To be a Bitch

by Anonymous

Summary:

Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu both go into seclusion in the Lingxi Caves. A month or two after both went into seclusion, Liu Qingge comes out with an unconscious and very much ravaged Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu, assumed alpha, is now an omega; all assume that by some miracle, Liu Qingge managed to bitch his shixiong within such a short amount of time.

Except, that is not really what happened. But why should Shen Qingqiu bother telling the knotheads that he was never an alpha to begin with? They could not tell in the years, no, decades of observing him. What new instincts?! He acts no different than before.

Note: Author will be using different terms for the dynamics in the fic. Updates very irregular, and tags will be added as they appear.

Chapter 1: Assumptions

Notes:

Terms for dynamics:

Qianyuan=Alpha
Zhongyong=Beta
Kunze=Omega

Another term one should be familiar with is: Bitching, an often nonconsensual process of conversion in which an alpha or beta becomes an omega. It doesn't occur, but it is a crucial detail in the story as most characters will assume it occurred. This is loosely inspired by another fic where SJ was bitched: "a change for the better" by ironpyrite. I am not sure if any of this can be even connected to it outside of omegaverse themes, but this is what sparked the idea.

Also, piranhas are not native to Asia so I kinda cursed both of us by coming up with an Airplane level name for those little fuckers. You would never think they were fish with the stupid name I gave them, but that's what they are. Scoop Biters would give a better hint towards those iconic bite shapes, but it does not sound like a name that fits in an Airplane world. Anyway, the animal is mentioned so as to emphasize the bitemarks Liu Qingge left behind. None resulted in the two mating, by the way.

Feedback on this work is much appreciated. Hope you enjoy the fic <3

Mu Qingfang was not surprised at two of his martial brothers coming to his peak bloodied and bruised. Especially these two martial brothers of his. It is a common occurrence for the two to appear on his peak after having a fight, though Liu Qingge never carried in an unconscious Shen Qingqiu before. But that little detail was ignored in favour of more. . . pressing conditions.

For one, both were supposed to be in seclusion. The doctor would have assumed the Lingxi Caves were expansive enough that the two Peak Lords would not encounter each other, much less fight. Yet here they are, sporting injuries of various matters from cuts to scratches to bitemarks.

The bitemarks being present on only Shen Qingqiu greatly confused him; the Qing Jing Peak Lord was the kind to give a broken rib where others gave him a bruise. Yet Mu Qingfang was not surprised by the bitemarks, considering how their brawls often devolved into something akin to street fighting.

What did surprise him was the scent that came with Shen Qingqiu. A weak scent, sweet and soothing to him in a rather primal way. His inner qianyuan was preening in the presence of that scent. It seems that somehow, Liu Qingge did the unimaginable and turned their shixiong into a kunze.

But how did Liu-shixiong manage to accomplish such a transformation in such little time, Mu Qingfang wondered. Even the fastest case recorded took almost half a year. But the results rest on the medical bed, emitting that pleasant scent from new, fully developed glands; indeed, this transformation is an interesting anomaly. If Mu Qingfang didn’t know better, he would think his Shen-shixiong was naturally a kunze.

Not a word was spoken as Mu Qingfang tended to his two martial brothers. But he and Liu Qingge both felt a sense of relief; their Shen-shixiong will no longer cause as much trouble now that he’s a kunze. 

---

Shen Qingqiu woke up to pain. The light burns his eyes, his back aches, his head is pulsing with a headache, and he feels an acute pain everywhere from the neck down. It is as if a school of Silver-scaled Bone Scrapers attacked him. Even worse, Mu Qingfang showed up upon being alerted by the monitoring talisman. Accompanied by his bitter medicine, vile concoctions that the mere thought of having makes Shen Qingqiu’s teeth ache for something sweet.

Now it flows down his throat, assaulting him with its abhorrent flavour as it passes his tongue. This one is very tempted to just spit it all out, Mu-shidi. Have you found a way to make your prescriptions to this master twice as bitter? Once he is discharged from Qian Cao, he’ll go down the mountain and indulge himself in all the sweets the jiejies have to offer. Ah, if only he had access to sweets on his stays in Qian Cao these experiences would be more tolerable.

The hazy experience of the Lingxi Caves float in the depths of Shen Qingqiu’s memory, forgotten in face of such wretched bitterness from the concoction Mu Qingfang gave him. The qianyuan knows just how horrible it tastes too if he is restraining a patient and administering the medicine himself. 

How humiliating it is, to be treated like a feral animal. Paralyzed, unable to fight back as bitterness invades his throat. In more ways than one, as Mu Qingfang is so close that Shen Qingqiu gets a lungful of the qianyuan’s scent every time he inhales. It is no more pleasant than the medicine he is given, or the hand on his neck. Rubbing and guiding him to swallow the vile thing, inadvertently rubbing on his scent glands. 

