ignore this

by kitiycat2266

wanted to used text to speech. ignore this

1. h

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Rating:

Explicit

Archive Warning:

Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Category:

M/M

Fandom:

人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù

Relationships:

Luò Bīnghé/Shěn Yuán Shěn QīngqiūLiǔ Qīnggē/Shěn Yuán Shěn QīngqiūLiǔ Qīnggē/Luò BīnghéLiǔ Qīnggē/Luò Bīnghé/Shěn Yuán Shěn Qīngqiū

Characters:

Luò BīnghéShěn Yuán Shěn QīngqiūLiǔ QīnggēLiǔ MíngyānNíng YīngyīngMíng FānYuè QīngyuánMù QīngfāngMòběi-jūnShàng QīnghuáShā Huálíng

Additional Tags:

ComedyTransmigrator Luò BīnghéHappy EndingPolyamoryAngstFluffSmut

Language:

English

Series:

Previous Work Part 2 of Happy ending mxtx but make it angsty Next Work

Stats:

Published:2022-07-08Updated:2022-11-15Words:75220Chapters:29/?Comments:209Kudos:686Bookmarks:116Hits:16175

The protagonist never said no to homo!

HoneyBee_18

Summary:

-" No, no, this ending isn't acceptable. Why would the protagonist marry all those girls while leaving his potential male lead and second male lead into a state of despair?? I never wanted such an ending for my Qingqiu!"

A fan of PIDW, coincidentally named Luo Binghe, typed on his computer angrily-

-" Stupid author, stupid novel!"

And everything changed from then.

This ff would be written from Binghe's POV. Imagine what if not only Shen Qingqiu's, but also Binghe's character had been replaced by a fan of PIDW? Not to mention- a die hard fan of Shen Qingqiu

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter 1: Did I just get isekaid?

Chapter Text

" Just what kind of ending is this??? I thought my favourite character would be revived at the last but no??? He is still in a goddamn pickle jar!"

The one who was yelling at his computer was a 20 year old boy- named Luo Binghe. Coincidentally, he had the same name as the protagonist shown in the novel- Proud Immortal Demon Way.

PIDW is a very popular YY stallion novel.

A cool, fighting monsters, cultivation type of novel with an outer worldly length and where the harem of the protagonist reached up to three digits! Not so surprisingly, all the female characters fell in love with the protagonist and he even married them one by one.

-" Like come ooonnnn! What about the other guys?? What about his Shizun? It could have been a great enemies to lovers trope if the author was in their right mind! And Liu Qingge?? Wah- this "Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky" really missed the chance to make him a pitiful hopeless romantic second lead of this novel...duh!"

Out of anger, the "not really the protagonist" Binghe without turning off his computer, jumped on his bed to vent his anger.

-" So much money! Wasted on nothing!"

He peeled a lollipop and put that in his mouth while he hugged his lifesize body pillow of Shen Qingqiu- sulking because he didn't get to read about his favourite character again.

So what Shen Qingqiu was portrayed as a villain here? Villains are just morally grey boyfriend materials! And Qingqiu was even a handsome one at that- Binghe is not at fault here.

Not his fault that his whole room is filled with mini dolls, plushies, posters, drawing, scribbles, body pillows and every single one of the was about Shen Qingqiu. Aside him, maybe one or two posters were Liu Qingge's and Yue Qingyuan's.

Nah, he couldn't just accept the ending just like that.

Holding his Qingqiu special body pillow in his arms, he got down from his bed and walked towards his computer.

With much enthusiasm(read anger); he typed,

-" Stupid author! Stupid novel!"

After typing that he felt such a great relief that without even seeing what notification popped up on the screen, he just pressed "Yes" among the two options shown.

Without any delay, his body dropped on the floor and he found himself surrounded by nothing but endless darkness. He felt like he was floating in a virtual space.

[Activation code: Stupid author, stupid novel]

" How may I address you?" A Google Translate like voice came from all directions in the sea of darkness.

" We welcome your arrival to the world of Proud Immortal Demon Way, so that you can enhance the plot lines of this stupid writing. You can achieve what you desire and make it a high end, impressive and high grade classic work. We pray for your success.

Remember- You can You up, No can No BB. Good luck."

Without even questioning any further- Binghe started laughing menacingly.

-" Did I just die while sucking a lollipop? Or even worse...

DID I JUST FUCKING GET ISEKAID???"

Chapter 2: My Sexy Villain(1)

Summary:

The villain is about to make his grand entry the next chapter.

Meanwhile "Binghe" enjoys what is given to him.

Chapter Text

Amidst the dizziness, Binghe could hear the voice of a boy screaming right around his ear.

-" You dog! Hey, wake up!"

Binghe's body trembled at the sudden burst of loud noise, forcefully he tried opening his eyelids. But as soon as he opened them he felt as if he was staring at a TV with network problems. The sounds around him was banging on his eardrums.

After a while when everything became cleared, he realised he was actually lying on a floor.

Looking right, there was not a single furniture except a broken bed and a small lamp. Cobwebs were the only decorations.

Looking down, he saw himself wearing something like a torn sack- a red sack most probably.

Looking at the left, he found a boy intently staring at him. Even though that boy's lips were moving, Binghe couldn't make out a single thing being said to him.

Binghe shook his head closing his eyes to get rid of the uneasiness and tried to sit up. But the moment he sat up- he got a practical knowledge of how many bones there were in a human body.

206? No, it was 412 for him now.

Cause every single one of them made a cracking sound when he sat up.

-" Fuck!" Binghe muttered clenching his chest. The pain was almost unbearable.

-" This mister finally decided to wake up! You know how scared I was thinking that I killed you! Can you not even bear a 4 hour long training?"

Binghe raised one of his eyebrows hearing that boy's words. He wondered just what kind of training would make him hurt like this?

More importantly, where on earth was he?

The setting didn't look familiar to him either. He tried to look at that boy's face a bit more closely to see if he recognizes him or not. When he did so, he got loudly smacked on his head by that boy.

-" LUO BINGHE! Have you forgotten your manners! How dare you stare at me?"

Binghe blinked in confusion.

-" I wasn't staring at you. You were staring at me. And...you are not my type either, why would I stare?", Binghe rubbed his chest to ease the pain.

-" What the hell are you sprouting? Did you hit your head somehow? Get up! Shizun is calling you."

-" Eh? Shizun? Who's Shizun? No wait, where am I? Why do you know my name?"

-" You dog! You are making me worried! Did I accidentally hit your head or what?"

That boy knelt down to check Binghe's body temperature and moved his head here and there to see if there was any visible wound.

-" I see no wound...hey, what is my name? Do you recognize me?"

-" I don't even recognize myself, how would I know who you are?"

That boy's jaw hung open as his eyes almost jumped out of the sockets.

-" Shizun will kill me! I made his disciple go crazy! He is gonna peel off my skin!"

Binghe managed to stand up holding that broken bed and limped towards that boy. Scarcely had he reached there to grab his hands, when that boy turned around and held Binghe's face with both of his hands.

-" Listen! You are Luo Binghe, I am Ming Fan and my Shizun's name is Shen Qingqiu- the one who always walks with a fan. And...", Ming Fan tried to remember," Yeah! And this is Cang Qiong peak. You are just a servant here. Just remember these, can you?"

Binghe tried to join up all the points.

"Okay, so first of all- I died. Second of all...I am supposedly in my most hated novel PIDW? Is that where my life has come to now?"

As soon as Binghe finished thinking, that same robotic voice echoed in his head again-

"System activation successful! Binding your role- Luo Binghe, The protagonist of PIDW, Cang Qiong peak's disciple.

Weapon: Xin Mo(Not yet obtained)

B points: 100

"God Damn! What kind of thing is this? You could have just made one of my wet dreams come true! Did you just have to pull me into this damn novel to make me gay panic the whole time??

And moreover, why Luo Binghe?? Just because my name matches with him?? Now am I supposed to marry those damn girls and kill those hotties with my own hands? Just how many times do I have to tell people that I. AM. NOT. STRAIGHT??? I don't like babes! I like dudes! Hot ones!"

Binghe had read enough transmigration novels and fanfictions to know what actually was happening with him. So he could accept the reality sooner than expected but what he didn't realise was- he spoke the last sentences rather loudly.

-" Y-you bastard! What are you even saying! Just get up and go to Shizun! Don't keep him waiting!"

Binghe smiled in his mind despite the pain in his body.

He had successfully transmigrated and he could now meet with his dream boys easily- whenever he wanted to. But the fact that he was transmigrated as the black bellied protagonist- was a troublesome thing.

Binghe limply started walking out of the room when the google translate spoke up again.

"Your first encounter with the villain is about to happen. With every mission completed, you would get B points. Make sure to not to get your B points any lower than 0. Wish you luck."

"Eh? If I get lower than 0, what will happen?" Binghe kept talking with the system as he leaned against Ming Fan to be able to walk a little comfortably but Ming Fan kept shoving him.

"Lower than 0, would send you back to your original world."

Binghe pondered for a while- won't being sent to his original world mean death? And won't staying here mean he would get to live his dream for free if only he made some modifications?

Cause,duh, he was the protagonist. He had nothing to worry about.

He would just behave well with his Shizun all the time, make himself appear way more useful...in various ways.

He would befriend Ming Fan as no matter how much of a masochist he was- he didn't like the idea of being spanked by Ming Fan.

Sorry, not sorry.

He would then officially make all of the girls in this novel- his not so blood related sisters.

And last of all, he would just have to avoid being thrown into the abyss.

Problem solved!

"Right, Google translate?"

" Wrong. Your points would be deducted in case of OOC. You need certain amount of B points to be able to go past the OOC feature."

Being a novel addict, Binghe knew what this meant also.

Out Of Character.

"So my thoughts right now were OOC?"

"No doubt."

Binghe walked slowly, not minding the pushes he want getting from Ming Fan.

He remembered the lines from the novel very clearly. He remembered how the person next to him died so tragically in Binghe's hands. But who was he to feel sympathy for that boy when the love of his life is supposed be to killed at his own hands also?

[In a murky black room, a metal rope hung from the ceiling beam. At the tip of it, there hung a ring that was fastened around a person's waist. Well, he could be considered a 'person' anyway. That person had messy hair and dirty face, like a madman. The most frightening thing was, his all four limbs had been cut off! His shoulders and thighs only had four bare balls of flesh. Once touched he would let out a meek "Ah" sound. As his tongue was pulled out also, he couldn't form proper words.]

This was a paragraph from Shen Qingqiu's tragic ending part.

Binghe felt his heart churn at this thought. No matter how much villainous Qingqiu was shown in the novel, he just couldn't help but feel sympathy for him.

He would never want to be the one to make his Qingqiu suffer from all these. He felt like just somehow finding that poor villain and hug him for a whole day.

Just then the Google Translate spoke and several warning sounds went off inside his head.

"Warning! Your thoughts now were too dangerous. Original Binghe would never dare to do that."

" I know. But I am the rainbow version of him. Should I still not?"

Binghe rolled his eyes when he didn't get an answer.

As expected.

He turned towards Ming Fan and curiously judged every single part of his face- then he realised, Ming Fan wasn't that bad looking either.

-" You are quite handsome I must say."

"The last warning. B-points would start getting deducted from now on."

-" Now I know. You are doing this intentionally to annoy me. Just let me tell this to Shizun first- he will peel off the skin of your butt!"

Binghe smirked, he had the audacity to feel shy hearing this. Despite the fact that he had been tortured a while ago under the order of the same man- Shen Qingqiu.

"I would trade my life gladly to be spanked by him."

Binghe was thankful that Google translate didn't speak up again. He asked Ming Fan,

-" Will you please hold my hand? I am not being able to walk. You were so rough a while ago..."

-" Y-y-you! Why are you saying this as if I had been doing lewd things with you! Walk straight! I-I mean look where you are going!"

Binghe chuckled when he saw, that Ming Fan even though didn't hold his hand to support him- he kept a hand on his back the whole way.

"I see. My charm works quite perfectly."

Chapter 3: My Sexy Villain(2)

Summary:

Here comes our villain, and his die hard fan's union

Chapter Text

Binghe took his time to reach to Shen Qingqiu's room- in the meantime he took his time to think about various sub plots.

He wondered, what could have been the reason for Qingqiu to be so harsh towards the original Binghe. As far as the novel mentioned, Qingqiu was quite well off. He had some skills cause how would he obtain Xiu Ya if he hadn't. But it was also true that Qingqiu used to pretend to have more than he actually had. Yet he had no lack of reputation, no shortage of money being in the world's top most revered sect- Binghe couldn't come up with a possible reason as for why Qingqiu would hate him like this.

Binghe knew that the original Binghe was portrayed as the heaven sent genius with mad skills- but even if Qingqiu was jealous he could've punished him in so many other ways. Why like this?

" He could've made only my butt hurt, why did he have to make all of my bones and joints hurt??"

But what to do? Being single for 20 years made him fall in love with a not so real novel character who is the most scummy but also the hottest one in the novel.

So he developed a "I can fix him" type of mentality.

Who knew he would actually get to do that.

Well, he had soft corners for several other hot characters also- but that's nothing in front of whatever he had for his "Shizun".

-" Brother", Binghe tried calling out Ming Fan sweetly but the way Ming Fan's face distorted he aborted the mission immediately.

-" Senior brother...?"

-" What?! Did your vocal chord get torn also! Why are speaking like a maiden!"

-" Please don't scream (you bastard), senior brother. My ear is a little bit sensitive hehe...uhm actually, the thing is besides my identity...I even forgot how I look like. Would you mind bringing me a mirror please?"

" I don't want to go in front of my Qingqiu in such a state where my snot and blood can't be differentiated.

I must present myself properly. Who knows- maybe he would also start swinging the other way. Hehe."

-" Do you think I am your servant??"

Ming Fan loudly smacked Binghe on his head and started dragging him towards their destination without caring about Binghe's wounds at all.

Clenching his teeth, Binghe tried to bear the pain. As he was not used to channeling his inner energy to heal, he could do nothing but suffer from the inner and outer wounds. But Binghe knew this was how Ming Fan was written.

From locking out Binghe out of the dorms overnight or deliberately giving him the wrong password, to torturing him however he wanted as per Shen Qingqiu's orders- these were all he did.

One of the most legendary lowest level of cannon fodder- who didn't have a single description of his face, other personalities, not to mention he didn't have fanarts either.

"Trash writing Airplane guy. Didn't do justice to his face. Could've easily given him some back story or noticable personality. Tch."

All on a sudden, that Google Translate like voice spoke up inside his brain.

" In a matter of few seconds, you are going to meet with Shen Qingqiu. How do you feel?"

" I feel gay, dear Google translate."

" Let's go through the rules once again. Points are the grading methods used. The higher your points are, the greater the story would be."

Binghe didn't mind that the GT ignored his answer. So he asked,

" How should I gain points? In the novel, everything was solve with banging. Is it also something like this?? Please say yes!"

" No. To raise points,you can-

1. Change the weak plot and give the villain a redemption arc.

2. Enhance the character of the supporting roles.

3. Ensure desired closure for the main characters.

4. Unravel secret scenarios."

Binghe felt like cursing out that Airplane guy- plot is made by him, plot holes are made by him, but it is someone else who has to get down to fill those holes with a shovel! All while making sure to stay alive and keeping the others alive!

That someone is none other than "Binghe"!

" How about I shove the shovel in that author's ass?!"

" I am afraid that is not possible."

Before Binghe could blabber anything else, Ming Fan hastily opened the door of a room.

In an instant, Binghe felt like he got flooded in a sea of red light. He had to squint his eyes to see what actually caused such a thing to happen.

When he managed to make out the things in front of him, he could see someone standing a bit far away from him. And there was something floating over his head like game characters.

It was that character's name- written is crimson red-

Shen. Qing. Qiu.

Binghe felt his heart beating out of his chest. Suddenly the pain on his body felt like nothing. With his eyes, he observed his villain from head to toe.

He couldn't understand just how did that author decide to make such a beautiful person- a scum villain??? Shen Qingqiu didn't have the harshness of his personality on his face- instead he had soft, kinda greenish eyes, fair skin and a considerable height.

Either Qingqiu was genuinely like an unmatched beauty- or Binghe was watching him with rose tinted glasses- there was no in between.

Those damn fanarts did zero to no justice to his out worldly visual.

-" T-this disciple greets Shizun", even though Binghe wasn't straight, he managed to stand a bit straight.

" Hey Google, just tell me- how did the original good torture such a beauty to death? How did people even read such a storyline? Did they feel no regret while reading about his tragic ending?"

Binghe lamented as if he wasn't one of those who spent currencies after currencies to read the chapters ongoing, as he couldn't wait longer to read what happened to his favourite characters.

As for why even he read such a YY stallion novel- he was awestruck by a fanart of Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge together. Since then, there was no turning back.

" A good storyline has no certified standard. If you meet the requirements, you will automatically be notified."

Binghe was currently having a staring contest with Shen Qingqiu. He didn't know what was going inside Qingqiu's mind,but he sure as hell knew what was going inside his mind.

Even though there was a frown in Qingqiu's face, it didn't bring any kind of disadvantage to his facial features.

His hair probably went down his back- so silky that Binghe felt his hand itching to feel that texture.

That tall and straight stature, the tiny waist that is capable of making The Miss Universe feel embarrassed. Binghe couldn't help but wonder how it would feel to wrap his hands around that waist.

Suddenly coming in front of the villain of the novel, he could form no proper words. For a moment, he kept remembering the para where Luo Binghe actually cut off Shen Qingqiu's four limbs while he was fully conscious. Luo Binghe had made sure to make his Shizun feel excruciating pain on every inch of his body.

Due to Ming Fan's nudging, Binghe came back to his senses. He limped inside the door and tried his best to bend his knees to kneel down.

But then a miracle happened.

-" No need", Qingqiu coldly said.

Binghe balanced himself from falling down on the floor and stood up straight once again.

This was the first time he heard Qingqiu speaking to him- even though he had faced none of the harshness of him, he felt a shiver run down his spine at the coldness.

-" Sorry, Shizun."

He kept looking downwards until he saw a bottle rolling towards him. That bottle bumped with his feet and stopped there.

-" This is medicine", Qingqiu's voice reeked of sarcasm," Don't let others see and think that my Qing Jing Peak abuses its disciples."

If someone had told Binghe even a few hours ago, that Qingqiu would ever take the initiative to give "Binghe" some medicine for his wounds- then the fake Binghe would have gone through cardiac arrest.

Originally, Binghe had thought that Qingqiu was calling for him over to follow up with more of his "teaching". But while facing this surprise, he couldn't help but smile a little. He then held up his hands in a gesture of respect and sincerely said,

-" Thank you for the medicine, Shizun."

Qingqiu didn't answer him anything and turned his face away. Binghe had expected this- a villain can never play the role of a sage more then some mere seconds. He truly lived up to his assigned character- if you give Qingqiu one reason to dislike you, he would give you ten to hate him.

But Binghe, for some reasons, never hated this character. Always tried to find some excuses for his behaviour towards Binghe- and hoped that Qingqiu would get his redemption arc but maybe he was too wishful.

And now he has to fulfill his own wish.

Binghe happily said, " This disciple will redouble his efforts in future, won't let Shizun be disappointed."

With a hateful stare, Qingqiu sat on a sandalwood chair and spoke in a careless tone-

-" Binghe, how is your progress in cultivation?"

Hearing the word "Binghe" from his mouth, he couldn't help but shiver a little. Even though he knew that Qingqiu was calling out the original Binghe, but having the same name as the protagonist felt like a plus point now.

" Sorry, my dear. I am about to ruin this boy's whole career. This novel had written nothing but shit about the cultivation methods."

Binghe said, " This disciple did some mistakes...(maybe?)"

He also wanted to add, "If you want to punish me more, I can teach you several other ways to do so, Shizun ~"

But then the ominous warning sound went off inside his head.

" Yeah, yeah I know. OOC. The original good cared more for cherries than cucumbers."

-" Today I punished you because I was anxious", Qingqiu continued, " Time flies. You have been under my guidance for so many years. How old are you this year?"

" Nice, he doesn't even bother to remember my age...wait...do I remember my age???"

Binghe peeked at Ming Fan anxiously signaling that he had no idea what to answer then. Ming Fan surely cursed the hell out of Binghe in his mind but quickly enough he managed to count Binghe's age and showed him with his fingers secretly.

-" This disciple is fourteen this year, Shizun."

Wah, he loved calling him Shizun.

No, wait...shit! Binghe was fourteen now???

It meant Qingqiu had already made him go through- the punishment to kneel at the gate incident, Qing Jing disciples brawl incident, being contrary to Shizun incident, breaking the device and sentenced to hard work incident...and so so on.

" Oh man...it means the hatred has taken its deep root inside his heart. If I want to stay alive, I have to make sure to give him a proper ending. But seeing how the situation is right now, it seems like he is planning to kill me first, if I don't.

Hey, Google, what happens if mine and his relationship worsens before my OOC feature is unlocked?"

" If you fail to give him the ending you had wanted for him before coming here, or fail to give him a redemption arc- either way you would lose all of your B-points. Then you would be sent back to your original world."

Binghe let out a inaudible- HELP!!!!

Chapter 4: Secret subplots

Summary:

Airplane shooting towards the sky sure has some explaining to do

Chapter Text

Originally Binghe had the the ability to adapt to any kind of situations in a short time.

Never in his life- he had imagined that there would be a day when he would be able to experience the thing that is only found in fictions. He wondered what could be the thing that triggered his transmigration.

On top of that- it was mentioned in the original novel that there was such a day that came once a year; where some fateful ones would get their wishes fulfilled. This day was called "Wishing festival". That was how some of original Binghe's wives got to marry him.

Not to mention, he himself got transmigrated here some days after that "Wishing festival."

-" Tch, cliche", Binghe shook his head and after making sure there was no one around him, he asked the system," GT, can you tell me if the original Binghe had made any wishes or not?

" We can't disclose these about other characters. It is up to you to find out if he had any wishes or not."

-" Wow, you are soo helpful", Binghe rolled his eyes in annoyance.

-" Then just tell me, is it a pure coincidence that mine and his name fully matches? And that I just happened to come here after the festival?"

" We can't disclose these about-"

-" Okay okay, enough!"

Binghe had some other questions also- such as; in the modern time, Binghe had to die to transmigrate into this novel?

Then is it possible that this novel's Binghe had also transmigrated out of the novel? In this way or other, both world's Binghe most possibly had to face one common thing- death!

-" Damn! Why is this so complicated?"

Binghe sat down on the grass as he felt a headache kicking in. He had no idea what his parents were doing without him. After the euphoria of the sudden surprise started to die down- some unknown fear started to creep inside his brain.

-" This won't do. To get out of here...or maybe just to stay alive...I have to make it out to the end of the novel while modifying the storyline. Let's just-"

He stood up again with some fake determination to keep him going, and asked the system-

-" It is okay for me to wander around, right? As per the novel, Binghe would start doing the manual works a little while later, then he should be using his time for his alone training?"

" You are right. You can get familiar with the surroundings in the meantime."

The Tian Gong Twelve Peaks were like twelve imposing swords that sprung up between heaven and earth; pointing straight up towards the sky. Piercing through the clouds.

The one who occupied the Qing Jing Peak was- Shen Qingqiu. Among the other peaks, this was described to be the most green, quite and comfortably shaded one. In addition to that, it was known to all that to be the disciple of him- one must know some Qin Qi Shu Hua and the like. Sometimes sounds of someone reading out loud or playing the Qin would drift by; which was Binghe literally experiencing right now.

-" Truly matched the personality of Qingqiu, which he showed to everyone except Binghe."

Binghe was trying to fit into the original Binghe's characteristics step by step. Whenever he saw a disciple pass by, he greeted them as the white lotus like Binghe of the novel would do.

Enthusiastically, keeping his posture proper- and most importantly- with his signature eye smile.

-" Okay, I think no one doubts yet."

Binghe felt a little proud of himself. But these small happiness didn't last that long.

As per the novel, before Qingqiu threw Binghe down the abyss, Cang Qiong mountain had faced some great events. Such as- attempted demon invasion, Immortal alliance conference- all these required him to fight in person. Qingqiu wouldn't get harmed in this for sure because of his "Villainous plot armour" until his original death. So if Binghe got into those fights without any control over his sword- he was doomed!

In the original, Luo Binghe was supposed to be ordered by Shen Qingqiu to fight an unequal match with the demons. Where he was supposed to be badly hurt, causing his grudge starting to build up little by little. It wasn't made clear by the author what was Qingqiu's intentions here- as it was clearly stated before that Qingqiu never wanted Binghe to actually die.

-" Now that I think, author genuinely left too many things unexplained."

Binghe managed to enter a little deeper into the forest, and took out the sword- Zheng Yang which was obtained from Wan Jian peak. Keeping the scabbard on the floor, he tried to use his knowledge obtained from the novel to use that item.

It was said that if you put your aura into your weapon, it would emit a glowing light matching with your aura.

-" Woah! Hell no!"

It was not surprising that original Binghe's talents and martial abilities were automatically inherited. Before he could think anything properly, the sword emitted a gleam blue light. He was suddenly shocked and moved his hands diagonally -making several trees in front of him go bald.

-" Worthy of being the protagonist, Binghe! Not even blackened yet, still so much power?? Or is it normal...?"

Thank God, Binghe felt a little peace in his mind. At least he wouldn't have to die tragically before the ending of the novel. Basically, he had wanted to try out a little more to be able to hold the sword naturally- but he was facing several difficulties.

Even though, he was being able to use his Qi- he wasn't being able to control it properly. Either he was putting more than necessary or putting too less. Sometimes the postures that automatically came from his muscle memory weren't comfortable either.

" New character: Luo Binghe's well wisher and first wife, Ning Yingying"

Binghe's back stiffened. He was so focused in his sword practice, that he didn't hear someone's footsteps closing in. He was afraid but at the same time, excited to meet her.

First of all, Ning Yingying was the only one who treated Binghe with proper respect since the start. Generally, she was aware of Binghe's characteristics more than others.

Wouldn't it be tougher for this fake Binghe to convince her?

-" A-Luo!" Ning Yingying silently came from behind and tried to scare him.

Although Binghe knew about her presence, he pretended to be a little scared as he turned around while putting his sword inside the scabbard. When he faced her, he met with a fresh and delicate faced girl with slightly brown eyes. Her hair was tied in two braids and with a slight pinkish makeup she looked even more childlike.

-" A-Luo, what are you doing here? I have been looking for you all around."

-" Sorry, martial sister. I was curious about something I saw here and lost my way", Binghe face palmed himself in his mind hearing his own excuse.

-" Lost your way?? Then what I heard is true? A-Luo, are you okay? Are you hurt somewhere? Do you remember me?"

She almost cried as she asked these questions.

-" Ah,no, no. I am completely fine, martial sister. Don't cry, don't cry- I do remember you."

-" Are you telling the truth, A-Luo? Otherwise I am going to tell Shizun. He would surely make sure to give you the best treatment."

" EEEKK!!! Beloved sister of mine, are planning to solve my problem or worsen it???"

-" No need, no need to trouble Shizun. I will go do my work now."

-" Yeah, yeah, do you work? With what? Your sword? You left the axe back in the woodshed. I saw and came here to deliver it to you."

Binghe took the heavy axe in his hands, and followed Ning Yingying where she went. Maybe she had guessed that something was wrong with Binghe as he couldn't remember from where he should start cutting tress. But she decided to stay quiet maybe because Binghe assured her of his safety.

-" A-Luo, A-Luo! There is a very large ditch here in the ground!"

Binghe had zero to no interest towards that ditch, cause at this moment his hands were aching like hell. But as the original one was used to doing all these, the fake one didn't dare show his weakness. So he just smiled warmly.

-" A-Luo, which martial brother do you think it was who cut this sword scar during practice?"

Binghe secretly rolled his eyes.

-" Impossible. If not Shizun, no one in Qing Jing peak is capable to do this."

For some reasons, he felt a little smug after praising Qingqiu.

-" Oh, then the crevice was created from being struck by lightning during the festival."

Binghe's hands were already tired so he put down the axe and turned towards Yingying,

-" Lightening? During the festival?"

-" Yes, A-Luo. Don't you remember? It rained a lot during the festival and Shizun fainted cause of terrible fever without even soaking in the rain."

-" Huh?"

Binghe didn't remember such thing happening in the novel at all. Not to brag, but he is capable to tell which scene is from which chapter and which para. But this scene was mentioned nowhere.

" How come there are plots that weren't mentioned in the novel? Is that what GT meant by revealing secret plots? But if the author didn't write it...how come there are unwritten subplots created on their own?"

The system remain silent for a long time, so Binghe could do nothing but release a deep sigh.

Binghe shook his head and resumed whatever he was doing. But then Yingying started talking again-

-" A-Luo, come play with me."

Binghe asked his GT if he could do so, and that system diligently reminded him of the tasks assigned by his "martial brothers".

-" This won't do. After this I would still have some work left. Then I would have to cultivate."

-" Hmph! By the looks of it, I think those martial brothers are bullying you. I will go back and tell my Shizun. He would make sure you don't get bullied anymore.

" Yeah, yeah, he would make sure I get bullied even more."

-" Martial sister, do you have such faith in our Shizun?"

There was a reason for Binghe to ask such a question. It was stated in the novel that some people used to assume Qingqiu had dirty intentions towards his female disciples. Even though it wasn't proved- readers were very angry at Qingqiu. As per the fanmade theories- Yingying was his main victim.

At that time, Binghe had tried his best to defend Qingqiu through his comments but there was one user who always opposed his comments. It's a really fond memory to him how that user gradually became his only best friend.

-" Yes, sure I do."

Yingying's words pulled him back to the reality.

-" I believe our Shizun would never do anything wrong. After my parents I trust him the most."

If Binghe said he was shocked- it would be an understatement. But at the same time he was beyond happy that his Shizun...no, Binghe's Shizun and his Qingqiu wasn't a characterless person after all.

He didn't even notice when the system added 10 B-points to his account.

After their small talk, Binghe finished rest of his works; while always having the feeling that someone was watching him. It wasn't Yingying but someone else.

When he found time to cultivate, he realised the book he was holding was the same one that Ming Fan had given to him. It was a wrong one which explains why in early stage Binghe had faced difficulties. So he didn't bother to open the book anymore and did whatever came to his mind.

After a while more footsteps came altogether.

-" Little martial sister! Want to drop by our place? The night is falling, what if there are poisonous snakes? Come with us, I will protect you."

It was Ming Fan who had came with his friends. Even though Ming Fan ignored him, Binghe stood up and greeted him properly with a smile.

-" Huh, I am not afraid of snakes. Moreover, A-Luo is here to protect me", Yingying proudly stated.

Binghe's body stiffened once again feeling the ominous gaze of Ming Fan on him.

" My dear sister!! Do you want me to get buried down alive???"

Chapter 5: Heart level increased, but whose?

Summary:

Binghe has finally made some changes in the original plot.

But will that turn out to be costly for him?

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Binghe was sure what was going on with Ming Fan. As Ning Yingying called him so affectionately, Ming Fan couldn't bear it. Since the start, Ming Fan had this unreasonable hatred towards Binghe that was stated to be fueled by Qingqiu.

But never once in the novel, the author gave a scene where Qingqiu directly instructed Ming Fan to hurt the protagonist. It was only told by Ming Fan that Shizun had instructed him to do every single of those gruesome tortures.

Yet no one wanted to believe the comments supporting this theory, written by a hardcore Qingqiu stan- Luo Binghe.

-" What's the fun thing that big martial brother has? Quickly take it out and show me", Yingying kept peaking into Ming Fan's hands.

Instantly Ming Fan's aura changed and he became all smiley for her.

-" Here it is", Ming Fan held a pure green jade pendant in front of her," Apprentice sister, this time I went to my relatives to maintain relations. Among the things they gave me, this was what I found particularly beautiful. So I bought this for you!"

Ning Yingying took it and held it against the sunlight that was coming from the gap of the leaves. Ming Fan after waiting a while for her reply, he asked-

-" How is it? Do you like it?"

Binghe suddenly remembered this specific scene that had happened in the very beginning. He had lost the track of the time zone due to worrying over so many little things. But now he seemed to he understanding where this was supposed to be going.

Subconsciously, he placed his hand on his chest. Inside his robe, he was wearing a green coloured pendant. He hadn't noticed it in the beginning but when he had gone to change his bloody robe- that's when he noticed this pendant.

-" Uhm", Ning Yingying wrinkled her nose and said," Yuck. This colour is so ugly. My A-Luo has a better one than this. Right, A-Luo?"

Binghe's body trembled unintentionally with this question. He wanted nothing but to just flee from here. Not only he was sure to lose B-points if he lost this pendant, but also he felt something building inside his heart when he tightly clenched the pendant.

Ming Fan gritted some words out," You have a jade pendant like this?"

Before Binghe could deny, Yingying spoke enthusiastically," He has! He always wears it around his neck but never let me see it though."

Binghe cursed the author in his mind.

" GT, don't you think the author never really met a girl in reality? How come he made every single girl character here for only two purposes. To be overly fragile and dumb or be overly devoid of worldly desires, and lastly, just to marry the protagonist. Airplane guy! Every single one of these girls could have had an tremendous personality!"

-" Martial sister, do you not feel that if I didn't let anyone see it, it must be something special to me? Shouldn't you have been a little more discreet about it then?"

Binghe said with a smile.

Of course, the original one would have not wanted to give it to you! That's Luo Binghe's deceased washer woman mother's last present to him. A present for which she spent a greater part of her life savings. Even when Luo Binghe had lost all sense of humanity, this pendant was what kept him a little bit more warm, a little bit more human. How can he carelessly give it to other people!

Yingying was suddenly dumbfounded at Binghe's words. So Ming Fan came forward with even more anger than before,

-" Martial brother Luo sure is generous. You didn't even let your Martial sister see your pendant. If this keeps going on, you won't even give a hand to your own fellow disciples while facing against a strong enemy!"

" Now how does these two things even compare...duh!"

Yingying hurriedly interrupted seeing the tension between two of his martial brothers," It's fine if he doesn't want to, Martial brother, don't bully him."

But Ming Fan didn't listen to her words and with a swift move bent Binghe into half. As a result, the jade pendant came out hanging from his neck.

" Fuck! Fuck fuck fuck! I have to change the tide somehow!"

-" Martial brother, don't you think you holding me down like this...people can think of weird things?"

Binghe felt his face instantly hit the ground. Of course, Ming Fan wouldn't like such accusations in front of his long time crush.

To change the direction of the words, Ming Fan held the jade pendant in front of him and started laughing.

Yingying moved forward curiously and asked," Why? Why are you laughing like this?"

Ming Fan threw that beautiful jade Guanyin into her hands and delightfully said," I thought it was some kind of precious treasure for him to be guarding it so fiercely. But guess what Martial sister, it is Northwest goods! Haha."

-" Northwest goods? You mean, fake?"

Binghe was desperate to have that pendant back as if he lost it he was sure to lose many B-points.

He gritted his teeth as he said," Give it back."

Originally, the original Binghe's washer woman mother lived a frugal life. As she had little experience, she was tricked by dishonest businessmen and bought fake goods for a high price. Due to this she was severely heartbroken and her health started deteriorating quickly. This was original Binghe's main source of anger. The only point that the original one couldn't tolerate.

Ming Fan took the pendant back from her hands and twirled it disgustedly," If you want it, I can give it back to you. But who knows from which cheap vendor he got this from, I afraid it will dirty you hands."

Clearly, even though is she asked for it, his hands didn't give it back to her.

Binghe, while being restrained unnecessarily by some other lackey of Ming Fan, asked the system,

" GT, how many points will I lose if I lose the pendant?"

" This item holds a great importance to the protagonist. Losing it would cost you -60 B-Points."

" Thanks. I had thought I would lose a whole 100. Now time to make this scene a little bit spicy."

Without any further ado, Binghe started moving his hands and legs in an uncoordinated way. Where his fist just hit one of them on the face- once. The rest of the fight, he kept uncharacteristically dodging the fists and kicks coming towards him, and occasionally moved his hands and legs to show that he was fighting.

His original intention was to make Ming Fan come towards him and take part in the fight.

Within a moment, the other disciples were driven away from him. And amidst that chaos, Ming Fan stepped in, " How come you became so rowdy against you senior brothers?? Don't you have any manners? Using your hands and feet", he signaled the others," Teach him what it means to respect the seniors!"

But not long after Ming Fan moved closer to him, Binghe swiftly slapped his hand from downwards and the pendant flew away from his hands. Ming Fan was stupefied at the sudden change of situation. As from the outside, the way Binghe did that, it genuinely seemed like Ming Fan threw away that pendant.

-" You!"

-" Just trust me in this", Binghe managed to whisper in his ears before the disciples started attacking him once again.

-" Elder martial brother, how could you do this?? Tell them to stop, otherwise I would never pay attention to you!!"

Ming Fan panicked," Martial sister, don't worry. I will tell them to stop immediately!"

But right then, Luo Binghe leaped forward and punched Ming Fan right on the nose.

-" Aiyo!!" Ming Fan cried out loudly and within an instant he was pinned on the ground by Luo Binghe.

-" I am making myself the bad guy here, go to her later to treat your wounds. Thank me later", Binghe bent down to whisper, but he wasn't given any chance to finish the rest of his sentence.

One of the enraged disciples came forward and kicked Binghe on his back that made him almost fly away from there.

-" Will you all please stop hurting each other?? A-Luo! You are also fighting and aren't stopping no matter how much I say. Martial brother, you too! Why isn't anyone listening to my words??"

Ming Fan remained laid on the ground like a dumb person while the others kept beating the hell out of Binghe.

All on a sudden, they hear a harsh wind blow and within a matter of moments, there were beastly moving tree leaves here and there. Ming Fan was about to stand up to see what was happening but got kicked on his legs which made him fall directly on Luo Binghe.

-" What the hell are you doing???"

Ming Fan yelled looking at Binghe, who was on the verge of fainting after the beating.

-" Just keeping both of us safe, look at your Martial sister. She thinks you are saving me from the harm now."

Ming Fan looked back and to his horror, he realised that most of his companions were injured by those blade like sharp leaves. But amidst this chaos, Ning Yingying was looking at Ming Fan with her eyes blown wide. As if she couldn't believe that Ming Fan took the initiative to save her A-Luo from harm.

-" A-Luo! Martial brother! Are you both okay?" Ning Yingying came forward and pulled up Ming Fan from the ground first and then pulled up Luo Binghe who was smashed under him.

Ming Fan felt like he was on the seventh sky, cause this was the first time his crush showed him such genuine concern. And even initiated physical touch between them- she just wiped the blood flowing out of his nose- but still it was a great achievement for him.

Binghe stood supporting himself against a tree, looking proudly at the change he just made.

If Yingying starts considering Ming Fan as a good guy- not only it would make her think differently about Ming Fan, but also it would make Ming Fan feel a little less hatred towards Binghe.

Two birds at one stone!

-" Luo Binghe!! Did you just use such a lowly trick against your Martial brothers??!" One of the disciples screamed and wanted to punch him once again.

But as soon as he moved forward, the leaves started coming out from different directions and started attacking them again. Binghe had no idea where those leaves were coming from- as it was a small trick used by the original Binghe later in the novel to impress the girls. Though he used flowers instead of leaves and made them fall on the girl from different directions.

Not this aggressively!!

Right then, Ming Fan made a sudden action. He bent down to save himself from the attacking leaves, but along with him he pulled down both Binghe and Ning Yingying.

" Wah! A male lead move. I teached you well my son!"

Ming Fan didn't ask Binghe anything even after the chaos died down and the rest of the disciples scattered away in fear. He just asked Yingying once if she was alright.

-" I am fine, Senior Martial brother. But see, your nose...it's still so bloody. You even risked yourself to save A-Luo. You both come with me. I will treat all your wounds. But I wonder, where did those leaves come from?"

-" Believe me, martial sister. It wasn't me. How could I do this when I was getting beaten? And", he looked at Ming Fan while cupping his hands to show respect," Thank you Senior martial brother."

-" For what?" Ming Fan was actually wanting to hear some praise in front of his crush but he for sure, didn't expect Binghe's reply.

-" For protecting me and for telling me that you would help me find my pendant. Don't worry brother, I will find it myself, and if I can't, I will ask for brother's help. I know, brother would be forgiving enough to ignore this junior's misbehaviour."

Ming Fan barely controlled himself from punching the shit out of Binghe, cause of the overly sweet tone he was using. But when he saw Yingying smiling at him- Ming Fan took it as an opportunity to agree with Binghe and requested her until she agreed to treat Ming Fan's wounds first.

-" When I come to you with the pendant, just return it to me in front of her."

Binghe didn't forget to throw Ming Fan a wink when he turned back hearing this. Thankfully Yingying was walking ahead and didn't hear anything.

-" Now...time to find my pendant...it should have been here some- wait! I did throw it here! Where did it go????"

Unfortunately, Binghe genuinely lost that pendant. He kept looking for it until the evening but when the system cut out his points for it- he finally realised he might not have made a good decision.

" OOC deduction: -10 points

Losing important item: -60 points

Heart level: 60 points

Coolness level: 40 points

Total: 130 points

Congratulations!! You have increased your B-points!!!"

Binghe understood the first two points and the last one easily. But what about the third one?

" Whose heart level did I just increase...? Ning Yingying? Ming Fan?"

" No. It's none of them. The heart level you've increased is- Shen Qingqiu's."

Binghe rolled his eyes, completely thinking that the system was just messing with him.

So he left the place after evening, with sore muscles and a blood stained leaf in his hands.

Notes:

I am really way too nervous to write this storyI am sorry if I am disappointing anyone

Chapter 6: The mirage of your smile

Chapter Text

Ever since the moment Binghe came into this set up, everyday there would be something weird happening. Sometimes his B-points would go up for completing small scenarios or missions that didn't play much of a role in the novel. It helped him improve his relation with Ming Fan little by little though. Sometimes the points would go down for his sarcastic behaviour.

As the system says," OOC is OOC!"

Not his fault, his sarcasm was perfect. Just not suitable for these types of people. So more often than not, he ended up getting beaten by them.

But one thing had surely changed.

Not so surprisingly yet miraculously- Ming Fan's behaviour towards Binghe when no one was around.

One day, Ming Fan came to Binghe's almost ruined wood shed aka living place with a bowl of porridge. He had gone down the mountain to meet with his relatives and in the meantime his friends bullied the life out of Binghe. Leave breakfast, he wasn't even allowed to have some snacks!

It's not that Binghe didn't sneakily have his part of food- but why would he tell that to Ming Fan.

Binghe almost felt moved at this behaviour. He wondered if the original one had met with this Ming Fan- wouldn't his life had been a little more bearable?

-" Senior brother, you bought food for me?"

Binghe beamed as he hadn't got the chance to sneak out for breakfast yet. He hadn't cultivated to immortality yet- so obviously his stomach was jamming to rock music.

-" I didn't bring anything for you! Why would I?!" He slammed down the pot on the table," This porridge got ruined and smells. Who would eat it? But wasting food is sin so thought why not let you finish this?"

Binghe looked at the porridge which was snowy white and still steaming hot- it was clear that Ming Fan secretly brought this serving it from the breakfast table. But Binghe didn't dare mention it.

-" Thanks a lot, senior brother."

At this time of hunger, he didn't care for basic etiquette anymore. He took the serving and started gobbling it down his throat. Ming Fan's expressions were unreadable the whole time. But he didn't move until Binghe finished quietly.

-" Oh, I am sorry. I forgot to ask, did senior brother eat?"

-" Don't pretend to care for me. If I eat or not, it shouldn't matter to you!"

Binghe kept his head low, fully contented after eating such a large portion after a long time. So he could bear a little blabbering of Ming Fan at this moment.

Ming Fan was still standing still at his place without moving an inch. Binghe noticed that his mouth opened and closed for a number of times but nothing came out of his mouth. He felt a bit peculiar at this sudden awkward atmosphere.

-" Shuang Hu city!"

After a pin drop silence, Ming Fan's sudden yell made both of them flinch.

-" What about that?"

Ming Fan gritted his teeth," Binghe! Did you genuinely just forget everything? Shuang Hu City! Shizun is supposed to take us today there to gain experience. Don't remember the murder cases happening around there? Shizun would solve that with us!"

Ah, then Binghe remembered this tiny plot. But it was just mentioned once with just a paragraph and nothing else- just to add a scene where Binghe was being bullied.

So Binghe asked the system for details about the case in a short period of time.

" Dozens of miles away from Cang Qiong mountain, there is a small city named Shuang Hu. It is said that a series of murder emerged recently and nine people have already lost their lives. As Cang Qiong peak is one of the highly reputable sects, people from there lodged a complaint here and requested them to solve the problem.

Every single victim had a same trait- each one had all of their skin perfectly removed as if they just shed their skin. From head to toe. The higher ups their didn't dare to deal with such a murderer who had left not a single trace. They gave the murderer a name- The Skinner!

