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Chapter Text

It's not every day that a sleeping baby is found nestled in between the tall, wispy stalks of green bamboo. Actually, one may argue that it's, in fact, very rare for such a thing to happen.

Still, during a hunting trip with his fellow Peak Lords — who have insisted that he join them for "bonding" times — Shen Jiu finds the child resting peacefully in a crudely-crafted basket. He's a bit bewildered at first; he's never been good with children — or anyone, for that matter — and he's about to hand it off to someone else when the child's eyes flutter open, clearly groggy and disoriented.

The baby's eyes are a beautiful light gray, as soft as the fluffy wings on a baby bird's back. The baby gazes at Shen Jiu, almost as if he can understand every one of Shen Jiu's troubles. Entranced, the Peak Lord curiously lifts a finger into the air and the child grabs onto it, his tight grasp freezing Shen Jiu in his tracks and warming the heart he thought he had lost years before. 

Bundling him up with silk he finds in his qiankun pouch, Shen Jiu takes the baby under his wing, adopting him and taking him to live in the bamboo house on Qing Jing Peak, to the awe and bemusement of his fellow Peak Lords. The baby is given the name Shen Yuan — Shen, for Shen Jiu's family name and 'Yuan' for a character in Shen Jiu's favorite novel. 

Shen Jiu swathes this baby with fluffy blankets, dotes on his adorable chubby cheeks, and wipes the baby’s tears when he cries, cooing over him with the lack of audience and hushing the precious soul to sleep. Shen Yuan is a very good baby, and together, they build a softer life that blunts the sharp reputation that the Xiu Ya Sword has gained over the years.

The only problem is that this newborn baby is actually twenty years old.

Yes, Shen Yuan had been just as surprised as the average person who wakes up and discovers that not only are they not in their own body, but are in the body of a baby in an entirely different world. When he had opened his eyes, he'd expected to be in a hospital, not bundled up in some stranger's arms! To say that he was freaked out would've been an understatement — although he didn't scream or cry, he yanked Shen Jiu's finger as hard as he could to express his frustration at having to live his life all over again! And in a stallion novel, no less!

Of course, he didn't figure out that he was in Proud Immortal Demon Way specifically until he was about three or four years old and actually began to listen to his Baba's and the other Peak Lords' titles and names. Being a baby meant that his head was always fuzzy and his memory came and went, which was good in the way that Shen Yuan didn't have to remember continuously shitting himself, but bad in the way that it was difficult for his baby mind to work like an adult's mind would. When he found out that his Baba was the scum villain of PIDW, well, Shen Yuan had some very conflicting feelings.

But it isn't all bad. He doesn't have to wear glasses anymore and even though he still falls sick sometimes, his sick days are nowhere near as bad as when he fell sick in his original world. Besides waiting for the protagonist's arrival to the Sect in a couple of years, Shen Yuan has been taken in as his father's own personal disciple, which is pretty cool. He learns about sword forms and the different ways to use qi, and his father even builds him his own bamboo house. It's smaller than the Peak Lord's, of course, but it's a private luxury that Shen Yuan enjoys.

Since he's had to relive his life in a xianxia setting, he mentally counts himself as a teenager. As much as he'd like to call himself an adult, by redoing his life, Shen Yuan's forced to admit that his life as a teenager in his past life wasn't very normal — being cooped up in a room for vital developing years will do that to a person. Plus, fourteen years have passed in this world, meaning that while Shen Yuan grew through his developmental stages, he forgot many of the things from his other world. 

One thing that hasn't changed, though?

Soulmates.

Shen Yuan had groaned when he figured out that they were still a thing here! Shen Yuan's skin isn't blank, like some people in the world are. On his shoulder, there's an inking that's impossible to scrub off — his soulmark. Or it was supposed to be! 

The only problem was that it wasn't a soulmark at all. It was a goddamned birthmark. 

Before Shen Yuan transmigrated, he'd been one of the unlucky ones. Not only did he not have a soulmark, but he had disappointed everyone in his life with a birthmark that looked like it would someday transform into a soulmark. The smudge was a common first stage of a soulmark, meeting their soulmate for the first time was when it was supposed to clear and Shen Yuan — and the rest of his family — had always awaited that day eagerly. Instead, it had always stayed stagnant and refused to bloom any of the vibrant, swirling colors that represented the heart of his soulmate. 

The older he became, the more jaded he became about the subject. All of his family had received their soulmarks — even his little sister, who was in high school — and stank up the room with their love, joy, and commitment in their universe-approved relationship. Shen Yuan wasn't particularly left out of anything besides stupid soulmate group chats and threads on Weibo, but he still felt like he was missing out on all the things he could've done as someone with a soulmark. The more he felt left out, the more he spent holed up inside of his room, immersing himself into the web novels on the internet whose plots aren't surrounding soulmarks. And the most popular non-soulmate web novel on the internet? Of course it was Proud Immortal Demon-fucking-Way. The story itself is peak trash but Shen Yuan couldn't help but read just 'one more book,' which turned into 'the new volume,' which meant every single chapter of PIDW and the extras until the author mysteriously disappeared, just before Shen Yuan himself had expired. 

The protagonist, Luo Binghe, had never received his soulmark and actively worked against the system of soulmarks by recruiting women, with and without soulmarks, to join his harem. Apparently, the man was so irresistible that the universe couldn't even dictate Luo Binghe's relationships, even if it already had created predestined lovers. It was pure, unadulterated trash, but Shen Yuan felt himself rooting for the main character anyway, even if Luo Binghe became sort of lame by the end.  

There had been no sight of the protagonist yet, though, so Shen Yuan’s days are mostly meditating to work on his cultivation and keeping up his marks in school. Living in this world isn't so bad except for this one weird thing. Well, actually there are multiple weird things — papapa as a cure for almost every single malady, the fact that child labor is not only allowed but encouraged, and the ways he has to check that food isn't poisoned when he wanders out of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, to name a few — but the one weird thing that he's 99% sure was not part of the original— 

[Mission: 'A New Beginning' unlocked! Does Host-dada wish to accept? Yes | No]

Ah, there it is. The System had first appeared to him when he was twelve, as it was the age that the protagonist first appeared on Cang Qiong Peak — otherwise known as this year. 

He's fourteen now and, initially, Shen Yuan wasn't exactly sure what timeframe he'd arrived in until Ning Yingying joined the Peak, giving him a rough estimate of how many years until Luo Binghe would also join the peak. The System has given him some filler missions here and there to collect Badass Points or whatever, but he guesses that the tasks he's made to do now will set up the stage for a later scene, and although it conflicted with his earlier mindset of not influencing the game, he's curious to see how the plotline will develop and change from his presence. He's not so narcissistic as to believe that he'll majorly influence the plot, but it will be kind of cool if he gets to be, like, a quest-giving NPC to Luo Binghe.

He doubts the System will let him do that much, though, especially with a full screen of question marks he still has to uncover. Shen Yuan has poked around on the device enough to know that if he clicks on the "Character" button, there's rows upon rows of buttons all with the same white '?' on them. He's tried pressing them to flip them over but the System only gives a red flash of the screen and low-tone beep. It's a little irritating, but the nerd in him anticipates the challenge. He only has six or seven of those buttons flipped over successfully and most of them are little fun facts about his father, like “Extremely emotionally constipated, but secretly loves romance novels” or “Loves sweet treats, especially tanghulu.” 

There’s also one about Sect Leader Yue Qingyuan, saying that he and Shen Jiu “definitely have a tumultuous history.” It also suggests that “Their relationship is romantic,” though Shen Yuan personally hasn’t seen any romantic interactions between the two; just Shen Jiu shutting Yue Qingyuan down at every turn.

For the meantime, though, he presses the 'YES' button. The missions are usually pretty easy, although none of them have been this vague before. Usually, he receives a description or something! Still, whatever the System’s suggesting this time can’t be that bad; at least he's able to collect B-points, which hasn't unlocked anything yet but he's saving up just in case! He knows that, as a gamer, one must scrounge and scrounge for as many points as possible to receive an advantage. No amount of points can ever be enough!

The System guides him to his father's office in his big bamboo house, where an exclamation point appears above his head, signaling Shen Yuan to talk to Shen Jiu. He squints, wondering exactly what the System is plotting. On the blue screen, it reads three options, all ways to prompt Shen Yuan to ask if he can go with Shen Qingqiu for the choosing of new disciples. He's not sure what makes this one different from the others but whatever will get him the points!

He chooses A, which seems to be the most polite option. "Shizun, may this disciple accompany you to choose new disciples?" Shen Yuan asks politely. As if Shen Qingqiu would expect any less decorum from his disciples, even if it's from his own son. "I know Ning-shimei is going."

Shen Jiu looks over at him carefully before turning back to his paperwork. "I suppose," he hums. Shen Yuan smiles at him, and turns to allow his introverted father some space. As a Peak Lord, Shen Qingqiu is supposed to be impartial. That doesn't mean he is, though, and every disciple on Qing Jing Peak knows it. Still, if this partiality grants him the opportunity to milk points from the System, then Shen Yuan is definitely taking it!

And maybe while he's at it, he can convince Luo Binghe to transfer to a different peak! Or at least keep his father from noticing him. He knows he said he wanted to stay out of the way, but he just wants to help this poor soul out! The future would be a much kinder place without a demonic Luo Binghe rampaging all over the place!

Before Shen Yuan can leave, his father makes a small noise in his throat. Shen Yuan turns around, looking at his father expectantly. “I have a gift for you,” he says. He pulls out a small, velvet box and hands it to Shen Yuan carefully.

Shen Yuan blinks. “Another ring?” He already has the ring that Shen Jiu gave him when he was around five years old, and accidentally separated from the rest of his school group. Shen Yuan wouldn’t stop crying for days, and, to pacify him somewhat — and probably to maintain his own peace of mind, too — Shen Jiu went through the trouble of finding him a ring that would track his location. It still rests on his middle finger today, the white stone shining brightly. He still takes the box that the new ring is in, admiring the smooth obsidian stone.

“Yes,” Shen Jiu replies, his eyes sharpening as if to carefully gauge his son’s reaction, “but this one uses spiritual energy to replicate memories.” Shen Jiu’s lip curls a little, and Shen Yuan knows that in non-emotionally constipated terms, that might as well be a whole grin. “With your recent high marks, this master thought that you might enjoy such a gift.”

Shen Yuan’s eyes widen in excitement, pulling the ring out of the box. “I do!” he grins at his father. “Thank you, Baba!”

Shen Jiu, ever the tsundere, just rolls his eyes. “Don’t be too greedy,” he says, though he stands and moves closer to Shen Yuan. “It’s unbecoming.” Shen Yuan just smiles at him again and Shen Jiu looks away, a bit flustered. Ah, his emotionally-constipated, scum villain father is really just so amusing! Shen Jiu clears his throat, reaching for the ring in Shen Yuan’s hands. “Now, let your shizun teach you how it works. This comes from the…”

Shen Yuan tunes him out as the System beeps, the LED lights surrounding the interface flashing green. [Item Acquired! +Replication Ring added to inventory.] 

He smiles, satisfied. Another item in his repertoire; another item that can be used when facing the protagonist!

After the explanation, Shen Jiu kicks him out and tells him to dress in something more proper — which, to be fair, is fair since Shen Yuan is only wearing his inner robes — which he does before meeting Shen Jiu back in front of his house.

For the entry test, Shen Qingqiu does force Shen Yuan and Ning Yingying to ride a horse — separate horses, of course — while he himself is carried by a lush, lofty carriage. Fortunately, the journey isn't too lengthy, and before long, they're marching to the top of the Peak, where all of the Peak Lords will observe the eager soon-to-be students. Shen Yuan and Ning Yingying have to go up the stairs but everyone else uses their swords. 

When he discovers the rest of the Peak Lords as flawless as ever while he and Ning Yingying are reduced to sweaty, panting messes, Shen Yuan curses in his head. Fuck this 'building character' shit, Shen Yuan just wants to be lazy!

Shen Yuan and Ning Yingying trail their aloof shizun to the top of the cliff, where the rock parts to reveal an overlooking view of the sea of hopeful children digging into the hard rock below. If Shen Yuan is honest, he always thought the entry test was a bit barbaric. Really, sending young children out to dig holes in the burning heat and blazing while the Peak Lords chill atop the cliff, watching with their temperature-resistant bodies? Brutal.

The clang of metal scraping against the earth makes Shen Yuan cringe, but he stands in silence, carefully watching the children below like everyone else. Really, the admissions process has just begun so there are more hopefuls here now than there are going to be in, Shen Yuan thinks, maybe two hours. 

Those two hours seem to fly by, though, as more and more hopefuls trudge off the field, ashamed. Still, they haven't all been rooted out, so Shen Yuan can wait a little longer before interjecting on behalf of Luo Binghe. Or against Luo Binghe, if it comes to his father.

Or at least that's what he planned to happen.

But no, before he knows it, Ning Yingying's gaze has gone smitten and she tugs on their shizun's sleeve. "Shizun," Ning Yingying points at a young boy digging a hole with diligent fervor. "What about him? I want him on Qing Jing Peak!"

Shen Yuan looks to where Ning Yingying is pointing, almost immediately spotting the boy with a mess of curly hair atop his head. There's a moment when Shen Yuan's eyes meet the boy's dark, soulful eyes. It's a quick, fleeting moment before Ning Yingying turns him away and blabs about something or the other, but the moment has still happened.

It's a moment of understanding, a moment of connection, a moment of everything wrapped up into a bow. Shen Yuan isn't exactly sure how it happens — maybe it's a protagonist sort of thing — but the moment seeps into Shen Yuan's bones, warming them instantly and clears Shen Yuan's head, all of the fuzziness going away instantly. In that moment, he can smell the crisp scent of the green plants rooted in the dark, rich earth, hear the wild animals' paws scurrying and scraping against the ground, see the most miniscule movements so clearly he wonders if it's in 4K HD. 

The moment goes away, though, as Shen Yuan is interrupted by the ruckus of the motley band of Peak Lords and their favored disciples. Their rumbles and conversations fill his ears, easing him back into reality. 

If it isn't exceptionally clear, he just made eye contact with Luo Binghe!!! 

The System chirps, a burst of confetti popping. [Congratulations!!! Host has made contact with the one and only protagonist himself: Luo Binghe]

Shen Yuan almost screams from the blinding flash of light that emits from Luo Binghe’s name tag, but he clenches his jaw, lest the Peak Lords think him a wack-a-doodle. Instead, he just averts his gaze to the side, as if he’s gauging disciples on the left side of the expanse.

"He does have a lot of potential," Liu Qingge muses, his face stoic as he watches the young boy dig the hole even wider and deeper. "Would make a great addition to Bai Zhan Peak."

Shen Jiu sneers. "As if any of those brutes of yours will get anywhere in life," He examines the boy closely before glancing at Liu Qingge, who's looking at the digging boy as well. He harrumphs. "Potential or not, it would all be wasted at Bai Zhan Peak."

"Um, excuse me," Shen Yuan says, attempting to jump into the conversation. No one seems to hear him…

Except, unfortunately for him, the System.

A low-tone beep sounds and Shen Yuan rolls his eyes. He's only heard this sound a couple of times, but basically, it's a noise to show when the System is dissatisfied. [Host-dada is attempting to hijack the main plot point of the story!] The System accuses. Shen Yuan almost rolls his eyes. Shen Yuan?? Changing a horrendous plot?? Never!!! [-10 B-Points deducted and punishment implemented!]

Shen Yuan wrinkles his nose. Punishment? What type of punishment…? 

A punishment has never been 'implemented' before, so he's curious to see what this entails. Perhaps a freeze frame on how many points he's able to collect on this mission. Shaking his head, Shen Yuan turns back to his father and Liu Qingge, opening his mouth to rejoin the conversation— 

Only to find that he can't. His voice isn't working and, although his lips are moving, he isn't making a sound. 

[This is Host-dada's punishment!] The System reminds him mockingly. [This is to ensure that everything happens as it should.]

Shen Yuan glares in the air before him, grumpily crossing his arms. Stupid System! Shen Yuan has to find a way to disable this stupid-ass feature! One star; that's what he rates this whack System! And what was the point in forcing Shen Yuan to join the rest of the Peak Lords if he can't even speak for himself! Shen Yuan spares a glance at him before his gaze turns back onto Luo Binghe once more. 

Shen Jiu turns to Yue Qingyuan, who's looking at him with an exceptionally soft gaze. "That boy, over there," he snaps, seemingly more irritated with the way that Yue Qingyuan nods docilely. That supports the “history” agenda, but not necessarily the “romantic relationship” one. "We'll take him."

The walk home isn't long, but with his heartbeat thudding against his ribcage, all he can think about is Luo Binghe and his future on Qing Jing Peak. He kicks off his shoes before flopping on his bed with an overdramatic heave. 

He was supposed to do one thing! How could he have failed so miserably?!

Poor Luo Binghe, stuck on Qing Jing Peak, forced into a life of abuse at the hands of his own master! 

His shoulder tingles and Shen Yuan rolls his eyes, pushing his hair away from his eyes and sitting up. Now is the time for his shoulder to act up? Was he stung by a bee or something? He scrunches his nose and tries to rub at the spot gingerly before wrenching his hand away, hissing in pain. What the hell? It burned him!

Shen Yuan pushes his robe down to the beginning of his forearm to examine his shoulder and birthmark. The mark wriggles and stretches across his skin and Shen Yuan can't help but watch in amazement. It's…it's a soulmark. He's seen soulmarks appear on YouTube, but never on himself.

Part of him is a little annoyed, though: this is the time that his soulmark decides to appear? When Shen Yuan is having a teeny, tiny crisis and very big meltdown?

But a bigger part of Shen Yuan can't help but feel the slightest bit grateful that it decided to appear after all. After having gone so many years without a soulmate, he should be used to not having one…but Shen Yuan has always had this strange feeling in his original world. It was one of the reasons why he kept himself locked away in his apartment; the feeling of something missing made him feel uneasy. It was as if his life could always end soon, but the story would be left unfinished; the page left unturned….

