Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

For the last few days, Shen Qingqiu felt like something was deeply wrong. The system was spamming him with important notifications, not that he would know since he long since muted them. But now looking back, he should've looked into it instead of snobbing a literal blue screen.

System, 23 days ago: Important event incoming! All users are required to take the following survey…

System, 16 days ago: Reminder to all users, important event incoming! This will make the plot progress much faster and we wish to accommodate your feelings by granting you options, like written in the survey. Failure to answer our inquiries will resume the standard protocol for this event without personalization.

System, 7 days ago: Important event ''The Truth'' will take place in a week's time. Please take note that we are still taking into account new survey entries and that you have until the day before to submit one.

System, 2 days ago: The system wants to remind all users that failure to send back the completed survey will reset your event preferences to the decision of yours truly. There will be no slander or backlash accepted in return.

System, 1 day ago: This is your last opportunity to take survey issued by this system for the ''The Truth'' event. We wish to avoid all discomfort in our users' lives and take great care in offering them selections of choice.

System, 4 minutes ago: The ''The Truth'' event is about to begin. Please be aware that users will get teleported to the destination 2 minutes before the other guests, as requested by user Airplane Shooting Across The Sky.

Well, needless to say, SQQ felt fucked. He was torn between cursing the system for not pushing those messages beyond and deeply concerned about this event. Its name was very ominous and didn't give much clues as to what it entails. SQQ was so deep into his thoughts that he barely noticed the feeling of getting teleported away.

He didn't event notice the horrendous scream of Luo Binghe, the one who spent the last few minutes staring amusedly as his distracted Shizun, the disciple who suddenly saw him dissapear out of thin air. His stomach dropped and, for some reason, got a cold shiver down his arms. His instinct took him to Mobei-jun for answers but, upon arriving, realized the demon in question was facing the same situation.
If it wasn't for the frustrated lines of his eyebrows, an onlooking stranger would think he is indifferent to Shang Qinghua's dissapearance. Luo Binghe knows better than that, he knows that the ice demon's possessiveness towards his servant (husband) is almost comparable to his and, that alone, made SQH go down a few spots on his secret kill list (though, in LBH's heart, he would never beat the Courting Shizun Attempt allegations, however stupid they were. The secret language, how SQQ behaved around him, amounts of details that LBH was surprised nobody else in the sect caught on.)

****

System: Welcome user 'Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky' and user 'Peerless Cucumber'. As requested by user 001 in the survey, you will have 2 minutes to talk before the other guests' arrival. This system will be your host for the entirety of this event and will answers some questions if deemed reasonable. More instructions will be given once everyone is settled. Good luck =(^^)=

…

SQH: So… do you have a plan?

SQQ: What do you mean? *sighs*

SQH: Well, assuming you also answered the survey-

SQQ: No. I did not hear of it until like 5 minutes ago because that damn system did not think it was worth bypassing the mute setting.

At that mumble, SQH went completely pale. Well, that can't be good.

SQQ: So what's this event anyway?

SQH: I'm not sure but, based on the questions I answered, I think we're playing games?

SQQ: Seriously..?

SQH: No need to be rude, bro, I just told you I'm not sure.

SQQ: Ok, ok, what DO you know then?

SQH: Hmm… apparently some 'censure features' will be disabled here, whatever that means.
Oh! And it ended with something cryptic: ''It is now up to you to protect your reputation in the group.''

SQQ: Ugh, I bet this garbage excuse of a system is planning on embarassing us.

System: This system is wounded, please refrain from such cruelty in the future, user 002.
ÛnÛ

SQQ: Cruelty?! Oh I'll show you-

System: Warning! The remaining guests will be teleported here in 20 seconds. Please conclude your conversation promptly.

SQH: BRO!

SQQ: What now?

SQH: Are we playing the dumb card and pretend we are as confused as them or should we try to push our luck with acting-

SQQ: In your case, playing dumb should be natural, Airplane.

SQH: How dare-!

?: SHIZUN!!!!

Peak Lord Shen barely had the time to turn around that he had a bawling gigantic puppy (man) gripping his hips like his life depends on it (which he probably believes).

