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Like any unmated omega, Shen Jiu wore a chastity collar and has done ever since he had went into puberty many years ago. In his youth it was nothing more than a simple ribbon made out of cloth that he tied around his neck. It had not been pretty by any means and often rubbed his skin above his sensitive scent glands sore after a long day from how rough it had been, but it had done its job of protecting his neck from potential unwanted mating bites from alphas.
However these days he was able to afford himself chastity collars of high quality, made out of rare silks that not only were soft against his skin but made out of highly resistant material that not even a knife could easily cut through it to prevent it being ripped off during a fight. Of course, like most of the Qing Jing Peak Lord's robes, the collar he usually wore was in a calming green while being decorated with delicate embroidery he had made himself, making it just as much just as much of a staple for him as his signature fans.
Thanks to his high status, where he was the only omega of such a high cultivation of his current generation, the collar he wore every day was almost as famous as he was. Many sires from all around the Jianghu tried to win the omega's favour, as they competed each other in the hopes to be gifted that green collar and to be accepted as his chosen mate. Courting gifts arrived at Qing Jing Peak on the regular, from other cultivators, to noble sires, and even the occasional brave commoner, who all hoped to be gifted the signature green chastity collar.
Only that Shen Jiu had yet to accept any of these sires as his mate and gift them his collar as a sign that they were chosen by him and given the honour of claiming him with a mating mark.
***
When Shen Jiu woke up in the morning he felt awful. The travel to the Immortal Alliance Conference was already unpleasant, where he was stuck in a carriage for days, although it certainly was better for him than having to ride a horse the whole way, but then having to sleep in a tent on nothing more than a few blankets only made matters worse again. He tried not to complain, as he wasn't some whiny and spoiled child who needed special treatment, however after the mistreatment and abused he had suffered under Qiu Jianluo, who had probably fractured and broken more of the omega's bones than Shen Jiu could count, he was often left aching and in discomfort after long travels.
Not to mention his inability to sleep in close proximity of alphas. The fact that the campsite was separated by dynamic and was guarded did little to calm the omega enough to dare to rest well and sleep. Not that he ever slept easy anyway with his issues with his insomnia.
As such when it was time for him to get up he wished for nothing more than to just get onto Xiu Ya and to fly back to his sect to get into his nest there. However he couldn't, no matter how much he wanted to, as today the Immortal Alliance Conference was about to begin, where many of his disciples were going to join in for the first time to hopefully make a name for themselves and to represent his Qing Jing Peak.
They all had arrived the day before, after days worth of slow travel by horses and carriages, while later today the conference was to begin and last for a week. Shen Jiu himself had little to actually do during the conference, as masters of his level of cultivation who had long made a name for themselves did not participate in the conference and merely watched and supervised it as otherwise the younger cultivators would have no chance for a fair competition.
However he had ordered his disciples to meet with him before the conference was to begin. As such he had to actually drag himself out of his sorry excuse of a bed, no matter how tired he was and how much his body was aching and yearning for his nest back at home.
So with a groan he slowly forced himself to sit up and moved to get himself dressed and look presentable. Which proved itself a struggle with how awful he felt that he spend half of the time yawning and trying to stretch in a way that would lessen the tension in his muscles and joints. But in the end he still managed to get himself properly dressed, where he then left his tent to meet up with his disciples.
He ended up being the first at the meeting point, being a good role model for his disciples to follow. Where soon enough Ming Fan joined him as well, also being slightly ahead of time as the immortal master expected of his head disciple, who proudly greeted his Shizun. Slowly the other Qing Jing Peak disciples that were to join this season's conference then also arrived one by one, some also ahead of time and some exactly on time.
All except of one.
“Ming Fan, where is your youngest shidi?” Shen Jiu asked his head disciple as he looked at the gathered group of disciples, where the youngest of his disciples, Luo Binghe, was missing from the group.
“Oh, this disciple has given all of the Shidis a few chores and training exercises to do before meeting Shizun, so that we would be prepared and warmed up for when the conference was to begin.” Ming Fan explained to him with a bow, “But it seems that Luo Shidi is once more slacking off. If Shizun wishes, then this disciple can find that little idiot and punish him for not turning up on time to meet with Shizun.”
Shen Jiu had to hold back from rolling his eyes, because it certainly did not take a genius to guess that the little bully forced his youngest Shidi to do all of the morning chores on his own once again, causing Luo Binghe to be late. The young man really needed to stop that behaviour of his if he wished to one day actually take over Shen Jiu's title of Peak Lord and lead Qing Jing Peak. Truth to be told if it weren't for the fact that Ming Fan was the most capable, Shen Jiu would have long declared someone else the head disciple. The only one who had more skill happened to be Luo Binghe, however Shen Jiu could need someone without a spine even less as a head disciple than an idiot bully.
“Do not bother, this master will take care of it himself.” Shen Jiu raised his hand to stop his head disciple from trying to already run off, “You better concentrate on preparing yourself properly before the conference starts, as I will not tolerate any of you slacking off and embarrassing our Qing Jing Peak and Cang Qiong Mountain.”
With the immortal master's declaration being made, all of the disciples bowed to their Shizun, “Yes, Shizun!”