Anyway! So does this mean that his soulmate is one of the new disciples? That could be pretty cool, he thinks, as long as it's not one of the younger ones who applied. He's willing to put his trust into this whole soulmate shtick, but there's no way he's dating anyone more than fifteen years younger than him—it's just not going to happen. Even ten seems a little sketchy — maybe not in the future but definitely now, when that means his soulmate would be four. Yuck. He has no clue who it could be, but his musing fades away with the new appearance of shimmery color on his shoulder. The colors are mesmerizing, but they're red and black. Shen Yuan knows that thematically, those aren't great colors, especially when red usually means anger and blood and black means death and sorrow.

Okay, they could potentially mean passion, love, and power but Shen Yuan doesn't want to put too much hope into this whole soulmate thing, especially when he doesn't know who it is. 

He watches the smudge bend and swirl on his skin, and he can faintly make out the demonic script he's learned from books.

Great. His soulmate's heart is emo and probably demonic, too. That's pretty strange, though — Shen Yuan's pretty sure there are hardly any demon cultivators in Qing Jing Peak besides Luo Binghe. Actually, there are no demon cultivators in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, so this is definitely strange! Where does his soulmate come from? 

He takes another glance at the ink upon his skin and he gasps. The soulmark has reached its final form and the familiar symbol clicks into Shen Yuan's mind. It's so very obviously a Heavenly Demon insignia. A folder in Shen Yuan's computer had many variations of the same symbol in different art styles and Shen Yuan would recognize it anywhere after spending one month too many on that idiotic novel. But what's the Heavenly Demon sigil doing branded on his skin?

Shen Yuan pauses and pales promptly. 

His soulmark indicates the person chosen especially for him, who clicks with him on body, mind, and soul. 

His soulmark was a Heavenly Demon insignia.

There are three surviving Heavenly Demons. 

The only Heavenly Demon he had seen that day was…

But that would mean-

"Oh, shit."

Chapter Text

Shen Yuan doesn't know how the universe allowed this to happen, but he wants to get on the phone and go full-Karen on whoever was in charge of the decision! He wants a refund! A God. Damned. Refund!

How could Shen Yuan, previous internet-gremlin with not an accolade to his name, be the soulmate of the most OP protagonist ever? How could Shen Yuan, disciple and son of Shen Jiu, a.k.a. Shen Qingqiu — Luo Binghe's most horrid tormentor and abuser — be the soulmate of Luo Binghe, someone who is destined to raze Cang Qiong Mountain Sect to the ground and destroy all who abused him? How could Shen Yuan, nerdy and sickly disciple, be a stand-in for the three thousand lovesick beauties in Luo Binghe's harem?

How could Shen Yuan ever be good enough for Luo Binghe?

But Shen Yuan has searched it up on the internet enough to know that somehow the universe has deemed it true. 

Soulmarks are never wrong.

Even if the soulmates are together for a morbid second, or for their entire lives, they somehow connect with each other in a way that takes decades for anyone else to meet.

Okay. There were dozens of Heavenly Demons, though. Does that mean that Shen Yuan's mated to all of them? Explain that, universe!

And even more than that, if Luo Binghe is his soulmate, Shen Yuan just totally let him down! There are so many horrible things that happen during Binghe's first week. Shen Yuan hadn't exactly been indifferent before, but now he has to do something! Do something to save himself, his home! His father! 

And now, he has to save Luo Binghe.

He hadn’t been too interested in getting involved with the story, but it seems that the System’s forcing him to participate with this unexpected surprise. It’s not a surprise that Shen Yuan wanted — though, when he thinks about it, it is vaguely reminiscent of those trashy Y/N fanfics that Shen Yuan caught his sister reading once or twice — but it’s here and he has to deal with it. Deny, accept, deal with it, move on is his life motto, and it’s helped him in some pretty tough situations, like when his account on one of his old life’s popular video games was hacked and he lost pretty much all of his progress. 

There are parallels to this situation and that situation, but with way wackier curve balls thrown his way. Shen Jiu, resident scum villain and dark gray morals, being his father was one thing, but making Luo Binghe, stallion protagonist and future Uniter of the Realms, Shen Yuan’s soulmate? Mind-boggling.

He takes a deep breath, fully letting the situation settle in the depths of his brain. Okay. Okay! This situation could be worse, now that he thinks about it. He could be the scum villain instead! He takes a moment to thank the System that he hasn’t been placed into those circumstances; what a mess that would be!

[Aww, Host!] the System chirps after whirring to life. [This System is delighted that Host-dada is pleased with its humble accommodations!]

Shen Yuan continues in head, his tone bright: “ But also, fuck you. ”

The System’s electric blue screen turns red, as if scolding him, but doesn’t take any points from him. And Luo Binghe’s soulmate connection doesn’t have to be romantic — Shen Yuan’s old friend from high school had a platonic soulmate; someone who clicked on every emotional level in a friendly way. In the same lens, Shen Yuan’s relationship with Luo Binghe doesn’t have to be romantic. In fact, now that Shen Yuan is thinking about it, there’s almost no way that he’d ever end up in a romantic relationship with Luo Binghe — in Proud Immortal Demon Way, there had been no sign that Luo Binghe ever was into men; not a single man in his harem. 

Shen Yuan perks up, and his breathing slows. He’s not expected to automatically jump the protagonist’s bones after all. Plus, according to Shen Yuan’s calculations, Luo Binghe is only twelve right now. Soulmate or not, Shen Yuan wouldn’t be expected to form romantic relationships right away. The one thing that he can make use of is the amount of time that he has. Perhaps this soulmate thing wouldn’t be so bad.

Shen Yuan turns on his side, staring at the wall of his bedroom. He’s accepted it.

Deal with it, move on.

The first step of his plan is to deal. He presses his lips together in thought. The tea ceremony with Shen Qingqiu had been an absolute shitshow and the beginning incident of a long, tumultuous road of torture. Putting this incident to a halt could repair a relationship before it was even damaged! And sure, the System might thwart him from speaking, but not from doing! It’s the perfect plan! 

Setting his jaw, he nods, content to have figured out his first move. Then, he sighs, closing his eyes.

What a fucking long day.

The week that Luo Binghe moves to Cang Qiong Mountain under the official tutelage of Peak Lord Shen Jiu, Shen Yuan gets sick. He gets sick and Shen Jiu doesn't let him out of the house. He misses the Tea Ceremony, misses his chance to warn Luo Binghe to beware of his father to mitigate the grave sin he made at the disciple-choosing test, and he misses his first chance at making sure that Luo Binghe's life is not absolute hell on Qing Jing Peak.

Stupid-ass universe.

When Shen Yuan finally gets to meet Luo Binghe, it's several days after his father had dumped hot tea on the poor boy. He sees Luo Binghe sweeping the big kitchen and he approaches carefully, standing in the doorway.

"Hi," Shen Yuan says, hiding a gulp behind a small cough. Luo Binghe jumps skittishly, only then-noticing the presence of another person in the kitchen. Still, he balances the broom against the wall and bows his head respectfully.

"Hello, Shen-shixiong," he greets, his hands glued to his side as he performs the customary bow. "It is an honor for this shidi to meet you."

Shen Yuan flicks his wrist, summoning his silk fan. He fans himself, the cool breeze calming his nerves. "Hm," he hums faintly, looking over the young teen. He's not quite sure what exactly he's looking for, but the desperate-to-please boy stares up at him with those big, brown eyes, and Shen Yuan thinks that this can't really be all that bad. "This shixiong is quite pleased to meet Bing-" he interrupts himself, internally facepalming, " ahem, Luo-shidi as well. If this one may ask, is Luo-shidi settling in alright?"

Luo Binghe's eyes brighten. "Yes, shixiong," he replies eagerly. "Shidi appreciates you asking."

Shen Yuan can't help but smile at the enthusiasm. How could anyone hate this bundle of sunshine? It derails his plan a bit, but he decides that it would be nice to warn Luo Binghe of the other disciples since Shen Yuan couldn't save him from the wrath of his father. He kind of owes him for that! 

Shen Yuan leans in toward Luo Binghe, his murmur conspiratorial. "If anyone gives Luo-shidi trouble, come straight to this one, alright?" Shen Yuan assures him. "He will handle it for you." 

Luo Binghe bobs his head. "Yes, shixiong," he responds, his curly hair bouncing behind him. What an adorable little twelve year old! Once again, Shen Yuan can't see how anyone can hate him! "Many thanks."

"No problem," he says, before nodding and turning, his pale green and white robes flowing behind him. Shen Yuan gives himself a mental high five. He killed that, right? 

Now, he should get the fuck away from that kid. 

Even if Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe are… soulmates, Shen Yuan can't get in the way of the plot, right? Even if this novel was mind-numbingly dumb and the characters were as stupid as rocks, it still wouldn't be fair to Luo Binghe if Shen Yuan just came barging into his life and messing things up. The best thing that Shen Yuan can do for now is stay to the sidelines, don't get on Luo Binghe's bad side, and make sure Cang Qiong Mountain Sect doesn't get burned down. There. That’s how he deals with it.

Now that he's reviewing the plan, though, that definitely seems easier said than done.

Chapter Text

The whispers and rumors surrounding the new disciple are hard to ignore. Even if the younger disciples clam up whenever Shen Yuan enters the room, he can still hear the gossip through their hushed voices; he can hear them peeking through their fingers as they try to cover their mouth surreptitiously; he sees their laugh when they talk about how Luo Binghe is the worst choice that Shen Qingqiu could've made.

It hurts Shen Yuan a lot more than he thought it would and he's not even sure why. It's not like he's getting bullied — all of the disciples respect him; he's a little tough, but at least he's fair, unlike his father who has been silently encouraging cruel treatment since Shen Yuan was born. And ever since Luo Binghe's appearance on the Peak, Shen Qingqiu has made it his mission to thrust Luo Binghe into a living hell.

Shen Qingqiu humiliates Luo Binghe: throwing his hard work into the garbage, kicking him out of class, and even going so far as to punish him for sins he has not even committed. Shen Yuan's relationship grows strained with him over the half-month that Luo Binghe has been staying on Qing Jing Peak.

The last straw is when Shen Yuan sees Luo Binghe on the ground picking at the lush grass absentmindedly. There's an evening class on the Peak and Shen Yuan sees no other disciples, meaning that Binghe must've been kicked out of evening class again. Shen Yuan can't take it anymore — that's it! Forget staying on the sidelines, this is too much, even for Shen Yuan!

Shen Yuan marches over to Luo Binghe before stopping abruptly. It's not his fault that everyone's treating him so unfairly — in fact, Luo Binghe is the absolute last person he should show any ill will toward. He slows down and takes a gentler approach, approaching the boy with what he hopes is a demeanor radiating kindness and goodwill.

Shen Yuan sits next to Luo Binghe on the ground and waits for the younger boy to look up. 

“Shixiong,” Luo Binghe greets him, his voice strangely monotone. He gives a weak bow of his head, all the heart and hope from when Shen Yuan first met the first the boy now muted.

Shen Yuan’s so concerned, he doesn’t even return the greeting. "You've been kicked out of class three times this week, Binghe," Shen Yuan says carefully, "what's going on?"

Luo Binghe presses his lips together, as if he does not want to speak, before shaking his head, his eyes sadly falling to the ground. "This lowly one is illiterate," Luo Binghe confesses.

Shen Yuan's eyebrows knit together, his anger momentarily forgotten. "Illiterate?" Shit, he must've forgotten! To be fair, he's spent almost fifteen years in a new world, meaning that it's been fifteen years since he read that ridiculous novel. He can't be faulted for not remembering everything! "Oh. It is no wonder…"

Luo Binghe nods morosely. "Yes," he agrees sadly. He looks up at Shen Yuan, his dark eyes wide and pleading for his shixiong's heartfelt advice. "Does Shixiong think I should quit?"

"Quit?" Shen Yuan echoes. Quit? Is this boy out of his mind? He flicks Luo Binghe's ear to let him know how stupid of an idea that would be. "And where would Binghe go? What would Binghe do?" And how would I get my points? he tacks on inside of his head.

Luo Binghe shrugs, scuffing his foot against the white marbled stair.

Actually, now that it's happening, Shen Yuan remembers this part of PIDW. Ning Yingying is supposed to be in Shen Yuan's place, encouraging Luo Binghe not to give up. It's only later, when Luo Binghe looks up into the night sky full of diamonds, that he remembers his own jewel around his neck — his mother's final gift to him, one that motivates him to keep his mother's dream alive. It really was one of the better parts of the book and one that made Shen Yuan begin defending Luo Binghe's character to everyone else online.

Still, isn't he messing up the story? Ning Yingying is supposed to be here, right?  The System is quiet inside of his mind, so he guesses that he's not breaking any important rules or anything, even though he still thinks this is kind of weird. Where's Ning Yingying, future First Wife?

"No," Shen Yuan repeats himself. He pats Luo Binghe's arm reassuringly. "It's alright. Shixiong will help you."

Luo Binghe looks up at him in surprise. "You will?" 

Shen Yuan ruffles his hair and he can't help but feel a rush of overwhelming fondness for this boy. "Of course I will," he says, a smile playing on his lips. "What kind of head disciple would I be if I wasn't?"

Luo Binghe smiles up at him, his eyes crinkling. "Many thanks, Shixiong," he says. Shen Yuan can't help but pat his head again. He's so adorable!

[Achievement Unlocked: Replacing the LI!! +20 B-Points, +10 Coolness Points!!]

Shit, he totally forgot about this cursed thing. Shen Yuan's actually just being nice for once; don't cheapen the moment by rewarding it! And what do you mean, by “replacing”?? Her physical spot, sure, but don’t phrase it like that!

Shen Yuan asks Luo Binghe a few questions — what does he know how to do? What subjects is he familiar with? — to better understand his limits and such. Shen Yuan doesn't need to read PIDW again to know that Binghe is extremely smart. He picks up on concepts quickly and even begins to understand the more complex concepts within the two hours they talk. By the time they wrap up their conversation for the night, the stars are twinkling in the night sky; this is, no doubt, where Luo Binghe would've ended up looking if the plot hadn't been so severely derailed by Shen Yuan's presence.

Still, it's dark and Shen Yuan wants to go to sleep. His father's been stuck in a bad mood ever since Binghe's arrival and there's no guarantee that they won't have to wake up at the asscrack of dawn because Shen Qingqiu is having a temper tantrum. 

"Alright, go back to your cabin," Shen Yuan tells him. He raises his eyebrow teasingly. "Or I'll send you to run laps." Luo Binghe stands and smiles at him before bowing politely and walking away. 

Shen Yuan frowns.

"Your cabin is that way," he calls out to the boy, pointing in the opposite direction.

Luo Binghe freezes. "Oh," he says hesitantly, turning around, "that's right. I forgot. Forgive this stupid one." Right before he passes Shen Yuan to get to the other side, Shen Yuan grabs his arm. Despite what Luo Binghe thinks of himself, he's not stupid and neither is Shen Yuan, so he doesn't buy that flimsy-ass excuse for a second!

"Binghe," he says, pulling the boy back to face himself, "what's going on?" Luo Binghe's eyes glance away guiltily and Shen Yuan's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Binghe?" he prods, this time a little more gently.

Luo Binghe swallows. "The others have decided that they do not want this one to sleep in their quarters," he says softly. He looks back toward the disciple cabins sadly, twisting his fingers. "If Shizun says I'm a filthy pig, then they'd rather not be associated with a filthy pig like me."

Shen Yuan's eyebrows knit together in complete dismay. "They kicked you out?"

Luo Binghe swallows again before nodding in shame. "...Yes, shixiong,"

That really has to be illegal, doesn't it? To kick someone out of their own house without reason? "This shixiong thought that he told you to come to him if Binghe was having any problems," Shen Yuan says instead.

Luo Binghe lowers his head bashfully. "He did," he says, frowning. He looks like he wants to kick himself or something, and Shen Yuan doesn't like that look at all.

"It's alright," Shen Yuan says, placing a hand on Luo Binghe's shoulder. Luo Binghe looks up, startled, but Shen Yuan just gives him a small smile. "Binghe is here now."

He hums thoughtfully, a sudden idea brightening in his brain. "You can stay with me," Shen Yuan decides, patting Luo Binghe's wrist. Luo Binghe regards him carefully, almost as if he's waiting for the punchline, but when there is none, his eyes begin to alight hopefully. 

"...Really?" 

Shen Yuan bites the inside of his cheek to hide the smile that wants to blossom. Really, could this child be more adorable? "Really," he chuckles, grabbing and tugging lightly on Luo Binghe's wrist. Luo Binghe follows obediently and Shen Yuan drops his wrist as soon as he's sure that Binghe won't go running off like a scared animal. "I suppose you'll be sleeping with me."

Luo Binghe freezes, which makes him fall back a few steps. "Sleep with...you?" he asks, his face burning red.

Shen Yuan shrugs. Why is Luo Binghe acting so flustered? Really, Shen Yuan's only offering him a place to stay! "I don't have much, but my little place is big enough to share," Shen Yuan says. He flicks Luo Binghe's ear in gentle reprimand. "Don't stay anywhere you aren't comfortable."

"This one can stay in the shed!" Luo Binghe says, shaking his head. "There's no need-"

"Nonsense," Shen Yuan says. He doesn't mean for his tone to clip short in a way reminiscent of his father's, but really? "Only the inhumane allow another human being to sleep in a barn like an animal when there's plenty of space."

Shen Yuan notices Luo Binghe's expression of consternation and he stops his flurry of movement suddenly. "What is it?"

Luo Binghe chews on his lip, staring at the floor. "Forgive this one," Luo Binghe begs, his head bowed. "He did not wish to encroach on Shixiong's space."

Shen Yuan bops Luo Binghe on the head with his fan and the boy looks up in surprise. "If this Shixiong makes you an offer, then you cannot possibly encroach on my space, silly," Shen Yuan says, raising an amused eyebrow. He shrugs. "I was serious about what I said, anyway. Your problems are mine."

That was probably a little much, but by the hesitant smile on Luo Binghe's face, the boy enjoys the reassurance. Shen Yuan pauses before reaching out to pat Luo Binghe's head. His hair is so fluffy and his face is so sweet and, well, Shen Yuan just can't resist this sweet lamb of a boy!

