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Chapter Text

He knew he was in Luo Binghe's dreamscape; it was obvious. From the small bamboo house he stood beside, to the ubiquitous green robes the Qing Jing peak disciples wore as they ran their laps. In this familiar environment, Shen Qingqiu knew it was Qing Jing peak before Luo Binghe had blackened. When Binghe was once his cute little white lotus flower... He quickly scanned over the terrain, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, his eyes reflecting the burning sun that hung right above the bright blue sky. All of this was undeniably too intimate for his poor heart. Reminiscing about his past home only made his head hurt even more. Such nostalgic events made his body shiver in regret and his head ache in sorrow. 

To clarify his surroundings, he casually asked the system, "Where am I?" What replied was a prolonged silence, then a *BEEP*

System:【Protagonist's dreamscape: Qing Jing peak.】

He tapped the 'X' on the top right corner of the floating tab. Unfortunately, he had guessed right.

He could only deepen a sigh through such woe, only to hear leaves crackling in the near distance, arising from the bamboo forest behind him. Shen Qingqiu stood still for a minute, then turned to face the bamboo forest- staring in the abyss, intently listening to the heavy footsteps lingering in the distance. 

*crunch crunch*

He flicked open his fan, using it to cover the nervousness he held in his expression. A quite tall, handsome youth appeared through the bamboo forest, seemingly having that god-like protagonist halo dancing around his head, fighting the sun with his own radiance. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but curse under his breath: "Binghe..."

Shen Qingqiu was in his original form, a hint of melancholy coursing through him. He was not in that powerful, full-of-spiritual-energy body created by the Sun and Moon Dew Flower Seed anymore. Plus, how would- could- he face Binghe like this? According to Binghe, he had already died! What was he supposed to do- how was he supposed to act?? Though he was now in this nothing-is-impossible dreamscape, so of course, Luo Binghe didn't appear too alarmed. He could still keep face.

Luo Binghe paused for a second once he saw his shizun, a hint of disbelief plastered on his eyebrows, but then proceeded again not too long after, approaching faster this time. And was he... prancing and skipping? A sweet smile hanging on his lips as his doe eyes shaped into crescent moons. Shen Qingqiu gave him no mind, acting aloof, fan fanning quicker while glancing towards the bamboo house to distract him from the rushing emotions and thoughts ravaging through his brain. What did he expect? Acting like a little maiden- how could this stallion protagonist be as cool as he was in the original story? But... How could he himself get angry at such a cute act? He unintentionally fanned faster, trying to but failing to wipe away the pink shame tinting the tips of his ears. Luo Binghe's breath was almost brushing his face. "Shizun... is... is that you?" Luo Binghe's head tilted a little in wonder- inspecting his Shizun's expression as if it were a fake.

Shen Qingqiu only closed his eyes, his fan still covering half of his face, a bead of sweat hung from his eyebrow. Feeling ignored, Luo Binghe pityingly cooed, "Even in a dream, Shizun is willing to ignore me, hmph." Although his voice was sweet as honey, it betrayed the vile expression he held on his face, painting an unsightly picture. Like a beast coming at its prey, Luo Binghe grabbed the hand holding the chaste fan. "This disciple is truly sad, not being able to see his Shizun's face." Shen Qingqiu held an indiscernible expression as his disciple gently wrapped his arm around his waist. Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu's lips were sealed for no less than a second before Shen Qingqiu struck him with his freed fist. The punch not landing too hard, but not too soft either, straight into Luo Binghe's stomach, forcing the arm wrapped around his waist to stretch a bit before letting go, knocking him back a few steps.

Shen Qingqiu was about to go ham on his disciple for pulling such a trick until he heard little whimpers coming from the struck Binghe. All of his anger died in his throat, replacing that embarrassed anger with remorse. The red eyes and the ceaseless tears that fell shook Shen Qingqiu to the core- what a weakness to have. Luo Binghe's tears rushed down his face like an unprecedented rainstorm. Binghe then looked downwards, glimpsing at the dirt under his feet as he saw the ground below him dampen with his rainfall. A satisfied smile quietly grew, but his Shizun didn't take notice. Shen Qingqiu didn't know what to do. His step stuttering towards his disciple as if in reluctance- instinctively started patting Binghe's hair as Binghe continued gazing down, tears intermittently dribbling onto the dirt. "This disciple deserves shizun's punishment- his every punishment..." 

