Chapter Text
As he looked out across a desolate, war-torn land, Luo Binghe knew for sure that he was a monster now.
He had heard it from the mouths of many, from the Huan Hua Palace Master when he threw the man out of his own sect, limbless and pathetic on the outside to match the weakness in his heart. He heard it from Liu Qingge, every time he had come to battle Luo Binghe; like clockwork he would come, then lose, again and again. He heard it from the whispers in the streets from those who didn't cultivate, that Luo Binghe, haven't you heard he's a monster?
Long ago, before there was a war at all, he heard it from Shizun.
He had wanted to change his teacher's mind so badly then, he wanted to prove himself, to show that he could be good, that he could be useful, that he mattered to someone. Then he did. Shizun didn't look at anyone else like he did Luo Binghe. In a single smile from Shen Qingqiu that lasted only a second or two, there was infinite warmth. That smile was for him, it was proof that he meant something to Shizun. That he had made him happy.
Even in his last moments, in terrible pain, he still smiled at Binghe. Even when he was dying he told Binghe to live, he died, because he wanted Luo Binghe to live.
It was the ultimate sacrifice, the final proof that despite everything, despite throwing Binghe away, despite running from him, that he really did love him. If that was the price that Luo Binghe had to pay to know that he had mattered to someone then he would rather never know, he would rather that he died. He wanted to die. He did this, he killed Shizun, he needed to atone, and what would be more fitting than his life?
But Shizun died for him, he took the energy even though he knew what it would do to him so that Luo Binghe could live on. Shizun spent his last words comforting him when Shizun was the one that had suffered, when he was the one that was dying. He had been so stupid, he should have tried to do something, anything to save Shizun's life if he couldn't stop himself from causing his death. But there was nothing he could do, and Shizun's sacrifice would be in vain if he harmed himself, he couldn't make his teacher's final moments of suffering worthless.
He was drained but Luo Binghe was still furious.
He had taken up Xin Mo at the promise of infinite power, the ability to destroy what stood in his way, no matter the obstacle. But what had destruction gotten him? He had power, but nothing else. It was the power that was his downfall, that made him lose what mattered most to him, the only person left in this world that he loved now joined Luo Binghe's mother in death.
Luo Binghe destroyed Xin Mo, with the hope that it would be enough to keep him from falling further. He wouldn't be a monster, he would be better, he had to do something to prove that he was still a being capable of good, even if he had long accepted that he wasn't a human.
But no matter how good he was he had still killed the person he loved out of his own foolishness. Every time they met, Liu Qingge had a look of vindication in his eyes that drove Luo Binghe mad. How could he dare to keep Shen Qingqiu's remains away when all Luo Binghe wanted to do was to try to fix his most black and staining sin. How dare he judge Luo Binghe when he knew nothing of what Shen Qingqiu had intended?
But they were all long past the point of words. They passed the point of reconciliation years ago, the second that Shen Qingqiu had tipped off of that roof.
Liu Qingge wanted to blame him but in the end, it wasn't so simple. Luo Binghe wished it were that simple, that he could take the blame, but it was all so much more complex. If he could just die and redeem himself, things would’ve been easier. But Luo Binghe remembered his Shizun’s last words, and he had sworn to himself that no matter how long he lived or how much he suffered he would abide by them. Shizun had given his life for him, how could he not?
He had lifted Xin Mo with the intent to end his life as he looked at Shen Qingqiu. It was clear that only a miracle could save him now, and despite his talents, Luo Binghe was no healer. He was a demon. And he brought destruction.
“Binghe. Don’t.” Shizun whispered. “Don’t you know? I did this so you could live.”
No matter what happened now, Shizun was still gone, and Luo Binghe was here, alone.
So he would live. No matter what. If the world was crumbling around him, even if there was no one else left to be by his side, he would live, bitterly and relentlessly.
///
Liu Qingge has had moments of doubt in his life. Both the first and second runs of it. He wondered if Shen Qingqiu had ever become annoyed by his presence, but he’s reassured through small details.
He knows that Shen Qingqiu has incredible self-restraint but still allowed Liu Qingge to see his small smiles, the occasional moment of inelegance. Where he slouches or pouts or rolls his eyes. The way he invited Liu Qingge to go with him when he ventured off Qing Jing, the way he often came to see Liu Qingge off.
It was the small things that mattered.
“Leaving again, Liu-shidi?” Shen Qingqiu asked from behind a patterned fan. Liu Qingge felt bad about leaving Cang Qiong so suddenly when Shen Qingqiu was under house arrest, but he had to act now. Other people would keep him company and attend to running the peak.
“I’ll be back soon.” Liu Qingge said back. Whatever Luo Binghe had planned, Liu Qingge wouldn’t let him waste his time.
Liu Qingge waited at the edge of Huan Hua Palace’s territory for Luo Binghe to meet him. Crossing through without any sort of warning may garner unwanted attention, so he waited.
It didn’t surprise Liu Qingge when Luo Binghe appeared less than 10 minutes after he reached the border between their sect’s territories. Someone who didn’t know Luo Binghe well may be surprised at the coincidence, but Liu Qingge knew better by now.
“Will you tell me what we're doing now?” Liu Qingge asked, skipping any formality or greeting as Luo Binghe made his presence known.