LBH: Forgive this useless disciple for letting you get kidnapped by this hamster-looking insignificant… Shang Qinghua.

Despite seeing his fellow transmigrator cowering in fear with tears in his eyes, SQQ had half the heart to remind his student to respect his elders. What disturbed him most was the newly arrived people in the room freaking out, mostly offended that something or someone would care take hostage of so many cultivators. And demons, apparently.

Both transmigrators, Luo Binghe, Mobei-jun, Yue Qingyuan, Liu Qingge, Liu Mingyuan, Tianglang-jun, Mu Qingfang, Ming Fan, Ning Yingying, Sha Hualing, Zhuzhi-lang and Gongyi Xiao, that's a lot of people in a single room. Room that, after some observations from SQQ, look a lot like a lounge and they even have a TV. How on earth are they supposed to introduce the concept to people from ancient China?

Ning Yingying: Hum, everyone? I think the… entity made of blue light is trying to get our attention.

Ming Fan approves of this clear demonstration that his cultivation sister (crush) is very intelligent. He doubles down by making everyone stay quiet.

System: Thank you! Welcome dear guests, this system will be your host for the debuting event, ''The Truth''. Today, you will play games together to get a chance of getting out of this place. I hope you can find a way to get along and participate, otherwise no one gets out. Failure to cooperate will lead to more time stuck as a group, perhaps this point of view will encourage you further. As the day progresses, many utilities in other rooms will be unlocked and will be free for your use. Any questions so far?

Liu Qingge: So… you took the effort to gather all of us here just to entertain you and play stupid games?

System: Firstly, I would ask you to not insult my activities, Guest Liu Qingge. ÖnÖ
Secondly, the purpose of this gathering is not only for my satisfaction but also enlightening for all of you. The information obtainable through these games cannot be revealed outside of this facility and, to be very frank, are certainly eye-opening secrets.

Tianlang-jun: Oh my! Secrets, huh? That's definitely interesting.

Most people present tensed up at that. They were curious what kind of secrets that 'system' was teasing them with and a sick part of them wanted to know dirty little info about everyone.

Gongyi Xiao: Hum, system? I hope you are well and won't take offense in this lowly one calling you that way. You said that we would be here the whole day, is that correct?

System: You are technically right but, knowing that some of the guests have habits of creating drama and, knowing how… fragile some of the information will turn the atmosphere to a way more tense state, this system made preparations to ensure that you can be comfortable during the entirety of your stay, no matter how long it is.

Sha Hualing: Surely you're kidding, you can't be implying that we could be stuck for, like, YEARS if some stubborn people refuse to follow your instructions!

System: I sincerely doubt and hope that won't be the case but yes, to answer Guest Sha Hualing, everyone in this room will be unable to leave until the games' result are satisfactory. Before anyone asks, no you cannot decide if you agree with my terms, no I do not plan on harming you and yes, I will remain available to answer future questions. If there's nothing else, I will resume my explaination.

…

System: I'm glad to see that everyone's on board! So, during the event, you will play two main games in passive, which means that they can be completed in the background of other games or during breaks. Those games are called ''Truth or Dare'' and ''Find the Imposters''. Please keep in mind that those fun activities are rich in knowledge.

At that announcement, SQH almost chokes on his spit as he forgets to breathe. SQQ's reaction is way better hidden but it doesn't escape LBH's careful watch. He tries to soothe him by rubbing his arm up and down but it does nothing to stop the growing feeling of tightness in his shizun's throat.
Everyone seems to agree on being unfamiliar with the games and decide to ask the system to give more details.

System: ''Truth or Dare'' is a turn-based game. One by one, each player will be asked to choose between a dare or telling the truth. Everyone will choose on the dares and questions as a group but this system can give you ideas with prompts, if necessary. Any questions on that first game?

Sha Hualing: Surely there's a consequence if the person refuses to answer or do the action?

