Author Note: Yayyyy Last one! Like I said in the first post, I'll be posting my single artwork of this infection AU I pulled outta my ass one day lol. It's not much just last year 2025 Goretober that I did lol. I only drew one character so don't expect much. (Trigger warning, drawing does have blood on it so beware (Fake blood, not real lol, I just used marker))
Warning: Gore, descriptions of sickness and violence, and being a shit post lolll
You are responsible for your own consumption
"How the hell would it get to a whole new realm?!" Shang Qinghua shouted, both he and Luo Binghe rushed to gather all they needed.
"I don't know!" Luo Binghe shouted, instantly he opened a rift and was rushing Shang Qinghua to hurry up.
"CHILL! I'm going as fast as I can you ass!" Shang Qinghua shoved everything into a bag, Luo Binghe couldn't care less for the disrespect that he showed him and only grabbed him by the scruff of his robes and began to drag him into the rift he created that led directly to the realm the creature found itself in.
Luo Binghe was trying to find ways of how it would get there. None of the creatures show signs of having abilities aside from good smell of the living and speed. Nothing else aside- Luo Binghe froze as the duo stepped through the rift.
When Luo Binghe went to go get the flowers, didn't he open more than one rift? Luo Binghe shook his head, if that's the case, when it went past it must've gotten messed up due to the size and how dead it was.
Luo Binghe wondered how dumb he could be.
"What should we do once we find it?" Shang Qinghua asked.
Luo Binghe faced him "...Burn it on the spot"
Shang Qinghua nodded, he felt bad since it was his "husband" in a way. They both had their swords drawn out, each holding pills that contain the cure if anyone were to be infected and others that they felt they would need.
"Light a flare, blue for success that you killed it, red for you need assistance and white for that you have eyes but can't do it alone." Luo Binghe said.
"We're separating?" Shang Qinghua asked.
"To cover more ground that way." He said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, and when they both nodded to each other, Luo Binghe ran off to one side. Shang Qinghua held the pouch that was worn around his neck, a wedding ring hanging from its thread that was used as a necklace.
Shang Qinghua tucked it into his robes to keep it close to his skin and to lessen the risk of losing Mobei-Jun's ashes. He too, walked the opposite direction that Luo Binghe walked, his sword in hand as he was careful treading every ground.
.
.
Luo Binghe walked the forest, but something seemed familiar.
Why...
Why did this day seem so familiar?
Looking forward after a small hill that he walked over he saw a peaceful and comfortable Bamboo house. Luo Binghe felt a lump as he walked slowly to it. The coast was clear, he opened the door and he felt his whole world come crashing down as sitting there at his desk was none other than Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu, feeling a presence turned around, he looked a bit surprised.
"Binghe? What are you doing back so soon? Did you forget something?" He asked.
Luo Binghe was speechless. Shen Qingqiu then quirked a brow, then stood up, worry now on his face.
"Binghe? What happened? Why are you so pale?" He walked up, and grabbed his wrist to check on him, his brows furrowed.
"What happened in the short time you were gone? Your spiritual energy is so low and almost drained out-" Shen Qingqiu didn't know why, but Luo Binghe knew it was due to the barriers he had set up and kept up for a long time now.
He looked up "You look tired, are you well?" He reached one hand up to cradle his face.
His eyes narrowed, grabbing a lock of his hair that was behind his ear "..Binghe? Have you always had these white strands?" He asked, his voice going softer.
At that, Luo Binghe dropped Xin Mo to the side that glowed from his turmoil as Luo Binghe fell to his knees, surprising Shen Qingqiu as Luo Binghe hesitantly reached up and hugged him.
"Binghe? What happened?" Shen Qingqiu was worried as he got on his knees too.
His eyes widened when he saw the tears. It wasn't the usual "I'm not getting my way" or "Husband pay attention to me".
It was genuine...
Heartbroken...
Actual saddened tears that made Shen Qingqiu's chest tighten to the point it genuinely pained him to watch.
"Binghe?!-" He reached up and hugged his "husband" and rocked him back and fourth, Luo Binghe wasted no time hugging tightly.
Luo Binghe knew that this wasn't his "Shen Qingqiu". But he'll be damned if he didn't take this chance to hold him again. It was a good while before Luo Binghe backed up, wiped his ears, and faced him.
"Shen.. Shen Qingqiu, wh..What are you planning on doing.. Later?" He asked, his voice quivering and shaking despite him trying to control himself.
Shen Qingqiu's eyes narrowed as he helped wipe his tears.
"Well, this one was going to explore out in the forest with Shang Qinghua-"
Luo Binghe's eyes widened, he snapped his head to him and gripped his shoulders.
"Don't-!"
"Binghe-"
"Whatever you do today or tomorrow don't go into that forest!" Luo Binghe paused, realizing he sounded crazy.
"What's going on?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
Luo Binghe looked away, releasing his shoulders.
"S-sorry" He started off with.
"There's.. Just something from the Demon realm that got out a contaminated part of the forest. It's best you and the others steer clear for a while." Luo Binghe said.
Shen Qingqiu tilted his head "Oh? What is it?"
Luo Binghe bit his lip "I'd rather not say, but... It's highly contagious and infectious and... This... Husband would rather not risk you getting infected" He kept "again" in his mind.
Shen Qingqiu was curious, but he nodded.
"Alright, I'll let Shang Qinghua know we'll explore another day until your clean up business is handled, but Binghe, are you okay?"
"Yes, this one is rather well. Just.. Stay here for me.. Please?" Luo Binghe slightly begged.
The plea in his tone was something Shen Qingqiu was constantly used to hearing.
But this?
This was something he wasn't at all used it and in he had to be honest. It slightly scared him. Was this "Infectious" thing at the forest this bad that Luo Binghe was begging him to a point it scared him to not go into the forest at all? Shen Qingqiu sighed nonetheless and nodded.
"Okay, I won't go out until you say it's safe" He said, reaching his hand up to cradle and rub his cheeks.
Luo Binghe nodded "Okay.. That's all.. This one asks of you" He said.
Luo Binghe wanted to get up and get moving. If this day was supposed to be how it was then, then this other "him" would be back soon since what business he had that day was finished quickly. Luo Binghe went up to stand, but Shen Qingqiu pulled him down for a quick kiss, making Luo Binghe freeze.
"Try not to overexert yourself Binghe" He said, then got up.
Luo Binghe felt a lump in his throat, but he nodded, when he stood up, something was caught in his eyes that made his pupils shrink. There off in the distance a White flare went up. Shen Qingqiu turned and saw it.
"What is that?"
"Nothing, its to alert the others I have on sight that they found it" He smiled at him, trying to act normal.
"Stay here and.. Ensure no one goes into the forest until I say." He released Shen Qingqiu and walked to that window.
"How long will it take?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
Luo Binghe paused.
"I'll... Light a Blue flare" He said, then jumping out the window, and quickly and as fast as he could, he ran to where Shang Qinghua was.
Shang Qinghua kept a distance, but watched with disturbed and scared eyes as he watched what used to be Shen Qingqiu eating a large creature. He heard footsteps and instantly he could tell it was Luo Binghe just by the heaviness of the steps.
"Status?" Luo Binghe asked, standing close to Shang Qinghua.
"Has been eating that poor thing, I did a quick scout around the area, it's already turned a few so I killed and burned them all, it's just still there... Eating.." Shang Qinghua said.
Luo Binghe's eyes twisted in pain and despair as he saw what was HIS husband and the memory of the Shen Qingqiu he was just with. He bit his lip, struggling from everything, his thoughts..
His emotions...
The mental turmoil of everything...
Shang Qinghua turned and looked at Luo Binghe, already seeing some gray hairs, not of old age. But rather of stress, the heavy weight of everything.
He was still keeping barriers up in their original world, which in itself was already taxing so much that he was surprised that Luo Binghe hadn't buckled over either dead or in exhaustion.
"What shall we do?" Shang Qinghua asked, snapping Luo Binghe back from his inner turmoil.
"Find some way to contain it, I'll create a barrier to keep it down and out of sight"
"That's too much work, even for you, I'll handle that barrier." He said, lifting his hands up.
"Fine, hurry" He said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, he lifted his hands up. Just as he took a step, something crashed into him, knocking him forward. Luo Binghe turned and saw it was his opposite.
"You!" His opposite looked angry, his eyes red.
Seeing their "guest" run up, Luo Binghe pulled out his own Xin Mo.
"Qinghua, get to work, I'll handle him" Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, got up and ran to the creature to do what he was needing to do. The Other Luo Binghe didn't see what they were actually here for, only that there was another Luo Binghe.
.
.
Luo Binghe had just left, and not even thirty minutes later did this world's Luo Binghe return, all smiles and hugging up on his husband, telling him how much he missed him.
"Binghe-? What are you doing?" Shen Qingqiu had asked.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You were just here a while ago?" Shen Qingqiu said, sounding more like a question than a statement.
Luo Binghe was confused "Here? What does Husband mean?" He asked.
Shen Qingqiu was confused, and told him everything. Luo Binghe was livid and ended up chasing after him where Shen Qingqiu said he ran off too.
Luo Binghe and this world's Luo Binghe clashed sword to sword as they fought. Luo Binghe did everything he could to keep this world's Luo Binghe away from the horrid creature Shang Qinghua was working on tying down.
"Who are you?!" He shouted.
Luo Binghe didn't respond, only working on tiring him out. Luo Binghe managed to kick him back, and as he ran back up Luo Binghe kicked him upside the jaw with so much force that this world's Luo Binghe fell back from the sheer force.
Just as he did, a large barrier was set up, locking the trio in, this world's Luo Binghe sat up holding his jaw and saw the barrier.
"What are you doing?!" He shouted.
Luo Binghe only looked at him with eyes so tired he didn't even bother with answering his question and Shang Qinghua ran up.
"I secured a barrier and locked us in with the creature, although I don't know how long it'll stay up, I'm not all that strong as you are in the barrier sense" He said.
This world's Luo Binghe stood up and held his Xin Mo and stared at the Duo before him, not sure of what to think or do. Luo Binghe faced him.
"...We mustn't waste any time..." He turned and looked in the distance where a distant crash and roaring sounds could be heard.
"What is that!" This worlds Luo Binghe shouted.
"Certain death if you don't be silent for a moment" Luo Binghe snapped at him.
"What do you wanna do?" Shang Qinghua asked.
Before Luo Binghe could open his mouth and say what they were going to do, a sound could be heard.
"Binghe!" It was the sound of Shen Qingqiu's voice.
The three turned and saw he wasn't alone. All the Peak lords were there and saw the large barrier that was set up and the three locked in. Shen Qingqiu saw two Luo Binghe's.
One his husband and the other that he encountered earlier, the one that looked as if he's seen and been in hell and back. Shang Qinghua's eyes widened as he saw himself standing beside...
He clutched the bag near his chest as he made eye contact with Mobei-Jun.
"What is the meaning of this!" Liu Qingge shouted.
Luo Binghe faced Shang Qinghua "Lift the barrier slightly for this buffoon to get out" He said, gesturing to this world's Luo Binghe.
He nodded, and just before he did, they heard rushing sounds like something was running after them. The duo wasted no time to move out of the way, Luo Binghe grabbing onto the other one and throwing themselves out of the way as a large, horrid creature crashed into the barrier, scaring the others outside the barrier.
"WHAT IS THAT?!" This world's Shang Qinghua shouted.
Shang Qinghua lifted the barrier on Luo Binghe's side and watched as he tossed the other outside of it and the barrier closed.
"TIE IT DOWN!" Luo Binghe said, jumping out of the way to tie all his hair up and remove any loose clothing that the creature could get.
Shang Qinghua did the same thing and put on a protective mask and gloves as he grabbed a rope. Luo Binghe did the same and everyone outside the barrier watched as the horrid death like creature resembling Shen Qingqiu thrash around and attempt to break out of the barrier to them but ultimately going after the ones trapped inside with it. Shen Qingqiu looked around and took off his loose robes.
"Qingqiu?!" This world's Luo Binghe asked.
"We need to help!" He said, lifting Shang Qinghua's barrier and getting in and grabbing another rope to help the duo that is clearly from another world to contain what looked like him but at the same time not him.
At least...
He hoped it wasn't him.
Luo Binghe's eyes widened as he saw Shen Qingqiu in, but seeing the others who could help rush in, Shang Qinghua expanded the barrier to allow them all in if they wanted to help and shouted "DO NOT LET IT TOUCH YOU! HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS!"
They all nodded and this world's Luo Binghe stayed beside his husband as they fought as a pair to get the ropes around it to tie it down. They all managed to tie the limbs down.
"BACK OFF!" Luo Binghe shouted, which everyone did as Luo Binghe risked getting infected to wrap the rope around the jaws which had disgustingly elongated and forced it down to tie it shut.
Shang Qinghua began to mix things as he did. Then, right when Luo Binghe backed off Shang Qinghua shortened the barrier to where the creature was indeed stuck on the ground with no way up again.
Luo Binghe ripped off the clothing and Shang Qinghua rushed up to him and made him drink something.
"What is that?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
"The cure, everyone line up so I can give it to you too, even if you didn't make contact it's better to be safe." Shang Qinghua said.
"The cure for what?" Asked the other Shang Qinghua.
He pointed to the creature "Unless you want to look like that, line up" He said, which, the others did and all gotten their share of the cure.
Shen Qingqiu saw as Luo Binghe from the other world stared at that creature as it thrashed around, trying to take a bite of his leg that was so close but so far away at the same time. He walked up.
"Is...Is that me?" He asked.
Luo Binghe didn't move.
"It is.." He said.
Shen Qingqiu didn't know what to say or do now that he knew it was indeed him. It would explain why he looked so surprised and grief-stricken when he saw him.
"I'm..." Shen Qingqiu didn't know what to say or do.
"I'm sorry.. For your loss" He said.
"Thanks.." Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua walked up "We have to begin.. We can't stall any longer" He said.
"You're still holding those barriers up at home, any longer you'll pass out and the others will be in danger." He said, resting his hand on his arm.
Everyone heard, they all had so many questions, but the air around the duo made them all shut up. Luo Binghe looked down slightly, his shoulders shaking as he nodded.
Everyone from this world watched as one stood in the front and the other in the back. Creating a hand sign, the creature before them was set aflame. Shen Qingqiu saw the tears falling from Luo Binghe's face as he watched the creature scream and thrash in pain and anger.
Due to the size it was a long while before it fell limp, twitching till it twitched no more and burnt to ash in the spot it laid on. Shang Qinghua removed the barrier and watched as Luo Binghe fell to his knees.
This world's Luo Binghe now felt sorry for him as he dug around the ashes and brought out a golden ring, now burnt from the fire. Shang Qinghua patted his back, and held the bag that was close to his own chest-sending the message to the other Shang Qinghua and the Mobei-Jun beside him that he too, lost his spouse.
Luo Binghe got up, wiped his tears and faced the other Luo Binghe.
"Take care of this Shen Qingqiu, you only get one." He said, grabbing Xin Mo, he was desperate to leave, he couldn't look at that Shen Qingqiu and be reminded of what he lost.
They didn't get a chance to speak when the duo walked through the portal back to their own world. Instantly Liu Mingyan and the others ran up.
"They all dropped dead and withered away! You did it My Lord!" Sha Hualing cheered.
Luo Binghe nodded, and therefore dropped all the barriers. Hoping things would somehow go back to normal. In which, they slightly did. The human realm that had fallen victim healed, same with the demon realm.
The sect was smaller and took a huge loss, but over the years new disciples piled in and Luo Binghe took over what Shen Qingqiu did. Both a demon lord and a peak lord.
It was tough work yes, but he felt fine despite the huge loss.
"Shizun!" A group of disciples ran up to Luo Binghe, begging for his help.
He looked at them and smiled, patting their heads and smiled, accepting to help them. Slowly, but surely, he too was healing and that made him feel lighter.
One day he'll find his Qingqiu again. But at the moment he had more pressing matters to attend to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heyyyyyy I hoped you like this one! I wrote this a while ago so some parts may not make sense, but like I said i'm too lazy to fix them so yea. OH! BTW here's the art!
All drawings you see on my platform here is all created by me unless I say otherwise.
Trigger Warning! Blood
If it's horrible just know I made it last year, at that time I drew this I hadn't drawn in a hot minute so don't mind me, I like drawing on paper instead of digital so if I post more arts just know I might do it on paper and take a picture.
Also I suck at drawing hands, so don't mind the blockiness please loll
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Author Note: I'ma just post the fourth part here cuz I wanna get the parts posted at least once a day lol, and cuz I forgot to do so yesterday so here ya'll go!
Warning: Gore, descriptions of sickness and violence, and being a shit post lolll
You are responsible for your own consumption
Barely a handful of people survived the ambush, a lot of those that didn't make it were the disciples. Those who remained was none other than Luo Binghe, Shang Qinghua, Sha Hualing, Qi Qingqi and Liu Mingyan who survived thanks to the Demoness.
They remained in the barrier that the two Luo Binghe and Sha Hualing had set up to attempt to separate them and the infected.
"This shit sucks" Sha Hualing said, holding on to her most likely broken and bruised arm.
Whatever this infection was, it rendered a cultivators and demons ability to heal. Meaning whatever this infection was, it was meant to kill.
Qi Qingqi held onto Liu Mingyan who held onto the decontaminated sword of Liu Qingge thanks to Shang Qinghua, and cried.
"And we left the notes for the infection back over there." Luo Binghe sighed out, plopping on the floor and sighing heavily.
Qi Qingqi who was heavily bruised and disheveled, the light and fire in her eyes diminished as all but one of her students survived.
"It seems hell has descended upon us" Her voice was solemn as well.
Shang Qinghua walked back and forth, trying to think, he didn't know what he was thinking about, but he was thinking.
"We need to get those notes-"
"HOW?!" Sha Hualing shouted.
"No matter where we are those THINGS are everywhere! Look at them!" She pointed her finger somewhere, and indeed there was one looming over the barrier watching them with hungry eyes.
"Even if we try to step out they'll try to kill us! No one is safe!" She was rightfully scared and angry.
"But everything we know about this infection is over there! We need those!" Shang Qinghua shouted, getting up in her face just as she did to his.
Luo Binghe was getting pissed and separated the two like misbehaving children.
"Can we not at the moment? You guys will remain here and I'll get the notes needed so we have some documentation of this infection." He said, grabbing onto Xin Mo.
Sha Hualing crossed her arms and sat down somewhere on the dirt floors.
"We should find shelter elsewhere, I can't chill with that monster staring at us like we're snacks" Sha Hualing said, eyeing that monster.
"The demon realm is a no go, the demons I brought left to go there but those things followed them as well. The demon realm is vast but they'll spread it fast so I doubt we can take shelter there" Luo Binghe said.
"That's just great!" Sha Hualing cursed out.
Luo Binghe created a rift with Xin Mo.
"Stay here, I shouldn't be gone long" He said.
"What happens if you don't?" Shang Qinghua asked, asking the important questions.
"....Then may the heavens have mercy on you all" Luo Binghe said, walking in the rift.
As soon as Luo Binghe walked into that rift, the heavy scent of rot and decay littered his sense of smell and he nearly gagged from the horrid scent of it.
He looked around and found the notebooks with the notes containing everything needed about this infection that made one rot. Luo Binghe gathered all the notebooks in his hands as he came up with something.
He opened a notebook, and looked at what was once Shen Qingqiu's symptoms before he disappeared. He looked at all the notebooks and sighed heavily.
This infection... Made one decay on the inside out.
It was almost as if... It was a decaying infection.
Luo Binghe figured of all the ways to die. This one had to be a horrible way to die. Luo Binghe snapped his head up and snatched all book he could about infections and herbs and everything he now needed.
How could he be so dumb! He and the others that were trying to find a cure to the symptoms that they weren't looking at the infection at a more wider scale!
That's what he needed to do! He grabbed a large bag and raided Mu Qingfangs medical supplies and equipment to gather all he needed. He felt as if he was on cloud nine now that he figured out something since this whole ordeal broke out.
However, he paused when he heard a splashing sound accompanied with cracks and pops.
Luo Binghe paused and slowly turned, his eyes widening as he backed up slightly. He made eye contact with what used to be Ning Yingying. She took a step forward, her head moving like it was going to fall off. Luo Binghe held up his sword, face twisting in pain.
"A-Ying..." He pleaded, voice broken.
"Don't make me do this..."
"A-Luoooo" Her voice echoed around like a true demon.
He was used to such a taunt, but to hear it from a childhood friend wasn't on his list of things he'd ever hear in his life. He gripped the sword tightly, Xin Mo glowing as it sensed Luo Binghe's unease and distress.
"Back up." He said, but she only continued to walk forward, repeating the name she used to call him all the time when they were younger.
She thus tried to charge at him, with tears in his eyes he flicked his wrist up and she burnt to an inferno instantly, her scream echoed and she fell. The heat and temperature of the flames sent her to ashes almost instantly.
Luo Binghe's eyes glowed red, biting his lip he walked past that pile of ashes as he walked to the new rift where the others were waiting for him. He hated this. He really did.
He hated seeing those he knew and practically grew up with die off like they were nothing more than pests.
He walked to where he had that rift set up, but off in the distance. Off in one of the rooms where either Shen Qingqiu or Mobei-Jun was once in, in a large pile of dried out gore and blood bloomed a flower.
An eerie-red flower.
His eyes narrowed as he walked to it. He kneeled down and looked at it thoroughly. The stem was a brown-ish color. But his eyes locked on the thorns.
Carefully he looked at the thorns and his eyes widened when it looked oddly familiar. He held up the thorn he's been holding onto since the moment this all began and began to compare.
His eyes widened when it perfectly matched.
With another cloth he had, he picked the flower and tucked it safely in his robes as he ran into that rift, anxious to tell the others what he had found.
.
.
"The stem is strong and healthy, but the petals look as if it's wilted." Sha Hualing said.
She held the flower by the cloth Luo Binghe used as she examined it. She didn't know much about flora but she knew a decent amount, and by the way she was looking at the flower gave the four with her some hope that she'd have an idea what it could be.
"Lifting up the petals looks like it's a mouth.. Or an eye I can't be sure" She said.
"For the love of the heavens-" Qi Qingqi snapped out "-Do you or do you not know what flower it is?" She asked.
"There would be no plant life in those containment areas, this one grew in the gore of either Mobei or Shen Qingqiu, clearly it's important and related to that infection going around!" She added.
Sha Hualing rolled her eyes "Yea no shit"
"No fighting, Luo Binghe already said that once." Shang Qinghua said.
Both women grumbled. Luo Binghe held out his hand for the flower once again.
"Have any idea?" He asked.
"No, but it's an odd one that's for sure, it clearly had something to do with the infection that's going around killing all of us" Sha Hualing said.
Luo Binghe nodded and looked at it.
Shang Qinghua was off in the corner, biting at his nails as he tried to figure some stuff out. He tried to figure out many ways of what the flower could be, and numerous cures that could be the one to stop this infection once and for all.
He was looking over the books that Luo Binghe managed to snag from the peak as well. He and Luo Binghe tried to figure out cures for this "Decaying Infection" That seemed to kill all no matter what it may be.
It could be a regular commoner, a cultivator to a demon. Nothing and no one was safe. Wouldn't this be something that he's seen in novels and myths that once a terrible killing machine descended upon the human world that the heavens above would come help out and save humanity for another who knows how long until the heavens need to help save humanity once more.
Shang Qinghua hoped and prayed in his heart that he would live to see the day that the cure would be found...
Luo Binghe moved the entire group to the demon realm in his palace. He and Sha Hualing secured a room big enough for them to all reside in. Just as Luo Binghe predicted, the infection spread to the Demon realm as well.
With energy he didn't know he had he cast up a barrier in both the human and Demon realms to keep those monsters in so they don't spread anywhere else and risk others losing their lives and having it become a world wide pandemic of death and decay.