“Shishu is so impatient.” Luo Binghe retorted, skipping the greeting as well. “Come with me.” Annoyed, Liu Qingge followed. Luo Binghe had mentioned Qiu Haitang when they had met in the dream three days ago. Liu Qingge would admit that he disliked her, but he felt a persistent anxiety when thinking of what Luo Binghe may do, despite what he had said in the dream.
“Who said anything about killing her?”
Liu Qingge had immediately assumed that Luo Binghe meant to kill Qiu Haitang when he had first mentioned her name, but now he found himself thinking of far more worrying fates that Luo Binghe may have in store for her.
On one hand, he hated Luo Binghe. Liu Qingge knew exactly the kinds of things he was capable of, perhaps better than anyone else. On the other, it seemed as if their goals may be aligned, if Luo Binghe really meant to see Shen Qingqiu found innocent.
But if Luo Binghe wanted Shen Qingqiu to be found innocent, why would the charge of abuse even come up in the first place?
Then again, it wasn’t Luo Binghe that had made the accusation with his own mouth now, was it?
Liu Qingge frowned as they entered the city. It was vibrant, bright, and filled with people, but the lively atmosphere didn’t ease the tension between himself and Luo Binghe in the least, as they continued to walk in silence through the streets.
Luo Binghe led him to an unfamiliar tea shop with a few patrons scattered about in the main room, making quiet conversation. A woman dressed in pale blue and green dress wordlessly bowed to Luo Binghe and led the two of them to the back, to a private room. Liu Qingge followed behind as Luo Binghe confidently strode down the hallway. After taking them to the room, the woman quickly left, giving them some privacy. Luo Binghe then slid open the door, and Liu Qingge saw Qiu Haitang already inside, and seeing Luo Binghe through the doorway, she greeted him brightly.
“Cultivator Luo! I didn’t expect to be called here by you.”
Liu Qingge could pick up a coy tone in her words that rubbed him wrong. What sweet talking had he done to get her to come here? Luo Binghe didn’t respond, simply stepping into the room to revel Liu Qingge standing a step behind him. Instantly, as she caught sight of him, Liu Qingge saw Qiu Haitang’s expression shift from a flirtatious smile into a sour scowl.
“What is he doing here?” she asked, the hint of flirtation gone, now replaced by annoyance as she glared at him.
“I brought him here with me, to meet with you.” Luo Binghe said, walking further into the room. Qiu Haitang, who was seated, leaned back slightly.
“I want you to drop your charges.” Luo Binghe said looking down at Qiu Haitang from where he stood, unknowingly echoing the words Liu Qingge himself had said the last time he had seen Qiu Haitang.
“Don’t tell me he’s gotten do you too!” Qiu Haitang shouted, clearly offended at the very suggestion. “You’re siding with him? After all that the Palace Master has done for you?”
Luo Binghe frowned, and Liu Qingge was silent as his gaze shifted between Luo Binghe and Qiu Haitang. She wasn’t wrong; the Huan Hua palace master had done much for Luo Binghe in only a short time, welcoming him in when many would be suspicious and distrustful, and additionally, had made the accusation that Luo Binghe now seemed to want to contradict.
It seemed that it wasn’t just Liu Qingge that found the situation strange.
“He talks about you all the time. He told me that you reminded him of his last Head Disciple, Su Xiyan, once!”
Liu Qingge made a note to himself to remember that name. It seemed to mean nothing to Luo Binghe, but that didn’t mean that there may not be someone back at Cang Qiong who may recognize it. Perhaps Shang Qinghua or Shen Qingqiu may know of her.
“He’s gone so far to finally get justice for you, Binghe-didi!” Qiu Haitang said, calling Luo Binghe the sweet nickname, but shooting Liu Qingge a nasty look. “That man, he hurt both of us! Can’t you see this trial will be a good thing?”
“You really think so Haitang-jie?” Luo Binghe asked her, as he softened his voice. Qiu Haitang smiled at this.
“Of course I do!” she affirmed easily, clearly happy that Luo Binghe was seeing things her way again.
“Why don’t you tell me if you still think so after your rest.” Luo Binghe said, reaching over to touch Qiu Haitang’s face. Her face was confused for just a moment before she suddenly fell on her side, eyes shut, but fluttering.
She was dreaming.
“What have you done now?” Liu Qingge asked Luo Binghe as he crossed his arms.
“I merely thought that Qiu Haitang has lived much of her life in ignorance. Don’t you agree, Liu-shishu?” Luo Binghe said, stepping away from the sleeping woman to face Liu Qingge.
Liu Qingge narrowed his eyes.
“She won’t be leaving so easily. She clearly doesn’t know even half of what went on when she and Shizun were engaged, so, why not show her?” Luo Binghe said, retaining his gentle tone.
She was watching what they had seen? Liu Qingge looked back to Qiu Haitang’s unconscious form to see that she was now twisting and turning in her sleep.
“What do you think she’ll do when she wakes, Liu-shishu?” Luo Binghe asked, his gentle smile disturbing as Liu Qingge thought of the horrors that she was witnessing. “No longer will she be able to claim her family’s innocence.”
Liu Qingge hated Qiu Haitang, but as she let out a soft whimper as he shifted in her sleep, he wondered if she deserved this.
“You would really show her all that?” he asked, thinking of Qiu Jianluo’s death, but he already knew the answer. Of course, Luo Binghe would do this. He would do whatever he wanted.
