Chapter Text
He could see his reflection in one of the larger shards that had once made up Xuan Su. After months of languishing in the water prison, it was hard to believe that he had once been the elegant and untouchable Qing Jing Peak Lord - he hardly even looked human anymore. No limbs to speak of, a single bloodshot eye staring down through a crusty, brittle mess of hair. He resembled a yaoguai more than anything, some freakish half-dead thing crawling through the filth in search of something to devour, anything that might fill the emptiness inside where human emotion had once lived.
Well, at least his outer countenance finally matched the inner reality.
Shen Jiu had always been a desperate, hungry little thing, and that hadn't changed at all since his time as a street rat. No lofty title, new name, or fierce reputation could change what he was at his core; a mongrel who had desperately wanted to be loved, had so longed to be saved from his wretched existence. He had once thought his Qi-ge would be the one to do so, until he had been proven so foolish in his hopes. He wondered if he should forgive the man, that despicable Yue Qingyuan, now that his once brother had finally come back to save him, despite dying in the attempt.
No, he thought, even as he leaned down to take the first shard in his mouth. This does not absolve him. Shen Qingqiu had told him not to come back, had sacrificed himself for the sake of that loathsome sect that had never been a home despite all Yue Qingyuan's promises. How dare he ignore Shen Qingqiu's final words, when he had finally cut the red string between them so they would be entangled no more? How dare the man come back for him now, after Shen Qingqiu had strangled that last bit of hope dead in his chest? How dare his death still hurt Shen Qingqiu - no, Shen Jiu - this way, when his Qi-ge had long since been buried beneath the mantel of Zhangman-shixiong?
(But he suspected Shen Qingqiu's liberation had never been the man's goal in the first place. His brother had been given so many chances to fight for him in the past. Yue Qingyuan had never taken any of them. Had never stood up for him when his martial siblings had hurled accusations and disrespect at his feet. Had never asked Shen Qingqiu for the truth behind the rumors, only stared with sad eyes that said he knew each venom-filled lie must surely be the truth. Had never listened to Shen Qingqiu's advice or wishes, even at the most critical of moments. No, the only thing Yue Qinyuan had hoped to accomplish by coming here was to acquit himself of responsibility for the fate of his scum Shidi and the ruination of his sect, betraying his oaths as sect leader. It was the only thing the man was good for, after all; giving his word in one breath, and breaking it in the next.)
Still, his demise did present an opening for escape, and Shen Jiu was nothing if not an opportunist. Choking down the sword shards was unpleasant, to be sure, but hardly worth mentioning after the treatment he had been subjected to by the demon. His miserable life up to now had allowed him to cultivate a nearly inhuman pain tolerance, so it was easy enough to swallow through the agony, to feel his innards tear and rend, to let himself drown inhaling his own blood. Because, really, wasn't this how it was always going to end? Gruesome and bloody, Shen Jiu alone to wallow in his own tragedy.
His only mistake had been to hope in the first place. To claw his way out of the mud and dream of ascending to the highest peak, despite his lowly beginnings. To expect others to see some sort of worth in him, who had been abandoned at birth, not even worth giving a real name.
Vision graying at the edges, Qiu Jianluo's voice rang in his head, clear as the day Shen Jiu had gutted him.
"You don't even count as human, and you still want to become an immortal?"
Hope was a lie. There was never going to be a good ending, not for him.
[Activation Code: "Hope was a lie". Automatically triggering system.]
What?
[We welcome your entrance into the system. This system is based on developing the concept of "the original is always the best". We aspire to provide you with a fulfilling experience. It is our sincere wish that during the course of your experience, you can achieve what you desire most. To rekindle hope and discover a path to your personal happy ending!]
Wait, didn't he just die?
[System activation successful! Resuming role: Luo Binghe's master, Cang Qiong Mountain sect, Qing Jing Peak, Peak Lord 'Shen Qingqiu.' Weapon: Xiu Ya Sword.]
What kind of horse shit - had he failed? Was this another one of the demon's tricks?
[Free play selected in sandbox mode: system going into hibernation. Best of luck host! We pray for your happiness!]
Happiness, Shen Qingqiu reflected viciously, trying to think through the pounding (and disembodied voice) in his head. When in his entire fucking life had he ever been happy?
A familiar voice filtered through the pain. "Shidi? Shidi, can you hear me?"
He took a deep breath, calmed his thoughts, and slowly opened his eyes. The sight above him was mundane. The roof of his canopy bed on Qing Jing Peak, complete with white muslin and scented sachets hanging from each corner. Rather than caked in filth, he was dressed in soft white sleep robes. One of his paper fans lay beside the pillow.
Yue Qingyuan was seated next to him, eyes brimming with (false) concern. Shen Qingqiu stared at him blankly, even as the man grew visibly agitated. You're dead, was all he could think in the moment. You are very, very dead.
Like I'm supposed to be. It was enough to wake him from his stupor, and he grabbed the fan. It opened with a comforting snap, and he bought himself a moment fanning away a layer of cold sweat. What is going on? And what the hell was that voice and all the nonsense it was spouting - system? What is that supposed to be?
Is any of this real? Or is it another dream manufactured by Luo Binghe? He had always been able to see through the demon's attempts to fool him in the past. Though they were convincing on the surface, the illusions Luo Binghe crafted could never stand up to a lifetime of hypervigilance; Shen Qingqiu noticed everything, and all it took was the smallest of inconsistencies for the entire structure to fall apart. His tendency to pick at everything until it unraveled had served him well as a defense against the nightmares the demon has visited upon him, and frustrating his captor had only made him more inclined to continue doing so regardless of the violence that inevitably followed.
