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There was nothing that could turn Shen Qingqiu’s peaceful, warm nights into an impromptu cold plunge like the empty, robotic voice of the system blaring in his ears.
[ATTENTION, ATTENTION]
Shen Qingqiu groaned, he remained curled up under the blankets as he felt his husband snoring peacefully over his shoulder, strong arms wrapped around his waist. Shen Qingqiu’s long eyelashes brushed over his cheekbones, eyebrows furrowing at the sudden intrusion on his slumber. There was no way the sun was even up at this time, what could the System possibly need to alert him about?
It screamed one more “attention” before Shen Qingqiu snipped, eyes still closed, “Yes, yes! I hear you! What?”
[This Day Cycle was corrupted. Avatar failed to load.]
[The following parameters failed to refresh: …, …, Vision (L), Vision (R). In order to prevent a System recall, a backup file had been loaded in—The System apologizes for any inconvenience! (,,>﹏<,,)]
Avatar failed to load? The hell?
He cursed to himself—barely awake enough to process the System’s notifications. Half-lidded eyes glared at the faint glow of the system’s teal screen in front of him. When its voice finally went away, he breathed an ignorant sigh of relief and fell back to sleep.
That morning, Shen Qingqiu felt a small rustling in the bed—more often than not meaning that Luo Binghe had woken up and was pretending to still be asleep. He allowed his disciple this simple pleasure of cuddling in the early to late morning, only because it didn’t inconvenience him in the slightest. And he supposed, there was nothing displeasurable about it.
They both could tell the other was awake, but neither acknowledged it. It wasn’t until Luo Binghe became far too bold, peppering small kisses down the nape of Shen Qingqiu’s neck, that he decided to end their morning routine.
“Binghe.” He reprimanded, voice still laced with sleep that dampened the bite he typically had.
Luo Binghe stopped his kisses, “Sorry, Shizun.” He apologized, nothing apologetic about his tone.
Shen Qingqiu shifted over to finally sit up. When he opened his eyes, the familiar morning light of Qing Jing Peak flooded his vision first. He instinctively rubbed his eyes to clear his vision. He looked around the Bamboo House, all the familiar furniture in the room seemed to be replaced with blurry blobs of the same color, like a vague abstract mosaic of earth tones.
Shen Qingqiu blinked.
His eyes darted around, trying to focus on a single object in the room to no avail.
He blinked again then rubbed his eyes again for good measure.
“...”
“Shizun, is everything alright?” Luo Binghe’s voice perked up.
Shen Qingqiu looked over to him, he was still in focus. Though the curls framing his face were still a bit blurry. His expression was shifted into a completely genuine worry. It caused Shen Qingqiu’s heart to stutter despite himself.
He sighed and buried his face into his hand.
That damn System! What kind of bullshit is this? My avatar corrupted? I’ve lost the original Shen Qingqiu’s keen senses! Ah, this pathetic vision—It’s my very own!
One of the small simple pleasures of transmigrating into an Immortal Master’s body was gaining all the superior senses the body processed. He could hear gossip from behind walls, sniff out demonic energy and—what he’s most taken for granted, the perfect vision!
When he’d first entered this new body all those years ago, he’d been amazed waking up everyday, when instinctively he’d reach for his thick glasses only to find he could see farther than he thought and those glasses did not exist! He could walk down busy streets and instantly read all the signs the entire length of the town. He’d been caught more than once by Liu Qingge attempting to adjust his phantom glasses only to realize there was no need.
It was a rude awakening to be presented with this poor vision once again.
Luo Binghe’s grip on his shoulders brought him back to reality, “Shizun, are you hurt? Did you have a nightmare?”
Shen Qingqiu shook his head, “No, no this master is fine. I-I’m just feeling a bit hungry.” He lied. There was no point in making him worry about his vision. Even if he were honest about it, there was nothing he could do to fix it given that it was a system problem. And he knew Luo Binghe enough to know his entire day would revolve around fixing something that’ll have to fix itself in due time if he were honest.
Given a purpose, Luo Binghe practically teleported out of bed and ran to start cooking breakfast. He was gone in a blur—though that didn’t seem like as much of an impressive feat at this moment. Shen Qingqiu continued blinking and trying to clear his vision out of instinct. It had been too long since he had to deal with vision this impaired.
He climbed out of bed and felt around for his robes, he felt rather silly and silently prayed for Luo Binghe to have no reason to turn back and see him struggling. After getting properly dressed, he focused on the senses he still had remaining. For one, the now familiar aroma of a delicious breakfast brought him great ease. One of his guilty pleasures was his perfect husband’s equally perfect cooking. After eating all the flavorless of Qing Jing Peak in his absence, he could never take it for granted.
As if right on cue, Luo Binghe came happily out of the kitchen carrying two steaming dishes. He couldn’t quite make out what those dishes were at that distance, but he was never one to worry too hard about whatever menu Luo Binghe prepared. Somehow, it always seemed to be exactly what he was craving. He watched the dark blob of Luo Binghe set the table in practiced motions. “Shizun,” Luo Binghe suddenly said.