“I thought Shishu would agree with me. Don’t you think she deserves this?” Luo Binghe said, leaning closer to Liu Qingge. As he turned to face the man next to him, he saw that Luo Binghe’s eyes were now a bright, searing red. “You like seeing her punished, don’t you? How long has she lived in her own ignorant world, hating Shen Qingqiu? Now she has to wake up.”
Before Liu Qingge could say another word or think any further, Qiu Haitang sat up with a gasp. Her eyes were wide with fear, as she struggled to stand. She was shaking, and she wouldn’t stop staring at her hands, though there wasn’t anything on them. As if she were still dreaming, she rubbed a hand across her eyes, but her gaze returned to her own palms.
“Did you have a good rest, Haitang?” Luo Binghe asked her, pulling her attention over to the other side of the room where the two of them stood.
Liu Qingge expected her to say something, curse them for what they had shown her, or scream, but instead, she just took several shaky breaths before sprinting, as quickly as she could on her shaky legs, out the door.
“All that, and we don’t even know if she’ll drop the charges.” Liu Qingge criticized Luo Binghe. “The purpose of this was to prove him innocent not make her run! She could go anywhere now!”
“After that, I’m sure she won’t want to be anywhere near us.” Luo Binghe said, and Liu Qingge took note. Us.
“I’m not on your side.” Liu Qingge said, firmly, not budging from his place, despite how close Luo Binghe was to him, and getting closer.
“Of course not.” Luo Binghe said and the handsome smile that he had on his face now dropped, his eyes returning to a dark black. Finally, he stepped away from Liu Qingge, then took the seat that Qiu Haitang had fled from.
“What are you doing?” Liu Qingge asked.
“We still have the room for another hour. Have some tea, and we can discuss our next move.” Luo Binghe said, again using that same wording. Our. Liu Qingge sighed but took a seat. The goal had been to get rid of Qiu Haitang, who was now gone, but it seemed that their business hadn’t yet concluded, as she had tied someone else in even further.
“The Palace Master is incredibly eager to see Shen Qingqiu locked away.” Luo Binghe said, tracing the rim of what had been Qiu Haitang’s teacup. From the tray, Liu Qingge took the second cup that had been brought. Idly, he thought that Qiu Haitang must’ve assumed it was one for her and the second for Luo Binghe. “Originally, this was all his idea. ‘Your Shizun won’t even speak to you like this, you need to keep him close.’”
Liu Qingge stared at Luo Binghe as he sipped his tea. Maybe it was the Palace Master’s idea, but there was also a chance that Luo Binghe was lying to him. Trying to gain his sympathy.
“However, I wasn’t aware of Qiu Haitang. And this Su Xiyan, I’ve never even heard her name before.” Luo Binghe confessed. “Qiu Haitang seemed to think she was important but not once have I heard her name.”
Su Xiyan. It sounded familiar. Liu Qingge was sure that he had never met this woman, whoever she was, but someone had to have mentioned her to him before. The name was too familiar for this woman to be nobody. But the way things seemed, it all felt… strange.
“Don’t ask around Huan Hua.” Liu Qingge told Luo Binghe. “If he’s using you, he won’t like you poking around.”
“You really think that I would be so reckless?” Luo Binghe countered. “If the Old Palace Master remembers her so fondly, there’s no need to ask anyone anything.” He said, and the implication clicked in Liu Qingge’s mind.
“It’s a good idea.” He said though he knew good was a relative term. But he had no doubt that it would get them the knowledge they needed.
“That is, if he is using me.” Luo Binghe said, looking thoughtful. There was a dark look on his face for a moment, as he contemplated the thought. “Though, Shishu has no evidence of that.” Luo Binghe said, his expression shifting easily. “Would Liu Qingge be so kind as to join me?” Luo Binghe asked, using that dazzling smile he liked to flash, but Liu Qingge wasn’t so foolish as to trust it by now.
“Do I have a choice?” Liu Qingge asked, annoyed, not readily agreeing or disagreeing.
“It’s decided then.” Luo Binghe continued as if Liu Qingge had enthusiastically said ‘Yes, I would love to join you.’
“Tonight, you’ll see me,” he said. Liu Qingge stood and took Cheng Luan in his hand, as he left.
In his dreams that night, Luo Binghe would be there, waiting.
///
Liu Qingge arrived at Cang Qiong in the evening. At his return, he went not to his own peak, but instead, An Ding. He found Shang Qinghua in his own quarters, surrounded by paperwork and fingers stained with ink as he casually munched on melon seeds. At Liu Qingge’s entrance, he looked up.
“Liu Qingge!” Shang Qinghua greeted him, looking nervous. “What can I do for you?” he asked, pulling some of his paperwork into neater looking piles.
“Who is Su Xiyan?” he asked, and Shang Qinghua whitened.
“Ah… and where did you hear that name?” he asked.
“Qiu Haitang.” Liu Qingge responded, truthfully, which made Shang Qinghua’s brow furrow.
“Now that doesn’t seem right.” he murmured. “Wait- Qiu Haitang? What were you talking to her for?” he asked.
“The Palace Master mentioned Su Xiyan to Qiu Haitang.” Liu Qingge elaborated slightly, which made Shang Qinghua brighten.