So if this was a dream, the demon had improved exponentially, as the manner in which Yue Qingyuan perked up at his movement was infuriatingly accurate.
"Shidi is finally awake! Is there any discomfort?"
"This master is fine," he bit out, moving to sit up. He could not contain a violent flinch when Yue Qingyuan reached out to help him, but a pointed glare made the (large, strong, dangerous) hands retreat. The sect leader settled back into his seat, a little disheartened at the rejection.
Good. Now sit quietly like the empty-headed deserter you are while I figure this out. Confident the sect leader would not try to touch him again, Shen Qingqiu turned his attention to the rest of the room, examining the details to the best of his ability. Unless the demon had made a habit of sneaking into his rooms while still residing at Qing Jing Peak (unlikely), he shouldn't be able to make a perfect replica of his private space. Therefore, unless his memory failed him (also unlikely), he should be able to find the mistakes that would allow him to tear the illusion apart.
Funnily enough, there were none. That was the tea set his Shizun had gifted him upon naming him succeeding disciple, rendered in exquisite detail, sitting in its proper place on the shelf. There was a set of robes he had embroidered with bamboo leaves climbing the sleeves, even the sheen of the silk just as he recalled it. There was even a book of poetry he remembered writing a critique of sitting on the table beside his bed, a piece of ribbon marking his page. The breeze was a familiar susurration in the back of his mind, the angle of light through the window just as it would be at midday, his favorite jasmine incense mixing with the scent of bamboo perfectly. Nothing, not a fucking thing, was out of place or contrary to his memories of the small sanctuary he had built for himself before it all went to hell.
So. What was he supposed to do with that?
I need information, he decided, turning to his... guest with a resigned air. Glaring over the edge of his fan, he managed a question. "When... is this? How long did I sleep?"
Yue Qingyuan's brow furrowed with what appeared to be consternation. "It has been several days, Shen-shidi. I haven't even asked you yet. How did you suddenly get a fever out of nowhere? I know the Immortal Alliance Conference is drawing near so you're teaching your disciples and eager for success. But with our Cang Qiong Mountain's history and fame, even if we don't dispatch someone to attend the conference, there wouldn't necessarily be anyone who would dare question us. There's no need for you to concern yourself with those false rumors."
Well, that both answered some questions and stoked his ire. Who was the one between them that heeded false rumors?! Pei, as if Shen Qingqiu ever concerned himself with other people's opinions, while Yue Qingyuan clearly listened to vulgar whispers with diligence!
But at least he had an idea of the timeframe. If the sect leader was telling him not to worry about the conference, this was definitely before the one that had been infiltrated by demons. And the fever was no mystery either; he often suffered them after his regrettably frequent qi deviations, though it knocking him out for a few days was concerning, and not something he remembered occuring in the past. The first fracture in the illusion? Or a result of... whatever it was that had sent him back?
"Shidi, are you listening?"
How could he be sure? He was certain he remembered dying, but perhaps the demon's blood had been able to pull him back from the brink? Was this some sort of twisted game, tormenting him with visions of the past to lull him into comfort and complacency? Then dissolve the fantasy into a resumption of his previous captivity? It was certainly sadistic enough to fit Luo Binghe, if a bit more involved than his usual torture...
But what was the design behind the peculiar voice then? His free hand came up to rub his temple in frustration.
"Shidi, your head still hurts?"
No matter how he thought about it, there was no reason for Luo Binghe to create such a bizarre presence to explain Shen Qingqiu's sudden relocation. And that wasn't even taking into account the odd terminology the voice had used. What the hell was "free play" or "sandbox mode" anyway? And he was just going to ignore that bit about hope and happy endings, for the sake of his own mental stability.
(Who would wish for such things for the hateful Shen Qingqiu anyway?)
"Shidi -"
Shen Qingqiu held up a hand, and Yue Qingyuan immediately ceased speaking. Now why can't you listen and obey when it actually matters, he thought bitterly, but steeled himself to move forward. This was the point in the interaction that he would normally chase the sect leader away so he could lick his wounds in private. Unfortunately, whether this was a crafted illusion or somehow real, he needed to know as soon as possible-
"Where is Luo Binghe?"
And there, he thought spitefully, is the Yue Qingyuan I remember and loathe. The sect leader's gaze had immediately turned cajoling, already suspecting his dearest shidi of malicious intent.
"Shidi, don't be upset. I know you don't like him. But that child has already made a sufficient amount of effort and hasn't made any large blunder. There's no need for you to punish him again."
Incredible. Shen Qingqiu grit his teeth hard enough that it was a small miracle they didn't crack. How is it you find it so easy to defend everyone but this unworthy one, especially those who have done nothing to earn it? And once more listening to rumors without bothering to ask for the truth of the matter! Truly, this shidi is beyond thankful for Zhangmen-shixiong's guidance!
Contrary to popular belief, Shen Qingqiu did not go out of his way to punish the little beast beyond what his disciple brought upon himself. More often than not, it was his hallmasters or senior disciples requesting discipline for some infraction or another: skipping his assigned classes, not finishing chores, being clumsy and breaking invaluable instruments or ruining rare transcripts, the list went on. Nor did he administer the punishments himself. But as peak lord, he was required to oversee them despite having a multitude of better uses for his limited time. Truth be told, he had been sick to death of watching the boy waste the opportunities he was given by the time he had finally rid himself of the half-demon.
