A Butterfly Dreaming - Tiffindale - 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System (2024)

Chapter 1

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 sh*t - 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 f*cking 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 f*cking 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 sad*stic 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 sh*t 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 f*ck-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 f*cking 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.

sh*t. 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 circ*mstances, 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 f*cking 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-slu*t(¬‿¬): 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!

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

Acid hissed as it fell in endless streams around him, and Shen Qingqiu told himself that all he felt was resignation. Everything about the previous days had been too good to be true. If his life were a novel, it would be driven by one consistent theme: fortune never smiled down upon Shen Qingqiu.

He opened his remaining eye to familiar accommodations, refusing to acknowledge its burning as anything but a reaction to the astringent water in the air. He was suspended from a ring around his waist, his limbs once more a fond memory, tongue torn out so as not to inhibit his screams with something so useless as pleas for mercy.

As though the demon had ever managed to make him beg.

Speak of Cáo Cāo, and Cáo Cāo arrives. Hinges rusted from years of erosion creaked as the door opened, and he easily recognized the cadence of footsteps that followed after. A tall shadow stretched across the floor as the demon approached, followed by the view of inky black robes embroidered with simple but elegant silver designs. Shen Qingqiu's lips drew up into a sneer; he recognized the decoration as a common Qing Jing motif for the elder members' robes. That the demon chose to wear the pattern was telling of both his self-importance and his desires. But it didn't matter how powerful the demon became, how much he conquered or ruled over in the future, or how long he chose to torment his former teacher.

Shen Qingqiu would never recognize Luo Binghe as a cultivator of Qing Jing Peak.

The demonic blood inside him began to roil, seeming to impale his organs and twist his bones as the demon reacted to Shen Qingqiu's visible contempt. He writhed in his bonds, biting back his screams for as long as he was capable-

Before he jerked up off his bed with a shout, chest heaving and hair sticking to his face from a cold sweat. The humid smell of rot lingered in his nose, even as he registered the serene interior of his bedroom on Qing Jing Peak. Stomach churning, he upended the orchids he had placed in a vase beside the bed before vomiting the remains of his dinner. He stilled once he'd finished gagging, breath ragged and wet with misery. It was impossible to say how long he sat there, bent over the pot and engulfed in the smell of his own sick before he was able to will himself to move.

Just a nightmare, he attempted to console himself. You've had them before. Nothing to get worked up about.

But he'd always known that they were only bad dreams before. No matter how many times he had dreamt of the Qiu Estate, or his childhood on the streets, or even his time as a disciple under Wu Yanzi - he'd always known upon waking that they were times long past, memories that could not reach out to touch him in the present.

He did not have that assurance here. Could not confidently say which of the events he was experiencing was real and which was the lie. Had he really awoken just now, or just fallen back into the demon's ruse?

But why bring me out, even for a brief period? Why make me doubt my reality? Unless his intentions are to drive me mad with the uncertainty.

It was impossible to fathom how the demon's mind worked, or what he might hope to accomplish by manufacturing such a scene. Regardless, Shen Qingqiu had no choice but to carry on as though the world he currently perceived was correct.

Hefting the pot in his arms, he made his way to the exit, intending to find a quiet spot by the nearest pool to clean the unfortunate receptacle. Only to run into the man loitering on the other side of his door, almost dumping the contents of the pot down the front of the sect leader's robes. On second thought, he shouldn't have bothered catching himself; getting puke spilled down his front was the least that Yue Qingyuan deserved.

He wasn't terribly surprised by Yue Qingyuan's presence, as the sect leader had always made a point of coming to visit Shen Qingqiu during times of 'recuperation'. It looked like favor from the outside, as the head of the number one cultivation sect took time from his many and complex duties to take his shidi's troubles to heart. No doubt a better person in this situation would feel moved.

Too bad for him, it was not someone else. Just the scumbag Shen Qingqiu, incapable of regret or mercy, and unappreciative of his shixiong's kindness.

Yue Qingyuan had reached out to stabilize him, and Shen Qingqiu took a large step back to reclaim some much-needed distance. Despite this, a frown stretched across the sect leader's face as he registered the smell emanating from the pot, his eyes brimming with concern. He hesitated, hands outstretched, before setting his jaw as he came to some decision. Skirting around Shen Quingqiu, he entered the cottage without so much as a by-your-leave, beelining to the small kitchen to heat water for tea.

Shen Qingqiu weighed the consequences of throwing the sect leader out as he fumed over the man's presumption. But Yue Qingyuan was more slippery than most gave him credit for; in the past, he had always prepared a pretext for his visits in order to disguise his fussing. Some piece of critical information or an important request that would get him in the door of the cottage to impose on his shidi's hospitality. Shen Qingqiu didn't expect that this house call would be the exception. So he grit his teeth, set the dirtied vase outside the door to be dealt with later, and took a seat at the table to wait.

Yue Qingyuan joined him a few kè later, setting a snowy white porcelain tea set between them and serving Shen Qingqiu a cup. He took a large swallow to clean the repulsive taste from his mouth, ignoring his guest's attentive gaze.

"How is Shidi feeling after a day to recuperate?"

Shen Qingqiu waved a hand dismissively, wishing he hadn't left his fan in the bedroom. "This master has experienced no issues."

Yue Qingyuan's eyes turned sharp, and Shen Qingqiu could see him debating whether or not to bring up the mess currently congealing in a pot outside. He allowed the silence to fester as he casually drained his cup and poured himself another. How far was the sect leader prepared to take his display of brotherly concern in the face of Shen Qingqiu's indifference?

Apparently the man realized he had already pressed his luck this particular morning. "That means Shidi is ready to go down the mountain. Is there anything you need?"

Shen Qingqiu hid his face with the cup, prolonging his drink as he considered how to answer. In truth, he hadn't the slightest idea what the sect leader was talking about; but did he admit it and subject himself to the fretting that was sure to follow? Would Yue Qingyuan feel compelled to retrieve Mu Qingfang to look him over, or try to force him to go to Qian Cao Peak?

He considered his options. Would Ming Fan know what he's talking about? He had already planned to speak to the boy that morning, and could disguise the inquiry as a test of sorts. But it would depend on what kind of business he was supposed to be conducting outside the sect, as he had never felt the need to disclose his affairs to all and sundry. There was no guarantee he had shared his plans with his head disciple, or anyone at all but the man in front of him.

Either I ask now and know for sure, or f*ck up later and my ignorance is revealed anyway. Best to just get it over with.

"Remind this master of his business down the mountain." Hopefully phrasing it as a command instead of a question would prevent Yue Qingyuan from nagging.

Another searching look. "Did Shidi's illness make him forget? Didn't you tell me that you would deal with the problem at Shuang Hu City, using it as an opportunity for your disciples to gain experience?"

He did actually have some vague recollection of this mission, a Skinner demon if he remembered correctly. This particular incident stood out for the audacity of the demon and the unsatisfactory performance of his disciples in tracking it down. Hadn't Ning Yingying even been kidnapped at one point?

"The matter had simply slipped this master's mind. Our party will depart soon."

"If it is inconvenient for you, please don't be courteous. Getting your disciples to gain experience isn't something that needs to be hurried. Actually, you don't even need to supervise them yourself."

No wonder that the sect fell, Shen Qingqiu reflected, if this is the sect leader's attitude towards progressing disciples. Either don't worry about advancing their abilities at all, or throw them to the wolves and hope for the best. Furthermore, how thick is your face exactly, to imply that I'm not well enough to participate?

"No need. This master has some business to attend to beforehand, if Zhangmen-shixiong will see himself out." Shen Qingqiu dismissed the sect leader rudely, unimpressed by the challenge to his competence. Accustomed to this rebuff, Yue Qingyuan excused himself, though not without a last worried scan of his person.

No matter. He'd pass the preparations for the trip off to Ming Fan after their discussion. As long as it wasn't related to Luo Binghe, the boy's efficiency and intelligence were uncontested; they should be ready to leave by early afternoon. On that note...

He flagged down a passing disciple, telling them to retrieve Ming Fan from the Discipline Hall, where the boy had been reflecting on the previous day's infractions. Recognizing the boy as one of Ming Fan's minions from the day before, he didn't feel bad about shoving the befouled pot into his hands, telling him to wash it out as well. He had a more pressing objective than cleaning up after himself.

It was time to confront his head disciple.

Ming Fan's movements were stiff as he entered and bowed to the Peak Lord in greeting, obviously sore from kneeling in the Discipline Hall courtyard overnight. Shen Qingqiu held back a sigh as he gestured to the seat across from him, watching his head disciple lower himself gingerly onto bruised knees. While he had no desire to prolong the boy's punishment, he had to ensure that the lesson he imparted today stuck, for the sake of the boy and his peak's future. He had a duty as a teacher and a debt to repay for another life - he intended to shape Ming Fan into not just a proper head disciple, but a successor to the title of peak lord.

Holding that goal in mind, he pulled out Luo Binghe's surrendered manual, placing it between them and nonchalantly flipping it open to the first page. It only took a quick glance at the contents for Ming Fan to blanche of all color. Oh good, he recognized his work; Shen Qingqui expected nothing less.

"In light of Disciple Luo Binghe's difficulties," he began, tone deceptively light, "this master thought it prudent to review the contents of the manual he had been given to assess its effectiveness. Head Disciple Ming Fan can imagine this master's surprise when he discovered just how ill-suited the manual was to establishing Luo Binghe's cultivation base. Or indeed," and here his voice honed into a deadly edge, "to developing any cultivation at all."

Ming Fan's reaction was immediate, as he flung himself into a full kowtow, a fine tremor shaking his body. "This lowly one offers his most sincere apologies to Shizun! This disciple accepts any and all punishment for his error!"

"Interesting phrasing," Shen Qingqiu drawled. "Error. That would imply that giving your Shidi this manual was a mere oversight, rather than a deliberate attempt to impair a martial sibling's progress. Or perhaps even damage his prospects permanently. Your statement suggests the former, but Ming Fan has always had such a way with words."

The trembling was more pronounced as Ming Fan pressed his head against the floor, shoulders heaving as the boy fought for air. Shen Qingqiu let him steep in the anguish of the moment, as his teacher earnestly reprimanded him for the first time. He needed to impress this feeling into his head disciple's mind, deeply enough to influence his every action from this point forward. As he was, Ming Fan was not a suitable successor to his position, and Shen Qingqiu no longer took for granted that he had time to let the boy mature naturally. He was fighting against an uncertain deadline to cultivate a tactician and leader out of the crude steel before him.

Before he could sharpen that steel, he had to temper it. If Ming Fan was the quality material he believed him to be, he would survive the necessary fire.

"Furthermore, Ming Fan seems to be under the impression that his actions reflect only on himself, and not this master as well."

The boy's breath stuttered as he considered - presumably for the first time - that his actions had ramifications beyond just himself. That, had anyone else discovered the deception, Shen Qingqiu would be considered culpable as the master who had appointed Ming Fan his rank and duties. Purposely harming students was not a charge to be taken lightly, and for all that there were whispers and nasty rumors surrounding Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu already, no one had ever produced any genuine evidence of abuse.

Until the fake manual, of course.

"This master questions his judgment if his head disciple cannot recognize the potential repercussions of his conduct. If this master does not correct this behavior, then it would be because his expectations were too low for the position Ming Fan holds. So this raises the question, was this master mistaken in his appointment?"

The realization that he may have jeopardized his hard-won rank on the peak was the boy's breaking point, his posture collapsing as he openly sobbed. He attempted a few more stumbling apologies through his tears, but for once his words escaped him. Shen Qingqiu waited out the hysterics; this was likely the worst ordeal of Ming Fan's young life, so an outburst of some sort was unavoidable.

About an incense stick later, Ming Fan managed to find his composure, brittle as it was. Raising shaking hands in salute, he conducted himself with all due formality. "This lowly one understands the situation he has placed Shizun in through his thoughtless actions. He voluntarily steps down from his position as head disciple to atone for his offense."

It was as though a long-held breath had been released, and Shen Qingqiu allowed himself to relax at last. Ming Fan understood the scale of his crime and was proportional in his response to its discovery. He had chosen demotion in order to protect his teacher and his peak from sharing in the consequences.

Shen Qingqiu had not been mistaken in his choice.

"That will not be necessary."

Ming Fan's head snapped up as Shen Qingqiu transitioned from disciplinarian to instructor, allowing approval to seep into his tone.

"This master has no intention of removing Ming Fan from his current position; he only needed to ensure his head disciple appreciated the severity of his mistake before proceeding. Ming Fan has done well to accept responsibility."

He picked up the fake manual, regarding it soberly. "This master has already taken steps to salvage the situation; Luo Binghe remains unaware of the manual's true nature." Ming Fan gasped with relief. "But the source of this duplicity must be addressed. Ming Fan, why did you give a fake manual to Luo Binghe? And the truth," He demanded as familiar cunning glinted across his disciple's eyes. "This master is all too familiar with your evasions."

The boy flinched at the preemptive rebuke, gaze dropping to the floor in consternation. Shen Qingqiu did not pressure him to answer, wanting to hear Ming Fan's genuine feelings. He could not fix what he did not know, after all.

"This disciple... was afraid." Ming Fan finally admitted, dropping formal language in the rush of his next confessions. "I'm not naturally talented in cultivation, or exceptional in the four arts, or," his voice dropped into a resentful mumble, "p-particularly good looking..." A hard swallow before he continued, subdued. "I have to work hard for all my accomplishments. So when I saw Luo Binghe, who has so many advantages, I was afraid. I thought it would be all too easy for him to improve where I struggled, and that it was only a matter of time before he would overtake me. So I-" He looked away, humiliated. "I did what I could to impede his progress. I wanted to ensure he would always be below me, so he could never try to take my place."

Ah child, did you think your master would not comprehend your jealousy? Shen Qingqiu did not consider himself a particularly empathetic person, for all that he could dissect the minds of others. But he sympathized with Ming Fan's perspective all too well; wasn't it the most bitter provision to fall behind others' achievements through no fault of your own? To toil three times as hard for half the return, while those less deserving leaped over hurdles without effort?

Was such envy not the bedrock of Shen Qingqiu's resentment towards the world?

But he would not allow Ming Fan to follow him down this ignoble path to his own ruin. He had to dispel the boy's doubts and insecurities before they solidified into genuine malice.

Ming Fan had dropped formalities, so he would do the same. They had no place in such an emotionally fraught conversation anyway. "Do you know why I chose you as head disciple?" Seeing Ming Fan's hesitation, he added, "You may be candid, I will not take offense."

"I thought I was... convenient?" Ming Fan's tone was abashed. "I was willing to do whatever you wanted to keep my place, so I was acceptable until a better option came along..."

Shen Qingqui kept his disappointment from his face. Not in Ming Fan, but himself, for never having noticed his disciple's hardships.

"What you said is true. You do not have the natural talents that many of your martial siblings display, including Luo Binghe. As it happens, I have little respect for the capricious hand of fate that bestows fortune without merit. I value perseverance through adversity; innovative solutions to obstacles; dauntless conviction in the face of setbacks."

Shen Qingqiu met Ming Fan's eyes, projecting his sincerity. "I chose Ming Fan because there is no one on my peak who works harder to improve, either in cultivation or his assigned duties. I chose Ming Fan because of his tactical mindset, which looks to turn every situation to his advantage. I chose Ming Fan for his loyalty to his master and his peak, in spite of all his struggles."

Tears streamed down Ming Fan's face, the boy overwhelmed by his master's unexpected praise. Shen Qingqiu reached out to pat the boy's head fondly and Ming Fan flushed beneath his touch. Withdrawing after a few moments, Shen Qingqiu moved the discussion forward to their upcoming mission.

"This master has decided to take his disciples down the mountain to gain experience. We will depart for Shuang Hu City in two shichen; trusting Ming Fan to make appropriate arrangements."

"Yes Shizun." Ming Fan's voice was hoarse from crying. Hopefully his cultivation would heal his throat quickly enough to avoid embarrassment.

"This master will be assessing his disciples' performances. Ming Fan will relay expectations to his martial siblings."

"Yes Shizun."

Shen Qingqiu examined his head disciple, pleased to observe a straight back and settled temperament. "This master has faith in Ming Fan's capabilities."

Ming Fan's eyes were bright as he bowed once more. "This disciple thanks Shizun. He will not let Shizun down!"

I know you won't, he thought warmly as he watched the boy's retreat. While he couldn't alleviate all of Ming Fan's insecurities over a single conversation, he felt confident that he'd addressed enough of the root issue to proceed.

Besides, Luo Binghe's exodus to another peak would take half the problem with him. What could possibly go wrong?

Plenty, it turned out. Plenty could go wrong.

Did Ming Fan hit him hard enough to eject all sense from his empty head, or did I simply play my part too well? Shen Qingqiu wondered, frustrated and flabbergasted by the little beast before him.

Ming Fan had been as good as his word - preparations were completed before even one shichen had passed. When he had descended the stairs to the gate and seen Luo Binghe waiting next to his carriage, he had assumed that the beast had made a decision and was too impatient to wait for Shen Qingqiu's return.

How he wished that had been the case. He had not been prepared for the beast to kneel before him in entreaty.

"Asking Shizun to forgive this disciple's past ignorance. This disciple originally thought that Shizun didn't care about him. Only after Shizun returned his guanyin did he realize Shizun's troubles in the past."

I don't care about you, I'd rather you die! What exactly is it that you think you've comprehended?!

"If Shizun will give this disciple another chance, he will definitely wait upon Shizun with all his heart, and obey all your commands and instructions. Asking Shizun not to transfer this disciple to another peak!"

This beast is really... too much of an idiot to be permitted to live! I save him once and all his past grudges are forgotten?! Is the only way to rid myself of this pest to push him into the Endless Abyss?!

Luo Binghe's request presented Shen Qingqiu with an impossible dilemma. If he ignored the beast's request and transferred him anyway, would it undermine his previous justifications? Would it be enough to compromise Shen Qingqiu's future plans if it revived suspicion of the peak lord's intentions?

But if he allowed Luo Binghe to remain on his peak, could he stop himself from lashing out? The beast was bent in supplication before him, and still he had to fight the urge to draw Xiu Ya. Unusually, Shen Qingqiu was frozen in indecision.

"Shizun, disciples are ready!" Ming Fan interrupted the exchange, ignoring Luo Binghe entirely. His reminder was timely, as it presented Shen Qingqiu with a potential solution. He was taking his disciples down the mountain in order to assess their abilities already. Why not use it as a test to determine the beast's fate?

If Luo Binghe failed to make an impression during the mission he would have an excuse to remove him from Shen Qingqiu's tutelage. (He was secure in his ability to impede the beast's efforts without being detected, though it was unlikely he would need to intervene. The boy didn't have a sword and hadn't refined enough spiritual energy to be a threat to the demon they pursued. With these obstacles in mind, where was the path to success?) Luo Binghe would have received his second chance and failed on his own merits.

"Very well. This master is taking his disciples down the mountain to gain experience - Luo Binghe may use it as an opportunity to prove his sincerity. If he displays his abilities well on the mission, this master will reconsider his place on Qing Jing Peak."

Luo Binghe straightened, adopting an attitude of determination. With his injuries mostly healed and an air of action, it was as though he had never been beaten or suppressed in his life.

Shen Qingqiu hated him.

"Ming Fan." He turned to his head disciple, who had been observing the interaction closely. "Why are you tarrying? Are we not ready to set out?"

"Shizun, there are only nine horses. This disciple did not prepare one for Luo-shidi. Will need to retrieve another before departing." Ming Fan spoke neutrally, his manner completely removed from his typical 'fake fox, powerful tiger'. He had taken his teacher's words to heart and adjusted his stance to match, even offering to send for another horse for his least favorite junior. Luo Binghe did not hide his astonishment at his Shixiong's change of attitude, though suspicion lingered behind his eyes.

Never satisfied are you, demon spawn?

A young girl's laughter rang out like bells. "Ming-shixiong, what are you talking about? A-Luo, are there not enough horses? Come and ride with me!"

Ning Yingying's timing was impeccable as always. He watched Ming Fan clench his jaw, no doubt fighting his jealousy over the attention of the girl he liked. It would be best if that infatuation ended sooner rather than later, not simply due to the rivalry it created between the beast and his head disciple. Shen Qingqiu could hardly imagine Ming Fan's heartache when the harlot inevitably chose the demon; her favor was too much to stomach already.

"Don't be noisy, men and women shouldn't be in contact with each other. There should be a limit to the affection between you and your Shidi." Shen Qingqiu reprimanded coldly. He considered delaying to retrieve another horse, but was wary of Ning Yingying's genius for inciting conflict between the male disciples. It would be best to set out before she could cause more trouble.

"Luo Binghe will ride in the carriage with this master. Ming Fan, inform the rest to mount up."

"Yes Shizun!"

Shen Qingqiu turned to enter the carriage, every instinct screaming at presenting his back to the little beast. Once seated, Luo Binghe huddled self-consciously in the corner, his hands and feet tucked in as though afraid of dirtying the interior. Where had his backbone disappeared so suddenly, after having the face to request to remain on Shen Qingqiu's peak? At least the beast's discomfort helped soothe the peak lord's more bloodthirsty urges.

Pulling out his fan, Shen Qingqiu obscured his face as he attempted to fall into a trance. He failed, of course; how could he possibly let his guard down in the beast's presence? He felt a tension headache begin to develop at the base of his skull, intensifying his dissatisfaction. He was further aggravated by the beast's unsubtle observation and incessant fidgeting!

Without opening his eyes, Shen Qingqiu commented snidely, "If Luo Binghe is so uncomfortable, he is welcome to walk and dispel his restless energy."

Luo Binghe dropped his gaze. "This disciple doesn't dare! He is grateful to ride with Shizun!" Despite the assurance, his fidgeting resumed a mere ten kè later. Shen Qingqiu sent an appeal to the heavens for patience; the beast's jitters were rapidly fraying his nerves. The last thing he needed was to lose his temper and undo all his previous work. If only the beast would Just. Stop. Moving!

"Luo Binghe!" He snapped, closing his fan and leveling it at the little nuisance. "Are you truly incapable of sitting still for more than a moment?"

At least the beast had the sense to be mortified. "Apologies Shizun! Will do better!"

'Better' apparently meant the beast stiffened so completely as to resemble a corpse, filling the carriage with an entirely new and equally undesirable atmosphere. Shen Qingqiu's head throbbed with the sheer force of the beast's anxiety. No matter what, Luo Binghe would always find a way to be utterly unbearable!

"Enough." Shen Qingqiu relented, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "The benches are a sufficient size. Luo Binghe should attempt to meditate for the duration of the trip."

"Yes Shizun!" Luo Binghe exhaled with obvious relief. Pulling his legs up into the standard lotus position, the boy focused on his posture and breathing. Soon enough, he had managed to sink into a shallow meditative trance.

Finally, some peace. He examined the beast's efforts, recognizing the exercise as one of the first outlined in the fake manual. Luo Binghe was successful in balancing himself both physically and emotionally through meditation, but beyond that his efforts were futile.

He was not interacting with his spiritual energy in the slightest. That... might actually be a problem.

It suddenly occurred to Shen Qingqiu that the beast's new teacher would likely evaluate his cultivation upon entrance to their peak. There would be inquiries if he hadn't developed his spiritual base at all - slow progress could be explained as being unsuited to specific methods or laziness on the part of the disciple. No progress would be more conspicuous and less easily rationalized. And Shen Qingqiu fully intended for the boy to leave as soon as they returned to the sect.

So. It looked like he would have to address the issue immediately.

"Has this master spent the last years playing a qin to a cow? Why is Luo Binghe not circulating his qi in unison with his meditation?"

Luo Binghe gaped at his teacher, concentration broken. "C-circulate my qi? Shizun, this disciple has never attempted this technique."

"Luo Binghe has never attempted to... actually cultivate?" Shen Qingqiu raised an incredulous brow. "What did he assume was the point of meditation if not to interact with his spiritual energy?"

Bafflement shifted to realization shifted to embarrassment.

"Luo Binghe was not exaggerating when he said he missed the point." He mocked before heaving a put-upon sigh. "This master supposes he can give you pointers. Resume your position."

Something resembling excitement sparkled in the beast's eyes as he obeyed. When he had re-established his breathing rhythm, Shen Qingqiu began guiding him in the most basic cultivation exercise; awakening one's connection with their spiritual pathways.

Stupid beast, he thought, even as he witnessed the first trickle of spiritual power into Luo Binghe's meridians. I never needed to be taught something so basic - I was using my qi at a younger age than any of you brats first turned your eyes towards Cang Qiong Mountain.

Back then, Shen Jiu hadn't known the proper terminology for his tricks. To him it had been magic, intrinsic and essential as breathing. He had been the terror of the streets with his coins turned knives, displaying a natural talent for qi manipulation that not even Qi-Ge had been able to match.

Maybe that's why he left me to rot. Wouldn't do for the peerless Yue Qingyuan to be shown up.

He directed his attention back towards the beast and away from his intrusive thoughts. Those were best left for the dead of night back in his bamboo cottage, where he could probe and appraise them to his heart's content. Or discontent, as it were.

Luo Binghe was making remarkable progress in forming his spiritual pathways, because of-f*cking-course he was. Lightning would strike from clear skies before Luo Binghe faced actual adversity in his endeavors. That Shen Qingqiu had facilitated his improvement was no real comfort.

The rest of the ride passed in silence.

Master Chen was exactly as Shen Qingqiu recalled. It was not fond recollection.

He tasted bile as the old pervert grasped the hands of his last remaining concubine, and felt an uncharacteristic stab of pity for the demon wearing Butterfly's skin. The man's groans and weeping were already trying his patience, and he wasn't the one being fondled in public.

"You cultivators must resolve this for us! I don't dare let Butterfly leave my side for fear that if she loses her way, she will be killed by that unnatural creature instantly!"

Shen Qingqiu's face twitched. Oh, the irony.

There were priveledges to the Qing Jing Peak Lord's lofty reputation however; after a brief meeting, he could keep his distance without creating offense. The greater an expert a person was, the more remote they were to the masses.

He gestured for Ming Fan to take over. His head disciple reassured Master Chen that they would begin their investigation with due haste, swiftly extracting the cultivators from the farcical greeting. Shen Qingqiu led his disciples out to the courtyard, where Ming Fan relayed the relevant details of the case to his martial siblings.

A series of murders had emerged in the small city, and nine people had already been killed in quick succession. Every deceased person had a similarity; all of their skin had been perfectly removed from head to toe. The expertise of the killer was so great that it seemed as though the bodies had never grown skin in the first place. As such, the murderer had been coined "The Skinner."

The officials of the city had no way to deal with such a threat, and the common people were panicking. There were even rumors that the assailant was a ghost - how else would they be so untraceable? Master Chen was the representative of several large families that had invited the Immortals from Cang Qiong Mountain sect to help. Two of the old man's beloved concubines had already died tragically at the Skinner's hands.

They might have considered it a mercy. Shen Qingqiu mused.

Once the information had been conveyed, Ming Fan began assigning the disciples areas to investigate and people to interview. They were to identify the areas the victims had been abducted and where the corpses had been dumped and look for clues to the perpetrator's identity. When gathering witness accounts, they should note any common intersections between the victims' attributes or habits. Ming Fan himself would go and visit the coroner to inspect the bodies. After completing their tasks, they would meet back at Master Chen's estate to report their findings.

Pleased with his head disciple's thorough guidance, Shen Qingqiu was startled by a tug on his sleeve. Glancing down, he bit back a grimace in response to Ning Yingying's sweet smile.

"Shizun, Ying-er is going to go out for a turn in the market. Shizun, do you want to come with me?"

Bitter to the point of death, Shen Qingqiu yanked his sleeve from her grasp and turned to face the girl head-on. Fully embodying the image of untouchable immortal master, he narrowed his eyes in judgment of the useless disciple before him.

"Has Disciple Ning Yingying mistaken this for a casual outing for the purpose of play? Did she not just receive an assignment from her Dashixiong that she must complete without delay?"

Ning Yingying recoiled from his reproach. Her normally jovial voice was small as she whined, "Y-Ying-er just wanted..." She tapered off, visibly wilting under her teacher's dispassionate regard. The murmur of his other disciples had been silenced as every eye trained itself on the two of them, the air saturated with uneasy anticipation.

"What Disciple Ning Yingying wants is irrelevant to our purpose. We are not here as tourists - we are here as cultivators of Cang Qiong Mountain sect, and are tasked with bringing a murderer to justice. If entertainment is all that this disciple seeks, why does she bother with cultivation in the first place?"

"Ying-er, ah, Ying-er..." Her voice stumbled as tears welled in her eyes. Breaking out into bawls, the girl fled her scorn-filled Shizun, running out of the manor and disappearing into the street.

If they hadn't been with their Shizun for so many years, the disciples would have suspected Shen Qingqui was possessed by a demon. Never before had Shizun pressured Ning Yingying in such a way, habitually allowing the girl's immature behavior. They had come down the mountain to confront a murderer; they never expected to be frightened to the edge of deviation by their Shizun on three fronts! With Ming Fan's improved philosophy and Luo Binghe allowed to ride in the carriage, wasn't this too much?

Unmoved by his disciple's histrionics, Shen Qingqiu assumed command. "Ming Fan has given your assignments; this master expects each of you to complete them to the best of your abilities. 'Reading a thousand books is not worth traveling a thousand miles.' This mission was taken for disciples to gain experience, and this master will be evaluating your individual performances. Now go. Luo Binghe," he stopped the beast as the rest of his disciples dispersed. "Entrusting you to retrieve your Shijie before completing your assignment."

Still stunned at the previous drama, Luo Binghe accepted his Shizun's direction and ran off to locate his distraught martial sister. Alone, Shen Qingqiu allowed himself a wretched groan. He really needed to get his grudge under control, preferably before he was tested for possession with Hong Jing.

He had time before his disciples returned with their reports. It was disappointing that none of them had picked up on 'Butterfly's' true nature, but he wasn't entirely surprised. They were still very green after all, even Ming Fan, and some floundering was to be expected.

Not interested in socializing with either a pervert or a demon, Shen Qingqiu holed up in his room to await developments.

Ming Fan entered his room after sunset, but brought news he was not expecting.

"Shizun, all disciples have returned except for Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying. Have already searched the areas they were assigned but couldn't find them. Asking for Shizun's help!" Face pale, Ming Fan's worry was palpable.

"What information do you have on the perpetrator to assist in our search?" Shen Qingqiu responded calmly, honestly not very bothered by the absence of those particular disciples. Besides, the point of the mission was for his students to gain experience; how would they learn if he solved their problems for them?

After a brief pause to gather himself, Ming Fan presented two stacks of yellow paper written on by cinnabar. The surface of the papers had already become a rotten black color.

"You used these papers to test the evil energy of the deceased?"

"Shizun is insightful. These were used in two places. The first was in the dirt at the grave of a woman who had already been buried. The second was at the coroner's among the deceased who hadn't been buried yet."

The grave dirt being so saturated with evil energy all but confirmed their murderer was a demon. Shen Qingqiu felt very satisfied with his head disciple's performance.

"Now, what does Ming Fan propose to find his martial siblings?"

"I should... prepare so that the demon will not kidnap or harm any more disciples?"

"Regrouping and preventing further hostages is a good strategy. Go on?"

More confident, Ming Fan continued. "Should request assistance from Master Chen and arrange search parties. Ask around the market to discover the last known whereabouts."

Shen Qingqiu nodded. "A solid plan. You may proceed with it."

Ming Fan turned to rush out, but hesitated at the doorway. Turning abruptly, he dropped into a bow. "This matter occurred under this disciple's oversight. If Shizun wants to punish, this disciple will have no regrets."

He approached the bent form until he stood at his disciple's side. The situation was not Ming Fan's fault - if anyone was to blame, it was most certainly Ning Yingying - but he understood the boy's feelings of responsibility. Raising a hand, he gripped his disciple's shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze.

"Since things have already happened, more words are of no use. Ming Fan, assemble your martial siblings and begin your search. This master will pursue the demon on his own."

The demon wasn't nearly as adept at hiding its trail as it believed.

When he had approached the market, the rouge shop had stood out like a beacon of evil energy. Though the traces grew smaller, there was still a clear strand leading back to Master Chen's estate. Likely a false trail to draw the peak lord away from their true location. Turning his back, Shen Qingqiu made his way toward the outskirts of the city.

He located the abandoned house his disciples were held in with little difficulty. Landing on the roof of an adjacent building with a clear view through the window, he took a seat.

It was time to enjoy the show.

Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying were both tied to a support beam in the middle of the entry room. The girl was already crying - or perhaps she hadn't stopped since she ran off earlier, getting herself and the beast abducted for the sake of a tantrum. Luo Binghe was struggling futilely against their bonds, but immortal binding cables were no joke, even for a master like Shen Qingqiu. At his current level, the little beast didn't stand a chance.

Good. I'm not too proud to take advantage of such an opportunity.

The facts were, disciples died on missions all the time. While unfortunate, the life of a cultivator came with many dangers; not everyone could walk the road to immortality.

While it might have been suspicious if Luo Binghe were the only casualty of the mission - particularly at the hands of a demon, which was considered Shen Qingqiu's specialty - his overt favoritism of Ning Yingying would work in his favor in this circ*mstance. If his most cherished student perished alongside the little beast, how could anyone claim it had been anything other than a tragic accident?

Shen Qingqiu could live with that.

Ning Yingying was not taking their captivity well. "A-Luo, A-Luo, help me! Yingying is very scared..."

Maybe don't run off on your own when there's a killer loose hunting pretty young girls then, you brainless twit. The girl was an archetype of helpless damsel; always getting lost or sticking out her neck, then crying for someone to come rescue her. He could admit to some responsibility for her incompetence. In the past, he had always bent to her whims and sheltered her from the realities of the world, and the rest of his peak had followed his lead. She had been both spoiled and adored by everyone on Qing Jing Peak before she turned her back and happily allowed it to burn.

Turned out, raising a child gently didn't necessarily result in a praiseworthy adult. Go figure.

A black figure jumped out from the darkness with a weird laugh, startling Ning Yingying into yelling:

"Shizun! Shizun, save me!"

The demon scoffed at her pleas for rescue. "Cang Qiong Mountain sect's great and lofty expert is nothing great after all! It seems like the world's greatest sect has a low standard, and the Demon Realms rise is just around the corner!"

Luo Binghe remained composed as the demon approached, but Ning Yingying's cries only got more frantic. "No! No! Don't come over here!"

Luo Binghe attempted to draw the demon's attention away from his terrified Shijie. "Says the demon wearing a veil! Too afraid to show your face, you coward?"

"Ha, even if he was to break open his head, the famous Xiu Ya Sword would not be able to guess who I am! His pitiful disciples really stand no chance!"

That... was a bit irritating, considering he had known her identity from the beginning, even in his previous life. He was tempted to interfere just to correct the demon's slander - to have his intelligence insulted by such a low-class villain was just intolerable!

[Restarting... Restarting... Exiting sleep mode.]

Shen Qingqiu stood in alarm.

"Still, if that one were to find this place, it might be trouble. So I'll just help myself to this tender morsel..." A clawed hand reached towards Ning Yingying's face as the girl screamed, Luo Binghe renewing his struggles.

"Leave my Shijie alone, you hag! That must be the reason you target young and beautiful girls, because you can't stand how ugly you are!"

[System detects imminent rule violation: protagonist will not die. Activating emergency mode.]

Shen Qingqiu was rooted in place, heart beyond disturbed by the return of the strange voice, the words echoing hauntingly in the confines of his skull.

Protagonist will not die... Protagonist will not die... Protagonist will not die...

Who was the protagonist?

(He had a sinking feeling he already knew.)

Below, the demon switched targets, bearing down on Luo Binghe in a rage. "Shut up, shut up! How dare a lowly mutt like you insult me! It has been a long time since I've used a man's skin, but if you are so eager for death, I'll make an exception!"

[Protagonist halo triggered!]

Several things happened at once.

The demon's palm struck down at Luo Binghe.

Shen Qingqiu summoned Xiu Ya, the sword materializing with a bright flash that glinted from the corner of Luo Binghe's eyes.

A ceiling beam broke above the Skinner, crushing the demon beneath it before she could so much as brush a curl on the little beast's head.

[Threat averted. System standing by.]

That wasn't supposed to happen. Shen Qingqiu thought helplessly, clutching Xiu Ya in a white-knuckled grip and staring down at the (impossible) broken beam. How could that have possibly happened?

Protagonist. Will. Not. Die.

Glancing back towards his captive disciples, Shen Qingqiu met a pair of star-filled eyes.

f*ck.

He'd been spotted. It shouldn't have been a problem; the Skinner should have been able to finish Luo Binghe off, Ning Yingying following close behind. No witnesses to squeal that the Qing Jing Peak Lord had stood by and watched as two of his students were brutally killed by the demon he was hunting. All the loose ends tied up in a neat little bow. It should have been so simple.

Protagonist. Will. Not. Die.

The demon flipped the ceiling beam to the side and sprang up. Shen Qingqiu burst into motion, advancing from the roof into the house in a single stride. Standing between the irate demon and his disciples, Shen Qingqiu felt strangely detached from his body, as though he were observing the scene several paces away from where he actually stood. His disciples' shouts of joy were muffled by the disconnect, fading into the background of his awareness as his mind followed the only logical thread.

Luo Binghe did not die.

The demon snarled.

"Shen Qingqiu! Cang Qiong Mountain sect's people truly are full of schemes! How long have you been watching, to sneak attack at such a perfect moment?"

"With your perception, no wonder your cultivation is so pitiful that you have to keep switching skins. Haven't you considered what sort of person that I, Shen Qingqiu, am? Or did you sincerely believe me ignorant of your nature, Butterfly?"

Protagonist will not die.

She drew aside the black veils covering her, too temperamental to deny it. "Impossible! How could you guess? No one ever considers a soft and weak woman!"

He didn't want to listen to the worthless words of a below-average criminal too stupid to realize they were already dead.

Luo Binghe is the protagonist.

Shen Qingqiu pulled at his spiritual power, summoning it to his right hand and executing a palm strike to Butterfly's chest. He would not sully Xiu Ya with the blood of this trash. The demon flew into and through the wall of the house like a broken-stringed kite. Her remains were a horrific sight, blood flowing from all seven apertures and limbs twisted.

Shen Qingqiu turned back to his disciples, head ringing with a final, terrible conclusion.

Luo Binghe will not die.

[Scenario completed. System resuming hibernation.]

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

Staring up at his master, Luo Binghe's heart was full of an indescribable sense of entanglement.

Many things had happened that day; many failures that had led to his and Ning Yingying's capture, only to end in this moment when Shizun saved his life. Just a short while ago he had resigned himself to die protecting his Shijie, hoping to buy some time for her rescue. Who could have predicted that Shizun would intervene to save this useless disciple's life, after he had let down his teacher time and time again?

Luo Binghe knew for sure that he had not earned a place on Qing Jing Peak with his performance that day. When they arrived back at Cang Qiong Mountain, he would be transferred to a different peak, never to trouble Shizun with his presence again.

The thought was suddenly too painful to bear. His face felt clammy, and he dropped his head in shame, unable to face the master he had so thoroughly disappointed.

"Luo Binghe's first time seeing this demon eradication method?"

Glancing over at the remains of the Skinner demon, he felt his stomach twist. Not with disgust, or fear, but rather...

Admiration.

"A crucial lesson, Luo Binghe. If you want to 'defend,' you must 'exterminate.'"

Shizun really was incredible.

Luo Binghe didn't know how he would endure being separated from him.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Holy sh*t, Shizuuuuuuuuuun!

User PunishMeShizun: Shizuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Shizuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun!

User PunishMeShizun: No, but seriously guys, what the f*ck?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: I don't even know what to say to this chapter, everything feels flipped on its head. Ming Fan being a responsible shixiong: check.

User BingGetSome: Shen Qingqiu actually teaching Luo Binghe to cultivate: check.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Ning Yingying getting scolded for being a useless damsel: check.

User YingYingGirly: Ouch, upstairs. But most importantly - Shizun saving the protagonist from certain death: CHECK.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Double check.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Triple check. I'm calling it, this is the official beginning of the Shizun fan club.

User YingYingGirly: Shen Qingqiu is quickly upgrading his role in the story, so it wouldn't surprise me. Less of a scum villain, more a mysterious mentor figure? Wonder how that's going to play out with Luo Binghe changing peaks though.

User FakeJadePillar: Sending up a prayer he moves to Bai Zhan.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Same.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Wouldn't Xian Shu Peak be more appropriate for the genre? It's a stallion novel, after all.

User lostmyhairymarbles: I like the way you think Mistress slu*t. (☞ﾟヮﾟ)☞ ☜(ﾟヮﾟ☜)

User YingYingGirly: Really guys?

User PunishMeShizun: Can't help but notice a certain phallic vegetable is being awfully quiet. Nothing to say Cucumber? That would be a first.

User Peerless_Cucumber: You are not that lucky, scum villain stangirl. This is a clear case of judging the heart of a small man against the belly of a gentleman. The only reason we see Shen Qingqiu in a good light is because Luo Binghe sees him in a good light. Very likely that Shizun has an ulterior motive for saving protag's life; rehabilitating his image, remember?

User Peerless_Cucumber: And did none of you read Shizun's last words?! "If you want to 'defend,' you must 'exterminate.'" How is that not considered ominous?!

User BingGetSome: That did come across as pretty sinister. Foreshadowing maybe? For the day Shen Qingqiu tries to "exterminate" the protag?

User Peerless_Cucumber: THIS. THANK YOU.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Some people just don't want us to have nice things. If Cucumber were an author, he'd definitely be the sad*stic type that expresses love through tormenting his favorite character without end.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Upstairs, why are you afraid to love me?

User Demon.Daddy69: I joined this chat at the wrong time. O_o

User Demon.Daddy69: But wow, Shizun, am I right?

User Peerless_Cucumber: Fight me.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: lol

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Conventionally, Shen Qingqiu's first task upon returning to Cang Qiong Mountain sect from an assignment should have been to go to the main headquarters at Qiong Ding Peak and give his report to the sect leader.

In practice, Shen Qingqiu rarely bothered. It was only a matter of time before Yue Qingyuan showed up at his door anyway. When the man did arrive, a belated report allowed Shen Qingqiu to steer the conversation and dismiss the sect leader upon its completion without engaging in any of the usual, excrutiating niceties. Potentially inconveniencing Yue Qingyuan was just a bonus.

He never claimed he wasn't petty.

It wasn't exactly a triumphant return either, since the majority of his disciples hadn't seen even a shadow of the Skinner demon and everything had been resolved by Shen Qingqiu himself. As an exercise intended for them to gain experience, how could it be considered anything but lacking?

Not to mention the unfortunate revelations at the close of the mission. Instead of returning with a couple of dead bodies, he hauled back a weepy, overwrought child and an adversary that could not be killed. To add insult to injury, Luo Binghe had spent the ride back in the carriage circulating his spiritual energy, improving in prodigious leaps and bounds. It was enough to make a better man spit.

After disembarking and handing the horses and carriage over to harried An Ding disciples, Shen Qingqiu directed his students to gather outside the Instruction Hall. He would conduct individual reviews of their performances in order of seniority, beginning with Ming Fan and ending with Luo Binghe. He only wished he could revel in the onset of adolescent nerves, as even Ning Yingying appeared to realize that there would likely be consequences for the trouble she had caused. The beast looked absolutely miserable as the children hurried away, which should have cheered him up at least a little.

But it was hard to muster enthusiasm when the support pillar of his strategy had been toppled.

"A crucial lesson, Luo Binghe. If you want to 'defend,' you must 'exterminate.'"

It was a central tenant of his personal philosophy, ever since the day he slaughtered his masters and set himself free. He had ended the Quis, ended Wu Yanzi, and had tried to end Luo Binghe. That the beast had returned and razed the world to the ground only proved the veracity of his view.

So what did one do when extermination wasn't an option, he pondered as he drifted across his peak. The mysterious voice that had - presumably - been responsible for bringing Shen Qingqiu back clearly had its own objectives, if there were uncommunicated rules that he had to engage with. That one of its requirements was Luo Binghe remaining among the living as the so-called 'protagonist' was absolutely in line with his rotten luck, as was the fact that the entity had the means to enforce its rules, if the falling beam was any indication. He could recognize a warning when he saw one - any efforts to prematurely end Luo Binghe's existence had to be put on hold indefinitely.

(Or until he had more information on what the voice was, and developed a means of circumventing it.)

His disciples were lined up and practically vibrating when he finally arrived at the Instruction Hall, and he was content to leave them waiting as he entered the main classroom. Settling himself behind the desk at the front of the room, he gathered his thoughts. He would revisit his more comprehensive plans later; one of his short-term goals was still within reach.

He opened his fan, hiding his face behind painted cranes, and called Ming Fan in.

He readily admitted personal bias, but his head disciple had also earned his glowing review. While Ming Fan hadn't recognized Butterfly from the initial meeting, he had been the one to run the tests proving the killer's identity as a demon. Furthermore, he had demonstrated sound leadership by delegating tasks in the investigation, and in his response to his martial siblings being kidnapped.

It was good to start on a high note, since it was all downhill from there.

His other disciples were asked to recount their portion of the legwork and what relevant information they had gathered before they had returned to Lord Chen's estate. While they had performed... adequately, nothing they relayed would have been especially helpful in progressing the case. But it was at least sufficient for the work of a single afternoon, considering the mission had been cut short.

Appropriate then, that the one responsible for that premature conclusion was the subject of his next evaluation.

Ning Yingying lacked her usual bounce as she entered the classroom, hands clenched in the fabric of her skirts. He kept his face carefully blank as she approached. Letting any more of his hostility show would be a mistake since his previous scolding was already considered out-of-character. As far as anyone else knew, the girl had done nothing to deserve his sudden ire - besides be the annoying, spoiled, trouble-making nitwit she had always been.

He had several options for how he could approach Ning Yingying's assessment. He could tear the girl to shreds and remove her from Qing Jing Peak entirely, but such extreme actions would be considered incongruous with his previous attitude and draw scrutiny. He could return to their previous dynamic and allow her to continue stumbling into trouble, with no Luo Binghe to save her and a Shizun who couldn't be bothered. (He estimated it would be less than two months before her inevitable demise.)

Or he could express his disappointment, set new expectations for her development, and shape her into a useful piece on the game board. It was the option that carried the most possible benefits, and yet...

It left a bad taste in his mouth. Even if he remade her into an actual cultivator capable of more than crying out for rescue, there was no guarantee that she would not forsake her martial family to join the demon once more. In doing so, he would have supplied his enemy with not simply a bedwarmer, but a legitimate ally in the human realm. The more to gain, the more to lose...

Did he dare risk it? Did he even have the capacity to train the girl, in spite of his newfound distaste?

It would require him to drive a wedge between her and Luo Binghe, one greater than mere separation could manage. And he did enjoy the thought of the demon's dismay at his childhood sweetheart standing in opposition to his conquest in the future. The potential emotional damage of such a confrontation was enough to decide him on the matter.

Besides, if there is any indication she plans to defect to the demon anyway, I will expose her intentions and kill her myself.

"Has Disciple Ning Yingying reflected on her performance during the mission?"

"Ying-er..." She bit her lip hard before shaking her head. Hands rising to form a salute, she started over in a firm, practiced tone. "This disciple has reflected on her actions, and offers her apologies to Shizun for her behavior. Shizun was correct in his anger; because of me, the demon nearly k-killed..." She choked off, remembered terror drawing her expression tight. After a few moments, she continued, though her voice had lost most of its previous confidence. "I was useless against the demon. All I did was call out for my junior to save me, even though I should have been the one protecting him. How can I dare call myself a cultivator when I am so incapable?"

Good of you to acknowledge that, he conceded with some surprise. The meetings before hers had lasted over a shichen, and she had apparently taken the time to prepare her apology. It was the first glimmer of maturity that she had ever demonstrated, so he would set aside his animosity for the sake of positive re-enforcement.

"Disciple Ning Yingying has done well to recognize her faults." Biting the words out felt a bit like chewing glass, but he persevered. "This master assumes his disciple will work hard to improve herself so as never to place herself or her martial siblings in such a situation again?" A determined nod. "Disciple Ning Yingying is still expected to serve out punishment for her unacceptable conduct on a mission."

To her credit, she did not whine or try to argue. He doubted she would remain tranquil, however, considering his next topic of conversation. Softening his countenance, he forced his expression to reflect gentle concern.

"This master knows that Ning Yingying will miss Disciple Luo Binghe greatly. She should not hesitate to reach out to her other martial siblings if she becomes lonely."

"Miss... A-Luo?" She blinked rapidly, ignorant of her darling junior brother's circ*mstances. "Shizun, is A-Luo going somewhere?"

He affected a pause, his forehead furrowing in seeming consternation. "Did Luo Binghe not inform you? He is transferring to another peak; this master will receive his choice and arrange the move directly following his review."

Ning Yingying's new composure was abandoned in the face of his revelation, tears immediately populating wide eyes as the girl protested. "But Shizun, why would A-Luo go to another peak? What happened on the mission was not A-Luo's fault! I don't-"

"Disciple Ning Yingying!" Shen Qingqiu interrupted sternly. The girl's mouth closed with a click. "Luo Binghe's transfer was decided shortly after his last altercation with his martial brothers, and he was informed of his options at the time. The events of the mission have only confirmed for this master that he is unsuited for the teachings of Qing Jing Peak."

Ning Yingying sobbed openly, distress stealing her words. "But... but Shizun, I... A-Luo is..."

"This master is aware of the affection between his disciples. But Ying-er," He switched to her diminutive, breaking her apart as carefully as possible, "Would you deny Luo Binghe the opportunity to learn somewhere more suited to his disposition? It would be selfish to keep him here when he is not flourishing."

"But Shizun, Ying-er would miss him terribly! He can't go, he really can't!"

"I see." Shen Qingqiu sighed pityingly. "Yingying, you realize this reaction is likely why Luo Binghe did not warn you of the transfer in the first place?"

That drew her up short. He watched as the first seeds of doubt took root behind her eyes, as she grappled with the idea that she had remained uninformed on purpose. He could not wait to cultivate those tender sprouts into thorny hedges that would remain unmoved by a handsome face or charming disposition.

"Yingying, do not pester Luo Binghe about this. It is an excellent opportunity to progress his cultivation. He should not be made to feel bad about it. Can you be encouraging, for your Shidi's sake?" He framed the move as beneficial to Luo Binghe, watching her fondness for the beast collide with her hurt at being left in the dark.

Relationships were fragile things in the end; trust was easy to break and wounds were quick to fester.

No bond lasted forever.

"Have you made a decision on which peak you will move to?"

The beast betrayed no surprise that his request to stay on Qing Jing Peak had been denied, though disappointment showed in his downturned mouth. "This disciple has not. Is there no way for me to remain under Shizun's instruction?"

Shen Qingqiu pretended to consider the beast's question, waving his fan idly as he eyed his soon-to-be ex-disciple. He was resolute in his desire to remain on Qing Jing Peak; even with his keen perception, Shen Qingqiu could not determine why. Was he so attached to Ning Yingying? (The breadth of his future harem would suggest otherwise.) But what else could drive his stubborn insistence on staying?

"In your own perspective, why do you think this master has chosen to transfer you?"

"Because... this disciple has misunderstood Shizun's teachings? And failed to protect Shijie from the Skinner demon?"

Clearly the transfer was considered a punishment for his failures, little sense as that made. Nevermind that it was an overall improvement to his circ*mstances, or that he would receive training better suited to his abilities and wouldn't be the mandated target of his peers. Whoever would consider such things relevant when forming their opinion?

The minds of demons were truly impossible to comprehend.

"This master will rephrase the question: what is the overarching purpose of Qing Jing Peak within Cang Qiong Mountain sect?"

"To train cultivators and study the four arts...?" Shen Qingqiu's face showed dissatisfaction with the answer, and the beast ducked his head, confusion evident. Fine: if he had to spell it out for the beast to understand his point, he would.

"The purpose," he spoke with precise inflection, "of Qing Jing Peak is to produce not just cultivators, not just scholars, but tacticians. Disciples of this master's peak are expected to not only retain extensive amounts of information, but apply their knowledge in strategic action. The central reason that Luo Binghe fails to thrive is because he thinks and reacts like a warrior, not a strategist. As an example, when the Skinner demon attempted to harm Ning Yingying, what did you do?"

"I drew its attention to me instead."

"Exactly. Your instinct to protect your Shijie was noble, but your method of distracting the demon did nothing to improve either of your odds of survival. Once the Skinner demon was finished with you, what was preventing it from returning to Ning Yingying and removing her skin anyway? It would not have taken long enough to kill you for your death to have made a meaningful difference in the outcome of events."

Just as his imprisonment had not accomplished anything. It had not saved Yue Qingyuan, it had not saved Cang Qiong Mountain sect, it had not saved the human realm. It had been his second most devastating error in judgment.

(Why did both his greatest mistakes involve protecting Qi-ge?)

"Self-sacrifice has no place in the mind of a tactician."

It was a hard-learned lesson, but all the important ones were. The suffering ensured it would not be forgotten.

The beast listened attentively, though it was always a bit painful to witness how readily he accepted Shen Qingqiu's words at face value. All the better for his plans, of course, but the distinct lack of critical thinking inspired some feelings of despair for his previous life. How was I so thoroughly defeated by this half-wit? How humiliating...

"This is the main reason you are better suited to instruction elsewhere, in conjunction with practicing physical cultivation. While you have innate talent, you do not demonstrate the correct mindset for the culture and teachings of Qing Jing." He caught the beast's gaze and held it, projecting sincerity. "This is not a punishment, Luo Binghe."

Dark eyes flickered down before returning to his own, a flush rising on porcelain cheeks. He wet his lips, examining the peak lord carefully before challenging:

"Then why does Ning-shijie remain one of Shizun's disciples?"

Shen Qingqiu felt his eyebrows ascend his forehead, even as he instinctually pulled his fan close to hide the majority of his expression. That Luo Binghe dared to ask the question at all spoke well of Shen Qingqiu's efforts the past few days; a week ago, such a thing would have been unthinkable.

"That question could be considered impertinent. Do you believe your Shijie should be expelled from this master's peak as well?"

Luo Binghe's attitude was intense, his entire being focused on his teacher. "This disciple just wishes to understand. Ning-shijie has never demonstrated the... aptitude for strategy that Shizun has described."

Has the beast already developed a grudge against Ning Yingying? The thought filled him with vindictive glee. He had sown mistrust in the girl's mind to drive the two sweethearts apart, but it appeared the estrangement had already begun on Luo Binghe's end. He lowered his fan and offered a cryptic smile.

"Has she not? This master has always found Ning Yingying to be quite skilled in manipulation, intentional or not. Or do you believe her to be as naive and temperamental as she appears?"

Luo Binghe stared at his teacher's mouth before the words processed and his entire body went unnaturally still. Shen Qingqiu could imagine the memories rushing through his head. Every time Ning Yingying had drawn attention to Luo Binghe at the wrong moment resulting in his punishment. Every fight with a martial brother that had escalated due to her interference. Every pout and tantrum to secure attention when there were chores, or studying, or training that would have been a better use of his time.

Could they all be unfortunate accidents, or had she been aware of her actions the entire time?

The beast's face began to furrow in his distress, and Shen Qingqiu knew it was time to pull back. The doubt was present and had been sufficiently fed, but it would be dangerous to let it grow uncontrolled.

"Don't misunderstand; Ning Yingying is not the calculating type. Just a pretty young girl that knows how to use her charms to get what she wants, and rarely reflects on the consequences of her actions. What she has in excess is natural charisma; it allows her to influence those around her without deliberate effort."

The beast's grimace smoothed somewhat, though the tension in his body conveyed his vexation.

"Her appeal is a quality that cannot be taught, only nurtured when found. She has been given a great deal of leeway to develop her abilities, though..." He squinted ruefully, "In retrospect, she has been overindulged. This master suspects she will find the next stage of her training wholly unpleasant."

The beast's small huff of laughter startled them both, and the disciple turned red in mortification. Shen Qingqiu let it pass without comment - he was in a good mood, and for once did not feel the pervasive impulse to run the beast through with the nearest sharp object. It was a marked improvement that he attributed to finally being rid of the brat once and for all.

"Now that your question has been answered, have you made a decision?"

Face falling from its brief levity, the beast shook his head. "Trusting Shizun to decide."

"Very well then. I'll make arrangements and call you back to introduce you to your new master. You are dismissed."

It was, Shen Qingqui decided as he watched Luo Binghe walk away, shaping up to be a very good day.

It was an absolutely terrible day, and it was all Yue Qingyuan's fault.

As Shen Qingqiu had predicted, the sect leader showed up to get his report a few shichen after his meeting with Luo Binghe. Riding high on the feeling of success, Shen Qingqiu didn't put up a fight when the man swept in and immediately took his pulse.

As though the Skinner demon had been any sort of threat to someone of peak lord standing. Moron.

He refused to let the man's overdone fussing ruin his mood. After sufficient time had passed to determine the circulation of his spiritual power was undisturbed, he shook the hand off his wrist and looked pointedly at the cushion across from him. Taking the hint, Yue Qingyuan smiled and moved, and Shen Qingqiu poured him a cup of tea from a pot Ming Fan had prepared for him. Once settled in a seat located a reasonable distance from his Shidi's person, Yue Qingyuan immediately asked after the results of the mission.

"How were the disciple's performances?"

"Unsatisfactory." No point in dressing it up, and the poor outcome would justify the increased training he intended to implement. 'Mend the fold after the sheep is lost' - hopefully before more wandered out into the world and got their foolish selves killed.

Yue Qingyuan was the image of sympathy. "It doesn't need to be rushed."

Oh, thank you for your wisdom Zhangmen-shixiong, I'll be sure to keep it in mind the next time one of my disciples is kidnapped. 'No need to rush! I'm sure the demon will let them learn at their own pace before slicing into them! Wouldn't want to eat subpar livestock after all!'

Shen Qingqiu took the high road and chose not to respond.

"This master has a request for Zhangmen-shixiong. I would like to transfer Disciple Luo Binghe into the care of Qiong Ding Peak, effective immediately."

Yue Qingyuan spat out the mouthful of tea he had taken as Shen Qingqiu was speaking. There was a prolonged period of graceless sputtering that Shen Qingqiu chose to overlook before the sect leader managed to regain his composure.

"Shen-shidi... wants to transfer Luo Binghe to this Shixiong's peak?" The words were spoken with an insulting amount of incredulity.

Let it go, it doesn't matter. I can kick him out after he agrees - and he'll be taking the demon with him.

"That is what this master said, yes."

"May this Shixiong ask why Shen-shidi has chosen to transfer Luo Binghe?" Yue Qingyuan spoke as carefully as he would negotiating a ceasefire between nations, excessively vigilant to Shen Qingqiu's response. He took a sip of his tea, swallowing down his temper at being interrogated. Wasn't getting Luo Binghe out of Shen Qingqiu's wicked grasp something Yue Qingyuan wanted?

"Luo Binghe has proved incompatible with Qing Jing Peak's cultivation method and philosophy. Taking into account his recent performance, this master determined his relocation should occur as quickly as possible so as not to interfere with the development of his cultivation."

Yue Qingyuan considered his answer, a confused frown marring his typically serene demeanor. Finally, the man spoke: "And why Qiong Ding Peak?"

"Why not?" Shen Qingqui replied breezily, as though he had given little thought to the matter. In truth, after Luo Binghe had opted out of choosing a peak for himself, he had deliberated long and hard on where to send the demon.

It would have been simpler if Luo Binghe had stated a preference; if he had chosen a peak that didn't suit him, well, not Shen Qingqiu's problem. In contrast, the peak lord had many factors to keep in mind when narrowing down his options.

There were several peaks he discarded immediately: Xian Shu for obvious reasons. An Ding was insulting and Ku Xing too restrictive to be considered anything but punishment. Wan Jian, Zui Xian, and the other vocational peaks made little sense, as Luo Binghe would be entering at a disadvantage for his late start.

Bai Zhan was an obvious answer, but came with its own issues. One was the relationship between the respective peak lords; Liu Qingge would do everything in his power to reject the transfer simply because it had come from Shen Qingqiu, self-righteous brute that he was. Second was the fact that Bai Zhan was the peak known for martial prowess - Luo Binghe did not need any more advantages in increasing his power level. Especially before Shen Qingqiu had a plan in place to deal with him and his 'protagonist halo'.

So, the only viable option was Qiong Ding, which carried several advantages for Shen Qingqiu. Yue Qingyuan would not attempt to delve into Luo Binghe's previous experiences or ask questions regarding his cultivation level and skills. While he would receive adequate martial training (the majority of Qiong Ding disciples were physical cultivators), his education would also include diplomacy and administration. The split focus made it unlikely he would develop into an overpowered menace any time soon. Qiong Ding was also the only peak ranked higher than Qing Jing, so the transfer could not be considered a demotion in any sense; the improved ranking may even appeal to the little beast's vanity.

Overall, it was the best option to avoid both present headaches and future complications. If he could get the sect leader to f*cking cooperate!

"If I remember correctly, Liu-shidi expressed interest in Luo Binghe during the initial selection. If Shen-shidi has no strong preference, this Shixiong would like to give Bai Zhan priority in this matter."

Of course you would. Because when has my opinion ever come before the rest of our martial siblings? It had been a mistake to act disinterested. He should have had a list of reasons prepared, because of course Yue Qingyuan would make things difficult. Why had he expected otherwise?

"Fine then," He bit out spitefully, "Call Liu-shidi here and ask if he wants the boy directly. This master would prefer the matter settled."

"Ah," Yue Qingyuan rocked back, his expression turning sheepish. "I'm afraid that is not possible. Liu Qingge entered Ling Xi caves for secluded cultivation a few days ago. It could be some time before he is done."

The world ground to a screeching halt.

Liu Qingge had already entered Ling Xi caves.

Shen Qingqiu couldn't breathe through the sudden onslaught of panic. His memories of Ling Xi caves and Liu Qingge's qi deviation from his previous life were not very distinct, mostly blurred impressions and distressed feelings. The intense spiritual energy present in the caves tended to warp its inhabitants' sense of time; three days was the same as three years to a cultivator situated in its depths. Add to that his own qi deviation in response to Liu Qingge's attack, and he had no clear sense of when specific events had occurred. Had his martial brother fallen into the deviation at the beginning of his seclusion? How long had he been trapped in that state? Had Shen Qingqiu interrupted at the beginning or the end of his episode? How long had it taken Shen Qingqiu to recover enough to leave the caves with the war god's corpse?

He didn't know. He didn't know.

He had to get to the caves. Right. f*cking. Now.

"In that case, this master also wishes to enter seclusion in Ling Xi caves. Since Liu-shidi is unavailable, Zhangmen-shixiong will have no problem taking Luo Binghe until the Bai Zhan Peak Lord can be consulted on the matter. Please inform Ming Fan of this master's intentions on your way out."

Shen Qingqiu did not wait for permission. He swept out of the bamboo cottage, paying no mind to the ineffectual fumbling behind him as he summoned and mounted Xiu Ya in the space of a few breaths. Aiming his sword toward the back of Qiong Ding Peak, he ignored the sect leader's fading calls to return.

He had an objective and a destination, and he would not allow Yue Qingyuan to stand in his way.

Shen Qingqiu landed in front of the entrance to the caves and rushed into the first cavern before coming to an abrupt halt. The flight over had calmed his frenzied emotions, and he was able to think clearly again. Clenching his fists, he questioned the wisdom of running off to save his martial brother, considering the result of his previous attempt. What would happen to him, if he failed to save Liu Qingge a second time? Would his martial siblings turn on him just as they had before, condemning him a murderer without a word spoken in his defense?

Why am I even trying to save that brute in the first place?

Liu Qingge had never given Shen Qingqiu a single reason to think of him fondly. Quite the opposite really; he had been a regular antagonist to the Qing Jing Peak Lord since he had first entered the sect, constantly overshadowing and belittling Shen Qingqiu despite his lower ranking. There was no reason for Shen Qingqiu to risk himself or his reputation to save a man that had always been determined to push him back down into the mud he had worked so hard to crawl out of.

The smartest option is to leave. To return to Yue Qingyuan and say I spoke to Liu Qingge, and he was not interested in training Luo Binghe. He'll die of a qi deviation and it will be years before the body is discovered. There would be no reason for suspicion to fall on me. All I have to do is walk away.

Shen Qingqiu did not move.

It's not fair, he raged privately, blinking away frustrated tears. Even if I do save him, what am I expecting? Certainly not thanks. If I'm lucky, he'll assume I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or he could accuse me of taking advantage of his deviation to try to kill him - as if the first time wasn't enough. It's not worth it, so I should just cut my losses and go!

He turned around, took two steps toward the exit before he felt a violent fluctuation of energy. It originated from deeper in the caves.

It's starting. If I want to stay out of it, I have to leave now!

(Or was it already too late?)

Gorge rose in his throat as his own qi began to roil, and he pierced his palms with his nails in an attempt to center. Entering his own qi deviation - again - was the worst possible reaction he could have to the situation. He needed to keep a clear head for the coming trial.

The time for running had passed. He had no choice but to confront the war god once more and hope for a more favorable outcome.

And, in the end, what was the point of a second chance if he fled from his past failures? Was he to look away from the unfolding of events so as to distance himself from culpability? Sit through the ruination of the world because it wasn't his responsibility to fix it?

f*ck that. I am not a coward, no matter what the rest of the world might claim.

He would rescue his stupid, bullheaded brute of a Shidi or he would die trying. Decision made, Shen Qingqiu ventured deeper into the caves toward the source of spiritual disturbance.

The Ling Xi caves were a natural labyrinth, hundreds of turning paths burrowing deep into the center of the mountain. There was no wind or light to orient oneself, only a faint coolness that increased the deeper one traveled, and limestone rock that formed unique patterns for navigation. Shen Qingqiu's feet automatically followed the route to his favorite cave at the very center, which contained a pool of water so clear it was otherworldly.

The chamber Liu Qingge had chosen to cultivate in was not far from it. The sound of painful wheezing echoed through the stone hallways, and the force behind the qi fluctuations increased with each step forward. The war god had already succumbed to deviation madness; it would be difficult to get close enough to realign his meridians, since he would attack anyone who approached.

Even without the deviation, he might have attacked Shen Qingqiu for intruding on his cultivation. Bastard.

The main problem was finding a way to incapacitate the man without killing him. During his last attempt, Shen Qingqiu had been too busy fending off the war god's aggressive offense to land any hits himself, and had been overwhelmed into a deviation of his own. His Shidi was brutally strong and fast - a second of inattention could mean defeat as his opponents had to rely on instinct and muscle memory to defend against a ferocious series of chained strikes.

Shen Qinqiu would know. Their first match during the interpeak tournament had ended with Liu Qingge ridiculing him in public for his cheating and dishonorable tactics. What the boy hadn't realized was that it had been a panic response to being cornered; Shen Qingqiu hadn't had time to disengage and regroup, or come up with effective counters. He had fallen back on his ingrained reactions from his time with Wu Yanzi, which mostly involved doing whatever you could to make it out alive.

Having a legitimate reason for his "underhanded tricks" didn't matter. It wasn't something Liu Qingge would ever understand anyway.

Holding Xiu Ya at the ready, Shen Qingqiu braced for impact and entered the next room. His Shidi's back was towards him, his muscles bulging and flexing even as he stood still. Cheng Luan had fallen on the ground next to him, and was emitting a harsh silver light that displayed the engravings along the blade in sharp contrast.

The walls were covered in marks from spiritually-infused sword slashes and splashes of fresh blood, already resembling the scene of a murder. The usually pristine white of the Bai Zhan uniform was likewise stained red from the war god's wounds.

Too late to change my mind? Shen Qingqiu wondered wryly. Naturally, that was the moment Liu Qingge chose to turn around. His Shidi's eyes were blood red when they met his own, and they contained nothing but potent and savage rage. f*ck.

The war god slammed his palm onto the wall, stone shards erupting from the force of the blow. Cheng Luan flew around to block Shen Qingqiu's retreat as his Shidi advanced on him like a loosed arrow.

Feinting to the side, Shen Qingqiu aimed a palm strike at Liu Qingge's chest. It was a hit that would barely have registered if the war god had been at full power, but it would be enough to knock him back while his system was ravaged by his own spiritual power. It was unfortunate that the man managed to dodge; even in his current state, he was familiar with Shen Qingqiu's style and had anticipated the feint.

Damn him anyway. Who asked him to be so capable?

An initial strike had been his best chance to immobilize the man without causing or taking undue damage. Shen Qingqiu was familiar with his Shidi's style as well; once the man built a rhythm, it was almost impossible to break it. Opportunities for counterstrikes would be incidental and brief, if they appeared at all.

In other words, he was f*cked.

Lips curling up in a snarl, he danced around the chamber, avoiding hits by the skin of his teeth as he watched for openings. His ample experience fighting his Shidi served him well, as he moved automatically around sequences he had long since memorized. Unfortunately his opponent's defense was as impenetrable as ever.

His Shidi apparently tired of his dodging, as he called Cheng Luan to his hand and redoubled his attack. Sparks flew from the force of his blows against Xiu Ya, and Shen Qingqiu felt fear creep up the back of his neck once more. He was getting tired, while the war god only grew more invigorated.

If he didn't end this soon, Liu Qingge was going to kill him.

All he needed was a single moment where Liu Qingge couldn't defend. One solid hit would be enough to subdue the bastard long enough to stabilize him, and then Shen Qingqiu could wash his hands of the entire mess. Just one clear shot, and it was over.

sh*t, this is going to hurt. Liu Qingge, I'm going to carve this debt out of your ungrateful hide, I swear it on the heavens themselves!

On Liu Qingge's next lunge, Shen Qingqiu moved only far enough for the thrust to miss his vital organs, Cheng Luan piercing in and through his shoulder. Thrown off balance by a blow unexpectedly connecting, Liu Qingge's chest was left wide open for Shen Qingqiu's next palm strike, which was strong enough to propel him across the room and into the stone wall.

If the strength of the blow had been fueled by several decades worth of mutual hatred, well that was Shen Qingqiu's business, wasn't it?

Shen Qingqiu watched his Shidi fall to the floor, coughing out blood even as he tried to stand. Reaching up, he pulled Cheng Luan from his shoulder, biting back an agonized scream. He discarded the sword on the ground with a sharp clatter, then carefully laid Xiu Ya down next to it, far outside the war god's reach.

The last thing he needed was to fight an overpowered maniac with two swords.

He approached his Shidi with due caution, waiting as the injured war god struggled to rise, standing and falling several times in quick succession.

Finally the man appeared to run out of stamina, staying down as he heaved for air. Grabbing the collar of filthy robes, Shen Qingqiu dragged him away from the wall and into a kneeling position on the opposite side of the cave from the weaponry. Dropping the deadweight, he had to slap away a weak flurry of strikes, and grew increasingly irritated with the man's tenacity. Shouldn't he be all but insensate at this point? How was he still trying to put up a fight?

He's probably doing it just to spite me. Liu Qingge, I utterly loathe you. Now stay still so I can save your worthless life!

Placing his only usable hand on the war god's back, Shen Qingqiu began circulating his qi through Liu Qingge's ravaged pathways, forcibly realigning the man's meridians and stabilizing his energy flow. Even after restoring his system's natural balance, he did not stop treatment, all too aware that a relapse could be triggered when his Shidi regained consciousness.

After what he had just endured, he wasn't taking any chances.

Liu Qingge convulsed suddenly, vomiting black blood. Opening his eyes, the war god turned his head, spitting out more of the noxious liquid when he saw Shen Qingqiu standing behind him.

Sneering, Shen Qingqiu berated the cumbersome fool. "Aiya, don't get so excited, unless you want to deviate again. How shameful, for the Bai Zhan War God to be seen in such a pathetic state. Clean yourself up, you're a disgrace."

Even while choking on his own bodily fluids, Liu Qingge had the unmitigated gall to accuse him. "Shen Qingqiu... what are you up to now..."

Blowing his anger out his nose, Shen Qingqiu sent an intense surge of qi to channel through Liu Qingge's system, drawing the war god's attention. Liu Qingge looked even more aghast than he had earlier, realization slowly dawning across his disgustingly pretty face.

"Liu-shidi, this master has no more desire to be in this situation than you. How about this; when I'm satisfied that you won't devolve into a violent lunatic, we'll go our separate ways and never mention this incident again. Do we have an agreement?"

Suggesting a truce or - heaven forbid - an alliance would require a level of optimism Shen Qingqiu had never acquired. Putting this behind them and continuing on with their usual enmity was the best he could hope for, though he did expect that the war god would pay him back for the life debt accrued. The man's honor would not allow him to disregard such an obligation, which Shen Qingqiu intended to use to his fullest advantage.

Liu Qingge was visibly skeptical of Shen Qingqiu's offer. "...are you serious?"

Shen Qingqiu's voice was flat with scorn. "Serious. I cannot be more serious. Never before has any person been more serious than me. Look into this master's eyes, Liu-shidi, aren't you moved by how serious I am? Idiot."

Liu Qingge's face looked constipated as he faced down Shen Qingqiu's glare. Utterly done with his Shidi's nasty attitude, he removed his hand to cut off the flow of qi into the war god's spiritual pathways and strode across the room to collect Xiu Ya. Resheathing the sword was awkward with only one hand, one side basically useless until he could heal some of the damage to his shoulder, but he managed. As he was about to leave, Liu Qingge called out after him.

"Wait! Your shoulder, what..." Liu Qingge trailed off, head turning all around to take in the gore and grooves covering the walls of the chamber, the blood slicking Cheng Luan's blade. His expression turned stricken as he pieced together the events leading up to his awakening. "Shen Qingqiu, did I...?"

"Did you... what, deviate like an utter novice by trying to force a breakthrough in complete seclusion? Or perhaps attack your Shixiong like a bloodthirsty brute when he came to investigate? Or do you refer to accusing me of-" He gestured vaguely, "something nefarious, even as I was busy treating your unstable qi? Liu Qingge will have to be more specific if expects this Shixiong to answer."

