Chapter Text
Xie Lian followed Jun Wu closely down the back halls of the Great Martial Hall, shuffling a bit faster than usual to keep up. The rest of the heavenly officials had slowly left after the meeting had ended. Xie Lian was asked to stay behind once again.
This was beginning to become a habit. Jun Wu would call a meeting to discuss something minor and request Xie Lian stay behind to chat. Or rather, Xie Lian would be lectured on some dangerous thing he recently pulled. But something felt off this time. Instead of the disappointed aura around Jun Wu, he seemed to be in a very good mood. Come to think of it, Xie Lian couldn’t recall doing anything wrong on his last mission. He simply exorcised a few water demons plaguing a nearby village. The only thing that went wrong was when he had fallen face first into the muddy water as a particularly feisty water demon got the best of him. A bit of the grime was still stuck to his boots and hair.
"Was there something you needed me for?" Xie Lian carefully asked.
They reached the end of the long hall and entered a minimally furnished room. Jun wu turned and motioned Xie Lian in. "Please." he calmly smiled. "This won't take long. I see you have settled into your 'puqi shrine' down on earth?"
Xie Lian paused a moment, confused. "ah, yes. I do enjoy my stay there."
Jun Wu swept around the room and closed the door behind them. "I'm glad, Xianle; as long as you’re happy. Do you know why I summoned you here today?"
"I have to admit, I am a bit confused." Xie Lian shifted his weight back and forth nervously. The heavenly emperor had never closed the door before and he felt a bit trapped.
"It's rather awkward actually." he chuckled, "I just feel so bad seeing your living conditions so run down. You refuse to live in the palace I provided, so it must not be to your liking. I wanted to offer another option. Please Xianle, I would like to see you living more comfortably instead of in the mud like you have for so long."
Xie Lian straightened his back. "Oh! Thank you. I really do appreciate it, but I have been making quite a few fixes to my shrine. It's not as bad as it seems.”
No one had ever offered their residence to Xie Lian before. At least not out of the kindness of their heart. Unless it was San Lang. He didn’t know how to process this offer and naturally declined. Puqi shrine was becoming a place Xie Lian looked forward to coming back to. In fact, he was wishing he was there this very moment.
Jun Wu paused in front of a large object covered by a cloth. "I see..."
"I do thank you for the consideration! I don't mean to offend at all."
A heavy sigh escaped the heavenly emperor as he looked sadly at Xie Lian. "Xianle, It’s very like you to decline my offer."
Cold sweat dripped down the back of Xie Lian's neck. The atmosphere in the room was beginning to feel heavy.
"I must insist.” Jun Wu gestured to all of Xie Lian. “Look at you! You look as if you’ve been rolling in mud and your hair needs a good brushing. I must offer to you my own residence. Please let me care for you."
Xie Lian was taken aback, a small blush starting to creep into his cheeks. He knew the heavenly emperor kept a close eye on him, but he had never heard Jun Wu speak in such a way. It was like a mother watching out for her child.
"I-I couldn't. That would be improper. Please, my current residence is fine. I'm sorry my appearance isn't very put together at the moment. The council was called right after my last mission." Xie Lian stammered.
Jun Wu hummed and stepped a bit closer. "So you decline my offer?"
Xie Lian felt as though he didn't dare take a step back. He nodded, glancing towards the door in hopes of being excused as usual. But Jun Wu doesn't excuse him. He goes to his side and wraps an arm around the prince's waist, leading him forward towards the large covered object.
"What are you-?" Xie Lian flinched at the sudden contact.
Jun Wu uncovers the object to reveal a large copper mirror. He chuckled. “I knew you would be a stubborn child as always, Xianle. I did ask nicely, didn't I?"
Gently twisting, Xie Lian got out of the heavenly emperor’s light grasp. "My Lord, I please ask you to be more serious. What is going on? May I please leave? I will take your next mission, whatever you need me to do." Panic was building in his chest.
Jun Wu caught his wrist calmly. Xie Lian wanted to tug it away but was still trying not to offend the heavenly emperor. Instead, he backed up towards the door as much as he could. Jun wu simply followed and circled an arm around his back once more. The gentle hand felt heavier this time.
"I have no other missions for you, Xianle. And I do admit I was hoping you would come willingly. I hate having to do this the hard way."
"the har- ?" Xie Lian stumbled as he was lead forward.
"Let’s go now, Xianle. You won't be getting into any more trouble and getting hurt this way." His calm voice made shivers run up and down Xie Lian's spine. He was about to protest again but there was no time before the two gods passed right through the copper mirror. Xie Lian let out a yelp that was suddenly cut off. The room stood silent as if nothing happened. Empty except a strip of silk floating to the floor.