So they had decided to invite the immortal cultivators to help them with this problem."

Binghe had a lot of questions to ask, but first he decided to dismiss Ming Fan from here. So he gave a polite smile and said,

-" Forgive me for forgetting about this, I will get ready soon."

Ming Fan just let out a "hmph!" and left the wood shed without delay.

-" GT, this plot was barely mentioned in the novel. Would my points be deducted if I don't participate in it somehow? My cultivation is still low and I can't grasp so many concepts still."

" You are here to fill in the plot holes and unravel the unseen scenarios for the readers. Of course, you would come across things that are unknown to you. This mission would be considered as a Beginner's check point mission which would take you to the next level.

Do you accept this mission?

Option 1: Yes

Option 2: YES!

Option 3: All of the above.

Please choose carefully."

-" Wah, I am so excited today so I guess it wouldn't hurt to choose option three, right?"

" Sure! We respect our player's choices."

Binghe rolled his eyes in annoyance when that irritating "ding" sound was heard.

-" Well, let's take a chance to unfreeze my OOC function."

After getting down from the mountain stepping down hundreds of stairs- Binghe felt like it would have been better if someone had just kicked him down the stairs. He would have reached the end sooner.

He was currently wearing a sky blue attire with a silky white belt around his waist. This was kept in his room by someone "unknown."

So he decided to thank that "unknown" person later on. He didn't have many attires even to wear at that dorm- not to mention he had only two sets he wore daily and one inner set to wear at night. If that got ruined somehow, he would have to make do for the night shivering in cold. And at present the robe he is wearing was slightly bigger and wider than his size. He had no difficulty to guess who must have kept this in his room.

-" Here take all these and place them in the carriage. Take special care of this for Shizun! Understand?"

One of the senior disciples shoved items after items in his hands and moved out of sight at once. Which meant Binghe would have to do all of the work alone.

-" Hah...I miss my own world."

Binghe shook his head and started placing the items as instructed. When he placed that white jade chest that Qingqiu always carried with him- he felt his lips curving upwards as he recognized that solely based on the foul description given in the novel. It seemed so much beautiful than its description. When he put that down and raised his head with a smile- he suddenly met with Qingqiu's eyes looking at him with a complicated gaze.

-" S-Shizun."

He greeted politely even though he was scared of the stare Qingqiu was giving him.

" Qingqiu-ah...my wounds have just healed. Don't stare at me like that...my face has already started hurting..."

Thankfully nothing happened. Qingqiu just dropped the curtain with a small nod, and everything felt peaceful again for Binghe.

Binghe got down from the carriage after placing everything and went back to the group of disciples. Everyone of them had their own horse to ride, but "surprisingly" even though there were ten disciples- the number of horses were only nine!

Ming Fan hesitantly snickered," There was truly a shortage of horses. Martial brother, since your cultivation is weaker than ours, why don't you use the opportunity to enhance it?"

" Lack of horses my foot. Cang Qiong peak is rich enough to afford ten horses for each of us!"

Binghe was having mixed feelings- firstly, he didn't know how to ride such a large horse. So he was kind of grateful that they didn't bring a horse for him. Secondly, the city was really far away and if Binghe was to walk all the way there...

" GT...can't you somehow bring a car here? Give some customer service, will you?"

" We are having technical difficulties. Please try again later."

The system replied in the most robotic voice it could manage.

Whereas, the fake protagonist had no one blame here. He couldn't blame Ming Fan for all these- as he had a Shizun to impress who had grudges against his certain disciple, a peer group who loved to bully that poor guy and a crush who somehow loved to stick around that bullied disciple. So he could do nothing but sigh.

Ming Fan after a while asked," Why? What's with this expression? You are unsatisfied?"

-" Don't dare", Binghe shook his head.

He had no idea what expression he was making but all on a sudden-

" Sympathy level increased: 1

Sympathy level increased: 2

Current point: 165 B-points"

-" Oh, A-Luo! Why are you standing on the ground?"

Binghe internally cursed himself hearing that voice- it was Ning Yingying! Everytime she came near her, something bad happened!

-" You don't have a horse for yourself? Come, ride with me!"

Ming Fan's face visibly dropped but before he could say something hurtful to Binghe again, Ning Yingying spoke-

-" Or you could ride with big Martial brother. I have seen you two have become close these days", smiling brightly she stated.

-" Eh??"

-" Who is close with who?!"

-" All of you!" Qingqiu's voice came from the carriage," Don't be noisy. There should be a limit to the affection between you and your Martial brother. And Ming Fan, why are you making us delay? Why haven't we left from here?"

Ming Fan instantly nodded and the group started moving forward.

In the modern world, Binghe's family could be considered a wealthy one. But he had experience of walking on foot to some places, yet this was just too much. Even with the body of a young cultivator, he was finding it tough to keep up with the pace of those horses. Sometimes he could walk a little slower as Ming Fan, maybe intentionally, lead the horses slowly. But sometimes he would have to run to keep up. As the other disciples would suddenly move their horses in such a way that it would leave a puff of dust on Binghe's face. Making him fall behind.

Some of them didn't even hesitate to throw remaining of their snacks towards his direction.

All along, Ming Fan neither protested- as why would he- nor took part in bullying him.

-" Senior brother, can I have some water?"

Hearing his words, Ning Yingying moved first and took out a water pot from her small bag. But the others didn't give her a chance to give the pot to Binghe. Instead, the one riding beside her, opened his water pot and threw that towards Binghe.

-" Oh, sorry! I didn't notice my pot was open. Would you please pick that up and fill it up with clean water when you get time? And wipe your face with that", saying so, he threw a dirty leaf he plucked from a tree.

Binghe could only nod and pick up the pot, as lashing out at this time would cost him heavily. Not to mention, even Qingqiu was with them right now.

But he couldn't stop himself when they literally smacked him on his head from behind that made him fall on ground loudly.

-" Will you please stop?!"

His heart stopped momentarily when right after his yelling, Qingqiu called for him.

-" Luo Binghe, you come over."

Binghe was left optionless now. He just nodded and moved towards the carriage.

" GT, did you accidentally merge the original one's feelings with mine? Why does it hurt when he calls my name like that?"

The system didn't answer, as expected.

-" A-Luo, quick. Shizun is letting you ride with him!"

Like a cliche cinema, Binghe saw lightning striking from the clear sky!

Qingqiu was actually holding the door open, silently, waiting for Binghe to get inside.

" Shit! Is he going to discipline me there?! Oh God...in front of everyone he would have shown some mercy but where no one can see us...GT...help..."

Binghe half heartedly said," Many thanks, Shizun."

He cautiously went inside and sat down tucking in his hands and feet. The less of him would be seen, the less place would get hit.

But, even after a long time, nothing happened.

No name calling, no harsh words...nothing.

-" Pfft."

Binghe looked up suddenly hearing the small sound of laughter. Unexpectedly, his Qingqiu was meditating instead of showing any interest in disciplining him. On top of that, he heard his Qingqiu laugh?

Amidst the silence, that small fleeting sound felt like a mirage to him. He had never thought that he'd get to hear such a sound.

Binghe breathed through his mouth, as there was a heavy feeling building up inside his chest that weirdly enough, made him tear up.

" Binghe, behave!"

But his body couldn't behave. Crawling on all four, he moved forward to take a closer look of Qingqiu's face. His eyes were close while meditating and there was no frown in his face- which made him look so calm and peaceful.

A smile automatically showed up on Binghe's face also.

" The original would have traded his life for sure to witness such a thing. How can a plot even change so much? GT, sometimes I wonder, have these characters turned into real persons?"

He thought he was speaking in his mind, not realising that he was muttering all of these while looking at Qingqiu's closed eyes in a daze.

-" Binghe?"

Binghe felt his heart jump at this sudden situation, instantly he went back to his old position. Looking downwards, he clenched on his robe in fear. The blood from his face drained instantly. Yet, when he peeked at Qingqiu again- he got to witness another smile.

Soon enough, the smile turned into a small frown when Binghe smiled back at him properly.

" Ah...that smile wasn't meant for me I guess. After all, why would it?"

The rest of the journey, Binghe kept thinking about that smile in silence.

Chapter 7: The wishes

Summary:

Binghe gets some clue about what might had happened during the wishing festival. But things aren't as simple as it is sounding

Chapter Text

The journey went comparatively smoothly. While Qingqiu kept his eyes close to meditate the whole time, Binghe took his time to admire the person in front of him in that serene atmosphere. Occasionally there would be some bumps here and there on the road that made the carriage shake a little. Other than that, nothing interrupted their calm journey.

Binghe had almost fallen asleep. Though he was missing his phone a little bit, he couldn't complain. As, if he was to be present in his own world right now- he would be reading some fanfictions about his favourite characters. Seeing them in front of his eyes- were like icing on the cake.

-" Wake up."

Binghe felt a small tap on his forehead and instantly straightened his position as he wiped off the drool from his face.

It was Qingqiu who had tapped on his forehead with his fan, and got down without uttering a single word more. Rubbing the place where Qingqiu tapped, Binghe also got down from the carriage with a smile tugging on his lips.

-" Coming, Shizun."

That Shuang Hu City wasn't that large but it was bustling with native peoples. After entering, they visited the richest man in that city whom everyone calls- Old Master Chen. The same one who requested the Cang Qiong peak's lord to solve the murder cases. As told by the system- this old master's two beloved concubines had died tragically under the hand of the skinner. So when he saw Shen Qingqiu entering the city with a bunch of ducklings- he felt a complex emotion that was evident from his confused eyes.

-" What more should I say about my tragedies?"

It would be an understatement to call that man's actions- crying. He was practically groaning and moaning while his snot was coming out occasionally. That he was secretly wiping on the hand of his third beautiful concubine- Butterfly.

-" You cultivators make the decision quickly! I don't dare let my Butterfly step outside the threshold even for a moment. I am afraid, Butterfly might get taken away by the unnatural creature the same day."

No matter how much positively Binghe tried to look at it- he just couldn't. It genuinely seemed like a sixty year old person was being all lovey dovey with a sixteen years old girl. Not to mention, that Butterfly was sitting on that old man's lap as if no one else was around.

Binghe had no interest in hearing a old man weeping like that. So he secretly stretched out a little to relax his joints. Ming Fan was standing on the opposite with his group and Ning Yingying was standing right behind Qingqiu. Meanwhile, Binghe was standing a bit afar because of Ming Fan's friends.

All on a sudden his eyes fell on Qingqiu.

-" Pfft!"

Binghe tightly pressed his mouth with his hands and turned around to avoid being seen laughing. He hadn't noticed before but as expected, Ming Fan and Yingying being closer to Qingqiu- they were secretly laughing since the start.

The reason behind their smiles is- all this time that old man took to explain his miseries, Qingqiu was sipping on an empty tea cup. Occasionally moving the lid over the cup to move the non existent hot steam. He was trying his best not to frown at the foul way that old man was talking and the overly disgusting dog food being thrown at him. Qingqiu was neither able to walk out on his own until that man finished- because etiquette, nor he was able to do something else except sipping on that empty cup again and again.

Thankfully the blabbering of that man stopped soon after. Qingqiu without even looking back at them, left the room while Ming Fan took the responsibility to greet that man before following Qingqiu outside.

-" A-Luo, would you like to go outside with me? I saw it while coming here, there is a market a bit far away from here. Come with me", Yingying excitedly said.

Binghe thanked his fate in his mind as Ming Fan had gone outside to investigate the case as per Qingqiu's order. As usual, Qingqiu gave all the work to Ming Fan and he himself was resting inside his room.

-" Martial sister, how about we take Shizun with us? Since he is in his room, can you go and ask him?"

-" Nice idea, A-Luo. I will go ask him now."

Yingying quickly ran towards Qingqiu's room while Binghe closely followed. He didn't want to be seen eavesdropping so he hid himself behind the door.

-" Shizun, Ying-er is going out for a turn in the market. A-Luo is also going. Would you like to come with us?" Sweetly she said as she waited for his answer.

Binghe face palmed himself," Hah...did she just have to mention my name beforehand? He wouldn't even consider going now. Tch!"

Qingqiu had his back turned towards Yingying. Gently opening his fan he held it in front of his face and said to her," If you are going with your Martial brother, no need to bring me with you. I have some works to do before we face the skinner. Make sure to enjoy till then."

Yingying came out with a sad face, and Binghe knew it from the start that Qingqiu wouldn't agree. So he just decided to go out with Yingying himself.

As far as he knew, the skinner only attacked the beautiful women when they were alone outside. Moreover, Binghe had mild problem with directions so he would have to stick close to Yingying all the time. The skinner wouldn't be able to attack her in the middle of a crowded area.

-" It should be fine I guess."

Yingying walked ahead of Binghe and whenever she got the chance she got into the stalls to check various items. Sometimes she went into a makeup stall, sometimes a food stall- but as they had little money with themselves they couldn't buy whatever they wanted. The allowance wasn't that high for them. They had to convince themselves just by watching those enticing things- as they tried to save their money for better things.

-" Ah! A-Luo! See what I found!"

Yingying pulled him towards a stall and said," This is mainly the reason I wanted to come here. When we were going to that man's house, this stall caught my attention."

The stall was filled with various types of figurines. Not like the advanced ones found in the modern world, instead those handmade clay dolls looked more cute and kinda childish at the same time. There were people who were making their own clay figures. Binghe originally had thought that they could just buy whatever doll was currently present. But making their own ones seemed even better to him.

-" Martial sister, would you like to buy one or make one?"

-" I would like to...make one! Let's make one each, A-Luo. We can show it to Shizun afterwards", Yingying had already handed over the money to the shopkeeper so Binghe naturally followed her.

" GT, I miss my collections of those figurines. Do you think they are being taken care of or mom and dad threw those away? They never liked those since the start though...but on second thought I don't think they would do that. Mom probably would be keeping them clean every day while dad would go to my room whenever he would miss me. Right?"

" You are right. You parents would never forget your existence. No matter you exist in their world or not. That's how parents are."

Binghe sighed, for the first time this system said something to him that made his heart calm down a little. The figurines he was thinking about were the one's he got from PIDW giveaways and some were bought by him.

Those were like a source of comfort for him whenever he felt down.

While he was thinking about various things, he noticed Yingying had already made a clay figure in the meantime.

-" Martial sister, what have you made?"

-" Huh? You didn't listen? A-Luo, I had thought I would be able to make a clay figure of myself but look at this- I myself wouldn't be able to recognize this after a while", she laughed wholeheartedly.

Binghe also laughed seeing that distorted clay figure, then looked at his own. His Qingqiu figurine also wasn't in a good shape, neither the one of Liu Qingge. But Qingqiu's one was in a slightly better shape, as he had only seen Qingge in fanarts but have seen Qingqiu in real life. He was satisfied with that.

-" A-Luo, why do I feel like...you have changed a little?"

-" Have I?"

Binghe tried to put his focus more on the thing in his hand so that he wouldn't easily give himself away.

-" Hmm. Ever since the day after the festival, you seem like a totally different person. But I am glad A-Luo smiles and talks a little more now. Before, it always looked like you were trying so say something but never did."

Binghe's heart sank in guilt.

" Forgive me, Yingying...I am not your A-Luo...I am not the one you should be happy for..."

-" People change, maybe I also changed for better."

-" Hmm, maybe. It's good to see you happy", Yingying again put her focus on her clay figure.

Suddenly, a question came to Binghe's mind.

-" Martial sister, do you perhaps know if Bi- I mean...if I had made any wish that day? Had I told you anything about this?"

He himself knew how peculiar he was sounding but he had to know.

-" You didn't tell me anything A-Luo", Yingying shook her head then added another sentence," But Shizun had told me something. I don't know what he meant though."

-" Shizun had told you something?? What was that? Do you remember?"

Binghe held his breath in anticipation. Maybe he was about to find out something important.

-" I remember. He told me that...he wanted to be a better person in his next life where he wouldn't be bound with guilt and...I forgot the rest but when I said he was already the best, he became happy! Even Liu Shishu was present there that day, but he instantly left when I said that. Shishu and Shizun don't get along, I wonder what he was even doing there."

Binghe had a very ominous guess about all this.

And his guess was, the guilt Qingqiu was talking about had taken its deep roots in his heart since long ago. Him asking for that could only mean one thing then- Qingqiu had tried to take his own life that day. As he had already cultivated himself to Immortality- he couldn't die but only suffered from the pain of it.

While he was fighting with death, people thought he was just suffering from a mere fever. Qingqiu hid his self destruction so effectively that even Mu Qingfan who's the best doctor in their peak couldn't guess what went wrong.

" Fools...which fever would last for such a long time for him? And not to mention, Liu Qingge was also somehow involved. What if original Binghe's situation was also something like this?"

Binghe felt a sharp pain in his heart. Nothing seemed to be the way as it's shown. The more he thought, the more he felt like this dimension is a separate one than the novel. Or this isn't a fictional world at all- as how could there be so many secrets hidden behind a simple novel? That were never written by the author?

-" Things aren't so simple as I had thought...", Binghe sighed.

After that, Binghe just wanted to return back to his Qingqiu. It was okay even if Qingqiu showed no interest in him, even if he rebuked him to his heart's content...Binghe was okay with all that.

He just wanted to be near his Qingqiu at this very moment.

It was already evening and they had to return back home. Binghe again let out a heavy sigh before turning towards Yingying.

-" Martial sis- where did she go???"

Paying the shopkeeper, Binghe tried to find her among the dispersing crowd. His panic rose when he remembered the case of the Skinner. Taking the chance of his distraction and the almost empty area- the criminal came and took away Yingying???

-" How come I didn't notice???"

As if his heart was hammering in his chest, he felt like he would faint right then and there.

He wasn't thinking about his B-Points- all he could think about was his friend. Even though that friend genuinely wasn't his, but a friend is still a friend. And imagining her being a victim of that gruesome case was the worst thing Binghe's brain was doing right now.

-" I don't know...which way...where am I supposed to go...GT...??!!"

But the system wasn't replying to him, and only a beeping sound was echoing inside his head.

He didn't know from whom he could ask for help now.

Who would go out of their way to take him to that Old man's house? No one would dare to leaving the young women of their family alone at home. No one would have time to solve his problem for him.

-" Shizun...help..."

Chapter 8: Believe in me

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

" A-Luo! A-Luo! Can you hear me?? Wake up...A-Luo..."

Binghe snapped open his eyes hearing those words, as the surroundings were quiet dark his eyes got adjusted quickly to the darkness. His head was buzzing in pain and dry throat was making it difficult for him to talk. He tried to move his hands to massage his throbbing head a little but as soon as he moved he realised that his whole body was tied to a pillar.

-" Eh? Where on earth am I...?"

Hearing his voice, the system chimed in-

" You are currently being held hostage by the Skinner. You have the chance to increase your B-points here. Hope you would try your best to unfreeze the OOC filter. Good luck!"

Memories prior to this event started to flood in. Binghe remembered exactly how he ended up being tied up here.

Long story short- Ning Yingying got kidnapped, system gave him a chance to use an easy mode for the mission, he informed Qingqiu about all this and they ended up being tricked by the Skinner after coming here.

-" A-Luo! You woke up! I thought...I thought something happened to you...I was so scared..."

Saying so Yingying started bawling her eyes out.

-" Martial sister, listen to me- li-listen to me! Yeah, I am fine. Don't cry."

Barely managing to stop her from sobbing he sighed, Yingying sure can earn a living for her whole life by selling her tears. But he didn't get the chance to mull over whether she would be able to do so or not- as something more shocking was waiting in front of his not so purely virgin eyes.

-" Sh-shizun...???"

His Shizun, aka the Cang Qiong peak lord Qingqiu was also tied up with a pillar just like him and Yingying but there was a slight twist.

Qingqiu's upper body was completely stripped bare!!

Not only that- the colour of the rope was red that was contrasting way too well with Qingqiu's pale skin. Maybe the rope was wrapped a bit too tight, that's why bright red lines could be seen crisscrossed on his skin. With his cherries exposed, not to mention them getting scraped once in a while because of the rope and him only being in his white pants and pair of boots- reminded Binghe of so many things.

Among the things he remembered- there belonged some cursed fanarts. It is a common knowledge that whenever there would be a novel, there would be a crack ship popular among the fans. So one of the crack-ship popular was Shen Qingqiu Liu Qingge. Binghe was somewhat a part of the LiuShen agenda but that's not the main point. The main point is- there was a series of fanarts of them where Qingge was supposedly asking for permission to perform bondage! Yeah...bondage on Qingqiu...and the rest of it is history.

Binghe might or might not had the cursed photos saved somewhere in his gallery.

But from his point of view, even though he admired the arts very much back then- those were totally nothing compared to the real deal in front of him. As- how Qingqiu's mouth was open a little bit, how his hair was sprawled on the floor, how the veins were visible on his neck- Binghe could swear something was cracking inside his brain.

But before he could rebuke his junior Binghe for disobeying his orders and trying to get up in an awkward situation, Yingying started weeping again.

-" Shizun, you've finally woken up! Yingying was so scared huhu..."

Binghe, even though was staring at Qingqiu from the start, didn't notice that he had started to come out of his unconscious state. Not his fault, Qingqiu's body was quite distracting So when he sat up immediately, his eyes met with Binghe's curious ones.

-" How dare you keep looking at me!"

Binghe instantly lowered his head," Sorry, Shizun!"

Just then a burst of weird laughter came from behind and a black shadow like thing jumped out in front of them. Scaring the hell out of Binghe!

-" Cang Qiong mountain sect's great and lofty expert is nothing great after all. It seems like world's number one big sect is only to this standard and the demon realm's rise is just around the corner", the weird sound of laughter echoed again.

Binghe's heart jumped at the word of Demon. In future he would be the one to take the authority of that realm. He would anyhow have to stop that situation from occurring as if he got blackened he might not be able to control his actions anymore.

-" The skinner?" Qingqiu's words drew back his attention.

-" Hehe, the famous lord has fell into my hands. Qingqiu ah Qingqiu, you wouldn't be able to guess who I am even if you crack open your head!"

But to Binghe's surprise, Qingqiu replied," What's so hard to guess? You are...Butterfly."

A really awkward silence followed.

Then the shadow instantly drew aside the veil and screamed," Impossible! How could you guess!"

Binghe almost let out a *khek* sound, but controlled himself as laughing at this moment can ruin things. Moreover, guessing the identity of the skinner wasn't that tough because first of all, it was clearly a woman's voice and body. Second, her hand gestures while talking closely resembled to the gestures of Butterfly when she talked with that old man. Third, this type of decorations was commonly seen around the Chen estate- even more easy to guess after connecting the dots.

Or Qingqiu just guessed blindly and hit the bulls eye but Binghe would rather believe in his Qingqiu's intelligence.

The shadow gained back the face of Butterfly and said," The skinner is untraceable not because of my high abilities, it's because everytime I killed someone I switched to their skin. By imitating their behaviour and wearing their skin- I passed unnoticed while I searched for a new target."

Somehow Binghe and Qingqiu thought of the same thing, but Qingqiu ended up saying," Wrong."

The skinner," How is it wrong?"

-" Even if you kill someone and switch to their skin, there would still be their body left. Wouldn't people find it weird if they found two Butterflys?"

This was precisely what Binghe was thinking but after hearing this thought out loud- he realised there was a problem here. As, if it was done in the modern time somehow- people would be able to identify the left over fleshy body by DNA analysis.

-" There's nothing like DNA analysis here...how would they know...?"

Binghe mumbled to himself but for some reason it drew Qingqiu's attention. For who knows why, Qingqiu stared at him with confusion in his eyes as if he heard what Binghe said but couldn't believe that it came out of his mouth. But Binghe was sure that it wouldn't be like this as how would Qingqiu know anything about DNA analysis- which made Qingqiu's momentary reaction even more confusing to him.

-" Seems like you guessed it right this time too. I use the next woman's body to substitute for the previous one", Butterfly continued," For instance, this time I wore Xing-er's skin before killing Butterfly. People believed that Xing-er was still alive. After I killed Butterfly, I disguised her body by making it wear Xing-er's skin. Tada! Xing-er's body is found and Butterfly is still in front of everyone."

Binghe was beyond disgusted. Just how cruel this spirit was!!

Beside him Yingying was trembling in fear as she barely kept her mouth shut. But as fearsome as the spirit sounded, it wasn't that intelligent or mysterious. It basically revealed all of its works and procedures just like that...moreover, in details!

Binghe was just waiting for some instructions from Qingqiu, otherwise he knew that his Qingqiu would be able to handle it easily.

-" After a certain time, you've to change your skin. Is it because of the pleasure of it or there's another reason?" Qingqiu asked.

-" Do you think I will tell you?"

Butterfly gave a menacing smirk as she moved towards Yingying and Binghe. Binghe wasn't particularly scared about facing her as system didn't give him a higher level danger warning regarding this mission. At most, it was one of the mediocre ones which will be beneficial for him. But who knew Yingying would decide to stab his eardrums today.

-" DEMON!! Don't come near us!! SHIZUN! Help us!!

-" Your Shizun is tied up with the immortal binding cables. His spiritual power can't circulate. Do you think he'd be able to help you?" She laughed mischievously.

" Ah...that's why he hasn't taken any actions till now...as for the cables...GT doesn't that mean he wouldn't be able to do anything if he's bound with it?"

" Please refrain from thinking absurd things during a mission. It will make you lose your focus."

Binghe closed his eyes and shook his head to get rid of some nonsensical thoughts.

Butterfly ignored his reaction and continued," How sorrowful! Only if my demonic cultivation hadn't suffered damage, I wouldn't have to keep switching skin. No worries, this girl's tender skin would last for a while and then- it'd be your Shizun's turn! Haha!"

Binghe decided that he should thank this skinner for spilling all of its plans just like that. No wonder system said it was a mediocre experience.

Yet, what caught Binghe's attention was- Qingqiu's face tensed up when Butterfly came towards them. Proving he genuinely cared for his disciples. Binghe wondered just how did the rumours of him harassing his disciples even came to life.

-" Don't you only use young and beautiful girl's skins?" Qingqiu hurriedly asked to divert her attention towards him.

-" I never said I only target young and beautiful girls. It's just men don't always have perfectly smooth skin and older people's skin aren't as good as the younger ones."

As her words surged forward, her eyes flashed an ominous shade of green and she moved towards Qingqiu; rubbing her crimson painted claws over his skin," However as an immortal cultivator your skin is truly different. So smooth, so perfect. It's...been a long time...since I have used a man's skin."

Binghe's mouth almost hung open at this revelation!

" Damn! This Butterfly took the cross dressing agenda to a whole new level! Bruh...but what on earth she is doing with my Qingqiu!!"

From outsiders point of view, this could be described as a highly inappropriate scene. A handsome immortal cultivator was bound with a rope, his upper body bare, his skin flushed red while his let down black hair did nothing to hide that; while a breathtakingly beautiful woman was lewdly feeling up his skin.

Binghe just kept observing Qingqiu's minuscule reactions. How he shrunk back slightly whenever he got touched and how he avoided eye contact with anyone present there. As far as Binghe knew as a hardcore Qingqiu fan- shouldn't he be able to stay unmoved while facing all these?

He was described as a person who gave zero shits about such things. But the Qingqiu in front of him, felt like a total different person. That Qingqiu felt like he knew what fear is, what embarrassment is, what worrying for someone feels like.

Binghe didn't know what the reason was. He guessed that it maybe was the change caused by something he had done after transmigrating here- nonetheless he was more than happy. His Qingqiu looked a little bit more like a human with emotions now.

Not like how the novel described him who only had malicious and evil things inside him. His current expressions weren't much, and most possibly it wasn't even the result of anything done by Binghe- still he was satisfied. His heart was full of an indescribable sense of entanglement.

He wondered, if the situation forced- would he be able to hurt this man?

Qingqiu suddenly smiled amidst this chaos.

-" Why are you smiling??"

Qingqiu leisurely said," I am laughing at you for keeping the glittering casket and giving up on the pearls. There are three people here yet you failed to notice the best choice for your skin."

Binghe felt his body go cold. He looked at Yingying who seemed equally terrified as him hearing Qingqiu's words.

" GT, what are the possibilities that he is talking about me?"

" There is a possibility of 10 out of 10 that he is talking about you. Please enjoy your last moments or try to think about how to get out of this situation alive. Good luck _"

Binghe cursed that shitty system in his mind.

" Is it genuinely possible that I might die here today?" Cause judging by Qingqiu's tone- I don't think he wants me to get out unharmed from here."

" An undying golden body isn't a privilege for a fake protagonist."

Butterfly looked at him up and down and said," Even if you wanted to trick me, you could have used a more defined lie. How can this young boy's skin compare to yours?"

Qingqiu tilted his head and smiled looking at Binghe," No wonder your cultivation suffered damage. Don't you know what kind of person, I, Shen Qingqiu, am? If this boy was just ordinary and I wanted to choose a disciple who looked good just on the surface, do you think I would have chosen him? There are countless of people waiting to get in Cang Qiong who can reach the skies in matter of outer appearance- you aren't curious why I chose him among all of those applicants?"

" Oh god oh god oh god...what is he doing?! Qingqiu! Didn't I just praise you a while ago!"

Butterfly actually seemed to be considering Qingqiu's words.

While the iron was hot, Qingqiu struck," If you doubt me, it's easy to check. Go over there and hit him on his head. You will know that I am not lying."

Yingying was dumbfounded at his words," Sh-shizun...you aren't really telling her to do this...right?"

While Binghe couldn't say anything. Even though he wasn't the real Binghe, even though he had attraction towards Qingqiu's character through a novel...he just couldn't help but feel...sad about it.

Did Qingqiu's hatred for Binghe reach to this degree?

Binghe wanted to call out his name, he wanted him to look at his eyes. Maybe he would be able to make his Qingqiu understand his conflicted emotions through this. But Qingqiu, as if adamant about this, didn't even turn his head towards Binghe anymore.

Binghe subconsciously tried to clenched on his chest, where the pendant used to be. But as his hands were bound, he could only hold Yingying's trembling hands.

-" Whether my words are true or not, you will get to know once you do it. It's just striking a little child's head, not much work and no loss will be done. Or are you worried about my words being true, and that's why you are hesitant?"

This time Binghe was genuinely afraid of Qingqiu's intentions. He tried to get up with all of his strength but as he was bound so tightly he couldn't even move an inch. As his movement was most possibly hurting Yingying, he stopped voluntarily.

But the moment, Butterfly moved closer to him and raised her palm to strike on his head- Binghe witnessed something unimaginable.

Qingqiu stared at him with a worried face, maybe unconsciously, as he mouthed three words-

-" Believe in me."

And believe his disciple did before closing his eyes.

Notes:

The system and its encouraging words

Chapter 9: OOC? Nah, not a chance.

Summary:

The war God is about to make an entry next chapter

Chapter Text

But after a while, instead of feeling a sharp pain on his head he realised that his body was falling backwards. As his eyes were closed tightly, he could just sense the sudden tilting of the pillar that he was tied with.

In a split second, he tasted the horror. When he transmigrated into this world, the feeling was the same as this. Dark everywhere and the feeling of falling backwards on the solid ground. Except there was a loud bang this time as if something huge had fallen on the floor.

As soon as Binghe opened his eyes, three words almost managed to escape his mouth-

What. The. Fuck!

When Butterfly was about to strike her palm on his head, a freaking ceiling beam broke! Does it even make sense? Wait, does anything about this story ever made any sense?

" GT, care to explain what the hell that was."

" You are still using the easy mode. This was just a benefit that came with that. Thank me later."

Binghe rolled his eyes. Even though he was grateful for the save, but if he still was a reader of PIDW he would have cursed the author for writing such a thing.

Just how can the ceiling beam of such a perfectly constructed mansion break all on a sudden?

Thankfully the beam fell just beside where Qingqiu was sitting tied up. A bit more to the side, it would have hit his head. That wasn't a matter of worry though. A villain wouldn't die until the end, so if any danger would come near the villain before that a death flag would automatically be triggered.

But in Binghe's case, to be protected by the system he would have to pay with B-points.

-" What a life", Binghe moved a bit and the rope came loose way too easily. With one swift movement he opened the knots of Yingying's hands also. As Yingying had fainted God knows when, she remained lying on the floor. And the next thing that greeted Binghe after standing up was-

Butterfly's butt!

Somehow, the ceiling beam was biased. It fell neither on Binghe nor on Qingqiu. But it landed directly on Butterfly's head. Resulting the head to be under the beam while the butt of that spirit was peeking outside the beam like a mountain. Binghe forgot what he was about to do after witnessing this horrifying sight.

-" Things...are concluded? Just like this?" Binghe mumbled.

Qingqiu was still tied up with the pillar with Immortal Binding Cables so he could do nothing much at this point. Whatever just happened he looked as much dumbfounded as Binghe. Qingqiu was about to open his mouth to say something but just then Butterfly flipped the ceiling beam and sprang up.

Binghe almost sprinted out of the door getting the shock of his life.

-" Shen Qingqiu!! Cang Qiong mountain sect's people are truly shameless! Full of schemes! What kind of twisted method did you use to harm me from the behind?!"

Binghe bit his tongue, standing like a sims character as he didn't know what to do or say at such a moment.

His Qingqiu was completely innocent here. Whatever was done, was done by the system but he couldn't tell this to Butterfly. Could he?

Butterfly spat with more anger," So you were purposely deceiving me, trying to divert my attention and sneak attack. How else would a perfectly good ceiling beam like this fall down? On top of me too?!"

Binghe accidentally blurted out," Lol, I know right?"

-" What did you say??"

Binghe realising that his mumbling was enough to reach Butterfly's ears, he shook his head instantly," Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing. Please continue."

Butterfly ignored Binghe to give a typical villainous laugh," You think something like this is enough to stop me? Dream on! Unless it is cut with an immortal treasure sword, Immortal Binding Cables can never open with normal means!"

Once again, Binghe felt second hand embarrassment witnessing the below average level intelligence of the current villain. He didn't even want to know how the Xiu Ya sword was mysteriously hanging beside Butterfly's waist. But he sure wanted to know why did that villain think it was a good idea to show the process of the escape plan just like that? Not to mention, the location of the sword was also revealed.

" Good job GT. Your easy mode is truly something. I wonder how would Qingqiu get back his sword. Should I do something or wait?"

" Upto you."

" Wow, so helpful."

Butterfly then gritted her teeth and said," This time no matter what you tell, I won't listen anymore! Accept your death, Shen Qingqiu!"

Binghe's heart shook in anxiety even after knowing that nothing would happen to Qingqiu.

Just then, Qingqiu shouted," Last words!"

And Butterfly even stopped to hear what he wanted to say," Now what?"

Qingqiu turned his face to the side, pretending to think for a moment. But, as soon as his eyes met with Binghe's he just signaled towards the sword with his eyes and Binghe didn't need him to say anymore.

With measured steps, Binghe slipped behind Butterfly and waited for the right moment to snatch the Xiu Ya sword.

This was probably the first time he was in action, and the fact that he was about to hold the sword that his Qingqiu uses- The Xiu Ya sword- made him feel dizzy with excitement. All this time in his modern world, he could only hold the fake ones made by fansites. This time, it would be the real one. The one which has his Qingqiu's fingerprints on it. None of the other fans of PIDW would ever be able to do this.

Just a bit more. And he would be holding that. But...right at that moment Qingqiu said such a thing that made Binghe choke on air.

-" How is the taste of sleeping with an old man in his sixties?"

" ROASTED!!! Qingqiu I am giving you 10 points for that."

While Butterfly's body was trembling in anger hearing this, Binghe controlled himself and advanced from behind. He retrieved the Xiu Ya sword from Butterfly's waist and the whole room was illuminated with snow white light. For a split second, Binghe could see two reflections in that sword- one was his current face and the other one overlapping his current one was his original face. Shocked, Binghe moved the sword uncharacteristically which somehow landed on Qingqiu's ropes. And the Immortal Binding Cables were broken immediately.

Binghe wasn't sure if he heard right or not, but he felt Qingqiu just said "Good job" to him.

Binghe had originally thought that he would have to transfer the sword to Qingqiu for him to cut open the rope. He had never imagined that the sword would be unsheathed by him. This wasn't just possible at all.

Two reasons- number one is this is a spiritual sword. Which means only the owner who obtained the sword will be able to use it. Not any random person unless the owner of it gives anyone access of it officially. Only then the sword will be illuminated with the spiritual energy of the holder and they would be able to use it. Otherwise anyone who would forcefully try to hold it will get backlash.

Reason number two- as per the story, it can never be imaginable that Qingqiu gave permission to none other than Binghe to use his sword!! Too much OOC!

Binghe extended two of his fingers and glided them upwards parallel with the sword to check if it still responded to his energy or not.

He was right. It did respond to his energy. Scared of this, he quickly sheathed the sword before Qingqiu could realise what he was doing. Even after giving it back to Qingqiu he just couldn't come up with a possible explanation. He didn't have any idea about the two reflections he saw in the sword.

-" Is it your first time seeing this demon extermination defense. Are you scared stiff?" Qingqiu asked.

Then when Binghe just kept looking at him in a daze, he added," If you want to defend, you must exterminate."

-" Shizun...earlier..."

His mind was in a turmoil. What should he ask about first? He had no problem with Qingqiu using him as the bait- that was his normal characteristic. Didn't want to ask either about what he would have done if the ceiling beam didn't break earlier. He just wanted to know about the sword.

How come Qingqiu was also unfazed about Binghe using his sword just like that? As if...it was a totally normal thing for him.

-" You want to ask what I planned to do if the ceiling beam hadn't suddenly fallen down earlier?"

Binghe couldn't reply. There was a weird feeling inside his stomach that he couldn't explain.

-" This can be counted as blaming this master?" Qingqiu's voice was unbelievably soft, as if he was afraid that Binghe would actually blame him for this.

-" No, giving up my life for Shizun is an honor for this disciple."

-" Then let me also tell you, even if something happened, nothing would happen to you. This fact is definitely true."

The way Qingqiu phrased his words, it felt like he was saying he would be the one to protect Binghe from dangers. Or maybe Binghe was thinking way too much.

-" Shizun, your robe."

Yingying suddenly appeared out of nowhere. No one realised when she woke up and came running with Qingqiu's clothes.

As soon as they got out of that mansion, system notifications popped up on the screen one after another.

" Ning Yingying's good feelings towards you have increased: 50 points."

" Villain's sympathy level increased: 20 points."

" Secret subplot unlocked: Xiu Ya sword mystery. Once solved, you will get 200 points."

" Beginner's checkpoint mission completion: 200 points."

" OOC function is unfrozen!! OOC function is unfrozen!! OOC function is unfrozen!! Important things must be said three times! From now on you will have full control over "Luo Binghe" account. Certain scenarios will still need to be done, but the rest of it you can modify on your own. Congratulations! Please keep up the good work."

The first person Binghe encountered after entering his Sect was Ming Fan. He was told to go back to the Sect to keep the other's informed about Yingying being missing and wait for the signal. If anything went out of control, he would bring the other's with him. Judging by his face, he was worried sick at this point.

-" Shizun! Are you alright?" He came running.

Ming Fan was waiting for them at the Sect's main headquarters at Qing Diong peak- whose head was Yue Qingyuan. He rather had a complicated relationship with Qingqiu but as usual, no exact story was shown in the novel. However, behind Ming Fan he immediately swept over with his Qing Diong peak disciples.

After confirming that everything was okay, Ming Fan sprinted towards Ning Yingying.

-" Martial sister! Are you alright? Did you get hurt anywhere? You know how scared I was. I couldn't even go to search for you, I was waiting and waiting here but no news came from neither you nor Shizun, no one informed me anything. I was dead worried that the skinner...the skinner...did something to you. What I would have done then...?"

He said in one breath then paused to look at Binghe who was standing just beside Yingying. Not waiting for Yingying's reply, he yelled at him," And you! How dare you let the skinner take her away! If you knew that you wouldn't be able to handle anything, you shouldn't have taken her out in the first place!"

-" Martial brother! A-Luo didn't do anything. It was me who took him out with me. And...I am fine...no need to worry that much."

-" Martial sister, he almost got you harmed and you are still defending him?"

-" A-Luo didn't do anything! He and Shizun both risked their lives to save me. You tell, where were you Martial brother?"

Binghe felt like the third wheel in this scene. He was aware that Yingying most certainly knew why Ming Fan didn't come, cause Ming Fan just clarified the reason. But she had to release her childish anger somehow so those words got out of her mouth. Binghe shook his head before meddling in-

-" Martial sister, it's not that he didn't want to come. Believe me he was the most anxious one when I delivered the news to Shizun that you went missing. He ran around all day to find more information about the skinner so his energy was drained. Shizun told him to go back and stay prepared with the others lest he should get in trouble due to lack of energy. And-"

-" Enough, enough! Don't try to get on my good side!"

Ming Fan tried to advance towards Binghe but when Yingying glared at him slightly he cowered back.

-" Hmph! I am going", saying so she walked over where Qingqiu was talking with Yue Qingyuan about something.

-" You-", Ming Fan raised his fist but instead of punching Binghe, slowly putting his fist down he just muttered," Thank you."

And dashed away.

" Ming Fan's heart level increased: 1 points."

-" Woah, slow progress is still a progress."

After the formal meeting with Yue Qingyuan was done, Binghe got to know that Qingqiu would be going into seclusion for the Immortal Alliance Conference. The place he decided was Qing Diong peak's spirit cave behind the mountain. However, only the most senior ones or exceptionally talented disciples could enter the cave for cultivation. Others would still need the Sect leader's official permission to enter. And of course, Yue Qingyuan would allow Qingqiu to enter in a heartbeat.

But that wasn't the main problem.

The main problem was- there was a really triggering thing supposed to happen at that cave.

The entry of the Bai Zhan peak Lord, the god of war- Liu Qingge and also the murder of him in the hands of none other than Shen Qingqiu!!

As usual, how and why Qingqiu murdered him in that cave remained unclear in that novel. To discover the truth and prevent that from happening, Binghe had to be present there with Qingqiu. But there was a problem- he neither was a senior disciple nor an extraordinary one.

-" Thanks to Ming Fan, who never gave Binghe the correct cultivation manual."

He kept thinking and thinking until the day for Qingqiu to leave for seclusion finally came. As if Binghe's prayers were heard, Ming Fan came to him holding something in his hands. As he was holding that behind his back, Binghe couldn't see what that was.

-" Martial brother...did Shizun ask you to...discipline me again?"

-" Do you think our Shizun has no work except disciplining you?! I came here for other things. Shizun told me to...to...to-"

-" To...?"

-" To deliver you a different cultivation manual", it was surprisingly Shen Qingqiu who came in with a rather calm aura.

Qingqiu continued," Your constitution is somewhat different. Normal methods won't suit your body. Take this one."

Binghe knew these were all bullshits. Even if Qingqiu got to know that Ming Fan gave him the wrong manual, he wouldn't be taking initiatives to fix that at all.

Binghe finally realised, that his transmigration had started to show its effects somehow.

-" Thank you, Shizun. But...Shizun...I would like to ask for a favour..."

As Qingqiu already was showing some changes, he thought it wouldn't hurt to try.

-" What favour?"

-" As Shizun said my constitution is rather different and weak, how about... Shizun take this disciple with him to his seclusion?"

-" Take you? Why? If I had to take someone, wouldn't Ming Fan be a better choice?"

Ming Fan nodded vigorously.

Binghe didn't give up either," Martial brother would be able to cultivate without Shizun but I wouldn't be able to without your proper guidance. Moreover, he can take care of Martial sister and Sect matters better than me. Right, Martial brother?"

Understanding his intentions, Ming Fan this time also nodded vigorously. But Qingqiu seemed to be deep in thought- sceptical but considering the possibilities.

-" I will inform you later."

Saying so, Qingqiu left leaving Ming Fan behind.

Ming Fan let out an amused smile," You are really something."

Binghe also smiled.

-" Mention not."

That day Ming Fan's heart level increased upto 10 at one go.

Chapter 10: Just a rumour

Chapter Text

At this point, Binghe was starting to doubt that there was something wrong with Qingqiu's behaviour. Otherwise, why would "The Scum Villain Qingqiu" would listen to Binghe's request and actually talk to Yue Qingyuan about taking him to his seclusion.

It was more than obvious that Yue Qingyuan had agreed to Qingqiu's words almost immediately. As when did he ever reject any of his Shidi's requests. On the other hand, Binghe was rethinking his life decisions.

There must be an ulterior motive behind Qingqiu's warm smile when he told Binghe to quickly get ready to leave with him.

-" Is he planning to throw me down the mountain? GT, any idea?"

" I am here to manage your account. How can I know what the other character's are thinking?"

-" Tch. Like author, like system. Don't just call them characters like that. Feels weird."

Still being sceptical, Binghe got ready to trail after Qingqiu to the spiritual cave.

The journey to the cave was exhaustively longer than he had imagined. Not that he wasn't feeling ecstatic for being able to spend some alone time with his Qingqiu. The main problem was his legs! His ankles were on fire and his toenails were on the verge of being separated from his fingers.

