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Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu's contempt for his sectmates is reciprocated. Despite the fact that they whisper behind his back how arrogant he is, dissecting his unfriendly and lonely personality, mocking any trifling mistake and reproaching him for responding to Yue Qingyuan's sympathy with cruel coldness. Certainly, there are very few positive qualities to describe him, but he at least is not a hypocrite. Shen Qingqiu has never hidden his disgust from others, while they smile at him and then stab him in the back with poisonous rumors.

Although 99% of his decisions are harshly criticized by his sectmates, even the logical ones and beneficial to Cang Qiong, there is only one that everyone appreciates: Shen Qingqiu's tendency to choose long missions away from the sect. Neither they want to be close to him nor does he want to be close to them, so over time they came to a silent agreement that these missions were for him.

For Shen Qingqiu, it’s a vacation where he can relax from the pressure of the sect and the punishment that is taking care of so many rude brats. Thanks to his efficiency, Shen Qingqiu finishes tasks in no time and then takes walks and searches for new cultivation manuals or investigates rumors that lead him to secret realms or the den of terrible monsters. 

Sometimes he helps ordinary people who cannot afford to pay a large sect. Sometimes he goes after enslavers just for the price of murdering them. And other times, he enjoys a relaxing stay in a brothel listening to music and savoring sweets.

Those trips are so precious for the sake of his sanity that Shen Qingqiu's mood always turns sour when something unforeseen happens. And the Qing Jing Peak Lord's icy heart burns with rage and frustration, as his expression darkens further, and his voice sharpens like a dagger.

Everybody knew.

Everyone... except a demon.

The demon appears before he has reached his destination. Shen Qingqiu frowns since they are far from the Demon Realm. Those roads are safe and quiet, there are not even ferocious beasts in the nearby forests. However, the demon doesn't bother to hide his nature. A purple seal glows on his forehead and there is something feline in his manner, in the way he walks towards him. He is beautiful, more than any human, although his symmetrical features are ruined by a scowl.

He stops in front of Shen Qingqiu and greets him with an unexpectedly respectful bow.

"This one's name is Liu Qingge," he introduced himself. Despite the noble elegance of his gestures, Shen Qingqiu recognizes the tension of an animal that has been dressed in expensive clothes. "I hope I didn't scare you, cultivator. I'm looking for powerful opponents in the Human Realm."

Shen Qingqiu snorts as he waves his fan until he hides his expression.

"As if this master was so easy to scare," he replies dismissively. "Leave, demon. I'm busy and I don't want to waste my time with your nonsense." Xiu Ya appears in his hand after a flash. "But if you dare to disturb the humans, I will have no choice but to expel you."

Liu Qingge looks confused.

"Why would I bother humans? Mortals are pathetically weak. I'm only looking for powerful opponents." His gaze lingers on the sword and his brow softens. "You are Shen Qingqiu, right? From Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. The Qing Jing Peak Lord. The Xiu Ya sword."

"Indeed." Shen Qingqiu squints his eyes, watching each of the eccentric demon's gestures. "But I'm busy and, as I said, I hate wasting time. Leave, I'm not going to fight you."

"Fight with me?" Liu Qingge tilts his head. "What are you talking about? You are one of the twelve weakest Peak Lords. No, I am looking for Yue Qingyuan. You are close, right?" Shen Qingqiu tenses not from the insult he's used to, but from the hint of the demon. "Can you come with me, cultivator?"

"Obviously not." Shen Qingqiu hisses, drawing his sword. "I‘m not any kind of hostage."

The demon sighs before summoning a sword shrouded in dark qi.

"I hope you can entertain me, Master Shen. Although I would prefer you to join me for the good. It would be very dishonorable of me to injure the lure when my intentions are simply to measure my strength against the sect leader Yue."

Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, one of the country's great cultivation sects, is in chaos. The second Peak Lord, the infamous Shen Qingqiu, has been kidnapped by a Demon Lord named Liu Qingge! The message came to them in a letter challenging Yue Qingyuan to a duel in exchange for Shen Qingqiu's freedom.

Faced with such an urgent situation, the eleven Peak Lords have met Qiong Ding Peak to discuss what to do.

Ten think that the sect should not agree to blackmail and only the leader is in favor of facing his mysterious enemy. Although they defend their positions with solid arguments, they are all motivated by selfish desires. Yue Qingyuan would sacrifice anything to get his Xiao Jiu back, while the rest would sacrifice anything to get rid of Shen Qingqiu.

The debate is at a deadpoint when the door opens and Shen Qingqiu enters. The confusion is as reciprocal as their contempt. They look at him with wide eyes and unable to utter a word, while he meets their gaze with a frown.

"What's going on?" He hisses, furious. "I have just returned when I discover that a meeting is being arranged in my absence."

Although everyone has a lot of experience dealing with demons, Shen Qingqiu is the most terrifying of all living beings on the planet. His anger covers the entire room and makes them shiver. Shen Qingqiu has not yet entered: he has stood on the threshold with his arms crossed and his fingers caressing his fan as if it were a sword.

Yue Qingyuan is the only one who dares to clear his throat.

"I'm glad you're fine, shidi." He starts. Despite his sincere voice, his smile is weak and faltering. "We had received a threatening letter. Saying that shidi had been kidnapped."

Shen Qingqiu first frowns in confusion, then his eyes widen and he clicks his tongue in disdain.

"Stupid demon! Who would send the letter when you still have nothing?" He mutters to himself.

Those words don’t reassure anyone.

"Is shidi okay?" Yue Qingyuan asks tentatively. "What demon?"

"An annoying pest. I already got rid of him." He shakes his hand, dismissing the matter. "Stop meeting for nonsense. I’m Shen Qingqiu, no stupid demon will be able to take a Peak Lord. At least not this one." His gaze lingers on the others, silently hinting that they are weaker and more vulnerable than him. "Yue Qingyuan, I need another mission."

With Shen Qingqiu's return, they all finally reached a new agreement: his sectmate needs a new mission to relax or they would suffer his mood poisoned by rage.

Despite his royal lineage, Liu Qingge has never cared about political intrigues, servants, or demonic nobility. Since he was little, he has done what he wanted and no one has ever been able to stop him. Liu Qingge is that nightmare who doesn’t respect borders and hunts the most impressive monsters but also challenges powerful demons.

For those reasons, Mobei-Jun is his best and only friend: he also does what he wants, as well as being an interesting opponent.

His friend is sitting on the snow, reading some letters, when Liu Qingge arrives. While one is silent like a snowfall, the other is noisy like a collapsing mountain. Mobei-Jun lifts his head without interest, but he raises an eyebrow at the state of his friend.

"I see you have found a worthy rival," he comments with the same interest as if he was talking about the weather.

Liu Qingge stiffens hearing him.

"Worthy? WORTHY?" He hisses. "I haven't even been able to get close to the famous sect leader Yue Qingyuan!"

"So who has left you like this?" His usually dull gaze glows with curiosity as he makes out the scratches and wounds that cover the proud and elegant bearing of the noble demon.

Liu Qingge clenches his fists.

"Another cultivator. Shen Qingqiu." He spits his name out with contempt.

Shen Qingqiu is as beautiful as the rumors say. When Liu Qingge said that he didn’t want to hurt him, he lowered his sword and bowed his head. As Liu Qingge imagined, the scholar from Cang Qiong Sect wasn’t a warrior, but rather someone intelligent who knew how to recognize a superior opponent.

Or so he believed for an instant.

"He attacked me from behind! Can you believe it?" Liu Qingge moved hysterically around his friend. "He used a lot of dirty tricks!"

"But you're used to it, aren't you?"

"He has been worse than any savage demon! He hit me on the crotch!” Humiliation crackles in his words. “He is supposed to be a cultivator! And cultivators are virtuous and noble! I am the demon and I was more polite than him!" Rage burned on his cheeks, coloring them. "It wasn't fair."

That is the first time that Liu Qingge, a heavenly demon spoiled by his innate talent, has uttered those words. He takes a deep breath, trying to regain control.

"It's okay. Next time I will defeat him. We will fight with dignity and then I will be able to face the legendary sword Xuan Su."

Chapter Text

After a demon ruined his last pleasure trip, Shen Qingqiu doesn’t expect the same demon to return and ruin his next pleasure trip as well.

He is in an inn, enjoying delicious food when a shadow appears and points his sword at him.

"You, Shen Qingqiu! Dishonorable human!" Liu Qingge's cheeks are flushed and his eyes are bright with anger. "You are a disgrace to all cultivators!"

"I know," he responds without flinching, raising the chopsticks to his mouth.

"Let's fight. But honorably this time."

Shen Qingqiu replies by rolling his eyes. The good news is that that stupid demon had decided to chase after him instead of looking for Yue Qingyuan, the bad news... He feels a tug in his guts at the thought of what could happen if Liu Qingge keeps his promise to kidnap him to lure Yue Qingyuan. The naivete of the demon prevents him from recognizing the terrible flaw in his plan: Yue Qingyuan will never come for him.

He didn’t do it in the past nor will he now, sacrificing the sect for the Peak Lord that everyone detests.

Shen Qingqiu purses his lips in a bitter grin. That delicious food now tastes like ash and his stomach hurts.

"I'm busy."

"Cultivators practice inedia." Liu Qingge shakes his head, as direct as simple.

Shen Qingqiu wonders if there is minimal intelligence behind those sharp eyes. Most demons are physically unpleasant, more beasts than humans, but this one can pass as a young nobleman more arrogant than usual. His features are delicate and he has a mole under one of his eyes. At least that day he has had the good sense to hide his demonic seal.

"You hinder my work, demon." He snorts at him before reaching for the cup of tea and trying to ease the pressure on his throat. "I must collect a hundred samples of a dozen different medicinal plants."

Liu Qingge frowns.

"That's stupid."

"Some, unlike others, don't have any spare time." Aware that he will be unable to eat any more, Shen Qingqiu gets up from the table. "If you want another humiliating defeat so badly, I'll see you in two nights at the temple outside this city."

"Fine." Liu Qingge nods before sheathing his sword. "Next time, I hope you fight honorably."

"I don’t promise anything."

The music lulls Shen Qingqiu to sleep, who stretches out like a lazy cat. That melody has the power to blur reality and transport him to a world where pressure doesn’t exist, neither does his fear, the scars of his trauma, nor his resentment. Shen Qingqiu closes his eyes and for a few seconds, he also disappears.

Then screams are heard and someone kicks the door open.

"One month! I've waited a month for you!" He doesn't need to open his eyes to recognize the demon's angry voice. "And where do I find you? In a brothel! SHEN QINGQIU, YOU ARE THE SHAME OF HUMAN CULTIVATORS!"

Shen Qingqiu huffs before standing up. The prostitutes who accompany him tremble at the presence of the demon. And that anger is capable of hitting the walls. Liu Qingge's fists are clenched and that's the only thing stopping him from grabbing his sword and breaking something. Although that desire sparkles in his eyes.

"One month?" Shen Qingqiu mutters, confused by sleep and surprised. "Have you waited a month for me? Are you an idiot?"

Yet despite the scorn in his voice, something in his chest twists at the thought of SOMEONE WAITING uselessly.

Perhaps the demon is stupid, but not as stupid as he, who stayed with the Qiu for years.

"Of course! Demons, unlike certain humans, are honorable." Liu Qingge puffs out his chest with the pride of a peacock. "Let's fight."

“Now? AGAIN? Don't you think of anything else or your head is empty, stupid demon?”

Liu Qingge shows his teeth, offended, but his posture doesn’t lose his graceful dignity.

"At least I'm not a liar. Not a nasty pervert!" An intense blush covers his cheeks. "Do you know that what you are doing is bad for your cultivation?"

"Oh, I never realized it." Shen Qingqiu feigns ignorance as he crawls onto the prostitutes' laps. His appearance is decadent with his loose hair cascading down his back or his robes open at the collarbones. Liu Qingge blushes, even more, looking away as he giggles maliciously. “There is a problem, demon.”

“Which one?” This time, he looks at him suspiciously.

"First, you've broken that door. And I suspect some more as well. Second, you're scaring these ladies and I'm afraid you've ruined tonight's winnings." Shen Qingqiu is smiling like a snake as he looks into his eyes. "That wasn't very honorable, demon."

For such an arrogant and powerful demon, it is very easy to embarrass Liu Qingge, who opens his mouth without being able to say anything. Ashamed, he looks away.

"Now what will you do, demon? I hope you can pay for the damage and inconvenience."

"Of course!"

"Right now?"

Liu Qingge frowns.

As Shen Qingqiu suspected, someone like him never carries money.

When Liu Qingge returns from the Demon Realm with the promised treasures to pay, Shen Qingqiu has already left, leaving only a farewell note: I’m busy. Don't bother me anymore.

Liu Qingge gets so angry reading it that he almost smashes the brothel door. Again.

Chapter Text

Despite what Liu Qingge believes, Shen Qingqiu works. And a lot. He is a responsible and efficient person. After all, he has earned his place with sweat and blood, though not because of his educational or social skills.

So, no, he is not happy that an annoying demon has come to bother him when he is working. Furthermore, why has the demon returned!? In the last few months, they have already met too many times. Shen Qingqiu just wants to forget about Liu Qingge. Sadly, Liu Qingge only wants to face Shen Qingqiu in a fair duel.

Why the only ones who come back to him are wandering misfortunes!?

Stupid demon! He hisses through clenched teeth in frustration. Fortunately, his current assignment is simple paperwork. However, it will be very harmful to both the sect and him if they see him in the company of a demon. Why can't you just leave me alone? They are in the busy streets of the capital, where people crowd and it is as easy to hide as it is to be chased. Although Liu Qingge has masked his demoniac energy, his bearing is unmistakable. Once again, he dresses in the luxurious robes of a young lord and walks as if the world belongs to him. Too bad that Shen Qingqiu doesn't belong to anyone. I need to get rid of him!!!! Now!

Shen Qingqiu twists through the alleys, faster and faster, aware not only of his pursuer but also of the people around him. A mischievous smile spreads across his lips as he recognizes a handful of orphaned children begging.

"Hey, kids!" He calls out to them, drawing their attention immediately. Oh, Shen Qingqiu knows very well the hunger that glows in his greedy little eyes. "Do you want a reward?" Of course, all the children nod. "Do you see that young master dressed in white? You have to tell him that Master Shen wishes to challenge him on the outskirts of town. Be annoying, insistent, and shameless. I will invite you to four meals if you can get that young master out of town."

A few seconds later, Liu Qingge finds himself surrounded by a dozen persistent children. When the demon lifts his head, Shen Qingqiu has already disappeared from his view. Frustrated, he clenches his fists as Shen Qingqiu continues his work, humming a happy tune.

At this point in his life, Shang Qinghua is used to Mobei-jun's sudden appearances. Generally, there are no logic behind the ice demon's decisions, only whims, and intentions that the Peak Lord's mind fails to comprehend. And he neither has tried to understand.

From his point of view, Mobei-jun is a nuisance that appears to disrupt his routine and cause him a lot of trouble. Still, Shang Qinghua doesn't usually complain much. Better to be his spy (almost a lackey) than to be dead. As always, Shang Qinghua bows his head respectfully when Mobei-jun arrives.

"Is there something you wish for, my Lord?" He asks in a soft, servile voice.

It is the same voice behind which he always hides his exhaustion or frustration. For Shang Qinghua, there is hardly any difference between the irritating Peak Lords and the irritating demon ice.

"Qing Jing Peak Lord." As always, Mobei-jun is direct and doesn't get distracted by trifles. However, his request is unusual. "You take care of the sect's missions, right? Tell me what Shen Qingqiu's next mission is. He must be alone."

Shang Qinghua doesn’t know why Mobei-jun has taken an interest in Shen Qingqiu and doesn’t ask either. He is neither happy being his lackey nor being ignored by his sectmates. And Shen Qingqiu is the worst: arrogant, powerful, cunning, and cruel. Perhaps setting him up is a wise move, as Shen Qingqiu is already suspicious of his alliance with the demons.

"You can trust this humble one, my lord." He bows. “Shen Qingqiu will be yours.”

According to the indications of Shang Qinghua, there is a Green Scale Lizard on that mountain. This would be a mission worthy of Bai Zhan Peak, but Shen Qingqiu had appropriated it once more. It is also his specialty after all.

Green Scale Lizards aren’t especially dangerous creatures, not when Shen Qingqiu possesses a prodigious memory of all of his weaknesses, yet its lair is deep in a forest infested by poisonous flowers. The flowers are blue and cover the land and the bark of the trees. Any slight touch, even the air, raises pollen capable of nullifying cultivation.

Shen Qingqiu is walking slowly, avoiding brushing against the flowers with his long sleeves, when Liu Qingge lands in front of him with a blow that shakes the entire mountain.

"Now you won't be able to run away from me, you cowardly cultivator!" He roars, drawing his sword. "Fight, Shen Qingqiu!"

NEXT TIME I WILL KILL YOU.

Liu Qingge's abrupt appearance has raised pollen clouds, perhaps a storm. Although Shen Qingqiu covered his face with his sleeve, he is starting to notice the effects within his veins. His fragile qi trembles and panic spread in his gut as he feels vulnerable again.

"Idiot! What an honorable fight if you just poisoned me!?"

"Another excuse?" Liu Qingge narrows his eyes and doesn’t hesitate to point the sword at him. "You will not deceive me with your lies again, Shen Qingqiu."

And he grits his teeth, furious, but perhaps assuming he deserves it after so many deceptions. (Something inside Shen Qingqiu wonders if Liu Qingge waited for him a second time.) However, he neither plans to fight in that state nor allow himself to be kidnapped.

A desperate situation calls for desperate measures.

Although the poison has only nullified his qi, perhaps Liu Qingge doesn’t know it. Shen Qingqiu whimpers before faking a faint. Instantly, powerful arms hold him down. For a demon, Liu Qingge is slimmer than corpulent, yet his muscles are defined under his clothes and Shen Qingqiu holds his breath as he feels his body against his, warm and firm as a rock.

"You idiot demon..." He mutters in an exaggeratedly weak voice. "The poison of the Flower of Blue Tears affects humans..." After blinking, his eyes fill with tears. "Is this how you fight honorably?"

The moment Liu Qingge pales, Shen Qingqiu knows that he has won. The demon's determination disappears through guilt and he takes that opportunity to try to sneak away.

"Sorry, I just wanted to fight… I didn't know..." Shen Qingqiu closes his eyes and lets out a groan of pain. Instantly, Liu Qingge grips him even tighter, and his voice trembles. "I'm sorry. I… I'll take responsibility."

Shen Qingqiu contains a laugh that would destroy his lie. The only reason he tolerates Liu Qingge's presence to a certain extent is because of his naivety. The demon is insistent, but also very easy to deceive.

"No need. Leave me alone and I..."

"No." Liu Qingge carries Shen Qingqiu in his arms, regaining his determination. The cultivator hisses at the abrupt movement and instinctively clings to his neck. "I’ve made a mistake and for my honor, I will take responsibility. I’ll take care of you. And then, we’ll fight." 

Liu Qingge holds him gently so as not to hurt him, but firmly enough that he cannot escape. Fuck. And for the first time, Shen Qingqiu is defeated by his own wits. What can I do now!!!!????

Chapter Text

Mobei-jun comes back soon. Too soon. And without respecting the rules agreed between them of stealth and caution. Shang Qinghua nearly suffered a heart attack when the ice demon emerged from the shadows in the middle of An Ding Peak. At least all of his disciples are busy and stressed enough to consider him a hallucination in case anyone sees him. Even so, the cultivator runs towards the demon to push him into a discreet corner. His plan regrettably fails and Shang Qinghua collides with a demon with the same body temperature and immobility of an ice floe.

"My lord." He whimpers, reaching for the first time to grab Mobei-jun by the arm and stretch him to no avail. "What are you doing here!? The cultivators can see you!"

"What have you done? Shen Qingqiu has been poisoned and now is sick."

"What?" Shang Qinghua blinks, confused, and finally notices the demon's scowl, undoubtedly annoying, and that he is carrying a communication talisman in his left hand. "Wasn't it a simple mission? I don't understand why Shen Qingqiu was poisoned, he's very careful..."

"It's your mistake. Fix it. How do you heal a cultivator?"

Shang Qinghua doesn’t respond. Unlike other times, it is not for fear or respect, but confusion. But you weren't planning to ambush him!!? Now you are angry with me because Shen Qingqiu is hurt!!? Knowing Shen Qingqiu, surely because of the demon. Wait! Shang Qinghua squints his eyes suspiciously. What exactly are your intentions with Shen Qingqiu? You want to face him, right? RIGHT!?

"You know..." Shang Qinghua clears his throat. "Despite his terrible personality and the rumors about him, Shen Qingqiu is a human."

"Obvious."

"Well, I just want to make sure..." He murmurs, indecision strangling his voice. "So... Are you sure you want to heal Shen Qingqiu? The personification of arrogance? A powerful human cultivator who hates demons?"

"How?"

Mobei-jun never wastes time with unnecessary words. And he doesn't want to be distracted when at any moment they can catch him talking to the enemy.

"Well, my Lord, let this humble one help you."

Liu Qingge is using a talisman to speak with Mobei-jun. Although cultivators can heal on their own and without anyone's help, if he intervenes then Shen Qingqiu will heal sooner and they will be able to fight. However, the ungrateful cultivator has done nothing but protest: he protested when Liu Qingge carried him to the nearest human city and when Liu Qingge broke into an inn by smashing the door (it's not his fault that human inns are so flimsy!). Shen Qingqiu also protested when he led him to a bed and covered him with different blankets, sheets, and mattresses until he was completely wrapped in a cocoon.

The energy of the cultivator's protests makes him suspect that it is all a lie. Again. Liu Qingge doesn't understand why he falls into all of his traps forever. Aren't cultivators supposed to be virtuous? Why does Shen Qingqiu always disappoint him?

This time, Liu Qingge decides to feign naivety and lower his guard against him. He will set a trap for him and then when the truth is revealed they will fight.

When night falls, Liu Qingge pretends to go to sleep in another room.

Just as he imagined, Shen Qingqiu takes this opportunity to sneak away like a lying snake. Liu Qingge follows him, hiding in the shadows. Shen Qingqiu leaves the inn and walks the streets with determined and undoubtedly healthy steps. The demon sighs, more resigned than disappointed, and continues to pursue him. After prudently walking away from the inn, Shen Qingqiu unsheathes his sword to fly, confirming all of his suspicions. Liu Qingge closes his eyes before summoning his demon sword. Despite the fact that the fight he longs for is finally coming true, the disappointment is bitter and muddies that moment. And he doesn't understand why he feels like this, so enraged that he would destroy a mountain, but he can't help it either.

Despite the dark clouds, Shen Qingqiu's green figure glows at night. Liu Qingge is watching him with narrowed eyes when something unexpected happens.

Shen Qingqiu stumbles.

His sword pauses for a few seconds and the cultivator nearly falls to the ground. That happens multiple times. Despite the distance, Liu Qingge can feel his anger and frustration, more sincere than all his words. He didn't lie! Liu Qingge understands, his eyes widen. He is poisoned! But what is he doing? Is he an idiot? After clicking his tongue, the demon climbs onto his sword and flies towards the cultivator.

When his powers fail again, Shen Qingqiu falls from the sword. And Liu Qingge traps his light body in his arms. Shen Qingqiu's stunned expression turns into one of rage as he recognizes him. Expecting gratitude from him may be impossible, but even so, Liu Qingge is disappointed.

"What are you doing!?" The human hisses.

"Prevent you from dying. You're welcome."

"I don’t need your help."

Unfortunately for him, Liu Qingge has decided that it’s best to ignore him. And despite his kicks and complaints, the demon returns to the inn with him in his arms. Shen Qingqiu scratches his forearms in a desperate attempt to free himself, but the poison has also erased his strength. Right now, nothing differentiates him from a normal human. Liu Qingge considers that fragility terrifying, but it also allows him to see Shen Qingqiu for the first time as not as a rival.

Once in the room, Liu Qingge wraps Shen Qingqiu back in the sheets, immobilizing him until only his sullen eyes protrude behind blankets.

"Stop complaining." Liu Qingge scolds him. "You're hurt and you need help."

"Not from a demon like you!"

Liu Qingge shrugs before sitting down next to him. According to Mobei-jun, perhaps a transfer of qi will be the most effective method, but he doubts it will work between demons and humans. Theoretically, his blood also possesses healing properties (or so he has been told), but Liu Qingge suspects that Shen Qingqiu will refuse if he offers that possibility.

"Are you going to stay all night watching me!?" The cultivator hisses at him.

"Someone must prevent you from committing another recklessness." Liu Qingge crosses his arms.

And the two keep an eye on each other. One to escape and the other so that he doesn’t escape.

That night, no one sleeps.

Tiredness turns Shen Qingqiu's body to lead. Insomnia and a sleepless night are tangled in his bones, in his veins. His eyes burn, and yet he refuses to blink. In the hands of his enemy, any mistake can be the last. Unfortunately for him, the demon is as perfect as ever. His clothes are without wrinkles and he has his hair in an elegant ponytail. It’s disgustingly irritating.

Liu Qingge is absent for a few seconds in which Shen Qingqiu tries to escape from the sheet prison, but he returns too soon and he ends up once again in bed against his will. A few minutes later, someone calls into the room with a tray of food.

The tray ends on the knees of Liu Qingge, sitting once again next to the bed. Shen Qingqiu squints his eyes before spitting angrily.

"In your dreams."

"I haven't said anything yet." Liu Qingge frowns before grabbing the chopsticks. "Open your mouth."

Shen Qingqiu releases one arm to snatch the chopsticks from him.

"I said: in your dreams." He hisses. "I can eat on my own. Now go."

"No. I'll stay with you. You're not going to trick me again."

Shen Qingqiu just has to pretend that he is choking with the food so the demon disappears to look for a cup (the previous cup of tea had been spilled in an act of calculated clumsiness).

Liu Qingge catches him when he is trying to escape through the window.

"Why are you so annoying!?" The demon protests. "You're hurt! Stay in bed!"

"I'm not!"

"Then let's fight!"

This time, it is Shen Qingqiu who decides to go back to bed. He crosses his arms and glares at him.

"Satisfied?"

"Eat."

"As if I could trust a demon's food..."

Liu Qingge snorts before retrieving the thrown chopsticks and sitting next to him again, this time on the mattress. Shen Qingqiu tries to move away, but he puts an arm around his waist and pulls him towards him. That grip seems like a steel embrace because the demon doesn’t let him go even when he sinks his nails in his arms.

The chopsticks stop on his lip.

"You have to regain strength. Eat."

"I don't trust you," he hisses between clenched teeth.

