Chapter Text
Binghe could feel his face burning as he read more and more of the lines; he couldn’t bear with it and quickly closed the book (a bit too fast, if you would care to ask).
He could feel his heart beating a bit too loudly, and as he felt breathless, he asked to himself.
—What! What kind of vulgar book is this??
He said indignantly. Binghe wasn’t a virgin, actually, he was the opposite; he had experience enough to be called a god in this field.
But, honestly speaking, he never was sober enough to remember what happened in bed; he only remembered clearly his first time, an unpleasant memory he would rather forget than remember, as he felt gross, being used by a dying girl for her wish of not dying a virgin.
All the other times he was too out of himself, drugged by aphrodisiacs or in Xin Mo’s influence, remembering just glimpses of whatever happened.
Of course, he wouldn’t be rude and just steal the first time of the women he slept with and act as if nothing happened; he knew how it felt to be used for sex; that’s why, even if he didn’t remember nor wanted sleeping with them, he married them.
But this? Was sex supposed to be like this? It was so… intimate, Binghe felt as if he was intruding in their personal time as he read the book. He breathed deeply, lying on his bed, hands hiding his face.
—So… that’s how two men do it.
A moment passed, his face reddening again. He jumped up and shouted to heavens and hell.
—No, is this really like this??
A knock on the door.
—Binghe?
He flinched as he heard the angelic voice calling his name, if he saw his shizun right after reading that, he knew his young body would denounce him, he lied down again.
“I just need to pretend to be asleep,” he repeated to himself a few times. He heard the door opening, footsteps entering. He pleaded to heavens and hell to make sure his shizun didn’t hear his fast, loud heartbeat.
—Oh, was he so tired he fell asleep right away? Without even eating?
Fuck! Binghe was so focused on the book he had forgot to cook dinner for his shizun! The book, did he put it on the shelf? He was so dead if his shizun saw it! He felt a caress in his hair.
—Going to the town must have been really exciting, he is already this age, huh?
His shizun’s tone was sad, Binghe hated himself for making his shizun sad; A loud sigh could be heard.
—When did he become this pretty? He was such a cute kid…
“Shizun, you really should stop complimenting like this, others would misunderstand you!”
It took all of Binghe’s forces to not jump and kiss his shizun right there. He was a composed man, though, he could resist his urges; shizun was different from the women he had bedded, he was special; thus so, Binghe wanted to go slow and do everything the right way.
—I should let my dear disciple sleep, the day to choose his sword is next week.
A pause, then his shizun kissed his head.
—Time… surely pass fast. Sleep well, Binghe.
As he exited the room, Binghe mind went blank. Fuck! Why the hell was his shizun so careless around him? Was he like this with others too?
Binghe would kill anyone who was treated the same way by his shizun. Now, he could do anything but sleep. He put his hands on his face in frustration. How was he supposed to survive this way until he reached adulthood? He would end up dying!
After reading the book, Binghe’s world's perspective changed, he now could see things he couldn’t before.
—Look, Binghe! Isn’t this beautiful?
His shizun said, lifting a red robe. His master was always showered with presents, but now Binghe couldn’t not perceive how these gifts weren’t courtesy gifts, but courtship tokens. Binghe was annoyed, but not worried, as his shizun was too dense to understand the real meaning of the presents.
—See, Binghe? That’s why you should help people! They will show you gratitude and demonstrate respect for you!
—…
Binghe didn’t know if he was happy or a bit worried; how would he courtship his shizun if he was too oblivious? He sighed, thinking about the difficulties he would have to face.
—Shizun shouldn’t forget about this evening meeting.
His shizun paused.
—Huh? Was it today?
Binghe smiled, his shizun never remembered about these kind of things.
—Yes, shizun. This disciple heard it’s an important one, by the way. Something about discussing with others sects as well.
—Oh!!
His shizun said cutely, his mouth forming an o. he sighed.
—What would happen to me if it wasn’t for you, Binghe?
He felt himself blushing a bit, but he managed to control his expressions.
—This disciple will prepare the bath.
—Hm, sure.
His master said idly, reading another letter. After he acknowledged his feelings, Binghe couldn’t possibly not make a move.
But he was his master’s disciple, and a minor; his shizun didn’t see him as a man, and even less as a romantic interest. “But that is alright”, he hummed to himself.
He was confident in his looks and he never failed to woo a woman before, it wouldn’t be much different with a man, right? And he could use the time being to play the role of “dedicated disciple.” As he finished the bath, he went and called for his master.
—Hm, Binghe?
He got out of his daze; did he stare too much? His shizun just took off the first layer of his robes, though, and Binghe wanted to make sure he watched everything.
—Yes, shizun?
His shizun face was a bit red, he said with his head over his shoulder, flustered, as if he didn’t know what to do.
—Why are you not getting out?
He blinked.
—This disciple will help shizun with his bath.
—What?!
He said, turning and looking at Binghe shocked. His shizun looked so adorable when surprised.
—Shizun is an immortal master, who shouldn’t bathe by himself, it’s the servant’s duty to do so. This disciple will help.
He was confident he could convince his shizun to let Binghe bathe him. His shizun opened and closed his mouth a few times, as if unsure of what to do.
—Shizun, please, allow this disciple help, as shizun doesn’t have any servants.
His master frowned his eyebrows. Binghe had won.
—Alright…
He said shyly, turning his face so he wouldn’t face Binghe. His shizun was so lovely. Binghe walked towards him and started undressing his shizun; it got all his self-control to not get hard and end up attacking his shizun.
The feeling of undressing his shizun was wild, he felt a thrill huger than when he conquered the human and demonic realm.
Sure, he would love to watch his shizun undress himself, but the feeling he felt was if he was violating something sacred.