He wondered, how on earth these ancient people wore this kind of layered dresses in scorching summer?? There's no AC to cool down the temperature, no vehicles to reduce the tiredness of walking or working all day long- but they had to proceed spending the whole day looking like a beautiful burrito.

" I think either my bones have gotten weaker after transmigration or we have been walking for ages now."

" None of that. You both have been walking for half an hour only. It's just the bad effects of being a spoiled son."

Binghe could neither agree nor disagree.

So he just silently stared at his Qingqiu's back, who was walking in front of him and used his lusciously moving long hair as his inspiration. He would have liked to feel the texture of those smooth locks on his fingertips but he didn't have a death wish. Yet.

-" We have reached."

Qingqiu was walking at the front so Binghe couldn't see his reaction. But judging by the tone of his words, Binghe was sure that Qingqiu was also quite impressed witnessing the eye-catching aura of the cave. As soon as Binghe stepped inside, he felt his whole body getting recharged in an instant. And the pain he was feeling all over his body disappeared just like that.

Binghe took in a deep breath- truly worthy of being used as the best spot for cultivating.

He didn't have much knowledge about the spirit caves as the world famous author just left the description merely at- Senior cultivators used these caves as the most suitable place to work on their cultivation.

Thankfully there was a system to assist him.

" These caves are called the spiritual caves because since the time it was found, senior cultivators have been using them as a medium to restore their spiritual power and enhance them. It's really easy to get lost in here due to several turns leading to different exists. One of the most problematic thing about this place is- one can't overuse the abundant spiritual aura of this place, otherwise it would do the opposite work and damage their veins making them Qi deviate. Leaving that, it is a beautiful place admired by the cultivators."

Binghe nodded in acknowledgment, just then the light bulb in his head lit up.

" Could this be the reason for which Liu Qingge Qi deviated here??"

" Correct. But as I gave you the hint, no B-Points will be added."

" Whatever! And the author wrote that the other's assumed it was Qingqiu because of whom Qingge got Qi deviation out of excessive anger. No one properly defended him back then...how could they, no one was here to witness and testify. No one even believed that it could be a coincidence for Qingqiu to be present at that cave that day. GT, do you even have any idea how conflicted I was feeling when I defended my Qingqiu in the comments?! And not to mention that damn Qingqiu opposed friend of mine!"

-" I wish you were here to learn this truth though...damn you peerless cucumber!"

There was a certain gap in his heart. Whenever he thought about his original world and the people he was close to there- his father, mother and a friend- the gap seemed to get more hollow. His fingers were itching to send this unexpected revelation to the owner of that ID he had never met. But what could he do except wondering if that friend of his was thinking about him or not. If him being missing from online bothered him or not- or he simply didn't care.

-" Why are you thinking about cucumbers in the middle of the meditation? Are you hungry?"

Qingqiu turned back and placed a hand on Binghe's shoulder.

Binghe for a brief moment had forgotten about Qingqiu's keen hearing ability, so the thought of his mumbling partially being heard by Qingqiu didn't cross his mind before. Binghe instantly shook his head fearing that Qingqiu would get angry at him for disturbing him.

-" Have these in the meantime, then you can follow my leads", Qingqiu held a small pouch in front of him and turned to the front to focus on his meditation as if he didn't care anymore.

-" Thank you, Shizun", Binghe smiled looking at the roasted melon seeds inside.

His online PIDW reading partner aka Shen Yuan- the owner of the ID "peerless cucumber"- was fond of these melon seeds for some reasons. But this was Binghe's first time getting to taste them.

Yet, as if he got cursed by Shen Yuan for eating those seeds alone, the pouch dropped on the floor from his hands- because of the loud bang that came from a faraway cave.

-" What was that?"

Qingqiu stood up and looked towards the way the sound came from. The sound that followed after was a painful wheezing sound. Binghe could feel that unknown person's violent burst of energy as his own was experiencing constant energy fluctuations. It wasn't uncommon that Qingqiu sensed that something was terribly wrong before Binghe, and decided to look for that person.

" System notification: New character's arrival in 10...9...8..."

-" Oh shit!"

Binghe had almost forgotten about his purpose of coming here at the first place. He came here to prevent the scenario of Liu Qingge's death from happening! But that Liu Qingge's most probably had already started experiencing Qi deviation, no one knew if it was still possible to save him or not.

-" Aiyooo Shizuuunn!"

Binghe panicked for being left alone and ran after Qingqiu as fast as he could.

After crossing several small caves, they reached the one they were looking for. As Binghe was still shorter than Qingqiu he had to peek from his behind to see who was in front of them.

It was a white clothed man whose back was facing them. The sword fallen on the floor was most possibly his- that was still emitting a sharp silver light. Brightening up the dark cave like daylight. So the slash marks of the sword on the walls were easily noticed by them. There were puddles of blood here and there, and also on the robe of that cultivator.

-" This looks like a murder scene...",Qingqiu mumbled.

Binghe guessed in seconds that the person was none other than the Bai Zhan peak's lord- Liu Qingge- known as the War God! Is it even needed to be mentioned that the sword fallen on the rocky floor was The Legendary Cheng Luan!

The sword that was used in the novel to show The War God's strength and dominance in the war zone. A force to be reckoned!

In the novel, each of the twelve peaks of Cang Qiong mountain had their own merits and distinctive features. But if Binghe had to choose the most popular and revered peak among the youth- it would be Bai Zhan peak without a doubt. There were various reasons behind it- Bai Zhan peak's history was full of innumerable outstanding figures, victorious blood baths in wars, and hot blooded or positively bold individuals.

Even though the character of Liu Qingge got the least screen time like many other characters- he had quite an impact on the readers and also that novel's world's peoples.

-" We need to get out of here!"

Unexpectedly, Qingqiu grabbed Binghe's hands and tried backing up without making a single sound. Binghe guessed that the unsaid hatred between these two individuals were so deep that one of them was trying to leave the scene while the other was on the verge of dying.

" Even better if Qingqiu leaves from here. But how should I save him alone?!?!"

As if that man heard Binghe's inner conflicts, he turned around to look at them with bloodshot eyes. He was huffing like a mad bull and blue veins were visible on his forehead.

" New character unlocked!!!

Bai Zhan peak's War Lord- Liu Qingge.

Sword: Cheng Luan

Current status: Qi deviating

B-Points: 50

Good luck on changing his ending-"

" Will you shut up?!"

As soon as that Liu Qingge saw them, he struck his palm on the stone wall making the stones there break into pieces and fly towards them from several directions. Pushing Binghe behind his back, Qingqiu managed to shield them from the stones with his fan. But, before he could take a peaceful breath, the sword on the floor got summoned by the owner and instantly lunged forward towards Qingqiu and Binghe.

-" Shizun, watch out!"

Binghe turned over their position so that Qingqiu was pinned on the wall and Binghe's was facing him with both of his hands on either sides of Qingqiu. The hilt of the sword was dangling right beside his ear, if he was any late it might have had pierced Qingqiu's chest!

He remembered after saving him that the main villain of this novel has a golden body!

" Such an achievement that my head is still attached with my body..."

-" Why on earth are you here now?!"

Liu Qingge screamed as he advanced towards them like a bullet, as if he had lost all of his reasoning. Binghe didn't even get the chance to move his hands, when Qingqiu's left hand wrapped around his waist. He was plastered against Qingqiu's chest. Moving him towards the side Qingqiu's and Liu Qingge's palms struck against each other will full force; in a matter of some seconds. By the time Binghe realized what just happened, Liu Qingge had already been knocked flying three chi out while coughing up blood.

Qingqiu was yet to remove his hands from Binghe's waist, he asked," Binghe! Did you get hurt anywhere?"

He even held his chin to move his face towards the side, to check if there was any injury due to the previous sword attack.

-" When this master is present, don't meddle in like that! I can handle myself well without anyone's protection, but you can get hurt without mine! Do you understand what I am saying?"

Binghe nodded," Yes, Shizun...".

Looking at Liu Qingge's devastated state, Binghe gulped in fear that the system notification confirming his death would pop up anytime soon. When it didn't happen for a long time, he asked an equally puzzled Qingqiu with a low voice-

-" Shizun, is he okay?"

Qingqiu didn't look at him to reply and with measured steps went near that currently powerless man. He signaled Binghe to stay where he was and forbade him to make any sound.

Binghe pretended as though he didn't understand what Qingqiu told him to do through hand gestures, and followed him quietly.

-" Didn't I ask you to...whatever, sit down and check if his Qi is properly regulating or not", Qingqiu squated down beside Liu Qingge and observed if Binghe was doing the thing correctly.

Binghe was perplexed at this situation- so he just followed what Qingqiu said. Remembering the knowledge of such things he learnt from cultivation novels, he passed his Qi to Liu Qingge effortlessly.

-" Shizun, his body is accepting my spiritual power quite normally now. His own one...seems to be regulating at a normal pace. Does that mean that he is going to live?"

-" Hopefully he will", Qingqiu surprisingly looked quite happy to see that his enemy survived his attacks. He added, " Here is a napkin. Wipe the blood from his face, if we are here to help we should do it properly. If he wakes up in the middle and sees me doing that he might go through another Qi deviation."

Binghe smiled a bit hearing Qingqiu's words.

Taking the napkin he gently started cleaning all the blood from Liu Qingge's face and robe. Time to time, Qingge frowned in pain but wasn't conscious enough to do anything else. The more he wiped, the more it revealed the marvellous visual of Liu Qingge. Originally, there wasn't much description about Liu Qingge's looks and people just assumed him as a strong man with sharp visual.

Who would have known that this War God would turn out to have a elegant young prince like face?

Not surprising. He was the brother of Liu Mingyan, who was the original Binghe's the most beautiful concubine. Genetics surely did wonders. Seeing the mole under the left eye of Qingge and the delicate expression he wore- Binghe had to accept one thing.

" That Airplane guy surely created not a single visual hole here. Not bad, not bad."

-" He has a scar here", Qingqiu pointed at Qingge's slightly exposed chest with a conflicted look," Maybe he accidentally harmed himself during his Qi deviation."

Saying so, when Qingqiu carefully tried pressing his palm on that scar to heal it, his hand got caught in an instant.

-" What the hell are you both trying to do?!"

Liu Qingge gritted out those words in anger. He had gripped Binghe's hand also without showing any mercy. So the pain on his wrist was excruciating. They were trying since the start to not to make Qingge's overly alarmed by their presence- but fate had another plan.

And why wouldn't he be alarmed. He woke up and saw a child(?) sitting almost on his lap, while the man who attacked him had his hand on his robe! Not to mention that man was his lifelong enemy. Outrageous was what could be used to describe this situation from Qingge's point of view.

Binghe instantly moved to the side dropping the napkin, Qingge had released his wrist by this time but the crimson red fingers prints didn't do justice to pain Binghe was feeling. The congratulations notice of the system inside his head was adding more to his annoyance.

-" Ai, brother. Don't be so hot headed. You are still Bai Zhan peak's lord. How can you look like that?"

-" Why are talking like-", Qingge paused after glancing at Binghe once- maybe he didn't want Binghe to listen to their matters.

Binghe saw the scar from Qingge's chest heal after a moment. Such a rare sight- the Shen Qingqiu was aiding Liu Qingge. In the original novel- after having Liu Mingyan as his concubine, Binghe's hatred for Qingqiu had intensified a lot. As he had killed his beloved wife's brother. So as a novel reader, the scene in front of him brought back the same feeling he had felt that time.

-" In his cultivation I saw a divergent path, that was the only reason I could steel my heart and kill my apprentice brother."

This was the rumoured confession of Shen Qingqiu regarding Bai Zhan peak's Lord's death. From the beginning to the end, everything bad that was present in the novel about Shen Qingqiu now started feeling like only rumours to Binghe.

Cause if the Shen Qingqiu in front of him was true, then who was the one portrayed in the novel?

It's true that he had certain level hatred towards Binghe but looking at the plot holes now- isn't it possible that everything was unnecessarily intensified?

As the other two continued to talk back and forth, Binghe shook his head and laughed at his own foolishness.

-" I am talking as if the novel was a purposefully ruined version based on original incidents."

Chapter 11: Deja Vu

Summary:

Something is fishy about this system

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

After a while of being in a daze, Binghe finally noticed that the conversation between Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu wasn't going that smoothly. Seeing Liu Qingge angrier than ever, Qingqiu signaled Binghe to get up and come out of that cave with him instantly.

Even though they were driven out, Binghe was more than happy.

First of all, without giving away his precious life he got to save one of the best war figures of the novel.

Secondly, even if his Qingqiu was to show his real motive at the last time and ended up throwing him in the abyss- at least if he could be on good terms with Liu Qingge there would be some possibilities of him being saved from the tragedy.

However, one fact didn't just sit right with him.

In the original novel, it was stated that there was only Shen Qingqiu with Liu Qingge in the cave that day. If in the novel, Qingqiu had unintentionally killed Liu Qingge while trying to actually help him clear his meridians like today- then how come he didn't die even after directly being hit by Qingqiu?

Binghe was too late to block Qingqiu's defence attack, he couldn't even protect Liu Qingge's body from being smashed against the rock wall. He sighed as he couldn't come up with a proper answer.

" GT, are you sure you aren't hiding something from me? Something important?"

" I don't know what you are talking about."

There was definitely something shady about this system- was the final thought of his about this matter.

After this incident, the months passed by really quickly but all of those days were enjoyably tiresome. Generally, Qingqiu would practice his own cultivation in the evening and teach Binghe how to properly hold his sword and take stances in the morning. So there was no time for them to check the other one who they had encountered before.

Binghe could feel the changes inside his body- there was no discomfort as before while using his sword, he could move a lot faster than before and his body felt lighter than ever. The previous heavily wounded body was being treated with so much care now that to some extent it felt awkward sometimes. As if he was feeling some unexplainable and foreign things.

But he couldn't pinpoint.

The only thing that distracted him was his Qingqiu's touches.

Nothing much, it's just whenever Binghe would make a mistake Qingqiu would come over and correct his technique by holding his hands. Somehow after realising that the amount of his mistakes grew a bit more than before.

So after training the whole morning, his body would give up before it's Qingqiu's time to take a nap. There were two handmade rock beds inside that cave, over them soft grasses had been spread to make their naps a bit more peaceful. Sometimes Binghe wouldn't even have the energy to walk over to his bed and would directly lie down on the floor. But surprisingly, the next day he would wake up in his own bed. With a familiar cloak covering his body.

-" Shizun, I think several months have passed. Do you think I made improvements?"

Under his sparkly gaze, Qingqiu shook his head in adoration and answered," You did but you need even more practice. You can't just run and slam against your enemies chest."

Binghe shyly nodded, not guilty at all and fully aware of his tricks.

Before they prepared to leave the cave, Binghe saw Qingqiu moving towards the other cave with cautious steps. His not so elegant yet straight posture made it tough to guess what he was thinking about.

-" Apprentice brother, I wanted to let you know that this senior brother has already finished advancing in his cultivation and is going to go up."

When no answer came Binghe peeked from Qingqiu's behind- he realised he has grown a lot in the past few months. From here he can easily rest his chin on Qingqiu's shoulders if he wanted to.

At this point Binghe knew his Qingqiu wouldn't say anything to him even if he suddenly did so. But he felt like he was robbing off someone else's happiness. Time to time he would feel this thing, and also the weird Deja Vu he got as if he had experienced some things long time ago. Just in a different way, in a completely different circumstances.

" GT, I am sure you are hiding something from me. Why do I keep remembering such moments that I had never faced neither in my previous life nor the current one. Now I am really curious about this original Binghe's actual life story..."

" It is normal to feel Deja Vu. Nothing out of ordinary."

Binghe was annoyed at this system's behaviour. Whenever Binghe would desperately want to know something, this system would answer vaguely and wouldn't explain.

-" I don't think he wants to respond to me. It's better we do our own work now", Qingqiu said in a slightly disappointed voice.

Binghe trailed after Qingqiu, kind of ready for the upcoming chaos.

If he counted the days correctly and remembered the original plot- it was the time for the Demon realm to attack the Cang Qiong Mountain in absence of Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan. It had created a huge clash between the human and demons.

However, two of the most important characters were supposed to take entry here.

Luo Binghe's harem's one of the most beautiful wives- Liu Mingyan, aka Liu Qingge's sister. And the other one should be- Sha Hualing who should be the current leader of the demons.

The moment he stepped out of the cave, he witnessed a not so shocking thing- The Qing Diong peak was set aflame by the demons.

They were really far from that area but Qingqiu instinctively nudged Binghe with his fan to stay behind him.

-" Martial uncle Shen! You have come out at a great time! The Demon realm's people have gone to Qing Diong peak and have hurt many of our apprentice brothers!"

Some disciples whom Binghe couldn't recognize came running towards Qingqiu as they gave him the news.

-" Calm down", Qingqiu said in a poised tone," What about the Sect Leader?"

One of the disciples cried," He had to go down the mountain for some works. Otherwise the Demon's wouldn't have gotten the chance to attack us!"

The other one angrily said," These Demons are really despicable! Not only did they hurt our Sect members, they are even trying to break the Rainbow Bridge connecting the twelve peaks. Now we don't have any way to ask for help from other peaks- some of the Demons are still there at the foot of the bridge.

Binghe realized, it was really easy to read some shitty plot than to actually experience that. In a few moments, his Qingqiu would send him to his near death experience. By making him fight an unequal match with the Demons- if this part followed the novel. However, as Qingqiu's behaviour had changed greatly, the original plot could divert as well.

This was the only hope for him.

-" No need to panic. My Cang Qiong peak is a strong and large division- if we deal with them I don't think a remnants of those Demons would be left there."

Qingqiu had already turned to leave for Qing Diong peak, his presence was needed as soon as possible. Not knowing about the effects of his words on a certain someone.

This Binghe wasn't a Demon yet but hearing the last sentence his brain pulled out some scattered words and memories he was unknown to. Thinking his imaginations were playing with him due to reading that novel too attentively, he shrugged it off and tried to focus on what he actually knew about.

At the entrance of the Qing Diong peak's gate, the Cang Qiong sect guard encircled and suppressed the Demonic attacks. And the Qing Jing peak disciples were also gathering there.

Ming Fan was also among the disciples looking solemn. Qingqiu for some reasons looked at him once then turned to look at Binghe- maybe he realised how his disciples had grown so fast.

In front of the resplendent and magnificent Qing Diong hall, probably hundreds of Demons were present. And the leader of them looked like a fifteen years old girl!

All of them Demons were dressed in a very unusual style. Still, her dress was more like sensual and barely covering her body. Black hair full of tiny braids and colourful beads decorating them while a thin red veil was wrapped around her body. There were silver bracelets and rings around her wrists and ankles, creating a soft jingling sound when she walked.

This fifteen years old girl was none other than Sha Hualing- a pure blooded ruthless demon who never hesitated to betray her own kind when she fell for Luo Binghe. Not to mention how much criticism she gained for this and how much lives she took just to impress Binghe.

" Tch, Binghe what kind people you liked."

Thinking so he looked at Qingqiu and realisation hit- he himself liked the main scumbag of the novel!

Coincidentally when he looked at Qingqiu, Qingqiu was already looking at him.

All on a sudden, the Rainbow bridge linking the twelve peaks was cut apart. None of the other peak Lord were present there except Qingqiu. Facing so many demons all alone, Binghe noticed the slight tremble in Qingqiu's hands. Behind his confident gaze, he could sense fear in them. Even though Qingqiu's face was hidden behind his fan, Binghe standing beside him observed every of his small emotions.

-" Shiz-"

-" Demon girl! My Shizun is already here, let's see if now you can be arrogant or not!" All on a sudden someone screamed.

At first- Binghe thought maybe Ning Yingying was screaming because of the high pitched voice. Then he noticed it was actually Ming Fan who was scared shitless.

The demons were now being cornered by the increasing amount of angry disciples. The tone of Sha Hualing's voice also changed to a more respectful one.

-" My purpose to come here isn't only to fight. I only wanted to compete skills with Cang Qiong mountain sect's many talents. My family was curious and wanted to come up the mountain to exchange pointers to see what would happen."

" Many things- first you would have destroyed the Rainbow Bridge to cut off the connection of Cang Qiong peaks. Which you already did. Bravo. Second you would seize Qing Diong peak's engraved sign to take it back to the Demon realm as a proof of your achievements. Bah! What achievements! My Shizun is already here do you think you would be able to do it anymore?"

He was having a whole conversation with himself in his mind that he didn't even hear what Qingqiu and that girl were saying to each other.

Yet for some unknown reasons, Binghe didn't feel any kind of bad emotions towards that girl. He just felt familiar and used to her weird technique of speaking, he felt as if he had bickered a lot with her at some points of his life. Binghe was weirded out at this sudden realisation- why did he feel this slight fondness while looking at her?

He never even liked the character of Sha Hualing in the novel. As most of the, no, all of the girls were brought in the novel with one single purpose. To marry them off with the protagonist. If one was bad, she would only do bad works and still gain Binghe's attention. And if one was good, she would be a whole saint but still gain the protagonist's attention. Sha Hualing was one of the characters who belonged to the former category perfectly.

A half human half demon blood protagonist who loved to be ruthless, and a pure breed demon who would go to any depth of ruthlessness just for him- what a perfect match!

-" Why don't we choose three representatives from each sides and hold three matches here right now?"

Binghe heard Sha Hualing talk in a soft voice, but malice was clearly plastered on her face with that eye catching smile.

As per the novel, the first match should be Shen Qingqiu vs the demon's single armed elder. It was stated that Qingqiu had used underhand despicable techniques to win the match which highlighted his scum qualities even more. While the original Binghe had shown his open and aboveboard behaviour which made everyone notice him.

Binghe bit his tongue remembering that scene. It wasn't described there as for why Qingqiu had to do that. He could've easily won that match depending on his own skills. At that point of the novel, readers were already used to his scum behaviour so not many people wanted to think about the reason behind it.

Or it was just Binghe, the loyal reader of PIDW, to whom even the smallest unsaid details mattered. He had tried to come up with possible theories and had discussed it with his online friend- A-Yuan all night long. But now he understood.

That novel's Qingqiu had just came out of his seclusion like this Qingqiu right here. The only difference- this Qingqiu doesn't have to bear the trauma of Liu Qingge's death which he accidentally caused, but the novel's Qingqiu had to face that. No wonder the whole time that Qingqiu used underhand techniques.

Not to win the match, but to save his life as his mind was preoccupied with Liu Qingge's death that would get revealed to the world anytime soon.

This time also he sensed the nervousness in his Qingqiu. He had one of his hands behind his back while he held his fan with the other. Binghe was observing him since the start and saw that he was counting backwards with the hand hidden behind his back.

-" Binghe, don't get worked up this easily. I have a solution, whenever you feel restless start counting backwards with your fingers. It would momentarily distract you and might even calm you down. Try it, I always do it. It works actually."

A-Yuan had once told this to Binghe through a message, when Binghe's exams were going on and the next day was his math exam.

Binghe's heart softened at this sight.

" Staying with you always feels like I am with A-Yuan's kinda constipated version."

Binghe laughed in his mind as his hand subconsciously reached for those haphazardly moving fingers.

Who would've known that the Cang Qiong peak's Lord would be this nervous? And that he would automatically hold the fingers tightly that were touching his own?

He couldn't be blamed that much though. Even if he was just a character in that novel, he's nothing but a human being with feelings in this world. Facing such a huge demon who was ten times bigger than Qingqiu, he was bound to feel a bit nervous.

Shen Qingqiu's own division disciples at the outskirts cheered him on. But he was yet to move towards the fighting zone, not leaving Binghe's hand either.

-" Shizun, you can do it."

Binghe said with a smile while boldly intertwining their fingers. And Qingqiu didn't even utter a single word of complain. He just nodded his head with a small smile, his tensed shoulders visibly relaxed.

-" You", Qingqiu said to Sha Hualing," Your participant has just one arm. Even if I win like this, it wouldn't be an honest victory."

-" Oh? Then what do you want to do?"

-" I won't even use a single hand."

Binghe mentally facepalmed.

" Aiya...Qingqiu. Don't talk about not using a single arm dear, the way you are holding...no crushing my hand you might accidentally take this hand with you too..."

Notes:

Qingqiu and Binghe holding hands in the middle of the chaos.

Liu Mingyan: Must write it down!

{Amidst the chaos, I found peace in you arms}

Binghe: ~~You are my everything~~

Ming Fan:"... Luo Binghe...wtf?!?"

Qingqiu: *fuckfuckfuckfuckfuck*

Chapter 12: The fight begins

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

When these words were spoken, everyone was in an uproar. Binghe knew he had no right here to tell Qingqiu what to do and what not to do- but he was afraid.

In the novel, it was stated that Qingqiu used underhand techniques to win here. Though no one knew about his mental condition. Even if Qingqiu here now was free from those traumatic experiences- what if he was still planning to use underhand techniques as he said he wouldn't be using his hands at all.

But when Qingqiu nodded looking towards him, with a brief smile even- Binghe believed that he had nothing to worry about.

The changes he has witnessed in this living version of Shen Qingqiu, for whatever reasons, gave him a sense of security and peace. As the words told by Qingqiu at the wishing festival-"I want to be a better person in my next life" still haunts Binghe like a bad dream. He felt everything was probably changing for better now.

-" Since elder Shen has said so, why not begin the round?"

Sha Hualing snorted. She looked confident enough about her team mate's performance.

But Binghe knew better- so he felt a bit smug when Sha Hualing's and his eyes met. He tilted his head with a smile- as if he was mocking her for thinking that she'd win here while Sha Hualing gave him back an equally smug look.

Binghe directed his attention towards Qingqiu who entered the fighting zone while lazily playing with his fan. Thankfully no one noticed the sweat beads on his forehead. Binghe held his breath in anticipation. The opponent Qingqiu was facing was called Elder Du Bi which literally meant elder single arm...

" Airplane and Airplane's naming skills..."

" Says the one whose parent's also named him Icy River."

" Oh shut up!"

Binghe rolled his eyes in annoyance and focused again on the match. Thankfully Qingqiu genuinely didn't use any tricks and when the match started he just gently touched the surface of the sword. Being summoned, the immortal's sword Xiu Ya flew towards the demon at such a high speed that no one could see where the sword went in an instant. Only after the demon growled in pain, then the crowd noticed that the demon's left eye had started to bleed. There was a huge scar on that side of his face created by Xiu Ya.

The crowd was silent as they watched the match with rapt attention. Binghe was moved to see how gracefully Qingqiu was dodging that demon's ruthless attacks as he leisurely played with his fan. As expected, Qingqiu didn't hesitate to return back those attacks with equal ruthlessness.

-" Hey."

Binghe was a bit shocked at the sudden slam on his back.

-" Who the- oh Senior brother..."

-" Yeah, me. Who else?"

Ming Fan looked around him probably to make sure that his peer group wasn't watching and then stood beside Binghe with ease. That wasn't highly unlikely of Ming Fan to do so, but after so many weeks of staying at the cave Binghe felt like a friend came to see him when he saw Ming Fan.

-" So how was the training? Improved a bit?"

-" A bit", Binghe showed him with his fingers and smiled when Ming Fan nodded with all seriousness.

-" Senior brother, any progress?"

Binghe didn't have the courage to overstep his boundaries yet, but as none of Ming Fan's friends were near them he pushed his luck a bit. Signaling towards Ning Yingying, he hesitantly poked Ming Fan's arm before asking that question.

-" Huh, did you think that she wouldn't notice me if you're around her?"

-" I don't dare! I don't dare!"

Binghe quickly shook his head in fear. He wouldn't want to get beaten in front of his all time crush and his potential wives.

-" Even if you're thinking like that, you aren't wrong. She didn't even notice me when you weren't around. All I heard every day is 'A-Luo this, A-Luo that'. She talked about you so much that if you were to stay a bit longer there, she might have had made me memorize your horoscope also!"

Binghe had to look away to hide his facial expressions. He was getting irritated that he couldn't focus on his Qingqiu's match but the angry voice of Ming Fan was pathetically laughable. He was about to turn towards Ming Fan to say something when someone among the crowd screamed some words with excitement.

-" That demon brat!! Die!!"

Binghe's body subconsciously reacted at those words as if hundreds of thorns were piercing his skin. His scalp went numb, fingertips went colder. He felt horribly familiar with these words, so much that his heads started buzzing in pain. His breathing became shallow and he didn't know why but he felt like crying. And at the same time, he felt like he would do anything now for a hug from someone.

He wished he had his phone with him now. So he could tell A-Yuan about this sudden vulnerability of his and laugh the unexplainable woe away.

His panic worsened when the crowd started loudly cheering saying the words "Shizun! Shizun! Shizun!"

Among those cheerful voices, Binghe could hear a faint voice of someone inside his head saying the same word. But that voice wasn't cheerful at all, it was a voice of a disappointed person. And that disappointment was crawling inside his brain.

-" Luo Binghe!"

He felt someone harshly shaking his body, a dull pain around his wrist pulled him back to his senses. It was Ming Fan who was holding both of his wrists tightly, asking why he had been hitting his head like this. Due to Ming Fan's loud voice some people's attention got diverted to them. But as the fighting zone was a bit far, and the cheering was loud due to Qingqiu's win- Qingqiu couldn't hear that.

-" What the hell is wrong with you? Is your head hurting?"

-" Huh?" Binghe was still in a daze to process anything.

-" You looked like you're about to burst open your head", Ming Fan hesitated a bit before joining his and Binghe's palms together.

Before Binghe could ask what he was doing, he felt a surge of spiritual energy flowing inside his veins. The energy felt foreign, but that calmed him nonetheless. They spent a while joining their hands like that.

-" Take this, you would feel better. And don't forget", Ming Fan hurriedly took back his hands after a while," You owe me now! And...and don't hit your head like this next time if it hurts, don't you remember what had happened once. You almost forgot your own name."

Binghe nodded, mind still a bit hazy. He stood up as Ming Fan also joined the crowd to cheer for Qingqiu.

As expected, Qingqiu had won the first round gloriously. When the cheering died down, he turned towards Binghe with a proud smile. And that was smile singlehandedly dissipated the rest of the uneasiness from Binghe's mind.

After that match, Sha Hualing was afraid that Qingqiu might use his authority to attend the rest of the matches himself. So she hurriedly said-

-" If in the following trials only one person goes up each time, then there wouldn't be meaning of receiving pointers. My family's next representative would be me."

Binghe could read her face like an open book. Even in the novel she left nothing of her said words to the reader's imagination. Her straightforward devotion towards the original Binghe was one of the things that gained her the topmost position among the harem members.

Qingqiu lazily turned towards the crowd and asked," So who wants to take the responsibility now?"

Binghe noticed that the direction Qingqiu was looking towards was the place where the disciples of Xian Shu peak was standing. It was the very peak that had the most outstanding looking disciples. But among those outstanding beauties, one stood out even more than the others even while her face was half hidden by a veil.

New character unlocked!! Yay~

Name: Liu Mingyan

Weapon: Shui Se Sword

Family: Liu Qingge. She is Liu Qingge's sister! The queen of beauties of this novel. A beauty who can make even the moon feel ashamed, a beauty who can make even the Kings fall to their knees, the only beauty whom even Luo Binghe considered to be genuinely beautiful.

The one and only Liu Mingyan!!! Congrats!!"

" Are you drunk or what?? Why are you being more excited than me?"

" She is my favourite character. Hehe. Got any problem?"

Binghe huffed, but couldn't deny that Liu Mingyan genuinely looked beautiful even though only half of her face could be seen. Standing far away, Binghe could feel that her eyes were gentle and filled with determination when she stepped up to be the representative of Xian Shu peak for the next trial.

Binghe still remembers how A-Yuan had thrown tantrums because he had to read almost a whole chapter of two thousand words- just describing Liu Mingyan's outwardly beauty with several idioms and phrases. Poorly used phrases on top of that.

Binghe had to pull an all nighter that day to finish his assignments as the whole day he happily listened to the curses A-Yuan directed towards the author Airplane.

" GT, can't you just somehow transmigrate him here with me?"

" You want him to di-"

" No, thanks!"

He had almost forgotten that to transmigrate here, he had to die in his original world. He would never want his friend to die for his selfish reasons. Only if he had some ways to know what his friend was doing now, or if he had started to read a different novel now. Perhaps A-Yuan had found another friend to share his frustrations about poorly written dialogues of that novel or perhaps...

A-Yuan was also missing him badly just like Binghe. Wondering why he suddenly stopped coming online- as none of Binghe's family members knew about A-Yuan to let him know the bad news.

Binghe felt a bit pathetic about himself. Somehow he couldn't just stop thinking about his only friend sometimes.

After a while of preparation, the match between the demon girl and the jade like pure angel started.

Qingqiu was constantly peeking towards Binghe and everytime their eyes met, Qingqiu gave him a nod as if he was satisfied with something. Leaving Binghe totally confused about those stares.

The trial this time was even more interesting than the previous one. It looked like one elegant red phoenix bird with a fiery tail with playing around with a bird with pink and white flower petals as it's wings- both thriving to prove their dominance over each other.

Truly an extraordinary sight to behold. Only if they were to be in the modern world, they could have easily become top class models.

But as the flowery bird was a bit lacking than the fiery demon bird- the later one easily gained advantage after a while into the match.

-" Liu Shijie is going to get hurt like this", Ning Yingying said as she intently watched the trial.

Binghe wanted to tell her not to worry much about that, but just then he suddenly saw someone hurriedly entering the mountain through his peripheral vision.

More like, he saw someone tripping badly on basically nothing but air, and then correcting his posture as if nothing happened. No one was focused at the entrance at all, as who would be dumb enough to miss such an interesting match. So none of them saw the individual who tripped his way inside the mountain somehow without the rainbow bridge.

That person was none other than- Liu Qingge!!

Binghe felt his knees going weak at the sight. He had almost failed to recognise the person in front of him. Just how can this ethereal male be the one he had met in that cave?! The one who was inside that cave looked like he came from a war based novel where he's the fallen hero. But now that he is all decked up- hair styled in a nice ponytail, light silver and black coloured robe- made him look like he came straight out of a teen romance drama.

But main question was- what's he doing here?

After thinking about this, Binghe realised that the one fighting in the arena now was Liu Qingge's dear sister. He must have come to support his sister, even though he didn't let his presence known to the others. Liu Qingge's eyes weren't fixated at the match though.

Binghe followed his gaze and every single time it diverted from the match- it landed on Shen Qingqiu. Who wasn't aware of two people's gaze on him at all.

-" And I win!"

Sha Hualing yelled in victory, twirling her hair with her fingers while looking at Binghe with a smirk. Then turning towards Qingqiu, she repeated her sentence once again with even more arrogance than before.

Binghe knew about the outcome prior to the end of the match but it's for sure that Liu Mingyan gave Sha Hualing a tough competition nonetheless.

-" The third round will determine the victory. I don't know whom elder Shen will choose for this round but I suggest you to choose carefully."

-" No need for Young Miss to warn me. I already have someone in mind whom I guarantee would not only win, but also become your nemesis", Qingqiu lazily fanned himself and gave a meaningful look.

Binghe's heart stilled at these words. And when he saw the opponent entering the fighting zone, his heart started doing hardcore zumba dance. The one who entered was a Eiffel Tower level high demon. Back like a tiger, waist like a bear, his hair loose and shaggy, from top to bottom he wore a thorny armour and was dragging a fine iron sledgehammer. With every step he took, the ground shook more precisely than a vibrator.

And when Sha Hualing explained, that there was a demonic poison named "No cure" on those thorns, the disciples of Cang Qiong started protest and yelling like crazy.

Binghe felt the hair on his back rising up like current poles, when that demon moved his sledgehammer on the air to show one of his moves. Binghe hadn't cursed out this Sha Hualing in the novel more than he was feeling like cursing her out right now.

Qingqiu had the villain's golden armour for God's sake! Binghe was, as per the system, the fake protagonist which didn't give him a chance to have the protagonist halo. In short, if Qingqiu was to get pierced here with this poison he would have been saved easily but the matter of Binghe is different.

" Fuck this shit I am out!"

Binghe showed a peace sign and wanted to get to the end of the crowd so that no one would waste their time to find him. And make it fight with that horrible looking demon. But his lucky charm chimed in almost immediately at this.

" If you don't participate in this trial, villain's satisfaction level would drop to minus 1000. Please make your choice carefully."

" Are you trying to kill me or what?? I barely have 500 points and you want to cut out 1000!! How much would I gain if I win this tell me? Let me guess- just 100 points??"

" I am not that cheap, I am generous. If you win, you will be given 110 B-Points. I know you are thankful, so, welcome _"

And at that moment, Qingqiu said with a loud and clear voice-

-" Luo Binghe, you come out!"

Binghe had already started preparing himself for a painful death under that sledgehammer. He cursed in his mind-

" GT!!!HELP!! EASY MODE!!! ENABLE!!"

" System is being updated. Please try again later."

" Fuck you!!"

" Thanks but you are not my type. Go fight."

Binghe felt the burn on a spiritual level.

Notes:

I hope everyone liked this chapter. The past stories world get cleared later but for sure and it's a HE ff so no one needs to worry

Chapter 13: Damsel in distress

Summary:

My med exam is nearing so the updates will be a little late.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

As soon as the declaration was made the whole crowd went silent. As expected, they had assumed that the one who would be fighting with such a huge demon would be someone with not less than thirty years of experience. It wasn't surprising that the Qing Jing peak disciples weren't aware of the exact cultivation level of Luo Binghe.

Who seemed to be non existential in front of that demon. Not to mention, every single of them noticed the fear stricken constipated face of that poor disciple of Shen Qingqiu.

Ming Fan for a while stopped caring about his peer group and directly went towards Qingqiu.

-" Shizun...sending him...sending junior brother Luo onto the stage...maybe it's not too suitable?"

He had never dared going against his Shizun in his life. He himself probably had never imagined that one day he would be standing in front of his Shizun all while trying to defend the one he used to hate the most. As the other disciples also gathered around, the confidence in his voice faltered even more while pretentious side took over the reign.

-" I mean, his cultivation isn't that good to fight with that demon...he is sure to bring shame for our Sect."

-" Yes, Shizun. Please reconsider!"

With Ming Fan's s words, his peer group also started to protest somewhat meekly against Shen Qingqiu's idea. Their intentions were clear- first, they can't take Luo Binghe take the limelight and second, they cared for their Sect's reputation. But Ming Fan's actions were contradictory to his words.

He was actually trying to shield Binghe behind him from the not so impressed gaze of their Shizun. Binghe's legs were going weak at this point and the fact that the demon was smirking menacingly while pointing his hammer towards him- wasn't helping at freaking all!!

" Oh for God's sake stop showing your muscles! I know you are jacked!! Let me mourn for myself a bit!"

Ning Yingying was hoping that their Shizun would at least listen to the requests of Ming Fan but when Qingqiu said the next sentence- the dam of her eyes broke down.

-" Are you questioning this master's judgement?"

-" Don't want! Don't want! Don't want! Don't want A-Luo to go there!" She shamelessly wrapped her hands around Luo Binghe's waist and stomped her foot onto the ground.

Binghe silently prayed for his own soul when he noticed the flat expression of Ming Fan. Yet for a brief moment, it seemed like Ming Fan wasn't concerned about his crush crushing his nemesis with a hug at all. When Ming Fan was about to agree with Yingying's whining, Qingqiu's eyes narrowed with a scowl clearly visible on his face. His disdainful gaze fixated on Yingying's hands that were tightly wrapped around Binghe.

-" Ying-er, let him go."

Binghe felt something move inside his heart at the probably intentional coldness of Qingqiu's voice. The one who was supposed to push him to the battlefield enthusiastically was trying to shield him, the one who was supposed to do nothing but cry and whine was trying to take a stand- while the one he was hoping would protect him was trying to push him towards his death. And the conclusion Binghe came to from this was-

Shen Qingqiu was definitely being jealous!

" Wah~ my Qingqiu is jealous. So sweet. He doesn't want anyone else to hug me~~"

" Just how do you come to this conclusion at this moment? At best, he is trying to get you some huggies from that Demon. Worry about that first."

Binghe wasn't expecting that the system would reply to him.

" GT?! You done updating right?? Easy mode! Easiest one if possible!"

" System is rebooting. Have patience."

Binghe sighed in defeat. He had guessed that his fate was unchangeable at this point. He slowly untangled himself from the bone crushing hold of Yingying [not because the cold gaze of Qingqiu was giving him unexplainable shivers] and gently patted her hands-

-" Little Martial sister, don't worry about me. My combat skill isn't that good but as Shizun is entrusting me with this I would make sure not to lose the face of our Sect."

Villain's sympathy point: 5

Heart level increased: 1

Heart level increased: 1

Current B-points: 420

At least he earned some points before his death- Binghe consoled himself. As he watched Ning Yingying running away swiftly from the place while crying. In the battle scene, Yingying was supposed to save Binghe from getting pierced by that Demon's "no cure" poison. Now that she just ran away from the battle area...Binghe mentally started burning joss papers for his soon to be deceased soul.

Unexpectedly Qingqiu came forward and placed his hand on Binghe's shoulder-

-" I believe my disciple wouldn't come back without bringing victory."

The touch on his shoulder felt a bit heavy, but not heavier than the genuine worry that slipped out from Qingqiu's words. Binghe cupped his hands and bowed deeply. Who knows, it might be his last one.

-" This disciple wouldn't let Shizun down."

At that time when Binghe reluctantly entered the battle zone, someone spoke in a quiet voice-

-" Isn't this a sure loss...what's there to compete...?"

The demon's ears were extraordinary. He heard those words and laughed loudly making the ground rumble.

-" You've said it right! This little man right here better admit defeat and get off the stage. This old man can still let you live."

Binghe hesitantly looked at Qingqiu for the last time. Qingqiu was boldly looking at that demon when he said with nothing but pure confidence-

-" He will win."

This was a simple statement said in a simple tone, but that did absolute wonders. Binghe gripped his sword tightly as a smile threatened to show on his face. He never knew he needed to hear this from Qingqiu until now. How come he never realized that he craved for this kind of emotion from none other than Qingqiu?

The battle started in a matter of few moments, but as soon as it started the hammer of that demon directly landed on Binghe's back. He didn't even get the time to dodge it. The taste of blood on his tongue was metallic but he felt a bit proud of himself as he managed to survive that hit. That sentence kept replaying in his mind.

Will win...right?

His Qingqiu believed in him. How could he let down his dear now?

Closing his eyes he took a deep breath and turned a deaf ear to the jeers of the outer world. Ignoring the laughing sound of Elder Tian Chui, Binghe tried to remember the steps Qingqiu had taught him in the cave. Surprisingly, those moves he had taught were exceptionally fitting to dodge the attacks of the demon. His steps became lighter than before and after a few missed steps he learned the pattern of those hits. The sledgehammer came down nine times and nine times it wasn't able to touch even the side of Binghe.

-" Go, Luo Binghe!! Hey, why is no one cheering? At least, cheer for the sake of out Sect ah!"

Binghe smiled minutely hearing Ming Fan cheering for him- soon the rest of them reluctantly joined for the sake of their Sect. But dodging only wouldn't be able to guarantee his win. Binghe had noticed before that the only places that weren't covered with spikes were that demon's head and fists. Not that those mattered to that demon even the slightest bit, but to Binghe those were his only chances. As losing now would mean losing the face of Cang Qiong peak as well as the human realm.

Clenching his jaws, he waited for the right moment- for the demon to bring down his sledgehammer to attack him again. He would just have to dodge, leap towards the sky and direct his attack solely on the unprotected area of the demon's head.

The following attack of the demon was particularly harsh as if he put all of his strength into that. Specks of dust surrounded the whole area, the only thing that could be seen was countless bolts of spiritual energy raining down. And when the battle zone became clear again- everyone became astonished.

The third trial finally had a result- the hundred years experienced demon Elder Tian Chui was lying immobilized on the ground and the fifteen years old winner- Luo Binghe was nowhere to be found.

Qingqiu panicked for a good moment before his eyes found Luo Binghe several meters away from the area.

-" Poor child, couldn't bear the backlash of using so much power."

Four pairs of beautiful eyes were also unwilling to withdraw their gazes from Binghe- Liu Mingyan's and Sha Hualing's. But Binghe's half opened eyes only looked for the ones of Qingqiu. Despite the unbearable pain all over his body, mostly his back- he felt happy seeing the worried and contented look of Qingqiu.

" Cang Qiong mountain sect's demon invasion mission complete!

Gained Liu Mingyan and Sha Hualing's attention: 200 points!

Coolness points from villain's pov: 300 points!

Current B-points: 920

Congratulations! Keep up the good work!"

Binghe smiled hearing about the last segment. His smile couldn't last long as Sha Hualing and Shen Qingqiu started trading snarky remarks between them.

-" The Central Plains people of Human Realm have talent I have to say. Such a young hero won the battle- Ying-er is sure impressed."

Binghe mumbled," As you should."

