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Chapter Text

The Crown Prince Xie Lian looked around. It was dark out, cold, and he was completely surrounded by trees. He had absolutely no idea where he was. The last thing he remembered was practicing sparring with Feng Xin, but that felt like days ago. Maybe even weeks.

Snow fell delicately to the ground around him, and he shivered, glancing down at his robes. They were not something that he had ever worn before. He was adorned in scratchy, white daoist robes. White was a bit of an overstatement. They must have been white at some point but they had since been dirtied. The snow fell down upon his bare neck, sending a shiver through him. His hair was up in a high ponytail, where it usually was.

Xie Lian was tired. He felt as though he had been walking for ages. He was hungry. Where were Feng Xin and Mu Qing?! They rarely left his side. He lifted two fingers to his temple, trying to reach them through the aray. To his dismay, he did not have any spiritual powers to contact them with!

The young prince looked around wildly, starting to panic. No. He had to stay calm and think of a way out of this. He could see a dirt road in the distance. A road had to lead somewhere and so, since he had no better plan, he began to follow it, shivering all the while.

It was uncharacteristic for his friends to disappear out of nowhere. He hoped they were okay and not in any danger. He also hoped that he was not in danger… What could have done this? Where were his friends? Where were his powers? Where was he- and why was he wearing this scratchy, low quality daoist’s robe!?

He grumbled to himself as he walked along before stopping suddenly. Someone was near. Within a second, three ghosts jumped out of the bush right in front of him.

“Empty your pockets!”

“Ah, good sirs,” Xie Lian began. “I am just a travelling daoist. I don't have anything on me!”

“No one travels without any money! How else would you afford food! And an inn!”

Xie Lian also wondered this.

“Well you see… the thing is… I was already robbed a while back and now even that is gone. I really do have nothing to give you…”

He felt a little embarrassed. The robbers actually started to look like they pitied him…

“That… can't really be true can it?” The shorter ghost asked.

“We will-” the other ghost started before pausing, “take everything you have.”

He read that last line off from his hand and Xie Lian tilted his head, trying not to look amused. Clearly these ghost's were not well versed in robbing.

The sound of bells and hooves in snow emerged from behind the ghosts, and a red carriage, drawn by black horses, came into view. The carriage was adorned with bells and chimes, as were the horses. The sound of the carriage’s jingling carried through the trees.

The ghost robbers grew wary, looking between one another and fidgeting. It seemed that the passenger of this carriage had a reputation.

As the carriage drew near, a pale, slender hand emerged from the blood red curtains. The hand was a stark contrast to the vibrant carriage. It was adorned in jewels, clearly belonging to someone quite wealthy. It signaled for the driver to stop the carriage at the scene Xie Lian was making with the ghost robbers.

The horses stopped silently, without any whinnying protest. The prince glanced curiously up at the driver. It seemed that he was a ghost too! A faint sense of unease welled up inside him. The robbers had begun to cling to one another, shaking with fear.

“We- we only tried to rob him!” They assured the man veiled within the carriage. “We didn't touch him or anything! We swear!”

“It's true, it's true,” the other two chimed in synchrony.

Xie Lian wondered if the man in the carriage was here to protect him, and if he had protected travelers before. It seemed to be the only explanation for the trio's automatic fear.

“Scram,” came the voice inside the carriage, and Xie Lian felt his stomach flutter.

The voice was deep and clear. It was smooth and rich. His words were full of disinterest. The voice was not raised, not even slightly. He didn't need to raise his voice, for at his words the robbers wailed and ran off into the woods. Xie Lian's heart pounded in his chest.

What was this feeling? It wasn't fear, and yet he felt full of adrenaline. Hesitantly, he approached the carriage.

“This one thanks his lordship for his help,” he said, assuming that the man inside the carriage must be a lord of some sort. “If you would be so kind, would you let this traveler know where we are? How far are we from the Kingdom of Xianle?”

“Xianle?” The man parroted in that deep voice. “We are nowhere near there. Xianle is but a distant Kingdom. It would take months to travel there on horse but on foot… Daozhang, you must be very lost. Do you have anywhere to go?”

That slender hand drew back the curtain suddenly, revealing the handsome face of a youthful man, barely older than Xie Lian himself. He hadn't expected the lord to be so young and beautiful, especially because Xie Lian had a suspicion that this lord was also a ghost. Most ghosts he had encountered were ugly. This man was anything but. He had raven black hair that fell elegantly over his red robes. He was adorned in silver bells and butterflies and wore an eyepatch over his right eye. His uncovered eye was dark. Its darkness seemed endless, like Xie Lian could drown in it. His eyebrows were knit slightly, and an expression of worry was painted across his face.

Xie Lian felt his face grow hot despite the snow. He cleared his throat uncomfortably.

“Ah, yes well… I may have strayed a bit too far then. Would you be so kind as to tell me how much longer it will be until I reach a village?”

“Daozhang, it will be a day's walk in the direction you are headed. Did you come from Ghost City? I am the lord there. That's where I'm headed.”

