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Chapter Text

Luo Binghe had never seen such a beautiful man in his life. Granted, his mother was always generous with praises for his looks but then again, she was his mother. Plenty of village girls had expressed their interest in him but Luo Binghe never did feel compelled enough to return their affections. He would rather focus on keeping his little plot of garden safe and abundant with vegetables, as well as taking care of his elderly mother.

However, this man’s beauty was almost out of the world, despite his disheveled state. Whatever happened to him, it must have been a terrible fight. Perhaps an attack from wild beasts - there were bruises and dried patches of blood all over his slim body, and his face was deathly pale. It was just his luck that Luo Binghe decided to look for some rare herbs in the secluded area of the mountains, otherwise this man might actually meet his demise alone here.

He carried the man back home. He was tall, yet so light. Luo Binghe wondered if the man had not been eating well. He ought to prepare plenty of food for the man. Perhaps some fish congee with fresh herbs would help him heal better.

Mama Luo was stunned to see their unexpected guest when he returned home. Still, she was quick to lay down several sheets on the floor and added more wood into the stove to keep their house warm. “Binghe, what happened?”

Luo Binghe carefully placed the stranger down. He was currently unconscious but still, Luo Binghe aimed to minimize any further injuries. “I found him at the foot of the mountain. Can you help me look for a healer, ma?”

Mama Luo nodded and set out to seek for the local healer. Meanwhile Luo Binghe slowly worked on undressing the man to clean all the caked up dirt. He blushed a little. It was his first time taking off someone else’s clothes and even though he had no ulterior motive, it was still quite awkward. The man had multiple layers on him and the fabric felt expensive. He must be a young master from a distinguished family.

Luo Binghe himself never owned such fabrics, but he used to help his mother with the laundry. Before they managed to save enough money to buy their own house and seeds, Mama Luo worked as a washerwoman for a rich family and Luo Binghe thus was quite familiar with what the wealthy ones kept in their wardrobes.

By the time he was done wiping the man and changing him into fresh clean robes, Mama Luo was back with a jar of ointment. The healer had declined to come without sufficient payment, so Mama Luo had used whatever she had in her pocket to pay for a medicine instead. Luo Binghe silently fumed inside as he thanked his mother for the medicine. She had been duped again - there was no way something this small and cheap-looking would cost three coins. He mentally noted to look for the healer tomorrow to give him a piece of his mind.

“We should move him to the bed,” Mama Luo said.

“But where will you sleep then, ma?” Luo Binghe argued.

They only had one bed at home. Back when he was still a child, they would share the bed together but now that Luo Binghe was all grown up, the bed couldn’t possibly fit both of them. Luo Binghe would let his mother use the bed, while he slept on the floor, with rags and old blankets donated from some generous noblemen sewn together to form a mattress over a straw mat.

“Ma, you sleep in the bed. I will let him sleep in mine, and make another one next to him. We still have the old mat,” Luo Binghe suggested.

“The floor is cold and you have been working hard, Binghe,” Mama Luo said, worried about her son’s body.

“Binghe is strong, ma. You should take care of yourself more so Binghe can work at ease, okay?” Luo Binghe smiled.

Their sleeping arrangement settled, Luo Binghe went to make preparations for next day’s breakfast before collecting the old straw mat from the shed for himself.

When he woke up the following morning, the man was wide awake and staring at him with wary eyes. He had the blanket clutched in hands and though his face showed very little emotion, the way his hands slightly tremble showed that he was not particularly pleased upon finding himself in a stranger’s house.

Luo Binghe raised both his arms as if to show that he meant no hostility. “Please calm down, young master. I found you unconscious at the mountains and was just trying to help. My mother brought back some medicine-”

“Mother?” The man repeated and looked visibly calmer the moment he noticed Mama Luo stirring up awake.

Luo Binghe quickly got up to help his mother. The years of hard labor made it slightly difficult for Mama Luo to just sit up on her own without feeling the strained pain on her back. The stranger silently watched as Luo Binghe knelt by his mother’s side with a bowl of warm water to wash her face. Mama Luo shook her head.

“Binghe, you should let the guest have the water first,” Mama Luo gently scolded.

The gentleman turned stiff for a moment but quickly shook his head. “Madam, please go first.”

Mama Luo laughed. “You are too polite, young master. You can just call me auntie, this old lady was just a servant.”

“Not at all, please have the water first,” the man insisted. His face gradually softened and Luo Binghe couldn’t help feeling small tingles in his tummy, noticing how beautiful his eyes were. The way they reflected was as if he was staring back into a clean, clear pond.

Eventually the gentleman lost to Mama Luo’s fussing and agreed to have the warm water first. Meanwhile Luo Binghe started tidying up the house and prepared fish congee enough for three. He searched for the finer bowls that Mama Luo kept for special occasions. A young master probably would be appalled to see their chipped wares, and Mama Luo taught him to always entertain the guests as best as they could.

The breakfast table did not feel awkward despite the presence of a stranger. He seemed very humble and didn’t mind wearing Luo Binghe’s cheap old robes, nor did he complain about the simple meal. He even gave the bowl with extra fish and scallions to Mama Luo.

“Young master, what is your name and where did you come from?” Mama Luo asked.

The man pondered for a moment. He then softly replied, “Shen Jiu. This humble scholar has just gotten lost during my travels. Thanking the two of you for helping me.”

Mama Luo nodded. “I see. Do you have a place nearby to stay? Any relatives around here?”

Shen Jiu shook his head. “I… don’t have a family. But it’s fine, I can look for an inn or a temple to stay for a few days after this.”

“We are not troubled at all, if that’s what you’re concerned about, young master,” Mama Luo assured him. “Isn’t that right, Binghe?”

Luo Binghe quickly nodded. “Young master can stay here forever!”

There was a pregnant silence and Luo Binghe instantly blushed as his own words clicked into his head. It didn’t help that Mama Luo threw him that knowing smile. “I mean… young master can stay here as long as he likes. You’re still injured, you shouldn’t leave so soon. Inns can be very expensive and the nearest temple is quite a distance from here.”

The scholar - Shen Jiu was quiet. There was a hint of hesitance in his expression, however he eventually nodded. “Then, I will trouble you for a bit until my injuries heal.”

The mother and son looked harmless enough. Several hours into observing them, Shen Qingqiu was able to conclude with absolute certainty that they were just normal villagers who had no idea who he was, and had very little if not zero contact with the cultivation world. Which suited him just fine. He preferred to not have anyone recognize him as the Qing Jing Peak Lord.

The immortal master hated by his own martial siblings, the man rumored to be a lecher. After his attempt to save Liu Qingge from qi deviation was misconstrued as an attempt to end his life, Shen Qingqiu had lost whatever little respect he had from the other peak lords. Liu Qingge survived after several weeks of coma, but the man had zero memories of the event and the echoes of accusations from their other martial siblings convinced him that Shen Qingqiu was indeed aiming to kill him. Yue Qingyuan managed to spare him from any punishment but Shen Qingqiu could tell even Yue Qingyuan himself didn’t trust him.

His already rough and unstable cultivation was ruined. To say that he didn’t regret trying to save Liu Qingge would be a lie. Twice, he jumped into danger to help the man and twice, he was labeled as a backstabber. Hence, even when his spiritual energy was drained and the wound from fighting the spiritual beast wasn’t closing, Shen Jiu refused to send the emergency flares.

Why should he waste his energy calling for help, when his sect members probably weren’t coming anyway?

“Ma, I’m heading out to the market,” Luo Binghe’s voice broke him out of his momentary trance.