The bloodstains complemented Liu Qingge's pale complexion well, particularly when his face lost what little color it had left. The war god stood up with great effort, movement still painful from the damage his deviation had caused to his body. Looking as though it was costing him a great deal, he held his hands in a formal salute and bowed slightly at the waist. "Shixiong, allow this Shidi to apologi-"

"Oh shut the hell up." Completely out of patience, Shen Qingqiu was not interested in receiving an empty apology - he had gotten enough of them to last ten lifetimes from Yue Qingyuan, and they never amounted to anything worthwhile. "Make yourself somewhat presentable and move your ass to Qian Cao before you fall over dead and waste this master's efforts."

"You're injured as well." Liu Qingge pointed out. "I can send Mu-shidi back for y-"

"Absolutely not." Shen Qingqiu's voice echoed through the caves, emphatic. "I meant what I said Liu Qingge. This is a matter between the two of us; you aren't to breathe of word of it to anyone, do you understand me?" Shen Qingqiu jabbed a finger at his Shidi in emphasis. "Not. One. Word."

Shen Qingqiu was used to his personal life being gossiped about far and wide, everyone having an opinion to share on the Qing Jing Peak Lord. Words could not describe his exhaustion from being talked about behind his back; no matter what he did, the rumors only multiplied as the years passed, gaining momentum as they were spread throughout the cultivation world. With the dark stain of his current reputation, it didn't matter that saving Liu Qingge's life should improve his image, particularly among his martial siblings. Everything he did always managed to be twisted into the worst possible light, and he was confident this would be the same regardless of the actual events or Liu Qingge's testimony. Shen Qingqiu's character was settled and immutable, a blackened villain to his core.

So it didn't matter if the press was good or bad. What Shen Qingqiu wanted most was privacy.

Casting a final, baleful look of warning, Shen Qingqiu left his Shidi to return to his preferred cave with the pool. He needed to wash off his blood before it got tacky and stuck the fabric to his skin, then change into the spare robes he kept in his qiankun pouch. After he was clean again, he would take advantage of the Ling Xi caves' abundant spiritual energy to cultivate and heal his shoulder to the best of his abilities. If he left while still injured, Yue Qingyuan would take it as an invitation to smother Shen Qinqui with truly nauseating displays of care, all while implying it had been his own fault he'd been stabbed in the first place.

He'd pass on that bullsh*t, thank you.

It was only after he was bathed and dressed, fully immersed in his meditation that the significance of Liu Qingge's survival struck him like an electric current through his veins.

Shen Qingqiu had saved Liu Qingge's life - in doing so, he had completely altered the course of the future as he knew it.

He would not exit the caves and be accused of murdering a martial sibling in cold blood. He would not stand trial for a crime he did not commit, with no one stepping forward to speak in his defense. He would not be abandoned to the mercies of a demon in a dungeon he could not escape, all in the name of a sect that had never wanted him in the first place.

Shen Qingqiu could change his fate.

He hurtled through the bottleneck that had stymied his cultivation for years, the world dissolving into blue lightning as his spiritual energy condensed and solidified just below his stomach.

After more than a decade of painstaking effort and constant ridicule. After succumbing to deviation after deviation and piecing himself back together every time, just to fail again. After dying a gruesome and bloody death, only to be revived in a world that was familiar in all the worst ways to his bitter, lonely heart. None of that mattered anymore, because he had done it. He had finally done it. He had accomplished what he had always wished for, ever since he was a dirty slave child that dared to dream of becoming an immortal master.

Shen Qingqiu had finally formed a complete golden core.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Peak Lord Shen has retreated into secluded cultivation in Ling Xi caves for the time being. Before he left, he requested that you be transferred to Qiong Ding Peak to continue your training in cultivation. This master is pleased to accept Luo Binghe as his newest disciple."

Sitting across from Yue-shibo, Luo Binghe hardened his resolve.

Of all the peaks available, his teacher had chosen to transfer him to the only one of higher standing than his own. His decision only confirmed everything he had learned about his teacher over the past few days: his kindness when he had returned his mother's precious guanyin. His patience when he guided Luo Binghe through his first attempt at cultivation. His protection when he had annihilated the demon threatening his disciple's lives.

Shen Qingqiu had always done what he believed was best for Luo Binghe, even when his intentions were misunderstood. Luo Binghe absolutely refused to recognize another as his Shizun. But in order to stay on Qing Jing Peak, he had to prove himself.

This was not a conversation. This was a battle for his place as Shizun's disciple.

"The purpose of Qing Jing Peak is to produce not just cultivators, not just scholars, but tacticians."

Luo Binghe had no intention of losing.

He dug his fingers into his thighs hard enough to bruise, letting his eyes fill and spill over with heartfelt tears. The sect leader was appalled, immediately moving to reassure the distraught disciple before him.

"Luo Binghe is not in any trouble if that is what he fears - this transfer is for the purpose of finding a peak more suited to your cultivation style, nothing else. If you would prefer to go to a different peak than Qiong Ding, it would be simple enough to arrange for this master. Would this help Luo Binghe feel better?"

"This disciple," he choked out wetly, " thanks Yue-shibo for his considerate words, but he has no desire to move to a different peak. More than anything, I wish to remain on Qing Jing Peak and continue my training under Shizun."

Yue Qingyuan reached out, placing a hand on Luo Binghe's shoulder in reassurance. "This master knows change can be frightening, especially when you're young and inexperienced. But change can also be necessary and good. Wherever he chooses to go, Luo Binghe will be taken care of-"

"This master has always found Ning Yingying to be quite skilled in manipulation, intentional or not. Or do you believe her to be as naive and temperamental as she appears?"

"No!" He threw himself back from the sect leader. "I don't want to leave! I want to stay with Shizun!" He pleaded in his most pathetic voice, which had been refined during his years of begging for food on the streets. "Please don't make me go."

The sect leader was perplexed. "This master was under the impression that Luo Binghe's experiences on Qing Jing Peak have been... somewhat arduous. Has your relationship with your Shizun really improved so much?"

"That is not the case at all. This disciple's troubles were caused by a misunderstanding with Shizun that has been resolved. Shizun has always cared for this disciple, even when it did not seem so." He spoke fervently in his teacher's defense, heart aching to know that even the sect leader had been fooled by Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu's outwardly cold nature.

Yue Qingyuan's face was unsettlingly blank. "A misunderstanding? Can Luo Binghe explain?"

Luo Binghe told him everything. From the fight with Ming Fan to his rescue at Shuang Hu City, he left out none of Shen Qingqiu's good deeds, his respect and admiration for his teacher saturating every word.

The sect leader listened attentively to his account, face growing increasingly pale. When Luo Binghe finished, he let out the most wretched of gasps, covering his mouth with a trembling hand. Luo Binghe could only just make out his distressed whispers, muffled as they were.

"Xiao Jiu, Xiao Jiu... I was wrong. Qi-ge is sorry. Qi-ge is so sorry..."

Luo Binghe blinked in confusion. Who was Xiao Jiu? Why was 'Qi-ge' sorry?

What did either of them have to do with Shizun?

Gathering himself, Yue Qingyuan offered Luo Binghe a wan smile. "This master understands. Thanking Luo Binghe for telling him about this."

Widening his eyes, Luo Binghe tried to look as innocent as possible. "If Yue-shibo understands... does that mean Luo Binghe can stay?"

"While you have innate talent, you do not demonstrate the correct mindset for the culture and teachings of Qing Jing."

Yue Qingyuan rubbed his chin, letting out a thoughtful hum. "Unfortunately, your Shizun's last request before entering seclusion was for me to take over your training. I cannot in good conscience refuse to do so while he is indisposed. However," A shrewd look overtook his face briefly, before smoothing into his usual genial expression. "the paperwork required for a formal transfer cannot be completed without both peak lord's signatures. So until he returns, I'm afraid Luo Binghe will not be able to leave Qing Jing Peak. This master will still oversee Luo Binghe's training in line with his Shidi's wishes, of course."

Luo Binghe's smile was effervescent. "This disciple understands. Thanking Yue-shibo for his guidance!"

He had passed his first test to remain on Qing Jing Peak. He had until Shizun returned from seclusion to improve himself enough to impress his critical teacher into claiming him as a disciple once more. There was no doubt that his Shizun would be a more formidable opponent than Yue Qingyuan, not at all moved by crocodile tears or earnest appeals. Shizun could only be persuaded by one thing: cold hard results.

"Self-sacrifice has no place in the mind of a tactician."

Luo Binghe would have to earn his position as Shizun's disciple.

Part of him was even looking forward to it.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Uh-oh. Not sure we can refer to Luo Binghe as a white lotus anymore. That was... a lot to take in at the end. (Yikes.)

User YingYingGirly: The protagonist is finally blackening, but definitely not in the way I expected. He's choosing his own corruption instead of being pushed into it by forces beyond his control. A++ twist, definitely compelling. Can't wait to see where this goes.

User BingGetSome: Wait, if Luo Binghe is choosing his own corruption, is there a chance that he's actually going to become the villain of the story himself?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Eh, I suppose it's a possibility, but I doubt it. Maybe that's how Shizun fits in as the villain of the story. His influence leads Luo Binghe down a dark path, only for the protag to later realize the error of his ways and reclaim his noble, honest heart by rejecting false teachings.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Makes sense, but I... kind of hope not. Shen Qingqiu is getting more interesting in each chapter, and I want him to have a better role than "villainous mentor that leads the protagonist astray", you know?

User Peerless_Cucumber: I agree. Such a cliche role would be a huge waste of Shen Qingqiu's potential.

User Demon.Daddy69: CUCUMBER?!

User BingGetSome: CUCUMBER?!!?!

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): CUCUMBER?!?!?!?!?

User PunishMeShizun: I think I'm experiencing a cardiac event.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Quick, someone check for glitches in the matrix.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Cucumber actually said something nice about Shen Qingqiu. I put that as one of my free squares on apocalypse bingo.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Haha. So funny. But I'm serious, Shen Qingqiu's importance to the story cannot be overstated at this point. He's the character driving most of the action, and earning his respect is what's motivating the protag into his first serious power-up. I predict that Luo Binghe's obsession with him will only grow from this point forward, leading up to a major plot revelation or betrayal.

User PunishMeShizun: I was wondering when we were going to mention the GIGANTIC PINK ELEPHANT in the room, AKA Luo Binghe's big fat man-crush on Shizun.

User YingYingGirly: I wouldn't phrase it quite like that, but I see your point. Luo Binghe's feelings for Shizun are definitely more intense than a typical mentor relationship calls for.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Especially since his other important bond is on the rocks. Is Ning Yingying not going to be a member of the harem after all?

User FakeJadePillar: No, she's basically guaranteed a place just by being Luo Binghe's first love. At some point, she'll find herself in mortal peril and the protag will be all: ∑(; °Д°) Oh no, my girl! I abandoned my girl! Swoop in, save the day, papapa the night away!

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

User Demon.Daddy69: Yup, that was sad. FFS, get your mind out of the gutter.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): I really love how you all are reading a YY stallion novel for the *checks notes* plot twists and character development. Truly a novel approach to the genre.

User Peerless_Cucumber: If that's not your reason for reading, then you obviously aren't paying close enough attention. No one has even mentioned what Yue Qingyuan whispered near the end of the chapter yet! Can you not see the deeper implications for Shen Qingqiu's backstory?!?!

User PunishMeShizun: I can no longer tell whether you like or hate Shen Qingqiu, Cucumber. Care to clarify?

User Peerless_Cucumber: Yes.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Wow. So glad we cleared that up. (*TーT)b

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

Coming out of a breakthrough was similar to recovering from a sudden submersion in deep water; disorienting in the beginning, followed by a frantic climb upwards, and blissful relief when breaking the surface. Every moment was a revelation as Shen Qingqiu came up, the vigorous surges of qi that buffeted him slowing into gentle streams. At the center of his system was a bright lodestar that guided the ebb and flow of his spiritual energy without conscious effort, as intrinsic as a heartbeat.

Unfolding his limbs, Shen Qingqiu leaped down from his stone perch, his movements as light and easy as a breeze. His body felt entirely new, full of vitality and untouched by mortal concerns. Like this, he could almost believe he had never known injury, hunger, exposure or torture.

Almost, he thought, one hand rising to touch his shoulder, where a thin silver scar remained as the only mark to marr porcelain skin. He had almost healed it too, deep in his trance as he adjusted to his new level of cultivation, but had chosen to keep it as a memento of what he had accomplished. Every other scar he had received had been a defacement of his personhood, blemishes inflicted upon him in an effort to remind him of his place. This was the first one he had chosen for himself, earned in noble victory, a precursor to the culmination of his childhood goal.

This scar was a symbol of triumph over a world that had tested his resolve, that had attempted to break him time and time again. But Shen Qingqiu had won this battle. Just as he intended to win all those that followed.

It was time to return to Qing Jing Peak and begin enacting his plans.

He walked past the still pool to the entrance of his favored chamber, pausing in the hallway beyond it. He could feel Liu Qingge's qi signature emanating from the same area he had confronted him in previously. His foolish Shidi hadn't gone to Qian Cao to be healed after his deviation, and had even chosen to continue cultivating among the spiritual echoes of his own insanity.

It's as though the idiot wants to have a relapse - is he so disgusted by the idea of being saved by me that he would rather die than acknowledge his debt?! It honestly wouldn't surprise him if the Bai Zhan War God's seemingly inexhaustible pride was unable to cope with being rescued by his most loathed martial sibling. That didn't make the implied snub any less irritating though.

He had to suppress the impulse to seek out the brute and give him the tongue-lashing of his life. How dare he undermine Shen Qingqiu's heroic actions in an attempt to save face? It wasn't as though he had to reveal the details of their confrontation; in fact, Shen Qingqiu had forbidden him from doing so! Was he truly so vain as to refuse necessary medical care out of spite for his savior?

Egotistical brute! Turning away with a huff and a (slightly melodramatic) flutter of his sleeves, he retraced his route back to the entrance of the caves. He wasn't going to waste any more time and energy on an ingrate, especially when he didn't know how much time had passed since he had absconded from his duties. He was confident that Ming Fan had kept everything running in his absence, and he anticipated seeing his head disciple's progress.

And no more demon spawn to darken my door. Perhaps fortune has finally smiled down upon this master after all.

He emerged into ringing alarms and flames, the peak around him in a state of total disarray. He was immediately spotted by a group of disciples, who descended upon him in a frenzied pile.

"Shen-shibo! Shen-shibo, you've finally come out! We're in trouble, there are demons invading Qiong Ding Peak and hurting many disciples!"

Of course this would happen just as I finish. Why am I even surprised anymore? Drawing a long breath between his teeth, he managed not to take out his ire on the distressed disciples before him. Raising a commanding hand, he waited until the children had quieted before speaking. "Calm yourselves. Where is the sect leader?"

"The sect leader went down the mountain for business, otherwise the demons never would have dared to attack us!"

"Demons really are despicable! Not only did they invade, they are even fracturing the Rainbow Bridge linking the Twelve Peaks. Qiong Ding Peak has no way to receive support from the other peaks!"

What you call despicable I call a sound strategic play. Shen Qingqiu tried to recall the details of the invasion from his previous life as the disciples fell into disparaging their demonic assailants. The attack had been well planned out, undertaken when all the various peak lords had been otherwise occupied; that Shen Qingqiu had exited the caves in time to retaliate had been a fluke. Or perhaps fated, if the recurrence of his lucky timing was anything more than coincidence.

He fought down a surge of paranoia. He didn't like how neatly events were slotting into sequence, despite his changes to this timeline. His hand drifted up to press into his shoulder hard. Not everything is the same, he reminded himself, prodding the scar beneath his robes. I already have advantages over my last experience; a living war god in the caves behind me, and a fully-formed golden core to sustain me.

With these, how can I possibly lose?

"Enough!" He interrupted the exchange, his voice resonating through flesh and bones with its ferocity. "Panic serves no one. Cang Qiong Mountain sect has both numbers and skills in its favor. If we assemble, the demons will be dealt with easily.”

The disciples straightened with newfound confidence at his declaration, following behind Shen Qingqiu as he made his way toward Qiong Ding's audience hall. The Qing Jing Peak Lord's assured stride caught the eye of everyone he passed, and more disciples fell into line, amassing a formidable force with which to meet the invaders.

They reached the gate in short order, where sect guards were attempting to encircle and suppress the demon army, as well as protect all the disciples present. Shen Qingqiu's gaze immediately caught on the green and white uniforms of his Qing Jing Peak. Just as in the previous life, all of his disciples were in attendance at the main peak. He had never asked why; the fallout of Liu Qingge's death and the attack had taken priority. He made a mental note to pursue an answer this time, if only for his own edification.

If someone - or something - was indeed manipulating events to set him up, he needed to be aware yesterday.

His entrance had not gone unnoticed as a ripple passed through the members of the sect, followed by exultant shouts. Ming Fan broke from the rest of his martial siblings to make his way over, relief painted across a maturing face. He had grown several cun and his shoulders had broadened; his frame was as steady as Mount Tai.

His head disciple had begun to grow into his body and his role. In this life, Shen Qingqiu would have the privilege of watching this child develop into a man worthy of respect. It was an excellent reminder of all that he wanted to protect, predestination be damned.

"This disciple greets Shizun!" Ming Fan executed a hurried bow. "Are you aware of the situation?"

"I've been informed of the generalities, yes." The sect's disciples were converging on his position, which caught the attention of the demonic forces. "Does Ming Fan have any more information for this master?"

"They made straight for the main hall's engraved plaque. Likely they wanted to take it to the Demon Realm as a demonstration of achievement." Shen Qingqiu nodded, agreeing with the assessment. Such a war spoil would raise the clan's reputation to soaring heights in the Demon Realm. In contrast, Cang Qiong Mountain sect would suffer embarrassment at such a loss, regardless of the mitigating circ*mstances.

He turned his attention toward the enemy. In front of the main hall, more than a hundred demons clustered together as more disciples arrived to encircle them. A young girl stepped out in front, her most distinctive feature her unusual fashion; her entire head of hair was pulled into tiny braids, and her makeup was bold and richly colored. She wore what could barely be considered clothing, comprised of a few sheer veils that revealed more than they covered. Her wrists and ankles were decorated in silver rings that jingled whenever she moved.

Sha Hualing, a pure-blooded Demon Saintess.

She had been one of the most coveted members of Luo Binghe's harem, as well as an effective lieutenant for his demonic forces. She was a cunning player; if an opportunity presented itself, he would do well to kill her during this engagement. He couldn't say how vital she had been to Luo Binghe's domination of the Demon Realm, but any means of crippling his future army could only benefit humans in the long run.

Shen Qingqiu snapped open his fan, raising it to cover his mouth. "Ming Fan, who is the fastest among your martial siblings?"

Ming Fan considered for a brief moment. To Shen Qingqiu's surprise, he turned and called out to the cluster of Qing Jing disciples that had been drifting closer to their teacher's position. "Ning-shimei! Shizun is calling for you!"

If Ming Fan hadn't called her name, Shen Qingqiu may not have recognized the girl that presented herself to him. While her form was still thin and girlish, her hair and ribbons done up in their usual style, her movements were tenacious. Her round face was untroubled despite the commotion around her, and her voice even as she saluted. "This disciple greets Shizun!"

Shen Qingqiu took in the unforeseen changes in his disciple, a pang racing through his heart despite himself. He had returned to this time with no remaining affection for the girl he had once adored; and yet, to see her leave behind her juvenile ways was somehow melancholic. But children had to grow up at some point, and allowing her to remain a child had only led to ruin in the past.

However bittersweet, this was something to celebrate.

"Ning Yingying has improved in this master's absence." He observed and felt a flash of warmth when her careful mask shattered. Rich honey eyes squinted with a familiar smile, the girl happily accepting her teacher's praise.

"This disciple has worked hard so as not to disappoint Shizun when he returned!"

It was good that she strove for his approval instead of assuming she already possessed it. He had made the right choice retaining her as his disciple; removed from the demon's influence, her true potential was apparent.

"This master has a mission for you. Listen carefully." Her smile dropped as she leaned forward, intent on his instructions. "Your Liu-shishu is cultivating in the Ling Xi caves. Once this master engages the demon's leader, slip away to retrieve him as quickly as possible. Be discreet," he added, noting her quivers of anticipation. "The less notice they have of reinforcements, the better the outcome for us."

"Yes Shizun. This disciple obeys." She kept her voice low, stepping back into the crowd gathered behind him so it would be less obvious when she left. He stared after her, astonished by her shrewd action and the swiftness of her capitulation. There hadn't been a single whine for reassurance, or pout at the task she had been assigned.

"Ning Yingying has progressed well." He turned to Ming Fan, who had correctly guessed the reason for his surprise. "The Skinner mission and Shizun's evaluation had an impact; Shimei was bothered by her weakness and worried about her position among your disciples." Ming Fan lowered his voice to a whisper. "She feared that she had lost Shizun's regard."

She did, though not for those failings. Shen Qingqiu fanned himself, pensive. But perhaps she is capable of winning it back - if she continues to show dedication to this master and his cause.

His contemplation was interrupted by a provocative call across the battlefield. "Will this immortal master not introduce himself? A-Ling might feel slighted if he continues to ignore her."

Ming Fan bristled with indignation. "Demon girl! My Shifu is already here, we'll see if you dare to be arrogant any longer!"

The demons were entirely surrounded by sect members at this point, the disciples shedding their fear for anger as they pressured the invading army. A few demons, unnerved by their entrapment, made a run for it. Shen Qingqiu did not hesitate; he infused his fan with qi and waved it once, throwing the cowards back to Sha Hualing's feet.

The Saintess had only bullied disciples and ravaged the peak because there were no Elders on the scene to stop her. She was quick to recognize her disadvantage with the appearance of a Peak Lord. "My purpose of visiting the mountain isn't to fight. I only wanted to challenge Cang Qiong Mountain sect to a competition of skill, since I have heard of its many talents. My family was curious and agreed to come with to exchange pointers."

Shen Qingqiu stepped forward, acting unconcerned. "Interesting proposition. Though, if you claim that your purpose is to exchange pointers, this master must question why you have come while the sect leader is away? Furthermore, destroying our Rainbow Bridge and injuring disciples seems incongruous to such a civilized intention. How would you explain yourself?"

Biting her lips, Sha Hualing used the ultimate weapon of pretty young girls everywhere. Brushing a strand of hair from her cheek, she lamented, "This person must be the Elder 'Xiu Ya Sword', Master Shen Qingqiu who is known throughout the Immortal Realm. He certainly lives up to his reputation. This Ling-er is young and has failed to control her subordinates. If she has offended you, asking that this immortal master be magnanimous and forgiving."

Less clever than you think you are, if you believe I will be moved by coquettish tricks, Was Shen Qingqiu's evaluation. Sha Hualing was intelligent and ambitious, but had overreached by attempting to subjugate the strongest of the cultivating sects. Cornered, she had no choice but to talk her way out, using the custom of inter-sect contests as a bluff.

He would be justified in ordering a charge and driving the demons out of the sect without any further discussion. Ultimately though, the cost would be too high: it was guaranteed that at least a few disciples would be cut down in the ensuing battle, and the blame for their demise would land squarely on himself. It would hardly matter to his martial siblings that it was their own absence that had allowed for the invasion in the first place, or that he had been forced to make decisions under duress. Any opportunity to heap shame and censure on Shen Qingqiu's head would be taken, his past experiences had proven as much.

No, he would go through with the demon's charade and hope that Liu Qingge would arrive before the final match. The war god's sword formations were capable of driving the demons into a retreat without risking any sect members, if his formidable reputation alone didn't manage it.

Shen Qingqiu just had to draw things out as much as possible.

Humming lightly, he asked, "Can this young lady not judge our respective strengths already?"

"Although my family is at a current disadvantage, our weakness is only due to your greater numbers. Ling-er doesn't dare make a judgment based on unequal positions."

"Oh? Then what would this young lady need in order to make her judgment?"

Sha Hualing's smile was that of a venomous snake. "Why don't we each choose three representatives and hold matches here and now?"

Shen Qingqiu pretended to consider the suggestion, though the decision had already been made. He waited until the demoness began to shift with impatience, observing her small loss of composure. Though precocious, the girl was far too young and inexperienced to attempt mind games with someone of his level.

Perhaps a demonstration was in order.

"Very well." The demoness jumped as he closed his fan with a sharp crack. "This master will consider this a good exercise after a long period of meditation. I will be your opponent for the first match."

Sha Hualing did not falter, even as the disciples began cheering. "Elder One-Arm. You have always wished to duel against the Xiu Ya Sword, have you not?"

A large demon stepped forward at Sha Hualing's direction, notable for his purple-black skin and missing arm. Scoffing, Shen Qingqiu gestured toward the absent limb. "Your fighter only has one arm. When I win, how can it be considered an honest victory?"

The Saintess was intrigued. "Oh? Then what does Master Shen suggest?"

Shen Qingqiu smirked. "Since the young lady is so concerned with fairness, this master will implement a handicap." He spread his fan open with a haughty shake, holding it to his chest and placing his other hand behind his back in demonstration. "To win this match, I do not require use of even a single hand."

The disciples were in an uproar from his declaration, their shouts making it impossible to pick out a single phrase. While the Elder Demon's ire grew, Sha Hualing was quick to take advantage of any opening to gain ground. "Well said! Since Master Shen has offered, we will graciously accept! Are you ready to start?"

Your shamelessness will win you no allies in the future. Shen Qingqiu thought as the disciples' exclamations turned to jeers. The effectiveness of her methods would not matter if no one could stand her style of doing things. Shen Qingqiu knew that well enough. f*ck you very much, Liu-shidi.

(Back in the caves, Liu Qingge sneezed.)

Shen Qingqiu walked to the center of the courtyard, the spectators creating an informal ring around the combatants. His smirk remained squarely in place as he turned to face his opponent.

"Master Shen, I have heard much of your exploits in the Immortal Realm. I have waited a long time for the chance to fight you with my Ghost Knife!" A grimace that Shen Qingqiu supposed was either an attempt to threaten or what passed for a smile on such a face. "Please forgive my poor skill."

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes to the distasteful sight, fanning himself gently. "You are forgiven."

An offended pause before the Elder Demon charged, no attempt made to disguise his approach. The oversized knife whistled through the air as it slashed down, only to crash against the ground with a ringing clang as it missed its target. The dumbfounded demon turned around to see Shen Qingqiu already standing several paces behind him, eyes still shut and utterly unconcerned.

The initial confrontation established a pattern: the Elder Demon would push forward and Shen Qingqiu would evade, never bothering to meet at the oncoming blows. At one point, he jumped in the air and landed on the demon's back; he propelled himself across the makeshift arena, knocking the demon to his knees. His opponent's snarl of frustration was gratifying.

But it didn't drown out the mumbles of the observing disciples. "Why does he only dodge?" "Right? It's been a few moves, why doesn't he fight back?"

I despair for the future of the sect if these are considered the best and brightest.

His ever-faithful head disciple did not let the criticism pass. "Hah, you're ignorant. Masters of Qing Jing Peak are known for destroying their opponents mentally. As the match continues, Elder One-Arm will only get more anxious as our master avoids his attacks. His agitation will reveal the weaknesses in his form!"

Ming Fan, you are a prince in the midst of rabble.

Still, he could not stall forever. The Elder Demon had taken a break, bent over and panting on the opposite end of the ring. Shen Qingqiu used the hand behind his back to form a sword seal and summoned Xia Ya in a dazzling gleam of light that had every demon shielding their eyes from her brilliance.

There were more than a few cries from the crowd, as the recalcitrant Peak Lord rarely displayed Xiu Ya in all her glory. She was the most beautiful sword the sect boasted, her white light and graceful blade worthy of admiration. But her loveliness was a distraction from her best quality.

She was just as deadly as the master that wielded her.

He sent Xiu Ya flying toward the demon, glowing after-images trailing in her wake. The Elder Demon was hard-pressed to keep up with her assault, already hindered by the bright gleam of her sword light. Sparks flew each time her blade met his, creating a truly enrapturing spectacle. Witnesses could only gawk at the gorgeous visual effect, particularly when viewed in concert with the elegant movements of the Peak Lord as he directed his sword in a stunning style.

Shen Qingqiu glanced toward the Saintess, gauging her response to how the first match was unfolding. Trepidation crept into the edges of her expression as she watched her underling be routed. It was exactly the reaction he had been waiting for.

Let's see how well you handle being outclassed, shall we?

He guided Xiu Ya high into the air, infusing her with massive amounts of spiritual energy before launching her down into the demon. She hit her mark with tremendous force, a concussive wave of power sweeping over the crowd and traveling out to the surrounding peaks.

If anyone had remained unaware of the attack on the sect, they were alerted now.

When the dust from the impact eventually dissipated, the result of the match was clear. Elder One-Arm was unconscious and splayed across the ground, his 'Ghost Knife' shattered from his attempt to block Xiu Ya's final strike. Shen Qingqiu stood tall in comparison, his form radiating power as he circulated qi through his fully-formed core for everyone to see. It was an intimidating sight for the demons, just as it was intended to be.

The ensuing roar of approval was maybe a little pleasant. Shen Qingqiu's victory in his past life had been met with grim silence that was more accusatory than admiring, so this response went a long way to soothing a wound he had not even realized he still carried. It felt good, to have his efforts finally acknowledged.

Facing down the Saintess and her apprehensive company, he was bolstered by the support of the disciples. He spoke loud enough to be heard over the unceasing cheers, "The winner of the match is obvious. Who will be the next contestant for the Demon Clan?"

Her manner more subdued, Sha Hualing nonetheless approached where the Peak Lord stood, several of her underlings dragging the unconscious Elder Demon from the ring. "If Master Shen fights all three matches, then there is no meaning to exchanging pointers. I will represent the Demon Clan for the next battle. Why don't you pick my opponent for me?"

The demoness had a thick face, that was certain. Unfortunately, under the current pretense of a peaceful contest, Shen Qingqiu could not insist on fighting in all three rounds. Thus Sha Hualing's objections prevented a clean sweep. These pointless rules of nobility are even more of a pain in the ass than I remember. What value does honor hold if you're dead? Ridiculous.

Turning his back to the Saintess, he heard her huff as he surveyed the clamoring disciples. "You all heard her words. Who is willing to take this responsibility?"

He kept his eyes far away from a group of graceful forms clad in delicate purples and pinks, hoping to discourage the volunteer he knew would come forward. Sure enough, a particularly exquisite young woman disentangled herself from the rest, stepping out to meet him with a respectful bow.

Liu Mingyan, Qi Qingqi's most favored disciple and Liu Qingge's younger sister. Even through her veil, the resemblance between siblings was apparent. Because of this, he had to resist the urge the punch the girl straight in the nose. Liu Qingge, move your useless ass! What could possibly be taking you so long?

(In the caves, not yet located by Ning Yingying, Liu Qingge sneezed a second time.)

Shen Qingqiu was a bit surprised that he did not harbor more resentment for the girl in front of him. Much like Ning Yingying, Liu Mingyan had once turned her back on the sect in order to join Luo Binghe, and had been instrumental in delivering Shen Qingqiu into the demon's grasp. But he had difficulty blaming her; as far as she had known, he had been responsible for her brother's death. And he could hardly expect her to investigate the matter more deeply when the poison was whispered into her ears from a trusted source.

Qi Qingqi, despite being a woman, had earned her place as his most hated martial sibling. It was impressive, considering Yue Qingyuan, Liu Qingge, and that traitor Shang Qinghua were also in the running.

Besides, it had never been personal between Shen Qingqiu and Liu Mingyan. It would be foolish to consider the girl's actions a betrayal when there had never been any expectations to begin with. But that did not mean he was pleased by her presence either. She had lost her match to Sha Hualing previously, and he was confident that she would do so again with her current abilities. She was brave and skilled, but not yet a match for a Demon Saintess.

"Disciple Liu Mingyan's offer is valiant, but this master urges her to reconsider. She has yet to draw her sword from Wan Jian Peak, and would enter the match at a disadvantage." He does not mince words in an attempt to be kind, hoping to discourage the girl into backing out.

She is the Bai Zhan War God's sister after all, Came the rueful thought as he watched the girl bridle with stung pride. Perhaps expecting either sense or humility was a reach.

"Protecting the sect is the responsibility of the disciples of Xian Shu Peak. Shen-shibo, please allow me to represent Cang Qiong Mountain sect."

These siblings will be the end of me in both lives! "Fine! You may go."

Shen Qingqiu walked to the edge of the field to observe, silently fuming at the girl's insistence. It wouldn't do to show doubt in her abilities, despite knowing she would lose. If he had any luck at all, the match would drag out long enough for her brother to arrive and frighten the demons away with his nasty disposition. Either that, or the indignity of her defeat would summon him to the field like some sort of vengeful spirit, frothing at the mouth to restore the Liu Clan's honor or some such nonsense.

The girls exchanged quips and the match began with little fanfare. It... honestly wasn't much to look at unless you were the type to enjoy watching pretty girls dance with no musical accompaniment.

"What are they doing?"

"Is this a dance battle?"

The whispers began anew, most of the bewildered male disciples not following the progression of the match at all. Their ignorance of a popular battle style among female cultivators was more than a little pathetic.

This! Is why! There should be female disciples! On! Every! Peak!

Well, Shen Qingqiu checked himself while judging a particularly ill-executed twist jump. Maybe not Ku Xing.

It was once more up to Ming Fan to educate his martial siblings. "All of you have been deceived by their moves. To amateurs, it seems that they are just dancing. In truth, they are evaluating each other's abilities."

"What?!"

"How do you know that?"

"Look carefully. Although they have no direct body contact, according to my observation, they have fought to the 45th round in their minds. This... is a battle with no bloodshed!"

So... boring. Shen Qingqiu's opinion was shared by the majority of the onlookers if the awkward shifting was anything to go by. Despite the beauty of the current contestants, young men would always be most compelled by violence.

"Dancing is a way to hide the aura flow, and meanwhile mess up the opponent's breath and rhythm. This results in the unpredictability of the battle. Although they look agile and graceful, actually everything is happening in a flash! The deciding factor will be their mental strength."

An excellent description, Liu Mingyan fell to the ground, defeated once more. For a mediocre fight. Ming Fan, save your breath for a worthy performance.

Liu Mingyan approached, bowing to Shen Qingqiu once more. "This disciple has lost and disgraced her sect, requesting that Shen-shibo punish me."

As if your Shizun or your brother would ever allow such a thing!

"You undertook the burden despite this master's warnings. Having lost, reflect upon your choice and do not allow pride to blind you in the future. There will always be more opportunities." Accepting the rebuke, Liu Mingyan stepped back to stand beside Ming Fan and await the final bout.

Liu Qingge still had not arrived.

My luck remains consistent in how bad it is. Well, at least it's reliable, unlike a certain war god.

(Back in the caves, Liu Qingge sneezed a third time, firmly knocking him out of his meditative trance. Unfurling from the lotus position, the war god paused as he made out the faint sound of a girl calling from the twisting caverns.)

A smug laugh rang through the air. Sha Hualing had regained confidence now that the score was tied. "It seems this third trial will determine the victor. Elder Hammer!" At her call, a massive demon walked out, standing over ten zhang high. The impact of each step the giant took could be felt clearly, and the ground shook when he allowed his iron sledgehammer to fall to the ground. Paired with the thorny armor that covered his bear-like frame from top to bottom, the demon made for a daunting opponent.

"Ling-er wonders who Master Shen will choose for the final round. You had better choose carefully, Cang Qiong Mountain sect might be embarrassed otherwise. Since I'm feeling generous, I'll even give a warning; the spikes on Elder Hammer's armor are covered in my family's signature poison. This poison has no effect on demons, but if a human is pierced, there is no cure."

Her revelation of the poison-laced armor enraged the onlookers, disciples calling out objections and insults.

"Stinking demon girl! Using poison in a competition, how is that fair?!"

Sha Hualing was more amused than offended. "Ling-er did not hide this point. If Master Shen feels anything is unfair, or is afraid of a disciple getting poisoned and losing their life, the custom is to cede the trial so there would be no risk in competing. We demons won't laugh at you for cherishing life; it's only human." Contrary to her claim, the demons were already laughing at the disciples' response, derisive of their obvious fear.

Smug wretch. Shen Qingqiu would take the secret spark of recognition he felt at her guile to his grave. He was aware of his own propensity for deception, and like recognized like. If she had been born human, he would have claimed such a conniving little hellion for his peak in a heartbeat.

But she was a demon, and thus could only ever be an enemy.

An enemy that had placed him in an impossible situation for the second time, despite his efforts. Any chance of another volunteer for the final round had all but vanished; no promising young disciple would risk their cultivation or life so cheaply. So once again, Shen Qingqiu would be forced to choose someone for the job, and therein lay the dilemma.

Before, he had chosen Luo Binghe to fight the match - and no, it had not been an attempt to kill the beast, whatever anyone else may have believed. With no volunteers, he had no choice but to put forward one of his own students. If a disciple from another peak had died or had their cultivation ruined, his martial siblings would have brayed for blood. Meanwhile, among his own students there were only spiritual cultivators; their bodies would not be able to withstand even one blow from Elder Hammer's formidable weapon. There had been only one exception; a disciple that Shen Qingqiu knew could survive a few blows and who was not progressing in his cultivation enough to make it any great loss.

It had, quite frankly, been the best choice in a bad situation. And the correct one, since the beast had managed to win the match and survive being poisoned thanks to his hidden heritage. But submitting Luo Binghe was no longer an option if Shen Qingqiu wanted to maintain his ruse.

This time, he may actually have to sacrifice one of his carefully selected students. It was an appalling prospect. Remembering how they had been slaughtered in another life because of Luo Binghe's grudge against Shen Qingqiu only made the pain worse.

Ming Fan sensed his Shizun's disquiet. Shen Qingqiu watched with distant horror as the young man squared his shoulders, knowing that his dearest disciple was preparing to offer himself up for his teacher's sake once more.

But before Ming Fan could open his mouth, a familiar voice called out from a group of black-robed disciples. "I will fight for the sect!"

Movements slow with dread, Shen Qingqiu turned to face the speaker. The Qiong Ding disciples parted for a figure clad in the colors of Qing Jing Peak, which had been hidden in the midst of taller, broader bodies. Dark eyes filled with stars met his own as the disciple made his way over, bowing respectfully.

"Shizun, please allow me to represent Qing Jing Peak and Cang Qiong Mountain sect in the final match."

Looking down at the top of Luo Binghe's head, Shen Qingqiu was filled with a cacophony of emotions. Relief, certainly; he would not have to send his precious Ming Fan to his death. Confusion, that the beast would put himself forward despite the heavy cost of failure. And lastly, he felt an absolute conflagration of rage that threatened to break through his mask of tranquillity.

How dare Luo Binghe still wear his uniform. Had Shen Qingqiu not removed him from his peak? What right did the beast have to call him Shizun any longer?

But none of his grievances could be addressed, not with the entirety of the sect and the demonic invaders watching. All Shen Qingqiu could do was verify the beast's intent.

"Luo Binghe knows what it is he risks, by taking this responsibility? If your cultivation is lost, no place remains for you within the sect. You will be cast out to make your own way among mortals once more. If your life is lost, not even that."

"This disciple understands. Asking Shizun's permission." Luo Binghe was resolute, and no one else was stepping forward. Shen Qingqiu's hands were tied.

"Very well. Go."

After an intense look at the Peak Lord, Luo Binghe turned and strode to the center of the ring. Eyes fixed on the sway of his curly ponytail, Shen Qingqiu had no capacity to be anything but blunt.

"Ming Fan. Explain."

Ming Fan did not prevaricate. "Luo Binghe was set to be accepted to Qiong Ding Peak as Shizun intended. But after his meeting with Yue-shibo, the move was suddenly canceled. This disciple was not given details, only that the transfer could not proceed until Shizun returned from seclusion."

I should have known better than to count upon Yue Qingyuan. How many times must I learn the same lesson before it finally sticks?

Liu Mingyan had been listening to their exchange closely, a shameless gossip after Qi Qingqi's own heart. She did offer some valuable insight into the sect leader's machinations though, so Shen Qingqiu wouldn't reprimand her. "Luo-shidi has often been seen visiting Qiong Ding Peak. Many say he is receiving private lessons from the sect leader himself."

That's interesting, Shen Qingqiu decided as Luo Binghe took his initial battle stance. Because I see none of Yue Qingyuan's sword style in his bearing at all.

The opening stance Luo Binghe had assumed was a textbook example of one of Qing Jing's sword forms. This particular form was far more advanced than anything the beast should have been learning at his age, yet he had fallen into position with an ease that inferred familiarity, if not mastery. He had clearly been receiving specialized training, to have achieved such a level in a short amount of time. That said training had been focused on techniques exclusive to Qing Jing Peak was untenable to Shen Qingqiu, who had already dismissed the brat from his tutelage.

Yue Qingyuan, you complete idiot, what have you done?

The rumors of Luo Binghe's private lessons must have been widespread, as there were no curious whispers regarding the identity of the sect's final combatant. So at least sending him out would not lose Qing Jing or its Peak Lord any face.

Not that the face should be mine to lose. Damn you to hell Yue Qingyuan! What are you thinking?!

Busy cursing up a storm in his head, Shen Qingqiu almost missed the first move of the match. Shifting one foot ever so slightly, Luo Binghe adjusted in anticipation of Elder Hammer's first blow, which was avoided with ease. Much like Shen Qingqiu before him, Luo Binghe began the match by dodging the gigantic demon's attacks - though it wasn't quite as impressive since the demon was far slower and more lumbering than Elder One-Arm had been. Elder Hammer made up for it with the sheer power behind his swings, as his heavy-handed blows tore away at Qiong Ding's beautifully tiled courtyard.

Repairing it would take a large portion of the peak's quarterly budget. Shen Qingqiu wept for Zhangmen-shixiong's loss, truly.

While Shen Qingqiu had been observing the match, Ming Fan had managed to inch closer to the peak lord without drawing Liu Mingyan's attention. Leaning forward and pitching his voice low to avoid eavesdropping, Ming Fan continued his assessment in confidence.

"Luo Binghe has changed since you left Shizun. I was not informed of what was discussed when he spoke with the sect leader, but he's been strange ever since."

Having learned his opponent's rhythm, Luo Binghe began to transition into an offensive, testing the Elder Demon's defenses with swift and precise attacks. Without taking his eyes from the fight, Shen Qingqiu tilted his chin towards his head disciple. "Go on."

"Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying are no longer close." Ming Fan disclosed. "Since the Skinner mission, Luo Binghe has been training day and night, and has refused to stop and spend time with Ning-shimei." He fell silent for a few breaths. "Ning-shimei is... very hurt by his indifference. She believes he blames her for what happened with the Skinner demon."

"She believes that." Shen Qingqiu glanced at Ming Fan quickly, even as Luo Binghe scored his first solid hit against Elder Hammer. "But you don't."

"I don't." Ming Fan agreed. "If he blamed her, they would have fought about it and gone back to being close. But it's not that. Luo Binghe..." He shook his head. "Shizun, he's obsessed with getting stronger."

A ghastly chill ran down Shen Qingqiu's spine. Luo Binghe executed a complicated turn, identical to one Shen Qingqiu often used in his own sword drills, and sliced off Elder Hammer's arm. The amputated limb continued to cling to the demon's weapon, which hit the ground with an ominous boom.

A stunned silence, before Cang Qiong Mountain sect erupted at Luo Binghe's victory. A chant quickly started of the beast's name, disciples punching their fists into the air in triumph. However well he had been known before, Luo Binghe had won himself a name in the sect with this achievement.

Why then, did the beast have to look at Shen Qingqiu, like his was the only opinion that mattered?

Obsessed, Ming Fan had said, with growing stronger. But to what purpose?

Why did those words feel like the most dire of omens?

Luo Binghe walked tall as he made his way to Shen Qingqiu. Bowing low, he waited for the Peak Lord's judgment.

Shen Qingqiu's jaw locked in place. He had to acknowledge Luo Binghe for his win, he knew that. The longer he waited, the more awkward the exchange would become, he knew that too. And yet he felt incapable of forcing any words of praise past his lips.

This is hardly the worst indignity you have suffered. Just get it over with.

He had just opened his mouth to choke out a half-hearted "well done," when movement caught his eye over Luo Binghe's shoulder. Elder Hammer had lurched to his feet, face alight with burning mania, eyes fixed on Luo Binghe's open back. Planting his feet like a bull, the demon charged with the same animalistic conviction.

[Restarting... Restarting... Exiting sleep mode.]

sh*t! Protagonist halo! Shen Qingqiu reacted to the return of the disembodied voice. His hand shot forward to grab the front of Luo Binghe's robes, yanking the beast behind him as Elder Hammer bore down on them like a tempest. Tossing his fan to the side, Shen Qinqiu began to form a sword seal, knowing he would finish too late.

A single stride away from plowing through the Peak Lord and disciple alike, Elder Hammer was blasted away by a tremendous wave of qi. His massive body flew across the entire courtyard, only stopping when it impacted the stone wall surrounding the audience hall. A slim form in pristine white landed lightly in front of Shen Qingqiu, body tense and emanating fury.

The Bai Zhan War God had finally arrived.

It's about f*cking time.

[Standby... Standby...]

The unnatural tone still ringing in his ears, Shen Qingqiu tightened his hold on Luo Binghe, keeping the beast behind him and securely away from imminent peril.

"Took you long enough. Did Liu-shidi stop for a night hunt on his way?" He sniped at Liu Qingge's back, just a little bitter at the war god's convenient timing. Arriving at just the right moment to save Shen Qingqiu's ass and steal all the recognition for his efforts, but what else was new?

"Don't be ridiculous!" Liu Qingge snapped back, head whipping around to glare at his martial brother in indignation. "I came as soon as I could. Blame your disciple for taking so long to find me, if you need to take it out on someone!"

Shen Qingqiu sniffed primly. "Criticizing a little girl, I see how it is. Liu-shidi is such a gentleman, it is a wonder that he has no cultivation partner yet!"

"You-!" Liu Qingge's rebuttal was cut off by a pointed cough. To the side, Liu Mingyan regarded her brother with an air of one thoroughly unimpressed. The tips of Liu Qingges ears turned red as he straightened, crossing his arms in an attempt to reclaim his stoic image.

With a snort of derision, Shen Qingqiu turned his attention back to the situation at hand. Already some disciples had begun to heckle the demon army upon the war god's arrival, saying things like: "Liu-Shibo has arrived, what hope do you have left?" or "See if you demons dare be arrogant when facing the Bai Zhan Destroyer!"

And what am I, second-string trash? Don't forget who it is you owe your lives, little ingrates! Shen Qingqiu tasted vinegar all the way in the depths of his heart.

Recognizing that the tides had turned, Sha Hualing had no choice but to retreat with her tail between her legs. Her subordinate had been defeated and resorted to a cheap ambush when there was only one Peak Lord present; with two, and having shown her hand, there was no path forward. "Everyone, today was my miscalculation. Leave the injured, there will be time for rites in the future. Let's go!"

"Coming and going as you please; what a thick face you have, you wicked demon!" Liu Qingge laughed coldly, sending Cheng Luan high into the air. The sky filled with hundreds upon hundreds of tangible sword energies in complex arrays; a gesture, and they rained down like hail to drive into the demons.

Sha Hualing led the demons away, throwing a red veil above her forces that burst into a large shroud to camouflage their movements. But the insubstantial cover could not block the descending swords and was quickly pierced full of holes. Their withdrawal was further hindered by a wall of disciples; altogether, more than half of the demonic forces died, were injured, or were taken prisoner. Those that escaped could only follow Sha Hualing as closely as possible as she raced down the mountain.

[Scenario completed. System resuming hibernation.]

"Shizun?"

Shen Qingqiu's head snapped to the side at the address. Luo Binghe's cheeks were flushed red, and his eyes kept darting away from the Peak Lord as though he was embarrassed. It took Shen Qingqiu a few breaths to realize that he still had the beast's robes clutched in a tight grip, holding him captive. Liu Mingyan observed them with unnerving intensity, eyes focused on where his grip had disrupted the fall of Luo Binghe's robes, revealing a sliver of the beast's collarbone and chest.

Flustered, Shen Qingqiu immediately dropped his hold. Automatically reaching for his fan to hide his face, his hand met his waist where the accessory was usually tucked. He remembered then that he had dropped it earlier when Elder Hammer had attacked.

Dammit. Its probably been trampled already.

Someone cleared their throat awkwardly. Turning, he watched Liu Qingge approach, the war god's gait inexplicably stiff. Stopping in front of Shen Qingqiu, the man opened and shut his mouth several times in succession, before giving up and thrusting out a hand. Looking down, Shen Qingqiu was met with a very unexpected sight.

In Liu Qingge's hand was his discarded fan, decidedly not broken beneath the feet of demons or disciples.

Oh.

He carefully accepted the offering, immediately snapping it open to hide the slight flush that had spread across his face. (Who would have thought the brute had it in him to be considerate?) Behind him, Luo Binghe made a choked noise, and he was relatively certain Liu Mingyan had just squealed. Their scrutiny sat uncomfortably on his skin.

Dismissing his feeling of uncertainty, Shen Qingqiu refocused; there was a question that he needed answered, regardless of their audience. He took a step forward into Liu Qingge's space, causing the war god to startle. Speaking quietly, he asked: "Why did Liu-shidi not go to Qian Cao for treatment after his qi deviation?"

Liu Qingge blinked, meeting his eyes over the edge of the fan. "Your qi was still circulating inside of me; Mu Qingfang would have noticed as soon as he checked my meridians. You said you wanted to keep things between the two of us."

That. That was. What was Shen Qingqiu supposed to do with that?

It was said so easily, as though the answer was obvious. As though his bitter rival had not put aside his own well-being for Shen Qingqiu's sake. As though respecting Shen Qingqiu's wishes was normal, rather than completely unprecidented.

Could it really be that simple?

Liu-shidi is a straightforward person. Shen Qingqiu searched gray eyes, which held his own unflinchingly. He doesn't have the capacity to lie.

Shen Qingqiu nodded in understanding and thanks. His Shidi relaxed, returning the gesture.

Perhaps Liu Qingge had some good qualities, even if punctuality wasn't one of them.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

What should have been a moment of triumph sat sour in Luo Binghe's stomach.

Three long years of intensive training, and he finally had his chance to display his progress to Shizun. Shizun, who had turned the tide of battle with his mere presence. Who had pulverized his opponent with effortless grace, more radiant than a god as he blazed with the power of a fully developed core.

Who had placed himself in danger to save Luo Binghe once again.

I should have killed the demon, honor be damned. Luo Binghe thought bitterly, recalling the breathless moment Shizun had grabbed him. He'd been too shocked to respond as he was dragged behind the Peak Lord, only to watch in horror as the defeated Elder Demon descended upon them. That my lack of conviction allowed Shizun to be put in danger is unforgivable.

And then Liu-shibo had appeared, finishing what Luo Binghe had started. Protecting his Shizun and driving away the demon army in an overwhelming demonstration of martial prowess. Even returning Shizun's fan, and gazing into Shizun's eyes over a whispered conversation.

The taste of vinegar was overbearing as Luo Binghe watched the Peak Lord's intimate exchange.

'If you want to 'defend,' you must 'exterminate.'

Luo Binghe would not hesitate a second time.

User BingGetSome: YOOOOOOOOOO! SHEN QINGQIU IS BACK IN THE HOUSE!

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Oh. My. God. FINALLY! I love me a training montage as much as anyone else, but three years is pushing it Airplane!

User FakeJadePillar: Especially three years with not a single instance of papapa. Are we sure this is a stallion novel?

User PunishMeShizun: *shrug* Probably? But be honest, are you really sticking around for the chance to read badly written p*rn?

User MingyanMyGoddess: Hey now, the p*rn might not be badly written!

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Oh you sweet summer child. I am a connoisseur of stallion novels, and even I can admit that it is ALL badly written.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Well said.

User YingYingGirly: Now that Cucumber is here, I guess we should actually talk about what happened in the chapter.

User PluckedShizun'sLeaves: Shen Qingqiu is what happened bitches.

User Xiu.Ya.Fangirl: f*ck yes he did.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Oh god. We knew this was coming. The Shizun fan club is officially upon us.

User Peerless_Cucumber: sh*t, do we have any protocol in place for this?

User Demon.Daddy69: Code Green! Code Green! Take shelter until the storm has passed!

User YingYingGirly: It was only a matter of time. Every woman for herself!

User Sha-HOLLA-Ling: Um, what's going on?

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN! TO ME, SHEN QINGQIU FANS, TO ME!

User Peerless_Cucumber: Lieutenant, report!

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: There's too many of them sir. Our defenses can't hold forever!

User QingKISS-MY-ASS: Shizun is the coolest, why are the best men always fictional?

User Xiu.Ya.Fangirl: When he pulled Luo Binghe behind him, I thought my heart had stopped! He's so amazing!

User lostmyhairymarbles: Oh god, they're breaking through! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

User BingGetSome: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!

User Demon.Daddy69: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

User PluckedShizun'sLeaves: WE'RE IN! WE'RE IN!

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User PunishMeShizun: ψ(^Ф∀Ф^)ψ

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

"What I owe for your help in Ling Xi caves, I will definitely pay back."

Liu Qingge declared his intentions quietly, even as they watched Mu Qingfang check over Luo Binghe and Liu Mingyan for injuries from their bouts. A glance over revealed the war god sporting his usual stoic expression, though the set of his jaw was more resolute than usual.

As well you should, for all the trouble I went through to save you. Shen Qingqiu gave him a pointed look, wary of being overheard; the two disciples' attention remained fixed between the peak lords, even as they were poked and prodded. (Somehow, he was more disturbed by Liu Mingyan's scrutiny. There was a manic gleam in her eyes that was beyond unsettling.)

"Do as you like." He wasn't going to discuss this in present company, or hopefully discuss it at all - at least until he called in the war god's debt. Liu Qingge accepted his answer easily enough, acknowledging him with a short nod. They stood together in strangely companionable silence for the remainder of Mu Qingfang's examinations, until the healer finally gave the all-clear.

"No serious injuries, and I was unable to detect any poisons or curses. You are both permitted to return to your dormitories for the night." Mu Qingfang smiled at the disciples warmly. "You should be proud of your accomplishments, as it's rare for disciples to emerge from a squirmish with a demon unharmed."

Liu Mingyan finally turned her gaze to the healer, accepting his praise with a graceful bow. "Thanking Mu-shishu for his kind words. This disciple was very fortunate."

There was an awkward pause, everyone waiting for Luo Binghe to respond as well. He appeared unaware that he had even been addressed, eyes remaining locked on his teacher. It wasn't until Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat pointedly that the beast shook off his fixation, his gratitude inelegant and stumbling in its abruptness. "T-thanking Mu-shishu!"

That this bumbling performance occurs while he still wears Qing Jing colors - I would rather Heaven strike me down now than endure this mockery of the scholar's path!

Mu Qingfang's face was thoughtful. "You are Luo Binghe, yes? I hear that you won your match against a powerful Elder Demon. Very impressive."

The beast's face turned red, and Shen Qingqiu seethed. He didn't like that the healer knew Luo Binghe by name, despite the two having never met. It indicated that the beast had a reputation significant enough that even peak lords were taking notice, no doubt bolstered by rumors of the sect leader's favor. It could be a problem in the future, and not just because it would make it harder for Shen Qingqiu to dispose of the demon brat without garnering attention. Reputation equaled influence within the cultivation world; the last thing Shen Qingqiu needed was for the beast to amass a f*cking following.

He also would not stand for there to be any interference in Qing Jing Peak's succession. Yue Qingyan's support could promote uncomfortable expectations regarding Luo Binghe's position - not that there was any chance that Shen Qingqiu would cede to outside pressure. And Ming Fan was infinitely more qualified than Luo Binghe could ever hope to be, both as a leader and a scholar. The idea that outsiders might seek to influence Shen Qingqiu's decision grated nonetheless.

The matter would be settled shortly in any case, now that Shen Qinqiu had returned from seclusion. He would complete whatever paperwork needed to be done to formalize Luo Binghe's transfer to Qiong Ding Peak, and that would be that. If Yue Qingyuan liked the beast so much, he could make Luo Binghe his own head disciple. Subsequently, once the boy's demonic heritage was revealed, it would then be the sect leader's responsibility to dispose of him. An unanticipated boon - if there was anything powerful enough to defeat a heavenly demon and a 'protagonist halo', it would certainly be Xuan Su.

And sentiment had never once won against Zhangmen-shixiong's duty. Yue Qingyuan putting the sect's image before anything else was the one thing Shen Qingqiu could rely on.

"This master presumes that the emergency talismans have already been activated?" He asked Mu Qingfang, cutting him off before he could offer any more excessive praise.

"Ah, yes Shen-shixiong. Based on their locations, all our martial siblings should arrive later this evening or in the morning. Zhangmen-shixiong will likely call a meeting tomorrow to discuss the invasion."

"You two should attend as well." Liu Qingge spoke to his sister and the beast, voice commanding like a general directing his armies. Shen Qingqiu hid an eye-roll behind his fan to avoid starting a fight. A fragile truce existed between him and the war god at the moment; he would like it to last through the peak lord meeting at least. He expected nothing less than an absolute sh*tshow, and not being at odds with the Bai Zhan brute would be a nice change of pace.

(If he got lucky, maybe one of his martial siblings would drop dead from shock.)

Having said his piece (brief as it was), Liu Qingge herded his sister towards the exit. The Qing Jing Peak Lord begrudgingly did the same with his own disciple. He only had to tolerate the beast for one more night.

Tomorrow all of his meticulous plans would be back on track.

"Luo Binghe is dismissed for the night. This master suggests he retires soon, as he will be expected to give an account for the other peak lords tomorrow." Shen Qingqiu kept his back turned as Luo Binghe saluted him before scurrying away. He did note that the beast veered in the direction of the disciple dormitories, not the woodshed. Ming Fan had apparently provided him with proper accommodations while the peak lord had been away, a prudent move considering the beast's growing connections outside the peak.

Shen Qingqiu didn't want to test whether his pretenses for Luo Binghe's treatment would hold up against more shrewd minds than an adolescent nitwit.

The bamboo cottage was blissfully quiet as Shen Qingqiu entered, shutting the world and its troubles outside. He allowed himself to slump out of his strict posture, shedding layers of silk as he retreated toward his bedroom to slip into his night clothes. While not strictly necessary with his level of cultivation, he knows he would benefit from some uninterrupted sleep that night. Too many trials had occurred one after another: waking to a time long past, the Skinner demon mission, saving Liu Qingge in the caves, a massive breakthrough, and finally a demon invasion and the fallout. All while dealing with the demon spawn concealing itself among his disciples, a cuckoo in the Qing Jing Peak Lord's nest.

Shen Qingqiu was so tired, just not in body. His body could endure, but his mind needed to rest from processing and analyzing events, from making and discarding and reworking plans endlessly. One of the jiejies at the Warm Red Pavillion had told him once that he thought too much, and she might have had a point. She had said it before plying him with potent and expensive wine, which had helped him relax enough to lay down and rest. He might have asked Zu Xian Peak for some bottles to stock in his house, if he hadn't known such a request would be spread around to the rest of his martial siblings for public ridicule.

Of course, Shen Qingqiu was the scum villain of Cang Qiong Mountain sect - what would one more vice be in the long run? Still, he refrained, damn his prideful nature.

He had just finished pulling on his softest sleep robe when he was startled by a knock at the door. He stared toward the entry in trepidation, wondering who would be so bold as to visit him at such a time. Yue Qingyuan was his first guess, but the sect leader wasn't supposed to be back until early morning. Even if it was the sect leader, Shen Qingqiu was in no mood to deal with him at the moment, too exhausted to give the man the dressing down he deserved for his numerous failures.

But it could also be Ming Fan, or perhaps one of his hallmasters. They all knew better than to bother him for trifling matters, which left the possibility of something urgent that he needed to address post-haste. He ached just thinking about it - was a single evening of rest too much to ask?

Pushing his fatigue aside, he opened the door. He was surprised to find Ning Yingying on the other side, hands full with a tray and tea set.

"Shizun!" The girl's lips drew into an automatic smile, beaming happily up at her teacher.

"Ning Yingying." Shen Qingqui blinked down at her, more than a little puzzled. "Has an issue arisen that this master must address?"

"Oh no, nothing has happened Shizun!" Ning Yingying's head blurred she shook it so fast and hard. Hesitating, she looked down at the tea set before she continued. "Ying-er just remembered that Shizun always liked lavender tea before bed. I thought it might help him sleep, after everything..." She trailed off shyly, avoiding the peak lord's eyes.

He recalled a time when she would have been certain of her own welcome, would have entered the cottage without a second thought. What had happened, to inspire her new restraint? While he had been away for several years, and their last interactions had not been pleasant on her end, they didn't fully explain her current level of reserve.

He had missed too much during his time in Ling Xi caves. Three years was nothing to an immortal master, but pivotal in the development of adolescents. (Three years had been all the time he had spent with the Qiu family, and the marks of that period still persisted.) It set his teeth on edge, to consider what may have happened outside his purview or control. But Ning Yingying had always loved to chatter about anything and everything; with a little encouragement, he could get a much clearer view of the current state of his peak.

"Ning Yingying is thoughtful." He moved aside, gesturing for her to enter. She headed straight for the table, carefully placing and preparing his cup. The sweet smell was indeed familiar, a blend that he had often used to soothe himself before sleeping, in hopes of pacifying the nightmares that lurked ever just out of sight.

Accepting the steaming cup, he took a long draught while cataloging the various changes to his youngest female disciple. Her body language was more constrained, though still friendly and approachable. She had grown into a slim frame suitable for fast and limber movement, but he could also spy some developing musculature that had not been present in his previous life. She squirmed nervously under his examination; he could tell it was out of worry for his approval and not fear of anything sinister. She was aware that he had no lecherous intentions toward her, however others might perceive their relationship.

"Ning Yingying is quiet." He pointed out, finishing his first cup and holding it out to be refilled. "This master assumed she would have many things to tell him upon his return."

"Ah! Yes, so much happened while Shizun was away, Ying-er hardly knows where to start!" She shed her nerves like a cloak, her animated personality emerging easily as she began her update. He allowed her to natter on as he sipped his tea, savoring the gentle flavor he had long since forgotten during his captivity in another world.

Much of what she told him was positive; she lauded Ming Fan's new attitude towards his martial siblings, and his dedication to his duties. She spoke of what they were covering in her classes, and how she was progressing in her cultivation. She even brought him up to date on the gossip circulating through the various peaks, from the mundane ("Bai Zhan destroyed an entire year's worth of training dummies and caused Shang-shishu to day drink again") to the salacious ("a Ku Xing disciple was caught sneaking a girl into his dorm room two weeks ago and word is he's going to leave the sect to marry her"). But there was a topic all the more conspicuous for how stringently she avoided it.

Ning Yingying had not once mentioned Luo Binghe.

"This master," He interjected during a short pause, "cannot help but notice Ying-er has yet to mention her Shidi, who she once held dearest to her heart. Did something happen with Luo Binghe, that you dare not even speak of him?"

Her head lowered to stare at her knees, shoulders shrinking in towards her center, energy diminished. When Shen Qingqiu had established a schism between the two disciples, he had never expected it to widen to this extent without further interference. What had managed to fracture their relationship so thoroughly?

"After Shizun left for seclusion, Luo-shidi became very occupied with his training. Because he is so busy, we haven't been able to meet as often, that's all." Her casual wording did nothing to disguise the tangled mess of emotions lingering beneath it.

"Disciple Ning Yingying has matured greatly, to speak so calmly of something this master knows must pain her." Setting his cup down, he moved around the table to sit next to her. She had always found his physical presence comforting, and he needed her to be as open as possible. "Ying-er need not be so distant. If something troubles her, she may speak of it."

When the girl burst into tears and turned to bury her head in his shoulder, it was an effort to keep himself relaxed and welcoming. He raised a hand to pat gently at her shoulder, waiting out the emotional storm. After the sobs had transitioned to wet sniffles, he clucked his tongue, pushing her back so he could use his sleeve to mop at her face.

Really, such a fuss over that little beast? If he didn't suspect that this episode was the death throes of her affection for the demon, he would have kicked her to the bottom of his peak for the pitiful display.

"At first, I thought he blamed me for what happened with the Skinner demon." Ning Yingying began bleakly. "I had gotten him captured, after all, and then did nothing but cry for help. He almost died. It would only be fair for him to be angry."

Shen Qingqiu tilted his head to the side in intrigue. "But?"

"But he wasn't angry at all! He just said he was going to focus on his training, so he could become strong enough to never be so helpless again. He said-" She broke off, swallowing hard. "He said I didn't need to worry, that he would always protect me in the future."

Shen Qingqiu was a little confused. Couldn't that be considered a love confession?! "And that was... upsetting, to Ying-er?"

"Yes!" Her affirmation was vehement. "Ying-er had already decided to do better, and take her training as a cultivater more seriously! I even offered to train with Luo-shidi, so that we could grow stronger together!" To his shock, her lips curled into an angry twist. "He turned me down, claimed that he didn't want me to get hurt. To be told such a thing by a junior - isn't he just looking down on me?!"

Oh. Shen Qingqiu thought, staring into a prideful sneer that was all too familiar, having seen it many times in his own mirror. This is so much better than I ever could have imagined.

"This master understands" He began, a little breathless. "Luo Binghe was wrong to dismiss his Shijie in such a way, after she had declared her intentions."

"But was he?" Her anger crumbled as quickly as it had appeared, leaving behind sullen resignation. "Ying-er has worked hard the past few years, but cannot keep up with Luo-shidi's talent. Doesn't that prove he was right?"

Shen Qingqiu was once more struck by the inherent injustice of the world. Shen Qingqiu, Ming Fan, and now Ning Yingying - weren't they all the same in the end? Willing to work hard, break their backs and dirty their hands for every cun of progress made, only to be looked down upon by those more blessed?

With your ability? Liu Qingge's disdainful voice resonated in his skull clearly, despite the many years that had passed since that first, awful encounter.

Swept up by his own fervor, Shen Qingqiu grasped Ning Yingying's hands in his own. "Luo Binghe could not be more wrong. If Ning Yingying truly wishes to continue to progress her cultivation, this master will help her do so." He had already planned to give Ming Fan private lessons, so it wouldn't be difficult to add Ning Yingying to the ones involving combat and cultivation. He doubted his head disciple would mind, particularly if his crush on the girl had persisted.

Eyes wide, Ning Yingying flushed as she regained some of her earlier excitement. "Shizun will help Ying-er? Oh, thank you Shizun! Promise to work hard and not disappoint!" The girl bowed over their joined hands, radiating delight.

Drawing in a slow breath, Shen Qingqiu committed to his new course. He would set aside his resentment for the Ning Yingying of his past life in order to train the girl before him. She was no longer one of Luo Binghe's potential lovers; she had become more akin to a rival, perhaps even an adversary because of the beast's ill-timed condescension. While master and disciple could never return to their previous relationship, perhaps with time they could establish something even better between them.

A bond strong enough to weather the machinations of the demon in their midst.

Shen Qingqiu opened his eyes to a miasmic field of nothingness, the horizon stretching infinitely in every direction.

He distinctly remembered falling asleep on his bed in Qing Jing, lulled by lavender tea and the sound of wind through bamboo leaves. And while nightmares were not unusual for him, this did not resemble any of the settings that haunted his subconscious. There were two possibilities: either someone had invaded his dreams, or he had been pulled into someone else's dreamscape. The latter was far more likely, he concluded sourly. The inside of Shen Qingqiu's head would never be so empty and vacuous.

His verdict was confirmed by the sound of shouting in the distance. The surreal fog cleared somewhat, revealing a figure in the distance.

Luo Binghe stood in the middle of the featureless plane, at a loss.

Shen Qingqiu briefly considered walking away. Abandoning the beast to the dream realm and waiting for the boy to wake up. But therein lay the problem; Luo Binghe obviously had not pulled them both into the boy's dream himself. There was no guarantee that whatever was responsible would allow the boy to wake up at all, and by virtue of the dream being Luo Binghe's, the little beast was the only one capable of navigating it.

The only way out is through. Dammit.

"Luo Binghe."

The beast turned toward his voice, face lighting up in a truly sickening manner to see Shen Qingqiu standing there. He ran over to his teacher like a lost baby chick that had spotted its mother, and the Peak Lord did not appreciate that mental imagery in the slightest.

"Shizun! You're here! I really thought I was alone!" The beast did not hide his relief; likely he had already been lost in his dream for some time already. By the devout look on his face, he also seemed to believe that Shen Qingqiu had appeared to save him. Ugh. I would prefer to be the villain, if it meant he would stop looking at me with such a disgusting expression.

"Shizun, do you know where this is?"

Shen Qingqiu scoffed. "Of course I know. This is a dream realm."

"A dream realm? Then why am I here?"

I give you the future Emperor of the known world. Master of over a thousand methods of torture, bearer of heavenly demon blood and an abyssal blade, husband to hundreds of women both human and demon - but must be led by the nose to the most basic of conjectures.

"It would be strange for anyone but Luo Binghe to be here. This is inside your dream."

"My... dream?" Luo Binghe looked around at the desolate wasteland surrounding them. "My dream realm is actually... like this?"

At least I have official confirmation - Luo Binghe's head is indeed an echoing expanse filled with nothing of interest or worth. The beast's dismay at the state of his own mind cheered him enough to elaborate. "This isn't a normal dream realm. It appears Luo Binghe has been attacked while unaware, and the assailant has interfered with your dream." He pulled out a facsimile of his fan from his belt, a little bemused at its presence. Snapping it open, he watched the beast closely through narrowed phoenix eyes. " The power of the dream realm is strong and unstable; this master was pulled in by Luo Binghe's inclination."

"Apologies to Shizun! This disciple is worthless and must depend on his assistance!" Luo Binghe attempted to drop into a bow that Shen Qingqiu waved away, losing interest in the beast's immediate capitulation. If he'd argue or question my conclusions, it would at least be entertaining to put him in his place. It's hardly satisfying to win a fight against an opponent that flops to the ground in surrender the moment a sword is drawn.

Luo Binghe mumbled to himself as he straightened. "But who would interfere with my dream realm?"

"Luo Binghe should refrain from thinking further, since it is difficult for him. There is demonic energy hovering around the edges of what we can perceive, so the perpetrator is likely a demon. As to why they would target you, well - you did defeat an Elder Demon in your match earlier, and they likely were not strong enough to attack this master directly."

Shen Qingqiu nearly choked hearing the beast's next words: "Demons truly are poisonous to the center of their hearts."

Something we actually agree on. He eyed his disciple incredulously. Though I'm now very curious what kind of expression you'll have once you discover your own demon blood. In that moment, even Shen Qingqiu's blackened heart could admit Luo Binghe was a bit pitiful.

Outwardly, he offered a noncommittal hum before continuing his explanation.

"Exiting this dream realm will not be simple. If we were confined in this master's dream, I would be capable of breaking through the enchantment. But since it is Luo Binghe's, he is the one with control over our situation, and the key to escaping." Shen Qingqiu chose a direction at random. "First we must locate the core of the illusion. Destroying it is unlikely to free us, but it will allow this master to determine our next steps forward."

Luo Binghe nodded and followed behind Shen Qingqiu as he walked towards the edge of the horizon. To all appearances the Peak Lord was serene; internally, his mind was a storm full of tempestuous waves.

This dream is exquisitely crafted, absolutely the work of a master. Shen Qingqiu knew of only one demon - besides Luo Binghe - capable of such a feat: Meng Mo, the Dream Demon. Who had likely passed his skills to Luo Binghe, if the similarities in the two demons' techniques were not purely coincidence.

Had Luo Binghe experienced this in the previous world? Shen Qingqiu had assumed that the beast had encountered a teacher and honed his skills during his time in the Endless Abyss, but had his training in demonic cultivation actually begun much earlier, right under the Peak Lord's nose? How the f*ck did I miss all of this?

And why did I get pulled into the dream this time?

He must have revealed some kind of expression, because the beast asked concernedly: "Shizun, what's the matter?"

Immediately returning to his standard, unfathomable expression, Shen Qingqiu responded: "Nothing. This master should inform Luo Binghe, dream monsters typically attack the weakest part of a person's heart. You should ready yourself for what's ahead."

"This disciple will make preparations. Will not allow Shizun to be endangered again!"

Who do you think you are, to say such words to me? I'm the Peak Lord here, you uppity brat! Now Shen Qingqiu knew exactly how Ning Yingying had felt when offered protection by this beast - it really was too much, to be looked down upon by someone beneath you!

They fell into silence as they walked further, the sky and scenery rotating around them like a kaleidoscope. Sometimes it stretched and twisted, sometimes it broke into pieces, the unpredictable movements creating a general sense of disharmony. Finally, what felt like a small eternity later, a city appeared from the black clouds in front of them.

"Counter soldiers with arms, water with earth. We must enter."

There were no guards, so they opened the gate themselves, and Shen Qingqiu led them inside.

The main road inside was intricately crafted, with bright lights and inhabitants coming and going. The bustle of the market looked natural, but for one detail; none of the 'people' had a face, just a vague smear where features should sit. Furthermore, the lively scene was as silent as the dead.

Luo Binghe was horrified by the eerie sight. "Shizun, what are these?!"

In contrast, Shen Qingqiu examined the constructs with academic interest. "This is a city built within a dream. Since houses and other objects are made using non-living materials, they can be fabricated without much difficulty. Live people are more difficult; their forms can be mimicked, but true facsimiles take time, power, and attention. An entire city is beyond even the capabilities of the Dream Demon."

Luo Binghe opened his mouth to ask more questions, when his eyes swept across the crowd and he froze. "Shizun," he spoke slowly, raising a finger to point, "I might have seen wrong, but I thought I saw a person with a face."

"Hurry, we must chase!" The more detail the constructs had, the more significant they were to Luo Binghe, and therefore closer to the center of the dream. Shaking out his sleeves, Shen Qingqiu took off in the direction Luo Binghe had indicated, the beast a pace behind him. They took seven turns and eight bends, chasing two figures running through the crowd. They finally stopped in front of a small ally, where three more constructs waited for them.

All of them had clear faces and looked to be in their teens. Four of them stood around cursing at a single form sitting on the ground, shouting insults like "mixed-breed" and "bastard". They were loud and preoccupied, and didn't notice when Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe arrived.

"They don't seem like they can see us." Luo Binghe stated, creeping closer to get a better look. He reeled back after getting a better look at the constructs' faces, complexion white with shock.

"That's because they are not created by the Dream Demon." Shen Qingqiu explained dully, slowly waving his fan as he watched the assault play out before him. "They are projections of real people from Luo Binghe's memories that the Dream Demon has called up from the depths of your heart."