Shen Jiu then actually got to why he had originally ordered his disciples to meet up with him in the first place. Where he pulled forth multiple qiankun pouches, where he gave one of each to each of his disciples. Each of the qiankun pouches contained various talismans that Shen Jiu had personally created over the last few weeks, multiple medicines and first aid equipments, spiritual tools, extra provisions, and many more things his disciples could use during the conference. Which all of disciples accepted with a gracious thanks to their Shizun, who had went out of his way to create them for them despite every participating disciple being more than capable to pack their own qiankun pouches for the conference.
However by the end Shen Jiu was left with one qiankun pouch left in his hand, as Luo Binghe had still not managed to turn up. Making him sigh in annoyance, because now he had to find that little beast before the conference was to begin soon.
“Ming Fan.” Shen Jiu spoke up to gain his head disciple's attention, “Supervise that your Shidis properly warm themselves up and then turn up on time with all of their weapons and tools on the assembly platform for when the conference will begin. I will not tolerate any tardiness.”
“Yes Shizun!” Ming Fan accepted the order with pride, before turning towards his Shidis, “You have heard Shizun, so start warming up!”
Now that they were all taken care of Shen Jiu then left to find the little beast. Really he should just keep the pouch for himself and supervise the warm up and see that his disciples were properly prepared when the conference was to begin, instead of having to run around to find the youngest of them. However he refused to let his hard work come to naught after the many hours he had spend preparing these qiankun pouches for all of his participating disciples.
But it was certainly easier said than done to find a single disciple in a massive assembly from all around the Jianghu, like it was the case at the Immortal Alliance Conference. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. To make matter worse, Shen Jiu was beginning to run out of time. He still had to actually get onto the viewing platform way before the conference was to start when the Huan Hua Palace Master, as the host of this season's conference, would welcome the immortal masters before officially opening up the event. As the Peak Lord of Cang Qiong Mountain's second highest peak and the second-in-command after the sect leader, he could not allow himself to be tardy because of a single wayward disciple.
As such Shen Jiu decided to check the little beast's tent. Where however Luo Binghe was also nowhere to be seen. Making Shen Jiu groan, because he really did not have the time left over. So he simply went over towards the little beast's bedding and placed the qiankun pouch on top of it together with a note stating from whom it was and that it was for Luo Binghe. Maybe the youth would come back here before the conference started and would find the pouch, and if not then it was his loss. Because Shen Jiu had to leave now, so with a flourish of his robes he left again.
By the end Shen Jiu still managed to arrive on the viewing platform on time. Most of the other immortal masters were already present, including Shen Jiu's own sect siblings, while the Huan Hua Palace Master was currently occupied with conversing with the masters of the Zhao Hua Temple.
Deciding to not interrupt the Huan Hua Palace Master's conversation with the monks from Zhao Hua Temple by trying to greet the old man and instead letting him eventually come to him for the greetings, not that Shen Jiu even wanted to talk to that old man as he did not trust that creep, Shen Jiu instead made his way over towards his sect siblings. Yue Qingyuan was in a conversation with Qi Qingqi and Mu Qingfang, while Liu Qingge was standing at the side together with Wei Qingwei and Shang Qinghua. The others were also already present for the most part and were spread out on the viewing platform as they talked to the various masters.
“Ah, Shen Shidi.” Yue Qingyuan smiled at him as the omega approached the group. Only for him to suddenly blush for some reason when Shen Jiu had stopped next to them.
“Zhangmen-Shixiong?” Shen Jiu raised an eyebrow at the other's very weird reaction, “Is something the matter?”
Qi Qingqi and Mu Qingfang also looked confused about the sect leader's reaction all of the sudden, where the healer even moved to seemingly check if the alpha was having a qi deviation or something of the sorts, while Yue Qingyuan only looked flustered as he was awkwardly moving his hands about as if trying to gesture something.
“Shidi... ehm... you...”
Shen Jiu had no idea what the other was trying to get at and even Qi Qingqi looked lost as she eyed both of them to figure out what might be up. For her eyes then to also widen. “Ah, Shen Shixiong, your-”
“Shen Qingqiu, do you have no shame to run around like that?!” Liu Qingge suddenly spoke up and interrupted Qi Qingqi, as he pointed at the omega in an accusing manner. Where to Shen Jiu's confusion the brute was blushing even more than Yue Qingyuan was.
What was suddenly wrong with these sires? One might think Shen Jiu was running around outside while on heat or something, with how flustered they were towards him for no apparent reason.
“How about you scream any louder so that everyone in the Jianghu hears you?” Qi Qingqi hissed at Liu Qingge, while seemingly Mu Qingfang also seemed to realise what everyone was going on about.
“Eh, Shen Shixiong.” the doctor cleared his throat, before subtly pointing at his neck, “Your neck.”
Touching at his own neck like Mu Qingfang had been pointing, Shen Jiu tried to think about what the doctor was talking about as he felt his skin underneath his fingers but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. But then omega's eyes widened, because he should not be feeling his skin there at all, but silk. “Where is my collar?”
Shen Jiu found himself blushing as well now, as he pulled the collars of his robes further up to cover his neck. How highly inappropriate for him to walk around without a collar! No wonder that all of the sires he called sect siblings had reacted in such a manner, when he found himself running around like some courtesan in public.
“Shen Shixiong, I do hope you don't mind me asking,” Wei Qingwei spoke up in a whispers to not call upon the attention from the other people around, all of which were sires, “but did you maybe forget to put your chastity collar on this morning?”