In moments like this, it is as if he is still Xiao Jiu, helpless and weak. Still trapped, unable to escape the chains that are slowly suffocating him.

Oh, how Shen Qingqiu wants to claw the man’s treacherous hands off so that they can never bring agony to him again, whether by touch or his abhorrent creations. Attempting to claw the qianyuan’s sleeves to shreds will have to suffice for now.

---

Usually, Mu Qingfang would just give Shen Qingqiu his prescribed medicine and leave. But after such a change, other treatments are necessary. The now kunze has been exposed to Liu-shixiong’s scent, but he will need exposure to more than just one herd member’s scent if he is to bond with them. He also has to ensure the newly developed scent glands are stimulated enough so that they function properly, which comes with the pleasant side effect of the body relaxing. 

Liu-shixiong truly performed a miracle, Mu Qingfang thinks as he feeds medicine to his Shen-shixiong. The other became so pliant after mere moments, now clinging to him so desperately that Mu Qingfang fears his sleeves will rip. How endearing the sight is, especially with Shen Qingqiu not making a single complaint as he drinks the medicine. Oh, how he clearly wants to complain with his furrowed brows and turned up nose. Yet he doesn't.

His inner qianyuan rumbles in contentment at the thought of the kunze being so good for them. So docile, so obedient. Mu Qingfang should reward him for it.

Notes:

It was not intended or planned but Mujiu will happen. After reading what I just wrote, there is no way I am not going use this as a set up for it. I have no clue what route I plan to go with Liu Qingge. Maybe he'll initially be an ass, maybe he won't be. I don't know, I just wanted to write a fic where Jiumei gets away with shit because everyone misinterprets his actions and just thinks "yes, this is model kunze behavior."

Next chapter will be Shen Qingqiu being reminded of what occurred in the Lingxi Caves and his reaction to it.

Chapter 2: What

Summary:

Shen Qingqiu is starting to piece together what happened in the Lingxi Caves. Now he just needs to figure out who is the bastard that laid with him, so that he can silence them.

Notes:

Never said he'd remember all the details, just enough to know he got laid with some idiot who qi deviated.

Also, there is a breed of chicken called the silkie chicken. They are so adorable, they are like the fluffy alpaca of chickens. I want one so badly but I don't have the space, time, or money (T-T)

Ahem, anyways. In Chinese culture, eating silkie chicken is considered a good way to boost fertility. Mothers who just gave birth are also given silkie chicken to eat during recovery. So I wanted to add the bird into the world because of that, but I doubt Liu Qingge would consider giving a chicken to Shen Qingqiu. So the people of PIDW get a killer fertility chicken, say thank you to your War God peasants/j

I kinda feel bad for adding the bird in just because of Liu Qingge's stubborn idea of honor and such, because now the common people are terrorized by a chicken. I thought of having Mu Qingfang go down the mountain to buy the chicken and make soup for Shen Qingqiu, but I also headcanon that Mu Qingfang is a terrible cook. And Jiumei already suffers the bitter medicine.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter <3

Shen Qingqiu could only stare down at himself in horror. There. Are. Bitemarks. EVERYWHERE!!! No matter where he looks, how he turns, there is no spot that wasn’t spared from a voracious mouth. Embarrassingly, that included his rear.

Someone knows, he realizes, someone in this sect now knows the Qing Jing Peak Lord is a kunze. What will he do now‽ If the others find out, he’ll end up no better than Shang Qinghua; walked all over, treated as if he is a weak thing to be handled delicately. And what of his disciples, they would be even more vulnerable than before. Those Bai Zhan brutes will probably increase their attacks on his peak if his status came out, Qian Cao would put less care in treating their injuries, Wan Jian would send even worse swords than the mediocre ones they currently give, Shou Xing would probably start to wave off concerns of a wild beast terrorizing his students, they would all no longer be intimidated by him and be emboldened to undermine him and his authority. And that is just within his sect, what of the Jianghu?

“Shixiong, are you okay? This shidi will return in half a shichen.” Mu Qingfang’s voice startled Shen Qingqiu out of his thoughts. A slosh of water and hiss of pain followed his sudden movement. Hah, one thing at a time. Once he is discharged from Qian Cao, he’ll start looking for the bastard. And once he finds the wretch, they will not dare show themselves in the light of day again. Not when he’s done with them.

With that thought, Shen Qingqiu starts to furiously scrub away at himself. He needs to get rid of the scent of qianyuan clinging to his skin. Each pass caused a burning pain on at least one bite mark. Yes, once he is out of Qian Cao, he will find the bastard and make them suffer.

In the midst of all the pain, the detail of his being in the Lingxi Caves was overlooked.