Shen Qingqiu perked up, “Mm?”
“Is something wrong with the food?”
Shen Qingqiu shook his head, “Of course not?” He said matter of factly.
“Ah,” Luo Binghe hesitated before continuing. “Shizun is squinting.”
Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat and waved it off, “I was just lost in thought, don’t think too much of it.”
He could only guess what face Luo Binghe made at that. Any nuances of his perfect face were uselessly out of focus. He walked over and sat down across from him, finally able to see the food prepared for him. He hummed in delight and Luo Binghe watched in great satisfaction as his husband ate the food he prepared.
“Is there anything else Shizun wanted to do before going back to the Demon Realm?”
“Mm.” Shen Qingqiu set down his chopsticks. “I’d like to check on my disciples’ progress in my absence.”
“It’s only been two months, what could have changed?”
Shen Qingqiu fought the urge to roll his eyes, “This master has responsibilities to Qing Jing Peak.”
“I know.” Luo Binghe relented in a barely disguised whine. It didn’t take long for him to perk up again. “Did Shizun still want to go on our date in Shuang Hu City?”
Shen Qingqiu’s eyebrow twitched at the phrasing, “Not a date,” he corrected. “We’re scouting for some nefarious demons reported in the area.” “Mm,” Luo Binghe hummed. “And if the rumors are false, may this husband call it a date then?”
Shen Qingqiu nearly choked on his food. He couldn’t help but feel red embarrassment crawl onto his face at Luo Binghe laying on the sweet words so shamelessly! “If the rumors are false we can head home,” he managed to reply. “Now eat your food before it gets cold!”
“Yes, Shizun.” Luo Binghe beamed.
-
They finished up eating and Luo Binghe cleared the table and washed the dishes. Shen Qingqiu carefully walked over to the bookshelves and pulled out a random scroll. If he held it at the perfect distance he could read it just fine. It was just a matter of when it became intelligible that he needed to worry about. In order to gauge his vision he pinned the scroll to a wall of the Bamboo House and took a few steps back—-taking a moment to test if he could still read its characters at each step. It was already very blurry only two steps back! Then after three, four, five…It really was shitty!
How could he live like this before? He rubbed his temples, before he transmigrated, he spent most of his time sitting less than a fingers width away from his monitor, so naturally it was never too great of an inconvenience. And of course he had his glasses, which he was sure did not exist in the world. Although even if they did, he was the Immortal Master—Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, he couldn’t possibly wear them!
Slowly, he took a couple more steps back before he ran into something sturdy behind him.
“Shizun?”
Ah—Fuck!
Shen Qingqiu quickly corrected his posture and spun around, “Binghe.”
“What are you doing?”
“I was just…uh,” he fumbled around in his mind for an excuse. “Redecorating.” Luo Binghe tilted his head but Shen Qingqiu continued, “doesn’t it look nice there? I always thought that wall looked rather plain.”
Luo Binghe looked like he wanted to speak up but hesitated. Shen Qingqiu looked at him skeptically, “Go on, what is it you want to say?”
“Shizun is being so bold, is all.” Luo Binghe said lightly. “This disciple had no clue that Shizun liked such decor.”
“Hm?” Shen Qingqiu walked a couple steps forward, now practically breathing on the random scroll he picked out haphazardly. He furrowed his brow in an attempt to read the title. When he was first testing his vision, he was more focused on whether or not he could decipher the characters, not much on what the actual contents of the paper were. His face instantly heated up when he actually read the title,
“The Medicinal and Pleasurable Advantages to Dual Cultivation”
“....”
Where the hell did a scroll like this come from!?
“Would Shizun like something similar in his room in The Underground Palace?” Luo Binghe asked with a feigned innocence.
“No, no!” Shen Qingqiu practically ripped the scroll down. “Perhaps we’ll find something more suitable in Shuang Hu City.” He rolled it back up and put it back where he found it. “Let’s go.” He said curtly. “Let us see how my students are fairing.”
“Shizun would like me to accompany him?”
Shen Qingqiu nodded, “Yes, if you don’t mind.”
I need something to grab onto if I lose my footing…
Luo Binghe followed after him like a puppy. They left the Bamboo house and walked into the tranquil bamboo forests of Qing Jing Peak. Even after all the initial awe of being in a fantasy novel wore off, a decade later the soft peacefulness of the verdant peak was always something Shen Qingqiu enjoyed. These days, he often found that his visits often consisted of briefly checking in and having tea with his fellow Peak Lords, organizing affairs, and checking in with his disciples. Then with all the extra time allotted, he’d roam around the tall bamboo stalks and take in the peace and stillness, subtle guqin melodies mixed with the wind, the distant sound of young students playing.
There was a time ago where such ambiance would tug at his heart and bring him great pain. Something about the calm, bright atmosphere felt like something he didn’t deserve, like a great facade to the darkness that really existed in the world. To think he got to remain safe and with such beauty while one disciple crawled his way through the Endless Abyss confused and alone.
