Chapter Text
The day had been exceedingly exhausting. First the trip itself, and getting into the city, and the investigation. All of that could have been taken in stride. The rest however…being infected, chasing the sower, seeing Binghe again, his flight response kicking in and absolutely refusing to shut down, and being sent away when Without-A-Cure flared up. Well, more than flared up. Apparently, the combination of sower rash and poison was a nasty thing that showed to the point he had just barely managed to convince Liu Qingge and Mu Qingfang that he would be fine resting in his own rooms and did not need to be carried anywhere.
Now though, Shen Qingqiu sat at the edge of the bed debating. Maybe he should have stayed with the doctor. As night fell the cold had crept in. Normally, his cultivation kept him from noticing anything like that but now he found shivers wracking his body. His qi sputtered and sparked any time he reached for it, twinges of hunger even flashing through him on occasion. When even was the last time he had bothered to eat something? The thought of the bland food he would no doubt be brought just made him nauseous though.
At least he could easily distract himself, though the thoughts weren’t any more positive. They just kept spiraling back and forth between Proud Immortal Demon Way, his lost little lamb, and the darkened protagonist he had just met.
He had no idea how long it was before someone knocked. Immediately he glanced up, half starting to rise. His body rebelled, Shen Qingqiu only just managing to get himself standing. What the hell? Well, at least someone was here to help. “Liu-shidi? I’ve been waiting all night. Come in, quickly!” He needed his meridians cleared, and maybe to see Mu Qingfang. Not before he warned Liu Qingge though…
The double doors slammed open and Shen Qingqiu nearly collapsed. Instead of his knight and shield… Luo Binghe stood there. Darkness filled the space behind him, his eyes darker still, like an icy pond. His hands resting easily behind his back and the ever so faint smile did nothing to set Shen Qingqiu at ease.
“Hello, Shizun.”
Oh shit… Shen Qingqiu caught hold of his fan, snapping it out. I’m screwed, I’m screwed. He could barely stand let alone run. Gone was the hair raising act Binghe had been putting on earlier. He was here in all his vengeance and there was nothing Shen Qingqiu could do about it. It was everything he had in his power to draw himself fully standing, to settle into the unbotherable poser he had been pretending to be for years.
“Luo Binghe.”
The man’s eyes lit up with the same chill inspiring smile he wore. “Shizun is so free with his affections. During the day he was so intimate and close with Gongyi Xiao. This evening he lit a lantern late into the night for Liu-shishu. Yet he looks at this disciple so coldly, so distantly.”
The only reason Shen Qingqiu didn’t move back a step for every one that Luo Binghe came closer was because he knew he couldn’t. His qi sputtered under his command, the fan drifting lazily through the air to hide how tight his grip had become.
“Isn’t Shizun at least a little happy his precious disciple survived? Or is Shizun too disappointed and disgusted?” He stopped just in front of Shen Qingqiu, staring down at him. Shen Qingqiu drew on every single moment of practice he had gained throughout these years, covering for the screaming panic.
Luo Binghe brought his hand up, Shen Qingqiu’s gaze immediately on it although he wasn’t struck like he expected. Instead, after a moment of hesitation, Luo Binghe let his hand fall. “Why, Shizun? Why did you cast this disciple away?”
Oh, he didn’t want to. If he had any choice in the matter, he wouldn’t have. Even now he still debated with himself if he should have just let the system kill him. Apparently, it only took a few moments for Luo Binghe to realize he wasn’t going to answer.
Rage flashed through his features, “Do you feel anything at all! Shame? Guilt? Disgust? Anything, just… please, Shizun.” He wasn’t expecting the sudden grip on his collars, his entire focus on staying standing and watching the range of emotion on Binghe’s face with quiet amazement. “Show this disciple that you still know him. Show this Binghe that Shizun feels something.”
Know him? Shen Qingqiu had always known him. Had known what he would become, what he would do to his master if he was betrayed. It just hadn’t seemed possible when he was a small smiling lotus, beaming after a job well done. Now… now he could easily see the blackened protagonist, and he knew the bed he had made; he knew what emotion filled every fiber of his being. Luo Binghe wanted to know what he felt, fine then. “Fear.”
Binghe reacted like Shen Qingqiu had burned him. His hands jerked back, Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widening as he felt something catch in the motion and his oh so careful stance tip. No! No, no, no!
Shen Yuan wasn’t a stranger to falling. In his previous life his body had betrayed him plenty of times. He must have become used to Shen Qingqiu’s quiet power however, since it felt so… so wrong as he collapsed. His knowledge of how this played out let him save himself from the worst of the bruises, Shen Qingqiu’s usual grace made it into a nearly elegant thing.