---

Shen Qingqiu endured three more torturous days of the same treatment before he was released from Qian Cao. Mu Qingfang seems to have become more—invasive in his observations, grabbing and squeezing him all over; checking for any abnormalities, the doctor said. He is no doctor, so Shen Qingqiu let him be on that. Especially when he began offering ginger candy with the vile medicine he has been shoving down his throat. They don’t do much against the overwhelmingly bitter taste, but Shen Qingqiu can appreciate the effort.

It was sunset when he finally reached his beloved bamboo house. Upon entering his bedroom, Shen Qingqiu is hit with a reminder of where he was before Qian Cao. Sitting on his vanity was a bottle of his suppression pills. Pills he stopped taking almost four months ago, in preparation of going into seclusion. In the Lingxi Caves.

Where he should have been able to meditate through his heat. 

But, he suddenly remembered, there was a commotion before the worst of the heat hit. A loud bout of metal clanging against stone, occasionally followed by snarling and shouts; some idiot who also entered the caves was going through qi deviation, and disrupting his attempts at meditation. He went towards them, hoping to stop the deviation and those horrid headache-inducing sounds. When he entered the cavern they were in he was pinned down and. . . 

The rest of it was a blur. He can’t recall what happened after, not that he needs to. The state his body was in is indication enough of what happened. Shen Qingqiu can feel himself shaking with rage. Some knothead was in the caves, was so careless as to deviate himself into a rut, and then had his way with him. No, once Shen Qingqiu finds the bastard, he will be dead if not a eunuch. 

And , the next thought brought a sinister smile upon his face, what an easy trail the wretch left behind. They would have needed clearance from the sect leader to enter the caves, written clearance. Shen Qingqiu will simply need to bear through a few shichen of Yue Qingyuan’s company to get the information he needs. The next peak lord meeting is in five days, the perfect opportunity. Shen Qingqiu would usually try to evade that man’s attempts at conversation, but he can make an exception for this case. A few shichen stuck with the sect leader is a small price to pay for maintaining his status. And for vengeance against whoever dared to lay with him and leave those accursed bite marks all over.

His plans made, Shen Qingqiu changed his outfit and set towards the Warm Red Pavilion. He will deal with everything tomorrow. Tonight, he intends to let loose in the company of his jiejies and meimeis at the brothel.

---

The beast fell with an echoing thud. In the distance, a flock of birds took flight and fled from the sound. Silence falls upon the clearing of fallen trees, save for the heavy panting of the beast’s downfall.

Liu Qingge hunches in front of the corpse of an Elder Midnight Silkie, bloody and tired. The giant bird-like beast managed to graze him with one of its poison-tipped talons, diverting the efforts of his cultivation towards burning the toxin in his body instead of rejuvenating him. He hadn’t hunted one of these beasts since he became an inner disciple.

Midnight Silkies are barely a challenge to the seasoned cultivator, so he stopped hunting them once they proved too easy a fight. But it is said that meat from the beast helps to boost fertility, and their pelts are said to be soft and smooth like silk. Surely things that a kunze would love. 

He is still shocked, but Liu Qingge has made peace with what he did. He turned Shen Qingqiu into a kunze, and it is now his duty to ensure the other transitions into his new role without issue. The meat will help with the fertility issues that transitioned kunzes tend to experience, and such soft pelts are highly coveted nesting materials. Yes, a kunze like Shen Qingqiu would love to receive such things.

And the qianyuan loves the idea of providing for the kunze, his kunze. Once he fully settles into his new role, Liu Qingge intends to officially make Shen Qingqiu his mate. He cannot recall much of what occurred in the caves, but he can recall bits and pieces near the end of his rut. And what a sight the other made.

Shen Qingqiu under him, baring his neck towards Liu Qingge in an act of submission, whining and begging for his knot. 

The other presenting himself to him, hole slightly agape and already producing slick. Liu Qingge’s seed dripping down his thighs.

A bullied expression on that face, tears spilling down from desperate eyes, swollen lips begging as he holds himself open for Liu Qingge

Liu-shidiiiii

He had a taste of that sweetness and he isn’t letting go.

Notes:

Liu Qingge's scene came out hornier than intended. Oh well, enjoy your meal.

Also, did you know the beast taming peak is actually fanon? I didn't know until trying to look for their name, only to find out they aren't canon. So you have Shou Xing(兽性) Peak, Shou Xing translating to beast. (兽) alone would mean beast, but (性) is a character that could be a suffix for -ity or -ness. So you get Shou Xing Peak being the Beastly Peak. (性 ) alone can also mean nature, so there is that.

If you use google translate, you'll also get "beastliness," "barbarity," and "brute" as other potential meanings of Shou Xing(兽性). And translating just (性) will result in "sex." The more you know.

