Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Qing Jing Peak, Cang Qiong Sect’s very own home of scholars. Masters of the Four Arts: lofty, calm, and tranquil. With its heavily forested mountain peak with tall bamboos and breezes drifting of guqin notes.

But tranquility does not exist simply as it is, its calmness is hard fought: a message worn down over time most fail to remember and uphold in regards to the peak of scholars. 

Peace is hard fought, and hard won. Most of the time, hardly won, in as much as history allows us to know. 

Conflict is in nature. It is the very thing that drives the world, how it forms its wonders. It is hard to fight against something so innate. For what is man against its nature? What is survival without the conflict it brings?

Over time, man shaped this foundation anew. They found something worth relinquishing over. Be it love, companionship, earthly desires, riches, or recreations— they built society over them nonetheless.

What awakened wasn’t something molded anew, the only difference is humanity now had a name for it: will. The capacity to act on reason.

As the saying goes, if there’s a will there’s a way.

In Shen Yuan’s case, he has the will with no way to use it. Cannot act upon it. A volition he must subdue, and if he does not, his body seizes to subdue it for him. Uses it against him.

How could a person be in such a war with himself?

War is hard fought, and hardly won. What comes in its absence is peace— a thing Shen Yuan had never known of. 

But he tries to live regardless.

Qing Jing is the home of scholars after all, where freedom comes in ways of intellect and where intellect holds no bounds.

“The Palace Master’s aim is apparent— the segregation, altering the bylaws set by our early founders, the exiled demonfolk out of their ancestral land— he's stealing their land and Huan Hua’s keeping it for themselves.”

“Passionately put, Shen Yuan," Shen Qingqiu sat at the back of the classroom, ever calculated. 

Despite the lack of murmurs and wronged faces, he could tell what his perfectly schooled-expressionless fellow disciples were thinking: of what level of unfairness would one deem befitting is it to be in a case of a disciple studying under a Peak Lord as his biological son?

Apologies, martial brothers and sisters, A-Die refused to hand over this one under Qiong Ding’s tutelage, so for any biased and overtly subjective remarks and circumstances handed to this Shen Yuan are unavoidable! Peak Lord Shen is the one to blame!

“Albeit the tone was lost in its bluntness, it’s due its rightful merit. Any counter arguments?”

Truthfully no one wanted theirs to be uttered, at least, in this very room of theirs. They would be heard, if they spoke their arguments taken into account and rightfully graded as they are, yes— Qing Jing Peak encourages enlightenment above all else and expects no less of its disciples, that is the very reason why they were having this debate in the first place regardless of how taboo it was to let a group of disciples squander and make arguments about the intentions and affairs of an “allied” sect (Cang Qiong and Huan Hua were so much so as allies as to water is to oil).

— But to counter Shen Yuan is a useless endeavor of which most wouldn't even consider exerting heedless effort into.

Shen Yuan loved being right, and so debating had been his unsurprising forte. Sure, he had a knack at all of the Four Arts but that was to be expected. He is The Qing Jing Peak Lord’s only son. Shen Qingqiu offered him no less of an education than what he had set his standards of his only child’s future.

Shen Yuan had every book and scroll Shen Qingqiu deemed essential, every writing and painting tool Yue Qingyuan endeavoured to give to him just to dote, and, luckily, a burning curiosity in all things he himself noted to be interesting enough. Beastiology, Ecology, rare plants and fauna, the history of the two realms— you know, all things interesting!

But when he experienced the extreme gratification of being right time and time again, he set his fixation on one more thing. He already knew far more, why not make use of them? Qing Jing Hall Masters had said his claims were always of no fault and not lacking, well he had his parents’ doting natures to thank for that. 

Qing Jing disciples knew better than to go up against him in a proper (graded) debate for regardless of any topic, Shen Yuan will dominate. 

It is not out of fear of his status, as the Sect Leader’s and Qing Jing Peak Lord’s son, nor was it due to Shen Qingqiu’s tendency to favor him (once he was of age to attend classes as a proper disciple of Qing Jing, Shen Qingqiu didn't show any favoritism in the classroom and training field— in fact he climbed and dug a hole just like anyone else to be accepted!), no, it was only for the notion of accepting an unremarkable grade that held the Qing Jing disciples back from engaging with Shen Yuan during a debate. And of course some of them would like to save face!

Nevertheless, Lin Wei, a bright newly accepted junior, took up the challenge.

“If Huan Hua could ever be so truly prejudiced and abhor demonfolk, why haven't the demons living near their threshold revolted against them?” Lin Wei had started, “I’ve read about it and both parties are at peace with another, due to Huan Hua’s council and their heir’s reformations. Head Disciple Luo Binghe is of exceptional character, wouldn't that say much about the environment and the… people who raised him as such?”

To sum it up, she merely went on to say that if Huan Hua was such a heinous sect, why was its soon-to-be Sect Master so dreamy? Or that was what Shen Yuan heard.

Luo Binghe, as well as being its Head Disciple, is to be Huan Hua’s next Sect Master through the Palace Masters' own willingness, to everyone's surprise. One might think that the old master would prepare the seat of authorized power for his only legitimate daughter, the Little Palace Mistress, but a decade ago he had taken Disciple Luo Binghe under his wing.

Since then, this particular Huan Hua Disciple made a name for himself. Luo Binghe was known to offer his aid to the demonfolk near their borders as well as the townspeople surrounding his sect, Jin Lan’s residences.

Somehow, the young flourishing disciple was always at the scene of any petty clan disputes and runaway revengeful spirit. His exceptional looks helped plenty as well, according to his sources.

Back to Lin Wei’s argument, Shen Yuan had thought about that as well. And he did not find fault in his Shimei for thinking of things that way, his tone was solid but never condescending.