He felt sinful as the milky skin of his shizun got uncovered by his robes, his skin was flushed red, from his head to his shoulder, mostly because of embarrassment.
His shizun’s body was simply divine, he felt an urge to bite and mark him all over, he didn’t want to scare his shizun with such demonic actions, though.
Binghe discovered he had a lot more Self-restraint than what people had given him credit for.
As he helped his shizun enter the bath, he put himself to work; he carefully washed all of his shizun’s body, making sure it was covered with the scent Binghe himself had chosen.
—Shizun, please, excuse this disciple.
—Hm.
Was all he received in answer, an approval, as he already knew. He took the shampoo and started to wash his shizun’s hair.
It was as silky as it looked, he understood why his shizun liked touching his hair, it was a superb sensation; a feeling of intimacy he couldn’t describe. After washing his shizun, he chose the robes personally.
—Binghe, this master can dress himself.
He said embarrassed, as Binghe gave him the robes. Binghe didn’t leave the room, though, watching delighted as his shizun dressed. His shizun paused for a moment, he shivered for some reason.
—Shizun?
He looked at Binghe surprised.
—Did something happen?
His shizun looked troubled.
—It’s nothing… this master just… felt the same way as when a hungry beast is observing its prey.
He said a bit embarrassed, “how cute!!” Binghe couldn’t help but smile.
—If shizun has finished dressing up, may this lowly disciple coif shizun’s hair?
—… Of course, if Binghe wants.
He sat on the chair in front of the mirror, waiting patiently for his disciple. Binghe felt overjoyed by the sight.
As they went to the reunion, they encountered Qi Qingqi and Liu Mingyan.
—Shen-shidi.
She said smiling at him
—Qi-shijie!
He returned the enthusiasm, covering his smile with the fan, which hid nothing.
—Luo-shidi.
Binghe paused, getting goosebumps from the way the voice entered his ears. “Fuck,” he hoped she wouldn’t talk to him, but he was wrong. He smiled politely.
—Liu-shijie.
—Huh? Do you two already know each other?
His shizun tone was as if he felt betrayed. He wanted to deny, saying he never saw her, but she was faster than him.
—We chatted a bit, when Luo-shidi went to the town last week.
“Fucking vicious woman” he cursed her in his mind, praying for her not mention the book he had bought; what his shizun would say if he knew?
—That’s great! – Qi Qingqi said – Head-disciples should have good relationships, as they are the next peak lords. Don’t you agree, Shen-shidi?
His shizun looked at her, as if she got him out of a daze.
—Huh? Ah, yes, you are right.
—Perfect! So, while these lords are having the meeting, how about our disciples make company with each other?
—That’s... that’s a good idea.
His shizun said, not giving Binghe a second glance as he went to the reunion. Binghe wanted to make a scene, but he didn’t want his shizun thinking he was a spoiled brat, so he contained his rage.
Binghe almost went after his shizun, stopping as soon as he saw Shen Qingqiu arriving. He froze in place, but not from fear or anything; he was with Liu Qingge, and, fuck, he wanted to tear his eyes apart.
How could they flirt so openly? And how could no-one notice it?? The way they looked at each other would make Binghe throw up if he looked for a bit more.
He rapidly looked at the other direction; Liu Mingyan’s direction. He asked to himself what was worse, seeing his two shibos flirting or cope with his shijie. She sadly chose for him, tugging slightly his sleeves.
—This shijie knows a good place to have a… particular conversation.
She said, as if they had something to talk about! “Stop saying things others would misunderstand, you witch!” he followed her as she went.
—What do you want?
He said bluntly. He didn’t want to have to act like a good shidi. “If she goes and tell something weird to shizun, I can say she is making it up, because she was rejected by me.” He thought to himself; his shizun would believe on him rather than on a random girl. She looked surprised by the tone.
—Shidi doesn’t need to be so… cautious.
She said chuckling, covering her mouth with her hands, a total useless act as she was wearing her veil, but one act others would find “charming.”
—This shijie just thought shidi might want to read this book.
She handed over the said book, as Binghe read the title, his face flushed.
—You!
He said, throwing the book on her foot. She sighed.
—Shidi, – she said while picking the book from the floor – your pride won’t get you at anywhere.
He turned his face away; her own existence bothered him.
—But if shidi thinks he can win over a man's heart without knowing anything about this art, this shijie guess she cannot do anything for help.
She said in an unbothered tone, he hated how she knew which rope pull, and he hated himself for falling in her schemes.
—Talk, while you have the chance.
Her eyes shone the same weird way they had shone the day at the book store.
—This shijie is happy about giving shidi some guidance.
—Just speak, alright?
She smiled at him.
—Congratulations, Binghe.
His shizun said smiling at him; he finally got his own sword, even though it wasn’t the same he got in his past life.
—Did my disciple think of what present he wants?
Binghe thought a bit. He remembered what Liu Mingyan said to him.
—This disciple wants to go to the town…
His shizun looked a bit confused.
—But Binghe can go whenever he wants; don’t you have anything more special?
-I!
He said, lifting his face and looking at his shizun. At the moment their eyes met, he lowered his face again.
—This disciple wants to visit the town with shizun.
His shizun blinked.
—With me- with this master?
He looked up, tugging his master robes, he hated how he was still shorter, but Liu Mingyan said he should use this, he teared his eyes.
—Maybe… shizun doesn’t want to?
His shizun looked panicked, as if he couldn’t support the idea of his disciple crying. Binghe hated how helpful Liu Mingyan was.
—This master can go! Of course, Binghe got a wonderful sword, so of course we can visit the town!
He smiled at him, stopping the tears right away.
—Really?
His shizun sighed in relief, patting his head.
—Binghe should change his robes before we go, alright?
He nodded, taking his shizun’s hands and rushing to the cliff house.