“Alright, ma will make the rice and get some fish,” Mama Luo replied.

“Binghe will make dinner, just get some rest, ma. You’ve been coughing a lot lately.”

“Should your ma go to the market instead?”

“I have things to do at the market anyway. Ma, don’t go out, okay?”

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. As innocent as they seemed, it didn’t hurt to take some precautions. As soon as Mama Luo laid down for a nap, he tightened his robes and put on Mama Luo's straw hat before quietly following Luo Binghe outside. Soon he was led to a small local apothecary. Perhaps Luo Binghe really was just here to get medicines for his mother?

“You sold this ointment to my mother for five coins yesterday, didn’t you? Wasn’t it just two coins last month?”

Unexpectedly, he was there to argue with the healer. Shen Qingqiu did not expect this.

“Young man, the one I gave your mother was a high quality one ah! It’s very rare and so hard to get, you think all ointments are the same?”

“They look the same, smell the same, and the words written also look similar,” Luo Binghe argued.

“You can’t even read, who are you to say they are similar?” The healer pointed out.

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes twitched. He was originally only planning to watch from behind the walls but he couldn’t really just sit still, not when he was indebted to the family. Moreover those five coins may seem little to the healer, but to Luo Binghe and their mother, they were a huge sum of money. Shen Qingqiu would know - he had once bawled his eyes out all day just to get a couple measly coins to feed himself and Yue Qi, back then. Yet, Mama Luo did not hesitate to spend her savings on a stranger like him. He emerged from his hiding place. “Let me see the two ointments then.”

Luo Binghe was surprised. “Y-young master.”

Shen Qingqiu frowned as he examined the two ointment jars that Luo Binghe had brought. He then glared at the healer, who surely by now realized he had been caught. He only dared to scam Luo Binghe and his mother knowing they both couldn't read. “Not only these are the same items, they are just normal ointments you can find in any apothecary. I can even make these myself.”

The healer scowled. “Young master, you think just because you can read, you have the right to claim that you can make-”

“Lard, myrrh, camphor, safflower, frankincense, borneol-” Shen Qingqiu began listing the ingredients.

“Fine, fine!” The healer’s face was completely red from anger mixed with embarrassment. “I’ll return the money, is that enough?”

Shen Qingqiu smirked as he retrieved the coins and nonchalantly handed it back to Luo Binghe, who still looked awed by the whole exchange. They left the apothecary shortly after Shen Qingqiu threw another warning glare at the healer.

“Are you a healer, young master?” Luo Binghe asked.

“I’m not a healer, and you may address me casually,” Shen Qingqiu said. He did however scour through the entire library of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect and even though his skills in medicine was nowhere near Mu Qingfang’s level of expertise, he was proficient enough to be able to concoct some simple cures for minor ailments. “I did learn some things here and there. If you have the ingredients I can help make some cough medicines for your mother.”

“That would be incredible, young master - um, S-Shen Gege,” Luo Binghe beamed. He blushed. “Also, thank you for your help earlier. I wouldn’t have been able to win against that old man if not for you.”

Shen Qingqiu snorted. “Were you going to resort to violence if I wasn’t there?” That would be just as satisfying as well, though not helpful for Luo Binghe and Mama Luo in the long run.

Scratching his head, Luo Binghe smiled sheepishly. "I wasn't going to beat him up. Maybe question him more."

"You cannot win a fight without knowing your enemies," Shen Qingqiu sighed. He turned to Luo Binghe. "I can teach you how to read."

Luo Binghe gawked. "Really?'

Shen Qingqiu nodded. "Only while I am here. Think of it as a way to repay you and your mother."

His face instantly lit up. "Thank you young master! Should I call you.. shifu now?"

Shen Qingqiu shuddered a little. Being referred to as a teacher reminded him of Qing Jing Peak and Cang Qiong Mountain. He wasn't in the mood for that, knowing he was now running away from his responsibilities by not reporting back to the sect. He shook his head. "I am only teaching you some simple things, not taking you as a disciple. You may continue to call me by my name."

Shen Jiu was truly a wonderful person. Luo Binghe wasn't expecting anything when he brought the scholar home. However, Shen Jiu insisted on returning the favor and had been helping out in more ways than Luo Binghe ever imagined.

Reading and writing was something Luo Binghe always wanted to do but he never had the chance to learn. Mama Luo was illiterate and the only thing Luo Binghe knew to write was his own name. Shen Jiu not only taught him how to read and write, he also gave him lessons on how to make his own paper as well as the type of plants that could be used to extract high quality inks.

(He commented that rather than Luo Binghes amazing progress, he was more stunned by how Luo Binghe was able to obtain all the rare plants that apparently should take between three weeks of search to an absolute miracle to find. Then again, Luo Binghe always had the knack in finding unusual plants and creatures.)

He also taught Luo Binghe about the types of herbs that could be used for minor ailments and how to prepare them. Thanks to that, Mama Luo had not experienced her coughing fits as frequently as she did anymore and even became more energetic. She now had enough strength to do more house chores and started doing light works at their vegetable garden.

Luo Binghe now had more time to gather more timber and bamboo to fix the house. Shen Jiu would often leave to meditate by the river early in the morning and come back with some fish and herbs for the day's meal. He helped fetch the water for Mama Luo and loaded them into the cart for Luo Binghe to sell at the market.

He wasn't sure how long such life would last. All Luo Binghe knew was that he wished for Shen Jiu to stay forever. Mama Luo looked happy. He didn't know what was in Shen Jius' mind but Luo Binghe was well aware of his own feelings. How could he not, when every time Shen Jiu smiled at him, it was as if his heart was about to explode from euphoria?

He didn't have the courage but Mama Luo eventually brought it up. 

"Binghe, how about building a different room on the other side of the house?" Mama Luo suggested.

Luo Binghe blinked. "A different room?"

She smiled. "For you and Shen Jiu, when the two of you get married."

He nearly dropped the saw in his hand. "M-m-married?!"

Mama Luo gave him a look. "Aren't you planning to do so, Binghe? Don't try to hide it, ma has seen the way you look at Shen Jiu."

Deep crimson stained his cheeks and Luo Binghe wondered if Shen Jiu could see through him as well. "How could I, ma? He's too good for me. He deserves someone who is...not like us."

Mama Luo sighed. "If ma's intuition is right, Shen Jiu wouldn't mind that. It has been a few months and he still hasn't returned home, even though surely his injuries must have healed. Perhaps he has been ostracized by his own family."

Luo Binghe frowned. "You think so, ma?" Who would be so cruel to abandon their own family? Luo Binghe could never imagine doing that to his mama.

Mama Luo nodded. She then grinned. "Binghe, ma likes him a lot."

Even if she didn't say it, Luo Binghe could tell. Mama Luo simply adored Shen Jiu, the same way a mother adored her son. Moreover, Shen Jiu also appeared to enjoy Mama Luo's company. He often sat by her side and patiently listened to her stories, he helped her with her needlework, and even brewed medicinal tea for her every evening.

But being nice didn't necessarily mean Shen Jiu intended to be part of the family - especially through a marriage with Luo Binghe. Luo Binghe had no money, no family background, not even a decent house. 

Even the new small room he built now seemed so shabby when he pictured Shen Jiu sitting inside adorned with pristine silk robes and jade hairpins. 

"What are you thinking about?"

Luo Binghe jumped and fell flat on his butt, startled by Shen Jiu's voice suddenly whispering to his ears. The other only looked amused and was hiding his chuckle behind long sleeves over his face.

"Just… just wondering how to make this room better," Luo Binghe murmured. He couldn't chase the heat accumulating on his cheeks, not when Shen Jiu was humming playfully like that.

