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Chapter Text

Luo Binghe hadn't understood why his shizun hated him as much as he did. He didn't understand the countless punishments or the unfair lectures. He didn't understand why Shizun never took his side when his shixiongs had clearly wronged him. 

He didn't understand why, when he rooted around in his mind, he had chosen to give him a false manual designed to kill him off. If it weren't for his demon blood, for the power Meng Mo sensed within him, he would have succumbed to a bloody death, spiritual veins ruined beyond repair. 

He was his disciple. He shouldn't treat him like this. 

Luo Binghe poked and prodded and pulled apart every memory, searching for the answer. Looking through every emotion that appeared in real time. 

Disdain was common. As was anger. Envy. 

More common than that was the deep-seated discomfort and repulsion. Not just with his "little beast"- nearly every person that came near Shen Qingqiu made his skin crawl, his blood squirm under his skin, muscles threatening to twitch away and only held back by restraint. 

His shizun was not merely disgusted, no. He was terrified, and more often than not, that terror switched to contempt and rage to lash out with, to drive the other person from his presence. That was his instinct, his solution to rid himself of that discomfort. 

Shizun... had a fear of men. 

All men, no matter their age or background. They unsettled him equally. 

Looking back further into his past shed light on why. 

This information left Luo Binghe conflicted. On the one hand, Shizun had never treated him well. If anything, he seemed to go out of his way to hurt him at every chance he got. On the other hand, Shizun was his master, the man who had accepted him and given him a home when no one else had. Luo Binghe had only ever wanted to be seen as a filial disciple and earn his approval. 

It did anger him to know that Shizun was the reason why his shixiongs mocked him for being slow and stupid regarding cultivation. A nasty part of him wanted to torment Shizun back, give him specially tailored nightmares that dug into every single insecurity and bad memory he ever had. 

He could do it. Meng Mo was teaching him well. 

But... for all that Shizun called him a "little beast", Luo Binghe was not one. There were lines he would not step past. He was a good disciple. 

Not a beast. Just a demon, Luo Binghe thought bitterly with a shake of his head as he shifted his attention to the "present" Shen Qingqiu. 

Tonight, he had no dream. Blissful darkness that would fill his mind until morning called him to wake. 

Luo Binghe remained in his shizun's complicated mind a while more, basking in the unusual closeness he gained. 

Eight days. 

That's how long Luo Binghe lasted before he gave into the temptation of going into his shizun's head. This time, he had no desire to root out the reason behind any one behavior. This time he had another desire. 

An experiment, if you will. 

Luo Binghe turned his head toward the loud cussing, somewhat scandalized even with the knowledge that Shizun actually did talk like that at one point in his life. Probably thought like that a lot too even now. 

Shizun had a filthier mouth than any of his shixiongs. 

The other man continued to swing at him with his massive sword. If he was attempting to speak, it was unintelligible at best. Blood streamed from every orifice, staining his robes and much of the cave. 

Oh, Liu-shishu. Luo Binghe shifted the dream to one of his design before his martial uncle managed to pin Shizun down and hurt him. He could sense it heading in that direction. 

In that memory, Shen Qingqiu had managed to evade Liu Qingge long enough to try and fail to save his life, but Shizun wasn't being very quick on his feet in this fabricated scene, even tripping inelegantly as Shizun was not wont to do in real life. 

Hmmm. This disciple might need to locate a way to clear Shizun's name at some point. Murder of a martial brother, another Peak Lord at that, was no minor crime... 

...an issue for another day. 

Shizun did not react to the shift in scenery, rather entrenched in the logic of one's slumber. Dreams often changed mid act, its course as fickle as one could imagine. 

What he did react to was Luo Binghe wrapping his arms around him, effectively dragging him to the soft grass. Bamboo swayed around them, the cool breeze perfectly complimenting the warm afternoon. 

"What do you think you're doing, little beast?" 

Shen Qingqiu placed a palm on his forehead and shoved him off. Luo Binghe let him get away with that, leaning up on an elbow. He smiled, sweet as anything. 

"It is time to play with your favorite disciple." His shijie would likely remain Shizun's favorite forever, and he could live with that. But suggesting these things in Shizun's sleeping mind didn't hurt. 

Luo Binghe should be Shizun's favorite male disciple. Not to mention, the only man he felt perfectly comfortable with. There was nothing to fear from him. 

If Shizun came to love him, then Luo Binghe was certain he could forgive all those other things. Shizun was scared. People did foolish things when they were scared. 

"Look, Shizun, Binghe brought a friend," Luo Binghe continued, holding out a fluffy white cat. 

Shen Qingqiu paused, his sneer at the "favorite" suggestion vanishing. He accepted the purring cat, hands drifting mindlessly over the thick fur. Luo Binghe was pleased. It seemed his guess was correct. 

It wasn't only Xiao Jiu who liked to stare at and try to pet stray cats. 

Luo Binghe made a mental note to locate some cats in the real world and strategically place them around Qing Jing for Shizun to run into. Kittens would be ideal, for obvious reasons.

Shizun likely would not smile as he did now, but it really was rather interesting to watch, how singleminded Shizun got with a cat in his lap. 

Cute even. 

The stray thought made Luo Binghe flustered. He reached out and dared to stroke along the fur under the cat's chin, careful not to touch Shizun again. He would get Shizun accustomed to all types of affection and physically as well, but slowly was for the best, even with his inhibitions lowered. 

"Shizun, what would you like to name her?" 

Shizun kept scritching along her spine. "Mingzhu." 

A good name. 

Luo Binghe turned another smile on his shizun, and Shen Qingqiu didn't look up, hand pat pat patting. 

Experiment One was a success. 

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu was not unused to seeing members of his Sect in his dreams. Their appearances and actions ranged from barely noticeable to openly absurd, so he thought nothing of the fact one of his disciples had a prominent role in his latest dream. 

Most of it fell to the recesses of his mind the second he opened his eyes, difficult to draw forth, but he did distinctly recall rolling small toys across the grass to entertain a cat with them. The little beast had been on his hands and knees, chattering away and helping bat the toys back and forth. 

All in all, less strange than a dream he had a few weeks back where he went with Mu Qingfang on an herb gathering mission only to find nothing and get pelted with talking mushrooms raining from the sky. 

It was actually much easier than Luo Binghe had anticipated to get his shizun to agree to be fed by his hand. Even in a dream, he had expected some resistance, some back and forth over the course of a week's dreams, maybe a fortnight or longer, but Shen Qingqiu found it rather sensible to be fed when his arms were full of cat. 

Perhaps he did believe that Luo Binghe feeding him piece after bitesized piece of his scallion pancakes was filial. An action perfectly normal for a disciple to perform for his hardworking master. 

Dreams were funny like that. 

Your clothes could suddenly disappear without warning, or your teeth could fall out, and it still made sense in its own way, only fit to be found wrong when one returned to the real world. 

Not that Luo Binghe would ever strip Shizun without his consent. Or, ah, ever. No. Good disciples didn't do that. 