“No. I am certain that I had put it on this morning.” Shen Jiu may have been extra tired due to the travel in that moment, but he certainly would not have forgotten it. He had a reputation to uphold after all and also did not feel all too well being out in public around alphas with his scent glands not being covered. It was both humiliating and also deeply worrying him.
“Maybe you haven't fastened it properly?” Qi Qingqi suggested, “It happened a few times that one of the omegas on my peak lost their collar because they didn't tie it properly.” Her Xian Zhu Peak had the highest amount of omegas from all the peaks, so even if the woman was an alpha she probably knew what she was talking about.
Thinking about it, it was the only thing that had made sense to Shen Jiu. His collar, like most chastity collars, was tied at the back of the neck to make it harder to take off for other people without the omega's consent. However it also had the effect that it was sometimes a slight struggle to tie one when putting it on. So he must have really ended up not tying it properly that morning, due to his tiredness, and it ended up falling off at some point during the day without him noticing.
However that meant it was lying somewhere on the outskirts of the Jue Di Gorge, as Shen Jiu had been running around everywhere this morning to find his disciple.
Qi Qingqi then looked over towards Shang Qinghua, who was standing at the side. “Shang Shixiong, go and help Shen Shixiong find his collar.”
“What?” Shang Qinghua looked speechless at the blatant order of his Shimei, “Why me?”
“Because we have no other dams around at the moment and you are at least a beta, which is at least a bit more appropriate to be around an unmated omega without their collar than us alphas.” she explained matter-of-factly in return. Because in the end she was correct, as at least a beta sire did usually not give omegas mating marks.
“I mean yeah, but... is it okay for two of us to leave when the conference is about to start?” the beta looked awkwardly around the group.
Yue Qingyuan seemed to want to speak up, only for the dominating woman to interrupt the sect leader without any shame, “Don't even think about suggesting to be the one to help Shen Shixiong. You are an alpha and it would only cause rumours if you were seen running around with an unmated omega who was not wearing a collar. And also as the sect leader you have to represent our sect during the opening ceremony, which by the way will start in only a few minutes.”
Clearly that had been what the alpha had been planning to suggest, with how his mouth snapped shut and he looked guilty, to the point of reminding everyone of a kicked puppy. However he then cleared his throat, “Shimei is correct.” before then turning towards Shang Qinghua, “Shang Shidi, can you please help Shen Shidi find his collar? And if you can't find it, take him to get a new one?”
“Get a new one?” Shang Qinghua's eyes widened as he could not believe what he was hearing, “We are in the middle of nowhere...!” however at the stares of everyone around them he then gave a sigh, “Fine, I will see what I can do.” He then turned towards the omega in the round, who was doing his best to cover his neck with his hands and robes, while also letting his sire sect siblings keep him out of the view of all the other gathered immortal masters, “Shall we then, Shen Shixiong?”
Seeing that the Huan Hua Palace Master had finished talking to the monks from Zhao Hua Temple and was currently making his way over to the group from Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, Shen Jiu gave a nod, “Yes.” before quickly slipping out of the viewing platform together with his Shidi. Hopefully he would actually find the collar and would not have to figure out how to get a new one, because as Shang Qinghua had said they were in the middle of nowhere. He was already missing the opening ceremony and was unable to watch how his disciples entered the arena, so he at least wanted to watch some of their performance without missing most of it.
***
Luo Binghe was going to be in so much trouble with how late he was. Shizun had ordered all of his disciples to meet him before the welcoming ceremony was to start, however Luo Binghe has also been ordered by Ming Fan to fetch water for their flasks. Only that the closest water source was away quite a bit and it had taken a lot longer for him to carry the water back.
So when he had arrived Shizun was long gone and his Shixiong were all warming up already.
“There you are.” Ming Fan spat when he saw him, “Shizun has already left to find you, because you were too fine to assemble like Shizun had ordered.”
Luo Binghe had to bite his lip to not point out that the only reason why he had been late was because of Ming Fan's order as head disciple, as that would only cause him even more trouble. So he stayed quiet.
“Whatever.” Ming Fan then shrugged as if the other wasn't worthy of his time, “Go get ready and at least be on time for the opening ceremony, since otherwise you won't be able to participate. But that would probably be a good thing, since then you at least can't be an embarrassment to Shizun.”
One more Luo Binghe bit his lip. Because if Shizun found him too weak and insufficient to participate in the Immortal Alliance Conference, he would not have let him join. But again if he had dared to point that out, it would not have ended well for him. So he only bowed to his Da-Shixiong, “Yes.”
Slowly the other Shixiong moved on as well as they had finished their last warm-ups and were sorting out the last of their tools before the conference was to begin. Luo Binghe still had most of his things back at his tent, as he had not expected to be held up that much right before the conference, so he quickly excused himself as he left back to the campsite.
As he made his way over towards the campsite he was slightly wary of potentially running into his Shizun, because surely his Shizun must be angry at being left waiting for his disciple. Ming Fan had also mentioned that their Shizun had went to look for him.
However when looking at the sky and position of the sun, his Shizun was probably already on his way over to the viewing platform. Which however also meant that Luo Binghe had to hurry as soon enough he would have to get to the assembly platform so that he could participate in the conference. So he quickly made his way over to his tent to fetch his things.