They're around the same age, so Shen Yuan doesn't really think about the offer too much. He vaguely remembers sleepovers in his old world where he would end up with three different feet shoved into his face since they were all crushed into the same bed. Here, sharing a bed isn't seen as very appropriate, but it isn't really inappropriate either, and Shen Yuan's not making the protagonist — and his apparent soulmate on top of that! — sleep on the floor — that just isn't happening, so sharing a bed — for now — it is.

"Here," Shen Yuan gestures, leaning over and fluffing out the pillows on the bed before patting a spot on it.

Luo Binghe stares at the bed with huge eyes, as if the spacious bed would disappear if he glances away. His head jerks up suddenly, the corners of his lips tugged down. "Where will Shixiong sleep?"

Shen Yuan raises an eyebrow in bemusement. "...In the bed?"

"But…" Luo Binghe looks between the bed and then back at Shen Yuan no less than five times.

Shen Yuan finally sees the problem that Luo Binghe is probably having. Shen Yuan had been so caught up with  "It's alright," he says. It would be a pain, but Luo Binghe's comfort is way more important than a minor annoyance. "If you aren't comfortable sharing with me, I'm sure I can procure a cot from somewhere."

Luo Binghe shakes his head full of hair. "No," he says. "It's alright. It's just…"

Shen Yuan prods gently. "It's just what?"

Luo Binghe shuffles his feet against the floor. "Shixiong is so kind, giving up half of his bed for this lowly disciple," Luo Binghe explains, rubbing his arm bashfully. "This one doesn't want to kick him out."

Shen Yuan's shoulders relax, partly relieved that he doesn't have to walk all the way to the shed to retrieve a cot but mostly relieved because Luo Binghe feels comfortable enough to be around him. He doesn't know why, but Luo Binghe's opinion has become very important to him within the past hour or so of getting to talk to him. He's not sure if it's just a side effect of being in the protagonist's sphere of influence, but he feels closer to the boy already. "Don't refer to yourself as that," he says, flicking Luo Binghe's arm before returning to his task. "And anyway, what did I say?"

"If Shixiong offers, then this one is not encroaching on his space," Luo Binghe recites like it had been his homework to do so.

Shen Yuan nods, amused that the little bean memorized the exact wording. Such an adorable little protagonist! "Exactly." He ruffles Luo Binghe's hair and gestures toward the bed. "Come, get into bed." 

For some reason, Luo Binghe's cheeks flush red, but he obeys hesitantly, shedding his outer robe and folding it primly before setting it aside. He crawls onto one side of the bed that Shen Yuan has marked with a barrier of fluffy, white pillows.

Shen Yuan climbs to the other side of the bed after making sure that a cleaning talisman has inflicted the dirt off of both of their robes. It'll do until he goes to fetch water for his bath the next day. He can't believe that the protagonist is sleeping right next to him, but at least Luo Binghe has a place to rest his head. "'Night," Shen Yuan mumbles before passing out. 

The next day, as sunlight streams through his window, he awakens, met with an unfamiliar aroma. Shen Yuan sniffs the air, which smells of fresh, baked dough and sugary sweets. Perhaps Luo Binghe brought some food up from the kitchens? He rolls out of bed, his long, loose hair tangled together. He had passed out last night and hadn't even thought about tying his hair up, so he probably looks like a nightmare. 

He runs a comb through his hair a few times before rising properly, rinsing his face with water before stepping out to his living room, intending to go see the one or two treats that Binghe has perhaps stolen from the kitchens. Shen Yuan won’t scold him, of course, no one probably feeds that poor boy!

He’s stopped by the full fucking spread on his dining table. Luo Binghe is rearranging dishes on the table. Shen Yuan blinks, his mind trapped in a perpetual state of “ Uhhhh…” He clears his throat. "What's that?" 

Luo Binghe jumps, having been too concerned with the lining up of the silverware and foods to notice Shen Yuan stalk in. He bows his head, his eyes trained on the table. "This one prepared breakfast as thanks," Luo Binghe says before chewing on his bottom lip. "A-apologies if this disciple wasn't supposed to-" 

Shen Yuan gives him a hard look before cutting him off, crossing the room to sit at his usual place. When is he going to learn that Shen Yuan doesn’t want to hurt him? "It's no problem at all," he says. He sits down, glancing at Luo Binghe meaningfully before smiling at him. "Thank you."

"No!" Luo Binghe exclaims, shaking his head. "Thanking Shen-shixiong for allowing this lowly one to intrude into your personal space."

Shen Yuan narrows his eyes. "Binghe," he warns.

Luo Binghe smiles and nods his head furiously. "This one knows, Shixiong!"

Shen Yuan smiles to himself and shakes his head a little. Luo Binghe is so adorable, it hurts! Since they’re soulmates and are pretty much destined to stick together for life now that they’ve met, Shen Yuan will have to make him feel his most comfortable now, so that later, when Luo Binghe’s harem numbers are on the rise, maybe Luo Binghe will care enough to toss him a researcher role or something. "Maybe you'll feel a little more comfortable once you get your own bed." Shen Yuan muses, tapping his chin. He wonders how long it'll take for Shang-shishu to get him the materials. It could take days or even weeks for that cannon fodder to get back to him, unfortunately. Honestly, this system was worse than IKEA! And he can't even do much about it since he's only fourteen! "This shixiong will have one built for you in the side room."

Luo Binghe's eyes widen in surprise. His hair falls into his face and he pushes it back as much as he can while maintaining his shocked air. "But…that's your library!" He flushes red as he realizes his sudden outburst.

"It's okay," Shen Yuan says, flicking his wrist dismissively. "And the books will still be around if Binghe would like to borrow some later. They just won't be here, to make room for your new bed." Plus, I stole those books from the real library, anyway, he says inside his mind. He really did mean to return them! He just…forgot.

Luo Binghe opens his mouth as if to refuse, but Shen Yuan silences it with just a look — something he learned how to do from his father. Luo Binghe smartly thinks better of it and ducks his head bashfully. "Thanking Shixiong," Luo Binghe says instead, his cheeks flushing red.

Shen Yuan studies Luo Binghe for a second. The boy's curls fall into his face and he keeps having to push his hair behind his ears. It's actually slightly irritating to watch, so Shen Yuan rises to fetch a ribbon. "Hm," he hums when he sits down again. He reaches over the table and slides the ribbon to the other side, where Luo Binghe's wide eyes are glued to it. "Here. For your hair."

By the expression on Luo Binghe's face, you'd think that it was Christmas, his birthday, and a paid vacation all wrapped up in one! His face alights and he beams at Shen Yuan. All in all, his reaction is really too much for a simple ribbon! "Thank you, Shixiong!" Luo Binghe says after staring at the bamboo green ribbon in awe for a moment. He lets the scrap of satin twirl in his fingers before deftly tying his unruly curls back.

He stays sitting like that, though.

Shen Yuan stares at him. "Well?" he finally prompts when it doesn't seem like his gaze caught Luo Binghe's attention.

Luo Binghe does that sudden jerk of his body again before cocking his head anxiously, somewhat reminding Shen Yuan of a spooked puppy. It's kind of adorable, actually. "This one begs Shixiong's pardon?" he asks, suddenly seeming very lost within the conversation. He ducks his head. "Forgive this lowly one, he's not sure what Shen-shixiong means?"

"I mean," Shen Yuan says, nodding toward the empty spot in front of Luo Binghe, "where's your bowl for your food?" 

Luo Binghe's eyes fall onto the empty spot on the table as well and he flushes. "O-oh," Luo Binghe stutters. He shakes his head vigorously and meets Shen Yuan's eyes again. "This one only made enough for Shen-shixiong."

This breakfast is a huge spread! How much does Luo Binghe think he eats?! Should he be offended? "Hm," Shen Yuan says, picking up one light green ceramic bowl out of the many on the low table — this one filled with fluffy rice — and offering it in Luo Binghe's direction. "Here, then."

Luo Binghe shakes his head in refusal again. "This one cooked it for Shixiong," he says softly, but his tone is firm. 

Again, should Shen Yuan be offended? "It's a lot for one person," Shen Yuan prods, pushing over another bowl, this one with crunchy youtiao, to Luo Binghe. He nods encouragingly, like Luo Binghe's a baby learning how to walk and Shen Yuan is the parent beckoning him to waddle over. "Come have it."

Luo Binghe doesn't move; he just stares at the bowl blankly. 

"If Binghe doesn't come and eat this, then this one will go to the kitchens and prepare a breakfast for you," Shen Yuan threatens him. It's a…really weird threat, but most definitely a threat nonetheless! "And trust, Binghe will not like that option."

Luo Binghe's eyes grow wide and finally, his defiant pose dissipates into thin air. "It's...I…" He looks helplessly at Shen Yuan, who raises an eyebrow challengingly, before he nods his head, complying. His eyes don’t meet Shen Yuan’s gaze. "Yes, Shen-shixiong.'

Finally. Shen Yuan examines the options carefully before picking up a random bowl, inspecting it. Everything looks good, too good for an orphaned little boy with little access to his own food to be creating. Just goes to show the talent that the protagonist holds! "You made this?"

Luo Binghe ducks his head, but Shen Yuan hears the little murmur of “ Yes ” and so finally, he himself pokes at the food, first choosing the chicken and ginger congee to eat. He gives Luo Binghe the other bowl of congee and the boy takes it reluctantly, as if it’s all just a cruel trick. It’s enough to make Shen Yuan gaze upon the boy pitifully; Shen Yuan will definitely kick this sad trait out of the protagonist!

Shen Yuan tastes the congee, freezing when the taste hits his tongue. He can feel Luo Binghe’s stare on him. He licks his lips before eagerly scooping another serving into his mouth. He does it again and again until the congee is gone, the peppery ginger lasting on his tongue. He kind of wants to ask for seconds, but he also wants to try the other delicacies on the table. "It's absolutely delicious," Shen Yuan says politely, before un-politely shoving more food into his mouth. He chews before beaming at Luo Binghe, who watches him with wide eyes. "Thank you so much, Binghe."

"Shixiong does not have to say so out of pity," Luo Binghe says quickly, after taking a bit more food to avoid incurring Shen Yuan's wrath. He fiddles with the utensil in his hand. "This is just a simple way for this lowly disciple to show his gratitude."

"If this shixiong did not mean the compliment, then this shixiong wouldn't have wasted the words," Shen Yuan says simply, snapping Luo Binghe’s mouth closed. He tries a piece of youtiao, and then a century egg. They're both savory and the delicious flavors melt on his tongue. Shen Yuan dabs at his mouth with his napkin before lifting his chin and beaming at Luo Binghe. "Shidi’s cooking is quite the marvel." 

“This one is grateful for Shixiong’s kind words,” Luo Binghe finally says, blushing quite madly. Ah, just wait — if he keeps cooking like this, Shen Yuan will shove so many compliments down his throat, Luo Binghe will probably choke!

Shen Yuan smiles. “Eat, eat,” he encourages, waiting for Luo Binghe to take a few more bites before he returns to his own plate in front of him. Luo Binghe does, crunching and munching and sipping politely, and Shen Yuan nods, satisfied. He leans against his hand, which is propped up by his elbow. “Good. Now, tell shixiong of the subjects you’re struggling with.”

Luo Binghe’s face reddens and whereas the young disciple had gradually been perked up into a content, wagging tail, that same tail droops and so do his ears. Shen Yuan doesn’t mean to poke at any sore spots, but it must be done if Luo Binghe wants to get better. “Oh,” Luo Binghe says. He swallows, his gaze falling to the table. “This disciple cannot read. He brings shame upon Qing Jing, the peak specializing in the Four Arts.” Shen Yuan sees his fists clench underneath the table. “He struggles with understanding the material at times.”

Of course you can’t understand the material, Shen Yuan thinks in his head. You can’t fucking read!

“That’s alright,” Shen Yuan says, reaching over to pat Luo Binghe’s head. “You’ve already made progress and it’s only been a day. The journey of learning will be long, but it will be extremely profitable.” He drinks a bit of his tea before giving Luo Binghe a meaningful look. “And Binghe underestimates himself. This shixiong has already seen how clever Binghe is.” There. It can’t hurt to heap some soothing compliments to mend Luo Binghe’s self-esteem! And it’s not untrue in the slightest; Luo Binghe is the protagonist of the story! 

“...That’s kind of Shixiong to say,” Luo Binghe says faintly. Shen Yuan stares at him for a long moment — is he sick or something? Why does it sound like he’s about to pass out? The longer he stares, the redder Luo Binghe’s cheeks become and the more Shen Yuan becomes worried. It really can’t be healthy to be that red…

Luo Binghe returns to eating, seemingly having nothing else to say. Shen Yuan shrugs at his silence. Well, they’d work on his confidence. They’re platonic soulmates — of course, Shen Yuan has to start hyping up Binghe now!

Luo Binghe eats almost ravenously, which makes sense because he’s a growing boy who hasn’t had the proper nutrition for a young man of his age. Shen Yuan watches him, first in a bit of awe before relaxing his shoulders and chuckling to himself softly. This is nice, isn’t it? Shen Yuan doesn’t usually eat with anyone else — his father is busy teaching morning classes to the older disciples by the time that he wakes up, and he isn’t fond of heading to the cafeteria so early. But he and Binghe seem to make a perfect pair; Shen Yuan can definitely see this blossoming into a beautiful friendship!

“We should start eating together every day, Binghe,” Shen Yuan murmurs, leaning against his hand. He smiles at Luo Binghe brightly, content that Luo Binghe’s finally let some of his walls down. “What do you think of that?”

He doesn’t know why Luo Binghe starts coughing madly, but he thinks it’s adorable how red Luo Binghe’s face becomes!

The day that Shen Yuan deems Luo Binghe's new room as finished; the day that Luo Binghe is allowed back into the room after a month of Shen Yuan shooing him away; the day that he first steps into the room is the first day that Shen Yuan sees Luo Binghe cry.

Luo Binghe is truly the strongest little soldier that he's ever known. He's taken every word spat at him with a raised chin, and every unfair punishment he's given with steady eyes and dry cheeks. He shouldn't have to be — God, he shouldn't have to be: he's literally the sweetest, smartest human being Shen Yuan knows — but he is and it makes Shen Yuan respect the hell out of him. 

But it also makes Shen Yuan freak the hell out when tears begin streaming down his cheeks, his dark eyes bright and shiny. 

Shen Yuan's eyes widen — he doesn't think he's done anything wrong, so why is Luo Binghe crying? 

Shen Yuan doesn't deal with tears or the messy-faced, splotchy red face that comes with crying very well, so he hesitantly reaches out to pat Luo Binghe's shoulder in comfort. He hopes it provides some consolation to the poor, young boy. "I'm sorry," he says. Feeling the weight of Shen Yuan’s hand on his shoulder, Luo Binghe startles and turns toward his shixiong, cocking his head so that his dark, curly hair all falls to the side. "I didn't mean to make you upset."

Luo Binghe's smile is watery and he shakes his head. "This one isn't upset, Shixiong."

Shen Yuan stares at him in complete bemusement. Luo Binghe’s eyes are red-rimmed and puffy, and there are clearly tears running down his cheeks. If Shen Yuan is being honest, Luo Binghe looks downright miserable. But he’s not? "Then why are you crying?"

"This one is happy," Luo Binghe explains, his fingers twitching. He wipes his face with his hands — which is a bit gross, but Shen Yuan’s a bit preoccupied with the tears and the sniffling and the overwhelming desire to make it all go away (and wow, this soulmate thing sure does have an effect on Shen Yuan because all he wants to do is cuddle Luo Binghe until everything is okay) — and beams at Shen Yuan, his eyes and nose still slightly red. And, ah, that smile does seem genuine, doesn’t it? Shen Yuan relaxes, his concern slacking away into curiosity. "This one is happy that someone…" the younger disciple trails off, his ears reddening in embarrassment.

But Shen Yuan wants to know. "What?" he asks, somewhat nosily. He wants to know what makes Binghe happy; Shen Yuan is naturally a prying person, especially with people who are going to be living with him for an unspecified amount of time. And fine, he also is sort of nosy and would like to see if Luo Binghe can overturn a square on the Doom Board for him.

Luo Binghe's gaze drops to the floor. "This one is happy that someone cares," he clarifies hesitantly.

Oh, god. 

Shen Yuan's heart seizes in his chest and all at once, it feels like he’s just watched an emotional, vivacious reunion on one of the soap operas his sister-in-law liked to watch. "Can…I hug you?" he blurts out. He immediately cringes inside of his head; why is that the first thing he's offering?

Luo Binghe's head snaps up, his red-rimmed eyes shining. He hesitates, his cheeks flushing shyly. "Can we…?" he asks. He shifts on his feet before rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. "It's not improper?"

Shen Yuan ponders for a moment before shrugging. He sees girl disciples hug each other all the time, even when there's a significant age gap between the two. So what's the big deal if they do it as well? "I'm your shixiong, but I'm only two years older than you," Shen Yuan reasons, "so that doesn't mean I can't be your friend as well."

Shen Yuan's almost knocked off of his feet by the younger disciple as Binghe throws his arms around Shen Yuan's shoulders gratefully. Shen Yuan takes a minute to steady himself but welcomes Luo Binghe's embrace nonetheless. Luo Binghe's cheek rests on his shoulder, his happy tears soaking his shixiong's robe. Not that Shen Yuan minds — no, Shen Yuan just holds Luo Binghe as he cries and cries and cries. What an emotional child, though Shen Yuan can’t help but feel the surge of fondness in his heart.

Shen Yuan may not completely understand it, but he knows that he does not mind Luo Binghe at all.

Chapter Text

With Luo Binghe living with him, life seems to pass by fast. 

Every few months, he has to slide his rings off of his steadily maturing fingers, giving them to his father to resize them until the day comes where Shen Yuan can resize them himself. He’s also finally had the opportunity to convene at Wan Jian Peak, tugging his own sword, a manifestation of his qi, out of the rock wall. Yu Hua is so pretty and elegant, he’s pretty sure that he spent ten minutes just admiring the sword’s sleek design with its balanced gleaming blade and silver hilt, embedded with lustrous, polished green stones of jade. The swipes in the air that had followed his veneration sparked even more awe within Shen Yuan, the durable metal slicing gracefully and elegantly, not unlike his father’s sword.