No teeth falling either. 

It was shameless to feed Shizun in this manner, but Luo Binghe couldn't bring himself to mind. Any form of affection would help associate him with good things in Shizun's head. Every little bit counted. 

"Shizun must be so exhausted, worrying all the time," Luo Binghe commented, watching Shizun's lips close around the tips of his chopsticks. "He need not worry with his Binghe near. He may be a little beast, but he would never bite his master. This disciple would keep Shizun safe and happy." 

If they stayed together every night, Shizun would never have an unpleasant dream. Luo Binghe would ensure it. 

One day, when he awoke, he would appreciate his diligent disciple. He would approve of him and desire his presence. 

Shen Qingqiu's jaw worked ten more times before he swallowed. 

"Why would you do that?" he asked. 

"What does Shizun mean?" Luo Binghe asked, playing the innocent and readying another bit of scallion pancake. "Your disciple shouldn't wish for your happiness and wellbeing?" 

Shizun gave him a look that fully implied he had lost his mind. 

Maybe Luo Binghe had. Just the littlest bit. 

Another thing he didn't mind. If his plan worked, if he helped Shizun, it would all be worth it. 

His chopsticks neared Shizun's mouth, and Shizun opened up, still frowning. Luo Binghe watched him chew and swallow. 

"I wouldn't," Shen Qingqiu told him, delightfully candid. 

Luo Binghe allowed a frown of his own to dawn on his face. "Shizun, don't say such things. Mingzhu agrees with this disciple. Shizun deserves lots of wonderful things." 

When Shizun finally accepted him in the real world, he could ensure those good things happened personally. 

To emphasize his claim, he directed his shizun's attention to the cat, who perked up from her nap, tail swishing. She mewed, beginning to knead her paws into Shizun's thigh and rumbling steadily. 

Shizun rubbed behind her ear, blinking a few times. 

Maow. 

Shen Qingqiu added more meat to the small plate, amused. What a hungry cat. 

The black tail swished lightly while he ate. Shen Qingqiu stared at him, mildly curious. This was the third cat he had found in as many days. Hardly an unwelcome occurrence. They could help with the pests. 

For the few weeks they had been here, they had been nothing but pleasant company. 

His hand extended, and the cat only twitched an ear, allowing him close. He sniffed him, stared, and wandered off, tail up. 

Perhaps another day then. 

Shen Qingqiu could be patient and wait. 

"Shizun, this disciple made tea."  

One and a half months of careful and dutiful preparation. Waiting for the right moment. 

If anyone was going to be cooking and preparing refreshments for Shizun, it was going to be Luo Binghe. The best way to solidify his position in Shizun's life was to engage him in both his dreams and the real world. Cooking for him was an excellent choice of engagement. 

It didn't involve much interaction, other than greeting and leaving food or drink, but good food inspired good memories. Without a doubt! 

There was a possibility that Shizun might simply dump the pot over his head this time rather than upending the cup, but a boy could try. Especially this boy. Who would be the man Shizun loved, trusted, and depended upon. 

His favorite. 

It was a bit of a task to fit it into his schedule, given how predictable his shixiongs were about giving him everyone else's chores, but he made do. This was important. Very. 

Just like those cats. 

Speaking of cats, that was absolutely the right move. Look how cute Shizun was, letting a cat merp and run around between his legs! If he liked cats that much, Luo Binghe would get him a dozen more! 

Over a period of time, naturally, haha. Shizun would find it suspicious and less coincidental if he got ahead of himself here. 

Couldn't have that happen. 

Shen Qingqiu's icy expression did not change by the smallest fraction, but he did gesture in a fashion that Luo Binghe took to mean that he could set the refreshments down. Experiment Two was going great. 

Luo Binghe poured out a cup of tea and stepped back, head bowed. He could not help the way that his heart sped up when Shizun picked up the cup. 

... Oh, he was drinking it. 

Good. Good. 

Oh, he drank the whole thing. 

The cat settled in Shizun's lap and meowed. 

Luo Binghe stared at the selection of soft desserts and tried not to think of picking them up and bringing them to Shizun's mouth with his own fingers. He blinked as Shen Qingqiu's perfectly manicured hand plucked up a mung bean cake and flung it in his general direction. 

"Eat that and leave if you cannot manage until dinner." 

Luo Binghe clutched the dessert in one hand, mouth gaping stupidly. Shizun?????

Did he? He was sharing food? With him?! 

That was? Nice? Of him? 

Did he think he was hungry because he was staring-? 

"Th-Thanking Shizun for- um-" 

"Leave," Shizun repeated harshly, and Luo Binghe bowed, nearly tripping on his way out the door. 

Chapter Text

"A-Luo is in a good mood today." His shijie's singsongy voice just about made Luo Binghe jump out of his skin, startling him out of his staring contest with the small dessert. Ning Yingying leaned closer, bending slightly at the waist with hands hooked behind her back. Her mouth was lifted in a pleased smile. "What happened?" 

"Shizun gave me a snack," Luo Binghe relayed, still in disbelief. 

Sure, it was one that Luo Binghe cooked himself, but Shizun! Gave him! Food! 

Without him even asking!!!

Shizun showed some concern over his disciple's wellbeing!!!!!!!!!!!

"Please, for the love of all that is holy, tone it down," Meng Mo snapped, voice strained in his student's head. "Revel in your success, fine. Good. But do you have to scream?!" 

It was a very scream-worthy moment. 

"Oh, nice. That one?" Ning Yingying said, angling her head. 

Luo Binghe nodded and lifted it for her perusal. Oh. 

They should discuss something else, yeah. Something that would make Shizun even more comfortable. Probably. 

"Shijie, could Shidi talk to you about something?" 

"Sure. What's up?" 

Reluctant as he was to admit it, the little beast was not a terrible cook. His increasingly frequent trays of snacks and tea were decent enough. He would allow them so long as he kept up with his other duties and turned in his assignments on time. 

"A-Bing makes delicious food, doesn't he?" Ning Yingying commented, helping herself to the leftmost plate full of yellow pea cakes. "He knows how to cook a lot of different recipes. Oh, Shizun could make requests. A-Bing likes cooking. I bet he'd have more fun with-" 

"Why are you calling him that way?" Shen Qingqiu inquired. 

A-Luo, A-Luo, she was always calling him that way. What was this "A-Bing"? 

"Oh," Ning Yingying said. "Yingying is trying something new." 

"I see." 

"Oh, Shizun should try A-Bing's fish soup. Yingying had that on a rainy day, and it warmed her right up. Does Shizun like fish soup?" 

"It's fine." 

Shizun had taken to pinching him and pulling on his cheeks in recent dreams. 

Luo Binghe was irritated at first, believing this to be a setback. It did not hurt him "physically" in the slightest, as he could easily decide whether or not he felt a sensation in his dream realm at this point, but irritated. Very. Yes. 

Why was Shizun bullying him? 