The beast flinched at his revelation, hands rising to hold his temples as he watched a small boy get beaten into the dirt. The insults grew more severe as they stood by, until the bloody boy dared to look up. Luo Binghe looked deep into the eyes of his younger self, frozen in the child's anguished gaze.

Shen Qingqiu held back a yawn. Scenes like this were nothing new to a once slave; what others considered a tragic event, he had once called 'the usual bullsh*t'. And really, the beast had survived without permanent injury, and even gone on to enter the number one cultivation sect. What did he have to complain about, that such a small incident was considered a heart demon?

Still, it clearly upset Luo Binghe, however banal Shen Qingqiu considered it. He would give the Dream Demon face for knowing his craft, as the Elder had yet to experience a single occurrence of his prey breaking free. Shen Qingqiu, and Luo Binghe by proximity, would be the first.

At least they would if the beast had even a single rational thought in his head! Shen Qingqiu watched in exasperation as the beast charged his past tormentors in an attempt to aid his child self. But his fists just passed through their bodies, unable to dispel them as they continued the beatdown.

Shen Qingqiu reached out and scruffed the beast like the unruly mutt he was, lifting him into the air to dangle helplessly. "See? You can't touch them. This is only the Dream Demon's trap - interacting with the illusions will only pull you deeper into the dream."

As if to prove the Peak Lord's words, the world around them blurred and twisted. Once it stabilized, he quickly dropped the beast to take in the new setting. They stood in a dilapidated cottage that hosted a low bed and one crooked little table.

On the bed lay a brittle old woman striving to sit up, not far from death. A small figure rushed to her side to support her, a fake jade pendant hung around his neck. "Mother, why do you want to get up again? Didn't you say you'd get better if you rested?"

The old woman coughed feeblely. "Lying down doesn't get anything done. It would be better to rise and get the clothes washed."

A soft, childish face scrunched with sorrow. "I've already finished Mother's work, so please lie down and wait for your medicine."

The old woman smiled tenderly, reaching out to touch the child's head. "Binghe, you're really obedient."

The scene continued as the old woman confessed her desire for white congee, and Luo Binghe ran out to retrieve it. As the light inside the shack grew darker, Shen Qingqiu didn't have to look at the frozen figure next to him to know how it would end. The woman was mere breaths away from death, and the world was rarely kind. Luo Binghe would not return in time with her final meal.

Such a sad ending, and yet Shen Qingqiu remained unmoved.

At least you had a mother, if only for a short time. He fumed as the beast let out a pathetic whimper. At least someone cared enough to give you a name of your own.

At least you can be certain that you were loved by at least one person in this miserable world.

Despite his teacher's warnings, Luo Binghe reached out once more, his hand attempting to clasp the old woman's own. Their surroundings dissipated and reformed in quick succession, building a storyline: Luo Binghe begging a wealthy young master for a bowl of congee for his mother, Luo Binghe entering Qing Jing Peak only to be excluded and bullied by all his apprentice brothers, Luo Binghe completing an endless stream of chores, and so on this track...

The beast grew wretched with emotion to witness it all. His powerful response was what made the dream so dangerous; the more the victim felt, the more damage they received. The beast's current instability was a threat to both of their lives. While just touching the illusions would pull them deeper, if Luo Binghe was provoked into attacking again...

Well, he would be attacking his own brain, and could damage himself to the point he never woke again. Shen Qingqiu wouldn't have minded this, if he weren't trapped within the dream as well. His fate and Luo Binghe's would be the same in this situation, because of course they would.

The most reliable way to break free of the dream would require Luo Binghe to resolve his heart demons. It was unfortunate, as it was one of the few areas in which Shen Qingqiu was not proficient. His own heart demons had nearly killed him more times than he could count, so he dared not give the beast advice on this front.

So it appeared they were doomed. Unless the 'protagonist halo' could pull another miracle out of its ass, but Shen Qingqiu refused to hope for its interference.

The whirlwind finally settled on an encounter Shen Qingqiu recognized. Before him, Ming Fan tore Luo Binghe's jade guanyin from around his neck, and proceeded to insult if for being fake. The mockery was too much for the beast, who had only just witnessed his cherished mother pass away for a second time, and he lunged forward with a qi-infused palm strike.

Shen Qingqiu took him down in less time than it took to blink, using a foot to kick the beast's legs out from under him and pinning him to the ground. He jerked the beast's wrists above his head, leveraging his body weight to well and truly trap the disciple beneath him. He was frustrated to note how little height he had on the beast - it was only a matter of time before he was surpassed in stature.

"Luo Binghe!" He thundered, glaring furiously into the beast's dazed eyes, "Are you trying to get killed?! Did this master not warn you to prepare yourself? None of this is real - the only person you will harm with your actions is yourself, and then where will we be?"

"Shizun..." The beast rasped out. "...it's all my fault. Would be dead ten thousand times over without Shizun's guidance."

If only you would die so easily... Shen Qingqiu just barely bit back the words. He needed the beast to escape this pit of trite misery, whether he liked it or not.

"Just... do better in the future. It is not just a cultivator's body that must be strong." Taking his own advice, Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, bending forward slightly as he worked to re-establish his own internal balance. He didn't notice when a strand of hair slipped over his shoulder, falling softly against his captive disciple's cheek. Luo Binghe's chest rose with an inaudible gasp, eyes growing hazy with heated contentment.

Shen Qingqiu's head snapped up as the illusion shattered around them. Baffled, he climbed to his feet, releasing the beast from his hold. No new scene materialized before them; instead, they had been returned to the barren plane they had traversed at the beginning of the dream.

Luo Binghe must have vanquished his heart demons. It was the only logical reason for their return to the beginning stage. But how? For once Shen Qingqiu felt no jealousy at the beast's success, just a vast sea of bewilderment. What epiphany had the boy reached that was able to appease his suffering so quickly?

"I understand Shizun."

Shen Qingqiu was immobilized by the conviction of the statement. If he weren't in a dream, he would have broken into a cold sweat. What did the beast believe he understood, to address the Peak Lord in such a manner?! Was he incapable of stating his meaning clearly?

"From now on... I definitely won't fail like this a second time."

Shen Qingqiu couldn't bring himself to respond, completely unnerved.

A voice rang out above them, disrupting the building tension. "Hey, this brat was actually able to break this old man's enchantment. He's definitely not a regular person." The sound reverberated around them from no distinct direction, and there could be no doubt that the speaker was the Dream Demon.

Finally. It's time to get out of this cesspool the beast calls a brain!

"You, come over. Let this old man see what kind of young hero has this kind of skill."

Shen Qingqiu raised a baiting brow at the disciple, daring him to answer. Luo Binghe's face burned as he bit out: "Breaking through the Elder's enchantment is all thanks to my Shizun's guidance. I don't dare to be called a young hero."

The voice snorted in disdain, provoking Shen Qingqiu's temper. Feeling slightly foolish to address empty air, he still asked: "Is this old man the Elder Dream Demon? Why does he not show himself to us?" His last words were certainly insulting, reminding the Dream Demon that he had lost his physical form long ago. It wasn't particularly wise to goad the demon confining him in the other demon's head, but when had Shen Qingqiu ever let that stop him?

The Elder's retaliation was swift. "This old man will allow the brat to meet with him, but I have no interest in a common cultivator. Go to sleep so I can talk to the boy, yes?"

Shen Qingqiu's head split with pain, and he collapsed.

When he blinked back into consciousness, half his field of vision was gone. A familiar searing pain engulfed his body, and the air itself burnt his skin. His tongue was cut out, his limbs removed. But worst of all, no bright energy glowed from below his stomach, no fully-formed core emanating spiritual light.

Shen Qingqiu's mouth opened, and all he could do was scream.

An anguished shriek escaped him as he woke for a second time, clawing his way out of bed. He fell in a heap on the floor, shaking and wretched and full to the brim with hatred. Tearing open his robes, he pressed a hand to his shoulder, feeling the faint line of a sword scar against his palm. Grounding himself with the sensation, he circulated his qi through his entirely present golden core, fighting off the beginnings of a qi deviation.

Perhaps it was due to being free of it for so long, but he could no longer face returning to that hellhole of a future with equanimity.

I will die before I allow myself to be held in that place again.

But no, Shen Qingqiu was not the one who needed to die. That was the demon that walked among them, pretending at humanity so very well. The filthy scum that continued to torment him, haunting his dreams and shadowing his days. A beast who was even now convening with a master that would reveal his true heritage and set him on the demonic path.

Enough. Shen Qingqiu thought with perfect clarity. I've had enough. This ends tonight, one way or another.

Rising from the floor, he retrieved Xiu Ya from her stand and climbed out the back window, merging silently into the night.

The system's alarms were near deafening by the time he slipped into Luo Binghe's room, its warnings blaring through his skull.

[Imminent rule violation detected: protagonist will not die. Violation of this rule will result in immediate account termination!]

I don't care! Shen Qingqiu thought as loudly as possible, unsheathing Xiu Ya as he stepped toward the beast's unconscious form. It will be worth it, so long as I can take that monster with me!

He managed one more step.

[Intervention approved: Punishment Protocol activated!]

Shen Qingqiu dropped to the floor like a stone, Xiu Ya falling from nerveless fingers. His left eye had gone dark, his limbs no longer responded to his commands. He was immobile, stuck writhing on the floor of the beast's room, past and present blending together in a hellish fog of panic.

Tears ran down his face, distorting what little sight remained to him. Only the continued existence of his golden core told him he remained in the kinder of his two realities. He was immobilized, but still existed in the disciple dormitories of an unburned Qing Jing Peak, rather than hanging in the deepest pit of Huan Hua Palace.

He couldn't say how long he laid there, clinging to sanity by the barest of margins, heart racing in abject terror. Eventually his vision began to fade back in, and he felt a tingle in his outermost extremities.

[Punishment Protocol ending. System standing by.]

Shen Qingqiu levered himself up slowly, turning to lean back against the side of the bed. Xiu Ya laid next to him, but he made no move to retrieve her. Behind him, Luo Binghe breathed steadily, still locked within a dream and completely unaware of the threat to his life. Yet somehow, the beast remained utterly safe, all due to the intervention of a being beyond Shen Qingqiu's understanding.

Despicable. He thought dully, using his sleeves to clean the tear tracks from his face. That this creature would have such a protector, when there are others far more deserving. What makes the beast so special?

He received no answer from the system. He hadn't expected one anyway.

Sometime later, the beast began to stir. Shen Qingqiu remained in place, wary of any movement that might set the system off once more.

"Shizun." Luo Binghe whispered when he finally noticed the Peak Lord. No doubt the beast was shocked to see him there, sitting on the floor by his bed no less. Listless, Shen Qingqiu declined to respond.

His silence seemed to give the wrong impression, as the beast's voice turned frantic. "Shizun, how are you? Are you harmed anywhere?!"

Harmed? Ha! He choked down a bitter laugh. Where I'm harmed, this master will never allow a demon to see!

But that was his cue; it was past time to leave. He had failed most miserably. Luo Binghe would live another day, and it had been sufficiently proven that there was nothing Shen Qingqiu could do about it.

"This master is fine." He said as he stood, discretely returning Xiu Ya to her sheath. He pushed away the hands that attempted to help him, utterly repulsed by the idea of being touched. Straightening his thin sleep robe into something marginally more appropriate, he returned the inquiry leadenly. "Did the Dream Demon give Luo Binghe any more difficulties?"

The pause that followed his question was painfully conspicuous as the beast thought up a lie. "That Elder ran out of spirit energy shortly after ejecting Shizun. Afterward, this disciple was able to escape the dream. Shizun, did you... encounter anything in the dream within a dream?"

A living nightmare. A hateful memory. A future I must prevent at all costs. "Nothing that this master could not handle."

The small distance to the door seemed an impassible chasm, but remaining in the same space as the demon was not an option. To call his internal balance disturbed would be an understatement; utterly f*cked, would have been a more accurate description. Shen Qingqiu needed to meditate. Shen Qingqiu needed to sleep.

Shen Qingqiu needed to close his eyes and wake up in a world that had never heard the name Luo Binghe.

He started forward, and made it all the way to the door before the beast called out to him once more.

"Shizun, the demons... are they all completely evil? Do they really deserve to be killed without question?"

He didn't need to look back to know the expression on Luo Binghe's face. The beast had just learned of his own mixed blood, so questioning the separation between humans and demons was only to be expected. And who else would he turn to for answers, but his wise and noble Shizun?

Shen Qingqiu wanted desperately to crush the beast beneath his heel. To tell the filthy half-breed that yes, demons were evil without exception and deserved to be wiped from existence. When he thought of the future, of what Luo Binghe had become, he could even believe the words; Emperor Luo Binghe had been evil, right down to the core. No matter what justifications he had given for his actions, only the most black-hearted devil could do the things he had done. He had taken out his malice on the world at large, and had destroyed everything in the process, all for the sake of his own ego.

But no matter how much he wanted to hurt Luo Binghe, or how much the beast would deserve it, Shen Qingqiu was not stupid. So long as Luo Binghe lived, the threat of the Heavenly Demon Emperor loomed over them all. But Luo Binghe could not be killed.

So instead, he must be stopped. Or at least given a reason not to raze the entirety of the world upon his ascension. The beast was now aware of his demonic origins; changing his approach to relations between humans and demons would begin here.

"This master cannot claim to know the hearts of demons. I can only say what I have experienced for myself; I have encountered evil demons many times, and have cut them down. But I have also met evil humans." Shen Qingqiu paused to gather his thoughts. He adjusted his position, turning back to the room just enough to catch Luo Binghe's reactions from the corner of his eye.

Luo Binghe's gaze burned with infernal fire, eyes visible even in the darkness. "Did Shizun kill the evil humans as well?"

"I did." Shen Qingqiu answered honestly. He had slaughtered the Qiu household like the pigs they were; stabbed Wu Yanzi in the back for his own gain. There were others he had met at various times in his life, that had fallen under his hands, or qi, or blade. He did not regret any of them. He did not consider his actions any less than they had deserved. "It is the duty of a righteous cultivator to eradicate evil in all its forms."

"Shizun's meaning is that... because humans may also be evil, it is possible for demons to be good?"

"As this master stated, I can only say what I have experienced for myself. I have never met a righteous demon. But that does not preclude their existence." Doesn't confirm their existence either. Shen Qingqiu kept the less favorable thought to himself. "Seeking to divide virtue by race, or realm, or class is the pursuit of the ignorant or the unjust."

Luo Binghe's voice was hoarse with some powerful feeling. "This disciple hopes Shizun has the opportunity one day, to meet a righteous demon."

Shen Qingqiu tried to imagine a world where Luo Binghe does not embrace his heavenly demon blood and ascend to Emperor. A world where the beast does not wield his power and judgment over those weaker than him. A world where humans continue to thrive, and the demons do not rally behind their great conqueror to grind their natural enemies into dust.

A world where Luo Binghe lives, and everyone else does not pay the price for his existence.

Shen Qingqiu cannot see it.

"This master hopes so as well."

[Scenario completed. System resuming hibernation.]

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

'That master of yours is dangerous brat. Why don't you just let me get rid of him? This is me helping you.'

Luo Binghe scoffed at the Elder Demon's words, similar to what had been offered before in the dream realm. For an old man, the Dream Demon didn't have a good understanding of humans, if he was so fooled by Shizun's cold appearance.

"Shizun isn't like what Elder thinks; and for all that he has done for me, he can treat me how he wants. As his disciple, I cannot disrespect this."

'Pedantic! The human realm's righteous path is full of hypocrisy. Who cares whether he is your master or not, whether you respect him or not. Did you not hear what was just spoken? How many demons - how many humans, even - has that Shizun of yours cut down once they strayed from this righteous path? Do you really think that you would be the exception?'

Luo Binghe felt something stir within him at the Elder's words, but it was not anger or fear. He could clearly remember how it had felt to be held down by Shizun, helpless in the Peak Lord's grasp. The force behind his Shizun's voice, as he ordered his foolish disciple back to sanity. The brush of soft hair against his cheek, banishing his loneliness with its tender touch.

"I heard Shizun very clearly." The Qing Jing Peak Lord often hid his actual meaning behind biting commentary. But he could also be very direct, in both word and action. "He believes that it is possible for a demon to be righteous."

'Believing something is possible is not the same as acting on that possibility! You have already agreed to learn the demonic path to suppress your demonic energy, but the seal on your body has become weak. One day, when the seal finally breaks and your demonic nature is revealed, which side will your Shizun stand on? The side of a disciple who has strayed from the righteous path, or with the demon slayers that will quickly surround you?"

Luo Binghe wanted to answer easily - Shizun had already saved him many times over, who could possibly doubt his care? But he also remembered how his master had looked, standing next to Liu-shishu on Qiong Ding Peak, then later in the infirmary. Everyone said that the two peak lords were not close, and actually had a bad relationship. But when demons had threatened the sect, they had stood together without hesitation.

(Had summoned each other for help. Protected each other from danger. Had intimate, whispered conversations full of meaningful looks. Who was it that claimed the two were at odds?)

Maybe the Dream Demon had a point. However close Luo Binghe felt to Shizun, his regard was not necessarily returned. Perhaps he was considered merely a responsibility, as a disciple of Qing Jing Peak - and maybe not even that, if Shizun still desired a transfer.

If that were true, it would be unacceptable. More than anything, Luo Binghe wished to treasure his recalcitrant teacher, repay him for the misunderstandings in their past. And if all went as planned, tomorrow he would secure his place as a Qing Jing disciple and any talk of a transfer would be dropped. After that, he would have plenty of opportunities to grow closer to Shizun.

He would prove to Shizun - to the world - that a demon could be righteous.

User YingYingGirly: Okay. So. hom*oerotic subtext aside, there's still a lot to unpack here.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): I'm gonna have to stop you there. Subtext? You consider that subtext?! The only way it could be more explicit would be an 'XXX' rating!

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: ^ THIS. I actually had to check my tabs and make sure I was reading the web novel and not a BL fanfic.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Thank god this happened after the Shizun fangirls started their own forum (no offense).

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: ʘ‿ʘ NONE. ʘ‿ʘ TAKEN.ʘ‿ʘ

User lostmyhairymarbles: eep.

User FakeJadePillar: I can't believe the protag finally awakened his heavenly pillar, and it was for a guy. A guy that used to be considered the scum villain, no less.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Are we all agreed that Shen Qingqiu isn't actually a villain by now? I know there were, ah - *clears throat* certain parties - that were pretty confident that he was a set-up for the protag before a betrayal.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Dude, just say Cucumber, he's not f*cking Beetlejuice. His username isn't going to summon him from hell to reign terror upon your household.

User PunishMeShizun: You sure about that? CUCUMBER!

User Demon.Daddy69: CUCUMBER!

User BingGetSome: CUCUMBER!

User Peerless_Cucumber: You rang?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: CHRIST.

User PunishMeShizun: Golden Finger, I'm really confused what you thought was going to happen. Anyway, now that he's been summoned to the mortal plane, I'm sure Cucumber has plenty to say about this chapter. Dazzle us.

User Peerless_Cucumber: How's this: I think Shen Qingqiu knows that Luo Binghe is half demon.

User YingYingGirly: WHAT.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: And so it begins.

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

In his past life, Shen Qingqiu had always dreaded waking up the day of a Peak Lord Meeting. He would often spend half the morning lying in bed and glaring at the ceiling, growing progressively more irritated. This time would be used to: 1) List all the things he hated about his martial siblings, in order of seniority. 2) Think up some truly cutting insults for the fool who decided today was the day to test him. Or 3) Contemplate the logistics of faking his own death so he never had to see any of those assholes again.

He had long since developed a functional plan for the last point, including a prepacked qiankun pouch kept beneath a loose floorboard at the foot of his bed, a secret exit route down the side of Qing Jing Peak, and several safehouses waiting all at least a hundred lǐ away from Cang Qiong Mountain. His tutilage under Wu Yanzi had not been completely useless; he had maintained what skills and resources he had from that time. If he were a wiser man, he would have used them to disappear long before things had fallen apart so spectacularly in his last life.

If he had any self-preservation left, he'd already be halfway to his nearest bolthole in this one. And he would have, but for the creeping suspicion that the system would not let him go so easily. Perhaps f*cking off to leave Luo Binghe and the sect to whatever fates awaited them would be breaking another one of its undisclosed rules.

He was wary of triggering another punishment, in any case. (Wasn't sure he'd come out of the next one with his mind intact.)

So he committed to his course. Dragged himself out the door and to the entrance to his peak, where Luo Binghe was waiting for him like a portent of looming calamity. The beast looked no worse off for their adventure the previous night; if anything, he appeared enthusiastic about participating in the meeting ahead of them.

Is there anything more obnoxious than being in the presence of a cheerful person when I feel anything but?

Shen Qingqiu could only pray that the long walk would dispel some of the beast's chipper energy. Since the Rainbow Bridge remained broken from the attack, they would have to take the long way to the Main Hall, involving a trail on Qing Jing that linked to the neighboring peak partway down the mountain. And while Shen Qingqiu could have flown them both on his sword to save some time, he had no desire to be so physically close to the demon, nor to test his resolve after his prior murder attempt.

Walking was the safest option, no matter how inconvenient. If it also shortened the amount of time he would spend listening to his martial siblings' prattle, all the better.

Despite the trek, Shen Qingqiu was not the last peak lord to arrive. Yue Qingyuan and one of the lower peak lords were still absent, which unfortunately left him to socialize with the ones already present. Luo Binghe hovered like a shadow at his back as he moved to his place by the head of the table, his presence making the situation even more intolerable than usual.

I could have been a goat herder. The thought came to Shen Qingqiu as he and Qi Qingqi eyed each other across the meeting table, faces twisted with mutual dislike. After I killed Wu Yanzi at the conference, I should have told Yue Qingyuan where to shove his apologies and run off to make a life of my own. There was that safe house on the mountainside that would have worked well enough.

Yes, goats would be far more agreeable than present company.

Someone moved to his side, claiming the next space down.

"Shixiong."

Shen Qingqiu shut his eyes and wished for the cold embrace of death.

Qi Qingqi's mouth fell open and she gaped in mute horror. Adjacent conversations drew to an abrupt halt as heads turned toward them in disbelief, as though catching sight of some perverse spectacle. All interaction was put on hold as Liu Qingge not only sought out Shen Qingqiu instead of turning away with an air of general disapproval, but acknowledged his most despised martial brother with polite respect.

It was unthinkable for martial siblings who had previously been unable to live under the same sky.

The Ziu Xian Peak Lord's drink fell to the floor with a loud crash, breaking the shocked silence following Liu Qingge's greeting. Whispers and questions broke out as his martial siblings attempted to identify the source of the war god's change in attitude, coming to all the wrong conclusions as usual.

"It's the right time for lapis fair-feeling flowers to be blooming, do you think he was exposed?"

"More likely that some Shimei slipped him a love elixir and got the dosage wrong."

"What hunts has he been on lately? There are beasts with the ability to addle hunters, like the yellow-nosed whistling beetle-"

"Liu-shidi, are you feeling alright? Mu-shidi, perhaps you should check him over." Wei Qingwei called upon the healer, obviously suspecting some kind of mind-altering substance or condition to be at play. Mu Qingfang looked exasperated by the demand, already having witnessed the two interacting amicably enough the previous evening. (He had performed a discreet scan of both as he was treating the disciples and found nothing amiss, but he wasn't going to mention that in front of the parties in question.)

"What? I'm fine, what are you talking about?" Liu Qingge barked, baffled by the sudden outpour of concern. No surprise there; the war god had always viewed the sky from the bottom of a well. He wouldn't be able to comprehend that his actions were confusing to others who had no context for them.

"Ah, that is..." Wei Qingwei trailed off, unsure of how to explain without causing offense. "You're not acting like yourself, Liu-shidi."

"Ridiculous! I've done nothing unusual." The war god crossed his arms defensively when even Shen Qingqiu shot the man an incredulous look.

While the others assumed some secondary misfortune had affected their martial sibling, Qi Qingqi was not so restrained in her suspicions: "Shen Qingqiu, what did you do?!"

Of course this is my fault. Does she really think I spend all my time scheming up new ways to exploit my rivals? Shen Qingqiu wasn't above plotting - obviously - but he wouldn't waste his energy to do so against his martial siblings, however much he disliked them. Ultimately, it came down to one misunderstanding; she vastly overestimated their significance in his life.

"Regardless of what this master says, I'm sure Qi-shimei has already come to her own conclusions. What crime have I committed this time?"

Irked by his unruffled manner, she turned to Liu Qingge instead, voice softening. "Is this scum blackmailing you, Liu-shidi?"

"Blackmail?" Liu Qingge was taken aback by her allegation, which to him had appeared out of nowhere. "Why would you think-"

"You can tell us, and we'll seek amends. There's nothing he can hold over you that will turn us away."

There were a few insipid noises of - shock? protest? agreement? - at Qi Qingqi's words, and Mu Qingfang actually went so far as to step forward, hands raised in a conciliatory gesture. But no one spoke out in Shen Qingqiu's defense, or even suggested that her accusations were out of line.

Of course. In a case of dragons and snakes intermingling, who would not object? Elitist hypocrites.

Eyes wide, Liu Qingge stood and stared at his martial sister in incomprehension.

Very helpful. So much for repaying your debt, useless brute.

The war god may not have been capable of responding to Qi Qingqi's allegations, but Luo Binghe was not so stunted in manner. Pushing forward, he disregarded rank and snarled back. "How dare you accuse my Shizun! Does Cang Qiong Mountain sect not owe him its face for driving off the demon invasion? Or is Shigu so quick to forget favors and violate justice?"

Qi Qingqi drew in a breath of cold air, caught off guard by the rebuke. There was a collective flinch as everyone was reminded of the purpose of their gathering, more than one face turning away in guilt.

Shen Qingqiu groaned internally; whatever the little beast thought he had accomplished by defending his master, he was mistaken. The Xian Shu Peak Lord would hardly accept being publicly scolded by a junior, least of all a disciple of Qing Jing Peak. And Shen Qingqiu hardly needed the support of a demon against his so-called martial family; had he not endured this malicious treatment for years? All the fool had managed was to escalate the situation.

Shen Qingqiu could protect himself. No one else was qualified, and their efforts only made things worse for him in the end.

Case in point, Qi Qingqi's features had curdled into something truly poisonous. "The scholar peak is lacking in manner, if this is how its disciples conduct themselves. Shibo must weep from Heaven, to see how far it has fallen; truly the first case of a tiger father begetting a dog son."

The room froze with horror at the severity of the insult, and Shen Qingqiu went rigid with fury. He had long since gotten used to insults toward his own person, but he would never allow his Shizun's name to occupy foul mouths. Expression glacial, he gave no thought to consequences as he moved to form a sword seal and summon Xiu Ya.

I will remove your tongue before I let you dirty my Shizun's name again.

Before he could complete the gesture, Liu Qingge brought his fist down on the meeting table with a deafening crack. Several were forced to step back as the solid oak splintered and collapsed from the force of the blow. The table had been an antique, hosting multiple generations of peak lords to discuss important sect affairs; it was now a wreckage, ruined beyond repair. It was, perhaps, an apt metaphor for the Qing generation.

"You. Will. Be. Silent." Liu Qingge's face was incensed as he confronted his martial sister. She had gone too far with her slander; even in the heat of the moment, there were lines that should not be crossed. Involving Shen Qingqiu's master, and the rest of the previous generation by association, was an egregious offense that someone as upright as the war god could never ignore.

White as a ghost, Qi Qingqi's hands clenched on her battle ribbons in response to her favored Shidi's sudden animosity. For an extended breath, it seemed that violence was inevitable.

"Ge."

Liu Mingyan stepped out from behind her teacher, undisturbed by her brother's temper. Staring Qi Qingqi down, the war god hardly acknowledged her; finally, he jerked his chin to the side and met his sister's eyes. The siblings engaged in a silent conversation as the rest of the room looked on, wary of interfering and getting caught in the crossfire.

The standoff was broken by Liu Mingyan, who faced Shen Qingqiu and bowed deeply. "Disciple Liu Mingyan apologizes on behalf of her Shizun. Hoping Shen-shibo will forgive."

More than one appalled gasp escaped at the girl's actions, and Qi Qingqi's cheeks turned from white to red in mortification. A head disciple apologizing to another peak lord was acceptable, if slightly embarrassing. A head disciple apologizing on behalf of their peak lord was unheard of; it implied not only a heinous breach of conduct on the part of the master, but also said master's unwillingness to take responsibility for their own actions.

It was the most humiliating censure Qi Qingqi could have received. It was only barely enough to stay Shen Qingqiu's hand for the affront to his Shizun's honor.

"Ah."

A small exhale interrupted the stressful tableau, drawing everyone's attention to the doorway. Yue Qingyuan stood just past the threshold, face carefully neutral as he took in the scene. A noise of distress escaped Qi Qingqi's lips before she could bite it back; it was the worst possible moment for the sect leader to have arrived, a final witness to her disgrace.

Yue Qingyuan's eyes examined the broken table before shifting to Liu Mingyan, who remained bowed in supplication to Shen Qingqiu. "Is there an issue this Shixiong needs to address?"

There was an abundance of averted eyes and awkward shifting, no one wanting to explain the circ*mstances leading up to the sect leader's arrival. Liu Qingge crossed his arms, jaw clenched with residual anger. A rustle from behind; Luo Binghe was preparing to intrude once more.

Shen Qingqiu could not withstand the beast speaking on his behalf for a second time. Lowering the hand that had paused mid-seal, he answered the sect leader's inquiry before his disciple could add oil to the fire. "No need, the matter has been resolved. This master will overlook the offense - this time."

Unable to retort without losing more face, Qi Qingqi was left to bear his overt warning with gnashing teeth.

"Thanking Shen-shibo." Liu Mingyan rose from her bow and resumed her previous position with all the dignity her teacher currently lacked. Shen Qingqiu wondered if the girl would face retribution later, for taking action so clearly at odds with her teacher's expectations. Then again, Shen Qingqiu doubted Qi Qingqi would dare.

Once roused, the Bai Zhan War God's wrath was terrible indeed.

Yue Qingyuan hesitated, clearly weighing whether or not to leave the matter be. He was given little choice when Wei Qingwei spoke up, suggesting they all relocate to one of the smaller meeting rooms to discuss their business. Pragmatism won out; demon invasions took precedence over interpersonal spats.

(Besides, if he insisted and was told of Qi Qingqi's conduct, as sect leader he might be obligated to punish her. He had always tried to avoid exerting his authority over his martial siblings - at least, all of them except Shen Qingqiu. The double standard tasted especially bitter after his previous life and death.)

They assembled in a smaller chamber to the side of the main hall and Yue Qingyuan began the meeting with little fanfare.

"...The demoness suggested we hold three matches. This master determined the best course forward was to buy time until Liu-shidi was retrieved from Ling Xi caves-"

"Why didn't Shen Qingqiu simply drive them away himself? Or did you feel unequal to the task?" Qi Qingqi's voice was snide as she attempted to rile him. Her feelings of dissatisfaction were obstructing her better judgment; she was not presenting herself favorably. But if she wanted to continue to nitpick every action he had taken, Shen Qingqiu would be happy to respond in kind.

"This master was capable." He said, unbothered. "My decision was made in the interest of protecting the lives of the disciples present. If Qi-shimei disagrees, I would ask: how many of her students would she have been willing to sacrifice in the resulting battle had I chosen to attack? Or would it have been acceptable so long as the losses incurred were from other peaks and not Xian Shu?"

A discontent murmur rose at his words, and more than one judgmental glance was tossed his martial sister's way. Outplayed, she backtracked quickly. "This master misunderstood; obviously preserving lives was priority."

Poor Shimei, you're completely unbalanced. This is as easy as crushing dry weeds and smashing rotten wood - I'm actually enjoying myself.

"This master fought the first round against an Elder Demon. I won, obviously. For the second round, the Demon Saintess chose to participate and fought against Disciple Liu Mingyan-"

"And what right did Shen Qingqiu have to put forward my disciple?" Qi Qingqi disrupted his report yet again.

This time, it was Yue Qingyuan who addressed her behavior. "Shimei, perhaps we should allow Shen-shidi to finish-"

"Why?!" Qi Qingqi snapped. "So he can make more excuses for himself? Zhangmen-shixiong's favoritism is clear, as always!"

The disapproval for her outburst was apparent; whatever stress she was under was not sufficient to excuse her disrespect toward the sect leader. Her emotions were high as she tried to gain ground against Shen Qingqiu, who she blamed for her prior humiliation. Unfortunately for her, he was - for once - considered the injured party between them, in addition to being the current hero of the sect.

There was no way that harassing him went well for her, which she would have realized in a calmer state of mind.

"Shizun." Liu Mingyan stepped forward to ease the situation once more. "This disciple volunteered. Shen-shibo attempted to turn me away, and advised me that I would be at a disadvantage. I insisted, despite his warnings."

Her testimony cut her master's grievance at the knees. Qi Qingqi's face crumpled slightly as she found no support from her martial siblings, with some faces showing open distaste for her continued attempts to undermine her Shixiong. Lips pressing together into a thin line, she withdrew from the conversation entirely.

Shen Qingqiu felt no sympathy for her plight. After all, was her current position not the one he usually occupied?

He could recall this same meeting from his previous life all too well. She had led the accusations against him then too, declaring him a murderer before any evidence had been gathered or presented. His martial siblings had stood behind her then, even Yue Qingyuan being swayed; there had been no war god to violently silence the poison falling from her lips, Liu Mingyan accepting each word as gospel. Shen Qingqiu had borne all of their hatred alone, just as he always did, and had still managed to stand tall.

Not so pleasant on the other side, is it? To be the one without support, facing a wall of disdain everywhere you look. I hope you remember this feeling well, the next time you seek to move against me. I hope you remember how poorly you bore this weight for even a day, while I have carried it gracefully for years. Remember how weak you are, Qi Qingqi.

Yue Qingyuan cleared his throat and the air. "Please continue, Shen-shidi."

"Mm. For the third round, Disciple Luo Binghe volunteered to represent the sect. The Demon Saintess put forward an Elder Demon clad in poison-covered armor-"

"What?!" Liu Qingge straightened in the seat next to him. "You didn't tell me that!"

Shen Qingqiu blinked mildly. "Didn't I? Must have slipped my mind. In any case, it's hardly relevant-"

"Of course it's relevant, the demon was practically on top of you when I arrived! You should have been checked for any effects-"

"Unnecessary. The poison used by that demon clan is called No Cure." Alarm saturated the room at the revelation, the poison's reputation well known among the cultivation world. "Had this master been afflicted, the effects would be more than clear."

"I would still like to conduct an examination, if I may Shen-shixiong." Mu Qingfang's voice was firm as the healer's spirit took over. As there were no reasonable grounds for objection, Shen Qingqiu allowed his wrist to be held in a gentle grip; foreign qi rushed through his meridians, searching for any hidden corruption in his spiritual pathways.

"Shen-shidi." Yue Qingyuan looked troubled. "You said it was your disciple who fought in the third match. Why were you in danger from the demon?"

Before Shen Qingqiu could reply, Luo Binghe stepped forward to give his own account. "Apologies, Yue-shibo. It was this disciple's fault. After defeating Elder Demon, I returned to my master, and did not notice the demon charging me from behind. Shizun protected me and put himself in the way of the attack."

If one more person gasped dramatically, Shen Qingqiu was going to ensure they never drew another breath again. Was it really so unbelievable for Shen Qingqiu to do something noble? Well... maybe. But how thick are their faces, to think they have the right to comment on it?

On that track, who did the little beast think he was anyway, to assert himself with such confidence? He had grown far too comfortable addressing the sect leader, in any case.

The exchange did remind him, he would need to catch Yue Qingyuan after the meeting to formally complete the transfer. With how harmonious the relationship had grown between the beast and sect leader, surely there could be no further objections?

"How is he, Mu-shidi?" Yue Qingyuan's eyes were tender as they rested on Shen Qingqiu, as though he were some sweet, misunderstood youth who needed to be protected from his own benevolence. He wanted to scour the feeling of that gaze off his skin with razor wire.

"Nothing appears to be amiss." Mu Qingfang returned his wrist, mouth rising into a friendly grin. "But congratulations are in order; your new core is strong and stable, Shen-shixiong."

Shen Qingqiu was beset by a stream of congratuations, and was somewhat perturbed by the positive attention. It was unexpected from individuals he was only incidentally involved with; he had never once considered any of them companions, or even friendly. In the face of their approval he could only use his fan to cover his expression, attempting to hide his disquiet.

(He was unaware that the action appeared more like shyness, leaving a new and deep impression of his nature. How cute! More than one peak lord thought, wondering how much of their Shen-shixiong's coldness was cover for a soft center. If Shen Qingqiu had known the direction of their thoughts, he would have coughed blood.)

Liu Qingge was staring at Shen Qingqiu's navel in a rather intrusive manner. "You formed your core? Was this before or after we-"

"THIS SHIXIONG THANKS HIS MARTIAL SIBLINGS FOR THEIR WELL WISHES," Shen Qingqiu's voice rang loud and abrupt as he cut the war god off, cursing his Shidi's blunt tongue and uninhibited personality. "BUT WE SHOULD RESUME OUR DISCUSSION FOR THE WELLBEING OF THE SECT."

He glared pointedly, and Liu Qingge colored as he registered his inadvertent slip. Turning away with an embarrassed huff, the war god's brow furrowed out of frustration with the inexplicable secrecy.

(The room was full of sudden intrigue, even Qi Qingqi letting go of her grudge to observe the unusual interaction. Something had most certainly happened between the peak lords, likely a catalyst to their improved relationship. Whatever it had been, Shen Qingqiu didn't want it spread around, which clearly caused the war god some grief. What could have happened, to inspire such an dynamic?)

(Was there any possibility that the two of them... had dual cultivated?!)

"O-of course, ah, that is..." Yue Qingyuan stuttered in agreement, his eyes darting frantically between them. Shen Qingqiu wondered what about the exchange had disturbed the sect leader so viscerally. It had been a little undignified, to be sure, but he had stopped his Shidi before anything significant had been revealed.

(Liu Mingyan nearly vibrated from the ferocity of her delight. A chill ran down Liu Qingge's spine, and he was overcome with a sense of foreboding.)

Yue Qingyuan reclaimed his composure and attempted to steer the conversation back to the matter at hand. "So, this was when Liu-shidi arrived?"

Liu Qingge snapped out of his uncharacteristic bout of premonition. "Yes. Destroyed the Elder Demon and drove the rest away with sword formations."

"Very good." The sect leader's bearing became formal. "Shen-shidi and Liu-shidi have my thanks for their heroic defense of Qiong Ding Peak in this master's absence. I cannot express the extent of my gratitude."

Liu Qingge accepted the praise with a short nod; Shen Qingqiu hid behind his fan.

"Disciples Liu Mingyan and Luo Binghe should also be recognized for their efforts." Yue Qingyuan continued, smiling kindly at the teenagers.

Liu Mingyan bowed. "Honored to fight on behalf of the sect."

For once Luo Binghe demonstrated some decorum, repeating his Shijie's phrase with a bow of his own. Have Heaven and Earth turned upside down? Too late for you to demonstrate proper etiquette now, little beast. Your time as a scholar is coming to an end.

"Such service should be rewarded. If either of you has a request, this master will do his best to fulfill it."

Shen Qingqiu stilled at the sect leader's words. Zhangmen-shixiong's generous offer was unexpected; he would have remembered if it had been made in his previous life. It was a discrepancy, and the logical explanation was that it had been caused by one of Shen Qingqiu's changes to the current timeline.

He suddenly had a very bad feeling about it.

"Thanking Yue-shibo. This disciple has no requests." Liu Mingyan declined the offer. She was a rich young mistress to a famous family of cultivators, her doting elder brother a highly regarded Peak Lord; there was very little that she could not acquire of her own volition.

Luo Binghe, on the other hand...

"Thanking Yue-shibo. This disciple does have a request, but sect leader is not the one who can grant it."

"This master speaks on behalf of all of Cang Qiong Mountain sect. If any of its members have the power to fulfill your request, Disciple Luo Binghe should make it known."

Yue Qingyuan you rat bastard. Shen Qingqiu knew with damning clarity exactly where this was going; exactly where it kept going every time he thought he was finally free of the demon haunting his dreams and dogging his steps.

Without delay, Luo Binghe turned and kneeled before him, the very picture of humility.

"Shizun, this disciple begs your patience." Luo Binghe began. His words were even and delivered with a surety that spoke of preparation. This was planned. The beast knew this was going to happen. "Before Shizun went into seclusion three years ago, he requested that this disciple be transferred into Yue-shibo's care. I know that Shizun did this out of care for my cultivation and well-being, but I must be impertinent and ask him to reconsider. This disciple's greatest wish is to remain on Qing Jing Peak and under the teachings of his current Shifu. Luo Binghe can recognize no one else as his master."

Shen Qingqiu wanted to vomit at the heartfelt plea. Already he could see how it had touched the hearts of his martial siblings; Liu Qingge even nodded in approval of the beast's purported loyalty!

Desperation clawed up his throat; he could not allow the demon to manipulate the situation. "Luo Binghe says he recognizes no other teacher, but has he not trained and progressed well under Zhangmen-shixiong's guidance in this master's absence? Do not be ungrateful for your Shibo's efforts."

Yue Qingyuan rose from his place at the head of the table. "There will be no better time for this, I see." His next action astounded everyone who witnessed it; the sect leader lowered himself beside Luo Binghe, joining the disciple in supplication.

"This master humbly apologizes for his thoughtless words to Shen-shidi three years ago. This master is aware his unfounded accusations were what caused Shen-shidi to request a transfer in the first place."

That Zhangmen-shixiong had any bearing on my decision is certainly news to me! Shen Qingqiu seethed, acutely aware of the rapt audience to Yue Qingyuan's performance. He frantically tried to recall the conversations he'd had with the man after waking up from his deviation/death.

Surely he couldn't mean-

"This master criticized Shen-shidi's treatment of this disciple, even going so far as to call it abuse." There were several exclamations at the charge, but the sect leader ignored all of them. "When I spoke to Luo Binghe about joining Qiong Ding Peak, he made my error clear; Shen-shidi has been a dutiful and upright master to his disciple, and it was not my place to question his methods."

The peak lords fell over themselves to deny the sect leader's words. Zhangmen-shixiong should not be so hard on himself; he was the only one with the right to question the other peak lords, and he had just been concerned for the welfare of a child under the sect's care. They only quieted when he held up a commanding hand, expression solemn.

"Perhaps you are correct that I had the right to interfere, but I should not have been so hasty in my judgment. I was remorseful upon learning of Shen-shidi's care for his disciple, and that he felt compelled to send a cherished student from his side because of my complaints. My instruction of Luo Binghe has never carried the intention of forming a bond between master and disciple. It was only a means of compensating Shen-shidi for my transgression."

Yue Qingyuan bowed low. "Shen Qingqiu, this master truly regrets his actions and asks for your forgiveness."

The inside of Shen Qingqiu's head was an endless, piercing scream, drowning out his martial siblings' reactions to Yue Qingyuan's apology.

No system spoke into his ear, and no punishment protocol had been enacted; and yet, he was rendered just as helpless as the night before. However well meant his intentions, Yue Qingyuan had once more delivered Shen Qingqiu directly into the demon's hands. He could no longer deny Luo Binghe's request without destroying both his ruse and his reputation in one fell swoop.

He was entirely and inescapably trapped.

"In the face of such earnestness, what choice does this master have?" The words fell from numb lips. He gripped his fan tight in front of him, and refused to let his fingers tremble. "Zhangmen-shixiong is of course forgiven."

Yue Qingyuan rose gracefully, smiling as though he had not forced Shen Qingqiu's capitulation at swordpoint.

"As for Luo Binghe..."

The beast looked up, eyes bright with hope. He looked exactly the same as he had the first time Shen Qingqiu had taken him as a disciple, so many years ago.

Shen Qingqiu cursed the memory.

"...He will remain a disciple of Qing Jing Peak under this master's guidance."

Obstinate demon, will I never be free of you?

Shen Qingqiu spent the rest of the meeting in a state of detachment, his mind cycling through every action he had taken since returning to the past in a perpetual loop. But no matter how much he analyzed the progression of events, how much he dissected each decision and word, how much he agonized over each setback-

He couldn't figure it out. Couldn't find the mistake that had led to this conclusion, the miscalculation that had sent the entire equation awry. By all accounts, Luo Binghe should have been thrilled for the chance to get away from Shen Qingqiu, regardless of how successfully he had rehabilitated his image. There simply wasn't any reasonable explanation for the enormity of the beast's attachment to Qing Jing Peak: his relationship with Ning Yingying had atrophied from years of neglect, he had no strong preference or talent for the teachings exclusive to scholars, and the vast majority of his experiences there had been negative.

So why did he cling to his position there as if his life depended on it?

By the time the meeting ended, Shen Qingqiu still had not found an answer. Rising to leave, a clatter from farther down the table caught his eye.

Shang Qinghua had knocked over his chair from standing too quickly. His clumsiness was unbefitting a cultivator and peak lord, but that had always been the case. Shen Qingqiu could not help but notice that the man seemed even more twitchy than usual; nerves that his betrayal might be discovered in the wake of the demon invasion perhaps?

The man needn't worry; Yue Qingyuan had not believed Shen Qingqiu when he had gone to him regarding the traitor in his first life. And after what had just happened, Shen Qingqiu never intended to go to the sect leader ever again.

Perhaps it was just fate, that Yue Qingyuan would always find new ways to let Shen Qingqiu down.

No, He decided as he watched the man's hurried retreat. I'll handle the matter of the spy on my own. He needed something to take his mind off of the utter wreckage of his plans, in any case. So much had hinged upon removing Luo Binghe from his peak; with that off the table, he would have to restructure everything around the demon's constant presence and refusal to just f*cking drop dead already.

Showing the traitor all the reasons why he should fear Shen Qingqiu far more than any demon was just what he needed. Mu Qingfang was always talking about the negative effects stress had on the body and spiritual system; a beatdown would do wonders for his mindset, and help release some built-up tension.

He'd pay his dear Shang-shidi a visit, just as soon as he got rid of his demonic parasite.

They had just reached the top of the path to return to Qing Jing Peak when Shen Qingqiu's arm was grabbed in a firm hold. Spinning around, Liu Qingge only just avoided a broken nose from the punch he had automatically leveled at his assailant. Backing up a few steps, the war god gruffly stated: "Shixiong. We need to talk."

That sounds ominous. Shen Qingqiu ignored the little beast's sputtering behind him as he tried to guess what his Shidi wanted to discuss. Liu Qingge was the opposite of loquacious; if he was seeking out a conversation, he considered its contents important.

"Luo Binghe, return to Qing Jing Peak. This master will be along shortly."

"B-but! Shizun!" The beast immediately protested. He was reluctant to leave Shen Qingqiu alone with the brute, that was evident; what was not clear was why. As far as he was aware, the beast had no reason to dislike or mistrust the war god. And even if he did, what kind of deterrent did he imagine his presence would be?

At his current level, Liu Qingge could crush the demon like a bug. The mental image the thought conjured was... strangely compelling.

Liu Mingyan appeared before Shen Qingqiu could reiterate his order, quickly passing by the peak lords to approach his stubborn disciple. Without any fanfare, she grabbed Luo Binghe and tossed him over her shoulder like some kidnapped damsel in a yellow book. Luo Binghe allowed it, too shocked by his Shijie's forward actions to struggle.

The girl gave a respectful nod to her martial uncles.

"Have a nice talk. Ge. Shen-shibo." She leaped off down the path, leaving the cultivators to stare after her rapidly shrinking form in consternation.

"Liu-shidi, what..."

Liu Qingge grimaced. "Best not to ask."

Shen Qingqiu huffed. "Fine. What did Liu-shidi need from this master? Is it terribly urgent?"

"Urgent? No, I just wanted to ask: why don't you want me to tell anyone what happened in Ling Xi caves?"

"Why does it matter? Your silence costs you nothing, and you've already gone out of your way to prevent Mu-shidi from discovering my intervention. So what changed that you suddenly care about it?" Shen Qingqiu was genuinely confused by the sudden interest. Keeping his rescue a secret actually saved the war god a bit of face, so why should Shen Qingqiu's reasons matter?

His Shidi fidgeted, uncomfortable. "Earlier... when I greeted you, before the meeting. The way everyone acted was... If they knew, they wouldn't have treated you badly."

Shen Qingqiu let out an explosive snort as the war god's motivations became clear. "It's not like they treated me any differently than they have in the past. If this had taken place three years ago, Liu-shidi would have even joined them in their accusations."

His answer seemed to cause genuine distress. "That was before-"

"Before what?" Shen Qingqiu continued mercilessly. "Before I saved you, despite having no obligation to do so? Before I foiled a demon invasion and saved the sect's reputation, and received suspicion and scorn in place of gratitude? Before I proved just one of the nasty little rumors you all so enjoy spreading about me wrong? Before you stood on the wrong side of our martial siblings' judgments and saw how self-righteous and hypocritical they actually are? Before what, Liu Qingge?"

Liu Qingge glowered at the ground, fists clenched at his sides. He looked like a child getting a scolding. "They were wrong. I-" He swallowed miserably. "I was wrong." He looked up, meeting Shen Qingqiu's eyes.

"Shixiong. I'm sorry."

Shen Qingqiu tilted his head, openly evaluating his Shidi's sincerity. Funnily enough, Shen Qingqiu believed him. And he far preferred the war god's straightforward apology to all of Yue Qingyuan's pageantry earlier. Here he had the option to deny absolution; there was no expectation behind the brute's words, just contrition.

It also wasn't doubling as a trap to force Shen Qingqiu into mentoring a demon spawn that would bring about the end of the world as they knew it, so. Perhaps not the best comparison.

Still.

There were other factors to consider, of course: already the war god had proved a useful ally. Sustaining the truce between them would be in his best interest. Besides, however awful Liu Qingge had been in the past, he also had a fairly massive mark in his favor, even if it was only due to his premature death.

Of all his martial siblings, he was the only one who had not condemned Shen Qingqiu, handing him over to be tortured and mutilated until his eventual suicide. No wrongdoing between them could ever equal that betrayal. The war god's slights against him were trivial in comparison; acquitting them was... curiously simple.

"Liu-shidi... is forgiven, I suppose." Shen Qingqiu sighed. "But I still want what happened to remain between the two of us."

"But why? Knowing about it would surely improve our martial siblings' opinion of you."

Rolling his eyes, Shen Qingqiu turned away and summoned Xiu Ya. Stepping onto the blade, he gave his Shidi the most honest answer he had, though he doubted the war god would like it.

"Why should I care about the opinions of people I don't actually respect?"

Liu Qingge was silent as he took his leave.

(Art credit to Sevil_Franc)

Shen Qingqiu waited until nightfall before heading to An Ding Peak to confront his rat of a Shidi.

It was pathetically easy to sneak past the many, many disciples to make his way to the peak lord's house. The Logistic's Peak wasn't known for its cultivators, and if the invasion had proved anything, it was that security was far too lax overall. Shen Qingqiu intended to fix that - but first, he had to make sure his plans wouldn't be leaked to every demon in the vicinity.

Shang Qinghua had to be either overconfident or stupid. There were no locks on his door, spiritual or otherwise, and Shen Qingqiu slipped in with nary an alarm or trap being triggered. But such an assessment didn't entirely fit the man's capability, since he had remained undetected as a spy for years, to everyone but Shen Qingqiu. And that was hardly a mark against his skills; Shen Qingqiu had a nose like a bloodhound when it came to hunting down snitches, even as a child.

The An Ding Peak Lord was a mess of contradictions. Weak, but capable. Cowardly, but ambitious. Peak Lord, but disrespected.

Human, but ally to demons.

Shen Qingqiu didn't know how much of Shang Qinghua's personality was real and how much was a ploy to cover his treachery, but he fully intended to find out.

The man was sitting behind a desk covered in daunting piles of paperwork when Shen Qingqiu found him, bent over and rubbing his temples.

"If you have more requests for repairs from Bai Zhan, don't tell me. Lose them, burn them, tell Liu-shidi to shove them up his ass - I don't care which, but I'm not dealing with them tonight."

Shen Qingqiu was amused despite himself. "If this master had any such paperwork he'd be tempted by the last option, just to see what would happen."

Shang Qinghua jolted up, upsetting one of the large stacks of paperwork in the process. In moments, the tower lost its battle against gravity and toppled to the floor, sheets of paper flying in every direction. The An Ding Peak Lord stared at the resulting mess with deadened eyes devoid of hope or light.

Alright, even I feel a little bad about that.

"How can I help Shen-shixiong this fine evening." Shen Qinghua stated dully, not bothering to stand for proper greetings. "If it's about a work order, I'm afraid it will have to wait; Qiong Ding Peak and the Rainbow Bridge repairs currently take priority."

"Oh, it's nothing like that." Shen Qingqiu assured silkily. "This master actually wanted to discuss some possible changes to sect security, in light of the recent invasion."

"Changes to security?" His Shidi's voice was cautious. "Sounds doable, but again, we're a bit overrun at the moment." Rooting around a drawer, he pulled out a blank sheet of paper and retrieved a writing brush. "What kind of changes did Shen-shixiong have in mind?"

"Nothing too drastic, just a few small tweaks here and there." Shen Qingqiu walked forward slowly, affecting relaxation. "Instituting a disciple patrol, alarms along the perimeter that pick up on demonic energy, that sort of thing. Perhaps a secondary means of traveling quickly between peaks if the Rainbow Bridge is ever compromised again."

Shang Qinghua hummed thoughtfully as he wrote the suggestions down.

"Of course," Shen Qingqiu continued, "There is one matter of sect security that should take precedence over everything else."

"Oh?" Shang Qinghua asked distractedly as he moved to start another line. "What's that?"

Shen Qingqiu slammed his hand down on the neat list, smearing the characters into meaningless stains.

"Like hunting down and exterminating the rat that let the demons into the sect in the first place, don't you think Shang-shidi?"

The brush dropped to the floor with a clack as Shang Qinghua stared up at him, face white. His eyes darted towards the door.

"Try it." Shen Qingqiu hissed. "See how far you get. I guarantee that you'll be dead before you reach the door. And there is nothing your master can do to save you."

The change in his Shidi's demeanor was instant; Shang Qinghua's back straightened and shoulders pulled back. All of his attention focused on the threat in front of him. Shen Qingqiu had never seen his eyes so clear, or his face so sharp.

"My... master?" He repeated slowly.

Shen Qingqiu scoffed. "Oh, don't be coy. Your master, your Northern Demon Lord, Mobei-jun, take your pick."

Shang Qinghua's breathing sped up. "Mobei-jun..." He whispered, before asking urgently: "Shen Qingqiu, how do you know that name?!"

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. "It doesn't matter how I know it. Just like it doesn't matter how I know of your plans to sabotage the next Immortal Alliance Conference. Or to destroy Cang Qiong Mountain sect from the inside out. Or to allow demons to walk over humans for the rest of time for the sake of your bruised ego."

"Shen-shixiong... Shen-shixiong..." Shang Qinghua breathed out his name like a prayer. He had started shaking, and he blinked his eyes rapidly as though fighting back tears. Shen Qingqiu wondered if he was about to start begging for his life.

Nothing could have prepared him for the man's next words.

"Shen-shixiong, do you remember too?"

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Liu-shijie! Put me down!"

Luo Binghe didn't know what to do. His squirming had no effect but for his Shijie to tighten her grip around him. But he didn't want to fight his martial sister, despite being carted away like a bag of rice. To seriously strike out at her would be an overreaction, and he'd feel terrible if he accidentally hurt her.

But he also didn't want to leave Shizun with that, that-!

"I'll put you down," Liu Minyan said evenly, not even slightly winded from carrying an almost full-grown man down the side of a mountain. "When I'm sure you won't run back and interrupt a private conversation between ge and Shen-shibo."

"And why should I listen to you!" Luo Binghe growled. "It was your master who said such awful things to Shizun before - how do I know this isn't some sort of trap to get him alone!"

Just thinking about the accusations the Xian Shu Peak Lord had leveled against his Shizun filled Luo Binghe with rage. The other peak lords should have been bowing in gratitude to his master for his protection of the sect, and instead they had all but spit in his face! For the first time, he had seen just why his Shizun was so cold and withdrawn from the rest of the sect; better off alone, than to endure such awful company.

He had to blink back a rush of angry tears.

Shizun must be terribly lonely.

Liu Mingyan's shoulder raised and fell as she let out a heavy sigh. "My master's treatment of Shen-shibo was inexcusable." She agreed quietly. "When I get back, I will talk to her about it; if I am not satisfied with her answers, I plan to submit a request to transfer peaks."

Luo Binghe stopped his careful attempts to get loose, stunned at the conviction behind his Shijie's words. "But... aren't you the head disciple? Are you even allowed to do that?"

A huff of laughter jostled him. "The sect is not a prison, Luo-shidi; members are allowed to leave if they wish. And my brother would never turn me away from joining Bai Zhan."

He frowned in puzzlement. "But if that's true, why didn't you join Bai Zhan in the first place? Why go to Xian Shu at all?"

"Different peaks offer different experiences. I enjoyed the companionship of living with my martial sisters, and learning more gentle arts than swordplay." Her tone took on a teasing note. "Not everyone is so attached to a single peak, or to recognizing only one teacher."

Luo Binghe blushed furiously, and was maybe a little grateful to be carried in such a way that his face wasn't visible to his captor. "That still doesn't tell me why I should trust your brother not to upset Shizun further."

"Ge isn't capable of holding bad intentions. He just wanted to ask Shen-shibo a question."

"Huh? What does he want to ask?"

"Ah, I can't tell you."

Luo Binghe resumed wiggling. "That sounds like an answer that hides bad intentions!"

His wicked Shijie jabbed him in the solar plexus hard, knocking the wind out of him. "I told you, ge isn't capable of such things! But it's about a private matter between him and Shen-shibo; I've been sworn to secrecy."

He grumbled into her back peevishly, accepting he wasn't escaping any time soon. To his surprise, Liu-shijie set him down a few minutes later without any fuss.

"Shen-shibo just flew overhead on Xiu Ya," she explained easily. "He was heading back to Qing Jing Peak, so the conversation must be over."

"Oh!" Luo Binghe resisted the urge to run off, wanting to reunite with Shizun as quickly as possible. (And possibly assure himself that the Bai Zhan Peak Lord hadn't tried anything... funny in his absence.)

"Go on, Luo-shidi. This Shijie won't keep you any longer." Liu Mingyan's eyes made cute crescents when she smiled, he noted. She really was a nice martial sister, despite her occasional oddness. He wouldn't mind calling her a friend in the future.

That brother of hers though!

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Okay, is it just me, or does some of Liu Mingyan's 'oddness' feel kind of familiar? (￣□￣)

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Uh, gonna have to be a little more specific man. Got an example?

User Cultivate-This-Noob: No, it's just like her overall vibe reminds me of something, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

User YingYingGirly: Huh, that's weird. Well, let us know if you figure it out.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Ugh, this is going to bother me all night...

User MingyanMyGoddess: Hm, don't know what to tell ya. But I really loved the interaction between her and Luo Binghe at the end, so cute!

User YingYingGirly: I agree! I'm hoping her central role in the last few chapters means she's going to become a more regular character - it's always great to see strong female leads!

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Yeah yeah, girl power, feminism wins, all that- let's get down to the important sh*t, shall we. WHAT THE f*ck IS THE BIG SECRET BETWEEN SHIZUN AND LIU QINGGE!?!?!

User BingGetSome: ^ THIS.

User Peerless_Cucumber: That is the big question. It has to be significant, to change the entire dynamic between the characters. Especially when you consider how protective the Liu siblings were of Shen Qingqiu during the meeting.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Oof, that scene was brutal. I felt so bad for Shen Qingqiu.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: It does explain a lot about Shen Qingqiu's general... well, everything. If I had saved the sect from a demon invasion and gotten that as thanks, I'd be pretty pissy too.

User PunishMeShizun: Same. What do you say Cucumber - do you still think Shizun is the villain? 'Cause he certainly felt more like a victim the way Qi Qingqi went after him there.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I can't believe I'm putting this in writing, but... I might have been wrong.

User BingGetSome: (　〇□〇）I knew the world was ending, I just didn't think it would be so soon.

User Demon.Daddy69: I'm proud of you man. Admitting you were wrong is the first step to recovery.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I said I MIGHT have been wrong.

User PunishMeShizun: WOOP, there it is.

User lostmyhairymarbles: And we were so close too.

User Demon.Daddy69: Don't worry bro, relapses are to be expected. We'll get you there eventually.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Yeah, I wouldn't hold my breath on that.

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu's first instinct was to retreat and regroup. He had entered the confrontation firmly in control of both the situation and himself, and yet a single sentence had put him on the back foot. It would be all too easy to reach out and slam Shang Qinghua's head onto the desk to knock him out. He could return to the bamboo cottage and assimilate the new knowledge that he was not entirely alone in his bizarre experience of returning to the past.

He ignored the impulse. He had too little information, and knew his own tendencies well. He would only end up thinking in circles, descending into an anxiety spiral that would likely end with a qi deviation. There were few things he despised more than working with an incomplete information set, especially when answers were readily available.

First: clarification.

"If Shang-shidi would be so kind as to elaborate. What exactly is he asking whether this master remembers?" Shen Qingqiu currently held the advantage between the two; he would be the one asking questions, not answering them.

Inhaling deeply, Shang Qinghua visibly quashed his emotions and regained some composure. Lips pulling to the side into a wry grimace, he did Shen Qingqiu the favor of getting straight to the point. "You know about my demon problem, Shen-shixiong. I'd say it's only fair I know about yours."

Leaning back from where he'd been looming over the shorter man, Shen Qingqiu feigned confusion. "This master was unaware he had a... demon problem."

"Oh? Shen-shixiong claims ignorance of his disciple's true nature?"

"Illuminate this master; to which disciple are you referring?"

Sharp eyes caught and held his own evenly. "Luo Binghe, the half-heavenly demon menace destined to rise as Emperor and conquer the Three Realms beneath his banner."

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes and breathed.

I'm not trapped in one of the demon's illusions. I haven't been driven insane by a qi deviation. I'm not alone in this ridiculous situation - someone else remembers.

"Ah." He said out loud, ruthlessly repressing his own reactions. "That demon problem."

"Shen-shixiong is welcome to join me for a drink." Shang Qinghua stood up from behind his desk, his posture devoid of its previous apprehension. He paid the toppled paperwork covering the floor no mind as he made his way to a previously overlooked exit in the corner of the room. "It appears we have a great deal to talk about."

"Yes," Shen Qingqiu agreed as he followed, mind turning over the implications of the other man referring to their respective demons as 'problems.' "I believe we do."

In contrast to the chaotic mess of his office, Shang Qinghua's private quarters were both tidy and cozy. The An Ding Peak Lord had eschewed a lofty image in favor of comfort; there were plenty of plush pillows and blankets in a variety of reds and browns, and the qi lanterns glowed warmly beneath silk shades. It made the setting feel almost intimate as they sat down on opposite sides of a sturdy, squat table, each peak lord evaluating the other in a cautious standoff.

Unsurprisingly, it was Shang Qinghua who broke first, heaving a weary sigh. "Let's just skip past all the clever jabs and wordplay. We both remember what happened in the past - or future, whichever - and we're better off working together if we want to stand any chance of preventing it from happening again."

"Shang-shidi wants to prevent the demon's domination over Cang Qiong Mountain sect and the rest of the human realm? This master never would have suspected." Shen Qingqiu's tone was waspish, not trusting the traitor in the slightest. "Or is Shang Qinghua going to pretend he wasn't the one who snuck the demons past the sect defenses for a second time?"

"It's not like I had much choice in the matter." Shang Qinghua studied him, lips pursed pensively. "But we'll get to that. When did you first come back? Liu Qingge is still alive, so it had to be at least a few years."

Though he disliked his question being pushed aside, Shen Qingqiu could acknowledge the benefits of establishing a basic timeline. "Shortly before I entered seclusion, yes. Apparently I developed a fever after a qi deviation and was unconscious for several days before waking with memories of a different life. One in which I had just successfully committed suicide by swallowing the shards of Xuan Su, so I'm sure you can imagine that waking to Zhangmen-shixiong's hovering was quite disorienting."

Shang Qinghua had the decency to wince. "sh*t. So that's how you died. Junshang," his voice lilted sardonicly over the title, "never was very forthcoming about how it happened."

"He had no reason to be. He meant to cause pain, not hand me a means of escape. My death was a failure of foresight on his part." Shen Qingqiu dismissed the matter quickly. He didn't want to think about his time in the water prison; thanks to the system and its 'punishment protocol', it was a constant threat being held over his head.

He shook his head, dispelling the unpleasant memories. "And you? How did you come back?"

"It's probably insensitive of me to say, but I really envy you, Shixiong." Shang Qinghua leaned to the side to open a cabinet, pulling out several sealed jars. While unlabeled, the distinct color and finish revealed their contents as one of Zui Xian's most potent liquors, designed specifically for immortals that could filter out the effects of alcohol. Shen Qingqiu abruptly recalled Ning Yingying's previous comment about Shang Qinghua's day drinking. "You died on your own terms, and had the fortune of arriving here just before the important stuff. This lowly one wasn't nearly so lucky."

"If I was lucky, I would have arrived before selecting Luo Binghe for Qing Jing Peak." Shen Qingqiu pointed out, watching his Shidi open the first jar and take a healthy swig, not bothering with a cup. This is maybe... a little concerning.

"Arriving earlier wouldn't have helped, believe me." Shang Qinghua paused, eyes unfocusing as he stared at nothing. "You know, I was around long enough to see the fallout of the joining of the realms. It wasn't pretty - I'm almost grateful I was killed shortly afterward."

"Did the rest of our dear martial siblings finally discover your treachery?" Shen Qingqiu asked curiously. Perhaps the incident with Qi Qingqi earlier had spoiled him; he was eager to hear about someone else facing the other peak lords' ire.

"Yes, but they aren't the ones that killed me. That honor went to Mobei-jun." Shang Qinghua's expression darkened with bitterness. He threw his head back and gulped down what had to be the rest of the wine before continuing. "Once I was discovered, he had no further use for me after all. Might even call it a mercy killing." Despite his words, the man's resentment was clear as he glared down into the emptied jar.

"And then you woke up...?" Shen Qingqiu prompted.

A snort. "Not so much woke up as was born. I got sent all the way back, Shen-shixiong - I've had to relive my entire life."

It took a few moments to process the enormity of the horror that revelation invoked. Shen Qingqiu couldn't imagine what he would have done if he had been returned to his childhood, doomed to relive the streets, the Qiu's, Wu Yanzi (Qi-ge's betrayal)... It was possible that he would have killed himself again, if he'd found no opportunity to escape. Better dead than a slave.

Better a rogue cultivator than the most hated peak lord.

"Why would you choose to come back here?" It made no sense. Shen Qingqiu was not ignorant of the many reasons Shang Qinghua had to despise the sect and his martial siblings. Despite being a peak lord, the man was often disrespected and disregarded, more often treated as a servant than a colleague despite the vital role he played in keeping the peaks running smoothly. The two peak lords were similar in this regard; the roles they played were crucial for the sect as a whole, yet they were looked down upon for not meeting their martial siblings' lofty standards.

Which was what made it so unbelievable that Shang Qinghua had returned to the sect and his position as An Ding Peak Lord by choice. Had one lifetime of mistreatment not been sufficient?

"I told you, didn't have a choice in that matter. Being here is part of the 'role' the system gave me."

The f*cking system. Of course. "You hear it too."

Shang Qinghua huffed out a sound that fell several li short of a laugh. "Sounds like you've met our generous benefactor." He reaches for a second jar, tearing off the seal. "Run afoul of any 'rules' yet?"

"Just one." But if there were more, he'd prefer to know them beforehand.

Shang Qinghua dragged his attention from the liquor, intrigued. "That was quick. Took me getting to the sect before I ran into one. What was it?"

"'Protagonist will not die.'" Shen Qingqiu's lips drew back into a snarl. "The protagonist being Luo Binghe. Both allowing him to die by outside factors or attempting to murder him myself are violations and were cut short with prejudice."

"So that's Junshang's role." Shang Qinghua whispered. "Figures."

"What do you mean by 'role'?" Shen Qingqiu was growing impatient. His Shidi clearly had knowledge of the system and how it operated, information that he desperately needed. If the man would just focus on their conversation instead of his drinking habit-

The look Shang Qinghua shot him had his spine stiffening. It was full of jaded pity, the expression of a world-weary teacher imparting a difficult lesson to a particularly naive student.

"Exactly what I said. When we were sent back to this time, we were given a 'role' to play out. It makes sense that Luo Binghe's role is protagonist since he's," Shang Qinghua made an encompassing gesture, barely avoiding spilling the contents of the jar in his hand. "the f*cking center of everything, apparently."

"My role," The man continued after another healthy drink, "is 'Cang Qiong Mountain spy'. While it wasn't stated outright at the time, the roles we are assigned are inescapable. You asked me why I chose to come back to my illustrious position. Short answer is: I didn't."

There was a portentous sense that Shen Qingqiu had become attuned to in his past life. It came in varying degrees, usually appearing as a bad feeling when something outside of his control was about to go upside-down. But occasionally, it would engulf him entirely, a harbinger of imminent disaster. It had been like that before encountering Qi-ge with Wu Yanzi, carrying Liu Qingge's corpse from Ling Xi caves, encountering Luo Binghe five years after pushing him into the Endless Abyss.

He felt it again, as Shang Qinghua continued to speak. Whatever the man was about to say, Shen Qingqiu was very certain he did not want to know.

He was equally certain that he had to know, if he were to have any chance of making it through this second life unbroken.

"I tried so many times to get away from Cang Qiong Mountain. I never went to the selection ceremony; walked straight in the opposite direction when it was time, got as far away as I could manage. I somehow managed to stumble into a nest of long-clawed acid snails." Shang Qinghua scoffed. "I say 'stumbled into', but really the monsters appeared out of nowhere. Just dropped from the heavens onto a perfectly normal path in the woods. My screams drew the attention of an An Ding senior disciple who came and rescued me, then hauled me back to the sect despite my protests. My spiritual root was tested and I was accepted as a disciple the same day."

Shen Qingqiu frowned, perplexed. "So the system intervened to ensure you joined the sect?"

"No way to confirm it since it didn't exactly announce its intentions, but I suspect so. Same thing happened every time I tried to leave. No overt warning or interference, but something would always happen to prevent my departure. Sometimes it was subtle, like an assignment that just had to be completed under supervision the day I planned to leave. Sometimes ridiculous, like a perfectly stable tree suddenly falling on top of me and breaking my leg. It didn't take long for me to catch on even without the system screaming in my ear; I wasn't going anywhere."

The warm, welcoming room suddenly felt colder, the shadows lingering in its corners appearing almost menacing. "Then, with the demons..."

"Tried like hell to avoid the mission where I first met Mobei-jun. I even poisoned myself - ate a handful of ruby-skinned lantern fruit leaves. I bet on the fact that it would take a few days to retrieve the antidote, and I would be laid up in Qian Cao in the meantime."

"But that isn't what happened." It wasn't a question.

"Mission got changed - the healers were worried the journey there and back would take too long, and my cultivation might be irreparably damaged by the wait. They loaded me up in a carriage and took me with them so they could administer the antidote as soon as the correct flower was located. I'm sure you can infer the rest; once I was healed and we were returning to the sect, Mobei-jun appeared. He killed the healers and other disciples, and my choices were to serve him or die." His knuckles whitened around his drink. "Not that my choice mattered, in the end."

They sat in loaded silence for a time while Shen Qingqiu digested everything his martial brother had told him. It painted a grim picture of the man's life up to this point, and revealed the system to be even more insidious than he had previously suspected. To have the power to bend reality to its will in such a way...

How did one even attempt to fight such a being?

"So..." Shang Qinghua cut his contemplation short, idly picking up a third jar. "I know this is a lot to process. And I'm not trying to throw stones down a well, but I think it's best to get everything out in the open." In contrast to his mild tone, the man's eyes were cutting when he glanced across the table, showing no signs of inebriation despite having imbibed two jars of Immortal-grade wine. "What role were you assigned by the system?"

Shen Qingqiu blinked. "I don't know. When did your system tell you?"

"It should have been at the very beginning, when you first woke up here. Think back: what were the system's exact words?"

Shen Qingqiu attempted to recall the details of his return. It was difficult; so much had happened in a relatively short amount of time, and he'd been distracted by the novelty of not being dead. He hadn't exactly been in a position to take notes.

"It talked about an activation code that triggered the system." He thought out loud, tapping a finger against his lips absently. "Then something about a fulfilling experience and achieving happiness." What a load of rot.

Shang Qinghua's derisive snort expressed a similar opinion of the sentiment.

"Then it said..." He closed his eyes, brow furrowing in concentration. "It said..."

It came back to him in a rush:

[System activation successful! Resuming role: Luo Binghe's master, Cang Qiong Mountain sect, Qing Jing Peak, Peak Lord 'Shen Qingqiu.' Weapon: Xiu Ya Sword.]

His eyes snapped open, face slackening in abject horror.

"'Luo Binghe's master.'" He croaked, meeting Shang Qinghua's stare. "My role is 'Luo Binghe's master.'"

Wordlessly, Shang Qinghua slid a jar across the table. Shen Qingqiu received it, despite usually avoiding alcohol. Now he understood all too well what sort of mental burden had driven the An Ding Peak Lord to drink.

Luo Binghe's f*cking master. No wonder that I failed to get rid of the beast, if this is the role I am bound to play.

Shen Qingqiu tore at the seal, ripping it off with a vicious twist. Foregoing all manners, he tossed his head back and nearly inhaled the wine, finishing the jar in short order. He slammed it down hard enough to crack it on one side, ruining it for future use. Shang Qinghua didn't comment, though he emanated an air of commiseration.

"So that's it?" Shen Qingqiu grit out belligerently. "We're required to stay within our roles and play out this farce of a- what? Coming-of-age tale? Yellow book adventure romance? Hero's journey?!" His lips curled into a mocking sneer. "All so Luo Binghe can fulfill his destiny and rise to Emperor of the realms. What kind of self-absorbed pandering idiot would consider Luo Binghe a hero after everything he's done?!"

(In an entirely separate dimension, Shen Yuan sneezed.)