“Shizun!”
He didn’t go all the way down at least. He even kept his grip on the fan as he suddenly found himself seated on the floor. Apparently neither of them had expected it however, given the way Luo Binghe lunged forward, one hand wrapping around his torso and the other behind his head. It left them in a bit of an awkward situation, staring at each other with only a hand’s breath between them.
Then Luo Binghe was moving. Shen Qingqiu didn’t even get the chance to protest before fingers were at his wrist, Binghe’s eyes widening at the faint red rash. Not that it stopped him from finding the pulse, from checking on his meridians. Luo Binghe turned pale which was… fascinating really. Had he just realized that Shen Qingqiu might well give out long before he could enact his revenge?
“Why is Shizun here? Why isn’t he with Mu Qingfang?”
Shen Qingqiu frowned at him. “This master has already seen Mu Qingfang.” He would absolutely not drag the doctor into Luo Binghe’s line of fire.
After a far too long stare, Binghe stood. “This is why Shizun was waiting on Liu-shishu. To clear his meridians.” Binghe sounded almost… relieved? Wasn’t that just a bit too mean?
One eyebrow rose slightly. “Obviously.” Really though, it was the perfect excuse. It was too late already, no need for Liu Qingge to get dragged into a fight and lose… like Yue Qingyuan had been baited into his own death by Shen Qingqiu’s torture in Proud Immortal Demon Way.
He immediately protested as Luo Binghe bodily lifted him. Not that he was being carried off to a dungeon. Instead, he found himself deposited onto the bed. Then Luo Binghe was… bowing?
“Shizun, please allow this disciple to clear your meridians in Liu-shishu’s place.”
Luo Binghe wanted to do what now? Was he too pathetic to torture like this?
“This disciple knows Shizun’s thoughts and feelings on demons but still this disciple would-”
“Alright.” He really didn’t want to listen to some whole speech or watch this faithful disciple act when he knew the wolf under the soft fluffy exterior. If Luo Binghe wanted to clear his meridians, then so be it. Wasn’t there something about not looking gift horses in the mouth? Certainly, he would take being rid of the insistent chill if he was going to be facing torture either way. One less thing to make his existence worse.
His interruption left Luo Binghe staring at him for long enough that he huffed. What, he wants a formal invitation? “This master will allow it.”
[ Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!
Good things must be said 3 times!
Satisfaction Points +300 ]
Shen Qingqiu blinked. Do what now? Not that he had much time to delve into what the hell that notification was on about. Luo Binghe was scrambling up onto the bed in a way that was way too similar to the sticky and over eager disciple. Still, the hands that settled on his back were gentle. “This disciple asks Shizun’s forgiveness if he is not as practiced as Liu-shishu.”
Gift horse, gift horse, gift horse. “Luo Binghe has always been quick to pick up new skills.”
[ Satisfaction Points +100!
Keep up the good work! ]
Okay, but really, how was him allowing Binghe to help him raising Luo Binghe’s satisfaction points? Earlier wasn’t he glad that Shen Qingqiu was miserable?
Despite the flow of qi being a bare trickle compared to the usual flood that Liu Qingge went with, Without-A-Cure fled. Most likely due to the traces of demonic qi that came with Binghe’s spiritual qi. Shen Qingqiu wasn’t entirely sure which was worse though, because the demonic qi burned. The fan shut, both of his hands gripping it white knuckled. So, this was why Luo Binghe had wanted to clear his meridians. Well, Shen Qingqiu wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing how it nearly brought tears to his eyes.
Closing his eyes he pulled on every bit of his poserness and no small amount of Shen Qingqiu’s ability to meditate. At the very least, it was fast though it left him feeling shaky as the traces of demonic qi raced through his veins like they were seeking out where best to nest in. Slowly, the qi flowing into him eased away, Shen Qingqiu’s shoulders starting to relax. Luo Binghe kept his hands where they were. That was fine, if the demon lord was going to insist on being somewhere out of his line of sight, then knowing exactly where his hands were and what they were doing was perfect.
[ Satisfaction Points +50
Heartbreak Points -100!
Keep up the good work! ]
What was that now? Heartbreak points? Those had shown up before too, when he pushed Luo Binghe into the abyss. Was it a good thing or a bad thing that they were going down though? Generally, there was a threat of him being booted out of the account and back to his very much dead body the moment something fell into the negative.
