Work Text:
S hen Yuan always wondered what the purpose of life was. Was it to love someone? To live to the fullest? To spend your entire life tied down to the fate of destiny?
He had always thought life was full of wonders and outside the hospital was a place so wonderful. Transmigrating to another body, a healthy body, he thought he can travel after the plot ends.
But unknowingly all his hopes were crushed the moment he decided to ruthlessly pushed his disciple off the cliff into hell. He had to pay for what he did. He had to pay for what the system forced him.
Shen Yuan had never been the smartest or the most popular. Always the last to get picked in gym, the last to get picked for partners, the outcast, excluded from all activities. His knowledge of love is even less, as the years progressed, his body conditions got worse and worse, making him stuck in the hospitals every day.
His family was always busy but worried about him. His little sister always stuck by him every day and offer to bring him food and his favorite toys. He didn’t mind it much, after all, he gets to enjoy novels and ranting about it.
Transmigration was a curse but somewhat a blessing to him. Sure he got injected with “no cure poison” but he was perfectly fine and in perfect shape. He had lived without spiritual energy before, so why does he care there’s a blockage in it?
The curse is the system, it never allowed him to leave the plot until it was finished. Meaning he had to pushed Luo Binghe down and follow down the scum villain's route to hell and getting his limbs torn off.
But what he didn’t expect was all his desperate trying to save his life plan had given so much hope for the white lotus that he fell for him. Pushing Luo Binghe down was hard and even after he came back was harder.
Through all this, he has done everything he can to save his own life, deeming his own life more precious than anything. Even if he had to trust some plant body after self-destruction, if he had a chance to save his own life, he’d do it.
But he didn’t expect Luo Binghe to get affected by his plan to save himself so much. Sure he was a tad- maybe a lot- selfish throughout this, he thought he wasn't that much of a scum! But looking back, he was probably even worse than the original. Feeding someone hope for 3 years only to crush all of it with your bare feet is even worse than not giving them hope and then crushing that nonexistent hope.
Luo Binghe’s soul disappeared. No matter how much he’d play until his fingers bleed, it wouldn’t appear. It was as if his soul had never existed. Binghe’s body was still in the bamboo house, his expression still looked so peaceful and serene.
It’s been 5 years since then. Shen Qingqiu has never stopped playing. The disciples may have given up hope but the peak lord still went on. It was all his fault, he realized his feelings too late, he realized his mistakes too late, all of it led to Binghe’s death. It was all his fault, and he’ll pay for it alone.
Shang Qinghua often visits with Mobei Jun to see Luo Binghe’s body and check on Shen Qingqiu’s conditions (not that it ever improved). Shang Qinghua looked a bit dejected sitting next to Luo Binghe, he had even caught him mumbling once, “Sorry...I’ve wronged you.”
Shen Qingqiu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Shang Qinghua may have planned many things that helped Shen Qingqiu escape but he was also the one who sold him out to Binghe. But it was all his planning, Shang Qinghua did not have to apologize for anything.
Mobei Jun had a complicated expression on his face when he saw Luo Binghe. The man in black robes usually stood tall among them, always with a cold expression, but facing his Shizun, it was the only time he saw his lord’s facial expression softened. It was weird seeing him so peaceful.
“Shen Shixiong… cucumber bro, I believe in you,” Shang Qinghua had said when Mobei Jun went out of hearing range. He patted his shoulder and left. Shen Qingqiu wonders what he meant. Believe that he’ll get over this or believe that he’ll find Luo Binghe?
“Luo Binghe… Happy Birthday! You’re 31 now right?” Shen Qingqiu has developed a habit of talking to the corpse like it was still alive and breathing. As if the corpse would still respond happily and eyes sparkling with hopes of being petted.
He misses the whines of “Shizun” whenever Shen Qingqiu teases him after failing yet another training session. And his happy expression when Shen Qingqiu sighed and told him to run 10 laps around the peak.
He misses the warm meals he would wake up to every morning and dinner he would eat every day he comes back.
He misses the warm and familiar weight under his hand when he pats the fluffy curls.
He misses the warmth of his disciple who would hug him even when he was pushing him off and sighing and calling him a child.
He misses the way Luo Binghe’s eyes would shine up as he demonstrates to Shen Qingqiu a new sword technique he mastered.
He even misses the crocodile adorable tears and pouts when Luo Binghe wants something from him.