Liu Qingge's expression darkens even more.

"Why not? I'm not the dishonorable one between the two of us!" His anger seems sincere. Shen Qingqiu can appreciate it is his breathing, in the tension of that body glued to his. "Food is just food, what else could it be?"

"Poison."

"If you're poisoned we won't be able to fight. Why would I want to poison you?" Liu Qingge snorts. "Right now I could take you to the Demon Realm if I wanted to. But I won't. I care about my word and I promise you that I will never take advantage of your weak state, but I’ll wait until you are well to fight you in fair conditions." He takes a deep breath. "Do you believe me now?"

"No."

"Just. Eat. Stubborn cultivator!!!!"

Shen Qingqiu agrees to eat just to save himself the embarrassment of being fed by an enemy. And because Liu Qingge's argument is reasonable even though he still doesn't trust the demon. Shen Qingqiu eats silently, keeping an eye on him. Liu Qingge has leaned his back against the wall and he is also watching over him. Although the room is not small, their mutual distrust covers from the corners to all the walls.

Finally, after an eternity, Liu Qingge walks towards the door. Before leaving, he gives him one last suspicious look.

"I'm going to ask for hot water. Be good."

Shen Qingqiu responds with a hiss.

Even so, despite the anger and humiliation that beat under his skin, he behaves well: he doesn’t try to escape again and agrees to bathe. Of course, hiding behind a screen because he would die rather than undress in front of a man like Liu Qingge. The bathroom is pleasant and the warmth of the water mixes with his tiredness. Shen Qingqiu wants to close his eyes and sleep, but the tension keeps him awake.

When he finishes bathing, they have cleared the chaos of the room. Shen Qingqiu goes back to bed and tries to comb his hair. He stiffens when Liu Qingge sits behind him and grabs a lock of hair.

"I will help you. Rest."

But Shen Qingqiu is unable to rest, to soften the tension that stiffens his body, to ignore that poisonous mistrust embedded in his gut. He puts his hands on his knees and his nails start scratching the fabric.

"This is what you want?" Shen Qingqiu growls, desperate to find something that will justify the demon's anomalous behavior. "Make me your pet?"

"Of course not." Behind him, Liu Qingge frowns. "I want to fight you."

"Just that? No one would go to this much trouble just for a fight!"

"I do. I’m not interested in human pets, but find worthy opponents." Even though until then he has acted like a brute, he combs delicately Shen Qingqiu's hair. He finds it hard to contain a sound of satisfaction when his fingers caress the back of his neck.

"If that was true, why haven't you found a doctor?"

Liu Qingge stops combing his hair. And for a brief moment, Shen Qingqiu regrets it.

"I... I hadn't thought about it."

On that day, Shen Qingqiu understands that Liu Qingge is too stupid to hide wickedness. And that, unexpectedly, reassures him.

Chapter Text

The doctor wipes the sweat from his forehead, perhaps terrified by Liu Qingge's demonic presence. Or, perhaps, from Shen Qingqiu's darkened gaze. Or, more likely, because of the tense combination of both.

"Flower of Blue Tears doesn’t have a very potent poison, but the excellent cultivator has ingested too much." He explains to Liu Qingge after examining Shen Qingqiu's meridians. "He will heal himself naturally."

"How long?" The demon rebukes him, eager for the fight.

"With his cultivation level... at least a month."

Liu Qingge glances at Shen Qingqiu, who despite his cold expression, has clenched his fists in frustration. Even though the long sleeves of his outer robes cover his hands, Liu Qingge appreciates his white knuckles from the tension. Strange , he thinks. Although that confirms what he already knew: that Shen Qingqiu is one of the weakest Peak Lords in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. The demon sighs as he crosses his arms. Still, that doesn't justify his dirty tricks.

"Can I fight him already?" Liu Qingge asks the doctor.

"Of course not!"

"Do I have to wait a month?"

The doctor wipes the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

"I wouldn’t recommend it either..."

Shen Qingqiu huffs before standing up. Or try. Liu Qingge rests his hands on his shoulders and urges him to sit down again. If the doctor has said that the cultivator needs to rest for a month, he will take care of Shen Qingqiu. Annoyed, his rival hisses before slapping him.

"Don't touch me! This was your fault, you pesky demon!" Shen Qingqiu turns his head to glare at him. "Why did you have to land among the flowers!? I was being careful! But you... You are a mindless brute whose empty head only thinks about fighting!"

Rage colors Liu Qingge's cheeks.

"That's not true!"

"Then why are you looking after me?"

"..."

"See?" Shen Qingqiu draws an inexplicable victorious smile, too crooked to hide happiness or any positive emotion. "You pretend to be virtuous, demon, but you are as selfish as the worst humans."

While they argue, the doctor tiptoes to the door of the room and runs away, deciding that they don't need to pay anything for his services. Liu Qingge, unaccustomed to paying, doesn’t consider it strange. And besides, he's too focused on understanding his own emotions to realize it. Everything Shen Qingqiu said is true, but it is that angry tone, that poison turned into words, that is affecting him and making his blood burn.

Shen Qingqiu, still sitting, crosses his arms and looks at him defiantly.

"So? Are we going to argue for a fucking month or can I go back to my sect to recover?"

In Mobei-jun palace it always snows. That's no surprise, but his sister is talking to the demon. Liu Qingge lands in front of them and greets them with a nod.

"What are you doing here, Mingyan?"

"That's what I should ask you! What are you doing here, ge? Weren't you taking care of your human?"

Liu Mingyan pronounces your human with the possessiveness of a pet as if she has decided that Shen Qingqiu belongs to him and it is only logical that Liu Qingge protects him. Liu Qingge sighs before sitting down in front of his two friends.

"We spoke to a doctor. He must rest for a month."

"And?"

"It is better for him to rest in his sect. The environment is better for cultivators and he will recover sooner."

Liu Mingyan sighs and Mobei-jun, usually as expressive as a rock, slightly alters his expression.

"Ge, he tricked you again."

"Not this time! It's absurd to fight if Shen Qingqiu doesn't possess his spiritual powers, so after a month..."

"He will avoid you. One more time." Liu Mingyan sighs again. "You should have brought him here. I'm curious to meet the cultivator who has captivated you."

Liu Qingge squints in faint suspicion that his sister is referring to something other than what he is thinking. But she doesn't clarify her words, instead, she leans down to rest her head on his shoulder. Despite the veil with which she covers half of her face, he knows that she is smiling.

"We should help you, ge. What do you think, Mobei-jun?"

"There's no need." Liu Qingge frowns.

"If the human uses dirty tricks, why don't we do the same?"

"Because I am more honorable than him!"

"Not us."

Mobei-jun doesn’t confirm it, nor does it contradict it.

"What about that? If the human fails his word and has lied to you again, then we’ll punish him, okay?"

Liu Qingge looks at her suspiciously.

"What are you talking about?"

"Bring him to the Demon Realm. He will be our guest until he grants you that fight."

That's an unexpectedly tempting idea and Liu Qingge bites his lip as he thinks about what it would be like to have Shen Qingqiu with them. A nightmare , he concedes. Just two days with Shen Qingqiu poisoned was a terrible experience that he would rather not repeat. However, his heart begins to pound, ignoring any logic. And that desire grows as intensely as fighting.

A month goes by.

The demon has his arms crossed and looks at him suspiciously.

"You've come," he mutters warily. "You really have come."

Shen Qingqiu shrugs. After a month of hesitation, of repeating to himself that he never wants to see Liu Qingge again, in the end an impulse made him grab Xiu Ya and fly to meet him.

"This is the only and last time I will fight you." Shen Qingqiu warns him. "Is it clear? I do it only because I hate owing someone else, even if you are a demon."

Liu Qingge smiles. It's strange. Shen Qingqiu is used to his scowl and that smile doesn't fit him. Uncomfortable, he unsheathes Xiu Ya.

"I look forward to meeting your true talent." Liu Qingge's eyes sparkle when he summons his demon sword.

It's ironic because when they met Liu Qingge scorned him. And deep down, he still underestimates him. It is a bitter certainty and one of the reasons why Shen Qingqiu would have preferred never to see him again. But those brief days of caring for him have stirred his emotions and that is why Shen Qingqiu has accepted Liu Qingge's duel.

They fight.

In Shen Qingqiu's chest beat different reasons to be there, dodging the demon's attacks. Faint remorse, because that idiot waited a month for him and didn’t protest when Shen Qingqiu demanded that he return to his sect to recover. Because despite being a demon, Liu Qingge is naive and keeps his word. He also makes him aware of how tainted is his soul. Shen Qingqiu has no good wishes or hopes left, just egregious pessimism, lies, and anger.

And that’s why he fights using a thousand dirty tricks.

During that month he hasn’t only recovered but also to arm himself with talismans and spells with which to attack Liu Qingge treacherously.

"You!" The demon hisses, panting and trembling, after being hit by a purifying talisman that has damaged his demonic qi. "You are a cheater!"

"Of course. I agreed to fight you, not a fair duel." Shen Qingqiu smirks and approaches Liu Qingge with graceful steps, which barely make any noise. The edge of Xiu Ya brushes the demon's perfect jaw without hurting him. "Next time don't underestimate me. I hate it."

Liu Qingge clenches his fists in anger. If it weren't for Shen Qingqiu having covered his sword with seals, he would keep fighting. His determination is as adorable as the blush that covers his cheeks and the frustration that lights up his eyes. In a fit, Shen Qingqiu leans in, and his thumb strokes the mark of beauty under his eye. Liu Qingge stiffens and his smile grows more mocking. See you soon , Shen Qingqiu thinks before turning his back and flying away.

Perhaps...

Perhaps he doesn't dislike Liu Qingge's insistence. Perhaps, deep down in his heart, he longs for someone to seek him out, wait for him, fight for his attention. But if he grants him that fair duel, Liu Qingge will beat him and disappear from his life. After all, that was the reason why he took care of him. It's a selfish interest, but Shen Qingqiu wants it.

It's okay. He can become his enemy. And then Liu Qingge will always come back for him.

Chapter Text

The only certain thing in Shen Qingqiu's life is that all his efforts will be in vain. It doesn’t matter that he has become the mighty Qing Jing Peak Lord, his destiny is to fail miserably. The mission in the Shang Hu City is simple and, even so, he has ended up practically naked and tied with immortal binding cables in front of his favorite disciple and the one he detests the most. Meanwhile, the demon, a nasty creature known as a skinner, is confessing all her plans in an endless speech Shen Qingqiu is deciding what he will do next. Perhaps the demon could kill him thus ending his shameful life. Or maybe he should get rid of the witnesses? He appreciates Ning Yingying as if she is his own daughter, but he cannot say the same for the little beast of Luo Binghe, the culprit of that situation.

And from Luo Binghe's somewhat terrified and regretful expression, it's obvious that he knows it too. Oh, terrible punishment awaits the brat when they return to Qing Jing Peak.

If they get back. Right now Shen Qingqiu is trapped, not only by the bonds that nullify his qi and immobilize him but also by the nauseating memory of being defenseless. He hates it: his weakness and bad luck, his uselessness. Despite so many years, in his heart still lives that helpless slave boy who will never be able to escape.

Sometimes fate sucks.

The skinner is finishing her speech and begins to approach Shen Qingqiu with evil intentions when the ceiling breaks and another demon lands between them. For a few seconds, Liu Qingge stood threateningly protecting Shen Qingqiu.

"You messed with the wrong human." He growls before piercing the demon's chest with his sword. "He is my prey."

Shen Qingqiu is neither happy nor relieved when Liu Qingge turns and looks him in the eyes. Furthermore, his desire to die so he doesn't have to live with the shame of that incident is growing.

"What are you doing here!?" Shen Qingqiu hisses.

"Why are you getting kidnapped by another demon!?"

"You are stupid if you think this was my decision!"

"Well, without your tricks you are weak and the world is dangerous. You should be accompanied by stronger humans to protect you."

"I will kill you, demon!!!!!"

Liu Qingge has the gall to smile satisfied.

"Great. Let's fight."

Shen Qingqiu snorts. It should no longer surprise him how simple Liu Qingge's thoughts are, still... despite the rage boiling in his chest, he is happy that the demon has appeared. His plan is working. Perhaps too good since now he is trapped in an even worse situation. The skinner was still a minor demon, while Liu Qingge is a Demon Lord.

Liu Qingge has turned to discover the two disciples, who are looking at him with wide eyes, clouded with fear and a hint of admiration. It seems to Shen Qingqiu that Liu Qingge's gaze is especially focused on Luo Binghe, but in the end the demon shakes his head and turns to him.

"I'm taking your little humans as hostages." He announces.

Shen Qingqiu chokes.

"You WHAT?"

"If you don't fight me, I'll take them to the Demon Realm."

He is shaking in frustration when Liu Qingge walks over to him to untie him. Instead of breaking the immortal binding cables, the demon kneels next to him to undo the knots. He is so close that for a moment their bodies brush briefly. Shen Qingqiu instinctively takes a breath. The demon’s hair tickles his face. Liu Qingge unexpectedly smells good, something like wood and steel.

The bastard keeps the immortal binding cable inside his clothes when he finally finishes untying him. It looks like the virtuous Demon Lord has discovered a trick with which to neutralize a cultivator.

Shen Qingqiu stays still, massaging his wrists as he waits for his qi to circulate normally again. Meanwhile, he thinks of the best strategy to get rid of that nuisance. His pride prevents him from allowing Liu Qingge to kidnap any disciples, not even Luo Binghe. But that's the worst situation he has been in until now and Liu Qingge is already beginning to recognize his tricks.

While he pretends to recover, the demon is examining the room with curiosity. He finds Xiu Ya in the corner where the skinner had thrown it and returns it to Shen Qingqiu with a scowl.

"Where are your clothes?"

"Mn?"

That's a fucking good question.

After retrieving his sword, Shen Qingqiu gets up, ignoring the fact that he only wears his inner robes, which barely cover his collarbones and leave too much skin exposed. Uncomfortable, he turns his back on the demon to search for his clothes. He won't fight nearly naked! I'm going to resurrect that skinner to kill her myself, Shen Qingqiu hisses between clenched teeth.

He stiffens upon hearing Liu Qingge's footsteps. The demon is closing in on him. Instinctively, Shen Qingqiu grasps the hilt of the sword. Just in case. But then something heavy falls on his shoulders: Liu Qingge's outer robes.

"You can't be like this. It's indecent." Liu Qingge growls. His expression is one of annoyance, as if that was also Shen Qingqiu's fault, although there is a red tinge on his cheeks. “You can’t fight like that.”

Shen Qingqiu sighs exaggeratedly.

"Too bad. We will have to postpone it for another day..."

"There's no need." Liu Qingge interrupts him with his unwavering stubbornness. "We can fix this quickly."

The demon grabs him by the waist before leaping up to the ceiling and dragging him with him. Shen Qingqiu hisses in surprise, instinctively holding onto him so as not to fall.

"What are you doing, demon!!!!?"

They are so close that he has no choice but to look directly into his eye. Liu Qingge meets his gaze unblinking, still holding him firmly, but with that unexpected delicacy that he sometimes displays.

"Easy. We're going to buy you some new clothes. And then we fight."

Meanwhile, two confused disciples watch as an unknown demon kidnaps their shizun.

"Ning-shijie... what just happened?"

It wasn’t in Liu Qingge's plans to go shopping with Shen Qingqiu, but his decency prevents him from fighting under such conditions with the cultivator. Shen Qingqiu would be at a disadvantage and he... He too. For some reason, something inside Liu Qingge feels uncomfortable at the sight of Shen Qingqiu almost naked. It is different from when he was poisoned and Liu Qingge had to take care of him. The disheveled and vulnerable Shen Qingqiu reminded him of a rabid cat that Liu Qingge inexplicably wanted to care for. However, this Shen Qingqiu hasn’t lost his elegance or coldness, only the clothes. Liu Qingge still feels the urge to protect him, but also something else that he fails to identify. Perhaps a thrill similar to the adrenaline rush previous to the battle.

"Do you even bring money?" Shen Qingqiu hisses when they enter the first clothing store.

Liu Qingge takes a few minutes to reply, vaguely aware that Liu Mingyan gave him a bag of money for his upcoming adventures in the Human Realm.

"Yes."

"You didn't sound very reliable."

"Stop complaining." Liu Qingge grabs his hand and drags him inside. "It's not a big deal."

"Brainless demon." Shen Qingqiu tries to nudge him. "As long as you're in the Human Realm, you must act like humans. If you don't have money, we're leaving."

"I have." He growls after checking that he hasn't lost Liu Mingyan's bag. It wouldn’t be the first time. "You humans are very rare. It is easier in the Demon Realm: if you are powerful, you take whatever you want."

Shen Qingqiu lets out a dismissive hiss, rolling his eyes.

"Don't be simple. Even though we have more rules, our worlds are quite similar. But you know?" The cultivator turns to him with a crooked smile. "The weak also have ambitions. Even if you are more powerful than me, during all these months I have won you. And I'm still winning." Shen Qingqiu leans towards him and Liu Qingge feels a chill. There's something hypnotic about his gaze, the way he tilts his head. "I have something that you cannot take from me, but you will have to strive to achieve. Who knows, may I grant you that fight when you stop looking down on me... So, demon, who really has the power between the two of us?"

Liu Qingge frowns.

"According to your rules, me because I have the money."

"Not for long. I'm going to choose the most expensive fabrics."

Shen Qingqiu finally manages to free himself and walks away from him to examine the interior of the store. Liu Qingge shrugs. For him those details are irrelevant. Furthermore, someone as elegant as Shen Qingqiu only deserves beautiful things. He will gladly pay for the most expensive robes and suspects Liu Mingyan won't mind.

To his despair, Shen Qinqiu takes his time shopping. For Liu Qingge it's simpler: he always chooses comfortable and visually pleasing clothing. However, the cultivator touches all the clothes and asks questions of the merchant, ignoring the fact that he is only covered with Liu Qingge's outer robes. Or he doesn't care. It is strange to see Shen Qingqiu in such colors and the demon's blood boils and burns, pools on his face and his fists.

He definitely wants to fight.

Now.

But Shen Qingqiu ignores all his hints and complaints instead, he takes his time. First, in examining the quality of the fabrics. Then, in choosing the pattern. The wait is agonizing, but it is worth it when Shen Qingqiu ends up wrapped in green cloth with plant decorations... maybe bamboo? It doesn't matter. The only important thing is that Shen Qingqiu looks great and beautiful, brighter than most of the Demon Realm's treasures.

"You look nice." Liu Qingge acknowledges with a nod.

Although his expression is warm, it is still a facade. Shen Qingqiu is someone who never relaxes, not even poisoned, and at this moment he is watching him suspiciously. 

"Well, it wasn't bad." Shen Qingqiu concedes when they return to the city streets. "I admit it: I was afraid of your tastes. But this is an invaluable gift after that demon stole my clothes, so... thank you."

He says it without looking into his eyes. And although nothing in his posture or voice delates him, Liu Qingge recognizes a hint of shame. For some reason, it makes him smile as satisfaction spreads through his gut.

"My pleasure."

Shen Qingqiu hisses before taking a step forward, creating a minimum distance between them but not moving away.

"I already told you the last time: I hate being in debt to anyone. You bought me clothes, I’ll invite you to lunch."

"There's no need..."

"I insist." He cuts him off with a fierceness that almost seems like a threat rather than a sincere invitation.

In the end, Liu Qingge accepts.

The meeting is unexpectedly pleasant. Liu Qingge never imagined that one day he could be with Shen Qingqiu without suffering his poisonous comments and lies and lethal traps. As you would expect from someone as refined as him, the cultivator chooses a fine restaurant, where each dish is a work of art and a concert of flavors. Shen Qingqiu lectures him about his manners, but even though he covers his mouth with his sleeve, Liu Qingge can guess his smile. He is teasing on purpose. Like all demons of noble origin, Liu Qingge's manners are excellent, perhaps a bit gruff and impatient, but better than the cultivator is maliciously hinting at.

It's a nice evening though.

"It's late." Shen Qingqiu observes after eating and a walk because the cultivator wanted to buy a fan and another walk and...

Liu Qingge acknowledges with a grunt that he is right. Beside him, Shen Qingqiu sighs. Much to his regret, the cultivator is covering his face with the fan when he glances at him.

"You can be a decent partner."

"And you can be less annoying than usual."

Shen Qingqiu glares at him. Unfortunately for him, Liu Qingge finds him more lovable than threatening. After proudly raising his head, he turns his back on him.

"See you, demon."

I hope... one day you will call me by my name, Liu Qingge thinks absentmindedly as he also heads to his home. There is a long way to the Demon Realm, perhaps he could camp in a forest or prepare his next strategy against Shen Qingqiu... Wait.

DID HE TRICK ME AGAIN?????

“Shizun! Shizun!”

“Did you defeat the demon?”

Shen Qingqiu smirks behind his fan.

"Of course."

"Oooooh! Shizun is so powerful and awesome!!!!"

"Now, stop yelling. It's late and someone must copy the rules of Qing Jing Peak. Five hundred times."

"...yes shizun."

Chapter Text

Only the most powerful demons can afford to pick their fights. Many noble demons use their brutal power to subjugate others, some like Mobei-jun walk through life with indifference since very few living beings represent a challenge to them. Power implies arrogance and confidence. When your life is not threatened by a more powerful creature, you can afford to pursue other hobbies. For example, Liu Mingyan prefers to not waste her time fighting lesser beings. She is a demoness interested in intrigues and plots, and an admirer of Tianlang-jun. Under the pseudonym of Liu Su Mian Hua, she has written a collection of novels about Tianlang-jun conquering the Human Realm and the heart of a human cultivator. After all, those are her two passions: planning strategies and romantic stories.

Still, Liu Qingge's honor is a rarity even in the nobility. And even his friends have trouble understanding him. For the time being, they have assumed that someone as strong as him needs to set rules for his fights to be exciting rather than instant victories. That is the weakness that all powerful demons share: boredom.

For different reasons, Mobei-jun and Liu Mingyan are also taking an interest in the elusive mortal who repeatedly tricks Liu Qingge. Since Liu Qingge met Shen Qingqiu, they asked him why Liu Qingge doesn't break his rules to brutally impose himself on the proud cultivator. But slowly they have begun to understand it: it would be boring. Neither of them remembers the last time they found such a fun hobby.

And so, Liu Qingge's interest in finding powerful opponents has turned into meetings between the three of them. With each piece of news he tells them, Mobei-jun's indifference melts a little more and Liu Mingyan smiles as a hunch grows.

"Ge..." She comments fiddling with the immortal binding cables that Liu Qingge has brought on his latest raid. "What do you think of Master Shen?"

Liu Qingge frowns.

"He is a liar without honor." He responds with a growl. "He doesn't understand the limits of his strength nor does he respect those of us who are more powerful than him. He doesn't deserve the title of honorable cultivator... Though it's quite admirable that his weakness never stops him."

Oh, how interesting , Liu Mingyan thinks with a smirk behind the veil. She is an expert in reading her brother. And at that time, Liu Qingge's frustration has softened since he met Shen Qingqiu and his lips have twisted into a soft smile as he recognized a positive quality about him.

“Ge, have you thought about what you will do when you defeat Master Shen?”

Liu Qingge also knows her. And the honeyed tone of her voice makes him narrow his eyes and look at her suspiciously. Liu Mingyan blinks innocently.

“Start talking.” He growls at her sister.

The last time she proposed to him to conquer the Human Realm, her brother categorically refused. But perhaps his opinion has changed now that a human has caught his interest.

"It's nothing, just... He's not a common rival, right? I wonder what you'll do when you finally defeat him. Will you forget about Master Shen?" Although Liu Qingge doesn't reply, probably because even he doesn't know it, Liu Mingyan suspects that this game won't end with an easy victory. "This one believes there is no fun in defeating him. Let's be honest: everyone including Master Shen knows that you are more powerful and that you could win if you resorted to the same dirty tricks. So, Ge, what do you think about an absolute and total victory? It's not about beating him, but about Master Shen recognizing your superiority."

That is another common trait that demons share: they all love the submission of proud beings. Most of them don’t kill their enemies, but rather conquer their palaces and make them vassals. Precisely the friendship between Mobei-jun and Liu Qingge started right after a fight.

Liu Mingyan watches his brother with a huge predatory smile. And she waits for his answer.

Lately, Mobei-jun's appearances are regular and annoying, although Shang Qinghua is already getting used to it. That morning, he sighs under his breath when the ice demon breaks into his house.

"My lord." He tilts his head cautiously. "How can this humble one help you?"

"A list of all enemies of the Qing Jing Peak Lord."

Shang Qinghua narrows his eyes and looks at Mobei-jun. The demon's sudden interest in Shen Qingqiu is suspicious. After what happened last time, Shang Qinghua won't make the same mistake by misunderstanding the ice demon's intentions, so he clings to his patient while looking into his eyes.

"Because of his personality, there are a lot of cultivators who hold grudges against Shen Qingqiu. What kinds of enemies does my lord seek?"

"Enemies."

Shang Qinghua sighs. Although he detests loud and annoying people, the lack of words Mobei-jun communicates with is worse than the scandal of all the Bai Zhan Peak disciples.

"For the sake of offering this lord the best service, this humble one needs more information." Fortunately, Shang Qinghua is an expert at hiding his frustration behind a helpful facade. "I could make my lord a list of all of Shen Qingqiu's enemies, but it would be too long and useless since not all of them are equally relevant. What kind of enemies does my lord needs? What kind of information about them? Names, abilities, their past with Shen Qingqiu...? This servant doesn't want to meddle in his lord's affairs, but by understanding your intentions I can help my lord better."

Discomfort quickens his pulse. Shang Qinghua has bowed his head and waits for Mobei-jun's answer, fearing so much that the demon will punish him for his audacity or mock him for being unable to carry out such a simple order. However, Mobei-jun is not that kind of demon. His indifference and cold blood prevent him from wasting his time on a rat like him.

"Mn..." Maybe it's his imagination, but Mobei-jun doesn't seem offended but rather approves of his initiative with a nod. "Powerful enemies. Enemies that challenge Shen Qingqiu. Enemies that Shen Qingqiu recognizes as equal or superior."

"Well, that will be easier: Shen Qingqiu doesn't recognize anyone, not even the sect leader."

Mobei-jun smiles in satisfaction. He!!!! Smiling!!!! A bad feeling begins to affect Shang Qinghua, who wrings his hands nervously.

"Some rogue cultivators dared challenge Shen Qingqiu and the other sects in the past, only Huan Hua Palace loudly acknowledges his contempt for him. The others also detest him, but they will never say anything."

"No cowards. Include in your list which annoying humans can distract Shen Qingqiu. There are no more demons, right?"