However when he entered his tent, he stopped as he noticed that something had changed. There was a qiankun pouch lying on his bedding, that had not been there when he had left. Walking over to it he found a note attached to it, stating that it was from his Shizun! Luo Binghe could hardly believe it, but that calligraphy was unmistakably from his Shizun. And when looking inside he found multiple useful tools, provisions and even talismans that had been clearly crafted by Shen Qingqiu himself.
Was that why his Shizun had been looking for him, like Ming Fan said? Not to punish Luo Binghe for his tardiness, but because he wanted to give him this qiankun pouch he had personally prepared... for him?
Now that he realised that his Shizun had been in his tent to leave this behind for him, the young also also noted that his Shizun's omega scent also still lingered in the air. So clearly he had been in his tent personally and left the pouch here, instead of having one of his Shixiong deliver it.
But now that the alpha found himself sniffing the air out of instinct, he did notice that some of the scent was actually coming from the qiankun pouch. Or rather from underneath it, making Luo Binghe lift it up curiously. Where he revealed a green ribbon.
Picking the ribbon up, Luo Binghe looked it over. It wasn't particularly long, but was slightly more thick, making it unlikely to be a hair ribbon or part of a belt. It certainly also wasn't anything Luo Binghe had owned. Although looking at it, it seemed very familiar; especially the detailed embroidery worked into the ribbon.
Where suddenly Luo Binghe's eyes widened as realisation hit him like a current about where exactly he had seen that ribbon before. It was his Shizun's chastity collar!
Luo Binghe had looked at the collar so many times, more times than he could ever count, deep down wishing to take it off from the beautiful and aloof omega and access the slender neck beneath with his mouth, lips and teeth. He knew the delicate embroidery of the collar by heart and it even still carried his Shizun's scent from always covering the omega's scent glands. It was clearly Shen Qingqiu's!
But why was it here on Luo Binghe's bed?
There was no way that it simply just ended up here by accident. Chastity collars did not just randomly appear in the beds from sires for no reason. In fact the only reason an alpha would ever get their hands on an omega's chastity collar was if given one from an omega, but no omega did that just on a whim and instead would only ever give their collar to their chosen mate.
Almost instantly Luo Binghe's mind halted as he stared at the collar in his hand with wide eyes, while feeling his face heat up. Because... because did this mean that... He could hardly dare to even think such a thought, yet after swallowing heavily he continued that train of thought. Did the fact that Shen Qingqiu's chastity collar being on his bed mean that his Shizun had accepted him as his mate?
Having made that conclusion, Luo Binghe felt his face burn and he knew that he had probably turned as red as a beet.
But could that really be? Did his Shizun actually want him to be his mate? But why hide the collar underneath the qiankun pouch? And didn't his Shizun hate him?
“Ever thought that maybe that Shizun of yours has been testing if you were suitable?” Meng Mo spoke up inside of his mind, making Luo Binghe jump. He had fully forgotten the presence of the elder demon in his mind, with how his entire concentration was on the collar he found.
“What does the Elder mean?” Luo Binghe asked in return.
“You remember how your Shizun has send you out to fight Elder Sky Hammer before we both met?” Meng Mo asked him, making Luo Binghe nod along. It was hard to forget that fight where his Shizun had send him out to fight the gigantic demon with his huge war hammer. Luo Binghe had been terrified and was sure that his Shizun had send him to his death, only that Luo Binghe had ended up being victorious despite all odds.
“Well, maybe he wasn't actually trying to kill you kid, but wanted to see if you were strong enough to be a suitable mate for him?” Meng Mo theorised, “It certainly is the norm for us demons, so maybe that Shizun of yours also has the same way to go about it and wishes for a strong mate?”
“You think?” Luo Binghe asked the Elder in his mind. Had his Shizun really been testing him to see if he was strong enough to be a suitable mate for him? Being an omega of his high rank Shen Qingqiu had no lack of sires that wished to court him, including many sires of high power like Zhangmen-Shibo and Liu Shishu who had been trying to court the omega for many years now without success. But maybe they were lacking something that his Shizun saw in him?
“But why would Shizun give me collar now out of the blue and just leave it here on my bed without ever saying anything?” Luo Binghe asked Meng Mo, “I didn't really do anything lately that would have prompted such an honour to be chosen as his mate at this time.”
“If I weren't living in that mind of yours boy, I would really question if you actually had something like a braincell.” Meng Mo sighed, “Clearly your Shizun can't just openly declare you as his chosen mate, because you are still his disciple, boy.” That of course made sense, now that Luo Binghe had it pointed out to him. “Also remember what is going to start very soon?”
Luo Binghe's eyes widened. “The Immortal Alliance Conference!”
“Bingo.” Meng Mo applauded him, albeit sarcastically, “You are nothing more than some nameless brat at the moment. So what ever would that Shizun of yours want with someone like you who has nothing to show for himself other than raw talent and heritage? So I am guessing that your Shizun wants you to prove yourself at this conference you humans hold regularly and actually make a name for yourself. Because if you gain fame and recognition, you could at least stand a chance at presenting that omega a proper courting gift without making a fool out of yourself.”