"My Lord! You mustn't strain yourself!" Sha Hualing said, eyes going wide as she could sense the amount of energy he was putting out.
"If I don't, then it will spread! Then there really is nothing we can do to stop this." He said.
With the barriers set up, then the infection is contained and everyone outside the barriers would be safe. There would no doubt be a handful of survivors and uninfected people and or demons that are alive.
Qi Qingqi and Liu Mingyan were setting up a sleeping area and a separate area for food if they needed a quick recharge and a separate corner for Shang Qinghua's research for this decaying infection.
Already he was setting up and trying to connect things together to find if there was a pattern he could follow that might lead to a cure.
Looking at the flower that he had Luo Binghe give him, he studied it. The thorn was no doubt the same one that infected Shen Qingqiu, the same person he considered both a brother and a best friend.
The thorns looked deathly and no doubt looked like it causes trouble to even people with half a brain.
However, the flower petals were vibrant in color and looked almost lively despite looking wilted. Shang Qinghua narrowed his eyes as he looked. An idea thus came to mind.
"This..." He started off, making the other four to stop and look at him.
Everyone looked tired and disheveled, but with the state everything is going who would care for appearance when all they were worried about was whether or not they would live to see the next day.
"What? Speak up!" Sha Hualing said.
"This... This may sound absurd and rather idiotic but..." He looked at them.
"I need to test something out, is there perchance we can find someone infected?"
Liu Mingyan, Qi Qingqi and Sha Hualing stood behind a barrier Sha Hualing set up as Luo Binghe and Shang Qinghua wore protective robes to help protect themselves as Luo Binghe lined up all he could find that was infected, mainly in the first stage cause they were still rational and could think properly unlike the later stages.
"Will this work? What if the petals fasten the infection?"
"Then I know not to use it again and I'd have to figure something else out" Shang Qinghua said.
"Finding the cure isn't all on you" Luo Binghe began "You're already getting gray hairs from the stress."
"Better to go gray then allow someone else to die." Shang Qinghua said, pouring the soup into several bowls and began adding different stuff into it.
He picked up one bowl and added the crushed petal of that flower with his gloved hands and stirred it as he walked to one of the infected demons.
"Drink this, and tell me if you feel anything different" Shang Qinghua said, Luo Binghe lifting a notebook to take down notes.
The demon took the bowl. He was rightfully nervous. All the demons saw what the infection will do to them if a cure wasn't found. They accepted instantly on the mention of a potential cure. He took the bowl and drank half of it. Both males and the rest of the test subjects all stared at him. They were anxious to know how he felt and if it worked or didn't.
"I..."
Slowly, the hand that wasn't holding the bowl reached up to the side of his head.
"M...My headache is gone" He said, his eyes widened and voice sounding kinda breathless.
Both Shang Qinghua and Luo Binghe and the three women behind were stunned. Luo Binghe narrowed his eyes and thought of something as well and walked to the bowl. He removed his glove.
"What are you-" Shang Qinghua was stunned when he watched him bite his finger deep enough to pour into the bowl, and move his finger enough away before he too, could get the infection.
"Stir it and try, I want to see if I can boost the effects." Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, and faced the demon to drink it. The demon drank the rest, the medicine was bitter, but instantly he felt his energy gradually return.
But before he could cheer or anything like that, he dropped the bowl and hunched over to puke. Everyone backed up as he puked a strange black substance.
After an after status report on the demon. Both Luo Binghe and Shang Qinghua could weep with joy for they have found the cure.
The thorns were poisonous, but it seemed the petals are what cancels out the poison. The petals mixed with Luo Binghe's heavenly demon blood boosted the cure and cursed that demon faster than what the flower alone could do.
Shang Qinghua and Luo Binghe worked on preparing the other cures for the demons and passed it out to them. But even a flower had a certain amount of petals to be used.
Once the flower was naked of its petals Luo Binghe burnt it, along with the thorn he held all this time. He was joyful. But depressed.
For they had found the cure far too late.
.
.
.
.
"The place is littered with those creatures! And you want to waltz back there to pick flowers?!" Qi Qingqi shouted.
"It holds the cure" Shang Qinghua said, readying himself alongside Luo Binghe to head back and look for as many flowers as they can to start curing who they could both at Cang Qiong and the Demon realm.
Maybe some commoners if any of them were still alive. Both males knew it was a dangerous outing, and either one or both might or might not make it scratch free.
But with the cure somewhere in the "enemy territory", they needed it and fast. Luo Binghe walked up and looked at the three women.
"Round up all the infected ones." Ordered Luo Binghe, giving Qi Qingqi the notebooks.
"Here in these books hold the stages. Preferably stay away from the third stages and above, the second stage might be violent so if you find any contain them as quickly as possible. I cannot make any more barriers as I'm already spending my limits." Luo Binghe said.
She took the notebooks, and opened the first one she saw. Her eyes narrowed at Mu Qingfang's handwriting and how the first notes she saw were of Shen Qingqiu's.
She closed the book, let out a heavy sigh and nodded.
"Fine, so be it" She said, she looked at the other two girls.
"Get to work!" Liu Mingyan nodded, and went to robe herself up to prevent further contamination.
Sha Hualing on the other hand, crossed her arms "Why do I have to listen to you?" She asked.
"Now" Luo Binghe ordered.
She grumbled, crossed her arms and robed herself as well. Both women then walked out to begin rounding up all the rational victims of the Infection as Qi Qingqi robbed herself as well.
"You two be careful" She said.
Luo Binghe nodded "You as well" He turned to face Shang Qinghua.
"Let's go" He said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, and with the help of Xin Mo, both males returned to Cang Qiong and thus, began to look around for the same flowers that Luo Binghe found.
But throughout the whole search they only found two. Shang Qinghua picked up the flower with a handkerchief and plopped it in the pouch he carried to place the flowers in.
"Could there be more in the forest area?" Shang Qinghua asked.
Luo Binghe was looking around, scanning the area when Shang Qinghua looked up to face him. He raised an eyebrow at his cautious look.
"What?" Shang Qinghua asked.
"Have you noticed how barren it is here?" He asked.
Shang Qinghua stood up as he closed the pouch and tucked it away.
"Now that you mention it... We haven't even encountered anyone, infected or not.."
"There are corpses here everywhere but not a single person around." Luo Binghe said.
This information sent small shivers up their spine. With how quickly the place went to ruins, Luo Binghe figured that there would be plenty of infected running around.
But there wasn't anything in sight. It was strange. Shang Qinghua walked up to Luo Binghe.
"I feel like we should get out of here" A feeling of deep dread and anxiousness welled up in the pits of his stomach to his chest.
Luo Binghe nodded "Yea, this place is too empty for my liking" Luo Binghe said.
Luo Binghe brought out Xin Mo, all of a sudden not feeling safe as he created a rift. But a hand reached up to his sleeve and gripped tight.
"What?" Luo Binghe asked, he turned his head to meet the other male.
But he was staring at something with pure and utter horror. Luo Binghe raised a brow and turned his head to what he was looking at.
Then instantly, fear, despair, and anger rose into his heart as he looked at an infected person.
But it wasn't how infected both males were in horror about. But rather...
Who it was that scared them.
The infected creature that resembled closely, and very well to Shen Qingqiu stood there. Limbs elongated-the skin was ripped and partially stretched out.
The eyes hung out from the eye sockets-the red flesh connecting it still there. The jaw was hanging low like a twisted smile and would no doubt sway with every step it would take.
The back was hunched, the spine sticking out as the stringy hair fell from all around, matted and tangled from not being taken care of.
"...Q...Qingqiu?" Luo Binghe whispered.
Shang Qinghua began yanking on his sleeve "W-we need to go-t-that's no longer him!" As Shang Qinghua began to speak, that's when it began to charge up.
Shang Qinghua had to grab Luo Binghe by the scruff of his robe and drag him into the rift. Luo Binghe, once both were in the rift he instantly closed it so it couldn't enter.
They made it to where Shang Qinghua had set up what he called his, "lab" and the three women and those they rounded up stared as both males came crashing in on top of one another, their faces pale and in shock and horror at what they saw.
"What's with you two?" Sha Hualing asked.
Both males got up and there, Luo Binghe began hyperventilating. Shang Qinghua, scared and full of anxiety managed to gather himself and quickly uncovered his gloved and and covered Luo Binghe's mouth to make him breathe through his nose and tried to get him to calm down.
Everyone was stunned, even the demons haven't seen their lord in such a state. But once Luo Binghe managed to calm down and Shang Qinghua removed his hand from his face.
"Luo Binghe, listen to me" Shang Qinghua said, gaining the attention of the grief struck Demon Lord.
"That's no longer Shen Qingqiu anymore, you have to remember that!" He said.
Everyone was silent, even Shang Qinghua looked pained to say that.
"Remember, that's not him" He said.
"You found him?" Qi Qingqi asked.
"What was left of him," Said Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua and Luo Binghe started making the medicine and passing it out to the infected. Taking notes as it seemed to quickly cure the ones in the first stage after vomiting, but those in the second stage instantly fell into a slumber. They'd have to watch them closely.
They all faced Luo Binghe who poured his blood into the bowls and mixed it to amplify the healing properties. They all felt for him, unlike Shang Qinghua, Luo Binghe didn't get the closure he needed to move on. Same with Liu Mingyan, who couldn't be there for her brother's death.
Luo Binghe was made to see how this infection turned him into. The infection turned the most beautiful person he knew, into something monstrous and borderline unrecognizable.
Luo Binghe's eyes had darkened, losing the spark they once held of days long gone. Shang Qinghua wanted to comfort him, but he didn't know how he would go about doing so.
Most he could do was stand beside him, and rub his back in the most caring way he could at the moment.
Luo Binghe paused, feeling that comforting hand. He knew it wasn't his husband, but the way Shang Qinghua did it almost resembled how he did it. He knew it wasn't him.
But for a quick moment. He wanted to pretend it was. He closed his eyes, and allowed himself to melt into it for a moment. Shang Qinghua knew what he was doing, but he played into it for a moment before he patted his back.
"We have to cure them now." He said, breaking into Luo Binghe's thoughts and lifting up the bowls to pass them around to the remainder of the infected ones that Liu Mingyan, Qi Qingqi and Sha Hualing could round up.
Luo Binghe stood there a moment longer, trying to stop himself from crying like a little kid. He nodded, picked up the other bowls and helped pass them around.
It seemed even ripping the petals in half to make more cures seemed to still have the same effect. There was a total of fifty or so left infected, and twenty whom were in the second stages and all in a minor coma after taking the medicine.
The demons whom were cured went off to robe up and clear out the too long gone to save creatures out of the palace and went off to sterilize the entire palace, making it safe to roam around once more.
Sha Hualing sent an entire barrier up around the palace as a form of shelter. Before they could burn the flowers, Liu Mingyan had the idea to look for seeds and perhaps try to plant them.
Sha Hualing thought it was a good idea. And with gloved hands plucked what could be seeds and set up a crop meant for the flowers somewhere where no one could accidentally step on it or get infected.
They were dangerous flowers that brought death, but also the flower that held onto their chance to live. Qi Qingqi used her spiritual energy to help fertilize the soil and help them grow strong and healthy.
After the death of practically everyone, a breakthrough was shown.
The demons whom were cured and brave enough to venture out of the palace went with Shang Qinghua and Luo Binghe to look for more survivors as Sha Hualing had to stay at the palace to keep the barrier up.
And Liu Mingyan taking notes and looking after the comatose patients and Qi Qingqi tending to the garden of the Decaying inducing flowers.
Shang Qinghua, Luo Binghe and those demons rounded up all the wild flowers holding the cure and the remaining survivors and cured them if they were in the safe stages.
Shang Qinghua did many tests and found that those in the first and second stages were fine to revive, and unless vital organs had rotted and died out, they were maybe able to survive. But those in stages three and above were too far gone to revive.
The infection would be gone, but they'd die of the wounds they had received when they were infected. Soon, the palace was filled with people who were cured of the infection.
"We should move up to Cang Qiong" Luo Binghe said.
"I think you need a break, you've expelled enough blood and you need time to rest up and heal" Shang Qinghua said, looking over at the pale and tired looking Luo Binghe.
"My lord he's right" Sha Hualing said.
"You using your blood and the massive barriers you set up is expelling so much energy from you, we all fear that you would potentially drop" She said, voicing her and everyone's concern.
Luo Binghe bit his lip, but nodded, knowing they had a point.
In his room and away from everyone else, he sat on his bed, trying to rest up all the while keeping the barriers up in both the demon and human realm to ensure those creatures don't spread any further.
He thought back to what Liu Qingge said before he died from a fatal wound.
He had to kill the first infection?
Was that what he said?
He tried to think on what it could be and how that is going to help them kill the infection for good. He tried to think and think, even going so far as to pace around his room as he did.
Then... All of a sudden it hit him...
The first infection...
The first infected...
Someone or something that was firstly infected...
That means...
In order to fully kill the infection he needed to kill it from the roots.
Shen Qingqiu....
He was the first one to be infected...
Luo Binghe's brows furrowed. Not from worry, but analytical. How was he going to kill Sh...That thing when no one can find it? Luo Binghe raised his hands and made a large mirror like portal.
"Show me where.. Shen Qingqiu is" He said.
It glowed, but once it showed a proper picture.. His face paled. What he saw made the blood drop from his face, making him more pale than he already was.
This... This thing had found itself in another realm! He needed to gather Shang Qinghua and get the cures as much as he could pack and get over there. Luo Binghe hurriedly got dressed and ran for him, Xin Mo in hand.
He wondered how the creature could get there, but he wasn't going to worry about that in the slightest. He needed to get Shang Qinghua, pack the cures and get their asses over there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm alive! I hoped you all liked this one so far UwU
Author Note: I'ma just post the third part here cuz I wanna get the parts posted at least once a day lol
Warning: Gore, descriptions of sickness and violence, and being a shit post lolll
You are responsible for your own consumption
Mu Qingfang had just finished wrapping up Shang Qinghua's arm, and in the room that Mobei-Jun was being held in, they began forming several of the formulas that Shang Qinghua had been working on since the moment Shen Qingqiu's illness got worse.
As Mu Qingfang went in to add the final touches, Shang Qinghua walked to the barrier. It's only been almost five to seven hours since Mobei-jun had gotten the infection; and already it has progressed even worse since then.
He had lost a lot of weight and his demonic energy was depleting just as fast as Shen Qingqiu's spiritual energy was. Everyone in the area, Mu Qingfang, Luo Binghe and Shang Qinghua could see he was fighting off the infection that Mu Qingfang was suspected was going into Mobei-Jun's brain, hence, the brain fuzz that Mobei-Jun seemed to be having.
Everyone could see that he was struggling to fight off whatever was in his head. Shang Qinghua was near the barrier, his hand upon the barrier separating them both.
Mobei-Jun was right there at the barrier with Shang Qinghua, his hand on the opposite side of the barrier with Shang Qinghua's, his other hand up to his face as if he was having a major headache.
"Finished" Mu Qingfang said.
The trio looked up to him.
"I'll transfer it" Luo Binghe said.
Mu Qingfang nodded, and poured it into a bowl-like cup and handed it to Luo Binghe. Mobei-Jun who was fighting for control for his mind tried so even harder now that Luo Binghe lifted the barrier just enough so he alone could get in, not before dressing in the proper robes and gloves to prevent further contamination. Mobei-Jun sat down and Luo Binghe walked over.
"Lift up your head and drink this, and see how it does." He said.
Mobei-Jun nodded, and lifted his head.
"Open your mouth"
Mobei-Jun did just that, his lips were chapped and taking a glance inside his mouth, it looked as if the back of it was turning black.
"Mu Qingfang, note down that Mobei-Jun's throat turned black" He said, and Mu Qingfang nodded, and quickly did just that.
With his heavily gloved hand, Luo Binghe grabbed Mobei-Jun's chin and looked further in, his face was masked up so he could get somewhat close and not worry about getting the disease.
Looking inside it, the throat did look dry, it was turning black and slight rot could be seen on the inside faintly.
"Anything else?" Mu Qingfang added.
"Dryness and signs of decay, he's rotting from the throat, it would explain his pain when he tries to speak or make any form of sound" Luo Binghe said.
As Mu Qingfang nodded and added the additional details, Luo Binghe backed up and slowly poured the medicine in his mouth to allow him time to swallow, once finished he instantly backed up out of the barrier and discarded the robes, gloves and mask and soaked the bowl-like cup into extremely hot and soapy water.
Everyone watched as Mobei-Jun wiped his face, but held his face as if that headache was still bothering him.
Mu Qingfang walked up, note book in hand "Feel anything different Mobei-Jun?"
He stood in front of the barrier, watching Mobei-Jun intently as he tried to find any differences.
"Your demonic energy? Immune system?" He asked.
Mobei-Jun took a moment to examine himself, but his jaw clenched in pain.
"I...I don't f-feel any dif-different" He said, his voice more hoarse than normal-proving that the rot inside his throat was fucking up his vocal cords.
If it progressed further in his throat area, he may not be able to talk for much longer, he'll be a mute even if this formula works. His voice may be too late to save. Mobei-Jun figured going mute was better than surrendering to the poison that was beginning to infect his mind.
"Give it time to maybe kick in, this formula might take a while to kick in, if this one fails, the others I've prepared are fast acting ones." Shang Qinghua admitted.
"One of them has to work" He said.
Mobei-Jun nodded, and backed up to sit on the bed that he was given. Since this was the slowest working and hopefully cure, the trio left Mobei-Jun for the night. Mu Qingfang decided to be the first on watch for Mobei-Jun and his condition for the cure. After, he'll wake Luo Binghe to take over.
Luo Binghe was happy with it, same with Shang Qinghua. originally he wanted to join, but Mobei-Jun didn't want him to watch as he deteriorated. If Mobei-Jun failed to heal he didn't want Shang Qinghua's last memories of him to be in this state.
And so..
For that night Mu Qingfang took over, he stayed in that area and in the next one over to continue to try and study with the notes he had about the potential name for this infection. Mu Qingfang had to admit. This was one terrifying infection and he was beginning to be scared if the others would contract it despite them trying to keep it contained.
Shen Qingqiu was out and about, half of the most strongest disciples with their head disciples went out trying to find him and they've been gone since and no word from them.
There may be other animals infected in Cang Qiong but no one else had found them and if there were, they'd probably be tiny animals, hence why no one has been able to find them.
If that's true, then everyone would have to be careful. A large thud was heard and heavy breathing from the other side of the wall that Mu Qingfang was sitting in. He looked up at the archway that led to the other room that Mobei-Jun was currently being held in containment. He closed the notebook and stood up, and slowly walked over to the area.
With a wave of his finger the candles all around lit up making it go as bright as he needed it to be. Looking at the barrier, he found Mobei-Jun in the fetal position. He was breathing heavily as if he just ran a marathon and if he were in extreme pain.
His arms were wrapped around himself, curling himself into a ball as he grunted and groaned in pain.
"Mobei-Jun?" Mu Qingfang questioned.
He walked up a little more, and getting closer he saw skin patches on the bed and floors all around him. Where his hands were wrapped around itself, he saw the skin was ripping off easily.
"Mobei-Jun I suggest you remove your hands from yourself, you're injuring yourself even more so than you already are." He said, his brows furrowing in concern.
Mobei-Jun ignored his words as he gripped his torso tighter, the infected area completely rotted off and the bones were open to eyes and the muscles that wrapped around his rib cage were fully exposed just as well, blood slowly oozed-making the whole area he was in looking like a murder scene.
"Mobei-" Mu Qingfang was barely able to see his full name before Mobei-Jun launched himself up and slammed his fists against the spell barrier that still held strong.
Mu Qingfang took a step back at this, and his eyes examined how Mobei looked now. Grabbing his notebook used for note taking, he wrote down what he saw:
Mobei-Jun had completely lost a lot of weight from the short time the others left, leaving him nothing more than complete skin and bones.
The infected area he was bit in ripped off showing parts of his rib cage, the muscles there and glimpses of the organs inside.
Most of his skin was either peeled or ripped off, showing bones. Not only that, the remaining skins that were still on him looked to be rotting from the inside.
Just even taking a look at him he could see that his demonic energy was fully depleted so much that he couldn't make a tiny snowflake even if he wanted or tried to.
Mobei-Jun's pupils had blown wide open just like Shen Qingqiu's not a thought behind his eyes, it was as if he too, had no soul.
Mu Qingfang didn't know what to make of this.
"Mobei-Jun, are you there?" He asked.
With knowing that the infection was spreading to his brain, it's most likely that he's still aware, or his mind had been taken over to the point Mobei-Jun wasn't even aware anymore. If he wasn't aware then he could be considered dead then.
Despite the question Mu Qingfang has asked, Mobei-Jun made no comment, no movement or sound to show that he was there.
He just stared at him in blank silence as if he were stalking him. With Mobei-Jun being a demon, a powerful one at that, it was already nerve wracking to the cultivator that he was alone with him. But to have him look like that with the most emptiest look in his eyes made it all the more unsettling.
Mu Qingfang didn't mind being alone, but it was at this moment that he was starting to dread the fact that he was. Thinking that Mobei-Jun was no longer in control, he walked off, his eyes still on the demon. Just as Mu Qingfang walked, Mobei-Jun's eyes followed, his head not moving, body still as a statue but his eyes followed him.
Each step Mu Qingfang took, a smile began to form on his rotted lips and the wider it got.
Eventually he managed to get out of the area, but just as he was out of sight, a series of banging on the barrier could be heard. Mu Qingfang jumped a little, he continued to back up until someone behind him spoke, making him jump.
"Mu Qingfang?"
Mu Qingfang turned his head and saw it was just Luo Binghe. Although it was another demon, a demon lord to be in fact, it was refreshing to see someone still in their right mind and not a complete mess like Mobei-Jun.
"Are you well?" Luo Binghe asked, his eyebrow raising.
"This one fears that we may have lost Mobei-Jun to the infection."
.
Luo Binghe sent Mu Qingfang back to rest, and Luo Binghe stood before the barrier, leaning against the wall as he stared at what was left of Mobei-Jun. Luo Binghe used his demonic energy to pick up the notebook Mu Qingfang had wrote down.
Looking at it, the first page was all about Shen Qingqiu's condition. How he had a small irritation and it led on and on about how much he got worse up until the final note said: "Escaped before could finalize notes". The page after Shen Qingqiu's was labeled "Patient #2, Mobei-Jun" and it listed his condition with minor sketches.
Luo Binghe flipped through the pages up until he read the most recent one which might've been just recently as the ink looked newly dried. Looking up again, Mobei-Juns soulless eyes still stared at him.
"Did I ever tell you how ugly you look like that? Let's hope you're still able to be cured." Luo Binghe said.
Despite his insulting words, Mobei-Jun-or what was left of him did not move nor respond to it.
"According to Mu Qingfang's notes, it looks as if you're into the third stage." Luo Binghe plopped the book down and walked up, making the sinister smile on Mobei-Jun's face widen even more.
"Third stage looks terrible and painful" Luo Binghe said.
Luo Binghe looked at Mobei-Jun up and down before turning his back on him to look at the formulas that Shang Qinghua had written and put together. He grabbed the brush and crossed out the first one and wrote down next to it.
'Failed'
The following morning, Mu Qingfang and Luo Binghe were working together to figure out which of the formulas that Shang Qinghua had put together had worked. He made a total of four, and sadly two already failed.
The first one did nothing, the second one only made Mobei-Jun all the more aggressive and progressed the infection faster. His eyes at this time had fallen out, leaving two gaping holes. His throat was completely rotted and his torso bare bone with some of his intestines hanging out.
His jaw had dislocated itself and now it hung loose, only kept on his face by the skin that was still strong enough to hold it. Mu Qingfang began to wonder if there was saving Mobei-Jun from this.
Speaking of Mobei-jun, Luo Binghe had been doing what he was asked to do and not once allowed Shang Qinghua to see him now that Mobei-Jun had deteriorated this far.