Not that he didn't know of the bullying Luo Binghe had often faced on his peak; he just didn't feel much sympathy, then or now. He had gone through much the same and worse when he first arrived, and had still managed to work and scheme and claw his way to head disciple. Rather, he took offense to the way the boy had refused to do anything but bend his head and accept the abuse heaped on him. There were a thousand different actions the boy could have taken to improve his situation - use the library to research cultivation methods, report his tormenters to a hallmaster, even leave or ask for a transfer to another peak. But instead, Luo Binghe chose to play the role of helpless victim and ply sympathy from his shijies and other peaks, apparently even the sect leader himself.
Shen Qingqiu's assessment of the situation had always been the same: if Luo Binghe wanted so badly to be a martyr, then let him.
Entirely done with the conversation, and now accepting that this was reality (Luo Binghe hadn't been familiar enough with Yue Qingyuan to make this convincing a facsimile), Shen Qingqiu snapped. "Out with it, where is he?"
A blessed moment of silence, before: "After stringing him up and hitting him, haven't you always shut him inside the woodshed?"
Shen Qingqiu's eyes darkened.
"Out. Get out."
At the very least, Yue Qingyuan didn't argue. He simply gave Shen Qingqiu a mournful look before leaving, as though he were the one who had been wronged. As though he hadn't just accused Shen Qingqiu of being the same sort of monster he had once been abandoned to by this very man.
If you thought so little of me, he seethed, why did you ever bother to bring me into this sect in the first place? What was the point of playing out this same farce time and time again, always assuming the worst of me and my intentions?
Why am I always the scum villain, even to the one person who should know better?
It took longer than he would have liked to admit to calm himself down after kicking the sect leader out, but it would have been disastrous to fall into another qi deviation so soon after the last. Ever since his own days as a disciple, Yue Qingyuan's visits could send him into a mental spiral that more often than not ended in him convulsing on the ground, meridians burning with acidic rage. Not that the man realized how easily he could upset Shen Qingqiu's emotional equilibrium - Shen Qingqiu would sooner bite off his own tongue than reveal how much power the man still had over him. It had made for an unfortunate cycle in their previous life, and it didn't seem likely to change in this one if the blood filling his mouth was any indication.
Still, he had shit to do and plans to make. He didn't have time for this.
So he spat out the mouthful of blood, forced his breathing steady, and absolutely refused to think about anything at all for the next incense stick or so. Only when the flow of his qi evened out and the vise around his chest loosened did he open his eyes and let himself take in the full scope of his situation.
This was not one of the demon's tricks. So either he was actually in the past - which seemed improbable for obvious reasons - or everything he remembered happening was a delusion brought on by a qi deviation that had bedridden him for three days. That theory had its own issues, but still felt more likely than being transported through time by some altruistic... spirit? Diety? Interfering fuck-wit?
Either way, he should be able to determine which it was without much difficulty. If the series of events he recalled began occurring in this second life, his memories couldn't be the result of deviation-induced hallucination.
To that end, it was time to begin reconnaissance. Out of habit, he called out: "Ming Fan!"
Immediately, his head disciple darted into the room and attended him. "This disciple is here. What is Shifu's command?"
Shen Qingqiu felt himself pause, an inexplicable ache rising into his chest. He hadn't thought before calling out for his head disciple, part of him recognizing that the boy would be there, just as he always had been.
Right up until the moment Luo Binghe had killed him in what had sounded like a truly agonizing way. The demon had taken great pleasure in relaying the grisly details to him, though he had left dissatisfied with Shen Qingqiu's lack of reaction. It hadn't been because Shen Qingqiu was indifferent; he had simply refused to give the demon the satisfaction of seeing that Ming Fan's loss had hurt him. Because it had hurt, badly, to hear of the death of the one person in the world who had given Shen Qingqiu his loyalty, right up until the end. More than Yue Qingyuan, more than his so-called martial family, more than Ning Yingying, the girl he had practically raised as his own. Ming Fan had never wavered in his fealty.
Shen Qingqiu had never understood what he had done to earn that from the boy, but he had always been grateful for it. And if nothing else, this second life was a chance to pay some of that devotion back.
"This master is somewhat disoriented from his convalescence. What is the current date?"
Ming Fan blinked in surprise at the uncharacteristic admission of weakness, but to his credit didn't show any more reaction or hesitate to answer. Shen Qingqiu hummed as he hears the month and year, orienting himself to his new present. It was before the catastrophe of an Immortal Alliance Conference, years earlier even. If he was truly in the past and able to alter the outcomes of upcoming events, he had a decent window to strategize and implement changes.
He had time. That was... a relief. He needed to work out a timeline of events, begin deciding his course of action.
But first, damage control.
"Ming Fan, go and fetch the little be- Luo Binghe." He stopped himself and grit out the boy's actual name, knowing he needed to start establishing new habits as soon as possible. Ming Fan was once more taken aback (mostly by his use of the demon's actual name, he was sure), but nonetheless ran out to fetch his most hated disciple.
He'd take the time to make more concrete plans later, but the first and most vital goal he had was to prevent the razing of Cang Qiong Mountain by the future demon lord. Not out of any particular love for the sect or its inhabitants, but because the sect would be the strongest barrier to Luo Binghe's conquest. And if nothing else, he knew that the last thing he wanted in this life was for that fucking demon to win. Again.