He misses Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu’s eyelids feel heavy that night he went to sleep. His eye bags were prominent but he was sure he had never felt that sleepy. The first time in 5 years, Shen Qingqiu went to sleep.
*****
He woke up in his bamboo house, but it looked much cleaner. The placement of his sword was the same as where he left it, but he felt like there was something different. He pinches himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming when he checked his expression and found it healthy.
It hurt.
“Shizun!” Someone cried happily as he opened the door of the bamboo house and carried in a tray with many meals on it. His fluffy hair bounced as he placed the tray on the table before facing his Shizun with a bright smile.
“Bing..he?” The boy frowned at the surprised look his Shizun gave him. But he smiled as he walked towards Shen Qinqqiu. “What’s the matter Shizun? Why are you so surprised to see this disciple?”
His eyes turned blurry and he felt tears sliding down his face. He felt warmth blossom in his chest when he saw the food that’s still steaming from being freshly cooked. He saw the smile of the boy he had taken away before.
“Binghe!” Without caring for his image or posture, he pulled the boy down into a hug. Luo Binghe’s face flushed and he looked surprised but he hugged him back. His face filled with happiness and his smile was so bright and warm as he stared at his Shizun.
“What happen Shizun?” Shen Qingqiu didn’t answer him, just stuffed his face into Luo Binghe’s neck and cried loudly (maybe a bit too loud for what he would’ve liked). No system in his head warned him of OOC.
Luo Binghe didn’t say anymore, his awkward and hesitantly put his hand on Shen Qingqiu’s head and pat his hair down. Shen Qingqiu for once didn’t mind Luo Binghe’s show of affection. From now on, he’d accept everything Binghe throws his way. He’ll spoil the boy rotten.
When he tasted the food, he nearly cried. When was the last time he gets to eat food this good and cooked by Luo Binghe? He couldn’t even remember anymore. The last time he tasted it was the morning of the Immortal Alliance Conference.
Shen Qingqiu was overjoyed when he found out there was no system in his head. Nobody to tell him what to do. There wasn’t anyone who would force him to throw his disciple down the endless abyss.
Imagine his surprise when he realized all the medicines he was supposed to take to keep his cultivation intact were all gone. Is the system tricking him again? He doesn’t have the poison? So who got the poison? Nobody in his peak showed signs of the poison and he doubted Liu Qingge had it. But it made it easier for him to protect Luo Binghe now. This time, he’ll fight for Binghe, no matter how hard and painful it’ll be.
“Shizun! Look!” Luo Binghe yelled in excitement as he gripped his sword and swung. His happiness practically radiating off his body when Shen Qingqiu patted his head and complimented him. Ming Fan and the others stared enviously.
Shen Qingqiu hadn’t forgotten the disciples that spend years with him playing inquiry and his treatment for them increased. At first, the disciples were terrified, but after a while, they got used to it and bask in their new treatment hoping it’ll never go away.
Shen Qingqiu first paid a personal visit to An Ding and exposed himself as a transmigrator to Shang Qinghua who nearly pissed his pants from fright and the plot change.
“Are you kidding me? YOU’RE PEERLESS CUCUMBER?” Shang Qinghua screeched when he revealed his identity. “And you came back a second time?! AFTER KILLING MY PROTAGONIST?!!”
“En.”
“Don’t be so calm about it! My protagonist died. The plot will fall apart without him!!!”
“Don’t worry about it,” Shen Qingqiu said smiling. He would do anything to protect Luo Binghe no matter what it is, even if he has to self destruct again or go against the whole world, he’ll fight for Luo Binghe.
Shang Qinghua stared at him with teary eyes and confusion.
“For now, just get along with Mobei Jun, Binghe won’t become a demon lord.”
“Wait-“
Shen Qingqiu left.
Shang Qinghua nearly pulled his hair out from frustration.
*****
Ming Fan had always wondered what made his Shizun change so much. Was it because they were doing better? Or was it because they were being nicer to Luo Binghe?
Their Shizun spoiled Luo Binghe like his partner. Always bringing back gifts after missions or strolling in the villages, he would always tell Binghe where he was whenever he left, he would even attempt to cook for Luo Binghe.
Whenever they messed up, Luo Binghe never had to run around the peak with them. Or if they messed up so much and punishment was inevitable, Luo Binghe would run the least. Their Shizun’s treatment towards the youngest in the peak was something their Shizun is not concealing.
Luo Binghe practically radiates happiness wherever he goes afterward, he would help train disciples who would have trouble with their sword, clean the bamboo house and where the rest of the disciples resides, and practice every day.
