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Chapter Text

He hadn’t sleep at all for a whole week. Every time he closed his eyes, he could see the beast’s crazed looks. If it wasn’t the beast, it was that bastard Qu Jianluo’s. He was really cranky due to his insomnia. Everyone was watching him like hawk, thus he couldn’t really go down the mountain and sleep in the brothel.

He felt so hopeless. He racked his brain, where should he go?

Then, he went to the music pavilion, where some disciples would do their practices. He found a small space where he could squeeze in. It was a perfect hiding place for a slave like him. He heard his shixiong played some calming melodies with his qin, a bit far away from where he was hiding.

He hugged his knees closer to his chest as he closed his tired eyes. Hopefully, no one looked for him. Perhaps he could survive like this for now. He felt really pathetic. In his last life, at this timeline, his heart demons were mostly from his time in the Qiu’s Household. Now, it was everything from that time up to his torture in the water prison.

It was downright traumatizing. Why couldn’t he just reincarnate into a new person somewhere else?! He didn’t want to redo this!

Combined with the downpour outside, the music somehow lulled him to sleep. In no time, his eyes closed and his breathing evened out.

***

When he woke up again, it was already past midnight. He tried to rose to his feet but he stumbled on his paws.

Wait! P-paws?!

He inspected himself and found out that something indeed happened to him. He transformed into some sort of small white wolf pup. All his clothes were gone but he had a green shawl tied around his fluffy neck. It was the same color as his Qing Jing Peak’s robe.

‘Was he cursed?! What is happening?!’ Jiupup ran in circle.

Outside, it just stopped raining. He jolted when he heard a lightning. He whimpered, completely missing the footsteps as someone entered the building. It was too late for him to scramble away as he saw something in front of him. He looked up in fear to see the giant looming over him with something glowing on its forehead. Was it the beast?!

He fainted out of shock.

***

Liu Qingge just came back from his mission when he saw a small white pup was getting carried by Ling You Peak’s adult black moon spiritual wolf in between its teeth. The pup seemed unconscious.

What was strange was the fact that around the pup’s neck, it wore a green coloured shawl. It was in the same shade as Qing Jing Peak.

Since when Ling You Peak’s spiritual beast stole a pup that belonged to another peak.

‘Well, who cares?’ It was none of his business. With that, he continued on his way to Bai Zhan Peak.

***

When Jiupup opened his beady green eyes, he was inside a big wolf den. He was pretty sure his Qing Jing Peak didn’t have a wolf den.

‘So, this must be in Ling You Peak.’

Upon noticing he was awake, an adult black moon spiritual wolf immediately licked him repeatedly as if it was cleaning up its puppy. After he was obviously drenched from the tip of his ears to the end of his fluffy tail, the wolf stopped. Did this adult wolf want to play parent now?

-How are you, little one?-

‘Tired.’

He didn’t know that some spiritual wolf liked to adopt other’s pup into its pack. There was a more pressing matter. How could he return to Qing Jing Peak in this form from Ling You Peak? It was quite far. He needed to pass several other peaks to reach Qing Jing Peak unless he could fly. Could he go via rainbow bridge? He could try.

-I will be right back.-

The adult wolf suddenly rose to its four legs and went somewhere. He could hear the distant rumbling in the sky. It started raining outside again. Jiupup wobbled but before he managed to crawl a few steps, The adult wolf already returned with some meat.

‘Was it going to feed him?’

As expected, the adult wolf shredded the meat into smaller pieces and nudged them toward Jiupup.

-Here, eat this. You must be hungry.-

Jiupup didn’t have any other choice but to eat them raw. He lamented his fate now as he was turned into a literal little beast.

The adult wolf seemed to be sneakily hiding him in its den. Their kinds were quite territorial so other adult wolves never came. He bet that the real black moon wolf pup would still be bigger than him. It seemed that this wolf was not originally raised in Ling You Peak.

Whenever a Ling You disciple came over, it would hide Jiupup behind its massive body. Anyway, someone might find out sooner or later that this black wolf was hiding a white pup. He didn’t think that they were even the same species.

***

Eventually, the adult wolf was called somewhere else. It left after making sure that Jiupup was cleaned and leaving a portion of food for Jiupup.  

A few moments later, a stray (real) black moon wolf pup stumbled upon their den. It sniffed around before running head first toward the resting Jiupup.

-Hey! Who are you? Let’s play!- the real pup bounced energetically.

Jiupup just turned his small fluffy body to the other side.

-Hey! Don’t ignore me!-

The blackmoon pup just ran around circling his body. So, Jiupup was facing him again.

-Come on!- the blackmoon pup laid on its stomach, nuzzling Jiupup’s head. Jiupup opened his eyes.

-Y-your eyes are so pretty. When we grow up, I will make you my mate!- The blackmoon pup’s tail was wagging excitedly.

Jiupup’s ears instantly straightened upon hearing that.

‘No!’ Jiupup rose to his full height. Sadly, his full height was even smaller than this other pup. He immediately ran away from the blackmoon pup and out of the den.

-I may be small now. When I grow up, I will be even stronger than my Baba. So, I can protect you.-

‘Forget it!’

-Yay! Are we playing now? Wait for meeeee.’ The other pup gave chase.

With that, a white blur and a black blur could be seen playing hide and seek throughout the Ling You Peak.

***

After making sure that the annoying pup completely lost his track, Jiupup started to sneak out, leaving Ling You Peak. He sneakily scurried past several Ling You disciples who were busy taking care of their spiritual beasts. He just passed a literal petting zoo. He ducked under a bench when several Ling You disciples passed by, carrying winged ferrets. He wanted to pet them.

He got distracted once in awhile whenever he stumbled upon butterflies and the like. But, Jiupup was definitely on his way to return to Qing Jing Peak. Actually, it felt like he was on an adventure. But, everything looked imposing somehow. Perhaps, it was due to his small stature now. Never mind, he straightened his back and marched forward.

***

Once he left Ling You Peak, he found himself at the rainbow bridge, a few hours later.

He sighed in relief. It meant that his Qing Jing Peak was close.

He was beyond exhausted and he was starving. There was so much his short legs could do. Disciples were cooing at him whenever they spotted him. They tried to come over and pet him but he flinched and got scared.

He didn’t realize that he just continued walking on the rainbow bridge toward Bai Zhan Peak. He missed the bridge to his Qing Jing Peak since he was so lost in thought.

When he looked up, what greeted him was not Qing Jing Peak’s bamboo forest. But it was something else.

'How could he miss it?!'

Unfortunately, while he was getting confused by his surrounding (and before he knew it), someone grasped Jiupup’s small body and lifted him up. He flailed miserably. He recognized these hands. After all, it belonged to someone who kept asking him for a fight.

'It couldn't be-'

The person who caught him, turned him around to face them.

Liu Qingge’s frowning face stared back at him.

His struggles were futile as the brute took him further to Bai Zhan Peak.

'Release me, you brute!' 

***

(They completely missed a desperate howl of an adult wolf whose adopted pup was missing from its den.)

Chapter Text

Yu Qingshuang's POV

The day before, Yu Qingshuang, Ling You Peak head disciple, blinked when the adult black moon spiritual wolf their peak rescued months ago came back with a small white wolf pup, at midnight. Afterwards, it vanished into its den.

They rescued it from its habitat which was run down by a migrating demonic beasts which came out of the Endless Abyss’s dimensional tear. At that time, it was too late to save its partner, younger pack members and their newborn pups. They were all killed by the invading demonic beasts who ran rampant when this wolf and another member of his pack were out hunting for food to feed the small family. They were attacked on their way back too, upon finding out what happened in their forest.

Thus, among its pack, it was a lone survivor in that entire forest.

It was so heartbreaking.

At first, they thought that it wouldn’t even survive due to the severity of its wounds. But, thankfully, they managed to heal it to full health after a few months.

They hoped that it could integrate well with the rest of the black moon wolves that were living in their peak. But, so far, it steered clear from anyone of its kin.

At least, this little pup would be great for healing its trauma.

But, why was the little pup wearing Qing Jing Peak’s shawl?

Never mind.

Once the pup was adopted, the blackmoon wolves parents would be so protective of their cubs. Not even the Qing Jing Peak Lady could separate them.

***

The next day, just before sunset, they were alerted by the howls that belonged to that particular wolf. It took awhile for his shizun to calm the wolf down.

It turned out that the white wolf pup from earlier was missing.

‘Where could it be?!’ 

Some of his shidis and shimeis reported that they saw it with another black moon wolf pup playing around their peak in the afternoon. But, the white wolf was so small compared to the other black wolf pup. It shouldn’t have gone too far yet.

Did it get lost somehow?!

Ling You Peak disciples immediately organized a search party for the missing wolf pup.

***

Eventually, they got some information that the white wolf pup had been seen somewhere near the rainbow bridge.

“What if it fell down the bridge?! Was it even possible?!” One of the youngest shidi was panicking.

Thankfully, shizun told them that it was not. There were some barriers at both edges of the bridges.

So, it could go anywhere to any of the peaks in their whole mountain range.

Yu Qingshuang massaged his temple. This would be a long night. How could they find such a tiny pup in the whole Tian Gong mountain range?! Sure, they had spiritual eagles and all, but still.

Bai Zhan Peak disciples' POV

Meanwhile, the rest of Bai Zhan Peak disciples did a double take when their eyes landed on their da-shixiong who was carrying an adorable white wolf pup.

From where did their da-shixiong find such an adorable wolf pup?

“Psst, from where do you think da-shixiong got the pup?” One of the youngest shidi asked in curiosity.

“Who knows?” Someone shrugged his shoulders.

“Actually, it might be some stray from Ling You Peak as usual.” One of the older disciples muttered.

“Really?”

That shixiong nodded.

Then, they observed the pup again. The pup could be grasped by one palm of an adult. It was that small.

“But, isn’t it wearing a Qing Jing Peak colored shawl?” A smarter one among the crowd of Bai Zhan Peak disciples asked aloud.

“Huh?! You are right. Maybe it was someone’s pet. But, who would be well-off enough to give such a fancy shawl for the pup?”

“Well, everyone there were rich enough to afford that.”

Before they could even ask anything to their da-shixiong, he already glared at them. So, they shut their mouth.

Liu Qingge continued on marching toward his room. They saw him a few minutes later as Liu Qingge went out of his room, this time without the pup and headed to the dining area.

Liu Qingge's POV

When he saw the tiny pup looking around confusedly in the forest of Bai Zhan Peak, he wanted to facepalm. It was surprising that it hadn’t gotten attacked by the local wildlife in his peak yet.

But, he noted that this was the same fluffy pup which was taken to Ling You Peak last night.

According to the shawl, it could be belong to someone from Qing Jing Peak.

Did it get lost somehow?

Never mind, he might as well feed it first and returned it to Qing Jing Peak.

***

In the dining area, Liu Qingge took his rations and a smaller plate for the pup full of cooked meat. Usually, he ate along with his other martial siblings. But, this time he went out of the dining hall to eat in his room.

When Liu Qingge returned to his room, the pup was nowhere to be found. He put his plates on the table while the pup’s plate on the floor. He peeked under his bed to see the white fluffy ball in the corner. He nudged the plate under his bed.

Then, he returned back to his table and started eating his dinner. In no time, he heard that the pup also started eating its portion as well, under his bed.

Good grief.

Shen Jiu's POV

Jiupup couldn’t believe his rotten luck when he was taken by Liu Qingge to his room. Liu Qingge put him gently on the floor before he went outside and locked Jiupup in the room. The windows were quite high for his small body to jump. He was trapped. To be honest, he had no energy left to even walk.

Jiupup barely registered the bare room before he started inspecting every furniture and corners. There was his missing fan on top of a table. It looked pristine and well-taken care of. He frowned. What business did Liu Qingge had for keeping his missing fan?!

Never mind. As if the brute would return it to him. He would just buy a new one. He was fuming with rage.

When he heard the owner of the room was fumbling with the lock, he immediately scrambled under the bed. Soon Liu Qingge opened the door while carrying a tray with foods for them both.

He heard a soft tap as a plate of food was put gently on the floor and nudged toward where he was under the bed.

Jiupup was too hungry to decline the free food. So, he started eating what was offered to him. And moreover, it was cooked!

A bowl of milk was nudged toward him as well and he just drank it. He was thirsty, alright?!

After his belly was full, he would need to escape and perhaps seek help from his shizun. But, how?

***

Once his plate and bowl were empty he returned back to his corner. Jiupup started licking his paws while he was struggling to keep his eyes open.

“Hey, don’t you want to return to your owner? They are from Qing Jing Peak, aren’t they?” He saw Liu Qingge peeked from under the bed.

Jiupup looked up.

“Come. I will take you there.” Liu Qingge outstretched his palm under the bed toward his corner.

‘Does it mean that I don’t have to walk there?’ Jiupup then approached the brute carefully. Surprisingly, the brute was nice to everything else that was not Shen Qingqiu. It was kind of expected.

Liu Qingge awkwardly scratched his ears before pulling him onto his lap.

‘This master allows you for now since you just graciously feed him.’ Jiupup huffed.

Suddenly, Liu Qingge frowned. “You are dirty. Let’s take you to bath first.”

‘Forget it!’ Jiupup scrambled but Liu Qingge’s fast reflex caught him again. He was trying to break free from Liu Qingge’s grips as he was taken to the Bai Zhan Peak’s Quiet Pool. Once again, his struggles meant nothing. It had nothing to do whether he was full or not. The brute was too strong.

***

Liu Qingge found a small basket in which he filled it with water and carefully put Jiupup in after he heated it with a heating talisman. His Qing Jing Peak shawl was already taken off previously. It had some bamboo and fan pattern on it. The shawl itself looked fancy enough. He wondered why no one noticed him scurrying around in Ling You Peak and the rainbow bridge.

(At first, everyone just thought that he was a missing pet from Qing Jing Peak who was out exploring their mountain ranges. What an adventurous pup. Good luck little pup! So, no one bothered.

Not that he knew.)

Liu Qingge then proceeded to scrub Jiupup until it was sparkling clean. Once it was clean, Liu Qingge changed the water and let the pup float inside its mini pool. Liu Qingge took out a qiankun pouch and put some rare flowers into the water. Other than its pleasant smell, this flower was great for strengthening meridian, clearing blockage etc.

Mu-shidi would be sobbing by now if he knew that the brute wasted these rare flowers on a literal pup. But, it was quite impressive for Liu Qingge to be already able to forage this flower. Its habitat was quite dangerous with poisonous demonic plants, man-eating plants, fire bats and difficult to kill lava turtles.

After that Liu Qingge himself took a bath. While Liu Qingge took bath, Jiupup turned his pup body around, facing the other direction. There was no way he would peep at his naked shidi. He didn’t need to be even more jealous. Out of his eyes, out of his mind. He started chanting in his mind.

He sniffed on the flowers. As expected, it smelled fresh and sweet.

He got bored of playing with the flower petals and ended up chewing on them one by one. He could immediately feel its effect on his meridian. Wow.

As expected of a practical young man, he finished his bath quickly and put his fresh robes on, right away. Liu Qingge tidied up the place then took out a dry towel and bundled Jiupup inside it.

In no time, Jiupup’s fluffy fur was dry again with the help of a convenient spell. Liu Qingge tied his clean shawl around his neck snuggly. 

He let Liu Qingge sniffed at him for a few seconds. Perhaps he was checking if the smell of the flower got absorbed into his fur.

A few moments later, they were on their way to Qing Jing Peak via sword flight. Jiupup was cradled carefully in Liu Qingge’s arms.

Liu Qingge's POV

Liu Qingge maneuvered in a forest near Qing Jing Peak’s dormitories. He let the pup jumped down from his arms and it went somewhere to the left. It went to the male disciples residences.

He was about to depart to leave Qing Jing Peak when several hushed voices brought him into a halt. They belonged to Shen Jiu’s Qing Jing Peak martial siblings.

Liu Qingge stepped down from Cheng Luan and hid behind a big tree.

“Are you sure it will work?” Someone whispered to the other.

“I am fully certain. I bought it from a blackmarket. With this, that bastard Shen Jiu will have his cultivation ruined even more. Our shizun would no doubt kick him out of the peak. There is no place for a waste.”

They both snickered.

Liu Qingge frowned upon hearing this and he was fuming with rage.

He recalled that Shen Jiu was already poisoned around 1 year before the Immortal Alliance Conference. That event was important since the Qing Jing Peak Lady announced that she would choose her succeeding disciple based on their performance in that event.

Even now he was still under some type of long-term treatment. When the Immortal Alliance Conference was just around the corner, instead of training and improving their skills, they wanted to poison him again?! Maybe it was to eliminate competition, but this was way too far. The Qing Jing Peak Lady seemed to be ignorant on this fact.

Everyone with eyes could see that Shen Jiu was the one that would be chosen anyway. Was she testing Shen Jiu of how he was going to deal with people that wanted to sabotage him? But still. There was a bottom line for this type of ignorance.

‘This can’t do.’

If she wouldn’t move a single finger, then he would do it his way. Shen Qingqiu was really sensitive about his ruined cultivation in the future. And the ones that had to deal with him were the rest of them who would ascend together as peak lords. Perhaps, if Shen Qingqiu's cultivation was stronger and more stable, he wouldn't be that bitter and spiteful.

Liu Qingge rushed forward to confront these disciples head on.

***

After beating them up, Liu Qingge throw the 2 disciples in front of the bamboo house, along with the proof.

The Qing Jing Peak Lady raised one of her delicate eyebrows upon seeing them beaten up. She thanked Liu Qingge for catching them in the act and immediately punished these disciples.

Liu Qingge bid his farewell and he returned back to Bai Zhan Peak.

Shen Jiu's POV

The next morning, Shen Jiu woke up in his human form again. Surprisingly, his sleep was peaceful when he was in his pup form. Should he sleep in his pup form from now on? But he couldn’t transform at his will as well.

No nightmares about that maniacal laugh of that monster when he tore his limbs off. Nothing.

He instead imagined as if the adult wolf was curling up around him as he snuggled into its underbelly.

(A/N : it was called fluff therapy.)

***

He needed to get ready soon. This morning, he had a meeting with the rest of the other head disciples in Qiong Ding Peak. Before he left for the meeting, there was a news that two of his martial siblings were kicked out of Qing Jing Peak after being caught by Liu Qingge who found them in the act of planning to poison him.

Well, good grief. It meant that there would be less people sabotaging him. 

Yu Qingshuang came late since he was leading a search party of one missing wolf pup without any success. Shen Jiu scoffed, as if it didn't happen regularly enough.

Liu Qingge sniffed in the air and frowned when he passed by. Shen Jiu scowled. Did he think that he smell bad now?! The nerve of this brute!

(He completely forgot about the flower bath he took the night before in Bai Zhan Peak with Liu Qingge. -cough-)

***

When he returned back to Qing Jing Peak from the meeting, two shichen later, the adult wolf that kidnapped him yesterday night was in Qing Jing Peak. Perhaps, it came here to look for the white pup. It was sniffing in the air.

Now that he got a good look at it, It was one of the unruly spiritual beasts of Ling You Peak. He recalled from his last life. It was one of the strongest spiritual beasts in the beast tamer peak, with its lightning attribute. Thus, it was usually included in the mission with Yu-shidi in the future.

‘Unfortunately, you won’t find him anywhere now. Poor wolf.’

Strangely, the wolf approached him as soon as it spotted him.

‘Huh?’

Shen Jiu took a step back. The wolf on all four was already bigger than a normal adult horse. So, it looked quite frightening with a glowing purple mark too.

Before he could evade, the wolf jumped at him and licked his face several time as he was laying flat on the ground. He tried to cover his face with his hands but, they got licked as well.

‘Damn it.’  Could it be that his smell was the same in both forms?!

***

Since then on, the massive wolf would come over to Qing Jing Peak to visit him from time to time.

(The Ling You Peak disciples stopped their search party when the adult blackmoon wolf informed the Ling You Peak Lord that it had found its pup.)

Meanwhile, his shizun was amused that instead of making human friends, he befriended spiritual beasts.

***

A few days later, Shen Jiu was busy organizing the books and scrolls from An Ding Peak Lord that Shizun told him to inspect. From where did his shishu found them. He had no idea. But some of them might be useful for him once he took over the peak lord position.

He looked up when he felt that something, not someone, entered the library building. Soft patters of feet halted at the door of Qing Jing Peak’s library. He looked up to see a familiar black moon wolf pup which he encountered in Ling You Peak. It sniffed the air before it spotted him. The pup went starry eyed as it bounced on the spot while barking excitedly. Its tail was wagging so fast.

He would never expected someone (something) to be this excited to see him. Since the adult wolf could very well sense him, then this little pup would also be able to do that.

It might run away from Ling You Peak all the way to Qing Jing Peak. He recalled how exhausting it was for him.

He put the scrolls on the rack and raised his hands toward the pup in a welcome gesture.

The pup then rushed in and jumped into his arms. In no time, he had an excited black moon wolf pup on his lap who was licking his chin. Shen Jiu awkwardly hugged it in his arms. Once it calmed down, it laid on his lap while he gave it belly rubs.

Qing Jing Peak disciples' POV

A few days after an adult black moon spiritual wolf came over to their Qing Jing Peak, a small black moon wolf pup was found in Qing Jing Peak. Qing Jing Peak disciples cooed at such an adorable wolf pup. It seemed so friendly too. It let them pet it for awhile before it ran off somewhere else.

Was it another stray from Ling You Peak?!

They followed the pup as it seemed to be looking for something. It sniffed the air and followed some trail that only it could smell. Several Qing Jing Peak disciples were worried when they saw that the black moon wolf pup stumbled upon their Qing Jing Peak library while Shen Jiu was inside. Some of them immediately alerted Ling You Peak while the rest observed the situation sneakily.

They were worried that maybe Shen Jiu would kick said pup, since from the rumor, he seemed to be a cruel shixiong. But imagine their surprise when he raised his arms in a welcoming gesture and said pup just bounced excitedly and jumped right into his arms. Shen Jiu petted it carefully and cradled it gently in his lap. He even let the puppy licked him a few times!

It looked more like a heartfelt reunion than anything else. But when did they meet?!

When Ling You Peak disciples came over to retrieve their missing black moon wolf pup, they were surprised to find that the pup had imprinted on the Qing Jing Peak head disciple. The pup refused anyone else in the Ling You Peak to be its partner. They sighed in defeat.

***

From then on, the pup would dotingly follow Shen Jiu whenever it came for a visit. Once it was old enough, it would be a permanent addition in Qing Jing Peak.

'Of all people, how could it choose Shen Jiu?!'

Chapter Text

Two months later,

Shen Jiu could feel that there were two pairs of small feet (paws?) stepping on his chest. He grasped the small body and all he could touch was fluffy furs. He scrunched his eyebrows in his sleep. He pulled the fluffy pillow closer to his chest as his body turned to the left, cuddling the fluffy pillow.  

‘Ah, so soft and fluffy. What is it?’

His pillow wiggled and he could feel its tail moved rhythmically against his arm. The body moved and he felt a small tongue licked his cheek.

‘Huh? A tongue?’

His eyes squinted open only to see the blackmoon wolf pup staring excitedly at him. Its purple eyes looked as happy. Its tail was wagging behind it. It had grown a bit bigger than the last time he saw it.

Shen Jiu turned his body again so he was lying down on his back. He covered his eyes with the sleeves of his free arm.

“You are back, huh?”

“Arf!”

He felt its head nudged at his neck softly.

After a few moment of collecting his bearings, he sat up and pulled the pup onto his lap, and gave it belly rubs.

He then looked out of the window, it was still dawn. But, he had to get ready for the day. Today, he needed to go to Qian Cao Peak for his monthly treatment.

He couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Yesterday evening, his Shizun told him that he wasn’t allowed to partake in the Immortal Alliance Conference which would be held in 6 months from now.

His Shizun reasoned that he was still under regular treatment from the poisoning incident.

‘It was all thanks to his Qing Jing Peak martial siblings who were no longer here.' He scoffed inwardly. Even when he was still in a long term treatment, a few of them still tried to poison him further. If they succeeded, he would have been a waste than he already was.

He might be chosen as the head disciple already but the succeeding disciple position was still empty until now. In the previous life, he used the event to further strengthen his position so he could be chosen as the succeeding disciple. He ranked within top 5 in the conference. Yet, others still thought that he used dirty means to get the position.

While in reality, he worked harder than any of them. He had years to catch up. He was always busy grinding himself into dust, catching up with others’ progress.

But, fully knowing what would happen later, with the beast and all, perhaps, it would be better to just let someone else take the stupid title. Being the Qing Jing Peak Lord last time didn’t bring him anything good. The other peak lords kept doubting him and his skills. Then, they had the nerve to think that he didn’t even work for it.

Liu Qingge died in the Ling Xi Caves and he was deemed guilty for it. And he recalled all those pains from his tortures by the beast in that Water Prison. He shuddered.

Maybe the beast wouldn’t turn out like that if he got a better teacher, who wasn’t jealous of his talent.

No one stood on his side until the very end. But, maybe it was still his fault in the end. He should have treated his disciples better and didn’t expect too high from them. Was he really a cruel master? Was he no better than Wu Yanzi?

There was even rumours circulating around that Shen Qingqiu enjoyed crippling his disciples talents and spiritual roots. He doubt that the others didn’t believe it. They easily gobbled up every rumor about him.

Then, he felt a lick on his fingers. He was snapped out of his musing and looked down on the pup on his lap.

‘Maybe I am not alone anymore this time. If no one wants to be my friends in this sect, then these spiritual wolves will do.’

He was thinking, perhaps it would do everyone a favor if he left this sect. His Qi-Ge didn’t need him anymore. Qi-Ge was already happy, surrounded by people who put him on such a high pedestal.

“Let’s get ready for the day.” Shen Jiu said, then the pup jumped down onto the floor. He needed to finish his duties for the day earlier than usual since he would be in Qian Cao Peak in the afternoon and stayed there until tomorrow.

His treatment went well, and they saw a small progress in his meridian’s state. The Qian Cao Peak Lord told him to rest for the whole night in Qian Cao Peak. So, he did. The blackmoon pup was waiting patiently at the side of the bed during the whole treatment.

As for the adult wolf, it was distracting the Qian Cao Peak disciples from doing their duties, so the Ling You Peak Lord came to the said peak to drag the adult wolf to Ling You Peak. The adult wolf left, after making sure that Shen Jiu was groomed well first. Shen Jiu could see that Mu-shidi was hiding a chuckle or two during his misery.

The next day, Shen Jiu woke up in the morning to get checked by Mu-shidi and was given another concoction that made him extremely sleepy. Mu-shidi told him that he would come back to check up on him during lunch. Then, he would be allowed to leave Qian Cao Peak in the evening or the next morning.

“Rest well, Shen-shixiong.” It was the last thing he heard before he drifted off to sleep.

***

Three hours later, when he woke up, he suddenly found himself back in his pup form. The pale green scarf, once again, was tied around his fluffy neck. 

‘What?! How is it possible?! I thought it is a one time thing?!’ Shen Jiu screamed in his mind.

Thankfully, Mu Qingfang had finished checking up on him this morning. He just took a nap since the concoction made him sleepy.

The blackmoon wolf pup who was with him immediately greeted him.

-A-Jiu, it’s good that you are back in this form!- The blackmoon wolf pup nudged him with its snout happily.

‘I am not supposed to transform into this form.’ Jiupup grumbled.

-Maybe, you are similar to the Ling You Peak Lord  and his head disciple. They can shape-shift too.- the blackmoon wolf pup replied.

‘Really?’

-Mhmm. You are still small. See, I grow up a bit bigger than before.- The blackmoon wolf pup proudly said as it sniffed at him a few times. The blackmoon wolf pup was twice his size now.

Jiupup bristled upon hearing that insult. It was not his fault for being so small!

‘Anyway, let’s return back to Qing Jing Peak.’

-Ok!-

With that, Jiupup jumped from the bed and his companion followed.

***

Soon, everyone could see two small pups walking side by side. They cooed but they were quite busy today, as waves after waves of Bai Zhan Peak disciples returned from their mission injured at dawn. Currently, they were on the last batch. They really wanted to have a rest.

***

Unfortunately, before they could really leave Qian Cao Peak, they were found and taken by Mu Qingfang to his room in the head disciple quarter. Mu Qingfang fed them their lunch.

There were dark bags under Mu Qingfang’s eyes. Jiupup almost forgot how overworked this shidi of his was, all the time.

Then, Mu Qingfang took them to his patient room to check up on him. Jiupup could see how Mu Qingfang deflated upon seeing the empty room.

“Why did he left so quickly when I told him I will still come to check up on him this afternoon?” Mu Qingfang massaged his temple. “I just want him to rest a bit more. He always works so hard.” Mu Qingfang mumbled to himself.

After that, Jiupup came along to the rare herbs garden in Qian Cao Peak which Mu Qingfang was in charge of. The blackmoon pup went for a nap in Mu Qingfang’s room.

“Such a cute wolf pup, Mu-shixiong.” one of Mu-shidi’s shimeis cooed on their way to the garden. They approached him and tried to touch him. But, he got scared. He immediately darted behind Mu Qingfang’s feet.

“Mmhm. He is so well behaved.” Mu-shidi replied as he took Jiupup in his arms while trying to calm him down. The others fortunately backed away. Mu Qingfang then bid his farewell toward his shimeis.

Eventually, they reached somewhere in the Qian Cao Peak. It seemed to be off-limit to other disciples.

***

Jiupup sniffed on a dying rare plant in the exclusive greenhouse of Qian Cao Peak. He just circled around it. In his previous life, he never had the chance to see it with his own two eyes.

He recalled the name of this rare plant, ‘Spirit Tree of Origin’. This tree was part of the pillars which separated the demon realm and human realm. By the time his blackened disciple conquered the three realms, none of them remained. The beast was bragging about it as he manipulated his blood parasites in his body.

