Work Text:
In Proud Immortal Demon Way, it was well known that Luo Binghe repaid kindness for kindness and disrespect with painful agonizing torture and death. He would take those who didn’t see his power or who had belittled him or spoken behind his back or bullied him, and he would break them down systematically until they were a crying mess begging for death. Some he would torture longer, until they broke beyond any kind of recognition. The only exceptions to that were his wives, who could come to him weeping and begging forgiveness and usually after papapa, he would take care of the problem, then come back for a few more rounds.
Plenty had broken under Luo Binghe’s heel, and had been so proud and haughty until Luo Binghe cut them off at the knees. Sometimes in a very literal sense. Once the pain began, they begged and pleaded for forgiveness, admitted their wrongs, and swore to never do such again. For every single one however… that had always, always , happened after Luo Binghe came to hold them accountable. Even his wives that could be said to be true, or it would get to the point it could no longer be hidden, or they would come to him in lewd outfits or with teasing touches.
There was never a single one who had gone to Luo Binghe, who had gotten down on their knees, and sincerely apologized of their own choice.
Oh, there was a good chance this was a fool’s errand. So many things were wrong or could go wrong. Shen Qingqiu had with his own two hands committed the worst betrayal of Luo Binghe’s life. Shen Qingqiu was responsible for all of the pain Luo Binghe had suffered in the Endless Abyss, and by every right he deserved to be held accountable for that. He may well even be held accountable to the System for this plan. After all, the original certainly never would have bowed to anyone, let alone gone to another realm and submitted himself to whatever punishment Luo Binghe deemed appropriate.
Honestly, Shen Yuan didn’t really want to either. He couldn’t run away though… Well, he could but what kind of life was that? Constantly on the run from Luo Binghe… dying to Luo Binghe and praying that even if he was able to successfully transfer his soul to a new body never having Luo Binghe find out about it.
What were the chances of the protagonist never finding out that his query had escaped?
It would also be unfair to the man. Shen Qingqiu should take responsibility. He should be punished for what he did. Maybe then… maybe then either of them could rest in peace. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel nauseous every single time he so much as smelled congee. Maybe then he wouldn’t suffer from the nightmares that plagued him. That was part of it. The life he lived currently, was no life at all. The world was downright dull without his precious white lotus. Plus… Maybe… maybe it would make Luo Binghe just a little bit happier…
Shen Qingqiu had put nearly a year into the talisman he carried before him. Truthfully he had hoped to put in a bit more but it was fine… It could still be used even if word of a new demonic lord rising had come years too early. The talisman was a dirty trick as far as most righteous cultivators were concerned. It would hold its carrier invisible, unseen and unheard as they passed by in what should have been plain sight.
In the original it had been used by someone trying to sneak into the harem and harm Luo Binghe’s wives.
Now, Shen Qingqiu walked through the largely empty halls of the demonic palace towards the one place that the array may not be powerful enough to handle. Not that it would matter once he reached the throne room.
The occasional guard he passed didn’t blink or turn their head. The servants he sidestepped as they rushed past without ever skipping a beat.
The only time he came close to getting caught was when a rustle of bamboo diverted his attention. Frowning, Shen Qingqiu had detoured to a half built garden, demon servants rushing around and planting bamboo along carefully formed streams, some massive pavilion or such being erected towards the center.
For a long time, Shen Qingqiu just stood watching, feeling his heart ache. He recognized the patterns of springs and stones…
How could he not, when he had lived in its twin image, when he was lord of the peak that Binghe seemed to be trying to recreate.
This had never been in Proud Immortal Demon Way. Luo Binghe had carried a hatred of Qing Jing Peak for his entire life. He had gone out of his way to burn it to the ground multiple times to the point where not even weeds would grow upon it.
It seemed that maybe… he hadn’t completely failed his personal quest to give Luo Binghe a better childhood. Careful to keep the array held before him, he reached up with his other hand to lightly brush his fingers along the leaves.
Shen Qingqiu stood for far too long amidst the chaos of the garden being planted, just kind of letting the bittersweet feelings run through him.
