cultivators who fall into the rift that leads to this Endless Abyss . It can happen anywhere , mostly where there is determined to be an influx of spiritual energy used by Righteous Cultivators !”

Lost in memory, Binghe did not notice the lack of pain or what had saved his life till something cool and dry shifted against his right palm.

His breath hitched in dread .

The slender youth looked down and nearly screamed .

What had cushioned his fall were thousands of snakes .

But as he stood up and screamed , oddly enough they didn’t seem malicious despite the great racket he was making , plus they were lovely and cool . 

Even though Binghe truthfully wanted to poop in his pants . He didn’t like snakes .

A deafening bellow of some unknown beast echoes through the abyss . Suddenly the bustle goes deadly silent . The snakes start to move , the ones closest to his feet pushing against them frantically . They clearly were sentient and were not antagonistic . He was worn out and was not looking to become a snack for some demon.

Binghe did not stop to find out what it was , he followed the fleeing snakes to wherever they intended him to follow .

—

<<Jue Di Gorge . The forest bordering the stadium .>>

A tiny snake watches as more people pour out of the stadium . Horses and carriages come . First priority are the injured and dead . Then the survivors get on and are carted away .

He watches the crying sisters take a cart with the green clad cultivator and watches still as the cart moves on its way . Till it is a small dot in the distance along with thousands others homeward bound. Till all are gone .

The tiny snake then starts to slither back to the earth. Many other similar snakes follow its lead.

Down, down they burrow.

They slither underground . Down , down they slide to their master .

Deep underground, unrelenting , determined.

The bottom of the Endless abyss is a dark, horrible place, full of feral demons and beasts but the snakes are many and small, and clearly long term residents . Their bright green scales inform any with sense that they are venomous.

The snakes are fast , they are speedy , the demonic beings take no care of them , clearly the familiars and underlings of a high ranked demon .

They continue onwards, till the leader of the troupe reaches a thin pale arm and - melts into it.

The thin pale arm belongs to a man clad in dark green robes that have an iridescent sheen to them . Despite the myriad of dangers, the various beasts and demons give this fragile youth a wide berth.

Zhuzhi Lang closed his eyes as the memories merged with his . Relief fills his heart . His benefactor was safe and now he could see to it his promise to her was kept . Turning around , he calmly starts off in search of Luo Binghe .

His familiars had found the boy and brought him to safety. And it appeared there was a guest with them too. He got the faintest sense of being watched , he doesn’t react outwardly but collects enough venom , regurgitating , collecting more till his cheeks brim with the poison before quick as a viper , spitting it at where the spy was.

A thin thwarted wail followed by the smell of something burning.

Zhuzhi Lang is intrigued enough to turn around to see an eye of fire melting away . He filed away that knowledge. //Intriguing. I thought the Phoenix Immortals were all dead. And yet there’s a survivor ? ...I will have to report this threat to Junshang . //

—-

<<Unknown location.>>

Pain . Pain so terrible it felt scalding acid had been flung across both his eyes, making him shriek from the agony.

The eye he had formed out of the fires of the Abyss to spy on Binghe had been affected by a poison by an unknown demon.

He could reconstruct one within a week … He hissed as acrid blood oozed from both his eyes . Scrap that . Maybe a month was needed . Maybe more .

Qiu Jianluo just needed to obtain proof that Luo Binghe was alive to set the final stage of his plan into motion.

Demonic allies aiding the little brat or not .

—-

<<Unknown location.>>

Lady Meiyin of the succubus clan sighed. 

“ You likely will never walk again.” She told the visitor she had least expected to show up, after years of disappearance . Word about this person’s fall from already precarious grace due to  circumstances of said disappearance had even reached her down here. “-Infact, it is amazing you are even alive.” 

Someone looked at her and shrugged.

“Oh well. I just need to recharge my Qi before heading off-”

“You.” Meiyin drew herself to full height , to which someone raised her hands in surrender. The  other succubi sisters were  busy brushing someone’s hair, which was long, wavy and a dark brown, to some semblance of care.  “Are not going anywhere for a year at least. Your spiritual veins are a mess after a decade and more of self cannibalizing your own Qi to stay alive in that secret realm hence the state your legs are in! You got the flower, alright .  But at what cost?!”

“I need to fulfill a debt.”

“You….Urgh. What is done, is done, I suppose. Nonetheless,  you are staying here, you hear me? We aren’t monsters, take it as a small holiday. Rest, plenty of  food that I shall send my sisters to procure for mortals to eat , and catch up.” She glared at  someone. “And not one word about anything about payments, you hear? Tang Ahyi was a  dear friend of mine. And I consider you a friend as well!” 

Someone concedes  with a defeated nod of her head.

Meiyin tilted her head , easing herself into a nearby settee, eyes still trained on her guest. 

“Now, how did you even escape that accursed place?”

“A man opened the secret realm, I managed to get out, and the passage led to here where the  first person I thought of seeking out was you. They were using the core of a  Phoenix Immortal.”Someone’s  face creased in worry.  “-Likely to steal a body and do a body swap to become a Phoneix Immortal. “

Meiyin tensed in worry. “I thought finally the last of that accursed heavenly clan died out at Huanhua Palace.  If they succeed ,we will be back at square one.” Someone shrugged. “Evil always rises, the night always will come. All we can hope is that the light of day will soon follow to chase the shadows away.”

“ Oh! That reminds me, talking about the light chasing away the darkness and all that.You are going to be so proud when I tell you this!”

“Let me guess, it  is something to do with the Golden Citadel.” Someone states , smirking slightly as Meiyin pouts at having her surprise ruined, though the succubus happily resumes their chat.

“Oh ho ho. Well,even you won’t believe who won the recent elections and beat Dichan Ye in  the ceremonial battle!”

Meiyin committed the way Someone’s mouth fell wide open when she told someone who had recently become leader of the Land of the Golden Spires, to her memory.

All in all, it was a wonderful day.

—

<< The Golden Citadel, the Luo River Centre>>

Liu Qingge blinked in joy as strength seemed to surge through his veins . He summoned Cheng Luan on a whim and it’s billowing power reverberated through the air . The seemingly delicate young master clad in the robes of a patient smiled then- The blade clattered to the floor .

The source of the Qi powering the blade had been cut off.

Mu Qingfang sighed . “I told you not to strain yourself . Told you . But does anyone listen to me ? Nooooo-“ He muttered as he moved forward to help Qingge to the bed.

The wasps honey had shown some promise .

Time would tell if Qingge would eventually regain his strength. Still he was grateful to be alive even . Shaoye, who was in the room with them, grinned . “ Liu Gan Shu is so strong and Mu Gan Shu is so wise!” He cheeped . Liu Qingge snorted “ Flattery won’t get you anywhere near Cheng luan -Awk!” Mu Qingfang smiled sweetly , moving back , his elbow used to jab at Liu Qingge square in the ribs shifted under its robes .

“ What your Liu Ganshu means in his special constipated way , that he is grateful and appreciates the hundred headed spear mouthed wasps honey you have managed to procure for him that has proven greatly beneficial for his treatment . “ he narrowed his eyes at his sweating martial brother in mild threat .

“....And possibly he might be amenable to allow you to hold it. Once the wasp’s honey has taken affect and his condition seems to have stabilized .”

Those eyes narrowed now to slits .

“... Under controlled conditions.”

Shaoye looked at poor Liu Qingge and almost felt sorry for him. Mu Qingfang was a gentle , but strict soul with a hidden scary side . If there was any of his martial uncles and singular aunt he was afraid of and respected immensely, it would be the Peak lord of Qian Cao .

He had once seen the peak lord slam dunk a recalcitrant burly patient thrice his size back into his bed and sedate him with a single tap at his acupuncture points .

There was a great hubbub outside that seemed to be getting closer - The patter of running footsteps ...

Shaoye blinked as the two red eyed girls rushed and hugged him. The Qin sisters who had left with Binghe .

As they sobbed and blubbered over him like two distraught children would to a teddy bear for comfort . Shen Yuan’s heart sank though Shaoye acted confused for the most part.

They were clearly distraught , Binghe was not here with them , which meant ….

“A demon , Black moon Python Rhinoceros demon, flung Luo Binghe right into a rift it came out of .”

Lo and behold , his godfather - the culprit who flung Binghe down , gods , he wanted to puke , Binghe was only seventeen , had so admired Shen Qingqiu too, why? WHY did you choose to fling him down even though he was no longer your student anymore and only adored you ? - Shen Qingqiu saunters in.

In his hands are the shattered remnants of the sword Binghe had brought to the Conference with him .

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widen as Shaoye collapses.

He takes no note of the narrowed and furious eyes of Wanyue who looked into those eyes of his, the way he moved so confidently and with pride just now into the room.

She had her doubts, but this behavior only proved her suspicions right.

He spared no thought about his godson who loved Binghe and lied to her little sister, making use of her naivete to kill her good friend- Her crush .

Selfish. Cruel. She had seen one man similar, the tyrant who she once served.

But she deflated. But what could she do? Binghe was stuck below. Below till Sha Hualing got to him. 

She wasn’t the only one . Liu Qingge watched his martial brother with narrowed eyes .

“He was swaggering . “ He carefully observed after Shen Qingqiu had brought Shaoye and the two girls back to the manor . Mu Qingfang sighed ”... Yes he was . Still , what can we do ? The boy is dead and is practically nobody at the time of his death other than being the winner of the conference .”

Indeed . Liu Qingge deflated upon hearing this,  and sighed . The old Liu Qingge would have run off swinging his sword to fight Shen Qingqiu . Now though ….

“What can we do ?”

“Do you want to start a war ? “ Mu Qingfang asks , voice oddly blank . “Do you think Shaoye or Luo Binghe whom I keep hearing how kind was - Who held off a Black moon Python Rhinoceros demon for the group of survivors would be happy if you seeked justice on their behalf that would bring more suffering and fracturing the Twelve peaks?” Mu Qingfang asks , voice oddly blank .

His gaze softens as he turns to look at Liu Qingge. He places his palm over the Bai Zhan Peak lord’s in soft comfort .

“What we can do is be kind to and support Shaoye in this terrible time .” At the same time, thunder chose to rumble. A flash of lightning streaked across the quickly darkening sky.  Quickly, rain started to pour, appropriately as though even the heavens were mourning the deaths at the Immirtals Alliance Conference today.

“Well. Well, when it rains-” Qingge slumped his head on Mu Qingfang’s shoulder . “-It pours, doesn’t it, Qingfang?” 

—-

 

Notes:

Pain and more pain for the next few chapters. Bingbing's fall is the start of lotsa trouble. Bunches n' bunches await. What kinda trouble? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas

Chapter 24: Knock Knock Get the door it's GRIEF

Summary:

In this week's episode , the loss of Binghe is felt keenly by nearly everyone . Grieving , the sads and just general mourning abound here . What will happen in this chapter ? Find out !

—-

The Immortal Alliance Conference this time was the drama-ridden one since its inception.

What had upset most of the participants and participating sect leaders was this - How could high level demon beasts sneak into the monsters shipped to Jue Di gorge ?!

Luckily , the casualties from the conference were surprisingly little from this accident . The total death count was a surprising 50 unlucky with a total of 137 seriously injured and 167 with minor injuries . All survivors credited the Beastarium Completus for preparing them to deal with the beasts and a large number of the survivors too credited Luo Binghe for holding off a terrifying demon to ensure their escape.

Originally, being on the gold ranking board was a joyous thing. But most of the participants on the gold ranking board were somber as they received their prizes .There was the name hanging high above at first place: Luo Binghe of the Golden Citadel .

Everyone who personally knew Shaoye , were all cautious as though avoiding a thunder strike, afraid of touching that most painful thread in the young master’s heart.

They all thought that after time had passed, there would be a gradual change. Who knew that, even time passed - Things didn’t .

The windows of every household in the Golden Citadel was covered with white curtains for a year . Luo Binghe was given a full hero’s funeral even though his body had not been found and a tablet placed next to Ah Yi’s in the Manor room where she and Binghe had stayed.

Oh. Shaoye still performed well . Infact almost too well . He threw himself into his work . 

Inventions flowed like water as did the revenue into the Citadel , festivals went off without a hitch as did the innumerable talks with neighboring settlements . Trade continued to be going smoothly . 

But when he did his public appearances , it was a sad eyed , wisp of the formerly vivacious and fiery youth who had taken the nation by storm . 

Ai. The ruler was grieving over his lost love .

——-

Time passed.

Shaoye hustled and bustled . 

There was work to be done, there was a minor case of flooding and cases of drought in parts of the  settlement . Overseeing plans and proofs of an irrigation canal resolved the flood and the drought . 

Building it took time . 

Then there was a never ending list of things to do . Overseeing annual festivals , rites to pay tribute to ancient gods that the populace believe in , ensuring the trade route was being maintained and of course , to ensure the Citadel remained relevant and competitive, tributes to the Cang Qiong Mountain sect , and oh , he had to come up with ‘inventions’ in order to ensure the Citadel remained relevant in this country’s economy .

 He threw himself as best as he could into work , the insect killer took time to perfect .

He worked like clockwork , testing it , testing it , and testing it till it was proven safe for use .

The insect killer brought in raving sales and crowds of tourists came to the Citadel for their eye checkups, to buy the famous soap and now , insect killer to ward off the hordes of insects that descended on their homes during summer . 

 Or nor would his friends leave him alone for long to brood.

Xiao Gongzhu was practically glued to his side when she got off from her internship .  The Qins stuck close to his side , Wanrong in particular was the only one these days who could get the shadow of a smile to his face .

She reminds him of his Meimei back in the other world. 

Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao meanwhile took over where Binghe left off , and soon battled daily with him over getting three meals onto his body  . What he called nasty green stuff atop graveyard goo , they called congee and vegetables . What he called boogers with mold , they called meatballs stuffed with herbs . He forced down whatever was out on his plate though . The look of sadness and worry on his cousin’s face was not a pleasant sight before the usual brand of ‘Fan-Ge’ tough love was foisted on him.

Ming Fan was the one who tossed him out of the bed, yelled at him to man up and quit moping as it would not being back Binghe. Mingfan and Binghe …. As weird as it was to say this , they were close in this life . The only time they ever butted heads over was Binghe’s ‘spoiling’ him . 

Gongyi Xiao on the other hand stuck up for him whenever Mingfan tried ‘toughening’ him up . Where the two of them prior to Binghe’s descent had been bosom buddies with the odd argument or two that Binghe had always managed to smooth over …. These days they fought daily like cats and dogs over Shaoye’s care . 

From the back, Gongyi Xiao really did resemble Luo Binghe and not only that , their features also had some subtle similarities. So , he felt especially attached to Gongyi Xiao these days.

It was Gongyi Xiao who gently reminded him to take a bath twice a day . It was easy to sleep , when one slept , you wouldn’t awaken to a world without Binghe in it . 

He would often find himself awoken by a gentle hand .

Like now . 

“Ah Shao. It’s me , Xiao Ge .Wake up , you need to take a bath ~”

The older boy was gentle as he helped Shaoye up . 

“Or ya can get yer fat arse up n’ stop mooching around , ya big baby .” Snapped a raspy voice across the room . 

“ Stop that . “ 

“ What ? 'e does is laze aroun' since Binghe’s situation.” Mingfan snapped , from the open door . “He’s fuckin' fourteen this yar.  Not a wee babe anymore!” 

“ Quit being a dick !” 

“Well, then quit bein’ a nanny !” 

Shaoye, unable to bear the heaviness in the air , bounded off into the bath , just as he closed the door , he heard Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao go at each other . 

Gongyi Xiao 

“ He’s grieving . Let him be . He has to let it out even if it hurts us to see him like this . “

“ Ah’m doin’ this f’r his own good !” 

 “‘How , pray , is shouting at Shaoye and being horrid to him when he lost his first love , is helping him ?” Gongyi Xiao queried frostily . 

Ming Fan rammed his fist against the solid pine door, a crack appearing on its solid surface . “ Ah’m bein' horrid ?! Th're’s goin' t' be more crap down th' line for him an' he has t' be prepar'd t' face more mis'ry than just losin -“

He spun around as if expecting someone to interject . “ Ah He ! Tell him ! It’s f’r  Ah Shao’s own good !” At the same time , an exasperated Gongyi Xiao turned, frustration all over his face, addressing someone to vent to .

“ Binghe !  Explain to your good brother , why this is such an idiotic move to do to Ah Shao!” 

No one answered . 

It was then that both boys remembered .

Oh .

Binghe was gone . 

Realization dawned .

Binghe was gone . 

He would no longer laugh at their antics , gently coerce the both of them or meditate when they got into couple spats .

No longer would he bother either of them late at night about his confusing feelings regarding Shen Qingqiu or his Young Master . 

No longer would they see him bustling about the kitchen . No more would the kitchen be filled with heavenly scents of delicious food . No longer would that faithful shadow be seen behind Shaoye . 

 All of a decade they had nearly known their gentle friend . Gone in a day . 

Mingfan sank to the floor , crumpling like one of those large paper lanterns when the flame went out  , all the hot air went out in an instant - Gongyi Xiao hastily grabbed him by his arms , and pulled the shaking teen into his arms . “ Yer are right .Ah truly am being’ a major ass to Ah Shao . Ah just am …. “

“ - Frustrated . You want him to feel better . You want things to go back to where they were . “

“ But they won’t.” Mingfan roared , grief an ugly thing clawing itself from his throat . “ That bloody idiot. That beef-head'd love craz'd , fluffy hair'd , fluffy brain'd idiot had t' go t' that blame conf'r'nce. He bloody darn knew th' risks th're w're ! An’ he had t' go get himself killed! idiot ! “ 

There was nothing Gongyi Xiao could say . Nothing could replace the absence of their friend . All he could was hold his love in his arms as he grieved the loss of his brother . 

---

The Qins 

There was a monument built of Binghe in the Citadel town square .

Ye thought it might cheer Shaoye up and had it commissioned . Shaoye , however,hated it . 

Qin Wanyue understood . “ It’s the white jade . “ 

The Qins stayed at the Grandest mansion these days . Qin Wanyue has found an internship under Qiu Haitang who needed company at the outlet at Dichan Tailors she managed . It was a respite of sorts . 

Qin Wanrong had decided to stay by Shaoye’s side , putting her own plans as a wandering cultivator on hold . 

“ Da Shixiong was full of life . “ Her little sister agreed sadly . “Colour .” 

Wanyue sighed . “ What do we do ? He’s lost so much , his mother , then his foster mother , now Binghe .” 

“The same thing we have always done, Da-jie. We live on and be there for Shaoye. There are…” Wanrong gulped wetly, “...Other fish in da sea. It feels like treason but Da Shixiong was a generous soul. He would not ‘ave wanted Ah Shao miserable and pinin’ away on his lonesome till old age.”

And that was a long way off.

Wanyue took a look back at the memorial.

She shuddered inwardly . Why were they here? How could creating that monstrosity possibly be a good idea? It had crossed her mind to bring Shaoye here, but now she knew she would never propose it to the boy.

It was unseemly to have the statue done in white.Her good friend, Shaoye’s might have been , both brother to Mingfan and Gongyi xiao , Binghe: white-haired, white-eyed, like a ghost, reaching out eternally as if wanting to have some final words with his loved ones-

It was a disgusting, morbid reminder to everyone who had known and cared for Binghe , when there was a slim chance he lived .

Sha Hualing had not gotten back to her yet . Every night , she waited for the pesky demoness to show up on her dreamscape  , but to no avail . 

Crazy bint . What was taking her ?! She huffs , not wanting to admit to herself that part of herself is a bit worried that the demoness was taking so long . 

--

Shang Qinghua

<<Golden Citadel , Largest Manor , the Gardens >>

Shang Qinghua patted the mound . “ There. That should do it .”

It is a good sized sword mound . Shen Qingqiu had brought back the shards and presented them as proof of Binghe’s ‘demise’ .

Of course he knew his scum Jiu-Jiu .

As did Cucumber bro who had been distant from his ‘godfather’ following that event . Shang Qinghua had written this Shen Jiu , so he knew why he would choose to fling Luo Binghe down the abyss and not just for plot based reasons .

Back in the original world , this Airplane Juju had plans for this scum villain .

Airplane had hoped to mold this scum villain into a well rounded, three-dimensional character; he’s scum, he’s wretched, but Shen Qingqiu had reason to be scum , not just a scummy side character .

But, the readers didn’t really buy into it, as soon as Shen Qingqiu started showing signs of this development , did these readers start griping in the reviews. So, the Great Airplane Juju saw the winds weren’t blowing the right way and immediately turned him into a one-dimensional wretched villain. But really, he had a whole draft and backstory typed out.

And as it turned out, while he might have thought this was his reader-popular ‘Proud Immortal Demon’s Way’ that had paved his wallet ... As soon as that little nugget of a Shaoye appeared, things started to go off rails . For of Dichan Shaoye- 

A heart of gold under a very fiery temper , very much sane , sticky as hell to Luo Binghe and Dichan Mingfan , and wanted to become the next Citadel Ruler according to Shen Xiong ? That was when Airplane Juju guessed another Transmigrator was here too .

Shen Qingqiu showed that he did have a heart and deep down ( Though he would never ever admit it ) he cared about the Dichans and had grown close to this godson of his who didn’t act like the original .

The way Shen Xiong had gone to promote his godson's products , the shampoo , the glasses then the contact lenses?

Ensuring through plenty of veiled threats to this Airplane that he wanted all twelve peaks uniforms to be covered by the Dichan Tailors?

AND making it mandatory for all of his Qingjing peak disciples to buy a copy of the Beastarium Completus ?

The fit he threw on not being able to head off to exact revenge for his godson and the way he hissed like a caged , uppity and spoiled Persian cat baring his fangs and showing his claws every time the Old Palace master had to interact with Cang Qiong sect showed -

Shen Qingqiu cared about Dichan Shaoye .

And like everyone he cared about and that wasn’t many - Just Dichan Ye , Yue Qingyuan and this small nugget - Shen Qingqiu would eliminate any threat to their well-being . Even if they disagreed with his methods if they knew .

Why did Shen Qingqiu fling down Luo Binghe even though it was clear Dichan Shaoye adored him ?

It was precisely this adoration that had sealed Bingge’s fate once his demonic heritage had been discovered !

Would Shen Jiu allow a half breed to stay by the side of his beloved godson who just won the election ? To ruin his image by associating with a demon by his side ?! To risk being later killed off by this beast ?! No , of course he wouldn’t !

Cang Qiong was, like most righteous sects , anti-Demon in its teachings . The previous generation had been the most against demons in its teachings due to a recent war fought between demons and cultivators .

Shen Jiu, like his martial siblings, was raised as staunchly racist against demons as his predecessor had been . They had never interacted with demons or their young unless on a battlefield -from this ignorance and fed prejudice , grew hate .

As Shang Qinghua himself was in reality Airplane Juju and maybe the kind hearted Wu Chen of the Zhao Hua monastery or gentle Yue Qingyuan might be the other two exceptions due to their soft hearts - That made up just three who might see otherwise . But none dared vocalize or break the status quo for fear of outcry or being accused of sympathizing with demons .

Shang Qinghua quietly pats the sword mound and sighs . Shen Jiu was written as a tragedy , both his life and his character .

He turns around and sighs .

Shaoye is drowsing off in broad daylight . Next to him , a visiting Qiu Haitang ( understandable , she was an advisor to Shaoye ) , and Qi Qingqi ( … He never did see it coming , for her to be romantically interested in Qiu Haitang ) were awakening him . Dismay and sadness on both their faces .

Despite it being five months since Binghe’s descent , it also seemed a part of Bro had been tossed down the abyss with him .

Obviously he was the one who bullied the little white sheep male protagonist . Shang Qinghua was not blind . Cucumber bro had bossed and spoiled the Bingge - This ferocious wolf till he had become a sweet nanny dog...But how odd now despite all his insistence that he would not become attached ,it was as though the male protagonist had captivated this spoiled kitten.

It had only been three months since Cucumber Bro hadn’t seen Bingge and Bro was displaying a face as though he was a heartbroken maiden whose soldier sweetheart had died off in a war, frightening everyone !

Not correct, pei! Shang Qinghua gave himself a slap in his heart.

Who had a maiden’s face! Whose sweetheart died! To say these fucking words like they could be said carelessly, he who had created this stallion novel ! 

Things should be moving along nicely ! Why , he should remind Bro that Bingbing wasn’t actually dead !

“Ah Shao! Gan Shu has finished the sword mound !”

At these words , Shaoye seemed to regain some of his energy at last .

The ruined Zheng Yang was brought back by Shen Qingqiu.

It was, however, Shang Qinghua who kindly offered to build a sword in a good location . Below the Azalea tree was requested by Shaoye .

In a trance , Shaoye got up and knelt before the sword mound . He was shaking . It was clear to everyone present he was crying .

And when she saw the boy crying , Qiu Haitang naturally started sniffling too . Qi Qingqi looked back and forth , helpless then turned to him , and jerked her head at the crying pair . The unspoken message by his prickly Shimei was this - HELP THEM. I DUNNO WHAT TO DO. 

It was truly , Shang Qinghua, reflected with some mild exasperation , mind boggling to grieve over someone who was actually alive .

He knelt down next to Shaoye as if to say some kind words .

“Bro . Dude ! Binghe’s fine ! “ He hissed .

”I wrote the book ! He’s down there alive n’ kicking and likely mad as a bee at Shen Xiong . He will return in five years' time ! He will likely return to slobber all over like a puppy all over you before waltzing away to seek bloody revenge on Cang Qiong !”

Shaoye however bawled harder and louder .

Qiu Haitang stopped crying . Soon Shang Qinghua felt the weight of two angry pairs of eyes glaring at him . “...You horrible man ! What nasty thing did you say to make poor little Shaoye cry harder ?!”

“Shixiong. “ Qi Qingqi was smiling , but it was not a nice smile .  And the way she was walking up to him , sleeves all bunched up, dominant sword arm swinging , spoke volumes . “- You ever heard of the saying , if you don’t got nothing nice to say … You Belt up ?!”

Shaoye watched as Shang Qinghua was treated to the face slapping of his life by his martial god aunt and Binghe’s (former harem member ) and slowly smirked . // ...TT. Am I good or what ?. I consider this tit for tat for being responsible for Binghe’s suffering! //

TT watched in amazement. [ Lao Da is amazing . Lao Da’s skill is terrifying !]

Many times thereafter , people would see Shaoye in a trance in front of the hollow monument.

Even the recent engagement of one of his favorite advisors , Qiu Haitang to his martial god aunt could not brighten him for long . 

He obviously missed his lost Luo Binghe .

Only Shen Yuan knew, in the midst of a sad sigh, that pleasant,  warm , bright young boy would never return again.

----

Qiu Haitang 

“I know Shen Qingqiu is somehow behind this . Qingge and Qingfang saw something and it adds up .”Qi Qingqi was surprised when her fiancée only sighed upon hearing this . “

“ Does it matter ? “ Haitang queried. 

Qi Qingqi was a bit taken aback upon hearing this . “ -Well … I mean , he was responsible for killing your clan-“ 

“ Binghe is not coming back . My family is not going to come back . “ Haitang stated , calm on the surface ,sorrow clear in her voice  . 

“…. I should hate Ah Ji- Shen Qingqiu . I should hate him . I wish I could hate him . But I just can’t .” Her voice broke  . “ However . Just because he is responsible for …. What happened to the Qiu clan , doesn’t mean he is responsible for this mishap that happened to Binghe . “ 

Qi Qingqi nodded reluctantly upon hearing this , and sighed as Haitang finally came over , and took her manicured hands into her soft ones . “ Don’t let your personal dislike of Shen Qingqiu cloud your judgment , dear . I know you never liked him , as did Liu Qingge , judging from your conversations.” 

“….You’re right . “ Qi Qingqi admitted at last . 

 “And you know what I found out about what the Qius did .”  Qiu Haitang’s eyes reddened , tears coming to the surface whenever they broached the subject of her family . 

Qi Qingqi,  unable to see her love sad , tugged her into her arms, but she used too much force, so much so , the smaller of the two squeaked as she fell , faceward landing between two lush , soft mounds . The store was quiet today and thankfully bereft of people  . 

Slowly , Haitang looked up , her beloved stared back , face equally red . Then Qi Qingqi waggled her eyebrows . “ Eyes up here , darlin’. “ She teased . 

Haitang felt interest , curled up like a snake , right in her stomach . “All of you is pleasing to gaze upon, love-“ She grinned cheekily and was about to burrow her head right between those snowy twin peaks when-

“Haitang-jie !” Both women jumped back as a teenager , slim and pretty , practically barged in from the bedroom . Her hair was a mess , and she was still clad in her pajamas . “ Ah Yue ! You finally woke up !” Haitang beamed . Her assistant had been asleep , oddly for most of the morning , which was strange to Haitang . But teenagers would be teenagers . 

Qi Qingqi ,face dark as thunder , pouted as her Haitang fawned over the girl . “ I am going out . Got things to do at Xian Shu . “ She groused , unable to take more of Haitang playing at being a mommy in front of her .

 “ Careful about chugging that Vinegar pot , sweetie. “ Qi Qingqi sputtered at the knowing , wry tone her fiancée used and promptly , hastily made her escape . 

Wanyue blinked the dregs of sleep from her eye, then she stomped her foot ,“ I hate , HATE Sha Hualing !” She declared as Haitang placed a plate with a heated up pork dumpling and a cup of soy milk infront of her . 

“You sure do .” Haitang smiled, wondering when would the girl slowly realize that she became extremely morose when this ‘Hualing’ girl did not visit her and complained to her . One did not miss someone they hated after all . 

Wanyue bit happily into the pork dumpling , drank gulp after gulp of her milk before she seemed to recollect something . 

“ Haitang-jie !” “ Yes, dear ?” “ Can you keep a secret ? A big one . Even from Lady Qi ?”

“ I swear I will.” Haitang smiled , thinking it would be a plea to keep a crush on the mysterious girl a secret , though her smile was wiped clean off at the next words her assistant said . 

“ What if I told you …. “ Qin Wanyue asked seriously . “… That Luo Binghe is alive ?” 

----

Liu Qingge & Mu Qingfang

“ Sect leader !” Liu Qinghe cursed vilely as the great doors to the Sect leader’s personal quarters slammed shut in his face .

Mu Qingfang merely tapped him hard on his left shoulder and slowly a numbness built up there to the extent he couldn’t raise it anymore . “You can lead a horse to water , but you can’t force it to drink .” He commented as he gently aided the Bai Zhan Peak lord , back to the wheelchair .

Liu Qingge, unable to swallow the injustice of Shen Qingqiu causing such misery to his own godson and killing off his former disciple AND getting off scot free for this , had gone to Yue Qingyuan with his suspicions . Even though Mu Qingfang admitted he too thought that their martial brother had acted very inappropriately, had his doubts . 

Shen Qingqiu had always despised Luo Binghe , due to his past trauma. Mu Qingfang sympathized with him,  but also could not approve of the way Shen Qingqiu treated certain people who triggered him because they reminded him of his abuser AND for refusing to seek therapy to aid in recovery from said trauma out of pride.

People ,  like that poor disciple who was abused so badly that he was eventually taken back, paid for this pride . 

“Always . He’s always like this towards Shen Qingqiu !”  Liu Qingge’s rant broke into the Qian Cao Peak Lord’s musings.

“And the sky is blue . And the earth is round . At least he isn’t willfully blind , unlike certain people who are related to the poor child .” 

“ That no good father of his ?” Liu Qingge roared , feeling his  blood  pressure soar to the heavens.“- I would wallop him black and blue alongside that little snake I am forced to call Shixiong ! Infact I am going to head over there to that miserable snakehol-”  With a sigh , Mu Qingfang tapped his shixiong right on his shoulder blade , hitting that one acupuncture point that could and always sent one right to rest  . 

Liu Qingge fell into the blissful oblivion of sleep . 

Mu Qingfang began wheeling him back to Qian Cao peak, these days , while Liu Qingge was recovering well , it was determined his Qi deviation meant he could not perform Peak lord duties as well as the usual functions. Sooner or later , Liu Mingyan who had transferred over to become his head disciple would take over. 

The end for the current Peak Lords was drawing to a close.When the Peak Lords were promoted or retired, they did so together.  

---

Dichan Ye

 The Golden Citadel was eventually sent a crimson proclamation list.

On that crimson paper, the first name at the very top was ‘Luo Binghe,’ golden and eye-catching.

Dichan Ye received the letter , and decided to enter the darkened bedroom where his baby was resting.

His poor baby . Shaoye worked himself to the bone . It was as though once he rose from the bed , part of the cheeky , bright eyed cheerful child had died along with Luo Binghe , leaving behind a sad , often tired youth . 

Ye did not know how to deal with grief . His own father had instilled in him to just move on once anything bad happened. 

Sure . It hurt like buggeration when life threw a few lemons spiked with glass your way , but you rolled back and got up because the dead could not come back and likely would not want you ‘moping’ over them .  

Yes , He understood that Binghe was Shaoye’s first love but there were plenty of fish in the sea . Though he could understand if the boy never found anyone else suitable . Dichan Furen is a bruise he gingerly touches and winces before drowning it out with plenty of alcohol or running around his Angel . 

When his son did not throw himself into work , he was often resting in the dark of his bedroom . 

Shaoye was just laying there , staring at the ceiling . Ye rushed over . 

“M’Angel. Binghe willed tha' everything, if he passed early , would be given ter us. Where would yeh wan' ter invest three million gold taels in ?”

Shaoye looks at his father , eyes blank: “Baba? Sorry ? Invest what ?”

Ye repeated carefully: “Ah Shao, Binghe signed a terms an' conditions form before the conference began. Silly boy he was , he willed everything ter the Dichans”

Luo Binghe really did prove worthy, showing his hand in spades during the demon invasion and directly leaping over first-place Liu Mingyan.

But he didn’t know why; he should be over the moon that he had some extra cash but now, he actually was somehow a little overwhelmed.

In the past,Binghe who was incredibly intelligent regarding investments( Though he expressed little interest sadly ) had advised him when Shaoye went to him for ideas . With things completed like this, there was no need for him to worry . Now it was just him and Baba who wasn’t that good with investing in stocks or companies .

“I dunno . You decide , Baba. Just chuck it in the bank .”

“……” Ah Shao’s expression was truly so far from good that even Ye didn’t dare ask further. He just forced a look of cheer . “. A good decision.. It will go into the vault !” He then left the quiet little room, closing the door before breaking down into tears .

Seeing your child’s misery and yet unable to do anything about it , was the worst feeling any parent had to feel .

At least he wasn’t alone in this . He had tea with Lao Xiong this afternoon . 

----

Xiao Gongzhu 

Life . Xiao Gongzhu considered , without Luo Binghe in it was the pits . 

Xiao Gongzhu was staying with her Shifu , who had come to Jinlan to check on the stock of iron , bronze and gold ore extracted . 

While Huanhua Palace was still under her tentative care , she dared not stay there for long . The old palace master could be anywhere and she was not yet near his level yet or as well versed as Shaoye was in navigating politics or even has considered the matter of ruling . 

At the moment , a subsidiary committee to ensure the welfare of the people has been set up . This comprised the Cang Qiong Mountain sect , the Ba Qi sect , and Zhao Hua temple . 

She ? She was far more interested in the Nu Yuan clan , returning to her mother’s side of the clan and continuing her studies to become a blacksmith . Right now she was completing her apprenticeship under a master cultivator who specialized in smithing. 

Things were going along well . The ancient monster had vacated his rat’s nest , the committee and she wasted no time in investigating Huanhua palace from head to toe .

The evidence found , put the nail in that old bag’s coffin . She was doing well in her studies , her friends were all happy and well . Then this happens . 

Shaoye was sad his boyfriend was dead . Her Yingying was sad that Shaoye’s boyfriend was dead . 

She still was on the fence on that terrifying mother hen being dead .  

Even if he was dead , she was fairly certain that if anyone alive insulted ‘perfect master Shaoye’ .

Binghe would kick Yama , king of hell in the face , beat and win against all the all powerful gods and whatsits that populated the Underworld.

Dig his way out of the grave , and start running in the direction of the sorry sod who insulted the Shaoye with a spiked club he undoubtedly would have stolen from one of King Yama’s ghost guards .

Yingying started to sniffle, startling her out of her musings . The girl has suddenly in the dead of the night come to find her , crying loud enough to awaken the whole street . 

Loud enough that Gongzhu heard the cry and came out to see what the matter was . 

She had mentioned in her letters to the other girl her location . 

Yingying somehow and for some reason had fled Qingjing peak to come to find her .

She guessed it also had to do with the reason the other girl knew Luo Binghe’s ‘death’ but was keeping mum on what had spurred her flight . 

“Hey. Cheerup. Luo Binghe might be kinda dead , and he might be into boys.” Xiao Gongzhu winced as Ning Yingying wailed louder in response.”-More. I meant , more ! I’m sure he likes girls too . I mean even if he’s bent as dog’s hind leg , buuuuut he has got to be blind if he can’t admire how pretty and sweet Yingying is !”

Yingying’s wails thankfully died down to just sobbing upon hearing this .  

“Hey . I know you like-like Luo Binghe. But hey , there are other fish in the ocean.N’ hey, you still got me-Oof!” 

Yingying hugged the slight girl to her and sobbed and sobbed . “Ooooooooh  . Zhuzhu !!!!” Yingying was told this by Shizun a week ago . Yingying was so sad . So very sad !!!” 

She burst into fresh tears again . “ But that was not the reason why I left . I- I … I .” She hesitated as though she wanted to puke as though whatever was so horrible but was meant to be a secret but she needed to tell someone . 

Then she plunged on , blurting this missive out :

“ - Yingying found out the pretty expensive pins Shizun gave me were really betrothal pins when I went to a tea party . Yingying didn't want to believe the other noble girls, so they showed me proof from many, many shops and even from their moms' wardrobe  . I don’t want to marry Shizun , Zhuzhu . But I don’t wanna get Grandma into trouble by refusing him . Everything is all wrong ! All wrong !”  

Her darling , clever Zhuzhu’s right eye was twitching . Her face was turning a funny shade of red . She shook Zhuzhu’s shoulder in desperation. 

 “-Help Yingying! Help Yingying . Yingying is so scared ! She doesn’t know what to do !” 

“What .”

Gongzhu took a deep breath and closed her eyes  . “ I know your Shizun is a …” Ning Yingying instantly gave her a dirty look at this implication “-Well , complicated person . But he gave you betrothal pins , which means he means to marry you n’ well , you and me , we all know that we can get married at fifteen …. “ 

A deep breath . 

Violet eyes opened .

“ He wants t’ marry you . You who are only nineteen years old . And he who is old as those mountains yonder .” 

Yingying nodded her head . 

“ What .”

Yingying nodded her head even more vigorously . 

“ WHAT THE FU-“

——

Ning Yingying

Gongzhu reassured her that Shaoye was not like his godfather. 

That he was kind , he was crafty.

After Xiao Gongzhu had informed her Shifu that she had urgent affairs to attend to , it took an hour and by riding on breakneck speed on their spiritual weapons to reach the Golden Citadel .

True enough, despite  being woken up at three in  the morning, and being shown the two disheveled girls by his guards, the young ruler had instantly reassured them that they were safe from anyone , be they Old Palace Masters or even Peak Lords for as long as they wanted to stay here.

Yingying got the oddest impression by the way he fussed over them, of someone much older , much more mature than his age .

 He ordered hot milk and freshly baked butter walnut cookies to be served to them right away.

When they had eaten , two beautiful rooms were shown to them. 

He didn’t blink when she clung to Gongzhu and started crying, crying that she didn’t want to be alone. 

Dichan Shaoye just looked very tired for a moment, very disappointed in someone . Then when their eyes met, he gave her a gentle smile. 

“Don’t worry about it.I myself used to sleep with Binghe-ge in the same bed, growing up.” 

He was like a kindly older brother she never had despite him being younger.

Yingying now knew why Ah Luo looked at her with such disgust. She was far older than this boy , older than Ah Luo and she acted like a baby in comparison . 

“ Now , a warm bath awaits the both of you . Bathe , dress and rest . Tomorrow will bring better tidings and we can see what to do about your situation. I promise .” She kept thanking him even as Gongzhu dragged her away and closed the door . 

The medicinal herbs Shaoye told them which were in the milk, proved helpful . Ning Yingying slipped into a deep dreamless sleep . When she awoke , she blinked in disorientation at the opulent surroundings , the sheer softness of the bed she was on and the brilliant gold spires set across a tangerine sky with pink clouds drifting by through a huge window. 

She panicked for a moment , then a soft snore broke her out of her musings . Gongzhu was pretty when she was awake . But there was something about the way asleep showed a hidden vulnerable side to the prickly, louder than life best friend of hers , thickly lashed eyes closed , her sleep robes in disarray that sent her heart racing . 

There was something that made her soul sing as fire crackled in her Zhuzhu’s eyes as she faced off the ruler of an entire settlement on her behalf early that morning, over tea  . Gongzhu …. Was one in a million . Yingying didn’t know what to call this fire burning within her soul . Even what she felt for  Ah Luo paled in comparison to this fast growing spark . 

….

She would tell Gongzhu what she felt for her and together they would navigate whatever lay ahead, right after this mess was settled .

She supposed she should be more sad . She had stopped her cultivation studies half way , her future was uncertain , but somehow as she gazed at the shorter girl who was busily shrilling at the much shorter boy across the table - She knew as long as the future had Xiao Gongzhu in it , she could stand on her own two feet . 

—

 Despite a lot of shouting that his godfather could not be a pedophile, all it took was showing him the pins, the innumerable receipts of boxes of expensive clothes given to her by his godfather, of hundreds of receipts of  boxes upon boxes of extravagant treats delivered to Ning Yingying’s room , pointing out the blatant , ugly fact that the teenager was the only female disciple on Qingjing peak . 

Faced with the tearful , shaking girl herself in the room with them and pounded with these facts , Shaoye caved in .  Together , they came up with a brilliant backup plan to deal with the political setbacks , the societal fracas from rejecting a Peak lord as well as a place to house Yingying till she felt safe enough to stand up and formally reject her former Shizun’s proposal.

“Is it bad of Yingying to want to think Yingying got it wrong? “

 Xiao Gongzhu rolled her eyes as Ning Yingying looked down at her tightly clasped hands. 

“Maybe, Shizun just wants my fortune?” She sagged as her own words registered did not exactly cast her beloved Shizun in a good light. 

Xiao Gongzhu looked like she wanted to skin Shen Qingqiu alive. Shaoye however looked both very grateful and sour. “ That is not right of him still, is it?” He asked frankly , surprising both girls. “It isn’t fair to you. Or Shen Qingqiu either, even if he is too bull-headed n’ think this is what he wants.” 

Ning Yingying had expected Shaoye to defend his godfather, but as fond as he was of the man that it pained him to say this , it seemed he was fair.

 Shaoye also ordered the best farmers and cultivators who specialized in agricultural practices to come to the Manor after Yingying shyly showed him her glowing grades in said practices and expressed interest in being apprenticing under some masters.

She went under a stern old lady cultivator with kind eyes , who offered her free accommodation during her apprenticeship and a year of work under her at the farm after apprenticeship was over.

 She would write once she reached her new ‘home’ of sorts to her likely frantic grandmother. 

“Thank you.” She said in passing as she bade Shaoye farewell . Gongzhu decided she would accompany her back to her new accommodations.

 “Yingying thinks you are very kind and impartial. Yingying knows why Ah Luo chose you and thinks… ” she swallowed , remembering Ah Luo’s status as alive or dead was unknown before deciding on a  . “ Yingying sees now why Ah Luo loves you . Shaoye Gongzhi is truly as kind and clever as Ah Luo said he is ! “ 

She turned around , not understanding why Gongzhu chuckled and Shaoye started sputtering at her statement for some reason. 

—-

Yingying had calmed down , she looked thoughtful of all things at Shaoye’s words as they left the Grandest Manor , her new Shifu leading the way. Gongzhu was busy lambasting Shen Qingqiu, cursing his name, his ancestry and pedigree .

“You know. Yingying always got that Shizun saw me as more of a status symbol. He really did not look at me that way. Infact, the only time he seemed to look at that way was at Yue Shi-Bo.” 

Xiao Gongzhu glowered as though she had insulted her mother. “Yingying. Your kindness towards that degenerate is praise-worthy. He is SCUM no matter what his intent.You are a human being, not chattel , and are more than a mere replacement for someone else just because he is so constipated , he cannot spit out his feel-feels towards his martial bro!”

Yingying had to giggle despite herself upon hearing this , smacking Gongzhu’s shoulder. “Stoooop! That’s so mean, Zhuzhu!” She whined as Xiao Gongzhu snorted. 

“ He is scum, Ah Ying! Y’hear me? Scum!”

—------------

A week after this,Shaoye was notably more perky, he was seen smiling , he regained his appetite and finally started wearing the signature gold rather than mourning blue .

The court was extremely happy and relieved to see him slowly getting over his lost love after a year of mourning .

The reason was Qin Wanrong and the letter she showed him.

The circumstances were quite strange , a small green snake had delivered it to the doorstep and it had fled when she approached , leaving a scroll .

Zhuzhi-lang , the name signed in elegant green ink by its sender , brought no clue to Shen Yuan. What he did recognize was Sha Hualing’s untidy signature and seal on one of the letters . 

Wanrong clearly knew this person . Wanyue with a conflicted look of relief and exasperation, appeared to have known of Sha Hualing as well . 

Included with the report was reassurance that Binghe was quite alive , doing well . 

They were at present had stayed at the Southern Demon courts , where after Sha Hualing’s father had recognized the mark on Binghe’s head and pledged his forces to whatever Binghe’s mission might be, making a big Hoo- ha over “ Junshang’s heir .”

He too recognized General Zhuzhi Lang and had provided a portal to the Mobei Kingdom where they were received by its icy ruler . 

At present they had stayed there while Binghe had been advised by Mobei Jun who was an ally to the Heavenly demon clan on his next steps .

Binghe had written too, thanking the Qins for sending help , expressed his gratitude for his time at the Dichan household and concern for Shaoye’s health and reminded him to eat his three square meals daily .

Shaoye had laughed at this - Last time he would have been irritated , now he only felt ecstatic to be nagged at by his white lotus .

Of course it was evident this letter showed Binghe was still the little white sheep. He had fallen down the abyss but had bothered to send a letter , expressing worry.

Binghe nagged at him to eat his vegetables , even knowing his little master might be feeling sad .

Reassured that , he , Binghe, would be returning soon , reassured he was in good health and getting plenty of food , water and training at the court of Mobei Jun .

He would be completing the last lap of the journey sooner than expected with all the connections he had made here . Sha Hualing’s father and Mobei Jun had taught him personally only allowing him to leave once he could beat either of them.

The letter lastly ended with telling him he missed him more than anything and reminded Shaoye to dress warmly as the nights were getting colder at the Citadel .

It was comforting to know even though he had no way of contacting Binghe back directly. 

He beamed , and was about to re-read the letter again when someone grabbed it out of his hand .

The hand was thin and pale .

He has seen it on countless occasions , patting his head and as a child this hand had held his right as its owner accompanied him around to view the hustle and bustle of the Golden Citadel .

This hand and it’s brother had embraced him when he wept over losing Ah Yi . This hand had handed him copied manuscripts on demonic beasts from its owner’s trove of forbidden texts .

This hand had pressed him to its owner’s breast as he wept in terror after facing down the Old Palace Master and the coldness of Binghe at the docks .

This hand also had struck Luo Binghe countless times during his stay at Qingjing peak , had pushed a mere seventeen year old down the Abyss .

Slowly he looks up . Wanrong at his side , too, looks both terrified and confused at the hand’s owner .

Shen Qingqiu has finished reading the letter . His hand is shaking and his right hand is tightly clenched around Xiuya’s scabbard . Which is stained with blood .

—-

Notes:

In next week’s episode , it is a Shen Qingqiu centric chapter ;) it’s basically just chapter 24 but from Shen Qingqiu’s perspective . What kinda trouble? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas

Chapter 25: Houston, I've SO many problems

Summary:

In this week's episode , Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu fight a lot and deal with their own feelings as well as the spiralling events following the Immortal Alliancce Conference. What will happen in this chapter ? Find out !

Notes:

Heya! It was fun writing this chapter and by fun. I have been having a wonderful time at work, dealing with stalking and workplace harassment , and being sick. Yeeeeeeeeee. Fun times having flu and managing a PR nightmare. I actually considered delaying it by a week, but then my boss kind oof forced me to take some time off both for health and because OMICRON is ravaging through Singapore like wildfire. Weeee. Fun times, I tested negative FYI. But I still got the flu which I have been struggling with for a month. So theere I was with five days leave due to the doc giving me five days. So, I said to myself, IT'S A GO TIME. Two mugs of coffee and blasting through the night and this bad boy was finally out, And I struggled with it because it is mostly from Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu's perspective and lemee tell you , if I could reach through the screen to strangle , I would.Why?...I suppose you would have to read to find out. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and I hope I did Qijiu justice! ^w^

Oyes , and this chapter kiiiinda ends on a cliffhanger heeheeee , aaaaand I'm updating next week with artwork only, just an FYI!

Yue Qingyuan was not having a very good week. He had not been having a very good time since the Immortal alliance conference. Shen Qingqiu had taken to brooding due to his godson suddenly giving him the cold shoulder. Liu Qingge and Qi Qingqi had taken to hissing like a pair of geese over their well founded suspicions of Qingqiu's oh so convenient bringing back of his ex-disciples sword shards .

 

The Baizhan peak lord in particular of all things seemed enraged in particular on behalf of Dichan Shaoye , and seemed eager to pick a fight with his arch enemy these days . 

 

Like now. 

 

Liu Qingge had just slammed the door open to the very private discussion he had been having with the Qing Jing Peak lord . 

 

Liu Qingge leapt at Shen Qingqiu, a vicious snarl on his face like an avenging war god before Yue Qingyuan could intercept .

 

Cheng Luan lashes out at the Qingjing peak lord , who dropped into a low crouch and came up under his shixiong’s defense.Xiu Ya’s icy spiritual energy flashing like frost-fire , as it was unsheathed .

 

  Liu Qingge twirled his sword in a masterful cross, but he had to straighten to dodge the other peak lord’s equally deft assault. 

 

Liu Qingge shifted his weight to his back leg and dove in, sword tip aimed for Shen Qingqiu’s loins-

 

A  beleaguered Mu Qingfang panting away ,pushing a vacated wheelchair yelped as the open door to the Sect leader’s private chambers came off its handles. An outburst of furious gray swirling Qi emanated from Yue Qingyuan, mouth pulled back into a wordless scream of rage.

 

 Liu Qingge was blown back , and had Mu Qingfang not caught him , would have landed against the wall . 

 

Reason returned to the sect master’s eyes as well as horror at his actions . Liu Qingge didn’t care.  He was long used to this see-saw of love and hate between these two . What he could not forgive was Yue Qingyuan’s blind protection of Shen Qingqiu.

 

“ Shixiong . I don’t want to deal with you right now . “ He snapped at him fiercely , eyes blazing , and turned to his intended target . 

 

The Baizhan peak lord was famous for sending multiple missives at his opponents in battle . It would seem he was capable of doing that verbally as well .

 

Yue Qingyuan listened , heart sinking at each accusation spat out by their martial brother . It was horrible …. Surely , not …. Right?. Yet it was something he also knew his beautiful , cold, cruel, Shen Jiu was capable of doing . 

 

”-You are a beast ! A senseless beast ! Nothing you do makes sense !  “  Was the concluding statement from his Shidi.

 

Maybe because he was annoyed by all the noise, but Shen Qingqiu spoke in a frigid voice with a trace of annoyance, “I am under no obligation to make sense to you.”

This person was willing to admit to something he may not have done just to end the conversation faster.

Qingqiu was always like this . He was willing to admit to accusations of him doing things he did not do from ‘lowly ants’ just to get them from bothering him.

 

“Liu Shidi. You better have a good reason why you attacked your shixiong and it better be a good one.” Yue Qingyuan’s voice , low with anger, makes even Shen Qingqiu look uneasy. Liu Qingge swallows then his steel gray eyes return to the Qingjing peak lord .”

 

“ We all know what you did , Fox .”Liu Qingge snarls before turning to his sect master .

 

Yue Qingyuan listened and listened, but it was basically a more vicious vitriol of Qi Qingqi’s rants when she came to voice her grievances regarding Shen Qingqiu . And in Liu Qingge’s case , every few minutes was punctuated with likening their martial sibling, who was was right there and listening to this, with various animals- A Fox, a White-eyed wolf, a snake-

 

There came a time and day when the camel’s back was broken if you kept piling loads and loads on it. And today , it was fairly crushed.

 

 Yue Qingyuan had heard and had enough .

 

“Liu Shidi. That is quite enough . You can come back and talk to me , another day, when you have cooled down enough to address your fellow martial brother with respect.”

 

“ Zhangmen Shixiong !” The Baizhan peak lord snapped as he was forced by Yue Qingyuan’s  sheer spiritual energy , Mu Qingfang hurriedly followed him out . 

This could be the very first time the mild mannered Yue Qingyuan had lost his temper . 

 

The atmosphere was stiff and cold as the doors slammed shut on their cursing Shidi . 

 

Yue Qingyuan sank down, head in his hands. Then came the sound of retreating footsteps of the same bewitching beauty , his childhood sweetheart , who confounded him from day one  .

 

Shen Qingqiu did not care to try to clarify with him the situation . He just wanted to be gone . 

 

Resentment, disappointment bubbling out, his infinite patience stretched to a thin thread, he blurts this out . “ Liu Shidi was only concerned about how your godson is affected by Luo Binghe’s timely disappearance after you went to find him, Qingqiu Shidi. “

 

The footsteps stop . Cold emerald eyes gaze at him languidly with perfect composure. His graceful figure and beautiful face expressed a self-possessed indifference to the wild heat of the other , that was almost cruel.

 

“Please , Shen Shidi . An honest answer . Did you kill Luo Binghe ? “ 

 

Preserving his unmoved countenance, Shen Qingqiu gazed out of the window . "Why not tell you the truth? I flung him down the ravine to the Endless Abyss ."

 

Yue Qingyuan’s heart shattered , a little bit , for the poor godson left bereft and at the easy admission of this deed. “ Shen Shidi . Why ? “ Before those perfect lips could open to surely bitingly comment something , he ploughed on , disappointment and frustration boiling over . 

 

“Shen Shidi. I understand you might dislike Luo Binghe because of his innate talent , his bond with your godson who you are very fond of , which has benefited said former disciple of yours whose circumstances are similar to yours. But there is no need to have gotten it done in such a fashion . Look at how your poor godson is doing now . When I-I …”

 

When he couldn’t find Ah Jiu , the pain had been all-consuming . He had lashed out at his Shizun who had restrained him back in the caves when he had finally managed to escape nd found the burnt remnants of the Qiu Manor .

 

He had wanted to die at the sight of the smouldering ruins, so great was this pain as though his heart had been split into half. 

 

Shen Shidi and he were slaves. They had never known their parents .

 

Shaoye had lost one after another , he had to hear the disgrace of his mother never wanting him , then he suffered the loss of his foster mother , then lastly , an elder brother figure . 

 

The pain . The pain he felt had to be agonizing . 

 

No matter how much he loved Shen Jiu, to see that his precious person had done what Shizun had done to him , only worse, because Luo Binghe definitely was not picked up by some demonic cultivator but actually killed off…Confounded and infuriated Yue Qingyuan. It was like watching his younger self suffering.

 

Added on to that was that this had happened at the Immortal Alliance conference and the victim was the favorite of a ruler. The dibao for the cultivational world had a longstanding  segment covering the number of days since the Citadel ruler had gone into mourning. 

 

Even if the Golden Citadel was an outlier, it’s influence was unmistakable in social circles these days and had taken over where Huanhua had left off. 

 

The sheer suspicious nature of how Luo Binghe had disappeared , had made rumors abound amongst the other sects, the various settlements and through the jianghu . No matter how much he tried to shut the queries regarding this, or the gossip , it was like chucking water from a leaking boat ridden with holes. Hopeless.

 

It had affected the way society viewed their sect , coupled with Cang Qiong mountain sect temporarily taking on the deserted Huanhua province and it’s duties meant he was dealing with that on top of an ongoing scandal.

 

The intake of disciples to each sect had definitely lessened,the way his every decision when he made judgement was questioned by ally and enemy alike because of his ‘favoritism’ to shield  a ‘murderer’ . Their own disciple’s performance had fallen, troubled by this scandal that  everyone tiptoed around , the elephant in the room. Cang Qiong Mountain Sect is the most powerful sect in their world but its foundations and renown today had been hard fought for, and it was together that they,the current generation of Peak Lords, had managed to raise together. And now, it was all coming at the seams because of conflict, both external and internal.

 

Shen Qingqiu at the same time continued to treat him as though their associations were forced upon them and they were but mere puppets performing some great play , giving Yue Qingyuan pain; but everything in their intercourse did give him pain since the day of their reunion. 

 

Whatever Shen Qingqiu did, Yue Qingyuan could put no trust in it, and build no hope on it; and yet he went on against trust and against hope. Why repeat it a thousand times? But so, it always was.

 

But anger was like a volcano. You could only hold it within so long, till the magma had to come out .And he was furious.  Had been for a long time. Anger curled hot and unstoppable in his gut, like a blazing inferno that wanted to burn him from the inside out as he blurted out ,  in a pique.

 

“-I wonder . If I know you sometimes .Where was the kind Ah Ji-The kind boy , I once knew ? Or if he even existed ?!” 

 

–-------------------------------

Somewhere inside him, somewhere where Shen Jiu still wandered down empty , bereft hallways once filled with sunshine and joy of being with Qi-ge,  Shen  Qingqiu could feel a huge sob welling up. He stopped it, before it came out.

 

There was something in his throat that wanted to get out every time he saw Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu would die before ever admitting.

 

“ I love you , but why do you never want to hear why I did these deeds ?  ," He says to him, only it comes out as , "Are you done yet." 

–-------------------------------

 

He can’t look at the Qing Jing Peak Lord any longer.  Nor can the other who had been avoiding his gaze since he asked him to come to Qiong Ding Peak. 

 

“Qingqiu will take his leave , Zhangmen shixiong .” Calm, cool , unaffected as ever, concludes his cold, lovely Ah Jiu.

 

"I know . Love you too ," Yue Qingyuan says back, '' Only it comes out as, "Shidi . Please listen ." 

 

"…If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am." Yue Qingyuan thinks as he watches that slight figure sashay out  of the room .  And what he really intended to say in the end remains unsaid.

 

Shen Qingqiu is the biggest paradox he has ever known. Insecure in everything he did, yet sneering at everyone else, as though he were a giant , and the rest , mere ants . Charming and endearing one second , indifferent and aloof the next. 

 

Once they could talk about the universe until sunrise . These days ,  a simple smile in his direction is too much to expect of him. 

 

He confuses him in every way possible, but one thing is clear to Yue Qingyuan: despite the absolute carriage wreck that his Shidi is, he is irrevocably and totally in love with him, and he doesn't know what to do about it.

—-

 

It was January . Dry, hard, glittering, cold. The wicked naked beauty of the scraped blue skies displayed before him as he flew through the cold air .

 

The coldness of the weather seemed to have seeped into the myriad of relationships he had .

 

Shaoye had completely gone quiet on his end following a complete breakdown after Luo Binghe’s disappearance, burying himself in work , burying himself in the affairs of the Citadel .  The same way Ye had behaved after that vixen’s disappearance. 

 

Then came the avoidance. It was like playing hide and seek, Shaoye conveniently would be out whenever he came by to see Ye or asleep. Or at Shang Qinghua’s place these days and it was beneath the Qingjing Peak lord to visit a hamster’s nest . 

 

Ye was the same as always, but there was a tiny bit of sadness in his eyes whenever he caught the former Citadel Ruler gazing at him when he thought he wasn’t looking. 

 

If Ye guessed and knew , likely so had Shaoye.

 

It hur- This is beneath him, he should be used to this. Him screwing up again , all that he touched , he destroyed . Even relationships. A vicious cycle.

 

He wonders why.

 

A tiny voice inside him that sounds a lot like Dichan Ye tiredly suggests maaaaybe if he apologizes, maybe if he confesses what he did, and tries to explain WHY he did it. Maybe Shaoye will look at him, manage to somehow manage to manage to scream through tears that he is an idiot but he is HIS idiot godfather and he will get him help. That he understands. 

 

Maybe if he swallowed his pride , with Ye by his side for support, he would go to Mu Qingfang and he would finally go for the therapy the both of them have been harping on him to do for decades.

 

Shaoye and he would spend evenings poring over ancient books and discussing the current affairs of the world or philosophy like before the beast was flung down to where he belonged . Shaoye might even smile at him again .It could be done if -

 

But he won’t.

 

His pride will be the death of him, one of these d-He doesn’t need Shaoye . He had managed well enough before that naive , silly , ill brought up little savage had strolled into his life  . He could do well enough without him . 

 

–-------------------------------

 

Then came Ning Yingying’s elopement . She had all but vanished one day . Her grandmother was up in arms at him for letting her precious heir banish off the map , accusing him of being too forward with his advances . 

 

Later , someone must have contacted the grandmother on her granddaughter's whereabouts for all she waspishly replied to his queries , was that not only was Ning Yingying not returning to Qingjing but wanted a restraining order from him . 

 

-She is staying with a trusted friend . Sheltered by a powerful person . So leave it !

 

And with that , the matriarch ended their correspondence . And this was the letter received just after the talk with Yue Qingyuan. 

No one wanted him. Ning Yingying's unspoken rejection felt like a final slap in the face after rejection after rejection this whole horrible week. He didn't love her, and to be fair, part of him cringed at marrying her- He only had ever wanted to be decked in red, side by side one day with Qi-Ge- But marriages have always been about securing the economic future of two families through a pragmatic union of two people, weren't they? He even had agreed to give up his surname of 'Shen' and take on the Ning surname.

He had no idea why his disciple was so adverse to the thought of marrying him in the future. He certainly was not interested in her now. Or to be honest, even if she had agreed , and grown into an enchanting beauty, he honestly would never fall for her, the way he did for Qi-Ge. But-

He was a peak lord. Surely even one as dull-witted as Ning Yingying could see and eventually have seen that marrying even a former Peak Lord would bring prestige to her clan which was dying out. Why? Was he not good enough? Why was he never good enough for anyon-

The Qingjing Peak lord startles at the sharp crash, breaking him out of his musings.

Of course he had to ruin his favorite ornamental plate, accidentally dropping it when he wanted to move it to a brighter spot.

All of this is to say that he was having a day. He stood there staring at the broken plate , at the two irreparable halves , willing himself to feel anything other than this. 

Shen Jiu had clawed himself out from the grave  , the screaming beggar child who did not listen to Dichan Ye , that falling in love with Yue Qi was foolishness . 

Shen Jiu only wants. And wants. And wants. Stubborn in his devotion.

Even after Yue Qi was gone , merrily on his way onwards without a thought about what he left behind. 

Somewhere far off . Someone sobs .

He bites his lips hard enough to stop the tears from coming to his eyes .

“Shizun. “ It was the head disciple, arriving with the daily correspondence . “Letter from the Golden Citadel .” 

 

And with it came a two way portal key to allow him to be transported to the settlement in a matter of seconds. Ye invited him most likely for a spot of lunch .

 

Now comes the conundrum of what to wear.

 

Viewing the wardrobe brought forth both conflicting memories. He snorted coldly as his hand flicked back and forth , sliding through the range of fabrics, cursing inwardly as his hand and eyes were instantly drawn to a particular outfit in the mirror.

 

The one he presently wore.

 

Snowy white, with exquisite elegant cranes dancing through lonely mountains,Shaoye’s workmanship is impeccable , despite the earlier barking fit by the mongrel he was forced to call Shixiong , it had no cut or tear and had shielded him from the attack by the invalid  . 

 

It brought no end of compliments , despite receiving two new sets of custom made robes monthly from Shaoye’s own hands , this one was his favorite . 

 

He touches the silk , he remembers the day he got it two years back .

 

The article of clothing slid out of the box .He held it out to examine it the morning that Shaoye had come by with it . 

 

It is a beautiful set of snow-white robes befitting a peak lord . Stitched on the back of the inner robes and outer coat , was  the emblem of a crane , aloof and lonely atop a peak and flanked by bamboo . The iridescent beads that were sewn into the silk , were of mother of Pearl and exquisitely carved into shapes of lion dogs or laughing Buddhas as were the buttons  .

 

They also were practical .The intricate beadwork were in fact charms to protect and reflect on the caster .

 

The beads that were stitched on his robes, hid bombs powerful enough to take out a black moon python rhinoceros demon if he chose to rip them off , a mere shake infusing then with his Qi to activate them then throwing them at the poor sod would make whoever was his opponent blown sky high . 

 

The seemingly fragile looking belt that secured the robes together was actually a whip . 

 

He supposes he must have looked impressed at the handiwork,  for Shaoye grinned impishly at his godfather only for in response , Xiu Ya to be unsheathed , leveled at him . 

 

“ Let us test out if these robes are as durable as you claim they are . A duel , you against me .” 

 

Shaoye had been nervous since it was announced he would be fighting against Ye in the ceremonial duel after he won the election . 

 

Shen Qingqiu did not coddle . He was never soft . His mercy came in the form of toughening Shaoye for what lay ahead . This was how he showed kindness .

 

 And his godson was the best not-disciple he could have asked for . Never whining , always eager to learn  , never complaining despite his privilege he had been born into but the old bag had seen to the end of any idea of Shaoye being properly schooled even by the Cang Qiong Mountain sect. 

 

When he at last had come to Shen Qingqiu , asking for private lessons on cultivation , shaking and terrified , once beautiful hair chopped courtesy of the Old Palace Master, the once unblemished skin of his wrists , now marked with terrible scars .

 

He wanted to become strong .

 

Just like Shen Jiu had once vowed to.

 

And so Shen Qingqiu granted him his wish . 

 

The Qi reservoir flowing beneath his godson’s skin was unlocked.

 

Most adult cultivators would have blacked out from the pain of the unlocking , it could have killed a child or even a sickly teenager  .

 

Shaoye merely developed a mild fever and sported mild hallucinations but was otherwise in good spirits . 

 

 Dichan Ye however, was furious when he found out , had ignored him for two days before Shaoye convinced his father that he had wanted it . 

 

Shen Qingqiu himself breathed a sigh of relief but was blasé . Only the strong survived in this world while the weak perished  . This was proof that his godson was strong , like him . 

 

The training had started the day after . All of Wu Yanzi’s training from hell and his own teachings he would have taught his own disciples was dumped onto Shaoye’s slender shoulders . 

 

An investment, he tells himself. 

 

Children . Insignificant blisters,imps, ignorant insufferable twits, nauseating little nitwits , gormless witless weeds that was what they were  . 

 

Shen Jiu loathed children even when he was one himself . 

 

Shaoye however was not just any child  . He listened with rapt attention , only needing the slightest of corrections from him as though he knew of his godfather’s techniques . He never whined . He never cried no matter how badly beaten he was , he got up after every blow dealt . Just like Shen Jiu had . 

 

The battle was narrowly fought . It had been nearly seven years of training for Shaoye . 

 

But Shen Qingqiu won this round again , by a simple careless slip of his godson who thought he was down for the count . He pretended to sway as though injured , then when Shaoye drew close . With an eyeball roll , he slammed his unwary godson to the wall with a well placed strike of Qi . 

 

Shaoye snarled as he met the wall , and attempted to summon his own Qi , only to realize whatever Shen Qingqiu had done to him had stopped the flow of Qi . The reservoir was still unlocked , he just did not have access , at least for now . 

 

Meaning his godfather was the winner of this match . 

 

Again . 

 

“No fair ! You cheated !” 

 

Shen Qingqiu strolled over languidly . 

 

In response , he hit Shaoye’s forehead with Xiuya’s pommel, hard  . 

 

“In a match to the death, there's no such thing as fair or foul.” The peak lord stated over his godson’s howls of pain . 

 

“ Y’did that , cuz I was about to win ! “ “Yes.” Shaoye gaped as though he had grown a second head at this honest admission  . “ But overconfidence is the death of many a powerful cultivator . Just because you have a Qi reservoir does not mean you are infallible in battle , Shaoye . Your foe can overpower you with stealth , with strategy . “

 

Shaoye blanched at this , Shen Qingqiu sighed, he was going soft but-

 

“You ARE growing stronger. “ He acknowledged , resheathing Xiu Ya . Shaoye bounced up , already preening . “-You might not want to look quite so pleased about that. The stronger you grow , the world grows more dangerous. “

 

He pinned Shaoye down with an icy glare . “-Life has a funny way of keeping things balanced.” 

 

Shaoye huffed at his godfather’s ‘praise’, folding his arms .  “Gan Dieeeeeee…Do you ever say anything encouraging?” He whined . 

 

Shen Qingqiu smiled long and wide. “ ….I encourage you not to die.” He replied sweetly , then licked his palm, smoothing Shaoye’s unkempt hair from their duel , prudently ignoring the sour scowl from the ungrateful urchin.

 

A rustle of leaves startles him from the memory. 

 

He was standing outside a large building. Portal key had brought him to the Docks whereupon, a coach had been awaiting him to where Ye had requested they meet.

 

‘The Luo River Centre’ were the words painted on a placard above the doorway to the building. There were sick people going in and people in the pink of health sauntering out . 

 

Ye beams , as he walks through the scattered fallen leaves across the pavements which the stair sweeps dutifully and hurriedly begin re-sweeping them away to the grassy lawns.  His dark eye bags and even more haggard appearance was however disarming .

 

“Lao Xiiiiiong!~” 

 

He curled his lips in response. “I did not think it was possible for you to look even more hideous than ‘usual’.”

 

“Awwwww. Y’ worried about lil old me?” 

 

Shen Qingqiu sniffed haughtily. “Perish the thought. I just don’t want to come find you one day and faint on the spot by how hideous you managed to make yourself by not caring for your own body’s upkeep.” 

 

“Ach. Right through the heart.” Ye began leading him within, down hallways full of patients, past  doorways of wards, coming at last to a lone hallway. Shen Qingqiu tilted his head in incomprehension. “He’s down there, behind that door. M’lil angel.” Ye confirms and far too fast for Shen Qingqiu to snap at him why his old friend had brought him to see Shaoye , flies off.

 

Accursed, nosy idiot . He forgot how fast Ye was and still is despite appearing older and gaining weight. Shen Qingqiu looked around, decidesthat he might as well go confront his godson in  order to be led out of this labyrinth, turns to the hallway.

–

He hadn't expected to walk in on a shouting match once he neared the door.

 

“Now I see why Gan Die hates it here ! Cuz there’s something wrong!” Shaoye was never angry, at least never at him.Or ever dared raise his voice at him. 

 

There were other voices. Liu Qingge? Oh yes, that dog was being rehabilitated here , wasn’t he? And…Yue Qingyuan? 

 

“I don’t expect you guys to mollycoddle or excuse his every action . But you guys treat someone as scum long enough , anyone will start thinking they are scum !”

 

–-------------------------------

 

Liu Qingge thought Shaoye would have wanted justice. This would be easy, he thought.

 

Worst mistake ever. 

 

“-You are right in a way that he's arrogant and-and an arse, and sometimes I can't see what he's thinking. But he does everything for you guys ! The good of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect! “ 

 

“The good? Listen, you little brat. He does not acknowledge the scandal that  has rocked the Cang Qiong Mountain sect ! Do you know how badly this has affected our standing?!” Liu Qingge could not comprehend how the ruler could be even more blind than their Sect master. 

 

“Don’t take me for a fool. “ Shaoye’s voice was low with fury. “I know that my godfather handles the sect’s diplomatic matters with other sects. Even though he is ill suited for it, even though it is your job, Yue Qingyuan. My godfather took it on without complaint or being asked to. And even I have to admit, he has done a commendable  job despite how ungrateful his own sect siblings are towards him.” 

 

The ruler of the Golden Citadel studied them with unforgiving judgment. 

 

Liu Qingge feels like a disciple again , being glared over the training field by his Shizun after one of many fights with Shen Qingqiu , and being found wanting for his behavior.

 

 “He has shielded your sect all these years from threats, conflicts and at times, baseless accusations.Just because someone has an attitude problem, doesn’t mean he doesn’t get the job done! No one wants to do the dirty job but this is politics, it is inevitable someone has to take the fall sometimes !  Is a little gratefulness so much to ask  for? “ 

 

That was true. Liu Qingge had never thought of that before. He was aware how dark and murky certain issues were, or of the times there had been assasination plots carried out against the various Peak lords in the early beginning. Shen Qingqiu had handled these matters, organized the brutal torture and interrogation of suspects and perpetrators to get these matters sorted out.. It was he who was willing to negotiate deals, treaties with unsavory characters-Warlords, bandit leaders and then backstab them when the time came , to achieve certain goals .As such, his reputation had been blackened no matter how elegant he carried himself.

 

The other Peak lords had decried these practices time and time again.

 

But as Shaoye so succinctly pointed out, these were a necessary measure, especially given the time period these deeds were carried out. 

 

“-Even though I can’t agree with his methods of protecting others . The reason why he is this way is because of terrible experiences in his past. That’s why he acts this way or does things. He needs help . Not derision . It might be easier to point a finger, but it's more effective to lend a hand !” 

 

….In all of his years he had known him. Liu Qingge had never  seen Shen Qingqiu be happy when they had to meet . Not even Yue Qingyuan could bring a smile to that sullen-faced, vicious booby. And now he thought more and more, Shen Qingqiu had sometimes displayed odd behavior . Mu Qingfang had wearily begged him and the others to try and be a bit more understanding. He said Shen Qingqiu was traumatized .

 

Liu Qingge had snorted when he heard this. That ruthless, sharp-tongued , scheming snake?

 

  Him? A poor victim?

 

And yet… Now he thought of it. It kind of made sense. The way that Shen Qingqiu clung to rising in power during their disciple years, eager to become Peak Lord. How he seemed to become particularly agitated and seemed to be extremely uncomfortable around grown men during their disciple years but gravitated towards girls.

 

“He’s not an ass because he likes it . Gan Die's cold... yes, but only because he once gave a damn about someone who continuously fails to see why he acts like this or summon enough courage to tell him man to man why he ‘apparently failed to keep an important promise . “

 

Liu Qingge watched in shock as his sect leader visibly recoiled . Shaoye continued , unrelenting in his fury as he snapped this at the Qiong Ding peak lord  . 

 

“So he built a fortress to protect his heart from further damage!”

 

……If Shen Qingqiu’s bark barely stung, but his bite left you bloodied, if Shaoye practiced mercy ,but his bark could pierce through your heart. 

 

Liu Qingge was really, really thinking of snatching the boy up and running for both their sakes.

 

 It was a terrible mistake bringing the Sect Master here and arranging a meeting between the two , in hopes that they could get something to incriminate the snake or Yue Qingyuan to hear and open his eyes to what a person he had been sheltering all these years. 

 

He had not expected this. But Shaoye had been fair, despite his anger at them for their treatment of Shen Qingqiu, or his own clear ever present anger and disappointment with his own godfather. Liu Qingge had no words to say in his own defense.

 

“-I-I just wish he would let me in.” Yue Qingyuan whispers, his voice yearning and full of grief. If he expected to get any sympathy from the normally kind boy, the child had none for him today. 

 

“You keep begging him to let you in . But he won't believe it til you prove it. Words don't mean a thing. “ Shaoye glowered at Yue Qingyuan , hopped off the comfortable chair , propped himself up against the table to imperiously declare. “Actions are everything!”

 

A shocked silence followed this outburst. 

 

There came a polite cough from the doorway, causing three people to jump. 

 

The Peak Lord of Qingjing peak raised an arch eyebrow.

 

“I was told you were here.” He addressed Shaoye  . “-Shen Shidi.” Yue Qingyuan begins weakly and even he feels a trite awkward. Who knew how long Shen Qingqiu had stood there listening?

 

The Qingjing peaklord paid them no attention,picked Shaoye up like one would , a spoiled , pampered Persian kitten . Shaoye still kept his glare at them . “ I expected better from you two .”  Says his gaze which was blocked by a fan. 

 

“ Oh come now . Stop that .” Shen Qingqiu lightly scolded , as he shielded them from the glare of an irate , puffed up cat of a Citadel ruler with his trademark fan . 

 

Liu Qingge continued gaping long after his scum Shixiong and his godson had left .

 

Was that an actual smile on that scoundrel’s face ?! 

 

Yue Qingyuan was still staring where the pair had left.

 

The Baizhan peaklord swallowed. “Uh. Zhangmen Shixiong? Hate to say this but …The brat has a point. Even though Shen Shixiong IS a prick,   we really haven’t been treating him right. Hey. Uh, maybe we should ease off him a bit about the Luo Binghe situation. At least for now.”

 

His sect master was still staring blankly. The silence is still and uncomfortable , like the air inside of a coffin.  

 

“Now that I think about it. Shaoye kept hinting about some kind of promise you and Shen Qingqiu made or something? …You want to talk about it?”

 

In response, a broken sniffle broke the silence.

 

“Zhangmen Shixiong. Hey.Don’t feel bad.” Liu Qingge really wanted to be anywhere but here as his sect master started to softly cry.  “Hey. We are all at fault here. Stop crying, damnit!”

 

–

The conversation on the carriage ride back was silent. A servant informed them that Ye had gone on back. Shaoye was quiet, contemplative, giving him complicated looks as though he didn’t know what to say. Understandable , because he didn’t know what to say either. 

 

All his mind was preoccupied with was replaying the earlier event, scouring his memories . Something Shaoye had said had unnerved him.

 

The carriage came to a halt at  the Grandest manor. The golden building is beset by a dark blue sky. It had taken three hours to be driven back here, evening had fallen. They went up and into the lounge. Shaoye cast him another conflicted look before ordering some tea and dainties to be brought from the kitchens .

 

What was it again?

 

“-Even though I can’t agree with his methods of protecting others . The reason why he is this way is because of terrible experiences in his past. That’s why he acts this way or does things. He needs help . Not derision . It might be easier to point a finger, but it's more effective to lend a hand !” 

 

Shen Qingqiu breathed hard. 

 

Shaoye knew. 

 

Why was it getting so warm? It felt suffocating, this heat, to even breathe. 

 

“Gan Die?” He hears Shaoye ask , as if from far away, but it was like underwater. He can’t answer. He can’t answer. Why? His heart was  beating quickly, a mile a minute. Nausea built up ,  he wanted to throw up. He feels sick. Shaoye knows he is sick. The whole damn world knows now he is sick. He can feel his body  start shaking and trembling, breathe coming out fast, so very fast-

 

Something cold is shoved in his mouth.

 

Whuh-

 

Shaoye is busy scooping water from a nearby cup and freezing it into chunks of ice. No mean feat as his spiritual veins were wood and metal, and shoving it into his mouth. 

 

All the while the child is calmly  asking him this.

 

“...Name three sounds you hear.” 

 

He tries to open his mouth, all that comes out is an awful strangled gasp. “Think of three sounds you hear.”  Right. Right. The sound of the birds chirping outside, the flutter of the curtains, the rustle of the leaves as someone swept them.

 

“Great! You’re doing awesome! Move three parts of your body.” He can...He moves his fingers, he shifts his head and swings his ankles.

 

“Excellent! Can you look around and name three things you see?” Slowly, with trepidation, he opens his eyes. …The windows reveal a breathtaking view of the golden Citadel. Shaoye is gazing at him, clutching at his sleeves , worry in his eyes. There is a steaming pot of tea and a plate piled high with biscuits. 

 

A deep breath. Then Shen Qingqiu came back to himself. 

 

Then he remembered.

 

Shaoye knew he was Shen Jiu. About Yue Qingyuan and him. Possibly even the Qius-

 

He shoved Shaoye away, the boy flipped backward, landing on his feet.

 

Not that he cared, every cell in his body screeching at him to flee. Flee,fleeflee, fleefleefleee-

 

“Aw c’mon, Gan Die! “ The petulant whiny tone  was one he hadn’t heard in so long, it stops him in his tracks. “Didn’t someone once tell me not to be a  chicken n’ face his problems head on?”

 

“What are you inferring?” 

 

“Your past doesn’t define you!.... Nor the half-assed opinions of some assholes ! Screw them! Screw the world, in fact while we are at it!” His godson snapped , rage in every syllable spat out. 

 

“You deserve to be loved. You deserve so much more. There, I said it!”

 

“...You have no idea what I have done.” Shaoye gave him a wounded look , a diluted version of  what he had shot at  his martial brothers in response.

 

  “...Fine. But you actually …Are saying it was alright for me to do what I have done?” 

 

“Your trauma no matter how bad is not an excuse for your actions,”Shaoye admitted. “However, it helped me understand why you did certain things. And the environment you are in , really doesn’t help what you have been through. “

 

Relief, and guilt flooded him upon hearing this. 

 

“You really are like your father.” He mutters , turning away. 

 

“ Lao Ba’s the best. He is hard to top.  I don’t think I could do what he or you have done, regarding difficult decisions especially regarding governance or enacting justice.” Shaoye confesses, getting closer. 

 

A rough little hand pats atop his larger one , he doesn’t shake it off. He reaches for Shaoye, and pulls the child against him. Shaoye stiffens a little bit, then sighs, relaxing into the embrace. 

 

“I promise to protect you.” His godson had seen the worst of him and yet still chose to embrace him,to stand by him, flaws and all, just like Ye had. He knew Shaoye would never see eye to eye with him on the methods used to  protect him, but this was the only way, the only way broken things like him knew how to show they cared .

 

“Gaaaaan die. I’m 14.  I’m no longer a wee baby. I appreciate it, but I can save my own ass.” Shaoye leaned in , then looked at him, concern clear on his chubby face. 

 

“...Do you wanna talk about anything else?”

 

“It’s late now. You might be the Citadel ruler but even citadel rulers need their rest. Go to sleep.”

 

“You sure you will be fine.” 

 

He dodged a strike of qi. 

 

“Get along now.” Shen Qingqiu scoffed. “Worry about yourself first , and get your rest or else you will age like your father.” 

 

“Yuek.” He hears Shaoye utter as he scampers off. “That , I don’t want.” 

 

Shen Qingqiu felt the edges of his mouth curve up. Things were going to be alright. Shaoye definitely had not forgiven him but come morning, he would tell Shaoye everything and why he did what he had to do- There came a vibration from his pocket. The talisman charm embedded in the silver mirror that was connected to Chongzi whom he had entrusted to check on the Luo Binghe situation down below. 

 

He takes it out, the screen shows the image of a decrepit old man. 

 

“M-master…” Chongzhi croaks. Shen Qingqiu stilled at the increased shivering, the look of utter terror on that wrinkled visage from the mirror. The news and images Chongzhi showed him taken from the Abyss were not promising. A very familiar young man standing before an entire armada of demons . The young man going against two demon lords and winning- Dread made his heart sink to the bottom of his stomach. 

 

Luo Binghe was alive and leading an army  towards the surface.

 

Predictably, Ye was nothing but pleased when he heard this from him, when he barged into his bedroom with this news. 

 

“Ho ho ho! now, now, Lao xiong! Me little son in law finally reclaimed his throne, he likely is comin' ter find us fer a wedding proposal! “ Shen Qingqiu thanks the gods everyday that Shaoye had not inherited the sheer mind-boggling stupidity his sworn brother had. “Abou' time too. I wan' some grandkiddies! It’s bin ages since we had demonic stock in our bloodline. Ach, what’s tha' look fer? Relax, Binghe is a softie. After m’lil Angel talks ter 'im , I doubt he will mind much that his godfather-in law gave 'im a power boost by flinging 'im down the Abyss!”

 

He walks towards the open window, only raising a bushy eyebrow as he hears this from his Lao Xiong. 

Not noticing the blankness of his sworn brother's eyes, or trembling.

--

The fire blazes high. The Golden Citadel is a-blaze .All Shen Qingqiu can smell is the Smokey, slightly sweet scent of  charred flesh , and he can feel the taste of bile at the back of his throat. The silence fills him with dread as he scours the ruins, dread building up at the sheer volume of corpses littering the street. The demonic army had done a thorough job. 

The Grandest Manor is still burning , it had to have been struck last. And what the Peak Lord came to was right from his worst nightmares. The men were all beheaded and their bodies reeked of demonic qi that confirmed to him who had done this deed.

He finds Ye a foot away from Shaoye.  They must have stayed to fight, the fools they were.  Ye must have tried to protect his son, and his hands were raised before him, frozen in rigor mortis in a pleading position, likely for his son's life. He had been beheaded as well.

He did not recognize the little body at first, so drenched in blood , so badly mutilated it was. He doesn't want to admit it because admitting it would mean he had failed his brother, failed being a godfather.

Then a glint of something caught his eye in the wavering light of the fire and heart beating a mile a minute, feet as heavy as lead, he forces himself towards the small body lying so close to his sworn brother, the one he had been avoiding.

There, in between each finger , acting as an offensive weapon, were Shaoye's signature needles, clenched forever in a death grip. Those haunted almond eyes when the Peak Lord pulled the body over, confirmed the corpse's identity.

Shaoye unlike Ye had died , eyes wide open in disbelief and terror , a silent scream slack on his face as though his final words had been to question why the murderer did the deed.

Shen Qingqiu had forgotten how red blood was. It stained his robes just like that horrific night at the Qiu manor. Silly foolish boy , he thinks, shaking. An anguished keen wrenches itself from his throat as he hugs the cold little body closer, unable to let go even in death. Foolish boy, why didn't you for once disobey my teachings and run when it became evident you were outmatched?

"Ah, ah, Shizun. What did you teach me?" Slowly, Shen Qingqiu turns to face the bastard , the beast who he failed to kill that day at the Immortal Alliance Conference.

His pale silhouette stood steadfast in front of where the fire still raged, scarlet and yellow firelight playing shadows across his body, intertwining in a messy dance.

A sinister smile at the corner of his mouth tilting up into a smug expression was Luo Binghe, the legendary Xin Mo blade that all Heavenly demonic emperors wielded , in his grasp was bloodied.

"An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, do you not remember?" -"Lao Xiong?"  The very much still alive Dichan Ye's concerned boom broke him out of this horrific what-might-be. "You alright?"

His sworn brother still breathed. Shaoye was not a bloody mess of flesh on the cold floor, dead accusing eyes gazing at him for failing to protect him-

No. He wasn't bloody alright. But he was going to bloody , darn well make sure that things were going to remain alright.

-------------------------------

Dichan Ye was not expecting his Lao Xiong to casually walk towards him, eyes quietly determined, hands clenched as though he was a willow bracing against an oncoming storm.

“You came into my life at a bad time when I truly hated who I was and what I had become . I was broken, damaged, fading but you fought your way in and saved me. “ His sworn brother admitted, eyes trained on him, and full of quiet gratitude. Aw! Lao Xiong! 

“You loved me and by doing so you saved me.” That was just a one off thing, to be honest, he had seen Lao Xiong as amusing, that kid smelt like trouble and things were getting real boring around there . And shake up the world,  Lao Xiong had done. 

It was funny, Ye reflected, how the smallest things take up the most space in your heart . But became genuinely fond of Lao Xiong he did, just as Lao Xiong did of Shaoye. 

Ye was about to reply to Lao Xiong when something hard slams into the side of his head . 

“- That’s why . I will save you now .” 

–-------------------------------

 

“-Do you think he will find coming back here cold when he comes back from the Abyss?” Shen Qingqiu’s wonderful mood soured further at the soft , dreamy tone his godson took on when talking about the Beast . It was possibly nine at night , and Shaoye had still not gone to bed. 

 

What made this predicament worse was that Shaoye clearly knew the Beast was coming for his head, and he was literally hopping over , practically to offer that half breed his own head on a platter.

 

Chongzhi said Luo Binghe was worryingly close  to the surface, he was not going to take any chances for Dichan Ye or Shaoye’s safety.

He would bring them to a safe location first  , then inform Yue Qingyuan of this invasion.

Shen Qingqiu had tracked his godson to his bedroom, where he came across this conversation after he had dragged the prone , unconscious body of his godbrother to a carriage. The bleeding would stop, he hadn’t time to dress the wound caused by hitting Ye with Xiuya’s scabbard. He had a godson to secure.   

 

The small girl , Qin Wan-something, the one who had trustingly informed him about the Beast’s location , nodded. “Well, it probably is super hot down there. Da-Shixiong is so fussy, he likely would!” 

 

Shaoye unfolded his fan, and quickly covered his reddening face.

 

“His clothes must be of inferior grade by now . I am the Lao Zi of the thread n’ needle, you know. The best tailor in this country , and the demonic realm isn’t exactly well known for their clothing. Ugh. He would look a sight. Oh my poor Binghe-Ge. I told Sha Hualing to keep it simple , the blacks and reds would clash with his skin tone.” Shaoye rolled his eyes in horror at the very thought of Luo Binghe being clad in black and red.``He looks best in white, doesn’t he, Ah Rong?” “Yeppers, Shaoye Gongzhi!” 

 

Shaoye twirls around the room, an almost dance as though he was a frozen land beginning to thaw , awaiting the coming of spring.

 

His godson doesn’t notice his presence , so happy he is by the mere thought of meeting the beast again.Though Shaoye sharply gasps as his letter is snatched away from him. 

 

Shen Qingqiu read it, with numbed horror at every word on the document ,pressed his lips together, making them all but disappear as he reached the end.

 

A hard knot constricted his throat, making it hard to breathe. He could no longer see anything but the looming threat . Quick as a flash, he grabbed a child in each hand, and despite the surprised shouts and questions, for time was of the  essence, hurried off to the awaiting carriage. 

 

The letter flutters to the ground in their wake, only the lone silver moon hanging in the dark velvet sky bears witness to this. Unbeknownst to the Qingjing Peak Lord, he was making the greatest mistake of his life , but for now ,he hurried off, unaware of the future. 

 

Notes:

What has Shen Qingqiu planned ahead? What will Shaoye do in response to whatever his gdfather has planned ahead for him? Find out in next time’s chapter Bellas and Belas!!!!

Additional notes:

1)Chewing on ice work to help jolt your system out of the fight or flight response. They act as grounding exercises to help distract you from the feelings of panic and focus on your body and surroundings. The ice can also trigger a pain-like response in your brain that forces your neurotransmitters to refocus!

2) Also, Shaoye helped Shen Qingqiu through a panic attack using the 3-3-3 method. Mu Qingfang likely taught him that.

3) Did Shang Qinghua rat Shen Qingqiu and Yue QIngyuan's backstory to SY? Oh BOI, Yeppers, he did!

Chapter 26: This is a real update for 26

Notes:

Hiiiii, ya’all ! Merry Christmas 2022 ! Here is the update for Opap! I hopeya’all has a wonderful Christmas !

The hidden corridor led to the back courtyard where the servants came in normally . Shaoye gaped as there, unconscious and bundled into a cart was his father, a large bloody bump to his head visible- He had been stunned , a good thwack by Xiuya’s scabbard. 

“You both must go into hiding. “ Shen Qingqiu states , the only thing giving away his unease is how dilated his eyes are and the pacing. To Wanrong, he appeared calm as a placid pond. To Shaoye who had grown up from a child to a teenager with his godfather , the other was for the lack of a better word-Jumpy.

“ Why ,Gan Die ? N’ why is Baba knocked out ?”

“ Your Baba disagreed that you both were not in grave danger . Shaoye , Luo Binghe is coming back . “  The Peak lord’s hands clenched in worry. “-And he is not who you both think he is . “

“ He’s my best friend , n’ begging Gan Die’s pardon , but isn’t it great he’s alive ?”

“ He’s the son of Tianlang Jun and the Su Xiyan . Two of the cultivational world’s worst criminals , and a half heavenly demon . Fallen heavenly beasts who took human form and have caused great suffering to mankind .”

“- And ? Luo Binghe has saved many lives at the conference . So what of his origins ? He’s a hero . I can attest he is the kindest , gentlest, sweetest boy . “

Shaoye looks up, eyes challenging.

“ He’s not his parents . I for one intend to welcome him personally when he returns .” Wanrong looked back and forth, it was the first time she had seen her good friend so serious and angry .

“Your father saved me when I was a-a sla …” Shaoye felt like he was in the twilight zone for a moment. His unflappable , calm godfather stuttered. What had happened to him to make him so terrified of even mentioning it?

“I was in a very bad situation. I owe him a life debt . Over my dead body will I see the both of you killed over a stupid choice to ignore the fact that Luo Binghe is a half demon . “

Shaoye stared at him , betrayed . “ Gan Die . I won an election , I won a ceremonial fight against Lao Ba , battled against Fan Ge , won and barely lost against Binghe ge . Why won’t you trust me when I say his character is pure ?”

“Why won’t you let me protect you ?” The child was startled by the look of pure desperation and frustration from his normally calm Godfather .

“ I tried to get the job done at the Immortal Conference . But it seems I will have to do it the old fashioned way when he comes here -“

Shen Qingqiu’s heart froze as he realized what he had blurted out . The two children at his side froze too .

“... Gan Die ? Y-you really did that ?”

“ Y’mean you used my directions to try n’ kill Da Shixiong ?” Qin Wanrong whispered , devastated for a split second before rage overtook her . “ Why y’ rotten good fer nuthin’ louse !”

Shaoye peeled his eyes away, finding some place of resignation off in the glistening garden. “I...I expected better from you! Binghe-ge would never hurt me!”

“Luo Binghe is a half demon, Xiao Ye.” All eyes turned to an old man , fat and toad like , lurching towards them from the back entrance of the courtyard . He reached his hands out to take the young master from his godfather , the look he gave the unconscious Ye was one of triumph .

Shen Qingqiu gave his servant a sharp look . “It will be young master Shaoye to you , Chongzi.”

The air seemed to tremble with a sense of foreboding . Rather than apologize or shiver at this rebuke , the old man started to laugh . A gurgling , wet sound of triumph that made the trio present and conscious shiver in disgust and oddly enough , fear .

“Hey! Don’t ya bloody dare laugh at Gan Die , Squire Qui . What’s the meaning of this ?!” The small kitten screeched , loyal even though he might have been bound up by the man in question , he would turn around and hiss at anyone who insulted him.

Shen Qingqiu frowned at this , turning to his godson in confusion . “ Shaoye . How do you know my head spy ?” The small teenager gaped at his godfather in return . “ Head spy ?! Gan Die … Squire Qui is the owner of the brothels in the Golden Citadel . “

“- Squire Qui ? Owner of the brothels ?” “ Yeah ! His full name is Qui Loujian ! “

To Shen Qingqiu’s horror, and as he processed that name - The old man waved his hands and as if bound to him , Shaoye and Ye slid towards him . The Peak lord did his best to hold onto the screaming teenager who tried to desperately cling onto his godfather but the unknown qi - based force ...Chongzi … Qui Loujian had proved stronger than his Godfather’s grip .

Shen Qingqiu unsheathed his Xiu Ya , heart beating fast in dread and shock . “ Chongzi …. What is the meaning of this ?!” He demanded coldly , trying to keep the panic , the feeling of having messed up.

Qui Loujian smiled, “You gave me power over Dichan Ye and Xiaoye when you agreed to them coming under me, Master .” He explains .

And it became clear his grip on Shaoye was hard as the teenager struggled to free himself . “ Ow! You’re hurting me! Let go!” He cried .

“Xiao Ye. You are just as lovely as your father was.” Shaoye shuddered in revulsion as that meaty palm stroked his caught right hand and the angry kitten answered this unwanted touch with a good stamp right on those toes.

Qui Loujian hissed but a rictus grin stretched wide that Shen Qingqiu had seen far too many times as a mere slave on a face far younger . “-Ah. Fiery, uncouth, little savage, aren’t you? I’ll have that beaten out of you till you learn your place beneath me, Xiao Ye-”

His image rippled , twisted and spun, growing taller and taller. Those dark robes lightened, lengthened to a glossy lilac.

A handsome man , possibly around Shen Qingqiu’s age stood before everyone present. He raised an eyebrow as the enraged Wanrong, freed by a stunned Shen Qingqiu , attempted to attack him. He raised his hand … She screamed in pain as golden threads of light shot at her from it.

Shen Qingqiu stood, feeling hoodwinked, feeling all but a miserable slave boy again . Only this time, Ye was unconscious at his own hands, and Shaoye delivered right to-

“Qiu Ji-Jianluo?” He whispered, wide eyed as though he beheld a ghost.

“Miserable beast.” There was something eerily similar to the way Qiu Jianluo addressed Shen Qingqiu , despite that simpering saccharine smile he wore . Shaoye felt hatred spike within him as he found the culprit for whom hatred had been learned by his godfather .

The way Qiu Jianluo addressed his godfather was the same way Shen Qingqiu addressed Luo Binghe .

“Hey ass-munch ! Shut y’ bun hole ! He’s the peak lord of Qingjing peak , while you’re a mere nobody!”

This shout seemed to bring Shen Qingqiu to his senses - For a moment , for a very odd reason it was Luo Binghe gazing wide eyed at him for a split second , so desperate and in awe was the look his godfather shot at him .

[ [ Unlocked ! Shen Qingqiu’s past ! 10/20!!! ] TT chirped . Shen Yuan should feel happy , all he can feel is utter rage . This man was responsible for making Shen Qingqiu into the scum villain .

He was going to fucking murder this bastard.

Shaoye turns to his godfather and his friend . “ Ears !” He bellows . Shen Qingqiu instantly envelops himself and Wanrong with a green light , a Qi- based move that protects one from blasting techniques .

The Lion's roar is so effective , the tiles and paper windows surrounding them all burst open .

Qiu Jianluo , smiles .

“ Xiao Ye . I heard about your considerable talent . “ He laughs, despite blood pouring from his ears , his grip on the shocked Shaoye does not relent .

“I’m no longer a mere mortal or for that matter , a cultivator . I’m an Immortal.” Shaoye studied him and snorted rudely as if to hide a tremble in his voice . “ Yer ? Immortal of what ? Cabbage ? Of pig doo-doo?”

He titled his head in consideration , “ Or maybe the Immortal of toads ? That’s way more appropriate cuz ah more slimy toad , I ain’t never did see .”

Qiu Jianluo’s smile remains but maybe a flash of anger is seen in those lilac eyes . “A long time ago ,these lands were ravaged by the Gilded triad . The leader of which was a Phoenix Immortal . They could be considered descended of heavenly beasts who intermarried with mortals at the instruction of their masters from above. The Phoenix immortals were a clan of heavenly beasts . “ He looked down , the grin on his face that grew wide was sickening .

Shaoye appeared to tremble in fear but Shen yuan snickered mentally .

No brain villains were a dime a dozen in PIDW.

And what did no brain , seemingly overpowered morons like to do while they strung up the captured female lead ? Gloat and reveal all their plans! HAH!

Qiu Jianluo eyes the boy who looks up square into his eyes despite the trembling . “ So . That means ya natural enemy are the fallen heavenly demons - Those descended from the Fallen heavenly demon king - Dragon emperor Luo . Right ?”

The Phoenix immortal smiles and using a long fingernail , tilted that small head up to gaze into fearful hazel eyes .” Aren’t you afraid of me ?”

“ Undoubtedly. “ Shaoye admits , eyes hard .” I wholeheartedly fear what you can do but of you ? Nay. “

That single finger is joined by three others and digs into the soft flesh of his neck . Shaoye forces himself not to show any discomfort . “ Oh really ? Tell me why ?” Qiu Jianluo purrs , somehow finding it amusing .

He raises his left hand .

Golden threads fly around Shen Qingqiu who has crept up and attempted to attack him from the back, which the peak lord narrowly evaded .

Shaoye glares up into those dreaded lilac irises . “ Darkness always will give way to the light.” He keeps his eyes still on those irises . He can sense someone he knows well coming , and doesn’t want to give the others presence away .

Dichan Mingfan is a loud teenager . When he is happy , his booming voice can make a room rumble with its laugh , when angered his bellow can clear a whole room but when he is well and truly murderous ?

He is silent .

Quick as lightning , it is only Qiu Jianluo’s fast reflexes that save him from a narrow beheading . A battle fan slices through thin air.

“The first of the Gilded trio .” Qiu Jianluo observed lightly , having back flipped away , his grip still on Shaoye . But the child notices it isn’t as tight as before . Dichan Mingfan is a known threat and his expertise on deadly wind based qi was well renowned.

Mingfan glared .” Me.” The fan blew Qiu Jianluo away from his little cousin .

The golden threads that shoot out of the odious creep’s hands attempt to bind the fleeing Shaoye but Mingfan’s winds are strong enough to blow them away . 

 He lands on the ground . Shen Qingqiu hurries over. Shaoye looks up into those guilt stricken eyes , soft heart he has , instantly feels sorry for what he has been through at the hands of this psychopath . His godfather opens his mouth , “ Shaoye , I’m sor-“

“ Look out!” Mingfan’s shout rings out - Shaoye shoves his godfather away. 

Golden threads wrap around the child. But the boy takes a deep breath , his small body swells .

Qiu Jianluo hissed in pain as the resulting screech’s vibrations hurt him enough to release his threads .

“ A good bride should know his place . Beneath his husband . And darling , sweet little Ye . “He pants , somehow keeping on that sickening smile . “- You have to be disciplined .” Mingfan and Shen Qingqiu position themselves in front of the small teenager , ready for an attack but Shaoye’s eyes go wide when he guesses at the others intent .

The hairpin that he still wore , the hairpin he had used so many years ago to outwit the plans of the Old palace master, is taken out of his hair . Frantically , Shaoye jumps down to the floor , and it is sharp enough that he can carve out - frantically -letters onto the dirt .

Enough to form a seal which as he slammed his fist down upon completing , like a match ignited .

The Jade Tiger * Seal drawn on the dirt of the garden turns white then charged by its user’s Qi turns a brilliant electric blue .

The strange golden fires that suddenly spread out of nowhere through every household and every room in the Golden Citadel are countered by every metallic object alight by a strange electric blue light in their home reacting to put out the flames .

Shaoye sweats as shocked cries ring through the city . But none of despair . Disaster has been narrowly averted however it isn't over yet .

“Fan-ge ! Take the citizens and get as many out!” bellows Shaoye, not daring to take his eyes off the threat .

Dichan Mingfan can never refuse his cousin, he cannot now.

The young man grits his teeth, shoots a look of pure hate at Qiu Jianluo and Shen Qingqiu but obeys.

He can sense many lives , every breath exhaled from a living being . The wind obeys him, and whispers to him the information.

Mingfan takes a deep breath and raises his fan.

Thousands of citizens shriek, animals and livestock bay , bark , hiss or squawk as a cold wind blows them off the streets , many out of their homes into the air.

Gongyi Xiao alerted through a charm , meanwhile has rang the City’s disaster alarm, every able citizen is fleeing , the resort and hospitals are beginning a mass evacuation of their patients .

Qiu Jianluo, laughing, raised his hand.

Golden thread emitted forth from his fingertips .

Shaoye’s eyes close then open -

To everyone’s shock, even Qiu Jianluo’s ..thousands of threads pour out of each household , every house has clothes, cloth after all and every needle flies skyward , a great wall of qi infused fabric and iron meets the deadly golden three aimed to pierce through every citizen. The citizens below shriek at the thunderous boom.

Shaoye vomits blood . It hurts, boy, it hurts. For the first time, his reservoir of qi has run out to create a barrier to protect the fleeing Citadel folk .

Jianluo watches as Shaoye glares at him in threat. He will not hesitate to die for his country. He will not hesitate to save even the weakest and oldest member before his own.

Those same eyes that belonged to Ye. Ye in question just has awoken at last , the hubbub awakening him from the deep unconsciousness , eyes blearily looking around , till they land on his injured son.

He stands up . Shaoye too stumbles to his feet and wipes away the blood streaking his face .

“ Lao Xiong , do me a favour n’ take the little dear away , won’t you ? '' Dichan Ye’s voice holds no hostility towards his sworn brother . It sounds the same as usual , the same jolly , unbothered boom . But the only thing different is the predatory gleam in those eyes glaring at the threat .

“It seems My Angel and I will have to make sure the toad problem we had, is taken care of permanently .” He makes a gentle shooing motion ,” Now , Now . No if or buts . I was careless all those years ago and had I been more aware , I would have handled it years ago and sensed this pest in our Midst .”

Shen Qingqiu nods wide eyed , swallows and mutely obeys . Wanrong complaining finds herself wrestled and taken away .

“Ah . You righteous cultivators.” Qiu Jianluo comments as father and son stand straight and then so fast, their audience can scarcely see their forms, start dashing around the Phoenix Immortal in circles .

“We aren’t bloody Righteous! We are sectless !” Ye snorts .

His son sneers in agreement .

“Yeh!” He chimes in .” But no one messes with our family!”

Qi crackles in the air, a sense of foreboding as Shaoye and Ye whisper incantations under their breath and as they circle closer and closer, does the energy get more and more concentrated.

As if like one, does Father grab son’s hand, sparks fly from the impact, the build up of Qi and the incantations focussed on their hands and the pair fly towards the threat-

Qiu Jianluo’s eyes widen but it is far too late -

Their linked arms act the way a scissor might snip off a thread.As the pair’s linked hands go round Qiu Jianluo’s waist , does the powerful immortal’s body like a paper doll snipped by a pair of good metal scissors , get ripped apart-

The high peal of triumphant laughter Ye and Shaoye hear before they find themselves too late encased in golden threads which sap them out of their Qi , and they faint from exhaustion- Is terrible indeed .

Qiu Jianluo smirks down at the two wrapped presents and turns his attention to his thread copy turned flower which is growing taller and taller as it blooms , shimmering golden threads dance across the rooftops .

Thousands of people shrieked in shock as golden threads blocked their way .

Below the Citadel , the other towns and cities under the rule of the Citadel all have come out , murmuring in shock .

And when they look up , it becomes horrifically clear . A cage made of golden thread has enclosed the Citadel .

Wanrong screams in shock as she toppled off Xiuya , trapped behind the cage of gold , the threads had just come up just as he narrowly had come through .

As a result , his pillion rider had been the unlucky one trapped while he was free .

Mingfan and Wanyue screamed at this sight and even though it burnt them, flew forth to try fruitlessly to get their respective loved ones trapped within.

The smell of burnt flesh upon their bare arms or faces meeting the golden threads was horrific as well as the shrieks of pain.

“Wanrong!”

“Gimmie back Bo Bo n’ Ah Shao!” Mingfan bellows and raises his fan in rage as Qiu Jianluo appears to gloat at the citizens .

In each of his arms are the unconscious and clearly badly beaten Ye and Shaoye . They both look barely alive after their lost battle with the Phoenix Immortal .

His peals of laughter turn to a squawk of pain as blood gushes from a fresh cut on his face . Mingfan’s powerful wind attacks can still reach him through the cage . 

Angered now , Qiu Jianluo raises his hand -

“ Ah Fan , no!”

“ Ah!”

Gongyi Xiao runs to his boyfriend and takes the blood stained hand away from the young man’s eye and instantly begins to do rough surgery where the golden thread has shot into - Mingfan’s right eye .

Mingfan despite this injury, forces himself up , Shen Qingqiu moves to help his former disciple only to find his hand slapped away.

“ Get yer paws offa me , blood traitor .” Hissed the young man in disgust . “ Shaoye trusted yer weaselly arse . Dichan Ye was y’r brother . Yer delivered them to a pedophile. `` He turns back as Qiu Jianluo laughs.

“ First of the Golden Trio … Cousin in law , I suppose …. “

“ Over mah dead body - '' Raved Mingfan , hand clutching his fan which shakes due to the pain of his wounded eye . Gongyi Xiao holds him up, begging him not to over-exert himself , even as the oldest Dichan cousin angrily shakes his battered fan at the smirking Immortal in threat. “ -Ah’ll croak first in battle beatin’ the living shite outta yer hide before yer kin marry m’ kid cousin !”

“Now , now . Ye and Xiao Ye would be so upset if you were killed like poor little Luo Binghe but at my hands . Thank you by the way , Shen Jiu , for getting rid of that guard dog - He was the only one who could have stood a chance against me with his skills.” The way those eyes raked over the unconscious child in his arms make all who see it furious . “ - And for delivering both the Former and present citadel ruler to my arms .”