“Now that makes sense!” he said, seeming to connect the dots mentally. “Su Xiyan was-” he cut himself off, before looking at Liu Qingge suspiciously. “You won’t ask me how I know this, yes?” he checked.
“I don’t care.” Liu Qingge replied. He already knew of Shang Qinghua’s unsavory involvement with demons, so he wasn’t quite sure what he was concerned about.
“Perfect!” Shang Qinghua said, brightening. “Su Xiyan was a member of Huan Hua, she was the Palace Master’s Head Disciple years ago. She was sent on a mission to investigate Tianlang-Jun’s interference in the human world.”
Liu Qingge began to feel a wheel turning in his mind.
“The mission, however, didn’t go as planned, and she fell in love with Tianlang-Jun and became pregnant. She was imprisoned in the water palace for a time, etcetera, but she ended up being released somehow. I can’t remember. So she ended up having the baby anyway, despite the Palace Master locking her away. Wait- I forgot, he locked her up because she wanted to leave the sect and have the baby. I think. It’s been a while.”
It clicked.
“Su Xiyan is Luo Binghe’s mother?”
The name of the woman that the monk had mentioned, years ago, at a meeting that had never happened. Had she wanted the child after all?
“Yes. But she died when he was born. He has no idea!” Shang Qinghua said, gesturing wildly. Quite tragic, is it not?”
It was certainly something, mostly a pain to think about too hard.
When he went to sleep, Liu Qingge was slightly grateful that despite the dream wandering he would be doing that night, his sleep would still be restful.
When Liu Qingge opened his eyes he found himself in a much different bed. He sat up, sharply, to what appeared to be a room in Huan Hua Palace, from the decadence and yellow drapery. Sunlight streamed in through a nearby window, and outside he could hear birds chirping. Across the room, Luo Binghe was seated at a small table with two chairs, watching Liu Qingge as he took in the illusion.
“Good morning.” Luo Binghe greeted. Liu Qingge instantly got up out of the bed, pushing aside the lavish blankets carelessly. “Shishu is so ungrateful, after all the hard work I put into making him comfortable.”
Liu Qingge was unamused. He knew that Luo Binghe was only treating him so nicely for his own gain later on. He would get no sympathy.
“Follow me.” Luo Binghe said, at Liu Qingge’s silence, leading him out the doorway down a hall.
There stood a woman, dressed mostly in a serious black, with some gold accents on her robes. She had a serious look about her, and her face was stern but beautiful. Liu Qingge, couldn’t help his eyes from sliding directly to Luo Binghe at the sight of her.
They looked alike. The same shape in their eyes, their lips, and they were both rather good looking.
“That’s everything I know, Shifu.”
“You’ve done well, Xiyan.” The Palace Master said affectionately. His eyes were soft as he looked at Su Xiyan. “Everything you’ve done for me in your investigation of Tianlang-Jun will not be forgotten.”
“I still do not believe that he has ill intentions.” Su Xiyan said, her eyes looking away for a moment before looking back at the Palace Master.
“Ah, Xiyan, you always look so stone-faced, but you have such a soft side, don’t you? Remember that you can’t trust demons, and you should be especially wary of heavenly ones, with their history.” Su Xiyan looked away again, but the Palace Master reached over and lifted her chin, looking her in the eyes. Liu Qingge was disgusted.
“No,” Luo Binghe whispered.
“That’s your mother.” Liu Qingge stated. Luo Binghe appeared to still be in shock, staring at the scene. At the way the Palace Master placed his hands on Su Xiyan’s shoulders, leaning close to her, just the way he did to Luo Binghe. It was clear that Luo Binghe himself could also see the parallel in how they spoke to each of them, touched them, controlled them.
“That’s not my mother.” Luo Binghe replied, coldly. “That’s not the person who raised me.”
The blunt statement from Luo Binghe on the matter reminded Liu Qingge strongly of how Luo Binghe had once boldly declared that he had no father, and how Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan also lacked such attachment.
“That’s just another person who never wanted me, she abandoned me, she left me in the river!” Luo Binghe yelled, then quieted. Liu Qingge shifted his weight slightly, worried that Luo Binghe may lash out, as his demon mark began to glow, pulsing like a heartbeat.
“You were right, Shishu. The Palace Master doesn’t care for me. He’s just obsessed with her!” Luo Binghe screamed as he drew Xin Mo, but instead of attacking Liu Qingge, he violently slashed it through the image of the Palace Master. The construct didn’t scream as it ‘died’ and as the body hit the floor, it vanished, and the dream world around the two of them fell to pieces again.
In a blink of an eye, it was just Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe alone again in that endless white space. As he took in the changed setting, he noticed that Xin Mo was once again sheathed at Luo Binghe’s hip.
“Shizun once cared for me, but it’s clear that’s over.” Luo Binghe said and laughed with no amusement, the sound of it chillingly empty.
Liu Qingge said nothing.
“Why are you here, Shishu? You don’t even like me. I know you don’t.” Luo Binghe accused, turning his head to look back at Liu Qingge.
“I don’t.” Liu Qingge confirmed, but there was a strange feeling in his chest.
“Yet you warned me.” Luo Binghe pointed out. “And despite your dislike of me, you’re cooperative. It’s confusing.”
Liu Qingge didn’t know what to say for a moment. Why was he doing all of this? It was Luo Binghe that had dragged him here with him, but Liu Qingge that had started their contact with each other. What was it for?