"It looks good. The walls are sturdy. A little furnishing and it will be decent," Shen Jiu commented. 

Luo Binghe looked down. "It's still too small for two people…"

Shen Jiu raised an eyebrow. "You built an entirely new room and you still want to sleep with your mother, you big baby?"

"It's for us!" Luo Binghe blurted out.

Shock painted Shen Jiu's face and Luo Binghe realized he had screwed up.

Well, this wasn't how he planned to propose. But making excuses now would only make things more difficult later. With his mind in full panic mode, Luo Binghe immediately went on his knees and bowed to Shen Jiu. "I mean… I- please marry me!"

He could hear Shen Jiu choking.

Luo Binghe's heart nearly stopped from the fear of rejection. Was it too much, after all? "Or… I can also marry into your family. Whichever you want, umm…"

"Marriage," Shen Jiu repeated. "Luo Binghe, you mean...you want to marry me?"

He nodded. Shen Jiu took a deep breath.

"Is this something auntie asked?"

Luo Binghe quickly shook his head. "It's true that my ma likes you. But it's not the reason why I'm asking for your hand. I just… being with you forever is what I wish for."

Shen Jiu looked away. "Why would you want me?"

Luo Binghe blinked. "What?"

"I have nothing. In case you haven't noticed, I do not have anyone who cares enough to look for me or make sure that I'm safe - despite having been missing for months," Shen Jiu laughed bitterly.

Luo Binghe frowned. "Then they just don't treasure you enough."

"Binghe…"

"You said you have nothing, but to me you're already everything I want," Luo Binghe confessed. "I should be the one ashamed here for even daring to propose."

"You have a loving mother," Shen Jiu pointed.

Luo Binghe blushed. "She will be your mother too. Er, if you're willing of course."

Heavens, why was he like this? Why did he have to propose to someone as precious as Shen Jiu in this manner? He should have chosen his words more carefully, he probably sounded like a mess now. To a scholar like Shen Jiu, he must look like an absolute idiot. There was no way he would be accepted-

“If you would take me, then.”

Luo Binghe froze. “Ah?”

He looked up and was stunned to see the hint of pink on Shen Jiu’s face. 

“If you would take me… then, I would gladly accept,” Shen Jiu murmured.

Something must be wrong with Luo Binghe’s ears because he thought he just heard Shen Jiu accepting his horrendous proposal. Shen Jiu was agreeing to marry him. Shen Jiu, him, marrying.

Luo Binghe shrieked and cried tears of joy, startling his now betrothed, who quickly smacked his head from the embarrassment. Luo Binghe didn’t even care and proceeded to hug Shen Jiu, lifting him up in the air and dashing back inside with Shen Jiu still in his arms to announce the engagement to his mother.

That night he went to bed with an angry red handprint still on his face and his mind filled with dreams of their future together.

The wedding was a simple affair. Several neighbors gifted pieces of fabric, which Mama Luo sewed together into a set of beautiful wedding robes. Luo Binghe went out on a search for Thousand Years Crimson Roses as soon as Shen Jiu informed him that the petals could be used to make high quality red dye. They worked together to crush the flowers and Luo Binghe was ecstatic to see the brilliant red on their outfits.

While he worked on furnishing the room and expanding the house, Mama Luo added more embroideries on the outfits and Shen Jiu took over taking care of the vegetable garden as well as other chores. Surely the heavens must be blessing their union, everything was going so well. They had little money, yet they had everything they needed.

Soon the day came and Mama Luo almost cried as she helped him to dress up.

“My son is so blessed,” she smiled. “Ma was worried - ma couldn’t give you anything but you worked so hard, grew a luscious garden and built this beautiful home. Ma couldn’t send you to school but you met a wonderful scholar who taught you. Ma couldn’t afford a betrothal gift, yet the heavens sent us someone so beautiful to be your fated one.”

Luo Binghe shook his head and pulled his mother into a tight hug. “Ma, you gave me everything. You gave me life. Binghe owed everything to you.”

“Shush, do not cry. From now on you are Shen Jiu’s husband, you must be nice to him and take care of him well,” Mama Luo reminded.

Luo Binghe nodded and wiped his tears. That was right. From now on, he must be stronger. After all, he had promised to protect Shen Jiu - to give him happiness.

The only people in attendance were their closest friends and neighbors, who even brought some food and drinks to celebrate. All of them were excited to see the rumored beautiful scholar Luo Binghe had been bragging about but Shen Jiu chose to wear a veil over his head. Good, because Luo Binghe didn’t want anyone fawning over his bride. It was hard enough to not poke at their eyes for daring to lay their eyes on Shen Jiu’s slim waist.

Soon night came and the newlywed couple entered their room. Luo Binghe couldn’t help feeling nervous. He already did some research to prepare, but would it be enough? The uncle from the liquor shop warned him intercourse between men required a lot of preparation, otherwise it would hurt. Luo Binghe even splurged a little to get the best scented oil he could find.

He held his breath as he took off the red veil. Heavens. Shen Jiu was beautiful. His bride was just so ethereally beautiful, Luo Binghe couldn’t find the words to describe it, that a tear ended up rolling down his cheek. The wedding dress was nothing expensive, there was no cosmetics on Shen Jiu’s face, only Mama Luo’s old knock-off jade hair pins adorning him. Yet, his bride was still the most mesmerizing sight he had ever seen.

Shen Jiu reached up and cupped his face. “Why are you crying?”

He sobbed. “You’re too beautiful. I can’t believe this.”

“Silly,” Shen Jiu whispered and lightly pressed a kiss on his cheeks.

Shen Jiu was normally always too shy to initiate any physical contact. However, here in their wedding chamber, he chose to thicken his face when he saw that Luo Binghe was turning into a sobbing mess and slowly took off the outer layers of his outfit. 

Luo Binghe quickly wiped his tears and stopped him. “Please. I… I want to do it for you.”

“Binghe…”

“Will you let me love you tonight, husband?”

Shen Jiu nodded. Luo Binghe held his breath. The first time he undressed Shen Jiu, it was out of necessity, to help clean his wounds. Back then he had to repeatedly chant a warning inside his head to stop having any inappropriate thoughts.

This time, Shen Jiu was also untying his belt and taking off his robes. Their lips met - slowly with a shy hesitance at first, before they were both drowned in passion and desire for each other. Luo Binghe treated every inch of his husband’s skin worthy of worship. He reveled in Shen Jiu’s gentle caresses and lapped up all the hot searing kisses that sent him reverberating with pleasure.

They embraced all night long, delving into pleasures and the warmth of each other.

Chapter Text

The following days of their life as a married couple was filled with bliss. Of course, they couldn’t escape from having disagreements once in a while. Luo Binghe was a sticky rice cake who was adamant about holding his husband’s hands when walking outside while Shen Jiu was someone with a face too thin to accept any form of affections in public. Luo Binghe insisted on taking care of everything himself while Shen Jiu stubbornly forced him to let them share the responsibilities of earning money together.

Luo Binghe argued that everyone was eating Shen Jiu’s tofu when they were out selling vegetables at the market. Shen Jiu countered by saying Luo Binghe was the more handsome one of the two and all the ladies were flocking their stall just to get a glimpse of his good looks. All the villagers just wished the newlywed couple would stop scattering dog food in front of them.

Such were the days of their life as a married couple. There were banters and there were sweet moments, but above all they enjoyed having each other's company. 

Shen Qingqiu couldn't help smiling as he watered the small potted plants in their backyard. The herbs were growing well under Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu's meticulous care. Soon they wouldn't need to walk all the way to the mountains to find herbs for Mama Luo.