[ Answering Host:
Protagonist Heartbreak Points measure the amount of pain, betrayal, and therefore heartbreak the protagonist is suffering from due to the actions of a loved one.
This point value can be brought to 0 without any negative effects and cannot be lowered further. ]
Oh… Well, he supposed the source made sense. He hadn’t really given it much thought before since the System enjoyed throwing out random measurements and numbers anyway. If it could be brought down to 0 though… that would relieve some of Binghe’s suffering right? He could at least do that for the man he had betrayed though…. He wasn’t sure what about this situation had brought on the lowering of points. Maybe it went hand in hand with Binghe exacting his revenge? That’d track with the betrayal. System, what happens if I work to bring them to 0? With his revenge done… was that when he killed Shen Qingqiu? That would make it a bit pointless.
[ Answering Host:
Does Host wish to participate in special quest: Luo Binghe’s Return, When One Bridge Burns, Build Another
Special Quest rewards: Protagonist Heartbreak Points eliminated, +5,000 satisfaction points, Host title change, other rewards depending on which of special quest endings selected! ]
That… made it sound like he- wait, could he? Could he earn Luo Binghe’s forgiveness? That was even possible? In Proud Immortal Demon Way even the smallest slight and Luo Binghe would carry the grudge until he could extract its price in screaming agony and Shen Qingqiu’s crimes against him weren’t exactly small. No, it was probably the most hurtful thing anyone did to him in his life… made even worse because I actually cared for him, let him feel loved.
[ Answering Host:
Shen Qingqiu’s words and throwing Luo Binghe into the Endless Abyss was the greatest betrayal of his trust. ]
See, even you agree. So how in the world would he ever forgive that?
[ Receive Quest Hint for -100 B-Points? ]
Damn it, yes! While we’re at it does this quest have an easy mode?
[ Quest Hint: Luo Binghe character trait - When met with hate will repay with equal measure, when met with love will repay 10 fold.
Easy Mode can only be activated by Host Actions ]
Eh? So what, I just have to welcome him back with open arms and all will be well? Like hell that’d work… Plus, hadn’t the demon lord been making it pretty clear he was already working on the whole revenge thing? What the hell system, you charged me for that? Mentally he groaned, resisting the urge rub at his temples. At least arguing with the System had let him loosen up a little bit, had given him some semblance of hope that maybe there was a way out. If not… maybe he could buy enough time that Shang Qinghua could get the plant bodies fully ready.
He turned his head slightly. Okay, okay, can’t do open arms because not only would that not work, it’d be suspicious as hell. Plus, I can’t risk him doing anything to the sect. So… baby steps? “Thank you… Binghe.” It may have burned like hell, and he still felt off kilter and not up to his usual power levels, but the qi was flowing smoothly through him.
[ Satisfaction Points +100! ]
…Alright… Sure, whatever. Luo Binghe shifted, before slowly removing his hands. Almost… cautiously he came around to Shen Qingqiu’s line of sight. “Thanking Shizun for the opportunity.”
Yeah, the opportunity to torture him and then be freaking thanked for it. He breathed out slowly, unfurling the fan. What was he even supposed to do next?
Shen Qingqiu startled slightly when Binghe reached for his hand, pulling away on instinct. Binghe’s hold tightened enough that he winced, and then forced himself to relax. Just be calm, just be calm. He just had to breathe and let Luo Binghe do whatever he wanted with his delicate wrist, his arm, his shoulder. He just had to keep himself from thinking about how in Proud Immortal Demon Way Luo Binghe had torn that same arm off with his bare hands.
“This hand of Shizun’s seems very unlucky.”
Shen Qingqiu swallowed, starting to lose the fight to keep himself calm at the low tone. Sure it’s unlucky. It’s the hand I first clicked on Proud Immortal Demon Way With, it’s the hand I pushed you into the Endless Abyss with, it’s the hand that got infected by the sower, but it’s still my HAND and I’d like to keep it!
Luo Binghe brought his own hand up to his mouth, the teeth seeming far too sharp for just a moment as he bit down. Immediately blood welled up, Shen Qingqiu startling. “Binghe!”
Binghe hadn’t even flinched, just glancing to him curiously as blood flowed down his hand, his wrist. “Shizun doesn’t need to be alarmed. This disciple’s blood will drive out-” His eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint of red appearing in them as Shen Qingqiu drew back his infected hand.
“Luo Binghe shouldn’t.” Granted, it would absolutely work. The Heavenly Demon blood could cure just about any ailment, though in Proud Immortal Demon Way generally they went with the less alarming papapa route which solved even more problems anyway.
