Chapter Text
Shen Jiu was in a bad mood. That wasn't surprising; when was Shen Jiu not in a bad mood? There was nothing in his life that would justify a good mood, so he stopped trying a long time ago.
He was already in a sour mood when he was first brought to Qing Jing. The past few days just worsen it. That thing with his weird da-shixiong—he won't get used to calling him that, then getting lost almost immediately after leaving and being too prideful to ask for directions.
The next day wasn't any better. At least he didn't have to deal with that weirdo. However, he had to dodge a piece of flying debris that flew towards him while he was collecting his new robes. Soon after, a bunch of knuckleheaded brutes charged them. His shixiongs and shimei dealt with them, and one threatened to get "him" involved.
Shen Jiu had no idea what that meant, but it did make the other disciples in different, mostly white robes freeze a little. So Qing Jing had a guard dog apparently, one fearsome enough to frighten these brutes.
Seeing them scurry away was almost like seeing small mice run from the threat of a large cat. It was slightly interesting. Shen Jiu wondered if he'd ever command fear like that one day.
The rest of the week only went downhill with each thing that happened. The classes he was stuck in were filled with idiots. The stupid children of influential lords were already looking down on him. Apparently he "had the disposition of a street rat" or whatever they said.
In complete honesty, Shen Jiu almost jumped over the desk to lunge at them, but the offending children were struck by the hallmaster and made to run laps around the mountain. At least Qing Jing seems to have some semblance of sense. He still hated his classes.
When sword practice started, Shen Jiu was sure he was going to murder someone if he was put with the literal children. Thankfully, the woman who was responsible for overseeing them, Lei Yijun, he believes, gave him a different regimen and a new cultivation manual.
He had asked about it, always one to look a gift horse in the mouth without fear of getting bitten. Lei Yijun said that she had been given that booklet to hand to Shen Jiu. She said that apparently it was customized for him specifically.
Shen Jiu had attempted the sword forms mostly out of curiosity, and they surprisingly felt pretty natural. When they were released for socializing time or whatever, he found himself hidden away in the bamboo forest reading the rest of the manual after breaking the seal on it.
Never once had a piece of cultivation writing actually catch his attention. The manual seemed to be completely tailored to his needs. There was even a section to strengthen his core and meridians from damage from things like demonic cultivation.
The only person that probably knew about his damaged meridians was Hu Wenliang. Shen Jiu couldn't help but find the woman fascinating now. He felt a little embarrassed by the fact he was so easily found out, though.
Well, he swallowed his pride and opened to the section about reinforcing his meridians; he'd have to do Hu Wenliang's work if he wanted to stay on this peak. If he ever wanted to be peak lord, he'd have to get in her good graces, which means he has to be a model student. That Shen Yuan fellow didn't seem very impressive.
Many seemed to think so as well. Shen Jiu had an ear out for any potential gossip about him. He's heard the name "Shen" a few times, which always caught his attention, but it was never about him. It's always about that Shen Yuan.
People whispered about him being a fraud, a liar, a spoiled young lord, or even just weak. One opinion on the peak was that he was somehow related to their Shizun, and that was the only reason he was promoted to head disciple so quickly.
From what Shen Jiu managed to gather, Shen Yuan is only a year or two older than him and had been on Qing Jing for around four years. Honestly, Shen Jiu doesn't really know what to think about the rumors, maybe because he's been a subject of rumors, and he's generally dismissive of them.
At least the rumors were not about him this time. He's going to relish in it until the rumor windmill turns to his corner again.
Shen Jiu forced his attention to return to meditation. His spiritual veins burned, but not nearly as bad as they usually felt. He almost lost concentration because he wanted to check and analyze the feeling. He wasn't used to using qi, and it wasn't hurting like a branding iron on his core.
Maybe, just maybe, it'd stop hurting completely one day. He didn't have his hopes up though.