If only Mu Qingfang was around, he might be able to cure Mama Luo completely

Shen Qingqiu shook his head. There was no use thinking of what if's. He chose to not return to the sect, he couldn't ask for the healer's favor anymore. In the first place, why would Mu Qingfang even help him? He had so many things to do.

A loud voice calling for Luo Binghe had him set a deep scowl on his face. He stepped out and raised an eyebrow as he spotted a neighbor looking frantic. "What happened?" Shen Qingqiu asked.

"Is Luo Binghe around? Something killed my cows!" The neighbor cried.

Luo Binghe was one of the very few strong and young men in the small village, hence why a lot of the elderly often sought for his help when it came to hard labours or physical threats. However, he had already gone out for an errand.

Shen Qingqiu followed the neighbor to his house. According to the neighbor, he was awakened by a loud sound and was too terrified to come out. By the time it had quieted down, he finally went out and saw nothing but tiny lumps of flesh and puddles of blood on the ground, right where he kept his prized cows. It was as if a ferocious beast had come and shredded the cows apart.

"It couldn't be another wild animal, otherwise there wouldn't be this much mess. It must be a demon!" The neighbor sobbed.

Indeed, Shen Qingqiu could sense traces of demonic energy left at the site. The fact that it was still lingering there was worrying. That meant another family could be targeted soon. The neighbor was just fortunate that whatever the attacker was, it wasn't the type to feast on living humans.

"I heard that there are cultivators who are stopping at the Guanyin Temple in our neighboring town. Should we ask for their help?" The neighbor asked.

Shen Qingqiu went stiff. He slowly eyed his neighbor. "Which sect are they from?"

"Who knows? Must be a famous one, from what I've heard they're dressed in gold. There are few of them, some very good-looking young men and women…"

Gold. It must be Huan Hua Palace. Good. The younger generation of Huan Hua Palace likely wouldn't be able to recognize him. Ever since the incident with Liu Qingge, Shen Qingqiu rarely ever left the sect unless it was for missions and important events. Even during those times, he preferred to be alone and avoided mingling with others. Even in emergencies, he was forced to do everything on his own.

(He had to defend the sect during a sudden demon invasion while all the peak lords were away. None of them cared enough to thank him for protecting the sect and the disciples in their absence.)

“You should ask the cultivators for protective talismans, the demon might come again,” Shen Qingqiu said. He mentally reminded himself to also start making protective talismans for his own family.

Shen Qingqiu spent the following three days drawing talismans and sewing them into small charms that Luo Binghe and Mama Luo could bring around. Luo Binghe was thrilled to receive the gift and had proudly worn it on his belt, even making sure to tell everyone in the neighborhood that it was made by his beloved husband. Mama Luo only kept one for herself and gave away the rest of the paper talismans to her friends and neighbors.

He had never been more relieved for taking the extra precautions when several days later, Mama Luo’s friend barged in to bring in the news that said demon made its appearance again. This time, the old man selling radish at the market was attacked. Shen Qingqiu had immediately turned pale upon recalling that the radish peddler would often do his business not far from where Luo Binghe set up his own vegetable stall.

He rushed to the market after leaving Mama Luo under the care of her friend. The market was even more crowded than usual and Shen Qingqiu could see gold robes standing out amongst all the commoners. It seemed like the matter had been resolved and people were just here to watch the whole spectacle. It wasn't everyday that cultivators from large sects would come to a small village, after all.

He immediately spotted Luo Binghe looking perfectly fine at his vegetable stall - that was unfortunately partly wrecked. Luo Binghe was safe. Shen Qingqiu exhaled with relief. The stench of the swine demon’s bloodied corpse was reeking but Shen Qingqiu ignored it in favor of checking his husband’s condition. His eyes twitched the moment he noticed three young female cultivators standing way too close to Luo Binghe, with one shamelessly ogling his husband from head to toe.

“Binghe,” he called.

Luo Binghe’s eyes lit up. Shen Qingqiu’s mood went up as soon as Luo Binghe ran over to hug him, while the three ladies looked like they had just choked on rotten food. Good. For once Shen Qingqiu decided to let Luo Binghe wrap his arms around his waist while they were in public.

“Are you okay?” He asked, scanning Luo Binghe’s face for any visible injury.

Luo Binghe nodded. “It was scary, but I’m fine. The demon came at us and poor Lao Lu’s ox was devoured, but it didn’t get to us in time. The cultivators were able to restrain it in time.”

That meant the talismans were working well to deter threats away. The swine demon may not be a man-eater but it was also aggressive enough to attack anyone and anything that dared to hinder its mealtime. The fact that it came all the way to such a crowded place meant it was desperate for food. 

“Let’s go home for now, Binghe,” he urged Luo Binghe. The longer he stayed there, the higher the possibility that someone might recognize him. 

Luo Binghe nodded. “Let me take back some of the leftover vegetables first.”

“Wait, Binghe-”

“Aren’t you Peak Lord Shen?”

Shen Qingqiu froze. He turned - and found himself unable to breathe as he realized that standing among the Huan Hua Palace disciples - was the Old Palace Master himself. Why was the sect master himself here? This was just a simple mission that could be handled by several senior disciples -

Shit. Having left the sect for a while, Shen Qingqiu had forgotten that around this time, there would be a meeting between sects to start planning for the next Immortal Alliance Conference. That would mean…

He was just about to quickly leave the scene - when his arm was abruptly grabbed from behind and his body spun around.

“Shen Qingqiu!”

Of all people, it just had to be them. They must have heard that old coot calling his name.

Liu Qingge’s face came into his vision and Shen Qingqiu’s knees were going weak. It felt as if the world was crashing the moment Yue Qingyuan and Qi Qingqi rushed to the scene and appeared just as shocked as the Bai Zhan Peak Lord. Why did they have to come here as well? Why couldn’t they just leave this to Huan Hua Palace?

“Qingqiu Shidi… is that really you?” Yue Qingyuan uttered in disbelief. It truly reminded Shen Qingqiu of the time they were first reunited - as Yue Qi, the star disciple and Shen Jiu, the former slave.

Luo Binghe meanwhile obviously did not appreciate seeing a stranger holding his husband and quickly came over to pull Shen Qingqiu back to his side. “What are you doing to my husband?”

His words had Yue Qingyuan visibly choking. “H-husband…?”

Liu Qingge looked aghast, before rage overtook him. “Husband? You went missing and got married? Who is this guy?”

“None of your business,” Shen Qingqiu hissed.

“It is our business. Whatever atrocities you commit, the sect has to bear it,” Qi Qingqi rolled her eyes as she joined the conversation.

The Palace Master hummed. His gaze strangely lingered at Luo Binghe. “I’ve heard that Peak Lord Shen has gone missing after a mission and couldn’t quite believe it. I must say, I didn’t expect that the famous Xiu Ya Sword of all people would defect from his sect.”

Luo Binghe was starting to look confused. “Sect? Sword? Husband, what are they talking about?”

Qi Qingqi gave him a dirty look and scowled. “You haven’t even told him who you are and what you do? Did you trick him into marrying you to escape your duties, Shen Qingqiu?”

Seeing the discord between the peak lords, Old Palace Master sneered. “Young man, you seem to be unaware of who you married. He is the Qing Jing Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, from Cang Qiong Mountain - one of the four top cultivation sects.”

Luo Binghe’s jaw dropped. The spectating villagers began exchanging whispers and words of astonishment. Who knew that the handsome gentleman, whom they had only ever seen selling vegetables or picking herbs with his husband was actually an immortal master?

