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When Liu Qingge comes by the Bamboo House, the first thing he sees is a pacing Shen Qingqiu. After a few seconds of watching this, he calls out for him. Startled, Shen Qingqiu freezes in place, turning his head until he sees him standing by the door.

“What’s wrong with you?” Liu Qingge asks at the following silence.

“…Shidi.”

“What?”

“What are you doing here?” The question is blunt, as is the tone. Liu Qingge crosses his arms.

“You’re late.”

Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes, “And so you came here to check on me?” 

Liu Qingge shrugs, “Who else would they send?” 

Closing his eyes, Shen Qingqiu rubs the bridge of his nose, “Apologies, Shidi, this master has been having a headache for some time, I'm a little short-tempered.”

It has been a while since Shen Qingqiu was this easily irritated. “Is it Without-A-Cure?”

“No, no, everything is fine. Let us not keep anyone waiting.”

His Shixiong obfuscates a lot. Liu Qingge watches him for a moment, trying to catch a lie. Shen Qingqiu doesn’t look like he’s having a flare-up: his face is its usual sheen and color, and he isn’t dressed any warmer than normal. But he is holding that fan of his. Liu Qingge isn’t very intuitive when it comes to emotions, but this has been going on long enough, and he’s heard talk of the fan Luo Binghe made more than once, that he knows what it means when he sees it around.

“You need to—“ he starts, then stops himself. Zhangmen-shixiong and Mu Qingfang had given him the “here are the appropriate responses to give to someone who is grieving” talk enough times. “Disciple selections are soon.” 

Shen Qingqiu’s face hardens, “Indeed.” 

“You should pick some.” 

“Thanking Liu-shidi for his wisdom,” Shen Qingqiu says, breezing past Liu Qingge. “This Shixiong will think on the matter.”

Liu Qingge follows Shen Qingqiu’s brisk steps, “You mean run off from the sect at the nearest opportunity?”

If Shen Qingqiu falters for a moment, he doesn’t let Liu Qingge remark on it, nor anything else, on their way to Qiong Ding. At the meeting, Liu Qingge watches him when he has the opportunity; Shen Qingqiu only says a few words when prompted. 

He only gives a passionate speech at the end, when Zhangmen-shixiong tries to get him to stay in Cang Qiong. Liu Qingge agrees with Shen Qingqiu’s defense, but he says nothing as the two of them talk. In the end, he takes off with them. During the trip, Shen Qingqiu surprisingly doesn't speak much— not even when they fly over a nest of those monkeys he talked much of in the past. He speeds up as time passes, which makes Mu Qingfang frown after him, and by the time they are inside the city gates, he is looking around like a hound trying to catch a scent.

“Shen-shixiong,” Mu Qingfang says, “are you alright?”

It takes another call of his name for Shen Qingqiu to startle. Then, with a “Yes, Shidi,” he starts walking further inside without looking back. 

Mu Qingfang turns to Liu Qingge and raises his brows, shaking his head when Liu Qingge shrugs. 

“Senior Shen!” Gongyi Xiao says, surprised. He’s not sure if he should be glad to see this senior or worried. Especially this close to their own quarters in the city. “I didn’t know Cang Qiong Mountain Sect was sending you!” 

Shen Qingqiu doesn’t say anything for a moment, then, “Indeed, it was two of my sect brothers and myself. And this young master is with...?”

Gongyi Xiao tries not to show disappointment, “Senior Shen, it has been some time since we last met; this one is Gongyi Xiao.”

Shen Qingqiu blinks, a demurring smile appearing on his face, “My apologies, Young Master Gongyi. This master is a little absentminded these days, forgive my stumble.”

Yes, indeed. Gongyi Xiao knows firsthand how Shen Qingqiu has been grieving for his beloved student. Naturally, he can’t begrudge him some forgetfulness. The whole deal with Luo Binghe makes everything even worse. 

He nods in understanding, “Of course, this junior would never dare to scorn Senior.”

Shen Qingqiu smiles thinly, “Now, this master discovered this is where Huan Hua Palace disciples were staying and thought we could share information.”

Gongyi Xiao hesitates. That is a good idea, of course, but why did it have to be this man?

“I would have to ask our team leader. Could this junior ask Senior to let him know of their own lodgings, so we could meet later?” Anything to get Shen Qingqiu away from the rest of the Huan Hua delegation. 

Shen Qingqiu gives him a chiding look, “Young Master, are we not in a hurry? Master Wu Chen is already in such a state.”

Gongyi Xiao can feel his face color. They had briefly met the monks from Zhao Hua Monastery, and with everything they needed to deal with since they reached Jin Lan city, he’d almost forgotten. 

“Senior Shen is right, of course; but our leader is out to capture the culprits at the moment, and this junior shouldn’t do things without consulting him.” 

Giving the smallest of head-shakes, Shen Qingqiu’s lips twist in a mirthless smile, “Naturally. Then, this master will see you once you talk to your superior.” 

The word superior is like a knife to Gongyi Xiao’s heart. Forcing himself to smile and bow, he watches Shen Qingqiu depart and turns back inside to speak to his disgruntled shidimei. 

“Ah, Shen-shixiong, you’re back.” Mu Qingfang says, lifting his head from the pile of scrolls. Once he’s taken a look at him, he frowns, “Are you feeling well?”

Luo Binghe nods. All these health checks are a little annoying, but he understands their necessity.

“Is Shixiong certain? You look pale. Are you having a flare-up?”

Arranging his face into the fond but exasperated look Shen Qingqiu dons during moments like these is difficult, but Luo Binghe manages. He even adds a fan flutter. “Shidi, this Shixiong is fine. It’s only that dealing with Huan Hua Palace is tedious.”

Mu Qingfang, damn his insightfulness, looks unconvinced, but acquiesces nonetheless. Luo Binghe takes it as a win. 

“Shixiong should sit and rest for a moment,” Mu Qingfang says, gesturing to a stool in front of his makeshift desk. Luo Binghe sighs, as Shen Qingqiu often does when he feels someone is being inconvenient, and sits. “I assume your search wasn’t as fruitful as you wished, Shen-shixiong?” 

Making a soft noise, Luo Binghe fans himself and tells him of his talk with Gongyi Xiao.

“I see… well Liu-shixiong has not returned yet. We can only hope he has better luck.”

If Luo Binghe were himself, he still would not be able to scowl as freely as he wished, but he could at least have made some sort of remark. As it is, Shen Qingqiu is supposed to have a good camaraderie with his sect siblings, which unfortunately includes Liu Qingge.

Waking up within Shizun's body had been confounding and elating at the same time. He'd been mesmerized by the sight of his face after all these years, unable to look away from his reflection. He'd finally gotten as acclimated as he could have, so he could decide what to do next, only to come face to face with him inside their— Shizun’s home… Luo Binghe had to take great care not to lose himself. It was surprisingly easy.

Forcing a smile, he says a pointless, similar wish instead. Mu Qingfang watches him queerly, his mouth a severe line. If Luo Binghe were anyone else, he would have stiffened, but he stays calm, slowly fanning himself as Shizun does in thought. 

After a moment of silence, Mu Qingfang says, “Shen-shixiong, this Shidi is unfortunately lacking, and doesn’t know how to best word this.”

Luo Binghe makes his brows raise minutely. When he speaks, the compliment, coming from Shizun’s mouth, burns his tongue, “Mu-shidi naturally doesn't lack for anything. Please, speak freely.”

“…Just a little before your arrival, the head of the Huan Hua delegation was here.” It’s like the blood freezes in Luo Binghe’s— Shen Qingqiu’s veins. How could he have missed his Shizun again? Every part of him itches to leave, run after his body, and catch him. “It was… this Shidi couldn’t believe his eyes, but Shixiong, it was your disciple.”

The words are almost enough to make Luo Binghe fall off his seat. Composing himself, he frowns and says, “Beg pardon, Mu-shidi? Who?"

The compassionate look Mu Qingfang gives Shen Qingqiu makes his skin crawl.

“Shixiong, it was— Luo-shizhi.”

Luo-shizhi, your disciple, like Luo Binghe is still part of Cang Qiong, like Shizun hadn’t personally thrown him away for being the creature he is. He had known Shen Qingqiu had not told outsiders of his nature, but he’d assumed he would have told his sect siblings. Evidently, that is not the case. 

The laugh that comes out of Shen Qingqiu’s mouth is rough— a sound Luo Binghe cannot remember ever hearing. But when he speaks, it’s with the same icy tone his name had last been uttered, “Luo Binghe?”