Uh oh . Shang Qinghua swallows hard. Between the choice of words, the tone of voice, and that slight flash of propriety, the cultivator is beginning to understand what kind of intentions Mobei-jun is hiding. Now it is clear why the ice demon was angry when Shen Qingqiu was poisoned! He is not looking for allies to defeat Shen Qingqiu, but a list of rivals to get rid of.

Demon courtship and mating rituals are different from humans and not even Shang Qinghua knows about them. Also, demons tend to polygamy and nobles are famous for collecting beauties or talents in their harems. If his hunch is true, the cool and elegant Shen Qingqiu has attracted Mobei-jun's attention. It's too early to tell if he's a passing interest, a true conquest, or the whim of a powerful demon. But there is a high probability that Shang Qinghua can get rid of the annoying Qing Jing Peak Lord by handing him over to the demons.

“My lord, I hope I'm not intruding too much, but apart from the names of those cultivators who may challenge Shen Qingqiu in the future…” Shang Qinghua instinctively took a breath. “My lord would like a list of those cultivators interested in wooing Shen Qingqiu?”

Mobei-jun frowns.

"Yes."

Shang Qinghua almost laughs but he manages to keep his submissive expression. This will be fun, Shen-shixiong.

The insistence of an annoying demon means that Shen Qingqiu now chooses his travels more carefully so that he will never be caught off guard again. After the Shang Hu City incident, he meets Liu Qingge twice more. In one of them, Shen Qingqiu managed to deceive him by telling him that the wine from that area was exquisite and that they should try it. After getting Liu Qingge drunk, he took the opportunity to tie him up and run away. The next time, he was carrying a teleportation talisman and activated it when Liu Qingge cornered him against a tree.

Although that is a fun game, Shen Qingqiu is running out of ideas, and the price of losing is too high. Staying in the sect is not an option: defeating the demon is the most exciting thing that has happened to him since he ascended to Peak Lord. Still, he needs a break or he won't survive the stress of being caught by Liu Qingge.

I wonder...

On his next trip, Shen Qingqiu decides to dress up. He exchanges his green robes for the simpler black clothes of a rogue cultivator and hides his face behind a bamboo hat and veil. He also puts Xiu Ya in his Qiankun pouch and chooses a simple spirit sword, similar to the ones the disciples use to practice.

Despite his wish for a smooth ride, his heart beats with excitement as he wonders if Liu Qingge will appear again...and if he will recognize him.

Chapter Text

The mission is being so calm at the moment that Shen Qingqiu is stressed. In his chest beats the foreboding that everything will go wrong. Or, even worse, that Liu Qingge won't show up. Shen Qingqiu hates it. He hates that the uncertainty of waiting has gotten under his skin. As much as he tries to convince himself that he doesn't care about the demon, his heart is a traitor who ignores common sense.

In a desperate attempt to relax, Shen Qingqiu rests on the first day of his journey in a halfway town. The inn is nice, the food is excellent, and it has hot springs. In addition, that break serves him to review the conditions of the mission. Mu Qingfang needs the egg of a Jade Serpent, a creature that only lays eggs every hundred years. They are rare and valuable, just the kind of mission he likes.

The next day, he is in higher spirits, though still annoyed by that uncertainty. How has that stupid demon gotten into my head? He growls as he travels to the forest where the Jade Serpent lives. At least it's a nice day and when he finishes the mission he can pamper himself. It is said that the wine from that area is wonderful and there is a grove nearby with very rich spiritual energy to cultivate.

The hardest part of the quest is finding the nest since the Jade Serpent uses the remains of the prey it hunts to create tricky traps and puzzles. A simple game for the Qing Jing Peak Lord, but Shen Qingqiu takes it easy for the fun of it. Much to his chagrin, the snake's intelligence is not enough to outshine his own and in less than shichen he finds the nest. With a disappointed sigh, Shen Qingqiu wraps up one of the eggs. He leaves the other so as not to extinguish the species. Despite what others think, he is not heartless. Furthermore, he appreciates creatures more than people.

Shen Qingqiu is leaving the forest when a demon dressed in white lands in front of him. The cultivator smiles behind his disguise, ignoring the fact that his heart has started to race with excitement. Ahead of him, his rival scrutinizes him with narrowed eyes.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?"

Shen Qingqiu's smile freezes. Subtly, he slips a talisman from inside his sleeve to distort his voice.

"It's none of your business, demon."

Liu Qingge frowns. His gaze is guarding the egg in Shen Qingqiu's hands.

"That thing."

"What thing?"

"The thing you're carrying."

"The egg?"

Liu Qingge nods.

"Leave it. It's not for you."

Shen Qingqiu's mood darkens. It doesn’t matter his identity, Liu Qingge is destined to always be irritating with him.

"And why should I give up the egg I've worked so hard to get?"

"It is unique. And the Qing Jing Peak Lord needs it."

This information leaves him perplexed and speechless. Shen Qingqiu had long suspected that Liu Qingge must use some kind of demonic trick to track him down so accurately. However, that information reveals that the demon's control over him is much more meticulous than Shen Qingqiu had supposed. For the first time, the cultivator wonders if someone as powerful as Liu Qingge would use lesser demons as lackeys. Or if he is spying on him.

"And why would a demon like you be interested in the affairs of the Qing Jing Peak Lord?" Shen Qingqiu sneers with acid words.

"Nothing a rogue cultivator cares about."

"Oh, you're wrong, demon. I care a lot." Shen Qingqiu smirks as a mischievous idea occurs to him. "This one's name is Nie Huaisang. Nice to meet you, Liu Qingge."

His rival tenses, wracked with suspicion.

"Do you know me?"

"Of course. I'm a great friend of Shen Qingqiu. A childhood friend. Quite intimate, you could say. I'm closer to him than you since I know you but you don't know me."

Shen Qingqiu puts a sleeve to his mouth to stifle a laugh. In front of him, Liu Qingge has clenched his fists. His stunned expression is as funny as adorable. As always, tricking him is delicious and soothes the turmoil of dark feelings that beats in his chest.

"Still, what are you doing stealing Shen Qingqiu's thing?" Liu Qingge growls.

"I'm doing my dear friend a favor."

"Why? Where is he?"

"Why do you insist, demon? You are rivals, am I wrong?" Shen Qingqiu slightly heads towards the road without turning his back on his enemy. “Why should my dearest Shen Qingqiu inform you of his intentions? After all, I am his only friend…”

Before he can finish speaking, the demon's sword point is pointed at his neck. Liu Qingge has moved so fast that in less than a blink he is at his side.

"I'm going to take those things. Thanks."

Shen Qingqiu hisses. Despite feeling the tingling in his hand that wants to unsheathe his sword, the weapon he carries is no match for Liu Qingge's and he doesn't dare to fight him either. His fighting style is very characteristic and without his tricks, his defeat is assured.

Reluctantly, Shen Qingqiu hands over the egg. Also, he is intrigued by his intentions. Will he use it as blackmail for them to fight? That is quite childish. But also a bit twisted.

Regaining his shreds of dignity, Shen Qingqiu straightens his clothes as the demon walks away with the egg.

"I will tell Shen Qingqiu what have you done. My dearest friend will not be happy at all." His warning only made Liu Qingge stiffen. But the demon doesn't stop and soon he jumps on his sword to fly away. Shen Qingqiu hisses through his teeth, arms crossed and head held high, as he watches the demon recede into the distance.

Guess that right now he will have no choice but to rest without any disguise. And wait for his annoying demon to come back with the egg and stop messing around.

This time, Mobei-jun's appearance doesn’t surprise Shang Qinghua. The cultivator has been waiting for his next visit since the last assignment. And for the first time, he feels something akin to excitement at meeting the demon. Mobei-jun's interest in the dangerous Shen Qingqiu is a very powerful weapon that Shang Qinghua is willing to use in his favor.

Immediately, Shang Qinghua invites Mobei-jun to sit down and pours him tea. The drink has been cold since that morning and Shang Qinghua places it on the table for aesthetics, but Mobei-jun receives it curiously. And something similar to a smile appears on his stone face.

It's probably his imagination. It wouldn't be the first time that stress and lack of sleep have made him hallucinate.

"My lord, this humble vassal brings you the report. Fortunately, although Shen Qingqiu's personality doesn’t exactly encourage socializing, relevant enemies are scarce, and very few are equal to a demon as powerful as you." Despite the impatience coursing through his veins, Shang Qinghua speaks in a calm voice. “The worst threat is Huan Hua Palace. They have challenged Shen Qingqiu several times and it is no secret that they wish to dethrone him. The main instigator is the Old Palace Master, but some other elders will do their best to destroy Shen Qingqiu. This humble one has jotted down all their names and information on this list."

That's... partially true. Of all the sects, Huan Hua Palace is a parasite too powerful and rich. Although getting rid of human cultivators is a move that harms humanity, Shang Qinghua won’t regret losing that competition. Without Huan Hua Palace, Cang Qiong Mountain Sect will ascend even further.

"There are some rogue and demonic cultivators who have dared to insult Shen Qingqiu in the past. Though not relevant, this humble one has made another list for my lord."

That's... not quite true. It would be more accurate to consider it a list of all those independent cultivators who rival Cang Qiong. But in a way, the enemies of the sect are also Shen Qingqiu's enemies, right?

"Finally, this humble one hasn’t yet found anyone interested in courting Shen Qingqiu. However, our sect leader Yue Qingyuan's attitude towards him is suspicious. With your permission, I would like to investigate him further to provide you with a full report with certainties instead of hypotheses."

That's... a theory. Yue Qingyuan is not his enemy, but his inexplicable affection for Shen Qingqiu will prevent the Peak Lord's abduction in the future. With this strategy, Shang Qinghua is buying time before deciding whether it is in his interest to get rid of the sect leader or protect him from the machinations of the demons.

Mobei-jun absently nods after taking the lists.

"A name is missing." He watches.

Shang Qinghua, who despite being a liar is sure that he has done an excellent job, furrows his brows in annoyance.

"Who?"

"Nie Huaisang. Investigate him."

"...Who, my lord?"

This time, instead of treating him like a stupid fly, Mobei-jun looks into his eyes before offering more words.

"Rogue cultivator. Shen Qingqiu's childhood friend. His only friend according to him. Irritating personality. Mediocre talent."

Shang Qinghua almost chokes on the cold tea. The perspective of Shen Qingqiu having friends is inexplicable. One is already double what he supposed. And on top of that, a childhood friend? Is there anyone who can withstand a tiny Qingqiu and survive without losing his mind? From the bitter tone of Mobei-jun's voice and his derogatory descriptions, Shang Qinghua deduces that this Nie Huaisang is a love rival. That explains it all: only blind love can ignore Shen Qingqiu's infamous personality.

"Don't worry, my lord. This humble one will investigate him. Who he is. What are his intentions towards Shen Qingqiu. Weaknesses."

Mobei-jun nods in satisfaction at his answer. Then, the demon extends one of those huge arms and hits him on the head. It's not a punch even though it hurts like one. It is the same gesture as petting a dog, but clumsily and abruptly. Shang Qinghua doesn't know whether to feign indifference or how he should react.

Well, he assumes it's the demon's way of promoting him from irrelevant spy to human pet.

Someday, he too will get rid of the demon. Perhaps he will tell Yue Qingyuan of his plans to woo Shen Qingqiu.

Playing a double game is quite funny.

Shen Qingqiu is enjoying his spiritual retreat at a fancy inn when Liu Qingge shows up. Of course, the demon chooses the most inopportune moment: just when he is savoring a delicious meal. Recognizing his proud and noble figure, Shen Qingqiu tenses despite appearing to disdain the demon.

"Oh, but it is my favorite demon." He scoffs. The wine has loosened his tongue. "What are you doing here?"

Without offering any explanation, Liu Qingge places a huge egg that is bright and green like jade on the table.

"This thing. Is yours."

Oh. Shen Qingqiu blinks. I’ve already forgotten about that incident.

"Thanks. I guess. For doing my job." He yawns like a lazy cat. "Though I wouldn't be wasting my time if someone hadn't stolen this egg from my friend."

Liu Qingge stiffens. What did you think? That I was going to forget that incident? Oh, my dear demon, my rancor is infinite.

"I'm not going to apologize." Liu Qingge grunts through clenched teeth. "Why weren't you doing your job?"

"The last time I went near a potentially dangerous place, I ended up poisoned because of some idiot."

The idiot in question blushes.

"It won't happen again." Liu Qingge adds in a soft but determined murmur. "Next time, you can count on me. Not another suspicious cultivator."

Shen Qingqiu laughs.

"Demon, do you need me to remind you that Nie Huaisang is my friend?"

"There's something weird about him. I can feel it." Liu Qingge frowns. "He is a liar."

"Me too."

Instead of replying, Liu Qingge stares at him. His gaze surveys Shen Qingqiu, from his wine-flushed expression to his exquisitely decorated clothes and the delicate hand holding a bottle.

"No. You are different." He declares with a scowl before turning his back on him and walking away.

Only the egg remains on the table, and Shen Qingqiu runs his fingers over its surface to make sure it's real. Due to that drunken state, he has the feeling of dreaming.

"Stupid demon."

But his smile is fond and wide.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Shen Qingqiu notices a slight hangover that his spiritual powers quickly diffuse. Although his golden core is weaker than the rest, it's enough to deal with that kind of nuisance.

However, his memory is blurred. Shen Qingqiu hisses, frustrated that a magic wine is more powerful than him. Acknowledging his weakness sours his mood and allows anger to grow uncontrollably.

To his surprise, he finds a Jade Serpent egg in his room. It's true. Liu Qingge was at the inn last night. And he gave him the egg back? Ugh, Shen Qingqiu doesn't remember what happened or what he said. Probably cruel words. Although it is a surprise that the demon did not insist on fighting. Or maybe he did. Nevermind. Shen Qingqiu puts the egg in his Qiankun pouch and returns to the sect, still annoyed at his weak qi.

There is no news from Shen Qingqiu.

Mobei-jun's spy doesn't tell them about new trips since the Qing Jing Peak Lord hasn't left the sect again. There could be many reasons behind that decision: cowardice, laziness, or even Shen Qingqiu for the first time being willing to fulfill his Peak Lord tasks.

It's not a big deal. There are plenty of monsters that Liu Qingge can hunt and while he was busy chasing Shen Qingqiu, new demons have steeled themselves and now dare to attack his territory. Defeating them is easy and boring, but at least they keep him entertained for a few days.

Despite his self-proclaimed independence, Liu Qingge begins to get bored. There are no new beasts anymore and most demons are weak. At least Shen Qingqiu presents an interesting challenge by combining his cunning with tricks, while the demons only cry pathetically when he crushes them with his power. The only rivals to match him are his friends and none of them are interested in fighting him four times a day.

But there is no news of Shen Qingqiu and impatience begins to possess him.

Although Shang Qinghua is used to performing all kinds of stressful tasks, some impossible ones like organizing the sect's budget, investigating Shen Qingqiu's mysterious childhood friend is becoming incredibly troublesome. He doesn't have spare time to waste it like that, so... maybe he's inventing some facts.

It is a mystery that someone like Shen Qingqiu has attracted the attention of two men. To be honest, he is a horrible person with even worse fame and a character capable of outshining Mobei-jun’s. Now he can turn the mysterious Nie Huaisang into a villain to lower Shen Qingqiu's flaws and increase the demon's interest.

However, when Mobei-jun returns, he doesn’t demand information about his love rival (and it is a relief since weaving believable lies is complicated), but to question him about the whereabouts of Shen Qingqiu and why he doesn’t leave the sect anymore.

For a few seconds, Shang Qinghua blinks in confusion.

"He has gone into seclusion. Shen Qingqiu is cultivating in the Lingxi Caves." Recognizing the demon's annoyed expression, Shang Qinghua quickly adds. “This is great news! Shen Qingqiu is quite weak and he will strengthen his golden core thanks to seclusion.”

"How long?"

"Do you wish my lord to try the new tea we have received?"

Mobei-jun narrows his eyes and Shang Qinghua trembles. He hates questions that he can't answer with exact numbers.

Next year is boring.

There are monsters, but new beasts are hard to find and their intelligence is limited. True, some are cunning and others use poisons or act in packs to set up ambushes, but none arouse the same emotions in him as Shen Qingqiu. On Liu Mingyan's advice, Liu Qingge begins to get involved in demon affairs, but ruling is boring, he doesn't understand political affairs, and all of his enemies have already been subjugated.

The second year is agonizing.

Shen Qingqiu doesn’t disappear from his thoughts and no human manages to entertain him. Liu Qingge defeats all the opponents on Mobei-jun's list, but they are brief and unsatisfying victories. Although he tries to challenge Yue Qingyuan, the sect leader is busy organizing certain Alliance Conference and never finds out about his intentions.

Liu Mingyan tries to cheer him up with crazy proposals like conquering the Human Realm, but without Shen Qingqiu it isn't worth crossing the border. Liu Qingge no longer remembers what he used to do for entertainment. The days are endless and he spends most of his time training in the snow kingdom of Mobei-jun.

Although Shen Qingqiu invokes feelings in him that are not exactly positive (like anger or frustration), they are better than the boredom that is poisoning him.

"You miss him." Liu Mingyan sighs one day when none of the three is doing anything. Boredom is contagious and his sister is getting more irritated. "Why is it so hard for you to accept it?"

Liu Qingge growls. Despite the deadly cold of this realm, the three of them are sitting on the frozen ground.

"Also, this is what will happen when you defeat him. Haven't you thought about it?" Liu Mingyan sighs before looking at the two of them. "I've always said that both of you need a hobby. Especially you, Ge. At least our friend Mobei-jun doesn't care for anything, but you can't spend your whole life looking for exciting fights. There are many impossible challenges."

"Like Shen Qingqiu." Liu Qingge mutters under his breath.

Neither sibling appreciates that Mobei-jun's silence is contemplative, but both have already noticed that boredom is also eroding his expressionless expression. Liu Qingge has brought them a plague and now everyone is hating Shen Qingqiu's decision to disappear.

"You know, Ge?" Liu Mingyan snorts. "You should accept that you need a rival for your life or something similar. For example, a partner. Lifetime partner. You should start to appreciate what you really want from Shen Qingqiu since you have never been so obsessed with a target."

Liu Qingge frowns, aware that this boredom is a foretaste of what will happen if Shen Qingqiu gives up. But maybe he never does. His pride is terrifying. Attractive in some way. All the flaws that he hated when they met are the reason why he is such a special enemy. Perhaps his sister is right in implying that what he likes about Shen Qingqiu is the duality of demonic attitude beneath his virtuous cultivator appearance.

Being eternal and powerful is a curse when your only enemy is ignoring you.

The next time they are alone, Liu Mingyan harasses Mobei-jun with a mischievous smile hidden behind her veil.

"I know you're bored too. Admit it: pestering that spy of yours to find out more about Master Shen is better than sitting around doing nothing." After all, that was their decision since Liu Qingge just shrugged when they asked for permission to investigate his enemy. "It will soon be three years since Master Shen went into seclusion. I was thinking of giving Ge a surprise."

Finally, Mobei-jun looks at her with interest.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Attack Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. At best, that will force Master Shen to show up. Or else... Well, Ge will be very happy if we get his enemy to start chasing after him for revenge."

And she wanted to meet a candidate to be her brother-in-law.

Chapter Text

Although cultivating alone is always a balm, it has never been enough to remove the darkness lurking within Shen Qingqiu. Maybe years ago he escaped from the Qiu mansion, but something got stuck in his ribs. All his efforts have been useless to eradicate that discomfort that clouds his thoughts and prevents him from being happy.

Still, cultivating in seclusion is what Shen Qingqiu needs to calm his emotions and cleanse his qi. Three years go by in a blur, brief as a breath, in which his chronic stress is diluted. But it doesn't disappear. There are too many entrenched thoughts inside his head. Concerns, insecurities, resentment, and contempt. It is a tumor that seems to be made up of spines, shards, and broken bones.

As always, his good mood is immediately ruined. When Shen Qingqiu leaves the Lingxi Caves, he stumbles upon the chaos of screams and smoke and the smell of blood in the air. He hasn't even understand what is happening when some of his disciples come running screaming his name.

"Shizun! Shizun! The demons are attacking us!"

He still doesn't react. What is everyone else doing? Soon Shen Qingqiu discovers to his horror that he is the only one in the sect. The sect leader? Reunited with Huan Hua Palace to discuss the details concerning the Alliance Conference. The mightiest warrior? Bai Zhan Peak Lord continues to cultivate oblivious to the danger. Everyone else is busy, away, or on missions. And the cunning leader of the demons, a demoness hiding behind a veil, has destroyed the Rainbow Bridge to delay help.

Shen Qingqiu is isolated with a bunch of weak, stupid, and panicked teenagers.

The tiny progress of three years of meditation has been destroyed within a few seconds. Stress eats up Shen Qingqiu again. Despite the calm with which he walks, the arrogance with which he regards his enemies, he burns with rage and the desire to destroy them all.

The demoness looks vaguely familiar. However, Shen Qingqiu doesn't get it until she introduces herself as Liu Mingyan. That little delinquent must be a relative of Liu Qingge.

If it’s true, he will punish cruel and painfully his demon for causing him such a headache.

"Oh, so you are the famous Master Shen." Liu Mingyan comments. Although the veil covers her smile, it is reflected in her eyes. "Nice to meet you."

"I can not say the same."

Liu Mingyan laughs.

"As a wise demon once said, Master Shen is a true beauty with a cold heart."

Shen Qingqiu wonders if Liu Qingge will be offended if he kills that relative of his.

In the end, Liu Mingyan proposes a game to him. Shen Qingqiu never gives in to demons, but he is not stupid: he is in a troubled situation. Although the numbers are similar, Liu Mingyan has brought an army and he only has clumsy disciples, some injured. So he accepts his proposal of three duels.

He doesn't even need to cheat to defeat three pathetic demons.

The first duel obviously ends with his victory.

"So graceful and beautiful! Master Shen's technique looks like a dance." Although Liu Mingyan congratulates him without a hint of irony, that enthusiasm cannot be sincere. "All the rumors about your ability are proportional to those about your beauty."

Shen Qingqiu raises an eyebrow, annoyed at his comments.

"This master understood that he was famous for his personality."

"Your sharp tongue is also something to talk about." Liu Mingyan laughs. "Are you ready for your second duel? To make it more exciting, I have come up with a condition: no dirty fighting. Neither between demons nor between humans."

Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes. Not only are you related to Liu Qingge, but you have also talked about me.

"And who will be your second champion?"

Liu Mingyan's laugh sounds like birdies.

"What about my brother?"

Shen Qingqiu doesn’t even pretend to be surprised.

"He is not here."

"Yet." Liu Mingyan watches over him like a cat watching its prey. "My brother is the most powerful of the Demon Realm, our future Lord, Emperor if he wanted to. Only Master Shen is a worthy match for him. You won't be a coward, will you Master Shen?"

The trap is good. And unlike with Liu Qingge, his tricks don't work when so many witnesses are watching him. Liu Mingyan is cornering him to surrender or destroy his image in front of others. Unfortunately for her, his image is already a mess.

Shen Qingqiu closes his fan with a heavy blow.

"But your brother isn't here and there are two more duels to go. Too bad." Shen Qingqiu draws his sword. "Why don't you fight? As the sister of such a warrior, you too must possess certain skills. Am I wrong, Liu Mingyan?"

The demoness must read the murderous gleam in his eyes since her confidence is shaken. But as he had already deduced, her intelligence is as sharp as her tongue and she won't lose in that battle of pride either.

"I'm sorry, Master Shen. But I respect my brother and I would never snatch his prey. But you are right: a match is missing. Is there anyone else who dares to meet me in a fair fight?"

A fair fight on her lips sounds ironic. Liu Mingyan doesn’t look like her brother, hiding a much more mischievous soul.

Determined to finish the job before Liu Qingge arrives, Shen Qingqiu surveys the crowd of disciples waiting for a volunteer. Soon, the head disciple of Xian Shu Peak approaches him.

"This Sha Hualing offers herself."

Qi Qingqiu will probably try to chop off his head later if her prized disciple is hurt, but Shen Qingqiu lets her. Sha Hualing draws her sword and walks towards her rival. It's curious. Although Liu Mingyan is barely clothed, her attitude is elegant, while Sha Hualing makes Xian Shu Peak's dainty uniform look provocative. It is because of their gestures, the tranquility that one transmits, and the mischievous aggressiveness of the other.

Liu Mingyan wins the second match. That's no surprise either. Even though the demoness has put up a fair fight, Sha Hualing returns to her companions wiping the blood from her nose. She must have used a special technique. Shen Qingqiu appraises. I haven't seen her punch her in the face at any time.

He fans himself languidly despite his racing heart.

"I'm afraid your brother is still missing. And you've already wasted too much of our time. This master will assume the victory of the third fight due to the delay of his opponent."

A flash of panic crosses her eyes.

"Not so fast, Master Shen! My brother hasn't given up, so his fight can't be lost. Why don't you wait a bit?"

"No. I have already done too much by granting you so many privileges. Do you want to fight? Fine. Give me another opponent."

"I'm sorry, Master Shen, but the only one we have left is Elder Tian Chui." The demoness points to a huge and terrifying demon, covered in a bunch of spikes. “No one should be facing Elder Tian Chui. Do you see these spikes? They are covered with Without a Cure, a terrible poison that destroys even the most powerful cultivation. Please, wait Master Shen.”

Shen Qingqiu gazes at the demoness, who has already demonstrated her ability, and the army of terrifying demons accompanying her. Then he looks back into her eyes.

"Are you sure you don't have any other opponents?"

"I'm afraid so, Master Shen."

"It's fine. This Master is no coward and he will accept any challenge... Although, wouldn't Elder Tian Chui be offending your brother by facing me? I think he would be more respectful if he surrenders."

Shen Qingqiu hides his face behind a fan and Liu Mingyan with her veil, but they both have the same calculating gaze and are using a sweet but sharp voice, more dangerous than a sword.

"Elder Tian Chui doesn't respect my brother, so he doesn’t have any problem fighting you. Except for Without a Cure. Don't you think wasting a little of your time is more valuable than ruining your cultivation?"

"You want me to face your brother but you don't consider this master capable of defeating that scum? That would imply that I am not a worthy rival for your brother either."

Liu Mingyan seems to regret having listened more carefully to stories about his appearance than his tongue.

"Don't get me wrong. It is not worthy for a Peak Lord to be hurt by my subordinate."

"Oh, that has a simple solution: an equally terrifying punishment if he loses. Death." Shen Qingqiu lowers his fan to show them his poisonous smile. "The death of all the demons present here is equal to risking my cultivation."