By the time Shen Jiu finally stopped with practice, it was time for curfew. He had completely skipped over lunch and dinner. Not that he cared. He would be fine without eating a bit, and once he masters inedia, he'll have to worry about eating even less.
Shen Jiu got up and went through a secluded path through the bamboo; that weirdo was good for something at least. He easily avoided the other disciples and reached the dorms. He entered his, which was thankfully one of the emptier ones.
He only had two other disciples in the sleeping quarters, and from what he can tell, the two guys constantly sneak out and sleep somewhere else. So Shen Jiu had the dorm to himself most of the time.
While Shen Jiu fixed his bed and very slowly undid his robes, he pretended like he couldn't hear the two boys slip out the back window. When he was positive he was alone, he sighed in relief and his shoulders relaxed.
He crouched down next to his bed and pulled out a carefully hidden box from under his bed. He opened it and took out a few premade alert talismans. He had bought a few from a rogue cultivator when he still was under Wu Yanzi.
They were running out, so he hopes they'll get to that section in the unit before he did. If he can make his own, he won't have to worry about it anymore.
Shen Jiu laid out the talismans, carefully hidden near places the two boys might use to return. Then he placed the actual alarm under his pillow like usually.
Shen Jiu finished changing into his sleeping robes and turned off all the lanterns before going to bed. He laid down, his back to the wall, facing the door. Maybe he can sleep a little bit before his body or the alarm wakes him up.
Shen Jiu was awoken by a light shock of qi from under his pillow. He refrained from flinching and acted as if he were still asleep as he heard someone open the door. He followed the person's footsteps, making sure if they were just entering or were going to him specifically. When the footsteps continued to his side of the room, he had confirmation that this person wanted something from him.
Shen Jiu acted as if he were barely waking up and looked at the person; it was one of the hallmasters. "Ah, good, you're awake. This one is aware it's quite early, but Shizun is requesting your presence in the bamboo house," the hallmaster droned on as if even he wasn't fully awake in this moment.
Shen Jiu sat up in the bed and nodded. "This one will go once he's dressed," he answered, still hating the formality on his tongue. The hallmaster bowed and retreated out of the room, barely stifling a yawn.
Shen Jiu waited until the door actually closed and then got up. He got dressed quickly and then found all the talismans. He placed them all in the box again and placed one on top of the box just in case. He took the alarm from under his pillow and slipped it into his robes before he tied up his hair.
His mind raced with every possibility of what he could possibly be in trouble for as he left the dorm. It couldn't be for attacking someone; he'd actually been keeping his composure more intact than he usually was. Well, if you ignore his first day, that is. He hasn't threatened anyone yet; he doesn't even have a sword. It hasn't even been a full week, and he's already in trouble.
Hm... Actually. It was that weird guy, wasn't it? His da-shixiong. It was the punch, wasn't it? Was the guy in recovery the entire time? Come on, what a dramatic prick. It was just a punch.
Hopefully, Shizun won't try to get him to apologize. Honestly, Shen Jiu didn't feel any remorse about it. He'd do it again, gladly. He hated people invading his personal space.
Shen Jiu's mind wandered to the moment the other's hands grabbed his shoulders. It was strange; it was a soft hold, like he was grabbing something precious. Shen Jiu didn't know how to feel about it. Especially when the other's face came so close.
Shen Jiu had expected the worst; he was expecting something so much worse, and he was about to kill to prevent it. Yet the worse didn't come. The glare that always seemed to obscure his da-shixiong's glasses cleared, and Shen Jiu could see soft green eyes look at him in pure fascination and... almost worship.
It threw him off. Shen Jiu hesitated. Then those words, then that bastard said those pretty words that even implanted the damn idea in his head. In that damn sincere and awestruck voice.
You're going to be peak lord. Everyone will envy you.
How fucking dare he make a street rat want more! Shen Jiu never wanted more. He was always taking what he could, but he never wanted more. But apparently it only took a reverent gaze and some pretty words to make him want more.
