((This horribly sappy chapter heading is brought to you by Haydn's Creation, which is my choir's current project. I've been so good so far and haven't stolen any chapter headings at all, but I couldn't pass this one up. (Look for the duet called Graceful Consort, it's a sweet love song.) If I am to write two extremely sappy couples, I get a sappy title, ffs. Also, this chapter is a little longer because I really didn't want to split it into two too short ones.))

11. Softly Fly the Golden Hours; Every Moment Brings New Rapture

For some reason, fighting an army on his own always felt less exhausting than being in a heavenly trial to Xie Lian. He stayed there, however, since Wang Ai was terrified of everyone else and extremely meek. He had excused Shi Qingxuan because as his superior, he could speak for him. Before collapsing into bed, the exhausted man had given him a quick run down until He Xuan had told them all to hold their silence and let the poor soul sleep. Hua Cheng had added that when Xie Lian was done, he should come back for a late dinner. Apparently He Xuan didn't only like eating, but he was also a decent cook. Xie Lian was curious enough to agree, even though he would have preferred to just go home.

It was close to midnight when Xie Lian finally handed the dejected ghost over to be held under the now harmless and deserted Mount Tonglu. He would let Shi Qingxuan know. He had a feeling he'd want to visit. Most people would have killed her, and he could have done that with ease, but he'd chosen the hard path: Not that of a warrior, but that of a man with enough inner strength to withstand his own fears and break those of others.

'Your Highness?' Ling Wen asked before he could so much as leave the Palace of Divine Might. 'Would you mind following me for a moment?'

He did mind. But he wasn't going to say that. 'Of course not,' he answered instead.

Apparently he sounded rather unhappy because the civil god continued, 'It really won't be long, it's just that there has been an incident we thought you might have some insight on.'

Xie Lian knew exactly what that incident was, so he followed her patiently, leaving only the Emperor and Jun Wu behind in the Palace. Once inside, Xie Lian noted that the room Ling Wen had brought him to was absolutely silent. 'There is a spell on the door,' she explained. 'After the bell had to toll for a year, I had to do this. I couldn't work with the constant clangour.'

'I can imagine,' Xie Lian said. The work Ling Wen did was arduous under the best circumstances, but with that added hassle, it was a miracle she hadn't thrown the thing down to the mortal realm.

'Your Highness, can you tell us anything about the new crater in the Royal Capital?'

There it was. 'The crater used to be a temple. There will be no need for any compensation because the gods worshipped in them are no longer … well. One is dead, the other is my deputy.'

'I am aware. But how does a temple turn into a crater so quickly?'

'Ah … I'm not entirely sure.' One moment, the temple had been there, as it had been for centuries. He Xuan had talked to Shi Qingxuan by communication array. Suddenly, his expression had darkened, he had run into the temple, stared silently at everyone with such an intense evil aura that not even a mouse dared to remain in the structure – and moments later it was gone. Every building that was part of it was reduced to rubble, the ground was sunken as far as he was high, everything was completely pulverised. Everything, that was, with the remarkable exception of the divine statue of Shi Qingxuan, which stood tall and perfectly immaculate under its canopy. 'It happened very quickly. By the time I got there it was the way it is now.'

'There are rumours that your deputy did this.'

'I can tell with absolute certainty that he did not.'

'No,' Ling Wen said, 'no it doesn't sound like him. Other rumours say that it was Ship Sinking Black Water.'

'Ah. Well.'

'I thought so.' Ling Wen took a note. 'Do you believe that he could be convinced to at least … make the ground even? He did act as our Lord Earth Master, and we don't have anyone with that particular skill set. Being three elemental masters down has put is into an awkward position.'

'Tell him he can fix it or pay for it,' Xie Lian said. 'He'll pick the former.'

'I see.' Ling Wen took another note. 'Similarly but less our concern, are you aware of the destruction of Black Water Island?'

'What? No! When did that happen?' That was a surprise. After all, they'd only just come back from there.