Ah, why were such thoughts coming to mind now?
Navigating his own peak was quite simple with or without his vision. He has the entire place mapped out in his mind, and it hadn’t changed much in two months. So he walked around confidently enough, hoping any doubts Luo Binghe had would subside seeing him act completely normal.
He heard laughter coming from the other side of a pond just ahead. Inclined to follow it, he took a step forward but stopped when a voice called out to him, “Shizun!”
It was a young, adolescent voice, one of his students. He looked over and there he could barely make out a figure on the other side of the water. “Ah! uh..um…….”
Who the hell is that?
Shen Qingqiu squinted but couldn’t figure out which young disciple was calling him. It really made him feel awful, could he not recognize his own disciple’s voice?! Was he really so neglectful? They called out again, “Shizun! How have you been?”
“This master is delighted to see his disciples are doing well!” He called across the pond, “Why don’t you come over?”
There was a long pause, Shen Qingqiu couldn’t possibly guess the look on his student’s face. “...N-No, I’m fine over here!”
“Huh? Don’t be shy now, this master hardly has time to visit.” He took a step forward and Luo Binghe followed behind.
“No, no, Shizun! Really it’s fine. Thanks for stopping by! The kid presumably bowed and made a swift exit.
“Ah, Binghe—what was that about?” Shen Qingqiu asked, tapping his closed fan on his chin.
Luo Binghe shrugged, “It seems that disciple had no desire to see Shizun.” He said simply, “Perhaps we should just go then.”
Shen Qingqiu could shake the feeling something was off. There was no way, were his disciples afraid of him? No way! He was in no way like that frightening master before him! He hardly showed up anyway—he in no way wanted to toot his own horn, but he felt it would be more suitable for his disciples to be flocking towards him! And all that aside, he still had no idea who the kid even was!
He cleared his throat, “Say, Binghe?”
“Yes, Shizun?”
Shen Qingqiu hid behind his fan, disappointed in himself. “Did you…did you happen to recognize that disciple?”
Luo Binghe barely pondered, “I haven’t bothered with their names, no.”
Shen Qingqiu sighed. Luo Binghe, how arrogant! If you insist on calling me Shizun, are those not your martial brothers and sisters? You should at least know their names!
It truly was embarrassing for Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, he could not even recognize his own disciple’s voice! Really, he should visit more often. This was rather shameful indeed.
“Luo Binghe,” He started. “You really ought to make an effort to be friendly with your martial siblings…” He shook his head. “You are my star pupil, are you not? Be a good role model!”
“Sorry, Shizun,” he hummed, pleased with the subtle praise. “Please inform this disciple on the name of that xiao-shidi, then.” He asked flatly, nothing genuine about him.
“......” Shen Qingqiu cursed himself. He really should practice what he preaches. “Well, why don’t we go over and you find out?” he argued, digging himself out that hole he made for himself.
Luo Binghe dramatically dropped his shoulders, “If Shizun insists.”
They walked along the edge of the pond and found a group of his disciples gathered around. The clearing was bright green and shining. Tall bamboo surrounded the and left cool blue shadows on the grass. It's an idyllic place to practice the arts. He was in no way surprised to find his students in this prime location. A blur of bright robes and dark hair were all Shen Qingqiu could make out at this moment. The idle chatter seemed to die down as soon as they approached, all their figures stiffening.
“What’s with the tense atmosphere?” Shen Qingqiu looked around, “are you guys up to no good?”
“N-n-n-no Shizun! Never, Shizun!” One of the boys squeaked out, terrified.
“Shizun, w-we were just painting the landscapes, see!” Another student chimed in, gesturing toward a painting that Shen Qingqiu couldn’t make out the details of if his life depended on it.
Another student laughed nervously, “Yes, yes, just the landscapes behind you, n-not you!”
“….” Shen Qingqiu blinked in bewilderment. How were things so black and white? Last time he saw his disciples they seemed to rejoice at his arrival, asked him more questions than he had answers for and even asked him to play a song for them! So what was this behavior? He felt almost insulted.
He glanced over the crowd and even at this distance struggled to make out any details of his students. However some had shorter hair than others—or perhaps it was an updo? Ah, he felt rather incompetent.
“You all wound me,” he sighed, feeling dejected. “Has this master ever done anything to frighten you all so?”
A sea of “No”s and “Never”s along with fervently shaking heads wailed in response.
“Then where is this new behavior coming from? Are you being picked on by those Bai Zhan Peak bullies?”
“No, Shizun.” The same boy from before spoke up again. “We just—er… We aren’t afraid of you, we just would rather not take up too much of your time!’
They all nodded and “Mhm”ed in agreement.
“Ah, I see.” Shen Qingqiu fanned himself, “This master will leave you all alone then…” He spun around to leave but then remembered Luo Binghe behind him and came back. “Oh, I nearly forgot—Binghe, why don’t you introduce yourself to your junior martial siblings before we leave?”