Then he turned, bolstering his courage and starting for the throne room once again. Binghe’s happiness wasn’t unsalvageable. He could focus all of his hurt and rage on Shen Qingqiu and leave Qing Jing Peak as happy memories. Perhaps… perhaps he would even keep Shen Qingqiu’s presence and situation hidden and would instead be able to actually go back to the peak, to bask in the nostalgia.
More or less, just as Shen Qingqiu had visualized it, the demonic court was in session.
The main doors were thrown wide, giving a grand view of the courtiers and advisors lined up in their neat rows. It seemed Binghe was only a few months into his conquest by those present. Interestingly though, he was alone upon the dias. There were no beauties fawning over him but perhaps it was too early.
Shen Qingqiu was cautious as he entered. The room was filled with high level demons. It was entirely possible they would be able to see around the array, even if as a peak lord Shen Qingqiu had been able to make it far more powerful than the original version.
No one looked towards him. No one stirred unusually. Instead they continued on with discussions of apparently Luo Binghe implementing some kind of ban on killing and eating human civilians? Which admittedly, Shen Qingqiu was absolutely here for but… politically it was a poor move. There were a lot of lesser and middle demon clans who considered rotting human flesh a delicacy.
Not the highest demon clans of course, and never Heavenly Demons. Who would have wanted to read about that in the same novel as Binghe papapaing with human wives.
There were several representatives in front of him, arguing a few different points from ‘tradition’ to ‘political influence’ to ‘practicality’.
Shen Qingqiu dismissed them in favor of pausing towards the front of the room to just look at Luo Binghe.
The demonic emperor was dressed in finery though his hair was completely down. Black, red, and gray robes shown with silver decorations and impressive rings sat on his fingers. His demon mark blazed on his forehead, while dark eyes that reminded Shen Qingqiu of ice cold depths stared uncaring at the demons below him.
There was still a bit left to go, but Luo Binghe was well on his way to being the jaw droppingly gorgeous man that Shen Qingqiu knew he could be. Broad shoulders were slightly canted form his leaned position, a frame filled with muscle that radiated his power as surely as the qi drifting through the room without daring to be hulking or bulky.
Shen Qingqiu felt the same bittersweet smile creep up he had given the garden. Truly, Binghe had come into his own. The Endless Abyss had forged him into the protagonist he was meant to be.
The peak lord drifted around the edges of the room, back to the entrance. At the doors he took a deep breath, and turned to look into the room.
Shen Qingqiu had dressed in his finest peak lord robes for this. He would easily outclass some of those present, would come bearing his full weight and responsibility. Removing Xiu Ya from his belt he gripped the sheath, and let the array burn away.
Head held high, he stepped into the throne room even as the guards at the doors startled.
Distantly, he was aware of the entire court startling back from him, the click of weapons being partially or fully drawn. He knew the guards had stumbled into the room and that the demons who were not great fighters were shuffling back. All of them had cleared the central path, their faces drawn back with fear or anger, spoiling for a fight.
None of that mattered.
The only thing that mattered was his steady progression towards the protagonist and the way Luo Binghe was staring at him, the way Luo Binghe rose to stand before his throne and stare down. The way he quietly breathed, “Shizun…”
Distantly he heard the System ding to life but it didn’t matter any more than the crowd. He had a show to give, a grand scene fit for Binghe’s potential, for the potential of Proud Immortal Demon Way.
Luo Binghe stepped down from the dias. “What is Shizun doing here?” The tone wasn’t really readable, although the demonic emperor had a glint of red in his eyes now.
Shen Qingqiu stopped right where his rank would allow him, taking one last look at his precious disciple. Then, he raised both of his hands, lightly gripping Xiu Ya before him, and sank to his knees.
He had rehearsed this… over and over again. It made his voice steady, if a bit flat. “This master has greatly wronged Luo Binghe.” What did it matter if he shamed himself? If he lowered himself? Was it really so bad to apologize and try to take responsibility? “He has come… to beg Luo Binghe’s forgiveness and seek if there is any possible way for this lowly one to pay his great debt to Luo Binghe for the pain that he has caused.”
He drew in a deep breath, keeping his head bowed even as emotions welled up, drowning out the sound of footsteps approaching. “This master… is sorry.” He could bow lower, he did. “I’m sorry.”