So cool! He can’t believe that Airplane skimmed over most of the awesome — albeit, lazy, Shen Yuan could admit — techniques and tricks in PIDW, though Shen Yuan expects such a thing from a hack author like him.  

Even more, after half a year of living together, Shen Yuan can confidently say that he and Luo Binghe have become very good friends, which is good! Everything’s going according to plan. He thinks.

Luo Binghe’s new life as Shen Yuan’s roommate is shaping up to be one of the best decisions that Shen Yuan has made in this new world. Granted, he hasn’t had the chance to really make any huge, hulking decisions that affect the fate of the entire world, but this small change has to be enough to let Luo Binghe remember his kindness when he turns into the black lotus he’s destined to be!

Speaking of destiny, Shen Yuan can’t exactly figure out what the System’s angle is, making him and Luo Binghe soulmates. Luo Binghe isn’t supposed to have any soulmates — that’s the whole appeal of his character! Really, making Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe soulmates really cheapens Binghe’s whole identity and the multiple character arcs that Luo Binghe is forced to face when he realizes how different he is from the others in this world.

Though it’s not exactly as if Shen Yuan wants Luo Binghe to face any necessary hardships; in fact, it’s quite the opposite — Luo Binghe is akin to the cutest little puppy, and Shen Yuan wants nothing more than to protect him.  

Unfortunately, it seems like Shen Yuan is too late to do that today, as the front door opens and he finds Luo Binghe limping inside, clutching his arm in pain. His face is marred with a wince and his hair is tousled and there are colorful bruises painted against his jaw and cheek.

“Binghe!” Shen Yuan exclaims, his eyebrows drawing together in concern. He rises, helping Binghe settle at the table before rushing over to his medicine cabinet, rifling through his drawers to find the accurate remedies. “What happened?”

“Nothing, Shixiong,” Luo Binghe says, his head hanging low. “This lowly one tripped and fell.” Tripped and fell Shen Yuan’s ass! How does one get a bruise on their face from falling over themselves? How does one’s uniform become torn over a simple trip-and-fall?

Shen Yuan clicks his tongue in disapproval at the obvious lie, and Luo Binghe wilts. Shen Yuan shakes his head, pressing two fingers into Luo Binghe’s chin and lifting his face. “None of that,” Shen Yuan says breezily. He takes Luo Binghe’s hands and presses a medicinal compress into his hands, letting him decide where the pain aches the most. “Here’s a compress.” He goes to his room, grabbing some medicine, before returning into the room with a flourish that reminds himself of his father. He dabs some ointment on the dark bruises on Luo Binghe’s cheek. “This shixiong will make you some tea.”

“Ah,” Luo Binghe says, his breath hitching. Shen Yuan pauses, attempting to make his touch as featherlight as possible. Luo Binghe allows him to finish, but when Shen Yuan moves to leave, he shakes his head, his curls disheveled and frizzy with sweat. “That’s not necessary.” 

Shen Yuan thinks about making his poor Binghe some tea anyway, but the more that he really looks at Luo Binghe, the more he believes that Luo Binghe needs his presence for comfort. After all, they are soulmates — that’s kind of what their marks are meant for. “Well,” Shen Yuan says, sitting next to Binghe and attempting to tame the twigs and leaves out of Binghe’s curly, fluffy mane. “Why don’t you tell this shixiong what truly happened?”

Luo Binghe laughs to himself, a soft, pathetic sound. “Of course Shixiong would know that this one is not telling the truth,” he murmurs.

Shen Yuan softens. “I’m not angry, Binghe,” he assures him gently. “I just want to know what’s wrong.”

“Some other disciples accused this one of lying about his soulmark,” Luo Binghe confesses, staring down forlornly at his strained and bruised knuckles. “They said that such trash as me doesn’t deserve to have one when there are people who deserve it more. Ning-shijie tried to help, but…” he trails off helplessly, but Shen Yuan nods. 

“Right,” he says. Ning Yingying is sweet, but naive, and that doesn’t play out well when interacting with dumb-as-rocks NPCs. “This one knows that soulmate matters can be very tense, especially when used to further agitate existing rivalries and tensions. I haven’t dealt with these matters before, but I have seen it happen a few times, unfortunately.” Most of these times were on the internet in his old world, but hey, it’s still true!

Luo Binghe shifts in his seat, drumming his fingers against the table restlessly. “Have you…found your soulmate, then?”

Shen Yuan snorts. It’s clear that Binghe thought he was being subtle, but he’s being anything but! It’s really not exactly the time for such thoughts, though Shen Yuan is a bit curious of Luo Binghe’s inquisitiveness. “Binghe should know that’s private.”

Luo Binghe’s face falls. “I’m sorry, Shixiong—”

Shen Yuan almost snorts again at Luo Binghe’s immediate apology, but only just stops from being rude. To further reassure Binghe — and hide his own unsavory reaction — Shen Yuan tangles a hand in Luo Binghe’s hair. “I’m only teasing, Binghe,” he replies. “Anyway, no matter if you have a soulmark or not, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.”

Luo Binghe stiffens, his eyebrows drawing together defensively. “I do have a soulmark, Shen-shixiong!”

Shen Yuan hums. “Of course you do. This one knows Binghe wouldn’t lie.” Luo Binghe relaxes under Shen Yuan’s hand again, his shoulders losing their tension. Shen Yuan continues, stroking Luo Binghe’s hair gently. “I just meant, I hadn’t realized there was an anti-markless sentiment in the Sect. Discriminating against anyone is not okay.” Anyone who had read Proud Immortal Demon Way would have said differently, but this world isn’t exactly like PIDW. Though the novel had detailed that Qing Jing Peak was horrible to Luo Binghe on the basis that he had no soulmark, Shen Yuan had truthfully never seen this sentiment expressed at all toward anyone else. It was with this evidence that he reasoned that it was probably less of an anti-markless sentiment and more of an anti-Luo Binghe sentiment.

Fuck Airplane for shoveling even more useless trauma porn on Luo Binghe!

Shen Yuan cards his hand through Luo Binghe’s silky soft hair one more time before dropping his hand. “Anyway,” he says, rising. “Binghe probably needs a nice soak in the bath. I'll warm one up for you. Finish applying the medicine to your skin.”

A few minutes later, Shen Yuan has all but shoved Luo Binghe into the tub in the small stall outside of the little bamboo house. He had winced at the extent of the bruises on Binghe, despite knowing that they’d heal pretty soon due to Luo Binghe’s superb skills in cultivation. Now, the mild scent of the rice water in the tub wafts in the air and Shen Yuan can hear the splashes of water from outside of the stall. After a bath, Luo Binghe has been ordered to take the rest of the night off to heal, an order that had come from Shen Yuan himself.

Shen Yuan sets out a clean new outfit for Luo Binghe on the low table outside of the stall before rising and straightening. “I’ll be back, Binghe,” he calls. “I’m just going to run an errand.”

He hears a hum of affirmation, and, smiling, he turns on his heel to walk back into their home. His smile fades as the gravity of the situation hits him, and he groans, burying his face in his hands. Stupid NPCs, hurting Luo Binghe! Did they want to end up dead in a random ditch? Even more, what a horrible way to treat another human being! 

Still, Shen Yuan had watched enough animal documentaries in his old life to understand the complexities of groups of mammals. Groups don’t begin and end with the lackeys. Ming Fan may have beat Binghe up tonight, but he’s not the one who’s really running the show. Shen Yuan can’t start with one of the symptoms of the problem, he has to go to the root of it —

His father. 

He’s not scared of his father. He’s really not. Despite being described as abusive to the disciples on the Peak in the novel, Shen Jiu was quite indifferent to punishments. There were beatings here and then, but that was a byproduct of the environment that they were in, despite how wrong Shen Yuan personally thinks it is. He’d held every disciple but his son at an arm's distance, and wasn’t too involved in the disciples’ spats unless it messed with the reputation of Qing Jing Peak or Cang Qiong Sect.

Now, is Shen Jiu predisposed to a little nepotism? Yes, as evidenced by his son becoming head disciple at the youngest age in the history of the Peak. However, the vast majority of evilness that Shen Yuan has seen from his father is toward Luo Binghe; which makes sense since Airplane had slid the hate slider for practically everyone on Qing Jing Peak up to 100 when it came to the boy. Even now, his efforts to derail Luo Binghe aren’t as bad as described in the novel, though Shen Yuan has probably curtailed most of that. Anyway, Shen Qingqiu’s an okay teacher and a strict instructor, but he doesn’t exactly hate his students. Somewhere within this description would surely have someone wiping their teary eyes with a handkerchief at the chance that a son ‘brightened up the way Shen Jiu saw life and ended his cruel streak’; however, Shen Yuan just thinks that having a son to raise and a bunch of kids under his watch cut into Shen Jiu’s abuse time.

Though Shen Yuan isn’t scared of Shen Jiu, he is dreading this particular conversation, mostly because Shen Jiu has become a broken record on the subject of Luo Binghe: it is not up for debate. Still, because Shen Yuan cares about Luo Binghe, he drags his feet to the door of the big bamboo house, every step as heavy as a dozen rocks. 

Like the slightly sweet scent of rice water from Binghe’s bath, the melodic notes of the Xiu Ya Sword’s guqin float from the house on the wind, carrying the exquisite tune on the wind. 

He raps on the door a couple of times before letting himself in, hesitating at the way that the instrument cuts off abruptly.

“A-Yuan,” Shen Jiu greets warmly. Well, as warmly as he can get, anyway. His dark hair is pulled away from his face, showcasing his gaze as it flutters over Shen Yuan’s form. He narrows his eyes, skeptical at Shen Yuan’s sudden appearance.

Shen Yuan figures there’s no use beating around the bush, so he just cuts to the chase. "Do you think you could tell everyone to lessen up on Binghe?" 

“You call him so informally,” Shen Jiu points out, his long, deft fingers still plucking at the strings on the guqin. 

Shen Yuan shrugs. “I spend a lot of time with him.” He switches the subject tactfully. “But I’m worried about your reputation. And Qing Jing Peak’s reputation.” So smooth he almost wants to pat himself on the back!

Unfortunately, Shen Jiu’s snort proves that he doesn’t think the same. “Who cares about my reputation?” he asks. He lifts his eyes from the guqin, an eyebrow arching in suspicion. “Most of all, why would it be you?”

Shen Yuan shrugs carefully. “Plenty of people care about reputations. Isn’t that what you taught me?” He waits a moment for his father to really be hooked before continuing. And the glint in Shen Jiu’s steely eyes are definitely screaming hooked to Shen Yuan right now. “And right now, by treating Binghe so differently than your other disciples may raise questions from others. Maybe not right now, but in the future.”

Shen Jiu’s gaze is lethal and fixed. “Be careful of how you accuse me,” he says loftily, though Shen Yuan can mildly sense the undercurrent of venom.

“No accusations. Just observations.” Shen Yuan sits next to his father, tilting his head. “This one advises his father to lessen the unnecessarily cruel punishments that disciples receive. Please.” He’s not too proud to tack a little pout at the end of the sentence. 

Shen Jiu doesn’t answer right away, instead cutting his eyes to the center of the table. They sit in relative silence for a few moments, and Shen Jiu still hasn’t answered his son’s plea.

"Baba?" Shen Yuan asks again, a bit impatiently. Luo Binghe has snuck into his heart like a little parasitic tapeworm and Shen Yuan doesn't want to be cured. All he wants is for this little tapeworm — and potential soulmate — to be happy and healthy and practically the only thing that stood in their way is his father, his own flesh and blood. Well, not literally, since he’s adopted, but figuratively kind of works!

"I refuse to promise anything," Shen Jiu says. His face sours, and the curve of his lips tilt downward. “I have noticed that he has been following you around more. Is he bothering you? Pestering you so that you’ll do this for him?”

Shen Yuan shakes his head immediately. “No, of course not.” He shrugs, trying not to let the blood rush to his ears. “I just like spending time with him, and I worry for him. Is that okay?”

“Absolutely not,” Shen Jiu replies, his voice hard. Despite having read chapters upon chapters of Shen Qingqiu’s horrid behavior toward Luo Binghe, for some reason, the viciousness and quickness of the answer surprises Shen Yuan. “I don’t want that beast anywhere near you, A-Yuan.”

Shen Yuan frowns. Luo Binghe’s original goods might deserve that title after everything he’s done — and that’s a big might for Shen Yuan — but the current white lotus Binghe doesn’t deserve that at all! “Don’t call him that.”

Shen Jiu scowls, ignoring Shen Yuan’s technical impudence. “Why do you care about him so much?” 

Oh, come on. His father cannot be this dense. He’s almost worse than the emotionally stunted Liu Qingge! “Baba, haven’t you ever had friends?”

“No.” Shen Yuan raises an eyebrow, and Shen Jiu sighs at Shen Yuan’s incredulity before amending his statement, though it comes quietly and tightly. “I thought I had a friend. Once.” After the confession, the Peak Lord’s jaw tightens and his shoulders stiffen. His steely gray gaze seems to alight in spite. “But it’s more helpful to better yourself than chase after friends who don’t give a damn about you. They’ll only abandon you.”

Shen Yuan blinks at the sudden bitterness that had seeped into his father’s voice, staring at him even when the System dings, flashing green lights. Shen Jiu averts his gaze, his jaw still clenched, and Shen Yuan takes that as his cue to find something to say to break the awkwardness. First, he opens the new notification on the System.

[Shen Qingqiu Complexity Increase. Reward: +20 B-Points.]

Now, that perks up Shen Yuan. A reward for character complexity? This is also saved under the Doom Board, so it must be pretty important for later! Could it be that there, perhaps, was a backstory to the hate sink, scum villain Shen Qingqiu…?

Even more importantly, how can Shen Yuan get even more points? He’s grinding like a Redditor on a new, fresh account because they’ve been banned, so anything helps!

“Why doesn’t Shen Qingqiu get more complexity increases? After all, adopting a child and raising it surely must level it up! ”

[Host did not do that. That was an innate feature of the world.]

Ah. Well, it was worth a try. 

Now, back to the matter at hand. Shen Jiu had been abandoned by someone he’d considered a friend. If Shen Yuan is being truthful, he never really thought of Shen Jiu ever having friends or ever being younger. In the same way that it’s almost impossible to imagine one’s parents as tiny, alien-looking infants or waddling toddlers, it’s almost impossible for Shen Yuan to imagine Shen Jiu’s past. He knows it hasn’t been the most savory — Shen Jiu is rough around the edges, much more than Shen Yuan had been as a tech-savvy, spoiled rich kid. Still, it’s hard to envision this someone hurting his father so much that he cut off most other relationships and subjected each and every person to his sharp tongue.

Surprisingly, the thought makes Shen Yuan’s heart ache. Shen Jiu doesn’t trust a lot of people — actually, he trusts no one. If the only friend that Shen Jiu had betrayed him, causing his distrust of everyone else, then it explains a lot about how he treats other people. To sympathize with his father so wholeheartedly, Shen Yuan supposes he really has grown fond of this story’s Scum Villain, though not particularly fond of his actions.

He can’t think of anything to say, so he does the next best thing that pops into his head — throw his arms around his father. 

Shen Jiu frowns. “What are you doing? Get off.” Though the words themselves are harsh, Shen Jiu’s shoulders have finally relaxed.

“No,” he refuses, his voice muffled against his father’s heavy robes. 

"You dare to speak to your shizun in this manner?" His father's tone is clipped, but it's not short — and yes, there is a difference — which tells Shen Yuan that Shen Jiu is more amused than anything else. 

"I'm not speaking with Shizun right now, just my father," Shen Yuan replies back, his tone just as measured as his father's.

His father does not smile, but Shen Yuan sees the quirk of his eyebrow. "You have guts, I'll give you that," Shen Jiu says after a few moments. 

“Baba…” Shen Yuan sighs. He supposes that Shen Jiu has been tsundere longer than he himself has, so he’ll be the one to show affection this time. “I love you.”

At first, he doesn’t know if Shen Jiu will return the affectionate words, but a hand tangles in Shen Yuan’s ponytail. “It’s natural that a parent loves their child as well.”

Shen Yuan smiles before pulling away from his father’s embrace. His gaze flits toward the window. “It’s getting late.”

“Classes begin at sunrise,” Shen Jiu reminds him, only his eyes smiling slightly. Shen Yuan nods, heading for the door. Before he exits, he pauses, turning back to his father.

“Think about it, Baba. Okay?” Before he turns to leave, he pastes a pleasant smile on his face, bowing before his teacher and Peak Lord. “Good night, shizun.”

Before Shen Jiu can respond, Shen Yuan has slipped away from the house, shutting the door behind him. Not the most respectful choice, but he had wanted to leave his father with something to think about. 

After stepping out from underneath his father’s porch, Shen Yuan stands still for a few moments, basking in the warmth of the sunset underneath its marigold glow. There’s no denying that Qing Jing Peak is one of the most beautiful peaks on Cang Qiong Mountain as the light stretches from bamboo stalk to bamboo stalk, from courtyard to courtyard, illuminating all of the magnificence the second peak has to offer.

He can’t help but let a smile grace his face. Despite his tasks and various missions, he rather enjoys the world of PIDW. Not everything, of course — Airplane’s exploitation of the cinnamon bun Luo Binghe, along with his, frankly, quite horrifying insistence of sex being the answer to every unknown variable in this world is incredibly sickening and cringe-inducing — but he can’t deny that the backdrop for such a world is quite fair and lovely. While strolling back to his home, he’s enjoying the scenic view of Qing Jing Peak’s lush gardens and sprawling vines when, suddenly, Shen Yuan is faced with a rather ugly sight.

A gaggle of disciples are gathered around Ming Fan in the flat, stony courtyard with gates of olive-colored vines, fanning out around the disciple and listening intently to his words. In order to receive a better look, Shen Yuan hides himself behind a thick, sturdy bamboo stalk. The disciples hoot and jeer, slapping their knees like he had come up with something clever.

“Did you see his face?” one of the NPC disciples exclaims, jostling the crowd. “I thought he would cry!”

“Serves him right for lying!” Ming Fan declares, an ugly sneer on his face. “Only mangy dogs like him would lie about having a soulmark to feel better about himself!” The disciples around him chortle, but Shen Yuan frowns.