"It's not like I disagree, Shen-shixiong, but what other choice do we have? Since you already attempted to kill Luo Binghe, I'm assuming you know the consequences of breaking the rules."

"The 'punishment protocol'. I am unfortunately familiar. Between it and the 'protagonist halo', it's a miracle I haven't been driven into a deviation."

"'Protagonist halo?'" Shang Qinghua's eyebrows shot up. "That's a new one for me. What exactly does it entail?"

Shen Qingqiu eyed the remaining pots next to his martial sibling, considering whether or not to take a second one. "It acts as a form of divine protection, negating any outside attempts on the beast's life. I have no clear indication that it has limits to what it can protect against, but I'm not eager to test them either; I suspect it has no concept of collateral damage."

"That does explain why you protected the boy from the Elder Demon. I'd wondered."

"What, you couldn't imagine that I discovered some underlying protective instinct?" Shen Qingqiu smirked.

"It did seem far-fetched, though not entirely impossible." Shang Qinghua's mouth twitched. "You did spare Liu-shidi's life this time, after all."

Any comradery Shen Qingqiu had been feeling was doused in an instant. So even he believes I murdered Liu Qingge in the past life. Why am I even surprised?

"This master is indeed not predisposed to mercy." He retrieved his fan from his belt and flipped it open, resuming his usual remote demeanor. "Allowing Liu Qingge to live was a strategic move against the demon, nothing more."

"No, sh*t, don't do that-" Shang Qinghua dropped his head into his hands, groaning. "I f*cked up. Don't poke the towering night bear, I get it. You didn't kill Liu Qingge in our last life, and in this one you managed to save him. I know, so stop with the heartless, untouchable immortal act."

Temper rising, Shen Qingqiu snapped back: "If you know, then why did you say it?"

"BECAUSE I'M AN ASSHOLE, ALRIGHT?" Shang Qinghua threw his arms up, upsetting a few (thankfully unopened) jars next to him. One rolled under the table, and Shen Qingqiu shifted over to catch it with a leg, hiding his acquisition with a long, billowing sleeve. "I wanted to see whether you would finally deny it, or just let me think the worst of you." An accusing finger was leveled at his face, tempting him to lean forward and bite. "Why don't you ever defend yourself, when people accuse you of sh*t you didn't do?!"

"It's not my job to correct the misconceptions of the mentally challenged." Shen Qingqiu informed him flatly. "And I don't actually care about how most people perceive me; having a reputation as a 'heartless, untouchable immortal' actually works in my favor most of the time."

"Except when it doesn't, like when you're accused of murdering a martial sibling in cold blood." Shang Qinghua argued.

Shen Qingqiu nodded begrudgingly, conceding the point. "Regardless, that particular issue has been handled. Liu Qingge is alive and as bullheaded as ever; he will be an asset to fighting the demon conquest."

"And he owes you a life debt. That could be useful." Shang Qinghua mused. "Still, it doesn't resolve our main problem."

"Luo Binghe." Shen Qingqiu spat the name like the most vile curse.

"Luo Binghe." Shang Qinghua echoed with a nod. "What gambit are you running there? You haven't had much time with him, but he's already too inconsistent with the boy I remember. Much more..."

"Genteel? Respectful? Devoted?" His nose wrinkled in distaste. "Like most beasts, Luo Binghe is lacking in the intelligence department. It was easy to... modify his impression of this master and his experiences on Qing Jing Peak. Though I admit, the depth of his new attachment was unforeseen."

"It's not a bad outcome though. As long as you remain in his good graces, he'll have no reason to come after you."

"So your suggested strategy moving forward is to... play nice with the heavenly demon hiding itself among my human disciples? Do I even need to list all the ways that could backfire?" His fan fluttered, exposing his agitation. "Besides, I see one large Endless Abyss-shaped hole in this plan. Unless you've come up with a way to avoid the demonic incursion on the Immortal Alliance Conference?"

The grimace following his question spoke volumes.

"Luo Binghe has already learned the truth of his heritage and begun training in the demonic path. And do not start with me," He slashed his fan, halting whatever complaints were about to spew forth. "There was nothing I could do to prevent it. The beast is playing host for the Dream Demon; Meng Mo is far too experienced in his craft to be exposed by the rudimentary tests we could get away with performing. And that's if the system would allow us to interfere in the first place."

"That sounds about right." Shang Qinghua agreed with his assessment sourly. "There are certain events that the system considers mandatory for the 'progression of the plot'. The demon invasion yesterday was one of them - it's likely that Luo Binghe's pact with Meng Mo is as well. Trying to avoid them is against another 'rule'."

"Of course it is. Following that logic, we can assume that Luo Binghe's sojourn in the Endless Abyss is inevitable. Whether I will be compelled to push him into it once more is the question."

"For the record," Shang Qinghua stated quietly, avoiding eye contact. "I know pushing him was the only reasonable choice you had. Even if you'd killed him outright, Cang Qiong Mountain would have faced scrutiny for sheltering a demon for years. Huan Hua would have blamed the sect for the attack and deaths during the conference - it would have been a sh*tshow."

It still was one, in the end. Shen Qingqiu's actions had bought the sect five years, barely a footnote in the long life of an immortal master. Would things have ended differently, had he chosen to run the beast through after discovering his demonic heritage? Pushing him into the abyss had been an act of mercy, in a sense, though an unintentional one; Luo Binghe had kept his life, though of course the demon would never see it that way. He was Shen Qingqiu, the ruthless scum villain, incapable of even the smallest act of kindness.

But any speculation about what could have been was irrelevant. That life was behind him - and the current one was being directed by the whims of an unknown, all-powerful being. If specific events were truly immutable, Shen Qingqiu was just going to have to find a way to work around them.

The system's rules could not be broken, but that did not mean they couldn't be bent.

"We have no means of determining the full scope of the system's abilities without inviting more punishment, so we'll have to work within the parameters we've already been provided." He closed his fan and used it to strike the surface of the table. The loud clack startled Shang Qinghua into attention, their eyes meeting and holding. "Before we go any farther, we need to establish an understanding. Shang Qinghua, can I trust that you are an ally against the demons and will help me to prevent their domination over humans in the future?"

"You can." Shang Qinghua's face creased with regret. "I never intended - the situation grew out of control, last time. And after Junshang joined the realms-" he shuddered at the recollection. "No, it can't be allowed to happen again. I'm with you in this, Shen-shixiong."

"Allies it is then." Shen Qingqiu was not entirely convinced of his Shidi's allegiance, but an ally against the demon - against the system - was desperately needed. He'd just have to keep a close watch on the man, at least until he was more confident of his loyalty to the cause.

"Allies." Shang Qinghua toasted him with yet another jar, before taking several large swallows. Shen Qingqiu watched in judgmental silence, unimpressed.

"Do I need to be concerned about this dependence of yours? You won't be of much use to me if you're constantly inebriated."

"Pei! My tolerance is remarkable. I can't even remember the last time I managed to get drunk."

"Doesn't that just prove how excessive you've become?"

"Hey, Shen-shixiong has only been here for three years, and most of that was spent in seclusion. Hang around a while longer and see if you remain above the red dust of the mortal world."

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes. "Are you sober enough to help me come up with a plan, or should I return at a later date? This master would be thrilled to accommodate your habit - it's not as though we're discussing anything of importance, after all."

"Fine." Shang Qinghua relented to his martial brother's complaints. He grumbled under his breath, closely resembling a henpecked husband bowing to his wife's demands. He gathered the remaining wine and shut it back into the cabinet, missing the one Shen Qingqiu had spirited into his sleeve. "Work now, drink later. Let me get my writing tools."

Over the course of the next hours, the peak lords managed to settle on a basic list of objectives moving forward.

"So, we agree that our ultimate goal is to prevent the human realms from being dominated by Luo Binghe and his demon followers?"

"Given that there's little we can do to prevent his rise to prominence among the demons themselves, I'd say it's the most realistic goal. We can both recognize that the revelation of his heavenly demon blood is inevitable; if we are forced to stick to the previous series of events, we at least have a timeframe in which to complete preparations."

"Fair enough. The most important thing is to maintain Maintain Cang Qiong Mountain sect's supremacy among the Four Great Sects. Since Shen-shixiong managed to save Liu-shidi this time, that shouldn't be very difficult."

"Quite. Keeping the brute and Zhangmen-shixiong alive and in fighting condition for when the demon returns will be key in deterring any advances. Luo Binghe didn't dare to face Xuan Su in open battle; if the Sect Leader is further supported by the Bai Zhan War God, he'll be even more wary of engaging with the sect."

"Two warriors won't be enough, no matter how outstanding." Shang Qinghua pointed out. "The average demon is leagues more powerful than the average disciple, and we can't rely on the other sects to put their necks out to stand with us. Hell, let's just plan for Huan Hua to ally with Luo Binghe again and save some time."

"So we need to enact broader measures to prepare the sect members for war as well." Shen Qingqiu clicked his tongue in pique. "I already planned to advance my disciples' training, so I may as well look into ways to specialize their curriculum as well. It's how we'll utilize the less martially inclined peaks that concerns me."

"We can start with the improvements to security you mentioned earlier, even if you were talking out your ass. No one would find it suspicious if the changes were specifically suited to warding against demons in the wake of a demon invasion. I'll draft a proposal to recruit other peaks for their implementation, since An Ding is currently overwhelmed by requests. It would be a way to subtly expose the disciples to basic demon repulsion methods."

"It's a start, but hardly enough to protect them against more than the lowest demon footsoilder."

"I assure you, I'm uniquely aware of that fact. But short of meddling in the other peaks' training methods - because that would go over swimmingly - I don't see what else we can do."

I have an idea. I just hate it with every fiber of my being.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Shen Qingqiu surrendered to the inevitable. "Get out the alcohol."

"What." Shang Qinghua squinted at him, incredulous. "Why?"

"Because I'm going to need it for what I'm about to propose."

An incense stick and three emptied jars later, Shen Qingqiu finally brought himself to speak the dreaded words.

"I think we need to establish more inter-peak collaboration for training and missions."

Shang Qinghua choked, spraying wine all over his meticulous notes. Shen Qingqiu waited out the coughing fit by breaking the seal on a fourth jar.

"You can't be serious." His Shidi rasped out. "You realize what you're suggesting?!"

"Mn. Spending more time with our honorable martial siblings. I'm aware." His mouth pulled into a pained grimace. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Sacrifices must be made. Whatever other trite saying makes the situation more palatable for you."

"Not possible. f*ck." Shang Qinghua scowled down at his ruined notes, using a sleeve to blot at the wet spots without much success. "You're right, because of course you are - it's the best way to get access to disciples and supplement their training. There just isn't enough alcohol in the world to make it sound appealing."

"If it's any consolation, you probably won't have to participate much. An Ding's time will be better spent on bolstering sect defenses. You also need to find ways to circumvent the system’s requirements; even the best security measures will be useless if you're forced to disable them."

There was a loud thunk from the An Ding Peak Lord's head hitting the table. "And what about you?" Came the muffled question. "You're stuck with Luo Binghe as your disciple. What's your big plan for dealing with that?"

Shen Qingqiu made a very rude gesture indeed, though his Shidi didn't even look up to see it. "I'll figure something out, mind your own business." He leaned back, bracing himself with his arms as he stared up at the ceiling, which was slightly blurry. "f*ck Yue Qingyuan for training the brat while I was gone. Who the f*ck does he think he is anyway? Overbearing bastard."

Shang Qinghua laughed. "I've never heard Shen-shixiong swear before tonight, truly an auspicious occasion. What is the deal between you two anyway?"

"Not telling." His tone was not petulant, he would swear it on his final breath.

"Fine, keep your secrets." Cheek pressed against the table, his Shidi tried to grab one of Shen Qingqiu's jars that was just out of reach. His hand made grabbing motions as he whined: "Shixiong, help your poor Shidi."

He thought about it for a moment before nudging the jar even further away. "No. Shidi is a dirty traitor and deserves to suffer. Suffer."

The outstretched arm fell with a pitiful whimper. "Shixiong is so mean. Why is Shixiong so mean?"

Shen Qingqiu sniffed, offended. "This master could be meaner, if Shidi wants."

"I know." Shang Qinghua's voice lost all traces of whining, becoming surprisingly serious. "If Shen-shixiong were really mean, he would have immediately turned me in to the sect leader. He probably would have believed you, this time."

Sinking down to lie on the floor, Shen Qingqiu fixed his gaze on the ceiling once more and refused to acknowledge the burning sensation in his eyes. It was an effect of the alcohol, that was all.

"The biggest mistakes this master ever made all involved relying on Yue Qingyuan." He let his eyes slip closed as his vision began to blur and spin all at once. "I never intend to do so again."

Shang Qinghua mumbled and cursed in solidarity. "f*ck them all anyway. Not like they'd go through all this trouble for us."

Probably not. Shen Qingqiu thought. Breath slowing, he felt his body relax as he drifted on the edge of sleep. His muddled mind suddenly recalled the sound of a fist meeting wood, the crash of a splintering table.

"Shixiong, I'm sorry."

Liu-shidi’s voice followed him into his dreams, calm and quiet and gentle.

Shen Qingqui woke to a crash, the sound resonating through his head like a war drum. Hands clutching his temples, he let out a wretched moan, his entire body feeling like an exposed nerve. He'd gotten drunk before down at the Warm Red Pavillion, but never to the degree of the previous night, and never on Zui Xian wine. The difference between the usual hangover and his current state was stark.

"Sorry." Shang Qinghua croaked miserably from where he'd fallen off the table, smashing an empty jar in the process. "The morning after a binge is always rough, especially if you're not used to it."

"You're insane for putting yourself through this more than once." He turned over at a glacial pace, trying not to disturb his already rolling stomach. Whatever dignity he had left would not survive being sick on the floor of his martial brother's house. "I'm never touching alcohol again." He swore, meaning every word.

"That's what they all say." Shang Qinghua levered himself to his feet, stumbling towards a door Shen Qingqiu assumed led to the kitchen. "I think I've got some hangover cures from Mu-shidi left, just hang on."

"Drunkard." Shen Qingqiu grumbled, but obediently stayed put.

Shang Qinghua returned shortly, carrying a couple of Qian Cao vials. "They're a bit old, so probably not as effective. Should still take the edge off though."

He drank it without complaint (though he had a few), desperate for even a small reprieve from the pounding in his skull. His Shidi's assessment was correct; while his headache and nausea persisted, they were at least manageable. He still had the urge to grab his fan and beat the man black and blue on principle.

A f*cking warning would have been nice.

Shang Qinghua was saved from his Shixiong's wrath by a loud knock on his office door. Exchanging a look, Shen Qingqiu remained in place while the An Ding Peak Lord returned to his public office to receive his visitor.

He heard a young girl's voice chirp out a greeting. "Good morning Shizun! This disciple was sent to inform you that the monthly supplies are ready to be distributed!

"Hello Feng-er." Shang Qinghua's address was notably less enthusiastic than his disciple's. "Thank you for letting me know; I'll be along to sign off on the shipments shortly."

"Was Shizun drinking again?" The girl's tone was chiding. Shen Qingqiu blinked in amazement; none of the Qing Jing Peak disciples would ever be so bold as to question their master in such a fashion. Shang-shidi, what kind of hooligans are you raising here on An Ding? This is why none of our martial siblings will give you face! How can anyone take a master who is scolded by his own disciples seriously?

"This master would appreciate if Feng-er would leave him some face." Shang Qinghua reflected his Shixiong's thoughts, clearly unamused. "Make yourself useful and help me find the shipping inventory records."

"What happened?!" The disciple sounded appalled, probably noticing the mess of papers from the fallen stack. The peak lords had forgotten all about it; a particularly unlucky disciple would likely be tasked with organizing after Shen Qingqiu slipped out.

"Never mind that. Just gather all the papers and I'll have someone come organize them later."

For a few kè there was only the sound of shuffling papers and low grumbles, and Shen Qingqiu allowed himself to relax. In retrospect, that had been a mistake.

There was the sound of fluttering paper, and a single sheet of paperwork blew into the room, chased closely by a young girl in An Ding Peak robes. She froze at the sight of the Qing Jing Peak Lord, eyes going round with shock at his presence in her Shizun's private quarters.

Feeling paralyzed himself, Shen Qingqiu could only stare in mute horror as the girl took in his unkempt appearance, the empty wine jars surrounding him, the two empty vials of hangover cure on the table.

Shang Qinghua stumbled in a moment later. "Feng-er, this master can explain!"

Shen Qingqiu heard his dignity die screaming.

"Just let me threaten her. I'm very threatening, ask anybody."

Shang Qinghua had extracted his disciple from the back room post-haste, but the damage had been done. The girl had seen too much and needed to be handled; if his Shidi was too soft to manage the job, then it was up to him.

"You are not threatening Feng-er, she's twelve and barely half your height." Shang Qinghua argued, regretting all the choices that had led him to this moment.

"Exactly. She's a twelve-year-old girl - the only thing she likes more than pretty jewelry and small animals is gossip." Shen Qingqui refused to be swayed. His black reputation had taken more than a few hits, all in a single day: saved the sect, treated his disciples well, got along with Liu Qingge, drank with his Shidi. What fluffy nonsense could he expect next? At the rate it was going, he may as well start handing out candy and complimenting his disciples' every accomplishment - how could he be expected to remain properly intimidating in the face of such slander?!

"You're ridiculous." His Shidi informed him, quite unfairly. "I can handle my own disciple."

DOUBT. Shen Qingqiu glared menacingly. Shang Qinghua was unmoved.

It was terribly unfair, and only proved Shen Qingqiu's point. Just last night, he'd had the An Ding Peak Lord cowering behind his desk, terrified of his merciless retribution. One night of drinking together and suddenly his threats were shrugged off like nothing.

"You'd better. Don't think I won't take any new rumors out of your hide." He hissed angrily as he turned to leave, determined to get in the last word. He had just stepped onto Xiu Ya when his Shidi called out behind him.

"Better hurry before another disciple spots you."

Bastard! Sleep with one eye open Shang Qinghua, I'll get you back for this if it's the last thing I do!

Thankfully most of Qing Jing Peak was occupied with chores or classes by the time Shen Qingqiu returned, so it was easy to navigate back to the bamboo cottage without being seen. He desperately needed a bath and a change of clothes; he didn't want to contemplate the current state of his hair. Entering the clearing where his house resided, he was pulled up short.

A massive dead monster was laid carefully on his doorstep, blocking the entrance.

"Ah, Shizun..."

He turned slightly to see Ming Fan, standing awkwardly next to the beast, carrying what was presumably meant to be Shen Qingqiu's breakfast. The peak lord's stomach flipped sickeningly at the thought of eating, and he swallowed down a mouthful of bile.

I refuse to vomit in front of my head disciple. I must preserve what little face I have left.

"Ming Fan. What is the meaning of this?"

"Liu-shishu dropped it off just now Shizun. He said the horns and liver would be good for your cultivation." Ming Fan was avoiding his eyes for some reason. It made the entire conversation more awkward than it already was.

(The peak lord had no concept of how the scene looked from the outside. He had not returned to his peak last night, only arriving in the morning visibly disheveled in the previous day's robes. The war god had arrived shortly before him, leaving a beast he had personally hunted and killed as a gift. He'd seemed embarrassed to be seen, rushing away after shouting his message to Ming Fan, who’d been standing at the edge of the clearing.

Could it be any more obvious that the two had spent the night together and he was witnessing the morning after? How was Ming Fan meant to look his Shizun in the eye after being fed such dogfood?!)

Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat. "Leave the tray and send someone to clean this up. You're dismissed."

Ming Fan passed over the tray with relief, leaving as quickly as he could manage without being rude. Shen Qingqiu stared after him, puzzled by the hasty retreat. Perhaps Liu Qingge had done something alarming as he dropped off the beast; Shen Qingqiu wouldn't put it past the oblivious idiot.

Stupid brute, leaving bloody carcasses next to my house. Does he really think I'll tolerate his nonsense? Shen Qingqiu dodged around the steel-snapping horned dog to enter the cottage. Setting the tray to the side, he raised his arms into a long stretch, groaning as his spine slipped back into alignment. He wasn't young anymore, and it had been a long time since he'd curled up on a hard floor to sleep. He grabbed a change of clothes and his comb, planning to have a good, long soak in the Cold Pool before attempting anything more productive.

He deserved it; he'd had a very busy night.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Oh, you can leave that one Ning-shijie, I've got it."

Ning Yingying's cheeks puffed out angrily in response to Luo Binghe's offer. Instead of leaving the box, she stacked two more on top of it before lifting all three to carry back to the storerooms behind the kitchens. Luo Binghe could only sigh as she walked away, ignoring the An Ding disciples' admiring stares at her physical strength.

He didn't know what he had done to offend his once warm Shijie so terribly, but she didn't seem inclined to get over it any time soon.

Grabbing his own load from the cart, he followed behind her to restock Qing Jing Peak's supplies for the month. Just a few more loads and they would be done, despite the An Ding disciples showing more interest in gossiping than, oh, doing their job.

This is why no one takes An Ding Peak seriously!

Several trips later, and all that was left was an oversized crate that neither disciple would be able to lift on their own. Moving to opposite sides, they heaved and managed to lift the crate between them, moving carefully down the loading ramp so they didn't overbalance. All the while, the An Ding disciples chattered away without a care.

"I'm telling you, I heard it directly from A-Feng herself!"

"She's very young Shidi, maybe she was mistaken?"

"How could she be mistaken about the identity of that one?! I'm telling you, it was definitely Peak Lord Shen-"

Luo Binghe came to an abrupt stop, nearly toppling himself, Ning Yingying, and the crate they carried.

"Luo-shidi, what the hell?!" He barely registered Ning Yingying's indignant cry, all of his attention focused on the conversation behind him.

"But why would Shizun and Shen-shibo be drinking together? It's not like they're friends." The older girl was openly skeptical of her Shidi's outrageous claims.

Ning Yingying had fallen silent, probably eavesdropping on the disciple's conversation as well.

"A-Feng saw it with her own eyes Shijie! Shen-shibo was sitting in Shizun's private rooms, and there were empty wine jars everywhere. She even said he seemed upset that she had seen him, and that Shizun shooed her out really quickly afterward!"

Luo Binghe's knuckles went white as his grip tightened, and he suddenly felt lightheaded. Had Shizun really spent last night drinking with Shang-shishu?

"What nonsense are you spouting? Is this how An Ding disciples behave, spreading rumors about our teacher on his own peak? Shameless!"

Sometimes Dashixiong had really good timing; it was probably one of the reasons he'd been chosen as head disciple. Luo Binghe released the breath he'd been holding as Ming Fan proceeded to chew out the pair of gossips. A jostle from Ning Yingying had them moving again, and they were setting down the crate and going to report the delivery complete in short order.

"Dashixiong! We're all done!" Ning Yingying bounced over to head disciple, Luo Binghe following behind her at a more sedate pace.

"Ah, yes, thank you Shimei." Ming Fan acknowledged her words, but he was obviously distracted. His eyes kept drifting towards the bamboo forest, before he forcefully wrenched them away.

Luo Binghe didn't like it. The only thing in the bamboo forest was Shizun's house, and after what they'd just overheard...

"Dashixiong, is it true? What the An Ding disciples were saying..." Luo Binghe trailed off, a bit uncomfortable. This wasn't the sort of thing he and Ming Fan spoke about; while their relationship had improved greatly over the past three years, they weren't close enough to engage in casual conversation, let alone scandalous gossip about their Shizun.

"What?" Ming Fan's eyes snapped to Luo Binghe from where they had drifted over to the bamboo forest once more. "No, it's impossible that he spent the night drinking with Shang-shishu!"

"Oh." Luo Binghe breathed in relief. "That's good."

"But then where was Shizun last night?" Ning Yingying chimed in, holding a finger to her lips in puzzlement. "He wasn't home when Ying-er came by with his tea."

Ming Fan went tense, eyes darting every which way as his face turned red. "Ah... well. T-that is, he... Shizun was..."

Luo Binghe had never heard Ming Fan stumble over his words like this, and suddenly felt a lot less relieved that Shizun hadn't spent the night drinking.

"Ming Fan." His voice came out low and demanding, maybe even a little scary. "Where was Shizun last night?"

Ming Fan winced.

"I think, Shizun may have spent the night... with Liu-shishu?"

"HE WHAT?!?!"

Luo Binghe's exclamation echoed to the farthest corners of Qing Jing Peak.

User BingGetSome: Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on a second. Is this confirmation? Are Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge actually together?!

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: I mean, maybe? Dunno man, seems like most of our information is hearsay at this point, I'd take it all with a grain of salt.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: It does kind of fit though - I mean, what else could the big secret the two are keeping be? Obviously they dual cultivated in seclusion and are pursuing a romantic relationship together.

User Peerless_Cucumber: For the sake of our collective IQ, please remove the shipper glasses and look at what's actually going on in front of you. Golden Finger is correct; all we've heard so far is gossip from unreliable sources.

User PunishMeShizun: Is Ming Fan really an unreliable source though? He doesn't seem the type to spread rumors about his Shizun, he's way too loyal for that.

User Peerless_Cucumber: True, but did Ming Fan say that Shen Qingqiu had spent the night together with Liu Qingge carnally, or just that they had been together? Think people! There are plenty of other, more interesting explanations than that they spent the night on papapa!

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Well I think that's the most interesting way they could have spent the night...

User YingYingGirly: Oh, what if both sets of rumors are correct? Maybe both Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge spent the night at An Ding Peak - they were the ones who fought off the demon invasion after all. Maybe they wanted to review the sect's defenses and just ended up having a boy's night instead?

User Peerless_Cucumber: See? Perfectly reasonable explanation for the known facts.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Think what you want you hater. I know true love will prevail in the end!

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Aaaaaaaand I just realized what Liu Mingyan reminded me of.

User MingyanMyGoddess: Oh? What's that? ( ⚈ワ⚈) *excited*

User Cultivate-This-Noob: ...Know what? Don't worry about it. Not important.

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

After giving himself the afternoon to recover from his unexpected drinking binge - and the unfortunate revelations that had inspired it - Shen Qingqiu had set to work with the tenacity of a warbling badger rook defending its young. Considering his current subject of preoccupation, the comparison was perhaps a bit more on the nose than he intended.

Currently the peak lord lurked in the back of one of Qing Jing's classrooms, secretly observing his disciples as they practiced calligraphy under the watchful eyes of a hallmaster. They had been given a passage from Shih Ching to copy to the best of their ability. The exercise was meant not only as a test of their writing skills, but would also allow him to determine which students were capable of imbuing the characters with meaning and purpose. Such skills were integral in writing proper talismans and seals, which was the culmination of this particular area of study on his peak. Art was beautiful for its own sake, but within a cultivation sect such pursuits would always have a more practical application as well.

In order to adequately prepare his disciples for events to come, he had been conducting a discreet audit of their classes to determine their levels in the various disciplines offered. All of his inner disciples were enrolled in the core classes required on the peak; while they were not expected to obtain mastery in every area of study, each student was required to be at least proficient in the four arts and Qing Jing Peak's martial style if they wanted to advance their positions. Not everyone had what it took to be an Elder, and those who didn't measure up would eventually be expected to leave the sect and make their own way in the world.

(If he was not confident in his ability to prevent the ruination of the sect in the future, he would dismiss them all from the peak himself. At the very least, the demons would be forced to hunt them down one by one, rather than kill the group in one fatal attack.)

The information he was gathering would allow him to personalize each disciple's training and guide them towards favorable specializations, particularly in regard to combat. Though, he should probably plan on lessons regarding political maneuvering, subterfuge and intelligence gathering, generalized survival skills as well...

Shen Qingqiu had his work cut out for him to shape the spoiled brats under his care into cultivators who could hold their own in a full-blown war against demons. He sincerely hoped they had enjoyed the past years of relative ease; their training was about to become a great deal more rigorous. They would thank him in the end, however often they cursed him in the near future.

No reward worth receiving came without a price. They should be thankful to pay their due in sweat, rather than blood.

Alongside preparing his human students, he also had to contend with the issue of Luo Binghe. The peak lord had no interest in giving the beast more tools with which to survive the Endless Abyss or navigate demonic politics; he would slit his own throat before he imparted skills that could help in the conquest of humanity. Thankfully the beast's single-minded pursuit of martial prowess over the past three years could actually work in Shen Qingqiu's favor. The mongrol was woefully behind in his studies of the four arts, and had demonstrated no enthusiasm for any erudite pastime.

Judging from the beast's pitiful attempts to write anything legible, never mind aesthetically appealing, any improvement would be slow and painstaking. Shen Qingqiu doubted the beast even knew the meanings of all the characters he had been tasked with copying, let alone the source or deeper meaning of the poem.

A performance fit to disgrace the peak of scholars.

It was perfect.

What kind of Shizun would he be if Luo Binghe's inadequacies were left unaddressed? His disciple had fought so hard to remain on Qing Jing Peak, and in doing so had committed himself to the scholar's path. The poor boy was simply held back by his humble background and lack of diligent guidance.

Shen Qingqiu would be remiss in his duty not to refocus his disciple on the more intellectual aspects of his education, rather than a strictly martial path.

Shen Qingqiu allowed himself a nasty grin at his unfortunate student's expense. The hallmaster conducting the lesson, Elder Tao, raised a wry brow at his sad*stic expression. He knew the old bat well enough to see the amusem*nt behind it; she was a firm believer that a kind mother produced a spoiled son. It was a sentiment shared by the majority of Qing Jing's senior staff, all of whom had been carefully selected from the qualified Elders by the peak lord himself.

Whatever unpleasantness Shen Qingqiu might have planned for his disciples, the little brats would find no sympathy among the older generations.

Dismissing the little beast to the back of his mind for the moment, he turned his attention back to the disciples whose progress actually mattered. He would have to hide his true intentions for their training, since he couldn't outright say he was preparing them for inter-species warfare. The wide scope of Qing Jing's subjects would give him plenty of room for maneuvering, and it was within the peak lord's purview to adjust the curriculum as he saw fit.

Ming Fan would be simplest; as head and eventually succeeding disciple, Shen Qingqiu was all but expected to provide private lessons covering any subject matter the he deemed relevant. The young man was also a diligent student, so Shen Qingqiu could trust that independent study would supplement his lessons.

Next was Ning Yingying, who had managed to impress Shen Qingqiu somewhat during his observations. The young woman was not only above-average in calligraphy and painting, which mirrored his previous life, but had come a long way in her cultivation and physical abilities. She was remarkably strong for her smaller stature, and limber - Ming Fan had not been off base calling her the fastest of his martial siblings. With some refinement, she had great potential as a front-line combatant.

I'll have to provide her with a more advanced cultivation manual, perhaps even one with some physical cultivation techniques. Her natural strength and agility are too excellent not to develop.

Ning Yingying had finished her assignment and held the delicately written characters up for her Shijies to admire. Lin Caihui leaned forward obligingly, humming in approval of her friend's efforts.

The young woman was the first disciple he had personally selected for his peak. Somewhat standoffish, she reminded the peak lord of himself with the quiet way she would observe everything around her, intelligent mind churning behind her generally indifferent expression. He had considered appointing her as head disciple before accepting Ming Fan, but her own introverted nature worked against her. She was unwilling to assert herself, and had avoided socializing altogether before Ning Yingying came to the peak and latched onto the girl assigned as her roommate. Still, Lin Caihui was observant and analytical, and was undefeated in Weiqi among the disciples - she could easily translate those skills into battlefield analysis.

On Ning Yingying's other side was Xie Lihua, one of the peak's most prized students. A prodigy in the musical arts, she was known for using a guqin as her primary spiritual tool rather than a sword or some other weapon. Even if the peak lord had wanted to, there would be little point in trying to steer her away from her chosen vocation; she would work better as support than a fighter anyway. He'd assign her to research uses for musical cultivation in combat and give her access to the more advanced library for the project. Her own ambitions would do the rest of the work for him.

A quiet murmur drew his attention away from the female disciples, just to see Ming Fan correcting Han Fangjie on one of his characters. Shen Qingqiu grimaced in distaste. Despite the boy being one of Ming Fan's personal lackeys, the peak lord had never developed any preference for him. Likely because he had been one of the disciples whose family name had bought him a place on Qing Jing Peak.

Han Fangjie was a noble brat through and through, though a simple-natured one. The boy had been sheltered enough to assume that everyone had an equally privileged upbringing as himself, and that his lessons on the peak would be conducted similarly to the instruction he had received at home. Shen Qingqiu had taken great pleasure in disabusing his naive outlook. Thrown adrift by his new experiences, the boy had latched onto Ming Fan as an anchor in Shen Qingqiu's storm, and followed the head disciple's orders assiduously. He was a follower if there ever was one, craving guidance rather than thinking for himself. His allegiance to Ming Fan was the only quality to recommend him to Shen Qingqiu, and his head disciple's fondness was the only reason the blockhead remained on the peak. He'll make a loyal companion for Ming Fan in the future, if nothing else.

Ming Fan's other preferred underling, Dong Qiao, was the color beige given human form. Shen Qingqiu had never met an individual with so little personal identity; at their initial introduction, he'd assumed his blankness to be a mask of some sort, hiding the boy's deeper intentions. It had been both frustrating and humbling to realize that no, the boy actually was that bland and unremarkable. He was, Shen Qingqiu admitted begrudgingly, slightly talented in swordplay, and had a rock-steady cultivation base. He was also the tallest and broadest of all the Qing Jing disciples, though Luo Binghe was destined to pass him up eventually. He doesn't need a personality to act as a human shield. I'll run drills with Ming Fan and both of them in the future, get them used to the idea of playing bodyguards.

A snicker at Han Fangjie 's mistake had both Shen Qingqiu and Elder Tao dart a warning look at the culprit on Ming Fan's other side. Shi Yiren was a troublemaker if there ever was one, and crafty enough to get away with most of his mischief. Shen Qingqiu would be lying if he said he didn't appreciate some of the boy's more clever tricks.

As cunning as his Dashixiong, Shi Yiren did not share his martial brother's more upright qualities. He was a schemer and trickster, and his unscrupulous nature had caused more than a few to turn their noses up at him. From some lower-level noble house on the decline, Shen Qingqiu imagined that the boy likely would have gone on to become a fairly successful con artist had the Peak Lord not seen his potential and decided to take him in. His skills with pranks could be utilized for traps and - to quote Liu Qingge - 'dirty tricks' that would make him an unpredictable opponent. (Shen Qingqiu suspected that the boy's mindset was closer to a demon's than most, which would also make him invaluable for predicting and countering enemy moves.)

Elder Tao rang a bell, signaling the time to complete the assignment was up. Rising to her feet, she walked among the desks to examine the disciples' efforts; for the most part, her face remained either neutral or faintly pleased. She eventually selected Yin Xiaodan's work, holding it up for the rest of the class.

The piece was exquisitely made, each character managing to be both precise and graceful, not that Shen Qingqiu was surprised. Yin Xiaodan was from a noble household that boasted long ties with Qing Jing Peak, and had been instructed in the four arts practically from birth. He had no great talent in the martial arts, but his spiritual abilities made up for it - he was behind only Ming Fan and Luo Binghe in his overall cultivation level.

He had also begun infusing his qi into ink, likely taught by an Elder relative outside his standard classes. The writing contained small amounts of spiritual energy; it was not a fully formed talisman or spell, but helped convey the deeper intentions of the words.

Open wide the door of heaven!

On a black cloud I ride in splendour,

Bidding the whirlwind drive before me,

Causing the rainstorm to lay the dust.

A shiver ran down Shen Qingqiu's spine. The poem chosen for today's lesson resonated deeply. He too must take hold of his own fate; he would not run from the oncoming disaster, but instead find a way to drive it on before him, direct it to his own will.

Shen Qingqiu slipped out the back, none of his disciples showing any awareness of his presence.

Ah, well. Just another skill he'd have to teach them to add to the growing list.

Shen Qingqiu waited for his disciples to assemble for dinner, sitting at the head position of the dining hall. He had concluded his observations and was sufficiently prepared to announce the changes he planned to implement in their training.

Several of his more enthusiastic students burst through the doors, only pulling out of their hunger-driven charge when they saw the Peak Lord seated at the front of the room. Shen Qingqiu never ate in public if he could help it, preferring to have all his meals delivered to the bamboo cottage. There was nothing like adolescent drama - and stench - to put one off their dinner.

He only deviated from his established routine for significant announcements or when one of the hallmasters requested his intervention with the disciples, typically involving a disciplinary matter. So he supposed he couldn't blame the children for displaying some trepidation as they took their seats, frantic whispers flying in an attempt to determine what recent misstep had been egregious enough to warrant their master's presence.

Still, the sheer level of their collective apprehension seemed off that night. It was... suspicious.

Several disciples darted glances his way with what they probably thought was discretion. Every time he met one of the gawking stares, the disciple would jerk their eyes away, face coloring. Ming Fan stared straight forward, not moving to touch his dinner, about as emotive as a statue. Most concerning was Luo Binghe, who was glaring down at his congee with an expression fit to frighten children.

It was puzzling, seeing as how his disciples had all acted normally around the Peak Lord just a few days before. Hell, the brats had displayed less alarm during an actual demon invasion! Shen Qingqiu didn't mind being intimidating, but such an overblown response to his presence was just annoying.

Unable to tolerate the uneasy fidgeting and hushed exchanges any longer, he rapped his fan against the table several times to call the room to order. His disciples fell silent, all attention fixed on the Peak Lord.

"This master has spent the past few days observing his disciples."

Immediately, every back grew a little more rigid, and more than one teen broke out into a sweat. Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. This reaction was just...

Way too suspicious!

Obviously something was going on - something his disciples did not want him to know about. He hadn't seen anything unusual during any of the classes he had observed, but he would keep that to himself. No need to reveal his ignorance of whatever was tying them all in such knots.

If he gave the impression that he already knew his disciples' transgressions, the little brats would be that much easier to break.

"Is there anything disciples would like to tell this master?"

The following silence was oppressive. Shen Qingqiu allowed the tension to build, his expression darkening with every second that passed. He tapped his fan against his palm, signaling his growing impatience.

Heaven's net is wide brats, and like hell any of you can escape its mesh. I'll wait here all night if necessary - one of you unfilial maggots will crack eventually.

It didn't take long for his prediction to prove accurate. One of the more cowardly boys broke quickly enough under the menacing aura the Peak Lord was exuding.

"Shizun, this disciple does not believe the rumors, please do not punish!" Han Fangjie's voice was high and squeaky with fright. The other disciples immediately shushed him, but Shen Qingqiu had heard enough.

A resounding crack rang through the room as Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan apart in rage. It was a shame - he'd quite liked its design, depicting a ruyi surrounded by plum blossoms. Not one disciple dared breathe for fear of drawing the furious Peak Lord's attention.

Another rumor, because apparently no one had anything better to talk about than Shen Qingqiu's personal life.

At least this time he knew exactly who to blame.

Shang Qinghua, you useless drunkard - you'll 'handle it' will you? Pei! Now everyone will assume I'm a lush as well as a lecher. Bastard!

(Unbeknownst to Shen Qingqiu, the most prevalent rumors were not particularly concerned with alcohol consumption, at least not the rumors spreading on Qing Jing Peak. The main point of speculation among his own students was which of his martial brothers the Peak Lord had spent the night with - Shang Qinghua or Liu Qingge.)

(Shi Yiren was taking bets - currently the best odds were on an ill-conceived encounter with the war god followed by a panicked escape to An Ding Peak to drown himself in alcohol and regrets.)

"If disciples have enough time to listen to unfounded gossip, clearly this master is not pushing them hard enough." Shen Qingqiu's voice was pure silk, woven tightly from the finest malice. "How fortunate that this master intended to announce improvements he has made to his students' education, all effective immediately."

Shen Qingqiu took great pleasure watching the light die in every young eye as he went on to describe - in excruciating detail - his changes to the peak's training regimens, additional benchmarks each student was required to meet, as well as revealing that they would each be assigned independent studies on top of their new classes. He felt confident there would be little time or energy to waste on rumors in the coming months, and that he had reminded his disciples exactly why he was widely considered to be heartless.

f*ck Shang Qinghua anyway. It was good to be feared.

Shen Qingqiu exited the dining hall feeling revitalized; his disciples filed out behind him, feeling quite the opposite. There was nothing quite like crushing youthful dreams to improve one's outlook on life.

Doubt my cold-blooded, ruthless nature again brats. I dare you.

He caught the glint of a sword mid-flight from the corner of one eye. Looking up, his mood took an immediate dive at the sight of Liu Qingge flying towards the bamboo grove, loaded down with his latest kill.

Clearly ignoring the previous beasts his Shidi had left wasn't enough to make the problem go away; he should have known better than to expect the hardheaded brute to take a hint.

He would simply have to be more direct with his opposition. Breaking into a sprint, Shen Qingqiu disregarded the alarmed exclamations of his disciples as he bolted towards his cottage, intending to intercept the unwanted delivery.

He entered the clearing just as Liu Qingge descended.

"Stop right there!"

Liu Qingge startled, dropping his latest offering with a disgustingly wet crunch. Shen Qingqiu grit his teeth as blood pooled around the carcass, staining the grass in front of his home for the fourth time that week.

Taken by surprise, Liu Qingge recovered from the unexpected interruption quickly. Still perched on his sword, the war god hovered above Shen Qingqiu, body language all but screaming challenge.

"Shen-shixiong, I've brought you a glass-feathered hydra goose. It's meat is good for stabilizing your foundation-"

"I don't care." Shen Qingqiu said flatly. "Now take it back."

"What?" Liu Qingge's brow furrowed with confusion. "Why?"

"Because I don't want it. Is that really so hard for you to comprehend?"

"But why wouldn't you want it?! The beast is rare and valuable, and it's good for your cultivation!" The war god threw his hands up, unusually expressive. Was Shen Qingqiu's rejection of his 'gifts' really that upsetting?

Good. This meathead is too used to always being in the right - some humbling for the irreproachable Bai Zhan War God is long overdue.

"Then give it to one of our martial siblings or your disciples. Better yet, cook it and eat it yourself, since recent events have proved that your own cultivation is far from infallable."

"That! You-" Liu Qingge cut off whichever of his usual insults was about to fall from his lips. He crossed his arms and jerked his chin to the side, obviously struggling to manage his temper.

So the brute can learn. Too bad for him, I'm neither a kind nor patient teacher.

"Not so pleasant when other people think they have the right to comment on your cultivation, is it?" Shen Qingqiu asked pointedly.

To his credit, Liu Qingge immediately grasped his meaning. Directing his sword down, the war god finally stepped off of Cheng Luan and met Shen Qingqiu on even ground instead of looming over him like an asshole.

"I... didn't intend to insult your cultivation." He said slowly. "I just thought-"

"Well there's your problem - Shidi should leave thinking to those more adept at it."

"Must you always be insulting?!" Liu Qingge spat through gritted teeth. "I'm trying to help you! I don't understand why you insist on being difficult!"

"Oh, I'm the difficult one here, that's rich! Never mind that you've been dropping dead monsters on my doorstep for the better part of a week!"

"Rare! And! Valuable! Monsters! Anyone else would be delighted to receive any one of them!"

"Well I'm not anyone else, am I?" Shen Qingqiu gave up all pretense of civility and sneered at the war god. "I have no use for your f*cking charity, you egotistical prick-"

"IT'S NOT CHARITY!" Liu Qingge near roared in response, his voice echoing loud enough to startle several birds into flight. Every nerve in Shen Qingqiu's body was instantly alight, screaming imminent danger. He automatically fell into a defensive stance, watching the war god for any sudden movements.

The events of Ling Xi caves were still fresh, after all; he couldn't blame his subconscious for being wary around a man who had attacked and stabbed him not too long ago.

His instinctive response to his martial brother's outburst was telling, and Liu Qingge's expression turned stricken. His Shidi reached out a hand, possibly an attempt at reassurance. Shen Qingqiu stepped back, forcing the hand to fall back to the war god's side, fist clenching at the rejection.

"...It's not charity." The war god repeated tiredly. "I owe you a debt that must be repaid, and I don't know how else- You won't let me speak about what happened in the caves, so I cannot improve your reputation among our martial siblings. Unless you've changed your mind?"

"I have not."

"So what else am I supposed to do to make things right?" For the first time in Shen Qingqiu's memory, the war god looked helpless. It was an expression that he had often fantasized about causing, preferably after delivering a thorough thrashing in the sparring ring while holding Xiu Ya to the arrogant man's throat. He'd thought that seeing it would feel good.

He'd been wrong. It felt fantastic.

He didn't fight the warm glow of satisfaction that spread from the center of his belly to the very tips of his fingers and toes. Liu Qingge owed Shen Qingqiu, and the knowledge weighed on him. His strict moral code drove the man to repay his debt in whatever way he could.

Unfortunately for him, Shen Qingqiu rather enjoyed having the war god beholden to him.

"Tell me Shidi, are you attempting to 'make things right' for my sake, or for your own?"

"...I don't understand."

Unsurprising. Raising an eyebrow, Shen Qingqiu finally dropped his guard, turning to gesture at the dead beast next to them. "I mean that whatever your intentions for bringing me your hunts, all you've managed to accomplish is making a nuisance of yourself. Charity or not, I neither want nor need your spoils." Wrinkling his nose in distaste at the flies beginning to congregate around the carcass, he delivered a decisive blow. "Shidi is not doing this for his Shixiong's benefit, he is doing it to make himself feel better."

Liu Qingge ducked his head at the critical assessment. "...I'll clean it up."

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes in response to his Shidi's downtrodden appearance. He no longer wondered why the war god was so rarely held accountable for his actions; it was a bit pathetic to see the powerful cultivator reduced to a naughty child awaiting punishment at the first sign of censure.

"Leave it, I'll have my disciples take care of it. And no more 'gifts' Liu-shidi, do we have an understanding?"

Liu Qingge's lips sported the beginnings of a pout. "I can't simply do nothing. I made a vow, and it's not right to leave a life debt unpaid."

Shen Qingqiu sighed. He knew the war god's personality well. Once he got an idea in his head it took extreme measures to shake it out of him. (Case in point, his certainty of Shen Qingqiu's dastardly intentions.) Unless Shen Qingqiu was direct in his expectations, the man would continue attempting to repay him in his own way.

Shen Qingqiu shuddered to think what measures the war god might resort to next.

"I am aware of Shidi's feelings on the matter. But stop doing unnecessary things without asking first. Rest assured; if I want something, I'll tell you."

Liu Qingge frowned, unhappy with leaving the matter unresolved. Shen Qingqiu shook his head in exasperation.

So stubborn, this one. He must have been an absolute delight as a toddler - not that he's matured much since then.

"Liu-shidi, do you know why I chose to forgive you, despite everything that has happened between us?"

Liu Qingge looked up at last, uncertain. "...No. I do not."

In truth, there were many reasons Shen Qingqiu had chosen to forgive him. Because Liu Qingge had kept his silence when asked. Because he'd recognized his wrongdoings and adjusted his behavior. Because he had offered an apology, without any expectation that it would be accepted.

(Because Shen Qingqiu needed allies, and he was so, so tired of fighting for support that should have been freely given.)

"I forgave you, Liu-shidi, because you listened to what I was saying and respected my decisions."

Liu Qingge stood very still. His face had adopted its usual blankness; it did nothing to quench the intensity of his eyes.

Shen Qingqiu could not tell what he was thinking. He pressed on, regardless. "All this master asks is for Shidi to continue to do so."

"That's... really all you want?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" Shen Qingqiu's tone was dismissive. "If Shidi is dissatisfied, that is his own issue; it has nothing to do with me. As the aggrieved party, it is my prerogative to call in the debt when and how I please - additional gifts are unnecessary, and I'd really rather you didn't."

Besides, if there was to be a debt between them, it must always weigh in Shen Qingqiu's favor. Using up his credit on something so trivial as a few rare ingredients would be a waste.

When he called in the war god's due, he intended to make it count.

Liu Qingge was still looking at him, expression unreadable as he considered Shen Qingqiu's request. Eventually he gave a small, decisive nod, seemingly coming to a decision.

"Do you want me to..." He gestured back towards the beast.

"No, it's already here. Now, was there anything else Liu-shidi needed?"

"Ah. I did want to ask..." Liu Qingge trailed off, shifting awkwardly as he searched for his next words. Which was novel, considering he was not a man prone to sensitivity. He was likely worried about saying something to upset Shen Qingqiu again.

"While we're young, Liu-shidi." Shen Qingqiu prompted.

"There are rumors." Liu Qingge blurted out, finally. "About you and Shang Qinghua. Drinking together." He squared his shoulders and set his jaw, determined. "Shixiong, drinking is bad for your cultivation."

For f*cks sake.

"Thank you so much for your concern Liu-shidi, this master had no idea. My eyes have been opened and my heart has been moved; my dear Shidi's earnest plea has shown this master the error of his ways. From this moment on, I will commit myself to a pure existence, and foreswear all mortal pleasures. No lust shall cloud my eyes and no drink shall touch my lips. I shall donate all my earthly possessions and live as a destitute hermit, as I now realize that this is the true path to enlightenment-"

Halfway through his speech, Liu Qingge had mounted Cheng Luan and set off towards Bai Zhan, expression long-suffering. Once he was gone, Shen Qingqiu allowed himself a snort. Since their relationship had improved, aggravating the war god had the potential to be an excellent source of entertainment, now that he could be fairly confident it wouldn't end in accidental dismemberment on either side.

However, Liu-shidi's inquiry brought his latest problem to the forefront. The rumors had to be virulent if they had reached even those detached ears. And Shen Qingqiu had made a vow of his own regarding Shang Qinghua's failure to control the situation.

The rice was cooked; what was done could not be undone. But cooked rice could still be seasoned.

How convenient, He thought, looking at Liu-shidi's offering with new eyes, That I have been provided such 'rare and valuable' ingredients.

This master knows just what to do with them.

It only took a week for Shang Qinghua to come crawling to Qing Jing Peak to appeal for mercy. He really should have known better.

"Running low already?" Shen Qingqiu asked, not bothering to hide his smug smirk. He was seated in one of Qing Jing's outdoor pavilions, watching Elder Hou torture- ahem, instruct his disciples in a new advanced conditioning routine.

The teens' groans of agony were the sweetest music to Shen Qingqiu's ears. He fanned himself idly, enjoying a nice cup of tea, alongside a plethora of snacks he had been provided by the kitchens. Feeling generous, he gestured for his Shidi to sit down across from him, pouring an additional cup.

Shang Qinghua's eye twitched, even as he took a seat. "I don't know how you convinced He Qingying to blacklist deliveries to An Ding-"

"It was actually pretty easy, if you must know." Processed monster parts in hand as payment, Shen Qingqiu had wasted no time before making his way to Zui Xian Peak. Waylaying He-shidi in the middle of his product inspections, he'd taken the opportunity to express - loudly - his concerns over the An Ding Peak Lord's drinking habits, of which he'd only recently been made aware.

After ensuring several senior disciples had been within hearing range, he'd disclosed his previous visit to Shang Qinghua to discuss improvements to the sect's defenses, only to find the man in a drunken stupor. Ever the dutiful Shixiong, he'd stayed overnight to monitor his Shidi's condition, but had been dismayed to discover that the man's inebriation was a regular occurrence. While normally trying to stay out of the other Peak Lords' business, he felt the situation was serious enough to warrant his interference. He then offered He-shidi the spoils of Liu-shidi's kill as compensation for cutting Shang Qinghua off.

In the end, the bribe probably hadn't been necessary; He-shidi had been all too happy to cancel upcoming deliveries of his product to An Ding Peak. So either the man was feeling guilty about what had happened at the latest Peak Lord Meeting and wanted to suck up to Shen Qingqiu, or Shang Qinghua was drinking enough to concern even the master of the Drunken Immortal Peak.

Though maybe concern was the wrong word. Immortal-grade wine was difficult and time-consuming to make, and was responsible for a huge chunk of Zui Xian's revenue. Depending on how much of each batch Shang Qinghua had been commandeering, the profit reduction for the peak may have been significant. Despite the income loss, as a lower-ranking peak, He-shidi would not have had the authority to deny Shang-shidi's heavily discounted appropriations.

As the second highest authority in the sect, Shen Qingqiu had given him the perfect excuse to deny the An Ding Peak Lord.

He did so love being helpful to his dear Shidis and Shimeis - at least when it got him what he wanted. Perhaps there was something to be said for collaboration between peaks after all.

"I know that you're pissed about the rumors. Next time, I'll let you threaten whatever small children you want. Happy?" Shang Qinghua glared down at his tea as though it had insulted his mother. It was very rude, especially since Shen Qingqiu had broken into his small supply of Da Hong Pao for the occasion. Ironically, the tea was even more expensive than the wine Shang Qinghua craved. Sold by the liǎng, the tea leaves were harvested from plants hundreds of years old, grown on a single remote mountain many lǐ from any city. It was widely considered more precious than even mutton fat jade.

Shang Qinghua drank it like cheap swill. The man's misery was too satisfying for Shen Qingqiu to take offense at his treatment of the costly brew.

"You wound me Shidi. Do you really think this master would take pleasure in the suffering of others?" Poetically, a yelp rang out from his disciples, as a messy form was corrected via a sharp rap from Elder Hou's walking stick.

Well, Shen Qingqiu called it a walking stick. As several generations of very bruised Qing Jing disciples could attest, it was rarely - if ever - used for its intended purpose.

"Yes, what could possibly give that impression?" Shang Qinghua muttered sarcastically. "I take it you've started implementing your new training regimen then? I'm surprised there was no pushback."

Shen Qingqiu's smirk widened. "If you think I'm the only one who enjoys teaching spoiled brats their place, you're sadly mistaken. It is only right for the master and elders of a peak to be of one mind, after all."

"So your hallmasters are also sad*stic bastards. Good to know." Despite his words, Shang Qinghua observed the disciples with interest, eyes focusing in on the thorn in both their sides. "Figured out how you're going to handle that problem yet?"

"I have a few ideas, yes." Shen Qingqiu watched as Luo Binghe ran through the form at half-speed, exercise robes drenched in sweat. He was advancing through the punishing routine fastest out of the disciples, though Ming Fan and Ning Yingying weren't far behind. They were followed by Don Qiao and Lin Caihui, who were at least making some progress. The rest were clearly struggling to keep up; it was disappointing, but Shen Qingqiu had faith they would adjust quickly enough.

Shaking his head, he turned back to his co-conspirator. "Luo Binghe spent the last three years training in cultivation and sword forms near exclusively - he's grossly behind where he should be in other disciplines. As it stands, I can't justify advancing him to a senior disciple without him demonstrating some proficiency in the four arts. I can't prevent him from participating in the general classes I've added to the wider curriculum like this one, but it will hardly matter if he has no time to practice outside the class itself. While the rest of my disciples will be specializing and advancing their skills, he will be stuck in remedial lessons to get him caught up in other subjects."

"So you're stalling out his progress before the conference." Shang Qinghua helped himself to a plate of osmanthus jellies, relaxing somewhat. The 'Luo Binghe problem' must have been bothering him more than Shen Qingqiu had realized. "Will you be conducting the remedial lessons yourself?"

"Only if my first choice falls through. I'm going to formally request Elder Song end her seclusion to undertake the task."

Shang Qinghua choked on his next bite. Curling in on himself, he pounded a fist against his chest, dislodging the obstruction after a few blows. "sh*t." He gasped out. "You are an evil bastard. I've heard stories about that harpy - most people wouldn't wish her on their worst enemy."

"Fortunately, this master is not most people. I don't have time to oversee everything myself, and the beast requires a firm hand. I daresay Elder Song will find the challenge invigorating." In truth, there was no one else that Shen Qingqiu trusted to monitor Luo Binghe and keep him on task. His confidence in the retired hallmaster's capability was born from personal experience.

The last student Elder Song had instructed personally had been Shen Qingqiu himself, after all. He had come to her a half-feral street rat, thrown to her mercy by a Shizun ill-equipped to handle his exceptional and varied issues. Under her teachings, the filth of Shen Jiu's past had been washed away, and he had emerged not an ex-slave or criminal, but a sophisticated gentleman of supposedly noble lineage. Within three months, he had replaced the previous head disciple. Within a year, he had earned the name Shen Qingqiu.

Elder Song's tutelage had been instrumental to his transformation. While he doubted Luo Binghe would achieve the same level of results (and in no way intended him to), the Elder's monumentally high standards and vicious methods would be more than sufficient to keep the little beast occupied and out of the Peak Lord's way.

"Damn." Shang Qinghua whistled, reaching for a bowl of melon seeds. Perhaps his upcoming withdrawal would manifest as an incessant need to snack. "I'm starting to think I got off easy."

"Oh Shidi," Shen Qingqiu agreed as the first disciple collapsed, legs too exhausted to support him any longer. "You have no idea."

Elder Song had lost none of her edge despite nearly a decade in seclusion, able to fill any room with her presence regardless of its size. Appearing in her forties, though likely far older, the woman was all honed edges and shrewd eyes, with a tongue sharper than any spiritual blade. He had witnessed more than one famous cultivator quail at the purse of her lips, more than one Lord flinch from the twitch of her brow. Upon meeting, Shen Jiu had admired her immediately, and had modeled much of 'Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu' in her image.

He would always be grateful to his Shizun, who had been presented with a dangerous, hateful little savage and chosen to take him in regardless. Who had hidden his background from even his closest associates, and provided him with an education and opportunities a slave could only dream of. Who had chosen to grant him both a title and a peak, despite all opposition from within the sect. Everything Shen Qingqiu possessed, he owed to his Shizun.

But much of who Shen Qingqiu was? That he credited to Elder Song.

"This master thanks Shifu for indulging him." Apologies for interrupting your cultivation.

Elder Song sniffed dismissively. "It is only proper for an Elder to adhere to the mandates of their Peak Lord." You'd better have a damn good reason for doing so.

"As Shifu says." Shen Qingqiu replied evenly as a servant entered with tea. He waved him off after the tray was placed, moving to pour a cup for Elder Song himself.

"I do say. Now what does Peak Lord Shen require of this master that he would pull her out of seclusion." While I'm still young, you brat.

Her tendency to phrase questions as demands was one of the first things Shen Jiu had stolen for himself, he recalled fondly, holding the filled cup out in offering. She received it carefully, taking the time to smell the tea and admire its color before taking the first crucial sip.

Unlike many of his earliest attempts, the tea was not poured over his head in disgust. So his brewing skills and manners remained acceptable to her discerning taste, despite the many years that had passed since their last meeting.

"This master has a student he would like to place under Shifu's care." I need your help.

"Oh?" A thin brow curved up. "This master thought she had made it clear; Shen Qingqiu was to be her final student. She is satisfied with her accomplishments." Has the student not long surpassed the teacher? What could you possibly need from an old relic like me?

"This master is flattered. Would he be too bold to consider himself Shifu's greatest masterpiece?" Shifu will always be Shifu. I still have much to learn from her.

"If that is what Peak Lord Shen chooses to believe, this master will not correct him." Very well, I'll hear you out.

Shen Qingqiu raised his own cup, evaluating her mood as he sipped leisurely. That the conversation hadn't been shut down immediately meant that she was willing to be convinced, for the right incentive. If he could present his case in a way that made teaching Luo Binghe seem intriguing...

Well, much like himself, her curiosity was both a strength and a weakness.

"This master has found himself in possession of a little beast, one quite resistant to the usual methods of curbing unruly behavior." I require your particular skillset for handling this student.

Her lips twitched. "This master recalls a similar case. That one never was fully tamed." Are we dealing with a potential successor, or a problem?

Shen Qingqiu couldn't say that he appreciated being compared to Luo Binghe, or even the passing suggestion that he might consider the beast worthy of his peak. "Surface similarities only, I'm afraid. The beast in question is... volatile, and difficult for inexperienced handlers to manage." He's a threat. I need him contained.

"...I see." Finishing her drink, Elder Song placed the empty cup back on the table with a brusque clack. "This master will meet your little beast and see if there is anything worth cultivating." I need to know what exactly I'll be dealing with.

"Of course Shifu."

Thank you.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Ugh, I want to die."

The dining hall was rank with the scent of sweaty, unwashed teenagers, and it was almost enough to put Luo Binghe off his lunch entirely. Unfortunately, they still had several classes to go before they were dismissed for the day, and he needed all the energy he could get after the brutal new sword form they had just been taught. So he shoveled in the bland congee and vegetable broth, while some of his less athletic martial siblings wasted their time groaning.

"Are we really expected to go through this three times a week?"

"This is too brutal, I don't know how I'm even going to make it through the rest of the day!"

"Seriously, is Shizun actually trying to kill us..."

"Stop complaining!" Ning Yingying snapped, just a moment before Luo Binghe opened his mouth to tell them off. If there was one thing the two still agreed on, it was that they would never allow anyone to speak ill of their Shizun. "Have you already forgotten? The sect was just attacked by demons, of course Shizun has increased training! Wouldn't it be stranger if he did nothing?"

The whiners ducked their heads, thoroughly chastised by their Shimei's words. They should have known better than to complain about their master; Shizun had his reasons for pushing them so hard, he always did.

'Your Shizun worship is as disturbing as ever kid. Even so, you have to admit the new schedule is a bit extreme. The invasion was an isolated incident; your Shizun looks to be preparing you brats for an all-out war!'

Luo Binghe resisted the urge to roll his eyes, seeing as how he was in public and speaking to the incorporeal demon living in his head. And how would you know that it's an isolated incident? Maybe it was a test of the sect's defenses before a larger attack.

'I know because that would require way more cooperation between the demon clans than is currently possible, brat. Ever since the last Demon Emperor was sealed, the majority of the demonic forces have fractured and are too occupied with fighting each other for most to bother with the human realms.'

Wait, the demons had an Emperor? And he was sealed? Luo Binghe frowned, trying to remember if anything like that had been mentioned in his history classes. He was drawing a blank, but that didn't necessarily mean much, since academics weren't his strong suit. When was this?

'Not too long ago, I'm surprised you never heard about it. Cang Qiong Mountain sect was involved in the sealing of Tianlang-jun, and I heard the Sect Leader actually-'

"Luo-shidi. Shizun has instructed me to retrieve you."

It took Luo Binghe a moment to realize he was being addressed, and even longer to process the words. Once they registered, he jolted to his feet, almost spilling the rest of his lunch down his front. "Dashixiong! Of course, lead the way!"

Ming Fan eyed him dubiously, unfairly clean and composed after the workout they had just been subjected to. "...Alright. Follow me."

'Interesting. Be on your guard kid.'

You're ridiculous. Meng Mo's suspicions about his Shizun were really too much sometimes. He would hardly send Ming Fan to get me in front of all my martial siblings if he intended to do me harm.

'Or that's what he wants you to think...' Came the sullen rejoinder, but the Dream Demon did stay quiet for the remainder of the walk.

Ming Fan guided him to the door of a room Luo Binghe had never been to before. Hesitating, he gave Luo Binghe a final once over before leaving. Luo Binghe could have sworn he heard him mutter "Good luck."

A little nervous, Luo Binghe raised his hand and gave a polite knock. An unfamiliar woman's voice called out a curt command to enter.

Opening the door, he was immediately relieved to see his Shizun inside, seated next to an Elder he had never met. He entered the room and dropped into a respectful bow.

"Disciple greets Shizun and Elder!"

"What manner of delinquents is Qing Jing Peak hosting, that a student would appear before his master in such a state?" The tone was steely and critical, and cut through Luo Binghe's composure like a blade. He was suddenly all too aware of his sweat-stained uniform, messy hair, and likely offensive smell.

"A-apologies Elder, this disciple meant no offense." He managed to croak out, getting only an unimpressed huff in response.

"Luo Binghe, take a seat." Shizun interjected, sounding almost friendly in comparison to the woman next to him. "This master would like to introduce Elder Song, who has come out of seclusion at my request."

"Luo Binghe is honored to meet Elder Song. This disciple is grateful for her guidance!"

"As well he should be." Something about the set of Shizun's mouth suggested amusem*nt; Luo Binghe had an uncomfortable feeling he wasn't going to enjoy what was coming next. "While Luo Binghe has made extraordinary progress in his cultivation and sword forms the past few years, this master is unable to promote him to a senior disciple due to his poor performance in his other core classes."

Elder Song had her own opinion on the matter. "Disgraceful. Any common ruffian is capable of swinging a sword. For a disciple of Qing Jing Peak to neglect the four arts in favor of behaving like one of those brutes on Bai Zhan is insupportable!"

Luo Binghe could not contain a wince. He had focused primarily on advancing his martial abilities, since it was the area he was most talented and therefore his best means of impressing Shizun. In retrospect, it was foolish of him to allow himself to fall so far behind in the areas in which Qing Jing Peak was known for excelling.

"To address the issue, this master has requested for Elder Song to be Luo Binghe's personal tutor. She has graciously accepted."

Luo Binghe stared at his Shizun in dismay.

"Well? Will Luo Binghe not thank this master for her benevolence?" Flinty eyes narrowed in warning to his reticence. His Shizun coughed, and Luo Binghe was pretty sure it had been disguising a laugh at his disciple's expense.

'Huh, I take it all back kid. This Shizun of yours isn't half bad.'

Luo Binghe just wished Meng Mo hadn't sounded quite so gleeful.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Oh wow wow wow. There is a lot of new information to process here, I don't even know where to start.

User YingYingGirly: I agree, this chapter feels like it's setting up several background plotlines.

User Demon.Daddy69: Not to mention the foreshadowing...

User PunishMeShizun: It's definitely setting up for an eventual large-scale conflict with the demons; the question is, which side will the protag be on?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: At this point, I feel like he's gotta be on the human's side, right? He's very determined to remain on the righteous path despite his demonic heritage.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Ugh, that's so boring though? I feel like Airplane has completely forgotten he's writing a stallion novel - where's the scum villain? The face slapping? THE GODDAMN PAPAPA?!

User FakeJadePillar: HEAR HEAR! WHEN'S THE PROTAG GONNA BAG A SISTER!?

User BingGetSome: Someone's clearly not getting any...

User PunishMeShizun: To be fair, we're all regulars on a forum discussing a xianxia web novel. Who among us was ever going to get any?

User lostmyhairymarbles: Jesus. I'm not saying you're wrong, but you didn't have to come for our entire lives like that.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I just can't believe you idiots are still reading this if all you want are harem plots.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Oh hey Cucumber, I was wondering where you were.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Sorry, I was busy rereading the chapter and marking all the significant pieces of information.

User Demon.Daddy69: Only you man, only you.

User YingYingGirly: Find anything good?

User Peerless_Cucumber: Kind of. I've got a lot of theories that I'm trying to put together, but I just have too little information to connect it all together yet. I will say this: I think Tianlang-jun is a lot more relevant than we realize, especially to Luo Binghe.

User PunishMeShizun: Wait, are you suggesting?

User Peerless_Cucumber: Mmmhmm. You heard it here first everyone: I think Tianlang-jun is Luo Binghe's father. AND I think Shizun knows it, and recognized Luo Binghe from the very beginning.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: What. WHAT!?!

User lostmyhairymarbles: Dude, you can't keep dropping sh*t like that on us! You haven't even explained why you think he knows that Luo Binghe is a demon yet!

User YingYingGirly: ^ THIS. If you're going to make claims this big, you have to give some evidence to back them up.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I told you, I'm working on it. I just need a bit more information before I lay it all out for you.

User BingGetSome: I don't know man. Usually I'm right there with you, but this seems like a bit of a stretch...

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Is Cucumber finally losing his touch? (灬º 艸º灬)

User Peerless_Cucumber: Remember this moment when I make you all eat your words.

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Ming Fan held out a steaming cup of tea, his manner above reproach. The entire tea ceremony he had conducted had been flawless in its execution, not that Shen Qingqiu was surprised; as the son of a prominent family of tea merchants, his head disciple would have been taught the appropriate rituals far earlier than his peers and have been given plenty of opportunity to practice and refine his skills. His expertise in this area had been one of the first qualities to catch Shen Qingqiu's eye and set him apart from his martial siblings.

He also made a damn good cup of tea. Shen Qingqiu accepted the offering with no regrets, savoring the first flavorful sip and rewarding Ming Fan with a nod of approval.

"The setup for today's analysis is sparse: you receive a letter from a remote village located in the Kunlun Mountain Range requesting Cang Qiong Mountain's assistance. Members of the community have been vanishing steadily for the past nine months, leaving no traces. The disappearances all occur within the woods surrounding the village, which are the primary source of their food. How do you proceed?”

He fanned himself idly while his student considered the information he'd been given. Over the past few weeks they'd established a routine; between his regular lessons, Ming Fan would join Shen Qingqiu for his afternoon tea and be given a scenerio. He was expected to assess the material given, determine what additional information he required, and then elucidate how he would respond.

As the future lord of Qing Jing Peak, this would one day be his most significant responsibility within the sect.

This scenario, like all the previous ones he had presented, was an actual situation Shen Qingqiu had encountered in the past. This particular one came from his final year as head disciple before the previous generation of peak lords had ascended. While the initial petition for assistance was so common as to seem bland, a far more sinister plot was hidden in the surrounding context. He was curious whether his head disciple would catch it.

"I would require a more specific bearing for the village. The Kunlun Mountain Range is vast and passes through many different biomes, all with their own unique spiritual flora and fauna. A more exact location will significantly reduce the pool of potential causes."

It was exactly the question Shen Qingqiu had hoped he would ask. "The highest peaks of the southern region, several li adjacent to the first mountain forming Jue Di Gorge."

Ming Fan frowned in consternation, and it wasn't difficult to guess why. Even without a pinpoint location on a map, the proximity to Jue Di Gorge suggested that the village was within Huan Hua Palace's territory.

It begged the question: why had the village requested Cang Qiong Mountain sect's help rather than rely on their local cultivation sect? There was an obvious answer, of course.

The village had decided that Huan Hua Palace was responsible for whatever misfortune plagued them, and did not trust its members to resolve the issue.

"While initially the most likely explanation was that the villagers had run afoul of a native species or spirit," Ming Fan began, voice carefully neutral. "The proximity to Jue Di Gorge, which Huan Hua Palace uses as a site for the Immortal Alliance Conference, complicates the situation. It's possible that one of the monsters imported for a past conference found a weakness in the warding and escaped."

"Possible." Shen Qingqiu agreed. It was a very diplomatic explanation, and one that would avoid offending Huan Hua Palace should the sect question Cang Qiong Mountain's involvement in their territory. It spoke well for the future that the next Qing Jing Peak Lord was so sensitive to the politics of the situation.

It was also a little funny, since Shen Qingqiu himself hadn't bothered with anything resembling respect during the mission, firmly cementing the hostility between himself and the Old Palace Master. His contempt for Huan Hua had been more than earned, however, by what was discovered over the course of his investigation. Thankfully his Shizun had agreed, though he'd been forced to punish Shen Qingqiu anyway in order to maintain appearances.

Three weeks of scrubbing courtyard paving stones later, he had sworn that the Palace Master would know no peace so long as Shen Qingqiu drew breath. While he'd done his best to be an inconvenience to the old pervert's machinations in his last life, Luo Binghe had given the Palace Master everything needed to remove him from the playing field. So his curse had remained unfulfilled, the damages destined to be left unsettled...

Well, until Shen Qingqiu's miraculous awakening. He'd been given a second chance at retribution for the Palace Master's crimes, and he had no intention of wasting the opportunity. Languishing in the water prison for heaven knew how long had given him plenty of time to reflect.

In this life, he would only be satisfied with Huan Hua Palace and its inhabitants' utter ruination.

"But unlikely." Ming Fan's words pulled him back to the present. The young man stared down into his own cup, mouth tight and eyes thoughtful. "If the situation was the result of an accident or oversight, Huan Hua would be eager to fix it and put the matter behind them. Since the village has been compelled to seek help from outside, Huan Hua's neglect must be deliberate."

"And what reason could the sect have for purposely disregarding the lives under their care?" Shen Qingqiu prodded the conclusion, wanting to hear the thought process behind it. While the conjecture was correct, he needed to confirm that Ming Fan had considered every explanation and was not staking all on one throw.

His head disciple did not disappoint. "The most innocent explanation is ignorance, if the village has never raised the matter with Huan Hua and instead chose to petition Cang Qiong Mountain first. But this is unlikely; small, remote villages such as this rarely have an excess of resources, particularly not when contributing members are going missing. That they spent the money to send a letter all the way to Cang Qiong implies desperation."

"A reasonable assumption. Continue."

"Moving forward with the theory that Huan Hua is aware of the situation, they must have a reason for not responding to the village's request for aid."

"Must they?" Shen Qingqiu challenged. "Perhaps they simply regard the matter as beneath their notice." The sect was known for its members' inflated self-importance, after all.

"If it were anywhere else, that might be the case. But the village's proximity to Jue Di Gorge works against them; many others would come to the same conclusion that the gorge is the source of whatever afflicts the village. Other settlements around the area would raise an objection if they decided that the sect's wards were not sufficient to contain the beasts within the area, and the sect's reputation would suffer."

"It would also draw the scrutiny of the other three major sects." Shen Qingqiu agreed, casually sipping his tea.

Ming Fan visibly steeled himself before his next assertion. "Huan Hua cannot be ignorant to the village's plight, nor can it afford to ignore the matter indefinitely. So in light of the fact that they have not moved to resolve the matter themselves, we have to suspect that whatever is taking the villagers is doing so not just with Huan Hua's knowledge, but their tacit approval."

Setting his cup down with a sharp click, Shen Qingqiu's gaze bored into his head disciple as he let the silence stretch between them. Ming Fan hid his nerves admirably, but couldn't quite suppress the flush that spread down his neck, or the light sheen of sweat on his forehead.

"A dangerous accusation to raise against a powerful ally, even in supposition." Shen Qingqiu's tone was harsh and unforgiving. "If anyone outside the sect - and several within it - heard such a claim, it could cause a diplomatic incident. Huan Hua would be within its rights to lodge a complaint and demand compensation if no evidence of wrongdoing was forthcoming. Is Ming Fan prepared to face the repercussions of such an allegation?"

The young man's eyes wavered briefly, before hardening with resolve. "This disciple will accept all consequences on behalf of the sect for his thoughtless words. If they proved false." His hands trembled around his teacup, revealing his trepidation, but he held the peak lord's eyes with determination.

Shen Qingqiu's mouth quirked up. "While unpleasant, I daresay Ming Fan would be equal to the punishment of scrubbing all twelve peak's main courtyards."