Throughout it all Luo Binghe kept on nodding as the demon elder talked, all while keeping on looking at the collar in his hand. Because what Meng Mo was saying did make sense. Even if his Shizun seemed to want him as his mate to even gift him his chastity collar, Luo Binghe could not actually offer him anything. He had nothing to his name to actually provide for a mate and especially one of Shen Qingqiu's calibre. So maybe his Shizun, his omega, wanted to motivate him to do well in the conference by gifting him his collar right before it would begin, alongside a carefully prepared qiankun pouch to help him during the conference?
“But you better get a move on boy, or they will start without you and you won't get any chance to do anything.” Meng Mo then spoke up, making Luo Binghe remember that he had to get to the assembly platform soon.
As such the young alpha went and tied the chastity collar around his wrist, hidden beneath his wrist protections and robes. That way he would have Shizun's sign of his favour and wish to have the young alpha as his mate with him throughout the conference to motivate him, while not risking letting anyone else see to respect his Shizun's wish of keeping it between them for now. He then also took his qiankun pouch and sword, and finally the pouch his Shizun had prepared for him, before leaving his tent for him to arrive at the assembly platform just in time for the welcoming ceremony to begin.
Standing upon the assembly platform as an official from Huan Hua Palace explained the rules, Luo Binghe looked up towards the viewing platform above to see if he could spot his Shizun, his omega. However with the distance it was hard to tell the many masters apart. But he was sure he could make out where the master of Cang Qiong Mountain were standing, so he could only assume that Shen Qingqiu was among them and was watching him, waiting for the alpha to prove himself as worthy to become his mate. Which Luo Binghe swore to do when finally the gates were opened and the disciples entered the gorge.
Once inside of the conference arena, Luo Binghe instantly went into trying his best to make as many points as he could so that he would place high, maybe even reach first place, on this season's ranking. He had to, because he now knew that his Shizun wanted him to prove his strength and his capability; to prove himself as the mate the omega saw him as.
But soon enough the young alpha found himself incapable of proving anything when a single act of compassion, where he helped out a set of sisters – who clearly were not prepared for even the easier monsters of the conference, let alone having to be in the wilderness for a week on their own – lead to him being suddenly the protector of a whole group of weak young cultivators. He wanted to get rid of them, since they were hindering him in making any kind of progress and collecting points, however wasn't a sign of a good alpha that they were a protector and could take care of their pack, and especially their mate and pups? What would his omega think if he were to just abandon this group of weaklings who could not protect themselves? Would Shen Qingqiu think him too incapable to be a protector of their future pups?
However Luo Binghe had a big problem with the group he ended up being forced into protecting, other than them hindering his progress. The pair of dam sisters within the group would not stop trying to flirt with him, despite it not remotely being the time nor place for such things when they were currently within the Immortal Alliance Conference where they were expected to represent their sects and masters with honour. And not frolic in the water like children on a silly outing.
The sisters kept on trying to coax him into joining them, clearly with some not so innocent intentions as they were not as welcoming towards the other sires within the group and the omegas even constantly made their scents become more sweet and inviting around him. However how could Luo Binghe ever accept any of their attempts if he had an omega like Shen Qingqiu, one of such elegance, strength and talent who was sought after by many, waiting for him and watching him?
When night hit and the group found a place to camp out, Luo Binghe looked sullenly at his still mostly empty bracelet. There still was time to get points, however he had already fallen behind heavily and was probably somewhere at the bottom of the rankings.
Untying his wrist guard the alpha then revealed the chastity collar that he had been given by Shen Qingqiu in secret. What was the omega thinking right now, at seeing his chosen mate preform so badly at the conference after he had given him his collar as a sign and encouragement right before? Did he maybe think that he had been rejected? Or that the young alpha was not taking the omega and their upcoming mateship serious?
He had to do better and he had to show to his omega that he was honouring that he had been accepted as his mate. Holding the collar to his lips, letting the omega's mesmerising scent that still lingered on the collar fill his senses, Luo Binghe swore on his honour that he would prove himself the following day. He would prove that he could protect those who were weaker and that he was strong; that he was a capable and worthy alpha for the omega.
With his oath made, the alpha then once more tied the collar around his wrist and hid it beneath his wrist guard where no one could see.
However in that moment screams suddenly filled the air from all around and emergency flares illuminated the skies in all corners of the competition arena, making Luo Binghe and his fellow group members jump up and pull out their weapons.
Something was wrong.
***
“I can't believe we had to actually travel to the next town over.” Shang Qinghua whined as he stood on the blade of his sword as he and his Shixiong were flying back towards the Jue Di Gorge where the Immortal Alliance Conference was currently taking place, “We missed a lot of the conference.”
“Oh stop complaining, because we both know that you enjoyed getting away from having to do work and go shopping instead.” Shen Jiu rolled his eyes. The two of them had spend a significant amount of time looking around the outskirts of the gorge for the omega's collar, tracing the steps Shen Jiu had made during the morning, yet with no luck. Admittedly it was a hard task looking for a green collar within green vegetation. So in the end they had to get a new one for the omega, as he could not run around during the whole conference while using his hair ribbon as a makeshift collar, by having the long ribbon wrapped around his neck multiple times to cover it. It was impractical and also a choking hazard.
“Well, true...” Shang Qinghua, who had spend the time in town buying himself local treats and various knick-knacks, admitted. “But the travel is still quite long. I mean it's already in the middle of the night and we spend most of the time just flying back and forth by sword.”