Mobei-jun seemed to no longer be in there anymore.
"What should we do now? At this point he's a danger" Yue Qingyuan said.
Mu Qingfang and Luo Binghe both looked tired, both practically in their inner robes but not quite, from the heat in the area they were in and the sweating as they tried their best to create more formulas and keep Shang Qinghua out of there.
Luo Binghe sat somewhere as he read through the same books he had for the past fifteen times, his hair was a mess, bags under his eyes and Xin Mo that was in the corner was slowly glowing, showing proof of Luo Binghe's stress.
"What happens to Mobei-Jun is up to Luo Binghe since he's his Lord" Mu Qingfang said.
The duo looked over to Luo Binghe who had not once been paying attention as he held the thorn that started it all and books, comparing the pictures and the thorn almost for the 5th time that day, hoping he'd miss something and got it this time.
He flipped to the next page when it wasn't a match. Luo Binghe felt stares and looked up, his eyes glowing a minor red as he glanced at the duo.
"What?" Luo Binghe asked.
"What shall be done about Mobei-Jun? It seems he's far too gone to try and cure. Even if we did find a cure, he'd die regardless of the damage this poison had caused to his body, demonic Qi and his brain. His injures now are too great even for someone as powerful as Mobei-Jun to heal." Mu Qingfang said, his hair just as messy as Luo Binghe's.
This was something Luo Binghe was trying to avoid. Patient one, his husband, Shen Qingqiu, was missing and his condition was and is unknown. Patient two, his right hand man, Mobei-Jun, was basically deemed a lost cause.
Luo Binghe looked over to Mobei-Jun, once more he stood there, eyes dead locked on Luo Binghe like he was his first prey that he was going to tear apart and devour.
That before him no longer looked like Mobei-Jun but a sick version of him. Sometimes Luo Binghe hoped this was all some sick ass dream that he was having or a Qi Deviation nightmare.
But no.
Sadly this was all real. Luo Binghe looked from what was left of Mobei-Jun back to the books he had surrounding him. Eventually he sighed. He put the thorn back into his robe like he had all this time and stood, lazily draped his outer robe around him.
"Not like he's my husband, I don't have the final say. If anyone has the final say it's Shang Qinghua" He said, walking past them all to break the news to Shang Qinghua who had gotten less and less sleep the past days wondering if the person he shared his life with is going to be okay or not.
The duo nodded and moved out of the way to allow Luo Binghe to pass. Luo Binghe was dreading even saying this. If before he disliked the male and only tolerated him due to the fact he and his husband were practically like brothers, he pitied him now and didn't wish news like this would ever reach his ears.
But the person delivering such heartbreaking news was Luo Binghe himself. He found Shang Qinghua sitting beneath that same tree he had been for the previous days and walked up.
"Shang Qinghua" Luo Binghe said, gaining the attention of the Peak Lord.
Shang Qinghua stood up, almost with hope in his eyes that one of his formulas worked. This look of hope only pained Luo Binghe even more so.
"Is-is Mobei going to be okay?!" Shang Qinghua said, slightly forgetting himself but Luo Binghe did not correct him.
Luo Binghe sighed, and only gave him a sorrowful look. Luo Binghe watched as Shang Qinghua's look of hope crumbled to one of despair.
"N-None of the formulas worked?"
"Only two" Luo Binghe said.
"T-try the others!" Shang Qinghua said, getting desperate.
"...Mu Qingfang had stated that... Mobei-Jun might be too far gone to save." He started off, making Shang Qinghua's eyes well up in pain.
"Even if he was cured of the poison, it'd be useless as he'd still die in the end." Luo Binghe closed his eyes and looked away as he delivered more heartbreaking news to the already stressed peak lord.
"His.. His condition got so worse that Mu Qingfang and I suspect that Mobei-Jun might really be gone and it's the infection that's keeping his body moving around. Shang Qinghua, Mobei-Jun is dead at this point, and it no longer even looks like him." He said.
Shang Qinghua's whole body trembled and his hands went up to his mouth as his eyes widened as he heard the news.
"I'm... Sorry Shang Qinghua, but keeping him alive would only put everyone here in danger, including yourself. It'd be putting Mobei-Jun out of his misery" He said.
Shang Qinghua's legs wobbled and it was Luo Binghe who steadied him and kept him from falling onto the grass.
"It's your decision in the end, but if you keep him alive he'll break out eventually and cause harm... Putting him down now is the safest option" Luo Binghe said, his words heartbreaking but voice gentle.
Shang Qinghua when he was caught by Luo Binghe he ended up holding onto him as he didn't trust his legs to keep him steady. Tears flowed out of his eyes like a violent waterfall and his body shook and shook to the point that even Luo Binghe rubbed his upper back as his pitiful excuse of comfort the now grieving peak lord.
Shang Qinghua remained like that for a while, before he was able to stand on his own two feet.
"If.... If you and M-Mu-Shixiong a-are sure that Mobei c-can't be saved then... G-go ahead" Shang Qinghua said, he couldn't believe he just agreed to it.
Luo Binghe nodded "Understood, I'll tell him right away." Luo Binghe now couldn't find himself able to walk away.
But Shang Qinghua got out of his hold and walked back to where he was sitting. It seemed Shang Qinghua wanted to be alone, so walking off his what Luo Binghe did.
Each step he took, the more his throat burned and the more his eyes stinged as he tried to hold back his tears. Not only was it painful to watch another go through the pain of this, but Luo Binghe was also rather fond of Mobei-Jun. Luo Binghe was sort of hoping he'd say no, but he gets why he said yes.
If Mobei-Jun couldn't be saved.
Then killing him is a must.
.
.
.
.
Luo Binghe had informed of Mu Qingfang of Shang Qinghua's decision. Thus, they cleared a path in the forest to burn him as it seemed like fire was the only way to kill them off completely.
The peak lords all kept the younger disciples all hidden along with the older ones to prevent them from seeing the awful state the infection had left Mobei-Jun in.
Liu Qingge, Luo Binghe and a selected few of his chosen demons all helped surround what was left of the infected Mobei-Jun and transport him out of the medical peak. They all wore the robes needed to protect their skin, thick heavy gloves needed should they attempt to touch anything Mobei-Jun did or if they needed to touch him directly.
Face masks and their hair's all tied up tightly behind their heads to get it out of the way as they began their hard labor.
The sight of Mobei-Jun was terrible. It didn't even look like him anymore, his ribs where he was bit had the rib bones sticking out like thorns on a flower, his jaw completely gone, limbs have been elongated and cracked every time he moved.
Not to mention where his skin was almost a lovely blue color that reminded one of snow and ice, it had completely grayed out like death. Through Luo Binghe's gloved hands, where he knew Mobei-Jun's skin should've been cold like normal, it was oddly warm and slightly feverish.
Everyone knew hot didn't mix well with Mobei-Jun as he preferred the cold due to his demonic nature. But to feel how hot his skin was, only further gave Luo Binghe proof this isn't another nightmarish dream created by Xin Mo to get him over the edge again.
The group managed to get Mobei-Jun there without anyone getting infected. Shang Qinghua followed behind, his eyes dulled and skin pale. Looking sick himself, Luo Binghe felt bad for him, not only that...
He related.
They fought back Mobei-Jun who kept trying to pry free and bite or eat someone as they arrived at a clearing in the forest where they were going to burn Mobei-Jun.
They managed to tie him down in the middle of the forest floor, he kept trying to pry free, making an awful sound as he did. Everyone who aided in transporting Mobei-Jun stepped to the side to remove the robes and the contaminated outfits and burnt them and joined everyone else where they stood.
Luo Binghe went ahead to stand beside Shang Qinghua who was looking worse and worse the more he stared at what used to be his husband.
Luo Binghe rested his hand on Shang Qinghua's shoulder. He felt how Shang Qinghua slightly trembled.
"Shang-Shidi" Yue Qingyuan called out, he and a few others stood before the thrashing Mobei-Jun who kept trying to break free.
Shang Qinghua looked up and met eye contact with the Sect Leader, he smiled in sorrow at him. He knew that the two were married, just like how Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe are.
"Do you wish to say your final goodbyes before we begin?" He asked.
Shang Qinghua sucked in a tiny breath, before he reached up and patted Luo Binghe's hand. There, he released his shoulder so the male could go up and do just that.
Sensing someone approach, what was left of his husband turned his head and charged for Shang Qinghua. But the restraints kept him six feet from Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua's chest and heart stung in pain when he saw the state of his husband. When he looked down at where he got bit, his face twisted in pain when he saw the ribs sticking out in spikes.
"M...Mobei.." Shang Qinghua began, looking back at those eyeless eyes.
"I'll miss you, I'm thankful we happened to meet on that trail. I'm glad you chose me out of everyone." Shang Qinghua wanted to reach up and cradle Mobei-Jun's face once more like he always used to do.
But he knew he couldn't...
"Mobei... This husband loves and misses you" He smiled despite the snarling of the un-dead creature.
"...I'll see you on the other side when my time comes" He said.
He looked down where the brilliant ice like wedding ring was on his finger. Shang Qinghua had a matching one to symbolize their union. He held his hand to his chest as tears welled up and flowed down like a saddened water fall in the midst of blue hour before the sun had fully risen.
Shang Qinghua slowly stepped back, signalling his final goodbye as he walked back to where he was. When he was far enough away, Yue Qingyuan signaled the fire. Shang Qinghua turned his head, arms wrapping around him as the heat of fire spread on his back.
He held onto whoever was kind enough to hold him at the moment as he heard the broken and horrid screams belonging to Shang Qinghua's now first husband.
It was like that for a long while before the fire died down, everyone bowing in respect for how powerful and respectable a character such as Mobei-Jun was.
Soon enough they all walked away, not before walking past Shang Qinghua to bid him their sorries. Shang Qinghua shook and cried silently as the last one bid their farewells.
Shang Qinghua had to pull himself together. He had duties to do. Not as a Peak Lord. But as his husband. Now that Mobei-Jun was gone, everything he had fell onto Shang Qinghua since Mobei-Jun never fathered any sons.
Shang Qinghua backed up, rubbed his eyes and looked to see who it was that held him as he cried.
"L-Luo Binghe-"
Luo Binghe nodded "Are you well now? As much as you can be at the moment?" He asked.
Shang Qinghua looked away at the trees, then slowly looked back to see a pile of ash.
"Y..Yea... As much as I can be at the moment" He said.
"Here, this Lord assumes you'd want the ashes?" He held up a bag meant for collecting ash.
Shang Qinghua looked at it, customized to symbolize Mobei-Jun. Shang Qinghua's face twisted once more in pain. But he reached up and grabbed it.
"Just hold the bag open near his ashes, it's enchanted to suck in all the ashes and hold onto it up until you wish to transport the ashes elsewhere" Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, and slowly turned and held the bag tightly as he kneeled in front of Mobei-Jun's ashes. He opened the bag, and just like he said, the ashes slowly and gently flew into the small pouch. Shang Qinghua closed his eyes and took in a shaky breath.
When he opened his eyes once more he found that ring. It somehow survived the inferno. Just looking at it made Shang Qinghua want to cry even more. Since it was in high heat for a long time-it's been cleansed of whatever infection was on it.
Shang Qinghua closed the bag as the final bits of Mobei-Jun's ashes was sucked into the pouch, and there he grabbed the ring into his palm. It was still hot, but the pain didn't compare to what he was feeling at the moment.
Luo Binghe walked up, kneeled beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We'll find a cure, that is something I can assure." He said.
Shang Qinghua's face darkened at the mention of a cure. He wasn't finding one soon enough, not even with Mu Qingfang's help and Luo Binghe's. They'd need to look harder... Shang Qinghua stood up as he held the pouch tighter to his chest.
"...The cure.. We need to look harder.." He said.
Luo Binghe as well stood "Indeed, let's go. Stay by me, that's the least I can do for Mobei-Jun." He said.
Shang Qinghua nodded, remembering Mobei-Jun saying to stay by Luo Binghe if he failed to make it. The duo eventually left the area, Shang Qinghua clutching the items in his hands tightly.
However, the horror only started. When they returned, Yue Qingyuan was speaking to the disciples who were trusted enough to find Shen Qingqiu who came back, they were bruised, and clearly frightened. However...
"They have wounds, stay here, I'm going to investigate" Luo Binghe said.
Normally Shang Qinghua would protest, but he was too tired so he agreed. He stood by the tree as Luo Binghe left him to go see what the issue was, that's when he heard it.
"-It was terrible! Whatever that thing was is faster than anything I've ever seen!"
"We were hurt but we managed to get back safely, it's too dangerous-"
"You didn't touch anything did you?" Luo Binghe asked as he walked up, noticing visible gashes made by something dangerously large.
"What?" They asked, Yue Qingyuan looked at Luo Binghe.
He looked nervous just being near them knowing what this infection could do, and knowing that after Shen Qingqiu's escape the outside world outside of the mountains was heavily infected, and knowing they just came back from out there, they could be contagious as well.
"Did anything monstrous attack you? Did its blood get on you?" Luo Binghe asked.
"Yes-"
"Then we need to get your lot into containment, that is a poison, more or less an infection, it acts fast and is highly dangerous and at the moment we have no cure. So we're trying to limit those infections. If you have touched anything or anyone let us know now" Mu Qingfang said.
Before the could speak, a few disciples screamed in horror as they ran. The group that was there looked over, it was a young girl, along with Ning Yingying as they ran, soon more disciples from the various peaks did as well.
Yue Qingyuan ran to one and was just about to ask what was the matter when off in the distance more screams erupted. Luo Binghe and the other peak lords ran up to and saw the disciples running, scattering as something ran amok.
Everyone stilled as they watched what looked to be an infected wolf run around and killed the unfortunate disciples who stood by.
Yue Qingyuan paled, and screamed aloud for the peak lords to save those who can be saved, but even more creatures showed up. Luo Binghe faced the disciples that had returned.
"Did you close the barrier after you lifted it to enter?!" Luo Binghe shouted.
The disciples looked between themselves. Luo Binghe turned and saw Liu Qingge off the distance try and save some disciples and fighting off the creatures. Those from Bai Zhan peak tried too, but they were all fight, think later and gotten bitten and or scratched and killed instantly.
"DUMBASSES!! GET AWAY!!" Liu Qingge shouted.
Luo Binghe turned, and saw a creature creeping up behind Shang Qinghua who was too dazed as he stared at the rings, tears still falling. Luo Binghe spun on his heel instantly, face twisted in fear and worry as he grabbed out his Xin Mo and launched it behind Shang Qinghua and stabbed the creature back.
Shang Qinghua jumped and turned his head, his face paled, and ran when he saw what was so close to killing him.
"SHANG QINGHUA!! GET BEHIND ME!" Luo Binghe yelled.
The creature, now caught started running up, its bloodied jaw hanging low and eyes wide and empty as it tried to take a chomp at Shang Qinghua. Shang Qinghua screamed in fear as he tried to speed up some more, out of desperation he reached his hand out to Luo Binghe who did the same.
Once their hands met Luo Binghe spun around, throwing Shang Qinghua along with him as the creature ran past them with a horrible screech. It seemed after that, more and more kept showing up and Luo Binghe began running, his hand on Shang Qinghua's wrist as he made a break for it.
Screams surrounded the entire area and the snarling of creatures. Luo Binghe ran and ran, he looked to the side, and time seemed to slow when he saw off in the distance the corpses of Ming Fang and Ning Yingying.
His eyes widened, memories of them flashing in his head, Ming Fang was missing his entire arm, and she had her torso caved in. He had to look away and continue running.
Shang Qinghua brought out his sword, and they both got onto it as they flew up into the sky and took a moment to catch their breathes as they looked down at the murder field. In such a short amount of time almost everyone was gone.
"What... Is happening?!" Shang Qinghua gripped onto Luo Binghe as he watched with horror down into the field.
Luo Binghe looked around, thinking to save who he could, but that little moment was over. Liu Qingge who was able to stand his ground in the sky, letting out spiritual blasts flew over.
"The hell are we-" Something crashed into him and the duo on Shang Qinghua's sword almost toppled over but managed to regain their balance.
The duo watched in horror as something similar to those infected beasts actually flew, its large claw getting Liu Qingge in the stomach as it flew at a high speed.
Luo Binghe was horrified, told Shang Qinghua to hang on and there, he took over flying to chase after the creature, hoping to the heavens that it wasn't too late to save someone.
When he dived after the thing that dragged Liu Qingge into the dirt, he found it was already sliced in half by his sword and he laid there, wheezing for air as he applied pressure to his wound. Luo Binghe and Shang Qinghua jumped off the sword and ran up to him.
"Are you alright?!" Shang Qinghua yelled.
"Don't touch me! I've been contaminated with whatever the FUCK that is!" He yelled, pain in his face.
Both males stopped and watched as he sat up and spat blood, he wiped his mouth and stared deep into Luo Binghe's eyes.
"N-not sure if it's important, but something came into my head as I was being dragged away-" Liu Qingge spat out blood.
"What is it?" Luo Binghe asked, kneeling down beside Liu Qingge.
"I-I don't know how, but when I looked into it's eyes... Something flashed in my eyes and-" He coughed "-It told me to rid of the in-infection you need to get rid of the first infection-" He said, his eyes going fuzzy.
"What-hey!" Luo Binghe wanted to shake him when his eyes rolled back and his body fell limp.
The infamous Bai Zhan War God had been brought to his knees. Shang Qinghua and Luo Binghe didn't know what to do, but they had a clue.
They had no cure, but they had a hint on how to get rid of this infection for good..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heyyy I'mma straight up say when I was reading this before I hit "post", I realized I made mistakes here loll, but I can't change it too much cuz one I'm lazy and to change a lot of things here I would need to do the same on my AO3 and I frankly don't have the time nor energy to do that lol.
Author Note: I'ma just post the second part here cuz why not lol. I hope you guys enjoy the second part :)
Warning: Gore, descriptions of sickness and violence. And a much longer read than the other SVSSS one I did cuz on my AO3 there are at least ten chapters of this, but I'm combining chapters here, maybe only two chapters per post of this so beware.
Mu Qingfang had Luo Binghe set Shen Qingqiu in a deep part of his Qian Cao Peak. This deep part of the peak was meant for aggressive people who couldn't be trusted near people and people near them.
It was rarely ever used so it was naturally dark, but it was still well kept just for the chance it would be used one day, and Mu Qingfang guessed that day, would be today.
Due to the status of Shen Qingqiu, Mu Qingfang led them all to the most nicest spot he had which was indeed a little bit further from the rest of the areas.
"Set him in there please" Mu Qingfang said.
Luo Binghe looked and his jaw clenched. When he made no move, Liu Qingge narrowed his eyes.
"Are you stupid?-"
"I won't put him in there without a proper bed for him to lay in" Luo Binghe said.
Yue Qingyuan looked around and left, saying he'll be back. Some time later he came back and opened his pouch and there a bed emerged and he placed it into the holding cell that would separate Shen Qingqiu from them and them from Shen Qingqiu.
Luo Binghe nodded to Yue Qingyuan and he put him onto the bed, his eyes fell over how pale he looked. Luo Binghe placed him onto the bed and tucked him in, pushing his hair away from his face, he kissed the top of his forehead.
"This husband will help you, I'll find a cure" He said, and he backed up as Mu Qingfang closed and locked it so no one aside from him could open it.
But just as he locked it, Shen Qingqiu's eyes opened and he arched up and screamed. Luo Binghe wanted to go in, but a hand was placed on his shoulder, it was Yue Qingyuan. He shook his head.
"I'll continue to take notes on his condition," He faced the others as Shen Qingqiu continued to scream and thrash around on the bed he was currently on.
"I'll test out some medications and see what works and what doesn't" He added.
"I'll help out" Luo Binghe said, his eyes full of hurt and pain as Shen Qingqiu screamed on the bed he was on.
As he screamed, Shen Qingqiu fell silent and he slowly stood up. Liu Qingge, Mu Qingfang, Yue Qingyuan, Shang Qinghua and Luo Binghe stared at him as they watched him. His hair fell over his face. After standing there for a moment he charged up and his body broke free of the restraints and his fists slammed on the barrier spell.
It shook and it caused Shang Qinghua to fall back in fear. Luo Binghe walked up to Shen Qingqiu. His eyes were wide and red, the gentle green that was his eye color was nowhere to be seen as his pupils had blown so wide open.
Shen Qingqiu smiled in a way that twisted his face. Luo Binghe, being a Demon Lord was used to such demonic and twisted faces. But to see it on his husband's face was something he didn't ever think he'd find on Shen Qingqiu's face. Shang Qinghua scrambled to his feet.
"Just what is this poison?" He asked.
Luo Binghe raised his hand and placed his palm where one of Shen Qingqiu's fist was. It gazed up at him eerily, as if he had no soul.
"You'll be okay... This Husband will do what I can to cure you," He said.
Shen Qingqiu's body began trembling, with his demonic smile, his breathing became dry and he wheezed as he took a breath in and out. Luo Binghe wanted nothing more to hug him, even more so when a single tear fell out of Shen Qingqius eyes.
Mu Qingfang walked up and saw. Instantly he took out what looked to be a blank book and began writing note stuff.
"Is... Shen-Shixiong... Are... Are you still aware?" Mu Qingfang asked.
Luo Binghe's hands clenched up "Then that's worse, being aware but can't do anything" He said, then rested his forehead on the barrier.
"Qingqiu, hang in there a little while longer" Luo Binghe said.
Mu Qingfang used a blank notebook to specifically use to keep track of Shen Qingqiu's condition. Luo Binghe wanted to remain in the area with him when the others were preparing to leave.
"Very well then, I ask that Luo Binghe records anything new within this book, any and all information will be needed" He said.
Luo Binghe nodded and took the notebook into his hands. As the four left, Luo Binghe was left alone with his husband who was stuck behind a barrier. Not just for his safety, but also for Shen Qingqiu's.
Luo Binghe looked through the book for the minor notes that Mu Qingfang already had. He brought out the thorn and gritted his teeth at it.
"It's your fault" He said as he glared at the thorn.
He wanted to destroy it, but he would probably need it one day and put it back. Luo Binghe found a place to sit, and when he looked up, Shen Qingqiu's soulless and empty wide eyed stared at him, it was as if his murder was being planned.
Luo Binghe knew that Shen Qingqiu was sadly still aware. Luo Binghe couldn't sadly look at him and turned his head. Eventually, Luo Binghe stood up and decided he needed some fresh air, as he walked Shen Qingqiu's head followed him.
Before he reached the door the hands that were still on the barrier slammed down again. Luo Binghe paused and faced Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu, or rather... What has become of Shen Qingqiu, peered deep into his soul, his pupils too wide to be considered normal.
"I'll be back Qingqiu." He said as he walked away.
Once he was out of sight, the rapid sound of fists slamming on the barriers erupted all around. Luo Binghe looked up as he walked away, the horrid screams coming from Shen Qingqiu's dried throat echoed from the room he was in throughout the halls.
Luo Binghe's eyes shut as he walked, he was scared. He was scared for Shen Qingqiu and what would happen to him.
If before the poison seemed to be spreading fast, it seemed to be going slow now. Obviously Luo Binghe wrote it down on the notebook. Shang Qinghua and Mu Qingfang kept working of some treatments. But nothing seemed to work as the poison seemed to spread and progress even further.
Luo Binghe stared up at the bright moon from the roof of the hut he and Shen Qingqiu live in together. It was only a week ago that Shen Qingqiu was doing fine, talking about the flora he found interesting and the beasts he loved to study up close.
But now he was actively sick and he fears he could die from it.
Mu Qingfang's medicine didn't seem to work at all. Not even the demonic medicines that could, if not, practically heal anything. Any one who knew all grew grim as he seemed to be getting worse.
Whenever he was out of it, and held down by restraints Mu Qingfang would go in to inject another form of medicine. Luo Binghe would watch as he injected it, only for his skin to break so easily.