Right now, It just recently sprouted from its seed. The branches and the leaves’ veins were supposed to glow continuously. But, instead of glowing brightly, its light was dim and flickering erratically. What did go wrong? He wondered.

“This plant is the ‘Spirit Tree of Origin’. We recently received it from the Xian Shu Peak senior disciples who went to explore the secret realm where the seed was located. Unfortunately, something happened to it and we are trying to save it now.” Mu Qingfang explained to him. He clearly didn’t expect it. Did his shidi don’t have anyone to talk to?!

After taking care of the obviously dying plant, Mu Qingfang led him to the other part of the herbs garden. Mu Qingfang was personally taking care of the herbs that were used for his monthly treatment. The place was heavily guarded with talismans and no one else could enter it except Mu Qingfang and the current Qian Cao Peak Lord. It was strange.

In the previous life, someone destroyed the garden where Mu Qingfang and the Qian Cao Peak disciples took care of the herbs for his recovery. It led to a delay for his 10^th and 11^th treatments. And when they sent someone else to forage them in the wild, there was a sudden forest fire where those herbs were located. It was as if someone was trying to kill him. But it could also just be his terrible luck. It lead to the failure of his long-term treatment. It resulted in him as being the only peak lord who hadn't formed his golden core yet upon their ascension.

Here though, they seemed to be more careful.

***

After taking care of the herbs, Mu Qingfang took him back in his arms and went to his room. After that, Mu Qingfang took them both for a bath in Qian Cao Peak’s medicinal hotsprings. He also looked for a small basket for Jiupup. Mu Qingfang then put some of the medicinal water from the hotspring into the small basket and started cleaning him first. The blackmoon wolf pup just sat on their side, observing them while on the look out.

Once Mu Qingfang finished cleaning Jiupup up and changed the water in his mini pool, Mu Qingfang went into the hotspring. Before Mu Qingfang could put his feet into the water, the blackmoon wolf pup just jumped into the hotspring. It created a splash on Mu Qingfang who just laughed out loud. The pup then swam toward where Mu Qingfang was crouching on the bank.

Jiupup shook his small head at the other pup’s antic from his mini pool. Jiupup then turned his body around as Mu Qingfang started bathing. The blackmoon wolf pup swam toward the bank and raised itself up unto the ground. It splashed the water from its fur, everywhere.

-A-Jiu!-

The blackmoon wolf pup really never left him alone. Jiupup heard as the soft patters of feet approached his mini pool.

***

After bathing and drying the pups' furs, Mu Qingfang took Jiupup with him to the dining hall, and the blackmoon pup went back to Mu Qingfang’s room. While Mu Qingfang was taking the food for the three of them, Jiupup climbed onto Mu Qingfang’s right shoulder and lay on his belly there. His front paws were gripping Mu Qingfang’s front robes. It was great somehow, at least his field of view changed. He didn’t have to look up all the time while craning his neck.

Mu Qingfang took the tray to his room and when he opened the door, they were greeted by the blackmoon wolf pup with an ‘Arf’.

The blackmoon wolf pup circled around Mu Qingfang a few times excitedly, upon noticing that he was carrying food for them.

Soon, they started eating their portions.

As they were finishing their meals, the adult wolf descended from the sky and waited for them outside of Mu Qingfang’s residence area. Mu Qingfang pet them both, before they made their ways to the adult wolf who was sitting on its belly on the ground.

Jiupup let the adult wolf sniff at him for awhile.

Once the adult wolf was done, it nudged Jiupup to its side.

-Little one, climb.-

Jiupup just blinked.

-Do you want me to carry you like usual, Little one?-

Jiupup shook his head and immediately started climbing his way up onto the adult wolf’s shoulders. He could feel that the blackmoon wolf pup nudged him from below. As soon as he reached the top of the adult wolf’s shoulders, the blackmoon wolf pup climbed up as well and sat behind him.

Soon, the adult wolf rose to its four feet and made its way to Mu Qingfang. It sniffed Mu Qingfang for awhile. Mu Qingfang seemed a bit shocked at first. He pet the adult wolf on its neck a few times. The wolf took a few step backward and turned to its left. Before Jiupup knew it, they already took off toward the sky.

Mu Qingfang returned to his room with a smile. Today, it was a great day.

***

One of Yu Qingshuang’s shidi spotted the adult wolf returned back to their peak, with the white wolf pup. What was strange was the fact that they came from Qian Cao Peak direction. Weren’t they usually went to play in Qing Jing Peak with the head disciple Shen?!

Then, they recalled that Shen Jiu indeed went to Qian Cao Peak the day before.

***

They landed in Ling You Peak and the adult wolf directly made its way to their den. Once inside, it sat on its belly again. The black moon wolf pup jumped down after nudging Jiupup’s head softly and telling him good night.

-Thank you, Uncle!-

-Hmm-

With that, the pup ran outside of their den to return to its own parent’s den which was not that far. They could spot its older siblings came to pick it up.

-Your friend is quite a bubbly and energetic one, A-Jiu.-

Jiupup made his way slowly down into the ground.

‘Mhmm.’

-Come here, Little one.-

The adult wolf raised one of its front paw. Jiupup curled himself under the adult wolf’s fluffy neck.

Once again, Jiupup found himself inside the wolf den with his new parent wolf. The adult wolf pulled Jiupup gently, while they both lie down. Then, it started grooming Jiupup again. He was too late to avoid the grooming, which ruined his earlier bath.

Jiupup, who was tired of his adventure for the day, was lulled to sleep. Was this how it feels to have a parent?

He unconsciously scooted closer to the soft fur of the adult wolf in his sleep.

Soon, they both drifted off to sleep.

***

The next morning, when he woke up again, the adult wolf was there with him in the den.

-Little one, if you want to play outside, don’t go too far. The world is dangerous.- His wolf caretaker said while grooming him again for the day.

‘Mhmm.’ Jiupup just hummed.

At first, Jiupup wanted to explore the Ling You Peak once again. But, upon seeing several Ling You Peak disciples passing by their den, far too often to his liking, he decided to just take a nap and eat in the den with his -cough- parent wolf.

After hearing the news of the white wolf pup being spotted in their peak, Yu Qingshuang and his martial siblings had been trying to catch a glimpse of the white wolf pup, to no avail. It was so deeply hidden in the den. The adult wolf’s body was blocking the view!

There was a rumor that Liu-shixiong found it in Bai Zhan Peak, then fed it and bathed it. Even, Mu-shixiong managed to keep it in Qian Cao Peak for a whole day, just yesterday!

They also wanted to pet the white wolf pup, alright?! They realized they missed the chance last time, during the white wolf pup’s first sighting in their peak. They groaned.

***

The next day, Mu Qingfang woke up feeling refreshed and looked around in his room, he still couldn’t believe yesterday’s event. Both of the pups were gone since last night, taken back by the adult wolf to Ling You Peak. 

It was quite therapeutic to run his fingers along those fluffy fur. He sighed weakly.

Anyway, he would meet the pups again someday. Perhaps, he could pay a visit to Qing Jing Peak or Ling You Peak later. The pups should be from those peaks.

***

When Mu Qingfang checked on the rare plant, it was glowing brightly. He was amazed. But, except his regular treatment for the plant, he didn’t do anything else. Wait. The white pup was there with him yesterday!

Could it be?!

He needed to do a research! The only entities that could heal dying plants were a high tier fairy or a heavenly celestial beast. But, there was so few information about both of these entities who had a unique skill named 'Breath of Life'.

***

Meanwhile, in Qing Jing Peak, everyone realized that they hadn’t seen Shen Jiu for the whole day. He was supposed to return from his treatment last night.

But, he could be resting in his room as well.

At dawn, the adult wolf noticed something happened to its sleeping pup. It immediately took its pup to Qing Jing Peak.

***

When Shen Jiu woke up curling into the fluffy fur of the adult wolf in Qing Jing Peak the next morning, he was confused. Since he was already back in his human form. He was wearing the sleeping robes that he wore during his stay in Qian Cao Peak. 

-You are back again in this form, little one.-

***

Once he got ready for the day, Shen Jiu came out of his room. he raised an eyebrow upon seeing a few of his martial siblings scurrying around. They kept throwing glances at him.

“Shen-shixiong. Are you feeling alright? We didn’t see you at all yesterday after you finish your treatment.” One shidi approached him.

“This shixiong is fine now.” Shen Jiu was confused of this concerned shidi. It was strange. But, he was one of his martial siblings who stayed in Qing Jing Peak to become his hall master in the future(?)/past(?). One of the select few whom he had no problems with.

“Are you going to the dining hall? This shidi can help you carry the tray!” The shidi beamed up at him.

“You don’t have to, Lu-shidi. There should be more important things for you to do.”  Shen Jiu shook his head, obviously denying this shidi's offer. He didn't want to owe anyone. He was afraid of how much he should pay later for those he owed, whether in good or bad ways.

“This shidi is happy to be of help to Shen-shixiong.”

Shen Jiu sighed in defeat. He had to rack his brain for his next response. Eventually, the adult wolf seemed to notice his uneasiness, since it made its way towards them. His shidi visibly gulped.

"Don't worry about this shixiong, Lu-shidi. Go help your other shidi."

Out of the corner of his eyes, he spotted Yue Qingyuan approaching them. The shidi awkwardly bid his farewell.

"This shidi understands, Shen-shixiong. This shidi wishes for your complete recovery. See you later, Shen-shixiong!" 

He nodded at that shidi while he prepared for dealing with Yue Qingyuan. This would be a long day.

Chapter Text

“Yue-shixiong.” Shen Jiu greeted. He admitted that he still felt awkward around this Qi-Ge. His other Qi-Ge died for him. When he wanted the man to save him, he didn’t. But when he told the man to scram, he came.

In his second life, though, he died early, around 2 years after the little beast arrived in his peak. He didn’t know what happened after that. He just hoped that Qi-Ge at least survived and even managed to ascend or something.

“Xi-Shen-shidi. How have you been? How did the treatment go?” Qi-Ge quickened his pace toward where he was.

“It went well. Thank you for your concern, Yue-shixiong. This shidi shouldn’t keep you for too long. You must be here for Shizun.”

At that, Qi-Ge sent him an apologetic smile.

“Then, this shixiong needs to bid his farewell for now. See you later, Shen-shidi.”

Shen Jiu just nodded.

Surprisingly, Yue Qingyuan sent a polite bow at the adult blackmoon wolf next to him.

They both watched Yue Qingyuan left. Then, his parent wolf nudged his back on the direction of the dining hall.

-Little one, I need to return to Ling You Peak for awhile. You go eat breakfast.-

“Yes. Yes.”

-That’s my son. Remember, eat a lot and don’t be picky.-

“I am not picky.” Shen Jiu mumbled before he halted. He realized that they were out in the open and there were a bunch of his Qing Jing Peak martial siblings around them.

Shen Jiu immediately gave a loose hug around the adult wolf’s neck and ruffled his fur. He wanted to hide his blush. He just replied out loud to the wolf in front of everyone!

***

The other Qing Jing Peak disciples around them halted upon seeing the lovely pink shade around Shen Jiu’s cheeks.

It was as if their hearts were pierced by an arrow.

‘H-he was blushing just now?! Wait, did he just talk to the spiritual wolf?’

***

After his pup calmed down, the adult blackmoon wolf left for Ling You Peak.

***

Shen Jiu decided that he would go to the dining hall to eat his breakfast. After that, he would make himself busy by doing his duty as the head disciple.

***

The next day, Shen Jiu attended head disciples meeting in Qiong Ding Peak. Everyone was registering the participants from their respective peak for this year’s Annual Sword Tournament. On top of that, they were in charge of the preparation for the event. Their respective masters wanted them to collaborate together to organize this yearly event. And it was a good excuse for team building among them.

Shang Ye started out by listing out the logistics parts which An Ding Peak would provide. Mu Qingfang told them how much supplies they would provide in the healer tents and how many healers would be on stand by duties, etc.

Zhang Qingjiu explained to them which buildings would be provided for what function during the event and where those buildings were. He took out a siteplan map of the peak. Shang Ye and Mu Qingfang were taking notes as the Zui Xian Peak head disciple explained. Zui Xian Peak would be the one hosting this event this year.

Shen Jiu was just listening in to the others inputs and gave them his opinions whenever it was needed. Anyway, he wasn't going to participate in the matches. He would just be one of those who supervise the event. The Ku Xing Peak Head Disciple and the Xian Zhen Peak Head Disciple were discussing about improving the security and such.

Eventually, Yue Qingyuan announced once everyone had finished giving their inputs. “This Shixiong believes that it concludes today’s meeting.”

Suddenly, there were a few seconds of silence following Yue Qingyuan’s announcement.

“Uh, Shen-shixiong, do you have anything to add?” Mu Qingfang asked politely.

Shen Jiu was frowning his eyebrows upon feeling everyone’s gaze on him.

“No. There is none.”

“Are you feeling fine, Shen Jiu?” Liu Qingge raised his eyebrow across from him.

“This shixiong is fine.” Shen Jiu answered curtly.

The other didn’t seem to believe him.

‘What is wrong with them?’

In their last life, they never paid attention whenever he tried to say something during meetings. Some of them even blatantly yawned. Liu Qingge would tell him off that he was just looking for attention. Then, it would spiral down into a fight between them which would end with his lost every single time. After that, he would return to his peak feeling frustrated. 

“If there is nothing else, then this shidi bids his farewell.”

"There is none at the moment." Yue Qingyuan answered honestly.

Shen Jiu rose from his seat and left the meeting room.

***

Once he returned to his peak, he did his head disciple duties as usual. After lunch time, it was finished, so he went to the workshop to practice painting. 

All was calm until he felt two persons descended from the sky. He turned his head to see that Mu Qingfang and Zhang Qingjiu were approaching.

They were both standing at the side as if they didn’t want to intrude. He just decided to ignore them as they seemed to enjoy watching him paint. He was in the last stage of his painting, adding details.

Two incense sticks later, finally he was done.

“This shixiong is wondering if Mu-shidi and Zhang-shidi have enough free time to watch their shixiong painting.”

Shen Jiu raised his eyebrows as he turned his head toward them.

“Shen-shixiong, this shidi is here to check your condition after the treatment. And Zhang-shidi is here to give you some spiritual food.” Mu Qingfang answered with a smile.

“Very well, let’s go to the other pavilion.” Shen Jiu nodded. He cleaned his brushes and all, then he put the painting supplies into the container etc.

He led them to an outdoor gazebo next to the workshop. It was almost sunset.

Once they were all sitting down, Mu Qingfang opened his mouth. “Shen-shixiong, may this shidi?”

Shen Jiu nodded as he offered his wrist to Mu Qingfang for the check up.

***

Once Mu Qingfang was done, he seemed satisfied with the result. “You are progressing well, Shen-shixiong, this shidi is glad.”

Shen Jiu nodded. It was like this also, last time. Only for it to fail at the end and ruined all of their hardworks.

Then, Zhang Qingjiu took out some food container from his qiankun pouch. Shen Jiu’s mouth watered at the sweets.

“This shidi noticed that Shen-shixiong will need another boost other than the regular medicinal concoctions. So, Zhang-shidi volunteered to make some spiritual food that could help improving your condition.”

Shen Jiu was stunned. “You don’t have to bother yourself for this shixiong, Zhang-shidi. You must be already busy with your own works and duties.”

“This shidi doesn’t mind, Shen-shixiong. It helps him memorize the ingredients properties better as he uses them to make some new recipes. Shifu also approves it.”

“Very well. Just do what you want. If it hinders your duties though, you should stop any time.” 

“Don’t worry about that, Shen-shixiong. Here, please try this first.”

***

This was what the Qing Jing Peak Lady saw when she passed by. She chuckled.

“Shizun.” Shen Jiu greeted.

“Song-shigu.” Mu Qingfang and Zhang Qingjiu chorused.

“While it is heartwarming to see A-Jiu getting doted on by the spiritual wolves, this master is glad that her disciple finally has gotten closer with disciples around his age. Please continue taking good care of him, Mu-shizhi, Zhang-shizhi.”

“It will be our honor, Song-shigu.” Mu Qingfang and Zhang Qingjiu chorused once again.

“All right, this master will continue her walk.” the Qing Jing Peak Lady nodded.

With that, she bid her farewell.

***

“Shen-shixiong, if this shidi may ask, where are the spiritual wolf pups?” Mu Qingfang asked curiously. 

Shen Jiu was taken aback by the question. He almost forgot that indeed he was one of the wolf pups.

“The blackmoon wolves went to Ling You Peak today.” Shen Jiu just answered curtly.

“Ah, this shidi understands.”

Thankfully, Mu Qingfang didn’t probe for any more information.

After visiting Shen Jiu, Mu Qingfang went directly to Ling You Peak and came to Yu Qingshuang’s head disciple quarter. Fortunately, Yu Qingshuang was there.

“Mu-shixiong. Are you here to look for the pups?”

“Yu-shidi. How did you know?”

“Because Liu-shixiong also came here for the same reason.” Yu Qingshuang motioned to the Bai Zhan Peak Head Disciple who was drinking tea in the middle of the room.

“This shixiong just came to Qing Jing Peak and Shen-shixiong told him that the wolves are here.” Mu Qingfang said as he made himself comfortable in Yu Qingshuang’s living room. Yu Qingshuang closed the door and activated the muffling charm.

“Ah, about that. You could definitely find the adult wolf and blackmoon wolf pup. But, the white wolf pup is a bit difficult to track.” Yu Qingshuang answered as he sat down and poured tea on a cup for Mu Qingfang.

“What do you mean, Yu-shidi?”

“The white wolf pup is quite rare to find.”

Mu Qingfang was stunned.

“Mu-shixiong, you are quite lucky that you spent time with both pups just a few days ago. This shidi however hasn’t even touched the white pup once.” Yu Qingshuang said with a hint of jealousy.

Mu Qingfang spluttered. “But, isn’t it from your peak?”

Yu Qingshuang shook his head. “No, it is not. It was a pup from Qing Jing Peak who got adopted by an adult blackmoon wolf we rescued months ago.”

“And who is the owner of said pup?” Mu Qingfang asked again.

“Everyone speculates that it seems to belong to Shen-shixiong. But, no one has seen them both together. We have asked the rest of the Qing Jing Peak disciples. They haven’t seen the white wolf pup yet. So far, Shen-shixiong would usually be seen with the blackmoon ones. What do you need the white wolf pup for, Mu-shixiong?”

“Ah, this shixiong just wants to confirm its race.”

“Hmm. This shidi only saw it from a far at night. Everyone said that he had green eyes.”

Mu Qingfang nodded. “Yes, the exact same shade as Shen-shixiong’s eyes.”

“Certain shade of green is quite common for spiritual white wolves. Since this shidi hasn’t inspected the qi inside the pup’s body, and its other features, he couldn’t really tell its race.”

“This shixiong understands. Anyway, it isn’t the only reason for this shixiong to come to Ling You Peak.”

“Sure, let this shidi knows what you need.”

“You both are aware that we are quite close to the 10^th month of Shen-shixiong’s treatment, right?”

“Yes. Do you mean the time when someone will try to destroy the garden in Qian Cao Peak?” Yu Qingshuang got serious.

“This shixiong is thinking to move some of them to your peak after the annual tournament, for safe keeping. The properties of the soil and the environment of our peaks are quite similar. We couldn’t catch the perpetrator. Song-shigu didn’t do anything about that as well. It happened in both timelines.”

“But, isn’t it already quite safe with the talismans from Ku Xing Peak?” Liu Qingge raised an eyebrow.

“We would never know if someone can still break in. The perpetrator should be an insider of our sect.” Yu Qingshuang nodded in agreement.

“So, it is better to have back up plants.” Liu Qingge pondered for awhile.

Yu Qingshuang nodded. “Perhaps, this shidi will try to go to that forest to forage the plants before someone burn the whole forest down. Which plants do you need?”

“This shixiong can come too.” Liu Qingge offered curtly.

Mu Qingfang was thinking hard for a moment. “This shidi will give you both the lists soon. We need to be discreet about it. The less people know about it, the better."

***

One month later,

Shen Jiu was crossing the rainbow bridge, enjoying his solitude. He was reciting some poems in his head when he met Li Qingyou, head disciple of Ku Xing Peak who was also on his way to Qiong Ding Peak. They exchanged greetings. Li Qingyou then walked beside him not shoulder to shoulder but two steps away on his side. The guy was already taller than him. 

The Ku Xing Peak Head Disciple and The Xian Zhen Peak Head Disciple, just recently received their Qing courtesy names two weeks ago. 

Thankfully, Li Qingyou didn’t speak much. He was more of a quiet companion. Shen Jiu continued reciting his poems in his head.

In one month, there would be annual tournament between disciples in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. Thus the meeting for the event preparation became weekly.

Once they arrived in Qiong Ding Peak, to Shen Jiu’s chagrin several other head disciples were already there. They just needed to wait for Yue Qingyuan, and three more head disciples. They exchanged greetings.

Qi Qingqi, Liu Qingge and Wei Qingwei returned to their discussion. Perhaps they were about to be sent away on a join mission.

They didn’t have to sit according to their peaks rank. He just pulled out a book to read while waiting. Li Qingyou sat beside him quietly. 

Not soon after, Xu Qingxiu, the Xian Zhen Peak Head Disciple arrived, they exchanged greeting again and she took the spot on his other side. How strange.

She then took out some empty scrolls and started writing something.

“Is that an array formation for teleportation, Xu-shimei?” Li Qingyou asked from Shen Jiu’s other side. 

“Yes, Li-shixiong. This shimei is thinking to experiment a bit.”

“It might not work if you don’t change this part of the talismans array. Let this shixiong shows you.”

“Sure.”

***

“This shimei found a really interesting artifact while she accompanied her shizun to an auction. If Shen-shixiong doesn’t mind, perhaps he can take a look?” Xu Qingxiu took out a piece of stone tablet.

Shen Jiu put his book down and stared at the stone tablet. There were some hieroglyphs but the sentences were cut. Shen Jiu studied it a bit.

“This shixiong had seen something similar in one of the old books in the archive. Xu-shimei should be careful not to let this tablet near any water snake blood. She is welcome if she wants to access the book.”

“Then, this shimei would like to go after this meeting is finished.” Xu Qingxiu replied.

“Very well.”

“This shidi also wants to tag along.” Li Qingyou added.

“Of course you are also welcome, Li-shidi.”

Soon, the rest of their martial siblings arrived and they started the meeting.

***

The Qing Jing Peak Lady was surprised when her head disciple came back with two martial siblings at his sides. It was great if he could start getting along well with the other head disciples.

One month after that,

Finally the annual Sword Tournament in their Sect started. It was Zui Xian Peak’s turn to host the event. Shen Jiu didn’t have to participate in any tournaments since he was in a treatment, but he was still part of the committee.

Good grief. He didn’t want to keep getting beaten up and humiliated by Liu Qingge every single year. In every tournament, he had never won even a single time, since Liu Qingge would always be the unbeatable champion. Unless, Yue Qingyuan participated. But, he was banned from joining, since apparently he was way too overpowered.

He was sitting on a raised platform with several other Qing Jing Peak disciples around him, watching the fight between Wei Qingwei and Qi Qingqi below. The one who won this fight would be against Li Qingyou, the Ku Xing Peak Head Disciple. After a grueling battle, Wei Qingwei surprisingly won against Qi Qingqi.

After this, a battle between one of the competitors for the Qing Jing Peak succeeding disciple position against Liu Qingge commenced. It ended as soon as it started. He didn’t know that his Qing Jing Peak was so weak. This competitor was just unlucky enough to get Liu-shidi as his opponent. Even before the battle started, there was no need to say who would come out as the winner.

As soon as Liu Qingge defeated his opponent, Liu Qingge looked around the spectating disciples, until the brute spotted him. Shen Jiu just stared flatly at him. After a few seconds, Liu Qingge turned around and left the arena.

Everyone around him sighed in relief.

Shen Jiu put his closed fan under his chin, lost in thought. If he didn’t know any better, this Liu Qingge seemed stronger than the Liu Qingge from his past life at this exact same timeline. Well, as far as parallel worlds were concerned, there were supposed to be differences. It didn’t have to be exactly similar.

***

The disciples around Shen Jiu couldn’t help but be concerned when Liu Qingge and Shen Jiu were in a staring contest. Liu Qingge defeated a senior disciple from Qing Jing Peak, as if his opponent was nothing of a challenge.

Then, Liu Qingge broke their eye contacts and Shen Jiu looked faraway wistfully, in the same direction as where Liu Qingge headed. Everyone thought that these two had a bad blood between them. Maybe, they were mistaken this whole time.

They recalled that Shen Jiu indeed survived longer when he fought against Liu Qingge last year. Even though, he still lost in the end. It was still quite admirable for a spiritual cultivator.

***

Shen Jiu could only purse his lips as his Qing Jing Peak martial siblings were already all eliminated before reaching the semi-finals. Another one of the competitors for the Qing Jing Peak succeeding disciple position already lost the fight against Yu-shidi, yesterday.

He eventually rose from his seat, after he watched Yu Qingshuang lost against Shang Ye. Shang-shidi was a lot stronger in this life.

“Shen-shixiong?” Several eyes looked up.

“This shixiong just wanted to check on the food tent.” With that, Shen Jiu made his way to said tent. Several shidis and shimei also joined him. He sighed inwardly.

When they arrived in the food tent, he met Xu Qingxiu who was picking some of them. The food were of course made by Zui Xian Peak. Xu Qingxiu looked up when Shen Jiu approached the buffet table.

“Shen-shixiong.” Xu Qingxiu nodded at him while giving him a small smile.

“Xu-shimei.” Shen Jiu greeted her back with a curt nod. Then, his eyes trailed at the buffet tables. His martial siblings from Qing Jing Peak also started taking their portions.

“Shen-shixiong, you won’t mind if this shimei joins you, right?” Xu Qingxiu asked while carrying her own plate.

“You are free to do so.” Shen Jiu replied curtly. He parted with his Qing Jing Peak martial siblings who would return to spectate the matches.

Xu Qingxiu skipped to walk beside him.

Yu Qingshuang gaped when he saw Shen Jiu was walking along Xu Qingxiu who talked to him animatedly. There would be some rumors after this, with how many people were around them, especially those giggling Xian Shu peak disciples. He shuddered. He immediately schooled his expression when they noticed him.

“Yu-shidi, how are your wounds?” Shen Jiu asked, looking concerned. The fight between Yu Qingshuang and Shang Ye was rather intense.

“This shidi is fine. Mu-shixiong patched me up. I saw Wei-shixiong's match against Qi-shijie. He is impressive." Yu Qingshuang replied.

“Well, he is.” Shen Jiu admitted. The Wan Jian Peak disciples around them perked up when they heard that their head disciple was mentioned. In case that Shen Jiu spoke badly of him.

“I am lighting a candle for Shang-shixiong next.”

“It’s too bad that Shen-shixiong couldn’t participate this year.” Xu Qingxiu commented.

“Anyway, the winner is always the same each year. It doesn’t really matter whether this shixiong attends or not.”

“We are just mere participants indeed. Liu-shixiong is really strong.” Yu Qingshuang lamented. Xu Qingxiu snickered. She also lost against Li Qingyou. If either of them won, they would face Wei Qingwei or Qi Qingqi in the next match tomorrow. Well, since Wei Qingwei won, then Good luck, Li-shixiong!

“Well, he is. But it is a good way to see the diversity of each peak’s fighting styles.”

“Indeed.” both Yu Qingshuang and Xu Qingxiu blinked when they heard that.

“You must be hungry. Are you going to have lunch too?” Xu Qingxiu spoke up as she turned her head toward the Ling You Peak Head Disciple.

“Yeah. Where will you guys be? This shidi will come to join you.”

“We will sit over there.” Xu Qingxiu gestured to some benches under the shade not far from them.

“Sure. I am coming in less than an incense stick.”

“Take your time.” Shen Jiu nodded.

Then, both of them went to sit at said bench.

***

A few moments later, Yu Qingshuang joined them carrying his own plate. They sat together for some time and Yu Qingshuang updated them of an arrival of a hell-hound pup in their Ling You Peak and their missions in observing wild spiritual beasts.

Thus, the discussion went on.

Several Bai Zhan Peak who were spying on stalking on Shen Jiu seethed since he kept getting followed around by one head disciple after another.

***

Two days later, the final match was between Liu Qingge and Wei Qingwei who defeated the Ku Xing Peak head disciple in the semi final. Eventually, Liu Qingge won the match. But, Wei Qingwei gave a good fight.

***

The whole week passed in a blink of an eye. The event had come to an end and the head disciples were busy to make reports and to organize the clean up for the event's aftermath.

During his whole stay, Zhang Qingjiu always made sure that he had plenty of snacks to munch on and his temporary room was in the quietest part of the peak. He was quite satisfied with how hospitable Zui Xian Peak was. There were some defensive talismans and charms in the room and the perimeter of the building. All of them were from Ku Xing Peak. He noticed the handwriting as Li Qingyou’s. Yue Qingyuan seemed satisfied with how strong the the defense mechanism was. What were they protecting in this room?

All in all, Zhang-shidi was quite a great Host.

Unfortunately, it was just, his nightmare terrors never left him alone. Thus, after getting a nightmare of the beast’s unhinged laughs while torturing him in Water Prison, Shen Jiu tidied up the room to keep his mind occupied.

Once the room was spotless clean and tidy, Shen Jiu had nothing else to do and he wasn’t sleepy anymore. Thus, Shen Jiu decided to take a walk along the vast vineyard in Zui Xian Peak.

His -cough- parent wolf was taken on a 2 weeks long mission with the Ling You Peak Lord. Meanwhile, the blackmoon wolf pup was undergoing some early training from its parents since it started sneezing lightning blitz once in a while. They were afraid it might endanger its siblings and literally anyone else.