Mu Qingfang is quick to reassure, “This must be quite the shock, though I am certain Shen-shixiong is relieved to hear him live still. This Shidi tried to ask Luo-shizhi why he hadn’t returned to Shixiong’s side, but he left in a hurry.”

Relieved to see him live. His traitorous heart twists in his chest.

How would Shen Qingqiu respond to this? Luo Binghe had thought he had an inkling, but now he's not so sure. At least fans are useful tools. As he uses it to cover his face, he wonders how often Shen Qingqiu uses it for similar means.

“This master…” he says slowly, averting his eyes just enough to see Mu Qingfang from the corner still, “cannot say he’s not surprised that Luo Binghe is alive. I suppose I should go see if he’s still nearby.” 

“Shixiong,” Mu Qingfang frowns. “Perhaps you should wait here for him to return? This Shidi is certain he will.”

When Luo Binghe shakes his head, a lock of hair tumbles down his shoulder. He forces himself not to glance at or play with it, no matter how satin-like he knows Shizun’s hair is. “No doubt he will be returning with Huan Hua disciples. This master would prefer to speak to his wayward disciple alone.”

Judging by his expression, mild as it is, Mu Qingfang isn’t happy with Shen Qingqiu leaving on his own again. Thankfully, Shizun doesn’t actually need to obey him. Luo Binghe cannot waste any more time. He leaves the weapon’s shop in a hurry and looks around once he’s outside. Where could Shizun be? Back with the Huan Hua delegation? Luo Binghe doesn’t think so. No, he’s certain he’ll be nearby, perhaps following a lead while waiting for Luo Binghe to turn up. 

Resolute, he starts walking in the opposite direction from before. At least with no one around to see, he can touch Shen Qingqiu’s hair to his heart’s content, winding a silky smooth lock around his index finger as he goes.  

It’s in the midst of this that he notices a figure cloaked in black shambling towards him, one he quickly discovers to be a sower after a brief altercation, which ends when a familiar sword goes through the demon’s neck and impales itself in the ground. All the better; Shizun's meridians had begun aching, and the control he had over Xiu Ya was stuttering.

With a little scoff, Luo Binghe glares at the blood splatter on his hand. He reaches for one of Shen Qingqiu’s qiankun pouches, one that he used to supply with comfort items. Surprisingly, it’s still filled with much the same, and when he fishes out the handkerchief, he—

His mouth goes dry. It’s the first embroidery he’d done for his Shizun, the one with crooked little bamboo shoots on the lower right-hand corner. That Shen Qingqiu still carries it around is a laughable thought. Most likely, it had been forgotten in this pouch ever since Luo Binghe had the courage to gift it to him.

The icy “Shen Qingqiu” is unexpected enough, and filled with a surprising amount of anger, that his stiff fingers lose their hold. The person who is now suddenly in front of him— Luo Binghe's body, who doesn't sound like Shen Qingqiu, tenses and flings himself toward him as Luo Binghe brings his sword up—

“You— don’t go around dropping people’s belongings!” he admonishes, trying to wipe the dirt off with a few slaps to the handkerchief. 

Slowly lowering the sword, Luo Binghe says, “…Shizun?”

He watches incredulously as his body’s cheeks redden just slightly. Then, his eyes widen, and his hands grab Luo Binghe’s shoulders. 

“Binghe, it is you! This master was worried you would be— that something had happened to you.”

Relief fills him immediately. Shizun! Shizun was worried about him. Watching him intently, Luo Binghe gestures between them, “Something other than this?”

Shen Qingqiu huffs, “Oh, you know what I mean.” His hand lifts from Luo Binghe’s shoulder, as if he is going to swat at him, but then he startles, and removes his other hand as well.

Doing his best to ignore that reaction, Luo Binghe smiles a little. Shizun is here, and they’re talking. Maybe being in each other’s bodies really is good for something. The mirth fades from his face, and likewise Shen Qingqiu's, “This disciple wasn’t sure at first if it was Shizun and not whoever had caused this; my apologies for raising your own sword at you.”

Shizun shakes his head, seeming a little pained, “No need for apologies, this master was as uncertain as you."

Luo Binghe nods and grabs Shen Qingqiu’s hand— the one still holding the handkerchief. Shen Qingqiu holds himself still as they both look down, “I'm sorry for dropping Shizun's handkerchief as well. I didn't know that Shizun had kept this one's gift?” He has clearly gone insane, to be asking this now.

Shizun’s hand clenches, “It’s a good handkerchief—Binghe, we should talk about this,” he gestures between them with his free hand, pulling the other out of his hold.

It’s only beginner’s embroidery. But Luo Binghe will let him have this one, at least for the time being. He says, “We can talk in Shizun’s room?”

Shen Qingqiu nods, “Then Binghe should leave first; I can sneak in later.”

“Why would Shizun need to sneak in? I already told Mu Qingfang I wanted to have a private talk with— my disciple.”

“Why would you—“ Shen Qingqiu sighs. “It was this master’s mistake. I shouldn’t have talked to Mu-shidi at all, but I was worried.”

“It was only natural, Shizun.” Luo Binghe says, scratching at his hand. “You knew someone was in your body, and this disciple is certain waking up in my body wasn’t a source of solace.”

Shen Qingqiu rubs where his nose meets his eyes, “Indeed not.”

“Shizun must find it difficult to be in such a wretched body as mine. After all, he does carry a relentless hatred towards the demon race. Towards me.” Luo Binghe’s voice is icy. He had been expecting this, but even so, it’s only the inhuman control Shen Qingqiu’s body has that stops him from snarling or bursting into tears. 

“What?” Shen Qingqiu says, frowning. “Stop speaking nonsense. I’m talking of this infernal sword of yours and how it’s so loud.” 

For just a brief second, Luo Binghe feels relief flood his veins, but it's immediately lost. "Shizun, shouldn't listen to it!" Xin Mo is a troublesome sword; he knows this. He hadn't realized just what were his own thoughts, and what the influence of the sword, until he found himself away from it.

"Naturally," Shizun says, tone harsh. "This master is aware and needs no admonishments from his student."

Though it is not the time, Luo Binghe smiles brightly, "Shizun still sees me as his student?"

"I— we have been out in the open too long, let us go inside already!"

Laughing a little on the inside, giddy with even this crumb of absolution, Luo Binghe agrees. As they leave, Shen Qingqiu picks up the sower before Luo Binghe can protest, “This master is in you— ahem— appears to be you. As the junior, I should be carrying it.”

Helpless to refuse, Luo Binghe follows him.

"Shen-shixiong!” Mu Qingfang says, softly enough not to wake Master Wu Cheng. Shen Qingqiu gives a nod and walks in quietly, towards an empty table. Following behind him, Mu Qingfang is surprised to see Luo Binghe carrying someone over his shoulder.

Once he puts the body down, he says, “Mu-shishu, Shizun and this disciple found what is responsible for the plague."

Mu Qingfang approaches the body, and once Luo Binghe pulls away the robes from its head, sees the shockingly bright red skin. “Shixiong, you and Luo-shizhi found a demon?” Luo Binghe shifts when Shen Qingqiu doesn’t respond, “Shen-shixiong?” 

Shen Qingqiu comes out of his daze at once, “Shidi was asking something?”

Really, Mu Qingfang isn’t surprised that Shen Qingqiu is so out of sorts. Here is the disciple he’s been mourning for the past three years, alive and well, but part of another sect. As he repeats his question and listens to Shen Qingqiu explain, he makes a note to send him a new tea blend, one that calms the mind. 

“Thank you, Shixiong, Shizhi,” he says when Shen Qingqiu is done. “This one will work on the sower. I should be able to create a cure soon enough. Meanwhile, Shixiong should rest.”

Shen Qingqiu rolls his eyes, “This master will have a talk with his disciple first.”

“Shixiong…” Mu Qingfang says, a little helplessly. “I understand that your reunion with Luo-shizhi is important after you spent so long—“

“Shizun, are you hungry?!” Luo Binghe says, sudden and loud. Mu Qingfang winces internally. Thankfully, Master Wu Chen is still soundly asleep when he checks.

Shen Qingqiu looks between the two of them, “This master is… not. At this time.”

Now, that’s an idea. Try as they might, no one has been able to make Shen Qingqiu eat as he should. He’d told him time and time again that he didn’t recommend inedia in his state, but Shen Qingqiu had hummed to his face and kept on doing what he liked, which was not eating.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Luo-shizhi,” Mu Qingfang says warmly. Even he knows Luo Binghe was the one responsible for Shen Qingqiu’s meals before his death— disappearance. “Shen-shixiong doesn’t eat enough.”