—Wait, Binghe! Don’t run!
Binghe just laughed, as they headed to the cliff house.
—Shizun!
Binghe entered the room abruptly, a hairpin in his hands. His shizun was sitting on the mirror chair, he questioned the entry of his disciple silently, waiting for him elaborate.
—I want shizun to do my hair.
He gave the hairpin and looked seriously at his master. He knew he was rude; he wanted to know until when his rudeness would tolerate by his shizun.
He looked as his shizun got up from the chair, gesturing for the boy to sit. He sat and waited patiently as his shizun combed his hair.
He loved these moments. He didn’t dare to breathe too deeply; afraid the moment would end and he would wake up from a dream.
—And… done!
His shizun said, with a proud tone; he looked satisfied at Binghe’s hair.
—Shall we go now, Binghe?
He said smiling; Binghe nodded excitedly; they headed to the town. After getting down of his shizun sword, which his shizun was really proud of demonstrating for some reason, and Binghe loved as he could be near his shizun without a need to make excuses, they entered the town.
His shizun was talking about how beautiful the scenery was, which Binghe couldn’t care less, as he just looked at his shizun the entire way, they reached the village market. His shizun eyes shone as he saw the sweets; even so, he knew his master didn’t like them, he wondered why he looked so excited to see them.
—Binghe, here.
He said with the fan covering the smile he had, as he extended his hands. Binghe flushed as they hold hands; wasn’t that exactly like the dates the characters had in the book??
—One mooncake, please, madame.
The shopkeeper handed the cake and took the coins.
—What a cutie.
She said as she saw Binghe, who got annoyed by being treated like a child, he was almost 15 years old! His shizun smiled.
-Isn’t he?
his master said, pinching his cheeks. She smiled at them.
—This humble one guess every man is happy when they have a cute son.
…
Son?? Not even his disciple?? Binghe got devasted, a reality shock; they didn’t look like a couple of cultivators, they looked like father and son! His shizun chuckled a bit as he answered.
—This master isn’t the father, but surely would be pleased to have a son like him.
He couldn’t even get mad! His shizun gave them the mooncake.
—If you go to the Mid-Autumn Festival it's a must eating these, Binghe.
His shizun said smiling. He hated how he was still treated like a kid, but he couldn’t be mad when his shizun was so sweet. He ate the mooncake, and cursed how good it was.
As they walked around the festival, Binghe saw something worth of all the humiliation he had suffered.
—Shizun, shizun!
He eagerly tugged his master’s sleeve, pointing to a stall near them. As they got nearer the stall, they could see all kinds of jewelry. Binghe took two of the sword pendants, the two were made of jade and ruby, with silver details, and showed to his shizun.
—Oh, Binghe wants this?
He nodded, but why his shizun’s tone was strange? As is master paid for the pendants, Binghe took them, giving one of them for his shizun.
—Huh? For me?
He looked surprised.
—For who else would it be, except shizun?
His shizun flushed a bit, covering his face with the fan.
—This master thought it was a present for your shijie.
Binghe tilted his head, his shizun fanning himself; was he talking about Liu Mingyan?
—Why would this disciple give it to shijie?
His master was obviously flustered; Binghe didn’t know why, though.
—This, these pendants.
He gestured at the jewelry.
—They are for couples.
Binghe knew this, it was the reason he had chosen them; he was surprised by the fact his shizun could tell they were a couple set, though. He didn’t want to give up, he started tearing up.
—Shizun doesn’t want to wear matching pendants with this disciple…
He said in the most deception tone he could talk.
—What? No! This isn’t it!
He took the pendant and quickly put on his sword belt.
—See? Now we are matching! So, please, stop crying.
He said, cupping Binghe’s face; he looked so worried. He smiled at his shizun.
—This disciple is hungry.
He said, changing immediately
—Yes, sure, we should eat something.
His shizun took him on his arms without hesitation; he didn’t mind, Binghe would get bigger and he wouldn’t be carried like a kid anymore, so he gave his shizun the pleasure to carry him like a child; after all, in some years, his shizun would be the one who was carried by Binghe.
They entered a lamian shop and sat at the table. Not long after his shizun ordered their meal, some bugs started to get near them.
—Oh, aren’t you an immortal master, sir?
A woman dressed in a scandalous blue robe, one even Hualing would reconsider before wearing, flirted with his shizun. Who she thought she was? Why was she being so informal?
—Surely, a beauty like my lady has sharp eyes.
He said, fanning himself and oblivious at the malicious intention of the wicked witch. She laughed hysterically.
—Not only is my lord handsome, but he is also a sweet talker!
She sat with them, without anyone inviting her; she was so rude!
—Brother, are you really an immortal cultivator?
Another bug; a man who wasn’t even in his twenties, talking like this! Weren’t they taught manners?? He sat with a jar of alcohol in his hands, pouring a bit for himself and for his shizun.
After giving the cup to his shizun, the man came closer and closer, way too close to his shizun! Really, how could his shizun allow them to make such a fuss? It was obvious by the look in their eyes what they wanted!
—Shizun!
Binghe whined frustrated, slamming his hands on the table. He wouldn’t allow them to have their way with his shizun!
—Binghe!
He reprimanded his disciple. Why was his shizun talking like that with him and not with the bugs?? He got up from the table.
—Fine! If shizun prefers to be with these pesters, this disciple excuses himself!
He left the shop angrily, without even eating. He heard his master calling for him; he didn’t respond. He didn’t care.
He stopped near a pond, looking at it. It was supposed to be like a special date! He hated himself for acting like that.
—Binghe!
A warm hand pulled him.
—You shouldn’t leave like this! It’s already night! What if something happened-
He stopped.
—Oh, dear… why are you crying?
He hugged Binghe, shushing him, patting his head and back.