“Lin Shimei’s arguments are reasonable, if one had not taken into consideration what Huan Hua’s Palace Master may benefit from the whole arrangement they’ve set up,” Shen Yuan spoke carefully, “The demonfolk’s rightful territory, beyond that of Huan Hua, is rich and fertile. There’s a reason why the sect’s forestry is sizable and well-maintained by a sect not known for it best. Trade and rare items came by much more conveniently for them as well. It’s unnoticeable to some, the way Huan Hua expands their territory with every new establishment and trade route, because they have been doing this gradually and discreetly over time.

“It’s not that the demonfolk don’t find it all unjust, it’s because they want to survive and keep their ancestral lands that they let Huan Hua reap their benefits. Thinking that maybe, if they give the neighboring sect this one thing, they’d let them stay. And the way demons are, other tribes and clans could not be bothered in lending a hand, because demons mostly keep to themselves and are hardly united. They have their own lands to tend to.”

“Shixiong is so knowledgeable and resourceful,” Lin Wei clapped, in awe, “You must let this Shimei have a look at those records.”

You must let this Shimei have a look at those records.

Oh no.

Suddenly, his limbs weren't his own and complied blindly to fulfill his eager Shimei’s request.

Words so simple and yet his body’s at war with his mind over it. 

Lin Wei hadn't even put much thought into it, doesn't realize the power she has over him, the power everyone has over him if only they looked for it or said any command that’d inadvertently expose him. 

He wanted to stay in class for a bit! He wanted to not embarrass himself. He wanted… he wanted a lot of things. But (Shen Yuan lamented over the fact that for him, there’s always a but), the curse would never deign to listen to what he wanted.

“Ah— of course, of course!”

“This one didn't mean right away, Shixiong! Class is still—”

“Shen Yuan, Lin Wei, take your seats.”

Take your seats.

This filial son of yours is very thankful, A-Die! He didn't want to leave class yet!

Shen Yuan abruptly stopped and changed direction, back in his own seat. Which was strange, but the Qing Jing disciples knew better than to try to understand the enigmatic, peculiar Shen Yuan.

Shen Qingqiu, who was standing at the back of the class to observe, now strode languidly back to the center of the room commanding every attention. 

“Your arguments had merits, Lin Wei, but lacked substantial backing and your phrasing could be more refined as of now.”

The disciple in question took the comments as they are, and nodded as she promised to make proper use of her Shizun’s assessments.

“Shen Yuan, now, as Qing Jing’s lead debater disciple I expect more of you and, thus far, your alacritousness way of debating had not been a cause for disappointment,” Which had meant to be a compliment, by the way! Shen Yuan had learned to decipher his A-Die over the years, he'll take what he's offered. Shen Qingqiu took his focus off of him and noted the rest of the disciples, “I trust that the rest of you had taken notes on proper debate etiquette and took examples of qualifiable claims?”

“Yes, Shizun!”

They had?

“Then those notes shall be the foundation of your next essay. Reflect on what you've learned today and create a draft for your position essay regarding any topic you deem won't disappoint me. I expect to see them on my desk the next morning. You are dismissed.”

The disciples waited for their Shizun to exit the room first, before collecting their writing utensils and idly continuing discussions with one another. 

“Ah, Shen-Shixiong about those accounts—”

“I’ll have you have a copy to review, Lin-Shimei,” Shen Yuan said and bid a hurried goodbye.

To no surprise, Shen Qingqiu had waited for him outside the building.

“A-Die! Off to see Baba?”

His A-Die humphed, “Your Baba is far more engrossed with his duties to engage with his family.”

“... We had just a meal together before today's afternoon classes.”

Shen Qingqiu didn't comment on that. “A-Yuan did well today, as he always does.”

“I try my best, A-Die.”

“That, you do indeed. You overexert yourself.”

“A-Die never lets me partake in anything beyond what he deemed worthwhile, nonetheless overexertion.”

“Is this going anywhere, A-Yuan? You and I both have more important matters to see through rather than this laced conversation.”

Shen Yuan hesitated before continuing, for he had had a similar conversation with his parents far too many times and far too many had ended up with him wrothly saddened to the point of needing the Sect Leader a week of over-indulgence just to have their (his, Shen Qingqiu did not deign himself to apologize over a matter he fully believes himself to be right in, and only rolled his eyes at his other parent’s spinelessness) apologies accepted.

Nevertheless, he rights himself and started carefully, “I heard A-Die’s needed for a mission outside Cang Qiong…”

Whereas Shen Qingqiu, knowing where this was going, simply said, “No.”

But Shen Yuan was not getting a simple no for an answer this time, nuh uh, this time he was of age, If that counts for anything.

“I studied around the topic of investigation and found— stop walking away!”

“Has this father failed to provide you with the fundamentals of basic understanding? How come A-Yuan’s comprehension merely accommodates god-awful literature and frightening in-detailed bestiaries but not his father’s simple, within reason request?”

“It’s not as simple as A-Die puts it out to be, I would be missing out on a lot!”

“Nonsense. A-Yuan’s plenty capable. He's never straying behind his peers.”

Shen Qingqiu answered easily, dismissive in a tone that Shen Yuan loathes.

“I am. How can't you see that?” Shen Yuan gave up a defeated huff, “I know it's a real mission where anything can happen, and with this curse it may complicate things, but— but!”

He double steps, stopping Shen Qingqiu’s path and the Qing Jing Peak Lord lets him stop his stride.

“A-Die will be there to hold me back! I'll even stay super very close to you this time!”

Shen Qingqiu huffed, presumably at his admission of fault that came along with uttering ‘this time’, but he did not continue walking away, which means Shen Yuan’s A-Die was surprisingly more open to this conversation today.