He was pulled from his thoughts by the door opening, said beast hovering at the threshold to greet him. "Shizun."
Just the sight and sound of the beast was enough for Shen Qingqiu's body to lock up, like a prey animal in the sight of a predator. It pissed him off, and took effort to shrug off such a debilitating reaction. He had to remind himself: he was the one with power here, and the little beast was the one at his mercy.
Not that I have any.
Shen Qingqiu's first instinct was to kill the demon then and there, before he even began to discover his heritage and the power it afforded him. But it was an impulse quickly dismissed, however personally cathartic it would have been. It didn't matter that he was a peak lord; he would not be excused for killing one of his disciples in cold blood, at least so long as Luo Binghe's demonic side remained sealed. And though the act would ultimately save Cang Qiong Mountain, it would be at his own expense.
He had already sacrificed himself for a sect that rejected him in his last life. It was a mistake he would not repeat in this one.
No, better to play nice for now. Improve relations with the little beast and arrange for an... "accident" later, when suspicion wouldn't automatically fall to him. In that interest-
"No need," he reprimanded his fool of a disciple as the beast entered and attempted to kneel. Honestly, it was overdone displays like this that irritated him the most! He hadn't asked for the deference, and there was no social expectation for the boy to prostrate himself in this situation - the beast just loved to play the ever-suffering victim!
He withdrew a small bottle from his sleeve and tossed it to the beast, who fumbled and barely managed to catch it before it fell and broke. "This is medicine," he informed him, tone lilting sarcastically, "Don't let others see and think that my Qing Jing Peak abuses disciples."
Dark, bright eyes grew round, before hands were raised in a gesture of respect. "Thank you for the medicine, Shizun!"
The voice sounded sincere in its gratitude, a smile blossoming across the young face. Shen Qingqiu remembered the beast sporting a similar expression just before he had torn out his tongue. A shudder ran through his frame and he had to turn away, lest he undo his small gesture by wiping the smirk off that vile face.
"This disciple will redouble his efforts in the future so Shizun won't be disappointed."
This master will be disappointed with any outcome but your death. No matter how pathetic Luo Binghe was right now, he was the one who would crush everyone's head beneath his foot in the future while laughing. What was it the demon had said? "What shame this disciple suffered in the past, he will return to you now eight times greater." The demon may be able to fool everyone else, but Shen Qingqiu knew the truth of him. Wear the face of a modest gentleman for now, I know what a blackened fiend hides beneath your simpering.
But he was alone in that insight (as always). So for now, he had a role to play. He sat in his sandalwood chair, focusing on the false-hearted disciple before him. "Luo Binghe," he drawled, ignoring the beast's start, "how is your cultivation progressing?"
The boy noticeably shook, but still showed that sham of a smile. "This disciple is stupid, and... missed the point."
Missed the point? What kind of an explanation is that... It was a struggle to keep his thoughts off his face, and he opened his fan to help hide his expression. Honestly, what an excuse for the pathetic progress he had made in his time on Qing Jing Peak. Though, thinking about it...
One of the crimes Luo Binghe had initially accused him of during his time in the water prison was giving the demon a false manual. He'd considered it ridiculous of course - how would sabotaging his own disciple's cultivation have served him in any way? He'd dismissed it as a rather feeble justification for the boy's laziness and inability to comprehend a righteous cultivation path. For the first time, he wondered if the complaint had any truth to it. Shen Qingqiu hadn't given him a fake manual, no, but that didn't mean someone else hadn't. And the one responsible for dispensing cultivation manuals to new disciples was-
Ming Fan. His head disciple was blatantly jealous of his junior, who was both more handsome and more naturally talented than his senior brother. Ming Fan was capable enough to put together something convincing that would be overlooked by anyone not aware of the deception. He was ambitious enough to do whatever it took to secure his position on the peak.
Shen Qingqiu was both proud of his head disciple's cunning and horrified that he hadn't been aware of the fraud occurring under his nose. Could he really call himself the master of Qing Jing Peak if he was unaware of such schemes among his students? He had always taken pride in his astuteness and ability to decipher the thoughts and motivations of others - so when had he become so oblivious to the conspiracies unfolding around him?
His thoughts were disturbed by uncouth fidgeting as the beast's anxiety rose in response to his silence. I just gave you medicine, ungrateful brat. Why would I waste it on a disciple I meant to punish right afterward?
"You will report to this master tomorrow at the beginning of rì zhōng. Bring your cultivation manual as well. You are dismissed." Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes and ignored the beast's fumbling farewell and retreat.
He now had his first goal: retrieve the fake manual before it was discovered and ignited the demon's grudge.
Shen Qingqiu sat back and fanned himself, soaking in the ambiance of the cottage. It felt good to breathe fresh air unpolluted with acidic water. To feel sunlight on his skin and hear the rustle of bamboo leaves outside the window. To move a hale and whole body, and feel the warm glow of qi circulating throughout. He immersed himself in the peaceful atmosphere, and then did what he did best.
He plotted.
The little beast was late.
Shen Qingqiu had expected him to arrive at his door promptly at midday or even a little early, for fear of incurring his Shizun's wrath if nothing else. But apparently he had overestimated the beast's self-preservation instincts, as the meeting time had come and passed with no sign of his youngest disciple. Five kè later, Shen Qingqiu was unimpressed. Ten kè, he was fuming. Fifteen kè, he got up to hunt the little beast down himself, fully intending to show the brat why he was not someone to be kept waiting.