"Shizun?" Ming Fan's nerves were forgotten in his bafflement at the non-sequitur.

"That was the punishment this master received after making his own accusation against Huan Hua, despite being right." Shen Qingqiu clacked his tongue in irritation. Intellectually, he understood the need for diplomacy and political maneuvering as well as the most seasoned ambassador; privately, he thought the majority of it was a load of horse sh*t.

"You complained about them to the sect leader?" Ming Fan's eyes were wide.

Shen Qingqiu snorted. "Zhangmen-shibo? No. I accused the Palace Master straight to his face."

His head disciple's expression somehow managed to convey both horror and admiration at the sheer gall of Head Disciple Shen Qingqiu. The peak lord hid a satisfied smile behind his fan.

Shen Jiu may have come from the gutter, but he had never considered anyone above him. He would scold the Heavenly Emperor himself if given reason and opportunity. If he actually made it to the peak lords' ascension in this life, he might receive both. He made a mental note to have plenty of criticisms prepared.

Just in case.

Reaching into his sleeve, Shen Qingqiu pulled out a scroll. A heavily redacted and embellished version of events had been submitted to the public records; this report contained the full, unvarnished account of the incident.

As it turned out, the accusation that Huan Hua had allowed the predation of the village to continue had been correct, though even Shen Qingqiu had not initially guessed the extent of the Palace Master's depravity.

The village's issue had not begun as an accident, and Huan Hua's negligence had not been dismissing or covering up an unfortunate mistake. Rather, the beast responsible for the disappearances had been planted by the sect in order to prey upon the unwitting and defenseless villagers.

The blood-tipped bone raptor was a monster rarely seen outside the demon realm. While it normally hunted demons, it was known to develop a taste for human flesh that drove it to hunt humans exclusively after a single taste.

It had been decades since one had been encountered, and by all accounts, it would have been nearly impossible for the beast to relocate into the mortal realm without being spotted. Gigantic white birds haloed in malignant red energy were hardly inconspicuous. But once they settled into a nest, usually in a mountain forest with plenty of caves, they were difficult to track down. They only emerged from their nests to hunt, and a meal of an adult human would satisfy them for weeks to a month. When not hunting, the bird would fall into hibernation, suppressing its demonic presence and resembling nothing so much as a pile of old bones due to its unusual coloring and structure.

In other words, finding them was a bitch, and disposing of them once found wasn't any easier. It had been a brutal battle in a confined dark cave, and Shen Qingqiu had not emerged unscathed. His displeasure had carried him all the way to Huan Hua Palace, and been apparent when he had first implicated the Palace Master in the demonic beast's presence.

The old man's motives were not difficult to guess. The blood-tipped bone raptor had a particular quirk that made its predation on the village quite lucrative. When one of its kind began a human-exclusive diet, they became infertile; a large reason those in the human realm had died out. Once this sterilization occurred, the demonic bird's eggs took on incredible and valuable properties.

When properly prepared and eaten, the eggs would almost guarantee a breakthrough in one's cultivation level. Such a thing was priceless among immortals - if one had the stomach to ignore the cost.

The Palace Master had the stomach. Shen Qingqiu had not.

And since the raptor only produced a single egg a year, he was reasonably confident that he'd managed to stop the old man's scheme before it had borne the desired fruit. No matter that Palace Master had wiggled his way out of repercussions by claiming the beast must have devoured the messengers initially sent to Huan Hua Palace; Shen Qingqiu had ultimately won the day by foiling his extensive, expensive plans.

It had been the birthplace of a mutual hatred that would last until the end of Shen Qingqiu's current life, and possibly into the next.

Technically, it already had.

"This is the classified report on the events of the mission; a heavily edited version was submitted for public record. Your assignment is to read both versions and write an essay on why Zhangmen-shibo made the decision to conceal certain information and whether or not you agree with his judgment."

Ming Fan looked briefly ill at the thought of disagreeing with the previous sect leader's choices, but reached out to take the scroll nonetheless. He tucked it away carefully, already realizing that the contents were confidential and not to be shared among his martial siblings.

"Now," Shen Qingqiu continued. "Does Ming Fan have any questions?"

"Ah!" Ming Fan perked up. "Yes Shizun! Though it does not involve the assignment..." Drawing himself straight, Ming Fan clasped his fist and bowed in a formal appeal. "This disciple requests permission to go to Wan Jian Peak and select his spiritual sword!"

Shen Qingqiu blinked in surprise. He had... entirely forgotten that his students had not yet claimed their own spiritual weapons. (Though given the shock of traveling back in time and the series of events following, he thought he could be forgiven for this particular oversight.)

"It is that time for many of you..." He mused thoughtfully, mentally cataloging which students were qualified to undertake this particular milestone. "This master is amenable to Ming Fan's request and will arrange a time with Peak Lord Wei. Take Ning Yingying, Lin Caihui, and Yin Xiaodan with you as well."

"This disciple obeys!" Ming Fan rose to leave, then hesitated.

"Was there something else?"

"Just..." Ming Fan shifted uncomfortably. "Shizun is not going to recommend Luo Binghe?"

Shen Qingqiu went still, before carefully closing his fan and setting it down next to his empty tea cup. Regarding his head disciple evenly, he observed: "This master did not expect Ming Fan to advocate on Luo Binghe's behalf."

Ming Fan sunk back down to his knees, face tense with consternation. "This disciple would never question Shizun's judgment. But..." The young man glanced away, obviously troubled. "I admit to being... confused, by the progression of Luo Binghe's instruction."

Shen Qingqiu considered the admission carefully. He could understand Ming Fan's puzzlement, particularly regarding Shen Qingqiu's latest decision to relegate the beast to Elder Song's tender mercies. It was a move that could either be interpreted as favoritism of the beast - or a return to his initial maltreatment with a new perpetrator.

Best to be upfront about the matter, lest Ming Fan get the wrong idea and see Luo Binghe as a threat to his position or a convenient outlet for his frustration once more.

"It is true that Luo Binghe is plenty advanced in his cultivation and sword forms. However, the choosing of a spiritual weapon often marks the transition from junior to senior disciple within the sect. Considering how abysmal Luo Binghe's performance has been in his other classes-" Ming Fan actually grimaced as though the beast's efforts in the scholarly pursuits caused him physical pain, much to Shen Qingqiu's amusem*nt. "This master cannot in good conscience justify his advancement until he improves in at least the core disciplines."

"It's just... Luo-shidi does not seem to be progressing under Elder Song's instruction."

Translation: the little beast is miserable and refuses to put forth any effort.

On one hand, good. No improvement meant he could keep Luo Binghe in remedial classes and stall out his training longer. One the other hand, there was a very real possibility of the beast rediscovering his grudge and undoing all of Shen Qingqiu's painstaking work.

Using Elder Song had always been a calculated risk. He'd gambled that the explanations for his own behavior would be extended to his Shifu as well, and Luo Binghe would accept the Elder's harsh methods with composure. He'd also assumed that the little beast would have learned something about taking action in the past few years, since he'd had no problem forcing Shen Qingqiu's hand in order to remain on Qing Jing Peak, but apparently that had been a fool's hope.

"Luo Binghe," Shen Qingqiu disclosed, "Has always believed that endurance is the same as initiative." It was one of the demon's most annoying traits and one of the main reasons Shen Qingqiu had always held him in contempt. Luo Binghe wanted all the right answers to be fed to him; he was never interested in pursuing them himself. He was happy to accept whatever explanation was in front of him or best suited his desires, whether or not it made any sense.

What was truth compared to the needs of his fragile, oversized, baseless ego?

Mindless beast.

Still, Ming Fan had raised a valid concern. Shen Qingqiu would have to intervene on the beast's behalf yet again to preserve the goodwill he'd somehow propagated. He sighed deeply, feeling exhausted just thinking about it.

"This disciple understands." Shen Qingqiu turned his attention back to Ming Fan, who had a familiar cunning glint in his eyes. "I would be willing to offer Luo-shidi guidance in this matter, if Shizun agrees?"

Shen Qingqiu weighed the unexpected offer. His knee-jerk impulse was to keep Ming Fan as removed from Luo Binghe as he could reasonably manage, but such an arrangement was unsustainable. There would be times in the near and far future when Ming Fan would face Luo Binghe alone; it was best to prepare for that inevitability. Part of that was allowing his head disciple to learn how to handle the beast himself; Ming Fan giving advice to deal with a new teacher was a relatively low-stakes encounter that they could both recover from if something went wrong.

"Alright." Shen Qingqiu gave his permission to proceed. "Trusting Ming Fan with this matter."

Ming Fan was his succeeding disciple, a future peak lord of the most prominent and powerful cultivation sect. He would face many dangers and threats in the future, even if Shen Qingqiu was successful in preventing Luo Binghe's domination over the human realms. Wasn't the purpose of these lessons to teach him how to overcome such challenges?

It was the same for all of his students. All he could do was prepare them to the best of his ability, push them and permit them while the stakes were low so they had the tools to succeed when the stakes were high. Children would always grow up and set out on their own.

However much he wished to, Shen Qingqiu could not protect them forever.

An Ding Disciple Zhou Feng stared up at Shen Qingqiu with doe eyes, moist with regret, her lower lip wobbling in supplication. She seemed to think that looking as small and pathetic as possible would rouse Shen Qingqiu's deeply buried heart to compassion.

f*cking amatuer.

"Little fool," Shen Qingqiu's voice was as hard as spiritual steel, as cold as everlasting frost as he glowered down at the vermin before him. "Do not delude yourself with the idea that this master knows the meaning of mercy. It is better to step on baby birds fallen from the nest to end their miserable existence than grant a second chance at life."

The lip stilled and watery eyes grew wide and round with alarm. A small squeak escaped the nasty little gossip before she slammed the door to Shang Qinghua's office in his face, the sounds of her scuttling off clear even through the sturdy wood. He wished his useless Shidi had been there to see it; Shen Qingqiu's talent for intimidation was second to none. If he'd just let him threaten the girl when he'd offered then none of those ridiculous rumors would have spread in the first place.

Less than a minute later, an irritated Shang Qinghua opened the door again, apparently none-too-pleased that he'd sent the disciple running.

"I hope you realize she was my assistant for the day. My work is going to take twice as long without her here to help me sort through paperwork." Shang Qinghua bitched, but stepped aside to let Shen Qingqiu enter nonetheless.

"Get better help." Was Shen Qingqiu's unsympathetic advice. "Preferably an assistant that knows the value of discretion."

"Once again, she's twelve." Shang Qinghua ran a hand through sweaty bangs that fell to frame a tightly clenched jaw. "And it's not like An Ding is swimming in a host of undiscovered geniuses."

Shen Qingqiu conceded the point silently. No disciple with more than a drop of cultivation ability would choose An Ding Peak; logistics was neither glamorous or rewarding. Mostly the peak was made up of the forgetable masses that had no exceptional talents and nowhere else to go.

"You seem in a worse mood than usual." Shen Qingqiu observed, watching his Shidi collapse into the chair behind his desk, rubbing his damp and clammy temples. He narrowed his eyes at the flash of red he glimpsed from beneath a sleeve. "Even at your level, you should have cultivated past your withdrawal by now."

"Or maybe my stash was bigger than you estimated, you sad*stic prick." Shang Qinghua snapped back immediately, hand slamming down on the desk in front of him.

A much worse mood than usual. Probably not just withdrawal then.

"I'm going to overlook Shidi's rudeness since I appear to have come at a bad time. Who shoved a sword up your ass?"

The An Ding Peak Lord deflated when Shen Qingqiu declined to meet his temper. "sh*t. sh*t. Can't you just snarl and snap back like you do with Liu-shidi? I'm not in the mood to be dissected at the moment, thanks."

"Take it as a compliment. If I'm "dissecting" you it means I care to know - and possibly solve - whatever's bothering you."

"Out of the goodness of your heart?" Shang Qinghua asked snidely. "Our alliance against the demons has already cost me my alcohol supply, so excuse me if I wonder what price is attached to any additional assistance."

Fair enough. Shen Qingqiu shrugged. "I suppose it depends. Any other deep, dark secrets that will potentially jeopardize our plans?"

"You aren't funny." He was informed sourly. And incorrectly, might he add. "And if I did, you'd be the last person I'd tell."

"Of course, because naturally your most trusted confidant would be the lovely Feng-er, who is known for her prudence. I have every confidence she would keep your secrets to her grave."

A disbelieving stare was followed by a snort. "Alright, maybe not the last person."

The conversation had dispelled a bit of the tension wound through Shang Qinghua, allowing Shen Qingqiu to approach the man's actual problem and not be snarled away. "Shang-shidi. What has you strung so tight, and is it going to become a problem?"

"Not some new system f*ckery, if that's what you're worried about. Probably not even to do with the demons either." Shang Qingqiu pulled a paper from the consistent mess that covered his desk, waving it around in emphasis. "One of An Ding's caravans has gone missing en route and no one can tell me a damned thing about it."

Shen Qingqiu frowned. While An Ding disciples were looked down upon in general, they were still more than a match for mortal adversaries, and other cultivators wouldn't attack them for fear of the larger sect's retaliation. So for an entire caravan to disappear without a trace was likely not the work of bandits or another sect, but the supernatural.

"Are you sending anyone to investigate?"

"And who would I send? The rest of my disciples aren't at a higher level of cultivation than the ones that disappeared, so they'd likely end up missing as well. The supplies contained in the caravan aren't of any particular value or importance; even if I sent a request to Qiong Ding for another peak's assistance, it wouldn't be considered critical. By the time anyone was sent it would already be too late."

"So go investigate the matter yourself. An Ding will survive without you for a few days."

Shang Qinghua was silent for a long moment. "...I don't know if you've failed to notice, but I'm not exactly in top condition."

Shen Qingqiu had noticed. "Anything more threatening than a long-haired monster and Shidi is dead meat."

"Oh f*ck you. But also yes, that is the situation in a nutshell."

Shen Qingqiu hummed in fake sympathy. "It might help if Shidi were not blocking his own cultivation with immortal binding cables so he could get drunk on regular alcohol."

"Yes, that might hel-" Shang Qinghua cut himself off abruptly, just a moment too slow on the uptake for plausible deniability. "Dammit. How the f*ck did you figure it out?"

"Around your ankles would have been more discreet." Shen Qingqiu gestured to his wrist, where he'd glimpsed a red string tied earlier. "Also, I wasn't joking. Withdrawal from immortal-grade spirits is typically short and intense, and mostly mental; if your cultivation is strong enough to warrant drinking it, it's strong enough to recover from the effects. You wouldn't still be this much of a mess weeks later."

"So you caught me." Shang Qinghua glared at him with bitter eyes. "Going to confiscate my cables too?"

"No."

His quick response caught Shang Qinghua off guard. "You're... not?"

"Not at all." Shen Qingqiu blinked innocently, undisturbed by his Shidi's overt suspicion. "Shang Qinghua is an adult and a peak lord in his own right, it isn't this master's place to interfere further."

Shang Qinghua's mistrust was joined by trepidation. "...and the catch?"

"No catch." Shen Qingqiu maintained. It was only after the An Ding Peak Lord gave a reluctant nod of thanks that he showed his hand. "But Shidi must take responsibility for his own disciples and investigate the caravan disappearance. Since he is in no condition to handle the matter alone, this master will accompany him on his investigation."

Shang Qinghua stiffened like a rat in a trap. "Shixiong should not trouble himself, I'm sure I can handle it."

Shen Qingqiu's lips curved up into a gentle smile, his eyes radiating sincerity. "This Shixiong is afraid he must insist."

"Oh f*ck me." Shang Qinghua breathed miserably.

After arranging to meet the next morning and sufficiently conveying the retribution that would follow should Shang Qinghua attempt to leave without him, Shen Qingqiu left An Ding Peak in high spirits. It was unfortunate that his ally had resorted to such pitiful measures to maintain his drinking habit, but Shen Qingqiu would sniff out all the man's tricks.

Escapism was nice in the moment, but did nothing to improve the reality one was running from. Shen Qingqiu understood the nightmares that followed his Shidi all too well, which is why he would do what was necessary to make the man face them.

"Shizun!" A frantic call rang out across the newly repaired rainbow bridge. Shen Qingqiu looked up to see Yin Xiaodan running towards him from the direction of Wan Jian Peak. Ming Fan had taken his martial siblings to claim their swords earlier, and Shen Qingqiu had decided to pay Shang Qinghua a visit to pass the time; choosing and bonding a sword could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and Shen Qingqiu had an image to uphold. He wasn't going to wait for his disciples like an overbearing mother anxious for her children to return for the day.

(If An Ding Peak was adjacent to Wan Jian rather than on the opposite side of the mountain range, that was Shen Qingqiu's business.)

Yin Xiaodan skidded to a halt in front of him, bending over to catch his breath. I'll have to add more running to the disciples' training regimen. "This master presumes Disciple Yin called after him for a reason?"

The boy immediately straightened. "Yes Shizun! Wei-shishu requested you come to Wan Jian Peak immediately!"

Shen Qingqiu suppressed his alarm, immediately making his way to the peak in question. His disciple had to jog to keep up with his long, swift strides. "Has something gone amiss with the sword selection?" He asked, acutely aware of everything that could go wrong in the process of bonding to a spiritual weapon. He'd been so sure the disciples he had chosen were ready - perhaps he should have warned them more thoroughly of the dangers...

"Not as such." Yin Xiaodan panted. "Dashixiong and Lin-shijie have already managed to claim their swords without any issues. Ning Yingying was just about to enter when some Bai Zhan disciples arrived."

Shen Qingqiu could, unfortunately, see exactly where this was going.

"They weren't happy about having to wait their turn, and tried to start a fight. Everyone was ignoring them, u-until-" The boy cut off, flushed face turning away from the peak lord in embarrassment.

"Until they said something about this master, I take it." Shen Qingqiu stated dryly. He couldn't pretend shock, since the altercation was entirely predictable. Despite his recent change of heart, Liu Qingge had spent over a decade smearing Shen Qingqiu's name in the mud; it was only to be expected that his disciples would imitate his previous contempt. And unlike their master, they had no compelling reason to change their well-established opinions.

"Don't worry Shizun, we weren't going to let them get away with it!"

And now I'm being defended by literal children. He could admit that it was nice that his disciples held him in such high regard, considering the effort he was putting into keeping them alive this time around. "This master appreciates your staunch support. And then?"

Yin Xiaodan beamed up at him. "Ning-shimei beat the crap out of them!"

Shen Qingqiu pulled to an abrupt halt.

"She what!?!"

The scene Shen Qingqiu was presented with upon entering Wei Qingwei's office was... interesting, to say the least.

His eyes were immediately drawn to his own disciples. He was relieved to see that they were all unharmed and - dare he say? - triumphant. Ming Fan and Lin Caihui were both occupied with admiring their new swords, while Ning Yingying was entertaining herself by glaring at the worse-for-wear Bai Zhan disciples across the room.

Yin Xiaodan hadn't exaggerated either; the boys had clearly been on the wrong side of the fight. One had a broken nose, another a black eye. The last was attempting to discretely cradle his family jewels, dried tear tracks tacky on his face.

I guess the "special" classes I gave the girls for dealing with perverts paid off - even if this wasn't the application I expected.

"Shen-shixiong." Wei Qingwei's relief at his arrival was palpable. "Thank you for coming so quickly. We're just waiting for Liu-shidi to arrive before we attempt to resolve this."

"This master apologizes for the inconvenience." Shen Qingqiu replied evenly. "If Wei-shidi would excuse me, I would like to check on my disciples."

"Of course, of course!" Wei Qingwei darted a glance over, eyes lingering on Ning Yingying warily. "Quite a spitfire you have there, Shen-shixiong. Very, ah..." His Shidi searched for a word that would not offend the prickly peak lord. "...passionate."

Feral as a razor-clawed hornet cat and twice as vicious, I think that means. Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes in exasperation at his Shidi's evasive wording. Just like every other teenage girl in existence. Which his Shidi would know, if he ever selected female disciples for his peak.

The hellcat in question had finally noticed his arrival. "Shizun!" She called him over cheerfully, not troubled in the slightest by her detainment. Ridiculous girl. He thought, not without fondness. Ning Yingying had gone a long way in proving herself that day, ardently defending him against those slandering his name as she never had in his previous life.

She was no longer a naive damsel chasing after the affections of her first love, and she was all the more vibrant for it.

"This master understands you've all been busy." He answered, voice warm. He took one of Ning Yingying hands, raising it to examine split knuckles that were already scabbing over. "Some were apparently busier than others."

Ning Yingying giggled, entirely unrepentant.

"It seems congratulations are in order." Shen Qingqiu addressed his other, now senior disciples. "Will you introduce this master to your new companions?"

Lin Caihui stepped forward first, raising her sword for the peak lord's appraisal. Long and thin, the spiritual steel emitted a subtle glow, well matched to his most introverted disciple. Though it wasn't flashy and attention-grabbing, the blade was still strong and beautiful.

And already possessed a name, he observed, the characters for 'Kai Ming' already etched into the base of the weapon.

"'Open minded?'" He clarified, receiving a quick nod. "Very suitable."

Lin Caihui's eyes squinted into happy crescents, the quiet girl's version of a smile.

"And Ming Fan?" He turned to face his head disciple, slightly surprised at the young man's air of restraint. Expression complicated, Ming Fan held out his sword with just a hint of reluctance.

Shen Qingqiu immediately identified why. At first glance, the sword he had chosen was the definition of plain, boasting no elegant embellishments or signature features. It was the template of a sword; exactly what one would think of if asked to picture a blade.

For a disciple who had built up hefty expectations for their primary spiritual weapon, the underwhelming appearance would be disappointing.

But that was only at first glance.

More experienced eyes could see the simple excellence of the blade's form and balance, the clean edge to every line, the purity of the steel. If it was the simplest possible sword, it was also a sword formed to perfect principle.

"Exquisite." Shen Qingqiu praised. "A worthy partner that will serve Ming Fan well."

Ming Fan stared back at him, disbelieving.

"Shen-shixiong has a good eye." Wei Qingwei cut in, braving proximity to Ning Yingying in order to examine the weapons that had been chosen. "That sword was the final work of one of the previous generation's most accomplished masters. He believed fancy ornamentation only served to compromise the overall integrity of a sword, and the best blades were crafted with purpose, not aesthetics."

Ming Fan examined his sword again, eyes looking past the simple exterior to consider its strength and function. The head disciple's lips turned up slowly, finding what both peak lords had seen at a glance. It may not have been pretty, but one would be hard-pressed to find a better blade.

"Has Dashixiong decided on a name?" Yin Xiaodan asked curiously.

"Not yet." Ming Fan stared down at the blade. "I wanted to wait until I had a sword, so I could choose a name that would suit it."

Shen Qingqiu felt warm at the admission. Most disciples had a name picked out long before they chose their sword, whether it ended up fitting the weapon or not. That Ming Fan had waited, had wanted to consider what would suit the sword best before deciding-

Well. His head disciple was often more thoughtful than he was given credit for.

The entire room startled as the door was kicked in with a bang, Liu Qingge striding inside without a care for the damage or acknowledgment of his martial brothers. Shen Qingqiu and Wei Qingwei shared a commiserating glance.

Liu Qingge looked his disciples up and down, obviously displeased with what he was seeing. "I thought I sent you lot to choose your spiritual weapons, and instead I find you all beaten and swordless!" He barked out without a hint of sympathy. "Which disciple dares to explain themselves?"

The Bai Zhan disciples cringed and shifted awkwardly, no doubt unwilling to tell the war god how they had been beaten down by a girl from the scholar's peak. Young men had their pride, misplaced as it often was.

The longer they were silent, the more severe Liu Qingge's face became. Not interested in wasting any more time on a pointless interrogation, Shen Qingqiu intervened. "If Liu-shidi's disciples do not wish to answer, we can always ask my own."

The war god shook his head in confusion, frowning at the green-clad disciples standing behind Shen Qingqiu. "What do Shixiong's disciples have to do with it?"

Shen Qingqiu couldn't contain a smug smirk. "Given that Ning Yingying was who your disciples fought with, quite a bit."

Liu Qingge openly assessed Ning Yingying, who had come to stand next to her master. She stared back in open defiance, chin lifted and legs braced. The Bai Zhan disciples were beside themselves when Liu Qingge gave the girl a nod of approval.

"Good job."

"Shizun!" One of the young men wailed. "What 'good job'?! She attacked us!" The other boys clamored alongside him, aggrieved by their master's betrayal.

"Given that my disciple is not prone to attacking any and all who cross her path," Shen Qingqiu interjected drolly, cutting off the frankly pathetic whining. "This master cannot help but wonder what Shizhis did to provoke her."

The battered disciples fell silent once more, though it hardly mattered. Yin Xiaodan was all too happy to rat the other boys out.

"They were insulting Shizun!" He informed all the peak lords cheerfully, perhaps a bit too delighted considering his audience. He had trouble faulting the boy for his enjoyment however; it wasn't every day they had the opportunity to get one over on the Bai Zhan brutes.

"Oh?" Shen Qingqiu asked, playing along. "And what did Shizhis have to say about this master?"

Yin Xiaodan slapped his hands over his mouth dramatically. "Don't dare repeat it!"

Shen Qingqiu hummed thoughtfully. Turning to the Bai Zhan disciples, who were already cowering beneath Liu Qingge's glower, Shen Qingqiu addressed them directly. "In that case, this master will ask Shizhis to repeat themselves. If they were so confident to air their complaints to my disciples, I'm sure they'll have no problem speaking to this master's face."

The youngest of the boys looked to be fighting back tears, while the one who had been clutching his marbles blanched white enough to faint. Only the boy in front managed to gather his courage, lashing out at Shen Qingqiu's rebuke. "We didn't say anything that isn't true, you honorless-"

Liu Qingge cut the boy off, visibly furious. "If you ever want to set foot on Bai Zhan again, you will watch your mouth!"

"But Shizun!" The boy yelled back, even as Liu Qingge took a threatening step forward. "It was nothing that you haven't said before!"

Liu Qingge froze, and the entire room descended into a heavy, uncomfortable silence.

Why are you so surprised? Shen Qingqiu wondered as Liu Qingge's face clenched with shame. Do you not realize that your disciples regard your words as the mandate of Heaven? Your entire peak thinks the worst of me, all because you opened your mouth and spewed judgment.

"If you want to remain disciples of Bai Zhan Peak, you will all listen and heed my words." Liu Qingge choked out, sounding gutted. "This is an order from your master: disregard every word I have spoken about your Shen-shibo up to this point."

"But-"

"I said this is an order!" Liu Qingge snarled, and the boy in front finally backed down at the overt hostility. "Whatever my feelings were towards him, Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu is my Shixiong and I had no right to speak badly of him. This master was in error and has set a bad example for his disciples; as such, we will all take responsibility for our actions." Turning his back on his disciples, Liu Qingge clasped his hand and bowed to Shen Qingqiu. "Shixiong, this Shidi was wrong not to show you the respect you are due. Asking Shixiong to punish."

Shen Qingqiu suddenly understood how Liu Qingge had attained the title of war god at such a young age; he was the type of person who took correction to heart and always strove to improve himself.

"Liu-shidi has already apologized, and this master accepted. Do not require punishment." Shen Qingqiu responded calmly. So long as his hardheaded Shidi continued to act on his behalf and comply with his requests, there was no need for retribution.

Liu Qingge straightened, slate eyes meeting Shen Qingqiu's and searching for he knew not what.

Nor do I care. Shen Qingqiu decided when the war god finally looked away, facing down his shocked disciples once more.

"From now on, you will address your Shibo with utmost respect. If I hear even a whisper of slander, I will eject the perpetrator from my peak immediately. Do you understand?"

White-faced, the disciples all nodded.

"Good. I expect you to convey this to your martial brothers. Tomorrow morning, report to the Discipline Hall to receive your punishments. And you can forget," Liu Qingge added as the thoroughly cowed disciples began to limp to the door. "About choosing your swords until this master is satisfied you've learned your lesson."

That had to hurt. There was nothing Bai Zhan brutes looked forward to more than choosing their swords, battle-minded as they all were. Liu Qingge was a harsh disciplinarian indeed.

"Shixiong is welcome to come to Bai Zhan tomorrow to make sure the punishment is sufficient." Liu Qingge offered, watching his disciples leave in disgrace.

"Thanking Liu-shidi for the offer, but this master departs on a mission with Shang-shidi in the morning." And why would I want to watch your brats get whipped or struck or whatever else you brutes do for punishment? It was boring enough when his own brats were punished. Why did everyone assume he enjoyed watching children get beaten?

Liu Qingge's head whipped around, his ponytail flying out and hitting Wei Qingwei in the face as he approached, now that the show was over.

"You're going on a mission?! With Shang Qinghua?!"

Well that's an overreaction. I'm actually a little offended on Shang-shidi's behalf. "That is what this master said, yes. One of An Ding's caravans disappeared, and I offered to help Shang-shidi investigate."

"Why? There's no reason for two peak lords to go on such a mission - let him handle his peak's matters himself!"

"Ah, Liu-shishu," Ning Yingying interrupted hesitantly. "Shang-shishu has been in poor health lately; he might not be able to complete the mission alone."

Oh no. Shen Qingqiu thought as Liu Qingge's face turned red at her description of Shang Qinghua's "poor health". There wasn't a soul on the twelve peaks that didn't know about Shang Qinghua's drinking problem at that point, and the war god seemed determined to take the man's addiction as a personal offense.

"If Shang Qinghua is in such a bad state to require a minder, then he'll be nothing but a liability to Shen-shixiong." Liu Qingge responded through grit teeth. "That being said, I'm coming with you."

Shen Qingqiu stared into the face of a war god who had already made up his mind and would not be deterred from his set course. If the last time the three martial brothers had partnered up was any indication, there was no way this mission was going to end well.

Oh, f*ck me.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

Luo Binghe felt numb as he carried the latest tea tray back towards the kitchen, hair dripping bitter tea again. Elder Song always ended their lessons in the same way; demanding Luo Binghe prepare and serve her tea, then dumping the cup over his head after the first sip.

"Unacceptable," She would tell him. "This master expects better tomorrow."

Then tell me what I'm doing wrong! Luo Binghe wanted to scream. Just tell me what I have to do to make you happy!

It would be a lie to say that Luo Binghe was making progress in his lessons, and none of his attempts were good enough for his tutor. Elder Song seemed utterly disinclined to offer any guidance other than to inform him of his inadequacies. Discouraged, Luo Binghe had tried to turn to Meng Mo for answers, but the dream demon had scoffed and asked why he thought a demon would have any knowledge of tea ceremonies of all things.

After the first few lessons, the Dream Demon had withdrawn entirely, disinterested in watching Luo Binghe continue making a fool of himself.

It was like he had been returned to those first, awful years at Qing Jing Peak, which he had assumed were far behind him. He had come so far, had learned from his mistakes, had trusted his Shizun to guide him. But every cup of tea poured over his head, every sharp insult, every wasted day pierced his heart with another needle of doubt.

Shizun, why? Why subject me to this? Have I not already proven myself?

Entering the kitchen, Luo Binghe pulled up short at the sight of Ming Fan putting together a tray of his own. From the quality of the tea set, he was probably preparing it for Shizun.

"Luo-shidi." His Dashixiong greeted, eyes flickering over his damp hair. Luo Binghe could not help but flush in embarrassment. "I see Elder Song is as demanding as ever."

"Dashixiong... is familiar with Elder Song?" Luo Binghe asked tentatively, approaching the counter and putting down his tray. Picking up the only used cup, he stared down at the delicate porcelain in despair. At this point, Luo Binghe was desperate; he would get on his knees and beg for any information that might help him with the horrible woman.

"Not personally, just by her reputation." Ming Fan answered easily, carefully arranging the tea set while the water heated. "Strict with impossibly high standards, and an unpleasant disposition. Still, you can't argue with her results; she was Shizun's personal teacher, after all."

Luo Binghe dropped the cup he'd been holding, deaf to the sound of it shattering on the kitchen floor as he stared at Ming Fan in shock. "Elder Song... was Shizun's teacher?!"

"You didn't know?" Ming Fan asked, taken aback. "It's pretty common knowledge that she went into seclusion after he ascended to peak lord. Told everyone that he was the last student she'd ever teach."

Luo Binghe didn't know what to say to that. So he didn't say anything at all.

Ming Fan tilted his head to the side, concerned at Luo Binghe's silence. "I know she's difficult, but... it's a big deal, you know, being taught by Shizun's own Shifu. He called her out of seclusion just to tutor you."

"Oh." Luo Binghe croaked, throat constricting. "That... that's good."

It didn't feel good. Once again, Shizun had done something special for him, and Luo Binghe couldn't even-

He couldn't even-

"Luo-shidi, are you okay?" Ming Fan looked distressed, and Luo Binghe realized he was crying. Maybe it was the open concern, or the privacy of the kitchens at the late hour, or that Luo Binghe just couldn't hold it in any longer, but-

"I don't know what to do." He confessed, words tumbling out. "She's never happy and I'm making no progress and she won't tell me what she wants-" Luo Binghe cut himself off, absolutely sick with frustration.

"Ah." His Dashixiong answered, patting his shoulder carefully. "I think that may be the problem. Elder Song doesn't want to lead you through everything step by step; she wants you to take initiative to learn on your own, and guide you when you get stuck."

"Oh." Luo Binghe blinked. When it was stated like that, it sounded simple. "But why wouldn't she just say that?"

"Wasn't she?" Shaking his head, Ming Fan turned back to his tea set. Lifting the lid of the teapot, he clucked his tongue. "Dammit, over-steeped it." Picking up the entire pot, he walked to the door and dumped it all out, before coming back to start again.

Luo Binghe was confused. "Why did you do that?"

"Because I screwed it up? Oversteeping tea turns it bitter, and Shizun absolutely hates it. If I had taken that pot to him, he probably would have dumped it out over my head."

"...Is that why Shizun dumped tea on my head at my entrance ceremony?"

"I mean, probably?" Ming Fan reheated the pot and began the steeping process again. "Tea and tea ceremonies are pretty important among scholars and the upper classes - improper etiquette and serving bad tea can actually be considered an insult."

I, Luo Binghe thought, am an idiot. How have I been here so long, and I don't even know this? Shizun had been right; Luo Binghe was completely unsuited to be a scholar.

But I still don't want to leave him.

Removing the leaves from the pot, Ming Fan picked up the tray and prepared to leave. "Since you're having such a hard time with Elder Song, I guess I can help you out this once. Meet me here before breakfast tomorrow and I'll show you how to prepare and present a proper cup of tea."

A ray of hope shone through the rainclouds of his despair.

"Dashixiong would do that?" Luo Binghe and Ming Fan had long ago left behind their childish disputes, but he had never expected the older boy to go out of his way to help him.

"I reserve the right to a favor in the future, but sure, why not." Ming Fan stopped at the door, turning to look at him with serious eyes. "But you need to shape up and get your head on straight, okay? You can't expect other people to hand you what you need all the time; take some responsibility for your own life, Luo-shidi."

'Better advice has never been given.' Meng Mo spoke for the first time in weeks, and naturally it was to grouse at him. 'Are you finally done wallowing in self-pity?

Luo Binghe looked down at the pieces of the broken cup. Stepping over the shards, he retrieved a broom from the corner and began to clean the mess up, lighter than he'd been in a while.

"Yes." He answered out loud once he had finished, already anticipating his tea lesson the next day.

It was past time to move forward.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Ugh, I'm having flashbacks to 10th grade calculus with Mrs. Chang. No wonder Shizun started off so mean, if that old bat was his teacher.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): No kidding. Elder Song is SCARY.

User lostmyhairymarbles: I'll drink to that, damn. So glad I'm out of school now.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: So glad x 100

User FakeJadePillar: So glad x 1000

User PunishMeShizun: I'll admit it, I got a bit scared for a while there. Started to wonder if Cucumber's initial assessment was right and Shizun was a villain after all.

User Peerless_Cucumber: That's funny, because I actually wasn't worried at all.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Okay, no way that's true. I'm calling you out man. Consider yourself CALLED. OUT.

User Demon.Daddy69: Called out x 2

User Peerless_Cucumber: Seriously though, hear me out; even though the revelation didn't come until the end of the chapter, wasn't it pretty clear from the beginning that Elder Song was Shizun's teacher?

User YingYingGirly: I agree that their connection was pretty obvious. Shizun is just a gentler version of Elder Song when you compare them.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Exactly. Which told me that Shizun's initial treatment of Luo Binghe wasn't an attempt to hurt him or drive him off the peak; it was learned behavior.

User BingGetSome: Okay, I'm following so far, but I'm not sure why that's a big deal?

User Peerless_Cucumber: Because Luo Binghe is the only disciple he ever behaved that way towards.

User lostmyhairymarbles: But wasn't that just because Luo Binghe had no family to complain to?

User Peerless_Cucumber: EXACTLY. So what does it say that Elder Song got away with doing the same to Shizun as a disciple? And that he actually thought it was acceptable, even going on to mimic the behavior?

User PunishMeShizun: Oh my God. OH MY GOD. Cucumber, you may be on to something.

Chapter 10

Chapter Text

Standing at the base of An Ding Peak, Shen Qingqiu fanned himself slowly as he observed the bustle of disciples who were preparing a small carriage for their journey. He'd arrived at the meeting spot early, hoping to warn Shang Qinghua of their uninvited mission partner before the war god's arrival; he hadn't expected to walk into a near frenzy of activity as various An Ding disciples packed the storage compartments to capacity. Thick outer robes, camping supplies, and an obscene amount of snacks were stuffed into every available nook and cranny - a small, determined-looking mouse of a boy was attempting to fit a full tea set between a bedroll and a stack of blankets.

Even to Shen Qingqiu, who enjoyed his creature comforts after a childhood bereft of any comforts at all, it seemed a bit much. While he did generally choose to travel in a carriage for less time-sensitive missions, it was a preference rather than a requirement. He used the trip to review the facts of the case and come up with a strategy for his investigation, and any extra time was an opportunity to meditate or catch up on reading. That it was more comfortable than flying or riding was a pleasant, but secondary consideration.

This was likely not the case for Shang Qinghua though, especially if his Shidi was still using immortal binding cables to hinder his own cultivation. Shen Qingqiu had to wonder how aware the An Ding disciples were of their master's condition, since much of their overpacking included practical supplies that would be more suitable to a mortal traveler than a peak lord. Shang Qinghua's cultivation level may have been low in comparison to the rest of his martial siblings, but was still more than sufficient for practicing inedia or regulating body temperature. The excess supplies told Shen Qingqiu there was a good chance that at least the An Ding inner disciples knew about their master's current handicap.

When two senior disciples attempted to secure a tent to the roof of the carriage, he upgraded the chances from good to near definite.

The only surprise was that his Shidi's self-inflicted crippling hadn't made the rounds through the inter-peak gossip network as of yet. By nature of their duties, An Ding Peak functioned as the central news hub of the entire sect, since the disciples visited the other peaks and even traveled away from the mountains far more often than any other members. There were always deals to make, supplies to deliver, and juicy stories to pass along. And as Feng-er had proven, rank was hardly an effective deterrent against rumors.

Perhaps the sneaky little rodents had some integrity after all, if they drew the line at discussing their own peak lord's business. Did Shang Qinghua command more respect from his underlings than Shen Qingqiu had previously thought?

Turning his attention away from the scuttling minions and over to the head rat himself, Shen Qingqiu settled on a different explanation. It wasn't so much respect for their master's privacy as self-preservation that motivated the uncharacteristic courtesy; should anything depose the current peak lord, his remaining disciples would be expected to step up and take responsibility for the man's many and varied duties.

'Stay safe Shizun, because none of us want your job!' The position of An Ding Peak Lord truly is thankless.

Even now, mere ke from leaving on a semi-critical rescue mission, Shang Qinghua was being bombarded. Surrounded by a stream of ever-rotating disciples, he was frantically conveying last-minute instructions while signing and stamping whatever paperwork was shoved in front of him.

Approaching his preoccupied Shidi, Shen Qingqiu leaned over a hunched shoulder to see what was so important it couldn't wait a few days. He felt a burst of amusem*nt as he watched Shang Qinghua stamp a large red DENIED across a Bai Zhan work order request.

If only the master of that particular peak was as easily rejected as his paperwork.

"Shang-shidi might want to rethink that particular decision." Shang Qinghua jumped as Shen Qingqiu spoke directly next to his ear, not having noticed the other peak lord's approach. "I very much doubt Liu-shidi will accept an outright refusal without a fight."

"Yes, well. It just so happens that I'll be unavailable for the next few days, but Liu-shidi is welcome to go bitch at my empty office if it will make him feel better." Shang Qinghua replied irritably, stamping several more forms - all from Bai Zhan - in quick succession. "With any luck, he'll be gone on another hunt by the time we get back and have forgotten all about it."

"About that..." Shen Qingqiu began as Shang Qinghua handed the paperwork off, only for another stack to be shoved under his nose. Some sort of delivery order for Qian Cao Peak, by the looks of it. "There's been a slight change in plans."

"Hm?" His Shidi hummed, paying his Shixiong's words little mind. Clucking his tongue, he made a quick note at the bottom of the request before handing it back to his disciple. "Tell Peak Lord Mu that we'll have everything but the silver-furred ginkgo leaves by the end of the week. Our usual supplier is not available and everyone else charges an emperor's ransom; he'll be better off sending some disciples to harvest it themselves than pay what they're asking."

Shen Qingqiu blew an annoyed breath out his nose, irked by his martial brother's inattention. He was attempting to be considerate; the least Shang Qinghua could do was listen when he tried to warn him of their impending doom. "Shidi, I appreciate that you're busy, but I implore you to listen-"

"Yes, yes, what is- wait, is that the Qiong Ding expense report?" Shang Qinghua snatched a sheet from one of his disciples, once more diverted from Shen Qingqiu's rather urgent update. "I already told the sect leader that retiling the courtyard had used up most of his quarterly budget, does the man think we're made of money?!"

Well, Shen Qingqiu inadvertantly pondered the question. If we take into account that spirit stones are made from the condensed spiritual energy that our bodies generate, technically yes?

His distraction could not have happened at a worse moment.

"Shizun, did you have a meeting scheduled with Liu-shishu this morning?" One of the remaining disciples asked, squinting at something over Shen Qingqiu's shoulder. An ominous prickle crept down his neck.

"Of course not." Shang Qinghua scoffed, still absorbed in Yue Qingyuan's long list of expenditures. "As if I'd voluntarily spend time with that ass..." He mumbled to himself thoughtlessly before the question fully registered. His head jerked up, finally emerging from his private world of inventory lists and budget records. "Why?"

The disciple pointed wordlessly, and both peak lords looked up to see Liu Qingge flying towards them. Resplendent in his white Bai Zhan uniform, long hair whipping behind him like a victory banner, the war god looked like a scion of the Heavenly Emporer himself as he descended from the sky.

Because god forbid the man actually walk anywhere.

"Has your relationship already reached the level of personal sendoffs?" Shang Qinghua asked incredulously, dismissing his disciples with an absent shooing gesture. Shen Qingqiu was more than a bit baffled by the comment; since when could the armistice between himself and Liu Qingge be called a 'relationship?'

"As I have been trying to tell you," Shen Qingqiu murmured, opening his fan to hide his expression as their martial brother approached. "Liu-shidi has decided to invite himself along on our little errand."

"What?!" Shang Qinghua hissed with heartfelt dismay. "Why?"

"You'll have to ask him yourself. I assure you, it was not my idea." Shen Qingqiu was prevented from further explanation as the war god dismounted in front of them, gray eyes narrowing at their quiet conference.

Shang Qinghua immediately took a large, deliberate step away from Shen Qingqiu before greeting his martial brother.

"Liu-shidi." His tone was unenthusiastic. "Shen-shixiong was informing me that you intend to join us? Just like old times!" Shang Qinghua's laugh was obviously fake, and both Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge scowled at the reminder of the last mission the three had collaborated on.

"This master sincerely hopes not." Shen Qingqiu responded flatly. From the corner of his eye he saw Liu Qingge's jaw clench, probably holding back a similar sentiment.

Probably thinking about how I tried to kill him, despite recent evidence to the contrary.

Sharp, shrewd eyes darted between them, assessing their reactions. "...Right. So that's how it is." Shang Qinghua drawled, leveling Shen Qingqiu with an unimpressed glare.

Shen Qingqiu met the look evenly. He was perfectly aware that his Shidi disapproved of the many misconceptions that surrounded the Qing Jing Peak Lord, and didn't fully understand Shen Qingqiu's reluctance to correct them. The unfortunate climax of their mission at the well was a perfect example, and was quickly becoming a point of contention between them.

But frankly? Shen Qingqiu felt no inclination to clear that particular misunderstanding; one life debt to hold over Liu Qingge's head was more than enough. He didn't dare to imagine how annoying and overbearing the war god would be were he made aware of the second.

He'd probably apologize again. As appreciated as the first few had been, Shen Qingqiu had a limited tolerance for penitance. If a person were truly sorry, they would strive to do better in the future, not harp on endlessly as though regret was equal to amends.

Shang Qinghua sighed, conceding to Shen Qingqiu's unrivaled obstinance. "Well, the carriage is ready, but it will be a tight fit with three of us. If Liu-shidi prefers, I can send for a horse-"

"Carriage?" Liu Qingge growled, cutting off the nervous rambling. "A group of your disciples is missing, and you want to waste time traveling by carriage? Ridiculous. We'll be flying on our swords." The statement was made with absolute authority, with no consideration given to the fact that the speaker was the most junior of the group and a last-minute inclusion to the mission.

Typical Liu Qingge. Shen Qingqiu thought as Shang Qinghua sputtered next to him. But flying would be faster than using the carriage, and Shen Qingqiu was willing to prioritize speed over comfort in this particular case.

Besides, it would hardly be comfortable with the three of us crammed in there alongside all Shang-shidi's luggage.

But Shang Qinghua was unwilling to concede so easily. "Liu-shidi, have some consideration for your poor Shixiong. I've not been well, and am in no state to expend the spiritual energy for such a journey." On command, Shang Qinghua's previously acceptable appearance diminished, posture slumping and features twisting with infirmity. The performance was impressively shameless.

Liu Qingge was unmoved. "Unwell?" He scoffed, mouth twisting with contempt. "You dare say that you're unwell? Exactly how stupid do you think I am?!"

Shang Qinghua blinked. Shen Qingqiu blinked. Both peak lords glanced at each other, wondering whether the question was rhetorical or Liu-shidi actually expected an answer.

The war god's expression turned thunderous.

"Regardless of the reasons, Shang-shidi is not able to maintain flight for a prolonged period." Shen Qingqiu intervened before the war god lost his temper and made the disagreement physical; he had arranged this mission for a purpose after all, and it would be a waste for Shang Qinghua to end up a bloody smear on the grass before they even left the mountain.

Briefly debating with himself, Shen Qingqiu withheld a sigh as he came to a decision. While unappealing, there was a simple solution to the current issue available, and he had more important things to do than to argue about it for the next shichen. There was also the matter of their unsubtle audience to consider; he was pretty sure every An Ding disciple within a lǐ was attempting to eavesdrop. "Perhaps a compromise? In the interest of preserving Shang-shidi's health and traveling quickly, this master is willing to convey him on Xiu Ya for the journey."

The backlash to his offer was surprisingly vehement.

"Absolutely not!" Liu Qingge barked, looking appalled at the very notion of Shen Qingqiu playing pack animal. Shang Qinghua himself was eyeing Shen Qingqiu warily, as though weighing the odds of his Shixiong pushing him to a plummeting death halfway to their destination.

To be fair, I am now considering it, just to save myself the headache of dealing with these two. "And why not? As far as I'm concerned, it's the most expedient solution to the problem; or would you prefer to waste even more time arguing about it?"

Shang Qinghua raised his hands in appeasem*nt. "Of course not." He began, tone attempting to be soothing and missing by a horse length. "This Shidi only wishes for Shen-Shixiong to consider his position-"

"And what does this master's position have to do with anything?" Shen Qingqiu asked, dubious.

Liu Qingge's justification was definitive: "As our senior, it is inappropriate for Shen-shixiong to accommodate Shang Qinghua in such a way."

What's inappropriate is how the only time you idiots agree on something, it's in opposition to this master. Pei! Thoroughly exasperated, Shen Qingqiu closed his fan with an irritated snap and placed his hands on his hips. "This master would love to hear any alternative suggestions."

"...Since I'm the one objecting, I'll take responsibility." Grimacing with obvious distaste, the war god nearly spat his next words. "Shang-shixiong will ride with me."

Shang Qinghua tried to choke on his own tongue. Shen Qingqiu couldn't muster even a little concern.

"...Agreed. Now can we go?"

They both ignored Shang Qinghua's squawk of protest, drawing and mounting their swords. Liu Qingge crossed his arms as he hovered near the ground, waiting for Shang Qinghua to step onto Cheng Luan behind him. "Well? Are you coming or not?"

Shang Qinghua backed away slowly. "Now that I think about it, if both Shen-shixiong and Liu-shidi are going, my presence is hardly necessary-"

"I beg to differ." There was no way Shen Qingqiu was going to let the rat wriggle his way out of this. If Shen Qingqiu had to suffer (was already suffering), then so did everyone else. Besides, Shang Qinghua was the entire reason he was going on this mission in the first place. "It's Shang-shidi's disciples who have gone missing, and thus his responsibility to retrieve them."

Shang Qinghua's knees bent slightly, his core tensing; clear signs the man was preparing to run away. "But surely sending three peak lords on such a mission is excessive? That is to say-"

"Enough excuses!" Liu Qingge swept around behind the An Ding Peak Lord, blocking his unsubtle retreat. "Get on already, unless you'd like for me to tie you up and carry you as well?"

Shang Qinghua actually considered it.

This, Shen Qingqiu thought with resignation when Shang Qinghua gingerly stepped onto Liu Qingge's blade, is not an auspicious beginning. He did his best to ignore the An Ding disciples peeking around the edge of the carriage like the sneaky little pests they were. Their avid attention to the exchange between peak lords spelled nothing but trouble for the future, and his Shidis' ridiculous antics only fueled the fire. Already another argument had broken out between them as Shang Qinghua flailed his arms about, attempting to find a means of holding on to the war god without actually holding on to the war god.

"Just grab on!"

"Fine! But where, exactly?!"

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, sending an uncharacteristic prayer heavenward. Shizun, if you're looking down upon this farce, this master begs that you avert your eyes.

Forget three peak lords being overkill - at this rate, it would be a miracle if they managed to leave the mountain in one piece.

The flight was far more animated than was strictly necessary, and it was entirely Liu Qingge's fault.

Quailing at the thought of touching Liu Qingge's waist, Shang Qinghua had eventually settled on precariously gripping the back of the war god's robes for balance while leaning as far away as possible. Liu Qingge didn't object to the decidedly insecure hold, seeming to prefer the distance between them; if he had proceeded to fly in a reasonable manner, it shouldn't have been a problem.

Liu Qingge did not proceed to fly in a reasonable manner. Liu Qingge proceeded to fly like a goddamn lunatic with a death wish.

Time to take off? Clearly best to accelerate to top speed with no warning. Giant cypress tree forest ahead? Mid-air maneuverability training opportunity. Cloud cover affecting visibility and necessitating a descent? Cut your spiritual energy and plummet directly downward.

A small, solitary bird flying in your path? Barrel roll.

Shang Qinghua had objected to the last move with prejudice; Shen Qingqiu hadn't been aware a grown man's screams could reach that particular octave.

When they finally touched down many hours later, Shang Qinghua's complexion had achieved an alarming shade of green. He practically threw himself off of Cheng Luan, clinging to the grass and struggling not to vomit.

Liu Qingge looked entirely too pleased with himself. Shen Qingqiu wasn't entirely sure what had caused his animosity toward Shang Qinghua - Liu Qingge's open dislike for alcohol aside, this felt somehow personal - but he also knew an opportunity when he saw one.

He had initiated this mission with the intention of forcing Shang Qinghua into releasing his spiritual energy and addressing his unfortunate addiction. Whatever the cause of the caravan's disappearance, he was confident he could corner his Shidi into a situation where he would require the use of his cultivation. But so long as Liu Qingge continued to antagonize the other peak lord...

Well. The war god's unwitting methods were crude but effective. Already Shang Qinghua's intestines were green from regret; the entire humiliating experience could have been avoided by using his spiritual energy to ride his own sword.

Whatever the reasons for Liu-shidi's grudge, I'm perfectly willing to use it to my own advantage.

While Shang-shidi reacquainted himself with solid ground, Shen Qingqiu occupied himself with observing their surroundings. They had landed next to a narrow road that led directly into a small town. Situated firmly in the middle of a sprawling forest, the aptly named Zhongtu Town was the last place where the missing caravan had stayed before its disappearance. As such, it was the only logical place to begin their investigation.

The town looked much the same as any other, save for one feature; its outermost houses and streets actually blended into the forest, the flora encroaching with no clear boundary established between the settlement and the wild.

Curious. Trees were usually cut down around a community, as letting a forest creep so close practically invited trouble: a tree might fall and damage property or person, or wild beasts could wander into the town without anyone realizing.

There would also be little forewarning or time to react, should something - or someone - more sinister approach with ill intentions.

"Not very defensible, is it?" Shen Qingqiu had spent weeks going over the sect's defenses with a fine tooth comb. It was natural that he would immediately notice the security issues inherent in the forest's proximity.

It was more of a surprise than it should have been when Liu Qingge responded. "It's a logistical nightmare. No clear lines of sight, no defined entry points, barriers, or buffer zones - not even a posted guard that I can see. The thick vegetative cover along the road is perfect for concealment, and forests are always an ambush risk. Why would they leave so many holes in their defenses?"

Ah Liu-shidi, not everyone was raised to command armies, or has a solid foundation in military tactics.

Jokes aside, Liu Qingge was not stupid. Quite the contrary, in fact. Hailed from a young age as a genius in combat, the peak lords's expertise certainly included extensive knowledge of warfare - he simply had a tendency to focus his attention too narrowly, neglecting anything that he deemed irrelevant to his interests or goals.

"Perhaps they have another means of protection. Or it's been long enough since an incident occurred that they've grown complacent. Shang-shidi, can you confirm this is the route the caravan took after leaving?"

Shang Qinghua reluctantly raised his head from the ground to answer. "According to our maps, this is the only road through the forest wide enough to accommodate carriages. Standard procedure is to post a disciple in every major stop along a shipping route to confirm arrivals, inventory, and that deliveries are on schedule. The disciple assigned to the next city along this route confirmed that the caravan spent a night in Zhongtu Town and left the following morning."

"What was the next stop?"

"Heshun City. It sits just outside the forest border."

So there was at least one certainty: whatever had happened to the caravan, it had happened along this road, within this forest.

"Did your disciple use the road as well, when he came to Zhongtu Town to ask after the caravan?"

"Yes, and he interviewed other travelers he passed. No one reported anything unusual, or that they had seen signs of the caravan along the way."

Liu Qingge strode out to stand in the middle of the road, looking down its long expanse to where it disappeared behind the densely packed trees. "Would they have had any reason to stray off the path?"

"Only if they encountered an obstruction that would prevent the carriages from passing - a fallen tree, mudslide, a large enough sinkhole - but by all accounts the road was in good condition the entire length."

To call the entire situation bizarre would be an understatement; multiple carriages full of goods defended by a group of cultivators did not simply vanish into thin air. And if they had been attacked - either by human or beast- there would have been signs of the conflict. Blood, torn clothing, trampled plants. There simply wasn't an effective way to hide every trace of battle.

It was as though heaven itself had reached down and plucked the caravan off the face of the Earth.

Shen Qingqiu began walking along the side of the road, peering into the dense foliage that started just a few steps from the packed dirt. "This sounds less and less like an accident or chance encounter, and more like the caravan was targeted."

Liu Qingge nodded in agreement. "What was the caravan transporting?"

Shang Qinghua had dragged himself into a sitting position, and rubbed his neck absently as he thought. "Nothing valuable or unusual, just some day-to-day supplies. Paving stones from a local quarry, recently published books to add to the library, some medicinal herbs native to the area - nothing worth risking Cang Qiong Mountain's retaliation."

"So probably not bandits." Shen Qingqiu had already guessed as much.

"Monsters aren't known for cleaning up after themselves, so we can rule that out as well." Liu Qingge added confidently. As the most prolific beast hunter in the sect (and possibly the entire cultivation world), Shen Qingqiu would take his word on it.

"Maybe it's ghosts again, because that went so well for us the first time." Shang Qinghua griped with forced nonchalance. "They certainly don't leave any traces behind, even if the energy used to dispel them lingers."

Shang Qinghua was not subtle in his attempt to revisit the group's last mission together. Though the war god displayed no awareness of Shang Qinghua's insinuations, Shen Qingqiu was quick to reject the half-assed 'theory' and change the subject. "Ghosts may leave no remains, but I've yet to hear of one with the ability to completely vanish objects or people. A curse is far more likely."

"Curses have to be anchored to something. Could the caravan have encountered an artifact?" Liu Qingge suggested, racing past the tense moment with oblivious ease. Shen Qingqiu released a silent breath of relief, grateful for the man's narrow vision.

Never change, Liu Qingge.

"On a well-traveled road in the middle of a forest?" Shen Qingqiu stepped off the road to approach the tree line, stretching out his spiritual senses. "Unlikely, but not impossible I suppose. If so, it had to have been left recently and removed before anyone else could come across it."

(Back turned, Shen Qingqiu didn't notice Liu Qingge's face grow pensive, gray eyes dark with thought - not half so deaf to his martial brother's hints as the others believed.)

Breathing deeply, Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes and concentrated on the aura of the forest around him. It was much easier in his beloved bamboo grove on Qing Jing Peak - the high saturation of spiritual energy and his own familiarity acted as a map to his senses, allowing him to perceive the subtle growth of each stalk of bamboo, the leaves disturbed by an errant footstep. Though far more diluted, the forest around him still contained traces of energy that he could interpret to a limited extent.

As far as he could tell, he was standing in a perfectly normal forest. The trees felt like trees, the air warmed in dappled patches of sunlight, and small animals scampered about their lives undisturbed. He gradually extended his awareness to its outermost limit, and still nothing peculiar stood out. A little disappointed, he was preparing to pull back when a faint aberration registered at the very edge of his range.

It was nothing more than the smallest of ripples, intangible to anyone who wasn't deliberately looking. It passed quickly and disturbed not even a blade of grass, before vanishing without a trace.

But Shen Qingqiu knew what he had felt. He refused to doubt himself - doubt his perception of reality - any longer.

"There's something there, but I can't determine the source." Turning back towards his companions, Shen Qingqiu was startled to find Liu Qingge standing just behind him. Based on his stance, and the way gray eyes moved in continuous sweeps of their surroundings, it almost appeared the war god had been standing guard while Shen Qingqiu was otherwise occupied.

It had been a lifetime since Shen Qingqiu had trusted anyone to watch his back. Before he had ascended to Shen Qingqiu, the most hated and solitary peak lord, he had been Disciple Shen, the upstart late-comer who dared covet the position of successor. Before that, he had been a criminal, apprenticed to an infamous and reviled demonic cultivator. Earlier, a helpless slave trapped under the thumb of a sad*stic master.

And at the beginning, he'd been just Xiao Jiu, a child too unloved to have even been granted a name of his own. Even among the street children he'd had to fight for every scrap and profit he'd ever received. He'd protected and provided for Qi-ge as well as himself, despite the little thanks he'd gotten for his efforts; mostly he'd get scolded for fighting with the other children, told that he shouldn't be so harsh, so unforgiving, so cruel. No matter that it had kept them alive and allowed them to rise to their current positions, when so many others had died in the same filth they'd been born in.

Shen Qingqiu had always covered Qi-ge's - Yue Qingyuan's - back. But had Yue Qingyuan ever really covered his?

That Liu Qingge of all people would do so now - how exactly was Shen Qingqiu meant to respond to that?

He was horrified to feel the beginnings of a flush warm his cheeks. He told himself the gesture didn't actually mean anything; the war god owed him a life debt, and was just looking for opportunities to repay it. He was Shen Qingqiu, the black-hearted tyrant of Qing Jing Peak, and he refused to be moved by receiving the protection he was due!

Instead, he opened his fan with a defiant snap, hiding the color in his cheeks while glaring over the gilded edge. "Yes? Does Liu-shidi have something to say to this master?"

Liu Qingge tilted his head to the side, his gaze somehow both penetrating and puzzled. "...No?"

"Good." Keeping his cover in place and his dignity intact, Shen Qingqiu paid the war god no mind as he glided over to where Shang Qinghua continued to lounge in the dirt. "I identified a deviation in the forest's energy pattern. It felt deliberate, not incidental."

"Deliberate?" Shang Qinghua echoed, finally rising to his feet at his martial brother's approach. "Were you able to determine its function?"

"It was there and gone, but my initial impression was of a scan. The energy radiated outward, and passed without disturbing anything."

"A scan?" Shang Qinghua repeated, incredulous. "What would anyone be scanning for here?"

The skepticism was valid. The forest did not produce any plants of spiritual power, and did not contain any rare or powerful beasts. Any spiritual treasure or powerful artifact left in the area would have stood out like a beacon due to the low level of spiritual energy in the area. And while the road was decent enough for smaller travel groups, the dangers inherent to traveling through a remote forest prevented it from becoming a major commerce route for mortal merchants. There was, quite literally, nothing of value for anyone to be looking for, which Shang Qinghua would know better than most.

"Better question:" Liu Qingge added. "What about the An Ding caravan triggered it, if the scan played a part in its disappearance?"

"My disciples have used this route plenty of times before without issue. So either the scan was set up recently, or something was different about this particular delivery." Shang Qinghua concluded grimly.

Shen Qingqiu agreed with his assessment; if the scan was a recent development, something had to have caused its implementation. If not, then there was either something about the caravan or preceding events that had been distinct from all previous excursions through the area.

"We need more information before proceeding. We should reserve rooms for the night anyway; a town this size is unlikely to have more than one guest accommodation, and space will be limited. It will likely double as a restaurant or tea house, so we can ask the residents about the forest and any unusual activity."

Shang Qinghua groaned openly, while Liu Qingge restrained himself to wrinkling his nose. Shen Qingqiu had heard that there were some rare, personable cultivators that actually enjoyed gathering information through interviewing the public; none of their current party counted among their number.

None of their current party were fond of people in general. Among them, Shen Qingqiu had the dubious honor of being the most socially competent (looking at you, Liu-shidi) and the least outwardly sleazy (if it looks, sounds, and walks like a rat, Shang Qinghua); most of the conversation would fall to him, so he didn't see what his useless Shidis had to complain about in this case. Turning away, Shen Qingqiu walked towards the town entrance, beyond caring whether his companions joined him or not.

"Can't we just continue searching for the source of the energy?" Liu Qingge groused, though he quickly moved into step beside him.

"Not unless we want to risk setting it off and disappearing ourselves. And even if we locate the source, what then? We have no idea how to dismantle it or what situation we might be walking into." Shen Qingqiu clucked his tongue pointedly. "There are too many gaps in our knowledge at present. But if Liu-shidi wants to fly around aimlessly, this master will not stop you..." Shen Qingqiu poked the tiger, which Liu Qingge bore stoically. At least he didn't go haring off into the woods by himself, which he had been known to do in the past.

"Ugh, socializing." Shang Qinghua bemoaned behind them, dragging his feet to put off the inevitable. "Aren't you worried about scaring the snake?"

"We'll try to stick to locals; it's only beating the grass if the town is actively involved." Shen Qingqiu dismissed easily. "Now stop whining, it's unbecoming of a peak lord."

"I'll show you unbecoming..." Came the answering grumble. "Our accommodations had better serve something stronger than tea, if you expect me to help."

Aiya, you idiot! Have you abandoned all your sense at the bottom of a wine jar?! The An Ding Peak Lord had to be in a truly foul mood, to purposely rile their volatile Shidi in such a manner.

"Shang Qinghua! You would dare to drink alcohol while on a mission? Shameless!" Liu Qingge whirled around to confront their martial brother, completely incensed. Shen Qingqiu kept walking, attempting to leave the ridiculous conflict behind him.

"Liu-shidi, Liu-shidi," Shang Qinghua tutted with palpable condescension. "This is why you're so difficult to get along with. Haven't you heard 'a thousand cups of wine is not too much when best friends meet'? Doesn't Liu-shidi want to improve his relationship with his martial brothers?"

"I didn't come along for, for - fraternizing!" Liu-shidi spat out. "I came to ensure that there was someone competent searching for your missing disciples-"

"Is that why Liu-shidi invited himself along? Because he thinks his Shixiongs require supervision?"

"Shen-shixiong is fine, it's you that's the problem!"

"What's that? Shen-shixiong is fine, is he? Since when are the two of you on such good terms? From what I remember of our last mission together-"

Shen Qingqiu came to an abrupt halt. "If Shidis don't stop bickering, this master is perfectly happy to leave them both behind and investigate the matter by himself." The argument had entered uncomfortable inter-relational territory, a topic which Shen Qingqiu had no interest in touching with a ten-foot pole.

Sullen silence followed his statement, but neither of his companions raised an objection. Resuming his walk, Shen Qingqiu resolved to enjoy the temporary peace for as long as it lasted.

The quiet extended as far as the entryway of the only inn the town boasted. Like Shen Qingqiu had predicted, in addition to renting out rooms, the establishment also served food and drink.

Including alcohol. Shen Qingqiu observed as one of the staff walked by, carrying several clearly marked wine jars.

Shizun had to be laughing at Shen Qingqiu from the illustrious halls of his heavenly abode.

"You are a disgrace." Liu Qingge hissed quietly behind him, presumably talking to Shang Qinghua.

"Oh, so now I'm not even allowed to look at alcohol, is that it?" Shang Qinghua sniped back.

"We require rooms for the next two nights." Shen Qingqiu requested at the front desk, paying no mind to the idiots behind him. Shen Qingqiu had participated in his fair share of public disagreements with his martial siblings in the past - notably with Liu Qingge - but surely none of them had been so puerile. He felt more like a childminder than he did with his actual disciples.

"Welcome, Immortal Masters!" The receptionist greeted cheerfully as she opened the reservation book. "Unfortunately most of our rooms are already taken, but if esteemed guests don't mind sharing-"

Scenes of bloodshed and ruination flashed before Shen Qingqiu's eyes. Would he really be expected to endure his Shidis' squabbles not just during the day, but overnight as well?

"-we have two rooms left that are available!"

...Perhaps heaven had looked down upon him with favor, for once. Shen Qingqiu resolved to light some incense for his Shizun when he got back to the sect in gratitude.

At that moment, Liu-shidi let out a displeased rumble that was followed closely by a small squeak of pain. The argument had escalated into physical violence, and neither of his Shidis were paying any attention to the transaction at hand.

"We'll take them."

"Thank you for your patronage, Immortal Master! Your reservation includes a complimentary meal - shall I have the dining staff prepare a table?" He took a moment to admire the sheer professionalism the woman displayed, taking her cues from Shen Qingqiu and pretending not to notice his companions' scuffle.

Now if only his martial brothers would display a fraction of the same decorum.

Shen Qingqiu thanked her and turned around, just in time to witness Liu Qingge kick Shang Qinghua in the ankle as retaliation for his ponytail getting yanked. It was a scene more suited to a couple of four-year-olds than immortal masters representing the number one cultivation sect.

"If Shidis are quite done?" Shen Qingqiu could only hope his tone conveyed half of how unimpressed he felt at the moment. "I've secured our rooms for the night, and we can begin our investigation over lunch. That is, if this master can trust you both to keep your hands to yourselves?"

"Please don't word it like that." Shang Qinghua requested with a groan, hopping around and clutching the ankle Liu-shidi had just assaulted. "And it's not my fault this ass can't mind his own business!"

"You tarnishing the sect's reputation is my business!"

"And I suppose two peak lords squabbling like prepubescent brats in public is appropriate?" Shen Qingqiu observed flatly. "Or do Shidis really believe they've left a dignified impression of Cang Qiong Mountain sect with their conduct so far?"

Liu Qingge's face flushed red in realization. Crossing his arms and looking away, he muttered what might have been an apology.

Shang Qinghua was not so easily embarrassed. "Pfffft, it's not like I've ever been the face of the sect anyway, unlike the Bai Zhan War God. What do I care what people think?"

Head whipping back around, Liu Qingge's mouth curled in an angry snarl. Shen Qingqiu quickly pressed his closed fan to the war god's lips, halting the building tirade before it could emerge and cause a further scene. Pulled up short, wide gray eyes crossed to look at the obstruction before meeting Shen Qingqiu's own in bemusem*nt.

Confident that Liu Qingge had been subdued for the time being, Shen Qingqiu nonetheless kept his fan in place while dealing with his other troublesome junior. "Shang-shidi is correct: the only person he should concern himself with is this master, who has gone out of his way to assist his junior in his time of need. Shixiong would be very disappointed if he thought his support was not being properly appreciated."

Shang Qinghua could recognize a threat when he heard one. "This Shidi will reflect on his senior's instruction." He grumbled as he ceased his ridiculous bouncing, lowering his foot back to the floor. With all the misbehavior he'd already witnessed that day, Shen Qingqiu had been half expecting him to stomp like a petulant toddler throwing a tantrum.

"Do that." Shen Qingqiu lowered his fan, and Liu Qingge jolted as though freed from a restraining spell. He felt the war god's gaze on his back as he turned away, but was determined to ignore it. If his martial brothers took offense at being treated like recalcitrant children, then they shouldn't act like them. "Whatever grievances you carry for each other are irrelevant for the time being; we have a mission to complete."

"I'll have a jar of your finest vintage-"

"No. We will all be having tea."

"Correction: He will be having tea. I will be having wine."

"Like hell you will-"

Their server looked terrified, as two of the powerful cultivators he was meant to be serving fought vehemently over placing a simple drink order. When Shen Qingqiu saw heads begin to turn in their direction as other patrons were disturbed by the commotion, he had no choice but to intervene. Slamming his fan down on the table with a startling crack, he was darkly satisfied when both his Shidis immediately fell silent, their backs straightening automatically. Whether lowly disciple or lofty peak lord, some reflexes were universal.

"We'll have tea and a jar of wine." He said with authority, eyes daring his martial brothers to object. Overflowing with gratitude, the server offered a small bow before beating a hasty retreat. Liu Qingge seethed, but wisely kept his silence. Meanwhile, Shang Qinghua had leaned back with a smug smile, reveling in his supposed triumph over the war god.

Really, it was like neither of them knew their Shixiong at all.

When the server returned with their order, it was simple enough to commandeer the jar of wine from the tray before Shang Qinghua could reach it. He was polite enough to wait until the server had unloaded the tea set and left before pouring himself a cup, both his Shidis watching him with wide eyes.

"Ah, Shen-shixiong..." Shang Qinghua implored shakily, reaching out a hand towards him.

Holding his Shidi's eyes as he raised the cup to his lips, Shen Qingqiu drank it in a single, smooth swallow. "Yes? Was there something Shang-shidi needed?" Pouring a second cup, he downed it as quickly as the first.

Shang Qinghua whimpered, hand falling limply on the table.

Next to him, Liu Qingge appeared torn. Part of him clearly wanted to object to Shen Qingqiu imbibing alcohol, while the rest was pleased that Shang Qinghua had been beaten at his own game. A glance over at his sniveling Shixiong was enough to decide him; Liu Qingge's lips twitched upwards into an unwilling smirk.

Shen Qingqiu raised his next cup in a silent salute, holding back a grin of his own.

Underestimate me at your own peril Shang Qinghua. If Gods block, kill the Gods. If Buddhas block, kill the Buddhas. Did you really think this master would allow your misbehavior to continue indefinitely?

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, savoring the sweet taste of vindictive victory.

To achieve his goals, this master is prepared to rebuke the Heavens themselves.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

Luo Binghe was frozen in place as Elder Song took her first sip of his latest attempt at preparing tea.

His Dashixiong had been an unforgiving taskmaster earlier that morning, forcing him to prepare pot after pot until he had managed to brew one that met his rigid standards. But Luo Binghe was grateful for his instruction; if there was anyone more exacting than Ming Fan and Shizun regarding tea, it would have to be Elder Song.

"The tea is acceptable - barely." His tutor finally stated. "Even beasts can be taught it seems. But your presentation is still lacking; this master expects further improvement before our next lesson."

Hours of nervous tension were released at the curt dismissal, and his hands almost shook with relief. Overall, it was a much better result than he had dared to expect from the work of a single morning. He resolved to do something nice for Ming Fan in the next few days; the head disciple would have his hands full running the peak while their master was away on a mission.

The thought of his Shizun made him pause in his escape. His hesitation was noted, and Elder Song regarded him with impatient displeasure.

"Yes? Was there something Disciple Luo needed?"

Taking a deep breath, Luo Binghe gathered his courage and dropped into a low bow. "This disciple would like to offer his gratitude to Elder Song once more. He has just learned that Elder Song was Shizun's personal teacher during his discipleship; learning under his master's own Shifu is an honor."

A heavy silence followed his declaration, before Elder Song responded with her usual vitriol. "An honor indeed. But do not get the wrong impression, Disciple Luo - the circ*mstances of your instruction could not be more different."

Luo Binghe swallowed dryly. Was he finally going to learn more about his Shizun? "Would Elder Song be willing to illuminate this lowly one?"

A derisive scoff. "Disciple Luo is bold today. He should not make the mistake of thinking highly of himself; he is being instructed so as not to disgrace his master or peak by continuing his lackluster performance. This master agreed as a matter of necessity, not because the student showed any overt potential."

Luo Binghe did his best to let the insult roll off his back. Thankfully, the last few weeks had given him plenty of practice. "And Shizun? Elder Song chose to instruct him because he did show potential?"

Elder Song's eyes glinted menacingly. "Disciple Luo is overly preoccupied with Peak Lord Shen's history. But if he truly wishes to know, this master will enlighten him to his own mediocrity."

"This master first met Disciple Shen a week after he had been accepted into the sect. He had come late, years past the ideal age to begin cultivating; he was not welcomed warmly by his peers, or indeed anyone other than the previous Peak Lord himself. He was placed in my care as a disciplinary measure after participating in a brawl with his fellow disciples, during which he broke several of his opponents' bones and nearly blinded the then-head disciple."

To call Luo Binghe shocked would be an understatement. The things Elder Song was saying didn't match the elegant and refined peak lord at all. Could his Shizun really have been such a person? Starting late, fighting with his martial brothers, getting disciplined...