System: Correct! If the player refuses to answer truthfully, they will be given a dare instead which they cannot refuse. It goes the same for refusing a dare, and the guest will have to choose one of the two. The consequence for refusing to proceed, even after that, will be kept secret for now but, as a warning out of my kindness, the punished player might feel quite a bit… exposed.

Since no one asked anything else, too focused on guessing what the punishment could be, the system continued. That part turned the users' anxiety up a few notch.

System: Now for the second game, ''Find the Imposters''. This is quite explicit in its name, you will need to find the imposters among the group, alongside the truth behind their secrets. You are allowed to create alliances if you wish or keep your opinions to your own. Players who submit crucial unknown information about non-Imposters will get points which they can use to buy hints. At the end of the game, you will need to form a group final answer and get the correct guess to win. If consensus can't be achieved, the team or person who's closest to the truth will win. The imposters will win if no one can discover their identities but, to keep their cover, this system will issue a small amount of points to everyone for contributing in the game. Questions?

Tianglang-jun: I think this game will be very fun! Don't you agree, my dear nephew? Now, my friend The System, how does one submit information for hint points?

System: If you decide to all work together, you can simply ask this system and receive an answer. However, if the person submitting wishes to keep it to themselves, they can find an empty room and call for my assistance. Do not fret, we are a very resourceful system and can hold many discussions simultanously. At the end of each game, points are added to your individual total. The guest ending up with the highest score will get a bonus reward in addition to everyone's gift of freedom.

To everyone's surprise, it's the doctor who speaks up next.

Mu Qingfang: Are the Imposters already selected and how will they be notified or their role in the game?

System: No worries, the Imposters are well aware of their identity as they have been for many years now.

To that, a few got confused, wondering who among them could have been aware of those games for years already but most of the people gathered in the room quickly caught on.

Gongyi Xiao: Perharps you are mistaken? How could there be an imposter among the cultivator sects for so long?

Liu Qingge, who's restraint on not slamming his sword into the system is getting thinner: Whoever they are, there's more than one. System, tell me this, are they in cahoots or completely ignorant of the other's existence?

System: We will not provide hints before the games begin and those answers can be bought by points. -w-

Yue Qingyuan: Everyone, please stay calm. I am aware that these are shocking news and I won't lie and pretend that I, too, am not disappointed but this is a vital moment to stay focused. Those imposters have carefully hidden their mischievious schemes for years without any of us suspecting. Thus, we will need everyone's full dedication to uncover those lies, years in the making.

Ming Fan: Well, we can already rule out the demons because they cannot ''betray'' us if we weren't on great terms for many years.

System: It seems my dear guests are eager to start. Would you agree?

Luo Binghe, who kept being very silent while observing SQQ's declining state, finally spoke up. He asked for a break before the start and the system granted him that. Binghe dragged his shizun in one of the side rooms and gently made him seat on an unusual bench (it's a couch).

LBH, noticing his lover's headache, uses his softest voice to ask: Shizun, what is happening to you? Is it a Without A Cure flare-up?

The teacher in question says no, that he thanks him for taking care of his well being but that his health is currently fine. However, Luo Binghe wasn't satisfied with that so he continued elaborating: Binghe, I am simply not pleased with the idea of people probbing into my personal affairs to judge if I am trustworthy. That is all.

LBH then takes Shen Qingqiu in his arms, hugging him while patting his back. The other man let him, secretly hoping that it won't be the last time because of today's event.

LBH: Rest assured, shizun, this one doesn't plan on revealing your secrets to anyone.

It took a few seconds for master Shen to actually register what his disciple said.

SQQ: Binghe, what-

LBH: This disciple would be even more useless than he already is if he could not learn about the nonverbal informative signs that are characteristics of his beloved shizun. I gathered many questions over the years and most of them have stayed unanswered but I suppose that this ''Imposters'' subject will answer some of them.

SQQ, after letting out a breath that he was apparently holding: Of course, Binghe is very smart, I suppose it is only natural that he would catch on these secrets one day. I… Well, I have been dishonest for a long time and I understand if you're upset.

LBH: I will only be mad if your plans include leaving me again. I will not allow that and will be furious with everything at fault for making you leave.