Ghost City? Xie Lian had never heard of such a place. He shook his head warily.

“No… this one came from off the path,” the prince admitted.

“You seem cold. Please, allow me to take you back to my city. After all, it is my fault Daozhang was bothered by those ruffians on his journey. They are from my city, and so I take full responsibility. Please, allow me to help you get warm.”

His words alone were warming him up just fine. Xie Lian was a little hesitant to get into the carriage with a ghost and get escorted into a city of ghosts… but he was running out of options here. He was cold and hungry and who knows how far away from home?! The lord seemed to be very well mannered and Xie Lian couldn't sense any murderous intent on him.

“I…well… If you are sure I'm not imposing.”

“Of course not! Please, take a seat.”

He beckoned for the driver, who hopped down and opened the door for the prince.

As he was about to get in, that long slender hand appeared before him, palm facing up. Xie Lian looked up and his eyes met with the Lord's.

“Ah, thank you,” he flushed, accepting the help into the carriage.

He sat himself down on the plush, cushioned seat across from the ghost. The inside of the carriage was warm despite the bitter weather outside. There were carvings of butterflies, painted in gold, which lined the walls. When the prince had finally finished admiring the decor, he looked over to the lord who, he discovered, had been gazing at him all the while.

“M-my apologies!” He sputtered. “I was admiring the designs. They are very beautiful.”

Xie Lian found himself starting to feel a bit glad that Xianle was so far away. For if it was nearby then there would always be the risk of being recognized in such a state. Lord's near Xianle would of course recognize the Crown Prince, Xie Lian.

“May I inquire about Daozhangs name?”

“Oh! Uhhh…. Hua Xie,” he said quickly, before cringing a little. Hua Xie? That's a bit on the nose…

The ghost lips turned upwards in amusement.

“I see,” he grinned.

Xie Lian wanted to curl up into a little ball.

“I'm not sure why you find my name so amusing,” he grumbled.

“Ah, my apologies, Daozhang. I meant no disrespect. It's just that this one's name is Hua Cheng.”

Xie Lian didn't think he could get any redder. The fake surname he picked was that of this strange ghost lord? His luck today really couldn't get any worse.

“That's okay, Daozhang. No need to be embarrassed. If it makes you feel any better you could call this one San Lang? Or, since you are so young, you could call this one Gege?” He suggested mischievously.

Xie Lian was shocked! Never in his life had someone spoken to him in such a way! He was a prince, and his man was asking him to address him by such names!

“San Lang-gege could also work,” the ghost continued.

Xie Lian let out a little ‘hmph’ sound and crossed his arms. He decided to direct his attention towards the window instead, watching the trees go by and the snow cover the ground. The wind blew some snowflakes onto his face and he let out a little shiver.

The ghost seemed panicked

“Daozhang must be so cold! How rude of me. Please forgive this one for his oversight.”

Without another moment's notice, Hua Cheng had slid a chest out from beneath his seat. Xie Lian watched curiously as Hua Cheng pulled out a magnificent red coat lined with black fur. In one swift motion he wrapped it around Xie Lian, who was far too small for it.

It was overwhelmingly soft and it smelled like incense and cape jasmine. The smell relaxed him. It felt familiar. It made him realize how completely exhausted he was, worn out by hiking through the snow for so long. He ached all over, and his robes were damp from the snow. The prince let his eyes close and drifted into a gentle slumber. It was a wonder that he felt so safe around this complete stranger!

Chapter Text

About an hour must have past before Xie Lian was awoken to the faint sound of the other man’s voice.
“Daozhang, we're in the city.” Hua Cheng said gently, waking Xie Lian.
The prince's eyes fluttered, and he shifted around in the large fur coat.

He peered out the window as they rode through the streets. The place was loud and crowded, full of merchants and vendors yelling about their wares. Xie Lian blanched as he caught sight of many peculiar items. A man with a boar's head was selling fingers on necklaces, saying they would bring the wearer luck. Xie Lian highly doubted this.

Plenty of different smells wafted through the carriage, some sweet, some of fried foods and dumplings, meats and broths. Occasionally he would catch a whiff of something that made him feel nauseous. He really couldn't figure out what to make of this city! It was so bright and lively, definitely not all bad, but then just as he would begin to enjoy the city, something repulsive would come into view!

He glanced over at the lord, only to see his head leaning upon his hand, arm propped up on one knee, staring intently at him. Xie Lian felt his face flush and he quickly turned his attention back to the street. What a strange man.

“What does Daozhang think of my city?” He asked curiously.
“It seems very lively-” Xie Lian began before realizing his mistake and covering his mouth. One can't go around calling a ghost city lively! What an insult. He began apologizing furiously.
“My apologies- I really didn't mean it like that at all- I only meant-”
But Hua Cheng had already burst into laughter at Xie Lian's mistake.
“Not to worry,” he amended. “No harm done. I know what it is that you meant.”

It was only a short while longer before they finally arrived at the Ghost's manor. It was large and intricate, illuminated by hundreds of lanterns swinging idly in the cold breeze. Xie Lian was in awe. Was everything this ghost possessed so extravagant? He definitely had taste.