'A few hours ago. There was a storm, and in its wake a flood washed everything that was on it into the ocean.'

'I did not know this, no. I guess He Xuan wanted to get rid of it.'

'That was not Black Water's doing,' Ling Wen said. 'We had an eye on the location at the time, but we didn't see anyone and wondered. We did note activity when someone used multiple teleportation arrays because that cost a lot of power. Only moments after the last one, lightning struck the manor, destroying a large portion of it. Then a tidal wave hit the island and swept away all that remained. It would have included anyone still present, god or mortal or ghost.'

Now this was a lot to swallow. How fortuitous that they had made if out of danger only just in time – a danger that had nothing to do with the ghost king that had owned the place, if Ling Wen was right.

Xie Lian shook off the thought. 'I expect the area will remain safe now.' He Xuan was clearly done with the whole thing, whether he had been the cause of its wet grave or not. He couldn't stand it any more than Shi Qingxuan.

'I see,' Ling Wen said again. 'Well, in that case …' She faltered and her brow knitted a little. 'Excuse me, please.' She placed two fingers against her temple and turned to face away from him. After a moment, she spun back and stared at Xie Lian. 'I see,' she said a third time, still mostly to the person who had contacted her through the communication array. 'No, I didn't hear, I was in my office, but it makes sense. His Highness will be right there.' She lowered her hand and stood. 'Thank you, Your Highness, I believe this is all for now. Before you leave, someone will want to speak to you outside.'

'Gege,' Hua Cheng said abruptly in his own communication array, 'can you be back soon?'

'Um … yes. Soon, someone wants to see me. I don't know who.'

'If it can wait, let it. Your friend has left. He has apparently also silenced his communication array.'

'He wanted to sleep, that's why. Are you sure he's not just hiding under the covers to block out the world?'

'He's gone, gege.'

For a moment, Xie Lian was worried, then everything fell into place, and he caught himself. 'Hold that thought. Tell He Xuan not to destroy any more buildings.' Xie Lian cut the connection and smiled at Ling Wen in a way he hoped was apologetic. 'I'm sorry, your contact will have to wait. I'll come back, but I have to look for someone.'

For a moment, she looked like she would argue, then she nodded. 'That should not be a problem. Please leave through the front door.'

Xie Lian shook his head slightly as he walked out. Of course he was going to use the front door, but he had no time to think about this right now.

He had expected to find the Grand Avenue of Divine Might deserted. It had been when he'd entered the Palace of Ling Wen, which was really no big mystery at this time. Now, however, everyone and their mother seemed to have come out to stare. He wished they hadn't because it would have made this easier.

Someone clapped his shoulder. 'Tough luck, eh?' It was Pei Ming. 'This time I'm out of ideas for betting.'

'Where is he?' Xie Lian looked at the grin on the other man's face that transformed into full on laughter.

'I'd try the lost puppy over there,' he said, pointing to the head of the avenue.

It still took Xie Lian one heartbeat to find the inconspicuous individual in simple, clean clothes. 'Oh this is just …' He couldn't finish the sentence – mostly because he had no idea what he wanted to say. Pei Ming was laughing uproariously, and it was incredibly infectious. With a shout, he started running to the figure that stood frozen at the gates, looking at his surroundings in tangible bewilderment until his eyes fixed on him. Slowly the confusion passed and the corners of his mouth turned up in a wide grin.

'Your Highness!' Shi Qingxuan shouted, and he waved and bounced on his feet, 'Your Highness, I'm back! And I'm not even drunk this time!'

Xie Lian reached him and hugged him. 'No-one can say you didn't earn this,' he said. 'No matter whose fate you have, this is yours.'

'I know.' He smiled. 'I think so, at least. I was just feeling so weird for a moment, dizzy, and I wanted to go to the others in the kitchen, and then I was here. I'm glad I noticed something, mind you, or I wouldn't be wearing this much.'