But when he turned around, all the blurry students were gone!
“Seems they were busy, Shizun.” Luo Binghe shrugged.
“I suppose you’re right.” Shen Qingqiu grumbled.
Those students of mine, they weren’t terrified of me. They were petrified at the damn demon behind me!
He couldn’t help but feel this was all Luo Binghe’s doing, he was probably glaring down at those feeble students from the start.
“Fine then—we’re a bit ahead of schedule, but I suppose we could head to Shuang Hu City a bit early.”
Luo Binghe smiled his handsome smile and nodded, “This disciple has no objections.”
Shen Qingqiu ignored the way his mood was slightly lifted by that eager smile of his and quickly moved on. He grabbed the hilt of his sword with full intention to unsheath it but swiftly retracted the motion. He gulped and thought for a moment. To get to Shuang Hu City by sword would hardly even take an incense time, that’s the whole appeal of being in a cultivation novel! However while his vision was as pathetic as it currently was, would it be okay? Back in his old life, he was legally required to wear his glasses while driving, do the same rules apply? Sure there’s hardly any traffic in the sky but what about his own safety?
“Shizun, is everything alright?”
Shen Qingqiu sheathed his sword with a click. He cleared his throat, “This master is feeling rather weak—”
“Would Shizun like to ride with me?” Luo Binghe suggested, eyes sparkling. Shen Qingqiu stuttered, imagining himself on the back of Luo Binghe’s sword clinging to him like a maiden on the back of a motorcycle! He shook his head, hiding behind his fan. “No, that wouldn’t be proper…” He watches Luo Binghe’s face shift to unsubtle disappointment.
“Don’t worry Shizun, I can carry you. You won’t even have to use any strength.” Luo Binghe bargained.
As if that was a good deal! Shen Qingqiu grimaced further, imagining himself whisked away in Luo Binghe’s arms in a bridal carry—as if he were a damsel being carried away by a knight and his steed! “That would be even less proper!” He watched Luo Binghe’s face fall again, shot down once more. Shen Qingqiu wracked his brain for a solution, “Perhaps…we could take a carriage, instead.”
Luo Binghe seemed to perk up at that, eyes brighter than before! Ah, he really… He really was like a little puppy! Like when you tell your dog, “walk?” and they teleport to the door. Shen Qingqiu couldn’t resist shaking his head fondly and ruffling his husband’s fluffy hair.
–
The pair began their way down the Cang Qiong Sect’s Heaven-Ascending Stairs. Luo Binghe naturally stayed in time with Shen Qingqiu’s pace which was noticeably slower than usual. He hesitated at every step, not quite being able to make out what was ahead. He wasn’t quite as familiar with these stairs as he was with his own peak.
These damn archaic stairs—and that damn An Ding Peak! What, they couldn’t be bothered to install a railing?
He spent a great effort in maintaining his great posture, his composure, and his balance. He felt like he was performing the world’s most unimpressive acrobatic act. There was no way Luo Binghe didn’t notice him struggling. He offered to carry Shen Qingqiu a million times and was shut down every time.
“If Shizun won’t allow me to help, will he at least tell me what is wrong?” He whined.
Shen Qingqiu took another weary step. “Can one not simply enjoy the views on the way down?” He claimed. “It is important to slow down from time to time.” He bullshitted, peering out toward the blurry view of pale blues and vibrant greens.
Luo Binghe looked out at the same view that he found ultimately uninteresting and turned back to Shen Qingqiu. “Shizun is so wise and thoughtful.” He concluded warmly.
How much random bullshit can I spout before it catches up to me? Don’t take these menial words to heart!
“So wise and so thoughtful,” he repeated, almost like a song. “So thoughtful and so beautiful.”
By complete coincidence, as Shen Qingqiu processed those words he abruptly lost his footing on his next step and came tumbling down.
Shit—!
Unsurprisingly, he hardly fell for a second before Luo Binghe ran forward and caught Shen Qingqiu, swooping an arm below his knees and behind his shoulders in an unapologetic bridal carry.
“Careful, Shizun.” He grinned.
Shen Qingqiu wanted to roll his eyes. Was it not obvious that Luo Binghe was totally waiting for this?! Watching his every step so carefully because he wanted to take advantage of the situation the moment he slipped up! And saying such sickeningly sweet words! Luo Binghe, you’re truly a mastermind!
“Ah, thank you Binghe. Now put me down.” He said firmly.
Luo Binghe shook his head, “Shizun clearly isn’t feeling well. Allow this disciple to assist.”
No, no, no! Absolutely not! This is absolutely not right!
“Binghe.” He said sternly. “Put this master down.”
Luo Binghe frowned, eyes watering. “This disciple couldn’t bear to see Shizun get hurt again.”
Shen Qingqiu’s heart clenched at the sight. As much as he told himself he wouldn’t continue to fall for this trap he also couldn’t continue to chastise him like this. “F-Fine,” he relented. “But if anyone comes by you will put me down.”