Ming Fan had already ran towards him to pick him up from the ground. And as Binghe's condition wasn't that good, he remained half sitting on the ground while leaning against Ming Fan. Some other disciples who didn't have any unnecessary beefs with Binghe also came forward to help.

-" You won", Ming Fan said in a low voice.

-" I did", Binghe just managed to nod. His neck was about to snap just from this.

-" Did good", Ming Fan mumbled under his breath, not comfortable enough to praise him openly in front of the others. But Binghe heard him clearly.

Binghe wanted to thank him for that but right then, the ground started to shake again. Everyone's pupils shrank when they saw the demon's eyes flashing red and he ran towards defenseless Luo Binghe with his sledgehammer. Demon race was really too unhinged, if they wanted to act they acted without thinking about the consequences. No time was given to Binghe to cover himself or dodge the attack. And within a moment the demon was just a few inches away from him.

Ming Fan was stupified on the spot as well as Binghe. But someone decided to save the day.

Qingqiu scoffed as his body shielded both of them in an instant and threw his paper fan towards that demon's knees.

The Elder Tian Chui really knelt!!

Not only knelt, he just fell unconscious on the ground.

-" Dare bully my disciple? My division's disciple isn't for you to bully!"

The way these words were spoken, made Binghe's heart mushy and fluffy. His weak knees felt even weaker, and something sneakily rose- and it wasn't only Binghe's standards.

Ahem...

" Hell yeah! Save your damsel in distress Qiuqiu!"

For a long while, Binghe just observed the blue clothed black shielding him and his racing heart started to beat rhythmically after a while. Although the sometimes harsh, sometimes aloof and sometimes sweet and possessive behaviour of Qingqiu was kind of confusing to him- but that didn't matter much. Qingqiu was written to be such a character but on the bright side, his character changing progress was great so far.

Once again, Binghe felt like he was robbing off someone's else's happiness and yet again, at the same time, he selfishly felt no regret.

He diverted his attention to Qingqiu again. He had a long cherished desire of running his hands through the silky long hair of Qingqiu- maybe someday.

-" Anything wrong?" Qingqiu quickly turned towards him and asked hesitantly.

Qingqiu's fingers grazed over Binghe's cheek as if out of habit and Binghe also leaned against the touch. The coldness of his skin relieved him a bit from the pain.

He almost blurted out-not a chance since you are here.

-" This disciple is all right. Thanks for saving me Shizun", he said maintaining the eye contact. And the slight blush that became visible on Qingqiu's cheeks- Binghe dismissed that thinking of that as his imagination.

Qingqiu retreated his hand almost instantly and directed his venom towards Sha Hualing.

-" Miss, you should discipline your own followers properly! If they can't afford defeat, why did you let them fight three trials?"

Sha Hualing was dumbfounded at this sudden turn of event. She herself hadn't imagined that Elder Tian Chui would do such a thing out of nowhere. She really wanted to say something in that awkwardly embarrassing situation but just then, things took a turn for worse again.

Elder Tian Chui, who was lying on the ground like a dead all this time, suddenly jumped up and rushed towards Luo Binghe!

" Oh please! Give me a break at least!!!!"

Notes:

Luo Binghe being a shy maiden after Qingqiu saved him-

Ming Fan and other disciples: Why are we still here? Just to suffer...

Sha Hualing: Why do I feel my potential husband drifting away...

Liu Mingyan: *enthusiastically aggressive author noise*

Chapter 14: Without a Cure

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The hammer of that demon was previously thrown away by Shen Qingqiu. So that demon decided to crush Luo Binghe to death- as how could it be forgotten that the armour he was wearing was covered with poisonous spikes!

Binghe's whole life flashed before his eyes. He hadn't felt this much terror even while fighting with that demon but the fact that Qingqiu was also in the danger zone made him more anxious. One of his hands reached for the pendant he once used to wear, and the other one tightly clenched Qingqiu's robes.

As per the novel, it was Ning Yingying who had saved Binghe from getting poisoned. But due to the plot being changed so much, she was nowhere to be seen. The only ones around him were- Shen Qingqiu and Ming Fan. But did the plot divert enough for them to risk their lives to save Binghe? There were doubts.

The rumbling of the ground created thunders in his mind in a matter of seconds.

But Qingqiu suddenly decided to destroy all of Binghe's doubts. He pulled Binghe close towards his chest to shield him and with the other hand summoned Xiu Ya that lunged forward. Even though the Demon got a critical injury, something was terribly off.

Instead of backing down, the demon showed a vicious smile as he extended both of his hands to hold Qingqiu's ones!!

Understanding his motives, Qingqiu quickly withdrew his hand and right then an eye blinding silver light shone. What people saw the next moment was- the demon was lying on the ground, his soul on the verge of being sucked out of his body and beside him- someone was standing with harsh expressions.

Bai Zhan peak's War God- Liu Qingge!!!

-" How dare you!"

He said looking towards Elder Tian Chui, not aware of the fact that he came to the rescue a bit too late. As Binghe was plastered with Qingqiu he saw it very clearly that the right hand of him was now all bloody. There were rows of countless pinholes and being a mild trypophobic person it made Binghe feel sick in his stomach.

-" Shizun, you got pierced!"

The demon who was now moments away from drying, said with a satisfied smile-" Shen Qingqiu was made into funerary goods by me! Worth it! Worth it!"

Binghe had all of the plots of the novel memorized. He knew that there was only one solution for this poison- but that couldn't be used on his Qingqiu at all. Even though Qingqiu had the villainous halo to protect him until his death by the hands of the protagonist, he could still feel the pain of it. The anger that Binghe felt made him see red.

All Binghe could think was- I could have protected him. I could've protected him. I could've protected him.

Liu Qingge also knelt down beside Qingqiu and took his right hand to check. When he saw those pinholes that had already swelled up, his face turned white.

-" Why didn't you withdraw you hand timely!"

-" It's okay, I am really fine. That demon is just saying those to alarm the others. Don't pay attention to him."

The demon then laughed again, this time even more slowly, he said-" This old man never says things just to alarm people. If I say this poison has no cure then this poison has no cure. Peak Lord Shen, prepare for your dea-!!"

Sword lights flashed- one pale blue and one sharp silver. Qingqiu couldn't even notice when Binghe pulled out Xiu Ya from its scabbard or when Liu Qingge shifted from his side. And the next moment, both Xiu Ya and Cheng Luan was held against that demon's neck.

Shen Yuan had also read countless of cultivation novels before PIDW, yet it didn't occur to him that Binghe out of everyone being able to use Xiu Ya was completely odd. But it didn't miss Ming Fan's eyes.

If one could hold an immortal's sword without being attacked by it- this meant that the owner had given him permission to just hold it.

But if one could pull it out from its scabbard and use it while it flashed the spiritual light- it meant that the sword also considered that person as its half owner.

Ming Fan was one of the most obedient disciples of Shen Qingqiu, as per his thoughts. Yet he and Yingying were only granted permission to hold the sword. Here being able to use it was a completely different matter. He never dared to ask his Shizun for this, nor that he had any rights here to. Seeing Binghe use it so efficiently and his Shizun having no reaction to this, made him wonder just how much secrets are unknown to him. He broke out of his thoughts when he heard Binghe screaming angrily.

-" There must be another antidote! But you are unwilling to give it!!"

-" Spill the cure!" Liu Qingge's voice was slightly shaking.

Ming Fan catched the word "another" in Binghe's sentence but couldn't ponder much over it. Inching closer to his Shizun, he wrapped Qingqiu's right hand with a small handkerchief to stop the bleeding. Too shocked to process any of the things happening around him.

Sha Hualing suddenly said," Tian Chui truly didn't lie to this young man. This poison is called without a cure. To humans, it actually without a cure. Tian Chui is already going to die, how can he be afraid of you using his death to bargain with him?"

Binghe felt a familiar scratching sensation in his hands. Only if he could smack the brain out of that Sha Hualing's skull!

Then Qingqiu stood up with indifference and circulated his Qi to stop the bleeding and the numb feeling temporarily. He flicked on Binghe's head slightly, indicating him to drop the sword as his hands were also dangerously close to the poisonous spikes. Binghe was reluctant but knowing that there wouldn't be any turning back if he also got pierced, he put the sword back in its scabbard.

Waving his fan serenely, Qingqiu said," Saying these words like this isn't bad. But Miss, have you forgotten how many years I have. Does middle stage core formation still counts as mortal?"

Binghe held back the urge to roll his eyes, while Liu Qingge didn't even bother. He clicked his tongue being annoyed at Qingqiu's bluffing.

Maybe not everyone knew, but Binghe knew that Qingqiu's golden core was a bit lacking than the other ones with middle stage core formation. It didn't make him any less talented though it made his body a bit vulnerable than them. It was almost visible how Qingqiu was finding it hard to keep his body straight.

Binghe saw the other one anxiously tapping his feet on the ground,and Qingge's subtle nervousness made him nervous also.

" Qingqiu...please don't bluff like that. You don't know what she is capable of..."

The plot being totally out of line, Binghe didn't know what kind of outcome he should except. A right outcome would guarantee his eternal life here whereas a wrong one would make him perish.

Sha Hualing pulled back her cunning smile," Whether you are mortal or not, I don't know. But I have a way to find out if you are actually poisoned or not. If someone has been affected by without a cure, starting from their wound there spiritual power circulation will be affected. Not only that, even blood will stagnate and the person will die. So, I invite Elder Shen to use his right hand and try a strong spiritual attack. You will see the outcome right then."

Binghe cursed in his mind. If Qingqiu wanted to try this attacking method, he would have to gather a large amount of spiritual power into his hands and suddenly release the power towards the target to make it work like a missile. But when he saw Qingqiu secretly hiding his right hand behind his back to try gathering his power and failing, Binghe felt a shiver run down his fine.

This was not going towards the right direction at all.

Liu Qingge finally stepped in front of Qingqiu and held his arm to stop him from trying to strain his body.

-" You don't have to prove anything. You are going to embarrass yourself."

The tone of his words didn't match his anxious expression very well.

-" Shizun, please...", Binghe tried requesting but Qingqiu paid him no attention.

He just scoffed and removed Qingge's hand from his arm and challenged Sha Hualing.

-" It wouldn't hurt to give it a try. But this matter cannot be tried without anything in return. Miss Sha, you can and created chaos in Qiong Ding Peak and this master always kept his forbearance. But now I am changing my mind. You can't just come and go as you please; how can I let my Cang Qiong Mountain sect be laughed at by others? Why don't we compare a few attacks and make it a life or death match. If there are any injuries, only we are to blame. Whatever happens next, no one will pursue. How about this?"

Binghe finally understood Qingqiu's technique and nodded in acknowledgement.

" Bluff it till you make it strategy, not bad dear not bad. I just hope this girl buys yours bluffing and backs down. But the possibility of it is..."

Even in the middle of a heated situation, Binghe didn't forget to think- Ain't he the perfect scum villain I fell in love with?

" You need something that would go with the cheese?"

Binghe didn't get the time to scold that system for piping in the wrong time. As the situation took a turn for the worst real quick. Sha Hualing's gaze changed subtly and made it clear that she was ready to take the risks. Cause she was a noble blood in the demon realm, backing down at this moment in front of her subordinates would bring her nothing but shame. Whereas burning down Qiong Ding peak and taking back the sign to the demon realm as a prized possession would be a huge celebration worthy moment. If serious, she would also have the ability to massacre the whole sect. Because if one of the Peak Lords was dead, the other one's strength would eventually weaken.

This girl was ready to gamble!

Understanding this Binghe quickly went beside Shen Qingqiu and pulled his sleeve to gain his attention," Shizun, this disciple is willing to receive the attack in your stead!"

Somehow, dying once again didn't seem as bad as seeing all these familiar faces around him die without any proper reason. Just because he intervened and changed the plot too much. Moreover, his heart didn't agree with the thought of witnessing Qingqiu in pain. Some blurry images flashed before his eyes and disappeared like a mist as if they never existed at all.

-" Like master like disciple. Both are utter fools!"

Qingge grumbled as he tried to move him out of the picture.

As a Peak Lord himself, he wouldn't want any of those youngsters get severely injured.

Qingqiu glared at Qingge before he pulled back his sleeve and said sternly to Binghe," Since when is there the reasoning that a disciple should stand instead of the master?"

-" But Shizun you got hurt because of me...", his eyes were getting moistened, yet again, he felt like he had definitely said this same sentence before.

Someday. To someone. This exact same thing- but to whom? when? why? He didn't have any answer. He swallowed the bitter taste in his mouth as his words weren't able to budge Qingqiu from his decision.

-" Since you know this injury is for you, you should properly protect your own life!"

Binghe stared at him in a daze. No idea when his tears had started to fall making his cheeks wet. His hands made their way towards the bandaged hand of Qingqiu, subconsciously, he traced the place with his fingers. Like a badly aged habit.

-" Then elder Shen please forgive Ling-er for being rude."

-" I won't be merciful either."

Sha Hualing stepped back a bit to get ready to attack. A fiery red flame became visible in her palm as well as the over bearing demonic energy. But who knew that in the middle of her short preparation period, Qingqiu and Qingge had already discussed about a plan speaking with their eyes only.

Just at the moment, Sha Hualing snapped to attack Qingqiu with full force- Qingge kicked Binghe on his legs to "gently" shove him in a safe zone and with a smooth movement slid behind Qingqiu. Holding Qingqiu's waist to keep his now fragile body steady, he joined their hands together to launch the attack against Sha Hualing.

All of this happened in a matter of seconds and the others could just see Senior Shen standing in his place just like before- totally harmless. Whereas the demon team leader was sent flying far away. In addition to a soap opera worthy high pitched scream, the red veil that's covering her body broke into pieces.

Qiong Ding peak fell into utter silence.

Thankfully someone had enough common sense to divert the audience's attention and started chanting Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu's name altogether. And that person full of common sense was none other than Ming Fan. While holding a Luo "almost flying away due to the kick" Binghe he started as loudly as he could.

-" Master Uncle Liu! Master Shen! Master Uncle Liu! Master Shen! Binghe, you alive? MASTER UNCLE SHEN!"

It was way too awkward, that Ming Fan even mixed up the names. But at least it worked. Sha Hualing wasn't shy at all at the revelation, she just pulled one of her subordinate's cloak and wrapped around herself. Because of this chaos even the army of the demons was distracted enough.

-" Everyone today was my miscalculation. There will be time for goodbyes in future. Let's go!"

Liu Qingge menacingly pulled put his Cheng Luan and said," That easy?"

From Binghe's point of view, he could only see Cheng Luan being thrown towards the sky and the next moment hundreds upon hundreds of bright tangible sword energies arrayed in the sky. They rained down like hail and pierced the demons right in their hearts. Sha Hualing just barely managed to get out of the area unscathed with his subordinates- shame and embarrassment written all over her face.

-" Shizun!" Binghe scrambled towards Qingqiu with the help of Ming Fan.

But he felt so helpless and useless. Qingge was more than capable to detect the exact problems in Qingqiu's veins- whereas Binghe's cultivation stage wouldn't let him understand the differences in Qingqiu's qi circulation properly. So he just kept a hand behind Qingqiu's back as his condition didn't seem very well. The other disciples that surrounded them didn't look very well either.

Qingqiu grinned," Seems like saving you at the Ling Xi cave was a good idea. What say?" Qingqiu pointed at Qingge's left hand that was passing spiritual energy to him," Look into my eyes, do you feel grateful?"

Binghe knew that the scum villain of the novel and the war God shared a bad blood. So exchanging rude and tricky words must have been common between them.

" But why does it seem like they are actually flirting?"

-" As if!" Qingge scoffed in annoyance.

-" How am I now?" Qingqiu didn't press his buttons to annoy him anymore.

-" You won't die...for now..."

The sadness in his voice was subtle but Binghe easily catched the uncertainty in his words.

-" As I had promised, I am paying you back for what you have done for me in the cave."

Qingqiu was having a hard time to keep smiling, but his disciple aka Luo Binghe's tiny efforts to make him feel better by passing spiritual energy to him slowly made him smile nonetheless.

-" Liu Shishu, does this poison really have no cure at all?"

Qingqiu's legs gave out the moment Qingge was about to answer. Thankfully the other two were supporting his body since the start, so his knees didn't directly hit the floor.

-" Let me lie down a bit."

Binghe was downright horrified. He had never seen his Qingqiu cough out blood like that. His mouth hung open in fear and his body started getting awful shivers.

His mouth couldn't produce any sound except some gibberish. There were dried blood stains starting from the corner of his mouth to the end of his limbless body. His tongue had been mercilessly cut off.

" Why the heck am I remembering that foul part of the novel right now?!"

He felt a soft touch on his head the next moment.

-" You did good, I knew that you'd win."

Saying so, Qingqiu completely lost his consciousness.

Shizun, please don't leave me again...

Notes:

Critical situation exists*

Shen Qingqiu be like-

Step 1: Deliver a philosophical dialogue

Step 2: Faint like a maiden (Cause plan backfired)

Step 3: Get free boyfriends!

The said boyfriends:...

Chapter 15: All hail to demonic papapa

Summary:

Something strange is happening with Qingqiu too. But what?

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

" Senior brother", Binghe called out Ming Fan who was loitering anxiously in front of Shen Qingqiu's room.

Since the time Shen Qingqiu fainted and was put inside his room to rest, both Ming Fan and Binghe had been standing outside the room constantly. Precisely it's been three days. Peeking inside the room time to time to check if he woke up or not. Several hours later, their Shizun showed not a single sign of waking up.

Guilt was pricking inside his heart like needles, so Binghe decided to lighten his mind by talking with Ming Fan. At the very least he would be able to distract himself.

-" What is it?"

-" Shizun...he will wake up, right?"

No matter how much Binghe tried not to think about this matter, every time his words took a U-turn and fixated to the word "Shizun".

-" Don't you know our Shizun!" Ming Fan replied in a rough voice," Do you think those cowards can do anything to him with their poison!"

Binghe kept his head down, staring at his own feet. He knew what this poison can do, he knew what the cure exactly was- but in this situation he was totally bound. Never in his life, he would want to defile the only love of his life. Having the privilege to know about every single plots didn't seem like an advantage anymore.

-" Shall I make some food for him?"

Binghe muttered, not knowing what else to say," I feel like...he would wake up anytime soon now."

-" Whatever you want. Just...nevermind. I am already very tensed. Go."

Binghe nodded solemnly and was about to go when Ming Fan suddenly called him from behind. He halted to turn back but Ming Fan didn't want him to do so. Binghe realised Ming Fan was handing him a small object while muttering some words in a really low voice. If Binghe wasn't attentive enough, he would have missed this line.

-" Put this on your wounds."

-" Thank you, brother. I will."

Taking the medicine container, Binghe went to the kitchen to make some porridge for his Qingqiu. The thought of applying medicine completely forgotten. One of the best things that he had inherited from the original Binghe's memories was- his extraordinary cooking skill. Even he sometimes fanboyed over the dishes he cooked with his hands. So having a gut feeling that Qingqiu would wake up anytime soon, he got down for the work.

It was Ming Fan who wanted to put the dish on Qingqiu's bedside table. So Binghe handed him the dish and held back the urge to go inside. He was planning to check on Qingqiu after he was totally alone with him- but suddenly Ming Fan screamed.

-" Shizun! You are awake!"

The ecstasy Binghe felt hearing these words, increased thousand times more when he peeked inside and saw his Qingqiu sitting on his bed. He didn't look any less than a half dead person, but it was still better than nothing.

Binghe couldn't hear what Ming Fan was saying to Qingqiu all the while, as he was busy staring at his Qingqiu. Based on how little he heard, he guessed that Ming Fan had gone to call Liu Qingge, Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang to the scene. Mu Qingfang belonged to the Qian Cao peak- so he was definitely needed here.

As soon as Ming Fan stepped out of the room and went out of sight, Binghe stepped inside the room.

-" Shizun, may I come in?"

-" Binghe...you are already inside the room. Just come, if you have anything to say."

Binghe went near Qingqiu taking slow steps. The room was filled with the fragrance of fresh mint, the same fragrance that Qingqiu always carries with him. At that moment, this simple fragrance felt intoxicating. After going closer, Binghe instinctively knelt down beside the bed and boldly held Qingqiu's hand in his own. This uninjured hand was a bit cold still but warmer than before.

-" Shizun, forgive this disciple for his ignorance", Binghe didn't wait for him to answer, he just wanted to thank him properly," I had thought Shizun didn't care about me at all. But when I fought the third trial, I remembered the fighting stances you taught me in the cave. This disciple now realizes Shizun's intentions, from now on I will wait upon Shizun with all my heart. Obey all your commands and instructions."

Saying so, Binghe gazed at Qingqiu to see why he wasn't replying anything to him. Surprisingly, instead of awkwardness or anger or any harsh emotions, there was a hint of regret and defeat. Binghe could not guess why so.

After a while, Qingqiu sighed and gently flicked on Binghe's forehead," As long as you understand, it's good. You get up first."

Binghe slowly got up, but he didn't have any plans to leave from here anytime soon. He fidgeted with his fingers and instead of voicing his thoughts, he just stared at Qingqiu like a mute person.

-" Is there anything else?"

-" Shizun slept for such a long time. I wonder, if Shizun has an appetite...?"

-" Not that much-"

As if they were in a cliche movie scene, Qingqiu's stomach actually grumbled out loud on queue. Binghe just nodded with a smile when Qingqiu awkwardly laughed and told him to bring over the food. He helped Qingqiu sit properly on the bed and then brought the steaming hot porridge near him. Not realising what he was actually doing, Binghe habitually held a spoonful in front of Qingqiu's mouth to feed him. Only after he did so, he saw how red Qingqiu's face had become. But still, as the shameless flirt he's, he didn't move the spoon even when Qingqiu wanted to eat by himself. Binghe just made a simple noise of disagreement and Qingqiu gave in just like that.

-" Shizun likes it?"

Binghe asked as he kept feeding that grown up man of his like a toddler. Qingqiu when he realized that he was being fed by Binghe, instantly schooled his expressions. Clearing his throat, he replied-

-" It's good. The taste isn't bad."

" Just isn't bad, huh? GT, do you think he knows that he was smiling the whole time he was eating that porridge?"

" Do you realise how you have been also smiling like a monkey the whole time?"

Binghe just shrugged, obviously he would smile at his man. But being greedy to see Qingqiu's flustered reaction again, he decided to tease him a bit more. And what can be more efficient than a oh so famous dialogue of the protagonist Binghe with a bit of modification.

-" If this doesn't taste bad, then how about having this disciple make new dishes for you every day?"

Qingqiu choked on air. Binghe changed his victorious expression to a concerned one real soon and gently patted him on the back.

In the novel, Luo Binghe's cooking skill was the number one weapon to win the heart of the ladies. The protagonist had given only a few ladies of his harem to have the luxury to eat his hand made food as per the novel. However, the famous dialogue of making new dishes every day was used on the head strong ladies to let go of their anger and enter his harem willingly. Who would have known, that this would work on the supposed villain of the novel also.

" What a bliss. Using this dialogue on him feels more real and comfortable than reading it being used on those girls. No offense to you Mr. Protagonist, but I am winning here."

Binghe was about to stop teasing that poor man, but right then Qingqiu's behaviour changed noticeably. Qingqiu wasn't looking at Binghe being all awkward now, instead his eyes went moist as his gaze looked distant. Binghe worriedly held the hand of Qingqiu that was extended towards his face. He kept asking what was Qingqiu trying to say to him but Qingqiu didn't speak. More like, he acted as if he was physically unable to move his tongue and by each passing moment the horror increased. It looked like he wasn't mentally there at all.

These exact expressions felt terrifyingly familiar.

The sudden fog of unknown emotions cleared up and disappeared without a trace in the next moment. Qingqiu held his buzzing head and looked at Binghe again to say-

-" You can make as many dishes as you want for me. This duty will be given to your care from now on."

Binghe didn't know if he was overthinking, but Qingqiu looked a bit desperate while saying this line. He nodded instantly, still pondering over what Qingqiu must have been thinking about a while ago.

Right then the door of the room opened, and three individuals stepped inside. The first one who stumbled inside was Liu Qingge who failed a bit miserably to hide his happiness about the news of Qingqiu waking up. Behind him were Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang who entered as enthusiastically as possible.

As Mu Qingfang was a whole new character that got unlocked for Binghe, the system gave him some points for that.

-" Shizun, this disciple shall take a leave now."

Binghe tried to go out of the room to have some alone time and think back to the suspicious things happening with him. Probably with Qingqiu too. But before Qingqiu could reply, Liu Qingge spoke up rather grumpily.

-" Being his direct disciple, how can you be so careless about your health? Sit here."

Liu Qingge took the small pouch that Mu Qingfang gave to him and signaled Binghe to take a sit in front of him. Qingqiu just huffed and gave that conflicted disciple of his permission to follow what Qingge said. Still, he didn't move from the place.

Yeah, his body was severely wounded. But his wounds being treated by the War God himself was a whole different thing. This type of plot was sure as hell never mentioned in the novel so as usual, Binghe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

-" You don't listen to anyone else's words except your Shizun?" Qingge spoke with a bit of annoyance.

-" Binghe, go. You are also wounded. Let your Shishu help you", Qingqiu nudged him to go.

Only then Binghe finally moved to the place Qingge was telling him to sit. It felt odd, it felt strange but at the same time- it felt good.

Oddly good- if Binghe should describe his feelings right now.

Cause Binghe knew that Qingge was doing that just to avoid talking with Qingqiu directly. Maybe there was still some leftover guilt due to the fact that he couldn't save Qingqiu in time.

And also the fact that he somehow had to kick Binghe that time...

-" Qingqiu, don't move carelessly. Don't attempt to stand up only to fall to the ground. It's better to lie down, don't worry about manners right now", Yue Qingyuan forced Qingqiu to lie down on the bed again.

Qingge didn't look towards the direction where Qingqiu was lying, he just serenely cleaned the blood from Binghe's slashed open wounds. If Binghe wasn't attentive enough, he would have definitely missed those tiny changes in Qingge's expressions. Indicating that he was all ears to the conversation happening beside him.

Never in his life, Binghe would have imagined that the War God of Bai Zhan peak could be this gentle with someone. Curse that author who didn't give the readers enough chances to get to know his character properly. That damned author just brought up his character, gave some description of his sword and six feet height and boom, the next moment he was six feet under the ground!!

If Binghe could, he would describe this man in front of him as the second best looking man in the whole novel. The first one is obviously his Qingqiu. But that's not the focus now- the focus is now Liu Qingge's face and his soothing voice.

-" Your stances are horribly wrong", Qingge said, looking at nothing else but the wounds.

-" Forgive this disciple, Shishu. I am still inexperienced..."

" Aiya, at least don't say such things to an injured person. Tch."

Binghe tried to ignore the burn of the medicines on his hands but when those were being applied on the deep wounds he hissed in pain. It wasn't that Qingge wasn't being more gentle than his capability, it's just the wounds were heavily infected due to being left untreated for three days.

-" Ow...au...Shishu...ACK!"

Being annoyed of Binghe's weird sounds, Qingge flicked on his forehead. Remembering to control his strength only at the last moment. It was too late though, a bright red spot had already bloomed on Binghe's forehead. And one of his eye's dam broke in seconds.

"Deserved it", Qingge thought. He was trying to listen to Qingqiu's and Mu Qingfang's words for God's sake. And this kid right here was sprouting weird nonsense.

Right then Qingqiu's voice came to his ears.

-" Is this poison really incurable?"

Liu Qingge rolled his eyes and said," Guess by the name. What do you think?"

-" Then Martial brother Mu, simply say just how many years I have left to live? Or how many months or how many days? Hours?"

Both Binghe and Qingge flinched at his word choices.

It's always been like this, that Qingge could never verbally express his displeasure. But his actions subtly did expose him a lot. The cease on his forehead deepened more than before.

Mu Qingfang replied," Even though it doesn't have a cure, it can still be repressed."

Binghe shook his head, there was hope but that wasn't permanent. If he wanted to save Qingqiu from the backlashes of this poison...he would just have to have "papapa" with him.

As the author had described in the novel- Luo Binghe's demonic "fluid" had the potential to cure any kind of diseases possible in the world. So the harem members of his always came to him faking diseases just to be able to sleep with him once.

Stomach ache? Have papapa with your demonic husband.

Insomnia? Have papapa with your demonic husband.

You're dying? Well then, have some papapa again.

" All hail to demonic papapa! My foot!"

Binghe deeply sighed and turned to Qingge again. Bowing politely, he said," Many thanks to Shishu for helping this disciple."

-" Nevermind. Learn the stances properly next time. You have potential."

-" I will try my best Shishu. Then will Shishu allow me to learn a few stances from him also?"

Qingge's eyes widened. Maybe he had never imagined that someone would willingly want to be taught by him. Most of his Sect members always complained about how strong headed he was regarding his own training. This was the first time someone willingly asked him this, and moreover, it was Shen Qingqiu's direct disciple. How could he not give him permission now?

-" I don't have any problem if your Shizun agrees."

Binghe bowed with a smile again. He knows that Qingqiu would surely agree to this now.

" Liu Qingge's interest point: 5"

Weren't you supposed to be collecting women for your future harem? How come you are collecting men from here and there?"

" I am supposed to be modifying this story how I want. GT, sometimes you should revise the rules you'd given to me. Tch tch."

Binghe was sure that the system just sighed inside his brain.

The matter of Qingqiu's sudden weird behaviour temporarily forgotten.

Notes:

Binghe: *moaning slowly while Qingge treats his wounds*

Qingge: *flicks the brain out of him*

Chapter 16: Dream realm disaster

Summary:

A quick update as my hands were itching to type some backstory

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Binghe spent the next few minutes gently massaging Qingqiu's tensed shoulders. Which gradually relaxed under his skilled hands. His original intention was to linger there for a bit longer and listen to the conversations but he couldn't concentrate at all. Either Qingqiu would make a contented sound in the middle of his talking or Binghe's hand would accidentally touch the skin of his exposed nape.

Not good. Being an adult in a teenager's body wasn't great at all.

Daring to be a bit more bold, he removed the strands of hair that was slightly covering Qingqiu's nape. Being more cautious than ever, clearly knowing that everyone was present and he was stepping on a thin line of boundaries. He pretended as if everything was normal and he was just trying his give his master a proper massage. Right then, when he actually managed to put his attention into their conversation, his attention got dragged back to a particular thing on Qingqiu's skin.

On his nape, there was a pair or moles. Like two tiny dots, almost having no gap between each other. Qingqiu's pale skin tone highlighted those two moles more vividly.

Binghe placed a finger between the small gap of the moles and let out a soundless laugh.

-" Cute", he whispered to himself.

As soon as he said that, goosebumps rose all over his body. Even though most of them including Qingqiu weren't paying attention to whatever he was doing, someone else was watching his each and every movement with hawk eyes. As Binghe's five senses were highly sharp, sensing the cold eyes on him made him shiver.

Liu Qingge was observing what he was doing.

Not daring to meet that War God's eyes, Binghe just dragged his fingers back to Qingqiu's shoulders and continued massaging like before. His jaws were clenched so tightly that he felt he might not ever be able to open them again. For a moment, he even feared that Qingge might have also heard the comment he made a while ago.

Thankfully, nothing much happened and Qingge didn't seem to be bothered with it either.

" Maybe it's just me overthinking. Oh man, the way he was shooting daggers with his eyes..."

After a long discussion with Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang, Qingqiu finally drew a conclusion to their conversation. Both of them went out leaving only the two peak lords and Binghe inside the room. From what Binghe could grasp the conversation was- Qingqiu would have to take four medicinal herbs timely to circulate his spiritual power strongly. But that poison would time to time create a blockage in his flow of Qi.

Binghe took the prescription Qingqiu gave it to him and observed the medicines. As a novel reader, he knew what kind of expensive and rare herbs they were. It would be a hassle to gather all of them- he thought. Yet what was a bit more of a concern was- Qingqiu's reaction to this.

Instead of looking concerned or agitated or even angry, he looked rather happy about this.

A weird conclusion vanished from Binghe's mind as soon as it occurred. That wasn't simply possible at all- so he crossed out the possibility of his Qingqiu's soul being swapped also.

" Nah, not possible. There's another reason for sure, I guess I evoked another sub plot for me to discover...but GT, were you about to give me points for something? I think I heard a sound..?"

" No, what points? What sound? I have been dead silent all the time."

" But I heard a sound...nevermind."

Binghe bowed to both of the peak lords and rushed out of the room. He could hear Qingqiu calling out for Ming Fan to come in and bring tea- which made him a bit jealous. Not wanting to dwell on it, he tried to get far away from the room as soon as possible. But some words that left from Liu Qingge's mouth made him halt in his steps. Instantly he hid himself behind a pillar and focused with every fibre of his being to listen to their conversation.

-" If it wasn't because of that ghostly Qi in your body, I would have definitely suspected that you are possessed or something."

A slow sound of laughter was heard from Qingqiu's side. Binghe couldn't just hold himself back at this and peeked a little bit from behind the pillar to see his Qingqiu's smiling face. What he got as an extra reward was- Qingge's oh so stiff smiling face.

Liu Qingge continued," After that fight, saving me in the Lingxi cave was already incredible. I would have been more relaxed if you had just stabbed me back there. Not to mention, you even saved your disciple risking your own life. You aren't even overreacting after hearing the side effects of that poison. Doesn't make sense to me."

Binghe was staring at Liu Qingge from the beginning of his speech to the end, and all this while- his mouth remained open.

" What in the PIDW! Just how could someone like Liu Qingge change his tone so much in front of Qingqiu?? Just a while ago, he behaved with me as if I had spat in his lunch, now see. What's with this soft tone...? Didn't they hate each other...or am I missing onto something??"

Binghe was hyper aware of his surroundings in case someone decided to blow up his hiding spot. That would be a disaster as he was literally eavesdropping. He saw Qingge move towards Qingqiu's bed and quietly sit down on the edge. Qingqiu shook his head and pulled Qingge by his sleeves to urge him to sit more comfortably.

" GT, I feel like a third wheel here."

" Same -_-"

Somehow Binghe didn't mind the interactions between them at all.

Qingqiu began speaking again," My disciple, his name is Luo Binghe. You watch, he will make you shocked in future."

-" That young boy? Luo Binghe", Qingge said his name once and nodded his head," He is weird."

Luo "weird" Binghe who was waiting for some praises :...

System even rubbed salt to his wounds by giving " Character's weirdness points" to him.

-" But he has good foundation. I saw him fight in the third trial. Whatever train him properly, don't spoil him much."

Just this only, made Binghe feel ecstatic. Two overly dashing men were praising him- what else was needed? Deciding that prying even more wouldn't be a good decision, he left for his woodshed. He had yet to do so much works.

-" Hah", Binghe released a deep sigh after filling the huge water jar.

This has been his daily routine since he transmigrated here. Chop the firewood, fill the water jar, clean Qingqiu's room( he does it willingly ) and then train. He almost never gets proper time to attend to his lessons. Whatever he has learnt regarding his academics until now is just because Ning Yingying brought him her notes of the lessons. Otherwise, he was a lost case. Ming Fan would help sometimes too with his lessons, but would never take the initiative to lessen his work loads. He maybe was afraid what his Shizun would do if he came to know that.

Ming Fan still had no proper idea that his Shizun's behaviour with Binghe had changed a lot.

Binghe shook his head and went to the forest to chop the firewood. This thing alone took so much energy from his body every day. His joints would hurt and his fingers would get calluses over calluses. There was no end to this- they would bleed, heal and bleed again. All this made him miss his A-Yuan sometimes.

Damn, he missed his friend a lot.

" It's been so long since I last talked with him. Wonder what he would have done if he had seen me like this. Normally he is an overly anxious person- maybe he would have given me a huge lecture and then treat my hands."

Binghe laughed in his mind, not noticing that his hands were becoming sluggish. Sleepiness was rapidly taking over his mind and body, and his world started spinning in the next moment. The axe dropped from his hands and landed directly on his toes. Hissing in pain he tried to pick up the axe but he lost the balance of his body and slumped down on the ground. The environment around him started to get a bit foggy and nothing felt real anymore.

-" You insolent brat! Are you slacking around?"

Binghe snapped his head towards the direction from where the familiar sound came. Standing in front of him was none other than Shen Qingqiu. The same pale green robe, the same headpiece, the same hairstyle, the same fan- everything was the same. Except there was no softness in his gaze, his lips weren't curved to form a smile. Instead the gaze was heated as if trying to pin down the other on the ground.

Binghe moved uncomfortably under the gaze. Feeling surprisingly familiar with this situation but not understanding what to do. He wondered if he somehow offended the other. He even thought about the possibilities of Qingqiu finding out that he was eavesdropping. But even if it was the case, would his Qingqiu behave like this with him now?

Almost...almost like the Shen Qingqiu described in the novel.

Qingqiu lowered his gaze that fixated on Binghe's right leg, that was now bleeding profusely. Binghe doesn't remember the axe hitting him that hard. At most, it would have created a simple red spot, but how come he isn't feeling any kind of pain when his toes are bleeding like this?

-" You hurt yourself?"

-" Shizun cares?" Binghe swears these words rolled out of his tongue automatically and unintentionally.

-" You dare question me?"

Qingqiu took out a small pouch from his sleeves and from the looks of it, it seemed like a medicinal pouch Qingqiu always carries with him.

Binghe let his Shizun take off his shoe and didn't utter a single word for a long while. He just watched how his wound was being treated- neither harshly nor gently. There was a cease in Qingqiu's forehead but that didn't seem like it was out of worry or something. Binghe's heart felt unnecessarily heavy with emotions he didn't know about.

He felt really childish, so much that his eyes started to get moistened.

He took a deep breath as a question automatically came to his tongue," Why is Shizun treating me now?"

-" Beast. I am treating you so that no one thinks I am abusing my disciples."

-" Is that so? But doesn't Shizun always order senior martial brother to...", Binghe felt tears falling from his eyes.

Why was he even asking these questions? Where were they coming from?

-" To what? You brat think that I order him to harass you? How lowly you think of your master!" Qingqiu harshly flicked on Binghe's forehead.

It hurt a lot. More than the dull pain on his leg.

Binghe bit his lower lips to stop himself from sobbing, and mumbled," I knew Shizun never told him to do so. But Shizun never stopped him either."

-" Because I don't care about what happens to a beast like you."

At this point, Binghe was uncontrollably sobbing. He felt so wronged and he didn't even know why. He isn't the one Qingqiu used to hate, then why? Where were these feelings coming from?

-" It's hurting Shizun...it's hurting a lot", Binghe didn't know if he was talking about his wound or his heart. He added," But Shizun still cared to treat me. Many thanks for that,Shizun."

These words came out rather sounding spiteful. Yet, not bothering to scold him anymore Qingqiu left the place leaving Binghe who was sobbing like a fourteen years old child. Binghe didn't know how much time he had passed there, sitting on the ground and sobbing his heart out. There was sadness, he felt wronged- the emotions were foreign, unknown and at the same time, they weren't.

-" Luo Binghe! Can you hear me? Hey, you became deaf or something? Wake up!"

Binghe opened his eyes while gasping for air. In front of him, there was a totally different person- Ming Fan. He didn't even realise when he had fallen asleep. The environment seemed more real now and fortunately there was no deep wound on his leg either.

-" So this was all a dream..."

-" What dream? What did you see that made you cry like this?" Ming Fan warily asked. He himself didn't realise when his hand went towards Binghe's face to wipe those tears.

-" I don't know...", Binghe patted on his chest, the heavy feeling gradually dissipating.

Ming Fan tried to sound a bit angry," If it's nothing then why are you slacking off like that? Go chop the firewood. Fill the wood shed. Fill the water jar."

Binghe looked at him confusedly," If I fill the wood shed, where would I sleep? Senior brother's room?"

Ming Fan's face showed several shades of red, until he yelled," Are you out of your mind? Why would I sleep with you! Go, do your work!" He left the place mumbling," I don't understand. I have been training diligently for so many years then why did Shizun recommend him to Liu Shishu but not me..."

Binghe's expressions softened and he huffed out a small laugh," So that's why his behaviour became a bit stingy. Jealousy is surely a disease."

He came to a conclusion that whatever he saw must have been the past memories of the original owner of this body. Alongside the faded uneasiness there was a bit of relief. As he got the confirmation- his Qingqiu actually never influenced Ming Fan to torture Luo Binghe...at least he didn't do that directly.

That was also a relief.

Everyone was changing- Ming Fan was changing, Ning Yingying was changing so why not his Qingqiu? Everyone changes for better- Binghe reasoned with a smile. And so, he didn't mark his Qingqiu's changed behaviour weird anymore and focused on his work. His mind too happy to remember the strange incident while feeding Qingqiu. Too happy to wonder, if what he saw in that dream was real- then how come it's so different from the novel?

The night time came sooner than Binghe had wanted. He was having a really nice tea time with his Qingqiu until he saw him trying to hold back a yawn. So he excused himself willingly and came back to his own wood shed. He was already feeling much happier and lighter after talking with his Qingqiu.

This wood shed had the least amount of furniture, and the thing that could be counted as an extra was the box hidden under the bed.

It would cost him three thousand B-points to open that box. So Binghe lost all of his interest from that box, even if he felt that something important was there. Cause the system was a cheapskate and looter as hell and he knew better than to spend his B-points carelessly, thank you very much.

" There, there, I am not even that special _"

-" I wasn't praising you!"

Binghe shed his outer robes and laid down on the hard surface of his bed. His back had become used to this after such a long time- so it didn't hurt anymore. Soon, he drifted into sleep but woke up as soon as he did.

But not in his wood shed, he woke up what seemed to be a whole different realm. He scanned the area and realised after a while.

-" Oh shit! The "Dream realm" plot!"

Notes:

Binghe: Is it possible that Shizun's soul is also...

System: *About to give him the highest amounts of B-points ever*

Binghe: Nah! Not possible! I am imagining things.

System: *Disappointed in coding language*

Chapter 17: Beyond the scene

Summary:

Sorry for the late ~ actually my results were published. And I managed to get more than 80% in all the subjects (except one ehem nvm) so I now have a bit of free time to write. Enjoy

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The place he was standing at seemed poorly pixelated. He wasn't even sure if he was standing at the ground or just floating randomly. He had to close and open his eyes a few times to adjust to the constantly changing atmosphere around him. His heart was drumming inside his chest- he knew nothing bad would happen here. At least as per the novel.

But he knew he had to be careful while making decisions here. Two reasons- Ning Yingying was supposed to be here as well inside his dream realm as his most trusted person. And most importantly- the dream demon's supposed to make his entry here. Though he doubts that it wouldn't be Ning Yingying who would enter inside his dream this time.

Just as a name was about to come to his mind- he saw the person a few steps ahead of him. His back was turned towards Binghe but it didn't take him a second glance to know who it was.

-" Shizun!" Binghe happily yelled and ran towards him ignoring the uneasiness caused by the dream," Shizun! You're also here!"

Shen Qingqiu was deep in his thoughts- staring at seemingly nothing and frowning as if he was talking to someone. Binghe scanned him with his eyes from head to toe- Qingqiu's long hair was lying loosely on his back, no trace of his outer robes over the thin white coloured inner robe for sleeping, his face glowing softly- it's visible because Qingqiu didn't have the fan with him to hide half of his face. Binghe almost felt that this Qingqiu was just a hallucination, just a part of the dream.

Otherwise, how would he be so lucky to witness his Qingqiu so out of his usual proper self like this? At the same time, he felt immensely happy that it was Qingqiu whom his heart recognized as his most trusted person. Also it would be easier to stay around his Qingqiu to progress the plot and at the same time gain points for filling the trashy plot holes.

Noticing that Qingqiu barely acknowledged his presence beside him, he called out for him thrice at a row. Just to annoy him.

Who wants to be ignored?

-" Shizun. Shizun. Shizun. I am here. Shizun."

He was literally beaming with happiness that even though he planned to annoy his Qingqiu a bit, he couldn't hold back his contagious smile. Qingqiu made a annoyed sound with his tongue and turned towards Binghe just to flick on his forehead.

-" No need to call me this much. I heard you the first time just fine."

Binghe nodded with a smile," Sure, Shizun, this disciple understands. But how come Shizun is here also? Do you know what this place is?"

He was planning to show off his knowledge about this place- already prepared to deliver a self made seemingly intellectual speech about what a dream realm was. Shen Qingqiu wasn't supposed to know about such demonic matters. Moreover, there were only a few who could properly pull off this technique. Evidently, not many demon knew about this technique either except the noble ones. Yet Qingqiu's next words shocked him a lot.

-" Yes, I know. This is a dream realm."

Binghe felt a bit sceptical. Were immortal cultivators supposed to know about this demonic technique? How much did he know and from where- Binghe realised that he wasn't in any position to ask them. He decided to just play along.

-" Dream realm? Then why am I here, Shizun?"

He tilted his head feigning innocence. Intending to know just how much knowledge his Qingqiu has about this demonic technique.

-" Silly. Who would be here if not you? This is your dream realm."