“I’m not surprised that Peak Lord Shen chooses to hide his identity. He’s a known lecher who visits brothels and has a bad reputation even among his own peers. To think that not only has he chosen to shirk his own responsibilities, he’s even preying on innocent young men now…” Old Palace Master remarked.

“Enough,” Yue Qingyuan warned. “Matters of our sect will be handled internally. Qingqiu Shidi, come back with us at this instant.”

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. “No.”

There was a moment of silence. Yue Qingyuan sighed. “Liu Shidi and Qi Shimei, please take Qingqiu Shidi back to the sect.”

Just when the chaos had ended, another ruckus began. More people gathered to watch the chaos as the two cultivators were forced to restrain Shen Qingqiu, who proved to be harder to contain than a wild beast. Nobody dared to interfere with the cultivators. Luo Binghe’s attempt to free his husband was halted by Yue Qingyuan, who stood in his way with a sympathetic smile that ironically almost seemed to be laced with anger.

“Cang Qiong Mountain Sect will compensate you for the trouble. I’m sorry that my shidi has acted improperly,” he said.

“I don’t need any compensation, I just want my husband back! Why are you taking him away?!” Luo Binghe yelled. He tried lunging at Yue Qingyuan, only to be blocked by Qiong Ding disciples.

The sect leader’s expression darkened, even as his smile remained. “Apologies. There is no need for you to be involved with him anymore.”

Another whip on his back. Another bucket of cold water to his face. The hall masters certainly were enjoying this too much.

Peak lords were normally given free reign on how to run their own peak. It was why Liu Qingge was able to leave the sect any time he wanted and return only to beat up his disciples. It was why Qi Qingqi could set her own rules on who to ban at her peak, and why the Zui Xian Peak Lord could walk around drunk the entire day while the Ku Xing Peak disciples weren’t allowed to have even a sip of alcohol.

It was why Shen Qingqiu, who had left (or rather, not returned) without permission was now being punished for ‘betraying’ his sect and abandoning his responsibilities. Hypocrites. They disdained him so much, yet would chastise him for leaving.

Yue Qingyuan, being the oh-so-benevolent sect leader he was, provided him the chance to escape punishment so long as he reflected in the disciplinary halls, admit to his mistakes, and promise to never leave the sect for the next twenty years. Shen Qingqiu however refused and as a consequence, he was now dragged to the training field of Qiong Ding Peak with his cultivation still sealed, to receive the punishment whips from the elders.

He couldn’t. 

Because a life with Luo Binghe wasn’t a mistake. Twenty years was nothing to a cultivator, but it was a lot to normal mortals like Luo Binghe and Mama Luo. Shen Qingqiu was ready to let go of everything, to grow old with his husband and to live those short, but fulfilling years. The days he spent with his husband - loving and being loved - were the happiest he had ever been and he refused to give them up.

He collapsed in the middle of the training field. When he opened his eyes, Ning Yingying was by his side bawling her eyes out. Ah, he hadn’t seen her for a while now. He wondered if she was disappointed too.

“Shizun, you’re awake,” Ning Yingying gasped. “Should I bring you some tea? Shizun, are you hungry? Ming Shixiong can snuck in some food from the hall, Shizun-”

He sighed. “Calm down, Yingying.”

Ning Yingying sobbed. “I can’t believe they’re doing this to you, Shizun. How can they hurt you this bad?”

“... Do you not hold a grudge on me?”

She sniffled and a small smile finally popped on her face. “I hate you a little for not inviting me to your wedding, Shizun. He must be a wonderful man.”

He was wonderful, indeed. So much that Shen Qingqiu couldn’t believe that he, who once detested just being under the same roof as men, now yearned for someone to hold him close and to comfort him.

Luo Binghe bit his lips. His teeth couldn't stop chattering. The mountain was cold and as the sky was turning dark, it was only getting colder. He turned to his mother. “Ma, go back. You’re going to get sick.”

Mama Luo shook her head. “How can I, when A Jiu isn’t coming with us? Ma will kneel here until they return your husband to us.”

After the event at the market that day, Luo Binghe was approached by a man who claimed to be the sect master of Huan Hua Palace. He invited Luo Binghe to his sect, stating that he saw the potential in him. Luo Binghe refused, much to the man's disappointment. All he wanted was to bring Shen Jiu back.

Or Shen Qingqiu. According to that man, his husband’s real name was Shen Qingqiu and he was a peak lord of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. A scum who visited brothels, sabotaged others, and used dirty tactics to win fights. A man with a bad reputation.

Luo Binghe really couldn’t care about those things. All he knew was that Shen Jiu, the man he married, was someone who taught him to read. Someone who diligently brewed medicinal tea for his mother. Someone who was too shy to hold hands in public but was cuddly and needy in bed. Someone who constantly lectured Luo Binghe about propriety but held onto him desperately as they embraced every night, kissing him breathless and moaning his name out loud.

He was his precious husband and nobody could ever take him away from Binghe.

With the help of several daoists from the Guanyin Temple who provided them with the directions, Luo Binghe and his mother set out to Tian Gong Mountain to demand their family member back. Their request was rejected and Mama Luo started kneeling at the foot of the mountain to protest. 

Luo Binghe could kneel there for as long as they wanted, if only they would give him Shen Jiu back. However, Mama Luo was not in a good shape to begin with. Without her daily medications usually brewed by her son-in-law added with the bad weather, Mama Luo’s health was declining. Yet, she stubbornly insisted on waiting there as well.

Nearing dawn, Mama Luo’s cough was getting even worse and she began to look feverish. Luo Binghe was shaking in anger. He had no choice, it seemed like he had to bring her down to the nearest down and search for an inn first, then come back to ask for Shen Jiu again. He carefully lifted Mama Luo and carried her on his back.

The appearance of two disciples at the steps halted him. 

“Is this the guy?” 

“Don’t be rude, Ming Shixiong. It has to be him.”

Luo Binghe blinked. “Who are you two?”

One of the disciples - a young woman dressed in light green - smiled. “You must be my Shizun’s husband. I’m Ning Yingying and this is my shixiong, Ming Fan.”

Luo Binghe swallowed. “Is…. is he safe? Can I meet him?”

“Of course not,” Ming Fan snapped but Ning Yingying quickly nudged him by the elbow.

“Do you want to meet Shizun?” She asked.

Luo Binghe quickly nodded. He looked down. “I want to. But we’ve been kneeling here for an entire day and my mother is getting ill. I need to get her to a warm place first.”

The two disciples exchanged looks. Ming Fan sighed. “I’ll bring your mother to a safe place, you two go ahead.”

Luo Binghe blinked. “Are… are you two helping me?”

“Don’t be so full of yourself. It’s your fault that Shizun is being punished, you seducer,” Ming Fan scowled and Luo Binghe couldn’t help choking a bit from the accusation. “But Shizun’s health is our utmost priority. I’ll bring your mother to the nearest inn and get a healer for her, just hurry before the elders come back.”

With Mama Luo entrusted to Ming Fan, Luo Binghe put his faith in the two disciples and followed Ning Yingying to sneak inside. According to Ning Yingying, she was taught about the secret route by An Ding Peak Lord Shang Qinghua, who mysteriously agreed to help her in exchange of making sure that Luo Binghe must remember the favor he owed him in the future. Luo Binghe wasn’t sure why someone like an esteemed peak lord would want his favor, but he was grateful, nevertheless.