“Of course, Shizun.” Luo Binghe’s smile brightened. He adjusted his grip and pulled Shen Qingqiu closer as he stepped down the stairs. Shen Qingqiu remained flushed and hidden behind his fan the entire way down.
Luo Binghe finally set him down once they reached the carriage. However he insisted on holding his hand as he stepped inside. He followed after sitting across from Shen Qingqiu like always just a bit blurrier this time. His eyes sparkled as he gazed at Shen Qingqiu’s face from across the way. Shen Qingqiu elected to close his eyes but still couldn’t ignore the piercing gaze locked onto him.
He tried his best to not think too much about it, even as he felt a flutter in his chest at all the attention. He shifted his attention to what happened earlier. He remembered all the disciples' laughter and merriment. Luo Binghe never accompanied him when he checked on his students. He’d choose instead to cook or clean up the Bamboo House. When it was just Shen Qingqiu and his students, the atmosphere was light and jovial. Many of his disciples formed deep friendships and bonds. They joked and helped each other and felt free to do so even in his presence. He felt a sense of pride at the community fostering itself on his peak.
But then his mind would flash back to his first few years there. The tense mood, the peak was quiet but not tranquil. His disciples seemed to always tense up around him—scared to ask questions and ask for help. And his protagonist Luo Binghe, his heart clenched thinking about that white lotus. Constantly harassed by his fellow martial siblings and too timid to say anything to Shen Qingqiu! His only ally was the formerly ditzy Ning Yingying, but ah when was the last time they’d ever spoken?
“Binghe,” Shen Qingqiu called thoughtfully, opening his eyes. “Do you… don’t you get lonely?”
Luo Binghe tilted his head and answered resolutely, “Yes, when I’m not with Shizun.” Shen Qingqiu shook his head, expecting this answer. “Do you ever get lonely even when I’m with you?”
“Mm…” Luo Binghe nodded. “When Shizun is busy talking to someone else.”
“When it is just you and I, do you ever get lonely?” Shen Qingqiu pressed.
“What is Shizun getting at?” Luo Binghe frowned. “Why would I ever be lonely if I have Shizun all to myself?”
Shen Qingqiu moved to explain himself but stopped. With his new sense of perspective he could look back on those formative years for Luo Binghe and see how even as a child, he never really did have any sort of strong affinity for anyone else. He must’ve respected Ning Yingying for her kindness, sure. But never a deep loyalty or devotion—nothing more than cordial. He really never expressed himself more than when he was with Shen Qingqiu. His eyes always shone brighter, his smile wider. Ah, really looking back on it now, it’s foolish to think his Luo Binghe would ever feel lonely in his presence.
As if reading his mind (Shen Qingqiu honestly wouldn’t be surprised at this point) Luo Binghe affirmed his thoughts aloud, “This disciple doesn’t need anyone else but Shizun. Shizun makes me happy, why would I bother with anyone else?”
Shen Qingqiu waved his fan, face reddening. “I get it, I get it. Forget I asked.”
“I mean it.” Luo Binghe reiterated, staring intently into Shen Qingqiu’s eyes that struggled to keep up with the eye contact. “Shizun is very kind, intelligent, brave, and strong. Shizun is perfect, no one else could possibly compare.”
“Ah, Binghe,” his heart couldn’t take much more! Especially when it felt as if half of those claims were at the very least an exaggeration.
Luo Binghe’s expression shifted, enough so that Shen Qingqiu could notice the way his face shifted. “Shizun,” he said hesitantly. “Do you ever get lonely?...When it is just you and I?”
Shen Qingqiu wasn’t even able to stop himself from responding with an immediate, “No.”
If he were to recall his loneliest days as Shen Qingqiu, he’d recall those days after sending him off into the Endless Abyss. Again, his mind wandered to those days of mourning—mourning mixed with a great deal of shame. Those loneliest days when he couldn’t even find himself worthy to eat, to read, to sleep. And those loneliest days were only punctuated by the fact that even in the company of his fellow Peak Lords, he couldn’t shake the ice cold box around his heart.
But then, if he were to recall his loneliest days as Shen Yuan, he’d remember those days—-all so similar to each other that they blurred into one. Those days of lonesome where he’d sit either at his desk or in his bed scrolling forums, reading webnovels, and sitting in a punctuated silence. On such days, such weeks, and sometimes long months, he’d find himself drawn to his guiltiest pleasure, any newest update of Proud Immortal Demon Way. Something about that fantasy world, that shitty story, most importantly that brilliant, shining protagonist brought him a sense of comfort he could never quite understand. Something consistent and stupidly pure in his boring life.
His thoughts were cut off when Luo Binghe practically jumped over and captured his lips in a deep kiss. Shen Qingqiu couldn’t find any reason to not melt into the warmth of it, reaching a hand up to tuck Luo Binghe’s dark curls behind his ear and then tracing his hand to the back of his neck to pull him closer. He felt a familiar nick of teeth biting at his lower lip, and fell just short of a whimper that was caught in Luo Binghe’s throat as the kiss became more desperate.