That reminded Xie Lian of his brief exchange with Hua Cheng. 'Ah. Maybe you want to inform He Xuan where you are before he flattens the rest of the Royal Capital.'

Shi Qingxuan flushed. 'Yeah. Right away.'

Ling Wen had joined him by now. 'I assume the urgent request you received was about this?' she asked.

'Yes. Yes, it was.' He shook himself. 'What does the protocol say? Can we wait, or …'

Something flashed in Ling Wen's eyes. 'Absolutely not. You should report to the Emperor immediately. At this time, you should be able to find her in the east side corridor, third door on the right. This,' she handed him an identity pass, 'should give you access. If it opens to you, she is available.'

'Thank you, Ling Wen. Qingxuan?'

'Yes, I have told him I'm not missing and will be back.'

'Good. Come on, you need to report your return.'

'Can you … come with me?' He scratched his head. 'This is so awkward.'

Xie Lian smiled. 'Of course.' Normally, Ling Wen collected new arrivals, but there was no reason why he couldn't do it. Judging by the state of her desk earlier, the woman was busy enough. 'The new Emperor is Yushi Huang,' Xie Lian explained on the way through the deserted palace. 'As far as I know she's still mostly acting as Rain Master. Apparently we can only afford to lose so many elemental masters at any time.'

'I'm … I'm sorry. But do you think I can just … pick up where I left off?'

'We'll see where she wants you, but I expect that's what's going to happen. He Xuan was right. You always were a good Wind Master.'

Shi Qingxuan's nerves showed in his laughter. 'But people will think I just usurped the position. Again.'

'I wouldn't worry about that.' Xie Lian halted and took both his shoulders. 'You are here because you earned this. You accepted because you know it. You put your life on the line to save people who would have met a tragic end without any intervention, and no-one else was volunteering.'

'But I was so terrified. I feel like I'd only deserve this if I'd been at least a little sure of myself.'

'Why?' Xie Lian shrugged. 'I think that would have made it cheaper. Facing your fears is hard.' When Shi Qingxuan still looked unconvinced, he decided to tell him the new bits of information Ling Wen had given him. 'That aside, you weren't anywhere near frightened enough. The manor shielded you from what was going on outside, so you couldn't know. People here were watching the place because of the freak weather.'

'Freak weather? Oh, wait, I noticed a little, but I couldn't let it distract me. Did it get that bad?'

'Worse. It was the kind of raging storm that tends to accompany a true heavenly tribulation, not a stolen one. And only moments after we left, a tidal wave destroyed the forest, the manor, and everything else. It's all gone. If you had been slower, if you hadn't managed to convince Wang Ai to come willingly but had to chase her around the place or wrangle her into submission, every soul on that island, including you, would have died.' Shi Qingxuan paled a little at that. Xie Lian gave him a smile he hoped was encouraging. 'You did good. You got everyone out of a situation that would have meant certain death. And while heaven didn't see you in the manor, your arrival at this moment, just after Wang Ai's trial and my report of what happened between you and her, say all that is needed. No-one will doubt you. Be proud of yourself already.'

The other man thought about this briefly. 'He Xuan must have sensed that there was danger. That's why he wanted me to leave so fast. But … I didn't even do it alone: You all came and helped.'

'We just gave you a ride home. You remained calm enough to pacify a furious ghost. You collected everyone still trapped there. You stayed until last. Who drew the arrays is completely irrelevant: You had no help with the real work. Ascension might never have been your fate, but this time you had both: He Xuan's fate and an actual test that would have killed you if you had failed.'

Finally, Shi Qingxuan nodded. 'You know what? You're right. I just had one of the worst and the absolute best day of my life all at once. I can do this.' He started walking and halted before the door Ling Wen had indicated. It opened soundlessly when they approached and closed just as silently behind them.

Shi Qingxuan had stopped walking, frozen on the spot with his mouth open. Xie Lian followed his gaze and slapped a hand over his eyes and thought, 'Not again!'