(He had long ago resolved to never sit and wait for anyone ever again.)
His angry march towards the woodshed came to an abrupt halt as he was stuck in the forehead. Shocked out of his mood, he stared down at what appeared to be a jade guanyin laying in the dirt. Bending over to examine the erstwhile projectile, he let out a hum of confusion. Northwest goods? Which of my fool disciples would be tricked into buying this cheap fake?
A yell broke through the serenity of the bamboo forest, and Shen Qingqiu's attention was drawn to the unmistakable sounds of a fight. He absentmindedly stored the guanyin in his sleeve, turning and making his way toward the sounds of fleshy impacts and pained grunts. He had a sudden suspicion as to why the little beast was absent.
His hunch was confirmed as the clearing came into view just in time to witness Luo Binghe throw off the hands of several disciples and punch Ming Fan in the face. As his head disciple fell back with a yell, his nose bloodied, Shen Jiu resisted the urge to summon Xiu Ya and skewer Luo Binghe on his blade. It was counter to his current goals, he told himself, even as his hand twitched to form a sword seal. And he wasn't so irrational as to believe that Ming Fan hadn't been asking for it. It appeared his previous captivity had ingrained particular knee-jerk responses to the demon's violence.
I have to get the beast off my peak quickly, before I lose control and do something regrettable.
A high-pitched puchi broke the tension, and Ming Fan's face twisted in humiliation. The source was Ning Yingying, the young girl mocking his head disciple's disgrace at the hands of Luo Binghe. The sound hit Shen Qingqiu like a punch to the gut, air deserting his lungs as he regarded the child he had once doted upon, who he had raised as gently and warmly as he could manage. The unfilial tramp that had chosen Luo Binghe in the end, forsaking her sect, martial siblings and Shizun to fall into the demon's bed.
Was it worth it? He wondered, frozen even as Ming Fan retaliated, breaking through Luo Binghe's defenses to give him a thorough thrashing. To abandon everything and everyone, just to become another warm body in an ever-growing harem? Were you satisfied, at the end, to learn of the fate that befell Cang Qiong Mountain? Ming Fan?
Me?
Ming Fan landed a particularly solid blow to Luo Binghe's jaw with a crack, and Shen Jiu tore his eyes away from Ning Yingying to watch the beast stumble and fall to his knees. He knew he needed to stop the brawl before the situation escalated, before Ming Fan crossed a line that would potentially seal his fate. It was just... very hard to move, all of a sudden, as though his limbs had been torn away from him once more.
I'm feeling betrayed, he realized distantly. How foolish, to be put in this situation again. Didn't I decide before, to never let someone so close again? To not place my trust in the hands of those who do not recognize or appreciate it? What did I expect to happen?
Qi-ge's betrayal had nearly killed him in the beginning - now, it had been an ache for so long he had learned to ignore the pain. It had become something to live with, lingering in the background of his thoughts where it could be ignored or prodded at will. Ning Yingying's treachery was fresh, raw and bleeding and so agonizing he could hardly breathe through it. It was a wound he didn't have the luxury of nursing at the moment, however, as Ming Fan descended on Luo Binghe with feet and fists.
Breathe. This isn't the time.
He infused the leaves at his feet with qi and shot them between the disciples, regaining his equilibrium as both boys scrambled back to avoid the assault. He slowly walked over to them, a figure of elegance and dignity as he watched them struggle to their feet, expressions full of dread.
Ning Yingying immediately stepped forward to defend the little beast. "Shizun, Shizun! Don't be angry with A-Luo, it was Ming-shixiong who-"
Shen Qingqiu closed his fan with a snap, cutting off Ning Yingying's earnest appeal. "Ning Yingying, this matter does not concern you."
"But Shizun, A-Luo was just-"
"Enough." Shen Qingqui's voice was sharper than it had ever been when addressing the young girl, and it was enough to send a chill down all the disciples' spines. How angry must he be, to speak so coldly to his favorite Ning Yingying? He addressed the girl and the disciples that had initially restrained Luo Binghe. "Return to your dorms immediately and remain until the dinner bell. Take the time to reflect on your roles in this incident. I will not," He snapped as Ning Yingying's mouth opened to argue, "hear another word regarding this matter. Go."
The boys left promptly, obviously hoping to be spared any punishment by the irate Peak Lord. Dismayed by her Shizun's uncharacteristic temper toward her, Ning Yingying reluctantly obeyed, posture slumped and sniffling as she left. Shen Qingqiu felt his shoulders relax, tension draining from his frame as his latest source of anguish walked away. He would need to deal with that particular reaction, much like his more homicidal urges toward the little beast. He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
But he had other, more immediate priorities.
"Would anyone care to explain the meaning of this uncouth display?" Shen Qingqiu bit out as he examined the states of both disciples. Luo Binghe had definitely been the loser of the fight, though you wouldn't know it from the blood covering the lower half of Ming Fan's face and uniform. "Is this master's Qing Jing not the peak of scholars, who use their words and wits rather than their fists? Or is it suddenly playing host to a batch of Bai Zhan brutes, who solve their differences with public brawls?"
Ming Fan immediately dropped into a respectful bow. "This disciple apologizes Shizun! He was attempting to discipline his Shidi, and allowed the situation to get out of hand."