As the carriage door was opened, Xie Lian began to exit. He was stopped before he could.
“Allow me to help you,” Hua Cheng purred, stepping ahead of the prince in order to hold his hand and escort him out of the carriage.

The young prince had no idea why he was suddenly being treated like such a delicate princess. This man didn't even know of his title. For all he knew, Xie Lian was just a wandering cultivator. Did he really seem so fragile? To make matters worse, the man began leading him towards the manor, linking his arm in his own as if Xie Lian were some young, bright eyed damsel who needed escorting! Xie Lian was far too embarrassed to comment on his benefactors' unruly behavior, and so he continued on, trying to ignore the touch.

“I'm sure Daozhang is tired from his travels. Please make yourself at home. I will send a servant with you to the baths so that you may relax a little before dinner is prepared.”

Xie Lian found himself nodding slightly. He did feel very unclean. I had no idea how long he had been wandering around in the woods for. His feet and muscles ached from his journey, and the warm water sounded heavenly.
“Thank you. That's very kind of you.”
“But of course! While you are my guest here, do not hesitate to ask for anything you may need. I want you to be comfortable.”

Xie Lian nodded again, a little weary. The ghost was overly friendly and accommodating. Was he just like this or could there be some sort of motive behind his actions? There was still no trace of murderous intent coming from him, and so Xie Lian decided to brush the feeling off for now and just be mindful.

The prince was shown into the magnificent manor and his previous theory about the ghost's extravagant tastes were once again proven to be true. It seemed that Hua Cheng only surrounded himself with the most beautiful and elegant things.

A servant wearing a white smiling mask was directed to take Xie Lian to the baths to freshen up. Xie Lian followed the smaller man obediently, eager to soak his aching body. The ghost servant didn't speak to him. He simply opened the door to the baths and nodded politely. Inside the room was another young man, also a servant. He was a little taller than Xie Lian and maybe only a little younger. He had dark hair, haphazardly tied into a lopsided ponytail with a red ribbon.

“I am here to attend Daozhang,” He informed him.

His voice was light and youthful. Xie Lian could feel himself grow warm once again.
“Ah, thank you. Is it just you today? Is there no one else to assist you?”
Being alone with him seemed to fill him with adrenaline once again, as the man in the carriage had. He still couldn't quite determine what the feeling was. It wasn't fear but… something like it.

The ghost nodded, “Lord Chengzhu thought it best to have less servants here, seeing as Daozhang’s cultivation probably values modesty.”
“En, that's right.” Xie Lian agreed.
How thoughtful of the ghost Lord. He really had taken everything into consideration. With a nod, he agreed to allow the servant to attend him.

Being a prince, Xie Lian was used to having servants attend him. He was glad that Hua Cheng had decided to send someone to help him because, while he was capable of bathing on his own, he was tired and very unused to it. It was good to finally have something feel normal after such a long day.

He let the servant remove his robes and help him into the baths. The man let down his hair gently and began to comb through it with practiced care, kneeling on the stone behind him. He was extremely attentive, patiently working through each tangle without allowing the slightest tug. When he found the comb to be too harsh, he replaced it with his fingers, working the knots out on his own. None of the servants in Xianle had ever done this so reverently, like they worshipped his very being.

The prince felt dazed, comforted even, by the slender fingers threading through his long brown hair. He relaxed his head into the other man's hands and felt the shift in technique as he began to massage his scalp.
“Mm…” He hummed softly, getting lost in this feeling that felt so familiar despite being completely new to him.

After a few minutes of massaging all of the tension from Xie Lian's temples, the servant politely asked for Xie Lian to stand in order to be washed. He did so, more nervous to bare himself than he had ever been before. This felt different, more intimate than usual.

He was lathered in soap that smelled like cape jasmine flowers. It was a beautiful scent and one not all too common, at least in Xianle. He made a mental note to find some when he returned home.

As the sponge moved over his stomach, Xie Lian felt the tips of the ghost's fingers run over him as well. He tensed a little at the touch, clearly unintentional. He tried to continue thinking about the soap and ignore the other man, but his fingers traced down his body once again as the sponge was moved down his side. Xie Lian felt a flutter in his abdomen, a tickle almost. It startled him and he drew away from the man's hand.

“I- I think that will be enough for today,” he said nervously, beginning to recite the ethics sutra in his mind. Over the touch of a man? What is going on today?

The poor servant looked taken aback and somewhat dejected.
“Is Daozhang sure? I haven't even started on your legs yet?”
His legs?
“N-no that's quite alright. I am ready to be dressed now.”
The ghost obliged, if not still somewhat disappointed that his dedicated services were cut short.

As the prince emerged from the baths, he took in a deep breath of steam. He felt revitalized after his impromptu adventure in the woods. He had soaked away the pains and tensions held in his body, and was feeling very relieved.

The young ghost began tentatively dressing the prince, careful to make sure everything was perfectly in place. He was very methodical about the whole ordeal, as if he were dressing nobility. He was of course, but he didn't know that. Hua Cheng really did hold his staff to quite high standards.