Binghe nodded," Shizun knows the best. So my dream realm looks like this..."

Qingqiu's knowledge about this matter could be explained though. Binghe had noticed from the start that Qingqiu's room was filled with rare kind of books and scrolls. Which were mostly details and stories about unseen or unknown or extinct cultivation techniques and ferocious yet useful beasts. Sometimes during their regular tea time, Qingqiu would subconsciously mention one or two such beasts and the rest of the time he would lose himself while explaining about those beasts to Binghe. The enthusiasm Binghe showed while listening to those hour long descriptions about various beasts weren't anyway less than Qingqiu's. Though he cared more about his Qingqiu's smile during then than those monster's abilities.

-" This isn't a normal dream realm", Qingqiu habitually moved his hand in front of his face awkwardly, forgetting for a moment that he didn't have the fan with him," I am afraid someone interfered with you while you were unaware. The spirit power in the dream realm is strong and unstable. This master was unknowingly pulled in by you."

Binghe faked his guilty expression," This disciple is useless, Shizun. But may I know how come no one but Shizun got pulled into my dream realm while this disciple stays at the furthest wood shed?"

" Oh man, he really wishes he had his fan with him right now, doesn't he?"

Binghe kept staring at Qingqiu to see what kind of explanation would be given by him. He could literally see the gears of Qingqiu's head moving at a rapid speed until it shut down completely.

-" It's like...it's like...your brain..subconsciously chose the one you feel comfortable with the most. It's something like that probably."

-" Then my brain surely made the right choice", Binghe held back his laughter seeing his Qingqiu frustrated with all his teasings.

" Ain't he so easily gullible?"

" Anyone would be flustered if someone with your kind of face teased them.

5 B-points for your chessiness."

-" So I was saying", Qingqiu cleared his throat," There is demonic energy around the edges of the dream realm. This kind of move must be from a demon."

-" Demon realm people are truly poisonous at heart, right Shizun?"

-" Poisonous and shameless, it could be that the demon have the opposite feeling", Qingqiu smiled.

Binghe loved the way Qingqiu didn't pronounce the word demon in a malicious way. Instead, he uttered it as a regular word with a serene expression. Strangely, it filled his heart with bubbles.

If anyone hadn't guessed, the one who interfered with Binghe's dream was none other than Sha Hualing. The reason was also obvious- her heart was moved seeing the protagonist and what a protagonist would be without a bit of bullying and suffering then gaining victory over the world...from her point of view certainly. She was the most submissive and docile one in original Binghe's harem stated in the novel. No wonder Binghe favoured her longer than the others.

Binghe also smiled seeing the other," Then what should be done to get out of this?"

Qingqiu titled his head slightly in thought," This isn't an ordinary dream realm and is made very exquisitely. I am afraid destroying the core of the dream would cause no one to be able to get out of this."

-" That is to say, we will forever be trapped inside this dream? Just Shizun and me?"

-" And why do you look ecstatic about it?"

-" No, no, Shizun. I don't dare."

-" This disciple", Qingqiu shook his head," We need to break out of this enchantment as soon as possible."

Binghe heard a notification coming from the system.

" System warning: The Dream Realm plot would be starting properly from now on. Make sure to make your choices correctly.

Otherwise, you would be losing 1000 endearment points. Do you accept this mission? You have three exclusive options.

Accept willingly

Accept unwillingly

Accept however

Let me know _ "

" The fuck! Why are the options always like this! And 1000 endearment points! Are you even a human?!"

" No. I am a system. Thanks for accepting the mission. I wish you good luck."

Binghe cursed the system one last time in his mind and directed his attention towards Qingqiu. Who was wearing the same kind of frown on his face just not while facing towards Binghe.

-" What is the matter Shizun?"

Qingqiu came back to himself and calmly said," Nothing. The dream demons usually attack the weakest part of a person's heart. You should prepare yourself", he patted on Binghe's chest where his heart was located to encourage him.

And the fact that Binghe's not so small tiddies were sensitive and were situated in front of his heart like a barrier- didn't help Binghe calm down at all. Instead, it just riled him up more while his Shizun seemed satisfied with the earnest encouragement he gave to his disciple.

Binghe tried to school his expressions," This disciple wouldn't let Shizun be implicated again."

What kind of a muddled luck it was to be trapped inside a teenager's body. Earlier he had complained about this world's God. But wasn't the person who created this world Airplane shooting towards the sky? Binghe might have to thank him for this- a cringy sister plot got handed over to his most loved not so scum villain. How good is that.

Binghe walked beside his Shizun for a while. Sometimes he said he was feeling dizzy so that Qingqiu would hold his hand not to let him fall, sometimes he said he was afraid of this place so that Qingqiu would hold him close. And that's how Binghe ended up being plastered to Qingqiu's left side. Binghe was feeling ecstatic while Qingqiu was genuinely concerned thinking about him.

The concern was justified. The place was hugely uncomfortable. Above their heads, the clouds in the sky and the scenery around them seemed like a kaleidoscope. It stretched, twisted, broke into pieces then gathered again. Binghe was awestruck- some because of the scenery and mostly because the description given in the novel about this place was to the point.

One of the very few parts of the novel where the author had described something else other the romance. And genuinely the description couldn't have been more real- this place seemed exactly like how it was described.

All on a sudden, a city from the black clouds appeared in front of them.

Qingqiu solemnly said," Counter soldiers with arms, water with earth. Enter."

Raising his head, Binghe watched the city gate intently. It felt way too familiar but the constant distortion made him a bit confused. It wasn't abnormal for Binghe to recognize the city gate- this was the place where original one had wandered as a beggar in his childhood. He almost felt the original one's homesickness seeing all these.

-" Let's go", Qingqiu pulled him inside the city, naturally there were no guards so they didn't face any problem while entering.

This dream was truly horrible. Everything felt like a block of colours- the streets, the stalls, the walls and everything. The lights brightly lit with people coming and going- some even evoked a sense of familiarity. Like the faded red dress with a huge flower embroidered on it which a little girl was wearing. Or the stall that was selling some bizarre looking clay figurines and some decent looking lanterns. Not to mention the certain side of a wall- Binghe felt like he knew there was someone's name engraved on it.

And he was right. When they went closer- he could clearly spot the word "Jiu" written on it. Binghe smiled unknowingly while tracing the word.

-" Binghe, look."

Qingqiu pulled his attention towards the people that were seemingly busy in their own world. Binghe had prepared his heart for the worst but what he saw was something more than the worst.

Those people had no face at all!

A series of "Error 404: Logic not found" showed up in his find.

The faces were just a faded, unclear impression. Resembling a smudged painting on a canvas. No sound came from them either. The silence was eerie like a cold shiver that was waiting to run down his spine. Binghe went, if possible, closer to Qingqiu in fear and looked at him for explanation.

This people having no face wasn't mentioned in the novel! The original good was described to be too busy to deal with Ning Yingying to notice these details!

Qingqiu managed to keep himself calm," This is a city which is built using dreams. Houses and such are made from dead things and thus can be created like this. Live people can't be created, however, can be made into this indescribable noseless faceless things. Someone to be able to create such a vast dreamscape in such a short time- I am afraid there's only one person."

-" The dream demon", he muttered.

-" Binghe knows about this?"

-" Huh? Uh...uhm..this disciple just knows a bit."

The dream demon was the dream's Boss.

The dream demon was a famous and powerful demon Elder. Hundreds of years ago, the demon had its fleshy body destroyed in a fight with an equally, if not even more, powerful demon. However, this dream demon's soul was powerful enough to be able to remain intact and parasite on people's dream. Relying on receiving spiritual power and refined energy to survive.

The readers were curious to know what had happened to the other powerful demon. Who had supposedly misused his power to sabotage and defeat the dream demon.

But who are we kidding? The author of this novel knew nothing except tooth rotting "fluff", romance and "papapa for life"!

This dream demon was also the protagonist's number one Shifu.

Cliche once again. The demon saw potential in the protagonist when he broke out of the enchantment and recognized his root. It took all of his body's worth of lost knowledge and passed it into his hands, also coming out with a plan from time to time to give him a hand.

Binghe was about to ask some more questions when his eyes spotted something. He froze in place witnessing that.

-" What's the matter?" Qingqiu lowered his voice even though no one would listen their conversation anyway.

-" Shizun, I saw some people with faces in the crowd", Binghe whispered looking at Qingqiu.

Well, that felt intense to look at Qingqiu from this close. Binghe would have to just be on his tiptoes and he would be able to-

-" Oh my!"

Binghe felt his right shoulder almost getting dislocated as Qingqiu started dashing to chase those peoples. Forgetting that he was holding Binghe's hand all the time. Ignoring the throbbing pain in his arm, Binghe ran with him and after seven turns and eight bends- they stopped in front of a small alley.

There were five people in total. There faces were clear rather than a vague mess of colours. Four of those teenagers were standing with their backs facing the other two behind them and one was lying miserably on the floor.

-" They don't seem like they can see us."

Qingqiu thought Binghe would need explanation again, so he started on his own," The dream demon truly can't use dream to create people. But these people weren't created by the dream. Luo Binghe, look carefully."

Seeing Binghe all silent, Qingqiu continued," They are actually projections of real people existing in your memories."

Binghe felt his head throbbing in pain. He couldn't move his gaze from those four teenagers or the poorly dressed child who was lying curled up on the ground. Silently getting beaten to pulp by the others. Binghe unknowingly mimicked the way the beaten child was holding his head with both hands.

-" The mixed breed kid who hasn't grown eyes dares to come to his brother's turf to get a job!"

-" Tired of living!"

-" Step on him to death! Isn't he pitiful for having nothing to eat? Just kill him so that he wouldn't have to suffer anymore. Tell, wouldn't you be grateful you beast?"

Binghe's gaze was fixated at the tragic weak little figure on the ground. He could see his current face's slightly younger version on that boy. It was "Luo Binghe" in his past years. Loose and messy hair, skin covered in blood and amidst that mess- two pair of eyes like two sharp swords- met each other.

-" Li Wei...Hong Lei...Rong Jiu...Hong Cai...I remember their names Shizun."

Were their names ever mentioned in the novel- Binghe didn't bother to remember. He was just frozen, his heart wasn't prepared for this assault even though he had known since the start that he would be seeing this.

-" Binghe."

His vision got blocked as he felt a hand behind his nape and another on his back. He got pulled into a warm hug in the next moment and Binghe automatically let his head rest on the other one's chest. If he wasn't feeling so numb all on a sudden, he would've probably cried his heart out due to this hug and his overwhelming emotions. The hand that was rubbing his back to give him comfort helped him a lot to stay focused.

-" Binghe, your Shizun is here", Qingqiu whispered," These are just illusions."

Binghe couldn't help but lean into the touch more.

Notes:

Binghe, a professional cultivation novel reader: "Shizun look coloured no face!"

Qingqiu who actually understood the reference of white no face: ????????Binghe???????

Chapter 18: Ink on paper

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

However this was the Dream Demon they're dealing with who was the best at using the feelings in the depth of people's heart. Bringing out their most ancient terrors, anger or bitterness and thus breaking their psychological defenses. Till now, no one known had been able to break free from such dreams.

There were some voices inside Binghe's head that were telling him to control himself. Maybe it was just him trying to control his hazy mind but the aspects of original Binghe's life was suspiciously affecting him more than he had thought. The comforting rubs on his nape were appreciated but he couldn't hold himself back when he heard those bullies use vulgar words to refer his mother.

Binghe was gradually losing his awareness and the thin line between dream and reality, past and present was slowly fading away. So when he tried to punch those boys on their face, his fist went through their bodies. He tried to punch them again and again but the result was just the same everytime. He had to helplessly hear them sprouting bad things about himself and his mother.

Wait...she isn't my mother, Binghe had to remind himself.

-" Binghe", Shen Qingqiu came in front of him and gently encircled his fist with both of his hands," See? They are just illusions. You can't touch them. This is the Dream Demon's illusion."

Qingqiu paused in his steps suddenly when he looked at Binghe's eyes. Binghe didn't know why he was being stared at or what Qingqiu was muttering to who knows whom- but the gentle caresses on his fingers became sluggish and Qingqiu's face contorted in confusion.

Within a moment, the small illusion of the two people twisted and became another scene.

Binghe realised his unstable mind state was taking both of them deeper inside the dream realm but he was helpless at this point.

This time what appeared in front of them was a dilapidated cottage. Inside there was only one bed and one crooked little table. A small mat was rolled up and hidden under the bed. On that bed, lay a brittle old woman who was striving to support herself and sit up. Binghe tried to step forward to help her but someone beat him to that. A ten years old boy with a young and childish face ran inside instantly. Around his neck, he still wore the jade pendant.

Binghe's hand subconsciously moved to touch his own jade pendant that wasn't there anymore. When his hands reached his chest, he realised another warm hand was already present there. Comforting him with gentle pats, as if he knew what Binghe was thinking about.

-" Don't let it affect you, Binghe."

He heard the whisper but his brain decided to ignore it.

In front of him, the little Binghe said," Mother, how come you are trying to get up again? Didn't you say you'd get better if you rested?"

Binghe shook his head absentmindedly," She wouldn't. Shizun, she didn't get better..."

The hands around his body wrapped him more tightly than before.

That old woman said," Lying down doesn't get anything done. It would be better to rise from the bed and wash the clothes."

Little Binghe said," I have already washed them. Mother, you just lie down and wait for me to brew the medicines. You eat the medicines, get better and then do the work."

Binghe say his little version brew the medicines with great attention and felt a pang inside his heart. He didn't know how but he felt like he knew that those were the wrong medicines. He knew that a vendor had tricked little Binghe into buying the most expensive medicine he had. Saying that it would cure whatever disease his mother had.

Little Binghe had believed him back then and had spent all of his savings he had earned through begging in the streets.

The woman's face was greyish white, due to her disease she looked more aged than usual. Although her death was knocking at the door, she smiled and put her hand on little Binghe's head," Binghe, you are really obedient."

Little Binghe happily smiled," Mother, what do you want to eat?"

The woman replied," I have less and less appetite to eat nowadays. Last time our estate's young master poured out that white congee. I'm inclined to have a try but I don't know whether the kitchens have any left over."

Little Binghe vigorously bent his head and said," I'll go and ask for mother."

-" Just asking will be fine. If there isn't any leftover, just any other regular light and watery dish to fill the stomach will do."

Little Binghe ran outside quickly to bring food for his mother. But the Binghe witnessing all these knew what was about to happen. He extended his hands and whispered to himself,

-" Don't go, please don't go..."

Praying that somehow his words would reach to that Binghe, although he knew there was nothing they both could at that moment.

And before his eyes, the main trauma of Binghe's life played once again.

That woman started coughing roughly once little Binghe left the cottage. She was having terrible breathing problems and kept hitting her chest in agony. Seeing her like this even Qingqiu's eyes teared up. In his arms, Binghe was trembling- his hand was extended towards that cottage. As if he would be able to hold his mother's hand and take away the pain.

Qingqiu couldn't let him touch those illusions again.

-" Luo Binghe! Look clearly, this isn't your mother. You aren't the weak child unable to fight back anymore."

The dream's killing power was based on handicapping people's emotions. The more they would feel, the greater the damage would be. It was extremely necessary to be careful to avoid touching those vivid illusions. All those illusions were a part of the dreamer's own consciousness and heart. Attacking them would mean attacking oneself. Many people didn't understand it and acted on their impulse. Thus ended up getting trapped in eternal sleep.

Qingqiu saw Binghe turning towards him to bury his head in his chest. The whole time Binghe had tried to control his emotions but this time watching his mother die in front of him broke him from the inside. Not knowing why it was affecting him this much, he hugged Qingqiu tighter. Hoping to stop the scenarios from changing again and again.

But it did change. Binghe couldn't see what was being shown in front of them, but Qingqiu clearly saw everything. The Binghe who was begging the wealthy young master to give his mother a bit of congee to eat, the time when he had just entered Qing Jing peak, all his apprentice brothers excluding and making things difficult for him, a small figure struggling to carry a rusty axe, that little one's jade pendant getting lost never to be found again- everything hurtful played before them.

Binghe was forcing himself to fight against his urge to turn towards those scenes. But at a point the chaos become so much that his senses got cut off from the outer world. He could neither see nor hear his Qingqiu, when he extended his hands blindly he couldn't even feel his Qingqiu near him anymore. Terrifyingly, the resentment, despair, anger, sadness was piling over his heart making him swerve from his better judgement.

Everything was a mess inside him now.

He could feel something unknown and unfamiliar flowing through his veins. He could feel his body strongly responding to that unfamiliarity. He didn't know if he was still being embraced by Qingqiu or not but he desperately hoped that he wasn't. Cause the built up fury was telling him attack whatever was in front of him. Until it crushed into pieces.

The urge to feel blood on his hands was heavier than ever.

At the very last moment, when the unknown gathering of spiritual energy was about to be released from his hands like a grenade- he felt his bones getting crushed by someone's hands wrapping around him.

With a painful scream, Binghe held his head tightly with both hands. He felt like he might crush his own head with this inhuman force of himself. The burst of such strong energy made him feel like a maniac for a while and then everything quieted down all at once. Just a faint sound of something like a glass shattering and then nothing at all for a long while.

-" Shizun?" It was the first word that came out of his mouth after the illusion shattered.

He opened his eyes which met with the calming light of the moon. The place they're at was like a remote and dense forest. The sky was dark blue which was making him a bit dizzy for no reason. Looking ahead he saw his Qingqiu kneeling on the ground. Qingqiu's head was hung low and he was hugging his own body. Trembling just like the tree leave that's about to fall down in winter season.

-" Shizun...?" Binghe gulped in fear but there was no response from the latter one.

Binghe slowly glanced towards his own body, the remaining of the horrible unfamiliar spiritual energy was still there. He connected the dots instantly- it was Qingqiu who had hugged him before he attacked and it was also Qingqiu who saved him from getting trapped into an eternal sleep. His face turned pale instantly.

The system was saying something to him, maybe deducting his points or something but he could care less about his mere B-points.

Binghe flew towards Qingqiu side. Afraid to hold him, afraid to touch him all while resisting the urge to hug the pain away from Qingqiu's body. His hands remained in the air awkwardly not knowing where to put them and how to reduce the trembling of the other one.

-" Shizun! You! You should have hit me back! Why didn't you hit me back!"

He raised his voice a bit as he sobbed in regret. He didn't cry because his Qingqiu's wellbeing was related to his survival here, he cried because he realised how deeply his world revolved around the other man. And how deeply it hurt him to know that he himself was the one who attacked him. He knew it for sure that Qingqiu totally had the capacity to dissolve the attack and attack him back with equal force too.

But his Qingqiu chose not to. He blocked the attack and endured it to keep his disciple safe.

It wasn't what Binghe had expected him to do, even after Qingqiu's changed behaviour.

Qingqiu smiled and said some words from his heart," Silly child. The original purpose was for you not to get hurt. If I hit back and hurt you, would there be any meaning?"

Binghe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

He cursed himself in his mind. No, he wanted his scum villain back who's supposed to think about himself first. As much as he loved this changed version of his scum villain, he disliked it as much cause this change was proving to be really bad for his heart. Too bad yet felt too good at the same time.

-" But the one who's hurt now is Shizun...I should just go and die!"

" As if blocking that demon's attack for me wasn't enough, he just had to throw himself in front of my insanity too! Why did he change so much!"

Shen Qingqiu realising Binghe's inner turmoil, softened his pained expressions and said," This master's cultivation is strong. Being hit a few times doesn't matter to me. See I am already fine."

Binghe hung his head low, only the sound of his own heartbeat and both of their steady breathing could be heard in the comfortable silence. It almost felt too intimate for him. A self proclaimed intimacy he liked far too much than his own good.

After a long while, Binghe slowly muttered," It's all my fault."

Shen Qingqiu was flabbergasted as Binghe's eyes started to water. He quickly moved his hand and catched the teardrop with his finger before flicking gently on the younger one's forehead.

-" It's not your fault, Binghe. Demon Realm people have despicable methods that can't be avoided. However, if you don't want this to be repeated, you can only become stronger."

Binghe just looked at him. It's not fair- why was this man able to make him fall in love with him again and again.

He knelt and went closer to Qingqiu so that he could rest his forehead on Qingqiu's shoulder. A hand came to rub his head habitually that made him feel peaceful.

In his modern life, he had fell in love with an animated character- Shen Qingqiu- that didn't even have a proper face of it's own. He was whatever people assumed him to be, whatever people drew him like. Call it addiction, craziness or obsession- but Binghe had fell in love with an ink on paper that couldn't feel for him in any possible way.

Binghe was alright with this as why wouldn't he be? He used to treasure his attraction towards that animated Shen Qingqiu but it was always put on the back of his mind. Always present and secured.

It was strange how he used to use this treasure of his as his only solace- beside A-Yuan.

But that time, that ink on paper had no emotions of his own. So Binghe was free to imagine as many scenarios as he wanted with him. He imagined them having a long late night talk, he imagined them going out for walks, he imagined them having quarrels then talking it out. That came with lots of comforting hugs and kisses. Single life facts. When he had shared his weird domestic fantasies with A-Yuan, he had somewhat expected to be laughed at. But who knew A-Yuan was just the same as him.

Unknowingly, making up cute little scenarios inside his head with another ink on paper- Luo Binghe. Saying that it was super normal to have "fantasies" about a male book character while being a straight as a ruler boy.

That dense hopeless fool.

After transmigrating here, there had been several moments where Binghe had said several 'I love you's inside his mind that were directed to Shen Qingqiu. As just because of him, he could divert his mind from homesickness. But those never felt more real before, not more than it is feeling today at this moment. His Qingqiu, Shen Qingqiu is now a living breathing human being- Binghe didn't care if he was just a creation of a shitty writer before. He had loved the scum villain Shen Qingqiu back then, he loves the gentle Shizun of his now. Even if this one was supposed to turn into a scum villain again, his feelings wouldn't change. No matter what, he'd gamble his life just to ensure a proper closure for his man.

What will happen after that, he didn't want to think about that now. He just wanted to let the realisation dawn on him properly- that his feelings now weren't only directed to an ink on paper rather than a living breathing human. Whose simple touch felt so reassuring and intoxicating. Binghe buried his head deeper, not wanting to show his face to Qingqiu now.

He wasn't aware what kind of expression he's wearing but he's sure that it wasn't suitable on a face of a mere teenager. He laughed in his mind thinking about Qingqiu's freaked out reaction. He wanted to say so many things to the man embracing him now. But the only four words he could say was-

-" I understand you Shizun."

Lifting his head a bit, he mouthed to himself- I trust you. After realising that he was deep into the sweet torment, he couldn't say those three words properly. So what he couldn't say in words, he said in his thoughts.

"Wo ai ni Qingqiu."

Notes:

Shen Yuan: Having "fantasies" about a male character doesn't mean I like boys. I am straight as a ruler.

One transmigration later*

Shen Yuan/Shen Qingqiu: *married Luo Binghe*

"Ahem I never mentioned which kinda ruler though "

Chapter 19: Dear OG protagonist

Summary:

Binghe finally discovers one of the biggest plot twists.

Notes:

Man...this dream demon arc is equivalent to the Yi city arc and the sinner's pit arc for me. I feel like if I read or see these arcs one more time, the words would start appearing on my forehead no hate, even though I am a svsss main...this was the hardest chapter for me to finish...thankfully this arc is ending the next chapter. Yay...

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Unwillingly after a while, Binghe straightened up his body lest it should be deemed as inappropriate by his master. He should praise his Qingqiu as he managed to digest such a corny cheesy scene that is only seen in the movies and dramas.

The scenes where the protagonist realizes the acidic reaction he was feeling inside his heart instead of stomach was actually him falling in love. Not real acidity. Generally those sope operas make it so cringeworthy that it's tough to watch them at one go. Who would have known that those scenes happen in reality too?

These scenes are perfect for the first kisses also but...

Damn this age gap!!

Qingqiu's hand was still on his head, gently smoothing out his hair that has become a bird's nest due to his craziness. Binghe always had a huge respect for those who had curly hair- no matter how much it increased someone's appeal, it was hard to keep it from going haywire. He didn't want to know how he was looking right now, but the fond smile on Qingqiu's face told him he might not be looking so bad after all.

-" However", Qingqiu dutifully fixed his disciple's hair and said," You don't need to dwell on it too much. If you have no way of becoming strong, I'll always be by your side and protect you."

Qingqiu's thoughts while saying these were pure and fatherly enough- he thought he only gave the protagonist some reassurance. That might be useful to save his life from being sacrificed in near future.

Little did he know, that someone had mild daddy issues.

Life in the modern world was way too different from life in this ancient world. Hearing such encouraging words from someone specifically from one's parents was like a daydream in a daydream. If that made any kind of sense. You won't find anyone who would express such a straightforward and warm commitment towards you. The world was way too large, how many would say " you don't have to be strong, I will stay here and protect you" and be genuine with it? Moreover the modern world is all about "survival of the fittest".

If you aren't fit, you're out.

This world wasn't a total opposite of the modern world though- if not more competitive in some sectors. So hearing such words from Qingqiu did something to Binghe's heart. Cause he believed those words weren't empty at all.

" I think you are referring to the acidic reaction."

Binghe almost snorted at this message. Wish he had some antacids for his heart. Seeing the subtle change in Binghe's face Qingqiu coughed a little to clear the awkwardness and held his wrist to say,

-" Well, first help me up."

" Bridal style. Do it bridal style. I will give you 500 B-points!"

Binghe was trying his best to calm himself down until now. When he heard GT's words he started feeling unusually warm all over. Specially the place of his wrist touched by Qingqiu. He felt his face heating up and the heat creeped down from his face to his chest and before it could go even more downwards, Binghe slammed on his chest and pulled Qingqiu up abruptly.

" If my junior wakes up now, I swear I-!!"

" Don't worry, it will be going down in 3...2..1!"

-" Hey!" All on a sudden someone's voice rang out," You brat actually broke this old man's enchantment. Definitely not a simple person.

The voice was surely of an old person but much more rough than a concrete block. GT was right, all the excitement that was building up inside Binghe's body flew away as soon as it heard the cracked voice.

Something else took the place of his previous excitement- fear.

The boss of the dream had finally appeared. According to the novel, Binghe is supposed to accept the dream demon's invitation to be his disciple. This would be proved to be his biggest disadvantage during the abyss scene- as he would keep Qingqiu unaware of his demonic trainings he got from the dream demon. Also the fact that he took another one as his "Shizun" while being Qingqiu's disciple made the villain even angrier. One things led to another and next thing the original protagonist knew he was dropping down in the abyss.

Binghe's current target was to somehow avoid the dream demon's proposals and take Qingqiu out of this dream unscathed. But that demon appearing while his Qingqiu is injured because of him- didn't seem like an advantageous situation.

He just hoped the villainous halo of his Qingqiu was still active and would trigger a death flag if he was to be harmed by the dream demon. And the demon knew better than killing a potential demonic prodigy. Binghe made up his mind- if the situation turned towards the worst, he would just have to try to delay the demon's attacks to leave a slim chance for his Qingqiu to escape.

He had only made up his mind when the voice spoke again," Hey come over here. Let this old man take a look, and see what kind of young hero has this kind of skill."

Binghe looked at Qingqiu, if he didn't give his permission to go near the voice it would be easier for Binghe. But the next thing he said made Binghe wonder if he had accidentally hit his beloved's head a while ago.

-" The other person is asking this young hero. What's your response?"

Binghe's face turned sour," Breaking through elder's enchantment is all because of me relying on my Shizun's power. I don't dare to be called a young hero."

The voice snorted and sounded disdainful. Binghe knew why that demon acted like this- it's because one can break out of the enchantment wholly relying on one's own mental strength. Which needs to be either as extraordinary or as inhuman as possible. But it was also true that if Qingqiu hadn't helped him block the attack things could have got complicated. However, Qingqiu spoke again-

-" Is your Excellency Elder Dream Demon?"

" Qingqiu ah...why are you conversing with him? This isn't a meet and greet. I'm telling you if you keep this up I am gonna change the order of your alphabetically arranged book shelves!"

Binghe tried to pass his unsaid threats to Qingqiu but the later one seemed to get more confused.

The voice said again," This old man will allow this brat to come over, but I don't want this common Cang Qiong Mountain Sect cultivator to come over. Let him sleep first."

Well, Binghe was aware of this plot point which was going forward exactly like in the novel. It's just instead of Shen Qingqiu the one to be kicked out of the realm was Ning Yingying. He heard a grunt from Qingqiu and instantly he collapsed on the ground. To make sure he was actually knocked out, he called him cautiously-

-" Shizun?"

" No response. Great, it's better for us if you're asleep now love."

The dream demon said," No need to worry. This old man just sent him in a dream within a dream, letting him sleep deeper. You! Come over quickly!"

Binghe was more than annoyed hearing that rough voice, so much that he wanted to ask that demon if he regularly smoked or not.

-" I will be calling this Elder Shizun as a mark of courtesy so please don't make it hard for us. We have already broken the enchantment, please allow us to go."

The demon snickered," Brat! I saw two sets of your memories. Your Shizun doesn't even treat you well. If I help you get rid of him, it's me only helping you."

Hearing this Binghe instinctively stood in front of Qingqiu to brace his unconscious body. The demon's words weren't false either cause the original Binghe's most of the memories about his Shizun consisted only negative things.

He shook his head," Shizun isn't like what Elder thinks. If nothing else can be said, Shizun is Shizun. He can treat me however he wants. As his disciple, painful or not, I am willing to accept anything he bestows on me."

" Masochism point: 5 B-points.

I am impressed with you. You keep opening new sectors for gaining points. Not bad."

" Be quiet!"

The volume of that demon's voice increased," Pedantic! The Human realm's righteous path is always a form of hypocrisy. Who cares if he is your master or not, if you respect him or not. Once someone angers me, I kill them. He knew your cultivation wasn't enough to go against Tian Chui but he still sent you out. This kind of behaviour doesn't seem odd to you?"

Binghe cursed the system in his mind. It wasn't Qingqiu's fault that Binghe had to go against Tian Chui, it was the system's fault. Airplane shooting towards the sky's fault!

He shook his head and said," At that time I also didn't believe that I would be able to win. But it was only Shizun who believed in me, gave me the opportunity to prove myself and also encouraged me during the fight. I could win just because of him."

Two sentences he just muttered," He has saved me quite a few times. He isn't the villain anymore."

Something was confusing the dream demon. He had peeked into Shen Qingqiu's consciousness also and he felt he found something that possibly even Qingqiu didn't know about himself. But he didn't dwell on that problem much as he was pleased with Binghe's attitude.

-" Brat. You are a man of strong passion and willpower."

Binghe smiled," Elder has to see who my Shizun is."

The demon's mouth twitched. Can't this brat say anything without connecting it to his Shizun?

-" So, I was saying, this old man feels that there's something on your body that's extraordinary. But I don't know what it is. Actually, there are two extraordinary things to be precise."

Binghe scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. The demon wasn't supposed to add the last line. There's supposed to be one extraordinary thing- which was Binghe's demonic heritage. He couldn't guess what could be the other thing.

He said slightly surprised," Elder says there are two extraordinary things? Even Elder can't see?"

The demon laughed mischievously," I can recite my ancestral line right here, but someone even more outstanding than this old man to seal something in your body isn't an impossibility."

Binghe wanted to get to the point fast," Elder means I have something related to demons in my body, right?"

-" Why don't you look shocked? You knew about it before? And what, unsatisfied? In a hurry to make a clean split from demons."

-" Elder understands me well. The demon realm has hurt my Shizun gravely, so naturally I wouldn't want to have any relation with them."

The dream demon's patience was lost. He burst in anger," Shizun this Shizun that. Can you even say three words without mentioning your Shizun. What now? Will the next thing you say be like how can you get your Shizun out of here?"

-" Elder understands me really well."

Elder Demon gloomily said," It isn't like I don't want to tell you, it's just I am really powerless here. If you can't discern reality why talk about getting out of here? If it wasn't because of your extraordinary traits I would have killed you both sooner. It would have taken less time. Do you think this old man is very leisurely?"

Binghe mentally rolled his eyes.

" You come and act like a parasite on my dreams. Keep blabbering about my extraordinary traits not saying the rest of the explanations for half a day. If you aren't leisurely, then who's leisurely? Author Airplane?"

-" I said I am powerless but it doesn't mean I don't have a way."

Binghe remained quiet unlike the Elder had expected. And when he sensed the Elder's frustration, he quickly said," Oh? Is Elder willing to tell me the way?"

-" Brat! At least try to sound sincere! This Elder can teach you not only to suppress him but also more beneficial things."

" He is sounding like those perverts one can find in the streets."

Binghe snorted out loud...accidentally.

-" You want me to cultivate the demonic part."

-" You dare laugh at me? What's wrong with cultivating the demonic path? I think your second unique trait and demonic heritage can help you cultivate at a pace as rapid as a thousand li a day. Stand over ten thousand peoples. Even becoming a Supreme Immortal Demon is nothing impossible."

Binghe wanted to pick his ears, the voice was too hard to keep listening to for a long time.

" Yeah, I cultivate the demonic path and let my love throw me down the abyss again,right? No, thanks. I don't want to see my Qingqiu's betrayed or hurt expressions."

-" No, thanks", he said flatly," But may I ask what is thing second trait Elder is talking about?"

The demon still didn't back down," If aren't willing to learn from me I am afraid I won't be revealing that to you. And you would find it hard to suppress your demonic heritage as the time goes by. You demonic seal is already weakened because of the second existence in your body. Wait until it reveals itself in front of your Shizun. How would he react then?"

Binghe's mind went into a spiral.

Second existence? There could be two possible meanings. First, original Binghe's and transmigrated Binghe's soul was co-existing and Elder demon was talking just about that. Or second, what Elder demon was seeing was completely different from what Binghe was understanding.

-" Second existence? Does Elder mean two souls by any chance...?"

-" I kind of do. However, both are your own souls but has two separate existence. They are fused together but hold three different sets of memories that are also similar in some kind of way...it's confusing me greatly from the start. Brat, you are definitely something beyond my understanding!"

Binghe's face was expressionless. He might have understood something...

" GT, just listen to me and stop me if I am wrong. The body I am residing in has the soul of the fifteen years old Binghe and if I am not wrong...I hope I am though...I mean is it like this- that my soul that transmigrated from the modern world got mixed with the original's ones or...I am actually...the reincarnation of the original one that had faced every single thing mentioned in the novel...? And I came back to my own past? That's why that demon said something about three different sets of memories. Isn't this too much of a cliche...GT? Please say my guess is wrong..."

He desperately waited for system's answer but when it did answer Binghe wanted to jump down to the abyss by himself.

" Congratulations !! Congratulations !! Congratulations !!

Important things must be said three times.

You have finally unlocked the most important part of your transmigration!!!

Discover protagonist's true identity: 1500 B-points!!!

Good luck unlocking the rest of your memories, our dear protagonist of PIDW."

Binghe felt a short circuit inside his brain.

WHAT! THE! FUCK! AIRPLANE!!!!

Notes:

Dun dun dun! Binghe's secret is revealed! What's left are the memories of his own past- wish him best of luck!

And wish our villain HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Chapter 20: The calm before the storm

Chapter Text

For a long while, Binghe couldn't hear what that demon was blabbering to him. He just stood there, frozen. The revelation wasn't something he was expecting. At best, he had guessed that the original one's soul was still residing in this body. But how could he have known that he himself was the original one?

So many questions were brought to light due to this nerve wrecking information.

If "Luo Binghe" wasn't just a character of Proud Immortal Demon Way and was actually a living being that existed in reality- then how on earth did the author write about him like this and say all the characters are their creation?

Let's say the author actually knew about the original Luo Binghe's life story. But then another question aroused. How did they know what happened in the dreamscape? No one aside Luo Binghe, Shen Qingqiu and the Dream Demon should be aware of the dream realm.

The main thing that poked his brain was- why is the storyline so distorted then?

Has it changed because of Luo Binghe's returning to the past or is it the author who changed the original story in their own way?

Binghe wasn't in a position to blindly guess anymore. Most of the memories of his past life was yet to be unlocked. By far, the information he has gathered are- Shen Qingqiu isn't the villain the story has made people assume him to be, it wasn't always Shen Qingqiu who ordered Ming Fan and his group to humiliate Binghe. The supposed villain never actually killed the Bai Zhan peak Lord- it was a pure accident. Also there was no reason for Qingqiu to kill Qingge cause judging by their behaviour "flirting" is a word that can be used for their interactions.

The most important fact about Shen Qingqiu? That he actually cared. He cared for his peak, he cared for his disciples. He cared for his disciple named Luo Binghe. He isn't exactly the aloof ruthless immortal of Cang Qiong Mountain who had no compassion or love in him.

Then why? Binghe asked himself- then why did I kill my Qingqiu with my own hands? Why did I give him such a miserable death?

The way the story was distorted- was it possible that Shen Qingqiu didn't throw him down the abyss willingly? Or it wasn't Shen Qingqiu to begin with? If these were one of the possibilities, then it could also be possible Binghe's hands weren't tainted with Qingqiu's blood. Yet he couldn't fully reassure himself yet cause he didn't know what kind of beast he had been in his past life. He could only be more careful from now on- to avoid being turned into the beast he was in the past. To avoid having any associations with the demons, to avoid accepting Dream Demon's teachings like he might've had in the past. To save his Qingqiu's life from having a tragic ending.

His Qingqiu would trust him fully then, right? Even if his demonic sigil got exposed someday, he wouldn't throw him down the abyss, right?

He remembered about the wishing festival. This fifteen years old Binghe must have wished something back then that caused the current transmigration. But he wasn't still sure about the wish Shen Qingqiu had made back then.

Everything was getting more and more twisted as the time passed. On top of that, the system which was a little shit wouldn't give him anymore hints about this. Only if he could find that damn Airplane, he would genuinely throw him towards the sky and say- NOW BE A SHOOTING STAR YOU OMINOUS AUTHOR!

-" You brat! You didn't listen to any of the words I just said, did you?!"

The Demon grunted in anger when the said brat still didn't bother to acknowledge his presence. If he wished he could surely take a peak inside that brat's thoughts but he decided not to. For his own sanity as he had never met someone with this much complications inside him. The more he stayed, the more it took a toll on his shapeless body.

-" This old man will give you time to think it over. Otherwise you and your Shizun's soul will be lost and trapped forever in this dream!"

Binghe clenched his fists and said while staring right at the Demon," Right now you are negotiating terms with me so you can talk about anything. But let me tell you, touch my Shizun and I won't let you off."

The dream demon was caught off guard at this sudden boldness of Luo Binghe. He couldn't fathom just what did his Shizun do for him or what he meant to that brat. But he was angered beyond his patience so with a last word what he was sure that the brat didn't hear, he kicked the other two out of the dream realm. But not without a little twist.

Just like Shen Qingqiu, he randomly sent Luo Binghe into one of his dreaded nightmares. Binghe didn't get any time to prepare himself and the next thing he knew he's been sent into a dream within a dream.

It was completely dark inside the dream. Sound of an unknown object rolling on the floor and slight clattering of metals made the darkness even more eerie. Binghe felt that someone was lying on his lap but due to the darkness he couldn't properly see who it was. So he blindly moved his hands for a while to touch the one lying on his lap. And the first thing that came in contact with his hands was a chunk of flesh. His hands stopped right then and there as well as his breathing.

He couldn't pull back his hands, the horror increased when he realised a liquid substance was dropping from his fingers.

-" B-blood..."

His mouth hung open in a silent scream. The nauseating stench of blood became stronger than ever. He wanted to run away, he didn't want to know anymore who was lying atop his lap. He didn't want to acknowledge something that was probably his deed. But his legs didn't co-operate, his eyes didn't either. They got adjusted to the darkness earlier than he wanted. Things didn't get better when the one in his lap wriggled a little to grab his attention.

-" Urghh..."

Binghe's body started trembling violently hearing the sound. He wanted to gauge out his own eyes when he saw his Qingqiu lying on him- blood was dripping down from the corners of his mouth and all four limbs were missing. The cave of his mouth was dark but it was evident that his tongue had also been cut off. Binghe didn't even have the strength to cry or scream- he just stared blankly. He desperately hoped for someone to pull him out of this nightmare and tell him that it isn't his doing at all.

For a long while two pairs of eyes just stared at each other. Until Qingqiu signaled something with his eyes to Binghe. He didn't understand at first, but after looking at Qingqiu again he understood that he was telling him to place his hand over his heart. So Binghe did, and when he could feel the heartbeat of his love on his fingertips- he didn't know how to react.

Should he be happy that his Qingqiu was still alive or should he feel terrified that the heartbeat was slowing down gradually?

-"...nghe"

-" Sh-shizun, I am here. Binghe is here. Shizun...Shizun...what have I done...Shizun...you..."

Qingqiu wasn't physically able to reply to Binghe so he closed his eyes once and signaled him with his head to come closer. Binghe instantly bent his head forward, his hands came up to hesitantly hold Qingqiu's face. Not daring to wipe the blood at all.

-" Shizun...what should I do...I..."

Qingqiu didn't seem like he wanted to hear all these, so he lifted his head as much as he could and gently rubbed their noses together. His head dropped back on Binghe's lap soon after, but he managed to curve his lips a bit upwards to show that he didn't have any resentments towards Binghe. But Binghe once again didn't get enough time to understand what was being said to him. And the sound of the other's heartbeat and breathing stopped all at once.

-" Ah...Shi-shizun...hah...what...ugh! UGH! UGHHHHHHHHHH! SHIZUN! SHIZUN WAKE...Shizun wake up...someone...someone stop this dream...help..."

Binghe screamed and screamed but nothing changed. He had almost started to believe that this wasn't actually a dream but reality- but then he felt a stinging pain on his face. His eyes snapped open in shock. After taking ten or so deep breaths, he finally realized that he was out of his nightmare. Beside his bed Ming Fan was standing with anxiety visible on his face.

-" Are you trying to wake up everyone you brat? Why were you screaming so loudly? Your screams reached to my room also! What happened to Shizun and what! Don't hug me!"

-" Thank you. Thank you...thank you", Binghe huffed as he tightly hugged the other, he felt like he couldn't thank the other enough for waking him up.

-" Why are you behaving like a toddler! Go to sleep!" Ming Fan grunted and he maybe or maybe didn't give Binghe some pats on his back.

Binghe straightened up his position and sat down on the bed. Wiping the tears from his face he thanked Ming Fan once again before he left for his own room. He just waited until Ming Fan was out of his sight. As soon as the sound of his footsteps wasn't audible anymore Binghe dashed out of his wood shed towards Qingqiu's bamboo hut.

Propriety can go burn woods.

-" Shizun!"

He slammed open the door in a hurry but he didn't find the other one awake. Instead Qingqiu's brows were tightly knitted together. He almost stumbled when he sprinted towards the one lying on the bed. No words could describe the relief he felt when he saw his Qingqiu totally unharmed like this.

He wanted to touch him so badly, hug him and never let him go. Kiss the frown away from his face, he wanted to kiss him all over his face. The urge was driving him crazy but he didn't want to do this while the other one was unconscious. So out of impulse, he grabbed Qingqiu's face with both hands and with much self control he placed a kiss on Qingqiu's chin instead of his lips. His lips lingered there more than it should have.

However, he was quick enough to move back when Qingqiu suddenly came out of his dreamscape and started taking deep breaths.

-" Shizun, let me help you up."

-" No need, no need", Qingqiu hurriedly pushed him away and sat on his own.

Binghe was currently the last person on earth he wanted to see at this moment. He had his traumas! Leave this poor man alone ah!

Surely enough, Binghe already had flung himself to the side. He asked," Shizun how are you? Is everything alright?"

-" Everything is fine with master. No need to worry", after a pause he said," Did the dream demon give you any difficulties?"

Binghe flinched at the mention of that demon, but changed his expressions quickly and shook his head.

-" A dream realm spirit invading your mind is not a joke!" Qingqiu said sternly surprising the other," This master is going to inspect you. That Demon's intention isn't good."

Binghe obediently knelt down and revealed his wrist to Qingqiu. All along the inception Binghe just stared downwards, not courageous enough to meet the other's eyes. He just couldn't. Not after what he saw in his dream a while ago.

-" Shizun...are all demons unpardonably evil? Don't they have anything good in their heart?"

Qingqiu's earlier taut expression relaxed and a little smile showed up on his face.

-" That might not be the case. Just as there are good and bad humans, there are good and bad demons. Just like demons sometimes hurt the humans, the humans also do the same with them. But due to some reasons, people behave like a hypocrite and ignore their own faults. Thus hatred towards the demons take its root."

Binghe's face lit up a bit," Then Shizun is saying some demons can be trustworthy right?"

Qingqiu patted his head with a fond smile," As long as nothing wrong is deliberately done, as long as the heart is righteous, anyone can be trustworthy."

Both of them got a notice from system at once, both unaware of each other's increasing points.

" Heart level increased: 5 B-points!"