"What a sad ending! I die and Master Shen will be crippled." She wailed dramatically. "That is why I offer you a more pleasant alternative."

"I can also face any other rival." He points his fan at the fifty demons crowding behind Liu Mingyan.

"Or my brother. Some will say that you are being cowardly by eluding my brother. Are you afraid of him, Master Shen?"

"And some will say you can't count. I'm tired and bored. And how can I fight someone who isn't here? If you don't like my terms, I can show you where the door is." He adds coldly. 

Liu Qingge has always been known for showing up at the most inopportune moment, however, none of the previous incidents surpasses this day. The verbal duel is abruptly interrupted when the demon lands between the two of them.

"What's the meaning of that!?" He is growling at his sister when his gaze discovers Shen Qingqiu.

And his expression changes, from anger to surprise. His eyes sparkle and Shen Qingqiu understands that he is caught up in an even more complicated problem. Until then, he had handled the demon's obsession in the shadows, but if he is not careful today the entire cultivation world will find out that a demon is chasing the Qing Jing Peak Lord.

"Finally, Ge!" Liu Mingyan scolds her brother while she holds one of his arms. "Master Shen has offered to fight you without tricks. If you win, he will give you whatever you want as a prize."

Absolutely none of that is true! Shen Qingqiu grits his teeth in rage. He could run away and hide behind any disciple, but none of them have enough talent to defeat that demon. And until then, Shen Qingqiu has defeated him with tricks, lies, and cowardice.

The sect or his pride?

Shen Qingqiu fans himself furiously, hiding his insecurity behind his worst disdainful gaze. Even his disciples tremble in fear.

"This master doesn't recall agreeing to any of those conditions. Shall I remind you that these matches are already your prize?"

"A powerful demon can claim whatever he wishes, your opinion is irrelevant." Liu Mingyan shrugs.

She's not being sarcastic or spiteful, but she actually seems to believe in that philosophy, which is even more dangerous.

"So, the word of the demons is worth nothing?" He snorts. "I'm not surprised, but I expected something better from someone as noble as you. I'm afraid I'll decline the fight if you can't abide by the rules."

Shen Qingqiu looks at Liu Qingge. Even though this situation is a gift to him, he still hasn't demanded the fight, rather the demon is examining the sect curiously.

His gaze stops at something behind Shen Qingqiu.

"I want to fight him."

Shen Qingqiu turns around.

The demon is pointing at his most hateful disciple: Luo Binghe.

Chapter Text

If it wasn't for Mobei-jun's warning (his friend was apathetic as usual, though with a speck of curiosity in his expression), Liu Qingge wouldn't have arrived on time. Even though the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect is famous for being one of the most powerful sects, her sister has done a great job of infiltrating inside. Her army is not even large, but just the right size to be a threat and move through the human lands stealthily.

Liu Qingge is determined to scold her when he recognizes Shen Qingqiu.

His heart races in painful beats. It's been a long time and this reunion seems like a dream. There is something unreal in the destruction that dots the beauty of the sect, in the bloodthirsty demons and the injured humans; in the presence of Shen Qingqiu, pristine and perfect amid chaos. Liu Qingge blanks out, forgetting the reason why he has flown there.

"Finally, Ge!" Liu Mingyan exclaims while she holds one of his arms. "Master Shen has offered to fight you without tricks. If you win, he will give you whatever you want as a prize."

That sounds like a lie, blackmail at best, and Shen Qingqiu confirms it with an icy glare.

"This master doesn't recall agreeing to any of those conditions. Shall I remind you that these matches are already your prize?"

"A powerful demon can claim whatever he wishes, your opinion is irrelevant."

"So, the word of the demons is worth nothing?" He snorts. "I'm not surprised, but I expected something better from someone as noble as you. I'm afraid I'll decline the fight if you can't abide by the rules."

Liu Qingge adores his sister and would kill for her, but he hates that she has gotten involved in his affairs with the cultivator. Liu Mingyan has offered him good ideas at times, but her ambition is dangerous and her curiosity too similar to Tianlang-jun’s, who was defeated by humans despite his power. Liu Qingge can sense her plan. If he didn't know Shen Qingqiu, he would think that it’s an ingenious trap. But Shen Qingqiu has already shown him to be elusive and cunning, he won’t yield even if they use the sect as hostage.

A cornered Shen Qingqiu would surely be more dangerous for Liu Mingyan.

Liu Qingge's gaze stops at one of the disciples. He recognizes him: he is one of the humans who accompanied Shen Qingqiu during the incident with the skinner. That time, he already noticed something strange about him, but today that feeling grows to be dizzying. That boy is not human. But neither is a demon.

That boy is interesting and perhaps dangerous.

"I want to fight him."

They all look at him in confusion. The boy has turned pale and a girl with braids hugs him with tears in her eyes.

"No! Shizun, protect A-Luo!"

Shen Qingqiu's reaction is... particular. He hasn't said anything. His gaze is fierce and raging, sharp as a knife that wishes to pierce through Liu Qingge. It's a look that could kill and makes him terrifying despite only being human. Interesting , Liu Qingge tilts his head before separating from his sister and walking towards the cultivator.

Shen Qingqiu doesn't move when he stops in front of him.

"What are you playing at, demon?" He hisses quietly so no one else can hear them.

"You don't want to fight me, so I won't force you."

Liu Mingyan's plan is ingenious, but it has made Shen Qingqiu angry, so Liu Qingge cannot support it. It is absurd because that guarantees his ambition, but after three years happiness burns in his chest when he sees the cultivator again.

Deep in his heart, Liu Qingge wishes that Shen Qingqiu would also be happy instead of angry.

Shen Qingqiu lets out a bitter laugh.

"So, first you cause this mess and now you change your mind?"

"No." Liu Qingge frowns. "That was my sister's idea, not mine."

"It seemed to me that it was too clever..." The venom in his voice betrays that he is still furious. "Why Luo Binghe?"

At that moment, Liu Qingge wonders if Shen Qingqiu is aware of the boy's anomaly. It is quite unlikely that the Qing Jing Peak Lord would keep someone who reeks of a demon under his wing. But the suspiciousness of his reaction indicates that Shen Qingqiu senses that something about Luo Binghe is peculiar.

Before telling anyone his theories about him, Liu Qingge must first find out the boy's true identity.

"Looks strong. And you don't want to fight." Liu Qingge leans a little closer to him, his gaze lost in the eyes of his opponent. "Or do you?"

A faint blush stains Shen Qingqiu's cheeks, whose eyes narrow in anger. Something is endearing about his reaction. Liu Qingge smiles slightly. After three years without seeing him, everything Shen Qingqiu does is special.

"You dare to blackmail me, demon?" He hisses contemptuously. "Do I have to choose between you beating my disciple or fighting you?"

"I have never said that."

"You don't need to say anything, it's obvious."

"It won't be so obvious if you don't understand me." Liu Qingge rebukes him. "Unfortunately, everyone is waiting for a third match. I'm sorry, but I can't leave without something in return." That's a lie. Liu Qingge always does what he wants and has never cared about the opinion of others, but he must investigate the true nature of that boy before leaving.

Shen Qingqiu clicks his tongue, aware of the complicated situation they are trapped in. All around them, demons and humans tensely watch them as they await the outcome of their negotiation.

"Fine." He concedes before turning towards the boy. "Luo Binghe, you will fight this demon. Don't disgrace Qing Jing Peak."

The boy pales and the girl next to him hugs him even tighter as she cries.

"Shizun!!!!! The demon will kill A-Luo!!!! Please, shizun!!!!!"

"He won't." Shen Qingqiu slightly turns his head to look at Liu Qingge. "And you can choose between the Demon Lord and Without a Cure. I advise the former unless you prefer to ruin your cultivation."

The boy is pale, but nods.

"Yes, shizun."

Liu Qingge frowns. There is no respect in his voice, only anger beneath the fear. Luo Binghe walks slowly out of pessimism at assuming his defeat and hating Shen Qingqiu for it. Liu Qingge stops watching him when his sister taps him on his shoulder so he turns to her.

"Great move." She whispers to him. "When you win, you can demand any reward. Choose Shen Qingqiu."

"What are you talking about?"

"This is better than my plan. You no longer have to defeat him, you can demand that he accompany you of his own free will as a reward. Taking a Peak Lord as a prize is more interesting than defeating him... and romantic." She whispers before backing away.

Liu Qingge wants to tell her that she is mistaken in believing that Shen Qingqiu will bow his head of his own free will. Knowing him, he will agree and then stab him when he is distracted. Still, there is something hypnotic about her sister's words. His heart races as he imagines Shen Qingqiu agreeing to accompany him, not out of obligation, but because his strength has impressed him. That wish is intertwined with the illusion of a Shen Qingqiu who has also missed him those three years.

He shakes his head to dispel these illusions that are distracting him. If he confirms that the boy is not human but demonic, he will claim him as a prize. Maybe Shen Qingqiu will be angry, but at least he won't be humiliating him anymore and won't earn his hatred. And as Liu Mingyan had already suggested to him, it will be fun if he gets Shen Qingqiu to chase after him.

Although the boy is trembling, he holds the sword firmly when Liu Qingge attacks him. Soon he confirms that the difference in strength between the two is abysmal, but Luo Binghe has an interesting talent, brilliant for such a young cultivator. He is promising and the demon smiles as he continues to probe him. His nature, on the other hand, is more complicated to clarify. Neither human nor demon. But human and demon in a certain way. That boy is an unpolished gem, a monster locked inside a still fragile body. After a blow that nearly knocked him to the ground, Liu Qingge narrows his eyes in satisfaction.

There is a seal. He can recognize it. A seal encloses the true nature of Luo Binghe.

The boy screams in desperation as he attacks him, mistaking his blows for a deadly threat. Liu Qingge is easily avoiding him when someone yells. The fight stops. While everyone was distracted with the fight, Shen Qingqiu has sneaked towards Liu Mingyan and now he is twisting Liu Mingyan's arm behind her back while his sword grazes her neck. Although Liu Qingge should be used to his dirty tricks by now, that's the worst one, the most horrible of all. His happiness disappears, eaten away by rage.

"Shen Qingqiu! Your cheater! Leave her!"

"This master considers that the demons have already played enough." He replies with a calm voice and a crooked smile. "Command your demons to leave. Now."

Liu Qingge is trembling furiously as he glares at Liu Mingyan's horde. Although they don’t have to obey him, they are sensible enough to fall back and flee before the anger of one of them affects them. Liu Qingge doesn’t sheath his sword when he approaches him.

"What are you playing?" He growls. "I was trying to help you."

"No demon, you were playing with my disciple, my reputation, and my sect. Did you really think that I would let you win the third match?"

At that moment, reality hits Liu Qingge harder than his betrayal.

"You don’t trust me." He sputters with wide eyes.

"Of course not."

"That's pretty unfair." Liu Mingyan intercedes despite her sticky hostage situation. "He has taken care of you several times."

"Always in his interest: fight me. And this master suspects that this would also be his wish when he finished beating my disciple." His voice and gaze grow colder. "You two have crossed the line in this game. You cannot attack my sect without suffering the consequences."

Liu Qingge and Liu Mingyan exchange a look.

This is your fault , he accuses his sister.

I didn't imagine your human was a cold bastard! She defends herself.

Liu Qingge glares at Shen Qingqiu again.

"Let her go."

"No. You go and she stays. I want to ask her a few questions."

His words sound more terrifying than the howls of the worst monsters and the bravado of the demons who dared to challenge him in the past. Liu Qingge finally accepts it: he and everyone made a mistake in judging Shen Qingqiu by his strength, underestimating him.

He has always been his perfect match.

"I'm afraid not."

Liu Qingge swings his sword, releasing a blast of demonic qi that catches his opponent off guard. Although Shen Qingqiu manages to back away unharmed, that moment of distraction is enough for Liu Mingyan to slip away after kicking him. Liu Qingge grabs his sister by the arm. Shen Qingqiu swings his fan to attack them with an army of sharp leaves that Liu Qingge destroys with a gesture.

Despite adrenaline pumping through his veins, he turns to glare at the boy. Luo Binghe is surrounded by his sectmates, especially the girl with the braids. Not this time , he thinks as he looks back at Shen Qingqiu, who has already drawn Xiu Ya and attacks him. Wary of his tricks and the hundred talismans hidden up his sleeve, Liu Qingge chooses to run away before he hurts Liu Mingyan. Because Shen Qingqiu now knows or at least suspects it: they have been helped to attack the sect at its most vulnerable.

"I'm glad to see you again." He says in a fit of sincerity while he dodges his attacks easily. "These three years have been very boring without you."

The demons run away.

One night after the incident, a dream demon visits Luo Binghe and the boy discovers that he is not human.

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu should feel happy because for the first time in his life his sectmates aren’t accusing him but they recognize his work in stopping the demonic invasion. It is such an unexpected and unusual event that he is unable to assimilate it. Furthermore, Shen Qingqiu has a much more urgent purpose than his relishing victory. Thanks to his disguise, he had already found out that Liu Qingge was watching him, but until then he believed that it was the work of his demonic servants. Despite the wards, a lesser demon can sneak around or hear rumors. Shen Qingqiu's travels have never been a secret.

But Liu Mingyan's bold attack betrays a different preparation. It’s not an accident that she chose the moment of more vulnerability of the sect. With the Alliance Conference approaching, one can deduce that Yue Qingyuan will be away most of the time. However, Shen Qingqiu and the Bai Zhan Peak Lord were in seclusion, Qi Qingqi on a mission, Mu Qingfang collecting medicinal plants near the sect, Shang Qinghua and Wei Qingwei reunited... Furthermore, she knew how to break through the sect's protections to be able to enter with her army and the most effective way to also nullify the Rainbow Bridge.

Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes, watching over the other Peak Lords. Now he knows: there is a traitor among them. Or among their head disciples, since almost all of them delegate their agendas to them. When the others stop arguing about the invasion incident, he clears his throat.

"I'm afraid this has only been the beginning." Shen Qingqiu says, examining all of his companions. To identify the spy and use them to his advantage, he must hide his suspicion. "It was a carefully calculated attack. They knew when to attack and how to boycott our defenses." Shen Qingqiu deliberately pauses for his words to pierce the empty heads of his companions. And disturb the traitor. "That means those siblings have been stalking Cang Qiong Mountain Sect for a long time. And we all know how demons are: obsessive, violent, and savage. They never surrender except when they find an enemy more powerful than themselves. They will return until we crush them and to reduce damage next time our victory must be absolute."

His heart beats with relief as he realizes for the first time that no one is rejecting his idea. After all, he is still the sect's strategist and his latest victory has served to soften the others' misgivings about him. The most satisfying thing is that their acceptance will prevent him from using his privilege by forcing Yue Qingyuan to accept his measures.

Even so, Yue Qingyuan is unable to remain silent for long.

"What does shidi propose?"

"For the time being, this master suggests we start by reinforcing our protective spells. Specifically, with a detector that alerts us of the slightest demonic activity in the sect. That way, the next time the siblings attack, we'll be warned."

Shen Qingqiu allows himself to savor the achievement of the others agreeing to his plan and for the first time the twelve Peak Lords coordinate in reformulating the new defenses. However, his happiness is quickly swallowed by cold rage.

He is tense and moody when he visits Qian Cao Peak that afternoon. Since he has not warned of his intentions, Shen Qingqiu bursts into Mu Qingfang's office when he is meeting with his disciple.

"Shen-shixiong?" The healer mumbles, surprised. "What is the reason behind your visit?"

"Check my meridians."

Shen Qingqiu no longer begs for anything, but demands. After all, he has earned that privilege by giving up his life as a slave and becoming a Peak Lord. Furthermore, Mu Qingfang has never earned his respect.

The healer sighs wearily and leaves his table to examine his meridians. He frowns slightly, confirming Shen Qingqiu's fears: the stress he suffered during the demonic invasion has affected his spiritual energy.

"How is it?"

"Your control is weak, but you are not at risk of qi deviation. Still, I must suggest Shen-shixiong should meditate and supplement his tea with soothing plants."

Stupid demons . He hisses through his teeth. Three years of seclusion ruined! Shen Qingqiu hides his wrist up to his sleeve again before looking at the healer.

"Zhangmen-shixiong must not find out about this."

Mu Qingfang sighs.

"I can't ignore the sect leader's orders. And after your last qi deviation, he asked me to keep him informed about your health."

Qi-Ge is being as annoying as ever. He pretends to care about him, but never really acts or gives him the answers that Shen Qingqiu still seeks.

"What about an exchange of favors? It's the blooming season for crystal lilies and from what I understand, the sect is always in short supply of them."

Crystal lilies are a rare plant with powerful healing abilities that only grow on an inhospitable mountain. Collecting them is difficult, though not for someone of Shen Qingqiu's level. It's more tedious than a deadly mission and he would only stoop to offering his help in exchange for something valuable.

As he intuited, Mu Qingfang accepts the bribe.

Shang Qinghua hates the unexpected. Usually, he accepts them with resignation, like the fact that an ice demon bothers him with his stupid courtship or that almost no one in the sect respects the budget and they are continually wasting money on rebuilding what they have broken or buying huge amounts of materials. Although he reluctantly assumes them, Shang Qinghua hates the unexpected with fury and frustration.

His heart beats with uncertainty as he leaves the sect to head to the city without being seen by anyone. He is aware of his erratic behavior, but the demonic invasion has not gone as he had supposed and during the last meeting he almost feared that Shen Qingqiu would discover him. At the moment, the Qing Jing Peak Lord has drawn the wrong conclusions, even so, Shang Qinghua must be more cautious from now on.

That is why that night he looks for a famous inn for his discretion. Of course, he is not stupid enough to look for a place where criminals gather to make their shady deals. The inn that he has chosen is the one where lovers, adulterous couples, and all those who have a secret passion go. Once in a simple yet lovingly decorated room, Shang Qinghua pulls a talisman from his sleeve to summon Mobei-jun.

It's satisfying to be the one to bother the demon this time and not the other way around. That also makes him feel able to control the course of the meeting.

A few moments later, the demon appears. Mobei-jun is not known for his expressiveness, but tonight he seems annoyed, although his expression changes to one of surprise when he discovers that they are not at And Ding Peak.

"My lord." Shang Qinghua tilts his head. The room is so small that there is not even a table. "This humble one is sorry for unexpectedly calling you, but I have bad news."

Mobei-jun stops looking around the room and raises an eyebrow.

"Speak."

"After the latest incident, the sect will take action. The Peak Lords are working on a new ward that will alert any demonic presence within the sect." Shang Qinghua takes a deep breath. The apathetic Mobei-jun must understand the importance of the matter or they will both end up in trouble. "For security, I advise my lord to not visit me again. From now on, we should meet here. It is safer and more discreet."

Hopefully, Mobei-jun will suddenly stop showing up at his house and they can have a schedule. Shang Qinghua loves schedules and not the demons that disrupt his routine with more mishaps.

"Mn." Mobei-jun, as indifferent as ever, nonchalantly accepts.

"Also... About what happened last night back at the sect..."

Shang Qinghua is restless. He collaborated with Mobei-jun to help him with his devious demonic courtship of Shen Qingqiu. However, two unexpected demons appeared. Nervous, he gazes at him, waiting for an explanation.

"Let's not talk about it. It was a failure."

As Shang Qinghua suspected, those demons are enemies of Mobei-jun. Those thugs must have stolen his plan. At least they only bothered Shen Qingqiu and their interest was as non-specific as if there had been another Peak Lord. 

More relieved, he nods.

"This humble one will continue to help his Lord with his purpose. Next time it will be a success, I promise you."

Mobei-jun pats his head before turning around and disappearing. Those brief meetings are Shang Qinghua's favorite. He leaves right away, humming happily under his breath. Going downstairs, he meets one of the innkeepers.

"Are you leaving so soon?" The woman looks scared. "Has the room been to your liking, excellent cultivator?"

"Wonderful. I'll be back soon." Shang Qinghua's smile is broad as well as sincere. "It was cold though. Could you put up some braziers for next time?"

"Of course, honored guest!"

Getting the crystal lilies is boringly easy, so Shen Qingqiu takes advantage of the trip to stop at a hot spring. After all, his healer has recommended him to relax, right?

As the hot water softens his tense muscles and washes away his worries, Shen Qingqiu gazes at the sky. Liu Qingge has not appeared, he observes. That means neither Mu Qingfang nor his head disciple is a spy.

Chapter Text

His new master is a parasitic demon that can only live inside his head. Meng Mo is arrogant and presumptuous, but he is offering Luo Binghe tools that he had never valued until then. And new dreams. Now that Luo Binghe is aware of his demonic blood, he fantasizes about unlikely futures in which he becomes the best cultivator in the world, humiliating everyone who has mocked him. That little secret makes him feel better when his routine is terrible. After all the pain, humiliation, and disappointments he's been through, there's a new hope pulsing inside his chest.

That night, Meng Mo drags him back to the initial dreamscape instead of helping him perfect his techniques.

"Listen, brat. Those pesky Peak Lords are reinforcing the sect's barriers. There's a new spell for detecting demonic presences, I can feel it." Even though the demon is old and his abilities are limited, forcing him to rely on Luo Binghe, his knowledge and talents are still formidable. "I suspect it's that annoying shizun of yours. Be careful brat. That seal of yours hides your nature, but if you carelessly cultivate this path you'll eventually be found."

Luo Binghe nods with a frown. He will never call Meng Mo shizun because for better or worse, Luo Binghe only recognizes Shen Qingqiu as shizun.

A lot of things had changed after the demonic invasion. He still remembers the fear when that terrible demon chose him to fight him. And the frustration mixed with disappointment when his shizun allowed it. However, it turned out to be a ruse. Still, it was disheartening to learn that to Shen Qingqiu he doesn’t have more value than being a bait.

Luo Binghe puts a hand to his chin as he thinks. At first, he believed that he had made a mistake and so Shen Qingqiu punished him. Years later, Luo Binghe accepted that his shizun simply hated him. Although he is an arrogant and vile person, his attitude towards Luo Binghe is worse than his cruel indifference against the other boys or his skepticism towards the sect leader. Luo Binghe has never understood why nor managed to win his shizun's appreciation.

And now maybe he has an answer.

Luo Binghe no longer believes that the demon chose him by chance. The intruder recognized his nature with the same precision that Meng Mo did. What if Shen Qingqiu also suspects it? There was something odd about his reaction when the demon pointed at him. Perhaps all the inhuman tasks and that he was given a different manual are because Shen Qingqiu is pushing his limits intending to discover the truth. Although Luo Binghe bears a lot of resentment against his teacher, he recognizes his intelligence. And he still admires him.

Luo Binghe thanks Meng Mo for the warning. That new move from Shen Qingqiu practically proves that his master plans to unmask him. The other demon must have confirmed his suspicions, and now he has moved on to a more aggressive strategy.

With a shiver, Luo Binghe mentally prepares to dodge all of his shizun's traps.

To his dismay, Luo Binghe is summoned the next morning to Shen Qingqiu's office. That is always terrible news, but now that he is afraid that Shen Qingqiu has been hunting him all this time, his fear is redoubled. Even so, Luo Binghe doesn’t delay the task. Being late is almost as terrible as being found out.

Shen Qingqiu is sitting in his study and he doesn't raise his head when he arrives. His indifference before was painful, but now it is a relief. Luo Binghe tries to appear calm even though he is unable to sit still and his heart is beating fast.

“Here you are.” As always, Shen Qingqiu addresses him as if instead of a person (half-demon, now) he is trash. Or something inferior, like a cockroach that is dirtying his pristine house. "I understand that you are welcome at Xian Shu Peak, is that true?"

Luo Binghe tenses up. Shen Qingqiu often punishes him for getting too close to Ning Yingying. It's unfair that his master, someone famous for visiting brothels, accuses him of being a pervert. Luo Binghe bows his head not out of respect, but to prevent Shen Qingqiu from recognizing the anger in his eyes.

"This disciple doesn't usually go near Xian Shu Peak, but he's never been stopped when I've been on errands."

Shen Qingqiu nods approvingly, and Luo Binghe starts to tremble. Is that another trap to identify his demonic nature? At that moment, the door opens and Ning Yingying walks in as giggly as ever. Instantly, Shen Qingqiu's attitude changes, softening. Filthy pervert!

"This master has a mission for both of us." He begins, shocking Luo Binghe. "You will go to Xian Shu Peak. Yingying, you will search for Qi Qingqi. Luo Binghe, you will go for her head disciple. You must inform them that this master has found a possible route that the demons used to pass through the Human Realm. I'm going to XiHan and maybe I'll be away for a few days. For security, no one else should know about this matter, understand?"

"Yes, shizun." They answer at the same time.

"Yingying, also inform Qi Qingqi that in case this master finds any clues, I will send a message to her asking for reinforcements."

"Understood, shizun!"

Luo Binghe breathes a sigh of relief as they finally leave the bamboo house. This is one of those rare occasions when Shen Qingqiu has neither scolded, punished nor sent him any unpleasant tasks. Luo Binghe loves Xian Shu Peak because everyone there is very nice to him. Also, it is an unexpected opportunity to take a walk with Ning Yingying, his favorite person in the world and his only friend.

"Today shizun has been very kind." She comments. Ning Yingying's special talent is sugarcoating reality. "He even entrusted you with a mission! A-Luo, perhaps Shizun is finally acknowledging you as a disciple!"

Luo Binghe banished that hope long ago. Still, he smiles so as not to upset her even though he still suspects that Shen Qingqiu's supposed kindness is a trap.

Setting a trap for Qi Qingqi is more complicated than for Mu Qingfang. After all, he doesn't trust her and she doesn't trust him either. If Qi Qingqi tells his plan to the other Peak Lords, the trap will be useless. That is why Shen Qingqiu has weighed different possibilities.

For three days, no one shows up to bother him. Still, he doesn't let his guard down and sends a note to Qi Qingqi asking for reinforcements. That will be the moment to confirm if she has told his location to the others or not. Due to his fame of being lustful, Qi Qingqi will not send any of her disciples if he has talked to the others, instead, she will pressure them to intervene. However, if someone from Xian Shu Peak shows up, that can only mean that Qi Qingqi hasn't talked to any other Peak Lords.

Shen Qingqiu waits impatiently and curiously. When Sha Hualing, Qi Qingqi's head disciple, appears he narrows his eyes.

"Greetings, Shen-shibo." Despite her smile, the girl has been educated by Qi Qingqi and keeps her distance from him, and stays on her guard. "This disciple has come to help with the investigation."

Shen Qingqiu nods. The next part of the trap is the bait. Perhaps no demon appeared during those three days because they were waiting for him to finish his investigation. Although he has chosen a logical location, he lied about everything else. Still, if the demons are cunning (or the spy is) they will wait for him to confirm his discoveries.