As he continued to be dressed, he suddenly realized that the quality of the fabric has improved drastically. He had been given fresh robes to wear and they were made out of smooth silk that flowed beautifully over his body. An outer robe was given to him, and Xie Lian marveled at the details. The robe was white, with red and gold butterflies embroidered around the sleeves and hem. It was simple but elegant, and it made Xie Lian feel like the prince he was again.

The ghost pulled Xie Lian's hair back into a ponytail and placed a lovely gold hair piece into the base of it. Lastly, Xie Lian found himself adorned with a pair of red and gold earrings. He looked like a God. The ghost servant took a step back to admire his work. Upon taking him in, his eyes shone with a certain pride that made Xie Lian's heart race.

As if summoned, the ghost in the smiling mask entered through the doors.
“Allow me to take you back to Lord Chengzhu, Daozhang,” He said, speaking for the first time since Xie Lian's arrival.

He began to follow down the hallway when he realized that the other ghost was not coming along. He glanced back and his eyes met the ghost's, still sparkling with a kind of devotion. That was the last Xie Lian saw of him before the man ducked out of sight

Chapter Text

He was guided to a dining room with a long table, like the one at his palace in Xianle. It was full of a variety of different dishes, as if for a banquet. The aroma of it all hit Xie Lian in a wave and his stomach grumbled. He suddenly realized how hungry he was. Upon getting closer, he noticed that, although there were fancy dishes, there were also many different types of foods that one may buy from a vendor in a market. It all looked so exquisite.

The man had honed in on the food so quickly that he hadn't even noticed his benefactor, Hua Cheng, seated at the head of the table. He startled.

“Ah, this is marvelous! Thank you…. Uh…”
He wasn't sure how to address the ghost. He knew his name but that was too informal… and the man had suggested he call him San Lang-gege, but that was out of the question for obvious reasons. Instead he considered what his servant in the smiling mask had called him.
“Thank you, Lord Chengzhu. You really are too kind.”

He noticed the ghost perk up slightly at the address, as if surprised…. He didn't really think he was going to call him Gege did he? How shameless.

He sat next to Hua Cheng, because that was where the other ghost brought him. It was strange that a Lord would sit at the same table as some wandering cultivator, let alone right beside him. He didn't have much time to ponder it though, because the ghost did something even more shocking. He began to serve Xie Lian his food!

“There's no need to thank this one,” he said, his deep, rich voice soaking into Xie Lian’s bones, sending shivers through him. “This one could never leave someone like yourself stranded out in the woods. Especially not the woods beside a city of ghosts! Who knows what trouble you could have gotten into.”

He said it so kindly… so why did Xie Lian feel like he was being teased again.
“Someone like myself?” He questioned.
“En, Daozhang is such a beautiful young man. Some vermin might have gotten ideas, and Daozhang might have been in danger, had I not come along and brought him home. Here, have some duck congee.”

How did he have the face to say such things to him and then move on so quickly?! Xie Lian was beet red. One can't just go around thoughtlessly calling crown princes young and beautiful you know!

He was far too embarrassed. He didn't know what to say and so he simply obeyed and stuffed some congee in his mouth. He looked down and his dish startled. A devilish smirk danced across Hua Cheng's lips.
“Is something the matter, Daozhang?” He feigned.
“No, not at all! This is the best congee I have ever tasted.”
It was true. He had never had anything that tasted so good in his whole life and he had grown up being served by Xianle’s best chefs.

He looked down curiously at the other food that had been presented to him. He hastily tried a soup dumpling and, much to his surprise again, it was divine! This was now the best soup dumpling he had ever eaten! Completely lost in his dinner, Xie Lian's chopsticks flew across the table, sampling every dish set out. One after the other, each dish became his new favourite. Everything from the size, taste, texture and flavor of every dish was perfectly to Xie Lian’s liking. He was beyond baffled.

“Lord Chengzhu, your chef is wonderful! I simply must meet them,” he commented, mouth full of pork.
The lord laughed a little.
“I made the food while you were in the baths.”

The Crown Prince stopped in his tracks.
“You made all of this… while I was soaking in the bath?” He sounded shocked. He was shocked. How was that even possible? And besides, in a manor so large, why didn't he have chefs? But then again, why would he want chefs when he himself could cook better than anyone else Xie Lian had ever encountered?

“En,” he nodded sincerely. “I enjoy it. I find it peaceful.”

He was so kind and genuine, a lord of a city, serving Xie Lian and cooking for him when, for all he knew, he was a simple daoist cultivator. Xie Lian felt a different kind of warmth now. He was being treated better than a guest. He was being welcomed as a friend, an equal.

“Thank you…. San Lang-gege,” he whispered softly, not sure how else to express his sincere gratitude for his overwhelming kindness.

The ghost's eye twinkled brightly at the address.

“Of course, Daozhang. There is no need to thank this one. Here, try some wine.”