And now he wanted so much more, or maybe he always wanted more and simply ignored it. Shen Jiu craved so much more now. He wanted respect. He wanted power. He wanted to be looked up to and envied. As that bastard said.
He wanted to be the comparison that made someone cry, that made someone hate themselves as he hates himself. If compassion was the thief of joy, he wanted to be the greatest thief around.
Fucking Shen Yuan. A spoiled young lord was the reason Shen Jiu wanted more. What a cruel joke. He wanted to strangle him.
A punch was as close as he could fulfill that desire for violence. Something about his voice... it sent a shiver down his spine. Deep down in Shen Jiu, something preened at the unexpected praise, but he swiftly killed it as soon as he drew back his fist.
He doesn't know if the fact he got lost soon after was a blessing or not. It did give him a minute to cool down; his face was really warm, and he didn't know why. He hid away until the bell for curfew rang, and he managed to find the dorms by himself.
Shen Jiu breathed out, trying to steady his emotions as his hand clenched to a fist. Whatever, he's in trouble now. It came back to bite him on the ass. He wasn't one to back down. Qi-ge Yue Qi told him his stubbornness would be his death one day. And Shen Jiu will live without regretting it.
Shen Jiu arrived at the familiar leisure house, and he paused at the door. He had been but a moment away from barging in without any decorum or shame, but he remembered that he was trying to get on his Shizun's good side. If he played by the rules of courtesy, he might be able to convince her he is a better pick than Shen Yuan for head disciple.
He raised his hand to the door and reluctantly knocked. There was a beat of silence before he heard his Shizun's voice telling him to come inside. Shen Jiu opened the door and closed the door behind him.
"Jiu-er, come here, come here. This master must speak to you," Hu Wenliang said from another room. Shen Jiu followed the voice to the main room, where she sat, effortlessly poised and uncaring as the last time he saw her.
It didn't take long for Shen Jiu to find Shen Yuan. The head disciple was placing a cup of tea in front of their master. When he straightened his back from bending down, he looked at Shen Jiu, the glare on his glasses obscuring his eyes as always.
The head disciple had a splint on his nose, and that's when Shen Jiu just knew this was about the punch. Was it for dramatics or what? Couldn't cultivators practically will away injuries if they had enough qi? Why didn't the other just heal the wound? It was just to get him in trouble, huh?
Shen Jiu wanted to scoff, but he just stared, swallowing down bitter words and even more bitter insults. But then Shen Yuan tilted his head slightly, and the glare was gone for a moment, just long enough for Shen Jiu to be greeted with a smile and soft green eyes.
Once again, he was thrown off. Why was he getting smiled at? Shen Yuan set down the teapot on the low table and sat down on one of the cushions. There was one last open cushion right beside him...
Shen Jiu bit back a growl and plopped on the open cushion without a word, copying Shen Yuan's sitting position since he wasn't quite familiar yet with this formality stuff. Wu Yanzi was a bastard that didn't know the first thing about decorum. He hated this already, but he did like distancing himself from that bastard.
Okay, now to get yelled at. Their Shizun hummed and put her tea cup down. Her gray eyes were lazily scanning over the snacks set up on the table as if they weren't even there. She picked up a cake, and before she could even take a bite, Shen Yuan spoke up.
"Okay, and? We're not going to watch you eat," Shen Yuan said bluntly. Hu Wenliang tsked and tried to swat his hand with her fan, which Shen Yuan avoided by snatching his hand away.
"Brat." She stated while opening her fan with a loud snap. She covered her mouth, slightly glaring at her disciple.
"Says you," Shen Yuan drawled. That got him a fan thrown at him. He dodged it and waved a hand dismissively. "I'll get it when I leave."
"This master should give lashes to such a disrespectful disciple," she threatened.
"Well, this master should get to the point," Shen Yuan retorted, glaring back.