They finally reached Qing Jing Peak and Luo Binghe was absolutely taken aback by the breathtaking scenery of clear green fields and the serene bamboo forest. Ning Yingying brought him over to a small but cozy bamboo house, where the peak lord of Qing Jing resided for generations. To think that Shen Jiu would leave the comfort and luxury of his cultivation sect for Luo Binghe…

“I’m going to stand guard at the front door and distract the elders, so go ahead and take Shizun away, okay?” Ning Yingying whispered before unlocking the back door.

Shen Qingqiu was sitting still with his eyes closed and meditating. Even if his cultivation was sealed, his fists were still working. All he needed to do was to wait a bit until his injuries were healed and he could just punch his way out. He had survived slavery and escaped from Wu Yanzi’s clutch before. He could knock down a couple of rusty hall masters.

The only challenge here was Liu Qingge and Yue Qingyuan. Thankfully the brute had better things to do than to guard the peak. The only problem was Yue Qingyuan, who kept visiting him every few hours like he didn’t have any official sect duties. The idiot who jumped to conclusion and was convinced that Shen Qingqiu left the sect because he was sulking and required attention. The fool who thought promising to clear his name would make Shen Qingqiu stay.

At this point Shen Qingqiu no longer cared if his reputation was completely smeared, as long as he could go to Luo Binghe.

But would Luo Binghe want him back now?

He must have heard everything the Palace Master had said about Shen Qingqiu. Was he disgusted by Shen Qingqiu’s past? He didn’t even know about Shen Qingqiu’s real history - of how he escaped his former masters. All the actual atrocities he was forced to commit under Wu Yanzi’s tutelage. The robbery, the murders…

Then Shen Qingqiu heard whimpers.

It was weirdly similar to Luo Binghe’s voice. He would recognize it, his husband pretty much made that sound whenever Shen Qingqiu chose to ignore him after an argument. (Or that one time when they accidentally stepped into a field of aphrodisiac flowers and Luo Binghe in his eagerness had done his husband for too long and rough that Shen Qingqiu even bled a little. It was a good kind of pain though Shen Qingqiu would rather step into a pool of horse dung than admit it.)

It couldn’t be, Luo Binghe couldn’t possibly be here. Yet when he opened his eyes, his husband was there, crying.

Before he knew it, Shen Qingqiu was engulfed in a tight hug. 

He was real. Luo Binghe’s tears seeping onto his shoulder was real. Warm lips desperately pressed against his own and if this was a dream then Shen Qingqiu never wanted to wake up.

“How?” Shen Qingqiu uttered as soon as they parted from the kiss.

“Your disciples brought me here,” Luo Binghe sobbed. “Does your back hurt, husband? Binghe will put lots of ointment when we return. Can you wait until then?”

He was real.

Luo Binghe came back. He came for Shen Qingqiu, despite the impossible.

Soon they were both on the floor, Shen Qingqiu on top of Luo Binghe and melting into another passionate kiss. Shen Qingqiu swore he could strip his husband and ride him right then and there if only they had time, but either the sect elders or Yue Qingyuan could be coming any time. He pressed another kiss on Luo Binghe’s forehead to soothe his anger upon seeing the mark on Shen Qingqiu’s back.

“You’re here for me. That’s the only thing that matters,” he said, pressing his head against Luo Binghe’s chest.

Chapter Text

As much as his brain was filled with nothing but thoughts of making love with Luo Binghe, their situation wasn’t exactly favorable. Shen Qingqiu was still injured and the energy-binding cord still tied around his wrist gave him limited options. Luo Binghe might be the local hero in their small village but against an entire cultivation sect, he was still just a mortal who held no power. Fortunately though the desire was evident from Luo Binghe’s half-hard member, they were able to restrain themselves.

“Let’s leave here. We need to get you and ma treated,” Luo Binghe urged him.

Shen Qingqiu was alarmed. “What happened to mother?”

“I’ll explain later. Get on my back, husband,” Luo Binghe said and bent down to offer his back as a ride.

Shen Qingqiu shook his head. “I can walk. But you might want to take something to use as a weapon.”

“Weapon?”

“Some ink blocks will do. Those old geezers’ martial arts are already rusty anyway. I will teach you how to manipulate your energy to increase the impact.”

Luo Binghe gasped. “I - I can’t do that. I don’t know how - !”

“I do. It’s a simple trick, most people just don’t know how to use their brains,” Shen Qingqiu replied. It was one of the simplest techniques he learned on his own - using a minimal amount of spiritual energy to amplify an attack.

Shen Qingqiu was originally a prodigy who was able to conjure some ‘tricks’ even in his younger years without any lessons. If only he wasn’t ruined by the years of abuse from both Qiu Jianluo and Wu Yanzi, he would have been far stronger than he was now. Luo Binghe was past the prime age to start cultivating but Shen Qingqiu could sense that he had a good spiritual vein. He might be able to pull off a couple simple tricks with just some pointers.

He recited the simple lesson as they trudged through the bamboo forest, heading into the secret route. Shen Qingqiu would need to teach Luo Binghe on how to channel his energy so he could break the spell binding his cultivation later. Or they could dual cultivate later.

(Whatever the options, he was going to jump on Luo Binghe later and not let him go, that was for sure.)

Sure enough, his husband was a fast learner. He couldn’t immediately materialize a weapon like Shen Qingqiu did but he was able to sense his own spiritual energy and gather it in his fist. It was very rough and unstable, almost laughable for any decent cultivator but for a commoner who only had his first lesson, Luo Binghe possessed the talent that almost made Shen Qingqiu burn with envy.

(Almost, because this man was ultimately his. As jealous as he was, Shen Qingqiu now was curious about how different their dual cultivation would be compared to their usual nightly activities. Would Luo Binghe feel even better with both his warm seeds and his energy pouring inside him?)

They were so close to the cavern leading to the secret route, when a blast of spiritual energy shot up right in front of them. Shen Qingqiu quickly shielded his husband from the debris. He narrowed his eyes fiercely at the offending newcomers. He had plans to fend off from the hall masters, but fighting four peak lords at the same time would not be easy on anyone - especially when they were the top fighters of the sect.

Liu Qingge and Qi Qingqi both looked as unimpressed as they were when Shen Qingqiu dislocated their arms after he was brought back to Cang Qiong Mountain a couple days ago. Yue Qingyuan seemed severely disappointed though his feelings could no way match up to Shen Qingqiu’s disappointment in him. Wei Qingwei appeared as if he had no idea why he was even there and was just dragged because three immortal masters weren't enough to stop one furious Shen Qingqiu.

Mu Qingfang would be fuming if his martial siblings were to seek him again with more broken limbs - because this time, Shen Qingqiu planned to not just dislocate an arm, but break a couple bones, if he had to.

“I thought we had a talk about this, Shidi,” Yue Qingyuan stated.

“There was no agreement to begin with, only your one-sided command,” Shen Qingqiu spat.

Qi Qingqi unsheathed her sword. “So long as you are a member of this sect, Zhangmen Shixiong’s word is a command. Shen Qingqiu, not only did you disobey orders and try to escape punishment, you taught your disciples to betray the sect too.”

Poor Ning Yingying must have been caught. However, he trusted she was smart enough to know her way out, just like how she was smart enough to make judgment on her own. Shen Qingqiu sneered. “I can’t disobey a sect that I’m no longer a member of, can I?”

“You would leave your sect? For a…” Liu Qingge paused and glanced at Luo Binghe. He frowned, seemingly contemplating something.

Shen Qingqiu laughed sardonically. “He is worth everything to me. None of you understand. My husband is just a normal farmer, indeed. No power, no nothing. But he came here to get me.”

The word must have stung Yue Qingyuan so much. Deep guilt and regret were visible on his face. “Xiao Jiu… I’m so sorry. I know you’re still angry. But you shouldn’t have to leave the sect.”