【°☆。Congratulations~ Cool points +69!】 What the fuck?? Upon hearing the *ding* congratulating him with random cool points, Shen Qingqiu immediately stopped petting Luo Binghe's hair, then opened the fan that was forcefully closed by the person in front of him just a minute before. His fan eloquently fanned his jade-like face. His eyes closed again, but his mouth spoke with an ice-cold tone. "Don't cry." Well... What more can he say?! More so why the fuck did he get cool points after punching Binghe?! He's a masochist- he's a masochist- oh shit- he's a masochist?! Anyway! Getting mad if he doesn't stop crying is out of the question- so. stop. crying! Shen Qingqiu tried to keep his brows unfurrowed, concealing his flying thoughts so they weren't so obvious to the naked eye. Weren't so obvious for his disciple to see.

Shen Qingqiu attempted to recollect his sanity, so he didn't notice the demonic aura, radiating from Binghe as he finally looked up. The same shit-eating grin coated on his handsome, demonic face. Shen Qingqiu didn't react in time. With one hand, his once innocent white lotus closed the fan- for the second time. Using the other hand, Luo Binghe gripped both of his Shizun's wrists with surprising ease, hoisting them above his head. Luo Binghe was driving forward, stepping intensively while, still wrists bound above his head, his Shizun tripped back multiple steps, banging his back on an unexpected bamboo stick. Shen Qingqiu's eyes were rolling to the back of his head as the other was ramming his vicious mouth over his lips, fervently biting them in animosity. Shen Qingqiu couldn't repent his anger. "???" One hand gripping both wrists, the other moving inappropriately, about to shift underneath green, righteous robes. No matter how hard he struggled, the disciple tightly held his Shizun hostage to his lustful desires. Shen Qingqiu couldn't take the pain and embarrassment, gasping air fulls through the other's mouth. How could this forceful person not have one piece of mercy to let go for even one second? Shen Qingqiu's knees buckled, dropping his tightly held fan to the ground. But he daren't fall, afraid of losing his dignity, or what was left of it anyway. He pleaded through intermittent breaths: "ah...hn! p-please... B-Binghe!!"

It was as though that call awakened something in this ravenous monster. Luo Binghe instantly let go of his Shizun. Seeing the contoured, ripped lips, the wet hatred-filled eyes, and the messy robe, Luo Binghe couldn't help but widen his eyes, his pupils shrinking as he took hesitant steps back. Luo Binghe's eyes again reflected disbelief, but this time one full of disgust, shame, and most of all, worry. Shen Qingqiu held on too long, his legs gave out, and a wave of pain rose through him as he harshly thumped onto the ground, his head whipping back and accidentally hitting the bamboo stick behind him with some force. Luo Binghe's hands reached out but then immediately sank back to his sides, for fear of divesting such a delicate and precious person again. His Shizun didn't see the pained face Binghe wore before he ran off, back into the bamboo forest, like a maiden who was afraid of getting rejected by the one she loved.

It wasn't long before Shen Qingqiu detected that familiar *ding* through the ringing of his ears. He gradually cleared his tear-struck eyes.

[Hidden plotline unlocked]

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu studied at the system's square dialogue box floating right below eye level, screaming 【Hidden plotline unlocked】to his face. Is this one of the hidden plotlines that the system told him about on his first day of transmigration? He had no idea what to expect- this was not in <<Proud Immortal Demon way>> Shen Qingqiu turned his head, double checking as he tried to look for the shameless Binghe. Please don’t appear please don’t appear, repeating incessantly throughout his mind. Yet, all he saw were the residences and the nearby bamboo forest. He deeply sighed through his metallic-tasting lips. Binghe’s not here. 

He then had the conscience to notice his fallen state. His ass hurt from plunking onto the ground; his wrists had light streaks of red from all that struggling. The most confusing thing of all was how his male body reacted to all this torture, and he didn't even realize it. 

Looking down, he saw an oddly straight stick poking under his ravaged undergarments- at least he thought it was a stick... That stick stuck perpendicular to the ground, right between his legs, but the immediate thought that occurred to Shen Qingqiu was: this stick seems very strong, standing like that even though I could have easily crushed it with my fallen body. Imagine getting pierced by something like that!