Luo Binghe smiles in a strained way, “This one is sure that’s not the case.”

Mu Qingfang decides that further explanations can wait until they’re back in Cang Qiong. “There’s a small kitchen to the back. When we arrived here, I added some supplies to the icebox. We used some for Master Wu Chen already, but there should be plenty left. You may choose whatever you wish for Shen-shixiong, without a concern for me; I’ll be far too busy to eat.”

“Thanking Shishu,” Luo Binghe says, bowing slightly. 

Glad that is over with, Mu Qingfang starts getting ready to inspect the corpse. He goes back to his own table, looking around for blank papers and a half-used charcoal stick. When he finally finds them and moves to return to the body, he notices that Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe are still there, watching each other.

“Shizhi? Shixiong?”

“This master really is not hungry,” Shen Qingqiu starts hastily. Luo Binghe looks a little sheepish, but says nothing.

Mu Qingfang does not enjoy being so chiding, but he says, “Shixiong, when was the last time you ate something?”

“I—" Shen Qingqiu closes his mouth slowly, covering it with his fan. “…Indeed,” he says at last. “On second thought, this master is hungry.” Then, he gives Luo Binghe a very flat look. 

The young man averts his eyes briefly, and his face contorts in a wince. Mu Qingfang thinks he hears a low mumble, like couldn't have been that long, but surely he has missed something, as Luo Binghe says, “Of course, Shizun. I— this disciple will be right back.”

“I will join you,” Shen Qingqiu says. “We can talk as you cook. It’ll save us time.”

Sure. Saving time is the goal here. It’s not concurrent to resting, but Mu Qingfang will forgive it this time. 

After what feels like an eternity, they’re in the bedroom set aside for Shen Qingqiu.

“Fuck,” Shen Qingqiu mutters under his breath as he puts the tray on the low table. He misses Luo Binghe’s astonished glance. “Finally.”

Finally is correct. Watching Shizun’s attempts at making a basic congee had just about killed Luo Binghe; he would never speak ill of Shen Qingqiu’s abilities, but the whole affair had been a little tiring. Now, even with his whispered instructions, the congee in front of them leaves much to be desired in looks, and he’s afraid the taste will be the same.

He looks at the somehow congealed mess, trying to decide which will be worse: leaving Shizun’s body hungry or giving it food poisoning. 

Shen Qingqiu clears his throat pointedly, “You don’t need to eat it. Mu-shidi tends to exaggerate.”

“Since when does Shizun practice inedia so diligently?”

The Shen Qingqiu he knows loves to eat: meats and fragrant rice, fried doughs, desserts… he was always delighted when Luo Binghe tried a new recipe. Shen Qingqiu sits down to take a bite of congee instead of answering him.

Luo Binghe narrows his eyes, “Shizun, why did you offer to cook?” The response is yet another bite. At least Luo Binghe’s body can’t get food poisoning anymore, not by something as mundane as this, anyway. “Are we not going to talk about anything?” he asks at last.

“Of course, but we needn’t talk of irrelevant things,” Shen Qingqiu says, and lays his chopsticks down with a small grimace. “Let us discuss our predicament.”

For a moment, Luo Binghe wants to push. There is much he wants to know.

Instead, he asks, “What does Shizun want to know?” 

Shen Qingqiu drums his fingers on the table, “What has Bi— Luo Binghe been up to recently?”

Attempting to ignore the anger that starts bubbling in his veins, Luo Binghe answers, “Shizun most likely surmised that I have been in Huan Hua for some months now. As for yesterday, we had just arrived in Jin Lan when I suddenly found myself in your body.” 

Shen Qingqiu coughs, “—and nothing peculiar happened beforehand?”

“Not that I recall. I had a meeting with the Old Palace Master, and we discussed the situation together. After that, I met up with the rest of the disciples, and then we left. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred on our way here.” Frowning, Shen Qingqiu hums in thought. “What about you, Shizun?” 

“Me? As you know, life in Qing Jin is uneventful.”

“So Shizun was at the peak?”

Lips pressed together in an unimpressed line, Shen Qingqiu looks at him and primly moves to grab his chopsticks again.

"Both Liu Qingge and Mu Qingfang mentioned you have been away from the sect often lately."

"It's shishu," Shen Qingqiu corrects, then sighs. “It’s not relevant, but this master had just returned from a trip to a nearby town.” He waves a hand, as though banishing the topic. “So. It can only be someone in Huan Hua… Who has joined you here?”

“Why is Shizun so certain it came from my side?”

“You claim Huan Hua Palace as your own, then?” 

Luo Binghe freezes. Shen Qingqiu’s eyes are dark and deep, his face an almost blank mask. He isn’t well-versed in his own face’s tells– not from the other side. This will need to be remedied. The dream realm would surely be useful if he could access his powers. 

“This disciple didn’t say that,” Shen Qingqiu raises his brow, but Luo Binghe forges on. “Shizun is angry. Is it because I did not return, or because I did?”

“...What sort of question is that?” 

“An easy one,” Luo Binghe says. He’s diverting the topic again, but he can’t help himself.

"Binghe had every right not to return to Qing Jin. This master can find no fault in him; if I seem angry, it's because of the situation we have found ourselves in. You can't possibly claim you are alright with this?" He can, to some extent, though he is not entirely happy. At least he is able to talk to Shizun. And if things go his own way, he will be able to return home with him. “But no matter, this master will need to talk to Binghe’s— new shidimei, tomorrow. Can you tell me what your relationships are like?” 

The morning is a long time coming. Not only has Shen Qingqiu spent so. Damn. Long. Running around after the remaining sowers, he had to fend off so many sycophants! He really doesn’t understand how Luo Binghe manages to deal with these people. The number of times he heard someone chirp a cutesy “Luo-shixiong!” and bat their eyes at him— it’s enough to drive him crazy!

Of course, they are for Luo Binghe, not someone wearing his skin, so Shen Qingqiu spends the whole time screeching on the inside. He also doesn’t know just how familiar he needs to be. Asking Luo Binghe how close he is to these ladies was a bust; he’d just looked at him blankly and refused to admit to any relationship. Honestly, what had made this child so shy…?

“Luo-shixiong!” Sister number whatever says prettily, “Luo-shixiong did so well last night!”

“Luo-shixiong is the best!”

“Luo-shixiong, when he arrives, Old Palace Master will surely make you head disciple!”

Shen Qingqiu accepts the praise with grace, feeling awkward. Sure, he has been Shen Qingqiu for years now, and technically, any praise he gets for his martial prowess is because of the original goods, but god does it feel worse to get all these compliments that are the protagonist’s due! 

He almost jumps out of his skin when Qin Wanyue pounces over to him, “Luo-shixiong, you’re so strong!” 

She doesn’t pounce on him; rather, stands near him and looks into his eyes with stars shining out of hers. Truly, it’s a sight that would mesmerize any man! Forcing himself to limit the crying to the inside— what the fuck is up with this body’s emotions, how’s there so much?!— he thanks her, then makes an excuse about the Old Palace Master, and absconds from the building. 

The old man, surprisingly, arrives at the newly opened city gates quite quickly. He looks like a proud grandfather when Shen Qingqiu talks about the night’s events, palm rubbing over his back in a congratulatory gesture. The passing touch over his waist almost makes him shudder. What the fuck kind of move is that?! Grandpa, why can’t you keep your hands to yourself? Not even the girls act this familiarly!

“Palace Master, good morning.”

Oh, thank every god and even the fucking System for Zhanmeng-shixiong! Now he can step away without it being weird!

The grandpa does not like that. His hand squeezes Luo Binghe’s shoulder to stall him, then they turn to Yue Qingyuan with a smile. Just a little inside the city gates, his dependable older brother stands with a group from Cang Qiong, no idea his shidi is staring him in the face through his disciple’s eyes. Fuck, what a ridiculous situation. Surely someone will recognize him— Luo Binghe, rather, within seconds. When no one does, he’s well…he’s not sure if he’s relieved or annoyed. This is Luo Binghe! How can someone not immediately fall all over themselves when they see his face? Who else could be this handsome or have such an aura? Unbelievable.  

“Yue-zhangmen,” Old Palace Master says smoothly, “how nice of you to arrive so fast.” 

“Huan Hua arrived even faster,” Yue Qingyuan demurs. “We are fortunate that this matter has finally been resolved.”