He recalled when Yu-shidi told a story of a manticore cub sneezing a fireball in Ling You Peak one time. Well, yeah, something like that.

“Shen-shixiong?” Someone greeted him. Shen Jiu looked up to see a concerned Mu Qingfang who was rushing toward him.

“Mu-shidi.” Shen Jiu gave a nod at his hardworking shidi.

“Is something troubling you, Shen-shixiong?” Mu Qingfang’s eyes were searching him, as if he was injured or something.

“No.” Shen Jiu gave a curt answer. There was nothing Mu Qingfang could do to help him with his recurring nightmare.

“May this shidi?” Mu Qingfang asked politely to check his meridian.

Shen Jiu nodded as he showed his wrist to Mu Qingfang.

“Your qi is a bit unstable. Did you just have a nightmare?” Mu Qingfang asked after awhile. He looked even more worried.

“It is nothing for you to be worried about.” Shen Jiu pursed his lips.

“Of course this shidi is worried. Let this shidi give you some concoction to calm your qi. Let's go, Shen-shixiong.”

Shen Jiu nodded as Mu Qingfang pulled him to the medical quarter.

Shen Jiu sat on the bed while Mu Qingfang busied himself in preparing the concoction.

They met Yue Qingyuan who immediately fussed over him as always. Mu Qingfang finally finished making the concoction and Shen Jiu drank the-not-bitter-anymore concoction. It was strange. Did Mu Qingfang modify it?

“Ah, this shidi found some information on how to make it less bitter, Shen-shixiong.” Mu Qingfang might have noticed his surprised look.

“Thank you, Mu-shidi.” Shen Jiu nodded gratefully.

Yue Qingyuan then accompanied him back to his room in Zui Xian Peak and they took a long route in a companionable silence. Yue Qingyuan surprisingly stayed until he fell asleep.

Shen Jiu woke up in the morning to find himself already transformed back into his pup form. He was in the same borrowed room and was currently still in Zui Xian Peak.

He recalled Mu-shidi gave him some concoction to help him sleep better last night.

He was speechless. ‘What’s wrong with me?!’

To make it worse, Zui Xian Peak was far from Qing Jing Peak.

‘Perhaps he could just go to Ling You Peak. It was closer after all.’ The adult wolf should be back from the mission today.

Thankfully, he already tidied this room last night before he went to sleep for the second time. At first, he was planning to leave Zui Xian Peak at noon. But, he couldn’t do much now. He looked around the room which seemed to be so huge now. He jumped from the bed and made his way to the door.

With that, he left the room sneakily and started his trek to the Rainbow Bridge which lead to the Beast Tamer Peak.

***

That was the original plan.

“Gotcha!” Someone caught him.

Unfortunately, on his way to the Rainbow Bridge, he was found by Wei Qingwei and was taken to Wan Jian Peak instead.

Meanwhile,

“It’s too bad that Shen-shixiong also already returned to his peak.” Zhang Qingjiu lamented as he looked at the empty room that Shen Jiu borrowed in Zui Xian Peak.

“Huh? What is this?” Zhang Qingjiu found some white strands of animal fur/hair on the bed. They were soft to touch.

“Hmm.”

He heard some news about a white wolf pup which was last found in Qian Cao Peak.

‘Could it be that it really belongs to Shen-shixiong?’

Chapter Text

Thus, the third time he transformed into his pup form, he was found by Wei Qingwei and was whisked away to Wan Jian Peak. As a peak which specialized in forging spiritual swords and other type of weapons, it was buzzing with noises of clanging metals.

At least, it was like that in the work area (such as the workshops and the like) and the place where all disciples of Cang Qiong Montain Sect received their spiritual swords. It was so in contrast with the tranquil Qing Jing Peak. Wan Jian Peak disciples scurried around from one workshop to another like buzzing bees.

“Is it the famous pup that is always exploring our mountain ranges, Wei-shixiong?” One of Wei Qingwei’s martial siblings asked eagerly once they arrived in the peak. Wan Jian Peak disciples who were in the process of packing some new practice swords to be sent over to the other 11 peaks halted.

“I think so.” Wei Qingwei hummed, as he adjusted his hold on the small pup.

“I thought there is a blackmoon one also. Aren’t they a pair?”

Jiupup deadpanned upon hearing that.

“Perhaps, the other one is staying in Ling You Peak.”

Soon, Wei Qingwei’s martial siblings started to flock around them. Jiupup felt scared by so many eyes on him. He wiggled in Wei Qingwei’s grasps.

“Make ways. You are all scaring him.”

“You just want to keep him to yourself, Wei-shixiong!” One shidi pouted.

“What if I do?” Wei Qingwei joked.

“Wei-shixiong!” The same shidi became exasperated.

“Seriously, guys. Don’t crowd. He is definitely scared.” Wei Qingwei tsked playfully.

“It is too bad that we don’t have that much female disciples here in our peak. Maybe, the pup will be more comfortable around them.” Another shidi commented.

“Someone said from Qian Cao Peak, that he got scared of both genders.”

“Are we that scary?” their youngest shidi asked in contemplation.

“Maybe because he is so small.” Another one pointed out.

Jiupup growled when they mentioned his size. How dare they?!

“Hmm, it could be.” Wei Qingwei looked lost in thought.

***

Fortunately, the crowding disciples immediately dispersed since they had duties to do.

“Let’s give you a tour first, Little one.”

Wei Qingwei took him to the location where the Hong Jing sword was located. Was he really here to sightsee? He just stared at Hong Jing confusedly.

Jiupup missed the way Wei Qingwei sighed in relief when nothing happened. Then, Wei Qingwei took him to see the gallery where they displayed their best works.

Afterwards, Wei Qingwei took him to see the workshops. To make weapons, Wan Jian Peak had different workshops depending on the steps.

The first workshop was where they heated together pure iron sand and coal for three whole days with extremely high temperature. This forging process used heat to bring the combined material to a malleable state. Depending on the amount of coal, the end sword products would be different. That’s why they produce a huge range of swords. Sometimes they combine different type of metallic sands/ores as well.

They received these carefully selected materials regularly from An Ding Peak through their suppliers. Using these two materials, it allowed their later forged swords to have the strength, hold a sharp edge and to bend under stress. This was what made Wan Jian’s swords so highly valued.

Then, the product was cooled down and the disciples on duty selected the best pieces to be sent to the swordsmiths.

In the swordsmithing workshops, the disciples took the products and forged them into a block. During the forming process, these blocks were heated to around lower temperature than the forging temperature. Otherwise it would melt again. Taken out of the fire, these blocks were then hammered into a thinner block.

After that, the block was scored in the center with a hammer, folded over (transversely or longitudinally) and placed back into the fire. These folding process was then repeated to as many as 16 times.

Once the swordsmiths found the sword shape they wanted, they would clay the spine of the sword and evenly heat it once more and cooled it down slowly. This process was called normalizing. In the next process, they took the newly formed sword, heated it once more and quenched it in water (at room temperature), hardening the blade. This process was challenging since it made the blade to be very brittle.

Thus, they introduced a tempering process to the blade, to restore its ductility and durability. Then, they passed the swords to the polishing and finishing workshops.

After the blades had been heat-treated, they would be ground with some grinding rocks. The polishers would polish and sharpen the blades until the desired finish was achieved. This process was really long and tedious. Once the blades were polished, the fine tip would be sharpened.

In the finishing department, they would craft and assemble the hilt, guard and sheath for each blade.

The finished swords would be put on the spiritual caves according to their quality so that sword spirits would inhabit them.

***

Once the tour was done, Wei Qingwei took him to the dining area and fed him. Even their food was better than those in Qing Jing Peak! How?!

***

Wei Qingwei mused. He had an inkling feeling that the pup might really belong to Shen Jiu. It was just so polite and well-behaved. Then, he took a look at the Qing Jing colored shawl, it had fans and bamboo patterns. The fabric seemed to be of a high quality qiankun material.

Two hours later, Zhang-shidi was visiting Wan Jian Peak.

“Wei-shixiong, did you see Shen-shixiong when you left Zui Xian Peak?” Zhang Qingjiu asked when he took note of Jiupup in Wei Qingwei’s arms.

“Huh? Shen-shixiong? No. Is there something wrong?” Wei Qingwei seemed confused.

“Ah, don’t worry. This shidi just found him gone this morning. This shidi thought that Shen-shixiong would leave in the afternoon instead.”

“This shixiong left Zui Xian Peak this morning too, but he didn’t meet Shen-shixiong.” Wei Qingwei confirmed.

***

A few moments later, Jiupup was on the wooden floor, curling up into a small fluffy ball next to them. He was taking a short nap. Wei Qingwei and Zhang Qingjiu were busy discussing about a night hunt preparation that they would go to, in a few days from now.

***

All was well until Jiupup woke up and got bored. The other two head disciples were still discussing about the same topic.

Jiupup looked out of the pavilion to see a trail of a silver and glittery butterfly outside. He perked up.

He sneaked out while Wei-shidi and Zhang-shidi weren’t looking. There was no way he would miss this!

So, was it indeed real?! Only young spiritual beasts could see this particular silver butterfly.

***

Wei Qingwei was still discussing something with Zhang Qingjiu, when they realised that the pup wasn’t in the room anymore. They knew that it was sleeping peacefully, just a few incense sticks ago!

They immediately searched for it everywhere, even under the furniture in the room. The pup was so small, it could go under those cabinets, for all they knew!

Yet, they still couldn’t find the small white wolf pup.

“Wei-shixiong! Look out of the window!” Zhang Qingjiu exclaimed. It seemed that Zhang Qingjiu’s shout was alerting several other Wan Jian Peak disciples and their visiting friends from other peaks as well, who were around the area.

Wei Qingwei looked out of the window only to see the pup was already high up in a tree. He almost got a heart attack. How did it climb so high?!

The branch where the pup was walking on suddenly snapped. Everyone gasped in horror.

In a split second, the pup was free falling from several meters above ground. They immediately summoned their swords to rush outside to save the small pup.

A black blur ran past them, and then the pup fell onto an adult blackmoon wolf’s back in a plop. It gripped on the adult wolf’s back shakily.

The pup seemed to be still in shock of what was happening, as its small fluffy body shivered a little.

Then, the adult blackmoon wolf laid on its stomach to let its pup slid toward the ground. The pup was immediately licked several times, perhaps to distract it from its near death experience. The adult wolf’s snout was nuzzling against the pup’s small head.

Everyone melted upon seeing such a heartfelt scene. Moreover, they also sighed in relief. The adventurous pup was safe.

-I am here, Little one. Let’s go back home. Shall we?- His -cough- parent wolf comforted him.

Jiupup nodded shakily.

The adult blackmoon wolf then nudged Jiupup to climb to its shoulders.

In no time, they were on their way to return to their den, in Ling You Peak.

***

In Ling You Peak, they met the blackmoon wolf pup and its siblings. They came for a visit to their den.

-A-Jiu, you are back!- The blackmoon wolf pup rushed forward. Two smaller pups and two bigger pups trotted after it.

Jiupup descended from his -cough- parent wolf’s shoulder to the ground slowly. They were currently in front of their den.

-What happened to him, Uncle?- The usual wolf pup took note of Jiupup’s silence.

-He fell down from a tree in Wan Jian Peak.-

-Oh, no! Did you get hurt, A-Jiu?- it sniffed Jiupup for awhile, checking his injuries.

Jiupup shook his small fluffy head.

-He is still in shock.-

-Come, let’s play with us, A-Jiu! See! you are as small as my two newest siblings!- The blackmoon wolf pup nudged its two smaller siblings toward Jiupup.

‘He couldn’t believe he was so small.’ Jiupup just curled up into a small white fluffy ball. 

The two smallest pups followed suit.

***

The Ling You Peak disciples spotted the white wolf pup among five blackmoon wolf pups.

‘Ah, so cute!’

They squealed. This was one of the reasons they were happy to be in Ling You Peak, surrounded by fluffs.

***

“Da-shixiong!” Someone barged into Yu Qingshuang’s room.

“What is it?!” Yu Qingshuang was so surprised. He was in the middle of grading some essays.

“The white wolf pup is here!”

Yu Qingshuang immediately jumped across from his seat. “Where?! Isn’t it in Wan Jian Peak as you said?”

“This way! Its parent took it to our peak a few incense sticks ago.”

The shidi started running. Yu Qingshuang followed suit.

***

Yu Qingshuang and his shidi hid behind some shrubs a bit far from where the wolf pups were playing. They were observing the pups. They kept getting distracted during their observation since the pups were just so adorable! They couldn’t help it by coo inwardly.

Yu Qingshuang pinched his arm slightly to focus back on the task at hand.

The white wolf pup was indeed really small. It was not a silver wolf pup since the silver wolf’s fur would glitter under any lights, even though they had the same green eyes.

It wasn’t a whitemoon wolf pup, since it didn’t have the carnelian crescent moon mark on its forehead with matching eyes color. But the fur color was similar. There was some case when this type changed eye color from gold to carnelian when agitated, though. 

It wasn’t an ice wolf pup either, because its coat wasn’t as thick and the eyes should be blue. And looking once again at the size, it was too small to be an ice wolf pup.

This wolf pup was a rare one, indeed. It could be one of those other types which showed their markings when they were angered or after they reached adulthood. The pup’s growth seemed slower than usual spiritual wolf. It meant that it would take more time for it to mature.

He needed to check the archive in Ling You Peak and asked for an access to check the one in Qing Jing Peak.

***

The adult blackmoon wolf rose to its feet upon sensing the Ling You Peak disciples’s qi. It made its way to Yu Qingshuang.

-Head disciple Yu? Do you need something?-

‘Ah, we just want to observe them without alerting them.’

The adult blackmoon wolf snorted.

-Your shidi forgot to hid his qi.-

Yu Qingshuang glared at his shidi who blushed in embarrassment.

The shidi mouthed, “Sorry, Da-shixiong!”

‘Well, but, is everything alright?’ Yu Qingshuang turned his head to ask the adult wolf.

-My pup fell down from a tree in Wan Jian Peak. Fortunately, I managed to save him from reaching the ground. Those head disciples couldn’t even babysit my pup correctly. Next time, I should drop him off in Qian Cao Peak, maybe. Or even Bai Zhan Peak will do.-

Yu Qingshuang was shocked but then sweat dropped. Which head disciples? It was found in Wan Jian Peak, so maybe one of them was Wei-shixiong. He would go on a mission with Zhang Qingjiu soon. Yeah, it could be those two.

They usually zone out of their surrounding when they were in the middle of a discussion.

‘Is your pup alright now?’ Yu Qingshuang asked in concern.

-He isn’t hurt.-

‘This one is glad. Do you need me to check him?’

The adult blackmoon wolf pondered for awhile before he spoke up.

‘Not for now. Thank you for your concern, Head disciple Yu.’

Yu Qingshuang nodded in understanding. After that, they bid their farewells since the 6 pups seemed healthy and unhurt.

Chapter Text

When Yu Qingshuang returned to his abode, he met Mu Qingfang and Liu Qingge who were on the way to visit him.

“Yu-shidi, I heard that the white wolf pup is here.” Mu Qingfang rushed forward. Liu Qingge followed at a more sedate pace.

Yu Qingshuang nodded. “Yes, it is. But, the parent wolf didn’t allow me to touch his pup.”

“That’s too bad.”

“Let’s go to our library. Maybe we will have some ideas about its race.” Yu Qingshuang suggested.

Mu Qingfang and Liu Qingge nodded.

***

A few hours later, in the most secure archive of Ling You Peak, they came across a scroll that had an old painting of an adult version of a heavenly celestial beast, with long white coat and a glowing green mark on its forehead. It looked stunning and majestic.

Mu Qingfang was amazed that maybe the small and adorable white wolf pup would grow up to be this elegant and beautiful. It would look great next to their Shen-shixiong.

Mu Qingfang told them of his finding of the pup’s ability on the rare plant he was taking care of in one of Qian Cao Peak’s green house. From the scroll in Qian Cao Peak, it was only written about its unique skill, ‘Breath of Life’.

“There is not much information about them, they went extinct since they were hunted down by cultivators who wanted to get a shortcut in their cultivation to ascend. But, the information about that part was verified to be untrue.”

They both gulped. The white wolf pup is in danger if it gets kidnapped.

“Apparently, its race could mingle with humans since they have human forms. The cultivators hunted both forms of this race. Even if the information was false, people would still try to prove it if it works or not.”

“Maybe we should make sure this information is unobtainable by anyone else, Yu-shidi.” Mu Qingfang suggested.

“Mu-shixiong is right.” Yu Qingshuang responded grimly.

“No wonder, Shen-shixiong was always targeted outside of our sect in the other lifetimes.”

Yu Qingshuang nodded. “So, our enemies somehow found out about his connection with this heavenly celestial beast. But, we never found it before, in both lifetimes.”

“Well, it was never seen together with Shen-shixiong until now. And Shen-shixiong can be really secretive if he wants to.”

‘The scroll said that it has a human form. And Shen Jiu smelled the same as the pup after I put those flowers on the basket. But, Shen Jiu didn’t go outside of the sect at that time, for months. And, if it is still a pup then, the human form should be a toddler, right?’ Liu Qingge thought inwardly.

“Yu-shidi, Liu-shixiong, from now on, we need to make sure that Shen-shixiong will never go alone on any mission or night hunts without any of us, the Qing generation.” Mu Qingfang’s voice snapped Liu Qingge out of his musing.

The other two nodded in agreement.

***

Once their research was done in the archive building, Yu Qingshuang took Mu Qingfang and Liu Qingge on a tour to see the hell-hound pup.

Meanwhile, Jiupup was meeting the parents of the 5 blackmoon wolf pup siblings for the first time. They were sending the two smallest ones back to the den because they were hungry.

-Ah, so, is this the A-Jiu you have been talking nonstop about, son?- The mother wolf asked her third youngest pup.

-Yes, mama! Can we go see the pen of griffin chicks after this?- The pup in question wagged its tail excitedly while nuzzling its mother. The mother was laying down on the ground while the smallest pups were filling their hungry tummy.

The mother shared a look with the father. 

-Hmm, you should be careful not to get A-Jiu be in danger. We don’t want him to be kidnapped by evil people.-

The pups were shocked. -Don’t worry, mama! We will protect A-Jiu!-

Jiupup observed these pair of adult blackmoon wolves. He couldn't help but feel that they were both different physically from his -cough- parent wolf. His -cough- parent wolf was also fluffy with long coat, but his face seemed to be on a leaner side, like his. He had gold eyes. Meanwhile, the other adult blackmoon wolf had a wider face and scarlet eyes. The blackmoon wolves were all dark grey to black fur, while his -cough- parent wolf's paws were white as if he was wearing short white boots, peeking under those long dark grey to black fur.   

***

In no time they were ready to go to the griffin chicks pen. The father insisted to accompany them, after the mother finished breastfeeding their smallest pups.

-It’s that way, A-Jiu. Let’s go.-

The rest of the pups trailed off after them. Soon enough, the two bigger pups ran past them, because their paces were longer and faster.

Meanwhile, the two smallest pups kept stumbling into each other and fell cutely, before they rose up to their short fluffy feet and started running again only to fall again after a few steps. And repeat.

The disciples around them cooed over this. Jiupup just didn’t expect himself to be part of these sort of entertainment, a few moments later. The two smallest fluffy pups even managed to roll off the path and took him down with them, to his utter disbelief.

Jiupup rolled over and stood up. He shook his small body to remove the dirt and dried leaves away from his fur. He could feel that a few of them got stuck there, because he felt the weight. This small body was really something. He could feel dirt’s weight.

The two smallest blackmoon wolf pups stood up again and tried to climb into the path back without much success. The father of said smallest pups was quick on its feet and helped those two by moving them one by one onto the path again.

Thankfully, he also had his -cough- parent wolf who immediately removed some of the added weights, picked him up gently and returned him to the path.

The other three blackmoon pups were wagging their tails, as they halted to wait for the smaller group.

They could already hear the coos of the griffin chicks, from a distance. The Ling You Peak disciples sidestepped to avoid accidentally stepping on them. The place should be close by.

With that, they started running again. Jiupup tried hard to evade those collisions with the other two fluffy wolf pups. Sometimes, he still failed though.

***

He jumped the step ahead of him perfectly. Somehow, he felt proud of himself.

When he turned around, the fluffy pups miscalculated their jumps and stumbled forward. Then, they rolled over once together. How clumsy could they be?

-It’s normal for blackmoon wolf pups, A-Jiu. They still have to learn more to coordinate their limbs better.- His -cough- parent wolf commented as he walked alongside them. Jiupup didn't know how he kept his white furs on his paws to be so clean and spotless.

‘Ooh. Will they get hurt from the falls, though?’

-Not really. See those fluffy furs.-

Jiupup then saw their almost spherical shape, he couldn’t even pinpoint where the pups necks were. 

(He didn’t realize that he was a fluff ball too.)

***

The pups stood up again and started running excitedly.

Here we go again. He just hoped that they would reach the place sooner.

***

They (he meant the pups and him) eventually stopped in front of the griffin chicks pen. The adult blackmoon wolves stopped at a distance since the chicks might get scared of them.

Even Griffin chicks seemed bigger than Jiupup. One of them cooed and trotted closer to them. It ruffled its tiny pair of wings on its back once in awhile.

But, there was a fence between them. The chick tilted its head slightly and let out a “Cooo.”

‘Is it greeting them?’

Then, all of a sudden, it coughed a small poof of fire from its beak toward the fence.

The pups jumped backward simultaneously. But, thankfully, the fence was fireproofed and there was some talismans for security purposes along the fence. So, the fire never reached them.

The disciple in charge immediately took the chick a bit farther away from the fence.

***

While they were watching the Ling You Peak disciples taking care of the griffin chicks (at a safe distance this time), an explosion was heard in the area close to them, from the eastern part of the peak. The pups turned their head to the source of noise. They saw Ling You Peak disciples ran in every directions.

What was happening again, this time?

***

Meanwhile, a red and orange flaming blur ran pass them. The adult blackmoon wolves sidestepped the blur.

-A-Jiu, what is that?! Let’s go check it!- the usual pup asked excitedly. His tail was wagging so fast. Before the pup could follow the flaming blur, its father already moved ahead and picked it up by the scruff of its neck.

-You are not going anywhere, Little one.- The father said.

***

“What is happening?!” One of Ling You Peak disciples who were taking care of the griffin chicks was panicking.

“The hell-hound pup escaped. Evacuate all the younger disciples! Secure the other areas until further notice! Calm any agitated spiritual beasts that got affected!” they spotted Yu Qingshuang running toward them and ordered all his martial siblings.

“Yes! Da-Shixiong!” Several chorus was heard.

‘That was a hell-hound pup?!’ Jiupup looked at it in horror.

The three headed hell-hound pup was half the size of an adult blackmoon wolf.

He recalled Yu-shidi told him that they rescued this creature from the clutch of demonic cultivators.

But, why were there Mu-shidi and Liu-shidi as well? Perhaps, they were visiting Yu-shidi.

***

-It seems that your playtime is over, Little One. Let’s return to our den.- His -cough- parent wolf was quick on its feet and picked him up by the scruff of his neck.

While the other adult wolf commanded his pups to climb onto his back. In no time, the three smaller blackmoon pups were safely sitting on the other adult wolf’s back.

The adult wolves immediately rushed as fast as they could to their dens. Their pups’ safety were more important. The two bigger pups ran alongside their father wolf.

The adult wolves parted midways before the pups could bid their farewells to each other.

Eventually, they reached their den. Once inside, the adult wolf immediately pulled a flat stone to close the entrance. Jiupup couldn't help but feel disappointed that the tour was halted.

His -cough- parent wolf peeked through the crack from inside the den to see if everything was clear.

Disciples still scurried around everywhere, since most of the spiritual beasts in the entire peak became restless and agitated.

-It seems that you need to stay here for the night, A-Jiu.-

‘Mhmm.’

-Are you not sleepy yet, A-Jiu? Do you want your Baba to tell you a story?- His -cough- parent wolf asked while he made himself comfortable by lying on the ground.

‘I’m not a baby.’ Jiupup pouted.

-You are always my baby in my eyes. And you are in pup form, now. I am about to tell a tale about the heavenly celestial beasts race, maybe you will be interested.-

Jiupup perked up. ‘Oh, I haven’t heard much about it.’ He didn’t realize that his tail was wagging excitedly.

The adult wolf nudged Jiupup’s head closer, so Jiupup was safely tucked under his fluffy and warm neck.

-What do you know about them?- The adult wolf asked to see from where he should start.

‘I only read in some old scrolls that they could bring life to a dying plants and they were hunted by cultivators who wanted to have a shortcut to reach their ascension.’ Jiupup answered.

-The celestial beasts were strong and resilient. At first, there were several races of heavenly celestial beasts. But, now though, there were only seven races left. Four of them were dragons race, while the other three were phoenixes, foxes, and wolves.-

Jiupup nodded once and the adult wolf continued his tale.

-The heavenly demons couldn’t stop themselves from obsessing over these celestial beasts. They were drawn to them especially those whose power were still sealed. Because it was in their cursed blood. They wanted to conquer them, to be acknowledged by them.

So, a war between the heavenly celestial beast races and the demon race led by the heavenly demons commenced. Because of the long lasting war, there were so many casualties on both sides.

The place where their battles occurred was the Endless Abyss as of now. An heavenly demon used a cursed sword to massacre so many of celestial beasts and spiritual beasts. After slashing too much blood of these celestial beasts, the cursed sword gained an ability to tear through dimensions. It was said that the cursed sword could be found at the top of celestial beasts’ bones mounds, somewhere in the Endless Abyss.-

Jiupup was dumbfounded, the sword that matched this description was the Xin Mo sword. The sword that made his blackened disciple crazy and needed to dual cultivate with hundreds of women.

Jiupup shuddered. His -cough- parent wolf immediately nuzzled his head.

Then, the adult wolf continued on.

-Several celestial beasts races went extinct due to this prolonged war. Eventually, after so many losses on both sides, the heavenly demons and the heavenly celestial beasts had reached a truce 1000 years ago. The heavenly demons of that time signed a treaty that their kind will not attack them anymore. Thus, they lived peacefully since then separately, in their respective realms.-

The adult wolf took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

-But, a sudden prophecy ruined this truce. A halfling of the heavenly demon race would destroy the world after brutally torturing a descendant of heavenly celestial beasts whose bloodline was sealed, for decades. It didn’t specify from which race it would be.

‘A halfling?’ Jiupup’s ears perked up. Could it be… But, he didn’t know if the beast brutally killed a celestial beast in the other life.

-Since people speculated that it would be one of the dragons, thus, the celestial beast dragon races decided to close off their realms from anyone else, except spiritual and celestial beasts, to enter. Not even the cursed sword could pass through their barriers. Meanwhile, the other 3 races decided to stay and mingled with the rest of spiritual beasts.-

‘So they divided their force?’

The adult blackmoon wolf nodded, as it started grooming Jiupup. After he deemed that Jiupup was groomed enough, the adult wolf continued his tale.

-Eventually, they realized too late that it was a mistake in their understanding of the last race in this world. Because after that, their kinds were hunted down by humans, one by one. The wolves in particular were hunted due to some misunderstanding that their young-lings' hearts could be used as a shortcut for cultivators to reach ascension. Because during the war, a heavenly demon eat it, and they felt an increase in their tremendous power.-

Jiupup didn't notice how sad his -cough- father wolf's eyes were, since he was gazing on the ground.

‘They might have captured the wrong wolves as well. There might be some that looked similar. Was that why there was no sighting of these heavenly celestial beasts now?’ Jiupup speculated.

-Mhmm. For example, the phoenix you see these days were their spiritual beasts counterparts. The celestial phoenix already left for that realm. Most of the foxes already left as well. But their mixed descendants might still be around completely unaware of their own heritage. Even if their bloodlines were sealed, they would feel agitated in the presence of any heavenly demons. A heavenly demon would always be a threat to them.-

‘I have a suspicion that the humans still tries to access this locked secret realm.’ Jiupup said while forcing his eyes to remain open.

-Yes, they are. The stronger they are, the greedier they would be. That’s why some of the almost extinct spiritual beasts races decided to leave this realm and followed the celestial beasts in the last migration almost two decades ago. If this realm is not safe anymore, we would need to migrate as well. The birth of that half-ling seems closer. We can feel it. We speculated that the half-ling would be a half-human, since the half heavenly demon half snake demon Zhu Zhi-lang didn't turn out to be the half-ling from the prophecy.-

The adult wolf looked down at his dozing pup.

-Good night, A-Jiu. Sleep well. We can continue the story later.- 

Shen Jiu didn't realize when he fell asleep. He was dreaming of sleeping in a crib. It didn’t make sense actually. How could someone dreamed of sleeping?

He could feel that he turned his body around once in awhile. Two blurry faces came closer as one of them carried him in her arms.

“Our baby is so adorable, Husband.” The one who was carrying him, snuggled him in her bosom. Could it be… this person is his mother? But… wasn’t he abandoned in a ditch?

“Mhmm.” Shen Jiu heard a man, who should be the woman’s husband, hummed. He kind of recognized the voice. But, from where?

Shen Jiu then felt two quick kisses on his small forehead. The blurry faces were looking at him warmly.

“Our little A-Jiu.”

In the distance, an explosion which shake their whole house was heard. The two blurry faces seemed to be alerted as several shouts followed.

***

The next morning, he woke up to the sound of the calming heartbeat of his -cough- parent wolf. There was a ray of sunshine peeking through the gaps between stones and rocks into their den.

-Good morning, little one.- As always, his -cough- parent wolf was already awake.

‘Good morning.’ Jiupup just curled his small body into a small ball.

-Come, let’s go to Qing Jing Peak. You are about to transform, it seems.-

Chapter Text

Jiupup, somehow dozed off again, a few seconds after he returned to his bed in Qing Jing Peak.