Chapter 3: Peace Before the Storm

Summary:

Gossipers will gossip, and slightly true rumors are starting to spread about what happened in the Lingxi Caves. Two sides emerge, one adamant that Liu Qingge fucked Shen Qingqiu into a kunze and the other very skeptical of that.

Notes:

I could not figure out for the life of me how to write the brothel scene, so it is unfortunately glazed over. Just know that Jiumei gets to indulge in pudding and other sweets, along with gossip and later cuddles from fellow kunzes working at the brothel.

Also, what would you think of a hypocritical Qi Qingqi? She is a strong opposer to Shen Qingqiu because she sees him as a pervert and is a major pusher of the lecher rumors. So imagine the irony of her suddenly pursuing Jiumei like the perverted qianyuan she previously accused him of being.

Here is a sample of perverted Qi Qingqi:

 

Docile, what would that look like on him? Would he fold at the smallest growl, or cling close to them for comfort?

 

Perhaps that frigid face will finally melt into a more welcoming expression. Those cold, cold eyes may become warmer too. Ah, what does his body look like now? He already had a rather short stature for a cultivator, would the changes make him more petite? Hmm, would the hips widen on that slim figure?

 

The Xian Shu Peak Lord’s thoughts drifted towards more and more physical things.

 

Anyways, enjoy <3

Hey! Wu Cheng! Wu Cheng!

Wen-shidi should address his shixiong properly.

You’re no fun, you old nag. 

…

Ow! Ow! Mercy, shixiong! This one’s ear will fall off! How will I hear the news now, ah?

You decide to sneak off and eavesdrop on those gossipers when you should be focused on your studies?! Shizun will be considering new inner disciples soon!

Aiya, you worry too much. I still have four more years before they will demand me back. Anyway, did you hear that Shen Qingqiu was–

 

A whisper was spreading across the peaks. Disciples scurrying to and from their various assignments carried the news like plague-ridden rats. Not even the peak lords were spared from these speculations.

 

Brother, maybe you need to go to Qian Cao for an examination. Everyone knows Shen Qingqiu’s tendencies, he would more likely try to do that to Liu-shishu than the other way.

No, you can go to Qian Cao yourself and confirm it! Li-shimei said she saw–

 

“Shizun!” The two disciples shrieked in greeting. Shang Qinghua only looked at them with a tired expression. He just had to deal with yet another mess made by those Bai Zhan disciples, and half a village is demanding reparations.

“Disciple Ling and Disciple Hong are to report at the docks in half a shichen. We are expecting a shipment of silks for Xian Shu.” Expected, unlike the news he just heard.

“Yes, Shizun!” The two bowed before leaving for the docks. Their master left to ponder what to do with this new piece of information.

 

So Shen Qingqiu is now a kunze?

Yes, Shizun would always have this sweet scent lingering on him after he tends to him. And Da-shijie says she saw Liu-shibo carry Shen Qingqiu in–

 

“–with bite marks all over him!” Qi Qingqi heard Liu Mingyan exclaim to a fellow disciple. The girl was very interested in the recent gossip, as was her master. 

From afar, Qi Qingqi muses at the thought of her wretched shixiong being a kunze. Ha, It would be nice to see that man submit for once. Perhaps he will finally let them get a word in during their meetings, if he has become more docile. 

---

As the whispers spread, Shen Qingqiu indulges himself upon heavenly sweetness and gossip at the brothel.

“–and would you believe it, he actually bought it.” Xiao Gu exclaims as he proudly shows off a golden necklace that some noble’s son bought for him. Shen Qingqiu merely hums over a mouthful of pudding, listening to his fellow kunze talk about their latest affair. 

“Next time, ask him for a jade bracelet.” At least this one has no partner in the picture, and he has so far appeared to be quite the gentleman. Maybe this will be the one to buy his friend’s contract.

“Hmm, perhaps. Oh, did you hear about the scandal that Lord Gao found himself in. His wife found a jade bracelet that wasn’t hers, and the financial records show it was bought nearly a year ago. She has been–” As Xiao Gu continues telling him of the latest news in town, Shan Qingqiu helps himself to another plate of pudding. Moments of peace like these will be hard to come by soon. 

It will be no easy feat to arrange for the disappearance of a sect member.

Notes:

There is no meaning behind any of the OC names, they were just random words that somehow fit. Except for Xiao Gu, that is the name of a teacher my brother had. Apologies to Gu Xiansheng should he happen to come across this.

Next chapter will be reactions from certain characters, notably Ning Yingying and Yue Qingyuan.