—Shizun prefers to be with others!
He didn’t perceive he was crying until tears slide down his face.
—I’m sorry… This master is sorry…
He hugged back his shizun tightly.
—Promise me shizun won’t do this again, then!
He sounded like a child throwing a tantrum; his shizun looked at him, showing his pink finger.
—This master promise.
Oh… Liu Mingyan was right; his shizun did give him more attention when he acted like a spoiled brat.
—Hey, kid.
A familiar voice called. Binghe opened his eyes, looking around, all he could see was fog; it was different from his first life. He lifted up, brushing away the dust from his inner robes.
—What do you want?
He asked uninterested; a creepy laugh could be heard.
—Ho! So, you know who this master is? You act like you know what is happening!
Binghe sighed; he forgot how low the intelligence of others was when he just spent time with his smart shizun and shixiongs.
—I know you are dying, and I know you want to use me to survive, like a parasite.
—Oi! You weren’t taught manners? How rude of you!
—Says someone who entered the dream of a kid with malicious intentions.
He said, rolling his eyes. The voice sounded flustered.
—Stop talking like this master is trying to take advantage of you!
He raised one eyebrow, a questioning look which didn’t match the face of a 15 years old.
—And you aren’t?
—This master is not!
A deep breath.
—Look here, child, you were correct, this master does need you.
Binghe smiled smugly.
—But this master isn’t asking for a charity!
—And what do you have that would possibly interest me?
—You are a demon! Do you think you will survive without me in an orthodox sect?
Binghe flinched; since he came back, he didn’t give much thought about his nature. But wasn’t that alright? His master was interested in demons, right?
—Ha! You fool!
Binghe shot an angry gaze at the voice’s direction.
—Don’t you dare read my mind, your old gazer!
—Even if this master doesn’t know why he cannot read clearly, this master can guess you already knew you are a demon, huh.
Fine, Binghe felt a bit relieved after knowing he couldn’t read everything; he always felt as if he didn’t have any privacy, the worse part was how the damn demon actually didn’t help much when in the Endless Abyss.
—Yes, and you have nothing you could possibly teach me. I already know everything!
—Everything? Are you sure?
Binghe flinched at the question.
—Fine, this master admit it is a surprise you know you are a demon; but this master is sure you don’t know how to break the seal.
He could feel the smile, even if just his voice was heard. Fuck, he gave his opponent an advantage!
—I don’t need to break; I actually prefer that it never breaks.
He said resolutely; a chuckle.
—You and this master know the seal is weaking as you grow up, stop lying to yourself.
Binghe had nothing to say, as the demon was correct; he just hadn’t wanted to acknowledge this. He tightened his fists, staying in place.
—This master knows a way to break the seal safely.
Oh, Binghe lost. He sighed, as he waved for the demon continues.
—I swear, if you are deceiving me, Imma kill you with my own hands.
He hissed; the demon laughed.
—Worry not, kid, this master is going to take good care of you.
The dream dissipated. Binghe woke up the next morning a new man; he was too unworried, now was time to change.
He was still shorter than his shizun; even if he was taller than in his past life, which was deprived from enough food; he couldn’t remotely be a romantic interest in his shizun’s eyes.
He quietly went and did the breakfast, organizing and leaving on a bed tray for his shizun who was still sleeping.
—Good morning, shizun.
He said bowing, as his master idly stretched up.
—Hmm, mornin’ Binghe.
He said with an adorable sluggish voice. After Binghe served the breakfast, he went training, not sparing a second glance at his shizun’s defenseless half-naked body and messy hair, like he used to.
A man who let himself be leaded by his lust will not archive anything. He meditated at a waterfall he discovered in one of Shen Qingqiu visits. He spent all his morning training, just returning to the side cliff to cook and sleep. That was his routine for the next two years.
Even if he missed the time, he used to spend with his dear shizun, it was a necessary thing to do; he didn’t want to be treated like a kid, nor like some disciple you wanted to be the father of.
He entered the cliff house, he was a bit nervous; he had turned 17 in the last winter; now was the time the seal was almost breaking, Meng Mo advised him it was the best time to go out of the peak, and as he already was an adult, all he needed was the permission of his master. He knocked at his shizun’s private library.
—You may enter.
A soft voice came from inside. He opened carefully. After bowing and greeting his master, a familiar voice saluted him.
—Luo-shidi!
Binghe was flabbergasted; his shixiong was there. Inside the cliff house.
—This shidi greets Jue shixiong.
He bowed respectfully automatically. What was he doing here? No other disciple ever came there, even before him! He felt… betrayed. Ji Jue approached him like a curious child.
—Woah! Shidi looks so taller than since last spring!
He smiled at him; honestly, Binghe didn’t feel like entertaining his shixiong.
—Shidi also looks manlier, is shidi the same height as shizun now? This shixiong bet all the female disciples from others peaks are head over shidi!
Ugh! Why talk like that in the first meeting after one whole year? He wanted to say he wasn’t sure, since he rarely got out of the peak.
—Luo Binghe.
He flinched. His master never used his surname, the only time he could remember was when he almost died by falling from some cherry tree right into the river. He felt himself pulling out his words.
—Yes, shizun.
His master covered his face with the fan. Binghe couldn’t see his eyes at all.
—This master guesses this disciple has affairs to treat with this master?
He froze up, keeping his head down.
—Yes, shizun.
Shit! How was he supposed to talk about that?? The timing was the worst, and he even didn’t know why Ji Jue was there! That fact alone angered him in a way he wasn’t sure if he could keep up his rationality while speaking with his shizun!
—Ji Jue – he called with a softer voice (why??) – As you can see, this master wants you to give this master some privacy.
He fanned himself as the other bowed and exited the room. He gestured to Binghe to sit near him; Binghe accomplished quickly.