The adult wolf nuzzled his pup lovingly, as the small fluffy body rose and fell slightly at each intake of its breath. His pup was really the cutest!

***

Shen Jiu opened his bleary eyes one hour later and found himself in his human form again. But, something didn't feel right.

Soft patters of feet approached his bed.

-A-Jiu, how are you feeling now?- 

Shen Jiu rose from his bed, only to feel the room was spinning.

The adult wolf was quick to steady him.

-A-Jiu, I think we need to go to your Mu-shidi.-

“No.”

-A-Jiu.-

***

When Shen Jiu finally left his abode to do his head disciple duties, he was surprised to see a few of his Qing Jing Peak martial siblings scurrying around. He made sure that he didn’t move his head too abruptly, otherwise his episode would start again.

“Da-shixiong!” Their eyes were searching him.

“Da-shixiong, you don’t look good. Should we ask for Mu-shixiong?”

Someone tried to touch his shoulder and Shen Jiu visibly flinched. The other disciples grew alarmed. But, then Shen Jiu clutched his head. His eyes were flickering frantically.

‘Everything is spinning.’

Someone nodded in the background and dashed toward Qian Cao Peak.

“This shixiong is fine.” Shen Jiu said after he calmed himself down. Then, he tried to cover his flushing face. He felt nauseous and his face was burning.

“Don’t worry about leading the morning sword forms. Shen-da-shixiong should take his rest.” Another shimei tried to convince him.

“Yes, Da-shixiong.” The others nodded.

-Come on, A-Jiu. Let’s go back to your room.- The adult wolf pulled his robes from the back.

He couldn’t win against these many people.

Mu Qingfang finally arrived in a hurry.

“Shen-shixiong!”

“Mu-shidi, don’t shout.” Shen Jiu said as he covered his flushing face with his sleeve. His voice was hoarse.

“It is risky to get sick during your long-term treatment Shen-shixiong. How did it happen?” Mu Qingfang was approaching his bed with quick steps.

“How should this shixiong know?”

Shen Jiu didn’t know. He was just -cough- playing with the other pups yesterday. And yes, he rolled off the path a few times. Wait, did he stumble into weird plants, grasses or mushrooms? He might accidentally eat them.

'Damn it!'

Without further ado, Mu-shidi started fussing over him. He immediately checked his meridian.

***

Someone cleared their throat. “If you need to gather some ingredients for treating him, just let me know.”

“Huh? Liu-shidi? You are here too?” Shen Jiu glared at Mu Qingfang and then Liu Qingge.

“Sorry, Shen-shixiong, when your shidi came to Qian Cao Peak, Liu-shixiong and Zhang-shidi were with me.”

“Zhang-shidi too?” Shen Jiu asked incredulously.

“I am right here, Shen-shixiong!” The other chirped. He seemed to be taking out a few things from his qiankun pouches.

Shen Jiu just grunted.

“It seemed that you caught a cold, Shen-shixiong.” Mu Qingfang said after awhile.

“What kind of cultivator catch a cold, Mu-shidi?” Shen Jiu pursed his lips.

“Your kind.” Liu Qingge muttered.

“Liu-shidi, just go back to your peak!”

“Shen-shixiong! Please don’t shout.”

Zhang Qingjiu was holding a laughter.

“Liu-shixiong, please don’t goad him.”

Liu Qingge just grunted.

“Shen-shixiong, this shidi will prepare the concoction now. Don’t move from your bed.” Mu Qingfang said as he rose to his feet and went to the kitchen.

“As if this shixiong could.” Shen Jiu gritted his teeth.

***

After Mu Qingfang returned with the concoction, Shen Jiu drank it and instantly felt sleepy.

“Rest well, Shen-shixiong.” Mu Qingfang said as he rechecked Shen Jiu’s meridian for the second time. Mu Qingfang then put a blanket over him until it covered his neck. His breaths evened out.

Jiupup found himself in the all too familiar Water Prison. He looked around the room fearfully. He wasn’t chained or anything. There was Xuan Su’s shards in one corner. But, he couldn’t get out either. A few footsteps could be heard echoing along the stone corridor leading to his prison. He recognized that footsteps. It was the beast’s. But, there was another noise of something being dragged on the ground. 

When the beast showed up, his blood ran cold. The beast was dragging the severed head of his Baba.

“Shizun~. Here is some gifts for you. I told you that I will destroy everything you hold dear. You are forever alone now, Shizun. The wolf put up quite a fight. But, he is nothing against Xin Mo. Ahahahahahahahaha.”

--A-Jiu--

“Damn you, beast. Curse you!”

--Xiao Jiu--

“What can you do, hmmm, Shizun? You are the beast here, Shizun. Moreover, you are this small and hopeless. I better start looking for a recipe to cook you. Until we meet again, Shizun.” The beast with his glowing mark looked so imposing, somehow.

--Shen-shixiong--

Then, the beast threw the severed head of the adult wolf who was his caretaker into the centre of the prison cell. After the beast left, Jiupup shakily walked to where the head was. The blood immediately seeped through the stone floor.

“N-no, Baba. Don’t leave me.” Jiupup whimpered as he choked a sob. The head was cold and the fur was covered with dried blood. The eyes were closed.

--A-Jiu, wake up.--

And Shen Jiu woke up with a startled gasp. He blinked as he saw the concerned face of his very much alive Baba. Shen Jiu threw himself to hug the wolf’s fluffy neck.

“You are alive.” He choked a sob. 'Baba, don’t leave me.'

-Of course, I am, A-Jiu. I will stay with you.-

The wolf then nuzzled Shen Jiu’s head and hugged him with one of his front paws. Shen Jiu closed his eyes, as he ran his fingers along those warm and fluffy cotton cloud of fur.

‘His Baba is alive and breathing.’

As soon as Shen Jiu’s ragged breathing calm down, he opened his eyes. He widened his eyes even more as he noticed that behind the wolf, Yue Qingyuan, Mu Qingfang, and Liu Qingge stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.

“W-What are you all doing here?” Shen Jiu stammered with tears streaming down his face.

“Shen-shixiong, please let this shidi check your meridian. You just got a severe nightmare.” Mu Qingfang walked forward, putting a professional expression on his face.

Shen Jiu just gave his wrist to Mu Qingfang’s awaiting hands. Shen Jiu looked around his bed to search for his fan.

‘Where is his fan when he needs it?!’

“It’s not something that Mu-shidi needs to concern himself with.” Shen Jiu decided to cover half of his face with his sleeve.

“Of course, this shidi is concerned. See, your qi fluctuated, just now.”

“Here, Shen-shidi, please drink some water.” Yue Qingyuan came forward to gave him a glass of water which he accepted. He also gave him his handkerchief which he took from one of the drawers.

***

“I thought you already left.” Shen Jiu said after he finished drinking the water.

“We were about to, but Yue-shixiong arrived. Zhang-shidi had left you something for your lunch. And he will come again to give you your dinner.”

“He doesn’t have to, you know.” Shen Jiu furrowed his eyebrows.

“We couldn’t just let anyone from your peak deliver your meals. You have been poisoned once, and two other disciples tried to poison you for the second time. Who knows if someone will try for the third time.” Liu Qingge argued. The other two nodded seriously.

In short, they didn’t trust anyone else.

But, since when did they become like this?! They so disgustingly…cared about him. What was this?! Were they possessed?!

-Just accept them for caring about you, A-Jiu. You need more allies on your side.-

‘But, they hated me.’

-They don’t, anymore. Your Baba is proud of you. Finally, my A-Jiu has friends now.-

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu frowned. ‘It is still too early to call these three my friends. At most, I would call them my acquaintances in the future. And what do you mean they don’t hate me anymore?’

The adult wolf just hummed. -Baba apologizes about that. Well, they were talking quietly when you are sleeping just now.-

Mu Qingfang looked at him worriedly.

“Shen-shixiong?”

“While it is true that some of my Qing Jing Peak martial siblings could have still plotted to poison me, it is not right to view all of them like that. Liu-shidi is quite narrow-minded in that regard.” Shen Jiu chastised Liu Qingge.

“My bad. I apologize.” Liu Qingge cast his eyes downward in guilt.

Shen Jiu raised his eyebrow at that. Usually, Liu Qingge would just mock him.

Yue Qingyuan helped him to dab the handkerchief on his puffy face softly while Mu Qingfang was transferring a calming qi into his meridian.

“Shen-shixiong, do your nightmares come frequently?” Mu Qingfang prodded gently.

“It is nothing for Mu-shidi to be worried about.” Shen Jiu pursed his lips.

“This shidi is deeply concerned. He just wishes to help Shen-shixiong.” Mu Qingfang sent him a soft and thoughtful look.

“Mu-shidi, you already helped this shixiong as much as you could during his regular treatments. This shixiong just doesn’t want to impose on you too much. There are certainly other head disciples that you need to watch over.” Shen Jiu reasoned. He wondered how he wasn't as spiteful as he was in the first life anymore now.

“Shen-shixiong…” Mu Qingfang sniffed.

“M-Mu-shidi…” Shen Jiu felt a bit awkward. He was dumbfounded for a few seconds before he snapped out of his thought.

“You are acting weirdly. I wonder if you got a sudden enlightenment or something.” Shen Jiu was analyzing his weird martial siblings in front of him, who looked at him in concern. It didn't look fake as well. Somehow, it seemed genuine. He narrowed his eyes.

“Shen-shidi…”

Shen Jiu put his palm out to shut them up. “I don’t have any energy to deal with whatever it is. Please just let me rest, now.”

Mu Qingfang looked at the other two head disciples before he spoke up. “Alright. After Shen-shixiong drinks the concoction, we can go.”

The other two nodded worriedly.

“Very well.”

Mu Qingfang took the bowl from the table in the middle of the room and gave it to Shen Jiu. Shen Jiu immediately drank it.

Once he was done, Mu Qingfang checked his wrist again.

***

A few moments later, the three were ready to go.

“Shen-shixiong, please eat your lunch in half a shichen for now. It is a spiritual food made with red earth boar meat. Along with the concoction, they will clear the impurities within your meridian and improve your speed of recovery. Zhang-shidi will return in the evening with another portion. Since you need to eat two portions.”

“En. Thank you, Mu-shidi.” Shen Jiu nodded. He didn't know if the kitchen staffs in Qing Jing Peak even knew how to cook the meat. It was quite complicated to cook. And their normal diet was kind of different.

Mu Qingfang nodded while sending him a sincere smile.

“Then, we are bidding our farewell now. Get well soon, Shen-shixiong.” Mu Qingfang said as he herded the other two head disciples out of the door. Yue Qingyuan seemed to want to stay for awhile. But, he relented upon being glared at by Shen Jiu.

“Get well soon, Shen Jiu.” Liu Qingge nodded at him thoughtfully.

“Shen-shidi, this shixiong will come to check up on you again later. Please take a rest.” Yue Qingyuan said worriedly.

The door eventually closed with a soft click.

Shen Jiu sighed as he laid down on the bed again. He closed his eyes and covered his face with his sleeve.

***

Exactly half a shichen after the others left his room,

-Mhmm. A-Jiu, it is time to eat your lunch.-

He felt his Baba nudged him. He squinted his eyes.

‘Huh? Did I fall asleep just now?’ Shen Jiu asked groggily.

-It seems so.-

'Hmm.'

Then, he got up and made his way to the middle table where his lunch was located.

-Oh, it smells really good, A-Jiu.- The adult wolf sniffed on the bowl.

‘Yes.’

When Zhang Qingjiu came over in the evening, Xu Qingxiu and Li Qingyou were with him. His Baba left for awhile to go to Ling You Peak.

“Shen-shixiong, we heard that you got sick today.” Xu Qingxiu said worriedly. Li Qingyou also voiced his concern.

“It is nothing life-threatening, Xu-shimei, Li-shidi.” 

“This shimei is here to return the books which she borrowed the other day. Ah, and my brother sent me a unique tea blends to share it with everyone. Will it be good with the food you have prepared, Zhang-shixiong? It is this one.” 

“Oooh, it is perfect. Please prepare it, Xu-shimei.” Zhang Qingjiu said after he took a look at the tea blend.

“Where can this shidi find the tea sets, Shen-shixiong?” Li Qingyou volunteered.

“It is on the cabinet, second from the top left.” Shen Jiu automatically answered.

***

Shen Jiu blinked as suddenly, he was sitting behind the dining table along with the other three head disciples. They brought their dinner as well from their respective peaks.

“How is the broth, Shen-shixiong? This shidi couldn’t help it but our peak received this rare meat this morning. And this shidi wanted to share it with you.” Zhang-shidi asked in anticipation.

Shen Jiu already took a spoonful to taste it. As always, it was adjusted to his tongue, but the Zhang-shidi who became the peak lord could cook it better. The Zhang-shidi here seemed to be one of those who didn’t regain his memories of the first life. He had been analyzing the other head disciples for awhile.

“It is great. Thank you, Zhang-shidi. This shixiong really like how you made the meat so tender and easy to chew.” Shen Jiu answered truthfully.

Zhang Qingjiu nodded in relief. “Please have more, Shen-shixiong.”

Xu-shimei and Li-shidi’s cases were also similar. Even though he was kind of hated by most people, he wasn’t completely alone as the beast had expected. He wouldn’t call them his friends, but perhaps acquaintances were the better terms.

He was kind of closer (neutral?) to these three than the other Qing Generation, in the first life. Well, they didn’t downright antagonize him every time they met like Qi-shimei and Liu-shidi did. And they seemed to be unbothered by the rumors around him.

Zhang-shidi usually came to him to ask for help in taste-testing his spiritual foods. He said that he gave a great critics or something. While the other two would do a join project together with him from time to time. And sometimes they went on missions and night hunts.

But, after Liu-shidi’s death, he distanced himself from everyone.

Before the trials, Xu-shimei and Li-shidi went to inspect a secret realm, which others speculated was, to look for ways to save him or lessen his punishments. But, they got trapped in that exact secret realm which opened every 500 years. Their soul jades in their respective clans didn’t shatter, which meant that they didn’t lose their life there. But still, it was risky already to be in an unknown realm for a long time. Perhaps, the beast hunted and killed them off as well, in the end.

And Zhang-shidi was ambushed outside of the sect, a few days before his trials. He knew that he was targeted a lot by their enemies but for them to try to single him out by targeting his close acquaintances as well…

Perhaps, he could reach out to these three earlier, this time around. His Baba was right, he needed more allies. Whether the beast of this world regained his memories or not, maybe he could do something about it. He already paid for his sins with interest, in their first life. He didn't owe the beast anything anymore, regardless of what the beast insisted on.

As for the other head disciples, he would ignore them for now, including Yue Qingyuan. He knew that they felt guilty somehow, but he also didn't know how to act around them.

***

His Baba returned a few incense stick after the other head disciples left. There was a leather bag looped around his neck.

- A-Jiu.- The adult wolf greeted him.

‘Huh? What is inside the bag?-

-It is a type of spiritual mushroom and other herbs that could be found in Ling You Peak. Baba and the other adult blackmoon wolves usually plant them near our dens. It is like some type of an all-cure for our pups. You know that pups are adventurous and sometimes unaware of dangerous plants and the like, right?-

SJ pursed his lips. ‘I am different from them.’

He was definitely different from those pups. 

-Yeah, but you may need them once in awhile. It is better than having nothing at all to treat distressed pups. Usually, they will get stomachache and have nightmares during their sleeps. But some symptoms manifests differently on different pups. What if you get sick in your pup form?-

SJ sighed. ’Just do what you need to do, then.’

-Mhmm. Baba will be back soon. A-Jiu should take his rest.-

‘En.’

With that, the adult wolf went to the backyard to plant the plants. They might as well allocated some parts for his herbs garden in the future.

The next day, when Shen Jiu opened his door to go to the Quiet Pool, he found a bouquet of rare spiritual flowers on his doorstep.

There was a written note tied around the stems.

‘For Shen Jiu. Get well soon.’

Shen Jiu was dumbfounded.

-Oh, A-Jiu seems to have an admirer now.- The adult wolf sniffed on the rare spiritual flowers for awhile. The wolf might notice from whom this bouquet was, but it chose to stay silent.

-You can use a few of them for your bath, A-Jiu.- the adult wolf commented. 

‘Mhmm.’ Well, he might as well use it. Anyway, it was free.

Hidden behind some trees, Liu Qingge watched to make sure that Shen Jiu received the gift. As soon as the two left, he also returned to his Bai Zhan Peak.

***

Once they reached the entrance of the Quiet Pool, the adult wolf stopped.

-Baba will wait here. Take your time.- The adult wolf then laid on his stomach and faced the entrance. He put his back on the pool.

‘Mhmm.’

***

When they returned from the Quiet Pool, Mu-shidi was outside of his abode.

“Shen-shixiong, good morning. This shidi is here to check up on your progress.” Mu Qingfang sent him a thoughtful smile.

“Sure, Mu-shidi. Please come in.”

***

In the afternoon, Yue Qingyuan came over to check him at lunch time.

“How are you feeling, Shen-shidi?” Yue Qingyuan asked worriedly.

“This shidi is getting better. Yue-shixiong doesn’t have to worry. You already have a lot on your plate.”

Yue Qingyuan sighed in relief before he took some package from his qiankun pouch.

“You are always more important for this shixiong. Here, Shen-shidi. This shixiong hopes that you have time to drink some herbal tea which accompany the snacks. This shixiong found a new blend from the new tea house in the town.”

It turned out that Yue Qingyuan brought along some sweets that he bought from the town below their mountain ranges.

“Sure.”

At least, he still remembered his favourite snacks. This Yue Qingyuan acted even guiltier than the one in his first life.

He just hoped that after one lifetime, his Qi-Ge would learn to be less reckless and to grow a backbone, for once.

***

In the evening, Mu-shidi came again to give him another concoction. He said that he would came again tomorrow in the morning and in the evening to give the last two batch of concoctions.

***

The next day, the other head disciples visited him one by one, since they were immediately away for some missions outside the sects. He got a book of poems from Qi Qingqi, some snacks from Wei Qingwei, a mythical bestiary book from Shang-shidi, etc. Hmm, the Shang-shidi here was similar to the one in his first life.  

Two weeks later

Shen Jiu and the blackmoon wolf pup were sent by the Qing Jing Peak Lady to deliver a package to her shidi, the Xian Zhen Peak Lord. 

Xian Zhen Peak was where the inventions of new immortal treasures and the likes happened. The Xian Zhen Peak disciples were also spiritual cultivators like Qing Jing Peak disciples. The peak itself was one of the highest ones in the Tian Gong Mountain Range, which meant that the climate here was colder. Thankfully, he didn't forget to wear thicker outer robes. 

Compared to Ling You Peak and Qian Cao Peak who had more concentrated flat surface areas, the flat surfaces in Xian Zhen Peak were kind of fragmented and scattered all over the peak. Thus, there were the needs of more paths and stairs from one buildings to another. Actually, it was kind of great for the purpose of the workshops facilities in this peak.

There was also a really nice set of waterfalls in the western part of this peak which he was itching to paint.

He encountered Xu Qingxiu who immediately rushed toward him in excitement.

“Shen-shixiong, good morning!” Then, Xu Qingxiu looked down at the blackmoon wolf pup while smiling kindly. “Hello, little one.”

The blackmoon wolf replied with an excited bark. Xu Qingxiu giggled.

“Xu-shimei, good morning. This shixiong is here to deliver a package from shizun.”

Xu Qingxiu nodded. “Shifu is in his office. This shimei is also on her way there.”

With that, Xu Qingxiu walked beside him.

“The wolf pup is really friendly and cute, Shen-shixiong! When this shimei came over last time, he wasn’t there in your peak, though?”

“Ah, he was in Ling You Peak, at that time.”

“Ooh, this shimei remembers that there was an accident in Ling You Peak the day before. The hell-hound pup escaped.”

“Mhmm.”

“The hell-hound pup was eventually found in this peak at midnight. It was so hectic.”

“This shixiong heard that some of the buildings were damaged.”

“Thankfully, Shang-shixiong’s team immediately came to fix them the next day. The works was still going on until a few days afterwards.”

Xu Qingxiu’s martial siblings seemed to watch them from afar but they didn’t send him any hostile look so far. Instead, they looked like they wanted to come over and to cuddle with the pup at his other side.

***

After he gave the package to the Xian Zhen Peak Lord, he bid his farewell to the peak lord and his shimei.

Shen Jiu looked down and asked the wolf pup who was trotting beside him. ‘Do you want me to carry you on the way back?’

The wolf pup looked up at him in surprise.

-Really? My feet are actually sore now. It would be great if A-Jiu carry me.-  

‘Sure.’

Shen Jiu crouched down and took the wolf pup into his arms.

‘You got bigger again.’ Shen Jiu commented.

-Mhmm, I can’t wait to grow up big and strong!- The wolf pup said as he licked his chin while his fluffy tail was brushing against his arms.

‘You should enjoy the moment now, instead.’ Shen Jiu said after the blackmoon wolf pup calmed down.

With that, they continued their track.

***

They were completely unaware of the disciples passing by around them whom halted upon seeing this heartwarming scene.

***

The blackmoon wolf pup were turning its head to the sides once in awhile as it enjoyed the scenery from a higher point of view and asked about anything that it found interesting.

-A-Jiu, what is that flower?-

‘Huh? Which one?’

-That purple ones, they only unfurl at night.-

‘Those are….’

***

The pup looked up to stare at Shen Jiu’s face with a fond look. Shen Jiu looked down when he felt the gaze.

The pup put his face into his A-Jiu’s robes once he got caught staring.

-A-Jiu, I am glad I met you, that day.- The pup mumbled.

‘Hmm, I am glad too.’ Shen Jiu hummed.

***

When they reached the Rainbow Bridge, the pup told him that he wanted to walk by his side again.

They were still on their way to Qing Jing Peak, when they were ambushed by Liu Qingge’s Bai Zhan Peak martial siblings. Shen Jiu stared at them with a deadpan look.

-A-Jiu! We are ambushed.- The blackmoon wolf pup who was now trotting at his side, instead looked excited as his tail was wagging fast behind him.

‘Why are you excited?’

-I want to try my new move that Baba taught me! I want to show you but I couldn’t find any good opportunity until now.-

Shen Jiu sweat-dropped at that, but the brutes already charged.

With a flick of his wrist, he sent a flurry of leaves against them. He started deflecting some sword slashes from these disciples and sidestepped some of their attacks which aimed to catch him off guard.

The blackmoon wolf pup took a deep breath and howled. His fluffy fur was crackling with lightning element. A lightning blitz came out of its paws and traveled to their surrounding ‘enemies’, electrocuting them all. The Bai Zhan disciples seemed stunned in shock. A few of them fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

“Y-you coward! You are exploiting this little pup!” One of the few who was still standing, accused him.

“But, he is my spiritual beast partner.”

“You!--” Before the disciple could say anymore, the blackmoon wolf pup jumped and headbutted him in the gut, which sent him hurling down on the ground a few feet away. He twitched once and his head lolled to the side. Needless to say, the said disciple was knocked out cold.

***

The blackmoon wolf looked as surprised before it got excited as it jumped a few times in front of Shen Jiu. Everyone spluttered as they looked at the sprawling Bai Zhan Peak disciple who was knocked out by a little pup which didn’t even reach his knees. What an overpowered wolf pup.

‘Are blackmoon wolf pups supposed to be this strong?!’ The Bai Zhan Peak disciples thought inwardly.

The wolf pup had the nerve to look smug after that, with its tail wagging so fast behind it.

***

-A-Jiu, I thought Bai Zhan Peak disciples are strong?!-

‘Only Liu-Shidi is strong in that peak. Everyone else is meh.’

Shen Jiu let out a chortled laugh, which he covered with his fan. “One of you even got defeated by a blackmoon wolf pup. Shouldn’t you go back to your peak to train, now?”

“Damn you, Shen Jiu! It isn’t over!” A Bai Zhan Peak disciple said out loud, after they were shocked by Shen Jiu’s melodious laugh. They couldn’t stop the blush from creeping on their faces. They all staggered to stand up, once again.

“What isn’t over?” Someone muttered.

“Huh?” Before they could retort back, that someone sent a blast of qi against these disciples which made them fly a few feet away from him and the pup.

Everyone turned his head toward the newcomer. These disciples growled from their sprawling position on the ground, but they immediately paled.

“L-Liu-shixiong!” They exclaimed simultaneously.

 “Liu-shixiong, please teach that Shen Jiu a lesson, he is exploiting that little pup and --”

“What nonsense are you talking about? I clearly saw you ambushing them just now! I will personally punish you, once we return to our peak.” Liu Qingge glared darkly at them.

“But, Liu-shixiong--”One of them argued.

“Get moving! Now!” Liu Qingge shouted to shut them up.

They immediately scurried away in fear while carrying their unconscious comrade.

When Liu Qingge turned his body toward Shen Jiu, he was surprised that Shen Jiu wasn’t there. He turned his head to both sides before he looked down to see Shen Jiu crouching on the ground to take the blackmoon wolf pup into his arms. The pup was nuzzling Shen Jiu’s face and licked his chin.

-A-Jiu, are you hurt?-

‘No, it is thanks to you. Next time, don’t be too reckless like that. What if you get hurt?’

-But, I don’t want A-Jiu to get hurt.-

‘Next time, let’s make sure that none of us gets hurt.’

-Maybe, we can train together next time, A-Jiu! We can do cool moves!’ The blackmoon wolf pup went starry eyed.

‘Yes, we could.’

-Mhmmm.-

***

Upon noticing that Liu Qingge was observing them, Shen Jiu coughed and rose to his feet with the pup in his arms.

“Shen-shixiong, are you injured? Should we go to Qian Cao Peak first?” Liu Qingge looked visibly concerned as his eyes were looking for any signs of injuries on Shen Jiu.

“Ah, they are just a few scratches. This shixiong is fine. Thank you, Liu-shidi.”

“This shidi apologizes for their unruly behaviors. This shidi promises that they will be punished accordingly. Just let this shidi knows if they still comes to bother you again next time.” Liu Qingge had a determined look on his face.

Shen Jiu nodded thoughtfully.

“Let’s go to Qian Cao Peak then? This shidi will escort you.” Liu Qingge offered.

“As this shixiong said before, you don’t need to worry about this shixiong.” Shen Jiu was about to refuse.

-A-Jiu let’s go to Qian Cao Peak.- The wolf pup nudged him on the chest.

Shen Jiu let out a sigh. “Alright.”

When they showed up in Qian Cao Peak, Mu Qingfang immediately fussed over him.

“Liu-shixiong! Please control your martial siblings better!” After treating him, Mu Qingfang instead went on scolding Liu Qingge who stammered. 

“Y-yes, Mu-shidi. I apologizes.”

Mu Qingfang was close to throttle Liu Qingge.

***

Liu Qingge escorted Shen Jiu back to the Qing Jing Peak’s gate. “Uh, this shidi will bid his farewell now.”

Shen Jiu nodded. "Thank you, Liu-shidi."

With that, Liu Qingge flew to return to his Bai Zhan Peak.

***

From then on, the Bai Zhan Peak disciples never bothered Shen Jiu again.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu knew he was in a dream. He found himself in someone’s warm embrace. But, the one who was usually hugging him was Qi-Ge. And Qi-Ge’s arms were definitely smaller and shorter.

Here though, he was definitely in a woman’s embrace. Could it be that she was his mother? His small hands tried to reach her.

The woman looked down at him and he saw some resemblances with him. The face was similar to his. It looked like a female version of him. The eyes color was the same, but the eyes shape was rounder. Her face was less sharper than his. She was wearing green colored robes. She was very pretty.

But instead of staying still, they were not.

The woman -presumably his mother- was running as if they were hunted down by a group of people. Around her were spiritual wolves of different races.

An explosion was heard in the distance. And he felt her grip tightened around him.

“Husband …” Shen Jiu could feel a tear fell down onto his cheek. Shen Jiu looked at a soul jade necklace in front of his face. It was cracked just now. But, it wasn’t shattered into pieces yet. It meant that the other person was terribly injured. But, he saw a few black spots within the soul jade. He furrowed his eyebrows. What did it mean?

Some howls could be heard in the distance. Everyone around them immediately tensed.

“Don’t worry A-Jiu, we will make it. Mama will make sure of it.” Then, the woman’s face became determined.

Soon, everything became blurry and faded.

***

Shen Jiu squinted his eyes upon realizing that he was back in his patient room in Qian Cao Peak. It seemed that he fell asleep when he was reading some books that he took along to pass the time.

One week after they were ambushed by the Bai Zhan Peak disciples, Shen Jiu did his regular treatment in Qian Cao Peak. He didn’t turn into his pup form, to his relief. He was still in Qian Cao Peak since Mu Qingfang told him to stay until lunch time.

The blackmoon wolf pup was staying in Ling You Peak for another training with his parents. Apparently, he was ready for the next move. Meanwhile, Shen Jiu noticed that his Baba was getting restless over something. But, he would tell him sooner or later anyway.

***

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

Then, Mu Qingfang showed up under the door frame. He was carrying a tray of concoction.

“Shen-shixiong, this shidi is glad that you stay until afternoon today.” Mu Qingfang greeted him with a kind smile.

“Mu-shidi. Yes, last time this shixiong forgot.” Shen Jiu said while Mu Qingfang was putting the tray of concoction on the small table next to the bed.

“May this shidi?” Mu Qingfang asked politely after he took a seat at the side of his bed.

Shen Jiu nodded as he gave Mu Qingfang his wrist to be checked.

Mu Qingfang hummed thoughtfully. “You are progressing well, Shen-shixiong. This shidi is glad. Here is the concoction, Shen-shixiong. Please drink it.” Mu Qingfang then took the concoction from the table and offered the bowl to Shen Jiu.

Shen Jiu took it and gulped it down.

Mu Qingfang then gave him a handkerchief to wipe his mouth.  He gave him a glass of clear water afterwards. Shen Jiu thanked him.