“Shizun…” The footsteps stopped in front of him, Shen Qingqiu debating for a moment on if he was about to be kicked. It had happened plenty of times when Binghe’s subject of torture had begged. Instead there was a rustle of cloth. “Shizun… get up.”
There were hands on his elbows, pulling him to at least sit upright. It put him face to face with the protagonist. “Shizun… regrets what he did?”
He would really prefer to be on the ground for this discussion. That seemed more appropriate. “Every day.”
Binghe searched his face, catching his chin when Shen Qingqiu would have looked back down. Then, he stood.
“Get out.” Shen Qingqiu blinked, canting his head up. Binghe wasn’t looking at him though, even as the command rang through the room. A moment later qi spilled through the space.
If Shen Qingqiu wasn’t used to Yue Qingyuan doing something similar when the peak lords got too into an argument he might have been taken aback. As it was… it was actually a little bit worrying. Why was it so weak and conflicting? Shen Qingqiu knew he had escaped early but… did Binghe rush his leveling?
It was still enough for the assorted court officials to give up the protests they had been starting to voice and scatter.
Shen Qingqiu dropped his gaze when Binghe looked back down. “Get up!” Ah… just because Binghe didn’t quite match Yue Qingyuan didn’t mean it was pleasant to be on the receiving end of the snap of qi.
The peak lord stood although he kept himself smaller, looking down or away.
He let his eyes close as he heard the rooms of the throne room shut. It was far too late to back out now, no matter what Luo Binghe wanted to do to him.
“Shizun claims he’s sorry but won’t even look at this one.” Binghe scoffed, stalking away. Shen Qingqiu winced, lifting his gaze enough to see Binghe climbing back to his throne. There, he sprawled across it. “Why?”
Shen Qingqiu waited a moment before internally saying goodbye to whatever dignity he had left. “This one doesn’t understand… which why?”
Binghe’s fist clenched, before he took a deep breath in and out. “Why is Shizun here?”
Hadn’t he already made that perfectly clear. “This one wanted to apologize to Binghe and see if there was any way that this low-”
“Don’t use that word!”
Shen Qingqiu snapped his mouth shut on his own words, waiting a moment to see if Binghe was going to be physical with the snap of temper. When he remained seated, Shen Qingqiu continued. “To see if there was any way that this one could earn Binghe’s forgiveness.”
Binghe snorted, turning his gaze away. “And Shizun’s apology is genuine? Shizun isn’t just saying things again?” His eyes drifted to the side, catching Shen Qingqiu in the red tinted depths. “He isn’t just doing this because this disciple is now a lord?”
Well… obviously? It’s not like I can just pop into the Endless Abyss and go ‘hey sorry, can’t get you out though’. Shen Qingqiu frowned slightly. “Binghe was always meant to be a lord.”
He had Binghe’s full attention again, though he was frowning. Well, it was better than smiling sweetly he supposed. After a moment the demon lord sat back. “Shizun is such a liar.”
More than you can possibly comprehend. He silently bowed, accepting the accusation.
“When did he know that this one was a Heavenly Demon?”
Should he tell the truth now? Well… he supposed what did he really have to lose? His life? His limbs? Ha… it’s just a matter of how fast.
[ Warning: Host may not reveal- ]
Fuck off. He force closed the window. Truly, what did the System have left to threaten him with? He’d already accepted that living in this world with Binghe hating him wasn’t really living and between Binghe’s torture and dropping dead right there in the court room… well one of the two would be noticeably less painful.
“From the moment this one laid eyes upon Binghe.” Which was rather true… it had been clearly stated on the cover which featured the first official art of Binghe that Shen Yuan had ever seen.
For a moment there was silence, then the arm of the throne disintegrated under Binghe’s grip with the sound of cracking wood. “Shizun knew !” Binghe stood in a rush of cloth, the qi dampening the entire room in waves of crackling energy. “The entire time Shizun knew! And not once did he-” The sound Binghe made wasn’t entirely human before the deadly calm settled over him. “No… Shizun made it clear early on that he saw, didn’t he… this one just didn’t understand.” Immediately he was across the room, hauling Shen Qingqiu up by the throat. “Why did he say those things then? When he shoved this one down? When he abandoned him for being what Shizun already knew this one was?”