Chapter 4: The Filial and Unfilial

Summary:

The sect leader mourns the events of the Lingxi Caves, believing it his fault. He stood back and now look what it has led to! He left Xiao Jiu vulnerable again, and now he suffers for Qi-ge's mistakes! His disciples wail in turn, how did their shizun manage all this work! Please come back, shizun! The sect may suffer from your disciples' incompetence!

While tears and suffering occur on Qiong Ding Peak, there is rainbows and sunshine on Qing Jing Peak. At least that is the case for one Ning Yingying, who cannot be happier that she can be publicly acknowledged by A-Niang now. And there is no need for one of those terrible uncles.

Luo Binghe is conflicted by his feelings on the recent rumors. He is a filial disciple, he swears it!

Notes:

Ning Yingying is an orphan that imprinted on Shen Qingqiu when he just became head disciple. He kept her in the Warm Red Pavilion to be taken care of until he ascended to peak lord. After settling into his new, more secure position, he brought Ning Yingying onto Qing Jing Peak as a direct disciple. This of course caused more malicious rumors, but he's not leaving his pup down the mountain when he can finally bring her up with him. Ning Yingying has a grudge against those horrible martial uncles that treat her A-Niang terribly.

As for Luo Binghe, the pendant is already lost and the skinner demon mission had him humiliated. He was supposed to be escorting his Ning-shijie, but had let them both be captured. Yeah, Jiumei did not take lightly to such incompetence; especially when Yingying's life was on the line! Poor Binghe, these rumors give him hope that perhaps Shizun won't treat him so badly now. What kunze would think of hurting a pup like Luo Binghe?

Ever since the news reached Qiong Ding, its Peak Lord has been absent. The disciples worry about their Shizun, surely he can’t be that upset by what happened. Especially to that shishu in particular, the one who always acts mean to him. If anything, shouldn’t Shizun be ecstatic? Shen-shishu is nicer now that he is a kunze, Mu-shishu gushes about the change whenever he’s mentioned. Or maybe, a few unfilial disciples think, Shizun had designs on Shen-shishu. 

The man always dotes on the other, constantly sending gifts and trying to spend time with him. If it weren’t for Shen Qingqiu being a qianyuan, everyone would think Yue Qingyuan was courting him. Perhaps he was, and now he wishes it was him who changed Shen Qingqiu into a kunze. 

“Ah, what a shame Liu-shishu got to him first,” the disciples think. Another wail resounds from the sect leader’s house.

“Xiao Jiu! Wuwuwuwu”

Ling Shua awkwardly stands in front of the door, uncertain if she should knock. She was about to hand in her report when Shizun heard the news. He looked like a man who lost everything, barely holding himself from succumbing to misery. Ling Shua was dismissed before she even took a step into his office. Then, Shizun retreated to his house. Leaving orders to not be disturbed, and handing all his duties upon his head disciple. But, she was just recently chosen as head disciple; she hasn't even been given a courtesy name. She can’t handle all of Shizun’s duties on her own, not even with the hallmasters’ help! Shizun, please come out! Your disciples are also suffering! The whole sect will suffer soon! This one isn’t ready for the sect leader’s duties!

In his room, Yue Qingyuan cries. He should have kept Liu-shidi far away from Xiao Jiu, he should have let Xiao Jiu go when they reunited, he should have done something! And now Xiao Jiu is suffering from his actions. Again! This Qi-ge is so sorry, Xiao Jiu!

“Qi-ge failed you again! Wuwuwuwu”

With a sigh, Ling Shua turns around. If Shizun is that grief-stricken, he won’t be answering anything. She should pray to the gods above that she represents Cang Qiong well in tomorrow’s diplomatic meeting.

---

“A-Niang!” Ning Yingying shrieks as she runs to him. A-Niang lets her hug him, before lightly whacking her head with his fan. Ning Yingying draws back, pouting and rubbing the not-sore spot.

“Your martial brothers are nearby, what did I tell you to call me near them?”

“I address A-Niang as Shizun when around my shixiongs.” He didn’t hit her head this time.

“Good, remember that next time.” He says, patting her head before turning around to resume his stroll. Ning Yingying quickly scurries to catch up, wishing she was still 8. A-Niang would carry her everywhere back then. Now she can’t be carried, because everyone sees her as a big girl. 

She doesn’t like being a big girl. Big girls have to do boring things like writing and studying, and reading in the library. Yingying hates the library, A-Niang never plays with her when he is in there. And now Yingying is stuck there when A-Niang isn’t.

“But why can’t Yingying call A-Niang A-Niang?” She complains, having caught up. She wraps her arms around one of his legs. A-Niang walks slower so he does not stumble and cause both of them to fall.

“Because people will treat Yingying terribly if they know I am your A-Niang. I do not have someone for you to call A-Die.” Yingying scowls at that, stupid people with their stupid ideas. Who would she want to call A-Die anyway? The uncles here treat A-Niang terribly, like those uncles with her aunties down the mountain. None of them deserve to be called A-Die!