“We certainly are, and we owe much of it to my new disciple—“

Thankfully, the man is interrupted when the rest of the cultivators within the city arrive, and then there is that whole scene with the governor! How embarrassing! He keeps getting praise meant for Luo Binghe! Just imagining the penance for this shit is enough to make him want to cry. System! Protagonist!! I didn’t choose this, spare me!

Things go… not bad, until the sowers. 

He tries to console Qin Wanyue when she calls the creatures pitiful, even though he doesn’t agree at all. There, there. It’s what the real Luo Binghe would do; he’s just playing his role! Across the crowd, he tries to catch sight of his face to judge how well he’s performing, and almost winces. What the fuck! Why is Luo Binghe looking at the two of them like that?! It’s like he wants to blow Shen Qingqiu up with his mind! Dear protagonist, this old master isn’t trying to steal your wife; he’s trying not to destroy your relationship!

In a rare moment of insightfulness, Qin Wanyue follows his gaze, then grabs his elbow in fright, shuffling closer, “Luo-shixiong…why is Shen Qingqiu glaring at us like that?”

Feeling that glare turn even more icy, Shen Qingqiu wants nothing more than to slip from her grasp, and thankfully, he gets the chance when the damn sower starts accusing him of helping them!

What the fuck! 

Are you doing this?! He tries to ask Luo Binghe using only his eyes, but of course, it doesn’t work. Or if it does, Shen Qingqiu really can’t read anything from that face! Honestly, Original Goods was— well, too good at the poker face shit.

Then, it turns out he got poisoned yet again. The rash is even on the same damn hand! At least it's kind of fun to watch Mu Qingfang dither around in concern and anger, but watching him admonish Luo Binghe for not taking his meds or letting his doctor know about his health issues feels embarrassing when he remembers that's supposed to be him. Still, this means he's not working with the sowers, so that's the one good thing!

Dodging the child abuse allegations… they’re difficult, but Luo Binghe is great at proving them false. Even better than Shen Qingqiu himself would probably be. For his part, he also manages to act like a sorrowful disciple who has no grievances against his old teacher. The Old Palace Master looks incensed, but he has to make sure Luo Binghe doesn’t end up in the Water Prison! That would probably end up getting one or both of them killed! Luo Binghe can come up with a new revenge plan himself later on. 

And then, of course, walks in Qiu Haitang. What the fuck is going on? This can’t be fate, can it?

“I have never seen this woman in my life,” Luo Binghe says, in a tone cold as his name.

Damn, but does playing Shen Qingqiu suit him. He almost slaps himself at the thought. This! Is! The! Protagonist! He can't be the two-bit scum villain. Talk about sacrilegious.

Qiu Haitang laughs wildly, “You dare lie to everyone? I’m your wife, and you say you don’t know who I am?” 

Shit. Fuck. Shit. 

Luo Binghe’s eyes narrow further, sending a bone-chilling look Shen Qingqiu’s way, “Miss, this master believes you have the wrong person. I do not have a wife.” 

“Immortal Master Shen,” Old Palace Master says, shaking his head in disappointment. “It really is unbecoming of you to lie like this.”

“Who says he’s lying?” Qi Qingqi snaps. 

Thank you, Shimei! He cries on the inside. She and Yue Qingyuan, alongside Luo Binghe, are pretty hardcore, and somehow they manage to get him off scot free! Old Palace Master looks like he wants to strangle some people. Honestly, what even is this guy’s grudge against him? 

“Enough. Clearly, someone is trying to blame Shen-shidi for a nefarious reason,” Yue Qingyuan says at last. “This master will vouch for him, and our sect will stay behind him.” The other Peak Lords either nod or say their agreements. What a heart-warming scene! Shen Qingqiu almost tears up. 

It takes just a little more arguing for the crowd to disperse, and Qiu Haitang is swept along by Old Palace Master, glaring at Shen Qingqiu’s body the whole time. Ah… perhaps they shouldn’t let her leave with them? 

“You!” Shen Qingqiu blinks and turns, finding Qi Qingqi glaring at him. Shit. She walks over with the force of a thunderstorm, Luo Binghe following after her with a tick in the corners of his lips. “What do you think you’ve been doing all this time, leaving your Shizun to grieve you like he’d lost his soul?”

This again?! Why did they like this phrase so much! And fuck, Luo Binghe looks too interested in what she has to say. Who knows what he’s thinking of Shen Qingqiu now…

“Qi-shishu…” he starts, fumbling for a response. He looks to Luo Binghe for some kind of help. “This disciple was–”

Luo Binghe’s eyes glint with— malice or something. It’s difficult to tell with the fan covering half his face, “Shimei, it was Binghe’s decision to return or not.”

Way to stab him in the back! What is Shen Qingqiu even supposed to say to that?

Qi Qingqi shoots Luo Binghe a glare too, “And you, didn’t you say he was dead? You’ve been kneeling over his sword every day, crying out his name like a widow!”

Fuck. Shimei, shut up! Holy shit! How the hell does she even know about his occasional trips to Zheng Yang? And what's this about being a widow, since when is he someone's wife? What is wrong with everyone in this damn sect! It must have been Ming Fan that keeps blabbing, that little traitor! Running around crying to everyone about his Shizun’s daily habits like a grandmother… when Shen Qingqiu returns to Qing Jin Peak, he is going to assign him so much paperwork. No, scratch that, he'll be running a thousand laps!

Luo Binghe’s eyes widen, “I–I—”

Shit! He’s never seen Luo Binghe this shocked before. How disgusted is he by his two-faced scum teacher?

"I-I-" Qi Qingqi mocks him. "Ridiculous is what you are! Both of you!"

Shen Qingqiu bows his head a little, as if he is ashamed. It hurts to do such a thing using Luo Binghe's body, but if needs must!

"Well?" she says, when neither of them says anything. Shen Qingqiu chances a look at Luo Binghe. For some reason, the protagonist still looks shellshocked. Is he really that horrified to learn about Shen Qingqiu's poser bullshit? His sect siblings are just… hemming it up a little, there's no need to be like this!

"Qi-shishu, forgive this disciple, but maybe such things should not be spoken out in the open like this?"

"Oh, but it was fine a second ago when your new sect was trying to arrest Shen Qingqiu?"

There's still no need to air his dirty laundry! Isn't this worse?!

"Shimei, Binghe didn't say anything about Huan Hua being his new sect."

Oh, right! They obviously need Luo Binghe to return to Qing Jin so they can discuss how to go about solving this. But… if the cause of this whole switch remains in Huan Hua, isn't this just making things difficult?

Qi Qingqi scoffs, "Did he have to, shixiong? Huan Hua's Palace Master seemed so certain. So? Are you returning to your Shizun's side or not?"

Shen Qingqiu looks to Luo Binghe, trying to read the answer in his face.

"This disciple would like to return to Qing Jin, if only to let his sect siblings learn of his survival firsthand before he must leave again."

"Leave again," Luo Binghe says. "If Luo Binghe wishes so, this master cannot stop you."

Why the fuck are you saying it like that, then? What's up with the icy tone?! Shen Qingqiu is just trying to keep your options open! Surely, the protagonist wants to return to conquering the Huan Hua sect after this brief intermission?

"This one thanks his Shizun," Shen Qingqiu says, bowing. Perhaps it was a bad idea to eat the congee last night, because his stomach rolls with nausea.

When he and Luo Binghe return to Qing Jin, the first thing that happens is Ning Yingying crying when she sees him. But of course, that is only expected, considering their mutual crushes. He doesn't know where to put his hands when she hugs him— which is par for the course, too. Only, he's more nervous because Luo Binghe is right there, watching them; every pat Shen Qingqiu gives to her back makes him glare harder.

Surprisingly, many disciples come up to him to say how happy they are that he's back. He wasn't aware Luo Binghe was so popular in this new Qing Jin Peak, but he's very glad for it! Maybe that means he'll be fine just killing Shen Qingqiu and will leave the rest of the Peak and the Sect alone after that?

Speaking of killing… he definitely needs to talk to Shang Qinghua about their contingency plans.

"Shizun has a lead he wants to pursue?" Luo Binghe asks when he catches him trying to escape through his bedroom window.

Fucking hell. Maybe it's not too late to run? A glance at Luo Binghe's face suggests it very much is. Carefully, he pulls his leg off the ledge, sliding the window screen shut again, and smooths his robes down, all in silence.

Finally, "Not as such."

"But you do have an idea."