His master poured apple tea in two cups, giving one to Binghe and sipping the other. Binghe couldn’t drink the tea, just looking at it in a tentative of distracting himself.
A clink; his shizun put the cup on the table, starting to speak and breaking the ice.
—So, what brings this disciple here?
Binghe started panicking as his shizun didn’t use the affectionately tone he was used to. “Should I ask another day?”
—No, brat. You know that’s not something you should delay too much! Or maybe you want to expose yourself as a demon?
Absolutely not! He couldn’t bring himself to even think of his shizun looking at him disgusted, the same way Shen Qingqiu did.
—This disciple! – he said loudly - This disciple…
He repeated lower. His master huffed?? Closing his fan quickly.
—This disciple what?
Why was his shizun being so mean with Binghe?? He felt his throat tightening, he couldn’t bring himself to say anything; not when his shizun was so cold.
—Oh, Binghe…
The coldness melted, giving space to the sweet voice he was used to; his shizun sighed.
—Come here.
He said with his arms open; Binghe couldn’t resist and went onto his shizun’s lap. One last time wouldn’t hurt anyone. His shizun cupped his face, cleaning the tears off his face.
—You just grew up in size, huh?
He said too focused in Binghe’s face to perceive they were in a scandalous position. Binghe wouldn’t bring this up, he would just enjoy the moment a little bit.
—Kid! Don’t forget what you should ask!
The annoying old man said, ruining the moment; he couldn’t read the room?
—Stop cursing me in your mind, brat!
“Just don’t read it, then.”
—Have you calmed down now?
His shizun asked, his tone worried, Binghe smiled softly at him.
—This disciple asks for forgiveness for making shizun witness such an unpleasant scene.
His shizun frowned his eyebrows.
—Don’t say that, Binghe.
His shizun was so lovely, and pretty, and adorable, and handsome too! What could have made him act like that?
Binghe didn’t know, and was too scared to ask; he knew one thing, if Binghe cried, his shizun would do anything for him, right?
He, sadly, got out of his shizun lap, kneeling before him. He should delay anymore. His shizun covered his face graciously with his bloomed fan, waiting patiently for his disciple.
—Shizun! This disciple asks for permission to go roaming the Jianghu.
He said it! His master didn’t respond for a moment.
—… What?
He clenched his fists on his tights as he heard the shocked voice of his master.
—You… you want what, Binghe?
He said again, as if he didn’t process the first time.
—This one is asking for permission to go on a trial.
The fan was closed loudly. His shizun face was showing a storm of emotions, which Binghe couldn’t decipher well, even with years of experience in reading his face.
—.. what about… no, wait… isn’t it better this way?
He hummed to himself; as Binghe waited in silence, the tension he felt increased. What if his shizun didn’t want to?
—This disciple! – he said, daring to cut the thoughts of his master, who looked at him shocked – This disciple is struggling with this one sword mastership.
His shizun frowned.
—Is this master guidance not enough?
Binghe looked up quickly, horrified with the statement.
—No! this disciple wouldn’t dare! Its just! This one lack experience in real fights!
His shizun tilted his head, opening again his fan, and just letting his eyes show off.
—You can always spar with the Bai Zhan peak’s disciples.
He fanned himself idly, ignoring the frustration of his disciple.
—Shizun!
He whined; his master sighed.
—Binghe, Jianghu is a dangerous place…
Binghe straightened himself.
—This one is aware.
He said seriously. His shizun massaged his temples.
—No, you are not…
He looked at Binghe with a tired gaze.
—Are you sure you really want it?
—Yes, shizun. This one wants to become someone who shizun is proud of.
His shizun smiled weakly at him.
—Binghe, I’m already proud of you… you don’t need to prove yourself.
Binghe shook his head; he needed to go, even if it was sad.
—This one wants to build a reputation in Jianghu for himself, this disciple still has many flaws…
He couldn’t think of anything to say as an example, so he chose to not say anything unnecessary.
—And this one still has to find a beast.
Yep, that excuse sounded good. His shizun sighed, as someone who lost the battle.
—Alright, if you say so…
He smiled at his shizun.
—But!
His shizun pointed at him.
—This master has one condition!
—Binghe! – his master shouted excitedly – Look at this! We need it!
Binghe looked at what his master was pointing; it was the eightieth time he said “we need it.” Honestly, Binghe was a bit worried with his master’s financial life.
They had bought so many useless things… but that didn’t matter much.
He would become the wealthiest man in the two realms anyway, his shizun should be used to spending any amount of money he wanted, as he would be covered with the most expensive things in the world in some years later. His master bought a straw hat.
—Shizun, why are you buying this?
He asked as his shizun paid for the thing. His master smiled at him with the most beautiful smile you could ever imagine. He put the hat on Binghe, covering his eyes.
—Shizun!
Binghe protested, hurriedly removing the hat that blocked his vision. But as he did, he froze. Before him was a sight so breathtaking it left him utterly spellbound. His shizun was laughing, a soft, melodious sound that seemed to weave itself into the very breeze.
The wind danced through his flowing hair, scattering petals around him like an ethereal halo. Every detail of the scene felt enchanting, from the grace of his movements to the dazzling warmth of his expression.
In that moment, Binghe's heart tightened. “Ah... I truly love this man.”
They stopped near a robe store, the robes catch Binghe’s eyes. He pulled shizun inside the store.
—Look, shizun, do you think this disciple looks good in red?
His shizun looked and thought a bit. He smiled at him with an indecipherable emotion.
—Yes, Binghe looks the best in red.
He snickered a bit; he would look gorgeous dressed like a wife in their marriage! Or maybe his shizun would prefer him wearing the husband robes? Binghe just knew his shizun would look perfect in any of the sets.