How could Disciple Shen possibly have risen to become Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, with such a terrible beginning?

"This master initially believed accepting such an unruly person into the sect was a mistake, and decided to drive him off of Qing Jing Peak as quickly as possible."

Luo Binghe's heart clenched at the ruthless admission.

"It only took one lesson for Disciple Shen to change this master's mind."

Consternation transformed into wonder. Weeks had passed without Elder Song softening towards Luo Binghe in the slightest; how had Shizun won her over in a single day?

"For our first lesson, this master was meant to assess Disciple Shen's level of literacy. He had been provided with ink, a brush, and a stack of paper that he was to fill with as many characters as he could recall."

"Before he could begin, this master brought out two more tools necessary for the assessment: a sack of rice, and an empty bowl. He was told the following: 'Qing Jing Peak does not waste resources on disciples that cannot measure up to its standards. For every character you write, a single grain of rice will be added to the bowl; the final result will be your meal allotment for the day. Any incorrect or sloppy characters will result in a grain being deducted. You will repeat this exercise every day until this master is satisfied with your progress.’"

Luo Binghe could barely hear over the sound of his own racing heart. His own beginnings at the peak had not been ideal, largely due to misunderstanding his master's intentions for his training. But for all the chores, and punishments, and expectations, he had never been told that he had to earn something so vital as food.

"This master had not expected much from Disciple Shen's performance; all the given information seemed to point to him being lazy, entitled, and a waste of time to attempt cultivating."

"This master was wrong." Far from a shameful admission, Elder Song declared her error as though it were a point of pride. "Over the next several hours, this master was required to retrieve more paper and an additional bowl so that Disciple Shen could continue his assignment. Part way through, two large bowls had been filled to near overflowing - still he continued to write, with not a single grain being deducted for poor execution."

"When the lesson came to a close, he was given the bowls and told to take them to the kitchen, so that his midday meal could be prepared for him. He took the rice, stepped outside, and upturned both bowls into the dirt while this master watched."

"From that moment, this master was resolved: Disciple Shen would be the next master of Qing Jing Peak."

Abruptly, Luo Binghe was struck by an image of his Shizun. In it, the peak lord was far younger, and gangly in the manner of all teenagers in the midst of a growth spurt. His features were the same, if not slightly sharper, but his brilliant green eyes burned with the same vicious glare he turned upon any who displeased him.

Even before joining Cang Qiong Mountain sect, Shizun had still been Shizun.

"Does Disciple Luo understand now? The difference between himself and his master?"

"This disciple understands." He managed to rasp out, throat dry with emotion. "Thanking Elder Song for her indulgence." Rising, he clasped his hands and turned to take his leave.

Elder Song called out to him once more, just as he stepped across the threshold.

"And Disciple Luo? Check your curiosity about your master in the future. As a disciple of Qing Jing Peak, it's unbecoming."

User BingGetSome: Okay, when the f*ck is Airplane going to give us Shizun's full backstory? Because these bite-sized teasers are legit driving me crazy.

User lostmyhairymarbles: I feel this in my soul. Every time I think I've got a good handle on Shizun's character, he pulls another piece of the puzzle out his ass and I end up confused all over again. SHEN QINGQIU, WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?!?!?

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): I feel like that might be the new tagline for the fandom.

User YingYingGirly: It's funny that most discussions of PIDW are so focused on a side character. Luo Binghe is rarely at the forefront of the fandom, despite being the protagonist.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Eh, at this point he's a known factor. Besides, Luo Binghe is more obsessed with Shizun than any of us could ever hope to be.

User PunishMeShizun: Except maybe Cucumber. ( ｡ˇ艸ˇ)

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Except maybe Cucumber. ((*´艸｀*))

User Peerless_Cucumber: I'm sure I have no idea what the two of you are implying. It's like you've never seen actual literary analysis before, which isn't surprising considering you generally consume Stallion Novels.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Wow, defensive much?

User PunishMeShizun: You're so cute, acting all literary and sh*t. It's okay to say you've got a man crush on Shizun, we won't judge.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Shen Qingqiu stangirls, I must ask that you stop projecting.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): I don't know Cucumber, you do seem to find his character *compelling*. (･｀ω´･+)

User BingGetSome: *lights the bonfire signal* Now all of China knows you're GAY.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Much like protag, his 'peerless cucumber' has been roused.

User FakeJadePillar: Guys, guys, come on now. He's just invested because *checks chat log* "Shen Qingqiu's importance to the story cannot be overstated." ...Hmm.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Hmmmmm.

User Demon.Daddy69: HMMMMMMMMMM.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: But yeah, you're only interested in his plot significance. We believe you. (^_-)

User Peerless_Cucumber: I wouldn't have bothered showing up if I'd known this would devolve into a roast session.

User PunishMeShizun: LIES! You love us, you know you do.

Chapter 11

Chapter Text

Since his miraculous awakening in the past, Shen Qingqiu had not once strayed from his course. It didn't matter whether a peaceful resolution could be found or bloody war was inevitable; demons would not be permitted to run rampant over humanity and Luo Binghe would not be permitted to join the realms. To this purpose, there was little that the Qing Jing Peak Lord would not endure. No plot he wouldn't hatch, no throat he wouldn't cut, no demon spawn he would not play nice with.

Once decided, Shen Qingqiu was resolute in his convictions and would see his goals through to the end.

That being said, having to spend an afternoon mingling with the common rabble of humanity was making him question whether the demons might not have a point. People, as it turned out, were the absolute worst.

"Isn't he just the most precious thing you've ever seen in your life?" The man he was attempting to interview gushed over the squalling baby in his arms, utterly besotted with a creature that more closely resembled a mutated jujube than a human child.

Nothing so delusional as a new parent, I suppose. "Adorable. But if we could get back to my questions-"

"What was that? Sorry, you're going to have to speak up a bit, I don't think he's going to be stopping any time soon." The man was near shouting to be heard as the baby's screams increased in volume. "He's been fussy for a few days now, but my wife says he's just been a little gassy from swallowing too much air while he's nursing..."

I. Do. Not. CARE. Taking several long, slow breaths, Shen Qingqiu held onto his temper by the barest of margins. His teeth near ached with the desire to inform the man exactly how little interest the peak lord had in his spawn and its bodily functions. Alas, it wasn't worth potentially alienating the rest of the town for a few moments of malicious satisfaction.

"Sir." He finally grit out, tone a bit sharper than he'd intended.

"Right, right... Er, what was the question again?" At least the man had the decency to look a bit sheepish.

"Did you have any contact with the caravan that came through here five nights ago?"

The man's face scrunched as he attempted to think, a rare undertaking that was probably made more difficult by the incessant caterwauling. "We get a lot of visitors and traders coming through here, so it can be hard to keep them all straight. Anything special about this particular one?"

That's what I'm trying to determine, you-! Another deep breath.

"They would have been wearing brown uniforms, and most would have been carrying swords."

The man guffawed. "Imagine, carrying swords through here! There isn't anywhere safer than our forest - nothing bad has ever happened here, not for as long as I've been alive!"

Is the fact that I'm asking about them not a clear indication that something 'bad' has indeed happened?!

As though equally disgusted with his father's unmitigated idiocy, the baby chose that moment to spit up all over himself. Shen Qingqiu took it as a sign from Heaven and left while the unfortunate father was distracted by the mess. It marked a poor beginning to what promised to be a thoroughly frustrating afternoon.

An incense stick of time wasted for nothing of value, other than a newfound appreciation for the phrase 'an idiot is not worth consulting'.

"Oh yeah, I remember them - nearly trampled Lao PoPo, didn't even stop to check on her after."

Shen Qingqiu pinched the bridge of his nose, beyond exasperation. Of course the caravan had nearly trampled a little old woman as it entered the town. Why was he even surprised at this point? "This master offers his most sincere apologies on his Shizhis' behalf. I hope your grandmother is alright?"

His genuine concern earned him a look of confusion from the farmer. "My grandmother's been dead for over a decade, Immortal Master. Not sure what she has to do with anything."

Shen Qingqiu blinked. "...I see. But then, who is Lao PoPo exactly?"

The farmer gestured at something on the ground. "Red one, on the right."

Shen Qingqiu looked down.

"...the chicken?"

"That would be her. As for your questions, I'm not sure how much help I'll be - I'm out in the woods with the flock most days."

Shen Qingqiu was still attempting to move past the fact that he'd apologized on behalf of his sect for a chicken. "That's fine." He managed faintly, very glad that the peak lords had decided to split up earlier to cover more ground. He wasn't sure he'd have survived witnesses to this particular humiliation. "Whatever you can remember about the day they departed could be helpful to our investigation."

"Alright then, let me think on it a moment." The farmer rubbed his chin, eyes scanning over his flock as he considered. He paused and slapped his knee, startling a few of his birds in the process. "That's right, I nearly forgot! I didn't notice anything amiss that day, but A-Lian sure did!"

Did Shen Qingqiu dare hope? "And A-Lian is...?"

Please be a person, please be a person, please be a person-

"Little white one hiding in the underbrush over there."

Goddamn it.

"And when you say she noticed something amiss?"

The farmer leaned back, looking the peak lord over in a gauging manner as he answered. "Well, she's a bit like you Immortal Masters - senses stuff the rest of us normal folk would never notice. Same day your caravan rolled out, she had herself a right tizzy out of nowhere. Wouldn't stop flapping and squawking for hours."

"Just to clarify," Shen Qingqiu responded dully, "You are in fact suggesting that your chicken is-" He cut himself off before he could finish the sentence, physically incapable of saying something so utterly ridiculous out loud.

"Mm. What's the term you Immortal Master's use? 'Spiritually sensitive.'"

"...the chicken." Shen Qingqiu repeated dolefully. He didn't care how important accurate record-keeping was to the sect's ever-expanding knowledge base; he was not putting this in his after-mission report, he absolutely was not. If any future generations were to run across said report and learn the details of this exchange, he would never live it down for the rest of his immortal life.

The conversation ended soon after, once Shen Qingqiu had determined that the farmer's 'revelation' about his spiritually gifted fowl was the extent of his information. Spitefully, the peak lord decided he would order a poultry dish for dinner that night, a small revenge for being forced to even think the words 'cultivator chicken'.

After leaving his unfortunate discussion with the bird enthusiast far behind him, Shen Qingqiu decided to be a bit more discerning about which residents he approached for information. Too much time had already been wasted; working under the assumption that the missing An Ding disciples were still alive, there was no guarantee that they would remain so indefinitely.

He would be more careful about who he chose to engage with moving forward. After relocating to a more populated area of town, he'd occupied himself with observing potential subjects; he honestly hadn't expected for one of them to approach him instead.

A devastating miscalculation, in hindsight.

"Why I've never seen such an elegant gentleman!" Shen Qingqiu was forced to an abrupt halt, lest he trample the older woman who had planted herself firmly in his path. He felt an ominous chill creep down his spine as he met flat eyes more suited to a snake than a little old auntie. "What business could Immortal Master have in our humble town?"

Disregarding the impertinence of the woman's actions, Shen Qingqiu knew he couldn't have asked for a better opening. "Actually, this master is looking into an unfortunate incident involving some disciples. If Madam would be so kind as to answer some questions, I would be most appreciative."

"Of course, of course." The woman stepped closer, sporting a smile that did nothing to disguise the greed behind it. Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes at the invasion of his space, but otherwise hid his discomfort. He couldn't help but be wary of the woman's motives. Had Shen Qingqiu's usually impeccable instincts been wrong? Despite their... limited intellectual capacity, were the townspeople somehow involved in the caravan's disappearance?

Thankfully the auntie was dauntless enough to show her hand before his suspicions could blossom into full-fledged paranoia.

"I've a niece you know. A real beauty, just getting to be of marriageable age."

As the water recedes, the rocks appear. Shen Qingqiu wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at the woman's brazenness. Just another old woman determined to land advantageous matches for her household.

"Your family must be very proud." He bit out with admirable decorum. "But I'm afraid my purpose here is to conduct an investigation, not-"

"What young man of stature isn't looking for a good wife?" The woman interrupted Shen Qingqiu, waving away his polite dismissals. She wasn't shy in her appraisal, sizing him up like an opponent in a combat arena before taking another large step closer. "It would be a waste for such a handsome lord to remain unattached."

For a moment, he considered pointing her in Liu Qingge's direction and making a quick escape. If you consider this master handsome, Auntie should meet my dear Shidi. Did I mention he's of noble lineage, and quite famous throughout the cultivation world as well? The idea was tempting, but he was quick to dismiss it. Even if the diversion was successful, the ambitious old bat would still end up being his problem when he was eventually forced to track the war god down and return to Cang Qiong Mountain.

"This master thanks you for your... generous offer, Madam. But I'm afraid I have some rather urgent business to attend to-" He dodged to the side, avoiding an abrupt lunge; her knuckly fingers grasped at the air like toothy constrictor vines where he had stood only a moment earlier.

By the time she regained her balance, the peak lord was already a full block away and intent on increasing the distance between them.

Let it never be said that the Qing Jing Peak Lord did not know the value of a strategic retreat.

Shen Qingqiu was not hiding. He was simply... concealing himself to avoid further engagement with a potential threat to his well-being.

He had underestimated the Auntie's tenacity. After their initial introduction, she'd managed to track him down twice more, interrupting interviews to spout marriage proposals and thoroughly derailing the peak lord's efforts. When he'd spurned her for a third time, she'd abandoned all pretense and chased him down the street, bellowing her niece's many virtues all the while.

One thing had been clear: he would make no more progress in his investigation until he lost her.

Which led him to his current predicament. He was seated on a high branch of one of the many large trees growing in the town, wondering how long he would have to stay there before his stalker finally gave up.

"A-niang, why is there a man in our tree?"

Shen Qingqiu froze.

"Silly girl, what are you talking abo- wǒ de tiān na!"

He looked up slowly, discovering too late that the house adjacent had a second-story window that looked directly onto his chosen perch. A mother and daughter stared at him from within, the young woman holding a hand over her mouth, eyes wide with shock.

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, despairing.

I suppose this may as well happen.

"Excuse me Xiaojie, it was not my intent to startle you. But I wonder if I might have a moment of your time..."

"...afraid this happens on a regular basis. I apologize for Guo-ayi's behavior Immortal Master, she means no harm."

Means no harm? Ha! That old hag knew exactly what she was doing.

Shen Qingqiu hummed noncommittally, sipping from the cup of tea the young woman had graciously offered after inviting him in. Though initially cautious, she'd warmed up quickly upon learning what - or rather, who - had caused him to seek refuge in their tree in the first place.

"Bo-er," His host gently shooed her daughter towards the front door, "Why don't you go play while A-Niang speaks with our guest?"

"Mn!" The little girl gave a decisive nod. "Bo-er wants to check if there are any more uncles hiding in trees!"

Shen Qingqiu choked, the mother uttering a scandalized "Bo-er!" as her daughter ran out of the house. The little girl raced straight for the forest, quickly disappearing from sight; a glance showed the mother unconcerned. Her willingness to let her young, defenseless child roam about the woods alone only added to Shen Qingqiu's list of perplexing observations about Zhongtu Town.

Far too comfortable discussing personal business with strangers. Far too disinterested in risk management or recognizing potential threats. Far too ignorant of boundaries or social hierarchy.

Far too dismissive of an entire caravan going missing within their forest.

But it wasn't Shen Qingqiu's place to comment on her parenting. Unlike the rest of this backwards town, he had tact.

"Immortal Master said he had questions?" The young woman joined him at the table pouring a cup for herself. The tea set was plain clay with an inexpert decoration painted on the side, but the tea itself was passable. He took another bracing sip before answering, desperately hoping this one conversation would proceed without any hiccups.

"A caravan from my sect has gone missing in the forest - this master is attempting to locate it."

The woman stared down into her cup, looking somewhat troubled. "...And Immortal Master is certain it happened in the forest?"

"As certain as I can be." He took another drink, carefully observing the woman's reactions. "Does Xiaojie have reason to doubt this?"

"It's just, well..." Biting her lip, the woman hesitated. "I'm sure Immortal Master has wondered about how comfortable our town is with the forest. It must seem terribly reckless to visitors passing through."

"This master has observed as much, yes."

The woman gave a short nod, seeming to come to a decision. "It's because the forest is under divine protection, Immortal Master - no harm could have befallen the caravan within it because no harm befalls anyone within it."

...Is that meant to be a joke? Shen Qingqiu felt an eye twitch as his mouth stretched flat with incredulity. So much for thinking I found the one sane person in this entire town to talk to.

Seeing her guest's less-than-enthusiastic reaction, the woman gave a self-conscious laugh. "Believe me, I know how it sounds. Unbelievable right? But it's the truth..." Tapering off, she grabbed the teapot, turning it to point the decorative painting at Shen Qingqiu more fully. "This is the symbol of it - we all call it the Forest Blessing."

Shen Qingqiu leaned forward, carefully observing the irregular strokes of a circle containing a series of interconnecting lines. It didn't form a character, image, or pattern, but something about it did seem vaguely familiar. As though he had seen it before, but slightly to the left; like seeing the man you always bought your turnips from at a nobleman's party and not immediately recognizing him. Outside it’s normal context, the familiar became unknown.

Skeptical though he still was, his own underlying recognition gave weight to the woman's words, however farfetched they seemed.

"Tell me more about this 'blessing'."

After hearing the woman's implausible story, Shen Qingqiu was quick to excuse himself to find his martial brothers. If his Shidis hadn't run across the town's strange mythology regarding the forest yet, they needed to be informed sooner rather than later.

It was the best - the only - potential lead Shen Qingqiu had found all day.

He located Shang Qinghua easily enough; hearing raised voices, he figured the odds were good that one of his troublesome Shidis was involved in whatever disagreement had broken out. His guess turned out to be both accurate and slightly off base.

Shang Qinghua was technically the cause of the argument, but surprisingly not an active participant.

"I'm telling you, they came through here not even a week ago you dà yězhū!" An old woman shouted at a man Shen Qingqiu assumed was her husband, if the cantankerous look on his face was anything to go by.

"Big group of fancy cultivators traveling through our town? Think I'd remember if that had happened." The man sniffed, somehow making the noise feel self-important.

"You wouldn't remember your own rump if it weren't attached to the rest of you!" The wife snapped back as she gestured towards Shang Qinghua, standing just a few feet away from the quarreling couple. The An Ding Peak Lord had the look of a man awaiting the gallows, bloodshot eyes glassy with resignation. His Shidi's listlessness couldn't all be attributed to withdrawal - enough time couldn't have passed since his last drink for that - so the current scene had to be the latest in his own series of intercommunicative bullsh*t. "The group dressed like him with all the carriages, the same night as the frost that killed my persimmons!"

"Pei! Were they as shifty-looking as this one? I've grown cabbages more robust than this sprout." The old man groused, despite being little more than a callused sack of skin and bones himself. Shen Qingqiu prepared himself to step in to retrieve Shang Qinghua. As far as Shen Qingqiu was concerned, he was the only one allowed to be critical of his idiotic Shidis; it was insupportable that a fellow peak lord was being judged by such a washed-up old blowhard and found lacking.

The wife agreed with Shen Qingqiu's uncharitable assessment of her husbands 'assets'. "You're one to talk, you stringy old dog! Least this one's face is pleasant enough to look at - some days I wonder whether you have a nose or a tuber growing between your eyes!"

"Oh yeah? Why the hell did you agree to marry me then?!"

"Our marriage was arranged you báichī! I could have wept when the veil was removed and the first thing I saw was your ugly mug!"

...On second thought, he'd rather not get in the middle of this.

"Admittedly, it's been a while since I've been out on an actual mission," Shang Qinghua began, wheezing the words around desperate pants from the peak lords' breakneck dash. "But I can't remember the general public being quite so..." A vague gesture that Shen Qingqiu presumed was meant to encompass the ridiculousness and audacity of Zhongtu Town's populace, both of which were exceptional.

"Quite." Shen Qingqiu agreed shortly, his own poise undisturbed by their impromptu flight. It had been ages since the peak lord had actively run away from a threat; being forced to do so twice in one day was doing nothing for his self-respect.

And from the same person too. Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, how far you have fallen.

Shen Qingqiu had entered this mission with the understanding that he was in control; Zhongtu Town appeared determined to challenge that assumption. Just an incense stick earlier, when the marital spat had continued seemingly indefinitely, his already limited supply of patience had quickly run dry. He'd ended up creeping around the side of the garden, staying out of sight as he approached Shang Qinghua's back; a hand across his Shidi's mouth to keep him quiet and a quick jerk behind a fringe flower bush, and they'd been in the clear.

And if Shang Qinghua had nearly expired of fright from his chosen extraction method, it was nothing less than the stubborn fool deserved. He would have easily heard Shen Qingqiu coming had he taken off the immortal binding cables and released his spiritual energy. Exactly how many indignities was the man willing to suffer before admitting defeat?

But as they'd walked away from the still arguing couple, Shen Qingqiu had been forced to suffer an indignity of his own.

"Immortal Master!" A voice called out from farther down the road. Full of dread, Shen Qingqiu had turned to see a sight that was becoming all too familiar: Auntie Guo had found him once more.

And this time, she had company. Two older women Shen Qingqiu could only presume were her sisters, as well as a pug-faced young maiden he rather desperately hoped was not the much-praised niece of marriageable age. But given the family resemblance and the determined glint in her eyes...

Well. Some things were more important than dignity after all, Shen Qingqiu decided. Grabbing Shang Qinghua's arm, he had immediately taken off in the opposite direction of the amorous horde. While initially confused, his Shidi had caught on quick when the women promptly pursued them. Which led to their current predicament of running as though they were being chased through the mazes of Diyu itself.

"Turn right there!" Shang Qinghua gasped out, pointing at the upcoming intersection. "It leads to the market - we can try to lose them in the crowd!"

The peak lords pivoted at the indicated turn; within a few strides, they were immersed in a throng of travelers and shoppers. They wasted no time before moving deeper into the marketplace, dodging around customers while ducking their heads to remain as inconspicuous as possible.

Shen Qingqiu had to give credit where credit was due; his rat of a Shidi knew how to ditch a tail. Not surprising considering his past - and technically current - occupation as a spy and traitor.

"You going to tell me what that was all about?" Shang Qinghua asked as they ducked into a narrow alleyway just off the main commercial hub. It had the advantage of giving them an unobstructed view to watch for their hunters while also providing an easy escape route.

"Unfortunate matchmaking attempt." Shen Qingqiu growled. "The instigator has been following me all day - it's made information gathering more than a little difficult."

"And it's not like that was going to be easy in the first place. I don't suppose you found anything worthwhile?"

"One possible lead, and I use that term very lightly. But I'd like to find Liu-shidi before getting into it." He swept his eyes over the crowd, keeping an eye out for a familiar white robe and ponytail. Liu Qingge had gone in this direction when they'd split up earlier, and the plaza had the most potential witnesses to interview. Was it too much to ask that the war god was somewhere amidst the bustle?

Apparently not, as Shang Qinghua spotted their errant Shidi in short order. "Over there, in the far corner."

Shen Qingqiu squinted at the war god, who was partially obscured behind the corner of a stall. "Is he... hiding?"

Even as he spoke, Liu Qingge tentatively emerged from cover to approach a man shopping at an adjacent stall. He'd barely opened his mouth to ask his first question before a flurry of silk-clad maidens began to swarm, forming a colorful wall of fluttering lashes and painted lips to trap their desired prey. The peak lord immediately abandoned his attempt and retreated back to his foxhole, metaphorical tail between his legs.

Shen Qingqiu would treasure the sight of the illustrious Bai Zhan War God fleeing from a gaggle of lovesick girls for the rest of his immortal life.

"Looks like Liu-shidi has encountered a similar problem as Shixiong." Shang Qinghua snickered, taking great pleasure in his martial brother's plight.

Shen Qingqiu was familiar with the effect Liu Qingge's lovely face and upright stature had upon the fairer sex. His Shidi had never wanted for female attention, despite his obvious disinterest in romance. Unfortunately for the war god, his own apathy in no way prevented other parties from ardently pursuing him.

But if he can't even handle a few giggling flowers, Auntie Guo might be a bit out of Liu-shidi's league. Shen Qingqiu was skeptical of his Shidi's ability to handle the ambitious shrew without violence; the woman and her ilk would sink their claws into the man in an instant, and he imagined it would take a great deal of effort to detach them. The mental image of his Shidi shrieking over his virtue while being tackled by various squished-nose aunties was rather funny though.

"The price of beauty, I suppose." Shen Qingqiu quipped. "It could be a convenient means of tracking him down in the future."

"When in doubt, just follow the sound of bad poetry and lovelorn sighs."

"I suspect he exudes a pheromone that entices potential mates. We should have Mu-shidi look into it when we return to the sect."

"Ha! Maybe he has some incubus blood in him from a few generations back, wouldn't he just hate that? I think I'll bring it up during the next Peak Lord meeting."

Despite enjoying the banter, Shen Qingqiu would rather they all left the market before Auntie Guo and her gang managed to track him down once more. So after one more quick scan, he stepped out; the crowd gradually thinned as he made his way across the plaza, forming a small but clear buffer zone around his Shidi's refuge.

"This master had not expected the market to be so popular today. Enjoying yourself, Liu-shidi?" Shen Qingqiu approached the stall casually, feigning interest in the goods on display. When he glanced over from his perusal, he had to fight a smile at the war god's visible chagrin.

"This one yours then?" The merchant manning the stall asked, unimpressed. "He's been skulking here all afternoon, and it's decimated my sales." Shen Qingqiu could see the problem: the stall's merchandise consisted of carved hair sticks and jewelry, obviously designed for female clientele. But the young ladies were all too distracted by the handsome war god to spare any attention for shopping; furthermore, no man was going to approach to buy a courtship gift and invite a side-by-side comparison to the cultivator.

"This master apologizes on his Shidi's behalf." Liu Qingge huffed in irritation, but didn't object to Shen Qingqiu smoothing over the situation. "Perhaps a purchase as reparation?"

The merchant's ire diminished at the offer, and he gestured towards his wares. "Help yourself. Though I doubt any of it will appeal to a man of your standing and taste."

Either I've encountered the only resident possessing the slightest bit of self-awareness, or this man is trying to appeal to my vanity to make a sale. Regardless of the man's intent, Shen Qingqiu was perfectly willing to compensate him for his trouble; he hadn't run the war god off for loitering, despite the negative effect on his business. So he reached into his sleeve, withdrawing a silver tael and tossing it on the counter. He grabbed one of the pendants for sale - wouldn't want to give the impression of unsavory dealings, after all - before turning to consider his uptight martial brother.

"Has Liu-shidi managed to speak with anyone about the caravan, or can this master assume he's spent all this time hiding?" The merchant's snort would have been answer enough, if Liu Qingge's shifty expression hadn't given it away. Shen Qingqiu sighed. "Really Shidi, what am I to do with you?"

"And here I thought Liu-shidi came along to - what was it again? - 'ensure that there was someone competent searching for my missing disciples'." Shang Qinghua sauntered over to smirk at the war god, radiating smugness. "Yet here you are, being useless."

Liu Qingge flushed an angry red, but remained silent; he had no argument against Shang Qinghua's accusation. Perhaps Shen Qingqiu was going soft, but he felt a pang of sympathy. His own "admirer" had prevented him from questioning as many people as he would have liked, and he was confident in his own ability to conduct interviews; for Liu-shidi, who was the opposite of social or eloquent, the additional audience must have made conversing with anyone near impossible.

"This part of the investigation does not fall within Liu-shidi's talents." Shen Qingqiu excused, not quite kindly. "Thankfully this master did acquire some interesting information regarding the forest, so it makes little difference. We'll discuss it at the hotel as soon as we, ah... extricate Shidi from his predicament."

"...Shixiong does not need to trouble himself." Liu Qingge rasped out, utterly embarrassed. It was a little pathetic, and should have disgusted Shen Qingqiu; he'd never been one to feel compassion for fools who willfully walked into troubles of their own making. But Liu Qingge couldn't be blamed for the features he'd been blessed with. It wasn't like he could will himself to be less attractive.

...Now there's an idea.

"It's not like it'd be the first time he saved your ass." Shang Qinghua snarked, immediately snapping Shen Qingqui out of his thoughts.

"Shang Qinghua!" He barked sharply, cutting off Liu Qingge's response in the process. No doubt an attempt to clarify the last time I 'saved his ass', since Shang Qinghua isn't supposed to know about Ling Xi Caves. His rat of a Shidi was lucky they were in public, or Shen Qingqiu might have laid him out for the comment. His face must have communicated as much, since Shang Qinghua immediately shut his mouth, teeth clicking together from his urgency.

And he'll keep his mouth shut if he knows what's good for him. Unlike Luo Binghe, he has no 'protagonist halo', and he's yet to prove if his benefits outweigh his liabilities.

There was a brief silence between them, as the peak lords sized each other up. The stall owner hummed pointedly as he pretended to pay them no mind, though Shen Qingqiu was sure he was filing away every word to gossip about later; the sooner he got them all back to the inn and relative privacy, the better. Further incentive for their spectator to keep his mouth shut would not be amiss either.

Pulling out two more silver taels, Shen Qingqiu held them up for the stallkeeper in offering. "One for your silence. The other for your assistance."

"Done." The man accepted without hesitation. "What do you need me to do?"

"Simply to provide cover." Shen Qingqiu stepped into the small nook to the side of the stall, shoulder brushing against Liu Qingge's. It would be a tight fit, but they should manage. "Shang-shidi, get over here."

"What?" Shang Qinghua blustered, looking at the small space already housing two peak lords dubiously. "No. Why?"

"This master merely assumed that Shang-shidi was offering his assistance, since he had so much to say about the situation." Shen Qingqiu's lips curled menacingly. "NOW, Shang-shidi."

Wisely, Shang Qinghua capitulated, though not without more grumbling under his breath. After his Shidi had squeezed in beside them, Shen Qingqiu directed the stall owner to stand in front of the opening and block them from view.

"...So what now?" Shang Qinghua asked flatly, his nervous twitches and sweating all the more obvious in tight proximity. Though more subtle, Liu Qingge's clenched fists and red ears betrayed his own discomfort.

And to think, I'm the one who has problems being too close to men. Shen Qingqiu took a brief moment to wonder at the absence of panic he would usually experience in such a circ*mstance; did his martial brothers really no longer register as threats to his subconscious? Or had his experiences in Luo Binghe's tender care made other dangers negligible in comparison?

Shaking his head to dispel the train of thought, Shen Qingqiu withdrew a pair of illusion talismans from his sleeve. He pressed one to each of his martial brothers' chests and activated them, ignoring the startled jolts and Shang Qinghua's immediate protest.

Or should he say, 'Liu Qingge's' immediate protest.

The talismans were a pet project of Yin Xiaodan's that his disciple had given him to field test. As far as Shen Qingqiu could tell, they functioned perfectly: where Liu Qingge had stood, he saw only Shang Qinghua, and vice versa. His lips quirked into a pleased smile at his student's ingenuity.

Meanwhile, his martial brothers stared at each other in fascinated horror. Shen Qingqui scoffed at their dramatics.

"While I'm sure Shidis probably grasp the plan, Shixiong will clarify. Shang-shidi will lead away Liu-shidi's suitors while I escort the real Liu-shidi back to the inn."

"But what if they catch me?!" Shang Qinghua squeaked out in dismay. There was an unpleasant dissonance to hearing his voice emerge from Liu Qingge's face, which was scrunched into an expression of apprehension Shen Qingqiu knew for certain the war god had never worn in his life.

"Then make sure they don't." Shen Qingqiu responded callously.

Shang Qinghua gulped, wavering. While the girls pursuing the war god were only mortals, they had numbers on their side; with his current... restrictions, Shang Qinghua was little better than a mortal himself. Getting past them, and getting far enough away to remove the talisman and return to his usual self without getting spotted would be a challenge in his current state. So would he risk it?

Is this it? Is this what finally makes you surrender?

But his Shidi mustered his courage and turned to leave without removing the cables, fool that he was. Shang Qinghua had never experienced the pitfalls of overzealous feminine attention; Shen Qingqiu rather thought this might serve as a valuable life lesson in that respect.

"Shall I wish the ladies 'happy hunting'?" Shen Qingqiu muttered with wicked delight as the stallkeeper stepped aside to let them pass.

"Get f*cked." Shang Qinghua snarled back, before launching into a full sprint towards the closest side street. A wave of excited squeals rose as he was converged upon from all sides, barely managing to evade his many, many suitors to exit the marketplace.

As much as he would enjoy following and watching the show, Shen Qingqiu had his own assignment to complete. Glancing over, he was met with the sight of Shang Qinghua scowling furiously at the ground, arms crossed and body tense with displeasure. Neither the expression nor the body language suited the mousy peak lord in the slightest.

"Stop sulking Liu-shidi. It's only until we get back to the inn." Shen Qingqiu scolded mildly, withdrawing his fan and using it to poke the disguised war god's chest. "The sooner we get there, the sooner you can get your own gorgeous face back, yes?"

The unbecoming look was immediately replaced with mortified sputtering. Shen Qingqiu hid his laugh behind his fan, turning to lead his silly Shidi back towards their accommodations. It only took a few steps for Liu Qingge to regain his composure and catch up, falling into step next to him. It was almost pleasant, if not strange; Shen Qingqiu could only imagine how Liu-shidi must feel, to look at himself and see only Shang Qinghua.

Unfortunately, the peaceful lull could not last forever; hells, it couldn't even last as long as an incense stick, so long as his troublemaking Shidis were involved.

"...Shen-shixiong places a great deal of trust in Shang Qinghua."

Shen Qingqiu glanced over at his companion in surprise. Though his tone was neutral, Liu Qingge's statement was loaded on two fronts. For one, he was openly assessing whether or not Shen Qingqiu trusted their martial brother.

Two, Liu Qingge was implying that he himself did not. Which, depending on Shang Qinghua's true loyalties, could prove either a boon or a hindrance in the future. So, how should he respond?

Best to keep my options open.

"I suppose I do, to a point. I trust that he will do what is necessary to solve this case, if only to get back to the sect and away from my authority as quickly as possible."

A discontent grunt was his only response. It was easy to see that there was more bothering the war god than just doubting their martial sibling's competence.

The rest of their walk to the inn passed in silence.

"You are an unrepentant bastard with a black stone for a heart." Shang Qinghua groused when he joined them at the inn, wasting no time before diving into the waiting meal. "That was a new level of hell you sent me into - those girls almost tore me to pieces."

"This master can see how traumatized Shidi was by his experience." Shen Qingqiu drawled sarcastically as Shang Qinghua continued to stuff his face. "Did Shidi get an ouchie? Should Shixiong find a pretty girl to kiss it better?"

Shang Qinghua jabbed his chopsticks at him menacingly; Shen Qingqiu might have felt more intimidated if they hadn't been holding a piece of pork when he did so. "Unrepentant. Bastard." The pork got shoved into his Shidi's mouth, where it was chewed with wrathful belligerence. "I don't know why I had to help at all. It's not like he-" Another jab, this time at Liu Qingge, "-is even nice to me. Why should I do him a favor?"

Shen Qingqiu shot a glance at the third member of their group, slightly perplexed that he had nothing to say about Shang Qinghua's whining. But Liu Qingge had been quiet the entire time they waited for their martial brother, even after removing the illusion talisman. His reticence was not entirely out of character - this was a man who preferred traversing the wild and hunting down dangerous beasts in solitude to any kind of social event - but the quality of his silence was introspective, not withdrawn.

What could Liu-shidi be thinking so hard about, that it would distract him to such a degree? It couldn't be the mission itself - given their general lack of success with getting relevant information, they would be better off exploring the forest in the morning than attempting any more interviews. Either they would find the missing disciples or they wouldn't; Liu Qingge wasn't the type to dwell on uncertainties, but instead channel his nervous energy into action. Shen Qingqiu was confident there would be no hole unearthed or rock left unturned after the war god's search.

So it was something else. What, Shen Qingqiu couldn't begin to guess.

I'll let it be, so long as it doesn't interfere with the mission. On that note...

"Enough, Shang-shidi. Now that we're all here, this master does have some information to share that may be related to the caravan's disappearance. Though," Shen Qingqiu wrinkled his nose. "This master has his own reservations, given the fantastical nature of the claims."

Interested, both Shidis gave him their full attention.

"Apparently, it is impossible for the caravan to have disappeared within the boundaries of the forest, as some sort of 'divine protection' has been cast over it."

"...Seriously?" Shang Qinghua's immediate scorn echoed Shen Qingqiu's own feelings on the matter. "And these people actually believe this?"

"Ideas like this don't spring up from nothing." Liu Qingge defended, much to Shen Qingqiu's surprise. "It sounds stupid to us, but they must have a reason for believing it."

"Yeah, but a good reason?" Shang Qinghua countered, and Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but agree with his more jaded perspective. He rather thought Liu-shidi was vastly underestimating the stupidity of people in general, particularly the level of collective stupidity they could aspire to in large groups.

"The story goes that several generations ago, one of the townspeople came across a rogue cultivator that was injured in the woods. They brought him back to the town and healed him; in return, he appealed to Heaven on the town's behalf, asking for its people to be blessed for their kindness. Moved by his pleas, Heaven extended its favor, which manifested in what they refer to as the 'forest blessing'." Reaching into his sleeve, he withdrew the pendant he'd bought earlier, which was carved into a specific circular symbol. "It is said to prevent harm from befalling anyone within the forest's boundaries."

Liu Qingge grimaced, his attempt to give the town the benefit of the doubt short-lived. "That's..."

"-The biggest load of sh*t I've ever heard." Shang Qinghua finished. "Maybe I should send my disciples here with phoenix feathers or unicorn horns to sell next time."

"It does stretch the limits of credulity." Shen Qingqiu held up the pendant, examining the lines once more in an attempt to place them. "But Liu-shidi is right - the townspeople must have some justification for their belief in it. And don't forget the energy I sensed earlier; even if there is no divine blessing protecting the forest, that doesn't mean something else isn't."

His reminder wiped the contemptuous sneer off Shang Qinghua's face. "Well it sounds ominous when you put it like that." Shoving another piece of pork in his mouth, the An Ding Peak Lord turned the situation over in his head. "But if whatever supernatural force watching over the forest is protecting it, why spirit away my disciples? It's not like they were a threat to the town or other travelers."

"That is the question - one we'll hopefully find an answer to in the morning." Shen Qingqiu gave up for the moment, tucking the pendant back into his sleeve. "For now, let's finish and get some rest - preferably before someone else tries to talk to us."

From the groans that followed, his Shidis could not agree with the sentiment more.

Despite the pleasant food and... not horrible company, Shen Qingqiu couldn't shake the nagging feeling he was forgetting something important.

It wasn't until they were standing in front of two doors leading to their rooms that he remembered the unfortunate shortage of lodging when he'd made their reservations earlier.

Shizun, are you listening? It's me, Shen Qingqiu.

"There's only two." It just figured that when Liu Qingge broke his silence, it would be to point out the obvious.

"I'm aware." Shen Qingqiu responded calmly. "If you had been paying attention earlier, you would have known that this was all that was available."

Whilst this disciple is eternally grateful for everything you have given me...

"We could spar for the single room." Liu Qingge offered, mind clearly back on its usual track.

"Yes, because that would be fair and not rigged in one person's favor in the slightest." Shang Qinghua's voice dripped sarcasm. Stepping forward, he slid open the door on the left, revealing a clean, comfortably sized room - with a single bed.

...I must further impose on your generosity with a selfish request.

"Shen-shixiong, please tell me-"

Opening the second door revealed a near identical setup.

"...Shoushiling it is then."

His Shidis squared up against each other, looking as though they were preparing for an actual battle and not a child's game of chance. Shen Qingqiu was struck with the understanding that he had been completely excluded from their competition; in his Shidis' minds, it was already decided that one of them would bunk alone, and the other one would bunk with him.

When you next see my Shishus from Bai Zhan and An Ding-

A better man might be flattered to be considered the preferred roommate, if one was required to share.

Shen Qingqiu was not flattered.

"On three?"

"On three."

-Smack them senseless for choosing such idiotic successors!

Shen Qingqiu slipped inside the second room while his martial brothers counted. Just as they reached three and lowered their fists, he shut the door with a decisive click, placing and activating a locking talisman along the latch.

Even through the door, he could sense the sudden bewilderment followed closely by horrified realization. It was good that his locking talisman included a component for general re-enforcement as Liu Qingge began pounding a fist against the door frame, almost rattling the entire room with his unconscious strength.

"Shen Qingqiu! What are you doing?!"

"Shen-shixiong, surely we can discuss this!"

"This master wishes his dear Shidis a peaceful night.” Shen Qingqiu responded ruthlessly, before slapping up a silencing talisman as well.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Dashixiong?"

Luo Binghe knocked on the door to the private study room, carefully balancing a tray containing dinner in his other hand. He'd offered to deliver the meal after noticing that Ming Fan hadn't shown up to the dining hall, probably busy taking care of important peak business while Shizun was away. His martial brother had done him a big favor by teaching him to brew tea properly; the least Luo Binghe could do was ensure his senior didn't miss a meal due to extra work.

"Come in." Came a distracted-sounding call. Luo Binghe slid open the door to find the head disciple bent over a scroll, completely immersed in whatever he was reading. Walking forward, Luo Binghe set the tray down, careful not to set it on top of the many notes spread across the surface of the desk.

Ming Fan never even looked up. Curious at what held his attention so entirely, Luo Binghe was surprised to recognize the handwriting on the scroll.

"Is that one of Shizun's mission reports?"

Head snapping up, Ming Fan stared at him in startlement for a long moment; clearly the senior disciple hadn't registered Luo Binghe's presence at all before he'd spoken, too intent on his reading.

Suddenly, Luo Binghe was very curious about the contents of that scroll.

Regaining his composure, Ming Fan immediately closed the scroll, hiding Shizun's beautiful calligraphy from Luo Binghe's gaze. "Luo-shidi. My apologies, I wasn't expecting company at this hour. Thank you for bringing dinner, I won't keep you any longer."

Nodding to accept the apology, Luo Binghe disregarded the gentle dismissal to restate his question. "Dashixiong is studying one of Shizun's old missions?"

"...I am." Ming Fan responded reluctantly.

Meng Mo suddenly decided to join the conversation. 'Let it go kid. Weren't you just thinking about how he did you a big favor? Putting him in an awkward position is a poor reward for his help.'

Luo Binghe ignored him; Ming Fan's aversion to discussing the scroll only made him burn with the desire to know more. "I never thought about it, but all of Shizun's old mission reports must be archived in the library. They must be very interesting!"

"Shizun is a scholar of great accomplishment, and his writings reflect such." Ming Fan agreed smoothly, eyes narrowing at the direction of the conversation. "All Qing Jing disciples have open access to the public records; Luo-shidi should read some of them, since he's so interested."

"That's a great idea, I think I will!" Luo Binghe smiled, trying to project innocence. "May I borrow that one after you're finished with it? It must be amazing, since Dashixiong was so absorbed."

Ming Fan's expression went blank, his entire demeanor darkening as he stared his junior down. An uncomfortable shiver ran down Luo Binghe's spine at the slightly menacing expression; it had been a long time since his martial brother had looked at him so coldly. He didn't like it, especially since they had recently been getting along so well.

'I told you not to push it.' Meng Mo snapped in response to his unease. 'You can't just barrel over people's boundaries and expect there to be no consequences!'

"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Ming Fan said evenly, eyes boring into Luo Binghe's own the entire time. "This particular report is confidential; Shizun was very clear that its contents were not to be shared with anyone."

"Sorry Dashixiong." Luo Binghe dropped the smile, looking down at his feet as though ashamed. "I let my curiosity get the better of me." Outwardly chastened, inside Luo Binghe was drowning in vinegar. Not because he didn't get to read the scroll, though that was part of it.

"Shizun was very clear that its contents were not to be shared with anyone."

Ming Fan's position hadn't given him automatic access to the report; Shizun had directly and deliberately given it to the head disciple. It spoke of the bond between the master and disciple, one that afforded Ming Fan a deep trust none of his martial siblings were even close to obtaining for themselves.

A level of trust from Shizun Luo Binghe could barely even dream of securing in the future.

"Don't worry about it." Ming Fan's voice lightened, but his eyes remained sharp, dissecting Luo Binghe's every move. "Do visit the archive and read some of Shizun's old mission reports though Luo-shidi. I think you'll find them very illuminating."

Gut churning with resentment, Luo Binghe took the hint and left.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Alright fam, I have a proposal: we band together, hunt Airplane down, and hit him until he squeals.

User FakeJadePillar: I'm in.

User BingGetSome: Me too.

User YingYingGirly: I don't usually advocate for violence, but in this case, it might be warranted.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): 'Might be' she says. It should be a rule that he's not allowed to add another mystery until he clears up one of the previous ones.

User lostmyhairymarbles: I second this.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Great. I'll start a GODDAMNED PETITION.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: I legitimately feel like I've gone off the deep end. I know I should be focusing on Luo Binghe's darkening and what it means for his character arc, but I just can't bring myself to care.

User YingYingGirly: I feel your pain. This is probably a pivotal character moment for protag, but it's been completely overshadowed by the intrigue surrounding Shizun's mission report.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Story of Luo Binghe's life at this point.

User PunishMeShizun: Hey, I think we should try to summon Cucumber. I'm a little concerned that he hasn't shown up to tell us how stupid we are by now.

User BingGetSome: I wouldn't worry too much. Knowing him, he's already deep in the conspiracy juice if you know what I mean.

User PunishMeShizun: That's what I'm afraid of. What if this latest chapter is what finally made him snap? He's one contradictory detail away from an aluminum foil hat on a good day.

User Demon.Daddy69: She may have a point.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: CUCUMBER!

User lostmyhairymarbles: CUCUMBER!

User FakeJadePillar: CUCUMBER!

...

...

...

User PunishMeShizun: OMG he's f*cking DEAD.

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

Despite getting a room to himself and the multiple protections he'd placed to secure the space, Shen Qingqiu found sleep elusive that night.

He couldn't force his body to relax or his brain to stop theorizing; it seemed determined to replay all the conversations he'd had that day on repeat, sifting through for tiny details that might explain what the hell was going on with the town and the so-called 'blessing' over the forest, and how any of it related back to the caravan's disappearance.

He felt like he was missing something obvious, and it was driving him mad.

Filled with a burst of restless energy, he conceded to his neurosis and rose from the bed; if he couldn't sleep, he could at least be productive. Throwing on an outer robe and grabbing his fan, he started towards the door before hesitating. He wasn't worried about any staff still awake trying to stop him - he was a paying customer and a peak lord, who were they to question anything he did? But he was wary of alerting his martial brothers to his late-night stroll, since they were likely still testy about being forced to share a room with each other.

His silencing talisman had prevented him from having to hear their complaints or any subsequent fights over bed space, though he was sure both had occurred. While the quiet had been a necessary respite after a long, frustrating day, it also meant he had little idea of what had been happening outside his room for the past few hours. Perhaps Liu Qingge had lost his temper and hog-tied Shang Qinghua in the corner of their room, where he would remain until morning. Perhaps Shang Qinghua had cut his losses and gone out for a night of drinking, and the next day they'd find him lying in the gutter with a wine jar clutched to his chest. Perhaps Shang Qinghua had hit Liu Qingge with a poison needle while his back was turned, and was even now burying his corpse in the forest they were attempting to investigate. The possibilities were endless.

Or perhaps they were pissed enough to forgo sleep and are even now waiting outside my room, ready to air their grievances. Shen Qingqiu glared at the door in suspicion. Was leaving worth the risk of being ambushed?

Of course, there is an alternative evacuation route. Spinning around, the peak lord made his way to the large window on the opposite end of the room. Throwing open the shutters, he took a moment to surveil the small courtyard below for any witnesses; it wouldn't do to be seen sneaking out his window like a rebellious teenager off to meet their sweetheart for a romp in the woods.

A short drop and he was out, inn staff and irate Shidis none the wiser. It was a little embarrassing, but Shen Qingqiu felt a small fission of excitement as he crept out of the courtyard and into the empty streets. Perhaps he was taken with the novelty of it all. It wasn't like he'd had the opportunity to experience most of the typical adolescent milestones his peers had taken for granted. So if he wanted to enjoy feeling a bit naughty for doing something that, as an adult, he had every right to do, who would ever even know to judge him?

Walking through the town in the middle of the night was a very different experience, and he might have called it pleasant if not for a startling observation. Without the constant bustle of its residents to distract and obscure, he could easily see the circular symbol representing the 'forest blessing' everywhere. Painted on lanterns and window screens, carved into doorframes and stamped into clay tiles. Walking past the old couple's garden from earlier, he saw decorative stones arranged into the distinctive pattern, including the ones he'd disturbed while extracting his Shidi from the marital spat.

The entire town was completely besotted with the idea that they had supernatural protection, that much was clear to see. But Shen Qingqiu felt far from comforted by the symbol's prominence; he felt as though it was watching him from every direction, a metaphysical eye scrutinizing his every move.

Replulsive. He already got enough of this sh*t from the system that lived in his head, regulated his actions, and controlled his very string of fate, thank you.

Shen Qingqiu turned abruptly from the road, scanning the tree line thoughtfully. With all its residents asleep and no indication of their direct involvement, it was unlikely that he would find any more clues about the caravan within the town itself. Examining the forest was the only reasonable route forward in the investigation. And while normally it would be considered the height of foolishness to enter the space alone while his companions remained unaware of his whereabouts...

Well, this particular forest was apparently the safest place on the face of the Earth, and no harm could possibly befall him within it. He couldn't contain a quiet scoff at his thoughts, even as he began walking once more. He wouldn't go far, or try to track down the source of the energy he'd sensed the day before, so a quick look around couldn't hurt. If the townsfolk were so comfortable letting their offspring run amuck in the woods close to the town, there could hardly be any immediate danger. Certainly nothing a cultivator of his level couldn't handle.

Despite his leisurely pace, it took only a couple kè for all hallmarks of civilization to disappear behind him. Even this near to the settlement, the foliage was permitted to grow thick; he wondered if the 'forest blessing' also protected the town from natural disasters, since the build-up of undergrowth and ground cover was a fire hazard if Shen Qingqiu had ever seen one. Had the village become so deluded as to believe themselves immune from misfortune altogether?

Man proposes, Heaven disposes. Shen Qingqiu shook his head, vexed. While their main objective was to find the missing caravan and hopefully still living disciples, solving the mystery of the forest and its infective influence on the town had already become a secondary goal. Little as he may care about the townpeople's fates, the knowledge of a podunk like this carrying such a grandiose fantasy was vexing - Heaven hadn't cared enough to intervene even when Luo Binghe had razed the cultivation world and subjugated all humanity, why would they give a sh*t about a town showing kindness to a rogue cultivator?

As he continued his trek, he could not deny an unnerving prickle creeping up his spine. He'd chosen to leave the town to get away from the feeling of being watched; yet somehow, even deep within the trees, he couldn't shake the impression he was being observed. It didn't help that every once in a while he'd catch a glimpse of something in his periphery. Nothing so obvious as movement, closer to the feeling of recognition that one got passing an acquaintance in a crowd. But it didn't matter if he glanced over casually without breaking stride, or stopped to face it head-on; whenever he looked, there was nothing there.

Shen Qingqiu's hand migrated to his sword scar without conscious permission, tracing the slight raise of marred flesh for reassurance. He glared at the tree where the latest... phantasm, shadow, whatever it was had drawn his attention. His experiences in both his previous and current lives had given the peak lord ample cause to loathe illusions and their ilk - he was not a fan of anything that made him doubt his perception of reality.

Is something there, or have I let the situation get into my head? It would be galling to admit that the town's belief in their blessing had affected him to such an extent, but he couldn't entirely rule it out. Either that, or there is an entity in this forest powerful enough to influence a peak lord's senses. Just the thought had him baring his teeth, fingers clenching down on his shoulder hard enough to bruise. He forcibly slowed his breathing, embracing the silence as he continued his examination of the tree.

Behind him, there was the smallest shift of air.

Shen Qingqiu froze. A moment later, there was the almost imperceptible sound of something impacting the ground, felt more than heard. His heartbeat rang loud in his head for one beat, then two, waiting for a strike from behind that never came.

On the third beat he whirled around, summoning and firing Xiu Ya towards the threat in a single motion.

Her deadly sharp tip stopped a mere cùn away from Liu Qingge's handsome face. The arrogant bastard didn't even have the courtesy to look concerned about it.

"Liu Qingge, you imbecile." Shen Qingqiu bit out, recalling Xiu Ya in a bright flash of sword light. "Sneaking up on me in such a place, are you trying to get skewered?! Don't answer that." He cut the war god off before he could finish opening his mouth, not in the mood for whatever nonsense would no doubt spew forth. "How did you even find me in the first place?"

His martial brother shouldn't have had any idea that Shen Qingqiu had left his room at the inn, let alone divined where he was headed. Either Liu Qingge had some means of keeping tabs on him, had somehow discovered him missing from the inn and tracked him, or silently stalked him to a secluded area in the woods before approaching him from behind. If he didn't know the war god as well as he did, the entire thing would have stank of ill intentions.

And if I hadn't recognized him in time, I'd have to explain returning to my martial siblings with my Shidi's dead body... AGAIN.

"I saw you leave the inn and followed." Liu Qingge said so matter-of-factly Shen Qingqiu briefly wished he'd just let Xiu Ya finish the job, impending murder accusations be damned.

"And how did Liu-shidi see me leave the inn? I didn't exactly announce my departure." Was in fact trying to prevent you from knowing about it. He knew he'd checked for open windows as well, after having been caught through one earlier in the day. Where could Liu Qingge have been lurking for Shen Qingqiu to miss him?

There was a short pause as the war god tried to identify the source of his unease. "I was on the roof when you dropped into the courtyard - I flew above you on Cheng Luan to watch for threats. When you stopped, I thought you had found something."

The explanation was succinct but... not entirely unreasonable. Except for one part.

"Why were you on the roof?" While cultivators of their level could easily forgo sleep for long periods of time, going without was never preferable. But recalling how his Shidis had originally intended to settle the room dispute before Shen Qingqiu had intervened, he had an amusing thought. Taking a few slow steps forward, he approached the war god with an almost predatory smile. "Did you lose a round of Shoushiling to Shang Qinghua for the bed? How embarrassing." He withdrew and opened his fan with a teasing flick as he continued speculating. "Surely Shang-shidi wasn't so cruel as to banish Liu-shidi from the room entirely..."

"As if that coward could kick me out!" Liu Qingge snapped, bristling at the thought of being beaten by Shang Qinghua in anything. Understandable. "He's no threat at his best, let alone with his spiritual energy blocked!"

Shen Qingqiu visibly faltered, the hand holding his fan falling still. "Liu-shidi noticed that?"

Liu Qingge let out an indignant huff at his martial brother's astonishment. "How could I not? He had no reason to refuse to fly on his own sword earlier unless he physically couldn't - he clearly didn't want to ride with either of us. The journey took several hours, and not once did I feel him try to use his spiritual power to stabilize us, no matter how erratically I flew."

Shen Qingqiu appraised his Shidi with new eyes. Before this revelation, he would have said the war god was too short-sighted to question the reasons for Shang Qinghua's behavior, let alone come up with a strategy on the spot for testing his hypothesis. But the war god's methodology had been sound, and led him to the correct conclusion: Shang Qinghua was currently cut off from using his spiritual energy and doing a rather poor job of hiding it.

In the privacy of his mind, Shen Qingqiu was perhaps a little impressed.

"Liu-shidi is correct in his deductions." He confirmed. "Though I admit I'm surprised you haven't said anything before now."

Liu Qingge crossed his arms, tense and - if his constantly working jaw was any indication - struggling with something. Shen Qingqiu waited out the hesitation, genuinely curious as to what the war god might reveal next. The man eventually continued through grit teeth, each word sounding like it was both carefully chosen and agonizing to deliver. "This Shidi is trying not to make any premature accusations, since Shang Qinghua so obviously holds Shen-shixiong's favor-"

A snort escaped without his explicit consent, cutting off Liu Qingge's painful speech. "Favor? Since when has this master shown Shang Qinghua favor?" Is THIS what's been bothering Liu Qingge so much?!

Liu Qingge's brow furrowed with confusion, though his jaw had finally unclenched. "You purposely sought him out and spent the night drinking together."

Shen Qingqiu resumed fanning himself, keeping his expression relaxed and movements easy. And we're back to the rumors. At least this I know how to deal with. "I visited An Ding Peak to discuss improvements to the sect's security and happened to discover its peak lord had a drinking problem."

Gray eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You were concerned enough about his drinking to have He-shidi cut him off from his wine supply."

"That was not concern. That was punishment." Shen Qingqiu sniffed primly. "And no, before you ask, this master will not be explaining what Shang Qinghua was being punished for."

"He's visited you on Qing Jing Peak several times."

"Appeals for mercy. Doomed to failure from the start, but I suppose he deserves credit for trying."

Liu Qingge's lips twitched before drawing downwards once more. "You offered to come on a mission with him without the sect leader forcing you into it. You have never, not once, willingly gone on a mission with any of our martial siblings since you ascended to peak lord."

The observation was entirely accurate, and very annoying for the war god to have noticed and pointed out. He pretended to admire the painting on his fan - delicate bunches of daffodils with vibrant golden centers - while he formulated an answer. Outside of the shared trauma of being transported back in time by an unknown cosmic entity, there wasn't any good reason for the two peak lords to have become friendly enough for the famously fractious Shen Qingqiu to voluntarily spend time with the other. Nothing this shockingly shrewd version of his usually blockheaded Shidi would fall for anyway.

Ah, well. When the lies became unbelievable, all that remained was the truth.

"And you believed I came along to... what? Coddle and protect Shang Qinghua in his time of need?" He clicked his tongue in feigned disappointment. "Liu-shidi should know better - this master is not that altruistic."

"You saved me, despite the misunderstandings between us." Everything - Liu Qingge's posture, his voice, his damnable eyes - were achingly sincere in a way that made Shen Qingqiu uncomfortable. He was grateful for the cessation of hostilities between them, that was true enough - and the life debt Liu Qingge knew about was nothing short of invaluable - but that hardly meant that the two of them were friends. The improved relationship between them was strictly transactional; so why did he get the irritating feeling that Liu Qingge had decided Shen Qingqiu was a better person than he was?

It wasn't a mystery to him why he disliked the war god's new 'insight' into his character.

As unjust and wearying as much of Shen Qingqiu's black reputation was to carry, it was also comfortable. So long as its dark shroud covered him, he could act as he pleased without worry over jeopardizing anyone's good opinion of him; one couldn't lose what they had never had. Shen Qingqiu knew how to handle people reacting to his name and notoriety.

He didn't know how to handle someone attempting to push the veil aside to reveal what was underneath.

(Was the core it concealed so different from the outward appearance? He didn't know anymore. But he doubted it would be considered any more worthy of care; all the facade of Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu hid beneath it was Shen Jiu, and no one had ever wanted him.)

"Liu-shidi has misunderstood nothing. The two of us were the only ones in Ling Xi Caves at the time of your deviation; had you died, our martial siblings may have believed this master culpable." After the fiasco of the last peak lord meeting, even Liu Qingge would be hard-pressed to defend their martial siblings against his assertion.

The war god's silence conveyed acceptance of his explanation, if not agreement.

"As for this master's relationship with Shang Qinghua - well, it is only a matter of time before his drinking becomes a problem for the wider sect. This mission was an opportunity to address the issue once and for all."

Liu Qingge thinks about that for a moment. "So his lack of spiritual energy does have to do with his alcohol addiction?"

"Correct. Since I've cut him off from his source of immortal wine, Shang-shidi has been using immortal binding cables so he can get drunk on the mortal kind instead." Shen Qingqiu didn't feel even a little guilt about spilling Shang Qinghua's secret; his drinking problem was old news at this point and Liu-shidi had already figured out he couldn't use his spiritual energy. The war god discovering the why and how of the matter had only been a matter of time. "Fortunately, his core will facilitate a quick detox once the cables are removed."

"So why haven't you just removed them yourself? You're more than his match, it's not like he could stop you." Shen Qingqiu ignored the burst of pleasure he got from the acknowledgment of his abilities. Being strong enough to bully Shang Qinghua wasn't exactly a high bar to clear.

"Because that won't fix the problem - it will only teach him to hide it better. The decision to remove them has to be his for it to have any chance of sticking. My involvement in this mission has only ever been a means to an end; Shang Qinghua would not have participated in the investigation without my presence."

His Shidi's face lit up with comprehension. "You want to corner him. Put him in a situation where removing the cables is his only choice."

"Mn." Shen Qingqiu didn't bother hiding his smug expression. "Inconvenience and embarrassment have not been sufficient incentives so far; perhaps mortal peril will get the job done. Presuming whatever spirited away the caravan proves itself even slightly dangerous, of course."

"And if it isn't?"

"I'm confident in my ability to manufacture a situation. Or perhaps the threat of flying back to the sect with you will be sufficient. In any case, I hope this has dispelled Liu-shidi's misconceptions about this master's intentions." Shen Qingqiu scoffed. "Liu-shidi should know by now - I have only ever acted in my own self-interest."

Liu Qingge let out a scoff of his own. "And the mission at the well? Should I consider that 'self-interest'?"

Don't react. Green eyes narrowed into baleful slits as he met the war god's gaze. Not until you figure out how much he knows.

"Attempted murder of a rival?" He replied evenly, turning away from his martial brother dismissively. "I question how such actions could be seen as anything else."

"So even now you refuse to set the record straight. Fine." Liu Qingge's tone held more bitterness than Shen Qingqiu had heard from any mouth other than his own. "I know well enough how little you care about my good opinion. But you should know that I'm aware of the truth: Shixiong never tried to kill me. He saved me from a ghost that had snuck up on me from behind."

"...So Shang Qinghua told you." It wasn't really a question. Back still turned to his martial brother, he allowed a snarl to cross his face at the not-entirely unexpected betrayal. Vengeance for the An Ding Peak Lord's loose tongue would be swift and brutal, if Shen Qingqiu deigned to allow him to keep the wagging organ at all.

"No." Liu Qingge stated flatly, startling him out of his wrathful mien. "But you just did."

Shen Qingqiu's entire understanding of the world ground to a screeching halt.

Did I... just get tricked? He turned ever so slowly to stare at the war god, swiftly moving past incomprehension into aghast horror. Did I just get tricked by Liu f*ckING Qingge?!

Liu Qingge who, while undeniably the stronger of the two, had always been an intellectual rabbit to Shen Qingqiu's lion. Because of this perception, he had let his guard down, had seen no reason to use his full strength in the hunt. And thus the rabbit had emerged victorious.

Oh, the shame. A thousand years of shame.

It was a miracle his Shizun didn't descend from Heaven and strike him down where he stood for the dishonor he had brought his lineage. That the Qing Jing Peak Lord had been duped by a Bai Zhan brute- just the thought of it was untenable! Shen Qingqiu wanted to scream, he wanted to die, he wanted to fall to the ground and never rise again.

When he returned to the inn, he would send Ming Fan instructions to prepare a rope, a sword, and a cup of poisoned wine for his return. His humiliation was complete; only his death could make up for the disgrace he had brought upon the path of scholars.

"Are you done?" The architect of his downfall had the temerity to sound exasperated at his breakdown, despite it being (almost) entirely internal. Surely he could be forgiven for stumbling over to the nearest tree for support, leaning on its dependable stability as one of the tenants of his world-view crumbled beneath him. "Shang Qinghua has been dropping hints all day, did you really think I wouldn't figure it out?"

"Since when has Liu-shidi paid mind to anything that comes out of Shang Qinghua's mouth?" Shen Qingqiu responded dully. Slowly, he salvaged his composure, though he refused to look in the sneaky bastard's direction. Staring forward, he allowed his eyes to trace the patterns of the bark while he restored his equilibrium. "So Liu-shidi has been enlightened. It makes no difference. My expectations moving forward remain the same - this doesn't change anything."

"Like hell it doesn't!" A hand grabbed his shoulder, forcibly turning him to meet the war god's furious gaze. Shen Qingqiu bore the manhandling with more irritation than alarm; now more than ever, he had nothing to fear from Liu Qingge. "Why can't you just be honest for once?"

"Honest?" Shen Qingqiu sneered, using the flat of his fan to smack away the war god's hand. "How's this for honest: you never would have believed me, even if I had told you. The only reason you believe it now is because this master was put in the position of saving you a second time!"

"I know that! I was wrong! There is nothing I want more than to make up for that! But I don't know how I can begin to do that when you don't ask for anything!"

"This master has asked-"

"For basic decency that should have been given from the beginning!" Liu Qingge's fist slammed into Shen Qingqiu's emotional support tree with a resounding crack; the impact was hard enough to leave an indent in the trunk, more than a few leaves raining down on top of them from the war god's show of temper. "That is not repayment Shen Qingqiu, that is the bare minimum of consideration you are due!"

His heartbeat thrummed in his ears as he met his Shidi's eyes in challenge. "And? What if there is nothing else this master wants from you?"

"Would you tell me if there was?"

It was Shen Qingqiu's turn to tilt his head, considering the question and its deeper implications. He was beginning to understand the shape of his Shidi's purpose here. "You want my trust."

His Shidi's response was emphatic. "I want you to respect me enough to tell me the truth when I ask for it. I want you to think well enough of me not to hide behind insults and misdirections. I want you to know that I will never purposely harm you, and will do everything in my power to protect you from others who wish to do so. Yes, Shen-shixiong, I want your trust."

"Trust is earned." Hard earned, and all too easily broken.

"Then let me earn it. Give me the opportunity to prove myself worthy of it." Liu Qingge was resolute as he stood before him, asking for something Shen Qingqiu was no longer sure he was capable of giving. Entreaty was a good look on the war god, he noted with a twinge of pique.

But the question remained. Should Shen Qingqiu place his faith in his martial brother moving forward? Could he do so?

Revealing anything about his displacement in time or the supernatural voice in his head was out of the question - despite his appalling lapse of judgment earlier, he hadn't completely lost his senses - but there was a great deal more than that for him to keep close to the chest. His entire personal history before joining the sect for one. Hell, a few things that had occurred after joining as well. So... basically all the information vital to understanding anything significant about him was off-limits.

But. Liu Qingge wasn't asking for unrestricted access. He just wanted Shen Qingqiu not to lie to him, which wasn't an unreasonable demand in the grand scheme of things. While it would require a certain level of faith in his Shidi, it also placed the majority of power in his own hands; he had room for omission, or to decline to answer any direct questions. It also placed the expectation on Liu Qingge to be receptive to his words and not dismiss them out of hand.

Building a rapport with his Shidi could only help further his plans for the future. He would be useful in different ways than Shang Qinghua, and give Shen Qingqiu further means of influencing the rest of his martial family. His determination to prove himself would make for a dutiful minion if nothing else.

As far as he could see, the benefits outweighed the costs. Selective honesty was a small concession for gaining the Bai Zhan War God as a true ally, not just a debtor looking for a means of repayment.

Maybe Shen Qingqiu could try to trust again, if only to this small extent.

"Very well. This master is willing to try more... open communication. But Liu-shidi, let me make something very clear." He jabbed his fan into the war god's chest threateningly. "This master does not give his trust out lightly. You get one chance. Break my trust," He pushed harder, digging a wooden corner into the war god's sternum and twisting. "And I will cut your heart out with a smile on my face."

"Yes." His Shidi's voice emerged oddly hoarse, his expression bright and intent. Pleased by Shen Qingqiu's uncharacteristic capitulation, no doubt.

We'll see how long that lasts. He thought cynically, looking away from the unsightly display of enthusiasm. He absently examined the dent in the trunk of the tree, marking where Liu Qingge's fist had struck earlier; the unfortunate plant's bark had split open from the force of the blow to reveal the pale wood beneath.

Wood that had the strangest seam through it, straight and slightly grooved as though...

Shen Qingqiu stared.

As though it had been deliberately cut. The moment when the disparate pieces of the puzzle clicked together in his mind was very nearly tangible.

"'Divine protection' my ass!" Shen Qingqiu swore angrily, ignoring Liu Qingge's jolt at his sudden outburst. His Shidi was likely a bit taken aback at his crude language as well; it hardly fit with the image of a cultured scholar he had always tried to cultivate. But some situations just called for a cuss or five. "What a load of bullsh*t this town is selling!"

"...Shixiong?" Liu Qingge's voice was hesitant. Questioning.

"Look at this." Grabbing his Shidi by the elbow, he dragged him around to the proper angle in front of the tree, pointing at the strangely regular marks between layers of bark, far more easily seen now that he knew what he was looking for. "Do you see it?"

His Shidi squinted, head tilting in every direction as he attempted to see what Shen Qingqiu had gotten so worked up over. "Here, does this help?" He withdrew the pendant he had purchased earlier from his sleeve, holding it up next to the trunk for easy comparison.

Gray eyes squinted before widening with recognition, darting between the pendant and tree. "They match." He breathed in disbelief, raising a hand to touch the trunk, dragging his thumb along a partially concealed line. "But how?"

"If carved correctly, living wood can form scars that are preserved underneath the protective outer layer of growth." Shen Qingqiu growled. "It's an excellent method of placing perimeter spells without making their presence obvious; Huan Hua Palace utilizes the same technique to set up the traps protecting its boundaries."

"But that would mean-"

"Mn, Liu-shidi is quick on the uptake today. The so-called 'forest blessing' the town is so enamored with isn't a blessing at all - it's a f*cking maze array."

"A maze array?" Shang Qinghua repeated blurrily through a jaw-popping yawn. He looked worn down despite being the only peak lord to get any sleep the night before. Though Liu Qingge's decision to rouse him by upending the mattress with their martial brother still on it may have had something to do with that. "Aren't those a pain to set up? I thought Huan Hua Palace was the only sect that bothered with them."

The thing was, Shang Qinghua wasn't wrong. Arrays in general were finicky things, with a tendency to blow up in cultivators' faces if every line and calculation wasn't just so. Most were painstakingly intricate - a properly drawn array could produce far more complex results than a mere talisman - and required many years of training to understand and produce. Most sects didn't bother specializing in them due to the steep learning curve and energy cost, with one notable exception.

Huan Hua Palace made a grand show of its expertise in arrays and guarded the secrets of the craft jealously. The only reason Shen Qingqiu had even a passing knowledge of their form and function was his hobby of being a thorn in the Old Palace Master's side. Extensive research and some minor espionage had given him a solid foundation in spiritual arrays, enough so to have connected the 'forest blessing' symbol to a pocket dimension maze base. But even that was far beyond a layman's knowledge of the subject.

"Makes it all the more curious that this one was supposedly set up by a rogue cultivator." Shen Qingqiu agreed, pouring them both a drink from the pot of tea he had delivered to the room. "The array is far too complicated to be the work of an amateur, and there were earmarks of techniques exclusive to Huan Hua Palace."

"So an ex-disciple?" Shang Qinghua frowned. "But no, even the most senior disciples wouldn't have the skill to construct something like this - whoever set it up had to be a master. But that begs the question: why would someone of that rank and power leave the sect?"

"The story did say that the cultivator was injured. Perhaps he didn't leave of his own will, but was instead driven away." Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, taking a long, thoughtful sip as he contemplated the possibilities. "This all supposedly happened just a few mortal generations ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that around the same time the Old Palace Master took over?"

If Shang Qinghua's eyebrows rose any higher, they might run the risk of disappearing into his hairline permanently. "You think our 'rogue cultivator' could have been a rival the old coot disappeared?"

"It would seem the most likely explanation." It would also explain a few things about the grip the Old Palace Master had over the sect, and how little dissension he faced within the ranks for his less-than-ethical practices.

"Wouldn't put it past the bastard." Shang Qinghua grumbled into his cup, grimacing at the bitter aftertaste of the local brew. "I'm pretty sure he's got some ties to the demon realm himself, if you weren't already aware."

"I suspected, though I've yet to find any proof." Shen Qingqiu admitted. "There had to be someone inside Huan Hua Palace facilitating the attack during the Immortal Alliance Conference - no one outside the sect would have the necessary access to plant monsters in Jue Di Gorge. I've also noticed some interesting acquisitions from the Demon Realm, living and otherwise."

"Explains why he was so ready to welcome Luo Binghe, despite his questionable bloodline. By the way..." A tawdry smirk spread across sallow features, his Shidi leaning forward in a conspiratorial fashion. "What exactly were you and Liu-shidi up to in the woods last night?"

Shen Qingqiu wasn't entirely sure what Shang Qinghua was insinuating. "Investigating." He took a pointed sip. "Obviously. What else would we be doing?"

"Oh, I don't know. Both of you stepping out for a late-night jaunt and returning together in the early hours of the morning... Well. Sounds a certain way when I put it like that, doesn't it?"

Shen Qingqiu's eyes narrowed into rancorous slits, before a menacing smile spread slowly across his face. Two can play that game, Shang Qinghua. "Now that Shang-shidi mentions it, Liu-shidi and I did have something of a heart-to-heart last night. One might even go so far as to say we came to an understanding."

Shang Qinghua's taunting gave way to wariness. "An understanding? That's... good, I suppose."

"Indeed. This master owes Shang-shidi his thanks; without him, Liu-shidi and I might never have managed our newfound accord."

"Me?" Wariness transformed into apprehension. "Ah, no thanks necessary Shen-shixiong. I'm quite sure I didn't do anything deserving of gratitude."

"No? Shang-shidi sells himself short. After all, who else could have led Liu Qingge to question the events of our previous mission together? This master was so delighted to finally clear up that old misunderstanding."

Shang Qinghua looked to be reevaluating all his life choices.

Good.

Truth be told, Shen Qingqiu wasn't angry about Liu Qingge learning the truth anymore. The confrontation between them had gone much better than he ever would have expected, and the largest point of contention between himself and the war god had been dispelled. It wasn't a bad outcome by any metric, however much Shen Qingqiu had previously dreaded it.

But he wasn't going to ruin his image by telling Shang Qinghua he had been right for once. Where would the fun be in that?

"This Shidi... is very happy to hear that the matter has been resolved." Shen Qingqiu did his best to hide his glee when he noticed Shang Qinghua apprising himself of the potential exits. "It was good of Shen-shixiong to disregard past conflicts - returning ill will with fair play is the true mark of a gentleman."