Before Xie Lian had the chance to decline the offer, he had already begun pouring him a glass.
“This is one of my personal favourites.”
The rich, red colour filled the glass. Xie Lian felt himself staring, imagining the warmth of the alcohol in his throat. He stuttered slightly.
“I… I uh…”
“What's wrong?” The ghost inquired, before a look of realization crossed his face. “Oh of course! How ignorant of me! Daozhang must not drink! Please, forgive this one for his mistake.”

Xie Lian waved his hands frantically.
“No, no! There's no need to apologize! Thank you for your offer but you are correct. My cultivation does not allow me to indulge.
“I see,” the ghost nodded thoughtfully, taking the glass away from Xie Lian.

The loss of the drink almost disappointed Xie Lian. He had never before been tempted, but he was far away where no one knew him and the forbidden nature of the drink seemed to call out to him.

“Daozhang?” Lord Chengzhu questioned, pulling Xie Lian out of his trance. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes! Everything is fine. I apologize… The journey here was long and I am feeling a little out of it today.”
“Of course. That is to be expected.”

The ghost glanced at the wine.
“Does Daozhang miss indulging in life's pleasures from before he began cultivating?”

The question took the prince by surprise.
“Ah, well I began cultivating quite young so I never…. indulged in much to begin with.”
“You are so young. I had assumed you had only just begun cultivating recently. I don't think I would be capable of such restraint. I enjoy life's pleasures far too much for that.”

As if to prove his point, he took a large drink of wine straight from the jar, not bothering with a glass. A small droplet of rich, red liquid trickled down from his lips, a stark contrast to his smooth, pale skin. Slowly, he licked the excess wine from his lips. Xie Lian stared, fixated upon those soft, pink lips. He felt something stir inside his stomach.

“I- I should get to bed!” He stood abruptly, stumbling slightly.
His eyes fell upon the wine stain below the Lord's lips.
“Pl-please excuse my manners. I've just been travelling for so long and I-I…”
“No need to apologize. I completely understand. My servant will escort you to your room.”

Xie Lian gave a small half bow before turning quickly to follow the man with the smiling mask. He followed him through the corridor, his head spinning. Upon being shown his room, he thanked the little ghost gratefully refusing any further assistance.

Chapter Text

As soon as the door shut, Xie Lian sat on the end of the bed and put his head in his hands. What was going on? Why couldn't he stop thinking about the ghost's lips and mischievously smirk and rich, deep voice. Just the thought made his chest flutter and face burn. The more he thought, the more the fluttering moved lower. Eventually his feeling pooled at the pit of his stomach. He squirmed at the foreign, shameful feeling. He felt the fluttering move dangerously lower to a part he dare not think about, let alone acknowledge.

He stood up and began pacing about the room, reciting the ethics sutra in a panic. He fidgeted with his hands as he paced, unsure where to put them and unsure if they could be trusted.

After around 15 long minutes of frantic pacing, Xie Lian finally decided to settle. He had calmed his mind for now and subdued his shameful thoughts. He was a prince en route to becoming a God. This was no way for him to behave. He let his hair loose, stripped into his under robes and nestled into bed.

Xie Lian tossed and turned. The bed was extraordinarily comfortable, clearly made only of the finest materials. He nestled into the plush pillows, relaxing his body in an attempt to fall asleep. He lulled himself to sleep murmuring the ethics sutra in hopes of keeping his thoughts from straying. It took a while but eventually Xie Lian managed to drift off to sleep.

Xie Lian was sprawled out on his back across red sheets. He clawed between gasps, holding on for dear life. He couldn't see clearly, only a haze of red. He felt hot, like his body was lit aflame with pleasure. The heat travelled down from his face all the way to his toes. His toes curled at the feeling and his heels dug into the mattress.

He could hear himself, the sound of soft moans and keens, sounds of which he had never heard before, let alone made. He thrashed and squirmed but not out of fear or discomfort. He just didn't know how else to cope with the sensations pulsing through his body.

Large, strong hands held him. One kept him firmly in place, locked onto his waist. The other tilted his face up, forcing Xie Lian to stare up at one shiny dark eye.

Xie Lian gasped and sat upright in his bed. He was drenched in sweat and shaking all over. He didn't know what was going on. He had never experienced anything like that before so how was it that he could conjure up such a debauched dream? Was he really so enamored with Lord Chengzhu that he had come up with this depraved scenario? Xie Lian had never experienced temptation like this before. The ghost's words rang through his head,

“I enjoy life's pleasures far too much for that.”

He shivered and glanced down at his arousal, faintly present beneath the bedding. He tried reciting the ethics sutra a few more times but he couldn't stop thinking about the hot feeling pulsing through his body in his dreams and all of the desperate sounds that he had made. He thought about those beautiful, pale hands wrapped around his waist.

He wasn't even completely sure he knew how sex between men worked! No one had ever dared explain it to the pure hearted prince. He just knew that it… went in somewhere? But the where was far beyond his imagination.

He didn't have much experience with… arousal, but he had heard that cold water could help.