When Shen Qingqiu didn't give a clear, definitive disapproval, Shen Yuan knew he had already won. 

Despite Shen Qingqiu’s claim of being the more pragmatic and sensible one between Yue Qingyuan and him in regards to parenting (in regards to a lot of other things, actually), Shen Yuan knew he was not as immune as he imagines himself to be.

“One might think that with your birth predicament, you'd learn to be careful with it as you grow older but it seems that even without it, your recklessness would still have caused me enough stress of two lifetimes.” Shen Qingqiu berated him, out of love, Shen Yuan supposes, he does worry his parents a lot… “Qingyuan and I can only do so much to keep tabs on you, and since we can't lock in the basement—”

“Wait, you thought about locking me?”

“— I suppose you do need the experience. Lest you find yourself unable to contact us.”

“A-Die! Oh A-Die thank you, I'd be so good I promise! I already took a look at the case file from your— I mean I heard it from one of Qiong Ding’s Hall Masters— and I already have possible leads. Though it'd be best to confirm them once we get there, I'm leaning more on the possibility that perhaps this is a case of curses or perhaps a Skinner Demon. If it's only Mister Chen’s concubines the first one would've been plausible but some unnotable deaths from brothel—”

“A-Yuan, stop talking.” Shen Qingqiu signed a huff of feigned irritation at him. “You must listen to me.”

Before he could comply on his own, the spell had already acted for him.

Stop talking.

You must listen to me.

Seeing his son's expression, undoubtedly because of the spell’s ministrations, Shen Qingqiu softened in bitter reminder of his son’s will but his eyes stayed firm.

“Sometimes, I think of uttering the words to command A-Yuan to never stray from his fathers’ side. But A-Yuan would not like that, won't he?” Shen Qingqiu said, suddenly sounding wistful, “Don't speak yet.”

Don’t speak yet.

He did not. No, he cannot.

“Why does A-Yuan look so worried? Hmph, as if I would want you around more than you already are. All the trouble you cause, and you don't even remember half of them, don't you?”

He did not.

His face must've given way for his impatience and get-to-the-point-already attitude to show, and of course Shen Qingqiu picked up on them. He collected them quite amusingly in fact. 

“A-Yuan’s cursed to comply and obey, and yet he is far more disobedient than any child in this mountain sect combined— always fighting himself to disobey me. I'm grateful for it.”

Shen Qingqiu brushed a stray lock of hair out of his son's eyes and guided his palm to rest gently on a stubborn pouting cheek.

“Thank you, A-Yuan. For fighting your fate.”

In the face of his father’s words, he had forgotten what he was going to say, the arguments he had laid out in his mind to counter, so he said nothing and forced a smile.

Shen Qingqiu’s right. All his life, he had been fighting himself, Shen Yuan thought.

He’s still fighting now, but eventually wouldn't he grow tired of resisting? Shen Yuan fears that. He knows his parents would intervene if they thought it necessary, even now Yue Qingyuan endeavoured to make his life as smooth and safe-sailing as one father could for his only son (some interventions worked, others did not; few were welcomed, most not so much)— always offering him opportunities to grow and flourish his cultivation without the possibility of immediate and direct harm— and with Shen Qingqiu’s being Shen Qingqiu, Shen Yuan can not face the fact that he had been so blessed as much as he had been cursed.

Shen Yuan hopes he'd never tire of the struggling and resisting, not for his sake but for his parents. 

The journey to the town where Master Chen’s manor resided was amiable. Shen Qingqiu had wanted him to join him inside the comforts of the carriage, but he’d rather ride in his horse.

The whole time, he felt like a real disciple, with his horse and qiankun bag packed to the brim and all that. Then he banished the self-deprecating thoughts, reminding himself he had been a real disciple. He is of Qing Jing. That fact stays true.

The rest of Cang Qiong didn't know about his birth curse. They thought it was only fair for the Qing Jing Peak Lord and the Sect Leader to be protective of their only son, no one deigned to question their parenting lest they earn Shen Qingqiu’s ire, and— although only few knew to look out for it— Yue Qingyuan’s inherent protectiveness is certainly a force not to be reckoned with.

The twelve peak lords are aware of it though. When he was younger, he had always found them cool and hero-like, but they'd stumble upon their words and walk on eggshells around him! And if not, they would coo and baby him and shower him with gifts and praise like they had always had, Yue Qingyuan had once shared, when he was still a mere toddler. 

Weren't they supposed to be immortal masters? Each one with their own peak to manage? Why were they so uncool around him!

It was weird, little Shen Yuan did not appreciate it much. He’d grown used to the fussing, but he could live without it.

Out of all the peak lords, except his parents of course, his favorite was Liu Qingge. The Bai Zhan peak lord treated him like Shen Yuan would've been treated without a curse. It was honestly refreshing. And little Shen Yuan liked it very much as a kid— very hero-like, very cool! 

Despite having all the peak lords working on it and with Cang Qiong’s vast resources, the curse remained in his core and he'd never been free from it since. Peak Lord Mu assessed it wouldn't affect his cultivation in any way, possible breakthroughs can still happen and he'd progress if he set his mind and body to it.

The curse only really affected his will. His parents were relieved that he still had a chance in this life and promised him only the best, but Shen Yuan knew better than to count this as a blessing. 

Of what use would be his cultivation and knowledge if someone who knew what they were doing could just dictate him. What use would his training be if not for anyone's whims and not his own?

His bothersome thoughts were cut short by someone, possibly more bothersome, greeting him.

“Good day, Shen Shixiong!” Ning Yingying brightly exclaimed, “It’s nice to have you with us today.”

“Good day, Ning Shimei. Lovely day is it not?”

“It’s been more lovely since Shixiong joined us!”