Silently, he groped for the handle of the door behind him. It didn't budge: They were locked in. Getting increasingly uneasy, he looked around and darted to the side, pulling the stricken Shi Qingxuan with him. They were in an antechamber, the actual office was beyond the wall they'd ducked behind.

'What are they doing?' Shi Qingxuan asked.

'What does it look like?' Xie Lian whispered back. 'Don't look! Qingxuan!'

His friend didn't listen. Eyes wide, he leaned to the side. 'That … that's Jun Wu! And the Lord Rain Master! I mean the Emperor.'

'I know,' Xie Lian said. He slid down the wall to sit on the floor, elbows on his knees, hands covering his face. He thought about the dice he could use to find home to Hua Cheng, but that could just as well go the other way, and what they didn't need was the ghost king joining them in this.

'Should we help him?'

Xie Lian futilely tried to tug on Shi Qingxuan's robes. 'He doesn't need help.'

A deep moan came from the desk. He had only seen for a brief moment, but that had been more than enough for a lifetime. The former Emperor was tied to a chair, his head tilted back and held in that position by a complicated array of knots. His expression was not that of someone who objected. 'Qingxuan, don't watch them.'

Finally, his friend listened and sat beside him. 'But … why?'

'I suppose he likes it.' Out of the two of them, Xie Lian was sure Shi Qingxuan had more experience. So why on earth was he the one answering naïve questions?

'That must be painful! He can't move at all!'

Xie Lian resigned. The Wind Master was the Wind Master, and he wasn't going to shut up. 'It's not painful. At least not in an unpleasant way.'

'If you say so … Hold on, how would you know?'

'Please stop talking.'

Shi Qingxuan was shaking next to him, and Xie Lian decided to comfort him when he noticed he was fighting laughter. 'I'm sorry, I just … I never thought it of you.'

Xie Lian's pleas for mercy were unheard, but at least Shi Qingxuan had stopped ogling the pair that was unaware of someone else's eyes on them. It was bad enough to hear them, the harsh intake of breath, the quiet groans, a command from the Emperor, 'Not yet, control yourself!'

A sharp smack cut the air and Shi Qingxuan's eyes flew wide again. 'This is not right, surely …'

'Stay put!' Xie Lian hissed, grabbing a fistful of his clothes and pulling him back down. 'She's not hurting him, he'll stop her before she can.'

'How? He can't even move. What if she's forcing him?'

'Rubbish. Listen to me. He is in control of the situation. If he needs her to stop, she will stop. It's not like that.'

'You do get this, don't you?' He shook his head. 'Someone tries to do that to me, I'll run away.'

Xie Lian believed him. Shi Qingxuan might not be the type who liked being in either position in this kind of situation. Then again, Xie Lian didn't think he seemed like that, either. 'It's … something you really have to want,' he said. If he talked, even softly, neither of them would focus on the pair only a few metres away. 'It can be a relief to turn yourself over to someone you trust, someone you know won't do anything to hurt you. They have all the power – at least on the surface. They control every aspect of you for a time, but they won't abuse you. They know your limits and won't cross them. And when you hit a limit you weren't aware of before you got there, you communicate, and they will respect that.'

Shi Qingxuan made a face. 'Okay, that's good to know, but … Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a bit of wild passion, but that over there? No. This isn't for me.'

Xie Lian smiled. 'It doesn't have to be. Not everyone likes the same things. And if I were He Xuan, I wouldn't go anywhere near anything of the sort with you. Restraining you isn't going to work for you, and I'm sure he knows that.'

'Oh. You … you're right! He even said something like that. Not about tying me up specifically, but that he wants me to be in control.' Shi Qingxuan smiled. 'But I'm relieved to hear that you enjoy it. For a moment I worried Crimson Rain Sought Flower hurts you.'