Shen Qingqiu hesitates. Luo Binghe clearly won't let him do anything on his own if he's been keeping this close an eye on him. Maybe he can bullshit something personal— but he's in Luo Binghe's body, what can be too personal that he can't tell him? Actually, Shen Qingqiu would rather not think about personal things at all. It was horrifying enough to get himself to pee…the Heavenly Pillar truly…was heavenly…

"Shizun?"

Shen Qingqiu startles. Right. Plan. Shang Qinghua.

"This master really doesn't know. He was thinking of consulting— the library."

Luo Binghe raises his brows, "And naturally, you needed to escape through your window to do so?"

"I was— this master didn't want to run into your sect siblings, of course."

"Of course."

Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes. Is Luo Binghe…mocking him? For some reason, even though he's sure it can't be, it feels— it feels light-hearted.

"Well, Shizun, this disciple is waiting for one of your sect siblings and cannot join you. If you would like to, you can leave through the front door; surely everyone will behave."

What a brilliant bluff. Like he would leave Luo Binghe alone with Liu Qingge, Qi Qingqi, or even worse, Mu Qingfang. "What sect sibling?"

Luo Binghe smiles and doesn't answer.

"Right," he says. "Well, as the disciple, I should prepare some refreshments, then."

It's funny; he's never seen himself blanch before.

"No—! I mean, no need, Shizun, I already prepared something."

When did he even have the time for that? But also… eating Luo Binghe's food again. Even if he's undeserving, Shen Qingqiu can't say he can resist it. Besides, since he's in Shen Qingqiu's body, Luo Binghe can't feed him his blood, so there is no risk!

"You have?" he says, nonchalant.

Luo Binghe nods, gesturing to the main room, "You can sit— until someone comes at least."

It's a stupid idea. It really is. But, Luo Binghe's cooking! He can't say no to that, it would be stupid! "Until then, yes."

"Bro, what the fuck?” Shang Qinghua starts immediately after bursting inside. “You brought Bing-ge with you? What’s wrong with you? Is he mind controlling you with his freaky blood gu or wha—“

His mouth shuts with a click when he sees them. If it were anyone other than Shang Qinghua, Shen Qingqiu would have felt bad for their teeth. If it were anyone other than Shang Qinghua, his reputation would have been fucked. Liu Qingge would probably have another qi deviation if he saw Shen Qingqiu serving his disciple food.

“Go on,” says Luo Binghe.

“Um…no…”

“Freaky blood gu, you said?” Luo Binghe asks, conversationally. 

“Uh– you know what– I just remembered how terribly busy I am! Wow, look at the time, how fast it flies! Gotta run and handle some acquisition forms, you know how Bai Zhan is, they broke so many doors again. Honestly, I should be billing Liu Qingge personally at this point; he just can't teach his disciples how to act. They're always destroying things and setting shit on fire and then I—”

"Shang Qinghua, shut up," Shen Qingqiu says.

Shang Qinghua's eyes dart between Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu, and he takes a subtle (definitely not) step back.

"Luo-shizhi, how rude, hahaha, wow, I can't believe you're back in the sect! How fortuitous! Your Shizun was really having such a difficult time, you wouldn't believe it! Poor Shen-shixiong actually got Wei-shixiong to reforge your sword and—"

"Shidi!"

"—he was—" Shang Qinghua stops talking. Finally. Shen Qingqiu is going to strangle him for this. He looks at Shen Qingqiu, "Shixiong?"

"If you had stopped for a single second, we could have gotten things clear from the get-go," Shen Qingqiu snaps.

"But— how?" Shang Qinghua asks.

"That's why you're here," Luo Binghe says. His voice is so dry that Shen Qingqiu almost offers him tea.

"Me? Jun—Junshang, this humble subject— has no idea!" When Shen Qingqiu glares at him, Shang Qinghua flinches. "Shen-shixiong, please don't look at me like that! You look horrifying right now."

This shitty coward. It's obviously not Luo Binghe doing the glaring; Shen Qingqiu doesn't see why he should be so afraid.

"Sit, shidi."

Giving a forlorn look at the door, Shang Qinghua drags his feet like he's a death row inmate, and plops down across from them. Shen Qingqiu narrows his eyes when he immediately reaches for one of his mung bean cakes. In the middle of grabbing one, Shang Qinghua catches sight of his face, grimaces, and puts it back. Alright, maybe it is funny how scared he is of Shen Qingqiu right now.

It takes some time to explain everything to him, even more to talk about potential causes of their predicament. Shang Qinghua is a terrible listener. He's not quite so bad during Peak Lord meetings, so it has to be about Luo Binghe being with them. Once, forgetting who he's talking to, he rolls his eyes at Luo Binghe. Immediately afterwards, he looks like he wants to pluck his own eyes out, and spends almost five minutes trying to apologize. It annoys Luo Binghe so much that he runs off to the kitchen, taking along the pot of empty tea as an excuse.

"Finally," Shang Qinghua hisses, leaning forward in such a hurry that he almost headbutts Shen Qingqiu. "Dude, what the actual fuck?"

"I should be asking you that!" Shen Qingqiu hisses back.

"How the hell did you end up switching bodies with the protagonist!"

"How would I know?!"

"Shh-!"

"You shh—" what the hell is he doing? This is not the time to act like elementary students with Airplane. "Whatever! Tell me how to switch back."

"I don't know!"

"How can you not—"

"Bro, I wrote so many words! I don't remember everything—"

"—know you stupid—"

"—oh, come on! Besides, isn't this a good thing, being inside the protagonist?"

Fuck this guy and his double entendres! "Holy shit, don't say it like that! Also, I don't want to be in— this can't be allowed! He's Luo Binghe!" Shen Qingqiu tries his best not to raise his voice. Stupid Airplane. This fucker is never, ever helpful. Why did Luo Binghe even call him here?

Shang Qinghua rolls his eyes, then glances towards the kitchen. Shen Qingqiu follows his gaze, relaxing when he sees it's still empty.

"Come on, stop fucking around."

"I'm not—" Shang Qinghua exhales loudly. "Okay, look, I really can't think of anything. I mean, if you, my biggest anti-fan, can't remember something like this, how can this humble author?"

"Fuck off," Shen Qingqiu says. "Who's your fan?"

Shang Qinghua grins, then wiggles his eyebrows, "There is one cure we can both think of, though."

Feeling fully lost, Shen Qingqiu looks at him blankly until Shang Qinghua throws his hands up in exasperation, "Bro, fucking."

Immediately, Shen Qingqiu can feel his whole body flush red hot, and he says, incensed, "I'm going to kill you!"

After Shang Qinghua runs off, Shen Qingqiu waves off Luo Binghe's questions and spends the next two days hunched over an increasing number of books and scrolls, trying to avoid him and everyone else in the Sect.

Ning Yingying and Ming Fan corner him in the Bamboo House, the second he is alone in it, Luo Binghe gone to supervise a class. Honestly, when did his disciples start barging into his home like this?

"So you're back?" Ming Fan scowls, arms crossed over his chest.

Ning Yingying hits him on the arm, "Not that we are not happy about it!" she says, brightly. "It's just that… we are a little concerned."

"Concerned?" Shen Qingqiu echoes. Yingying why would you be concerned, hello?

"Don't talk for me, shimei!" Ming Fan protests loudly. "I'm not happy in the least! How can this— this dog just return, like nothing happened?!"

Shen Qingqiu tries not to frown. Oh, Ming Fan, you little fool. Shizun will try not to let you jump into that hole of ants, okay?

"Shixiong, shut up!" Ning Yingying says, turning to him with a smile that looks very strained. "A-Luo, as I was saying… we're concerned because… well…"

"Because Shizun can't take it if you leave again!" Ming Fan bursts out. His face colors pink, and his head whips around. Ning Yingying nods solemnly.

It takes all of Shen Qingqiu's willpower not to scream. What the fuck is this kid saying?! What Shizun can't take it if you leave again? Holy shit, he's going to make him run so…many…laps. He's all too glad this is not the actual Luo Binghe they're speaking to!

He makes himself give a strained laugh, "Shixiong is overestimating Shizun's regard for this one."

"No!" Ming Fan and Ning Yingying protest at the same time. Shen Qingqiu is not sure whether to laugh or cry. Actually, no, he's leaning more towards bodily harm, right now! These brats are going to be the death of him! First, they go tattling stupid tales to his sect siblings, now to Luo Binghe? Clearly, Shen Qingqiu is too lax a teacher.

"So," Ning Yingying asks, "is A-Luo staying? You are, aren't you?"