He hadn't been doing that. Shizun was actually very tolerant with his "little beast" when he wasn't trying to hug him. Let him sit a bit too close. Feed him food. Converse. Summon animals to play with. 

"Shizun, what are you doing?" Luo Binghe asked, concealing his displeasure to avoid further aggravating the mercurial man, letting amusement shine in his eyes as his cheeks were tugged on, this way and that way. 

"Playing with you," Shen Qingqiu stated, as if it were obvious. 

Luo Binghe stared at him, subtly checking what emotions were leaking out into the dream realm. It wasn't quite "happy", as Shizun rarely got to that level, and it certainly wasn't "content" like he was when his disciple gave him a cat. It was more... 

..."playful"? 

How interesting. 

Was Shizun's mind trying to work through how to approach him casually? He didn't have any close relationships with his male disciples in reality, so he must be confused on some level even in here. It made sense he couldn't handle him quite like Ning Yingying, but it was still-

"Shizun." Luo Binghe didn't intend to laugh. Truly. It was just. 

They had actual games to play. Boards set up all over the place to serve as convenient visual suggestions, and his master only wanted to pinch him. It was a bit random, no? 

Wait, maybe not. Hadn't Luo Binghe seen his master being bitey and pinchy with his only childhood friend earlier? Maybe it was something like that. Did he default to that behavior with boys he liked? 

Did this mean he was getting more comfortable with Luo Binghe? 

Hmmmm. 

Shen Qingqiu released his cheeks. "Do not laugh at me." 

"This disciple wouldn't dare," Luo Binghe insisted. 

The concept of Luo Binghe being a man who was good company to keep was quite the thing to struggle through. He must be patient with Shizun and let him adjust at his pace. The pinching wasn't that bad. 

Luo Binghe leaned into his shizun's arm, wrapping his own around the elbow and trapping it in place. He took a page from his shijie's book and pouted. 

"Shizun, play with your disciple some more please!" 

Shen Qingqiu couldn't seem to decide on whether or not to let him hang onto him, expressions changing both openly and rapidly in that way "asleep" Shizun's face did. Finally, he settled for flicking Luo Binghe on the forehead. 

"Bratty little beast." 

Shen Qingqiu surprised himself when he caught the little beast when he tripped, balance lost from how hard one of his shixiongs kicked at the back of his leg. The boy was limp, face slack with shock. Shen Qingqiu righted him to the dead silence of his disciples. 

"Please pardon this disciple for dirtying Shizun's robes," the little beast managed as he shuffled back enough to bow, head lowering and arms extending. "He was not looking where he was heading." 

Pitiful thing. 

"Bring me fish soup," Shen Qingqiu said. 

"Fish soup?" another boy muttered, as confused as his peers. 

Luo Binghe remained bent low, eyes on the ground. "As Shizun wishes." 

"Go," Shen Qingqiu said. 

"Yes, Sir." The little beast straightened up and hurried off, near a run. 

Shen Qingqiu spared his other disciples a glance. "No kicking." 

"Shizun." 

"O-Of course, Shizun?" 

"Yes, Shizun." 

"Sorry, Shizun." 

Shen Qingqiu walked back to his house and entered his office. Graded papers. Filled out paperwork. 

A knock came at the door, and he allowed him in, clearing enough space for the tray. The little beast bowed. 

"Shizun." 

Shen Qingqiu picked up his spoon, annoyed. "Are you stupid?" 

Why didn't he ever fight back? Five or six against one could be difficult, but it wasn't impossible to defend oneself against multiple enemies. Cultivators should understand that much at least. 

The little beast's face remained blank, not daring to look him in the eye. "This disciple is sorry. Please punish him as Shizun sees appropriate." 

Shen Qingqiu dismissed him, so he could eat in peace. Punishment? 

He wasn't in the mood today. 

Chapter Text

Ming Fan could not prove it, not by a long shot, but he was fully convinced that Luo Binghe had done something to their shizun. Why else was he acting so strangely these days? As the months went on, it kept getting worse. 

That brat even came late to class, courtesy of their latest prank, and how did Shizun react? By revising the chores schedule and making them all run laps til sundown, the seniors for "slacking off" and Luo Binghe for "being a pushover". 

Which was, ah. 

Agh, he just couldn't get it. Didn't they hate him? Shizun hated him too! Always!

Why was Shizun taking his side? 

No kicking, no punching, no hitting. Shizun made that plenty clear. 

"What, do you think he's drugging his tea?" Shi Shirong asked, aggressively wringing the water from the pale sheet in his hands. 

"Not necessarily, but he has bewitched Shizun with some method." Ming Fan was certain of it. "He held an umbrella over his head the other day. An. Umbrella." 

"Shizun or that brat?" 

"Shizun," Ming Fan clarified. Obviously Shizun. Shizun was the one acting strange. 

Shizun didn't bring out umbrellas for anyone except Ning-shimei, and that's because Shizun was a gentleman like that! It's raining! You offer the young lady your umbrella! That was normal! Polite!

This! Not normal! Why would Shizun care if that idiot got soaked to death?! He should just let him get sick if his cultivation was that horrible it couldn't handle that! 

"That is weird," Shi Shirong agreed, looking just as horrified and more than a touch jealous. 

Ming Fan shook his head. "It's definitely his fault. I know it." 

There was no logical reason for Shizun to suddenly take any positive interest in that brat. Something was off about this. It wasn't sitting right with him. 

"Maybe the little beast breaks into Shizun's house and whispers in his ear all night long." Shi Shirong mimed a person crouching with two fingers. "'Shizun, you like me now.' 'Shizun, Luo Binghe is like a son.' 'Shizun loves Luo Binghe.' Hahah-" 

Ming Fan punched him in the shoulder, earning a wheeze. 

"That's not funny, shut up. That's not even a real thing. That doesn't work." Talk about disturbing. 

What a pathetic creature. And so thin too. 

The obvious solution was to make more food to eat for himself as well, what with how much time he spent in the kitchen, but no. The little beast couldn't seem to manage even that. Must Shen Qingqiu point everything out? 

"Shizun is not pleased," Luo Binghe assumed when he shoved the bowl at the child. He reached out to collect the whole tray. "Forgive this disciple for not meeting expectations. What might he prepare for Shizun instead?" 

"Sit," Shen Qingqiu ordered. 

Luo Binghe hesitated for a fraction of a second before sitting, hands folding neatly in his lap. "Shizun." 

"Eat," Shen Qingqiu said. 

The little beast did nothing, entirely still. 

Shen Qingqiu stared him down, impatient. 

"... This, Shizun?" the boy ventured eventually, finally looking up at him. 

"Do not make this master repeat himself," Shen Qingqiu said. 

Luo Binghe shyly scratched at his cheek, a mix of distress and delight taking over his blank expression. "Sir, but what will you eat?" 

Shen Qingqiu picked up the container seated beside the table, rolling his eyes. "This." 

"Shizun is only eating vegetables for lunch." 