How is she so chirpy this early in the morning, ah? Though it is kind of cute, Ning Yingying’s bright personality couldn't take his mind away from his first official mission.

Joint missions from other sects were a thing that happened occasionally, to foster relations and amend the bonds each sect's politics may have severed. Of course, few were happy about these face-saving missions.

One of those few was Luo Binghe.

“Shixiong, would you like to take a stroll around the market?”

“I asked Luo-Shixiong first!”

“Apologies Shimeis,” He offered, eyes darting for an excuse, any way out, and landed on a passing Qing Jing disciple, “This one had matters to be settled with a newly acquainted Shidi, I'd have to pass.”

Said newly acquainted cute, he wanted noted, Shidi in green squeaked “Wha—” 

He took the shocked disciple’s hand and commanded, “Shidi, follow me.”

Follow me.

“But Shixiong!”

“Luo-Shixiong— wait!”

“Shixiong!”

He evaded them like a pro and maneuvered himself not unlike how a snake would. To his surprise, the disciple he had dragged along was not hard to lead out the crowd. It had been as easy as flying a kite, the boy had followed him like the wind. Every step and twist he'd make, the one trailing behind him did the same with ease.

Almost like his every move had been copied precisely.

When they had gotten out of Master Chen’s manor, Luo Binghe was the first to speak, “My apologies, let’s stop over there, we are still within sight.”

Let’s stop over there.

Wordlessly, the other complied. How lucky had he been to have pulled such an obedient one out of the fray.

Only after ensuring they're out of sight did Luo Binghe unknowingly break his command over the other boy.

“Thanking Shidi for his earlier cooperation, but it is unneeded now. Shidi may go if he pleases.”

Shidi may go if he pleases.

As if he's going anywhere without speaking his mind to this man!

“Who are you calling Shidi ah!? I'm your senior.”

Shen Yuan knew this for a fact. Both Huan Hua and Cang Qiong sent out agendas in preparation for the joint mission. Which included a list of all disciple attendees, of which Shen Yuan consumed with much vigor as the mission documents. He knew for a fact he's older than all of Huan Hua’s attending disciples, by one to two years. He may be pushing his seniority here a bit but it didn't change the fact that he is in fact older than this pushy pulling kinda-pretty Huan Hua rando. Those few years mattered!

Luo Binghe frowned at that. “Apologies, but you hadn't corrected this one earlier so I had just assumed his title was correct.”

“And when could I have corrected His Highness before he had dragged me away from my sect?” Shen Yuan said pointedly, every ounce of his spoiled nature trying very hard not to seep through, “Consequently, away from my station and away from the mission’s vicinity.”

“What’s the big deal? I said sorry, can't you just go back to the manor if he wishes to?” Luo Binghe replied easily, exuding cockiness, then spoke playfully, “Unless he's afraid he'll get lost, in that case this Shidi is elated to offer his help.”

Alright time to bolt before he seriously gets himself into trouble by smacking this guy into the ground. He doesn't doubt himself that he could, and he would do it. Bye bye annoying guy!

“I can find my own way back to my sect siblings, thank you,” He said monotonously, “Good day, fellow disicple. Enjoy the city!”

His first encounter with this Huan Hua disciple was with him running away from his sect, his duties Shen Yuan supposes, and dragged some random alibi to deter his concerned Shimeis! Typical of Huan Hua to slack off during missions. He supposes it's better this way, they'll just somehow mess the mission's flow by like, getting captured or something, and just get in the way in general. 

He hoped this particular one would finally leave him alone, but to Shen Yuan's utter confusion the Huan Hua disciple followed in his tracks. Great.

Shen Yuan hopes his uncertain steps back to the manor aren't visibly noticeable. 

Struggling to save at least half of his face, Shen Yuan looked back momentarily “Now why would a Huan Hua disciple such as you are follow me, don’t you have your dilly-dallying to get into?”

“This one fails to understand why Shixiong’s opinion of me is low as he had only met him today.”

“It’s getting lower by the second.”

Luo Binghe continues to ignore his snark. “Can’t this one escort you back? It wouldn't be wise to get lost in this city.”

“By the second!”

“I'm endeavouring to change Shixiong's perception of me. Our sects should maintain an amiable partnership, should they not?”

“Of course they should. We can start with you leaving me alone. And stop calling me Shixiong, isn't it weird?”

“How would it be weird?”

Shen Yuan looked back at him, just to see a hint of amusement in that face when his voice sounded so sincere. Unfortunately he found none.

“Nothing, just doesn't feel right. We're not martial siblings.”

“How about I call you Gege instead?”

“No.”

“It is appropriate, is it not? Gege had emphasized his seniority earlier.”

“No.”

“Allow me to call you Gege, and this one will—”

Allow me to call you Gege.

His lips spoke for him, “I’ll allow it.” No he does not!

“Thank you, Gege!” Luo Binghe chirped happily behind him. He does not see Luo Binghe’s face, an expression that, for once, lacked its facade and exuberantly dressed cockiness, replaced by something else. Luo Binghe labeled it off as curiosity, for now, this Gege of his is so strange, who wouldn't be intrigued? He’d been plotting and masquerading all week, he needed some semblance of leisure. 

Shen Yuan abruptly stopped, if Luo Binghe failed to do the same by mere milliseconds, they would have toppled over.

“Great,” Shen Yuan said whilst standing looking rather defeated.

“Gege?”

“I.. think I left my notebook.” Shen Yuan turned around to look at him, finally, “It probably fell when you were jostling me around. No matter, I’ll just—”

“This one will get it for you. It is my fault Gege’s belongings were left behind. Please wait here!”

Please wait here.

The command acted upon his body the moment the words left Luo Binghe’s lips. As he stands in the middle of the street like a fool.

Shen Yuan really had no time for this, he had to prove to his father that he's capable! He watched helplessly as the prince’s receding figure left his sight.