Shen Jiu watched the back and forth. He was quiet because he had no idea what he could even add to the conversation. What was going on? He just got here!
Hu Wenliang scoffed like a petulant child; that demure immortal master act dropped momentarily. She took a bite of her cake and rolled her eyes. She sat back up that calm and unfazed demeanor back like nothing happened. There wasn't even a twitch on Shen Yuan's face, so Shen Jiu wasn't completely sure if he was hallucinating or not.
"Little Jiu-er. This master heard your first day was eventful," she hummed, like everything was a riddle. He wanted to tell her to just spit it out and whip him, but he bit his tongue. He doesn't think he'll get an answer that way.
"Yes, I—this one would say so," he corrected himself. He hated having to acknowledge someone above him, and he had to acknowledge two people in this room as above him. However, one thing he was good at was pinching himself and forcing a smile; he can do it now as well.
He absently glanced at Shen Yuan's nose. He was just waiting for the topic to come up. Was he going to run a few laps or get whipped? He hated this slow crawl to his punishment.
The woman laughed lightly, as if amused by a story.
"Ah, is Jiu-er curious about our dear A-Yuan's new accessory? Yes, yes, this boy has quite the temper sometimes. It was thanks to one of those Bai Zhan raids; he's so cruel to them sometimes. This master almost pities them. Almost," she shook her head. "Whatever should this master do."
"Ah, yes. Embarrass this one in front of my new shidi. Oh, please do Peak Lord Hu. I beg you," Shen Yuan said with a deadpan voice, probably glaring behind his glasses.
What in the heavens above are they talking about? Shen Jiu was the one to break his nose. He looks at Shen Yuan, who turned his head to face him and chuckled as if ashamed about something, but Shen Jiu could tell it wasn't... sincere.
"Yes, this one doesn't get along with those of Bai Zhan. It's not a pretty sight whenever they do one of their raids. Hopefully, shidi won't have to witness that," he said apologetically and bowed his head.
Yeah, this guy is lying... Shen Jiu confirmed, but he was stumped. Why was Shen Yuan lying to protect him?
"Right, right. Jiu-er, the reason this one called you in was because your shixiong here was vouching for you to be allowed into the library even before your first test. Isn't that fascinating?" Hu Wenliang said and put her tea cup to her lips.
Out of everything that he could've been possibly called in for, this wasn't what he thought it'd be. Shen Jiu thought Shen Yuan was bluffing when he said he'd get him to go into Qing Jing's library before he should be able to.
"Yes, Shizun," he nodded. He kept his face as neutral as possible.
"Yes, yes. This master had considered it deeply, and since this one trusts Shen Yuan, you will be allowed to go into the library early. However, this master has high expectations for your test," his Shizun says calmly and takes a sip of her tea. She sighed softly and continued speaking.
"If you were to fail that test even though you were allowed into the library early, you will be barred from it until the seasons return to autumn," she said lightly, like it was nothing.
Shen Jiu slightly tensed up. Great. He nodded, keeping his face neutral. "Yes, Shizun," he answered.
"Wonderful! This master expected no less. Now, now, Jiu-er, don't have such a sour face; this master is sure your da-shixiong will ensure your high score. Speaking of, A-Yuan, do show him to the library," she said and waved them off, her attention easily moving from them to her mirror.
"Go on now. This master wishes to be alone." Hu Wenliang started to check her makeup on the bronze mirror, seemingly completely shutting them out from her attention.
Shen Yuan stood up beside him, picked up the thrown fan, and placed it on the table. Shen Jiu bit his tongue to stop a snide remark from escaping, and he begrudgingly got up as well and followed his weird shixiong. Shen Yuan opened the door for him and closed it behind them.
Shen Jiu followed behind Shen Yuan, attempting to bore a hole in the back of his head with his gaze alone. The walk was quiet until Shen Jiu was positive no one was around.