The citizens who had managed to escape the cage all pause in utter shock .

Then as one , all turn to look at the Peak Lord . Accusing murmuring rumbles through the crowd .

It was well known of the grief their beloved ruler had gone through at Luo Binghe’s death , of the youth’s power before he died , and this man, sworn brother to Dichan Ye and Shaoye’s godfather had actually - actually …!

Shaoye stirred , he looked around bleary eyed , then he realized quickly whose grasp he was in .

He struggled predictably but it was of no use. 

But all Gongyi Xiao could do was hold Mingfan back from rushing at the Golden cage again in vain hope of freeing his cousin .

Could only watch in horror and despair as the last image the citizens , Wanyue, Mingfan , Gongyi xiao and Shen Qingqiu had was of Qiu Jianluo turning around and carting the struggling Shaoye and his still unconscious father away to the largest manor.

Wanrong, shaken out of her shock , now ran towards her sister , crying . “ Jie Jie ! Hel-“ whatever she was about to say was cut off . The Golden thread’s enchantment and seal meant that no one could hear anything or interact with those trapped within the cage once Qiu Jianluo decided  .

Qin Wanyue resumed screaming and crying fruitlessly , blood pouring from the gruesome self-inflicted cuts on her face . Gongyi Xiao was forced to sedate her to stop charging like Mingfan to free her sister from the cage .

In the end , little Qin Wanrong , tears pouring down her face, was led by a number of trapped Citadel folk ,likely to the Luo river center as it seemed that was where most of the remainder of those trapped within were going .

By the time the crowd outside the cage has risen as one angry mob to apprehend Shen Qingqiu, he has predictably vanished .

—

Autumn came , then winter which was chased away by frivolous spring , upon which cascaded the following season's upon which did spring vanquish winter …. Swiftly three years would have passed . 

But while the Golden Citadel silently suffered, trapped in the clutches of a tyrant, did too , the rest of the world outside changed. And big changes had indeed been made in these turbulent times. 

Xianqi village was one of the towns under the Golden Citadel , which was barely holding itself together . The citizens naturally gossiped on the state of affairs as they took it upon themselves to survive . The lucky thing was that it was near the trade route which was barely being kept afloat by the Northern demonic ruler, Sha Hualing and Dichan Mingfan . 

Thus came a daily throng of new arrivals who were privy to the gossip.

As such, no one blinked an eye when a group of four, two women, a hooded youth and masked individual strode into town for a bite to eat at the local tavern. 

Cutlery clinked. Tongues wagged . 

“Have you heard about the wedding?” 

“Disgraceful , it is! A mere child to be married to a centuries old pervert! Even if that child is our ruler, it is pedophillia! Our ancestors would roll in their graves if they knew of this happening!” 

“...And that godfather of his , he got off scot-free, didnae he? Even after sellin’ out his own godson and sworn brother to that tyrant ? “

“Pft. With his sugar daddy , the then Qiong ding peak lord forgiving his every action ? He nearly killed off the previous Baizhan peak lord , didn't he? An’ he managed to kill off that poor Luo Binghe , too …. Didnae get off scot free for those two cases ?”

“Greedy louse , that Qiu Jianluo bribed him to do this deed and for fineries. “

“Priceless jades, jewels and artifacts delivered to Qingjing peak’s doorstep once the deed was done. Everyone knows that story.”

A polite cough interrupted the two men , a burly builder and a willowy duck seller , who were discussing this .

The masked individual bowed their head low.  “ Forgive this one for interrupting , but this one could not help overhear your conversation.  Shen Qingqiu is no longer the Peak lord of Qingjing peak ?”

The two men gave them incredulous looks . The burly builder stated in disbelief .” You must’ve been under a rock these three years . There was a huge hoo-hah after that weasel returned to the Cang Qiong mountain sect after doing that  to his own sworn brother and godson . “

“Dichan Mingfan pursued him .” The duck seller added with grim satisfaction.”Demanding justice the whole way on behalf of his shattered clan . Only Yue Qingyuan attempted to shield the traitor  , but this was the straw that broke the camel’s back . The then Baizhan Peak lord retired first in protest  , and of course the rest had to tender their resignation . “

The hooded youth who had seemed tense the whole time , clenched his fist as though enraged . The girl in red patted his shoulder in comfort . The masked individual made encouraging sounds for the duck seller to divulge more . 

Encouraged , the duck-seller continued .”Naturally , the whereabouts of Shen Qingqiu at present ,  is a mystery . As soon as he was forced off his seat , he vanished . “ 

“ Yue Qingyuan is still onboard . His head disciple isn’t quite ready yet .Heh , we all know the man is trying to stop the inevitable man hunt for that white eyes wolf’s head .”

“Ah betcha that White eyed wolf doesn’t give a hoot his poor underage godson is about to be forced into a marriage with that feathered pervert who erected that cage over the Citadel.” The builder commented with a snort to which the duck-seller tutted at the looks of incomprehension by the newcomers and helpfully explained  . 

“Qiu Jianluo , a depraved immortal, bribed Shen Qingqiu into giving him the names of Dichan Ye and Shaoye and thus gained power over them through his deranged curse . And with them , he trapped the whole Citadel under a cage of Golden light that is impenetrable. He recently announced his plan to marry our liege and take him as a bride .” 

The hooded youth who already seemed particularly upset by this , wrenched the red clad maiden’s hand off his shoulder and ran outside . 

 

The red clad girl cursing vilely about ‘clingy puppy-dogs’ and ‘mother hens’ was on his heels .  was on his heels . 

The duck seller and builder blinked . 

 

“ Ah . He’s a bit emotional . Got a lover behind that array set up by that Qiu Jianluo at the Citadel.Doesn’t like being reminded of that  .” The masked individual explained as they slapped some coin on the table . 

 

“ Ah . Poor thing .”  It was not uncommon for folk belonging to the Citadel  to come from abroad and find their home and kin enslaved behind the wall set up .

 

The masked individual nodded in parting , then with a bow , they twirled their robes , vanishing as did the astonished remaining member of their group who went with them . A cold wind followed this that blew everyone else to the ground. 

 

“ Cultivators. “ The duck seller got up with a laugh and was about to take out his gold to pay the proprietor for their meal …. When he realized he had a little extra .

 

At the same time his eyes met his friend’s who nodded stiffly , shaking the extra gold piece in his pocket that had not bulged quite as much . Just as all around them , angry shrieks started .

 

“ Hey ! Where’s my money !”

 

“ What trickery is this ?! My gold is all gone !”

 

“ My priceless jade pendant-!”

———

 

“ I told you, Binghe . I heard things about the going-ons above world but you refused to listen to me ! Will you stop pacing ?! I’m gettin’ a headache watching you brood!” 

 

The white clad youth walked back and forth , indignance and self loathing practically radiating from him like a dark cloud  .

 

He shuddered. Then he unsheathed his sword , a bright blade with a red gem at its end . The red armored maiden groaned at the theatrics and flew forth . 

 

  “I will go back !” He cried even as she tried to wrest it from him. “I will go back and tear Shen Qingqiu to pieces.”

 

“ Do you even know where his ass is , Binghe ? Hello? He’s no longer the Qingjing peak lord and has gone missing! ” Upon hearing this , reason came to his eyes . “ I am useless ! Absolutely useless ! Oh , kill me , right now , Hualing !”  

 

 “That would do no good at all,” Sha Hualing snapped , shaking an armor clad fist at him , “ You dead would accomplish nuthin’ , dumbass !” 

 

“ Indeed!” Their older female companion turned up , huffing and puffing . Binghe turned pale when he realized his outburst had been heard by the other two  . “What’s all this fuss about , young man ? You know how much we and for that matter , Shaoye care about you ! “ 

 

“We must rescue Ah Shao first.” The masked individual reminded calmly , “- and think of our revenge later. On to the Citadel!  ”

 

  “On to the Citadel , then!” Cried Binghe, staggering along on shaky legs. “But we shall return for justice , Shen Qingqiu! ”

 

“That’s the spirit ! “ Hualing cheered , as though she was looking forward to a favorite theatrical play , a bloody sequel to the inevitable battle that awaited them at the Golden Citadel that likely saw both Qiu Jianluo ripped to shreds and a painful , painful end for Shen Qingqiu ala Luo Binghe style . Qiu Haitang shook her head in disapproval until they all heard the unmistakable clink of something hitting the ground . 

 

A priceless jade pendant had slipped out of the Masked individual’s robes .

 

Qiu Haitang had long discovered that Binghe was manageable . A bit melodramatic and prone to self-flagellation at leaving his little master but perfectly sweet tempered . Sha Hualing was mischievous but a few scoldings had her ducking her head . Their newest companion however - 

 

“ Dichan Furen .” She states dangerously to the masked individual . “- The estranged wife of Dichan Ye . Regent-mother of the current ruler , Dichan Shaoye . …. Were you actually stealing from the tavern patrons just now ?!” 

 

Binghe murmured in alarm while Sha Hualing started cackling as the masked woman unrepentantly showed everyone the stash she had stored away under her flowy robes . Qiu Haitang gnashes her teeth .” Does your thievery know no bounds?!” She howled . “You rob everyone else blind whenever we visit any establishment!” 

 

Dichan Furen smiles as she tosses a priceless jade pendant . The jade catches the sunlight , sparkles in the weak light . 

 

“ Oh come now . A good thief never wastes an opportunity to profit .” 

Notes:

Qiu Jianluojust sees Shaoye as Ye 2.0 , in other words, he is disregarding Shaoye’s identity completely in favour of ‘reliving’ the past.
The Jade tiger seal is supposed to be based off the White Tiger of the West .
The Four Symbols (Chinese: 四象; pinyin: Sì Xiàng, literally meaning "four images"), are four mythological creatures appearing among the Chinese constellations along the ecliptic, and viewed as the guardians of the four cardinal directions. These four creatures are also referred to by a variety of other names, including "Four Guardians", "Four Gods", and "Four Auspicious Beasts". They are the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise (also called "Black Warrior") of the North. Each of the creatures is most closely associated with a cardinal direction and a color, but also additionally represents other aspects, including a season of the year, a virtue, and one of the Chinese "five elements" (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water).
The white Tiger represents Metal,
Rugao ham-Rugao ham (Chinese: 如皋火腿; pinyin: Rúgāo Huǒtuǐ) is a dry-cured ham that originated in Jiangsu province, China. It dates to the Qing dynasty, and was first prepared circa 1851. Rugao ham is produced in a diverse variety of flavors, colors and weights. The local breed of Jiangquhai pigs are typically used for the ham.
Mantou -Mantou, often referred to as Chinese steamed bun, is a white and soft type of steamed bread or bun popular in Northern China
Wolfberries-Goji, goji berry, or wolfberry.Wolfberry is mainly used in TCM for treating “yin deficiency” in liver and kidney.
Dang Shen -Codonopsis pilosula, also known as Dangshen, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the bellflower family. It is native to Asia, where it grows in forests, meadows, and scrub.
The roots of C. pilosula are used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are carrot-shaped or cylindrical, sometimes branched, and up to 30 cm (12 in) long by 3 cm (1.2 in) wide.[1] They are a constituent of Radix Codonopsis, a mixture used in herbal medicine.[2]

Chapter 27: A right pickle

Summary:

Hiiii everyone , I will Try updating every Twoweeks spoooo...looking out this Chinese New Year for the next update! ;3333333 hope you guys likieeeeee this chapter ! ;3333

“This is horrible.” Sha Hualing rolled her eyes as Binghe repeated this for the umpteenth time as they entered what had once been the cheerful, bustling docks of the Citadel. 

The simpering female guard had let them in once Binghe reluctantly shed his hood . A pretty face got them places. Still, she had to admit he had good cause to be horrified. 

The once pristine docks were still clean but there was an air of oppression . Everyone , from the elderly to the children carried a weapon , wore armour and all looked grim . Now a huge wall had been constructed around the perimeter of the towns and the docks surrounding the citadel of what seemed to be metal .

But the worst shock was yet to come as he was ushered into the tents where the rebel leaders wanted to see the group of newcomers .

Dichan Mingfan had taken charge shortly after the cage had been set up , the last of the Golden Trio who was still free , its last hope. Aided by his side was Qin Wanyue , who rose quickly to become head advisor.

There, sitting on a chair on a raised platform , was a hulking tall man , his once fair skin had tanned under the sun , contrasting with old scars all over his face and muscled arms . He wore the customary armor and a huge war fan was strapped to his back .

An enchanted eyepatch that acted as a prosthetic eye - the gem constantly revolved around before settling on the white clad youth who seemed to take a step back in shock at the sight of him and his lieutenant ,was Dichan Mingfan.

Qin Wanyue , his right hand had stood next to him and too bore awful scars . All over her pretty face and criss crossed over her arms possibly under her robes . The pair gaped at the band of four , particularly at the one whom they had thought dead all these years.

Mingfan stood , gaping . Then he gripped his fan , far too fast to be stopped , was there by Binghe’s side ,raising it to the other’s exposed neck . “ If you are anuvver one o’ those Binghe impersonators ,yer gunna find y’rself a head short , squirt, unless you cough up intel only the puppy knows .  “ He growled . Despite this less then friendly welcome , a fond smile couldn’t help coming to Binghe’s lips . Mingfan was cautious , always had been out of the three of them . The one who had a plan C if A or B failed . 

“ You stopped a fight between Ning Shijie’s suitor and me , first year . Qingjing peak . You found my mama’s jade pendant strung high above the bamboo on a cypress tree that he had flung up there.” Binghe states hardly unphased even when his friend removes the fan from his neck .

“You got mad at Brother Yixiao for being ‘upitty’ when he got mad at you for missing his sixteenth birthday-” “ Bing Bing . “ Mingfan gaped , stood up , then sat down again . “ How - Who cast you down ?”

Binghe’s eyes closed . He grimaced . When his eyes opened again the irises were red . And a glowing red mark that Mingfan had read about in his history books appeared on his forehead .

“To answer . Because I’m part heavenly demon , the fight with the Black Python Rhinoceros demon weakened the seal on the demon marking and my heritage . Shen Qingqiu found me and I was thrown down into the abyss by him .”

-Clang !-

“That snake !” Mingfan roared , found a tin cup and threw that against a wall in great fury . “ That lily livered little bastard ! “

Binghe, startled by this outburst, gazed at him in mild shock .

“ You aren’t alarmed or angry that I’m part heavenly demon ?”

Mingfan gave him a dirty look . “ Ah saw the aftereffects of Ah Shao gettin’ torn up by the so called head of justice , Lao Gongzhu who abused and lied to his daughter for years , saw that snake , dat no good white eyed wolf betray me uncle and Ah Shao n’ you expect me to believe that all Demons are evil like all cultivators are angels ?”

The man stomped forward , grabbed Binghe by the front of his robes .

“ You sacrificed yer innocence to get revenge for Ah Shao . You spent every waking minute caring for and protecting Ah Shao . Binghe , you fought for and reclaimed Ah Shao’s honour , so he could walk about with his head high and free , ah don’t forget .”

“ - Ah never have forgotten that . Yer more family than that sack of shit.”

He pulls Binghe into a rough hug , and Binghe melts into that embrace . He had missed this so much . “Binghe!” Wanyue cried, and flew up to join in. Sha Hualing sauntered up, and tapped her on the shoulder. The advisor gave her a look , and made a great show of holding out her hand to be shook. Hualing looked at the offered hand, then with a saucy smirk , gave it a great smack that made everyone else jump. 

Howling with pain and rage, the advisor chased the cackling demoness outside. 

When he was finally freed from the hug , Mingfan clapped his hands together . Gongyi Xiao , much older, but still elegant and neat - Clad in the robes of a medic , from outside peered in , gaping as his best beloved beamed and pointed to - “ Binghe ?! How ?!”

“Whuh- What happened to you both ? “ Binghe’s gentle hands traced over the gruesome scars on his sworn brother’s face. Mingfan grimaced. “Three years ago .We tried to free our loved ones from the Cage . These were the results of trying - Poor lil Qin Wanrong- She’s trapped within the walls at the mercy of a depraved pedophile . “

“The pedophile was confirmed to be a phoenix immortal who had designs on Dichan Ye in his youth by the name of Qiu Jianluo tempted the sworn brother of Dichan Ye into selling out both his sworn brother and godson into his clutches. “ Gonghi Xiao grimly confirmed . “With the rulers in his clutches, and a large number of Inner Golden Citadel citizens as living hostages-

-Clang!-

Mingfan hurled another unlucky cup against an unlucky wall . “ This would never have happened if not for that traitor!”

“Who is he ?”

Gong Yixiao’s expression twisted .” The now former peak lord of Qing Jing peak .”

Dichan Mingfan groused, “Apart from that little bas***, who else could it be?”

Qiu Haitang’s expression faintly twisted. Dichan Mingfan himself was much younger than Shen Qingqiu , had called him once “Shizun” , yet called him a “little bas***” now. From whom did he learn this from?

As the newcomers were to find out over the course of an evening , that the entire base had taken to calling Shen Qingqiu—if not “little bas***”—“venomous snake ” “white-eyed wolf,”* or addressed him without his Peak Lord title over the past three years . Calling him a “bas***” was considered to be courteous.

“ -Ah Shao is a slave . What can Ah say ? For some pretty baubles did the white eyed ungrateful wolf sell the heads of our clan to that monster . Ach, you guys must be starving. Come on , let us get some food in yer bellies ”

“I will not be hungry till I see young master Shaoye.” Binghe declared, standing up. It was then his stomach , hungry from two days of travel and living off rainwater and scraps of mantou , chose to announce it had had enough. 

“Yer.” Mingfan snorted , “Come along now,chump. Gotta get some meat on y’r bones else Qiu Jianluo simply blows at ya and you fly away with the wind.”

—------- 

There wasn’t much to eat . But a plate of fresh fruit provided both drink and meal . The rest of the heads of the rebel forces who were in the rebel camp , came . 

All were familiar faces but now grown up . Only one was new in this crowd - “ Luo Binghe !” Xiao Gongzhu - A slender young woman , a signature cheeky grin still on her face , clad in dark magenta pink and purple - gasped , and ran forward to smack his forehead hard . “ You blighter ! Where the hell have you been all these years ?!”

Ning Yingying by her side - Tall , clad in gentle pastel green robes , still hanging onto vibrant golden orange ribbons woven into her now long hair - restrained her luckily from giving Binghe a migraine from any subsequent smacks . Binghe blinked at this newcomer. “ Ning… Shijie?”

“Aiyo! Why’re you so formal ?! She’s laozi’s woman . I’m hers! … Should call her sister in law .” This cheeky innuendo got her a half hearted thump by her … Wife ?

“You got married ?” “ Been married for two years ago .” Xiao Gongzhu confirmed with a proud nod . “Got married as soon as Ah Ying reached here safe n’ sound .”

“I’m surprised Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao haven’t tied the knot yet .” Binghe always thought Mingfan would have wedded Gongyi Xiao as soon as possible . “ Eh. Mingfan’s sentimental . He wants to marry once Shaoye and his dad are free . Shaoye can complain all he likes once he’s free but I'm renewing my vows with robes designed by him once he’s out of that hell hole . “

Of the familiar faces , there was Gongyi Xiao , there was Mingfan , Xiao Gongzhu , Qin Wanyue , surprisingly there was Qi Qingqi and Ning yingying . But of -

“ Huh . How’s Liu Mingfan being doing if she isn’t here ?” “ She’s Peak lord of Bai Zhan peak . And currently at bitter loggerheads with Qiong Ding peak which stands alone in defending Qingjing’s past peak lord .”

Binghe would learn that there were new peak lords on the seats once the revelation of the betrayal by Shen Qingqiu of his sworn brother had come through . The rest of the other Peak lords retired in protest when Yue Qingyuan attempted to shield Shen Qingqiu again from this disgrace. 

Qi Qingqi had promptly married Qiu Haitang, Liu Qingge and Mu Qingfang had settled down at Bao Liu Village, Shang Qinghua , who had came to help in rescue efforts , informed that the rest of the other Peak lords had all decided to go traveling back to their respective hometowns .

 Scandalously enough, he had hooked up with Mobei-Jun , a demon lord of the North , and it was well known, through the camp, that as soon as Qiu Jianluo had been taken care of, they would wed. 

Qi Qingqi in question was gazing at Binghe in mild shock . “How did you survive that godforsaken place and return ?” She asked , pushing the fruit bowl to the young man . 

Mingfan meanwhile was glowering fiercely at Dichan Furen who calmly sipped her tea. “Y’ the bitch who left Bobo on his lonesome n’ Ah Shao to suffer the fallout of y’ throwing him away like an unwanted kitten?!”  

“The reason of why she is not mincemeat and here as a companion , I shall also explain along with what happened since I was thrown down the Endless Abyss.” Binghe held out a placating hand. Grumbling mightily, the general sat back, nodding at his sworn brother to begin. 

Binghe closed his eyes, breathed out and for a moment was back in the Abyss as he recalled everything that had transpired.

When he opened them, he began to tell.

 —

 All eyes were on Binghe as he told how he had been brought to shelter by his cousin , a snake demon called Zhuzhilang . Upon mentioning Sha Hualing was an ally , Zhuzhilang wasted no time bringing him to the demoness in question . 

Two had become a trio as Sha Hualing had heard troubling things on the surface . She couldn’t get in touch with Dichan Shaoye or the Golden Citadel . As such , she insisted on joining them to confront the problem on the surface which was a journey by itself . 

Still , Zhuzhilang wanted Luo Binghe to know his heritage and more importantly, he extracted a promise for his aid that he would free his own birth father , Tianlang Jun from the mountain . 

This prompted another line of questioning and shared revelations. Binghe learnt more about his father and in turn Zhuzhi Lang found out who had imprisoned Junshang and killed Su Xiyan .

Nonetheless , Zhuzhi Lang agreed that it was only right to help the Dichans back first . 

They took a portal to the Mobei kingdoms courtesy of Sha Hualing’s father , where more of his lineage and of his responsibilities was impressed upon him and the throne he was to sit upon and unite the now scattered forces of the Demonic realm . 

Mobei Jun would not let Binghe go till he could beat him in a battle . Day and night, did Binghe train till he lost track of time  . The ice demon had been a formidable opponent and a good teacher . Like Zhuzhilang, he had been surprised that Binghe did not want to sit on the throne but return to being a mere right hand man of a human ruler. 

But stranger things had happened before and besides , Tianlang Jun himself had run off to court Su Xiyan . This was slightly better . It seemed that Dichan Shaoye was a ruler and also a cultivator . 

Demons didn’t care about pithy things like gender but bloodline and it was generally better lifespan wise if their human partner was a cultivator . 

And once their King who was still alive was back on his throne ? Binghe could do whatever he liked , marry whomever he desired  till Tianlang Jun decided he wanted to retire or expired .

Mobei Jun upon being defeated had shown them the way out . The last stretch of the Endless abyss to where the way out was in a particularly inhospitable part , where between the human and demon world was particularly thin and where the first heavenly demon ancestor had ripped a crevice down till it reached the Endless Abyss then threw himself down .

Dragon Emperor Luo had upon reaching rock bottom upon discovering that he was still alive , was not a happy camper . He then threw away Xin Mo, his sword formed of his own blood , then decided to die in a prettier environment and proceeded to fly up again . 

Xin Mo lay there , awaiting a suitable host. 

Mobei Jun told him of its known benefits , it could open realms, and even teleport him once he had mastered it to where desired . 

Then after this , upon Binghe’s request did Mobei-Jun allow himself to take over temporarily , Zhuzhi Lang stressed . Temporarily   over the demonic realms . As the temporary monarch till Tianlang Jun was reinstated . 

The trio then departed off to complete the last stretch of the endless abyss . 

They had to pass a fearsome artifact to do so, one that Mobei-Jun seemed confident was his .

There was no bypassing Xinmo, either way, to get up anyway from the only rift made by Dragon Emperor Luo was above the legendary blade .

Binghe? Binghe luckily had been warned beforehand about the sword and its unique properties. Shen Qingqiu had been sending Shaoye all kinds of scriptures by demonic cultivators. He would not have been surprised if Shaoye had come across it in an obscure passage. 

“Xinmo . “ Shaoye chirped , oddly serious. “The heart demon sword . It is a legendary artifact that was forged from the rage and actual blood of the first ancestor of the heavenly demon line -The dragon emperor , Luo . It lies at the Perimeter of the Succubi clan , down an unmistakable rift called Heart Hollow , in the centre of a circle of magical flames. Centuries ago, the prophet Su Ruyuan placed a ward around it, but also provided a way out for the clever and not of heavenly demon bloodline to escape. 

Those of Heavenly demon blood are not affected by these flames. However, that is not the only problem.

Anyone should be able to sense the despair, the agony it emits. Take care , for it-” 

The sword stands before them, and as soon as they touch down to the cavern floor, the view is blocked with emerald flames , both before and behind them.

There is a single pedestal before them. On it is the ominous inscription and Nine pieces of blue-jade of varying sizes settled on the hard surface. 

“ Three of me are cursed , and will kill you if you choose either.

Two of me are just plain glass , nothing bad will happen with these.

Two of me are talismans that will grant you a random skill.

One will port you into a hidden dungeon, and never let you out.

Only one here will help you, it will cool down your body heat.

No medium-sized jade are cursed.

Too much power is bad in large, so none are large.

Each of the end jade have the same properties.

No matter how help hides, it will be on cursed's left side, but its left side is safe.

No two small pieces of jade are the same.

The one that will port you to the hidden dungeon is harder, for it resides between wine and water.

The portal jade is large, so it works forever.

Neither big nor medium will save your life.

Death is all you will get from the jade on the far right.

Plain glass is next to the helper.

Binghe studied the jade pieces-

Large--Small--Large--Medium--Small--Large--Medium--Large--Small.    

Sha Hualing was the first to buckle, gasping as though she could not breathe. Zhuzhilang too looked pained. Binghe turned back. “What’s wrong?” 

“Bing-Binghe. It hurts. I t-think the sword affects non Heavenly demons negatively . This pain I feel...What Hualing feels ...Feels like heartbreak. Like when Junshang was sealed away-”  His cousin gasped . 

Binghe bit his lips, feeling equal parts worried and scared. But he hid it away. 

He paid no heed to the others even as the pair struggled to keep upright , but  read the inscription several times. Then he went back and forth past the line of jade , muttering to himself and pointing at them. At last, his hand pointed to the fifth. 

  "Got it," he said. "The fifth will get you both back " ** ((Answer: Death--Talisman--Portal--Glass--Help--Death--Talisman--Glass--Death. Only the fifth jade will bring them back ))

   

Zhuzhilang started as something cool was pressed into his hands, and when he did not die of an agonizing curse, he gazed wide eyed as his cousin began pushing them out. 

  "Take it, I owe you both a life debt, but the both of you are non-heavenly demons and will perish on close contact with the blade. "

  "But Binghe...You’re half-breed-"

  "Well -- I’m a half breed as you said " said Binghe, pointing at his mark. "Maybe my heavenly demon side will save me.  "

  Zhuzilang breathed in. “See you at the mountain base we agreed to in the event we had to part ways.”

  "Quick, go, before it wears off. "

  "Good luck -- take care. "

  "GO!"

Zhuzhilang holding Sha Hualing, turned and walked straight through the green fire.

Binghe took a deep breath and turned to face the black flames.

  "For Young Master Shaoye," he reminded himself, and strode forth.

Binghe braced himself, saw the emerald flames licking his body, but felt only the curious sensation of something tickling him -- for a moment he could see nothing but green fire -- then he was on the other side, Xin Mo in front of him.

As he took step , by cautious step towards it, did a voice - Whispery , spidery, which was an odd thought  for how could a spider have  a voice? - But it was the first opinion that Binghe had as it spoke to him like he would in his own head, only it wasn’t his voice. 

<< Ah. Promising. You have carved your way here , and been tested. There burns ambition and passion in you. >> Binghe nodded at this in careful acknowledgement . The sword didn’t have visible eyes , but he felt like a particularly plump mouse sized up by a hungry cat. 

It was like the time he was back at Huan Hua and had to deal with the old Palace Master. 

And he wanted nothing to do with anything that felt like that horror. 

The sword continued on even as Binghe saw a dagger on the ground , and a nearby bottle that when uncorked , and sniffed at was determined to contain alcohol . <<- Power dances through your veins. Descendant of my maker, with my aid, you could rise to attain riches, powers unimaginable like your ancestor. >>

Binghe cleaned the dagger with the alcohol , sterilizing it. It gleamed bright in the glow of the fire. 

“Xinmo is formed from the blood of your ancestor, formed from his iron will of hatred and despair given form by his blood . It is your birthright. A powerful, wondrous sword that can cleave cities into half. It can teleport you where as you wish once you claim it.” Mobei-Jun points to an carving of the sword in the centre of the room they were in. 

//Shaoye bites his lip and looks so terrified as he continues . “- Anyone should be able to sense the despair, the agony it emits. Take care , for it is sentient and takes possession of its owners. Xin Mo demands a great price for it’s aid. For it’s borrowed power.”//

In every fairytale, lies a grain of truth. Binghe  looks up and true enough there as described by Mobei-Jun was a sliver of sky from the human realm . Here was where Dragon Emperor Luo had cleaved a rift down with Xin Mo. 

 

Now all he needed was a blade.

 

And grasping the dagger, does he cut his hand. 

 

// What. What are you doing?/ /

 

“The mere mention of you scared young master Shaoye. I do not care for bringing anything that scares him so into his household.”  

 

// If you wield me, you can make this world anew. Have anyone you want. New worlds for you to explore, and to tear down every night when you are done. Every day will be better and brighter than the one that went before. Anyone you want  at your feet.//

“And will there be gray, wet days where I just cook , cook , just follow little Master Shaoye about to do taxes and the day drags on forever?” asked Binghe , watching his scarlet blood drip down.

//Never// Declares Xinmo. 

“Can I sit on a throne, with everyone bowing at my feet? And everyday , full of people worshipping me like a god ?”  Binghe frowns in discomfort as he attempts what his ancestor had done centuries before. It might be desperation, but he could have sworn the blood shifted for a second - 

//Every day will be filled with joy// whispered Shadowed blade. //Nothing will pass your eyes that will not entirely delight you.//

“And I could have anyone I wanted, did you say? ?” Binghe barely can breathe as he watches the blood slowly harden, and shift and shape-

//Men, Women, demons—whatever you desire. A harem numbering in the thousands. The world will be yours for the taking every morning. If you wield me , you can have whatever , whoever you want.//

Binghe sighed. “You really don’t understand, do you?” He asked. “I don’t want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted? Just like that, and it didn’t mean anything. What then?”

//I don’t understand// 

“Of course you don’t understand , you’re a demonic sentient sword who saps its users and preys on their insecurities to get them to wield you when in actuality-You wield them. Thank the gods , the young master warned me about you. ”

The Blood dripped and slowly crystallized to reveal a near copy of Xinmo but unlike it’s dark hilt, the new blade’s hilt was white.

“I care not for power. Passion - Passion ruined all I cared dear and now threatens the life of the one who means the world to me. I just want to be me. Luo Binghe. “ 

That’s all he ever wanted, really. To be himself.

And he had it what he had ever really wanted and had not been grateful for what he had all along right in front of him then due to his staggering ignorance. It had taken to be shoved into hell, having it taken away while he was down there for him to realize what he had wanted. 

“ All I want now is to be by the side of Young master again.” 

//Fool. You could have had it all and you choose to throw it away to serve a pithy human. // Binghe feels the baleful gaze upon him . Then Xin Mo, rather petulantly adds. // ..And this new one , this new sword you just smithed is weak.// 

 “ It’s not as strong as you. But I trust- . “ He pauses as his sword’s name comes to mind. “ -Zheng Yang.” 

Binghe raises the newly smithed Zheng Yang, smithed by channeling that gentle , steady feeling he always got when he was around Shaoye .

It feels pure , it thrums like the beating of a heart , and as he holds it , he swears he can feel the singing of a river .  That calm gentle feeling flows through him and clears his panic and eases his worry . 

The time is now.

Binghe turns his back on his ancestor’s tainted blade and starts to dig his way up to the crevice using Zheng Yang.  

--

 Binghe wasted no time in finding Sha Hualing and his cousin at the base of the mountain as agreed. Zhuzhi-Lang informed them that it would be wise to seek out Madame Meiyin, a powerful , generous succubi who would be willing to update them on the current goings on in the mortal realm , would more than likely be happy to provide a night’s shelter as well as supplies and upgrades armour for the journey ahead .

Somehow they bumped into an astonished but overjoyed Qiu Haitang who was on a quest to retrieve a missing man abducted by succubi , neighbors of hers and Qi Qingqi , who had begged her to retrieve him.

Three became four. Zhuzhilang had bristled about ‘humans’ but Binghe made it clear Haitang was to be respected and besides , wasn’t the girl who saved him , a human too ? This quelled his cousin who nonetheless kept grumbling racist nonsense in the background about one human helping him in his darkest hour did not redeem the rest of the race . Binghe tuned him out . He didn’t have time for his cousin's dumb bias . 

Haitang was oddly silent on what had happened above world, telling them that they would better hear it from the succubus herself as she would cry if she had to be the one who had to update them. The stricken look on her face, showed that whatever Meiyin would tell them about what had happened …Could not be pleasant. 

—

 

Notes:

One step closer to the reunion, in next week’s update , Bellas and Belas ! :)

Chapter 28: Mr. brightside

Zhuzhi-lang frowned as they took their first tentative steps into the cave..Which was surprisingly empty of any living thing . 

 

“ Something is afoot .” 

 

Qiu Haitang however was scouring the vast cave , and cried in delight. “-That’s him! The man kidnapped by those succubi! They’ve hidden him away there! Come now, we must retrieve him!” 

 

There was a small enclave, so well hidden in the corner as though it was a tortoise hidden under a pile of dead leaves, unless an experienced eye didn’t see it, you would not think of finding it.

 

It was when they entered did they realize that the person who was there was definitely not the man or a man. 

 

The woman lounging languidly against the enclave wall , was lovely- Doe-eyed orbs of honey,sun-kissed skin ,  likely shapely legs hidden by a blanket of silk

, sweeping , tumblings bangs of mahogany- The same bangs that Dichan Shaoye had inherited from. 

 

Sha Hualing was grabbed back by Zhuzhi-Lang as she lunged forward , a vengeful curse on her lips.

 

“ Explain .” Binghe snapped, eyes wide , leveling his sword at their new cave-mate , who barely seemed phased . 

 

The woman shrugged , pulling aside her blanket to reveal the reason why she had not returned to her family . While the upper part of her body was curvaceous, and healthy , the lower half was ash-grey , mummified . 

 

Something glowed in her lower pocket , a golden glow that reminded Binghe of the times Shaoye dragged him out after dark to go spot fireflies, of the soft yellow light the creatures emitted . 

 

Something in the shape of a snowdrop .

 

There was only one legendary flower that could remain ever-fresh even after being picked ….

 

Slowly fury turned to understanding .

 

“Tang Furen. Formerly married to one Dichan Ye and bore the one who currently rules the Golden Citadel.” Qiu Haitang declared, peering at the other dubiously  . 

 

“Lady Sha of the Southern demon isles. Lord Zhuzhi-Lang , dread general of the Thirtieth Heavenly Demonic Emperor . Qiu Haitang , wife of the former Xianshu peak lord and advisor to the Golden Citadel . And little Luo Binghe, the third of the famed Golden trio.”

 

Luo Binghe carefully resheathed Zheng Yang . “Milady . You evidently have been keeping tabs on our world . Would you be so kind as to share with us the goings on at the Citadel?  .” 

 

Furen poked a careless finger just shy of jabbing Binghe’s chest. “-You remind me of her , in particular, you. Careful, love is a powerful emotion that can make one blunder.”

 

Before he could ask who she was referring to , she went on.

 

“ Maybe she has gone soft in her old age . But the Tang Ah Yi I knew was always protective of her disciples . Even after we all parted ways . Unless..”  Furen gazed at Binghe who only nodded silently , grief unable to be hidden .

 

“ Oh dear . That means you lost your- She is really …” Her voice trailed off and had Binghe not focused hard enough , a single tear drop unbidden trembled at the edge of her eyes before it was hastily blinked away . 

 

Nonetheless , she gazed back stolidly at him . Binghe felt himself straightening up in her presence as though he was still an unruly disciple in the presence of Shizu- Shen Qingqiu . 

 

Despite all claims of her being a vixen . The woman, despite being beautiful , acted nothing like a so-called fox spirit . 

 

Amiable she might be , there was a stern grace to her , an enviable nobility and confidence despite the careful image of bored laziness she put out . 

 

Her voice, while not sharp , was in no way soft or sticky nor was it the raucous , loud roars that the Dichan clan conversed with . It had a wry , sarcastic lilt to it as though she had seen much of the world and thought very little of the people living in said world . 

 

“Now . I am going to ask you this , Luo Binghe . In a few moments, this will determine whether you four , don’t end up mindless-controlled slaves of the succubi like that silly little boy brought in a few days prior  , - What is the temperature of milk that Dichan Shaoye likes ?”

 

“ Warm . It can’t be scalding hot and has to be the perfect almost boiling but not like warm either . And it has to be milk from the Ning farms .”

 

Dichan Furen for the first time , actually smiled . “ You have just saved the lives of your companions and yourself . If you hated Dichan Shaoye as the rumors claimed , you would not have been able to answer this . Now , quickly eat that white flower over there , roots and all , the four of you .”

 

Sensing the urgency, the five grabbed the flowers, wolfing them down as fast as possible .

 

Binghe barely had time to gulp the disgusting flower mush down before a strange smell hit him, the air was petal-sweet, the breeze seemed to whisper feather-soft sweet nothings… 

 

The six of them were surrounded by the chittering hordes of succubi within seconds .Evidently the newcomers were not drooling mind controlled, besotted slaves as they drew their weapons in response.

 

Meiyin frowned at Furen.

 

“Sister , you are no fun .” 

 

“ Ye won’t be happy if he found out you poached his son’s little boyfriend and his friends .”

 

The mere mention of Ye brought half of the succubi to nostalgic sighs . All Luo Binghe could think as he looked at these pretty faces all in various states of fond reminisce of the man and thought of the sticky , obese , old man and thought :'' Just how good was he in his prime ?!” 

 

“ I should. “ Meiyin tosses her head in derision.

 

“ You should .” Furen admits . 

 

“ But I … Won’t . Ye was quite an experience . Worth even losing my favorite crystal ball to him . And he did teach my sisters to be careful . He robbed all of us blind after an orgy .” 

 

She floated down, gazing into each unfriendly face of the newcomers  . “ Be at ease, is it the silly man who ran after us? We released him a day ago. A barbaric oaf , a Liu Qingge , stomped in and did damage to our home , freeing him and several others.” 

 

Qiu Haitang sighed in relief upon hearing this. 

 

Binghe bowed to their unwilling hostess. 

 

“Ma’am . If it’s possible , I beseech you , the most capable and powerful seeress , renowned not only for her skill in the arts of desire but of foresight , to help us.”

Meiyin's eyes turned fond. “ No reading ? I’m surprised .”

“Please Madame , I beg you to please help. It’s my little master . No one has heard a word of him or the Citadel he rules  .”

“ Then I need a lock of your hair . From there I can determine through the bond you both share of anything affecting him.”

Binghe did not hesitate, he cut off a lock and handed it to Madam Meiyin who threw it onto a smoking incense holder of pure bronze. Instantly, as soon as the hair landed on the incense, it burst into a blazing flame that turned electric blue. The same colour Dichan Shaoye favoured.  

Meiyin’s eyes then blaze the same electric blue, “The Golden Citadel is in tatters and under the tyranny of Qiu Jianluo since three years ago .” This name brought no clue to Sha Hualing or Zhuzhilang but quick minded Binghe figured it out , and judging by the snort of disgust from Furen, she too knew of the man , as did the clear shame on Qiu Haitang’s face. 

“Qui Loujian….Qiu Jianluo…”His face was pale with horror  and suddenly Binghe felt very , very  cold . He hugged himself, swallowing hard , as mechanically, Meiyin continued the reading . 

  “ He has taken both Dichan Ye and Shaoye into his hold. I can determine that Dichan Shaoye is chained up in a tower that only Qui Loujian may enter. It is made entirely of golden strings that shock and sap anyone who tries to escape the aforementioned cage of their life energy. In the lowest dungeon, Dichan Ye has been confined under heavy wards. 

Dichan Shaoye has been starved and refuses to eat out of pride anything served to him. He however has been forced to comply in creating armor near invulnerable for his master-”

“Young master Shaoye is no one’s slave!” Binghe roars in rage, black qi near engulfs the room they are in. Qiu Haitang shrieks in alarm as several  mirrors shatter upon impact. 

 “-Qiu Jianluo has chosen an auspicious date for marriage as Shaoye has recently turned 16. He has recently ordered Shaoye to start weaving both his and the bride’s robes. “ Furen frowned.

“This doesn’t add up” She stated. “The Ye I remember easily took out Lao Gongzhu AND the Phoenix immortal at that time out . AND Shaoye defeated Ye to become Citadel ruler, meaning that he is stronger than Ye. For them to be bound like this and unable to retaliate towards this Qiu Jianluo means that they had to be sold out . “

Furen continued.

“Their names were given for safekeeping for them unable to retaliate fully .A relative either blood related or sworn , had to have given this Qiu Jianluo their full names . “ 

“Who?” Sha Hualing growled angrily at this , for she was fond of Shaoye and saw him as a much loved younger brother  .  “Who?!” Binghe snarled, whirling around and stomping back to Meiyin still in a trance. 

Thud

Thud

Thud

His footsteps are loud, forceful on the marble floor. 

 “Who is the scum who sold out the Dichans to this fate?! Answer me !”  He roars , his demonic mark casting an eerie red glow on him and the succubi clan head . 

“Qiu Jianluo has sent over a great quantity of jade, of ten large crates full of beautifully , fine crafted hairpieces of diamond to Qingjing peak . All are addressed and thanking its Peak Lord for delivering his bride and the means of ensuring he remains compliant during the wedding. That his godson will make a beautiful bride his father might have been a century ago.” 

Sha Hualing gaped in horror while Furen remained silent, her bunched fists only betraying her silent rage.

“Shen. “ Binghe’s demon mark blazed a scarlet red and red was the blood that oozed out from clenching his nails so hard into his palms , they broke skin .

“-Qingqiu!” 

—-

 

“All hope is lost .” All wind was knocked out of Binghe’s sails upon hearing this from the stricken looking Qiu Haitang . Lady Meiyin had hurriedly excused herself and her girls , likely discomfited by the air of sadness rank in the air after the reveal. 

 

“ If Qiu Jianluo has already erected the barrier , there has been nothing found to break through it . No array, no cultivational method has been known to bring down a Cage of holy light -“ A loud snore interrupted her monologue,the enraged woman glared in the direction of the ill-mannered Lout . 

 

“Lady Dichan -“ “The name is Furen . So sorry , but are you done blurting out bollocks ? “ Even as Qiu Haitang started to make indignant sputtering gasps , the woman continued . 

 

“The Phoenix immortals are the natural enemies of the Heavenly demonic family . Therefore it stands to reason that a heavenly demon can bring the Cage down . “  She nodded at Binghe . “ Case in point . And if he doesn’t manage to do it due to his tender age, there’s the backup called Ancestor Dearest . The Luo River is also the first heavenly demon , Luo is his ancestor , and there are a few ways to  summon an ancient demon .” 

 

Qiu Haitang’s eyes narrowed , stopping the eager boy in question from rushing over to the woman’s side with her choice of words. “ Binghe . I know what you are going to beg this woman for and it isn’t worth it.” 

 

Binghe shot her an indignant look . “She’s the only person who might be able to save Young Master Shaoye .” “ She , who you have no idea what she is or what path she decided to trod upon .” Haitang growled , an outstretched arm keeping the younger man back . 

 

Furen yawned . “ Me ? A poor invalid ? What can I do ? And besides , I’m already in enough hot soup as it is , may I remind you that I do not wish to bring further shame to the clan name of Dichan ?” 

 

“ That’s not the point . You’re Tang Furen, before you became Dichan Furen  .” 

 

“ And you’re little Qiu Haitang. The poor , honorable sole survivor of a clan of vicious depraved nobles who were all massacred by one of their victims . “ 

 

Haitang glared and nearly vaulted over, had Sha Hualing and Binghe not held her back .

 

“You-You and your forbidden cultivation techniques ! I refuse to see you ruin a good man by taking him on as an apprentice!” 

 

“ -You’re too late . That one clearly has been practicing demonic cultivation techniques learnt from pure blooded demons . I can sense his Qi from over here and let me tell you , it is certainly not pure like driven snow , more like Grey slurry .”  

 

“ What - “ Qiu Haitang let out a strangled croak , “ -What did you say ?” “- What she said , Haitang-jie . “ The half demon rolled his eyes ,” Look , I’m Tianlang-Jun’s son - The whole cultivational world is likely to be gunning for my head even after I save young master Shaoye . I don’t doubt Shen Qingqiu would not have made that public knowledge . Or at least to Yue Shibo. So lucky for me , I learnt demonic cultivation from Meng Mo .” 

 

“ …. Bingbing . I think yer broke her .” Hualing uttered as she poked the gibbering prim and proper cultivator with an unsympathetic foot . Binghe shrugged as he stepped over her , trotting over to the older  demonic cultivator . “ Haitang-jie is tough . She will be fine .” 

 

“ Forbidden ? Is that why every cultivator I’ve met has no knowledge of Tang Ah Yi or her disciples ? The skills and cultivational techniques that Tang Ah Yi taught are forbidden  ?” Furen looked very disgruntled as she peered at Binghe. 

 

“Don’t look at me , I wasn’t even born when it got slapped with that label .” Binghe shrugged before impatiently repeating . “ Look , are you going to teach that method to save Young Master Shaoye AND after that to end that foul beast’s life , or not ?” 

 

“ A bright boy , aren’t you ? “ Furen stretched her lips , but her eyes smoldered ; “-As you guessed , I want a small favor of you in return for teaching you how to KILL Qiu Jianluo for good after you get into that feathered fool’s cage .” 

 

“ Anything.”

 

“ Be careful , words have power . It was how Qiu Jianluo gained control over Dichan Ye and Shaoye by persuading Shen Qingqiu . “

 

Binghe bit his lips at this reminder even as the woman placidly continued. 

 

“-I want your word that you will bring this flower to Ye ,  he will know what to do when he sees it. Oh and give him this .  “ She placed a blackened stone that was possibly once a gem into his hand . 

 

Whatever power that has been in it has been used up . 

 

“ He will at least know that I …. I did this for him . Tell Shaoye you found my corpse next to the flower , he at least will get some closure . “ 

 

Binghe stashed it carefully away , mulish expression telling everyone he wasn’t happy . “ You clearly love your spouse and child still . Why not return and simply explain to them the reason behind your absence ?” 

 

“Ah . Sweet innocent Binghe . You think Ye would miss a weakling who got trapped because she rushed in or Shaoye is still a child wanting to hide behind her non-existent apron. They never needed me . They are better off without me . “

 

“But-“

 

“ Do you want to learn the technique that can end a Holy beast ?” 

 

Binghe bit his lip . “ Yes.”

 

She simply held out her hand . Binghe took it , yelping in pain as her fingernails sank into his flesh .

 

Blood poured out from the wound , then to his bewilderment , she grabbed his hand , forced him to dig hard  that a similar wound was made on hers - the wounds closed up , but the blood morphed into ribbons , that bound round their hands , turned a glowing , shining white then vanished to a fine imprint , then nothing at all .

 

Binghe stared  at his unblemished hands . A cultivator’s vow, he had made . 

 

Furen was studying him . “ There isn’t much you won’t do for him , that son of mine , is there ?” She asked at last. 

 

“ There’s nothing I won’t do for my master .” He replied primly . Furen beckoned him to come closer and began whispering the technique , sharing it with the wide eyed teenager . 

“ -And remember , aim it at his heart . Okay? Well then , time's a wasting . Off you go , dearie . “ The band of four exchanged dubious looks while the succubi tittered  . 

 

“ Surely…” Zhuzhi-Lang asked incredulously .”-You can’t think of staying here .” 

 

Furen shrugged , bored. “ Well . Unless one of you has a cure-all elixir that can somehow boost the mummified cells in my legs that I self cannibalized from using Qi to survive the terrible decade while trapped and at the same time heal the nerves , I don’t see how I won’t be a burden on you lot .” 

 

Binghe bit his lips . “I… I can’t promise you this will cure this as I have never offered my blood but Mobei-Jun did tell me that the blood of Heavenly demons is supposed to be a cure-all.” 

 

He turned away , eyes far off . “ I don’t doubt you have not heard of my being under Huanhua palace for a time to enact vengeance for what that monster did to Young master Shaoye  . The Huanhua palace master seemed… Energized after partaking in my blood , for some symbolic ritual that I would be his.“

 

Furen studied him , her expression sympathetic . “ … There isn’t anything you wouldn’t go through for that son of mine , is there ?” She acknowledged , softly . Then nodded .  “ You may try .” She watched as Binghe sat back down , and unsheathed his blade .

 

Sha Hualing was the only one smirking away in the room , a randy grin on her face as she opened her big mouth to comment -

 

“Yannow… Bingbing . You could always do that with her .Shaoye wouldn’t mind if you were a bit seasoned before you two romped in the sheets together and it’s got the same effect .  -“ Both Binghe and Furen raised their clenched  fists , and brought them hard down at the same time , right on the demoness’s squawking head . 

 

The blade sunk into soft flesh. Binghe grunted in discomfort as crimson blood dripped from the cut . He placed it to her lips . 

 

Furen drank and drank .

 

Qiu Haitang turned away , even Sha Hualing lowered her eyes . Zhuzhilang kept sputtering even as her legs started filling out, morphing from sick twigs to luscious healthy normal legs ,gray skin flushing to pink .

 

Binghe sagged in relief , his self-inflicted wound already closing up . “It is done .”

 

“I owe you an irreparable debt.” Furen stated , as she swung her healthy legs . “ You brought Young master Shaoye into this world . Think nothing of it .” The half demon brushed it off with a shrug . 

 

Qiu Haitang had come forward to inspect the legs and wonder was clear on her fair face . 

 

“Heavenly demon blood is amazing . I am saddened that we have not come to an agreement of sorts with the then heavenly demonic emperor.” She murmured in amazement . Zhuzhilang snorted inelegantly . “ Oh . I am astonished you have no idea there already is .” Binge shot his cousin a warning look . Sha Hualing was already cringing . But the snake demon ploughed on , anger dripping from every word . 

 

“ Why do you think there are so few Heavenly demons that Junshang and my poor cousin are among the last few heavenly demons despite their high fertility ? You cultivators nearly exterminated them all by turning each heavenly demon against the other . You cultivators brainwashed the weaker minded ones into becoming immortal sex toys for your disgusting mortal emperors with your sinister cultivation arts .” 

 

Qiu Haitang shook her head in disbelief . “You lie !”

 

“ Oh . Of course , of course . My bad . The term you lot call them would be ‘sacred immortality cauldrons . ‘ “ Zhuzhilang laughed . Binghe flinched , feeling sick . Mobei-Jun had been sympathetic but only had clarified that his cousin had only spoken the truth . 

 

Even Sha Hualing was silent . 

 

The only reason aside from her brute strength and power that held the rabble at bay was the fact the Citadel had been and still was an outlier settlement , and had neglected to participate in the cruel binding and enslavement  done by nearly all the prominent cultivational sects  , that had seen most of the scant few of the Heavenly demonic family after centuries of devastating infighting that has seen the powerhouses of that clan whom all demonkind worshipped as god-emperors killed off , that she had avoided outcry by courting a cultivator . 

 

Only the heavenly demon who would later call himself  Tianlang-Jun and his youngest sister had escaped by squeezing through the bars of the slave-cart due to the Mortal emperor’s abode , and that was due to their emancipation. 

 

 Furen shrugged placidly. “That is true.” 

 

Haitang looked both sickened and indignant . “ That’s horrific . Once Shaoye is back in power , I will bring this up to him. He will definitely not let this barbaric practice  continue  .” “ Oh spare me your fake pity  . “ The demon general snapped . “ You humans are all the same deep down . I don’t expect anything least of all from your kin-“ 

 

“ Not all humans are like that !” This time Zhuzhilang stared as his cousin glared at him . “ Maybe the mortal emperor who rules over the mortals is like that . Maybe you say the Peak lords and majority of the cultivators may allow this injustice . But not all of them are like that !“

 

“ Hear! Hear!” Sha Hualing agreed angrily.  “ Most might be morons . And some might be monsters . But Binghe’s right !” 

 

“ Might I remind you two what humans did ? To both your mothers? To our society at large ? What continues  to be done to your forebears . But go on . Amuse me . Name me one human who is so pure , so saintly good that they are an outstanding monument to their kind ?” 

 

“ My Shaoye- My young Master . “ “Qin Wanyue . Her tits should be rhapsodied in song on how laughably tiny they are . What’s that look for, Nanny dog- ” 

 

“ Hah. You have been brainwashed . They enslave you with pretty lies, and their wiles-“ Black rage so potent exploded from the half demon and it takes all the women to hold the enraged half demon back , his sword arm twitching on an already unsheathed Zheng Yang .” Say that again.” Binghe hissed , “Say that AGAIN .” Zhuzhi-Lang didn’t dare. 

 

“Tang Ah Yi was a desperate young fool when she discovered and invented demonic cultivation  and aided in several terrible wars .... But neither Su Xiyan or I raised a hand against the race .” Furen yawned boredly , even as her right hand strained from keeping Binghe back . 

 

“You won’t change my mind . “ Zhuzhi-Lang snapped frostily to which she shrugged in reply  . “ Food for thought .” 

 

The general paid no heed to the words of a human , already turning to glower at his cousin . “ Do you know how much suffering your father currently endures being sealed beneath the mountain ? “

 

“ I don’t care . He should have had a contingency plan if he so cared for me , he knew I had been born .She had written letters to him , and mentioned my conception in passing so there’s no excuse , I despise Su Xiyan equally for what she did to him, but as far as I am concerned ?” Sha Hualing really , really preferred the silly love-struck Binghe who fussed over her when she got cut up by feral demons , the one whom she liked for how giddy , how contagious was his joy whenever he talked about reuniting with Shaoye or when he talked of how excited he was to return home . 

 

She really didn’t like seeing this dead-eyed , grief-filled , rightfully resentful man who wore her friend’s face . 

 

She doesn’t like seeing this side of him because it is frightening to admit how much he had been robbed of , how much adults who should have thought of him , just didn’t till he became ‘useful’. 

 

“- I simply see him as a glorified sperm donor . So there .”  “ You dare-“ “Dichan Ye , my human employer is more of a father than he ever would be . He protected me as best as he could given his position once he knew of my plight , he fed , housed and clothed , counseled  me when I had bad nights …. “ Binghe quickly continued on his tirade when his sharp cousin caught the tiny crack , he really didn’t not want to get into the can of worms before Ah Yi had found him , or the time he was under Huanhua , “-Even though he was not blood related and had no obligation to do so . He provided the best education free of charge and further offered sanctuary and a stable job post of high standing at the Citadel for me. “ 

 

 Both cousins glared at each other . Now , Zhuzhi-Lang looked equally ready to make Bingbuns out of Binghe . 

 

“You ungrateful , little wretch . Junshang is your father . Without him , you would not be born !” 

 

“ I. “ Binghe growled, trembling with stress ,heartache , resentment and rage . His bottom lip trembled , a tell-tale sign , according to Sha-Hualing , that Binghe was about to say something that he had kept bottled away that was never ever pleasant. “ Never asked to be born !” 

 

A polite cough broke the deafening quiet that followed this statement . 

 

“ Shaoye would have been very sad . Very alone if you were not born . “ Furen stated, calmly braiding her hair 

 

“ He would have died because of that heartless servant boy if you weren’t there to watch over him.” 

 

“ Do you think I would forget you going over to destroy the reputation of that Old Palace Master for that terrible incident which saw my son tortured at his hands ? Of which you succeeded where countless adult cultivators and demons all failed ? Just so my son could walk around freely with his head high ? “

 

“Had you not been there …. That terrible day …. Shaoye would have mysteriously vanished , perhaps the Old Palace Master would claim he had merely wandered off and fallen into the Acid pools . “ Her smile was mirthless .

 

 “ …. Had you not sacrificed your innocence , had my son somehow survived whatever that Old bag of pus had likely planned , he would never have become the ruler due to the shame of it all . And that poor daughter of his . She would never have found the contacts to reunite with her mother’s side of the family without your aid  .”

 

She stretched out a dainty , well-manicured hand , they did not look like the hands of a demonic cultivator , and shook the astounded looking Binghe gently . 

 

“ I… Never really got along with your mother . My shi-jie for a time , I suppose , Su Xiyan . A cold , nasty and utterly dull piece of work she was. “ Furen commented idly , “So boringly loyal , so irresponsible , so -so….. I could go on , dearie . But the point is this . “ 

 

….Binghe felt quite dizzy honestly , he could see where Shaoye got his strength from . 

 

“Su Xiyan risked her life to give birth to you. I never thought I would see the day but I guess there was a heart under that frost. Now , you know what kind of person the Old Palace Master is, would he have given his disciple some mild medicine?”  She looked away for a bit , slowly stopped shaking Binghe . 

 

“That would definitely have to be something that is fatal to demons. If she had really lost heart, accepted her fate and took the medicine, even if you didn’t perish due to the effects of that medicine , how would you have been able to grow up this hale and hardy ?”

 

Luo Binghe’s shoulders trembled. Dichan Furen continued, enunciating each word, “This is how I see it. You can take it as just an interpretation because there is no one who can tell you what Su Xiyan was thinking before she breathed her last. But if she really saw you as a disgrace, she didn’t need to do anything more. She could have just lowered you into the Luo River, on the coldest days of the year, in a harsh and frozen landscape━how could you possibly survive?”

 

“Or perhaps, she wasn’t willing to give up her position at Huan Hua Palace as the head disciple━with all the glory and a promising future to be had━and continued to gulp down every new poison sent by Old Palace Master; there would be no need to flee and hide pathetically from the pursuit of Huan Hua Palace’s disciples; nor did she have to strip off her outer robe and wrap it around you after giving birth to you all on her own on a secluded boat; she also need not use the last of her strength and energy to put you in a wooden basin and push you away to safety...... You would not  even need to wait for someone to save you at all since you would have already become a wandering soul who met his freezing end in the Luo River.” 

 

Binghe watches the way the candlelight from outside the enclave shines on Furen’s hair . It reminds him of autumn , of the soft mahogany locks that a dear friend waiting for him back in the Citadel sported . His heart aches . 

 

“…Even I have to admit that she truly loved you .” Furen concluded with a great sigh as though admitting anything positive of her bereaved Shi-jie was like pulling teeth out of her mouth, then glibly , earnestly continued  . “ Luo Binghe . I owe you a great debt for saving my son time and time again . So don’t say that no one would want you . Or would choose you . That you wish you never had been born . Because what you are saying is that you wish you had not gone through the experience that made you wish as such .”

 

Binghe sank to his knees, face pale as this sank in . He didn't look far from tears , though somehow , Sha Hualing guessed it was more like horror over the thought of Shaoye being killed had he been alone ,happily went to visit the Little Palace Mistress , like a lamb led to slaughter . 

 

Time would tell if Furen’s words would sink through that thick skull of his . 

 

“ The Qins … They would have stayed at Huanhua if you had not been there to guide them .” The demoness added at last , sitting next to her friend . “I … I care about you as a person , as a friend . Believe it or not , I’m sure I would be pretty bored if I never met you through Shaoye .” 

 

Zhuzhilang opened his mouth . All the women present all glared at him and he obediently closed his mouth . 

 

Binghe gave a big sniff , then looked at his cousin, eyes somber and hard . “ It is clear we will never see eye to eye in this , and you are entitled to your views so long as you respect mine .” 

 

“ Your father and your ancestors ….” 

 

Binghe shook his head . “ That’s none of my business . All I care about is my young master’s safety . As I promised, for your aid in navigating the Abyss and bringing me to sanctuary while there  that I will aid you in freeing this Tianlang-Jun once this is over -“

 

Zhuzhilang scrunched his nose up in disgust . “ Good .”

 

It was clear both cousins would never become truly close due to their differing stances on humans . 

 

The snake demon started to walk out of the cave . 

 

“ And if Tianlang Jun is freed beforehand ?” Binghe called after his irate cousin . 

 

“ Sure . Sure . Then it’s off .” Zhuzhilang groused , looking back once . “ But it’s been decades . No one has been powerful or dedicated enough to free Junshang “.

 

“ And where are you going now ?” “ To see Junshang . I refuse to remain further in the company of humans .” 

 

And with that , he morphed into thousands upon thousands of squirming green snakes that began burrowing into the earth . 

 

Binghe rolled his eyes . “ What a drama king he is .” He commented to Sha Hualing snickered in agreement . 

 

—-

 

<<Rebel camp, below the Golden CItadel. Present day.>>

 

“-And that’s when we soon reached nearby here at a tavern and got confirmation that Madam Meiyin gave an accurate reading .” Binghe finished at last. 

Everyone had listened spellbound and now they all started upon hearing the tale end , it was now early evening and a slight chill had permeated the air .

Mingfan’s gaze flickered to his…Aunt? Former-aunt? 

“So…You’re helping?” “I have aided in the efforts. But once he is freed, none of you better mention my part in this.I will leave once I see those two are safe.”

“Buh-But, you had reason too! “It was funny how fast Mingfan switched sides , and how fast he forgave once her loyalty had been proven to her husband. “-Bobo talks about you all the time! N’ Ah Shao, I know, he woul-” “Do you want to free Shaoye , or not, young man? Every second you spend , wasting your time trying to convince me on a decision I settled upon decades past, is a second more to Shaoye becoming Qiu Jianluo’s plaything for eternity.”  

The previously joyful mood soured considerably. Silence followed as the army made their way to the Citadel.  

Elsewhere, within the Golden cage. High up in a Golden tower, a young teenager , dressed in thin robes shivered , muttered and stirred from his slumber. He peered blearily out of the window of his gilded prison, there is a clink of metal as the Golden chain around his ankle that kept him locked here , clanked .  

A grim reminder of him being a slave . 

Something felt different in the air tonight. 

Notes:

Aaaaand next chapter , Belas and Bellas , we inch closer and closer to a reunion between Binghe and SY ;) Two weeks later , Sunday , y’all ;)))))

 

Author’s note : Luo Binghe gets a step closer to rescueing Shaoye. And in the next chapter we fiiiiiiiinally get to hear from Shen Yuan's side. How has he fared under a tyrant ? Find out in next week’s chapter Bellas and Belas!

*White-eyed wolf 白眼狼(bái yǎn lánɡ) ungrateful and vicious person, an ungrateful wretch

Chapter 29: Uh oh

Shaoye was awoken by the sound of his traps going off at daybreak.

The smattering of ten pounds of collected pigeon and cat poop as his captor triggered the poop trap followed by vile cursing , put the small teenager in a very good mood . Shaoye mused between the button that activated the needle shooter or the giant log .

He closed his eyes and pressed a button .

A loud clunk followed by the sound of wood being ripped apart then followed by a short yelp told him that the log had taken the turkey’s attention THEN triggered the needle shooter. 

--

Qiu Jianluo was not having a very good day .

Xiao Ye turned out to only look like Ye in appearance only and bearing ten times the disdain and rage towards him .These grievances displayed towards him came in the form of a screech loud enough to blast every window in the manor even though he was kept in a tower. A tower that Xiao Ye knew like the back of his hands and constantly updated to deal with him. 

The Phoenix immortal sighed in relief ,then yelped as he narrowly dodged being pierced as the wall he was standing on , turned to sharp spikes. 

Snarling , he floated up to a small window high above the staircase , only to be battered instantly by small painful projectiles, sending him careening against a wall, of which he felt a slab give. 

There came a tell-tale whirring noise, he looked up to find a heavy Xiamen* anvil honing in on him from an opened chute.

-THUNK-

Shaoye sighed in joy, as projectile met man. 

But the tiny terror had one last surprise for his unwanted guest, he ran to a wheel and began spinning it. The largest manor was always cold, especially in the winter. Shaoye had never thought the pipes he installed as being able to be heated up for warm floors would come to save his life but it was funny how life worked . 

The floor actually turned red hot visibly as the Phoenix Immortal met the floor, his howl of pain ,the sound of flesh sizzling made the teenager cackle. 

Any mortal would be dead, it was hot enough to actually burn all the clothes off the unfortunate man and rend his glowing skin a steaming red. Good grief, he actually looks like a roasted bird. 

“I’ll wait . You can’t go without food forever . “ Now stark naked , the Phoenix Immortal stormed off , the food on the ground he had been carrying on a tray , which had long since shattered and been immolated by the heat to dust. 

Shaoye cackled . 

Foolish of Qiu Jianluo to think he could attempt to climb mount Tai*.

Especially since mount tai’s favourite holiday movie had been the Home alone series .

Shaoye might be just a small teenager, but Shen Yuan had been 28 when he died, and made every moment the Phoneix Immortal wanted to deal with him these past three years  , a living hell. 

While he was chained up to the tower , Shen Yuan was far from helpless and used a form of fierce threats of suicide ((Biting off his tongue, his expertise in poisons gleaned from his knowledge in dyes .)) to bawdy and crude ballads about the crudest subjects that sent the refined Immortal careening out . 

Sure , there was the ever looming threat of becoming a trophy husband , but Shen yuan had faith in an angry Binghe and Mingfan appearing at Qiu Jianluo’s doorstep once news spread high he was to be wed to this turkey.

\\ TT….is that louse gone?//

Only silence greeted him .

Shaoye sighed . TT had gradually gotten weaker and weaker alike an iPhone needing a power source till it's reassuring beep was gone . It was then did Shen Yuan realize that systems depended on their protagonists to be in close proximity with their transmigrator in order to stay ‘online’. 

The system had prepared Shaoye for it but he just missed the sweet AI , alright ? He was a sap, sue him , for being a little concerned ! 

The tapping at the window outside informed him his expected guests were here.

“Xiao Bai and Bingbing . “ He cooed as the Snow White dove , led a contingent of doves to dump scraps of buns and meat and today he was lucky , a large steamed bun was deposited in his table . 

Bai Lian Hua* ( Or as he responded to , Xiao Bai ) was part of a troop of doves kept by the Dichan clan and trained as messenger pigeons . These days they were used more for reconnaissance and getting food . Did Qiu Jianluo really think he was that dim to accept food from him ? What if it was drugged?  Plus there was the fact that he would rather starve than admit defeat . 

Less steadily , in clambered Bingbing , his faithful cat . In its mouth was a large bottle filled with fresh water . Shaoye had taught the cat to fill up a bottle of water . 

No man could sneak out of the bedroom that Shaoye had been held in , but a patient and very loyal cat could easily climb down the turrets of the mansion and sneak to the clean lakes to fill a bottle . And no one paid any attention to the doves.

Whenever Qui Loujian had come by, the fat cat would attack him viciously . Back then Shaoye had been aghast , now he knew and rewarded his good friend with extra pets at meal times  . 

He patted all his friends , his saviors -  these three long years really . His hand is quite sore as he pats the last hundredth dove . 

There came a crackling noise , a sound only Shaoye could hear . His heart leapt at the sound of TT’s voice crackling in his mind.

The system’s sudden, lucid beep distracted him from the pain.
　　
[Touch verification successful!]
　　
[The power source has been connected. Storing power!]
　　
[System self-evaluation: all system operations normal. Thank you for your continued usage!]

[...L…La…. Lao Da!]

//TT!!!!!//

 [ Lao Da! The protagonist is advancing with Dichan Mingfan and several others ! ] 

The bun was still hot as he chewed it . The moon is lovely tonight . And his mood was very good as anticipation rose within him . 

The sworn Brother comrade kidnapped into slavery plot was a popular one in Xianxia novels and given how close Binghe was to him, likely would mean a likely angry Binghe would find out and be soon ( Well soonish) to treat Qiu Mcmoron a walloping of his lifetime for treating his sworn Brother so badly and for this humiliation . 

Bingge’s so called and only male friend , Gongyi Xiao in proud immortal’s demon way had been kidnapped for a chapter , only a chapter as Binghe had razed down an entire settlement to free his friend from being turned into a slave  . 

And Gongyi Xiao hadn’t even been married to the one who enslaved him  . Bingge was bound to be furious . 

Shaoye did as his master ordered , to weave bride groom robes but put as many undetectable mistakes or slip-shod workmanship into his robes in hopes that whatever he faced would wound him . 

He had snorted when Qiu Jianluo ordered him to tailor his own wedding dress . What a joke . Putting a man into female robes and ordering his own so-called fiancée to tailor his own robes  . Then again Qiu Jianluo was a joke . 

He of course was supposed to stitch his dear fiancé’s first . As much as he wanted to tailor curses into the make , Qiu Jianluo would only get angry if he sensed them .

Then predictably he would attack the Luo River center and god knows they were barely holding up against the tyrant’s attacks . 

So what could poor little Dichan Shaoye do ? He fought back by painstakingly stitching on the groom's robes of  dragons making all sorts of faces , showing their butt holes to the viewers . The three gods of prosperity all merrily dancing away under a Cyprus tree ... Picking their noses ,  sneering AND mooning the world . 

And beneath these lovely images was a vision of a lovely feast . Luo Binghe in the centre ,  cunningly fit into there as a kitchen god , smiling  sweetly and ..Holding a roasted Phoenix* . Hehehehe . 

FUCK QIU JIANLUO.

He cackled as he madly wove away at his loom . With a whistle, did Binghe jr , the Holy Gilded Saint Butterfly he had found so many years ago ,  and his entire family came fluttering down and began producing more silk for him to weave. 

Shaoye had begun making a tapestry, an outwardly dull looking piece of white cloth but in reality was an enhanced Fabric armor that was made to protect the user from the attacks of Phoenix immortals . It was flame proof as they were holy beasts of fire . Enhanced with the silk threads provided by Binghe-jr and his large family…When Binghe came, he would have the tools needed to defeat the bugger. 

 The loom clacked , he winced as his fingers long calloused , ached as he wove away but forced himself forward out of hate and spite . 

Screw, Screeew that overgrown turkey ! 

—

Outside however , was a different story .  

To Binghe’s great horror and increasing despair , whatever enchantment the strings had was immune to the sword or even his own demonic powers .

Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao had to pull him away from attacking it after five hours . 

Sha Hualing had summoned demonic backup but not even the combined forces of the demonic army and Binghe could not make a dent in the cage .

 “Oh, stop it , you. “ Dichan Furen scolded gently. “It is not adversity that kills, but the impatience with which we bear adversity.” 

She pointed to the nearby Luo river . “Go there and call him.”

Binghe stared at her wide-eyed. “How?” “That’s where the books neglected to state how. But the last script I read of your illustrious ancestor was that he would heed the call of any of his descendants.” 

Binghe walked out to the cold Luo river , where he had been born on a piece of driftwood and his birth mother had set him adrift , in a daze . The icy waters felt like his heart, cold and turbulent . 

It was easy to skip across the water to a large boulder . There he perched , gazing up at where Shaoye was likely imprisoned these terrible few years and would be marrying that paedophile. 

Despair filled his heart . To count on a fairytale ? A mere myth or legend ?

Nonetheless , he called aloud . “ Luo ! Great ancestor Luo ! “

Only icy silence greeted him . 

“Heavenly demon king Luo ! He who smithed Xinmo . He who lies within these waters ! Come forth !” 

There was not even a single ripple of anything large , not even a fish stirred within the currents . 

Only his desperate breathing broke the quiet and behind him , on the riverbank , he could hear the sad murmuring of the army . 

You have failed .

 Binghe paused trying to hold back the despair within but he couldn’t.

 “ Please . Please .” He begged whatever god out there or any higher power , desperately . “Please . I- I don’t know what to do anymore . Please . H-he needs help . I can’t help him . Please -“ 

Someone heard his cry for help and answered.

The air thinned . 

And began to take a reddish hue, slowly a shape shimmered , solidifying , taking on a very familiar form that Binghe saw some nights. 

Ah Yi’s form swayed before him, though aside from Dichan Furen, everyone else present understandably were shaken by the sight of the spirit.

Gongzhu’s whip was already out , an incantation to purify the shade on her lips, till Binghe moved forward, yearning and heartbreak in his eyes as he reached for the shade. 

‘Ma.” 

The shade shimmered, alternating between see-through and maintaining a solid form. The temperature was now freezing,the lavender clad woman shivered despite the armor she wore. The shade floated closer, and Ah Yi placed a clawed hand on her adopted son's shoulder.

“Shifu.”  Dichan Furen stayed cautiously behind Binghe. Despite it being decades since she had been Ah Yi’s disciple , she looked chagrined. 

The shade however opened her arms in acceptance. Furen relaxed , coming forth , peering now , and what she saw made her elegant brow furrowed in concern.

“Shifu. You’ve stretched yourself thin - It was only by demonic cultivation that you managed to become a wraith , to haunt that old Huanhua fox, correct?” At the shade’s nod of confirmation, those ruby lips pursed. “-But at the same time you’ve been keeping tabs on Binghe here. Shifu. At this rate, you should know…But I don’t think there will be much if any bit of you left to ascend to heaven.” 

Binghe had never liked the idea of his mother carrying out vengeance on his behalf . She had died , and should have spent her afterlife in heaven, but he never had the chance to confront the specter because too fast she would flicker away, likely back to tormenting Lao Gongzhu. He seized the chance to talk sense to her now. “Ma. This Binghe is grown up now. I will take care of Lao Gongzhu myself. Please rest” “Shifu. Ah Shao will be freed. On my honor as your disciple, I vow.So, please rest.” 

The shade watched the both of them in silence, then suddenly came to a decision. She soared once, twice , thrice around the pair, then shot towards the Citadel. 

“Trail her! She’s going to make a temporary hole in that barrier Qiu Jianluo’s put up!” Furen barked , in great panic. 

—-

Qin Wanrong had been bored as hell .

Nightly she trained till her body felt like it could break. She could go one on one with anyone of the trapped cultivators by now , though she definitely was nowhere near Qiu Jianluo’s level.By day, she had risen to become one of the leaders of whom ensured that the people trapped within the barricade all had shelter, water, food , kept morale up.

Every night has been like so for these past miserable years. 

Tonight however was different. 

A bright red glow, like a shooting star flew through the velvet black night , and upon landing close to the barrier on the ground formed into the vague glowing skeletal shade. “Huh. The heck is a Disaster level wraith doing here?” She muttered , curiously. 

A crowd was gathering outside. The wraith’s hands were moving through a series of complicated hand signals and - Wanrong yelped in alarm at the roiling levels of demonic qi emitted that even from this distance she could feel.

The cage for the first time in three long years against the onslaught of the  raw power of the Wraith trembled in resistance then gave way . At the same time, the Wraith burst into a blinding flash of light that soared skyward. They had ascended.

There was a small opening ripped through the barricade . Only barely enough for a single person at a time  . 

Without hesitation , the white clad youth squeezed through,first  . Agony on his face as invariably some threads touched him as even though he wore protective robes , the effects of the thread seeped through .

Behind him , a large scarred man , a slender scarred woman , a middle aged lady in pinks and lilacs , the last of the threads closed after the last , a red clad woman who seemed of the demonic race came through . 

It took awhile for the five to recover but they all supported each other to their feet . 

The three cultivators and their demonic ally waved to and chatted to the other trio and the dragon outside.

Then the five exchanged some words , likely of encouragement before the white clad cultivator and the middle aged woman began to run in the direction of the Manor while the other three came skimming towards the Luo River center . One of the three , whom Qin Wanrong had missed so terribly these long years. 

The girl bounced up and down so fast , she swore she would leave an imprint on the roof tiles . 

 “Jiejie! Jiejiiiiiie!!!!!” 

—--------

The cage had broken . At least for a while .

Binghe pushed through first  , screaming in agony. 

The white hot pain was no joke .

He however grimly made it larger so the others behind him would not have to suffer much m . Mingfan , Qin Wanyue , Qiu Haitang,  followed by Sha Hualing managed to make it through before the last of the River water receded and his ancestor was forced to call the water he had summoned from other rivers back and the threads of the Cage rejoined. 

The scars accrued by forcing their way through the cage were fast vanishing as their bodies absorbed the damage and quickly self healed  . 

Sha Hualing was chatting  with  Xiao Gongzhu who was outside the cage . It had been decided that XiaoGongzhu, Ning Yingying and the Dragon emperor were back up in case things went awry. They also were to receive the rest of the Golden Citadel once Qiu Jianluo had been defeated . “- Don’t ya want revenge?” She asked the former Palace Mistress.

That was a bit out of the blue , Binghe thought . 

But he supposed it had to do with Liu Mingyan , no matter how interested Sha Hualing might be with Qin Wanyue now, Liu Mingyan had been her first crush . 

Sha Hualing had confided in him that she was puzzled that Qiu Haitang and Xiao Gongzhu had put their respective quests for vengeance on hold for Shaoye while Mingyan hadn’t . 

Xiao Gongzhu’s gaze turned hard. “Oh course, I do! For my mama! But I don’t think Mama would have wanted me to abandon my friend in need to seek vengeance. I mean, vengeance is needed but it isn’t my life, you know. “ She gazed at Ning Yingying next to her and her gaze turned soft at the returned smile . 

“Mama wanted me to be happy. I’m going to hold that priority first, and her teachings . Vengeance will come. But Shaoye saved my life . I owe him at least this . “ 

Shaoye . 

Binghe slowly and unsteadily got to his feet , elation filling him up . Shaoye is so close now .

But then images of Shaoye traumatized , cut up , tortured for resisting the man’s advances or even worse , half dead flitted into his thoughts  . 

Every moment was critical .

The four others looked at him and could guess what he had been thinking . 

Mingfan swallowed hard and patted him on his shoulder . “ Binghe . Haitang-jie. Please save Shaoye and Bobo . It all lies on both your hands . I need to lead the others out first .” 

“ Mingfan . On my life I swear . “ “ Don’t say that . “ The oldest Dichan cousin scolded . “ - Shaoye would be devastated. He has suffered enough , acting like his soul had left him when he thought yer had perished .  Come back with the other two alive , savvy?”

Luo Binghe nodded , eyes determined and bright . “ You have my word .” 

Qiu Wanyue rushed forward to give them both a chaste tight hug. “ Oh , Binghe ! Jiejie! Come back safe to us !” She cried , bursting into emotional tears . Sha Hualing’s eyes were red rimmed but she forced a grin on her face . “ Kick that overgrown turkey’s arse for us , ‘Kay, Bingbing ?” She teased , slapping him on the back . At a warning growl from Qi Qingqi outside, she settled for a handshake with Qiu Haitang. 

Sha Hualing walked up to QinWanyue who was staring at the Luo River centre . She placed a sympathetic hand on the slight general’s shoulder and the other woman allowed herself to ease into the tentative embrace in comfort , just for a moment . The pair exchanged some quiet private words before all three looked up and back at him -Mingfan , Sha Hualing and Wanyue . 

Binghe gave a quick bow before turning round, skimming across to where his trapped masters were with a grim Haitang in tow . 

——

Dichan Ye had not seen the light of day or felt the air of a cool breeze for what seemed like a thousand years . 

He was surprised but not that surprised when there came the sound of several smashing noises and shouting outside . 

His heavily warded door was smashed into , golden light flooded in . 

Luo Binghe , now twenty years old, strode in , holding a snowy white sword . 

Ye curved his mouth into a smile as the manacles holding him up were broken and for the first time his feet touched the ground .

“ Took you long enough , Ah He .” His voice was creaky with disuse but held no true anger . There was so much Binghe wanted to tell his master, but he was bound by oath not to. All he did was show the astonished man a glowing flower . It took an instant for the man to promptly grab it , and proceed to scarf it down . 

Then he lurched forward , pain and elation plain on his face as his body began to change …. 

—-

//The Phoenix Immortals can be weakened by demonic arrays. A Phoenix immortal that was once human may be further by blood used to draw said arrays by a blood relative. //

Qiu Haitang smears her blood across the floor. The Huaguoshan* seal that Furen had taught her , was one that could hold one in place and amplified by her blood. She continuously murmurs as she toils, and slowly the red blood smears turn invisible.

She studied the marks , a grim bitter smile on her face . Her hands are stained with blood . 

// “ Teach me the technique you were planning to teach Luo Binghe .” 

Furen blinked at Haitang. “ This is quite unexpected. You are willing to …’Dirty’ yourself to help Luo Binghe ? “

“ I thought long and hard about this . “ Haitang confessed , gripping her hands tight . It would be a week more before they reached the Citadel . Time was running out . 

“"..On rare occasions, pursuing the right course demands a… ‘criminal’ act . If by learning and performing the technique in place of a mere teenager . I, an adult who should protect him …. Then, learning a single technique of demonic cultivation can be the right course."

Furen swung her legs off the hammock lazily . “ You’re soft . “ She yawned .” That one is strong . Why bother? You will hurt yourself , this requires the wielder of the technique to cut themselves and smear their blood into the place where the Phoenix immortal lives and will take effect instantly once he enters the room . Not exactly painless , Little Qiu Haitang .” 

Haitang told herself to be the bigger woman , that a child’s remaining innocence depended on her being meek and humble to this indolent ass . 

Soft snores came from outside . Haitang looked back. Sha Hualing and Binghe were sleeping close to the fire they had set up . Binghe looked less grown up in the glow of the camp fire’s light , his usually worried brow smoothed out in slumber . He curled up in a fetal position, shivering under a thin blanket  .It was a cold night , and despite the fire , the blankets were not stuffed , and the frost nipped at all of them . 

The youth hugged a worn bag close to him like a child would clutch at a stuffed animal in his sleep . 

She bit back an insult , and instead said this . “He is strong but he’s still a child . Children . Children should never have to fight to be young .” 

Furen studied her , then she swung her hammock and leaped out of it , soundlessly landing on the ground in front of the other woman . 

 “ But it makes things … Easier . “ She mused , eyes pinning Haitang like a butterfly to a board . “-Blood from a family member will be more damaging then even one of the heavenly demon line ….”//

There was one symbol left . One more symbol to seal her brother’s power , to hasten his death . Jianluo would ironically die at the hands of , not his vengeful slave but at the hands of his once adoring baby sister . 

His baby sister who grieved for years and years for his apparent death  till she found out that her Ah Luo was not only alive but had been a carefully crafted lie -

She swipes , one last bloody red smear decorates the floor before it vanishes . The ritual was complete . 

“Brother. It is my duty to ensure you will hurt no one else again. ” 

—

Dichan Shaoye dully wove the beautiful tapestry .

TT had been awlfully quiet , suspiciously quiet after threee hwole hours of hearing it ping away updates as Binghe stormed the castle like Alucard from castlevania would wreck Dracula's digs.

He was dying with curiosity and worry for Binghe. Was he hurt? That was a foolish question, even if Binghe did get hurt, proatgonist halo would protect him, but just...He was attached, alright? He huffed. He hated it whenever Binghe got hurt . He-

He jumped at the sound of knocking  . It wasn’t the turkey , which meant it was one of his threads given life as a servant . Nonetheless , he instinctively summoned his needles and stomped over to the door . Just in case . 

“ Look . I’m really not in the mood .”

His breath hitched as he slammed the door open .

It wasn’t a servant at the door . 

There , gazing at him in equal shock was the one person he had missed most in this forced seclusion .

Binghe was the first to break down . ”Young Master!” He wailed , bursting into tears as he dashed up the stairs towards his best friend who was already pivoting forward .

The tapestry he was working on clattered , abandoned on the floor .

Binghe towered over him . But unlike Bingge , this Bingmei was clad in white . 

The armour he wore was demonic in nature . Sha Hualing had indeed found Binghe and kitted him . But the robes he wore were outdated . The charms woven on them were barely working . 

His hair was held up in a rather simple silver crown . It had gotten longer but was no less silky as Shaoye carded his hands through it like he used to do , like how he would weave his hands through the finest silk threads and even then this put them to shame .

Binghe cried into his shirt . It soaked it through . A real feat as it was made of thick wool which he wore in the frigid golden cage he had been enslaved within . Qiu Jianluo had given him thin robes that he wore in the night but ironically during the day it became colder . 

Finally Shaoye took a deep shuddering breath and reluctantly pried himself from the older boy.

“Binghe-ge! Are you okay? Did you get hurt by that overgrown goose?”

“I’m fine.” Binghe smiles , his eyes red like the finest azalea flowers , soft as the gentlest silk as they behold him.  “-I’m fine now that I’ve seen you. Did that beast hurt you? “

“Who cares!”

“I do!” 

Upon hearing that soft declaration, the feeling that Shen Yuan felt as he gazed into those eyes, brought him back to his past life when his family would take flights to see their elderly grandparents till they passed. 

That long haul flight to see someone he cared about and haven't seen in a while, it was like that, but the long haul flight was his entire life up to that point. It was this inexplicable sense of excitement and weird feeling that he had known this person forever, and everything so far had just been a tediously long journey to meet Luo Binghe. 

...What a good friend he was lucky to have in his life!

And speaking of good friends-

He needed help.

Help of the ass-kicking kind . 

“ unh - Binghe-ge! Buuuut, he threatened me !“

“ He did what .” Binghe asked blankly .

Shaoye tilted his head back and gazed at his best beloved friend straight in the eyes . “Binghe-ge , that mean Qiu Jianluo threatened to kill everyone I know and love in this city if I didn’t act as his one stop one man slave sweat shop for fancy kicks and now wants to marry me to humiliate me ! .”

At the same time his stomach grumbles , informing both he only had scraps yesterday for dinner. 

Binghe promptly made a sound like Binghe being very angry .

The room appropriately shook as the half demon’s black rage shook the very foundations of the building.

Shaoye felt very happy about this . Good . Let Qiu Mc turdface stew before Binghe pays the parasite a little visit offering butt kicking services .

He walked over to the fallen tapestry and picked it up .

Hands nimble and quick , he begins sewing and changing it .

“-The bastard has erected a golden cage made of pure light magic . All around the city . Anyone who tries to escape gets shocked . “

He places the tapestry around Binghe and it simply melts into his existing armor only now the armor has a gold embellishment-The same one the Tapestry sported .

“ This will grant you immunity against the nine tailed Phoenix immortal and his light magic as it was meant to be worn as a talisman to enhance their attacks . Be careful of Qiu Jianluo’s tails , they can be detached and split into nine whips. Aim for his neck , it’s his weak spot .”

He doesn’t know he is trembling till Binghe takes his hands into his own and raises it to his face . He cups Binghe’s face and strokes it .

“ Come back safe to me . I’ll be waiting at the safe house .”

Binghe nods , closes his eyes for a few seconds, and leans into his touch . 

Then he leaps right through the ceiling of the room . Effectively shattering the prison that Shaoye had lived in for the past half decade .

Shaoye watches as the connection enslaving him here is severed and wastes no time in leaping outside. The seemingly slim golden chain around his ankle shatters . 

He does not have time to rejoice .

He, Dichan Shaoye,  has a country to liberate .

 

—1

 

Fire crackles around him. Binghe already is engaging in battle with the  immortal. Stray bolts of light raze unlucky buildings .

His beloved citadel ...

Shaoye muses bitterly as he dodges a stray bolt of light that incinerates the ground . Bingbing meowed in alarm , the fat cat was strapped to his front in a makeshift baby carrier  . The huge glass jar containing Binghe-jr , his whole family, the Holy Gilded Saint Butterflies , rattled against him , attached to his back . Of his beloved pet doves, he had already sent them away . 

“-Shao! Ah-Shao !” He felt the burn of tears behind his eyes. He had missed his Baba , so very much these terrible years. “-Baba!” He cried, only to gape at the disheveled young man, possibly in his late twenties, leading the stampeding herd of excited Citadel folk towards him.  There was something painfully familiar about the way that wide grin tugged at the corners of those chubby cheeks… “Ah Shao! M’ Lil Angel!”  That definitely was his baba’s voice coming out of that face . 

 Gaping,Shaoye obligingly runs towards his father , dodging a hug but grasps the man’s hand and allows his de-aged father to lead him and the crowd of citizens out of the crumbling city .

He never has felt happier .

The cage is down when they reach the edge and they hurriedly run out into the large woods . The guards and military personnel ordered everyone to be on guard as they entered the forest which likely held many dangers and made their way to an ancient safe house .

Binghe knew of the location because Shaoye had spent time , years ago showing it off even if the faithful right hand did comment it was a bit dusty and old . 

That was just testament that the fact they had no real need for it only meant how capable their city was, wasn't it ?

// “- You should upkeep it though . Young master.” //

I take it back , Binghe . I should have listened to you- wuwuwuwu . 

Every snap of the twigs , the loud shuffling of the dead leaves clogging up the path by many terrified people , give the already terrified  Shaoye a near heart attack, even as he clung to cheerful and insane father  who was happily whistling away as though they were on a picnic trip and strolling blissfully to where the banquet was being held , not terrified refugees fleeing from a battle . 

Your Shaoye will listen to you . Wuwuwuwu-AW GEEZUS FUCK ALMIGHTY, WHAT WAS THAT NOISE . MUDAFUCKING GAWD ON A POGO STICK.DEFINITELY GONNA DIE THIS TIME! AUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!!!!

It took five hours to navigate the long unused path to the safe house . The cultivators could have reached earlier but chose to wait till every civilian and the guards and military had entered it before they themselves finally went in . By then the stress it had undertaken on Shaoye felt as though he had aged several decades .

Well that and other reasons..

He watched as the night gave way to dawn , worry and frustration. His face dampened as with each hour did every troop arrive with no Binghe accompanying him . 

“ Ah Shao . Come inside and rest .” 

Shaoye blinked sleepily , sandwiched between a snoring Mingfan and Dichan Ye who sat like bookends between him. He shakes his head , so determined to greet and see Luo Binghe after so long. 

He doesn’t know who carried him and his bodyguards into the safe house. But it is dawn when he reawakens and rushes out. 

The sun bloomed on the horizon, golden petals stretching ever outwards into the rich blue. The brilliant flower of the sky that warmed the land. The invitation to a new day. But Shaoye’s heart sank as he saw a lone Qiu Haitang alight from her spiritual sword , it was a day that heralded one without Binghe….

—

 

 

 

Notes:

In this chapter , SY and Binghe have finally reunited , Belas and Bellas and now everyone waits to see who emerges victorious in the cage match between a turkey and a puppy 🐶. Who will it beeeeeeeee, hmmmm, I wonder hahahaha. Till two weeks later , Belas and Bellas !!! Ciao !

Notes:
Mount Tai is chinas most sacred mountain. SY is thus likening himself to a boss, or superior to Qiu Jianluo and is mocking him for thingking himself worthy enough for his hand in marriage.

Xiamen was the hometown were the anvil and metalworks business was in ancient China

Yea, SY named all THREE of his pets after Binghe . Bai Lian Hua means White lotus . Buuuut even if you shorten it , he’s definitely calling the dove ‘little white lotus.” Which SY canonically thinks of Binghe being .

Hua Guo Shan is the name of the monkey king’s residence. Sun Wukong was pinned by the Buddha and this seal is a callback to it!

Chapter 30: Ya yee’ed ya last haw

 

Qiu Haitang felt it. A kind of tingling in the air like before a great storm hit.  

 

 

 

The hunt was afoot. 

 

 

 

She had virtually left no part of the chamber -where she had instructed Binghe to lead her- Qiu Jianluo to, uncovered of the symbols drawn of her own blood that Dichan Furen had taught her . 

 

 

 

He would be dealing with Luo Binghe and her. 

 

 

 

She continued on her way , needing to reach the safe house first . 

 

 

Just as planned , the minute she left , Binghe had begun attacking the maddened Immortal .

 

The cage for the first time in three years vibrated , then it began to disintegrate momentarily , not fully destroyed  . But it was enough for the desperate citizens who had been living in fear for three years who were willing to bear the pain of squeezing through or being touched by the threads as they pushed through the weakened opening . 

 

Haitang witnessed this grand annex of the citizens and joined in leading them out .

Several times debri from the chaos of the battle between Qiu Jianluo and Luo Binghe - Aftershocks so terrible and great , nearly fell on the fleeing citizens . 

 

One nearly falls on a shocked Sha Hualing , and a screaming group of civilians behind her , who all stop . 

 

The demoness herself  stands there like a doe about to be run over by an incoming  cart at full speed, so fast is the mass- . Then a flash of gold leaps over her,  a thunderous explosion that sounds like the end of times .

 

Qin Wanyue holds Sha Hualing , frantic concern only on her face for the other , her right hand is curled into a fist which is still smoking, from the devastating Qi-based move she used to shatter the debri of the collapsing building . 

 

“Are you alright ? "

 

Sha Hualing is busy gaping at Qin Wanyue as though she was the first sunrise that heralded the world after a never ending night , the answer to a question she had asked for ages . 

 

The gold clad woman seeing she was not getting answers and likely thinking her companion had gotten some kind of trauma by nearly being made into demon paste by the debri , shrugged , then hefted the still stunned demoness like one would heft a sack of potatoes and took up the task of leading the rest of the civilians out . Mingfan’s reassuring huge form brought up their rear. 

 

Qiu Haitang, reassured that her charges would be alright, continued on . 

 

By the time she led the rest of the remaining citizens out , and reached the safe house , it was still dark . The sounds of blasting and explosions from the Citadel could be heard even from here .  

 

Despite wanting to comfort and apologize to Shaoye on Qiu Jianluo’s behalf , she gave him the briefest of hugs before leaving . It was evident that the small teenager understandably was also far too worried about Luo Binghe’s confrontation with her brother to listen to any comfort or apology . 

 

She quickly found an empty tent and waited for her cue to aid Binghe .

 

As her eyes closed , as she entered a trance-like state , she mused on the reason why Furen gave Binghe a lucky charm …..

Earlier on 

 

 

“ Wear this. And when the time comes, it will give you the will to ensure no child will ever have to walk this land in fear of being kidnapped , enslaved and forced to marry a tyrant many years their senior.” 

 

Binghe bows nervously to accept a jade necklace from Dichan Furen. 

 

Trusting , naive in the way youth are blessed with despite all he has been through and sacrificed to ensure his little Master’s happiness . 

 

Haitang wonders when that light will inevitably be swallowed by age and experience. 

 

It’s not a kind world they live in. 

 

Luo Binghe swallows as the necklace slips over his neck . 

 

Seeing as Furen had nothing else to say to him , he bowed to her , before leaving the small grotto from which the woman had called the both of them . 

 

Haitang walked forward . Furen tilted her head in greeting . “ - You’re a soft touch to that boy . ”

 

 “ I like to think I am just being a decent person . Luo Binghe has been through so much already . I know he won’t have the stomach to actually kill off Qiu Jianluo. But it ….” She looked ready to puke , “ - It has to be done . I will , as we have discussed in private , ensure that Binghe carries out the deed … Without being traumatized.” 

 

“Go then , Qiu Haitang . “ Furen murmurs , the distant light of the fire makes her onyx eyes flicker blood-red . 

 

“And reclaim the honour of your family name . “ 

 

The lavender clad woman was already walking out , a grim set to her jaw . 

--

 

<<Back at the Golden Citadel . The largest manor , the Grand Chamber . At present .>>

Qiu Jianluo capered around Binghe , sneering as the young man bared his teeth at him in response . Like an old wily fox and a young hunting dog placed into a ring, both were trapped until the other was dead. 

 

The Phoenix immortal struck first, a blast of golden hot thread that had Binghe not been part heavenly demon , would have gotten him. As it is, the young man yelped in pain as he narrowly dodged the blow, so close was the thread that it shredded his cheek. 

 

Qiu Jianluo paused to fully admire the white clad young man. His silky hair was gathered into a topknot, he wore a polished piece of jade necklace that shimmered around his neck . Flashing obsidian eyes on a comely face that would be far prettier had it not been snarling at him . 

 

“You are pretty for a half breed. “ He considered . “Perhaps I will have you as a concubine beside my future bride- Xiao Ye.” 

 

Binghe felt his already frayed temper snap upon hearing this . 

 

It was one thing to leer at him but to leer at him AND to insult the one dearest to Luo Binghe by ignoring his own identity? 

 

Qiu Jianluo howls in pain as one of his tails is ripped off. Golden blood splatters everywhere . 

 

When Binghe struck, it was with a monstrous strength despite his slender frame, paired with an unparalleled speed, so fast that even immortal eyes could miss his form . 

 

He cracks it , and with a crackle, the tail unfurls to become a whip. Binghe raised the tool and slashed Qiu Jianluo as fast as lightning. 

 

Sparks flew as the pair began to duel in earnest. Every pillar they passed soon blackened with the amount of Qi-based force they shot at each other. Binghe leapt from pillar to pillar, from wall to wall. His raw strength in being able to do so made him look as though he was flying.

 

As a Phoenix Immortal, flight was no problem to Qiu Jianluo and despite himself, he was actually impressed with the half breed being to keep up with him and not using his spiritual sword. 

 

Binghe’s new whip slashed and twisted, in his left and his right hand shot qi-based force.Jets of light flew from both dueler’s hands, the pillars and walls became hot and cracked; both men were fighting to kill.

 

 The Phoenix Immortal’s smile faltered and became a snarl as for some reason the boundless qi reservoir this body had felt steadily drained by the enclosure they were in . Binghe might be young and inexperienced but he was furious , half of his bloodline came from Heavenly demons. 

 

He did not like feeling weak, or the feeling of things not going his way . His temper got the better of him. 

 

“What will happen to your dear little master when I’ve killed you?” taunted the mad Phoenix Immortal, squealing in glee as Binghe’s attacks danced around him. “When his pwecious White lotus is gone and dead and unable to protect him? Will I comfort him by feeding him the sword between my legs into his snug little scabbard on our wedding night?”

 

“You — will — never — touch — him — !”Screamed Binghe . He flicked a blindingly white  shot of qi at the other .

 

 As this move soared beneath Jianluo’s outstretched arm , it hit the lilac clad man square at his throat.A thin white line marking appeared on that man’s already pale skin. 

 

It was as if time froze in place. Qiu Jianluo froze mid laugh , and began to make awful gasping noises. 

 

Binghe watched, equally stunned, his hand already on the hilt of his blade-Zheng Yang. However, the lad hesitated- He who never had killed anyone before - And his initially murderous outlook changed. 

 

“Would Young master approve? Perhaps I should disable Qiu Jianluo and bring him back for jud-” 

 

The necklace he wore glowed green, a queer feeling overtook Binghe. 

 

Qiu Jianluo watched , unable to move, in utter terror as the eyes of the young man who seemed to hesitate before, rolled back , so only the whites could be seen.

 

Then when the white clad youth straightened himself up, the Phoenix Immortal found himself looking into lavender eyes he never wanted to see again.

 

 Qiu Haitang, his younger sister smiles at him through Luo Binghe’s body.

 

“ Dear Gege*. What a long time it has been .” It is Haitang’s sweet voice that comes from the possessed Binghe’s throat. And there is Haitang’s signature wobble whenever she takes out a blade , an old habit, when she was playing at sword-fighting when they were children --In those hands as she unsheathes Zheng Yang. 

 

“ Time has opened my eyes up. Opened my eyes to how blind I was to the antics of Father and you , and how you all treated other people. Just because they were ‘servants’.  Let me say this-” She levels the blade, her smile widens rictus wide . 

 

“ I don’t agree with the method of how Shen Jiu killed off all the males of the Qiu Clan and the ensuing fire that engulfed nearly all the female members . “ She says nonchalantly as though she was discussing the weather. 

 

“-But it was necessary . Our family was rotten and was draining the life of the land it ruled . It recovered once our clan was nearly wiped out and lost its standing .  And it took being away from it’s toxic teachings that I was spared turning out the same as you .” She studied Binghe’s hand , flexing and squeezing it before turning her attention to him . 

 

“….Do you know how I felt? “ Haitang grit out , keeping that terrible smile on Binghe’s face . 

 

“-It felt far worse than when my own fiance killed everyone and apparently you . Then I find word and confirmed that not only were you alive this whole time, but were preying on minors and abusing them ! For centuries ! And exploiting off the sex trade! ...I wanted to kill myself, the shame and the horror of sharing the same blood as you , and later discovering that Father and our other male relatives were not much better-Do you know how big of a fool I felt?! ” The smile finally fell from her face, the blankness in her eyes , the decided monotone of her next words, made him sweat like a stuck pig in a cage before the butcher raised his cleaver . 

 

“This is goodbye. This bloodline ends with me.” She raises that snowy white blade.  “ You will never threaten another child ever again.” 

 

And with a clean swipe with Zheng Yang, using a Qi-based cut so powerful, it neatly severs the frozen Qiu Jianluo’s head off. 

 

Qiu Haitang watches as the body topples down , followed by the head down several feet onto the Chamber’s floors. There come two very loud and satisfying splats, as if two extremely large rotten tomatoes had met marble from a great height. 

 

She closed Binghe’s eyes , relinquished control …. And let Binghe come back. The jade piece slowly dulled back to its usual shine , and the none the wiser boy started as he was back in control, looking around , gaping . 

 

He yelped as Haitang’s voice whispered in his head . “ Binghe. I think it would be wise to take proof of Qiu Jianluo’s disposal- His head . Look below . And be quick .” 

 

Binghe does not hesitate. He flies down and scoops up the severed head. There is a pouch in his pockets. He digs it out. Somehow the Qiankun pouch opens up so he can just thrust it in without much of a struggle. 

 

It is still dark when he comes out , and soars towards the thick woods where the safehouse is. 

 

On the way he has to pass the ruins of the once grand Golden Citadel. 

 

Hatred spikes in his heart , quelling any sympathy he had for the man whose head was tucked snugly away in the pouch. 

 

Oh , his poor young Master, the work he would have on his hands just after the torment he had undergone! 

 

By the time he reaches the forest, it is daybreak. 

 

The hill-tops and the valley below seem to be bathed in its golden light, Binghe presses Zheng Yang on , and soon arrives at a small clearing, where at the entrance of the cave that acts as a safehouse. There at the entrance is-

 

“Binghe-ge!” Cries a voice he so often dreamed about , trapped in the Abyss. Like the golden song of a nightingale that gives one solace in the darkness. 

 

Out of the safehouse, so excited was the one person he had missed so much these painful three years , that he stumbled as he ran towards him. 

 

The Golden Citadel might be where he rightfully lived. 

 

But home...He thought, gazing into those wide eyes of amber and onyx, eyes the colour of the gold people desperately try to pull from the ground….

 

Home was in Dichan Shaoye’s eyes. 

 

He was finally home.

 

---

 

“ Look , Ah Shao .”

 

 

There, descending from the sky and looking nearly half dead was his frustrating , infuriating , wonderful - “ Binghe !”

 

And as if on cue , the young man looked at him and eyes red-rimmed , he practically flew down to him on his snowy white blade .

 

“ Young master !”

 

They flew towards each other and finally had a good hug . Not the stressed fraught hug from earlier just to reassure each other that the other was not a fever dream but one that comforted each other . 

 

Even after reaching teenage hood , Shaoye had still had yet to hit a large growth spurt and hadn’t changed much aside from a badly hacked haircut . His face was still fat with baby fat that somehow had not come off and had grown maybe only three inches since Binghe had last seen him . 

 

He looked the same as ever, much to Binghe’s relief like nothing had changed . Light as a feather and his body soft as silk . 

 

The same couldn’t be said of Shaoye who kept giving Binghe appreciative once overs now that the danger was over and the dimness of the torches in the dingy tower he had been enslaved in had hidden away the full glare of the protagonists charm.

 

Luo Binghe in daylight, looked like a celestial prince descended from the heavens , clad in white . Already handsome before the descent , now an adult , was devastatingly so , the kind of stunning looks that could cause the fall of kingdoms ! He was tall , upright , with skin as pale as moonlight but when he smiled the whole world seemed brighter and better , and took Shaoye’s breath away . 

 

—-

 

Binghe was greeted with raucous applause from the citadel citizens and herded into an inland lake to wash and change .

 

The grisly gift he brought back were duly admired by the citizens . Shaoye looked a little green as Binghe cheerfully took out the head of the Phoenix immortal that had enslaved the Golden Citadel right after bath from a pouch. The Dichan clan all screamed their loud , bloodthirsty approval . 

 

Truly - truly the protagonist !

 

Him and his inward sense to do what was right but his sense of justice was also proportional to the merciless nature he enacted it .

 

“My Liege . This is for you .” Binghe peeked at him under thick eyelashes . A soft flush on his fair cheeks as though he was a blushing maiden presenting her paramour a bouquet of flowers . Shaoye kept his eyes firmly on the handsome face and not on the blood that slowly trickled from the severed head .

Haitang kept her eyes trained on the floor . His heart ached for her , despite all this , it had to have been heartbreaking for her . 

There was a little silence before the crowd cheered again .

 

“ -What a hero !”

 

“ He saved our lord and regained the honor and liberated our citadel from that monster !”

 

“ - I heard rumors that those of demonic blood were the foulest of the foul . Clearly , that’s rotten nonsense spread by those Cang Qiong sect bastards !”

 

“ Yeah ! Our liege clothed them , was the godson of one of their ilk and this is how those lofty immortals repaid him! By selling him to that tyrant as a slave !”

 

”Alright . Alright . That’s enough , “ He sighed , feeling the rage that had filled him those grueling three years leave altogether at this . 

 

Infact he would rather have had Binghe just beat Qiu Jianluo up , but what is done is done , he supposed AND Qiu Haitang had apparently personally dealt the fatal blow . “ Many thanks to Binghe-ge and Haitang-Jie  . But this Shaoye is just happy to find his valued allies alive and well after such a battle . “

 

“ - Y-young master .” Those star-like eyes shimmered with emotion and something stirred in Binghe’s heart .

 

“ We don’t have much to repay you for such a -a ....” Shaoye bit his lips . “-gift . -“ 

 

It would take at least a year to rebuild the port and unfortunately years to repopulate the silkworm and sheep population that the citadel was renowned for . Binghe-jr and his family, the Holy Gilded Saint Butterflies, were the only ones he had secured as they were his pets . But oh , how his heart broke for the lives lost , human or animal . 

 

“ - Young master Shaoye . You once told me you consider me family . How can I ask you to repay me ? Whatever slight anyone pays to you , I will repay a hundredfold as though it were dealt to me . “

 

Shaoye bumped the other’s hand gently . “ Oi . Oi . “ He coughed , slightly embarrassed. For some reason it was getting a bit awkward hearing Binghe calling him ‘Master’ or ‘ My liege’  . Now he wasn’t a child anymore, being addressed as such had its connotations .

…

 

Nope . He wasn’t going down that path . 

 

He coughed again . 

 

“ Uh- hum !Now this is over , we should give a burial to ...Qiu Jianluo .”

 

To his shock , this was met with great opposition by everyone present.

 

“ Outta question !” Mingfan roared , slamming his battle fan on the ground . 

 

“ His head has to be paraded through the Citadel at the very least to show he is dead !” Shaoye felt quite faint , how did Qin Wanyue , the gentlest , sweetest of Bingge’s harem in Proud Immortal’s demon’s way become one who was sanctioning and advocating for desecration of the dead in such a brutal fashion ? Sha Hualing whooped upon hearing this and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek . They started snogging . 

 

“ On a spike ! Spike the bugger !” Not so little Qin Wanrong squealed, waving a recently acquired pike,  to great cheers of approval . 

 

“Ah Shao .” Xiao Gongzhu was no longer a tiny girl , Shaoye winced as she walked over . And shook him hard before Binghe stopped her from further doing so with a dark glare that promised painful murder  . “ Ah Shao . I love ya . But what the FUCK . “ 

 

She gestured to the crowd, many whom Shaoye now noticed sported bloody hands and blood on their bodies . Golden blood . 

 

“-The body was ripped to shreds by angry mobs who went back to the ruins just to deal with the remains  . That’s how hated he is . Have you forgotten what he has done to you and the Citadel ?! “

 

“ Young master Shaoye . “ Binghe’s voice unlike the rest was careful and measured and he lowers his voice tactfully . 