"As Liu-shidi often espouses, a gentleman also repays his debts. So," Shen Qingqiu beamed, heart overflowing with fiendish delight at his Shidi's horrified shudder. "With all sincerity Shang-shidi, how can this master possibly repay you?"

The door slamming open prevented his properly intimidated Shidi from responding; Liu Qingge stepped into the room with truly impeccable timing.

"Liu-shidi." He greeted, preparing another cup while Shang Qinghua shook off his momentary fright. "Were you successful?"

Liu Qingge nodded, pulling a folded sheet of paper from his sleeve before joining them at the table.

"Excellent." Shen Qingqiu took the paper, opening it to reveal a rough map of the town and surrounding area. Laying it across the table, he immediately began scanning the forest for promising landmarks that would assist in their search.

"Is there something in particular you're looking for?" Shang Qinghua asked, squinting at the map in confusion. Shen Qingqiu was almost impressed with how quickly he'd recovered. Almost. "I thought we were just going to track the scan back to its source."

"The energy wave was subtle enough to make that difficult, and we don't know how much time passes between sweeps. Our search will go much faster if I can get an idea of where to start." Shen Qingqiu traced his finger over the crude markings, mentally overlaying the array structure on top. "The 'forest blessing' symbol makes up the base of the maze; if I can line it up right, I may be able to pinpoint where it's anchored."

"Anchored?" Liu Qingge asked, sounding genuinely interested. "I thought that's what the carvings on the trees were for?"

"Not exactly." Shen Qingqiu paused, trying to find the simplest way to convey the complex mathematics and theory behind dimensional warping. "How much do either of you know about maze arrays?"

Shang Qinghua shrugged. "They trap you in place by making you walk in circles?"

"That's a simplistic way of putting it, but yes. The marked trees make up the 'walls' or boundaries of the maze. Each time you walk between them, the maze shifts your orientation; so while you see yourself as walking in a single direction, it's actually leading you on a predetermined path." There were multiple ways the trick could be implemented to various effects. The most common was as Shang Qinghua had described; turning a person around in circles to keep them confined to a small area until they could be retrieved. Another was to create an alternate route that would release its ensnared travelers at the end none the wiser to their diverted path. Or it could be used to funnel anyone within a large area to a central point or destination. The possibilities for both use and abuse were endless.

"So if the missing disciples just keep getting turned around to stay within the forest, why can't we just fly over it to locate them?"

"Because they aren't actually in the forest anymore - they're in a pocket dimension that has been laid on top of the forest. We could be standing in the exact same geographical spot, but they wouldn't perceive us and we wouldn't perceive them."

Liu Qingge frowned in consternation, though he appeared to be following well enough. "Then how do we find them?"

Shen Qingqiu looked down at the map. "That's where the anchor comes in. It's the place where reality and the pocket dimension are joined together, and the cornerstone controlling the entire construct. If we find it, we should be able to disrupt the array and retrieve the missing caravan."

"Since it's so important to the success of the array, it would need to be somewhere protected from the elements." Shang Qinghua speculated, leaning over the map with renewed energy. "Secluded as well - wouldn't want one of the darling townsfolk stumbling onto it by accident and screwing something up."

"But not too far from the town either." Liu Qingge added. "If its purpose is to protect the residents, the town would be placed close to the center for maximum safety."

"If we move forward on the assumption that the road follows one of the maze's baselines, the most sensible area for the array to be anchored is here." Shen Qingqiu pointed to an area roughly half a lǐ northeast of the settlement, where a series of caves had been marked on the map. "Probably underground to better avoid detection."

Liu Qingge downed his tea in three large gulps before standing, clearly ready to leave now that their destination had been determined. Shen Qingqiu withheld a sigh as he finished his drink before following suit. Groaning dramatically, Shang Qinghua levered himself to his feet as well, looking half-ill and entirely miserable.

Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge were unmoved by his suffering.

Besides, Shen Qingqiu thought as he turned to exit the room, ignoring the reticent murmurs about sad*stic bastards and hikes through the forest at the ass-crack of dawn, He wouldn't feel half so wretched if he'd just give in to the inevitable.

They would be entering a potentially dangerous situation shortly; it was unlikely that the anchor for the maze array would be completely unprotected.

He'd see just how long Shang Qinghua's stubbornness outweighed his self-preservation once they entered the tiger's den.

"If Shang-shidi doesn't feel up to walking, we could always fly to the location. I'm sure Liu-shidi wouldn't mind."

"No."

"It would be faster."

"Liu Qingge, are you f*cking- I said no! Don't encourage this!"

"But Shang-shidi, think of your poor disciples!"

"Shen-shixiong is right, there's no time to waste. Get on."

"For the last time, no! Wait, Liu-shidi don't - cào nǐ zǔzōng shíbā dài!"

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Ning-shimei and Yin-shixiong are so lucky. I wonder when Shizun will send me to get my spiritual sword?"

Luo Binghe paused at Xie-shijie's words, careful not to reveal his position behind one of the many tall shelves within Qing Jing Peak's public library. He had decided to take Ming Fan's advice and read some of Shizun's old mission reports, even if the one he was most interested in was off-limits.

For the time being, at least.

His martial sister's lament was met with laughter. "I thought Xie-shijie didn't like swordplay?" An outer disciple Luo Binghe wasn't familiar with teased. "Haven't you always said that your guqin is the only weapon you could even need?"

An indignant huff. "It's the principle of the matter! Everyone knows that choosing your sword is what moves you from junior to senior disciple! Ning-shimei is two years younger than me, but gets to choose her sword first - can you even imagine how embarrassing it would be to be the last inner disciple to be promoted?"

"Don't worry Shijie, I'm sure Shizun will select you soon! He’s probably just waiting for you to reach the next level in your martial arts."

"Maybe." Xie Lihua sounded unconvinced. "But Luo-shidi wasn't selected either, and he's the most talented swordsman of us all."

Luo Binghe couldn't suppress a flush of pride at his senior's acknowledgment. Naturally, Meng Mo had to ruin it.

'Don't go getting a big head yet brat. Doesn't matter if she's right - you still weren't chosen to get your sword.'

Like an unpleasant echo of the Dream Demon's admonishment, another outer disciple piped up. "But isn't Disciple Luo in remedial classes for pretty much everything else? Clearly martial ability isn't the only qualification Shizun is looking for."

A wave of quiet titters followed, and his cheeks reddened with embarrassment instead of pleasure.

Luo Binghe swallowed on a bone-dry throat, remembering his Shizun's words when he'd been handed over to Elder Song for tutoring.

"While Luo Binghe has made extraordinary progress in his cultivation and sword forms the past few years, this master is unable to promote him to a senior disciple due to his poor performance in his other core classes."

A bang at the library entrance startled him out of his memory.

"They're back! And you won't believe the sword that Ning-shijie chose!"

There was a series of exclamations, the conversation left behind in the rush to go congratulate the newest senior disciples and get a look at their swords. Soon the library was empty of everyone but the inadvertent eavesdropper, who was still ruminating on his unfortunate position.

Ning Yingying and Yin Xiaodan have both selected their swords now. The only ones left are Xie Lihua, Shi Yiren, Ming Fan's minions... and me.

Luo Binghe's hands clenched around the scrolls he had retrieved, eyes tracing the elegant caligraphy labeling their contents.

Xie-shijie is right, it would be embarrassing to be the last.

'Hey, brat. Relax for a minute, would you? You're also the youngest, and the most recent selection - it's only natural if your seniors are promoted before you.' For once, the Dream Demon's words were not mocking, instead seeming to convey... concern?

But Luo Binghe could only remember the word Elder Song had used to describe him the day before. Mediocre. He didn't want to believe it - as Xie-shijie had admitted, he was the most martially talented of the Qing Jing disciples. Sometimes, he had thought he might be the most martially talented disciple in the entire sect; the sect leader had certainly been full of praise during their time together.

But martial strength was not the only thing Shizun - and by extension, the rest of Qing Jing Peak - valued. And Luo Binghe could not fool himself. As hard as he had to work at them, he would never be anything more than proficient in the four arts.

So how could he get Shizun to look at him and see more than a little beast?

'I don't know why I even bother. We always seem to end up at the same place - Shizun, Shizun, Shizun!'

"Shut up!" Luo Binghe snapped. "Isn't getting acknowledgment from their master every good disciple's goal?"

'...Right. Because 'acknowledgment' is all you want from him.'

Luo Binghe's stomach clenched with embarrassment. "Shut up." He whispered this time, increasingly unhappy with the Dream Demon's seemingly unlimited access to his every thought and feeling.

'Okay, I can see we're approaching dangerous territory. Let's take a step back, alright? Address the matter at hand. You want to impress your Shizun. You weren't wrong in thinking that the best way to do that is to lean into your strengths - he ended up canceling your transfer after you defeated the Elder Demon, right?

"Yes..." Luo Binghe agreed slowly, setting his resentment aside for the moment.

'So we just have to get you back in a position where you can stand out. That gives us our first goal: improve your performance so you can select your sword and get promoted to senior disciple. For the time being, everything else is secondary. Push hard, be miserable, and get past this obstacle - you reap what you sow kid. So stop bitching and start sowing.'

"Right." Meng Mo was right. He had been putting the cart before the ox - concentrating on the end goal instead of what it took to get there. The only way to reach a destination was a single step at a time.

His Shizun's regard was a prize worth waiting for.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I would like to kick off this chat session by saying rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.

User BingGetSome: Cucumber! Bro!

User Cultivate-This-Noob: You had us worried man. Pretty sure someone started planning a funeral.

User Demon.Daddy69: OH THANK GOD YOU'RE ALIVE. I was not prepared for the responsibility of writing a eulogy.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Seriously? I was only gone for a couple days!

User PunishMeShizun: Well what were we supposed to think when you didn't respond to your summons?

User Peerless_Cucumber: You do realize I'm not actually a denizen of hell, right?

User PunishMeShizun: Keep telling yourself that.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Cucumber's in denial, PMS is picking a fight... glad to see everything's back to normal.

User FakeJadePillar: PMS, lol.

User PunishMeShizun: Die.

User YingYingGirly: ^ Die x 2. It's good to have you back Cucumber. Do you mind if I ask what kept you away?

User Peerless_Cucumber: ANYWAY, about the chapter-

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: *smells blood in the water* Oh?

User lostmyhairymarbles: *embarrassing story senses are tingling* Oooooooh?

User PunishMeShizun: *spent the last 48 hours planning a beautiful remembrance ceremony that has now gone to waste and deserves answers dammit* OOOOOOOOOOOH?!

User Peerless_Cucumber: ...I tripped over my Luo Binghe dakimakura and hit my head on a bedpost. Had to spend the night in the hospital under concussion watch.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: ...Are you serious?

User Cultivate-This-Noob: No way.

User BingGetSome: Dude. I can't believe Cucumber almost became Luo Binghe's first kill. What kind of meta sh*t is that?

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Cosmic justice.

User FakeJadePillar: Looks like we have a few people in chat who are PMSing.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: DIE x 1000

Chapter 13

Chapter Text

On occasion, Shen Qingqiu found himself struck by how little his current life resembled his childhood fantasies of becoming an immortal cultivator. For one, he'd always expected that he and Qi-ge would escape together and train together and overall remain close, hitting important cultivation milestones side by side. Obviously that expectation had been crushed as soon as he had been captured by the Qius. But somehow, throughout all the abuses and humiliations, he'd still managed to hold onto the core of his ambitions; he would often comfort himself with late-night daydreams of escape to a cultivation sect, where he would naturally rise to a position and life filled with nothing but peace and plenty.

The reality was, of course, far less glamorous. He'd been reunited with his Qi-ge, but in such a way that only highlighted the betrayal and broken promise between them. He had indeed managed to climb to the top of his peak, only to find that high authority came with equally high responsibility. He never wanted for any necessity such as food or shelter, but was required in turn to offer his time and wisdom to the many little brats looking to chase immortality for themselves. As for peace?

Between the contentious nature of his relationships with most of his martial family, the constant needs of his peak and his students, and his shaky cultivation base, peace had long eluded him even before Luo Binghe's return and his subsequent sojourn through time.

That being said, some differences between fact and supposition stood out more than others. For example, his younger self would have been greatly offended by how much of his time as a Peak Lord was spent traipsing through caves.

Even if he didn't include his time in seclusion in Ling Xi caves, it would have been a daunting task to list all the times an investigation had required hiking through underground caverns far and wide. When hunting monsters it was somewhat understandable - he could hardly expect wild beasts to take refuge in the trappings of civilization after all. But why every other sort of undesirable element chose caves as a base of operations was a vexing mystery; it didn't matter who he was tracking, be it demons, human criminals, or demonic cultivators. When in doubt, look for a cave somewhere close by and you had likely located your perpetrator.

What made it all the worse was that Shen Qingqiu had not been spared his own part in the sheer cliché of it all. He had spent more than his fair share of nights hiding out in whatever cavern had been available during his stint as a demonic cultivator's apprentice, ostensibly to avoid detection from the righteous sects. It was both amusing and irritating in turns to think that even the infamous Wu Yanzi had fallen prey to the assumption that dark and damp and grime were somehow Righteous Cultivator Repellents.

As far as Shen Qingqiu was aware, that was only true of Huan Hua Palace, bunch of spoiled, stuck-up egoists that they were. It was a point against his theory that the cultivator who had created the maze array hailed from the pretentious sect, though not a strong enough one to completely discount it. Perhaps, he mused as they landed in front of an entry point partially obscured beneath a rocky overhang, not every member of Huan Hua had been a complete waste of breath and space throughout the sect's long history.

It was possible a few might have been passably competent, if the almost imperceptible buzz of spiritual energy emanating from the passage was any indication. They'd be wise to proceed with caution.

So naturally, upon dismounting (and tossing Shang Qinghua to the ground like one of his many trophy carcasses), Liu Qingge strode forward like the fearless and foolhardy sword-for-brain that he was before Shen Qingqiu could call a warning. A few steps in was all took to activate a trap; an illusory flock of bats bursting from the dark interior to endlessly swarm intruders. Liu Qingge raised his arms to protect his eyes and Shang Qinghua curled into a protective ball respectively. Shen Qingqiu observed from a safe distance, unimpressed, as the fictitious creatures swooped and chittered and harassed his martial brothers only to disappear once they made it more than three zhàng outside the opening.

At least it wasn't explosive, He thought with a sigh, withdrawing his fan. And the only loss is dignity, rather than a few limbs. With a sharp wave, he sent a qi-filled gust of wind to tear through the paper talismans stuck to the underside of the overhang. The illusion dispersed immediately, leaving only his martial brothers in their awkward, defensive poses.

"If Shidis are quite done?"

Neither of his companions challenged him when he moved into the frontmost position to lead them into the caves.

His extensive experience in navigating cave systems was coming in handy, despite being applied from the stance of the hunter instead of prey. Another unspecified individual was not having as easy a time of traversing the catacombs.

Said unspecified individual cussed profusely as a loose piece of shale broke beneath him, sending him sliding down the latest incline. So far Shang Qinghua had managed to keep his feet beneath him, though there had been a few close calls. Some were due to the unstable environment, as the stone making up the passages was surprisingly brittle, and loose detritus covering the ground was the rule rather than the exception. Even sure-footed and keen-eyed cultivators would tread carefully; with his spiritual energy bound, Shang Qinghua was neither of those things at the moment. Needless to say, it was making the An Ding Peak Lord's descent precarious, even after Xiu Ya and Cheng Luan had been summoned as makeshift lanterns.

And that wasn't even taking into account the purposeful deterrents they encountered every couple ké or so.

The spells ranged from irritating - one that caused the nagging feeling you were forgetting something vitally important that must be tended to immediately - to the unnerving - the sudden, repulsive impression of insects crawling over every available inch of skin - to the outright alarming. Even Shen Qingqiu had jumped at the deafening roar from a shadowed crevice, complete with a blast of warm air tainted by the scent of old blood. Liu-shidi had been the one to deal with that perceived threat, Cheng Luan shooting into the darkness to impale whatever beast was lurking inside. There was no monster, though the hunter's instinctive reaction got the job done; the sword-light revealed Cheng Luan buried deep into the stone wall, another illusion talisman neatly bisected by its blade.

"I don't care how much the town worships the guy, whatever bastard set all this up was a f*cking sad*st." Shang Qinghua wheezed from behind them, clutching his chest dramatically.

Shen Qingqiu hummed neutrally, breathing slowly to drop his heart rate back to normal levels. Shang Qinghua was correct that all the traps they had encountered were expertly designed to torment and terrify; but that was the extent of their purpose, to deter anyone from venturing further. Other than the fright they engendered in their targets, not one of the spells was actively harmful in the way one would expect from last-ditch defenses.

He could understand keeping the protections near the entry relatively innocuous; it wouldn't do to hurt one of the townsfolk who had gotten too curious for their own good, operating under the assumption that nothing could harm them in their precious forest anyway. But it was highly unlikely that a mortal would have made it this deep, even without the spells to intimidate them.

And they were getting close to the anchor, Shen Qingqiu could sense it. It made the benign nature of the talisman all the more odd. Stroke-inducing as the last trick had been, he would have expected something a bit more than a scary noise from a master capable of setting up a maze array of the forest's caliber.

So why exercise such a level of restraint?

"We're almost there." He stated, watching Liu Qingge retrieve his sword from the wall with a brusque yank. "Try to bear it until then. Unless Shang-shidi would like to make things easier on himself?"

A scoff was his only answer, not that he'd been expecting otherwise. As his second sword ride with Liu-shidi had proved, the stubborn rat would not be moved by anything less than immediate mortal peril; disappointingly, said peril appeared to be in short supply for the moment.

Unless Liu-shidi chose to act on the nasty look he was sending their martial brother's way, but that was probably too much to ask for.

Their final barrier to where Shen Qingqiu sensed the anchor point was a steep slope covered in loose shale that descended into darkness their sword-light did little to penetrate. When Liu Qingge sent Cheng Luan flying down to locate the bottom, the weapon was swallowed up by the gloom; it did not return when called, and there was not even a glimmer of light to reveal its presence.

"...Fantastic. Now we're down a sword." Was Shang Qinghua's trite summation of the situation. Leaning forward, his Shidi squinted as though that would allow him to pick Cheng Luan out of the impenetrable blackness. "Guess someone's gonna have to go down and get it."

"This master thanks Shang-shidi for volunteering."

"What? No, I wasn't-" The protest was cut short when Shen Qingqiu planted a hand in the middle of his Shidi's back and gave a firm shove, sending the smaller man tumbling down the slope. Quite helpfully, Shang Qinghua kept up a steady stream of curses as he fell, which continued even after the Peak Lord disappeared from sight. Shen Qingqiu easily concluded that the spell barrier may have kept light and physical objects from escaping, but wasn't designed to contain sound as well.

A final oof and the cessation of expletives was as good an indication as any that Shang Qinghua had reached the bottom.

"Still alive, Shang-shidi?" Shen Qingqiu called down, voice lilting with laughter he couldn't quite contain. From the quiet huff next to him, he wasn't alone in his amusem*nt.

"No thanks to you, you-" Whatever malignment of Shen Qingqiu's character or lineage was meant to follow was interrupted by a terrified yelp.

Shen Qingqiu went rigid, Xiu Ya called back into his hand in an instant. Foolish, he chided himself as he moved to plunge down the slope himself, To believe that there would no genuine threats just because they hadn't encountered one yet. It could have been to lure trespassers into a false sense of security. Damnit, I know better than that! He had to hope he could make it down before Shang Qinghua was cursed, wounded, or worse.

He was pulled short by a sudden grip on his arm. Liu Qingge's hand might as well have been made of steel for all the success Shen Qingqiu experienced when he tried to pull away.

"Shang Qinghua, what is it? Are you in danger?" The war god shouted, shooting his captive a fierce look that had him bristling. Since when did Liu Qingge insist upon caution, as though he didn't run headfirst into every hazardous situation that presented itself without a care?

"No, I-I'm fine!" Shang Qinghua answered after a short pause. Shen Qingqiu stopped struggling, listening carefully - despite his assertion of safety, his martial brother's voice was shaky with apprehension. "But Shixiong, you need to come see this. I'm pretty sure I just found the anchor."

That doesn't sound promising.

"Well?" He hissed irritably at the war god, who had yet to release him from his unyielding hold. "Does this master now have Liu-shidi's permission to proceed?"

It was always a surprise that Liu Qingge's delicate features could furrow into such a thunderous scowl. "I've sworn to protect Shen-shixiong from harm. It would be easier if Shen-shixiong would stop being so reckless."

"Excuse me!?" Shen Qingqiu sputtered, furious at the unmitigated gall of Liu Qingge - of all people! - to accuse him of being reckless. "Who do you think- of all the ridiculous, outragious- I ought to cut your f*cking tongue out, don't think I won't-"

The war god scoffed, but did loosen his grip enough for Shen Qingqiu to finally yank his arm away. "Yeah? Then what's stopping you?"

Shen Qingqiu was suddenly aware that, despite having Xiu Ya grasped in his free hand, he had made no attempt to use the sword to force his martial brother to let go of him. Equally unpleasant was the realization that Liu Qingge was starting to figure out that most of Shen Qingqiu's threats towards his martial siblings were empty, said mainly to provoke or intimidate depending on the situation.

Oh no. He'd only just convinced himself that cultivating a cordial relationship between them was both possible and beneficial. He didn't recall agreeing to the war god knowing him well enough to so easily see through his bullsh*t.

Aggravated and unnerved in equal measure, Shen Qingqiu turned away with a pointed flick of his sleeve. Two steps had him carefully sliding down the incline towards his other, marginally more tolerable martial brother, Liu Qingge following close behind.

He'd deal with... whatever the hell that conversation had been later. Preferably NEVER.

They reunited with Shang Qinghua and Cheng Luan at the bottom of the slope, which opened into a large, mostly empty room. Only mostly empty though.

In the middle of the strangely even floor, sat in a perfect lotus position, was a desiccated corpse; its chest was dark and gory, the flesh carved with the symbol of the forest blessing.

How unexpectedly macabre. Shen Qingqiu decided, stilling his breath and examining the unexpected sight from a conservative distance. And utterly demented to use one's own body in such a fashion- I'm both sickened and fascinated.

For how complicated all other aspects of their construction were, arrays were surprisingly flexible about what materials could be used. Paper, cloth, wood, stone, it made little difference to the efficacy; the purpose and functionality of the array were the main considerations when choosing what to use. Was durability important? Did it need to be portable? How easily obtained or worked with could the material be?

With what he knew of Huan Hua Palace, Shen Qingqiu wouldn't have been surprised if they made a habit of carving their array anchors into pure jade plinths.

But even he couldn't have predicted this particular choice; in all his research, he'd never once encountered the idea of an array being anchored into living flesh. At least, he assumed that the man had been alive when the marks had been cut, judging from the prominent blood stains.

Perhaps the method of using living conduits was one of Huan Hua Palace's more closely guarded secrets regarding arrays; given other questionable ethical practices Shen Qingqiu had observed over the years, it wouldn't exactly surprise him. It would also be something the sect would be fastidious about keeping quiet, since it definitely flirted with the line between righteous and demonic cultivation. And that was assuming the procedure was done willingly.

Taking into consideration how carefully non-lethal - hells, mostly harmless - everything else they had encountered was, Shen Qingqiu couldn't imagine that the corpse was anyone but the "rogue cultivator" from the town legend. Whoever set this all up didn't seem the type to take another person's life, even in pursuit of their own goals. But why? If this is indeed the cultivator responsible and he did this to himself, what possible reason could he have for setting the array in his own flesh?

It made no sense. And Shen Qingqiu couldn't stand things that made no sense.

Dismissing Xiu Ya, he moved closer to the body, circling around to examine it from all angles. Its skin had shrunk down tight to the bone, dark and leathery and bizarrely preserved. It reminded Shen Qingqiu of something he'd read about as a disciple; a ritual conducted by monks in a far-off land, in which they practiced asceticism to the point of living mummification.

After reading about that particular practice, he'd revised his opinion of Ku Xing disciples from austere self-righteous pricks to moderately austere self-righteous pricks. There were levels of crazy and apparently they weren't as close to the top as he had previously assumed.

Satisfied that no traps laid in wait and that the corpse was not actually dangerous, Shen Qingqiu crouched down to get a better look at the marks cut into its chest.

"Are you sure it's safe to get that close?" Shang Qinghua's voice was high and strained with disgust. "Also, from the bottom of my heart - what the everloving f*ck?"

"Who did this to him?" Liu Qingge's question was soft in comparison, but no less disturbed. The tension in his body made it clear he was one sudden move away from dragging Shen Qingqiu back from the body.

I absolutely will use Xiu Ya if he tries that again. Shen Qingqiu swore to himself, resuming his examination of the wounds forming the array. And Liu-shidi will find out what it's like when I am actually trying to stab him.

"Nobody did this to him, Liu-shidi." Shen Qingqiu answered after noting the angle and depth of the cuts, which matched the small blade he saw resting next to one of the body's knees. One of its hands had blood on it, some of which had dried in an imprinted pattern that matched the knife's handle. "This was entirely self-inflicted."

"He did this to himself?" He wasn't sure he'd ever heard the war god sound so appalled. "Why? I understand wanting to repay the town for their help, but isn't this too much?"

So Liu-shidi did have some limits on how far one was expected to go to repay a life debt. Good to know.

"I think we should be less concerned with the cultivator's method of protecting the town, and far more concerned with what - or who - he believed he was protecting the town from." Amid the mangled mess of the corpse's chest hung a jade pendant. Despite being covered in dried blood, the design of a stylized knot intermingling with the petals of a peony was identifiable to anyone with a passing familiarity with the cultivation world.

Huan Hua Palace. f*ck. Sometimes Shen Qingqiu got sick to death of assuming the worst and always being right.

He indulged in a brief moment of fury at once more finding himself in such a position. How many times now had he encountered a situation in which there was clear wrongdoing by Huan Hua Palace, but all the evidence was dated or circ*mstantial? Even if he had the whole story behind this latest transgression - which he was unlikely to get judging the state of the only informed witness - it would be laughably easy for the Palace Master to brush aside as baseless rumor.

The old snake was too good at covering his tracks. But people like him rarely grasped the immensity of Heaven and Earth - he would make a mistake eventually. And when he did...

Well. Shen Qingqiu fully intended to be there, a smile on his lips and a knife in his hand.

(The safest means of killing a venomous serpent was to rend the head from the body. He meant the threat in both a literal and figurative sense.)

And the discovery wasn't a complete waste. While unactionable, the pendant was a physical trace that Huan Hua Palace had been involved in the situation. That was rare enough to come across and would lend weight to his suspicions - upon their return to Cang Qiong Mountain, he could use it as proof that he wasn't throwing accusations of misconduct out of nowhere, perhaps even convince the sect leader to let him look into the other sect's dealings more closely-

Yes, best to take it with me now since we have to dispel the array to retrieve Shang Qinghua's disciples. Who knows what will happen to the corpse afterward, if the spell is what's preserving it? Mind decided, Shen Qingqiu reached out to retrieve the pendant.

As soon as his fingers brushed the jade surface, the array carved into the corpse's chest lit up with spiritual energy. By the time he jerked his hand away, it was already too late; he dimly registered his Shidis' shouts as the world around him melted and distorted, his head filled with an unnatural buzzing that vibrated through his skull and rattled his teeth. The disorientation was instant and debilitating, inducing the dual sensations of migraine and nausea.

It was ironic that Shen Qingqiu would be the one caught in a trap, considering the reckless idiots accompanying him. Between Shang-shidi who purposely handicaped himself and Liu-shidi who wouldn't know caution if it slapped him across the face - how did I end up being the one who courted death?

And then: Ugh. Liu-shidi accused me of being reckless and then this happened. If I thought he was being ridiculous before, now he's going to be unbearable.

Though the ordeal lasted only the span of a few breaths, Shen Qingqiu was left shaking and sweating on the cave floor as he drew in desperate gulps of air. Needless to say, it was not an experience he was eager to repeat.

"Ah, mā de - sorry about that, normally the transition is practically unnoticeable-"

Throwing himself back from the unexpected voice, Shen Qingqiu ruthlessly suppressed his instinctive surge of panic. Heaving himself onto unsteady feet, he summoned Xiu Ya to hand and brandished his blade at the unidentified interloper - only for his snarl to freeze on his face in recognition.

In the exact place and position where just moments ago there had been a bloody corpse, a very alive person sat and regarded him with interest. His clothes were the same as those on the previously very much dead body, with the pendant Shen Qingqiu had been reaching for lying across an intact chest. Though there were no physical wounds cut into the flesh, a glowing afterimage of the maze array remained.

Most disturbingly, the face was pulled into what might have been intended as a comforting smile, but more closely resembled the corpse's ghastly grimace. It was the exact opposite of reassuring.

A drawn-out staring contest ensued between them, though only Shen Qingqiu appeared to be aware of its awkward undercurrent.

It did give the befuddled Peak Lord a moment to regain his bearings and examine the no-longer-a-corpse however. Despite wearing clothes of similar cut and color to the residents of Zhongtu Town, a regal bearing exposed upperclass roots, and a disciplined posture spoke of many years of martial training. In combination with a youthful face and that cursed pendant, Shen Qingqiu's suppositions were all but verified.

Zhongtu Town's "rogue cultivator" was almost certainly a former master of Huan Hua. Perhaps it was his own prejudices getting the better of him, but despite the many indications that the - did he still count as a man? Or was he more of a ghost or spirit? Not important. Focus. Despite the many indications that the Not-a-corpse was (probably) no longer affiliated with the corrupt sect, Shen Qingqiu could only feel mistrust and disquiet at his current predicament.

A quick glance around confirmed that the two of them were alone, Shang Qinghua and Liu Qingge seeming to have vanished into thin air.

Not-a-corpse took note of his brief inattention, though his expression never remained stiff and unmoving. "My deepest apologies, Immortal Master. That didn't go as smoothly as I intended. I wasn't able to bring your companions across - just you was difficult enough, even with direct touch."

Shen Qingqiu refocused his gaze, mind working frantically to analyze the statement. "So you are the corp- ahem, cultivator that set this all up then." He posited, cursing his near slip. It probably wasn't in good taste to call someone a corpse to their face, and he did have some sense of self-preservation. "Shall I presume that I have been relocated into the maze array then?"

"As expected of a Peak Lord." Head tilting with a stomach-turning crack, the complete stillness of the rest of the body only added to his uncanny appearance. "I'm actually quite relieved I have the opportunity to speak with you; the situation has gotten a bit out of hand."

Shen Qingqiu refused to let his guard down, despite the amicable tone of their exchange. There was no telling how long that would last, or whether it was a front for a more nefarious purpose. "I can only assume you are referring to the Cang Qiong Mountain sect disciples that were pulled into your trap." Another brief scan of the room, this time for viable weapons or exits. "I don't suppose you had a reason for that?"

"Not very trusting, are you?" The distasteful grin finally dropped in favor of a morose sigh, the entire mood blackening in an instant. The massive emotional shift was unnecessarily dramatic in Shen Qingqiu's opinion - his accusation had been quite polite, all things considered. Heaven only knew the reaction Shen Qingqiu would have gotten if he had decided to get nasty. "No, no. I understand, you have no reason to be. Would it help if I told you that it was never my intention to 'trap' your sect's disciples?"

"Not without an explanation, no." And a good f*cking explanation it had better be.

"Fair enough." Not-a-corpse immediately 'perked up', though it was less a movement and more a feeling he was projecting. "I am at a bit of a loss for where to start. It's been quite a while since I've had an opportunity to engage in conversation, you see."

Please tell me Not-a-corpse isn't a talker. "Several mortal generations, by my estimate."

"Heavens, has it been that long?" The question was almost wistful, and Shen Qingqiu was struck with an unsettling thought; if Not-a-corpse hadn't realized how much time had passed, how much of what occurred outside of the pocket dimension was he aware of?

Did he know the withered state of his physical body outside? And if he didn't-

If he didn't-

Did Shen Qingqiu dare inform him? Another layer was added to his vigilance as he considered Not-a-corpse's possible reactions to the knowledge that his body was an unlivable husk. His initial impression of him was... not entirely negative. More naive do-gooder than crouching tiger. Annoying in the extreme but not prone to inflicting intentional harm. Nothing to indicate that he was vindictive enough to take bad news out on the messenger.

On the other hand, obviously unstable from prolonged solitude, if not completely insane as of yet. Not-a-corpse also hailed from Huan Hua Palace, a sect in which scum, criminals, and even half-blood demons propagated and thrived.

How would he even begin to broach the subject anyway? So, met any cute zombies lately? No, that's crass. Keeping in mind that time is a construct and death inevitable, I have some unfortunate news... Mn, still a bit direct, I can do better. Have you ever experienced the feeling that you're at the mercy of an indifferent god and everything you know is an elaborate illusion crafted to hide the dark reality that your fate is predetermined and completely inescapable?

...So that last one might have been a projection. Perhaps he should get his questions answered before opening that particular cursed box.

"If you are telling the truth and intend no harm, this master must ask: how did the disciple caravan come to be stuck within the maze array? What did they do that activated it?"

Not-a-corpse's attention had drifted inward while Shen Qingqiu thought; after spending so long with only his thoughts for company, he was clearly too used to living inside his head. A small jerk of his chin - complete with another unpleasant bone noise - marked his return to the conversation. "Ah, yes. That is the most relevant issue at the moment. To be frank, they didn't do anything; I pulled them inside for their own protection."

That was unhelpfully vague, but did answer the question of why Not-a-corpse may have chosen to use himself as an anchor for the array rather than a more... conventional material. If he'd used an inanimate object, he would have had to establish precise parameters for how the array would be activated, and that was an arduous task in itself with plenty of room for error - there was a reason Huan Hua's defenses were always monitored by disciples on duty, since anyone could stumble into them. But with the architect of the array at the center, always monitoring its boundaries and able to assess situations on an individual basis...

It was an unheard-of level of control and flexibility that no predetermined ruleset could hope to match.

A pause stretched into an uncomfortable silence as Shen Qingqiu waited for Not-a-corpse to further elaborate on the missing disciples.

And... waited.

And waited some more.

When no further information was forthcoming, it required every bit of his limited patience not to withdraw his fan and start swinging, propriety be damned. Forcibly taking a deep breath, he reminded himself of everything he had already observed about his newest acquaintance. Decades - if not centuries - in complete seclusion. Has likely forgotten the rhythm of conversation and most social cues. Imagine Liu-shidi after a long stint in the wilderness and multiply the social ineptitude by a thousand.

"And what, exactly, did the disciples require your protection from?" He managed to grit out. The delivery might even have been described as semi-cival, if one were feeling especially generous.

Thankfully, his irritation went either ignored or unnoticed. It was honestly hard to tell when Not-a-corpse displayed so little in the way of readable tells. "Right, right, you'd need to know - the disciples, they were being followed. From the time they left Zhongtu Town until I pulled them in."

"Followed? By who?" That was moderately alarming. Shang Qinghua had said it himself - there was nothing special or valuable contained in this particular delivery. Who would risk the wrath of the most powerful cultivation sect for such small gain? Unless-

Unless the purpose was to instigate a fight with Cang Qiong Mountain. It made far more sense than any other explanation Shen Qingqiu had considered.

His sudden insight made the man's next words less of a surprise than they could have been. "An ice demon, and a powerful one as far as I could tell. At first, it seemed content to watch from a distance, and I didn't intend to get involved. But then, it just - shuā, vanished into thin air, only to reappear right in the middle of the caravan."

A powerful ice demon. One with the ability to open portals. And - presumably - a reason to target An Ding disciples in particular. There was only one individual it could be.

He was dealing with Mobei-jun, years earlier than he had ever expected to encounter the Demon Lord.

Damn it Shang Qinghua. For your own sake, you'd better not have had any knowledge of his involvement, or there won't be enough of you left for the demons to torture once I'm done!

(But he did remember how ill and frustrated Shang-shidi had been when he'd first relayed the situation to him. How the An Ding Lord hadn't really fought him on turning the matter into a mission and dragging him along, despite his extensive bitching. He hadn't run off when he'd had the chance, and chimed in when he'd had a helpful piece of information or insight. It could be that the man had been genuinely ignorant of the Demon Lord's involvement, or distracted enough by his personal issues to overlook the signs.

Shen Qingqiu would have the opportunity to determine whether his Shidi remained a traitorous rat or was just the miserable little mouse he claimed to be soon enough.)

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing the An Ding disciples were caught by accident when you attempted to neutralize the demon."

"Exactly!" Not-a-corpse beamed with overstated delight, as though Shen Qingqiu's understanding of the situation made it somehow better.

"And? Are the disciples stuck in your maze array with a demon lord even still alive?!" Shen Qingqiu demanded, an edge to his voice as sharp as Xiu Ya's blade.

"Oh. Oh! Yes, they're fine! As soon as they noticed the demon, the disciples scattered - it was impressive how quickly they got out of there, almost like they'd practiced - and I've been using the maze array to keep them separated from the demon as best I can. That's why I wasn't able to pull you in from the start - too much of my energy is being used to keep them apart."

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes and pretended he didn't feel a wash of relief to hear that the caravan hadn't been a repeat massacre at Mobei-jun's hands. At least not yet. "Are the disciples in any immediate danger?"

A slow blink. "No?" It came out as more of a question than a statement, but at this point, Shen Qingqiu was willing to take his word for it.

"Alright." That was the most pressing weight off his mind. "In that case, I'm sure you won't mind answering some additional questions."

"Ah, well, I suppose-"

"Specifically, how did you come to be in your present circ*mstances? The town said you were a rogue cultivator, but I recognize the emblem of Huan Hua on your pendant and your work has all the marks of their training."

Interestingly, one of Not-a-corpse's eyes twitched. It was the first movement he had made that was not deliberate. "It's a bit of a long story."

Oh, I'm sorry. Did you have somewhere else to be? Shen Qingqiu kept the snide rejoinder firmly behind his teeth - barely. "And? Forgive me if I'm wrong, but the reasons behind the maze array's creation do seem relevant to the current situation."

The eye twitch was quickly being upgraded to an involuntary tic. "I... understand your concerns, having your disciples disappear must have been terribly upsetting. My reason for creating the maze array-" Not-a-corpse cut off as his entire face spasmed, lips curling into a rictus snarl. "My reason... for creating... the maze array..." He repeated slowly, the light in his eyes coming to resemble a sea of fire.

Ah sh*t.

"THAT FETID BASTARD!" Not-a-corpse howled, the sound echoing through the enclosed space with the force of an explosion. "DAMN HIM TO THE DEEPEST LEVEL OF TORMENTS AND MAY HE BE TORN ASSUNDER FOR THE REST OF ETERNITY! I HOPE HIS SKIN AND TENDONS ARE PEELED LAYER BY LAYER, HIS BONES BOILED AND CONSUMED BY EVERY DEMON FOR HIS CRIMES-"

Obviously this is a sensitive subject. Shen Qingqiu observed the tantrum stoically. Despite the impassioned screaming, Not-a-corpse remained frozen in place, only his head and neck demonstrating freedom of movement. And what expressive movement it was; neck lolling, eyes rolling, and he was pretty sure he saw some froth forming around the mouth. Given the man's unfortunate fate, Shen Qingqiu was going to call the reaction reasonable.

But however understandable it may have been, it couldn't be allowed to continue indefinitely - especially not when his qi began to roil in a way Shen Qingqiu found all-too-familiar. The Peak Lord needed to nip this in the bud before it became a repeat of Ling Xi Caves, only this time it wasn't just Shen Qingqiu's life hanging in the balance. Not-a-corpse had said most of his spiritual energy was being used to keep Mobei-jun and the An Ding disciples apart; any disruption to that could end in unnecessary bloodshed.

He couldn't exactly send Not-a-corpse flying across the room the way he had with Liu-shidi. Direct touch to transfer and regulate qi also seemed ill-advised at the moment. But he had to act soon, before the outburst devolved into a full-blown qi deviation.

I may be overthinking this.

Approaching the yowling head-case, Shen Qingqiu withdrew his fan and brought it down on Not-a-corpse's head with a decisive smack.

Not-a-corpse froze, stunned; gratifyingly, his previously violent qi circulation quickly calmed down once he'd been shocked out of his fit of rage.

And what have we learned today? Shen Qingqiu thought with some self-deprecation as he stepped back once more. Don't poke the Not-a-corpse's sore spots when it's the only thing standing between the sect's disciples and certain death. Got it.

He'd have to approach the rest of their conversation with compassion and sensitivity if he wanted any intelligible answers. Just the thought made him want to wretch; Heaven forbid he ever got mistaken for a bleeding heart.

"I must apologize once more, it seems." Not-a-corpse rasped out sheepishly. "Discussing these matters is... difficult. I've developed quite the grudge, as you can tell."

Thankfully, abiding grudges were something that Shen Qingqiu could sympathize with easily. "I harbor no judgment, so long as your resentment was earned."

"Well earned." Not-a-corpse growled, before reining himself back in and adopting a serious demeanor. "Your assessment was correct; long ago, I was once a disciple of Huan Hua Palace. A talented enough one to be considered for the next Palace Master, in fact. But I was attacked by a rival and had to flee for my life before a successor could be named."

Shen Qingqiu fought back a flush of vindication - he could revel in the satisfaction of being right later. "So that part of the story was true; you were found injured in the forest, and some townsfolk were kind enough to help you. But how did that lead to-" He waved his hand in an encompassing gesture, "-all this?"

"I had always planned to set up a maze array around the town as thanks for their help. But using myself as the anchor for it wasn't part of the initial plan, if that's what you're asking." Not-a-corpse's tone was rueful. "While I was content to move on and live my life outside the sect, the Shidi that assaulted me was not the type to leave loose ends unaccounted for."

"He tracked you down then. Did he threaten the townsfolk?"

"He didn't need to, I was aware of how he operated by that point. I got word of a group of demonic cultivators traveling in the town's direction and made the connection; unfortunately, I ran out of time to complete the anchor I had planned for the array and was forced to improvise. The consequences thereof you can see for yourself."

"...You didn't intend to remain the anchor indefinitely."

"Correct. But arrays are tricky beasts, even for the most experienced masters. I was trapped by my own hubris, well-meaning as it was."

Shen Qingqiu felt an uncharacteristic stab of pity. The man's story was genuinely tragic, made all the more so by the knowledge that the disciple who caused it all was very likely the same bastard that now ran Huan Hua Palace. Everything that the man had described fit the Old Palace Master's methods perfectly.

It's probably too much to ask for, but... "I don't suppose you have proof of any of this?"

"I'm afraid not. And though I appreciate the thought... is there another reason you're asking?" The question was surprisingly discerning. Not-a-corpse had clearly caught on to the fact that Shen Qingqiu had motives beyond seeking justice for a complete stranger, no matter how helpful said stranger had been.

"...I've noticed certain similarities between your self-professed rival and the current Palace Master." Shen Qingqiu admitted after a brief hesitation.

"I see." Not-a-corpse clenched his teeth, jaw working as he fought back another tirade. Shen Qingqiu raised the arm holding his fan, ready to deliver another smack if he lost. "That that man took over Huan Hua Palace and remains in his position even now is truly lamentable."

"This master happens to agree. Truth be told, I consider the Old Palace Master a bit of a thorn in my side, and am very interested in seeing him deposed from his current position." Not-a-corpse met Shen Qingqiu's eyes, looking far more invested in his words than a moment before. "To that end, is there anything you'd like to share?"

"...Not as much as I'd like. That one never revealed much about himself - before his betrayal, I took it for reserve. Now I can only think that there were misdeeds in his past he was careful to hide."

Shen Qingqiu stayed silent, thinking of his own less-than-ideal background, and how hard he had worked to hide it in his past life. Knowing what he did now, he had to ask himself; would he have gone as far as the Old Palace Master, to keep his secrets and his position in the sect?

No. I wouldn't. That the answer was quick and certain was a relief. His past captivity and torture at Luo Binghe's hands within the water prison was proof enough of his conclusion. He had willingly surrendered himself for the sake of his sect, however badly it may have turned out. Even before that, he had never gone out of his way to hurt or prey upon others, no matter what the lies that had been spread about him said. He had done his best to follow the righteous cultivation path, to make up for the times when he hadn't had the option to do so.

He was nothing like the Old Palace Master, and he never would be.

He shook himself out of his moment of self-reflection as Not-a-corpse continued. "Bastard was invited into the sect rather than born into it - one of the masters brought him back from an excursion to the border of the Southern Territories of the Demon Realm."

"The Demon Realm? He isn't...?" It wouldn't have surprised Shen Qingqiu overly much if the bastard ended up having some demon blood, but he couldn't image a cultivation sect knowingly welcoming him within their ranks if that was the case.

"A demon? No, decidedly not. Tells me he hasn't changed much that your mind went there though." A bitter chuckle. "He may not have been a demon, but he wasn't of noble lineage either, that much I know. Took on a courtesy name as soon as he joined the sect, and I'm guessing he goes by his title pretty exclusively now."

Shen Qingqiu's skin prickled with an excitement that felt like a premonition. "An astute assumption; I have never heard him referred to as anything but his title, unless we're counting less polite terms."

The ghastly smile from the beginning of their exchange returned once more, this time a pleasure to witness. "How fortunate then, that I happen to remember his birth name from when he first joined the sect."

Shen Qingqiu allowed a toothy smile to creep across his own face, veins pulsing with vindictive glee at the new possibilities before him.

"Fortunate indeed."

The trip back to reality from within the maze array was no more pleasant than it had been before, though it was at least expected this time. Opening his eyes to see the very-much-a-corpse in front of him was something of a relief, much as the revelation that its spiritual counterpart was fully aware of his physical body's condition.

"Now that I'm confident the town and its service to me has been long forgotten, I can finally move on in peace. I'll gather your disciples together outside the cave entrance; when you're ready, destroy my body and the maze array will release them."

Though it would have been necessary to retrieve the disciples anyway, he was content to perform this small service for the other cultivator. He'd been so very useful, after all; keeping the disciples alive and giving Shen Qingqiu some much-needed dirt on an old enemy.

Killing him was the least Shen Qingqiu could do as repayment.

"Shen-shixiong!"

Before he could respond to Shang Qinghua's call, he was unceremoniously dragged to his feet. Spun around, he came face to face with Liu Qingge, holding him in place with vice-like hands once more.

That's right. He recalled as the war god checked him for injuries, more frantic than Shen Qingqiu had ever seen him. To my Shidis, I must have vanished into thin air; they would have had no way of knowing what was happening on the other side.

When he was assured that his Shixiong was unharmed, Liu-shidi let out a long breath that visibly drained the tension from his body. He then proceeded to use his hold to shake Shen Qingqiu vigorously, spewing his complaints all the while.

"I told you not to be reckless!" Yeah, like Liu-shidi was one to talk. "I thought you were supposed to be smart!" Which, excuse him, RUDE. "You could have been trapped, or injured, or died, and we never would have known!" Please. Shen Qingqiu had always survived just fine on his own.

And no, he was not counting his demise in the Water Dungeons, it was a past life and therefore did not count!

"This master is perfectly capable of taking care of himself." He bit out, digging his heels into the cave floor and bracing against his Shidi's motions. Taking the hint, Liu Qingge finally stopped jerking him about like a child with a rag doll.

"I know that!" Liu Qingge barked back before sighing. Strong, callused hands moved up from his arms to his shoulders, squeezing almost gently. "I know that. I just wish you'd let me help."

Shen Qingqiu opened his mouth to tell the war god where he could shove that sentiment before pausing.

Remembering.

"Trust is earned."

"Then let me earn it. Give me the opportunity to prove myself worthy of it."

"Very well. This master is willing to try more... open communication."

Just the previous night, Shen Qingqiu had agreed to give the war god a chance. Maybe this wasn't quite the situation he'd had in mind, but it still applied. And while other people may give their word lightly...

Shen Qingqiu had never broken a promise once given, in either of his lives. He wasn't about to start now.

"...Liu-shidi is right." He admitted quietly. "I am not accustomed to relying on others for support or safety. I'll-" He glanced away briefly before meeting his Shidi's surprised stare head-on. "I'll work on it."

Liu Qingge swallowed, eyes intently searching Shen Qingqiu's own.

"...That's sweet and all," Shang Qinghua drawled, killing the moment deader than the corpse beside them. "But do you mind telling us what the hell happened? Where did you go? How did you get back?"

Shen Qingqiu pulled away from Liu Qingge's grasp, turning to fix Shang Qinghua with a narrow glare. Considering everything that Shen Qingqiu had learned - which included enough information to determine which ice demon was likely responsible for all of this - his Shidi would regret reminding him of the situation very shortly.

"Shang-shidi is correct - we have a lot to talk about."

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"So this is where Luo-shidi has been hiding."

Luo Binghe startled, dropping the scroll he'd been reading to the table with a clatter. The noise rang through the otherwise empty library, since all the other disciples had left to gawk at Ning Yingying's new sword.

So why, Luo Binghe wondered as he turned to greet his martial sister, Was Ning-shijie here? Had she been looking for him?

Luo Binghe didn't quite dare to take his Shijie seeking him out as a good sign. Their once warm relationship had long been a thing of the past - he highly doubted her reasons were as simple as sharing her excitement with a friend.

The thought was a little bitter, but not as much as it could have been. Recently, he'd been thinking; it wasn't as though he hadn't played a part in the breakdown of their friendship. After Shizun had gone into seclusion, Luo Binghe had been determined to improve as much as possible before he returned in order to keep his place on Qing Jing Peak. He hadn't had time to goof around with Ning Yingying anymore, or slow his training to accommodate her pace. He was pretty sure she'd felt abandoned by him, and that his neglect just continued to feed into her insecurity.

He felt a bit sorry for her, to be honest.

'...Kid, I am begging you. Please, NEVER say any of what you just thought out loud. For both of our sakes.'

Slightly confused by the dream demon's vehement words, Luo Binghe nonetheless plastered a welcoming smile on his face. "Ning-shijie! I heard you selected a sword from Wan Jian Peak - congratulations on your accomplishment!"

Big brown eyes glittered with satisfaction. Though she returned his smile with one of her own, their exchange felt anything but friendly. "Thanking Luo-shidi, this Shijie is very grateful to have succeeded. Would Luo-shidi like to see it?"

Luo Binghe blinked. Truthfully, he wasn't very interested - but it would be rude to deny her. She just wanted to show off to him a bit.

Wait, was she possibly trying to catch his attention in... that way?

'I pray that the Heavens strike us both down before you attempt to approach anyone romantically. This is sad. You are making me sad.'

Luo Binghe gave the mental equivalent of a shush. "Of course! I'd love to see your new sword Shijie!"

Luo Binghe couldn't have told you what he was expecting. Only that it wasn't the sword that Ning Yingying pulled out.

His Shijie preened with satisfaction as he gaped at the biggest, most vicious-looking Dao Luo Binghe had ever seen.

While some disciples in the sect chose to eschew swords in favor of other spiritual weapons, when a sword was picked it was almost exclusively a Jian. Straight and graceful, Jian were the weapons of choice for cultivators, their form and function echoing the effortless elegance all Immortal Masters sought to cultivate.

Dao sabers, in comparison, were butcher knives. Designed for powerful, chopping blows, a single hit from one of them was devastating. Where a Jian would cut, a Dao would maim.

Jian were weapons of civilized combat. Dao were weapons of open war.

"Does Luo-shidi like it?" Voice as syrupy-sweet as candied fruit, Ning Yingying prodded him for a reaction.

"It's... really something Ning-shijie." Luo Binghe croaked, eyes trained on a section of the blade near the handle that wasn't sharpened the same as the rest. Was that part actually serrated!?

"It is, isn't it? I can't wait for Luo-shidi to see it in action. We should arrange a spar sometime! Oh," The hand not holding the blade aloft pressed against Ning-shijie's mouth as she blinked innocently. "But of course we'll wait until Luo-shidi picks a sword of his own." She giggled. "We wouldn't want it to be an unfair fight, now would we?"

Luo Binghe blinked at his martial sister, wracking his brain for what to say. Was it just him, or had his Shijie's words almost sounded like a threat?

'Almost sounded like a threat he says - are you sh*tting me?! READ THE f*ckING ROOM.'

Distracted by Meng Mo's swearing, Luo Binghe ended up saying nothing. His Shijie didn't take offense; in fact, she seemed pleased by his lack of response, if the coquettish curl of her lips was any indication.

"Anyway, sorry to bother you Luo-shidi. I know you've been very busy lately." Ning Yingying gave his stack of scrolls a long glance, eyes lingering on the identification tags. Some of them were material assigned for his remedial lessons, but most were Shizun's old mission reports - including the one he had been reading when she first came in. "This Shijie will leave you to your... studying."

Luo Binghe swallowed hard as he watched his Shijie leave, feeling a bit like a mouse that had just been swatted around by a bored cat. But that was silly; it wasn't like he had anything to fear from Ning Yingying, right?

...Right?

'And I give up. I urge you never to get married kid - you clearly know nothing about women.'

User FakeJadePillar: ...Please tell me I'm not alone when I express concern for the future of protag's Heavenly Pillar?

User Peerless_Cucumber: DEEP, ABIDING CONCERN.

User lostmyhairymarbles: THIS ^

User PunishMeShizun: Why am I not surprised that this is the biggest takeaway from this chapter for the male side of the chat?

User FakeJadePillar: Hey. Not ALL men.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.

User PunishMeShizun: I feel the need to point out that it is ALL the men who reference their junk in their usernames that seem most 'concerned' right now.

User Peerless_Cucumber: ...She got us there guys.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Can't even argue, facts are facts.

User YingYingGirly: If you're all done discussing penises, could we PLEASE talk about this development in Ning Yingying's character arc?! I mean, selecting a Dao sword as a disciple of Qing Jing - isn't it contrary to everything the peak stands for?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: You make a good point. Qing Jing's sword style emphasizes elegance and swift, calculated movement. I can't see how a Dao would fit into that.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): I don't know, maybe Shizun will pull some obscure manual out his ass where ALL THE REST OF THE MYSTERIOUS BULLsh*t COMES FROM.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Still upset about the scroll thing?

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): NO. f*ck OFF.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I think we're looking at this from the wrong angle. Just because Qing Jing doesn't have its own Dao style, doesn't mean she can't learn how to wield a Dao from another master and then adapt it to the Peak's philosophy. There's precedent with Luo Binghe training under the sect leader for several years, after all.

User Demon.Daddy69: But who would she learn from? Because they'd have to know how to wield a Dao AND be willing to do Shen Qingqiu a favor. In case you've forgotten, he's not exactly Mr. Popular even if he's not the scum villain anymore.

User Peerless_Cucumber: There is one master that might be willing, and probably has extensive training in all types of sword combat. Can you really not think who?

User PunishMeShizun: !!!!! OMG. I am so picking up what you're putting down.

Chapter 14

Chapter Text

"So, let me see if I have this right. The body - that one, over there, that's been visibly f*cking mummified - is not, in fact, dead?"

Shen Qingqiu lamented the hardships of being the only individual in the goddamn Immortal Realm who understood abstract concepts such as 'urgency' and 'prioritization'. While their surprise benefactor's current state of being was difficult to wrap one's head around, it was hardly the most relevant bit of information he had learned. But trust his high-strung Shidi to get stuck on the point.

Feeling the same sense of aggravated futility as when he lectured the empty-headed sprouts that dared call themselves his disciples, he deigned to elaborate. "Shang-shidi is correct that the body before us is quite uninhabitable. The spirit, however, lives on. Since he is directly connected to the array's pocket dimension, the link preserved the cultivator's consciousness past his physical expiration. I imagine his existence is not dissimilar to a nascent soul traveling outside the body - though with some unfortunate side effects, as you have noted. But outlandish as it may be, his current predicament is not our most pressing issue."

"Feels pretty pressing to me..." Shang Qinghua muttered, looking torn between interest and revulsion. "How are we supposed to deactivate the array and get my disciples if it's tied to his spiritual system anyway?"

"Simple: when we're ready, we will destroy his body and the array will cease to function."

"That will kill him." Liu Qingge pointed out flatly.

"He's already dead. His mind just hasn't caught up with the rest of him yet." Shen Qingqiu challenged. A stare-off ensued, as Liu Qingge presumably attempted to transmit his notions of morality via telepathy, while Shen Qingqiu emanated a general aura of 'f*ck off'.

(It would be a lie to say this wasn't a test of their newfound understanding. Would Liu Qingge fall back into his old ways and fling accusations of callousness? Assume he had no reasons beyond convenience and paint him as the heartless villain once more?)

"Ignoring the ethical implications, I get the funny feeling two of us are missing some important context here." Shang Qinghua interjected, sounding very put-upon. His Shidi might regret reminding Shen Qingqiu of his existence once he explained why the caravan was pulled into the maze array in the first place.

"Fine." Shen Qingqiu huffed, turning his nose up at his martial brother's questioning. "To be succinct - because it's connected to his spiritual system, the cultivator has full control over the maze array and its implementation. The An Ding Caravan was caught by accident when he activated it in an attempt to protect them from an outside threat." Shen Qingqiu watched his Shidi carefully. The An Ding Peak Lord looked concerned and puzzled, which was a point towards his ignorance of demonic involvement. But his reaction to Shen Qingqiu's next revelation would be the most telling. "They were followed and then approached by a demon - and ice demon of significant power and the ability to open portals."

Shang Qinghua blanched whiter than the Bai Zhan uniform. From the sweat that broke across his forehead and the strained quality of his breathing, he appeared to be at the beginning of a full-blown panic attack. Ironically, it might have been a blessing that his spiritual energy was still blocked at the moment; a panic attack was far less debilitating than a qi deviation would have been.

So. Either wasn't involved or is a better actor than even I suspect. Pulling out his fan, Shen Qingqiu wafted it casually as he watched his Shidi struggle for air. But I'm going to say the former. Physiological reactions are too hard to fake without preparation.

"A demon?" Thankfully, Liu Qingge's full attention was on Shen Qingqiu, giving his distraught Shidi time to pull himself together. "Why would a demon attack an An Ding Caravan?"

Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes. "A demon force already attacked Qiong Ding Peak, and the rest of the sect by proxy. Perhaps after failing their first incursion, they set their sights on easier targets." It was a fairly convincing explanation, considering Shen Qingqiu had just pulled it out of his ass. If it made the previous attack seem less of a one-off incident and more of an opening salvo, all the better for his plans.

And bless the war god's one-track martial mind, he took Shen Qingqiu's suggestion and ran with it. "They're testing the sect's defenses - first by invading the sect while the Peak Lords were away or unavailable, now by attacking our supply chains. Shen-shixiong, do you think the demons are preparing to go to war with Cang Qiong Mountain!?"

Truly the blue sea had turned into mulberry fields, for Liu Qingge to look to him for affirmation. But past that, this was exactly the opportunity Shen Qingqiu had been looking for to mobilize the sect for the conflict to come.

If the Bai Zhan War God supported his conclusions, who among his martial siblings could argue?

"Between us, Liu-shidi is the foremost expert on warfare, but yes. That is the conclusion this master has reached as well."

"Shen-shixiong." Shang Qinghua's voice was wrecked, and his appearance not much better, though he had managed to get his breathing under control. Was he really that frightened by Mobei-jun's involvement? "My disciples, are they...?"

Ah, he was worried for his disciples. He thought it might be a repeat of the first massacre. Shang Qinghua, from what Shen Qingqiu had observed since the formation of their partnership, was quite fond and even protective of his many scuttling minions. In addition to not letting Shen Qingqiu bully the gossipy menace he knew only as Feng-er, the An Ding Peak Lord was diligent about ensuring the inhabitants of his peak's well-being.

Suddenly, Shen Qingqiu wondered: What had happened to the members of An Ding Peak in the previous timeline? Had they suffered the same fate as the rest of Cang Qiong Mountain, doomed to being crushed under Luo Binghe's heel? Or had Shang Qinghua's position as Mobei-jun's spy bought them some mercy from the razing?

Given that Luo Binghe's benevolence seemed reserved for peerless beauties he could tempt into his bed and the icy indifference with which Mobei-jun had ended his Shidi's life, Shen Qingqiu doubted it. Whatever vengeance Shang-shidi might have wished upon the rest of the sect, seeing his home burn couldn't have been anything but traumatizing.

The unpleasantness of the thought gentled his reply. "They are all alive and well, as far as I know. Our friend used the maze to keep them separated from the demon."

Shang Qinghua let out a choked sound of relief, which was slightly mortifying to witness. Shen Qingqiu would have thought he'd know better than to show such a vulnerability - then again, they were allies this time around. Perhaps it was different when you trusted people not to use your weaknesses against you.

"Cang Qiong Mountain owes him a debt."

Keeping his face blank and his voice emotionless, Shen Qingqiu turned to face the declaration head-on. "This master is aware of that."

Gray eyes held his own for a few moments before looking away, the war god's shoulders falling from their usually impeccable posture. "...Is there really no other way?"

Shen Qingqiu didn't have a name for the emotion that flooded him then. Not elation, or satisfaction, or even appeasem*nt... just that something tight and hard inside of him eased a fraction at Liu Qingge's concession.

The war god hadn't thought the worst of him, only hoped that there was a better solution.

"He is the one who requested this method be used. Liu-shidi, what he did here is unprecedented; there is only an infinitesimal chance we could disentangle him from the array without damaging his immortal spirit. And that is assuming we try - if we are able to extract the disciples without disrupting the array, he would be stuck in this half-existence for however long it took someone else to find him. I think," Shen Qingqiu glanced at Shang Qinghua meaningfully here, "We can all agree death is the kindest fate we can give him."

Shang Qinghua nodded solemnly. "He won't be forgotten - I'll have my disciples set up shrines to him as soon as we get back to the peak. If he ascends, he'll be well acquitted in his new accommodations; if not, he'll have an abundance of good karma to carry him into the next life."

Liu Qingge's stoic features conveyed dissatisfaction. "It doesn't feel right. We owe him. Shouldn't we at least try to help him?"

"We do owe him." Shen Qingqiu agreed, voice growing a little sharper. "And I will remind Liu-shidi that that means we should abide by his wishes, not our own."

A sharp inhale of recognition. "...Yes. I understand."

"Good." Disagreement resolved, Shen Qingqiu moved on. "Now, he said he'd try to gather all the disciples back at the entrance to the caves - apparently they scattered as soon as the demon appeared-"

"Standard procedure." Shang Qinghua informed him, approving of his disciples' immediate retreat. "They're taught to run away from any threat they aren't equipped to handle." The unspoken sentiment was clear: Their lives are worth more than a few supplies. "They should be doing their best to stay hidden in the forest while they try to make their way to the closest settlement."

"What about provisions? Or are they able to practice inedia?" Liu Qingge asked, for once interested in the way other peaks went about their business.

"No, or not all of them. But every An Ding Peak disciple is issued a qiankun pouch with emergency supplies, including rations, for this exact scenario. They should be set for a few weeks at least. Though," Shang Qinghua squinted thoughtfully. "More than a few of the little sh*ts are nervous eaters, so maybe not."

Like master, like student indeed. Shen Qingqiu thought, recalling his Shidi's impulse to shove any available snack into his mouth. He couldn't help but imagine the An Ding disciples as an army of small rodents - hamsters, squirrels, that sort - all stuffing their cheeks full to bursting with food before they ran back to their hidey holes, and had to stifle a snort of amusem*nt.

Clearing his throat, he refocused.

"One of us will need to return to the entrance to meet the disciples when the array falls, to ensure they don't run off again before we get there. I believe it would be best for Liu-shidi to go while Shang-shidi and I stay behind to break the array."

Liu Qingge frowned. "Wouldn't the disciples feel better seeing their own master?"

Liu-shidi, why must you choose now to show your sensitive side? Also, weren't you distressed by the idea of destroying the body just a few breaths ago? Aiya - I need to talk with the rat alone, so do me a favor and take a hint! "While normally I would suggest Shang-shidi, the presence of a demon complicates matters; the disciples must be protected if another attempt is made once it's free."

That Shang Qinghua was in no state to battle a demon - would in fact be more hindrance than help - went without saying.

There, a perfectly logical explanation. Now scram!

Liu Qingge finally agreed, though he remained bafflingly reluctant even with the possibility of a good fight. Ah, well - Shen Qingqiu had already accepted that the war god had more going on in his head than he'd previously given the man credit for. Disregarding the odd hesitation, he passed over an alert talisman and sent the war god on his way.

It would be less than the time it took to eat a meal for Liu Qingge to make his way back through the caverns. (Shen Qingqiu was going to be generous and assume his Shidi wouldn't get lost.) But once he felt sure the war god was out of earshot he whirled around, intent upon interrogating his remaining martial brother. Ever a proponent of self-preservation, Shang Qinghua was already backing away, his hands raised in clear surrender.

"Before Shen-shixiong asks - no, I wasn't aware that Mobei-jun was involved in this."

"This master worked that much out for himself. Nevertheless, you must have some idea of why he chose to approach the caravan."

His statement was met with a frustrated huff. "No, actually, I don't."

"Really. You've worked for the same Demon Lord in two lives now, and you claim to have no insight at all?"

Having spent a great deal of time honing his talent for stoking tempers, Shen Qingqiu's aim when hitting pressure points was second to none. Still, the vehemence behind Shang Qinghua's response took him slightly off guard.

"I think that being murdered by said 'Demon Lord' proves that I don't understand Mobei-jun nearly as well as I once thought!" Shang Qinghua snarled, hands clenching into white-knuckled fists as he lowered them back down to his sides. "Perhaps he's decided I'm of no use to him earlier than expected and wanted to pick out a new lackey to do his dirty work."

On one hand, Shen Qingqiu understood the betrayal Shang Qinghua felt regarding the circ*mstances of his death - had Shen Qingqiu not been delivered into the hands of his own Demon Lord by his so-called martial family? - but the flavor of bitterness his Shidi was displaying felt off somehow. More personal than a distant acquaintance between a noble and his vassal, which was how he had always conceptualized interactions between the two.

If pressed, he might even say that it felt closer to the anguish Shen Jiu had experienced reuniting with Qi-ge all those years ago and realizing he'd been abandoned.

...I don't know enough about the relationship between the two.

"Demons are known for being impulsive, many times to their own detriment." Was the response he finally settled on, deciding he could wait until they returned to the sect for a more thorough explanation of his Shidi's work relationship. "Has anything happened recently that could have caused this reaction?"

Deflating slightly, Shang Qinghua ground a knuckle into one eye, face scrunching as though in pain. "sh*t. Let me think. I've only seen Mobei-jun once since the invasion, the day after you first came to confront me."

"Is that normal?"

"Yes and no." Shang Qinghua bit his lower lip nervously before coming to a decision. "Ah, f*ck it, you'd find out eventually anyway - I don't actually go anywhere to meet up with him most of the time. I have a room in my private quarters warded to hide demonic energy - he just opens a portal and I have a token that alerts me."

Shen Qingqiu held very still. Closed his eyes. Took a few long, deep breaths. I am an immortal master in full control of my actions and emotions. The world does not touch me. Emotion passes through me.

I will not beat my Shidi to death with my bare hands - at least, not without an alibi in place. Though Liu Qingge might be convinced to help him hide the body. A thought to be explored later.

"Is Shang-shidi telling me, that for two separate lives now, he had been allowing a Demon Lord to come and go in the middle of a righteous cultivation sect as said Demon Lord chooses?!

"...He had to stay in that specific room otherwise he'd have been discovered?"

"Not. Helping." Shen Qingqiu turned away, lowered his face into his hands, and tried to hold in a scream. How the f*ck had Shang Qinghua gotten away with this bullsh*t for so long, right under the rest of his martial sibling's noses!?

Oh right. He didn't. I sniffed him out - not that anybody believed me. Not even Zhangmen-shixiong, irresolute doormat that he was. Heaven forbid the man actually listen to his second-in-command on such matters, or even take extra precautions in light of his suspicions. But no, asserting his authority might make him unlikable, never mind it was his f*cking job...

They'd be here for days if he allowed himself to list all his grievances with his erstwhile brother. He had no intention of letting this latest indignity pass without reprisal - Shen Qingqiu resolved that when they returned to the sect, he was going to make Yue Qingyuan suffer.

"Alright." He managed finally, lowering his hands and resuming their conversation. Liu Qingge would reach the entrance soon and expect them to destroy the body within a reasonable timeframe; they needed to have a plan in place before then. "We will have words about that, but later. You said it was and wasn't normal for him not to visit. Elaborate."

Shang Qinghua was all too eager to move on. "The last time he visited, I told him that the sect was improving its defenses against demons because of the invasion and that it would be best for him to lay low for a while. I just thought that he had listened to me." Shen Qingqiu wasn't sure whether he was meant to hear the next words his Shidi mumbled bitterly at the ground. "For once."

...He kind of hated that the relationship between the two felt even more similar to Shen Qingqiu's with the sect leader now.

"I assume you have some means of reaching him if you had important information to pass on. Would he have expected you to reach out at some point?"

"Maybe? I don't know." Shang Qinghua's expression turned shifty. "I... may have been avoiding him. The improvements we're making to the defenses won't do much good I'm forced to pass them along."

"Does the system require all the information you pass on to be accurate?" While they'd brought up the issue before, Shen Qingqiu had assumed that Shang Qinghua had at least some room for prevarication in the duties assigned to his role as spy. If he didn't... that would be a problem of monumental proportions. Shen Qingqiu may have been the one designing most of their new defenses, but Shang Qinghua and An Ding were by and large the ones implementing them. Cutting his Shidi out of the process in order to protect information wasn't a viable option if they wanted the changes up and running in the next century.

"Sometimes? I had to tell him about all the Peak Lords being gone so the demons could invade - I don't have any way of knowing which information it considers vital to share and what I'm allowed to keep to myself."

"f*ck." Shen Qingqiu hissed with disgust - he was getting tired of constantly having to revise his plans. "We don't have time to deal with that now. Shang-shidi, I need you to consider my next question very carefully: when the array drops, what do you think Mobei-jun will do?"

"Leave, probably." Shang Qinghua responded with gratifying speed. "Whatever he was trying to accomplish, it's safe to say it went sideways, and he'll sense Liu-shidi and us in the vicinity. He'll be off balance from the maze array, and he doesn't like going into situations blind - with three Peak Lords in the mix, his next move will be to cut his losses and regroup."

"Surprisingly rational." Even intelligent demons were typically volatile and reckless - it was almost refreshing to encounter one with self-control and situational awareness. Though this was a Demon Lord with the forethought to recruit a human spy and play the long game. Shen Qingqiu could give credit where credit was due.

"Yeah, he's a cold bastard. In another life, Shen-shixiong might have gotten along with him."

Considering to whom the ice demon had chosen to pledge himself? "I doubt it. While we're on the topic of colluding with demons though, our new friend passed on some interesting information regarding the Old Palace Master."

"He was from Huan Hua Palace then?"

"And driven away to secure the succession, as we suspected. According to him, the old prick was knee-deep in illicit activities and connections even back then - sent a band of demonic cultivators to finish the job after he escaped, which is how he ended up like this."

"Demonic cultivators?" Shang Qinghua was appropriately alarmed by the information. Counter-intuitive as it may sound, the Cultivation World was even less tolerant of demonic cultivators than monsters, ghosts, or actual demons, and for good reason. Being a demonic cultivator was synonymous with criminal activity and a corrupted path, many times including murder and/or mayhem. Most people were far more likely to run afoul of a demonic cultivator as well, since they operated within the same realm and were, of course, indistinguishable from other humans. "Kill on sight" was the unofficial rule for engagement on both sides, whenever righteous cultivators and their demonic counterparts had the misfortune of meeting. "How did the bastard pull that off?"

"He couldn't have met them after he joined Huan Hua Palace, he'd have been dead long before any deal was struck. The relationship had to have been built before his acceptance as a disciple." Which raised more questions about the Old Palace Master's origins than it answered.

"Great. Another problem, just what we needed." The Peak Lords exchanged a look of shared grievance.

Their moment was cut short when Shen Qingqiu's half of the alert talisman lit up, indicating Liu Qingge's arrival at the entrance.

It was time to finish the cluster of a mission once and for all.

"So how did you want to do this?" Shang Qinghua asked as they turned their attention back to the corpse in the room.

"Incineration." The complete dehydration of the mummified flesh meant the body would catch and burn quickly while ensuring there was nothing for the array to cling to, as the fire would purify the skeletal remains. Also, if his estimation of Shang-shidi's paranoia was correct, they should have an efficient means of ignition on hand.

"...Right." Grimacing, Shang Qinghua slipped a hand into his sleeve to pull out a fire talisman. Though many cultivators kept similar tools on hand during hunts, the quality of the An Ding Peak Lord's product was clear at a glance. It was far too powerful to be used to start a campfire or frighten light-sensitive monsters - no, this was a combat-grade talisman, producing flames hot enough to burn even high-level cultivators or demons.

Ice demons would be particularly susceptible to its effects.

Shen Qingqiu took the paper without comment. After a few moments of consideration, he stuck it to the cultivator's chest, directly over the center of the array. Best not take any chances. Before stepping back, he reached out and grabbed the jade pendant hung about Not-a-corpse's neck. There was no disorientation as he was transported away this time; just the sound of a cord snapping when he pulled back, the precious piece of evidence tucked into his sleeve for safekeeping.

Retreating to the edge of the room nearest the exit, Shen Qingqiu experienced a twinge of unease when Shang Qinghua moved behind him. It was one thing to have Shang Qinghua at his back when Liu Qingge was around to cover him, another entirely to trust him there when the two were alone and isolated. Pushing through the discomfort, Shen Qingqiu formed a hand seal to activate the talisman and braced himself.

It ignited with an impressive roar, burning so hot it was blue and annihilating the cultivator's body near instantaneously. A massive wave of heat and spiritual energy followed, and Shang Qinghua had to grab the back of his robes to keep from being swept off his feet. Complex as the maze array had been, the blowback from its destruction was mercifully brief. Once the talisman's target was consumed, the flames dispersed, leaving only the faint scent of burnt flesh behind them.

"...Shang-shidi can let go any time now." Though necessary, Shen Qingqiu had no fondness for being used as a human shield. Liu Qingge suited that particular role far better than him, in any case.

"Ugh, I hate this smell. I'm not going to be able to eat meat for weeks." Shang Qinghua complained as he released his death grip, stepping around to gag at the pile of bones that were the cultivator's only physical remains. Obviously no worse for the wear, Shen Qingqiu thought wryly, If he was so quick to resume his incessant whining.