Just then, Binghe noticed that something was glowing on Qingqiu's chest that was hidden by the white sleeping robe of his. Qingqiu shook his head and pulled out a small pendant with a smile.

-" Shizun?"

-" Hmm?" Qingqiu followed his gaze and said," This? This is a gift from you Liu Shishu. We can talk through it no matter how far we are."

Binghe mirrored Shen Qingqiu's smile hearing this. Liu Qingge must have sensed the discomfort of Qingqiu and sent a message instantly.

-" Liu- shidi, how come you are awake at this hour?" Qingqiu touched the pendant and said lazily.

Binghe couldn't hear what the other was saying, but seeing Qingqiu's reaction he could guess that Liu Qingge must have said something like- " I don't sleep at night."

-" Yeah, I know. I am fine, Shidi. Shidi, don't! You don't have to fly over here. I just had a nightmare! Huh? You can even tell there's someone else in my room? Shidi, are you sure you aren't outside my window?"

Binghe glanced at Qingqiu once then glanced at the open window. Well, that could be...a possibility.

-" My Shidi is asking about your identity. Greet him", Qingqiu pushed the pendant towards Binghe and yawned twice in the meantime.

-" This disciple, Luo Binghe, greets Shishu. Uhm...I am here to help Shizun. Sorry? Oh, this disciple will go back to his room soon", Binghe then just heard a tch sound from the other end and the pendant stopped glowing. He released the pendant from his grip looking at Qingqiu who was barely keeping his eyes open.

-" Shishu cares for Shizun a lot."

-" He does", Qingqiu nodded, hoping that his face was neutral. (It wasn't)

-" Shizun also cares for Shishu, right?"

Binghe just loved to tease the life out of that man.

-" Shouldn't I?" Qingqiu tried to say impassively," He is the Bai Zhan peak Lord."

-" Then", Binghe scooted a bit closer," Does Shizun care for this disciple too?"

-" What nonsense?" Qingqiu flicked roughly on Binghe's forehead," I care for all of my disciples."

This general response was expected, however, Binghe's heart was moved nonetheless.

-" This disciple also cares for Shizun a lot."

Chapter 21: House of cards(1)

Notes:

A birthday special update hehe. Today is ma birthday

Chapter Text

After staying there for a few more seconds, Binghe decided that he wouldn't go back to his wood shed now. He decided to go to the kitchen directly and make everything of his Qingqiu's favourite. He thought about making Qingqiu's favourite congee, with some soup and two or three sweet dishes. His Qingqiu deserves the best breakfast after all the hassle he had to go through because of his worthless disciple. He happily jumped his way towards the kitchen until Qingqiu called him again.

He stopped in his ways and turned back to see that Qingqiu was looking at him with a confused look.

-" Shizun, is there any order?"

-" The rooms are over there, right? Why are you walking towards that direction?"

Binghe realised he wasn't that discreet about his intentions. Whether it's the disciples dormitory or the wood shed both were in the left direction but he was going straight to the right. He scratched his head trying to come up with an excuse but decided to tell the truth at last.

-" This disciple wants to go to the kitchen and make Shizun's breakfast for tomorrow."

Binghe bit his own tongue when he saw how Qingqiu's expressions changed instantly at his words. But Qingqiu was like an open book for Binghe. He could see that Qingqiu was tempted at the thought of "Binghe's handmade breakfast" but was also considering the odd time of those being made by his disciple. At the end he showed an annoyed expression.

-" What nonsense! Have you seen the time? Who would need breakfast in the middle of the night. Go sleep!"

Binghe knew that he would be reprimanded so he just flashed a smile and bowed- pretending to obey his Shizun's orders without questioning. In reality, he was planning to secretly go to the kitchen from the back side and ponder over what he should make for his Qingqiu. He wouldn't be able to sleep tonight anyways. Better use his insomnia to bring a smile on his beloved's face.

When Binghe was about to go out of the room, Qingqiu hesitantly called him again.

-" Yes, Shizun?"

Under Binghe's excited gaze, Qingqiu didn't know how to phrase his words without appearing to be pitiful towards his disciple. He didn't know if Binghe would agree to this or not, or just think of his Shizun's yet another scheme to make him work to death- there was no harm in trying, right? But to try one needed to open his mouth and form some words which he was currently unable to do. He hid his left hand behind his back and counted backwards from ten to one.

-" Tomorrow. Gather your things and come over."

Binghe couldn't understand what he meant by that, so he said," Shizun? This disciple didn't understand."

Shen Qingqiu wished Binghe could read minds just for this time only. He opened his fan and held it in front of his face, trying to casually show that he was fanning himself.

-" Outside. My bamboo house has a room to the side. Starting from tomorrow. Move over there to live."

There! He said it! Qingqiu closed his eyes and prayed that the system wouldn't pop up with the notification that he has angered the protagonist and his B-points would go down. Qingqiu really felt at a loss. The kitchen was the closest to the bamboo house, the duty of making Qingqiu's three meals was given to Binghe. Wouldn't Binghe now think that his Shizun was doing this just to increase his work load or to order him even more daily? Qingqiu mentally face palmed himself. Thinking about why he couldn't phrase his words differently.

What he didn't know was, hearing this words Binghe's heart had flown towards the seventh sky. He just couldn't believe his ears. His Qingqiu just told him to live near his bamboo house. Not only he will be able to get easier access to the kitchen, he would able to see his Qingqiu almost every single hour. They would be separated by just a wall. It almost felt like he was moving in with his shy boyfriend who wasn't ready to sleep in the same bedroom yet,but was trying his best.

There was a vast gap in the communication between the master and the disciple. One was thinking about his mortal life and other was thinking about his love life.

Binghe felt like a hungry wolf ready to devour his prey at any given moment. But as he couldn't do so, he sprinted towards his prey right at the moment it was a bit distracted. Shen Qingqiu was caught off guard by the bone crushing hug of his disciple. He didn't know what to do with his hands or where to keep his fan. Binghe made it a bit easier for him. He straight up snatched the fan, threw it on the bed and hugged him even tighter than before. Almost toppling over both of them on the bed.

Feeling ecstatic, Binghe swung his Qingqiu from side to side and clung to his neck as if his life depended on it. Daring to bury his head in the crook of his neck he took a deep breath in. He felt like he had lost all of his rationality, he felt intoxicated as he sang in a melodious voice "Shizun~Shizun~".Whereas Qingqiu thought of this behaviour as Binghe's childish happiness. As long as Binghe was happy, his unaware master was also happy for him. Qingqiu kept his hand on Binghe's head and ruffled the fluffy pool of hair.

-" All right, all right. Aren't you embarrassed? You've already become so big. Are you a ten years old child?"

Only after hearing this, Binghe came back to his sense. Qingqiu was right, he was neither a twenty years old adult Binghe neither a ten years old child. A fifteen years old teenager hugging and sniffing his Shizun like this- anyone from outside would see this and feel scandalous. Quickly but reluctantly he peeled himself of his Shizun and sat like a proper obedient disciple. His face was red with happiness and embarrassment, the dull fragrance was still lingering around his nose.

-" Sorry, Shizun. This disciple went beyond himself."

Qingqiu barely managed to stop himself from crooning. What should he do with this adorable little child? He as Shen Yuan or as Shen Qingqiu was never exposed to such physical contacts. Except after coming here he has hugged the Bai Zhan peak Lord (more than) twice cause for some reasons that guy looks like he wanted one from Qingqiu. Every single time they met. And who is Qingqiu to deny him? But those hugs are often awkward and short lasting. Getting this tight bear hug from his disciple was like a breath of fresh air and made him feel like a proper and good master.

While he was smiling unknowingly, he heard Binghe call him again. But what he saw next his heart was surely not prepared for this. The one sitting in front of him was surely Binghe but he wasn't in his regular Qing Jing peak's disciple robe. Rather than that, he was wearing a pitch black robe with hints of red here and there. There were blood stains on that Binghe's face, the eyes were bloodshot, teary and pleading. He felt like he was drawn into a nightmare again. Just like the one he had seen a few days ago. Like the one he saw just a while ago. He couldn't bear to see his Binghe like this. He tried to move his hands but both of his hands felt numb and heavy.

-" Shizun! Shizun, are you okay? Your face...it's pale. Shizun is it the poison? Should I inform Shishu about this?"

Qingqiu came out his daze when Binghe shook him hurriedly. Everything was back to normal again. The pendant had started to glow but this time he just subconsciously caressed it until it stopped glowing. He scanned Binghe's worried face to see if there was actually any injury or not. Feeling relieved that there was none, he sent Binghe to his room.

The whole night he kept feeling melancholic for unknown reasons. This nightmare just never lets him live in peace.

Sensing Qingqiu's uneasiness, Binghe didn't go back to his wood shed. He sneaked inside the kitchen and started making a list of food items that would be good for Qingqiu's health. He ventured into the forest in the middle of the night to pick up some useful herbal plants. The whole night, he separated the plants as per their uses, made powder of them and carefully listed which ones can be used in the congee. He wanted to make the best food for his Qingqiu every single day. When the night ended and morning started, Binghe didn't have the time to realise.

Only after his dishes were ready and the smell of the rice and other dishes seemed perfect enough, he sighed in contentment. He turned around to bring the plates and the disciples decided to give him the shock of his life. By the scenery of the outside area, it was evident that it was past the disciple's breakfast time. Instead of eating, every single one of them was peaking inside through the kitchen windows like a bunch of hungry zombies. Binghe suddenly felt really self conscious.

After making there those weren't here to give him a tough time, he arranged the dishes on a larger plate and took it to his Qingqiu. The disciples followed him staying close as if Binghe hadn't seen them yet. All this time Binghe kept himself from looking towards the window where the disciples were standing like lifeless porcelain dolls. He wanted to have a peaceful breakfast, lunch and dinner with his Qingqiu.

Was that too much to ask?

For the Qing Jing peak disciples it really was way too much to ask. On top of that, when Binghe came out of his wood shed holding one thin piece of cloth that he used as a quilt and a rolled up towel that he used as a pillow- every single one of them was dumbfounded.

Ming Fan just couldn't help but say," Where on earth is Shizun sending you?"

-" To the room beside his bamboo house", Binghe smiled innocently.

Feeling like the male lead of a romance genre drama, he moved past those jealous disciples and graciously made his way towards the room beside Qingqiu's place. But when he actually settled down, instead of happiness he felt melancholic. This would be the first time for this body of his to sleep on a regular bed. In his modern life, his life was luxurious compared to this. He had a proper bed, a proper pillow, a place to call home. But this body never had a thing like this. Some times after his birth he laid on his first ever bed made of wood- a small basin that floated on the river aimlessly. The second time, he laid on a hard wooden bed but that bed was more than he could ever ask for. Cause he had his mother- his safe place with him, he had a place to call home back then.

After his adoptive mother passed away, Binghe sometimes slept on the roads, inside a cave, under a bench of some random roadside shops, under a tree, on a vehicle and where not. Without a pillow, under the rain with nothing to cover himself, under the snow without any warm clothes. Many times he would get attacked by the stray dogs and other animals but no one would come to rescue him. Even though Binghe in his modern life has slept on such soft beds countless times, but this time it felt different. The bed was just the same, soft and comfortable. But it carried different emotions for him and he couldn't help but cry to lighten his mind.

It all felt unreal. Like a mere hallucination.

A huge part of his past life's memories are yet to be discovered. So he couldn't make any rash decisions. He still felt like one day he would wake up from this dream. Either in his modern world- to realise that he never got the chance to be with his Qingqiu and all this was a hallucination to lessen his pain. Or in the body of a Binghe whose hands were already tainted with his beloved's blood. And he would realise all these were his mind's desperate tries to make everything normal again. And that his Qingqiu wasn't with him anymore. If either of these happened, he wouldn't know what to do except floating on an endless torment of black memories.

Binghe turned towards the wall to feel it with his hands. The surface felt a bit cold. He and his Qingqiu was separated by just a wall. The wall wasn't that thick but the distance between them felt a lot bigger than he had ever wanted. He heard sounds coming from the other room. Qingqiu was also restless because of some strange nightmares that kept him up the whole night.

One couldn't sleep because of being afraid that he would be pulled into a dream again. Other couldn't sleep thinking he would be pulled out of a dream.

-" GT, you there?"

" 24/7 at your service."

-" GT, must the Endless Abyss plot happen?"

" It must. Otherwise you will lose all of your points."

-" There are others reasons except this right? I know you are aware of everything."

" You are right. If you don't go down the abyss you won't get to know many crucial points about your past. You won't get to know who I am either."

Binghe sighed in defeat. For the Endless Abyss plot to happen, Binghe would have to accept the training of the Dream Demon. Otherwise, why would anyone throw him down the abyss, let alone his Qingqiu. He himself wouldn't be able to go either without unlocking his demonic traits. If he just suddenly disappeared his Qingqiu would be gravely hurt. He didn't want that either.

He hugged himself to sleep that night. The soft pillow under his head got wet with tears.

The dream demon came three days later. This time he didn't create a horrible landscape and came in the form of a black mist.

-" Brat, so what did you decide after three days?"

Binghe discreetly rolled his eyes," What I have decided, Elder doesn't know?"

The demon laughed merrily," You have decided something you would never regret! Boy, today is the beginning of your meteoric rise!"

Binghe didn't want to hear all these nonsense. What meteoric rise! He cupped his hands ceremonially and said," This younger generation has one request."

-" What else is there! Just finish talking and pledge me as your master."

-" What this younger generation want to request is indeed about the matter of taking a master. Shizun's grace to me is heavier than a mountain. I am afraid I don't want to call anyone else Shizun ever..."

-" Fine fine fine! Who wants to have a master disciple connection here! Will that do?"

Binghe was utterly satisfied, he bowed again and said," Then many thanks to Elder."

The Immortal Alliance conference plot will happen one or two years later. It's been already so many months after coming here. So it would be roughly two years until he would be suitable to take part in the competition for rookie cultivators. That would also be the day when his demonic heritage would reveal itself and he would be thrown down the abyss.

He just wondered would it be his Qingqiu this time also? Or was it actually his Qingqiu back in his past too? If yes, then why?

He spent nights after nights worrying about this until one day he was offered by the Bai Zhan peak Lord himself to come to his peak for training. Qingqiu agreed almost immediately.

The wheel of fate had already started to turn...

Chapter 22: House of cards 2

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

After Liu Qingge came to Qing Jing peak to discuss with Qingqiu about taking one of his disciples to his peak for training, an uproar erupted among the disciples. Later Binghe eventually got to know that it was none other than Shen Qingqiu who had suggested this whole thing. But they had to be fair in selecting so Liu Qingge suggested the disciples to compete among themselves in pairs. The one to stand still until the last would go with him.

Ming Fan volunteered to go against Luo Binghe first. Due to practicing with the right manual Binghe's cultivation level had increased in leaps and bounds. Whereas thinking that Binghe wouldn't be able to stand against him Ming Fan greedily challenged him without any prior preparation. He miserably lost within seconds. Seeing Ming Fan lose like this only one or two other disciples came to the front. Binghe took them down singlehandedly.

Qingqiu glanced at Qingge with a smug look on his face.

-" See, I had told you. He has the potential. You won't regret."

-" We will see."

Bai Zhan peak wasn't that far from Qing Jing peak. At worst it would take just a few hours to travel between the peaks. But Shen Qingqiu was feeling like a restless parent who was sending his son to the boarding school for two years with monthly vacations that would last for one to two days at best. Two whole years! Qingqiu was freaking out at these three words. When the time came to let Binghe go to Bai Zhan peak, Qingqiu felt both proud and a bit sad. He patted on that withered child's head and bid him goodbye.

-" You are acting as if I am taking him from here forever!"

-" Shidi, I know how you are. Once his full potential reveals itself, you won't want to send him back here."

-" As if. My disciples are much better than him."

-" We will see", Qingqiu mocked the poor guy whose ears had turned red in anger.

-" Hug?" Qingqiu glanced at him cautiously waving his fan nervously in front of his face. Somehow Qingge got even angrier, his tanned face got red like a tomato but he spread his hands nonetheless.

What is this? An angry hug?

After giving this guy a yet another awkward hug, Qingqiu stood alone at the entrance of his peak for a long while. He watched them go away as long as he could, then he came back to his place reluctantly.

The first three months at Bai Zhan peak was the toughest for Binghe. He had to mingle with the rowdy disciples who once used to beat him at any given chance. Then there was this head disciple of Liu Qingge who was a freak to say the least. He would wake up Binghe in the middle of the night and ask him to fight with him. Thankfully he doesn't have the power to enter dream realms otherwise he wouldn't have let Binghe have some peace in his sleep either. This freak's name was Yang Yixuan. After three months passed and almost all of the disciples got an overall knowledge about Binghe's abilities- they started to warm up with him.

The best part of his training time was the times the disciples had to challenge Liu Qingge in a fight. It was like a monthly evaluation. Liu Qingge wouldn't even use his dominant hand and just fight with all the disciples at once using his non dominant one only. At first Binghe was able to stand againts him only for 15 seconds wheres Yang Yixuan had continued the fight for three whole minutes. Binghe was so mesmerized at the way Qingge fought that he sometimes forgot what he was even doing.

Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge's training style was vastly different. Shen Qingqiu's one taught the disciples how to fluidly bend oneself to make the attacks smoother and unpredictable. He prioritized the safety of his disciples more and taught them how not to use opponent's weaknesses illegally against them. He taught them to be fair while fighting while being careful about one's safety. Complete opposite to what Qingge taught his disciples. He taught them how to take any possible chance to land a hit on one's enemy. Those who care for their safety first cannot care for other's safety. This thought of self safety is for the weaklings. Binghe sure was having fun learning two different techniques.

After several months of training Binghe managed to stand against Liu Qingge in an one to one fight for two and a half minute. He didn't get any praise from Liu Qingge due to this but he got a gift from him. The gift was a communication pendant with which he could talk with his Shizun anytime. Liu Qingge had become frustrated because Qingqiu kept asking about Binghe's training progress every single hour of the day. To Qingge, giving the pendant to him was like a relief from his daily frustrations but it sure was the best gift for Binghe. The first ever gift he got from the God of War.

-" For the last time, he isn't going to ascend to heaven in the span of an hour Qingqiu! What! What do you mean by who knows?"

Binghe once heard Qingge yelling this while holding his pendant. Poor Qingge was having a hard time because of Qingqiu. Binghe wished this pendant could help him talk with A-Yuan. He had so much to share.

What a strange thing. His A-Yuan also had almost the same name as Qingqiu.

The second gift from Qingge was a pat on his shoulder. This was during the time Binghe won a huge fight against three ferocious beasts and claimed a sword of his own. He named it Zheng Yang. The same old name- it felt good to have his own sword back in his hands. It also felt good, if not better, to see a small proud smile on Qingge's face.

Keeping all these aside, living this life all over again was once in a million experience. Training with Qingqiu was soothing, training with Qingge was exciting while training with Meng Mo, the Dream Demon, was hella exhausting. Soon two years came to an end. A happy phase of his life was also about to end.

-" Shishu, this disciple thanks you for helping with my training. I also claimed a sword of my own, I hope it makes Shishu proud."

-" Your Shizun would be more proud than me. Tell me if he throws a feast after hearing tch", Qingge rolled his eyes that didn't have the usual annoyances in it. Rather he seemed a bit out of the place all the way to Cang Qiong peak. He didn't even wait to meet with Qingqiu and left directly from the entrance.

Binghe was a bit confused but when system gave him "Bonding with Liu Qingge points" he realised that the tsundere was confused if he was sad or just irritated about Binghe's leaving Bai Zhan peak.

With a smile Binghe ran towards Shen Qingqiu's bamboo house, hoping to find him there. He kept his footsteps light so not to alert Qingqiu about his arrival. Upon reaching there Binghe saw Ming Fan begrudgingly coming out of the room with a tray full of food.

-" You-!"

-" Shhh Senior martial brother, don't tell Shizun about me now."

-" When did you come?" He lowered his voice as much as he could.

-" Just now. Shizun didn't have lunch yet?"

-" He has been practicing inedia since you left. He doesn't like any of our handmade food!" The bitterness was clear in his voice.

Binghe felt his heartbeat increasing at a rapid speed. He bid Ming Fan goodbye and stealthily made his way inside Qingqiu's room.

-" Didn't I tell you it isn't needed?"

Shen Qingqiu's annoyed voice came from where he was sitting on his bed doing meditation. He had no idea who had stepped inside his room.

-" This disciple came back after so many months. Shizun won't even spare me a glance?"

Qingqiu almost fell down from his bed. When he opened his eyes and saw Binghe he just couldn't hide his excited smile. He stood up and came near him to inspect Zheng Yang.

-" How did you come so fast? I thought Qingge would bring you here. I had told him to inform me beforehand."

-" Shishu had some work so he left sooner. And missing Shizun urgently, I also came back from Bai Zhan peak sooner."

He sat down on the seat beside the table and poured Qingqiu a cup of tea like his old habit. He was expecting to spend some alone time with Qingqiu before talking with him about the Immortal Alliance Conference but Qingqiu beat him to it.

-" The Immortal Alliance Conference is about to begin."

Binghe gulped and tried to hide his nervousness," Do you need this disciple to pass you a copy of the list of participating disciples from Qing Jing peak for Shizun to see?"

Qingqiu put down the teacup and exhaled," It would be better to report straight to the sect head from now on."

Binghe nodded but he couldn't conceal his smile when he realised that Qingqiu was staring at him since the beginning. He just hoped he wasn't blushing.

-" Shizun, why do you keep looking at me? Unless Shizun also missed this disciple for having gone to Bai Zhan peak for so many days?" Binghe rested his chin on his hands and said with a teasing smile.

Qingqiu sipped at the empty tea cup," Why? Can't I look at what me and Qingge raised together?"

Binghe almost fell from the seat.

" You got son-zoned!! Congrats!!"

" Shut up for God's sake you useless system!! I didn't ask you!"

He just laughed the pain away," Naturally you are allowed to Shizun. Does Shizun find me pleasing to the eyes?"

Qingqiu just shook his head with a laugh. But became quiet after a while.

-" Binghe."

Binghe understood the change in atmosphere and said seriously," Yes, Shizun?"

-" Do you want to become strong? Strong enough to be peerless, to the point that no one under the Heavens dared to stand against you?"

Binghe felt his heart drop to his stomach. He really had an ominous feeling about this. He desperately wanted to say no- cause this same desire to be strong had caused his downfall. But he had no choice but to say yes. Cause if his this decision caused a butterfly effect and harmed his Qingqiu in any ways, he won't be able to live with the guilt of it. He would think about what to do after going to the abyss again. He just needs to hold his mind from blackening again, right? But there were risks cause the things that had happened in the abyss in his past life was still unknown. Still, anything to protect his Qingqiu till the end.

He reluctantly replied," Yes, Shizun.

-" For example, if before that, you have to undergo a lot of painful torture, suffer countless hardships, which collapses your physical and mental health- would you still?"

Those spoken words were heavier than anything for Binghe. Before he could stop himself, he found himself hugging his Qingqiu tightly in his arms. He wondered if Qingqiu could feel his restlessness when he patted on his head.

-" I only wish to be strong enough to protect my important people, like you Shizun."

Binghe thought Qingqiu was referring about the hardships of the upcoming competition. He would win that for his Shizun too.

-" Silly. You think your Shizun needs protection from you?" Qingqiu tried to hide the guilt with a smile but he just couldn't.

After thee days, according to the list, the Cang Qiong peak disciples went to the Immortal Alliance Conference. It was held in complex terrain rising into a thickly forested mountain range.

This competition was solely for youngsters to make name so naturally the twelve peak Lords wouldn't participate in it. Each peak Lord was allowed to bring at most ten disciples to bring. After everyone was well equipped with their weapons they set out for the competition place. Thankfully this time Binghe also got a horse to ride. He had thought that Qingqiu would also ride a horse beside him. That would be a majestic sight to behold. But all his imaginations got ruined when Qingqiu got inside the horse carriage.

Nevermind, Binghe would stay beside him and take care of his Qingqiu's refreshments.

As soon as Qingqiu went inside the carriage, a woman yelled out at him.

-" A great big man like you and you are still coming to steal my spot!"

Even Binghe was startled at this scream that he almost fell from the horse. System notified him that she was Qi Qingqi. The beautiful talented woman was the peak Lord of Xian Shu peak. The curtain of the carriage swayed with the wind and Binghe could get a glance of her face. He admitted that she really was one kind of a beauty. Beauty with a brain. Binghe approved.

He heard Qingqiu say," I am a mere sick and weak old man. Don't yell at me like this."

Qi Qingqi made a spot for him too but didn't keep his mouth shut.

-" You have been pampered and spoilt. Are you even a Core Formation Immortal cultivator!"

Qingqiu annoyedly called out Binghe's name, bonked on his head with his fan when he lifted the curtain and said," This is the culprit! Scold him not me!"

-" Now what is he doing here? You kept him beside you to bring you refreshments?"

Qingqiu and Binghe both looked at each other and smiled. They said at unison- " Refreshments! Good idea!"

Qi Qingqi face palmed herself. She felt her words about Qingqiu being a spoiled young master was really true. He was riding inside a horse carriage, his head disciple was bringing him refreshments and he was enjoying all those in front of another peak lord like a shameless person. Without even sharing. How atrocious!

Binghe let down the curtain only after Qingqiu finished his snacks.

-" Shizun, if you need anything else or if you have a sore waist let me know. I will be here."

He then focused on riding his own horse. Liu Qingge after a while came beside Binghe riding a majestic black horse. Simply nodding at Binghe's bow he said,

-" Is your Shizun nearing his fifties? Why does he have sore waist at this age?"

-" Shishu", Binghe laughed before saying as he knew Qingge was also eavesdropping on Qingqiu's conversation," My Shizun is a sick and weak old man. Spare him this once."

Qingge barely manged to hide his laughter with a cough and urged his horse to move faster. As Liu Qingge went forward Liu Mingyan's horse came from behind. She greeted her master once then nodded at Binghe before focusing on the road ahead. She rode with her Shui Se sword, her veil swayed slightly with the wind giving her a perfect immortal aura.

Though Binghe lost all of his non existent interest from Mingyan the moment he heard his Qingqiu speak again.

-" See even Mingyan is riding a horse!" Qi Qingqi proudly showed off her head disciple just to give Qingqiu a bit of shame.

Qingqiu lifted the curtain stealthily and kept his eyes on Liu Mingyan until he could. He said to Qi Qingqi while looking at Mingyan's direction," Truly too beautiful to take in at once."

Binghe's face darkened at Qingqiu's words. He gripped the reign of his horse so tightly that it shrieked once being startled.

" Qingqiu, weren't you a sick and weak old man just a while ago. Why are you staring at a girl who's half your age!?"

" You are also half his age."

" I. Am. Different!"

Binghe wasn't a narcissist but he knew that he had the perfect protagonist type face. Hell, he was actually the protagonist, right? Qingqiu should focus on the real beauties like him and Qingge rather than focusing on a side character who's actually the sister of his boyfriend!

" Qingge is Qingqiu's boyfriend?"

" Yes, everyone knows except them."

" And you have no problem if your Qingqiu is in a relationship with Qingge but have problems if he stares at a girl?"

" Having a harem is a normal thing here. I am okay as long as I can have my Qingqiu with me and I have preferences. If my Qingqiu wants to be with him, who am I to say anything as long as he agrees to be mine too."

Binghe moved his horse to go near Mingyan, diverted her attention towards the beautiful scenery of the mountain and skillfully managed to take her out of the sight. In this process Binghe and Qingge's horse came side by side once again.

Qingge threw Binghe a confused glare thinking what on earth he was trying to do with his sister. But when he saw Qingqiu smiling at him because of what Binghe did a while ago, he couldn't help but blush. Why was a sick and weak man's smile so beautiful? Qingge laughed in his mind.

Binghe was also happy as he got to ride with Qingqiu and Qingge both. Qingge didn't increase the speed of his horse again, talked with the other two once in a while and even tasted some of the deserts Binghe offered him in the middle of their journey.

Seeing Qingqiu keeping his head out of the carriage all through the way to talk with his disciple Binghe and his official yet unofficial boyfriend Qingge, Qi Qingqi decided to meditate for inner peace.

The atmosphere was so lovely that Binghe wished for an impossible thing.

" How I wish we three could remain like this forever. But...I have to go Shizun..."

Notes:

Binghe*lovingly staring at the love of his life*

Qingqiu*son-zoned him instantly*

Chapter 23: House of cards (3)

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

After reaching to the designated place the disciples went to the changing rooms to change into proper clothes. Qing Jing Peak's selected colour was white, so the robes that the disciples of Qing Jing Peak had to wear were fully white in colour with golden embroidery. Everyone was given a general size so if the robe felt tighter on someone, it felt uncomfortably loose on someone. In case of Binghe, the robe was surprisingly fitting that it made the others doubt that this wasn't one of the generalised robes. Even Ming Fang's one was a bit different than the others. It could be guessed as Ming Fan's body shape was different from Binghe's.

Binghe and Ming Fan threw a knowing glance at each other, holding back the urge to smile. Well, they were their Shizun's favourite. If he was being partial with them, what could they do but accept that, right? Bet Yingying has also got a robe of her own size.

After everyone dressed themselves up in their new robes, they moved towards the large arena outside.

Binghe was waiting until everyone except Ming Fan left the room. While Ming Fan was waiting for Ning Yingying to come out of the girl's changing rooms. He desperately wanted to see how she looked in white. Seeing that no one else was around he quietly moved towards Ming Fan, careful not to alarm the later in a hurry.

-" Shixiong, can I talk with you?"

Ming Fan didn't turn to look at him, he replied while trying to see if Ning Yingying was coming out or not.

-" You are already talking with me."

Binghe kept chewing the inside of his cheeks in nervousness. He never had any kind of close relationship or friendship with Ming Fan. If he remembered correctly it was also Ming Fan who used to beat him mercilessly for hours. It was a wonder to imagine how this boy changed his behaviour so much. But in these recent years, Binghe realised he understood this boy a bit. Ming Fan craved for love and attention as he didn't really have any actual friends. That peer group of his can't be count as his friend group as all they cared about is gossiping and bullying other students. Also Ming Fan had gotten the silent approval of his Shizun in venting out his anger and frustration on Binghe. It doesn't excuse his rough behaviour though. But it was still a mystery- why did Qingqiu play the role of a silent viewer back then and why did both Qingqiu's and Ming Fan's behaviour changed so drastically in this life?

Was Qingqiu hiding something? Was Ming Fan hiding something? Maybe the reason why their frustrations were directed towards him? Binghe, currently, had no way to know.

Right now Binghe could only bid him goodbye until their next meeting. Who knows, after falling into the abyss, if he would succeed to stay sane or not? As per the novel, Ming Fan is supposed to die in his hands. For some reasons, he didn't find the urge to hate this boy.

-" I wanted to thank Shixiong."

Ming Fan straightened up and finally turned towards him. He gulped awkwardly," Why?"

-" Just like this. Shixiong took care of Shizun so well in my absence, so I thought you deserved a thank you. You had to bear Shizun's mood swings everyday- that's a bit tough work", he tried to joke to lighten the mood.

But Ming Fan's expressions turned a bit complex.

-" Oh, so this is the reason you are thanking me. Fair enough."

" Am I hallucinating or did he sound disappointed just now, GT?"

" You want a past scenario pusher to know what is happening? I wouldn't charge much and wouldn't recommend you to learn it now. But your choice, just 500 B-points. You up for it?"

He really wanted to know about the past though, but he cowered at the last moment. Looking at Ming Fan's expressions, judging the awkwardness in the air and hearing GT's suspicious words- he decided it was better not to know about it yet. As Ming Fan's history was the least of his worries now.

-" And...also saving me from being bullied in the past few years, taking care of me and helping me?" He looked at Ming Fan with expectant eyes, and he was right. Ming Fan was definitely eager to hear these words.

-" Mention not", he shrugged.

-" Shixiong, this is both of ours first ever serious battle with monsters. I hope Shixiong will be able to succeed."

-" Luo Binghe, why are you speaking like you aren't going to return from there? Heh, you think it's like a real battlefield inside? Coward."

Binghe just shrugged. He was really a coward. He was afraid of facing the reality, he was afraid of seeing his Qingqiu's disappointed face. He was afraid of failing this second chance in his life too. He was just afraid of everything. He said with a smile," We don't know. I might not return, Shixiong should be happy about it, no?"

Binghe didn't wait for the fist to land on his back and jumped out of the room instantly. He missed the two words Ming Fan said afterwards.

At the battle ground there were at least thousands of disciples from countless smaller and larger Sects from all over the country. The formerly silent and creepy mountain was now bustling with liveliness and activity. The rookie cultivators of the alliance were preparing to stand neatly in an array. Surrounding the mountain gorge was an immense stone platform. There had long since been a high tower put up at the gorge's entrance for the cultivators who weren't participating. The colourful flags were representing each Sect high up on the roof of it. Creating a proper festive like atmosphere. Binghe felt a bit of melancholy while staring at the flag of Qing Jing Peak. Right next to the flag, a deep blue one was fluttering dazzlingly. It was Bai Zhan Peak's flag. The white one of Qing Jing Peak looked like clouds while the Bai Zhan Peak's one looked like the vast sky.

He couldn't remember how the Huan Hua palace flag used to look like when he took the reign in the past.

Would it have looked good beside these two?

-" SHIZZZUUUUUN!"

Binghe almost got elbowed in his face because of an overly enthusiastic disciple spotting his Shizun among the high officials sitting up there. It was Ying Yixuan who was standing in front on Luo Binghe in the line. Behind Binghe was Ming Fan who got hit in the face with Binghe's ponytail who was just trying to save his own face from being hit by the enthusiastic elbows.

Binghe turned his gaze towards the tower and found his own Shizun there too. Sitting in the front was Yue Qingyuan. Beside him was Liu Qingge who was trying his best to prevent a huge disaster- as Qingqiu had half of his body out of the railings just because he couldn't spot his own disciples among the thousand others. Poor man doesn't have that good eyesight.

His Qingqiu was really something. He wouldn't dare to say anything about this change though. Smiling at the later's silliness, he waved his hands to let his location known to his Shizun.

-" Shidiii, my disciples are there!! Yours ones are there too! Binghe! A-Ying! Ming Fan! Shizun is here!"

Qingqiu hit Qingge's chest with his fan as he couldn't hold back his excitement and waved back at Binghe with his free hand. Qingge never got tired while fighting with monsters for several days straight, but this man in front of him really challenged his patience every single time. Qingqiu even made him wave back at his disciples, ignoring the pain he caused the other by hitting him. A War God can handle this much, Qingqiu didn't even bother to think about it.

After the disciples properly gathered around the array, an elderly man spoke up loudly.

-" The Conference will be held for seven days. After everyone enters the gorge, a large enchantment will cover the whole area. Throughout the whole competition the disciples wouldn't have any connection with the outer world. But the onlookers can observe the situation inside through the spirit eagles. Hundreds of kinds of monsters have been placed inside the gorge- the number is five thousand in total. With every monster taken down, a bead can be obtained from the body. With the different level of monsters the spiritual energy in those beads would vary. A golden wire is being given to you all now. Make sure to keep it around your wrist throughout the competition as it will record the number of beads you have obtained. Lastly, if any illegal means of obtaining beads is noticed or private fights to snatch beads are seen- the one held accountable for the chaos would be banned from the upcoming four competitions."

There were other people from various Sects too who were surrounding the large mountain just for curiosity. Upon hearing the last line almost everyone gasped. Four competitions meant twelve years of banishment. It couldn't be taken lightly at all.

Binghe was in the middle of the line so when he got his own golden wire he carefully sneaked out of the line. Shen Qingqiu was busy betting thousands of spirit coins on Binghe and bargaining with Yue Qingyuan so he didn't notice what his disciple was up to. But Liu Qingge noticed him instantly. It was because Ying Yixuan wasn't leaving any chance to draw his Shizun's attention towards him like a spoiled child. And Binghe happened to be right behind him in the line. Well, technically, Binghe was Bai Zhan Peak's disciple too.

-" Forget about betting. Why is your disciple sneaking out of the line?" Qingge poked on Qingqiu's waist.

-" Binghe did what?" Qingqiu almost went out of the railings again. Not seeing Binghe there he decided to go down and check what was going on. Binghe couldn't withdraw at this moment. He is supposed to meet his future spouses here and the abyss...Qingqiu's heart clenched at this thought. Though he didn't know which one of these two thoughts affected him the most. Bet it was the second one. He convinced himself- but he couldn't get rid of the weird taste on his tongue. He felt as if he was remembering something but at the same time nothing came to his mind.

-" Shizun!"

Before Qingqiu could go to the end of the corridor, he got tackled into a bear hug. The hug was enough to suffocate someone to death, but Qingqiu could feel the melancholy it was emitting. He suddenly tasted fear- he didn't know why. He knew what's going to happen is for Binghe's betterment, Binghe's character development and it's necessary to save his own life too. Yet, suddenly, feeling the slight trembles of Binghe in his arms like this made him wonder- is there really nothing to do to change Binghe's fate? Was he that much of dying? He has tasted death once,right? Qingqiu shook his head to calm himself.

-" Binghe, Binghe, look at me. What happened? Why did you come up here like this?" He slowly patted him on his head and asked another question cautiously," You don't want to take part in the competition?"

Qingqiu didn't know why he asked this or what kind of answer he was expecting. But if he were to answer, he would say he preferred if Binghe just straight up denied to take part now.

-" I just wanted to meet with Shizun before I go."

-" Then why are you crying? You...the competition will end after seven days..."

" But I won't be here with you after seven days Shizun...five years without you would be too long..."

-" I know. But Shizun can I ask you something?" He didn't break the hug and kept swaying the other side by side slightly as a failed attempt to calm himself down.

-" Ask."

-" Will you tie the golden wire around my wrist? Please?"

Qingqiu huffed fondly and flicked on Binghe's forehead," Is that why you sneaked out, you silly disciple of mine?"

Binghe nodded and watched his Qingqiu tying the golden wire around his wrist. Would this hand try to help him this time during the abyss plot or as stated in the novel, it would throw him down mercilessly?Binghe would like to believe it's the former one even though he would eventually have to go down.

-" See you after this competition, Shizun. Please, wait for this disciple."

-" Go, make our Sect proud and...come back victoriously. Your Shizun will wait for you."

They both lied to each other, uttered the fake promise of meeting after seven days before parting ways.

After Binghe left Qingqiu stood there at the corridor for a long time. Until someone held his shoulder and called his name.

-" Why are you crying?" Liu Qingge made sure there was currently no one around and wiped Qingqiu's tears with his sleeves," You can tell if you want. Did your disciple say something hurtful to you?"

Qingqiu shook his head, and another tear fell from his eyes unconsciously," No, he has never hurt me but I have before and he is going to get hurt by me...again..."

-" Qingqiu, what are you talking about?"

Qingge had sensed both Binghe's and Qingqiu's sudden out of the place behaviour long ago. Sometimes they spoke as if they were talking about something that had occurred in the past. He never managed to ask either of them about this, but this matter always pricked his brain. He had some doubts but all those doubts felt absurd when said out loud.

-" Nothing", Qingqiu schooled his expressions and stared at Qingge's eyes," Shidi, can I ask you something?"

-" What?" Qingge kept secretly fidgeting with his own sleeves.

-" Will Shidi miss this Shixiong if he is suddenly gone from this world?" He leisurely tapped on Qingge's pendant with his fan.

Qingge couldn't fight back the urge to hug the man in front of him after this. He felt his own pendant stir restlessly indicating the restlessness of Qingqiu's heart. Why was he getting a horribly ominous feeling? Is anything bad going to happen today? Can Qingqiu also feel his restlessness?

The master of the ceremonies announced the starting of the competition and one by one each rookies started entering the zone through a huge portal. Binghe didn't look back to see Qingqiu for the last time as he knew if he did he wouldn't be able to go today. However, Qingqiu's eyes were fixated at him.

Ming Fan, who knows how, managed to enter right after Binghe and challenged him that he would defeat him today. Binghe was a bit glad that at least someone would be here to keep him distracted the whole time.

Within the first half, the one who went to the top of the charts was the head disciple of Huan Hua Palace- Gongyi Xiao. Binghe couldn't see him at first as he was busy with handling some younger disciples. He wondered why their masters sent them here when they couldn't even hold their swords properly. He couldn't show his annoyance either as it would be recorded by those eagles equivalent to video cameras doing a live. In the first half, he just managed to slay one monster- which was just a three headed spider. No fun. Not to mention the line of tiny disciples from other Sects who were following him everywhere from protection. Two of the girls were exceptionally sticky.

As he was distracted with babysitting those youngsters, he couldn't notice the huge snake making its way towards them. When the snake was just about to attack Luo Binghe, a golden robed figure emerged from the shadows and slashed the snake with a clean move. The snake landed on the ground with a poof and turned into a green colour bead after some seconds. The one who slayed the snake happily picked up the bead and turned towards the others.

-" Are you okay?" That disciple asked with a smile.

-" I am. Many thanks for helping. This one is Luo Binghe, disciple of Qing Jing Peak. May I know your name?"

-" You are Luo Binghe?! I have heard about you before", he scratched his head with a smile," I am Gongyi Xiao, head disciple of Huan Hua palace."

Binghe felt the aura of Gongyi Xiao was quiet calming than the others. But he couldn't guess how did Gongyi Xiao know about him though.

Whereas, from the outside, Qingqiu was keenly observing these two. He felt proud seeing his disciple making friends like this. He felt a sharp pain in his heart thinking about the aftermath of the abyss- will Binghe have anyone down there to share his feelings with? His disciple wasn't someone who could go without talking for a long while and always shared every small little details with his Shizun. Will this sticky disciple be able to handle himself down there? Would he resent his Shizun or miss him there? Leave his disciple, will he be able to handle himself staying here?

He knew being attached to someone emotionally wasn't a good thing, so he always avoided making a decent amount of friends. Who would have known that one day he would get attached badly to someone from his own world whom he had never seen, and someone from this world who is supposed to take his life in future. On top of that, both of their names were exactly the same.

Such a coincidence.

-" Shidi, let me borrow your shoulder for a bit."

Qingqiu said and rested his head on Qingge's shoulder. He badly needed some comfort.

Notes:

A bit long rant- I will be talking from this story's and also svsss perspective. The novel is the distorted version of the reality here and even in svsss it was shown that it was different from pidw. Sqh had said that it was because of the draft he never published. Several questions-

1. How much of his words were true?

2. What is the cause of Ming Fan's irritation towards Binghe? When Qingqiu never actively ordered him to hurt Binghe in reality. Cause if he did, why would Yingying believe complaining to her Shizun about these would save Binghe from being bullied? Ming Fan should get a back story and he will here!

3. In pidw, it was said that Qingqiu harassed his female disciples, also Yingying. If that was true, why would Yingying believe her Shizun and stick to him so blindly?

4. Where on earth this system came from? It shouldn't come out of no where, right? Not only in this story, but also svsss, right?

Last but not the least, I love SVSSS! And I am married to Binghe, Qingqiu and Qingge. Case closed

These are the things I use as late night thoughts it keeps me going uk

Chapter 24: House of cards (4)

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

-" Qingqiu, now you have to tell me for God's sake! What is wrong with you?"

This is the third time during the Immortal Alliance Conference that Qingqiu is having a panic attack. Everytime something slightly dangerous happened in the competition zone, Qingge saw Qingqiu's whole body seized up in fright. The way he grabbed Qingge's hands panic, the way he ran out of the roof to have some fresh air- nothing went unnoticed by him. Qingge didn't follow him for the first two times. But during the third time he couldn't control himself.

He came out following Shen Qingqiu and found him throwing curse words to someone. Surprisingly no one else was present there with him, he was talking to nobody. Qingge had seen this quite a few times to ignore this random thing. Qingqiu would often do this thing, often space out blabbering unknown words of unknown languages- Qingge just couldn't help but doubt.

Was his Qingqiu possessed or something? Cause this could never be the normal behaviour of the Shen Qingqiu he used to know before the incident in the cave. The Qingqiu he knew, was a straightforward person, he never liked physical contacts with people, he never smiled, never spared a glance to him for more than one second, always ignored those people who wanted to care for him. That Qingqiu hated himself to the point that everybody's love was perceived as hatred and mockery by him.

Qingge would never admit openly but he was more than happy when Qingqiu started to slowly open up to him. He had thought that finally Qingqiu has started to see the true intentions behind other's attention and devotion towards him. Specially his Shidi's. His happiness made him stay ignorant to the obvious changes in the other's behaviour.

Something was definitely wrong.

Now that the same Qingqiu was hugging him like his life depended on it, he couldn't help but believe in his assumptions even more. He hugged back the trembling man in his arms even more tightly to provide him with as much comfort as he could.

-" Qingqiu, you know I am not good with words. But if I can, I will surely help you with anything. You have to tell me first for me to do so."

Qingqiu didn't answer this time.

-" Are you sick?"