 

“ As much as I would like to agree, we have to think about settling public fears of Qiu Jianluo being still alive . Also I think it would be a good move to display it as a deterrent to terrorists ….“ Then he adds encouragingly , almost as if he was asking Shaoye to try a new vegetable dish . “...Surely you want vengeance ?” 

 

 Ye nodded in approval . “I’d even help !” He sang , overly cheerful , caressing his over-sized halberd, over-eagerly . 

 

Shaoye felt quite faint . “ No !”

 

 He turned to Haitang - Surely it couldn’t have been easy for her to hear all this . “ Haitang-jie , sorry you had to hear this , he’s your broth-“

 

Her gentle face turned into a fierce scowl at this  . “ No. I agree with the others  , my liege . Showing mercy and giving grace to this foul villain even in death is too good . I am ashamed already that I came from the same line as him . “‘

 

Shaoye bit his lips in uncertainty . 

 

Seeing this , his advisors pressed on . 

 

“ Shaoye . Now is not the time to think about your personal discomfort. Think about your people . How can they go on living in fear and being shamed that their country has gone on living in terror and separated cruelly from their kin for three years and this villain is given a proper burial?” 

 

“ At the very least the head must be displayed and paraded through the Citadel as an example , if you truly want a proper burial rite for it afterwards . It can be considered later .” 

 

Shaoye looked from eager face to eager  face , and felt quite ill . He turned to Binghe , eyes large and imploring . “ - Binghe-ge …. “ 

 

“ Ah Shao . Don’t you dare !”

 

The small boy somehow made his already large eyes look bigger and they turned watery , turning the full blast of his ‘poor baby’ charm on Luo Binghe. 

 

His bottom lip started to tremble . 

 

 Binghe stormed forward … And using his larger body , shielded his master from reproach . “ That’s quite enough ! This is a decision that doesn’t have to be made now !” He scolded the rest  , like a mother hen hiding her chick from erstwhile farm dogs . “ Poor young master Shaoye is traumatized and tired ! You lot , leave him alone till he is ready to give an answer on his own terms !” The ‘poor baby’ in question stuck his tongue out at them behind his right hand’s back . 

 

“ Whipped Nanny dog .” Sha Hualing whispered but didn’t dare vocalize it aloud. She liked not being maimed by the dreaded Bingbork. Ye’s face had also gone into shadow , he stood by his son’s side , humming a morbid little ditty and pointedly began cleaning his halberd . 

 

Everyone decided it was best to leave it , or else the two guard dogs would spring onto them and have their garters quartered and drawn . 

 

There was much work to be done and the day had barely started . It was decided to clear the roads first and then construction was needed to begin for the hospitals, clinics first. 

 

For this, every able bodied non cultivator  was drafted and split into three units. The first unit was for construction and the strong headed to the smoldering citadel with several cultivators.  In the meantime, everyone returned to the rebel camp which technically was behind the iron barricade Mingfan and Qin Wanyue had set up

 

Farming still went on behind the rebel walls and fresh fish came from the Docks however, the second unit was drafted to scour parts of the small forest where the safe house had been  , for wild deer , boars and fowl to add to the menu. Shaoye was adamant that social activities could be scrapped after dark, cutting back on lighting , but his citizens should never feel hungry. 

 

The third was naturally divided into two sections , for healthcare and welfare . 

 

Meanwhile it was still a source of contention by many of the young Citadel Master’s allies on how to deal with the decapitated head. It was truly the elephant in the room.

 

At the end of the day , Binghe soothed everything over by convincing them they would not need to display the head on a spike , parade it through the city , but another measure would be undertaken . 

 

Besides  , it was best for the head to be cremated . Binghe even arranged that it would be given private rites by a priest . 

 

Shaoye finally breathed a sigh of relief and nodded eagerly upon hearing this . Binghe reached out a hand , it was the hand of a young master born to pluck strings , light incense and be pampered - and gently grasped Shaoye , he didn’t know he was so exhausted till his little head rested against Binghe’s breast and wouldn’t lift no matter how much he attempted to do so . 

 

“ Come now , you must be exhausted . I have ordered a bath for you , there’s dinner waiting . But first , there’s  a surprise for you in the treasury .”

 

“ A surprise?! '' Shaoye beamed , all tiredness chased away . “I thought Baba being restored to the bloom of youth can’t be better ! Speaking of which, how did you do it , Baba?!”

 

Ye coughed , eyes turning a bit distant and sad as Binghe led them to the treasury  . “ - Y’r dear mama… We must have a proper burial for her . It turns out Binghe found her remains while in the Abyss , she was trapped in a secret realm and had stolen the Phoenix drop to restore me to full health .” 

 

Shaoye paused as this sunk in and as Ye started to snuffle wetly . 

 

“Baba-“

 

“ My master . '' Binghe began , looking distressed . “ - I know that was what I told you but the truth is , I was -grhmmurk!” 

 

Shaoye and Ye watched as Binghe became unable to speak , as though he had been bound not to speak . 

 

“ …. Binghe-ge …. Your lips . Who the hell cursed you ?!” 

 

Binghe shook his head , grabbed Shaoye’s hand , and ran forward as though he was more frantic that whatever was waiting for them in the treasury was more important than revealing or trying to reveal who had bound him not to tell the truth . 

 

Ye had however already charged forward . Eyes feverish and panting . “ Lemee get this straight , dear boy . You were bound by oath to LIE that my wife was dead . Which means -“ He drew his halberd , with a great whack , he cleaved the door to the treasury in two . 

 

It turns out the treasury that only Dichan clan members could enter …. Was not empty .

 

Gold pieces scattered everywhere . 

 

A wide eyed woman gazed at them like a spooked cat  , she was a beauty , the kind of good looking that while not world shatteringly beautiful , was comely . There was a quiet confidence that added to it . Strands of mahogany framed a lovely face . Her pockets bulged with gold , guilt was written all over her face . 

 

Shaoye had gazed at her likeliness everywhere in the hallways every day growing up  . 

 

That face was smiling .

 

 This woman however looked from face to face , slow disbelief dawned as shock faded at whatever she was expecting from Ye and Shaoye …. Wasn’t there .

 

Notes:

Aaaaand next chapter , Belas and Bellas , we have a reunion in this chapter and yet another one in next week's chapter ;) Two weeks later , Sunday , y’all . Thank you y'all for your support!!! ;)))))

Chapter 31: trolololol

Summary:

Hello everyone! Unfortunately I've had a terrible case of the flu. The full works, fever, running nose and cough and I still haven't fully recovered and on top of that , my facebook account of which I spent 10 years was hacked into and got me banned which....Oh well, I got more time to spend on writing and finishing Opap but on the other hand I am now stressing about how to recover my account. Life has been kicking me about a bit of late . Hope y'all are doing better! *hugs!*

Ye broke the silence first . “ Ah Ren !” He shrieked, tears pouring down his face ,launching himself right at her like a homing cannon . 

 

It was there and then Shaoye learnt many, many creative curses as ‘Ah Ren’ swearing away like a seasoned sailor , instinctively pivoted forward , catching her smaller husband in her arms before he fell short of leaping into her arms . 

 

“-Do you want to drive me into an early grave ?! She huffed at last into his face . His face, that he was busy rubbing against her ample bust . ‘Ah Ren’ ‘s face turned red . Red , with possibly embarrassment , possibly rage at her husband’s idiocy .

 

 Even Shaoye knew at this moment that anyone with common sense would stop what Ye was doing . But alas , Ye probably had received one whack too many during his time battling other beasties , other cultivators during his time as Citadel ruler and didn’t have any sense at all . 

 

She took both sides of her husband’s chubby cheeks and stretched it wide in retribution.

 

Shaoye and Binghe both winced in sympathy . Ouch . 

 

“Dichan. Ye.” She enunciated calmly and clearly like a displeased mistress would scold an ill behaved , spoiled pet dog that had gone a step too far . 

 

“ Behave .” As much as he could with both hands stretching his face , Ye nodded . 

 

Finally she let go , turning to sniff at Luo Binghe . “You are impossible .”

 

 “ This one has no regrets reuniting a family who clearly loves each other .” The youth responded , equally cool, turning to address his young master in far gentler , warmer tones.

 

 “Young Master , Dichan Furen who got trapped in a hidden realm ,who has never stopped thinking of Master Ye and you everyday . Who aided Qiu Haitang and me in taking down a tyrant . “

 

——

Shaoye , as though lead seemed to be in his legs , stiffly walked to her with Binghe’s gentle encouragement . Furen could not find it in her heart to blame him , it was pretty awkward for her too . 

 

The last she had seen of her yet unnamed son was when he was a fragile , premature baby due to her haste to get to the secret realm. And now he stood before her , a youth who was the ruler of a settlement . 

 

Do you hate me ? 

 

She wonders .

 

Shaoye coughed , then looked at her , eyes not hostile but wary as though he was a brittle vase that had been shattered and been repaired over and over again . 

 

Binghe, who held his hand , never let go all this while , made encouraging noises . 

 

“Did . “ Her son asks , voice so small , despite all his accomplishments, all his grand achievements . “-Did you really want me ?”  

——

 

Furen does not consider herself a good person . She hides . She plots , she schemes . She is a vicious , self centered , and greedy person who speaks in riddles and mocks the righteous for being boring , for upholding their dull morals . The only thing she holds onto , is honor . She doesn’t and never likes owing others debts . Hence when Tang Ah Yi took her in as a disciple , she took on her surname as an expression of gratitude . 

 

Then she met an equally conniving and crazy man who took her breath away , who made her laugh , and shake her head at his antics , who had actually stolen from her . She ! She who has prided herself on her slipperishness , her skullduggery , had met her match in a meaner , nastier and equally morally gray individual , and actually was careless enough to allow him to steal her heart ! 

 

And he had offered his in turn, the crazy man ! 

 

Having a baby in a war was never easy . But she had protested even when Ye hesitantly asked her if she wanted to void the then fetus . No . No . 

 

Then came that terrible night of blood and fire . Furen thought she and the unborn baby would die buried in the wreckage as the grandest manor shook from the blasts . 

 

She doesn’t remember much after the loudest blast shook the building  .  Then the aftershocks … Stop . When she dares peer out of the window , there is a clear barrier cast overheard that is blocking out the attacks from the Citadel .

 

Later Furen hears of and sees what Ye had sacrificed in order to erect such a powerful barrier, to win the war against the Golden Triad, so much so it was only the Huanhua palace master left who bowed in submission to the Citadel’s might . 

 

His youth .  

 

Her vain , proud Ye who smashed all the mirrors in the house , who refused to eat for days till she tearfully forced food into his mouth . 

 

Ye cried and cried for days in private .

 

He didn’t dare show any weakness in public  , keeping up a believable show for little Shen Jiu - His beloved sworn brother , a mask of so called joviality , a lack of care for his former appearance . But in private , he was a ghost of his former self . Nothing could cheer him up . 

 

It’s your fault . Had you not wanted the baby , you would and could have stood side by side with him and turned the tides toget-

 

So she sought a way to restore him . She owed him that much . He who had fought to marry her and who rallied his clan to stand behind her , a nobody , a rogue cultivator without any wealth or status. Who had seen something in her that even she could not see . Who had made her laugh . 

 

Night after night since that terrible incident  , she pored over every ancient manuscript , every article , never giving up till she came across an obscure little anecdote in a book about holy and demonic flora and fauna . 

 

The Phoenix drop . 

 

A holy and rare plant that could only be found in the tombs of the Phoenix immortals and coincidentally, a portal would open in the West caves of the jade crest every thousand years …. Which would be in a week's time . 

 

It would be a month more before the child was due . A month would be too late .

 

So , she bore the baby early , forcing him out prematurely . 

 

Blood from bearing the baby still dripping down her thighs , the nurses and doctors who delivered him all knocked out by her Qi, she runs for the treasury  .

 

 She only turns around once at the doorway , to gaze at what she would be leaving behind .

 

The baby is an oddly quiet one, staring at her , so small in his cradle . There is a quiet strength in those wide amber eyes , an odd intelligence in those honeyed depths . 

 

She is glad . Pleased , even . 

 

  Please be good for your baba , okay ? Please , please , be good and look after him . I promise to come back to you two soon . 

 

She turns away , and starts running before she changes her mind . 

 

I promise never to leave you both again . 

 

It is easy to steal the stone that would open the realm to the tomb of the Phoenix immortals . 

 

What was not so easy was getting out . 

 

And a day turned to a month , to a year . Years passed by ,  slowly she withered despite her inedia .

 

She hates herself , day after day for not being strong enough , for being so careless and worsening an already shitty situation into a true shitstorm . Ye was strong . But society … It has not looked kindly on her union with the Citadel master. Her son …He would suffer no matter what from the aftereffects . Her poor , innocent son . 

 

All she can do is pray that he would be strong enough to bear whatever rubbish is spat at him . 

 

As she was forced to self cannibalize her own Qi, drawing the Qi from her leg  to keep her heart beating , despite this, somehow hope refused  to die . And one day , against all the odds , her patience paid off when that door reopens again.

 

When she somehow found her way back to Lady Meiyin’s place . Was brought back from the brink of death , was updated on the world , and how much it has changed . Furen firmly had put away any thoughts of reunion. Clearly Ye had moved on . Shaoye no longer was a child and no longer needed apron strings to tug to . 

 

When she met her son’s little band of loyal friends , she only saw a chance to give them the flower and to aid them as much as possible . 

 

She has wanted to leave right after ensuring the safety of Ye , of Shaoye ,  but her greed got the better of her .

 

 Damn her magpie instincts . Damn it . 

 

Yet gazing into those wide brown eyes so similar to Ye’s ….She remembers when she was stuck in the tomb of the Phoenix immortals -How she begged in her darkest moments , in hunger fueled delirium , for a chance to tell Ye , she had not betrayed him . For a chance to tell her son , not a day since she departed that she had never stopped thinki -

 

“- From the day I saw you . When I held you in my arms . I fell in love a second time . “

 

Ye was busy blubbering inelegantly on the side , he stumbled over closer . Furen allowed him to snivel all over her robes,  tugging her small husband under her chin with one hand  , hesitantly reaching out for her son with the other .  

 

Equally stunned , the youth shuffled forward , finally letting go of Binghe’s hand . 

 

Shaoye definitely took after his father, he was diminutive like most of the Dichan line  . He was still so small, more skin and bones under the hulk of his clothing  , as he allowed himself to be drawn into her embrace . 

 

“ Muqin.*” He whispers , as though testing out a foreign word . But not in disgust , just bewildered wonder as though he could not believe she would want him .

 

Unbidden , she feels an inelegant tear drip down her cheek as she grips him to her bosom harder as though he could be returned to her whence he had come,  where they had once been one . 

 

“Érzi.” Furen acknowledges, her voice so pained , so utterly raw makes even her wince at how foreign and genuine it is .

 

She closes her eyes , feeling a sense of contentment wash over her . Like being washed up on a shore after a storm ,  feeling the soft , warm rays of the sun caress her , chasing away the cold . 

 

Maybe the gods weren’t a myth or a legend , after all . 

—-

 

Binghe just feels … Conflicted about this , watching young master Shaoye being happily embraced by his long lost mother and his loving father . It feels good on one hand , this was what Shaoye deserved . To know he was loved . To have what he wishes for . 

 

He never wanted Shaoye to feel the pain he felt of being abandoned by Tianlang-Jun and Su Xiy-

 

“ Binghe-ge. Get over here !”

 

Binghe blinked out of his morose thoughts . Befuddled , but nonetheless always obeying whatever his young master commanded , he obediently strode forth . 

 

Shaoye tugged him into the hug .

 

Furen raised an elegant eyebrow at this .  “Well , well , well .” She mused, a considering look in her eyes as she gazed at Binghe like one would appraise a valuable piece of jade hidden in rock .” I presume this young man is important to you , son ?”

 

Shaoye squeezed Binghe to his side harder  .“ He means the world to me!” He declared stoutly .

 

Ye opened his mouth , then squawked  as his wife primly jabbed him in his belly . 

 

“ Let things bloom in their own time , dear .” 

 

Her smile, graced upon the white clad youth, however was sympathetic .”…I guess I will be saying this again probably quite soon , so bear with this one . But for now …. Welcome to the family , Luo Binghe .” 

—-

 

The following dawn again brought about new changes once more . For one , the thought to be lost and unfaithful, Dichan Furen, was announced to have been searching for a cure for her husband’s loss of youth in protecting the Citadel during the last war .  Second was that , the Citadel mentor , Ye had also decided he would be going on a long honeymoon with her , traveling . 

 

He declared his faith in his son’s capabilities as a ruler and the cabinet his son had chosen , to be more than sufficient to handle the rebuilding of the settlement . 

 

He departed with his wife with a small entourage of Dichan clan nobles and retainers in a fine carriage . 

 

The reinstated citadel master , in the meantime , wasted no time declaring an official rebuilding of the Golden Citadel . 

 

Three months flew by . Reconstruction and a makeshift trading port was set up to encourage business to rebuild the Citadel . Shaoye was admandant they should not tap into the last reserves . 

 

Strict protocol to observe hygiene was made critical .

 

For her aid , Dichan Shaoye allocated Sha Hualing , a lovely villa just next to the the Qin sisters , who had requested a cozy shophouse as reward for their help,  where they had decided to set up the beginnings of a guild where cultivators could seek jobs and ordinary people could put up jobs . For Xiao Gongzhu , she returned to Baoliu village with Ning Yingying to their farm with the deeds to some land there at the Golden Citadel . 

 

Qiu Haitang was more than happy to be received back as advisor to a just ruler , and for her a grand room with an inbuilt library , was to be part of the Manor’s renovations . Qi Qingqi for her aid in the evacuations was offered a sum of gold and treasures too but his martial aunt declined . 

 

“Use it for the good of your Citadel, brat .”She chided not unkindly and patted Shaoye on his head .You're …. A rare sort . I suppose you had to be in order to keep your spirit up around that creep who took you and your citadel hostage . “

She paused . 

“ I’m feeling charitable . So don’t get used to this one time offer . I will bring all of you to the Cang Qiong sect to put an end to this nonsense . Haitang told me of the concession in order to show the whole land that the  terrorist is truly dead without resorting to spikey measures .”

 

 

——

 

 

Qi Qingqi’s special talent was in creating teleportation arrays , the only problem was that wherever she had created the array was left charred black . 

 

 

Gongyi Xiao was left to supervise the rebuilding and defense of the Golden citadel with Qin Wanrong’s surprising capabilities with training guards .  

 

The rest of them along with several guards made their way to the Cang Qiong sect through the array  to which they arrived outside Xian Shu Peak’s entrance .

 

A glimmering rainbow bridge shimmering in the early morning sun linked all twelve peaks together . Shen Yuan did his best not to fanboy as he walked alongside the contingent . 

 

The Tian Gong Twelve Peaks were like twelve imposing swords that had sprung up between heaven and earth pointing straight towards the sky, piercing through the clouds.

 

Truly a place for those free of mortal cares ! Ahhhh!!!

 

Binghe was carrying his Qiankun pouch, something large was in it, probably lunch . 

 

Binghe didn’t have a high opinion of any meal cooked by others and pre-packed meals personally tailored to suit his young master’s palate. 

 

He seemed oddly quiet and tense today . 

 

Shaoye felt bad , Binghe had left Qingjing peak under less than happy circumstances.

 

This could not be easy for him . 

 

“ Binghe-ge. I’m with you .” He whispered , squeezing their linked hands . “ You’re not alone anymore . You don’t need to be scared of coming here .”

 

Binghe started a little and looked down at him , eyes far off , a little sad still . 

 

“ You know whatever I do , I only do it because I have the best intentions for you , right , Young Master ?” Shaoye tilted his head in incomprehension and smiled . “ Well , duh . That’s what right hand men are for , right ?” He laughed . 

 

Binghe seemed happier upon hearing this and finally smiled at last too . 

-/

The peak they were headed to was Qiong Dong peak , the largest and grandest peak of all . At Qi Qingqi’s command , the great agate gates were opened and the contingent was led through . 

Shaoye, being the Citadel master, was the second after Qi Qingqi to walk through with Dichan Mingfan on his left and Luo Binghe on his right. 

They walked down a long , grand hallway . 

 

Finally , a grand room was opened up . It clearly was the main function room . Shaoye was not surprised to see many cultivators of distinction and renown seated there . He automatically straightened himself up .

 

 

 It was the first time he was in the company of his own kind of high standing . The Dichan Clan and the Golden Citadel were outliers . Even in this timeline , though they rose under his and Ye’s rule in wealth , most Cultivators chose to sneer due to their sectless background , and the clan’s mixed bloodline which accepted any cultivator , even of demonic stock into their line . 

 

Shaoye honestly and privately thought it was quite a bunch of outdated nonsense , inbreeding was far less desirable . What was so wrong with taking a strong partner who could support and give you strong descendants? 

 

What a bunch of old fusspots ! 

 

He himself wanted a woman , preferably a great beauty!  ((He WAS the Citadel ruler after all, hehehe!))  

 

Oh! And she must be devoted, worship the ground he walked on ((It wasn’t easy being a transmigrator. Didn’t he deserve some happiness? HE DID!)) 

 

He wouldn’t say no to some spice in any future sister , if he had any enemies, she should be strong enough to demolish them alongside him and plot to make their lives a living hell after said beating. 

 

...It wouldn’t hurt if she could cook too.  

 

“ A demon. In our hallways .” One old coot snorted , knocking Shen Yuan out of his happy day dreaming.  

 

 Binghe wilted at this sneer ,  then the old coot saw Sha Hualing scowling away in the contingent . “ Two demons ! This isn’t your Golden Citadel , we proper cultivators do not consort with tainted blood ,child . ” 

 

Binghe grabs Shaoye’s hand as he lurches forward , rage on his young face. 

 

“ I bring trusted confidantes and allies . The one who liberated the Golden Citadel from oppression of a tyrant and a good trading partner who took the effort to aid in liberating my land from tyranny rather than choose to remain oblivious . “ Is the cold , angry growl of the Citadel Master of the land of the Golden spires that silences the murmuring .

 

“ Peace be with you , Citadel ruler of the Golden spires . What brings you here ?” Shaoye had not seen Yue Qingyuan for a long time , and the other looked the same as ever, his voice was as mellow and gentle from his memories  . 

 

He bowed down in a show of respect to the current Peak master and his mentor  . “ Long live Cang Qiong Mountain sect , and respect to the wielder of the Xuan Shu Sword , Gao Mingye . Respect to Yue Qingyuan , the Sect head mentor . We have merely come to announce that indeed the Golden Citadel has been liberated and the tyrant deceased. Hence we are able to appear here in person before you all .” 

 

“What a time you must have been through .” Shaoye was happy to see Liu Mingyan seated there amongst the remaining peak lords  . She was clad in white and dark blue robes her brother had worn during his tenure as peak lord  . She still wore a veil obscuring her face but it was evident she had grown more lovely . 

 

Sha Hualing however was definitely looking decidedly uncomfortable.Qin Wanrong for some reason clung to her shoulder  and was practically oozing both equal parts satisfaction , smugness and anger at  the Baizhan peak lord. 

 

Girl friendships are so weird . Shaoye thought . 

 

So interested he was in this small feud between his three former sisters of Bingge’s harem that he became vaguely aware of Mingfan’s enraged bellows . 

 

“ -‘Ow dare you lot ! We lived in terror for three years , our ruler was reduced to a slave for the terrorist n’ you bluddy lousy good fer nuthin’s did ab-so-lute-ly bleddy nuthin’!!!”

 

“ The last Phoenix Immortal was allied and killed in battle with Dichan Ye according to court records . “ One of the cultivators looked down , sneering . “Who is to say you invented it as an excuse for causing strife ?” 

 

 

Qiu Haitang walked forward . “ I testify as the sister and other survivor to the Qiu clan that my brother was the insurgent.” 

The cultivator tilted his head . “Well. Where’s the body then? Prove it, or are you all just making up stories about a fictional man?” 

 

Shaoye looked desperately at Yue Qingyuan but predictably he kept quiet . Likely he wanted to obscure Gan Die’s accidental part in the takeover . 

 

 

And while Shaoye did not want to implicate his godfather , he still - The troubled youth blinked as Luo Binghe strode past him , a calm look on his face . 

 

He  simply reached into the bag , took out the grisly still bleeding head of Qiu Jianluo and hurled it as though one might a tomato at the throne of where the present Qingjing peak lord vacated with a squeak . 

“ Binghe !” He shouted in dismay as the cultivators shrieked at the grisly sight , blood tainting the once white floors .

Despite what Binghe had done , he looked around to see no anger or dismay from their group of friends . 

 

Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao, were both nodding in grim satisfaction . Xiao Gongzhu frowned but nonetheless nodded. The rest of their contingent all looked on , scorn and approval on their faces . 

 

“The Golden Citadel has come to return tainted goods to the previous lord of Qingjing peak . '' Luo Binghe’s voice is cold as ice , devoid of any of the warmth or kindness when addressing Shaoye . 

Sha

 

 

 

Sha

 

 

 

Sha

 

 

 

Went the many scribes who would send out word in merely an hour's time country wide on this incident .

 

 

Liu Mingyan stood up , the only non-shocked peak lord . 

 

“ Do you all see ?! Shen Qingqiu Isn't here AND the Victims of his crimes have come here to prove his deeds . Proof of his guilt and collaboration with this terrorist !” She cried, pointing an accusing finger at the head . 

Finally it was decided a case would be opened against Shen Qingqiu . A manhunt has already been underway since his disappearance .  

 

Yue Qingyuan looked as beaten down as he could be  , so tired and heart weary . Shaoye too felt for him , he had been unaware of what had been planned and had he known -  .

 

Bad enough Shen Qingqiu had vanished during those three years . Shaoye was frantic with worry about his whereabouts . Yue Qingyuan clearly was fond of his godfather , so god knows he didn’t need to have this rubbed in his face and forced to set men after his tail  . 

 

 

At the same time oddly as he thought this , Yue Qingyuan looked up to gaze into his large almond eyes .

 

So much sympathy , equal sadness and shame was in those eyes , that Yue Qingyuan knew that Dichan Shaoye had not expected this either or for his court to spring this on them . 

Regardless , he knew the other’s character . Dichan Shaoye was so much like him just as Luo Binghe was so much like Ah Jiu . Had their positions been reversed he has no doubt Shen Jiu would have done the same to Dichan Shaoye if Qiu Jianluo had him for three years , tortured and starved him while keeping him locked away and threatened his people . 

 

Shaoye bit his lips and bowed his head once in parting apology . And too , Yue Qingyuan inclined his head to show there were no hard feelings .

 

The great doors slammed behind the departing g contingent , leaving the Sect leader mentor alone with his thoughts . 

 

--------------

Shaoye was fairly vibrating in rage as soon as the doors slammed shut . He practically flew off as though he was far too enraged to be seen walking with his court . 

Binghe ran after him but far too fast , Shaoye reached into his pockets and took out his weapon . 

 

 

The cloud made of the holy threads of the Gilded saint holy butterfly , automatically shifted upon its master and sped away on his command . 

Soon all that could be seen was a small figure in the distance of gold .

Binghe turned to the guards . “ Follow him from a distance . Report to me once he has reached the Citadel . Your living expenses will be covered by me, come to me once you have reached the Citadel and you will be recompensed for your efforts .”

The guards all saluted their commander , for indeed Binghe had proven himself since the liberation of the Golden Citadel to be a worthy leader who was credited with freeing the citadel but also ensuring the safety of the people.

 

They too took  out their spiritual weapons and followed their ruler.

 

Mingfan patted Binghe on his back. “‘Ey. Give Ah Shao time to cool down. Kid’s mad about you. “

Binghe at last allowed himself to droop , guilt all over his face . “ - Fan-ge … I still think we should have told the Young master .” “ And what ? Him protesting and deciding to stay quiet ? You know how fond he is of Shen Qingqiu . “ Mingfan ground his teeth . His little cousin was such a good person , yet this Shen Qingqiu had broken his heart, sold him out in return to a lowlife and still was protected by him. 

 

 

---

 

<<The Luo River bank. >>

-Splish-

 

 

 

-Splish-

 

 

 

-Splish- 

“There you are.” Xiao Gongzhu huffed as Shaoye skipped stones across the great Luo river. “I thought you would settle your fat ass sulking away here.Now, talk , or yer are gonna explode.What the hell is wrong? ”  

 

“ Everything ! Well , not everything- Binghe!..Binghe-ge.” He corrected hastily before again rage and the stinging feeling of  being bamboozled reminded him . 

 

 “ - He , he actually threw the head of Qiu Jianluo at Gan Die’s throne today ! And you ALL  think he is right !” 

 

 

There was a time to be a wiseass, there was a time to beat sense into your bestie when they are being a moron and there was a time to just be there for your best friend.

 

Gongzhu chose the last option , listening silently as the furious teenager continued to rant . “ Well , I can’t blame him , I mean that Old coot was so rude to him , and racist ! N’ Yue Shibo said nothing ! 

 

“And the old coot clearly would not have believed us AND would have thought us barbaric anyways for handling it in such a manner . Even though Qiu Jianluo would likely have been voted to be executed anyway . I mean he was the ringleader of a group of sexual slavery or years n’ years  ! “

 

“That’s why even Haitang-Jie even says he had to be killed anyhow ! Plus , he took over the Citadel by force , hence if we didn’t show a suitable punishment , we are already seen as weak AND are frequently getting attacked by Huanhua and bandits ! “

 

The boy stomped his foot.” I’m not angry about that . I’m angry he kept things from me . I trusted him so much and now I’m more scared really -“ His angry pattering stops as if his own words hit him . Gongzhu asked , hesitantly .” What are you afraid of ?” 

“ I’m scared . Scared that his time in the abyss blackened-changed Binghe , for worse . I have all these worries , been worrying for a long time really . That Binghe would turn into this self serving guy who will push me away , everyone away,  won’t care about anyone but his dick n’ gettin’ more power for himself. “ 

 

“ I do not agree with how he chose to handle this shitshow by keeping it from you . But , Ah Shao. Really?”  She huffed . “Trust issues ,much? Like , this is the Nanny dog. Like, does the past decade of him worshippin’ y’r ass like it’s made of fucking gold mean nothing to you? Do you reeeeeally think he’s gonna go all rogue ? Does that really sound like the Binghe you know? “ She jabbed his chest. “ Look, I’m from fuckin’ Huanhua. Growin’ up, I’ve seen all kinds of fuckin’ assholes.- A wily sycophant … Or black bellied underling-“

 

“ Binghe’s nuthin’ like that !” Shaoye blushed as Gonzghu raised an eyebrow. “ See? You yourself recognize that Binghe is not like your fears . I say this , have faith in Binghe . It is up to you to forgive him or if you choose not to , but no one is perfect , and even he will err . “ 

 

Shaoye nodded at this . Binghe had helped him so much these few months . There would actually have been ample time to steal or garner support to takeover the Citadel but this .. This Binghe unlike the Bingge would have done so , only was content to cluck and ensure his well-being and aid in advising him  . He showed great interest with their group of friends and was genuinely delighted to be around them without any intent to profit from the connections . Still, Binghe’s lack of interest in girls was both gratifying and worrying. 

 

Bingge? More like Bingmei in this timeline !

 

Plus , Binghe genuinely looked devastated and guilty on the ground when he stormed out of the Cang Qiong conference . 

 

Dichan Shaoye sighs .

 

“ I am still mad at Binghe .” He clarified , gazing into the waters .

 

“ And you’re allowed to be mad at the Nanny dog .” Gongzhu snorts . “ What he did was a dick move . He should have asked you for your opinion .” 

“ Nah . I probably would’ve disagreed . Then where would we be ? The public likely would have begun rioting. I mean, I can’t blame them …. “ Shaoye sighed despondently . “ …. I just , it’s so hard to be a ruler sometimes . And I hate to admit it but Binghe reached a compromise even though I would never admit he was right . I mean he could have just shown it and put it in the bag or walked up to place it  at Gan Die’s throne !” 

 

He picked up a pebble as if considering throwing it again then sighed . Gongzhu stared at him.

 

“Kitten , your godfather was the one who sold you and the Citadel out to this Qiu Jianluo .” 

 

“Yeah … “ Shaoye chuckled a bit sadly . “ You Know . It’s funny . I keep thinking of Mingfan and Binghe as inexperienced kids who still need to be protected. But they’re adults already . One is a general and the other is actually my right hand man AND escaped the Endless Abyss . When I was trapped , both fought to retrieve me for three whole years  . “ His eyes lowered . 

 

“ Now that you mention it , it seems to me that they kind of have a reason to be mad at Gan Die . But he … He is not bad , I know he meant well , and didn’t know that rat was a rat , and this is a huge misunderstanding n’ I just - I just don’t want everyone else I care about to hate him just because he made a mistake .” 

 

Gongzhu looked ready to murder someone but she took a deep breath , and forced these words out . “ You care immensely about Asshol-Shen Qingqiu .” She acknowledged . “But , kitten, you can’t control how others feel . And his actions undoubtedly have caused a lot of pain to your friends. Us, all.” 

 

Shaoye hung his head. “Yes. That is true.” 

 

“We all carry crosses in this life , lil meow meow. Try not to carry others' crosses , else the weight of it will become unbearable.”

 

Shaoye looked up at last and though tears glimmered at the edge of his eyes, he blinked them away. Gongzhu grinned at him. “C’mon. Let’s go n’ drink some soy milk . My treat .” “ Bestie hang out time ?” Shaoye asked, laughing at last. “Duh. Bestie hang out time. “ 

 

--

 

 

 

It was late in the night when Shaoye deigned to return and snuck into Binghe’s tent. A panicked search party was organized , Mingfan had run himself ragged till he got wind of Shaoye being all along in the older boy’s tent. There, being served breakfast in bed AND handfed by a meek Binghe was -

 

 

“ Y’lil blighter!” He roars for the first time in his life at his beloved baby Cousin. Irritation and relief flooded him. “Y’ll be the death of meh!” 

“Good mornin’, Fan Ge! Not bein’ informed , sure sucks balls, huh?” The small ingrate mewled , taking a huge bite of the drumstick being held out for him. 

Oh, that did it. 

 

 

“We did it cuz y’couldn’t be arsed to make a decision! You-You! I dinnae if the years in dat tower made yer more mad or you was mad to begin with! Y’forgive that white-eyed wolf n’ won’t have agreed t’ compromise if it means harming his reputation!” 

“You.Should.Have.Told.Me.” Shaoye enunciated, still chewing noisily away. “I admit I am biased when it comes to my godfather, but ultimately the Citadel takes precedence over affection. Need I remind everyone I swore to protect the Citadel over my own interests the day I took my vows ? It was an oath, and may the gods have my soul literally if I ever betray it. ” 

There is a stunned silence. Then sheepishly, Mingfan looks away while Binghe looks more guilty if possible. 

 

 

 

Shaoye levels both a look, then his stern look softens. “I’m still pissed at you guys. Alla you. But it ain’t enough to end friendships or break off our bonds. Never do that again .”

 

 

“..Aye.” Mingfan grunts, but his shoulders slump in ill disguised relief. “It will never happen again!” Binghe declares, and to Shaoye’s great pleasure brought out a special treat of scallion pancakes. Binghe clearly was gunning to get back into his good books, and far be it for him to refuse his repentant actions…. Ah. I’m going to miss this little sheep when he finally gets his love interest. 

 

 

 

It looked like things were finally going to settle down.

 

——

 

 

 

Huan Hua palace , Midnight. 

 

 

 

The two starving men crept to the warded enclave where Lao Gongzhu had kept his most precious treasures. 

 

Huanhua was mostly a ghost town, a shade of what it used to be . The first to go were those who could only cultivate to keep their immortality and were primarily farmers. The cultivators slowly trickled out to the nearby Citadel . The nobles left last after it became clear the Old Palace master had truly abandoned them and that the ‘propaganda’ was true . 

 

There was a painting of the fabled Su Xiyan . Behind it lay the vault and treasures untold.  Both men shake in equal anticipation and dread. This was it, no turning back . Faith and blind hope could only do so much and unlike the others, the pair had decided that enough was enough . 

 

The old bag had plenty of treasures that even his foolish and self centered  daughter didn’t know or care about , and they would take it for a better life outside this dead place for themselves .

 

As the taller of the two men grabbed at the portrait  , in due haste did his long , untrimmed fingernails scrape off some of the dried paint , long since neglected to be touched up . 

 

Dried paint that was covered over some long hidden inscriptions that start to glow red. The portrait shakes. There is a bright flash of light- 

 

Where in place of the man who was now trapped in the painting , stood - 

 

“ … It can’t b-“

 

That was the last thing the other man cried , for the woman in question stabbed him with a dagger at her waist . Not fatally , but did it hurt ? Oh yes it did. 

 

Those cold , dead eyes regarded him , then honed on the charm he wore .

 

What happened next was too fast , far too fast for the injured cultist , the woman flew to him and pushed something down his throat. Something that slithers and squirms. 

 

“ Either Lao Gongzhu has gotten more careless or gone senile…. Or this is too good to be true . That bell you wear ? You were a guard at Bailu mountain’s innermost jail . “ Her eyes narrow, “I don’t have time to do it myself. But open it , and feed the one within it this .  “ A tiny bottle of cold dark jade is pressed into his right hand.  

 

She walks away, nonchalant as the man squeaks. “ Find me at the East wing at dawn for the cure . Be quick about this, for every moment the parasite lingers in your body …”She turned her head around. And the smile...The smile on her face was far more terrible to behold than the cold stare. “ Spleen , kidneys, heart, lungs.” Her smooth voice echoes through the small chamber , leisurely as though the former head disciple of Huan Hua Palace, best of her generation, was listing out shopping ingredients. “Then your blood. Every last drop till you’re but a husk of a man.” 

 

Ta

 

 

 

     Ta

 

 

 

           Ta 

 

 

 

There comes the fading sounds of running footsteps as the unfortunate once guard sprints out in search of the former cell he was in charge of. 

 

Su Xiyan continues walking, tutting at the condition of the room. It seems almost like fate as amongst the strewn treasures , perhaps blown down by a breeze, on the gravel floor, was her sister’s portrait. 

 

“Meimei. Gong-mei. Xiao Gongmu .” The picture is but a picture and cannot comfort her back. The girl in it smiles , even as tear drops dot the canvas . 

 

Su Xiyan has only cried once in her life. As an orphaned foundling adopted into the Nu Yuan Clan, she had been viewed with suspicion and dread for being a silent baby , then child. Before Xiao Gongmu had found her, the other sect sisters thought her silence meant she was an easy target. How wrong they were. 

 

Nothing they could do could make her cry. 

The unbearable pain of childbirth, of the effects of imbibing poison , then absorbing the poison intentionally into her body to save the then unborn child . What Tianlang-Jun and her had was special and she was going to honor that . Even if it came at the cost of her own. 

 

 

She did not cry when she set the just-birthed child onto an ice floe, setting her downriver.

She did not cry when Lao Gongzhu gloatingly told her of Tianlang-Jun’s imprisonment , when she was locked away in this prison. 

 

But she wailed , wept when she heard of her sworn-sister’s death .

Su Xiyan never will admit it , but the horror of knowing that Xiao Gongmu, her baby sister, who she had always protected , dying in agony, alive till the corrosion from the Huan Hua acid pools ate all of her , alone and terrified, haunts her nightmares.  

This is the second time she weeps. The agony , the shock of losing the one person who ever understood her , loved her despite their difference in status , their clash in values and personalities, hitting her fresh like it was all those years ago still . “Damn you, Gong-mei.” She whispers, glaring down at the portrait. “I never wanted to exist in a world without you in it. And you have gone and done it. “  

 

She closes her eyes, tucks the portrait inside her pocket, the one close to her heart. When her eyes open again, they blaze with unholy hellfire. “Wait for me, Meimei. I’ll join you . But not before I make sure Lao Gongzhu pays for taking you away from me .”

Notes:

Foote note : Gege* means big brother

---
Aaaaand next chapter , Belas and Bellas , we have a disgustingly cute reunion in this chapter .Yaaaay! On an off note . So damn many of you wanted Dichan Furen to show up and reunite and be a wholesome family with SY and Ye. Honestly, I still am a bit shook as Ye was only meant to be a character who shows up every few chappies or smthing aaand Furen.....Uhuhuhuhuha, *sweats* Uhhhh. She was just 'Shaoye's mum'. So uh! Two weeks later , Sunday , y’all . We have a wild SQQ sighting coming up! Ooooh and all I can say is , bring your tissues because everyone is gonna find out what being kidnapped and harassed by said kidnapper does to your mental psyche! *spoiler alert! It AIN'T GOOD! * Thank you y'all for your support!!! ;))))Soooo, stay tuned! And thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 32: T is for Trauma

“You two should go on a holiday !” 

 

Furen coughed sharply when Ye looked ecstatic . “Ye.”

 

As her husband deflated , she turned to her son .”What’s this about ? Want me and your old man away so soon after you were freed ?”

 

“ Oh no . I just thought you two needed some time alone .”

 

Furen’s eyes flickered longingly to the sky beyond the Citadel . Ye’s joy and relief was palpable as his eyes followed hers. 

 

“Alright.” She mused at last. “ It appears we will be going for a belated honeymoon. Will you be fine ?“

 

“Mama. I’m eighteen . I won against Baba in the ceremonial duel . Things will be fine .” 

 

—-

 

Two months had gone by since the abrupt departure of the older Dichans and things were not going fine. 

 

“There’s something up with him .” Gongzhu mused , as she walked with advisor Qin Wanyue , down the main corridor of the Grandest manor after a meeting  . Being the sect leader of the Nu Yuan clan , which saw a rise in communication and exchange in supplies between the sect that had plenty of rare seal designs and valuable , thought to be long lost scripts . Wanyue had been tasked to update Gongzhu on current events . 

 

Shaoye had become increasingly cagey and withdrawn as time went on . Sure , he performed in public . He had been doing a stellar job at starting off where he had been interrupted and the settlement was well on its way back to recovery .

 

But there was something deeply broken in her best friend  . The vacant stare , the sheer vicious state he got in like a wild animal being trapped in a cage and poked at with a stick , when someone merely tapped him on the shoulder when they wanted to get his attention . 

 

He didn’t fight back at her increasingly exasperated and worried jibes . Binghe and Mingfan naturally closed ranks like slavering guard dogs around their ruler . 

 

Gongzhu did not know what to do with this shade of where her best friend had once been . 

 

God knows how many times she had verbally jousted with Binghe or gotten into a brawl with Mingfan on account of her words towards Shaoye offending them . 

 

She didn’t like being kept out of the loop . Thus far only the Qins and Sha Hualing were willing to talk . 

 

Qin Wanyue tugged her braid nervously. “ The poor little dear has …. Episodes . But what can we do ? He threw a fit when I suggested he go see Mu Qingfang .” 

 

“He takes on too fucking much . Did you know that he actually won’t let any of us help with  the reconstruction , hell , he has actually shouldered the brunt of the healthcare and farming sector. “ Xiao Gongzhu really wants a stiff drink . 

 

“I don’t know how the hell he managed that feat but it definitely can’t be good for his sanity or health  . Is it true that He still insists on hosting your wedding ? “

 

“ I know . “ Qin Wanyue looked miserable. “Ah Ling told me about it . She told him that maybe it’s best if we postponed it , but he kept saying it’s no biggie . No issue . “ 

 

Gongzhu grunted . No issue , her foot . Sha Hualing is the ruler of the southern demonic isles , and a demonic saintess . 

 

She , being the only demonic ruler willing to work with another human settlement , meant she, like Shaoye, had gained notoriety . Meaning this wedding was definitely going to make the center page in the dibaos countrywide when it came out . 

 

The Sha Hualing was in love with a human . The only reason why people were not up in arms , trying to hunt down Qin Wanyue was because Sha Hualing was a high demon and not a heavenly demon . And that the Golden Citadel had really come onto its own , and so many people depended on its Silk Road that they dared not grumble too much at this , or risk having sanctions against them. With Shaoye back at the helm , trade was starting back on schedule again . 

 

So basically . Shaoye was handling most of the important affairs of ruling once handled by a council of ministers AND clearly traumatized from being a captive of an ASSHOLE for three years , had decided to add on the mountain of dog-shit , by insisting to design wedding dresses for both brides for the wedding of the CENTURY. 

 

Anyone with a lick of sense could see it was a bad idea  . Even Sha Hualing and Qin Wanrong who , bless their bloodthirsty , fist-happy brains , both who would never ever win awards for high intellect , could see it was a bad idea . 

 

This meant a ton of work , leading to a lot of stress . Stress , the already overworked and clearly ( At least to her , and not those two ostriches with their head in the sand losers called Mingfan and Bingbing ) traumatised, Shaoye didn’t need . 

 

She growled in frustration , slapping herself lightly . 

 

“ There’s the thing . “ She stated to Wanyue who nodded to show she had her attention . “Shaoye was notoriously sticky to the Binghe-ge.  These days it’s like he runs hot and cold . Some days he’s incredibly sticky to the Bingbun, some days he can scarcely allow the guy to even pat him . It seems that’s the only guy whom he allows any form of contact with . “

 

“He doesn’t allow any contact from anyone else. Dichan Ye doesn’t count .” Wanyue clarified to which this received an aghast gasp from Gongzhu . 

 

“ Uh oh .” 

 

Shaoye was notoriously tactile before the incident . 

 

  For him to reject any form of contact …. 

 

“ Uh oh , indeed .” Wanyue sighed . 

 

——

 

[ 0A0 Lao Da! Speak to me! What’s wrong? Why aren’t you talking to m-]

 

//There’s nothing you can do to help me.//

 

—---------

There was a rat problem in the Grandest manor . 

 

Xiao Gongzhu cursed as she jumped to avoid another vile vermin joining its hairy brethren . She had invited herself over for dinner with Shaoye,  along with Qin Wanrong who was eager to get away from her older sister and Sha Hualing’s ‘lovey-doviness’ , had also joined her . Enroute to the dining room , they spotted the first sign of a pest problem . 

 

They chased the pest down the hall , only to notice another loathsome , huge rat join it . 

 

Three huge rats that ran and squeezed themselves under Dichan Shaoye’s room which was revealed as locked . Servants only could enter if opened and as expected, the door was locked . 

 

 “Wanrong, stand back.” The smaller woman gulped as her friend raised her dominant fist. “Gongzhu-jie….”

 

“There’s a fricking nastyass pest problem . I think Shaoye would be grateful if we exterminated the flippin’ problem .” Gongzhu stated primly and slammed her fist, breaking the door into smithereens.

 

The bedchamber was a dump. Tons of paperwork , and half finished projects , bone-clean but used dishes stacked everywhere. 

 

There was a distinct sweet, moldering smell coming from beneath the formerly grand bed. Wanrong peered down where the stench was strongest. It was hundreds of rotten , stale bao* and plates upon plates of stashed away noodles.

 

Gongzhu sniffed one of the plates, making a face. “There’s a charm lasting a week to keep the food fresh…But it would have had to be charged hourly. It appears….Shaoye forgot.” 

 

Wanrong made a face. “Damn , Ah Shao, You Live Like This?” She mused as she looked around, her friend already was marching out.

 

“This is it. I knew something was up, but Mingfan and Binghe would NEVER ever want anything negative pointed out about Shaoye’s mental state. We are going to find and stage an intervention for our friend, whether those two like it or not! “

——-

 

Meal times had become something of a nightmare at the Grandest Manor.

 

People were starting to mutter in concern about their formerly vivacious and sociable ruler who organized grand fetes and attended to partake in public dining with various social circles. 

 

There…Was a reason why. Mingfan and Binghe closed in like rabid guard dogs , snarling and fending off to the best of their ability any queries about Shaoye’s …Behavior when it came to meal times. They had hoped that he would recover from whatever had taken ahold of him since his kidnapping , but as time went on…It became clear he was not getting any better. 

 

Like this evening.

 

There was a blankness in Shaoye's eyes . Something animal-like and feral as he stuffed himself silly , wolfing down the food set before him as though he was starving .

 

Mingfan and Binghe had learnt not to take any food that was set before them as Shaoye would actually growl at them.

 

The general bit his lips as the sound of mechanical chewing and swallowing continued. Then he noticed Shaoye was actually shoving food into his pockets. 

 

“Y’ stop dat, right now, Mister!” Mingfan growled, and grabbed his cousin’s hand that was reaching out for some Osmanthus jelly . 

 

In response , Shaoye smacked Mingfan away . Right into a nearby wall.

 

Binghe wrung his hands in dismay , leapt in front of Mingfan. “-Young Master. Young master, wake up. “ 

 

Dull-eyed , lost in a trance still , Shaoye raised a fist as though to strike him- In a blink ,  Binghe remembered something he hadn’t tried for a long time .

 

“ The sun is coming up . the moon's coming down.

The day is beginning . The birds and the bees,

the flowers and the trees are all waking up, too~”

 

Gongzhu and Wanrong had blasted the door open , to see this  

 

Mingfan smashed into a wall, groaning as he struggled to extricate himself from the wreckage, and in front of him-

 

“It's time you wake up , sleepyhead.

It's time you open those eyes .

Wakey wakey …

A new day has begun . “

——

 

Shaoye snarled and flung the man away with all his might . Without mercy , he summoned the thread , binding the asshole . 

 

Stay there . Stay there. Staytherestaythere staytherestaythere-

 

“ Fuck you , asshole ! “ He screamed , punching the man. One minute he had been eating dinner in the company of his cousin and best friend ,  next minute he somehow found himself fighting for his life against two men he hates beyond belief . 

 

Lao Gongzhu  had been flung into a wall and was groaning a bit . Qiu Jianluo stood before him , sneering away , Shaoye swung his fist at the idiot , breaking the bastard's hand which the asshole raised to

defend himself .  

 

There was a sickening crack and the man screamed in pain , right arm dangling useless by his side  .

 

Then to Shaoye’s horror and rage , another copy of Qiu Jianluo stood before him and deflected the blow that would have immolated the first’s head  . 

 

“FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE. Imma put you six feet under, permanently, this time !” 

 

Still stunned by the pain , Qiu Jianluo poses no threat as Shaoye took out his battle needles , infusing them with qi-

 

“No one FUCKIN’ touches me without me agreement! ”

 

- raised said needles to pierce one motherfucker right through his heart-

 

Qiu Jianluo froze . Shaoye paused as the now image of his kidnapper began to ripple -He was back in the dining room . 

 

“-Wake up ~”

 

 Binghe staggers back, stopping his song  , relief flooding his face but his left hand hangs uselessly at his side . Someone had shattered his arm . But who ? 

 

A wide-eyed Qin Wanrong holds his shoulder in an iron grip to stop him from dealing a death blow t-to…

 

Xiao Gongzhu , face beaten black and blue and sporting a black eye , stares at him . Blood drips from a cut. The same places he had hit at Qiu Jianluo , who …Had not been putting up much of a fight , now he thinks back .

 

Mingfan who had been thrown to the other side of the room , looking equally beaten up, raised a defeated hand. “Remind me t’ enever ever get on y’r bad side.” 

 

Shaoye instantly relaxed the threads which fell to the floor as did the needles .  

 

He had hurt his cousin . 

 

He had been going to kill Gongzhu.

 

“What have I done?” 

 

—

Xiao Gongzhu paced back and forth in the corridor outside the Citadel Master’s private chambers, the tea cup she held was long since empty . Blood was everywhere and somehow had even splattered outside the bedroom. Shaoye had fainted upon realizing he had been intending on killing off his closest friends , and had been brought back to his rooms after a complete mental breakdown. 

 

Wanrong , pale and very solemn , had decided even the lovey-dovey smooching between her future sister in law and sister back home was better then dealing this cluster fuck , aptly begged to be excused from this mess . 

 

 Mingfan looked like he had been mauled by a bear, Binghe’s left arm hung uselessly at his side, but having imbibed a numbing elixir by Gongyi Xiao who had arrived equally aghast to carnage , couldn’t feel it anymore . Her cut had been dressed and she had enough balm administered to her face that she couldn’t feel much of anything . 

 

Irritated by her pacing , Mingfan naturally sniped at his friend . “ Well ? Got any ideas what we oughta do ‘bout Shaoye?” 

 

There was a carafe of fine wine nearby on a dresser. Gongzhu whirled around , grabbed it , poured a glass for herself which she gulped down like it beheld the elixir of life . 

 

Finally, she answered . 

 

“He goes tomorrow. To the doc at Bao Liu Village . In the meantime, I suggest the two of you be very careful around him.”  

 

Mingfan lurched forward, arms swinging, as his left hand was caught in his spouse’s.” You dare call my cousin evil?!” 

 

“Shaoye is NOT evil. He is a good man. One of the best men.  But sometimes good people do horrible things when something in them is broken.”

 

“How could you say that?” Binghe demanded brokenly, hand gripping his left hand - The same one that Shaoye had shattered in his trance before Gongzhu had intercepted and gotten a punch to the face for her trouble . 

 

 “Can you honestly look at me and tell me that whatever attacked us, is Shaoye?” She snapped at last. “-That is his trauma , screaming to the world to hear it.And it is only going to get worse the longer we ignore it.”

 

There is nothing but the sound of ragged breathing , the comforting murmur of Gongyi-xiao as he wrapped Binghe’s broken arm, and the occasional stifled sniffle from the still shaking Binghe himself .

 

Xiao Gongzhu gulped down some more of her wine. 

 

“You asked for an honest opinion. I gave it to you. If you truly want Shaoye to get better and not have his condition deteriorate, my advice to you is to accompany him to see Mu Qingfang at Baoliu village.”  

 

Mingfan didn’t deign to answer as she walked out but he sighed when Binghe got up, walked to him, touching his shoulder gently. “Fan-ge.”

 

“I know.I know. “ The huge man sighed. Together  , the pair walked to the darkened bedroom. Shaoye was resting on his bed, eyes clear and contemplative. They flicked to the three, 

 

Mingfan settled himself on the left side of the bed with his husband behind him , Binghe gingerly settled himself on Shaoye’s right . 

 

“Gongzhu ….She suggested we visit the Doc tomorrow. My old shishu.” Mingfan volunteered . Shaoye scrunched his face up at the mere mention of visiting a doctor. Then he looked at the wounds all over his cousin's body , at Binghe’s shattered arm held in a cast , and his eyes grew sad. He sighed at last after a moment of quiet contemplation. 

 

“Fan-ge. I’m tired here.” Shaoye patted his heart . “I can’t live like this anymore. We can’t live like this. “ “Yer’ll be fine, kiddo. “ Mingfan croaked. “Just a visit to the doc , and y’ll be fine in no time. Hell, Bingbing n’ I will go with you.” 

 

Shaoye didn’t answer, just nodded.

 

—---

 

//TT?.//

 

[0-0 Lao Daaaaaa! You finally answered! Don’t scare me! ]

 

//I’m sorry for snapping at you for not having an item to get rid of … //

 

[0-0 Your trauma? ]

 

//…………………………………..My trauma. //

 

——

“Three years . “ Mu Qingfang mused softly . 

 

It was late morning. Right now, a surly looking teenager glowered at him from across the room , much like a pet cat death-glaring the vet from the depths of a carrier as its owners hovered on the edge. 

 

It had been years since he had last seen Dichan Shaoye . He had heard of his rise in politics , and later enslavement by a terrorist . Of course it had all gone downhill after said enslavement . Shen Shixiong went into hiding , the charges brought against him and countless angered witnesses testifying that he was responsible for aiding in the kidnapping of the ruler of the Citadel . 

He didn’t see the point, privately , of Liu Shixiong and half of the other peak lords tendering their resignations early in a bid to force Yue Qingyuan out, thus ensuring Shen Qingqiu be held responsible. It only caused a ton of problems for their successors, the current ‘Ming’ Generation, who had been their head disciples, who mostly were not mentally ready or fully trained. 

 

And of course, Shen Shixiong had gone missing the day before Liu Qingge declared his intent to resign early . No one thus far had seen the now former Qingjing peak lord for years. He privately thought that Shen Qingqiu was not guilty . The man’s devastated and shell shocked countenance since he returned was genuine . Of course he had disappeared,  but somehow , he suspected Yue Qingyuan had a hand in it , perhaps keeping Shen Shixiong safe till there was a chance to free the captured settlement. 

 

Oh well . The personal conflict between those two was no longer a concern of his , thank goodness . 

 

Mu Qingfang had retired to Baoliu village along with Liu Qingge , the latter who had land there and who generously offered, in gruff fashion , a property that was a former apothecary, that the Liu clan hadn’t used in centuries  . Mu Qingfang had settled there , opening it as a free clinic open to all . 

 

It would be the first in a long time that he saw his first patient for therapy . And a ruler at that . 

 

Shaoye sat in the comfortable chair , sour as a lemon . “ I’m fiiiiiiiiiiine . Gan shu . “ He scowled, in the blackest of tempers . “Look , just wave your hands and do the thingy that will make me stop going loco on my family .” 

 

“...This wound is one that cannot be fixed with Qi .” The good doctor frowned, the next words he spoke made Shaoye sink into the chair .  “ Talk to me about being under the cage .”

 

“ I spent every day locked up .B-But I fought back! He never touched me !” The youth puffed his chest out proudly . “Didn’t get a chance to !”

 

Mu Qingfang nodded . “ Yes . However the fact that he was a threat …Shaoye . You would have to have been on guard all the time . All the time there was no rest for you . There was no chance for you to rest emotionally or psychologically.”

 

He brought out the medical file he had on hand and had recently updated , regarding Shaoye’s health . 

 

“ Do you know why you are small for your age ? And not just because of your genetics ? A healthy  male teenager , even one of your lineage, would be at least four centimeters taller . Your body was starved . Your bones are weak and stunted due to the lack of nutrients, vitamins you should have gotten during critical development. It’s only your cultivation that likely ensures your health is overall passable . A mere mortal would have had scurvy and malnutrition.” 

 

Shaoye had gone very quiet . 

 

“ Shaoye . If you cannot fully help others unless you help yourself first . You need to rest. You need to talk about this horrible time to someone you trust.” 

 

“ …. I just don’t wanna t’ be a burden t’ my family .” Shaoye was busy staring a hole onto the carpet . “ Gan Die used r’ tell me that strong people sucked up to bad crap happenin’ t’ them and went on with their lives . I just wanted- I thought I was strong . Stronger than this .” He brought his knees up, and hid his face into them. “-Guess I am weak n’ pathetic after all.” Was his miserable conclusion. 

 

Luo Binghe saw it then , a look of pure rage flitted across the doctor’s face . He knows that look well , because he and Mingfan both wore it . Shen Qingqiu . Even if he wasn’t here , he continued to haunt Shaoye like a wretched specter . 

 

Shaoye loved Shen Qingqiu . And Shen Qingqiu had … Probably loved Shaoye back . But it was a love that was mired with toxicity . Shaoye had subscribed to the same teachings taught by his godfather that expressing himself to others about his true feelings or asking for help was weak. 

 

Luo Binghe thinks it is very lucky that Shaoye’s presently missing godfather is on the run , or he would have a lot to answer for contributing to his poor young master’s state .

 

“ I think . “ Mu Qingfang smiled, the previous anger gone as quick as a cloud flitting past the sun. “You are a very brave young man who has been through hell . There is no weakness in asking for help from your family and friends who are all very concerned about you  . For instance, is Binghe weak for asking for help from Sha Hualing and his cousin to get back to you ? I understand it would have taken him ten years to get back to you yet he accomplished this in only three years.”

 

“ No ! Binghe is amazing ! ""He is amazing but it’s to be noted he needed help . No man is an island . Picture this .” He put a doll in the shape of a cat on the table .

 

“ This is you .” 

 

He put a pebble , not too large, on its back . “ This represents fear . Fear of being raped . Every day for three years .”’

 

Another pebble . “ This one is resentment . Why was it me ? Why did this happen to me ? Maybe if I was stronger …”

 

“This one is hunger . Worry about where your next meal is coming in .”

 

“ This one is sadness . Am I going to live like this ? Every day of my life ? Will I ever be freed ?” 

 

The cat was literally squashed by the pile of stones . It stared at them ,looking plaintively pathetic , as though begging for help . 

 

Mu Qingfan lowered himself to stare at Shaoye who looked stunned . “ Do you see now what keeping it all in has done to you ?” All he received was a stiff little nod . 

 

“ Now . This is your social circle . Composed of your family and friends . You let them shoulder some of the burden . “ He gathered up a stack of beanies of various animals , placing them in a circle . He placed a stone on each animal, evening the load . 

 

“Will I ever get better?” Shaoye enquired, worriedly.

 

“Recovering from trauma isn't easy. One of the hardest things is that you just don't know what to expect. It's not like healing from an injury. If you broke your arm, I could give you specifics about your recovery. Could tell you -- at least roughly -- how many weeks you would need a cast and when you will be healed. Unfortunately, …recovering from trauma isn't like that. Each person's recovery is different. But with a proper treatment plan and support. Yes. It is possible.

 

Everyone carries burdens , but one needs not carry it all alone . Is the reason why you have been putting more on yourself because you just want to appear stronger then you feel , or …?”

 

Shaoye sucked in his gut. 

 

“Aight. I kinda..Kinda….I kinda hate being helpless. I had my Qi bound away and I played a deranged version of Outlas-Uh, hide n’ seek with a fucking giantass guy who made it clear he was gunning for my V-card for three years ! “ The teenager giggled hysterically , shoulders shaking from the velocity of his nervous chortling. He elbowed Binghe slightly, who had gone very pale. No one else was laughing at the ‘joke’ . Mingfan looked sickened . Mu Qingfang looked as though he would like to resurrect Qiu Jianluo and kill him himself for this deed. 

 

“…It is normal to be terrified given the circumstances . ” Mu Qingfang acknowledged at last after his patient had calmed down .

 

“Yeah yeah…There was always the inevitability about the way the pervert spoke. An’ gettin’ told that and knowing that y’know , all it takes is one slip, one mess up and that sick turd would do what he keeps singing about doing to me.” 

 

Shaoye shrugged . 

 

“And sure he’s dead. “ He stated , glumly . 

 

“He’s dead and I’m still affected by his stupid fuckery .”

 

The teenager sank down , face hidden behind his palms. 

 

“But it’s not fair,” Shaoye whispered angrily. “It’s just not fair. He’s dead. It should be over.”

Mu Qingfang reached out and gently patted Shaoye’s shoulder. “Take comfort in this, however, you are alive.” 

——-

Mu Qingfang sent Shaoye home with some shining grass , a herb meant to stimulate and provide him with regulating his emotions. His advice to Shaoye was to try and revisit his old hobbies and to allow his cabinet to take over his workload while he recuperated.

 

“You wanting to do everything places a great deal of stress on you , and is a trauma response to being helpless then and wanting to be in control now.” 

 

“As horrible as it sounds… You can never go back to the way you were before the trauma entered your life. You have to accept it happened , but it is not a life sentence.” 

 

It was night when he reached home , had eaten a light dinner ( Mostly to make his worried cousin and Binghe happy ) and made his way to bed. But try as he might, he could not sleep.  

 

He watches the window outside till the blue of the night turns to peach of dawn.

 

For the oddest of reasons, he really,really wants his parents, his godfather to be here. But even though Mingfan had contacted Ye and Furen, it would take weeks for them to rush home.  

 

Shen Qingqiu , is god knows where .

 

Dichan Shaoye is 18 years of age  , all alone in his bedroom when he starts crying so hard he feels like throwing up . 

 

He had some light congee for dinner , had eaten a few bites . 

 

And now he was starving .

 

He sniffed .

 

Then sniffed again . 

 

What was that inviting smell ?  

 

It led him to the front of his bedroom door . 

 

He opened it . 

 

There is a steaming hot pork bun on a China plate, a scaldingly hot cup of freshly brewed tea,  next to a book on beasts , that was set on a tray  on his doorstep .

 

Shen Qingqiu had never liked his research on monsters , calling it frivolous , for all his support of researching demonic cultivation . So , discouraged by such disapproval , Shaoye stopped . 

 

Shaoye took bite after delicious bite ,practically stuffing himself and crying pathetically at the same time .

 

Huh. He didn’t know Shang Qinghua had written a new book on beasts that populated their world , and had wanted his help. 

 

This was the sight that greeted Luo Binghe when he peered into the bedroom. The fireplace was alit to a soft ember. Shaoye was beside it in his comfortable chair, reading the book Shang shishu had written and had been sending to them for ‘review’ . True, he was glancing more than actually reading , but there were times he would scribble furiously into the book, likely editing or writing suggestions. True, he chewed the end of his brush more than actually write, but as far as Binghe was concerned, it was a start as he patted his still flour-encrusted hands against his apron.

 

With that, he spun round, heading back to the kitchens to make another batch of buns. Hmm, pork was Shaoye’s favourite but maybe chicken would be good for his tummy this time…

——

 

Yue Qingyuan had quite a bit to do . 

 

His former disciple grew stronger and more independent by the day . And soon he would no longer need Yue Qingyuan’s guidance. …Today was the day he moved his guest to a safer location.

 

It was the dead of night , everyone else was sleeping as he made his way , timorously downwards . 

 

Walls opened obediently as he slid down , down then through a dry corridor , he continued his patient trek until he came at last to a door. 

 

He opened it to a well lit comfortable room . 

 

“Good evening .Qingqiu Shidi .” He smiled serenely  , mentally preparing himself up for the outburst or since recent years , the lack of outburst bestowed upon him by his love . 

 

Shen Qingqiu glared acid at him ,  turning his head away in response . 

 

He placed the food on the table , which had for once had been set out with tea cups, with a large teapot already set on the table . 

 

“Thank you , Qingqiu Shidi.” He said hastily and set himself down at the table , Shen Qingqiu languidly made his way over . 

 

He took a swig of the tea which was light tasting , and aromantic . Brewed to perfection . “This is really good . “ 

 

“ Of course it is good . '' Shen Qingqiu , sat down at the table , poured more tea into Yue Qingyuan’s cup , fiddling a bit with the teapot handle as he did so . “This is aged Pu’Er tea from Lao Gaoyuan , which anyone knows is the very best tea on the market , that is only made available to the Cang Qiong Mountain sect by the Silk Road , which just started functioning again .”

 

 “ It is functioning very well! Your godson is on top of things . He is extremely capable , Qingqiu Shidi .” 

 

“ -Really ?”

 

 Yue Qingyuan sighed . “ Yes , Qingqiu Shidi . Your godson is recovering well . He has taken helm for farming and healthcare reforms , and even taken upon it to organize the wedding between one of his advisors and the Ruler of the southern demonic isles .”

 

“ You are not listening to yourself .” Shen Qingqiu hissed , derision in every syllable . “ Do you really think for someone who was enslaved for years under a tyrant who kidnapped him for that sort of interest , it is healthy for him to jump straight into so many responsibilities ? “

 

Yue Qingyuan slowly felt dread fill him . He had been so busy trying to keep suspicion off Shen Qingqiu’s location and helping keep the sect afloat in the vacuum of there not being a Huan Hua palace sect anymore , the inexperience of the newly instated peak lords and well … keep Shen Qingqiu himself  inside the safe place , for his own good ...He had also ignored the any mail from the Citadel. 

 

“Shaoye , unlike me, who previously allocated such roles to trusted ministers  , who was extremely sociable and laid back , pushing away others , doesn’t wave a red flag to you?! “ 

 

“ W-well …” Yue Qingyuan fumbled , awkwardly . “ I didn’t think -“ “ If you thought . “ His Ah Jiu ground out . “ You wouldn’t be in the current mess we are in , right now ! “ 

 

The table jangled , the tea set clinked in alarm as the former Qingjing Peak Lord slammed his fists against the table .

 

 “ You have kept me , locked up , a prisoner of this pretty cage for three years . Unable to fix my own mistake or claim responsibility for what I have done !”

 

“ You would have been tried and killed for your mistakes !” “ Then so be it . I am willing to be responsible.” You might be . But I am not . Yue Qingyuan thinks , swallowing these words. Only for Shen Qingqiu to state coldly . “ Let me go . I want to speak with my godson . If it will please you , sect leader , in case of my being caught , I will say I evaded capture these past three years and will be tried as my own person . I shall not besmirch your precious name .”  

 

“ Qingqiu Shidi . Please calm down .”  He attempts to place a comforting hand on Shen Qingqiu, only for the wide eyed man to smack it away . 

 

There was only a heavy silence , only broken by Shen Qingqiu’s heavy , ragged breathing  in the wake of the altercation . 

 

“ Don’t look at me like that .” Qingqiu whispered, like the way the wind whistles through the bamboo before the coming of a great storm  . 

 

“ Like what ?” 

 

“Like you're better than me, that’s what.” 

 

——

 

“ Don’t look at me like that .” Qingqiu whispered, like the way the wind whistles through the bamboo before the coming of a great storm  . 

 

“ Like what ?” 

 

“Like you're better than me, that’s what.” 

 

Suddenly, blood pounding in his ears, Shen Qingqiu realized he was getting ready to say something he would regret. He was going to Tell.

 . 

 

“Of course I would have hardly expected you to understand what being trapped under a pervert for years would be like .”  Came the first volley .

 

“ What . What do you mean .”

 

“ When I was under the Qius . Qiu Jianluo molested me daily . Oh, he lusted over Dichan Ye as everyone knows , but I was … “ He gives a cynical snort . “-‘ A pretty little trinket . Had that skin texture he imagined touching Ye would be like .”

 

Arms crossed tightly across the chest, he studied Yue Qingyuan implacably. 

 

“I was an available stand-in for his depredations.” 

 

Yue Qingyuan clenched his fists , the line of his mouth tightening a fraction more at every bitter word spat from Shen Qingqiu’s ips . 

 

“Did he -“ 

 

“He never raped me. Because I threatened to kill myself if he dared do the act . “ Shen Qingqiu shrugged with bitter resentment . 

 

“ Why. Why did you stay there . “ Grief stole the character from his Yue Qingyuan’s brown eyes, leaving them looking hollow. “ Ah Jiu. Please tell me you stayed because you were,  as Qiu Haitang claims , you stayed because you wanted to be engaged to her -“

 A part of Shen Qingqiu , the part of him that still was Shen Jiu that had been busy screeching at him for revealing this disgrace to his beloved Qi-Ge , now changed tune , begging him not to reveal this final truth . But the careless , unassuming words by Yue Qingyuan slam it home that even with him confessing all that his abuser had done to him , the man refused to accept the truth . 

 

Yue Qingyuan behaved as if he had never heard of sexually abused or traumatized children, was dismissing what he had confessed to him was mere exaggeration. 

 

Of course . The perfect idyllic teenagerhood, spent as the head disciple of the Qiong ding peak lord. Little wonder , Yue Qingyuan cannot imagine anything else . 

 

He is tired . He is done . He still loves Yue Qingyuan but being trapped by him , was an echo of what he has been done by-by Qiu Jian-

 

“ I did it all for you . I stayed because I thought you would want to find me there . After all , you promised me that you would return , to free me .” He rubbed his eyes aggressively, as if that might clear the heaviness from them, voice flat . 

 

“ You never listen to me , I’m always second choice to you . And you’re always deciding what you think is best for me . Well , that ends today . “

 

The growing bad feeling within Yue Qingyuan finally raises its head . He attempts to raise his hand once more , only to find no more energy within him . Infact , a sudden fatigue consumed him . 

 

“Whuh - what did you-“

 

“Be careful from now on , you fool . I won’t be around to watch over your back . ”  * Shen Qingqiu scolded half-heartedly . “I brewed your tea with *suan zao ren .” He showed Yue Qingyuan. “ This teapot is a two-chamber teapot. I put regular tea in one chamber and doped tea in the other.”

 

Now Yue Qingyuan remembered why Qingqiu kept fidgeting with the teapot handle earlier on . 

 

A pair of holes along the handle would determine the type of liquid that may be poured out of the pot. Whenever Shen Qingqiu covered the top hole and opened the bottom hole, the liquid that was kept in the bottom chamber was released.

 

However, when the bottom hole was covered and the top was released, the liquid that was kept in the upper chamber was poured out from the lower chamber.

 

“ Goodbye . Qi-Ge.”

 

Shen Qingqiu stated , voice so frail , so weary , it shook him to the core to see that Ah Jiu was leaving him . 

 

“ Where…” He desperately croaked, struggling to keep his weary eyelids open by now . “ …Why ?”

 

Footsteps are coming towards him , there is a very hazy outline of green before his heavily lidded eyes . Scarred hands stroke his face longingly, gently  . 

 

“ I’m tired . If - “ Qingqiu takes a deep breath . “After I talk to Shaoye . If I don’t get into a fight and are tried for my inexcusable mistakes . If you want to find me. Meet me where the Falling stars live . I will wait for you . Always . ”  Petal soft lips pressed desperately to his own , his heart skipping a beat at this act . Shen Qingqiu’s lips are pillowy against his own.  Yue Qingyuan could feel the soft tickle of  the others' breath beneath his nose, Shen Qingqiu’s clever fingers carding through his hair as they breathed each other in. 

 

All too soon , this moment ends , as Ah Jiu moves away . 

 

“ I will wait for you , day and night .” 

 

“ W-Wait -“

 

“ I will always wait for you , Qi-Ge . But you will only find me , if for once , I am your choice .”’

 

His heart sinks as the footsteps grow softer and softer 

 

With each step , he finds himself,  against his will being dragged into the deepest depths of drugged slumber . 

 

And with a clink . The door clicked shut . 

 

And with it , he knows no more . 

Notes:

*The jujube seed(suan zao ren) is a common Chinese ingredient for teas prescribed to treat insomnia.It helps cause drowsiness when mixed with severeal ingredients to make said tea.

*The teapot is an assassins teapot : https://www.engineerine.com/2021/12/the-assassins-teapot-how-it-works.html?m=1

----

Aaaaand next chapter , Belas and Bellas , IS ANGST CENTRAL. Two weeks later , Sunday , y’all . We have a SQQ sighting ! A bit of a headsup, things are a bit stormy on the Qijiu front but Bingyuan has a chance of sun , two weeks later, on SUNDAYYYY !!!! * Thank you y'all for your support!!! ;))))Soooo, stay tuned! And thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 33: Shitty shitty bang bang

Summary:

Author’s note : I usually put these at the back but uh , I gotta say I cut out a planned character and a whole arc which is why this chapter is a bit longer . But you guys wanted more Shen Qingqiu , more Qijiu and I gotta say , I respect that , so I did my best to deliver after all they are my secondary couple ;) so thanks for reminding me that . The end is inching , and Bingyuan is comiiing ;)

Everyone in the ministry cabinet breathed a huge sigh of relief when finally , Shaoye announced several of them would be allocated to handling agriculture and healthcare . Gongyi Xiao finally was handed the reins to handle the team to spearhead the healthcare reforms .  

 

Shaoye meanwhile was going to … Take it a bit easier . He would ultimately have the say on major decisions on the rebuilding of the settlement but as of now was unofficially on break . 

 

Which oddly enough was anything but dull . Because , in between Ye and Furen dragging back a cartload of likely stolen tat - ( “ Souvenirs! For you and your little friends , m’lil Angel !” Ye had cheered after he had finished hugging the living daylights out of Shaoye . Shen Yuan thinks the priceless rugs , innumerable rings , jade necklaces and bags of gold and innumerable charmed doo-hickies are more substantial than shirts or keychains . ) He oversaw the design of wedding robes for Sha Hualing and Qin Wanyue as well as editing the bestiary for Shang Qinghua ….. 

 

Somewhere along the lines , he relaxed more . He went on long hikes with Mingfan . Languid afternoons spent conversing with Doctor Mu at Bao Liu village where often he would also bump into Liu Qingge who was as grumpy and kind as he remembered . 

 

 He spent evenings lambasting and verbally jousting with Shang Qinghua . He started eating again with gusto and attending celebrations where while he ate with gusto with others , the voice whispering at him to store away some food in his pockets in case , grew softer and softer .

 

 He was far too busy chatting to Binghe about what made the dish so good or gaping at how the moonlight made his best friend’s hair shine . Or gossiping with Xiao Gongzhu over the latest literary offering Shang Qinghua had put out . 

 

Soon , Qiu Haitang decided . It was for the best that she told Shaoye about what had been done to Luo Binghe’s entire race as a whole . The longer she put it off , the more aggressive Shaoye would be against the mortal emperor for enslaving anyone related to his beloved Luo Binghe. 

 

——

 

“Rustic!” ”It’s fiiiiiine~!”  

 

“A rustic countryside , that is what she is calling the Golden Citadel!” 

 

They were in Shaoye’s bedroom. Shaoye wondered why the protagonist was so mad over the actions of his first wife in his upcoming harem . “Aw, Binghe-Ge. She’s probably trying to drum up support so the search for Gan Die can continue from the other two remaining sects.” 

 

“Hey, what’s eating you?” He placed his head on Binghe’s shoulder,  to which , finally , his best friend huffed , slightly mollified. “Aren’t you angry that your friend is snidely insulting the settlement you put in years of effort to improve and is far more open and forward then the likes of which their backward sect can hope to achieve?” The raven haired youth asked , finally.

 

 Shaoye shrugged. “She’s desperate , likely angry that Gan Die is remaining scot free . I know she is furious that he stood by watching her brother qi-deviate . Look , desperation makes the best of us do questionable things . ”

 

“ Fine , but that comment that the Golden Citadel being backwards was uncalled for ! “

 

“Water off a duck’s back. Look , she’s old blood. We are ‘new’ blood. “

 

“ The Cang Qiong Mountain sect is younger than the Golden Citadel which is one of the earliest starts to civilisation-“

 

 “ - And was far more organized in seizing power by establishing itself as a sect . Then consolidating power and gathering influence in the region . The Citadel was far more interested in establishing itself then as the fabric capital of the cultivation world. Hence it is seen , despite its age , as being younger due to us entering the scene late in the game “.  

 

The Citadel ruler paused to let his words sink in .  “- They  won’t care no matter how much good we do , because we aren't what they deem as their ‘old’ blood  , Ge .” 

 

Binghe looked ready to murder someone . Or several people . 

 

“. I am of the Dichan Clan which has married powerful cultivators who can range from clanless to those of no bloodline descent or the nouveau rich. I’m a mutt. And anyone in their view, allied to me or under my rule , thereby is beneath their notice. “ 

 

Shaoye took Binghe’s hand ,  squeezing the equally rough hand reassuringly . 

“What we can do is continue to do our best for our settlement, regardless of what people say or think of us . ”

 

Many people called Binghe mysteriously alluring. An inscrutable debonair . Hogwash . Luo Binghe was easy to read because his eyes told him every emotion. 

 

His eyes which were like a deep , unfathomable icy lake shifted like sunlight falling over a dappled pond. 

 

“When I think there is nothing worth fighting for , nothing redeemable in this sad world entrenched in backwards customs -“

 

“-Yet everything feels new when you simply speak.You are the sun in this gray world, I get lost in all the ways you carry love, carry light. “ 

 

Geez Binghe , use that line on one of your yet to have turned up wives , not on a scum villain, won’t ya ?! 

 

“ -Still, I just don’t see why you’re so excited about Liu Mingyan coming here  .” Binghe queried  . Shaoye had insisted for some reason on giving him a new set of robes , and on personally preening him . 

 

He lapped up the attention the way a pampered pooch accepted its owners worship but after years of living with Shaoye , it clued him that said pampering was likely because of reasons . 

 

 For the oddest of reasons, his liege had kept cackling the oddest things like ‘- Timeline matches up …. Page 789 of Proud Immortal Demon’s way , Book 11 , has the long awaited fortuitous encounter between Liu Mingyan and ….”

 

“ Oh , you know . Reasons .” 

 

“ Might said reasons be of those visions you have that certain events might come to be ?” Binghe asked not so innocently , rolling his eyes as indeed did Shaoye sputter guiltily . 

 

The window flapped again , startling the both of them . Binghe grumbled . “ Honestly , I will get this fixed , I will . This is the hundredth time this month that window bangs .”

 

Shaoye silently walked over . 

 

The window had banged almost as though someone had held it open and had bolted upon sensing that they would notice their presence . 

 

There was a stray bamboo leaf caught between the panes . He  plucked it out, feeling oddly wistful . 

 

Maybe..?

 

Nah . 

 

Couldn’t be  . Surely not . 

——

 

Liu Mingyan’s seemingly friendly visit to the Golden Citadel was greeted with pomp as did any other state visit by the citizens . But she was greeted with an icy reception at the Citadel ruler’s residence - Whereupon she was greeted with a snarling Mingfan , legendary for his protectiveness over his younger cousin .

 

His cousin who had been kidnapped four years ago , and for whom Mingfan had sent her countless messages begging for her aid that eventually ended with a furious spiel telling her she was officially no longer his friend .

 

Xiao Gongzhu , another former childhood friend , thankfully was nowhere to be seen . Her final message , ridden with foul expletives and death threats - vile enough to strip paint off walls , had also ended with stating their childhood friendship was officially over . 

 

A stunning youth clad in pure white strode out calmly from a nearby doorway, approaching them   . 

 

“Calm yourself , General .” He scolded Mingfan , who stormed off , still blustering . 

 

If Mingfan - Goliath , tanned , scars over a weary face was practically a stranger . Then Luo Binghe had grown from a slender , comely teenager to the visage that was immortalized in many a star struck bard’s songs , a smitten artist’s paintings. 

 

He had all the best parts of beauty, a fine countenance, a very pleasing figure that paired with a demure , unassuming smile , made anyone in his presence feel at ease. 

 

Binghe leant in , almost as if to apologize in Mingfan’s stead - 

 

“ I have no idea why you are here , Baizhan Peak lord-“ She inwardly shivers at the sheer venom in that whispered hiss . “- But my master has been through a lot these past three years , these past months. If he comes to me , unhappy in any way . I have thus far respected him and his insistence on treating you as a friend -“ The scorn in that last word would have made flowers wilt .

 

“- Try it . Just try it and you will know what it is to have knives pointed at your back night and day  , Peak lord . I’m not the only one unhappy with your lack of response during the Citadel’s most dire hour .” 

. 

“Is that a threat ?” She asked , managing to keep her voice level .

 

“ Just a friendly word .” 

 

She was led down the hallway to a large room. 

 

There, busily toiling away at a large table was the Citadel ruler . It took a minute to process that somehow despite the changes evident in everyone she has seen this far -

 

“My liege, may I present to you , the Baizhan Peak lord of Cang Qiong Mountain sect .” Binghe bowed , perfect posture, perfect form  , nary a ruffle on his well embroidered robes . 

 

Around a petite youth , documents fluttered about . Briefly animated by said youth’s Qi , they flew , like hovering pigeons , waiting for the slightest inclination for him to one of them to float own to his assuring hands where he would read the document , and either sign on of them adding them to a pile or write suggestions , or proclamations . At each pile stood an industrious awaiting animated brush that quickly would sign off as him . 

 

The youth hopped out of his chair , dusting off crumbs off his simple but well kept robes . “ Mingyan-Jie ! It’s been ages ! “ He chirruped sunnily ,pulling her into a warm hug . 

 

Mingyan felt the unforgiving weight of Luo Binghe’s gaze as Shaoye led her to a table piled high with tasty treats . 

 

“Dig in! These are Binghe’s best work !” He beamed . Mingyan felt her throat growing very dry at the prospect of the vengeful mother-hen glowering at her back putting something nasty into her portion . 

 

“Thank you , Shaoye .But I had lunch before I came by .” Shaoye pouted upon hearing this . “ Aw ! At least try the roasted char siew bun ! Binghe makes it taste like manna from the heavens . Hell , the kitchen god himself would resign and hand over his seat to him . “ 

 

“Young mas- My liege . Lady Liu appears to be full . Though , since the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect is the very height of advancement , I do doubt there’s anything we can offer to amuse her .“ 

 

Mingyan felt like throwing up blood at the sheer difference in attitude this mother tiger displayed towards her and his baby . Towards Shaoye , Binghe became dulcet-voiced , the very image of meek mild manners . To anyone else , he was a viper wrapped in silk . Nothing good came out of that mouth of his if he took a dislike to you and she inwardly rued the day she made an enemy of him . Another Shen Qingqiu in the making that one was . 

 

“Oh come now , Binghe !” Shaoye grinned , unwary of the snipe . “ It is not everyday a beautiful lady comes by !”

 

“I do wonder what Xiao Gongzhu would say if she finds out you consider her not ‘beautiful’ .” Binghe teased . “-uh . Uh ! Beautiful and unmarried ! Uh - You’re still single , right , Mingyan-jie ?” 

 

He peered at her . Mingyan felt rather like she was interviewed by an excited prospective mother in law . Only ….

 

She inwardly made a face . 

 

The son in question was Luo Binghe . As world shatteringly handsome he was. No matter how far and wide was his great beauty rhapsodied in song , in poems . The hordes of people who sighed lovelorn over his every quality ….

 

She who had grown up with both Binghe and Shaoye , knew Binghe only had affections for two men thus far  , the attempted dramatic courtship of Shen Qingqiu, which led to a brutal rejection …. And now , he was now , finally , starting to realize his apparently innocent friendship with Shaoye might be growing into something more intimate .

 

“I have to admit ,it has been ages since we last met, Mingyan-jie , so I’m afraid I’m in the dark on your current choice of reading . “  Shaoye laughed , nodding to a small library set up nearby . 

 

Mingyan shook her head , feeling very tired at the passage of time . She pushes aside her guilt at not even trying to save Shaoye when he had been kidnapped  . 

 

“ Thank you ,  Shaoye . But I don’t read or write these days . I’m busy . Which brings to ask for your cooperation regarding this issue .” 

 

“What is it ?” The youth inclined his head . “It is in your best interests to surrender any information that may help on the search for the former Qing Jing peak lord , Shen Qingqiu .”

 

All warmth had gone out of his face at her words . Binghe however had gone livid . He opened his mouth , likely to spit venom before the Citadel ruler - Yes , this was no longer her friend -who was gazing at her -serious eyed , raised his hand, indicating to Binghe to stand down . 

 

“ Shen Qingqiu? We haven’t seen or heard from him since I last saw him before I was kidnapped .” Mingyan winced at this reminder , and at Binghe’s growing aura of pure , unadulterated rage towards her . 

 

Shaoye continued . “ Lady Liu . Shen Qingqiu’s crimes cannot be excused . I too saw what the former Baizhan Peak lord suffered due to the former Qingjing peak lord’s inaction . I too have many questions and strong words for what he did to my right hand man here - “ He gestured to Luo Binghe himself . 

 

“ - Who was only a hapless disciple whom he attempted to murder and who I learnt suffered abuse at his hands as a disciple  . He abetted in the terrorist takeover of the Golden Citadel which saw the citizens of this land suffer and caused the economy to tether to collapse . So , rest assured that if I had any information I have not already shared that might aid the Cang Qiong Mountain sect in its search for Justice , I will share if we come across any information or proof regarding his whereabouts  .”

 

Shaoye seemed genuine but - She had to make sure , no point going all the way to stop at the last stand . 

 

“ Prove it then .” An emerald jade green brush contained in a sealed box was produced from her pouch , placed on the table before the pair .

 

They all knew what it was .

 

What it did to anyone who wrote with it their confession if whatever was written was nothing but the truth. 

 

Shaoye looked at her .

 

Somehow , she got the very uncomfortable feeling she was being judged and was found wanting .

 

“ Binghe .” Zheng Yang’s rosy red glow bathes over them all as the sword is drawn out of its sheath with a sharp whine , and is pointed at her in threat by its irate  owner  .

 

“You dare -” Binghe hissed , all traces of the barely held together image of suave calm utterly shattered , his monstrous black qi engulfed her ,like a tidal wave . His eyes glowing ruby red , the demonic sigil in the center of his forehead shone blood red , a warning that the half demon was a moment's notice away from attacking her . 

 

“ Binghe . It is fine .”  

 

“Is there a problem ? “ 

 

Of course there was . Shaoye had been nothing but supportive and kind to her . Hadn’t he cured her eyesight , then was the one who saved her brother’s life.? 

 

“ It’s fine .” Shaoye stated , calm as a still pond. “You want  Justice .” At this ,Binghe glared at her , like some eldritch sea god who obeyed the whims of his chosen , not drowning her in his raging currents as he wished . 

 

The black qi subsided ,  there was a quiet clink as Zheng yang was resheathed. Luo Binghe was the very picture of demure subservience when his master turned to him . Mingyan privately wanted to puke at the sheer amount of meng Binghe sold to his liege. 

 

“Binghe . Could I trouble you to call for a press conference at the open air stadium ? Alert the cabinet to attend as well as setting up a transmission Crystal to every available sect leader allied to the Citadel ? “

 

 “ My liege, it shall be done at once .” And with that , the right hand man excused himself , swiftly walking out . 

 

The Citadel Ruler turned to her, inclined his head. “Shall we proceed to the public conference room?” 

 

“You needn’t have done this.” 

 

“Lady Liu . You aren’t the only one who has these doubts .” The youth smiled , imperturbed. “ This conveniently puts an end to any further quibbling by our allies.”

—-

 

The hastily gathered court was silent , all eyes rapt with attention on the approaching figures  . Liu Mingyan spied a few familiar faces amongst the crowd  - her old Shizun , Qi Qingqi who had married Qiu Haitang , a trusted advisor to Shaoye . Both women sat , looking worried . Xiao Gongzhu sat next to Mingfan , both glaring at her . The last she had heard , Xiao Gongzhu had accepted leadership of her maternal clan , the Nu Yuan clan , was now a master blacksmith and had married the Ning farm heiress, Ning Yingying. On Mingfan’s right was his spouse ,  the Minister of Health , Gongyi Xiao . 

 

On the other side sat her Sect leader , the current Qiong ding peak lord , Ren Mingrui. Yue Qingyuan was likely back at the peak , handling the ruling in his former disciple’s stead . The time was fast approaching that Yue Qingyuan would retire and Ren Mingrui grew stronger and more steady day by day in managing the affairs of the twelve peaks , of leading on her own  . 

 

Ren Mingrui was a good choice . A level headed , stern head disciple who was known for her ability to think first before leaping . They oft butted heads over Mingrui’s decisions and of their personalities . Mingyan thought Mingrui was far too cautious while Mingrui point blank told her she was far too driven to enact Justice without considering the fallout from said enactment . 

 

The sect leader noticed her gaze and inclined her head , a questioning look in her gaze , to have been summoned here at this hour . Behind Mingrui sat the two aged abbots , Wu Chen and Wu Wang , who watched over  Zhao Hua monastery and Zhuohua terrain , surrounded by a number of reputable ascetics . 

 

There bringing up the rear sat Tianyi outlook’s sect leader , Daoshi Mu’Ai- An ancient , benign nun who was known for her wisdom , the oldest of all who were assembled here , chattering happily with her disciples .

 

Shaoye bowed to his fellow contemporaries . “Thank you all , for coming to this meeting . The Golden Citadel knows of the ongoing search for Shen Qingqiu , who is suspected and guilty of a number of crimes .  Due to my personal affiliation to Shen Qingqiu, I understand the doubts cast upon me that I may shield him or withhold information from you all .”

 

The court hushed , some in embarrassment, some protesting that they always had faith in his character .

 

The Citadel ruler paid no attention to this  but nodded as two servants placed a canvas of pure white on the ledger table . Everyone’s eyes however went wide when the emerald pen held in its prison of Crystal was produced. 

 

“Silence !” Shaoye roared at his audience who finally , blissfully went utterly quiet . 

 

“Lady Liu was right to have produced this and I agreed to this , so do not shout at her , Cabinet .”  He sat down ,opened the box of crystal , and took out the jade brush -

 

The box was blown away from him . There came a splintering noise from the window . Binghe and Mingfan instantly both leapt in front of their ruler . 

 

There was a very familiar glow of qi . 

 

Shen Qingqiu didn’t look a day older since the last time Shaoye had seen him . However , he was thin and looked pale as though he had not seen the sun for a long time . Concern and joy and so many darn contradicting emotions warring within him , all Shaoye could do was gape dumbly as his godfather stood before him . 

 

“Hello , apes .” Despite the bored drawl that came out of those acerbic lips , there was no mistaking the low growl of threat in the voice . Shen Qingqiu held out his hands .

 

 “Go on and lock me up for the crimes you lot accuse me of . Qiu Jianluo has kept me locked away ,  it seems his death triggered my release . “ The former Qingjing peak lord tilted his head and revealed a slave brand under his collar, that indeed showed the letter bearing Qiu  . “I come out and hear word that you lot were attempting to use a class A torture device on an innocent bystander just to get intel on my whereabouts ?” The disdain in his voice could have shriveled flowers . “ How low has the Cang Qiong Mountain sect fallen since my generation left office ?” 

 

The courtroom burst into utter chaos after this proclamation  . 

 

Several rushed forward only to be blown back by furious black qi . 

 

Luo Binghe glared , arm outstretched , all too ready to hurl another ball of energy at them . “ Order in the court . The hearing still hasn’t concluded .” 

 

“Indeed .” The Citadel ruler commented idly and turned amber eyes on his godfather . “ Shen Qingqiu . Thank you for coming to the hearing and I am sorry to hear of you being kept by Qiu Jianluo all these years as well  . However , I still have to undergo the trial to prove that I truly did not have any contact with you  . “

 

It was a calm , even , professional tone . There was zero familiarity in that voice . Slowly , the suspicious whispers in the audience died down . 

 

“In the meantime , you will have to be kept for the trial for a number of crimes you have been accused to commiting .  During which your ability to use cultivation will be temporarily sealed away . “ 

 

Amber eyes met Emerald . Please understand . I’m not a child who has to be protected any more . Thank you . For everything . I’m sorry I have to do this.

 

Shen Qingqiu looked stunned ,  then those emerald eyes showed tired understanding . “ Understood , Ruler of the Golden spires.” 

 

“I shall ensure that Justice is upheld .” Shen Qingqiu felt taken aback at the gentle promise in those words . 

 

He didn’t know how to feel about this , that he had been so easily forgiven and to be protected . He elected to ignore the surge of emotions warring within him and keep mum . 

 

It was decided that a neutral party - The Nu Yuan clan would house Shen Qingqiu till his trial . Shen Qingqiu was bound , watching boredly as the guard trembled in terror , too terrified to do the deed till he slipped his own hands through the immortal binding cables , too exasperated to wait or possibly he didn’t want to see Shaoye undergo the trial . 

 

He was led away , head still held high . He didn’t look back at Shaoye who watched his back till Binghe gently shook his shoulder to whisper that it was time to continue .  

 

A gong sounded . 

 

All eyes went to Liu Mingyan who asked him . 

 

“What is your name?”

 

The brush danced across the canvas. “Dichan Shaoye.”

 

“Where were you born?”

 

“Born and raised in the Golden Citadel.”

 

“Lord of the Golden Spires , of the eastern terrain of the great Luo river . The Citadel ruler , Shaoye of the Dichan clan . Have you had any contact at all with the suspect , the former Qingjing peak lord , Shen Qingqiu till just now ?” 

 

“ No .” The green ink that splashed across the white canvas remained as emerald as the bamboo shoots that defy the pure white snow of winter come spring . “ The last I saw of him was three years ago before I was kidnapped by the terrorist insurgent , Qiu Jianluo .” 

 

“ You truly have no word or sighting from him ,  till just now ?” 

 

“I have not seen nor heard from him since .” 

 

Liu Mingyan felt equally happy , equally disappointed .  Shaoye was innocent but that meant Shen Qingqiu was truly a scum bag to have abandoned his godson till now . 

 

“ There ! “ Xiao Gongzhu screamed at last , her face a wild shade of puce, her expression thunderous . 

 

Her shrill voice broke the silence , like the crack of a barbed whip would do. 

 

“ There,  y’fucking lot have it ! He’s innocent ! By the Jade emperor's soggy-ass beard ! You Cang Qiong Mountain sect folk aren’t satisfied with fuckin’ selling him off to fuckin’ pedos , but now have the gall t’ fuckin’ suspect the Citadel ruler ?! “

 

“Yeah ! Everyone knows you can’t choose your family ! “ A minor sect leader, equally unamused ,  shouted from the back . “So , what’s next , is the Cang Qiong Mountain sect going to go after every single innocent relative of criminals and lock ‘em up too in case they harbor evil thoughts ?!”’ 

 

“-And the tiny shriveled balls to treat him like a fuckin’ criminal ?! My dear ol pops invented that thing as a torture device , himself , so I fucking know !!!”

 

Aghast gasps sounded everywhere . 

 

 “That’s right , folks ! “ Gongzhu howled over the clamor , “ One thing that ol’ lyin’ dirtbag called Shen Qingqiu wasn’t lying about , was this !!!  Dear ol’ Daddy dearest of mine invented that cursed thing , Y’all Wanna know what it does if the person writes their confession and lies ? It draws BLOOD from their hand and uses it as INK . So had the Citadel Ruler lied , that ink would be blood red . But since he is innocent , the ink continues to be green . “

 

People screamed as she unsheathed her blade and pointed it at Liu Mingyan , her gaze murderous . 

 

“You wankers actually dug up a fucking torture tool that’s used for the worst of criminals to get ‘em to fuckin’ confess, just f’r funsies?! Come at me , assholes! ” 

 

“Lady Xiao . “ Shaoye stated , still eerily calm .”While I appreciate your support , I agreed to this .” Please stand down , was the unspoken word .  Mingfan, looking very sour , tapped the small woman on her shoulder, nearly having to drag the feisty one back to her chair . 

 

“Does this set your mind at ease, all of you ?” Shaoye addressed his court as well as his guests calmly . 

 

“ Hail the Citadel ruler !” Luo Binghe cried, in response  . The rest of the court quickly followed . 

 

“ All hail the ruler of the land of golden spires ! Long may he live , ruling fairly!” 

 

Ren Mingjue turned to her fellow peak lord , looking both fairly put out and exasperated . 

 

“Shimei . I think it is best we depart .” 

 

Wise words . None of the audience looked particularly charitable towards her . There came a particularly cold breeze , bamboo leaves and azalea flowers smacked across her face as it passed her . 

 

Liu Mingyan started to sneeze.

 

Damn hay fever allergies . 

 

Damn Citadel,  that grew flowering plants everywhere . 

 

“A little flower-shy ,  milady?  . “ Binghe purred spitefully, sashaying towards her  . “Our rustic countryside ,  a little too much for you Cang Qiong Mountain Sect flowers?” 

 

He leaned in closer . 

 

“Expect some gifts from some old friends of ours soon , Peak lord .”

 

Before she could sputter something back, Binghe swerved around on his heels , lolloping back to fuss over his liege . 

 

There came a polite cough . She looked up to see a curvaceous middle aged woman clad in lavender , her signature Haitang blossoms twined elegantly through her hair, behind her , glowering at her was her old Shizun  . 

 

“Hail to the Cang Qiong mountain sect .We shall see to your departure .” Qi, formerly Qiu , Haitang, informed her crisply . “Hail to Shigu and Lady Qi . Thank you for having us .” One could almost hear the pleading note in Ren Mingjue’s voice . Faced with the former Mad Shrike of Cang Qiong mountain sect , even the current Qiong ding peak lord bowed before her , reverting back to a mere disciple  . 

 

The well lit hallways were teeming with sect masters, their head disciples , and various dignitaries , the majority of whom muttered sourly in the background as they passed them like many stars that dot the cosmos would twinkle at comets flying by . 

 

To her credit , Qi Qingqi holds herself back till they are outside before tearing into her . 

 

“The Mingyan who I taught would never have done this to a loyal friend of hers !” 

 

“ Shigu. I am no longer Liu Mingyan , the Xianshu peak head disciple . I am the current Baizhan Peak lord . It is my duty to ensure justice will be carried out .” 

 

“ Yes ! But at what cost ?!”

 

“ Any cost .” 

 

Qi Qingqi looked ready to explode. 

 

“ Fine ! “ She screams at last .”Go down this godforsaken path ! But don’t come crying to me at the end of it , girl !”

 

Haitang just put a hand on her wife’s curled up fist . And all the bluster went out of her, like hot air . All the former Xianshu peak lord did now was shake her head as she watched her get into a carriage with Ren Mingrui . 

 

Mingyan didn’t look back at her former Shizun even as the carriage started leaving the Citadel , enroute back to the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect .

 

There was no going back for her . 

 

There was no longer anything left for her here . 

 

——

 

“- Has everyone else left, Binghe-Ge ?” The open air stadium was as silent as the grave. Only Mingfan , Xiao Gongzhu and Binghe had stayed behind , all three having been through thick and thin with the Citadel Master , knew the adage that still waters run deep . 

 

“ Not a single soul . “ Binghe confirmed , quickly moving close to Shaoye .  

 

His suspicions were confined when the smaller youth sank into his knees , giggling hysterically . 

 

The older youth caught him in his arms and soon found his shoulder damp with tears . “B-boy , haha . I showed ‘em, did-didn’t  I , Ge ? “ 

 

“ This is why I wanted to stab her. But nooo , you had to be an adult n’ spoil the fun  . “ Gongzhu growled , hesitantly hugging them both . 

 

Mingfan reached around and hugged all three of them . “We trusted you , you know .” The oldest Dichan cousin growled . 

 

“I know . “ Shaoye sniffed , still shaking . “ But it had to be done to prove to the other ministers . Somehow , we still need to rebuild and I’m not going to allow anyone to doubt my leadership because of my ties to Gan Die . “ 

 

“ But not at the expense of triggering your own trauma . For fuckin’ once , kitten . Think of yourself , for once .” Gongzhu grouched .

 

 “ Must y’ swear so much ?” 

 

Mingfan groaned, swatting her head .

 

She responded by biting his hand , hard . 

 

“ Where’s… Mingyan-jie?” Shaoye managed to ask his best friend over Mingfan’s howls of pain . 

 

Binghe sniffed. “Last I saw, she had two functional legs . She can walk with Haitang-Jie.”

 

Shaoye’s eyes were onto the bamboo leaves and he looked very sad . 

 

“  I’m pretty terrible , aren’t I ?”

 

Binghe just pulled him into his arms.” You aren’t . Shen Qingqiu has to be tried . I may not approve of how Lady Liu chose to seek it , but Liu Shishu deserves Justice . You were not being unkind by being fair .” 

 

 “Uh , I have to say … I don’t get it , you said you wanted him tried and would cooperate with the Cang Qiong Mountain sect towards his trial .” Gongzhu queried , looking confused . 

 

“ Shen Qingqiu has been kind to me  .” Shaoye admitted , voice hard . “ But I meant every word . No matter how much I love him , he cannot be allowed to get off without being tried for what he did to others , even if his actions, excluding Liu Shishu , were done out of good will . But I would ensure he is given a fair trial , not executed or jailed without being given a chance to explain himself .”

 

Shaoye blew at the bamboo leaves , watching as the leaves danced on the floor . “ I wish things didn’t have to be so conflicting regarding Gan Die . I suck .” 

 

“Hey . It’s okay ! It’s okay to be conflicted . It’s okay to love him , yet be utterly furious at him for being a jerk .” Gongzhu scolded , Mingfan nodding furiously in agreement  . 

 

“ That’s right , kid.  It’s okay t' feel things.  Relationships are like muddy waters.  It kin git murky a lot of times especially if that person is Shen Qingqiu.” 

 

There was a brief silence as the quartet processed these words , of what had transpired thus far . 

 

“…. Uh , Binghe-ge?” Shaoye asked, his best friend  hummed in acknowledgement. 

 

“ Yes , my liege ?” 

 

“ …….. I won’t object to ya going after Mingyan-jie if you would ever like her that way in the future but … I don’t really like the person she’s become  .”

 

Xiao Gongzhu clamped a hand over Mingfan’s mouth , the older cousin seemed terribly amused by this statement  . 

 

Gongzhu herself looked torn between amusement and irritation . 

 

“ My liege .” Binghe paused , choosing his next words with care and not the variety of colorful terms he wished to call Liu Mingyan . “-I can honestly say that I would rather eat turnip stew everyday than consider her in such a fashion .”

 

“Uh. Binghe-ge . You HATE turnips . You called it insipid garbage that needs a ton of work to taste good .” 

 

“ My point exactly , my liege “

 

“ Oh . You two would make such pretty babies though .” Shaoye noted absentmindedly till he noticed Binghe’s expression . “ - In another timeline ! Another universe ! Far , far away !”  

 

Haitang who had arrived after escorting Mingyan had to laugh . 

 

Shaoye’s handling of this fracas showed he was ready for the bomb to be dropped . 

 

——-

 

There always had to have an ending to everything . Shen Qingqiu reflected . 

 

It wasn’t easy keeping out of the loop , staying hidden from roaming patrols of cultivators sent in to bring him back to be tried . Shen Qingqiu was many things , but suicidal was not one of them . 

 

While at first he had dithered between going to apologize to Shaoye and Ye , and his own pride , as he was not suicidal . He had snuck into the Citadel . To his dismay , Ye was conspicuously absent . The reason for his absence turned out to be that vixen turning up . Apparently , Dichan Furen had been trying to find a cure for Ye’s aged appearance , and somehow had succeeded , returning home . Now the pair were cavorting around the land , on an on and off honeymoon . He thus  put off plans to apologize to his sworn brother . 

 

That wasn’t the only change . 

 

It had taken time for him to get over the fact that Shaoye was going to Mu Qingfang for therapy . Therapy . What would the public think of his reputation? 

 

And the brazen mutt even , to his great horror , had been handling affairs in Shaoye’s stead . It had taken every but of fibre in his being not to run from his hiding place , and behead the heavenly demon who addressed the settlement's issues on his godson’s throne . The natural enemy of all cultivators. On his godson’s hard won throne . What was stopping Luo Binghe from garnering support and becoming citadel ruler himself ?

 

 Still , to his great relief and confusion , Luo Binghe never seized power , but upheld peace and together with Dichan Mingfan , of all people , ran the settlement well in between when Shaoye went for therapy .

 

Then today , Shen Qingqiu found his hand forced .  

 

He could recognize Shaoye’s qi field . Golden , warm and inviting . It was not unlike Yue Qingyuan’s though much less powerful . 

 

He steeled himself . He had been admittedly unable to gaze upon for long on his godson , only allowing himself glimpses of the boy . 

 

He held upon the window and finally gazed down. 

 

There, busily toiling away at a large table was the Citadel ruler . Around a petite youth , documents fluttered about . Briefly animated by said youth’s Qi , they flew , like hovering pigeons , waiting for the slightest inclination for him to one of them to float own to his assuring hands where he would read the document , and either sign on of them adding them to a pile or write suggestions , or proclamations . At each pile stood an industrious awaiting animated brush that quickly would sign off as him . 

No longer a boy . Though malnourished and small for his age , Shaoye was clearly an adult , clad in his robes of office . His hair however still remained cut outrageously short , and fell into his eyes . 

 

A polite, all too familiar voice called from the door . Unbidden , Shen Qingqiu found his lips curling at the two newcomers . 

 

“My liege, may I present to you , the Baizhan Peak lord of Cang Qiong Mountain sect .” The mutt bowed - Shen Qingqiu swears he can see little hearts in the smitten whelp’s eyes when he actually dared gaze upon his godson . His still NINETEEN year old godson - 

 

And that wench . Liu Mingyan who had proceeded to make poor Yue Qingyuan’s life difficult and completely ignored Shaoye’s plight when he was kidnapped . 

 

Shen Qingqiu could feel his blood boiling , wanting to shake his all too forgiving godson and stake the woman where she stood at the same time. .

 

The youth hopped out of his chair , dusting off crumbs off his simple but well kept robes . “ Mingyan-Jie ! It’s been ages ! “ He chirruped sunnily ,pulling her into a warm hug .

 

Binghe, thankfully didn’t seem as charmed . If looks could kill , Mingyan would be stabbed to a bloody mess from the sheer amount of daggers flung from two pairs of eyes . 

 

Shaoye led her to a plate full of food . Shen Qingqiu’s inedia allowed him to survive without food. Still his stomach rumbled at the mouth watering scent of Binghe’s craft arrayed on the table . 