Mu Qingfang then fidgeted before he took a deep breath. “Shen-shixiong, there is something this shidi wants to tell you. This shidi --”

Suddenly, there was another knock on the door.

They stared at each other, before another voice was heard from the other side of the door.

***

They heard his Shizun’s voice from outside, along with the Qian Cao Peak Lord. Mu Qingfang immediately opened the door for them.

“Thank you, Mu-shizhi. This master is just concerned over her head disciple’s healing progress.” Song Anli, the Qing Jing Peak Lady said as she entered the room, followed by the Qian Cao Peak Lord.

They greeted each other afterwards.

Shen Jiu was surprised that she came to see him, despite her busy schedule. She just returned from an intersect meeting in Tian Yi Overlook today.

Song Anli immediately took Mu Qingfang’s spot, that was left empty and inspected his meridian carefully. She nodded as she was pleased with the result.

The Qian Cao Peak Lord took a report from his sleeves, as he made himself comfortable by sitting behind a low table. Mu Qingfang immediately went to make tea for the visiting peak lords.

“He is progressing rather well. We could say that he is 80% on the way to recovery.” The Qian Cao Peak Lord spoke up.

“That’s a relief.” Song Anli said while she was fanning herself. Her face seemed to be less worried.

“But, since the Immortal Alliance Conference is around the corner, this shidi still suggests not to let Shen-shizhi join it. It is quite risky for him.“

Song Anli looked at Shen Jiu for a moment before she nodded in understanding.

“Tell this shijie if there are any weird movements in your peak, she is afraid that someone will try to sabotage his recovery. We need to do something to prevent it.”

The Qian Cao Peak Lord looked at Mu Qingfang, who had a determined look on his face. “We already secured the area where we plant the ingredients for his treatment as you already know. Only the both of us can enter the area. We also already had some back-up plans. Song-shijie can count on us.”

Song Anli gripped her fan harder. “Very well. Please secure your working area and the storage as well.”

"Yes, Song-shijie."

***

One shichen later, they finally were on the way to return to Qing Jing Peak together. Shen Jiu was walking next to his Shizun while both of them were playing their dizi. After some time, they heard some squeals around them.

When they stopped in the middle of the Rainbow Bridge, they heard some coos behind them. 

Shen Jiu blinked as they turned around to see a trail of escaped griffin chicks following after them. His shizun just chuckled next to him. In a distant, they could spot one of the griffin parents was approaching to collect the wayward chicks. Once it arrived in front of them, the griffin parent cooed at the chicks and the chicks replied with softer coos. It nodded toward Shen Jiu and his shizun. Then, it ushered the chicks to start flying back to Ling You Peak.

One of the chicks came forward to Shen Jiu and nuzzled his cheek. Shen Jiu petted it slowly. It let out a coo before it followed its siblings and parent to return to Ling You Peak.

After awhile, they continued their trek to return to Qing Jing Peak and resumed playing their dizi.

***

As soon as they returned to Qing Jing Peak, Shizun told him to rest for the whole day. Thus, he made his way to his small abode. He went to see the backyard behind his small abode to check on their plants. His Baba seemed to have a green thumb, for a spiritual wolf. Perhaps, they could live as a hermit farmer somewhere far away from Cang Qiong Mountain Sect if Shen Jiu decided to leave the sect once his study in Qing Jing Peak finished. It seemed better than being a scorned peak lord.

Since he wouldn’t be participating in the Immortal Alliance Conference, then one of the other senior disciples would be chosen as the succeeding disciple, as soon as they returned to the sect.

A few days later

Qi Qingqi and her fellow Xian Shu Peak disciples just returned from a night hunt. It was a success. Upon returning to the sect they got their injuries treated in Qian Cao Peak. Once that was done, they went to Qiong Ding Peak to hand their report in.

They finally finished reporting to Qiong Ding Peak and decided to take a walk to their Xian Shu Peak. It was a nice weather today.

“Qi-shijie! Look!” One of her shimei pointed toward the rainbow bridge.

“Oh?!” Qi Qingqi looked surprised upon turning her head and seeing a peculiar scene.

They cooed as they gazed upon a blackmoon wolf pup carrying a bag looped around its neck. Its leaps and bounces were really adorable. It seemed to already have a destination in mind, since it never stopped when some disciples tried to pet it.

“So cute!” They gushed. It was all fluff with its equally fluffy feet and ears peeking through.

If not for it rushing excitedly toward Qing Jing Peak, they would have directly taken it to their peak to cuddle with.

“Hmm, is it the blackmoon wolf pup who is rumoured to be Shen-shixiong’s spiritual beast partner?” One of them wondered out loud.

“It seems so.”

“I heard that it defeated a group of Bai Zhan Peak disciples the other day?”

“Yes, it did. My brother was one of them. It is so embarrassing to admit that. Liu-shixiong found out and punished them severely. They stayed in Qian Cao Peak for a whole week.” One of them confirmed with a grimace.

“Serve them right for ambushing others.”

“I really  want one pup, so badly.”

“But, it isn’t the only blackmoon wolf pup in Ling You Peak right? If even Shen-shixiong got one, surely we would have a chance, right?” One shimei speculated.

“There are a few of them, I heard.”

“Then, what are we waiting for?”

***

Shen Jiu just finished doing his advanced calligraphy class with shizun, when a black blur bounced toward him. He automatically caught it in mid-air.

-A-Jiu! I really miss you so much.-

It still amazed him that someone could be so excited to meet him.

‘Hmm? You look different somehow.’ Shen Jiu observed the blackmoon wolf pup, who was licking his chin in greeting.

-I finally have my first set of markings! Aren’t they cool?-

The blackmoon wolf pup wagged his tail excitedly. There were distinct purple mark on both sides of his cheekbones. They looked symmetrical. It was a great thing that it wasn’t red.

Shen Jiu nooded. ‘Yes, they are. So, it means that you finally received your name, right?’

-Mhmm. My name is Zhèn Guī from now on.- The pup said proudly.

‘It is a fitting name for you, Zhen Gui. I really love the meaning of it.'

-Yes!!- The blackmoon wolf pup preened even more. 

‘Congratulation. We need to celebrate it. I wonder what we can do.- Shen Jiu had a thoughtful look on his face. He could ask his wolf Baba as well for some suggestions.

-Let’s go to your home first, then.-

‘Mhmm.’

With that, they returned to Shen Jiu’s head disciple abode. Zhen Gui, the blackmoon wolf was carried in Shen Jiu’s arms. The pup was growing so fast.

***

‘Here, A-Jiu. For you!- The newly named Zhen Gui deposited the bag of spiritual flowers on his lap. Shen Jiu blinked.

‘Thank you, Zhen Gui. I should have been the one giving you a present, instead.’ Shen Jiu said as he clutched the qiankun bag. He heard that these rare flowers were blooming these days. It was a once in fifty years occurrence.

These flowers were only located in Ling You Peak and Xian Shu Peak among all peaks in their Tian Gong Mountain Range. What made it extremely exceptional was the fact that it grew around the medicinal hotspring in Xian Shu Peak. Both of them combined gave a more powerful effect on budding cultivators.

And people all over the sect were given invitation entry ticket directly by Xian Shu Peak inner disciples to try the medicinal hotsprings. He was one of those who got skipped for two lifetimes and possibly the third time as well. He was banned from that peak after all in those two lifetimes. But, Qi Qingqi here hadn’t banned him yet.

-Anything for you, A-Jiu. Baba said that you could drink it like you drink tea or you can use them while you are bathing.- Zhen Gui nuzzled his face against his neck.

'Mhmm.'  Shen Jiu hummed.

-If you are just in your pup form, you could eat it raw, A-Jiu.- Zhen Gui commented.

‘But, I haven’t been in that form, for awhile now.’

***

-How is it, A-Jiu? Do you like the taste?- Zhen Gui asked with starry eyes. His tail couldn’t stay still.

Shen Jiu was slowly sipping the tea flower at his side.

‘I also like the smell. I can feel it sooth my meridian.’

-That’s great! It means that it works. After this, let’s try it in the bath. If you need more, I can still go there to forage some.- Zhen Gui became enthusiastic.

‘Mhmm. But you need to leave some for other disciples too.’

-Ok!-

***

When they reached the Quiet Pool, Shen Jiu forgot one of his qiankun pouch where he stored some of his bathing supplies. Zhen Gui volunteered to go fetch it. 

***

-A-Jiu, I am back… ‘gasp’ those scars. Who did them to you?!- Zhen Gui who was at first excited, trembled in distress.

Shen Jiu blinked since he just got into the pool and submerged his whole body underwater for a few seconds. When he heard the soft patters of feet he immediately resurfaced. Shen Jiu didn’t expect him to return so fast.

His back was to the blackmoon wolf pup. “Oh, it was a long time ago. You don’t have to worry about them.”

-But, there are so many of them… You must be really young when…- The blackmoon wolf pup trailed off.

"It just tells us that humans are way crueler than beasts.” Shen Jiu said as he turned toward him. So, they were facing each other.

Zhen Gui nodded sadly. His eyes were glassy. He seemed upset about it.

‘Come, Zhen Gui.’ Shen Jiu tried to distract it.

Zhen Gui then flopped into the Quiet Pool and floated on the surface among the flower petals.

‘Cheer up.’ Shen Jiu tapped Zhen Gui’s forehead lightly.

Zhen Gui looked up, before he pushed forward and put himself in front of Shen Jiu’s chest. Shen Jiu hugged him close.

-A-Jiu, you have me and Uncle, now. We won’t let anyone hurt you again.-

Shen Jiu was dumbfounded for a second. ‘Thank you. It means a lot to me.’

***

As expected, the effect on the bath wasn’t much. Perhaps, it was really the combination between the medicinal hotspring water and these flower which made the effect so powerful. He would just drink the tea for now.

A few steps away from the entrance of Quiet Pool, there was Liu Qingge who was about to return Shen Jiu’s fan. He followed the pup which he thought would lead him to wherever Shen Jiu was. The pup had a qiankun pouch between its teeth and was running toward somewhere in Qing Jing Peak.

He didn’t know that Shen Jiu was bathing. In the pool, there were some flower petals floating on the water surface. Some of them also got stuck on his hair and upper body. He was frozen for a few seconds upon seeing Shen Jiu’s scarred back. He immediately snapped out of his thoughts, when he heard Shen Jiu said that it was a long time ago and humans are way crueler than beasts.

He hurriedly left the Quiet Pool.

He put a bag with the fan inside, in front of Shen Jiu’s abode. And he returned to his Bai Zhan Peak with so many conflicting thoughts crossing his mind.

In this life though, instead of being taken to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect by Yue Qingyuan after that immortal alliance conference, Shen Jiu wasn’t. Yue Qingyuan returned empty handed even though he managed to barely kill Wu Yanzi. A few months after that, the Qing Jing Peak Lady went on an outing and returned with Shen Jiu who looked like he didn’t want to be in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect at all. He already had a stable foundation when he arrived in Qing Jing Peak.

At that moment, he had a hunch that perhaps this Shen Jiu was their Shen Jiu of the first life, the one they had wronged. But, it seemed that some of Shen Jiu’s past events still couldn’t be avoided.

***

Meanwhile in Ling You Peak,

The Xian Shu Peak disciples were dumbfounded. Apparently, it wasn’t as easy to have a spiritual beast imprinting on them. They needed to have an affinity for beast taming and to be able to communicate in their mind link. Something that Shen Jiu was apparently able to do.

And the spiritual beast was the one who chose, not the other way around.

When Shen Jiu and Zhen Gui returned to their abode, they noticed a bag was put on a chest near the front door. Shen Jiu furrowed his eyebrow and inspected it.

Huh? Was it the fan which he saw in Liu Qingge's room back then? So, he decided to return it to him now? He kind of recalled that it was broken when he lose it. Did Liu Qingge try to fix it?

Anyway, it was his favorite one. He would just use it again.

***

A few incense sticks later, Shen Jiu was called by Shizun to her office.

“Shen-shizhi, this master was notified by Wu-shidi. You know that the medicinal hotsprings in Xian Shu Peak will be accessible until next week. The most optimal time is during the second week.”

“Yes, shizun.”

“Anyway, it is not the only place where you could find the medicinal hotsprings. And you cannot miss it. Wu-shidi has mentioned that the adult blackmoon wolf wished to take you for an outing to visit a better one. And this master approves.”

Shen Jiu was dumbfounded at this. “This disciples is really grateful, Shizun.”

“You may leave tomorrow morning. Though, this master isn’t sure if it will be safe for you to go with only the wolves as company. Even though, the adult spiritual wolf is strong enough to protect you. Perhaps, you should take one of the other head disciples to accompany you. Such as Yue-shizhi or Liu-shizhi. ”

“Shizun doesn’t have to worry, this disciple will be fine with only the wolves.” He definitely didn’t want Yue Qingyuan nor Liu Qingge to come with them, at all cost.

“Well, if you insist.”

***

When he came out of his Shizun’s office, his wolf baba was waiting for him outside.

-A-Jiu.- His wolf baba approached him.

‘You don’t have to do all of that for me, you know.’ Shen Jiu’s whole body was tense. It was strange to know that these wolves were looking out for him to this extents, when the humans despised him just for simply breathing the same air as them, in his other two lives.

-Of course I will. You are my precious pup, after all. Come on, let’s start packing.-

The adult wolf nudged him softly toward their abode.

-It also could be our way to congratulate Zhen Gui for finally getting his first set of marks. It is a big deal for blackmoon wolf pups. Baba already told his parents for this excursion.- 

'That is understandable. He has always been wanting to go see outside of the Tian Gong Mountain Range.'

When they told Zhen Gui of the surprise excursion, he was so elated.

-Thank you, Uncle! A-Jiu, we are going on a trip! Let's see what we should take with us, A-Jiu. Let's go pack.- 

Shen Jiu followed at a more sedate pace behind the excited blackmoon wolf pup.

***

The next dawn, Shen Jiu, an excited Zhen Gui and his Baba were ready to go. Shen Jiu already wore the robes which were more suitable for flights. His hair was braided. Zhen Gui had a matching green shawl around his fluffy neck. The shawl was a qiankun item that Shen Jiu embroidered with fans and bamboos pattern.

He was in the middle of tying his bamboo hat on, when Shizun came over to bid her farewell.

”Tie it on your belt, Shen-shizhi.” Shizun gave him a bell. “Thank you, Shizun.” Shen Jiu did as he was told. 

“Be safe on your journey. Always be vigilant.”

“Yes, Shizun. This disciple bids his farewell.” Shen Jiu gave a respectful bow. Song Anli nodded at them.

He took Zhen Gui into his arms and climbed onto the adult wolf’s back. The bell jingled and produced a barrier around them. It was a new immortal treasure from the Xian Zhen Peak Lord for a safe travel. 

In no time, they were flying away from Qing Jing Peak and Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.

One shichen later, Qi Qingqi, who just arrived in Qing Jing Peak to hand over the entrance ticket, was stupefied. Since apparently, Shen Jiu would be away from the sect for the duration of the access into the medicinal hotsprings in Xian Shu Peak. It would only be open for 2 weeks. And the second week was the best time.

That’s why Qi Qingqi was planning to give the ticket once the first week was almost over. Once again, Shen Jiu would miss this medicinal hotsprings and it was her fault.

She should have given it to him yesterday, but she forgot and they went to visit Ling You Peak instead.

Chapter Text

Once they left Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, Shen Jiu and his Baba told Zhen Gui every places they just passed by, etc.

‘This is the southern forest where Qian Cao Peak disciples would usually go for foraging outside of our sect. Most of the local wildlife aren’t dangerous.’ Shen Jiu explained to Zhen Gui.

-Ohh.- Zhen Gui stared at the forest below them with starry eyes. -What can we find there, A-Jiu?-

‘This place is where the spiritual grass is the most abundant and accessible. Thankfully, it is still located within our territory. There are spiritual ferns, phoenix juniper, dusk fennel and many more. Every 1000 days, there will be the Glow Thousand leaves.’  

Zhen Gui was listening with rapt attention.

‘Over there we could see-’

With that, Shen Jiu continued as the tour guide for our excited blackmoon wolf pup every time they passed by new places.

***

The adult wolf increased his pace when he passed by a certain forest. Below them, shaded by some foliage, there were a pair of a man and a young man who were walking side by side. They were heading toward the closest town.

***

“Nephew, we will reach the town soon. Let’s go directly to the bookstore.” The man hummed toward his adorable nephew.

“Yes, Junshang.”

***

Two shichen later

‘Zhen Gui, are you hungry? Do you want some snacks?’ Shen Jiu asked his furry companion.

Said blackmoon wolf pup turned his whole body toward Shen Jiu, stood on his hind legs and leaned on Shen Jiu’s chest.

-Not yet, A-Jiu.- He chirped as he nuzzled Shen Jiu’s chin. His front legs were on Shen Jiu’s chest.

‘Tell me whenever you want to eat your lunch.’ Shen Jiu said as he gave a few pats on the blackmoon wolf pup’s fluffy back.

-Ok!-

***

A few incense sticks later, Zhen Gui told Shen Jiu that he wanted to eat some snacks. Shen Jiu immediately took some dried meat out from their qiankun pouch.

-Uncle, are we there yet?- Zhen Gui asked, after he finished munching on the first dried meat.

-We will reach the place in the evening, Zhen Gui.- The adult wolf immediately replied.

-So, we are still half-way.-

-Yes.-

Shen Jiu gave Zhen Gui the next dried meat and so on.

***

In no time, Zhen Gui eventually doze off in Shen Jiu’s arms. His fluffy stomach was full.

A few shichen later, after three bathroom breaks, Shen Jiu and the wolves almost reached a misty rocky mountain range by evening. It wasn’t that far from Cang Qiong Mountain Sect's territory. He read somewhere that the misty rocky mountain range had several entrances to some secret realms. It was located in a neutral territory which was signed by the founders of the great sects and the celestial beasts of that time.

These days, the place was avoided by cultivators (both righteous and demonic alike), since anyone who entered, never left the place alive. All year long, it was always covered by thick fog. They could only see the top of the mountains, which seemed to be only rocks there, as far as their eyes could see. And they couldn’t really see what was under it, even with their cultivation enhanced senses.

Furthermore, as they got closer, the whole mountain range was covered by a set of powerful barrier, consisted of 7 layers of domes. Shen Jiu could feel them every time they passed each layer.

As soon as they passed the 7^th barrier, the mist cleared up and the view completely changed. Instead of rocky mountain range, all he saw were green mountains. There were forests of different variety of spiritual trees scattered around. He could also spot several waterfalls and rivers flowing downstream. Some spiritual stones were glowing under the streams. Local spiritual beasts were stopping by the river to drink the water.

It was so peaceful. All those rivers joined at a big lake which they could see from a distance.

How did his Baba find out about how to enter this kind of place? He noticed that Zhen Gui was restless in his arms as he also took in the breathtaking view from above. Zhen Gui continuously turned his fluffy head left and right while exclaiming happily.

***

-Uncle, this place is really great! How did you find it?!- Zhen Gui commented as they passed by some local beasts munching on grasses from above.

‘One of my acquaintances lives here. Otherwise, we would never enter nor pass the barriers just now.’

-Oooh! No wonder I felt some tickles! Were they the barriers?-

-Yes. If cultivators accidentally stumble into this place, they would never find it again, once they leave the place. If they could even leave the place alive.-

They passed by the lake which were full of rainbow lotuses. The biggest type of rare spiritual lotuses. It wasn’t rainbow colored petals but during full moon, they emitted colorful glow instead of white or gold.

-A-Jiu! I haven’t seen those kind of lotuses before! We could play hide and seek inside the petals.-  Zhen Gui said as he peered down on the rare spiritual plant from his place in Shen Jiu’s arms.

‘Mhmm.’

-We can visit them after the hot springs.- The adult wolf offered.

-En! Are the hot springs still far from here, Uncle?-

-A little bit.-

Once Shen Jiu and the wolves were quite far from the lake, a small splash was heard from the gaps among the Rainbow Lotuses. A pair of emerald eyes were staring at where the three went off to. The head (which was mostly underwater) was covered with glistening light blue and teal scales. Its long mane of silver tresses were found at the back of its head.

The creature blinked once. Behind the head, a part of glistening light blue and teal scales of a dragon’s long body showed up for a few seconds above the water surface. The long silver mane could be seen along its spine before the dragon dove down once again, completely vanished from view.

***

When they finally descended on the ground, they stopped in front of a cave. The adult wolf then walked forward into the cave mouth. Shen Jiu could feel that they just passed another barrier at the cave mouth. This whole place was so heavily guarded.

The barrier rippled behind them, showing wall of rocks from the outside.

Shen Jiu and Zhen Gui looked around the interior of the cave with interest. Everywhere they saw were spiritual moss, rare spiritual plants and the likes. They could hear water droplets echoing within the cave. He bet that it was spiritual water. 

-A-Jiu! Do you see those shiny rocks?!-

Shen Jiu just hummed in response. They were high quality spiritual ores that Wei-shidi and Xu-shimei would love to get their hands on.

***

Zhen Gui sniffed on the air.

-Uncle! I smell the flowers from here! Is the place close?-

-Yes.-

-Great!-

After the adult wolf walked for a long time in the caves, the caves led to another exit. Some of the fallen petals could be found near the cave mouth since it was blown by the wind from outside.

Everyone gasped when they almost reached the cave mouth. The view outside was almost ethereal.

The nature’s qi was so abundant in this place. During their normal time, their leaves would be green. Only when the flowers came out, the leaves would change color. The flowers were purple in color. Now, the trees had lilac colored leaves, a few shade lighter than the flowers. They were the same trees which were in Xian Shu Peak and Ling You Peak.

-Wow! It is so beautiful! The view is even prettier than the ones in our Peak.- Zhen Gui exclaimed in wonder.

-Mhmm. Wait until you see the hot springs.- His Baba replied smugly.

***

Eventually, they arrived in a clearing. The moon was already up in the clear night sky. There were several hot springs with the rare flower trees scattered around them. The purple flower petals were floating on the water surface. They could see the steam covering the air around the natural hot springs area.

-A-Jiu, this place looks even more breathtaking!-

‘Yes, it is.’ Shen Jiu said as he looked around in amazement. Was it like this also in Xian Shu Peak? But his shizun mentioned that the place was better than the one in Xian Shu Peak.

-Should we go swimming now? Can we, Uncle?-

-Yes, you may.- The adult wolf gave a nod of acknowledgement.

-Yay!- With that, Zhen Gui the blackmoon wolf pup, jumped down.

Shen Jiu also descended but more gracefully. He took a moment to enjoy the view.

He looked around the area to find a more hidden spot.

He eventually found it and made his way there. The wolves followed suit.

-A-Jiu, be careful when you are walking. The ground is slippery since it is wet.- His Baba fretted.

‘En.’ After all, the banks were wet due to the vapour in the air.

***

Shen Jiu put his finger into the water. He nodded to himself. The temperature was perfect.

-Is it too hot?- His Baba asked worriedly.

Shen Jiu shook his head. ‘It is perfect.’

-That’s great. Do you want to take your clothes off now?- His Baba asked again.

‘Yes.’

-Alright.-

The adult wolf then nudged the wolf pup, so they faced the other way.

He took a basket out from his qiankun pouch. He tied his hair into a bun quickly. Then, he took his robes off. He put those robes inside the basket.

-We will be in the spot across from you, A-Jiu.-

‘En.’

In no time, he was already inside the hot spring.

Shen Jiu put his handkerchief on the water, soaking it. Then he wrought it and laid it on his closed eyes.

It was so peaceful here. He leaned on the smooth stones wall and enjoyed the natural hot spring. He could hear some splashes from the other hot spring where the wolves were.

-Uncle, you shrank too! That’s all fur, just like mine.- Zhen Gui exclaimed excitedly. He could imagine Zhen Gui floating on the water surface.

His baba only grumbled.

***

Shen Jiu suddenly felt tingling sensations on his skin, especially where his scars were located. He meant all of them. The same things happened to his broken bones which healed wrongly in the past.

Once the tingling sensation stopped (it went on for two incense sticks long), Shen Jiu traced smooth skin once again where the ugliest scar on his shoulder blade was supposed to be. He checked the slave brand on his nape. It was gone too. In his first life he took so many efforts to remove them, using expensive and/or difficult to get ingredients. They were all for nothing since his blackened disciple tore his body apart and decorated it with even more gruesome injuries.

He blinked his eyes as he felt his vision got blurry. A droplet of tear was running down his cheek freely. His scars were all gone. And his bones which healed wrongly before seemed to adjust themselves correctly. He trembled.

-A-Jiu? Are you alright?- His Baba asked in concern.

Shen Jiu snapped out of his thoughts. ‘En, thank you Baba, for taking me here.’

-Mhmm. Baba is glad that the hot spring is helpful. Tell Baba if you need anything. We can still visit this place anytime you want.-

‘Yes, I would like to come here again once in awhile.’

-Sure. That can be arranged.-

Once they were done, the adult wolf led them to the rainbow lotuses again.

‘I thought we are going to return to the sect afterwards?’

-You need to be here for at least three nights, A-Jiu.-

‘Three nights?’

-Mhmm. Your Shizun even said you are free for the whole week.-

When they stood near the edge of the lake, a rainbow lotus was floating on the water surface next to them.

Shen Jiu looked at his wolf baba who nodded thoughtfully.

Shen Jiu then jumped onto the leaves. It felt solid.

He traced his fingers on the lotus petals. He could feel the natural qi it radiated. The blackmoon wolf pup also jumped excitedly and sniffed on the petals.

The flowery scent was calming and mild. He decided to sit on the leaf and meditate.

Zhen Gui fell asleep not too far from where he was sitting.

***

During the day, he spent one shichen to paint them. It would be a good way to record this rare occasion. His lips upturned while looking at his recently finished painting. In the painting, there was Zhen Gui who was napping on the Rainbow Lotus’s leaf and on the bank nearby, there was his Baba who was laying on his side, sunbathing while grooming himself.

Meanwhile, a few lotuses away from him (without him knowing), a small western fire dragon cub was staring at Shen Jiu with mesmerized eyes. The cub was hiding behind one of the lotuses while putting his invisible camouflage on.

***

The next evening, they went to the hot springs again.

***

On the third day, they explored the mountain to forage the rare spiritual herbs during daylight. He noticed that there were indeed several entrances to secret realms within this mountain range. Some of them were closed but they could still explore a few of them.

Shen Jiu took some samples of the rare spiritual herbs for Mu Qingfang and stored them in the qiankun pouch. He also foraged some for himself. It would be beneficial, if he knew one thing or two to make his own medicines and take care of his own wounds. After all, he didn’t know what would happen in the future.

His Baba also took some which he wanted to plant in their backyard.

***

He took Zhen Gui in his arms when he noticed that they were too close to a lava tree. It could burn them if they accidentally touch it. He could spot several reddish orange saps on the tree barks. Yep, it was definitely a lava trees habitat. The temperature was also hotter here.

-Huh? A-Jiu? What’s wrong?-  Zhen Gui looked up at him and blinked cutely while tilting his head to the side.

‘From here onward, it will be an area covered with lava trees. Let’s go somewhere else.’ Shen Jiu answered before pursing his lips into a thin line.

-Ok!-

-It seems that we are too close to the perimeter. Let’s go further inside the mountain instead.- His Baba added his own two cents.

‘Perimeter?’ Shen Jiu raised one of his eyebrows.

-It is some type of natural barrier to discourage anything to go deeper into this mountain range. After the lava trees, the more outer layer was a dense crimson blood trees.- His Baba explained as he led them further away from the lava tree.

Shen Jiu grimaced. ‘There were a lot of nasty and difficult to kill demonic beasts in that kind of area usually.’

-Mhmmm.-

-What kind of beasts?- Zhen Gui asked curiously.

-Red-tailed mangrove alligators, colonies of crimson spiders and many more.- His Baba replied.

-I don’t want to see those.- Zhen Gui immediately exclaimed.

With that, they quickened their pace.

***

In the afternoon, they decided to go to the cave again to explore it and forage another rare herbs and spiritual ores. So far, they were safe wherever they went to, in this mountain range.

The next day, after the fourth hot spring session, they explored another part of the mountain and found themselves in a different type of forest area with another peculiar trees.

-Woah! A-Jiu, Uncle! See those big flowers! Are they safe?- Zhen Gui asked since they told him there were plants that ate beasts, demons and people alike. So far, there was none of it in this particular mountain range.

Meanwhile, the plants they found just now were just a variety of massive spiritual rose plants. The shape of the rose flowers looked half furled. The colors of the petals were mostly white and with the tips were pale green in one plant. In another rose plant, the tip of petals were soft light pink. So far, the colors of the roses were different between each rose plant. They could also see the thorns of the rose plants.

‘It is the qi replenishing roses. It is the best plant for replenishing depleted qi. But, it is close to impossible to have it. The plant itself will choose whether we are worthy or not.’ Shen Jiu explained.

Just looking at them swaying in the night wind was already calming.

There was a soft glow around each flower which made the entire scene ethereal. Some fireflies could be seen flying everywhere.

‘I think I want to paint them.’ Shen Jiu said after awhile.

-Sure, Go ahead, A-Jiu!-

With that, Shen Jiu took his painting supplies out and started painting the scene.

***

One shichen later, Shen Jiu finally finished painting them and carefully stored them inside his qiankun pouch. He was admiring the view once again (because it was one in a million occurrence), when suddenly one of the flower detached itself from the branch and floated in the air toward him.

He blinked.

-A-Jiu! Does it mean that it chooses you? Amazing!-

As it floated in front of them, they noticed how big it really was. It looked like a flower-shaped tree house!

They smelled a pleasant flowery scent from it too. Suddenly, it glowed brightly and shrunk into a palm sized flower, complete with the leaves, stem and all. Shen Jiu outstretched his palms and the flower descended upon them.