“Yingying doesn’t want an A-Die, Yingying is happy with A-Niang!”

A-Niang stops for a moment and picks her up. Yingying giggles, thrilled at being carried around again. A-Niang smiles a small smile at that.

“Then Yingying can call me A-Niang when I reveal myself to the others. But do not call me A-Niang in front of them until then, alright?” Yingying snuggles into the crook of A-Niang’s neck in reply. She will wait, it is better than forever addressing A-Niang as Shizun.

~

Ning Yingying cheerfully skips alongside A-Luo, excited for when A-Niang comes back to the peak. He always brings back a treat that the aunties made for her. And now that A-Niang finally revealed himself, that means she can call him A-Niang. And the horrible uncles cannot stop her from visiting A-Niang in the bamboo house now.

“A-Luo, let’s hurry up. A-Niang will be arriving soon!” 

Luo Binghe keeps silent, feeling unfilial for the joy such rumors gave him. He shouldn’t feel happy for his Shizun’s humiliation, he shouldn’t feel glad his Shizun was subject to such a fate. But if Shizun is now a kunze, surely that would mean he would be treated better. Amongst all the disciples, Luo Binghe is the youngest; he’s still a pup, and kunzes tend to dote on him because of that. Would that not mean Shizun will do the same?

Notes:

I planned to include Ming Fan and Liu Mingyan in this chapter, but I could not figure where to place them. They shall make an appearance next chapter, when Jiumei returns to his peak.

Chapter 5: Disapproval

Summary:

Bai Zhan disciples have become more emboldened and are harassing Qing Jing more frequently, resulting in Ming Fan having more reports to write. Not that those brutes didn't cause damage before, but this is becoming too much. They had to send a martial brother to Qian Cao for heaven's sake! No wonder Shizun hates the Bai Zhan Peak Lord.

And Shen Qingqiu's impression of Liu Qingge becomes worse when he is tackled by a crying Ning Yingying, who is upset by the brute's actions. He doesn't know what that man did, but it certainly isn't righteous. For once, the two have a misunderstanding where Liu Qingge stands wrong-footed.

Yingying reveals her cards to a man who can't speak for shit. Cough* Liu Qingge Cough*

Notes:

One thing to note is that Shen Qingqiu applies qianyuan scent upon himself as part of his disguise. He is currently unaware that everyone sees him as a kunze now, so he still uses it. This will cause confusion in anyone who happens upon him, which happened to be Liu Qingge. Except Yingying is there and she demands all of her A-Niang's attention, diverting the topic of Shen Qingqiu's scent to the more pressing issue of why she is upset. Which coincidentally is Liu Qingge.

Ming Fan silently swears as he writes a report of the most recent incident. Those damn Bai Zhan monkeys returned to gloat again and Duo-shidi rose to their taunts, proceeding to send himself and a Bai Zhan disciple to Qian Cao. Ha, he will be hearing snide remarks about that at the next monthly meeting.

Some days, Ming Fan feels as if his mother was right about becoming a cultivator. More trouble than it is worth , she told him, those immortals may appear wise and honorable but behind that mirage is a cruel, self-absorbed fool . She may have been right, considering how the other peaks act. Pah! Who needs monthly shipments of silk?! Apparently Xuan Shu Peak, and yet they complain about Qing Jing Peak’s annual imports of paper. At least we use every scrap of paper, he thinks bitterly.

All Ming Fan ever wanted was a serene, worry-free life. Life on the peak is calm and quiet, but the weight of his workload could bring down an ox. His duties used to be bearable, when he had someone to keep him company. But now Ning Yingying is practically glued to the hip with that horrid Luo Binghe. Oh, how Ming Fan hates that new shidi of his.

He had such hope, certain the head disciple position would be taken by Luo-shidi. But after a few years, he barely made progress! Admittedly, Ming Fan really only hindered the boy, but he never tries to fight back! Ming Fan thought it would be like those court drama novels where two men are locked in a fierce, drawn out battle of will; an invigorating duel of minds clashing for the higher rank. This feels nothing like that. Kicking him down just feels pathetic, but Ming Fan can’t back away now! That would be a confession of how desperate he is to find a replacement, to see potential even in such an incompetent disciple as Luo Binghe. He can’t allow others to realize just how eager he is to step down from being head disciple. Ming Fan just doesn’t want to be head disciple, but those outsiders will always twist it into something against Shizun.

Shizun. . .

Now that he is a kunze, those other peak lords will soon be pushing their authority onto Qing Jing, and Shizun can’t do anything to stop them now. They’ll angle his actions as driven by hysteria or qi-imbalance, or use it to paint him as a cold and heartless kunze. Anything to disgrace him, they will do. Ming Fan will forfeit his birth rights if this was not the case. 