 

The growing feeling of unease did not abate . Liu Mingyan was obsessed with hunting him down for his inaction towards her fool brother , he had a growing suspicion of her purpose of finally turning up to meet Shaoye - 

 

“ Thank you ,  Shaoye . But I don’t read or write these days . I’m busy . Which brings to ask for your cooperation regarding this issue .” 

 

“What is it ?” The youth inclined his head . “It is in your best interests to surrender any information that may help on the search for the former Qing Jing peak lord , Shen Qingqiu .”

 

All the warmth had gone out of Shaoye’s face at her words . Binghe however had gone livid . He opened his mouth , likely to spit venom before the Citadel ruler . 

 

“ Shen Qingqiu? We haven’t seen or heard from him since I last saw him before I was kidnapped .” Shen Qingqiu felt something where his heart had been , twisted at the blankness in his godson’s voice . 

 

Shaoye continued . “ Lady Liu . Shen Qingqiu’s crimes cannot be excused . I too saw what the former Baizhan Peak lord suffered due to the former Qingjing peak lord’s inaction . I too have many questions and strong words for what he did to my right hand man here - “ He gestured to Luo Binghe himself . 

 

“ - Who was only a hapless disciple whom he attempted to murder and who I learnt suffered abuse at his hands as a disciple  . He abetted in the terrorist takeover of the Golden Citadel which saw the citizens of this land suffer and caused the economy to tether to collapse . So , rest assured that if I had any information I have not already shared that might aid the Cang Qiong Mountain sect in its search for Justice , I will share if we come across any information or proof regarding his whereabouts  .”-

 

Unable to bear hearing any more , Shen Qingqiu curls himself up into a pathetic ball , fingernails biting into the flesh of his pads , viciously telling himself not to cry .

 

He forced himself to sit through the first half of the show trial, spying from the rafters above  . Shaoye truly had become the Citadel ruler , a younger version of Yue Qingyuan . Calm , composed even under duress . 

 

When the box had been taken out . It was as if time slowed down . Qingqiu reflected that his heart would be the death of him . Ye had commented on his quirk many a time . “ That soft heart of yours will be the death of you, one day , Lao Xiong .”

 

He looked at Shaoye who raised the brush . It was funny how the smallest things had a way of creeping inside . He sighed .

 

And made his entrance . 

 

His heart beat a mile a minute . As he stood before the gathered council . But he met everyone’s looks of disdain  .

 

He makes his pretty speech and prepares himself to look at his godson , steeling himself for a cold look . Hatred, disappointment-

 

Only to find none there in those Amber eyes . 

 

Shaoye looked stunned . It takes Binghe nudging him several times before he shakes himself out of his stupor . But Shen Qingqiu is equally stunned at the look his godson sent him . 

 

Relief . 

 

So much so , he just nods to whatever is asked of him . He is exasperated but understands why Shaoye chooses to still go ahead with the show trial . 

 

Again , this reminds him how much time has passed. Shaoye isn’t a child anymore . He had responsibilities . Qingqiu is both proud and weary at how much Shaoye has grown .  He can rest easy now. 

 

His trial is set after Lao Gongzhu’s . And all , Shen Qingqiu can think is . Thank god , he isn’t handling that fracas. 

 

As a last spiteful present , while a fugitive couldn’t lop off a deranged traitor’s head , he sent a cold wind sprinkled with bamboo leaves wet with dew and azalea flowers full of pollen , that pelted the unfortunate Baizhan peak lord in her face, before the door of the carriage meant to bring him to the place that was to be his jail till his trial… Closed on his face  . 

 

 He might have had his cultivation sealed off … But demonic cultivation requires no qi . 

 

Remembering that puts him in a much brighter mood and when he arrives at his new lodgings it is to a plain room but comfortably furnished with a bed and some books to read  . There are some plain vegetable baozi , some tea waiting for him , which he digs into with relish . 

 

Shaoye didn’t hate him , he might have a chance to see his sworn brother , godson .  Yue Qingyuan definitely had got it through his thick skull that he , Shen Qingqiu liked him back , after centuries of playing emotional patty cake . 

 

He takes a big bite , relishing the taste of the bun and of the memory of Liu Mingyan’s face as the leaves smacked into her face . 

 

Things all in all seemed to be looking up for him. 

Notes:

Hey heyyy , also on that note I wanna say I read all your lovely messages . Sorry I’m not responding . I’m not in a very good headspace right now so I’m just trying to get by each day by trying to type and finish this fic buuuut I do read and appreciate your messages ! :)

Chapter 34: Ew, Feelings

Shaoye did not take the idea of any race being enslaved well. He didn’t take the idea that Binghe’s entire race was seen as chattel well at all . 

 

Once he had been briefed on what had been done to the Heavenly Demonic race as a whole  , he instantly set off , a dark glint to his eyes, with the Qin sisters as his bodyguards , to  meet the emperor of the human realm . 

 

It had been so long that anyone had thought of what led to the disappearance of most of the heavenly demonic race but he could help with this long forgotten , disgraceful , backward act done by cultivational sects and sanctioned by the then mortal emperor,  right away   .  

 

It took convincing Binghe to stay back and help Mingfan oversee the ruling in place . But eventually Shaoye convinced the unhappy man to do so as it was unsafe for him .

 

The emperor might take a shine to him and try to exchange his menagerie for a brand new ‘pet’,the last thing they needed was a political fracas . 

 

So . Binghe stayed back in the Citadel . No matter how unhappy he was , even he saw there was that risk.

 

That didn’t mean the faithful right hand man had to be happy about letting Shaoye traipse off to do the negotiating .There was a weight upon his brow , a downturn to his lips - Or as Qin Wanrong proclaimed , Binghe was positively moping . Like a spoiled pet dog that could not come on its owner’s business trip .

 

 As they bid their goodbyes , the Qins wisely gave them some privacy , busying themselves with their own farewells.

 

“Do you trust me ?” 

 

Binghe nodded , without an inch of doubt . 

 

“With my life.” 

 

“Then trust me that I will return to you.” The young man declared , to which Binghe finally smiled .

 

Shaoye stood there gaping for a few minutes like a gormless idiot . Luo Binghe’s eyes are the onyx of every storybook night and when he smiled , it seemed momentarily that  thousands of stars swirled in that unfathomable cosmos of his orbs , that he swore he could get lost in forever- 

 

“Hey, guys! “ Feckless Qin Wanrong bellowed , getting impatient that it had been thirty minutes and those two hadn’t finished their farewells . “-C’mon! We’re gonna be late!” Binghe and Shaoye leapt apart , as though they had been scalded.

 

“Uh . “ She cocked her head , brows furrowed at the visibly uncomfortable pair . “ Did I , uh , interrupt anything , guys ?” “ Ooooh lookie , Wanrong ! Look at the uh , Giant Time rounded beetle !” Shaoye blurted , before realizing that it was a pyrrhic save ,for Wanrong, looked around and then resumed staring at them both , still confused .

 

“Uh , there ain’t nuthin’ there , Lao Da . “ 

 

“What our liege means is ….” Binghe calmly stated , despite his own beet red face . “ …..Shouldn’t the three of you better get going , Wanrong ?” 

 

“Oh yeah ! “  She chirruped. 

 

Shaoye shot Binghe a grateful look , to which he received a brave smile . “See you soon . I promise to bring back a nice souvenir for you !” 

 

Binghe was still staring into the distance long after the trio had departed .

 

Somewhere deep in his heart , somewhere he thought was long dead- where used to dwell silly fancies of romance, of there being anyone for him in his heart after that incident , like the trickling of a stream that ran between a dried up forest….That felt the stirrings of change coming. 

 

—--

 

“I have no idea how you did it .” Qi Qingqi marveled . She , along with Qiu Haitang were part of the retinue who had come to congratulate Shaoye on a triumphant return  . 

 

At present , a glorious banquet had been thrown. Everyone who was someone had been invited or even stuck out and asked for an invite . 

 

The forbidden kingdom , or what the cultivators called the human realm , had zero contact with their world for nearly three  hundred years since the last war of which saw cultivators finally decide to divy the land up , tired of the constant raids and hunting down of all of their ilk by humans . 

 

The human emperor and the last Cang Qiong mountain sect head had bargained and on top of that , the emperor had received the remaining heavenly demons into his harem as sacred cauldrons . 

 

As such , the human emperors lived extremely long lives with the aid of these cauldrons . 

 

“Emperor Zhao III ,” Shaoye took a sip of tea , his eyes rolled back in bliss . “Has been made to see that by releasing his harem of fifty heavenly demons , that he would be correcting a great wrong , an injustice, done by his ancestors  . He would be proving to the world , what a forward thinking , what a just ruler he is .” 

 

Everyone else exchanged looks at this .

 

Emperor Zhao , ruler of the human realm - according to reports , was a nasty piece of work . Prickly , old and cunning , he seemed to loathe the world and particularly scorned cultivators . By sheer spite alone , he had managed to live without touching any of his sacred cauldrons to the current ripe old age of a hundred and three  . 

 

“It was like magic .” Qin Wanrong breathed . Still in awe of how her Lao Da had managed to broker a deal with the famously ornery old goat .”The ancient warthog wanted us thrown out . But Shaoye-Lao da bowed to him , n’ said he had heard so much about Emperor Zhao’s poetry. He was such a fan , and he asked if he could listen to some of his works !  “

 

She rocked back and forth in glee while Qin Wanyue smiled placidly . “ Yes , Shaoye managed to hit it on the spot . I do suspect that was why we weren’t thrown out . Emperor Zhao and him then recited poetry to each other . Then Zhao invited us in , as ‘It seems that the new age of cultivators seem to have grown some appreciation for the arts .’”

 

“That part was really boring . So boring . '' Wanrong groaned . “I nearly died, standing and looking around for hours n’ hours  . Then finaaaally , the old guy invited us in and they talked and talked . Shaoye-ge somehow managed to become buddies with him , and charmed his pants off ! “

 

Shaoye smirked . “ -Well . That and he and I brokered a deal . He was quite open to opening the forbidden kingdom as part of our trade route , and was pleased when I offered his kingdom to be part of the trade route and that our doors would be open to him and only who he chooses to bring with him . “

 

Qi Qingqi snorted at hearing this . “ Mortals ? You’re making a loss , god-nephew . What can they have to offer us cultivators ?” Shaoye grew quite serious when he heard of this . “ Shigu . Pardon this one , but they’ve been inventing lots of stuff . Mortals are many things , but slow and willing to sit on their laurels they are not . Zhao showed me their armory and there was this hideous contraption. It looked like an ordinary cannon but can shoot with a blast powerful enough to even break an Evernight array I drew  . Zhao was very pleased at trying it out on me , at what he thought was a party trick to amuse him , but I was inwardly quite shaken . “

 

“ An evernight array ? Shattered by one of their silly toys . You must have missed a stroke .” Qi Qingqi tried to scoff but even she was shaken at what Shaoye had mentioned . Shaoye shrugged and took another delicious bite of his scallion noodles before standing up . 

 

“Now, if you’d excuse me, sorry. Need to attend to the lodgings of our newcomers.” There was a determined gleam in his eyes .

 

“Newcomers?”

 

“The heavenly demons . We brought them all back. “

—-

 

There were only fifty heavenly demons left , including Binghe , Tianlang-jun and Zhuzhi-lang. Shaoye had already ordered before he left that a private flat be set aside . It was now clear it was to be new lodgings for the heavenly demons . The flat was heavily guarded with defensive charms to osculate its location . 

 

On its premises was a private plot of land bursting with vegetation, a huge herd of cattle grazing in a nearby gated field , and a large pond full of carp. There had been a number of nurses and doctors who had been drafted to live in the house  , as well as a full battalion of on site ‘caretakers’ who would help the new occupants readjust to freedom , to living . 

 

Binghe these days walked lighter, seemed a lot happier despite not wanting to see his ancestors …Yet. 

 

Shaoye listened to the team he had put together and had allowed certain open minded friendly cultivators of various classes to be pen pals with the heavenly demons . Sha Hualing had hand picked herself equally open minded demonic nobility from her court to come visit , to interact with the heavenly demons. 

 

It was published in the dibaos , that this flat wasn’t a zoo , the heavenly demons were free but needed help readjusting before their first tiny steps to independence and establishing their own autonomy. 

 

Xiao Gongzhu today accompanied Shaoye to visit the apartments. 

 

It was a pretty flat ,ironically in the heart of town. It was ironic that the Golden Citadel’s unwary citizens had become more of the zoo to the fascinated ancestors of Binghe, who eagerly studied merchants plying their wares, the pretty carriages that drove by , and bustling streets, from behind the warded walls of their haven.

 

Within seconds the pair found themselves surrounded by the grateful demons . Gongzhu laughed as her best friend flushed over their admiration and overflowing gratitude  . 

 

“Yannow ,  kitten . I would have punched that old dickhead dead  .” Xiao Gongzhu murmured as the heavenly demons, one of them looking like a child , despite being centuries older than Binghe , maybe even one of his great grand aunts or uncles , shyly peeked out from one of their human caretakers .

 

“I prefer to negotiate . No point in coming to blows if we can negotiate a truce .” Shaoye opined . 

 

The child hobbled out , chasing after a passing butterfly . The reason for their awkward gait was  evident . Their twisted feet-  That clearly had been shattered over and over again by their then human captors , in order to prevent the ‘pets’ from escaping . 

 

“How come ya not bringing them to the demonic realm ?” 

 

“ I don’t make the rules of how heavenly demonic or even  sentient demonic culture works . '' Shaoye growled  , looking frustrated . '' As much as I dislike saying this , there clearly is a lot of similarities of the toxic kind between human and demonic culture regarding ….” He made a hilarious face as though he wanted to retch . “ … Purity . Sha Hualing tells me if we had let them return to the Demonic realm , they would be killed on sight for allowing themselves to be ‘claimed’ by humans.” 

 

Xiao Gongzhu made a face at this . 

 

“ I intend to let them slowly readjust to being free .They all agreed that they wanted to stay with us as they in a way have been for so long destroyed of any autonomy , that all this freedom seems terrifying to them .What they wish to do later on , is up to them so long as they choose not to seek vengeance on the mortal human race or the cultivation world .” His eyes dimmed a little before closing with a wary shrug . “The door is always open though should they choose vengeance comes the possibility they may become our enemies .” 

 

“ And you spared them still . “ Shaoye had grown taller . He would never be as tall as  her and she was short . But his build was of an adult , albeit a diminutive one . His rich dark hair had grown slightly longer till it tickled his chin , no longer the strictly cut folds he had favored since that tragic incident . 

 

“You know…How I am . “ Her other best friend snapped , irritated and embarrassed .

 

Xiao Gongzhu head butted him affectionately. “ Oi . Stop that . You being a decent human being isn’t a weakness .”

 

“ Gan Die disagrees .” 

 

 “Shen Qingqiu might be an immortal but he’s only human. You being nice to people and wanting to protect them isn’t a weakness.”

 

“ Ba Ba says it’s kinda a waste of time . “ That had grated a little on Shaoye . Dichan Ye had seen it as a passing fancy of his ‘kind hearted little Angel ‘ but ultimately a waste of time and resources that could be spent elsewhere . To Shaoye , anything that could help his best friend feel better about his family and heritage, was not a ‘waste of time .” This has grated on him . 

 

“Your Ba is kinda a butt-hole too.” 

 

“...That’s true. Man , this is a hassle . “ He slumped over on the grass they were sitting on . “ I wish sometimes I wouldn’t feel anything . That way I could quit feeling the bad things in life .” 

 

“Yeah. But you keep from feeling  all the good things too, don’t ya? Gongzhu asked as she settled herself next to her best friend . “‘Kay . N’ they are ?” Shaoye enquired , hand shielding his eyes from the bright light of day . 

 

” “Things like building real connections with people who genuinely wanna be friends with the real you. Whom like your ‘softness’ and think you’re a pretty great person.” 

 

The young woman stated before adding. 

 

“ I betcha Shen Qingqiu is proud of you . Deep, deep, deep down inside behind all the trauma and shitty stuff his equally shitty, bigoted shizun taught him. He’s just too much of a dick t’ admit he’s proud. ” 

 

“You think so?”

 

“Course he does.” If he isn’t .I’ll punch his bloody lights out .

—--

 

Shen Qingqiu sneezes . Yue Qingyuan was not happy that he had turned himself in . He had shown up ,  stubbornly insisting that if Qingqiu was going to be jailed , then so was he . So right now, Yue Qingyuan was housed next to his cell as they awaited trial. Him for innumerable crimes. Yue Qingyuan for hiding him away. 

 

Qingqiu as of right now was not talking to Yue Qingyuan to teach him a lesson . 

 

He sips his tea .

 

A few more minutes then he would spit some insults about Yue Qingyuan’s lack of brain again . 

 

The guard outside clanged a gong .

 

“ Visitation hours , guys !” She chirped . And true enough , there was a very familiar teenager waiting for him in the booth. Shen Qingqiu quashed down the tiny part of himself that was pleased to see his filial godson. He was still peeved over his rash decision to go and free those beasts !

 

Shen Qingqiu side eyed the all too familiar faithful shadow called Luo Binghe who was quietly reading a book outside in the waiting area. Did he have to bring that mutt everywhere with him?

 

“Gan Die !” Shaoye cackled at the cold snort he received. “Chiiiiiiill, Gan Die . Cuz there is no freakin’ way you can convince me I didn’t make the right decision regarding freeing Binghe’s relations !”

 

He received an icy glower from behind the fan.

 

“I hope you can live with yourself after this oh so intelligent decision. “ The fan slammed down with a harsh clatter against the barrier. Shaoye whistled . “What were you thinking?! If you even were thinking! You have doomed all of us because of your foolishness!” 

 

“Uh huh. It’s been like, a week since I liberated a group of severely traumatized former sex slaves , and uh, gee, the Golden Citadel is still standing. Civilisation has yet to end at their so-called scheming to supposedly end all mankind for years of ,gee, torture, rape… Orchestrated at the hands of your so-called righteous Shizun’s shizun.” Wide almond eyes narrowed in judgment. “Which actually, would be kiiinda justified if I were in their shoes.” 

 

Shen Qingqiu twitched . Shaoye swallowed down his guilt . That was a low blow, bringing up the slave bit especially since- No. Nooope, Shaoye. C’mon, it might be a dang low blow but your Gan Die is never gonna be able to see your bestie , light of your life as anything human, unless there was a way to connect them two by mentioning their shared experiences of being slaves once. 

 

Shaoye didn’t get it , even if it was by narrative choice, and by the terrible, terrible decision by the Great God, Airplane , himself to make Binghe and Shen Qingqiu sworn enemies… But they were foils! By the gods, they had the potential to relate to each other! To be friends! 

 

….He just wants his two most favorite people to be friends. Maybe this is a smidge of wish fulfillment. 

 

………….Maybe he doesn’t want Binghe to kill off Shen Qingqiu eventually somewhere down the line because of his best friend’s fragile, maiden heart getting smushed by his prickly godfather. Or for Shen Qingqiu himself to attempt to bump off Binghe himself out of a misguided belief . 

 

………………..Sigh. This wasn’t going to, might not even work, would it? Shaoye mentally gives himself a gold star called ‘You tried’ . 

 

It is mentally plastered on a mental wall full of star stickers bearing other milestones like ‘CONGRATS YOU GOT TRAUMA.’ or ‘OH GOD HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE.’ 

 

He mournfully eyes his godfather side-eyeing Binghe like one would eye a man-eating tiger . At Binghe who every so often shoots Shen Qingqiu a look one would reserve for a cockroach, over his book. Whoopee-doo.  

“C’mon, Gan Dieeeeee.” He whines. “ Can’t we have a nice conversation? Without any fighting?” 

“I’m not fighting.” Shen Qingqiu states , disconcertingly serene. “ I am just telling you, expressing to you , what a colossal mistake you have just made, in a long line of ‘You could have done better’ . Why can't you be more like your father? He wouldn’t have made such a mess ! Of all the people to take after in terms of leadership style, you had to take after Yue Qingyuan! “ 

 

“Aw, but he’s awesome! He managed to uphold peace and everyone gets along under his rule!” 

 

“He is a soft-hearted dolt, who is overruled by his heart and places far too much value on -” A full body shudder shook through Shen Qingqiu . His thin acerbic lips curled, puckered as though he was grappling with whatever vile thing he was about to say. 

 

“ ‘Feelings’ . You are going to turn out like him, if you’re not careful. I knew I should never, ever have lent you those books on governance authored by him for your bedtime stories!” 

 

“I feel sorry for Yue Shibo.”

 

“What was that?!” 

 

“Nu-nuthin’!” 

 

——

 

Busty waitresses sashay between the rough crowd when the door swings open so violently , a series of loud cusses follow suit as the tavern-patrons near the door narrowly avoid getting smacked in the face.

 

The newcomers stagger in .

 

The man waved a hand at the barkeep . “ Sirrah . This one would be much obliged if you can get me a dagger ! “ 

 

There is a trail of blood dripping down Dichan Ye’s back . 

 

The barkeep handed Ye a sharp dagger , eyes wide as dinner plates . 

 

People screamed as he dug out the huge tooth of some beast embedded in his shoulder .

 

The tooth dropped onto the table - Fresh screams of horror abounded as it melted down the stone countertop like acid upon contact  . 

 

“ What was that ?” The barkeep demanded , waving off the proffered gold by Ye  , who hissed in pain as his wife began cleaning the wound , smoke actually billowed out as she carefully applied liquid from a small green bottle to the raw wound upon contact  . 

 

Wound cleaned , with a flick of her hand , the tooth obediently flew out from the hole , landing into a prepared box  . “The tooth of a high ranking demon . We were attacked enroute by part of an approaching contingent. You might want to head off soon . We might have decimated them , but Tianlang-Jun , clearly means business .”

 

—--

No one expected the vengeful Demonic emperor Tianlang-jun to reveal himself after years of enslavement . 

 

Someone had apparently freed him from Bailu mountain . Naturally, Tianlang Jun wasn’t feeling too charitable towards humans as a whole , particularly if they were of the Cang Qiong Mountain sect . Rehabilitating himself had taken three years but he now was in the pink of health and hard on the path of vengeance .

 

He stormed through the mortal realm like a stray cat let out of a vet’s clinic.

 

…Only to be updated that his captors and all who had taken part in his being sealed away, dead or retired when he passed by the Citadel, enroute to Huanhua Palace. 

 

It was kind of sad to see the man look so very confused and lost. But NOPE, Shaoye didn’t feel an iota of sympathy for him, due to the man’s lack of interest in his own son. 

 

He knew the sensitive Binghe had always wanted to meet his own family. So he had been curt and unhelpful , just short of being rude to Tianlang-jun. Screw him. Binghe was worth a hundred of the jackass . 

 

Who had freed Tianlang Jun was also revealed , albeit privately by the older Dichans . 

 

This also revealed that Su Xiyan was alive and HAD freed Tianlang-Jun. Dichan Furen and Ye had rushed back early , to confirm this. This only furthered his sentiment that whatever goodness and decency Binghe had , did not come from either of his jerkbag bio parents. Dumbasses. Incompetent, self-centred, nincompoops.

 

Out of pure spite , Shaoye neglected to inform Tianlang-Jun of his wife’s involvement in his freedom as well . Oopsa Daisy . You guys didn’t give a rat's ass over your poor son ?! 

ლ(ಠ益ಠ)ლ

 

Imma at the very least ensure that both of you pay in some itsy bitsy petty way, you utter inbred goofs ! (ﾉಥ益ಥ）ﾉ ┻━┻

 

Still , the  Golden Citadel had come into its own and truly filled up where HuanHua Palace had left off.  While the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect and Tianlang Jun’s forces butted heads, people were not surprised the Citadel stepped in for peace talks. Granted , it wasn’t much of a peace talk . 

Shaoye was rude and snarky half the time, hiding insults in every chosen gritted out word he had to speak  to Tianlang-Jun . The righteous cultivators sweated , most thinking along the lines of : “ Is he trying to save us or doom is all with his lip ?! “ Or  “why oh why did we think that Dichan Shaoye would be less of a crazy asshole then his insane father ?! “

 

Gongzhu liked to come to these events with Binghe . Though unlike the well meaning youth , she brought along a bag of popped corn and happily munched it, observing the dumpster fire called peace negotiations .  

 

Binghe himself was not amused at this lack of decorum . “ Can you not read situations ?” He hissed , as she loudly crunched on the corn, the loud sounds echoing forth in the courtroom where the leaders all argued , discussed and tried to come to an agreement . Several old men glared at them, muttering in indignance as she offered them a rude, syrup covered middle finger . 

 

 .“Yeah . That’s why I brought popcorn. To this utter circus . “ She took a greasy handful and offered it to the sour right hand man . “Want some ?“ Binghe glared at her , but as he watched the events unfold , he too reluctantly took the handful , sullenly munching away . 

 

He was hungry after all . 

 

It took many , many sessions . But nonetheless , progress was made . Tianlang-jun , much to Binghe’s relief , seemed not antagonistic towards Shaoye and seemed to regard him as a source of amusement . 

 

Eventually , a fragile treaty was drawn up and agreed upon . The cultivators would leave demonkind alone . The demonic kingdom would also participate in the hunts for demonic and holy beasts alongside cultivators during their competitions . 

 

The cultivators would acknowledge the great wrongs done by their earlier generations to the heavenly demonic nobility and demonkind as a whole . 

 

The demonic kingdom ruled under Tianlang-jun would be recognized as its own independent kingdom . The demons also would recognize that their earlier ancestors had attacked and seen humans and cultivators as livestock and also made it illegal to do so , henceforth . 

 

The rulers shook hands . Alas , when it came to Tianlang-Jun’s turn to bid farewell and thank their mediator , the day ended on a spicy note. For Binghe had to hold all five feet of the enraged Citadel ruler back from lunging for Tianlang-jun’s throat when the heavenly demonic ruler cheerfully mentioned he was really a lot like Dichan Ye , the splitting likeness ….. “You’re both so cute ! “ The utter horrified silence that silenced the room was broken by Zhuzhilang’s moan of horror . Shaoye’s eye was already twitching , he was turning a rather alarming shade of puce . Binghe had already leapt by his side , trying to defuse the oncoming carriage wreck . 

 

“Junshang. ” 

 

Tianlang-jun , would have in another life , would be a Dichan by blood . Or at the very least , he would get on like fire with Dichan Ye if they ever had a reunion under friendlier climes  . For they both had no filter on whatever came out of their maw . 

 

“Oh come on , good nephew ! He’s just as adorable as his good father was when we met years ago . Look at him ! “ He gestured gaily to Shaoye whose nostrils were flared , and his fists were already smoking , a sign he was already charging his qi . Poor Binghe shot them both a pleading look. “-They both can fit into a handbag like one of those toy cats those mortal ladies like to keep! “

 

 “Junshang . Noooo!” 

 

“That’s it ! '' Shaoye roared , bunching up his sleeves .”-Binghe’s dad or not , no one calls Lao Zi , a puny shrimp that can fit into a darn raindrop or a measly munchkin kitten that old ladies take turns cooing over its teacup size n’ dress it in dumb outfits !!! !”  

 

As chaos reigned , as the righteous cultivators dog piled , trying to contain the enraged ruler of the Golden spires. Tianlang-jun turned confused to his exasperated general. “… Good nephew . What did this one do ?”  

——

 

<<Nu Yuan Clan. The new jail  for the realm >>

 

“Shen Shidi. Calm down, you’ve got high blood pressure since you decided to turn yourself in.”

 

“AND WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?”

 

“E-erm. Your godson.”

 

An elegant eyebrow was raised. 

 

An expectant silence followed.

 

“....And -and me.” 

 

“You two will drive me to an early grave!!!!! “ 

 

—--

That disastrous ending to an otherwise successful dialogue aside , events proceeded smoothly henceforth .

 

. The Cang Qiong Mountain sect could focus on searching for the disgraced Lao Gongzhu and the fugitive Shen Qingqiu . Tianlang-jun proved a decent if inexperienced ruler . It would seem his urge for vengeance had dulled , there was a thoughtful gleam whenever Su Xiyan was off chance brought up rather than elicit vengeance filled mutterings. 

 

Shaoye didn’t care . He had done his bit ,hadn’t mauled Tianlang for the deadly offenses of not attempting to find Binghe AND mentioning his petite stature to boot . He had things to do of the ruling nature  .The Citadel henceforth finally could turn its attention fully to growth .

 Xiao Gongzhu meanwhile agreed to form an alliance with Shaoye to set up a portal to integrate the secluded Nu Yuan Clan again with the Citadel in acknowledgement to the common enemy they faced- Lao Gongzhu.

 

The trade route was booming and never had been busier. The Qins’ merchant guild bustles with activity round the clock , the medical care under Gongyi-Xiao’s leadership, and many medical cures were innovated . 

 

Mingfan , being the General , also the Minister for the Armed forces ,likewise continued to ensure their army and security was functional as well as their weapon’s cache , spurring much confidence in the security of the settlement. 

 

Paired with the growing reputation of it becoming a gourmet’s paradise, the yearly inventions as well as it’s long established repute as the textile capital of the cultivation world, this propelled the Citadel into what many called the second golden age, for never before had there been such peace since what many called the Golden Age, during Dichan Zuxian’s rule. 

 

Shaoye’s crafty brokering of freedom for the Heavenly demons earned him amnesty from Tianlang-Jun’s forces, as well as him managing to work around the centuries old treaty as well as befriending the current mortal emperor earned him respect . 

 

Things were going so well ,Sha Hualing finally felt it was time to marry her beloved Qin Wanyue in a flashy wedding . 

 

With catering overseen by Binghe and wedding robes designed by Shaoye , the wedding was a roaring success . With nearly all their friends there , mirthful was the drunken dancing , joyous was the revelry that went on into the night . ( Shaoye might have been the only one sad over Liu Mingyan’s lack of attendance . ) 

 

Ning Yingying herself was radiant . She hasn’t had such fun since forever . She couldn’t understand why her beloved Zhuzhu looked so tentative after the feast had ended and had opted to wander off . It wasn’t like her fun loving wife to do this . 

 

“What’s wrong , Zhuzhu?” She asked at last , pouting . She had broken herself away from her first conversation with Binghe that wasn’t angry on his part . 

 

She had apologized and was startled to find him equally repentant for his own behavior towards her during their discipleship and expressing interest in a genuine friendship.she was loath to drag herself from catching up with her old friend . 

 

 Still , Gongzhu was being all quiet and worried , which as a wife , she had to take care of . 

 

“-Yingying . “ Yingying frowned at the cup of liquor in her wife’s hand but said nothing, just patiently listening . It was as expected , Zhuzhu’s deadbeat nasty dad . He haunted her beloved wife like a wraith . He had done enough to poor Zhuzhu and Ah Luo . She couldn’t wait for him to be caught and disposed of . 

 

“Don’t you think when things get good . You get the feel -“ Gongzhu’s violet eyes are dark as she gazes down at the contents of her cup . She swirled it around , considering . 

 

“- The feel , that you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop ? Happiness doesn’t last . “ Yingying took her wife’s free hand and squeezed it reassuringly . 

 

“Of course it doesn’t .” She remarked . “ How boring would it be if we had happiness all the time . Zhuzhu , storms will come . But you got me , you got Ah Luo n’ Shaoye Gongzi n’ your other friends n’ we’ll weather them together ! “ 

 

“My dad.” Gongzhu gazed up, gaze still worried . “ He’s out there . I know I’ve got you guys , I can take him on by now , but part of me is just that silly scared little girl … I’m- I’m scared . “ Oh , that was it . She knew it was him . 

 

“ Screw him !”  Ning Yingying’s utter hate filled shriek of rage even startled her with its vitriol . Gongzhu squawked herself , her cup dropping to the floor. “ Screw him . “ She repeated , and pulled her beloved wife close to her in a firm hug . “You might have a part of yourself that may be scared of him . Let me tell you this . There is no shame in being scared of him . Ah Luo says he gets nightmares of what he went through at his hands . Lao Gongzhu is a monster . A beast . But I believe there is Justice in this world and one day , he will get what is coming to him. “ 

 

The lights from the lanterns shine bright above them all . The married couple are resplendent in their finery as they take their dance as married women . Around them like stars circling the sun , other couples dance  . 

 

She can easily pick out Ah Luo in the crowd. He is radiant with joy , as he dances with Shaoye-Gongzi, both looking more their age than a Citadel ruler and his loyal right hand man . 

 

Many are the envious eyes that gaze upon them . Ah Luo grows more handsome by the day , and once Ning Yingying wished for his hand in marriage due to his comely face . 

 

But she finds Xiao Gongzhu , with her kind eyes , her nearly always furrowed brows , the pretty mouth that always has something to cheer someone up or a clever joke to defuse an inflamed ego , truly her other half . 

 

Her pretty mouth opens to emit a glorious laugh . “ My Yingying . “ She declared and leapt up , peppering her face with kisses . 

 

Things were going smoothly .

 

But as Xiao Gongzhu so aptly feared . 

 

Things were going along smoothly till Lao Gongzhu reared his ugly head again. 

 

——

 

Notes:

Thank you ,Belas and Bellas , for turning in for the latest chapter! Nextr week is going to have the reappearance of an old, unwanted uhhhhh enemy! Two weeks later , Sunday , y’all . More development on the Bingyuan front? Soooo, stay tuned! And thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 35: Crackstreetboys

Summary:

Happy Mother's day . y'all! :)

 “- I do apologize, Lady Sha . But would you kindly repeat what you just said? “

 

If there was a slight squeakiness in the usually jovial and laidback voice of Dichan Shaoye , the thirty eighth citadel ruler , no one dared to point it out, lest they receive a tongue lashing . 

 

Sha Hualing,bit her lip, looking equally pained  . “ Citadel Ruler . I come bearing worrying tidings. We have caught several traders who were hiding slaves , attempting to sell them to some noble demon houses . My spies found out that these traders also have sold to several notable clans , sects and nobility in the various parts of this continent.” 

 

Shaoye scowled , face black as thunder . “I am equally horrified that this has happened , Lady Sha . An investigation will be conducted to right this travesty right away . I will personally oversee this.” 

 

He stood up to full diminutive height .  “General Mingfan , We need a task force set up immediately  . “ 

 

Mingfan frowned at his tone and the younger man amended it with a .”-If you’d please .”

 

 “ As fast as possible , sirrah . Many of our best men are still recovering from the clashes with Tianlang-jun’s forces . We will need spies , but they need t’ be fast , impervious and be able to be masters of deception to reduce casualties .” 

 

Shaoye frowned,” Either way , this starts from this moment on , capiche ?” 

 

“Aye , aye , sirrah !” 

 

“ … Is it just me or is he oddly tetchy?” Sha Hualing hissed sotto voice, to Mingfan who nodded in solemn affirmation. 

 

“Nope . Right on de target . “ He gestured to the Citadel Master whose brow lay dark and broody as one could be . “Dat , Ah Ling . Is called the ‘Binghe deprived ‘ Shaoye . Ah predict if he doesn’t go bother Bingbing in the next few minutes and recharge by being in the other’s holy mother aura , he’ll git even grumpier .” 

 

“ …You both know I can hear you two yapping all the way over there , right ?” 

 

“Ay , ay ! We got places to skedaddle to ! “ Sha Hualing chirped , walking away quickly . 

 

“Make sure t’ go n’ meet Minister Luo.. For , uhhhh, a business meeting ! ! “  Mingfan called , and to Shaoye’s indignation , actually ran out like a bat let out of a belfry . 

 

“I don’t get grumpy if I don’t see Binghe for a bit.” Shaoye muttered sullenly , then sipped his tea .

 

Luke warm . Urgh . 

 

Binghe would never have let his tea get cold . 

 

He stomped his feet , blew his cheeks out , much to the consternation of his assembled ministers . 

 

“Court dismissed ! “ 

 

The ministers scattered like geese at this roar . 

 

Shaoye blinked . He hadn’t meant to yell that loud .

 

 At the same time , a window chose to fall from its shattered hinges . The last one still intact . The rest that aligned the huge room where meetings were conducted , had all been blown clean off . The bright afternoon light shines in , beams of pure shining white . White , just like Binghe’s robes . 

 

He shakes his head .

 

Things had been getting steadily weirder between him and Binghe lately . Even he couldn’t deny there was this weird feeling of …. Anticipation? Whenever he saw his best friend . But what would he be excited for ? 

———

 

Binghe had lately been busy . As the only one with heavenly demonic lineage , and according to his newly liberated relations , he was in reality a full blooded heavenly demon . Something about heavenly demonic genes overriding the human . In aspect he had the full powers and invulnerability of a pure heavenly demon and given that he could cultivate . This meant he too had the immortality of one with the option to use righteous cultivation . 

 

As such , he had offered to become the one who would help oversee the care of his family . It didn’t seem any of them wanted to go back to the demon world . All were scornful of how Tianlang-Jun had neglected his familial duty of at least trying to free their kind . They wanted to stay and help their benefactor , Shaoye and seemed to think the world of him . 

 

Binghe had puffed out at that . Damn right they did . The fact they knew how to show gratitude had made him deem them alright in his book  . 

 

Heavenly demonic tradition and history was not written down but carried through stories . Binghe listened in amazement and slight sorrow . How much was lost , how much had history twisted heavenly daemons to the figures of legend . So much made sense now about how the tides affected his cycles. The herbs that heavenly demons took to stop or keep their ruts in check that also prevented qi deviations . So much had been lost to time . 

 

It was also in a way healing for himself by helping other victims of slave trafficking . Binghe felt it in a way partly cathartic, partly that he got to reconnect with relatives, those of the same bloodline and also to help them was in a way helping himself, if that made sense. 

 

So, he had gone to Shaoye to ask for something that had been on his mind for a while and had been thinking of doing. To become the ambassador to the Heavenly demonic kingdom, part of his responsibilities meant helping rehabilitate his relations. Shaoye himself had been searching for such a person , so it was perhaps fate that aligned both their goals. 

 

“What did that poor cup do to you to deserve such a fate?” Binghe remarked as he whisked up the remains of the shattered ceramic on the floor. “Idiots. Morons. Dunder-headed fools. That’s what.”  Shaoye’ s boots kicked his similarly abused desk. 

 

“You will have to be more specific. “ The right hand man drawled as he placed a plate of steaming bao infront of his ruler. “You just described half of the population - both demonic and human. “ 

 

Shaoye just gave a moody shrug.His loyal best friend came forward, and allowed the smaller of the two to lean into his touch as though his mere touch absorbed the stress and anger. “The diplomats from the Xuan n’ Wu regions have been making noises. The Cang Qiong Mountain sect also has been putting taxes on us for setting free a host of ‘ancient evil’. “ He then cussed so vilely, Binghe half expected the paint to strip from the walls.   “Can I kill them , Binghe? Kill these assholes dead?” 

 

“Ah Shao.” Shaoye deflated at the repoach. “-That’s far too merciful. Death is the end of all things. Would it not be better to prolong their suffering by making them regret such foolishness through the effects of skullduggery?”

 

 Shaoye tilted his head. “I am all ears. I’ve got such a headache , Ge.I need someone who is the balance of both worlds, one whom Tianlang-Jun trusts but at the same time, can understand where the mortal cultivators are coming from.And at the same time, I want to also gradually get the Heavenly demons in our center to be accepted generally and not to live in fear for their lives . But no one fits the bill.“

 

Then it hit Binghe . 

 

“You’re a genius! “ 

 

Shaoye puffed out upon hearing that. “Heck yeah I am. At least someone here thinks I am! “

 

 “So you approve of me becoming ambassador on behalf of improving knowledge of Heavenly demons between the demon realm and cultivators? 

 

“Oh? Oh !”  The other shoe finally dropped. It felt as though a huge millstone around his neck had been removed. 

 

“Whaddya talking about ? You’re the real brains , my guy!!!”  The Citadel ruler squealed , jumping into the arms of his right hand man. They cuddled each other in blissful silence for a few minutes before  the smaller one tilted his head.

 

“Binghe-ge. Uh, I believe you can do it, but I do hope you ain’t doing it just to help me out . Cuz it is a lot of stress.Lotta hard work.”  “Not for me. Not if it's you.” Binghe stated stoutly before plowing on before Shaoye could start second-guessing himself. “My liege. It is not uncommon for me to hear of people outside the walls of this fair citadel you rule , to call me all sorts of names just because of my family lineage or merely because of my revealed race. I too fear that even if the rest of my race is rehabilitated that they will know no peace outside the Citadel walls.” 

 

Shaoye glared at him upon hearing that . “ Screw them ! Who the hell has been spewing these lies at you ?! I’ll-“ “You will gore their tongues out. You will mash them into paste .” Binghe recited faithfully , with a trace of wry humor . “ Ah Shao. We’ve talked about this before . As much as I do appreciate you coming to my defense , you don’t gain people’s respect by force . You certainly didn’t seize power to become Citadel ruler. I will have to gain their respect, if heavenly demons are ever to be accepted amongst cultivators .”

 

“It matters to me .” Shaoye scowled , he impulsively grabbed Binghe , shifting so the other could rest against his sturdy frame. “ You deserve better . So much better than those backwards outsiders . “

 

“Thanks . “ Binghe admitted , awkwardly . Even after so many years , it never failed to make him blush to have such earnest affection directed at him . “So … you alright with my decision?”

 

“Heck yeah , Binghe-ge . Don’t ya worry your pretty head n’ brilliant mind , if this is what you will really want , you got it .” -

 

“-Ge. Binghe-ge?” Shaoye’s concerned voice broke him out of the memory. They were at the sanctuary for the Heavenly demons. He had been busy writing to the Xuan region’s ambassador  who had seemed at least willing to talk and curious about the Heavenly demon race rather than totally hostile. “My liege. Sorry, I had something on my mind.” He grunted in surprise as Shaoye bumped into him gently. “Ah Shao? What’s that for?” “Nothin’.” Amber eyes opened to study him, a soft smile traced cherry red , plush lips. 

 

“I just missed ya, that’s all….N’ wanted to tell ya about the trade route. Stuff happened.”

 

At the disgruntled tone at the mention of ‘stuff’ , Binghe guessed something had come up . “Well,you’re by my side now. How about I update you on the Xuan region talks?” Shaoye relaxed instantly . It was wonderful to just talk and be in the presence of someone you trusted without question. Conversation flowed like wine as they debated , cracked jokes , sighed at what happened to the other while separated and then after they had caught up to date. Conversation stilled to a comfortable silence, of them just basking in the company of each other. 

 

“I missed your smile.” The gentle sorrow in that sonorous, bell-like voice startled Binghe.  “You were so sad , just got sadder and sadder as my right hand . I was scared, y’know. I never want us to end up like Gan Die n’ Yue Shibo. Are you happy now, doing this, though? For you ? Yourself?”  

 

“Yes.” Binghe’s fingers stopped clenching the blades of grass ,  relaxing at this realization . 

 

He full heartedly did .

 

 It was nice to just be himself , surrounded by kin , to put his mind to diplomacy . Here, he was not the heir presumptive to the heavenly demonic royalty . Not a former teenaged spy who used his body to seduce and turn the Huanhua palace master against his supporters. Not fully as the right hand of the Citadel Master , with his bloodstained hands . 

 

Just Luo Binghe . 

 

The evening sunset turned to a velvet blue sky  , the duet of frogs and cicadas that came from the foliage , signaled that dusk was fast approaching.

 

Binghe let out a little sigh , as though some great weight had been lifted off his shoulder , he placed his head on Shaoye’s shoulder . 

 

“Thank you .” 

 

“Hey . What are besties for , huh ?”

 

“That reminds me. You mentioned something coming up along the trade route  ? Did something happen ?”

 

“Uuuurgh , don’t remind me . Look I’ll tell you in the morning cuz it’s really pissing me off to even contemplate it . C’mon ! We’ve both had a tiring day . We’ll face it tomorrow ! “

--—-

<<The next day.  Grandest Manor, the room of Judgement.>>

 

“Out with it .” Shaoye growled , as the Qin sisters exchanged nervous looks , Sha Hualing looked like she had eaten a sour prune . Mingfan coughed reprovingly at this . “Ah Shao . “

 

Shaoye looked abashed at this . “ Sorry . “

 

“Don’t take it out onna us cuz cause we found out the guys who are behind this scandal. We’re family and your buddies .”

 

“Are ? There’s more than one dirty rat ?!”

 

“O’yes , dearie . “ Xiao Gongzhu drawled . “To make it frightfully succinct , a network was set up . “ She nodded at Qin Wanyue . “ Oy you . Show Lord Grumpypants the proof .”

 

“Don’t talk to my ai ren like that !” Hualing shrieked from her hidey spot behind her wife . Said ai ren rolled her eyes at this , moved to the board . Hualing , the loyal wife , also the one with high survival instincts then bolted to hide behind Mingfan . 

 

“As requested , milord . The Golden Citadel’s have been working with Lady Sha and her spy network . As you can see from this graph , we have analyzed the revenue and expenditure of all households from the Citadel and the Southern demonic isles . And have narrowed down a lot of suspicious activity of ten . Five from the northern demonic isles . Of which -“

 

“I interrogated them .” Sha Hauling grinned , teeth bared too wide . “Don’t take long for them to reveal that they were consorting with five other associates from the Citadel . Unfortunately the four I interrogated  , er , couldn’t take the rest of the interrogation process to give up the names of ‘em. “ 

 

Xiao Gongzhu pointed out the five names on each side . “The remaining and highly elusive clan from the northern demonic isles that is based alongside the five human associates suspected of slave trafficking , is the Geqiu clan . Judging from the high volume of small micro transactions he has been doing that are unlabeled and not being around when our tax officers come  knocking and making use of his dual citizenship , means he has thus far remained elusive .”

 

She paused to catch her breath before looking up . Shaoye felt ill at the dread and hatred in her eyes , not directed at him , but at the mere thought of whomever she was about to mention . 

 

“Wanyue’s spies found this however from the waste chute from the Liu household  . It’s clearly from a shredded up letter . But I think you can recognize this symbol , Ah Shao . “

 

A Yellow Lotus on a torn piece of paper , pinned on the board , stared back at the horrified audience . 

 

“-I thought that monster died long ago -“

 

“That old bastard’s still alive ?!”

 

“Bingbing’s gonna flip .” 

 

“ Who’s been on the run ? Who has had time to gather a fucking network of clowns willing to go behind him because he’s managed to pull the blinders on the righteous sects for so fucking lots ? Who has major beef with me , you and everyone allied to the Golden Citadel who took over his spot ?”

 

“ Lao Gongzhu .” Shaoye hissed .

 

The crack of stone as his fist slammed through the throne that centuries of Citadel rulers had sat on,  made everyone in the room wince .

 

He stood up .” Five rats , there are then ? “ 

 

“O’yes . “

 

He eyed one of the names , amber eyes narrowing in consideration . 

 

“I have been slacking . “ he admitted , self reprovingly . “Hmm. I was set to put out a certain new invention soon - Give me a day more to refine it , and I promise to hand out five of the prototypes to five of you . It should make the task of spying a lot easier “ Mingfan tilted his head . “Issat why y’ asked me to import several tornado wing tipped swallows and tremulous mite-mite mice ?”

 

“Is that why you asked me to bring that chunk of Crystal from the Northern Demonic isles?” Gongzhu raised an arch eyebrow . 

 

Shaoye only grinned in response  .

 

———

“Why’d you keep looking at that building?” 

 

Binghe blinks at the innocent question, eyes peeling away from the beautiful building with a dark history entwined with his own past evermore to gaze into the curious  eyes of  Qin Wanyue. After Shaoye had told him what was going on, he had instantly gone to his best friends for comfort. 

 

Lao Gongzhu ….He had pushed him as far away , as far as he could into the darkest recesses of his mind. Banished him to where all the old horrors of his past dwelt like slumbering lions. And now he was prowling around and stirring up unrest.

 

Shaoye had taken one look at him after the revelation and sharing of the strike to be done on the slave trafficking ring’s hideout, and  firmly told him to have faith in him . That Binghe was to stay in the sanctuary which was heavily warded along with Sha Hualing and Wanyue who had wanted to accompany him.

 

“… I. I guess you could say it was for a time my first home .” He settles on an innocuous half truth .

 

His first home indeed ! Lured by promises of a good job , preteen Luo Binghe had found himself enslaved in a grimy cage , starved and beaten till his spirit broke in that seemingly elegant building that had hidden all matters of horrors. Till he had escaped through the manacles keeping him enclosed to the bare ground . On the night he was to be harvested . He had gnawed at his wrist till blood slicked his already skinny wrist out of the iron clasp . The gods must have been smiling on him that night , for the sentry was dead drunk . Binghe slid past his fellow organ flowers, heart beating a mile a minute and ran out. 

 

Shortly after he was found by Ah Yi and brought to the safety of the Inner Citadel walls and had for a time closed that dark chapter of his life. 

 

Shaoye had tried for years to demolish the building . Binghe , the best friend, was touched that Shaoye cared so much . But Binghe , the former right hand to the Citadel ruler saw that unless there was something recently that was so unspeakably terrible as the last operation at Dragon’s feast, financially wise it was best to keep it as a tourist destination and that destroying it just because his right hand ‘didn’t like it’  would weaken the public’s view of Shaoye . And Binghe, Binghe would do anything to ensure Shaoye’s dream was fulfilled. Shaoye came before anything .

“Shhh, shhh. You’ve been there for me in the depths of darkness. Let me support you now.” 

 

Binghe clings to the memory of Shaoye’s scarred hands brushing through his mane the night before. He hates how weak he still gets at the mere thought of anything related to Lao Gongzhu. 

 

He could not reason the matter. He only knew that when he thought of the clasp of the Old palace master’s arms, his flesh crawled with an abhorrence greater than the fear of death. He shook his head helplessly, compelled by an impulsion more irresistible than the instinct to live even at this disgusting memory.

 

In the end, all he could do was watch and wait. 

 

He had faith in Shaoye. Shaoye would do it. 

 

—--

 

//TT, boyo. It sure is a beautiful night , tonight.//

 

[ 0W0 Huh? Sorry, did you say something, Lao Da ? ]

 

//TT. TT. I am starting to regret getting you addicted to Furious Frogs .//

 

Shaking his head and mourning the sheer additictiveness of mobile app games that TT, said faithful system had recently gotten stuck into , Dichan Shaoye sauntered onto the archway then onto the balcony of the Grandest Manor, to admire the sweeping view of the Golden Citadel. 

 

No one had ever looked out from this spot without a sense of wonder at the flourishing settlement. At the top of the hill, and the tallest building, the Grandest Manor was on the highest point , affording a panoramic view to the rest of the land that was under his rule. 

Even from this distance Shaoye could make out Dragon’s Feast , the first and oldest building of the Citadel . It encompassed twenty jade pillars and half again that number of solid Nanmu* wood that made up the architecture of the landmark. Dragon’s Feast had existed for five thousand years, since the founding of the Citadel. Its most prominent feature was a striking  spire fashioned in the intricate forms of two animals on its roof, a dragon mouth open about to feast upon a falling lamb , both cast in cast iron.  It had been constructed by Dichan Zuxian in his first year , who had been a fine architect , and it had served as the first stately residence for him and following rulers till the construction of the Inner Citadel and then the Grandest Manor. .

The sharp light of fires lighting up the streets of the grand city after dark made it seem like a golden fairyland glowing despite the darkness of night. Only cultivators would light the fires, as necessary pains in their world of being able to use Qi and converting it into influencing the environment they lived in.

This was the Golden Citadel, the city of Golden spires. Three million lived there, three million soldiers in the army , for citizens all were trained as being combat ready in some form as when he had taken rule.

Shaoye studied Dragon’s feast again , he had campaigned for its destruction for years but had been rejected duly by his exasperated council. Despite Dichan Ye bringing in and personally executing the then owners of the Dragon’s Feast , ring leaders of the organ flower business .

But.

Shaoye was not happy that the building had remained but despite all the tantrums he threw , even Ye could not destroy the building for it was voted against by the council then . Why? Because it was a historic landmark that brought in tourists. 

Even now,the council had voted in favor yearly of it being a huge landmark , and having such historic significance , the architecture craftsmanship that one simply could not destroy it.  

To the council, to the tourism industry, to the historians , this was a valuable piece of history that should be preserved. Sure, it had a black smear , as the once grand building had been used for the base of operations in more recent years as both a slave trafficking and organ harvesting base , and yeah , maybe Binghe had PTSD , survivors guilt…But the MONEY.  

To Shaoye, it was very simple. It made Binghe very sad. If it was up to Shaoye, had the council not begged Binghe ,who being the self sacrificial softie he was , pleaded to Shaoye to place his rule over Binghe’s discomfort… Dragon’s Feast would have become Dragon’s starvation , for it would have been a pile of wood and broken jade , courtesy of several Lion’s roars. 

It was a cold night , but a peaceful one. 

“Sire. We are ready.”  He nodded once before leaping off the building. The hunt had begun again. 

Soon the peace was to end. 

He had gotten the idea from the spirit eagles functioned at the ill fated conference. By having tornado wing tipped swallows and tremulous mite-mite mice trained and also  were controlled by his beast unit under the police force . By attaching to their claws and on their bodies were silver rings inlaid with a special crystal meant that wherever the spiritual beasts went , was captured within their view and uploaded to the many crystal screens set in the headquarters . There wasn’t much difference compared to modern surveillance equipment.

Spy cameras he had now and spy cameras were what had led to crack the location of that damned operation, which was held in Dragon’s rest. 

Mingfan led a contingent of armed cultivators to seal the entire area, allowing none within it to get out.  Then the operation commenced . They had struck the slavers unwary and like crabs swept away by the angry tide , there had been little to none resistance . 

After smashing in the barricaded door ,that hid away a hidden enclave , safe from the fire , within was  the mastermind , the ringleader of the entire trafficking ring .

The first thing Shaoye did once he found him  was to greet  with a fist right to his nose . 

 

“  Mr Chan, I presume ? You are under arrest for abetting in an illegal slave trade and child abuse .”  He took a minacious step forward . Chan whimpered ,back against the wall . A pair of worn boots came up to him , kicking him hard in the chest , causing a muffled shriek of pain to emit from his parched throat  . “ I’m terribly unhappy that you are bringing slavery into my Citadel again . “ The Citadel ruler’s tone darkened . “ And when I’m unhappy , Mr Chan .I can make you wish your mother took contraceptives on the night you were conceived .” 

 

He cracked his knuckles and slammed them into the stone pillars . 

 

Chan squawked in alarm as cracks appeared along the ceiling, before it promptly caved in on top of them… 

 

—-

 

“Binghe. Binghe! It may not be safe! The crack team is still down there! “ Binghe waved his pendant which was still flashing an electric glow. “Shaoye only summons me if there’s something important . I have to go to him.” 

 

“Figures that lil meow meow would give you a darn tracking device.” Hualing muttered as the three of them ran through eerily silent streets with the one source of commotion getting louder and louder. “I would follow him into hell itself if he commanded me to. “ Binghe stated , stoutly . 

 

“Yeee-yup. I know for a darn fact you definitely would like t’ follow him into his bed.” 

 

“What was that!?” 

 

Sha Hualing was saved from a lobotomy performed by the pissed Bingbork by a loud explosion. 

 

“Ah Shao? Ah Shao! “ 

 

The scene that greeted the three of them was chaos. A cloud of dust covered the surrounding vicinity of what was the remains of Dragon’s rest. 

 

“By the jade emperor , Shaoye ! Did you have to do that ?!” Mingfan demanded as he dug his irresponsible younger cousin from the wreckage . 

 

Binghe watched the once grand building that as a child he had once been trapped in , and nearly got his liver cut out from by slavers  , crumble to dust .

 

Slowly, his lips curved into a barely noticeable smile . 

 

Shaoye grinned , teeth bloody from biting into his lips . Chan was being carted off along with the rest of the survivors into a prison cart.  Lao Gongzhu loomed over this, an ever present burr in their side that was to be extracted soon. But for now, he was happy that Binghe was happy. 

“As a matter of fact , Fan Ge ? Yes .” 

—----------

 

The thing with spiders, Binghe thinks, is of the webs they spin.They hid in the shadows, scurrying out of the light , and only ever showed themselves when a suitable prey got entangled themselves in said webs. 

 

It was dawn of the next day and naturally the interrogation of the slavers was taking place as of now. So far , all but one had opened up on intel and connections they had on the kingpin on the trafficking , Lao Gongzhu . The old man, had indeed been very busy these past years as had the rest of them been.However, the ring leader wasn't talking and his mind was shadowed, beyond even the finest cuktiavtors specializing in telepathy. Shaoye had asked Binghe if he was comfortable in judging this man, andf in the case of true guilt, making him talk.

 

Binghe. Binghe was more then ready.

 

Luo Binghe was unique in that he had been a dirty street urchin who had witnessed all manner of monsters in human flesh , and later been forced into political intrigue from an early age . He had been forced into political intrigue from the time he had gone undercover at Huanhua to handling all manner of politics between nobles , of observing the posturing of the various guild leaders, to meditating in Shaoye’s stead between rivaling clans , so he had seen a lot - The good, the bad and the stupid, in the process he had learnt to profile people . He had hoodwinked Lao Gongzhu till he had accomplished his mission as a mere teenager. He has nerves of steel.

 

As of right now, they had brought him in to try this ringleader. Shaoye was compassionate , and had ordered a fair trial as he didn't want mind-melded slaves forced to play the part of slavers to receive the same punishment as those truely guilty.

 

Shaoye’s gaze is expectant. 

 

Binghe looked at the fleshbag before him and sneered. 

 

He could practically smell the guilt as well as the blood of thousands off this man. It was sickening. Quite contrary to whatever anyone thought, Binghe didn’t like hurting others. Just because he was good at torture , at extracting intel through pain and coercion didn’t mean he took joy in it. He believed in Shaoye’s belief that people were capable of changing and that chances should be given. 

 

But sometimes. 

 

Sometimes there were exceptions to the rule.

 

“Guilty, my liege.”

 

Binghe still looked up, asking guidance from the most compassionate, the kindest soul he knew -

 

Shaoye smacked his fists together in response, giving him the go ahead to go all out .

 

Only a minute under Binghe’s tender mercies , the ringleader, Chan spills the beans. 

 

—-

 

Notes:

Thank you ,Belas and Bellas , for turning in for the latest chapter! Lao Gongzhu is baaaack. Shit is gonna go dowwwwwn next week! Soooo, stay tuned! And thank y'all for you support!

---

Notes:

*Nanmu (Chinese: 楠木) is a precious wood that is unique to China and South Asia, and was historically used for boat building, architectural woodworking, furniture and sculptural carving in China. The Ming Dynasty-era writings indicate this wood as superior durable softwood. A recent excavation of a tomb in Lija village in Jing'an County, Jiangxi Province, found 47 coffins made of nanmu wood that are reported to be about 2500 years old, dating back to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty period and belongs to the Dongyi State of Xu.

The trees that produce nanmu wood are evergreens that have long, straight trunks which grows to 35 meters in height and one meter in diameter. More than 30 varieties exist, which are found south of the Yangtze River. There are also nanmu trees on Hainan Island and in Vietnam.[1] Yangmu nanmu is found in Sichuan. Zinan nanmu is found in southeast and south central China. Zinanmu nanmu is found in Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhenjiang. Zhennan nanmu is found in Guizhou and Sichuan. The finest of all the nanmu woods is Hongmao Nanmu (Phoebe hungmaoensis) from Hainan Island.

Nanmu wood comes from several species of tree, including:

Chapter 36: This Chapter Has A Cool Montage

Notes:

Bingyuan is finally, fiiiiinally getting a bump up, so uh, mmajor spoilers, oopsie-daisy. Wink-wonk, teehee ;3333333333

Shaoye is staring at the documents laid out in front of him and after the emergency council meeting .

 

He has been staring at the documents for what feels like an eternity ,  eyes bleary, crusted with tears, willing himself to work . Dried blood, not his own, is also crusted over his well worn robes of gold . 

 

The Qin sisters had taken one look at him and told him to take a rest . Well , Qin Wanrong told him he looked like a rabid red panda had mangled him ,then a horse cart had run over him and he hadn’t gotten a good night's sleep for a century , that he better get his hiney over to sleep or the dreaded mother hen called Luo Binghe would have all of the guts of the entire council for tea , for the crime of not looking after his well-being . 

 

Him being the Citadel ruler , he didn’t have such luxury to rest . Especially during such a crisis . 

 

He couldn’t rest . How could he ? He had failed Binghe , failed his settlement by overlooking the insidious tentacles of Lao Gongzhu as they slithered into his nest. He didn’t deserve to lead . 

 

You useless worthless little brat , you throw away your future on a useless fashion design degree and then prove my point on being unable to make any money off it ? 

 

Shut up ! 

 

I should have had you aborted in the womb of that useless slut before you breathed the air of this world  . You’re truly her son , all you do is scrounge off money off me-

 

Shutupshutupshutup!

He feels the effects of the very intelligent decision to skip his meals , combined with his heart thudding away like a spooked bird in a cage- He throws up water mostly , and continues dry heaving long over the pitiful remains of the foul smelling liquid .

 

His head hurts, his throat hurts ,  his eyes burn but the worst pain had to come from his damned heart itself . 

 

The table squeals in protest as he slams his fist against it , to ground himself . His teeth grind, squeaking in protest by this action. Fuckenpieceofshite-Get up . You don’t deserve to mope .You can’t mope . There’s no time to mope . 

 

….

 

Calm the fuck down . 

 

Deep breaths , asswipe . 

 

Fresh air fills his lungs . The sky is gray but tell tale ribbons of orange and pink break the monotony of predawn . The light of day was fast approaching and with it , change . 

 

How many children had been smuggled into his so-called sanctuary and drugged under Lao Gongzhu’s command before being shipped abroad to be used as tools for whatever sinister purpose their buyers wanted them for ? Shaoye feels bile rise to his throat as this  . He was an unwitting accomplice in the system that had given Binghe his trauma. He had failed . He didn’t deserve his title.

 

Shaoye forced down some water to clear the burn of bile on his throat.  

 

Chan’s confession painted a bleak picture , a growing threat that had gone on undetected for nearly a decade and which was the reason why Shaoye was so at ill ease.

 

It seemed that Lao Gongzhu had been a very busy man these past few years and had gotten a troubling upgrade along with sowing chaos .

 

….He needs advice.

————

 

The weak light of morning is soon snuffed by darkening storm clouds. It seems like it will be a rainy day. 

 

Ye was trundling a wheelbarrow through the large orchard , merrily humming away an old opera song . The vegetables had been plentiful this season. A bit further on, Furen stood, directing the other members of staff in the harvesting of the fruit trees. 

 

Shaoye loves both his parents but Ye was the one who had raised him as best as he could and the more touchy feely sort then Furen. So, it was Ye who he sought out now. The man in question had spotted him and grinned a smile so wide, so beatific , that Shaoye had to look away. 

 

“Baba.”  He really doesn’t want Furen to see him like this. Ye inclines his head at him and son follows father away from the bustle of the harvesters. 

 

Shaoye watches his father at times alternate between picking out vegetables, and weeding. 

 

He winces as Ye smashes every baby caterpillar he finds , and throws the aphids in the air , an indication for an opportunistic bird to come flying and snap up the hapless insect . 

 

“Diē!” He scowls at the booming laugh he gets in return. “Wot, m’angel?” 

 

“Do you have to kill them? The little caterpillars, the aphids?” 

 

“M’lil angel. Ach,this brings me back. I remember when yeh was a wee lil boy , n’ wanted me t’ spare the rats caught by the rat catchers. Oh, how yeh cried when I decided ter have 'em burned alive.”  Shaoye winced at the memory and at the sadness in his father’s voice, which confused him.

 

“Kindness ….It’s both your greatest strength an' your greatest weakness, m’angel. Tha' bleeding heart might well be the death o' yeh one o' these days.” 

 

“How can that be both strength and weakness?” 

 

“Those rats I had incinerated so many years ago. D'you know why ah ascribed such a gruesome death ter 'em? “ Shaoye shook his head. “They tested positive for the Roiling Obsidian Plague.” Shaoye tensed at the name. 

 

The Roiling Obsidian Plague was in fact a demonic variant of fungus that leeched off the soul and then the body of the host , giving them powers of demonic. It was incurable, and the only way to do away with it was in early stages and with fire, a purifying agent.

 

Had Ye spared the rats , it would have led to the human populace becoming infected. Shaoye who had been so distraught over the decision and the orders for cultivators to set out and destroy the local rat population, promising handsome rewards, that he had blanked out the incident at large. 

 

“Your kindness was how yeh saved your friends , yeh bring out the bes' in people who wan' ter be changed. But , m’angel . Not everyone can be saved. “

 

 “Everyone deserves a chance. Everyone has the potential to change.”

 

Ye pauses, then scowls. Shaoye peers over his father’s head to see what caused him such anger. 

 

There was a nasty black stain on the beautiful leaves of the plant . “Varmint. Danged festering blight.” He plucks out the leaves of the plant , burning them before they drop to the ground, then quirks an eyebrow at Shaoye. “Ain’t cha gonna stop me from killing the blight?” “Dad,it’s gonna ruin the rest of the harvest if you let it be-” Shaoye choked as his own words hit him. 

 

They stood there in silence, before the former Citadel ruler embraced his son. 

 

“ Sometimes, you just can’t change some things . It’s their nature .  “ He says , voice oddly gentle as Shaoye shakes in his arms.” M’ lil Angel . Some people are just born evil .” 

 

———-

 

“Are you fuckin’ insane?!” Gongzhu’s shriek can be heard from the ground floor. 

 

“What were you thinking?! If you were even thinking!  Binghe as Citadel ruler ?! Do you know how much pressure that will put him under ?! An’ he’s got zero interest in the role. But you n’ I know he’ll accept it anyway because he would pull the fuckin’ stars from the sky if it’ll make you happy!” 

 

She paced the room thrice before turning to him , still utterly furious.

 

 “You’re dead lucky you didn’t tell him or I’m sure he will snap faster than a dead fucken’ dead twig during a typhoon , lil meow meow !! “ 

 

By now , Shaoye was starting to realize that the temptation to install Binghe as Citadel ruler and to leave the post he had held for the better part of nearly a decade , may not be exactly a good thing nor something that Binghe himself would desire . 

 

That this so-called proposal was more of a selfish urge to assuage his own guilt over what had happened . 

 

That he was running away in reality from the fact he would have to put his foot down and order for a kill on sight for Lao Gongzhu . 

 

“ Please tell me that you haven’t announced this fucking asswipe of a decision to the damn , fucken council .” The lavender clad woman declared, massaging her brow. 

 

The Citadel bell tower had started ringing around one in the morning . Gongzhu who had leapt out of bed , was disgusted to find wards put up to defend all the Citizens within their home from any dangers.

 

She didn’t need protecting, it was her enemies that needed protecting from HER.  

 

Then, when finally, when the wards had lifted, and she had raced off to get some answers, imagine her getting this cheerful message from the source itself! 

 

He shook his head meekly to which she deflated in relief . “ Thank the fucking gods for the little sense that you do have . But , when will you start to have a sliver of confidence in yourself? “ She glared at him , eyes hard. “ Ye doesn’t seem the abusive daddy type but …Out with it, if he so laid his fists on you or verbally abused you in any way as a mite or even now , I’ll tear his throat out with my own fuckin’ teeth!” 

 

“Aaawwwww, you do care about me! “ Shaoye teased - Before gulping as she showed him a fist. “If the only way to show you how loved you are is by pounding it into your tiny brain with my fists , then get ready to be ‘cared’ for a whole bunch! “ 

 

“Awwwwwk!” He squawked as she took a menacing step towards him . “Alright, alright! It was stupid of me! I know!-.”

 

She hefted her chin at him. 

 

“-I,If I had paid closer attention. I could have spotted them . The slavers , Lao Gongzhu . So many people suffered because of one miscalculation .” Shaoye’s hands have stitched countless articles of clothing.

 

 They are rough, hewn with scars , but sturdy and strong like their owners. They have saved countless lives, injured many with deadly precision…And right now they were shaking. 

 

Gongzhu has both beaten Shaoye many times in a few brawls to smack sense into him, she has also hugged him both when he was both joyous and in sorrow. She has been there along with Binghe. 

 

She will be there for him come what may. 

 

She reaches out, grabs him and pulls him against her. Shaoye stills, then like a dam breaking, he breaks down in her arms, sobbing so hard that it seems he was having a fit.

 

Xiao Gongzhu holds him tight. 

 

“You didn’t screw up. Life has an unfortunate habit of punting a huge bucket of steaming shit at us when we least expect it. Come on, you’re but one Shaoye . You were negotiating a truce  between two warring political factions AND handling trade and ensuring things were running in your country. Look, if you wanna blame yourself, you gotta blame everyone on the council then . Especially the head of security.”

 

“But, he is an old man-” “He’s being paid to do a job, Shaoye. A job which he failed even to detect. This is an experienced council member who has been there since your father’s time. Has anyone told you that you carry far too much shit that ain’t meant to be on yer shoulders ? Cuz ya fuckin’ do. N’ one day it’s gonna put ya in an early grave.” 

 

Shaoye sniffles once again, and sags against her like  a clump of bedraggled cat that had crawled inside a house from a storm. 

 

“It’s always darkest before dawn.” She soothes. “This ain’t over, Shaoye. We can turn this round. C’mon. If you give up now, Lao Gongzhu would have won. Do you really want that?”

 

 “Fuckin’ hell no.”

 

“Good. So…We good , then?”

 

In response, he shifts all of his weight on her to show that the ol’ Dichan Shaoye was back in action- Pissed, ornery and ready to kick slaver butt. 

 

She then of course kicks him. Hard . On his butt.

 

“Now quit mopin’ about, Lil meow meow. Go see that old bag at my place . He might have some ideas on how to deal with another piece of shit . ”

 

“I wish you wouldn't call Gan Die that.”

—---

 

<<Nu Yuan Clan. The Cultivational world’s current jail.>>

 

Shen Qingqiu’s face was as infuriatingly placid as the stillest pond hidden away in the most isolated of bamboo forests even after Shaoye forced out every hiccuping word , feeling nothing but an abject failure before his mentor. 

 

The softhearted Yue Qingyuan who was next to him , albeit in a different booth , was a different  story . “ It’s not your fault , Shaoye . Please don’t blame yourself .” 

 

“ Don’t coddle him . He’s an adult now and a leader .” Shen Qingqiu snapped .

 

“ He’s your godson . “ The other disapproved . “ We are in private now .” 

 

 Shen Qingqiu snorted but didn’t disabuse the notion either . His eyes held no condemnation, only expectation when beholding the shaken Shaoye . 

 

“ There’s no point crying over spilt milk . What is done , is done. What is most important is that you have to deal with this issue as soon as possible . If this was something that happened to Tianlang-Jun for example , how would you advise him to deal with it ?”

 

Shaoye didn’t even hesitate . “ I would call him an overconfident , lousy excuse f’r a ruler whose head is so high up his a-“ “ Asides for pointing out what an abject failure he is based on your own biased prejudice over his handling of Luo Binghe?” Shen Qingqiu queried , patiently . 

 

The youth pouted . “ Go on the offensive after making a public system to batter down the hatches so as to speak . Increase patrols and raids for possible other slaver rings . Replace the officers in charge of the breach , appoint new officers with good records in place . Then I would advise him to hunt down Lao Gongzhu at the same time .” 

 

“I notice you don’t continuously harp on Tianlang-Jun’s failure if he had found such a conundrum foisted upon him , like you do to yourself .” Shen Qingqiu decided . 

 

Shaoye found himself not being able to hold the all too knowing gaze of his godfather . 

 

“You’re kind to everyone but yourself , godson .” Shaoye stared at his feet . This has been the fourth time someone had pointed out that he treated himself like dirt . 

 

At last , the retired Peak lord sighed . “ This , like your kind heart, is a weakness of yours . Enemies may exploit it . But I sense worry from you as well . Humour this one , godson . Why do you fret so much about facing down that wizened nobody ?” 

 

“I’m terrified, cuz that means sooner of later I will have to face down Lao Gongzhu and I’m not sure if I can do that -“

 

“ Stop that train of thought  .” Shen Qingqiu hissed , emerald eyes flashing .  “ Look up at me , now .” 

 

Despite his own trepidation, Shaoye  obeyed . 

 

“The last time I checked, a King cowers before no rat. You were born of a clan of warriors , it would do you well to remember that . “

 

Narrowed eyes as green as the darkest woods of ancient bamboo held terrified orbs of honey-brown. Thin lips curl back , baring teeth . 

 

“If  he threatens you with battle, you raise him a whole war.”

—-

[ 0w0 You’ll be fine, Lao Da! You’re super brave ! ] At present , Shaoye stood at the door to Binghe’s private quarters , next to him, unseen to all, floated his faithful system.

 

// Aw shucks, TT. I’m glad you’re with me though!//

 

[ But you know Binghe ! 0-0 I don’t see why you’re so nervous, La Da!]

 

// Because of what I’m about to tell him. Wish me luck, TT!//

—---

Binghe made it abundantly clear that he would not rest easy till Shaoye had drunk a full cup of milk and ate a bowl of light congee in front of him before he would hear his thoughts. At present they were in Binghe’s private quarters , being served an early breakfast at the protagonist’s insistence after traveling back from visiting his godfather. 

 

Shaoye ate and drank as fast as possible, all the while dreading how Binghe would react to the news . But it was from Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan’s relationship that the pair swore not to model theirs off. Anything, no matter how unsavory or how sad it was, they would let each other know and they would support each other through it. That was their policy and the key to their friendship . Thus far it hadn’t failed them.

 

Oddly enough, it was him that broke down crying again while Binghe comforted him, stroking his head just like when they were just children again. 

 

“Oh, young master.”  

 

“What’re we going to do, Binghe-ge?” He hiccuped miserably , as the enormity of what lay ahead , of what had been growing undetected, festering like a rotten wound that they had to face , hit him . 

 

“The same thing we always do when life throws a problem our way. We plan, and rise to meet it.” His former right hand man stated firmly, voice a soothing purr. Slowly, the young ruler raised his head to meet kind obsidian orbs that held not a trace of judgment. 

 

“You really think I can do this, don’t you?” Shaoye whispered in slow growing amazement. 

 

“Because it’s you. You’re you. You always find a way. “ Shaoye sniffled , as Binghe carded his hands through his hair. “

 

An hour more it was till the talks began, an hour more of time they had together. 

 

Shaoye just leaned against Binghe, who laced their hands together , and there, they sat quietly , watching the sun creep higher and higher in the sky, casting her golden rays and chasing away the shadows of the night. 

—-----------

 

The great hall was filled with dignitaries, seasoned veterans and strategists . Shaoye had sent out an emergency call to every ally , every state, everyone who was someone to come , with an important note that there was to be no fighting at his citadel. For, he had also invited the demonic kingdom as well. Zhuzhi-Lang ,representing the heavenly demonic emperor, made his way as well as Lord Mobei-Jun , and  of course, sitting there, right in the inner circle was Lady Sha Hualing who ruled over the Southern demonic isles. 

 

It spoke volumes of how respected and how powerful the Golden Citadel had grown in the decades that none present started anything with the demonic kingdom , or when Lao Gongzhu’s more recent transgressions were revealed.

 

Lao Gongzhu, it was found out , had been gathering an army of desperate and greedy mercenaries, and had managed to do dealings with both  demons , human nobles and corrupt cultivators .  

 

No one here supported slavery , none looked happy of Lao Gongzhu’s methods of keeping his slaves ‘docile’ that he had been preying upon everyone here. He had fingers in all of their pies ,so as to speak. And worse of all…

 

“I’m sorry.” Zhuzhi-lang enquired, a mild panic on his face , “What did you say he has become , again?”

 

“Half-demon.” Shaoye reported grimly, hands steepled together, his face impassive . Binghe and Minbgfan flanked him, their faces equally serene.  “As seen in the reports gathered by intelligence , Lao Gongzhu has demonstrated powers that scream he no longer practices righteous cultivation nor demonic cultivation even, but powers that infect their host , that he acts through like a queen bee would corral their workers. This is how he managed to outwit us , undetected for so long despite all our efforts to hunt him down.” 

 

He looked around as whispered discussions took place. His parents, who were in the corner of the veterans , the unaligned but powerful martial artists or rogue cultivators of note , looked equally disturbed . 

 

Shaoye bowed his head down before looking up, eyes hard. “We have unfortunately no idea how he managed such a feat, anyone with knowledge here is welcome to enlighten us. “

 

The present Qiong ding peak lord bit her lips , of all here, she had the least amount of experience ruling and it would seem, knowledge .

 

 “Senior Yue would know…But he never mentioned it and as you all know , the generation prior to ‘Qing’ destroyed all of the texts pertaining to demonic cultivation or regarding demons, really. “ And as everyone knew , Yue Qingyuan had been jailed alongside Shen Qingqiu , and both were presently awaiting trial . 

 

“It is a shame.” Wu Chen , who was representing Zhao Hua temple, stated sadly. “But don’t feel too bad, O’sect ruler of the Cang Qiong mountain sect. There was mass destruction of any texts pertaining to demons , prior to our generation due to the last war between  demons and cultivators .” 

 

Zhuzhi Lang looked equally frustrated . “ Demons tend to keep their history alive through oral storytelling , through songs , and most of which is about conquest but of this ... I’m sorry , there definitely isn’t such a song that may aid us .”

Many similar mutterings were heard throughout till a polite cough came.

 

“I might be able to aid you on this.” Furen shrugged, sashaying to the front. No one dared say anything, but dark looks of disdain were shot at the retired demonic cultivator. With a wave of her hands, a scroll flew out of her Qiankun pouch. She bit her finger, and freed the scroll with a swipe of her blood across the seal keeping it closed.

 

Everyone leaned forward , gaping at the shocking contents. 

 

<<The Dark Compendium. Entry 100. How a human can become a demon.>>Stated the entry that was clearly written in dried blood.  

 

Below it was a horribly graphic picture of a human man stretching open a gaping self-inflicted wound and allowing a horde of demons to enter his body .

 

More text was inscribed below it . Shaoye squinted. Mingfan was making retching noises . Binghe was speed reading , looking disgusted as he took it all in :

 

“You have to be in possession of enough hate and lust and resolve  to attract a demon or two of the lower castes . Then you may offer yourself up . To gain the powers of the demonic , to become a half demon , you should grow your hatred , strengthen your resolve of this path you are determined to go upon and ensure you attract at least fifty demons of varying sorts , no high level ones ,for this to be pulled off . 

 

When you have obtained the attention of fifty lower caste demons  , you may proceed with the ceremony . Of which you will cut yourself , deep enough to pierce the rib cage and expose the heart and lungs . The blood and your resolve should be enough to attract the demons into a frenzy and proceed with the conversion . Keep a steady mind above all even as they enter or you will be overtaken and the conversion will be a failure . By the end of it, you would have obtained the night and powers of all the demons who have entered your body and have become a half demon who can go against a high ranking demon or any high ranked righteous cultivator . “

 

Furen then resealed her scroll , rolled her eyes at the aghast looks of all seated .

 

“ Oh , calm down , you lot , It very rare for soul so black , to attract a swarm .Lao Gongzhu is just …Special that way ,”

 

Furen strode over to the board . “ In order for a human to even become a half demon , they have to have a pitch black , utterly wicked soul that is clouded by lust , it can be a lust for power . A lust for another . A lust for some kind of object , basically . And they have to be utterly desperate .”

 

Binghe shifted uncomfortably as he processed this message . Shaoye noticed this and gave their interlocked hands a comforting squeeze of comfort .

 

Shang Qinghua was fairly shaking, but in utter disbelief and rage . Even Mobei-Jun, whom he sat next to ,  looked concerned . 

 

“ But it doesn’t make sense ! “ he squeaked , furiously , wildly gesticulating . “ In order to share your soul , true it does give you unparalleled ability - That rivals even a heavenly demon the more you consume other demons and humans of particular wickedness , but~!” 

 

Everyone waited as he sputtered and flailed . Shang Qinghua , like Shaoye was …. Different . Everyone assembled here has observed they had the oddest ability to utter arcane facts and historical tidbits that were unknown to people or even seemingly foretell the locations of holy or unholy precious artifacts or the coming of events - Be it heaven ordained or natural disaster . 

 

Shang Qinghua finally got his emotions under control , enough to proclaim .” -But it robs you of your humanity.  It consumes you if you fail just once to mentally overpower them . He has got to be absolutely stupid and desperate to attempt this ! “

 

“ Funny , Shidi . I never got the impression Lao Gongzhu had any humanity to begin with . “ Qi Qingqi drawled . This brought forth a smattering of laughter . Even though Shang Qinghua had ‘betrayed’ his peak lord siblings by shortly after his retirement going to work for a demon lord , but due to his affable nature and sheer charisma , the man was greeted nicely by his former martial siblings .

 

Shaoye really didn’t want to comment on the difference in treatment given to Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua .   He loved both of them , he really did and yes , what his godfather had done was far graver than Shang Qinghua just going off and working under Mobei-Jun after his retirement . But …. Part of him just couldn’t help comparing . 

 

Yes , part of him will forever be bitter over this. 

 

Liu Qingge grunted brusquely . “ Humpf . So then I presume that the answer is to separate this foul creature from the demons within and he will be rendered quite helpless . How do we go about this task if it is even possible ?”

 

This cynical query was like pouring a gallon of cold water on the rest of the audience .

 

“It can be done .”

 

Binghe, calmly as ever , made his way down to the podium . Many were the eyes that gawked at him , for as the years passed , it seemed he grew more and more breathtakingly gorgeous . 

Luo Binghe’s beauty was not altogether human — like the dream of a god, chiseled out of living marble, clad always in otherworldly white . But what came out of his mouth was down to earth , frank in its honesty and practical . 

“First priority is to track him down and catch him as soon as our top priority rather than just a mere fancying  . No if’s , no buts . “ He took stock of the Counsel here . “ Sir Shang , Sir Mobei , Sha Hualing . I would propose that you three will lead a team. The goal ? To develop a fail safe to separate the horde from Lao Gongzhu along with Sirs Lin , Yong ,  Lady Qin - Wanyue  who will take care of the research effort made on the invention . “

 

Binghe grimly pointed to the drawing board that showers reports of the last and most frequent sightings of where Lao Gongzhu had been were affixed to. 

 

“These are his favorite hiding spots . Thus we will also draw upon Lady Qin Wanrong and the Citadel Master to sniff him out and expand their spy network . “

 

He gave a respectful head bow in Liu Qingge’s direction . 

 

“If our esteemed ally, Sir Liu ,will be kind enough , I propose he be placed with General Mingfan and they both will head and spearhead entire armies to be able to  fend against the man . This includes protection arrays powerful enough to stand against him . We must never forget that while his capture is important , preventing the deaths of the innocent lives we all guard is of the utmost importance . Meanwhile the Demonic kingdom ,we would appreciate it if they continued their crackdown on finding out as many of Lao Gongzhu’s contacts as possible on their end .“ 

 

Binghe considered some variables before he went on . 

 

“Dichan Shaoye , I should think , would be in charge of once the purifying agent is out , to ensure the creation of a holy armor for the forces , meanwhile he shall continue to ensure the trade route has no further disruptions along with acting Trade Minister and acting monarch of the Southern demonic isles -  Jiuzhong-jun. He shall oversee law , trade , public relations , and innovation .  He will be joined and assisted by the current board of ministers .This , is what I would propose to end this scourge .”

 

As expected , admiring murmurs broke out . Binghe might no longer have the protagonist halo but he still commandeered the hearts and minds of the people . He made something seemingly so insurmountable , broken down into something achievable to be worked against . 

 

Zhuzhi-lang’s eyes sparkled . “ That sounds quite achievable .” 

 

Even Liu Qingge looked fairly impressed . “ It is a shame you weren’t placed in my Baizhan peak .” He remarked . This coming from the frosty and acerbic former peak lord ,was high praise , especially given that Binghe’s half demon heritage had been revealed .

 

Shaoye grinned, not bothering to hide his relief . “ Well , there you go . We definitely will tweak it later down the line , but all in favor of this plan thus far ?”

 

A series of shouts voicing agreement sounded . Not a single one had disagreed after an official tally was done . A joint agreement was shortly thereafter signed by all present , to input manpower , resources and to pool all their knowledge to curb this threat . 

 

It was ironic but Lao Gongzhu has oddly enough done the opposite of what he intended to do , and united the cultivational realm and the demon realm .

 

—-------------

 

A month in and Wanrong’s team had managed to track Lao Gongzhu’s rat-hole. Shaoye was pleased with the progress made , though he was frustrated when revelation of where the operations were ongoing-

“R & D has come up with a solution to separate the horde from Lao Gongzhu. It’s part infusion of holy water , part tears of the Golden Bladed Phoenix of Lanchau and tears of the First Heavenly demon. Mobei Jun’s tracking team has also located Lao Gongzhu’s hidey hole. He’s holed up at Jinlan city.” Binghe let out an angered hiss at this. 

“The same Jinlan city that is under Liu Mingyan?” The Cang Qiong Mountain sect’s peak lords all took care of the region under them, dividing the region into twelve sections. Jinlan always fell under Baizhan. Shaoye said a silent prayer for the death of his favorite pairing at Binghe’s furious expression. 

Goodbye , Yanhe. TT___TT 

Goodbye to the first wife of the harem . Goodbye to the cute little bebe that they both had who miiiiiight have been the protagonist in that epilogue of the final, final cluster fuck of PIDW! 

“....Yes.”

“The same Jinlan city…That she was supposed to check and be ready for anything untoward going on there ... .This could have been dealt with?! Long ago ?!” 

The windows above their heads rattled with each enraged shriek let out by the half demon  . 

“........Please don’t head over and kill her painfully, Gege.” 

“ Lucky for her , we have a crisis ongoing, no thanks to HER lack of actions. “ Binghe seethed . “But , after this is all over?  That’s a whole new ball game!”

 “N’ You will. Yes, you are going to kill her so good! “ Shaoye soothed , frantic . “But yannow, how goes talks with the Demonic realm?”

Binghe rolled his eyes in reply. “-Yipes.What’d yer old pops do ?” “I think it would be better to say what he ISN’T doing. If that Su Xiyan wasn’t alive and thus making Tianlang-jun single, I would think to introduce Liu Mingyan to another lazy good for nothing. Due to my being his biological son , the demonic nobles have been coming to me for advice on various problems regarding clashes with imposing human clans and the  recent instability in our world.”

From what Shaoye gleaned from the frustrated Binghe, unlike the sects which operated with a mix of democracy and fiefdom , the demonic realm’s power was a combination of fiefdom and monarchy.  

Shaoye had to admit , try as he might, the average joe in this world and time period clung to any bit of stability. Though the Citadel was touted as a meritocracy , even he had to admit that how he had come into power was also due to the general public’s opinion to pick a Dichan with sense over new blood due to the founder being a Dichan. 

So, he could see how Tianlang-jun had retained his crown and why those demonic nobles scrambled to find Binghe for guidance when Tianlang-jun proved to be largely ineffective. 

He didn’t like it, but he could see why.

“You need help getting ‘em offa ya back?” Binghe smiled but shook his head. They moved off into the courtyard of the where the Heavenly demons were housed. 

It was a cool evening. The wind blew from the north-west with such peace and energy together as to call up the image of a good giant striding along with superb gestures - like those of a sower sowing. The wind blew and the evening sun shone gold over the land of the Golden spires. The myriad roofs laughed together in the light. 

Many of the heavenly demons were out , also enjoying the fine weather. The pair found a spot under a large tree, where they sat down to converse. 

“I appreciate the thought , but it actually has been rather eye-opening. I’ve been privy to the inner workings of the demonic court, and it is always good to have the respect and sway of the gentry especially in these times.” Shaoye had to admit that his faithful right hand was right. Due to his work with the Demon realm, even the nobles had opened up the inner workings and could be called on for favors in return for Binghe’s work .

The evening sun made Shaoye’s eyes melt into golden rays, circling an eclipse. There’s nothing boring about brown eyes, Binghe thinks.Not even when the later hours encroach…They just turn into a sunset of their own.

"What's your favorite color?" Shaoye asks Binghe . “You sleep at the sanctuary as of late. The nights get chilly here. I’ll knit you a blanket .”

He looked at those petal lips, rosy cheeks and those glittering eyes. "Brown," He whispers. 

"Brown ? That’s, uh , cool . Like honey and wood?" Shaoye shrugs.

No , brown like your eyes . Binghe thinks . Every speck of amber in your eyes is my favorite. I didn't have a favorite color till I saw your eyes. But he just smiles and replies  "Yes , Shaoye, brown like honey and the mahogany of oak." Smiles back at his amber eyed boy.

There came a high pitched warbling. Elder Yan was approximately several hundred years old but looked a fetching youth albeit the pointed ears , teeth as well, gave away his origins.

With his sparkling eyes of the night, the same slightly sad dimple to his grin , and fluffy hair, Binghe and he were clearly related. Binghe had taken a liking to the designated leader of the group, as did the elder who saw Binghe was a much beloved younger brother despite being his descendant. 

Binghe made the same high pitched , bird-like warble back . It was nice, Shaoye decided, seeing the protagonist having family of his own that cared for him back. 

Yan tossed his head about thrice, allowing Binghe to plant a kiss on each cheek, then on his forehead. 

Binghe then tossed his head from side to side, allowing for the same greeting back.

Shaoye smiled at this sight. Ay, it was how Sha Hualing’s introducing Binghe in the original PIDW that cemented her as the spicy wife, for while it was custom for demons to kiss their loved ones , or friends on the cheek as a greeting and farewell. The spiciest wife of the harem , cemented her role when she boldly kissed Binghe during a fortuitous reunion down in the abyss , and gave him tongue. And that was their just first meeting after three years! 

The elder heavenly demon garbled something at Shaoye . When the smaller man struggled to decipher , the elder looked back and forth and puckered his lips .

“Elder Yan asks why you’re not…Not kissing me goodbye as per custom between close allies.” Binghe stated , looking oddly bothered and embarrassed. Shaoye elected not to show any discomfort. “Oh yah! Silly me. It’s awfully rude of me!” “You-You really don’t have to do it because of Heavenly demon customs-” “Ach, c’mere ya big lug! Whatta besties for? ” 

It was then and there that fate intervened, changing the trajectory forever.

There was a puddle of water of which Shaoye slipped as he came charging over like a rampaging bull, lips comically puckered like a fish’s. And rather than Binghe’s cheek, it was petal soft lips that seared across the youth’s lips.

In that moment as their lips met, Binghe felt as though a touch of fire being imprinted on his lips left by Shaoye , a kiss more burning than the red-hot flames of a wildfire.

Shaoye stumbled back. They both gazed at each other . Binghe cracked a weak smile, shaking off his young master’s weak apologies.

That night, Binghe goes to bed dreaming of eyes that  hold specks of stolen sunlight,that you’d miss with just one glance. Of  full and pillowy lips  which he longed to trace along the sweet outline where skin met mouth, with his own. 

Needless to say, he didn’t get any sleep that night.

Nor did one Dichan Shaoye.

—------

 

Notes:

Thank you ,Belas and Bellas , for turning in for the latest chapter! Love is starting to blossom, Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan are retired honorary parents ...Next chapter brings a battle , Soooo, stay tuned! And thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 37: Where's The Comedic Relief When You Need Them

Summary:

This chapter in which Binghe continues to be the best malewife ever and prove his weight in gold. I might've fangirled a little writing his parts. Sorry I've not been answering the lovely comments, my dad recently was hospitalized for a fractured arm and I've been caring for him through rehab. You guys are awesome , and thank you so mmuch for your support! Hope y'all likie this chappy and the next one! ;333

The morning star  glittered coldly in the night sky ; the silence of the dark autumn dawn was only broken by the infrequent rumbling of wheels upon the frosty ruts, and the crop, crop of the ponies as carts were driven past .

 

A group of cloaked demons and cultivators combed the forest before advancing to search for their target evidently not here . 

 

Lord Mobei-Jun, the dread blizzard of the demonic realm , grimly followed Shang Qinghua and Lady Sha Hualing, the crimson wrath of the below. 

 

Three known high profile and powerful allies of the Golden Citadel heading a battalion of trackers and hunters to search down Lao Gongzhu’s ill begotten nest . They were relentless , they were a strong team . And while it proved an arduous , painstaking task , merely a month after being sent out , they found what they had been looking for  . 

 

—

 

“Ready, princess?”

 

“Kitten, kitten. Who’re you talking to?”  The young leader of the Nu Yuan clan sighed lazily, as she twirled her blade, catching it with effortless ease. “I have been waiting for this day for a very long time.” 

 

They stood at a cliff.The rose of dawn had given place to high sun and a cloudless blue - a blue so vivid that the crystallized boughs against it had a strange, unearthly splendor. As soon as the tracking team sent out had located the first quarry, the offensive team had gone out. 

 

They are at the fore of a massive army that surrounded Jinlan. Mingfan and the Qin sisters were talking quietly nearby , Gongyi xiao was stationed at the medic corps who were ready to receive the wounded from the battle, Qiu Haitang and Qi Qingqi stood a little ways further from them , sharing a private moment before shit hit the fan. Sha hualing was busy sharpening her blade , laughing at some joke Shang Qinghua had made while Mobei-jun rolled his eyes. 

 

Extra care had been taken not to rouse suspicion , as such, a massive cloaking array had been erected to disguise the presence of the troops . 

 

“Good.” 

 

Gongzhu gazed warily at her best friend . “You’ve been awfully cagey since the last visit with Bingbing. Did something happen ?” 

 

“..................Mmkwissedimonnaacidnet.”

 

“What? Speak up, lil meow meow, time’s a-wastin!!”

 

“I said, I kissed him! On! Accident!”

 

“.....On accident?”

 

“Yeah!  Ya know the demonic custom of kissing your friends n’ family bye, right? Well, I kiiinda slipped into a puddle while I was goin’ for giving him a peck on his cheek n’ kissed him accidentally on his lips.” 

 

A silence followed this exchange before the Nu Yuan clan head looked at him, eyes narrowed. “....Lemee guess. You right now are discovering you like-like him more than a good sworn brother, mm-yeah? You are suddenly assailed by thoughts of how good looking the Binghe-ge is! How fuckin’ soft his lips are, an’ a-like , hmmmm?? And now you have nooooooooooooo idea why and how come you are having such thoughts and why the thought of trying to set up dates for Binghe , to ‘more deserving people who are of rich , powerful backgrounds and are smoking hot ‘ is now causing you distress, mmmmmmmmmm??”

 

“Princess. Are you psychic? Holy crap! You never told me!” 

 

“.....………………..You seriously think I’m actually fuckin’ psychic.????” 

 

At his wide eyed gormless stare, she gnashed her teeth. 

 

“Bestie. Congratu-fuckin’-lations. I, fuckin’ hand over a trophy called” You be fuckin’ DEMISEXUAL” You have fina-fuckin’-lly realized that you have ROMANTIC feelings for the Binghe. Who has been having a fucking crush on you since fuuuuuckin’ forever.  Anything fuckin’ ringing in that lil brain of yours yet?” 

 

“....N-no way,man.Binghe definitely likes hot g-girls… “ “......URGH. We are SO having a talk after we deal with the ancient pile of garbage, okay?! Let us focus on kickin’ wrinkly ass.”

 

“Right. Right! “ And with that, he shot a blazing flare of qi towards the sky , stopping short of the cloaking array. It was the signal to all assembled to move.

 

The battle had officially begun. 

—-----

 

 The stories reverberate from the Jianghu , down to Golden Citadel  all the way to lofty Cang Qiong. The young Citadel ruler who rose to glory at the fore of a gathered army that trapped the dread Lao Gongzhu . 

Lao Gongzhu , who had become , through the darkest of rituals, became a half demon. The battle was hard fought. 

Lao Gongzhu , who had managed through his dread powers managed to corrupt, brainwash an army of stolen tools of loyal drones of which was nearly double the number of the gathered army sent to strike the old spider down , but the Citadel ruler , with the aid of the powerful allies he had gathered, flailed Lao Gongzhu’s mind branded slaves and managed to bring out the old fox himself.

Eye witnesses describe wide-eyed to their equally enraptured audience of the flames, the fire, the sheer raw power reverating through the air as Shaoye took his place at the front of the battle, his loyal allies at his side as he charged into the fore. 

Dichan Zuxian reborn , people whisper. 

Other stories , however, were of the terrified cultivators who dropped their weapons once the antidote to break the dread mind brand that Lao Gongzhu had forced on them, had been administered . The scars that marred their faces , the tang of absolute fear that ran through them as they asked them if the Monster who had stolen them from their families was truly gone-

. There had been a mass evacuation , the citizens of Jinlan had quietly been moved out gradually months prior to the strike . They had been greatly alarmed and relieved that Lao Gongzhu, while on the run now , posed no serious threat now. The danger he had posed at the height of his ill begotten powers , both as the head of the trafficking operation had all of them in terror , especially at how close he had been hiding undetected by local authorities. Right now ….

“- Dichan Shaoye bound him with the blessed thread . “ Recounted a veteran to his eager audience, in one of the many taverns of Jinlan city . It was a full house, many of the residents had returned back, to help in rebuilding . Jinlan had received the worst of the aftershock , but many had returned home to rebuild and to celebrate that they had mostly managed to escape such a threat. 

“-Lady Xiao Gongzhu, head of the Nu Yuan clan , then cleaved him in half - The concentrated , simultaneous strike and fallback from destroying the old dragon could be heard throughout the lands. -“ 

“They have still not finished counting the bodies of the dead, on either side! “

“-Ahem! Let one finish, will you? Where was I?! Anyway, it turns out that it turns out that Lao Gongzhu split himself into three copies.And the one they had killed was the first of them .“

“Three copies?! Wait, so are these clones or fakes-”

“No. No. Listen to me explain fully, eh?!” The speaker snapped before continuing. “Lao Gongzhu, having obtained demonic powers through offering his heart and body to countless low level demons , used it to split himself into three.Two ‘copies’ are in fact detachments from his body, the third and last one is his true,mortal body and weakens each time the first two are slain. To put it this way….

...Think of it as him, through a miscellany of his various demon and human parts, dividing each of himself into three parts. The first copy which was just defeated by the alliance contains the majority of his demonic power , the second copy is extremely powerful, is extremely calculative and has his golden core , the third and final is the one ….”

The speaker left it hanging in the air. An incredulous silence. Then the same interrupter spoke what was on everyone’s mind. 

“...That has the true heart and remnants. ”

At the speaker’s nod of confirmation , the room burst into excited discussion once more.

“ But that’s seriously stupid, in the long term for Lao Gongzhu! After the two copies are killed, he would be left just a pithy mortal shell. He won’t even be able to cultivate anymore!” The interrupter declared incredulously.

The speaker smirked. “Ay. Lao Gongzhu should be a warning lesson to all cultivators on the dangers of falling to our base desires. It was a pyrrhic victory for him and a waiting game till he’s eventually caught and killed.”

“The Citadel ruler and the Nu Yuan clan leader are gunning for his head , Dichan Ye and Tianlang-jun are heading the second campaign on him .” A vegetable seller gossiped with malicious glee to which the speaker beamed.

“Good! Hey, everyone! Another round on me ! To that old sonuvabitch’s eventual capture! “

“Huzzah! Huzzah!”

—---

Of the Allied army, which comprised the Nu Yuan clan, the Golden Citadel , and the Demonic empire, it had been decided that Shaoye and Gongzhu were to go out for the final two copies of Lao Gongzhu’s. It would showcase to the cultivational world that the Citadel under Shaoye had a great militia and bringing in such a threat would finally see the Citadel definitely recognized as a great settlement. Binghe didn't like it, but he understood.

Since Shaoye was away at tracking , Binghe was put to running the Citadel in his and Mingfan’s stead for the latter being the Minister of security meant he was incharge of the army. 

Ye was initially offered the role of being temporarily reinstated, but he declined, wanting to spend more time with his wife and family. As such, the hat had fallen to Binghe who reluctantly , and only after being reassured he was only helping Shaoye and he would be guided by Ye himself , did he accept.

The only form of contact Binghe with Shaoye was through mail and not one day passed that he did not miss having Shaoye's warmth by his side.

On top of all this....

There was so definitely a god up there who delighted in raining on his parade . 

Shaoye has of late been waxing poetic about how pretty and capable the Baizhan peak lord was in the letters to him . Binghe would gnash his teeth inwardly at how kind his Ah Shao was to continuously forgive that ingrate and keep his friendship with that Liu Mingyan.

Her beauty was such that Shaoye continued to sigh over the encounter. “Beautiful beyond comprehension.” He once commented in a letter back ,  luckily unable to see how ugly Binghe’s face turned upon reading this. 

This remark rankled Binghe such, it was brought up in his letter to Wanyue , who was sympathetic as she had a similar problem with her Sha Hualing who would get a similar glassy expression whenever anyone brought up the legendary beauty. 

. ““Beautiful beyond comprehension?” he sulked. 

She never even showed her entire face. No matter how beautiful she was, how could she be better-looking than him? Luo Binghe honestly wasn’t a narcissist, he’d just always been very self-aware of how he looked to others. He didn’t gleefully revel in his appearance, but he also wouldn’t downplay it for the sake of false humility !

He studied his trim waist, his broad shoulders , then slumped. Then again, while Shaoye was likely bisexual …. While he might have feelings for Binghe,like every red-blooded male, Dichan Shaoye was free to admire Liu Mingyan .

Still, he didn’t have the malice to continuously angst over Liu Mingyan’s hold over Shaoye. Binghe saw merit to gaining a foothold into demonic realms. Already he was pleased to have gained land over there, a gift from Tianlang-Jun for his efforts. Binghe bit the inside of his mouth till he tasted iron when he received the edict. As much as he wanted to throw this 'gift' back, he saw merit and opportunity to help Shaoye by accepting it. And so , he swallowed , choked down his anger and pride .

For Shaoye. Shaoye came first, always.

His beloved Shaoye and him determined it would be a good bastion to set up an embassy for the Citadel there as well as a trading port.

Speaking of Shaoye....

 There was a strange tension between both him and Shaoye since the accidental kiss . A kind of heat , an excitement that wasn’t there previously . It itched like blood parasites beneath his own flesh and quite frankly , Binghe couldn’t tell if it was a good or bad thing .

He sighs, wrinkling his brow. He forces himself to focus on approving orders on the maintenance of the great outer walls that kept the settlement safe. He fully approved of them being refortified and after reading through the reports given by the mayors of whose towns were in charge of maintaining said walls , added his own suggestions before stamping them , sending them out right away. He then retired for the night.

Not that it brought any true peace.

——. 

Binghe awakens to the ghostly feeling of pillowy soft lips kissing his , he reaches forward , wanting to grasp , to hug back , to press that soft body flush against his that they may be never parted- Only to grasp air .

 

Sunlight filters in . He is very much alone . Shaoye is back at the Citadel and definitely not running through a field of millet towards him , joy on his face .  They definitely have not kissed . 

 

Not yet . 

 

Once , even considering any romantic partners would send him into another spiral of self loathing and despair over his ‘dirty’ demon blood . Of being unworthy due to being sullied by Lao Gongzhu , let alone ever confessing to Shaoye . 

 

But now , he knew he deserved better . That he was worthy to court Shaoye . That he had a chance because Shaoye would never ever sneer or laugh at him for his demon blood . 

 

Shaoye, who had embraced him and treated him the same as ever when he had revealed his heritage . Shaoye , who had even gone as far as to save the rest of his race when it was revealed that the Heavenly demonic race as a whole had been enslaved  . Shaoye, who was furious at Lao Gongzhu for abusing him during his stay at Huanhua . 

 

Shaoye, who was kind , progressive , and so loving , was nothing like Shen Qingqiu . 

 

As soon as they were reunited . Lao Gongzhu or come what may , he would confess his love . 

 

He had a chance . He had waited long enough , had made Shaoye wait long enough for him to come to his senses , to grow up . 

———

 

The recovery of the Fields of Red had been hard fought. The allied forces had hounded and chased Lao Gongzhu through the villages that lived on the landmark.

 

When they reached the fort where the copy of Lao Gongzhu had holed himself at, it was suspiciously open, all flags and banners, war drums silenced.  Shaoye smirked .” Someone’s getting old .”

 

 “Humpf . The old warthog thinks us fools , does he ?” Mingfan sneered . “Men! Advance !!” 

 

The troops were ordered into a tortoise formation , to press their reach to within, relying on using their Qi to sense their enemy’s living energy, with strict instructions not to let their guard down.As such, Lao Gongzhu’s ploy failed , the arrows of his archers met the shield and subsequently their steel. Lao Gongzhu's soldiers were shocked and thrown into disarray. Some of them trampled on each other while fleeing in panic, and many of them fell to the well-fed and energized invaders. 

 

It was only Mingfan’s careful planning and insistence that Shaoye then set up a huge array that encompassed the whole area that they were in prior to the battle that saw this copy contained . 

 

The Citadel ruler calmly maintained the barrier as Mingfan and Xiao Gongzhu clashed with the copy while Qin Wanyue circled them, waiting for an opening . The entire mountain shook as his hulking cousin held the copy down , Shaoye bound the man hastily and scarcely had a second to leap aside  before Gongzhu launched herself at his old foe’s copy , a manic grin on her face , cleaving the man into half .

 

She leapt back as the body burst into flames . 

 

The rest backed away, intimidated, by the intensity of the flames.

 

 A cry squealed out from the burning  figure , furious and thwarted. It then stopped after fifteen minutes. 

 

Of the copy , all that was left behind was a seemingly innocuous looking gray marble , lying in the middle of a wide, scorched circle.

 

The lithe lavender clad woman marched forward, then stomped on it hard. 

 

“ Two down . One more to go . “  

——

 

<<The Golden Citadel. >> 

 

Liu Mingyan was a great beauty—a heaven-and-earth-shattering great beauty at the sight of whom both gods and ghosts would weep. 

 

Even amongst the generations of beautiful women, she was still a crane among chickens, rising above and beyond them all.  

 

Because her face was excessively beautiful, capable of stealing souls, she had to hide it behind a veil all year round, rendering her like a flower on a high cliff, unattainable and out of reach. 

 

In brief, for the purpose of describing this character’s appearance, Master Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky had probably used every single flattering vocabulary word and idiom he’d learned from elementary through to high school. He must have had it hard.

 

Shaoye was very fond of this female lead, and it wasn’t only because Liu Mingyan’s beauty points were the highest. It was also because she had great poise. She always understood the big picture and grasped the general situation, and her conduct was fair and honest. 

 

Now that Lao Gongzhu’s defeat seemed imminent , it was time to find his best friend a wife. And given that Binghe deserved the best, he decided that his original OTP would do the job . 

 

Even in Luo Binghe’s gigantic harem, a wife with both intelligence and moral character was rare. There was one more appeal factor. 

 

Liu Mingyan was the only female character for whom Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky didn’t write detailed sex scenes. Many readers had been highly dissatisfied with this arrangement, to the point that they spammed the comments with their ranting, but this had given Liu Mingyan something no other female lead had: an image as clear as ice and pure as jade!  

 

Can’t be helped, the unobtainable ones are always the best. ╮(￣▽￣”)╭

 

His efforts were certain to give Binghe the happy ending , perfect wife, perfect kiddie, perfect life guaranteed ! 

 

…. 

 

So why wasn’t he happy ?

 

Shaoye didn’t know why he couldn’t be happy for his friend or the fact one of his schemes had once again borne fruit . 

 

Mingyan is the most capable heroine in Proud Immortal’s demon way  . Beautiful without comparison , the only woman  of taming Bingge. And whose child with Binghe’s was the only notable one to get a name and physical description in the last chapter .

 

  It didn’t matter much to Shaoye that Mingyan had hurt him in her bid to get justice for her brother…To him, if he could secure the future happiness for Binghe , it would be worth it.

Binghe deserves only the best . He has been through so much already . Mingyan was the current Baizhan peak lord , together with her knowledge, she would help encourage Binghe’s ambition and give him heirs to the Heavenly demonic bloodline.

 

Shaoye studied himself, making a face at his tum , his chubby cheeks and pert nose. He studied his recently shorn wavy locks , the baby face and again, the tum. 