Luo Binghe rushed in and tried to put the skin back, but it would only rip further off. Shen Qingqiu made no sound of pain or discomfort in any way.
"It seems he's slowly losing sense of reality, there's no known poison that I know of that could cause such damage," Luo Binghe remembered Mu Qingfang saying.
Luo Binghe pulled his knees together as tears fell from his eyes. He desperately wanted to help him out but he didn't know where and how to start. By the hour, it seemed that he was losing Shen Qingqiu more than he was trying to help him.
Shang Qinghua was digging books through books trying to find the poison. Once he even heard him muttering some strange things. Things like:
"I'm the Author.... How do I not know?"
Luo Binghe didn't know what he was talking about so he left it alone. He knew Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua were practically best friends. Always chatting and making some jokes that not even Luo Binghe knew about the context of it.
Luo Binghe and Shang Qinghua were suffering from this, not as much as Shen Qingqiu who was currently the victim of this strange poison.
Luo Binghe rubbed his face. He was disliking this very much to the point he wanted to kill something.
"M'lord" A woman's voice rang out.
Luo Binghe made no move as Sha Hualing walked up.
"Speak."
"You're needed in the Demonic realm, demons from the west wish an audience with you" She said.
"Tell them to scram" Luo Binghe hissed out
"This one tried, but they will not move. Mobei-Jun tried as well"
Luo Binghe rubbed his face, guess he could use this as a way to burn off some steam. Luo Binghe was in the Demon realm for a few hours to a day.
When he came back, he somewhat expected to see Shen Qingqiu possibly in a much worse state than he last saw him. But what he didn't expect to see was the whole Qian Cao Peak in such disarray.
He stopped a disciple by the scruff of their robe, the young teen looked up at him "What's going on? Why is everything in such a mess?"
She gulped, the fear in her eyes plain as day.
"S-Shizun has mandated the entirety of Cang Qiong Mountain under isolation, nothing gets in and nothing gets out" She said.
"The sect leader agreed to this?"
"Yes, just as instantly-"
"What happened?" He asked, his eyes narrowing.
"S-Shizun said something got out" She said.
"What?" Luo Binghe asked.
Luo Binghe looked around, he let her go and she scrambled off. He went off to find Mu Qingfang, an entire meeting was made for the entirety of the sect.
Just as news of that was said everyone went around in the large hall. Luo Binghe walked in, and there Yue Qingyuan beckoned him over. There, he stood with the other sect leaders.
"To all the peaks, this is not a drill, but an emergency." Mu Qingfang shouted.
"There is a dangerous creature on the loose, should you come in contact with it reach out for the nearest help you can get. Do not come in contact with it." He said.
He sighed and looked stern as well as serious "If you see it, just know that... That's no longer Peak Lord Shen-" Luo Binghe was stunned, what happened? "-so under any reason do not try to make any form of contact"
Mu Qingfang continued to talk, he faced Yue Qingyuan. Yue Qingyuan frowned, looking sorrowful but concerned as well.
"Shen... He escaped somehow and is on the loose here in Cang Qiong somewhere. This whole place is on lock down, I know he's still here" He said.
Just as Mu Qingfang was explaining what was going to happen just until he was caught, the faces of the disciples were all pale and scared, Luo Binghe's eyes glowed red with rage.
"He's gone?!" He shouted to Yue Qingyuan.
He nodded.
The disciples were all crammed together somewhere within the peak to keep them all safe from what Shen Qingqiu had become. The peak lords all went around to search for Shen Qingqiu, and Luo Binghe brought in a few dozen demons to help out as well.
They all looked, Shang Qinghua, Luo Binghe and Mobei-Jun were in a group of three to help keep each other safe and have more hands should they find him. As they walked into the bamboo forest, they encountered what looked to be blood on the trees.
Mobei-Jun and Luo Binghe were used to such eerie sights. If anything it told them that they were close. They heard something snapping. The three turned their heads and in the distance they saw it was just a deer.
Luo Binghe kept eyes on it as it just stood there, facing away from them. Shang Qinghua placed a hand on his chest as he breathed a sigh of minor relief.
"It's just a-" Just as he spoke, that deer turned to them and charged for them.
This deep looked sickly, thin, one side of it's face, the skin was already ripped out and it's body disfigured and rotten. Luo Binghe jumped to the side as it charged for the three. Mobei-Jun grabbed Shang Qinghua by the back of his robe and he also moved out of the way.
"WHAT THE HELL!" Shang Qinghua shouted as he turned to cling to Mobei-Jun.
The deer made a sound of a scream as it continued to attack the one closest to it, which was Luo Binghe. Luo Binghe brought out his sword and went to slash-
"DON'T! WHAT IF IT'S CONTAGIOUS!?" Shang Qinghua shouted.
-Never mind then, but that was a good point. He moved out of the way to dodge its bite and there, he used his demonic energy to knock it far away. When he did he saw a large bite mark on the side of it-showing something must've bit it.
The bite mark looked rather infected as it was knocked away, but it came back just as quickly, making a horrid sound as it tried to attack once more.
"Spread out! Let's contain it!" Luo Binghe shouted.
Shang Qinghua nodded and grabbing out of his pouch he brought out a net. He held one side as he ran off to toss Mobei-Jun the other. The Deer escaped Luo Binghe's clutches of making it distracted so it would only attack him and not the two he brought with him.
"SHANG QINGHUA!" Luo Binghe shouted.
Shang Qinghua looked up to see it charging after him for a bite-Shang Qinghua tried to dodge but it would be no use. Only... The person it bit wasn't Shang Qinghua. Mobei-Jun tried to save him but got bit himself.
Mobei-Jun growled as he grabbed it by the head and crushed it. Shang Qinghua avoided the blood but looked up worried for Mobei-Jun. Mobei-Jun tossed the corpse to the side, but when it still refused to die, Luo Binghe set it aflame.
It screamed and soon enough fell silent and limp as it burned to ash. Once the threat was gone, the duo looked over to Mobei.
"Remove your robe" Luo Binghe demanded.
Mobei-Jun looked pissed at the demand, but did so in the end knowing he couldn't disobey the Demon Lord. Looking at his left side of his rib where he was bit, blood oozed and the drool of the deer as it was foaming at the mouth like a rabid beast.
Shang Qinghua instantly went to work to try to clean it up and heal it.
"No need, I can do it" He said.
Shang Qinghua paused his hands and the three went to watch as he healed himself up. Only.... He didn't.
"Are you not going to heal yourself?" Luo Binghe asked, his hands crossing over his chest.
Mobei-Jun was a bit silent "I'm trying"
This caused Luo Binghe to narrow his eyes "Are you sure"
"It's not working.." Just as Mobei-Jun said that, Shang Qinghua quickly went to clean and tended to the wound, hopefully to get it clean enough.
Luo Binghe wasn't liking this.
"Just to be sure, we must keep you in containment, that thing looked a lot like how Qingqiu was turning into, if it's the same it's best to keep you locked up somewhere to prevent further damage." Luo Binghe said.
"I'll be fine-"
"M-My king, it's best if you listen. It's better to be safe than sorry, no?" Shang Qinghua asked, looking up to Mobei-Jun from where he cleaned the bite.
Although the bite was cleaned up, the rims of the deep bite were already red and slightly swollen. Mobei-Jun was disliking this, but ended up reluctantly agreeing anyway.
They continued to search for a little while longer before they returned back to where the other sect leaders would be.
"Any updates?" Asked Yue Qingyuan.
"A deer, looked disfigured and frankly resembled the state Qingqiu was getting into, it bit Mobei-Jun on the rib" Luo Binghe said.
Liu Qingge, Mu Qingfang and Yue Qingyuan all knew what had become of Shen Qingqiu in a matter of days, but maybe because Mobei-Jun was a demon maybe he'd be better off withstanding it.
"And?" Liu Qingge asked.
"He can't seem to heal himself in any way" Luo Binghe added.
A poison that changed Shen Qingqiu in a matter of days, depleted his Spiritual Qi and made him lose any form of self control and perhaps sense of reality, it could also hinder a demons ability to heal? This was strange and rather a concerning matter.
"I'll have Mobei-Jun in containment in case this poison is contagious" Luo Binghe said.
"Good idea" Mu Qingfang said.
With Cang Qiong under isolation, no one knew where Shen Qingqiu was hiding. If it was contagious, then no wonder that deer that attacked them was infected with it.
It must've come in contact with it and barely escaped with a bite, but the poor thing ended up suffering from it in the end. In the end, it was confirmed that this infection made the person infected aggressive in the end.
Mobei-Jun had always been an aggressive sort, if he does fall victim to this poison-wouldn't it make him more violent in the end?
.
.
.
.
Mobei-Jun sat in the barrier where Luo Binghe had put up. Shang Qinghua stood close to the barrier as Mu Qingfang looked at the bite mark that was on Mobei-Jun's ribs. Already within that few hours of being bitten the area went red and swollen.
"It seems that any sort of bodily fluids can infect others," Mu Qingfang said as he closer looked at the wound from the opposite side of the barrier.
He took down notes, Shang Qinghua ended up biting at his nails, and once more hit the books to find anything remotely close. He lost his best friend, he sure as hell wasn't willing to lose anyone else.
"Anything so far?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
Mu Qingfang looked to Luo Binghe and back to Yue Qingyuan.
"Luo Binghe and I came to a conclusion that there might be different stages of this," He started off.
"Stages?" Mobei-Jun asked, lowering the robe he was given, it somewhat reminded Shang Qinghua of those hospital gowns but more in style in this setting.
"The first stage is where you are in, you've been infected and may be contagious, that would need experimenting but I don't wish to do such a thing, much less allow anyone to suffer like that. The first stage you'd feel fine just as Shen-Shixiong was," Mu Qingfang said.
"And the second?" Shang Qinghua asked, his hand on the barrier.
Mobei-Jun looked at that hand, and for a moment his eyes narrowed with an emotion he never had on his face, and he slowly raised his hand there on the opposite side of his hand. The barrier between them, separating their touch.
Luo Binghe knew of their relationship, he never once called them out on it as believe it or not they both were rather shy on the subject. No one knew of their relationship aside from Luo Binghe, so to those who saw this tiny moment of scared affection got the idea and also remained silent, but felt pity for Shang Qinghua.
Luo Binghe was grieving, he was desperate for the cure, and to see someone else about to lose their loved one was also hard to see. Especially if no cure was even close to being discovered.
"Second stage I suppose would be feeling feverish. I'm using Shen-Shixiong as an example, In the first stage he was fine, second he got sick, ill. He was feverish and had headaches and the area infected, such as his finger and foot would hurt and swollen to the point he couldn't walk on it. Not to mention this'll be around the time that I personally think his spiritual energy would be depleting slowly." He sighed.
"I'm still unsure about the second stage and what comes next, but at the moment Mobei-Jun would feel fine, but as he reaches the second stage..." He faced him.
"You'll grow weak and feverish and potentially more aggressive than you'd ever be, Shen-Shixiong used to be aggressive but not for a long time-" Luo Binghe remembered those days, when he first joined the sect how Shen Qingqiu was aggressive, but over time he stopped "-But this illness may bring out the worst in you" He said.
Shang Qinghua bit his lip and clenched the hand that was on the barrier as a fist. Shang Qinghua faced Mobei-Jun who looked down on him. His hand was was on the barrier. To those who didn't already know Mobei-Jun well enough they would think of him as being cool and indifferent to the situation.
But Luo Binghe could sense that he was uneasy about this. A demon who couldn't heal themselves was considered a dead demon.
Shang Qinghua who spent a little more time with Mobei-Jun than Luo Binghe could see how his hand slowly trembled. How his eyes were clouded with unease and worry.
"Don't worry my King, I'm still looking for a cure" He said.
"I'll go check on the disciples" Yue Qingyuan said.
Luo Binghe faced him "Go on the search for any infected animals, it seems with little time that... Qingqiu got out the animals got infected faster, there may be more and could reach the disciples" Luo Binghe said.
Liu Qingge unsheathed his sword "I'll do it, I've been meaning to kill something," He said.
"Be careful, any fluids from them, saliva, blood or anything could transfer, once you get them, burn them to ash" Shang Qinghua said.
Liu Qingge nodded and left just as fast as he got the directions. Mu Qingfang looked at the notes then to Mobei-Jun.
"If you feel any different do alert someone, I'll be close by." He said.
Mobei-Jun nodded, one of his hands resting where he got bit, the area already feeling tender. Everyone already left save for Luo Binghe and Shang Qinghua. Luo Binghe faced the duo.
"I'll be departing-"
"My lord" Mobei-Jun said, interrupting Luo Binghe, something he never dared to do.
Luo Binghe shut his mouth to allow the other to speak "Go on," Luo Binghe said.
Mobei-Jun nodded "If this one fails to heal, can this one be shameless to ask My Lord to watch over Shang-"
"Done, that is only if you fail to heal and fall victim like Qingqiu did." Luo Binghe said, walking off.
Mobei-Jun nodded "Thank you"
When Luo Binghe was out of sight, only then were the duo, Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun allowed to be vulnerable.
Luo Binghe walked along the demon realm, each of the peak lords were given a notebook to write down anything they saw of the infection as it was crucial for Mu Qingfang to know and hopefully come up with a cure. All the Disciples were scared as this seemed serious.
"Where's Shizun?!" Luo Binghe could hear Ning Yingying cry out.
Luo Binghe walked and tried thinking where Shen Qingqiu might've gone, what if his condition got worse? The entirety of Cang Qiong was locked down, nothing could get in or out so he should be there. But they looked everywhere, Luo Binghe stopped. If they looked everywhere in the mountain and he wasn't anywhere to be found...
Then....
Shen Qingqiu wasn't in the mountains anymore.
Just as Luo Binghe thought that, he instantly grabbed Xin Mo and dashed for Cang Qiong and alerted the others. Instantly, half of the peak lords left the mountain to go search with the help of Luo Binghe creating a rift from Xin Mo to leave the mountain.
They all ran to the nearest town which was at the bottom of the mountain. Luo Binghe and the others were stunned by what they saw. The town was deserted, corpses lay on the ground and gore could be seen.
"How? The infection should've taken a little less than a week to even get the victim aggressive-" Mu Qingfang said.
Luo Binghe looked around. Then there, off in the distance they see a dog. Luo Binghe looked at the dog and saw something awful, the others took a step back save for Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge.
Luo Binghe just stared at it, and Liu Qingge unsheathed his sword and held it to the dog.
Well... If it could be considered a dog, it looked to have been skin and bones. The back of this "dogs" back had its spine sticking out, the eyes of this dog was hanging loose just like its jaw.
It limped as it walked and let out an awful sound, almost as if it was in pain but also growling. Mold grew everywhere on its body.
"What the hell?" Liu Qingge asked.
They faced many demonic creatures, but none came close to how this thing looked.
"Remember, don't touch it and kill it from afar, burning it to ash seemed to do the trick for the deer." Luo Binghe said.
Liu Qingge formed a seal with his hand and his sword hovered just above him, and when this "dog" tried to attack, the sword acted on it and stabbed through its head and impaled it to the nearest wall, pinning it there as it let out a horrible screech.
Luo Binghe formed a seal just as quickly as Liu Qingge had his sword pinned there and he set it aflame. Liu Qingge didn't bother with removing his sword until the thing burnt completely to ash. He removed his sword but didn't touch it.
"We need to find cleaning methods," Mu Qingfang suggested.
"Indeed" Liu Qingge said, looking at the now burnt blood remains on his sword.
"I know a few demons in the demon realm that could and can clean anything, I'll bring them up and have them clean up the sword" Luo Binghe said.
"Why would I trust my sword with your lot?" Liu Qingge snapped.
"You'll be with them and your sword will not leave your sight. Plus if I'm there they won't dare disobey." Luo Binghe said.
"Liu-Shidi, this infection is highly contagious. It's better to be safe than sorry." Yue Qingyuan said.
Just as he said that, Liu Qingge rolled his eyes and hesitantly nodded. Luo Binghe snapped his fingers, his mark glowing red and instantly a group of demons showed.
"Yes M'lord?" They asked in unison.
"Clean up this sword, it's been contaminated with something highly and very dangerous. I want it spot clean free of anything, including dust and grime. Fail to meet my standards and get rid of this infection, I'll kill you." Luo Binghe said.
They all nodded, their sinister giggles ringing as instantly they dressed themselves in robes and gloves and masks instantly. They took the sword in hand and looked over it.
"Fast acting poison hehehe"
"Get clean get clean!!"
"What master does this metal belong to?" Asked one of them.
"Me" Liu Qingge said.
"He'll go with you guys to keep an eye on his sword, you do anything wrong he's free to injure you" Luo Binghe said.
One of them that hasn't touched the sword gave him a set of robes and gloves and large boots to go over his shoes.
"Get dressed get dressed! Hehe-clean up we go!" She said as she forcefully put it all on Liu Qingge and dragged him with the group to clean the sword.
"What shall we do about the rest of this?" Qi Qingqi asked, her face twisted in disgust.
"Well... I think I may have figured out the stages... There's stages to this infection.." Mu Qingfang said, writing in his notebook.
"Let's look around for any potential survivors" Yue Qingyuan said.
"However... The infected ones..." He didn't know what to say about them or how to handle them-they'd be begging for help.
"Bring them where Mobei-Jun is. If they're to die in the end I might as well look for cures and do some experiments" Mu Qingfang said.
Luo Binghe nodded, and they all spread out to look for them. But they found no one, all they found were corpses. Luo Binghe was worried.
This is what the infection does to it's victim? If so, does Shen Qingqiu look similar to this? Luo Binghe's eyes grew red as he thought about it. That day...
That day Shen Qingqiu was happy to go out and explore some more like it was his first time, only to come back poisoned and infected and now? What if he's like one of these monsters? What if he's still aware and just can't do anything but watch as all this happens?
Luo Binghe wanted to find Shen Qingqiu instantly and help him, but what can he do when there's not even a temporary cure? Or anything to help? Luo Binghe wanted to break something, he was a Demon Lord, what wasn't there that Luo Binghe couldn't do?
If Luo Binghe puts his mind to it surely he could find something out? He ended up meeting the others back and used the rift Xin Mo makes to enter the mountain. The mountain was clear of anything but no one would be sure.
The students were allowed to go back to their peaks, but no one was allowed to go into the woods nor touch the waters unless without a peak lord there with them to keep them safe.
"Beast!" Luo Binghe knew who it was just from the name, turning around it was Ming Fan, Ning Yingying running up with him.
"What's going on?!" He shouted.
Luo Binghe sighed, and told them, since they were as old as he is, and they were able to know. Those older than 16 were let on in of the dangers and the younger ones were told something less scary but in a way let them in.
Those older than 18 were able to go on their own but it was still recommended that they bring a Peak Lord. Ming Fan and Ning Yingying were pale.
"Shizun was infected and turned into a horrible beast and you didn't tell us?!" Ming Fan wanted to throw hands.
"How could I?! He may be your Shizun but that's my husband! I know how much it hurts but it hurts me a little bit more cause as his husband there's NOTHING that I can do at the damn moment but watch him and others suffer and not know if he's okay or not!" Luo Binghe shouted, tears welling in his eyes.
"I told him at the wedding I'd protect him, and here I can't find him and he's gone somewhere!" Luo Binghe shouted once more.
Ning Yingying rested her arm on his forearm "A-Luo, we'll find him, okay? We'll find a cure for this." She said.
Luo Binghe nodded, but stormed away. He left to go check on Mobei-Jun and see how he was holding up. As he walked he ran into Shang Qinghua who sat somewhere, going over books and writing notes and possible formulas of a treatment plan.
"This one thought you'd stay with Mobei-Jun" Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua looked up and at Luo Binghe, dried tears littered his face and he looked like he was under an insane amount of stress "O-Oh, I wanted to b-but he said if he was unable to heal himself and he was just going to get worse then he doesn't want me anywhere.. Near him to.. Watch him get worse and lose himself"
Luo Binghe could understand why, Luo Binghe wasn't around Mobei-Jun as Shang Qinghua was, but what he did know is that if Mobei-Jun knew he was going to get worse and potentially die from it, then he wouldn't want Shang Qinghua's last memory of Mobei-Jun is him turning into a complete monster.
Mobei-jun didn't know how he would look later, but that dog looked like that infection, and if it was the same then no doubt Mobei-Jun and Shen Qingqiu would be just as monstrous. Walking corpses didn't even look as bad as that dog did.
This infection was something terrible and very out of the blue. Luo Binghe left Shang Qinghua alone and left to go check on Mobei-Jun. All the disciples were told to remain together no matter the peak they were under, it was better to be mixed together then to all be alone.
Luo Binghe wandered to where Mu Qingfang had Mobei-Jun. Standing there was already Mu Qingfang, when Luo Binghe walked in, his eyes instantly went to where Mobei-Jun was, and there he sat on the floor, his breathing erratic as he slumped over.
"How is he?" Luo Binghe asked, his eyes remained on Mobei-Jun as he spoke to the healer.
"This one thinks he's entering stage two, he reported feeling feverish, his throat is dry and headaches. He also mentioned loss of feeling in his torso and brain fuzz" Mu Qingfang said.
Luo Binghe walked up "Shang Qinghua is worried about you" Luo Binghe said, making Mobei-Jun look up.
His hair draped over his shoulders, but he was able to see his face, his eyes were red, he was sweating and his chest rose and fell rapidly.
"It looks as if he's working on some formulas, there's more than two he has completed. One of them is outta help you" Luo Binghe said.
"I..." He breathed heavily, a wheeze to his voice "I... See" He said.
"Try not to talk, you'll only put stress on your vocal cords" Mu Qingfang said.
He held the notebook and walked up to stand beside Luo Binghe "Can you stand? I need to see the condition of the infected area"
Mobei-Jun nodded, and tried to stand, he leaned against the wall and removed the robe completely off his chest. The bite mark was already turning black and the area on his rib looked to have shrunk the area around it, making that part of the rib all skin and bones.
"Anything else you're feeling?" Mu Qingfang said as he jotted down what he saw.
"Th...Thoughts.." He said.
"Thoughts of what?" Mu Qingfang asked.
"Violence.. Even more so than I u-usually have.." Mobei-Jun admitted.
Mu Qingfang nodded and wrote them down. As Mu Qingfang continued to ask questions, Luo Binghe kept an eye on Mobei-Jun's movements. His shoulders were slumped, head down as he breathed heavily like he was trying to take more air in.
"How are your lungs?" Mu Qingfang asked.
"T-tight" He said.
Mobei raised a hand to his face as he continued to breathe heavily, and before the duo knew it, Mobei-Jun charged for the barrier and slammed his fists on it, the pupils of his eyes also blown wide.
Mu Qingfang took a step back from the attack, but the barrier kept him safe. Mobei-Jun was beginning to look out of it.
Once more... Luo Binghe hated this.
He hated all of this.
His husband was gone.
His right hand man had fallen victim and Shang Qinghua was almost about to go through the pain Luo Binghe was going through.
Luo Binghe just stood there as Mobei-Jun attacked the barrier, almost begging to be set free. Shang Qinghua eventually ran down, falling off the stairs into the area he was in, something snapping as he did-but he got up just as fast.
"Mu-Shixiong! I think I got it!" He faced Mu Qingfang and passed up the papers to him he wrote in.
"What is it? A formula?" Mu Qingfang asked.
"Yes, at least I hope it is, I dug through any and all books we have here in medicine and poisons and put together something that hopefully might work" Shang Qinghua said.
Mu Qingfang nodded, and looked at his arm that was already turning purple from his rolled up sleeves.
"Let's treat you then get started."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is it bad that I low-key enjoy writing things like this? Not the putting the characters through suffering (Maybe just a little bit) but like crossovers and such Lol
Author Note: Ngl I took this from my AO3 and decided to put it here lol cuz why tf not? I did make one drawing of this AU and I might put it in the end of the posts once I complete it, so the last post will have the one drawing I did of it. It is a drawing I did for last years Goretober cuz I can. I hope you enjoy!