"Not hungry," Shen Qingqiu said. 

"... if Shizun says so." The little beast looked like he wished to argue, but he shut his mouth, directing his attention to the bowl in front of him. He picked up the chopsticks, ears pink. "Thank you, Shizun." 

Shen Qingqiu no longer found it quite as aggravating that the child persisted as he did, going about his days as a stubborn little idiot. There was something almost endearing about it. 

He added some of his mustard greens to the little beast's bowl. 

"... Shizun," came the mild protest. 

"Eat," Shen Qingqiu retorted. 

Luo Binghe nodded and ate. 

Shen Qingqiu wondered if he could get him plump, like one of those spoiled young masters. He wasn't entirely useless in combat- he had defeated that one demon elder, but Shen Qingqiu could not foresee sending him off on too many missions. 

The little beast should stay home and study, make himself less stupid. His grades were less than stellar, possibly and most likely from his previous treatment. No time to study. 

"This master has an adjunct room. Move your things into it." 

Loud coughing followed his suggestion, and the boy covered his mouth with a hand, eyes going watery. It took a shameful amount of time for him to gain his composure. 

"Shizun is too good to this disciple. Please accept his gratitude for such an honor," Luo Binghe insisted, bowing low enough to touch his head to the floor. 

"Get any more rice on my floors, and you will find yourself skinned and fed to the cats," Shen Qingqiu told him. 

"Understood, Shizun. Sorry, Sir!" 

There was nothing for Luo Binghe to bring to that room other than his own body. 

Oh well. 

Luo Binghe planted his face in the clean perfect sheets of Shizun's spare room and inhaled deeply. Meng Mo was muttering something about how Shizun probably just wanted easy access to a live-in maid. He got hooked on his cooking, that was all. 

I would gladly be Shizun's maid, Luo Binghe countered, so pleased he could purr. 

He would scrub Shizun's house from top to bottom every day. 

If he wasn't Shizun's favorite male disciple now, he would be that soon. He could practically taste it, as filling as the food Shizun made him eat. 

Would they eat together every day now? Luo Binghe would love that. He would have to prepare plenty to make sure Shizun never gave his portion away again. Shizun shouldn't go hungry either. 

His head shot up, and he reluctantly rolled off his new bed. It was for a good cause, so he couldn't be too disappointed. He should chop up some meats for the cats, so Shizun didn't have to. They should feed the cats together too. 

There was a spring to Luo Binghe's step as he rushed back to the kitchen, a hum on his lips. Perfect, perfect! 

Shizun was even okay with sleeping under the same roof as his disciple. 

Chapter Text

"Do you even comb your hair?" It was as though he purposefully ran headfirst into a windstorm daily. 

Shen Qingqiu had lessened his chores, or rather, the bullying issue. The little beast was not running around nearly enough to get that rat's nest atop his head. What was his excuse now? 

"This disciple uses his fingers, Shizun. He has no comb," Luo Binghe explained, cheerfully dusting for the second time that day, swishing his duster back and forth. 

Shen Qingqiu had to pause at that. 

Okay, that was definitely possible. It was clear to him from their first meeting that the boy was poor, and his seniors could have refused to provide one just as they refused to allow him entry to the rooms. 

"Is that so." 

"Yes, Sir." 

Shen Qingqiu watched Luo Binghe lean up on his toes to reach the highest shelf. This. 

Hm. 

Shen Qingqiu clicked his tongue, irritated that he actually cared about such a stupid little thing. He set his paperwork aside to locate a comb. He returned with two. His finger jabbed at the floor, imperious. 

"Sit. Now," Shen Qingqiu ordered. 

Luo Binghe turned his head. He hurried to set down his duster and come closer, dropping to his knees. There was a smile on his face. "Shizun?" 

Shen Qingqiu yanked the ribbon out of his hair, none too gently, and dropped the combs into his hands. "No more excuses. Fix yourself. My disciples have a standard to adhere to. Do not disappoint me again." 

"Thank you, Shizun," was all the little beast said, beaming up at him, eyes a little too soft. 

Shen Qingqiu blinked, confused and disturbed by the warmth spreading in his chest. It felt... a bit like... 

-no, absolutely not, he wasn't seeking the approval of a damn child. 

He likely had a fever. Must be coming down with a qi deviation. Pity. 

Shen Qingqiu kicked the little beast out of his office and slammed the door shut. 

Luo Binghe rarely cut himself in the kitchen. His mother had taught him good kitchen safety practices, and he had steady hands. 

Everyone made mistakes, however. Particularly when one was thinking of a special someone. 

It was Shizun. 

Obviously. 

Shizun, he was so sweet with a blush, even a tiny one that stayed on his ears. If Luo Binghe weren't such a good disciple, he would bite him right on the curve of his ear where it was the worst. 

Luo Binghe had to smile to himself as he recalled how something as simple as a thank you made Shizun all pink. A bit shy, his shizun. Warm under all those jagged edges, all that ice. 

He would treasure him for an eternity. 

"Mm," Luo Binghe noted quietly as he watched red begin to leak out from his index finger, flesh sliced apart in a thin line along the pad. That would make some tasks annoying until it healed. He utilized his fingertips plenty throughout his day. 

Such a minor thing could be so troublesome. 

Pity about the galangal though. 

Luo Binghe shifted the knife's angle, fully intent on pressing the entirety of the ruined ingredient into his compost container. It was not good enough to be used for a meal meant to give Shizun sustenance. Rendered inferior by the stain of his blood. 

It would serve to nourish the plants in Shen Qingqiu's garden. Nothing more. 

Meng Mo's voice gave him pause. 

"Don't," the demon suggested, a little too amused for Luo Binghe's liking. 

Why, Luo Binghe asked, scraping slower but not stopping. 

"This old man has mentioned before what power lays under that seal of yours, eh?" 

Indeed, Luo Binghe conceded. 

"Blood holds more purpose than you give it credit for," Meng Mo said. "Why, it could even serve to bring you closer to your beloved master." 

"Beloved" was spat with disdain. Envy again. 

Luo Binghe was willing to ignore both and focus on his intrigue. Anything involving Shen Qingqiu and closeness made his skin tingle in a very particular way. He was already in Shizun's head every night. He was living in his house. How much closer could he get? How much faster? What was it? 

"Okay, okay, don't start drooling, I'll tell you." Meng Mo scoffed. 

Wait a moment, Luo Binghe suggested, realizing something. This isn't a sexual thing, right? 

Some demons had poisonous blood. Maybe some were aphrodisiacs as well! There was an alarming amount of aphrodisiacs to look out for, plants, objects, certain dust. Blood could be another. 

"What answer do you want to hear?" That was suspicious wording right there. 

No. What else? Luo Binghe retorted. 

Shizun didn't even want to hug him yet. He would react terribly if he drugged him with demon blood and offered himself up to satisfy those urges. What was this fool thinking? What was he trying to set him back for?! 

"It is not inherently sexual. Most do use it for that though," Meng Mo grumbled. 