With that thought, Shen Qingqiu carefully lifted himself up with his shaky but stiff arms, trying hard to avoid being scratched by this somewhat tall, contemptuous "stick" laying between him. Only then did he realize that this was not a wooden stick rising up from the ground, but was an ember made of hot flesh, growing up like any burning lifeforce under mother nature's spell. 

"..."

His face, with all the shades in-between, turned red, eventually green, then pale white. All in succession within 2 seconds before jumping into an arched standing position, his hands on his knees, catching a great view of that thing dangling by his thighs. 

"FUCK!"

He looked very dumb, staying in the same position for an incense time, blinking in tandem with the throbbing of his manhood. What surprised him wasn't this unexpected bodily reaction, but how he got it.

He mouthed with a sour face: "B-Binghe c-can get, get me... up?! HUH?"

He noticed his half-open, fallen fan on the ground in the corner of his eye, awakening him from the shock. Shen Qingqiu immediately picked it up, opened it and started fanning his face as if trying to blow away the hysteria. 

The same *ding* sounding again as this poor teacher's pupils shrank, feeling light-headed once again, wanting to fall onto the ground, never to get back up, reluctant to go through the reincarnation cycle and live once again.

The system's window popped up:【Congratulations!! New skill: impalement sabre. Extremely effective against protagonist】

He couldn't care less about what the system was saying. All of it went through one ear and out through the other as he frantically looked left and right, ensuring that the judging eyes he felt on him were not there. He needed to get out of this dreamscape this instant and hide... like... RIGHT NOW- so, ignoring his uncomfortableness, he ran into the first hiding place he saw: the bamboo house. 

Getting inside was not a struggle since the door to the bamboo house was naturally unlocked. Shen Qingqiu ran inside like he had wheels, holding his breath while zooming through all areas making sure no one was in there with him. He then let out a large sigh of relief, making his way to the cramped bathroom in the back. 

He caught a glance of the scanty bathroom window, and sudden flames reflected in his anxious eyes. The brilliance of heat not only came from his pants but also through the other side of the window. As the light grew higher and intensified, Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but feel agitated. If he was embarrassed one second ago, he was now feeling the wrath of hell coursing through the air. Things actually could get worse, he thought as he cursed under his breath. Heat grasped onto his eyes, rapidly blinking them to stop them from burning. He could have been in a bamboo house of all places. The red and orange fire attacked like wildfire, eating away at the dry and flammable bamboo hut- slowly creeping up and taking a bite of Shen Qingqiu's hem on his robe as if it were a demon pulling the living into hell. He just entered this nicely set up hut, shame plastered on his lower half, and just as fast as he entered, he was leaving it, sprinting away from the abruptly scorching bamboo. 

Any normal person would have thought to have escaped death, yet Shen Qingqiu's mind was full of pity. Where would the little Binghe in this dreamscape sleep? Now that his bamboo house was up in flames, unable to shelter the little lotus from the rain. He only felt so pitiful.

After dashing out of the door, Shen Qingqiu didn't look back once because what was in front of him was only of his wildest dreams. 

Arson chewed on the residences of Qing Jing peak. Crackling noises saturated the air as glowing flames reverberated and stung the tops of everything in Shen Qingqiu's view. He couldn't help but stare at a darkening figure, his heartbeats in rhythm with the other's advancing footsteps- eagerly approaching to face him. Shen Qingqiu's clothing was now ragged and burnt at the edges, but he still held on to his fan for dear life. It was the only dignity he had left. 

Shen Qingqiu displayed the fan as he usually would, using it to conceal half of his face and most of his frantic emotions. He almost found it funny, having his burnt robe revealing fractions of his porcelain skin while down there was still not relieved- burning as hot as the fires in front of him- and still having the audacity to use the fan to conceal his panic. 

Luo Binghe paused, a distance of about 100 li, in front of his Shizun. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but feel a bit off. He felt very insecure with the glare the other gave him, the other glancing up and down Shen Qingqiu's vulnerable body. Shen Qingqiu's body shivered under Luo Binghe's gaze as he observed his Shizun in such an awkward position- it was a sickening poison. 

Now Shen Qingqiu recognized it- this wasn't the same Binghe that pinned him to a bamboo stalk, but the one who held malice and ‘hardcore-stallion-protagonist’ in his eyes. 