“Even if Shizun thinks this one’s blood is dirty, it will cure him.”
Shen Qingqiu shook his head, casting around for some piece of cloth. “That isn’t-” Ah, he was pretty sure he had one in his sleeves. Yes, he did. Careful to keep the rash well clear, he caught hold of Binghe’s hand, wrapping the cloth around it. Thankfully, Luo Binghe let him, even if he was looking at Shen Qingqiu strangely. “Binghe shouldn’t risk himself for this master’s sake.”
“What?” The tone was flat, but the gamble seemed to be paying off. After all, Shen Qingqiu wanted nothing to do with the particular brand of torture Heavenly Demon Blood could present, nor did he particularly want Binghe to be capable of tracking him literally anywhere.
“Many people have already seen this master with the Sower Rash. Mu Qingfang is working on a cure, but it is something that will take perhaps a week or two to truly clear such things.” Binghe seemed to be listening to him, staring with far too much intensity as Shen Qingqiu tied off the cloth. He only realized after that… Binghe could have just immediately healed himself. In fact, such a minor would he had to have been keeping it open intentionally. “If it was to disappear so suddenly, people would wonder how and why.”
Luo Binghe hummed, the sound stirring the fear until it shimmered just under the skin. He was fine. He was fine. The wound was tied off and Binghe might be staring at him coldly but he was sitting still. “Is Shizun worried for this Binghe, or concerned for himself?”
Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow at the man. Now how best to answer that? “Both.”
Binghe gave a sharp nod, breathing out. “Fine.”
Relief swept through Shen Qingqiu. This was progress, right? Might be playing along with whatever war crimes Luo Binghe was committing but… he’d concern himself with that later.
He started a little too harshly when Binghe caught his hand, gritting his teeth against the reaction and the bruising grip. Consciously, he forced himself to relax as much as he could under the too intense gaze. “Shizun, if this gets worse… this disciple will cure it.”
Somehow, he didn’t think he’d get a choice in that one so he nodded. “Very well.” The grip eased, though Binghe didn’t quite let go. Did he still want more? What else could Shen Qingqiu even agree to without curing it now? Oh… perhaps I could bargain? “This master… would also agree to Binghe’s cure… if this situation is resolved before Mu Qingfang’s cure completes.”
Luo Binghe’s eyes widened so he suspected he was on the right track. “Shizun agrees to let this disciple cure him… once all the sowers are caught?”
“Once all the sowers are dealt with and…” Shen QIngqiu hadn’t actually thought that far ahead. He was going to say once the culprit who had mobilized them was caught but given that really only a high ranking demon like a Heavenly Demon could do such a thing… there was really only one option for who the mastermind was.
He really didn’t like Binghe’s grabbiness, it made his entire body tense and mentally scream every time. That it was his shoulders just really made it worse. “This Binghe will immediately find out who sent the sowers.”
Shen Qingqiu blinked. “What?” Did… did Luo Binghe think he was an idiot? He had just been going on about how Heavenly Demon blood, his blood, was the cure.
“This disciple already has some idea, but he will confirm it tonight. Many of the sowers have already been caught. The remaining ones are being hunted by Liu-shishu but those that have been captured are in the custody of Huan Hua Palace so it will be simple for this disciple to interrogate them.”
Ah, so it was more about intimidating them into placing the blame on someone else. Well, that was going to be unfortunate for someone. “Who does Binghe think is responsible?” Who was the poor sap that was going to take the fall?
“The ruler of the southern regions of the demon realm, Tianlang-jun.”
Shen Qingqiu froze, feeling every other train of thought just… stop. “What…”
“It could also be his nephew, Zhuzhi-lang but as he works directly as Tianlang-jun’s right hand it makes little difference.”
“T-Tianlang-jun is… he was sealed under a mountain 20 years ago.” The last saintly ruler of the demon race, sealed away shortly after having relations with Binghe’s mother. He shouldn’t have appeared at all!
“This disciple has heard reports he is using a false body, provided for him by Zhuzhi-lang but this disciple has not been able to confirm for himself.”
No, no this can’t be right. Luo Binghe is supposed to be the only Heavenly Demon left. Now there’s 2 more? Was Binghe telling the truth? It seemed like a far fetched lie, and one that would have the entire cultivation world up in arms and ready to kill a man who was basically a god unto himself. This time it was Shen Qingqiu catching hold of Binghe’s arms, staring at him. “Binghe, is that the truth? Is Tianlang-jun free?”
Binghe’s eyes narrowed, red flashing through them. “Shizun thinks this disciple would lie?”