"Why didn't you tell her?" He spat out like the sentence was beneath him to even voice; his tone broke the silence ungracefully. This weirdo wanted something. Everyone always wanted something. That something was what Shen Jiu needed to figure out and exploit.
What was that something? This bastard was hard to read. His expression was either a perfect neutral or a soft smile with a disgusting amount of sincerity.
Shen Yuan hummed, still walking, his hands behind his back. "Because it was my fault. There is no reason for you to get in trouble because I acted out of line," he answered, his voice level and calm. Like he was reciting a fact.
A fact Shen Jiu knew but didn't expect to be acknowledged. Everyone he's met never took accountability for their wrongdoings. What made this da-shixiong so different? He refused to believe it.
Shen Jiu's footsteps slowed down until he stopped. "What do you mean by that?" He demanded.
Shen Yuan stopped and turned to Shen Jiu. He tilted his head back, and those soft green eyes were visible again and filled with confusion and something else. Not as intense or focused as before. It was soft and gentle, but just as... reverent.
"I meant that I shouldn't have done that; it was out of line, and I pushed your boundaries, especially when you were new here. I should've known better, but I didn't. I will not repeat that mistake again. I am sorry for my behavior and my reaction to you," he said with sincerity in his voice. As if he was actually... sorry.
Shen Jiu subconsciously took a step back; he was suddenly unable to look him in the eye, but he did force himself to do so. He wasn't a coward. He wasn't used to apologies... He never got them. Everyone always acted like it was his fault, even if he was right, even if he said no...
But he just got an apology. And it was... sincere? He swallowed a lump in the back of his throat; this was strange. He wasn't used to this.
Shen Yuan continued when he got no response. "I shouldn't have touched or grabbed you like that or invaded your personal space. We barely know each other, and I'm supposed to be looking after you; it was just completely irresponsible and a bad way to go about things. I will be sure to ask before touching you, and if you tell me no, it's a no," he promised.
Shen Jiu subconsciously froze for a moment. No is a... no? If he says no, would that be the end of it? Nothing more? He—he refused to believe it. No never meant no.
Memories involuntarily washed over him, and that shock turned to anger. "No means no, huh?" He said mockingly. How long until those pretty promises became pretty lies?
"Ohhh, I'm sure it does," he said with a growl. He walked the distance to Shen Yuan and crowded him, making his shixiong take a step back. "Of course! Because it always meant no before!" He snapped. Shen Jiu didn't believe it; Shen Jiu had never been shown that word meant anything before.
This damned, pathetic, good-for-nothing lord's son wasn't just going to repeat the same damn lie like it meant something. Shen Jiu seized Shen Yuan's robes with a hand and drew his other back, ready to punch him once again and make sure this stupid brat he had to call shixiong for the message.
But right as he was about to throw a punch, Shen Jiu caught a glimpse of the other's eyes. Where he expected fear, anger, or even disgust, he was met with fascination, excitement, and... worship? Fucking worship!
What?
What what what what?
Why—why can't he just react normally once?
Shen Jiu felt his resolve for violence fade away. Why can't Shen Yuan be easy? They've only spoken a collective of less than five, and he was already so confused about the other. Why?
Shen Jiu's fist lowered slightly, and his hold loosened. He looked at the ground, shame rearing its ugly head. He stepped back, refusing to look up; he refused to see any confirmation that his cheeks were as red as they felt.
"You were supposed to be showing me the library," he stated, hoping they were going to move on from that. He crossed his arms to shield himself slightly.
There was a beat of silence before he got a response. "Yes, my apologies. Please follow this shixiong," he said lightly and started walking. Shen Jiu followed behind, slightly thankful they didn't acknowledge the moment before.
The walk went quiet like before. Shen Jiu refused to look at him this time, though. He just followed without a word. Though that seemed to not be enough for Shen Yuan, because he broke the silence after a while.
"I'm not lying. If you tell me no, I'll take it as a no. I do promise, I swear. You can cut my tongue out if I make it a lie," he said, not looking behind him, giving Shen Jiu that at least.