He knocked on the system: "This is really the original Luo Binghe, right? It’s not this world’s Luo Binghe?" 

The system responding with:【Hello, while the new plotline is running, no questions will be answered. All functions will resume s-】

Shen Qingqiu closed the dialogue box, not wanting to take any of its uselessness today. 

He was already tired and embarrassed and frustrated and... When was this dream going to end!? He internally pleaded, scrunching his eyebrows until there were fine lines all over his forehead. Please god, what have I deserved to face the original Binghe, of all times now!? The one who could easily shape me into those long bamboo sticks over there! 

The familiar voice ordered him: "Why don't you come over here, Shen Qingqiu?" Hearing his name be called instead of the usual, sweet "Shizun" gave him a random jolt, feeling struck by a bolt of sudden lightning on a sunny day. Even though his face was already pale, it got even more white. Luo Binghe noticed the slight reaction, his red lips curling into a sinister smile. Although, as if hiding his true feelings, his eyes reflected an eternal emptiness mixed with a hint of vacant desire.

Unlike Shen Jiu, Shen Qingqiu still harboured a fighting spirit against his killer from the past life. Shen Qingqiu did a 180-degree turn, wanting to flee so fast the heavens couldn't catch up to him- but right before that first step, Luo Binghe now appeared in front of him. Binghe's eyebrows deeply furrowed. That step that was about to extend forwards retracted just as fast, causing Shen Qingqiu to almost trip on his feet. Just avoiding the collision of his face and Binghe's chest, Shen Qingqiu dared not look up at his disciple's face, instead, retreating backwards very slowly. His mind spinning from the sudden whiplash of fright. 

“I keep feeling as if… it seems like there’s something different about you. You’re really Shen Qingqiu?” 

Half of him knew he needed to fight to survive, but his feet moved by himself- though unfortunately not fast enough. Binghe's sturdy hand leached onto his shoulder, halting him from any rapid movement and preventing Shen Qingqiu from ever hoping for an escape.

Chapter Text

Still running on his fight or flight response, Shen Qingqiu's heart was striking the insides of his chest. Thank god his back was facing the Stallion Binghe, or he would rather kill himself ten times over. His lower half still pulsating, and even harder than before, as if it knew it had relevance to the person near it. Even slow, deep breaths were futile against the throbbing of his body.

*Thump thump* 

How sensitive to his surroundings, Shen Qingqiu didn't know- but the Luo Binghe behind him let out a very obvious chuckle, feeling prideful in the way he made his former Shizun feel. He felt a need to play like a cat about to kill a mouse.

Rotating Shen Qingqiu around like a spinning top, like a human stick in a pickle jar, the original Luo Binghe was now facing the tarnished Peak Lord. Shen Qingqiu was on a roll for the number of times he tripped so far in this dreamscape, yet he was not proud of that at all. By the second he regained his balance, the tall figure bent down and put his mouth right next to Shen Qingqiu's ear. "Ah, how honoured I am to make the lord Peak master of Qing Jing's heart race," Luo Binghe whispered, and a genuine smile grew with his amusement. Shen Qingqiu only stiffened with each breath, and the shiver from his tickled ear flowed to his aching heart and throughout his body. He didn't move a muscle, and even holding his breath, for fear of the worst if he were to do anything. He swallowed in place of his words.

The original Luo Binghe's spiteful grin faltered. His once handsome smile eventually disappearing not too long after as if it was an unnatural thing to bring his lips into anything other than a hostile sneer towards Shen Qingqiu. 

This blackened Luo Binghe was disgusted. Hatred derived from the needless pain- disgust hiding the years of suffering Shen Jiu afflicted onto his childhood. Even though Shen Yuan as Shen Qingqiu treated him better, he still felt a need to take accountability for this Binghe's suffering. 

This sentimental mentality didn't last long as the Luo Binghe in front of him examined downwards, eyes scanning the burnt raggedness and the amount of reveal of Shen Qingqiu's robe. 

No matter what kind of Binghe he was, he was still Luo Binghe- and any stare Shen Qingqiu received from him was deafening to his ego. What about the original Binghe's suffering? What accountability? Pride? I have no idea what that is, he thought. Please, Airplane bro, god- someone take me away from this hell.