Now that Shen Qingqiu has proved that Qi Qingqi hasn't revealed his location to anyone else, it's time to discard her as suspicious or not.

XiHan is a city with a slight demonic presence and a history of young men periodically disappearing. Although Shen Qingqiu doesn't consider it to be related to the demon invasion, at least this place supports his theory. He and Sha Hualing leave the city to go into the forest. The mistrust of the young woman does not disappear even though he is ignoring her. And so, enveloped in cold and awkward silence, the two investigate that demonic trail.

Nothing happens during half a shichen.

Until the silence is broken when a figure emerges from the trees.

"it's been a long time." Says a voice that makes Shen Qingqiu tremble.

Liu Mingyan, the brazen demoness who dared to attack his sect, is here. Shen Qingqiu has a hard time keeping control. The fury makes him clench his fists and narrow his eyes to glare at her.

Qi Qingqi, her head disciple or both is the spy.

Liu Mingyan’s demonic invasion had been a failure. At least she had gotten the elusive Shen Qingqiu out of hiding, but her brother had gotten angry with her and according to Mobei-jun's spy, Shen Qingqiu is strengthening the sect.

The only good thing about that decision was the beauty she fought against.

Liu Mingyan has not forgotten that cultivator with wild eyes and a feline smile. Since the other two were upset with her ideas, she had decided to search for that cultivator. After all, Liu Mingyan won her duel. Doesn't she deserve a reward?

To her surprise, her beautiful prey is with Shen Qingqiu.

Ge! She yells, using one of the talismans the three demons have to communicate with each other. Come here immediately!!

Chapter Text

Although Shen Qingqiu still has his doubts about Qi Qingqi, with Sha Hualing it is clear. Her smile, wide, bright, and with a touch of coquettishness, is unbecoming for a demoness who had previously defeated her. As well as attacking her sectmates and trying to destroy her sect. Sha Hualing's betrayal is so obvious that Shen Qingqiu snorts dismissively.

"Long time no see, Master Shen." Liu Mingyan's voice is polite, but there is a gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing. Or should this master remind you that you are in the Human Realm?" He emphasizes the last words by raising an eyebrow.

She has the nerve to feign surprise.

"Who cares about borders?" She downplays it by shaking her hand. "Travel is not a crime, Master Shen. Some of us enjoy discovering other places."

And destroying them afterward , he thinks. However, Shen Qingqiu hides his fury behind an icy gaze. Being underestimated is his best weapon to get them to lower their guard and confess their plans. Shen Qingqiu is starting to suspect that his own decisions have made him fall into a trap. Though if he plays his cards right, being cornered is a minuscule price to pay for all the information he's gathering.

"Well... We were looking for you." Sha Hualing intervenes, startling Shen Qingqiu. "Is this the path you used to travel between the Demon Realm and our sect?"

If it wasn't for the fact that Shen Qingqiu appreciates his fan, he would have put it in her mouth.

"What are you doing?" He hisses at her.

"Why keep looking when we can ask her?"

Because Liu Mingyan can lie to them. Every piece of information is valuable and Sha Hualing has just gifted their intentions to the demoness. Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes. She seems stupid, but as a spy, she is quite cunning keeping her role.

"Oh no!" Liu Mingyan laughs.

Shen Qingqiu snorts while turning his back.

"As if this master could believe you. There is an indisputable demonic trail in this area."

During those three days wandering around, Shen Qingqiu has already confirmed that Liu Mingyan's horde never crossed this forest, but with those lies and deceptions, he plans to control the situation and push them according to their goals, not the other way around.

"That's because a friend of mine lives here."

Shen Qingqiu takes advantage of the fact that no one can see his face to smile. This is how to play: by getting information from your enemies. With a gesture, he motions for Sha Hualing to follow him. With Liu Mingyan there is no need because the demoness herself decides to go after them. The three of them walk through the forest in silence broken by the demoness's occasional questions and the human's laughter as she answers, ignoring Shen Qingqiu's common sense and glares.

As they advance, the demonic presence becomes more intense. Several demons live here, Shen Qingqiu deduces, frowning. At least he'll take that opportunity to get rid of a few parasites. They are crossing a creek when someone lands on the shore. Despite the impact making water rise, splashing the humans, the newcomer is unblemished, without a stain on his white robes or disheveled. Shen Qingqiu's heart skips a beat even though he should no longer be surprised by Liu Qingge's appearance.

The demon's grumpy expression disappears when his gazes meet. Liu Qingge's eyes widen, revealing that he didn’t expect to find him there, before turning to his sister.

"Mingyan?" He hisses.

"It's taken you a long time to get there, Ge!" Liu Mingyan walks past the humans to stand next to Liu Qingge. "We were on our way to visit Madam Meiyin."

Interesting , Shen Qingqiu thinks as he analyzes the siblings' reactions. Like with the demonic invasion, Liu Mingyan is the instigator who summons Liu Qingge. That also fits into what he already knows about their personalities: Liu Qingge's interest is more specific and determined to fight, while Liu Mingyan seems more ambitious. Furthermore, Sha Hualing and the demoness seem to be in cahoots while Liu Qingge acts indifferent towards the human.

Liu Qingge finally nods with a groan and proceeds to ignore his sister to keep an eye on Shen Qingqiu, who stares defiantly at him. It is the first time that they meet again after the tension of their last encounter. And although Shen Qingqiu is pretty sure that the demon was not to blame for attacking his sect, he has never learned to forgive. His rage is a stain on his chest, contaminating his other feelings and thoughts. Shen Qingqiu looks away disdainfully, ready to treat Liu Qingge irrelevantly.

He wasn't planning on walking alongside two enemies and a spy into a demon nest, but it's already too late to turn back. Shen Qingqiu does not allow himself to be distracted, listening for every strange noise and every sudden movement that alerts to an ambush. But the four arrive calmly at a cave with no more mishaps than the sudden appearance of Liu Qingge.

Shen Qingqiu crinkles his nose as he recognizes what kind of creatures live there.

Succubi.

He watches the other three out of the corner of his eye. If you hope to mislead me by taking advantage of brothel rumors, I’m sorry to inform you that this master is not interested in women . Nor in men, although for different reasons. For Shen Qingqiu, women are a refuge. And although he tried with Qiu Haitang, he was never able to harbor romantic feelings towards her. However, even though he is capable of being attracted to men, that quickly turns to repulsion. And panic.

As someone who abhors sex, Shen Qingqiu's pulse begins to race despite his bored expression. Liu Mingyan steps forward to greet the succubi with the familiarity of old friends. And soon that Madam Meiyin comes out of the cave to greet them with curiosity shining in her eyes.

Shen Qingqiu planned to chase away that nest of succubus, not for the four of them to end up sitting at a table while Madame Meiyin offered them tea and pastries. Shen Qingqiu doesn't dare touch anything and Sha Hualing seems more interested in keeping a close eye on Liu Mingyan in case the demoness takes off her veil to eat.

"It's been a long time, Madame Meiyin." Liu Mingyan says with a cup of tea in her hands.

"Too much. Though I've heard of your latest adventures, none of you deigns to visit me." The succubus snorts, offended, but then she smiles again. "What a curious company you have today. A Peak Lord and his disciple!"

"Oh, we aren't!" Sha Hualing shakes her hand. "Peak Lord Shen is my shibo."

Shen Qingqiu grits his teeth. Stop. Giving. Information. To. The. Enemy. Hateful. Spy.

"I see..." The succubus's nails are sharp and tap rhythmically on the table. "It is still an honor for me. I have never had two excellent cultivators as guests."

"Intriguing." Shen Qingqiu gives her a wicked smile. "This master understood that succubus like you usually have many guests. I will assume that madame is not used to guests who come of their own free will."

Although he is not sitting at that table precisely by his will since he would rather be fighting.

"I see that Peak Lord Shen has a sharp tongue."

Liu Mingyan nods. The cup of tea in her hands is empty despite the fact that she has not removed her veil at any time.

"You know? Madame Meiyin has the gift of clairvoyance." She turns to the humans. "Would you like her to take a look at your future?"

Shen Qingqiu knows that his future will be like his past: dark. He has already accepted that the best way to prevent disappointment is not to harbor any hope. Still, he is intrigued by the demoness's game and so he decides to extend his hand.

"This master wonders what Madam Meiyin will see in this cultivator's boring life."

The succubus is smiling as her sharp fingernails grip his hand.

"It will be a pleasure."

"Tell me when we will fight." Liu Qingge says, who up to this point had listened without intervening or eating anything. "A real fight. No dirty tricks, no cheating, and no one else getting involved."

Madame Meiyin bursts out laughing.

"My poor boy, my gift is limited to the romantic future."

How useless . Shen Qingqiu clicks his tongue, slightly disappointed.

"Then I'm afraid madame won't see anything."

"That's not true. You have a line... interrupted." Her gaze stares at Shen Qingqiu's palm with an intensity as if it’s hiding a universe. "Perhaps a broken engagement?"

Shen Qingqiu raises an eyebrow. His past is one of those secrets that he has buried after burning all the ties that bound him to his old life. There are many rumors around the figure of him, all false. Although the veracity of the fortune teller has grown, there is still the possibility that she was right by chance.

Sadly, the only thing she finds in his hand is the remnants of that miserable past, condemning him to a lonely life.

"Oh! But I also see the beginning of a new line. Master Shen, love is beginning to blossom in your life."

The fortune teller's credibility decreases.

The other three look at them curiously. Gossipers , he snorts. Liu Qingge, who was drinking tea, stops to look at them with interest.

“Um… the other party is younger than you,” Madame Meiyin says. “Their experiences… are not comparable to yours. Your first meeting was unpleasant."

The fortune teller's credibility continues to decline. His first meeting with anyone was unpleasant. He is neither sociable nor nice, and currently doesn’t have any friends. The only person he feels even the slightest bit of brotherly affection for is Ning Yingying and the brothel’s ladies. And the shadows of his old feelings towards Yue Qingyuan, which never fade despite his repeated betrayals.

"Your relationship with your destined one right now... is not good. There are two paths, Inmortal Master: hate and love. A kind gesture can change the destiny of both, but your cruel disdain can also condemn you."

Shen Qingqiu rolls his eyes. Today is not a good day to listen to the nonsense of a succubus who is daring to judge his character.

"Well, well... Your destined one rarely pays attention to those around them, Immortal Master. However, once they come to care about someone, they do it full heartedly, without any reservations."

Shen Qingqiu shakes his head. The fortune teller's credibility has increased, but because he is beginning to suspect that she can read his heart and then make up an unlikely story. After all, Madame Meiyin has hit on the quality he values most: loyalty.

"As if someone like that existed." He snorts, mocking.

"What about their looks?" Liu Qingge intervenes.

The demon has frowned as he watches the fortune teller.

“A beauty second to none.”

“Spiritual energy? Potential?”

“Exceptional potential, powerful spiritual energy. They come from a distinguished household and descended from a noble bloodline.”

Too unlikely. Shen Qingqiu sighs. Madame Meiyin would have fooled anyone else, but he already picks out the seams of her prediction.

"And you said that they already know each other?"

“They might part for a short time, but they’ll meet again quickly. It is Immortal Master's fated one who does the chasing." Madame Meiyin smiles. "I'm jealous, Immortal Master. This person is staggeringly devoted to you.”

Shen Qingqiu chuckles without noticing Liu Qingge's expression, confused, surprised, and intrigued. Neither when the demon starts staring at him.

"Too bad that person doesn't exist." He says as he pulls his arm back.

Chapter Text

Madam Meiyin's words still echo inside his head, taking on a different hue than Liu Qingge had given them in the beginning. The demon looks at Shen Qingqiu out of the corner of his eyes as doubt grows in his chest like roots and branches that wrap around his heart.

The question is not if he is the destined one that the succubus spoke about, but if he wants to be.

Despite his sister's hints, this is the first time that Liu Qingge reconsiders his intentions.

Good, Liu Mingyan thinks, smirking. It took you so long, Ge. Later, she will thank her friend for her unexpected help. Liu Mingyan had other intentions, but she never turns down the opportunities that fate offers her. And the fact that her brother and Shen Qingqiu are destined is even more interesting. And romantic. With this new argument, surely she will finally convince Liu Qingge to conquer the Human Realm. It is the most direct way to also conquer the heart of his destined one.

Liu Mingyan is smirking when she gets up from the table intending to gossip with the other succubi. After entering the cave away from the others, she dares to talk to the demonesses.

"What poisons do you have?" She whispers to them.

Her friends laugh like naughty birds.

"Our collection of aphrodisiacs is probably the most complete in the world."

"Hmm... Too soon." Liu Mingyan shakes her head. "My brother will soon court the immortal master. Do you have any other interesting poisons?"

Succubi adore the same romantic stories as her and their eyes light up with excitement. They all start talking at the same time, offering different proposals: from sleeping pills to elixirs that weaken humans, or love potions. And she listens to their suggestions with satisfaction as she begins to plan the best strategy. Liu Mingyan is so distracted that she doesn't realize someone is behind her until Sha Hualing speaks.

"Do you pretend to poison Shen-shibo!?"

The attractive female disciple, who until then was giving her many bright red smiles, now looks at her suspiciously. Liu Mingyan has a feeling that she has made a mistake, even though she doesn't understand why.

"Don't get me wrong!" She replies quickly. "Have you heard Madame Meiyin's words? My brother is Master Shen's destined one."

The human frowns.

"Shen-shibo... and a demon?"

"Indeed! Unfortunately, Master Shen is too proud to admit it. He will have no choice but to accept my brother's feelings if he is kidnapped."

For some reason, Sha Hualing is staring at her with a puzzled expression. Maybe it's from the shock of a romance between enemy races.

"You're hot, but also an idiot." She finally sputters. "No one likes that! That's not romantic, it's a crime!"

"Well, a friend's father kidnapped his wife. That she was his brother's wife, by the way." Liu Mingyan comments, thinking about the complicated family relationship of Mobei-jun's clan. "It's normal."

"Maybe it is for demons, but not for humans!" Sha Hualing gesticulates exaggeratedly. "If you try to kidnap Shen-shibo, he will hate you. And then he will cruelly kill you. And your loved ones." The cultivator trembles. "He is terrifying."

Liu Mingyan listens to her in silence. And though some of those words are starting to tangle with her thoughts, she's just as persistent as her brother.

"But the books say..."

"No. Forget it." Sha Hualing cuts her off, holding up a finger with the nail exquisitely painted in red. "I think you need my help. Let me show you how to court a human."

Liu Mingyan accepts any opportunity that fate offers her. And if it has the appearance of an attractive cultivator, even better. The demoness's smile reaches her eyes as she offers her hand.

"I'll be delighted to receive your advice."

Then, Liu Mingyan realizes that the succubi have left them alone.

Shen Qingqiu frowns as the spy and the demoness return beaming and unsubtle from their secret meeting. But since he plans to feign ignorance to use that information to his advantage, he says nothing and turns to head out of the cave. Although the mission hasn’t been a waste of time, in the end, it has become a headache.

You have been lucky , succubi . Shen Qingqiu thinks bitterly. His plan to expel them fell apart the moment Liu Qingge appeared. If he draws his sword, the demon won’t leave him alone. So Shen Qingqiu just holds his fan as he walks with impatient steps. He hears mischievous giggling behind his back before a sweet smell fills the air. Shen Qingqiu tenses as his instinct trembles. But before he can react, Liu Qingge extends his sleeve to cover his face.

"Watch out." The demon growls, annoyed. "Succubus poison."

He is too close. Shen Qingqiu's back brushes against his chest and his breath tickles his ear as he speaks. And the poison makes Shen Qingqiu's cheeks burn. It's irritating and annoying, but he stands still instead of pushing him away.

"Can I get rid of this nuisance without you bothering me?"

"I can get rid of them for you." Liu Qingge sounds angry.

That annoying poison must be quite powerful since now Shen Qingqiu feels the urge to smile.

"What a gentleman." He mocks his demon. "Go ahead."

By the time Liu Qingge finishes scolding the succubi with his sword, he is already far away.

Chapter Text

Qi Qingqi is waiting for Sha Hualing at Xian Shu Peak. Her master gestures impatiently for her to come closer and together they walk to her house. Once inside those inconspicuous walls, Qi Qingqi sits down across from her low table, and Sha Hualing follows suit.

"How did the mission go? That scum of Shen Qingqiu hasn't tried to get inappropriately close to you, has he?"

"No."

"Good, good." Relief softens her features. "What about the mission? Has it been conclusive?"

Sha Hualing smiles, not quite clear on her answer. Well, the situation she encountered is not easy, and Shen Qingqiu may not be the only one with a secret. For once, the cultivator chooses to be subtle and tell an incomplete truth.

"Although we found a demonic trail, it was not the one used by the attackers, but rather other demons."

"Um." Qi Qingqi frowns. "It's not like Shen Qingqiu to be wrong. Are you sure it wasn't an excuse to spend time with you?"

Like most of Xian Shu Peak's disciples, Sha Hualing also considers Qi Qingqi an overprotective mother duck whom she appreciates as much as she admires. When she entered the sect, she also met the rumors earlier than Shen Qingqiu himself. Although Xian Shu Peak is kept distant from the other peaks due to restrictions, Qi Qingqi speaks of all of her sectmates with a familiarity that makes them feel like they know them even if they have never seen them.

But despite all the warnings from her shizun, Sha Hualing has never felt threatened around the Peak Lord. There is no lust in his gaze, just the same contempt someone gives to an annoying fly. In addition, there is new information that she has discovered during the mission.

Nervously, Sha Hualing licks her lips. There are doubts in her heart and for the first time, she can't tell her shizun, because that would imply recognizing her attraction to the enemy demoness. Her heart is beating fast when she opens her mouth.

"I found out something about Shen-shibo during the mission. He…" Sha Hualing falters, disarmed by Qi Qingqi's curious gaze. "He has a suitor. A man."

That is not the spicy rumor that Qi Qingqi was expecting. Her eyes widen in surprise and she makes an O with her lips, not saying a word.

"Are you sure about that?" Her shizun finally manages to sputter.

"Yes. At least his suitor is determined, as for Shen-shibo... I'm not so sure." Sha Hualing acknowledges. "Even with him he is rude and unpleasant, however, this disciple suspects that his presence doesn’t displease him. Or else he would have been more direct in rejecting him."

Sha Hualing remembers that time when the demon covered Shen Qingqiu to protect him from the succubi's poison. Despite his personality, never able to shut up complaints and criticism, the Peak Lord allowed that closeness.

"How strange." Qi Qingqi concedes. "What kind of man is courting Shen Qingqiu? Is he rich? Perhaps that explains his behavior."

"Shizun... Shen-shibo is rich, why would he want to marry someone for his fortune?"

For once, her master is speechless. For Sha Hualing it is even worse since she knows that he is a demon, a detail that she decides to keep to herself for the time being. Even so, it is an inexplicable mystery that fills the house with silence.

"I will investigate this matter." Qi Qingqi says after a sigh. "Shen Qingqiu's intentions have never been good."

And allow her Master to discover that he is one of the demons that attacked the sect and that she has not told the truth to hide her interest in the demoness? No way!

"This disciple can handle it, shizun." Sha Hualing gives her her sweetest, most harmless smile. "It's a secondary matter and Shizun is very busy."

"Mnnn... Fine. I'm counting on you, Sha Hualing."

Under other circumstances, Sha Hualing would have believed that Shen Qingqiu plans to ally with the demons, but she was there during the sect's attack and witnessed the Peak Lord's rage. Before jumping to conclusions, she will investigate until her curiosity is satisfied.

"No more kidnappings!"

Mobei-jun is not a fan of laughter, in general, to any display of his emotions. However, at that moment he tilts his head in the closest thing to a smile. Ironically, Liu Mingyan announces such a move with a reproachful voice when that was always her idea while the two of them were either silent, indifferent, or against.

"We need a new plan, a better plan. Fortunately, I have a new ally who will help me understand the ins and outs of romance between humans. Mobei-jun, you should ask your spy too. It will be interesting to have different opinions."

Mobei-jun doesn't react, but his silence is affirmative. Not that he has anything better to do. Intrigued, he looks at Liu Qingge, who hasn't said anything yet. Neither in favor... nor against. Sometimes Mobei-jun pities them. The lives of the brothers would be easier if their hearts were also made of ice: so one would not change her mind from one day to the next and the other would make a faster decision about his feelings.

Then, Mobei-jun remembers his spy and that thought leads others to form an idea.

"I have a list of Shen Qingqiu's enemies." The demon announces.

And Liu Qingge raises his head before nodding. There is finally determination in his absent gaze.

It’s a normal day until Shen Qingqiu finds a letter in his garden. It is not the first time that his mail has been lost due to the clumsiness of his disciples, but his senses immediately recognize that it is not a normal letter. He picks it up quickly, before anyone sees it, and returns to his bamboo house with restless steps. Once safe from prying eyes, he opens the letter. The paper is different from usual and the ink has a reddish tint, but the characters have the elegance of a scholar... or a demon noble.

I will deal with your enemies. Liu Qingge.

"Fine?" Shen Qingqiu sputters, confused. "If you want to be my only enemy, go ahead. I guess."

The letter is compromising, so he destroys it without hesitation with a burst of qi. But Shen Qingqiu keeps inside his Qiankun pouch a fragment where the demon's name can still be read.

Chapter Text

There are a million reasons why Liu Mingyan loves going to the Human Realm. And today she has discovered a new one: Sha Hualing is waiting for her. That will be her first class on conquering the hearts of humans. And her teacher is incredibly attractive. Liu Mingyan's pulse quickens as she recognizes Sha Hualing on the street. Even though she wears her demure uniform, there is something wild about her gaze, her braided hair, and the jewelry that peeks out from under her sleeves. Liu Mingyan, who has hidden all her demonic traits, walks towards her appearing calm despite the emotion that pulsates under her skin like a second heart.

"Greetings..." The demoness hesitates. "How should I call you?"

Sha Hualing gives her a feline smile. And for a few seconds, she seems to consider the answer.

"Sha-shijie is fine." Her voice rattles before she laughs briefly. "Are you ready?"

"Always."

Liu Mingyan stands next to her and follows the cultivator through the streets. Though it's not the first time she has snuck into a human city, there's something different about that encounter that makes it special. The smells seem more intense, the voices more real. Liu Mingyan is no longer a bystander or a terrifying demon, but just another passerby.

"Did your brother...do something?" Sha Hualing asks with disinterest. "In addition to planning Shen-shibo's kidnapping. To help you, I need some context. What kind of courtship is your brother following?"

"Fight. And fight. Heal Master Shen of his wounds. And fight again." She sums it up.

"..."

"And I forgot! Fight. Argue because Master Shen doesn't want to fight. Or argue because Master Shen hasn't fought fair."

"You need a lot of help." Sha Hualing sighs, but quickly she smiles again. "I have a great idea. Follow me."

Liu Mingyan accompanies the cultivator through specific streets until they reach a store. When Sha Hualing enters, she walks behind her with self-conscious yet expectant steps.

"Your brother must stop fighting Shen-shibo." Sha Hualing warns her. "And he also needs to fix his previous mistakes. It's a miracle Shen-shibo allowed his rudeness! Maybe he really is in love…" She mutters to herself before turning back to Liu Mingyan. "No more fightings, understood?"

Liu Mingyan nods, even though her trust in Liu Qingge is negligible.

"What's your plan?"

Sha Hualing's smile grows to meet her eyes.

"Courtship gifts. Let me show you."

Her hand grips Liu Mingyan's, and she feels a tingle that lingers as Sha Hualing drags her through the store. Until that moment she hadn't noticed that they are in a jewelry store. The cultivator hardly hesitated, as if she had already made up her mind long before entering, perhaps even meeting. She chooses a hairpin carved in the shape of flowers. It is as beautiful as elegant.

"Your taste is excellent, Sha-shijie." She praises her. "But are you sure Master Shen will like it?"

Sha Hualing laughs again with that jingle bell laugh.

"It's not for him, but for you."

And she takes the hairpin to put it on Liu Mingyan. That sudden closeness startles the demoness. Sha Hualing smells good, like peonies, and her sharp fingernails gently part her hair. Her fingers caress her forehead as she brushes aside a strand of hair.

"Now it's your turn." Sha Hualing has not moved away from her, and her voice envelops Liu Mingyan, lost in her eyes. Her color is strange for a human, almost red. "Find a fancy present for Shen-shibo."

Ever since Luo Binghe started training in demonic cultivation, he has been cautious. Despite his progress, he has hidden his new abilities so that no one will discover him. He hasn't even tried to stop the bullying of Ming Fan and his other disciples nor has he tried to surprise Shen Qingqiu again.

Therefore, he is astonished when the alarm resounds in the sect. His heart nearly stops as the Dream Demon's screams echoes inside his head with agonizing desperation. It is the special alarm of his shizun, the one that warns of the demonic presence. His hands have started to shake. Luo Binghe is sure that there is no one else nearby, but he also believed that he would never be detected. With his sealed nature, the power he can release is almost non-existent. Furthermore, all of Meng Mo's lessons had been more theoretical than practical.

There are screams in the distance. Luo Binghe only thinks of hiding. Maybe it's not too late yet. Perhaps they have only detected a demonic presence. If he joins the others, maybe they won't suspect him. The problem is his shizun. Luo Binghe doesn't consider himself capable of deceiving him after having fallen into his trap like a fool.

The boy startles when he hears a noise. Someone is running fast in his direction. Terrified, instinct drives him to hide behind a pile of chopped wood. Luo Binghe trembles like a rabbit as a white-robed figure flashes past him, swift as lightning. And he gaps, as he recognizes the graceful and proud figure of the demon that attacked the sect.

What's going on? Luo Binghe thinks, confused. When the demon disappears, he leaves his hiding place, grabs the cut wood, and runs back to the top of Qing Jing Peak. Although Meng Mo has stopped screaming inside his head, now it is his thoughts that are spinning wildly.

Luo Binghe finds a disaster. The corpse of a monster has destroyed Shen Qingqiu's garden. Stains of blood cover the grass and dot the walls of his house as well. His master is furious and hisses under his breath that "I'm going to kill him". Satisfaction purrs inside Luo Binghe's gut. It is a delicious scene. Surely he'll clean up the mess afterward, but it'll be worth it just to enjoy his shizun losing his composure.

Sha Hualing rubs the bridge of her nose. Even she has suffered from the stress of a furious Shen Qingqiu wandering in the sect.

"Ok, my second tip: next time make a gift with Shen-shibo's likes in mind."

In front of her, Liu Mingyan takes notes. The demoness is wearing the hairpin that she had given her and that detail lightens her mood a bit.