"Shijie, this Shidi is a little busy."

"With what?"

"I— there are some things that have to be resolved after my— after the Conference."

"A-Luo still hasn't talked about what happened back then, or why he didn't return to Shizun afterwards," Ning Yingying says, while Ming Fan interrupts with a, "Shimei, let's just leave, he's just an unfilial beast!"

Shen Qingqiu glares at him this time, because it just feels like something Luo Binghe would do. After watching him for a few moments, Ning Yingying sighs, "Fine, A-Luo, Shijie will leave you to your work. For now. There are things we need to talk about!"

He thanks her profusely and waits until she leaves with a "I really am glad you're back," and a smile, dragging along a Ming Fan who's still glaring daggers at him. Hopefully, by the time he's cornered by her again, he'll be back in his own body, and Luo Binghe can do whatever he wants with her questions. Wait— maybe that's not a good thing? But surely, she won't mention all this weird stuff again.

He shakes his head and goes back to the latest scroll.

When Luo Binghe finds him again, he's still reading the same thing, only realizing hours have passed when he notices how low the sun has gotten, and by the fragrant scent that reaches his nose.

"Ah, Binghe, you've cooked?"

At the affirmative, he gets up to join him at the dining table. How nostalgic, sharing a meal with his disciple. It's almost like he's still that little White Lotus of his, that happy, naive boy. Who never thought his master would throw him into hell, who doesn't want revenge from him.

"Shizun?"

Shen Qingqiu shakes his head and eats without saying a word. This will all be over once they are back in their own bodies. Perhaps Luo Binghe will want his revenge immediately. But… doesn't he deserve it? It won't even be a permanent death. Before kicking him out, he'd managed to tell Shang Qinghua to take care of the mushroom bodies, after all.

"I can't take this anymore; Shen Qingqiu, what has your idiot disciple been up to?" Qi Qingqi interrupts with a slam of her hand. Shang Qinghua stops immediately

Peak Lord meetings really are unbearable. Luo Binghe unfolds Shizun's fan, "Shimei, whatever do you mean?" and, after a second's hesitation, "Please, don't call Luo Binghe an idiot."

"As annoying as always about that brat! Are you really not curious as to why he hasn't returned until now? What happened between the two of you that day?"

Immediately, eleven pairs of eyes point to him; these people are all terrible gossips. His younger self, who had still been naive enough to think of the Peak Lords as illustrious immortals, would have been appalled.

"Is this an official sect meeting, or not?" he says, pointedly glancing at Yue Qingyuan. He's not happy about it, but he knows already that the man has a soft spot for Shizun, and Luo Binghe is not afraid to use it. He still cannot believe Shen Qingqiu never told any of them about Luo Binghe's true nature. Wouldn't it be better for his sect siblings to be aware of the dangers of a beast like him?

The sect leader nods after a moment, "Qingqiu-shidi is correct, we should return to the topic at hand."

"But—"

"Please, Shang-shidi, continue."

As he does so nervously, Qi Qingqiu catches Luo Binghe's eye and mouths something, which he ignores. Listening to Shang Qinghua drone on isn't any better, but at least he doesn't have to talk.

Once the meeting is done, Yue Qingyuan stops him before he can leave.

"Shidi, this shixiong wanted to ask how you have been faring lately."

Luo Binghe wants nothing more than to say it's none of his business, but he holds himself back, "This shidi has been in excellent health."

Yue Qingyuan smiles. His teeth are white and perfect, and he looks like a hero Luo Binghe had believed all cultivators to be, as a child. Now, all it does is annoy him, because that smile is for Shizun. "And how is Luo-shizhi?"

"Fine," he says curtly.

"Shidi…" Yue Qingyuan hesitates, then lays a warm hand on Luo Binghe's shoulder. Luo Binghe does his best not to freeze or slap his hand away. Or maybe he should? But he doesn't want to do anything that would make Shizun tell someone other than Shang Qinghua the situation. He hasn't amended his plans to include Mu Qingfang yet. "Are you worried he will leave soon?"

Would Shizun be upset if he left? If only that were the case. These few days felt a little as though he was back in time, like he belonged here again—though he had to be careful not to be seen cooking, which was admittedly somewhat annoying.

"Shidi?" Yue Qingyuan calls again, sounding worried. "Perhaps… if you could tell me what went between you two, I could be—"

"No need, Zhangmen-shixiong."

"Xi—Qingqiu-shidi, please."

"Shixiong, I'm capable of talking to my own disciple. Please, leave it alone."

Yue Qingyuan looks into his eyes, Luo Binghe almost— almost shivers at the feeling of having those eyes glance that deep into him, then nods. Unfortunately, the man decides to make small talk some more— as though he doesn't want Shen Qingqiu to leave his sight just yet.

When he's finally free and back in Qin Jing, he notices Ning Yingying at the door to the Bamboo House talking to Shen Qingqiu, who looks distinctly uncomfortable, and slows his steps.

"—was so upset the whole time!"

"Shijie, I'm sure you're giving this Shidi too much credit. Again."

"A-Luo, no!" she says, shaking her head vehemently. "Shizun stopped eating. Especially during that first year, he called out for you! He missed you so much that he wouldn't stay home longer than a week at a time! Have you even gone to the back to see Zheng Yang?"

Luo Binghe feels… he doesn't know how he feels. Of course, by now he's heard of this talk a few times—courtesy of Qi Qingqi mostly, but it has been difficult to put any weight into it. Or— not exactly. He has been putting too much hope into it, so much so that he is now hesitant to get confirmation either way. Before this, when he was certain of Shen Qingqiu's reaction, he had been ready to ask him if he regretted it. Now though…

"Shijie!" Shen Qingqiu says sharply. "Please, I told you I'm busy!"

Ning Yingying exhales, "Why won't you— A-Luo, I'm trying to tell you how much Shizun needs you!"

Shizun laughs awkwardly, "No, he doesn't!"

"How can you say that?!" Ning Yingying sounds offended. Her hand whips forward, grabbing Shizun's wrist. "Come with me."

As she drags him along, she ignores all of his protests. Luo Binghe follows after them at a sedate pace, his heart beating loudly in his ears.

"Shijie," Shen Qingqiu says once they've stopped. "Why are you even— so what if— if—"

"What do you mean—"

Luo Binghe looks at the sword. He remembers it had broken, and he thinks someone had mentioned it had been reforged— but he hadn't actually thought it could have been true. When he looks closely, he can see indentations in front of it, as though… as though someone had kneeled in front of Zheng Yang for long stretches.

You’ve been kneeling over his sword every day, crying out his name like a widow.

Why would Shizun… why would he—

"Shizun?" he hears Ning Yingying's hesitant call. Next to her, Shen Qingqiu looks white-faced, mortified.

"Yingying… Binghe."

"Shizun— I— Yingying wanted to show A-Luo that—"

"Shijie," Shen Qingqiu cuts in, "Could you give us some privacy, please? This shidi wants to— talk to Shizun."

Ning Yingying narrows her eyes, just slightly. But in the end, she agrees to leave them alone. Luo Binghe can see her squeeze Shen Qingqiu's wrist, lean in to whisper something into his ear. As she walks past him, she gives Luo Binghe a mulish, unrepentant look and grins when he raises a brow.

Once she's gone, Shen Qingqiu lets out a long breath of air, so forcefully that he almost looks deflated. Luo Binghe stays silent.

"Well," Shizun says after, "She's probably gone, so we can just go back in. I was reading something before she—"

"That's Zheng Yang," Luo Binghe says, a little dumbly.

"—came and—" Shen Qingqiu trails off.

"Shizun… this disciple long since wanted to ask you something."

"…yes?"

Luo Binghe swallows, looks down at the earth in front of his sword again. "Do you— does Shizun regret it?"

As the silence between them lasts, the pressure grows within his chest, even in his eyes.

"I— I do."

Luo Binghe's head whips up. Shen Qingqiu is the one looking at the ground now, looking distinctly uncomfortable.

"You do? Really?"

"I already—" Shen Qingqiu starts with a raised voice. "I— yes. Really."

"Shizun," Luo Binghe says, choked. He can't— doesn't want to stop himself. He lunges forward, barreling into Shen Qingqiu's chest as tears start flowing down his face. Finally, he thinks, I can return home.

Since their brief talk the day before, Luo Binghe has been acting just like he had been before— before everything else.

Shen Qingqiu can't actually believe it! Luo Binghe, with no grudge?! His life is safe? It still sounds too good to be true, but well… he wants to believe it. His treatment in those few short years was good for something, then. Luo Binghe wanted to be back here! Literally here, not just Qing Jin, but his house. Haha!