Quietly and cautiously, Xie Lian rose to his feet. He made sure that his arousal was not entirely obvious beneath his undergarments before he left the room in search of some cold water. He was careful to be as quiet as possible. This endeavor was made much easier by the soft, plush carpet that lined the hallways, covering the sound of his feet. The carpet felt nice on his bare feet. Xie Lian chided himself silently for not putting on some slippers. This wasn't his home! What would people think if they saw this young daozhang wandering around without any shoes in the middle of the night?

After finding some water and splashing his face for a while, Xie Lian realized that he was unlikely to resolve his problem this way. He began to wander back to his room in shame.

The manor was large and had countless hallways and corridors. Xie Lian was fairly certain he had gone the right way and felt at ease when he turned the corner to see the door that he was certain led back to his own room.

He approached the room and opened the door, rubbing his eyes as he stepped in. He closed the door behind him before realizing his mistake. Candles were lit. The candles had been out when he had left his room. He looked up, panicked, and his eyes met with that one shiny, dark eye.

Hua Cheng laid sprawled out on his side on his own bed, scroll in hand as if he had been doing some light reading before falling asleep. Now, his eye was not on the scroll but on Xie Lian, his expression wide with confusion. He was in nothing but a red, silky robe which was done up loosely, enough to cover his lower half while leaving his chest relatively exposed.

“Daozhang,” he said finally, putting the scroll aside and sitting up properly, “how can I help you? Is everything alright?”

“Yes, yes everything is alright. I didn't- I was heading back to my room and I must have gotten lost,” he explained quickly.
His eyes fell to the ghost's chest, exposed, bordered by blood red fabric. He felt himself become more aroused.

Hua Cheng rose and walked over to the prince.
“Ah, no harm done, Daozhang. I can help you find your room-” he paused.
When he got closer Xie Lian had taken a panicked step backwards and his back had ended up against the door. Xie Lian felt himself begin to sweat.

“I apologize if I have scared you, Daozhang.” The ghost apologized, sounding ashamed,
“Sometimes I forget that I frighten people…”

“No! No, you haven't frightened me! Not at all I-" He stopped nervously. What could he say? You don't frighten me, you make me grow hot and threaten my dignity?
“You… what? You can tell me,” he prompted.

Xie Lian was sure he was sweating now. He hoped desperately that Hua Cheng would not notice the arousal beneath his under robes.
“What is it?” The ghost questioned again.
Xie Lian, in a stupid moment of weakness, glanced downward at himself. It was only for a moment but Hua Cheng noticed and his own gaze followed Xie Lian's. A bemused look appeared on his face.

“Ah… I see the problem now,” the ghost chuckled.
“No- it's not- I don't usually-”
Xie Lian decided to shut up. He stared down at the floor, beet red from head to toe.

That's when the Lord's long, slender fingers reached below Xie Lian’s chin, tilting his head up to meet his eyes just as he had done in Xie Lian's dream.
“It's alright,” he cooed softly. “It's nothing to be ashamed about.”
Xie Lian felt himself relax ever so slightly.
Hua Cheng tsked softly, “you poor thing. You must be so uncomfortable, especially if this is unusual for you. You've already had such a long journey and now you're suffering from such discomfort? Please, allow me to help you with your problem. I promise I will be gentle with you.”

The prince's heart started to race. Lord Chengzhu offered to… to… help him? He blushed furiously. He was uncomfortable, and he was desperate to touch the other man. He was desperate to know what pleasure was about and feel it like he had felt in his dream. No one here knew his identity. No one would ever know if he chose to indulge…

He thought for a moment before making up his mind. He gave Hua Cheng one, meek nod.
“Alright, San Lang-gege.”

Hua Cheng smirked.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian felt pinned in place by the other man’s smirk alone. It was so devilish and yet so handsome. It made his breath catch in his chest, unable to escape him.

The ghost slid his fingers around the prince's wrist. They were cool to the touch and sent a shiver up his spine. Hua Cheng leaned into the young man's ear.

“Thank you for trusting me with this, Daozhang. I promise you won't regret it.”

Xie Lian made a small sound, nodding once. The ghost laughed at his bashfulness.

“So serious, daozang. Look at me.”

He was too embarrassed. He couldn't bear to make eye contact.

“Hua Xie…” He coaxed. “.... A-Xie, won't you look at this one?”

At the sound of his new nickname, Xie Lian's eyes flickered up to meet the ghost's.

“That's it… so beautiful.”

Slowly, gently, Hua Cheng scooped Xie Lian up into his arms by his waist.

“Now, I want you to keep looking at me. No matter what. Do you understand?”

The prince gave another small, timid nod.

“Don't be frightened. If at any point you want to stop, I'll stop. I will stop at the smallest sound of disagreement, the gentlest shove, anything. Do you understand?”

…. Another small nod. The corner of the ghost's lip turned upwards.

He gently placed his prince on the side of the bed, seated with his legs over the edge.