After shopping for a bit more, his shizun decided he wanted some tea. Binghe went to find some tea shop, while his shizun waited for him at some random stall that seemed to interest him. As he got back, Binghe expression darked as soon as he saw his master.
—Master Shen! – the man said, with that disgusting smile men had when they saw his shizun. – What brings you here?
—Young lord Wei.
His shizun greeted the with man with a small bow of his head [is it correct? When they just bow a bit the head?], the fan covering him.
—That’s my little sister!
The woman flushed, bowing before him. She was wearing an extravagant orange robe; her hair was so adorned it seemed she would fall down any time because of the weight of the accessories.
—This one is called Wei Mei, lord Shen.
His master hummed in approval. He smiled at them, of course not the same way he smiled at Binghe, duh, and said.
—The Wei family surely is not only blessed with wealth, but also with beauty, as this master can see.
If the girl was red before, now she was the said color.
—M-master Shen this one-
Before she could say any stupitidicy, Binghe pulled his shizun’s arm. Just the way some of his wives did to him, he did to his master. He pouted.
—Shizun said it was a date just the two of us…
He whined; his master flushed; Binghe didn’t know if he was shy or simply embarrassed, anything would work if the two bugs left them alone.
—Da- Binghe! Don’t say stuff like that! What if someone misunderstand you?
He hugged even more tightly his arm. He said like a spoiled kid would say.
—Why are you paying attention to them? What about me?
He teared up, just enough for his master get a hint.
—Master She-
Binghe didn’t let the man end his phrase, glaring at him the way he glared at his enemies; “You are just an insect, get out of here before my patience ends and I smash you” was what his aura said.
—Oh, Binghe, don’t cry! This master is so sorry!
he turned to speak to the two ants.
—Young lord Wei, young lady Wei, please, excuse this master.
They bowed messily; the stare was effective.
—D-don’t worry, master Shen.
His master took him and left quickly. Binghe would always be his shizun priority, huh?
—Are you sure you have everything you need?
—Yes, shizun, you checked at least four times…
His shizun huffed.
—Binghe, why are you being so careless?
His shizun nagged him a bit annoyed. He smiled.
—This disciple just thinks shizun’s worry is enough for us two.
His master flushed, fanning himself. He murmured something.
—Your master is a freak, kid.
“Say one more word about him and you are dead.”
—Wow, wow, wow, calm down, alright? Fuck, what kind of child falls for his own master.
“I don’t expect you to understand, so can you just shut up?”
His shizun looked seriously at him. He smiled, trying to sooth his master’s worries. His shizun gave him a few papers.
—If anything happens, just rip these, okay?
He laughed, putting the talismans in his sleeves.
—Shizun, this disciple isn’t going to stay outside forever.
His shizun sighed.
—Yeah, this master knows… I just cannot not worry, Binghe, you are my most precious disciple.
—This disciple knows, shizun.
He said, while putting his sword in his belt. He turned one last time to engrave his shizun face in his mind.
—This disciple is going, shizun
He said, waving at him.
—Binghe! – his shizun shouted at him – Don’t forget to read the map! Or else you will get lost!
—Yes, shizun, don’t worry!
He chuckled at the thought of needing a map. He was the emperor! He knew the two realms as if it was the palm of his hand. Who needs a map? Not him.
He was lost. He wasn’t sure where exactly he was; he honestly didn’t know where he ended up there either. He sighed, taking the map from his qiankun. He opened the map, just to find out he… didn’t know how to read maps…
—Bahahaha! Cough, cough.
The old man laughed. Binghe glared at him.
—WHo nEds A MaP? NoT tHIs lOOrD!
—Shut the fuck up! Do you know how to read?
He asked, showing the map, the old man disappeared before him.
—I guess not, fucking useless thing.
He tried to read, and regretted deeply not paying attention at the map classes his shizun had gave him.
It wasn’t his fault if his shizun was just so handsome while teaching it was distracting, alright? After a few days traveling by sword, he finally encountered a small town.
As he exited from the dense forest, he craved for an actual place and bed to sleep on. He entered in the inn, asking for the shopkeeper for a room.
When Binghe thought he could finally relax after a warm bath, he heard knocks at the door. He chose to ignore, if he didn’t respond, they should leave, right?
Well, fucking not. A girl invaded his room; she was wearing only her inner robes; she threw herself at him, who deviated easily, making she fall on the floor.
—How rude!
She said with face red from embarrassment and rage. Binghe tilted his head, looking imposing at her.
—Who are you calling rude when you invade the room of a client? This one didn’t know it was this type of establishment.
She flushed even more.
—What are you talking about? It was you who flirted with me, and seduced me to came here!
Binghe looked at her, he didn’t know if she was mad or delirious, but he didn’t pity her. What if his shizun got to hear about this? He would think Binghe was a player!
—Hear me out, woman, - he said while grabbing her and throwing her outside the bedroom – this one fucking don’t know if you are mad or drugged, but today my patience is good. This lord will let you go if you just leave me in peace.
She glared at him with his pride hurt, running away from his room. If it was Binghe in the past, he would have bedded her; but now Binghe wanted distance from any woman, except if it was necessary.
The next morning, he went to pay for his stay, and found the shopkeeper near his room.
—You!
—She said with such outrage Binghe wondered if it was possible such an old body carry so much rage.
—You scoundrel! How dare you touch my daughter and think you can just let it go?
Binghe looked at her confused. The girl was behind her mother, she turned her head away the moment their eyes met. He grinned, such vicious woman!
—This lord is sorry, ma’am, but this one didn’t touch your daughter.
She looked shocked, as if he had said the sun was dark.
—How-how dare you! She was my precious daughter! She was going to marry a fine young man!
Oh, so the girl used him as a scapegoat for an arranged married? It would work, if it was the past him.