-Ooh! It becomes that small!- Zhen Gui exclaimed in excitement.

Shen Jiu crouched to let Zhen Gui take a look at it.

-Does it want to come with us?- Zhen Gui’s tail was wagging excitedly.

-It seems so.- His Baba hummed as he also peered down to take a look at the flower.

“Thank you for choosing me.” Shen Jiu whispered into the flower. The flower let out a pulse of natural qi in his palm as a response.

He was kind of surprised to be chosen by one of these extremely picky flowers. After all, even his blackened disciple who had the whole world under his fingertips was rejected by the flowers, when he wanted one to be given to a member of his harems.

He forgot who wanted it, maybe it was the little palace mistress. None of the flower detached itself from the tree and he got insulted. He was so used to have everything handed to him in a silver platter, that it surprised him when he was given resistance from a flower of all things.

His blackened disciple ended up plucking the biggest flower for her only for it to wilt immediately. He tried another one and it wilted as well.

In the end, he destroyed the whole forest in a moment of childish rage, as always.

***

-How do we use it, A-Jiu?- Zhen Gui wondered out loud.

‘I just need to give it a tap. See.’

Shen Jiu tapped on the flower once, then the flower floated toward a branch of the nearest tree and grew in size.

-Woah!-

-Come, why don’t you check inside.- His Baba suggested.

Shen Jiu took Zhen Gui into his arms and climbed onto the adult wolf’s back. His Baba immediately made his way toward the tree branch where the flower attached itself into.

Shen Jiu then descended on the tree branch and made his way to the flower tree house. He touched the flower petals, it felt smooth. He could sense its healing qi simply by touching it.

He went further inside the flower and found a floating bed made of two layers of rose petals. He tried to sit on it and it felt firm. Zhen Gui also jumped onto the bed. He bounced.

Shen Jiu really like the scent it emitted. He immediately untied his hair and tried lying down on the soft petal bed. It felt comfortable.

In no time, he was already fast asleep on the bed.

***

-Sleep well, A-Jiu.- Zhen Gui nuzzled Shen Jiu’s palm before he turned his head toward the entrance. Zhen Gui was really glad for this exciting outing. He couldn’t wait to brag about his adventure to his siblings. He thought smugly.

He frowned when he realized that A-Jiu’s Baba hadn’t shown up yet. He jumped down from the bed and made his way to the entrance.

He peeked his small fluffy head outside and saw a man sitting on the tree branch, instead of A-Jiu’s Baba. The man had his straight hair in high ponytail and an elaborate hair crown. He was wearing black, grey and dark blue-grey robes.

The man seemed powerful since Zhen Gui could feel the immense qi he exuded. Zhen Gui then sniffed the air.

Chapter Text

Zhen Gui blinked a few times before he once again sniffed on the air. The man was staring wistfully toward the night sky. It was a full moon tonight. Zhen Gui kind of noticed the scent immediately.

-Uncle?- He approached the man who was clutching a flute.

-Zhen Gui, is A-Jiu sleeping already?- Uncle who turned human-like asked him after turning his head and nodding at him.

Uncle’s human form had the same eyes shape and eyebrows as A-Jiu. The chin and the nose were also quite similar to A-Jiu’s. So, that’s where A-Jiu got his sharper features from. Uncle exuded the same elegance as A-Jiu did.

But, his eyes remained gold colored. So, A-Jiu got his green eyes from his Mama. Hmmm.

-Mhmm. Uncle, what are you thinking about? do you miss Auntie?- Zhen Gui walked along the branch to where Uncle was sitting. No wonder his parents told him that A-Jiu’s Baba wasn’t one of their kind. They were different types of spiritual wolves.

But, he almost looked like them in his wolf form. Zhen Gui wondered what happened to Uncle. Shouldn’t his fur also as white as a cloud in a bright day like A-Jiu’s pup form? Hmm. Fluffy clouds. He needed to cuddle with A-Jiu as soon as he transformed into his pup form.

-Yes, I miss her. At least, I still have my A-Jiu with me.-

Zhen Gui sat next to A-Jiu’s Baba. -Uncle must have been really happy when he found A-Jiu.-

-Yes. I thought I have lost him forever.- Uncle hummed in reply. He let out a wistful sigh.

-Uncle, please tell me how to get my human form.- Zhen Gui bravely asked. He had been asking about this issue to his own parents. They said it would take a long time for him to cultivate and transform into his human form. At least, it wasn’t impossible.

 The man tilted his head and raised an eyebrow at Zhen Gui.

-Zhen Gui, you are still too young for that. It will be risky to start that kind of training. For now, just focus on growing up and learning to control your qi and power along the way. Hmmm?- A-Jiu’s Baba just ran his fingers through Zhen Gui’s fluffy fur as he said that.

Zhen Gui nodded weakly while voicing his concern out. -It’s just, I saw the scars on A-Jiu’s back. I want to grow up soon so I can protect him! No one will hurt him anymore.-

-I saw them too. That’s why I took him to the hot springs. They should be gone by now.- Uncle stopped for one second before he continued again.

-Really?- Zhen Gui exclaimed in surprise.

A-jiu’s baba nodded. Zhen Gui was relieved.

Zhen Gui then spotted a black and ominous marking peeking from the man’s right chest up to his neck.

-Uncle, what marking are those? It doesn’t seem good.-

-It is a curse. One of the side effects makes my fur mostly black. It is supposed to be fully white like A-Jiu’s pup form. As long as the mark is still there, I will be stuck in my wolf form most of the time. It was a result of a failed containment array which was supposed to capture me the first time our enemy ambushed us in our home. I was thankful for being a mixed breed for once. I was lucky that I could escape in the nick of time. I was then saved by the Ling You Peak Lord. I refused to come with him at first, since I wanted to search for A-Jiu. But, I couldn’t track him down until years later.- Uncle replied with a grimace.

-Then, how are we going to remove the curse? Who are the bad people?!- Zhen Gui became alarmed.

-My acquaintances and I are still looking for ways to remove it. You will be surprised if you know who the enemies are. Righteous cultivators are not as righteous as they self-proclaimed themselves to be.-

-Can we get more helps from the Ling You Peak Lord? Isn't he one of your acquaintance? Maybe we could ask some helps from A-Jiu’s shizun too. She is smart and knows a lot of things.-

-He has done whatever he could. But, I prefer not to involve too many people. The ones hunting us are still out there.-

-Just let me know if Uncle needs my help!-

-Sure, Zhen Gui. Just continue to stay close with A-Jiu.- Uncle said as he continued petting Zhen Gui’s fur.

-I am already doing that!-

-Yes, I am grateful for that, Zhen Gui. Thank you.- Uncle let out a small smile which was similar to A-Jiu’s.

-How about Auntie? Is she safe?-

-Our servant managed to take her to escape to the other realm, a few seconds before it was closed at that time. I told her via our mind link to leave first since she was heavily injured after fighting for her life and protecting A-Jiu. It would be worse if they got captured together. A-Jiu was taken away during the fights, but one of the servants managed to take him back and hide him somewhere.-

-What happened to the servant?-

-He was cornered and got killed by the enemy. I think he hid A-Jiu a few towns away from where he was confronted by them.- Uncle was gripping his flute like a lifeline.

Zhen Gui’s fluffy ears dropped at that. He didn’t expect A-Jiu’s family story to be this sad. He himself was considered lucky since he and his siblings were born in Ling You Peak. It was a safe place for them.

-Let’s go inside the flower tree house.- Uncle suggested as he finished the story.

-Ok!-

After that, Zhen Gui led A-Jiu’s Baba into the flower tree house.

***

The gold eyed man then peeked through the flower petals to see that indeed Shen Jiu was already sleeping. At least, he already untied his hair. He approached his sleeping son and started taking his shoes off. He put them on the floor beside the flower petals shaped bed. Then, he took a qiankun pouch and pulled a blanket from inside of it.

He draped the blanket on top of Shen Jiu until it covered his neck. His eyed turned soft at the sight of his sleeping pup. His pup was healing well.

-Zhen Gui, I need to meet my acquaintances for less than half a shichen. I will be back soon.- The gold eyed man said as he turned his head at Zhen Gui.

-Ok! Uncle can count on me!-

Then, he took a teleportation talisman out and vanished from view.

***

Zhen Gui returned to stand guard near the entrance while A-Jiu’s Baba was away. Feeling bored, he decided to check every corner of the rose room if there was anything strange in it. What if there were some bugs?

He found nothing. Thankfully.

***

The gold eyed man showed up in a clearing where there were already 2 men, who were possibly waiting for him.

They perked up when they gazed at him. One was wearing white and light blue robes while the other one was wearing red and carnelian robes.

“Long-time no see, my friend.”

“Yes, it has been awhile.” The gold eyed man nodded at them.

“How is your pup? Was the hot spring useful?” the one wearing red and carnelian robes asked curiously.

“Indeed it is. We are grateful to the both of you for allowing us to enter.”

“Ohohohoho. It is fine. This old man is glad to be of help. Anyway, let’s talk about the more urgent matter now.” The one wearing white and light blue robes spoke up.

The other two nodded solemnly.

***

When Shen Jiu woke up a few hours later at dawn, Zhen Gui was sleeping next to him. Meanwhile a smaller version of his Baba was sleeping behind them as if he was shielding them from the entrance.

‘So, he could change his size as well.’ Shen Jiu mused.

He had a really strange dream last night, since he felt as if a man in his Baba’s voice put a blanket over him. He was the same man who was in his dream months ago. The one where he dreamed of being a toddler and still had his parents with him.

Moreover, he felt extremely fresh. As if he had a really nice rest after so long. But, why did everything seem bigger now? And why did he have to look up when he saw Zhen Gui? Wasn’t Zhen Gui smaller than him when he was in his human form?

Then, he looked down on himself, and saw his two front fluffy paws.

It seemed that he had turned into his pup form once again.

***

-A-Jiu! You are back in this form!- Zhen Gui nuzzled his head in greeting since they were such a light sleeper. They woke up as soon as he woke up.

‘I don’t know what happened.’

-My precious pup, A-Jiu. You got a bit bigger now.- This time it was his Baba’s turn to smother him. His Baba started to groom him.

Jiupup didn’t notice it himself. Was he really bigger now? He didn’t realized when his tail was wagging excitedly.

But Zhen Gui was still bigger than him and growing even faster as well.

-Uncle, maybe it will be safer if we stay inside for now.- Zhen Gui suggested from his side.

-Mhmm, I think so too.-

***

Thus, they just stayed inside the rose treehouse for the whole day. He didn’t understand, but Zhen Gui kept trying to cuddle with him.

A few hours later, the wolf baba went somewhere to go to bathroom. Jiupup was left alone with Zhen Gui for awhile. Jiupup and Zhen Gui were playing inside the rose tree house when Jiupup noticed that there was a presence nearby their rose tree house.

So, he sneakily peeked from the entrance. Zhen Gui followed suit. They saw no one around. They missed a fire dragon cub who was located a few branches above them.

-What’s wrong A-Jiu?- Zhen asked as he put his fluffy head above Jiupup’s head. They were scanning the surroundings area.

‘I thought someone is watching us.’ Jiupup squinted his beady green eyes.

-Let’s go back inside. Uncle will return soon anyway.- Zhen Gui suggested.

‘Mhmm.’ Jiupup nodded.

Zhen Gui turned his body and Jiupup was about to follow him when something snatched him.

***

In a blink of an eye, something red snatched Jiupup and flew further away from the rose tree house. Zhen Gui gasped. He just looked away for a second! He should have let A-Jiu walk in front of him! He was so stupid!

-A-Jiu!- Zhen Gui screamed and rushed forward. Jiupup wiggled in his pupnapper’s strong hold without much success.

Chapter Text

Zhen Gui sent a lightning attack at the red dragon cub’s wings. In return, the red dragon cub sent a whirlwind fire attack at Zhen Gui, which slammed him against the rose tree house’s wall petals and then he slid down the wall petals. Zhen Gui slumped on the ground.

‘Zhen Gui!’ Jiupup shouted in worry. Jiupup tried to wiggle harder in the dragon cub’s hold.

-Be still, cute cloud.-

Jiupup spluttered. Who was this dragon cub calling that horrendous name?! Jiupup flailed his fluffy legs to no avail.

-Ugh.- Zhen Gui blinked as he tried to clear his dizziness away. -A-Jiu!-

Zhen Gui rushed forward to follow the pair. He sent another attack toward the dragon cub’s back.

-Give him back! Hey!-

-Release me!- Jiupup didn’t stop wiggling in the dragon cub’s grip.

***

Nevertheless, Zhen Gui’s relentless attacks finally made the dragon cub’s grasp on Jiupup’s body weakened since his small arms went numb from the lightning attack.

Jiupup gasped as he fell from the other’s grasp. But, he was too close to the edge of the branch. He could barely clutch at the side of the branch on dear life. His hind legs flailed in the air hopelessly.

Then, he felt something scaly tried to pull him away from the tree branch he was hanging his dear life on!

‘Baba! Help!’ He shouted in distress.

The scaly small arms awkwardly released him. But, after that, he felt something nudged him from below and pushed him up onto the branch again. He immediately climbed forward. He still had a trauma after falling down a tree in Wan Jian Peak. And now, it almost happened again.

‘Zhen Gui. I am here.’ Jiupup shakily said as he just returned to the top of the branch safely. He was still calming his pounding heartbeats.

(The fire dragon cub could see that Jiupup’s fluffy body trembled in distress. It felt guilty somehow.)

-A-Jiu, behind you!- Zhen Gui immediately rushed forward, ready to pounce on the dragon cub.

‘Huh?’ Jiupup turned his head to see his supposed pupnapper was floating behind him.

-Uh, hello. M-my name is...- A fire dragon cub stammered as it noticed two pair of eyes focused on him.

Zhen Gui growled as he came closer to where they were. -What do you want? Stay away from my A-Jiu!-

-Umm.-

-Leave us!- Zhen Gui barked.

A tick mark was seen on the dragon cub’s forehead. It slammed its tail against Zhen Gui which sent him flying toward where the rose tree house was.

‘Zhen Gui!’ Jiupup shouted in worry.

-This mountain range is my home. How dare he telling me to scram.-

***

Jiupup was almost about to retort to the dragon cub when suddenly the scaly small arms gripped his fluffy body. In no time, they were flying again.

‘No! Release me!’ Jiupup felt so powerless. Why was he so weak in this form?!

The pupnapper just adjusted its hold and flew to wherever it intended to head to. But, it didn’t expect Jiupup’s weight. After all, it was only a small dragon cub, maybe 3 times the sizes of Jiupup. It slowed down after they passed by 4 trees and moved closer to the ground. Its flapping wings became slower as the time passed. 

Behind them, the rose tree house shrunk and followed them in the air.

Zhen Gui was still laying on the tree branch, this time, out cold.

***

'Where are you taking me?’ Jiupup asked in irritation. He tried to hit the dragon cub’s stomach with his tail. But, it just giggled since the action tickled it. Jiupup sulked.

It seemed that the fire dragon cub was taking Jiupup to the direction of eastern part of the mountain range. Shen Jiu and the wolves hadn’t explored that area yet.

-I am taking you to my home, of course! It has been a long time since we have any guests over. But, maybe I will need a few breaks to reach our home. Yeah, maybe at least 10 breaks.- The dragon cub seemed to be gasping for breath.

What a reckless and troublesome cub. But, he didn’t want to go anywhere without his Baba at his side, in this mountain range. Then, he bit the left arm of the dragon cub as hard as he could.

The dragon cub yowled in pain and unconsciously released Jiupup.

The dragon cub’s blood tasted strange.

-No! Cute cloud!-

Could he stop with that stupid name?!

***

Thankfully, he fell on the floating spiritual rose. It made itself somehow bigger than him now. Then, they floated downwards. It was helping him to reach the ground safely. As soon as he reached the ground, he jumped from the floating flower and he scampered to look for somewhere to hide. The floating rose shrunk and led him to a gap in a tree base.

-Cute cloud! Come back!- The fire dragon cub cried out.

***

The dragon cub lost his track, in the end. From where he was hiding, he could spot it sniffled in the air pathetically while clutching its bleeding small arm. Jiupup felt bad for a second. But, it was the dragon cub’s fault for pupnapping him.

He sighed in relief when the dragon cub gave up its search of him. He buried his fluffy face onto the floating flower to calm his racing heart. It gave him some soothing stream of natural qi.

He waited a bit until he was sure that the dragon cub was gone. He found out that he just need to think of the things he want to take out from the qiankun shawl and it would be easy for him to pull it out. Since he got hungry, he took out a dried meat from it and nibbled on the dried meat for awhile.

*nom nom nom*

He didn’t even know if it was safe for him, a small wolf pup, to run around this mountain range. He could do that if he was in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. But here?

He didn’t think so.

Anyway, his Baba would be already on his way to find him.  And his Baba could follow his scent. He briefly recalled their conversation this morning.

***

/Flashback/

-A-Jiu.-

Jiupup could hear his Baba nuzzled his snout on his back.

‘Hm? Yes Baba?-

-If you get lost in this mountain range, stay close to the last area where we get separated and wait for Baba. Don’t wander further. If there are any threats though, you can go to the lake where the Rainbow Lotuses are located. It is safe. One of my acquaintance lives underwater. He will help you. After that, you wait for Baba.-

‘Ok.’

-So, what will you do if you get lost?- His Baba asked again for confirmation.

‘Stay close to where we get separated. Wait for Baba.’ Jiupup recited.

-Hmm. And what if you encounter some threats?- His Baba asked again.

‘Go to the lake where the Rainbow Lotuses are located and wait for Baba.’ Jiupup answered.

-That’s my pup.- After that, Baba continued to groom him.

/Flashback End/

***

With that, somehow he managed to calm down.

*nom nom nom*

He continued eating his snack.

***

-Hey! You are here, cute cloud!- A few minutes later, the dragon cub exclaimed happily.

Jiupup just sent the dragon cub a glare from where his front paws were clutching a dried meat while he was chewing it. He was currently sitting on his butt. He thought that the dragon cub already gave up. After all, cubs got bored easily.

-You should have told me if you are hungry. No wonder your bite is really strong.- The dragon cub said as it was licking its wounds. In no time, it was healed completely.

Jiupup stared at it blankly.

The dragon cub scooted closer towards him. It was staring at him with starry eyes.

-it is the first time I see your kind. You are like a small fluffy cloud. And your human form is really beautiful. Will you be my friend?-

Jiupup just continued eating his snack while he was panicking in his mind. The dragon cub saw both of his forms. It was worrying.

‘Friends doesn’t kidnap each other, orange eyes.’ Jiupup just retorted after he swallowed his food.

-Ah, I am sorry. I just couldn’t help myself. I just want to cuddle with your fluffy fur, cute cloud.-

Then, out of a sudden, they heard a stomach grumbling.

Jiupup gave the dragon cub a deadpan look before he tore the dried meat into two.

He offered a half to the dragon cub.

-Oh! Thank you!-

The dragon cub accepted it and started eating it.

*nom nom nom*

***

-You should just stay here with us. You will be safe from now on. The next gate to the secret realm will be in this place. We just don’t know yet when it will open. We should be here when it opens.-

The fire dragon cub said after it swallowed the food.

Jiupup blinked, mid-chew.

-Did your Baba not tell you?-

‘We are here to treat my meridian and spiritual root. After that, we will return to our sect.’ Jiupup answered after awhile.

-Oh. That’s too bad.- The fire dragon cub sniffed as he chewed the last part of the dried meat.

‘Are you going to evacuate as well? I thought your kin had left already.’ Jiupup finally finished the dried meat. And he was feeling full already. He looked at the dragon cub and he noticed that the cub had finished its portion as well.

-We just don’t mingle anymore with humans. My parents told us we are being hunted as ingredients for pills. If not for that then, some other stronger cultivators kill us for the thrill in battle or something. One of our relatives got killed just like that. It was some challenge for them to kill a dragon after all. But if we kill them, a bunch of them will hunt us down for vengeance. We would never understand humans. That’s why we stay in this secret realm. Why are you still in the human realm? It is not safe anymore for our kin, even worse yours.-

Jiupup, who was nodding along throughout the speech, just looked at the dragon cub in confusion.

‘My kin?’

-Yeah, your kin is hunted by them, especially the younglings like you.-

***

Before he could say anything else, they heard some footsteps approaching. They could see the fluffy white paws of his Baba from the corner of their eyes.

-A-Jiu?- His Baba called out.

-Baba, I am here!- Jiupup perked up and called back. Thankfully, the dragon cub hadn’t flown too far, so his Baba could catch up with them in no time.

His Baba approached the tree where they were eating their snacks just now and peeked. He visibly sighed in relief.

-A-Jiu!- Zhen Gui immediately jumped down from the adult wolf’s back.

‘Baba! Zhen Gui!’  Jiupup went outside of his hiding place, followed by the fire dragon cub.

-A-Jiu, you are here. Are you hurt, little one?- His Baba asked after he was groomed.

‘I am fine. But, is Zhen Gui alright?’

-I am ok!-

***

-So, what happened?- His Baba asked eventually. He just left them for one or two incense sticks and this happened.

-Uncle!- Two voices said at the same time. Zhen Gui looked at the dragon cub in horror.

-His pup form is really adorable, Uncle. I can’t help it.- The fire dragon cub admitted shyly.

-You cannot just take him away like that.- Zhen Gui scolded the fire dragon cub.

- I- I just want to show him around the place. He hasn’t come out after he went in last night, so I got worried. There are still more things to see around here.- The fire dragon cub pouted.

-You! You are stalking us!- Zhen Gui spluttered.

‘Wait, Baba. Do you know him?’ Jiupup widened his eyes.

His Baba nodded as he replied. -He is the son of my acquaintance. They live here in the deeper part of this mountain range. I was about to take you to visit them tomorrow.-

‘Oh.’

***

Soon, a man wearing red and carnelian robes showed up. The red dragon cub immediately flew toward the man.

-Baba, I found a white fluffy cloud!- The dragon cub immediately snuggled with his parent.

‘This one apologizes. It seems that my son has been bothering you. He had a habit of picking things and cubs up that interest him. This one told him not to bother you while you are here. But maybe he is lonely and has no one to play with.’

Zhen Gui was grumbling under his breath.

-It is a good thing that he hadn’t flown too far. I am glad that no one was hurt.- His Baba replied.

‘Hmm, Why don't we go to our place? We can discuss more there.’

-Very well.-

Baba ushered them to climb onto his back. They followed the man into another secret realm in a cave, under a peak in the eastern area.

***

They were greeted by the mother of the small dragon cub once they arrived in the household. The mansion was mostly made of dark timber and dominated with fiery reddish accent. 

While the parents were talking, the cubs were seen together in the courtyard.

***

-You are strong for a blackmoon wolf pup. Let’s train together!- The fire dragon cub said to Zhen Gui.

-I will beat you up this time!- Zhen Gui vowed as his fluffy furs crackled with lightning sparks.

Jiupup just blinked upon seeing these two’s rivalry.

-Come, A-Jiu. They will need more room for their sparring.-

With that, Jiupup went to follow his Baba to spectate the two sparring cubs. His Baba was giving some pointers for Zhen Gui while the other man gave his own advices to his dragon cub.

***

For the remaining time of the day, Zhen Gui was busy training with the red dragon cub.

Meanwhile, Jiupup was always next to his Baba.

***

-How is it, cute cloud?- The fire dragon cub asked him. Jiupup was currently on its back. Zhen Gui lost in their last spar. Those two were really energetic.

‘The view is really amazing, orange eyes. I wish I could paint it.’ Jiupup really meant it. They could see the landscape of all the mountain range from up here. They were watching the sun set.

-You can do it once you change back into your human form.- The fire dragon cub assured him.

‘Mhmm.’ Jiupup hummed. 

***

The next day, the fire dragon cub acted as their guide when they went to explore the eastern area of the mountain range.

-This is the only place where you could find the phoenix’s ferns.- The fire dragon cub proudly said.

In front of them, there was a fern with glowing leaves in the shape of phoenix’s tails. The leaves glowed in hues of red to yellow. Another similar plant was somewhere under another trees.

-Oohh. I like the shape and the glows! I can’t wait to see a real phoenix’s tails!- Zhen Gui exclaimed.

‘I am glad they are still around. The scrolls said that these plants went extinct.’ Jiupup commented as he stood next to Zhen Gui.

-Yes, it went extinct in human realm.- Baba confirmed.

***

Two days later, they came to say their farewell to the fire dragon family. The Madam gave them some gifts. He was surprised to find some medicinal flower candies pills among those gifts. His Baba also gave some gifts for them in return.

-Don’t forget to come to see us once in awhile!- The Madam said as she hugged Shen Jiu and gave a peck on his forehead. Shen Jiu nodded. It was nice to meet people who were happy to see him. They were rare.

-En! You are always welcome here!- The fire dragon cub said as it nuzzled his cheek, one last time.

They returned back to Qing Jing Peak at midnight.

Shen Jiu visited his Shizun the next morning.

“Oh, you are back already? How was it? May this master check your wrist?”

“Yes, Shizun. It was really beneficial for this disciple.”

Song Anli nodded as she inspected Shen Jiu’s meridian. She seemed pleased with the outcome. 

“It truly works wonder. This master is glad.”

***

Shen Jiu paid a visit to Qian Cao Peak the next day. Zhen Gui trotted next to him, wearing a matching Qing Jing Peak colored scarf around his fluffy neck. Mu Qingfang rushed forward to greet him. His eyes were searching him.

“Mu-shidi, this shixiong is here to see you. Don’t worry, this shixiong isn’t injured for once.”

Mu Qingfang seemed relieved to hear that. “Then, shall we go to this shidi’s office?”

Shen Jiu nodded. “En. Please lead the way.”

***

Once inside the office, Shen Jiu took a few small potted plants out of his qiankun pouch.

“This shixiong encountered these plants last week. -cough- He hopes that they will be useful for Mu-shidi. This shixiong is really grateful for Mu-shidi’s help during his regular treatments until now.” With this, they would be even. He didn’t want to owe people.

“Oooh, thank you so much, Shen-shixiong! This shidi greatly appreciates it! It is this shidi’s duty, after all. Shen-shixiong doesn’t have to worry. From where did Shen-shixiong find them?” Mu Qingfang touched the leaves of the plant closest to him gently as if it was a treasure, before he looked up to give a blinding smile toward Shen Jiu. He seemed to be extremely happy.

Shen Jiu blinked before he gave his reply.

“This shixiong doesn’t really remember where it was, since it seems to be a secret realm. We came out of an entirely different entrance.”

Mu Qingfang nodded in understanding but he didn’t pry further.

They continued chatting while drinking some tea.

***

After that, he visited Xu Qingxiu to give the spiritual ores and stones.

“Shen-shixiong! Thank you so much! This shimei has been looking for them for a long time now! Ah, they are so high quality and pure!” Xu Qingxiu’s response was so enthusiastic that Shen Jiu needed to blink for a few times.

“This shixiong is glad that you find them adequate, Xu-shimei.”

“Shen-shixiong, it is more than adequate. This shimei hasn’t found any whose quality come close to this. Let this shimei show you some of the scrolls about her future projects involving them.”

Shen Jiu ended up staying for 2 shichen to discuss with Xu Qingxiu about her project. There was no need to say that he was roped into the project without him noticing.

Chapter Text

A few days after Shen Jiu gave souvenirs to Xu Qingxiu, there was a rumor that the Qing Jing Peak head disciple was courting the Xian Zhen head disciple. Shen Jiu just gave everyone a flat stare as he heard that. Meanwhile, Xu Qingxiu seemed to be unaffected by it. Since she still came over to borrow some books from Qing Jing Peak library once in awhile and came to visit him whenever she had free times.

***

The peak lord of Xian Zhen Peak was relieved instead that finally his head disciple could find someone that wouldn’t mind joining her in her projects. She was considered too intense by her peers in Xian Zhen Peak. And no one else could keep up with her too fast thinking. Someone from Qing Jing Peak was really a good match for her.

Thus, the friendship between Shen Jiu and Xu Qingxiu started from then on, regardless of the rumors.

***

Meanwhile, Shen Jiu was tense this whole month since it was the 10^th one. He could clearly see that Mu Qingfang was cautious all the time, after all some petty people would try to destroy the garden just to make his treatment fail. He didn't find the perpetrator in his two lifetimes. To be honest, the effect on him in his second life was kind of worse. But, he was in an already worse shape to begin with, compared to his first life.

After giving Mu Qingfang the rare plants, he didn’t expect that Mu Qingfang would instead come even more frequently to visit him. At first, he just didn’t want to owe Mu Qingfang after Mu Qingfang took care of him during his ongoing regular treatment. He didn't like owing people. 

They ended up playing weiqi together or discussing about rare plants whenever Mu Qingfang came to visit him. 

-Time skip-

Somewhere in a particular secret realm.

A fire dragon cub could be seen looking wistfully at a small fluffy cloud in the sky, following another much bigger fluffy cloud.

-Cute cloud… I wonder what he is doing now. I hope he will come to visit us again soon.-

The dragon cub didn’t notice a young man sneaking up on it until he poked it on its cheek playfully. The fire dragon cub snapped out of its musing before it gasped and flew toward the young man to hug him. The young man circled his own arms around the cub.

-Gege! You are back!! You miss a lot of great things!! I met a cute cloud!!-

-Hmm? Cute cloud?- The young man blinked. 

-He is so fluffy like cotton!! and he is this big.- The fire dragon cub motioned with his small arms animatedly. The young man recalled that their parents said that they had a visit from his uncle less than a month ago. Perhaps, he finally found his pup after looking for it for so long. He was really glad for their uncle.

-Is that your new friend? Where is he? I would like to meet him.- The young man gave a pat to the dragon cub. He gave his baby brother a fond look.

-He already left. You are too late.- The fire dragon cub sniffed sadly.