What punks! And how lame do they have to be to still be talking about Luo Binghe hours after the incident happened?

Shen Yuan had already been quite upset about Luo Binghe’s injuries in the first place, but seeing the bullies flaunt their torture toward him ignited a wave of ire in his chest. How dare they hurt Luo Binghe and then boast about it? Shen Yuan’s instincts, fueled by his training from Shen Jiu, itch to serve them a nice, cold dish of revenge.

Shen Yuan’s thought leads him to a pause, and his eyebrows furrow in thought. Perhaps this is why they were made soulmates, so that Shen Yuan can protect him! It makes perfect sense, really. While Shen Yuan protects the boy’s emotional state and serves as an advisor of sorts, Luo Binghe can collect his harem of flowers and become even more powerful. The soulmate thing is just a component to make sure that Shen Yuan is comfortably able to stick close to Luo Binghe, since there’s actually no way that Shen Yuan could ever compete for Luo Binghe’s hand romantically!

Yes, that must be it. Shen Yuan likes the boy well enough, but it makes sense that Shen Yuan’s role is the protector and Luo Binghe is the damsel–ahem, protagonist in distress, since they can be platonic in this role!

Ming Fan laughs a distinctly villain-esque cackle. “Luo Binghe is the– ah!” A leaf whirls by impossibly fast, slicing a cut on his cheek, right underneath his cheekbone. Ming Fan yelps at the sudden pain, his eyes growing as wide as saucers.

Shen Yuan grins, incredibly smug. He’d learned that through his father, the elegant Xiu Ya sword. It’d been one of the easier tricks to pick up, manipulating lightweight objects with his spiritual energy. Leaves weren’t one of the objects he’d practiced with, but they were lighter than fans, so they did the trick anyway.

Ming Fan brings his hand close to his face, his fingers trembling when he realizes that his digits are coated in blood. “Hey!” he exclaims, looking around him defensively, his fists clenched. “Who did that?”

His response is a chorus of cries, exclamations, and groans saturating the air as all of the disciples are cut in various places on their bodies with Shen Yuan’s leaves, their sounds of pain drowning out Ming Fan’s individual cry. A symphony of suffering erupts from the group of disciples that had just been bragging about hurting Luo Binghe. Shen Yuan feels a sick satisfaction twist through his stomach.

Ming Fan’s eyes widen as everyone either denies it or creates noises of pain themselves, though he tries to hide the fact that he’s spooked by jabbing his finger into the air. “O-one of you had to have done it!” he scowls. “I’m not stupid!”

Actually, he kind of is, though that’s mostly the onus of being an NPC, especially one in Proud Immortal Demon Way.

Each of the disciples’s gazes dart around, nervous and skeptical of the person beside them. Shen Yuan revels in the chaos, watching intently as they fidget and squirm. Hm. Maybe there is some fun to be had tormenting others. 

Shen Yuan shoots a leaf at one disciple’s knees, letting it brush the torn cloth but not his skin, causing him to automatically twitch erratically; immediately, a second disciple points at the first, his brows furrowed. “I saw Shao-shidi make some kind of gesture,” one disciple accuses brazenly.

Shao Xiang whirls around, a frown marring his face. “What?” he asks. “No, I didn’t! You–” Shaking with fury at being accused, Shao Xiang punches the other disciple in the nose with a crack, serving as the catalyst of an all-out brawl between the small group of rowdy disciples. If Shen Yuan had preplanned, he would’ve brought a bucket of popcorn. Since he hadn’t, instead, he turns the opposite way, smirking to himself.

It’s not exactly responsible to leave the disciples fighting, especially as Head Disciple, but the disciples on Bai Zhan Peak are ten times as hot-tempered and twenty times as destructive, so Shen Yuan doesn’t think it’s that horrible of a thing to do. And it’s all in the name of Luo Binghe! Even if no one knows about that part except for himself.

It was fun playing Batman for a bit, but he probably should return home. 

[+5 Luo Binghe Coolness Points!] the System chimes, its lights blinking green. [Keep the good work up, Host!]

His nose wrinkles as he ponders exactly how Shen Yuan handling bullies increases Luo Binghe’s Coolness Points, but he shrugs. He’s still not exactly sure what “Coolness Points” actually are, but as long as he gets the points, he supposes the specifics don’t really matter. 

Now that that little problem is dealt with, Shen Yuan finally treks back home to his little bamboo house.

“Welcome home, Shixiong,” Luo Binghe greets him warmly, his hair, smelling vaguely of cinnamon, plaited loosely into a braid. His eyes are bright, and his cheeks are flushed a healthy red, offsetting the scars and bruises, which seem on their way to healing. After his bath, he looks so comfortable and sated in his sleeping robes and it gives a certain aura of fluffiness to him that warms Shen Yuan’s heart. With a face like that, there’s no wonder he attracts every person in a five-mile radius! 

“You’re supposed to be in bed, resting,” Shen Yuan points out, though he can’t help the smile curving its way onto his lips.

Luo Binghe pouts, his brows furrowing. “But Shixiong hasn’t eaten yet.” Shen Yuan follows as Luo Binghe’s gaze lands on the table, where a fresh, hearty bowl of soup, stockpiled with vegetables and adorably-cut cubes of tofu, awaits him. Luo Binghe has insisted on making dinner for the two of them for the past few months, so seeing dinner on the table is not necessarily a surprise, but it conflicts Shen Yuan. “This one wanted to make sure that Shen-shixiong received his evening nutrition.”

Shen Yuan levels a flat stare at him. “Binghe is hurt.” Three seconds later, when Luo Binghe’s shoulders drop like he’s about to wilt like a flower if Shen Yuan doesn’t start complimenting him, Shen Yuan’s expression shifts into one of gratitude. “Well, thank you. It looks delicious.” Immediately, Luo Binghe’s mood brightens, and Shen Yuan rolls his eyes. This child is so difficult! “Did Binghe eat, at least?”

Luo Binghe beams, nodding. “I did!”

Shen Yuan hums in approval. “Good,” he says. At least Luo Binghe is feeding himself properly. “Now, go to bed. Shizun will expect you at classes in the morning.”

Luo Binghe blinks at him like Shen Yuan had said nothing. “Does Shixiong need anything else? Water? Tea? Juice? I can squeeze some–”

“ Juice?” he repeats incredulously. Did Luo Binghe get knocked in the head a little too hard earlier? He’s the one hurt, not Shen Yuan! “Binghe, go to bed.” He all but pushes Luo Binghe toward his room, his shoulders finally relaxing when he hears the door click shut. He really enjoys having the younger boy around, but he can be stubborn!

With one less hurt person to worry about in the room, Shen Yuan practically inhales the savory soup down, the meal stuffing his insides with an indescribable warmth. Luo Binghe really has talent!

The thought leaves the food that had settled in Shen Yuan’s stomach warm and soothingly a few moments prior, too cold and uncomfortable. It isn’t about the fact that he’s talented that Shen Yuan is worried about; rather, he’s nervous that the System is forcing him to leave Luo Binghe and all of his progress and talent to be kicked down into a fiery hell. 

A solution that pleases everyone would be impossible, and it’s Shen Yuan’s job to deal with it. The worst outcome would be having to choose between Luo Binghe and Shen Jiu, whether the ultimatum’s coming from Luo Binghe or his father. And even if this tug-of-war doesn’t exist, thee System insists that Luo Binghe has to go down one way or another.

No matter how much buttering up Shen Yuan can do to his father or revenge he can take on his fellow disciples, Shen Yuan is still at the whims of fate. Fate has brought him to Luo Binghe, and fate wants to rip him away. 

No matter how much Shen Yuan wants to protect Binghe — his sweet little disciple with the long, dark pretty eyelashes; the one whose cheeks redden when complimented; the one who studies his manuals until he’s memorized damn near every word — he’s not sure if he can win against fate.

Chapter Text

Half a year after his fifteenth birthday, Shen Jiu finally allows Shen Yuan to lead a mission of his own, with a small pack of disciples. The mission itself goes smoothly — Shen Yuan and his small group were able to easily track down a mischievous spirit and properly seal it away. However, the trouble begins brewing under the cover of the night sky, as the small band is returning to the Peak, which explains why Shen Yuan’s group is currently surrounded by a gang of robbers with extremely sharp swords.

“Hand over the money and no one gets hurt!” the robber growls, the tip of his sword glinting under the full moon. This line makes Shen Yuan want to roll his eyes — really, this is the line you want to use? The most cliche robber line in the history of histories? But it’s decidedly more important to come to a conclusion about how the group should act. 

Now, Shen Yuan has been robbed before. Well, he hasn’t been robbed per se — it was more like pickpocketed — but that’s on a technicality! From the television shows he’s watched, it’s better to give up some of the money and gold than risk someone getting hurt. On the other hand, he is an early-stage golden core cultivator and these robbers seem to be pure mortals. 

Before he can come to a final decision, another powerful voice makes him freeze in his tracks. “Leave us!” Ning Yingying yells, her tiny frame shaking with the power of her loud lungs and strong vocal cords. Her cheeks, still chubby from her baby fat, are red and her eyes set, one hand on the hilt of her sword. “Or face the wrath of Qing Jing Peak!” Still, despite her confidence, Shen Yuan wants to facepalm.

Shen Yuan’s eyes grow wide and his stomach drops. Ning Yingying…

Really, is she trying to piss the robbers off? He knows she means well, but seriously! It’s only getting worse! The robbers’ eyes narrow and Shen Yuan bites the inside of his cheek to keep from scolding aloud. 

He opens his mouth to tell her to back away when Ming Fan beats him to the punch. “She’s right! Stay away from Qing Jing disciples!”

Not you too, Ming Fan! Doesn’t anyone here have any self preservation skills?

Luo Binghe draws Zheng Yang, his eyes hardening in determination. “Get away from our shixiong!” 

Shen Yuan gapes openly. Binghe! Why are you supporting this mad agenda?

Shen Yuan catches Luo Binghe’s sleeve, yanking him back a little. "Binghe!" he hisses. " What are you doing?"

"Defending Shixiong!"

"Binghe," he murmurs, just softly enough so only the disciple can hear, "step back. Shixiong can handle this, he promises."

For a moment, it seems like Binghe will cave in to his shixiong’s desires. But at the last moment, the infamous expression of determination settles across the protagonist’s face, sinking Shen Yuan’s stomach. “Shixiong has always protected this disciple,” he says. “It’s time for me to repay my debts.”

"Binghe," Shen Yuan warns him again.

Luo Binghe slips from Shen Yuan’s grasp, his sword steady in his hands. The clash of swords startles Shen Yuan, but with five other disciples in his group in need of aid, Shen Yuan’s attention is quickly divided. He indulges the disciples this time, who had been aching for a good fight ever since the mission began, and he lets them spar against opponents who have no qualms about holding back.

Really, if it was completely up to Shen Yuan, he would be more diplomatic in his efforts, but when hosting a few disciples for a few days, they can become quite antsy!

Luo Binghe holds his own in the battle, the fierce force of the protagonist bleeding through. However, he is still only thirteen and some odd months, and thus, tires out easily. An extremely lucky hit is enough for the thief to gain an upper hand against Luo Binghe, and the disciple’s eyes widen as he’s struck against the head.

“ Binghe! ” he shouts, watching Luo Binghe tip back. Their gazes meet for a small moment — Luo Binghe’s eyes wide in terror and fear — before Luo Binghe crumples to the ground. 

Shen Yuan rushes over to him, cradling his head in his hands, and cursing when Luo Binghe’s body goes completely slack, unconscious. When Shen Yuan pulls his hands away, they’re wet and pink in the moonlight. 

Shen Yuan’s stomach churns and he purses his lips, drawing his eyebrows together. 

The fun’s over! The fun’s definitely over. Those robbers really have no idea who they’re messing with.

Shen Yuan beckons Ming Fan, who had fortunately tuckered his opponent out, and the young disciple rushes over at once. He tries, and fails, to hide the grimace that pops up on his face when he realizes who Shen Yuan is holding. Shen Yuan pays that no mind, though. “Ming-shidi,” he says. “Watch your shidi for me while I handle these robbers.”

Ming Fan screws up his face, his mouth opening to complain. “But–”

Shen Yuan doesn’t hesitate in making his voice as hard as unflinching steel. “ Now.” He doesn’t have time for this.

“Yes, shixiong,” Ming Fan mumbles, miserably propping up Luo Binghe’s head. 

Of course Shen Yuan could’ve handled it by himself. He’s had more training than everyone here combined, having been drilled since birth by his father, the Peak Lord of Qing Jing Peak. He’d only stepped aside because he wanted to give the less-trained disciples some space — especially Luo Binghe, who deserves the opportunity to fight with others besides himself. He can’t quite tell if that was a mistake yet, but he begins to feel something akin to regret bubbling in his gut.

He deals with the robbers rather easily — after all, they might have gotten their hands on some magic talismans, but at the end of the day, they were still only mortals — but his heart is still racing, adrenaline pumping through his veins as he gives orders over the still bodies of the robbers. Binghe hasn’t awakened yet, and Shen Yuan’s worried. The carriage is a little scuffed up from the fight, but it’s been through worse, so it’s in his arms that Luo Binghe rests, his eyes shut peacefully like he’s asleep.

Miraculously, they return back to Cang Qiong with no further incidents. Though Shen Yuan would usually make an encouraging speech for the rest of the disciples, his mind is solely dedicated to Luo Binghe. For the rest of the trip, in fact, he spends the time silently combing his fingers through Luo Binghe’s soft curls gently and soothingly, just in case he awakens.

"Luo Binghe shall make a full recovery," Mu Qingfang tells him, gathering up his medical supplies into a small pouch. He glances one more time at Luo Binghe before smiling politely at the conscious disciple. "His meridians are clear, but the strength of his physical injury has knocked him unconscious." Shen Yuan nods, his heart finally stopping its racket against his chest. Luo Binghe would be alright. If he thinks rationally, then of course Luo Binghe would be, but that doesn’t stop the relief from coursing through his veins. "He should awaken in the next couple of hours." 

Shen Yuan bows his head. "Thank you, Mu-shishu," he says, though his gaze can’t help but wander to Luo Binghe’s still form. "This disciple appreciates it."

In this room, Shen Yuan feels restless. He knows his shishu has done everything possible to heal Luo Binghe, but he still paces across the room and keeps his eyes trained on Luo Binghe's body for the slightest hint of consciousness. Movement of the eyes, twitches of the fingers — Shen Yuan doesn't care, as long as it's a sign of Binghe waking up. 

Subconsciously, he knows that Luo Binghe will be fine. The stallion OP protagonist can't possibly die in his own story! But seeing his motionless body and his still, serene face causes a lump to form in Shen Yuan's throat. 

Luo Binghe finally stirs, and instantly, Shen Yuan is by his side, leaning on the side of the bed. He watches as Luo Binghe’s eyes flutter open to reveal those beautiful, shiny, starry orbs that rest underneath his eyelids. Shen Yuan’s heart untangles itself and his anxiety melts away. "Shixiong?" Luo Binghe murmurs, regaining his consciousness. "Where am I?" He sits up, albeit slowly, his back against the wall and Shen Yuan watches him carefully to make sure that there are no lingering aftereffects. A few moments of surveying the younger disciple leaves him satisfied that just as Mu Qingfang had said, Luo Binghe is well.

Now that Luo Binghe is awake and clearly mentally well, Shen Yuan is finally able to be upset with him. He settles back, away from the protagonist, his face stony. How dare this little brat disobey his shixiong’s orders? He’s going to let Luo Binghe have it! "Qian Cao Peak," Shen Yuan answers shortly. He looks pointedly at the bandages on Luo Binghe's arms. "You're being treated for your injuries." 

Luo Binghe blinks, as if all of his memories about the event are rushing at him at once. He ducks his head, his eyes trained on his fists. "This one apologizes for getting hurt, Shixiong," Luo Binghe says despondently, his lips pressed together in a firm line of self-disappointment. "He should've been stronger."

Shen Yuan snorts, frustrated. Luo Binghe’s taken the wrong lesson! "Binghe is fourteen!" he exclaims, emphasizing his age. "He can't have been stronger!"

Luo Binghe frowns stubbornly. "I could have tried even more," Binghe insists. "I let Shixiong down—"

Shen Yuan closes his eyes and holds up his hand. "Stop." Luo Binghe's mouth shuts fast and audibly and it would be comical if the rambling weren't annoying. Shen Yuan opens his eyes and sighs, patting the younger disciple's hand gently. "Binghe did not let his shixiong down, nor did he let his fellow disciples down, nor did he let his Peak down." He pauses before continuing, now with a frown upon his face. He flicks Binghe's ear gently. "The only thing that Binghe failed in doing was listening when this shixiong gave him an order."

"This one apologizes," Luo Binghe says, ashamed at the reprimand he's been given. He pouts, his dark eyes watering. "He regrets everything." Shen Yuan watches Luo Binghe before exhaling, his heart softening. Disappointing his Shixiong has really seemed to have an effect on the poor boy. He seems to have really taken the boy's words to heart. Maybe that’s enough torture for Luo Binghe today. 

"It's alright," Shen Yuan sighs, lifting his hand to Binghe's face. "Shixiong forgives Binghe." Shen Yuan drags his thumb against Luo Binghe's cheek gently, his eyes soft and crinkled. The apples of the boy's cheeks are flushed pink, a vast difference from the waxy pallor they were before, when he was lying lifelessly in the med bay. He doesn't know what he would have done if… 

Shen Yuan shakes his head, biting his lip.

He doesn't even want to finish the thought.

When he comes back to reality and the eye contact with the other disciple comes into view, he notices that Luo Binghe's cheeks are now burning red. Ah, too much the other way! Shen Yuan releases his hold on his cheek, instead laying the back of his hand flat against Luo Binghe's forehead. "Are you sick?" he asks quickly. "Shall I call Qingfang-shishu to return?"

Fortunately, the color fades away the longer that Luo Binghe stares at him. "No, shixiong. This one is fine now," Luo Binghe assures him. He thinks for a moment before smiling shyly. "But maybe I'll become better faster if you hold my hand."