“What do you expect? The Jue Di Gorge isn't exactly close to any settlements. Otherwise the sects would not have picked it for the conference if it would have meant to disturb the common people.” Shen Jiu replied. “Also we would have been back already if you had not insisted on having a look around town.”
“Well, if I hadn't insisted on looking around, then Shixiong would not have found that book you bought about the local flora and fauna of this area to add to your peak's library.” Shang Qinghua pointed out to him. Which was true, Shen Jiu had to admit. So maybe the prolonged shopping trip his Shidi had insisted on was not too much of a waste of time. Also Shen Jiu had to admit he also rather enjoyed it being away from all the other masters for a bit, instead of having to put up with their insistent hovering around him for being an omega, as if he were a womb on legs who was waiting to be bred because someone gave him a nice hairpin.
Feeling a rare boost of confidence, Shang Qinghua gave the other a grin, “Also Shen Shixiong, don't try to deny how much you enjoyed it when I spotted that tanghulu stand-”
“Quiet.” Shen Jiu interrupted him and held out his hand towards him as a sign to be silent.
Only for the meek beta to whine, “But it's true that you liked the tanghulu!”
“I am not talking about whenever I like to eat tanghulu or not, so shut up! Just look!” Shen Jiu hissed at him and instead pointed into the dark night before them, where in the far of distance lights were flashing up in high numbers, “Something must be wrong at the conference!”
Without waiting for his Shidi to react, Shen Jiu flew off as fast as Xiu Ya could carry him to arrive at the conference as fast as he could. Where all he found was utter pandemonium.
Landing on the outskirts of the conference, followed shortly after by an out of breath Shang Qinghua, Shen Jiu looked around until he spotted a few Qian Cao Peak Disciples who were transporting injured disciples from the various sects into the campsite that had been turned into a makeshift first aid station. Making Shen Jiu follow them until he spotted Mu Qingfang like he had been expecting.
“Mu Shidi, what has happened?” Shen Jiu approached him as he looked at the various injured disciples around.
Mu Qingfang turned around to him and upon seeing that it was his two sect siblings, a look of relieve flashed over his face. But only for a moment before he once more looked deeply troubled. “Shen Shixiong, Shang Shixiong, demons have invaded the conference.”
“What?!” Shen Jiu looked at the man with shock. “How could something like that happen?!”
“We don't know. All we know was that suddenly the Spirit Eagles all got hunted down from the skies, making it impossible for us to see inside, and shortly after the emergency flares went off all inside of the gorge.” Mu Qingfang quickly summarised the situation, “The other masters entered the gorge to get the disciples trapped inside out, but most are still inside.”
“Then we will go as well.” Shen Jiu declared, before he turned around and got unto his sword to make his way over towards one of the entry ways of the gorge together with a squirming Shang Qinghua. Once arrived the masters who were keeping up the barrier around the gorge stable to keep the demons trapped and stopping them from attacking the civilians as well, opened up the gate for them to let them enter.
The inside of the gorge was like a war zone and hell in one. No matter where Shen Jiu went there was destruction, chaos and so many bodies. Demonic beings that even a trained master would struggle taking head on were everywhere, hunting down the helpless disciples that were running and fighting for their lives.
Shen Jiu fought monster after monster, slaying one after the other and protecting the disciples, hiding them behind himself, sending them off to assemble in safe spots, and leading them to the exits. All while keeping his eyes open for his own disciples, not knowing which ones had already escaped, which ones were still trapped and which ones might not have made it.
To his relieve he did find a few of them, who were lead by Ming Fan who was carrying one of his injured Shidis on his back. But it wasn't remotely all of them.
“Ming Fan, do you know where the rest of your Shidis are?”
It was clear that the young man was close to crying from fear, not that he could be blamed, but was keeping up a strong as he had tried to lead his Shidis and a few disciples from other sects where many were indeed long crying. “No Shizun. This one has tried to find as many of the Shidis as I could on his way out, but the gorge is too big.”
“You did well.” Shen Jiu reassured him, “Now go straight on with the others and bring them and the injured straight to the exit. Your Liu Shishu is clearing out the demons over there, so you will be safe-”
Suddenly the whole earth beneath their feet shook, throwing most of the disciples off their feet and even Shen Jiu had struggled to keep safe footing from the intensity of the tremor. However the tremor was the least of their problems as an overwhelming demonic miasma was filling up the whole area from further in the gorge.
Shen Jiu stared wide eyed into the distance where he could see flames raising up and as the terrifying cries of demonic beasts filled the air, making him realise what further calamity had befallen the conference. The Endless Abyss has opened up.
“Shizun, what was that?!” Ming Fan cried in fear, now being unable to hold his tears back any longer as they streamed down his face in terror.
However Shen Jiu had no time to explain. “Just run, I will hold them up!”
Not letting themselves be told twice, the group of disciples instantly ran into the direction the master had pointed them to. Just in time for gigantic demonic beasts to start emerging in masses and Shen Jiu only just managing to activate multiple talismans to stop them as he went in for the attack.
However he had to get further in, because many disciples were still trapped further into the gorge where the Endless Abyss had opened up, a place where no human would ever survive. Gripping Xiu Ya, he then ran further in, killing even more beasts as he fought his way further into the gorge to save as many disciples as he could.