Warning: Gore, descriptions of sickness and violence. And a much longer read than the other SVSSS one I did cuz on my AO3 there are at least ten chapters of this, but I'm combining chapters here, maybe only two chapters per post of this so beware.
You are responsible for your own consumption!
"What are you expecting to find here bro?" Someone asked.
Looking back, Shen Qingqiu was met with Shang Qinghua, someone who just like Shen Qingqiu, is a transmigrator. Not only was he just like him, he was also the godforsaken Author of the novel "Proud Immortal Demon Way"
"Can't I just go looking around?" Shen Qingqiu asked, snapping open his fan as he looked around the forest they were in.
Shen Qingqiu had brought along Shang Qinghua to explore. Since all the main plots of the story were done, Shen Qingqiu actually had time to enjoy what this world had to show.
He took notes of beasts and the flora all around as he walked around, while Shang Qinghua, the hack author who named himself "Great Master Airplane Shooting Towards The Sky" yapped on behind him.
Shen Qingqiu was barely paying attention to what the bastard was saying behind him as he admired the flowers and watched mythical beasts from afar. Shen Qingqiu sighed as he watched a large tiger-like beast run off.
"-So I told Mobei indirectly to fuck off cause I wanted space, but this bitch ends up beating my ass again." Shang Qinghua said with a heavy sigh.
Shen Qingqiu turned to face him "Is that why you have that large bruise on your face?" He asked, voice indifferent about the constant abuse Mobei-Jun, Luo Binghe's right hand man does on the daily basis to Shang Qinghua.
"Yes" He said.
Shen Qingqiu merely rolled his eyes as he goes over to step over a log, seeing an interesting flower off in the distance that glowed a vibrant purple in almost an alluring way. But when he stepped down his foot got pricked with something and he lifted his foot to see a large brown thorn had stabbed through his shoe.
Shang Qinghua peeked over Shen Qingqiu's shoulder to see what he was looking at.
"You good bro?" He asked.
"Yea, this thorn told me 'fuck you' " Shen Qingqiu said as he dug his finger into the shoe to get the thorn, but pricked his finger while he was at it and tossed the thorn away.
"Well, let's hurry and get back, I wanna see what my darling son is cooking up today~" Shang Qinghua locked arms with his fellow transmigrator friend and dragged him back to Cang Qiong Mountain.
Shang Qinghua, the Author naturally called all the characters his children in a way save for Mobei-Jun cause he knew he created that icy bastard as his ideal male partner. Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes and followed Shang Qinghua.
Luo Binghe was at the little hut he and Shen Qingqiu were living at. He smiled brightly as he prepared dinner. Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu had been married for a good few years at this point and he was loving every moment of it.
From the moment he met him up until now, he was and will be glad that he met and married the man. Luo Binghe pondered over what spices would go well with the broth of the soup he was planning to make. As he pondered, the front door of the bamboo hut opened and he smiled and rushed out to greet his husband.
"Welcome back Shi-" He froze when he saw that his husband had brought over a guest.
"Shang-Shibo" Luo Binghe greeted, the earlier excitement replaced with an unamused and almost disappointed look.
"Binghe, be nice" Shen Qingqiu said.
He walked up and pulled Luo Binghe in for a quick kiss on the lips before walking off. Luo Binghe beamed at that as Shang Qinghua followed after Shen Qingqiu.
"Something smells good, what are you making?" Shen Qinqgiu asked as he walked into the hut's kitchen where soup was cooking at the moment.
"This disciple of yours-"
"No need to refer yourself as such a term Binghe, how many times must I say this?" Shen Qingqiu asked as he crossed his arms as he faced that foolish husband of his.
Despite being married for a few years now, Luo Binghe still called himself a disciple and Shen Qingqiu "Shizun". Shen Qingqiu after marriage didn't want to use those terms, but he was too prideful and thin faced to use terms like "Husband" or "Darling" or "Love" and referred to his husband as "Binghe".
Sometimes Shen Qingqiu would call Luo Binghe "A-Luo" on a very good day. Luo Binghe smiled with such a defeated face and sighed.
"Well then, this husband of yours has decided to go with something simple for dinner. Hense the soup." He said, smiling to Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu smiled pleased that he was using something else aside from "Disciple". Shang Qinghua who stood by cleared his throat, getting the duo back to earth as they stared at eachother. Luo Binghe disliked being interrupted, but finished the soup in due time and made three bowls. One for Shen Qingqiu, himself and one for Shang Qinghua. At first it was silent before Luo Binghe spoke up.
"Did Shi-Husband find anything interesting while he was out?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu faced him he was sipping his tea before he lowered it "This one did, I saw many interesting flora and beasts. I had even taken some notes." Shen Qingqiu said, smiling as he spoke.
"How was the outing?" Luo Binghe asked.
"It went well" Shen Qingqiu answered.
"Until you tripped and almost bashed your brains in." Shang Qinghua commented.
"I did not do such a thing-" Shen Qingqiu tried to defend himself after being called out on his clumsiness.
"Is Husband alright?" Luo Binghe began to fuss over Shen Qingqiu like a scared maiden would for their knight and shining armor.
"B-Binghe I'm fine. An Amethyst spotted Lizard just ran out from under my feet and I almost stepped on it" Shen Qingqiu said.
"You could've gotten hurt, husband should be more careful." Luo Binghe said, frowning at the news he just learned.
Shang Qinghua for a while was enjoying Shen Qingqiu suffer, but then got bored of feeling like the third wheel, he finished up his soup and sighed.
"I'll be off now, see you soon Shen-Shixiong." Shang Qinghua said.
Shen Qingqiu nodded "farewell Shang-Shidi"
Once Shang Qinghua had left did Luo Binghe began to shower Shen Qingqiu with his affection. Shen Qingqiu smiled and returned some of that affection.
"What was Binghe up to while I was gone?"
"The Demon realm needed some tending so, this husband departed there for a few hours before arriving home to make dinner. Which, how was dinner tonight?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu smiled "Does Binghe even need to ask? You knows what I'll say" Shen Qingqiu with an ever so slightly teasing voice.
"I know, but I like it when you compliment me" Luo Binghe gently pushed Shen Qingqiu onto the floor and locked him into a kiss. Shen Qingqiu smiled into the kiss and returned it.
After dinner was cleaned up, the sun had fully set and moon risen high. The stars had shine brightly, the night breeze kissing Shen Qingqiu's face as he had the window open to gaze upon the enchanting night sky. He wore his thin night robes which didn't help protect against how cold he had gotten once the breeze came in.
Looking around, he found Luo Binghe's large, black over coat and draped it over himself. He rather like the fabric and how it felt. But most of all the comforting weight the thick robe had and the smell it carried. He walked back to the window, and once more looking out of it he went to move his hair out of his face.
He sighed as the refreshing scent of Luo Binghe's coat and the night was rather calming and relaxing. He found he could sleep just like that.
"If husband is tired, shall this one carry him to bed?" Luo Binghe appeared right behind Shen Qingqiu and embraced him lovingly from behind. Shen Qingqiu didn't so much as twitch when a pair of strong arms held him.
Rather, Shen Qingqiu leaned into the arms and rested his head on the strong shoulder. Both remained silent and gazed at the large and breathtaking view of the moon and the stars.
"Does husband admire the view?" Luo Binghe asked.
"Mn, very much" Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe leaned down to plant a gentle kiss to the side of his face on the cheek before his neck, there, he lifted the other man into his arms and closed the window before walking to their shared bed. Getting into bed, Shen Qingqiu found himself rather tired and exhausted. Clinging onto Luo Binghe, his eyes fell shut and there, the darkness of sleep enveloped him.
The smell of freshly cooked breakfast stirred Shen Qingqiu awake. However, Shen Qingqiu's head pounded and he raised his hand to rub at his head and he let out a sigh. His body was slowly aching.
"Qingqiu? Are you awake?" Luo Binghe's voice spoke up as he walked into their room.
"What are you doing still in bed?" Luo Binghe walked up and sat at the edge, looking at his still drowsy husband.
"Headache," Shen Qingqiu said.
"Stay here, let this husband get you some water then." Luo Binghe got up and walked off.
He slightly sped to the kitchen to get Shen Qingqiu some water, he returned and held out the water for him to drink. Shen Qingqiu lazily sat up and yawned. He reached his hand out to take the cup, Luo Binghe's eyes landed on something of his index finger. Luo Binghe used his other hand to look at his finger, and there he saw an irritated red spot.
"Did Qingqiu perhaps injured himself yesterday at the outing? This looks fresh" Luo Binghe said.
Shen Qingqiu looked at his finger.
"Oh, must've been when I took that thorn out of my shoe," Shen Qingqiu said.
"Thorn?"
"A thorn poked through my shoe. I might've pricked myself when I took it out." Shen Qingqiu sighed out.
"Drink your water, let me get the medicine" He said, standing up.
Shen Qingqiu nodded and sipped his water. While the headache went away, only then did he find that his finger and foot slightly hurt. When Luo Binghe returned, he treated his finger first before lifting Shen Qingqiu's ankle to look at his foot.
Instantly he could make out a red spot at the arch of Shen Qingqiu's right foot. Luo Binghe frowned but applied the cream. Shen Qingqiu's leg jerked.
"Sorry, did it hurt?"
"No, you're fine Binghe"
Luo Binghe nodded, and continued before setting his foot down "Qingqiu should take it easy today,"
"It's fine Binghe, it's just a tiny thing" Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe sighed and stood and reached over to plant a kiss to Shen Qingqiu's forehead.
"I'll be heading off now, I have business to tend to in the Demon realm." Luo Binghe said.
"Alright then" Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe reached down and gave a kiss "I'll be back soon, breakfast is on the table for you once you're ready"
Luo Binghe grabbed Xin Mo that was leaned against the wall with Shen Qingqiu's sword, Xiu Ya and there, he opened a portal with his sword and left. It closed just as quickly as he opened it. Shen Qingqiu yawned and went to stand, he got dressed and ate the food. Cleaning up he went to go on about his daily business.
Teach his disciples and chat with his sect siblings.
Everything was going fine.
But Shen Qingqiu's headaches kept getting worse throughout the day. It started to slightly piss him off.
"Something the matter?" Looking up, Shen Qingqiu met eye to eye with Yue Qingyuan who gazed upon him with gentle concern.
"Yea, this Shen is fine." He said.
"Are you sure?" Yue Qingyuan slightly frowned.
"Yes, headaches are just getting to me" Shen Qingqiu dropped his hands and picked up his tea cup to take a sip.
"Then you should go and see Mu-Shidi" Yue Qingyuan offered.
"I'd be a burden. If it doesn't go away after a while then I'll pay him a visit" Shen Qingqiu said, smiling in an appreciative way to the sect leader.
"Shall I grant you the next following days to relax?"
"No need, who will teach those disciples of mine if I'm in bed?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
"Plus, this Shen is used to the headaches."
Yue Qingyuan didn't like that one bit "Even so, you need rest"
"I thank Zhangmen-Shixiong for his concern" Shen Qingqiu said.
They remained like that in silence for a little while longer. It wasn't awkward in any way no, but rather peaceful. That was, until Yue Qingyuan looked at his hands and his eyebrow rose up.
"Hate to pry, but have you noticed that your finger is very red?" He asked.
"Pardon?"
"Your finger, Shidi" Yue Qingyuan said.
Shen Qingqiu looked down to his finger. There indeed was the same red spot from the morning. Shen Qingqiu frowned.
"How strange, this morning it wasn't this bad"
"Let's pay a visit to Mu-Shidi, yes?" Yue Qingyuan asked, standing up as he did.
"If Zhangmen-Shixiong insists" Shen Qingqiu took one last sip of his tea before following Yue Qingyuan.
.
.
.
.
"Anything?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
"There's not much this one can say. It looks like it might've been a form of poison. Take this for a bit just until it goes away. If it continues to fester, return to me." Mu Qingfang said.
Mu Qingfang, practically the most well trained 'doctor' in Cang Qiong handed Shen Qingqiu a small bag. Shen Qingqiu took the bag and nodded.
"Thanking Mu-Shidi"
"Worry not." He said, gathering his things and walking off back to do what he normally did on a daily basis.
Shen Qingqiu sighed as he and Yue Qingyuan walked out of his peak and back to Shen Qingqiu's own peak.
Shen Qingqiu looked at his finger, much more red than this morning. He tried to use his spiritual energy to see if it would reduce the redness and the minor swelling a bit. But it did nothing.
Shen Qingqiu only frowned and sighed, clasping his hands behind his back, he and Yue Qingyuan bid each other a farewell.
Shen Qingqiu walked around his peak, greeting a few disciples here and there. One even came up and asked for assistance and advice. Shen Qingqiu smiled and gave just that about a certain worksheet this disciple needed. The disciple thanked Shen Qingqiu before going on their way.
Shen Qingqiu snapped open his fan, smiling at the child before turning on his heel to walk to his bamboo hut. Taking one step his foot let out a large pain. Shen Qingqiu lifted his foot and frowned.
"The hell?" He questioned.
He tried to step on it again but his foot shot pain once more and he hissed. Shen Qingqiu sighed and brought out his sword with a hand seal and flew on it back to his little hut. Opening his door he heard the familiar voice of his husband.
"Qingqiu are you back?" Luo Binghe walked out of their shared room holding blankets.
"Yea" Shen Qingqiu said, getting off his sword and trying to walk again, but his foot was radiating more pain.
"Are you alright?" Luo Binghe walked up, setting the blankets down somewhere while maintaining eye contact with Shen Qingqiu.
"Yea, just-it's just my foot- woah!" Shen Qingqiu was lifted in the air by Luo Binghe.
"Did Qingqiu hurt himself again?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu didn't get a chance to speak when Luo Binghe set him on a chair and kneeled in front of him and removed his boot.
"Binghe-"
"Let me" Luo Binghe removed his shoe and inspected the foot.
Shen Qingqiu watched in almost nervous silence as Luo Binghe's brows furrowed. What Luo Binghe saw was a large red spot that was much more irritated than this morning. But what else was there was a lone black dot. Luo Binghe didn't like it one bit.
He tried to transfer his spiritual energy to try to heal it, when it didn't work he tried with his demonic for that area, but it didn't either.
"Stay here" Shen Qingqiu watched as Luo Binghe got up, grabbed the medicine and tried to apply more.
But as soon as Luo Binghe's barely touched the irritated area when Shen Qingqiu's body flinched and his leg jerked and his face twisted in pain. Luo Binghe looked up.
"Hurt that much? This husband apologizes. But try to remain still," Luo Binghe disliked it when Shen Qingqiu was in pain.
The area didn't look all that bad, but it was already causing Shen Qingqiu this much pain? Luo Binghe was concerned and told Shen Qingqiu to remain seated as he tried to figure out a more suitable medicine as it didn't seem to work.
Shen Qingqiu tried to say it wasn't that bad, but winced when he tried to stand once more. In the end, he followed what Luo Binghe was saying and sat down. Luo Binghe checked on the wound every hour to ensure it was getting better. Only...
It was getting slightly worse.
The next day rolled in and Shen Qingqiu ended up coming down with a fever. Luo Binghe was alarmed and brought in Mu Qingfang.
"Might've been the poison," He said as he looked at Shen Qingqiu's finger, and his foot where Luo Binghe said he also punctured himself.
"Poison?" Luo Binghe asked.
Mu Qingfang started to explain when Shen Qingqiu sat up and began gagging. Luo Binghe instantly got to work and at inhuman speed grabbed a bucket just in time for Shen Qingqiu to vomit.
Luo Binghe's eyes narrowed and brows furrowed as what he puked up was his own blood. Mu Qingfang sighed and had him transported to his peak to keep an eye on him. Luo Binghe lifted Shen Qingqiu into his arms. Shen Qingqiu rubbed his face.
"This is certainly pleasant," He muttered.
"Worry not Qingqiu, you'll get better" Luo Binghe said, kissing the top of his head as he followed Mu Qingfang to his peak full of medicine.
Luo Binghe set Shen Qingqiu into the bed and went to find Shang Qinghua.
"W-what are you doing here?!" Shang Qinghua asked, the usual mousy peak lord coward in slight fear as Luo Binghe randomly showed up to his An Ding Peak.
"Take me where Qinqgiu had got pricked." He said.
Shang Qinghua raised a brow "How so?"
"He's fallen ill, Mu Qingfang suspects it to be poison of some kind" Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua frowned "Oh, is he now? Is he well?"
"He will be, this lord just wants to find the thorn, find the thorn find the plant and hopefully get a better idea on what it is and the cure" Luo Binghe said.
Shang Qinghua nodded "I see, let us depart then"
Getting onto their swords and dashing off. Shang Qinghua led the way with Luo Binghe following along. They walked that same forest and Shang Qinghua led him the same trail that he and Shen Qingqiu took the other day.
"Right around here is where he poked his foot-there, over that log" Shang Qinghua confessed.
"Stay here" Luo Binghe said as he peeked over the log.
His gaze wandered until he saw something. Leaning over and using his demonic energy to pick it up was indeed a medium sized thorn. Looking at it closer he could see faint traces of blood. No doubt Shen Qingqiu's. Luo Binghe looked over to Shang Qinghua.
"Know what kind of flora this belongs to?"
Shang Qinghua walked up and looked at it "No, not that I remember off the top of my head,"
Luo Binghe frowned at the man "You're no help."
"Hey!" Shang Qinghua looked slightly offended.
The duo eventually went back to Cang Qiong. Shang Qinghua went back to do what he was originally doing before Luo Binghe came to him. Luo Binghe flew over to where Mu Qingfang had Shen Qingqiu. He looked at the thorn as he did.
Looking closer at it it didn't look like any thorn that he's ever seen before. It had many tiny holes in it that made it look like it was indeed poisonous. Luo Binghe had an off feeling about it. He felt uneasy just looking at it that not even he wanted to touch it. He found Mu Qingfang and told him that Shang Qinghua led him to the thorn.
Mu Qingfang looked at it "Looks like any ordinary thorn, but the holes all around it are what's throwing me off.."
"Any ideas?" Luo Binghe asked.
"No" He sighed.
"I suspect with how quickly Shen-Shixiong fell ill, this poison isn't something to be messed with," He said "Best to avoid touching it."
Just as he said that, he walked away. Luo Binghe gazed at the thorn once more. He grabbed a rag and wrapped it around it. He figured to take it to the demonic realm with him to see what it may be and what flower or plant this belonged to.
Maybe he'll send a few scouts to find the cure or something to help suppress it until an actual cure could be found. Plus, with Shen Qingqiu being ill, Ming Fan had taken up Shen Qingqiu's classes for him so that he could rest which he needed now.
"Qingqiu" Luo Binghe said, before Luo Binghe went to greet Shen Qingqiu, he quickly went to make some food for him, hoping outside energy would help him just a little bit.
"Binghe" Walking in, he saw Shen Qingqiu sitting there, reading a book.
"How does Qingqiu feel?" Luo Binghe asked as he sat at the foot of the bed, smiling warmly at him.
"Decent, headaches have been coming and going, my foot has been throbbing in pain and my eyes slightly burn now." Shen Qingqiu said with a sigh.
"Better than feeling too horrible," Luo Binghe said, then reached over to lift up the blanket to look at his foot once more.
It's only been a few hours and the swelling only got up and that Black dot seemed to have grown. He frowned. Shen Qingqiu had to tell him many times that he's fine and he'll be back on his feet soon enough. Luo Binghe only sighed and nodded, believing his husband.
Soon enough, Luo Binghe gotten word that he was needed in the Demon realm. Luo Binghe didn't wish to leave his husband, but he had no other choice.
"It's fine Binghe, this husband will be fine," Shen Qingqiu said as Luo Binghe spoke about the demon realm.
"I don't wish to leave you on your own"
"Work comes first Binghe, we don't want those demons getting out of control. Plus, I have everything I'll need here" He said.
Luo Binghe frowned but sighed. Two days ago Shen Qingqiu was fine, yesterday he couldn't walk and today he was told to stay in bed. Luo Binghe wasn't liking this poison one bit for how fast it seems to progress.
Luo Binghe felt something deep into his chest about it. Something clearly wasn't right. Luo Binghe wanted to know what this specific poison is so he could cure his husband. Luo Binghe was at a loss for what to do but sigh.
"This husband will try to make it quick" He stood and kissed the top of his head.
"Be well" Shen Qingqiu said.
"You too" Luo Binghe said, when he gazed down at Shen Qingqiu, the corners of his eyes were slightly red.
"Try not to rub your eyes so much Qingqiu" He said.
Shen Qingqiu smiled "Okay"
"I'll be back in a day"
"Take your time"
Luo Binghe nodded, he set the food closer to Shen Qingqiu and left. Once he closed the door behind him, he took out that rag and unwrapped it to see the thorn. His eyes narrowed hatefully at it. Shen Qingqiu knew a lot about beasts and flora, he even taught Luo Binghe back when he was a mere disciple so he knew almost just as much as he did.
Luo Binghe knew a lot, but when it came to this, not even he knew what it could be. There's lots of poisons that could explain Shen Qingqiu's case at the moment, but not even Mu Qingfang was able to tell what it was.
The poison is spreading too fast for Luo Binghe's liking. He needed to hurry to the demon realm and see if at least one person there knew anything what it could be.
"Hm, not sure I've seen anything like this before M'lord," Sha Hualing said, looking over at the thorn.
Luo Binghe held it in the air with his Demonic energy and made it larger for everyone to see it too. Making it larger, one could see it in more detail. Everyone in the room tried to help out by saying it was this flower or not but it didn't add up in any way.
The thorn was a brownish color with millions of holes littering it, and what could be spikes hung at the very end where Shen Qingqiu's dried blood was.
"No one claims to know such a thing?" Luo Binghe asked, making all the subjects around him slightly intimidated.
No one had an answer as to what it may be. Luo Binghe only grew all the more pissed, this strange wood had the guts to injure his husband and now he was currently bedridden cause no one knew what it was or what it could be. Luo Binghe only returned the thorn to it's normal size and wrapped it up again in the rag.
"M'lord, may I ask why?" Sha Hualing asked as he tucked it back into his robe.
"Shizun is injured, this thing poisoned him and this Lord's been trying to find what kind of specific poison this may be." Luo Binghe said.
"How bad?"
"Progressed within mere days" He said.
"To be respectful, hundreds of poisons could do that-"
"Mu Qingfang couldn't determine what it could be" He said, frowning.
"He's not the only doctor around," She said.
"He's the closest one, and the best at Cang Qiong." Luo Binghe said, then rubbed his face.
"I'm leaving, continue on with your duties. I'll be departing." Luo Binghe turned on his heel and walked off, grabbing Xin Mo by the hilt and slashing the sword into the air, creating a rift for fast and easy transport.
The sky was bright when he returned. He walked up the steps leading to the room Shen Qingqiu was in. He wanted to see how he was doing. However, when he arrived closer to the door, he saw Liu Qingge standing there.
His eyes were narrowed and arms crossed, it was as if he were looking at something of great concern. Liu Qingge turned his head, and his shoulders tensed when he saw who it was.
"What are you doing here?" Luo Binghe asked.
Luo Binghe heard distant murmurs in Shen Qingqiu's room.
"-Increase in thirst and his Spiritual Qi has been rapidly decreasing in the past hour."
"And Mu-shidi is certain there is no cure at the moment?"
Luo Binghe walked past Liu Qingge who oddly obediently stepped to the side. Giving him a look, he turned his head in to see Mu Qingfang and Yue Qingyuan standing there. Standing over the bed Shen Qingqiu would be resting in.
Luo Binghe felt a sense of dread creep up from his stomach down to his very soul. Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang turned their head, and looked at each other in uncertainty.
"What?" Luo Binghe walked up.
