Shen Jiu's fan snapped close with an almighty crack, one hand tightly clutching the fan and the other holding his uncompleted assignments as his face twisted into a scowl.

"I believe that you've completed your task, Liu-shidi," He declared, giving no time for Liu Ruan to interrupt, he continued. "Are you going to leave, or did you plan on becoming a disciple of this peak?"

"You-!" Liu Ruan sputtered, taken aback by the statement. His eyes shone with irritation. He was proud of his placement on Bai Zhan Peak, why would he ever want to be a Qing Jing Peak disciple? Especially if he was there?

Shen Jiu's relationship with Liu Ruan hadn't always been so antagonistic. When Shen Jiu first entered the sect, they were civil to each other, nodding in greeting if they saw each other. There were assumptions made about each other, naturally, as one does. Shen Jiu believed Liu Ruan was at the sect due to connections while Liu Ruan believed Shen Jiu to be another delicate young master. Though they kept that to themselves, at first.

That all changed, however, a couple months into Shen Jiu's stay at Qing Jing Peak. Shen Jiu could tolerate some remarks about his appearance or his personality from Liu Ruan, after all, many people had already made comments about it since he arrived at the sect. However, one thing Shen Jiu would never tolerate was someone mocking his cultivation.

Their cordial relationship went up in flames the moment Liu Ruan commented about Shen Jiu's weaker cultivation and Shen Jiu bit back at him viciously. One comment escalated into every encounter of theirs ending in a fight,whether physical or verbal.

The final nail in the coffin for Shen Jiu was Liu Ruan criticizing him after every fight. Believing that any move of his was dishonorable or underhanded. He spoke about it, loudly, to anyone who would listen. This is what made Shen Jiu believe that their relationship was unsalvageable.

"We would appreciate it if you could return to your peak, Liu-shidi." Xiang Mei, a soft-spoken disciple, intervened. She stood a step before Shen Jiu, managing to sneak up on both young men without them noticing. "You are interrupting our study time and making a scene."

Liu Ruan startled at her presence and quickly looked around, noticing the small crowd he had gathered. Many were whispering and looking curiously between him and Shen Jiu. He flushed, embarrassed, and turned back to Shen Jiu and Xiang Mei.

"I-!" he began, though getting cut off once more.

"I believe it is best for you to leave before you cause a larger commotion.'' Xiang Mei interjected coolly, determined to quickly end the conversation.

Liu Ruan curled his fist, taking a deep breath. Slowly, he released. His breathing coming out much steadier.

"Forgive this shidi for causing a scene. I will be taking my leave." Liu Ruan spoke haltingly, much more composed than earlier, and bowing slightly to Xiang Mei.

Shen Jiu released the tight hold on his fan, lifting it to his left ear, watching the interaction take place. His eyebrows rose slightly at the bow. He hadn't thought Liu Ruan would display any manners towards a Qing Jing peak member. His dislike of them was not a secret, though much of that dislike could have stemmed from Liu Ruan's relationship with him.

Liu Ruan frowned at the display, opening his mouth to retort but quickly shutting it, taking in Xiang Mei's expression. Her eyes were cold and sharp, as if daring him to say another word. He knew better than to begin another argument, especially if she was around. Xiang Mei was known to dislike conflict between peers, going as far as getting physically involved to stop it.

Shen Jiu absently watched as Liu Ruan hurriedly left, reminiscing about how his life got to this point.

He hates to even think about this, but he was lucky that he met Yue Qi that fateful day, even if he is still enraged by his betrayal. The past year was quite the upgrade from being a slave turned demonic cultivator. He had his own personal space, no one on the peak would go through his belongings, without punishment of course. He was careful of his belongings. It helped that they believed it was below them to act as a thief. Besides his accommodations, he has a steady supply of food. There isn't any need to appropriate food or money since there are monthly allowances for all disciples.

Not to mention the unregulated access to the library. He always had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Living on the streets, all he could do was steal a couple books to feed that thirst. Sometimes, he was caught in the act, or his small collection of books was stolen by the other street rats. Though he couldn't fault them for also wanting to learn without being a hypocrite. He had just wished they didn't take it from him.

His life before his arrival at the sect was unpleasant, to say the least. Especially compared to his life now. Being a demonic cultivator was a completely different experience than being a spiritual cultivator. Not to mention the monster named Wu Yanzi that he traveled with. Theft and murder weren't the worst he forced Shen Jiu to do. The worst experience, in Shen Jiu's opinion, was the way he was forced to cultivate. Wu Yanzi hunting minor demons and shoving them down his throat. He had to either quickly absorb it or die.

He still remembers the disgusting taste. His stomach still churns to this day thinking about it. The oil-like liquid rolling down his throat, it's grimy, viscous texture settling in his—

She Jiu was torn out of his thoughts by the pressure placed on his shoulder. Looking to his side, he saw Xiang Mei looking at him with quiet concern, her hand resting gently on him. He quickly wiped his expression and put on a neutral face, opening and waving his fan languidly above his chest.

"Are you-?" She started to ask, worried.

"It's nothing." He cut in. His shoulders hiking up minisculely, fanning himself faster.

She blinked, noticing his defensive behavior. Ah, she was too direct. Maybe she should change the subject? She smiled, hoping that he took that as a sign to relax. He did.

"Do you have anywhere to be?" She asked. "I was planning to visit the library to complete some work. Would you like to join me?"

She paused, taking in his expression. He seemed startled, and maybe a bit undecided.

"I do have a prior commitment." He began hesitantly, glancing down at the uncompleted assignments in his hand.

Ah, she shoved down her disappointment, forcing her smile not to wane. She wouldn't want to force him into spending time with her. Maybe she'll ask him for his company another time.

He continued, though, surprising her.

"I can reschedule it, however." Shen Jiu watched in amusement as she lit up. He was a bit uncertain, but he'll give her a chance. After all, she did defend him. He should return the favor and accompany her for the time being.

She quickly led Shen Jiu in the direction of the library, practically vibrating in happiness. He quickly latched his fan to his belt after closing it, hurrying after her. They arrived quickly and helped themselves in.

They swiftly piled their assignments on the large table they chose. Shen Jiu was stunned at the amount of work she had to complete. When asked why she was made to do a larger workload than other disciples, she sheepishly smiled and told him she put them off till the last minute. That earned her an eye roll from Shen Jiu.

They chatted for a while before they quieted down, beginning to work on their assignments. Some of the disciples who knew Xiang Mei came up to greet her, also talking with Shen Jiu, to which he responded in kind. They sat down with Shen Jiu and Xiang Mei to also do their work, occasionally starting up a conversation with them. It bewildered him since he is usually left alone by his fellow disciples, but it was a welcome surprise.

The other disciples eventually left after they were done with their work. Shen Jiu picked some books to read after he too completed his work, reading them while waiting for Xiang Mei to finish.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur, surprising both Shen Jiu and Xiang Mei. They went their separate ways, happy with how the day went. Perhaps he would seek her out again, she was pleasant company.