For a considerable amount of time, nothing happened.

Then something did.

A readily advancing chariot made its way to the very street where he was standing. Too fast for a town full of stalls and civilians. This is practically a hazard!

He waited for the impact, but it did not come. Instead, he was abruptly pulled to the side.

Surprisingly he found himself stuck between a (worried?) Luo Binghe's clutching arms.

“Gege, are you hurt?!”

“This one’s fi—”

“Why didn't you move!”

Why are you yelling at me! Shen Yuan wanted to exclaim.

“I would have, if not for you!”

Shen Yuan hastily stood up, patting down and fussing over his robes before Shen Qingqiu could do it for him. Luo Binghe eyed him whilst doing so, with a mix of amusement and

“Really, when? When the cart had already run over the street?” 

The glare that earned him after uttering those words was strong enough to bore holes on walls. Luo Binghe found himself in a daze at being subjected to those eyes at a proximity so close to the other. He found himself asking why this Shixiong is so small but so full of vitriol.

“Before that! Obviously!” 

Shen Yuan had never met a more irritating person in his life. Well, he hadn't met a lot of people. The company he surrounded himself with was unfortunately, or fortunately, nary limited and lacking in variety. Though Qing Jing Peak is not lacking in personality, Shen Yuan could sense some disciples aren't really fond of their interactions with the Peak Lord’s son, so he stopped. 

Those he had constant and fleeting interactions with would never blatantly treat him like this. They're always careful with their words with him—! Oh he forgot he didn't want that. He's grown. Stick to one thing, Shen Yuan! Ahem. 

“I suppose I should thank you.”

The silence stretched. Then, Luo Binghe seemed to catch on.

“...Is that your way of saying thank you?”

“What more could you possibly want from me?”

He surely took quite a bit of his time and patience, those are not up for debate.

Luo Binghe stared at him, as if searching for a joke, and supposed he found by himself, one to cater his amusement for he let out a laugh, “Gege’s gratitude truly holds no bounds.”

“Sarcasm doesn't suit you.”

“Yuan-ge had already evaluated my suitabilities,” Luo Binghe said slyly, “Is Gege warming up to this Binghe?”

“It doesn't take a genius to see where your capabilities lie.”

“Sarcasm doesn't suit you either, Gege.”

“The more you pester me, the more you'll be subjected to it.”

“I look forward to it.”

How funny. Please let him go now.

It was getting dark, and people had already started to dissipate from the stalls. Shen Qingqiu most likely expected him to show up with his findings 20 minutes ago.

“Look, this really has been fun and all but I have to give my mission reports to Shizun. So, if you'd excuse me—”

“This one’s glad Gege had fun, but I never got his name.”

He never did introduce himself hadn't he?

“Shen Yuan of Qing Jing Peak.”

“Can I call you Yuan-ge?”

Can he? 

He appreciated it when people phrased it like that. Never demanding, asking permission Shen Yuan himself could grant or deny as he wished.

It’s what his parents mostly used around him and, albeit unknowingly to some, such as this instance with Luo Binghe, he relaxes when the curse does not act upon him. 

Can he? Can Binghe call him that?

He supposed he could.

“Ah yes... you... can call me that.” 

Luo Binghe visibly brightened. “Then, Yuan-ge should call this one Binghe! Binghe should be Binghe to Yuan-ge.”

Well, isn't that kind of endearing?

“Alright, Binghe.”

It seems they may have gotten off to a rough start, but Shen Yuan’s sure they'd get along quite alright during this joint mission. Binghe seems like the most capable, now. He judged him too early perhaps.

He should invite Binghe to review the mission's findings, could he? It is late but it is for the mission—

“Yuan-ge!”

Then everything went dark and Shen Yuan’s last thought was: Baba’s going to kill me.

“Yuan-ge, wake up..!”

Wake up.

When Shen Yuan did, he felt the cold hardness of the pillar behind him. Next he felt the restrictions along his torso. Immortal-Binding Cables.

Shen Yuan sat there assessing his condition when he felt another person fretting beside him. 

“Yuan-ge?”

“I’m here,” He responded hushedly, ignoring the address, something he'd be doing far more often now as it seems, “We've been abducted, by the culprit from Master Chen’s household. Most likely.”

“Yuan-ge’s sure?”

Yuan-ge was about to answer: yes, now why else should you call me gege when you don't treat me as such! 

That is until their abduction’s perpetrator finally revealed themselves. 

“Young cultivators, had a good rest?” The Skinner Demon then proceeded to circle around them like a vulture, “This one hopes you're comfortable...”

A smirk hadn't left the demon’s face at all. Why say one thing and mean the other!

“My, my,” They stepped back to stand in front of Shen Yuan, “What lovely skin you have— so smooth! 

“Let go of Yuan-ge!” Luo Binghe said, enraged, and thrashed about, which did nothing truly worthwhile except tightening the bounds on Shen Yuan’s end more firmly in his skin. 

The Skinner Demon ignored him and continued caressing like there’s no tomorrow, “Ah tell me, you've never had a day of hard work haven't you, young master?”

Tell me, you've never had a day of hard work.

“I’ve never had a day of hard work.”

Consider him exposed, or whatever. It was no secret Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan spoiled him rotten. How could they not?

They seem to be delighted in his response, “Aren’t you a cute one! I especially like the funny ones.”

Yes you're right, this Shen Yuan had never so much as lifted a finger doing things such as labor. He'd rather be at the mercy of literature reviews and revisions! He's like this because of Shen Qingqiu anyway, how could he have had a tough time with the Qing Jing Peak Lord breathing behind his back all the time.

About that, his Baba won't be pleased about the rope markings that's easing their way through his skin. He could practically hear his reprimands. Time to end this quickly.