'He doesn't. He'd never do anything I don't want, Qingxuan. Don't think about him like that.' Preferably, Shi Qingxuan wouldn't think about them like that at all, but that ship had clearly sailed. Apparently, they were having that kind of talk. 'He loves me and I promise you he'd never cross any line I'm not okay with. He … he checks in with me, makes sure I'm having a great time.'

'Good.'

'Can we please not keep talking about this? I have an idea.' Something had occurred to Xie Lian, and he needed to communicate it to Hua Cheng. 'San Lang? How fast can you come by the Earth Master's shovel?'

'I gave it back, so as soon as I ask for it?'

'Grab it and go to Ling Wen. Tell her to show you on a map precisely where we are. She knows. And be silent. We're just behind the first door, a bit to the right, make sure you arrive exactly there.' He sighed and turned to his companion. 'We'll be out in a moment. San Lang will get us.'

'How?'

'Shovel.'

'Oh!' Shi Qingxuan flinched at another smack followed by a moan that didn't sound like pain at all. 'I hope he hurries.'

Xie Lian tried to meditate and ignore everything around him with varying success. Shi Qingxuan's discomfort wasn't helping. When the ground opened up in front of them and not one but two ghost kings looked at them in confusion, he thought he'd pass out from relief. Before he could stop them, both men had come out of the hole in the floor. Hua Cheng bumped into He Xuan, who had frozen in mid-step, eyes firmly where they shouldn't be. It was lucky Jun Wu was blindfolded, really. 'Out,' Xie Lian whispered. 'Get us out, both of you, you can comment later, but I'd prefer if you didn't.'

'What …'

'Move!' Shi Qingxuan pushed He Xuan back towards the freshly dug hole. 'What His Highness said, don't you two ever listen!'

'Just get us to the other side of the door, so we can wait there this time,' Xie Lian instructed. 'We were supposed to meet her, but we didn't know we'd interrupt anything. San Lang, can you please return this identity pass to Ling Wen? Give her my regards.'

Hua Cheng took it and handed him another. 'She said she apologises because she clearly gave you the wrong one.'

Shi Qingxuan sighed in relief. 'Oh, I'm glad this was an honest mistake.'

Xie Lian wasn't so sure, but he'd let it rest. He suspected she was, for some reason, unhappy with this arrangement – probably because she considered it an unnecessary distraction. He Xuan looked like he was fighting really hard to keep his face under control while Hua Cheng laughed outright. With the new pass, the door remained stubbornly shut, so Xie Lian knocked sharply. 'Maybe the ghost kings could leave us for this?' he said when Yushi Huang's unperturbed voice called out that she needed a moment. 'You can wait at the Palace of Xianle.'

It was He Xuan who nodded his agreement. 'Come. It will look like we think he can't take care of himself if we keep hovering.' He caressed Shi Qingxuan's head in parting, leaned in to kiss his temple, and left them standing there.

'I think he really loves you,' Xie Lian said. 'I wasn't convinced at first, but I don't believe he's acting.'

'He isn't.' Shi Qingxuan smiled hugely, happiness radiating from his very being. 'He's … different. Not in a way I can point my finger at – kissing aside. For a long time he was really affectionate with me. You didn't witness that, you only saw the end where he acted as if I were nothing. I wasn't calling him my best friend because I'm stupid, Your Highness, but because he was just that. But even compared to the good times, he's different. His tone, the way he looks at me. I've never felt so cherished by anyone in my life. He does love me, there's no doubt about that, and I think deep down he always has. And I love him, too. Just as much and just as long. I won't hurt him. Ever. He's been through enough.'

Xie Lian felt that this was true for both men. 'You're going to be good for each other.' He meant it. These two needed someone who helped them heal and no-one on the outside would understand what they had gone through. And finding a companion for the long time a ghost or a heavenly official had ahead of them wasn't exactly easy. In a way, it was perfect: One was alive and wouldn't age, one was almost indestructible – unless someone destroyed his ashes. Xie Lian had a sneaking suspicion where He Xuan kept his, but he wasn't going to say it. It wasn't his business and if the ghost ever chose to reveal this, it would be to the person it concerned alone.