Shen Yuan tsks. "Are you a baby?" he asks, though he freely offers his left hand, palm facing up. Luo Binghe doesn't answer, instead taking the hand into his own and gazing at it as if he’s entranced. 

Anyway, Luo Binghe is right! He can soothe Binghe's pain with his own by flushing some of his own qi through his meridians, and he does just that. Luo Binghe squeezes his hand and Shen Yuan can’t help but let his lips relax into a smile. Together, they sit in the room for a few quiet moments, the sharp, minty fragrance of ointment drifting in the air. Suddenly, something strikes Shen Yuan’s memory and he turns to face Luo Binghe.

“Binghe has no need to ‘repay his debts,’” Shen Yuan says very seriously.

Luo Binghe’s eyebrows knit together and his gaze — which had been trained on their joined hands for whatever reason — flits back to Shen Yuan’s face. “Hm?”

Shen Yuan gestures with his hands. “Earlier,” he says, reminding Binghe, “Binghe said he had debts to repay. Well, they’re all wiped clean. Better yet, you never had any debts to pay in the first place.”

Understanding crosses Luo Binghe’s face and once it does, he lets his hand slip from Shen Yuan’s so that he can cross his arms over his chest stubbornly. “I do, Shixiong,” Luo Binghe argues. He frowns, letting his arms fall before picking at his fingers. “Shen-shixiong has given me a place to live, a place to sleep, a place to cook, books to study, and he has helped improve my studies.” He looks back at Shen Yuan, his starry eyes letting Shen Yuan take a glimpse into the vast universe. “I do not know if I would be here without you, Shixiong.”

Shen Yuan pauses, soaking in Binghe’s heartfelt confession. He touches the back of the younger disciple’s hand lightly, his fingers barely brushing against Shen Yuan’s knuckles. “I appreciate that. However, if you really feel that strongly, then you can repay me by picking out my clothes and doing my laundry,” Shen Yuan says teasingly. His face sombers and he purses his lips together, his gray eyes making contact with Binghe’s dark orbs. “Do not risk your life for me, Binghe. That’s the one thing I ask.”

Luo Binghe swallows, but he nods obediently.

“Good,” Shen Yuan says.

Shen Yuan is startled into a new day when the sun spills through the window, where loose fabric billows from the breeze of the morning. He opens his eyes, frowning a little as he sniffs the air. He’s grown spoiled by the aroma of the freshly-baked or cooked goods that Luo Binghe lavishes on him in the morning, so he’s disappointed — and a bit bemused — when the smell of food is practically nonexistent.

Come to think of it, as he’s listening, he doesn’t hear anything in the house — not the sound of Luo Binghe humming as he prepares for the day in the side room nor the bustling that the younger disciple tends to do in the morning, flitting around and making sure the house is neat and tidy. 

Truthfully, it worries Shen Yuan a bit. “...Binghe?” he calls hesitantly. Initially, there is no response, but Shen Yuan hears a splash near the window. His eyebrows furrow, but after dressing for the day, he follows the noise outside.

He finds Luo Binghe outside in the warm, spring sun, wringing the water out of the robes that Shen Yuan had worn the week prior. Luo Binghe’s doing laundry, but somehow, Shen Yuan is even more confused. It’s a little random, seeing as they had an unspoken agreement of letting the clothes pile up until the bundle practically reaches the roof for the past year.

Shen Yuan’s eyebrows knit together in confusion. “What are you doing, Binghe?”

Luo Binghe pauses, resting his hands against the rim of the wash basin and letting the cloth float in the soapy, murky water. He suddenly looks uncertain. “Shen-shixiong said that I should do the laundry to show my appreciation for him.”

Shen Yuan ruminates, internally sorting through their past conversations before he laughs, finally remembering his words. “Binghe, this shixiong was teasing! I wasn’t serious.”

Luo Binghe blinks owlishly at him. “Oh,” he says, gazing down upon the pile of clothes sheepishly, the tips of his ears turning pink.

Shen Yuan wants to laugh again, but his poor lotus is already embarrassed enough. Instead, he shakes his head. “These are cleaned very well,” Shen Yuan says, purposely passing by him to ruffle his hair. He makes a show of sorting through the laundry, and nodding his head in approval with each article of clothing. “Binghe did a good job.” Luo Binghe beams and Shen Yuan tosses him a grin back. It’s the least he can do for such a hard worker! “We have class later this afternoon, so I can treat Binghe to a snack.”

“Shixiong is the best,” Luo Binghe says. Then, a determined expression flits across his face, and he returns to his duties, scrubbing more vigorously than before.

Shen Yuan just laughs, wondering what exactly he did in his past life to have such an endearing version of the OP protagonist by his side.

“Would you mind if I watch you?” he asks curiously as the younger boy continues to sort through their laundry. “You seem to have better techniques than I do.”

Luo Binghe freezes, and Shen Yuan suddenly feels as if he’s done something wrong. Luo Binghe stares at the bucket of now-still, murky water before abruptly startling himself out of his stupor. “Oh,” he says, coming back to himself. Still, he doesn’t exactly seem like himself, his tone more monotone. “This one apologizes. Of course not.”

Shen Yuan’s taken aback by the mood shift, and he glances, really   looks at the younger boy, whose expression is still blank. The air between them has gone eerily quiet. Even the wind itself, which had been merrily whistling past, seems to silence. “Is something wrong?” Shen Yuan asks hesitantly.

Luo Binghe doesn’t answer for a few moments. “No,” he replies, teetering on the verge of apologetic. “It’s just…”

“Binghe can confide in this one, whenever,” Shen Yuan assures him, putting the faintest amount of pressure on Binghe’s arm.

Luo Binghe stares at him for a moment, almost as if he’s seeing right through Shen Yuan. Shen Yuan doesn’t breathe, letting Luo Binghe sort through whatever complicated thoughts that are hostage in his brain. “My mother was a washerwoman,” Luo Binghe finally explains softly, his gaze faraway. “That’s how I learned many of these techniques.”

Right. Shen Yuan feels like such an asshole for even bringing it up. “And your mother…” He clamps his mouth shut at the last moment — he had accidentally been about to muse aloud that Luo Binghe’s mother “was dead” and some potentially insensitive speculation. Fortunately, Luo Binghe seems to take it more as a prompt than anything else.

“She’s no longer here,” he replies shortly. 

Shen Yuan’s heart floods with sympathy. He’s never lost a loved one — well, in a sense; technically, in his death, he’d lost all of his loved ones, but he had never liked to dwell on the fact too much — so it’s impossible to find the words that comfort a broken soul. Still, he knows that Binghe would still appreciate the thought. “I’m so sorry, Binghe.”

As expected, Luo Binghe shakes his head, his lips quirking up in a halfhearted smile. “It’s not Shixiong’s fault.” He sucks his teeth before gesturing to the rest of the Peak generally. “She’s the reason why I try so hard. The reason why it’s important for me to do well on Qing Jing Peak.”

[Motivation Established! +50 B-Points]

Shen Yuan grits his teeth, and he can practically hear the scraping of their grinding. Stupid System! Quit! Cheapening! The! Moment!

Shen Yuan allows himself a moment longer of grinding his teeth in irritation before huffing a breath, calming his external features. “I see,” he says, meaning it genuinely. The novel and real life are two incredibly different experiences, and it’s becoming harder and harder to even associate the young lotus in front of him with his OG counterpart. “Thank you for telling me, Binghe. This one is glad that you had enough trust to share that.”

Luo Binghe swallows, his gaze drifting down to the ground. “I no longer have someone to protect me, so I must protect myself,” he shrugs half heartedly. “That is why I must become the best.”

“You know,” Shen Yuan begins casually, “my father has said something along those lines.”

Luo Binghe's expression settles into one of grim interest. “He has?” 

“Mm,” Shen Yuan hums. “I don’t know if that’s the best course of action, though.” Luo Binghe glances at him inquisitively, but does not dare to ask. 

“Well, we have friends and family in order to protect us,” Shen Yuan explains anyway. “We also protect them. It is a two-way deal.”

Luo Binghe considers the words before his shoulders slump. “Maybe,” He shrugs halfheartedly again, kicking at a stray rock and, in the process, dirtying the white rims of his trousers. “This disciple wouldn’t exactly understand. My mother was the last of my family. And I have no friends.”

“No friends?” Shen Yuan echoes. He puts on his most hurt face and crosses his arms. “Binghe, I’m hurt.”

Suddenly, Luo Binghe flushes all over so fast that Shen Yuan hardly even sees it coming. But the embarrassment and mortification floods out of Luo Binghe so vibrantly and violently that it’s practically potent — Binghe is red everywhere now, from the apples of his cheeks to his wrists, which peek out of the long sleeves of his uniform. “This one wouldn’t—I didn’t mean—I just didn’t know …” He slumps his shoulders, too tongue-tied to even stick to one reason. “...I wasn’t thinking, Shixiong.” 

Shen Yuan summons his fan, flicking it out to hide his smile. Binghe would be rightfully offended if he saw just how bad Shen Yuan is at keeping it together at Binghe’s expense. Plus, it would totally mess with his reputation if another disciple comes past and sees him giggling like some carefree schoolchild. “As long as it doesn’t happen again,” he says.

Luo Binghe shakes his head, biting his lip anxiously. “It won’t!”

Shen Yuan breaks out into a visible smile this time, and he nudges the younger boy. What an innocent soul! “Binghe, I’m teasing you,” he explains, smirking. He sobers, meeting Luo Binghe’s dark eyes. “I’m proud to call Binghe my friend.”

“Truly?” Luo Binghe asks softly.

“Yes,” He leans against the wall of the cottage with his arms crossed. He sighs. “I…still don’t like what you did a couple of days ago, but I understand why you did it. And I understand what you mean about protection. I’m just hoping that we can protect each other from here on out.”

“ Oof,” he manages to eke out before Luo Binghe’s squeezing the life out of him, his arms thrown around Shen Yuan’s shoulders. Shen Yuan allows him these few precious moments before patting Luo Binghe’s back, the warmth of the sunlight heating them both. “Alright, alright. That’s enough.”

As Shen Yuan pulls away, a glimmer of something new flickers in Luo Binghe's eyes — not only gratitude but a deeper understanding, a newfound trust. "We'll protect each other," Luo Binghe vows, his voice rough. "Together."

Chapter Text

Shen Yuan is not stupid. He’s never thought of himself as stupid; not in this life, and not in his past life, either. 

He’s solved countless mystery and thriller games on his Oculus in under two hours, far shorter than the YouTube tutorial he had watched afterwards to compare; he’s beaten all of the mind games and word riddles on that one website that comes out with a new puzzle every day; even academically, he had tested extremely well on his exams, and thus, could enroll into a great university that made his parents, older brothers, and little sister proud. 

He’s never felt as stupid as he does when playing this dumbass System’s game, though.

See, he’s watched anime and donghua with tricky villains and hard-headed bad guys that seem almost impossible to beat. Usually, there’s a weak link in the antagonist’s arsenal, and all the main character has to do is exploit this flaw, and bam! The world is saved, and the loot is the protagonist’s for the taking. 

But!

The role of protagonist is already taken by Binghe, so unfortunately, this sort of luck isn’t in Shen Yuan’s favor. In fact, it almost seems to be dead-set against Shen Yuan’s favor! Every single time the System has said something to Shen Yuan, it’s almost always about his impending death and an offer of a mission to help him stock up on points. Like he needs a reminder that if he doesn’t collect enough booty within the game, he’ll perish and cease to live! He knows, System, he knows!

The annoyance has only intensified with the arrival of the unnecessarily flickering message in the corner of his screen, labeled ‘IMPORTANT MESSAGE…IMPORTANT MESSAGE.’ It scrolls on the screen like the bland, tossed-aside news does on the bottom of the screen during a news report, though it’s a million times more irritating because of the actual message that’s underneath it; one that’s changed everything.

[Typically, in order to pass the checkpoint of ENDLESS ABYSS, 10,000 points are required!] The System had chirped as cheerily as it could, being a…machine(?) and all. [However, the ‘SOULMATE’ trait that Host possesses creates an unfair advantage; thus, Host will be required to receive 15,000 B-Points!]

What. The. Hell.

It’s not like Shen Yuan chose to put his game on so-called ‘Easy Mode.’ He was randomly spawned into this universe; cut him some slack, System!

Alas, the System is cold and unforgiving, a soulless being in whatever this shitty mechanic was. Forced to grind until he arrived at the 15,000-point benchmark! What a decidedly horrible way to live; Shen Yuan mourns over the loss of his humanity. The rest of his teenagehood will be dedicated to slaving away in the hopes of receiving the equivalent of drops in the bucket for each mission he completes. Though the System came to him as a twelve-year-old, and he’s had access to the Doom Board since then as well, he’s only begun collecting points for a little over a year and a half. Since then, he’s accumulated a measly near-1,500 points. At the rate he’s going, he’ll have to make virtually no mistakes or errors to accumulate the necessary points. So unfair!

Shen Yuan sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. “ And what happens if I don’t get enough points again? ”

System chirps in what Shen Yuan can only assume is supposed to be a sad way. [Host will be sent back to his original world…]

“... Where I’ll die, because I was already dead, ” Shen Yuan finishes, rolling his eyes. What a lose-lose situation! He and Luo Binghe have been bonding, how is he supposed to let Luo Binghe fall into the Abyss now ? Suddenly, he blinks, his mind catching on something the System said. “ Wait. You said ‘typically.’ Are there other people here? From my world?

The System whirs softly, as if it’s considering the answer to Shen Yuan’s question. After exactly ten seconds, the system chimes with a new update.

[Mission: Caterpillar's Calling. Help the protagonist defeat a high-level villain and collect coolness points! Prize: 100 B-Points. Does Host want to accept? YES | NO] it says instead, changing the subject.

That is not what he asked! Stupid System!!

Shen Yuan, in the midst of his anger, hears a noise from the next room over, and all of a sudden, he remembers what’s at risk. Not only does Shen Yuan have his own life to look after, he has Binghe’s. Binghe is the sweetest human that Shen Yuan has met in his life; the smartest and funniest, too. He’s just made a protection vow for Luo Binghe; he can’t go back on it now!

Just like that, all of his initial anger dissipates into the air, instead transforming into pure, hard resolve. 

His mantra comes to mind:

Accept, deal with it, move on.

Shen Yuan swallows, exhaling through his nose. He needs to see it through — for both of their sakes. He nods to himself, closing his eyes to let the words suffuse through every limb of his body. 

Accept. Deal with it. Move on.

Shen Yuan is about to huff in resignation and accept the mission when he hears a hoarse cough and furrows his eyebrows, mimicking the sound he heard earlier, only much clearer. This raspy, rattling cough certainly is not coming from himself, and the only other person in the cottage is–

Oh, shit.

Shen Yuan waves away the System and stands, knocking on the side door before allowing himself to peek in. "Binghe?" He calls, and a noise that Shen Yuan figures to be a weak reply is made.

Shen Yuan takes in the sight of the young boy. There are deep, dark circles underneath his eyes and the tip of his button nose and sclera of his eyes are a bright, ill red. Really, Luo Binghe seems as if he's about to pass out right on the spot. 

“ Ah, what’s the matter with him? ”

The System flashes. [Host-dada, the protagonist is ill.]

“ …Gee, thanks. I couldn’t tell. ”

Shen Yuan narrows his eyes in concern, enveloping Luo Binghe’s hands in his own. "You're exhausted," he says in realization. He grimaces, ruminating on what punishments his father could have given Luo Binghe while Shen Yuan was out of commission. "I didn't realize he's been working you so hard."

Luo Binghe glances up at him weakly, then averts his eyes. "It's–"

"No, it's not," Shen Yuan says, frowning. He already knows that Luo Binghe would try to brush it off; try to reassure him that it's okay, but it's so obviously not. Raising his hand, he touches Luo Binghe's forehead with the back of his palm, almost yelping when it makes contact. Luo Binghe’s flesh is almost burning to the touch and the young disciple is soaked in sweat, staining his robes.

"You were sick over the past few days," Luo Binghe says softly, shaking his head. His voice is raspy and his tone is weak, but Luo Binghe defends Shen Yuan's honor even when it goes against his own best interest. "Shixiong couldn't have known."

Shen Yuan bites his lip, unruly thoughts running through his head. He's supposed to be the sick one! He has no idea how to take care of a sick individual other than himself, especially not when they're supposed to be leaving in the next couple of days for a mission. He sweeps Luo Binghe's curls away from his face, tying it back with the ribbon that he gifted him when he first met the younger disciple so that the curls aren't plastered against his sweaty forehead. He looks so miserable that it’s sort of cute — in the way that puppies are cute when they’re in timeout, or something. Just in that way. "This shixiong will try to figure out a way to make you feel better."

Shen Yuan can't remember whether or not Luo Binghe can catch common flus and such that mortals suffer from; after all, a Heavenly Demon’s blood makes it almost impossible for them to become sick. Peering closer, to Shen Yuan, it really does look like it’s at least a serious case of exhaustion, though, and if he doesn't stop and rest soon, Luo Binghe could have a qi deviation. On top of the accumulated chores that Shen Qingqiu had tossed at him, the boy must've been practicing hard without the proper supervision of his Shixiong.

Shen Yuan shakes his head. Whatever happened, it's all in the past now. What he needs to focus on is the future and how the fuck he's gonna bullshit his way past this one. He knows they have a mission tomorrow — Luo Binghe had begun preparing for it almost two weeks ago, to Shen Yuan’s then-amusement, now horror — and Shen Qingqiu will not be happy to discover that a disciple is missing, much less Luo Binghe. 

This means that Shen Yuan now has one day to figure out how exactly he's going to either stay here and recover or take care of Binghe so that he's all ready to leave by tomorrow. Tomorrow being the day that they leave to go fulfill a mission handed to the group by top NPC, Yue Qingyuan, that Shen Qingqiu had accepted without a second thought. 

He has one day. He just has to make it count. 

Well…

At least he’d tried!

Shen Yuan doesn’t know how time can trudge so slowly one day, and then zip through faster than he can even begin to comprehend it the next day. The previous day, loaded with taking care of his own duties, Binghe’s duties and then taking care of the disciple himself, had been stocked full before Shen Yuan could even begin to cook up a viable plan.