Even Luo Binghe himself looked quite on edge the whole time. 

“Now, you may be wondering how I infiltrated the Manor, it was really quite simple if I do say so myself,”

Baba can't be that mad at him right? Technically he did find the suspect. Well, the suspect found them but no matter he’s still close to the lead.

He had already theorized the possibility of the culprit being able to change forms through their victims, while ridding them of their autonomy. He wasn't that far off, as to see the culprit ended up being a Skinner Demon, who took their victims’ forms by killing them.

“Butterfly.”

The Skinner Demon shrieked, “How’d you know!!??”

“You are Butterfly, in the same way you were Master Chen’s late concubines. As well as you were the brothel ladies all of whom had acted differently before passing away, th—”

“You know nothing!”

“Too bad I do.”

“Why! You!!”

A resounding clash erupted just outside, echoing its way into the room.

“Lay off my son, demon.”

How did his Baba always manage to 'save' him when you had it all handled? He’s looking very incompetent right now, he was trying to prove a point with this mission damn it.

Shen Qingqiu swiftly took care of the Skinner Demon, while Ming Fan and Ning Yingying undid their bindings.

“Shixiong! You had us all worried!” Cried Ning Yingying, “Shizun was so stressed!”

“Shixiong’s fine, Yingying,” Sticky girl, wasn't he the one who had gotten kidnapped?

“Yuan-ge..”

He hadn't been paying that much attention but it seems like Ming Fan had already gotten Luo Binghe out of his bindings. He seemed fine, so what's with his current expression? 

Ning Yingying, who was too distracted before, finally noticed the Prince and regarded him as such, “Shixiong was with Head Disciple Luo? Was this the plan he was talking about? I wish I had been a part of it too!”

Yeah, let's go ahead and call it a plan. He'd definitely planned this!

“Shen Shixiong should have still sent word to Shizun,” Ming Fan added unhelpfully.

“I know, I know, this Shixiong apologizes. Everything turned out well though, didn't it, Binghe?” He turned to Luo Binghe, giving him a look that said please go along.

Luo Binghe seemed to perk up, and was happily about to answer and cover for him until Shen Qingqiu, finished with his business with the now-tied Skinner Demon, strutted to him with an expression Shen Yuan knew would get him in trouble. In front of the other Head Disciple no less, how embarrassing.

After a round of berating his supposed recklessness (yes, supposed, Shen Yuan would consider his actions today to be very careful if someone would ask him— it wasn't his fault he somehow got himself kidnapped in the market!), Shen Qingqiu thought that ought to do it and finally acknowledge the other's presence. He reprimanded Luo Binghe’s unprofessionalism too. And when he was just starting to feel left out too!

After the whole mission was over, when everything was in order and the perpetrator dealt with, Luo Binghe found a way to corner Shen Yuan amidst the inn they were staying at. 

“I want to see more of Yuan-ge.”

“Ah..?”

“I want to see Yuan-ge more,” Luo Binghe reiterated unhelpfully, “I… don’t want this to be our last encounter, though I know it was merely by chance, and we kinda, maybe, got on the wrong foot at first, but Yuan-ge’s far more interesting than anyone I’ve ever encountered on both realms. And.. he’s kind.”

Shen Yuan took his time to regard the things the Luo Binghe had just said in front of him, and tried to remember that this is Huan Hua's Head Disciple.

“You’re not who I thought you would be,” He started, “I thought you’d be gaudy and all high and mighty—”

“Gege thought of me?”

“That’s all you got from what I said—? Ahem, well, I now can say for certain that maybe there were aspects I misjudged. Like your character for example,”

“Gege thinks of me, still,” Luo Binghe interrupted coyly. “And thinks of me well.”

“You know what, whatever—”

“Call me Binghe.”

“?” And then— “Binghe.”

“Yes! Call me Binghe, please Yuan-ge? Don’t call me anything else.”

Call me Binghe.

Don’t call me anything else.

!!

“... Okay. Answering Binghe’s request earlier, I found your company to be suitable, too, and I believe we’d get along well in the future.”

“Does that mean I can come to Cang Qiong with you?”

“Who said anything about coming to Cang Qiong!”

“Yuan-ge did.”

“I merely said that we would be acquainted with each other very well in the future. Even as friends, if you will.”

“This Binghe would like that!”

Then it was settled, Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe became friends. That was what Shen Yuan thought was going on, anyway. You could probably guess what the other party thought this was.

“Wonderful then. Oh and, I'd be writing to Yuan-ge, if he won’t mind.”

“Of course I won’t mind.”

“I’ll write as soon as I get home. Yuan-ge better write back… won’t you, Yuan-ge?”

Write back.

He doesn't have a choice now does he?

But for some odd reason the command didn't really seem to hold any weight or pressure on him to comply, it’s just something he’d be doing. Something he isn't resisting.

It’s hard to resist Binghe after all, hard for a lot of people but most especially Shen Yuan with his.. since-birth predicament.

“Alright then, you know where to find me, Binghe.”

Luo Binghe wasn't stupid. 

Despite what everyone may seem to think.

He used to be, he can't deny that, naively so. Stupid enough to think that hard work and determination to do good is enough for the fates to see him, in his pitiful state of being, and grant him more than just a makeshift house and barely enough and barely tolerable scraps for food.

But that was before, when he still had the means to be stupid. When he had a mother, a washerwoman who cared for him so much that he didn't need to worry that much about himself. Granted, it wasn't much to live by for the two of them, but anything was better than being on his own. Than being alone.

And then his mother died, and he had to face it gravely. 

He was not permitted to work for the family his mother had worked for, so he ended up on the streets. The nights he spent were ruthless and cold, the people even more so. 