If Shi Qingxuan was killed at some point in the distant future, He Xuan could follow if the world without the other man seemed too bleak. Xie Lian was sure that with him gone, Hua Cheng wouldn't linger. It wasn't a thought he relished because he wanted him to be happy enough to live for his own sake, but it was probably true.

The door opened finally, and the Emperor stood in front of them – dressed, thank the gods! She took them both in, and her eyes settled on Shi Qingxuan. 'Oh? Oh! This is good. Come in.' Without hesitating, the former Wind Master stepped inside. 'Doesn't Ling Wen usually bring new arrivals?'

'She asked me to take care of it,' Xie Lian said. 'She gave me the identity pass.'

Yushi Huang's lips twitched. 'Interesting. I thought I saw a small hole in the ground on my way out, but it's completely gone now. Would you know anything about that?'

All colour drained from Shi Qingxuan's face, but Xie Lian had learned how to handle difficult questions in his long life. 'It wouldn't occur to Qingxuan or me to make a hole in your floor.'

'Ah.' She sat behind her desk, next to Jun Wu – who was in an appropriate state of dress, too. 'When his Highness told us about how you secured Wang Ai at the time of quite the cataclysmic event, I already wondered, but I didn't want to say anything in case I was wrong. It's good to have someone reliable and competent back, we could do with a few more of your mettle.' During her little speech, Xie Lian watched Shi Qingxuan's cheeks turning increasingly pink. She noticed, too, apparently, because she gave a soft chuckle. 'Unbelievable, Wind Master Qingxuan reacts with speechless modesty to well deserved praise. I don't want to keep torturing you, so this is what it's going to be: I assume you'll agree to reprise your role as our Lord Wind Master.'

'Happily,' Shi Qingxuan said.

'Construction of your golden palace will begin shortly. Your absence was so brief you probably haven't lost all believers, yet. It will help you get started.'

Shi Qingxuan bowed. 'Thank you,' he said. 'I would like to name a deputy, if that is all right.'

'You would? You could take a leaf out of his book, Your Highness.'

Xie Lian chose to ignore this and waited for Shi Qingxuan to take one of the people from the temple with him. The Lord Wind Master smiled widely. 'I'm taking Ming-xiong! Um, He Xuan, that is.'

'You can't do that,' Jun Wu answered in a cool tone.

Shi Qingxuan narrowed his eyes. 'Says who? Do you people have an Earth Master? Did he do a bad job? You should be happy I'm bringing him back.'

Yushi Huang closed her eyes for a short moment. 'No, no, no, we're not fighting in my office at the dead of night,' she said. 'I wonder. Is the Lord Wind Master a martial god?'

Jun Wu looked momentarily confused. 'No. Of course not.'

'I see. Then I think I won't need advice on the matter.' She shook her head. 'If a ghost can ascend, I don't see a good reason why he can't be a deputy. But Lord Wind Master, what makes you believe Ship Sinking Black Water would be willing?'

'I asked on the way here,' he said, his voice sure and his posture straight. He had left all uncertainty behind, ready to take back his title and live up to it. 'And he doesn't want to be called that any more. He hates the name.'

The Emperor smiled. 'Okay. Next question. Why in the world would you want that person as your deputy?'

Shi Qingxuan looked at her squarely. 'Oh, come on, you know me. He was my best friend for centuries. We talked about what happened, and I know I can trust him with my life. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have by my side.'

'Ah. I see what this is,' the Emperor sighed. 'Another one. I did say I like my ghost kings under someone's surveillance, didn't I? Do you take responsibility for any damage he causes?'

Xie Lian raised a hand. 'For any he might cause after his appointment as the Lord Wind Master's deputy, I'm sure.' What he didn't want was anyone making Shi Qingxuan pay for the crater.