Shen Qingqiu would proudly represent his favorite and most talented disciple whenever someone came over. Luo Qingge once commented if Luo Binghe was his servant when he spotted him cooking and was nearly kicked off the peak.
When Liu Qingge stared at Luo Binghe a tad too long, Shen Qingqiu would have a murderous aura as he politely tells his Shidi to stop checking out his disciple.
Soon, without even knowing it, it was the day of the Immortal Alliance Conference. Shen Qingqiu had dreaded this day, he had tried to coerce Luo Binghe not to come but it was already too late, he made up his mind already.
Shang Qinghua had already spilled to him that he’s already told everything to Mobei Jun, not being able to hide any information from his king and being threatened by his system. Shen Qingqiu sighed, he promised himself and to Luo Binghe nothing would happen and he’d accept Binghe no matter what, but since the plot has already changed, he doesn’t know what awaits them the second the abyss opens.
He approached Luo Binghe before the Immortal Alliance Conference. Luo Binghe was practicing his sword alone in the back of the bamboo house. He spotted his Shizun and immediately rushed to him.
“Shizun-“ Shen Qingqiu stopped him before he could say anymore.
“Binghe, in the immortal alliance conference, promise me something.” Luo Binghe looked confused but he nodded.
“Promise me you’ll live and come back to me.”
He smiled.
“Yes! Anything for Shizun!”
*****
He watched as Luo Binghe did what he usually did, helping the disciples. He felt annoyed seeing the girl disciples trying to get close to Luo Binghe and always whining to take a rest. If you always want to rest, why even come here?!
Shen Qingqiu felt the need to just scold them harshly and pull Luo Binghe away from their filthy hands. His hands itch to grab his fan and hit them across the head. But he remained calm and expressionless.
“Shen-Shixiong, you seemed a bit agitated,” Qi Qingqi commented. Shen Qingqiu ignored her as he continued to watch and rant inside his head about how useless the other disciples are, dragging his disciple down with them.
He arrived when the demons came out. He was unsurprised when he found the disciples clinging to Luo Binghe and screaming running around in fear, attracting all the demons to them. Shen Qingqiu could barely hold it in anymore. It seems like ever since he came back, his temper got worse and worse everything it regards something about dragging Binghe down or putting Binghe in danger.
“You! What the point of coming here if you’re unable to defend yourself or attack?! Are you here just to drag my disciple down?!” Shen Qingqiu pointed at the girl screaming and reprimanded her. Everyone was shocked at his outburst but he couldn’t care about his image when it regards Binghe. They could’ve put him in danger!
Shen Qingqiu grabbed Luo Binghe’s wrist and ungracefully stomped away from the crowd of people. Shang Qinghua snickered at the sidelines watching the scene unfold. The girl he shouted at earlier pouted and sulked; he wants to smack some sense into her, who pouts and sulks at this time?! Luo Binghe is not your husband, he can’t protect you at all times!
Soon, just as Shen Qingqiu predicted, the endless abyss opened and Mobei Jun jumped out. Shang Qinghua must’ve told him to go easy on them as he got fewer injuries than he did the last time they fought like this; although Binghe’s sword still broke as Mobei Jun was still too powerful for Luo Binghe.
Luo Binghe’s seal was awakened and now, they sat on the floor filled with blood and dust as Shen Qingqiu held his disciple close to himself. Luo Binghe was bawling and clutching at his robes.
“Shizun! Shizun! I’m sorry!” He sobbed as he apologized profusely. They were close to the cliff, more close than Shen Qingqiu would’ve liked it. He pulled Binghe up to walk away from the cliff but unexpectedly, a demon was thrown their way.
He turned his head around to find the same girl he had berated before that had thrown to demon towards Luo Binghe with her sword in attempts to throw the demon down the abyss. The demon’s heavy body pushed the weak Luo Binghe off the cliff and Shen Qingqiu’s heart nearly stopped.
“BINGHE!” He screamed, uncaring of his image as he quickly shot down to grip Luo Binghe’s sleeve. Luo Binghe weakly tilted his head upwards and smiled at his Shizun. “Shizun, let go, you’ll fall along with me.”
“NO! WE MADE A PROMISE! YOU PROMISED YOU’D COME BACK ALIVE!” Shen Qingqiu felt tears streaming down his face. He must’ve looked so ungraceful and ugly right now, but he didn’t care.