He shakes his head and focuses back on the lent scroll. Another dead end waits for him.

"I might have found something," Luo Binghe says that evening. As expected of the protagonist's halo! It can only be the real deal! "It says here that… well.. it seems to be a curse."

"Go on?"

"I—" Luo Binghe's cheeks are red for some reason. He looks up at Shen Qingqiu through his lashes. "Shizun, this Binghe cannot dare say it."

Shen Qingqiu almost rolls his eyes, "Binghe, get on with it!"

"Shizun, the scroll says such a curse only exchanges the souls of those who are well-matched and share deep emotions!"

Uh. "…what?" he asks, his brain trying to reboot. Well, sure, he shares a— deep emotion with— with— he laughs, feeling a little manic. "Feelings of— filial aff—"

"Deep romantic emotions," Luo Binghe interrupts.

"Haha," Shen Qingqiu laughs robotically. "That's what I thought you said."

"So?" Luo Binghe presses. "What does Shizun think?"

"It's— it's ridiculous!"

"In what way?"

"Every way?! How could you be in— interested in this old man?"

The laugh Luo Binghe lets out is slow and feels a little dark. It makes Shen Qingqiu almost shudder. "Shizun should have no doubts of feelings from my side."

What the fuck does that mean?! Shen Qingqiu isn't sure what kind of expression is on his face, but Luo Binghe gives him a searching look for a moment, then leans across the table to— to—

The second he feels those warm lips touch his, he shuts his eyes tight. A puff of air hits his face as Luo Binghe pulls his head closer and—

"Ow!" Shen Qingqiu pulls back, hitting Luo Binghe's shoulder. "Don't bite me. What is this, your first kiss?" Luo Binghe looks a little crestfallen. No! Don't tell him it really is his first?!

"Apologies, Shizun. This disciple wanted to save himself for you and so lacks experience."

What the fuck!! What kind of words are these; how can they be said by a stallion protagonist?! Then that means— that means Luo Binghe really— and—and Shen Qingqiu too?! It's fucking insane! Well, he is sure he knows why he might be in— interested, since this is the Luo Binghe after all, and who couldn't love him? But for Luo Binghe to say he loves Shen Qingqiu…

"Binghe," he says hesitantly. "Why would you— are you sure you—"

Luo Binghe grabs one of Shen Qingqiu's hands with both of his own, "Shizun, this disciple—I love you. I have for years! And— and don't you love me as well?"

Shen Qingqiu coughs into a fist, turning his flushed face away. Does… does he? He looks down at Luo Binghe's hands. There is a minute trembling to his fingers, and earlier wasn't there a crack in his voice, too? He—

"I— Binghe is so sure of himself!" he says.

"So Shizun does not?"

He sounds so sad! "I— who couldn't?!" Only after the words are out of his mouth does he realize what he said. Luo Binghe's mood bounces back immediately, and he smiles, shuffling around until he is sitting right next to him. He doesn't let go of Shen Qingqiu's hand for a second. The besotted, foolish look does not fit Luo Binghe's face at all, but makes Shen Qingqiu's own face turn even hotter, for some reason.

Shen Qingqiu sits up straight. Whatever! It's only right if he helps Luo Binghe with his technique, isn't it? Apparently, they need to dual cultivate for this thing to end. Shen Qingqiu can decide what to do with all this after— that.

“Wait,” Shen Qingqiu mumbles under Luo Binghe’s lips. “Binghe, hold on.”

Halfheartedly, Luo Binghe pulls back. Under him on the bed, his body’s hair fans out in a dark puddle, his cheeks are flushed, and lips wet. Shen Qingqiu had grumbled about Luo Binghe's kissing skills at first, but between the two of them, Luo Binghe had gotten good enough to leave him boneless soon enough.

“Out of the two of us, who should— that is—“ Shen Qingqiu stops talking, growing redder and redder.

“Shizun?” 

“I mean…do you think…” 

Luo Binghe waits. Maybe a little more impatiently than he would normally be. After all, being intimate with Shizun has been the object of his dirtier dreams since he was in his teenage years. 

“Shizun,” he whines, bending his head to press kisses into Shen Qingqiu’s neck. “Tell this Binghe what you want, and I will gladly do it.”

“You—! Stop for a second,” Shen Qingqiu’s breaths grow heavier as Luo Binghe continues— only to let out a hitched moan when an iron grip in his hair pulls him off. “Will you listen now?”

Unfortunately, that just makes it difficult to pay attention. Luo Binghe really can’t help but hitch his hips into Shen Qingqiu’s. 

“Binghe!”

Despondent, he pulls his knees underneath so he can leave a little space between them. It makes Shen Qingqiu huff and remove his hand. Luo Binghe watches it go mournfully.

“Shizun,” he says, making his voice tremble. 

“Don’t call me Shizun when we’re like this! And stop interrupting me!”

Luo Binghe pouts, but stays quiet. 

“Binghe, don’t make faces like that with my face!”

Shizun and his thin face… It is endearing, naturally, but it does tend to make things difficult. Luo Binghe nods, looking at him with wide eyes, hoping to convey how much he wants Shen Qingqiu to continue talking.

Clearing his throat, Shen Qingqiu does. "As this master was saying, I'm afraid I— will need to do. It."

"It, Shizun?"

"You—" Shen Qingqiu starts angrily, but whatever look he sees on his face makes him stop, exhale, then shut his eyes. "IthinkIshouldbetheoneontop!"

Luo Binghe blinks, trying to understand the jumble of words he just heard. Shizun wants… he wants—!

"Shizun!"

"I know you may not be comfortable but— if we change bodies midway— you- you will be—"

"What? Shizun, this disciple is overjoyed!"

"—on— what?"

Puzzled, Luo Binghe continues, "Shizun, I would do it in any and all positions—!"

He's interrupted by a hand on his mouth, pushing his head away. When he turns his head back to look, Shen Qingqiu's entire face is red.

"I get it already! Stop talking!"

Luo Binghe can't help but laugh. He really is overjoyed. But he is also very, very excited to return to what he has been doing. The order to stop talking is one he is happy to oblige, and he does so.

By the time Luo Binghe strips him naked, Shen Qingqiu is panting between kisses once more. Luo Binghe wastes no time reaching down to get his mouth on his cock.

"Holy s— what are you doing!" He doesn't bother pulling off, responding by enthusiastically starting to suck. "Fuck!" Shen Qingqiu says, hands flying down to grab Luo Binghe's hair.

His cock is too big in Shizun's mouth. It bumps against the back of his throat with every movement, stretches the corners of his lips tight. He can feel his eyes well up reflexively. Imagining what it would look like to see it, Luo Binghe's hold on Shen Qingqiu's thigh tightens.

Even though he is somewhat clumsy in his technique, it doesn't take long for Shen Qingqiu to come with a gasp. Watching him try to calm himself down is a beautiful thing, which Luo Binghe does with his chin on one of his thighs.

"You! You're terrible!" Shizun says, once he's gotten his breath under control. Luo Binghe smiles and bites his thigh, caressing it when Shen Qingqiu's leg jumps under his hand. "Didn't I tell you to slow down? Why is it that you call this master Shizun all the time and never listen to me when it matters? How are we supposed—" his voice trails off when Luo Binghe curls his fingers around his cock again. Faintly, he says, "Right."

Luo Binghe laughs, moving up to kiss him as he works. Soon enough, Shen Qingqiu grabs at his hand to stop him, and in a dizzying instant, he finds himself on his back.

"Okay, enough already," Shen Qingqiu says, from his seat between Luo Binghe's thighs. "We need to move ahead with this—um—this thing!"

"Shizun is so enthusiastic," Luo Binghe can't help but say. "This disciple is delighted."

The slap at his thigh shuts him up, and he can feel himself twitch under his robes. Speaking of those, it's high time he got those off as well; Luo Binghe had gotten distracted while divesting Shen Qingqiu of his. When he notices, Shen Qingqiu joins in on helping him disrobe. And then, he can finally see what Shizun's cock looks like when it's flushed with blood. It's a mouth-watering sight, and only makes him want to be back in his own body sooner so he can taste it.

He opens his mouth to say something, but Shen Qingqiu interrupts him with a kiss. Without stopping, Luo Binghe moves to guide his cock to—

Shen Qingqiu pulls back, "What do you think you're doing?"

"Shizun said he wanted us to move along."