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua's stressful day begins with Qi Qingqi.

He has no problem with her. What's more, he sometimes enjoys her company. While most of the Peak Lords disdain him for not being a warrior or a scholar, Qi Qingqi has never looked down on him. She is something akin to a friend, with whom he can whisper at meetings and exchange rumors. Their favorite target is Shen Qingqiu, since they enjoy pointing out everything he does, judging his attitude, his words, his decisions...

However, that is in meetings. The reality is that Shang Qinghua has the most thankless job of the twelve peaks. Managing the finances of the sect is more complicated than eliminating the monsters, but no one appreciates it. Mathematics is neither dangerous nor sharp as a sword.

"I need your help." Qi Qingqi says as she walks into his house without being invited.

And I need peace of mind. Or that Bai Zhan Peak stops destroying its facilities. He laments. However, Shang Qinghua motions for his head disciple to prepare the tea. Soon, the two of them are sitting across the table, with tea and pastries.

"What's the problem, Qi-shimei?"

“Shen Qingqiu.” That's nothing new. "He has a suitor."

Shang Qinghua uses his acting skills to show genuine surprise instead of panic.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I have a reliable source."

Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck...Calm down! If she's talking to me instead of Zhangmen-shixiong it's because she won't know that he's a demon! Right...?

"Well, Qi-shimei, that's... unexpected. I mean... We're talking about Shen Qingqiu!" Shang Qinghua fakes a laugh. "Who could be interested in someone like him?"

"Exactly! I fear that his suitor has dark intentions towards the sect."

FUCK. She knows!!!!

"Relax, my dear friend. Shen Qingqiu is as cunning as is annoying. He will never be fooled like a sweet maiden."

"My disciple saw him with his suitor. According to her testimony, Shen Qingqiu has an ambiguous attitude towards him. If he wanted to reject him, he would have already done so."

Wait... I know her girl. Sha Hualing is smart. There's no way she saw Mobei-jun and mistook him for a human. That means...fuck. I'm doomed.

"Shang-shixiong, are you okay? You've turned pale."

"I have worked a lot." His smile is nervous. "You have come to see me because you have a plan, am I wrong?"

"I wish I had a plan." Qi Qingqi laments. "We don't know anything about him. According to my disciple, he is an attractive cultivator. But if he is really courting Shen Qingqiu, at some point he will give him lavish gifts. You handle the sect's finances."

Shang Qinghua nods.

"That’s right. In An Ding Peak, we will be the first to receive any notification. Although the sect receives quite a lot of donations, I will be able to investigate if any are strange. Then, we will find his suitor."

"Exactly."

Qi Qingqi's smile is fierce and ruthless, and Shang Qinghua almost makes the mistake of confessing that he has a theory. However, doubts devour that opportunity, losing it when the talisman he hides up his sleeve reacts. Why! ? He almost cries. Why does the demon have to summon me right now!?

"Shang-shixiong?"

"Sorry, Qi-shimei, but this master remembered that he had an appointment with someone in the city today." Shang Qinghua babbles as he stands up. "And I'm late. I will investigate the mystery of Shen Qingqiu's suitor. And I will keep you informed, Qi-shimei. We will not allow any pretentious human to ruin...everything. See you later!"

Shang Qinghua runs away from his own house, leaving behind a confused Qi Qingqi. The Peak Lady finishes the tea with a thoughtful expression and a smile on her lips.

Meanwhile, Shang Qinghua tries to perform a miracle as he flies to his meeting place with the demon. The talisman flutters impatiently on his sleeve. But it's not his fault that he can't teleport! He is stressed when he reaches the inn and his mood worsens when he is greeted by a smiling woman.

"Your companion has already arrived, distinguished cultivator."

Shang Qinghua has spent all this time taking care that no one discovers his companion. First, because Mobei-jun doesn't bother to hide his demonic traits. Second, because Mobei-jun doesn't know how to deal with humans. Stress turns into panic. Shang Qinghua's voice shakes as he looks at the woman in her eyes.

"I hope my companion hasn't disturbed you. He's not...used to..." His words trail off without finding a credible excuse.

But she shakes her hand as she laughs.

"Don't worry, distinguished cultivator. He is not the first noble to visit our humble establishment. While he waited for you, we took care of his comfort."

The calamity seems under control, yet Shang Qinghua smiles gratefully before running to his room. The first thing that strikes him is the cold. Despite his past request, it seems that Mobei-jun has found the braziers distasteful and has turned them off. Second, there is no angry demon.

There is food on the table and Mobei-jun looks intrigued. He eats slowly, trying the different dishes with curiosity. Perhaps this is the first time that there’s expression on his icy face. It's shocking. And as unexpected as the fact that the demon only wears a robe. His skin and hair are damp, and behind a screen, Shang Qinghua recognizes a bathtub. The smell of food mixes with that of aromatic soaps and oils.

They didn’t lie: the workers of the inn have made sure the demon is comfortable.

Shang Qinghua vainly hopes that Mobei-jun will pay today.

After closing the door behind her, Shang Qinghua walks with timid steps and kneels in front of Mobei-jun.

"My lord, this humble one is sorry for his lateness."

On this occasion, Shang Qinghua doesn’t raise his head out of respect or obedience, but because the demon is half-naked. The cloth barely covers his bulky body and Shang Qinghua doesn't want to be distracted by his muscles. Surely a being as proud as Mobei-jun would punish with death the despicable human who looked at him.

"Do not let it happen again."

Shang Qinghua closes his eyes as he lets out the breath he had held in his lungs. A mistake. When he takes a deep breath, he appreciates the demon’s scent, more intense than ever. Pine, frost and iron. Focus! He scolds himself. You're lucky he's not mad!

"If you will forgive this humble one's audacity, there is a reason behind my tardiness."

"Speak."

"I was investigating. There is a threat, my lord. Shen Qingqiu has another suitor."

Shang Qinghua unconsciously raises his head as Mobei-jun breaks the chopsticks in half. Although he quickly lowers his head, that glance is enough to discover that one of his nipples is exposed. FOCUS!

"Who?"

"A human cultivator. Probably... The Nie Huaisang you told me about."

Despite keeping his head down, Shang Qinghua notices the demon's gaze. Cold and furious.

"What else do you know?"

This is not the ideal time to break Mobei-jun's heart by telling him that maybe Shen Qingqiu is interested in his human suitor. I'm sorry, shixiong. Maybe I would have defended you if you didn't behave like a bastard with me.

"The rumor has spread through the sect. We all fear that he harbors evil intentions towards Shen Qingqiu."

"Keep me informed."

"Yes, my lord!" Shang Qinghua blushes as he realizes that he was raising his head out of habit. "Humm… Why did you call this humble one?"

From his silence, Shang Qinghua suspects that Mobei-jun had forgotten, perhaps distracted by the small pleasures of the inn or by anger.

"Courting gifts for Shen Qingqiu. Give me ideas. What does he like?"

"Expensive things like any nobleman. He is quite fond of fans and works of art. He is a scholar, after all. Shen Qingqiu also takes great care of his appearance. Any jade crown or luxurious clothes will also please him." 

His answer seems to satisfy Mobei-jun, who picks up another pair of chopsticks to continue eating. Shang Qinghua stays still. Generally, the demon appears and disappears like a fly. It's the first time Mobei-jun seems interested in human things... Well, it's the first time he seems interested in something.

His voice startles him.

"Eat."

"Huh?"

"There's a lot of food. Eat."

Shang Qinghua stretches out a stiff arm, mistakenly knocking over a cup. His heart beats as restlessly as the flapping of a bird's wings. He doesn't know which is worse: offending the demon by refusing his order or offending the demon by looking at him. It is almost impossible not to. Mobei-jun has always been huge and possesses an unearthly aura that draws any gaze. His beauty is the same as a diamond, though he is just as harsh and cold.

Despite the lump in his throat, Shang Qinghua tries to eat. Neither speaks, he out of discomfort and Mobei-jun because he is still interested in the dishes.

After an agonizing half-hour, Shang Qinghua finally understands that Mobei-jun's indifference extends to this particular situation as well. He is shameless. That annoying demon doesn’t care about his appearance because he is too perfect and powerful.

Next time, Shang Qinghua will ask the inn to leave larger robes ready in the room.

Or smaller ones.

Chapter Text

The demon's return is a probability. That's why since the last incident, Luo Binghe has been waiting. It may be pointless, but he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. So, he waits during his little free time and while he chops wood or does other chores. Luo Binghe waits without giving up. His hope shines with determination even on the darkest nights or the weariest days.

As he had guessed, the demon returns a few days later.

And this time, Luo Binghe stops him before he enters the sect.

"Stop!" He yells, blocking his way. "Shizun put a spell to detect demons."

The stranger frowns, valuing perhaps for the first time the reason for that annoying alarm that was sounding during his last raid. Then, his gaze stops at Luo Binghe. And he scrutinizes him as he did during the demonic invasion. The boy trembles, but forces himself to stand firm.

"You know it, right?" Luo Binghe sputters.

The demon nods.

"You're not entirely human."

Luo Binghe takes a deep breath. And a weight that he had been dragging since the invasion fades. That's why the demon chose him. But his terrible, ruthless, and cunning shizun also suspects it. Luo Binghe is trembling when he drops to his knees.

"This one asks for your help. I want to learn demonic cultivation."

His request surprises him.

"You're Shen Qingqiu's disciple."

"Shizun is just human. And I'm not."

"You're not a complete demon either."

"That's why I need a second master." Inside his head, Meng Mo squirms indignantly. "Shizun suspects my true identity. And as a good virtuous cultivator, he will kill me."

The demon lets out a snort at the words virtuous cultivator . He has a different opinion.

"Although I know a bit about demonic arts," Luo Binghe continues to speak. "I can't cultivate in the sect or the spell will detect me... just like it will detect you if you try to enter again."

Luo Binghe looks at him as he speaks. There is a hidden message in his words and the demon frowns as he understands what he is trying to propose. After all, Luo Binghe has intentionally placed himself on the perimeter.

"You want me to teach you." The demon repeats. 

"Yes. In exchange, this one would help you."

During all those days, Meng Mo has warned him how stupid is his decision. His main argument is that no one will want him as a disciple if he shows his desire by betraying his first shizun. However, the demon doesn't comment on this, instead, he raises an eyebrow skeptically.

"And how can you help me? No spell can stop me."

"Well..." Luo Binghe crumples the sleeves of the uniform in an attempt to hide his nervousness. "I’m more subtle. The spell is scandalous and attracts the attention of all masters. But this one can freely walk around the sect without anyone suspecting anything."

Luo Binghe is startled when the demon takes a step forward while staring at him. Unsettled, the boy lowers his head.

"You're quite talented, that's for sure. I'm not surprised you're Shen Qingqiu’s disciple." His words would be more comforting if they were true. "Are you sure you want me to train you? I have no patience or experience with children. It will be hard. That's how demons we turn stronger: with blood and pain."

Luo Binghe clenches his fists.

"It can't be worse than shizun's."

"Perhaps Shen Qingqiu tries to train you as a demon, but he is a human with too many limitations."

Luo Binghe blinks, confused.

"Is that why shizun treats me cruelly?"

"If you consider Shen Qingqiu's training cruel, perhaps you are not ready for mine..."

"I am! I am!"

The demon finally smiles.

"This one's name is Liu Qingge. Before I accept you, you will have to prove your usefulness to me."

"This Luo Binghe will do whatever you ask!"

"Do you know your shizun's tastes?"

That's... not the request Luo Binghe anticipated…

Shen Qingqiu hates unexpected visitors without exception. The worst is Yue Qingyuan's, but Qi Qingqi is also part of that list. His martial sister, the same one who years ago forbade him to visit her peak due to an unfounded accusation, doesn’t hesitate to enter his house. After a long and stressful day, he is in no mood to tolerate her poisonous glares in one of the few places where he should feel safe.

"What is the pleasure of your visit, Qi Qingqi?" He hisses without hiding his sarcasm.

"I'm worried about our Shang-shidi." Despite her words, her voice is rash and accusing. “Your despicable behavior is contagious, Shen Qingqiu. I can tolerate a Peak Lord going to brothels as long as he is subtle, but there are rumors about Shang Qinghua. The other day he was seen running through the city towards the pleasure houses, in broad daylight!"

Shen Qingqiu clenches the fan tightly, even though he wants to massage his temples to dispel a headache.

"Shang Qinghua has no blood in his veins."

"All men think the same, Shen Qingqiu."

He squeezes the fan so hard that the wood splits. Still, he controls his rage.

"Why have you come to my house, Qi Qingqi? To insult me? What Shang Qinghua does or doesn't do is none of my business."

"I cannot allow my martial brothers to continue to sink the name of this sect. Someone must teach Shang Qinghua to be subtle in case he insists on such activities." From her disgusted expression, Shang Qinghua will probably be banned from her peak as well.

"Well, I think we should confirm the truth of the rumors first." Shen Qingqiu says as he stares at her. "You may be in for a surprise, dear shimei."

Although he doesn't appreciate Shang Qinghua more than the rest, Shen Qingqiu would at least want to give him a chance to defend himself. They never gave him that opportunity.

Their awkward silence is broken when someone knocks on the door.

"Shizun," says Luo Binghe's shaky but polite voice. "A servant has brought you a present."

Qi Qingqi's eyes sparkle and he frowns before heading for the door. His least favorite disciple keeps his head down and arms outstretched to offer him a finely carved wooden box. He accepts it suspiciously since it doesn't look like another apology gift from Yue Qingyuan.

Opening the box, he finds a beautiful fan, carved in black wood and painted with a picture of a bamboo forest. Even without anyone explaining anything to him, Shen Qingqiu knows with absolute certainty that it's from Liu Qingge. Are you trying to bribe me, demon? He thinks, amused.

"So... A servant?"

"Yes, shizun. He hasn't said anything else. Only that it is a gift for the Qing Jing Peak Lord."

Well, at least this time you have been more subtle, demon. With a gesture, he dismisses Luo Binghe, who makes one last bow before running off, as hasty and impatient as ever.

"Oh, looks like my shixiong has an admirer." Qi Qingqi comments maliciously. "Is it perhaps Nie Huaisang?"

That surprises Shen Qingqiu, who nearly drops the new fan. With wide eyes, he turns to his martial sister.

"Where have you heard that name?"

"A little bird told me."

Nie Huaisang only exists in Liu Qingge's head. Shen Qingqiu's pulse quickens as he realizes that Sha Hualing is not the real spy, but rather Qi Qingqi. Once again, the reality is worse than his expectations.

"Could my shixiong satisfy my curiosity? Who is Nie Huaisang?"

"A childhood friend." 

At least, he is still winning this game. The information between the demons and their spy is not two-way since Qi Qingqi hasn't identified the gift as Liu Qingge's. Furthermore, he now possesses a precious new fan that he will treasure. In the end, it wasn't a bad day.

Chapter Text

His shizun's gaze is cold and terrifying. Luo Binghe bows his head not only out of respect but also because in his presence he feels vulnerable, pathetic, less than an animal. A beast. Because shizun knows , he thinks as he wrings his hands. Shizun looks at me with disdain because he knows I'm a demon. And yet, despite all of his tricks, Shen Qingqiu still hasn't found evidence to incriminate him.

"You're late." Shen Qingqiu snorts without even reading his report. "With your cultivation level, it would take less than a week to complete the mission. However, it took you two. How do you explain it, Luo Binghe? I know you're not weak, but I didn't expect you to be lazy."

Luo Binghe trembles. Because shizun is right once again. He finished the mission in six days. During the seventh, he met Liu Qingge and was convalescing for a week afterward. Embarrassed, he lowers his head a little more.

"This disciple apologizes, shizun. It won't happen again."

Over time, he will be stronger. And he will finish his missions quickly and try to recover even faster from the brutal training of a real demon. Shen Qingqiu dismisses him by shaking his fan and Luo Binghe bows before turning around and running away. However, the voice of his shizun stops him as he reaches the doorway.

“Luo Binghe.”

Shen Qingqiu contemplates the disastrous appearance of his disciple. Although his hair has always been a mess and has never been the most elegant, he is pale and dark circles devour his eyes. And he limps, although he's trying to hide it. Despite his accusations, Shen Qingqiu is aware that he has suffered a beating. Which is suspicious, because neither the mission was so complicated nor is his disciple so fragile. Shen Qingqiu has never intervened in fights between disciples because that is how they learn to survive. The world is not kind and hope kills. That is the lesson he teaches: to survive cruelty, to sharpen yourself before the others devour you.

He never liked Luo Binghe. That brat has everything he didn't: family, talent, and opportunities. But at that moment he seems so defeated that something inside him swells with cruel satisfaction.

"Go to Qian Cao Peak."

"Yes, shizun! Thank you, shizun!"

Once alone, Shen Qingqiu closes his eyes and massages his temples. Now he can't stop thinking about that mystery when he has other more pressing matters. For example: understand Liu Qingge's intentions. The demon keeps sending him gifts without expecting anything in return. Not even a note to propose a duel. Is rare. It is contradictory. And it gets on his nerves not being able to predict the movements of his rival. Right now, he would agree to fight the demon just to shake off that nagging and uncomfortable feeling.

Then there is the matter of Shang Qinghua. Following Qi Qingqi's tip, he has been investigating his martial brother. And thanks to the ladies of the brothels, Shen Qingqiu has found out that Shang Qinghua always meets a lover in the same inn. The details of that lover are vague: a rich man, surely noble. What a surprise, he thinks, amused. Now, how can I use this to my advantage?

"Today, my ally has given me some new advice." Liu Mingyan explains to them in a cheerful voice. And Liu Qingge listens to her with expectant, eager interest. "She has shown me the human custom of a date. Let me explain it to you: it is when two people, in this case, a demon and a cultivator, get together to spend time together in activities that may seem ordinary but have a hidden meaning."

Mobei-jun, who has always accompanied them with the nonchalance of having nothing better to do, surprises them both by speaking. It is the first time that he is doubting.

"I don't get it. What's the difference between your date and me meeting my spy?"

"Well... On our date, Sha Hualing invited me to eat. We went to a quiet place where no one else was, then we went to a hot spring where we relaxed together... She even massaged my back!"

It is not lost on Liu Qingge that as his sister speaks, Mobei-jun's stony expression turns to one of thought. But since his friend has no interest in asking more questions or sharing his doubts, Liu Qingge doesn't insist either. And he looks at Liu Mingyan.

"So... should I ask Shen Qingqiu out on a date?"

"Yes! And... Well, Ge..." Despite the veil, he recognizes that his smile is nervous. "Not that I distrust you, but my Sha Hualing knows best about human tastes. She has given me a few tips on what kind of places and food someone, as refined as your Master Shen, might like. Would you listen to me?"

He nods.

"Of course."

Two days later, Liu Qingge uses Shen Qingqiu's disciple to send him a note with an invitation to eat at the restaurant that has been indicated to him.

Three days later, Liu Qingge waits with impatience and immense fear that Shen Qingqiu will not show up. It wouldn't be the first time he ignored him. But before his cowardice made him angry, now he makes him feel too nervous. And he hates it. Liu Qingge doesn't understand his own feelings and fixation on the cultivator.

He had already assumed that Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t come when the demon recognizes him walking towards the door with a determined look and sword in hand. He frowns since that is not the reaction that Liu Mingyan had described to him.

"Demon!" Shen Qingqiu speaks in a clear and determined voice, startling everyone, who all turn to look for the demon he is talking about. "Free your hostages."

"I am not you!" He hisses and instantly several people scream as they realize what that means. "I would never fall for such a low trick!"

"And what are you here for if not to fight?"

Before Liu Qingge can answer or even order his thoughts, since he doesn't understand how someone so intelligent couldn’t understand such a clear message, Shen Qingqiu attacks him. And the demon draws the sword instinctively.

They fight.

Although his sister will have a different opinion, for him it is objectively the perfect date.

Mobei-jun always found Shang Qinghua's attitude and loyalty suspicious. After what happened to him in the past, he is unable to trust humans: they are liars, selfish, malevolent, and greedy. They are vile creatures and his poor friend is discovering it by suffering the cruelties of that immortal master.

Mobei-jun had never understood Shang Qinghua's mentality.

Until Liu Mingyan told him about dating.

According to her description, there is hardly any difference between their clandestine meetings and what she has explained to them. Restless, the demon waits for Liu Qingge to leave for his date so he can talk to his friend. Since he doesn’t want Liu Mingyan to suspect anything, because the last thing he wants is for her to get involved in his private life, he asks her if she knows the inn where he usually meets Shang Qinghua.

"I'm not good with human things." Mobei-jun acknowledges. That's not suspicious. "I can't meet my spy at the sect because of an annoying spell. I've heard it's a discreet place. What do you think?"

Her smile reaches her eyes.

"I don't recommend it: it's an inn for love affairs." Liu Mingyan sighs. "I wonder if Sha Hualing would take me one day... Just out of scientific curiosity, of course!"

That day, Mobei-jun finally understands the hidden intentions of the human who swore allegiance to him.

(He is wrong too.)

Chapter Text

After so many unexplained gifts (bribes), Shen Qingqiu finally breathed a sigh of relief when the demon sent him a note with a date and a place.

Due to his past as a slave, he recognizes how easy it is to trick him with presents. They are addictive, they are never enough. There is something within Shen Qingqiu that wishes to be spoiled and loved, but it is a mistake to confuse his longings with the intentions of a demon.

Besides, he hates feeling indebted. Although it's not his fault, every gift makes him uncomfortable. It is a feeling that Shen Qingqiu hasn’t been able to erase and that is why, upon arriving at the restaurant, he doesn’t hesitate to offer Liu Qingge the fight he is looking for.

But he is not stupid. The rules remain the same: don't lose, keep the demon interested. As their swords are stuck in a stalemate, he takes a deep breath and looks Liu Qingge into the eyes.

"We should stop."

He has already reached his limits and soon it will be impossible to keep up. In front, Liu Qingge frowns. Shen Qingqiu is already thinking of his new excuse when the demon does something shocking: he nods and drops his arm, ending the match.

It's so unexpected, that Shen Qingqiu opens his mouth and doesn't say anything. Then, he clears his throat before his rival acknowledges this new weakness.

"We should pay."

The restaurant is a disaster. One of the walls is gone and there is a pile of rubble where there used to be furniture. Shen Qingqiu tries to maintain his dignity despite the embarrassment crackling on his cheeks.

Liu Qingge does not question him. What's more, he acts strange again as he nods before turning to the poor shaky restaurant owner.

"You are my guest, let me invite you."

For some reason, Shen Qingqiu shivers. Liu Qingge has said it with the naturalness of mentioning an objective fact, however, it sounded as if they had shared a quiet meal instead of a fight and now the demon was about to pay.

Shen Qingqiu takes his fan as he shakes his head. You should stop thinking nonsense and run away before he asks you to continue fighting somewhere else. But Liu Qingge has already turned around and is looking at him and his eyes widen and... Oh, no. He is not looking at him, but at the fan that Shen Qingqiu is holding in his hands.

One of his gifts.

A faint blush covers Shen Qingqiu's cheeks as the demon smiles.

It's not fair that he, in addition to having a graceful face and incomparable power, also has a pretty smile.

Shen Qingqiu decides to run away, and this time Liu Qingge doesn’t chase after him.

"My lord."

Mobei-jun had suddenly summoned him again during the day, ruining the report he was writing and surely the rest of the tasks he had pending. Even though Shang Qinghua had tried to arrive at the inn as quickly as possible, Mobei-jun is scrutinizing him with his terrifying gaze.

Although Shang Qinghua has been kneeling in front of the demon for several minutes now, awaiting his orders, Mobei-jun remains silent. In a suffocating, tense, and cold silence. The cultivator trembles. It is the first time that he feels that Mobei-jun is really looking at him. That he sees him, a human, a Peak Lord, his spy, instead of a servant inferior to the worms.

Shang Qinggua wonders if he has made a mistake.

"My lord?"

Liu Mingyan is trying to read when her brother bursts into her room after smashing the door with a kick. It's the third time this month and the demoness hisses in warning, but he doesn't even seem aware of that fact.

"He is using my fan! The fan I gave him!" Liu Qingge blurts out with a nervous voice and frantic gestures. "What does that mean?"

"At the very least, he has accepted your present. Perhaps your courtship as well? I'll ask Sha Hualing."

"Ask her also what I should do later."

"Later of what?"

"The date. After I paid," Sha Hualing had insisted on that detail, and Liu Mingyan nods with satisfaction that his brother hasn't forgotten. "What do you do next?"

"I'll ask her too. Now, Ge, are you going to let me read, or are you going to tell me all the details of your date with Master Shen?"

At that moment, Mobei-jun appears from the shadows, startling her. It's the third time that month, but he also doesn't learn that that's not the proper way to enter her room.

“I’ve met Shang Qinghua.”

“Who?” Liu Qingge frowns, confused.

“My spy.”

"Oh." Liu Mingyan puts down her book and changes her posture to a more suitable one. "Have you solved the problem?"

His poor friend was horrified to discover that one of those horrible humans he despises so much is daring to court him or something. While Liu Qingge is transparent, sadly, it's impossible to deduce anything from Mobei-jun's expression.

"It's not a danger."

"...My dear friend, what kind of conclusion is that?"

"Shang Qinghua doesn’t pose a danger."

"So... Have you placed your servant in his place? Have you punished him?" His blank expression implies a negative, and Liu Mingyan sighs. "Have you accepted?"

Mobei-jun shrugs, implying that he hasn't done anything at all. And she believes it.

"Mingyan." Her brother calls out to her, unable to hide his impatience. "What should I do now?"

"Wait until I meet with Sha Hualing..."

"I don’t want to wait."

"You will wait for me to meet with Sha Hualing."

"Fine," he grumbles. "Can I repeat this date or should I bring more presents?"

"Both are good. It's working, so I don't see any problems."

"I can take you to Shang Qinghua's inn." Mobei-jun interferes to their surprise.

"I think it's too rash for Ge and Master Shen..."

"You said it's also a valid date."

"Wait." Liu Qingge looks at both of them. "Since when Mobei-jun is dating someone?"

"I'm not dating anybody." The ice demon frowns. "I think..."

"It's a one-sided dating, Ge." Liu Mingyan explains to him.

That just confuses her brother even more.

"Can you date someone unilaterally?"

"...I'll ask Sha Hualing."

"Human food is good." Mobei-jun comments, though he doesn't seem to be talking to any of them in particular. "And they draw you a bath. It's nice. You should go."

Liu Qingge nods with that stupid determined expression of his. However, this time he doesn’t risk breaking a bone or sinking government negotiations, but rather ruining the reputation of his destined one.