Xie Lian could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He was flushed with shame and arousal, a combination of feelings which overwhelmed him. Hua Cheng spoke to him so firmly while remaining so soft and gentle. As a prince, he had never been spoken to in such a manner. No one would dare speak so shamelessly to the Crown Prince of Xianle… But tonight he wasn't the crown prince. He was a simple, wandering cultivator of low birth and status. Tonight it was Hua Cheng who held the noble title. He was a lord. He had wealth and power. He could have anyone, and he chose to have this daozhang.

Xie Lian wondered briefly if this was what the ghost had been referring to when he had said that ghosts in the woods would take advantage of a young man like him. Was he truly so desirable? As a prince, he understood that many wanted to marry him. It was only natural that a young man of status with a reputation for being kind and just would be the object of affection of many young ladies. It was only that being an object of affection was different than being an object of… lust? He hadn't realized that people desired him in this way.

He was brought back to his senses at the feeling of Hua Cheng slowly removing his robes, untying them and beginning to slip them from his pale shoulders. He shivered again. He had been dressed and washed by palace attendants his whole life. He was not unused to being undressed in front of men… so why did this make him feel so nervous. What if he didn't like what he saw?

Hua Cheng slipped the robe down to his waist, but no further. Xie Lian was still staring up at him dumbly, trying to follow his direction and keep his eyes on him. He watched his calm expression, noticing the way his eye traced up his chest. He ran his hands slowly down the prince, taking in the sight before him.

“I didn't realize daozhang was so strong,” he praised, feeling over Xie Lian's toned body.

“Ah, yes. This one- this one cultivates.” Xie Lian explained stupidly. Of course he cultivates… he's a cultivator.

“It shows… I couldn't see it all under your robes but A-Xie must be very strong.”

Xie Lian flushed, “I- Well. I train a lot. I am sure you are also very strong based on your- your-” He gestured vaguely to Hua Cheng's exposed chest. The poor prince was getting more and more flustered by the second.

Hua Cheng laughed. It was a beautiful sound, deep and warm. Xie Lian felt his lower half strain more against his robes and he squirmed uncomfortably.

“Awe… poor thing, so uncomfortable.”

As he spoke, Hua Cheng ran his hands lower, moving over Xie Lian's arousal, still covered by his under robes. He rubbed his hand against him, feeling gently for him over the fabric. Xie Lian let out a soft, gaspy breath. He shut his eyes and turned his head. As he did, the pressure over his arousal disappeared, as Hua Cheng removed his hands from his body. Xie Lian instantly missed the sensation. His eyes met Hua Cheng's, wide with confusion. Hua Cheng smirked.

“What did I say about looking at me, A-Xie?” He purred devilishly.

“to… do it…?” Xie Lian said pathetically.

“En, that's right. Keep your eyes on me.”

Xie Lian nodded once.

Now that the cultivator was looking at him once again, Hua Cheng returned his hands to him, once again groping at him over his robes.

It took everything Xie Lian had to keep looking at the Lord. He let out a small whine.

“That's it. Good, Daozhang.”

Slowly, gracefully, Xie Lian watched as Hua Cheng slid down to his knees, kneeling between Xie Lian’s legs. A shiver ran through the Prince's body as those long, slender hands began slowly moving up his robes, bunching them up as they moved. The ghost's nails dragged gently against the soft, tender skin of his thighs. He moved slowly, painfully slow. Xie Lian didn't know if he could bear it. He quivered beneath his touch, the anticipation driving him crazy. The man's one dark eye stared at his thighs intently, almost reverently.

As his hands roamed to his hips, he gently whisked the robes off of Xie Lian, exposing him entirely. The air felt cold against his skin and he fought the urge to cover himself.

“Daozhang,” the ghost breathed. “You are magnificent. Look at you. I've never seen such a beautiful man. What did this one do to deserve this?”

There was that reverence again. His words settled within Xie Lian, warming his head to his toes, cascading down to his finger tips and all through each and every vein in his body. He didn't know what to say. He just stared down at the man, breathless.

After a moment had passed, Hua Cheng continued. He leaned down slowly, placing gentle kisses on Xie Lian's thigh. The kisses moved inwards and Xie Lian squirmed, trying desperately to keep his eyes on the other man, lest they stop again. The soft kisses tickled him. They felt like butterflies fluttering against his skin.

Without warning, the lips were replaced with the ghost's tongue. Xie Lian jolted at the change in sensation. He was moving closer to the Prince's arousal and the anticipation was becoming too much. Wetness dribbled  pathetically from the tip of his cock.

“Ah, look how excited you are for me,” the ghost purred, that mischievously glint returning to his eyes.

In one swift motion, Xie Lian's cock was wrapped up in the other man's hand, his thumb pressing gently down on the tip. A shudder wracked through his body and he let out a yelp. Before he had time to process this feeling, one even more foreign, even more vulgar, came upon him. The Lord had lowered his head and taken the tip of Xie Lian in his soft, wet mouth.

The Prince cried out, his yell trailing off into a pathetic whine. He couldn't bear to listen to the shameful sounds escaping him. He shut his eyes. The lips stayed on his tip but there was no movement from the other man. He squirmed, subconsciously searching for some friction to ease his desperation. After a moment he opened his eyes. They locked with Hua Cheng and, in that very second, the ghost took Xie Lian down his throat.