—Ma’am, this one suggest you talk better with your daughter before making such outrageous
—What did you say??
Binghe sighed, massaging his temples.
—Ma’am, are you sure you want me to expose your daughter infront of so many people?
She looked around, seeing a bunch of other clients who had gathered to watch the tumult.
—You can say whatever you want here, young man!
She said confident, the girl started to panic, pulling her mother while saying.
—Mom, forget about it!
—No, dear, he needs to be responsible! What? A young lord who is rich and beautiful doesn’t need to take responsibilities?
Binghe grinned.
—Well, ma’am, last night?, your daughter went into my room and threw herself at me. – he smiled at her – but, as you might guess, your daughter isn’t attractive for me. This lord also already has a lover, and if you dare to call me a cheater, this will not end with just a discussion.
The shopkeeper looked at her daughter terrified.
—What he just said, tell me he was lying.
The girl stayed quiet under the gaze of her mother.
—Why did you do that??
—This one just! Just didn’t want to marry Jiao!
—Why not? Your marriage was organized even before you were born!
She fell on the floor, covering her crying face.
—He is so ugly!
Binghe went ahead at the door’s direction, leaving money enough for the stay at the wood cashier. He didn’t want to get involved in familiar dramas.
—Wow, what a theatre! This looked like something Tianlang Jun would enjoy!
—Who?
Binghe asked uninterested, riding his sword again.
—You wouldn’t know, he died before you were born.
—Where is the place you told me to go again?
—Oh! It’s the mithril lake! It’s the place which connects the human and demoniac realm.
—If it’s the demoniac realm it should be south, right?
And so, they went. What Binghe didn’t expect, was he running out of food and money.
—How come this lord cannot find any treasure?? I know the location! Why they aren’t there??
Without money and dying to eat something, he took a job. Sadly, as they went to the south, some villages didn’t really care if he was from a big sect.
—It’s as they say, the farer [more far lol] from the capital, the less the emperor’s power!
—Fuck! I thought everyone knew about this damn [another word I can never guess correct] sect!
—Why don’t you use the talismans your master gave you?
—Are you crazy? Using these is the same as saying “I’m a kid who still needs protection, I’m totally not reliable and I cannot be a good husband!”
—Wow, kid, you have serious problems.
—Shut up!
He sighed, calming himself down.
—That lake, are we still too far?
—Hmm, guess not?
—Fuck!
—Kid! You are half demon! Not eating for some days won’t kill you!
—Yes, but that is bad for my mental health!
—Your what?
—Mental health! Even shizun, who is an immortal, eats regularly!
—Hmph, kids these days. In my time we used to…
Binghe ignore the blabbing of a demon who was born the same day earth was born. He focused at finding tasks he could do, even if he didn’t have a reputation.
[Task: Painting the rocks on the path to guide travelers]
“…”
—… It actually suits you.
—Shut up!
He took the paper and went to the quest board. The girl flushed as she saw him; he cut her down putting aggressively the paper on the table.
—This lord is willing to accept this request.
She read the paper, nodding in understandment. She pointed at a bucket; he nodded at her. He opened the bucket; a bright yellow paint he could swear he heard screaming at him. He turned back to the receptionist.
—Lady, are you sure you want to violate the rocks with this scandalous color?
She nodded, explaining a bit shyly.
—Actually, travelers from far and children get lost frequently. That’s why our village paint them with such vibrant color…
He went to the place he was indicate to go; a path was formed with slightly yellow rocks; at each ten rocks, a gray spirit pillar was allocated.
—Kid, do you even know how to do this?
He huffed, what could be so difficult about painting some rocks?
—Nothing is too difficult for this lord.
He said while opening the bucket. He heard a laugh, which he chose to ignore. As he started to paint, it really wasn’t difficult! After finishing the entire path, he smiled smugly.
—See, old man? This is easy for this lord!
—Ha! Kid, did you see in which state you are right now?
The old demon mocked him. He looked at himself; his robes were covered in paint, making him flush. He angrily turned to take the bucket he left on one of the spirit pillars; he spilled paint over it.
—Bahahaha! Oh, goodness, how are you so stupid?
—I swear, if you say one more word you won’t see tomorrow.
He said, pretending he wasn’t panicking about what to do with the mistake he had made. He took the brush and started painting the spirit pillar completely, praying no-one would notice. He went down until the town to get his payment. The girl didn’t seem surprised by the sight.
—That ink is pretty hard to take out… this one recommends my lord to get new robes.
He nodded as she bowed, taking the silver tael; he didn’t need new robes, his shizun put at least ten changes of clothing for him.
He went in direction of an inn before stopping; he thought about the last episode and reflected if he should just sleep in the forest. His shizun wouldn’t be pleased if he heard about it… he entered the inn and reserved a bedroom.
After changing his clothes, he went and asked for the owner for borrowing the kitchen; he cooked him a simple meal, ate and went to sleep.
After a few more days of traveling and fighting with beasts, Binghe gave up on finding his treasures. As they approached the south, less villages could be found. He stopped by night, making fire to sleep in the woods.
As was half asleep, he felt a presence. He jumped with his sword in hands, ready to attack whatever it was emanating such murderous intentions; he made sure to kill anything which moved before going to sleep.
The tension increased as he felt the presence coming near him. The plants giggled and when Binghe was ready to attack; a puppy.
—What the hell?
—Bahahaha! You got all defensive because of a ball of fur?
The demon approached the small dog in his ghostly form, as he couldn’t materialize himself. He puppy bit him, making him retreat.
—Ouch! How dare such lowly beast treat this master like this?
Binghe rolled his eyes; the puppy was special, huh. It had a fur as dark as a night without stars, his black eyes shone with a mysterious aura.