"No way, Ge! Listen to me, both of you, your morons. That is an infamous place for adulterers and disrespectful people. Neither of both of you is going to take your humans there, is it clear?"

"It was Shang Qinghua who took me there." Mobei-jun seems annoyed at the Peak Lord's disrespect.

"I don't care. Just..." Liu Mingyan rubs her temples. "With Sha Hualing it's all easier and we're not even dating."

Chapter Text

Three demons are gathered in an ice palace, enveloped in silence even colder than the snow that covers the gardens and as tense as the frost that has devoured the windows. Neither has said anything about the incident. Yet. Between them, it is impossible to hide secrets and they also share the same nervousness: Mobei-jun's expression is less stony than usual, Liu Mingyan keeps touching her veil to make sure it covers her face, and Liu Qingge is unable to stay still.

Words are not necessary: the three know that today the alarm warning of the demonic presence has resounded throughout the sect, scaring the disciples and causing all the Peak Lords to summon their swords and go out to look for the intruders. Keeping the silence gives them a certain sense of security because neither wants to admit out loud whose fault it is.

The Peak Lords have also gathered to discuss the demons' latest dare. The atmosphere is just as tense, but unlike the ice castle, they are not silent. They all speak at the same time, almost shouting, and Yue Qingyuan rubs his temples as he feels a sharp headache.

"Please calm down," he asks. And his voice sounds exhausted enough to create a respectful silence. "Let's put the facts in order. Has anyone seen the demons? Do we know if they are the same ones that tried to invade us?"

"This master suspects it is them." Shen Qingqiu hisses. “Or him. ”

"But has anyone seen any demons?" Qi Qingqi intervenes, arms crossed, eyes suspicious. "Perhaps Shen Qingqiu's spell has failed."

"Dear shimei, you won't be protecting the demons, right?"

"Shidi, shimei, please." Yue Qingyuan asks them as he recognizes the first signs of a confrontation between them.

Although neither adds anything more, the same resentment shines in their eyes and that desire to continue arguing over any trifle at another time. To everyone's surprise, Shang Qinghua dares to intervene after clearing his throat.

"I... I think Shen-shixiong is right." He says, earning several gasps of surprise and a shocked look from Shen Qingqiu himself. "What other demon has shown interest in attacking our sect? None! Absolutely none! Clearly, they are the culprits, although this time they were stealthy enough for us not to see them."

"If we haven't seen any demons, maybe it's because there haven't been any demons." Qi Qingqi insists.

"But we have proof, Qi-shimei."

Shang Qinghua is the first to turn to Mu Qingfang and soon everyone else follows suit. The healer clears his throat before intervening.

"We have a critically injured disciple. Shen Qingqiu found him on Qing Jing Peak. The disciple still hasn't woken up to answer our questions, but aside from the usual signs of being beaten up, the ground around him was destroyed. As if he had been thrown from a great height. Whoever attacked him did so far away and with such intense force that it sent him flying perhaps more than a hundred meters."

"Too cruel," someone murmurs.

"All demons are horrible."

Some masters turn pale, others grit their teeth in rage at the demon's audacity. Shen Qingqiu, however, remains motionless. But the hand holding the fan has white knuckles and his eyes burn with icy rage. No one dares meet his gaze or stay close to him. Qi Qingqi is one of those brave few who dare to challenge him. Because of that, everyone is shocked when Shang Qinghua dares to raise his voice once again.

"Ahem... I don't think it's a coincidence that a disciple of Qing Jing Peak was injured... Furthermore, those demons targeted Shen Qingqiu when they tried to invade us..."

"What are you implying?"

Shen Qingqiu doesn't need to raise his voice for his prey to squirm and tremble like a mouse under a cat's paws.

"And they tried to kidnap you once! This master is afraid that Shen Qingqiu is in danger!" Shang Qinghua stammers almost breathlessly, choking on his own words.

Shen Qingqiu had tensed up, ready to defend himself against any malevolent accusation, but that concern, unexpected even for the other Peak Lords, stuns him. But soon he raises his head high with that pride so bright and defiant that even dares to challenge fate.

"He can try. I have defeated that demon on more than one occasion and I have always won."

“But he is a dangerous enemy who doesn’t give up. Perhaps we should look for an alternative… for Shen-shixiong's sake, of course. For example… Hypothetically speaking… If another powerful demon suggests an alliance… ." Those are forbidden words, unleashing a chorus of protests, however, it is Shen Qingqiu who calls for silence by raising a hand.

"That is a very unorthodox method, Shang-shidi." Still, there is no reproach in his voice, just a subtle interest. "Very few cultivators would dare to propose such a petty strategy by seeking a common enemy against those demons." Despite his choice of words, Shen Qingqiu's tone is not dismissive. "This master is curious, what kind of alliance were you thinking of?"

"Well..." Shang Qinghua wrings his hands nervously, even paler than the sheets of paper. "I recently heard a rumor that Mobei-jun, the king of the north, is looking for a spouse..."

The meeting ends when Shen Qingqiu throws his fan at Shang Qinghua.

Liu Qingge clenches his fists on his knees, unable to look the others in the face. Unlike the other two, he is much more expressive. His scowl is not enough to hide the shame that runs through his veins at making such a simple mistake.

His training with Luo Binghe is always harsh and merciless, brutal, but the boy is improving with a speed that Liu Qingge approves of. Maybe too much. Today he released an excess of demonic energy that the poor boy received without having a chance to protect himself. A new panic, hitherto unknown, affected Liu Qingge when he was left alone with the unconscious body of Shen Qingiqu's disciple, more dead than alive.

He didn't think at all. Liu Qingge shouldered Luo Binghe and sped towards the sect, hoping that the cultivators would heal the boy and that Shen Qingqiu would forgive him... or never discover his mistake. However, upon crossing the sect boundaries Liu Qingge remembered the spell when a thunderous noise began to sound. In an instant of panic, he threw Luo Binghe towards the peak of Shen Qingqiu and fled before being discovered.

Liu Qingge keeps quiet as he avoids the gaze of the other two. Perhaps they never get to discover his stupid mistake.

Mobei-jun is also silent even though nerves run through his veins like an army of ticks. It’s not pleasant, but a new emotion that makes him feel confused. For some reason, he can't stop thinking about Shang Qinghua's courtship. It is a boldness that he never expected from him, but that justifies his loyalty. He should ignore it because no pathetic human can aspire to claim a king's heart... But a whisper reminds him that Shang Qinghua is not pathetic, but one of the twelve immortal masters of the main sect of the human realm. He's smart, more lovable than handsome, and he's shown unexpected worth to him lately.

Annoyed by the courtship issue, which prevents him from concentrating, Mobei-jun teleported to Shang Qinghua's house today to demand an explanation.

"Tell me," he growled. "Why must we meet in that human den?"

If Shang Qinghua wants to aspire to woo him at least he must show courage and acknowledge it out loud.

"My lord?" The human sputtered before an unpleasant, shrill noise swept over the sect. "Because this, my lord."

Mobei-jun hopes that the others will not suspect anything of his silence. It would be very ridiculous to admit that he has made such a humiliating mistake because he is being distracted by a human courtship.

And Liu Mingyan… she still has the gift she was going to give to Sha Hualing up her sleeve. It's not fair that the human always gives her gifts, so today she wanted to surprise her. And she succeeded: she has surprised her with a horrific alarm that still resonates inside her head.

Liu Mingyan is also the first to break the silence.

"I was wondering... do you remember our plans to sabotage the Alliance Conference? Perhaps we should start by sabotaging the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect's alarm."

Today all of them reach an agreement.

Chapter Text

Liu Qingge is unaware of how much he has missed Shen Qingqiu until he recognizes his graceful figure among the forest trees. For once, their meeting is casual, almost fateful, and his heart begins to pound with impatience. He doesn't hesitate to meet him. However, Shen Qingqiu greets him with a furious glare. Rage has frozen his features in a sneer, almost distant. And he trembles without knowing what has happened now.

His clumsy attempt at courtship should serve to improve their relationship, not make him angry once again.

"Is something wrong?" Liu Qingge asks with interest.

If some monster (or annoying suitor) is affecting Shen Qingqiu's mood, he will gladly get rid of the annoyance. However, the cultivator hit his hand with the fan with a thud that turns into a chill under Liu Qingge's skin.

"I don't know. Perhaps you could enlighten this master, demon."

Despite his voice, as cold and sharp as the steel of a sword, Liu Qingge only has eyes for his fan.

"You're using the one I gave you." He observes with a tremor in his voice. "Does that mean you like it?"

"A mistake." Shen Qingqiu puts the fan into his sleeve and takes out another.

"I gave you that one too."

The cultivator hisses as he glares at him. Instead of acknowledging the obvious, Shen Qingqiu points his fan at him.

"Stop confusing me!" He accuses him with a hiss. "I know it was you who left my disciple in such a state. Aren't you even going to apologize, demon? Or give this master an explanation?"

Liu Qingge freezes. He had already forgotten that incident that he hadn't given more importance to once his fellow demons decided to ignore the matter as well. But Shen Qingqiu's fury warns that his memory is spiteful. And he can't tell him the truth. Although both Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge suspect that he knows about his demonic heritage, the cultivator will be even more enraged if he finds out that he is training his disciple.

"So?" He insists.

Liu Qingge must lie. But despite what is said about demons, he is terrible at that art.

"It was an accident..."

Shen Qingqiu raises an eyebrow at his pathetic excuse.

"What kind of accident leaves my disciple more dead than alive?"

"He was injured. Not for me. I found him already wounded. Since he is your disciple, I took him to the sect. But I couldn't enter so I threw him as far as I could." Liu Qingge pauses. "Perhaps it wasn't the most sensible thing to do."

"Obviously not." Shen Qingqiu hits the palm of his hand with the fan. "Why was he hurt? Don't try to trick this master. I've known for a long time that my disciple gets too hurt from his nightly hunts."

Oh, shit.

"A demon did it. Not me! Another demon." He sputters, causing Shen Qingqiu to narrow his eyes suspiciously.

"What demon?"

"Mobei-jun, king of the North," He says the first name that comes to mind.

"And why would that demon target my disciple?"

"Because he knows he is your disciple."

"And?"

"He is my rival. Demonic politics." He shrugs. "I'm interested in you, so he has decided to be interested in you too."

Shen Qingqiu is still growling. Although his expression hasn't softened, he doesn't look so angry anymore. Or, at least, his fury isn't directed at him. Shen Qingqiu is pondering his words with a thoughtful and confused scowl when his eyes widen and he turns to look at Liu Qingge.

"Did you say Mobei-jun?"

"Yes." And he adds with a hint of incomprehension. "Why? Have you heard that name before?"

That shouldn't be possible. Mobei-jun is so introverted that many demons have never even heard of him and others consider him a legend. It is rare for a human to know him.

"This master heard... rumors."

"What rumors?"

"That he is looking for a spouse."

And he hasn't told me!? Liu Qingge thinks, offended. However, an unexpected fear creeps into his bones in the form of a question: Why have such rumors reached Shen Qingqiu? Why has his reaction changed upon hearing that the demon looking for a spouse has mistreated his disciple? What kind of conclusion has he come to? Suddenly, Liu Qingge is afraid to speak further, as his foolish pride is urging him to show off all of Luo Binghe's injuries. Except for the gravity ones.

"Those are rumors." He says instead. "Mobei-jun is a lazy demon who never leaves his palace."

"Except to attack my disciple?" Shen Qingqiu points with a wary expression.

Perhaps Liu Qingge has made a mistake that he is about to regret.

"I will defeat him." He announces with a determination that lacks his usual arrogance. "I'm not your enemy, Shen Qingqiu, quite the contrary. Your disciple is also my disciple... in terms of possession, of course, he is not my disciple or anything like that!" He clears his throat. "Demonic things." He clears his throat again. "I can protect you and your brat from that perverse demon."

"Mn..."

Although Shen Qingqiu has folded his arms in seeming nonchalance, Liu Qingge sees the start of a smile on his lips. His posture doesn't seem so tense anymore either and his anger has also evaporated. Or maybe he is just hiding it to throw it into the ice demon if they ever meet. And Liu Qingge will make sure that will never happen.

"Do you want to fight, Liu Qingge?"

He is startled to finally hear his name. Shen Qingqiu, after calling him a demon with contempt, has uttered his name with something similar to tenderness, albeit too cold, more similar to the hiss of a snake than the purr of a kitten.

"Of course. For you, I will fight for anyone."

"I mean, now."

"If that is what you wish, I will now go face Mobei-jun." Liu Qingge promises him with his gaze fixed on Shen Qingqiu's eyes, as beautiful as cunning, and on his soft lips.

A shichen later, when Liu Qingge flies back to the Demon Realm, he finally understands that Shen Qingqiu was offering to fight him. And he has been so stupid that he has rejected what he desired for a long time. Mingyan is right , he thinks as a blush creeps up his cheeks. Fighting is not the only thing I want from him.

The smile that Liu Qingge had obtained from him, so sincere and bright, has also been very satisfying. And now there is a warmth inside his chest that doesn’t disappear even when he reaches the frozen kingdom.

Chapter Text

"YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED!?"

“I guess?”

Mobei-jun looks at him with an expression that can be defined as surprised or perhaps interested. Liu Qingge forces himself to calm down. He has returned to the Demon Realm abruptly and without thinking at all about his actions. He knows that demons are treacherous, but even though stealing each other's spouse is a family custom in the northern lineage, it's a betrayal that doesn't fit Mobei-jun's apathetic personality.

"Yes." Liu Qingge insists. "There are rumors. That you are looking for a spouse... Human spouse."

"Oh." That's his only response for a few seconds until Liu Qingge's intense gaze forces Mobei-jun to shrug nonchalantly. "It's probably your sister's idea."

Liu Qingge's eyes widen in shock. And the embarrassment of not valuing Liu Mingyan’s factor. Although his friend's thoughts are sometimes indecipherable, his sister is much more proactive in these matters.

"Oh well..." Liu Qingge mutters, flustered by his mistake and by a nervousness he doesn't understand. "I don't care what you do with your personal life. You can marry any human if that's what you want, but stay away from Shen Qingqiu."

"Why would I go near him in the first place?" Mobei-jun looks amused. It is not a typical reaction for him, just like Liu Qingge's concern is also unusual. And stupid or so reflects the voice of the ice demon.

"Just in case."

"In case of what? Are you planning to marry him?"

Liu Qingge growls an ambiguous reply before turning around and walking away, leaving a thoughtful Mobei-jun.

After the last incident, it's a surprise that Mobei-jun summons him so soon. Although Shang Qinghua rushes to the inn, he is once again too late. The demon is already here, enjoying the food and a relaxing bath. At the same time. The cultivator freezes upon discovering him in the bathtub. The demon is so muscular and his chest so broad that his dimensions stick out. He gulps at the glorious sight of his beefy back and the water sliding over his muscles. If he dared to get close, he would be able to see the rest of his chest, perhaps part of his legs as well. And although objectively he knows that his face is one of his most appealing qualities, Shang Qinghua has no interest in discovering that the rest of his body is just as attractive.

"Ahem, my lord?" He clears his throat as a greeting.

"What are you doing here? I hadn't noticed your presence."

Shang Qinghua rubs his hands together nervously. The demon's attitude towards him is disconcerting after so many years of a cold and distant relationship.

"Are you comfortable, my lord? Is there anything you wish for? More food? More towels?"

"Mn." He interrupts him. "This lord is aware of certain rumors."

"Rumors?" Shang Qinghua blinks, confused.

"That I am looking for a human spouse."

Oh, fuck. He's always known that his martial siblings are a bunch of gossipers, however, it's almost an affront that a casual comment he made at a secret meeting got back to the demon he was referring to. Fortunately, Mobei-jun doesn't seem upset. Perhaps he doesn’t know that it is a lie devised by him to achieve their goal.

"I'm also aware." Shang Qinghua answers cautiously. "My lord, don't you think this is an excellent opportunity?"

"Mn?" Mobei-jun looks intrigued as he turns his head towards him. Shang Qinghua restrains himself from gasping at the perfect picture of his white collarbones. "What are you talking about?"

"A marriage between humans and cultivators is heresy and impossible when it comes to a Peak Lord. The simplest solution would be to kidnap your interest, but Cang Qiong Mountain Sect is one of the most powerful in the cultivation world and they would fight to recover their martial brother back... Well, not for everyone." Shang Qinghua adds, letting out a hint of resentment. “Not for me, that's for sure. I'm expendable to them, unlike Shen Qingqiu…” He shakes his head before his emotions get out of control. "As I was saying, the possibility of an alliance is interesting and perhaps the solution to our problems."

"I see..."

Mobei-jun decides to get up. Obviously, he is naked. Too much naked. Shang Qinghua already helped him once to save his life and then he was already able to witness the vulnerability of the demon. But this is different. Mobei-jun gets out of the bathtub nonchalantly showing off his body (an attractive and perfect body as he had predicted). All of his gestures have the usual arrogance and Shang Qinghua feels in his flesh that instinctive panic to invoke his wrath. Anyone who was fooled by his attitude would die if he got too close to Mobei-jun.

But for him, it is not something indifferent. Shang Qinghua starts to hate Shen Qingqiu a little. Despite his odious personality, he has not only captivated the sect leader and a mysterious cultivator but also Mobei-jun, perhaps the only decent demon in the world. And it's quite human to sometimes feel envy and hatred against the life of being someone weak and irrelevant, a buffoon who is looked down on by his own martial siblings.

"My lord..." He murmurs indecisively and eyes downcast as Mobei-jun dresses. "This humble one has been serving you for years. I know it is very bold of me, but I would like to know if you plan to keep me as your servant. I'm not gonna leave you," Shang Qinghua adds hastily at the questioning look of the demon "I would never abandon you, my lord. I swore my loyalty to you and you will have it until my last breath. However..."

He hesitates as he searches for the right words. Marrying the Qing Jing Peak Lord to the King of the North is not an easy job. He at least deserves a promotion, right? There are many roles and a broad hierarchy among the servants. And in case the alliance doesn't work out and Mobei-jun kidnaps Shen Qingqiu, he can move with them to the Demon Realm and... suffer from envy. A little. But also find a new life less overwhelming than the current one.

"Of course, I know you don't want to be my servant anymore." Mobei-jun surprises him by demonstrating an understanding that he has always lacked. "I’ll think about it. Would you do my hair?"

Such a strange question startles Shang Qinghua, who jumps before rushing to comb the demon's hair. A mistake. His hair is so silky. He didn't get a chance to touch his hair when he healed his wounds in the past and it's a rewarding task to braid the strands into a bun and then put on his jade crown. Shang Qinghua hums unconsciously as he finishes his work. Then, when Mobei-jun gets up, he lowers his head to hide his expression.

That prevents him from appreciating the demon's satisfied nod.

"I will think about what you have told me." It's the last thing he says before he walks through the shadows and leaves, leaving the room warmer than the usual cold.

The three demons have met once again to discuss the shocking news that Mobei-jun has brought. After exposing the facts, the ice demon looks at Liu Mingyan, the one who knows the most about human customs and the only one with enough patience and interest to come up with a plan.

"It could work." Liu Mongyan concedes after thinking it over for a few seconds. "The alliance will be complicated, but we can work on that possibility for the next few months. The cultivators don't know that we are allied. If Mobei-jun attacks them with all his might, they won't hesitate to trust Ge. Also, we can assess how they react to a kidnapping in case you decide to take your human as consort."

"It is a possibility that I have been evaluating and that I find more attractive." Mobei-jun acknowledges.

"Great. If the alliance fails, Ge will kidnap his human as well if we see that it works out for you."

"I'm not sure Shen Qingqiu will like it." Liu Qingge mutters uncomfortably.

"You should ask him. My Shang Qinghua has already given me permission."

"Exact!" Liu Mingyan smiles. "The crucial point is that others believe that the kidnapping is real so their reputation won’t be tarnished."

"Are you two sure this will work?" Liu Qingge frowns, displaying an unexpected wariness that surprises the other demons.

And that he has decided to be cautious for once makes Mobei-jun start to doubt.

"I can kidnap my human first." Liu Mingyan suggests. "As a test, of course. That will help us to evaluate the attitude of all humans and we can also practice a real kidnapping. What do you think?"

It’s not a bad idea, even Mobei-jun finds it interesting.

"Good for me." Liu Qingge nods, and Mobei-jun also confirms with a grunt.

"Great. I'll think of a plan. How about we perform after the Alliance Conference?" A goofy grin lights up the demoness's eyes. "My human is going to participate this year. She will surely win."

"Don't flatter yourself. Mine and Shen Qingqiu's disciple will participate too." Liu Qingge points out.

"That is why I will prevent Ling'er from being unnecessarily distracted. I will kidnap her after."

Mobei-jun ignores the siblings’ argument. The words Alliance Conference echo faintly inside his head as if they had special importance. He is almost certain that he gave Shang Qinghua some hints related to that event long ago, but he has already forgotten them.

Never mind, he thinks, shrugging. It probably wasn't important.

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu sleeps until someone shakes his shoulder. Despite his deep sleep, he wakes up with a fright. Not even a hundred years can erase the instincts of a slave who can never allow himself to relax. Perhaps he is unaware of what he is doing and his thoughts are still entangled in his dream, but Shen Qingqiu moves with the grace of an assassin. It is night. And there is someone in his room. Danger. A threat. He doesn’t ever think to invoke Xiu Ya, but instead he resorts to hits without assessing the damage he can cause to his enemy.

Until a voice startles him, piercing through his still-numbing mind to his chest.

"Shen Qingqiu!"

A hand grabs his wrist before he strikes the neck deadly. Shen Qingqiu blinks and looks at Liu Qingge's gaze with perplexity. His confused feelings for the demon twist at seeing him in his room at night and without his permission.

"You." Shen Qingqiu hisses. "What are you doing here!?"

"Your alarm is broken."

Only then Shen Qingqiu notices the silence covering the sect. It is an irrelevant and common silence, typical of the night if it weren’t for the presence of the demon in his room. Shen Qingqiu breaks free from his grasp and looks for something to cover himself with a modicum of decency. Maybe it's not necessary because the darkness is so thick that Liu Qingge is a blurred figure, but something in him burns at the possibility that the demon's vision is better than his. Shen Qingqiu takes a deep breath as he realizes that this is the first time that he is not unsettled by having another man close to him in a moment of vulnerability, but a strange desire crackles in his gut at being half-naked in front of him.

"Did you break into my house just to tell me this?" He sputters, torn between disbelief and outrage.

"Yes."

Despite the prejudices, Liu Qingge has already shown him that demons can be more honest than many humans. And Shen Qingqiu believes in his blunt answer, although that is not enough to soften his mistrust.

"And how did you find out?"

Despite the darkness, he notices that Liu Qingge stiffens and perhaps pales a bit.

"I have… a friend." Shen Qingqiu raises an eyebrow upon hearing him. "My friend has a disciple here. Tomorrow is the Alliance Conference and my friend wanted to talk to their disciple. My friend can be a bit harsh, you know? And their last meeting with their disciple didn't end well. So, my friend wanted to say goodbye to their disciple and wish them luck, but then they realized that the protection spell no longer works."

Liu Qingge waits for his reaction with some nervousness. Shen Qingqiu sighs. He is an embarrassment to the demons by babbling an empty excuse that fails to explain how he discovered the flaw. Shen Qingqiu puts a hand to his chin thoughtfully. Many idiots use the excuse of a friend when talking about themselves, but Liu Qingge doesn't have any disciples in the sect. He ponders. Therefore, he must be talking about a real friend who is also a master… Oh! A devious smirk crosses his face as he realizes the truth: Qi Qingqi, the demon spy, has reported to Liu Qingge.

Despite his rancor, Shen Qingqiu notes that as long as Qi Qingqi is Liu Qingge's ally and he keeps giving him gifts instead of kidnapping him to challenge Yue Qingyuan, then she will be also his ally (and a piece to be manipulated for his own interests). Although that would depend on Liu Qingge's chaotic and fickle intentions.

"This master understands." He says as he walks toward the demon with calculated steps while keeping an eye on his reaction. Despite the darkness, Liu Qingge seems to tense up from being so close to him. "Thank you."

He lets out an unnecessary whisper since they are alone, but Shen Qingqiu enjoys the demon's embarrassment and how his words affect him. The cultivator stops in front of him and tilts his head, still looking him into his eyes.

"This master is curious, why are you still here? Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Liu Qingge clenches his fists before looking at him resolutely.

"You would hate to be kidnapped, right?"

Shen Qingqiu snorts.

"It took you a long time to understand, demon." He mumbles with some disappointment. “You are really determined. Despite everything, you still think about fighting Yue Qingyuan…”

"Mn? No!" Liu Qingge frowns. “You are the only cultivator I’m interested in.”

"How is that?" Shen Qingqiu takes a tiny step forward, closing the distance between them. "I'm not as strong as him."

"You aren't." He acknowledges. However, in his mouth it doesn’t sound like an insult. "You are the most fascinating human being I have ever met. Despite your weakness, you never give up or let yourself be defeated. At first, I considered you a coward. But you possess very special bravery in never bowing your head to anyone stronger than you. You're graceful, smart, and handsome."

Shen Qingqiu brings his face close to the demon's, startling him.

"Then why did you ask me if I wanted to be kidnapped?"

"Because I want to take you to the Demon Realm. Only you." He adds. Thanks to that closeness, Shen Qingqiu appreciates the blush that stains his cheeks. "If any of your sectmates want to fight for you, I'll gladly defeat them, but not because I consider you a hostage. Not anymore. I'll fight to prove I'm a worthy mate for an immortal master!"

Shen Qingqiu doesn't know what to answer. There is no air in his lungs and all the words are stuck inside his throat while his head is blank. Until a possibility breaks through disoriented thoughts. Shen Qingqiu begins to understand the real purpose behind his gifts and the change in the attitude of a demon who used to hunt him in rage and recently invites him to eat. Now it's his face that burns with stupid embarrassment at being so dense in identifying the feelings of others.

"Bold demon." He sputters. But despite the mortification, Shen Qingqiu doesn’t back down or regain a space in which to feel safe. "Why have you assumed that this master is willing to abandon all his efforts to follow you to your barbaric realm?"

"I was afraid of that." Liu Qingge acknowledges. "That's why I wanted to ask you first."

Maybe he's still asleep. Or maybe there's a drug in the air. Shen Qingqiu doesn’t understand his own actions or why he doesn’t use his sword to drive away the most dangerous threat of all: the one who with gifts, questions, and the certainty of never having forgotten him is making him consider a dangerous future. Shen Qingqiu takes a step forward and before the demon reacts he holds his waist with one arm while with the other hand he grabs his ponytail. The cultivator's lips brush the skin of the demon's neck.