Vague enough to be believable without giving away any incriminating details. Not bad. He watched Luo Binghe's hands clench into fists, waiting for him to refute Ming Fan's statement. And continued to wait, as the beast stood in silence and glowered at the ground, saying not a word in his own defense.
"Nothing to say, Luo Binghe?" Shen Jiu prodded.
"No Shizun." The beast grit out. Shen Jiu placed the tip of his fan beneath the beast's chin, lifting his face to meet his gaze. His expression remained blank, but those dark eyes screamed resentment and retribution. It was a look Shen Qingqui had become all too familiar with during his stint in Huan Hua's dungeon.
Shit. What provoked this much hatred? I need answers, or Ming Fan may actually lose his life!
"Oh?" Shen Qingqiu's tone was quiet and silky, his expression reptilian. "When Luo Binghe did not show up to his scheduled appointment, this master made the effort to search for him. Imagine this master's surprise to find him fighting his senior brother, and wasting the medicine that was given to him the day before in the process. Does Luo Binghe really have nothing to say in his own defense?"
The beast remained resolute, even as his eyes filled with tears he refused to let fall. "No Shizun. This disciple accepts any punishment Shizun believes appropriate for his behavior. Just..." His voice cracked, a single tear breaking rank and running down a dirty, bruised cheek. "Please allow this disciple to look for his missing guanyin. It is very precious to me, and was... lost, during the fight."
There it is.
The fake jade guanyin he'd been hit with on his way here was what had triggered Luo Binghe's uncharacteristic retaliation. He could only guess at what interaction had led up to it, but it had likely been taken and thrown away by Ming Fan, stoking the beast's rage. Thankfully, it was a problem easily addressed - its return would perhaps even garner Shen Qingqiu some goodwill.
"Ming Fan!" He called to his head disciple, holding eye contact with Luo Binghe all the while. Gauging Luo Binghe's reactions was critical for the next step in his plan. This would be a good indication of how he could expect the beast to respond to the narrative he intended to build.
"Yes Shizun!"
"Report to the Discipline Hall immediately. You will kneel in the courtyard until this master decides to retrieve you, at which point we will discuss both your decision to instigate a fight with your Shidi and then lie about it to your Shizun."
Luo Binghe let out a small, strangled whimper. His tears were forgotten as he gaped at Shen Qingqiu like the ill-mannered street trash he was, shock and awe present in his wide, wet gaze. Ming Fan was no better, his face a rictus of horrified disbelief. Part of Shen Qingqiu wavered as his head disciple gave a stumbling confirmation, obviously alarmed by his teacher's displeasure. But he steeled himself as the boy retreated; he'd speak with Ming Fan tomorrow, once his business with the beast had been settled. He needed to redirect his head disciple's energies, set him on a better course than he had been walking. (One that would hopefully keep him from being murdered before his time).
"Luo Binghe has kept this master waiting long enough. He will attend to the scheduled meeting and may come and search for his trinket afterward." The light that had been growing in Luo Binghe's eyes was instantly snuffed out, confirming that the guanyin was an exceptional pressure point for the beast. "Do you have your cultivation manual as this master instructed?"
"Yes Shizun." Luo Binghe answers dully, expression blank. Shen Qingqiu allowed himself a moment to savor his disciple's suffering. If all went well, today would be the last chance he had to do so.
"Very well. Come."
Luo Binghe passed the cultivation manual over the table before curling into himself, utterly miserable. Shen Qingqiu ignored his pouting in favor of studying the book, examining the cover for any signs of fabrication. It was very well done, identical to the standard Qing Jing Peak manual - Ming Fan must have removed the cover on one, perhaps even his own, and rebound it to the fake. It was impressive how meticulous the boy had been, but he wasn't entirely surprised at the quality of the work. He had chosen Ming Fan as his head disciple for a reason, after all.
He flipped it open to assess the contents, which would help him determine Ming Fan's intentions in giving Luo Binghe the forgery. If the instructions were laughably incorrect, he could play it off as a prank that the boy had expected to be discovered quickly, and could get away with administering a relatively mild punishment. If the cultivation methods were actively dangerous to perform, he would have to tread much more carefully to ensure the beast never uncovered what could be construed as a murder attempt. Either way, he was in a precarious position; any misstep in explaining the erroneous contents could doom not just Ming Fan, but Shen Qingqiu as well.
But what he discovered was actually much better than he was expecting, so at least Ming Fan hadn't taken complete leave of his senses.
The manual was useless in terms of cultivating, that much was true, but none of the exercises it contained were actually dangerous to perform. Or technically incorrect in any way. Rather, Ming Fan had switched out basic cultivation instructions with general meditation techniques and workout routines that even non-cultivators could perform. It was sabotage certainly, but harmless aside from wasting the time Luo Binghe could have been using to build a strong spiritual foundation. It could even backfire, as it had the potential to create a solid practice base for a physical cultivator like Luo Binghe, which would allow him to progress more quickly through core formation with proper instruction.
It also made Shen Qingqiu's task much, much easier. Satisfied, he closed the book with an emphatic snap, jolting Luo Binghe out of his maudlin stupor. Setting the manual to the side, Shen Qingqiu launched his opening gambit.
"Disciple Luo Binghe has not been progressing in his studies to the standards of Qing Jing Peak."
Luo Binghe's face drained of color, sweat breaking out across his brow as Shen Qingqiu continued his critique.