-You will meet him again someday, don’t worry, Didi. Here, this is for you.- The young man gave a shiny pearl to the dragon cub.

-Ohh! So shiny!! What is it, Gege?!-

-It is the pearl of wisdom and clarity. Gege found it during one of his excursion. It will guide you if you ever get lost or something.-

-Oohh!!- The dragon cub stared at the shiny pearl with starry eyes.

-Do you like it?- 

-Very much! It has the same color as cute cloud’s eyes. Thank you, Gege! I can stare at it whenever I miss cute cloud.- The dragon cub nodded excitedly.

At the same time in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect,

As expected, Shen Jiu transformed into his pup form, once again in Qian Cao Peak. It seems that the hot springs trip truly did wonder to his healing progress. It accelerated the success rate of his one year long treatment. 

In his second life, he told his shizun that he wanted to leave the sect after he finished his study. Because the competition to become the succeeding disciple was too much for him. It wasn't worth it. He already knew how his end would be. He was already weaker physically and mentally. And she agreed to let him go. But during the time when she announced her succeeding disciple, suddenly in a blink of an eye, he already found himself on the podium with her. She bestowed him his cursed name once again. And it was one among many strange things which happened in both lifetimes. He wasn't surprised that he got killed by a qi deviation induced fever years later.

He was hoping that it wouldn't happen for the third time. He had had enough of being a villain in someone else's life. 

He would definitely try again to leave this sect. He didn't want to deal with Luo Binghe ever again. Enough rambling. He needed to start moving.

***

As he was checking the room once again to see if he missed anything, he couldn't help but ponder a little bit. He had the treatment the day before and he was told to stay at least until lunch time, as usual. Mu-shidi gave him a regular concoction in the morning. Was there something in the ingredients which had a chance to trigger his transformation? Maybe he should ask Mu-shidi about what the ingredients were, next time.

He immediately scurried away from Qian Cao Peak before he could be spotted by Mu-shidi or any of the other Qian Cao Peak's disciples.

He was debating whether to go to Ling You Peak to visit Zhen Gui since he was there for another training with his own parents. He was free of any duties as the head disciple for today, after all. His Baba left in a hurry two days ago because there was an urgent mission with the Ling You Peak Lord. He said he would return today evening. 

***

But still, it seemed that he couldn’t be as sneaky as he thought.

He almost reached the Rainbow Bridge, which led to Ling You Peak, when someone caught him. Why did he have to sneeze of all things when he was trying to be sneaky?! Was there someone talking about him just now?!

‘Who was it?!’

The person who caught him turned him around and cooed. The person was wearing a Qiong Ding Peak female disciple uniform.

“Ah, you are so cute!” Then, the girl nuzzled him against her cheeks.

Thus, Jiupup was taken to Qiong Ding Peak instead by Yue Qingyuan’s shimei.

Mu Qingfang who just arrived in Shen Jiu’s patient room felt dejected upon seeing the empty room. He inspected the room, in case his shixiong forgot something. So, he could go to Qing Jing Peak later to return it to him. He checked the bed and found some white hair ball. Then, he recalled the fluffy white wolf pup.

'Did it come to Qian Cao Peak once again?'

Mu Qingfang went out of the room hurriedly and started to look for the fluffy little one.

***

Meanwhile in Qiong Ding Peak,

“Oh, Shijie! This is the famous pup! From where did you find it? So white, fluffy, and cute! Like a fluffy cloud!” A female disciple of Qiong Ding Peak whispered excitedly.

“He was around the Rainbow Bridge. Thankfully, this shijie is quick enough before he was spotted by Qi-shijie and was taken to Xian Su Peak. The way he walked is just so cute.” the female disciple responded smugly as she hugged Jiupup to her ample chest.

‘Huh?! What does she mean? Is the way he walk funny?! is it because of his short and fluffy limbs?! wait, but he was running, not walking!’

Jiupup looked down and he noted that his feet and ears were almost covered by his long fluffy fur. Was there a problem with them?

“...We are the first peak but why he hadn’t showed up here yet until now.” The younger female disciple pouted.

“Yes, you are right. Hmm.”

“But, who could have guessed that someone like Shen-shixiong could be adored by such cute puppies.”

“Mhmm, I am convinced that all those rumors are false. It must be made by some jealous people who couldn’t get close to these fluffs.” The girl who was hugging him speculated.

Jiupup deadpanned as she once again nuzzled his fluffy body against her cheeks. She sighed in content.

“Here! You must want to cuddle with him too.”

The older disciple gave him to the younger disciple, then he got the same treatment.

“Ahh, so soft!”

The younger shimei massaged his toe beans after she finished hugging him.

The girls then giggled and went to the southern part of Qiong Ding Peak, one of the secluded area in the peak. Jiupup was safely cradled in one of the girls’ arms.

They took him to a courtyard where they sat on some stone benches under a tree shades.

***

“I want to feed it but I don’t know what to give to it. What if it gets a stomachache or worst food-poisoned? Its wolf parent will hunt me down. As well as the entire blackmoon wolves in Ling You Peak.” The younger shimei sniffed.

“Maybe, milk is fine.” the older one suggested.

“Alright, this shimei will go to the kitchen, now.” The younger shimei declared after giving Jiupup back to the other Qiong Ding Peak female disciple. Then, she went in the direction of Qiong Ding Peak’s kitchen.

The older shimei hummed under her breath as she continued petting him.

When she came back, the younger shimei took some snacks with her as well.

She poured the milk on a small plate for him, between them. The girl who was holding him let him stood on the stone bench behind the small plate. They cooed again when he started drinking his milk. He stopped after a few licks because the stare was too much to handle.

“Don’t be shy, little one. Here, drink more.”

Thankfully, they stopped staring at him after that.

“I remember there is a blackmoon one also. Aren’t they a pair?” The girls continued talking.

“People sees the blackmoon one more often with Shen-shixiong. What makes it strange is the fact that the Qing Jing Peak disciples themselves have never seen this cute white wolf pup in their own peak. It means…”

“It means what?”

“It means that we are really the lucky ones!”

***

After drinking the milk, Jiupup was currently laying on his stomach on one of the girl’s lap. His paws were tucked underneath his body and mass of fur. He decided to just take a nap. But, he couldn’t, since these girls were chatting animatedly. Once in awhile, one of them would pet him.

“So cute, I couldn’t even see his paws from up here! He looks like a small, soft and fluffy pillow.” The younger shimei gushed.

“Yes! Oh, we are so lucky, Yin-shimei! Oh! Look his cute ear just twitched.” The older disciple commented excitedly.

“So cute!! I wish I could paint it!!” The younger shimei gushed again.

‘Is his sleeping position weird? Should he curl his body? Nah, he is quite comfortable now.’ He decided to ignore whatever they said. His eyes were already closed.

“Qin-shijie, did you get the book from Xian Shu Peak?” The younger disciple asked after a while.

“Of course.” the girl looked proud as she took out a book from her qiankun pouch.

“Ooh! I heard some Qing Jing Peak shimeis were collaborating with this -cough- project to provide the illustrations. I really want to see how the book turns out to be.”

‘Hmm?’ His fluffy ears twitched once again.

He was pleased that his shimeis were working together with people from other peaks. Good. Even if the project was kind of weird sometimes. At least, they could improve their art skill since they used it to make something they liked and enjoyed in their free time.

The girls then giggled as they skimmed through the pages. Jiupup sighed inwardly. But, why they were giggling so much?

They oohed once in awhile too.

“I am so weak to this childhood sweetheart trope. I don’t know there are these kind of interesting places in Qing Jing Peak. Maybe, we can go there to visit the peak in our free time.” The younger shimei squealed.

“Yes, Shen-shixiong is really depicted so well, here. Let's go during our break next week.” The other girl mentioned.

‘What? Why was he in the illustration?’

“His eyes are so pretty and mesmerizing, ah, I can’t!!”

‘Weird girls.’ Jiupup decided not to think too much about it, maybe he could catch a nap or something.

***

A few incense sticks later

The girls were chatting animatedly when suddenly someone cleared their throat.

The female disciples jolted, “Da-shixiong!”

Jiupup was woken up because of their surprised cry. He was amazed at himself for dozing off in the first place. 

“Da-shixiong! Look at what this shimei has found! Isn’t he the cutest?!” the one who was letting him sit on her lap used him as a distraction while the other scrambled to hide the book.

‘Why did they need to hide the book in the first place, though? He would never understand.’ Jiupup just stared with unimpressed look at a surprised Yue Qingyuan.

“Yes, he is really adorable. But, this shixiong believes that Shifu is asking for the both of you just now.”

“Oh, no. If that’s the case then, you can have him, Yue-shixiong. This shimei bids her farewell now.” The female disciple immediately deposited Jiupup in Yue Qingyuan’s unprepared hands. The other female disciple immediately followed her after bidding her own farewell.

Yue Qingyuan just blinked as his shimeis rushed to the Sect Leader’s office. He adjusted his hold on Jiupup.

Then, Yue Qingyuan sniffed Jiupup’s fluffy fur for a few seconds.

“Why do I smell Xiao Jiu’s scent on you, little one? Yes, you smell like him.” Yue Qingyuan looked at Jiupup warmly.

***

‘Qi-Ge! Gross!’ Jiupup screamed in his mind. 

Jiupup made sure that he shed his white fur on Qi-Ge’s black robes.

Yue Qingyuan just chuckled as he adjusted his hold on the small white wolf pup. The fluffy pup was really small. He was afraid that he might grip it too tightly.

Yue Qingyuan looked down at the Qing Jing colored shawl around the fluffy pup’s neck. Overall, the pup looked really well-taken care of. He had heard about this adventurous white wolf pup exploring the other peaks within their Tian Gong Mountain Range.

The two of them met some of his martial siblings after a few turns.

“Da-shixiong! Is that the famous wolf pup?” An excited shidi asked with starry eyes. Several of his other martial siblings approached. At this hour, they just finished some classes.

“It seems so.” Yue Qingyuan nodded kindly.

***

The white wolf pup wiggled in Yue Qingyuan’s hold as the crowd approached closer. Yue Qingyuan could feel that the tiny pup was trembling in distress.

“Oh. Is he scared of us?” The shidi deflated.

“Ah, maybe. I heard from a shidi in Wan Jian Peak about it.” Someone answered helpfully.

“At least finally he comes to visit our peak. Are you going to give him a tour of our peak, Yue-shixiong? It is the tradition, right?”

“Actually, this shixiong found him with Qin-shimei and Yin-shimei just now. Yes, maybe later.” Yue Qingyuan answered thoughtfully.

The other Qiong Ding Peak disciples spluttered.

“Does it mean that they hid him from us?! How could they?!” Someone let out a betrayed cry. Another disciple gave the boy a pat on the back to comfort him.

"Maybe the little one is okay around one or two but he gets scared of crowds. Hmm." A senior disciple speculated.

"Ooh."

***

After that, Yue Qingyuan bid his martial siblings farewell and continued his track to his abode, with the small pup safely tucked in his arms.

Chapter Text

/Shen Jiu's POV/

'Since when there is a tradition for this?!' Jiupup pondered about it confusedly while Yue Qingyuan was walking along the maze which was Qiong Ding Peak’s open corridors. 

He sniffed on Yue Qingyuan’s robes and he noticed the particular smell of Yue Qingyuan’s favorite perfume satchel which he usually used. They never changed, didn’t they?

Then, he sniffed on himself and he noticed his own perfume satchel’s smell was stuck on his fur, the smell of sun-dried tea leaves and petrichor. One of the ingredients which was supposed to help him against the nightmares had a particular smell of fresh earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil.

No wonder Yue Qingyuan pointed it out. If Yue Qingyuan was smarter, he could have found out about him being a pup right now. He should hide around the An Ding Peak head disciple though. Shang Ye could connect the dots right away. Had he started becoming the spy of Northern Demon at this time? He didn’t keep track of that, unfortunately.

Maybe he should change his own perfume satchel once he returned to his human form, for the sake of confusing them.

***

Because this was his Qi-Ge, Jiupup stayed put. He was kind of curious of how Yue Qingyuan’s daily life would be in Qiong Ding Peak. He wanted to see how Yue Qingyuan acted around other people when he wasn’t around. It was the perfect way for him to observe.

After a few incense sticks, he already found out about it. Yue Qingyuan’s daily life was kind of boring, just like his. Yue Qingyuan had several stacks of paperworks to work on, met the Sect Leader, checking on his martial siblings, etc.

***

Jiupup was laying on his stomach with his paws tucked under his body on Yue Qingyuan’s lap while he was working diligently on his paperwork.

While working, Yue Qingyuan was humming a particular melodies that he used to hear during their childhood. Jiupup fell asleep in no time.

/Yue Qingyuan's POV/

Yue Qingyuan looked at the small pup sleeping soundly on his lap. It had been watching him for awhile until now. He felt the stare was kind of similar to how Xiao Jiu used to stare at him during their childhood. Xiao Jiu was always watching out for him. He had done a lot of stupid and reckless things, after all.

‘Sleep well, little one.’

/Shen Jiu's POV/

A few incense stick later, Jiupup was woken up from his nap when someone knocked on the door. He scrambled toward the cupboard to hide in reflex.

The visitor was Shang Ye. While the other two were discussing about some orders or something, Jiupup was hiding under a cupboard.

He was about to come out once Shang Ye left. But, soon after, there was another knock and Qi Qingqi came in. He was still uncomfortable around this shimei of his. Even in his human form, he preferred to keep any conversation short with her and ignored her most of the time.

Apparently, she was just here to ask for more detail of the mission that she received from the Xian Shu Peak Lord.

***

One incense stick after Qi Qingqi left, Mu Qingfang visited them. Jiupup was already back on Yue Qingyuan’s lap, since Yue Qingyuan had successfully coaxed him to come out from under the cupboard. It was too late for him to hide and Yue Qingyuan's reflex to catch him again was too fast.

Mu Qingfang’s eyes immediately zoned in on Jiupup and he chuckled softly.

“It seems that the adventurous pup has arrived in Qiong Ding Peak, Yue-shixiong.”

“Yes. Actually my shimei found him and took him here.” Yue Qingyuan replied as he petted Jiupup softly.

“Ah, this shidi understands. Anyway, this shidi comes here to hand this report, Yue-shixiong.” Mu Qingfang snapped out of his thought as he remembered the purpose of his visit.

***

After Mu Qingfang left, there was no other visitor for awhile. Jiupup deadpanned upon seeing Yue Qingyuan always zoned out once in awhile, staring at the direction of Qing Jing Peak.

He wondered what Yue Qingyuan was thinking about? His tail was tapping rhythmically against Yue Qingyuan’s robes.

“Xiao Jiu.” Yue Qingyuan whispered longingly.

Jiupup spluttered. ‘I am right here!’

Jiupup pulled Yue Qingyuan’s sleeves with his teeth until Yue Qingyuan snapped out of his trance and looked down at him.

“Little one, are you hungry? Ah, it is indeed lunch time now. Please wait here.” Yue Qingyuan smiled as he petted him softly a few times.

And then, Yue Qingyuan left in a flurry of robes.

‘As always, Qi-Ge misunderstood.’ Jiupup pursed his lips as he stared at the closed door.

***

While Yue Qingyuan was gone, Jiupup decided to explore his abode to pass the time. Maybe he could find something embarrassing to blackmail him later.

So far, everything was normal. There was no yellow book anywhere. Hmm, strange. Yue Qingyuan was quite popular. Perhaps that was the reason why some of Yue Qingyuan’s female martial siblings didn’t take it well when Yue Qingyuan paid attention to him in his previous lives.

Of all those shimeis who had crushes on him, there should be at least one whom he liked back, right? Shen Jiu wouldn’t go in between someone else’s love story. If any single one of them confronted him directly, he would just tell them that he supported them as long as they made his Qi-Ge happy. But, so far, none came to him, in any of his two previous lives. He pursed his lips into a thin line.

***

While, thinking deeply, Jiupup accidentally stumbled on his fluffy feet and hit his head on a wall.

‘Ouch.’

Thankfully, there was no one around him who could witness his clumsy moment just now. He sighed in relief.

His attention was moved to stare at the particular part of the wall which moved slightly.

‘Huh? What is it? A secret door?!’ Jiupup rose to its feet and nudged the door open as his tail was wagging excitedly.

When he finally adjusted his eyesight to the dim light, he gaped.

It was a shrine showcase cabinets made for him. There was even a painting of him in the center of the shrine.

He got a second-hand embarrassment for a few seconds. He was really glad that the other pups were not here with him. Otherwise he would be teased forever!

He looked around the shrine showcase cabinets in anticipation. His tail was wagging nervously behind him. There were a collection of things that he gave Yue Qingyuan as gifts ever since his arrival to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. They looked well taken care of. Even a few clumsy tea sets which were his first attempt at pottery-making were spotless clean.

He could imagine Qi-Ge’s stupid fond looks as he wiped those ceramics from the accumulating dusts.

Jiupup shook his head to kick this image out of his mind. Then, he inspected the other part of the showcase cabinets.

‘Wait?! why is his hair ribbon here too?! and one of his missing fans?! Qi-Ge, this is too much!’

There was also a painting of him in the Qing Jing Peak library with Zhen Gui when he first came to Qing Jing Peak. Did his Qing Jing Peak martial siblings make it? But, his real expression wasn’t as soft as it was depicted in the painting. It was impossible! He didn’t look like that! And what was that glow behind them? Where was his cold and aloof image?!

Then, he looked at Zhen Gui in the painting. Zhen Gui surely grew a lot within a few months. Now, his back (fluffy fur included) reached Shen Jiu’s knees.

Meanwhile, Jiupup himself… was still small. When he was taken to Bai Zhan Peak by the brute months ago, he noticed that his paw was a bit bigger than Liu Qingge’s thumb. He was really small back then, huh?

Now, he thought that maybe he grew twice his original size. But, it was still not much. He sniffed sadly while looking at his fluffy paws. 

Jiupup took one last look at the shrine showcase cabinets, and came out of the room in a daze. He stumbled on his paws once again.

But, if Qi-Ge cared for him, then why he didn’t come to save him from the Qiu Household? He had been believing that Qi-Ge abandoned him there. Yue Qingyuan wanted to clean his own hands from the filthy slave which was Xiao Jiu.

Come to think of it, Yue Qingyuan never said anything whether he came or not. He just gave him those infuriating guilty looks and useless apologies.

He had an inkling feeling that maybe Qi-Ge screwed up badly at some point and was too guilty to admit it. It just didn’t make sense that he never admitted it even until their deaths in the first life. But, what was the reason that made him so tight-lipped about it? Did he do not deserve to know the truth? He was already prepared to hear that Yue Qingyuan abandoned him to die there. 

***

Soon, Yue Qingyuan would return to the room, carrying his lunch. He sighed. What took him so long?

Jiupup decided to look out of the window to gaze at the tree in the courtyard while waiting. He blinked when he spotted a ran away griffin chick nestling on the lower branch of a tree across from him.

It let out a soft coo before it flew toward him.

***

The griffin chick went through the opened window and landed in front of him.

-Hey, you are Zhen Gui’s A-Jiu, aren’t you? I remember you visited our pen last time. Are you lost? Do you want to go back to your peak? I can take you there.- The chick chirped as it nuzzled its head against his affectionately, in greeting.

Jiupup noticed this particular griffin chick. It surely grew faster than him, though. ‘Ah, you must be the chick we visited back then. Hmm, not now. I am waiting for Qi-Ge. He should be here soon.’  

As always, he was waiting for Qi-Ge.

-Ok. I will keep a watch out for anything. But, if you want, I can give you a tour while we are waiting for your Qi-Ge. Hmm? We can see the courtyard from above.- The griffin chick tilted its head cutely.

The offer was tempting. ‘It seems fun.’

-Come, then.- The griffin chick laid on its stomach and motioned Jiupup to climb onto its back.

Once Jiupup safely sat on its back, the griffin chick took off toward the sky.

***

Jiupup looked around in amazement from his perch on the griffin chick’s back. It was a different experience from when he was just passing by the peak when he was riding on his sword.

-That one is the garden where we could find my favourite peach trees.- The griffin chick said as they were facing a particular garden in Qiong Ding Peak.

‘Is that why you are here?’

-En! I will get you some if you want! They are really sweet! I think you are a fellow sweet tooth like I am. It takes one to recognize one.-

‘Ah, you don’t have to. I don’t want to impose.’

-No worries! Our mama told us that you are sick. So, I just want you to get better soon! You should come over to our pen again next time!- The griffin chick chirped.

‘I will come to visit you again when I can.’

-Great! We will be waiting for you!-

Then, the griffin chick excitedly continued to tell Jiupup where the gardens of its favourite fruits next.

-Over there is … -

Jiupup was listening to the griffin chick with rapt attention while responding once in a while or asking some questions which the griffin chick enthusiastically answered.

***

The griffin chick descended toward the ground when they noticed that Yue Qingyuan was approaching the house.

Jiupup jumped from the griffin chick’s back onto the floor and the griffin chick nuzzled its head against his again. 

-See you later, A-Jiu!-

‘See you.’ Jiupup called back as the griffin chick cooed at Yue Qingyuan and took off toward the peach garden.

***

“Ah, little one, you are waiting there. It’s great to see that your friend was here. I hope you are not waiting for too long.” Yue Qingyuan let out a chuckle.

Jiupup turned his head expectantly at Yue Qingyuan who was carrying a tray of food for both of them. Jiupup followed Yue Qingyuan inside the house again.

Yue Qingyuan put Jiupup’s bowls on the floor in front of Jiupup, while his plates and bowls on the middle table. Jiupup was on his four paws on Yue Qingyuan’s right side.

Jiupup saw the meats were cut into smaller pieces in his bowl. Yue Qingyuan seemed to forget to pour milk into one of the bowls, though.

“Eat well, little one.” Jiupup felt a soft pat on his head as Yue Qingyuan smiled kindly at him.

‘Why couldn’t they interact normally like this when he was in his human form? There is no guilts in Yue Qingyuan’s looks that infuriates him all the time.’

Jiupup sighed inwardly.

He should just enjoy the moment. There was no need to wish for things that would never happen.

But, this Yue Qingyuan was the one from his first life, wasn’t he? He wondered why he came to the obvious trap where he let himself get killed by thousands of arrows. Yue Qingyuan always doubted him, and believed all those accusations against him. He also believed that Shen Qingqiu killed Liu Qingge in the first life. 

He didn’t kill Liu Qingge, and he was already punished for it just because others thought he did. He couldn’t forgive them for what happened, nor he could forget. His disciples didn’t deserve to die just because they were his disciples. Anyway, he already paid for his sins in that first life. He didn’t owe anyone anything anymore. 

It was better if he left, wasn’t it? Could he forgive them? He didn't know. Could he forget whatever happened in the past? No. But, it was not a good idea to keep building his resentment. 

In this life, he decided that he would live happily with his Baba and Zhen Gui, even if it meant that he had to leave the sect with them. He wouldn’t misplace his loyalty to the wrong person anymore. Qi-Ge would be fine in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, since others revered to him so much after all. Qi-Ge would no longer need Xiao Jiu to watch his back. Yue Qingyuan didn't need Shen Qingqiu either. He had done it for two lifetimes already.

Somehow, his life didn't revolve around Qi-Ge anymore now. He had his Baba and Zhen Gui with him. It was time for him to move on. He had to find out more about what happened to his family.

If his Baba was cursed or something, they had to find ways to undo it. He had a hunch that the adult wolf was his real Baba all this time. He had the same eyes and same voice as the man which appeared in his dream along with his supposed mother. But, why did he never get any recollection of his past in his first life? He recalled that some of his memories were blocked. As if some higher entity didn't want him to stray from whatever role he was forced into.

***

As he was eating his meal, he could see Xuan Su from the corner of his eyes. Jiupup squinted his beady green eyes. He recalled that Yue Qingyuan only unsheathed it twice during his first life. Strange. And when he tried to dig deeper into the case, he got into a problem last time. He was aware that Yue Qingyuan and at least Mu Qingfang were hiding something from him regarding Xuan Su. Maybe, he could inspect it a bit now.

The sword was lying on the floor next to Yue Qingyuan’s left. 

After finishing his meal, Jiupup sneaked behind Yue Qingyuan to take a closer look at the sword. Then, Jiupup sniffed around and climbed on top of the sheathed Xuan Su. He channeled his qi onto his paws. He could feel the sword's warm pulse of qi. So powerful. But somehow, the warmth felt familiar to him. Like his Qi-Ge. But, it couldn't be.

-Oh? Who might this be?- He heard the sword spirit whispered in his mind.

'Are you Elder Xuan Su?' Jiupup asked the sword spirit back.

-Ohoho, it has been awhile since the last time I encountered your kind.-

'Elder Xuan Su, why do I sense Yue Qingyuan's soul tied to you?' Jiupup trembled.

-Ah, the brat was too hasty and reckless to receive his spiritual sword. He chose me too early. He could have waited a few more months at that time, I wouldn't have gone anywhere nor accept anyone else. But, you know, the link was even tighter in our first life. Now, it was kind of weak. Can you channel your qi more?-

Jiupup did as he was told.

-Yes, like that. Thank you. It's enough. It hinders me from cultivating my own spiritual form as well.  With this, I can work around it.-

'Is that why he rarely unsheathe Xuan Su?' Jiupup asked after he pulled his qi back.

-Yes. That's because every time he ....-

Before he could talk with Xuan Su more, Yue Qingyuan seemed to notice him.

“Ah, little one. I forgot to put the milk before. You must be thirsty. Here it is.” Yue Qingyuan picked him up and placed him behind a plate filled with milk.

After eating their lunch, Yue Qingyuan took him on a tour of the peak. He didn’t really like the layout of Qiong Ding Peak. It was too rigid to his liking. A complete opposite of Qing Jing Peak and Xian Zhen Peak’s layout. He understood that it served the purpose of wayfinding, since they also have the most visitors of all the peaks in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. Anyway, each peak had its own characteristic and their own difference.

There were gardens and ponds as well, but they seemed to prefer making most of the layout almost symmetrical and formal. The buildings were also designed to be lavish both inside and outside since they needed to impress their visitors. When he came to Qiong Ding Peak for the first time, he was intimidated.

He was more surprised that no one bothered Yue Qingyuan when he was carrying him around Qiong Ding Peak. All of the Qiong Ding Peak disciples revered Yue Qingyuan so much. They were eyeing him with starry eyes just like all those other disciples in the other peaks when he was taken to their peak by their respective succeeding disciple. He snuggled deeper into Yue Qingyuan’s hold. Thankfully, they didn’t try to come any closer. Yue Qingyuan petted him in return to comfort him.

Jiupup and Yue Qingyuan also went to the peach garden in the eastern part of the peak. They saw a few griffin chicks there. Yue Qingyuan chuckled as they spotted several Qiong Ding Peak disciples trying to feed the griffin chicks while gushing about how cute they were.

Chapter Text

 /Shen Jiu's POV/

Jiupup wiggled in Yue Qingyuan's hold which made the man crouch on the ground. Then, Jiupup jumped down and trotted toward a shrub of spiritual berries. He sniffed at the berries which was closer to the ground.

"Little one, I don't know if it will be safe for you to eat them or not." Yue Qingyuan fretted behind him as he followed after Jiupup. 

'Hmph. Useless Qi-Ge.' Jiupup thought in his mind as he rushed to another shrubs of flowers. 

"Wait, Little one."

***

Jiupup came to a stop in front of a snowdrop flowers bushes. The flowers were as white as snow with small petals. The leaves were also small. At night, the flowers would glow in white color as well. It was a kind of local plant only found in their mountain range. Jiupup sniffed. It smelled sweet. Jiupup opened his mouth.

***

/3rd Person's POV/

The Qiong Ding Peak disciples melted upon seeing such a small fluff ball running around the garden with their head disciple watching it dutifully.

***

/Yue Qingyuan's POV/

Yue Qingyuan was too late to stop the small pup from eating the flower.

‘Nom nom nom.’

“Wait, no. Little one!”

Yue Qingyuan immediately took the little pup into his arms and checked the pup over. He sighed in relief when he found out that the pup wasn’t food poisoned.

“Let’s get moving. I still want to show you the other places.” Yue Qingyuan said to Jiupup and then he nodded to his Qiong Ding Peak martial siblings.

Afterwards, Yue Qingyuan started walking again.

/3rd Person POV/

Meanwhile, a certain Qing Jing Peak Lord was seen walking down the corridor while talking with the Sect Leader. She turned her head when she saw the white wolf pup. She studied it for a bit. After a few moments, she covered half of her face. 

"What's wrong, Song-shimei?" The sect leader asked as he followed her line of sight. 

"That wolf pup is quite interesting." She replied while her eyes continued to watch as the pup moved around to explore the garden. 

"Ah, that one. Yes, I heard it is the famous small white wolf pup who is always on adventure." The sect leader chuckled but he continued on. "And moreover it was rumored to be originally from Qing Jing Peak."

"This shimei has heard about it too, but she has yet to see it in her quiet peak." The Qing Jing Peak Lord narrowed her eyes as she took notes of the pup’s features.

The sect leader nodded. "So, who might it belong to? Is the owner your head disciple?"

"I may need to speak to him soon."

“Can Song-shimei figure out which kind of wolf it is?” The sect leader wondered out loud.

“This shimei has some speculations since there are a number of white furred spiritual wolves. But, if the pup is what she suspects it to be, then we need to make sure that it would be safe in our sect.” 

“Ah, so perhaps it is a rare one. Maybe we could steer the rumors toward other directions.”

“It would be preferable. Yes.”

After that, they continued their walk toward the office. 

/Shen Jiu's POV/

Finally, Yue Qingyuan took him to a newly renovated banquette hall in Qiong Ding Peak. They stood in front of a familiar painting. It was a moving painting of the Rainbow Bridges and its surrounding.