He really had spent the entire day thinking on ways to escape Shen Qingqiu's wrath unscathed while allowing Luo Binghe to recover, but taking care of a sick person is hard, plus with all of Shen Yuan's duties that he had skipped out on in the previous week, he’d had no time to think up a convoluted, elaborate plan to allow Luo Binghe to stay home.

Shen Yuan has told Luo Binghe that he'll be coming back for him and to rest up, so the little disciple's still soundly asleep in his bed. Shen Yuan still has one more trick up his sleeve and that's confronting his father right before everyone leaves so that it's too hard to say no!

Some might describe it as 'cowardly,' but it’s just so dumb that it might work! In any case, he really owes it to Luo Binghe. The little lotus always tries his hardest in everything that he does and he always takes care of Shen Yuan, so Shen Yuan wants to take care of Luo Binghe, too. They’ve made that promise, and Shen Yuan wants to do his best to keep it.

He tries to remind himself of that when he makes his way to the square, where the horses are kicking their hooves, stirring dust against the sandy ground and the disciples are finishing up Shen Qingqiu's carriage's preparations. Shen Yuan isn't scared of his father, per se, but he is worried about how he'll react. Especially because he seems like he's already in a terrible mood since he's already scolding a disciple when Shen Yuan arrives at the square. 

"How could you forget his horse?" Shen Qingqiu hisses, the words settling in each disciple’s belly like unflinching concrete. "You know of his illness!"

That poor little cannon fodder disciple nods sullenly, apologizing profusely to their irate shizun. "I apologize, Shizun!" 

The outward rage vanishes from Shen Qingqiu’s face as he tuts, clicking his tongue. Shen Qingqiu's fan snaps open and he finally regards the cannon fodder disciple coolly, gazing at him over the tops of the paper fan. "Remind me that Liao Shi is due for forty lashes when we return, Ming Fan," Shen Qingqiu says, his voice barely above a murmur. Still, everyone can hear him and the cannon fodder disciple wilts, his shoulders drooping. Shen Yuan does not envy him at this particular moment.

Ming Fan bows to Shen Qingqiu in reverence. "Yes, Shizun!" he exclaims enthusiastically. 

Shen Yuan sighs. If Ming Fan keeps this behavior up, then Luo Binghe will most certainly inflict torture on him! It's a bit sad, though, because — aside from his own torturing of Luo Binghe and other disciples he deems weak — he's a diligent worker. 

He turns to his father, who is already annoyed, and hopes that what he proposes next will not spoil his mood even further. "It's alright, Shizun," Shen Yuan says, smiling a bit to see if it brightens his father’s mood. It doesn't. But Shen Yuan will persist! "Binghe and I can stay back and finish the paperwork."

Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes at the mention of Binghe. "That is not necessary," Shen Qingqiu says, his voice cold as an icicle. "As a disciple, Luo Binghe must have the proper training of one. That includes going out on missions with the rest of his level-group."

Shen Yuan straightens his shoulders. He's not afraid of what his father will do to him — although his father is stringent with the other disciples on the peak, he has never so much as harmed a hair on Shen Yuan's head — he is afraid of what may happen to Luo Binghe, since his father doesn't have any qualms about hurting him as 'punishments.' Still, he has a duty to protect Luo Binghe, as his shixiong and… soulmate. 

And Shen Yuan is not above using his illnesses — his bouts of once-a-year sickness considered rare for the immortal world, yet common for the mortal world — to do the work for him. "I do not feel well, Shizun and neither does he. I fear I may have passed on whatever illness I had onto him," Shen Yuan lies. He's very aware of the rest of the disciples watching him, but he can't bring himself to care as his brain is sacked with the image of poor Luo Binghe all sick and alone in his bed before moving on. "I can stay and help watch over the Peak's affairs, but I'd feel more comfortable if there was someone to help me out here."

Shen Qingqiu deigns to lift his cold gaze towards the growing crowd around them. "What are you all staring at?" he snaps to the other disciples milling around the Peak Lord and his son, watching with wide eyes. The disciples in question scurry to their horses and positions, leaving Shen Yuan and Shen Qingqiu standing behind the carriage. 

Shen Yuan purses his lips, an idea shaping in his mind. "Besides," he says, glancing at the black-speckled horses that pound their hooves against the ground in boredom, "there are two missing horses anyway. We might as well stay–"

Shen Jiu whips out his fan unhappily. "This is not an argument," the Peak Lord says sharply. His tone stuns Shen Yuan silent. "One hundred laps around the mountain when you're feeling better." He waves his hand dismissively, effectively ending the conversation, before stomping away.

Shen Yuan groans. He knows when his luck has run out — and yeah, his luck has just run out. 

Now, he has to act in desperation. 

He hauls ass back to his bamboo house, where he finds Luo Binghe absolutely knocked out in his bed, body in a lazy spread eagle. In the wake of the protagonist’s inherent power-riddled aura, even Shen Yuan has to stop and bask in Binghe’s presence.

The younger disciple really looks so peaceful and gentle as he sleeps, his long, dark eyelashes fluttering softly as his chest expands and contracts in the typical shallow breaths of the sick. Shen Yuan takes one more moment to to bask before swiftly tucking his hands under Luo Binghe's armpits and hefting him over his shoulder. The poor boy's so fatigued that he hardly even stirs, and although Luo Binghe's diet has generally been better since he's arrived, a long life of malnutrition and hunger still shows on his frame, making the boy easy to carry, even for a relative weakling like Shen Yuan. 

He carries Luo Binghe out of the bamboo house and deems himself lucky that most of the disciples that Shen Qingqiu decided to take on the trip lived the closest to their bamboo houses, meaning there are less people around to catch him while he’s on the lam. As he struggles through keeping Binghe balanced on his shoulder while trudging through the courtyard, Shen Yuan realizes a little too belatedly that it might've been smarter to plan out where he was going to take Luo Binghe, and most importantly, what he was going to do with him — which sounds creepier than he meant it to — once he got there.

Examining the open space around him while simultaneously feeling his knees about to buckle, he heads to the old shed just a bit more south than his current location. It's really not that far of a walk, but no one would be looking in there for the time being, so it's really the perfect place for them to hide out from Ming Fan and Shen Qingqiu. If Shen Qingqiu steps into the bamboo house and finds Luo Binghe, then he'd haul him out of bed and probably force him to walk alongside the carriage, even as sick as he is. But if Shen Qingqiu and his enforcer disciples can’t find Luo Binghe, then he'd be able to stay, since this particular mission is time-sensitive. 

It's a foolproof plan!

Shen Yuan had wanted to complete the System’s mission, but one glance at Luo Binghe’s sorry state aided him in making up his mind to stay. He can’t help that Luo Binghe has such a magnetic hold over him; one that squeezes his heart and brain dry of reasoning and yet fills him with affection each and every day. It had been long ago when Shen Yuan still had any choice in the matter, but now Luo Binghe has taken up his space as a priority. 

He slips in through the back instead of the rusted front and sets Luo Binghe on the floor. He closes the door and waits for some random disciple to walk past, casually slumping against the door.

"Shixiong, have you seen Luo Binghe?" the disciple asks, first bowing before straightening up again. 

"Yes," Shen Yuan replies simply.

The disciple blinks in confusion, clearly expecting more of an answer than what Shen Yuan gave him. "Please tell this disciple where, Shixiong."

"I locked him up," Shen Yuan replies, just as simply as before. The disciple is even more bemused, but he knows better than to question the shizun’s son. He thanks Shen Yuan and walks away, presumably to tell on Shen Yuan. But that's a problem for another day! The mission is accomplished! 

Shen Yuan muses to himself a little — saying that he locked up Binghe sounded a little creepier than he meant it to, but it really is for Binghe's own good!

…That sounded kind of creepy, too.

He's distracted by a soft thump from inside of the shed and he straightens to attention, pressing his ear against the dirty wooden door. "Binghe?" 

"Shixiong?" a muffled voice comes from inside the shed. The voice is bemused and fatigued, but not upset or frightened. "Am I…trapped?"

Shen Yuan nods, although he realizes belatedly that Luo Binghe can't actually see him. "Yes, don't worry!" he calls through the door. 

"Oh," Luo Binghe says faintly. There's another soft thump and Shen Yuan impatiently taps his foot against the ground, peeking over his shoulder. The group hasn't left yet, the last couple of disciples milling around in hopes of catching the stray disciple, but in a few minutes, their horses should be kicking up dust. 

Ten minutes, then twenty minutes pass and finally, he feels the ring that his father gave to him pulsate, indicating that Shen Qingqiu was farther than the "home" distance. Shen Yuan stands and opens the door to find a shivering Luo Binghe. It's not a particularly cold day, which makes Shen Yuan sigh and wrap his arms around Luo Binghe. He rubs at Luo Binghe's shoulders before hefting him up, throwing an arm around his waist to keep him steady. They slowly make their way back to their little bamboo house and Shen Yuan sighs in relief when they reach the front door. He ushers Luo Binghe into his room and eases him onto the small, custom-made sofa that Shen Yuan had requested personally, before excusing himself to make a pot of tea.

Luo Binghe's a champ for not spitting it out because it tastes awful when they both take a sip minutes later when Shen Yuan kneels at the head of Luo Binghe’s bed. It tastes how an unwashed foot smells; the bitter, salty tea going down like bits of gravel down their throats.

Whatever. The most important part is that it’s hot and has plenty of herbs and nutrients for Binghe’s body to use as it mends itself together again. 

Once Binghe finishes his tea, Shen Yuan helps him take off the outermost layers of his clothing and watches him crawl into bed. Luo Binghe is obviously tired, his mouth stretching into a yawn, but he valiantly attempts to fight his drooping eyelids. Shen Yuan sighs affectionately. "Go to sleep, Binghe," he says.

Luo Binghe frowns. "But–"

Shen Yuan shakes his head and pushes Luo Binghe's chest down so that his whole body lays flat against the bed. "Shh."

Luo Binghe still looks like he wants to argue, but as soon as his head hits the pillow, he's down for good. "Thanking Shixiong," he mumbles, his eyelids fluttering shut as soon as Shen Yuan pulls the cover up over his chest. 

Shen Yuan cards a hand through the boy's curly mane. It's been getting frizzier and frizzier, reflecting the lack of maintenance caused by his overworking. "You poor boy." He pats Luo Binghe's cheek gently before leaving the other boy to rest. 

Luo Binghe wakes up after a few hours of sleeping, stretching his arms above his head. Shen Yuan hears the mattress creak with aware movement and the thuds that move across the floor, ending right behind him. Once he finishes with the report, Shen Yuan smiles up at him affectionately. "What is Binghe standing there for? Is he feeling better?"

Luo Binghe nods, although it's still a bit slow and Shen Yuan reminds himself to tell Binghe to go back to bed in half an hour. "Yes, Shixiong," Luo Binghe replies, his voice still somewhat hoarse. He eyes the piles of papers on his desk and then flits his eyes to Shen Yuan, a small frown of concern overtaking his features. "Has Shen-shixiong eaten yet?"

Shen Yuan shakes his head. "No, not yet," he answers mildly. He’s not very hungry at the moment, either. How could he be, when his stomach is occupied being too bundled up with nerves?

Luo Binghe's chest puffs out. "Then I shall prepare some food to eat," he says.

Shen Yuan lifts an eyebrow. “You are ill,” he reminds him.

“This one will wear a scarf over his mouth so that he doesn’t get Shixiong sick,” Luo Binghe declares determinedly, like that had been Shen Yuan’s main concern. Shen Yuan rolls his eyes.

“Binghe.”

“I’ll make something very quickly,” Binghe pleads, jutting his lower lip out. Unfortunately for Shen Yuan, Luo Binghe had learned very quickly that Shen Yuan would let him get away with murder if he pouted, and continues to use that fact to his every advantage. 

And as always, Shen Yuan relents. “Alright,” Shen Yuan concedes, if only to watch the delight brighten Binghe’s reddened eyes. “But I’m watching you. Closely.” And he would be. After all, guilt would consume him if Binghe passed out and, even worse, hit his head on something just because he wanted to cook. 

Luo Binghe lights up, looking less miserable than he had for the whole day, despite his runny nose and audibly raspy throat. He grins charismatically, one side of his mouth lifting in a content smirk. “Okay! Shixiong, please watch this one!”

Wait…that kind of sounded like one of the original goods’ lines to a woman in his harem! Shen Yuan shakes his head, sighing affectionately. This protagonist child is too loose with his words, saying things he doesn’t mean or even understand! He’s lucky that Shen Yuan is his soulmate; Shen Yuan will protect him from anyone who would ever hope to do Luo Binghe wrong. 

After a delicious meal — one where Luo Binghe does not pass out and hits his head, fortunately — the two finish up the paperwork that Shen Yuan must handle as Head Disciple. Really, he thinks that Shen Qingqiu just hands over all of the paperwork without even sparing a glance at it, since the paperwork has always been this fat pile of papers, no matter how much work he completes and turns in. 

"Thank you for helping me get better," Luo Binghe says later that evening, when the bright blue cerulean of the sky has faded into a muted navy. The window is open, so a nice breeze wafts into the room, cooling both Shen Yuan and Luo Binghe. The two are dressed down into their inner robes — Shen Yuan more so than Luo Binghe, since the protagonist warms easily — and sitting on the soft couch. Shen Yuan had been reading a book and flipping through its pages idly when Luo Binghe — who had been drifting in and out of a light, dozing sleep against Shen Yuan’s shoulder, reading whenever he had the mind for it — spoke up.

Shen Yuan narrows his eyes. "You're not better yet," he reminds him. Luo Binghe's voice is still hoarse and his cough hasn't gone away yet, but it's less worrisome than earlier, when Luo Binghe could hardly sit up straight. 

"But I will be," Luo Binghe says softly. He looks up, meeting Shen Yuan's gaze and the older disciple softens considerably, reaching over to delicately touch Binghe’s hand. "Thanks to you, A-Yuan."

It's the first time anyone outside of his family has called him that, but coming from Binghe, he really doesn't mind. He smiles gently at Luo Binghe and is content to see Luo Binghe return a shy smile. Shen Yuan re-engages with his book, and Luo Binghe dozes off to sleep, a sweet smile on his face.

Four days. That’s how long it takes for Shen Qingqiu and the Qing Jing Peak disciples to return to the peak. 

Unsurprisingly, the first victim upon the Peak Lord's return is Luo Binghe, who, after four days of resting and taking it easy, has been rejuvenated with a healthy pink in his cheeks and a firm stance. Instead of cowering behind Shen Yuan or occupying another place far, far away from the Peak Lord, Binghe had decided to stand by Shen Yuan’s side as the rest of the disciples who stayed at the Peak greeted their shizun.

Shen Qingqiu ignores the babbles of his disciples welcoming him back, his gaze cutting straight through the crowd and pinpointing on Luo Binghe.

"I hoped you enjoyed your vacation, beast," Shen Qingqiu hisses, snapping his fan and staring at Luo Binghe coldly in the middle of the square, where Luo Binghe had insisted that they meet their shizun to apologize.

Though it went unsaid, they both knew that this would be where Luo Binghe would also be given his ‘punishment.’ 

Shen Yuan steps in front of Luo Binghe, acting as a shield. "I made him stay," he tries to persuade his father. "I locked him up in the shed and wouldn't let him out until you left."

Shen Qingqiu carries on, ignoring his son's excuses. "Twenty lashings for Luo Binghe's disobedience–"

Shen Yuan crosses his arms. " Baba," he pleads, not even noticing that he didn't call his father by the correct title. "He really did help, I promise." He meets his father's emerald green eyes. "Please don't do this."

Shen Qingqiu stares at him for a moment and Shen Yuan thinks that he actually might have gotten through to his father when he hears, " Forty lashes. " 

Shit, shit, shit.

"What if I take his punishments for him?" Shen Yuan asks almost as soon as the thought pops into his brain. He doesn't really want to, but he'd rather himself endure punishment than Luo Binghe, who seems to have lashings every other week. Most of the time, Shen Yuan only hears about it after the fact, but he doesn't want it to happen this time because of him.

Shen Qingqiu shakes his head. "No," he says, snapping his fan closed before turning on his heel.

The conversation is over.

The huddle of disciples quickly dissipates and Shen Yuan does not want to look at Luo Binghe. He does not want to look at Luo Binghe. He does not –  

He looks at Luo Binghe.

The worst part is that Luo Binghe doesn't look particularly upset; his eyes just shine up at Shen Yuan. Shen Yuan can't bring himself to look Luo Binghe in the eye anymore. He's a horrible friend and he rues being Luo Binghe’s soulmate — he deserves much better. "I should have just let you go," he says faintly. "I'm sorry."

Luo Binghe shrugs, giving him a half-smile. "It's not Shixiong's fault," he says. His half-smile turns into a real, wide smile and Shen Yuan feels his heart tighten with guilt. "This one has never had someone stand up for him like Shixiong does."

He turns to dutifully follow after their Shizun, no doubt to be strung up and beaten by his fellow disciples. Luo Binghe never says anything about them to him, but Shen Yuan hears the whispers about what his father allows to happen. 

Numbly, Shen Yuan makes his way back to his home. He thinks he hates his father sometimes. How could his father be so cruel to the one person Shen Yuan lo- likes best? And beyond that, how can his father be so cruel to any child — especially one like Binghe, who has never tried to hurt anyone? 

For what seems like hours, Shen Yuan stews in the bamboo house.

He first attempts to cook a meal for the two of them, but ends up finding the chair that Luo Binghe made for him during a woodworking workshop he had taken. He vividly remembers how full of pride Luo Binghe seemed and he remembers teasing Binghe about how they were finally even, which had made Binghe pout like a baby — one would think he wanted to be in Shen Yuan’s ‘debt.’ Shen Yuan runs his hand over the smooth wood, thinking about Luo Binghe's smile until his stomach is so cramped sick with guilt that he can't anymore.  

The house is too quiet. Shen Yuan can hardly remember a time when his little bamboo house had been this quiet: no shuffling of feet desperately trying to creep silently across the floor; no soft clatters of the dishes against the table as Luo Binghe served a meal; no quiet huffs of laughter from Luo Binghe as he reads his book while pressed up against his shixiong on his bed.

He hates it.