 

Mu Qingfang had told him that he had a very distorted image of himself.

 

 Basically, he had body dysmorphia. Well duh, sure he had . Thus far spent only 18 years as Shaoye, but 30 years as Shen Yuan . 

 

30 years of being beaten down, told he was never going to be good enough no matter what by his original world’s father.  He had been bulimic , had been diagnosed by the school’s therapist as having severe anxiety and that said bulimia has been part of having body dysmorphia . Everything led back to his father. And despite being loved and cherished as Shaoye , at the back of his mind , part of him always wondered if what everyone was lauding him was really true.

 

They probably felt sorry for him. 

 

 Was he doing enough as Citadel ruler to deserve the respect and love lavished on him by his Citizens? Was he doing enough to be worthy to remain by Binghe’s side? Shen Qingqiu  was disappointed at him for failing to detect Lao Gongzhu’s breaching his security-

 

“You don’t ever have to prove yourself to anyone.”  

 

He jumped , before realizing it was just the memory of  Binghe’s thoughts on the Shen Qingqiu problem.  

 

“You are enough. You don't have to prove yourself worthy of love to receive it . Pain is not a payment for deserving pleasure.  Sadness is not a prerequisite to deserving happiness. You deserve to be loved and cherished without offering any bit of yourself.” 

 

Ah, Binghe. The kindest soul. Truly he was the kind hearted , biggest hearted protagonist . 

 

He was gonna make someone very happy someday. 

 

…….Why was the very thought of Binghe being with someone making him sad? Shaoye shook his head furiously to clear his thoughts. 

 

 This was his best friend! His hero! He deserved the best of things! 

 

What was wrong with him? 

 

Shaoye made a face inwardly. Come to think of it, he hadn’t found any girl attractive since he had come into this world . C’mon! By the imaginative powers vested within! Big Badonkers! Mommy milkers! Giant Gazongas! 

 

Nope ! 

 

Little Yuan Yuan couldn’t even get hard . TTATT

 

 He even felt ashamed as though he was cheating on his feelings f-for-

 

The animalistic screech of horror he emitted could be heard for miles around throughout the campsite  .

 

—----

Luo Binghe has been voted by the general public far and wide to be the most beautiful being to ever walk this earth . Elegant , he did his dark locks up in a simple , classic top knot  , that gave him the much-desired added classic look that stylish young masters favored. 

 

Alas for the innumerable suitors for his fair hand , the comely youth only had eyes for his childhood sweetheart, the current ruler of the Golden Citadel . 

 

As of late however, Luo Binghe looked decidedly tired. On top of being acting Citadel ruler , as voted for by the council, he also maintained his position as the ambassador to the demonic kingdom .

 

At present he was re-reading the latest letter from his liege, whilst rubbing the sleep grit from his eyes. 

 

“Just how did that old man manage to have enough funds to raise an entire army of mercenaries?” He wondered wearily before the next passage of said letter answered it for him.

 

Lao Gongzhu did not have funds, however, demonic cultivation meant an army of mostly revenants .As he had also squirreled funds away, Lao Gongzhu had also managed to have mercenaries in his employ. 

 

And worst of all, the final hiding place where the old man had set up as base….

 

Binghe closed his eyes, shuddering in rage . 

 

That beast, how did he manage to get into the Holy Mausoleum? The revenants he would have been able to raise... With that kind of power…

 

The Holy Mausoleum was the place where past generations of the demon race’s ruling class were laid to eternal rest. Other than the current supreme ruler, the miscellaneous remainder of demonkind were, with no exceptions, forbidden from entering, and all violators were killed

 

What Shaoye was instructing Binghe to do next sent a lance of ice down the youth’s spine. 

 

 Shaoye wanted him to head to the Demonic realm, which , to be honest he had been planning on doing, though perhaps not for the reasons Shaoye wished.

 

He understood , Shaoye wished for him to establish a base there in the event something happens to him and the Citadel falls.His heart felt hollow , but understanding. 

 

“What will I do without you?” 

 

“Your dream is my dream.” Binghe finishes his reply back to his love. “We are partners, are we not? In happiness we share, so shall we support each other in weal or woe. Never feel bad that I chose this. Choose you.” 

 

He wants to hug Shaoye. But Shaoye is far away , braving the elements. Part of Binghe wants to weep, part of him knows that if he allows sorrow to take its course, he could cry an ocean.

 

And that would do no one good.

 

Steel sets in .

 

He finishes the letter, sends it on its merry way along with a food parcel for his love, already plotting on his next move .

—---

It was at the break of dawn, when most people were not awake, that Minister Luo set off with Lady Sha . He first held a press conference , addressing the public’s concerns on recent events as well as reassuring them. Dichan Ye was voted and sworn in as the new acting Citadel ruler , as Minister Luo was announced to be posted abroad .

 

The public mourned. While not their true ruler, Minister Luo was an upstanding , loyal man , both beloved and feared for his strictness and diplomacy in equal measure, and had earned the place in many’s hearts.His tenure as acting Citadel ruler had provided and protected for the people whilst their ruler was off crusading. 

 

While Minister Luo’s heart was in promoting the growth of the food industry here , he was equally passionate about improving ties between the demonic kingdom and theirs. 

 

Public perception was that Heavenly demons, while indeed having world-bending powers , had been a much misaligned race. 

 

And if they could get into the sweet, sweet coffers of those stinking rich demons ….Eh, Heavenly demons could be the scum of the earth , who sold their own mothers into slavery, but most of the citizens of the Citadel all hailed from merchant families were an opportunistic sort, who profited off the selling of textiles . And…Oh boy.Minister Luo sure looked pretty fine today. 

 

Luo Binghe today wore brocaded robes that shimmered  like rare opals in the sunlight , over which was slipped a silken tunic, bound at the waist by an equally ornate sash. His boots were of the best leather , his long dark tresses were as always , primly done up . 

 

Bards sang his beauty throughout the eastern world, the pride of a kingly dynasty was Luo Binghe’s . A veritable feast for the eyes of the adoring public who mourned not being able to gaze at his elegant visage for a period of time . Lucky demons, they reckoned. 

 

It was on a fortuitous morning that Luo Binghe embarked on a diplomatic trip to the Heavenly demonic realms to foster greater partnership.

 

He stopped over first to inspect his own district. first thing upon reaching the demonic realm. A gift by his birthfather, the Heavenly demonic emperor , Tianlang-jun, for his part in bridging the demonic kingdom with the Citadel as well as taking on the responsibility of aiding the rehabilitation of the remaining freed members of the Heavenly demonic clan... It was situated conveniently at the borders tween the demonic realm and cultivational realm.

Given that the two races were separated into different worlds.While there was the space-rending Endless Abyss that served as a partition in the middle, but there were always a few weak spots in the formation that kept the two worlds apart, causing time and space to be in disorder. One could often find residents of both worlds passing through those spots to run away, and things like maliciously sneaking across the border was a common occurrence as well.

No normal person would want to live in a place where the demon race came and went like shadows, stealing things one day before committing murder and arson the next. Therefore, the population at the border became more and more scarce. Even though it used to be a flourishing metropolis, many cultivators moved away once the space between the different worlds started to blur together. As such, Tianlang-Jun claimed such lands for his own as soon as he regained his throne, and had recently given it to his son.

Under Binghe's patient touch, the district given had become a stopover for both demons and human cultivators , originating from the Citadel who were happy to sell their wares and open their doors to the weary traveller along the Silk road that Shaoye had piloted. It was doing well and the people there turned up in droves to welcome their defacto-mayor. Binghe greeted them politely , allowed for press conference where he addressed concerns of unrest and reassured the people they had naught to fear as well as there were contingencies in place.

After a day, he departed onroute to the final destination.

The Southern Demonic isles was a group of islands that was under Sha Hualing that floated atop a sea of flaming brimstone. The largest island they were heading to, had a massive and immensely long obsidian bridge linking it to what appeared to be a kingdom that appeared to have its buildings all made of crystal. 

Despite the weariness brought on by travel, and it being late afternoon upon arrival, the pair did not turn away Lord Shang, the consort of Mobei-Jun, who showed up to request their audience with his husband, regarding a very important issue.

 

—-

 

The peculiar disappearance of Xinmo was the reason why Mobei Jun had summoned Binghe and Hualing .

“-According to eyewitnesses , the person who drew Xinmo looked like Binghe but Binghe has been at the Citadel all along . “ Sha Hualing declared , glaring at her ally . 

Mobei-Jun nodded at this and enunciated . “It looked like Binghe . “ 

Slowly all four of them looked up at the same time at each other, each bearing the same thought .  

“ Su Xiyan .” Shang Qinghua decided .

 “Bingbing . Bingbing . Your sperm n’ egg donors ain't nothin’ but trouble .” Sha Hualing groaned . 

“But what would she want with that accursed sword ?” Binghe asked , near wringing his hands  . He didn’t know much about his birth mother . Well , other than the trouble she wrought that would fall back on him . It explained why she had gone quiet. Like master, like former disciple truly . Su Xiyan was the lesser of two evils, but dangerous all the same. 

Binghe would have to inform Shaoye on this calamity, and already was fretting over how to break the news gently to him. 

“Hn . “ Mobei-Jun considered , a thoughtful frown on his face as he pondered variables only he would know. 

“Su Xiyan , as we know , is rather impatient . As in she can play the long game but when angered , she strikes out like quicksilver . And who is the one enemy or issue for you all think she will be gunning after ?”

“ Lao Gongzhu .” Binghe realizes . “-But is that such a bad thing ? I mean , if she gets rid of him , I know for a fact Shaoye would personally send her a reward and a fruit basket of gratitude .” 

Shang Qinghua looked ill . Sha Hualing was watching him with narrowed eyes .

“ Oy you . You look like you have something to say . So spit it out or I’ll make you .”

So , Shang Qinghua told them .

…..What he revealed , really didn’t make either of the assembled three feel any better . 

“She’s being possessed by Xinmo?!!!” Sha Hualing howled, frantic. “We have to stop her! It already has a history of making its users screwy after a period of time! She’s gonna plow through all of us just to get to the old pig!”

“Hn.” When Mobei-Jun disagreed . “ She is but a mortal cultivator , not even a Peak lord.” He added to the poisonous looks shot at him all around. “Su Xiyan.” Sha Hualing snarled, “Is a menace. My Ai ren tells me she was the Plague flower of Huanhua .She’s responsible for single handedly orchestrating the downfall of several mortal sects-”

“Do you two mind if I get an edge in?” Binghe’s sarcasm burnt like acid. “Good. I do believe that as of now , setting off to hunt for Su Xiyan would be akin to a wild goose hunt. First, we have no idea where she is and Xinmo can mask its user's location. Second, We have an immediate problem dealing with Lao Gongzhu. We should deal with that first , though we should also tackle the Su Xiyan problem by sending out word to our allies and spymasters. We have spies, we have allies, it is opportune to test how strong and if it is worthy to keep said alliances still.” 

The other members of the table took time to digest this. “You speak as if you wish to go aid the hunt for Lao Gongzhu as well.” Mobei-Jun stated , voice utterly blank. “I have spent too long sitting on my laurels. “ Binghe growled back, startling them all with barely restrained anger .”I have influence here, which is why I’ve come here. It is time to be of some aid to Shaoye.” 

 

Notes:

Thank you ,Belas and Bellas , for turning in for the latest chapter. Conflict is on the horaizon, and things are heading for a bumpy stretch as SY continues to be in denial. And Binghe....Poor Binghe really needs a real vacation. What's gonna happens next? On next , next week's sunday! :) Fiiiind out! And thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 38: A Is For AaaAaAaAaaAa

Summary:

In which the wheels turn,turn aaaand turn.

From the casual onlooker, Luo Binghe seemed to be having the time of his life , seemingly flitting from party to party, the very image of an upcoming feckless debutante . But in reality, what he was doing, in his charming, pleasant , oh so unassuming way , was gaining political allies. 

Upon returning to the Southern Demonic isles, Binghe stoutly, with a fortitude comparable to the dutiful spouses of warlords of legends yore, launched himself into the fray of nobility. With the aid of the helpful Sha Hualing and Mobei-Jun , he continued his intended mission right away after the talk . 

 First was a guided , public tour to a market where he met the great and the good of the Southern demonic isles , a famous landmark , then the growing delegation adjoined to a fancy restaurant where along with a number of demonic elite, they had a late lunch of what looked like a spiky fish but tasted like heavily peppered pork, then a spicy , herbal soup was served. Southern demonic isles cuisine featured heavy spices , as it had long since been serving as a trading hub for the demonic realm , it adopted tons of spices country-wide into their cuisine. The Sha clan , which long since ruled the Southern demonic isles ,  also used said spices for medicinal and ritual purposes. To use spices , was to demonstrate wealth and hospitality all in one. 

Here, countless others - Nobles, distinguished generals, sages and saints of the demonic kingdom flocked to rub heels with Luo Binghe. 

 

There was a lot of talking at the table, an revolving  exchange of ideas about demonic cultures, history , then to the present about trade . The nobles were worried about Lao Gongzhu being on the run, and complained about the effect that the unrest in the cultivation world was having on trade , food supplies and commerce . 

 

They didn’t dare invest in new businesses abroad nor did they dare travel or even send their serfs to do said trade. They were frustrated…Could the young prince suggest something, anything that might aid them? 

 

By the end of his passionate speech, not only were spirits bolstered up , but a large majority of those seated here joined Shaoye’s cause in the cause of mutual interests.

 

It was the first of many so-called, seemingly frivolous parties that in reality were campaigns. Luo Binghe was stealthily building a private army as well as seizing power and loyalty from Tianlang-jun’s citizens for the sake of his beloved ruler . His father may be a pining lay about, his mother gone mad in her quest for vengeance against Lao Gongzhu, but he was determined to be anything like them.

 

True love, always protected . Obsession only destroyed. In this sea of endless darkness , when Binghe wearily worried , the only light that kept him grimly trudging on was the memory of bright amber eyes and the promise of seeing their owner once again. 

——

To: Southern Demonic Isles , Jade Palace. The Guest wing. 

 Nee:Luo Binghe

 

Hey worrywart,

Sorry if I’m annoying you with my nosiness.How are you doing? Living is cold , dull without you , a bore. At noon my squad met with Xiao Gongzhu’s platoon. How I wish you were there to lift the spirits of all assembled . At three we reached the encampment.It was pouring. 

All afternoon I’ve been planning in the rain and feeling dank inside, you would have been so much better at this then me, honestly. Urgh , there I go whining again . Just ignore me.

You’re amazing,you know that? Just wanted to tell you . 

On a bright note, we found a well the other day here at the cliffs surrounding the Mausoleum which brings to an end the period we had to do without water. There’s no rivers here or any body of water. 

I drew a tri-stratagem heaven and earth array formation and for now it is keeping out the army of undead. It reeks to the high heavens here, and it won’t stop raining. 

Morale is low , but we kinda have a game plan? A bit more troops would be great but I doubt we will get it. It looks like I will have to rely on old luck and strategy a bit .Don’t worry about it though , I’ll handle this . 

Keep me in your prayers, it should be nighttime at the Southern Demonic isles. 

Good-night, 

Your best friend always, 

Your Shaoye

 

—-

 

To: Southern Demonic Isles , Jade Palace. The Guest wing. 

 Nee:Dichan Shaoye

 

Dearest Shaoye,

I have been having such a grand time here. I feel utterly horrible though that you are on the frontlines and suffering while we live in the lap of luxury.  Shaoye, troubling news has come to my knowledge. Su Xiyan, my birth mother, has made off with Xin Mo. 

How she managed such a feat is unknown, but you know better than me what Xin Mo does with its users.  I have sent a suggestion to the acting Citadel ruler in your stead , back at the Citadel with a proposition to send out word to our allies to keep tabs and eyes out for Miss Su.

  Shaoye. I will also raise an army to come to your aid. I have determined that it is for the best , so that after this, we will be prepared for Su Xiyan by establishing my influence over the Demonic realm. I do hope you can forgive me for encroaching on your plans . I know you said that you wished for me to remain at the Southern Demonic isles but I also worry about you, as capable as you are.

I pray every day and night for your safety . Wait for me, I am coming.

May the day bring only good tidings for you.

Always, Your Binghe

 

Su Xiyan ….

 

All she cared about was revenge .

… Come to think of it . It wasn’t his fault was it ?

He never chose to be born and what Su Xiyan did was of no consequence to him. Or in relation to him . 

 

Binghe sighed before turning to gaze at himself in the mirror . A devastatingly handsome youth gazed back at him , a crimson mark in the shape of a flame on his forehead , clad in the flowing , gauzy black and gold  robe armor signature to the heavenly demonic royalty . He wore a crown that Sha Hualing and Mobei-Jun clarified belonged to Tianlang-Jun in his youth that upheld his topknot  . 

He tried a smile and sharp teeth filed to needle sharp perfection grinned back at him . 

 

Without the glamor he used to apply to make himself appear human around the Citadel or makeup he used to cover up the heavenly demon mark , he looked every inch a high born heavenly demonic prince .

 

This would be the seventh and last rallying he would be doing . Binghe had been drumming up support amongst the demonic realm to accompany him to help aid the capture of Lao Gongzhu . Overall he had raised a large cadre of eager youths and veterans who also wanted a piece of the old goblin and wanted to have made a mark in stabilizing peace in the region. 

 

He marched back to the Citadel , where he added into his newly formed army from the demonic realm, willing members of the Heavenly demonic clan who were ready to aid their benefactor and were determined mentally and emotionally fit for combat. 

 

Luo Binghe cast an approving gaze over the swelling ranks of the cavalry. 

 

Excellent.

 

He cast a gimlet eye back at the Citadel . Shaoye had activated arrays but Huanhua palace had specialized in arrays . Binghe also decided to lay several nasty traps should Lao Gongzhu truly triumph. 

 

He also stationed several troops , and reinstated the age-old  lookouts and guard houses that the Citadel used  . Finally , he specifically discussed with Dichan Ye what to do if the Citadel truly fell , though both hoped it would not come to be.

 

Then, the newly formed Demonic army marched on to aid the allied Army . 

 

———

 

<<Scarlet Plains.>> 

 

It was dead at night when Shaoye finally settled down , tetchy and bone-aching. 

 

He wasn’t a happy camper. Binghe was coming , which truthfully, he had expected given that had their situations been reversed, he would’ve done the same if shit hit the fan .

 

But he never wanted Binghe to have been so worried that he had been forced to. 

 

Now he was coming , and thus far both armies were at a stalemate .

 

 It was only with TT’s barked warnings that saw Shao meet every blow Lao Gongzhu had flung at him narrowly . Such was the might of the old man that he didn’t need proper cultivation . Demonic cultivation didn’t require one to have a core , of which Lao Gongzhu had given to his first two copies . But thrived off resentful energy . Feelings were motive and if could be given form by sheer willpower of its master , became energy . Hence the name , resentful energy . 

 

Tang Ah Yi might have been the first demonic cultivator whose name has since long faded into obscurity , but she had written a number of texts and taught a number of people the art of demonic cultivation who had laser their skills down to other promising disciples of their own . It would seem that Lao Gongzhu had acquired some nasty surprises for them all .

 That day brought no joy to either side , for one , Shaoye quickly had discovered that simply immolating the walking dead did wonders in decimating the legions for good  .

 

 Only thing was that Lao Gongzhu had also hired powerful mercenaries and those were a notable pain in the ass . 

 

Binghe and backup couldn’t come quickly enough . 

 

Seething , both sides retreated at the end of a day , yet again at another stalemate . Shaoye checked on his injured troops before storming off to his private quarters to plot and to vent . Ye and Furen were holding down the fort back home . It was never pleasant letting your parents know they might have to bury their only son , and find a suitable person to take over ruling in the event things went south 

 

On top of this clusterfuck , nearly all his men were down with mysterious symptoms after drinking water from a well that they had uncovered and had thought was the  solution to their water problem .

 

 None of the medics they had on hand had the time to deal with the mysterious bug , it caused the women to have periods on time , and the men to develop mysterious cramps around the same time . 

 

Not to mention the ravenous eating or lack of appetite thereof during this mysterious period,  that afflicted the affected , of which , he was one of them . Shaoye was boggled , tired and all round in a tizzy . 

 

Oh yah , and a tiny-not-so-tiny-sexuality crisis brought on by his realization that he missed Binghe , that even made him register that something was up beyond bestie status ,  was something he needed not as the cherry on the icing of this fucking fruit cake . 

 

//- I’m fucking tired. My ass itches . I got an asshole to catch , the last thing I needed was a FUCKING SEXUALITY CRISIS .//

 

[ L-lao Da…Calm down. Your anger points are shooting through the roof and if they keep going up, you’ll get a qi deviation-] 

 

Oh,how much he missed his old life at times, which was worse?

 

Emotional-eating daily on Mickey-dees while binging on the latest PIDW as he angsts away about wasting his fucking life and future on a fashion degree that went nowhere , disappointing daddy dearest with badly made life decisions made just to spite said daddy dearest   ? And never finding a special someone?  

 

Or now? Dealing with a civil war, trying to rule, abandonment issues, missing his siblings from his first world, aaaand the case of catching feeeeeelings for his best friend, who is the protagonist , the hero of this story who deserves better? 

 

A pterodactyl screech sounded through the tent. Another needle was flung , landing right into the eyeball of the crudely drawn figure meant to be Lao Gongzhu that was pinned to a dart board. Many a pleasant evening had been spent with Mingfan and Gongzhu doing stress relief voo-doo. 

 

Shaoye rocked back and forth in mortification, gibbering away.

 

Feelings. Feelings. Oh , why couldn’t he have been born with zero emotions? 

 

//Um… Lao Da, if you don’t feel stuff, you won’t be able to feel joy either, would you? :0// 

 

“Urghhhh!” Was the only wail in response to the system’s response.  

 

“ I can't even decide if it’s fucking worth it to ruin my friendship with the boy I like!!”   

 

At this anguished screech, it was then that life took another swift nose-dive. Slowly, like an out of focus, faulty radio coming in and out, a vaguely familiar tinny voice.

 

[ …Tongtong . The Motherboard has requested that you be transferred out to another host. Your current host has already completed their mission objective years ago. ] Asshole-system-who-fuuucked-him-up-ages-ago drolls.

 

….Boy howdy, was the feeling of ice old water dumped all over him fast becoming a daily occurance not a nice feeling he’d never ever get used to. 

// TT…Wuh-what’s your buddy saying?//

{ 3…}

 

//Y-you’re. You’re going to be a-amazing, okay, Lao Da? ;__; //

{ 2…}

 

//..Wh-what’re you sayin’? //

 

{ 1…}

 

//Be happy. Sending flowers for a happy +1 , +1 ending! You deserve it ! 0W0 !//

{ …0}

 

Shaoye screamed as one of his best friends, the very person who brought him here, vanished . 

—---

 

“Binghe’s gonna flip. He’ll rip our spines out and dine on our garters, n’ ‘ave our blood for tea!”  Mingfan whimpered as he poured healing qi into Shaoye . He had no flipping idea what had spurred this on. 

 

Gongzhu raised a finger, trembling . ‘Ah. AH. If he finds out.” 

 

“R’ ya tellin’ me t’ withhold information from Bingbing?! M’bosom buddy? M’bestie?!” 

 

“-Do you wanna know the touch of Gongyi-shixiong? Do you, more importantly,want ya manly bits attached ? Yingying loves my tits . I would like Bingbun NOT to rip them off n’ shove them up where the sun don’t shine , ‘specially after I swore to him that his lil meow meow returns to him all safe n’ sound.”  

 

“...........Yannow what? What ‘e don’t know, don’t hurts ‘im.” Mingfan shuddered. 

 

Shaoye had stopped convulsing, and with a sudden jerk like a puppet with its strings cut, he fell face down onto the bed, letting out an agonized scream like his heart had been wrenched out. 

 

Alarm filled Mingfan at this, but Gongzhu snarled at him to continue feeding the qi . This was a cultivator’s body , as long as they regulated the flow of qi . Nothing was wrong with Shaoye. It was a matter of the heart.

 

——-

 

<<The New Cultivational world’s jail. >>

 

It was easy to shut out the noise of the outside world here in the jail. Here, there was plenty of time to reflect as they awaited trial.  

 

Here, he and Yue Qingyuan slowly but surely talked , began to open up tentatively 

 

Yue Qingyuan still hadn’t let go of him. And to be honest, neither did he want to.

 

He still is in utter disbelief tha Yue Qingyuan had chosen him, chosen this over everything else, honestly . 

 

There was still the mountain of unresolved resentment . But given the circumstances , and what Yue…Qi-ge had given up to be with him.

 

They had started to talk about what had happened in the span of time that Qi-ge had left him at the Qius . Life truly has a sick sense of humor , for he found out that Qi-ge had a qi deviation and couldn’t come back for him . 

 

It was like a dam breaking, a dam of hatred, of darkness. How saddening , how sobering to discover that in reality that the so-called grievance he had held back all these long , sad , lonely years was in reality just grief. Grief over a mistake. 

 

Oh what a melodramatic opera of a life that the gods had written his fates as.  

 

Yue Qingyuan could scarcely look at him till he received a half hearted smack . “ -Oh for god's sake , Qingyuan  !  Just for once , cease your self pity . I’m not angry at you . I’m -I’m just angry at how life has screwed us both over !” 

 

This didn’t help matters . Predictably this was the moment that Yue Qingyuan started bawling bucketloads of tears after years of holding it back . 

There was something cool running down his cheek . Naturally, he wiped at his cheek with his left hand.. As soon as he touched his face, he realized that at some point, tears had indeed streamed down his cheeks.

 

Look at them both . Two full grown men sitting on the mossy floor , crying . How pathetic they both were . 

 

How embarrassing . How unsightly. 

 

How he had wished then for the bars between their cells to be gone so that they may embrace . All he could content himself with was the hand holding his own through the bars .

 

This … This is all too familiar with when they were slave children penned in cages , unable to comfort each other but only could give comfort through the bars of the dingy cells they were housed in  . 

 

Life truly was full of cycles . How odd that what seemed like a never ending , bitter winter finally gave way to spring . 

 

“Gan Dieeee , c’mon . Not everything’s gonna be so grim forever ! … Life’s like cycles . Just cuz it may seem like forever that things are gonna be all icy winter , doesn't mean that spring isn’t not gonna come ! “

 

He had scoffed at Shaoye then . Ever the infatigable optimist , just like his father . Despite everything life threw at them , they insisted on viewing it through rose tinted glasses . 

 

But now …

 

He would never ever admit to Shaoye or Ye they were and could be right . For one , his pride . Second , the smug looks on their faces and the need to lord it over his head every waking moment they meet up . 

 

Every day began like clockwork . 

 

They would be served their morning meal which came with whatever correspondence from their relatives or loved ones  . 

 

Then , they would be let out for an hour . Supervised into the tiny courtyard for some light recreational activities . 

 

Then lunch . 

 

Then back to the cells for more reflection . 

 

These days , Shen Qingqiu was kept on tenterhooks as the letters from the Dichans spoke of holding down the fort (Ye ) , of complaining of hunting down Lao Gongzhu ( Shaoye) . 

 

He didn’t doubt Shaoye was as wily , if not evenly matched to even the now revealed to be half demon Lao Gongzhu . He had trained Shaoye during his early formative years to the extent he considered him to have reached the level of a head disciple and that was when he was merely fifteen years of age .

 

But what Lao Gongzhu had was experience , and that honestly worried him . Not to mention the troubling illness of late that plagued Shaoye and half of his troops . 

 

Ye was less powerful than either Lao Gongzhu or Shaoye but was a ruthless and underhanded opponent and no sympathy should Lao Gongzhu pull out a victim card . He took active glee in bringing down his opponents . He had already faced Lao Gongzhu once ,  defeating the other . 

 

Shen Qingqiu honestly had more confidence in his sworn brother than his softhearted godson .  It was a mismatch . But as Ye told him , if Shaoye stayed back and let Ye go out into the field  , it would be seen as him shying away from conflict, a decrease in public approval and confidence in their chosen leader was not what they needed in an already unstable climate   . 

 

Every ruler needed tactical experience . Shen Qingqiu was forced to agree on these points  . 

 

So . All he could do was sit , pray and wait for news , all the while feeling like a hapless dolt . 

 

Today was odd.

 

“ What’s wrong ? “Yue Qingyuan enquired at the sudden silence. Shen Qingqiu held up the agate necklace he had received so many years ago from Shaoye to the light . 

 

There was a hairline crack right through the very rock . 

—---------

 

<<Elsewhere.>>

 

Enroute to the scarlet plains, Binghe had his troops dismount and rest at the remains of what had been a large demonic settlement ruled by one of his early ancestors . 

 

His relatives, who were amongst the contingent ,  had instantly pointed it out along the way as a suitable resting place . Given that night was fast approaching , Binghe was more than grateful for this boon . 

 

…Even if it was awlfully creepy , his spirits were relatively high even as they passed by blackened bones. The troops all gave the remains of the fleeing citizens of the now ruined city , a wide berth . Once , the Heavenly demon bloodline was recognized as  legitimate royalty even amongst cultivators .

 

Once , demons , cultivators and plain mortals all dwelt in peace in the same realm.  

 

Pride , greed and fear that had been allowed to fester , had seen to the end of that . 

 

Binghe eyed the dust encrusted medallions draped over some tiny bones far too tiny to be adults  . The sigils carved on the weathered metal … It was the same sigil he had on his forehead , on his fathers and on every heavenly demon.

 

Rampaging cultivators likely had razed this citadel , targeting the royalty and every civilian during that first   terrible war between heavenly demons and cultivators . None of these citizens were spared in that witch hunt  . Not even mothers and children . 

 

He closes his eyes .

 

There was no point getting enraged by the past and seeking revenge, was his opinion  . An eye for an eye , made the whole world blind . Look at what that had done to Su Xiyan , Lao Gongzhu and even Liu Mingyan to a degree ! 

 

He shook himself out of his morose thoughts , grimly leading his shaken army away . 

 

 Now they had a place to rest , the troops would not need to trudge through the night and could likely reach the Scarlet plains to provide aid by early afternoon tomorrow due to being properly rested .

 

He would finally , finally see Shaoye , after so long , again . The romantic sap in Binghe couldn’t help it . It was perfect . He would swoop in , decked in fine armor , beat Lap Gongzhu’s face in , Shaoye would be so impressed … Then he would confess … And, and … He eyed the array of armor he had in his traveling wardrobe . 

 

What would he wear? 

 

Ah , decisions , decisions . He hummed a joyful little ditty, agonizing over every article . 

 

Of course said good mood couldn’t last long . Who needs enemies when you have friends like his ? 

 

That evening saw-

 

“I’m not going out wearing this ! '' Binghe screeched as Sha Hualing dragged him out of the changing room . “ I LOOK LIKE A DESPERATE HUSSY!” 

 

“Hoi! Those are grade A traditional demonic courtship robes, I'd have you know !” Sha Hualing howled back , angered that her preparations were not appreciated . 

 

“I look like I came straight from a damn brothel , more like ! When I said, Ah Ling, I wanted to dress to make my honorable intentions towards Dichan Shaoye clear  when we reunite , I didn’t ask for DAMN UNDERWEAR!” 

 

“ Oh ho ho , Prissy-pants . You remember how Heavenly emperors Yahui-Jun and Pan’An-Jun seduced their mates, right ?” 

 

“I have dignity ! I’m not desperat-“ “ As I’ve said , O’ Nanny dog . Shaoye sees you as a prude. An old fashioned , straight laced , boring prude !!! I get being besties and all , but if you want him to see you as boyfriend material  . You gotta show him a bit of leg ! You’re like a big rack of tasty ham that keeps wrapping itself in paper . So how in the Endless Abyss can you hope to attract the guy you like to take a bite  out of you , huh ?”

 

“ I’M NO RACK OF MEAT !”

 

“I NEVER SAID YOU WERE, GRANDMA!!!” 

 

Binghe , in utter fury , hurled an unlucky table nearby at her head for this insult to which she dodged with a merry titter and made a lucky escape.

 

Binghe glared at the ruined table. He regretted asking Sha Hualing for advice regarding how to ask Shaoye out. 

 

 He dressed decently. Like a proper noble gentleman! It was one thing to dress to impress Shaoye, it was another thing to degrade himself just for a chance to get Shaoye to look at him in a romantic light. 

 

Then came a ringing from the mailroom. The bell, charmed to announce when mail arrived , ws merrily ringing away. Binghe dressed himself , still fuming. 

 

There was a gold tipped letter scroll on the table. 

 

His mood perked up a bit . A letter from Shaoye always chased away the shadows of the present  , the weariness of the day. Excited , he seized it. 

 

By the time Binghe had finished reading it , the smile was completely gone from his face. 

 

—

Lao Gongzhu was a mortal, but he had funds stashed away , and one last card up his sleeve, of course that old fox did .Binghe was not too surprised that the old man had learnt Demonic cultivation , for any one born of that generation the old warthog hailed from till Su Xiyan’s had been mired in innumerable civil wars between the three races.

 

What had Binghe very alarmed and near tears was the way the letter ended so worryingly . 

Dearest Binghe .

 

I lost a best friend of mine who was a supherb tactician and had been helping me . I’d go as far as to say he was as good as you in tactics .Sorry  I’m just rambling. 

 

Lao Gongzhu. We underestimated him , and it seems like a losing battle . Retreat while you can and return to the Citadel . I know you are the strongest person alive with the keenest mind. But I know even you will need time to plan this out to counter him . Which is rubbish of me to think so as you’re you , ignore this , just know that whatever actions you take , you will always , always have my support and love . 

 

Binghe . You have the power to rend reality to your very touch , you have the potential in you to attain power. But I also know that is something that you don’t seem interested in, presently  . The Binghe I know just wants his loved ones safe , a peaceful life . But circumstances can change even the most gentle brook into a River . 

 

I always did feel guilty of stealing your thunder . Am I holding you back , dear heart ? Did I hold you back from maybe grasping more lofty ambitions ? 

 

 When you read this letter , you will be free , my dearest friend . Free to choose whatever path you wish. No bratty , weak sidekick called Dichan Shaoye to hold you back with his silly whims .

 

 I will severely weaken the Old Palace master at the very least in this final battle. When Lao Gongzhu is dead , you will be free . No Old Palace masters , nothing can deter your path .  Be free, live happily as you can  , Binghe . This is my final wish . 

 

As I have no hope of surviving this last brash adventure . I will tell you now what I wished to have confessed to you . I have secretly had feelings for you for it would seem , time eternal  , of a romantic nature .

 

I can’t tell when friendship became love . But I digress . Do forgive me for my dithering , my burdening you with this piece of useless knowledge . You will definitely find a more worthy significant other to be your partner . 

 

 But as we promised to be truthful to each other in this friendship , I couldn’t go meet my maker without telling you this . Enclosed as well is my will . You will receive half of my fortune as well as a pavilion in the Citadel, as well as all the rights to my inventions  . 

 

I wish to have continued being a part of your story , Binghe , but fate has decided differently for me. Be careful , please . 

 

Choose your future partners carefully and remember not to drink anything without testing it for poisons especially if i n the event you do decide to build a harem of hypothetically in the thousands . Sorry , I don’t make sense , but please believe me . 

 

Not everyone will have the best intentions for you . I'm sorry for everything you went through. And I'm sorry I can't be here to help you through whatever comes next. Again , you have my devotion , my love and support no matter what you choose to do . 

 

With all my love , Dichan Shaoye .

The joy he should have had that Shaoye confessing that he loved him all this time , was robbed due to the fact that his love was resigned to his own certain doom . Clouded by the fact that Shaoye was resigned that there was no way that Binghe could ever return his feelings , that Binghe was this otherworldly, legendary hero . 

 

Binghe was always aware that Shaoye looked up to him. It was to be expected , a little hero worship, given that he is the older of the two of them. It was expected of him to be the protector, the one that Shaoye would emulate. But as time went on, Binghe began to wonder what Shaoye saw when he looked at him. It was one thing to love another, but love with hero worship to such a degree made Binghe wonder if Shaoye saw him o r the potential he thought Binghe would supposedly grow into.

 

It was an unspoken secret amongst their group of friends that Shaoye had the ability to see into the future or possible what could bes. 

 

From what Binghe had gathered over the years, Shaoye saw a vision where Binghe had become a warlord who slowly bent the whole continent under his iron will. That Binghe also amassed a large harem and fathered countless children.

 

….Binghe really did not see what was so appealing about that vision of the future or how that him from that supposed future could be genuinely happy ? 

 

It was not fair to those poor lovers in that harem would be happy fighting all day for a scrap of affection from that version of him. He supposes it would have to be another world where he had never met Shaoye. It all started with Shaoye, and what a cold world it would have been if they had never met.

 

Binghe always had a love for cooking. At heart, he was a nurturer, a protector. He was never happier than puttering away in the kitchen to provide a warm meal for his mama. Food chased away the bitter hunger, the cold that dogged his heels as a beggar .

 

Providing for the people he cared for , was his love language. Which is why Shaoye always got the largest and best portion .He cooked even now , for Hualing, for Mobei-Jun and Shang Qinghua . He cares for Hualing, the sister in all but blood.  He had become the Minister in charge of Agriculture and Food development for a reason after all. Under his watch, no one went hungry in the Citadel, even after he had taken on more and more duties.  

 

Point is, him becoming a warlord, choosing conquest over protecting , meant that in reality… That him in all reality had nobody to love. And that shook him hard.Because the only way he could fathom himself turning into such a person would mean that Shaoye was gone.  

 

Binghe really, really doesn’t like that train of thought, doesn’t like thinking of the yawning chasm of even the possibility of a world without Shaoye in it. 

 

Shaoye. Shaoye…

 

…Speaking of Shaoye, he does wonder about the other’s lack of confidence in himself.

 

No one could replace him, certainly not Binghe himself.

 

The thought that Shaoye actually thought that his spot in Binghe’s heart could be so easily overtaken by someone else-

 

If he could reach through the letter , he would shake Shaoye , scream into his face . I do love you ! I love you back . I love you on purpose ! On purpose I have loved you since the day our paths crossed ! Your friends are your friends because they genuinely like you for being you ! 

 

He tried to write back , but his hands were shaking so much, his tears dampened the paper so much that he was forced to throw the first one away.  The second one met a similar fate . Then the third …. The fifth . 

—-

Notes:

Thank you ,Belas and Bellas , for turning in for the latest chapter. The final big battle , the end and a new beginning apporaches soon! :) Next,next sunday! !Thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 39: I wear heelies to escape my feelies

Summary:

Aaaaah. I forgot my own schedule by a week! Sorry! Sorry! I have backdated by a bit , please forgive me! >,<

 

This was the state Sha Hualing found Luo Binghe in  , or rather heard . 

 

Cowering against the tent’s wall , ink brush in trembling hand, whole body shaking with sobs. The only mail Binghe got these days was from Shaoye who wrote faithfully to her best friend . 

 

All the air seemed to vanish from Hualing’s lungs, she felt as though ice had poured down her back . Shaoye dead, no, it couldn’t be -

 

“ Binghe ?” She croaked.

 

“It’s Shaoye !” Binghe managed to choke out , before returning to his task of crying his eyes out .  

 

Heart like lead within its cage . Hualing picked up a letter , the most recent one from Shaoye , reading it as fast as possible . All the while , Binghe sobbed harder than ever in the background .

 

Finally Hualing looked up . Ire on her face . “ What kind of wild mushrooms has he been eating and where the bloody hell can I get some of that stuff because I’d like some of it . Listen , Ah He . Shaoye’s being a paranoid jerk . I’ll beat him up for you , just say the word -“

 

‘No!’ Binghe moaned. “ H-he … He’s been in pain all this time . And I was so blind to it ! Oh , my poor Shaoye ! “ 

 

Sha Hualing sighed .

 

 “ Then that makes all of us blind , Binghe . Look . All the love and affection we gave him is useless if the person himself refuses to acknowledge he himself is deserving of love and said affection . “

 

“Oh , what am I going to do ?” Binghe wailed , sounding alarmingly like a cat in heat , to Hualing’s growing irritation .  “ He’s going to die without even knowing how much I care , adore him . Oh , what do I do ? -“

 

   Oh , that did it . 

 

“ Oy, what nonsense are you blathering about ?!” She demanded , grabbed Binghe like one would a pepper pot and began to shake him hard . “ Have you forgotten who you are ? You are Luo Binghe, crown prince of the demon realm. You’ve made two powerful guys go head to head over you , you have a record of over two thousand throwing themselves at you . You’ve the title of being the most beautiful being in all three realms . Act like it !”

 

She shook him till he squeaked for mercy.

 

“‘What do you do ?!’  You are going to lead the army, impress Shaoye with your rock hard abs , possibly murder Lao Gongzhu in a bloody fashion -“ 

 

“-I’m not sure whether Shaoye w-“ 

 

“ -Fine .  Punch the old bag of pus hard enough all his rotten teeth fall out ! Showcase you are mate material as per traditional demonic courtship . “ she shook him again.” All this will be done in front of Shaoye . Who will be impressed enough that he will offer his heart and admiration , hopefully get it through his thick skull that since you love him warts and all , that he’s worthy of love .“ 

 

Sha Hualing then grinned devilishly , eyes glazed over in excitement. 

 

Binghe winced , expecting more of being  shaken like a pepper pot .  

 

“ Win him !”

 

Binghe winced again as she bounced on her knees like an overexcited toddler . 

 

“ Succeed !” 

 

She punched the air before pointing at him determinedly . 

 

“ Get that plush ass for your hard-for-said-ass-ten odd-years-and-more dick !” 

———

 

<<The scarlet plains . The unified army’s encampment .>>

 

Shaoye had instantly thrown himself at a very concerned Mingfan upon awakening from his qi-deviation  . Gongzhu had asked , chillingly soft, who she had to murder. 

 

All they managed to get out of him was that a friend of his, a best friend had died trying to save him, them all. They had left him behind , there was nothing left to bury even. 

 

Despite their befuddlement for all things , his closest friends did their best to console him for this loss as well as get a condensed version of Shaoye’s colossal romantic blunder.

 

Mingfan predictably offered to bash Binghe’s head upon meeting, in order to induce amnesia . 

 

Problem solved, easy peasy Bingbing Kablooey.

 

Shaoye wasn’t amused.

 

Gongzhu wasn’t amused.

 

He was sent to stand in the corner to sulk .  

 

There was nothing of the spymaster Shaoye was grieving over. Gongzhu wanted to be mildly insulted that Shaoye had kept mum on another best friend for so long. It seems almost odd that her best friend would keep another away from mixing with their friend groups-But everyone has secrets and she trusts him with her life. 

 

Plus, this Tongtong is dead. There was a time to grieve, and that sadly would have to be after this final battle. 

 

Shaoye lets out a long ragged sob . Gongzhu tried not to think too hard about her friends and kin who had fallen to Lao Gongzhu’s blades . She missed Yingying , their little place back at Baoliu village so much. 

 

“I want to go home and cry.” He wants to flop into Binghe’s arms, nestle his head against his best friend’s softy, cuddly pecs and bawl his eyes out. 

 

Binghe has the comfiest chest. Binghe didn’t swat at him when he wanted cuddles or bark at him to man up, unlike some people. 

 

He got free cuddle times whenever he wanted from the bestest boy ever created. 

 

Shaoye has been without cuddle-time for close to three flipping months. He might never get a chance to cuddle Binghe again. He might never get a chance to-

 

Gongzhu swats him upside his head.

 

“Quit it with self-pity, kitty-cat. “ She snaps. “Take that grief, that rage and channel it into something that can aid us.”

 

Shaoye breathes in and out, before raising his eyes to the brightening sky. “Just give me a sec .” 

 

He isn’t the only one here. Gongzhu has a wife waiting for her back home. Mingfan and Gongyi-Xiao want to adopt kids after all this. The Qin sisters want to go on an all expenses paid holiday each….So many depend on him to make sure they win this. 

 

The sunlight painted him gold. Gongzhu wonders at times. For all her pooh-poohing over even considering reincarnation….Shaoye looked eerily like his famous ancestor, and even had the same keen insight. Sometimes she wonders- 

 

“-We will proceed with Operation sprouting bamboo, as planned. Divide and conquer. We might be outnumbered but what we have is ingenuity and knowledge over the terrains. From what I can see, our current platoons sent to disorientate Lao Gongzhu seem to be working . “

 

“The mist, the traps have been a great aid.” Gongzhu had been mildly angry that it wasn’t just , go in swords waving , stabby-stabby but after Shaoye drily pointed out that undead heavenly demonic royalty , the Blind corpses that were all oh so conveniently controlled by their nemesis  .  

 

While there were many undead who outnumbered them vastly, overwhelmingly so at the start, they had picked off the numbers along with the mercenaries gradually, with ambushes, using the terrain over them. 

 

Shaoye glared at the border. Even if this was truly his end, he would die on his feet , and not cowering like a whelp. He would die as someone Luo Binghe would be proud to reminisce over to his future family as a hero. 

 

The broken smile that touches his lips at this supposed future stretches into a grin with far too many teeth . 

 

The golden disc in the sky is beaming down on him by now. The sun is shining , birds are singing , it is a beautiful day for a diseased maggot to die . 

 

Fuck yea! He was going out in a blaze of glory!

 —-

Charred earth brimming with the residue of qi greets the reinforcements. Binghe feels the hair at the back of his neck stand on end at the sight of charred skeletons , all bearing rusted medallions of the royal heavenly demonic family. 

 

Necromancy . Not only did the old sack of waste ruin his entire life, but desecrated the bodies of his ancestors. There is enough humanity in him that he throws up his meager lunch at the side of the road .

 

Words can’t express how much he wants to see Lao Gongzhu dead .  

 

Binghe feeds more qi to his legs, enhancing his speed to get to his love faster. Lao Gongzhu might have ruined his past, the actions of which haunted his present, but like hell was he going to let him take away his future to boot. 

 

——-

 

Violet sparks flew from the qi-infused strike that Dancing Lily shot against the array that the several rogue cultivators employed by Lao Gongzhu’s faction . Dancing Lily was Xiao Gongzhu’s precious labor of love , the fusion of a spiritual sword that could be extended to a razor edged whip . But dang did said spiritual weapon demand a steady input of qi . 

 

The Nu Yuan clan was unique as it practiced ancestral worship in the literal sense as their weapons were all blessed by deceased clan members in a ritual . In rare cases , said ancestor’s spirit would even choose to enter the weapon itself if they liked the descendant who was invoking the weapon . Dancing Lily was unique as it was the first time in a hundred years that an ancestor’s spirit chose to aid a descendant. And said swore spirit was a greedy one for all her arcane knowledge and wisdom . 

 

Xiao Gongzhu bit back a mouthful of blood as she grasped her glowing sword-whip, feeding qi to it  . Fuck this . Fuck her . She was running now on pure spite and determination  which wasn’t good as that meant she had to stop relying on Dancing Lily’s qi based move and just rely on brute strength which wasn’t good, given that her opponents were all cultivators . 

 

Mingfan was dealing with the Binghe’s rellies aka the undead heavenly demons on the eastern front. The seething horde of grunts . Flashes of emerald within howling tornadoes cut the surrounding opponents to bloody shreds.

 

Just where did her old man get all these cannon-fodder mercenaries?  And- She sniffed in disgust at the black blood left on her metal. -No wonder, he had been drugging them. Figures the strength , the inability of them to react to attacks . 

 

Her Nu-yuan clan battalion currently were stuck facing off equally talented rogue cultivators who had been hired by her daddy dearest . She cussed him again . If there was a god out there, may the old man burn forever in hell’s hottest fires after he died a gruesome death. 

 

“Milady ! “ Her chosen general panted . “ How long do we keep fighting ?” 

 

That was a good question . “ We fucking push on ! We’ve got to get to our Golden Citadel allies! Come on, girls ! Let’s show these fuckin’ limp dicked druggies some real moves ! “ She whistled sharply , a signal to her girls to fan out .

 

But they were moving sluggishly , and that worried her. To be honest , she didn’t know how much longer they could hold-

 

A long drawn out blare that Xiao Gongzhu had heard many times when she was heading patrols bordering the Demonic realms. 

 

This particular horn was used exclusively by the royal army of Heavenly demons. 

 

Thank the Jade emperor.

 

The Heavenly demonic army was always headed by one of the royal family, which thus far only three had any true significant power.  Tianlang-Jun who remained committed to sulking in his palace over Su Xiyan , the overworked Zhuzhi-lang who was barely holding onto power for his uncle and -

 

It was a youth who stood grasping a blazing sword in his right hand , a gleaming horn in his left , clearly the leader of the gathered army. The dim glow of the torches carried by torch bearers behind him outlined his lithe figure through the night robes of finest silk. His dark eyes gleamed in the shadows. His hair was a mass of dark foam, at the burnished luster of which the dim light only hinted. A glowing mark bloomed on his forehead . 

 

Luo Binghe , rears his head back , letting out a primal roar that even sends a shiver down her spine .

 

With a terrifying speed , the demonic troops swarmed forth , and at the sight of the tides changing , the Nu Yuan clan members and the Citadel forces resumed the fight fully reinvigorated . 

 

—--------

 

When Binghe caught sight of his love ,  it was as if space and time became the finest point imaginable, as if time had collapsed into one tiny speck , exploding at light speed. 

 

But his joy was quickly overtaken by terror and fury when he realized how tired and sluggish Shaoye was and how far away they both were from each other  . 

 

To outsiders, he seemed just as normal, but Binghe had sparred against his master since childhood. He knew every move like the back of his hand, the signs when Shaoye was tiring. Even with a Qi reservoir, one couldn’t keep draining from it without recharging it. Lao Gongzhu was wearing Shaoye out on purpose and that blade was swinging far too close to that slender neck for Binghe’s liking . 

 

 With an animalistic screech of rage, this was the signal to the cavalry to start firing their arrows. 

 

The hunt is on . Down through the valley charged the demonic legion. The reinforcements were upon the mercenary army, the terror of this coming filled the enemy with panic. Some of the mercenaries fell on their faces before them. Others reeled back, screaming , casting aside both sword and spear. Like foul smog driven by a mounting wind they fled, abandoning their master who only held their loyalty by coin. Only a hundred - Foolish enough to stay , driven mad by bloodlust choose to face the allied army. 

 

After all, if the Citadel ruler only used enough force on enemies to ensure they were merely incapacitated , this underling of his surely would even more so squeamish about hurting another living being - It was there and then that Binghe greeted several of their members by punching holes through their heads. 

 

Pretty soon, the remainder of Lao Gongzhu’s order found out they had woefully relied on Dichan Shaoye's vow against killing. Luo Binghe cheerfully assured them that he subscribed to no such niceties with his bare fists. 

—-

Shaoye danced in and out of the fray, knocking a mercenary’s head out of cold, incapacitating a man who had lunged for his head , all the while trying to keep an eye out for Lao Gongzhu. Qi was internal energy . When he was younger, Shen Qingqiu had made it a habit of taking him into the deepest , most dangerous neck of woods and leaving him there to make it back to Qingjing peak during his so-called trips to see his godfather. 

 

Everything here in this realm had this internal energy, what made internal energy ‘Qi’ was the ability to use it with intent. Shaoye had learnt that panicking did nothing, he learnt to identify threats , the holy beasts, or demonic monsters before he made it out of the woods. Shen Qingqiu was the strategist of Qingjing peak, and while no Liu Qingge, was a Master tracker. Shaoye was nowhere close to the skill level of a peak lord  , but had picked up a few pointers under his good godfather’s tender mercies. 

 

He for one could track down the main so it ve of the trouble . Ideally, it would be Binghe facing down his tormentor. Poetically it would be Xiao Gongzhu . But he was the closest one -

There! 

 

He clears his throat .

 

The Lion’s roar cleared a path through the wiggling mass of undead . Shaoye had already shot up , setting up a ring of cleansing fire to keep any undead out . 

 

He steadies his breathing before grimly meeting the eyes of his childhood tormentor at last .

 

The Old Palace master looked …. Like crap . He had looked like shit before but now he looked like,  if the original pile of crap had built a house on a new pile of crap .

 

 They bared their teeth at each other before he made his move .

 

Dragon’s Gale is the final stage of Lion’s roar. He has maxed out all his stats on this bad boy.

 

A screech that had brought down an entire mountain tumbling down , burying an army of unlucky undead under it , bearing down on the old monster. A screech that made Lao Gongzhu spit out black blood . 

 

Shaoye somersaulted once ,  twice , noting grimly that where the black blood landed , it corroded the pure granite of the peak they were on . He doesn’t even dare try for his cloud of strings , unless absolutely necessary, as that eats up a ton of internal energy . 

 

Great . He had corrosive , acidic , cursed blood to deal with and an experienced fighter . It would appear either experience or youth would triumph. 

 

His palms instantly go through a series of motions to activate the Soaring Lily move , before charging it to his threads and infusing it to his needles attached at the end .

 

All the while he keeps on his feet . 

 

Gold versus Yellow again .

 

“Your father was more of a fighter .” 

 

Shaoye didn’t respond to the jibe but kept on his toes , all the while making sure the old man’s focus was on his feet.

 

There was a reason why Shaoye had sent an order that the Citadel’s state animal was the dove . Many mistook it for being a symbol of mercy . Many thought that Shaoye was soft after the admittedly iron fisted reign  of his infamous father .

 

What many didn’t bother to research was that the dove native to the land of the golden spires was the Silk feathered mamba dove . The birds were seemingly approachable and friendly to people who fed them , but didn’t take kindly to threats to their nest . 

 

They would keep the perceived threat occupied , drawing them further and further from their nestlings , all the while building , building up a potent build up of venom . Waiting , waiting for the right moment , the perfect gap ….

 

Let people underestimate you , Shen Qingqiu had told him, emerald eyes gleaming . Shaoye would never be the powerhouse his cousin was, he lacked the ruthlessness and battle rage his father had , and he was definitely no Luo Binghe. But, subterfuge and being a tricksy bugger who wore out his opponents till he pounced ? Totally up his alley.  

 

He watches with detached bemusement as Lao Gongzhu grows increasingly frustrated at the seemingly endless arrays of cloth he replaces for each one that the old man shreds.  

 

A master never told his secrets, but as long as there was a form of material, it could be woven into a cloth . They were surrounded by rock, but by continuously using his needles to grind the granite, extruded and melted into filaments and woven into hardy cloth , he had an unlimited source. 

 

Dull black , seemingly frail cloth wound round and round him. Lao Gongzhu struck at it, but the sheer volume and the material he was bound in , had him temporarily immobilized. 

 

Shaoye didn’t spare him any quarter, biting his thumb, and began smudging binding seals on the cloth to drain away the demonic qi. Well, better to try then wait , right? He was no Shen Qingqiu , who is the foremost expert on binding seals and arrays but he could hold his own- Almond eyes widened .

 

There would have been a blade slammed in his ribcage , had he not leapt back. 

 

Shaoye hastily reclaimed his cloth, summoning them back to his side.

 

There was a blade in the old man’s hands, but what caught Shaoye’s eye was a fluttering piece of cloth.

 

His eyes widened.

 

He recognized that scrap of fabric that was bound round the scabbard of the blade that had nearly gutted him .  It had been a robe once . An outer robe that a teenaged Luo Binghe had been missing , so many years ago on that unfortunate, fateful return from Huanhua . When queried on its missing status, Binghe swiftly deflected any answers that Shaoye guessed....And now, a decade later, he had his answer .

 

Ice floods his veins. The Old Palace Master notices his gaze on the fabric . Shaoye’s feeling of unease only grows at the knowing , slimy grin shot at him.

 

“ There is much you don’t know , Citadel ruler .” He feels bile at the back of his throat at the way those wizened old hands caressed the worn fabric , as though one would paw at the thigh of someone. 

 

“What… What the hell did you do to Binghe ?” His fingernails tear into his own flesh .  His voice sounds distant as though faraway. 

 

Lao Gongzhu raises a knowing eyebrow. 

 

“I got a taste before you did, of the ripest, sweetest fruit during his stay at HuanHua Palace.” 

 

Shaoye hears the howl of some enraged beast from far away . It takes him a second , a beat too late to realize that that howl is coming from his own throat .   Of his feet already leaping forward, needles clutched between each finger , aimed to put the lecherous gleam in those sunken eyes out. 

 

—--

 

Dichans , as a whole , aside from Dichan Zuxian, Ye and now the present Citadel ruler , were a genteel sort. They lived in the lap of luxury , honing their cultivation abilities so as to be of use to the Citadel , courting powerful mates to ensure a more powerful next generation , but other than that…Life was a series of pursuing pleasure for them. 

 

 But as a whole, they all shared a certain quirk. Once a Dichan fell in love, they loved wholeheartedly , and protected that lover of theirs with the intensity and fearlessness of a rabid wolf-dog . 

 

In short, they were ruled by their emotions as a whole. 

 

This was what Lao Gongzhu had been banking on.

 

Shaoye was good, but he had seen the hesitance and compassion in those honeyed eyes. He hit to incapacitate , hesitated to kill, he is a child of peace. 

 

 Mercy that cost him. A few strikes applied at the boy’s meridiens …And disabled his access to the Qi-reservoir. One thing about being formerly based in the healing arts section of cultivation , meant he knew the workings of the body. Had Shaoye been more seasoned, he would have seen through the jibe for what it was, bait to distract him  but then again, he was a Dichan. Threatening or humiliating their loved ones however was a surefire way to send even the most pacifistic member of that clan into a frothing battle-rage. 

 

Battle-rage could be utilized in dire situations but also made one careless. A careless cultivator going into battle often became a dead cultivator.

 

—--

 

The token that Lao Gongzhu had stolen from Binghe had been ripped to shreds- But Shaoye woefully had relied heavily on his cultivation prowess. And he allowed his emotions to be played with.

 

And now-

 

He was staggering from fatigue, so tired that spots danced at the corner of his eyes. Lao Gongzhu, had he been purely mortal , should have been down. But due to his boost , he was still standing. And his blade , while splintered, was still whole.

Shaoye panted, swiping away blood from a cut. His mind couldn't help but drift to a lesson imparted by his good godfather years ago.

 

The battle was narrowly fought . It had been nearly seven years of training for Shaoye . 

But Shen Qingqiu won this round again , by a simple careless slip of his godson who thought he was down for the count . He pretended to sway as though injured , then when Shaoye drew close . With an eyeball roll , he slammed his unwary godson to the wall with a well placed strike of Qi . 

 

Shaoye snarled as he met the wall , and attempted to summon his own Qi , only to realize whatever Shen Qingqiu had done to him had stopped the flow of Qi . The reservoir was still unlocked , he just did not have access , at least for now . 

 

Meaning his godfather was the winner of this  training match . A spar to prepare before he faced off his father in a ceremonial battle for the right to rule the Citadel. One of many of which Shaoye had yet to win against his godfather.

 

“No fair ! You cheated !” 

 

Shen Qingqiu strolled over languidly . 

 

In response , he hit Shaoye’s forehead with Xiuya’s pommel, hard  . 

 

“In a match to the death, there's no such thing as fair or foul.” The peak lord stated over his godson’s howls of pain . 

 

“ Y’did that , cuz I was about to win ! “ “Yes.” Shaoye gaped as though he had grown a second head at this honest admission  . “ But overconfidence is the death of many a powerful cultivator . Just because you have a Qi reservoir does not mean you are infallible in battle , Shaoye . Your foe can overpower you with stealth , with strategy . “

 

Shaoye blanched at this , Shen Qingqiu sighed, he was going soft but-

 

“You ARE growing stronger. “ He acknowledged , resheathing Xiu Ya . Shaoye bounced up , already preening . “-You might not want to look quite so pleased about that. The stronger you grow , the world grows more dangerous. “

 

He pinned Shaoye down with an icy glare . “-Life has a funny way of keeping things balanced.” 

 

Shaoye huffed at his godfather’s ‘praise’, folding his arms .  “Gan Dieeeeeee…Do you ever say anything encouraging?” He whined . 

 

Shen Qingqiu smiled long and wide. “ ….I encourage you not to die.” He replied sweetly , then licked his palm, smoothing Shaoye’s unkempt hair from their duel , prudently ignoring the sour scowl from the ungrateful urchin.

 

Shaoye was really glad his godfather was nowhere near .

 

Oh well . It was a good life .

 

Lao Gongzhu grinned , teeth yellow in the dying glow of the torches . 

 

“Only I , determine how it all turns out.” He gloated and raised his sword . 

 

Shaoye closes his eyes, not wanting his last view to be of a delusional old monster. There was a memory of Binghe and him quietly watching the sunrise. He holds onto the memory of that sturdy shoulder, basking in the glow of being in the brunette’s presence. 

 

He wants his last moments in this new life to be warm.

—

Shaoye had just about resigned himself to an inglorious death when a bolt of crackling Qi shot through Lao Gongzhu , an equivalent of a burning falling star shooting right through your body . There was something that the shot had hit as well, something that turned white-hot and started to smoke as that something shattered .

 

With a strangled gurgle, the old man toppled onto the ground, the impact rattling out something from his moldering robes . A smoldering medallion that singed the very earth it hit , near the wide eyed Citadel ruler . 

 

Shaoye couldn’t help but recoil away from the accursed object. He knew demonic cultivation, but how its user used it affected it. And the medallion felt foul , acrid ,like black rot .

 

He turned back to look upon his savior , heart gladdening as he did so.

 

There , storming towards them , teeth bared into a grimace , outstretched palm still smoking from firing the disabling move, like an avenging war god from the heavens  , was …

 

Binghe . 

 

“Turns out you’re dead meat.” He declared , leaping forward to greet the scores of enemy soldiers between them. 

 

The tall youth sprang before the men, beating down their swords, before turning toward Shaoye, breathing fast , obsidian eyes flashing. 

 

Fierce fingers of wonder caught at the young Citadel ruler’s heart. 

 

Luo Binghe is formed like a god: at once slight yet well muscled .  His alabaster white limbs ,  his muscles, sharp and chiseled drove a beat of fierce passion through Shaoye’s heart , even in the panting fury of battle. His rich ebony hair, dark as midnight, fell rippling like a waterfall down his back. His dark eyes burned on the ruler of the Golden Citadel. 

 

As untamed as the chill  wind that blew across the mountains , nimble and dangerous as a Three forked Qilin hailing from the Abyss .

Shaoye took a step closer to the hero of this story , his best friend , heedless of those bare fists, dripping with blood of slain men. 

 

——

 

Lao Gongzhu was partly driven mad from the pain that would have killed most men but still , he had in possession an insatiable will and one of the keenest minds in the cultivational world . He fumbled around , long fingers reached for his blade ….

 

With a snarl , Binghe stomped down hard . 

 

The Old palace master screeched in pain as his bones were shattered. 

 

“Binghe !” 

 

Shaoye leapt at him, barreling them both over with the weight of the armor. He didn’t have eyes for the old monster. 

 

“Shaoye ! -“

 

The relief was clear in Binghe’s voice , as the taller youth pulled him into a hug Shaoye felt he didn’t  deserve.

 

Pressed against Binghe , Shaoye didn’t know how big a weight he felt lifted off him . Binghe smiled back at him , so nervously as though he could scarcely believe Shaoye was alive before him. 

 

Wait a minute . 

 

His initial look of happiness and relief darkened to anger . 

 

Shaoye gulped at that look .

 

Oh yah.

 

The letter.

 

 It was funny how much Binghe, for all his peerlessly beautiful countenance , could resemble a saber-toothed tiger when angered. 

 

“What were you thinking ?!” Shaoye hung his head like a scolded first year disciple receiving a dressing down by his furious Shizun .

 

 “Dichan Yuanqi Shaoye , you continue to astound me with how poorly you think of yourself ! “ The troops all looked up , gaping at the volume of that shriek . 

 

“Yes , you are allowed to grieve . Yes , you are allowed to be upset over the death of a treasured friend and yes , I dare say I can speak for everyone that you greatly value and acknowledge the strength of your friends ! “

 

Luo Binghe’s eyes were rich like the deepest darkest chocolate , as soft as fur when he was happy, but when crossed, quickly became the rocks the ships shattered against in the storm. 

 

Like now . 

 

“But that doesn’t diminish your own strength ! Or that you are such a pathetic and miserable character that it was mere pity on my part as reasoning of us being friends ! That you are unworthy of even confessing to me without even asking me how I felt !” 

 

Binghe took a deep breath to recollect himself , gave a quick glance at Lao Gongzhu , who was still flopped over like a dead fish , out cold . 

 

He gave a sharp nod towards their troops who gratefully came forth to bind and take away the old man before turning baleful gaze back on his ruler. 

 

“ Do you know how terrified I was receiving that missive  ?! “

 

Binghe, Shaoye reflected , was awfully a lot like his Gan die, when he was royally pissed off. The way he used his words like a whip, mayhap one with a great deal less poison but still stung when struck.

 

“You hate yourself so loudly. You hate yourself at the top of your lungs. Your loathing for yourself permeates everything .Was my love for you not evident ? “ Tears glimmer like diamonds against thick lashes , that near conceal jet black eyes. Shaoye felt his balls shrivel up at making Binghe cry . 

 

“ ‘Sorry I’m just rambling.” “Don’t worry about it.” “Just ignore me.” “Sorry if I’m annoying you.” “Sorry I don’t make sense.” “Sorry about  ending this on that note .” Luo Binghe quoted his letter , star-like eyes boring holes into his physique .

 

 If Shaoye could sink down low  enough , maybe he could become part of the earth . 

 

Sha Hualing’s glare spoke volumes that he may well become part of the earth for making her best friend cry. 

 

Gongzhu,  , another member of the Protect Maiden Luo fanclub , looked equally thunderous. 

 

He could expect his balls to be ripped off by angry,angry women by the end of this . Thing is , he would offer ‘em up cuz he deserved it. 

 

“Sorry, sorry, sorry!” Binghe grit out, stomping his boots against the ground in great agitation  .”You act as if you have to beat everyone else to the punch. As if the punching bag is you. If you hate yourself first, if you hate yourself loudest, then nobody will hurt you. “ 

 

Finally , it seemed that he was running out of steam .  Shaoye looked up , his best friend was looking at him , looking very worn , very tired , very sad. 

 

“You clapped your hands over your ears and shut your eyes and balled yourself up so that you’d never have to experience people’s loathing for you. And it meant you never heard their love.   You drowned it out. You screamed your hatred over it. And you never got to hear it.  “

 

 Luo Binghe’s eyes are the ebony of the richest rain soaked earth , when people gaze into them , the sturdiness and calm in them sets them at ease . His hands are sturdy , and soft despite being marred by little cuts- Marks of a hard life.  His skin shames satin and silk . Shaoye gulps as Binghe claspes their interlocked hands together like an oath.

 

“I will say this again and again . Till one day you believe this . “

 

I love you too , Dichan Shaoye . I love you for being you . I have loved you since the day we crossed paths , I will love you in this life and in the next . Till the end of time itself .” 

 

Shaoye’s heart felt full to bursting . 

 

“Marry me !” He blurted out .

 

It was the oddest of places . A battleship gray sky loomed above them. They were surrounded by legions of weary soldiers . The both of them were covered in the gore and muck of who knows what . They haven’t even dated . 

 

Binghe deserved better than him . But evidently for the strangest and most tragic  of reasons , Luo Binghe had  fallen in love with him .

 

So , the logical brain that Shaoye had determined that the most logical thing would be to take responsibility and do it as fast as possible and make sure Binghe never had reason to mull over this mistake . 

 

After all , he would have the rest of his life to go on dates , to be as cheesy and romantic as he wanted to be with his soul mate . 

 

"Having you by my side is what completes me, makes me and fulfills me!” Shaoye declared stoutly , chest puffed out the way a bird would attempt to impress a mate . 

Oblivious to the strangled squeaking that Xiao Gongzhu was producing across the common green  .

 

 “-You complete me. So marry me and complete the circle with me!" Binghe gaped at him for a second before he squealed loud enough for it to be a lion’s roar , previous ire , previous weariness all gone in a flash . 

 

He jumped on Shaoye in response, bowling him over . Getting mud and dirt more all over them . Oblivious to the reactions of everyone else . 

 

Of Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao bawling like babies over Shaoye finally growing up . Of Qin Wanyue and Sha Hualing dancing around , hugging each other in joy . Of  Qin Wanrong attempting  to stop Gongzhu from braining Shaoye in the head with her whip for asking for his love’s hand in the dirtiest, filthiest place anyone could conceive of. 

 

Shaoye and Binghe for the moment were blissfully alone in their own little world .

 

—-

 

Surprisingly enough, while there were about a  thousand wounded, there was only a hundred and five  deaths accounted for on their side in comparison to the near decimation of the mortal troops and complete annihilation of the zombified heavenly demons brought back only by the foul necromancy that Lao Gongzhu’s foul trinket had given him   . As it is, there were rites undertaken, the bodies of the Heavenly demonic royalty were given a ceremonial cremation as were the fallen troops   .

 

Their remains were interred into urns . Lao Gongzhu meanwhile was bound further and further by several sealing experts. Words could not express the vicious stab of satisfaction that Shaoye got at how the tables had turned at the immobilized old toad’s eyes- Full of hatred and fear gawping at his leering captors. It was decided on Xiao Gongzhu and Binghe who had been the most wronged by the old man’s actions on who should have the pleasure of keeping him locked up  . Binghe , ever the gentleman, ever the gentle soul, gave a shallow bow to the lavender clad woman , indicating to Gongzhu , that the right to decide was up to her. 

 

Unlike Binghe, Gongzhu puffed up , visibly inflating at the boon offered. An ugly sneer, part snarl on her face , she strode up, two of her trusted generals at her side. The three women manhandled him back to the tent, or rather dragged him through the dirt and muck back to where the Nuyuan clan  base was. 

 

Shaoye sags a little against Binghe , who grips his shoulders firmly. “It’s over.” There is such equal relief and wonder in the dark eyed youth’s voice that Shaoye wishes he had punched Lao Gongzhu harder just now. Lao Gongzhu had hurt Binghe , the kindest, most loving soul on this planet, in the worst possible way. 

 

He shivers . A cold wind whistles through the barren landscape as they trudge back. Binghe’s hand clutching his own smaller right reassuringly warm, There is a suitable base there for their troops to rest till morning.

It is now early evening, and while there is a certain sadness in the air that likely will never go away, joy wins out. Open celebrations are organized throughout the campsite. Conversations lilt as the men excitedly discuss where they went on . 

 

Binghe’s thumb rubs against his palm in comfort as he tenses. People had died. People had suffered .

 

  And all for the greed of one man. 

 

He closes his eyes. 

 

So much destruction. So much loss.

 

And yet, they would rebuild , and learn to live again.  

 

Warm, rich, and varied scents – wined and twisted and wreathed themselves at last into one complete, voluptuous, perfect smell, a siren beckoning the hungry men to come to her .  

 

Rows upon rows of  tables on what served as the feeding grounds for the troops were now staggering under the weight of dishes arrayed.(*1)  

 

Millet , roasted to perfection that was fried with lard, was ladled out in large portions. Now that the restrictions on rationing , now that the fighting was over, fresh and vegetables were served. 

 

Shaoye wasn’t ashamed that he wept at the taste of food that wasn’t hastily fried mid-grade millet. Just enough to keep one healthy and fill up the belly. And veggies. So much dang , nasty green stuff he had to eat or go hungry, with little meat, always over boiled meat that was always chicken or fish. 

 

Now though, the cooks had gone all out. Millet! Beef , roasted then basted liberally with a sweet sauce . Mutton soup, made with good gamey cuts of choice cuts of meat , cooked in stock, and with vegetables clearly harvested in season ! 

 

Shaoye sat back, watching as the faithful Binghe piled and piled a mountain of food onto his plate , almost crying, when it was handed to him at last.  

 

He stuffed, and stuffed, and stuffed, and kept asking for more, and it was never begrudged to him.  He isn’t the only one scarfing down his plate. Dinner that night was a wonderful end to a long period of hardship and strife.

 

Soon after , it was time for sleep.

 

Binghe bid his love , his fiance ,a breathless good night. Shaoye was a vision in the moonlight. Glossy brown hair with that silky sheen on the temple; the night breeze ruffling his robes , it was a strong wind that night, that the fluttering robes provided him a glimpse of a sun-kissed ankle , the barest hint glimpse of a well muscled exquisite golden thigh. 

 

The half demon sniffed the air . A trace of tantalizing caramel scent drifts on a breeze, wrapping him in its esscence like a teasing fox spirit taunting an unwary soul to surrender his heart , body-He had scented the same alluring fragrance emmiting from Shaoye.

 

His love had confessed to him that he , as well as majority of the army had come down with a variety of afflictions. Weird aches , lethargy during certain peroids of the month, and the fact that their mood affected their scene. Making them excude signature scents . Some floral, some cirusy, some honey-sweet like Shaoye himself was now emitting .

 

Binghe was worried about this strange affliction, but still relieved that he had an alive Shaoye with an ailment rather then the alternative.

 

He went to bed, happy and relieved. 

 

The peace of his tent was not to last.

 

Binghe started as a shadow fell over him. But still he raised his head to greet the late night interloper.

 

“What’s wrong?” He asked , gently.

 

Dichan Shaoye looked at him with hopeful eyes.

 

“C-could I sleep with you?” Part of Binghe, the prim gentleman wanted to tell him that it was no longer proper , them being lovers now. Binghe, the best friend, ruthlessly quashed that part down. 

 

He saw Shaoye again as the mischievous little urchin . Remembered the endearments that he bestowed on him, his loving protector.

He saw his star grow to adulthood , and of course,  remembered every joy and every heartache that chestnut haired youth had caused him.  

 

Oh , how Binghe despaired over how much he loved his love. The spell that Shaoye had over him. 

 

“Of course.” He made room on his mat for Shaoye.  “Thanks, Binghe-ge,” he murmured as he settled down on the mat, curled like a sleepy kitten, before adding a trite imperiously as though to salvage his image as a manly man amongst manly men . “Cuddle me to sleep like you did when I was a baby.” 

 

 You’re still a baby, Binghe thought, with no small amount of amusement, as he took the small youth in his arms. 

 

Time passed, yet to Binghe’s slight bewilderment, Shaoye remained tense in his arms. 

 

“Why are you still awake?” He queried at last, voice soft with sleep. He could see how Shaoye’s eyelids wanted to close, yet he stubbornly forced them wide.

 

“T’protect you and I from bad guys.” Binghe had an idea who ‘bad guys’ was. But 'Bad guys' was currently under heavy lock and key and guarded by his own worst enemy  .  

 

“You close your eyes. I’m here now.” The loyal right hand told his ruler, firmly. A look-Part mulish, part mischievous settled on Shaoye’s face. “Then where’s m’ goodnight kiss, hmmm?” 

 

Maybe it was the sleep talking, or maybe it was because he had been chasing after Shaoye’s heart since time immemorial , that he didn’t chasten Shaoye for additional impropriety…He leaned forward.

 

“Go.” Lips brush forehead.

 

“To.” Then, that pert little nose.

 

“Sleep.” A chaste final peck on those pouty lips. 

 

Shaoye gawped at him , eyes a tempest, a maelstrom of fire  . As though Binghe had just bestowed upon him the secret to some sacred hidden realm full of priceless treasures rather then a just mere kiss  - That an embarrassed Binghe hid himself in his nest of blankets to escape from the intensity of attention bestowed on him all of a sudden. 

 

He could feel his lover start to vibrate with laughter even through the bedding.

 

“My Binghe-ge is the cutest!” Shaoye crowed before finally settling down.

Binghe huffed at that. 

True, part of him preened at being acknowledged at being the cutest , but what decent man liked being likened to the area relegated to fluffy puppies or doe eyed damsels?

A few minutes later,  Shaoye ‘s soft snores indicate he is finally fast asleep. Soon after, said snores entice the weary Luo Binghe to follow him to the depths of blissful slumber.

Notes:

*1- https://inf.news/en/news/74753ef1a43a534c441158f576bdcc54.html
There are mainly two kinds of dry food in the army of the Han Dynasty. They are called glutinous rice and glutinous rice. They are rice, wheat, sorghum and other grains that are fried and then smashed for easy carrying. It is similar to the fried rice and fried noodles of later generations. , drink it directly with hot water, but the staple foods in the north and south regions are different.

In the Tang Dynasty, the soldiers mainly ate Millet. Which was used as food, and most of it was used to cook porridge. The millet in it was actually called millet. This kind of food was very easy to store and the yield was very good, so it became the staple food of the army at that time. The standard of meal for soldiers is one bucket of corn a day.

However, this kind of food is not eaten, because the hunger will be very fast, but before the Tang Dynasty soldiers set off, they will hold a luxurious banquet, two liters of wine per person, five boxes of white rice, and various beef and mutton, etc. You can have a full meal before the battle, which is a great boost to morale.
----
Author's note:

Thank you ,Belas and Bellas , for turning in for the latest chapter. I wanted to end this on a cliffhanger , but , buuuuut hehehehe, next chapter is ahem , SPICY. Dare I say Citrusy ?

Is all I'm saying hehehehehehehehe ;3333333 So I kinda ended it on a sweet note and finally BINGYUAN is here Huzzahaahahaha! So, stay tuned for next sunday! !Thank y'all for you support!

Chapter 40: Here there be LEMONS

Summary:

Warning : Premarital sex ahead . Explicit . Baby’s first attempt at writing lemon !!! This is literally a papapa or die situation . Also : Inaccurate depiction of hypothermia and frostbite . Medical INACCURACY as in do not take the medical science used here EVER as to be used in real life !! Also Multiple idealized depictions of uhhhh...Coitus. Multiple orgasms and UNREALISTIC depictions of the first time.

Notes:

Hope y’all liking . Again ! I have warned ya !!! There be sex in this chappy !! Between two of age and consenting characters but sex !!! Is happening here !!!!!

Despite an early start , the army was swinging along the road in fine style.

 

It was a cool and misty, damp, disagreeable air. The country looked underdone, the earth damp with dew

 

. They came to ascend a hill, Shaoye picked up a stick from the ground, thrust his new walking-stick into the oozy sod, bent his form, leading the army up the steep ascent of the hill. 

 

All round them were tokens of a divided empire. The old grass and the new grass were striving together. In the low wet swales the verdure peeped out in vivid green; beyond, on the mountains lay light patches of snow, strangely relieved against their russet sides; all the humped hills looked like brindled kine in the shivers. 

 

The woods were strewn with dry dead boughs, snapped off by the riotous winds of March, while the young trees skirting the Woods were just beginning to show the first yellowish tinge of the nascent spray.

 

It seemed too good to be true. They were halfway to the Citadel. Two days away infact . Binghe kept reassuring him that things would be fine. Mingfan brought up the rear of the army . Lao Gongzhu was carried in a barricaded carriage that was guarded by the Nu Yuan clan . Outwardly Sha Hualing headed hers and Binghe’s platoon in a standard guard flank surrounding the carriage.

 

He took a step forward to begin the descent downhill , only for his breath to hitch . 

 

Shaoye really , really hated the feeling of being proven right .

 

 It was the dead of summer yet specks of white floated down from a fast darkening , unnatural violet sky . 

 

“Pair up!” Shaoye barked at his troops . 

 

The snow fell fast.

 

He stared at the sky once more .

 

What was once clear blue , yet an eerie purple sky greeted them. Deja Vu struck him and not in a good way . 

 

Binghe was next to him, clearly not stuck in the throes of a mental attack by Xin mo brought on in Chapter 143 , and Tianlang-Jun had just sent him a letter congratulating him on the capture of Lao Gongzhu …. Which meant- 

 

“Binghe-ge. I recall you tellin’ me that Su Xiyan is on the loose with a mind-screwy weapon of ultimate destruction, got a few screws loose in ‘er head due t’ Xin Mo, right?”

 

Binghe looked up at his liege ,eyes dark wells of dread.

 

“To be honest.” The brunette whispered. “- I don’t think our troops can take her head on , with their energies so depleted after facing down Lao Gongzhu.”  

 

It was then and there that Shaoye made the executive decision that NOPE,Miss Su, was going to be someone else’s problem. He had done enough of cleaning up a major mess. Let her , and her dumb revenge-clouded mind , wander off into someone else’s bonnet!

 

His mind latched onto what the Girl of the moment , in chapter 143 of Volume 37 of Proud Immortal’s Demon way , had done to get Binghe away from her injured guards, and her city that had just been ravaged from a recent war with a neighboring state and was no way ready to face off a rampaging heavenly demon. A demoness who had unparalleled ability with dream enchantment.

 

“Binghe. She is in a trance. Therefore , her mind is in a dreamscape. Is it possible for you to counter Xinmo’s will and get her to bugger off?” 

 

“I do not possess such control, especially against a legendary weapon that is as old as these lands itself.”Shaoye slumped a little at the sadness in Binghe’s gaze though he perked up at the next words  . 

 

“…But what I can do is redirect her focus . With the combined efforts of my clansmen who are part of the guard I brought with me. But we will need a large amount of qi donations for such a mammoth task.” 

 

“You got a qi reservoir, right here.” Shaoye thumped his chest, wincing guiltily at the rare disapproval on his best friend’s face .

 

 “Shaoye. I do wish you would take your life more seriously. You just faced down Lao Gongzhu , and had drained your qi reservoir to do so…The shock of impulsive giving up your qi could overload your system…Your life is not a game. You aren’t expendable.”

 

I love you. 

 

Shaoye bit his lip to stop the swell of fondness for his worrywart . “I appreciate you f’r reminding me. I promise to be careful …But can it be done?”

 

Binghe gave a sharp whistle , to which summoned the rest of his clansmen. He looked around at his relatives, who all nodded , faces grim but determined. “Yes!”

 

Shaoye picked out a sharp needle, and began to scratch out the array to enable such a transfer of energy. 

 

As soon as he completed the last scratch, the heavenly demons all stepped onto the array, settling down on the ground, for it would take their minds and souls for attempting such a perfidious undertaking. 

 

The rest of the army closed ranks around them. 

 

Shaoye closed his eyes , concentrating on a slow flow of qi to his recipients . It didn’t take long. 

 

“We have intercepted and entered the mindscape of Miss Su. ..We have picked up on her…. Motivation .” Binghe reported, voice faraway . “Yes. This will make things …Easier. But Xin Mo is strong. " "So strong. “ Sighed the other heavenly demons , shivering as they all contended with the might of the cursed object’s will.

 

Shaoye grit his teeth as the enchantment began to be weaved , and as doing so , the demand for qi grew as the heavenly demons began to actively sap away at the outlets provided. Murmurs of wonder started up. Unknown to the ones performing the ritual, the effects of the Dream enchantment could be seen , shimmering like a beautiful display of myriad colors , against the unnatural purple sky. 

 

It led to the east , a fair distance away where it ended past a great plain wherein it swooped down , like a rainbow arch after a storm. 

 

The enchantment took hours. Outwardly, nothing was happening, but the sense of dread and fear that engulfed the troops was very real.The wind howled around them, like the snarls of a wolf. The snow was now waist deep . None were prepared for winter climate so it took them all expelling their qi to get any semblance of warmth . 

 

 Sweat beaded the temples of those within the array. Shaoye threw up twice at some point from the exertion, visibly trembling as the strain of having his reservoir drained again at such a rapid scale sent his nervous system into disarray . 

 

Mingfan’s bellows for them to halt the ritual went unheeded. 

 

Slowly , the unnatural violet sky bled to reveal a clear blue sky . Then the deadly rain of white from the merciless heavens ceased .

 

Binghe slumped over. “It is done.” 

 

While the snow storm , thankfully had ceased , a thick blanket of snow covered nearly everything. 

 

The heavenly demons shook off the accumulated snow that had built on them .

 

 A heartrending shriek broke the quiet of the day .

 

Binghe was frantically digging out a snow covered figure who had toppled onto crimson flecked snow . 

 

——

 

Shaoye was cold as ice. The remaining vomit on his robes, too frozen solid . Blood had been flowing from his nostrils , a sign of shock to his brain.  It didn’t seem like he was breathing . 

 

“How could this have happened so fast ?” Gongzhu demanded, as Binghe barked orders to a handful of troops fast enough to comprehend the gravity of the situation who began setting up a tent in record time.

 

 “ Shaoye giving up his Qi at such a rate meant he also gave up  energy that could have been used to regulate and expel the cold . This is sub zero temperature . “ Mingfan grit out , voice dull with pain. “ He’s got frostbite and likely his system is dealing with hypothermia now… Along with that weird affliction that has got half the troops down.” 

 

The half demon grimly placed his hands on the left and right region of Shaoye’s chest, they glowed a blazing white , signaling him charging qi. 

 

One - Shaoye’s body shook as the half demon* sent a jolt of energy to jumpstart his heart. Two-  “There’s a heartbeat!” Binghe’s sonorous voice echoed through the cold air. 

 

He gathered Shaoye in his arms, leaping towards the set up tent.

 

Gongzhu watched, eyes narrowed as the tent flap was sealed shut- Meaning nothing would be let out from within that tent . All heat would be sealed within … As well as sound . The cogs in her fast moving brain were whirring a mile a minute , as she pondered all the facts laid out before her . 

 

“ Urgh .” She growled at last, sagging in both consternation and relief . “ Of course, Bingbing would use that cure .”

 

“Wait -Wait ….” Qin Wanrong whispered , broken out of the solemnity of the situation. “ That cure ?!”

 

Mingfan too realized this by the way he turned red with overprotective rage . But he too was helpless . Only that cure might be able to save his cousin . 

 

Besides , the pair were engaged anyway . But this didn’t mean he had to be happy that this was happening before marriage ! 

 

“Bingbing !! “ He settled for roaring at the tent . “ You better make Ah Shao an honest man after this !!! Or else I’ll tear your balls off !!!”  

—-

 

Binghe poured the warm alcohol infused with his blood parasites down Shaoye’s throat . With a click of his hands , he activated the three portable stoves to start blazing away . Soon , the room was warm . 

 

Grimly, he stripped Shaoye down and wiped him dry with the blankets. The next step was to share body heat – to warm the person’s body. 

 

Binghe stripped , shrugging off with careless abandon the slinky cloth armor, revealing an expanse of rippling muscle as though carved from the finest white jade.

 

Without hesitation, he wiggled into the nest of blankets, hugging Shaoye all the while. 

 

On the surface there was no change in those frozen features . But the attentive half demon detected the slightest flush to blue lips .  

 

The ice was now thawing . Rivulets of water were now flowing down frozen skin … Those thick eyelashes definitely fluttered…

 

Blue skin pinked up, slowly but surely  . A rattling gasp breathed through chapped lips , then Shaoye blinked, once...twice...Those brown eyes opened once more , returning their owner to the realm of the living . 

 

“B…Binghe-ge?” 

 

Binghe sagged with relief . 

 

“I-I made you cry again.” Shaoye murmured sadly, reaching forward. The half demon couldn’t help but flinch at the iciness of  his patient’s fingers as they brushed away the tears flowing down his cheeks. 

 

“You-you seem to make it a habit of scaring the living daylights out of me.” The joke the half demon tried to laugh out, came out more as a croak.

 

Shaoye looked around , they weren’t in any range near any proper medical facilities . This was just an average army tent. 

 

He took stock of the tense silence. Of how he ever so often let out a ragged cough . The way spots flew at the periphery of his vision . 

 

“Crap.” “There is only one solution to our current conundrum.” Binghe was pointedly looking away . “You have multiple ailments , you are close to death -“

 

Shaoye winced at the admonishing tone at the last bit , the way Binghe’s voice raised , betraying the utter panic and fear that his beloved was trying to hold back . 

 

“-I have fed you the last of the mashed Thousand-Leaves Fresh-Snow Lotus concoction and all the apple cider* we have on hand, even added my blood which contains the parasites which normally does the trick . But as you were halfway to see King Yama . All it did was just bring you back to the realm of consciousness  -”

 

  Shaoye couldn’t help but stare at the way the burnished mass of night-black hair rippled down in lustrous ripples about those bare ivory shoulders,which made him want to just reach out to see how soft those silken threads were .

 

The way those dark eyes, shaded by long dusky lashes flashed with fire when they gazed upon him -

 

The young regent  licked his dry lips , suddenly feeling very thirsty . 

 

“Do you recall why the remainder of my kind was enslaved and given to the Emperor of the mortal realm ? “ “ I’m not gonna turn ya into a slave .”

 

“ ….I might as well be one , given how you hold my heart and soul captive .” Binghe growled in frustration, eyes aglower. 

 

“ Whuh ? “ 

 

“Point is . Coitus with a heavenly demon cures all ailments and restores anyone’s Qi to full order . Being of both human and demon blood, the demon half of my bloodline came from the heavenly demons of old. “ 

 

Shaoye tried not to gibber at the alabaster hand that smacked against a very bare , very full chest in demonstration. 

 

He has gawped at many a large bosom because hello , this was technically the world of Proud immortal demons way , eye candy abounded in vast quantities over here . 

 

But Binghe’s chest might as well be double D’s . He had hit the Father load . The-

 

“-We , as in , Heavenly demons have the ability to absorb whatever ailment our lover has - And absorb it into our systems , turning it to natural healthy qi which we then return to said lover , thereby restoring them to full health through sexual intercourse .”  

 

Binghe finished primly , innocently unaware of the lecherous thoughts snaking through Shaoye’s mind . 

 

Or maybe he was too aware of how slow Shaoye was to play catch up . He paused , patiently waiting for his words to register with his beloved . 

 

Tick .

 

Tock .

 

Shaoye made a noise like a tea kettle boiling over,as his lover’s words registered at last. 

 

Binghe was warm, he realized. Very warm. He’s also really, really pretty. 

 

Like, above-you- kind of pretty.

 

Shaoye should be wrapping one of the blankets about himself decently and moving away….Yet.  

 

He gazed at the pleasing visage before him.Unbidden, compelled by an irresistible force, the youth crept forth. 

 

Deep, clear, black eyes stared at him, blazing with unquenchable fire. Binghe seemed to make his mind up as well, the taller youth didn’t pull back at his timid touch.  

 

Shaoye swallowed, feeling very foolish all of a sudden.

 

What was he so afraid of ?

 

He had been in love with Binghe even before he had come here . He was tired of running away from his feelings due to his own self doubt . He would run no longer from his feelings . 

 

“I-I don’t care if you cancel the engagement. Or never want to see me again after this disgrace  . '' Binghe trembled, at last forsaking the mask of confidence he so oft shrugged on  . “ But , I’m not letting you die here ! I love you- Mpppfht !” 

 

Plush lips press against his , cutting off his . Shaoye’s arms wrapped around his trim waist, cinching them together- Binghe could feel the pounding beat of his lover’s heart,  his brain shut up its usual litany of insecurities and he wove his hands through mahogany locks, feeling the silken strands cascade between his fingers.

 

“ Binghe , ya Dumb-Dumb.” Binghe’s heart melted , both in relief at that old pet name, at the sheer affection in his childhood love’s exasperated voice . 

 

“ We’re engaged , you great goober . We would have had to do the horizontal tango sooner or later .” 

 

Shaoye raised an eyebrow at Binghe’s inelegant snort . “ C-can you not call it by that term ?” “ What ? Going down to Pound town ? Putting the Bao in the steamer basket? Knocking boots ?” 

 

Binghe now let out a sound like a tea kettle . “ Stooooop ! “ He whined at the randy way Shaoye waggled his eyebrows at him  . “ It’s called making love ! “ 

 

“Kay. Big guy .” Shaoye leaned back , patting the side of their nest to blankets . “ Let’s get started on-“

 

Shaoye stared.

 

“What the heck.” He muttered, twitching. 

 

The bulge that Shaoye was gawping at was a rondure of snaking virile manhood that stretched out to the side like a resting python , then curled back in on itself through Binghe’s underwear, that he only now was focusing on . 

 

Dichan Yuanqi Shaoye looked up , feeling himself harden at the pleasing visage of the most handsome creature in the three realms …. Then he feels himself deflate at the sight of the sheer monster below . 

 

All thoughts of adorability instantaneously flew off beyond the nine heavens.

 

The ever sensitive Binghe noticed the change in his expression . He turned his back to Shaoye, presenting his perky rear  . “ It doesn’t have to be me … Doing the act . “ He chirped , all too eager . “You can be the one to take me !” 

 

Shaoye felt a shiver run up his spine. “Uh-uh, ya ain’t getting out of being the lucky chump  t’ bugger me. “ 

 

He had already made Binghe cry twice. This was a win-win for the both of them . Binghe got a bit of sugar , and he got out of a shitty situation. 

 

….

 

If he took charge—he didn’t have any experience, okay? If he wasn’t careful and made Luo Binghe bleed everywhere—even though he knew Binghe would still be overjoyed, he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night!

 

There would be more opportunities in the future anyway; there was nothing wrong with going along with him a bit more, or letting Binghe taste a little sweetness first.

 

In short, it wasn't on account of being a little moved that Shaoye was offering to give up the leading role  himself! Goodbye! 

 

“Ah Shao.” Binghe began a trite hesitantly. “Forgive me for bringing this up, but you accidentally kicked your dresser three months back …And all the windows of the entire Grandest manor had to be replaced from your resulting outburst of pain.I don’t think the tent can take that kind of damage .”

 

“I got some medicated oil.” “What kind of medicated oil?” “From Gan Die. It’s supposed to numb all pain.” 

 

Shaoye snorted at the vindictive look of pleasure- Like of a cat that had chanced on a fat canary -On Binghe’s face. 

 

A gift ? From Shen Qingqiu ? To be used in such a fashion ?   Hook . Line . Sinker . 

 

“You’d find it in the left compartment of my Qiankun pouch !” The ever obliging half demon found the pouch in question . 

 

But raised an eyebrow at the mess revealed within . Uneaten sticky wrappers … Innumerable needles . Crumpled finished sketches of designs for armors. …. Finally , underneath all the clutter , the half demon held up the small green bottle with the seal of the Qingjing peak insignia on it . 

 

Success!

 

The half demon turned back , all beams only to suddenly find his mouth very,very dry . 

 

A petite youth lay on the nest of blankets ,lithe as a cat , entirely naked. His skin, caressed by the sun, was the color of oiled cedar wood from the mountains beyond the Tianguang mountain range. Mahogany locks glitter in the firelight. Pretty eyes, the color of amber, with a big spray of lashes that always slant in a laugh. He wears a permanent teasing , half-smirk , a touch of rapscallion that makes him Ye’s son.

 

A slim but well- muscled chest. No hair nestles on pink nipples or between his pecs; even his flat belly is bare. He is arrogant, wild and careless. He is the most heartbreakingly beautiful thing Luo Binghe has longed for since boyhood. 

 

As if to encourage Luo Binghe, the young ruler rolled over , elbows propped on the bed, his shoulder blades raised high,  the line of his waist dipped in a soft arc, practically presenting said backside to Luo Binghe. 

 

Like a mare in heat. 

 

Binghe swallowed hard , heart beating a mile a minute at the careless laugh that came forth from that golden throat as he applied the ointment between that slick opening, fingertip slipping between and gathering the wetness there.

 

By the gods, Shaoye had no idea the power he had over him. 

 

For that transgression , his gentle kisses on those petal soft lips grow rougher.

 

 Slender arms grabbed at him desperately, arms around his head as he parted that satiny opening with two fingers , finding  that hidden sweet spot, judging by Shaoye’s sudden gasp of pleasure - Rubbing it in small circles.

 

With skillful fingers , with skillful tongue -He kissed between exquisite sun-kissed thighs , rubbing, nudging, poking… In a rhythm like the beating of a heart.

 

Tanned legs twined about his head and shoulders desperately, urging him closer,beginning to buck his hips, beginning to come.

 

Binghe shifted his position to crouch over his bed-mate, poised his manhood at the entrance, kissing that virgin bud. 

 

At first, the pliant head only caused the yielding flesh of Shaoye’s perineum to bow inward, so large was the monster that the half demon was trying to insert, causing Shaoye to hiss in effort. He jerks like a plucked lute string.

 

Sccccchlorrp.

 

Amber eyes went white with pain, tossing his head like a firebrand.

 

 Despite all the preparations, one thing they had not accounted for was the sheer size of Binghe’s member not to induce pain even with the lube.For the cockhead to shred through so carelessly what appeared to have been resistance- A maidenhead. 

 

It felt like his bottom half no longer belonged to him, gawdamnit.

 

Binghe took one look at his bed mate’s pain overwhelmed face. Froze for a moment , having taken a vicious blow to the heart. His own tears shortly followed, spilling down. The teardrops pitter-pattered onto Shaoye’s cheek, pattering until he was left speechless. What are you crying for?!

 

Two people crying at each other. What the hell kind of situation was this?!

 

Enduring the discomfort in his lower body, Shaoye pecked Luo Binghe’s eyes and cheeks, kissing away his tears. “I’m fineee…” He lied, with a forced gamely grin .” It doesn’t hurt that much. Gotta go through pain to get a lil pleasure, amirite? Go on.”

 

“I’ll pull out,” Luo Binghe declared tearfully.

 

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuck! Don’t joke around—if we leave things like this, we’ll both end up with psychological trauma! What if we get ED?!

 

A brief pain was better than a drawn-out one! They’d come this far; at least one person had to feel good, right?!

 

Shaoye made his decision and abruptly sat up, pushing Luo Binghe beneath him.

 

The strength he’d been building for so long was exhausted in one go: he had none left to brace his legs. His bottom plunged down, swallowing Luo Binghe within himself to the fullest extent. The tip seemed to press all the way up into his stomach, bringing with it a sudden urge to retch before he forced himself to swallow. His ensuing gasp nearly covered up the fleshy sound of his depths stretching to accept the sheer size of Binghe’s shaft.Twitching due to the sheer onslaught of all he is feeling- The smaller man ,shaking as he felt the plundering shaft breach so astoundingly deep,deep -

 

Suddenly, the thick, hard object inside him rubbed against something -a burst of tingling numbness that swept through him, exploding within his stomach and flooding his entire body.

 

Huh.

 

Taken by surprise, he collapsed forward with an alarmed squeak . Luo Binghe sat up just in time to catch him and folded him into his arms. Luo Binghe’s senses were incredibly sharp. “Ah Shao , does it stop hurting when I touch there ?” 

 

Not only had it stopped hurting, it had even…Felt a little good!

 

Both groaned in pleasure , in sync. Binghe looked up. At Shaoye's come hither nod and challenging grin…Fully reinvigorated, Binghe grabbed those slender sun-kissed shoulders . Using them as leverage, pulled out , before thrusting back in.

 

Silken thighs wrapped themselves around Binghe's pelvis, urging the youth in, enveloping him in a velvety heat.

 

The smacking sound of skin meeting skin filled the humid, honeyed air.

 

Shaoye snarled as the heat within him grew in waves as his juices lubricated their increasingly frantic coupling. Bursts of melting pleasure began slamming through his body,alike getting sledgehammered with pleasure with each thrust. Time seems to have stopped though he definitely, definitely has orgasmed, multiple times.

 

The feeling was alien to him... He felt like each new climax took him higher, as though to paradise itself. Here, it was easy. He was just Shaoye . Shaoye who was desired, Shaoye who loved Binghe and who Binghe loved …If by judging by the thick,hard cock mercilessly, repeatedly drilling,rutting even deeper and harder within him as though frantic that Shaoye would be snatched away at any second- Oh. 

 

Bliss clouds his mind , as another flood of warmth floods his insides.A gusher of sperm packed into his intestines, packing him with potent seed all the way from his orifice to his jejunum. He had lost count of how many times Binghe had come inside.  He resists the urge to poke at his slightly distended belly, so full now it looks like he is almost pregnant.

 

  Pfft, Good luck with that, Binghe. Even you can’t knock up one without the equipment - Ah. Ah!

 

His eyes roll back as that plundering , cruel cock hits yet again without reprieve against his prostate. He can scarce recognize the indelicate,unrestrained squeals coming out of his mouth. 

 

He wasn’t Shen Yuan who built his walls up so high no one ever , ever could get in even if they had wanted to. He wasn’t the feisty, fearsome and well loved Citadel ruler here.

 

Here, he was just a lover. Just Binghe’s lover. 

 

His body coiled tighter, grasping at Binghe at this thought, so wet now the younger of the pair could hear the slick sounds every time his lover drove back into his passage, driving his cock into that sweet spot over and over, abusing the bundle of nerves over and over and over again-

 

—---

 

Binghe’s restraint was fast dissolving -  The hot, tight channel of Shaoye’s passage , parting, spasming,milking him drove him to near madness. 

 

Still , he never forgot the true purpose . This wasn’t just all play and no work . The sane part of him had been circling any ailments from Shaoye into his own system , before circling it back into the smaller body all this while . 

 

Luo Binghe is a contrast of characters, a child of Heavenly demons and cultivator. Both logical and unrestrained, both on the battlefield and even in the affairs of the bedroom. 

 

Over his own dead body Shaoye would perish on his watch ! 

——

 

To Shaoye, if you had never gazed into Binghe’s eyes , you would never have seen true magic. Binghe’s gaze spoke to the soul, shining with stolen starlight , blazing from beguiling orbs of the blackest velvet night.

 

His face was a vision of loveliness , flushed , alive, alive, alive - Shaoye had seen so many horrible things during the hunt for Lao Gongzhu.

 

He never forgot the coldness of the flesh of the dead as they heaped those lost to the horde summoned by Lao Gongzhu. Friends, comrades…Lost. So much loss.

 

It is ironic in his previous life, it was Proud Immortal Demon’s way that saved his life. Binghe’s getting up , despite being dealt a painful setback,after painful setbacks persuading him many a time not to end his life….And again, in this life, Binghe would save him again from the despair of loss. His mere presence brought so much joy to Shaoye. Binghe, to him , was hope personified .

 

And his hero , in some freakish stroke of luck, actually loved him! Loved! Him! Back!

 

…. He is still getting used to that idea.

 

“H-hey.” Something soft and warm brushes against his forehead. It takes him a second to realize Binghe had kissed him. “Don’t go where I can’t follow.” 

 

A pause . A beat .

 

“ Please .”

 

The sheer affection in his lover's plea made Shaoye’s heart near explode from the sheer affection for Luo Binghe.

 

Best Friend. Lover. His hero. 

 

 He laced their  fingers together , giving a reassuring squeeze to let Binghe know he’s alright. He bumps his forehead to Binge-Relieved laughter fills the musky, sex-scented air .From the both of them .

 

They were alive. 

 

Against all the odds they both had made it. 

 

Both scarce could believe their luck.

 

“Holy shit, Ah He… We're alive. “ Shaoye’s thighs tightened around Binghe , pressing him unconsciously deeper inside.  “-I don't care if it feels like you're about to break my back ,just don't let go!”

 

Binghe pecked him again, a soft affectionate kiss . Staring adoringly at the charming way Shaoye wrinkled his nose at the act . He didn’t care if he was smiling like an idiot. He was pretty sure Shaoye was on a similar train of thought. They had survived Lao Gongzhu, then a crazed Su Xiyan in consecutive order. Despite it all , they had survived!

 

Shaoye brushed his lips against Binghe's - A touch of fire, a silent instruction to him to continue, to which the raven obeyed.

 

Their coupling became more and more desperate, more and more frenzied. Shaoye's cries grew into an unremitting shriek as his entire passage seemed to liquefy with molten warmth and rapture.

 

As the half demon increased the speed , the violence of his thrusts. The pair were now writhing against each other on the nest of blankets, screaming in primal lust. Then came the final hit. All that was left in Shaoye's mind was the desire to impale himself completely on the unrelenting member splitting him apart  .

 

 Suddenly, the walls of his channel, raw with the merciless strikes , tightened around that savage instrument battering his passage ,shattering him. His channel squeezed that merciless shaft inside him... He could feel every veiny ridge of it. Pounding against him again... Again ... Again.  

 

Pleasure blinding every rational thought, he let out a cry of pure rapture as his juices gushed around Binghe's manhood.

 

“-Ge! ..Ah! Binghe!...Ah! H-husband!”

 

At this surrendering wail, Binghe’s lust boiled over. Even as satin walls gripped his cock , he drove it in.  To the balls . Exploding into a mindless orgasm, painting Shaoye's insides white, hard cock still grinding against that sweet spot , emptying his seed within repeatedly .

 

Shaoye’s thick eyelashes fluttered to reveal eyes rolled back to the whites,climaxing again with a shuddering gasp, walls clenching tight, tight, tiiiiiiiiiight around that plundering shaft.  

 

He felt Binghe pulling his softening shaft out of his battered passage. Twitched as he felt the flood of creamy seed pouring out,  splashing onto the blankets, on the ground in gooey, pudding-thick piles.

 

His tongue lolls out, eyes nearly crossed in pleasure , staring up at the tent’s solitary flickering lamp that reflected off the sweat on their nubile young bodies . 

 

He isn’t long for the realm of consciousness, due to sensory overload and the feeling of an overflowing qi-reservoir. 

 

Still, there was a satisfied grin on his fetching countenance. 

 

The reason for that was reaching over for him , holding him gently like he was made of glass.

 

Luo Binghe rolls them over, letting his wiry frame act as a second mattress for his exhausted love-All the while raining kisses all over sun-kissed skin.

Shaoye’s eyes are half-open , revealing amber orbs. 

His lips twitch up.

Tired yet affectionate.

“My heart,” he utters as though an oath. The last thing Binghe sees as exhaustion claims him are his love’s eyes of honeyed gold , fluttering shut as well. 

The Universe expanded , expanded and expanded till it reached a crescendo till it popped- And there was only them both. 

 

Drifting through time and infinity itself. 

—

Hours later found the pair snuggled together , both very warm , lounging in the afterglow of lovemaking .The blankets, the cushions were all ruined, stained with their fluids. 

 

They would need to be hand washed in private later on . There was enough decency in Shaoye to agree with Binghe that they didn’t want to deal with the leers of the laundrymen after handing over the stained fabrics. 

 

Still , not only was the Qi reservoir fully replenished , Shaoye fully healed from the mild hypothermia that had afflicted him. And the pesky itchiness from that weird illness he had got from drinking that accursed well? Completely gone!

 

He patted Binghe on his fluffy head . Binghe , ever the one for praise, puffed up.

 

The young ruler blinked as that delicate nose came close, sniffing at the base of his neck. Then a look of confusion, of loss, as though something was missing. 

 

“Ah Shao…You smelt like caramel before. It’s gone now.”

 

Shaoye wrinkled his pert nose. Oh that. True enough, that weird sugary-sweet smell that had started since he drank from that dang cursed well was gone.

 

“Good.I don’t miss smellin’ like a stick o’ tanghulu.”

 

Binghe sighed inwardly, mourning the loss of that honey-sweet scent that had been with Shaoye since the affliction that drove him wild with longing. 

 

“Anyways. We will go see Brother Gongyi to check if that ailment truly has gone.” He stated firmly, despite Shaoye’s whines at this. “No ifs or  buts!” 

 

“Not even f’r an extra nookie!?”

 

“Not even for extra nookie or that pout you use to get your way with me!” 

 

 They lay there , basking in the warmth before a solemn voice broke the contented quiet.

 

“I changed her trajectory to the Heavenly demon empire . I’m hoping that seeing Tianlang Jun might knock some sense into her .”

 

Shaoye was silent for a moment before a ghost of a smile lit his normally cheerful face  . “ You’re a strong person , yannow , that , right ? Binghe-ge ?”  

 

“You said something to me that stuck years ago . Everyone deserves a second chance . We can be better people than those who hurt us .” 

 

“I don’t consider that pair who hurt you so, your  real parents.” Shaoye curled his lips in derision . “ Still … If you’re willing to forgive them and help you , far be it for me to hamper you.” He paused .. “I will send a missive to the Heavenly demonic emperor AND the Cang Qiong mountain sect warning them of what afflicts Miss Su.” 

 

Binghe , heart overflowing with love and affection for this impossible man , simply nestled closer to his love , not trusting himself to speak . 

—

 

<<Later>> 

 

“Did you use protection?” 

 

“PFFFFT. Binghe’s a guy, princess.”

 

Gongzhu looked at how Shaoye squirmed on his seat, and how he had limped around. 

 

…

 

Who was he fooling on who was on the receiving end?