Yet despite his best efforts he did not make it on time to where the Endless Abyss had opened up, before it had already closed itself once more after releasing countless of the most hellish monsters and probably having swallowed up multiple disciples into its fiery hell. Where the closer he came to the place of calamity, the more the bodies were piling up.
He had at least found a group of still alive disciples who had went into hiding when the most dangerous of beasts had emerged from the Endless Abyss, who were all crying in relieve at having a master come to their rescue.
However what one of them had said to him with tears in their eyes left Shen Jiu in shock.
“Luo Gongzi, he is still back there... there was this monster that attacked us and he stayed behind to let us escape...he hasn't followed us yet.” the young disciple cried.
Luo... Like Luo Binghe?
Shen Jiu quickly moved to clear a path for the disciples to where he had seen Master Wu Chen not too far away, sending them to him for safety, before running deeper into the gorge. Where eventually he found the slayed remains of a Black Moon Rhinoceros Python, and right next to it were the shattered shards of a sword.
Despite the calamity actively going on inside of the whole gorge, this area was quiet. Walking over towards the shards he picked one of them up to look at it. He knew this sword. He had seen it many times before. It was Zheng Yang. It was Luo Binghe's spiritual sword.
Shen Jiu was not sure how to feel as he looked at the shards, lying not far from the scorched marks the Endless Abyss had left behind after it had opened and eventually closed up only a few steps away. Making the fate of the young alpha quite clear to Shen Jiu.
However he did not have the time to linger about and mourn the loss of one of his disciples. He had to move or he would loose many more. So he collected Zheng Yang's shards and placed them into his qiankun pouch, before getting back on the move.
***
Many died during the invasion of the Immortal Alliance Conference. Only days later, after the last demon and monster had been slain by the combined effort of the Immortal Masters, were the sects able to retrieve the bodies of all the fallen disciples. Yet even after searching high and low many were still missing, after presumingly having been either eaten by the demonic beings or falling into the Endless Abyss when it had opened up.
Shen Jiu pulled one of the blankets of his nest over Ning Yingying's body, after she had finally fallen asleep. Ever since the members of Cang Qiong Mountain had returned with the news about what had happened, the young omega girl had been crying into her Shizun's arms almost non-stop.
Looking at her red rimmed eyes, swollen from the tears she had shed, Shen Jiu felt bad his daughter-at-heart. It should not have been like this. She should have been laughing joyful and celebrating that her favourite Shidi and best friend had made first place in the conference. But not this.
A knock on the door pulled Shen Jiu out of his thoughts, making him leave his nesting room to instead go to his front door. Where once opening it he found Wei Qingwei standing outside.
“Hello Wei Shidi. How can this one help you?”
“Greetings Shen Shixiong.” the fellow Peak Lord greeted him. “I'm sorry for disturbing you, however I have brought you something.” With this the man revealed something that was wrapped in cloth and handed it over to Shen Jiu.
Accepting it, Shen Jiu then carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal what was inside. “It's Zheng Yang.”
“Yes. I've only just finished repairing it.” Wei Qingwei explained to him, “Usually all the swords are required to be returned to the mountain if their master's...” he stopped for a moment awkwardly, before catching himself, “however Zhangmen-Shixiong suggested to give it to you for now.”
Typical of Yue Qingyuan to butt in into business that was not his and assuming things about Shen Jiu, making him break the rules and ask of their Shidi to give him Zhang Yang. Shen Jiu wanted to return the sword back to Wei Qingwei. However he found himself hesitating.
For a moment Shen Jiu looked back inside of his home, where further in Ning Yingying was finally sleeping after crying for so long. Maybe it would help her to have some place to mourn, if he made a memorial?
Looking back at his Shidi, Shen Jiu then instead gave a small bow, “Thanking Wei Shidi for this.”
“You are welcome.” Wei Qingwei replied, “And once again I'm sorry for your loss. Your Luo Shizhi had been truly promising as a cultivator.”
“Thank you for your condolence, Shidi.” Shen Jiu was not sure what more to say. He was not the only master who had lost a disciple that day and others had lost even so many more than he had. However as Wei Qingwei had said, Luo Binghe had been promising to the point that he had shot through the ranks at the end of the conference and ended up making first place.
“But I better get going now. Take care Shixiong.” Wei Qingwei then bowed to him, before finally taking his leave.
Shen Jiu however closed the door behind himself. Where he then looked at the sword still in his hand as minutes moved by in silence as he tried to figure out how to feel that Luo Binghe was dead.
At the same time a figure was hiding in a cave deep within the Endless Abyss, as a demonic mark was glowing on the figure's forehead as the wounds on the body slowly closed themselves thanks the demonic blood within.
Luo Binghe was tired and was feeling desperation as he was trapped in what one could only describe as hell on earth, where the air was poisonous and the water nothing more than acid, while monsters unseen by human eye were lurking at every corner. He was scared, he was tired, and he was in pain.
With a trembling hand he removed his wrist guard, to reveal the green collar that was still safely on his wrist. Lifting it up to his lips, he made a promise that he would survive this hell and that he would escape. He promised that he would return to his omega.
***
Five years had passed ever since the calamity at the Immortal Alliance Conference that had cost the lives of many. However ever since the invasion no more of such incidents have befallen the Jianghu, while the masters of the various sects continued their efforts of keeping the common people without in the human realm safe.