"Hm? And I thought your heart was beating because you were too eager to face your death. Hah..." Disgust was even more apparent than before as the vengeful Luo Binghe cruelly took hold of Shen Qingqiu's neck, slowly hoisting him above so his tiptoes could barely touch the ground. Only faint whines escaped through Shen Qingqiu's throat, and he tightly shut his eyes to avoid the shame coming from a minute away. His hands endlessly grasping at the claws surrounding his neck as the arson-filled environment around them intensified. 

"Even an immaculate figure as you have done such sinful acts." Luo Binghe clicked his teeth and leaned in, the other hand slowly reaching down to a vulnerable area Shen Qingqiu could still barely believe was achievable. The claws deepened into his skin as if they were parched fangs drinking blood for the first time in two lifetimes. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but yelp in a reluctant and lewd tone. Luo Binghe's expression violated all rights to his heart, so vile yet so able. "I wonder who made you-"  

Just then, there was a nearby sound of crunched-up, burnt leaves. And a ghastly appearance emerged through the raging flames of fire, looking like a hero by the way the figure appeared backlit by the glowing blaze. 

"... Shizun?"

Shen Qingqiu used all his energy and strained to open his eyes just a slit. Was that god? He thought. Oh god, I'm seeing a bright light! This must be it! Savior, please take me! 

Shen Qingqiu managed to let out a short and weak smile, in hopes for this misery to end sooner than he thought. The blackened Luo Binghe only tilted and slightly angled his head to the right to glance at the other version of himself. "You're finally here," he muttered to himself, and slight anticipation grew in his darkened eyes. He tightened the grip around Shen Qingqiu's neck, making him squeam in distress.

The Luo Binghe from the current world, standing some distance away, seemed oddly nervous- as if he didn't realize the urgency of the situation his Shizun was in. He kept his eyes down, almost ready to likely kotow sometime soon. He even took pauses as he spoke, eventually rambling on like he had written a script pre-performance. "Shizun! I... This disciple is so sorry for banging you against the bamboo tree and-"

Shen Qingqiu had a burst of energy out of nowhere, his eyes bulging out of his head and his face changing from purple to red in surprising fury. Binghe was only halfway through his speech when Shen Qingqiu yelled hoarsely, almost spitting out blood to force the sound out of his choking throat.

"L- LUO BINGHE!" 

The Luo Binghe that just recently entered in the most protagonist way possible abruptly looked up at the shout of his name, and Shen Qingqiu wasn't the only one having his eyes bulging out of his head. 

The blackened Luo Binghe lowered Shen Qingqiu a bit. Shen Qingqiu could now have the balls of his feet supporting himself, and the claws around his neck loosened, yet nonetheless still tight. Shen Qingqiu regained his composure due to the increase of blood flow to his brain. Thank fucking god, he couldn't help but think.

The heat and fire caused the far away Binghe to blink every second, so he didn't immediately notice the danger from far away. But how could he not even realize the urgent matter his Shizun was currently in?! What an ill-bred disciple! Shen Qingqiu needed to smack him silly, wanting to teach a lesson of respect. And how did he think this certain Binghe was his saviour? He would be less disappointed if this disciple were to not show up at all. Now he knew the real meaning of "Be careful what you wish for."

The Luo Binghe holding Shen Qingqiu fiend ignorance at the stupidity of the other version of himself, not accepting that he could ever become this foolish, and an obvious cut-sleeve at that. "Why not we have some fun, Shen Qingqiu?" He glanced back at his former teacher with a venomous expression, looking like a snake ready to devour prey. A smile hinted behind his ostentatious display. At least that was what both Binghe's had in common, Shen Qingqiu noted- attempting to repress his panic behind purposeless thoughts. 

The fire was inching closer and closer, to the point where it was getting too hot for him to handle. Shen Qingqiu now noticed the way his disgusting sweat stuck to his thin clothing, making his look seem so unpleasing to the eye. Well, from his perspective, at least.

Just as the blackened Luo Binghe was about to part his lips to say a few more provoking words, a flash blasted past Shen Qingqiu's ears, making it ring all around. The next second, Shen Qingqiu felt his trachea open, allowing more air to flow into his lungs, but he was somehow suddenly plastered on the ground- his stomach facing the dirt and his vision a blur. A low, nearly undistinguishable growl fueled the blazing dreamscape and rumbled Shen Qingqiu's eardrums. 