 

At present they were both seated in a palanquin . It had been nearly a day since Shaoye had been rescued from the jaws of certain death and presently the procession was snaking through cheering streets of the Outer city of the Citadel , onwards to the Inner Citadel. 

 

She grunted as the ride hit a mild bump. Shaoye squawked in agony, prompting her to jeer at his plight.

 

“Whatcha gonna say t’ ya old man about y’r swollen bottom? That you sat on a beehive, kitty-cat?”

 

“I’ll say: WAHHH! Binghe-ge!!! Gongzhu’s bullyin’ me!!!!!” 

 

“Aw crap-Heya, Binghe- Ya great slobbering Nanny Dog, whatcha doing with that rock-YOW!”

—

 

<<The Cultivational world’s new jail>> 

 

Shen Qingqiu fainted when he received the daily dibao and had to be revived with a liberal dose of medicated oil .  Yue Qingyuan nearly bashed through the bars in a panic to get to his side. 

 

When his lover found out what had gotten him in such a state , he received an indignant glare . 

 

Yue Qingyuan didn’t understand . 

 

He had been resigned to having that thing as a godson in law down the line.

 

But he had not mentally prepared for it to be so soon.

 

There, on the front page  was an artistic rendition of his tiny godson carrying a starry eyed, besotted, simpering half breed in his arms like the hulking heavenly demon was a dainty little princess, through the gates of the Golden Citadel , likely limping due to the size of his passenger. 

 

"The ruler of the Golden Citadel soon to tie the knot with his long-serving Minister of Culinary arts after capture of wanted terrorist and insurgent! " blared above it. Even the report on Lao Gongzhu was pushed away , an after thought to several pages behind. And the other article on the dibao's front page didn't make Qingqiu feel any better. 

 

"Luo Binghe, future Prince consort." It screeched then simpered underneath that obnoxious declaration.  "From rags to riches, find out all about his tragic past to his fairy tale future!" On page 3!"

 

"-Ingqiu?! Ah Jiu! Stop dry-gagging! If you actually puke for real, I swear-"

 

It was his worst nightmare, come to life. 

 

If there was an elixir to drink, to bleach his brain of this utter catastrophe , he would scarf it down pronto and ask for seconds. 

 

—

Notes:

Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! Hope y’all liked my first lemon ! It is happening very fast but to be honest , as they say , love is a hurricane , amirite ?......It's not gonna happen in the next chapter but SQQ is gonna hit the roof that his godson wasn't a blushing virgin on his wedding day .Buuuut, wedding preparations then the long awaited trial of Lao Gongzhu , then the actual wedding are gonna happen! Oh...And if y'all like a dash of truth, next chapter has Shaoye telling Binghe AND his fam the TRUTH about him being a transmigrator. Take care and byyyyyyyyyyyyyye till 20/8/2023 !!!

Chapter 41: Ability Acquired: Existential Crisis

 

“Come now ,  dearest.” Yue Qingyuan stroked that silken head , voice soothing. Wishing that the cold bars didn’t separate them so he could give comfort to his beloved . “ It’s not all bad news . Isn’t your godson responsible for getting rid of a dire threat ?”

 

It was amazing how fast the transformation took place . A spark of pride came to those emerald eyes . Qingqiu  , he inflated visibly, as ministers do in front of an adoring public , and, like them, he preened. 

 

Ah, yes indeed, his godson had done it . 

 

Nodding, in the smug and infuriating way of a man who is delighted to have been praised and lauded with highest honors , he graciously nodded in the way of false modesty. 

 

“Ah yes. Thank you Qingyuan. It's wonderful isn’t it that such a rotting piece of fecal matter is about to get flushed away, soon?” 

 

There was one person Shen Qingqiu hated more than both Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge combined on this planet . 

 

And that  was Lao Gongzhu, who had been a thorn in the side of the Cang Qiong Mountain sect from day one , who had been partially responsible for Dichan Ye’s appearance being changed due to the Incident , then brutalizing Shaoye as a child . 

 

This last incident robbed Shen Qingqiu of a promising head disciple , a possible worthy Peak lord prospect, and of an earlyish retirement. Had he not ordered Qingqiu to stand down… Had he had more faith in-

 

“You stop that.” A sharp voice cuts through his self-loathing. 

 

Shen Qingqiu slots the dibao through the metal grates,  the page turned to the appropriate page of Lao Gongzhu’s date to be tried . His face is impassive , his tone sharp as Xiu Ya itself. 

 

“Shaoye and you-I swear, sometimes.” An elegant finger pokes him on his nose, emerald eyes flash in fond annoyance. “ Both of you are cut from the same cloth. You two and your self-doubts and second-guessing yourselves. “

 

He shook his head in disapproval . 

 

“I’ve told him this innumerable times, and I will now tell you this - One cannot go back in time to redo a moment .”

 

Yue Qingyuan thinks every word that comes forth from those perfect coral pink lips is pure poetry . 

 

“ What you can do, is the best you have got with the chips you have in your hand at present. There is absolutely no point in engaging in theatrics. “

 

His beloved Qingqiu shrugs , shoulders and eyebrows going upwards in unison, corners of mouth turning down. Before continuing his lecture. 

 

“Not that either of you two ever listen to your lovers. Oh , god forbid you two listen to sense . I nearly pity that little beast for having the same fate as me. Falling for another insecure powerful man with selective hearing .” 

 

Yue Qingyuan falls in love again. He falls in love again , and again with his brilliant, beautiful Qingqiu. “Ah. But you forget, my love. It takes two to clap. And I willingly fell for you since the first time I laid eyes on you. “

 

Shen Qingqiu rolls his eyes, but a pleased smile curls at his lips. “Ridiculous man.” 

 

“Aha. But I am your ridiculous man, hmm?” 

 

Shen Qingqiu sniffed haughtily , returning to reading over the news article avidly , appearing to as impassive as always.

 

But to Yue Qingyuan who has spent years with his beloved, the slight flush to those cheeks, the way those emerald’s ever so slightly curved with pleasure….It was tantamount to his darling, sly, vicious , beautiful Qingqiu dancing for joy.

 

“Still. You are very wise at times, Qingyuan. I do believe this calls for some tea .” 

 

“For me being your ridiculous man? Or Lao Gongzhu getting his long overdue comeuppance ? “

 

“Both-  Oh for goodness sake’s Qingyuan. Stop waggling your eyebrows at me. You aren’t fifteen anymore! And the reason I’m smiling is because you are being an absolute clown!” 

 

Shen Qingqiu’s mood only improved more as the post that came for him today contained a beautiful silk coat from his god son . It was dated , it was a smidge worn. But both of them recognised it all too well. It had been one of the old Palace master’s coats , which he had worn on scoring a deal off the Cang Qiong Mountain sect. 

 

Shaoye, who had ransacked the Old palace master's, had claimed some of the spoils for himself. Most were burnt but some had been kept as trophies .  

 

Ah, his god son knew him all too well. 

 

He twirled around in it , smirking inwardly , reveling in Qingyuan’s admiring noises . 

 

It was a reasonably good day to be him. True, he might be jailed, yes he might even be executed in the end after receiving his sentencing  , but even he didn’t fancy whatever fate the Old palace master faced .

 

 Here, he received three square meals , tea even , was allowed to receive gifts from his family of which the Dichans were quick to furnish his cell with all the niceties to turn it into the splendor befitting a noble‘s bedroom.

 

 Shaoye and Ye visited him regularly . Yue Qingyuan was by his side…He didn’t have to teach a whole host of squalling brats or do any more paperwork…

 

He rolled his eyes heavenward. 

 

No incompetent fools called Liu Qingge. No damn, blithering , bungling, idiotic buffoons he was forced to call Shidi and Shimei. 

 

The cloak looked far better on him than it ever did on Lao Gongzhu . He definitely would have to change its color, perhaps to a light green  . Yellow was so gauche . 

 

He smirked at himself in pleasure . 

 

The old buzzard called the Old Palace master was definitely starving away in some dismal little pit before being likely tortured before a painful execution .

 

 This thought made the lotus paste buns with tie di cha , for tea taste even sweeter on his lips. Shaoye was merciful , but Binghe and the rest of the horde his godson associated with were not.   

 

 Yes, it was relatively good to be Shen Qingqiu today. 

 

——

 

This is the best day of his life.

 

Shaoye walked down the aisle towards the start of the rest of his life to be recognized as the husband of Binghe.

 

Binghe looks dashing even though he too wears a red silk veil . But the love pouring out of his eyes cannot be hidden - Veil or no veil . Shaoye ducked his head slightly abashed as he always was when looked upon with such open love . 

 

As the couple made their way back to the Grandest Manor, firecrackers were set off just before the procession arrived. 

 

A huge crowd of family and friends , all clamoring to get a peek at them, were there and waiting . 

 

There was an ancient jade lit stool set before the threshold . The bride traditionally would be required to step over a saddle or a lit stove to cross the threshold—the fire was thought to cast out evil influences. Still as they both were grooms , both would be doing the part of the bride as well . 

 

Binghe hops over first . He looks back expectantly at Shaoye . Shaoye swallows nervously , before jumping over the stove- And that was when things started to go downhill . 

 

The first indication of things going to pit is his fiancé going wide eyed and taking a step back . 

 

“You- You aren’t Shaoye. “ Star-like , obsidian eyes narrow in rage . “Where is Shaoye?!”

 

“Binghe ? What do you mean-” There, gazing at him in a nearby mirror, is an average looking young man. Shaoye , no , Shen Yuan knows that fugly face all too damn well . He wore it for near thirty years of his dang past life . 

 

He looks up , a plea on his lips only to find the scenery changed .Fire flickers around him , harsh winds blow at his face, stinging his eyes . He is teetering at the precipice of Jue Di gorge himself .   And the person before him -

 

Shen Qingqiu snarls at him, emerald eyes flashing . “ Die, beast.” He unsheathes …. Zheng Yang ?- No, it’s Binghe suddenly, nothing but hatred in his eyes as he slashes him into half. His love without the slightest hesitation proceeds to shove him down the rift of the endless Abyss 

 

Shen Yuan falls down , down . 

 

But his torment doesn’t end, it will take three days to fall down to the endless abyss, yet he can’t bring himself to care  . 

 

As he looks up as hot winds blow around him , as he feels a liquid come from his ears - His ears are starting to bleed from such a fall . He strains his eyes upwards , refusing to stop watching as his family , friends and his lover loom over him, then turn their backs and walk away …..

 

The only one that is left is Binghe .

 

The flat disgust in those dark eyes is far worse than hatred . 

 

Then his love, his heart , his everything turns around….And starts walking away.

 

"...STOP!" Shen Yuan screams , heart screaming as it splits into two . No . Please , no.  Please ,  didn’t all the years we spend together mean nothing to you guys I will keep screaming till you guys listen please listen oh god oh god I will I will be good Be anyone you want me to be Don’t chase me away Binghe Baba Gan Die Muqin Fan-Ge  Gongzhu please look at me don’t leave me don’t leave don’t look at me like that Don’t go no no no no no…

——

"NO!" Shaoye jerks awake, sweat dripping down his face as he shoots upright in the bed, nearly bolting over the bed . Gasping, breathless—Terrified , hysterical sobs fill the once quiet of the bedroom . 

"-Ah Shao?" A sleepy, concerned query from the other side of the bed, from the reason of his fear and his savior, all in one, for his voice brought Shaoye to reason right away . " Tián xīn *? It’s alright. I’m here with you." 

“Don’t hate me.” Shaoye sobbed , both wanting Binghe’s comfort , yet wanting to shove him away. He felt small, naked, bare. “...Mirror. I need a mirror.” 

He sat up, the room’s candles all flickering alight at a flare of his qi. A terrified young man gazes back at him from the mirror, a pretty little thing who would look far more fetching if not for the tears streaking down his face. 

He looks vulnerable , young and helpless as he lays head tucked securely under his lover’s. He looks like a Shaoye. He thankfully looks nothing like a Shen Yuan. 

“It’s just a bad dream.How could I ever hate you?” Binghe comforted him, rocking him back and forth like one would try to soothe a small terrified animal  . 

There’s not an iota of cold disdain or rejection in his black eyes . He hugs him close, like he’s something precious and not a piece of counterfeit jade. 

But it did little to soothe Shaoye . 

Shaoye knows Binghe loves him. But will he truly accept him if he knows the truth?

——-

 

Long story short.

 

He doesn’t have it in him to tell Binghe ,come the break of dawn. At least not yet. 

 

He does however call both his parents , Furen and Ye to privacy while Binghe is out organizing the wedding preparations . “More like torturing those poor chefs.” Gongzhu commented. 

 

Gongzhu , who along with most of the girls who wanted to shop for appropriate finery as well on that grand date had all jumped at a chance to join Binghe who had mentioned a trip to try on a change of wedding robes after the ceremony . Something lighter but no less ornate . 

 

Shaoye had easily acted disappointed he couldn’t join in . “ It’s bad luck to see the bridal robes before the wedding !” Hualing had waggled a finger at him . All of them had eyed him suspiciously even as he had acted askance till Binghe had called the horde off . 

 

He didn’t need to act . He had a confession to admit to his own parents . 

 

When he finishes , Furen looks neutral but concerned. Ye however is positively bubbling over with excitement. “My boy! M’lil angel! Dichan Zuxian walks amongst us once more!” 

 

Shaoye smiles uneasily. 

 

That didn’t sound like a rejection. Ye sounded very pleased. That was good. Right?  

 

“ Don’t , you see ? This all but confirms the prophecy of our great ancestor , Dichan Zuxian ! You’re his third incarnation !- YOW!” “What your father is trying to tell you , or he better be telling us-” Dichan Furen drawled , but shot her husband a look that could curdle milk. “-Is that we love you. The you who are with us now. It just adds up…And helps confirm that you being you , adds up with a prophecy.”

 

Shaoye indeed recalled such a prophecy . Ye seemed to finally key onto what his wife was saying, and his gaze softened. “Oh, m’darling- O’course we love you for who you are! We loved you since the day you came out of y’r mama’s-” Furen cleared her throat delicately, linked a slender hand between her husband’s and son’s, and marched them close to the great hall’s walls.

 

The Grandest Manor which centuries of Dichans had called both office and home was a work of art . The Great hall had witnessed thousands of grand feasts , joyous weddings as well as ballroom dances * . It was so ancient , and so beautifully kept and restored each century that it dated from Dichan Zuxian’s time . 

 

The walls in particular were a work of art . Carved out of granite the foundation may be , from wall to wall , the walls were set with jade tiles and on these jade tiles was carved the founding of the Golden Citadel . 

 

Beautiful little figures , emphasized and edged with the iridescent mother of Pearl were carved into the rock itself . The finest artisan of that time had spent ten years sculpting the hall and had been fobbed off with a title and the coinage for his trouble  .  

 

Shaoye had listened to this particular fairytale so many times , he could recite it and had done so very , very sarcastically to the ever appreciative Binghe who always giggled when he gave funny voices that were meant to be their ancestors speaking to each other  . 

 

Still . He listened as she spoke thus . 

 

“Might you recall the fairytale of the founder of this Citadel ?  

 

—-////-

 

Once. When the lands were turbulent , rife with competing settlements and explorers seeking to make a name for themselves , came hither such an explorer called Dichan Zuxian. 

Zuxian one day found a youth ambushed and surrounded by several thugs . He jumped in and helped the youth defeat them, though the ‘youth’ informed him he could have taken care of the problem by himself. This youth revealed he in reality was several thousand years old and no mortal.

He was a Heavenly demon and an emperor. Unlike Zuxian who had struck out to find a land safe for his clan and a haven for cultivators who wished to work as merchants , for them to prosper and be safe from poverty and the relentless war. This ‘Emperor’ was a pleasure seeking conqueror . For a time, though, they were friends, allies. Opposites attract , one might say.

But as time went on, familiarity breeds contempt as they say. 

The Emperor was a jealous sort and once he saw how prosperous the settlement was faring under Zuxian , became so peeved, he decided to destroy the Citadel.

But Zuxian, unwilling to let this traitor  destroy his new home without a fight, did battle this demon.

He managed to sap the demon of most of his energy , his strength, but at the cost of his life.

The emperor, weakened, fell and where he lay, became the River Luo. 

 But Zuxian who had powers of prophecy commented he foresaw his friendship with this emperor that spelt his early doom was predestined in this first life. The second time he would be reborn in another world…But the third time, he would truly return to this world . And this time…

—

“-So it is said that this third incarnation of Zuxian would marry the heir to the Heavenly demonic throne and unify both heavenly demons and mortals. “ 

Binghe had recited this many times. He had heard both sides of the legend. The one paraded about by cultivators till it became a well known folk-legend, a myth that draws curious tourists to the Citadel… And the one from the perspective of the Heavenly demons. 

The retinue he had brought with him to choose a change of lighter wedding robes , all were listening spell-bound as he concluded the legend. 

 While he was always proud especially since it brought him no end of praise and worship , and he laps it up greedily. Some part of him might forever be that half-starved , desperate beggar-child who held onto fairytales like a lifeline and now is so awed, proud, and in slight disbelief that he is actually part of this great legend.

- Part of him wonders if Shen Qingqiu ever felt like he did. Unworthy of everything . 

Shaoye had pulled him aside one day, pleaded with him to do a background check on Shen Qingqiu . Luo Binghe honestly couldn’t give a darn about Shaoye’s worthless godfather who had so carelessly nearly caused all of his beloved’s hard work to go down the drain. But Shaoye wanted him to do so, and so Binghe grimly launched a private investigation. 

What he found out…Made him understand. 

He will likely never forgive Shen Qingqiu who failed his godbrother and godson, and who abused the lovestruck teenaged disciple he had been or lashed out against well-meaning Mingfan who had so admired the man. 

But. He understands now. Understands why Shaoye is so forgiving of the man. Irrelevant .  

He then sighed . Sha Hualing rolled her eyes and took a huge gulp of the tea provided by the store holder . “ I think you need to spell it out to him , Ah He . That you know he’s like Brother Shang. Since you were a teenager . That you don’t care that he has such powers or of his otherworldly origins .”  

“…And scare him off ? “ Binghe demanded , frustrated . Qin Wanyue nodded . “ Binghe’s right . Ah Shao is so nervous . He will likely faint and have a breakdown or run away in a panic out of a misguided belief that we disdain him or some nonsense like that . “

“ But we all knooooow .” Sha Hualing groaned . “ Even Wanrong figured it out when she was fifteen that he’s got foresight or might be some reincarnated god or prophet . We know and we don’t think he’s a freak  .” 

Wanrong  smacked her sister in law for the dig at her intellect but agreed . “ Shaoye- Lao da’s got confidence issues and likes to think of us like people we might have become if he didn’t come down to help us avoid such a fate .” 

“He’s like a nervous cat . A cat with anxiety .” Xiao Gongzhu snorted , uncaring of the way this earned her a dirty look from the fiancé of said ‘cat’ . “ If you approach him now , he’s likely to be spooked off . So all we can do is wait for him to approach us on his own terms . “ 

Everyone else nodded in agreement .

Even Binghe couldn’t say anything against that notion . 

—-

 

“I was Tang Furen once. “ Furen had sent Dichan Ye to intercept Binghe while she wanted to have a little chat with her son in private .

 

“Tang Furen was a thief, a swindler. She thought nothing of marrying and absconding with the monies of rich farts. Of using her demonic cultivation to crack into various sects, monasteries. I was as notorious , truthfully, as my good disciple-sister , Su Xiyan . Though in terms of skullduggery. “ Her smile was mirthless. “Your father was my twenty-seventh husband.”  

 

Shaoye squeaked .

 

“I was planning to scam him after seeing how much gold he had on him. Then I looked into those dark eyes , so much like billowing volcanic ash….And saw-” 

 

How kind? How stupidly dumb, he was? His silly old man likely tripped on his own drool over her!

 

“- How dangerous he was. Ah , I thought, you are in trouble now . You’ve met someone as terrible as you are. And when he stole the entire purse of gold coins I had on me, and the shoes off my feet….Then when I attacked him later, he aimed for my eyes and my chest region to cause agonizing cuts with that massive halberd, the sheer bloodlust in those eyes- I knew he was the one.” 

 

Shaoye felt like a pure white kitty that had somehow come from a man-eating cougar and a ravenous mountain lion. The old world was scary! Oh, so scary! 

 

“Ye is the son of the previous Citadel ruler, and belongs to nobility.Even though the brutal executions and tortures he personally carried out on his foes is…Was legendary thirty years ago, and made him highly respected if not feared. Point is…” She looked away. “When we finally started a relationship, I kept mum about my origins. Would he truly want me? My parents sold me off when I was a baby to a farm that was meant to be turned for livestock for demonic nobility. I broke out and well, I went on the road of demonic cultivation after bumping into Tang Ah Yi. I conducted myself as a proper lady when around him but would he want me after learning of my past? ” 

 

“Your father told me he fell for both the demonic cultivator and the lady . He said that the road I had taken had led to him , didn’t it? I can’t speak for Binghe, or control how he reacts to the fact you came from another world.”  

 

Furen set down the mirror. 

 

“Stop cringing .” She instructs . Shaoye winced only to hear no condemnation , no anger in that voice . She merely took both sides of his face , lifting his chin so he could look at her . 

 

“— At your past, at your failures, at yourself in the mirror – Stand up and look directly at who you are. Not who you should've been just to please anyone , but who you are now. Let that person in. “

 

Shaoye sagged a little , as slowly but surely the nightmare version of her turning away seemed to fade at the very real person herself reassuring him otherwise  . 

 

“Let him be as batshit, as careless and shameful and sad and funny and brilliant and brave as he wants to be, because he knows exactly what you need to grow. “

 

Furen stood up and led Shaoye over to a nearby window . Outside the Citadel shimmered like a golden mirage . Plump and happy people wandered the streets . 

 

“He wants to take you into the future you're dreading and say, “See? You never would've imagined this.”

 

Shaoye looks up at those knowing dark eyes .

 

“ Believe in yourself and above all , be true to yourself . Because if you cannot trust yourself , how can others trust you ?” 

 

He licks his lips . “ I-I’m scared . What should I do ?” 

 

“ You might be surprised . Binghe is a lot like your father in that regard  . Explain it to him .”

 

“What if he doesn’t want me anymore ? What if he’s so hurt I kept it from him despite all these years and wants nothing to do with me anymore ?”

 

“ Then accept that you have hurt him . It’s up to him if he wants to forgive you . Then move on . “

 

Shaoye’s heart ached , but he nodded. 

——-

 

“Aren’t you going to give me a shovel talk?” Binghe enquired. They were bustling about the garden. Ye had pulled him aside , and asked him for help to pick the best chrysanthemum flowers to brew tea for his stressed , anxious baby.

 

Binghe patiently held the basket for his father in law. Flowers as golden as the sun dropped into the woven bamboo carrier. 

 

Ye yawned. “ Naw, if you ever were that dadgum stupid t’ cheat on Ah Shao, he’ll kee-haul y’r ass himself. “ He informed his new son in law brightly. “An’ Fanfan would have at what remained o’ ya. That nephew o’ mine’s brother complex is sc-ar-y!”

 

Another flower head dropped into the basket.Binghe gulped inwardly just as a soft voice called from the door.  “Ah He? Baba?” 

 

“Here, m’ lil angel!” Ye called delightedly. A warm hand pushed him forward towards the shadows . Shaoye peered at him from the shaded doorway . He looked sad, worried. A shade of who was . Binghe wished wholeheartedly to take all his worries, but this was a battle only Shaoye himself could vanquish. 

 

“Binghe. I have something to tell you.” Shaoye seemed to brace himself against an unforeseeable storm, but he must have seen something in Binghe’s eyes, for he gave a tiny smile back in return.

 

Binghe walked up to him, and without speaking , laced their hands together.

 

“You can doubt that the stars are fire,you can doubt that the sun moves .” The raven haired one stated , voice soft yet steady as the waters ever flowing through the Luo river itself  . 

 

“ You can doubt the truth itself and believe the truth itself to be pretty lies.”

 

A tender hand reaches out , brushing against a sun kissed cheek.

 

 The Heavenly demon bends over, leaning till their foreheads touch, their noses bump against each other. 

 

Shaoye finally giggles, relief in that bell-like laughter, at the usual affection so earnestly bestowed on him. 

 

“But Shaoye, never doubt that I love you.”

 

The petite youth swallowed at this .

 

 Silently, he opened the door to the Great hall  , slipping in first , sliding into the shade. 

 

Binghe never liked the dark, but wherever Shaoye went, he followed, for that was where his heart went.

 

And so he followed his heart into the dark.

 

—--

Time had passed , from late evening till night had fallen. It was perhaps midnight when Shaoye finally had finished his tale, from the now alternate timeline to the present timeline. 

 

Binghe, to Shaoye’s utter disbelief, blamed himself , after hearing this stuttering confession . 

 

“‘I’m a monster .” He declared , horror in his eyes . He had to sit down after Shaoye went halfway through his story . 

 

“ You’re not a monster . That Binghe of that hypothetical timeline was just forced to act like one by circumstances that never happened in this timeline . The person who you were originally supposed to meet . That Dichan Shaoye …. The original was a monster . “ Shaoye shuddered, eyes old and tired. “A real one .” 

 

Binghe stared at him . “ I cannot even comprehend you being in any way like … The original you mentioned .”

 

The chestnut haired youth idly traced the wall. A huge mural etching of the first Dichan ancestor loomed over the small figure .  It struck Binghe then that the wall mural of Zuxian really eerily resembled Shaoye , or rather Shaoye resembled his ill-fated ancestor , at least when he was in a contemplative mood . 

 

Old eyes that had seen too much, otherworldly eyes , a sad smile on perfect lips- 

 

“ That’s because I am not him . I was born and lived a life faraway in another world . Then one day I died . I was brought to this world …. by a god .” He looked back at this , eyes watchful .

 

 Binghe had settled himself down , eyes wondering, ever the attentive audience . 

 

Seeing no condemnation, Shaoye continued.

 

“ All I remember is a blinding light and next thing I knew , I was stuck in a baby’s body . I would be instructed by said god to help you… But it was not without its restrictions . “ 

 

The bad feeling Binghe had been having only intensified. “...Ah Shao? What would happen if you didn’t obey this god’s rules?” “The god set up a system… Heh, system . Ahem .  To ensure I completed tasks. I could only act within that god's rules or be punished if I failed to do so. Losing too much of these points would have killed me. Or pain. Blinding pain, such terrible pain that seems to encompass your soul.” Involuntarily , a shudder ran through Shaoye. 

 

“I did my best to act within those parameters. Again, and again- I tried my best to help you. I did. But it wasn’t enough-”

 

Binghe was staring at him . “ You mean . You went through all that , for me ?” He said , finally . 

 

“ Well duh .” That went without a doubt . Binghe meant the world to him after all . 

 

“ You let yourself be tortured . You threw yourself in harm's way to help me despite the risk of death. “ 

 

Slowly Binghe could see the two stones called ‘who woulda’  and ‘have thunk’ rub and rub  and finally produce a spark of enlightenment in Shaoye’s mind . Binghe loved Shaoye, but honestly, he could be mighty dense at times .

 

Everyone has multiple faces .

 

It would be hypocritical of Binghe to expect that Shaoye would act the same towards everyone . 

 

He loves the bold face that Shaoye puts up of the Confident Citadel ruler whom the public loves, he loves the spoiled , pampered boy Shaoye is around his family , he loves the friendly, kind mediator Shaoye becomes around their friends , and he loves the shy,vulnerable ,sad wraith who sometimes peeked out at him underneath all the other masks , gazing at him with so much love but so much doubt , it physically hurt sometimes to realize that love alone couldn’t kill insecurity. 

 

Just because Shaoye started out , understandably wanting to survive ,did not erase the fact that he had fallen for Binghe. Had gone through hell to help him. 

 

“Still.” The wraith whispered now. And it was the sad, quiet wisp that looked at him under all the layers. And Binghe knew to be quiet , to listen and be supportive and understanding lest that wraith shut himself away behind those walls forever .

 

“I lied to you. Don’t you resent me in some way?”

 

“But you were brave enough to come clean , even though it really was no true fault of yours.””But I hurt you-”

 

“ Ah Shao . “ Binghe shook his head reprovingly. “I actually am relieved to know that you never disdained me in any way .” 

 

The fight went out of Shaoye at this. “You really, truly don’t mind?” 

 

“I guessed when I was fifteen and you were ten .”  Binghe tried not to wither at the furious look shot at him at this. “YOU.You let me worry pointlessly for more than a decade?! “ 

 

Shaoye grabbed a nearby throw pillow on a yoke back chair and began walloping him with it. “Oooo!” He furiously squeaked, face turning a mottled red . 

 

“It wasn’t just me! Your father and-and-ow!- Nearly everyone knows!” Binghe yelped as feathers rained around them. 

 

If Binghe and hell, even YE knew, doubtlessly Shen Qingqiu knew. Every Tan, Deng and Hong knew! MOTHERFUCKERS! The whole lot of them!!! 

 

“OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” 

 

Dichans Ye and Furen watched with some resignation from outside as the centuries old Grandest Manor’s windows all were blown out from the resulting scream from within . 

 

Several people for no reason began  shuddering with the distinct feeling that they had messed up,  and that for some reason, Luo Binghe was a canary that would always sing for his master. 

 

—--

 

“ What happens next ?” Binghe managed to ask , picking out the last feather from his head.

 

Shaoye had sat down after he finally stopped whacking Binghe, and after merely ten minutes of ignoring his beloved’s apologies, had asked grumpily to let him look at the bruises that Binghe pretended he had sustained.

 

Binghe inwardly smiled at that. 

 

A soft touch his Ah Shao was., pretend to be harsh and yet he can’t hide the fact he cares. 

 

Shaoye pauses in his ministrations. 

 

He bit his lips.

 

“ Timelines. “

 

Binghe doesn’t like the way his lover’s eyes go distant, faraway. Such is the gift and curse of knowing a probable future. 

 

“ The future is not concrete . One ripple can change everything . “

 

Ah. Shaoye had changed the future already. Was that what he was so worried about? 

 

“ The future is splintering . Why do you think I freaked out ?” 

 

“ It is not your fault , alright , Shaoye ? You did enough . You did more than enough . “ 

 

“ What is coming is coming . And we will face it together . “ Shaoye gulped wetly . “ I’m scared . “ He confessed . 

 

“And you’re allowed to be scared  . Be scared but know that you have looked at death in the face and lived . You’re stronger than you think , braver than you think you are .”  Binghe stated , gently holding his hands in his own larger ones . 

 

“ You’re not alone anymore . I’m happy you told me . You must have felt so alone. “ Shaoye felt as though a heavy burden he never knew he was carrying suddenly lifted off .Binghe had known all along . He understood and did not , for some odd reason , blame him . 

 

Infact everyone knew but was waiting for him to catch up. 

 

No one had treated him any differently, they all knew and had accepted it.

 

 Shaoye felt a right fool again, but it was with a wry self-deprecation. 

 

What was it his godfather liked to call it? God forbid people actually like and accept him for what he was. 

 

He could imagine Shen Qingqiu’s expression later on when he gritted out the question of ‘Did you know I had come from another world?’

 

That raised eyebrow, that insufferable smugness as thin lips stretched into a look that should be right next to ‘I know everything, you plebeian.’ in a dang dictionary - “Urggghhhhhhhhh.”

 

Shen Qingqiu wasn’t even here nagging at him, and he could already and was already dreading the likely scenario of his godfather’s upcoming lecture . 

 

“You don’t have to see him and ask if he knows if you don’t want to, Ah Shao. But, I know you, Tian Xin. You will spend forever wondering if you don’t . “

 

 Shaoye groans aloud again. “The faces he makes when he is right, though.”

 

 “And yet you love him.” Binghe tutted , as he stroked his love’s face.

 

 “That I do.” Shaoye admitted ruefully. 

 

——

 

Shortly after this talk , they had a quick dinner and adjourned for bed as it already was a late hour  . Then, Shaoye was sick again . 

 

This was the sixth time this week . 

 

Infact Shaoye had been on a bit of a puke-a-palooza since they had returned . He couldn’t seem to keep anything down of late and even worse he seemed a tad bit more emotional than usual . Though everyone has chalked it up to wedding nerves and he himself had thought of it being jitters of marrying Binghe and wanting to tell his love and family of his long- held secret …. 

 

 Binghe had worriedly  ushered him to his own  quarters , so he could keep an eye on his condition through the night . “ It’s likely nerves . “ The petite youth tried to joke . His lover frowned . “ That,  I hope so too .” 

 

Not that Shaoye minded getting to cuddle Binghe . For all of the reassurance he received , the nightmare still had rattled him . He was allowed to be clingy ! Binghe was his fiancé after all and the most beautiful man in this world ! He-

 

“ Was I one of your favorites ?” 

 

Shaoye blinked at this tentative question, dragged out of his midnight ponderings. 

 

——. 

 

Binghe , ever the avid bookworm, connoisseur of myths , legends, folklore and stories , had listened in utter fascination to the condensed summary of Proud Immortals Demon’s way. 

 

It was fascinating to hear of their friends , of him and even the other Shaoye being referred to in the way of characters. 

 

Binghe had to admit his favorite character would have to have been ironically Liu Mingyan . 

 

The way she had clung to her beliefs and hounded Shen Qingqiu till he was finally tried for his innumerable crimes , was admirable in that alternate may have been tale.  

 

Still …

 

Who was Shaoye’s favourite character then ? In that universe  ? 

 

—-

 

Shaoye yawned . 

 

“ You were the one . “

 

Binghe was humming something long forgotten , something nostalgic as he covered him with another layer of silk blanket .

 

“ The one ?”

 

“ My favorite . I only had one favorite . You are my hero .” It was funny how tiredness made things that would normally make him sputter . 

 

Then again … Shen Yuan has thrown all of his face when being Dichan Shaoye . There was scarcely much of his original traits left . 

 

In a way , being Shaoye has allowed him to reclaim what he had been till he locked away his passion , his joy for life . 

 

Shaoye was brash . He was bold and had a motormouth . He was allowed to screech out things that Shen Yuan would have loved and killed to say but couldn’t because of thing’s like ‘Don’t do anything that might reflect badly on your Esteemed father .’ 

 

Heck yeah , looks aside , it wasn’t too bad being Shaoye . 

 

“ Really ? “ Shaoye wondered how Binghe could fit three emotions into his voice: surprised , joyful and disapproving .

 

 “ But the ‘me’ from … The story . The person I became ….He didn’t do very heroic things at times . I’m no hero but even I’m a saint compared to what he got up to , it seems . “

 

“ He’s a badass, just cuz . “

 

“Just because what?”  

 

“He kicks hiney whenever he pleases. I mean , he’s a ruler and he does whatever he likes. When people open their pie-holes and be idiots to him . Ka-pow !….. Aw c‘mon, if only I could play whack-a-mole at some utterly stupid bigoted visiting dignitaries or nobles-” 

 

“ Shaoye .”

 

“ What ? I’m right !” 

 

Binghe huffed upon hearing this bit but both shared looks of utter understanding and commiseration of the righteous who unfortunately could not tear the throats of greedy and corrupt people undeserving of the power they were exploiting. 

 

As they both turned into bed. Just as Shaoye was about to submit to the velvety embrace of sleep-

 

“ Three thousand wives . “ Shaoye heard Binghe mutter in soft disbelief and disgust . 

 

“ Three thousand ! Wives!” 

 

Shaoye might have snorted a little, but  weary relief dragged him like a sea monster dragging down a doomed vessel to the depths of the ocean . 

 

He slept the sleep of the dead . 

—

 

Shen Qingqiu did not have a peaceful rest that night . 

 

He has a repeating nightmare of Shaoye bouncing into jail , a clearly heavily pregnant Luo Binghe in tow, an entire army of shrieking quarter half-demon brats lolloping after them.  

 

The bars are bending. Yue Qingyuan’s jail cell has long since fallen against the strain and the poor man was now being submerged over by the entire ocean of brats that keep coming , and coming -

 

“Gan Die!” Shaoye squeals, thrusting a squalling ankle-biter at him . “Lookit ya grand god-kids!” 

 

AW HELL FUCK NO!

 

A howl of pure terror awoke the guards.

 

The guards who checked on their wards every hour saw the normally composed Shen Qingqiu gibbering and rocking back and forth within his cell like a madman . 

 

Yue Qingyuan was cooing at him like one would to a spooked animal.

 

“Yes, Qingqiu. Your godson is not married. He has no children yet.-” 

 

—-

 

Shaoye had been in a good mood of late.

 

Ever since he had discovered the joys of sex , the strange cramps had gone . The tingling itch too! Of course it would have. He recalled sex with a heavenly demon cured all shit!

 

But the constant nausea , the mood swings he attributed to wedding jitters and after that, the upcoming trial of Lao Gongzhu, then the Peak lords. 

 

Shaoye’s decision to see his godfather after the revelation to Binghe the busy morning after, that saw him whacking each and every one of his kin and rotten friends for not letting him know that they knew his great secret all along , was postponed by his puking Binghe’s special lunch prepared for him out of his maw.

 

“That is it.” Binghe declared, eyes wild and frantic as he raised Shaoye from the spittoon he had been worshiping with the contents of his tummy. “ We are going to see Brother Gongyi.” 

 

“Buh-but. It’s just an anxiety puke. Ya know how I get when I get a bit anxious~” 

 

“This is not an anxiety puke. This has been happening again and again. You promised me! We are going , right this instant! ” Shaoye then knew he had lost and let himself be carried off like a sulking pet cat by its frantic owner to the vet. 

 

Or in this case ,  the Luo river centre . 

 

And that was where they both found themselves standing in line with several other very familiar faces  .

 

 There , in a corner , sat Mingfan who also looked very green and was tucking into a disgusting concoction of cold, sweet Yams and roast pork served atop sago pudding. He of course was awaiting his results of the tests conducted by the good doctors . One of whom he was married to .

A miserable looking Xiao Gongzhu , who glared at them from every few minutes that she stopped retching into the spittoon provided by the ever helpful Ning Yingying, daring them to say anything. 

 

The only picture of peace was Qin Wanyue who was snoring gently between a worried looking Sha Hualing and Wanrong. 

 

There were also similar snaking lines of many of the troops who had accompanied him and had taken part in drinking from that accursed well. Many were puking, looked fatigued or tetchy or were eating disgusting concoctions. 

 

The Luo river centre was clearly being bombarded by patients , all plagued with the mysterious ailment. 

 

Binghe and him were ushered into the room at last.

 

But to their distress, they were momentarily separated. It took Mu Qingfang and Gong Yixiao half an hour to talk down a frantic and indignant Luo Binghe as Shaoye burst into tears about the thought of having to be parted from Binghe even for that small span of time , much to his own humiliation. 

 

What the fuck was wrong with him?!  

 

His emotions were running fucking haywire since they had returned ! He was dang , so dang tired of this . 

 

  Fuuuuuuuck almighty ! He curses the dang , digetty , fuckitty, ding-dang , fricking day he let his troops drink and he himself drank from that dang well ! Everything has been topsy turvy since that horrible day ! 

 

“Now , now . Ah Shao . “ Poor Gong Yixiao meeped at the glowering half demon who stood before him like an overprotective mother Tiger protecting her injured cub, hiding the bawling Shaoye from view  . 

 

“ …. Brother Binghe . Please . We promise , we swear that we need to run these tests in private for just a few minutes ! It’s just some diagnostic scans and I promise you two will be back together .” 

 

Mu Qingfang however,  who was made of far sterner stuff , waddled forward. 

 

“ Do you want to find out what is wrong with your fiancé , young man ?” “ Of course , I - How dare you insinuate-“ “ Good . Then entrust him in our hands and we will give you the results and medication to solve it .” 

 

The former Qian cao peak lord raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the insulted blustering that this brought out of the affronted heavenly demon  . 

 

Shaoye by this time had collected himself enough to gently nudge his lover. “ It’s fine . Sorry for worrying ya , Binghe . I’m fine . It’s just probably sand in my eyes . I dunno …”

 

Finally , finally , Binghe relented .  

 

Gloomily , he watched as his beloved was whisked away behind the door . And with the air of the consigned , he shifted his rump over to a nearby seat to mope in silence and fret . 

 

As it always turned out when it came to Dichan Shaoye , however . 

 

It wasn’t just a mere stomach virus but something far more life changing . 

 

Somewhere, in a jail cell, Shen Qingqiu shuddered. 

 

He had a bad, bad feeling about him gaining grand god-kids sooner than expected or wanted. 

Notes:

1. Ancient Chinese Ballroom Dance

From the Han Dynasty (206BC-220 AD) to the Wei Dynasty (220-265) and the Jin Dynasty (265-420), there was a kind of dance very popular on the parties of officials and aristocrats. People danced for social intercourse and making friends. The dance was just like today's ballroom dance. http://en.chinaculture.org/library/2008-01/21/content_38179.htm#:~:text=From%20the%20Han%20Dynasty%20(206BC,just%20like%20today's%20ballroom%20dance.

2. Yes , they had wedding rings back in ancient China . https://www.newhanfu.com/9539.html

 

—-
Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! …..Rebuilding the nation!!!!! :DDDDD

Shen Qingqiu has no idea that he is infact part-prophetic about him gaining Grand-godkids . Ohohohohohoooooo.

Till next time , stay tuned for next update two weeks later at 3/9/2023!!!!! Thank you for making it this far with me and your kindness ! Hope y’all are doing great ! :)

Chapter 42: holy mother of rectangles

Summary:

Bellas and Belas....I ,ahahaha , forgot to post this chapter which should have been last week...Sorry, my job has been kicking me up the bum as of late, I do hope life has been treating you guys kinder! <3

—

 

Gongyi Xiao was staring at the reports .

 

He stared .

 

And stared some more . 

 

“Congratulations.” Mu Qingfang stated briskly , patting him on the back as they surveyed the undeniable proof laid before them , of thousands of people doing their bit to rebuild the nation albeit unknowingly . “You are about to enter the ranks of fatherhood. You and several thousand youth are about to become first-time parents due to prodigious , unprotected sex brought on by a heat cycle induced by drinkers of the well of Fertility.”

 

“...Shifu. We aren't animals, we don’t have heat cycles.”

 

“The well of Fertility induces an artificial heat similar to a dragon’s in it’s drinkers, because centuries prior, this was blessed by a dragon as well as forces the drinker’s body to grow the necessary parts for making a baby.” Mu Qingfang stated drily , arms akimbo, looking at him in such a fashion , Gongyi Xiao felt like a naughty teenager confronted with knocking up his sweetheart.

 

“…....................................... Can’t you be the one to tell Brother Binghe ?”

 

“I am sure you will be fine . Young Binghe seems the sticky type . Won’t he be over the moon that he’s to become a father ?” 

 

Gongyi Xiao thought of logical , no-nonsense Luo Binghe who loathed jokes , who was violently protective of his Shaoye , whom had a track record of beating the living daylights out of anyone who he presumed to even make a crack at Shaoye’s expense. 

 

He whimpered .

—

 

Binghe glared at him, bristling like a farm dog that had chanced upon a fox in his hen house . Ning Yingying had collapsed and he was holding a medicated oil sachet under her nose to revive her . Sha Hualing who was busy gibbering away like a fool and staring at the results regarding her Wanyue ,  was utterly unhelpful . 

 

“That is not funny, Gongyi-ge.” 

 

Feeling very small under that disapproving glare , despite being in the right , Gong Yixiao squeaked.

 

“Bu-but ! It’s true ! There’s no sugar-coating that!” 

 

“Men cannot have children. You need a womb for such an undertaking  . '' Luo Binghe barked , waving the sachet at him like he would raise a sword in defense . Yingying gave a pitiful whimper and again he resumed administering the tentative cure to his good friend , though giving his sworn brother a withering look that could have curdled milk. 

 

“- And Yingying and Gongzhu as well as Sister Sha and Wanyue are same sex couples . We each lack a component to make a baby -“ 

 

Gong Yixiao then showed the dreaded Bingbork the results from the scrying glass used to test for any pregnancy .

 

Starlike eyes widened...Then rolled back in his head .

 

Yingying jumped up , looking furious as Sha Hualing luckily caught the tall youth who had keeled over in a dramatic slump.

 

“ Gongyi-ge! You’re too much ! You know how delicate Ah Luo is !!!”

—-

 

Shaoye was busy making faces at Mingfan who was happily chowing down his third helping of sago pudding topped with sweet and sourpork when the doctors entered. 

 

“Did your army drink from the well at the Golden plains of  agony during your latest battle with Lao Gongzhu ?” 

 

“My army was dying of thirst . I checked the water myself , it wasn’t poisoned …. Sorry , Gan Shu* . Did you find anything ?”

 

“ Nearly all of your army is pregnant due to the properties of the water that endows all its drinkers with a wound and a heat cycle to ensure conception. Both the men and the women have gotten knocked up. “ 

 

“I don’t see what’s wrong with that .” Shaoye shrugged gaily . “ Good for them if they wanted it .”

 

“Your cousin is pregnant.” 'Whut." Mingfan squawked.

 

“Uh-huh. Good f’r him, he has wanted kids of his own since we were kids!” Mingfan quickly recovered, for he was a versatile and easygoing man, and he truthfully had longed for children of his own. He beamed and settled down.

 

“So are your good friends, Miss Xiao, Miss Ning and Miss Qin.”

 

“Wonderful! I’ll be godfather a bit earlier than expected but no problem!”

 

“So are you.”

 

“....What?!” 

—--

“- Nuh uh. I did the do with him with me on the top !”

 

Gongyi Xiao smiled patiently while Xiao Gongzhu felt a headache coming . This had been going back and forth for near an hour. 

 

Shaoye had a stubbornness akin to a goat . He refused to listen thus far to the news. Gongzhu had nearly brained him twice for said idiocy resulting in both Mingfan as well as Binghe nearly had gone for her throat. 

 

“ And how will that affect chances of conception , Ah Shao ?” Gongyi Xiao asked , patiently. 

 

“Duh . The semen can’t reach the … Uh , womb . Even if I have one !  Yeah . Yeah ! It goes back due to gravity . “ Shaoye beamed while Binghe frantically nodded as though every word coming out of his beloved’s mouth were pearls of wisdom…Or perhaps to remain in his safe black and white world where only chickens laid eggs and roosters couldn’t .

 

“ Then the throwing up ? “

 

“ Indigestion . “

 

“ You growing a bit pudgier around the waist ?”

 

“ Binghe is the best chef in history . Forgive me for indulging .” 

 

“ The tiny heartbeat I and every medically trained cultivator can feel that beats along yours ? “

 

“….. “

 

Shaoye gaped like a fish as his cousin in law took his hand and directed him to feel . 

 

True enough . 

 

There within him , thumped a soft heartbeat. 

 

There came a louder thump as Binghe fainted again . 

 

—

 

Ye took the news of his son and nephew both getting knocked up amazingly well.

It was then and there that Shaoye learnt that his parents too had a shotgun wedding.

Infact, it seemed to be something of a thing in his line despite them being a noble house and them adopting a snooty act .

Mingfan was the odd one , both being larger then the average Dichan and actually managing to get hitched before getting a kid.

A Dichan might prize safety and being seen as a respectable noble but love was a tempest and when it came to romance, even the most strait-laced of their line flung all caution or propriety to the winds.

“Dichan genes.” Ye merrily wagged a finger in front of Shaoye’s nose. “Ach. It brings me back t’ y’r Gan Die. How he screeched at me and pinched me black n’ blue when I knocked up y’r momma n’ got yer before marriage.”

 

Shaoye gulped. 

 

His dear old godfather . 

 

His dear old-fashioned godfather who he had to tell about getting it on before marriage with his ex-disciple he loathed with all his heart and getting knocked up . 

 

Oh goody . 

 

-—

Binghe had persuaded Shaoye that it would be prudent to at least send an invite to Tianlang-jun as well as inform him of the news of pregnancy. Shaoye had groaned like he was a hippo with a toothache, but had seen reason . 

 

He sulkily sent out an invite to Tianlang-jun after Binghe had read through two of them , patiently told him again that no , as amusing as it was for him to read through his love calling Tianlang-Jun a ‘No good , lousy excuse of a father whose only good thing you ever did was to donate your sperm that made Binghe . Also, I expected better from you, Lady Su . But congratulations on dissapointing both Binghe and I-“ or “ Hey Asshole . Binghe wants your good for nothing , won the worst father of the year award ass at the wedding . Lady Su, I hope it was worth it hurting poor Binghe's heart further with you choosing vengeance over your own son-“ in the first two drafts ,a good monarch had to be prudent and impartial . 

 

Seeing Shaoye’s mulish expression , Binghe dangled the carrot that most likely the heavenly demonic emperor was busy with his recently returned Su Xiyan to even show up.Lured by said carrot, Shaoye then obediently sent out a nice , polite  invite along with Binghe’s.

 

It was then that Ye cheerily told him they would go and inform Shen Qingqiu of these two pieces of wonderful news. Him getting engaged and a little bundle of joy on the way as well ! 

 

There was no backing out of this . Ye had already penned a letter informing Shen Qingqiu they would be coming along as a family to visit him and inform him in person of wonderful news ! 

 

…. Shaoye needless to say spent the whole day worrying , gloomily eyeing his neck mournfully .

 

It was a fine neck attached to a most worthwhile head .

 

He wondered if there would be any left of it after Shen Qingqiu beheaded him upon the revelation of him getting a shot-gun wedding. 

——

 

“ Go slower , please , good sir .”’ Binghe requested the driver, cheerily .  “ I would like to take the carriage very slowly by my … In-law’s abode, that he might see my latest crown headpiece .”

 

It was indeed a splendid crown that upheld his midnight tresses  . Specially commissioned . Unlike Shaoye who had wanted to carry on the tradition by wearing the crown that centuries of Dichan clansmen wore on their wedding , Binghe insisted on a new crown to be designed for him . And whatever he wanted , he got . 

 

In addition to this extravagance, Binghe had primped himself , worn his finest embroidered robes . Not his wedding robes, for he wanted it to be a surprise for his beloved Shaoye.

 

 He looked like a god who had descended to earth , so radiant and beautiful he looked . The crowds who turned up just to see his finery were all a-twitter and most envious of Shaoye who would be marrying such a beauty .

 

Only one person wasn’t taken in . Said person was glaring at him through the barred windows of the cell he was housed in.

 

“Eat your heart out, Qingqiu, you toad-eating hag.” Binghe muttered under his breath , sneering at the snarl he got from the window from his hated enemy , who he knew could lip read , before the haughty former peak lord drew himself straight. 

 

Shaoye was so busy happily chatting with his parents over their robes that he didn’t  witness this sordid exchange . 

 

What he lip read from what the green clad cultivator said however wiped the smarmy smirk on the half demon’s face right off . 

 

“Little Beast, you must surely be aware that I am unable to view the roads from my apartment due to the vastness of the jail grounds…” 

 

Binghe gnashed his teeth before composing himself . 

 

Conveniently , there came a very loud din as the lion dancers began their dance to announce the simulated  entrance of a bridal carriage ( For this wasn’t the actual day .)  He turned around , leaning out of the window , unwilling to let Shen Qingqiu have the last word . 

 

 “Oh, please forgive my mistake, Sir Shen!” He called back , hoping the winds would carry his message to the former peak lord  . “ I had only assumed you could see from that ostentatiously high pedestal atop of which you have placed yourself!”  

 

—-

 

“ That little brat !” Shen Qingqiu screamed as the guards pulled him back from the barred window  . “ Is it not enough that he is marrying my godson but he humiliates me so ?!”

 

It had been a fine day . Shen Qingqiu had long been counseled and long since resigned to the fact that the heart loves what the heart loves . That his godson had chosen to marry that-that creature , and he had no choice but to accept them as a package deal . 

 

Still . It didn’t mean he was happy about this . 

 

—-

“- Binghe-ge ! Aw, for crying out loud ! “ Shaoye dragged the very satisfied looking half demon from the window and back to the safety of his carriage . 

 

“I got the last word in .” The half demon beamed . Shaoye’s heart twinges in amusement . Shen Qingqiu , as much as Shaoye loved him  , would fight for , was also a schemer and equally as vicious as Binghe could be . He doubted any amount of insults inflicted by Binghe would make up for the abuse that he had suffered from his godfather.

 

The carriage came to a halt . 

 

“I’m staying here . I’ve seen enough of Shen Qingqiu .” The half demon informed his love . 

 

Shaoye paled , thinking of a possible and likely  scenario of his godfather and fiancé brawling and setting off a prison riot in their subsequent smack down .

 

“That might be for the best .” 

——

 

Ye and Shaoye both were admitted . Furen awaited outside faithfully.

 

Shen Qingqiu stared.

 

It wasn’t just him taking in the finery that Shaoye would be wedded in for his big day . 

 

Shaoye seemed a bit plumper around the belly region, just barely . 

 

Well,  that and the fact a softer Qi seemed to emanate from that region  . 

 

He put a hand out and gently placed his hand on the still flat tummy . There in response came the soft beat of a heart .

 

Shen Qingqiu sighed wryly . “ I am an old man. I am truthfully not sure if I will get to see you getting wedded , much less having children. So , I am happy to have seen my first grandchild. “ 

 

This prompted a flurry of reassurances from the Dichans and tearful recriminations from his Qingyuan . 

 

Shen Qingqiu shook his head . “ Enough theatrics, all of you . I am what I am . I did terrible things, no matter how well intentioned I may have been at the time of doing those deeds  . I am not sorry either for having done them  . For to be wicked is to be alive , is it not ? “

He shrugged . “ All actions have consequences and all that . “ 

 

Shaoye studied his godfather . He looked well fed and healthy . He was still dressed resplendently as usual despite the bars that separated them . 

 

“Well…I will make sure you get a fair sentencing ! And you will definitely see your grandchild again! Outside of bars and alive !” 

 

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes , reached out an imperious hand through the bars of metal , and crooked it over . Shaoye obediently walked over and allowed his godfather to examine his wedding robes with a critical eye inch by inch. 

 

“ Not bad .But remember to embroider some protective charms on it , the nastier the better . One can never be ill prepared for weddings . Prime time , it is for assassinations .”

 

“ Gan Die . It’s the wedding between a ruler and the crown prince of the Heavenly demonic race , who’s gonna be that stoo-pit to try n’ kill me in a room full of family and nearly everyone of note ? “

 

Emerald eyes gleamed dangerously, thin acerbic lips stretched into an ugly sneer…

 

“….Excepting you and Sir Yue being there , of course !”  Shaoye hastily added, sweating. 

 

“ I won’t be there , as you said . Therefore I won’t be there to protect your sorry behind and you know very well that an overconfident cultivator  -“ “-Is a dead cultivator .” Shaoye muttered .” Fiiiiine . I will .”

 

“ Well , don’t sulk . You make that face long enough and you might just find it stuck permanently that way !” The former peak lord took a sip of tea . “ Mind , I won’t mind you wearing that expression while you are walking up the aisle to that wretched mongrel .” 

 

“ That wretched mongrel is soon to be your in law .” “ And not a day goes by that I wonder why you had to choose him out of all the fish in the sea .” Shen Qingqiu growled at last .  

 

Yue Qingyuan gave him a dirty look . Shen Qingqiu turned away, before adding  . “You might as well have put a giant sign pointing to yourself for all those mad zealots out there to kill you to prevent the continuation of that accursed lineage .” 

 

Already on the edge , Shaoye blew up at this careless remark directed at his beloved fiancé . 

 

The petite youth glared , standing up straight bristling  . “ Stop calling them that ! The heavenly demonic race are victims of being enslaved by us cultivators and given as sex slaves to some perverted monarchy ! We have done more wrong to them as a whole then what we feared they might ever do to us as a whole ! “ 

 

“Ach ! An’ now , you , my darling little Angel have put it right again! “ Ye boomed , placing a conciliatory arm around his son’s shoulders .  “ An’ now we shall give Ah He a good life , now ? Hmmm ? “ 

 

 Shen Qingqiu sniffed . 

 

Shaoye recalled something he had wanted to ask  . 

 

“ Did you know ? “ 

 

“ Know what ?” The former peak lord asked lazily, though his sharp eyes narrowed at the soft doubt in his god son’s words .

 

 “… Did you know the legend of Zuxian and believe it is true ?”

 

There were guards everywhere , and there was zero privacy in the wards . Shaoye hoped that the hidden query would be read by his clever godfather .

 

Shen Qingqiu snorted . Ah, that . 

 

“ I began to believe after a certain brat began asking me strange little things that no ordinary child , no matter how genius-level , should have knowledge of . Since he was merely five .” Was all he glibly remarked . 

 

He looked away as Shaoye started to shake, as tears of sheer relief appeared in those large brown eyes .

 

“ So … It wasn’t , isn’t , an issue for you then ?”

 

“ Never . “  Shen Qingqiu sighed . “ And stop doing that . You’ll stain your nice robes . Honestly , Shaoye . Even if it did , does it matter ? You are you . Let no one’s judgment cloud or overshadow your achievements or that fact that you are you .” 

 

“ Well . What if theoretically I robbed you of knowing the Shaoye that I took the place of ? What if you would have liked him better  ?” 

 

“….You see what I have to deal with ? What in the nine hells are you doing to have raised him with such self-doubt , Ye ?” Qingqiu hissed at Ye who looked most piteous at this accusation  . 

 

“…You’re lucky you’re too far away to receive a rap from my knuckles , you-you bumbling,blither-tongued,numbskulled idiot ! “ Was that final snap , before he turned to his godson. 

 

“ I do not like to repeat myself . But in life we are all given a deck of cards . We do our best with them , some of them are a good hand , some are less than favorable . People are like cards . … If it helps , I couldn’t have thought of a finer card then you that the cruel mistress called fate deigned slip into my hands .” Then he added softly , so softly that Shaoye had to strain to hear this .“ … If it helps , I don’t wish to call any other godson . You are worthy . Always have been since the day you came into my life .” 

 

To his great alarm , his ever emotional godson smushed himself against the bars , reaching for him . 

 

There was drool , Shaoye’s nose was running - Yue Qingyuan was giving him a filthy look that told him that if he didn’t hug his godson through those nasty bars and get all those nasty fluids all over his nice clean , newly laundered clothes , he would be looking forward to a cold spell from him for at least three days . 

 

With great reluctance , Shen Qingqiu smushed himself against the bars , reached as best as he could to pat his soft-hearted Godson’s back .

 

Shaoye has really grown up , he realizes distantly . It seemed only yesterday he was just a small boy running around , as tall as his knees only . And now he is going to be married . Had a child of his own on the way . 

 

He is loath to admit that his eyes aren’t entirely dry either when the time comes for them to inevitably bid farewell , and he retires to the farthest corner of his cell to gaze and ponder the rest of the evening  . 

——-

 

<<Golden Citadel, nightfall.>>

 

It was three in the morning when Binghe realized that Shaoye was not beside him but was staring at the fireplace, rocking back and forth in the comfortable chair that Furen had made for herself to rock in , when she was pregnant with him herself.

 

Binghe stared as Shaoye turned wide amber eyes to gawp at him.He in turn gawped when his love told him the reason he could not sleep was because….

 

“Wool?” 

 

“For socks. Baby booties.” Shaoye whispered, tears welling up as though he had chucked  the unborn baby into the endless abyss. “I-I just see those bare little feet.”

 

It is 3 am . Binghe had been having a nice kip till being awoken and enlightened on what baby booties were.

 

At the sight of tears , he was already up. 

 

There was a light in the kitchen as he passed down to the store where they kept bales of cloth. A stomach churning stench on the return with a bale of Jewelled Spiked Sheep’s wool clutched in his arms , nearly made him gag.

 

He peered within.

 

There, looking equally bleary, was Gongyi-Xiao.

 

Binghe then recalled that Shaoye had invited his cousin and his in law to come stay as long as they wanted in the Grandest Manor, where there was a round the clock doctor and where the best chef (Also known as Binghe.) cooked delicious and healthy meals, all approved by Mu Qingfang himself. Mingfan had eagerly accepted .

Gong Yixiao had been equally thrilled at the invitation.

Now, said Cousin in law looked less then happy.

Gong Yixiao who was at present grimly mixing together what appeared to be a sweet egg pudding, topped with a steamed mackerel , with toasted nuts scattered atop the confection and drizzled with a mix of-

 

“- Xiao-ge . Is that both soy-sauce and a cane sugar syrup you’re drizzling over that ?”  

 

“ What Ah Fan wants , he gets . I presume that Ah Shao wants to get some knitting done for new baby clothes ?” 

 

Binghe and Gongyi Xiao exchanged looks of silent commiseration .

 

Shaoye knitted ten pairs of baby booties for Mingfan's and the yet unnamed child he carried within him before he was satisfied.

 

—-

 

<<The Royal Palace of the Heavenly demonic emperor>>

 

“ Can you believe it , Ah Yan ?” 

 

It is odd . Su Xiyan finds . How much the world has changed while she was trapped . Or how the world moved on without her . She had developed the annoying, troubling habit of blanking out since she had been separated from Xinmo. She could be listening to Tianlang-jun talking about something or the other and slowly, she could feel herself blank out till her vision itself seemed to be encompassed by nothing. She calls it the grey. She hates it . 

 

“Ah Yan?” 

 

With a jolt , she found herself transported from the grey - Back to the present moment . 

 

At present , she was sitting in the throne room.

 

Tianlang-Jun- .Her Ah Lang . By the gods, there were barely noticeable strands of white in his once raven locks…The tiniest races of wrinkles, and his whole body scarred- Beams like the sun, while holding up a letter.

 

“Binghe! That boy really made it big , made it lucky! He is getting married to that tiny boyfriend of his….And has become a father!”

 

Su Xiyan feels the world around her lurch , a lesser person would have crumbled at what has happened. About experiencing so much loss , about realizing how much has been lost. But she is Su Xiyan. 

 

She vaguely becomes aware of an arm supporting her, as she is stuck , stuck in a confusing field of white. She is not entirely herself as waves of sadness, confusion, of regret and anger all hit her at once without reprieve. 

 

There is a clacking noise, she is vaguely aware of soft light at the edge of her eyes, and then the night air hits her , the soft perfume of night flowers is a soothing balm to her. She breathes in quick and fast. Tianlang-Jun must have opened the windows. 

 

He always had been the more emotionally aware of the two of them. 

 

Tianlang-Jun’s hand is holding her , and feeling too weary all of a sudden, she leans into his touch. 

 

The earth is blanketed in white.  The full autumn moon rises over the East Field, the bright light reflected as on ocean waves. Stone walls and solitary rocks and bushes are crested with snow. And ice. 

 

Pine trees under their heavy veil of white bow their heads and limbs, and within their depths shelter the sleeping winter birds. Every branch of every tree and bush is encased in crystal and shines in the blue winter moonlight like a prism. 

 

Both husband and wife stand in silent contemplation, and listen to the silence. A twig snaps, its burden of snow and ice too much to bear, and falls to the ground, making the silence seem deeper. For the nights of fall are a month of quiet nights.

 

 The garden is asleep in its featherbed of deep snow. Su Xiyan knows it will awaken when the brief spell of spring consents to visit the Inner circle of the Demonic realm, causing the snow to melt across the land, albeit briefly .

 

Over the winter glaciers , she could foresee the coming glow of spring’s green kiss.

 

And through the wild-piled snowdrifts, the warm azalea buds below. Buds of apple blossom* and peonies and azalea are tight, showing no urge to swell in the brief winter light.

She ponders on it. On the changes that had thus far happened to her. She had been freed, and gone promptly on the war path to gain revenge for her sworn sister. Xiao gongmu. Lao Gongzhu was half mad , but truly her Shizun . for he eluded her as well as managed to send men after to try and catch her. 

 

Tianlang-Jun, she had last heard, had been badly injured, and had even underwent a surgery to temporarily put him in a plant body while healers worked to fix his body-Broken by years of being under Bailu mountain. So, she had pursued vengeance, journeyed to find the Xin mo blade. 

 

Marveled at how easy, how powerful the blade was, how wonderfully it complemented her powers, and even gifted her the ability to affect the weather in vicinity, of being able to command the heavens to gift the earth snow at her very will.

 

And more practically, handy for freezing the men Lao Gongzhu sent after her, cold solid. 

 

…Failing to realize that all the while it was literally sapping her of her mind , of her very being. She fell into a red haze. Just killing, killing , her one goal to get to Lao Gongzhu, to kill him for taking her sister, her light, her world away. To let him have a taste of the pain he had inflicted on her. 

 

She knew that Lao Gongzhu was getting closer, and closer. So she was befuddled when the red haze she was under was pushed aside, by an odd inclination that for the oddest reason she had to go to the heavenly demonic empire where her dreaded, beloved Tianlang-Jun dwelt , and that despite Xin Mo’s screams that Lao Gongzhu was theirs for the taking in between the masses of soldiers , the odd compulsion was won and she leapt away . 

 

There was no Lao Gongzhu there , but there was Tianlang-Jun there . She remembers with perfect clarity the moment their eyes met, the sheer love in those dark smoldering orbs that had captured her heart , breaking her out of the strange haze Xin Mo had been keeping her under thrall. 

 

She doesn’t remember much after that .

 

Just bits of pieces. But her one constant throughout is that Tianlang Jun never left her side or showed any impatience with her. Talking to her even on days when she lay trapped in her head, trapped in the grey , seemingly unresponsive to her chatter , about him ruling , of their son‘s progress at the Citadel and the scant bits of news on Lao Gongzhu.

 

Xin mo is wrapped up under layers and layers of protective charms . Binghe had sent people over to help seal it . It was very telling what he thought of them that he icily addressed Tianlang-Jun as:

 

‘To his most esteemed majesty, the Heavenly demonic emperor , and fiftieth scarlet blaze that keeps the spark of the Demonic realm. Thankfully , my beloved liege is unharmed and the Citadel still retains her ruler , though had sire not spent his hours moping over his beloved lady love and helping in the hunt for the cause of all misery to this ravaged land , this could all have been prevented. I have sent several of the finest sealing experts to Ensure that Xinmo is locked away , to make sure this job is well done in case sire feels inclined to moon after his reunion with Miss Su.’

 

Not very encouraging but given that she had heard about Binghe’s unparalleled ability to wipe out entire armies single handedly, the fact he was willing to politely send an invitation albeit one laden with many subtle jabs and recriminations, spoke volumes . 

 

Dichan Shaoye, Su Xiyan guessed from Tianlang-Jun and numerous accounts , was ironically the irate one.  The aggrieved lover of her Son who bristled and had to be held back whenever he had any interaction with her Husband . The tiny ruler made no attempt how much he would like to string Tianlang-Jun up for years of neglecting his Son . 

 

Su Xiyan sees no trace of her Shijie, Furen in Shaoye nor of the bloodthirsty Ye who had shown instances of cunning .

Ornery, proud and extremely sensitive about his height , prone to howl at anyone who pissed him off till their ears dropped off-She supposes she ought to thank the gods that for all his less than admirable qualities, one thing could not be denied - Dichan Shaoye was a proper Dichan , being that he made no secret how much he adored his lover , her Son. 

So much had been lost due to her quest for vengeance  . In the end, it had all been for nothing and only served to estrange her son further from her . She has no idea why Tianlang-Jun has stayed by her side .

 

“ Ah Yan .” Tianlang-Jun is smiling, and she realizes she had pondered that aloud .

 

Yet, he is smiling not snidely , just tiredly , perhaps with a trace of mild disbelief , but definitely fondly .

 

Oh so fondly at her.Just like all those years ago .

 

He doesn't say "I love you,"like a normal person. For he is Tianlang-Jun , born to the grand lineage of the heavenly demonic line . 

 

Instead, he laughs, shakes his head, gives her a fond , exasperated  smile and merely takes her onto his arms and hugs her .

 

And , oh , there’s her explanation . 

 

The rest of the palace’s household is asleep, there is no light in any window. No owl hoots in the moonlight; no dog barks; no horse carriage is heard in the keen night. Everything is serene.

 

It is a serene night.

 

Tianlang-Jun’s arms are warm . She wonders . The invite had Binghe’s handiwork all over it for Shaoye likely would never want the people who had jilted his Binghe so badly at his beloved’s wedding to share in their joy  .

 

 There’s a glimmer of hope . Maybe if she played hers and Ah Lang’s parts well at the wedding , perhaps she could have a part in her grandchild’s upbringing . Maybe Binghe might find it in his heart to let her and Ah Lang come see their grandchild . To let them into his life again . 

 

Maybe someday , in the distant future , they could possibly be a family , the three of them . A proper one . 

 

Su Xiyan isn’t one for hoping . Hoping is for naive little girls . But she hasn’t been like the old Su Xiyan as of late . It’s a new world . Perhaps it is time she started changing too . Clenching her hands around the thorn-riddled past only had hurt her .

 

Perhaps .

 

Perhaps it was time to let go . To accept change .

 

If Xiao Gongmu saw what she had done...She honestly would not be surprised if she received a punch frst thing should she pass on and reunite with her sworn sister in the afterlife. Gongmu had always wanted a child of her own, even if it came from a loveless political marriage. What would she say of her abandoning her son and husband for vengeance first?

What would her Shi-jie say once they reunited at the wedding banquet between their children?

Or Tang Ah Yi, her first and true Shifu?

 Her Shizun would be tried, executed, if not tortured before said likely painful execution. His death would not erase the trauma of being his disciple ...His favorite head disciple. That he had murdered Gongmu. But, justice at least would have been achieved.

 

And maybe , possibly …

 

She hesitantly reaches out for her Ah Lang’s right hand.

 

As if second nature , he gently takes it into his .

 

Perhaps , it was time . 

 

To let herself be happy at last .  

——

 

 

 

Notes:

Author's notes:

https://chcp.org/Wedding-Traditions

*The Huangshan Pine and Asiatic apple are native to China! :)

---
Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! …..We got a little Su Xiyan and Tianlang-Jun here , and of course , SQQ guessed SY is not exactly who he appears to be and got to meet his grandkid! Next chapter is a small fillerish chapter , but the next , next one is the wedding so stay tuuuuuned! <3333

Till next time , stay tuned for next update two weeks later at 24/10/2023!!!!! Thank you for making it this far with me and your kindness ! Hope y’all are doing great ! :)

Chapter 43: Karma Chamilion

--Golden Citadel– 

 

 

Shaoye’s head was spinning. He was stuffed like a goose , nibbling away on several different wedding menu sampling’s that had began since their engagement a month ago. Even Mingfan, legendary for his eating prowess, was looking a bit peaky at these daily fiascos of being invited for sampling’s . Even today when thankfully he was actually in the mood to chow down like a ravenous bear, he was pushed to the limit.

 

The assortment they were served today was  Peking duck , a  roast piglet, a carp that would on the actual day be a large specimen that was the size of a small house to feed the entire citadel. Intricate sugar pagodas that even outclassed the restaurant Mingfan’s father owned in BaoLiu village produced . 

There had to be be six grain based dishes and six types of meat dishes , the six clears* for drink, 120 delicacies, eight dainties, and 120 urns of sauce as per wedding banquet  tradition *for each table .

 

 

And everyone had been invited . 

 

 

The year had been good to them and had seen a massive surplus in food supplies due to self sustainability and their outlying states too prospering under the rule of the Citadel . Despite the region’s unrest , the Citadel had not suffered alongside its Allies . And given that he was one of the hundreds knocked up, he would not be the only suspiciously plump one at the wedding. 

 

Binghe would and could have his menu which would be a culinary legend of myth.

 

He was busy designing Binghe’s and his own wedding robes,  dealing with maid of honour dress fiascos, ensuring the arrangements of the tables were all allotted and arranged properly . Dichan Ye had been firm that his darling and only child would have no want or trouble on this important occasion .

Binghe was preoccupied with supervising the cooking of the banquet as well as table arrangements . The latter none had the heart to stop him or take over . No expense had been obliged or questioned , the finest meat and wine came via the secret trade system set up years ago and did not put a dent in their food store supply .

 

 

… Part of Shaoye wishes fruitlessly for Shen Qingqiu to be at his wedding  . But part of him is still angry , well to be honest , Shaoye had been angry for a long time at how pig-headed his godfather was,  on Binghe’s behalf . But they both know that’s a fanciful wish at this point .  Shen Qingqiu is jailed , and is to be tried for multiple crimes. He might not even-

 

Alright, breathe. Let’s think  about other things, okay. Shaoye-boy ?

 

Shaoye and Binghes wedding would be the first heavenly demon and human wedding in history.

 

Naturally, the ceremony would observe both cultures.  Again,this required discussion regarding how to include both sides, with decision made for Clan Dichan to send the customary bridal dowry befitting a Heavenly demonic prince to Tianlang-Jun’s palace while Tianang-Jun sent the customary gifts that the mortal bride’s side would send to the groom.

 

 Tianlang-Jun and Su Xiyan had turned up to their surprise and as predicted, to Shaoye’s horror,the Heavenly demonic emperor had struck up an instant friendship with Ye , both men reminiscing on the good old days where each had tried to murder the other in a hundred terrible , brutal ways while clashing on the battlefield . 

 

Shaoye had however bristled - Oh, how he bristled at the coldness shown by Su Xiyan towards his darling Binghe! His mother at least had a reason for her leaving him and had even tried to get back to him! And she had a contingency plan for his care if anything untoward had happened to her !

 

His muqin had told Binghe and him that Su Xiyan was still in shock . Binghe was inclined to look more mollified and wistful at this , but Shaoye had already grimly marked her name in his black book. Feck her . Binghe was worth ten bajillion of her. 

 

“Be nice .” Binghe whispered , bending down as though to tuck away an errant strand of hair from his murderous face . They were seated down for lunch .

 

The hall was filled with both sides of their families. The Dichan clansmen along with the remaining living members of the Heavenly demonic clan were seated and conversing amiably. 

 

Binghe had done his bit to try and keep table arrangements comfortable for everyone but no matter what , his parents had to be seated with them . Shaoye was in a foul , foul mood as a result . 

 

He never ever took out his rage on Binghe. But Binghe knew his feisty love all too well . Sha Hualing and Gongzhu kept joking Shaoye was alike a spoiled , pedigreed cat that Binghe had pampered far too much , and you know what? Some people were cat people, did they not understand that?- 

 

 “I am being nice .” Shaky protested , shaking Binghe out of cat-related ponderings.  

 

“ A good ruler does not flash his pointed canines at his guests. Even if he wants to chuck them through the roof. “ Binghe whispered.

 

There came a knock at the door. Shaoye blinked in surprise. He had given strict instructions that unless it was a catastrophe that the family meeting be uninterrupted. He gave a nod to the guards who opened the door to admit a furious looking Qiu Haitang.

 

Shaoye tilted his head curiously to regard his advisor as she simply handed him a copy of the latest dibao. 

 

There, on the front page screamed thus:

 

“Head priest calls upcoming wedding between our ruler and minister an outrage . Says he will only officiate such a heresy against the heavens over his dead body!” 

 

Oh no

 

“What did he say?” Binghe asked sweetly , in the dulcet poisonous tones of a murderous cat lady whose beloved pet had wandered in with a boot-mark on its rump while her asshole neighbor who loved to declare how much he hated cats , was waddling off hastily and was wearing boots. 

 

Oh no

 

Without saying anything, he passed it over to Binghe who scanned it . There was zero expression on his face as he started to read it aloud to their entire family who had gathered here today. His clear voice was alike the clear song of a sparrow that awoke the stirrings of spring. 

 

He did not bellow, he did not scream for attention but commanded it. 

 

“Headpriest Zhang of Xianqi temple has released a public statement that he will not be officiating the wedding between Dichan Shaoye and Luo Binghe. 

 

He told our messenger* today , that it is bad enough that Dichan Shaoye has debased the most ancient bloodline of Zuxian, the first ancestor and founder of this sacred city by allowing for marriages between men and women but allowed demons to freely walk within the walls- But to now become a heretical consort of darkness-willingly!-”

 

“He-re-tical? Eh wut now?” Ye guffawed, nudging Tianlang-jun whose smile had turned glacial. Su Xiyan had taken out one of her hair pins and was idly playing with the sharpened end of it. 

 

“It means that he thinks our baby boy is evil, and basically scum because he chose to ‘lower’ himself by marrying our sweet son in law.” Furen clarified ,  a dangerous gleam in her eyes to which an unholy fire blazed in his old man’s eyes as he finally got the whole picture.

 

“Oh does he?” 

 

“Indeedy, uncle!” Mingfan chimed in, eagerly. 

 

Oh no no .

 

“Now,now.Let us get back on topic, old friend.” Tianlang-Jun soothed to which Shaoye looked up, half hoping that somehow his new father in law might be kinder, more reasonable.

 

“We have important things to discuss like planning an auspicious date for the start of new life between our darling children , the table arrangements, what will be served, coordinating our two cultures…” He let out an icy, tinkling laugh as he clapped his hands together. “...Why, I am sure that this silly old priest will change his mind after a talk from you, you old dog, you.”

 

Oh no no no.

 

Ye’s smile was flecked with blood, and showed far too much teeth, the way he eyed his ‘dear companion’ , the huge halberd hung up above his head, made Shaoye feel sorry for Headpriest Zhang and very uneasy . “O’yars yars, tis but a itsy-bitsy hiccup. We will take care of it.” He settled back on his comfortable chair, fluffing up the cushion , settling into it with a little sigh. “- Ah kin be very persuasive. “ 

 

Shaoye gulped. Binghe looking more mollified, beamed beatifically as he thanked Qiu Haitang for bringing this to them and offered her refreshments as small thanks.She in turn left reassured action was being taken.

Talks resumed.

 

The wedding was set on an auspicious date chosen by and agreed upon by the Dichan parents and Tianlang-jun.

 

Set on a lunar eclipse , it was as if this event was ordained by the heavens to unite the two races . The moon was sacred to the demons and in Righteous Cultivation , the Sun was seen as a symbol of justice and representation of the Cultivational World . 

 

In essence , and very ironically Luo Binghe would be fulfilling his fathers old wish for the human and demon realm to be united . Zhuzhilang’s eyes had gotten so very watery and nostalgic , that both his cousin and cousin-in-law hadn’t the heart to make rude comments on the man himself. 

 

The date agreed upon was a significant one, set on First Eclipse , which was sacred to both Heavenly demons and mortals , for demons as the day that Dragon Emperor Luo set foot on the mortal realm and founded the demonic kingdom and for mortals, it was viewed as auspicious as First Eclipse came after the harvests had come through, the sweet wine finally ripened to perfection after the previous year’s brewing and that apparently according to folk belief that the Old ones visited their realm. 

 

It was determined that the wedding preparations for both cultures were the same , and that they, curiously enough, shared similar superstitions that it was to be no issue on that front.

 

There would be a solemnization ceremony. Then after that the ceremonial dance . Then finally the feast. 

 

To Shaoye, it was such a fascinating insight into Binghe’s world ,  he forgot to show any resentment towards his new father in law. 

 

It was a whole new world. It was Binghe’s world , part of his love’s heritage and Shaoye so badly wanted to know , to understand every part of Luo Binghe, that it scared Shaoye at how intense his feelings were towards his lover. 

 

Tianlang Jun was an open fount of knowledge and was more than happy to share whatever knowledge he had. While easygoing, he too expected that his new son in law and his son, as well as the chosen dancers , all be able to dance, footwork by footwork to perfection on the day itself, the traditional dance of the Grand Eclipse.

Unlike the stately grace that the traditional dances that human cultivators did to celebrate . There was something sensual, intimate , lively to be appreciated of the traditional dance that all newly wedded demons did to signify  . It required a ton of coordination and compromise between the priests of both sides who sweated over how to make the dances work together in a sense to symbolize the union of mortal and heavenly demons . 

 

Binghe and him looped and ducked,all the while the chosen dancers all snake around,  around for four cycles that were meant to represent four Seasons . 

 

“Hold your head up . Right foot . Left foot - Duck ! Twirl -“Shaoye thanks the gods everyday he was marrying Binghe who whispered hastily instructions to him on how to perform the dance  . 

 

—--

 

 Ye hadn’t taken the news well at all or the fact his precious little Angel had been called a heretic , a consort of darkness.. Nor had his legion of relatives. 

 

Clan Dichan had always had demonic stock in their bloodline , as it sought to put strong, powerful , wealthy blood in their bloodline and to add to their coffers . Just because they had over the years built a reputation as uppercrust , hoity-toity dandies who were content to laze at home excepting those who were sworn into office did not mean that they would lay on their laurels if their lovers were insulted just because of their blood. 

 

Indirectly mocking their bloodline ? Their clan ?! Their youngest whom they had all seen grow up since he was a baby ?! 

 

The priest should have killed himself on the spot after giving that public statement . 

 

Binghe later hears that the priest met with an accident three days after that . A gruesome one . 

 

The cleaners who had to do the dirty job of cleaning up what remained of him were not amused . 

 

The man’s body had been inverted inside out , likely painfully alive till infection set in on the beating heart and blood loss after hours , upon hours of torture . 

 

Then someone snuck in , wrenched out his heart and absconded with it . As such , the soul of this head priest would be unable to be complete and unable to enter the afterlife . Doomed forever to wander this earth in search of the missing heart . 

 

No one dared to , or could pin it onto the Dichan clan . 

 

Still , everyone knew who had ordered for this or had taken it upon themselves to do the deed . 

 

Vindictive, vicious and calculated . 

 

 This was the clan , the family he was marrying into .

 

He had a feeling he was going to love it , being in this family . 

 

The temple’s founder issued a statement  apologizing for their secular and former member’s words . And offered the services of their new head , complete with a blessing . 

 

—-------------

 

Twas two weeks before the wedding .

 Binghe had promptly thrown himself straight into wedding preparations. The first was overseeing the arraying of decorations of the main  venue , which saw the once golden manor being wreathed entirely in red. 

In fact the whole town was nearly painted red.  

The Citizens who all had been invited had shown their support by putting out red cloth and lining the streets with flowers , Peonies, Lilies and even orchids arrayed the street all dyed red  .

People set out tables for the upcoming banquet , as everyone had been invited for the wedding , the Manor where the actual ceremony was to be held was naturally too small for the entire populace.  

 

Qin Wanyue had engaged the services of a reputed breeder and handler who provided the services of his more than a  hundred, specially-controlled spirit eagles; the silver rings around their talons were inlaid with special crystals; on the day of the wedding , they would be released  to circle around the wedding , giving the citizens a panoramic view of the events taking place at the Grandest manor was projected onto the numerous crystal mirrors lining each station where the citizens sat.

 

 

Each town’s mayor had set out tables and chairs on each town’s square. Nearby , it was scheduled that Medics would be on standby and stations where the food would be delivered to , to be reheated and served to the guests. 

 

A party needed food . A hungry man was an angry man . And that did not factor in  the need to be entertained before the wedding ceremony began . Rotating staff who would be getting extra monetary incentives were drafted in . Servers, chefs, buskers , security and entertainers, many who volunteered out of the honor of the occasion. 

 

And the star attraction was the banquet. To be honest, Binghe suspected many people were so excited because of the food as he had a hand in the creation of the feast . The best cooks and cultivators with proficiency in cuisine-based cultivation were drafted for the catering . The menu had finally been chosen , the product of several months of testing, which was a whopping eight courses . 

 

First course was Abalone gathered from the purest inland sea from the North of the continent , served on a bed of bok choy circled by an array of sea cucumber**  that would be lightly steamed and laden on with special sauce that was a stock made from wild fowl, duck, chicken and fish roe and had been cooking for seven days. 

Second was the popular crowd-pleaser Roast suckling pig, dry-rubbed with a seasoning , a blend of secret spices that Binghe had spent a pathetic amount of his free time during his childhood perfecting the recipe for, specially for this dish that he wanted for his wedding as it had been his Mama’s favorite recipe. It was then roasted to crackling perfection with tender flesh beneath the crispy coating . 

 

The third and stunning centerpiece was a huge bred Garoupa-carp mix that would  be served whole, with head and tail intact,steamed to perfection, topped with spring onions and a mouth-watering soy sauce gravy which the fish had been basted with for several hours .

 

The fourth was the Peking Duck, a famous dish from the great culinary capital of  Beijing  , which would be  served along with a sweet plum sauce, thin shreds of tender wild spring onion gathered from the region of An Ding Peak which had the sweetest vegetables paired with thin steamed flour wraps. 

 

The fifth was Scallops harvested from the inland seas from the Northern Demonic isles where Sha Hualing attested gave longevity to all who ate it , delicately braised, served atop a bed of the freshest greens.

 

The beggar’s chicken was Dichan Ye’s favorite dish , an amusing trifle that Binghe saw no harm in including. Again served whole, head to tail, and lightly fried until the skin is brown and crispy whilst the meat is tender and juicy then baked in a crust of clay, further adding a crispness and delicacy to the skin and a softness to the flesh . The fun was to get to the chicken within the clay , in which a mallet was provided to crack the shell to expose the treat within.  Binghe was certain it would be entertaining for the young at heart and the youth . 

 

The seventh was hand pulled noodles stir fried and stayed crisp despite the sweet yet savory dark sauce that was a blend of spices with a mix of vegetables - Fresh corn that was harvested and sweet from autumn , tender carrots that had been thinly sliced to strips, tender bamboo shoots that would be artistically arranged to look inviting to even the most picky of vegetable haters. 

 

The last , a sweet dessert would be a fragrant and decadently luscious red bean soup with crunchy lotus seeds which had been voted by the rest of the rest of the friends and family invited for the tasting ceremony . 

 

Binghe had listened intrigued when Shaoye had insisted on that confection that he called ‘cake’ that he made every year for his birthday. It befuddled the chefs who had come to create it, but under his guidance, it was nearly as good as if he had hand made it himself. 

 

It was over a hundred pounds of sugar, milk , flour and lots of sugar and decorated with the paste that Shaoye called ‘icing .’

 

...He really was not looking forward to the aftereffects of sugar on the children of the Citadel. And that was not accounting for the demonic children. The thought of a mini-Sha Hualing on a sugar high was enough to send a shiver down Binghe’s spine.  He lit a candle on his heart for the parents the night after the banquet . 

 

The cake was preserved currently in the chilled larder, and a simple ice formation had ensured that the towering behemoth of confectionery would be kept pristine for the wedding. Atop it stood two little dolls, handmade toppers by Geqiu. Binghe thought they looked adorable, he had eyed the smaller figure that had a full luscious ponytail of yarn that was supposed to be Shaoye.

 

That reminded him . 

 

Shaoye had made it clear he would be growing back his hair , his beautiful long hair back like before Lao Gongzhu had ruthlessly shorn it off.

 

 He thus far had hidden it under a hat , and even worn a veil, though Binghe knew it was definitely the tonic and oils doing the trick

 

————

 

To: Tang Ah Yi

 

 

 

You are invited to the wedding of Luo Binghe and Dichan Shaoye at the front table . 

 

 

 

Ah Yi .

 

 

 

It’s a waste of paper , and you probably are somewhere happier and brighter . But here’s an invitation to Our wedding . I think if you somehow get it , it’s only polite and I wish so badly aside from Gan Die you could attend . This is a month since I discovered my soul mate, not that i ever would have guessed I would actually have one. You also now have a grandchild. 

 

I wish with all my heart you could have held them. Be here .

 

 

I don’t think I’m worth loving. Even in this body . It’s scrawny, short and more importantly, inhabited by me . But apparently Binghe thinks differently. 

 

 

I can’t believe it’s been more than a decade since you left us. Time passes so fast . I miss you so much both as Dichan Shaoye and Shen Yuan . 

 

 

I think you knew I was in love with Binghe so many years ago. You weren’t as blatant as Lao Ba and Fan Ge but I know you knew . I wonder if we got together earlier , would you have been happier ? Have hung on longer ?

 

 

 

…

 

 

 

It’s fruitless , is it not ? All these what could have beens . 

You always said I had such pretty hair, and were so sad I started cutting it short. I think it’s time to start growing it long. The shadow of Lao Gongzhu will not hinder me anymore. Speaking of him, he’s in jail. 

 

Ah. I do ramble. 

 

I hope wherever you are above , you smile upon us. 

 

 

 

Love, 

 

Dichan Shaoye .

 

—-

 Word spread through the Citadel, then outside to the other settlements then even to the furthest ends of the land. From the grandest restaurants to the grittiest hole in the walls, the upcoming wedding was the talk of the town. 

 

Shen Qingqiu finds himself restless and particularly ill tempered this day. The sun is shining, he grimly coaxes the tree above the encove to stretch out its branches to block out its light.

 

Of course today was the day the guards checked and cleaned his cell, checking it for any attempts of staging an escape as well. As of right now he was temporarily housed in a middling but fairly large cell. 

 

Not seeing Yue Qingyuan and being subjected to slumming it out in a middling cell without any of the creature comforts supported by his sworn brother and godson, put Qingqiu in a sour mood. 

 

His mood further soured when a door opened. 

 

A series of snarls and bellows started from the rabble he called cell-mates. Unusually, they seemed particularly incensed today at who was coming in.

 

No.

 

In the past, the Old Palace Master was a prominent figure in the cultivation world. During their first meeting years ago and the innumerable miserable encounters of which Qingqiu was forced to be in the same vicinity as this creature , the Old Palace Master's bearing and appearance were faultless. 

 

But now, the previously meticulously kept snow white beard had become dirty and tangled, his face was so lined that filth filled the innumerable creases. Shen Qingqiu scrunched his nose up in disgust at the stench that he could smell from a mile away. 

 

The guards paused in front of his cell.

 

No.

 

There came a clattering sound as a key was slotted into the keyhole, the door opened and a rumpled , belligerent figure was slumped in.

 

From there,  things definitely soured.

 

“-It was his fault , you know, that right, Master Shen?”

 

Lao Gongzhu , for the oddest reason , seemed to see something of a kindred spirit in him and kept talking to him , hinting that he would understand . Shen Qingqiu was in partial shock, partial disgust and partial incredulity over this utter audacity.

 

“No point tuning me out, Master Shen.” The old man groused tetchily. “You’re locked in with me. Why, we two are very similar…” 

 

He had tried tuning him out as soon as the old monster opened that gaping maw of his. 

 

But one could not help but sometimes take in what nonsense he uttered sometimes, of which had been going on for hours. 

 

“...That lazy, entitled , spoiled little brat of that monster, Ye’s. He turned my Binghe against me. Poisoned his head full of nonsense and seduced him into ruining me.” Lao Gongzhu hissed, blank eyes narrowing as he gazed off into the empty space .

 

Red clouds his vision.

 

Shaoye had spent years overcoming a terror of crowds , had to be taught not to tear his hair out as soon as it grew just a bit longer , and had confided to him that he had suffered from nightmares . It was a miracle that his godson had not turned bitter and anti-authoritian like he had. 

 

 The blood that was dripping out of the cuts on his godson’s arms that the then eight year old had been forced to inflict on himself to free himself and his friends out of a nightmarish prison that grown men had died in…It haunts him sometimes. Sometimes he wonders if he had pushed Ye not to allow Shaoye to visit his then father in law… Things might've-Irrelevant.

 

Shaoye asked him,once, if he will ever , ever get over what had been done to him …And him, having to tell his godson that he honestly did not know. 

 

He still wonders if he will ever be able to get over what Qiu Jianluo had done to him on bad days.

 

He forces himself to calm down. He had already disgraced the Dichans with his actions. This old monster’s days were numbered. There was no need to dirty his hands further by giving into the urge to-

 

“-"There is no need to keep trying to justify why you did those acts. Shut up . I have no interest in hearing what you have to say.” He manages, opening his eyes to regard the coffin-dodger disdainfully. “Also, you will have to leave in the morning, find a new cell.” 

 

“No , no. Surely you get it. I mean , surely you will have to admit he is exquisite , isn’t he?...Luo Binghe…” Shen Qingqiu watched with slow growing disgust , anger as slowly the bits and pieces of why Binghe had been so twitchy after his time at Huanhua started to dawn on him . 

 

Lao Gongzhu was drooling , saliva dribbling from the corners of his mouth at the mere thought of the then underaged disciple under his tutelage.

 

“....I couldn’t help myself …The splitting image of my darling Xiyan. I was damned to let this second chance slip by. Then that little rat , that spawn of that bloodhound, Ye , ruined it all!” 

 

Lao Gongzhu had been warned by him, yet he continued to talk about it, trying to justify it . Insulted his beloved godson, and now had just clarified he had sexually abused both Su Xiyan and Luo Binghe. 

 

He still dislikes Luo Binghe, but even Luo Binghe didn’t deserve what this worm had done to him. 

 

He, Shen Qingqiu might be of the lowest caliber, a monster….

 

But even a monster had standards. 

 

The former Qingjing peak lord  yawned . He then got up , stretching idly.

 

“How unfortunate . Perhaps it is your sinfully long old age giving you cognitive issues , alas , alas . But you don’t seem to understand. “ He shook his head sadly , dolefully , cracking his knuckles . 

 

What happened next was so fast,  Lao Gongzhu could barely  comprehend it . Shen Qingqiu grabbed the empty pitcher that held their drink for the day , in a blink had smashed it across the side of his wizened face. 

 

As he howled in pain , Shen Qingqiu hummed idly , unconcernedly as he drew glyphs on the floor with the blood he had gained from inflicting said wound . 

 

They glowed red as he activated them with the final stroke once . A noise canceling array . 

 

He then gathered his robes up and sashayed over . 

 

There was something eerily similar between Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu. Something had broken in them long ago , and while they both restrained , hid that broken part away for the most part - It surfaced when they were well and truly enraged . Some people raged , screamed to express their displeasure . 

 

Shen Qingqiu had mastered his rage , turning it into something he could use against whatever has done him wrong . It was a calm , tranquil , eerie sort of fury the way a cobra would slide silently towards a transfixed mouse. 

 

The former Qingjing Peak lord raised the large , jagged piece of pottery left in his hands , studying it like one would study a sharp dagger . The smile that slowly curved up his lips made the old man involuntarily shudder .

 

“I'm not locked in here with you, you unfortunate stain of fecal matter .” The emerald eyed man informed the abuser of his beloved godson , the one who had wronged his lover , ruined his sworn brother , with a tone most disconcertingly cheerful . 

 

He raised the makeshift dagger . The shape edge of the broken shard glinted in the flickering candlelight . 

 

“You are locked in here with me.” 

 

—

 

Merely an hour later, the guards had to drag Shen Qingqiu off Lao Gongzhu whose face had been so badly savaged by his cellmate , he was nearly unrecognizable. 

 

The other inmates had all watched smugly or with grim satisfaction.

 

Dichan Shaoye had only been eight when endured being physically assaulted and forced to cut himself in a bid to save the lives, the freedoms of his friends from an array  famous for trapping adults within for eternity. 

 

Luo Binghe while the most famous of the sexual abuse victims of the old pedophile , was only but one , and the rare living survivor . Lao Gongzhu’s victims , his underage disciples he had preyed upon numbered to staggering fifty seven disciples who had been listed. 

 

Xiao Gongzhu , who had to live with the knowledge that her father had murdered her mother, and who was responsible for countless other atrocities . 

 

Everyone here  thought it poetic that he received a pound of flesh from one of the victim’s loved ones and likely the wardens agreed, the only way to explain the inexplicable placement of Lao Gongzhu and Shen Qingqiu together when their cells were checked. 

 

Lao Gongzhu was rushed to be healed and later returned back to isolation.Due to the proficiency of the doctors , he was returned with nary a scar but according to gossip, was prone to twitching and looking over his shoulder after this incident. 

 

Shen Qingqiu was returned to his cell with a mere reprimand and was spoiled with expensive gifts from many admirers thanking him for this act . “Beastly.” He scoffed as he enjoyed a bite of jīng bā jiàn * , and fed one shaped into a lotus into his beloved Yue Qingyuan’s mouth. 

 

He took another delicious bite of the crumbling pastry that virtually melted on his tongue.

 

“How beastly.” 

 

 

Notes:

Notes:

JingBaJian (Chinese: 京八件; pinyin: jīng bā jiàn) is a series of eight Chinese desserts created by the Qing Imperial kitchen. It is an improvement on traditional imperial pastry called the 'big eight'. Each dessert holds a different meaning: happiness, success, long life, luck, wealth, education, excess and fertility.[1]
----
Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! …..Wedding is next week . I personally had a lot of fun writing this chapter is all I am saying. LGZ gets a taste of his medicine by a very . very vengeful SQQ. Don't hurt his loved ones , is all I am saying.

Till next time , stay tuned for next update two weeks later at 8/10/2023!!!!! Thank you for making it this far with me and your kindness ! Hope y’all are doing great ! :)

Chapter 44: Red wedding

Summary:

Y'all were waiting for this but here is the duuun-duuuuuuuun wedding! <3

Evening fell . 

 

And with it preparations were underway .

 

Shaoye eyed himself in the presented polished bronze mirror as the girls tittered around him .

 

Sha Hualing beams in pride .

 

Layers upon layers wrapped around him . A heavy red cloak embroidered with elaborate arcane symbols and a dragon and Phoenix but both clearly demonic looking dancing in an eternal dance over a star spangled midnight sky , it had been passed down from bride to bride from the Heavenly demonic royalty.

 

Zhuzhi-lang had came in while two demonic members of Tianlang - Jun’s court held the artifact .

 

Shaoye had raised an impressed eyebrow at this .

 

“ When sire  was sealed away by the righteous clans , wedding preparations were underway , the robe at the time was handed to the then Mobei Jun for safekeeping .” 

 

Everyone sighed at this . 

 

What a tragedy . 

 

Su Xiyan in another kinder world would have married Tianlang-jun and possibly raised Binghe in a loving household.

 

“  Lady Su Xiyan has retrieved it and has ordered it to be given to you. “ He declared and it took the entire entourage to drape the heavy creation over Shaoye’s slender shoulders .

Shaoye thanked him and the other half demon left likely to coordinate with his household . 

“ Beauty is suffering . Beauty is pain .” Shaoye mutters under his breath as he takes a good swig of wine as his slender shoulders strained from the fuck-almighty  weight of the fabric.

 

A gold filigreed headdress , studded with precious turquoise that he had overseen the creation of, a fusion of both his father’s old groom headdress and his mother’s bridal headdress that was paired with crimson dress robes the color of the Azalea tree in full bloom. 

Shaoye had gone along with the dress robes as even Binghe would be wearing something similar but to be seen as the bride in the relationship …. Uh-uh .

 

 So after a lot of thought and designing , they had come up with a compromise of combining both elements using the designs of many of the recent spate of same sex marriages allowed and sanctioned in the Citadel . 

 

Liu Qingge with Mu Qingfang as well as Gongyi Xiao with Mingfan had provided insight on their opinions on the designs and finally the clothing was determined to be a perfect marriage of both elements , staying true to traditional elements but showing that the robes were clearly meant for men. 

 

Shen Yuan’s inner Guo pei came out for him though. Let Binghe have the stylized flowey robes that would fit him like a proper monarch , he wanted his layers upon layers of robes wrapping him like a damn gift.  

 

He took the mirror rather hesitantly from Sha Hualing. He didn’t have a problem with his robes , or anything he designed. The problem that he struggled with daily was the  reflection gazing back at him. 

 

Granted it wasn’t Shen Yuan he was staring at, but Shen Yuan was in Shaoye’s body , aand wherever Shen Yuan went, at the back of his head , no matter how well he groomed himself, or trained his body to be as trim, as fit as it could be...His original father’s voice would be at the back of his head pointing out every single physical imperfection to his very stance…..

 

“Hey. Y’gotta open your eyes to see yourself, Ah Shao.” Shang Qinghua’s voice- Uncharacterisally gentle, breaks him out of his melancholy. The other transmigrator knew quite a bit about his backstory. After all, despite what Shen Yuan liked to claim, it got a bit sad being unable to tell anyone his true origins or understand where he had come from. ...So he really was bros with the Airplane. Urgh on that note.

 

His breath hitches as he opens one closed eyelid then the other.

 

No way .

 

A cheerful looking  yet alluring beauty gazed back at him . Time had changed him , his build was ...Petite but definitely heightened due to the heels he wore  . His hair was now shoulder length and nearly the same length before the Lao Gong Zhu incident . His eyebrows had been rigorously trimmed and groomed to meet his high standards . The makeup applied by Sha Hua Ling made his large brown eyes look seductive yet classy .

 

“I still say you should have let me go all the way to ‘ I wanna get railed.’ “  Sha Hualing paused then made a face. “Actually, ya know what? Maybe it’s best if no moron starts getting ideas , jumps on the podium and makes some declaration of wanting to marry ya. Binghe would have a conniption fit.” Shang Qinghua spat out some of his wine upon hearing this . 

 

Shaoye, ignoring this display , still gazing into the mirror ,  mourned that he would never be a breathtakingly natural beauty in either lifetimes . Still he had to say the image in the mirror was a complete stranger from his normal look . 

 

He looked grown up . 

 

“Oh...Ah Shao. '' Qi Haitang snivels, dabbing at her eyes delicately. “ It seems just yesterday you were just eight , running around unsupervised and turning Binghe’s hair white with your antics!” 

 

“There’s still time yet. I think Binghe’s hair will turn grey a few months into the marriage.” Qi Qingqi observes , snickering, cackling as Shaoye turns around to give her an evil look . 

 

The ruby veil was arranged on his head . He wasn’t a bride but a ruler and while not the first human consort to the demonic realms would be its first human male consort of the five humans whom the rulers of the demonic realms had decided to take wives of .

 

Binghe had wanted to wear a veil too but Shaoye had convinced him not to as one of them had to have eyes to uncover each other . 

 

Xiao Gongzhu who was busy tying colourful cotton threads to Shaoye’s hair smiled and declared him “ If Binghe doesn’t jump at you , I’ll eat all the threads off .” 

 

The veil promptly covered his head .

 

Still , as unconventional as this wedding was ,  what discomforted many demonic nobles was when Binghe had made it clear he would be following his father’s footsteps and would not be taking any harem .

 

The part that was still Shen Yuan mourned the loss of Bingge’s harem . The part that was Dichan Shaoye crowed that he was the laozhi of Laozhis to have snagged the protagonist and have him all to himself . 

 

Still...

 

“Do you think I ruined things ?” He asked in a hushed voice to Shang Qinghua .

 

Shang Qinghua gave him a look as he lifted the veil to stick an onion at Shaoye’s nervous face . “Broooo. What kinda fresh caffeine are you on and where can I get some ? We will talk about this later , mm’kay ?” 

 

Shaoye coughed as his eyes started to water . The veil was put down and the hamster-like lord backed off, likely to get seated in the carriage . Then his parents came in , followed by Mingfan.

Ye needed no request to wail and blubber loudly over his baby growing up too fast . Furen huffed but even she managed a tiny smile of approval.

 Mingfan bawled loudly as he picked up Shaoye like one would pick up a sack of potatoes and carried him to the carriage .  

“Fan-ge!” Shaoye hissed.”Your baby!” “Will be fine! Coated the ol’ babymaker with protective qi! “ Mingfan levelled his suddenly very flustered looking younger cousin with a very stern look. “....Uh. Ya did that too, right, cuz? Cuz yannow, that big ole’ daince  you’ll be doin’ later on an’ all dat. ” 

“Yep! Yeppers! “ Shaoye squeaked, concentrating on enveloping protective qi over his womb with most definitely not unseemly haste. 

Thankfully, Mingfan tactfully diverted the topic.

“Can ya believe Shen Qingqiu beat thuh livin’ shit outta Lao Gongzhu ? “ He snorted in wonder as he placed Shaoye gently into the carriage seat. “- Heh, ah guess even he ‘as some decency after all….” The door gently clacked shut.

Ah.Gan Die. As much as Shen Yuan had utterly despised Shen Qingqiu in the Original Proud Immortal’s demon way….This was his Gan Die now.

His two-faced, grouchy, wonderful,terrifying godfather who he adored.

He was allowed to be biased!

Besides, it would be a lie if Shaoye himself wasn’t angry at the old man on  behalf of what everyone had suffered.  Hell, ya know what? He gave Shen Qingqiu full support for each cut he had inflicted on Lao Gongzhu. Go,go, Gan Die! 

“What’s this I hear about ya getting cold feet, cucumber-bro?” The hissed question breaks him out of his musings.Shang Qinghua, ever the indolent bum , had snuck onto his carriage .

Oh yah. Urgh, dang hormones. Urgh, dang insecurity . Buuut….

The whispered answer was so soft, Shang Qinghua had to strain his ear to hear it.

“-I feel like I robbed Binghe of happiness.” “...Whuh the fack, bro?” “...In PIDW, he got a harem in triple digits of beauties, like a garden of rare beautiful flowers, ...And in this timeline he settles with one weed.”

Aw shit almighty. He watched that bottom lip wobble, and knew if he didn’t comfort a jittery and fragile cucumber, said cucumber’s overprotective gardener would promptly go after him for trampling all over his prized vegetable .

“Bro. Brooooo.Bro. I’ve no idea what happened to you in our original world, but I kinda can see why Bingge is so into you. I mean, you’re his best friend, that’s super important in any relationship! You know him, he knows you. You make him happy, I mean dandelions are considered a weed but they are some people’s favorite flower.” He cracks. 

Shaoye thankfully laughs as he snorts mucus out of his nose. 

“Heeeeeeeeeey. A wise cucumber once told me that nothing in this timeline is going according to my original plot. But ...It doesn't mean that it's shit. In Fact, it’s way better. Bingbing’s happy. You know how deadass miserable he was in PIDW? Major spoiler alert, brutha, he was screwing all those sisters to find true love.” 

Shen Yuan could feel a headache coming up.

“....Three frickin thousand flowers and not a single one you had planned to be Bingge’s morning glory?!” 

“Bro. Brooooo! Stop smacking me! Gah! The eyes! IT BURNS!”

 

—----

 Binghe arose at dawn, bathing in water infused with pomelo, to cleanse him of evil influences .

 

A ‘good luck woman’, an elderly woman who had overseen countless generations of Dichans ,  attended the bridal preparations. She spoke auspicious words while dressing Binghe’s hair in the style of a married spouse.

 

After his hair was styled, as per tradition ,  Binghe was carried to the main hall on the back of the ‘good luck’ woman . Despite her dainty size , and advanced age , the old woman had cackled before easily hoisting Binghe on her back and gamely clomping to the hall .

 

 It wasn’t an experience Binghe ever wanted to repeat as he swung from side to side , clinging to her  . 

 

 There he donned a jacket and skirt and stepped into a pair of red shoes, placed in the center of a sieve. There was a clack from the beads that hung from the bridal Phoenix crown as it was placed on his head . 

 

Outside was Tianlang-Jun and Su Xiyan. As per tradition , he bowed to his parents . And to the ancestral tablets that had been set out , and they awaited the arrival of the bridal procession from the groom’s house.

 

There came a great clamor ,  Binghe couldn’t stop a tremor of excitement  . 

 

Shaoye led the procession accompanied,the sedan chair was preceded by attendants with lanterns and banners, musicians, and several  ‘dancing’ lions. 

 

On arriving, the groom’s party was met by the bride’s friends, who would not ‘surrender ’ the bride until they were satisfied by red packets of money, ang pau from the groom’s representative. 

 

This was the occasion of much good-natured haggling before the two parties could reach an agreement. Binghe rolled his eyes as he heard Sha Hualing’s cackling as she received the goods . 

 

He tried to peer over ,  dying to see his beloved’s face . But only saw a glimpse through that thick gauzy veil Shaoye was wearing. The two processions then marched to their first stop.

 

They first came to the Luo river.  Tianlang-Jun was very firm in that they came to the river to pay their respects to the slumbering ancestor who had created the whole race . But Shaoye…Oh , Shaoye shuddered. 

 

Binghe, who recalled the other world’s events , stoutly stood in front of his fiance. 

 

This ancestor of his had drowned the Golden Citadel at the other-him’s command in that other timeline . Tianlang-jun might be merely doing this for the ceremony , but Binghe believed his husband, who had said ancestor would respond if called upon.

 

 Tianlang-Jun pricked his finger with the ceremonial dagger ,  blood dripped into the river as he called out to the original heavenly demon .

 

With a deafening roar, the river rose , shifting , twisting, becoming more solid…Su Xiyan had long since grabbed the astounded Tianlang-Jun and herded him back to the huddle of the crowd. 

 

“The-The river! It’s gone!” Someone screamed . But it wasn’t.