“Shizun… your life is more important than mine. If I live, I’ll definitely come back! Please let go! You’ll get dragged down along with me!” His grip on the sleeved weakened and he struggled to pull Binghe up. Even without the blockage, how was he so weak?!
“No! You can’t! It’s too dangerous!”
Luo Binghe smiles, it was so bright and filled with joy.
“Shizun! I’ll definitely come back!” He was barely holding on to the sleeve, every second, his grip on his sleeve weakened and he put more strength to pull Binghe up. The amount of demonic energy that was pouring through the abyss was unbelievable and he felt his energy seeping away.
Suddenly Luo Binghe flung his sleeve away and Shen Qingqiu screamed as he watches his disciple smile and tunnel down the abyss. The endless abyss closed after Luo Binghe fell.
Shen Qingqiu stood up shakily and immediately flings a large amount of spiritual energy towards the girl who had thrown the demon. His bloodshot eyes glaring furiously at her.
“HOW DARE YOU?! I TOLD YOU TO SCRAM EARLIER AND YET YOU- IF ONLY YOU DIED INSTEAD!” He screamed, pain and sadness filling his whole body to the brim. He felt so devastated. He hadn’t felt this lost since he had his second chance.
The girl shrieked as the spiritual energy had cut through her robes and cut her body multiple times, she fainted and the disciples around panicked but didn’t dare to help her in fear of being Qing Jing Peak Lord’s next target. Shen Qingqiu’s legs were trembling and the world turned black as he lost consciousness.
*****
Shen Qingqiu woke up to find himself back in his bamboo house. His vacant eyes stared at his ceiling and he could barely make out his surroundings and voices.
“Shizun!” Ning Yingying quickly rushed to his side. But he didn’t look at her. The familiar presence he was used to was now gone. This time, he doesn’t know how long Binghe will be gone, last time, he was overtaken by betrayal and had left early to find answers, and was then taken over by Xin Mo in the worst time.
“Bing...he,” he mumbled. He vaguely heard Ning Yingying gasp and cry at the name. They probably found the broken shards of Zheng Yang scattered around where the abyss had opened and made a conclusion that Luo Binghe was dead.
Although he knew Luo Binghe wasn’t dead, he knew that Luo Binghe was suffering alone and that alone nearly broke him. The plot can’t be changed after all, no matter how much they try, Luo Binghe is destined to fall and suffer in the abyss.
Shang Qinghua had come by multiple times to cheer him up but none of it worked. His disciples brought food in but Shen Qingqiu just merely pushed it all away and stayed in bed.
But something changed a couple of months later. Shen Qingqiu woke up in his dream and he saw Luo Binghe who was covered in blood and dirt, his robes were ripped and battered but he ran towards Shen Qingqiu.
“Shizun! Look! I finally mastered controlling dreams!” Luo Binghe said excitedly. Shen Qingqiu was speechless, Binghe went to find him… in his dream?
He smiled as he stood up and patted Binghe in the head, heart soaring even if he couldn’t feel the warmth and fluffy curls, but this is his Luo Binghe in front of him. Luo Binghe leaned towards the touch.
Luo Binghe has grown taller since the last time he saw him, where he used to be able to reach up to his chest, now he reached up to his shoulders. Luo Binghe preened under the attention of his Shizun, not having to worry about his Shizun getting embarrassed if someone else were to pass by.
“Binghe… your clothes,” Shen Qingqiu felt worried seeing the state Luo Binghe was in, sure he could heal fast with his heavenly demon blood but it still must’ve hurt very much. The book never had any such details on what’s inside the abyss and Shen Qingqiu wasn’t able to ask Luo Binghe in his last life… especially after what happened.
“It’s fine Shizun! It doesn’t hurt,” Luo Binghe reassured when he saw his Shizun’s worried gaze when he spotted his ripped and blood covering all the green and white of Qing Jing Peak’s robes.
“Is the abyss… very hard on you?”
Luo Binghe’s expression fell.
“If I’m honest, the abyss is filled with monsters and demons… but it’s alright Shizun! I’ll somehow find a way out!” Shen Qingqiu frowned and continued to pat Binghe’s head.
“Eh, this master will wait until you come back,” Luo Binghe nodded. The dream ended and Shen Qingqiu woke up, feeling better than ever.
Shen Qingqiu decided to go into close seclusion in his bamboo house. He put a talisman outside to make sure nobody disturbs him and told a disciple to send a letter to Ming Fan containing instructions and his expectations when he comes out in 3 years.