SQQ: Don't say that, I told you I would stay and I meant it! I actually quite appreciate my life the way it is currently, or before we got here at least. If I ever leave, it won't be by choice. *sigh* Because of this event, there's a high chance that it won't be a matter of ''if'' but ''when''.

LBH: I won't let those … hurt you. If they make you leave, I will make them regret it and follow you wherever you wishes to go.

SQQ: Be respectful! … but thank you.

After a quiet moment of comfortable silence, resting his head on his master's shoulder, Luo Binghe spoke up.

LBH: Is Shang Qinghua the other Imposter?

SQQ went rigid but stayed silent. His student was getting up but he took his hand.

SQQ: That is not my place to stay.

After a single little hmpf from Binghe, they went back to the main room. This time, the Heavenly Demon took Airplane violently and stormed the side room. Looking at his enemy's (friend) pleading face, Peerless Cucumber wondered if he should interfere but that train of thought was interrupted by Yue Qingyuan approaching him.

After a quick conversation (assault) that could barely be heard from outside because of soundproofed walls, they came back. Binghe wondered why SQQ suddenly had a weird look on his face. The Peak Lord in question had only one thing on his mind, the few words the Sect Master just quietly told him: ''Xiao Jiu, I know you could never be a traitor and I will defend you against anyone who thinks otherwise''.
This Shen's only thought was that he was wrongly convinced that he would never hear Yue Qingyuan call him by that nickname again after their agreement on that years ago.

The system's only thought was being confused as to why everyone came to the conclusion that the Imposters were evil traitors. Oh well!

Chapter Text

After a few rounds of simple truths and dares, such as asking an opinion on a broad topic, a few grew impatient of playing nice and decided to ask the true questions.

Tianlang-jun: Master Shen, my second favorite son out of three! I've heard many rumors about you. You were a fairly known visitor of brothels, everyone knows that, but I wonder why you suddenly stopped seeking pleasure from those women and chose your student as replacement. Any embarassing incident you want to share?

Yue Qingyuan: Now, let's not invade such topics, especially with… youth present. Xiao Jiu, there is no need to answer such accusations.

Tianlang-jun: No, actually, let's talk about it! In fact, let's ask how close the two of you are. Calling him Xiao Jiu, always defending him, why is that?

Yue Qingyuan: We don't owe you any explaination on our personal relations.

Tianlang-jun: Sure, sure. Would you like to answer my question instead, Shen Qingqiu?

SQQ: *cough* Perhaps we could let go of my… past activities?

Liu Qingge: With no offense, I had to drag you out of this shameless establishment more than once and never got an once of your reason. The least would be to come clean and-

Luo Binghe, pulling SQQ behind him: Shut up, all of you, that's enough.

Mu Qingfang: I must agree, there is no need to publicly humiliate our cultivation brothers.

Yue Qingyuan: *sigh* I believe now would be a good moment for a break, then we can move on to another topic. How does that sound, everyone?

Like he got a wake-up call, Luo Binghe took his shizun away to safety, no doubt sparing the man from any more interrogation.

****

LBH: Are you feeling well, shizun?

SQQ: Yes, this master is fine but was just not expecting such use of those games. It is a smart choice to use questions to find the imposters but those subjects should not be discussed in a crowd like that.

LBH: If you wish, I could make sure they cannot investigate your life anymore.

SQQ: I appreciate the thought but they would only suspect me more.

LBH: Would you like to tell me some of those secrets? Being stressed is not good for your health, especially since your core is weakened by Without A Cure. I could share that burden with you and make sure those nobodies never find out. Or, if you prefer, I can force Shang Qinghua to tell me everything he knows.

Shen Qingqiu, ignoring most of that: Apologies, I do not wish to discuss those sensitive areas of my history. However, this master would like to talk to the Peak Lord of An Ding, alone. If you could go fetch him and guard the door to not be disturbed. I am not trying to hide things from you but I believe it is the best way to avoid further confusion.