—Hey, thing, how come you are not scared of this lord?
He asked in a mockery tone; whatever was alive always tried to scape from him, except humans.
Binghe was intrigued with such little guy. The dog, with a stupid face, looked at him dumbly, spit sliding by the tongue which hung out of its mouth.
—Pfffft, how ridiculous.
He chuckled. As he reached the puppy, it bit him without hesitation.
—Hey??
—He said, retracting his hand, more shocked and offended than angry.
—Ha! Understand now? How can a thing this small have such strong and sharp fangs?
—Whatever, it won’t live anyway.
He said, taking his sword out of the belt again. The puppy started to run, and Binghe chased after it; he was confident in his velocity.
The puppy barked at him, as if making fun of how slow he was; after what seemed to be an hour, he stopped, out of breath.
No other beast nor demon had made him sweat that much. The puppy got near him again, giggling its tail and barking at him.
—Fuck off!
He said breathlessly. The old demon hummed.
—Hmm, looks like this little one is a spiritual beast.
—…. You can understand what this thing says?
—Huh? You cannot?
—… What did it say?
—Walf, walf!
—He says you are funny.
—… Funny, huh?
—He also said is willing to sign a bond contract with you.
—Ha! This little thing?
—Grrr, walf!
—… he said he might look little, but you still couldn’t match his speed.
—Ha! For a small thing he has a big mouth
—… Kid, why not make a bond contract? This master means… isn’t your peak the taming beast peak?
—…
—A half demon like you won’t get a chance to form a bond contract with normal spiritual beasts… you are already seventeen, aren’t you?
—Shut up! Ugh!
Binghe was flustered, but it was true; he didn’t want to come back without a beast. But even worse if the beast wasn’t cool! How would he show off and impress his shizun with this? The puppy barked again.
—… okay, this lord will make a bond contract with you.
He said, massaging his temples. At least, now he had a beast. The feeling of making a bond contract felt really unique, Binghe couldn’t describe in words.
—Hehehe! Half-half, you are funny.
—… What did you just call me, fur ball?
—Half-half! Half human, half demon! You are straaaange. Why are your demonic qi veins closed?
The puppy floated around him. Binghe sighed.
—This lord has a seal, so this one is going to the mithril lake to break it.
—Mithril lake? That place was destroyed ages ago!
Binghe shot a stern gaze at Meng Mo ghost, who disappeared instantly. He massaged his temples.
—So, little thing, you know how this lord can break the seal?
—Don’t call this one little thing!
—And what should this lord call you?
—You need to name me! That’s how it works! Weren’t you taught about a bond contract? Why do you have a contractor qi in you then?
—This lord knows about it!
He said outraged. He thought for a bit.
—Your name now is Dao Hei.
—… you suck at naming, kid.
—What does this name mean?
—This means good fortune and live a long life.
He giggled in the air
—This one loved his new name!
—Poor thing…
Binghe shot Meng Mo another glance.
—Now, Dao Hei, how does this lord break the seal?
—That’s easy, easy!
He licked Binghe’s forehead; a pain he was familiar with started burning him up. He hated experiencing this again.
When he thought, he was going to pass out, a cool energy entered him, stabilizing his qi. After a bit, he opened his eyes, dark shiny eyes stared into his soul from the depth.
He flinched for a moment, before realizing it was just the puppy. He looked at his hands; his nails became claws, as they got near a small river they were near; vermillion eyes and scarlet forehead mark.
For many years, Binghe was proud of his demonic mark, but now? He was afraid, afraid of disgusting his master one more time. He sighed, that wouldn’t happen, he needn’t worry. He turned to Meng Mo.
—Time to pay your debt. How this lord hides my demonic heritage in a way shizun wont perceive?
—Ahem, - he coughed, obviously nervous. He didn’t deceive Binghe again, right? – Well, there is this artifact that if a demon wear, they will be the same as a human.
He stared at the old demon who was… sweating?
—You aren’t deceiving this lord, right?
—How! How could this one dare??
He said in an exaggerating tone. Binghe rolled his eyes.
—Fine, show this lord the path, then.
After having to travel for more five days, they fought with a hydra which apparently Meng Mo didn’t know the existence.
—Now, what? This one doesn’t see any fucking artifact, even after killing the snake.
—That wasn’t a snake!
—Don’t try to change the subject.
He hissed. Meng Mo was acting strange since his seal was broken. Was he afraid Binghe wouldn’t need him anymore? He wasn’t so heartless like this. He would find somewhere for him to stay after all that! Of course, not inside Binghe’s mind! He needed privacy.
—Look, just tell me where the hell this is.
The old man pointed at the melted body of the hydra; a vibrant blue thick liquid. Binghe looked at him incredulous.
—You are not telling me…
—Yes, my lord is correct with his assumptions.
—Fuck!
Binghe breathed deeply, trying to calm down. He looked at the puddle disgusted. He took his robes off, tying his hair before jumping into the liquid. As he dove, it was surprisingly thinner than water; as he was near the bottom of the ocean he was in, he saw the “artifact.”
He took it and retreated. The old demon was nowhere to be seen; even after Binghe’s call, no response. He didn’t care much; the same happened when he fell in the Endless Abyss in his past life. “That danm demon must be too old.”
The artifact was an earing, made of jade slightly blue in the format of lotus flower. He put in his qiankun without hesitation. He took his qiankun with his belongs and went the search some near river where he could take a bath.
He was tired, so he invocated Dao Hei and asked for the puppy find somewhere he could bathe. When he saw his reflection on water, he no longer felt the heavy burden on his shoulder.
He was human, no demonic trace could be found. Binghe didn’t remember a moment of bigger relief than this one. He was ready to go back to his dear shizun. “Maybe one day I’ll tell him… yeah, maybe one day.” He thought to himself.