But recently word reached the human realm that a new heavenly demon had risen to power and had united the demon realm, as they had claimed the title of Junshang. Which left the humans on alert about the possibility of an attack from the demon realm and their new Junshang.
Yet instead of a declaration of war, the cultivators received an official message that the Junshang wished for an audience with Cang Qiong Mountain to meet with the Junshang's mate. Which of course caused uproar and confusion, as everyone wondered and questioned who that supposed mate was. However to avoid a potential clash, the various immortal masters eventually agreed on accepting the Junshang's request of an audience and welcomed the demon as an official guest into Cang Qiong Mountain.
All twelve Peak Lords had gathered in the main assembly hall of Qiong Ding Peak. Where Shen Jiu, as the Peak Lord of the second highest ranking peak, was sitting next to the sect leader.
Eventually the disciples chosen to welcome their guests then finally announced the arrival of the Junshang and his entourage, who upon Yue Qingyuan's order was welcomed inside. Everyone watched in anticipation as the demons entered, the Junshang in front and centre as the heavenly demon mark on his forehead openly displayed his heritage, title and power for everyone.
Yet all the gathered Peak Lord and high ranking members gasped in shock when they looked at the Junshang.
“Aren't you Luo Binghe?” Yue Qingyuan was the first to speak up, his expression one of disbelieve at what he was seeing.
Not that Shen Jiu was any better of as he stared at the little beast who had come back from the dead after five years. Only that it seemed that he had never been dead to begin with.
“This lord greets Yue Zhangmen.” Luo Binghe bowed to the sect leader, before looking towards Shen Jiu and bowing to him as well, “And this lord greets Shizun.”
“How can that be?” Qi Qingqi spoke up in shock as she stared at the young demon alpha, “How are you alive and why are you here?”
At this Luo Binghe looked slightly puzzled, “This lord thought that my message had mentioned it. I have come to claim my mate.”
With this being said the demon alpha then walked up towards Shen Jiu, where he bowed deeply to the omega. “This humble one apologises for letting Shizun wait so long for my return from the Endless Abyss. However now that we have once more reunited this one wishes to present Shizun courting gifts.” At the queue being given, the many demons under Luo Binghe's rule bowed deeply as they presented the numerous gifts they had brought along to the omega, all being the rarest treasures and spiritual tool from all the realms. “All of these courting gifts are for you Shizun, alongside the title of Empress of the demon realm, if Shizun would have me as his alpha and would become my mate.”
Shen Jiu's eyes went over the many courting gifts that were being presented to him, every single one more worth than anything he had ever been given before or even had seen. Not to mention being offered the title of Empress of the whole demon realm. However then omega looked at the alpha kneeling before him from over his fan. “Do tell what makes you think that I would accept so easily?”
Luo Binghe only smiled at him as he pulled out one more thing and held it out towards the omega with both hands, treating it like the most delicate of treasures.
Yet when the omega saw it, his eyebrows raised themselves in surprise. It was a green ribbon with delicate embroidery worked into it, and while the colour of the silk had faded slightly it was still in peak condition after being clearly cared for dearly. Shen Jiu recognised it immediately as the chastity collar he had lost five years before. So Luo Binghe had it all these years.
“Shizun, I've done everything that I could to escape the Endless Abyss and to also make a name for myself, so that I could come back to you and prove my devotion to you.” Luo Binghe told him with deep honesty, “Every day I was trapped in that hell it was the wish to return to you that helped me keep on going and to not give up. I'm just sorry that it took so long.”
Shen Jiu looked at the alpha before him, who had done what no one else before had ever done and had moved heaven and earth only for Shen Jiu. Luo Binghe, who had survived the Endless Abyss, hell on earth, and escaped it, before claiming the whole of demon realm and becoming Emperor, while collecting the rarest treasures from all around, all just for Shen Jiu. No one has ever done something like this for him, or for anyone, before. To put so much effort in, only to prove themself as worthy.
But Shen Jiu did not care about any of these things. He could simply not believe that someone, that Luo Binghe had come back for him. It made Shen Jiu's chest feel tight and he bit his lip behind his always present fan. Luo Binghe had come back for him and that without being asked, without any promises that could be broken.
Taking a deep breath to compose himself again, Shen Jiu then looked back at the alpha in front of him. “This master sees your efforts. So I guess that I could allow you to court me and then we can see where things might go.”
As if the sun had risen over the horizon, Luo Binghe's whole being lit up as he took the omega's hand into his own. “Thank you, Shizun.”
“Don't get too cocky yet, little beast.” Shen Jiu replied to him, however he did not feel bothered about the alpha's enthusiasm. This whole situation may have been caused by a misunderstanding, however maybe it was a fortunate one for them both.
***
It was many months later when all corners of the two realms celebrated joyfully, as Luo Binghe and Shen Jiu bowed to each other three times, binding them together under the watchful eyes of heaven and earth.
During the months that they had been courting and getting to know each other once more, Shen Jiu had of course told Luo Binghe the truth about the collar and that he had only ended up loosing it when he had left behind the qiankun pouch. Which had made the alpha laugh in embarrassment, however neither of them cared if their courtship had begun under a misunderstanding.
Especially not when Shen Jiu eventually gifted the alpha his new chastity collar, when the omega then officially accepted him as his chosen mate.