Although he didn’t know when Luo Binghe would come out, it has to be between 3-5 years. In his last life, Luo Binghe came out 2 years early because of his desperation, but this lifetime, Luo Binghe knows Shen Qingqiu cares and is waiting for him, and if he ever finds Xin Mo, Shen Qingqiu will make sure to force him to practice it more before coming back.
After that, Shen Qingqiu entered seclusion and there were some nights where Luo Binghe doesn’t visit him, but there were nights were Binghe visited him and keep him updated on his time in the abyss.
When Luo Binghe found Xin Mo 2 years later, Shen Qingqiu strictly instructed him to stay as long as he needs to master the sword. He would not allow Luo Binghe to die by the hands of this very sword ever again.
After 3 years, Shen Qingqiu has more control over his power and Qi. Surprisingly, Luo Binghe quickly learned to control Xin Mo, this time, his will was stronger than ever in his past life where they had many misunderstandings, making it easier for him to take over Xin Mo.
It was the same mission with Huan Hua Palace, Shen Qingqiu exited seclusion and quickly took charge of the mission and headed down the mountains as fast as he could. His disciples were confused about what’s going on with their Shizun but they headed down the mountains with him.
They arrived and Shen Qingqiu made sure he doesn’t get the sowers this time. He searched around for a familiar face but to his disappointment, there was none. He decided to stick around more but was met with the Old Palace Master’s cold glare. He nearly took out Xiu Ya when he remembered what the Old Palace Master did in his past life.
He decided to leave the mission early feeling dejected. After all, he killed the demons there but there wasn’t Luo Binghe so he left the rest of the mission to his disciples. The Old Palace Master does not dare to act when Luo Binghe wasn’t there to support his back.
On his way there, he saw a familiar place. It was where he self-destructed. He can imagine the devastating look Luo Binghe had as he held his cold body and fought through all the cultivators, slashing a portal to his palace.
He remembered how Luo Binghe had slept and spent 5 years keeping his body fresh in case he decides to come back. Remember these memories, Shen Qingqiu felt guilty of his actions in his past life.
When he arrived near Cang Qiong Mountain, there was a figure outside. His eyes brightened when he spotted the familiar black robes and fluffy hair. He ran towards the figure.
“Binghe!” Luo Binghe turned around and smiled, arms extending to catch his Shizun as Shen Qingqiu jumped right into his arms. Shen Qingqiu no longer hides how ungraceful he is in front of Luo Binghe, he does not need to.
His Binghe had returned to him safely. He’s healthy and fine. He’s right in front of him. He’s alive.
They separated and Luo Binghe had the brightest smile he'd ever seen in his entire life. Shen Qingqiu patted his head.
“Binghe has a nice smile,” he blurted out without thinking much but didn’t regret it when he saw Luo Binghe’s face flush to a bright red. He’s getting more and more shameless and honest in front of Binghe.
“Shizun! Disciple misses you very much!”
“En, Shizun missed you too.”
*****
Shen Qingqiu stood in front of everyone with Luo Binghe nervously fidgeting behind him, but he stood there calm and maybe even a little proud. He stared at Yue Qingyuan right in the eyes and announced, “Luo Binghe will be allowed to stay in Qing Jing Peak or I’ll retire from my position as Peak Lord.”
“What? Is he crazy?!”
“No way!”
“He’s risking his position and reputation for a mere filthy demon?!”
Shen Qingqiu has forbidden Luo Binghe to hide his mark, he had planned to do this since the Immortal Alliance Conference but that plan was delayed thanks to that useless disciple.
“Shen-Shidi… please rethink your choices,” Yue Qingyan said, his expression looked a bit desperate like he’s losing something. Shen Qingqiu didn’t care, the only person he needs in his life is Luo Binghe, nobody else, after his second chance at this, he’s blocked everyone from his heart except Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes at him. “This master is firm on his decision.”
There were many whispers but Shen Qingqiu could care less. If they lose him, he’ll go with Luo Binghe to the demon realm; if they let him keep Luo Binghe, he’ll stay in Cang Qiong Sect with Luo Binghe. This time, no matter what, he’ll go anywhere as long as Luo Binghe is there.
He felt a small tug on his sleeve and turned his head around to look at the half-demon behind him who looked a bit nervous. “Shizun, if they don’t accept, there’s no need to risk your position for this lowly disciple.”
Shen Qingqiu whacked him softly on the head with his fan. “This master won’t change his mind. Wherever Binghe goes, this master will follow.”