Luo Binghe got back to scraping. 

"Wait, wait, wait. Just listen. Wouldn't you like to have a piece of yourself in him? You would know where he is at all times." 

Luo Binghe stopped scraping. 

That was possible? 

"It could be." 

What does that mean? Luo Binghe demanded. 

"With your seal in the way, it's only a theory that I'd like to confirm. An old man's hunch if you will," Meng Mo explained. "Wouldn't you like to try? It wouldn't hurt a thing if you can't." 

Wouldn't Shizun ingest it and get rid of it in a few days? Why would it stay there forever? That wasn't how food or liquid in the body worked. 

"Always the questions with you, isn't it." 

Luo Binghe pressed his thumb into the flesh beneath the cut on his index finger without thinking, letting more blood dribble out into the galangal. So red. 

... He had to admit it was a shame not to be inside Shizun both day and night. Such a shame. 

Nothing felt quite as right as when he slipped into Shizun's mind. 

If he knew where he was all the time, he could tend to his needs better. A disciple should worry about his shizun like that. 

Are you positive it wouldn't hurt Shizun? I'm not poisonous? 

"Feed something else if you're that worried. One of those cats," Meng Mo suggested. 

Definitely not. Luo Binghe could not allow Shizun's precious pets to get ill. 

His shixiongs on the other hand... well. They'd be fine. If they felt ill, they could always head to Qian Cao. Get some medicine. No issue. 

Luo Binghe got out a separate cutting board entirely after cleaning and wrapping his finger up, back to preparing Shizun's dinner. He should finish this first. 

Chapter Text

After running a sequence of tests on his martial brothers, Luo Binghe was satisfied and willing to believe that his blood was safe for his master to ingest. He began adding it right away to his meals. 

If they could be even closer, they ought to be. 

"You do realize it is entirely unnecessary to place blood in every food item that man receives, right?" Meng Mo demanded. 

Perhaps. 

Perhaps not. 

This demon had been right about plenty of things, but Luo Binghe wasn't taking any chances. In the event his master's digestive system flushed out his blood, he wouldn't keep a piece of his disciple inside him at all times. 

You said that Shizun cannot overdose on it, Luo Binghe reminded him flatly. 

He was only adding two drops every meal, so as to not compromise the integrity or taste of Shen Qingqiu's food. Don't be so dramatic. 

"He cannot, but this old man hasn't seen even husbands feed their wives their blood this often outside of the bedroom," Meng Mo said, laughter in his voice. 

They must not have cared about their wives as much as this disciple cares to look after Shizun, Luo Binghe decided. 

Meng Mo only scoffed. 

Ning Yingying had been growing curious about something for a while now. 

Although, and this was seriously turning into something of a bad habit of his, it would be difficult not to start wondering with how often her shidi dramatically swooned into the grass when he thought no one was looking, redolent of a heartsick maiden. 

She took a knee to check and make sure this silly friend of hers hadn't hit his head on the way down. 

"Are you okay?" 

"Shidi just feels so close to Shizun these days." 

Uh...huh. 

Yes, see, this was what she was talking about. 

"A-Bing, do you like Shizun?" 

"Of course. Shizun is Shizun," was Luo Binghe's prompt response. 

"No, Shijie means as a girl likes a boy." Wait. No. "The way a boy likes another boy. You know what I mean," Ning Yingying said. 

Luo Binghe propped his head up on a palm as he leaned up on his elbow, expression blank in that way he did sometimes when he wanted to tease her. "What does Shijie mean?" 

Ning Yingying bluntly added, "Kissing." 

Her shidi's lips quirked on one side, confirming he was indeed only messing with her. "Ah, I see. Kissing feelings..." 

"Yeah. That." Well, did he? 

"Shidi does have that," Luo Binghe admitted. 

Aha. So she got it right. "You want to kiss Shizun?" 

"Mn," he affirmed. He stared off into the swaying bamboo with wistful eyes. "One day." 

Ning Yingying patted his shoulder to comfort him. "Don't fret too much, alright? If you wait another decade or two, Shizun will see you as a man if you still want it like that then." 

Luo Binghe put his hand over the back of hers, halting her patting. "No, Shizun shouldn't see this disciple as a man." 

"No? What else?" Ning Yingying asked, confused. 

"His husband," her shidi told her, and she had to shake her head. 

So cheeky these days. 

"You don't mind, Shijie?" 

Oh? Ah. 

"No... I mean, it's not something I expected exactly, but if Shizun wants to marry you some day and you want to marry Shizun, that's not an issue." She did expect that their martial brothers would take issue with a fellow disciple trying to court their master, but that was neither here nor there. 

Luo Binghe smiled at her, eyes warm. "Shijie is very understanding." 

"So she is. Just don't fall over too often please. Shizun might think something's wrong with you," Ning Yingying pointed out. 

He had found a rock. 

It wasn't a beautiful rock. It was ugly. 

The thing was replete with scratches and chips, little better than trash. Shen Qingqiu turned it over in his palm with a press of his thumb. 

It reminded him of that stupid little pendant the little beast used to wear some years back. If that guanyin had been left exposed to the elements for months on end, he supposed it might resemble this rock. Time had not been kind to it. 

Shen Qingqiu tossed the green stone into the air before catching it again. 

If he added this to that little beast's room, it should serve as a reminder not to lose track of his accessories. A snide reminder but a reminder nonetheless. If something was his, he ought to keep better watch over it. 

Even that boy could not be dumb enough not to discern this without his master stating his meaning explicitly. 

Shen Qingqiu did not wish to purchase that thing accessories in the future if he was only going to lose them. He wouldn't waste his money like that. 

There were no decorations in Luo Binghe's room because he did not own anything worth displaying. Which made the addition to his bare shelf most noticeable at a first glance. 

What was this? A stone? 

He picked it up. 

Several seconds went by as he stared down at it. His mind went blank as it processed. 

Luo Binghe's fingers reverently caressed the worn surface of the fake jade, trembling with emotion. This was... why, he would recognize it anywhere. 

It was a precious treasure, the last gift his mother left him. Losing it was something he would never forgive Ming Fan for. If it weren't for that shixiong, he wouldn't have searched for it in his scant free time for the next week, despair gripping his heart as his hope dwindled with each day it went without appearing. 

Even with its inferior quality, it wouldn't look like this now if that bastard shixiong hadn't tossed it away like trash. Luo Binghe cherished it too much to allow it to grow ruined like this. 

Seeing this pendant left him with a bittersweet ache in his heart. 

Then he was hit with a realization. 

No one came inside this side room except for Luo Binghe. 

His shijie might come over to the bamboo house for tea and games with their master, but she wasn't one to go poking around the other rooms Shizun wasn't in. She didn't come in his room. His shixiongs might hate him, but they weren't bold enough to mess with anything in Shizun's house either. 

This only left one option. 

Any anger that had started bubbling under his skin evaporated, leaving only shock. Shizun left this for him. 