Jun Wu laughed. 'You're paranoid, Xianle.'

He wanted to ask, Who do you think got me that way?, but he controlled himself.

'Well, consider yourself re-appointed,' the Emperor said. 'Tell Ling Wen about your deputy tomorrow, I'm sure she'll be thrilled. Now please leave. I need to have a conversation with her, as well.'

Ϡ

They decided to spend that night in the palace of Xianle. Hua Cheng had quickly gone to fetch the food He Xuan had been preparing, and they had a very late and very excellent dinner. The ghost's family, it turned out, had run a food stall before their lives had fallen apart, and he had learned to cook from a young age. Between them, they had eaten a lot but nowhere near everything, and He Xuan was eying what was left. Everyone else was in silent agreement that he was welcome to it.

'There's one thing I'm worried about,' Shi Qingxuan said. 'I don't regret that I am back here, but … Those people at my temple – the one I slept at, not the one that is gone now – they're my friends and I can't just leave them. It feels wrong.'

'Heaven doesn't care for mortals,' Hua Cheng dismissed him. 'And if you try to tell them they should, you'll get punished.'

'It's not quite like that,' Xie Lian said gently. 'Shi Qingxuan isn't trying to do something impossible like I did, he just wants to keep providing support the way he's done it as a mortal. He listened, he carried water even though he was injured, he was a good friend.'

'So you want someone to look after them a little,' Hua Cheng said. 'Isn't that what you people have a deputy for?'

The deputy cleared his throat. 'I think Hua Cheng has a point. You shouldn't intervene too much. I suggest we send my physician there. He doesn't like being stuck in an empty house most of the time anyway, so when you have a golden palace to move into and haul me there with you, he'll get grumpy. Grumpier, that is.'

'And he'd be okay with this? Helping people that can't pay?' Shi Qingxuan asked.

'He was a physician in life and remained one in death,' He Xuan said. 'Helping people is his whole thing. He's also dead and doesn't need a lot.'

'Why did he stay at your manor at all? Ghosts don't have much use for medicine.'

He Xuan looked at Shi Qingxuan. 'What do you think? I asked him to stay for you. When I wasn't around, he kept an eye on you on my behalf. I needed a volunteer who would be able to offer tangible help if things got worse than they already were.'

Xie Lian smiled. 'Careful. Even if you send someone in your stead, people will know this is your doing, Lord Wind Master.'

'And … that is a bad thing?'

'Not necessarily,' Hua Cheng said, 'but you need to be aware that you will add God of Beggars to your titles.'

Shi Qingxuan laughed. 'So be it. I can totally live with that.' When they finally decided to get at least some sleep, the first touch of dawn was already painting the sky in a flurry of pink and orange. 'Um, if I scream at night, there is no need for anyone to be alarmed,' the Wind Master said. 'It happens really rarely, but it might.'

'What do I do in that case?' He Xuan asked earnestly. 'Do I leave, or …'

Shi Qingxuan looked at him and cupped his cheek. 'You hold me. You hold me tight and tell me you're here. Tell me you're my best friend. Tell me you love me.'

'I can do all of that right now. It's only the truth.'

Laughing, Shi Qingxuan dragged him off to their bedroom. 'Aw, Ming-xiong, don't, I'll get used to it!'

'Still worried, gege?' Hua Cheng asked when they were finally alone.

Xie Lian watched them retreat. He heard He Xuan singing softly as they left and felt warm and infinitely happy for his friend. A lot of work was waiting for the Lord Wind Master, but he wasn't going to have to face it alone. He had friends that weren't in it for a reward, and he had someone who would stand by his side, no matter what came, ready to catch him if he stumbled on the way. He Xuan had learned what life would be without the other man, without his friendship, his loyalty, and his love, and he wasn't going to risk depriving himself of that again. Shi Qingxuan deserved happiness, and maybe He Xuan did, too. 'No,' he said with a soft smile. 'I'm not worried at all.'