It was because no matter what, everything always seemed to point towards Luo Binghe. It was a twisted web that he had jumped back into, where Luo Binghe was tied in the center of everything, deeper than even he knew.
Yet Liu Qingge was aware of these threads, and the man himself wasn’t. And Liu Qingge was now pulling on them, trying to pull Luo Binghe where he wanted, despite barely knowing what direction he should be tugging on. This manipulation wasn’t his natural state. The first time, he hadn’t cared at all what Luo Binghe’s mother’s name was or that the Palace Master had an interest in her. It was in the past, buried and of seemingly little importance.
Now it was that dead buried history that he had ignored before that was deciding the future. How many more things had he overlooked would be vitally important now? How would he know which was which?
“It’s not that complicated.” Liu Qingge replied. “It was you who brought me here anyway.”
“It’s always complicated.” Luo Binghe retorted. “Ever since we met it’s been complicated. You didn’t just hate me after the abyss, you hated me since I was a child.”
“Was it because I had his attention?”
“That’s not it.” Liu Qingge denied instantly. That wasn’t it. It wasn’t.
“Shishu pays so much attention to Shizun, but does he even look at you? Were you jealous of the time I spent with him? Living in the same house?” Luo Binghe continued, now no longer grieving but still angry, and with a new target.
“Stop.”
“I saw you that day. In the distance. You watched him push me in. Were you happy when he did it, Shishu? So, glad to finally be rid of me, that you didn’t even care if Shen Qingqiu was doing the right thing.” Luo Binghe accused, as he stepped closer and closer to Liu Qingge.
“He was ridding Cang Qiong of a demon. As a righteous cultivator, how would this not be the right thing?” Liu Qingge countered, trying to ignore Luo Binghe’s taunts, but he knew exactly where Liu Qingge was vulnerable.
“You're so caught up in trying to be a righteous cultivator, what kind of righteous people would harm a child, innocent of wrongdoing, no matter what blood he has?” Luo Binghe yelled, grabbing the front of Liu Qingge’s robes.
Liu Qingge said nothing.
“Shizun threw me in because he hates demons. But you did nothing because you hated me.”
“...You were obsessed with him. I saw it then. I see it now. You’re dangerous.” Liu Qingge said quietly, knowing that he was at Luo Binghe’s whim while they were in the dreamscape.
Luo Binghe just scoffed, and let him go. “You call me obsessed?” he asked, his eyes dark and intense.
“Shishu is such a hypocrite. I’ll see you at Shizun’s trial. I’ve made up my mind.”
Liu Qingge woke up with a sour taste in his mouth.
///
In the weeks leading up to the trial, Shen Qingqiu remained meek and didn’t leave his peak. People often came by the bamboo house, mostly Ning Yingying and Ming Fan, who had decided to keep him company, but often Shang Qinghua would come and inform him of how the plant bodies were growing. Once or twice Liu Qingge had come by, but had usually left the day after.
It was peaceful.
It was also completely nerve-wracking!
Here he was, just sitting here, while Liu Qingge ran around and did whatever the hell it was he was doing to try to, by some miracle, prove him innocent of crimes that he kind of actually did. He really felt bad for Liu-juju, he seemed to be gone so frequently, going wherever, meeting with whoever, while Shen Qingqiu himself was stuck here!
He also refused to say very much at all whenever he did come over! At least Shang Qinghua kept him updated, Liu Qingge did nothing of the sort! One day he would be stopping by to visit, the next, no one knew where he was!
And Shen Qingqiu just had to sit there, waiting for what may be his impending execution (and possible revival).
Oddly enough, he hadn’t seen a single glimpse of Luo Binghe. It should’ve been comforting to know that wherever he was, he wasn’t here, but instead, it was just another thing driving him mad. What was he doing? Where was he? Why did he pop out of the damn abyss too early, then vanish again so suddenly?
All the while, Shen Qingqiu just had to sit back and let other people take care of things! At another time he might enjoy the free time but being given it so suddenly without anticipation left him feeling listless.
So he sat in the bamboo house. He ate melon seeds. He painted the bamboo forest outside his window. He slept. Qing Jing’s lessons were run entirely by Ming Fan, so he didn’t even need to worry about those.
Despite his occasional visitors… It was lonely.
Luckily, on this particular day, he actually did have an (unexpected) visitor.
“You painted this?” Liu Qingge asked as he looked at the paper.
“Yesterday, yes.” Shen Qingqiu confirmed. he had spent most of the day on it, but he had nothing else to work on that day.
“It’s nice.” Liu Qingge said as he set the painting down. Shen Qingqiu smiled, even if Shidi wasn’t exactly eloquent, at least he meant it.
“Liu-shidi, I’ve been feeling quite anxious recently.” Shen Qingqiu said, not able to take the tension any longer. “Do you have any news at all that you’ll give me?” he asked. Liu Qingge was out doing something yet he would never breathe a word of what it was, instead letting Shen Qingqiu go on about the inane daily activities he’d been doing as his brain was slowly rotting from all the lethargy.
“If I give it to you, what would you do with it?” Liu Qingge replied evenly.
“I don’t know.” Shen Qingqiu said, honestly. “But just sitting here doing nothing-”
“You’re not doing nothing.” Liu Qingge said. “You’ve done a lot. Now you’re done.” Liu Qingge said as if it was that easy.