He remembered that his disciple used to wear this! He left it here for him!

Tears trickled down his cheeks, leaving burning trails in their wake. He hunched over, touching the pendant to his forehead. He wept as he hadn't wept for some time now. He was too overwhelmed to do much else. 

Later, he would be delighted to see such progress with his shizun. It was another step in the right direction. 

Later, he would be comforted that Shizun thought of him even when they were apart. 

For now, all he could do was cry. It was his mother's gift. It was Shizun's consideration. All of it. It was too much for him to handle. 

"Shizun, pardon this disciple for asking, but might he ask where his master found this?" 

What did that matter? "Qing Jing." 

"... Thanking Shizun for the answer. Please allow this disciple to express his gratitude once more." 

"Cease your kowtowing and make yourself useful." Go away. Stupid beast. 

Chapter Text

The first time that Luo Binghe heard his shizun laugh out loud, not in a dream, not in a memory, was the day all his plotting came crashing down around his ears. 

What gentle prodding? 

What continuous assurances of safety? 

What filial piety? 

What gradual endearment? 

It was all for naught. 

You said you would help me keep it hidden! Luo Binghe snarled inwardly, turning his ire at the unfairness of it all directly on his demon mentor. Logically, he knew it wasn't Meng Mo's fault, not truly, but he was furious. 

Years, years, he needed many more years to get Shizun comfortable enough to let him feed him treats by hand or embrace him warmly. Shizun was a complicated and traumatized person. He needed extra caution when handling. 

This setback, no, it was more than a setback. How could this disciple remain at his master's side if he was openly a demon?! He'd get assailed by righteous cultivators the second any laid eyes on him. Why, even his Ning-shijie would be frightened of him, wouldn't she? 

"Wh-? You dare lay the fault at this master's feet? Did he not mention time and time again it was growing weaker in your maturity? These lessons have the intent of bolstering, not replacing it fresh. Of course it should break if enough force is applied! What are you even saying, you impetuous brat!" 

His outward reaction was what would matter the most... 

If he addressed this situation wrongly, Shen Qingqiu would only have another reason to abhor and fear men. Luo Binghe couldn't care less about other men, but he did happen to be a man himself, nearly an adult one. This was of grave import. 

Defending himself? Out of the question. If Shizun was in the mood to beat him, it was better to let him. 

Putting on a show of tears? Another man might be swayed with pity, but that wasn't his master. 

Thinking of such things was immensely difficult, as it felt his head was about to explode. He was so hot. His skin could melt right off his flesh, and he had the desire to commit utter atrocities. Savage cruelties. 

Anything to get the pain to stop. 

"Calm yourself, or you'll frighten that beloved master of yours. Is that what you desire? You reek of bloodlust." 

No, Meng Mo was right. 

He couldn't afford to frighten Shizun. 

"Shizun, please accept this humble disciple's bow." Luo Binghe lowered to his knees and set his forehead against the dirt, teeth grinding against the pain still lancing through his body. 

A pressure applied to the back of his skull, a boot shoving his face into the ground. Shizun was stepping on him. 

Not the most pleasant feeling perhaps, but he wasn't being outright stomped on. Nor... was he getting stabbed. Strange. 

"You are a little bastard, Luo Binghe." 

Luo Binghe couldn't speak without actively inhaling dirt, so he remained silent. 

What he said wouldn't matter. 

"What a spineless beast. A demon like you, and you still let your seniors walk all over you? Must Shizun act as your bodyguard? Pathetic." 

Was he meant to beat them up...? 

Especially prior to his cultivation of his dream realm, that sounded like an awful idea. It would only warrant further punishment from shixiongs and Shizun. 

But no, no. This was fine. If Shizun thought he was pathetic, maybe...? Could it be he wasn't so threatening? 

Hope dared to kindle in his heart. 

The little beast didn't squirm, which was fortunate for him. If he had fussed over the treatment, Shen Qingqiu would have, without hesitation, dropped him to the ground and dragged him behind instead. Only his brainless docility afforded him this privilege. 

"Shen Qingqiu, you... did you capture that thing?" Zhang Qingli demanded. 

"Would Zhang-shidi rather this master let him roam free?" What a stupid question from an even dumber man. 

What were his eyes for? Decoration? 

Luo Binghe was plainly tied up with immortal binding cables. What else could he possibly be doing with him? 

Qi Qingqi was grinding her teeth, near to powder. "You know that isn't the issue. Why are you carrying it around like that?" 

"Since when have the duties of capturing demons been stripped from me?" Not all evildoers were put to the sword straightaway. Some were captured. 

Not that he intended to kill this thing. 

"Are you unable to kill it?" Cao Qingru asked, arching a disdainful brow. 

"Why is he carrying it like a new bride?" If not in his arms, where else was he meant to carry this little idiot? What descriptor was that? 

"Is that not a disciple of his?" another idiot dared comment, and they stopped to think about all the disciples he registered for this conference. 

"It is." 

"You haven't killed him." Several judgmental glares were leveled his way. 

He could practically hear the new rumors, claiming he was cavorting with demons or some such bullshit. Oh, perhaps they'd make up another molestation accusation. They loved to paint him a lecher. 

"I'm allowed to kill my disciples, am I." But not a martial brother? Nonsense. Liu Qingge was worse than this ridiculous thing in his arms. 

Their bickering was cut short by the intermission of Tian Yi priests running on by.

The Peak Lords briefly pretended this was indeed a normal and commendable action until they were gone, not because they wished to defend him but because Sect business was Sect business. Better not to get outsiders involved in the mess and lose face for Cang Qiong. 

Yes, their martial brother captured a demon. Nothing to see here. Go away. 

As soon as they were gone, Yue Qingyuan finally spoke up. 

"Of course he hasn't killed him. Take a closer look at the child's zuiyin. That is no ordinary mark. That is the mark of sin, the mark of demons that fell from the Heavens. Shen-shidi, his hair is obscuring it. Move it aside for a moment." 

Shen Qingqiu reluctantly conceded, swiping the stupid beast's hair aside. Luo Binghe's eyelids fluttered, twitching. 

More angry muttering ensued. 

"Shen-shidi, are you arresting that one?" 

"The little beast is my disciple. He should receive what punishment I mete out." 

Shen Qingqiu hadn't put his (demonic) disciple in their prisons following their return to the Sect, so Yue Qingyuan was forced to go ask what it was he intended to do with the boy. He didn't intend to stop whatever it was he was doing if it wasn't a danger to himself, but he did have to check in with him. 

Luo Binghe was a Heavenly Demon. If he wasn't locked up properly, he would get free and wreak havoc. 

Even kill Shen Qingqiu if he crossed him. 

Worse. 

Swoosh. 

It would be a blur to mortal eyes, but one such as Yue Qingyuan could clearly ascertain the green details on his white disciple's robes as the boy sprinted past him, heading down the path that disciples jogged around the base of the Peak. 

That. The demon was jogging. 

Outside. 

Outside. 