Qingqiu shook his head.

-" Are you hurting somewhere? Is the posion acting up?"

He shook his head again.

Qingge sighed as he put his palm on Qingqiu's ears and rubbed it gently cupping his face. He dared to show his affectionate side just because the other dared to show his vulnerable side to him and trusted him enough to rely on him. He spoke in a hushed voice," You have scratched your ears red. I believe you are hearing something I can't. Am I right?"

Qingqiu stared at him in shock," How...since when?"

-" So you do..", Qingge wasn't that much shocked at this revelation that his assumptions were kind of true. He continued," Qingqiu, you know right that I can feel your heart here?" He patted on his chest.

Qingqiu remembered, the pendant.

He placed his hand on his own pendant then," I can feel yours too, Shidi. You are... anxious. About me?"

-" Now will you tell me what is happening with you?"

Qingqiu bit his lower lips. The warning of system was still ringing in his ears making them hurt badly. As per the system, he couldn't reveal his identity yet. Yet. His focus was on the word "yet". Maybe someday he could, maybe he would need more B-points. But what is the point of all this if everything is giving him so much agony? The system wouldn't tell him about the weird dreams he gets every once in a while, it wouldn't tell him why he feels so much for some characters that once belonged to a mere novel. Why does he feel so familiar with them? Why his time spent without Luo Binghe or Liu Qingge seems so suffocating? He preferred solitude in his own world, why can't he bear to be without both of them here?

-" You can't tell?"

Qingqiu nodded this time. He closed his eyes to stop the tears from falling, but those were some disobedient tears. They fell on Liu Qingge's robes, staining them. But Qingge could care less about his robes now.

-" May I ask one last thing then?"

Qingqiu looked at him," What?"

-" Is this about your disciple by any chance?"

A long silence followed. The warning alarm started to ring crazily in his ears.

-" So I was right. Both of you master disciple is hiding something. I just have a hunch, but I can't pinpoint."

Hearing this Qingqiu froze. He thought Qingge was doubting Binghe's demonic inheritance. The dream Demon Meng Mo- did his teachings somehow revealed Binghe's inheritance accidentally? He felt his heart drop to his stomach. He would never want the War God to go against Luo Binghe before Binghe gets to unlock his full power. His little Binghe wouldn't be able to survive the attacks from Liu Qingge if he became enraged after discovering his identity.

-" Shidi", he clasped the other's hands in his own," Shidi, my disciple is a victim of the circumstances. Whatever is going to happen today, believe me Shidi, it's not his fault. So when the time comes...I beg you to somehow stop the catastrophe. Even if I can't. Can you promise me this, Shidi?"

Qingge's face was distorted in confusion. He didn't know what to reply to this request. He felt the sudden rise of anxiety in the older one's heart, at that moment, he just knew he believed in his Shixiong.

He nodded," Promise. Anything...". For you. He left those two words for now.

-" What are you two doing here?" Yue Qingyuan's voice came from the corridor which made Qingqiu push away the other.

-" Nothing Zhangmen Shixiong. We were just talking about our disciples improvements."

Yue Qingyuan had a complicated expression but he didn't point out the obvious stressed atmosphere. He said," The competition is getting interesting. Your disciples are gaining many positive attentions. Won't you as their master like to witness that?"

Both of them nodded and returned to the rooftop. As it was the night-time many beautiful lamps lit up, colouring the whole area with a mesmerising golden hue. The tower they were in was too high for those street lights to reach. So to create a proper exciting atmosphere they just lit up several candles. Taking advantage of the dark atmosphere, Qingqiu sneakily placed his head on Qingge's shoulder again. Qingge felt the other's heart distinctively calmed down gradually.

On the other hand, inside the competition arena, Binghe was gritting his teeth in annoyance. One of the girls from the group that was tagging along with him, had sprained her legs badly. She just had to ask Binghe for help, she just had to hold Binghe's waist this much tightly for support and Binghe couldn't get more annoyed. On top of that, the annoying whinny voice.

-" Martial brother Luo, I am really sorry. Earlier I was shaved by you. But I still am troubling you now. If it wasn't for the sake of protecting us, you would have long since proceeded ahead. It's our fault for dragging you behind."

Binghe smiled passive aggressively," As fellow cultivators, taking care of each other is also a must."

" Help my foot! Just please stop rubbing your body on me!"

Seeing this scene, Yue Qingyuan laughingly said," Qingqiu, this small disciple of yours has a good character."

Qi Qingqi snorted," Since he is like this, it's like he didn't come from his tutelage."

Qingqiu neither had the mind to laugh nor had any interest to reciprocate the praising words those other cultivators were saying about his disciple. He knew every single one of them would turn their back on this same Binghe after knowing the truth. So all these praises were just being said out of courtesy or temporary awe. Even the Huan Hua palace Lord was giving contended reactions seeing Binghe's works. Sadly, everything is going to change. The master of Luo Binghe's birth mother, who doesn't know about Binghe's parents yet, how would he react after knowing the truth?

Could nothing really be done?

Qingqiu caressed his pendant as he spoke slowly," I can trust you, right?"

Qingge touched his own pendant and said in a equally hushed voice," You can."

He himself was feeling vulnerable due to all this, but he didn't know what to do except going with the flow. He believed in his Shixiong, his Shixiong believed in his disciple. So he could believe in Luo Binghe too.

And that small affirmation was enough for Shen Qingqiu to relax for a while again.

However, as time passed by, Qingqiu just couldn't sit still on his seat. Whenever a small monster appeared on screen where Luo Binghe was, Qingqiu would almost summon Xiu Ya to barge into the competition area. The other Sect leaders didn't notice his unusual behaviour but Qingge did. He looked around to see if anyone's attention was on them or not. After making sure they were busy looking at those crystal screens, he dared to do something he had never done once in his life. He said sorry to his ancestors thrice for his misbehaviour and hesitantly placed an assuring kiss on the crown of Qingqiu's head. He backed away instantly as if his skin was burned.

He cleared his throat awkwardly," I...am here. Anytime you need."

Qingqiu smiled slightly as he touched the place with his fingers, where he just got kissed, with amusement. With those same fingers he fondly tapped on Qingge's nose," Thank you, Qingge."

A certain Peak Lord was witnessing all these interactions since the start, but decided to pretend he was focusing on the competition.

Inside Jue Di Gorge, Binghe had already given up on finding more monsters to increase his rank in the competition. He kept his ears perked to see if he could hear anything unusual. The big tragedy would start with numerous monsters breaking into the competition that came straightly from the Demon realm. A lot of these people are going to die today. He was worried that his B-points would drop to zero because of all those deaths he couldn't prevent.

However, the Huan Hua palace disciple who were tagging along with him were completely unaware of the upcoming danger. He couldn't leave them either. First of all he was being recorded and second of all his life also depended on them one way or another.

So, he tried to stay composed. Taking these disciples to an open space rather than this riverside forest would be a good idea. Monsters wouldn't be able to sneak attack on them.

When he was walking ahead to find such a space, a Huan Hua female disciple yelled out," Big sister Wanyue, my feet hurt so much!"

Binghe didn't turn back but just stopped to massage his temple.

Qin Wanyue, the big sister of that girl named Qin Wanrong anxiously went towards her and said," Little sister Wanrong. Can you endure it for a bit longer? We need to walk faster to reach the checkpoint."

Qin Wanrong quietly sobbed," But my feet truly hurt and I can't walk anymore! We have been walking for a whole day! Without any rest, without a place to bathe. My feet are so uncomfortable right now."

Binghe started counting backwards from ten in his mind. After doing it thrice, he could swallow the angry words that were on the tip on his tongue. He really wanted to ask, if your feet hurt so bad why did you come to the competition? Even if you are weak, why are you making it difficult for the others? I don't even remember you from my past, and I am thankful that I don't. But he can't just last out in front of a young girl, can he?

Binghe gave Qin Wanyue a side glance and she understood what he was trying to convey. She awkwardly pleaded again," Little sister, we have already given Senior Martial Brother Luo so much trouble. Let's not give him more, shall we?"

Qin Wanrong innocently said," Senior Martial Brother Luo is such a good person that he won't mind. Isn't is right, Martial Brother Luo?"

Binghe finally turned around to face her. There was a small smile on his face that was purely out of annoyance. He just hoped this Qin Wanrong would get the signal like her older sister and stop her whining. He didn't know how, his smile backfired. That girl just blushed, smiled at him once and happily ran towards the riverside. Binghe's eyes were blown wide in shock thinking this shameless girl was really about to start taking a bath in front of everyone. He glared at Qin Wanyue subtly to stop her sister. Leave the catastrophe, he is going to die from anger and embarrassment today for sure.

Thankfully, that girl just threw her shoes and socks, and happily sat down on the ground to soak her feet in the water. Binghe peeked to see the end of the slope, people were drinking water from this river. And this girl was soaking her feet in it. Nice...

-" Wading into the water is not safe. It's better for Martial Sister to quickly come up. Right now."

Qin Wanyue shivered hearing the subtle anger hidden behind his tone. She felt something ominous loitering around her. She was worried for her sister, so she went near the riverside to tell her to come back. But the other disciples thought that the big sister also joined, so it wouldn't be a problem if they joined too. Realising this, they also ran towards the riverside throwing their shoes, socks and propriety alongside those and mirrored what Qin Wanrong was doing. Binghe just stared at them in disbelief.

-" Why we still here?" He whispered to himself.

" Just to suffer."

-" If A-Yuan was here, he would have told me to kick all of them down the river right now", he smiled feeling a bit melancholic. How good it would have been if somehow he found his A-Yuan having a role in his past life too.

The happy laughter and cheers of those people travelled over to his side," It's okay Martial Brother Luo! You come too!"

The spectators watching these were also in disbelief. They felt ashamed on their behalf and Huan Hua palace Lord kept his head down in embarrassment. In his Sect, the social barrier between boys and girls were quite lenient but seeing them taking advantage of the leniency like this made him feel concerned.

-" I am sorry for my disciple's behaviour. I will make sure to discipline them well after this competition", the Huan Hua palace Lord said remorsefully to Shen Qingqiu.

The screen showed Binghe reluctantly going near them. Qingqiu felt an uneasiness inside his heart. What is his disciple going to do now- perform the erotic foot bath scene the way it was mentioned in the novel? Something stirred inside his heart. Not so surprisingly he didn't like the sour feeling either. Shouldn't his disciple focus on the competition first?

Binghe kept a moderate distance and observed the water keenly keeping his hands crossed on his chest. Qin Wanyue scooted near him apologetically," Senior Martial Brother Luo, my junior apprentice and them, it's their first time participating in the Immortal Alliance Conference...", she bit her lips looking very pitiful.

Luo Binghe could care less about those apologies. Right now he was hearing unidentified movements around him so he guessed that the first demonic monster they are about to encounter is near enough. He kept his ears perked up until the sound of the movement stopped all at once. He whipped his head towards the direction of the river and felt his body go cold.

There was something vaguely black inside the water and with each passing time it was nearing the disciples more and more. No water monster's shadow should be this big!!

Binghe pushed Qin Wanrong out of the way as soon as a shrill cry drifted towards him. He dared to dash near the riverside to help the disciples. Originally there were five to six disciples playing in the water and now one of them got sucked into the water by a black thing as per their explanation. Binghe pulled up a few disciples from the water and the slight shift of the monster's position under the water reached his ears.

The monster was making its way towards Qin Wanrong!! What is this girl still doing in the water??

With a swift movement, Binghe pushed the disciple he saved just now towards the ground and picked Qin Wanrong up in his arms in a princess carry. However he messed up a bit. The disciple he thought he pushed towards the ground, he actually slipped into the water. The monster not only sucked the body of that disciple into the river, but also managed to take away the lower half of Qin Wanrong's legs.

-" What is happening??? Little sister Wanrong!!!"

Qin Wanyue immediately ran near her sister to check her condition. But given how delicate her sister was, her body couldn't manage the shock of her legs bitten off like this. She bled and bled until she took her last breath in Binghe's arms. Before dying, she said some words to Binghe in a broken voice.

-" Senior Martial Brother Luo, sorry and thank you...this Wanrong troubled you a lot...I am...", she couldn't say anymore.

Binghe didn't know this girl beforehand but seeing this girl clenching on his robes desperately to live like this- made him feel so bad about himself. There was blood on his robe, the lower part was completely soaked in Qin Wanrong's blood. And the girl died in his hands just like this.

He felt like a monster for rebuking her in his mind moments ago.

He gently passed her body to her sister, and waited for the monster to actually come out of the water. He positioned his sword in a defensive way and yelled," Those who are still near the river please run towards the ground!!"

The monster heard his sudden yelling and came out of the water with an unidentified sound. There were long black nasty and thick hair all around that monster's body which was even more disgusting than drainage rubbish. The smell of it is better if remained without description. Facing such a horribly large and disturbing monster, everyone started to scatter away in panic and fear.

Outside the arena, the Sect Leaders all stood up in panic. Half of those eagles responsible for showing the competition to the spectators were shot down by some unknown monsters flying in the sky. So they had no way to know how the disciples from that sides were doing. Only the horrified screams drifted outside the zone making the ordinary viewers scatter and run for their own life.

Yue Qingyuan yelled watching the screen," It's Nu Yuan Chan!!"

As if the situation wasn't already worse, the monster really just vomited the body of the previous disciple who fell into the water a while ago. That disciple's whole body was punctured, black goo was coming out of those holes as well as nasty thick bunches of hair!! Binghe had terrible phobia of such nasty clustered holes. He threw up right on the spot.

Even though the disciples were scared shitless seeing the monster, instead of running away they hurried to hide behind Luo Binghe. As if he was any match against that giant shit!!

Binghe yelled at the top of his lungs," On the count of three- RUN!!"

Notes:

Binghe: The body of the water monster is covered with nasty thick and long hair! It smelled so bad! Ptui!

Nu Yuan Chan: * who just did shampoo today to make its appearance * HEY!!

Chapter 25: House of cards (5)

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Even though the disciples were scared shitless seeing the monster, instead of running away they hurried to hide behind Luo Binghe. As if he was any match against that giant shit!!

Binghe yelled at the top of his lungs," On the count of three- RUN!!"

But the monster was so terrifying that everyone froze in their places. Nu Yuan Chan could move by water and by land. After sucking the life out of three disciples, it came outside the water to create havoc in the land. The tentacles like hair was moving menacingly while preparing to attack the nearby prey. The disciples were holding onto Binghe considering him as their first and last hope in this situation.

It wasn't that Binghe was so brave that he stayed in the front to fight against the monster. Those disciples were clenching on his robes so tightly that he couldn't escape even if he wanted to. At that moment an idea struck his mind.

He snapped his fingers and fire appeared on his fingertips. This wasn't the normal fire technique cultivators used when they were in need of lights. This one had several modifications and many upgraded spells created by none other than Shen Qingqiu. Generally this kind of upgraded fire spell would be of no use, it is useful only when fighting against difficult monsters. A great way to distract them.

To think that Shen Qingqiu specifically taught him, Ming Fan and Ning Yingying- something was definitely suspicious. But Binghe could care less about this suspicious matter now.

With a perfect aim he threw the fire towards the monster and those tendril like hair caught in fire. Nu Yuan Chan was forced to take back those tendrils and retreat into the water; afraid to go ashore. The entire set of actions were carried through smoothly and successfully, without any room for hesitation. Only after he made sure that the monster wasn't coming back up anytime soon, he relaxed a bit.

-" Martial brother Luo, you can use this", a girl handed him the Night Pearl that had fell on the ground during the chaos.

Binghe held the Night Pearl high up and said gathering everyone's attention to him," Martial brother and sisters, don't wander around and get lost. Gather in one place and move together!"

He gathered all of their emergency fireworks which was given to them prior to the Immortal Alliance Conference and shot them towards the sky one by one.

This was a general item given to all of the participants. So that they could ask for help if there was really no other way to deal with a certain monster. Usually no pure breed demonic monsters were kept in the competition area and no one wanted to make their Sect appear weak. That's why no one really used these fire works unless any dire situation occurred. But now the whole sky of Jue Di Gorge was enlightened with the continuous fireworks being shot towards the sky from different directions. One firework meant one disciple was in danger, and there were hundreds of fireworks seen in the sky.

-" This is terrible!" One of the younger boys cried," How am I supposed to go home now? My mother...what would she do without me?"

After the monster retreated, aside the ominous sound of fireworks no human voice was heard. As if they were stricken with horror which made them lose their voice. Amidst the bone chilling silence, that boy's cries were feeling more and more ominous.

All of a sudden a shrill cry pierced the silence. Then came the sound of hurried footsteps before a gurgling sound came to their ears. Everything became eerily quiet after that.

Qin Wanyue trembled in fear and whispered," One of the disciples died..."

The rest of them froze, knowing one of their allies died was one thing and hearing it being confirmed from another's mouth was a whole different thing. Most of their knees gave up, making them slump on the floor.

Binghe kept the light high so that they wouldn't have to be afraid of the unknown monsters lurking in the darkness at least.

Moments after, Binghe heard a set of footsteps again. This time it was coming towards them.

One of the girls ran away in panic yelling," Please don't lead the monster this way!"

Unfortunately that girl's voice died as soon as she disappeared in the darkness. A gurgling sound and everything became quiet once again. The footsteps became louder than before.

Binghe positioned his sword in that direction as the shadow of that unknown person became more and more clear.

-" Luo Binghe...found you..."

Binghe lowered his sword instantly," Ming Fan...?"

It was indeed Ming Fan. Turned out whose footsteps they heard a while ago belonged to Ming Fan. Another one was running alongside him but unfortunately the monster got that person instead of him. He barely managed to stay hidden until that monster left and when he got the chance he fled from there when he saw a source of light. A place having light meant there would be other people present. More people, more safety. What he didn't expect was he would find Luo Binghe there.

To Ming Fan, it felt like the very first time he had seen Luo Binghe in the Qing Jing peak. Considering how tough it was just a while ago to think that he would be able to survive; surprisingly it wasn't Ning Yingying whose name came to his mind at first. It was this brat's name who was standing safe and sound in front of him.

He didn't know when he started running towards Binghe and when he ended up hugging him out of the blue. He had never thought that the thing he has restrained himself from doing for all these years, even went as far as to harm that boy as much as he could, he would find himself doing it in this situation. That he would lose his control over himself. But it felt good, and it wouldn't be interpreted abnormally in this situation either.

-" Martial brother, are you okay?" Binghe was dumbfounded witnessing Ming Fan's weird behaviour.

He thought maybe this guy was scared out his shit which forced to run towards random person to seek comfort. He obliged with it and patted Ming Fan's back lightly. Poor guy was trembling in fear from head to toe.

-" Are...are...are you", Ming Fan still couldn't bring himself to ask if Binghe was alright or not. He broke the hug as if his skin burned.

-" Senior brother doesn't need to worry this much. This one is fine. How about you? Any injury?"

-" There was a freaking pure demonic breed five headed snake! It was killing people left and right...I don't know how I managed to survive...", Ming Fan yelled in a low voice out of frustration so that he doesn't accidentally attract another horrifying monster.

-" How about Senior Martial Sister? Wasn't she with you?"

Ming Fan opened and closed his mouth a few times then went near the group of disciples to check something.

-" She was with me...but in the middle of the competition she told me that she will go and look for you...she didn't come to you?"

Binghe stared at him with blown out eyes," When did she part with you?"

-" In the afternoon..."

-" Shit!"

Binghe knew that as per the proceedings of today's incidents, Ning Yingying isn't the one to die. However, the fact that Qin Wanrong wasn't supposed to die either, makes the thought of Ning Yingying's death even more plausible. She isn't weak in her cultivation unlike her whiny behaviour. Binghe just prays that she would be alright until the end of today's occurance. She wasn't that much of best friend of Luo Binghe but she was like a constant one time comforting one time annoying presence that both him and Ming Fan liked. The terror in Ming Fan's eyes said so, considering how much of a crush he had on that girl.

-" Hey listen, how about we to go back to the entrance? I am sure they have opened it for us to escape. Why don't we-"

-" Senior brother, we won't find the entrance open. There's no use."

Ming Fan impatiently said," Why?? Our elders won't leave us here to die, will they?"

-" Have you thought that if the entrance gets open all the monsters would find a way to get out with us too?"

When the realisation hit, Ming Fan went as rigid as a stone wall.

The condition outside the competition arena was equally chaotic.

Several flying eagles were torn apart by the flying demonic monsters ravaging the sky. For this reason half of the crystal screens now showed a black void. The rest of the screens showed terrified and horribly injured disciples who were begging to their elders to come and save them. Already two hundred disciples have died a miserable death. These happened so quickly that the masters of those disciples could just witness their dear disciples getting torn into pieces or sucked dry in front of their eyes. Most of the masters couldn't even find their own disciples in those remaining crystal screens. Only the screams could be heard.

The Daoists of Tian Yi Overlook snapped," What on earth is happening? The approved monsters for this competition have all been chosen according to the strictest standards. How can these pure demonic breeds like Nu Yuan Chan be there?"

Shen Qingqiu, on this side, could hardly focus on their words as he was haphazardly trying to find where his disciples were. He knew Luo Binghe would be safe for now, but same thing couldn't be said for Ming Fan, Ning Yingying and other Qing Jing peak disciples. After a few moments of searching he could spot Ning Yingying in one of those crystal screens.

To his horror, she was heavily injured. She was literally dragging her legs to move forward carrying huge claw marks on her legs. Not to mention two other younger girls were trying to cling to her for protection. Dragging her down, making her legs bleed more.

Liu Qingge's mental state wasn't anything better either. He was pretending to be calm on the outside while on the inside he was going crazy. Hundreds of questions were ravaging his mind. The one question that was screaming at the top of his lungs inside his head was- How did Qingqiu know something bad was going to happen? Did Qingqiu also know what exactly was going to happen? If yes, then how on earth is this possible? The matter of Qingqiu betraying the Sects was out of the list since the start- he would never stoop this low. Qingge tried to ask this to Qingqiu when the old Palace master of Huan Hua palace spoke up.

-" Open the enchantment! Hurry up!"

Hearing his screaming the Zhao Hua Temple was quickly about to use the Thousan Li Transmitter to notify the monks in charge to open the enchantment. However, who knew it would be Yue Qingyuan who would suddenly say," It can't be opened!"

-" Sect Head Yue, what are you saying??"

-" If the enchantment is opened, it is true that our disciples can escape", Qingqiu snapped his fan close," But if you see carefully you can see signs of human habitation a bit far away. Once the enchantment is opened the originally trapped monsters will also escape with our disciples. Moreover, our disciples can at least manage themselves for a while but what about those who don't have spiritual power flowing through their meridians?"

He said in a calm voice but behind his back ,the hand with what he was haphazardly counting backwards to keep himself calm a while ago, was being tightly held by Liu Qingge. Qingqiu held onto that assuring hand like his life line.

Qingge asked," If the enchantment can't be opened, what should be done?"

He asked Qingqiu cause he felt Qingqiu would surely know the answer of this.

-" If exiting is impossible, then the only possible way is- entering."

Everyone fell silent hearing his words.

Yue Qingyuan was the one who agreed to this first. He said," All fellow Daoists, today's events must be someone's intentional move to eliminate our young cultivators and future pillars in one swoop with the help of the Demon realm. Because of the stratagem we can only let the enchantment continue. Are there any fellow Daoists who are willing to join our Cang Qiong Mountain Sect to enter the gorge?"

Huan Hua palace master was the first one to respond," Huan Hua palace is duty-bound to assist."

One by one most of them agreed and started taking preparations to enter the gorge as quickly as possible. Yue Qingyuan was the one who will be leading the group so he was standing at the front checking the necessary arrangements. Qingqiu was about to take a step forward to join the queue of those helping cultivators, when Qingge stopped him with his scabbard.

-" What now? Shidi, let me go."

-" Your poison."

-" So what? My disciples are dying inside, I can't be sitting here waiting for others to rescue them, can I? And didn't you say you will help me? Then help me now", Qingqiu didn't know where this demanding voice was coming from but he continued," Clear my meridians. Enter the enchantment with me. And remember your promise. That you won't hurt Binghe. Is that clear?"

Qingge sighed," It will be too late if I start clearing your meridians now."

-" Then do the fastest way possible. Qingge, I must go."

-" I don't know any faster way than this!"

-" Of course you don't."

Poor Qingge didn't even get the time to react when Qingqiu held his collar with one hand and let their face crash against each other. He didn't even register what was happening and when he did his soul was sucked out of his body through his mouth. His knees almost gave up as well as his brain trying to process what just happened. He looked at Qingqiu for explanation who was wiping his own mouth with one hand and with the other trying to check his flow of spiritual power.

-" Would suffice perfectly for a few months. As expected from the War God's Qi. Thank you, Qingge", Qingqiu tapped on Qingge's lips with his fan and summoned Xiu Ya to step on it.

-" Wait!" Qingge barely managed to stop himself from stuttering," I will go to find my disciples first. If any further help is needed or...you spiritual power gets stuck, call me through the pendant. I will be there."

-" You better be", Qingqiu stepped on Xiu Ya and didn't look back anymore.

Inside the Jue Di Gorge, the situation was getting more and more worse. Luo Binghe and Ming Fan were trying their best to calm down those martial brothers and sisters. Those disciple's were holding onto the ground, hugging their heads and weeping bitterly trying to block the sounds of people's screaming and dying. Currently they were taking shelter inside a small cave while Binghe and Ming Fan were taking turns to guard the area.

The system was eerily quiet throughout the whole process.

He leaned against the tree to prepare himself for the upcoming chaos. Ming Fan slowly came and sat down on the ground beside him. Poor guy genuinely looked terrified and devoid of all hope.

-" Why isn't Shizun coming to save us?" His originally loud voice was now barely a whisper.

-" Believe in Shizun, he will come to save us."

-" What if he comes too late? What if one of us can't make it out the area?"

" One of us will really not make out of this area today, Ming Fan..."

-" Then I hope Senior brother makes it out safely."

-" Stop preten-"

All of a sudden, a strange sound came from the nearby bushes. Ming Fan and Binghe both gathered spiritual power in the middle of their palms, waiting for the thing to arrive. From those bushes, louder and louder, came the sound of something rolling. Then a round thing came out of the bush rolling and knocked against Binghe's shoes.

It was a human head.

Ming Fan shrieked and moved back pulling Binghe with him. The eyes of the head was closed, face covered with blood and hair as messy as a chicken's nest. At this moment, a dead person's head was better than a blood thirsty monster. This evoked other's curiosity as they drew closer to confirm the identity.

-" He isn't one of us."

-" I have never seen him before."

They were busy identifying the head whereas Binghe was busy observing the abnormalities in that head. Just then, a sudden strange movement caught his eyes. Pulling out Zheng Yang he screamed," Get away from that head!"

But his warning came too late. From below the neck of the head came out eight long, thin, articulated, barbed spider legs and the head jumped up opening his eyes. The closest person couldn't avoid the attack when that strange monster wrapped its legs around his head. Those thin legs found their positions and without any delay inserted those inside that disciple's temple from both sides.

That disciple's body turned rigid, unable to make a single sound as his brain was being sucked out by that monster. After a while the eight spider legs pulled out leaving behind two gaping holes at that disciple's temples.

The scene was so horrifying that even Luo Binghe couldn't recover himself for a moment. That spider climbed down from its victims body, let out a shrill cry like a baby and moved towards its next closest target.

Luo Binghe.

Just then, before Binghe could attack that spider with his sword, a strong hand wrapped around his waist and made him move out of the way of that spider. A sha sha sound came of paper cutting through a harsh surface and everything quieted down once again. Binghe was plastered against a familiar chest, he could recognise this faint fragrance of mint anywhere.

-" Shizun..."

Qingqiu rubbed his ear with his hand due to the noise earlier, fixed his sleeves and spread open his fan to cover the lower half of his face. He didn't know what on earth possessed him when he looked at Binghe and said-

-" Tch. Such useless disciples I have raised."

But instead of malice, there was slight relief and adoration in his voice.

Notes:

Wrote in a hurry so couldn't check if there are any mistakes. I will check and correct the mistakes as soon as possible.

Chapter 26: Please be safe for me, won't you?

Summary:

A chapter from Liu Qingge's pov

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Life doesn't flow the same way for everyone.

For Liu Qingge, it was full of less ups and more downs and most importantly- conflictions. Being born as the eldest child of Bai Zhan Peak's previous Lord meant he would eventually get to inherit the peak. Be the Sect leader of the strongest Sect of Cang Qiong mountain. So from his childhood, his father trained him to be the strongest, unbeatable soldier.

To earn the title of- God of War.

He had found his father's words ridiculous. He had thought himself to be a simple boy who loved to fight, who loved to hold the sword and defeat his opponents. He never thought himself to be qualified enough to earn the title of "God of War". Months after months passed just like this- him being the pampered son of Bai Zhan peak, him going down the mountain with his father to defeat monsters in real life to gain experience. However, in this process, he never thought of making any friends. More like he never understood the concept of being friends with others.

He just watched others from afar. How they laughed with each other, how they fought with each other, went to night hunts together, did mischievous activities and got punished together. But no one dared to approach him like this. Always thinking of him as the Sect leader's son- the soon to be head of the Bai Zhan peak. No one dared to treat him casually as a friend. No one called him "Qing-er", except his parents. No one called him "Liu-Shixiong" or "Liu-Shidi" as friends would call each other or something.

They just called him "Young Master" whenever they saw him and kept their head bowed.

He also casually accepted his fate.

He never disliked being alone. He liked his private space quite a lot which his mother always tried to enter with a plate of self made sweets. He loved his quality time with his parents and was quite a lot satisfied with it. But one day, God sent another one to his life.

His little sister- Liu Mingyan.

Since the first time he held his little sister in his arms, he made a promise to himself that he would sacrifice his life if needed to protect his sister. Growing up together, he found his first friend in his sister. A mischievous one to be precise. She would always ask either for a piggy back ride, or ask her brother to give her a horseback ride. The horse always had to be Liu Qingge. Even her father won't do as a horse.

And who was Liu Qingge to deny The Liu Mingyan- the overly pampered daughter of the Bai Zhan Peak's Sect leader.

He was content with his life. He taught her sister how to use a sword, how to defeat monsters and in the process discovered that she was more fit for a different style of cultivation. One day she would have to leave this peak to pursue the proper form of cultivation suitable for her meridians. He had accepted this reality earlier than his parents, just like he accepted everything his life had to offer.

Except one thing- the horrible prophecy he heard on his tenth birthday.

It was like a simple custom of Cang Qiong mountain Sects to have a fortune-teller read the horoscope of the one who would inherit the Sect in near future. Generally it was done on their tenth birthday- it was no different for Liu Qingge. He wouldn't deny that he was somewhat excited to hear the prophecy as it didn't mean much. It was just done for entertainment. So the fortune-tellers always said good things only. But who knew that damn fortune-teller would say such a thing that would change his life forever.

As per the fortune-teller, Liu Qingge was doomed to die in his late twenties.

Only two individuals would be able to save him then. However, his saviours would have to die instead of him sooner or later.

And his saviour couldn't be anyone from his family.

When asked why not- he replied that Liu Qingge would lose all of his family members before his own death.

Being enraged by that fortune-teller's nonsensical words, his father banished him from the Sect. He strengthened the protection spells to protect his Sect so that no intruder could come in. He became extra cautious about his children and wife. He toiled hard day and night to keep an eye on the surroundings and destroy anything that looked suspicious.

Unfortunately, as he didn't allow anything from outside to harm his family, someone from inside did the work. It wasn't even an assassin, the culprit was just a random cook who accidentally started a fire in the kitchen. He wasn't present there when the fire started and only noticed when it had spread to other areas besides the kitchen. He ran for his life to wake up the others but as it was winter season- one thing led to another and the whole Sect was on fire. As if mocking the cautiousness of the Sect leader against his family's fate.

Except Liu Qingge's parents, everyone survived that day. Little Mingyan was trembling in her brother's arms, her face covered in a veil and body covered in a thick quilt by her mother. Till this day, she wears the veil the same way.

Liu Qingge could never forgive himself for this. His birth felt like a curse on him. But he couldn't neglect his own life as another life depended on him. He then became the youngest Sect leader, forced himself to mentally grow up and handle the Sect. Even though other Sect leaders helped him in every possible way, he always felt he had no one. He was always suspicious, always over protective of his sister. Once upon a time, he even slaughtered an unruly disciple who tried to drug his sister. Just because she rejected his proposal. Because of the drug, Liu Mingyan stayed unconscious for weeks.

He had thought that he was going to lose his only life line too.

Which temple he didn't visit back then, whose Sect he didn't visit to ask for help back then. He didn't care for his pride, he didn't care for his reputation- he only wanted his sister to be safe and sound. But luck wasn't on his side- and none of the Sects could manage to find a cure for Liu Mingyan's illness.

God knows what kind of drug that was, even Mu Qingfang was taking ages to detect it. Miraculously, the much needed help came from a newcomer in Qing Jing peak- named Shen Qingqiu.

He was a few years older than Liu Qingge and always had an arrogant aura surrounding him. So getting help from him was unexpected. But as surprising as it sounded, he actually managed to detect the drug and even tell the precise cure for it. No one knew how he did that, some even dared to suspect that he was the one who had ordered the other boy to drug her. But Liu Qingge felt Shen Qingqiu wasn't the one who did that.

He had seen how hurt he was behind those blank eyes of his when he was being accused. He had seen through the facade.

After Liu Mingyan came out of her comatose state, Liu Qingge went to thank Shen Qingqiu for the favour. However, that time Shen Qingqiu had brutally closed the door of his room on Liu Qingge's face uttering two words.

Brainless brute.

These two words stuck in his brain like a vicious glue. He kept thinking if he was actually just a brainless brute. When he couldn't bear anymore, he challenged that Qing Jing Peak's member for a duel. Only after that, he got to learn that this Shen Qingqiu was quite a tricky person. He used underhanded techniques quite precisely and if anyone blinked for a moment he would fail to catch the trick.

After a while, he found himself curious to know- just how many tricks that Shen Qingqiu had under his sleeves. So he challenged him. Again and again.

Again and again.

He was addicted to the way Shen Qingqiu fought. Against him, or against anyone else. There was pure malice whenever he fought- a determination to prove his abilities. By hook or by crook. Liu Qingge unknowingly kept taking notes of those tricks and techniques. After some months, he found himself noticing his other things too.

How Shen Qingqiu's hid his expressions behind his fan, how he secretly hid his hand behind his back and started counting whenever he was nervous, how he said the word "Shidi" to harmlessly annoy him. Liu Qingge was terrified of the effect of Shen Qingqiu's whole existence on him.

During the Immortal Alliance Conference, Liu Qingge one upped Shen Qingqiu. Qingqiu's Xiu Ya couldn't stand against his Cheng Luan but he sure gave him a tough competition.

Gradually, he started to notice that Xiu Ya didn't clash against Cheng Luan with the intention to win only, didn't hold the same ferocity. He wasn't a dense person, he knew Shen Qingqiu wasn't one either. He could see how the other prolonged their fights, discreetly, Liu Qingge did the same. No one won, no one lost.

He wasn't dense but he was afraid.

He was afraid that he was stepping in a dangerous territory. There were certain rules and regulations for a Sect leader. Which started to apply on Shen Qingqiu too when he became one. The distance increased a bit, the duels between them became more lengthy- no one confessed, no one came clear.

He didn't know the reason for Shen Qingqiu's hesitation, his desperation to hide his feelings with cruel words. Every time Qingqiu attempted to say something to him, he stopped at the last moment and left saying the same old words he had once said.

-" Brainless brute."

So Liu Qingge also concealed himself. Fought with him verbally, physically, anyhow he could- cause spending time with him normally wasn't an available option for him.

Until the wishing festival came.

Liu Qingge, to be honest, was severely drunk that day. He didn't know how it happened but there he was. Drunk and slightly feverish. It was raining heavily and he felt lightheaded because of the fever. That time, he saw Shen Qingqiu standing on a rooftop staring at the people who were celebrating the festival. He wasn't aware if it was the rain or Qingqiu was actually crying. But he was standing under a shed, he must be crying. Qingge went there against his better judgement and due to being drunk and feverish, he ended up holding Qingqiu's hand. Before he could say anything, Qingqiu pushed him with all his might saying-

-" Don't you dare touch me you damn monster!!"

The terror and disgust was overflowing from Qingqiu's eyes. For the first time in life, Liu Qingge realised what it meant to be heartbroken.

-" Qingge, listen to me. I didn't...I didn't mean to yell at you. I thought you were someone else. Believe me, Qingge...Qingge!"

Behaving like a coward, he fled from there, not wanting to listen to any of the things Qingqiu tried to say to him.

He felt hurt. He felt useless. Why did he let his heart wander around? Why did he let it go near Qingqiu? He should have just stayed inside his boundaries. He should have known that Shen Qingqiu actually hated him, and he himself was the one who misread the situation for his own benefit.

But after that day, Shen Qingqiu fell terribly ill.

Qingqiu had extreme fever and he didn't wake up no matter how much the best physician tried.

Qingge didn't dare to visit Qing Jing peak as he had swore to himself that he would start treating Shen Qingqiu as his benefactor only. Nothing else.

But he couldn't stop worrying. He just couldn't stop imagining the worst case scenarios, he was having a hard time to stop himself from going to Qing Jing peak. While people thought Liu Qingge didn't visit him because of their mutual hatred, Liu Qingge was busy meditating in the Ling Xi cave to keep himself calm. When meditation didn't work, he started practising his sword moves haphazardly. Thinking about his past, thinking about his family, thinking about Shen Qingqiu.

Right then, a sharp pain inside his veins made him drop his sword.

Before he could let out a scream due to the immense pain, his body gave up and he dropped face down on the floor. He remembered the prophecy about his future, and remembered that he was actually in his late twenties.

A certain someone had made him forget about his approaching death.

He started releasing his overflowing spiritual energy wherever he could to calm down his meridians. But he could feel his death approaching. The Qi deviation was making him uncontrollably angry, making him remember all the sweet moments with his family and at the same time all the bittersweet moments with Shen Qingqiu.

No, he didn't want Shen Qingqiu to see him devastated like this.

But who ever heard his prayers? In his dazed state, he saw Shen Qingqiu entering the cave with another person behind him. He remembered that fortune-teller's words again- to save him one would have to be willing to sacrifice their life without any hesitation. And his saviours would die sooner or later, instead of him. He didn't want Qingqiu to do that, he knew Qingqiu wouldn't do that. So he tried with all his might to make him go away from here. But what happened after he thought that, he couldn't remember.

He just remembered that Shen Qingqiu actually saved his life and both of them were safe and sound. There was another one beside him- his another saviour.

Luo Binghe.

He felt his anger vanish from his mind since that day.

Even though it was visible that Shen Qingqiu had suddenly changed. Completely, yet not completely. It was strange. Qingge wouldn't say he didn't like the arrogance on Qingqiu's face, he wouldn't say he didn't like the teasing smile on Qingqiu's face either.

Can a Qi deviation and a fever change a person so much?

He didn't know. More like he was curious but he was afraid to know. So he held onto whatever his fate was giving him. He could deceive his fate once, what if he couldn't the next time? So he made full use of the given time. Knowingly or unknowingly, he found himself unable to stay away from Shen Qingqiu. It's not that he never tried asking the other if anything was wrong, but Qingqiu always avoided that question like a plague.

He stopped asking him for a while.

Then came this huge ball of sunshine, Shen Qingqiu's disciple, Luo Binghe. This boy's energy could perfectly match Ying Yixuan's, as well as Liu Qingge's. It was fun training him. While the others didn't dare to get close to him, didn't dare to talk to him about anything else than their cultivation- this little guy directly came to his room to have a tea time with him.

His reason- he used to have tea time with his Shizun and now that he's away from him for two years, he would like to share this time with him.

-" Shishu, should I cook something for you today? We can eat our dinner together."

-" Liu-shidi, did my disciple eat? You aren't being too harsh on him, are you?"

-" Shishu, I baked this cake for your birthday. Happy birthday, Shishu!"

-" Shidi! Did you just say Binghe has obtained his sword?? How is he? Is he injured? He isn't? I knew my boy could do it sooner!"

-" I will miss Shishu when I go back. If I get the chance again, I will definitely make your favourite pastries for you!"

This master-disciple duo was a bit overwhelming for Liu Qingge. But in a good way. At one point, he really couldn't imagine his day without these two individuals. Even though Binghe was several years younger than him, he found a friend in him like he found one in Shen Qingqiu. He felt he was doing a good job in protecting both of his saviours, his friends.

It felt good. Too good.

And good things never lasted long.

Which explains his current situation. Currently he was fighting with several weird spider demons that kept on coming like sea waves. Seven of his disciples have already died and his head disciple, Ying Yixuan is severely injured. Poor boy was still trying to hold on, trying not to burden his Shizun.

-" All of you stay inside the boundary! None of you will come out without my order!"

Liu Qingge managed to clean a fraction of those spiders and the rest of them scattered away for unknown reasons. Still he stayed there to keep a watch on his disciples, he couldn't leave their side now until more help came.

There were twelve disciples inside the barrier including the Bai Zhan Peak's ones. Cheng Luan alone wouldn't be enough to carry all of them out of the danger zone.

In front of his feet a young disciple was lying motionlessly. He took a step back. A few years ago, it could have been him. Lifeless, lying inside a cold lonely cave, no one to come for him, his body doomed to rot there.

The pendant was becoming scorching hot. So hot that it burned his skin.

He was sure Shen Qingqiu's one was burning too given how anxious he is now. He just couldn't stop thinking about what Qingqiu said prior to this surprising tragedy.

-" Shidi, my disciple is a victim of the circumstances. Whatever is going to happen today, believe me Shidi, it's not his fault. So when the time comes...I beg you to somehow stop the catastrophe. Even if I can't. Can you promise me this, Shidi?"

-" What on earth did you mean by it, Qingqiu?"

He was dying to rush to Qingqiu's side to know what was happening. He couldn't stop worrying about both Qingqiu and Binghe. What was going to happen to that boy? How did Qingqiu know about this beforehand? If he knew, why couldn't he prevent it on his own? He held the pendant instead, hoping to give Qingqiu some comfort.

-" Qingqiu, can you hear me?"

-" Shidi! Shidi...help!"

-" Qingqiu, what is happening there?? Are you injured??"

-" Not me...help...Binghe...please.."

A sound of vomiting came next. Then Qingqiu stopped answering altogether. Thankfully, more people came soon after and Qingge dashed out to go near Qingqiu as soon as he handed over the disciples to them.

Please be safe. Please be safe, both of you. Please be safe...please...

Yet, what he saw after reaching there forced the air out of his lungs.

-" Shen Qingqiu! Luo Binghe!"

Notes:

Abyss scene is (hopefully) in the next chapter! Behold! For the angst that's about to come muhahaha!

Chapter 27: A warrior, A friend

Notes:

A quick update before my exams. The next chapter is going to be full of gore and angst as it would focus on Binghe's abyss life style.

Be prepared hehe

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

It hurts.

It hurts a lot.

Help. Anyone. Please ease the pain.

Binghe knelt on the ground after a blood curdling scream ripped out from his throat. His whole body felt like it was on fire and every inch of his body was burning. He could feel the pressure inside his veins, how they were trying their best not to explode. How they were trying to handle the excruciating pain and heat all while balancing two different types of energies. The pain was so much that he couldn't even differentiate between his imagination and reality.

His blood was boiling inside his body and the level of his anger was increasing rapidly without any specific reason.

This was the same old pain he had once experienced. But knowing how much it would hurt, never made the pain more tolerable. He desperately wanted to hold someone, anyone. Maybe his Qingqiu? Or maybe Liu Qingge? Anyone would do. He wanted to be embraced now. He wanted to hear that everything will be okay. That the pain will go away even though he knew it would after a while. He clenched the dirt on the ground having no one to hold onto. His breathing came out shallow.

As far as he remembered, after the incident with those spiders suddenly a new character appeared before them. The mole of the story.

Shang Qinghua.

The one who shook hands with the Demon realm to sabotage this competition. Right after his entry, came another important character.

Mobei-Jun.

Luo Binghe's most loyal subordinate after he became the Demon Lord. However, he wasn't supposed to come this soon if Binghe remembered his past correctly. But Mobei-Jun did and mercilessly attacked both him and his Qingqiu. After that, he just abruptly revealed Binghe's original identity in front of Shen Qingqiu and left as if nothing important just happened. The constant pain since the abyss opened is yet to reduce.

-" Shizun..."

He could see a blurry figure slowly making its way towards him. Limping in pain, blood dripping down and staining the robe. He knew who it was and could only repeat the same word until he finally got what he was dying for. He found himself engulfed in a calming embrace after that person sat down beside him. That person was none other than Shen Qingqiu. He hugged him back taking in the familiar fragrance of mint that was mixed with the stench of blood now.

-" It hurts...it hurts a lot Shizun...hold me."