He had spent months trying to get by in the streets while the young masters he used to serve sneered at him at recognition when they passed. At least then, beyond their manor, they couldn't bully him as they pleased. He could out run them easily. 

And when he finally thought he could manage to live like that, he was caught by slave traders. 

Luo Binghe worked tirelessly, day and night, night and day in another manor of some self-righteous lord. He wanted to burn it all down.

He really thought he was going to, he planned on doing just that while serving the lord of the house and his guests when one of the guests acknowledged him. And gawk at his existence.

“Xiyan..?”

“Palace Master?” The host notioned, “Ahaha, you're mistaken, it's merely a servant of ours.”

A servant you don't pay wages for.

“His hair’s a bit too distinct, I told him to tame it but it seems he had forgotten. I know he reminds you of— ah, hm.” The Lord of the house seemed troubled, clearly not wanting to stray the conversation even more in that direction. Of which direction, Binghe didn't know.

His head still bowed low.

The Palace Master finally stopped gawking at him, regained composure and said— “Surely Master Miu has enough servants so as to not miss an absence of just one?”

How could the Lord of the house possibly say no to Huan Hua’s Palace Master?

Luo Binghe was taken to be a Huan Hua disciple. He almost couldn’t believe it. Was this fate apologizing to him? Did his mother have to die, did he have to be sold off, for things to get better? Regardless of fate’s cruel ways, he knew an opportunity when he saw one. He took it.

If he had had a chance to choose a cultivation sect, his mother had once asked— when she was entertaining his musings of becoming a cultivator strong enough to not let anyone bully the two of them— he said he’d pick Cang Qiong. It was what every young aspiring cultivator chose after all. The mountain sect was a dream, everyone fought tooth and nail to be recognized by its peak lords during a selection, and no one doubted each lord’s standing upon cultivation society for everyone knew how prestigious and outstanding one should be to be able to call themselves Cang Qiong’s own.

Although those childish hopes did not matter now, for Huan Hua’s Master chose him as a disciple, somehow. Luo Binghe knew it had something to do with his appearance, so he was wary at the start of his stay. A few months where nothing happened, he began to feel secure enough to steadily mount a stable position among its ranks. He began the grueling work of sucking up dutifully. 

For years to come, he had mastered a facade so perfect he often believed himself to be another person. He acted out conversations with friendly graces and rooted himself to the sect’s integral core. 

Everyone knew Luo Binghe to be a faithful Shixiong, a reliable friend, and the Little Palace Mistress’ favorite.

The Palace Master did not seem to have any designs on him as he, once a slave-servant, had first feared, instead he seemed to push his daughter onto him. Luo Binghe found it all weird, but complied with what he thought both of them wanted, to keep his station. He excused the Little Palace Mistress’ overall lack of poise and general prissiness and endeavored to fulfill her whims, one of which was to have nightly dinners with him and her father, among other things.

He did not mind it, what’s his place, then, to mind it all?

His place in this world only became clear to him after a particular mission that was dumped onto him. One of many disadvantages of being such a reliable Shixiong.

The Verdant Demon Tribe are demonfolks that live near Huan Hua’s ever persistent and growing borders. There’s been some unrest as another of their sect’s settlements were found near the recently agreed border line. The Palace Master wanted it quelled. 

Along with a few suitable disciples, he set off to calm the tribe. They had trekked Bai Lu forest, one of the places he had come to appreciate for he’d love patrolling its green grounds filled of foliage and bask in the forest’s inherent 

He did not know why he’s in such ease when hiking this forest’s grounds. Maybe because Bai Lu Forest did not feel like Huan Hua to him. Its rich foliages did not scream gaudy gold, it’s evident it did not originally reign from the opulent sect. He knows to whom this all belonged.

Luo Binghe tried not to feel guilt. 

He fails when they finally reach the demon tribes' settlements. His fellow disciples immediately drew their swords, Luo Binghe did his best not to fight them himself.

He talked to their clan leaders stoically, a tone he’d carved that emitted pure business purposes, and swallowed bile every minute of it. It’s clear this clan only wanted to live as they had once done, before the last Demonic Emperor had fallen. They argued that enough of their lands had been taken from them, how were they supposed to keep up trade— and Luo Binghe countered it all with the Palace Master’s cold-hearted demands. The clan leaders’ faces remained unmoved, clear of any distress, and they looked tired. Like they have lived to hear these same demands over and over again, and perhaps they have.

Luo Binghe had won over this little trifle, among other trifles Huan Hua had won over the Verdant Demon Tribe, and they took their leave.

He trekked back to the lush forest in a deflated haze. The whole time, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had betrayed the tribe of demonfolk. But what was it between them and him to qualify for a betrayal?

Above all, he felt like he had betrayed himself. 

He got an answer that night.

Curiously, a conversation with him was all it took for Meng Mo, an ancient dreamscape demon (more of a pesky parasite, he’d find out soon) to seep into his mind.

Then, he learned of his origins. He had been a demon all along. A Heavenly Demon, of all things, him. The dream demon could only guess his parentage, but there was an absolute certainty that Luo Binghe was none other than Tianlang-jun’s very own and if it had not been for the demon lord’s imprisonment Luo Binghe would have been a prince.

From then on, his perception of his place among these people he found himself to be of close proximity to merely through luck or fate’s cruel orchestration, had changed.

He is better than these pompous rich disciples, if one could call them as such considering how little they contribute to the sect’s reputation aside from its ever popular correct assumption that Huan Hua’s merely a play pen for the fortuneous and influential nobles’ children.

After learning his heritage, he knew and understood. 

He recognized his place in this world, his role of retribution. Why else had he been granted such a spot in this sect, if not to crush it from the inside? Huan Hua would only be the start too, the cultivation world was not so blind as to not see things as they were, back then and more so than ever, now. Those immortal masters of peace and protectors of the mortal realm as they call themselves were lying tongues worn only by righteous facades.