As he walked up the duo backed up to let him see. As Luo Binghe moved his eyes from the males, his eyes fell over Shen Qingqiu. His steps froze as he saw the state Shen Qingqiu was in. His eyes were almost bloodshot, his skin was an unhealthy pale and he looked thinner than he last saw him.
His hands were above the blanket so he could see where his hands had become almost a shade of rot purple. Luo Binghe froze, and his eyes widened.
"QINGQIU!" He ran up and fell to his knees beside the bed.
Shen Qingqiu stared up, almost as if he were unaware, but his eyes moved to him. Luo Binghe looked worried, scared, and horrified. He faced Mu Qingfang, and charged up and held the man by his throat almost.
"WHAT HAPPENED?! I was only gone for a day!" He growled.
Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge stepped in to remove Luo Binghe off him, though they could understand his anger and worry.
"That's what I've been trying to figure out," He said, then looked at Shen Qingqiu who remained still like a corpse, but his eyes moving and chest slowly rising and falling.
"He appears to be slightly aware, but when I've done some tests... It seems he's lost feeling almost everywhere. The infected areas where he was previously punctured are borderline internally rotting" As Mu Qingfang kept explaining, Luo Binghe's eyes widened as he looked over to Shen Qingqiu.
His head made no movement whatsoever, but his eyes followed everyone's movements with his eyes. Shang Qinghua thus came in, looking stressed as he came in with a book.
"Shang-Shidi, any progress of finding a poison that's related to this?" Yue Qingyuan asked.
Everyone's attention was on him, but this time instead of shrinking under the eyes, he only looked up and glanced at everyone. He gave Luo Binghe a quick look of pity before looking serious.
"No, but I've listed some poisons that could be somewhat related. But in the end, they don't match," He walked up to Mu Qingfang and explained.
"There's the Velvet Mind Poison, it's a rare but not an uncommon flower," Shang Qinghua quickly opened the book and showed the picture and its contents to Mu Qingfang as he continued to speak about it "Symptoms are similar to Shen-Shixiongs case of redness and swelling and loss of feeling" Shang Qinghua said.
"Is it the poison or not?" Liu Qingge asked.
"No, unlike this strange poison Shen-Shixiong has, the Velvet Mind Poison leaves the system in a day, it progresses quickly leading to headaches and hallucinations. It's similar to, but not the poison. If we combine the cure for this, and several others with the relating symptoms that Shen-Shixiong has, maybe perhaps we can suppress the development of the poison." Shang Qinghua said.
As Mu Qingfang and Shang Qinghua spoke, Luo Binghe walked over to where Shen Qingqiu was and sat at the foot of the bed. His chest hurt looking at him. Shen Qingqiu's usually bright green eyes looked dull and lifeless.
It looked as if there was nothing behind those eyes. Before Luo Binghe could even blink, Shen Qingqiu launched up and went to attack Luo Binghe. It caught Luo Binghe off guard and he was knocked to the floor.
With how fragile Shen Qingqiu looked he had strength he never had before as he successfully knocked Luo Binghe off the bed and tried to attack, his face twisted in aggression. Shang Qinghua was stunned, but Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge went to action to restrain Shen Qingqiu. They tied him up by his hands and legs and tossed him back onto the bed.
Mu Qingfang went over to Luo Binghe's side to ask if he was alright. Luo Binghe was speechless and in horror as he watched Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge restrain him onto the bed.
"Qing...Qiu?"
Mu Qingfang narrowed his eyes "i'd hate to say this, but Shen Qingqiu is a danger. He showed small signs of aggression earlier," Mu Qingfang stood up after ensuring he was fine.
Liu Qingge tried to hoist Shen Qingqiu up along with Yue Qingyuan, but as luck would have it, Shen Qingqiu's body twisted with a sickening crack and went to bite at Liu Qingge. Liu Qingge was rather lucky and lifted his arm up and Shen Qingqiu bit down onto the hard metal arm brace.
Liu Qingge had no time for this struggle and managed to get him into a choke hold to hopefully knock him out. But seeing this, Luo Binghe rose to his feet to protest, but after Shen Qingqiu fell limp, Liu Qingge removed his arms from around his neck and hoisted him up.
"Where do we take him?"
"Follow me, it's best if he's detained and away from others." Mu Qingfang said.
Luo Binghe walked up and took the tied up and sickly looking Shen Qinqgiu into his arms. There, he followed Mu Qingfang, Liu Qingge followed Luo Binghe, Yue Qingyuan stood beside Liu Qingge as Shang Qinghua was beside Luo Binghe, looking at Shen Qingqiu with a face full of worry. Luo Binghe held Shen Qingqiu closer to him.
Luo Binghe hated this.
He hated how fast this poison seemed to be spreading.
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Trust, something that is hesitant to bloom but beautiful when it does...
Perhaps... Luo Binghe slowly gained Shen Jiu's favor... One candy at a time...
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Note: NGL I kinda pulled this outta my ass just a couple of nights ago and the only notes I have of this is from text messages between me and my best friend so yea lolllll, but don't worry I'll try to make it as good as possible, so I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed making this!
Not proof read, not beta read, I write the shit and post it with the words "Fuck it we ball" replaying in my head.
Warning: A potentially, very, long read. Not to mention Shen Jiu might just be a bit OOC but I did my best to keep the OG personality. perhaps I'll add some angst, who knows but keep an eye on that lol. ending is slightly rushed lolll took me all day yesterday and today.
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"And where the hell do you think you're going?!" Fuming in anger, the infamous Bai Zhan Peak Lord Liu Qingge almost stomps over to the arrogant Qing Jing Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu.
With a fan over his lower face, he turns his icy eyes to the other whose face was almost red with anger, the calm Yue Qingyuan doing his best to diffuse the situation before it could potentially get worse.
But in the end, even he looked at a loss of what to do.
"Where this Shen goes is none of your business Brute," Spat the Peak Lord in green as he snapped his head forward, and began to walk away.
"You!" Liu Qingge was just about to rush over to him, perhaps to start a fight or to knock some sense into him, who knows.
"Stop this instant," Yue Qingyuan said, just about looking fed up with the whole situation.
"Are you not going to do anything about that temper of his?" Liu Qingge snapped his head to the Sect Leader, brows furrowed in frustration and annoyance.
"If I hadn't known any better, this one would say you favor him," Liu Qingge said, making the other sigh in disbelief.
"Shen... Is an interesting character, he's just-"
"Once more you make excuses after excuses." Liu Qingge snapped, then he turned on his heel to the other direction, his arms crossed over his chest.
"One of these days, this one hopes the Sect Leader his temper will get to him one day," Liu Qingge stopped walking to face the Sect Leader.
"One day, he might just cross paths with someone he shouldn't be, when that day happens, he'll become a stain on the entirety of the peak, and you." Liu Qingge began walking off, leaving behind a conflicted Yue Qingyuan with his thoughts.
Shen Qingqiu walked out of the peak with a sour expression. Not only had he and the damn brute fallen into an argument for the nth time that day, he just so happened to run into Ming Fan, asking questions left and right as if he didn't already know what to do.
Not to mention that beast Luo Binghe. As per usual the boy was covered in dirt as if he was kicked and dragged around, and bruises as if beaten. Shen Qingqiu at the moment couldn't care less for him. When Luo Binghe saw him, instinctively he bowed at the waist, cupping his hands in the most respectful way he could.
"Shizun-" But Shen Qingqiu had walked past him, not even so much as to acknowledge that the boy was there.
When Luo Binghe had seen the sour expression on his face, he was for sure thinking that the abuse would be worse. But now? He didn't know if Lady Luck was smiling down on him or if this moment of peace was just the calm before the storm.
However, being as pure hearted as Luo Binghe is, even he knew something greatly upset his Shizun. But despite the fact that he knew Shen Qingqiu disliked him, the goodness in his heart still ran up to him.
"Shizun!" Luo Binghe had called out.
Shen Qingqiu gripped his hand fan further more in anger, almost breaking it. Shen Qingqiu snapped his head to the shorter, curly haired boy.
"What?" He asked, voice full of Venom to the point that even Luo Binghe paused, wondering if his earlier idea was even a good idea or not.
Luo Binghe hesitated, once more like before when Shen Qingqiu straight up walked past him, he cupped his hands with a bow at the waist.
"This... This one has noticed something upset Shizun," Luo Binghe started off with.
"You have eyes, congratulations, is that all or do you have a point?" Shen Qingqiu didn't even know why he was entertaining the child.
Luo Binghe gulped, his throat all of a sudden feeling dry.
"This... This disciple knows that Shizun doesn't favor this one so fondly, but might I ask if there's anything this one can do to better Shizun's mood?" Luo Binghe asked, his voice going just a tad bit silent at the end of his words.
Luo Binghe didn't know if he was crossing a boundary or not. But the good nature in his heart didn't want his Shizun upset, even if he has to put himself on the chopping block. Although Luo Binghe wanted to avoid that as much as possible if he could.
"You?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
"Help me feel better?" Shen Qingqiu sounded almost like he was mocking him with a scoff.
The sound of mockery shot a jolt of a stinging pain through Luo Binghe's chest that left a sour feeling all throughout his torso and stomach. However, Luo Binghe remained still.
"Y-..Yes," Luo Binghe said, he moved his head up.
Luo Binghe's scared, but shy and genuine eyes met up to Shen Qingqiu's stern and cold eyes. Shen Qingqiu himself had to admit that the genuine look in his eyes somewhat threw him off. Shen Qingqiu, with his lower face still covered by his hand fan frowned.
It went unnoticed by the disciple, but Luo Binghe knew something further displeased his Shizun when he noticed how his eyes narrowed.
But Shen Qingqiu didn't deny him, which shocked Luo Binghe.
"And what could you even do to help me feel better so you call it." Shen Qingqiu asked, snapping his fan closed.
Luo Binghe bit his lip, not knowing how to answer that. Shen Qingqiu scoffed.
"Unbelievable.." Shen Qingqiu turned on his heel to walk away.
"This disciple can make Shizun something to eat!" Luo Binghe blurted out before he could stop himself.
Shen Qingqiu stopped walking, Luo Binghe wanted to stab himself right then and there, Luo Binghe would even welcome the beating with open arms due to his sheer shamelessness-
"And what could you even make? Have you any experience in the kitchen at all?" Shen Qingqiu asked, surprising Luo Binghe.
Thinking this was his moment to shine, Luo Binghe responded in full confidence.
"This one can make whatever Shizun desires.. If.. If Shizun is planning on leaving the mountains for a while, then perhaps this one shall prepare some snacks along the way?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu was silent for a moment, as if he was considering it.
"If you plan on working like a dog in the kitchen," Shen Qingqiu started off with.
Luo Binghe kept his ears on Shen Qingqiu, listening intently to whatever request Shen Qingqiu may have for him.
"Then I order you to make me Dragon Beard candy, a small bundle since I won't be gone long." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe nodded "Of course."
"Meet me at the front gates, this Shen is only giving you an hour, any later you're running twenty laps around the entirety of Qing Jing Peak." Shen Qingqiu walked off.
Luo Binghe nodded "Yes Shizun!" Not a moment before or after Shen Qingqiu had said his words, Luo Binghe ran off as he said his last two words.
An hour? Luo Binghe would be able to finish making the candy in less than forty minutes, and depending how fast he can run he'd be able to get the candy to his Shizun in less than fifty-five minutes.
Perhaps now he could use his cooking skills to earn his Shizun's favor, it was selfish of him, but perhaps take advantage of it and try to earn his favor and get the beatings to stop.
With a plan brewing in his mind, he already came up with more than twenty candies, pastries and meals that he could use to perhaps slowly worm his way into his Shizun's inner circle and maybe...
Just maybe....
Get along with him like Ning Yingying and Ming Fan did....
.
.
.
.
Shen Qingqiu, even though an hour was almost up, found himself still waiting by the front gates to the mountains. He didn't know why he was even waiting there, he should just leave...
There was nothing even worth waiting for, he planned on leaving the mountain as soon and as fast as he could. The stairs leading down the mountain wasn't even five feet before him and yet... He still waited. Either way, it wasn't like he cared for what the beast was going to make despite he, himself telling him to...
Something must be up with him if he was even entertaining the thought of Luo Binghe doing something nice for him despite all the harm he had poured onto the boy. It was whatever, he didn't care.
Luo Binghe, the beast offered his work and Shen Qingqiu planned on taking advantage of that. Eventually, he heard hurried footsteps running down the stairs that lead up to the peaks.
Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan open as he turned his head over his shoulder, his eyes always narrowed in suspicion like he was always awaiting some form of attack.
But the only attack was that disciple of his running down, panting heavily, hair strewn about and messy but the small, purple bag he held looked beautiful, the lavender color of the fabric clean and vibrant.
Luo Binghe ran up to Shen Qingqiu, and held out the bag.
"The Dragon Beard Shizun, this disciple prays that Shizun enjoys it!" Luo Binghe, despite all that the man before him had done, smiled brightly at him.
Shen Qingqiu stared at the bag, then to Luo Binghe, looking like stars were shining all around him. Shen Qingqiu sighed mentally behind the fan he held over his lower face.
"Whatever," And despite his harsh words, he tenderly picked up the purple bag, and walked off.
"Get back to your duties." Shen Qingqiu said, his back facing the disciple.
Luo Binghe wasn't expecting a "thank you" or something along those lines, in fact he was quite content with the fact that Shen Qingqiu didn't slap the candy away. What he wasn't expecting however, was that Shen Qingqiu didn't even wait when he was out of sight to open the bag, and pop a candy in his mouth.
Luo Binghe was surprised, but he quickly turned on his heel and went to complete his duties like his Shizun had asked. After all he didn't want to upset Shizun more than he looked like he was. Was his Shizun in that bad of a mood that he was entertaining a lowly disciple like him?
Luo Binghe didn't know, but so far, he liked how he was able to interact with his Shizun without the (huge) fear of being slapped around, which, Luo Binghe would admit that he was sort of expecting some form of reprimand for taking so long even if the one hour time limit technically wasn't up yet.
Knowing his Shizun, Luo Binghe didn't dare tell anyone he requested (Or more like demanded) candy from the disciple he beats up regularly, much less he left the mountain.
.
.
.
.
"Oh my, that looks tasty!" A woman said as she peered over Shen Qingqiu's shoulder.
"Is that Dragon's beard?" Another asked.
"Yes, it is." Shen Qingqiu said, popping another one in his mouth, tasting how the sweetness instantly erupted in his mouth.
"Who made it?" The first woman asked, her elegantly brunette hair pinned up into a lovely pin made of gold, her eyes blue and make-up done to make her look almost divine.
Despite her clothes being like that of a brothel worker, in Shen Qingqiu's eyes, she looked almost at home, comfortable, and welcoming. The other had jet black hair almost similar to his own, her eyes as dark as can be, skin white as snow and her make-up done up in the same way, but the cooler tones matched her perfectly unlike the warmer tones of the other.
Shen Qingqiu looked at the now empty bag of candy.
"That beast whom calls himself my disciple." Shen Qingqiu answered, folding the bag and tucking it into his robes.
The women giggled around him "How sweet," One said.
"Is it good? This one noticed that you have been munching on those all evening." She asked.
Shen Qingqiu was quiet a moment, he sighed as he leaned forward to get himself some freshly brewed tea.
"This Shen will admit that it is quite delicious," Shen Qingqiu said.
"Oh? Then perhaps you can ask that disciple of yours to make some for us?" The brown haired woman leaned on his shoulder which matched the actions of a caring younger sister.
Shen Qingqiu however didn't mind this at all, in fact the found the weight on his shoulder rather comforting and eased the minor ache in his shoulders from it being tense all day.
"This Shen will bring some next time." Shen Qingqiu said, not rejecting the thought of bring some candy for the women he views at his younger sisters.
They smiled, and thanked him.
"Say," One of them said, the jet black haired woman faced him, her dark eyes shining like the stars at midnight.
"When will you come back next time?" She asked.
Shen Qingqiu thought for a moment "This Shen will try next week," He said.
They smiled "Perfect," They said at the same time in perfect sync.
After that, they all ended up falling into chatter, Shen Qingqiu was able to relax for the first time all week and had nothing to worry about. The mistress of the Brothel knew Shen Qingqiu very well, and viewed him as a grandson.
She walked up to where Shen Qingqiu chatted with the women, asking each of them of their days, and listening to what drama they wished to spill at that moment.
"Shen," Her warm, elderly voice rang out.
Shen Qingqiu faced her, he nodded in greeting to her, she smiled.
"Are you planning on staying over night or do you need to depart?" She asked.
Shen Qingqiu thought for a moment.
"I'll depart soon, there are things I need to tend too." He said.
"Aww," Two women whined.
They both clung onto his arms, looking very much like little sisters who didn't want their favorite sibling to leave just yet.
"But you just got here!"
"You can't leave just yet!"
"You heard the man! I've done my part and stalled all of your clients just so you two can catch up with Shen! Now scram!" She shouted.
The women pouted, but they gave Shen Qingqiu a quick hug before getting up and walking out to work like the mistress ordered them too. Shen Qingqiu sighed, and he stood up.
"You take care of yourself Shen," Said the mistress as Shen Qingqiu walked past her.
"Thanks," He said, the tension returning to his shoulders as he walked out of the brothel, got on his Xiu Ya sword and flew back to the mountains where the sect resided.
It was late at night when he returned. Which thankfully no one caught him. After all he was still pissed off from earlier so he really didn't wish to see anyone.
.
.
.
.
Perhaps it was the aftertaste of the candy, but Shen Qingqiu, despite hating the disciple ended up calling for him.
"Ming Fan," Shen Qingqiu called out from where he and the other disciple of his walked along the path.
Ming Fan, his older disciple out of the three he took under his wing, the other two being Ning Yingying and Luo Binghe, was walking almost behind but to the side.
Ming Fan looked up "Yes Shizun?" He asked.
"Find me the Beast, I need to talk to him." Shen Qingqiu said.
Ming Fan bowed, pausing his walk "Yes Shizun!" He thus ran off past Shen Qingqiu to find Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu walked off to one of his usual spots so it was easier for the beast named Luo Binghe to find him. Ming Fan ran almost all around Qing Jing Peak when he found Luo Binghe doing laundry with some of the other disciples.
"Oi!" Ming Fan called out.
Luo Binghe looked up, some of the other disciples did too, but once they saw Ming Fan wasn't there for them they turned their heads back to their tasks.
Luo Binghe stood up, cupping his hands and bowing in respects to his senior.
"Shixiong," Luo Binghe said, although his face was relaxed and his tone was polite, Luo Binghe didn't want to deal with Ming Fan's bullshit that day.
"Shizun is asking for you! Follow me." He said, then directed another disciple to finish up Luo Binghe's tasks since he wasn't sure how long Luo Binghe would be absent from the chore.
Luo Binghe followed Ming Fan to one of the many spots that Shen Qingqiu would be in. Which, as soon as they arrived, Shen Qingqiu was quick to dismiss Ming Fan.
"Ming Fan, dismissed." Shen Qingqiu said, fanning himself carefully with his bamboo fan.
Ming Fan bowed, and walked out. Once the door was closed and Shen Qingqiu was sure that Ming Fan was gone, Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan closed, making Luo Binghe jump from the harsh snap.
Luo Binghe was still bowed at the waist.
"I'll only say this once, so pay attention." Shen Qingqiu said.
"Yes Shizun," Luo Binghe said, nervous for what his Shizun wanted.
"I have some friends, outside the mountain who happened to be interested in the candy you made yesterday." Shen Qingqiu started off with.
Luo Binghe was surprised, he faced Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu looked like he had better things to be doing than to speak to someone lower than him. When Luo Binghe hadn't spoke, Shen Qingqiu continued.
"By next week, perhaps mid week I'll need more of the Dragon Beard you made." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe felt something in his chest.
"Are you up for the task?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
His tone was still stern and cold, but there was a hint of something behind it. Luo Binghe got the hint that these "friends" of his Shizun were perhaps important people for there was almost a faint gentle look when he mentioned those friends.
Luo Binghe nodded "Of course, this disciple shall make as many as Shizun desires, how many of Shizun's friends are there?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu did a quick mental count "How long would it take for you to prepare them for at least six people?" He asked.
Luo Binghe was surprised, but he felt giddy "Not long, is Shizun counting himself in the count or not?" He asked.
"Including myself it'll be seven." Shen Qingqiu answered.
Luo Binghe, just like Shen Qingqiu had done, did a quick mental count of how long it'll take him.
"Perhaps an entire day Shizun." Luo Binghe said.
Shen Qingqiu nodded "Very well then," Shen Qingqiu said.
"Next week, this Shizun of yours let you have an entire day off your duties to prepare the candy, if Ming Fan says anything about since this one knows he will, send him my way." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe nodded, glad for once, Shen Qingqiu would be on his side, and what's better, Shen Qingqiu just gave him permission to name-drop his Shizun if Ming Fan says anything about it.
"This disciple asks that Shizun lets me know what day to prepare the candies and this one shall drop everything to prepare what Shizun needs." Luo Binghe was giddy, almost buzzing in his boots at the thought of personally getting to handle food for his Shizun and his friends.
Shen Qingqiu didn't know what he was thinking about, but he wouldn't show that he was glad that he agreed. Maybe if his little sisters at the brothel like the candy, maybe he'll cut the child some slack.
"Fine, I will let you know when to make them, you are dismissed." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe bowed deeply, and ran off, more ideas of flavors coming to mind. Shen Qingqiu sighed, hoping that he doesn't regret this. Which, the days went by, everything was going normally.
Luo Binghe did always come up with some parchment paper to Shen Qingqiu, asking about what flavors his friends liked and how much each friend would like.
"Shizun! I made samples of each flavor you had requested, I even added more than just Dragon Beard, are these to Shizun's liking?"
He'd even present a tray of various flavors. Despite not liking him, never had, even Shen Qingqiu in his ruthless nature had to admit the beast had brilliant skills in cooking to the point anytime he saw him, his stomach was already anticipating what Luo Binghe had.
Ming Fan of course, began to notice how Shen Qingqiu beat Luo Binghe less and less and instead was always now talking about food with him. Ming Fan and Ning Yingying peeked around a corner as they saw Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu in the kitchen where Luo Binghe had prepared...
Candy samples?
"What is he doing?" Ning Yingying asked.
"Shh and we may know!" Ming Fan whispered shouted.
The duo watched as Luo Binghe presented some samples, and Shen Qingqiu tried each one.
"Make this strawberry flavored and it'll be better, some of them prefer strawberries over anything.." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe nodded, and on the parchment, he adjusted the notes and recipe. Shen Qingqiu went through each one, and told Luo Binghe what to adjust or if it was fine. Luo Binghe was more than happy to adjust the notes to whatever his Shizun wanted.
And for once, as Luo Binghe was adjusting the notes, Shen Qingqiu raised his hand fan over the lower part of his face, his green eyes falling on the boy's shining face.
Shen Qingqiu would admit that during the times he used to regularly string him up and beat him, he always looked duller, grayer as if the colors were fading from him.
But now? Now that he was doing that less and less and instead, began to slowly treat him better even though it all happened in less than a mere and lowly week, Shen Qingqiu began to see the colors returning to Luo Binghe's features.
It made something burn in his chest, he knew that feeling all to well. Jealousy.... Had Shen Qingqiu been that bright before? He didn't know. A part of him wanted to belittle Luo Binghe just so Shen Qingqiu didn't have to see it.
But with how innocently and eagerly the child was looking up to him, like his opinion was the only oxygen he needed to breathe made Shen Qingqiu pause in that thought process. Thankfully his fan was over his face so Luo Binghe didn't see how his mouth twitched with displeasure.
"Is that all Shizun? Tomorrow will be the beginning of the new week and this disciple wants to be prepared." Luo Binghe said, smiling at his Shizun.
Shen Qingqiu had to remove the frown he had, after all it was he who had asked Luo Binghe to take time out of his routine to make candies.