Luo Binghe looked like he was about to burst into tears, his heart so moved by his Shizun’s loyalty to him. But he was also confused, what had he done for Shizun to risk everything for him?
Yue Qingyuan looked desperate. “Xiao-Jiu-“
“I’m not Xiao-Jiu.”
A truth, he wasn’t Shen Jiu. But those words seemed to affect Yue Qingyuan as his expression turned troubled and sad.
“Sect Leader, I stand firm on my choice.”
There were again many whispers surrounding the hall. Yue Qingyuan finally said, “Luo Binghe will be able to stay in Qing Jing Peak, but he cannot roam anywhere else.”
Shen Qingqiu nodded, satisfied. He grabbed Luo Binghe’s wrist and started walking towards Qing Jing Peak’s direction, ignoring the nasty glare Qi Qingqi send his way and confusing stare he got from Liu Qingge. Honestly, he didn’t know what that man wants from him, in both lifetimes, he always stared at him for a long period of time and not say anything, always appearing everywhere he was but still have no explanations behind his actions.
“Shizun-“
“Binghe does not need to worry,” Shen Qingqiu said, knowing Luo Binghe is probably worried about his image.
For the first time, he felt relieved. His plan worked. Not only did Luo Binghe not have to go through the trauma of losing him and exhausting himself to keep his body fresh for 5 years, but he also gets to stay with him in Qing Jing Peak.
*****
Shen Qingqiu did not expect this. He felt a weird feeling bubbling up inside him when he saw Ning Yingying bawl and cling to Luo Binghe’s chest as he awkwardly tries to comfort her.
He felt an urge to shove her off and push Luo Binghe away from her. In the past, he’d be so ecstatic to see this scene and seeing the harem unfold in front of his eyes, but now, seeing this just pains him.
“Binghe, let’s go inside,” He finally said, his patience thinning at an alarming rate and he’s scared he’ll throw Ning Yingying off the mountain. Luo Binghe nodded but before he could go, Ning Yingying yelled, “I’ll go inside with you! A-Luo! I miss you a lot!”
Shen Qingqiu can see Ming Fan’s face turning blue in the back and he’s sure his face practically matches his behind the fan covering his face. He turned to Ning Yingying, “This master needs to discuss an important matter with Binghe, alone.”
Ning Yingying looked hesitant but she can’t rebuke her Shizun’s words and nodded unsurely before letting go of Luo Binghe’s arm. Shen Qingqiu nearly sighed in relief. He walked inside the bamboo house with Luo Binghe trailing behind him.
“Shizun, is there anything we need to talk about?”
“I… Binghe, from now on, you are not to practice with the other disciples or interact with them, stay in the courtyard and practice your demonic energy.” Shen Qingqiu will not let that bastard sword take over Luo Binghe ever again. He’ll never let Luo Binghe leave his side again.
“Hey, Binghe…”
“Hm?”
“Is there… anybody, you like?” Luo Binghe choked on his saliva and Shen Qingqiu panicked and roughly patted him on the back. He watched the demon’s face turn bright red.
“Shizun! Why so suddenly?” Luo Binghe whined. Shen Qingqiu thought about it, Luo Binghe in his past life must’ve fallen in love with him before his self-destruction or else why would he keep the body of someone who threw him down the abyss.
“Nothing, it’s just Binghe’s becoming an age where people usually find love and get married, so this master is just simply curious,” Shen Qingqiu patted Luo Binghe’s head and couldn’t help but think that this Luo Binghe isn’t blackened at all, so his influence does matter if Luo Binghe blackens or not.
‘Ah my white lotus is still here and he’s so cute!’
He couldn’t help but pinch the less meat but still adorable cheeks. Luo Binghe whined but didn’t shrink back, instead, he leaned into the touch and Shen Qingqiu felt his heart burst in happiness and how adorable Luo Binghe is.
There was a cough heard from the door and Shen Qingqiu quickly pulled his hands away. His expression returned to cold when he spotted Liu Qingge in front of the door. Of course, he wouldn’t knock.
“Shen Qingqiu, are you risking everything to keep a demon in your home?”
Shen Qingqiu glared at him as he replied impolitely, “This isn’t your business if I keep Binghe in my home or not, it’s my choice.”
Liu Qingge’s expression twisted as he pulled his sword out, Shen Qingqiu quickly grabbed Xiu Ya’s hilt, ready to counterattack if Liu Qingge decides to take this challenge too far. Liu Qingge pointed his sword at Binghe and said, “If you win, you’ll stay in the peak, if you lose, scram.”