Shen Qingqiu’s toes were still on the ground, which was a plus. The hand on his throat did make it a bit hard to talk though. “Bing-Binghe had to-”
Binghe threw him to the side, Shen Qingqiu barely catching himself on his knees. “Why!?”
Shen Qingqiu coughed, not bothering to get back up. “Binghe had to go into the Endless Abyss, or this master would have di-”
He flinched away from the blaze of red warning bells, a defiance surging up in him as he glared. I said fuck off! “Died.” He huffed a laugh, even as the System snapped something about one more chance before it sent him to ‘punishment’ mode. Yeah, and if I call your bet? What exactly is this so called punishment? Is it having my limbs torn off? Is it having to watch my precious white lotus get stabbed by my own hand every single night? “He selfishly chose himself. Especially because… his death wouldn’t even guarantee Binghe’s safety.” Shang Qinghua had been right there. Could the System have tried to force the author into it? Would it have brought back the original Shen Qingqiu to do the deed?
“Shizun would have…” Binghe crossed in rapid steps, hauling the unresisting Shen Qingqiu to his feet. He caught the man’s face by the chin. Not that Shen Qingqiu was someone to be read so easily. “Did someone threaten Shizun?”
Shen Qingqiu stared back and… couldn’t say anything. He literally couldn’t, the words catching in his throat like thousands of needles. Poisoned needles apparently by how the pain started to spread, making his breath stutter.
Ah, so this was ‘punishment’ mode?
How unfortunate for the System.
He fought harder to say something, to just tell the protagonist. He focused on Binghe’s face to ignore the screens and warnings that had blazed in his mind so, so often in his dreams. Reality had nothing on what his imagination had blown them up into.
When he tasted blood he went ahead and coughed it up onto Binghe’s hand.
Rather unhelpfully, Binghe dropped him. This time there was no grace in it as Shen Qingqiu crashed to the ground. He barely caught himself on one hand, panting. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” He couldn’t explain.
“Shizun,” Please pick a direction Binghe, do you want to be holding me or do you want to not be touching me? He debated resisting Binghe hauling him up against the demon, decided he didn’t have the energy to do that and keep the poker face against the pain. Then Binghe slapped a hand over his mouth.
Shen Qingqiu hadn’t been making any sound. He definitely did against the muffle though, protesting and pushing and… Ah, that was a mistake. The moment his lips parted, the taste of iron became overwhelming. It had been pretty strong to start with, what with literally coughing up blood but it turned out Heavenly Demon Blood was intense .
“Be still, Shizun.” Binghe’s hold tightened even as Shen Qingqiu fought against the hand. “Shizun said he wanted to repay this one right? Let this one help you, Shizun. Let him help, even if Shizun has to call it repayment.”
Shen Qingqiu had rather hoped to avoid being tortured by blood mites. Still… Binghe did have a point that he was supposed to be earning forgiveness.
Fighting against his own instinct, he swallowed.
Immediately the blood mites swarmed through his throat, Shen Qingqiu letting out a sound and instinctively thrashing. Not that it was pain exactly, or rather no worse pain than the System had inflicted. Instead it was… it was… soothing? Creepy without a doubt, and a feeling he did not enjoy but the burning pain was starting to retreat.
Ah… well… If Binghe was using the blood mites to heal . Shen Qingqiu went limp, letting his full weight settle on Binghe. Apparently much to the demon’s surprise by the slight squeak.
Is that really a sound a demon lord should be making?
[ Satisfaction Points 100 ]
Heavens you suck. Torture him then reward him. Shen Qingqiu heaved a sigh.
[ Protagonist Anger -100
Host’s gamble paid off. ]
Oh goody. So what… he got to live? Oh, maybe he’d even get to keep a limb or two. That would be nice.
“Shizun’s apology is accepted… on conditions.”
Of course there were conditions. He closed his eyes for a long moment while Binghe took his hand away. “What conditions?”
“Shizun is badly injured. He will stay the night. Here. With this disciple where he is safe .” Was he really safe around Luo Binghe? Still he nodded slightly. “He will eat what this one makes for him.” Shen Qingqiu nodded, feeling a spark of desire even in his current state. “And Shizun won’t ever put his life on the line for this disciple.”