Shen Qingqiu knew better than to let this continue and pulled away first. Luo Binghe followed his lips, giving them one last pack before relenting.
“Shizun,” Luo Binghe panted.
His face was close, it was the clearest he could see his features all day. He was always in awe at how attractive a man could objectively be, and now being deprived of the striking complexities of his features all day, he felt like he could appreciate them all the more. There was a fervent intensity to the fiery mark on his forehead, his dark eyes seemed to portray nothing less than a deep desire and admiration. Shen Qingqiu couldn’t maintain such eye contact and turned away, heart pounding.
“This master indulged you for a moment, now go sit down.” He instructed.
Luo Binghe had no objections, likely reveling in the way he noticed Shen Qingqiu admiring his features.
The rest of the carriage ride is uneventful. They arrived at Shuang Hu City a little past noon, a bit early for a night hunt, and decided to wander around the half-busy streets in the meantime. Though Luo Binghe wasn’t a big fan of large crowds and shuffling through dense schools of people, he did enjoy it when his husband clung to his arm to keep them from separating.
Of course it didn’t start this way. When they first arrived on the street it was considerably packed with people. This in an ironic way, was actually a good thing for Shen Qingqiu. With so many people on all sides, it allowed for him to not look too cautious watching his every step, and the slower pace at which they walked meant that bumping into people didn’t lead to a large scene.
It was when the crowds started to thin out that it became a hazard for him. Men and women dressed in earthy tones that matched the pavement below them seamlessly camouflaged with the environment. Shen Qingqiu had to be hyper aware, swerving through small collections of people as the mid-afternoon markets died down with the lowering sun. It was at this point that he allowed himself to grab Luo Binghe’s hand for stability as they wandered aimlessly, stopping at various vendors whenever something noticeably shiny caught his eye. Though, it was at Luo Binghe’s unsubtle insistence that their fingers be interlaced with another rather than a simple hand in hand.
That was as far as Shen Qingqiu was willing to go until of course, he tripped over a child.
“Binghe, come here.” He said shamefully after bowing to the poor kid’s mother in repentance.
Luo Binghe, not far, shifted ever closer to Shen Qingqiu. He cleared his throat before wrapping an arm around Luo BInghe’s who stiffened in surprise.
“S-Shizun?” He sputtered in delight.
Shen Qingqiu hugged his arm and mumbled, “Let’s just walk like this then, okay?”
So that was how they ended up like this, Shen Qingqiu clinging to his arm like a doting wife! Really it was for the general safety of the public, okay? That and his remaining reputation not being tarnished by bulldozing the local youths in his path. Ah, this really does look like a date now, doesn’t it?
Still he couldn’t deny that he felt much more stable and secure holding Luo Binghe like this. If he could say anything about this world for sure, he knew his Luo Binghe would never let him fall. As the cool air brushed past them, the tender heat of Luo Binghe’s arm under the fabric of his sleeve was a comfort he had to savor. He found himself unconsciously leaning his head into his shoulder as they walked side by side.
Nightfall couldn’t come faster. The couple approached the edge of town, a quietness falling over the environment. It made their closeness feel all the more intimate, especially when it dawned on Shen Qingqiu that his arm was no longer necessary as the roads were entirely empty. So why was he snuggled up closer than before without realizing?
He patted Luo Binghe’s arm and slowly stepped away, smoothing out the wrinkles of his robes. “Ahem,” he started. “It’s getting dark out, keep a lookout for any demonic activity.”
Luo Binghe nodded in a hum, “Mm, this disciple has been keeping an eye out while Shizun rests.”
“Rests?!” He blurted out. “This master has been wide awake,” he clarified.
“I see.” Luo Binghe sighed, eyes watering. “Then…when I asked Shizun a question earlier and he did not respond, was he ignoring me?”
“....” Shen Qingqiu coughed and shook his head. “Perhaps this master’s mind was somewhere else….” He lied.
Luo Binghe raised his eyebrows in understanding. “Shizun has a lot to think about, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, yes.” He waved off in response. “Have you found anything suspicious so far?”
“Nope. Shall we go home?”
Don’t be so eager!
“The night is young, let’s continue searching.” Shen Qingqiu insisted.
In actuality, no mischievous demon would dare linger in a city with Luo Binghe’s dominating presence within it. Or rather, no mischievous demon with even a half a grain of sense would dare linger within the same region as Luo Binghe—additionally, no mischievous demon with a quarter of a grain of sense would dare attack Luo Binghe. So bringing Luo Binghe usually left the problem to solve itself, a turn out Luo Binghe was well aware of and was hoping for.
Of course neither of them could have expected for this nefarious demon to have no sense at all. Because it could only take a mischievous demon with no sense at all to try and harm Luo Binghe’s dear husband, Shen Qingqiu!