Apparently, the look Shen Qingqiu gives him was far from the correct one. In a rush Binghe stood. “Of course he does.” He didn’t get more than a few steps, clenching and unclenching his hand. “Shizun is a liar himself.”
Shen Qingqiu breathed out, bowing his head. He was about so, so many things.
“Who does Shizun think it is then? He is well versed on demons, should know that to mobilize this many sowers into the heart of a human city it would take a demon lord of incredible power, might even be a feat only capable by a Heavenly-”
Shen Qingqiu stood as Binghe went completely and utterly still. His gaze was fixed on the far wall, filling with red and Shen Qingqiu could actually see the human disguise starting to crack under Binghe’s thoughts and emotions.
His voice though was sickly sweet. “Shizun~. What Heavenly Demon does Shizun think summoned the sowers, hn?”
That… that wasn’t his Binghe. The sound sent chills down his spine, made every hair on his body stand on end. It took every ounce of willpower for Shen Qingqiu to step forward. The second step took summoning the quest, reminding himself that it was possible to avoid dying horribly, being tortured mercilessly and without end.
Binghe’s gaze snapped to him as he put a cautious hand to the oh so relaxed shoulder. Gently, he squeezed it, the suffocating atmosphere starting to ease a bit.
[ Heartbreak Points +50 ]
Hush. He could see that just fine for himself thank you, those red eyes staring at him with far too much hurt in those depths. His voice was cold though. “Does Shizun truly believe this disciple is capable of that?”
Absolutely. If he had a physical copy of Proud Immortal Demon Way, he’d have been happy to point to well over a dozen instances of the original Luo Binghe laying waste to entire cities. Right here and now though… well he’d still believe it but much more terrifying was the thought that the plot had gone so far off the rails that there were two extra Heavenly Demons waltzing around. What in the world had happened? “Binghe… if Tianlang-jun is free then that means the entire power balance of the world has shifted, and no one was aware of it. If he sent this number of sowers to a human city… how long before an army follows? This master did not mean to accuse Binghe but… the implications…”
Luo Binghe drew in a deep breath, nodding slightly. “Alright…” His eyes drifted to Shen Qingqiu’s hand, the red surging through his gaze again. “Tianlang-jun won’t be able to move his entire army across. If he does, it would leave his northern borders completely open to this lord.”
Shen Qingqiu wasn’t sure why he was so relieved to hear Binghe confirm that he wasn’t entirely blowing off the demon lord thing. It was concerning that he was going to be facing off with another Heavenly Demon to achieve complete rulership. “Luo Binghe controls all of the north? Are there other lords as well?”
Binghe gave him a long considering look. “There are many lands not yet conquered or owing allegiance to one of the two of us, but none that would be a threat. If… if Shizun desires this lord could show Shizun maps… later…”
He would actually get to see detailed maps of the demon realm and the various clans within? Up to date too, if they were being used as battle plans. It was instinct at this point to tramp down the excitement at getting to see more of this world, at least until it crossed his mind that maybe… if he showed interest? Plus, he could definitely make himself useful in other ways to repay Binghe right? Ways that didn’t involve torturing him. “This master would like that.”
[ Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations!
Good things must be said three times!
Satisfaction Points +500!
Heartbreak Points -50! ]
Shen Qingqiu was more than happy to complete this quest via fanboying over the demon realm with the scariest demonic bodyguard imaginable. After they resolved the issue here.
“Binghe said that the sowers are being kept by Huan Hua Palace?”
“Yes, Shizun.”
He gave a sharp nod, squeezing Binghe’s shoulder. “This master will continue resting here. Binghe should go and see what he can find out.”
As if he had never been sent away Luo Binghe turned on his heel and bowed. “Yes, Shizun.”
The moment the doors were shut, Shen Qingqiu went ahead and collapsed back to the ground. Not out of physical weakness this time, his knees coming up to his chest so he could bury his head in them. “Oh boy…”
He only let himself sit like that for a moment. Then he got up, putting out all but a singular light and setting up the incense. He might actually meditate, but mostly he needed to look like was doing so while he interrogated the system for any scrap of information he could. He needed to write a letter to Airplane as well and inform him of the drastic change in situation and see if it could be confirmed through Shang Qinghua’s network. That should be easy enough considering he was trying to confirm the existence of two Heavenly Demons who were actively butting heads with the other major power player around. Then… he needed to debate on what exactly he wanted to tell Luo Binghe about his father and cousin. It was going to be a long night and an even longer day tomorrow.