Shen Jiu's lips pursed in a line. He'll rip Shen Yuan's tongue out if he gets touchy again. "Yeah, sure," was all he responded with. Shen Jiu started a mental timer in his head just to see how long that promise would actually be true.
The walk was filled with uncomfortable silence. Shen Jiu looked around to distract himself, half listening to Shen Yuan's footsteps for something to focus on. He soon realized there was a strange pattern to his steps. Like there was a slight pause, a little stutter. He doesn't know if it's intentional or not, but he noticed it, so he can't stop noticing it now.
It wasn't long before they reached the library. Shen Jiu recognized it from his first day on Qing Jing. The structure was just as beautiful as before.
Shen Jiu stopped when he heard Shen Yuan's footsteps halt in front of the large doors. He finally looked at the other, who turned to face him. He produced a small jade tablet and held it out for Shen Jiu to take.
He hesitated before he took the palm-sized jade tablet into his hands. It was polished smooth. There was an engraving on it colored with dark ink. It read "Regulated." He looked up at Shen Yuan, expecting an explanation.
Shen Yuan wilted a little and gave a skittish laugh. "My apologies, but it is a regulated key. You'll get a nonregulated key once you pass your first test," he said apologetically.
"And what does that mean?" Shen Jiu said bluntly. He slightly scowled at how unfazed the other seemed. Why can't this bastard have actual tells? He just stands with a neutral expression most of the time and then suddenly does something without warning.
"Ah, well... It means you can't enter the library without a senior with you," Shen Yuan said with an apologetic expression, making Shen Jiu's anger falter a little when those eyes were visible for a moment.
Of-fucking-course. Shen Jiu thought as he looked away with a tsk. "If I don't bring a senior?" He asked with irritation.
"The library won't let you in, and maybe even zap you. Shizun is particular about her things not being touched without permission. She has a lot of security arrays in a lot of places," Shen Yuan said as if ashamed of the security system he probably didn't even have a part in.
A woman after my own heart, Shen Jiu thought sarcastically and then rolled his eyes. He took a breath in, holding back the urge to scream and/or curse, then he breathed out to calm himself. He needed access to the library, and unfortunately his only way in was a man with an expression like a kicked puppy.
Why did pathetic men flock to him?
Wonderful. Shen Jiu swallowed his pride before facing Shen Yuan again. "Lead the way," he said with unnatural calm. He waved a hand over to the door.
Shen Yuan paused, his face just as hard to read as ever, and then walked to the door to the library. Shen Jiu followed behind, fidgeting with his sleeve, and took a bit of comfort in the cold metal dagger resting in his sleeve. If anything goes wrong, he still has something. A precaution.
Shen Jiu stepped next to Shen Yuan, who stopped in front of the door. "C'mon. I'll cut your tongue off if you touch me," he warned. The entrance wasn't big enough for him to scoot away far enough, but Shen Jiu never had enough space to himself.
"This one is aware and will allow shidi to do so if the need arises," Shen Yuan said calmly and taps the door with his wrist, and an array lights up.
Shen Jiu looked at the door, mildly fascinated by the display. It was bright, like a lantern meant to lead the blind through a dark forest, but it was a light that didn't sting the eyes. He almost wanted to study it so he could replicate it as a talisman or something.
Shen Yuan clears his throat and taps the door with his finger while looking at Shen Jiu. Shen Jiu snaps out of his thoughts and glares at the head disciple as he taps his key on the door as well, and a more subdued glow appears.
It was much dimmer, not as interesting. Probably because it was a stupid assistant key or whatever Shen Yuan called it. Shen Jiu was just that unimportant, huh? His brow twitched in irritation at the thought.
The seal on the door finally releases, and Shen Yuan holds the door open for him. Shen Jiu complains under his breath as he steps inside. He's instantly awestruck by the sheer size of the library's interior.