"Shen-shidi, that child has gotten loose. Shall Shixiong collect him?" 

"No, he's meant to be doing that." 

Was he? Why? 

"Why is he jogging?" 

"He inconvenienced his master. If he doesn't do ten thousand laps, is he truly contrite?" Shen Qingqiu continued to sip at his tong sui without sparing him a glance, tilting the spoon to his lips. 

Ten thousand-? "It is lenient by your standards." 

Not the number but the punishment itself. The boy was a demon. That was no little error. 

Shen Qingqiu said nothing to that. 

"You don't wish to contain him." Xiao Jiu had always practiced a ruthless approach to threats, so it was... peculiar... that he wasn't reacting more than this. "Are you certain? With his bloodline..." 

Shen Qingqiu cut him off. "He's an idiot." 

Yue Qingyuan blinked. "An idiot." 

"He's so dumb he can't remember to feed himself if his master doesn't force him into meals." 

"Is he?" What a thing to say about a Heavenly Demon. 

"He cries about rocks. Rocks." 

"What about rocks?" The concept of rocks, kicking a rock, getting a rock from a cute sibling, what context? 

"If he suffocates in his sleep because he forgets how to breathe, I won't be surprised." 

"I... see." 

Chapter Text

"Shizun, must Yingying's shidi run so much? She doesn't believe that A-Bing kept this matter from Shizun with ill intentions." The girl was frowning at him. 

"If he had ill intentions, this master would have thrown him into the demon realm where he belonged," Shen Qingqiu told her. The Endless Abyss would see him there eventually. It was right there at the time. He had options. 

Ning Yingying nodded slowly, still frowning. "Oh... okay. So Shizun isn't angry with A-Bing?" 

Angry? 

He was exasperated, but he wouldn't say he was angry. Once, even that child's mere presence was enough to put him in a foul mood for the rest of the day, but now... it didn't matter as much. It was fine if he survived to adulthood. 

"The little beast has caused your master to lose some face. It is only right he repents sincerely," Shen Qingqiu said. 

Ning Yingying nodded again, resigned but marginally relieved. "This disciple sees." 

She hesitated before speaking again. 

"Yingying is glad that Shizun still considers her shidi a disciple." 

He was a stupid creature but a disciple nonetheless. True. 

Shi Shirong scratched at his head, frowning down at the demon sprawled on the dirt, dead asleep. Maybe just dead. He was terribly still. 

It was unclear whether this result was a product of fatigue, sleep deprivation, hunger, thirst, or an unpleasant amalgamation of all those. 

"He really ran for a week and a half straight, huh," Hao Xiu muttered, equally horrified and perhaps impressed, if morbidly so. "Ten thousand, who does ten thousand without even taking a water break?" 

"Shizun never said he couldn't stop and sleep..." 

"Would you take that chance if it was this or getting put at the mercy of the Sect?" 

"... Fair point." 

"Say, Dashixiong, weigh in on this. Has this kid grown some?" 

"No, it must be his ears. Look how pointy they are. It gives the false impression he's taller. Who grows taller overnight?" 

"Who becomes a demon overnight?" 

"He didn't become a demon. He was already a demon. You can't become a demon. You either are one, or you aren't. No in between." 

"Ah, but bloodlines are tricky. Are you still considered a demon if your granny from twenty generations back lay with a demon?" 

Rather than answer, Ming Fan merely upended the bucket of water in his hands over Luo Binghe's head. 

No reaction. Not even a twitch. 

Ming Fan set the bucket against his hip, rolling his eyes toward the Heavens. "Well, it seems that this shixiong gets to feed Shizun LUNCH AND DINNER today. Let's not forget snacks and special treats for the local cats." 

Hao Xiu and Shi Shirong clutched each other's arms, startled as their shidi suddenly sat up, red eyes popping open. Creepy! Like a corpse! 

"That got you up, did it?" Ming Fan said. 

"You weren't dead?" Hao Xiu demanded. Did demons not breathe when they slept or something? 

"As Shizun's favorite, this disciple is the only one who should prepare his meals," Luo Binghe answered. 

Ming Fan's face turned red as rage colored his complexion. "You-! Who are you to claim that? You're a fucking bastard, spouting bullshit like that. Shizun's favorite is Ning-shimei. You could never be his favorite. Don't get cocky just because Shizun let you live, you bitch." 

Shi Shirong waved his hands. "Shixiong." 

Maybe don't antagonize the demon too much? If he was crazy enough to run so long without a break, he was crazy enough to do anything. 

"Shizun held this one so tenderly in his arms and didn't even see fit to gag him. He trusts his disciple so much." Luo Binghe wasn't smiling, but he was radiating smugness. So much, in fact, it was little surprise Ming Fan tried to punch him on the spot. 

"Wait, no punching, Shixiong, remember?" 

"Do you hear what this bastard is saying? Tenderly? Tenderly?!" 

Some of the new juniors from this year's selection trials came jogging up to the end of the path. 

"Oh..." Pant. "Luo..." Pant. "Shixiong..." Pant. "You're done." 

Pant. "Why are you all wet?" 

"Dashixiong was cooling this shidi off," Luo Binghe claimed, earning an aggressive eye twitch from Ming Fan, a vein pulsing in his temple. 

Fei Yao grabbed Luo Binghe by the hands, tugging at him. "Come on. You can't lay down right after running. You have to stretch first, or you'll hurt more tomorrow." 

"A-Yao is right, Shixiong. Think of your muscles. You're still a Qing Jing disciple. Don't disappoint Shizun." 

"Shixiong forgot his stretches." Luo Binghe moved to his feet, letting the younger boy tug at him. "Pardon him." 

"Drink this first. You need it more than me." A water flask was pushed at him. 

"Thank you, Shidi." 

"Shi-shixiong, why is Dashixiong punching a boulder like that?" 

"All the seniors practice smashing boulders into pebbles with their bare hands. It's good practice," Shi Shirong lied. 

"Wow, I bet Shizun can break entire mountains with his bare fists!" 

"Shidi can't wait to be able to do that. So awesome." 

The little beast came trudging into the bamboo house, hair still damp from his bath. Shen Qingqiu was willing to ignore the fact the boy crawled into his own bedroom window to retrieve a fresh set of robes and then crawled back out, all for the effect of not disturbing his master without a meal in hand. 

It was a ridiculous way to go about it, but this beast was ridiculous. 

Did he presume one such as his master wouldn't notice if he came in "quietly"? "Discreetly"? Stupid beast. 

Shen Qingqiu did find the excessive nature of his dumb plan a touch endearing. 

"This disciple greets Shizun. Please accept the dumplings he made." Luo Binghe bowed deeply, neatly setting his tray down without looking. His eyes remained on the ground. 

"Shall the little beast make this master serve himself?" Shen Qingqiu clicked his tongue. 

Luo Binghe straightened to rectify the situation with haste. "No, sir. Pardon this disciple for being slow." 