Wait… what? Shen Qingqiu straightened up slightly, wincing at the sparks of pain that the mites rushed to. He turned slightly to stare at Binghe. “What?”
“Shizun made the right decision. He should always choose himself over this disciple.” Shen Qingqiu stared, so apparently Binghe felt the need to go on. “The entire time… what hurt the most to this disciple in the Endless Abyss, more than any physical pain, was the thought that he wouldn’t be able to see Shizun again. Was that Shizun would turn away from him. Just… just thinking about Shizun not even… of Shizun being dead …dead because of this one…” Binghe shook his head, stretching out his arms. Shen Qingqiu didn’t have the strength to fight being dragged into the embrace. “This one can’t even imagine a world without Shizun in it. He certainly wouldn’t want to be in such a place.”
That was a lot to process. “Binghe…” Oh… oh there was no way… it couldn’t be…
[ Caution! Caution! Caution!
Host must divert current plot- ]
Shen Qingqiu caught Binghe’s hair, dragging his head down even as Shen Qingqiu sat up. The moment their lips touched, Shen Qingqiu had his confirmation.
Before he could even fully process, Shen Qingqiu was laid on the floor, Binghe nearly crushing him and biting . Shen Qingqiu gave a muffled sound, tugging Binghe back by the hair which elicited a sinful sound. There was also a certain very hot, very hard something pressed against his thigh that Shen Qingqiu was not going to think about right at that moment. “No- no teeth, Binghe…”
Binghe nodded, rushing forward the moment that Shen Qingqiu let him. He…was mostly successful, though he continued to press into Shen Qingqiu like he could meld them together if he wanted it bad enough.
Some distant part of him was distinctly annoyed that now he had no idea if just apologizing to Binghe prior to torture would have been effective. The rest was giddy with relief that he was forgiven. Binghe’s lovers were always forgiven so long as they were willing to rely on Binghe, so long as they didn’t abandon him again.
Shen Qingqiu wrapped his arms around Binghe’s shoulders. He would never abandon this boy again. He would never be forced to… at least not successfully. Nothing survived trying to take one of Binghe’s love interests away even if they were unfavored.
The high lasted about until Binghe broke off the makeout session to struggle up to his elbows. There he sat panting while reality caught up to Shen Qingqiu. He had made out with Luo Binghe. He had made out with Luo Binghe.
Since when was Luo Binghe interested in men ? Since when was Shen Qingqiu interested in men?
He… couldn’t really deny his own reaction when he was very sure Binghe was fully aware of his current state downstairs. Especially since Binghe had oh so kindly provided a hip to rut into at some point.
“Shizun… Shizun is still injured.” Binghe shook with the effort of holding himself up…. Or perhaps holding himself still.
Was he? Maybe a little… Rather unfortunately papapa didn’t solve flesh wounds in a human. He laid back, letting his eyes close as he tried to regain his breathing and process.
What, no smartass remarks?
[ Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations.
Good things must be said three times
Character Title Change Accepted
World Genre Change Accepted
Recalculating
All original wife plots can remain in effect. ]
The tone started out downright pissy… but the shift to outright joy at the end was the far more concerning part. What the hell does that mean?
[ System hopes Host will enjoy to the upmost extent! ]
System! What does that mean!?
“Shizun?” His eyes refocused on Binghe who was softly cradling his face and looking… oh he really had gone and made himself a wife hadn’t he. Well… Shen Qingqiu laid his head back on the tile. Who was he to deny the pampering while he held Luo Binghe’s favor? “Will Luo Binghe cook for this one? He has a suspicion he will need as much strength as he can gather.”
“Of course, Shizun!” Binghe was on his feet immediately, “This one had stocked many ingredients for things Shizun may like. He will prepare them now. He’ll… This lord will have a feast! Attendants! Prepare the hall for a feast!”
Honestly… he probably should have expected Luo Binghe to go all out immediately. He brushed a hand over his face in mock exacerbation, though even he couldn’t deny the faint smile. What else did he expect, after all, didn’t Luo Binghe throw feasts all the time to make his wives feel better…