"Don't touch my Shizun, bastard."

Who are you calling bastard Binghe? That's you too you know! Shen Qingqiu never wanted to slap and hug Binghe so hard in his life. 

Chapter Text

Flames rose with Binghe's growl.

Through his bleary eyes, Shen Qingqiu could make out a faint but familiar floating object. 

【°☆。Congratulations~  Cool points   +100!】

Fucking kidding me?! How useful to offer  cool  points a few seconds before my ascension to Heaven! He did an eye roll in his head. Whatever Binghe did when he came, it hurt his Shizun nearly to death. Shen Qingqiu's body was numb - like he somehow lost control of it - and his face had been laying on the solid-heated ground for quite a while now. 

The ringing of his head pulsated.  Pulsated ...? His head was...  pulsating ? He shook away the dirty thoughts as if he wasn't on the ground accumulating dirt already. If he received a blow any harder than this, his consciousness would have died thinking this dreamscape was literal Hell. 

His limbs felt strangely paralyzed and painful, but the stuffiness in his heart was the worst. All Shen Qingqiu could manage to do was blink, and rapid-fire blink he did, even groaning with the pain while at it - looking like a fish out of water. All that was missing was the puckered lips that opened and closed to complete the look. 

Clearing his droopy eyes with each blink, he saw what mess lay in front of him. He first saw his fan - an arm's length away, halfway open and burnt on the edges, nearly beyond repair.  On your last strings huh?   Just like me,  Shen Qingqiu thought. Using all the strength he could find, he gazed up to snag a view of his Binghe. "Bing...he..." A feeble attempt to communicate that he's fine, just a bit bruised up, and that he shouldn't worry much.  I'm okay. 

However, the man beside him was stiff, ready to fight - attention tunnel-visioned on the monster he just struck. Binghe's growl showcased his perfect teeth, and his fists clenched to the point where his nails dug into his palm. Small streams of blood dribbled onto the ground, sizzling as the droplets hit the terrain. Shen Qingqiu had to get up if he didn't want to become grilled fish. The air he breathed in burned his lungs, and Earth beneath him kept a steady rise in temperature. 

Not too far away, the blackened Luo Binghe subtly rose from the now crumbled bamboo house that he smashed into, swiping the fire and ashes off of his creased robes as if they were only dust particles. "That was quite powerful, Bing-mei." He wiped away a stream of blood that appeared on the corner of his mouth, then glanced down on the other with authority. The blackened Luo Binghe tempted with a sneer, "Oh, and call me Bing-ge." Shen Qingqiu saw a massive vein pop out of his Binghe's temple, mumbling something Shen Qingqiu couldn't understand. 

A boom resounded soon after.

The distance between both Binghe's closed in as they collided as fast as a drop of a pin. Binghe, whose palms were dripping blood, slashed his hand through the air, and the flying red quickly shifted into sharp needles, slitting cuts on his opponent. The other dodged the most fatal blood spikes but was now dripping blood from the minor ones. 

Shen Qingqiu tried his arms again, which oddly had enough energy to prop himself up this time. Although it did take a lot of painful grunts and yelps to sit up, he never stopped panting and cursing quietly.  There's no logic in this new plotline, Shen Qingqiu thought - painfully rolling to sit onto his knees in the process. His robes revealed too much, and his heated, supple skin could not be hidden from onlookers, even if they were to catch a glimpse from afar. Plus, that pulsation from his lower half scared the shit out of him.  It's not supposed to last for this long... Right?  He slapped his face with his hands. Focus on the fight or die Shen Qingqiu! 

From this angle, Shen Qingqiu had a better view of the action. He couldn't help but squeal a bit, letting his Shen Yuan personality out for the show. "Oh my god..." he was breathless by the scene unfolding in front of him. Proud Immortal Demon Way Luo Binghe, head to head with this world's Luo Binghe!? 

From Shen Qingqiu's view, the battle was incredible. Peerless again peerless, their attacks as fast as their defence. Often swinging punches that moved the fiery background with them. His eyes lit up in wonder, forgetting where he was for a moment.

Who's gonna win?!??