“I’m sitting here! This is the fifth time I’ve made tea today!” Shen Qingqiu complained. “I could help you.”
“You’re letting others take care of it.” Liu Qingge said firmly. Troublesome! Stubborn! Liu-juju why did you have to be like this?
“But-”
“No.” Liu Qingge denied. There was an awkward silence as Shen Qingqiu frowned and Liu Qingge was still tense. “I know you feel worried. It will be alright,” he said, and while Shen Qingqiu knew that he was trying his best to be comforting, in his own way, it really wasn’t improving his mood.
“Don’t you usually enjoy your time on Qing Jing?” Liu Qingge asked, confused. “It’s not like you can’t do all your regular things. Your students are still here.” he pointed out.
Yeah, but it wasn’t the same! Now, there was an ax over his head and unbearable tension ruining everything!
But Liu Qingge wasn’t wrong. Maybe at another time he would’ve enjoyed a nice break from all the work. What was it that was bothering him now, that was keeping him from rest and making him so tired? How could he make Liu Qingge understand?
“I’m just afraid.” Shen Qingqiu said quietly.
“Do you trust me?” Liu Qingge asked, looking Shen Qingqiu directly in the eye.
What a trick question! If he said yes, then Liu Qingge would say something like, ‘then stop worrying.’ and if he said no then Liu Qingge might be offended. Despite how stoic he looked he could be rather sensitive at times.
“I don’t know if I should.” Shen Qingqiu evaded as he examined his fan, looking away. It was a cop-out, he knew. By now, hadn’t Liu Qingge proved himself trustworthy? Didn’t he deserve a better answer than that?
I want to tell you, Liu-shidi
Shen Qingqiu let his eyes flicker back to Liu Qingge. How was he reacting? His expression was difficult to read, but Shen Qingqiu had known Liu Qingge for years now. His lips were just slightly downturned and in his eyes Shen Qingqiu could pick up a feeling of disappointment. Now he felt guilty! Liu Qingge you were meant to be a war god, why was Shen Qingqiu having to tread so lightly when it came to all these feelings! Just when Shen Qingqiu was about to backpedal, Liu Qingge spoke again.
“I understand,” he said. “It must be difficult for you.” he nodded once.
And didn’t that just make Shen Qingqiu feel even worse? “Liu-shidi-” Shen Qingqiu started, but cut himself off as he saw a small smile on Liu Qingge’s face.
“It’s not easy,” he said, quietly. “To trust.”
It really fucking wasn’t, was it?
“Do you trust me Liu-shidi?” Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but ask.
Liu Qingge looked down into his teacup, looking troubled.
“Shidi doesn’t have to answer if he doesn’t want to!” Shen Qingqiu rushed to say suddenly. All of this had gotten rather heavy so quickly.
“I do trust you.” Liu Qingge said, then sipped from his cup, casually. Now Shen Qingqiu just felt even worse! Wasn’t it obvious that Liu Qingge trusted him by now?
Shen Qingqiu swallowed. Liu Qingge knew much about and had even witnessed many of the more questionable things he’d done. Even knowing things the original had done, did he really mean it? “Even after-”
“Yes.” Liu Qingge said, without hesitation. Shen Qingqiu felt a strange lightness in his chest at this and held his fan over his face as he contemplated Liu Qingge’s confirmation.
“But I am also afraid.” Liu Qingge confessed.
Afraid? What could someone like Liu-shidi possibly be afraid of? He wasn’t an imposter in the skin of someone else, he was a cultivator with a deserved reputation. Even if he did have rather poor social skills, he had nothing on Shen Qingqiu’s mistakes.
Instantly, Shen Qingqiu’s heartbeat quickened. “Is it about the trial?” he couldn’t help but ask.
“No.” Liu Qingge denied and Shen Qingqiu let out a breath of relief, though Liu Qingge didn’t look any less tense.
Shen Qingqiu put his fan down and huffed. “What does someone like you even have to be afraid of?”
“There’s something else that I want to talk to you about. After your trial.” Liu Qingge said, now looking more nervous. “I’ll tell you then.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.” Shen Qingqiu replied, but he knew that before Liu Qingge would be saying anything to him, there was a much larger issue.
Even though he had many worries about the trial, in a way, Shen Qingqiu was thankful when it finally came. No more waiting around for other people to try to decide his fate, the torturous wait was over! (and the actual torture may begin if things went south…)
He was escorted by both Yue Qingyuan and Shang Qinghua, oddly enough. Qi Qingqi, of all people, had originally wanted to come but was instead left behind with Wei Qingwei to watch Cang Qiong during the Sect Leader’s absence.
“And Liu-shidi?” Shen Qingqiu had asked Yue Qingyuan before they set off.
“Is there already, waiting to meet us,” he replied.
They rode on horseback to Jinlan again. The sowers were long gone now but the city was healing from the disaster. As they rode into town, Shen Qingqiu found that there were many commoners that had gathered to watch the different sects ride into town, amazed at all the people coming to visit in their many-colored robes and with their sharp and shining swords. Shen Qingqiu wondered how many of them actually knew why they were meeting here again.