Shen Qingqiu would have said as much, had a black portal not torn open in the middle of the room, directly over where the corpse-anchor had sat. Freezing, Shen Qingqiu experienced a spiraling sequence of emotions, all in the blink of an eye.

First, exasperation: Shang Qinghua was wrong? Figures.

Next, confusion: Wait. That's not Mobei-jun.

And finally, comprehension: sh*t.

"MOVE!" Shen Qingqiu yelled, grabbing the back of Shang Qinghua's robes and dragging him to the side. A barrage of ice spears flew through the space they had just vacated, followed by a chilling series of thumps from where they embedded themselves into solid rock.

Shen Qingqiu's mind churned frantically, caught off guard by the latest development. When he'd gotten the demon's description from the now departed cultivator, he hadn't doubted that it was Mobei-jun for even a moment. After all, how many Ice Demon Lords with the ability to use portals and an interest in An Ding could there possibly be?

At least two, apparently. Which wasn't a lot, but it was weird that it happened twice.

But he was getting off-topic. The most pressing question was: Who exactly is this asshole and why is he trying to kill us!?

A maniacal laugh echoed off the stone walls as the unidentified Demon Lord stepped down into the room. "Not bad, not bad! I should applaud you humans, really I should, for keeping me trapped for so long! How clever you are, for all that your kind is nothing more than livestock with delusions of grandeur!"

Shen Qingqiu felt every ounce of respect he might have held for their assailant physically drain from his body. Seriously? What second-rate yellow book did he steal his villain dialogue from? Lip curling in scholarly disgust, he shot a look at his visibly perplexed Shidi as the demon continued to monologue over them. Please tell me you don't know this clown.

An indignant huff communicated his Shang Qinghua's feelings on the matter. No, and I resent the implication.

Shen Qingqiu raised a pointed brow. Well it is your disciples he was after, and you are the one who regularly consorts with demons, so...

A flat stare. DIE. Also, They turned back to the Demon Lord, who was in the middle of a clearly practiced speech about the many ways in which humans were the inferior species and therefore fated to live beneath their demonic betters. Are we going to do something about that?

"Oh, must we?" Shen Qingqiu muttered out loud, confident that the third party was too preoccupied with the sound of his own voice to notice.

Scratching his chin, Shang Qinghua watched the demon's performance with an unimpressed frown. "I mean, we probably should. Do you think you could take him?"

Shen Qingqiu shrugged. There were too many unknown variables, up to and including the Demon Lord's identity, for him to make an accurate assessment. And frankly? If they did end up having to fight, he'd prefer Liu Qingge to be present for the confrontation.

"Right." Shang Qinghua shook his head, reaching into his sleeve to retrieve the rest of his overpowered fire talismans. "Strategic withdrawal it is then."

Naturally, that was when the demon decided to refocus his attention on his unwilling audience.

"Now," The demon gestured arrogantly between the two cultivators, seemingly unaware of their previous exchange. "Which of you is my darling nephew's pet Peak Lord? You came to rescue the little lambs, so I know it must be one of you." The demon's mouth pulled into a smile that showed far too many teeth for comfort. "Just tell me who, and I'll let the other go. On my honor."

The silence that followed was heavy with skepticism, the martial brothers both staring at the demon with identical expressions of judgment.

One of the Demon Lord's eyes twitched, its insincere smile gaining a pissy edge. "What, no takers? How touching your loyalty to each other is."

Not really. Shen Qingqiu had never bought into the entire 'the Peak Lords rise and fall together' idea, and was certain Shang Qinghua was of a similar mindset. But that wasn't even the real issue. That was just the least convincing assurance I've ever had the displeasure of witnessing. He considered pointing out that the offer might have been more believable if it hadn't followed a painfully long speech that boiled down to 'humans weak, therefore must die.'

At least we - sort of - know who he is now. Though is it too much to ask that the Demon Lords keep us out of their f*cking family drama?

"Humans, so driven by sentimentality. Well, you had your chance-" Stepping forward, the demon just happened to set his foot down on top of a recently burned and calcified skull. It crumbled beneath the sudden weight, causing the Demon Lord to stumble like the greenest of disciples.

The opportunity was too good not to take. Thanks Not-a-corpse, Shen Qingqiu thought as he summoned Xiu Ya and the Peak Lords hopped on; they were moving the instant their feet touched the blade, Shang Qinghua throwing his remaining fire talismans down behind them. I'll make sure to leave some Immortal Wine at your shrine for services rendered.

They made it halfway up before the demon recovered enough to shout after them: "Do you think I fear your cheap little tricks? Go ahead and run, you'll never escape me!"

"Shixiong, could you shut this guy up already?" Shang Qinghua groused into his shoulder, clearly over whatever hangups he had about flying with Shen Qingqiu.

"With pleasure." Setting off a handful of top-tier fire talismans in a confined, sub-terranean area was hazardous, and Shen Qingqiu was praying the initial blast didn't collapse the entire cave network down on top of them. But if it prevented him from having to listen to any more of the demon's cringeworthy lines, he would consider the risk well worth it.

(If it was as powerful as he expected, it should also alert Liu Qingge that something was amiss - assuming the war god had enough sense to realize the destruction of one corpse shouldn't have warranted using enough firepower to cause a seismic event.)

So just as they reached the top of the slope, he raised his hand in a seal and activated the talismans below.

To call the sound deafening would have been an understatement. Despite the amount of distance they'd covered, they were still thrown off Xiu Ya from the force of the shockwave. Tumbling head over heels across shale-covered stone was both painful and disorienting; Shen Qingqiu could already tell he'd have more than a few bruises, and could only hope that Shang Qinghua hadn't suffered a more serious injury.

When he finally slid to a stop, he allowed himself a few heaving breaths to get his bearings before calling out: "Shidi. Still alive?"

A pained groan emerged from farther down the corridor. "Yes, but I wish I wasn't. "

Heaving himself onto his feet, Shen Qingqiu completely understood where his Shidi was coming from there. Brusquely dusting off some clinging gravel, he called Xiu Ya back to him and made his way in the direction of Shang Qinghua's moaning. A quick check once his Shidi was located revealed no major injuries, though the smaller man would definitely be feeling the impact for the next few days.

"So that was educational." Shang Qinghua bitched as he got up, having to lean against a wall for support. "Let's not do it again."

"Which part? Getting trapped underground with a Demon Lord intent on killing us, or setting off a series of powerful destructive talismans while still in range?"

"Either. Neither. More importantly, do you think it killed him?"

As if in answer, a portal tore open a few paces behind them.

The Peak Lords barely had time to dodge another barrage of ice spears as they backed down the corridor, Xiu Ya the only thing separating them from a badly burned and exceptionally pissed-off ice demon.

"Impertinent wretches, who the f*ck do you think you're dealing with?!" As the demon stepped out of the black tear in space, Shen Qingqiu got a better look at exactly how much damage their 'cheap little trick' had done. One side of his body was scorched bloody; he'd probably turned away from the flames in an attempt to minimize exposure. The wounds were severe enough that they would have crippled - if not outright killed - even a moderately powerful cultivator. So naturally, the Demon Lord was barely bothered, the blow to his pride seeming more important than his physical injuries.

Words could not express how much Shen Qingqiu despised demons. In what world could such a discrepancy in natural ability be considered fair?

A careful tug on his left sleeve signaled they'd reached a turn, and Shen Qingqiu didn't hesitate; he slashed Xiu Ya through the air, sending a blinding arc of sword-light flying down the tunnel toward their newest enemy.

Then he turned and ran, Shang Qinghua right beside him, the demon's angry shouts covering the sound of their retreat.

"It occurs to me," Shang Qinghua panted next to him, grunting as he skidded into a wall trying to make a sharp turn. "That we may have underestimated our opponent here."

"Less talking, more running." Shen Qingqiu snapped. The entire situation was an odd and unappreciated echo of their flight from Guo-ayi and her pug-faced niece the day before, and the consequences of getting caught were just as dire. "We can review our tactical errors after we survive the crazy ice demon chasing us."

There was plenty Shen Qingqiu could have said about the experience of trying to outrun a powerful Demon Lord in a veritable maze of tunnels, and none of it was suitable for polite company. They'd been forced off the path to the exit a few turns ago by another volley of absurdly deadly icicles - they needed to lose their pursuer and loop back around before they got lost or were trapped by a dead end.

"There!" He spotted a dark crevice just large enough for two adult men to squeeze into; even better, it was just a few paces before the path split into several directions. Shang Qinghua obediently slid into the opening, Shen Qingqiu following after and suppressing his spiritual presence.

The Peak Lords held their breath as the demon entered the corridor, its quiet steps coming closer. Shen Qingqiu caught a brief glimpse of the demon as he passed by, gold eyes focused forward and not even glancing toward their impromptu hiding spot. And then he was gone, continuing down one of the branching corridors, unaware that he had left his prey behind him.

Still Shen Qingqiu waited, counting his heartbeats up to thirty before emerging. There was no time to waste; the ruse wouldn't last long, and they needed to cover as much ground as they could before the demon caught on. He turned around, intending to help pull his Shidi out so they could get moving.

Shang Qinghua's sudden expression of horror was his only forewarning.

Shen Qingqiu couldn't hold back a cry as he was thrown against the far wall, back slamming against unforgiving stone. One massive, clawed hand wrapped around his throat, lifting him until his feet dangled. Driven by his basest instincts, Shen Qingqiu abandoned all dignity to struggle in the relentless hold, dropping Xiu Ya and clawing desperately at the grip around his neck. Memories of all the times he'd been strangled in the past flashed before his eyes, the demon's snarling face overlaid with an image of Qiu Jianluo, then Wu Yanzi. And, as the edges of his vision began to go fuzzy, a fully grown Luo Binghe, slitted eyes glowing the same wicked red as the demonic mark on his forehead.

How pathetic. The figment of his warped imagination whispered, sounding just as the beast had during their 'sessions' together in the Water Prison. To be so easily beaten by some mediocre Demon Lord - did you really think you stood a chance against the future Emperor of the Three Realms?

What, you thought you were special? Wu Yanzi laughed as though his apprentice's desire to be a righteous cultivator was the funniest joke he had ever heard. Just because you were born with a little talent? Don't delude yourself kid - you'll end up dead in a ditch with the rest of the trash, mark my words.

Poor Xiao Jiu, Qiu Jianluo cooed in his ear, clear as the day Shen Jiu had first been sold to him. Always the sacrifice. Always the victim. Always waiting around for a rescue that will never come.

You're wrong! You're all wrong! Shen Qingqiu's heart screamed as the world began to go dark, his movements growing sluggish and weak. I'm not-

A pained yell echoed off the stone walls, and Shen Qingqiu was released. He fell to the ground in a heap and gasped for air, his thoughts muddled and sluggish. He watched without comprehension as the demon's abdomen blossomed red, an unfamiliar sword piercing through it. Behind the demon, Shang Qinghua stumbled back, and the blade pulled free of the demon's body with an unpleasant squelch.

"You sneaky little rat, you're going to regret that!." The demon bellowed, turning away from Shen Qingqiu's slumped form to face his new target. "You're going to wish you had run when you had the chance!"

Clarity returned all at once, just in time for Shen Qingqiu to register a subtle shift in the demon's weight. He threw himself forward as the demon lunged towards Shang Qinghua, wrapping his arms around its unnaturally cold calves; the demon face planted against the ground with a deafening crack. Probably a broken nose, because a critical head injury was definitely too much to ask for.

Shen Qingqiu had barely let go before he was dragged away by Shang Qinghua, who was a great deal stronger and faster than he had been earlier. He was going to blame air deprivation on the frankly embarrassing length of time it took him to figure out why.

Shang Qinghua had removed the Immortal Binding Cables. Finally.

Not that it will make much of a difference. Shen Qingqiu thought ruefully as the burned, battered, bleeding from a f*cking gut wound demon sprang back to his feet with a roar. His nose had indeed been broken, the blood covering its lower face only adding to the chilling effect of his wrathful expression. Dozens of long, viciously sharp ice spears formed in the air around him, all pointed at the cornered Peak Lords.

"YOU'RE DEAD, YOU HEAR ME YOU f*ckING MAGGOTS?! YOU'RE BOTH f*ckING-"

A flicker of light glinting off the crystalline projectiles was the only warning before Cheng Luan cleaved through the demon's neck. Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua stared, rapt, as the decapitated head fell to the ground with a wet thud, its features distorted in a beastly snarl.

"Well," Shen Qingqiu breathed out as Liu Qingge stepped over the demon's crumpled body, "it's about damn time."

"Nice of Liu-shidi to finally show up, not like we were fighting for our lives or anything. Is there some kind of rule on Bai Zhan that states the Peak Lord is only allowed to arrive at the last possible moment, so that your entrance is properly heroic?"

Now that the imminent threat to their lives had been dealt with, Shang Qinghua was quick to return to his usual ways. Shen Qingqiu would take it to the grave that he found the sound of his Shidi's bitching to be comforting; he was still suffering from air deprivation, obviously.

"What exactly is your problem now?" Liu Qingge growled, looking more than a little vexed. To be entirely fair, the war god had just rescued them from almost certain death by impalement; the last thing he must have expected was a critique of his performance while doing so.

"I'm just pointing out that it would have been nice for Liu-shidi to get here before Shen-shixiong got choked half to death-"

"Choked?!" Liu Qingge barked, his brow furrowing worriedly as gray eyes swept over Shen Qingqiu's frame, lingering on his no doubt heavily bruised neck. "How bad is it?"

"Manageable." Shen Qingqiu rasped, pressing careful fingers into the inflamed flesh to assess the damage. None of his vertebrae had been broken, and while swollen, his trachea was not crushed. All things considered, it was better than it could have been. With his level of cultivation, he should be fully recovered within a week. If there was any mercy in the world, all the visible marks would be gone by the time they returned to the sect and gave their report, as he could only imagine the sect leader's reaction if he presented himself with a handmark around his throat.

He caught movement from the corner of his eye and flinched back before he could stop himself. Liu Qingge froze in place, one hand still extended towards him; a long beat passed before he let it fall. It was an unfortunate reprise of their confrontation over the war god's unwanted gift, when Ling Xi caves had still been fresh in both their minds.

Shen Qingqiu bit down on a curse. His experiences as a slave had instilled a deep aversion to touch that he'd never quite been able to shake, but he knew he'd been improving recently. He'd been able to stand close to his martial brothers without any problems, and hadn't had any particular panic response to Liu Qingge manhandling him just earlier that same day. It felt so unfair to have all his progress ruined because some jackass of a demon had dragged his heart demons back to the surface.

It especially stung because Liu-shidi had been... good to Shen Qingqiu, hadn't he? He had followed his Shixiong's lead in the investigation, had made a point of watching his back on several occasions, had come back for him, striking down a very real threat to his life.

So why couldn't he just get past this?

"Shixiong," Liu Qingge offered his hand again, keeping his movements slow and deliberate. "Let me?"

Face and eyes hot, Shen Qingqiu hesitated. He had already reacted and shown a glimpse of his tender underbelly, so did it matter whether or not he showed more? Could he really put himself in another's hands and trust that he wouldn't be hurt?

He had promised he would try.

Thrumming with tension, he held out a hand, and Liu Qingge gently pressed two fingers to the pulse point on his wrist. His martial brother's spiritual energy was warm and potent as it entered his meridians, doing a full sweep of his system before focusing on his neck. Shen Qingqiu relaxed into the sensation incrementally, anxiety easing despite his previous reservations. Already he was in less discomfort, the raw feeling in his throat receding swiftly as the energy soothed the worst of the damage.

"Anyway," Shang Qinghua cleared his throat, somehow making the entire situation more awkward than it already was. "I'm assuming my disciples were alright when Liu-shidi saw them?"

Liu Qingge shrugged, his attention remaining focused on healing Shen Qingqiu. "Who knows? They weren't there."

"I beg your- What the f*ck do you mean they weren't there?! Did Liu-shidi even look-"

Shen Qingqiu squinted as he stepped out of the cave, the midday sun blinding after so long spent underground. His Shidis followed close behind, one hauling the headless body of their dead Demon Lord over one shoulder, the other carrying said body's detached head. By virtue of being the highest ranking and also having suffered the worst injury, Shen Qingqiu was spared from having to touch any more corpses than he already had that day. Though he might have done it anyway, if only to spare himself Shang Qinghua's muttered complaints.

Once his eyes had adjusted, Shen Qingqiu scanned the treeline, trying to spot any of the missing disciples lingering nearby. Much like Liu Qingge before him, he found no sign of them. Perhaps Not-a-corpse hadn't been able to get them as close as he'd wanted?

He couldn't say he was enthusiastic about the time it would take to find them all, if they had ended up scattered through the forest.

"Oh, sh*t, that's right-." Shang Qinghua sounded embarrassed, and Shen Qingqiu turned to see him rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. It made for an odd visual, since the demon's head was tucked under his other arm, face locked in an eternal glower. "I, ah, forgot to mention, they won't come out until they're signaled it's safe."

Shen Qingqiu blinked, looking back at the trees in intrigue. "Wait, they are here?"

"Yeah, just let me-" Fumbling with the head for a moment, Shang Qinghua finally set it on the ground before wiping his hands against his pants with a grimace. Clasping his palms together, he pressed his mouth to his thumbs and blew; the birdcall that emerged was pleasant, his Shidi moving the fingers of one hand to produce a distinct trilling sound.

But Shang Qinghua's surprising musical talent wasn't the interesting part.

Everywhere Shen Qingqiu looked, an An Ding disciple appeared, seemingly out of thin air: dropping down from trees, popping out of bushes or tall grass, one particularly small girl even crawling from a hollow under some tree roots. Examining their robes more closely, Shen Qingqiu began to understand why even cultivators of Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge's level hadn't been able to spot them. Made up of different shades of brown that blended well into the foliage, the uniforms also utilized a variety of patterns in cream and white. Much like a fawn's spotted coat, the marks imitated the appearance of dappled light through leaves. With moderate stealth training and reasonable cover, the disciples could effectively disappear in just about any terrain.

Best of all, unless someone saw the effect with their own eyes, they'd never guess the intended purpose behind the design. Most would assume the logistics peak used brown because it was practical for the work they did and not look further into it. Clever.

Once they'd been given the all-clear, the disciples quickly flocked to the promised safety of the Peak Lords, not at all deterred by the presence of a bloody demon carcass.

"Shizun! You're here!" A squinty-eyed boy with prominent front teeth took the lead, cheerful despite the group's recent ordeal. Spotting the demon head lying at Shang-shidi's feet, the boy's eyes opened to alarming proportions and began to sparkle. "Oh wow, oh wow, is that the demon that attacked us? Shizun, Shizun, did you kill it!?"

A wave of excitement swept over the gathered disciples as they practically vibrated in anticipation of their teacher's response. Shang Qinghua sputtered helplessly, unsure how to answer the question without breaking his disciples' hopeful young hearts.

"Peak Lord Liu dealt the final blow-" Shen Qingqiu stepped in to correct the boy, but continued before any of the brats could be too disappointed, "-But your Shizun softened the demon up beforehand. Blasted it with fire talismans, and stuck his sword through its gut when it came after this master. I dare say killing it was quite easy after all that."

His Shidi had put himself in harm's way for Shen Qingqiu's sake, when he could have run off and saved his own skin, and had even removed the Immortal Binding Cables to do so. Giving him a little face in front of his students was a small favor, in comparison.

The effect of Shen Qingqiu's words was pronounced: Shang Qinghua's face reddened at the unexpected praise while his brats burst into delighted cheers.

"Oh wow, oh wow-"

"Shizun fought a demon for us, that's so awesome!"

"Shizun came to save us, he's the best-"

"That was kind." Liu Qingge accused quietly as they watched the brats enthusiastically swarm their overwhelmed master.

"Was it? I must be losing my touch." Shen Qingqiu hummed, unbothered by the war god's scrutiny for once. "Perhaps this master is just pleased to have the mission wrapped up."

"If Shixiong says so. Hey, why do you want us to keep the demon's body?"

"Intelligence, mostly. If we can identify the demon, we might have a clearer picture of the motives behind this attack, or learn more about future threats." Discovering a name shouldn't be too hard, since they already knew the demon was related to Mobei-jun. "We do need to find an alternate means of transporting it though - it wouldn't do to frighten the townspeople by carrying it in the open."

"If they're scared they won't try to talk to us." Liu Qingge grumbled, explaining so much about his insistence on carrying around even his most oversized and hideous kills.

Shen Qingqiu snorted, amused by the war god's efforts to avoid socialization. "We'll use one of the An Ding carriages after we retrieve them, tempting as Liu-shidi's suggestion may be."

"Right. 'Don't traumatize the locals.'" Liu-shidi's delivery of the statement had a familiar cadence. Maybe Shen Qingqiu wasn't the only martial sibling subjected to Yue Qingyuan's lectures on a regular basis.

Which reminded him...

"Shang-shidi!" He called out over the disciples' unintelligible chatter. "You said one of the carriages was transporting paving stones? Those wouldn't happen to be the ones Zhangmen-shixiong ordered to repair the courtyard on Qiong Ding?"

"Uh, yeah, that's them. ...Dare I ask why?"

Shen Qingqiu declined to answer, lips curling into a mean smirk. He knew just what they were dumping to make room for the demon's body.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

Luo Binghe jerked awake, disoriented for a few long moments before recognizing the shelves of the Qing Jing library.

Sighing, he glanced out a nearby window to confirm what he already knew; it was late enough to be fully dark out, and he had certainly missed his opportunity to get dinner for the night. He had also, he realized with a guilty wince, failed to get through all the material he had intended to study before his session with Elder Song the next day. He'd fallen asleep only a little way into the Analects, struggling through the dense prose with determined resignation.

Why, He wondered petulantly, Couldn't the writing be more engaging, or the topic a bit more interesting? Most of the texts they were assigned to study were either painfully dry and academic, or so full of metaphors and flowery prose that he could hardly wrap his head around them. The more scholarly assignments often bored him to tears (or impromptu naps), though he had recently discovered a notable exception.

Despite having no great love for reading, Luo Binghe hadn't had any trouble devouring the large stack of Shizun's old mission reports earlier that day. They had been a fascinating window into his taciturn teacher's mind; clever and cutting, the Qing Jing Peak Lord's fractious personality had saturated every skillful turn of phrase as he imparted the details of his many adventures. He'd spent the morning engrossed by his master's effortless ingenuity - and more often than not, astonished by his reactions and commentary.

The biting assessment of a client that had hired him as an escort across a region infested with monsters: 'This disciple notes that Minister Han's true talents are being wasted in government service; his fits of nervous hysteria are unparalleled in their ability to attract predators, and could be utilized in Bai Zhan Peak's next beast hunting expedition to great effect. Indeed, the only attribute of his cries superseding the decibel is their frequency.'

His low opinion of Huan Hua Palace had almost jumped from the page after a diplomatic visit: 'The ostentatious decor matched perfectly with their lackluster performance of hospitality. To elaborate: what they lack in taste or consideration, they make up in egregious displays of wealth.'

His shocking rapport with individuals most righteous cultivators would turn their backs towards: 'Courtesan Du, demonstrating a vast reserve of sense that several of my martial siblings would behoove themselves to emulate, has chosen to retire from her position in the court..."

After immersing himself in the other's perspective for an entire morning, Luo Binghe felt much closer to his teacher. I understand now Shizun. You don't hate people or want them to suffer; you just have trouble expressing your feelings of dissatisfaction. You're critical because you care.

He reveled in his new insight, ignoring the sound of Meng Mo gagging in the back of his mind.

Gathering his study material to take back to his room, he was startled by the quiet sound of the door opening. Curious about who else would be entering the library so late, he poked his head around a shelf to look toward the entrance.

Dashixiong?

Ming Fan stood in the doorway for a few moments, eyes scanning the interior. Luo Binghe quickly pulled back, holding his breath and trying hard to suppress his presence. Truth be told, he wasn't entirely sure why he was hiding from his martial brother; he just had a strange feeling that the timing of this visit was no accident.

His Dashixiong was trying not to be seen, and Luo Binghe wanted to know why.

After a long, stressful pause, he finally heard muffled footsteps venturing farther into the room. Cautiously, Luo Binghe followed his martial brother across the library; a frisson of excitement shot through him when the older boy entered a familiar row.

The row that held all of Qing Jing Peak's past mission reports.

As Luo Binghe watched, Ming Fan reached into his sleeve and pulled out a scroll, which he placed on the uppermost shelf. Quickly memorizing the location of the scroll, Luo Binghe ducked behind a support pillar just fast enough to avoid being spotted. Task complete, Ming Fan seemed eager to be on his way, and was gone as swiftly and quietly as he had first appeared.

Heart in his throat, Luo Binghe nearly ran to retrieve the scroll, all the while wondering: Could it be...?

Meng Mo butted in just as he got his hand around the report. 'Of course it isn't the same scroll you idiot! He said it was confidential - it would hardly be kept in the public library for anyone to come across! Honestly...

Luo Binghe tilted his head, thinking. The Dream Demon was right, but in that case... why was Ming Fan trying to be discreet about returning this one then? A quick check of the identification tag showed that it was indeed another one of Shizun's old reports.

Either way, he was still interested in anything Shizun had written, so Luo Binghe unwound the tie and pulled open the scroll. He paused just a few sentences in, a confused frown creeping across his face.

This report... was nothing like the other ones Shizun had written. Straightforward and factual, there was none of the Peak Lord's caustic voice or flair for storytelling to be found; skimming the rest only puzzled Luo Binghe further. The report was lacking a quality that all the teachers on Qing Jing Peak had emphasized was crucial in record-keeping from day one: detailed and accurate information.

Hells, it didn't even identify what demonic monster had been preying on the village, only that Disciple Shen had killed it!

Had his brilliant Shizun really written this?

'My guess is that he didn't.' Meng Mo commented, sounding a little intrigued himself. 'And I'd bet my nonexistent left testicl* that the information holes are deliberate. This is probably a redacted version of the actual report.'

The one Ming Fan had been reading the other night. But why would the sect want to hide the real report? The issue was a demonic beast attacking a village - missions don't get much more straightforward than that.

Meng Mo scoffed. 'Don't be so naive kid. There are plenty of reasons a righteous cultivation sect would want to keep something quiet - maybe your precious Shizun did something during the mission that would embarrass the sect if it got out.'

Luo Binghe was immediately indignant on his Shizun's behalf. Shizun would never! I felt you listening in when I was reading Shizun's other reports earlier, so you know as well as I do how seriously he takes his missions! That you would even suggest-

'Okay, okay! Calm down! You'd think I impugned upon your mother's honor or something...'

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Guys. GUYS. Does this mean what I think it means?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: That we might finally get some long-awaited answers? From your keyboard to Airplane's inbox.

User lostmyhairymarbles: AMEN.

User PunishMeShizun: Now that hope has been rekindled in all of our hearts - did anyone else see it coming that Shizun is a funny bitch? I mean, I know (and love) his attitude problems, but the sense of humor was a bit of a surprise.

User Demon.Daddy69: OMG right?! I did a literal spit-take reading one of his mission report quotes.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Think we'll get lucky and Airplane will write something from Shizun's POV?

User Cultivate-This-Noob: God I wish.

User FakeJadePillar: God I wish x 2.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): God I wish x 3. But that would probably reveal too much about SQQ's backstory, so of course he's not going to do it.

User Peerless_Cucumber: To be fair, he revealed more about Shizun this chapter than I think you're giving him credit for.

User YingYingGirly: I agree with Cucumber here; the quotes that we were given from Shizun's reports were pretty telling.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Maybe I'm just slow on the uptake, but could I get an example?

User PunishMeShizun: Well, Shizun absolutely HATES Huan Hua Palace, for one.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Okay, fair. Because they're a rival sect?

User Peerless_Cucumber: I don't think it's that simple. Think of the things he specifically pointed out in the report: 'ostentatious decor', 'lack of taste', and 'egregious displays of wealth'. It all communicates a certain level of disdain for Huan Hua Palace's emphasis on riches.

User YingYingGirly: Maybe even affluence in general? He wasn't all that impressed by Minister Han's position either.

User Peerless_Cucumber: Exactly! And when we add it to how respectful he was of Courtesan Du, who most cultivators wouldn't have given the time of day-

User PunishMeShizun: f*ck the patriarchy.

User Peerless_Cucumber: -this chapter all but confirms my previous theory about Shen Qingqiu's background based on his treatment by Elder Song. The rumors are wrong, he's not the spoiled son of a noble family at all - I think he must have grown up among the lower classes, maybe even a street rat like Luo Binghe!

User Cultivate-This-Noob: That might explain why he chose Luo Binghe for his peak in the first place.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Well, at least we solved one mystery today. Good job guys.

User Peerless_Cucumber: I'm sorry, 'we'? Who is this 'we'?

Chapter 15

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu couldn't remember how long he had been running, only knew with a bone-deep certainty that he had to keep going. Despite the creeping feeling of futility as he turned yet another corner, just to find more winding passages in front of him. The caves he was traversing through were dark, cold, and seemingly endless; but no matter how quickly he ran, how erratically he turned, unhinged laughter followed closely behind him, spurring him ever forward. So he kept moving, knowing that if he stopped for even a breath, everything was over.

Why that mattered so much, he wasn't sure. He wasn't sure about a great many things at the moment: where he was, who he was running from, what exactly would happen should he get caught. He kept on glancing to the side, expecting to see another figure running next to him, only to be met with empty absence. Kept opening his mouth to call for help, only to close it when no name came to mind to call out. Kept hesitating for a split second at every turn, torn between fleeing and turning to stand his ground.

What am I doing? He questioned over and over, a mantra keeping time with his unceasing stride.

Halfway down the next passage, he jerked to a sudden stop as a black portal tore open in front of him. Face blank and manner unbothered, Mobei-jun stepped into the caves, effectively blocking Shen Qingqiu's path. Shen Qingqiu met indifferent eyes as the demon stared him down, but made no other move toward him.

This isn't right. Something whispered in the back of his mind. I was running from the laughter, not Mobei-jun. He shouldn't be here.

Why is he here?

"Got you." A mocking voice spoke from behind, just as Shen Qingqiu felt a stab of pain in his gut. Looking down, the wicked sharp point of an ice spear glinted back at him, dripping red blood from having pierced through his abdomen.

Trembling with shock, Shen Qingqiu looked up at Mobei-jun once more. For the first time in his memory, the ice demon sported an expression; staring down at the Peak Lord's wound, the demon's face creased with subtle apprehension.

Why would he care?

"Why does there need to be a reason? Demons are driven by their impulses, after all." His pursuer laughed, an enormous clawed hand reaching forward to close around his throat.

No. This isn't impulse. Shen Qingqiu thought, even as he was pulled back into a blisteringly cold body, the edges of his vision already beginning to darken. The figure in front of him flickered, shifting between Mobei-jun and the unnamed Demon Lord who even now had Shen Qingqiu in his grasp. The family resemblance between the two was painfully obvious, but somehow... the expressions never quite matched, even when the two began to blur together. Mobei-jun's face remained displeased, his mouth downturned in stark juxtaposition to his counterpart's wide, malicious grin.

Even for a demon, to go this far... there has to be a reason.

Then there was only blackness, and the tremulous sound of his slowing heart-

Shen Qingqiu jolted awake, gasping for air and covered in a cold sweat. Shivering, he took a few moments to look around and regain his bearings; he was back in his room at the inn in Zhongtu Town, tucked safely into bed for the night. The An Ding disciples had been rescued, the Demon Lord was dead, and all the Peak Lords had emerged from the encounter relatively unscathed.

'Relatively' being the key word, Shen Qingqiu thought with an internal groan. Already no stranger to nightmares, he was unenthusiastic about adding a new one to his impressive repertoire. Though, thinking back on the scenario his mind had just conjured...

Shen Qingqiu frowned. While unnerving, the dream was relatively tame compared to the unpleasantness that rattled around in the back of his head at any given time. Furthermore, most of his night terrors were based on memories, and required little to no alteration for maximum emotional effect. And while his dream had certainly borrowed aspects of the previous day's confrontation...

It wasn't simply a trauma response. He knew himself well enough to recognize when his brain was trying to process something, now that the initial adrenaline rush was over and he had some distance between himself and the situation.

Something didn't sit right with him about the encounter with the Demon Lord yesterday. But damned if Shen Qingqiu could put his finger on what.

Clicking his tongue behind his teeth, he forced himself to get up rather than wallow in his frustration. Whatever he was missing, it wasn't urgent; the demon was dead, and they would be escorting the caravan back to the sect shortly. He would have plenty of time to ponder it on the way.

Shen Qingqiu opened his window to peer out into the courtyard, where the An Ding disciples had set up their tents for the night. Unbothered by the lack of accommodation, the buck-toothed child - Chen Hao, he thought Shang Qinghua had called him - had been all too eager to divulge the reasoning behind the disciples' willingness to forgo rooms in favor of camping out.

'We're always given discretionary funds to use for boarding on trips, of course of course! But using it at inns is such a waste - why spend money on rooms when it could be spent on snacks instead?' The boy had declared proudly, the disciples around him nodding in enthusiastic agreement. Though there was plenty to be said about the children's skewed priorities, Shen Qingqiu had chosen to let the matter go without comment. It wasn't as though there were any additional rooms available even if the disciples had wanted them.

Shaking his head ruefully, Shen Qingqiu leaned out the window and looked up, meeting Liu-shidi's gray eyes. The war god was perched on the roof once more, presumably having kept watch over the sleeping disciples during the night. Though there was another - funnier - possibility.

"Shang-shidi kick you out again?" Shen Qingqiu teased, as incapable of resisting prodding at one of his upstanding Shidi's soft spots as ever. What could he say? Some part of him found the war god's indignation gratifying.

Liu Qingge's lips curled. "Shang Qinghua spent the night using his spiritual energy to expel the remaining alcohol from his body. I wasn't interested in sticking around for that."

"Ah." Shen Qingqiu had told Shang Qinghua before that a full purge would be 'short but intense', and he hadn't been exaggerating - it had likely been a hellish night for the An Ding Peak Lord. On the bright side, the withdrawal should have run its course if Shang-shidi had started shortly after they had retired.

...He should probably make sure the poor bastard was conscious and upright, if they were planning to leave soon.

"We need to set out early if we want to avoid awkward questions." Shen Qingqiu thought out loud, looking back down as a few disciples began to emerge from their tents, yawning and stetching and - Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes - immediately pulling out food to cook breakfast. "I'd rather not have to explain to disgruntled townspeople that the 'divine protection' over their forest has officially expired or the reasons why, if it's all the same."

"... We have a responsibility to warn them of the potential danger." Liu Qingge ground out reluctantly, clearly torn between their duty as cultivators and his desire to never interact with any of the bizarre townsfolk ever again.

"We could send a letter?" Shen Qingqiu offered, unbothered by the thought of the town being caught flat-footed. Living within a bubble of absolute protection for the last few generations had made the local population more than a little eccentric, and a healthy dose of reality would not be amiss. He was also still a bit irritated about the ridiculousness he had been forced to endure while conducting interviews, so... turnabout was fair play. They had inconvenienced him, and he had no compunctions about returning the favor. "Once we're back at the sect." And far out of range from any more nonsense.

He tried not to feel too smug at the war god's quick agreement.

"Shang-shidi." Shen Qingqiu called out, knocking at the door to the other's room. He'd sent Liu-shidi down to rouse the rest of the caravan, and hopefully hurry along what looked to be an expansive morning meal. "Still alive?"

The door creaked open, releasing a noxious wave of air that stank of stale sweat and misery. Unsurprisingly, Shang Qinghua looked wretched, his complexion pale and clammy from the ordeal of cleansing the contamination from his body.

"I'm starting to get tired of you asking that." Shang Qinghua groused. "Since I would hardly be able to respond if I was, in fact, deceased."

"That just means any answer is a positive answer." Shen Qingqiu pointed out.

"Oh f*ck off. Since when are you an optimist?" Shang Qinghua stepped to the side, gesturing for him to enter. Shen Qingqiu accepted the invitation, wrinkling his nose when he picked up the faintest scent of cleaned vomit. No wonder that Liu-shidi had gotten out when he had the chance.

"Can I assume you're mostly recovered?" He inquired as Shang Qinghua shut the door behind him. Thankfully the window had already been opened to air out the room, or the many unpleasant smells within the confined space would have been unbearable.

"On my way there, yes." Shang Qinghua rubbed the back of his neck, gaze fixed firmly on his feet. "Listen. Since you're here... This mission was a mess from beginning to end, and I wasn't much help despite it being my mess."

Oh no. Shen Qingqiu thought, eyeing the open window with new intent. He wants to talk about it. Will the horrors never cease?

"And I know that you don't trust me, and only dragged us out here to deal with my... issue. But. You saved my disciples in the process, and I don't think anyone else could have managed it. So... thanks." Shang Qinghua finally looked up to meet Shen Qingqiu's eyes - and promptly snorted at whatever expression he was making. Shen Qingqiu couldn't say, as his face felt numb from sheer disgust at the prospect of discussing feelings.

"Your gratitude is acknowledged." Shen Qingqiu ground out, pretty sure one of his eyes twitched. "Now, if Shang-shidi is quite done with his emotional display-"

"Tiān a, you're a repressed bastard, you know that?" Shang Qinghua rolled his eyes. "I'd have thought you'd be over the 'unfeeling immortal' bit by now, considering how many moments you've been having with Liu-shidi recently-"

"Moments? What moments?"

"You must be joking." Shang Qinghua stated in disbelief. "You are legitimately the smartest person I know, so there's no way you can be this clueless. What do you call all the-" He waved his arms in emphasis, "-the scene during the last Peak Lord meeting, or him coming along on this mission, all the touching and bantering-"

"Liu-shidi has ordained himself my ally and protector since I've declined his other methods of repaying the life debt he owes." Shen Qingqiu stated, unimpressed with Shang Qinghua's willful misinterpretation of the situation. "As such, we're in the process of redefining our work relationship and our subsequent expectations moving forward."

Shang Qinghua's mouth opened and closed in quick succession. "Congratulations Shen-shixiong, you have accomplished the impossible. I may actually feel bad for Liu Qingge." Dragging his hands down his face, he let out an overdramatic sigh. "Not enough to get involved though, that way lies madness."

For once it was Shen Qingqiu being left behind in a conversation, feeling as though he was missing enough subtext to fill the Jue Di Gorge several times over. He couldn't say he was fond of the experience. Was this how it felt to go through life as an idiot? How repulsive.

"Anyway." Shang Qinghua flapped a hand between them as though physically brushing the topic to the side. "Other than making sure I didn't drop dead overnight - what did you need?"

"Mostly to make sure that you didn't drop dead overnight." Shen Qingqiu admitted, before frowning. "...But since you asked. Tell me, did anything about our interactions with the demon yesterday feel peculiar to you?"

"Once again, I have never spent my free time socializing with demons, so how the hell would I know? And everything about this mission has been 'peculiar' as far as I'm concerned. Can you be a little more specific?"

That was fair. Shen Qingqiu couldn't even say what was bothering him about the previous day's encounter, so asking Shang Qinghua had always been a long shot. "Just think about it and let me know if anything stands out to you."

Shen Qingqiu turned to leave, but paused just before the door.

"...This master also extends his gratitude to Shang-shidi, for his timely intervention with the demon yesterday." He managed stiffly, his face too thin at that moment to consider turning around.

The silence behind him carried the distinct impression of astonishment, and Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but bristle. Yanking the door open, he called back over his shoulder, "We're heading out as soon as the little gluttons you call disciples have finished stuffing their faces. I suggest you be ready by then, unless you'd like me to send Liu-shidi to retrieve you."

"...Right. Good talk." He heard Shang Qinghua mutter faintly, sounding dazed.

Really, you'd think no one had ever thanked the bastard before! Shen Qingqiu thought spitefully as he stomped down the stairs. Shang Qinghua's brats had better be preparing to leave by the time he got down to them, or he'd be all too happy to give them all some Qing Jing style motivation to move their asses.

The An Ding disciples had finished eating and were well into packing up when the Qing Jing Peak Lord stepped outside, much to the benefit of their continued emotional well-being. Shen Qingqiu suspected Liu Qingge's intimidating presence and tendency to bark instructions like military orders may have had something to do with the uncharacteristic haste. Whatever the reason, it meant that they were able to head out as soon as Shang Qinghua made an appearance, and managed to make it to the edge of town before most of the town had left their homes for the day.

Freedom in sight, naturally that was the moment when Shen Qingqiu's luck ran out, though admittedly not in the manner he would have expected. (He'd been keeping a close watch for any squished-nose features. The last thing he wanted was the A Ding Gossip Network to witness an altercation with Guo-ayi and her mob of pug-faced relatives.) Instead, their escape was interrupted by a raucous squawk, and Shen Qingqiu only just managed to dodge a wildly flapping feathered dervish intent upon attacking the cart he had been walking beside.

The disciples who had been close by cried out in alarm, startled by the chicken's sudden and aggressive appearance. To their credit, they rallied quickly, several approaching in an attempt to catch the disgruntled poultry - the small white bird was set in its purpose however, evading all attempts at capture and continuing its assault on the hapless cart. The ruckus quickly spread as the entire caravan's progress stalled, more disciples joining the fray to stop the fowl's onslaught and being handily outmaneuvered. Shang Qinghua got involved, even managing to get his hands on the chicken before promptly dropping it to avoid having his eyes pecked out in retaliation. The fiasco only ended when Liu Qingge swooped in on his sword, grabbing and trapping the bird under one arm in a snug and inescapable hold.

Shen Qingqiu observed the entire mess from several large paces away, expression carefully blank to hide the small internal breakdown he was experiencing. Because, as it turned out, he recognized that chicken. Furthermore, he was cognizant of the implications of that particular chicken attacking that particular cart, which just so happened to contain the body of the dead Demon Lord they were transporting back to the sect.

'Well, she's a bit like you Immortal Masters - senses stuff the rest of us normal folk would never notice. Same day your caravan rolled out, she had herself a right tizzy out of nowhere. Wouldn't stop flapping and squawking for hours.'

As though summoned by Shen Qingqiu's unhappy recollection, the farmer he had spoken with several days previously came running out of the forest, panting and sweating from what looked to have been an extended chase. Head turning frantically, the man slumped with relief upon spotting the rogue chicken tucked securely beneath Liu Qingge's arm.

"Ah, thank you Immortal Master, I'm so sorry for any trouble A-Lian might have caused! Something's got her in a fluster since yesterday - out of nowhere started flapping and squawking and pecking at the ground-"

Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, blocking out the rest of the farmer's rambling as he attempted to come to terms with the laughable, the absurd, but also inarguable truth.

The godforsaken chicken was spiritually sensitive.

Oh I hate that. I hate that so much.

And not just sensitive, oh no. Sensitive enough to pick up the barest remains of demonic energy still clinging to the Demon Lord's corpse, which even a powerful spiritual cultivator like Shen Qingqiu would have to focus to sense, yet somehow the damn bird could pick up on from a lǐ away-

Wait.

Shen Qingqiu's eyes snapped open, before narrowing as he watched Liu Qingge very carefully pass the agitated fowl back to the farmer.

It had just occurred to him: every time the chicken had purportedly reacted, it had reacted specifically to demonic spiritual energy. The incident the farmer had mentioned, when the An Ding disciples had been pulled into the maze array, just so happened to be when the demon had first approached the caravan via portal. The second, when the maze array had been destroyed, was when the demon had once again been unleashed. And now it had outright attacked, presumably since the demon's body and its lingering presence had passed within its range.

It may have been a hasty conclusion for Shen Qingqiu to jump to, but it was further supported by the fact that the chicken had demonstrated no response or awareness of regular cultivators. The chicken - A-Lian - was preternaturally sensitive to demonic energy and cultivation. And none too fond of it if her reaction to the demon's remains were any indication.

That... could be useful. Shen Qingqiu considered as the farmer thanked Liu Qingge and began walking away, a struggling A-Lian in tow. Especially since I still haven't found a solution to Shang Qinghua's system requirements. An alternate means of detecting demons that was independent of An Ding Peak would be prudent.

Despite the potential benefits, there was a stubborn part of Shen Qingqiu that balked. It was just... it was a chicken, for heaven's sake. It hardly suited the elegant image Shen Qingqiu had cultivated for so many years, and would be completely out of place among the refined beauty of Qing Jing Peak. Yes, it would be stupid and petty to disregard a tactical advantage for something so inconsequential as aesthetics, but Shen Qingqiu was cursed with an artist's eye and a proud heart.

So my options are: an unblemished scenery or an effective perimeter alarm? Weighed directly against each other, there wasn't any choice really. Once again, he just hated it with every fiber of his being. Hate, hate, HATE.

"Keep the group moving," He snapped at Shang Qinghua, who was pouting down at the scratches the chicken claws had left across his hands. "I'll catch up shortly."

"Ha? Wait, where are you-"

Shen Qingqiu stalked back into the blasted town, ignoring Shang Qinghua's protests. He had a goddamn cultivator chicken to acquire.

"So, I'm confused. Are you craving roast chicken for dinner tonight or something? Because I'm trying to wrap my head around this, Shen-shixiong."

Shen Qingqiu glowered, refusing to acknowledge either Shang Qinghua's questions or the clucking crate he had just handed to a wide-eyed disciple to secure in one of the carts. It wasn't as though he had spent sect money on the damn thing; the purchase had been made entirely out of his personal funds, and therefore fell in the category of nobody else's damn business.

Of course, their discussion was being witnessed by an annoyingly attentive war god and a small contingent of gossip-mongers, so it went without saying that it would be the entire sect's business soon enough.

"Does Shixiong... like chickens, then?"

He interrupted his well-deserved snit to look at Liu Qingge incredulously. Did Shen Qingqiu like chickens? What kind of a question was that?

"Why? Does Liu-shidi plan to get this master more if he says yes?"

"Of- of course not!" Liu Qingge sputtered, flushing in embarrassment. Shen Qingqiu watched in bafflement as the war god did a very self-contained sort of flail, before turning to stride back to the front of the caravan. His Shidi's ears continued to redden as a stream of excited whispers followed in his wake, the An Ding disciples having a great many opinions to share on the awkward exchange.

"Ah, Shen-shibo?" Shen Qingqiu turned back to the cart, where a disciple had just finished securing A-Lian's crate. "Are you planning on eating the chicken tonight? Because I have some spices that would go well with-"

These children, Shen Qingqiu thought as several other disciples piped up, offering suggestions for how to best prepare A-Lian for that night's dinner. Really do have one-track minds. He'd best keep a close eye on his new pet, lest she end up in some hungry brat's stomach before they even made it back to Cang Qiong Mountain.

"Hey. I was thinking about what you said earlier - whether anything stood out to me about the demon."

Shen Qingqiu glanced around quickly, checking to make sure none of the disciples were close enough to hear Shang Qinghua's words. But they were all thoroughly preoccupied with eating their dinners - which did not include Shen Qingqiu's chicken, thank you - and Liu Qingge was methodically sharpening his sword a generous distance away. So long as they kept quiet, their conversation would be private enough. "And? Did you remember something?"

"Yeah. When he mentioned he was looking for his nephew's 'pet Peak Lord' and offered to let the other one leave. Why would he do that? Why not just kill both of us and have done with it?"

Shen Qingqiu opened his mouth to make a quip about playing with one's food before pausing, turning the question over in his mind. He hadn't considered it before, but if it had been anyone other than Shang Qinghua and Shen Qingqiu down there, the demon's words would have caused quite a stir. They hadn't been affected by the revelation of a spy within the Peak Lord ranks, but if it had been, say, Liu Qingge to hear that...

"Shang-shidi. When the demon was choking me, did he pay you any attention, or do anything to prevent you from getting away?" Seeing as how Shang Qinghua had been able to both remove the Immortal Binding Cables and get close enough to the demon to stab him, Shen Qingqiu was pretty sure he already knew the answer.

"No. He just seemed to forget I existed, or at least pretended to."

At Shang Qinghua's words, several pieces of the puzzle snapped into place, and Shen Qingqiu bit back a curse. The demon had revealed the spy on purpose. He intended for one of us to get out alive. The bastard had been playing them from the beginning - and his ruse probably would have worked had he encountered any Peak Lord other than the two already aware of Shang Qinghua's connection to Mobei-jun.

It had all been a f*cking performance.

"Shen-shixiong? What are you thinking?"

"I think he was trying to instigate the sect against Mobei-jun."

"What?" Shang Qinghua hissed, glancing around to confirm the rest of the group was still preoccupied before continuing. "Isn't that a bit of a stretch?"

"Think about it. He approached an An Ding caravan with the likely intent to imitate Mobei-jun's massacre. He could leave one or two survivors and the assumption would be that it was the same demon as before. And if he'd said Mobei-jun's name for them to hear..."

"That makes sense." Shang Qinghua admitted, "But then why drop the ruse with us?"

"Because he didn't know which of us was Mobei-jun's spy, just that one of us was. He was hedging his bets. The overdone speech was to get us riled, and make a large-scale confrontation with demons seem unavoidable. He meant for one of us to get out alive with the knowledge of a spy in the ranks. Or, if the spy was the one who escaped, they'd still have to report being attacked by a powerful ice demon using portals to get around. Either way, the sect would be led back to Mobei-jun."

"sh*t." Sweat had broken out across Shang Qinghua's brow during Shen Qingqiu's explanation, as the An Ding Peak Lord realized exactly how lucky they were to have encountered the demon alone.

"My most pressing question is what drove the demon to act, since I don't remember anything like this occurring in our previous life." Shen Qingqiu couldn't imagine they'd made significant enough changes to affect the Demon Realm at this point, which meant the conflict within Mobei-jun's family had to have existed in both timelines.

"Opportunity, if I had to guess." Shang Qinghua said after a moment. "Since I asked Mobei-jun to keep his distance from the sect for the time being. And if he snooped around and noticed some of the anti-demon measures we've been implementing..."

Shen Qingqiu nodded in understanding. "Do you know anything about the dispute between them?"

Shang Qinghua scoffed. "Because Mobei-jun was so inclined to share details of his personal history with me. That's a no, in case you were wondering. Most of what I learned about the Demon Realm and its politics was incidental." Shang Qinghua's brow suddenly furrowed, a thought seeming to occur to him. "Though... if I remember correctly, I think Luo Binghe may have been the one to kill him last time."

"Luo Binghe killed Mobei-jun's uncle?" That was interesting, considering Mobei-jun had been one of the beast's most trusted lieutenants - he'd been one of the few individuals allowed to interrupt their torture sessions in the Water Prison without consequences, at least. But even among demons, Shen Qingqiu couldn't see friendship being the typical response to the murder of a family member, estranged or not. Must have been a toxic relationship, even by my standards.

"Mn. I think it's the reason Mobei-jun ended up swearing his loyalty to Luo Binghe in the first place, actually."

Shen Qingqiu froze, replaying Shang Qinghua's last sentence in his mind. Then, taking a deep breath, he pulled out his fan and used it to smack his idiot of a Shidi upside the head.

"OW!" Shang Qinghua yelped loudly, drawing the attention of the disciples and Liu Qingge. A sharp glance from Shen Qingqiu had the disciples turning back to their food, but did little to deter the war god, who was looking back and forth between them suspiciously. Shen Qingqiu met wary gray eyes and rolled his own to deter any well-intentioned meddling. A small nod, and Liu Qingge thankfully returned to sharpening Cheng Luan without a fuss.

Crisis averted, Shen Qingqiu turned to glare at Shang Qinghua, who was rubbing the back of his head with a sullen expression.

"Be quiet, you idiot!" How his Shidi had managed not to reveal himself as a spy when he couldn't even take a light tap without causing a scene was beyond his comprehension.

"Says the man who hit me! What the hell was that for?"

Shen Qingqiu bared his teeth. "Because you deserved it, you Shǎchā-shidi! Take a moment and think about what you said right before I hit you!"

"All I said was that Mobei-jun swore his loyalty after Luo Binghe killed his uncle for him! So what?"

"And who is responsible for killing his uncle in this life?"

"We are, obviousl-" Shang Qinghua's mouth snapped shut, eyes going wide as he finally understood the point Shen Qingqiu was trying to make.

"Yes," Shen Qingqiu agreed, green eyes gleaming with spiteful satisfaction. "Or rather, you are, as far as Mobei-jun will be concerned. Once we're done examining it, we can even have you present him with the body if he wants proof. I'd say it would go a long way in proving your value as a subordinate, wouldn't you?"

Shang Qinghua swallowed audibly. "There's a difference between his uncle being killed by another demon and a Peak Lord."

"Just as there's a difference between an enemy cultivator and an asset acting in self-defense." Shen Qingqiu countered. "We'll have to plan the meeting carefully, of course, to avoid him drawing conclusions in the wrong direction, but- Shang Qinghua. Even if we do nothing, we've still removed Luo Binghe's best means of securing Mobei-jun's loyalty in the future. But it would be a waste not to turn his gratitude in a direction we can use."

There was a truth that had thus far remained unspoken between them, despite open acknowledgement of the issues surrounding it: this second incarnation of Shang Qinghua was damaged, even beyond the effects of his drinking.

Previously, the man's whiny, slightly bumbling persona had been a carefully constructed disguise for his true nature and goals, and its success spoke volumes for the shrewd mind it concealed. At his core, Shang Qinghua was an overly ambitious cutthroat armed with a grudge and very few moral reservations.

Or, he had been. The Shang Qinghua he was currently dealing with was a far cry from the mastermind he recalled from their previous life. To be clear, Shen Qingqiu was quite appreciative that the man had discovered a deeply buried conscience after the beast's conquest and ruination of the Three Realms. He could even sympathize with the man's ordeal of having to live out his entire life over again under the boot of the system (while privately thinking it was an appropriate punishment for his traitorous actions as well). But despite benefitting greatly from the man's change of heart...

A broken man trapped in a pit of apathy and wallowing in his regrets was not the sort of ally Shen Qingqiu needed. He needed the man who could lie to the face of his sworn brothers without so much as a twitch to betray him. He needed the man who could run his Peak and the wider sect's logistics like clockwork, all the while implementing intricate plans in the background with no one the wiser. He needed the man who would step over corpses without a backward glance, eyes firmly fixed on the goal before him.

That was the sort of man who could help him take down Demon Emperor Luo Binghe.

And if the long-absent gleam of cunning that he saw growing behind his Shidi's eyes was any indication, Shen Qingqiu might just get him.

They arrived back at Cang Qiong Mountain the following day to little fanfare, and the An Ding disciples were quickly sent on their way while the Peak Lords went to deliver their report to the sect leader. Given his mission partners and the nature of their intel, Shen Qingqiu couldn't use his usual avoidance tactics with Zhangmen-shixiong, more's the pity.

The sight of Qiong Ding Peak's only partially repaired courtyard did cheer him up slightly, and distract him from the many, many strange looks they were receiving. Or rather, that Shen Qingqiu was receiving, thanks to the small white chicken he was carrying which occasionally let out an inquisitive coo.

(He hadn't trusted the disciples not to 'lose' her, by which he meant gobble her down feathers and all. She was very small, after all, and the children's appetites had proven voracious. He considered it something of a miracle that An Ding hadn't been driven to destitution by keeping the slavering little monsters fed.)

They were directed to Yue Qingyuan's office, and the sect leader rose to greet them with the usual bland smile - which only faltered when he noticed the bird being cradled in the Qing Jing Peak Lord's arms.

Oh, this is going to be fun.

"Q-Qingqiu-shidi?" Yue Qingyuan stammered out, staring at the unexpected addition disbelievingly.

"Yes, Zhangmen-shixiong?" He replied airily, raising a hand to casually stroking along A-Lian's back. She let out a croon of contentment at the treatment, cuddling deeper into his gentle hold.

"What are you- That is, why-" It was a rare occasion to see the consummate diplomat that was the sect leader trip over his own words. Particularly over something as inconsequential as a chicken.

That the chicken was currently being coddled and petted by Shen Qingqiu of all people was beside the point.

"Does Zhangmen-shixiong have a problem with this master's new pet?" Shen Qingqiu asked evenly, raising a judgmental eyebrow. Liu Qingge shifted his weight, discomfited by the tense undercurrents that characterized all Shen Qingqiu's interactions with the sect leader; Shang Qinghua, on the other hand, watched them with all the restrained energy and glee of a child at a theatre show.

"No, of course not!" Yue Qingyuan was quick to reassure, tone conciliatory and eyes panicked. "This Shixiong was just surprised. He... hadn't realized Shen-shidi was fond of animals."

"Is that so? What a strange thing for Zhangmen-shixiong to think about." Shen Qingqiu mused as he took a seat, Liu Qingge and Shang Qinghua settling on either side of him. It was a long moment before the sect leader followed suit, eyes stuck to where Shen Qingqiu's fingers were preoccupied with scratching the top of A-Lian's head.

Clearing his throat, he continued his line of questioning hoarsely. "If this Shixiong may ask, why a chicken?"

Shen Qingqiu kept a straight face as he stared directly into Yue Qingyuan's eyes - and proceeded to lie his ass off. "A-Lian was so cute, this master just couldn't resist. I've always wanted a chicken you see, ever since I was a small child."

It was difficult to hold back a wicked smile as he had the pleasure of watching Yue Qingyuan's brain break. The sect leader's body fell still, stricken eyes glazing over as he mentally reviewed every memory he had of Xiao Jiu in their childhood. Desperately looking for any mention or indication of his purported love of chickens that his dear Qi-ge had somehow missed or forgotten in their years apart.

You've always thought that you know me so well, better even than I know myself. Shen Qingqiu thought spitefully as the awkward silence extended, everyone waiting for the sect leader to respond to what seemed a perfectly innocuous statement of preference. But you don't know anything about me Yue Qingyuan - not anymore.

And you can't stand that, can you?

Shang Qinghua coughed pointedly, startling the sect leader out of his unresponsive state. Yue Qingyuan immediately plastered another empty smile across his face, though it was noticeably a bit frayed around the edges.

"Ah, I apologize for my wandering attention. This Shixiong has-" A quick, positively tormented glance at A-Lian. "-important affairs on his mind. But please, you needed to give a mission report?"

Shen Qingqiu basked in Yue Qingyuan's poorly hidden suffering, voice and manner for once serene as he began his account of the past several days. "Yes, the matter began when Shang-shidi was alerted to an An Ding Caravan that had vanished en route. This master and Liu-shidi volunteered to assist with the investigation..."

"...allowing Liu-shidi to dispatch the demon. The disciples were retrieved, and all were well and accounted for despite their unexpected detainment. We have brought back the demon's body for further study, as it is clear that Cang Qiong Mountain is being targeted."

"This is troubling news indeed." Yue Qingyuan stated somberly. He'd managed to set aside his internal conflict with Shen Qingqiu's feathered companion as soon as the demon had come into play, which was wholly anticipated but nonetheless disappointing. Duty before care, sect before blood. What I fool I was to ever expect differently. "You believe the recent attacks are connected?"

Not at all. Shen Qingqiu thought wryly as he replied: "Given that they seem designed to test the sect's defenses and ability to respond to threats, it would be foolish not to at least consider the possibility."

"I see. Should we expect escalation?"

"Impossible to say with our current information. However, Shang-shidi and I have been working to improve sect security since the demon invasion. Since a pattern is forming with the latest incident, this master believes it would be prudent to allocate more resources to the endeavor."

"I agree." Liu Qingge interjected for the first time, having been content to allow Shen Qingqiu to relay a summary of events. Unsurprising, considering most of the war god's mission reports boiled down to 'found [insert monster here], threat dispatched'. "Given Bai Zhan's role in the sect, I will need to be involved in future changes to the sect's defenses as well." He continued, sounding ever so slightly put-out at not having been included in the other Peak Lord's scheming from the beginning.

Because so much would have been accomplished between him and Shang Qinghua's incessant squabbling. Unfortunately, the war god did have a point: as the head of the sect's main fighting force, he would need to have a comprehensive understanding of all the alarms, traps, and tools being implemented for them to be utilized to their full potential. Including him was, to an extent, unavoidable.

"We can discuss our options moving forward in greater detail at the next Peak Lord Meeting, but consider any measures approved for the time being." Shen Qingqiu held back a sneer at the sect leader's words - as though he had ever needed the man's permission to proceed with his plans! How gracious of the sect leader to allow this lowly one to do his job. He seethed, unconsciously cuddling A-Lian closer for comfort.

"Now, as for the passing of the cultivator, this Shixiong will contact Huan Hua Palace to convey our sympathy and thanks-"

"This master would not recommend that course of action." Shen Qingqiu cut in, not the least bit bothered by his rudeness. "Given that there is every chance that the individual who first drove him out is still a member of the sect, possibly even in a position of influence. Alerting them would only give them an opportunity to bury evidence that could be used to bring them to justice."

He hadn't conveyed his revelations about the Palace Master to anyone except Shang Qinghua, nor did he have any intention of doing so; not without concrete proof of the man's misdeeds in hand, at least. Even if the sect leader did take the accusations seriously - unlikely, in Shen Qingqiu's extensive experience - he wouldn't agree to anything that may cause a political incident with another major sect.

So no mention of the Palace Master's name, or that Shen Qingqiu suspected he was the unsavory individual in question.

Yue Qingyuan contemplated his objection for a few moments. "What would Shen-shidi recommend?"

"We conduct an investigation - discreetly of course - into the events that led our friend to his unfortunate fate. We can approach Huan Hua with the matter once we have positively identified our culprit - and have proof of our claims." The case against the Palace Master would need to be airtight or the vile man would find a means to wriggle out of it - ironic, considering Shen Qingqiu's previous trial had been built on a bedrock of lies, yet his conviction had been inevitable.

The power of connections and having no moral scruples, he supposed.

The sect leader had obvious reservations about investigating an ally, but could also see the sense behind Shen Qingqiu's approach. "Very well. This Shixiong will expect updates regarding any of Shen-shidi's findings."

"Of course." Shen Qingqiu agreed. Fat chance, jackass. "Was there anything else Zhangmen-shixiong needed to discuss? A-Lian has had a long journey, and this master would like to get her settled."

Yue Qingyuan's eyes fixed themselves on the chicken once more, who had been purring quietly throughout their conversation and was, to all intents and purposes, already plenty 'settled' into it's new role of the Qing Jing Peak Lord's much-doted-upon pet.

"Yes, that- that's fine, Shen-shidi. Please let this Shixiong know if there is anything you require for your... newest resident." There was a note of bafflement that all of Yue Qingyuan's years of diplomatic maneuvering couldn't repress. Shen Qingqiu relished it as he stood to leave, Liu Qingge also rising to follow him out. Shang Qinghua stayed seated, arms crossed and jaw set in determination, apparently having an additional matter to discuss with the sect leader. Shen Qingqiu had to bite his cheek to repress the mad laughter trying to bubble to the surface when he heard Shang Qinghua speak on his way out the door.

"This Shidi has some questions about the quarterly budget that he would like to address if Zhangmen-shixiong has a moment. Also, regarding your order of paving stones, I have some bad news..."

"So Shixiong does like chickens." Liu Qingge stated aggressively, thankfully waiting until they were out of the administrative building and the many potential eavesdroppers therein.

This again? "No Liu-shidi, this master has no particular fondness for chickens." Why does it even matter?

"You told Zhangmen-shixiong you wanted one since you were a child."

"I did."

"...But why?" Clearly the idea of lying to the sect leader, especially about something so trivial, had never once crossed the war god's mind.

Shen Qingqiu stopped in place, turning around to look the war god dead in the eyes before answering. "To f*ck with him. Obviously."

"That-!" Liu Qingge's pretty face contorted into an amusing series of expressions, only a few of which Shen Qingqiu was able to identify. "I don't understand you at all." His Shidi finally breathed out, finally settling on a sort of resigned bemusem*nt.

Shen Qingqiu blinked, nonplussed. Of course the war god didn't understand Shen Qingqiu; the list of people who did understand him was small enough to be almost non-existent. Even then, it was only ever a carefully partitioned piece of his identity that they had insight into. No one individual had the complete story other than Shen Qingqiu himself, and he fully intended to keep it that way.

"Is Liu-shidi saying he wants to understand this master?"

No one could ever understand anyway. Not really. What could a cherished young master hope to understand about slavery and deprivation, of being treated as an object rather than a living, thinking person? What could he know of hardship, of failure, of debasem*nt? Nothing, that was what. Their life experiences were as removed from each other as the Heavens from the Earth. So what was the point of trying?

"I do. Shixiong is making an effort to be more open, so it's only right that I try to meet him halfway."

Huh. Shen Qingqiu stared at the earnest war god, who seemed intent upon continuing to surprise him. You know what Liu-shidi? You're welcome to try - it would do you good to fail at something ever once in a while.

"I strongly dislike Yue Qingyuan, for reasons that are both private and entirely known to the sect leader himself." Shen Qingqiu said, watching Liu Qingge's eyes light up with delight at his candid response, even while his mouth turned down in consternation at its contents. "So Liu-shidi should not be surprised when I make decisions solely to inconvenience Zhangmen-shixiong in the future: I'm doing it because I want to and because I can."

It was harder than Shen Qingqiu would ever admit to not stick his tongue out at the end of his declaration.

Liu Qingge thought hard for a few moments, before - shockingly - accepting his statement with fairly little trouble. "Alright. It's a matter between the two of you. As long as it doesn't affect the sect-"

"It won't." Shen Qingqiu was a consummate professional, and taking the occasional opportunity to tweak Yue Qingyuan's nose wouldn't change that.

Liu Qingge nodded decisively, and just like that, the matter was settled between them. As with many of his interactions with the war god recently, it was unprecedented - but also invigorating? How strange to look back and see how much their relationship had improved in such a short amount of time.

But of course, Liu Qingge had to ruin their moment of accord by opening his big mouth.

"But if Shixiong doesn't actually like chickens, then why-?"

Oh no. No no no no. He didn't care how cordial their relationship grew, there was no way in the three Realms that Shen Qingqiu was ever telling anyone that he suspected a f*cking chicken had the ability to sense demons.

"None of Liu-shidi's business, that's why!"

There were limits, dammit.

[Excerpt from "Proud Immortal Demon Way" by Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky]

"Look, it's Shizun! He's back from his mission!"

Luo Binghe immediately abandoned the sword routine they were practicing; mercifully, so did the rest of his martial siblings, so no one was singled out with the walking stick for shirking their lesson. Elder Hou huffed in irritation but accepted that greeting their master upon his return took precedence over their lesson for the moment.

Looking up to see his Shizun perched on Xiu Ya and quickly descending towards them, no worse for the wear was honestly a relief. While Luo Binghe had absolute confidence in his master's abilities and normally wouldn't think twice about the Peak Lord taking a mission, he'd overheard some gossip earlier in the morning that had his gut churning with worry. Not only had his Shizun taken it upon himself to help Shang-shishu with a mission to retrieve some of his missing disciples, but the Bai Zhan War God had decided to invite himself along for the ride.

(Had apparently done so at the sword selection several days ago, which had Luo Binghe wondering why he'd heard that bit of information from the An Ding Gossip Network instead of his own martial siblings...)

In any case, Luo Binghe had plenty of reason for concern! Who knows what messes the other two Peak Lords were dragging his poor Shizun into? Shang-shishu with his drinking problems, and Liu Qingge with his-

With his-

'Pretty face, rippling muscles, and spotless reputation?' Meng Mo interjected dryly.

Ye- no! No, none of those things! Why would you even-

"Is Shizun... carrying something?" Ning Yingying asked from behind him, interrupting his horrified internal sputtering. Refocussing his attention back where it belonged, he squinted at the small white bundle being held against his Shizun's chest.

Wait, is that a-

'Oh sh*t, oh shi- Kid, listen to me! You have to get out of here right now!'

What? Luo Binghe startled at Meng Mo's sudden panic, automatically looking around for a threat. Finding nothing, his gaze returned to his Shizun's approach, frowning at the small, fluffy white chicken being cradled in his arms. He was taken slightly aback when the chicken turned its head to stare directly at him with dark, empty eyes.

'That is not a f*cking chicken you idiot, that's a Hidden Jade Cloud Cuckoo! They can sense demo- LOOK OUT!'

The Dream Demon's frantic explanation was cut short as Luo Binghe was hit full in the face by a shrieking tempest of white feathers and sharp claws. Letting out an unmanly scream, he raised his arms to cover his head as his martial siblings cried out in alarm at the unexpected assault. The small bird's vicious claws and beak had torn the sleeves of Luo Binghe's uniform to shreds before it was finally pulled off of him.

Heart wedged firmly in his throat, Luo Binghe looked up to see the little monster - 'spiritual guardian' Meng Mo whispered - still struggling to get to him, only restrained by the firm hold his Shizun had around it.

Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu paid his small captive no mind, phoenix eyes narrowed with thought as they swept over Luo Binghe's scratched and bloodied arms. And while normally he would have greatly enjoyed receiving such close attention from his distant Shizun-

All he could feel was trepidation as Meng Mo's warning echoed in his head.

His research into his Shizun over the past few days had given Luo Binghe some understanding of the man's thought process. Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu was a brilliant man, and rarely did anything without reason. He could easily connect seemingly unrelated information to reach a conclusion, often with almost prenatural accuracy. He was diligent, almost fanatical, in his pursuit of truth, oftentimes disregarding both obstacles and repercussions in the course of his investigations.

Therefore, there was almost certainly a deeper purpose behind his Shizun bringing back a... 'Hidden Jade Cloud Cuckoo', a spiritual beast with the ability to recognize demons despite appearing to be nothing more than a common chicken. The beast had attacked Luo Binghe on sight, able to see through the powerful seal that had even the most renowned cultivators in the Three Realms ignorant of the demonic heritage concealed below.

Luo Binghe felt cold as the rest of his martial siblings fluttered around the Peak Lord, calling out greetings and cooing at the agitated bird in his hold. But Shizun was silent, vibrant green eyes remaining fixed on Luo Binghe's trembling form.

There's no way that Shizun could know, right?

He drew in a desperate breath of relief when his Shizun turned to leave, and the class was called back to order with liberal shin-smacks for encouragement. Meng Mo was quiet for once, not responding to his desperate question. Luo Binghe spent the rest of the lesson in a half-aware daze, the same thought repeating in his head like the worst sort of meditative mantra.

Shizun can't know. Shizun absolutely cannot know.

Despite his heartfelt repetition, doubt remained.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Okay, so... quick check: is Cucumber logged in yet?

...

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Doesn't look like it, why?

User lostmyhairymarbles: Because I'm savoring the last moments of peace before he swoops in to call us all idiots.

User BingGetSome: That's valid.

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): I don't even care about the many 'I told you so's in our future, I just want to know how the smug little bastard knew.

User PunishMeShizun: Girly, you got anything?

User YingYingGirly: Well, looking back at the chat logs, he brought up the theory that Shizun knew about LBH's demon heritage right after the Dream Trial.

User FakeJadePillar: Ah yes, the Awakening of Protag's Heavenly Pillar. As was foretold by the prophet Airplane in the sacred texts of old.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: As was foretold.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: As was foretold.

User YingYingGirly: ...Anyway. I've been going through the chapter with a fine-tooth comb, and I think I found what might have tipped him off - the clues are circ*mstantial and can be explained away, but when they're put together they're pretty compelling.

User Demon.Daddy69: *grabbing a snack* I'm listening.

User BingGetSome: *pouring some hot tea* Yes, yes, go on.

User YingYingGirly: Okay, here goes: when Shizun first appears in the dream with protag, he's not confused at all about what's going on. He knows about the Dream Demon and his powers, and doesn't seem surprised that LBH was the one being targeted.

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: Well, it has been mentioned on several occasions that he's the sect's expert on demons, so it makes sense that he would have more information than most.

User YingYingGirly: I agree. But the thing is, for a cultivator who specializes in the identification and eradication of demonic entities, he didn't demonstrate much hostility here.

User Cultivate-This-Noob: Huh. You know, I actually did notice that - it was always LBH pointing out how evil the demons were, Shizun never really commented on it. And then there was that whole discussion on whether demons can be righteous afterward...

User Demon.Daddy69: Oh yeah. That is a weird stance for a demon slayer to have.

User YingYingGirly: Right? But what sold it for me was the sword.

User FakeJadePillar: Okay, now you lost me.

User YingYingGirly: It's a throw-away line that's easy to miss, but when LBH first wakes up after discovering his demon blood and sees Shizun waiting in his room, what does Shizun do?

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Give me a sec.

...

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): OMG. Shizun sheathes Xiu Ya.

User PunishMeShizun: WHAT.

User lostmyhairymarbles: Okay, I'm missing something here. Explanation please?

User PunishMeShizun: Oh for the - Shizun had Xiu Ya drawn while he waited for LBH to wake up because HE WASN'T SURE IF HE WOULD BE FACING A DISCIPLE OR A DEMON.

User lostmyhairymarbles: !!!!!!!!

User PunishMeShizun: And you just made me sympathize with Cucumber, you slow bastard. How dare.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Hey guys, I just had a funny idea. Are any of you a moderator for the forum we're on?

User Pull_My_Golden_Finger: *slowly raises hand* Uh, dare I ask why?

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Don't worry, you'll love it. First of all, can you delete today's chat so far...

...

User Peerless_Cucumber: Well, I'm not one to drop in just to say I told you so, but...

User BingGetSome: What are you talking about?

User Sword-slu*t(¬‿¬): Yeah, told us about what?

User Peerless_Cucumber: （ ；¬＿¬) Oh, I don't know, maybe about HOW SHIZUN ALREADY KNEW PROTAG WAS PART DEMON?

User PunishMeShizun: Oh that. Didn't everybody know that by now? I mean, the Dream Trial chapter all but spelled it out.

User Demon.Daddy69: The sword was a dead giveaway. And followed by that speech? So obvious.

User lostmyhairymarbles: So obvious.

User FakeJadePillar: I mean, I'm a little embarrassed for anyone who didn't catch on at that point.

User Peerless_Cucumber: ...

User YingYingGirly: I've been thinking about it, and it makes sense in the broader narrative progression of Shizun's relationship with LBH as well. His harsh treatment early on may have been to test LBH's reactions/loyalties, and his words at the end of the Skinner Demon mission could be taken as a warning about what would happen should the protag give into his demon side.

User I_Dream_Of_Qingqiu: Oh! Even his nickname 'little beast' - I don't think we've ever seen Shizun call anyone else that!

User PunishMeShizun: Oooooh, really good points guys. But anyway, you were saying Cucumber?

User Peerless_Cucumber: ┻━┻︵ \(°□°)/ ︵ ┻━┻