“Uuahh! Uh!” Xie Lian keened.

He held onto the Ghost King as if he were holding on for dear life, his nails digging into his shoulders. He doubled over, his body wrapping around the ghost king's head as he bobbed his head up and down at a relentless pace. Hua Cheng seemed to have decided that this closeness was a good enough excuse to not look at him and he kept up the pace, sending more shudders through the young man.

Seconds went by, or minutes? Maybe it was hours. Xie Lian couldn't tell anymore. His whole body felt like it was buzzing, like he couldn't get enough. The feeling was addictive. Xie Lian felt the pressure of Hua Cheng's tongue caressing over his balls and back up his shaft. With a jerk he kicked his feet and hit the palm of his hand into the ghost's shoulder. The pleasure was too much for him to control himself.

Immediately, Hua Cheng retreated and looked up at Xie Lian.

“Should I stop?” He asked, peering up.

The question was sincere, not at all meant to tease, but it sent the young Prince into a panic.

“Nooo! You can't leave me like this! I won't allow it!” He commanded, the tone whiney, coming from a spoiled prince. He froze, realizing his mistake. He was not a prince right now. The man beneath him was a lord.

The Lord gazed up at him clearly stunned by the tone he had just heard come from this man. Xie Lian flushed with embarrassment, but soon realized that there was a certain lust in the other man's expression.

“Or what?” He asked, holding the base of Xie Lian's cock. The prince squirmed and let out another pathetic sound.

“What’s stopping me from keeping you flushed and squirming for me? An inexperienced Daozhang like you… do you even know how to get yourself off?”

Never in his entire life had someone dared say anything like this to him. Xie Lian felt as if his body was on fire. He was embarrassed beyond belief, and too far gone to stop now. His body craved release. The pleasure was overwhelming.

“Well? Do you know how? Have you ever done it?”

Xie Lian looked away, “N-no.”

“Mn, of course not. Daozhang is too good. Too devoted to his cultivation.” The Lord amended understandingly. “That's alright. How could this one leave such a pretty thing like you uncomfortable like this? Just say the word and I will continue.”

He held the man's chin and tilted his face towards him so that Xie Lian was looking at him. His eyes were wet. He could barely handle Hua Cheng's torment while in this state.

“Please continue, San Lang-gege.”

That was all Hua Cheng needed.

In an instant, Hua Cheng had returned to Xie Lian's cock, moving at the perfect pace, his tongue grazing over the most pleasurable spot each time. Xie Lian cried out for the thousandth time that night. What Hua Cheng was doing now, it felt better than anything he had ever experienced. It was clear now that before he was only causing the pleasure to build, teasing him without bringing him over the edge. Now, the ghost's intent was different. He wanted to take everything Xie Lian had, he wanted to bring him to the height of pleasure.

The Prince felt the pleasure build in his stomach. He grabbed desperately at the other man, unable to get enough of the feeling. It felt like it would never end, but also like he was so close to boiling over. He felt his whole body tense. As he felt the pleasure rise and his vision blur, Hua Cheng's hand found the way to the back of his head, redirecting him to make eye contact. As their eyes met, Hua Cheng pressed his tongue against that pleasurable spot… hard. It was too much. Xie Lian choked as the pleasure erupted from him. The sounds that escaped him were that of an animal, desperate and wild. He stared into the other man's eye as his vision blurred, watching how he swallowed him down effortlessly.

As he felt himself come down from this heightened state, his body crumpled back over the other man, exhausted. Hua Cheng gently coaxed his body through the pleasure, working him through the last remaining twitches and shivers until the Prince was pliant in his hands.

Every so gently, Hua Cheng moved Xie Lian so that he was laying on the plush bed. He brushed the sweat soaked strands of hair from his face and smiled softly, watching the Prince's eyes try to focus.

“A'Xie?” He questioned.

The Prince's gaze managed to focus on him.

“San Lang,” he breathed, sounding contented.

“How are you feeling?”

“I… I've never felt anything like that. You… Thank you.”

He didn't know what else to say. The things he had felt with this man were beyond his comprehension. It was like he knew his body like the back of his hand. He stared at him, taking in the sight of the ghost before him. He felt an overwhelming sense of affection.

He noticed the man before him was still clothed in this vibrant, red robe. Disheveled but clothed. He let his eyes wander down the man's body, over his exposed chest and then down to…. oh. He could see the man's.. well… ehm… you know… pressing up against his robes.

He sat up suddenly and made his way to the edge of the bed.

“Xie- A'Xie?” Hua Cheng asked, panicked at the sight of him moving away so suddenly. “Are you alright?”

“En, yes. I'm quite alright,” he gently guided Hua Cheng over to the edge of the bed with him. “You… uh. For me…. And so now… I want to um… help you too?”

“Help me?” Hua Cheng blinked in disbelief.

That's when Xie Lian slipped off the edge of the bed and sunk down onto his knees.