"Bing-mei?" the blackened Binghe leisurely chuckled as he dodged a talisman thrown by the other. They pulled back, catching their breaths, both prepared for the other to initiate an attack. "Watch what you say, Demon. I'll slice off your head before you even think of laying your hands where they shouldn't be." The blackened Luo Binghe feigned ignorance to the threat. The vein popping out of Binghe's head only worsened, and his venomous expression held immediacy. Both had similar injuries, but it was too apparent that the blackened Luo Binghe had more experience.

" tisk tisk  Bing-mei, I know you're smitten for that one over there."  I don't even need to try because you bring your weakness with you.  He tilted his head in Shen Qingqiu's direction, and the other couldn't help but gaze in that direction too. 

Plastered on the blackened Luo Binghe's face was disgust in all forms.  What brazen audacity to attach yourself to some scum.  He sneered as Shen Qingqiu inadvertently hypnotized the other.

Shen Qingqiu winced and reached for his fan for support, acting how an admirer would when they unexpectedly caught their crush staring.  Look away look away look away look away Binghe I mean BingheS, please . Shen Qingqiu hugged his legs so tight that he was practically hiding between his thighs.  Ugh, I hate this!  Someone  win  and  kill me  already!

Win? Actually, isn't it obvious who would lose? Shen Qingqiu thought. You're comparing a god stallion with hundreds and thousands in his harem to a hopeless romantic with an eye... only for me.  My Binghe can't win.  Shen Qingqiu craved cool air to calm down his impending panic, until-

Pow! 

A strong punch landed, and a seemingly fatal one at that. It wasn't hard to figure out which Binghe got their face struck. The stricken Binghe demolished multiple residences as he passed through them, blowing several feet away. He landed and cracked a stone pillar with the powerful impact of his body, evident streaks of blood falling down his head. He coughed a mouthful of blood. 

Good thing Binghe has the protagonist halo... But both of them do , fuck, Shen Qingqiu cursed. Time to leave. He then cursed the same word, but this time in pure dread.

"My legs! T-they won't move!" His heart began to race out of his chest, and he felt faint. His face paled bleach white, hands cold even with the increasing temperature of his surroundings. Not a  human stick!  I'm  begging!   

He internally pleaded for the system, but it only dispensed the useless 【Hello, while the new plotline is running, no questions will be answered...】bullshit. 

At this point, he was crawling on the ground like a worm, grasping for whatever he can get a hold of and using it to pull himself further away from this calamity. His bottom lip bled as he bit it, trying to stop the yelps of pain from escaping his lips - to prevent the tears from falling. 

The blackened Binghe noticed this and couldn't help but chuckle - eye smiles as great as crescent moons.  What a shameful sight, Shen Qingqiu. Fallen from such grace, with your ass about hanging out of your ripped robes as you claw with bloody fingers to escape.  He spoke just loud enough for Shen Qingqiu to hear, "You're trying your best to alter your fate, Shen Qingqiu. But it will always come biting you, right in the ass." Just as the blackened Binghe was about to step in Shen Qingqiu's direction, he altered his course - a wicked idea struck him - and an appearance so vile happened to arise. His handsome profile creased into an expression holding sinister intentions as he lightly limped in the direction of the other Luo Binghe. 

He snickered as he came up to the bloodied version of himself. Revolting. "D-don't you dare... t-touch my Shizun. I'll kill you." Even with his rib cage broken and head spewing blood, Binghe managed to stagger up and put on a most believable sneer. He spat blood onto the other's black robes in retaliation.  Repulsive.  "Yes, of course! I wouldn't dare touch him," the blackened Luo Binghe vowed. The original protagonist walked around his copy, eyeing his every expression. "But would you?" The other froze, eyes struck wide, reminded of the not-so-distant past, where he really pushed his luck with his Shizun during their passion by the bamboo trees. He didn't mean to. He really didn't. 

Unexpectedly, the blackened Luo Binghe kicked the inside of the other's knees, forcing the weakened Binghe to crash his knees onto the dirt. His arms supported his weight as he coughed up another mouthful of blood. 

"Oh no! Let me help you before you regenerate too quickly." The blackened Luo Binghe kneeled down, leaned towards the weaker one, and seized his chin. "I always wanted to try this on another godly demon such as myself, and what better than having you, Bing-mei!" He tilted the other's chin up, wiped some of the blood off Binghe's lips with his thumb, then forced open Binghe's mouth with that same finger.