Luo Binghe smiled and accepted the challenge. Shen Qingqiu is seething in rage, does it matter to Liu Qingge if Binghe stays? This is Qing Jing Peak! Not Bai Zhan! If he sees one scratch on Luo Binghe’s body, he’ll make sure to teach Liu Qingge a lesson.
They dueled, the entire time, Shen Qingqiu was sweating profusely underneath his thick robes. Sure he knows the protagonist halo won’t allow Luo Binghe to lose, but he was more scared since the plot changed so much, what happens if the halo disappeared in the middle of the match? What if Binghe gets stabbed? What if he flies too far and hits his head?
He felt a cool hand on his shoulder and turned around to see Shang Qinghua who smiled in amusement. “Cucumber bro, you seem attached to our protagonist here.”
“Of course! He’s my disciple! And…” Shen Qingqiu trailed off. Sure he liked Binghe, but he doesn’t know Luo Binghe’s emotions towards him this lifetime. The closer he got to him, his originally small feelings grew and grew until he can’t even handle Ning Yingying who have no ill intentions near Luo Binghe.
“We know, it’s too obvious cucumber bro! Just confess! I’m willing to bet on 18 years of my life he likes you back,” Shang Qinghua encouraged and patted his back before handing him some ice inside what seemed like a plastic zipped bag?
“Where the fuck did you find a plastic zipped bag in Ancient China,” Shang Qinghua merely smiled, looking smug, he looked as proud as a damn peacock and Shen Qingqiu wants to pluck all his feathers off. “I made it, seems neat right? I remember I did some research on it before and ask the system to go through my memory.”
“System… do you think we can listen to music from the 21st Century from our memories?” Shang Qinghua’s eyes perked up and he immediately asked his system before excitedly yelled, “Yes!”
Shen Qingqiu wished he has his system now. But it’s better this way, after all, he has Luo Binghe now. Alive and mentally stable. There’s nothing else he needs.
They were interrupted by Luo Binghe walking behind Shen Qingqiu and his eyes shining as he excitedly announces, “Shizun! I won!”
His eyes begging ‘Shizun! Pet me! Pet me! Compliment me! Shizun! I won!’
Shen Qingqiu ruffled his curly hair and smiled.
“I knew Binghe would win.”
*****
The days went by peacefully and leisurely. Shang Qinghua has visited once with Mobei Jun and his eyeballs nearly popped out when he saw Luo Binghe in the kitchen with an apron .
“Cucumber bro, how the fuck did my stallion protagonist get turned into… into a housewife?!” Shang Qinghua was outraged. His hard worked stallion protagonist who was supposed to become a demon lord and destroy an entire mountain and Sect alone had become a housewife.
Shen Qingqiu just shrugged and sipped on his tea that Luo Binghe prepared, secretly smirking behind his cup. If Binghe enjoyed cooking, he’ll let him cook. If Binghe desires to be his wife… he wouldn’t object to that either.
“Hey cucumber bro, the plot is about to end soon. Tianlang-Jun should appear soon, what do you plan to do after that?” Shen Qingqiu thought for a couple of seconds before responding, “I’ll go wherever Binghe goes.”
Shang Qinghua stared at him deadpanned and said, “Just get married already. I doubt he’ll even let you finish before saying yes.”
Shang Qinghua was completely 100% done with the obviousness of Shen Qingqiu. How can anybody not see the lovestruck expression Luo Binghe has whenever Shen Qingqiu is there?! Even a blind man can feel it!
“Hm, if I propose, Shang-Shidi will cover my paperwork for an entire year?”
“YES-wait-“
“Thanks, Shang Shidi!”
Shen Qingqiu walked out, enjoying the wrenching scream Shang Qinghua let out and an “NOOO” in English from behind.
Shen Qingqiu walked outside and spotted Liu Mingyan a bit too close to Luo Binghe. She was nearly pressed up against him, her eyes narrowed as she fires out continuous questions at Luo Binghe whose face was as red as fire and body sweating like it was a hot summer day (it’s Winter).
He knows it’s bad to eavesdrop but he couldn’t help it. He used his Qi to hide his presence and walked behind the nearest tree to them. Thanks to his endless training and meditation, he’s now able to sneak up on people without leaving even a footstep or letting anybody hear him coming.
“What’s your relationship with Qing Jing Peak Lord?”