“Do not call me that!” Shen Qingqiu hissed. “I don’t need your excuse, nor do I need to hear your explanation anymore.

Wei Qingwei looked at them back and forth. “I don’t know what resentment you have with Zhangmen Shixiong, but that doesn’t mean you can do as you like here, Shen Shixiong.”

“What can I do without any of you looking at me like dirt?” Shen Qingqiu shot back. “I cannot even leave the sect, when none of you want me here? Did you suddenly see any worth in me now that I’m gone?”

The peak lords fell silent. Indeed, since they had mostly kept to their own peaks, they were unaware of how much workload Shen Qingqiu took on and the contributions he brought as a member of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. A significant amount of academic materials and formal documents relied on the expertise of Qing Jing Peak. Many noblemen and even royal family members paid a hefty amount to have paintings and poetries produced by Shen Qingqiu's artistic hands. 

Shen Qingqiu smirked. “Of course. Now scram,” he uttered - right before launching a block of ink at them.

The peak lords only had seconds to wonder why Shen Qingqiu thought a block of ink could be a threat to them - before Yue Qingyuan gasped. “Cover your eyes!”

The ink block exploded and Shen Qingqiu took the opportunity to run with his hand still in Luo Binghe’s. He could hear Wei Qingwei shrieking as some of the ink had gotten into his eyes while Qi Qingqi was cursing at Shen Qingqiu and coughing at the same time. It was a simple trick he could utilize in his state without having to use any substantial amount of spiritual energy. For the esteemed peak lords to fall for it… pathetic.

Now if only Liu Qingge also fell for that little trick. The ink bomb only fueled the Bai Zhan War God’s anger, who of course had always loathed Shen Qingqiu’s way of dealing with opponents. Cheng Luan flew at high speed and Shen Qingqiu clenched his teeth as he was forced to bring out Xiu Ya to fend against Liu Qingge.

“You’re still playing dirty!” Liu Qingge gritted his teeth.

“Playing dirty? It’s one man with sealed cultivation against four peak lords, you dare to talk about playing dirty at this time?” Shen Qingqiu retorted.

Liu Qingge narrowed his eyes. “Fine,” he said, before promptly swinging his blade to cut off the energy-binding chord on Shen Qingqiu’s wrist. “Now fight me properly!”

Luo Binghe at the side was ready to scream as he thought Liu Qingge was about to cut off his beloved’s hand while Shen Qingqiu only looked at the latter in disbelief. After all these years he was still so stupid. Whatever. More advantage to him.

Blades clashed and it took all of Shen Qingqiu’s willpower to not falter against Liu Qingge’s strength and talent. Unlike all the previous fights he had with Liu Qingge, it was no longer a matter of pride whatsoever. If he were to lose here, he would lose Binghe. He would lose his everything.

There was none of the grace taught by the former Qing Jing Peak Lord. There were none of the traditional stances and moves learned from the manuals of Cang Qiong Sect. There was only Shen Jiu, who fought with nothing but sheer determination and willpower. He evaded the attacks with only thoughts of survival, to return home to his family. He swung his sword and spun his body with nothing but a prayer in his mind. 

He ignored the pain burning on his back and the tears stinging his eyes, until he noticed the shock in Liu Qingge’s eyes. 

Luo Binghe lunged at Liu Qingge with a broken bamboo in hand, screaming as he landed a hit that sent the Bai Zhan Peak Lord flying a good ten feet away. A feat that should be impossible for an untrained mortal.

Shen Qingqiu gasped for air and fell on his knees. His entire body was in pain and it felt as if his limbs had just been paralyzed. It wasn’t until he felt his back soaked that he realized his wounds must have reopened. The blood likely had seeped through his clothes, so much that even Liu Qingge had stopped fighting because the idiot was just that stubborn about keeping his fights ‘fair and honorable’.

Luo Binghe huffed. His eyes were red and tears were running down his flushed cheeks. “I’m not letting anyone hurt my husband.”

Liu Qingge got up and stared at Luo Binghe in disbelief. Perhaps he was shocked that a commoner was able to exert that much impact. “Did Shen Qingqiu teach you?”

Luo Binghe took out the ink block hidden in his sleeves. He must have missed the part where Shen Qingqiu taught him to never reveal a secret weapon to the enemies. “If you come any closer, I’m going to use this!”

If Shen Qingqiu could lift his arm, he would be facepalming now.

Soon Yue Qingyuan and Qi Qingqi, who were comically still covered in ink, arrived. Shen Qingqiu swore if it wasn’t because his ribs were giving him an agonizing pain, he would be laughing at how the two received a second blast of ink bomb - this time from Luo Binghe, who successfully executed the technique. It even hit Liu Qingge this time, who now looked ready to actually murder someone.

Shen Qingqiu was contemplating between pretending to surrender before murking them in their sleep or risk breaking his bones to escape, before Ning Yingying arrived with Shang Qinghua at tow.

“It was a misunderstanding!” Shang Qinghua blurted out as soon as his feet were planted at the scene.

All eyes now turned to look at the An Ding Peak Lord, who now seemed as if he would rather find a burrow to hide himself.

“That mission with the ghost in the well….uh, Shen Shixiong never tried to attack you, Liu Shidi,” Shang Qinghua said. “He was actually aiming for the phantom at your blind spot and pretty much saved your life.”

Both Yue Qingyuan and Qi Qingqi only appeared puzzled while Liu Qingge was surprised. “What?!”

Shang Qinghua wiped the cold sweat trickling down his head. “Um, anyway, my point is that - Shen Shixiong hasn’t done anything warranting punishment. There are neither rules stating that a peak lord cannot be married, nor rules that prevent them from leaving the peak for any amount of time. You know… I do leave the peak from time to time. All of us do.”

To plan your cahoots with demons, you traitor , Shen Qingqiu spitefully thought. However, remembering it was through Shang Qinghua’s help that Luo Binghe managed to make his way to him, he decided to remain silent. Either way Yue Qingyuan wouldn’t believe him even if he were to point that out.

“Singling out Shen Shixiong like this is unfair,” Shang Qinghua added. He rubbed his head nervously. "Not that this shidi knows anything, haha... but none of us were there in the Lingxi Caves either, how can we jump to conclusions?"

“But… he was playing around with the commoner…” Qi Qingqi paused and frowned. At first she thought that Shen Qingqiu had deceived the commoner into marrying him to escape his responsibilities and the scrutinizing eyes after his plan to murder Liu Qingge failed. Now that her mind was clear from the shock, it dawned on her that they really had no evidence other than their own prejudice.

This man was just a poor farmer. There was no benefit to be gained by Shen Qingqiu from leaving the sect for this man. Shame filled her upon realizing she simply assumed someone like Shen Qingqiu wasn’t capable of falling in love and settling down with someone - like plenty of people. It was all because of the preconceived notions she harbored on him, knowing his history of frequenting brothels. However, this farmer came running to his husband despite learning all about Shen Qingqiu’s past. Who were they to interfere?

Qi Qingqi finally put down her sword and nudged at Liu Qingge, urging him to do the same. “There is a lot to unpack here, but we have wronged you, Shen Shixiong.”

Shen Qingqiu blinked, not expecting the confrontation to end in such a way. At the side Shang Qinghua looked like he just regained the ten years of life he lost just from the fear of seeing blood spilled between his martial brothers.

Yue Qingyuan wiped the ink off his face. “Let’s call Mu Shidi-”

“Let them leave, Zhangmen Shixiong. Now is not the time,” Qi Qingqi stopped him.