"Aside from the adjustments I told you to make, everything else is satisfactory." He said, earning a brighter look from Luo Binghe which reminded Shen Qingqiu of a flower returning to life.
"This disciple is very pleased to hear that!" Luo Binghe said.
Shen Qingqiu stared at the bright expression. The expression reminded Shen Qingqiu of his little sisters back at the brothel, for once, his shoulders relaxed just a little bit.
Shen Qingqiu didn't know that Luo Binghe saw the relaxation in his shoulders. He didn't comment on it, perhaps earning his Shizun's favor was by food... Noted....
"Take a break tomorrow, the day after I want all the candies made, you remember the plan?" Shen Qingqiu asked, snapping his fan closed that still made Luo Binghe flinch from the still fresh trauma wounds that he still had mentally.
Shen Qingqiu didn't comment on the flinch, but Luo Binghe nodded.
"Yes Shizun!" He bowed as best as he could despite having items in his hands.
Shen Qingqiu stared at the unruly curls that were dried and frizzy. Shen Qingqiu knew that Luo Binghe had some of the curliest hair that Shen Qingqiu had seen.
Some of the other disciples had wavy hair, but with curls like Luo Binghe was something anyone rarely saw. Something in Shen Qingqiu's fingers twitched. Just as Luo Binghe began to stand straight to clean up, the back of his head met a palm.
Luo Binghe froze, that palm he knew it to be Shen Qingqiu's.
Ming Fan and Ning Yingying whom were hiding were all just as stunned as Luo Binghe. Luo Binghe looked up. Shen Qingqiu's eyes were still stern and cold, but there was a hidden gentleness in it that was slowly starting to build up.
That look began to build a sort of warmth in Luo Binghe's chest. Shen Qingqiu wouldn't admit, but the way the curls were squished down when he pressed his hand just a tiny bit down only to spring back up when he removed his hand gave off a playful aura to Shen Qingqiu.
Luo Binghe remained still, not daring to move, but he kept his eyes on Shen Qingqiu's as he ended up getting lost in the curls that bounced and swayed with each flick and pat that Shen Qingqiu gave his to Luo Binghe's hair.
Eventually, Shen Qingqiu stopped.
"Tsk..." Shen Qingqiu said, removing his hand.
Luo Binghe was confused, but he watched as Shen Qingqiu turned on his heel and walked off, but not before he turned his head over his shoulder to see Luo Binghe staring at him with curious eyes.
"What are you gawking for? If you have time to stare at me you have time to clean up." Shen Qingqiu said, then walked away with a huff.
Luo Binghe reached his hand up to touch the spot on his head that was all tingly from where his Shizun's hand was just at. He was confused, but something slowly began to bloom.
Just like his Shizun ordered, he spent the next day taking a break from making candies, and used the next day to make the orders that Shen Qingqiu had requested. Luo Binghe tied all his hair back into a bun to ensure no hair was in his way as he began to make the candies.
He looked at the notes, and got to work, preparing everything that was needed and began cooking what he needed too. Eventually, Ning Yingying walked in.
"A-Luo!" She called out.
Luo Binghe turned around to face her "Shijie, what are you doing here?" He asked.
She skipped over to the area he was in "Am I not allowed?" She asked.
Luo Binghe panicked "Wait! Don't come any closer!" He said, making her nearly trip from trying to stop quickly,.
Thankfully she managed to regain her balance.
"Huh?" She asked.
"I have everything in a proper place, please don't come any closer or touch anything!" He said.
She nodded, and took some steps back.
"What are you making?" She asked.
"Shizun wanted this one to make some candy." Luo Binghe said, turning back to what he was doing.
"Oh? Can I have some?" She asked.
"I'll make you some candy some other time, Shizun is going with some friends tomorrow and he asked me to make some for him." He said.
"Shizun? With some friends? Not to be mean but I didn't know Shizun had friends," She thought.
"Shizun looks like he's always in a fight with any and all of the sect leaders aside from Peak Lord Qi Qingqi even though Yingying knows they rarely interact." She said.
Luo Binghe faced her "Shizun often goes down the mountains, perhaps he had friends outside the sect" Luo Binghe said.
Ning Yingying shrugged "Oh well, perhaps one day Shizun should bring them over, Yingying is curious about Shizun's friends."
"Shizun will when he wants to, now aren't you supposed to be doing chores?" Luo Binghe asked, mixing an ingredient in to the other forms of candy aside from Dragons beard.
Ning Yingying groaned "Fine!" She walked away sulking.
It was clear she wanted to do literally anything else but chores. Luo Binghe ignored her for the rest of the day to focus on the task Shen Qingqiu gave him.
.
.
.
.
The day arrived, and Luo Binghe met Shen Qingqiu at the front of the mountain gates with the candies wrapped up in beautiful boxes.
"This disciple has arrived!" Luo Binghe said, presenting the small boxes stacked upon each other and wrapped to ensure it didn't topple over.
Shen Qingqiu nodded, but made no move to reach for it, instead he turned on his heel to walk off. Luo Binghe was stunned, a pang shot through him.
"Shizun?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu turned to face him
"Are you waiting for an invitation? Get your ass over here." Shen Qingqiu said, starting to walk again.
Luo Binghe was stunned, but he held the box close to his chest as he ran up to catch up with his Shizun.
"Shizun? Might this disciple be bold as to ask-"
"Your hair is a mess, it's shamefully you haven't learnt to care for it, how you look and present yourself reflects off me." Shen Qingqiu said, cutting Luo Binghe off.
He turned to face him "This Shen has a friend who can help," He said.
Luo Binghe's eyes widened a bit more, that hurtful pang he felt earlier wiped away and instead replaced with a gentle and warm bloom that spread all over his entire body.
"Sh...Shizun is allowing this disciple to meet Shizun's friends?" He asked.
Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes, his face twisted in disgust, but his words were anything but that.
"My friends are going to wish to meet the cook of the candies I had you prepare, it's only right to bring you along with me." Shen Qingqiu said, snapping his fan closed only to slap him upside the head with it.
Luo Binghe flinched when he felt the impact, but the hit didn't hurt like he was expecting it to, if anything it gave Luo Binghe the impression that it was a dumb question rather than punishing him.
Eventually, Shen Qingqiu called on his sword, and he got on.
"Get on brat." Shen Qingqiu said.
The name calling was still there, but the tone was different. Luo Binghe held onto the box of candy tightly as he got on.
"Are you dumb?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
Luo Binghe instantly got off, pale.
"Sorry Shizun-"
"Get in front of me, it'll be easier to catch you if you were to fall." Shen Qingqiu said as he once more slapped him upside the head.
"Yes Shizun, sorry Shizun.." Luo Binghe said, going to stand in front of Shen Qingqiu on the sword.
Shen Qingqiu held onto Luo Binghe's arm as he guided the sword up and both flown away. Luo Binghe looked all around as they flew past the trees. His eyes were wide, looking very much like a child trying to look at everything before it was too late.
They passed a small town, but due to the speed that Shen Qingqiu was going in, they eventually arrived to a much larger town. They landed, and Luo Binghe wobbled a bit before gaining balance.
He followed after Shen Qingqiu into the town. Luo Binghe ensured he remained close to Shen Qingqiu as they walked the crowded and busy streets. Luo Binghe had no idea where they were going, but he was enjoying every minute of it.
"Brat," Shen Qingqiu called out.
Luo Binghe was snapped to reality "Yes Shizun?" He asked.
Luo Binghe faced Shen Qingqiu "These friends, I expect you to respect them, they're all like sisters to me, one hint of disrespect form you and you'll wish you were never born, understand?" He asked.
Luo Binghe nodded, understanding. If these people were friends with his Shizun to the point he saw them as family, then Luo Binghe would very much respect them. Including if they were women.
"Good, now follow me, we are almost there." Shen Qingqiu said, walking past the bustling crowd.
They walked a little more when a hand covered Luo Binghe's eyes. At first he bristled and went to attack.
"Stop." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe paused, and allowed when Shen Qingqiu began guiding him.
"Shizun?" Luo Binghe asked, leaning more to Shen Qingqiu to walk since his Shizun was blocking his eyes.
"All this is no sight for a child, much less someone without their own personal sword." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe was confused, but the faint sounds of giggling and cooing sort of gave him an idea. Luo Binghe remained quiet and leaned more to Shen Qingqiu to be able to walk which Shen Qingqiu found himself allowing.
Why did he care what his student saw and didn't see? He had no time to ponder as the brothel came into view. Which, thankfully, sent a letter to the mistress ahead of time and she was able to close the brothel for this day only since a child was to be present.
Shen Qingqiu opened the door, walked in and closed it behind him. Only then he removed his hands from Luo Binghe's eyes. Luo Binghe rubbed his eyes once his head was free.
Shen Qingqiu walked from behind Luo Binghe.
"Qingqiu! You're here!" Luo Binghe heard what sounded like a group of women.
When he opened his eyes, he was stunned by the sight of beautiful women. All wore colors that matched them perfectly and the makeup and hair were done up perfectly. He was stunned as these women crowded Shen Qingqiu and clung onto him like Ning Yingying does to Luo Binghe.
He watched as Shen Qingqiu's shoulders completely relaxed, and a eased expression on Shen Qingqiu's face. Luo Binghe was astonished by the expression, could it be his Shizun felt more comfortable here?
"Aw! Whose this cutie?!" Luo Binghe looked forward when two women began to crowd him. Luo Binghe backed up, but they grabbed him and began to poke him in the face.
"He's so cute!"
"Such cute chubby cheeks! He still has all his baby fat here" She said as she poked his face.
"Stop harassing my student, get over here brat." Shen Qingqiu said.
Luo Binghe didn't need to be told twice, immediately he snaked his away past the two women who looked almost like twins to tuck himself at his Shizun's side, looking like a child being scared and shy.
"This is the brat I've been talking about. Luo Binghe," Shen Qingqiu said.
This shocked Luo Binghe, his Shizun talks about him to others?
"He's so cute, this Mei-mei is almost offended you hadn't brought him over before." Said a woman.
"I only brought him today since he took time out of his routines to make you all candies like you pestered me about." Shen Qingqiu said, sighing like a disappointed brother.
"Give it to them," Shen Qingqiu said.
"Yes Shizun." Luo Binghe removed himself from his Shizun's side and opened the box.
He set the box on a table and began unpacking it. The women surrounded the table to peer at it.
"Oh!"
"How colorful!"
"He made this?"
Shen Qingqiu snapped open his fan to fan himself.
"Yes, be grateful he spent all day yesterday tending to it." Shen Qingqiu said.
Just then, Luo Binghe found himself ambushed when the women all began hugging and planting kisses all over his face.
"Thank you little one!" They all said over and over again.
Luo Binghe was at a loss of what to do, only pry himself from their captive hand to run behind his teacher who stood there like nothing was happening.
"This... This one appreciates your kindness.." Luo Binghe said, his hair was messy and face covered in different shades of Red and Pink lipstick.
"Are you all done harassing my student?" He asked.
The women said yes by ignoring Shen Qingqiu and focusing themselves on the candy that was set up in a tempting manner. Shen Qingqiu sighed.
"Brats." he said.
"What's with all the noise?!" A voice shouted.
Luo Binghe jumped at it, not anyone else however. He looked over with Shen Qingqiu and watched as an elderly woman walked in. Se looked over and saw Shen Qingqiu.
"Shen," She greeted.
He nodded, and she faced the other.
"What trouble did you bring this time?" She asked.
Shen Qingqiu moved to the side to let the woman see him.
"My student, Luo Binghe." He said.
"Ah, the brat, you talk about him a lot.." She walked up and grabbed Luo Binghe by the face and looked him over.
"I see... Looking at his face right now, this old fool can tell he'll be a handsome beast..." She said, then realeased him.
"His hair is a nightmare however..." She said.
"Another reason I brought him, tend to it and tell him, it's too dry and he looks unkempt." Shen Qingqiu said.
The woman faced him, and with her cane that she clearly never needed, but she always had it for one reason. She walked to him and lifted it to up smack Shen Qingqiu around with it.
"You tell me to close my establishment for today, making me lose hundreds I could be making right now and now you tell me to slave away on some childs hair?! I should make pastries out of your audacity!" She shouted.
Luo Binghe backed up from the assault, he was surprised by what he was seeing. The woman sighed "Fine, but you're paying me for this!" She grabbed the boy and walked off.
Luo Binghe looked back at his teacher who only nodded to him. Luo Binghe gulped, and followed the woman when she released him. The women all turned their heads when the duo walked away.
"You know... You talked a lot of shit about him for him to be clinging onto you like that." Said a woman.
"He's getting better," Was all Shen Qingqiu said, the women didn't comment anything more on the matter and continued eating the sweets, their mouths watering.
.
.
.
.
"Ma'm-"
"Oh please, call me Gran." She said, wetting his hair and brushing it out.
Luo Binghe nodded "Gran... Um...How long has Shizun been going here?" Luo Binghe wasn't dumb, he knew this was a brothel.
"He's not a client if that's what you're worried about." She said.
She put a cream on her hands.
"He comes here when he's stressed, I've lived long enough to know he feels a tad bit safer here," She said.
Luo Binghe was confused "Safer? May this one ask what you mean?"
She smiled "He'll kill me if I told you, but he needs someone on his side." She started off with.
Luo Binghe was nervous.
"I can recognize when someone's been hurt, badly. He's hurting as much as you are, his pain reflected off of you." She placed her hands on his shoulders.
"He was hurt, its a reason he hates men," She said.
It slowly began to click for Luo Binghe, he paled as it all made sense. How he avoided and often got into fights, and how he seemed to be in good relation with the females.
Luo Binghe faced her, his eyes worried "What happened?"
She only smiled sadly to him, Luo Binghe paled, understanding. Luo Binghe faced forward as she continued his hair.
"Don't tell him, and although what he has done to you doesn't excuse for what happened to him, surely you two with some work could be closer." She said.
"This disciple thinks Shizun had started to warm up to me." Luo Binghe said.
She smiled "Oh?"
"How so?" She asked.
"He patted my head earlier.. He only does that with Ning Yingying..." Luo Binghe said.
"Maybe he's learning to trust again." She said.
"Take care of him, heal his wounds and perhaps, he'll heal yours too." She said.
It wasn't long when Luo Binghe returned, a slip of paper in his hands when he walked back out to the common area where his Shizun was, he was still surrounded by the women who were chatting about anything really. Luo Binghe found Shen Qingqiu in a new light.
At first he found him cruel, but now... He just saw someone who needed to be protected. Luo Binghe wouldn't forgive the abuse, but perhaps... If he was careful they could maybe get along.
Yea... Luo Binghe would like that.
Somehow, the heavens heard Luo Binghe. The following days Luo Binghe happened to be around Shen Qingqiu, and he had fallen ill, his face was red and had a fever.
The cause? He had a Qi Deviation. But somehow, when all the sect leaders were gone, Luo Binghe broke in and he tried to get his Shizun to wake up. Which, Shen Qingqiu looked like he was fighting off whatever it was.
Luo Binghe frowned, he was just starting to get along with his Shizun when he had fallen ill. Shen Qingqiu was in and out of sleeping. Luo Binghe grabbed the rag at his forehead and went to re-cool it, dipping it in a bucket of water.
"Brat...." Luo Binghe jumped up, he turned around and found Shen Qingqiu sitting up, his hair was down and messy, he still looked a little sick but his complexion was much better.
"Shizun!" Luo Binghe looked as if he could cry.
Shen Qingqiu looked at him with the same scornful look, but he was shocked then Luo Binghe ran up to him and hugged him.
"You've been out for almost a month Shizun! This disciple missed you!" Luo Binghe's words stunned Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu looked at the small shaking boy who clung onto him.
"You better not have ticks on you.." Shen Qingqiu said as he patted Luo Binghe's head, the curls bouncing from his touch.
Perhaps, since then the two ended up getting closer. Since the scare of Shen Qingqiu's health that Luo Binghe had, he personally began cooking Shen Qingqiu's food.
Shen Qingqiu warmed up to Luo Binghe eventually, but he still addressed him in foul terms.
"Beast," "Brat" and as the boy got older and clearly got bigger, he called him "Brute" even.
That mistress was right, with time Luo Binghe healed all the wounds Shen Qingqiu had, and in turn, he even healed his own. Luo Binghe even ended up falling for the male, but kept himself in check, not wishing to ruin what they had spent so long building up.
During the Immortal alliance conference, before they all arrived, Shen Qingqiu had even wished everyone from their peak. Everyone walked forward, but Luo Binghe hadn't moved.
Shen Qingqiu faced him.
"Why aren't you moving forward beast?" He asked.
"Shizun.." Luo Binghe began, then walking forward.
"What now?" He asked, snapping his fan closed that used to make Luo Binghe jump.
"Shizun, we've been close for many years now..." Luo Binghe began.
"What are you getting on? Have the years slipped over your heat brat? Must I string you up and beat you like I used to do?" Shen Qingqiu looked almost offended.
Luo Binghe walked up, and only held one hand to him. Shen Qingqiu was confused, he was hesitant, but he put his hand in his.
"What are you on about this time?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
"Shizun, if I alone win... Would Shizun grant this lowly disciple permission to court him?" He asked.
Shen Qingqiu looked at him with a scornful but unamused expression.
"Is this you playing around again?" Shen Qingqiu asked.
Luo Binghe only smiled "Will Shizun?"
Shen Qingqiu glared "And if you don't?"
"Then Shizun can decide." He said.
"You act as if this Shen knows what you are talking about." Shen Qingqiu sighed out.
Shen Qingqiu faced him once more, Luo Binghe was patient, he didn't place his other hand on Shen Qingqiu's where his palm met with Luo Binghe's palm, which told Shen Qingqiu that he was giving him a choice to keep his hand there or not.
Which Shen Qingqiu greatly appreciated since Luo Binghe found out his Shizun didn't like feeling trapped or pressured.
"This disciple will let Shizun decide," He said.
"If this disciples performance is well, will Shizun consider it?" Luo Binghe asked.
Shen Qingqiu removed his hand from Luo Binghe's hand "Depends if you impress me, then this Shen will consider." He said as he walked away.
Luo Binghe only smiled as he followed him. During the conference, Shen Qingqiu noticed how the Palace Master was staring at Luo Binghe. He studied him, and the look in his eyes made the skin on his body prickle.
Shen Qingqiu felt threatened. He stood up and walked over, a sickeningly sweet smile on his face.
"Ah, Peak Lord-"
"Continue staring at that student of mine, I dare you." Shen Qingqiu whispered to him, no one heard.
"What-"
"Watch yourself pig"
Hopefully that would've been the last. But alas, it wasn't. Chaos erupted and they all had to dive in. Shen Qingqiu was quick to save his students, but there was one that he was anxious to find. Which, he did and together they were able to save the other disciples there.
But while they were seeing hope, disaster fell when the Endless Abyss opened up and during a battle with one of the demonic creatures, Luo Binghe was knocked into the abyss.
Shen Qingqiu was too late to save him.
He knelt where his sword lay broken, an emptiness surrounded Shen Qingqiu, an emptiness he hadn't felt in many years since he was a slave.
"...Beast..." He picked up the sword shards, ignoring when it cut his palms.
"...This Shen accepts..."
But it was no use for the abyss was closed, with Luo Binghe in there. Shen Qingqiu out of everyone was affected most by his death. Shen Qingqiu reverted back to his harsh ways, often arguing with the other peak lords.
Shen Qinqgiu kept the sword shards in his bamboo hut, often lost in the depression of losing a companion he didn't know until the last minute was good for him.
It wasn't until five years later when he met Luo Binghe again on a mission.
"Shizun," Luo Binghe's hand was raised for his shocked Shizun.
"Will Shen allow this lowly disciple to court him?"
"...You're not a mere disciple anymore beast..."
"This one is aware."
"..."
"Shizun?"
"Jiu," He said.
"Hm?"
"You'll address me by my name, you're not my student and I not your teacher. If you are to court me properly no need for such titles."
"Thank you, A-Jiu,"
"Brute.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lollll this took me longer than expected, I hope you enjoyed!
So aside the loz fic I'm writing, I also had an idea for a SVSSS one lol, might write it tonight (4-11-26) or tomorrow (4-12-26) lol, keep in touch cuz my brain juices are FLOWING✨️✨️ might also add it to my AO3 who knows lol
Currently writing a fanfic where Dark Link is the protagonist where he has a mind of his own and whatnot hehehe I'm doin' a crossover between OOT, majora's mask and BOTW Loll I like it so far. If you are intrested in reading it and sharing you thoughts on it here's the description of that story so you can decide if you wish to read it:
"Dark Link who was brought back thanks to Majora struggles to adjust to having full control of his own internal mind and body.
Just as the thought he had his life under control after being free the previous Hero of time returns and is different and strange and has to find a way to free himself of his clutches but ends up finding himself many years back in time before Link himself was tasked with his first great big adventure.
Dark- having a grudge against Ganon goes off to complete the quest Link had originally gotten to defeat Ganon with the small child as his companion. But just as he defeated Ganon he and Link were blasted away into this strange new world.
Dark and the small child Link along with Tatl and Navi try to find a way to get out of this giant... Elephant?
Where were they? Whose this hyperactive red shark?
Or..Whereas Dark Link escapes Trauma again and again, has to defeat Ganon twice with a child who was the very same hero who killed him and held him hostage and now at a new world just trying to get home.
Or..Prince Sidon finds this type of Hylian interesting for he's never seen his kind before and would like to try to befriend him- kinda hard to do that when he hides out in the shadows alot"
its on my Ao3 if you are intrested! Here's the link to it if you would like to check it out Lolll
Tags: Angst, gore, death, mentions of unaliving one self so proceed with caution.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN CONSUMPTION
Summary: After what seemed like a normal camping trip between the entire class, Rin Okumura goes out just a bit beyond the large protective spell circle, and sees something that'll forever change the last few remaining moments of his life.
Note: this is an old AO3 story I have on my ao3 acct. It wasn't getting enough love there so I decided to move (while rewritting,) it here and I hope you all enjoy it!
He could never forget that day... how could he? It was the day his life basically ended...
He could remember that day so well... How normal that day seemed to have been despite the horrors that were to rise like a dragon rising forth from the mountains..
....
Rin and his entire class, his younger twin brother being the classes teacher all set up camp to another demon mission that they were tasked to do as upcoming Exorcists.
Rins brother, Yukio Okumura, had begun tasking everyone on what to do as they set up camp. He tasked the boys to go find logs.
"But be careful, we don't know what may be out there" He told the boys, making them nod and leave together as a group so should a demon corner them they'd have more hands to defeat it together.
"Not you Rin, I have something else for you to do" Yukio said, making Rin pause from where he was about to follow the other males.
Yukio faced the girls "Draw a protective circle around the camp, we'll be safer that way" He explained.
They nodded, and dutifully began to work. He faced the only other person left, Rin.
"Whatcha want?" Rin asked, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked closer to his brother.
"Need you to make dinner" Yukio said flatly, as if asking that question was a daily occurrence.
"Eh, why?"
"Out of everyone, I can at least tolerate your cooking" Yukio said, walking off to do what he was going to.
Rin only gave his twin a simple "wtf" look before sighing, but only turned to the large pile of camping gear, and began setting up the portable kitchen ware and began looking through with what he had and was able to make, and thus began working with what he had.
It wasn't long before the girls were done with their tasks and the other boys returning with enough logs to last the entire group the whole stay. As they set up their tents, the scent of what Rin was making waft through the air, already catching the vulturous eyes of some of his classmates.
"Yo back off before I burn either you or me" Rin warned as he shoved the classmate away.
Rin was just finishing up the meal before Yukio spoke up from behind him, making the poor half demon jump, throwing the wooden spoon far to whoever came up behind him-Yukio, barely dodging just in time before a spoon was to smack him in the face.
"Really?" Yukio asked.
"Yes, really, did you have to sneak up behind me?" Rin asked, sighing to ease his racing heartbeat.