“Is he your lover?”
“Are you guys in the process of-“
“Liu-Shijie (idk what he’s supposed to call her so I’ll leave it as Shijie (ó﹏ò｡) me and Shizun… aren’t like that,” Luo Binghe replied nervously and… did he seem a bit disappointed?
“You two aren’t together yet?” Liu Mingyan looked perplexed. She was so sure those two were together on how possessive Shen Qingqiu was towards Luo Binghe and how he’s nearly basically like a housewife.
“Binghe?” Shen Qingqiu interrupted, his tone as cold as ever. As much as he’s interested in the topic, the sight of seeing Liu Mingyan so close to Luo Binghe causes some… discomfort to him and something is bubbling in the depths of his stomach and he’s urging to throw her away with his fan.
“Shizun!” Luo Binghe said cheerfully, happy to be away from the interrogation.
“What is Binghe doing?” Liu Mingyan backed away seeing the murderous aura Shen Qingqiu emits and wondered how does Luo Binghe doesn’t managed to sense it. She awkwardly bowed and quickly walked away.
“Ah, this disciple is just talking with Liu-Shijie.”
This wasn’t the first time Shen Qingqiu felt this emotion. Overtime, Luo Binghe’s good looks had caught too many girls’ eyes in Xian Shu Peak regardless of his demon genetics. He even caught some of them in Qing Jing Peak going in as “Ning Yingying’s friend” and eyeing Luo Binghe like a walking meal and they were starving.
After that, Shen Qingqiu blocked everyone from Xian Shu Peak. But that didn’t stop disciples from Bai Zhan Peak eyeing Luo Binghe every time he fights, although he wasn’t sure whether they had ill intentions or not, he blocked them, too.
“Bro, at this point, just block everyone from Qing Jing Peak or convince Sect Leader to make “Do not look or talk to Luo Binghe” a rule,” Shang Qinghua had said one day as they walked away from the meeting together. Shen Qingqiu thought about it.
It’ll be beneficial for him.
He walked back to where he came from and made up an excuse for in case of any accidents that he doesn’t want anyone to ridicule Luo Binghe because of his demonic genetics.
Yue Qingyuan made it a rule and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t be happier.
*****
Luo Binghe looked happier not being looked at by anybody. Although nobody told him of the new rule they had yet to put on the wall, they were aware of it. He could yap non stop to Shen Qingqiu and not have to be stared at either with intentions or nastily by surrounding people.
Liu Qingge had stopped bothering him to challenge him every day and instead went back to his old schedule of leaving and coming back once a month to check on his disciples.
Qi Qingqi was happy her disciples were now training instead of staring at the demon and wasting their time at Qing Jing Peak hoping to catch a peek at him only to be threatened by Shen Qingqiu.
Mu Qingfan was just glad his disciples were focused on their work.
Shang Qinghua was praying Shen Qingqiu would not propose soon.
And everything had worked out.
“Shizun… this disciple has to tell you something,” Luo Binghe said one day when they were alone in the bamboo house. Shen Qingqiu looked up from his paperwork and hummed, indicating him to continue.
Luo Binghe looked nervous as he stumbled over his swords and stuttered. He looked very nervous, flushed from top to bottom and his hands trembled. Shen Qingqiu noticed how much paler he was compared to his past life.
In his past life, Luo Binghe looked exactly like a stallion protagonist would. But in this life, he was shorter by a couple of inches, maybe even shorter than Shen Qingqiu, his skin was nearly 3 shade paler, and he had less muscle than before, and his cheeks are softer than before. But he was more agile and learned faster than before. Shen Qingqiu wondered if, without the system here, Luo Binghe won’t grow like any stallion protagonist but more like a normal cultivator.
“Shizun… I- this disciple- I HAVE FEELINGS FOR YOU!” Luo Binghe yelled out, his face red to the point of steaming and it was now Shen Qingqiu’s turn to turn red. He was more than happy, he was overjoyed. All that hard work did pay off.
He smiled and patted Luo Binghe’s head.
“This master feels the same.”
His purpose in life is Luo Binghe. He wouldn’t trade him for the world.
*****
Shang Qinghua cried as the stacks of paperwork fill up his room. Mobei Jun sat next to him and froze his tears before it drops and ruins the paper under him.
“Cucumber bro! Why so early?! Why couldn’t you wait until next year?!”
Shen Qingqiu has proposed to Luo Binghe a month after dating. And Shang Qinghua wants to strangle him.