 

There before them , gazing down upon them was a monstrous dragon .Someone screamed in horror. 

 

Then as though it was a mere mirage, like the mist glancing off the icy Luo river on a winter’s day, the dragon rippled as though it were mere mist concealing …A figure appeared.An austere man who looked barely in his early thirties floated where the dragon once flew, wearing a beautiful robe that seemed to shift and seethe around him like river-water. Like Tianlang-Jun , like all members of the Heavenly demonic bloodline , he sported a birthmark on his forehead. And like all members of the clan, he was incredibly beautiful. 

 

At present he was gazing at him.  

 

Shaoye tried not to gibber even as Binghe stood up even straighter, purposefully blocking his ancestor’s view of his fiance. Did Ancestor Luo still hate Zuxian after all this time?

 

Still….Binghe was the protagonist. He stood up straight at this very reassuring thought. Binghe , who happened to be head over heels for him. Even if this ancestor of his still bore a grudge... Binghe would not ever let anyone even touch a strand of hair on his head. 

 

“Great Ancestor Luo….Sire.” Tianlang-Jun beamed , gesturing to his wary son and son-in-law. “Thank you for answering this one’s call. We ask for your blessing for this blessed match by the heavens.” 

 

Ancestor Luo seemed startled out of his thoughts at this. “Match?”  Luo asked , momentarily shaken out of trying to gawp at Shaoye for the oddest reason. By now , it was starting to dawn at him , there might be no malice in that gaze, but it was not comfortable being gawped at like he was a long-dead ghost.

 

It just creeped him out and made him feel guilty to boot.

 

He wanted this ‘blessing’ over and done with as soon as fucking possible. Binghe was starting to glower, never a pretty sight . Aaah. Shaoye thought , sweating. Aaah, being caught between a rock and a hard place 

 

“Yes. Yes. We would greatly appreciate your blessing for the match between our clan and the Dichan clan. Tradition is so important to be maintained.“ 

 

A pair of well-muscled legs so ivory that appeared carved out of ivory walked towards him. 

There was a hand reaching out towards him, hesitantly. Shaoye didn’t make a sound or movement, his gaze couldn’t help but stick to those sharp fingertips, following them as they reached out.

　　

That hand was neat and slender. It didn’t look like the hand of the very first Heavenly demon, who had already taken countless lives, but rather one which was born to pluck strings, a hand to burn incense and bathe in snow. Then rather abruptly, it was slapped away.

 

“You had your chance centuries ago, lǎo tóuzi*. You squandered it. The star that fell down for this century fell for me.” Luo Binghe hissed viciously, right hand still outstretched as though to fend off any further attempts to touch him  . 

 

“He is Dichan Shaoye.” Obsidian eyes blaze scarlet in threat. “Not your Dichan Zuxian! And he is my husband! ”  

 

Ancestor Luo recoiled as though he had been struck. Shaoye flushed a little, as terrible and sorry he felt for Ancestor Luo….Well, it was nice that Binghe was willing to stick up for him even against his ancestor. 

He gently bumped his head against Binghe’s shoulder in gratitude. 

 

Slowly he could feel the anger drain out of his love. Ancestor Luo was looking at them both with a defeated look. Oh good lord. … Oh, curse his soft heart. He doesn’t like anyone crying sad tears on his wedding. Especially one who looked so similar to his Binghe.

 

He spoke up. “Thank you. Great ancestor of my beloved,gorgeous Binghe, for gracing us with your presence .” Binghe tossed his head, looking very pleased at the compliment. Score one . 

 

“ Zuxian was a pretty amazing man. I am happy that the rumors you hated him were false after all! Now we can be family!” 

 

He could vaguely make out a pair of very pretty ,tear-streaked ruby-red eyes through the damnable veil. Geeze, Binghe’s line sure bred pretty people.

 

“...He-he was, wasn’t he?” Ancestor Luo quavered, longingly, and so heavy with grief, it physically hurt to hear it . 

 

“Yeah. He-he founded the Citadel and I heard he went on all these amazing adventures with you.” Shaoye tried, hoping his voice carried enough joviality to lighten the mood.”He must have been some guy!”  

 

There was a stunned silence.

 

“By the Jade emperor’s soggy-arse beard, Ah Shao.” Gongzhu whispered , mortification in every verse. “That’s your flippin’ ancestor who founded the city you’re callin’ ‘some guy’!”

 

Ancestor Luo gave a soft sigh as soft as the breeze that fluttered above the Luo river. Plush lips curved into a grateful little smile. Not a touch on his Binghe of course, but he had to admit , Binghe's ancestor was quite pretty even in a world full of outrageously pretty people.

 

“....Descendant of my beloved Zuxian. Thrice fallen star. You are very kind. “ 

 

He bowed once to the startled Shaoye. “Hear this. May the heavens , may the heart of the Endless abyss hear my vow! May this happy couple have a long, happy marriage and their children be hale and healthy! May fate nor even the will of heaven ever wrench each other apart!” 

 

And with a great cry, and in  blink of an eye , the mortal disguise was gone, and a great dragon was above them, then with a final heartrending cry towards the heavens, towards the empty spot where once the  Star of fates once hung…Dove back to the river bed whereupon became the great river Luo again. 

 

The crowd shrieked in alarm as the waters splashed over the closest to the river.

 

“It’s fine! It’s considered good luck if you get splashed! Happy life and all that!” Tianlang-Jun shouted , dragging a grimacing Su Xiyan closer in hopes to get further ‘blessed’ as were most of the demonic nobility in the crowd. 

 

Shaoye watched the way the river water arched high against the the velvety night, like a glittering spray of diamonds,smiled. He leaned closer to Binghe who supported his weight, wrapping an arm, pulling him in closer as they admired this stunning sight, feeling alone in their own little world, yet basking being in the presence of their loved ones . Life didn't seem more perfect at that moment for them.

—----------

 

Firecrackers were set off to frighten away evil spirits as they departed . 

 

Once again, firecrackers were set off just before the procession arrived. Binghe’s heart beat like a drum with his rib cage. It was happening . They had arrived at the venue where the wedding ceremony was to take place .  

 

A soft red mat was placed before the sedan chair for him as he dismounted. 

 

Binghe stepped over  a lit portable stove to cross the threshold, as the fire would cast out evil influences.

 

His qi detected Shaoye’s presence now . The other was right next to him ! He could feel Shaoye’s seeking him for comfort , and he enveloped his beloved in comfort . Shaoye was so nervous , Binghe wished he could tell him that no matter what he looked like , he loved him anyway . That he could be wearing a barrel and Binghe would marry him anyway . 

 

Both of them made their way down to the altar . There before them stood a very nervous priest , sandwiched between a grim looking  Tianlang-Jun and a smug Ye . 

 

The new head priest had been very compliant and understandably nervous, not surprising considering what had happened to his bigoted predecessor. 

 

Binghe could see through the beads the shape of a massive , freshly cleaned halberd that Ye was idly swinging away . He could hear the clack , clack of long nails that Tianlang-Jun sported as he drummed them against a nearby wall in impatience  . 

 

The sound of gongs clashing coming increasingly closer however made his heart race. 

 

After these rituals took place, the groom could finally raise the red scarf and view the bride’s face.

 

In contrast to the elaborate preparations, the wedding ceremony itself was simple. The bride and groom were conducted to the family altar, where they paid homage to Heaven and Earth, the family ancestors and the Kitchen God, Tsao-Chün. Tea, generally with two lotus seeds or two red dates in the cup, was offered to the groom’s parents.

 

Then the pair bowed to each other. This completed the marriage ceremony. A goblet of fine wine was brought forth , where both also drank from the same goblet. Then scarcely after they had downed it , there came a plate presenting two pieces of sugar molded in the form of two adorable roosters.Shaoye fell upon the plate with a little squeak of delight , in contrast Binghe ate his daintily, gracefully . 

 

Dinner could begin. And lo, came course after delicious course. 

 

Then halfway through the feast, a horn sounded , archaic and solemn , by a high demonic saint , the first warning that it was time for the Eclipse dance. 

Seemingly calm, the newlyweds along with the fourteen chosen dancers got in place. Shaoye looked worriedly at Binghe who squeezed their interlocked hands gently. 

It was a vibrant, sensual dance , Shaoye and Binghe weaved in and out between the other couples, getting faster and faster as the music wafted through the hall. This was to symbolize the passion, and life that the newlyweds would share after marriage. Poor Shaoye hoped to whatever gods out there that his sweat wasn’t visible on his clothes , because ew no.

The second dance was more stately. Cultivators were more about performing , elegant dips and gliding motions. Unlike the previous dance, it was a graceful, slow dance that was supposed to symbolize the couple truly being a match made in heaven , showing how decorous and cultured the pair both were to have such control and finesse even in dancing. 

The third dance was harder, but somehow, miracles of miracles or perhaps love really had thankfully robbed him of reason, and thus the ability to panic- All he could see was Binghe . 

Binghe and him squared each other off, the last couple on the dance floor. This time, the drums , the horns of the demonic orchestra meld with the human musicians, to form a fast paced yet solemn melody. 

 Binghe fleeted past him , hips shaking.The jingling sound of the necklace, the tiny bells and charms that adorned his highly embroidered robes blended with the distinctive drumming.

Despite the weight of the headdress he wore and the heavy silk robes laden with jewels, charms and silver thread ,with a swaying head, hips and hands; with low, contained jump kicks every so often, feet practically a blur, did Luo Binghe demonstrate enviable footwork. 

Shaoye however maintains a sedate , elegant pace . Two different cultures, two different people, but somehow, despite it all, they made it work. They circle each other, getting closer and closer. Silk sleeves brushing each other, teasing looks exchanged, till finally, Binghe boldly grabbed Shaoye by his waist and spun him around. 

Once. Twice. Thrice.

Then Shaoye pressed down on his heels upon being set down and took the lead , maneuvering them both to glide a final round around the  floor , ending the ceremony. 

Panting, but beaming in joy, Binghe pressed a kiss to his beloved’s forehead. Today, Luo Binghe became Dichan Binghe , a proper husband and soon to be proud father.  

 

———

 

The morning after which bore interesting results.Shaoye awoke to someone poking his forehead hard. He blinked blearily and groaned as he returned to the world of the living, thoroughly inebriated . 

 

His head was smooshed against something soft. That soft something turned out to be Binghe’s butt, the other was blissfully asleep. It was a very nice bum, Shaoye thought, patting it , a sleepy,appreciative smile on his face. Binghe was soft and hard in all the right places .

 

Someone poked his forehead, harder again and he turned to that someone-

 

Xiao Gongzhu glared down at him . “Oi.” “Whycha doing in me bedroom, princess?” “You are in the dining hall still.” She stated curtly, still looking quite pissed. 

 

Shaoye took stock of his surroundings and considered there were worse places to be found in. They were slumped ingloriously in the hall where the banquet had taken place in the night prior. Surrounding them were scores of their kin still passed out stone drunk and snoring.  “Git y’r lazy bum up . Up. Up! You need to git a new LongFengTie* from the priest! ” Gongzhu mercilessly pulled the curtains open , causing brought sunlight to flood in. 

 

Shaoye groaned at the harsh light, eyeing the still snoring Binghe’s plush bottom longingly. It had been a most worthy pillow for his noggin. 

 

Gongzhu twitched , and resumed poking him hard with her terribly sharp fingernails. 

 

“ Up, you bum! You ate the dang marriage certificate! “ 

 

Shaoye set up straight at this , all traces of sleep long gone. “How. Why. ”

 

“ You got gloriously drunk over a tiny cup of the ceremonial wine. You got panicky that Binghe would have second thoughts about marrying a plain old dope like you . You then proceeded to eat the marriage certificate , screaming at the top of your lungs to Binghe , ‘ Good luck trying to return me !’  Binghe , who happens to have the patience of a saint , despite all of us asking him if he really wants to marry you still , said that even in the next life he would still want to marry you !” 

 

She rolled her eyes at the sappy look in her best friend’s eyes as he gazed at his slumbering love in question. 

 

They were truly a match ordained by fate and made in hell.  

 

—-----

 

Now that the wedding was over , it was to no one’s surprise that a court order , asking for the attendance of Dichans Binghe and Shaoye to attend the trial of Lao Gongzhu . 

Grimly , on a rather grey , overcast autumn’s day, did Shaoye and Binghe arrive at the Cang Qiong mountain sect.

 

Jue Di Gorge loomed before them , covering the span of seven mountains in a chain, rising and falling and all covered with verdant growth. Among them were secret undercurrents, waterfalls and strange rocks, quiet and deep secluded valleys with tall peaks in disorderly confusion. As its name suggested, the terrain brought a feeling of being ‘pressed to an impasse,’ but in the next moment letting someone see a road showed that the heavens wouldn’t seal off all exits.

Of course they were not using the actual gorge but its entrance. Traffic slowed down due to the sheer volume of people summoned. Tianlang-Jun, who had recently signed a historic treaty of peace with the current Cang Qiong mountain sect leader, had brought his own retinue to attend the judgment of his old enemy. 

The carriage comes to a halt, alongside many others. Unlike the Immortal conference alliance, this was no celebration, no party , no contest . It was judgment . 

 There was a chill, a severity in the air present.  Shaoye holds his head high, though his face mirrors Binghe’s- Tense and grave. Mingfan and Gongyi Xiao too had gotten out, the four of them neatly filed into line as they made their way up to where the hearing would be held. A set of guards guarding the huge gates announce their arrival. “The Golden Citadel!” The flames on the torches turn the clan colors, the right , cerulean blue and the left golden. 

Thousands of heads shifted as the name was announced, the retinue was reasonably small.  . There was a conspicuous place set aside for the Golden Citadel. The ministers went behind them, the guards stood at attention alongside hundreds of other guards , each from a sect , a clan, or distinguished family. 

There on the same row of seats , face stony , sat Xiao Gongzhu , her faithful wife, Ning Yingying on her left. Shaoye sat next to his best friend , on her right, and gave her shoulder a sympathetic squeeze in greeting to which he received a tired grin. 

 More people poured in, more names called out. 

The sound of the gong rings. The sound of the great doors being shut. Shaoye spots the guard retinue that had escorted Lao Gongzhu already seated at the back .

The trial of Lao Gongzhu had started.

 

 

———-

Notes:

- I heavily modeled Demonic culture and also the Heavenly demonic culture to be based off Mongolian culture . Hence the dance SY and LBH do for the demonic side is based on one traditionally performed at mongolian weddings. To be more specific, the Biyelgee. The dances play a significant role in family and community events such as feasts, celebrations, weddings and labour-related practices, simultaneously expressing distinct ethnic identities and promoting family unity .

Sources cited : http://en.chinaculture.org/focus/focus/minzuwang/2007-08/23/content_382185.htm
https://correctmongolia.com/mongolian-traditional-dance/
https://www.chinadailyasia.com/lifeandart/2017-05/07/content_15608412.html

http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/53069.htm

 

-I kinda went extremely detailed into worldbuilding, so I’m hoping y’all forgive me on that!

-Binghe and SY both incorporated bride and groom aspects into their attire.

LongFengTie* is an early chinese marriage certificate   According to records, the earliest official marriage certificate in China appeared in the Qing Dynasty.It's called "LongFengTie". - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_China_Marriage_Certificate

 

http://www.china.org.cn/english/imperial/25995.htm

 

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/2178759/forbidden-city-emperors-meals-were-plain-and-lonely

 

https://factsanddetails.com/china/cat11/sub73/entry-7525.html

 

https://www.theworldofchinese.com/2022/03/three-ancient-chinese-banquets-that-changed-history/

 

http://www.china.org.cn/english/imperial/26112.htm

 

http://www.china.org.cn/english/imperial/25995.htm

Chapter 45: Funny Story (Lao Gongzhu gets KILLED)

Summary:

Hoo boy. I forgot to update again. ahahahahahaah . Sorry, guys!!!

A gong sounded . 

Presiding over this was a grave looking Ren Mingrui , the current head of the Cang Qiong mountain sect. 

  As the most powerful sect, while Huanhua palace had served as a prison, it was always the Cang Qiong sect that was called to settle major disputes and trials . 

 She walked briskly across the room, to the main table set on a podium . Shaoye was impressed by the logistics of the place . Not a speck of dust out of place they had here , the arrays set up insured that the place was fortified , former disciples loyal to the sect had turned up and were currently working as security . 

There was a stage below the podium for evidence to be presented, also a scrying pool - Sacred waters from Cangse Baoren’s famed mountain had been brought in. This brought forth mutters of approval, memories could not be edited after all. They could only show forth the truth- Though it was used only in the absolute most dire of trials as they made the person who had to dunk their head and keep it there till the memory was played through, also go through extreme emotional distress as they were forced to relive the memory. 

Xiao Gongzhu eyed the pool as though it was made of acid, she knew what was coming, didn;t like it, but wanted this show trial over and done with so she could move on at last. 

For once in years the entire Cang qiong sect was united and in turn many other clans , sects and persons of note attended the trial .  

Lao Gongzhu’s absence in the established quo as well as his fall of grace alongside with his gradually more and more deranged actions he had undertaken once he had voluntarily and irresponsibly ditched office had affected everyone gathered in court today . 

“The Court is now in session.  Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.  Today, the accused, Lao Gongzhu will be tried for abandonment of office, war crimes, murder, drug manufacturing and of preying on minors. '' Ren Mingrui  calmly stated, each word however hit the audience harder than a cannon-ball . “ Are both sides ready?” 

— 

The first accusation and easiest to prove and to be charged with was the abandonment of office . Lao Gongzhu had left the Water prison and his office with a handful of followers to recklessly ‘pursue’ Su Xiyan, a supposedly dead disciple of his, who had he was the one to claim had reportedly died on a mission given years ago.

 Su Xiyan, whose case had never been solved, brushed off, and now it was proven, it had been intentionally never opened and had been diverted. 

 This had resulted in the Huanhua province which already had been suffering from over-taxation, of suffering from repeated drought and famine, to vacate and seek refuge elsewhere.

 Zhaohua monastery and the Golden Citadel had been forced to deal with a wave of refugees, and ultimately half of the numbers were split. Which had alerted the authorities of both sect and settlement respectively of Huanhua's recent silence. 

 By the time other sects had conducted a joint raid , they had indeed discovered the abandonment of office and the neglect , of the pitiful conditions of the prisoners held within the Huan Hua water prison who nearly all were half dead due to starvation and dehydration.

 The Golden Citadel and Zhao Hua who were Huanhua’s neighbours had been forced to come up with a committee to supersede in the care of the water prison. For a period, Xiao Gongzhu had been on the board till she had been recalled to succeed Qi Qingqi, and in her tenure had found even more shocking evidence and documents containing proof to a number of allegations and cold cases. 

 The acid pools of the water prison , when it had been drained, had beheld gruesome secrets. The dead bodies of a good dozen of missing disciples, both male and female who had been under Huan Hua and gone missing for several decades.

 In turn, a check of the accounts had shown astounding expenditure on luxuries on so-called favourite disciples over the years. Accredited with complaints and concerned queries by said missing disciples parents writing ion regarding this and later pleas for searches for their children who after they inevitably fell from ‘favour’, predictably ‘vanished’. 

Binghe felt quite ill when this was brought up . “I could have done something .” He whispered miserably to Shaoye who squeezed his hand . “You did the best you could and I’m still not happy with my old man sending you over there ! As it is you barely escaped by the hair of your teeth !” 

 ---

Next came the second part. The murder of Xiao Gongmu.

 A mysterious murder that everyone over the age of thirty present remembered. Xiao Gongmu, the last of the prestigious Xiao clan, had been married to Lao Gongzhu as part of a trade agreement with her clan elders. 

 She had mysteriously disappeared shortly after her child’s five year old birthday.

 Boos and hisses rang throughout as evidence gathered by Xiao Gongzhu poured in against her father , it was incredibly well compiled. She had raided her former home with fellow HuanHua defectors , exiles and supposed criminals the minute Lao Gongzhu had flown the coop and she had been placed as the de facto master interim. 

 To them, it had been a treasure trove of proof . 

 Several renowned detectives from distinguished sects and clans had supervised the check ,  and under the hands of professionals  , the truth as well as the evidence with the aid of the disposed princess - Xiao Gongzhu who had helped with cracking codes , disarming family array formations , wards set up to protect certain safes that beheld incriminating evidence , flowed free like an unblocked drain would once its owner freed the dam blocking the current . 

 Forensic experts brought in for their testimony, identified the remains of Xiao Gongmu having indeed been flung into acid, given the state of the corpse.

And here,the casket of the wife of Lao Gongzhu was brought in , it was opened up with the experts confirming the identity of the corpse which despite the time , had been preserved , and tested to have acid corroding the bones- Right in front of the public.

 It had caused a commotion , people throwing up upon seeing the corpse and hearing what she had suffered. Xiao Gongzhu sat, pale-faced in her seat, her wife stroking her hand, and laying her head on her shoulder in shared grief as the proof, the witnesses were brought out. 

 A former Huanhua guard testified his father witnessed the murder and later covered it up . He bowed, before presenting the box to the jury . His father had been part of the group tasked with covering up the crime.  

The chest contained important documents, letters of the affair to and from Lao Gongzhu . 

The gong had to be rang seven times to restore order to the court . Through this trial , Lao Gongzhu twitched throughout  the reading.  

The next bit was not pleasant . Several witnesses on the stand were called to prove their respective cases against Lao Gongzhu .

For Binghe , the case was sexual grooming towards a minor . He had only been a teenager when the indecency to his person had occurred and as a disciple no less . Though he indeed had volunteered himself as a mole to expose Lao Gongzhu’s inappropriate actions towards adolescents - The fact that Lao Gongzhu had fallen for the bait was all the proof they needed to prove years of preying on minors who all bore a resemblance to Su Xiyan . 

Su Xiyan herself held her head high , her expression inscrutable while her husband , Tianlang-Jun trembled with rage.

The scrying pool absorbed the memories and projected it on a chosen wall.

 Binghe’s memories of his tenure at Huanhua as head disciple ,  poured into the scrying pool as part of his testimony made several members of the audience faint . 

He had retreated looking older and drained after his pouring, and had to be supported by his husband and fellow witness, Dichan Shaoye, to an area to recuperate. They were followed by their respective parents-All four who shot vengeful looks at Lao Gongzhu in parting. 

Gongyi Xiao’s memories bring up indignation for child abuse being common place as did Dichan Shaoye’s memories bring outrage that children had been subject to torture for merely being suspected of being privy to Xiao Gongzhu and Gongyi Xiao’s attempted break into the safe to find answers to her mother’s death.

Xiao Gongzhu’s memories were the final link to the case. The nail in the coffin for Lao Gongzhu.The last memories she didn’t even know she had of her beloved mother , arguing that fateful evening regarding her suspicions of his hand in the disappearance of Su Xiyan- Her beloved sworn sister- And of his inappropriate actions towards her that she, Xiao Gongmu had uncovered. 

 Once you've experienced a life changing event ,  you never really forget it. It just takes a while for your memories to return after all .

 Ren Mingrui , looking pained and particularly grim, signalled for the gong to be rung. And for all the judges to convene for judgement in a sealed room.

 The minute the door clicked shut, Lao Gongzhu became aware of how cornered he felt even within the cage . None in this hall had not been affected by his actions in some way or form, and none felt particularly kindly regardless of their age groups towards him, especially after the memories being shown of him doing immoral actions to four minors at the time.  

It took for a guard several times to hit the gong and to demand the silence of the audience that it started to die down. 

Luo Binghe and Shaoye returned after an hour. This time they were accompanied by both their parents back to their seats . People observed Tianlang-Jun pulling his wife and long estranged son into a rough hug , not letting go for several minutes. 

Binghe visibly froze before crumpling , as though he was a rabbit caught in a snare. Lady Su’s lack of expression was very disconcerting, there was a certain glassiness to her gaze, a blankness as she limply was held in the embrace like a ragdoll. 

The general consensus was that Lao Gongzhu deserved whatever was coming for him and then some. 

—-

 The gong sounded again, this time it had a distinct finality to it.

The doors to the sealed room opened, the judges of twelve , all of the Peak lords of present Cang Qiong mountain sect had reached a verdict.

 The sect master of Cang Qiong stood before them all. Her gray eyes were tired yet held a certain gleam in them. 

 Ren Mingrui  looked at her fellow peak lords and said, "Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, we believe there is more than enough evidence to render a verdict. Fellow judges, I do believe we are all in agreement?”

. The assembled peak lords all unsheathed their swords , pointing them in solemn unison at the former Huanhua palace lord in answer.

Guilty.

Guilty of all charges. 

Ren Mingrui ’s normally stern yet placid face took on a frightening mien as she looked down at the former Huan Hua Palace master. 

“ Lao Gongzhu, you have been charged and found guilty of the crimes of the murders of thirteen minors - All of whom you groomed sexually while they were disciples under your supposed care . You have also been found guilty of child abuse of a decade and 4 years prior  to your poor Daughter- the current Nu Yuan sect head  , Healer Gongyi Xiao , and the current rulers of the Golden Citadel- Dichan Shaoye and Binghe , in what was to be a birthday party-“ The peak lord closed her eyes , distaste and sadness visible . 

“ You were willing to torture children , this clearly affected all of them psychologically, though luckily they persevered and became well respected members of society- Better people than you . You were also found guilty of covering up the murder of your own wife and for attempted murder , and unlawful detainment of Miss Su Xiyan , whom you also groomed sexually while she was your head disciple. A minor at the time . 

You also wilfully abandoned office , taking a number of supporters and brainwashing them into believing you were - Of all things a god - taking them on a wild goose chase hither and thither to regain possession of her . You have betrayed the sanctity of your position , of the very meaning of what it means to be a cultivator , and turned a sacred office into a cult . 

In order to gain funds, manpower to support your deranged quest to repossess a single woman , you were willing to invent a drug that was part addictive , partly a vile curse- in which you got innumerable innocent citizens , victims of your accursed raids on small towns , villages and various small cities unalloyed during this war - to be added to the numbers of your cult . Both being heinous war crimes …. The only verdict , the only just sentence we can give is your death .” 

This was met with a great cheer from everyone else on the stands . Lao Gongzhu stared blankly at Ren Mingrui  who calmly met his stare , eventually the old man twitched and looked away , unable to meet the others steady gaze . 

“The Cang qiong mountain sect however believes that judgment should be dealt by Lao Gongzhu’s daughter who has suffered and bore the most loss due to his heinous actions.” 

She paused, but only silence greeted her . 

Xiao Gongzhu looked around and not one person objected to this ruling or contested it . Only sympathy and solemn acceptance was on everyone’s face . 

It might have taken a good decade and more but finally , finally she had gotten her wish , an ending to this horrible arc she had been through . 

Her mother’s pointless murder at the hands of this waste of space’s hands was finally acknowledged and his reputation thoroughly ruined . 

Regally, she stood up, Ning Yingying by her side . 

“I just have a few words to say to him ...But I have decided to pass my right to pass judgment onto Dichan Binghe.” Her voice turned hard.” He has suffered countless horrors under the old fogey , and should have the final say.”

–

Nothing had been right since that little rat had taken office. Not only had Shaoye turned his daughter against him but his darling Binghe . 

Xiao Gongzhu had come in , he largely tuned out her threats , her recriminations and then her gloating -“….Binghe’s been having the time of his life, by the way. Since he dragged you down , he’s bounced off, tail wagging, going down to cuck town with Dichan Shaoye.”

He winced , shuddering with rage at the mere thought of his Binghe being pawed at by that ugly little rat . Like a toad eating the flesh of a swan .

Binghe . His beautiful Binghe consent to being in a relationship with that unworthy , vulgar little rooster ? No , it had to be a lie -

“ Oh that’s right. “ Xiao Gongzhu peered down delightedly at her Father. “ ... Binghe didn’t even give you the time of the day, for you to be in any relationship with him for you to be cuckolded by him !”

 

This brought her another peal of laughter.

 

“ Binghe and Shaoye have  married. And thanks to you , they even are expecting a child now! Your worst enemy - The clan Dichan has married your white moonlight’s Son, and he has become a Dichan!” 

 She smirked as she stressed the Dichan , digging the sword into the salt encrusted wound deeper -that Binghe had married the other. 

He had tried gazing at Su Xiyan but quickly realized she was placed intentionally higher then his view would allow . Binghe, however very clearly was avoiding his gaze . 

“ Stop . That .”

Xiao Gongzhu snarled and leapt in front of his view of his Binghe . 

“He is not your Binghe . He belongs to no one but himself . Gods ! Shut the fuck up, will you ?! You have no frick-fracking idea how tempted I am to end your life right now !” 

Lao Gongzhu sweated , as she turned away.  “ It is tempting and I could end it for you. But that would be a kindness , wouldn’t it? And it’s more than enough for me , has been for years and decades really that I have got everything you wanted that would have never been received had I been under your paw.”

 

She whirled around , lavender eyes blazing . 

 

“And you did ruin the lives of more than one. But frankly, even I think poor Ah Luo has had his whole life ruined by you. You ruined his parents marriage, imprisoned his mom, then he was preyed on by you for years and stalked and hounded till he had innumerable breakdowns. Yes , I do think Dichan Binghe should have the final say. “

 

She leaned in.

 

“And ah. You better pray to the gods they might consider sending you to Yama. Binghe is rightfully angry. But between you and me, Baba?” Her voice turns poisonous. “ -I hope whatever he has prepared makes up a tenth of what he has endured from what you did to him. You rotten pervert.” 

 

She then raised her head and spat at him once before leaving . 

—-

Binghe did not want to even enter the cage. He trembled like a dead leaf in a hurricane as Shaoye grimly supported him to the witness box . 

 

But perhaps some of the courage was lent to him by his beloved husband for when he took stand, for he took a great shuddering breath. 

 

“You treated me like an object, a toy, an animal.” Binghe stated , with an impressive grace when confronted with one’s abuser. “Even after I managed to escape your heinous clutches, I was still trapped. Any mention of you sent me into a panic attack. So, congratulations, you succeeded -at first. It was only because of the support system from both of our friends -” He looked at his husband, and he visibly glowed before continuing .  “-And families, of being convinced to accept seeking therapy , intensive rehabilitation and medication that I began to heal.”

 

He paused as though steeling himself for whatever he was going to say next before continuing, albeit with the slightest tremble to his voice.

 

 “...When I was at Huanhua ,  granted I was there undercover as a mole to findout whatever scandals you were covering up…But still, I had never dreamed to be proven right and more.The sheer terror of knowing what you had done to your victims, that I could be next… I-I, one night, after one such session with you. When I was lying on the couch, I could hear you scrub the bathroom floor, a bathtub. My  wildest imagination flashed images of what you were cleaning, possibly the remains of prior  victims, what was to come, what torture you  would put me through.”  The young man swiped his eyes roughly, continuing as his loving spouse leant closer.

 

” I had  no idea what to expect. You-you had been starving me in a sick bid to teach me a lesson after I got a bit mouthy with you , I was too weak then to run, even with my qi . I knew that this could probably be it for me, my life might be coming to an end,  and made peace with that. That there was a possibility that you finally were tired of me like your previous unfortunate ‘favorites’.” 

 

People muttered in disgust and rage as Lao Gongzhu stretched , tittered and even shook his head in a pitying manner at this heartrending declaration. Binghe appeared to falter again…Then Shaoye stood in front of Binghe, blocking his view of that awful, sneering face of the man who had stolen his childhood …And he regained his momentum. 

 

“I told myself no matter how much you tortured me, I would not beg  and scream.If I were to die, if this was my last moment, hour, day on this Earth I would not live it screaming,  panicking, crying in terror. I would go out proud and grateful for the life I lived, the family and  friends I had made , the grievances I have overcome,especially in finding the love of my  life, Ah Shao.” Lao Gongzhu’s smile fell flat upon hearing this. “ I-I knew even when I was merely fifteen , that Shaoye was-Is the one.Perhaps even before that .”  Binghe smiled besottedly at his love, before continuing , voice growing stronger, more confident. “I didn’t know what was to come, but I did know that I had all those people there with  me, their love and energy, to give me strength to survive. I wouldn’t let myself see the terror, all  I focused on was them. That is how I survived your treatment. To survive being under the same roof as you…It took years for me to re-learn to live again , not merely, survive.”

He looks Lao Gongzhu square in the eyes .

 

“Time for me to learn that it was not my fault for being born, for looking the way I do , that I somehow deserved these atrocities for existing. The thought of you ever inflicting such horror on any other child was what drove me to seek your imprisonment.”

 

Lao Gongzhu snorted at this . The sheer dismissiveness , seeing Binghe treated like a spoiled child was the final straw . Shaoye blew up like a balloon . 

 

“Do you know how Binghe felt during this whole time? Terrified, constantly in fear of being caught by you ! ” The Citadel ruler snarled and lurched forward, murder in his bright eyes. The needles bounce off the dome. “ Fuck you ! You fucking fucketty old piece of fucking shite ! You stole years off his life ! A life for a life ! Give Binghe back his years ! “ 

 

Ren Mingrui sighed , massaging her temples as this display went on for nearly ten minutes till Shaoye got the idea that the dome was truly impenetrable, and glowered up at her. 

 

“Have you calmed down yet?” She asked rhetorically. She couldn’t blame the husband of the victim for being so angered , though it was exhausting to witness . 

 

 “About the fact this utter asswipe is still living and breathing after terrorizing my husband for years and years? No. I doubt I’ll calm down even after he meets the maker!” Shaoye sneered , looking ready to go down for round two. Still, he stood down . 

 

“ Dichan Binghe.You have the final say as given by Miss Xiao on judgement on Lao Gongzhu. The council would like to hear your verdict .” 

 

—

 

Luo Binghe was as serene as the moon. His eyes were as profound as the night sky. 

 

Yet when he looked down at the man below him , they turned dark like clouds hiding the stars.The lack of expression on his face was twice as bad then he had some form of rage or emotion .

 

The earlier grief and agony on his face earlier on was gone as though it had been bled out of him . And al that was left was cold satisfaction, perhaps a bit of relief . Lao Gongzhu had a bad feeling but then again he always had conflicting feelings towards Luo Binghe as that seductive face , so foreign yet so close to Su Xiyan’s stated this . 

 

“Lao Gongzhu. Before I hand you over to my father for judgment , as part of recompense for the terror you inflicted on so many ,on me . It gives me great pleasure to inform you that it has been ordered that in just a few seconds more , you will be given a special draught of elixir - Meng Po’s cup.  This will erase any memory of my mother , of me from your memory . “ 

 

“You will remain with that bitter twisted , sick longing for your former disciple, and that illogical desire for that control over her, and entitlement to her and her descendants . But-” Binghe paused, a vicious gleam in his eyes. “-But. You will be henceforth unable to recall her and me . You will spend the remainder of your days under the care of the man who sired me , though I do suspect they will be short-lived - twisted and driven mad by this longing but never ever recall the reason why.” 

 

He smiled sweetly, and spoke lightly and gently in contrast to the darkness in his words. 

 

Lao Gongzhu gaped at him , for the first time showing any signs of emotion . 

 

“NO! YOU ARE MINE! MINE!”

 

Binghe ignored him,  raised his head, again the very picture of sombreness, there was nothing but peace and relief in those dark eyes . “I am at peace now. I can now truly rebuild my life as well as leave this dark chapter of my life behind .”

 

He bowed low to the court . “ Thank you to the court for their grace. I leave this wretch to Tianlang-Jun and Lady Su, the last claimant.” 

 

“LUO BINGHE! YOU WILL NEVER BE FREE! I OWN YOU! BODY AND SOUL!”

 

Luo Binghe glided to Shaoye who practically hobbled over as fast as he could  ,  they shared a tender hug , before the shorter man tugged him away , heading to the end of the stands .

 

“LOOK BACK!”

 

“LOOK BACK, YOU VIXEN!” 

 

Binghe never paused. He slowly, unhurriedly looked forward, and never back.The doors of the great hall opened , golden evening light bathed them both . From the back, it made them all seem like celestial beings returning back to heaven , illuminated by holy light. 

 

“LUO BINGHE-”

 

The doors close shut.

 

–

<<A month later.>>

The Heavenly demonic palace was a shimmering wonder. Shaoye felt quite at home as Binghe and he were received by his in-laws for a spot of tea just a month after the court case had concluded. But it was not the Heavenly demonic palace'a great diniong hall that even shamed the Grandest manor's luxury but a crypt they were headed to for a little outdoor alfresco.

 

Binghe had , unsurprisingly , been all over the place on Lao Gongzhu’s conviction. The only thing that he was very consistent about was his utter joy about the yet unnamed baby , and he took his energy out on redecorating Shaoye’s old bedroom which they had decided as a nursery.

 

It had taken three days of travel , coordination that saw Ye stepping in for the interim while they had a well-earned vacation. 

 

They were led down wondrous caverns . For all his training, it was hard not to feel humbled by how ancient and old money the demonic royalty were. But more importantly, Binghe had hesitantly voiced out wanting to meet with his parents . Shaoye naturally agreed. 

Mind , the sheer number of ancient arrays and wards put up made his skin crawl . Shaoye had no idea why hid in-laws had been very insistent on having tea in a crypt, but Binghe had assured him that in Heavenly demonic culture , death was not seen as unlucky and that the spirits of the deceased ancestors were seen as still alive and well. It was custom even for the Heavenly demonic clan to picnic at the Holy Mausoleum which was where they were headed to, today for a picnic.

They were led through a glass tunnel that led to a large dome in the centre of what appeared to be a verdant forest not alike one that appeared right out of a Hayao Miyazaki movie . 

As they continued, weeds and wildflowers bloomed among the moss as the tomb gradually widened outside the safety of the dome. Trees of varied heights rose on both sides. Not only was the ground slippery, but the gnarled and twisted old tree roots also threatened to trip them from time to time. Insects flew by, and the chirping calls of birds could be heard. A blue-and-black zenith suddenly rose up high above them. Inlaid with flashing white crystals, it resembled a curtain of a starlit night.

Despite the illusion of being in a jungle, they have not left the Holy Mausoleum but only arrived at one of the special crypts within it.

Each crypt in the Holy Mausoleum was designed by the nobles of the past generations for their own use. Its designs were strange and varied. Similar to an apartment, the tenants move in bringing only what they have, and decorate the rest of the house in accordance to their preferences. Demon beast tamers prefer to use guardian beasts. Herbalists cultivate poisonous flowers and grasses.

The owner of this tomb was obviously the last type. Shaoye was very appreciative of the kind gesture , the trees and plants undoubtedly were teeming with lots of tasty poisons , and he already had listed several that released deadly spores outside the sanctum of the glass walls.

At the end of the tunnel , awaiting them under the dome , were the in-laws .

Tianlang-Jun received them warmly . There were plenty of local delicacies on the table, though Shaoye was pleased to note that he was served a special meal tailored to be friendly for the little one .

 Heavenly demonic cuisine featured heavily on spices and pork . The latter , likely because they had started out feasting on humans which purportedly tasted like pork . 

The topics were starting out innocently enough but eventually turned to Lao Gongzhu . Shaoye was dying to find out what had been done to the old piece of crap . That said , it seemed that Tianlang-jun sensed the unasked question hanging in the air. 

“We had the old monster taken over there . “  The ruler of the demonic kingdom carelessly waved his jade chalice in the direction not far off outside the dome . Shaoye peered around . Odd. There was no Lao Gongzhu anywhere in sight .

“ Are you both sure he won’t get out ?”

Tianlang Jun took a handful of biscuits and happily threw them into his mouth . 

Crunch .

Crunch .

Crunch .

“ Almond cookies ? “ he offered brightly , as though he had not just sent the one responsible for the ruining of his life to a likely painful punishment. 

Binghe shook his head but Shaoye took one out of politeness. He held it in his hand and gazed without fear at the demon emperor reclining before him .

“ Your majesty has not answered my question .” He repeated patiently . “ Are you both sure the old palace master will not get out ?” 

Su Xiyan and Tianlang-Jun exchange a look at this before the woman gave him a look that reminded him of a cat that had gotten the canary .

“ Young man , you can be assured that no one let alone Lao Gongzhu can return from the verdant forest alive, I thought it would be a nice spot to commemorate the end of our equally hated enemy … There is a reason why we erected this dome here in its heart .”

Binghe furrowed his brow and glowered fiercely at his birth mother . “ We do not like riddles .” He groused as Shaoye struggled to piece together the puzzle his in laws had handed to him. 

In Chapter 4 , volume 53 - Luo Binghe threw his cousin whom had organized an assassination attempt on his life into this very tomb because it was overrun by ....

“Lingshi.” He breathes in realization ,  his white lotus gave him a curious look at this . “ Ah Shao ?” He asked , tugging at his sleeve , tilting his head not unlike a pampered lap dog would do when it wanted attention . 

Tianlang-jun did not deign to respond but his lips curled up into a vicious smile as he happily feasted on the almond cookies , of which the previously sweet scent now seemed overly cloying . 

Crunch 

Crunch 

Crunch .

Suddenly Shaoye felt all appetite leave him . 

He turned to his spouse , a conflicted look on his face . “ Suffice to say  ..., “ he murmured , stroking his husband’s palm in a bid to calm his heart.” - This ends the life of the old palace master . This tomb is so green because it is overrun by a demonic plant called Lingshi . It is a vampiric plant that feeds off Qi in your body and once the Qi is run out... Moves into draining you of your very life force .” 

Binghe looked disgusted but relieved . Shaoye didn’t blame him . He would no longer fear being leered at by the old toad, disgust at being fondled . 

But it was truly a terrible tortuous way to go .

 How odd it was , Shaoye reflected. That in one timeline it would have been Dichan Shaoye meeting a gruesome fate and the old Palace master, a revered and well respected advisor to Luo Binghe . But in this timeline , it was him living it up while the old man got his just desserts.

It was pointless speculating on what could have beens or what may have beens, he forced himself to think . 

The Binghe he loved and knew , knew the truth as ugly as it was , and Shaoye would give him the best life ever that he deserved  . 

Notes:

Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! …..The end of Lao Gongzhu is over. Next week however? Get ready for Shen Qingqiu's trial.

Till next time , stay tuned for next update two weeks later at 5/11/2023!!!!! Thank you for making it this far with me and your kindness ! Hope y’all are doing great ! :)

Chapter 46: You Won't Believe This False Hope

It was hate at first page for Shen Yuan, regarding the undoubtable villain of the story , Shen Qingqiu of the hit novel , Proud Immortal’s demon's way.

 

What was there not to hate ? True , there was a hint of him being abused as a child, but that didn’t excuse him taking out his poo-fuckery on his innocent disciples , on the then adoring white sheep that had been Luo Binghe during the Qingjing peak arc ! 

 

“ Die , fuck-face . “ or “ Get wrecked , Qingqiu , you great , colossal wad of jerk .” Were two of his favorite thoughts to instantly pop up as soon as the ‘Weasel’ as Shen Yuan had crowned uncharitably on the scheming , crock of fuckwittage  also known as the Qingjing peak lord , as soon as he popped up in a passage . It could be said , he loved to hate Shen Qingqiu , as much as he loved to slaver over Luo Binghe . 

 

Now though , he found himself frantically sucking on a stick of honeyed ginger candy that the caring Binghe had spent a good two hours making a batch of , so he could function without puking his guts out in sheer frantic worry  . 

 

He was anxious . And when he was anxious , Binghe junior tended to make him puke in revenge . 

Why was he anxious ? 

Shen Qingqiu’s as well as Yue Qingyuan’s trial was set the very next day . The hour had dawned . He had tried his best to ignore it but as it was , the date loomed before him at last. 

 

He had spent the day visiting Shen Qingqiu with Ye before the acerbic man had chased them off to get some sleep. That night proved to be a sleepless one. 

 

—-

 

As the blazing sun rose over the magnificent land of the golden spires, its golden towers gleaming against the azure sky, a heavy air of anticipation hung within the walls. The air buzzed with tension as Shaoye, the ruler of their land, prepared to attend the trial of his beloved godfather, Shen Qingqiu.

Unlike the trial of which they attended for their old enemy -Lao Gongzhu, there was no fanfare or pomp. There was a stillness, a hush, a sense of sadness. For all the people who resented Shen Qingqiu, they knew how much their ruler had loved his godfather. 

Accompanied by his loving Binghe, they made their way once more to the Cang Qiong Mountain sect accompanied by a contingent from their court. 

—--

An hour's travel saw Shaoye standing resolute at the entrance of the grand hall, heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. The trial of Shen Qingqiu had finally arrived. As ruler of the Golden Citadel, Shaoye had the burden of attending this historic event, but it was a responsibility he bore with a heavy heart.

Shen Qingqiu had always been a stern yet loving figure in Shaoye's life, filling the void left by his largely absent parents. While Ye had been indulgent , and loving when he got the time to spend with him , it was Shen Qingqiu who had taught Shaoye the virtues of justice and honor, shaping him to become the ruler he was today. 

 It seemed like a lifetime ago when his beloved godfather had been his role model , a stern yet loving figure who had guided him through the years. Despite his strictness, the Peak lord had always shown a deep care for the young ruler. Luo Binghe squeezed his hand reassuringly as he led him down into the great hall.

 Again, they were seated at the stands with their entourage. 

Gazing down at the podium where his godfather would be brought out to be judged, the story of Shen Qingqiu's journey through life unfolded in Shaoye's mind.

 Chronologically, it began with the massacre of his masters, a clan of murderous psychopaths who tormented the serfs under their rule. While their actions warranted punishment, Shaoye understood that the line between justice and vengeance was blurred.

Then came Shen Qingqiu's fateful encounter with the evil demonic cultivator, Wu Yanzhi. In secret, he underwent intensive training under the demonic cultivator's tutelage. The dark arts he learned remained hidden, even as he rose to become a peak lord, responsible for training disciples. It was under his care that Shaoye's love, Luo Binghe, had suffered cruel treatment akin to that of an animal. Ah, Binghe. Looking beside him, Shaoye found solace in the comforting presence of  his husband.

 Luo Binghe, who had been one of Shen Qingqiu's disciples and had suffered greatly under his abuse. 

Despite that, Binghe had forgiven him, understanding the pain and torment that had led Shen Qingqiu to his despicable actions.

Furthermore, when another peak lord, Liu Qingge, fell victim to a perilous qi-deviation, Shen Qingqiu turned a blind eye to his plight. It was only through the extraordinary intervention of Shaoye's own powers of foresight , and of warning Mu Qingfang that Liu Qingge's life was saved.  

Then, tricked by Qiu Jianluo who albeit was masquerading as the Peak Lord’s lowly but loyal servant, Shen Qingqiu attempted to kill Luo Binghe, flinging the poor boy down the treacherous Endless Abyss. 

Unbeknownst to Shen Qingqiu, his actions had surrendered not only Shaoye but also his own father to the clutches of Qiu Jianluo, who had locked the Golden Citadel away for five long years.

But hope blossomed in the darkest hour when Luo Binghe miraculously arrived and rescued Shaoye and their kingdom from the clutches of darkness.

The victims, including Shaoye himself, were now gathered to bear witness to the trial that would decide Shen Qingqiu's fate.

Shaoye's heart weighed heavily with conflicting emotions. On one hand, he understood why Shen Qingqiu had been driven to such drastic actions. Knowing of the abuse he had endured offered some semblance of understanding. 

Yet, on the other hand, Shaoye recognized the importance of justice and the rule of law. Shen Qingqiu had to face judgment to ensure that no one could escape the consequences of their actions.

Luo Binghe, ever perceptive to Shaoye's feelings, gently placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I can see why he chose such drastic measures," Binghe whispered softly,  voice filled with empathy. "The years of suffering he endured must have twisted his perspective."

Shaoye nodded, feeling a mixture of sadness and anger well up within him. "I know, but he still needs to be judged for what he's done," he said firmly. "We must show that no one can get away with such acts. The law is important, Binghe."

The weight of Shaoye's words hung in the air - A disquieting silence followed this statement as he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the testimony that was yet to come. "I'm furious, Binghe.” It shocked him how freeing it felt to admit this. He was furious with what Shen Qingqiu had done before in that alternate world,  still went ahead and did despite knowing how much he loved Binghe in this timeline.

“I am furious that you were subjected to such abuse at Shen Qingqiu's hands. I will never forgive him for what he did to you ."

A flicker of concern crossed dark eyes as Binghe looked at Shaoye. "I can see how much this hurts you," He murmured, "Especially knowing that Shen Qingqiu abused me all those years ago."

 He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "But Shaoye, it's okay to admit that you still love him, despite everything."

Shaoye felt his voice catch in his throat, his emotions overwhelming him. How could he say that he loved Shen Qingqiu as a son would love his father? He was doing the unthinkable. He was raising a dagger to his godfather’s back. His duty to the law, his own desire to get justice for Binghe and to do right bound him to do so. 

 How could he reconcile the love he still had for the man who had treated Binghe like so? Tears welled up in his eyes, and he tried to blink them away, refusing to be seen as weak.

Seeing through his front, Luo Binghe hand gently cupped Shaoye's cheek, his thumb wiping away a stray tear . "My love." he whispered softly. " Let it out. You don't have to be strong all the time."

Shaoye's resolve cracked at those words,  the flood of emotions he had been holding back overwhelmed him , as he tried to maintain his composure , to remember what Shen Qingqiu had drilled into him .

Men didn’t cry after all…Right?  

 "I-I'm not a crybaby," He stuttered between breaths, clinging to his last shred of pride.

Binghe pulled Shaoye into a tight embrace, holding him carefully as one would hold something precious and fragile . "You're not a crybaby, my love," He whispered soothingly,  voice filled with warmth.  "It's okay to cry, Shaoye. Emotions are not weaknesses; they make us human. Let me be here for you."

Unable to hold back any longer, Shaoye's tears spilled down his cheeks as he leaned against Binghe's reassuring presence. In that moment of vulnerability, he knew that his husband understood him like no one else ever could.

  "It's okay to cry, ai ren," Binghe stated firmly. "Shen Qingqiu may have made mistakes, but he was still a good godfather to you. Your feelings are valid."

Unable to hold back any longer, Shaoye let go and allowed himself to cry, his shoulders trembling with each sob. Binghe held him close, providing a comforting presence amidst the tumult of emotions.

As they sought solace in each other's embrace, the sound of footsteps broke through their moment of vulnerability.   Shaoye and Luo Binghe both gasped at the same time, their eyes fixated on the unfolding events.

 The guards led Shen Qingqiu into the great hall, his head held high despite the weight of his guilt. Shaoye watched as the judges filed in , their expressions grave and determined, each taking their rightful place to oversee the proceedings.. The air in the room thickened with anticipation and tension.

The atmosphere in the great hall grew heavy with tension as the crowd held its breath. The victims, their testimonies yet to be heard, watched silently as the once-respected Peak lord stood before the judges, awaiting his judgment.

Ren Mingrui, the Current head of the Cang Qiong Mountain sect took her  place at the center of the room and spoke loudly, her voice resounding through the hall. "We gather here today to hold the trial of Shen Qingqiu, the former peak lord of Qing Jing Peak. The accused stands before us to face judgment for the crimes he has committed."

Shaoye held his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. This was the moment they had all been waiting for.  

The first chapter of the trial had begun, and as the victims prepared to testify, he wiped away his tears and steadied himself. The road ahead would be filled with pain and difficult decisions, but he was determined to seek justice for all those who had suffered.

Amidst the turmoil, Luo Binghe remained a pillar of strength beside Shaoye. His spouse gently squeezed his hand, offering support and love in the midst of chaos. In that moment, Shaoye found solace in knowing that he didn't have to face this trial alone.

As his beloved godfather stood before the judges, waiting for their judgment, Shaoye steeled himself for what was to come. In his heart, he knew that no matter the outcome, his world would never be the same again.

—

Shen Qingqiu stood tall and stoic in the center of the grand courtroom, his presence commanding awe and apprehension from everyone present. The expressions of the prosecutors faltered as they locked eyes with him, unable to match the coldness and sneer in his gaze. He exuded an air of disdain, as if their attempts to bring him down were insignificant and beneath him. He sneered at the present peak lords. One of the insolent whelps judging him was Liu Mingyan, sister of the insufferable Liu Qingge, which only fuelled his contempt for the court held.

The room was filled with murmurs and whispers, as the audience anxiously awaited the trial of the once-respected godfather, Shen Qingqiu. Accused of unspeakable crimes, there was an air of apprehension mixed with curiosity as his trial commenced.

One by one, victims took the stand and expressed their desire for mercy towards Shen Qingqiu. Their pleas for clemency echoed through the chamber.

He sniffed. 

As the prosecutors began recounting the gruesome events, Shen Qingqiu's indifference towards most of the victims was apparent. He remained unmoved, untouchable. Their suffering seemed inconsequential to him, mere ants squirming beneath his feet. He did not need their pity. 

He hated the understanding in their eyes as all of his dirty laundry was aired out. Bloody Liu Qingge did not have to look so remorseful or sad. Why-

“Dichans Shaoye and Ye .” 

His heart stuttered as Ren Mingrui called the youth and his father who both rose up and walked to the stand.

Ye, had been the older brother he never had. How Qingqiu had regretted not taking him on his offers of shelter, of turning away his protection , but as he bitterly reflected , his pride would and now seemed like it would truly be the death of him. And he had repaid the older man with a betrayal that was bone-deep. 

Ye finished his statement and then , to his indignation , cracked a distasteful joke. While distasteful, this was Ye and he had expected some of his buffoonery.

Then… Shaoye, now a formidable leader himself, leaned forward to give his testimony, his presence radiating strength and determination. Shen Qingqiu found it difficult to meet his godson's eyes, unable to bear the weight of remorse that settled upon him.

 Shaoye's words pierced through his heart, recounting the pain and trauma he had endured at the hands of Qiu Jialuo.

But Shen Qingqiu did not blame Shaoye. No , the blame rested solely on his own shoulders. He had failed as a mentor, as a father figure. It was a bitter revelation that stung his pride. Deep down, however, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride in Shaoye's growth, his transformation into a great leader.

 He knew that justice had to be served. He understood the weight of the decisions Shaoye had  to make, driven not by vengeance, but by a responsibility to his land.

In the courtroom, a heavy silence descended as Shaoye finished his testimony. 

The judges, their expressions grave, adjourned to deliberate on the fate of Shen Qingqiu. The room buzzed with anticipation and anxiety as everyone awaited the final judgment.

Shen Qingqiu stood still, mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The scornful mask he had worn throughout the trial wavered for a moment, revealing the cracks of regret that lay hidden beneath. He knew he deserved punishment; he had committed heinous acts that could not be easily forgiven.

As the judges returned and the final verdict hung in the balance, Shen Qingqiu felt his heartbeat with trepidation, awaiting the consequences of his actions. He had harmed countless lives, betrayed those who were once his family. The ghosts of his past deeds haunted him, a constant reminder of his darkest moments.

—--------------------------

 

Shen Qingqiu was accused of several indictments brought against him by many .

 

The first charge of being an unregistered Demon cultivator , of which he had no right to be a practicing peak lord , and thus was marked down as evading registration . 

 

The second charge was of being responsible for the Qiu clan massacre . Ironically the sole survivor was arguing for clemency .  Lady Qi, formerly Qiu, Haitang revealed that he had been abused by her brother and the male members of the clan who were all notable sadists and had a record of torturing their servants . 

 

Ren Mingrui stated sternly that it would take it into account but that murder was never a solution to anything . Lady Qi then argued that Shen Qingqiu likely had a psychotic break and had killed them in a fit of insanity . This was again taken into account and backed up by the psychiatrist who had been assessing Shen Qingqiu determined he had suffered from longstanding abuse that had marked him to this day . 

 

The third charge was of long standing abuse of his disciples . Again , people whispered as witnesses were brought forward . Luo Binghe , the most famous of his disciples , gave his victim statement but also unsurprisingly asked for clemency .

 

There was no surprise there . Dichan Shaoye was his husband , Binghe’s love and devotion to his husband was strong enough to even forgo any grudge . 

 

While Qi Haitang had wept and pleaded for mercy for Shen Qingqiu , Luo Binghe calmly and coolly stated that while he had endured horrendous abuse  from Shen Qingqiu , after hearing how the man had been abused , he would be satisfied if the man never was in a position of power that would allow him to abuse another disciple like his fellow disciples and he had been . 

 

He quietly pointed out that abuse notwithstanding , Shen Qingqiu had also been overworked and done exemplary work given all he had to shoulder though he calmly reiterated that it didn’t excuse his actions towards his innocent disciples  . 

 

Liu Qingge came out , seemingly normal . He could still cultivate but no longer could fight or wield a blade in battle. The reason ? A bad qi-deviation during which Shen Qingqiu stood by and did nothing , ignoring him till Mu Qingfang had gone in and found it . 

 

Had Mu Qingfang not been tipped off - The large peak lord’s gaze for a moment flickered to a Shaoye- on Liu Qingge’s medical history , he wouldn’t have thought of taking a look . 

 

Liu Qingge had suffered terribly and it had cost him his peak lord status , leading him to resign early and retire to recuperate . 

 

That said , he admitted that he and Shen Qingqiu had never seen eye to eye and more often than not , he had instigated fights with Shen Qingqiu which then boiled over into an outright enmity .

 

He could see why Shen Qingqiu had stood by, not aiding him . But agreed that Shen Qingqiu should never have held peak lord status or ever taught any disciples .

 

Then Shaoye and Ye came out. Dichan Ye only had one word to say to his sworn brother. He shook his head. “Y’r messed up big time ,kiddo.” 

 

And for once, Shen Qingqiu hung his head at these simple words , then shot up, glaring as his sworn brother added. “-’Should’ve never gotten caught. Sheesh,Lao Xiong, I taught you better than this-” “Your honor. If you don’t get Dichan Ye out of this courtroom , I will wallop him for the sheer nonsense coming out of his mouth.” Shen Qingqiu growled, looking as though he had a toothache of the highest degree of pain . “I agree.” Shaoye added, glowering at his father.

 

“Dichan Ye. You will be sent out of this courtroom for your impropriety. “ Ren Mingrui scowled as blowing kisses to the simmering Shen Qingqiu, Ye was led out.  Shaoye then stoically told the court of how much his land had suffered under Qiu Jianluo. That said, he asked for a fair sentence to be given to Shen Qingqiu, stating the former Peak lord had the potential to change. 

That was the last victim’s statement as the judges then reconvened behind the curtains. 

 

——

 

 The verdict, returned three hours and ten minutes after the jury filed out , was a puzzling one to all in the courtroom.

 

Ren Mingrui, who was presiding over the trial, observed the courtroom with a mixture of frustration and exasperation. She had always prided herself on her ability to remain impartial and level-headed, but today's proceedings were testing her patience like none before.

As the ruler of the Golden Citadel, Shaoye – a young man she had come to respect and admire – sat among the spectators, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and anger. Ren understood his pain, for Shen Qingqiu had been a father figure to him, yet his true nature had been revealed to be far from righteous.

Shen Qingqiu, clad in his regal attire, stood tall and fearless in the face of the prosecutors. His coldness and sneering demeanor sent shivers down their spines, clearly unsettling even the most seasoned legal minds. Ren had witnessed many trials in her career, but she had never encountered a defendant so scornful, almost as if he saw this trial as a mere inconvenience.

But she knew better. Ren had delved deep into the evidence, the testimonies, and the accounts of the heinous acts committed by Shen Qingqiu. She knew the truth that lay beneath his facade of righteousness. The massacre of his masters, the abuse of his disciples, the cruelty inflicted upon Luo Binghe – it all painted a damning picture of a man consumed by darkness.

Ren sighed internally as she listened to the arguments presented by the prosecution then the victim’s statements that followed. The case was airtight, with overwhelming evidence and countless witnesses. 

 The decision, it seemed, had already been made by her fellow Peak lords as soon as they had adjourned to confirm they were in agreement. 

The ultimate offense of being a demonic cultivator and hiding it while attaining the status of a Peak Lord was seen as an act of betrayal that demanded the harshest punishment.

Now, Ren Mingrui, in ringing tones , paused between sentences as she stripped from the shoulders of Shen Qingqiu the light mantle of his talents, of his service to his sect draped over them yesterday by , ironically , all of his victims .

Her voice was steady with purpose . In her eyes was the fire of one determined to bring justice .  

 "I have been amazed," She stated , shaking well coiffed head , the tassels of her hairpins  glinting in the glow from the overhanging torches , "I have been amazed by the attempt of your victims to put a halo of mystery and romance around the head of the man who subjected them to much suffering ." 

 

 She reiterated and confirmed the charges . Shen Qingqiu , had turned on his masters and slaughtered an entire clan . 

 

Abusive monsters they may have been , he had no right taking the law into his own hands , though he as that be , given his youth and trauma , the jury was in agreement that as the Qiu clan overall had been nothing short of a clan of murderous , sadists as a whole who preyed on the unfortunate village under their care, this had thus swayed them on lessening charges . 

 

However , he  had then entered the tutelage of a wanted felon and demonic cultivator , Wu Yanzhi, who was guilty of killing many righteous cultivators in each Immortal’s conference, before turning on his Shizun himself. 

 

Most damningly of all, upon becoming a peak lord, he took out his trauma on his innocent disciples, abusing them. Luo Binghe , in particular, had sustained hideous treatment. All of his disciples who had been under him, had long lasting psychological scars from his maltreatment. 

 

 He had inflicted the abuse in a sustained and persistent manner . This was more aggravating than previous cases — raised as possible sentencing precedents — That involved short and singular instances of abuse. 

 

“A clear signal must be sent to all parents and caregivers that violence would not be tolerated and would be met with the full force of the law.” Reng Mingrui declared.  “The fact that it was all his disciples means a total of three hundred and ten adolescents were subjected to trauma and suffering, and this increases the severity of his actions.”  

 

She severely concluded  “For  massacre of nearly an entire noble clan. For child abuse. For aiding a terrorist albeit unwittingly to take over a kingdom…For the families of the Golden Citadel who were separated in the turmoil that followed. For being a demonic cultivator all along , and yet keeping mum on it. And becoming a Peak lord, a leader of righteousness ! A ruler of regions under them as well as teaching disciples…Deterrence and retribution are the key sentencing considerations. A clear signal must be sent to all that these crimes will not be tolerated and would be met with the full force of the law.” 

 

Ren rose from her seat, her voice steadying as she addressed the court. "After careful deliberation and consideration of all the facts presented, and taking into account the magnitude of the offenses committed by the defendant, the judges have come to a unanimous decision."

The courtroom fell silent, and all eyes turned to Ren. Shaoye awaited the verdict with bated breath, his hands clenched tightly in anticipation.

 Ren Mingrui  looked at her fellow peak lords and said, "Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, we believe there is more than enough evidence to render a verdict. Fellow judges, I do believe we are all in agreement?”

. The assembled peak lords all unsheathed their swords , pointing them in solemn unison at the former Qingjing Peak lord in answer.

Guilty.

Guilty of all charges. 

"The court finds Shen Qingqiu guilty of all charges brought against him," Ren declared firmly. "For his acts of deception, cruelty, and for his affiliation with demonic cultivation, the judges have decided that the only fitting punishment is for him to be stripped of all his ability to wield qi as a weapon like Sir Liu . Then, he will be dealt the death sentence."

There was an audible gasp from the spectators, Shaoye included, as the weight of the verdict settled upon them. No one wished to see a life ended, even one as tarnished as Shen Qingqiu's. But justice demands retribution, a clear message that such heinous acts would not be tolerated.

Despite the pleas for leniency, the death sentence had fallen upon Shen Qingqiu like a heavy thunderclap.

Ren stood resolute, her voice unwavering, as she concluded, "May this verdict serve as a harbinger of justice and a warning to all those who dare to walk the path of darkness."

 

—

Shaoye felt his heart shatter at the sound of the judge's decree. The pain was unbearable, witnessing the downfall of the man who had nurtured and guided him. As the echoes of the sentence lingered in the air, Shen Qingqiu turned to Luo Binghe.

"Look after Shaoye for me," his voice trembled, filled with a mix of regret and respect. The weight of his final request hung in the air like an oath. Luo Binghe understood that this was the last gift the man could offer to his beloved godson, a final act of love and repentance. 

He bowed once to his first crush, his former tormentor.Then concentrated on aiding the shaken Shaoye to a chair.  

—

 

Shen Qingqiu could feel the weight of his impending fate hanging heavily in the air as he was led down the dimly lit corridor towards his desolate cell. Surprisingly, instead of the expected fear or panic, a peculiar sense of calmness enveloped his being. It was as if the weight of all his past actions had finally settled upon him, and he was ready to bear the consequences with open arms.

As they neared his cell, he made an unexpected encounter. It was his beloved Yue Qingyuan being led out to face his own judgment. 

Gently placing a hand on Yue Qingyuan's trembling shoulder, Shen Qingqiu's voice was filled with a haunting calmness. " Qingyuan, my love, they have sentenced me to death."

 Time seemed to freeze, the world around them, fading into insignificance.    

Yue Qingyuan looked up, eyes pleading for a different outcome , desperation taking hold of his very soul. "Qingqiu- Ah Qiu - please, let me save you. “

A bittersweet smile formed on Shen Qingqiu’s lips as he listened to this impassioned plea. Oh, how his heart longed to feel the warmth of his Qi-ge’s embrace once more, free from the hold of the guards , but he had accepted the weight of his actions. "Yue Qingyuan," He replied firmly,  voice laced with sorrow. "I cannot allow it. I have caused too much suffering, and it is rightful for me to face the consequences."

Yue Qingyuan's heart shattered into a million pieces at Shen Qingqiu's words. Frantically, he clung to any sliver of hope. "But what about our promise, Shen Qingqiu? We vowed to one day marry, to spend our lives together!"

Unable to bear the pain any longer, his lover fell to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. "Please,  Qingqiu, don't leave me. I can't live without you!"

His cries intensified, tear-streaked eyes meeting emerald, begging him to reconsider. In that moment, all the love and devotion they shared threatened to break the barriers of Shen Qingqiu’s resolve. But Shen Qingqiu stood his ground.  "I remember our promise, Yue Qingyuan.But,fate proves a cruel mistress. You must live on, for both of us." He then bent down.Silently, the guards allowing him to . 

"Qi-ge," He whispered, hand cradling his lover’s tear-streaked cheek. "I love you more than words can convey. Remember that, always." And with those final words, he pressed chapped lips against his, a tender kiss that held a lifetime of memories and unspoken promises. It was a fleeting moment of connection, before the guards forcibly separated them, dragging Shen Qingqiu away from his lover's tear-stained face, he couldn't help but feel a bittersweet sense of peace settling within his soul. He stole a final glance at Yue Qingyuan, etching his image into his memory, forever bound to that achingly beautiful visage of his love. 

Although his path had been marred by darkness and cruelty, he knew that the love he had shared with Yue Qingyuan would forever burn brightly in his heart.  They would be separated, but their love would endure, transcending the bounds of their current existence.

And as he was led into the depths of his cell, his steps filled with an unexpected lightness, he truly had no regrets.  Shen Qingqiu had massacred those who drenched the land with blood, who reveled in the suffering of the weak. He had shown the unworthy and arrogant their place. He had paid anyone who dares spit back at him back a thousand times over. He had loved with his very being , and been lucky at least to have been loved in turn.

 

He couldn't help but muse, "To be wicked is to be alive." 

 

Laughing carefreely in the face of impending death, Shen Qingqiu embraced the freedom that came with accepting his fate.

Notes:

---
Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! …..I am giving you guys a massive two chapters at one shot as I want to reassure you guys that Shen Qingqiu lives g <3333

Till next time , stay tuned for next update two weeks later at 19/11/2023!!!!! Thank you for making it this far with me and your kindness ! ....Also I don't wish to receive anger for seemingly killing off Shen Qingqiu. He DOES LIVE , guys. Read the next chapters! Hope y’all are doing great ! :)

Chapter 47: The peanut gang assembles

 

Xiao Gongzhu watched as Shaoye's carriage disappeared into the distance, her heart heavy with concern. The once vibrant and lively Shaoye had become a mere shell of himself, consumed by the impending execution of Shen Qingqiu. Gongzhu knew that her friend's anguish stemmed not only from the fear of losing his godfather but also from the weight of his own guilt.

As the wind rustled through the bamboo trees, Gongzhu approached Luo Binghe, her anger bubbling beneath the surface. How could Shaoye still care for Shen Qingqiu after everything he had done? The thought infuriated her, and she couldn't comprehend how someone as kind as Shaoye could continue to love a man who caused so much pain.

"Can ya believe it, Binghe?" Gongzhu spat out, her voice laced with bitterness. "After all the suffering Shen Qingqiu brought upon us, Shaoye still cares for him! I curse that man's fuckin’ name every day!” She roared , as Binghe shook his head mournfully as his beautiful flower arrangements were destroyed from the outburst of Qi from the aggrieved woman. 

Darn that motherfucker! Darn the soft heart Shaoye has! Shen Qingqiu had no regard for anyone but himself!

Luo Binghe turned towards Gongzhu, his gaze steady and unwavering. "Gongzhu,  it is only natural for Shaoye to be affected by his impending execution. We must understand that despite everything, Shen Qingqiu loved and cared for Shaoye…”

Gongzhu scoffed, voice dripping with contempt. "Love? Is that what you call it? Shen Qingqiu caused Shaoye so much pain, and now our boy's paying the price for it. It's unforgivable!"

"I don't deny Shen Qingqiu's past actions. He may have acted cruelly, but he truly did defend and did what he thought was best for Shaoye- '' Binghe continued, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and understanding. "-I can't help but believe that he must be suffering too. His heart is surely burdened with guilt and remorse-” 

The lavender clad woman shook her head vehemently ,tears welling up in her eyes. “ I refuse to believe that he is in pain. He deserves everything that is fuckin’ coming to him . No , you fuckin’ blind bat. It is Shaoye who is truly suffering, Binghe. You of all people , fucking know how much Shaoye , fucking looked up and loved that -that creature. Can you imagine how Shaoye must feel-?." Her voice cracked. “-Knowing the man he cherishes as a father is going t’ die? The pain and guilt he must be feeling?!  You know how soft hearted our boy is!”

"Perhaps you're right," Gongzhu sniffed , scrubbing red rimmed eyes with her hand before looking up. Hard lavender eyes boring into obsidian . "Yeah, maybe Shen Qingqiu feels a little fuckin’ bad over causing such distress in Ah Shao. Boo-Fuckin’-Hoo. But it doesn't change the fact that Ah Shao is the one who is truly suffering. He loved Shen Qingqiu with all his heart, and now… ." 

She hiccuped once,twice, then stormed away, unable to shake the image of Shaoye's despondent face from her mind. The weight of her best friend's pain settled heavily in her chest, making her chest tighten with rage. 

Meanwhile, Binghe stared blankly into the distance.As the reality of Shaoye's pain sank in, his stoic facade faltered, and he sank to his knees, overcome with a sense of helplessness,  the weight of the situation crashing down upon him. 

“ Shaoye…Oh gods. “

 He had always prided himself on being strong for Shaoye, but now the cracks in his facade began to show. Tears welled up in his eyes as he realized the immense pain his beloved must be enduring.

"This moment will pass," he whispered to himself, gripping his trembling hands tightly. "I have to be strong for Shaoye."

Yet…No matter how much you love Shaoye, you can’t ever fully take away his grief, can you? All you can do is hold his hand and offer your support. That is all you can do.

His resolve crumbled. The hopelessness of it all weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he, too, succumbed to tears, sobs echoing through the stillness of the night.

Alone in his grief, Luo Binghe mourned the pain that Shaoye had to bear, knowing that all he could do was stand by his beloved’s side. 

—

The cultivational world’s Jail currently was held by the Nu Yuan clan . Xian Gongzhu had taken the mantle as clan head and while loath to spend time away from her true passion of blacksmithing , or crafting new deadly weapons … Part of duties as head of the clan was to be the holder of the jail. 

She didn’t like it at first but understood her duty to her clan . The Nu Yuan clan members were an all female group of cultivators who were secretive as could be regarding the ancient art of black smithing . But given their expertise , it was natural that they held the record and propensity to also seal and hold cultivators behind bars given that they knew all the metals , and of the few that boasted properties that could bind Qi . 

Therefore , the reason there was such a large and ancient jail was that ironically this used to be the original jail for the cultivational world’s criminals . Until Huanhua stepped in . And now that Huanhua had well and truly fallen , of course the rest of the other righteous sects all unanimously agreed that the Nu Yuan clan jail should become the ‘new’ jail to host the worst criminals once more . 

As dusk settled over the ancient capital, Xiao Gongzhu waddled through the bustling streets towards the jail, mourning the gradual loss of her sleek figure to pregnancy and cursing Shen Qingqiu .

Shaoye had visited her earlier , his voice trembling with anxiety and sorrow, desperately seeking her company during this difficult time. She was busy , and had a doctor’s visit to check on her own child but promised to come and support him once it was over . 

Xiao Gongzhu heartily endorses Shen Qingqiu to go die in a fire but alas for her, the wily snake has crept into the hearts of her wife and her best chum , both of whom were utterly shattered by the news of his upcoming execution . 

“T’ain’t fucking fair .” She sulked as she rubbed her belly before purposefully stepping on the toes of a squealing fuckwit unfortunate enough to cross paths with her and not canny enough to get the fuck out of a poor hapless, pregnant woman’s way . “ I’m fucking up the spout . I should be at home after all the fuckery that ruling brings , enjoying a nice cup of warm soy milk . Not running around n’ playin’ Goddess of mercy to aggrieved buddies!”

Still , she couldn't deny her best friend the comfort he needed, especially when it involved his imprisoned godfather.

Upon reaching the prison gates, Gongzhu was granted access after showing the guards her pass. With a heavy heart, she stepped into the dimly lit corridor, the air thick with despair. The sound of shackles echoed throughout, serving as a haunting reminder of the fate that awaited Shen Qingqiu.

As she approached the waiting room where prisoners were allowed to meet their relations, Gongzhu's senses heightened, and she became aware of hushed voices emanating from a hidden room nearby. 

Curiosity gnawed at her, urging her to investigate the source of the whispers. Instinctively, she activated her earrings, which had the ability to record sound.

Straining her ears, Gongzhu discerned the voices of Liu Mingyan and Liu Qingge piercing through the thick walls. Puzzled by their conversation, she focused on capturing their words with her enchanted earrings, hoping to unravel the mystery behind their motives. Liu Mingyan is the current peak lord of Baichan peak and had been part of the panel of judges who had sentenced Shen Qingqiu to receive the death penalty.

What she heard was beyond anything she had anticipated. Liu Mingyan's voice seethed with venom, her words dripping with malice and revenge. 

She revealed her true intentions, admitting to purposefully pushing Shen Qingqiu towards a death sentence as retribution for Liu Qingge's suffering during his qi-deviation. Gongzhu's heart sank, her breath catching in her throat.

But just as Liu Mingyan's words cut through the air, Liu Qingge's voice thundered in response. Anger and disbelief dripped from every syllable as he denounced his sister, disavowing any knowledge of her intentions. He vehemently declared that her actions were unjust and driven by personal vendetta and a disgrace to the Liu clan.

 Betrayal hung heavy in the air, mingling with the despair that already permeated the prison.  

As Liu Qingge stormed out of the room, his words — "This is not justice!" — reverberated through Gongzhu's soul. The truth had been laid bare before her, and she couldn't help but admire Liu Qingge's unwavering integrity in the face of such a devastating revelation.

Gongzhu waited until the sound of footsteps had faded before she gathered her wits,  mind racing with the newfound knowledge she held. She crept out of the room,  moving tentatively as she navigated her way through the prison's corridors.

Lost deep in thought, Gongzhu collided with something solid, causing her to stumble back. As she regained her balance, she looked up to find Shaoye standing before her, concern etched into his features.

"Are you alright, Gongzhu?" he asked, worry lacing his voice.

Gongzhu took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. “C’mon. Lets get ya into a carriage pronto. And we need to ward it off with privacy seals too!” 

They barely and hastily got the wards up on the carriage back home , when finally , unable to bare the secret alone anymore, did Gongzhu activate the earrings, revealing to the equally horrified and shocked Shaoye the truth behind the unusually harsh sentence meted out. 

 –

 

As the recording played from her earrings, revealing Liu Mingyan's vengeful intentions, Xiao Gongzhu and Shaoye exchanged shocked glances. The weight of the injustice that had befallen Shen Qingqiu became even more apparent. Shaoye clenched his fists, anger and determination burning in his eyes.

"So, Liu Mingyan intentionally pushed for Shen Qingqiu's sentencing out of revenge," Shaoye uttered, his voice laced with disbelief.

Xiao Gongzhu nodded solemnly. "Yeah.  Fuck, Ah Shao , even I never expected that pasty , veiled bitch to take that grudge for her brother’s Qi deviation that far! “

Shaoye's mind raced, thinking of possible escape routes for both Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan. "I have contacts … Spies, rogue cultivators, who may be able to assist us. I will reach out to them discreetly and arrange for a plan."

Realizing the importance of solid evidence, Xiao Gongzhu urged Shaoye, "But first, we need to find that law that Liu Mingyan violated. Search the archives, go through the annotations, and find the exact copy. We cannot proceed without concrete proof."

Shaoye nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I trust you will leave no stone unturned. “ 

“I will find it."Xiao Gongzhu swore. As Shaoye turned to leave, Xiao Gongzhu reached out to touch his arm gently. "Remember, Shaoye, absolute secrecy is crucial. Trust only those who have proven their loyalty. The repercussions could be dire if word of our plan reaches the wrong ears."

Shaoye sighed, a mix of emotions playing on his face. "I understand. I will keep this secret from Luo Binghe, but it pains me to hide the truth from him."

"Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good," Xiao Gongzhu replied softly. "We cannot risk endangering everyone involved."

With newfound determination, Shaoye left, his heart heavy but hopeful.

As the days passed, Shaoye meticulously planned, making necessary arrangements to ensure a successful escape for his godfather and Yue Qingyuan. Gongzhu supported him in every step, offering her resources and connections within the jail.

—-

The Nuyuan clan library held the same thousands of copies of the same texts that graced the criminology and law section that the Cang Qiong Mountain sect held .

As the soft glow of candlelight danced upon the ancient scrolls lining the shelves.The room was  wondrous with its walls adorned with elaborate tapestries depicting grand battles and legendary heroes, while the scent of old paper and incense lingered in the air, adding an air of mystery. 

  Xiao Gongzhu eyed the gathered troops before her. 

Dichan Mingfan , the Qin sisters , Qi Haitang , Shang Qinghua had all gotten her coded message and were eager to help . While some were not fond of Shen Qingqiu like Mingfan and the Qin sisters , none here wanted to see him executed , none of them could stand either seeing Shaoye in such a terrible state and had been roped in to help . And of course her beloved Yingying was here as well . 

As the group stood united, Gongzhu took a step forward, her gaze sweeping across their faces. Their loyalty and trust shone brightly, reinvigorating her resolve. She took a deep breath, her voice steady yet filled with urgency.

"I have called you all here tonight for a purpose that holds weight not just for our buddy Shaoye, but also for justice itself," Gongzhu began, her tone commanding attention. "Liu Mingyan, a weasel nosed traitor , who is one of the judges for Shen Qingqiu’s trial, confessed to her brother, Liu Qingge, that she pushed for Shen Qingqiu's execution. And y’ lot know why?"

She bared her lips in a disgusted snarl that showed all her teeth.“That she orchestrated the execution due to Shen Qingqiu's inaction during Liu Qingge's qi-deviation. She! A trusted judge! Even if Shen Qingqiu is a villainous snake, even a fuckin’ wet behind the ears toddler can tell ya that judges are supposed to be fair!"

Gasps echoed through the library, mingled with murmurs of shock and disbelief. The group exchanged concerned glances, their loyalties torn between their dislike for Shen Qingqiu and their deep affection for Shaoye.

Qin Wanrong, the young and spirited girl of the group, voiced her concerns first. "Gongzhu-jiejie, I understand our loyalty to Shaoye Lao Da*, but why should we intervene f’r a slimy snake who has done us no favors?"

Gongzhu's loving wife, Ning Yingying, stepped closer, intertwining her fingers with Gongzhu's. "Ah Rong, Yingying understands your doubts!! But we must remember that Ah Shao’s heart is breaking because Shizu-Shen Qingqiu is his beloved godfather! We are bound not only by loyalty but also by compassion!"

A somber silence settled over the room as everyone contemplated Ning Yingying's words, understanding the depth of their mission and the stakes at hand.

Gongzhu cleared her throat, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. "Heh. I for one share your reservations about Shen Qingqiu. “ She spat at the ground to show her true thoughts on him much to her wife’s disgruntlement. “-However, Shaoye and Yingying love that slimy git. Anyhow,yours truly remembered an obscure law that might grant him a second chance. It is hidden somewhere within the depths of this very library."

Eyes widened in both hope and trepidation as the group turned their attention to the countless shelves filled with countless texts. The weight of their purpose, as well as the heavy responsibility on their shoulders, hung palpably in the air.

"I ask not only for your loyalty but also for the utmost secrecy," Gongzhu continued, her voice lowered to a hushed tone. "We need to find this law fuckin’ swift, without drawing unwanted attention, or else our efforts may be in fuuuuckin’ vain."

One by one, Gongzhu called each person's name, watching as they affirmed their commitment with a solemn nod or a resolute word. When she finished, a sense of unity filled the room, binding them together in their pursuit of justice.

"Now, y’lot," Gongzhu said, her voice laced with determination, "Before we embark on this task, I need you all to take an cultivator’s oath, a vow to succeed in finding this obscured law."

They raised their right arms, hands clasped together, and repeated after Gongzhu, their voices echoing with unwavering determination.

"We swear upon our loyalty, upon Shaoye's happiness. We pledge to seek out the hidden truth, to find the forgotten law that may save Shen Qingqiu, and to ensure justice prevails."

As they did so, a chain made out of pure glowing white qi appeared as a rope, binding around each of them, before dissipating. The oath had been made.

Xiao Gongzhu gazed at Yingying, her loyal wife who was engrossed in searching through the dusty scrolls in the ancient library they owned. Her heart was filled with a mixture of emotions, including guilt for dragging Yingying into this dangerous mission to find the obscure law that could save Shen Qingqiu. As she caressed her pregnant belly, she couldn't help but feel guilty for not being able to contribute as much as she wanted due to her condition.

Mingfan and Wanyue , both whom had excellent qi-control, and had coated their wombs in qi, were allowed on the search team. Gongzhu, whose control was not as adept as theirs, was forced to supervise and double-check the finds mostly. 

"Yingying, I'm so fuckin’ sorry for dragging you into all of this fuckery," Xiao Gongzhu murmured, her voice laced with guilt. "I should be the one searching through these scrolls, not you. You're doing all the fuckin’ work while I just laze about."

Yingying looked up from her intense search, her eyes softening with love and understanding. She walked over to Xiao Gongzhu's side and gently placed a hand on her belly.

"Now now, don't you worry about Yingying," Yingying reassured her, her cheerful demeanor shining through. "Yingying is excited to help you and do whatever it takes to save Shen Qingqiu. We're in this together, remember? Besides, you're carrying our child, it's only right that I take on more physical tasks for now."

Xiao Gongzhu couldn't help but smile at her wife’s unwavering support. She wrapped her arms around Yingying, feeling comforted by her presence.

"You're amazing, Yingying," Xiao Gongzhu whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Yingying kissed Xiao Gongzhu's forehead, her love evident in her eyes. "Aw, Yingying loves diving into these ancient texts anyway. It's like solving a puzzle ... .Besides, seeing your happiness when we succeed is all the reward Yingying needs!"

Gongzhu couldn’t help but feel a swell of affection for her loving , gorgeous wife . There were not many women who would even happily consider rifling through thousands of musty old texts in search of an obscure law . But her Yingying was one in a million . 

A beacon of light in the darkness . 

—

Qin Wanyue stood in the midst of Gongzhu's private library, her eyes scanning the vast collection of books that lined the shelves. The room exuded an air of sophistication and elegance, with the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the richly decorated walls. The scent of aged parchment and ink filled the air, lending an almost mystical ambiance to the surroundings.

As she took in the scene, her mind couldn't help but wander to the purpose of their gathering. She knew that her friend, Gongzhu, had called upon her trusted allies to assist in saving Ah Shao’s beloved godfather, Shen Qingqiu. And while Wanyue shared the same loyalty and devotion to their good friend, there was an underlying motive that fueled her determination - her grudge against Liu Mingyan.

 Unable to contain her brewing jealousy any longer, she approached Wanrong and whispered in her ear, "You know, sister, this chance to get back at Mingyan is part of what fuels my search. I cannot bear the memories that Sha Hualing cherishes of her, it eats at me."

Wanrong looked at her sister, her face contorted with a mix of sympathy and concern. "Jiejie, I understand your feelings, but this is about saving Shen Qingqiu. We must focus on that for now."  

Wanyue's eyes narrowed, her bitterness evident in her tone. "I know, Wanrong. But, I tire of hearing Hualing reminisce about Mingyan. It's as if she's still holding a flame for her first crush, even though we are married and are expecting a child."

Wanrong sighed. "Urgh, Hualing-jie, is sentimental, I guess. “ Hearing her sister sniffle, she hurriedly added. “Ya know… Ya were the one who taught me ‘The heart is a murky place.’ But we must rise above our personal grievances for now. Mingyan's actions have given us an opportunity, and we should focus on using it to our advantage. Once we have helped Shen Qingqiu, we can address the other issues."

Her sister's words only served to ignite Wanyue's stubbornness further. "No, Wanrong. I refuse to let Mingyan go unscathed for the pain she has caused me. I joined this search to help Ah Shao and to make her pay, and mark my words, that scroll will be found and my only regret is I won’t be there to laugh when Liu Mingyan falls from grace. Hah !"

—---------

The vast library loomed before them, its shelves stretching farther than the eye could see. 

Mingfan's grip tightened around the old parchment he held, which turned out not to hold that pesky obscure ancient law. He glanced at Shang Qinghua and Qi Haitang.

 "All these years, ah despis'd  Shen Qingqiu for th' torment he put Ah He n’ Ah through. But now... now i'm searchin' for a way t' save him an' keepin' this a secret from Ah He himself. It's ironic, isn't it?"  

Shang Qinghua looked at Mingfan with understanding eyes. "Mingfan, the past can be painful, but we have a chance to right the wrongs. Saving Shen Qingqiu's life is not about forgiving him, but about ensuring justice prevails. We owe it to ourselves to find this law."  

Qi Haitang nodded, her voice filled with determination. "Mingfan, I know the hurt you and Luo Binghe endured under Shen Qingqiu's tutelage. But we can't let personal grudges blind us from the bigger picture. Ah Shao is counting on us . We can’t let him down if there is a glimmer of hope. We have to keep searching."  

Mingfan took a deep breath, realizing that his quest for revenge had blinded him to the greater injustice surrounding Shen Qingqiu's impending execution. He swallowed his pride, taking his first steps toward healing the wounds of the past. 

 "Ya're right, both o’ ya," Mingfan admitted, his voice laced with newfound resolve. "Ah might nev'r be abl' t' forgive Shen Qingqiu, but for true justice, for Ah Shao’s sake , we must succeed ."

—-

Days turned into weeks as Xiao Gongzhu and her crack team tirelessly combed through the dusty shelves of the ancient library. The urgency of their mission weighed heavily on their hearts, knowing that every passing moment could bring Shen Qingqiu closer to his unjust execution.

Xiao Gongzhu, her rounded belly a constant reminder of the life growing within her, watched over her friends as they meticulously searched through countless scrolls and ancient texts. She could see the determination etched on each of their faces, a reflection of her own unwavering resolve.

Amongst their group, Ning Yingying stood out as the one often overlooked and underestimated. Her clumsiness and flighty nature had garnered her a reputation for being unreliable, but Gongzhu had put her foot down when Shang Qinghua - The fucking hamster lord! - Had dared suggest not telling Ning Yingying, that her wife would encumber them. Fuck him! 

Yingying fucking loved the slimy snake like a father, even though he had hurt her so. And Gongzhu knew her wife wanted to play her part. Besides, even clumsy hands are still extra hands , and help was always needed!

And it was Ning Yingying who, against all expectations, stumbled upon the elusive law they had been desperately searching for. As soon as her eyes fell upon the faded characters on the parchment, her hands trembled with disbelief.

"Guys," Ning Yingying called out, her voice quivering with excitement. "I think I might have found it!"

The group gathered around her, their expressions a mixture of shock and astonishment. Xiao Gongzhu's heart leaped with joy, mingled with a sense of relief that they might indeed be able to save Shen Qingqiu from his impending doom.

Xiao Gongzhu, her eyes filled with tears, embraced Ning Yingying tightly. "I never doubted you for a moment," she whispered, her voice choking with emotion. "You've proven time and again that there's more to you than meets the eye."

Ning Yingying grinned , fierce and bright . 

“ Ai, Zhuzhu . What kind of disciple would I be if I couldn’t find a simple law ~? Our Qingjing peak library boasted waaaay more boring , yucky scrolls ! Shizu- I mean , Shen Qingqiu would make us disciples search for material on essays from there all the time . We quickly , yes , even poor Yingying as well , learnt how to speed read and leave no icky cornerstone untouched ! Honest !!!...Now, can Gongzhu be a sweetie-patootie and checksie if Yingying found it for realsies?”

Sometimes , Gongzhu forgets that Ning Yingying ,for all her propensity to cling to childishness and endearing cutesiness  , is a fiercely passionate soul.

Liu Mingyan did not know the enemies she had made by pushing for Shen Qingqiu’s execution based on a grudge . 

Gongzhu remembers that while Mingfan and Binghe may not be fond of their Shizun , her Yingying still held fond memories and still  saw the man as a beloved foster father of sorts .

“Happy ?” Yingying asks cheerfully as Gongzhu moves closer, their hands still intertwined. She glanced at the delicate brushstrokes, her eyes scanning the aged characters. A glimmer of recognition sparked within her, and she couldn't help but let out a small laugh as she confirmed the scroll to indeed contain that damnable obscure law. 

"You fuckin’ did it, my brilliant Yingying!" she exclaimed, kissing her wife's cheek. "Yes, You bloody found the fuckin’ law that will save Shen Qingqiu!" 

—-

Luo Binghe paced back and forth in the elegant tea room, fussing over every detail. He adjusted the tablecloth for the umpteenth time, making sure it was perfectly aligned. The delicately arranged tea set gleamed in the soft light, ready to impress the guest. Yes, yes, perfect.

 Binghe was determined to create the perfect atmosphere for Sha Hualing,his best friend and also the wife of Qin Wanyue. Why? He knew something was up between his friends and Shaoye. Some sort of plan. And given its secrecy, it likely had something to do with Shen Qingqiu. Something that only increased his unease.

Wanyue was also his best friend, but she had kept mum despite his grilling on her plan with Shaoye.  Hualing , Wanyue's wife though, was an open book. There might be a chance Wanyue had confided in Hualing and if she had…He would squeeze all intel out of the demoness, by hook or by crook, he would!

Finally satisfied, Binghe stepped back to admire his handiwork. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. Today was the day he would invite Hualing over for tea and attempt to glean any information she might have about the plot against Shen Qingqiu . He trusted Hualing, but desperation was pushing him to take risks.

As if on cue, the sound of heels clicking on the floor alerted Binghe to her arrival. Sha Hualing entered the tea room with a playful smirk, her eyes darting around the room with amusement.

  "Ah, my dear Nanny dog. Never change, puppy, never change." She teased, clearly enjoying his meticulous preparations. 

 A faint blush colored Binghe's cheeks, but he quickly regained his composure. "It is my duty as the host to ensure everything is perfect for an esteemed guest, Hualing." 

Hualing chuckled, taking a seat at the table. "You really have grown into quite the responsible husband, haven't you? I remember when we adventured down in the Endless Abyss, good times and bad times." she said, her tone tinged with nostalgia.

Binghe smiled at that. "Ah, those were the days. Come now, eat , eat. You look too thin as of late .” He shifted a plate piled high with char siew buns towards her. “ -Is there something bothering you? Wanyue’s pregnancy has been keeping you on edge, like Ah Shao has been doing to me too, hmm? " He subtly shifted the conversation, hoping to steer it towards the topic he had planned.

Hualing took a sip of tea, then leaned back in her chair. "You're right, Binghe. There is something that has been troubling me lately." she admitted, her normally carefree voice tinged with concern.

Binghe's heart skipped a beat. A chance to gather information . "Please, Hualing, tell me. I'm here to listen," he encouraged, his eyes subtly searching for any sign of her knowledge about the plot.

Hualing sighed, her gaze turning somber. "Do you know what they're doing to Liu Mingyan, Binghe? Wanrong , Mingfan , even Qi Haitang and Shang Qinghua have joined in by making a hideous mockery of Baizhan peak by churning out a book making fun of it. It is hazing and is horrible." 

Binghe's eyes narrowed as a flicker of anger passed through them at the mention of Mingyan's name. He was well aware of her involvement in Qingqiu's unjust sentence, and he held a deep resentment towards her for turning on Shaoye. Although he silently acknowledged Hualing's friendship with Mingyan in the past, his loyalty to Shaoye and Wanyue took precedence.

"Hualing, I find it troubling that you seem more worried about Mingyan than your own spouse and even Shaoye," The half-breed responded, his tone filled with disapproval.

Hualing, taken aback by his directness, stared at him for a moment before narrowing her eyes. "Binghe, you can't judge me based on this one matter. Wanyue is my whole world, and you know that. But I'm allowed to care for others, too."

Binghe's voice turned stern as he continued. "Wanyue, your wife, has been growing increasingly concerned about your lingering attachment to Mingyan.She hasn;t contacted nor replied to any of the mail she sent to you over the years, remember? She does not deserve your care! Let it go, Ah Ling . Please." he advised, his words filled with genuine concern for both Hualing and Wanyue.

Hualing looked startled, hurt etched across her face. "I... I love Wanyue. She's my chosen partner, and I would never betray her," She protested, her voice tinged with frustration.

Binghe sighed, his gaze softening. "No, Hualing, I am not doubting your love for Wanyue. But sometimes, we tend to hold onto the past for too long. It's important to cherish what we have in the present and the future."

Hualing remained silent for a moment, contemplating Binghe's words. "You're right, Binghe. Perhaps I have been looking at the past with rose-tinted glasses. But I want you to know that I chose Wanyue to be my wife, and my love for her is unwavering."

Binghe smiled, relieved by Hualing's response. "I know, Ah Ling. And I apologize if my words seem harsh. I only want what's best for both of you."

With a deep breath, Hualing pushed her chair back and stood up. "Thank you, Binghe. I needed to hear that. I'll make sure to be more attentive to Wanyue and focus on our future together."

Binghe walked her to the door, realization dawned on him that once again, he had forgotten to ask for any information about the plot to save Qingqiu. Frustration bubbled within him, but he knew he couldn't push Hualing further at the risk of damaging their friendship.

As Hualing bid him farewell, Binghe watched her leave, a mix of disappointment and relief washing over him. This encounter had not gone as planned, but at least he had helped Hualing gain some clarity. 

—

Today was the day.

Today was the day!

Finally, the day had arrived when it was time to meet Ren Mingrui who had agreed to meet Xiao Gongzhu who had requested for a meeting as soon as they had found the law.

 Armed with the evidence and said precious scroll containing said law, Xiao Gongzhu prepared herself to confront Ren Mingrui, knowing the outcome of this encounter could change everything.

Xiao Gongzhu turned to Shaoye, her voice steady yet filled with worry. "Look,kitten. The truth we possess is a powerful weapon..But once Ren Mingrui sees the evidence and is reminded of this law, she will have no choice but to offer Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan a life plea…But in exile.”

Shaoye nodded sadly. "I understand. My heart aches but at least he will live."

 

Notes:

---
Authors note : Belas and Bellas !! …..I am giving you guys a massive two chapters at one shot as I want to reassure you guys that Shen Qingqiu does get his happy ending and lives! <3333

Till next time , stay tuned for next update two weeks later at 19/11/2023!!!!! Thank you for making it this far with me and your kindness ! Hope y’all are doing great ! :)

Chapter 48: This chapter is a sad one

Summary:

Ahahahahahhaa. Sorry guys. I forgot to post on time :p . For that I will post a double post soooo wheeeeee! Liu Mingyan special wheeeeeeee!

As the sun began its descent in the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Liu Mingyan, the peak lord of Bai Zhan Peak, walked swiftly through the bustling streets of the Nu Yuan clan. She was disguised in simple clothing, her face obscured by a veil, blending in with the crowd.  

From a distance, she caught snippets of conversation amongst the civilians. Their voices carried a casual cruelty that sliced through the air. 

"Have you heard the latest song by Dragon rising towards the sky?" one man chuckled, his eyes glinting mischievously.

"The one about Liu Mingyan and her so-called 'peak'? The lyrics are hi-lar-ious," replied another, a smirk playing on his lips.

Liu Mingyan's heart sank as the words reached her ears, like shards of glass cutting into her soul. She couldn't deny that Dragon rising towards the sky was likely Shang Qinghua, someone who had once been a dear friend. To think that he was using his newfound influence as a writer to mock her, it felt like pouring salt into her wounds.

"They say that the weapons supplied by the Nu Yuan clan are all faulty when they reach Bai Zhan Peak. What a shame," a woman chimed in, her voice dripping with false sympathy.  

"And let's not forget that Madam Qi's latest painting depicts a woman without a heart..Oh come on, veiled, clad in white, it’s Lady Liu, no doubt." A passing titter from a group of pretty noble born girls felt like a lance in her heart. Haitang had been a mediator between Qi Qingqi. 

 Even when her former shizun had finally given up on her, Haitang had always been fair and open. But Haitang was fiercely protective of Shaoye, whom she saw as a beloved little brother. 

"Did you hear about the great rocks and boulders blown into Baizhan Peak buildings?" another voice chimed in, catching Liu Mingyan's attention.  “They ought to rename it to Pot-hole peak. Man, if there are gods out there, there has to be a vengeful wind dragon !” 

Ah yes. The daily incidents of great rocks and boulders being blown into the buildings of Bai Zhan Peak. Only Mingfan, who possessed powerful wind-based cultivation, could be responsible for such a destructive act.It was a blatant message, a warning that her former friends would stop at nothing to bring her down. 

Laughter erupted from the group and Liu Mingyan's heart clenched. She knew these laughers weren't the true culprits, they were merely pawns in a twisted game of betrayal. The rumors that circulated around her were intricately woven, designed to tarnish her reputation and erode the trust her peak held among the sect. 

It was clear that all these rumors spreading far and wide across the land could only be orchestrated by a powerful spymaster, and there was no one better at that than Qin Wanrong. 

As she continued her silent walk, her thoughts spiraled into a whirlwind of frustration and sadness.  Yes, she had embraced revenge and cut ties with them, but they could never understand the pain she felt…Right?

The memory of their pleas for help, begging her to save their youngest and common best friend, Shaoye, replayed in her mind. How their words fell on deaf ears, drowned out by her singular focus on revenge. Guilt coursed through her veins, intertwining with her frustration, amplifying the heavy burden she carried.

But it was the ultimate act of sentencing Shen Qingqiu, Shaoye's godfather, which had pushed them over the edge. Shaoye had become distraught, lost in a sea of despair, and they blamed her for it. They saw her actions as the catalyst for his torment, and their anger fueled their desire for her downfall.

Liu Mingyan clenched her fists, her nails digging into the soft flesh of her palms. Now, they sought to make her pay for her betrayal. They blamed her for Shaoye’s pain.They blamed her for the sorrow that had overtaken their lives.

But Liu Mingyan couldn't allow herself to be consumed by guilt or remorse. She had made her choices, flawed as they may have been. And now, as she prepared to meet her brother at the New cultivation world’s jail, she held onto the hope that he would understand the reasons behind her actions. There, she would reveal the truth in secret, for the fortress boasted rooms with privacy arrays so potent , not even Yue Qingyuan himself could overhear. Supposedly only those of the Xiao clan could overhear but Xiao Gongzhu was away and busy. There was no way she would head down there. 

Her steps were determined as she walked towards the  fortress, her heart still heavy, but her resolve unyielding. She would face her brother, Liu Qingge, and find solace in his understanding.  

With determination etched into her features, Liu Mingyan straightened her posture and continued her lonely journey through the streets of Cang Qiong Mountain. The path ahead seemed fraught with obstacles, but she would not waver.  

But deep down, a part of her still longed for the reconciliation that now felt impossibly distant.

—-

Liu Mingyan's heart felt heavy as she left the room where she had argued with her brother, Liu Qingge. The bond they once shared seemed to have shattered into a million pieces. She couldn't understand how he could so easily excuse the actions of Shen Qingqiu, the man who had ignored his plight when he was caught in the throes of a qi-deviation.  

Despondent and lost in her thoughts, Liu Mingyan took to the skies and flew towards Baoliu village on her sword. The cool breeze brushed against her face as she descended, and as soon as her feet touched the ground, a voice called out her name. She turned to see a familiar figure standing before her - Sha Hualing, her old lover, whom she had left in tears when they were young girls, in pursuit of revenge for Qingge.

"Liu Mingyan," Sha Hualing said softly, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "It has been so long. What brings you here?"

Liu Mingyan couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as memories flooded back. She had chosen revenge over love, leaving Sha Hualing behind.  

"I -” She bit her lips. 

Sha Hualing looked her over,  eyes filled with concern. "Ai. You look worn, poor thing. Come on, there is a nice restaurant nearby , I insist on treating you."

They walked together towards a nearby cafe, the atmosphere between them shifting from tension to a semblance of friendliness. As they sat down, their conversation flowed with a mix of ease and flirtation.

"You know, pretty girls like you shouldn't be crying alone," Sha Hualing teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Liu Mingyan couldn't help but smile, feeling a flicker of warmth amidst the despair that weighed her down. "You've always known how to make me feel better, Hualing."

Their laughter filled the air, and for a moment, it felt as if time had stood still. But Liu Mingyan misunderstood the situation, blinded by her emotions and aching for comfort. She leaned in, attempting to kiss Sha Hualing, her heart full of longing.

Sha Hualing's eyes widened with shock as she recoiled, pushing Liu Mingyan away gently. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and disbelief.

The air in the cafe turned heavy as the friendly atmosphere shattered like fragile glass ,  leaving Liu Mingyan feeling exposed and vulnerable  . "I'm sorry, I thought..." her voice trailed off, unable to find the right words to explain her actions.

Sha Hualing's eyes widened in shock, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "No, Mingyan, this isn't... I mean... We're just here to catch up as friends," she clarified, her tone tinged with a mix of surprise and disappointment. "It's been so long since we've seen each other."

Attempting to regain her composure, Liu Mingyan nodded slowly. "Right, of course. I'm sorry for misinterpreting." She let out a nervous laugh, desperately trying to lighten the mood. "So, um, what have you been up to these days?"

 Sha Hualing coughed a bit awkawdly. "I am married now, to a girl named Qin Wanyue…. We're expecting our first child.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Liu Mingyan's face before it was quickly masked. "Oh, congratulations," She managed to say, her voice laced with forced cheerfulness. "I'm glad you found someone who brings you happiness."

Sha Hualing smiled softly, a touch of melancholy in her eyes. "Yes, Wanyue is... different from what I used to be attracted to," she admitted, her voice filled with a mix of affection and understanding. "She's clumsy and soft-hearted, but it was her kindness and unwavering loyalty that won me over. We've been happily married for years now, actually, remember ?" She emphasized the last bit, laced with some bitterness.

Silence.

A beat.

A pause.

“...You did read the letters I sent you, at least , right? I even invited you to our wedding.”

Mingyan bit her lips. “I get thousands of correspondence a day, Hualing. …It has been busy for me. I do apologize but my peak-” “Yes, your peak always comes first.” Hualing grit out.

Mingyan averted her gaze, feeling the weight of Hualing's words. She had been so consumed by revenge and her responsibilities as a peak lord that she hadn't even considered the impact on her relationships, especially the one with Hualing.

Feeling the need to ease the tension between them, Mingyan searched for a neutral topic of conversation."So... How is Wanyue faring with handling her responsibilities as Shaoye’s advisor ? It can’t be easy with the pregnancy and everything."

The change in Hualing's demeanor was instantaneous. A spark lit up her eyes as she proudly exclaimed, "Actually,Wanyue resigned. She's a housewife now!"

Mingyan couldn't conceal her surprise or the hint of confusion that crossed her features. The revelation was unexpected, but she struggled to understand why Hualing seemed so delighted about it.

"Why... why would she do that?" Mingyan asked cautiously, careful not to offend Hualing further.

A warm smile spread across Hualing's face as she replied, "She wanted to. Wanyue has always loved taking care of our home and wants to be there for our family. We are planning to have a large family, actually. It made her happy, and I support her decision wholeheartedly."

 

Liu Mingyan couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion. "But Sha Hualing, how can you be fulfilled by someone who seems content to be a housewife?" she blurted out, her words laced with unintentional judgment.

Sha Hualing's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing in increasing anger. "You think I haven't changed since the day you left me?" she snapped, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I have changed, Mingyan. I've grown wiser, and I've learned to appreciate the things that truly matter. Wanyue's love and support have filled the void you left behind."

A wave of guilt crashed over Liu Mingyan as she realized her insensitivity. Desperately, she reached out hesitantly, trying to bridge the growing gap between them. "I'm truly sorry, Sha Hualing. If I could turn back time, I would have made different choices. I still value our friendship."

The tension between them remained palpable as they sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their past lingering in the air. Without another word, Sha Hualing rose from her seat, her gaze distant.``I think it's time for me to go. It's clear we've both changed, and maybe it's for the better.`` 

Liu Mingyan could only watch helplessly as Sha Hualing walked away, leaving her behind in the cafe. She had banked on the possibility of rekindling their love, but fate had other plans.

  She had misunderstood Sha Hualing's friendly gesture as something more, and now she had lost not only her brother but also a chance at reconciliation with her old lover.

—

<<Sha Hualing’s point of view.>>

As Sha Hualing sat across from Liu Mingyan, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside her. Seeing Mingyan after all these years brought back memories of their youth, filled with innocent crushes and unspoken desires. But it was all in the past now, or so she thought.

The conversation started off friendly and light-hearted, but as time passed, the strain between them grew palpable. Hualing couldn't understand why Mingyan had never read her heartfelt letters, why she had neglected their friendship for the sake of other priorities. And to make matters worse, Mingyan's indifference towards her wedding invitation shattered any remnants of the affection Hualing harbored deep inside.

Trying to ease the tension, Mingyan awkwardly asked about Wanyue, Hualing's wife. Little did she know that her innocent question would become a trigger for Hualing's pent-up frustration.

But Sha Hualing, how can you be fulfilled by someone who seems content to be a housewife?

Hualing's eyes narrowed, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. She had spent years suppressing her feelings for Mingyan, believing she had moved on and found true love with Wanyue. But here, in this moment, Hualing realized that deep down, a part of her still held onto that old crush.

That was the stone that broke the camel’s back. You could mock her, all you like, but Wanyue was off limits.  "You think I haven't changed since the day you left me?" Sha Hualing snapped. "I have changed, Mingyan. I've grown wiser, and I've learned to appreciate the things that truly matter. Wanyue's love and support have filled the void you left behind."

 Mingyan reached out hesitantly, trying to bridge the growing gap between them. "I'm truly sorry, Sha Hualing. If I could turn back time, I would have made different choices. I still value our friendship."

Nope. Too little. Too late. Binghe was right, as always . She was a fool.

 Without another word, Sha Hualing rose from her seat.``I think it's time for me to go. It's clear we've both changed, and maybe it's for the better." Her voice sounded cold, even to her ears.

As Hualing stormed out of the room, frustration and hurt flooded her. Realizing that she still held a torch for Mingyan had been a shock, but it also made her realize the depth of her love for Wanyue. She needed to go home, embrace her wife, and make things right.

When Hualing arrived back at their humble abode, she found Wanyue, her pregnant belly prominent, waiting for her, surprise and concern etched on her face. Without a word, Hualing embraced her tightly, holding her with all the love she had in her heart.

"W-What's wrong, Hualing?" Wanyue asked, concern lacing her voice.