He had known of this before, had learned of how the world he had unfortunately been born in worked in favor of those who did not deserve it.

But now he had the means to flip it, to make everything right as he seemed fit.

He returned to the demonfolks beyond Bai Lu forest. Over the course of almost a year, he’d do so until he had full confidence in his demonic abilities.

Turns out they sent Meng Mo after him, unsure of who he is but certain he is not human. Above all, they knew the dream demon needed to feed upon another powerful waking mind, and they did not have then enough sympathy for the boy to prevent Meng Mo’s needs, only recognition that they may be of some use to them. Perhaps even let Meng Mo control him to unearth Huan Hua. They did not expect Luo Binghe to survive the testament that came with Meng Mo’s parasitic dreamscape, much less return to them seeking aid in return of his word to rid of the sect that’s been outright planning further onslaught over their ancestral lands.

They taught him who he is in much detail and what his existence implies to the three realms. Their elders were wise in accordance with their old age, and thus experienced with inquisition and demon politics for they’ve seen much, but they were no Heavenly Demon, they couldn't help him reign over his own instincts and abilities. They could only recite what they knew his lineage could do, he had to figure out how to do them himself.

During his scouts and guarding shifts, he’d seek advice if he needed one, for he knew Huan Hua was too lax as to check security over Bai Lu. And they trust him far too much.

He’d attend his classes, charm the Hall Masters and fellow disciples alike, tolerate the Little Palace Mistress’ antics, play the dutiful ever-grateful boy in front of the Palace Master, train his cultivation and his human blood through exceptional heights, and practice bloodily and achingly throughout the night under Meng Mo’s merciless tutelage.

Time had come where he’s confident enough to test his brewing power and he had gone over the things he needed to acquire to meet his end goals (destroy the cultivation world and live as he’d like) and turned out right up the top of his list was to gain some useful subordinates, so he had filled papers of his departure under sect business— of which were so unsurprisingly easily accessible and question-free that one should wonder what others had gotten away with under the same pretense— and went off to earn himself some lackeys, but not before purchasing himself a mask of formidable quality to withstand shooting icicles. 

All he needed to do was beat up one stoic and arrogantly self-assured ice demon to have reign over the north’s network. Then, a month after settling and familiarizing himself, he made quick work handling the Sha Clan. They had initially wanted to give him their eldest daughter, their demon saintess, and he outright refused for what use is a pretty face to him? Only after hearing his proclamation did said demon saintess herself offer her services to him as nothing more than his third in command. That, he agreed to.

He mused about the fact that acquiring power was much too easy in the demon realm, for all one needed to do was to be considerably more powerful than all others and beat them bloody and bruised to the brink of death. 

After that, it was far too simple to have a network, connections, and a waiting army all over the demon realm. They weren’t his, but Sha Hualing and Mobei-jun were his to order around, and therefore he had power over their clans.

Luo Binghe did not have time to relish over his new found power, he knew they could all be easily taken and handed to another under his failing. 

He schemed further, he acted in perfection. Over the years, he had come to trust in Mobei-jun’s dependable straightforwardness and Sha Hualing’s eccentric battle prowesses, and only they, along with the elders of the Verdant Demon Tribe and the dream demon Meng Mo, had come to know the full extent of his plans for the realms, and by extension his human identity.

Despite despising his association with Huan Hua Palace, Luo Binghe knew all his hard work maintaining good relations and rooting himself onto the sect’s innermost foundations were essential to his succeeding, and he could not risk having his identity exposed so soon.

Mobei-jun understood this, swearing with secrecy, and Sha Hualing marveled to have such luck presented to the demon realm for Huan Hua to be so blind.

“If our Lord had ended up in Cang Qiong, those prejudiced but smart bastards, who knew how this operation would have undergone,” the demoness had mused.

Mobei-jun grunted, something Luo Binghe had long since come to know as being in agreement. “There wouldn’t be an operation at all.”

Luo Binghe did not wander through all the what-ifs though, for this is now, an opportunity for the soon-to-be united demon clans was this, and they’d have to take it, albeit unknowingly.

For the rest of the demon lackeys, all they knew was that a masked soon-to-be demonic emperor of Heavenly Demon origins had managed to overwhelm both the north and the Sha clan to have them act upon him in submission. They did not dare inquire of his identity, most only relishing over the fact that something’s being done and planned against the prestigiously arrogant cultivation sects and their masters.

All this was done under Huan Hua’s noses. They couldn’t have known they’d been steadily brewing a fledging half demon, almost demonic emperor.

After meeting Shen Yuan, his ambitions and plans did not change, they merely doubled in and added more significance and a few extra yet achievable steps (achievable for he is Luo Binghe, after all).

The Plan:

1. Get some lackeys.
2. Forcibly unite the rouge demon clans into one again. (In progress)
3. Properly rule the demonfolk and working class demons.
4. Kill Palace Master.
5. Leave the Cultivation world in disarray.

The Plan after Shen Yuan:

1. Woo Shen Yuan.
2. Get some lackeys.
3. Forcibly unite the rouge demon clans into one again. (In progress)
4. Properly rule the demonfolk and working class demons.
5. Kill Palace Master.
6. Leave the Cultivation world in disarray.

The demon clans on the other hand, all thought why on the Endless Abyss hadn't he made a move yet? Tianlang-jun must be rolling in his grave, wherever that is, at the thought of his only offspring indulging in human’s fickleness.

They’re all waiting on him to make a move, to do anything they ought to know can turn against them or the other party, anything that can push power to their favor— impatiently brewing amongst themselves. But Luo Binghe is not like them.

Luo Binghe is patient. 

He had a role to play after all.