He knows it’s not forever — not even for a whole night — but he hates it all the same. And he hates how powerless he feels. He’d tried his best to do right by Luo Binghe, but had left Binghe in the same place he arrived in. And it’s all Shen Yuan’s fault.

Hunching over, Shen Yuan cradles his knees close to his chest and quietly waits for Luo Binghe to return.

It's early evening — the time when the sun has disappeared, but not set — when Luo Binghe returns to the bamboo house, limping slightly. Shen Yuan had tried his best to prepare dinner. The food was a little crisp and some of the vegetables were undercooked, but Luo Binghe had smiled in delight when he found Shen Yuan cooking for him and that had made it all worth it.

They dance around the beating until Luo Binghe winces when something unexpectedly scrapes against his back. Shen Yuan's hands flutter to do something, but he's not exactly sure what. "Are you okay?" he asks and instantly feels like melting into a pile of shame. Of course Luo Binghe isn't okay! 

Still, Luo Binghe nods good-naturedly. "This one is fine, A-Yuan," he lies. He seems to think better of it before changing his answer with the most sincere, doe-like eyes. "It's not your fault."

Shen Yuan reaches out to touch Luo Binghe. "At least let me look at your wounds before you sleep," he insists. Luo Binghe hesitates for a moment but agrees. He peels off his robes to reveal twenty-something criss-crossed lashes, clearly from a whip, scarring his back. 

Shen Yuan's throat bobs, his voice quivering. He doesn’t usually become emotional like this, but actually seeing the white lotus protagonist being unfairly shamed and punished is just not right! Not right at all! "Binghe…"

"It's not Shixiong's fault," Luo Binghe repeats, more insistent this time. 

Shen Yuan nods absentmindedly, but a frown stays stamped on his face. He decisively reaches over and pulls out a jar of ointment. Unscrewing the lid, he assesses the worst of the injuries before scooping a bit on his finger and tracing it along the wounds. 

Luo Binghe tenses, his jaw tightening, but he doesn't make a sound; he takes the pain with only little more than a low exhale. Shen Yuan's hand draws back at the soft noise, but his concern for Luo Binghe's wounds eventually win over his guilt. When Shen Yuan finishes, he screws the cap back on to the lid and Luo Binghe sighs, grimacing at the pain. When he sees Shen Yuan staring, he straightens up, attempting another smile. 

“Binghe…” Shen Yuan begins, but then pauses reluctantly when he sees the wavering expression on Binghe’s face, “...should finish his food.”

Luo Binghe nods evenly before taking his time to finish the food on his plate. “Thanking Shixiong,” 

Once his plate is cleared, he gently nudges his fingers against Shen Yuan’s wrist as playfully as he can in such a sorry state. "This one will head to bed," Binghe says.  

Shen Yuan doesn’t try to stop him. He gives Binghe a weak smile, so much weaker than he deserves. "Good night, Binghe."

Luo Binghe returns the smile, and he ducks his head. "Good night, Shixiong."

Yeah, right. If this night could be anything else but awful. 

As with most people, having dreams isn’t exactly out of the ordinary. But there’s something here that makes him feel like he’s lucid dreaming, even though he can’t change the scenery or even move from where he is. Though he cannot exactly pinpoint the sensation, he feels more aware than he ever has while asleep. 

He seems to be sitting on a balcony — or a roof, or a wall, he’s not entirely sure — and though he doesn’t see the physical presence of another beside him, there’s a chill that creeps up his spine, like there’s another soul next to him. And in front of him, the light cerulean sky of the daytime is brightening, preparing itself as the sun prepares to set.. 

The wind tussles his hair, blessedly short to the nape of his neck, and it’s heavy enough that it stings at his eyes and nose, licking uncomfortably at his skin. It almost feels like acid biting into the skin, tearing it out piece by piece. What Shen Yuan had initially believed was a breeze had turned into a tornado of sorts, and he can’t help but feel like he is the sole eye of the storm.

"I don't know what to do," Shen Yuan confesses to no one in particular, his gray eyes somber. There is no one there, he thinks, but he’d still had the urge to blurt it out anyway. He frowns before smoothing his hair back with his hand, like he used to do in his old world. He's glad that it's short again, a little mirror into the person he used to be. But that also doesn't outweigh the heavy guilt sitting in his stomach. 

A guilt that only grows when he turns, finding a splotch in the air. Everything about this figure is blurred; Shen Yuan cannot make out ears, eyes, lips, or even a jaw. He cannot see the color of the other figure’s skin, nor can he make out the height of the other person, and whether they’re sitting or standing. 

It’s a bit unnerving, he can’t lie. If this same blur had busted into his room, Shen Yuan’s sure he’d be surprised and a little embarrassed. But he doesn’t. 

The blur has shifted and twisted, contorting in the air like some sort of slithery snake. "What is it?" the voice asks, distorted and difficult to make out with the white noise surrounding them.

"I've hurt someone close to me," Shen Yuan admits, staring at his hands forlornly. The wind gnashes at his skin again. "I didn't mean for it to happen. But it did. And they still ended up being hurt."

It is quiet for a beat, as if the voice is digesting Shen Yuan’s account. "Intentions can be good, but they may end up hurting others," the voice says, the sound barely audible against the roaring of the wind. "But if you're truly sorry and if it truly was an accident, if the person is reasonable, then they'll understand."

Shen Yuan wants to believe that; he really does. But just the memory of Binghe's scars is imprinted in Shen Yuan's brain. "How do you know?"

The voice is quiet for a moment. "Experience?" the voice says, though it sounds more like they’re questioning themselves. "It's something my mother used to tell me. She was very smart, and it is thanks to her that I know that forgiveness begins with forgiving yourself. Take whatever mistake you made, make amends, and use that as a way to move forward."

Shen Yuan's interest piques, and he tilts his head. "Your mother?"

"Yes," the voice replies, trembling a bit. "I miss her a lot." Shen Yuan hears a sharp inhale and a shaky exhale, followed by a wobbly laugh. It sounds familiar; too familiar, though like other random things that pop up in his sleep, he cannot accurately place the laugh and where he may have heard it from. "I'm not sure why I'm talking about her to a stranger in my dream."

" You're in my dream," Shen Yuan corrects him, wrinkling his nose. Despite the guilt that has been taunting him all week festering into feelings much more intense than he would like, he raises an eyebrow playfully. "I was here first."

The voice sniffles, but its tone becomes stronger and more distinct. "Impossible," it says, suffusing a bit of attitude in its rhythm. " I was here first."

"Fine, we were both here," Shen Yuan finally relents. He hugs his knees to his chest, turning his gaze to the gorgeously painted sky in front of him, bleeding hues of orange, pink, and yellow. "This sunset is too good to waste, anyway. It should have all the audience it can get." 

The other voice doesn’t say anything, but the little hum is answer enough. They share a comfortable silence together, watching as the sky dims and dims into a dark indigo. The stars twinkle above them, dazzling the blank canvas like hundreds and hundreds of diamonds sewn on a blanket. Shen Yuan watches, and a profound sense of tranquility washes over him. He seems to forget his troubles in this little pocket of his dream world, with this stranger next to him. 

He glances over at the stranger, only to discover–

The cloudiness and the strong, strong wind is gone, and like a memory gone clear, Shen Yuan can’t do anything but recognize the face in front of him and stare in awe. “Binghe?”

Luo Binghe blinks once, then twice, like he can’t believe what his eyes are illustrating. “A-Yuan?” he exclaims, perking up gingerly. “It’s…you?” Luo Binghe laughs gently. “Of course it is you.” Luo Binghe tilts his head, a little amused. “Did you know it was me?”

“No,” Shen Yuan admits. He pauses, pursing his lips as he reconsiders the question. Maybe…if he dug deep enough, he’d recognize that he had a feeling all along. “Well, not truly,” he amends. “But…you did feel familiar.” 

Luo Binghe smiles at this. “It’s as if you had recognized my soul, A-Yuan.”

Perhaps, but Shen Yuan  absolutely doesn’t recognize this plot point! He knows that Luo Binghe can pull people into his dreamscapes, but it’s a bit too early for that event. Besides, this isn’t at all what Binghe’s dream realm had been described as; it could only be something different.

But dwelling on that fact is really only distracting Shen Yuan from the weight burdening his soul. Not that he minds, obviously, but he is pretty self-aware. He chews on his lip pensively, drawing his eyebrows together. He wants Binghe to tell him the truth. “Are you really not upset with me?”

Luo Binghe blinks, taken aback, before smiling gently, looking as if he knows all the secrets in the universe. “How could I ever be upset with Shixiong?” he replies gently. He curls up next to Shen Yuan, tentatively laying his head on his shoulder — a move bolder than Luo Binghe would ever perform in real life. “You protected me. Let your shidi protect you for once.”

Shen Yuan’s eyebrows draw together, and he looks down at Luo Binghe. “Protect me?”

“You said that we protect each other,” Luo Binghe hesitates and tilts his head up, looking for confirmation. Belatedly, Shen Yuan nods in response, to Binghe’s visible relief. “Let me protect your feelings.” Luo Binghe thinks for a moment, amending his phrasing. “Not protect, maybe. But let me soothe your anxiety, Shixiong. You did the best you could for me at the moment. Why would I blame you when you were trying to save me?”

“I…” Shen Yuan sighs. “He’s my father, Binghe.” He frowns down at his hands, his brows furrowed. “He’s been hurting you, and I don’t know how to make him stop.” It’s easier to talk here; something about knowing that they’re talking in his dreams lowers his inhibitions and gets himself out of his own way. He can’t even imagine sharing these thoughts with Binghe in real life, even though it’s those same soulful, dark, starry eyes gazing at him. “I thought…I thought you might blame me.”

“Of course not,” Luo Binghe refutes immediately, dumbfounded. His eyebrows furrow. “Would a wise man hate the slave who chained him to the wall or would he hate the master that enslaved them both?”

Shen Yuan chuckles, his hunched-up shoulders slowly losing their tension. He whistles lowly, impressed. “Du Xun, hm?” 

Luo Binghe grins, averting his eyes bashfully. “I’ve been reading a lot ever since you taught me how to,” he admits, way too sheepishly for the barest modicum of praise. “That’s just one in the long line of things that I am grateful to you for.”

Shen Yuan doesn’t respond, not knowing what words to pick and choose and say. Instead, he sighs, turning his attention back to the sky, now darkening to a deep indigo. He can see the stars peeking out from behind the clouds. 

Luo Binghe stares at the sky with him, before nudging Shen Yuan gently. “Mm. A-Yuan?” he says. Shen Yuan tilts his head at him. “I really did mean what I said earlier. About my mother.” 

Shen Yuan nods, albeit with a bit of hesitance. It’s much easier to listen than put into practice, but he’ll keep it in mind. Maybe. These characters sure do have some good advice! If Airplane hadn’t been such a degenerate, he could’ve been a therapist instead! 

He smiles, patting Luo Binghe’s hand. “You know, you can talk about your mother if you want," Shen Yuan tells Luo Binghe kindly, remembering what he’d admitted to earlier in their conversation.

Luo Binghe hesitates. “I don’t think I would like to,” he says apologetically, shrinking into himself. Shen Yuan nudges him lightheartedly, silently letting him know that he isn’t upset with him. “Not right now, at least. Her death was…painful for me.”

Shen Yuan shrugs. “I understand.”

Luo Binghe changes the subject, now looking around at the dream environment in awe. It is very pretty, after all, without all the “Did you really mean it when you said this was your dream?”

“Oh,” Shen Yuan says, remembering back on what he’d said a few minutes ago, “well, yes?” He raises his eyebrow at Luo Binghe again, nudging him lightheartedly. “I believe I was here first.”

Luo Binghe is not deterred by Shen Yuan’s apparent ownership. Instead, he pokes Shen Yuan’s arm, dark eyes pleading and probably chock-full of crocodile tears. “Well, would Shixiong mind if I stayed with him, just this once?”

“Oh, Binghe,” Shen Yuan coos, ruffling Binghe’s dark curls earnestly. “I would not mind if you stayed a thousand times over.”

Luo Binghe does not say anything more, but he grins at his shixiong boyishly, settling in at Shen Yuan’s side. 

The sun sets, but the scenic, starry sky it’s been replaced with seems so wide and open and full of endless possibilities.

When Shen Yuan awakens the next morning, he is cloudy-eyed, but feels incredibly refreshed and hopeful for the new day. It’s a real change; he’s not exactly a morning person, but today, he feels like embracing the hearty songs of the birds trilling outside of his window and the beams of light splaying across the surfaces in his room.

He freshens himself up for the day, including rinsing his face in the bowl of water near his bed, before exiting his room.

To his surprise, Luo Binghe is already flouncing around the dining area, all bright smiles. “Good morning, Shen-shixiong,” Luo Binghe chirps, finishing the placement of his breakfast spread with a couple of cups. 

“Good morning.” Shen Yuan does a double-take at all of the food, raising an eyebrow. He plops down in his usual seat, pleasantly surprised. He hadn’t expected Binghe to take the reins today, but Binghe does seem a lot lighter on his feet than when Shen Yuan last saw him. “In a good mood?”

“A very good one,” he replies sunnily, to Shen Yuan’s amusement. Watching Shen Yuan take his bowl, Luo Binghe raises an eyebrow before pushing a ceramic cup full of a steaming liquid towards him gingerly. “Don’t forget to drink that, A-Yuan. It helps with digestion.”

Ah, there was the use of that particular nickname again. Shen Yuan welcomes the familiarity, though, after the dream he had last night. It hasn’t escaped his mind since he’d woken up this morning, staying in his memories far past the threshold of when the remnants of his nighttime adventures would slowly drift off as the time crept by in the day. But no, this time, he remembers every single detail of that dream.

“How’s Binghe’s back?” Shen Yuan asks curiously, taking a short reprieve from his meal that he’d been eagerly eating.

“It’s fine, Shixiong,” Luo Binghe answers after a small sip from his own cup. He offers Shen Yuan a small smile. “All healed.” 

Shen Yuan hums. Though Luo Binghe initially had a tendency to hide wounds and other maladies, Shen Yuan knows for a fact that Binghe heals incredibly fast, even for a cultivator. Though Shen Yuan would rather Binghe not be hurt at all, he can begrudgingly admit that it’s a good trait to have when Binghe is hurt, anyway. “That’s good.”

Luo Binghe nods before stabbing his chopsticks into his own bowl gingerly, and Shen Yuan notes the lack of overall aggression in his demeanor. It reminds him of the words that Luo Binghe had said to him in his dream last night. How he wanted to protect Shen Yuan, too, and that he really, really does forgive Shen Yuan.

And he knows it was just a dream. But something deep, deep inside of him compels him to blurt out: “Binghe, did you mean what you said?”

“Hm?” Luo Binghe seems a bit startled by the Shen Yuan’s manner, but he nods his head carefully. “Oh. Yes, it wasn’t A-Yuan’s fault.”

“No, I mean about your mother and…” Shen Yuan trails off when he sees the strange expression on Luo Binghe’s face, and he forces his mouth to clamp itself shut. 

Surprise doesn’t even begin to describe the shock that crosses over Luo Binghe’s face — and not the good kind of surprise that tells Shen Yuan that Luo Binghe remembers the dream. No, Binghe is simply bewildered.

Which only means one thing — Binghe doesn’t remember. Or maybe he was never there. Maybe he’d actually been a figment of Shen Yuan’s imagination. 

Shit.

Shen Yuan chuckles nervously, waving his hand in a way that he hopes comes off as dismissive, but probably comes off as awkward. “Ah, never mind,” he says, his voice strained. He clears his throat. “It must’ve been a dream.”

However, Luo Binghe is thoughtful. “It sounds familiar,” he confesses, his face unclear, “but I can’t remember.” Luo Binghe frowns in concentration, glancing at Shen Yuan to confirm. “A mountaintop, right? A beautiful sunset…” His expression clears, and he tilts his head, his pout melting into an ambivalent smile, “...and you, A-Yuan.” He straightens up, more confidently than he had been when Shen Yuan had brought the topic up. “I…I don’t remember. Not exactly. But…I remember meaning every word I said.” 

“Oh…” Well, it’s not exactly what Shen Yuan had been expecting…but okay! Shen Yuan smiles tenderly at the white lotus disciple, his gaze softening. “Me, too.”

Luo Binghe glances outside, and his face dims when he catches sight of how far the sun has risen in the sky. “I must go do more chores, Shixiong.” Even though he’s disappointed, he still makes sure to grin at his shixiong.

Shen Yuan nods. He has paperwork to fill out as well. He also has to figure out how to deal with this newfound animosity towards Shen Jiu. For goodness’ sake, was it too hard to ask the scum villain to not be the bad guy for once? “Go on, this shixiong will handle the dishes.”

“But–”

“Ah.” Shen Yuan holds up a hand, before waving it dismissively. “Go.”

Luo Binghe softens before grinning at the elder disciple. “Thanking Shixiong!”

Shen Yuan just snorts as Binghe scampers off, but then groans when his gaze snags upon the empty dishes in front of him. Why in the world did he offer to clean the table again? He hates doing chores of any kind! 

He’s just juggling all of the dishes he can carry to the bucket where they wash such bowls and plates, when he’s suddenly interrupted by the sharp-pitched chime of the System.

[Mission: "An Apple A Day" Event Complete! Reward: 250 B-Points!!]

Wait, what ?

The bowl that he had been struggling with crashes to the floor, breaking into hundreds of pieces. But he can’t focus on that right now; instead, he’s staring at the screen in horror. 

He had chosen that event a week or two ago, but he thought that would've been for himself. He had figured that he was used to being sick anyway from the old world, so what was another few days of lazing around with a stuffy nose and a head full of cotton to earn his B-Points? He never would've accepted the mission if he had known it was actually for Luo Binghe!

He can’t believe that he didn’t figure this out sooner! Grinding for points is practically the only thing he can do to save himself, but he can’t even do that without hurting someone! Stupid System!!

The points that he’s accumulating are meant to save himself from a certain bad ending, though his mission had — somewhere along the way — become to protect Binghe from harm in any way possible. Shen Yuan scoffs bitterly. The very mission he had taken to help Binghe only hurt Binghe instead. Go figure. 

Fate is a cruel mistress, indeed.