Tears flowing freely, Hualing whispered, "Nothing's wrong, Ai ren. Silly Ling ‘er just realized what a lucky girl she is to have such a pretty wife. You , my lady, are the one I want to be with, now and forever."

Wanyue, taken aback yet delighted, wrapped her arms around Hualing and whispered back, "I love you too, Hualing. Always have, always will."

—-----------

As Liu Mingyan stepped foot onto Baizhan Peak, her heart already heavy with the weight of her fractured relationship with her brother,  she was greeted by a familiar and dreaded voice slicing through the air. 

“LIU MINGYAN!!!” 

Oh dear lord. 

“It is Luo Binghe, milady.” Whimpered a near deafened disciple of hers. “He has sent a thirtieth voice encoded Jade piece to date.”

“-HOW DARE YOU TREAT MY DARLING SHAOYE LIKE A PIECE OF FECAL MATTER WHEN HE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT KIND TO YOU. HE HAS NOT EATEN WELL SINCE THAT AWFUL TRIAL. HE HAS ATE BUT TWO BOWLS OF PORRIDGE THIS MORNING AND REFUSED TO EAT ANY OF THE STEAMED VEGETABLES OR FRUITS I HAVE SLICED INTO THE SHAPE OF BUNNIES!”

Luo Binghe’s bellows shook the entire room from the piece of enchanted jade .As she hastily tried to deactivate it, wincing as the aggrieved Binghe took the time to recount Shaoye’s entire dietary habit which had been disrupted thanks to her . 

“-I AM SO UTTERLY DISAPPOINTED IN YOU! NEVER HAVE I HAVE DREAMED YOU WOULD GROW TO BECOME EVEN MORE IMMATURE THAN QIN WANRONG .” 

“...Please, milady. Make him stop.” 

 The deafening screams from enchanted jade persisted, each word laced with pain and disappointment Binghe's voice echoed through mind, steady and filled with undeniable hurt.

Her trembling hands reached out to the jade, to halt the relentless onslaught of Binghe's accusations. She fumbled with the intricate engravings, trying to decipher the right combination that would grant her respite from the haunting messages.

 Then a pause as the aggrieved shrieks died down to a haunting whisper. Then nothing. 

She jumped as unnervingly calm, Binghe’s voice once more emerging from the jade.

"Mingyan, are you truly happy now?" Binghe asked stonily.  "Did you think that by seeking justice, you would find solace for the wounds of your own past? “  

His words struck deep within her, demolishing the walls she had built around herself. The truth revealed itself with unbearable clarity - she had focused so much on revenge that she had lost sight of the true meaning of justice.

The deafening silence that followed felt suffocating, her mind reeling with the weight of her actions.

But before Liu Mingyan could gather her thoughts, the enchanted jade shattered in her grip, scattering fragments of power across the floor. The sharp sound echoed in the quiet room, a reflection of the shattered bonds that lay before her.

Dazed, she stared at the broken pieces, her mind finally snapping back to reality. The room seemed to close in around her, trapping her in a web of her own making. 

Slowly, she knelt down and began collecting the broken pieces, her hands trembling slightly. Each shard seemed to carry the shattered remains of her relationship with her brother, Liu Qingge, and the guilt she felt threatened to consume her. How had everything gone so wrong?

Her disciples stood nearby, watching her in silence, uncertain of how to approach their grief-stricken master. Liu Mingyan took a deep breath, her voice quivering as she addressed them. "Leave me for now," she said softly. "I need some time alone to reflect."

As her disciples quietly retreated, leaving their Shizun remained on her knees, the broken jade pieces still clutched tightly in her hand. 

—--

Liu Mingyan, shattered from these events, retreated into the safety of her work. Hours turned into days, and days into weeks. She buried herself in the constant demands placed upon her as a peak lord, trying to drown out the painful losses.

Then one day, to be exact, just a week prior to Shen Qingqiu’s scheduled execution, she was summoned by Ren Mingrui, the head peak lord .  The sect leader sighed heavily. " Mingyan, you were meant to be a pillar of justice and fairness. The path you have taken has put our sect in a difficult position. We cannot simply ignore the fact that you have influenced the sentencing of a peak lord based on personal grudges." Her heart stuttered at these words. “How-”

At that moment, the door to the meeting room swung open, revealing Xiao Gongzhu. Her expression held a mix of disgust and satisfaction, causing Liu Mingyan's heart to sink further.

"Heya, Liu Mingyan," Xiao Gongzhu sneered. "I couldn't help but overhear your little conversation with your dear brother that day. You two really went at it, didn't you?"

Liu Mingyan's eyes widened in shock as she realized her private argument with Liu Qingge had been recorded. She clenched her fists, feeling exposed and vulnerable. "How... how did you get that recording?"

Xiao Gongzhu flicked her earrings, smirking as they glowed , activating the recording to be played. "I stumbled upon it by accident,loser. N’ recorded the whole fuckin’ thing."

As the conversation replayed through the magic earrings, Liu Mingyan's heart sank further. She could no longer ignore the truth – she had allowed her biases to cloud her judgment, forsaking the pursuit of justice for her own personal vendetta.

The recording ended after what seemed like an agonizing eternity. Xiao Gonzhu’s laughter, bitter and resentful, filled the room. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen," she taunted. "You, the righteous peak lord, brought low by your own twisted desire for revenge. It's fuckin’ sad." 

Xiao Gongzhu's gloating voice filled the room, resonating off the stone walls of the peak lord's residence. Liu Mingyan stood there, her heart sinking with every word that spewed from Gongzhu's mouth. 

"You thought you could get away with it, didn't you?" Gongzhu taunted, lavender eyes filled with a mix of anger and triumph. "But I fuccckin’ heard everything, ya pompous, overwrought, holier-than-thou tit. N’ recorded the whole fuckin’ sordid exchange so that true justice , not your version , be brought to the fuckin’ light!"

Mingyan's lips remained tightly sealed, refusing to give Gongzhu the satisfaction of a response.  

Gongzhu's face then twisted, rage coloring her glee as she revealed why she had gone through such depths: "Ya hurt Shaoye. Ya hurt the one person who always believed in your worthless ass. How could you betray him like this? He trusted you, believed in this judgment and you let him down."

Mingyan's gaze met Ren's, and she could see the conflict within the sect leader’s eyes. Ren Mingrui had once been her ally, her supporter, but now that alliance had been fractured by her own actions. She, Liu Mingyan had let everyone down, and there was no escaping the consequences.

Disappointment radiated from Ren Mingrui's gaze as she spoke. "Liu Mingyan, I am thoroughly disappointed in you. You had the opportunity to seek true justice, but instead, you allowed your personal biases to dictate your actions. We will be offering Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan a plea deal, in a bid to keep your shady actions hidden."

Mingyan felt her shoulders slump as the weight of her own mistakes crushed her. The consequences of her actions were now fully realized, and she had no choice but to bear the burden of her guilt.

Once the meeting ended, Liu Mingyan trudged out into the world, her heart heavy and her spirit broken. Her steps unconsciously led her to the familiar presence of the lonely willow tree. As tears streamed down her face, she whispered to the wind, repeating the words that had haunted her since her brother's rejection.

"Revenge feels hollow," she choked out, her voice barely audible. "It only brings pain and regret... and never truly erases our own wounds."

And there, under the shelter of the willow's branches, Liu Mingyan allowed herself to cry, releasing all the pent-up emotions that had consumed her for far too long.  The weight of her grudge against Shen Qingqiu had become an insurmountable burden, and the realization of her own misplaced pursuit of revenge only added to her sorrow. Lost in her own regrets, she was startled by a calm voice that pierced through the silence.

"Mingyan, may I join you?" Su Xiyan. Mingyan’s eyes widened. The mother of Luo Binghe,who had abandoned the youth even after being wrongfully imprisoned for decades by Lao Gongzhu, in pursuit of revenge against the wrongs committed against her.

The older woman  gracefully sat down beside her, light gray eyes filled with the wisdom of someone who had experienced the trials of life. 

She could see the pain etched across Mingyan's face and recognized the familiar anguish that consumed her. A kindred spirit. 

"I once believed that revenge would bring me justice," Xiyan started, her voice tinged with regret. "I abandoned Luo Binghe, my own son, in pursuit of vengeance against Lao Gongzhu, my abusive teacher. I thought that by bringing him down, I could reclaim my life and find the satisfaction I had longed for."

Her words hung heavy in the air, carrying the weight of her past mistakes. Mingyan listened intently, drawn to the vulnerability in Su Xiyan's voice. "But revenge is a cruel mistress," Su Xiyan continued,  voice laced with bitter resignation. "It led me down a path of ruin, where I lost not only my sense of self but also the bonds to my son. I became consumed by rage, blinded to the consequences of my actions. It was only when everything crumbled around me that I realized the futility of my pursuit."

Mingyan found herself captivated by Su Xiyan's story, feeling a strange connection form between their experiences. It was as if their lives had intertwined in the most unexpected way, both having suffered the consequences of their own vengeful desires.

"I was fortunate enough to be shown compassion by my own husband, Tianlang-Jun, who was luckily forgiving," Su Xiyan confessed, a glimmer of gratitude breaking through her somber tone. " It took me time to understand that revenge only breeds more pain; it solves nothing and sacrifices everything that truly matters."

Mingyan saw it then, her own reflection in Su Xiyan's story. 

"Thank you," Mingyan whispered, her voice laden with a newfound understanding. "Your words have brought me clarity and offered me the strength to let go of my anger. Revenge may have consumed me, but it doesn't have to define my path from now on."

Su Xiyan smiled, a bittersweet expression that held the weight of her own past mistakes. "You are stronger than you know, Mingyan," she said softly. "Learn from my mistakes, and may you find the peace that has eluded me." She stood up, brushing away the grass.

“Dusk fast approaches, young one. You should head back to your peak to watch over your own charges.” Mingyan inclined her head in gratitude. “Many thanks to Lady Su for sharing her wisdom. But this one would like to stay to reflect on her past actions. I will return to my peak soon. “ 

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest, a tranquil hush settled upon the land. The tall, ancient trees stood tall like sentinels, their branches reaching towards the darkening sky. The forest seemed to hold its breath as evening gave way to dusk, and a serene stillness encompassed the surroundings.

Mingyan still sat beneath the graceful willow tree, its slender branches cascading like curtains, creating a shield from the outside world. The delicate leaves whispered softly in the evening breeze, as if they held secrets to be shared only with the ones who sought solace beneath their shade. A few stray beams of dying sunlight pierced through the foliage, casting ethereal patterns upon the forest floor.

As the last traces of daylight faded, the first stars timidly emerged, dotting the velvety canvas of the night sky. Mingyan gazed up at them, their twinkling lights capturing her attention. Each star seemed to hold a story, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there was still beauty to be found. She shivered slightly as the chill of evening settled in, yet continued to ponder .

 Shen Qingqiu, her hatred towards him fueled by her brother's suffering, had clouded her judgment. She had believed that his death was the only way to rectify the wrongs committed against Liu Qingge, but now she questioned if revenge had truly been the answer.

It became clear to her that her own actions had only served to perpetuate the cycle of pain and suffering. Shen Qingqiu had done things , but in her obsession to bring him to justice, she had become no better than the man she wanted to condemn. She had become blinded by her hate, unable to see the consequences of her actions.

 She had failed not only her brother, but also herself. The path she had taken had led to nothing but destruction, and now she had lost the one person who truly mattered to her.

As the night deepened, Mingyan made a decision. Determination welled within her, overpowering the remnants of resentment and vengeance. With Su Xiyan's guidance still fresh in her mind, she resolved to let go of the pointless hatred of Shen Qinqiu , of the losses she had borne, carried for far too long…And move on. 

 Mingyan rose from her place beneath the willow tree. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.  

 As Su Xiyan stated,she couldn't change what had happened, but she could strive to learn from her mistakes, embrace forgiveness, and work towards a better future. 

The stars above continued to shine brightly, illuminating Mingyan's path as she arose on her faithful sword.  With a sense of determination etched upon her face, she knew that she had finally found the strength to move forward. And as she flew off, soaring into the boundless endless velvet night , the forest bore witness to a transformation, a blossoming of change and letting go

Chapter 49: Always

Under the pale dawn sky, Shen Qingqiu stood alone in the courtyard, his heart heavy with a mixture of sorrow and resignation. The looming sense of finality engulfed him, shrouding his thoughts in a profound stillness. As the gentle breeze brushed against his face, he closed his eyes, savoring every sensation that would soon fade away.

Today would mark the end of his life, the culmination of his past deeds. It was a fate he had long anticipated, the consequence of his actions that had forever altered the course of his existence. Yet, despite the weight of guilt and regret that burdened his spirit, there remained a sliver of peace within him.

Knowing that his beloved Yue Qingyuan, his sworn brother Ye, and his godson Shaoye would continue their lives without him, mourning his absence yet carrying on, brought a bittersweet solace to his troubled soul. He would miss them more than words could ever express.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Qingqiu's mind wandered back to the past, to the countless memories he had forged with his loved ones. His thoughts lingered on Yue Qingyuan's warm smile, the way his eyes sparkled with kindness and affection. He recalled Ye's mischievous laughter , his raucous jokes. He pictured Shaoye's innocent face, almond eyes filled with adoration and trust.

With a sense of finality settling upon him, Shen Qingqiu decided to indulge in one last act of self-care before his journey into the unknown. He stepped into the serene confines of a secluded bathing chamber, the air thick with the scent of exotic flowers. Delicate steam curled upwards, beckoning him to surrender to the tranquility it promised.

Stripping away the layers of outerwear, Shen Qingqiu let the water cascade over his skin, soothing away the years of hardship and pain. He savored each droplet that cascaded down his body, savoring the feeling of purity it bestowed upon his weary form.

 His pale skin was sluiced with the herbal essences. His long, dark hair cascaded down his back like a waterfall, its glossy strands reflecting the light. His emerald eyes, filled with a depth that few could comprehend, shone with a blend of acceptance and sorrow.

Completing his bath, Shen Qingqiu emerged from the water and carefully dried himself. He moved with deliberate grace, wrapping his lithe frame in exquisite robes, each fold meticulously arranged. With delicate precision, he adorned himself with jewelry, their glimmers of gold and precious gems serving as a testament to his former glory.

Finally, Shen Qingqiu stood before a polished bronze mirror, his gaze meeting the reflection that stared back at him. The image was that of a man who had loved and lost, who had traversed the line between good and evil, and who had paid the price for his choices.

Satisfied with his appearance, Shen Qingqiu sighed, the weight of his impending demise crashing upon him once more. Gathering his resolve, he took one last look at the handsome figure that stared back at him, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

—

Shen Qingqiu took a deep breath, the air heavy with anticipation as two guards led him away from the confines of his cell. His footsteps echoed through the narrow corridor, each step a reminder of the path he had walked to reach this moment. The flickering lanterns barely illuminated the dimly lit passageway, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls.

As he walked, his senses heightened, and he savored the last remnants of the world he had known.His keen eyes traced the patterns etched into the stone walls, delicate carvings that lined the ancient passages of the jail’s passages . 

 As they emerged from the labyrinthine corridors, Shen Qingqiu's gaze met the dark expanse laid out before him—the execution grounds. The vast space was enveloped in an eerie silence, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of judgment and finality. 

As Shen Qingqiu's footsteps echoed on the cold ground, he couldn't help but take in his surroundings. The air was heavy with the smell of damp earth and the sound of distant crickets, their rhythm a stark contrast to the impending finality that loomed over him. The execution grounds, a desolate patch of land enclosed by towering stone walls, seemed to mock him with its solemn silence.

His eyes flickered from one detail to another, his senses heightened by the impending doom. The ground beneath his feet was rough and uneven, evidence of the countless lives that had met their end here. The grass, once lush and green, had withered under the weight of countless footsteps being led to their doom.

His gaze shifted to the center of the execution grounds where the executor stood, cloaked in shadows. The figure was quite diminutive, their face remained hidden behind an intricately designed mask, a symbol of his anonymity and detachment from the mortal realm.

Shen Qingqiu's heart thudded in his chest as his eyes followed the glint of steel, the blade that the executor held with practiced precision.  

As the guards led him to the designated spot, he couldn't help but notice the weathered stones surrounding the execution grounds. Names of those executed here ,buried in anonymous graves, forgotten by time, their stories forever ... .A chilling reminder that he too would soon be joining these unfortunates , a tale cut short thanks to his own actions.

The final walk seemed to stretch on and on. Shen Qingqiu's breath grew shallow, his heart heavier with every beat. 

At last, emerald eyes met the deadly gaze of the masked executor. There was no remorse in those eyes, only the cold and impersonal resolve of a messenger from the realm beyond. This was his final moment, his last chance to reflect upon the choices that had brought him to this end.

The world around him seemed to fade into nothingness as the executor raised his blade, the gleaming steel poised to end Shen Qingqiu's life. In that moment, he closed his eyes, surrendering to the embrace of fate, ready to face whatever lay beyond the abyss of mortality.Awaited the inevitable swing of the executor's blade. 

—-

Shen Qingqiu's heart pounded in his chest as he heard the sickening thud of the executioner's blade hitting flesh. Shen Qingqiu's heart raced as he stood there, frozen in shock. He could still feel the reverberation of the blade , echoing through his ears…. But it had missed him. 

As he looked up, his gaze met the calm, almost bored expressions of the executioner and the two guards beside him.  But it was not them that held his attention; it was the sight next to him.

Next to him stood a golem—A false human, created in his own likeness. The golem's appearance was uncanny, every detail eerily accurate, from the strands of his dark hair to the curve of his lips. It was as if someone had plucked an image of Shen Qingqiu straight from his memories and fashioned it into this grotesque imitation.

And embedded in its neck was the same terrible blade that narrowly- No, purposefully - Had avoided ending his life. 

With trembling hands, Shen Qingqiu reached up to touch his neck, as if seeking reassurance that he still possessed his life. The faint brush of fingertips over his pulse point was enough to make him acutely grateful to know he was still alive. 

The guards and the executioner nodded with satisfaction as with a sickening thud, the golem’s head toppled from the neck, the blade clattering next to its body. The former peak lord stood frozen in shock, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at the hapless golem that had taken the place of his intended execution. He could hardly believe his luck. Fate had spared him the gruesome death he had been sure awaited him… Or had it?

The executioner stepped forward , gesturing for Shen Qingqiu to remove his clothes. The peak lord's mind still reeling from the events that had just transpired  , mechanically complied without question. Dazed and numb, he forgot to argue or question the purpose of this unexpected turn of events.

The two guards, stoic and silent, stood by his side as he shed his clothes, their eyes showing no signs of leering at his nudity or discomfort. It was as if they were mere statues, devoid of any emotion.  

Once he stood bare before them, vulnerable and exposed, the executioner handed him a set of plain robes. Made from coarse fabric and devoid of any embellishments, they were a stark contrast to the luxurious garments he had been wearing. Shen Qingqiu donned the robes given to him , the rough texture scratching against his skin, a constant reminder of his current predicament.

The golem’s cold, lifeless eyes gazed at him, blank eyes glaring at him almost in accusation. It was a soulless imitation, void of its own will , of any emotion or purpose.  It was a surreal experience, as if he were staring into a distorted reflection of himself. The intricacy of its construction fascinated and repulsed him in equal measure.  The Sun Moon seed. But who would go through such trouble to create a copy of him using that method, to stage ‘his’ execution? 

Confusion bordering on panic coursed through his veins, rendering him incapable of voicing the questions that whirled furiously within his mind. Why had they spared him? Why? Why?

His attention was drawn back to the golem, which was now dressed in his own clothes he had worn to this supposed execution . Watched as it was placed into a coffin. The sight of his own likeness being placed into the coffin filled him with an unease. The golem's lifeless form was treated with callous indifference, as if it were a mere object devoid of value or significance. It was to be buried under his name, sealing ‘his’ fate.

The guards moved with eerie efficiency, raising the coffin and placing it into a cart. The creaking of the wooden wheels and the rhythmic clip-clop of hooves reverberated throughout the room. Each sound intensified his unease, the ominous march of the cart carrying his lifeless doppelganger away an eerie reminder of his own precarious position.

Shen Qingqiu shuddered , despite himself. Obediently, feeling that everything had gone topsy turvy, he followed the Executioner down a dark tunnel. Not that he could run, anyway, he was still secured by a rope. 

As Shen Qingqiu was led away from the execution grounds, his mind raced with questions that demanded answers. "Who are you? Why am I not dead?" he demanded, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and confusion.

The Executioner remained silent, his face masked by an impenetrable helmet. Shen Qingqiu tried again, his voice growing desperate. "Why did they execute that golem in my likeness? What is going on here? Speak!"

Still, the Executioner maintained his silence, his footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. Shen Qingqiu's questions fell on deaf ears, and he realized that silence was the only answer he would receive.

Defeated, Shen Qingqiu focused instead on the path ahead. As they continued to descend deeper into the earth, the air grew damp and heavy, mingling with the scent of damp earth and ancient stone. 

The cavern tunnel extended far beyond his line of sight, its walls adorned with delicate crystals that glowed with ethereal hues. The air was heavy with an earthy scent, the faint sound of dripping water echoing in the distance.

His steps hesitant, Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but be captivated by the raw beauty of the cave. It seemed as though an entire world lay hidden beneath the surface, untouched by the chaos and treachery of the cultivation world above. Even in his bewildered state, he couldn't help but appreciate the tranquility that emanated from his surroundings.

With each step, the darkness receded, replaced by a soft, golden glow. At last, they reached an opening, and Shen Qingqiu shielded his eyes against the sudden assault of bright sunlight. The scent of fresh air filled his lungs, washing away the musty smell of the cavern.

Bright. Bright.!

He blinked, momentarily dazed by the sudden onslaught of sunlight. His eyes adjusted, and he drank in the sight before him. A vast expanse of greenery sprawled out as far as the eye could see, crisp and untamed. The fragrance of fresh air enveloped him, filling his lungs with revitalizing purity. 

Then an oh so familiar voice he held close to his heart called his title.

“Gan Die!” 

  He couldn't believe his ears. Standing before him were three familiar figures, his beloved lover Yue Qingyuan, his godson Shaoye, and the current sect leader of the Cang Qiong Mountain sect, Ren Mingrui. Confusion washed over him, mingling with the unexpected happiness of seeing his loved ones here with him...Well, Ye was a wildcard. He would take it as good as he got, that he got to see his Qingyuan and Shaoye.

As he took in the scene before him, Shen Qingqiu's mind raced to make sense of what was happening.   Ren Mingrui's presence only deepened his confusion. It was she who had handed down his death sentence, after all. Why would she have him brought here, in the company of those he held closest to his heart? Questions tumbled in his mind, but he forced himself into silence, awaiting an explanation.

—--

Ren Mingrui stood on the grassy hillock, the border of the Cultivator's world, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. Disgust surged within her as she pondered the recent events that led to Shen Qingqiu's sparing. How could a man who had trained under an evil demonic cultivator be allowed to escape the punishment he deserved?

But she was bound by the law that Xiao Gongzhu had found, a law that balanced the wrongs committed. As much as she despised Shen Qingqiu, she had no choice but to spare him. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

Pushing aside her thoughts, she mustered the strength to relay the news to Shen Qingqiu, her voice laced with resentment. "Shen Qingqiu, I bring you news," she began, tone cold and detached. "Xiao Gongzhu has presented me with evidence of Liu Mingyan's deed. I have been reminded of a law that allows me to offer you a life plea, albeit in exile. Shizu-Yue Qingyuan wants to follow you into exile. "

Mingrui could sense the surprise in Shen Qingqiu's eyes as he processed her words. She continued, making sure to emphasize the role that Xiao Gongzhu and Shaoye played in his salvation. "It was Xiao Gongzhu who found this obscure law, and it was Shaoye who staged the escape, fulfilling the requirements for your survival under this law's provisions."

A mixture of relief and confusion washed over Shen Qingqiu's face, but Mingrui remained unmoved. "Know this," she declared sternly. "From this moment forward, you and Yue Qingyuan will be struck from the annals of the Hall of Peak Lords. You are exiled, and if you ever dare to set foot in these lands again, your lives will be forfeit."

With those final words, Ren Mingrui turned and left, her disgust for Shen Qingqiu lingering in her heart. She couldn't comprehend why Yue Qingyuan ,Shaoye and that man remained so blindly devoted to a demonic cultivator, but she decided that it was not her place to question their choices.

—-----------

"Shaoye," Shen Qingqiu scolded at last,  voice laced with worry as he eyed his godson’s increasingly gravid form, "You should not have taken such risks, especially now that you're pregnant. You must be more careful."

Shaoye's eyes sparkled mischievously as he grinned, "But Gan Die, you know it is my blood to take risks. Besides, I wanted to make sure you and Yue Qingyuan were safe."

The former peak lord’s stern expression softened, a flicker of pride replacing his worry. "Thank you, Shaoye, for always looking out for us. Now, take care of your father. He needs your support."

Shaoye cocked his head, a mischievous glint in almond eyes. "Why don't you tell him yourself, Gan Die?"

Confused, Shen Qingqiu turned around, and to his disbelief, he locked eyes with the executioner who had nearly beheaded him that very morning. Shock trembled through his body, his voice catching in his throat. "Ye... is that really you?"

In response,  the executioner laughed uproariously,  dramatically flinging off his garb, revealing his true identity. Shen Qingqiu's surprise melted into a mix of relief and annoyance as he glared at his exasperating , beloved sworn brother. "You. You find this amusing, don't you?" 

Ye's laughter continued, unabated, as he leaned against a nearby tree. "Oh, the look on your face was priceless, Lao Xiong! an' besides, wha' better way ter surprise yeh 'n ter play the role o' your executioner? Aren’t yeh happy ter see lil old me?"

 Indignant, Shen Qingqiu's eyes narrowed as he gestured with an exasperated wave of his hand. "But keeping me in the dark like this is just...just..."

Ye's laughter continued to reverberate through the tunnel. "Uh. Uh.  it was the on'y way ter ensure your safety...Plus, it was bloody fun."

Relief flooded over Shen Qingqiu, mingling with annoyance at Ye's dramatics. "You always have to make everything so convoluted. But I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. That's just who you are, Ye."

Ye grinned, his eyes shining with camaraderie. "An' tha''s why yeh love me, lao xiong*."

—-

Dichan Ye had left early, reluctantly, as the ever-canny man alerted them that Luo Binghe , of whom he had put a rune on , to track his son in law’s movements , was approaching them.

 

He left to intercept his protective son in law , to coerce him back to the Citadel and reveal the truth.But not before exchanging a hug with Shen Qingqiu. Surprisingly, it was Shen Qingqiu who emerged from the hug, teary-eyed  while Ye , unusually solemn , told Yue Qingyuan. “If y’break his heart again…” He left the sentence hanging ominously in the air , an unspoken threat to Shen Qingqiu’s lover to take care of his beloved little brother. 

 

Then the irascible man mounted his halberd, and kicked off, flying on it. His direction to intercept his beloved, dear son in law. Shaoye eyes his godfather as the pair quietly converse . “ Where will you go ?” He asked quietly .

 

“ Why ? You want to join me rather than sit beside your dear husband ?” Snipped the elegant older man and watched as the young man sputtered like a duck after it gargled too much water . 

 

It was like old times . Qingqiu felt a little nostalgic really . 

 

“I will never like your marriage to the- Binghe . But I do acknowledge that he loves you , treats you well ,  to me , that is enough . I can rest easy now that you’re in good hands .” 

 

“ I knew you could and would do it .” Yue Qingyuan declared.

 

  Shaoye bowed slightly  .At least two people including himself were pleased with his jailbreaking . 

 

“ Ganbo . Gan Die is my  godfather , what kind of godson would I be if I let him face the gallows even after Xiao Gongzhu revealed the truth ? I  would not know how to live with myself .” 

 

Shaoye tilted his head as they continued to converse in private.” You still haven’t told me where you two will be going ....” he pressed , feeling a touch petulant . 

 

“ Silly boy . The less you know ... the better it would be .I know that -that Binghe. He wouldn’t hesitate to search you through that mind parasite link you both have , thanks to you partaking of his blood.” Shaoye shot his godfather a disgruntled look ,” Binghe would never ! “ “He would . To protect you ? If it meant erasing me and with it the chance of any harm of being associated with you .... I can’t say I blame him . I’ve done so many unforgivable things .” 

 

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes in silent remorse . 

 

“ No . This is for the best . A new start . This is the end of Shen Qingqiu ....And Yue Qingyuan.  “

 

Yue Qingyuan squeezed his partner’s shoulder . “ We will be heading to the east . There lies a great sea and port ... From there ...” he left the sentence unfinished . 

 

Shaoye unbidden , sniffled .

 

“ I- I guess this is really goodbye , isn’t it ?”

 

“ I wish you to know my true name .” Shen Qingqiu declared. “I-It’s Shen Jiu . “ He smiled ruefully. 

 

Only to have his eyes widen as Shaoye leaned forward. “Gan Die. Thank you for everything. I wish for you to know my past life’s name too. I-it’s Shen Yuan.”

 

Shen Qingqiu’s emerald eyes widened and unbidden , a smile touched his lips. 

 

“ A good name, godson. But that is not your true name, is it? You are Shaoye. Dichan Shaoye now .“ Shaoye trembled as his godfather pulled him in, gently embracing him a final time. “Never forget this. Be proud of who you are , now.”  

 

They embraced , for the last time . Shaoye felt all the conflicting feelings, over his godfather’s actions , the hate , the resentment , ... it died down to a simpler happier memory when Shen Qingqiu as just a stern , kindly guest at the Dichan estate that one summer , and it was spent in quiet idyll . 

—-

Shaoye watched the slight figure and the much taller one both grow smaller and smaller till the pair were no more before he let out a sigh, part sob, part relief and summoned his cloud of strings for the long ride back alone . He ascended into the azure-blue sky .

It was early morning, and the golden rays of the sun painted the surrounding landscape below his flight, in a heavenly glow. The breeze was crisp and fresh, filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers.

As the day progressed and the sun climbed higher in the sky, the scenery below Shaoye transformed as he made his journey back to the Citadel. The vibrant shades of green expanded across the rolling hills,  colorful wildflowers dotted the fields beneath his  like paintbrush strokes on a canvas. The sound of chirping birds echoed through the air, creating a melodic backdrop to Shaoye's flight. He couldn’t help but stroke his belly, wondering if and hoping his unborn child could see what he saw.

By the time the afternoon arrived, Shaoye flew above dense forests. The air grew slightly warmer, and even from his height, he could hear the rustle of the breeze rustling the great branches of the ancient trees below, creating a soothing melody of rustling leaves.  . Shaoye's heart swelled with profound awe as the rays of the afternoon sun bathed the landscape in a warm, golden glow. He couldn't help but pause every now and then, taking in the breathtaking scenery that surrounded him. The tranquil beauty of nature seemed to mirror the peace he had found in his heart at last.

As the hours waned, dusk settled upon the land, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. The sky turned into a canvas of pinks, oranges, and purples, a breathtaking masterpiece crafted by the gods. Shaoye could not help but stare in awe at the colors, feeling the weight of the world lift slightly from his shoulders. “Kiddo. Kidster. Binghe jr. It is a wonderful world you’re coming into.” He whispered to the bump. And damn right he was. It was a beautiful world Junior was coming into . 

Nightfall arrived, shrouding the world in darkness, but the stars twinkled brightly above, lighting Shaoye's way. He marveled at the celestial dance unfolding in the heavens, the constellations aligning as if cheering him on. Shaoye whooped as he flew under their watchful gaze, his path illuminated by their light. The night was alive with nocturnal creatures, their calls and whispers creating a symphony of nature's secrets.

As early morning approached, a sudden gasp escaped Shaoye's lips. 

 

A flash of very familiar demonic energy told him he would have a guest .

 

So, dear ol’ Baba couldn’t convince his sweet, darling, overprotective Binghe to return home to wait for him, after all.  

 

Luo Binghe clad in the silver robes and with the severe expression that so very nearly mirrored the disapproval of Shen Qingqiu himself when Shaoye had screwed up big time, chose to descend on his Zheng Yang from the skies at this very thought . 

 

The sun chose to come out from the mountains and he looked more like an actual god coming down from the heavens than an actual Demon . 

 

Well the only thing marring his beautiful face was the frown . 

 

“ You helped him escape .” There was disappointment and weary confirmation in that note and Shaoye tried not to flinch in guilt .

 

The man already had his meridians disabled . He would never wield any power . Besides, the execution was unfair!

 

Now, Shen Qingqiu would be no more.

 

In a way Liu Mingyan had succeeded in ‘killing’ off Shen Qingqiu.  

 

Binghe grasped his hand gently , despite the clear disapproval on his fair face . The anger on it, though, was not directed at him .  “ You probably aren’t going to tell me but -“ “ He is heading west . “

 

“ - I take it then it means he has headed East with Yue Shishu then . Don’t give me that wide eyed look , I knew Yue Shishu and Shen Qingqiu were in love since we were teenagers ….I have no idea what Yue Shishu sees in that man .”

 

Shaoye gave a quiet laugh . “ Oh love . That’s it isn’t it ?” He squeezed their hands together , hand tracing an old scar on Binghe’s that always calmed him .

 

 “ I’m still mad at you . “ Binghe blustered , tossing his head , like a cross puppy when it’s owner has gone too long  at work and was throwing a tantrum when they had finally returned . “-Going alone with him- what were you thinking ? If you even were ! He could ransomed you and .... Still demanded for the ransom of our unborn baby even if all his demands were met . He has a history of doing those kinds of skullduggery if you have forgotten . He’s a menace to society and -“ 

 

I was worried . You ran off without telling me . You were alone with a man who has a history of abusing me . Of killing off an entire clan. What if  he had done something to you ? I would be guilt stricken if something had happened to you . I love you so much . That went unspoken . But Shaoye heard anyway . 

 

“ -I’m sorry . I won’t do it ever again, I promise  . Shizu- Shen Qingqiu is a special case . “ he soothes and finally , finally his loving husband cracked . 

 

“ He doesn’t deserve your loyalty. “ 

 

Shaoye gives him a look . 

 

“....Fine. He is part of the reason why we are together and he truly loved you as a father would love his son. “ 

 

“ What Shen Qingqiu did to many , especially you, is unforgivable . He’s not a good person by any means . “ Acknowledged Shaoye . “ He  ignored Liu Qingge, his own Shixiong who was stuck in the throes of a qi-deviation. And I am certainly not asking you to forgive him as what he did to you was reprehensible since the very time you entered Qing Ding peak . “ 

 

Binghe nodded his head , looking both wary but pleased .

 

“ But  while he did very vile things and even was the cause of most of the said vile things , we have to acknowledge he’s not completely without redemption or without virtue.”  

 

The slight smile on his husband’s face was wiped off at that and he remained in thoughtful silence till they returned back to the Tao compound . 

 

As they stepped off the sword , the slight young man felt a gentle touch on his wrist  . “ Why ... “ Binghe seemed to be chewing this out , and he blurted at last after a few minutes .

 

 “ Why do people who do such horrible things , can be forgiven and given the chance to live peaceful lives? And yet those who are innocent , punished .... even killed ?” 

 

Shaoye got the feeling he wasn’t just talking about their former Shizun . “ Oh , Binghe . Everything happens for a reason . The world isn’t black or white ... And most people are morally gray . I think ... I think we all are given choices in life , sometimes we make terrible mistakes but I do think it’s a test of character , to own up to said mistakes . And , sometimes , people do terrible things because terrible things happen to them . “ 

 

Dawn was glinting through the clouds . The far off peaks  appeared a soft blue in the early light . The door to their home opened and the pair found themselves in the courtyard of the Dichan compound . 

 

Birds started to chirp , to herald the coming of the new day . 

 

There was a tea set for them , probably by a helper instructed by Dichan Ye . It was not of Binghe’s make as he had rushed to find his husband but as the steam puffed out and an aroma of soothing herbs , chestnut , lily bulbs and chrysanthemum wafted through the air .... It smelt to the weary pair like heaven . 

 

Shaoye firmly yet gently set his husband down and poured him a large cup of the blend first and watched him drink before he poured some for himself . 

 

He took a sip , noting Binghe seemed to have calmed down, before continuing.

 

 “ Also ... you can’t tell people whom to love . People are given the choice to love , and they will love whom they want to . And besides ... Everyone deserves it . To be loved, I think .” 

 

Binghe looked at him , his eyes a kaleidoscope of colors , honey and ruby dancing , sweetness in his eyes and oh , Shaoye fell in love again  , like he was nineteen and realized the one person he loved more than anything in this world was right next to him . “ - And ... Luo Binghe , you of all people deserve it . “

 

“ - Doesn’t excuse what I did though .” 

 

“ Look at me . '' whispered Shaoye , and obediently he did so. It seemed like time had stopped still , and it was like the first time he had looked into Shaoye’s orbs of honey and realized the one thing he had been searching for in all his young life was looking back at him , reflected in those eyes .“ Your actions don’t make you any less worthy of love . Love never judges . I love you not because of your actions but because of who you are . “

 

He bumped their heads together , bumping them together . “ And you of all people , deserve all the love in the world .” 

 

“Only if it’s from you .” Whispered Binghe and moved closer , so close that his lips

ghosted across the others . 

 

There was no need for words as Shaoye closed in and the pair clung to each other as though they could be melded at the hip and were once one . 

 

The sun shone on the pair , over the compound , turning the place golden , chasing away the remaining darkness of the night . 

 

And in the bright of the morning , Dichan Shaoye , once Shen Yuan from another more modern world and whom had died unloved and lonely in a miserable flat , cursing a stallion novel with a shit ending , who had transmigrated of all things to said stallion novel in an ironic twist of fate , realized something important . 

 

The book had preordained he be cruel and that said cruelty and petty jealousy would lead to his untimely death at the hands of his former victim . 

 

It wasn’t easy . But he had fought every inch of the way not to turn out like his canon counterpart . The system hasn’t made it easy ,but he never would have regretted it . 

 

Perhaps , he thought,  Perhaps It is not in the stars to hold our destiny.... but ourselves . 

 

He had seen forever in the heart of a young man and decided it was worth fighting to gain it , even if it meant going against the very grain of the original story itself. 

 

And for what it was worth , he would never change that . 

 

“ Can I ? “ whispered the soft head under his chin . It looked a bit ridiculous , Binghe was way too big to be doing this and had to hunch down to be the little spoon  . But Shaoye didn’t care , found it endearing and lovable . Binghe was lovable , period . “ Can I , what ? “ his voice was a teasing lilt in the wind . 

 

“ Can I keep you forever ?”

 

He lifted the other’s chin and kissed him sweet and slow . And thought that this ending while not canon , while Binghe would never indeed get the 600 beauties and unrivaled power .... and Shen Yuan’s first plan once he had transmigrated here , was to ditch everything as soon as he was old enough and live out a lonely but long life with his found father of this world were both trashed ....

 

He found he did not mind this ending , the one where he met the love of his life who was his best friend and lived happily ever after despite the whole world conspiring to make it otherwise , wasn’t bad at all  . Not at all .  

 

“ Only if I get to keep you forever too .” 

 

And so they did .

 

—--

 

.........The End ? ;333333

Notes:

FYI, this is not the end ;3 . Next up is ,...A three part chapter about Luo Bingge and then SQQ X YQY chapter which is truly the end! ;333 Thankies for the support after all these years!!!

Chapter 50: How to run from the consequences of your own actions

Summary:

FYI, 'Binghe' referred to here is Luo Bingge, while 'Other Binghe' is our Binghe from this universe and 'Other Shaoye' is our Shaoye, sorry for the confusion, hope y'all like this chapter!

Wounded and weary, Luo Binghe returned to his original world, seeking solace within the walls of his palace. His healers, skilled in their craft, fussed over him diligently, tending to his injuries with utmost care. However, no amount of healing could mend the wounds that lay deep within his heart.

A festival was declared in honor of his triumphant return, as his harem swelled with anticipation of the grand celebration. The palace grounds were adorned with vibrant lanterns and colorful banners, an extravagant display to showcase their devotion and reverence for their ruler. Yet, despite the lavish festivities, a bitter taste lingered in the air.

As the night wore on, Binghe found himself wandering through the jubilant crowd, his mind consumed by thoughts of the alternate world he had recently visited. The gentle and loving version of Shen Qingqiu haunted his every step, his heart aching for the warmth he had experienced there.

The aroma of exquisite delicacies filled the air, their scents enticing to all but him. He sampled various dishes, but each bite tasted like ash upon his tongue. The pleasures he had once relished in his original world now felt hollow and meaningless. Even the fawning attention of his harem failed to bring him joy.

Retreating to the privacy of his chambers, Binghe's thoughts turned to the newest addition to his harem, the Princess Xueyan. Adorned in silk and jewels, she awaited his arrival, her eyes brimming with desire. He approached her slowly,  movements alluring and deliberate, a master in the art of seduction.

Their bodies entwined, consumed by desire and passion. It was a dance familiar to Binghe, one he had performed countless times. But as their lovemaking escalated, images of the gentle Shen Qingqiu invaded his mind, casting a shadow over the princess before him.

The princess moaned in pleasure, oblivious to the turmoil within Binghe's heart. His actions were purely mechanical, devoid of the passion he had once held. With each thrust, he yearned for the tenderness he had found in that other world, a realm that seemed so far away now.

Afterward, as the princess lay breathless and satisfied, Binghe reclined upon his bed, staring at the intricate carvings on the ceiling. He realized that even the most beautiful bodies could not fill the void left by the absence of true affection. The hollowness within him grew deeper, his longing for that alternate world and its gentle Shen Qingqiu intensifying.

In the midst of his musings, a sense of urgency arose. He reached beneath his pillow and retrieved the stolen sword, a tangible reminder of his escape from that other world. Its weight felt heavy in his hands, its presence a constant reminder of the life he yearned for- No!

He shook his head in denial. 

Luo Binghe sat on the edge of his bed, the stolen sword heavy in his trembling hands. His heart pounded in his chest, and a knot formed in his throat as he processed the jumble of emotions swirling within him. It was unfathomable, unimaginable. How could he have fallen in love with Shen Qingqiu once again, his despicable Shizun?

Eyes glaring at his own reflection in the gleaming blade, Luo Binghe admonished himself in a low, harsh voice. "Fool! You dared to succumb to emotions once more, after the pain and suffering his love had brought you? Have the countless tribulations not taught you anything?"

His world's Shen Qingqiu had been his first crush, the one who had filled his heart with hope and admiration. But his hopes were cruelly crushed as Shen Qingqiu revealed his true nature, tormenting him endlessly. The wounds ran deep, carving scars upon Luo Binghe's soul. Yet, despite the tragedy that befell him, he had allowed himself to be ensnared once again by the gentle, loving version of his abusive Shizun in that alternate world.

He shook his head, his grip on the sword tightening. "No! It cannot be!  I cannot allow myself to fall for him again, even if he is different, even if he is not the same cruel man that resided in my world!"

The weight of his conflicting emotions pressed upon him, threatening to consume his very being. He had escaped with the stolen sword, but he couldn't escape the truth that gnawed at his heart.  

Luo Binghe's thoughts drifted to the encounter he had with the latest addition to his harem, the princess whose beauty once would have pleased him. But even in the depths of their passion, he couldn't help but feel a profound hollowness. The pleasures he once sought no longer held any sway over him.  

Laying the stolen sword back under his pillow, Luo Binghe scowled. " I am a ruler, feared by all! Not a silly little disciple! I should not allow such weakness to creep into my heart! "

—-

Desperate, he solace in the embrace of his harem, seeking temporary relief from the torment that plagued his mind. The soft whispers of his beauties and their enticing gazes flooded his senses, temporarily dimming the longing that threatened to consume him.

Night after night, he allowed himself to drown in the pleasures they offered, indulging in their passionate caresses and whispered promises. Each encounter left him momentarily satisfied, their bodies intertwining in a dance of desire and desperation. Luo Binghe could no longer silence the turmoil within his heart.

One evening, as the moon cast its ethereal glow upon his harem chambers, the air grew heavy with anticipation. Luo Binghe, reclined upon his ornate bed, watched as the seductive figures of his beauties intertwined with one another. Their gentle moans and heated exchanges ignited the carnal desires that still lingered within him.

"You are truly irresistible, my lord,"  Sha Hualing cooed, crawling towards him with a sultry smile. "Allow me to please you until dawn."

Luo Binghe's eyes darkened with an odd mixture- Of disgust and inner torment. "Cease your advances," he commanded. He pushed her away gently but firmly.

Sha Hualing's eyes widened with disbelief, her seductive smile fading. "But my lord, I am here to serve you. I can provide the pleasure you seek. Why push me away?"

Qin Wanyue saw this, then tried her luck, pouting in an attempt to gain his favor. "Please, Ah He, can't we have some fun together? Just like old times?"

But Binghe's heart remained resolute. "No, Wanyue, I don’t feel like it tonight."

Then, Ning Yingying, armed with her childhood connection to Luo Binghe back as disciples, approached him. He gently rebuffed her advances, hoping she would understand, but she persisted, pawing at him and whining for his attention.

Anger surged within Luo Binghe, fueled by his own frustrations , of the longing that plagued his very soul. With a sudden outburst, he lashed out at Ning Yingying.

"Enough!" he growled, words laced with impatience. "This childish act of yours, this cloying desperation, it's time for you to grow up! I have no patience for it any longer."

 The tension in the room escalated as the air grew heavy with unspoken resentment. It started with scoffing at each other's attempts to win Binghe's favor.

Sha Hualing rolled her eyes, a contemptuous sneer tugging at the corners of her lips. "Look at Qin Wanyue, playing the innocent act to gain Binghe's attention. Are you not tired of pretending, Wanyue?"

Qin Wanyue, her face flushing with anger, retorted, "At least I do not rely on vulgar seduction to catch his eye, Hualing. Or maybe I should mock your garish wardrobe choices instead."

 Ning Yingying scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Please, you two are nothing more than a fleeting pleasure to him. He'll realize soon enough it is, I, Yingying, who truly deserves his love." 

Qin Wanyue then stepped forward, sneering. "You're both fools. Binghe will come to his senses and see that my beauty and grace far surpass yours."

As the tension reached its apex, a small catfight broke out, the harem members clawing at each other, both physically and verbally. Their true intentions were laid bare, and Luo Binghe silently observed, his heart growing colder with each passing moment. Their love for him had only existed as a means to satisfy their own desires and bask in his power. It was an empty affection, devoid of genuine emotions.

  "Leave," he commanded, voice flat with disappointment. "I no longer wish to see any of you tonight."

As the harem members begrudgingly obeyed his order and left the room, Luo Binghe wandered outside . He found himself in the garden, surrounded by an array of vibrant flowers,yet their beauty was lost on him tonight. 

"These emotions are swallowing me whole ." He paced back and forth, the panic rising within him. "What has become of me?"  The agonized whisper barely audible in the still night. "How could I fall in love with Shen Qingqiu again? Even if it is an alternate universe's version, a man!"

The apprehension in his voice echoed through the garden, as if the very winds carried his torment.  

Luo Binghe closed his eyes, his mind a battlefield of longing and self-reproach. "I never wanted this," he confessed to the moonlit sky. "After all the pain and suffering, after building my empire and my harem, I believed I had left those wretched feelings behind."

But the truth was undeniable. His heart yearned for the gentle, loving Shen Qingqiu of the alternate world, the one he could never truly possess. He longed for the blissful moments they shared, the tender caresses and warm smiles that had begun to melt his icy heart…

As the moon cast its ethereal glow over the palace, Luo Binghe sat on the balcony, his gaze fixed on the starry sky above. The whispers of the wind carried his troubled thoughts, evoking memories of his tumultuous past and the person who had stolen his heart in that parallel realm.

"Binghe," A gentle voice called out . It was Liu Mingyan , the only one who did not engage in the theatrics just now. She who always made things right. Still, when she reached out to touch his shoulder, he flinched away.

"Don't," Luo Binghe murmured, voice tinged with sadness. "I cannot give you what you seek."

Confusion flashed in her eyes. "But, Binghe. We are -"

 "Be honest," Luo Binghe replied, his voice filled with regret. "I love you still ,Mingyan. But it's the way one would regard a dear friend. And our so-called romance may be teenage passion and hormones. Of gratitude on your end for me getting justice for your poor brother. “  He didn’t know if he should be insulted at the slow dawning realization on her face and her nodding in agreement. He then continued.

“I just... I thought I had everything I wanted, power,’love’, and wealth. But now, I realize that I never truly loved any of you. My heart is consumed by an impossible love for a one who exists in another world."

Mingyan listened, her eyes reflecting sympathy. "Love knows no boundaries. If this person truly holds your heart, perhaps you should pursue that love, no matter the odds."

Luo Binghe smiled bitterly. "You speak wise words, but it is not that simple. That Shen Qingqiu in the alternate realm is married to that world's Luo Binghe. I am an intruder, a thief who stole their happiness."

Silence enveloped them as Luo Binghe turned his gaze back to the sky. The twinkling stars seemed to mock him, reminding him of the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of his own troubles.

"I feel small again," he admitted softly, his voice barely audible. "Just like when I was a powerless child, dreaming of a better life. Now, every breath I take is tainted with regret."

Liu Mingyan stepped closer and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "Binghe, you have overcome countless hardships to become the ruler you are today. Don't let this pointless love for Shen Qingqiu , even if one from another world, cripple you. Find a way to make peace with your heart."

A bittersweet smile tugged at Luo Binghe's lips. " Your words bring me solace in this darkness. I will find a way to reconcile my desires and my duty."

But it was a lie. That night , as he re-entered his bedroom, he already had made up his mind.

 Arming himself with various supplies for he knew not how long it would be till he reunited with that Shen Qingqiu, he then dressed warmly.

Luo Binghe then lifted his pillow , grasped the stolen sword decisively.  Dark qi and purple light surged forth as he cut a dimension- severing slash, opened a spatial rift, and leapt inside. He did not look back.

Then the rift vanished, together with his figure, leaving an opulent but empty bed chamber.

—--

Luo Binghe stumbled through the portal, his body trembling with exhaustion. The strain of using his Qi to travel through different realms had drained him of his strength, leaving him weak and vulnerable. The weight of his stolen sword felt heavy in his grasp, a constant reminder of his desperate search for the gentle Shen Qingqiu he had left behind.

As he entered yet another unfamiliar world, he collided with something solid, causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground. Before he could gather his bearings, he found himself staring into the eyes of an older version of himself, dressed in robes of the deepest blue robes. This older Luo Binghe's expression was one of immediate hostility.

"What devilry is this?!" the cerulean blue-clad, older Luo Binghe spat, his voice laced with suspicion. Without warning, he unsheathed his blade, lunging towards him.

Instinctively, Binghe raised his stolen sword in defense, but his weakened state left him vulnerable. He barely managed to dodge the older Binghe's attacks, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. The clash of their blades echoed through the air, each strike sending shockwaves of pain through Binghe's exhausted body.

With each passing moment, Binghe's strength waned, his limbs growing heavy and unresponsive. Suddenly, his body began to shrink, transforming into that of a child. Panic surged through him as he realized he could no longer tap into his qi to defend himself against his older counterpart.

The  older Luo Binghe halted his assault, staring down at the trembling child before him. His voice icy-cold as he spoke, " You are a threat. I cannot afford any threats to my spouse."

With those chilling words, the other Binghe raised his blade high, its reflection catching the dim light- “Ah He! Xīngān Bǎobèi~” A very loud voice boomed, startling the both of them.

Binghe’s eyes widened. It couldn’t be. He had killed the owner of that voice when he was but a teenager-  

Dichan Shaoye was also older and also plump in this universe . Actually plump was being kind .  

He was huge, especially his tummy. 

He waddled over, beaming. “There you are, my Da Ben Dan! Now, I know I said I wanted some fresh lotus pudding , but it isn’t a ‘must’, you know-” Almond eyes caught sight of his shivering form. “ Ah He !” A plump hand tapped the older Binghe on his head. ‘What have I told you about showing off Zheng Yang around your cousins? Especially one so young!” The other Shaoye scolded. 

“Yes….My Cousin . He’s going soon, dearest .” Clarified the doppelgänger. There was something , Binghe decided , something very odd with the eyes both this Dichan Shaoye and the other Shen Qingqiu had . 

There was a certain warmth , a softness . 

The other Shen Qingqiu’s eyes had glowed a gentle sheen of green , the way the morning light fell on the bamboo leaves . 

This Dichan Shaoye’s eyes were the color of caramel . The color of caramel that a sugar seller melted till it glistened a warm amber in the sun . There was kindness in those eyes , a warmth there that he never had .  This Shaoye gave him a wide , friendly smile , 

Bingge actually jumped at the intensity of it , of how weird it was to see a grown up  and alive Shaoye not sneering or being vicious . “ Awwww . Lookit him ! He looks just like you when you were a wee bun !” 

Yup . Yup . 

He definitely was not back in his correct universe . 

A friendly and fat Dichan Shaoye who seemed excited to see him .Who was wearing a crown that Luo Binghe had been crowned with . 

A seething version of himself decked in complementary colors that screamed that this alternate self had been content to merely be a consort , rather than rule , horrors of horrors  . 

“That one is going. He is an -an orphan! And a troublemaker to boot!”

That. That was the wrong thing to say. 

This other Dichan Shaoye’s eyes went large and sympathetic as almond eyes eyed his now tiny form. 

“Ah He . It’s getting late . He’s so little . When I was that age , I would want a chaperone to take me home or at least wait for morning .” Binghe tried not to grin as the puppy dog eyes worked on the man this alternate self of his had actually consented to marry . Shaoye shifted closer to the other Binghe . 

The other Binghe harrumphed but even a fool could see he was softening . “Let him ! It'll teach him a lesson about running off  from the orphanage! His side of the family  is nothing but trouble . We have had enough of it !” “Xingan . All children are trouble . We could take it as child-rearing practice .” Shaoye suggested . 

Finally . After much eye rolling and acting as though he had a tooth removed ,the other Binghe stomped over . Binghe yelped as he was dragged up . “ Listen here , little beast . “ The other Binghe growled , voice chillingly soft . “ You step one toe out of line , you cause anything to even inconvenience my Ah Shao . As soon as my husband turns his back , I’ll gut you and feed your remains to the goldfish.” 

“What was that ?” 

Binghe rolled his eyes as the other Binghe all beams looked up . “ Oh . I told him we have lovely goldfish . “ “ Lovely ? We have the best goldfish in the land !” “ 

Binghe bristled , debating whether to kill this irritating version of himself . 

Then pain hit him. Blinding pain. His whole world shook. 

Pain was him, and he was one with pain . It would go on forever, and ever- 

“ The sword .” Bingge looked up sluggishly , and realized he was being pinned to a side by his copy and straddling his chest was his childhood tormentor feeding healing Qi into his body . The pain was subsiding . He had been having a Qi deviation.

Like the other Shen Qingqiu , Binghe got the odd sense of someone wearing the mask of Dichan Shaoye .  Binghe had never seen his Shaoye look so concerned or serious , or be that gentle . 

“Bing-ge. Move away from the sword .”

Despite the firmness in that voice , there was no disguising the soft worry in it . Luo Binghe is the ruler of thousands of kingdoms. He has ground millions under his heel. People are the ones who obey his orders and never vice versa. Yet he obeys this alternate world’s Shaoye . 

Curious. Curious indeed. 

—-

 

When Xin mo was resealed tightly within layers upon layers of paper talismans, did the other Shaoye finally relax, turning to him. “There . We will keep it in close proximity till you feel you are well enough to leave , if you want to.”

 

Luo Binghe at present was swaddled like a damn baby , and was lying in a cot. He glowered at his tormentors. He scowled even more as this only elicited cooing from this Shaoye and his guest. 

 

To top off an already terrible day, not only had he just had two qi deviations, the first of which drained him till he was but the form of a child, the second severely weakened him again. But ,his alternate world had a still living and equally huge Dichan Mingfan, who was the other guest. 

 

“Whatta cutie!” Mingfan squealed , reaching for him. Binghe paled.Please. No, no! 

 

Fat fingers gripped his cheek and painfully tweaked it.

 

They both then proceeded to squeal like a pair of old aunties would over the miserable toddler placed under their care whom they both treated like a stupid baby . Motherfucker. His ears ached from each bleat on how adorable and tiny he was! 

 

 “Sorry! Sorry!” Shaoye whispered at last when Mingfan was out of earshot and had gone to call more tormentors in …‘To see Ah He’s darlin’ little cousin!” 

 

“I know you are an adult . You are full grown. You are very capable and could kill me in a thousand different ways. Yes, you are the original Binghe-”

 

This piqued his interest.

 

‘Original’ Binghe?

 

He opened his mouth to query…

 

“But! You ! Are! So ! CUUUUUUUUUUUTE!” 

 

At this shriek that burst the windows, Luo Binghe whimpered as this call seemed to summon a horde of other guests . He recognized most of them as alternate universe versions of most of his principal harem. And two of them equally large as Mingfan and Shaoye were. 

 

Wait.

 

Qin Wanyue and Xiao Gongzhu were definitely pregnant…He turned a horrified gaze at the Dichans Mingfan and Shaoye who presently were tucking into ginger pudding that were served by helpful servants.

He needed to get well pronto and leave for that world with that gentle Shen Qingqiu , where men couldn’t get pregnant. Well, at least he hoped so. Point is, he needed to leave, stat! 

-----------

The air was thick with tension as Binghe, still in his child-like form, hid behind a cluster of trees. He could hear the soft footsteps .The voice of Dichan Shaoye calling out for him, clearly determined to find the hidden child.This marked his twentieth escape attempt to date. He didn't care if he still needed rest , according to the medics. Staying here every minute only hammered in this was not the world for him. He-

"Binghe, where did you go? ," Shaoye's voice drifted through the air, mingling with the rustling leaves. Binghe's heart pounded in his chest .He couldn't understand why Shaoye was searching for him, reaching out with this unexpected compassion. This version of Shaoye was nothing like the sociopath he knew in his own world. The unfamiliar feeling of being cared for confused him, tugging at the depths of his hardened heart. Binghe clutched his small fists, feeling a mixture of gratitude and unease.

As the moments passed, Shaoye unintentionally drifted off in the wrong direction, his calls fading away. Binghe's tiny form trembled with a mixture of relief and despair. Relief that he had evaded detection for now but despair over the tangled emotions that consumed him.

He couldn't deny the growing attraction he felt towards Shaoye, just as he had experienced with the kind Shen Qingqiu in the first alternate world. It disgusted him to admit it, for Shaoye was plain in appearance compared to the beauty that was Shen Qingqiu. 

To make matters worse, Shaoye carried the child of his alternate self, a fact that twisted Binghe's emotions into knots.

"Why? Why would I be attracted to a pregnant man?" he muttered, his frustration echoing through the quiet forest. "I miss the gentle Shen Qingqiu, but now I am drawn to someone who I never thought I could..."

His voice trailed off as he buried his face in his knees, his body wracked with confusion. The weight of his past deeds and desires bore down on him, causing a wave of helplessness to wash over him. He longed for the simplicity of his original goal – To find the gentle Shen Qingqiu – but now he was lost in a sea of conflicting emotions.

Binghe groaned, unable to escape the tangled web of his own heart. The realization that he may never find what he sought, that he may never be able to truly reconcile his desires, left him feeling adrift in an unfamiliar world.

As he huddled on the forest floor, the sound of his own despair mingled with the distant rustling of leaves, echoing the turmoil within him.

—

As Luo Binghe sat, lost in his own thoughts, contemplating confusing emotions, he felt a strong grip on the back of his clothing, yanking to his feet. Startled, looked up to see his alternate, clad in blue, down at him with disdain.

"You truly are nothing but trouble," The Other Binghe snapped , voice dripping with disdain. "I hope you are happy, making poor Ah Shao run ragged looking for you ! Up! Up!”

Anger flared within him. " It is that fatty’s problem if he wants to run around looking for one who does not want to be found.” 

The other Binghe's  grip tightened on Luo Binghe's clothing. "You may be injured and weak, but that doesn't excuse your attitude or you intruding on our lives. My life was peaceful until you showed up and disrupted everything." He spat , voice laced with contempt.

 Luo Binghe's temper flared. " Well, I didn't ask for your life to be disturbed! Do you think I wanted to be dragged here on purpose?!"

His plea seemed to do little to soften the Other Binghe's apathetic stance. He continued to pull Luo Binghe along without a moment's pause. "You expect me to believe that? A convenient excuse to justify your meddling in my life?" He retorted sharply.``You better not run off again. My husband is already worried sick for you.I may despise you, but he clearly cares for you!"

They entered the bustling streets of the border town. Luo Binghe's already vulnerable heart sank further as he caught glimpses of families happily strolling together, mothers cradling their infants in their arms while fathers playfully ruffled their children's hair.

The sight served as a painful reminder of the family Luo Binghe had longed for but never had. It stirred something deep within him, a longing for the love and affection he had been denied his entire life. 

But this alternate world's Luo Binghe had found it, married Dichan Shaoye ,even been blessed with a child on the way.

Luo Binghe's exhaustion and longing only grew more apparent as they trudged through the city. Every step felt heavier than the last, and his body ached from the strain. The Other Binghe glanced back, his stern expression momentarily faltering as he noticed the child's weariness.

"You…you're not well, are you?" the Other Binghe finally conceded, his voice tinged with a hint of concern.

Luo Binghe raised his gaze, meeting the older version's eyes. "I've traveled through countless worlds, draining my strength each time using Xinmo. I never expected to end up here, in your world," he admitted, his voice filled with weariness. "All I wanted was to find…” The image of the gentle Shen Qingqiu from the alternate realm floated before him then the image of this world’s Shaoye, laughing and indulgent , holding out a spoon of hot porridge to him, appeared. 

   “-I just wanted to find true love.” 

The other Binghe stared at him, considering these words. Black eyes gleaming, unfathomable. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but then bit his lips before turning around. The tight grip on Binghe’s hand lessened, and now as they walked, the other no longer dragged the child to their destination. 

–

Binghe couldn't help but notice the grandeur and prosperity that surrounded  them as they continued walking through the bustling streets of the kingdom, marveling at the exquisite architecture and the serene atmosphere. It was a stark contrast to the ruins his world's Shaoye had left behind.   The cloth market, in particular, caught Luo Binghe's attention.

The market was a riot of colors and patterns, filled with stalls displaying exquisite fabrics. Silk garments, embroidered robes, and flowing veils adorned the stalls, each more beautiful than the last. People crowded around, their eyes wide with awe and excitement. Binghe gathered from passing tourists that the Citadel had not only retained its grip on the title of the fashion capital of the cultivation world but monopolized the trade in fabric.

His gaze fell upon a grand structure, reaching towards the sky.Luo Binghe couldn't help but ask, "What is this monument for?" 

The other Binghe glanced at the monument. Sadness flickered in his eyes. "It's a memorial to the victims of slavery. Slavery has been abolished here , this serves as a reminder of the past, so we may never forget the suffering that once occurred."

Upon reaching the Grandest manor, the other Binghe led him through its opulent corridors, passing by  a grand hall where a meeting was taking place. Binghe peeked inside and gasped at the sight before him. It was Dichan Shaoye, radiant and regal, addressing a gathering of advisors and officials.  

The child listened intently, his mind filled with a mix of emotions. He couldn't fathom how this Shaoye, who was so kind and compassionate, could be the same person he knew in his world. 

What had caused such a stark difference? Was it the same reason that created an alternate Shen Qingqiu?

The advisors informed Shaoye there was a town stricken by drought. Unruffled, Shaoye had an idea to alleviate it as well as solve another town that was suffering from floods by digging canals to divert the flood waters and aid the drought stricken town. 

Binghe listened in rapt attention and increasing respect as such a conundrum was solved in mere seconds without shouting , but by the ingenuity of its ruler. 

 "He's... incredible," Luo Binghe managed to utter, feeling a strange mix of envy and admiration.

The other Binghe nodded. "Indeed, he is. I'm proud to call him my husband."

In his world, Dichan Shaoye was a sadistic sociopath who brought nothing but chaos and suffering. He had never imagined that this alternate version of Shaoye could be so different. It piqued his curiosity further, wondering what caused such a divergence.

The blue-clad Binghe led him back to the guest room, recommending he rest. Yet his mind whirred with a thousand thoughts. Humans and demons lived in harmony here . Poverty seemed but a relic of the past in this land ruled by Shaoye who had been voted into power. The love and respect by the people for Shaoye was undeniable. 

Binghe couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. In his world, he was the one who had to conquer and force the citizens of each kingdom he conquered to bend to his heel. Yet this Shaoye had been willingly voted , and the other Binghe was happy enough not being a ruler! Not having a harem!

Lying down, he reflected on the countless worlds he had traversed, all in search of the gentle Shen Qingqiu he had met, only to land in the universe of a kind Shaoye. It seemed that fate played strange games, creating mirrors of his cruel world in unexpected ways.

 

Notes:

Two chapters more till the end ;3333

Chapter 51: There is no place like home

Summary:

Happy News year's eve y'all ;3 Tomorrow I plan on uploading the last chapter, so stay tuned! Thank you once again for all y'all, support! :)

The sun cast its warm golden rays upon the peaceful landscape as Luo Binghe stood before the gate of a quaint, familiar courtyard. With a deep breath, he adjusted the child-sized robes draped over his small frame, feeling the unfamiliar fabric brush against his skin. This alternate world had stripped him of his adult prowess, rendering him powerless and vulnerable.

As the gate creaked open, Binghe hesitantly stepped inside, his eyes scanning the surroundings until they found the person he sought – The Other Shaoye. His tormentor in his own world, yet here, this other Shaoye possessed an unfamiliar kindness that both baffled and comforted Binghe.

"Binghe, you're on time!" The other Shaoye greeted him warmly, his face adorned with a genuine smile "Now, shall we get going? The flowers are beautiful this time of the year. There is a perfect spot for book-reading!"

Binghe nodded silently, still grappling with the dissonance between the Shaoye he knew and this friendly soul before him. They strolled through the courtyard and soon, the vibrant splendor of the Grandest Manor’s gardens unfolded before them.

As they walked, Shaoye chattered vivaciously. "How have you been, Binghe? I hope you're comfortable here."  

Binghe couldn't help but feel a blend of resentment and confusion. This Shaoye never had ill-treated his Binghe, and treated him, a total stranger with a tenderness he had never experienced before-He yelped.  The other Shaoye had suddenly picked him up effortlessly, cradling him. Startled, Binghe found himself enveloped in a secure embrace, ignoring the whispers of his own pride. " I can walk by myself," Binghe protested , scowling fiercely at the other,  despite the nurturing warmth around him felt oddly comforting.

"Sorry. Sorry!," Shaoye laughed, gently setting the pouting boy down. "I sometimes forget that you're an adult inside a child's body. Let's find a nice spot for our book-reading, shall we?"

They settled down under the shade of a blossoming tree, the air filled with the fragrance of flowers and the cheerful chirping of birds. Shaoye pulled out a book, his voice resonating with soothing rhythm as he read out stories to Binghe. 

But Binghe was too busy sulking, lost in brooding.

Just this morning, Shaoye had come in to help him get dressed. Binghe had tried to do it himself, but Shaoye had insisted. He had even combed Binghe's hair for him, braiding it.

"I can do it myself," Binghe had said, his voice tight with anger.

Shaoye smiled brightly. "I know you can, Binghe. But I want to help. You're still a child, after all."

Binghe ground his teeth together at this memory, one of many . He was not a child! He was Luo Binghe, the Demon Lord! But Shaoye didn't seem to understand. He treated Binghe like a fragile little thing, someone who needed to be protected.

It was maddening.

He despised being treated like a child, even though he was physically bound to the form of one.   He yearned to be seen as an adult, as the powerful ruler he truly was. The child form he now possessed limited his abilities and challenged his authority. Yet, as much as he longed for independence, he couldn't deny the undeniable pull that the other Shaoye had on him.

The other Shaoye was not an ethereal beauty like Shen Qingqiu had been. If Shen Qingqiu had been a proud , lofty immortal, then Shaoye was homely, there was an earthiness and warmth to him that Binghe could not help longing for. What is so special about those other Binghes? Why do they get their one true loves handed to them so easily. 

Was he the cursed one? 

He couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if he were the one standing by the other Shaoye's side, watching over him and their child.

His boiling point reached when Shaoye patted his head , like one would dotingly bestow on their beloved child.

Binghe's voice trembled as he shoved the offending hand off his head . "Stop pitying me! I may be trapped in this body, but that does not make me any less capable! I am Luo Binghe, not a helpless child!" 

He jumped up, panting. His demon mark blazed crimson, his claws sharpened…Yet the other Shaoye only looked at him with those damnable , soft eyes-  “ I have endured countless hardships, escaped from organ harvesters, been enslaved by my own Shaoye, and suffered under the cruel hand of my teacher, Shen Qingqiu. I have climbed to the apex of power through rivers of blood ,through mountains of bones. I am a ruler feared by all.  Spare me your sympathy!"

His words echoed through the room, heavy with the weight of his tumultuous past. Binghe's gaze hardened, his memories flickering before his eyes like the images of a nightmare. The scarred remnants of those years still haunted him, stitched into his very soul.

 As Binghe recollected his past, anger began to melt away, replaced by a lingering ache in his heart. His struggles had been countless, his suffering immeasurable. But amidst it all, he had always been alone. The cruelty of existence, both in his world and beyond, had taught him one thing—no one would ever be there for him. 

Then without a word, Dichan Shaoye wrapped his arms around the boy, pulling him into a warm, comforting embrace. The unexpected gesture caught Binghe off guard, his anger , his grief momentarily silenced. 

"I know of all the horrors you have suffered, Binghe," Other-Shaoye whispered softly, his voice carrying nothing but sincere truth. "But my kindness towards you is not born out of pity. It is because the thought of any Binghe suffering alone in any universe breaks my heart." 

As the realization dawned on him, Binghe's defensive stance crumbled. The weight of his past burdens felt so much heavier all of a sudden, and he longed for someone to share the load. 

Hesitantly, he allowed Other-Shaoye's comforting embrace, his small frame leaning into the warmth and security he hadn't realized he craved.

"You don't have to suffer alone anymore, Binghe," Other-Shaoye whispered softly, tenderly. "I can't change the past, but I can try to make up for the horrors you've endured. You deserve kindness, compassion, and love, just like anyone else. Please, let me be here for you."

Tears pricked at the corners of Binghe's eyes as the weight of the words sank in. For years, he had yearned for someone to acknowledge his pain, to understand what he had been through. 

And now, here was the Other-Shaoye, offering him exactly that. 

The dam burst, and his tears flowed shamefully freely, drenching the soft fabric of Shaoye's embrace. Despite being presently trapped in the body of a child. But in this moment, he allowed himself to be vulnerable, to acknowledge the pain that had shaped him into the tyrannical ruler he had become. 

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Luo Binghe cried freely, unapologetically. 

—

As the days passed, Luo Binghe found himself spending more and more time under the watchful eye of this world's Binghe. At first, Binghe was apprehensive about being in the presence of his alternate self, knowing the kind of power and danger he possessed. But as he observed this world's Binghe, he couldn't help but express confusion and a certain level of disbelief.

Unlike himself, this Binghe seemed content to serve as a loyal minister under his...Spouse

. The thought alone was baffling. Luo Binghe couldn't comprehend how he, a powerful tyrannical ruler, could ever be reduced to a mere subordinate. This other Binghe had no aspirations of ruling or gathering a harem; he had chosen to be loyal to only one entirely.

As he followed this world's Binghe on his daily routine, Binghe's curiosity grew each passing day . He watched as Binghe meticulously managed his duties, swiftly carrying them out with utmost devotion and competence. There was an air of respect surrounding him, whole Shaoye listened to his input  and entrusted the other Binghe with important tasks. It was puzzling how someone with his extraordinary abilities settled into a life of servitude.

But the most perplexing thing of all was Binghe's choice of partner. Luo Binghe had always been surrounded by an entourage of beautiful individuals, eagerly vying for his affections. In his world, his first crush had been Shen Qingqiu, a man of breathtaking beauty and intelligence, and later he had fallen for that alternate world’s gentle Shen Qingqiu who had been no less a beauty.

 However, in this world, Binghe had chosen Shaoye, a man who possessed not the physical allure Binghe was accustomed to. 

After spending days in silent contemplation, the moment arrived when Luo Binghe could no longer suppress his confusion and sought answers from the other Binghe himself. 

"Tell me, you." He ordered imperiously, ignoring a curled lip from the other man. "How can you, a man of such strength and potential, be content with serving another? How can you be satisfied with such a humble existence? And why did you choose Shaoye, when there were so many others who would have offered you the prestige that comes with beauty or of pleasure beyond measure?"

The other Binghe glared at him , angered by this very question.“There is more to life than just power and conquest .True happiness, this one believes, lies not in ruling over others, but in cherishing those we hold dear, and finding contentment in their happiness. Beauty, too, can be found in the depths of a person's soul, rather than merely in their appearance ... .And how dare you, my Shaoye is beautiful beyond compare!" 

“ Yeah. Just one . And a puny male . Surely you must be bored .”The other Binghe gives him an unimpressed flat look. “ I married him for his spirit and personality , the fact he stood by me and fought for me through two civil wars . The sex happens to be pretty hot , which is a bonus . I would have married him even if he had no interest in sex which thankfully he does . And please.  We both jolly well know we had an embarrassing teenage crush on our dear Shizun and look where that ended up .”   Binghe is silent as the other Binghe snorts at the thought in disgust . Clearly the other had moved on . Thought his short , grumpy spouse who had a scream loud enough to shatter glass when he disagreed with certain crummy belles lettres was worth ten of Shizun . 

“ Well . How does it fit . “ Binghe slowly makes a crude hand sign and a tiny hole . “He’s tiny . Even if you made him drink your blood which you are extremely proud of the fact you did not , I doubt it would have not been painless for even you given the fit .... You two are expecting one biological kid . Explain .”

The other Binghe turned pink . “ That is confidential . “ He huffs . “But let me say it was a case of do it or don’t die.”

“And well … “ He smiled ,” It came via a blessing wrapped in a curse . A supposedly botched cursed spring water that had everyone who drank it who had … Sexual intercourse , pregnant .” 

 

The other Binghe's happiness stemmed from his deeds and his contributions to society, rather than the pursuit of power and control. In this world, his demonic heritage was not a mark of shame but of respect. People admired him for the person he had become, not simply for his bloodline. But why and how? Even in his universe, he had been feared for his heavenly demonic blood. But in this Citadel, the other Binghe walked with his head held high as anyone else.

"Tell me more about this world you live in," He requested, his curiosity piqued.

The other Binghe, mollified by the rare respect , patiently explained. " Shaoye has cultivated a society where demons and humans are treated equally," he explained. "It's a place where one's worth is determined by their deeds and contributions rather than their bloodline or origins. Through his efforts, he has ushered in a new era of harmony and acceptance."

Binghe marveled at the concept, realizing that this acceptance and equality brought genuine happiness to the other Binghe. And course it did. 

  The other Binghe had status, power, and a supportive family—the very things he had craved. 

Everything he had fought and killed for seemed so trivial compared to the fulfillment he witnessed in this world.Binghe couldn't help but acknowledge the stark contrast between their lives. The other Binghe had found acceptance, love, and purpose within the arms of his family and even society itself. He had power, status, and a real home to return to—A life Binghe had yearned for but had been denied. 

Before Luo Binghe could dwell further on his thoughts, the other Binghe turned to him with a curious glint in his eyes. "Tell me, alternate world's version of me, who comforted you through all the pain and sorrow that shaped you into the ruler you were?"

Luo Binghe's expression darkened, memories of a lonely journey etched deep within his soul. "I was alone," he admitted, his voice resolute. "I rose to power fueled by my own wrath and determination, with no one to offer me solace or guidance."

The Other Binghe bit his lips. “I-I take it that your Shaoye is not like mine in any way ?” Despite him asking this question, there was a hidden knowledge in those eyes. Binghe narrowed his eyes at the expression. The other Binghe seemed to know that his Shaoye was nothing like the Other Shaoye , yet acted as though he didn’t know anything about Binghe’s original world by asking this question. Curious. 

Nonetheless, he answered,voice turning cold as he replied, "In my world, Shaoye was the embodiment of cruelty and malice. He tormented me relentlessly in my youth. He grew to become a sociopathic dandy who took joy in tormenting any he crossed paths with. He seized power of the Golden Citadel by force just because he felt entitled to that position.”

The other Binghe's eyes widened in shock. "No wonder you became what you did .”

"In my world, after  seizing power , Shaoye became a despot who inflicted pain and suffering upon others without remorse. “ Binghe's gaze hardened as he recalled the vicious acts his Shaoye had committed. "I had no choice but to kill him in a particularly gruesome fashion in public to make an example," He admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and regret. "He had caused so much pain, not just to me but to countless others. His actions left me with no other option."

The other Binghe recoiled in horror. "You're a murderer !" he accused,voice filled with disbelief and disgust, tears filling his wide obsidian eyes.”How could you?!” 

Binghe's eyes narrowed, a hint of defiance in his voice. "And what was he? A sadistic monster who reveled in the suffering of others. I ended his rule of terror for the greater good."

There was a tense hush between them as the weight of their words hung heavy in the air. To think, it was but luck and circumstances that shaped them both. It was the Other Luo Binghe who broke the stifling quiet at last.

"I can't help but think... if my Shaoye had been as cruel as yours, I might have become just like you. Perhaps the reason I've been so ill at ease with you is that I'm realizing it all took was the absence of love, and I would have become …Well, you."   

A wave of emotion surged through Binghe, who flinched as though he had been flayed open, at these words. Feeling an unbearable surge of helplessness, he abruptly stood up, unable to bear the sympathetic gaze in the other Binghe's eyes any longer.

In that moment, as Binghe stormed off, a myriad of conflicting emotions tore at his heart. He felt anger — anger at the circumstances that had shaped him into a ruthless ruler, anger at his own choices, and anger at the universe for birthing alternate realities where he could have been different.

Happier.

 But beneath that anger, there was a deep well of sadness, an unquenchable ache for the love and support he had never known.

—---

Lost in despair, Binghe found himself called out for dinner yet he was too disconsolate to even respond. As he sat alone in his guest room, tears streaming down his face, the door creaked open. It was Shaoye, gently poking his head inside, concern etched on his features.

Shaoye approached him cautiously, his voice soft and comforting. "Hey, buddy. I heard about your conversation with my Binghe. “ 

The bed creaked under his bulk as he sat next to the sobbing child. “Y’wanna talk, buddy?." Binghe looked up at Shaoye, his vision blurred but relief flooding his heart.

"Shaoye," Binghe choked out between sobs, "if I had someone like you, someone who believed in me, someone who supported me, would I have remained kind? Could I have escaped the path of wrath and conquest?"

Shaoye's gaze softened, his hand gently pressing against the child’s trembling fingers. " Oh, Binghe. it is natural to ponder these 'what if's' in our lives. But remember, true strength lies not in the power we accumulate but in the choices we make. No matter your past or your circumstances, it is never too late to embrace a different path." 

With those words, Binghe felt a flicker of hope in his heart. Perhaps, he could change his destiny. 

Binghe took a deep breath, gathering the courage to reveal the truth that lay heavy on his heart. "Shaoye, I... I went world-hopping, searching for an alternate version of Shen Qingqiu whom I met by chance in an alternate world by luck. I think he could be my one true love..." His voice trailed off, his eyes filling with a mix of hope and apprehension.

To his surprise, Shaoye's face brightened with genuine joy. "Binghe, that is wonderful news! If anyone is deserving of such love, it is you. I encourage you on your quest! I believe with all my heart that you can find the happiness you seek."

Binghe couldn't help but be moved by Shaoye's unwavering support. For the first time, he allowed himself to hope that there might be a chance for him to escape the cycle of darkness that had plagued his existence-

Suddenly, a sharp cramp coursed through Shaoye's lower abdomen, causing him to jolt. Instinctively, his hand tightly clutched his belly. The pain struck with unexpected intensity, leaving him momentarily unable to move. Almond eyes widened in a mix of surprise and realization.

"Binghe," Shaoye called out,  voice slightly strained. "S-something's h-happenin’ . I think the baby might be coming."

Binghe gulped, eyes widening in panic. “Whu-uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh?”

Shaoye took a deep breath as another wave of pain washed over him. "Ow. H-hey, bud. Could ya be a dear n’ call my Binghe and maybe a d-doctor , like n-now?”  

This was what happened next. Dichan Shaoye leaned against the guest bed, his hand gently rubbing circles on his swollen belly as he tried to steady shaky breathing. Trying his ding-dang best not to scream in laughter as Luo Binghe, formerly zhongdian’s unrivaled stallion protagonist, ran around in a blind panic around the room , till he, the pregnant one called out again. Directing the frantic full-grown man trapped in a child’s body , out of the door to find said doc and said husband. 

He sniggered as with unseemly haste, did Luo Bing-ge* kicked up his little legs, speeding down , likely to get away from the scene of likely messy impending birth. 

Cute. 

No matter what universe he came from, Luo Binghe deep down always would be a cutie. Oh yesiree, indeed. 

—

Luo Binghe has never attended any of his children’s births. He might attend their birthdays provided they reached the age of adulthood , if they survived the intrigues of the harem. Only the strong who survived, were worthy. Here though….

Shaoye looked radiant . He was still chubby, a mess , but there was something so soft and beautiful when he gazed down at the crying baby .

Pure power radiated from the child .  A glowing mark on his forehead indicated…

“ Oh . He’s strong , this one is  . Dad is going to be pleased .”  A quarter half breed this one might be , power radiated from the newborn . No wonder Shaoye had been so weak , the child had likely sapped his energy . 

Shaoye then chuckled  ,lifting the child up to be passed to his father.The newborn looked far more like Binghe , albeit those dark eyes were thickly lashed , and those signature wisps of wavy hair albeit obsidian adorned that tiny head . 

  Beside him stood the other Binghe, looking awestruck and completely enamored by their child. Binghe couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy mixed with longing deep within his heart.

As if on cue, the door to the room swung open, revealing Ye, Shaoye's father. His eyes widened in delight as he caught sight of his son and grandchild. "Ah, m’ dear Shaoye, yeh've made me a proud father an' grandfather!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine joy. Shaoye's mother, Furen, followed behind him, her serene expression mirroring her husband's delight.

"Congratulations, my darling," Furen whispered as she approached Shaoye, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "You've built a beautiful family."

Binghe couldn't help but be captivated by their affectionate display. It was so vastly different from the cold and distant relationships he had witnessed in his own world. He strained his ears, catching snippets of their conversation.

"I-I had two of the best examples to follow ," Shaoye grinned.

 As Ye ushered in staff after staff all bearing toys and boxes of clothes for his grandson.  A hushed silence fell over the room as Tianlang-Jun and Suxiyan, Binghe's parents, entered.  

Binghe felt an ache in his chest, a pang of discomfort that rolled over him like a stormy sea.

Binghe turned away as his birth parents practically swarmed over the child . Tianlang - Jun lifted the baby , making ridiculous faces , raspberries . Su Xiyan, while silent , simply clutched the child to her breast when her turn came . Binghe was glad to see the other Binghe , oddly, turn away . 

“What are you going to name him?” Furen asked at last. 

“ Heyuan . Dichan Heyuan  *.” Shaoye grinned proudly . “Heyuan ?...Walled river?” 

“The River gave me my love . It is where life goes on . It is where the Citadel began .” Shaoye indicated he wanted to hobble over to the window . 

The other Binghe simply lifted him and their child up , ambling over to the window.

Bingge watched as the pair quietly talked amongst themselves. They laughed as their child stared out into the wide world as they were joined by both sets of their parents. Amidst the sea of joy and affection, Binghe couldn't help but feel out of place. This was a world where his parents still lived, where his counterpart had found love and happiness.Yet, he remained silent, an outsider looking in ,caught between the worlds, longing for the Shen- No, his soulmate. His true soulmate. 

—-

It was midnight, when Binghe detected a change within. His qi had started to circulate again, a surge of power rushed through his veins, causing him to regain his adult form. The transformation took him by surprise, but there was no time to dwell on it. He knew that his journey in this alternate world had come to an end.

He grabbed a brush and a piece of parchment. With a heavy heart and trembling hands, he began to write a letter to the other Shaoye who had taken him in. His heart poured out through the ink, confessing his odd feelings that had developed for him. But then, a bitter laugh escaped Binghe's lips .

"So this is what this world has done to me," he muttered to himself, his voice laced with a mixture of irony and self-deprecation.

Carefully, he canceled out the confession in his letter, tearing it into pieces as if it could erase the feelings he had just confessed to. "Weak," he scoffed in the empty room, his laughter echoing. "This world has turned me weak, kinder ." 

He placed the carefully re-written, appropriate letter on the table in the Shaoye and Binghe's bedroom, a silent farewell . His eyes lingered on the peaceful scene before him – The parents and the baby in bed - He looked away.  Binghe knew he could never have what this alternate Binghe possessed. He was merely an interloper in this world, and it was time for him to leave. The bitter taste of envy lingered on his tongue as he silently slipped out of the room and made his way towards the Luo river.

Walking along the river's edge, the moonlit water rippled softly, mirroring the turmoil within Binghe's heart. He knew there was one last thing he needed to do before departing. With determination in his eyes, he summoned the spirit of the Luo river, his ancestor, using a few drops of his own blood.

A figure bathed in the ethereal glow of the water materialized before him. Ancestor Luo regarded Binghe with a silent, knowing gaze.

"I feel lost," Binghe finally admitted, the weight of his words carried by the gentle breeze. "In this world, my master is kind, and Dichan Shaoye is not the same as the one I knew. They feel... different, yet strangely familiar, as if they are wearing masks of Shen Qingqiu and Dichan Shaoye respectively from my original world."

Ancestor Luo remained silent for a while,  eyes filled with ancient wisdom. Finally, he gestured for Binghe to walk alongside him.  

 As they strolled side by side, the waters of a nearby river flowing into the Luo River caught Binghe's attention.The waters responded to the ancestor's power, surging and twisting with an otherworldly might. The river seemed to come alive, shaping itself into vivid images and scenes, projected like a moving tapestry in front of Binghe's eyes.

Binghe watched in awe as the images unfolded, revealing countless worlds and timelines, each one bearing variations of his own reality. He saw familiar faces and unfamiliar ones, battles fought, and sacrifices made. The powers of his ancestor were infinite, able to glimpse into the tapestry of countless possible destinies.

“The star of fates.” said Luo, interrupting Binghe's amazed silence.” It is said that this star falls for a person who will change the course of history. It then takes human form, becoming the catalyst of destiny. In my own timeline, the star that fell for me became Zuxian. But I was foolish and let him slip away. In his despair, he ended his own life." 

The first Heavenly demonic emperor paused , waiting for his words to sink in.

"The stars told me that Zu Xian became a person called Shen Yuan . In every timeline I’ve checked thus far . A person called Shen Yuan would enter the body of an irredeemable villain and save my descendant . “ 

Binghe's eyes widened,  heart pounding with a mix of hope and disbelief. No wonder these alternate universe versions of Shen Qingqiu and Shaoye had been so different from his universe's counterparts, but had felt so familiar. They both possessed the same soul- Shen Yuan. Shen Yuan whom was his soul mate. "Shen Yuan? ....No wonder! No wonder I felt I knew Shaoye ! But...But,There are hundreds of worlds. How much longer do I spend searching? …What if I never meet him?"

Luo's laughter tinged with both fondness and a touch of exasperation filled the air. "Silly whelp. If you keep questioning, you will never find what you seek. Go, traverse the worlds, and seek out your Shen Yuan. He may be stuck up a tree somewhere, waiting for your arrival."

Binghe couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of it all. "Up a tree? That is a possibility, I suppose."

"That's the spirit," Luo replied, a hint of laughter in his voice. "In the grand tapestry of existence, nothing is certain. But you can only find what you seek if you venture forth with determination. Go, Luo Binghe, and search for your Shen Yuan. The stars have spoken, and they rarely lead us astray."

With those reassuring words, Luo's presence began to fade, returning to the river he embodied. Binghe watched as the spirit merged with the flowing waters. The youth feeling a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

Heartened by Luo's words, grasping Xinmo, he knew what he had to do. With a surge of determination, he tore open a dimensional rift yet again, stepping through to yet another world, hoping to finally find his Shen Yuan.

*******

As he emerged, Luo Binghe found himself standing in a place he had never seen before.

Or rather, first smelt.

Every corner of this assaulted his senses, deepening his repulsion. It seemed as though years of neglect had taken their toll, leaving behind a putrid stench that mingled with the musty air, assaulting his delicate nose. Luo Binghe could not comprehend how someone could live in such squalor.

 It was a peculiar place, unlike anything he had ever seen before. It appeared to be the inside of some kind of hovel. But , having grown up in one, even calling this place a hovel was being kind. 

The gray walls were covered in thousands of artwork, each one depicting him and his life as though it were a story. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he observed these unfamiliar scenes of himself, his mind struggling to comprehend the concept of such artwork plastering the walls. 

Carefully stepping over piles of rubbish, he lifted his foot to find it sinking into a squishy mess. A type of flatbread, to which stuck some kind of sticky yellowish sauce commingling with circles of sliced meat , of which oozed beneath his heel. He retracted it only to step into a sort of box containing leftover soggy noodles. 

With a squeak of disgust, Binghe quickly retracted his foot yet again, only to disturb a nest of cockroaches hidden beneath the mess. They scattered frantically, causing his skin to crawl with revulsion. 

The bed, if it could still be called that, was stained and cluttered with various items. Among the volumes of books depicting his exploits under the title 'Proud Immortal Demon's Way,' he noticed several stuffed dolls that bore a striking resemblance to him hidden under the dog-eared tomes. 

His jaw then dropped in mortification as his gaze landed on a long pillow adorned with his naked likeness, of which appeared to be stained with unsavory substances. The mere sight of it caused his face to flush with mortification.

"What a dump!" Binghe squeaked, unable to contain his revulsion any longer.  “What a dump!”   The realization that he was standing in the midst of such filth, surrounded by representations of himself and his life, only intensified this discomfort.

An unholy urge to find a broom and start cleaning this wretched place overwhelmed him , when suddenly, a voice pierced the air, cursing vehemently from within the flat. "Fuck, Shen Yuan! Get it together, you moron! You can finish that damn thesis on fashion history!" The frustration in the voice was palpable, echoing through the cramped space. 

The sound of the voice sent a shiver down Binghe's spine. It felt oddly familiar yet distant at the same time. As the door swung open, revealing the figure before him, time seemed to stand still. 

Their eyes met, and he gasped, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions and the sudden realization that filled his heart. Tears gathered in his eyes, threatening to spill over, as he choked out the words that had been trapped within him for so long. "Oh, Shen Yuan. It IS you."

Chapter 52: The end for real

The setting sun cast a warm, orange glow across the vast expanse of grasslands as Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan continued their journey. They had been traveling for months, exploring different lands and encountering countless wonders along the way. Shen Qingqiu had always been reserved and cautious, but ever since their exile, he seemed to be slowly healing, with Yue Qingyuan's unwavering support.

As they continued their adventure , the wind whistled through their hair, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves provided a symphony of nature's song. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but be captivated by the extraordinary beauty of the world outside the cultivator's realm.

Yue Qingyuan's infectious laughter broke the silence, bringing Shen Qingqiu back to reality. "Qingqiu, look at this waterfall! Isn't it magnificent?" he exclaimed, pointing towards a cascading torrent of water that glistened in the sunlight.

Shen Qingqiu gazed at the mesmerizing sight, compelled to admit, "It is undoubtedly breathtaking. Nature has its own way of enchanting us."

Yue Qingyuan cast a tender glance at his beloved, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "Indeed, nature has its healing powers. It nurtures our souls and helps us find solace amidst our hardships."

Shen Qingqiu observed his companion, realizing just how lucky he was to have someone like Yue Qingyuan by his side. It had been a difficult journey for both of them, as they navigated through unfamiliar lands and faced the residual traumas of their past. But throughout it all, Yue Qingyuan's unwavering support and unwavering love had given him the strength to move forward.

As they continued their journey, Shen Qingqiu noticed a  small city up ahead, and within its walls , stood a bustling market- The wind carried the scent of spices and the cheerful chatter of people. Curiosity sparked within him, overcoming his usual reservation. "Qingyuan, shall we stop and explore? It seems to be an intriguing place."

Yue Qingyuan's eyes twinkled with anticipation. "Of course! Let us take a break from our travels and immerse ourselves in the vibrancy of human life."

They strolled through the vibrant market, their arrival attracting curious glances from the locals. Shen Qingqiu had always been cautious around others, especially men, due to his traumatic past. But with Yue Qingyuan at his side, he felt a protective shield enveloping him, allowing him to focus on the beautiful sights and sounds surrounding them.

Children darted past them, their laughter echoing through the narrow streets. Vendors displayed their goods, their enthusiastic shouts vying for the attention of potential customers. Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan indulged themselves , sampling exotic fruits, observing skilled artisans at work, and enjoying the lively banter of the locals.

As dusk painted the sky with hues of purple and gold, Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan made their way out , their hearts filled with newfound joy and tranquility. The passage of time had not only deepened their bond but had also brought a gradual healing to Shen Qingqiu's wounded soul.

With each passing day, as they traversed lands filled with amazing sights and sounds, Shen Qingqiu found himself shedding the shackles of his past, learning to embrace the beautiful world outside the realm of cultivators. And in these precious moments, he discovered that healing was indeed possible, especially when one had the unwavering love of someone like Yue Qingyuan by their side.

—-

Years had passed since Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan embarked on their journey together, wandering through the lands that stretched far and wide. With each step, their bond grew stronger, their love deepening like the roots of an ancient tree. Shen Qingqiu, though haunted by the memories of his past, began to heal in the warmth of Yue Qingyuan's affection.

One sunny morning, as the pair wandered through a bustling town, a speck of tranquility in the chaos caught their attention in the distance. They followed the sound of rustling leaves, their curiosity guiding them towards a hidden treasure - a bamboo forest.

The forest seemed to stretch endlessly, as though whispering secrets to those who dared to venture within. The air was fragrant with the sweet scent of bamboo, and the sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting a dappled glow upon the ground. Shen Qingqiu's reserved expression morphed into amazement, his eyes widening in awe.

"Yue-shixiong, have you ever seen such beauty?" he whispered, breaking the silence.

Yue Qingyuan grinned, his eyes shining with delight. "Never, Qingqiu-shidi. It's as though we've stumbled upon a world untouched by time."

Hand in hand, they ventured deeper into the forest, their footsteps taking them through the path that seemed to appear just for them. With each step, the air grew cooler, and the sound of a nearby river became more distinct. Finally, they stumbled upon a clearing, where the bamboo stood tall, swaying with the gentle breeze. It was a spot so exquisite that words failed to capture its true essence.

Shen Qingqiu looked around, taking in the view. "Qingyuan , this is it. I can feel it in my bones. This is the spot where our cottage will be."

Yue Qingyuan squeezed his hand, a smile adorning his face. "Yes, Qingqiu. It feels like destiny has carved this place for us."

Together, they set to work, crafting their dream cottage from the surrounding resources. Shen Qingqiu, with his steady hands and meticulous nature, added his touch to the construction, while Yue Qingyuan's expertise in carpentry brought their vision to life. With the help of the bamboo's sturdy stalks and the steady flow of the nearby river, their cottage began to take shape.

Days turned into weeks as they labored, their quiet companionship filling the air with a sense of purpose and happiness. Shen Qingqiu's lingering sorrow and the marks of the horrors he had experienced seemed to melt away amidst their shared laughter and tender moments. The forest, their sanctuary, became a place where healing truly began.

Finally, on a sunny afternoon, when the final touches were complete, they stood hand in hand, admiring their creation. Their eyes met, and a deep understanding passed between them. They had found their home, a safe haven nestled within the bamboo.

—-

Soon after their home was complete , Yue Qingqyiaj proposed to Shen Qingqiu , and they set a date for the wedding to take place in their new home. 

As the first rays of the morning sun peeked through the dense bamboo forest, casting a soft, golden glow upon the tranquil river, Shen Qingqiu stood at the water's edge,  gaze fixed upon the mesmerizing sight before him. The river's gentle current lapped against his skin, inviting him to immerse himself in its refreshing embrace. Then, he disrobed and stepped into the clear waters.

With each step inching closer to the water, the worries and burdens of his past seemed to melt away. Shen Qingqiu waded into the river, feeling the coolness enveloping his body.  

The water embraced him, its caress soothing his tired body, reminding him that despite the many hardships he had faced, moments like these were reminders of the beauty that still existed in the world. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to surrender to the sensation and relish in the simple pleasures of life.

A playful smile danced upon his lips as he reached out to pluck a handful of lotus flowers from the river, their petals delicate and fragrant. These simple treasures he had found upon the waters would serve as his natural soap, their sweet scent clinging to his skin, infusing his every pore with their essence.

Rising from the water, droplets cascaded down his alabaster skin like liquid diamonds. Shen Qingqiu's ethereal beauty was heightened in this vulnerable state, his raven hair clinging to his shoulders and back as his narrow waist accentuated the curves of his lithe form. He stood, a vision of otherworldly grace, feeling the gentle caress of the spring breeze against his bare flesh.

With his robes cradled in his arms, Shen Qingqiu sauntered back towards the cottage. A mischievous smile played upon his lips as he reveled in the freedom of his nudity, uninhibited by societal constraints. He felt a surge of youthful exuberance within him, transcending time and space, reminding him of the carefree days of his youth.

Approaching the modest cottage, simplicity greeted him at its doorstep. The one-room abode stood in harmonious balance with nature, its wooden frame weathered by time yet still sturdy. It was a sanctuary, a place where Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan had created a haven for themselves away from the bustling world of cultivators.

A bronzed mirror sat atop a small vanity. Shen Qingqiu sat gracefully on the stool, his eyes focused as he applied the creams and perfumes he had meticulously crafted. With nimble fingers, he carefully adorned his visage with touches of color, enhancing his ethereal beauty. Each cream, each perfume, each touch of makeup was a labor of love, as he took joy in creating something exquisite for himself.

The creams were made from the lotus flowers he had gathered earlier - their essence carefully extracted and combined to form luxurious potions for his skin. The perfumes were crafted from the wildflowers that dotted the fields surrounding their cottage, their delicate fragrances a testament to the beauty of nature. Shen Qingqiu knew that these creations were special, for they were made with his own hands and woven with his own intentions.

As he finished his morning ritual, Shen Qingqiu admired himself in the bronzed mirror , before taking a deep breath, steadying his racing heart. He knew that Yue Qingyuan would love him just as he was, with or without the extra adornment. After all, it was their love that mattered most, not the external appearances.Still. He wanted to look beautiful, to feel beautiful on this most special of days. 

For , today was the day that his beloved Yue Qingyuan and him had decided to tie the knot in this small, private haven . They chose simplicity, a quiet ceremony meant only for their eyes and the heavens above. While the world might have condemned them, it could not take away their love, their bond.

Their wedding attire would be no different from their everyday robes, except for a touch of elegance added by delicate embroidery. 

Making his way to the living area, Shen Qingqiu found Yue Qingyuan waiting patiently, a faint smile playing on his lips. They exchanged nods, their gazes filled with anticipation. This was the moment they had both been looking forward to.

The bamboo forest behind their cottage served as a picturesque backdrop to their ceremony. They approached the small altar they had set up, a serene blend of incense, flowers, and their parents' portraits. Standing side by side, they gracefully performed the traditional  tea ceremony, the serenity of the moment overwhelming.

"I offer this tea to the heavens, to our ancestors who have guided us, and to our parents who watch over us from above," Shen Qingqiu whispered, his voice soft but filled with deep meaning, as he poured tea into the cups.

Yue Qingyuan followed suit, expressing his gratitude and love to those who had come before them. With every bow, their devotion to one another grew stronger, their hearts intertwined in a bond that couldn't be broken.

In the hush of that intimate moment, surrounded by the whispers of bamboo leaves and the soft gurgle of the river, Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan exchanged vows with tears of joy glimmering in their eyes. No grand hall or crowded reception celebrated their love, for they had chosen to marry amidst the solitude of their own haven, the only attendees being the spirits of nature. 

Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but let his thoughts drift momentarily to his godson, Shaoye, particularly the memory of the youth’s grand wedding to Luo Binghe. It was a lavish affair, filled with pomp, pageantry, and grandeur, fit for a ruler of his stature.His mind filled with images of opulent decorations, resplendent attire, and a myriad of attendees. It had been an event of grandeur and pomp, unlike their quiet, intimate ceremony.

In contrast, the simplicity of Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan's wedding seemed almost insignificant. Yet, in that moment, as he looked into Yue Qingyuan's eyes, Shen Qingqiu felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. He realized that love was not measured by the extravagance of a ceremony, but by the depth of connection between two souls. 

As Shen Qingqiu looked around their modest home, at the simple beauty of the bamboo forest and the tranquil river flowing nearby, he realized that he wouldn't have traded his own wedding for all the splendor in the world. He truly felt content, knowing that their love was as deep and meaningful as any grand celebration.

He took a deep breath , looking up into Yue Qingyuan’s gentle grey eyes, a content smile gracing his lips. "Yue-shixiong, our wedding might have lacked the extravagance of Shaoye's, but I couldn't ask for more. Our love is pure, genuine. Our home is a testament to that. We are just as lucky as he was, if not more."

Yue Qingyuan's eyes glimmered with tenderness as he wrapped his arms around Shen Qingqiu, pulling him into a warm embrace. "Qingqiu, our love may not be celebrated by the world, but it shines brightly within the walls of our sanctuary. And that, my love, is more than enough."

Though Shen Qingqiu missed Shaoye dearly and wished that he and his sworn brother, Ye, could have been present to witness this occasion, he didn't allow himself to dwell on what could have been. 

—--

 Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan had settled into their humble cottage near the bustling town, surrounded by the serenity of the forest and the soothing sound of the nearby river. As days turned into weeks, their presence in the town did not go unnoticed. Rumors spread like wildfire about the former peak lord and his loyal companion, and soon the townsfolk became curious about the enigmatic couple.

It wasn't long before their extraordinary abilities became the talk of the town. Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan effortlessly displayed their powers, protecting the town from occasional bandit attacks and supernatural threats. The humans were in awe, watching as the couple's graceful skills in battle repelled any danger that dared approach their beloved town.

Word of their incredible feats reached the ears of the rogue cultivators who frequented the town. These cultivators, once the protectors of the weak, had long been absent from the town as they wandered , leaving the people vulnerable. Intrigued by Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan's skills, they approached the couple and offered them a proposal – to become the new guardians of the town, taking up the mantle that had been abandoned.

Recognizing the need for protection, the couple agreed, taking on the responsibility of maintaining peace and order within the town. In return, they would receive a modest stipend from the townsfolk, their admiration growing with each day they witnessed the couple's power .

With their newfound occupation as town guardians, Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan found themselves with a stable income. They no longer had to worry about their daily sustenance, allowing them to splurge on extravagant luxuries once again.

One sunny afternoon, Shen Qingqiu was enticed by the vibrant display of a shop that caught his attention. The array of colorful robes and sparkling jewelry called out to him, reminding him of the decadence he had once enjoyed as a peak lord. Curiosity piqued, he stepped inside, the tinkling of bells announcing his arrival. It was time to indulge again. 

Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but admire himself in the store's mirror,  draped in the exquisite silk robes. Memories of his godson, Shaoye, came flooding back, a bittersweet nostalgia washing over him.

Gently tracing the intricate embroidery of a robe, Shen Qingqiu sighed. Though the robes before him were undoubtedly stunning, they paled in comparison to the creations of his beloved godson. Shaoye possessed an extraordinary talent for craftsmanship, his robes infused with a touch of ingenuity that made them truly unparalleled.

Lost in his reverie, Shen Qingqiu momentarily forgot the attention he was drawing from the other patrons, who watched in muted awe. His poise and elegance, even in simple garments, outshone everything else in the store.  People nudged each other, admiring the beautiful immortal from the land where age never touched their inhabitants. However, while the outside world marveled at his appearance, inside his heart, Shen Qingqiu's thoughts were clouded with wistfulness. 

As is, he barely noticed the shopkeeper, a gruff yet kind-hearted elderly man who had served him faithfully over the years, swiftly shooing away the gawkers to create some much-needed privacy.

 Sensing Shen Qingqiu's somber demeanor, the old man approached.

"Something troubles you?” He enquired. 

 "It's nothing of great import, just a wave of nostalgia," The former peak lord confessed, his voice laced with a touch of sadness. " I have a precious godson who possesses an unmatched talent for robe-making. Every garment he crafted was a testament to his love and devotion for me. Alas, those days are long gone, and I find myself yearning for the robes of the past."

The shopkeeper listened intently, his gaze softening with empathy. He understood the weight of longing and the bittersweet memories that could haunt a person's heart. "Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to meet someone who leaves an indelible mark in our lives, even with just their talent," he said, his voice brimming with understanding. "Though the robes here may not match those of your godson, let me offer you one as a token of solace."

As the shopkeeper selected a robe from his finest collection, Shen Qingqiu's eyes widened with astonishment. The vibrant colors and intricate embroidery held a beauty he could not ignore. Gratitude welled up within him as he graciously accepted the robe, feeling the weight of the shopkeeper's kindness and compassion.

"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The shopkeeper coughed. "It is I who should thank you for sharing your story and offering me a glimpse into your heart," The old man rumbled. "May this robe bring you joy. It pleases me that my robes will adorn one so beautiful."

—--

Late morning sunlight streamed through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor as Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan strolled hand in hand.  The sky stretched above them, a vast expanse of blue so vibrant  that it seemed to be the hue of the Dichan clan robes worn by Ye and Shaoye.

Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but feel a pang of longing in his heart as he gazed up at the brilliant sky. The happiness he now experienced with Yue Qingyuan by his side couldn't erase the memories of the bonds he had forged with the Dichans. Ye had been the older brother he never had ,  offering support during times of hardship and merriment in times of woe. And Shaoye, he had watched the boy grow to a man, was like a son to him .

As they walked along the riverbank, the sound of rushing water filled the air, blending with the songs of birds and the rustle of leaves. Shen Qingqiu paused, his eyes fixed on the azure sky, lost in his thoughts.

"The sky seems endless, doesn't it?" he mused, his words barely a whisper.

Beside him, Yue Qingyuan glanced at his beloved, noticing the wistful expression on his face. "What's on your mind, my love?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Shen Qingqiu turned to face Yue Qingyuan, a soft smile gracing his lips. "I can't help but take solace in the fact that Ye and Shaoye might be under the same blue sky," He said, his voice filled with a mix of longing and contentment. "Although we may be far apart, this sky connects us, binds us together."

Yue Qingyuan's eyes softened, understanding the weight of Shen Qingqiu's words. He reached out and gently took his love's hand, intertwining their fingers. 

A serene silence enveloped them as they stood by the river, the only sound being the soft trickle of water against the pebbles.  

 In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the remnants of his past, Shen Qingqiu felt a sense of tranquility wash over him. The pain of separation eased, replaced by a bittersweet acceptance. Ye and Shaoye might be far from him physically, but their presence would forever resonate in his heart.

 The sun ,warm on their backs,  the fragrance of blooming flowers filling their senses ... .At that moment, Shen Qingqiu realized he was happy again, truly happy. He had found solace in his exile, and his heart was complete with the love of his life by his side.

Together, they stood in silence, basking in the peacefulness of the moment. The blue sky above them continued to glow with brilliance, a reminder of the bond that transcended distance and time.

And as Shen Qingqiu looked up into that same blue sky, he couldn't help but take happiness in the thought that Ye and Shaoye might indeed be under it, their lives intertwined with his, wherever they may be. With a sigh of contentment, he whispered one final prayer , his voice carrying his hopes and wishes into the boundless sky.

"May we all find our happiness, wherever this endless sky may lead us."

 

 

 

Notes:

The end . Really, really. Thank y’all for the support these past three years!!!

Also , pst , pssst . I started. A brand original work ! ;) maybebebebe, check it out? https://archiveofourown.org/works/52718641

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Of Prince and Paupers verse