"Lagging behind in the four arts was to be expected given your background, as your martial brothers and sisters had all received prior instruction in the gentleman's arts before acceptance onto the peak. However, this master had expected notable improvement in Luo Binghe's martial arts and cultivation levels, given his disciple's strong spiritual root. Instead, this master has observed stagnation, while Luo Binghe continues to skip assigned classes and does not avail himself of the resources available to students of Qing Jing Peak."
All true, even if the bullying and fake manual had played a part in the beast's non-existent progress. He paused to enjoy the sound of heavy breathing, indicative of the beast's rising panic, before continuing.
"There is also the matter of social politics; while Luo Binghe has a good relationship with Ning Yingying, today's quarrel has demonstrated how lacking his bonds are with his other martial siblings, particularly this master's head disciple. While the blame for this mutual enmity does not rest entirely with Luo Binghe, he has made no attempts to improve relations that this master has seen."
Indeed, the closer Luo Binghe got to Ning Yingying, the more rancid his relationship with his martial brothers became. Ning Yingying's presence acted as the worst sort of evil catalyst between Ming Fan and Luo Binghe; as long as she appeared, Luo Binghe would always have a hard time. The beast could not be entirely oblivious to this dynamic, yet still chose to cling to his Shijie's skirts.
"Is anything incorrect in this master's assessment?"
A shaky inhale before the beast fell into a full kowtow, pressing his forehead to the floor. "No Shizun. This disciple has disappointed. Requesting punishment for his failures."
There was something curative in the sight of the little beast bowing in submission to him once more. He felt centered, far more in control than he had in the beast's presence so far. This was the proper order of the world: master above disciple, human above demon, Shen Qingqiu above Luo Binghe. He allowed the feeling of superiority to bolster him for the next part of his... review of his disciple's development. He still had to close his eyes before he could force the next words out, unable to look at the beast while demeaning himself with his next admission.
"This master would be in error if he failed to accept a portion of the blame as well."
Stifling silence followed his statement. But even with his eyes shut, he could feel the weight of Luo Binghe's stare. Shen Qingqiu's knuckles whitened from their grip on his knees, thankfully hidden by his voluminous sleeves. This was a critical moment that would decide the nature of his relationship with Luo Binghe moving forward.
I'm on the tiger's back, and it is time to dismount.
"Luo Binghe was never particularly suited to the teachings of Qing Jing Peak; this master was aware of that when he selected Luo Binghe to be his disciple. Perhaps it was arrogance on this master's part to attempt to mentor a physical cultivator, when his peak has always favored the spiritual route. It was this master's belief that more structured trials could replace the intense conditioning practiced on other peaks to advance his disciple's cultivation-"
"Trials?" Luo Binghe had the temerity to interrupt, and Shen Qingqiu's eyes snapped open into a glare before he could reign himself in. The beast's head immediately dropped back to the floor with an unpleasant thump, no doubt worsening the bruise already spreading across his temple. Shen Qingqiu bit back a rebuke at the beast's ill manners. The question allowed him to expound upon his... reinterpretation of events, so he could overlook the small transgression.
"Physical cultivators," he began slowly, choosing his words with utmost caution, "advance their cultivation not just by practicing martial arts, but through pushing their bodies to their utmost limits. Oftentimes the process can be brutal, as they extend themselves to the point of exhaustion or injury. Some drill or engage in combat until they collapse or are beaten to unconsciousness. Others test their endurance through the environment, exposing themselves to extreme temperatures or potentially dangerous elements. There are even those who deprive themselves of necessities, such as food or rest, to develop an indifference to mortal concerns."
Everything was factual, if not exaggerated for the sake of his manipulations. All the techniques he mentioned were practiced on Cang Qiong Mountain by one peak or another - Bai Zhan and Ku Xing Peaks in particular - but typically only by students who had already established a solid foundation. Shen Qingqiu was a spiritual cultivator; he could claim ignorance to that prerequisite if he was ever questioned.
Luo Binghe had risen from the floor as he spoke, his expression akin to that of a supplicant at a temple receiving enlightenment. Shen Qingqiu almost pitied the beast for his naïveté - it was all too easy to push his advantage.
"This master had thought that the same results might be achieved through less... rigorous methods. Physically demanding chores to build strength and vitality, routine punishment to increase fortitude..." He trailed off, affecting a chagrined countenance. The lull in conversation gave Luo Binghe space to reach the conclusion Shen Qingqiu had so painstakingly guided him to:
What Luo Binghe had considered mistreatment was actually meant as training to advance his cultivation. He had misunderstood his Shizun's intentions from the beginning, and his suffering was a result of his faulty perception. In other words: Luo Binghe's failures were his own, Shizun was upright in his attempts to teach.
Filthy lies, of course, but what the beast didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Or Shen Qingqiu, hopefully.
I have dismounted the tiger. Now I must lead it into the trap.
Shen Qingqiu retrieved the fake jade guanyin from his sleeve, setting it down with a small clack on the table. Luo Binghe reached out with a sob, reclaiming the pendant and holding it to his chest with a truly ridiculous amount of reverence for such a cheap piece of junk. Seeing just how much the beast valued it, he almost regretted returning it.
But the results were undeniable. Shen Qingqiu's convenient revelations in addition to the return of the guanyin had transformed him into a white lotus, pure in intention and above recrimination. Luo Binghe's gaze was one of sincerest gratitude, all past resentments forgotten in the wake of his teacher's benevolence.