The rustling of brush on paper dies, the report is finished. With a sigh of relief, Ming Fan rose up and left his room. A nice, leisurely stroll through the bamboo forest should help lighten his mood, and clear his mind from the madness.

---

Shen Qingqiu was returning in a good mood after spending the night amongst jiejies and meimeis. It was ruined the moment he walked within sight of his bamboo house, and saw the scene it bore witness to. Now Yingying is sobbing into his robes, upset by what callous words that brute spat out before his arrival.

“Ni-ia-ang! He–Liu–shi-sh-shu–he said–Ni-ah-ang–is-go-going-to-le-eave!” She was crying so hard, he wouldn’t be able to understand her words even if her voice wasn’t muffled. He tries his best to soothe her, shrouding her in his embrace and emanating some of his scent around her. 

“Were our fights not enough, Liu Qingge? Now you join your brainless monkeys in harrassing my disciples and vandalizing my peak?” Shen Qingqiu hisses, still trying to comfort Yingying. The brute just stands there, acting as if he should be the offended one.

“You, your scent!” And where was your sense of propriety when you upset my Ying’er?!

“What of it? Do you come to terrorize my peak, spreading your stink everywhere, and expect me to attend to your needs?!” Heavens, he just returned and he already has a headache. The brute's face reddened at the accusation.

“It–not like that. I came here to–” Yingying cut him off with an agonized wail as he stepped towards them. Shen Qingqiu pulled them both back, seeing her distress at the brute’s proximity. What a righteous man that brute turned out to be, even Shen Qingqiu thought he was better than that. To evoke such a reaction. . .

“This one asks Liu-shidi to leave the peak,” he grits out, “your presence upsets my disciple.” 

“But-"

“LEAVE!” Shen Qingqiu accompanies the command with a rain of bamboo leaves. Anything to get that, that beast away from here, from Ying'er. He doesn’t notice how Yingying stopped shaking, or the smug face she showed as that brute makes a retreat.

---

That brat’s knowing smirk taunts Liu Qingge the entire flight back to his peak.  

Everyone believes Ning Yingying to be innocent and naive, unable to see the designs that Shen Qingqiu had on her. But truly, it was the opposite. That girl is a cunning snake, able and willing to manipulate situations in her favor; and Shen Qingqiu is blind to the serpent he welcomed into his nest, cherishing her as his favorite disciple. With his new kunze nature, he will doubtlessly start treating her as his own pup.

Seeing how Shen Qingqiu reacted to the girl’s distress, Liu Qingge will have no chance of courtship if he doesn’t have that child’s approval. And that brat knows it too.

Notes:

Apologies for not updating for many months. Academic writing has me in a stranglehold, currently.

Chapter 6: Schemers

Summary:

Like parent, like child.

Ning Yingying and Shen Jiu each carry out their own schemes to protect the other from the perceived threat of Liu Qingge. Luo Binghe is somehow involved with both of their plans, which unintentionally benefits him.

Notes:

Hello, I'm back! School has kept me very busy, first in studying to ensure I graduate high school and then in preparation for college. Toss in an impromptu family trip and a month of summer classes, I didn't have the most time to write. But now I have moved in and finally have some free time!

Thank you for your patience, and I hope to update sometime near the end of September. Enjoy this chapter <3

“May this shizhi ask why shishu is visiting?” Ning Yingying asks innocently. She was hoping A-Niang would return, not him. 

“Where is Shen Qingqiu?” Liu Qingge demands, ignoring her question in favor of his. Every bit the kind of man A-Niang warned her to avoid. Inconsiderate, selfish, and more stubborn than an ass! She would spit at him if it didn ’t reflect poorly upon A-Niang.

“A-Niang has yet to return, this disciple can see shishu out.” She hopes her response is enough for him to return to his savage peak. Before A-Niang returns and bears witness to this . . . thing the brutish man holds. Yingying’s sense of smell has yet to fully develop, yet the smell is making even her eyes water with pain. 

The man simply grunted in response, then proceeded to shove the stinking bundle into her arms! It took every bit of discipline she had to remain still instead of tossing this disgusting thing off the nearest cliff.

 

“No need, simply tell your master this one intends to take responsibility by courting him.”

 

Responsibility!?What responsibility?! Yingying feels ready to vomit blood at the thought of this, this savage approaching A-Niang with such salacious intentions. She ought to show this ignoble man exactly what she thinks of his audaciousness.

With that thought, Yingying tossed the bloody bundle onto the ground. And stomped on the vile thing for good measure. Heavens, the blood gets everywhere, she needs new robes after this. And shoes. . .

"You! You dare!?"  Liu Qingge screamed in outrage.