With a sad look on his face, LBH goes to excecute those requests. He stays outside of the room, posted at its door with the glance of a guarding dog. He tries to listen in but only hears few recognizable words. Inventing a secret language to be subtle, it is very smart, in character with his shizun but too smart for the hamster imitation of a man. He then concludes that this language already existed and Shang Qinghua came across learnings of it years ago while doing paperwork. He would have to further investigate this, he will not villanize his teacher like the others, but he needs to know more about the love of his life.

Perhaps too lost in his own mind, the half-demon doesn't notice Yingying approaching him.

NYY: A-Luo? I know shizun is busy but could you let him know that I wish to talk?

He was about to knock, agreeing that his shizun's time with SQH was more than sufficient, but the man in question opened the door to leave.

SQQ: Oh? Please come in, Ning Yingying.

Without an invitation, LBH comes in as well and closes the door behind.

SQQ: Binghe, you did not ask your fellow disciple if you could join us.

NYY: I don't mind, maybe this is better. I know that the two of you are… close. I will be brief, shizun. Years ago, when rumors that you visited those places were going around, we had a small discussion. To this day, I keep my belief that you did not hurt those women. Forgive this disciple's rude attitude but, since the time has passed, perhaps this time you would agree to answer my question.

SQQ: I see. You are authorized to ask but I cannot promise an answer.

NYY: Thanking shizun. Here it is: Why have you always refused to defend yourself against those awful allegations?

LBH: I would also like to know, if it is not an inconvinence.

SQQ: I suppose this master can do his best and formulate a proper reasoning. However, I would appreciate for the both of you to keep this to yourselves as these answers could cause emotional troubles to some Peak Lords.

After getting both of their agreement, he continues.

SQQ: After his qi deviation, this teacher had memory issues. From what I can remember, I had many good friends among these women and would find great companionship in their presence. This master was not trusted by many cultivators in the sect and, in hopes of protecting his friends, this one decided to keep silence in regards of all the shameless rumors.

NYY, with tears in her eyes: Shizun, I knew you were a man with morals! I wish you could've stayed friends with those ladies, no matter of how people view their profession.

SQQ: It is a great wish, no doubt.

Luo Binghe had now this look on his face, shared between satisfaction and worry.
LBH: Shizun, you told us that you lost some memories. Is it still the case?

SQQ: Ah, well, there are things that I will probably never recall from before the qi deviation. However, the state of my mind has greatly improved over time and Shang Qinghua, having access to records and information about most of the sect's history, he helps me a great deal filling up the blanks.

NYY: Thanking shizun for answring all our questions.

LBH: Yingying, I believe Ming Fan is searching for you.

The young woman, definitely less oblivious than her master, left the two alone.

****

SQQ: Is there anything else you would like to ask?
Huh, perhaps not THAT oblivious, then. Or maybe he just knows his disciple so well.

There is a few things that Binghe wishes to know, in fact. If the memory loss made him forget of the 'Xiao Jiu' Yue Qingyuan seems to see in him, what is the first memory SQQ has of Binghe and so on. Instead, he asks something else.

LBH: There is more than just memory issues, am I right?

SQQ: As usual, disciple Luo Binghe is very bright.

LBH: But all the possession signs possible were not present when the doctor examine shizun.

SQQ: That is also true. The tests did not fail, this is not a case of possession.

LBH: I wish to know the truth but I know shizun doesn't want to tell me, that's okay. Instead, I was wondering, what is your oldest memory of me?

SQQ: I am not sure since my brain at the time was still fogged with disregulation but I suppose the first interaction between us that I recall was not long before the carriage ride in which we were missing a horse for you to ride.

What a typical shizun thing to do, avoiding to answer the question like that. No matter, this student knows exactly how to work his way through this careful wall his master put around himself.

LBH: Before… Then, perhaps when you first gave me medicine?

SQQ: Ah, I wasn't expecting you to remember this day.

How could he forget? That was the first time the Peak Lord showed him any trace of humanity. Something changed in SQQ back then and he became this Heavenly Demon's reason to love and live. Whatever happened then, LBH only hopes it is not reversible, no matter how selfish that sounds.