Outside of the hall, they would gather in, the horses were dismounted and led away to the stables, while the group entered the building. It seemed that many of the other sects involved had sent people to arrive early, wanting to appear prompt and attentive to the matter. Next to Liu Qingge, there were a few Bai Zhan disciples and, weirdly, An Ding disciples, standing together.
What a display of inter-peak cooperation, Shen Qingqiu mused to himself. If they were back in Cang Qiong he was sure that those same Bai Zhan disciples wouldn't hesitate to beat on the An Ding disciples they stood with now, or even the Qing Jing ones that were now arriving. It was actually rather heartwarming…
“It is the request of Huan Hua Palace that the accused is restrained.” A disciple said, holding up heavy iron manacles and absolutely ruining the mood. Yue Qingyuan opened his mouth to argue, but Shen Qingqiu stopped him.
“Fine.” he said and held out his arms. The other members of Cang Qiong that surrounded him gave the Huan Hua Palace disciple that was chaining him dirty looks. Shen Qingqiu sighed. It really was, in part, just a show. If he had the physical strength of say, Liu Qingge, he could simply break the links of the chains with his own might, unaided. Now, he probably couldn’t actually shatter the links with just his bulging arm muscles, unlike some people, but the point still stood. They weren’t immortal binding cables, just a bit demeaning. He was being painted to be a murderer, an abuser, of course he should be chained up! More for show than to actually keep him in place.
The Huan Hua palace disciple stoically walked back to his fellows who snickered at Shen Qingqiu and smiled.
The other members of Cang Qiong might not like this, but easily agreeing to the demands would look better in the long run. What kind of dangerous criminal would be so graceful about being chained and tried?
People watched him, as he was then escorted to the front of the room, away from the other members of his sect. More people arrived, coming to see the trial of Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, some there for sect business, but others interested in the drama and gossip. The month’s time that he had spent on house arrest had allowed gossip to spread around, meaning that there were several more people here now than when he had first been accused of the crime.
“Cultivators. We are gathered here today to evaluate the accusations of Qiu Haitang and the Huan Hua Palace Sect against Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu of Cang Qiong.” A monk from Zhao Hua temple spoke up. Shen Qingqiu swallowed.
“Would Qiu Haitang please come forward?” he called out.
Shen Qingqiu waited for his ‘fiance’ to stand up and start her tirade against him again, but surprisingly there was only silence. Five seconds of it, ten, thirty, a whole minute passed. Nothing.
“Is Qiu Haitang here?”
People began to murmur amongst themselves. Who was Qiu Haitang? That girl, who said her family was killed. She was a noblewoman. Did she accuse Shizun? She was that man’s fiance. He ran out on her. He killed her family. She said he killed her family.
But did he do it? Where is she?
Qiu Haitang was, apparently, nowhere to be seen.
I saw her a few weeks ago. I saw her a few days ago. No, she left the city last week. She paid the inn for the whole month, but no one saw her go in or out of her room recently.
Shen Qingqiu kept a straight face, but inside was panicking. What had happened? Surely she wouldn’t actually leave! That was the one trait that Airplane had actually written into her character, she wanted revenge against her scumbag fiance! Why would she miss her golden opportunity to finally get it?
His eyes scanned the room, but wanting to get a glimpse of Liu Qingge’s face. His expression was neutral and stern, but not surprised. Around him, other members of Cang Qiong were whispering to one another, but he only looked ahead, eyes sharp and focused.
Liu-juju had really come in clutch here, hadn’t he? He had really thought there was no way out of that one!
…Shen Qingqiu really hoped that Liu Qingge hadn’t actually killed her or anything though. He wouldn’t do that, right? Shen Qingqiu began to sweat a little at the thought of what might happen if Qiu Haitang, a key witness, was suddenly found dead.
“It has been decided that with the absence of Qiu Haitang, her accusation against Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu has been dropped.” the monk said, and the chatter quieted slightly.
“This surely must be foul play.” The Palace Master said loudly as he came forward, breaking through the murmurs. “Is this sudden disappearance not suspicious?”
“Was her sudden appearance not suspicious?” Shang Qinghua yelled back. “She came out of nowhere, with little association with anyone, only her wild claims, why should she believed? Her absence at this trial discredits her.”
Shen Qingqiu smiled. Airplane-dada, that was simply incredible bullshitting. 10/10. He would applaud if his hands weren’t literally chained together.
The Old Palace Master frowned, but didn’t speak up again. From where he stood, Shang Qinghua shot him a thumbs up.
“Then the claims of abuse?” The Palace Master prompted. “Will these be thrown out without a further thought as well or will they be taken seriously? If both accusations are disregarded what is even the point of a trial?” He challenged, rallying voices from the members of his own sect.
“As a former disciple of Qing Jing Peak, I consider myself qualified to speak out about its affairs.”
It was a sentence that was spoken calmly and evenly, but among the bustle, it rang out clear like a bell. Luo Binghe stood at the entrance of the hall. Around him, the crowd parted slightly, giving him a slight berth in order for him to move through the room. As he stepped forward, his eyes didn’t leave Shen Qingqiu’s once. Involuntarily, Shen Qingqiu swallowed, his heart beginning to race faster.
Qiu Haitang was someone that had been wronged by the original goods, and while Luo Binghe was in the same boat there, it couldn’t be denied that he had also been harmed by him as well.