Before Yukio could speak, Rin walked past him.
"Dinners done, tell everyone to get some, I'm gonna get the stowaway" Rin muttered out.
"Be careful" Yukio said as he watched his brother go to the direction of the wooden spoon, he thus called out to the class that dinner was ready.
....
"Tsk.. Where is it?" Rin asked himself as he looked around, passing a rather thick tree, jumping over its revealed root before pausing.
Rin felt a chill...
The kind of one where ur body already knows something was going to happen...
Rin looked around, grabbing onto the sword that he carried with him at all times since the moment his adoptive father died. He only really took just the sword out of its red, fabric case. The actual blade part was still in its sheath.
It was only then that he took notice of how silent the forest around him had became. Ignoring the fact that it was already night and the woods somehow become even more so creeper that way wasn’t helping that it was too quiet.
"...Fuck this-" Rin took a step back, thinking whatever was starting to rile him up wasn't worth a wooden spoon.
He turned his head only to hear a scream. He paused, goosebumps littering his skin. He looked behind him where he had turned his back on his original path. Surely Yukio and the others heard that, right?
Serial things went through his head. First was the instinctual need to help. But then he remembered Yukios lessons along with several other Exorcists that thought them.
"If you ever hear a scream in the woods, don't ever rush to it, could be something trying to lure you to it"
Rin gripped his sword tighter. Whatever it was, surely he could handle it? What if it was an actual person needing help? They were here for a demon mission, and there were hostages? No one mentioned a hostage case, only a powerful demon going about that needed to be taken care of.
But there was a deep rumbling in his chest, as if his entire soul was pulsating. He didn't know what it was, or what to call the feeling. He gripped his sword handle tighter, and thus began walking to where he heard the scream.
However, before he even took steps reaching past six feet, he ended up finding that wooden spoon the tossed, he was minority surprised by how far he threw it, and it was all cause Yukio snuck up on him.
His phone buzzed, looking at it, it was none other than Yukio, asking if he was alright. Which Rin sighed, the pounding in his chest never going away. But he responded that he was indeed, just fine. He snapped a quick picture of the wooden spoon and sent it, saying he found the spoon.
He heard that scream again, somehow, getting closer. His skin broke out once more..
His mind telling him to run, run back into the safety of the protective circle back at camp...
He ended up calling his brother, his mind beginning to get worked up as the screams continued on. When Yukio answered, Rin instantly began running.
"Hell-"
"Yukio I think I found the demon! I don't know but I hear screaming and it's getting closer!" Rin began saying.
Rin typically wasn't one to be frightened so easily, but whatever was out there for some reason had Rin terrified and his entire body was screaming to get out of there. Yukio sounded serious as he was trying to gather more intel, but hearing the panic in his brothers voice, hearing from the other side of the phone him running, had his worried about what it was that scared his usually fearless brother.
Rin looked behind him, saw nothing, but when he faced forward, he forced himself to stop running when he saw a person standing there. Rin almost crashed into said person.
"Hey! What are you doing here?! Don't you hear that screaming! We need to get out of here!" Rin shouted to the person, putting his sword back, still on high alert as he walked to the person, grabbing their wrist and began dragging them with him.
He heard Yukio over the phone asking him what was happening and where he was so he could come help.
"I found a rando here, we're going-" Rin turned his head to face the person to ensure they were okay as he ran with them back to camp.
But what made him stop was the look on the person's face. He stopped running, phone still to his ear as he spoke not to Yukio, but to the person who had lifeless but sinister eyes, and a smile too wide to be human.
"...H-hey... whats with you?" Rin asked, voice slightly shaking.
"Rin? Rin what's going on?!"
Yukios words went deaf on Rins ears as the person moved to instead grab Rins wrist with such a tight grip that told Rin outright he wasn't allowed to leave. The panic Rin felt before hand spiked up even more, breathing picking up, his blue eyes glowing in panic as he tried to yank his hand from the person's grip.
"Hey! Let me go!" Rin shouted, doing any means possible to keep his demon powers sprouting from his panic.
Yukios worried calls still went ringing loudly, but it was muffled when Rin dropped the phone to try and pry it from the person's hand. Rin could hear Yukio and the others closing in.
Damn just how far did he throw that wooden spoon? He almost wished he never went after it-
However, no matter how Rin tried to free his hand it wouldn't work. Rin was just about to punch the person when they lifted up hair hand, Rins panic spiked up even more, eyes glowing a more vivid blue to the point it reflected off the person's face.
Rin watched with wide, horrified eyes as the person began to grip their jaw, instantly tightening their hold on it. Rin shivered, pupils dilating in fear as he stared into those lifeless eyes that stared at him back.
Rin paled, heart stopping and blood running cold as he watched that person slowly but quickly rip out their own jaw. Rin felt nauseous as he watched, the blood running down like a waterfall...
The sounds... The way everything looked and how he himself felt at the moment as the person continued to rip from their now exposed innards of their throat.
Everything went quiet for Rin, the muffled sounds of Yukios voice ran quiet as the person fell over a moment before Yukios call, crashing into Rin and making them both tumble back, covering Rin in their blood.
But before Rin could even fully land on he ground, Yukio grabbed his brother, and kicked the person off of Rin and began looking over his blood covered brother.
"Rin!" Yukio called out once more.
The sound of his brothers voice was more than enough to snap Rin from his daze, and he faced Yukio, eyes still glowing with panic.
"What was that-?!" Rins voice cracked with pure terror, gripping onto his brother.
But even Yukio for once didn't have an answer.
....
Rin tried to pretend that what happened never happened. But how could he? When all he sees is that same person with their jaw barely hanging on, the blood still spilling like spilled pomegranate juice at every corner of his sight.
Sometimes standing at the edge of his bed, paralyzing him as he laid there. Staring at it.
Yukio saw how it was beginning to affect him. Even more so to the point he couldn't even cook without borderline slicing his fingers off. His school work was even plummeting even more so than usual.
It worried Yukio. Not as his teacher. But mainly as his brother.
"I think you should try therapy" Yukio once brought up during dinner which Rin was successfully able to make with the comfort of Yukio there. It seemed with his brother there, the hallucinations seemed to fade a little.
Yukio noticed Rins attachment to him since then.. but never said anything. Much to Rins disappointment, Ukobach refused to even go near Rin now. It was as if Rin now terrified him.
Or if he was sensing something attached to Rin..
Rin was hesitant on the idea of going to therapy about what happened. After the incident it was handled accordingly, proper law enforcement was called and it was handled from then. He only agreed cause he didn't want Yukio worrying about him any more than he had.
Rin tried, he really did. He tried therapy like his brother said. But it only got worse when Rin began forgetting certain things, doing things he didn't remember doing.
Rin ended up having a hallucination that was too real of him murdering his own brother, but thank fully, Kuro was able to snap him out of it.
"Rin!" Kuro shouted within Rins mind.
A familiar voice within the chaos within his mind was able to pause the turmoil. Rin felt more afraid as it went on, tears welled in his eyes and he held onto Kuro tightly, hugging the demon cat.
"I... don't know whats going on with me.." Rin said, voice cracking and quivering.
Kuro began telling him that he senses another with him.
"What?" Rin asked, facing Kuro.
"I... don't know what it is.. it's not a demon its... like a parasite" Kuro had told him.
Late at night, Yukio sleeping on his bed on his side of the room, Rin borrowed his computer to do some research of the guy that killed himself in front of Rin that night. If what Kuro said was true, if it was a parasite, then he needed to do some digging.
He felt child down his back, and a small hiss from Kuro. Kuro couldn't see it, but sense it. But Rin was able to see it. He didn't even need to turn his head to know it was close behind him. Breathing down his neck.
Rin tried to keep calm, and remain strong. He tried his best to ignore it as he continued looking into it.
And with it...
He found a pattern...
A pattering going so many years back. Each, and every single one of those people died. Save for one, he felt his throat hitch. He looked for the survivor, and saw it was a teacher at an elementary school. A middle aged woman who recently married and has kids of her own he could tell by looking through her socials.
He wanted to reach out.. Ask for help. So, he downloaded the social app on his phone, created an account he was going to delete after, and requested to follow her. Hearing Yukio stirr, and looking at the time, Rin saw he was at it for a long while. Practically all night.
He closed the tabs on the computer, knowing Yukio could find it if he wanted to. But Rin was too tried to care, so keeping his eyes locked on his bed and not the creature behind him, he slid into bed, grabbing Kuro and holding tightly.
"It'll be okay Rin" Kuro had said to Rin.
And god did Rin wish he could believe...
....
Over the course of the days, while it had only gotten worse, finding it close by Yukio seemed to have lessened it, Rin himself wouldn't be shameful and say he's grown dependent on Yukio, if he wasn't in class and Yukio on a mission Rin would be clinging by his side, as if Yukios presence alone would wash away the parasitic demon clinging to his mind.
Unfortunately. It was worse when Yukio was gone days at a time. Rin saw Yukio off, trying to play as if it was no big deal. But Yukio wasn't dumb. He saw the bags under his older twins eyes, how pale he looked, how he seemed to have goosebumps almost every hour as if something was behind him in such a uncomfortable proximity.
"Are you sure you'll be okay? I'll be gone for a week this time and not a few days" Yukio asked.
Rin nodded, holding up a bag "I'll live, here, for the road" Rin said.
Yukio nodded, and grabbed the bag.
"I know you're not well" Yukio said, making Rin pause.
"I won't pry and make you tell me. But you'll at least call me if anything goes wrong? Is... is that incident from the forest still affecting you? It's been a good half month since and I know these things takes time to heal from-"
Rin stopped him "I'll be okay... The... Therapy is helping a bit."
Yukio nodded, sighing "That's a good thing then.. you'll call me if you need anything?" Yukio asked.
Rin nodded, trying to smile a little. He looked down to kick a rock away, but when he looked up to meet his brothers eyes again, his eyes instead zerod in on the figure behind Yukio.
It was so close behind Yukio and so sudden that Rin ended up jumping back and falling. Yukio was startled. He knelt down.
"Are you okay?-" He paused when he saw Rin was staring at something.
Yukio looked behind him and saw nothing. He faced his brothers eyes again and still saw terror, Rin instinctively reached to grip at Yukios sleeve, and he looked down, and after catching his breath he looked up at yukios eyes again.
"Sorry..." Rin muttered.
Yukio furrowed his brows. It was so unlike his brother that he would rather ditch the mission and stay here where he was needed.
He was an Exorcist second. A brother first.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Yukio asked, helping him stand, taking note how Rin avoided looking past his shoulder.
"Yea.. just got spooked... I won't hold you back any longer... Safe travels-" Rin has turned on his heel to walk away, but Yukio pulled him back to a hug.
"Rin... whatever you're going through, please... seek help if it gets too bad.." Yukio pleaded.
Rin was stunned by the hug, but he didn't deny it and instead hugged his younger brother back. And for once, slightly told his brother the minor details.
"Get back fast as you can... it goes away a bit when you're around" Rin muttered.
For once he didn't sound like the spiteful, fearless teen Yukio knew. Instead, all he saw was a scared child despite being younger than him. Yukio felt a prickling in the back of his head.
As if it was telling him to stay.. But Yukio knew he couldn't...
After soothing everything, Rin bid Yukio a farewell, and Yukio told Rin to stay safe as he departed.
But it didn't end so well for the young Okumura...
Rin walked back inside, the person of the man he saw kill himself in front of Rin standing by, Rin ignored him as best as he could. Rin laid in bed, doing his best to put the thing out of his mind when in the new social app he downloaded, that woman accepted his friend request.
He hesitant, biting his lip until it almost bled before he sent her a message..
....
It took some convincing, but by the next day the woman agreed to meet him, and he sat in a restaurant, awaiting her arrival, Kuro with him as emotional support.
The woman sat beside him, looking pale for the reason of this visit, Rin nodded to her.
"Thanks for coming... That means a lot to me" Rin said, trying to remain respectful.
She didn't look pleased, but after looking over him he was just a kid, and she couldn't help but pity him.
"Caught in the shit?" She asked.
He nodded, he fiddled with his fingers, he left his sword at the dorms, not trusting himself to have anything sharp on him after knowing what the end result is.
"I.. saw from the police reports you were the only one who survived.. and I'm sorry to bring up old trauma for you but..." He looked at her in the eye.
"I don't wanna die, how did you get rid of it?" He asked, voice quivering.
The woman tensed a bit, before sighing.
"So you have it... can't say I'm not surprised.. you look like shit.. Kid, it's not easy to just "get rid of it", it's a difficult choice you have to make" She said.
Rin pressed his lips in a thin line "What... could be so difficult?" He asks.
She looked around before whispering as she leaned in "This parasite feeds off your fear, to get rid of it is to pass it along in the same way you got it" She said.
Rin paled at the implications "What?"
"Yea, means you gotta kill someone in front of someone else. If u wanna live, someone else has to die" She said, voice stern, but understanding of what she was telling someone who wasn't even 19 yet on what to do that will no doubt scarr them for life.
Kuro looked from the woman, to Rin, letting out a small meow in comfort. Rin looked down, gripping onto the sleeve of his jacket.
"I don't wanna kill someone else... I cant.." He said.
The woman spoke up, voice a tad bit gentle, but heartless at the same time.
"Then die. I don't know what to say, I tried to kill myself so it couldn't pass on. But it kept me alive. So its either you kill someone else, or you let it kill you and infect someone else. Either way someone else is going to get it" She said.
Rin knew she had a point. But it didn't make it any easier for him.
On one side he didn't want to kill anyone. His classmates only barely got used to the fact he's nothing like his father, Satan. And he didn't want to one, ruin their trust by killing someone, or two, he does do it and finds out the demon part of him likes it.
But on the other side, if he doesn't go through with it, it's going to continue milking Rin of all he's worth, kill him and move on to the next-
Rin paused. The only person that Rins going to be around in the next few weeks would be Yukio. Rin looked outside, biting his lip. Ignorant of the entity standing there.
"You don't want to infect anyone you know... right?" She asks.
Rim glanced at her, and nodded "...M...My brothers the only one I got left... I don't want to put him through the same fate. But I also don't wanna put anyone else through this as well.."
She looked at him with pity "It sucks.. I know. But it's a choice you have to make." She stood.
"It's a kill or be killed parasite kid. Up to you. Don't contact me again" She began to walk off, leaving Rin to this thoughts.
Kuro watched as the woman left, and faced Rin. Rin was in a turmoil, it's either he kills someone and he lives... or he spares someone but he dies...
Rin went over the conversation in his head over and over, and something clicked.
"Kuro... you heard her say that this thing kept her alive when she tried to kill herself?" Rin asked.
Kuro nodded, but then panicked when the demonic cat realized what he was planning.
"No Rin! You can't!"
"What other choice do I have? I don't want to hurt anyone or have this thing suck the life out of anyone else... If it kept her alive... then there's a way to get rid of it without passing it along" Rin said, muttering to himself.
Kuro, was understandably against it. But knew Rin had a point. And was already missing him as they went to the dorms, and Rin clearing out everything important for he knew things were going to get messy, and heated.
....
"That everything?" Rin asked, looking at Kuro.
Rin had packed boxes of things important, like documents Rin knew Yukio kept. Clothes, and a bunch of other stuff.
Rin had gotten worse, it was closer, and it fed enough it was physically able to touch Rin. The bruises on his face and neck and arms were proof of that. He became more jumpy and he was hallucinating more than he was in the real world.
By that standard.. Rin was already dead. Kuro just refused to accept it... Rin had managed to write notes for those he cared about, had Kuro check them in case he had hallucinated the whole thing.
Rin had become weaker as a result. But that didn't extinguish the strength that Rin was feeling at that moment. If it kept her alive, then that means if he could fight it, he could take it down with him, and that'll be the last of the parasite.
He was at the last of his will, and only half the weeks gone by. Yukio would be home in a couple of days, and Rin was sort of glad that he was gone, after all, he didn't want Yukio around for this bit.
He gave Kuro the biggest hugs, told the cat that he was one of the best things to have ever happened as he smothered the cat in his last, final affections. Both shedding tears of sorrow.
"Take care of Yukio for me, okay?" Rin asked, which Kuro agreed.
And he watched as Rin walked into the dormitory, locking the door from the outside. Rin had gone and locked every door and window, ensuring no one could get in, and ensuring Rin couldn't get out.
Before Rin could spiral down another hallucinogenic episode, he locked himself in the basement, and there... he let it all out.
....
At first, there was nothing. But then there was smoke, and fire. But not just any fire, big, beautiful blue flames surrounded the building. It didn't take long for the flames to engulf the building, and fire fighters, not to mention the exorcists since it was hell fire.
Bon and the other classmates instantly took notice of Kuro, Rins familiar and boxes. Kuro laid there, no doubt depressed. It also wasn't long when someone had called Yukio, no one finding Rin, they suspected he was still in the building but the fire team and exorcists were having a hard time putting out the fire.
Even hours later they barely made a dent into the building that was now falling apart.
"Let me through!" The horrified, pitiful cries of Yukio sounded, piercing the air all around.
"My brothers in there! Let me go!" Several exorcists tried to hold him back, his eyes bore deep into the building.
No one let him pass however. The flames burning bright as if they were in battle, fighting with all their might to win. It wasn't until the sun had begun to rise like a dragon out of water did the fire gradually go down... Like a battle won.
Yukio instantly pushed everyone off him, and ran past into the burnt down building, looking, praying that Rin was safe somewhere. Everyone began looking. But it wasn't until someone looked at the basement did they call everyone over.
The fire team instantly went down, Yukio wanted to see, but was held back by even his own students. He could only stand there as they bring a crash cart from an ambulance.
Yukio felt like puking when what they brought up... was a charred body still steaming.
Yukio felt as if time had stopped, heart beating quicker and blood running colder.
"RIN!!"
Even in his charred state, a twin, will always recognize their other half. Yukio didn't want to believe that it was his twin that was like that.
Even more so he didn't want to believe that he even left in the first place.
....
The exorcists say he lost control of his powers.
The hospital said it was probably a gas leak and Rin went down to check it out.
But the letter Yukio held told a much different story. The dorms was rebuilt, the walls on the basement would forever be stained with Rins blood even after months of Yukio trying to wash it away.
No one knew how to begun comforting him in the least. No one knew the pain of having all you know being stripped away like Yukio had, even more so knowing since the camping trip, his brother, his last remaining family member was suffering.
Yukio sort of resented him, rin explained everything within the letter Yukio held. He knew Rin never wanted to hurt anyone. But if it meant he would live, why didn't Rin just kill someone?
Yukio would've found someone for him... covered the tracks, ensure it would've been people he knew no one would miss. But it was too late for that now.
Even after a full year by now, even though he's getting better, it still hurt.
Teaching another soon to be exorcist class, and seeing the front desk with Rins amateur initials in it.
-The end-
Heyy! I hope you liked this one! Have a good morning or night!
P.S: Ngl I haven't found that much on Lucifer and I'm currently not at home to sit down and watch where he's shown/introduced so I hope this is well better off to your liking. Last time I had written about him was briefly and in an old fanfic on Wattpad that I still have yet to finish (Lol) but I hope you like this one. From what I saw on my little research on him I'll try to keep his personality close to it. Aside from that I really do not know much as unfortately I haven't seen the entirety of Blue Exorcist (I know, I'm terrible), but thank you for reading!
Requested by: @vesperusthestar
Summary: After a long day, all Lucifer wants to do is go back and see a certain someone.
Some things is that it's also an implied relationship.
(First time doing this, constructive criticism welcome)
But that posture didn't remain long when after his eyes landed on you, walking past, when your eyes met with his, his posture relaxed, the stress and exhaustion seeming to be washed away like a river does past a creek. He walked up, after ensuring the hall was completely empty.
(This guy lol)
Footsteps could be heard, the soft clicking of boots echoing along the vast halls. Walking past others, he nodded in polite greeting, in which the other Illuminati members returned in equal politeness and kindness. The day had been long even though barely anything was done. The tall man, known none other as Lucifer himself walked with a straight posture.
You didn't move from where you stood, after all, today seemed to not have been your day and you too, were in need of some-
"Oof-" Your thoughts came to a halt when his arms wrapped around you and pulled you in, seeming as if your presence alone would be enough to wash away the days stress.
You only wrapped your arms around his waist, relaxing into his hold as he did into yours.
"Long day?" You had asked, not speaking loudly, nor too quietly. Even if you had whispered those words, being inhuman he'd have heard what you asked regardless.
He didn't even need to speak, the tightness of his hold was more than enough confirmation of what you asked. You only rubbed his back, he moved his head to the side. His eyes staring into yours. Of course, being the polite gentleman he is despite the reputation of demons- the way his eyes trailed down to your lips was a question in itself.
Before he ever did anything, depending if the mood was right, he always asked. Even more so for something as intimate as kissing. Just like Lucifer, you didn't even need to speak, taking a small glance at his own was permission enough for him.
As gently as he could, adjusting his hold on you so you'd be more comfortable, his lips hovered over yours like a dragonfly over water. His eyes, softening much more as you carefully moved your hands from around his waist to up over his shoulders.
It was as if it was your own love language for each other. To treat each other as fragile things. On Lucifer's part it was understandable. But a human treating the second to most powerful demon known as if he'd break by a simple breeze? Something fluttered in both your chests as your hands carefully cradled his face, and gently pulled him in, lips interlocking some more.
Despite being together for a while, both of your touches were still as shy, hesitant but careful from the first moment. Neither knew if this shy and gentle stage would pass, or if it'll continue on. Did you care? No. Did he? In a way he did. He cared about your happiness just as much as he did for his goals.
He also cared about your comfort with him as the day faded, and both of you in your shared bed. Night has risen, he laid beside you keeping you close as you slumbered soundlessly in his hold. He took note of how relaxed you were, how peaceful you looked. How beautiful.
He pressed a gentle and tender kiss to your forehead. He felt something rage within him as he realized how his father must've felt, Satan, when that human woman he loved was taken. He felt an undesirable sensation of the need to protect, and care. He didn't know if it was as bad as Satan's, but he didn't wish to pay any thought to it as he was more or less focused on you and you only.
If you had asked, depending on the severity of it, he'd drop everything and come to you. But that's if you're willing to do the same. Running a hand through your hair, and trailing a fingertip along your jawline. He found himself agreeing to himself that if harm was to come your way, he'd kill it, keep you close. Depending on the danger he'd even go as far as to lock you away, no one to find until the threat is gone, or he seems it safe enough.
Unlike Satan, he wasn't going to fail to protect whats his, and his only. Even if she wouldn't like it..
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I would like to keep it sfw with some kissing and cuddles.
Also, I vision Lucifer as a possessive partner.
The reader can be an illuminati member who caught his attention and he wants her at all costs.
Oooo I likey! I'll get working on this as soon as I can! I don't know a whole lot about Lucifer in Blue Exorcist but once I do I'll make it a good enough story for you! Thank you for being my first request and in turn I'll make this a good one for you! Stay tuned and I'll post it as soon as I finish it!
Since I am new here I'd like a chance to build up my profile, so here I am, willing to take in some requests.
Here's what I write the best in!
MXTX
Blue Exorcist
Marvel
DCU (Gonna start that here soon Lol)
Tokyo Ghoul (Although I mainly crossover this with MXTX)
Smile (Like that horror movie that came out? Where you slowly go insane after a while and only way to get rid of it is to unalive someone else in front of someone?)
This is all I can think up off the top of my head but I'm willing to take in some requests as well! I don't watch a whole lot of things as I'm not online a whole lot but I am on here a whole lot (Just never created a proper account until JUST last night lol) so hopefully I can get a good decent amount of things down.
Heya I'm new here and asking for some friendly advice on how I begin writing lil series or one shots here with all the nice decor I see with the headings and such. I'm a pretty good author I think but I'd like to know if anyone is willing to help out? Thank you and much appreciated<3