"Indeed, speed is an issue. Why did it take so long for you to complete your punishment? Shall Shizun give you another for slacking off?" Shen Qingqiu was bluffing. He had gone to observe the little beast several times over the past days, and while he did slow down as the laps dragged on in number, he didn't cease his efforts at any time. 

He would only punish him again if he gave him an unsatisfactory answer. 

Luo Binghe met his eyes, countenance gentle and filled with contentment. "If that is what Shizun prefers." 

Yes, that is how he ought to respond. He had no say in how his master punished him. 

"Why haven't you brought your share?" Shen Qingqiu demanded. 

He was half joking when he complained about this issue to Yue Qingyuan, but this did happen at times. And now? Again? Why must he raise such a pathetic fool? 

"This disciple ate some things while cooking, Shizun. Please enjoy this meal without him. This one will get tea." 

Shen Qingqiu pointedly set one of the jiaozi plates in front of him. "Sit and eat, or you won't have the privilege of eating for the next month." 

Chapter Text

The city was full of faceless people. 

Luo Binghe ignored them all, striding closer to the boy turning over this black bucket and that black bucket and this black bucket. Each time he turned one over, it didn't have anything but dirt underneath and was thusly kicked in a vicious fit of temper. 

"Bull cock. Pig fucker. Shit!" 

Shizun, what a foul mouth he had. 

Luo Binghe had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Hearing a child that size screeching profanities at the top of his lungs was just... 

"What happened, Shizun? Did Shizun lose something? Perhaps this disciple might be of service. Please allow Shizun's favorite disciple to help," Luo Binghe murmured, a polite smile adorning his lips. 

He ought to take Shen Qingqiu and set him safely back in his dream realm, where nothing would ever do him harm and where this humble disciple would be his only company, but he had to admit this shape of his master's was terribly adorable. Look how tiny Shizun was. This little beast could swallow him in one bite. 

... Haha, not that he would. 

No, Luo Binghe was a good disciple. The best disciple. 

Xiao Jiu rounded on him, accepting that he just so happened to be here, period of his life be damned. The logic of sleep was so convenient, no? 

"Fuck off. You can't tell a chicken egg from a turtle egg. How can you help?" 

Luo Binghe's smile widened. "With this. Shizun gave it to this one. See?" 

He let a jade pendant appear in his palm from thin air, string attached and no scratches. It was an exact replica of the one his mother gave him, as whole as the day she gifted it. 

"That?" Xiao Jiu gave him a skeptical look, arching a brow. "What's jewelry going to do?" 

Absolutely nothing, but Luo Binghe was nothing if not performative when the situation called for it. For this setting, a precious "artifact" would be best suited. 

"Shizun said that if one whispers their desire to this, it will show them the way to anything," Luo Binghe said. "Even a dumb beast can find his way back home." 

Xiao Jiu nodded, as if that made perfect sense to him. "You are very dumb." 

Luo Binghe let his boy-shaped master snatch the pendant from his hand. He looked at Luo Binghe, narrowed his eyes, and took a couple steps to the right. He squatted down and cupped his hand next to the jade, muttering hair ribbon. 

Hair ribbon? 

After a quick perusal of the prior contents of Shizun's dream, he realized what he wanted. 

For a brief moment, he was blinded by an intense envy, so severe he almost caused the ground to start melting into lava. That damn Yue Qingyuan. 

He leaves Shizun alone for a couple days, and he starts thinking about him in his sleep? Should he just kill that man? 

Shizun, the Xiao Jiu version viciously kicked him in the shin, irritated he was ignoring him. Luo Binghe frowned, carefully swallowing his hatred with effort. 

Unfortunately, he couldn't kill Yue Qingyuan. Even if he managed it without Shizun noticing it was his plot, that would make him grieve. Grieving would keep his attention off Luo Binghe, where it belonged... 

... Ah, and he couldn't let Shizun feel too despondent. It would hurt Shizun if he killed him, so he shouldn't. No, wouldn't. 

Xiao Jiu kicked him again. 

"This disciple is listening, Shizun." 

"Get the shit out of your ears. This thing is moving. Come on," Shizun demanded. 

Luo Binghe started walking out of the alley. Xiao Jiu followed him, fingers curled into a fist to keep the floating pendant from drifting out of his grasp. 

"I want to fly too," was sighed. 

Oh, Shizun. Don't worry about that. This disciple would find a way to incorporate that want into the next portion of their together time. In his dream realm, Shizun could go flying all he wanted. 

They came to a stop in front of a pile of weeds. Xiao Jiu chucked the pendant aside carelessly, and Luo Binghe made it puff out of existence for now, not taking offense.

His master pulled out a threadbare hair ribbon. It might have been a different color once, but it had turned brown from muck and lack of washing. It wasn't even a real ribbon. It was just a scrap of someone's sleeve, ripped from the hem. 

Xiao Jiu smiled, big and bright as he did so rarely and added it to his messy hair immediately. 

Luo Binghe gnawed at his own fist, biting down into the flesh of it. He hated that Shizun liked it so much, but Shizun was too adorable when he was happy. Shizun should look so happy for all eternity. This disciple could just die. 

This disciple... yes, he would make Shizun smile that like in real life one day. Without a doubt. 

The damn Sect Leader didn't have a ghost of a chance with Shizun. Only Luo Binghe. Luo Binghe was the one living in his house and feeding him meals. Luo Binghe was the one inside him nightly, and it was Luo Binghe's blood Shizun willingly consumed. 

Luo Binghe would never let him dream about Yue Qingyuan again. 

He didn't need to think about him. 

"Are you happy, Shizun?" Luo Binghe asked, smiling sweetly. 

Xiao Jiu's chest was puffed. "Mn." 

Luo Binghe offered his hand. "This disciple saw Shizun's sword at another place. Let's go there, and we can fly." 

Shizun smacked his hand aside and trotted forward with purpose. That was an agreement by his standards, so Luo Binghe dutifully switched the scenery to his dream realm. 

His master, now his usual shape and size, grabbed his sword off the table it was sheathed on. 

Ning Yingying grabbed her shidi by the back of his robes and hauled his head out of his water bucket. Seriously, what was the matter with him? Had a junior asked him to show how long he could hold his breath underwater because they were curious about demon biology? 

This kid, so gullible sometimes. He didn't have to actually show them. 

"What's wrong with you?" Ning Yingying demanded. 

"Shizun had an affair," Luo Binghe said, utterly distraught. 

Ning Yingying set him down and started wiping at his face with her sleeves. She had her brows raised. "What are you talking about? Shizun hasn't gone anywhere lately. Who could he have an affair with?" 

"It was a dream this shidi had," Luo Binghe supplied, which. 

Seriously? 

Ning Yingying flicked his forehead. "Just a dream. Do you have to drown yourself over it?" 

"No, that's to help with restraint," Luo Binghe said. "The cold water helps." 

Ning Yingying sighed. "So go sit in the cold springs." 

Wait. 

"Don't drown yourself there either. Just meditate to settle your nerves."