It was so full. Shelves reached from the floor to the ceiling, each part delicately organized.
Shen Jiu continues into the library, wanting to see what he could finally get his hands on. It wasn't until halfway through a hall that he noticed Shen Yuan following him like a lost puppy. He paused to look at the other; it was as if he didn't know where anything was or where he was.
It was stupid; he knows for sure Shen Yuan has been in the library before. He's the head disciple, for fucks sake! Was it necessary for him to follow him? Did he think he was going to trash a shelf or something? Did the damn regulated key need him around or some bullshit like that?
"Do you need to follow me?" He snapped. Shen Yuan flinched the smallest bit, and Shen Jiu took pleasure in it. It was a small hint that this ever-stoic shixiong isn't untouchable as he acts.
Shen Yuan started to fidget with his robes. "Um... Well... No, I don't, but—" he said anxiously, probably trying to find an excuse.
"So why are you following me?" Shen Jiu demanded, and Shen Yuan rubbed his neck with what he guessed was nervousness.
"Qi can't be used in the library." He answered like it mattered to Shen Jiu. It didn't answer his question, so it was an excuse in his eyes.
"These books use a lot of arrays, so there's a lot of arrays installed so no qi can enter and accidentally tamper with the books' arrays," he rambled with obvious trepidation.
While that fact was interesting, Shen Jiu did notice the building felt empty even though there were shelves, books, and desks, but that really wasn't important.
"Okay, so? I don't see what that has to do with me. Leave me alone. If I needed an annoying clingy dog of a man, I'd just get h—" He cut himself off and felt his face turn a little red.
Shen Yuan tilted his head, his soft green eyes staring at him with curiosity and warmth. "Get who?" He asked.
"No one! Nothing! Leave me alone!" Shen Jiu yelled and stormed off before Shen Yuan got the chance to speak again.
He vaguely heard Shen Yuan mutter something to himself, but he didn't bother listening properly. He continued to walk until he reached a secluded corner of the library and sat on the bench there.
He looked around and realized he had no idea what was in here. He probably shouldn't have yelled at his only guide. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't bother getting up and picking up a random book; he needed to distract himself.
Incidentally, the book that Shen Jiu picked up randomly was a fantasy book, and it was a good one at that. He unintentionally got sucked into the story and didn't notice how long he had been hunched in his corner reading it.
By the time he had finished the whole book, he noticed that a few lanterns were lit and the library was a little bit more dark than before. How long has he been reading?
Shen Jiu looked at the book in his hands and frowned. It ended in a cliffhanger, and the author's note stated it was a trilogy. He got up and checked the shelves for the rest of the books and found nothing. The shelves weren't even filled with fantasy books; they were all about healing herbs.
He sighed to himself. It seems like this book was just abandoned here in a rush or laziness, and from what he knows about Qing Jing and Cang Qiong, it was probably the latter. He wilted a little; he didn't know how this library was organized. Even when he was under Wu Yanzi, he memorized every library they went to.
Qing Jing's library was too massive to memorize everything under a few hours. Where could he find the next book? Who would know—?
No...
Shen Jiu remembered that Shen Yuan was probably still within the library. The other didn't seem the type to abandon someone, or maybe he's just being hopeful. Shit...
He was unfortunately Shen Jiu's best option. Not like Shen Jiu would go around trying to make friends. He'd rather not.
Shen Jiu breathed in and pinched himself to make sure he wasn't going crazy. Unfortunately, not; maybe one day his dreadful ideas will come from a sort of mania instead of himself. Well, that day is not today, so he swallowed his pride once again and went to find Shen Yuan.
Shen Jiu backtracked his steps to the front of the library. Good news: he could finally find his way back. Bad news: Shen Yuan wasn't here. He bit back a frustrated groan and went searching. Where could that weirdo be?