"Yes—we—yes," Shen Qingqiu sputters, "but you can't just do that! Do you want my body to split apart?!"

"Shizun," Luo Binghe whines. He's not happy with the idea that he would hurt Shen Qingqiu, but he can't help but preen at the thought that Shizun thinks his cock is big. It's a coarse and unrefined thought, but he's a demon after all. "What should I do?"

Shen Qingqiu visibly hesitates, "Well, we should…open you…up…somehow."

Luo Binghe thinks for a moment, shrugs mentally, and slowly inserts a finger. It's dry and a little uncomfortable, but simply being inside Shizun is enough for him to forge onwards.

"You're so! Ridiculous!" Shen Qingqiu says, slapping his thigh again, "Wait for a second!" He stands up, waddling over to his dressing table. As Luo Binghe listens to him mutter to himself as bottles clatter, he works on gently opening Shizun's body up. Shen Qingqiu looks annoyed when he's back between his legs, and upends a bottle of hair oil onto Luo Binghe's fingers with a smug flourish. "There!"

After the initial shock of it, Luo Binghe can admit that it does feel better; he quickly moves to two fingers, moaning at the sensation.

"Shizun," he says, a little nasal. "Isn't it enough?"

Shen Qingqiu's face colors red, but he obligingly looks down, "Is that really— does it not hurt?"

The look of mortification he sees on his face when he tells him his initial thoughts is what makes him pull out his fingers and instead make Shen Qingqiu use his. "Shizun can try for himself, too."

At the first touch, his Shizun makes a loud, horrified sound and closes his eyes.

"You—" he says, a little choked. It takes him a few breaths, but in the end, even though his fingers bump against Luo Binghe hesitantly, he still does it. Satisfied, Luo Binghe lets himself moan loudly. "…what are you, a pornstar?!"

To stop him from speaking nonsense, Luo Binghe kisses him again. This time, when he forgets his teeth, he gets a pinch instead. Shizun's movements gain confidence soon enough, and he hums happily when Luo Binghe groans into his lips. That, more than anything, makes him want to cry tears of joy.

As nice as having Shizun's fingers in him is, Luo Binghe is ready for more. Judging by how hard he is against the back of Luo Binghe's thigh, Shen Qingqiu should be too.

"Okay, okay, fine!" Shen Qingqiu says, the second Luo Binghe's hand wraps around his cock— well, he can't grasp it fully, which makes him preen internally. "So impatient. I'll be the one dealing with that soon, you know."

The thought makes his head swim, and he feels himself clench reflexively around Shen Qingqiu's fingers as he takes them out. Briefly, he's aware of Shizun muttering something he cannot hear, but he doesn't care to decipher it, because suddenly, all his attention is on just feeling.

Shizun was right, he thinks as Shen Qingqiu slowly fills him, those fingers really were necessary. He makes a mental note for the future. Somewhere in the middle of this, Shen Qingqiu stops, forehead to forehead with him. Shizun is inside him. He is inside Shizun.

"Shizun?" Luo Binghe manages to ask. "Are you alright?"

Shen Qingqiu's laugh is breathless, and only then does he notice the minute trembling of his entire body, "Shouldn't I be asking that?"

Heart close to bursting from the sheer emotion he's feeling, Luo Binghe nods vehemently, "I'm fine! This disciple is grea—"

The word dissolves into a groan when Shen Qingqiu starts moving; his first thrusts are halting, hesitant things.

"Shizun, Shizun, you feel so good inside me," he says, eyes pooling with tears.

"Binghe," Shen Qingqiu says, voice hoarse. "Be quiet, please."

Luo Binghe whines, trying to move his hips, but Shen Qingqiu presses them down with a single hand on his hipbone. But he can't actually stop Luo Binghe from speaking unless they're kissing, which Shizun realizes fast enough. There is heat pooling inside him with every snap of Shen Qingqiu's hips. Their combined qi is flowing through his meridians, soothing the ever-present ache. Tears keep running down his face, because it's Shizun, because they're finally together the way Luo Binghe has wanted for the longest time.

"Shizun," Luo Binghe says, feeling drunk out of his mind. "I love you."

Shen Qingqiu stills above him with a gasp—

For a single moment, Luo Binghe thinks he's falling. His hands are gripping soft, warm skin, though maybe too hard, as he tries to come back to his senses. His head stops spinning soon enough, limbs tingling as he tries to move around—

"A-ah! Don't—move!"

Luo Binghe freezes, remembering just what he was doing. When the world finally comes back to focus, the sight in front of him almost makes him faint. Shen Qingqiu is underneath him, his long legs hitched up on Luo Binghe's hips. He had seen him naked while undressing this past week, but seeing it from the outside is something entirely different.

"Shizun, are you alright?"

"Yes," Shen Qingqiu chokes out. His cheeks are flushed red.

Experimentally, Luo Binghe shifts his hips, biting off on a moan when he feels Shizun clench around him. Shen Qingqiu's own moan comes out freely, and his hand spasms on Luo Binghe's bicep.

He doesn't say stop this time, though, so Luo Binghe doesn't. "Shizun, do you like it?"

"Shut up," Shen Qingqiu says, gasping when Luo Binghe thrusts shallowly.

"You must have liked being in my body," Luo Binghe continues, petting over Shen Qingqiu's ribs and down his thigh. It feels dizzying. "You came so fast! But which do you like more?"

In his excitement, his movements become faster until he starts snapping his hips hard enough that Shen Qingqiu can't even form a response. His entire body jolts when Luo Binghe moves to touch his pretty cock, spent from before, and he groans when Luo Binghe starts to stroke him.

"You," Shizun pants out, his chest heaving, drawing his gaze down to the untouched skin there, "talk too much! Who needs all this during— se—during this!"

"Shizun doesn't talk enough!" Luo Binghe protests, pouting a little. He doesn't stop fucking Shizun, but he slows down just a little. "How can this disciple know if you like what he's doing?"

"Fishing for compliments," Shen Qingqiu says, voice going breathy at the end when Luo Binghe firms up his hold on his cock.

"I don't think I need to— I think Shizun loves getting fucked."

"You— don't say—!" Shizun tries to finish his words, but he can't gather the breath for it when Luo Binghe times a particularly hard thrust at the same time. "Bing—Binghe," he gasps instead, "slow down a little."

Luo Binghe can't. As useful as it had been for Shen Qingqiu to have come while he was in Luo Binghe's body, he's still so new to pleasure like this. Lust feels like it's overflowing in his veins. With a noise that feels feral, Luo Binghe leans down to gnaw on Shen Qingqiu's neck, his hips moving faster than before. Shen Qingqiu's hand grabs and pulls at his hair. It's not long before he feels it get even tauter, the sting shooting down his spine to pool in his pelvis, and he can feel Shen Qingqiu clenching around him, soft and slick with his spent from before, as he comes again— in his own body, this time.

"Shizun," Luo Binghe gasps, like he is the one getting fucked through the aftershocks, "Shizun feels so good inside, I love you— I never want to stop—"

Shen Qingqiu pulls him down for a kiss so forcefully that their teeth clash, and Luo Binghe can feel the second the blood from his split lip flows down Shizun's throat. The sudden awareness, being able to map Shizun's body entirely, is what makes him burst into tears, and come.

"You…" Shen Qingqiu says slowly, pulling away and trying to catch his breath, "…what are you crying for?"

"I'm so happy," Luo Binghe says, kissing every part of Shen Qingqiu's face. Shen Qingqiu's nose wrinkles just a little, but he lets him do it. "Shizun, I'm so glad I did this."

Shen Qingqiu makes a satisfied noise, pushing at his chest until Luo Binghe pulls out— feeling a little sad about it— then pulls him down to rest his head on the pillow next to him. Luo Binghe can't stop staring at him. Shizun snorts, then settles his own head on Luo Binghe's shoulder.

"This master will be sleeping now," he says with a finality that allows no arguments.

"Wait a second," Shen Qingqiu says, only a few minutes later. He straightens up to his elbow, hair pooled on the bed. "What did you just say?"

"Hm?" Luo Binghe very clearly doesn't freeze.

"Binghe."

"…Shizun…"

Shen Qingqiu glares at him, poking him on the chest so Luo Binghe will stop looking to the side, "By this, you mean you did this whole thing?!"

"I didn't mean to!" Luo Binghe cries suddenly, sitting up. He gives Shen Qingqiu a mournful look, "It was supposed to let me read your thoughts!"

"What?!" Shen Qingqiu says, outraged. "Binghe, that's even worse!"

"Shizun!"