“But Qingqiu Shidi is injured-”

“Who else did this to him but us?! I doubt he wants to stay here any longer,” Qi Qingqi uttered. They had a lot to talk about, from their ill treatments towards Shen Qingqiu before he even left, to all the misunderstandings that accumulated. Since they even falsely assumed he attempted to kill Liu Qingge, who was to say there weren’t other things Shen Qingqiu was wrongly accused of? How could they even have the face to speak to him now?

Yue Qingyuan looked down. Clenching his fists, he forced a smile. “Cang Qiong Mountain will always welcome you anytime, Qingqiu Shidi. This place will always be your home.”

Shen Qingqiu slowly got up, helped by his husband.

That’s where you made a mistake, Yue Qingyuan. Cang Qiong Sect has never been a home to me.

It was you, who used to be my home. Until you left.

Ning Yingying was sobbing and didn’t stop waving her arms as she yelled out parting words for her teacher, along with promises to look after the junior disciples. Qi Qingqi dragged away Liu Qingge, who looked like he had a lot to say. Meanwhile Shang Qinghua thankfully was urging Yue Qingyuan to return and clean up, lest he wanted to look like a fool in front of other disciples with his face covered in ink.

Shen Qingqiu glanced at Luo Binghe, as they walked together down the cavernous path.

He, who had lost faith in finding happiness for himself, found home.

He tightened his hold on Luo Binghe’s arm. His husband was warm. Extremely warm. Actually, he even felt somewhat feverish.

“Ouch!” Luo Binghe groaned and nearly tripped on a rocky slope.

“Are you okay?” Shen Qingqiu quickly asked. He was a normal mortal dressed in only thin cheap garments, who knew how much time he spent out in the cold while searching for Shen Qingqiu?

“I’m okay, my head is only throbbing a little…”

“Let me see,” Shen Qingqiu said and cupped his husband’s head, turning Luo Binghe to face him.

He froze.

A red mark was glowing brightly on Luo Binghe’s forehead.

Foreign, dark energy was slowly seeping out from him.

For a moment, Shen Qingqiu was unable to process the sight before him. His breath halted. However, he soon recognized the symbol and suddenly everything clicked in. His husband’s absurd strength and stamina. Luo Binghe’s unbelievable talent and power to send even Liu Qingge flying. He began recalling Mama Luo’s tale of how she found the orphaned child of unknown origin and raised him as her own.

Ancient Heavenly Demon. His husband, a demon.

“Husband?” Luo Binghe looked at him innocently. His eyes, usually a dark shade commonly found in most mortals, were now glowing crimson.

If the peak lords were to find out, everything would change. Rather than blindly accusing Shen Qingqiu of playing with a commoner, they would instantly conclude that Luo Binghe was the conniving demon bewitching their martial brother.

In fact, had it been Shen Qingqiu from a year ago, he might actually believe that this demon was the one to cast a spell on him.

Shen Qingqiu took a deep breath.

And pressed his lips against Luo Binghe, wrapping his arms around his neck and bringing their bodies close together. Luo Binghe tensed a little from the surprise but welcomed it with delight, returning the kiss with more fervor. Shen Qingqiu allowed his husband to have his hands roaming on his back and squeezing his hips. 

It was easier to pass his spiritual energy and to shut off the demonic energy with Luo Binghe distracted. Between the peak lords catching them in some hot messy action and Luo Binghe getting discovered with his heritage unleashed, Shen Qingqiu of course knew which option to choose.

“I don’t want to do it here,” Luo Binghe murmured against Shen Qingqiu’s neck. “It’s too rough and you’re injured.”

Shen Qingqiu stroked his head and whispered to his ear. “But I want you now. I need you inside me, husband.”

Luo Binghe shuddered. His face was showing hesitance but his palms were already massaging Shen Qingqiu’s rear. “I… this place is still not good for you…”

He just had to be such a sweetheart. The next time Luo Binghe ever shamelessly suggested blowing Shen Qingqiu while they were out at the market, he ought to bring this up just to remind Luo Binghe of the times he was trying to act proper.

Well, the secret route also had a tunnel connected to An Ding Peak and Shang Qinghua was in league with the demons.

Surely he wouldn’t mind them borrowing a room for a while.

Whatever it was to protect his husband. His new home.

(Shang Qinghua, in fact, was not amused to find evidence of their coupling later. If only he knew what he saw was only a fifth of Luo Binghe’s load. However Shen Qingqiu didn’t need to disclose his breeding kink to that rat.)

“Luo Binghe, come out and fight me!”

Shen Jiu yawned and roused from his afternoon nap. “Is he here again?” He muttered and rubbed his eyes.

Luo Binghe grunted from frustration as he was forced to leave his husband’s warm lap. Every now and then the Bai Zhan Peak Lord would come over to their house to challenge him for a duel. At first his first few visits were only with the intention to apologize to Shen Jiu. He even brought along carcasses of some rare monsters, to which Shen Jiu would only scrutinize with disgust before telling him off for giving them the trouble of having to deal with the carcasses.

Liu Qingge later on proceeded to challenge Luo Binghe for a fight, only for Shen Jiu to thwart his plan by sneakily attacking him first. Luo Binghe wasn’t sure why his husband refused to let him fight Liu Qingge, even though clearly the man was fascinated by Luo Binghe’s talent since their first meeting. Shen Jiu did not stop tutoring Luo Binghe to improve his cultivation, yet he wouldn’t let them spar. Perhaps he could sense Luo Binghe’s intent to seriously get rid of the pest forever? Not that Luo Binghe would succeed anyway…he was still a greenhorn compared to the likes of Liu Qingge.

Mama Luo told him not to hold grudges, though Binghe was certain if she had a little less kindness in her heart she would start sewing voodoo dolls to curse the peak lords already. Perhaps it was also thanks to the Qian Cao Peak Lord, who dropped by to apologize a week after the incident and sent over plenty of medications not only for Shen Jiu but also for Mama Luo.

He was the only peak lord allowed to visit their home, as of now (Liu Qingge didn’t count, the man just dropped by anytime he wanted). Shen Jiu’s relationship with the rest of his martial siblings still wasn’t fully mended. It might be terrible of Luo Binghe to feel this way, but he wished for it to remain that way.

He feared for the day Shen Jiu ever changed his mind and chose to return to his sect.

“I’m going to chase him away in a bit, just wait here, Binghe,” Shen Jiu assured him.

Luo Binghe pouted. “How can I not ever worry?”

“The brute may be strong but he’s an idiot who rarely uses his brain. My cultivation has also improved ever since we started dual cultivating regularly,” Shen Jiu chuckled.

“But…”

“Are you still worried about silly things, Binghe?” Shen Jiu asked. He sighed and wrapped his arms around Luo Binghe’s shoulders. “My home is here. With you, husband. Nothing will ever change that. It doesn’t matter even if you’re a demon, even if they try to force me back. Nothing can change my feelings.”

Luo Binghe nodded. He sniffled. “Don’t be too long, husband. Binghe will come too if you’re out too long.”

Shen Jiu snorted and poked his cheek. “What do you do when I’m not around?”

Wait for you to come back, Luo Binghe thought as he watched Shen Jiu heading outside to deliver another long lecture to Liu Qingge.

Home. 

He smiled.

That was right. It was for this reason that Luo Binghe was determined to work harder. To protect their home. No matter the challenges they face, he would do whatever it took to keep his family safe and happy. Even if he was a dem-

Eh?

Luo Binghe blinked. His jaw dropped and he quickly rushed outside.

“Husband! Hold on, can you repeat what you said earlier?!”