I have captured what may be the stupidest tiger to have ever walked the earth.
But that won't be my problem much longer.
"After much consideration, this master has determined that Luo Binghe's cultivation path does not lie on Qing Jing Peak. However, in light of his disciple's... previous circumstances, he has chosen not to dismiss him from Cang Qiong Mountain sect. Luo Binghe is to spend the next days considering which of the other peaks would be best suited to continue his instruction; once he has decided, this master will oversee his transition to his new home and teacher."
Even if he had to threaten or blackmail his martial siblings. Even if he had to promise future favors or compensation. Even if he had to petition fucking Zhangmen-shixiong to force the transfer through.
He was getting Luo Binghe off his peak.
Farewell, little beast. May we never meet again until the day of your demise.
[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]
Luo Binghe limped back to the woodshed, body aching and mind in turmoil, his most precious guanyin still clenched in hand. His head still rang from Ming Fan's brutal punches before Shizun had intervened, and lowering himself onto his thin sleep mat was a painstaking ordeal. Reaching carefully under his pillow, he retrieved a small bottle still half-filled with potent Qian Cao medicine. He took a moment to be grateful for his prudent use of the tincture, as he always seemed to accumulate new bruises as soon as the previous batch began to heal. At least now he had an answer as to why.
He could hardly process everything that had happened over the past few hours. From Shizun interrupting his latest confrontation with Ming Fan and actually disciplining the head disciple, to finally answering all Luo Binghe's desperate questions as to why he was singled out for punishment among the disciples of the peak. Were all of his struggles up to this point truly just a misunderstanding?
But how could he doubt, he wondered as he opened his fist to stare down at his treasure. Shizun had always been a mystery to him, as distant as the moon and thrice as cold. Even after Ming Fan had been sent away, he had despaired when Shizun had denied him his search for the guanyin. But it had not been the cruelty he believed it to be; there was no reason to search for something that had already been found, and would shortly be returned. Could the rest of his impressions of Shizun prove false as well?
He may never get the chance to know, he realized with dismay. Shizun had said there was no longer a place for him on Qing Jing Peak - but instead of kicking him from the mountain, was securing Luo Binghe a place on another peak. Was it not another kindness Luo Binghe had never expected from his aloof teacher? Had he not often imagined being chosen by a different peak lord at the entrance examination?
Was he not receiving what he had been wishing for all this time?
Why then, did he feel a sudden sense of loss?
Full of conflicting feelings, Luo Binghe got little sleep that night as he considered life outside the domain of Qing Jing Peak and Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu.
User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: OMG OMG OMG! I cannot be the only one who didn't see any of that coming - is Shen Qingqiu not the scum villain of the story after all?!
User Cultivate-This-Noob: Same upstairs, same.
User FakeJadePillar: Same upstairs x 2.
User YingYingGirly: It's such an interesting twist though! I never expected Shizun to be a red herring, but I'm really interested to see where his character goes after such a huge revelation!
User Peerless_Cucumber: Whoa whoa, slow down everyone, we can't just forget everything that has come before this chapter yet. Have you all forgotten the punished to kneel at the gate incident, Qing Jing disciples brawl incident, being "contrary" to Shizun incident, breaking the device and sentenced to hard work incident, and so on this track? Can an explanation really cover so much abuse heaped on the protag?
User Peerless_Cucumber: Furthermore, isn't this story a bit too convenient? Excusing Shen Qingqiu of all responsibility right before Luo Binghe is transferred to another peak? It's too suspicious I tell you! Shen Qingqiu is absolutely still the scum villain, just a high IQ villain attempting to cover his tracks!
User BingGetSome: As expected of Peerless Cucumber, Shen Qingqiu's #1 anti-fan! ...It may be true though, Shizun is the only one other than protag to show any IQ at all.
User Cultivate-This-Noob: As expected x 2. And protag is still a white lotus, he would of course believe whatever he's told.
User Peerless_Cucumber: This! Exactly! Luo Binghe has yet to be blackened despite his bitter experiences! He does not know how to recognize someone playing the pig to eat the tiger! I predict this will end in a much more bitter betrayal, as Shen Qingqiu plots to further sabotage his cultivation!
User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: As expected x 3!
User Demon.Daddy69: As expected x 4!
User YingYingGirly: It's a bit of a shame though. These YY stallion novels always have such one-dimensional villains who are scum for no reason. It would have been nice to get one with a bit more depth, even if they still ended up getting face-slapped in the end.
User Sword-Slut(¬‿¬): Why do you read the genre if you don't like the tropes? If you aren't careful, you'll be labeled a black powder fan like Peerless Cucumber! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
User Peerless_Cucumber: Quiet upstairs! Black powder fan and proud! (ง'̀-'́)ง And YYG is right, just because he may still be the scum villain, doesn't mean he can't still have some depth of character! The way Airplane made him a fighter jet among the half-wits certainly suggests significance to the plot - Shizun is definitely more important than a standard one-off baddy or cannon fodder. Maybe even the final boss, or center of conspiracy? There are many possibilities for him to develop into an A+ villain from here!
User PunishMeShizun: Lol, is it just me, or do you really want Shen Qingqiu to be the villain? Seems like you won't accept any possibility otherwise.
User Peerless_Cucumber: Quiet upstairs x 100! Your username disqualifies you from the discussion!
User Demon.Daddy69: You must be new here. First rule: never argue with PIDW's #1 Black Powder Fan!