He woke up feeling groggy and sluggish, not recalling when or how he was knocked out. His eyes fluttered open and his vision was completely black, he tried reaching for his eyes in a panic only to realize his hands were bound behind a wooden pillar. He was quickly able to identify his predicament. It was “Damsel in Trouble” scenario number eight-thousand. He was blindfolded and hands bound in a random room or dungeon and some demon was going to rattle off about their evil plan, give away all the hyper specific details (and weaknesses) of their weird ability, then Luo Binghe would barge in at the last moment to save the day.
As if right on cue, Shen Qingqiu heard footsteps approaching and a cartoonishly evil laugh.
“Hahahahahaha, finally I’ve—”
“Ah, ah.” Shen Qingqiu sighed, “Can we just sit here in silence for a while, my head hurts. Actually, question: How did you manage to knock me out?”
The demon was likely stunned, a feminine voice caught in her throat. “I-I well…”
“Mm, and this blindfold is tied way too tight! What if I were simply a maiden? You’d certainly crease my face!” Shen Qingqiu cried out in annoyance. Though he hated these horrible wife plots and couldn’t wait to curse Shang Qinghua about it later, it did always leave him an outlet to shamelessly vent out his frustrations to an unimportant NPC. “Ah, you can just take it off anyway—my poor vision is enough of a blindfold in itself.”
To his surprise, the demon actually listened and removed the blindfold, a sinister giggle accompanying the favor. The space they were in was suitably dim, and wasn’t too harsh on his eyes when he opened them. It finally became clear to him that they were actually outside, in a dark swamp-like clearing. Dark teals and blues blurred around him. Dense canopied trees and tiny lights that must’ve been fireflies. He should’ve figured by the crisp cool air and brisk aqua scent that they were out in the open.
The demon in front of him had moonlit pale skin and dark magenta robes, though all details were lost on him.
“Like what you see?” She coaxed.
Shen Qingqiu’s expression remained still, “Uh, sure?”
The demon huffed, “Uhm…hello?”
Shen Qingqiu couldn’t be bothered to try and decipher what those blurry movements were meant to indicate so he remained silent.
The demon seemed to take this as an opportunity to follow the script and explain the hyper specific power she had. She was some sort of knock off succubus, locking eyes with the many, many eyes dotted across her body would act like an aphrodisiac. What a cheap trick and sorely unoriginal! Damn Airplane, always looking for an excuse for a quickie! Though the System was also at fault here—what a horrible matchup for today of all days! Thank god he couldn’t see shit!
“....Your cultivation must be truly formidable to resist me!” She concluded.
Yes, formidable indeed…
Shen Qingqiu shifted his wrist and realized that the ribbon tying his wrists were actually really loose. She had probably expected to have him under his control already and didn’t bother doing any sort of fancy knot. He sighed in relief. He knew that he could easily sit here like a useless doll and inevitably be saved in due time. However he wasn’t a fan of being a hopeless damsel so when he found an opportunity to help himself, he’d take it every time.
Finding the perfect angle he jerked and the ribbon came loose. The demon lady lurched forward as soon as she realized his escape and clawed at him. He dodged and quickly backed up, unsheathing Xiu Ya, its beaming light on par with the fireflies dancing around them.
Shit—if she gets too close I might actually be caught!
Shen Qingqiu watched the color of her form intensely as he dodged and weaved through her attempts at his life. Whenever she got too close, he tightly closed his eyes and roughly pushed her away. They played this push and pull magnetic tango for a few moments, Shen Qingqiu growing more and more frustrated at every swing and miss of his sword. She was unfortunately very quick, and all her attacks were up close and personal. He had effectively had to fight her blind.
To his relief, the dance finally came to an end when a dark, heavy energy enveloped the clearing. Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around the small of his back and pulled him back.
“Binghe!” Shen Qingqiu exclaimed involuntarily, falling into his husband’s embrace.
Luo Binghe’s cold expression immediately melted when he met Shen Qingiqu’s eyes. “Is Shizun alright?”
“Mm. Naturally this master is fine.” Luo Binghe scanned over his meridians skeptically before letting go to deal with the demon who dared touch his master. The demon lady laid struggling and suffocated by Luo Binghe’s oppressive aura.
“Ah, Binghe don’t look her in the eyes!” Shen Qingqiu warned.
Luo Binghe made a confused noise and replied flatly, “I already have.”
Shen Qingqiu gulped and grimaced to himself. He really wasn’t in the mood to “help” calm down a riled up Luo Binghe tonight. But if he was already affected by the aphrodisiac, it truly would leave him no choice. He waited for Luo Binghe to show any kind of reaction to the aphrodisiac to no avail. It quickly made sense.
Ah, he isn’t attracted to her at all. It’s ineffective!
Luo Binghe approached the demon and lifted her up by the hair. Shen Qingqiu didn’t want to imagine the icy, dark expression that he glared at her with. Her wretched screams and pleas falling on deaf ears.