 

"YOU!" Shen Qingqiu's own outrage thundered behind the fuming man.

 

A-Niang's shout was the only cue Yingying needed before she ran towards him, sobbing the whole way. Maybe that horrible "gift" was not so bad, its rancid smell was a great aid in faking her tears. Ha, let's see you make your advances after this, brutish uncle! 

~

“Niang will be back soon, Ying’er, he just need to send a message to someone.” He pats her head before leaving, off to do more than send a message. Yingying petulantly shoves an osmanthus cake in her mouth, upset at the fact that A-Niang won’t be staying. What if that barbaric Liu comes and spirits him away? Yingying can’t have that happen!

At least that horrible "gift” is gone, she consoles. Poor Gui-shixiong, he just reached maturity and had to deal with the full brunt of that horrid parcel's stench. Even as a zhongyong, his sense of smell is far stronger than that of an unpresented pup like Yingying. She lit a candle in her heart for his suffering, and bit into another sweet treat.

Hah, Aunty Shu’s cooking never fails to lift her spirits. Yingying reached for another cake, when an idea came to her. She bolted out of the bamboo house and ran right into the shidi she was going to search for. The two stared in shock for a moment before Ning Yingying took action.

“Ning-shijie!” was all Luo Binghe could utter before Yingying yanked him into the house.

“A-Luo! Come, join shijie for a snack.” Qing Jing has its own physical cultivator! She can spar with him to grow strong enough to beat those pests away. Or at least train a strong and reliable guard for Qing Jing. A-Niang would be proud of Yingying's ingenuity! Perhaps all her studying was worth something after all.

---

Damn it, damn it! He’s grown too soft over the years, to have let such a beast onto his peak. To let a man—

Shen Jiu feels as if he’s on the brink of another deviation, just thinking of it. She was supposed to be safe here, in his domain. His territory. 

“Ming Fan!” Where is that boy? Has the little beast been a bad influence on him too?! Speaking of that demon.

“You! Little beast!” Tch, still doing his shixiongs’ menial chores. What did he ever see in this one?

“Greetings, Shizun! How may this disciple be of service?” Such fealty, it makes him sick. But it is to his advantage right now.

Shen Jiu grabbed the boy’s wrist, taking note of the boy’s cultivation. Hmph, for once failure was a good thing. The little beast’s cultivation has suffered little damage from the manual. He quickly let go and took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands. Given the right training, this boy could still grow to rival Liu Qingge himself. A little beast to keep the others at bay, the perfect bodyguard for Ying'er.

“Go accompany your shijie, you are dismissed from other duties until otherwise.” Luo Binghe's eyes lit up at the opportunity.

“Yes, Shizun! This disciple obeys!” With a curt bow, the little beast ran off in search of his martial sister. Shen Jiu scoffed at the boy's eagerness, and resumed searching for his head disciple. Really, where is that Ming Fan?

---

The rumors are true! Shizun already treats him so much better, Binghe feels he is seeing the light at the end of his dark journey at last. Mother, your Binghe will suffer no more!

---

Upon reaching the bamboo forest, Shizun arrived with a letter for Ming Fan to deliver. His simple stroll in the forest became an interpeak assignment. At least Shizun is accompanying him on this task, Ming Fan consoles. With Shizun, he won’t encounter any Xian Shu disciples or their disturbing stares. He felt reassured in his safety, until the bridge branched out to Qiong Ding.

 

“I trust you will deliver the letter safely to your shigu. This one will be meeting with your shibo about an important matter.” With an elegant swish of his robes, Shizun turned towards Qiong Ding Peak. Leaving Ming Fan to walk towards his terrible fate within Xian Shu's borders.

 

He doesn't know how long he stood there, watching in disbelief as Shizun's figure disappeared into the horizon. Ming Fan's one line of defense from Xian Shu's man-eaters, gone.

What cruel joke is this?! His relaxing stroll amongst bamboo became a daunting journey into the treacherous “Fairies’ Peak.” If he were not on the rainbow bridge, Ming Fan would run for a secluded area to scream and curse the cause of his misfortune. Is a simple stroll so leisurely, that the heavens must punish him so?

Notes:

I'm so sorry Ming Fan, you are going to go through so much suffering. This author has some convoluted arcs just for you.

Next are Yue Qingyuan and Qi Qingqi. QQQ will become a love interest for SJ, and I'm on the fence for YQY. If he becomes a potential suitor, his progress would probably be a sprint for a moment but then halt to a snail's pace. Either way, this is still the starting point; he's stuck in the big brother role regardless. Also, I feel the kids will need an uncle to ally with. One who won't try to sleep with their mom (looking at my plans for SQH here).

Also, I am gonna do some format changes to this story.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Fics on a Whim