He was sure he wasn't crying because of the pain. He was crying because of the things that's about to happen. Anytime soon. He held him tighter as if trying to merge their bodies together.

His Shizun won't hug him like this anymore.

His Shizun won't comfort him like this anymore. Won't say the sweet nothings to calm him down anymore.

Everything. He is going to lose everything.

-" I am holding you, Binghe."

-" Hold me tighter."

-" You will get hurt-"

-" Please...please..hold me.."

-" If you say so.."

Qingqiu carefully held him tighter in his arms.

Binghe wasn't in his right mind to know what he was blabbering about. His whole body jerked when he felt a soothing string of spiritual energy entering his body. Qingqiu was slowly drawing circles on his back with his palm while transferring his spiritual energy to Binghe. He had checked Ming Fan's condition before coming to Binghe- he was currently unconscious due to the sudden attack but he will be fine soon enough.

But will his Binghe be fine?

The notifications from the system said otherwise.

Qingqiu knew that Binghe wasn't conscious enough to know what his body was making him do to ease the pain. So he let him bite on his shoulder to his heart's content. The slight pain on his shoulder will weigh nothing in front of the pain this poor boy is going to suffer real soon.

Why? Just why can't he change this fate? Can't he just stay happily with all of his disciples? Why must one of them go?

-" Shizun...Shizun..."

The focus on Binghe's eyes returned a bit and his brain started to clear up. Enough to process his surroundings. He unwillingly broke the calming hug and kept staring at the ground with his tear stained eyes. He could see the blood on Qingqiu's robes but he felt that he had lost his rights to wipe that blood. The tears started to fall on the ground without any resistance again.

-" Stop crying."

Qingqiu wiped those tears from Binghe's face with the back of his hand. Binghe wistfully titled his head to chase the touch. Unfortunately, that skin contact didn't last long.

-" Awake?"

Qingqiu's voice came out rough and choked. He really wanted to sound firmer during this questionnaire before the abyss part, but he couldn't stop his inner tremors. The crying face of Binghe was forcing him to just stop and give up everything.

In front of throwing this innocent one down the abyss, Qingqiu felt like his own death once again was a better option. He was a scum anyways- people here would forget him after a few days. People back in his worlds had probably already forgotten about him. His disappearance wouldn't make much of a difference here.

But, this Binghe, who would be able to forget him? Leave the matter of forgetting, leave the matter of others, his own guilt will kill him even before Binghe's return.

He glanced at the warning notification from the system once, took a deep breath and said," If awake, we can have a good talk."

-'' I am...not awake..", biting down harshly on his lower lip he shook his head like a child.

-" Luo Binghe!" Qingqiu raised his voice a bit. His own tears threatened to fall down at this sight.

-" Shizun..."

-" Tell the truth, how long- how long have you been cultivating demonic techniques?"

More tears escaped from Binghe's eyes, making everything around him blurry. Meekly, he held the hem of Qingqiu's robe and said," This disciple can explain."

It was tough for Qingqiu to face Binghe like this. So he, a bit harshly, slapped Binghe's hand away from his robes and demanded the answer of his question again. The warning bell of the system was making it hard to focus.

The countdown had already begun.

Just ten minutes more.

Qingqiu couldn't bear the bewildered look on Binghe's face because he knew what kind of hypocritical behaviour he was showing. On one hand he was shedding tears, on the other hand he was being stern with Binghe. He raised his hand to hold the younger's face and forced it upwards to meet his eyes.

-" Shut your mouth. Don't cry and answer me", he wanted to say these words like a warning, but these came out more like a request.

-" Two years ago.."

The pit of the sympathy in Qingqiu's heart for Binghe became deeper. He just remained silent, subconsciously wiping the remaining tears from Binghe's face again. His head had started to hurt due to all this and some weird blurry pictures were flashing inside his brain. He had no time to ponder over those muddy memories right now.

Would it be too much of a hypocrisy if he hugged his disciple again right now?

He gently patted Binghe's head and calmly said," Two years. No wonder you progressed this fast. Luo Binghe, you truly have a natural talent."

These words from Qingqiu were genuine words of praise, but to Binghe's ears they sounded totally different. The calmer Qingqiu was behaving with him, the more it was hurting him. The more it was confusing him.

Will he have to jump into the abyss hurting his Qingqiu?

Or will his Qingqiu be the one to throw him down, betraying him?

Either way, the result will be the same.

Binghe slightly got up from the ground and knelt before Qingqiu. Keeping his gaze fixed on the ground he slowly muttered," This disciple begs for forgiveness. I just...wanted to be strong enough to protect-"

-" Shut up I say!" Qingqiu stood up hurriedly.

Inside his head, it was ringing like crazy. The blurry images he was seeing a while ago became a bit more clear and a lot more chaotic. Binghe was right in front of him, but in those blurry memories he could see Binghe again. He could see himself, he could see other Peak Lords surrounding him but everything was getting jumbled like puzzle pieces. He shook his head to focus on the current situation more.

-" Shizun", Binghe meekly called out and said," But weren't you the one who said that just like people can be good or evil, demons can also be good or evil?"

He wanted to know before separating from him. Back then, Shen Qingqiu wasn't this much open and free with him so none of these reassuring words were said in the past life. But still his behaviour back then had come out as a surprise- the memories are still blurry but he remembers the betrayal he had felt. Moreover, now that his Shizun has treated him so well- Binghe would surely like to know the reason behind his current behaviour. Which was contradictory and utterly confusing given how much Qingqiu was crying, consciously or unconsciously. Also visibly forcing himself to say harsh words, while his voice was trembling as well as his body.

-" You aren't an ordinary Demon...Binghe. You...are a Heavenly Demon. This family has committed so many sins that they can't be mentioned in the same breath as other Demons."

-" But you said so yourself...Shizun."

Right then, another warning notice from the system popped up in front of Qingqiu.

[ Luo Binghe's health status is decreasing! If he doesn't go to the abyss, you will be sent back to the world you came from and Binghe's body will suffer a huge damage because his Demon blood will cause a rampage. Choose carefully:

- Your life

- Your disciple's life

You have only five minutes left to decide.]

-" Now you are behaving like a shit!!! The consequences are going to be the same for both options!!"

Binghe was shocked suddenly hearing these unexpected words. When he looked up, he saw that surprisingly Shen Qingqiu was yelling at absolutely no one but the air. His face was distorted in anger as he yelled pointing his Xiu Ya towards the air," That wasn't the fucking thing you told me yesterday. Only my life was at stake until today!! Why are you changing your words now! Don't you know that the abyss is just another form of a hellhole!!"

[ Four minutes ]

-" Stop it!! Stop it stop it stop it!!!"

Qingqiu swung his Xiu Ya hoping to somehow damage that freaking screen floating in the air. He could care less about the fact that he could blow up his cover like this. As he was sure Binghe would never be able to catch this. At most, he would think his Shizun has gone crazy.

Little did he know that Binghe had already started to catch up. He could clearly see the big red exclamation mark hovering over Qingqiu's head. He didn't have the time to connect the dots- he understood what he had to and made his decision faster. He sprang up from the ground to hold Shen Qingqiu because of the way he was behaving- if someone didn't hold him, he would end up falling into the abyss instead of Binghe.

-" Shizun, careful!"

-" Don't come near me!" Qingqiu definitely wasn't in his right mind.

Otherwise, after his head became a little more clear, why would he find his sword impaling Binghe's chest. His hand trembled as he realised what he had done, he could neither pull out the sword nor keep it there. He badly wanted to drop the sword from his hands but he froze in his place. Desperately he looked at Binghe for help. He didn't know why.

Hypocrite- he thought about himself for the hundredth time.

[ Three minutes ]

-" Qingqiu, can you hear me?" Qingge's voice came to his ears through the pendant.

-" Shidi! Shidi...help!" He quickly clutched the pendant, because if no one hurried up to tell him what to do now he himself would jump into the abyss.

-" Qingqiu, what is happening there?? Are you injured??"

-" Not me...help...Binghe...please.."

Binghe didn't know what to feel. The pain on his chest had spread all over his body. His left side felt numb. More than that he was surprised that Qingqiu hadn't pulled out the sword yet. Blood started seeping out from the wound, his consciousness started to fade bit by bit. Holding the sword, Binghe stared at Qingqiu who looked like he was out of his mind. He felt sympathy, he felt anger, he felt a mix of so many emotions that for a moment he lost his rationality.

He took a step towards Qingqiu, making the sword go deeper towards his heart.

-" Shizun wants to kill me?"

-" No! No no no no Binghe please no! Oh God please no!"

-" Why not? It will be an honour for me to be killed by you, Shizun."

Qingqiu trembled seeing the crimson red eyes of Binghe and the crazed smile that indicated that he was about to take more steps ahead. Sensing this Qingqiu hurriedly pulled out the sword against his better judgement and blood spurted out from the wound to his face.

The demonic blood was trying to heal the wound and ease the pain whereas his brain was being persistent to delay the healing process. Because of the sword being suddenly pulled out, his mind blanked out for a while as his legs gave up. Making him fall on the ground on his knees.

It's hurting.

It's hurting a lot.

But the one to soothe the pain was the one to cause the pain.

[ Two minutes ]

-" Shen Qingqiu! Luo Binghe!"

Liu Qingge instantly came running towards the spot. Realising that Binghe was badly injured and bleeding, he went near him first to transfer his spiritual energy to heal the wounds. But Binghe just slapped his hands away.

Qingge was dumbfounded. He looked at Shen Qingqiu for answers but he met with a helpless stare indeed. He looked around to have a grasp over the situation and saw a huge crack on the ground beside them.

If he wasn't wrong, this was the notorious abyss of the Demon realm.

With a turn of head, it was possible to see the tumultuous demonic energy rolling in the ravine endlessly, tens of thousands of wails and screams, thousands of pairs of deformed arms stretching out from the crack towards the Human Realm. The places deeper in the depths were concealed by ominous black fog and crimson ghostlight.

-" Qingqiu, what-", his eyes trailed down to the sword in Qingqiu's hand, stained with fresh blood dripping down.

Then the realisation hit.

-" Qingqiu, was it you?!"

[ One minute ]

Qingqiu couldn't reply, he just blankly stared at Binghe who was staring back at him with tear and blood stained eyes. There was a big red exclamation mark hovering over Binghe's head, and the final countdown of the last one minute began.

[ 59...58...57...]

Qingqiu knew that Binghe would come back again. Stronger than before, deadlier than before. But if he chose not to send Binghe to the abyss, both him and Binghe would suffer terrible consequences. He won't be able to bear watching Binghe wither away in front of his own eyes.

He glanced at the abyss- it looked worse than hell.

[ 30...29...28...]

He remembered the time he spent everyday with Binghe. He wouldn't deny that he was a bit more biassed towards him than his other disciples. None of his other disciples got the privilege to have tea time with him, get personally trained by him or listen to him play the Guqin every evening.

The rest of his disciples also were spoiled by him, but not as much as Binghe.

Five years without him would be too long.

[ 15...14...13...]

Binghe was also watching the countdown from the start. Being embraced by Liu Qingge was easing the pain a little, but the countdown wasn't helping in any ways to reduce the panic. He had already guessed what he had to guess about Shen Qingqiu. But he didn't have the time to ask him about this.

Leaving Qingqiu aside, he was a bit afraid of Qingge's reaction too. This God of War hated the Demon kinds with his heart and soul. He loved to kill and trample those misbehaving demons under his feet and feel the fresh blood of them against his skin.

He turned his head towards Qingge, poor man was confused out of his wits. Thinking about why his spiritual energy wasn't being accepted by Binghe's body. Thinking about why he was failing to save a life again.

-" Shishu..."

-" Binghe, what is happening?!"

-" When I come back...please don't hate me..."

-" When you come back? What do you mean when you come back? Where are you going!? I am not letting both of you go anywhere except home!"

[ Warning: The abyss is about to close! ]

This time, Qingqiu steeled his heart and pointed the sword towards Binghe again. Gritting his teeth he said,

-" Will you go down by yourself or do you need me to make a move?"

Binghe just chuckled, before taking out his communication pendant from his pocket. The participants were allowed to carry things that wouldn't sabotage the competition or give them advantage above the others. So he was allowed to bring the pendant with himself with a little bit of lies. He took it out and wrapped it around Qingge's wrist before smiling at him.

-" Shishu, take care of yourself and my...Shizun."

-" Binghe stop!!"

Binghe didn't wait for a second after that and straight up ran towards the abyss. Qingge was so flabbergasted by the situation that before he could grab Binghe's hand, Binghe was already at the edge of the cliff.

[ 5...4...3...2...1! Abyss is closing! ]

Binghe turned towards the other two with a smile and spread both of his hands to his sides.

-" Till next time, Shizun. Wait for me."

Saying so he tilted his body backwards and let it freely fall down into the abyss before the crack closed with a loud rumble.

Qingge's hand remained hanging in the air. He couldn't believe that he just saw someone take his own life in front of him like this. And to think that someone was Luo Binghe. The one who had saved him with Shen Qingqiu back in the cave, the one doomed to die instead of him. He couldn't save his parents, he couldn't save one of his saviours either. His body jerked in shock when Xiu Ya hit the ground and Qingqiu's unconscious body hit the ground.

He didn't know what to do, whom to call for help or whom to aid.

He blankly looked at the pendant wrapped around his wrist. One drop of tear grazed the jade pendant before sliding down to the ground.

-" I shouldn't have been born…"

Notes:

The system: ABYSS IS ABOUT TO CLOSE! MAKE YOUR DECISION!

Binghe: *yeets himself*

Chapter 28: No where to run from all of this madness

Notes:

Warning: Gore!!

I had tried to find some stories that explained Binghe's life in the abyss. But I found none that suited my taste unfortunately. Surely there was no human food available there. He had to eat what the other Demons ate, right?

It sure wasn't a pleasant experience at all. No wonder nobody likes to talk about it.

I had wanted to put more description in it but decided againts it in the end. Binghe is my ultimate bias in the mxtx world, I can't hurt him more than this even this much hurts a lot

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

-" A-Luo, mother cooked something special for you today."

-" Did you? What is it? What is it? Show me."

The woman smiled warmly as she brought the dish to their eating place. She sat down on the floor beside Binghe and put the bowl down. Their current food was a bit different from their usual watery congee. The thing that created the difference was the small pieces of meat that laid on top of the porridge. A nice sweet savoury aroma evoked both of their hunger greatly.

-" Mother, we are eating meat today?" Little Binghe excitedly wiped his hands as he expectantly stared at his mother.

She nodded with a proud smile," Yes. Mother could afford some meat for you today. A-Luo, it's your birthday. Remember?" She gently patted little Binghe's head.

-" My birthday? Ah, I forgot. Thank you mother for giving me this life", little Binghe hugged his mother tightly, feeling like the luckiest son on earth.

-" Then let this old lady thank you for giving me the best son too."

He giggled but then seemed to remember something. He realised that there was only one bowl and one spoon on the mat. The porridge also looked barely enough for one person, let alone two- one barely a teenager and one a full grown-up.

-" But mother, it won't be enough for us two."

-" No, no. It's totally for you. This old lady will eat something else today."

-" Mother is lying...last time you said this you ate nothing the whole day!" Binghe put down the spoon from his hand," I won't eat if you won't."

-" A-Luo...mother could only afford this much. Eat up, if you eat I can consider myself full."

-" No, we will share", Binghe was firm in his words so his mother had to comply.

She had a few unshed tears in her eyes as she ate the first spoonful of porridge from Binghe's tiny hands. She couldn't help but pat this little kid's head again and again. Suddenly Binghe put down the bowl from his hands and clutched his stomach tightly.

-" Mother."

-" Yes, A-Luo?"

-" It hurts."

-" Hurts? What is hurting my son?"

-" I don't know. But the pain keeps increasing. Mother, please stop the pain. I can't bear it anymore! Mother!"

Little Binghe stretched his hands to hold his mother but she kept drifting away from him. The gap between them kept increasing until he could see her no more. The darkness engulfed him soon enough and the pain kept spreading from his chest to all over his body. Numbing him, paralysing him from head to toe. He could just scream in pain in that darkness, hoping in vain for someone to come and save him.

-" Mother!!"

Binghe jolted awake from his unconscious state. This was the second time he fell unconscious after coming to this world. However, this time's experience was several times more painful than the previous one. During the first time he could at least move his muscles and move his head to check his surroundings. But this time felt like he would have to scream if he tried to move even a finger of his hands. The pain slowly sent a signal to his brain making him hyper aware of it. His ears were badly ringing, his body's left side was numb like a log because of too much pain all at once.

He could feel something slimy and nasty under his back but he could care less about that. At this moment his remaining focus was on the sharp thing that was currently piercing his body. It looked like his body was pinned on the ground by that sharp unknown object. His stomach felt as if it was on fire. His demonic unexperienced blood was trying to close the wounds but due the sharp thing still impaling his stomach, it couldn't do much to heal it.

The area was dark beyond imaginations. While the crimson fog burned his breathing pipe with every breath he took, the ominous black fog burned his eyes. It stung so bad that tears kept falling from his eyes without any resistance. He couldn't even cough because if he did the thing piercing his stomach would hurt more.

-" GT...?"

He tried calling the system but there was no reply for a long time. His own voice didn't even reach his ears. He remained there just like that for minutes or for hours or for days. He didn't have the consciousness to differentiate.

The broken bones inside his body were slowly being repaired and he could feel every single moment of it. But he didn't have the energy to scream anymore.

This wasn't like this in the past. How come the experience is so different now?

He remained there like a dead log. Gradually he started trying to move his fingers. First the index finger, then the thumb, then the rest of his fingers. With small movements he tried summoning his Qi but due to the existence of two different energies inside his body, it created a backlash instead. Making him choke on the blood that gathered inside his mouth.

He closed his eyes even though there was no need to. In this darkness keeping one's eyes open or closed meant the same thing eventually. He thought maybe...just maybe when he would open his eyes again all these would turn out to be a dream. He would be back in the Qing Jing Peak, Qingqiu would welcome him back there.

He had thought the same thing back then too. But as expected, it never turned out to be a dream.

It turned out to be a nightmarish reality instead.

-" GT...y...you there?"

This time his voice didn't reach his ears either. It was horrible as there could be anyone or anything around him and he wouldn't be able to see or hear them at all. And this was an endless abyss, which meant endless danger, endless demons and endless cruelty.

Such a moment like this made him miss his best friend from his other world a lot. What would have happened if he was also present with him in this world? He was sure his A-Yuan would have tried his utmost to save him. At least he would love to believe this.

-" Ten...nine..."

He slowly moved his fingers to count backwards from ten to one. His friend had told him that it can calm one's mind gradually as it diverts the focus from the pressing situation. He really wanted to divert his focus from the pain. Every single movement was causing excruciating pain.

He wanted to run away.

From the irritation. From the anger. From the disbelief and confusion.

It didn't help the first time. So he tried again.

-" Ten...nine...eight...se-"

His fingers stopped moving. With the excessive blood his leftover energy was also being drained. He stared blankly at the darkness. Just a bit more and his breathing would stop too. But he doubted his Demon blood would let it stop anytime soon. This is one of the advantages of having this type of blood- it will crawl back into the body and has a mind of its own when not controlled by its owner.

If he doesn't pull out that thing from his stomach soon, it will really keep on draining out his blood.

It took him a long time to make his hands reach that thing and wrap his fingers around it. Turned out it was a thick vine full of thorns. He couldn't remember this place from his memory but when he did, the finest hairs of his body stood up in fear.

This was the notorious den of the demonic succubus!

Explains why this place is covered in vine and thick slime. The vines are used to trap the victims and the slimy thing is like a poisonous nectar extracted from the demonic flowers. That creates uncontrollable blood thirst in one's mind at first. If one tries to resist it, the blood thirst will turn into a primal desire. That will push out every sense of rationality from one's mind- making him succumb to his lust. If anyone was strong enough to resist this one too, the flowers would take the form of the one who was hidden deep inside the victim's heart. Brain covered with the thick fog of lust, no one known has ever managed to break this illusion.

However the main downgrade of this thing is- it will drain out one's cultivation until there is nothing left. A very shameful way to be turned into an empty shell.

He realised that it was the mixed blood in his veins that was keeping him safe from the intoxicating poison all this time. But he didn't know how long he would be able to manage here without a proper control over his blood. There is no demon around this cave that can be killed to reduce the blood thirst and the only option left to survive- Binghe doesn't want to even think about it.

Gathering all of his remaining strength he took a deep breath and pulled the vine out with a swift move. His mouth hung open in a silent scream of pain. Blood gushed out again from the wound, the thorns tore the skin of his stomach and hands. Some even remained pierced there. Reluctant to stop putting the poison inside his body.

-" Shizun...Shizun...you won't...come to save me this time too?" A single tear fell from his eyes.

Oh...was it even his own Shizun inside that body? He could just hope. That the story was the same as him with his Shizun. Otherwise he won't know what to do. He needs answers to so many things, he can't let him go just like that after making him confused for two lifetimes.

His eyes were totally unfocused. His body had somewhat adjusted itself to the poisonous fog so it was a bit easier to keep breathing. He knew the demonic succumbs would come out anytime soon. His body was slowly starting to react to the poison. Neither he wanted to kill anyone nor wanted their blood to dirty his hands. He wanted to withhold his transformation as long as he could. He wanted to stay sane until the end of this journey so that he could talk with his Shizun with a clear mind.

He didn't know what he actually had done with his Qingqiu in his past. He didn't know what Qingqiu had done with him in the past.

But whatever had been done with him, he would prefer not to repeat it. He needs explanations and he will not succumb to darkness before it. It seemed like his body also agreed with him. Soon enough he fell unconscious again on the same spot. His mixed spiritual energy automatically gathered on his palms. Just waiting to cause a rampage, just waiting to feel the fresh blood on his skin.

Just a bit more wait. Until their owner comes out of his dream realm.

Binghe found himself back in his past. He was kneeling on the ground in front of Shen Qingqiu and all the other Peak Lords were surrounding him. All of them had their weapons in their hands, all pointed towards Binghe. His eyes were fixated on the ground so he couldn't see what kind of expression Shen Qingqiu was showing. Even if he lifted his eyes he was sure he wouldn't be able to see anything because of the unshed tears.

He heard Yue Qingyuan say," You were a demon all along? How could you betray the Sect that gave you shelter?"

Binghe wanted to refuse this but he couldn't. In the past he wasn't genuinely aware of his demonic heritage before Meng Mo exposed it to him. He just wanted to be strong enough to protect the ones he loved, he didn't want his Shizun to fight against those nasty demons anymore. The want to prove himself felt surprising. Because given Qingqiu's supposed behaviour towards him, why had he wanted to prove himself to him? This want can be explained now as the behaviour of Qingqiu is vastly different from the past. He could guess that there was a vast gap in his memories of the past.

He shouldn't just rely on the novel's descriptions anymore to learn about his past. He shouldn't just accept any claims about his Qingqiu unless he remembers it himself. Desperately he wanted to look at Qingqiu's face but it was a dream of his past memories. Moving willingly can't be done here yet.

He kept hearing accusations after accusations being thrown towards him. Qingqiu wasn't even saying anything to stop them at all.

-" Shizun...please don't disown this disciple. Give me one chance to prove myself."

-" Stop talking! You lost the right to call me Shizun the moment you accepted Meng Mo as your master!"

Binghe furiously shook his head," No, Shizun! I never accepted him as my Shi-"

-" Did I give you permission to talk?"

Binghe closed his mouth. He could bear all the other accusations but the accusation of accepting someone else as his Shizun felt unbearable. Turns out back in the past he had never agreed to call Meng Mo his Shizun.

The author of the novel is a total scam!

He will personally strangle that Airplane guy if he meets him! He was just way too suspicious!

Fuck you Airplane!!

Binghe's head was still lowered but he could see Qingqiu walking towards him. Back then his own mind was so clouded that he couldn't see anything past his tears but now that his brain is more or less clear- he saw the drops of blood falling right before his knees. The fear settled in his heart. So he wasn't imagining the almost unnoticeable sound of a weapon being thrown towards him.

Did Qingqiu just block that spiritual weapon for him with his bare hands? Who threw it?

-" I will deal with you after this."

Binghe heard Qingqiu say it to someone. The one who threw the weapon? Who knows.

A slightly trembling finger touched his forehead. Right on the spot where the demon mark was. He must have used the hand with which he had blocked the weapon. As a thin stripe of blood touched his skin and flowed downwards from his nose bridge to his lips then to the ground again. The smell of Qingqiu's blood felt terrifyingly comforting. As if Qingqiu was a predator coaxing his prey to willingly submit to him.

-" Shizun...I-"

-" I am not your Shizun...anymore."

Was it just an imagination, dream manipulation or Shen Qingqiu's voice had actually trembled here?

Whatever it was, it hurt just the same to hear him say this. Out of the blue Qingqiu pushed him hard. He wasn't entirely sure if he heard it right but what he heard before being engulfed by the darkness was-

-" Don't take too long, Binghe."

Why had Qingqiu said this to him in the past? Just what on earth has he forgotten about his Qingqiu? Did Qingqiu perhaps know about his heritage from before?

He gasped loudly for air when he became conscious again. Experiencing the same situation twice was mentally draining. The wounds of his body seemed distinctively healed so he sat up slowly leaning against a wall. He took several deep breaths to calm his mind, to process whatever was happening with him.

He thought about the past, about the present but he couldn't think about the future.

Which one is the truth? Which one is the lie?

If he just connected the dots it was evident that whomever was inside Qingqiu's body knew about this world way too well. If he himself could be reincarnated and come back to the past again, why can't his Qingqiu? Moreover, this Qingqiu definitely has a system backing him up.

Things are more messed up than he had thought.

-" How did I come here?"

He turned his head to observe the area he was currently at. It wasn't the den of those succubus. It was the exact same place his Qingqiu had thrown him to in the past. He had landed right here back then and had accidentally discovered the succubus den while exploring the abyss.

Back then, did Qingqiu know about this or was it just a coincidence?

Thankfully the fog wasn't that dense here so he could breath and see properly. Some unidentified grunts and screams were coming from nearby areas. He could see sharp claw prints engraved on the walls, the stench of rotten flesh and blood was too much to handle all at once. But his body was changing gradually and the sharp murderous claws were making themselves visible. Otherwise how would he calm down his bloodlust?

Due to the poison his whole body was hurting. It hurt a lot to resist but he wanted to feel the pain. The pain was enough to make anyone crazy if it went on long enough. Binghe desperately wanted to overcome this weakness. Otherwise if not the pain, what would make him feel that he's actually alive here? In the past, as far as he remembered, he had to force himself to stay sane for eight months under the succubus poisoning. All of those nasty succubus were killed by his hands- he had enjoyed the gore awfully lot.

No matter how much he tried to not think about blood, he just couldn't help it. The smell of metallic blood in the air slowly made him feel interested.

It was creating a different type of hunger inside him.

He still had his humanly characteristics in him. No human can go much longer without food whereas a demon can go for months. Then what about someone who is neither a full demon nor a full human?

Except for the freshly butchered or killed demons there was nothing else to eat in this abyss.

In the past he had held himself back from eating those as long as he could manage. This time it will be the same. Once again he would resist.

He resisted.

One day.

Two days.

Three days.

The agonisingly slow time stretched to fourteen months. No sign of the system, no sign of humanly edible food. As expected.

He stared at the black gooey blood dripping on the ground from his fingers. In front of him there were rows after rows of dead demonic creatures. The endless abyss was like a competition- a competition to last until the last. Without violence he wouldn't be able to tame Xin Mo and have it under his control. The more he would train his core with violence the stronger he would be.

That's how the life of a Heavenly demon worked in the abyss.

All of a sudden he craved for the half burnt food his Qingqiu had tried to make for him during their tea time. The ghost smell of that food and the nasty stench of rotten flesh altogether made his guts churn. He wanted to vomit everything out of his system. But how could he when there was nothing there in his stomach? How could he when those gory foods were looking enticing to him?

He felt ashamed of himself. Ashamed of his heritage.

In the end, he had to eat to survive here. He had no spare clothes- the one he was wearing has now turned into a torn rug. He had no one to talk to here- the demons here only understood the languages of violence. Cannibalism in the demonic realm was as common as drinking water. Nothing new, nothing out of the place.

Cleaning his dirty hand with his tongue he went back to his usual place. His resistance was slipping further away everyday. Today he couldn't resist the blood, tomorrow he won't be able to resist the other things either.

That's what would make him a demon.

That's what would separate him from a human.

That's what would keep him alive.

Until the end of this, until the beginning of a new phase.

He knew it wouldn't take him long to tame Xin Mo this time. The only way to get out of this hellhole. The only way to breathe in the air of the human realm. He will make sure of it.

The answer to all of his questions- he will make sure to squeeze it out of his Shizun. The things he still can't remember- he will make his Shizun bring those hidden memories out to light. He won't let him go away this time for the betrayal. His Qingqiu has to suffer at least one-tenth of the pain he's suffering here. But not like the last time, because he doesn't want his Qingqiu to leave him again. He will make Qingqiu realise what he had to go through in the abyss. And once he will understand everything, Binghe will love him again. He will forget each and every day spent in this agonising pain.

He just needs answers to his questions.

He needs his Qingqiu to see him the same way he sees him.

Not as a mere demon. Not as a mixed breed. Just as his Binghe. His favourite disciple of all time.

If needed, he will drain all of his nasty demonic blood out of his body. His Qingqiu then won't have to like a body that contained ruined blood and reeked of cannibalism.

Binghe could realise he was out of his mind at this point. But what could he do? He just felt delighted thinking about the day he will meet with his Shizun again.

What will his reaction be like?

Will he hate his once favourite disciple? Probably not. If this Qingqiu knew about this world, he would surely run at the first sight of him.

Binghe laughed in delight thinking about that.

-" It will be fun to play 'catch me if you can' with you. Shizun."

He sniffed the blood that was covering his hands again. The smell of it was inferior to the one of his Qingqiu. The day wasn't far away when he would be able to rule this abyss again. Tracing the familiar wall of the abyss where he had stayed back in his past, he closed his eyes. This wall led to a cave where the abysmal demonic sword Xin Mo was in its full glory. It wasn't any ordinary sword that could be forged from the same place every cultivator forged their spiritual sword.

It was a sword made for the deserving ones. Who cares about the origin of this sword?

He could only wait to lay his hand on that sword once again.

Xin Mo- a warrior beside him instead of a friend.

The flame in his crimson eyes danced in devilish joy.

-" Shizun, I hope you are still waiting for your most favourite disciple to return."

Notes:

Was the description good or anything else is needed to be added here lemme know if possible. The chapter is pretty long I realised

Chapter 29: Was it worth it

Notes:

Did I just use the trauma dumping technique here?

Well, maybe yup. The disadvantages of being a touch starved person- I genuinely hate touching others or being touched now cause omg...the things I had to face bcs of this

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Ever since the incident at the Immortal Alliance Conference, everything has been so different.

A considerable number of disciples had lost their lives in the hands of those cruel demonic creatures. None of the twelve peaks were exempted from it. The least amount of loss was suffered by Qing Jing Peak. Even if the number of lost lives were less than the other Peak's, the remaining disciples had lost at least one of their friends. Without them, the Peak suddenly looked way too empty, the practise field didn't look lively anymore. The tables of those disciples weren't removed from their classes to keep their memories alive. So it seemed like they were alive but just not present in the class.

As for Ming Fan, he hadn't lost anyone from his 'peer group'. However the loss of a certain someone made him surprisingly so quiet that the other's thought that he lost his voice because of the shock of that day.

Ming Fan was trying his best to forget about him. Forget about the conversation he had with him for the last time. But Binghe's last words kept rewinding itself in his mind.

-" What if he comes too late? What if one of us can't make it out of the area?"

-" Then I hope Senior brother makes it out safely."

It felt like Binghe knew he wasn't going to make it out alive from there. And the fact that he was right there with Binghe and still couldn't be of any use- was eating him from the inside. He was barely conscious when the sword Zheng Yang broke into pieces in front eyes. The rest of the story he leant through the hearsay. Some say that it was their Shizun who killed him, some say that it was the monsters.

Judging the current behaviour of Shen Qingqiu it's highly impossible for the first rumour to be true. But whatever, Luo Binghe wasn't coming back anymore and this truth was the hardest pill to swallow.

He tried to avoid the class Binghe used to be in and go to his own class without looking at that empty table. But his legs refused to move when that empty table caught his attention. There was an alternative way to go to his classes if he really wanted to avoid passing by Binghe's class but here he's.

A fresh lotus flower was kept on that table. Everyone knew who kept it there everyday before the classes started but they knew better than to question their Shizun's actions. Leaving all these aside, instead of feeling empty today, he just smiled for the first time after that day.

A disciple named Luo Binghe came to this Qing Jing peak, many years ago from today.

Ming Fan was also present that day when Luo Binghe officially became a disciple of their Shizun. After asking around, he got to know that this new disciple was younger than him and had natural talent that drew the attention of their Shizun. He himself wasn't that much older than Binghe but he was delighted even to take a younger disciple's responsibility as an older brother. That day, he was excitedly preparing to introduce himself to the new youngest disciple of Qing Jing Peak. But at the last moment, his peer group caught him practising the lines he wanted to say to Binghe while introducing himself to him.

The way his friends reacted that time made him forcefully believe that his excitement regarding the new male disciple was wrong. They made him feel that there was something wrong with his brain as it wasn't normal for boys to be this excited to meet other boys. Ming Fan came from a very reserved family where physical touches are like a matter to be avoided or neglected. He had three older brothers in his family and none of them even bothered to hug him when he crossed the age of five.

He doesn't know how he turned out to be so crazed for physical intimacy. He used to see his same aged group hug each other, hold each other's hands while playing or going somewhere, getting head pats from their parents whenever they did something good. But he never got to experience those. And he never found anyone with whom he could be comfortable enough to experience those warm hugs. So Ming Fan had thought that being away from his conservative family would give him some freedom at last.

Freedom to make friends. Freedom to talk and hold whomever he liked.

Back then, due to the lack of bonding in his family, due to one of his brothers being mocked by the whole village for being intimate with a boy- he picked up the thought that it was wrong to get too close with boys. So he had a twisted idea of friendship between boys and not to mention that his peer group of Qing Jing Peak made sure each and every wrong ideas about friendship were proved right. So the thought of being relaxed and comfortable around Binghe made him scared. It made him feel the need to excessively avoid Luo Binghe.

It wasn't that he was attracted to boys, it wasn't that he was actually attracted to girls either. But seeing Binghe's innocent face back then, always evoked the want to protect him from being bullied. Not like a younger brother, not like a mere friend- Ming Fan had wanted to take care of him as an individual. He wanted to be an important person to him which he could never be to his peer group- he didn't know what triggered this thought in him. But this sheer thought of taking care of a boy made him scared out of his wits.

Besides fear, he felt anger.

Why didn't Binghe hate him back so he could justify his rude behaviour towards him?

Why didn't Binghe ever say any harsh words to him?

Why did Binghe ever realise that it wasn't Ning Yingying who left medicines in front of his door in the middle of the night?

Why didn't Binghe ever realise that the food given to him secretly wasn't from Ning Yingying? That those foods were never the leftovers, that someone stealthily separated a portion for him from the fresh food items? If only Binghe had hated him back, he could at least pretend to justify his own bad behaviours towards him.

One day, he was caught by one of the disciples from his group. Back then he was putting down the medicines in front of Binghe's door secretly. The things he had to do then to keep that "friend's" mouth shut. It sometimes still makes him feel disgusted about his body, his skin. He hadn't cried back then because he was told by his "friends'' that it wasn't manly to cry and he had to fit in. So he endured.

But he cried for the first time after coming to Qing Jing peak when he thought that those monsters had hit Binghe too much and he was going to lose him once and for all. God knows how scared he was to see Binghe lying on the floor, unconscious and blood splattered everywhere. Even his neck was bent in a horrible way.

But he had wiped all of his tears right before Binghe woke up. He had to turn back to his usual rude self again.

To be honest, Ming Fan wanted nothing but friendship from Binghe. The friendship he yearned for since his childhood. But for some reasons he was heavily misunderstood whenever he initiated a hug with his group or tried to sit closely beside them.

It was just a form of comfort to him, but all of the members of his "friend" circle took him excessively and wrongly. So he kept a considerable distance from them in fear of being an outcast.

Naturally he wanted a friend who wouldn't misunderstand his touchy behaviour. Who wouldn't judge him badly for being a bit clingy or not "manly" enough.

There were a few disciples back then who used to behave well with Binghe. And Binghe never reacted badly if they hugged him or comforted him if he got bullied too much.

Ming Fan had also wanted to give him the head pats to comfort him. But instead of those, he kept giving that poor boy scars after scars. Binghe never protested and Ming Fan thought maybe it was for the better. Like this he wouldn't want to be friends with him anymore and would be satisfied with the so-called peer group he had. He wouldn't have to worry about fitting in.

He was wrong.

Since the day Binghe temporarily lost his memories, he changed out of the blue. Binghe wouldn't accept his harsh words or beatings without any protests and would dodge his hands rather playfully. He would suddenly appear from behind to scare him out of the blue, his tone sometimes would playfully change while saying "Senior brother" whenever he needed something from him. Binghe gradually started to smile more, which often brought a smile to Ming Fan's face too as an automated reaction but he always held back. Instead of smiling at Binghe's lame jokes which he never understood, he smacked on his head angrily. But Binghe didn't stop there. He kept destroying Ming Fan's self created boundaries by giving him sudden and minute excited side hugs, fist bumps and what not.

Ming Fan was terrified.

Because he liked it, and looked forward to it. But he couldn't ask for it.

Gradually, he got to know more about Binghe. Because that boy suddenly just couldn't keep his mouth shut. And Ming Fan, not so begrudgingly, kept listening to him. The random stories he told were more interesting than the stories of his peer group that always revolved around how they harassed yet another female disciple. Surprisingly enough, he got to know that his and Binghe's thoughts matched in various matters almost like puzzle pieces.

He never admitted it to him though. Always said the opposite on purpose.

There was one point, he had convinced himself to leave his so-called peer group and just befriend Binghe. It was fun to hear Binghe describe some random unknown games. He badly wanted to play those but could never directly ask him for this in fear of being caught. In fear of appearing like an awkward hypocrite. However, he would be more than happy to be with Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying as friends though. He genuinely wanted nothing more than this. And his so-called crush on Ning Yingying was just a show to make his group believe that he also can woo a girl like them. Whereas, in his mind, he never prioritised romantic relationships like them. Let alone temporary relations to just mess around. Because of them, he had also convinced himself that he liked Ning Yingying and wanted to court her. In reality, he felt nothing like that.

Ning Yingying knew. God knows how but she knew. She just played along and always remained there to remind Ming Fan that he was doing too much with the bullying. She couldn't directly protest because she was aware that those boys would harass her for sure and she would have no proof against it. Which would put all three of them into bigger troubles altogether.

However, after these changes started happening, Ming Fan got to know something more. Not about Binghe, about his so-called friend circle. The thing was, they knew about his fondness for hugging or getting hugged. Thus, they made sure to traumatise him so that he doesn't think about craving for those "not so manly" stuff again.

-" We made sure you don't turn out to be a disgrace like your older brother."

-" Yes, you should be thankful to us. What if you scared away Luo Binghe by your behaviour? Just thank us. Because of us, that mouse will always carry those scars on his body and remember you. In one way or another, you 'touched' him anyway, right? Hahaha."

-" Man, just learn from us. Girl's bodies are softer to touch. If it's without permission, then it feels even better! Trust us."

-" Wait wait wait. Don't tell me. The way to always lust after Ning Shijie- have you two already, you know, huh?"

Ming Fan regretted believing their bullshits all throughout his life.

So he kept trying to get past his fear and befriend Luo Binghe. He wasn't doing really well though, as he just couldn't break out of his shell that easily. But he was glad that his friendship with Binghe had improved a lot. He was also praised by Ning Yingying for this so he was on the seventh sky for this. He thought he would finally be able to make a proper friend circle.

Which would consist of him, Binghe and Ning Yingying. No one else. Binghe didn't seem to hold any grudges against him and Ning Yingying would be more than happy about it. Perhaps, his life was made to be played with, the moment he decided to rectify himself- Luo Binghe died in front of his eyes. His so called friends played a game with him, his fate played another one.

Just like anyone else in this Peak, that day, Ming Fan also lost a friend. An younger brother figure, sometimes his partner in crimes.

However, he couldn't blame anyone for this. Whom he should blame?

His family? That still don't know how old he's this year? That still doesn't bother to ask him how he's doing all on his own?

His "friends"? Who rejoiced back then that they survived but didn't even bother to ask if anyone else outside them survived the catastrophe or not?

Himself? Who had picked up only the wrong mentalities from his environment? Who was so afraid of being an outcast that he made the one suffer- to whom he had once wanted to be an important person? Who couldn't see past the malicious intentions of those bastards?

His heart burned in extreme guilt. He himself was the one at fault and he now had nothing to do about it.

A person when gone forever, is gone forever. Nothing can be done to change that. Binghe's name will always remain on that tomb like the other deceased disciples. Even if he broke that tomb out of anger, out of guilt or out of disbelief- what will change?

Will Binghe ever return? No.

Three years have passed. If yes, if he is bound to return, then when?

He knows that his bad behaviour can't be excused. His past traumas can't be used as excuses here. Binghe's past behaviour was so good with him that every excuse will just drown itself before it leaves his mouth.

Back in his beginner days as a disciple, he had tried to get his Shizun's attention by any means. He had wanted to be a disciple who's doted upon. But after just a few years, Binghe managed to do what he could never. Surprisingly, he wasn't the slightest bit angry with him for this. It gave him a bit of a proud feeling- but he was scared to show, terrified to say.

His only resort to this was violence.

He openly hit him, he secretly treated him too.

Ming Fan laughed bitterly as his eyes stung because of holding back the tears. He remembered the day a few years ago, when he had left a vial of medicine in front of Binghe's door at midnight. Because he was badly beaten and bullied by the Bai Zhan peak disciples who were friends with some of the disciples of Qing Jing Peak. And that same night, Binghe ran like a wild boar here and there with their Shizun running like a mad man after him. Binghe had even jumped into the cold pond out of the blue and this memory had haunted him for quite a long time. There was a time when he couldn't stop laughing randomly just thinking about this story.

But his conscience isn't clear anymore to laugh at this silly memory.

Speaking of this, it was also Binghe who had requested their Shizun to invite Ming Fan and Ning Yingying too during their evening tea time.

It was good. Those times were the best.

When he would listen to their Shizun talking about different kinds of beasts and creatures. When he would randomly argue with Binghe about random uncertain facts about such beasts and their Shizun would laugh hearing their useless debate.

Three years. It's been three years since then.

No side hugs, no fist bumps, no fussing over chopped woods or unfilled water jar, no useless debates- nothing.

And he still can't forget like everyone else. He still can't forgive himself, he still can't move on.

-" Then I hope Senior brother makes it out safely."

His knees felt weak, his whole body felt weak. Feeling overwhelmed he let himself slam down on the floor on his knees. The pain of it felt dull compared to the pain in his head.

What if he was a bit stronger?

What if he was a bit more reliable?

What if he was a bit less scared?

What if he wasn't that much selfish?

He was hoping for his tears to stream down his face but they never listened. Those unshed tears just stayed inside to make him feel more and more suffocated.

Inside, it felt strangely empty, blank or whatever.

Binghe was younger than him but was more mature than him in so many ways he couldn't count. This same person left him with so many good memories to cherish but he couldn't give him a single one in return before his death.

He believes that even Heaven hates him for his misdeeds. Otherwise three wishing festivals have passed, why wasn't any of his prayers heard? Why wasn't he granted freedom from all this guilt and mourning? Why can't he move on? Why does his heart still insist on believing in a hopeless possibility?

Maybe no one can give him answers.

So for a while he decides not to try to find any.

He stood up from the ground and straightened the creases on his robe. Unaware of the moisture on his cheeks due to the warm tears that he failed to notice. Tomorrow, his Shizun will be going to the Sect Leaders Meeting due to an urgent issue.

He will have to take care of the Sect on behalf of him.

He can't slack off. So he moves on.

Just for now.

Unbeknownst to him, his silent prayers were actually heard. Unbeknownst to him, another doom was lurking around his life.

Just to take the price of his wishes being fulfilled.

Notes:

So this concludes Ming Fan's backstory. Poor boy just needed some hugs. Got a lifelong trauma instead...

BTW! Our protagonist is coming in the next chapter!! Sqq, behold!!

Notes:

First of all, the plot would heavily differ from the original novel( Svsss )

For anyone's confusion let me explain-

Shen Yuan transmigrated into PIDW novel but later he explored many side plots that were never mentioned in the novel. So what if someone from Shen Yuan's world also transmigrated but into Binghe's body. And uncover many more secrets from his pov. And discover that what they had thought about that novel was completely wrong?

I hope this helped

Series this work belongs to:

Previous Work Part 2 of Happy ending mxtx but make it angsty Next Work

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