“You are Luo Binghe, correct?” The monk asked. His face was neutral, as befitting of someone overseeing the trial, but to Shen Qingqiu, who was standing more closely to him than most of those observing, he could see a piqued interest in his eyes.
“Yes, I am.” Luo Binghe said, turning his eyes from Shen Qingqiu as he answered. Shen Qingqiu suddenly felt as if he were able to breathe again.
“Were you not declared dead at the immortal alliance conference years ago?” The monk asked his eyebrows furrowing, but not in surprise, only interest. A few whispers rose but quieted again quickly as no one wanted to miss a single word of his response.
“I was. This was a mistake.” Luo Binghe said, and Shen Qingqiu waited. He waited for Luo Binghe to tell them all what exactly he had done, every gross detail of his sin.
“But I am not here to talk about myself.” Luo Binghe said instead, turning the conversation and Shen Qingqiu’s heart skipped. What?
“I was brought onto Qing Jing peak when I was young, as a new disciple. At first I was alienated. Everyone seemed so distant and the cultivation techniques I was given did nothing for me. I thought that I would never truly have a home there.” he said to a silent, but enraptured audience.
Luo Binghe walked slowly across the front of the room as he spoke, crossing in front of Shen Qingqiu, but his eyes were not on his teacher, instead speaking to his audience. As Luo Binghe crossed by in front of him, Shen Qingqiu could feel many of the eyes of those who had been attentively watching Luo Binghe sliding to him instead. Shen Qingqiu tried not to tense up as he stood there in chains, now far more self-conscious of them than when they were first put on his wrists.
“In time, I found that while Shizun seemed distant and cold, that he really did care about his students. He saved my life many times, after I had made mistakes that could’ve gotten me and my own martial siblings killed. Shizun realized my struggles in cultivation, and was able to help me become strong anyway. I spent long hours working and cultivating on Qing Jing but it was all my choice to do so because to me, there was nothing more that I wanted than to be a good and strong disciple.” Luo Binghe said confidently, but there was a feeling of sadness in his words that didn’t make Shen Qingqiu feel any less guilty, despite the fact that against all odds, Luo Binghe wasn’t condemning him.
It all felt wrong.
“And about the matter of your misreported death at the immortal alliance conference?” The monk prompted.
“It was… a mistake.” Luo Binghe said quietly. “Shizun knows now that I am not dead.”
“Yet you remain away from Qing Jing peak,” he stated, looking towards Shen Qingqiu before looking back to Luo Binghe and addressing him further. “Why not return if you are not dead? I find this to be strange.” The monk said.
“At first I couldn’t come back. I was too far and my enemies were too strong- and too many. Then, as more and more time passed, I began to believe that I wouldn’t be accepted back at all. It has been years now since I’ve cultivated on Qing Jing, I became… apprehensive about returning.” he said. “My hesitance was my own, and not out of hatred for my old teacher. Shizun treats his disciples well.”
As Luo Binghe had finished his speech, the chatter began to pick up again, and to the side, the neutral delegations began to huddle together speaking in hushed whispers, their eyes darting from Shen Qingqiu to Luo Binghe to the Palace Master. Instead of walking to stand or sit with anyone from Huan Hua palace, Luo Binghe instead chose to stand at the front of the room not far from Shen Qingqiu.
“Now, Master Shen, do you have anything to say in your own defense?”
Shen Qingqiu swallowed. So much had just happened, and none of it according to any plan. What was to happen now? He could just… go home after this as if nothing had happened at all? No. Luo Binghe had to be planning something from this, but what exactly it might be eluded Shen Qingqiu. If Luo Binghe had just told the truth, he’d have what he wanted, wouldn’t he? Punishment for the one who had wronged him.
What was he going to do with the plant body now? Shove it in a closet?
Before his thoughts led him to anything hysterical, Shen Qingqiu responded.
“I have nothing further to say.” he said, softly.
The silence that had held for so long ended, as people began to group up and discuss what had taken place and the monk from the temple went to speak to his own sect siblings. Luo Binghe, however, stayed where he was, not joining any one of the cultivation sects in their discussions, though he faced stares from both Cang Qiong Mountain and Huan Hua Palace’s cultivators.
It must’ve only been a matter of minutes, but with Luo Binghe only a few meters away on his right, yet not speaking a word directly to him, and his fate being decided to his left, to Shen Qingqiu it felt like hours.
Eventually, the representative from the Temple walked to the front of the room, and without him even needing to speak a word, the crowded room silenced.
“Shen Qingqiu. You have been found not guilty.”
The few Qing Jing disciples that had come started cheering, but the delegation from Huan Hua was far more divided, whispering about Luo Binghe’s actions. Had he betrayed the Palace Master? Didn’t he want his abusive teacher locked away? Where was Qiu Haitang? Has anyone seen her?
“This is appalling! All of this fuss but nothing could be proven? Is this not suspicious in itself?” The Palace Master objected but was brushed off.
Shen Qingqiu had mixed feelings as his cuffs were removed, falling to the ground with a large clattering noise. As he looked over to where the Cang Qiong members were seated, he saw that Liu Qingge was actually smiling, instead of keeping that stern expression that he always seemed to have. Shen Qingqiu found himself smiling back in response, as he took a step forward, as a free man.
Then there was a high piercing scream, and as Shen Qingqiu whipped around to investigate, he was swallowed by sudden darkness, and he saw no more.