"Hasn't it ever occurred to you that it could be the other way around? Maybe I'm the one who wants to kidnap you and always have you by my side."

He can feel his heartbeat: uncertain and fast. Despite the initial shock, the demon hugs him close to his chest.

"I'm glad you reciprocate my feelings." He says. And he adds after a pause: "We can solve it with a fight."

"No. Tomorrow is the Alliance Conference. I can't afford you to destroy my peak and I wouldn't know how to justify keeping a demon as a pet and possible husband if he learns to behave."

"... Aren't you assuming you'll win?"

"You've never caught me, demon." Shen Qingqiu raises his head to give him an evil smirk.

"You haven't seen me seriously fight for someone I can't lose."

Fuck. It is no longer the hug or the closeness of that other body that surrounds his. Shen Qingqiu is weak against the stupid words of a demon that doesn’t usually speak much and only knows how to shout, but sometimes manages to affect his heart. Shen Qingqiu releases his hair to hold the back of his neck and guide his face to his.

For a long time, he believed that he would be hated by everyone and that no one would ever love him. And he accepted it without knowing that he would find the exception in an annoying demon. There's nothing disgusting about kissing him, just a relief that slides down his spine. Shen Qingqiu closes his eyes and opens his lips to receive Liu Qingge's. The demon is clumsy but determined. He doesn't hesitate to devour him, though he alternates with wary gentleness and savoring first his lips, then his tongue.

Shen Qingqiu has been putting all his weight on him until he pushes him against the wall. There is something satisfying about controlling the pace, location, and position, holding him still while he undoes his knotted feelings with kisses and shy caresses. He doesn't dare to go any further and he doesn't forget that he is half-naked either. Some fears don't fade easily and so he turns away from him, the taste of Liu Qingge on his lips and his chest lighter than before he went to bed.

"Now I'm going to sleep and you will go to your Demon Realm and avoid any more conflicts for the next few days while I think of a solution, understood?"

Liu Qingge leans in to steal one last kiss.

"Yes"

Liu Qingge's original intention was both to check on his adopted disciple's status and to bid him farewell before the Alliance Conference. Yes, he had forgotten the damn alarm again. It was Luo Binghe who, in a fit of panic, asked him how he had managed to get to his wooden hut without waking up the entire sect.

That is why he is not surprised to discover Luo Binghe when he leaves Shen Qingqiu's house. And from the brat's puzzled expression, he's heard more than he should.

"You don't hate shizun." He sputters.

Liu Qingge frowns.

"Is that what you thought?"

"I had... my doubts." He acknowledges, ducking his head. "Although I didn't expect that you and shizun... Or that shizun can love a demon."

"He is training you instead of killing you." Liu Qingge points out. "Since you heard the conversation, what do you want to do after the Alliance Conference? Do you want to come with me to the Demon Realm?"

Luo Binghe raises his head with shining eyes.

"Can I?"

"Why not?" Liu Qingge shrugs. "This is not your place. And if Shen Qingqiu gets angry, I'll talk to him. You're half-demon but also half-human. You'll get the most out of your abilities if you live in both worlds."

The brat surprises him with a hug that Liu Qingge could have dodged, but he allows it with a sigh.

"Thank you." He murmurs in a muffled voice against his clothing. "Liu-shifu... Do you think shizun hates me?"

"No."

Although he can't see his face, the demon knows that Luo Binghe is smiling.

"Liu-shifu, I will never forgive shizun if he doesn't make you happy."

"Don't be insolent, brat." He punches him in the back of the head. "Now go rest. Tomorrow you must win."

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua remains in a tense and uneasy silence throughout the Alliance Conference. The sabotage is no surprise to him, and yet he is also startled when the first screams echo over Jue Di Gorge. His fear is different from the astonishment of other cultivators. He knows the demon who, years ago, decided to attack the Alliance Conference out of boredom and hatred towards humans. However, that same demon over time has decided to make one of those humans his future spouse.

Although Shang Qinghua has helped make the attack possible, he suddenly trembles at the prospect of Mobei-jun using this opportunity to take Shen Qingqiu away. It's a perfect plan: between the chaos and the anonymous victims, everyone will give him up for dead. There will be no rescues or diplomatic tensions between the two races or a war. The worst thing about that plan is that it's his fault. He was the one who gave all the information to Mobei-jun, who should already understand that this is the fastest way to achieve his goal.

Shang Qinghua's body instinctively moves behind Shen Qingqiu as his martial brother draws his sword to fly towards Jue Di Gorge. The situation is so complex that even the strategist of the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect has decided to voluntarily separate himself from the rest without identifying the trap that extends his claws toward him. Shang Qinghua grits his teeth and flies behind his trail.

"Wait for me, Shen-shixiong!"

Shen Qingqiu doesn't deign to pay attention to him until the two of them land on a bloody ground. Then he gives him an icy, somewhat nonchalant look before turning his back on him. Shang Qinghua snorts before following him.

"Shen-shixiong, wait!"

It is too late, but he has made a risky decision. Although he doesn't appreciate Shen Qingqiu, someone so proud and arrogant doesn't deserve the horrible fate of being kidnapped and forced to become a demon's lover. He is not like Shang Qinghua, who wouldn't mind changing his life for the better. And perhaps in other circumstances, he might have developed warm feelings for Mobei-jun, despite all their differences.

Determined, he grabs Shen Qingqiu's wrist. His martial brother jerks away. But it's enough: Shang Qinghua finally has his attention.

"I thought my shixiong was smarter." He hisses without bothering to hide behind a shaky facade. "What are you doing? You know that at least one demon is chasing you. And this is undoubtedly demonic sabotage. What are you doing separating yourself from everyone? Perhaps it is a trap, Shen-shixiong!"

His reasonable words only made Shen Qingqiu tilt his head curiously.

"And why do you care?"

"Because you are my shixiong!"

"Oh." He opens his lips, drawing a perfect o , while his eyes widen in surprise. "It's fine. This shixiong knows how to protect himself. And how to deal with a certain demon."

"But..."

Shen Qingqiu ignores his protests. However, on this occasion, he doesn’t turn his back on him, but rather indicates that he must walk beside him.

"Shang-shidi is in a more vulnerable position than this master. Come with me. I will protect you."

There is an understandable softness in his voice. Shang Qinghua walks by inertia, unable to comprehend Shen Qingqiu's change of heart. The aggressiveness in his eyes is gone, replaced by an unexpected warmth. Perhaps his martial brother is not as horrible a person as he had always believed. He now understands why Mobei-jun has fallen in love with such a beautiful and elegant immortal, who hides his heart behind layers of ice. The two are similar, unattainable for Shang Qinghua, who clenches his fists as remorse creeps up his throat.

For the next few minutes, Shen Qingqiu keeps his word and protects Shang Qinghua from all the horrendous monsters he has unleashed in Jue Di Gorge. As Shen Qingqiu fights, he watches all the suspicious shadows around them looking for Mobei-jun's frost eyes. The demon is near. Shang Qinghua feels that familiar chill under his skin. A consistent and ruthless cold is surrounding them despite his efforts to guide Shen Qingqiu away. And all the other cultivators don't show up. They are alone in an abandoned forest, with no company other than monsters and the presence of a demon.

"Shen-shixiong, we should go back..." He pleads for the umpteenth time. "We're not alone."

Shen Qingqiu has frowned and looks around him with Xiu Ya shining in his hand.

"I know"

A slow frost covers the bark of the trees and the ground. Instinctively, Shang Qinghua steps in front of Shen Qingqiu, who pushes him behind his back with a dismissive snort. But Shang Qinghua doesn't want to be protected, but to shake his martial brother while he yells at him not to be so stupidly proud and to listen to him next time.

Maybe there is no next time.

Or maybe... Shang Qinghua could offer to marry Mobei-jun in Shen Qingqiu's place.

From the darkness emerges a tall, corpulent demon, walking with the arrogance of a god. All of his features are sharp as ice shards and his eyes shine with cruelty. Shang Qinghua has been paralyzed by a fear that climbs through his bones.

That's not Mobei-jun.

But he is undoubtedly a powerful ice demon. And the only candidate he can think of is... Linguang-jun, Mobei-jun’s uncle.

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?

“Who are you?” Shen Qingqiu hisses with narrow eyes and his sword pointed at the demon.

The demon's smile is neither pretty nor pleasant, but haunting like a knife. Shang Qinghua clings to his martial brother's outer robes, hiding behind his back.

"I admit my nephew has good taste." The demon comments, walking towards them as the ice grows around them. "I'm not quite fond of humans, but Master Shen is indeed a beauty."

"Your nephew?"

"Yes, that mischievous Mobei-jun." Linguang-jun laughs. "Even I have heard these rumors that my nephew wants to marry an immortal master! Not my business, of course. But... His father stole my wife. And I was thinking... Why not do the same? It's fair retribution."

Shang Qinghua, the reason behind those rumors, trembles as he wishes to become smaller. And invisible. Or Mobei-jun showing up to stop his uncle. Shen Qingqiu, indifferent to the threat, raises his sword to prevent the demon from approaching them.

"One more step and you'll regret it." He warns him.

Linguang-jun cocks his head indifferently.

"Your stupid alarm only delayed the inevitable, Master Shen. Although I thought I would steal from you tonight after destroying the spell, not that the opportunity would present itself now."

The demon raises an arm. And the ice surrounds them. Not a blizzard, not a million ice spears, but something much more subtle. Frost creeps up their legs, seeping through clothing and skin. It's a dangerous hex that Shang Qinghua has seen Mobei-jun use against some enemies. The cold traps its victims and slowly freezes them. Without the intervention of an ice demon, they will die slowly.

Even though Shen Qingqiu uses his qi furiously to defend himself, he only lasts a little longer than Shang Qinghua. In the end, the two cultivators fall to the ground covered in snow and frost with their joints immobilized. Shang Qinghua can only helplessly watch as Linguang-jun bends down to scoop Shen Qingqiu into his arms and carry him away.

He leaves him sprawled on the ground, dooming him to inevitable death.

Shang Qinghua would cry if his eyes weren't frozen too.

He doesn't know how long he stays like this. Although the demon is gone, the ice remains both on the vegetation and inside the demon's body. Shang Qinghua is aware of how it is slowly eating away at his veins and organs. Noises sound distant, imprecise echoes. No one will look for him. Maybe for Shen Qingqiu despite his awful personality. Instead, he is irrelevant. Although it is an unquestionable truth, it hurts like always. His heart skipped a beat after hearing footsteps nearby. But his body is too stiff to react and his throat is frozen. He doesn't even manage to mutter a few words.

Still, the footsteps draw closer. To him. Shang Qinghua desperately clings to that tiny hope. The footsteps keep getting closer. It is no longer an illusion: someone walks toward him and soon beefy arms scoop him up and draw him into a chest as cold as ice that is killing him. Unexpectedly, it's a relief. Shang Qinghua sighs as Mobei-jun's embrace breaks the curse placed by his uncle.

"My... lord..." He sputters, managing to move a hand to grab the demon's sleeve. "Your uncle has taken... Shen Qingqiu..."

"Tsss." He doesn't order him to shut up but instead cradles him in his arms as he walks away from the woods.

Shang Qinghua is so tired that he closes his eyes.

Perhaps he has lost consciousness at some point. But he wakes up hearing some voices. Stunned, Shang Qinghua blinks. There is a second demon, beautiful despite the rage that twists his features. Shang Qinghua deduces that he is the same intruder who invaded the sect some time ago. To his surprise, his relationship with Mobei-jun seems friendly to the point that the ice demon is informing him of Shen Qingqiu's situation.

Wait... WAIT! His eyes widen. Maybe he is the mysterious Nie Huaisang? Oh, oh... That unknown demon angrily hears the news of the kidnapping and then turns around intending to rescue Shen Qingqiu. While Mobei-jun, the theoretical suitor, keeps hugging Shang Qinghua. With slow and methodical movements he is massaging his extremities to remove the cold, indifferent to the fate of the other cultivator and the reaction of the other demon.

Shang Qinghua begins to suspect that he was wrong about some things.

But he is very comfortable in Mobei-jun's arms, so he closes his eyes and stays silent. Maybe if he pretends he's still unconscious he'll be able to avoid the awkward moment of looking into the ice demon's eyes and acknowledging that he's made a couple of huge mistakes.

It's been a long time since he was in a vulnerable situation and Shen Qingqiu hates it with a destructive rage.

That bastard maintains absolute control of the cold, so the ice immobilizes Shen Qingqiu without killing him. Luckily, it hasn't invaded his thoughts. Although Shen Qingqiu can speak, for once he swallows all of his scathing comments and starts thinking of plans to escape. And take revenge on Linguang-jun.

It's partly his fault. Shen Qingqiu must not have ignored Liu Qingge's warning. Instead of flirting with the demon, he should have paid more attention that his detection spell was no longer working. He bites his lip, banishing those thoughts. Then he will regret all his wrong decisions, in the meantime, he must act. And fast. His kidnapper has left Shang Qinghua languishing, and although Shen Qingqiu has never appreciated that martial brother, he also cannot forget his sincere concern. There is a tiny debt between them and Shen Qingqiu will not forgive himself if he does not save him.

He continues to think of possible strategies, ready to take advantage of any opportunity while allowing the demon to get overconfident at his passivity when someone blocks their path.

His worst disciple.

Luo Binge.

"Release, shizun!" The brat howls, pointing his sword at the ice demon.

In other circumstances, this display of stupid arrogance would have seemed amusing to him and even his heart would have softened at the fact that one of his disciples is willing to face a superior enemy for him. However, Shen Qingqiu rolls his eyes. Despite how talented Luo Binghe is, he is no match for Linguang-jun.

"Luo Binghe." He says, acknowledging his name as recognition of his determination. "Don't be stupid and look for the sect leader."

Luo Binghe chooses to be stupid. And he charges at Linguang-jun while he screams.

"LITTLE BEAST!" Shen Qingqiu hisses. He can't do anything else, as the demon holds him tightly while he easily dodges his disciple's attacks. "If you die I will make sure your soul never reincarnates!"

Luo Binghe insists on ignoring him and attacking him. After a string of failed attacks, Linguang-jun sighs in boredom before catching the young man's sword.

Zheng Yang breaks into pieces.

Chapter Text

The sword shards fall to the ground one by one. Shen Qingqiu smiles, savoring the desolate expression of his disciple. Now Luo Binghe will finally accept that this is a fight that neither of them can win and will go to find help. However, he underestimates again the young man's intelligence. After recovering from the shock, he attacks Linguang-jun once more.

Shen Qingqiu is not exactly having a great time in the arms of an enemy demon who treats him like a trophy while he watches the pathetic spectacle of his worst disciple. If it wasn't for the cold that paralyzes his qi as well, he would have already suffered a qi deviation. Shen Qingqiu is considering closing his eyes to distance himself from reality when he realizes that Luo Binghe's moves are quite good. Almost even better than when he used the sword. His disciple has neither the grace nor the patience to wield a weapon, and that brutal but effective style is more suitable for him. Intrigued, Shen Qingqiu begins to examine his movements.

They are not innate, something that even in the circumstances he would have envied, but a concrete technique. A technique that neither Shen Qingqiu knows nor could have taught Luo Binghe. Where has he learned to fight like that?

He is not the only one surprised. Linguang-jun frowns before assuming that Shen Qingqiu is a liability and putting him down to fight without restraint.

"That's a fighting technique of the eastern demons. How did you learn it?"

"My master taught me."

Shen Qingqiu almost facepalms. Almost. He is still frozen. That stupid brat isn't even good at lying. I'm his master and I'm obviously human! Fortunately, Linguang-jun's brainpower is not particularly bright as he does not question Luo Binghe. A pity. Shen Qingqiu would have liked to solve that mystery before his disciple died.

He is convinced that Luo Binghe is going to die. No technique is capable of erasing the differences in power between the two.

What a shame. That sudden display of master-disciple fidelity has almost softened his heart.

Shen Qingqiu sighs as the demon hits Luo Binghe repeatedly, not allowing him to recover before throwing more ice spears or punches at him. He is not going to help him because he appreciates that brat, but because he hates the helplessness of not being able to act.

"Little beast, at your right!"

Following his warning, Luo Binghe manages to avoid Linguang-jun. That makes him smile.

"Thanks, shizun!"

Linguang-jun takes advantage of this distraction to hit him. Luo Binghe is a hopeless case, why do I bother? He snorts.

"Don't get distracted or I will annihilate your soul myself!"

Unfortunately, he can't threaten him by killing him. The demon will take care of that. However, Shen Qingqiu gives up his complaints and chooses to continue giving Luo Binghe advice. Alone, his disciple is doomed to failure, but he is a great strategist. Not to perform miracles, but enough to buy them a little time until real help arrives.

Despite his distinct lack of enthusiasm and optimism, Luo Binghe welcomes all of his advice with a bigger, bloodier smile. The blood is still his. He is neither able to heal his wounds nor to hurt his opponent. At least Shen Qingqiu's intervention has prevented Linguang-jun from breaking any more of his bones.

Realizing that Luo Binghe is no longer just an irrelevant insect, but a toothy puppy trying to bite him and unwilling to accept defeat, Linguang-jun grits his teeth before hissing out a wave of ice that shakes the ground and hits Luo Binghe. It's done. Shen Qingqiu sighs, closing his eyes.

"Despite your low intelligence coupled with an ability that is not on par with your innate talent, your performance has been passable, Luo Binghe. Rest well."

"I'm not dead yet, shizun."

Shen Qingqiu gazes indifferently at the sorry state of his disciple: unarmed and disheveled, with one arm falling at a crooked angle, torn clothing, and blood from countless wounds.

"You will."

Once again, Luo Binghe insists on defying common sense, logic, exhaustion, and Shen Qingqiu. With a desperate cry, he attacks Linguang-jun, but after two steps the ice demon grabs his neck and lifts him to examine him with a hint of interest.

"Your disciple is as intriguing as you are, Master Shen." He comments, ignoring Luo Binghe's kicking or the fact that he is choking from suffocation. "How interesting... I thought you were some kind of demonic cultivator, but you're neither entirely human nor entirely demon... Is this a seal?"

The demon rests a finger on Luo Binghe's forehead.

Then several things happen simultaneously.

First, a seal that Shen Qingqiu was not aware of is broken. Luo Binghe goes from an annoying brat with an enviable base to a half-demon whose powers are unleashed. Of course, even that isn't enough to defeat Linguang-jun, though thanks to that sudden turn he manages to dodge a nasty death.

Second, an intact sword pierces through the ice demon's shoulder. And it would have decapitated him if his reflexes hadn't been faster.

Third, Luo Binghe falls to the ground like a rag doll but gets up to greet Liu Qingge with suspicious relief and suspicious familiarity, and joy as suspicious as the fact that they are both demons.

Shen Qingqiu is no longer paralyzed by ice, but by astonishment.

"You!" He sputters a few minutes after Liu Qingge miserably defeats Linguang-jun, leaving him in a state even worse than Luo Binghe's, and scoops Shen Qingqiu into his arm up to give him a qi that is sinister but powerful enough to nullify ice. "Did you steal my disciple!?"

"Is that the only thing that bothers shizun?" Luo Binghe murmurs before bowing his head respectfully. "As this disciple suspected, shizun is the wisest and that is why he always knew that I wasn’t human."

Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes as he hesitates between demonstrating his wisdom with his silence or demonstrating his rage with words.

Chapter Text

Some habits never change. Shen Qingqiu's predilection for traveling is one of them. And for lying. Theoretically, he is collecting some extinct flowers which imply: first, it is an excuse to spend months away from the sect. Second, no one will question him if he comes back empty-handed.

"Do you come to visit us again, Shen-shixiong?" A familiar voice taunts as he lands in the demon palace. "You barely spend time in the sect. That's quite cowardly coming from you."

Shen Qingqiu raises an eyebrow before smiling. Over time he has grown accustomed to Shang Qinghua's authentic personality.

"Not as cowardly as the one who faked his death during the Alliance Conference to go live with his demon."

"Is that jealousy what I hear?"

He shrugs, avoiding an answer.

Three years have passed since the sabotage of the Alliance Conference and everything it's quite the same except for a few tiny exceptions. Like this ice palace. The first time Shen Qingqiu visited it, accompanied by Liu Qingge, he found a dilapidated and neglected ruin. However, Shang Qinghua had managed these lands just as effectively as he once managed the sect's finances. Which, by the way, is on its way to ruin. Shang Qinghua smiled happily when Shen Qingqiu informed him that in the end, everyone had recognized the essentials of his role. Still, that was not enough for him to leave the Demon Realm and return to his old life.

Shen Qingqiu cannot judge him. Sometimes the wild life of the demons is quite attractive, although he is not yet ready to abandon everything he has built to fight for recognition in a place where he will be undervalued perhaps forever.

The two cross the patio while they inform each other of the latest news, scarce since, as Shang Qinghua has pointed out, hardly any time has passed since their last meeting. Walking through a snowy garden, they meet two women.

Sha Hualing and Shen Qingqiu exchange a gaze.

"Shouldn't you be on a night hunt?"

"Weren't you looking for the Eternal Flower?"

They both silently agree that neither has seen the other.

Liu Mingyan laughs as she puts an arm around the cultivator's waist and drags her in the opposite direction.

"Ge is training! You know where to find him."

Shen Qingqiu nods before continuing on his way, followed by Shang Qinghua, who has started wringing his hands nervously.

"I still don't assume that Qi Qingqi's head disciple was a spy." He stammers between accelerated words. "It was so unexpected! A spy in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect! Who would have guessed?"

"Me."

"Ridiculous! The audacity of these demons... But everything has ended well, so we can forget about the insignificant detail of a spy and continue with our lives."

Shang Qinghua contradicts his words, as he always protests and complains about Sha Hualing's espionage, so excellent that she even got Shen Qingqiu to suspect Qi Qingqi. Shen Qingqiu no longer attaches any importance to that matter, but Shang Qingqiu is unable to forget it and prefers to dwell on Sha Hualing's shocking surprise. My poor friend, he sighs. His nerves are destroying him.

Liu Mingyan had not lied to him. Although Liu Qingge can turn any place into a training ground, Shen Qingqiu already knows his preferences. He finds him inside a huge hole that is even deeper than the last time he visited. The fights and training between heavenly demons have split the ground and created cliffs based on brute force. He wrinkles his nose as he stops at the edge.

Below are three demons. Mobei-jun stands still with his arms crossed and watches the fight between Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe with disinterest. His disciple is the first to notice his arrival. His smile is immense and reaches his eyes.

"Shizun!"

That slight moment of distraction ends with Liu Qingge punching him in the stomach and sending him flying two kilometers.

"You keep getting too distracted." He scolds him before turning his back on him and jumping toward Shen Qingqiu.

The cultivator holds his breath as the demon lands in front of him. Several strands of hair frame Liu Qingge's face. The sweat and a few scratches show that Luo Binghe has been a worthy opponent. Shen Qingqiu raises a hand and caresses his cheek. His thumb stops at that stupid beauty mark that distracts him so much. He can notice his sweat and his breathing is ragged from physical exertion. Still, he leans down to capture his lips in a hungry kiss after weeks of not seeing each other. Instantly, Liu Qingge hugs him around his waist and pulls him close until their chests brush.

Shen Qingqiu hums happily as his fingers slide to grab the demon by the nape of the neck and guide him just the way he likes. When they separate, there is a thread of saliva that still joins their mouths. It is no surprise that Shang Qinghua has disappeared instead of staying to watch the show. Mobei-jun too. Instead, Luo Binghe has managed to scale the sheer wall and is waiting for them with his head bowed in embarrassment.

"Shizun! Liu-shibo has taught me a new move." He says once they finish greeting each other.

"I don't care." He snorts with a sourness that will never change. "How's your calligraphy going?"

The three return to the palace. His and Liu Qingge's hands are intertwined and the demon rubs his thumb on the back of it as Shen Qingqiu rants about his stressful sectmates. But his anger gently evaporates. For much of his life, he has been waiting. Waiting for Qi-ge, waiting for an opportunity, to escape, for a better life, for happiness. And now he has an unexpected family and friends who will always wait for his return. Shen Qingqiu has found a home that is neither tangible nor has the foundation of a structure but is found in other people's hearts.

Embarrassed, he stops talking and his gaze is lost in infinity. Shen Qingqiu is not used to being loved and there are days when he finds it difficult to accept and days when he fears that everything will fall apart.

"Shizun..." Luo Binghe whispers to him once Liu Qingge leaves to find his sister. "I've heard… rumors."

Oh no, no more rumors! He laments.

"Now what happens?"

"They say... Shizun is going to marry a certain Nie Huaisang." Although his relationship with his former disciple has improved, he still sometimes harbors a deep hatred that obscures his features. "Are you cheating on Liu-shibo?"

Luo Binghe's worship is as dangerous as his talent. Shen Qingqiu doesn't care: it's a relief that this half-demon admires Liu Qingge so much that he will do everything possible to protect him. Even from Shen Qingqiu's coldest feelings.

"What nonsense are you saying?" He smirks.

Three years ago, during the Alliance Conference, Shang Qinghua disappeared with an ice demon and planted countless clues for everyone to believe his death (even Shen Qingqiu). He proved to have a cool mind, unlike the three of them as he realized that it was impossible to hide Luo Binghe from the cultivation world. Until the Endless Abyss tore through the earth like a crack, shrouded in ash and smoke.

Liu Qingge was ready to throw Luo Binghe away when Liu Mingyan appeared and made a clever observation: they could take him to the Demon Realm where he would continue to learn from them. She scooped the boy up like a sack of potatoes and flew away as they drew the cultivators' attention to Linguang-jun, blaming him for sabotage and more crimes than he was actually guilty of. Too bad no one was going to believe that demon.

It was then that the Peak Lords noticed that a mysterious and handsome unknown cultivator was accompanying Shen Qingqiu. At least Liu Qingge had the common sense to hide his demonic traits.

"Can I ask the name of the daozhang accompanying you, shidi?" Yue Qingyuan was the first to intervene. His smile was polite, but not sincere or warm.

Liu Qingge glared at him. And he chose silence over making a catastrophic mistake. Shen Qingqiu still hadn't come up with a coherent lie when Qi Qingqi stepped forward.

"Forgive the rudeness of this one, but are you perhaps Nie Huaisang?"

There Shen Qingqiu discovered two things: she was not a spy and this knot of misunderstandings had offered him the perfect opportunity to solve his problems.

"Yes." He announced with an incredibly happy smile before hugging the demon. "This is my fiancé."

None of them are a good person, moreover, most of them aren’t even human, and perhaps that is why they had chosen the path of lies. But now they were happy, so it was worth it.