“Calm down, Binghe. Let’s just restrain her, no need to go any farther.” Shen Qingqiu approached and rubbed Luo Binghe’s back.
He eased up and relented with a dramatic sigh. “Whatever Shizun wants.”
With the local demon threat dealt with, it had already gotten pretty late, most of Shuang Hu City was quiet, though some areas remained lively. They were walking through one of these livelier roads, hand in hand, when Shen Qingqiu let out an unapologetic yawn.
“Is Shizun tired?” Luo Binghe asked, bringing their hands to his lips to kiss the back of Shen Qingqiu’s.
He blushed and pulled away, “Perhaps it would be best to find somewhere to stay the night…” He scanned the alleyway they ended up on. Blurry lanterns lit up blurry signs. He squinted for far too long for it to not be suspicious and pointed at a random sign that he thought maybe had the character for “Inn” and decided, “Let’s settle down there.”
Luo Binghe made a face but didn’t object as they walked to the building side by side.
When they walked in, he was immediately thrown off by the low-key dim atmosphere. A lady stood waiting to check people in, she giggled as they approached. Her hair was done up in a complicated way and her robes were a deep red and loosely worn. She wore makeup heavy enough for Shen Qingqiu to notice even from a distance.
It wasn’t even until he was walking toward their room that he realized that they weren’t even asked for one or two rooms! What a bold assumption to not even ask!
Shen Qingqiu slid the door open and walked inside, Luo Binghe following neatly behind him. Restless, Shen Qingqiu sat down on the edge of the bed. To his surprise, the bed was fitted with deep red silk sheets; they were addictively soft. He spun around and finally noticed that the bed was a lot larger than he expected. He sat up and looked around the room further, now fascinated. There was a small tea table with a wooden box kept beneath it. Shen Qingqiu kneeled down and pulled it out.
When he opened the box all the color drained from his face.
This place…!
A fucking Love Hotel? What kind of a cheap plot twist is this Airplane?
Shen Qingqiu didn’t want to debate how or why there even were love hotels in this world. He could only sigh. Only the cliche plot devices of this world could lead them to a place like this. After he got so lucky with the ineffective aphrodisiac earlier, he really thought he was off the hook!
He slammed the box shut and kicked it under the table, “T-This master is feeling rather tired, let’s head to bed.”
“Mm.” Luo Binghe went silent and somehow appeared right behind Shen Qingqiu, resting his chin on the other’s shoulder. “Allow this disciple to help Shizun undress?”
Shen Qingqiu shivered at Luo Binghe’s smooth voice so close to his ear, his warm breath peppering his skin. He laughed awkwardly and corrected his posture, “This master is more than capable.” “Of course,” Luo Binghe nodded. “Still, I wouldn’t want Shizun to have trouble finding a change of clothes.”
Shen Qingqiu stilled, “Why would I have any trouble?” “It just seems…” Luo Binghe wrapped an arm around his waist. “Shizun has had much trouble seeing things right in front of him today.”
“I can see just fine,” Shen Qingqiu argued hopelessly. Of course the darling protagonist was more than capable of seeing through him despite the flawless act he was putting up all day.
“Mn,” he agreed, still untying his robes and trailing kisses down the nape of his neck.
“Binghe—ah!” Shen Qingqiu hissed when Luo Binghe pressed a quick bite on his shoulder, robes helplessly pushed aside.
Shen Qingqiu felt as if he had walked into an unskippable cutscene in a video game. It was rather useless now to act proud or continue arguing—so he decided to take things into his own hands. Spinning around to face Luo Binghe and kiss him gently.
Shen Qingqiu woke up in the middle of the night, back and neck noticeably sore. He was locked in a tight embrace as Luo Binghe’s steady, sleepy breaths rhythmically kissed his face. He furrowed his brows, shifting his body to have his back to Luo Binghe, facing a window outside. When he blinked his eyes open he was surprised to see how clear his vision was. Each corner of the room was sharp and defined, his depth perception better than ever before.
He wanted to cry happy tears, his vision was restored! Suddenly the system began blaring once again.
[ATTENTION, ATTENTION]
[Any previous corruptions have been resolved, if any further problems with the avatar are discovered, we offer 24 hour customer service. (˶◜ᵕ◝˶)]
He felt relieved to have his vision restored. So relieved the System’s cold robotic voice didn’t dull his shine in the slightest. He turned back around to face Luo Binghe and smiled softly to himself at his serene sleepy face. This boy really didn’t have eyes for anyone else but him. So much so that he was immune to any outside charms! For some reason, that warmed Shen Qingqiu’s heart. He unconsciously swept a thumb over Luo Binghe’s cheek and curled into his chest. He allowed himself to find serene comfort in the warmth and safely of his husband’s embrace. His last thought as he drifted asleep being:
Could papapa from a darling, stallion protagonist cure a System corruption?
He allowed himself consciousness no longer, avoiding the implications of such a question. It was too complicated and he was feeling too warm and loved to care.