Shen Jiu passed by disciples and hallmasters alike. He barely paid them any mind as they returned the favor. Some were whispering to each other, probably gossiping, and others were nose deep in a book.
Shen Jiu continued his search until he saw soft green robes in the corner of his eye. Everyone in Qing Jing wore green robes, but something told him to check it out. So Shen Jiu stopped walking and went back to that shelf, and sure enough, there was Shen Yuan.
The other was in front of a shelf, dead quiet. Unlike the sometimes quiet humming that seemed to accompany him sometimes. Shen Jiu approached and noticed that he was tracing the front of the shelf with his fingers lightly before going to pick out a book. Then he once again traced his fingers over the spine of each book before picking one.
Shen Jiu ignored the other's eccentricities and walked up to him. He cleared his throat. Shen Yuan paused, halfway through pulling a book out. "Yes?" He asked bluntly, not turning around to face him.
Rude. Shen Jiu thought before going on with his request. "Do you know where the second book of this series is?" He asked, forcing his tone to soften to an actual asking tone instead of demanding. He hated softening his edges, but sometimes it was necessary, and for some reason he found this series necessary enough to do so.
"Huh?" Shen Yuan said, his voice softer than the second before, and finally turned to face him, pulling his book out of the shelf as he turned. He put it under his arm and put his hand out for the book Shen Jiu was holding. "Sure, let me see it."
Shen Jiu hesitated before giving him the book. He made sure their hands didn't brush against each other as he handed the book over.
Shen Yuan brings it to his face and readjusts his glasses, the shine disappearing off of them, soft green analyzing the cover. He squinted slightly to read it before humming to himself, a calm smile on his face.
"Ah yes. I do, actually. If I remember correctly..." He mused to himself as he handed the book back to Shen Jiu. He moved past him, the shine on his glasses was back, and his eyes were obscured again. "Please, follow me," he said, motioning for him to follow, and started walking.
Shen Jiu followed Shen Yuan one or two steps behind. He absentmindedly analyzed Shen Yuan. The other was walking with measured steps now. It was completely different from how he was walking in the bamboo forest or anywhere else.
Shen Jiu had noticed he usually walked with a sway, almost like he was floating with each step. Here he walked slowly, precise with each step. As if he was counting them or something.
A little weird, but honestly, Shen Jiu concluded that Shen Yuan is weird in general. Ever since the first day, actually. Shen Jiu sighed, whatever, at least he was useful.
Shen Yuan walked up to a shelf and once again traced his fingers over the front of the shelf. Shen Jiu looked over his shoulder and finally noticed the label carved into the wood. It blended in, so it was a little hard to see. Oh, they have numbers and a genre name. He didn't notice it before; that'd be useful to know later.
Shen Jiu was so focused on trying to read the label, he didn't notice Shen Yuan grab a book. He jumped slightly when a book came right near his peripheral. He realized he jumped and got a little flustered at his obvious tell.
He snatched the book from Shen Yuan, grumbling about him being just absolutely hilarious. Shen Yuan's brows furrowed slightly at him, and he opened his mouth to speak, probably some stupid excuse.
"Shut up. Thank you for the help or whatever," he said sarcastically and rolled his eyes. He walked away from Shen Yuan and looked down at the book in his hands. Thankfully, it was the second part.
He wasn't going to dilute himself too much in one day. He was still prickly as ever after all. He didn't need to get on the current head disciple's good side; it was only a matter of time before Shen Jiu beat him for the title.
He vaguely heard Shen Yuan's voice say, "Tell me if the trilogy is good," but he ignored it. This prick is constantly trying to get on his good side. How frustrating. When was the act going to drop? When will he sneer and scoff at him like everyone else?
Shen Jiu knows it's going to happen, so why is he pretending so much? He's going to take great pleasure when the act finally drops and he's proven right. Because that's how it's always been and how it'll always be.
It was only a matter of time before yet another person reveals themselves as a backstabber. He refused to believe this shixiong was any different.