Disciples of different peaks were walking from one place to another, whether in groups or in solitude. Every single one of the head disciples of each peak could be spotted in the moving painting, except Shen Jiu himself. When he made it, he just thought that he was never one of them in the first place.

All the surrounding trees were moving as if there was a gentle breeze passing through. It was kind of a highly detailed work.   

It took a lot of effort and qi control when he made this piece. Since he wanted to make the animation seamless. He wanted the viewers not to notice when the animation ended and when it started again.

This painting was his first acknowledged work, the reason he got chosen as the head disciple of Qing Jing Peak and also the cause of his poisoning. Nevertheless, he was proud of this work.

***

This same painting was torn to pieces and burnt down by his blackened disciple when he came to raze their sect to the ground in the first life. Along with all his other works. His blackened disciple threw the ashes into his water prison, for good measure.

It was really a mistake to take Luo Binghe into his peak. He didn’t know why he and the brute fought over him. Now that he was away from that first life, he noticed some discrepancies in his actions and memories. Things went worse after Luo Binghe arrived in their sect. The rumors went wilder. And all of those misfortune that befell him. It was just one after another misfortunes.

He clearly remembered that he gave the brat a real cultivation manual. After all, it was the one he requested from Liu Qingge himself. He checked it from cover to cover. Yet, during the trial Luo Binghe claimed that the manual was fake and he was trying to sabotage his cultivation. Why didn’t he just come to him to ask about it during his disciple days? Why did he have to wait for more than 10 years to confront him?! All the damage was already done! Even worse, he also dragged other people to gain their sympathy.

He punished the boy once in awhile whenever he did any offence against the Qing Jing Peak’s rules. But, Luo Binghe was not the only one being punished, any other perpetrators were also punished when they offended some rules. He was strict and didn’t coddle his disciples. He just followed the previous Qing Jing Peak Lord’s way of teaching. The Qing Jing Peak Lord’s way of teaching was better than Wu Yanzi’s. To be honest, he didn’t have any other examples beside them. So, he followed the better of the two.

Compared to the other peak lords, he had other duties to fulfill. He was the head of Qing Jing Peak, as well as the second in command and tactician of the sect. He was swamped with works. That’s why he let the hallmasters teach beginner classes. Because he couldn’t do everything by himself. He only received reports that this particular student didn’t show up to class or he was kicked out of the class since he came late. Other than that, Luo Binghe was skipping curfew and didn’t have any cultivation progress within the two years he had started cultivating. He thought that the boy was wasting his own potentials. And that made him angry. The brat had all these privileges but he didn’t use it properly.  

Every single time there was a fight, Luo Binghe would be there and in the middle of it. He was shocked when he found out that Luo Binghe admitted during the trial that he was forced to live in the woodshed in Qing Jing Peak under the order of the Peak Lord. If he found out about it sooner, he could have stopped it. He could only curse Ming Fan during the trials.

It was kind of his fault too for not reigning in his disciples better. But, there were so much he could do. He was aware that there was bullying problem every time any new disciples were taken in. But, it just never stopped. His disciples were young masters and misses from prominent family with supporters backing them up. That's why people took Liu Qingge's side of the story, instead of trying to understand the situation from his side. The brute was also from a prominent cultivator clans after all. Meanwhile, Luo Binghe entered the sect as an orphan without any backing, just like how Shen Jiu did. 

He saw a lot of himself in Luo Binghe. He was reminded of what he missed whenever he looked at him. But, their reaction toward others' actions against them were just completely different. By seeing Luo Binghe being so meek on the surface already pissed him off. It wasn’t Luo Binghe’s real character. He knew it. There was something in his eyes that was fooling everyone around him, but Shen Jiu. He was waiting for the boy to fight. But, the boy didn't. Instead he let all of it bottled up.

Compared to him, Luo Binghe didn’t have as much disadvantage as he did in his time. The boy should be able to fight when Xiao Jiu at the same age couldn’t. Luo Binghe was already in Qing Jing Peak on his way to be a cultivator when Xiao Jiu was still an abused slave in the Qiu Household. A slave couldn’t fight back even though he wished he could. The boy should have flourished, but he didn’t. He had been wondering the reason why, the whole time. So much wasted potentials.

His ears were ringing whenever Ning Yingying came to him, whining about A-Luo this, A-Luo that. He couldn’t even stand the name. It triggered his qi deviation. Of all nicknames, why did she choose that particular one?!

When he tried to be more lenient with the female disciples, he was accused of lusting after them. He was always in the wrong wasn’t he? He could do nothing right. His peak didn’t have the most severe punishments among the 12 peaks of Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. Yet, he was still accused of crippling his disciples.

He was jealous of Luo Binghe's talents, yes. But, he wasn’t sick enough to do something that Wu Yanzi did to him. His crumbling reputation was at stake. When he was chosen as the Qing Jing Peak Lord, he was aware that if he didn’t teach his disciples well, it would affect his reputation even more. Not only his cultivation was faulty, he couldn’t also teach his own disciples. Maybe, it was his fault for having a high expectation on his disciples. But, other than Luo Binghe, no one voiced their complains against him and his teaching. It was kind of strange.

As for why he pushed the boy into the Endless Abyss, wasn’t it obvious? The brat would have been captured and faced a worst fate if he was found out by those so-called righteous cultivators. And the brat would take him, his peak and his sect down as well. Ungrateful and unfillial brat. Not to mention that everyone watched what he did with that disciple from Huan Hua Palace! Didn’t they realize that their masters could see what they were doing?!

In the end, Luo Binghe was his failing since he was still the brat’s teacher.

Jiupup was fuming. He didn't want to deal with the brat any longer. He hoped that he wouldn't ever meet him in this lifetime.

***

Jiupup looked up as Yue Qingyuan opened his mouth.

“This painting was made by my most precious person. I- I failed him several times. In my first life, I was too reckless back then. When I was finally allowed to go, what I found was ashes. I was so devastated, I thought he died in the fire. I was hoping that he somehow escaped. Thus, I searched for him everywhere without any success. I almost gave up, but then, finally I found him. I was relieved when I saw him. I don’t know why every time I meet him, my lips were sealed. I was too caught up in my guilt to even make things better for him here.”

‘Qi-Ge came to save him?’ Jiupup was dumbfounded.

“I don’t know what to do, my apologies were nothing. I don’t deserve to be forgiven. What I know is that I always failed to save him, time and time again. When we received his severed legs, I was devastated. I shouldn’t have allowed him to be taken away in the first place. It was my fault for doubting him. He was nothing like what they accused him to be.“

“I thought that half demon would be fighting one on one against me. Who would have thought that he would be pulling some tricks instead. Meanwhile, Wei-shidi got killed by the northern demon lord. Our rescue mission went in vain. Our sect was razed to the ground after that, according to Mu-shidi. They only had 5 peak lords defending them. In the second life, I failed to notice that he was gone. In this one, when I came to save him without messing it up, he was already gone as well.”

‘Oh? They came for a rescue mission? Wait, what does it mean that Qi-Ge failed to notice that he was gone? Didn’t he die?!’

Jiupup licked Yue Qingyuan’s trembling palm.

“You are really good at comforting other people, little one.” Yue Qingyuan took a few deep breath before he nuzzled his face against Jiupup’s fluffy body.

Yue Qingyuan smiled weakly at him.

Jiupup was embarrassed so he hid his face into Yue Qingyuan’s neck. ‘Stupid Qi-Ge. It’s me.’

When he returned back to his human form, he better confronted Yue Qingyuan directly, as soon as possible.

***

As they came out of the building, they spotted his Baba descending from the sky. Along with other two adult wolves. They just returned back from a mission with the Ling You Peak Lord. Jiupup wiggled in Yue Qingyuan's hold excitedly. Yue Qingyuan crouched down to let Jiupup jumped onto the ground. 

-A-Jiu, my precious pup, did you have fun?- His Baba started grooming him as soon as he came closer.

/Yue Qingyuan's POV/

Yue Qingyuan found the pup was being groomed by the adult wolf who was said to be usually around his Xiao Jiu.

‘Oh?! Is it really its pup? Hmm, perhaps the mother wolf was fully white like the little pup. Could it be that the pup keeps running away from its den?’

He shook his head in disbelief. He knew that young spiritual beasts from Ling You Peak would always go out exploring their whole mountain range. Their peak had several uninvited guests as well occasionally.

And usually, they were quite distracting. Because they were -cough- adorable.

He nodded toward the adult wolf who had the pup sitting on its shoulder safely, ready to leave.

Then, the wolves left Qiong Ding Peak and returned to Ling You Peak.

/Shen Jiu's POV/

-A-Jiu, here. Wear this.- His Baba took out something from a compartment in their den.

‘What is this?’ Jiupup sniffed at it. It was a pretty bracelet, adorned with pure otherworldly qi. There were some colorful spiritual stones and a few flat beads that felt like shiny and smooth scales.

-Baba encountered a long time friend outside, we were concerned about your recurring nightmares. So, we made it for you. it will keep your mind from being breached by dream demons and the like. For example.-

‘What if someone tried to rip the bracelet off me?’

-They can’t. Let's put it on your wrist. It is also some type of protection charms against anyone who has any intention to harm you.-

Jiupup gave him his front left paw where his Baba slid the bracelet on. 

‘It felt even stronger than an immortal treasure.'

-It is indeed more than an immortal treasure. Baba just want to keep you safe, A-Jiu. In case we get separated, you can go to that secret realm with this.-

Jiupup looked at the bracelet which immediately fit snugly around his front left paw. It could adjust its size as well.

-No one will mess with my adorable pup anymore. Ah, just look at this cute and fluffy paw.- His Baba gushed as he nudged Jiupup’s fluffy paw with his nose.

Jiupup spluttered. 

-A-Jiu is really the cutest.-

***

‘Baba!’

-Mhmm?-

‘I want to visit Zhen Gui.’

-Okay. Let’s go.-

Jiupup then walked next to his Baba to wherever Zhen Gui was.

***

They met Zhen Gui’s siblings, the smallest ones.

-Jiu-Ge!- They immediately approached excitedly. They stumbled on their paws and fell forward.

They rose up once again together.

These blackmoon pups were as big as him now.

They nuzzled their heads with his in greeting while their tails were wagging rapidly.

-You must be here for San-Ge. He is that way! Let’s go, Jiu-Ge!- The other two led the way.

-Don’t run too fast.- His Baba called out.

/3rd Person POV/

The Ling You Peak disciples melted when they saw the adorable scene of small fluffy pups greeting each other.

After that, the bouncy fluff balls went somewhere else.

‘Aaa, so cute!!’

/Shen Jiu's POV/

When they reached the training ground. They saw Zhen Gui was standing on top of a piece of wood before he jumped onto another one and repeat. It seemed that he needed to follow some patterns. Once in awhile, his elder brothers would sent him some lightning blitz as some obstacles which he had to dodge. It was also a good practice for them to aim more accurately.

The smaller blackmoon wolves looked at their brothers with admiration.

-I can’t wait to do those training.-

Jiupup looked at Zhen Gui, noting that he was training really hard.

-First of all, you need to have your first markings. It applies to you as well, A-Jiu.- His Baba explained.

Jiupup asked confusedly.

‘I will have my own markings too?’

-Of course.-

Zhen Gui seemed to realize that Jiupup had come to cheer him on. He became even more motivated.

***

-All right, it is enough for today.- Zhen Gui’s parent called out after a few incense sticks. The pups who were training stopped upon hearing the instruction.

***

-A-Jiu! You came here to see me?- Zhen Gui jumped down from high up and rushed toward Jiupup.

‘Zhen Gui. Yes, I thought I could pay a visit.’ Jiupup greeted him back.

-I am really happy, A-Jiu.-

‘You are training really hard. But, don’t forget not to overdo it.’ He recalled how Liu-shidi rushed to overcome his bottleneck and got into a qi deviation. He was accused of killing him as the result. And things went downhill from there.

-Of course, A-Jiu. I will remember that.- Zhen Gui said as his tail was wagging even faster as he nuzzled against Jiupup.

They continued to chat for awhile as the other blackmoon pups siblings joined into their conversation.

Jiupup told them that he met a griffin chick in Qiong Ding Peak.

-They said that the peaches taste better in Qiong Ding Peak.-

-I really want to go out of the peak and explore the mountain range.- One of the youngest blackmoon wolf pups sniffed sadly.

-Me too.- The other one hummed in agreement.

Then, they spotted several Ling You Peak disciples carrying out their duties.

Jiupup scooted closer to his Baba.

-A-Jiu, why are you scared of them?- Zhen Gui asked.

-Yes, Jiu-Ge. They are good and they always give treats.-

‘Treats?’ Jiupup blinked.

-En. I will show you.- One of the youngest siblings trotted toward the Ling You Peak disciples.

It stumbled forward cutely, rose up and ran toward them. The disciples stopped their track as they realized that the pup was heading toward their direction.

Afterwards, the pup stopped by sitting on its butt. It tilted its head a bit while wagging its tail. Then, it barked.

The disciples gushed by the blackmoon wolf pup's cuteness. They seemed to realized something and took out a dry meat from the basket.

“Here, these are for you, little one!”

The pup barked excitedly before accepting the treat. It turned its head toward where the other pups were.

-I want one too.- The other pups immediately rushed toward the group.

-Meee tooo.-

“Alright, one for each of you.” The disciples distributed the snack to them one by one, while petting each of them affectionately.

They were expecting Jiupup to approach them. But, Jiupup hid further behind his Baba’s front paws completely.

Jiupup was peeking from where he stood behind his Baba’s front paw, as the pups were getting belly rubs from the disciples. They heard a few happy barks once in awhile. The disciples seemed to be checking for their health and growth at the same time.  

A few disciples caught him peeking and gushed at his adorableness.

Jiupup hid himself further. He didn’t know that they can still see him.

***

After that, they went back to their respective dens. His Baba went somewhere to take something for dinner.

***

Once his fluffy stomach was full, Jiupup was being groomed. It became a routine somehow. While his Baba was grooming him, he also told him about his adventure in Qiong Ding Peak.

-Baba is glad that you are having fun. It is amazing that the griffin chick found so many interesting places within this mountain range.- His Baba said before he started again.

‘Mhmm.’

Within minutes, Jiupup was dozing off. His small fluffy body was rising up and down slowly with each intake of his breath.

The adult wolf tucked his small pup under his fluffy neck to keep it warm, until only its small head was peeking from under the mass of fur.

-Sleep well, A-Jiu. Baba hopes that we can reunite soon with your Mama.- He whispered dotingly.

Chapter Text

/A-Jiu's Baba POV/

The adult wolf woke up earlier than his pup did as usual. After gazing softly at his sleeping pup, he turned his head to see that it was still dark outside. It would be awhile before his pup would wake up. He nuzzled his sleeping pup softly.

He was relieved that his pup was sleeping soundly the whole night. He noticed that A-Jiu usually slept better when he was in his pup form. Until a few weeks after he found him, A-Jiu would toss and turn in his sleeps from torturous nightmares, one after another. As if he had lived through them all, which was worrying. Due to those nightmares, A-Jiu also refused to go to sleep for days. But, there was a limit to how many days a budding cultivator could function without enough sleep.

He used to nuzzle A-Jiu’s head to calm him down when the nightmares got too violent. Sometimes, A-Jiu would wake up immediately and after that, A-Jiu would bury his face into his fur with his body trembling in fright. He could see the terrors reflected in his eyes and could hear his thunderous heartbeats inside his rib cage. He wished he could do something to help his troubled pup.

A-Jiu said that it was worse before they met. He couldn’t even imagine that. He went everywhere to search for things to alleviate his pup’s ailments. His pup’s well being was his utmost priority. The cure for his curse could wait.

Nowadays, thankfully the night terrors diminished somewhat.  

After the hot spring trip, at least his sweet and adorable pup was no longer shivering as if there was some bone deep coldness within his body. No matter how many blankets he put on his son while A-Jiu was sleeping in his human form, he would still shiver in his sleep. The water dragon elder informed him that something happened to his soul. But, what caused it?

He only had himself to blame for whatever happened to his pup during the time they were separated. He was not strong enough to protect his own family. He cast a sad glance toward the ground. Their house was gone. Their belongings were looted until nothing was left. At least, those things would be useless for whoever hoarded them.

He was stuck in this wolf form, most of the time also. And they still had yet to reunite with his dear wife, the mother of his pup.

If he could find the ones who had inflicted so much pain to his A-Jiu (severe enough to affect his soul), he would make sure that whoever they were, would pay for harming his sweet and fluffy child.

‘My precious pup. Baba is here with you now. Baba will protect you.’

***

He observed his sleeping pup silently and frowned when he noticed something was amiss. He didn’t find any initial sign where A-Jiu would transform back to his human form. He just hoped that his pup didn’t eat anything strange yesterday.

/Shen Jiu's POV/

When Jiupup woke up, it was almost dawn. Spiritual birds were already chirping everywhere.

His Baba opened one eye as he greeted him.

-Morning, A-Jiu. Baba hopes that you slept well.-

‘Good morning, Baba. Yes, I did.’  Jiupup leaned his head onto his Baba.

-Please tell Baba that you didn’t eat something strange yesterday, A-Jiu.- His Baba nuzzled his small head softly.

Jiupup blinked as he looked up at his Baba. ‘I don’t remember. What’s wrong, Baba?’

-Usually, your body would start to change form around this time. Yet, Baba hasn’t noticed any sign of it.- His Baba said while grooming him.

This information made Jiupup to be worried.

-Try to remember again, A-Jiu.- His Baba nudged him patiently. Jiupup saw the concerned look in his Baba’s eyes. His Baba didn’t look at him with judgemental eyes nor disappointment. It was just a pure worried look.

‘I think I ate snowdrop flowers yesterday. Was it bad for me?’ Jiupup pursed his lips as he recalled what he did yesterday. Uh oh.

-A-Jiu should be more careful next time. If you are any lesser wolf, you would have gotten a stomachache. I remember that the flowers give off sweet aroma. Is it that one?-

Jiupup looked down at the ground with a guilty look. His fluffy ears dropped. His tail was moving slowly behind him.

‘Yes. I couldn’t resist the smell.’

His Baba then sighed. -That future sect leader couldn’t even watch over a little pup. How will he lead an entire sect later?-

Jiupup sweatdropped.

-Let’s go outside, A-Jiu. I think we have some herbs for that.- His Baba rose to his four feet and Jiupup followed suit. His Baba walked at a slow pace and waited once in a while so Jiupup could catch up with him.

***

They stopped in front of a particular small herb. It had blue leaves with white dots. The plant was as tall as Jiupup. 

Jiupup looked up toward his Baba who was looking intently at the small plant.

‘Mu-shidi mentioned to me one time that it is really bitter.’ Jiupup spoke up. Jiupup was hoping maybe there would be some other herbs that he could eat instead.

-We can’t help it but it is the cure for everything for small pups like you. Everything else would be either too strong or too weak.- His Baba explained, then he looked around and went toward a peach tree to their left. Jiupup followed after him.

Then, Baba picked one peach and put it on a basket.

-You can eat this after you eat the herb. What do you think, A-Jiu? Hmm.-

Jiupup puffed his cheeks.

-Some herbs which are harmless to you in your human form might affect you differently when you eat them in your pup form. The opposite applies as well.- His Baba explained patiently as they walked back to the blue leaved plants.

***

-Baba hopes that the peach could help with the bitter after taste. One leaf is enough. Baba knows that A-Jiu can do it.-

The adult wolf nudged him softly toward the herb. Jiupup looked at the plant with a nervous glance.

-Come on, A-Jiu. You can do it. Baba believes in you.-

Jiupup gulped but he took a step forward.

***

-Wait.-

The adult wolf halted. Jiupup whose mouth was so close to snap at one of the leaves, immediately turned his small fluffy body around.

‘What’s wrong, Baba?’

-Let’s go back to our den. We can see our qiankun pouches first. Baba suddenly remember the dragon couple gave you some gifts. Maybe they have something for this too.-

His Baba took the basket containing the peach between his teeth and motioned for Jiupup to walk in front of him.

Jiupup was relieved that he didn’t have to eat the bitter leaf. Jiupup immediately rushed toward their den once again.

***

In no time, they were already back in the den and were checking the qiankun pouches from the storage compartments.

His Baba took out a few small pills.

They sniffed on the pills before his Baba nodded to himself.

-I think it should be the red one, A-Jiu.-

‘Red one? Is it bitter?’ Jiupup asked worriedly.

-I don’t think so. Baba told them that you don’t like bitter ones.-

‘Ok. I will eat one now.’ Jiupup felt reassured somehow.

-Mhmm. Go ahead.-

***

Jiupup blinked when he tasted a fruity taste from the pill. It felt more like eating a candy than a pill. He continued to chew on the candy pill.

A few moments later, Jiupup could feel something warm in his meridian.

-Oh, great. It seems that it works.- His Baba commented after awhile.

‘Really?’ Jiupup perked up as he stood on his four fluffy paws.

-Yes. Let’s go back to Qing Jing Peak, A-Jiu.- His Baba nuzzled at him affectionately.

‘En!’

/Qing Jing Peak Lord's POV/

Meanwhile in Qing Jing Peak

Song Anli pursed her lips behind her fan. Her precious head disciple wasn’t in his abode last night even though he left Qian Cao Peak at noon yesterday. Where could he be?

Did he suffer some side effects from the treatment? Why didn’t he tell anyone? Why didn’t he tell her?

In front of her, there were old books and old scrolls of various spiritual wolves, from regular spiritual wolves to heavenly celestial ones. There were also books about demonic ones. All of them were scattered on her table. She was glad that she refused to lend some of these to the old coot years ago. Otherwise, it would be complicated to ask Huan Huan Palace to return these books back. These things should never fall into their hands.

She looked up toward the sky at dawn as she spotted the adult black wolf was arriving in her peak. She squinted her eyes to see that indeed there was a small white blob on his shoulder. The white blob should be the white wolf pup.

As for the adult one that looked like a blackmoon wolf, she had a feeling that it wasn’t. She needed to talk with her shidi in Ling You Peak. He just returned yesterday from his mission. So, she could visit him today.

And the small white wolf pup only showed up occasionally. After seeing the white wolf pup with her own two eyes in Qiong Ding Peak, she had the need to know its origin.

It wasn’t something uncommon for her shidi to accept spiritual beasts who were seeking temporary shelter to stay, specifically those who had small pups or cubs. Especially, if they were also pursued by vicious people like those from the old coot’s sect. Ling You Peak was originally created for this very reason. Some greedy cultivators still saw even heavenly celestial beasts as ingredients.

***

Two shichen later, she called Shen Jiu to her office. He already finished doing his morning duties. She didn’t spot anything amiss from him, physically. He looked well rested. She was glad to see it. 

“Shen-shizhi.”

“Shizun.”

“How is the treatment going yesterday? Did you have enough rest?” Song Anli asked while asking to check her disciple’s wrist.

“It went well, Shizun. Yes, this disciple did.” Shen Jiu replied as he gave his wrist to Song Anli.

Song Anli carefully inspected her disciple’s meridian and qi. Despite her high cultivation, she couldn’t really find any protection seal on him. Or maybe, the one who put the seal was even stronger than her. That’s why she couldn’t detect it. Hmm.

Other than that, he was healing well. She could see an improvement from his meridian’s state last month. His qi reserve was always huge, but the pathways were crooked and ruined after the poisoning attempt.

If left untreated, his qi was bound to overwhelm his weak and crumbling meridian which in result made him more prone to qi deviation as he advanced in his cultivation. She was glad that the treatment was successful. Each month, she could clearly see a gradual progress from the treatment. Perhaps, that time he went to visit that medicinal hot spring outside of the sect was also one of the reasons.

Song Anli, furrowed her eyebrows when she finally felt something running through his veins. But, it didn’t feel malicious. It was even protective of him. Did her disciple encountered something during that hot spring visit? Well, her disciple needed as much allies as possible. After a few seconds, it vanished from her watch. Hmm. Interesting.

“You are healing well, Shen-shizhi. This master is glad. Now, come along with this master to the music pavilion. Help her with a new piece.”

“Yes, shizun.”

For a few hours after that, they spent working on the new piece together. It would be their project for the upcoming week.

***

In the afternoon, she went to see her shidi in Qian Cao Peak to check the ingredients of her head disciple’s monthly treatment.

“Song-shijie, is there something wrong with the lists?” Her shidi asked across from her. They were staring intently at the scroll. When they discussed about these ingredients before the first treatment, she thought that all of them were fine. They had double checked everything.

“This shijie is just concerned about whether any of them has any hidden side effects.” Song Anli answered honestly.

The Qian Cao Peak Lord got alerted. “Did something happen to Shen-shizhi?”

“This shijie is not entirely sure about that. Tell this shijie again, are there any side effect of the ingredients?”

“So far, they are safe for humans, Song-shijie doesn’t need to be worried.” Song Anli nodded at that.

“Unless, Shen-shizhi is not as fully human as we originally thought he was…” The Qian Cao Peak Lord trailed off.

Song Anli snapped her fan shut.

“But, this shidi had double checked with Wu-shidi. All of them are fairly safe for spiritual beasts and those who gained human forms or their descendants. You know that our sect accepts disciples regardless of their background after all.”

Song Anli pursed her lips.

***

On the way to Qing Jing Peak, she recalled that some of the spiritual wolves could gain their human form after cultivating. A few rare and stronger ones could even start in their human form and switch back and forth with their other form.

So, perhaps these two wolves should be in this category.

But, the pup was so small, its human form would be a child, right? Not a teenager? But, her head disciple had a difficult childhood, it might stunt his growth if he wasn’t fully human as they thought he was and if he also had another form. Did he get separated from his parents in his early childhood?

She needed to look for the information if there were any spiritual beast clans which were besieged around at least more than ten years ago. Yes, she could work from there.

From the corner of her eyes, she spotted her head disciple was cultivating near the clearing in the Bamboo Forest. The adult wolf was nearby. But, she couldn’t find the small white wolf pup. Did it hide under the adult wolf’s fur?

But, if her head disciple turned out not to be fully human at all..., she needed to adjust his training to suit him better. First, she needed to gather more information.

/Shen Jiu's POV/

The next night, Shen Jiu was working on his paperwork while his Baba was looking at some scrolls which Shen Jiu borrowed from the Qing Jing Peak library.

Suddenly, they heard a tapping sound from his windows. He turned his head to see the Griffin chick whom he met two days ago in Qiong Ding Peak. It carried a small cloth bundle around its neck.

He immediately went to open the window. The griffin chick swooped into the room immediately. Then, it put the cloth bundle on the floor in front of it. The cloth had the signature color of Ling You Peak, pale earth color. They exchanged greetings soon after.

-I promised you the other day that I will send you some peaches from the Qiong Ding Peak. Please try them, A-Jiu.- The Griffin chick chirped.

Shen Jiu blinked in surprise. His heart felt warm to know that someone kept their promise to him.

‘I-I am really grateful, thank you.’ Shen Jiu said as he sat stupefied on the floor in front of the griffin chick and the bundle.

The griffin chick flew toward him and n

uzzled his head affectionately.

-You are always welcome, A-Jiu.-

Shen Jiu pulled the Griffin chick for a hug and patted its body a few times.

‘Please wait a moment. I want to give something to you in return.’ Shen Jiu said as he recalled that he might have something for the Griffin chick.

-Sure, A-Jiu!-

The Griffin chick floated behind him.

***

In a basket, there were berries which were found only in Qing Jing Peak.

-Oh! They are my favorite berries from your peak, A-Jiu! My siblings told me that they are in season at the same time as the peaches in Qiong Ding Peak.-

‘I am glad that you like them.’ Shen Jiu said as he moved the peaches into another empty basket and put the berries into the cloth bundle in exchange.

After fastening the ties around the bundle, the griffin chick was ready to go to Ling You Peak.

-Get well soon, A-Jiu! See you next time! Bye bye Uncle!-

-Bye. See you next time.-

The griffin chick nuzzled his head again before it went out of the window and flew away in the direction of Ling You Peak.

***

The next day, Yue Qingyuan came to visit him to give him some trinkets which he bought during his latest outing from the sect. Yue Qingyuan just returned back this afternoon after accompanying the sect leader to an intersect meeting.

Yue Qingyuan was banned from visiting him during his monthly treatment by Mu Qingfang, because their interactions made Shen Jiu get stressed even more. So, he usually came after Shen Jiu was back in his peak.

Somehow, his Baba perked up when he saw the jade hairpin, as if he recognized it.

-It would really suit you, A-Jiu. You should wear it.-

‘En.’ It was also his favorite one among Yue Qingyuan's gifts in his first life. It had the same color as his eyes.

Chapter Text

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

Yue Qingyuan was happy when he saw Xiao Jiu accepted the gift.

It just looked perfect on him whenever Xiao Jiu wore it in their first life. He was looking for it in their second life, but he couldn’t find it anywhere in any auctions. This time, he found it from the same auction as in his first life. It was strange.

“Yue-shixiong, this shidi-”

Xiao Jiu was about to say more when they felt Song-shigu’s qi approaching. He saw Xiao Jiu clenched his fists.

He couldn’t stay for too long, since Song-shigu called Xiao Jiu to send a package to Wan Jian Peak.

With that, he sadly bid his farewell to Xiao Jiu. He would visit him again later.

***

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

Shen Jiu passed by the Hall of Repentance on his way to get the package. Some of his shidis were currently being punished by writing some scrolls 100 times after being whipped. This kind of punishment was considered a severe abuse if it was him doing it to his disciples. Here, though, it was normal. None of the ex-disciples came back for a revenge against Song Anli even until her ascension. And she was even more strict than he was. He sighed weakly. Others always applied double standards at him.

At least now, he learned to stop giving remarks to others. They didn’t appreciate for being told or reminded of doing something wrong. Since he didn’t know how to say it nicely, he decided to just shut his mouth. Unless they asked first, he wouldn't comment on anything.

/Wei Qingwei's POV/

In Wan Jian Peak

Wei Qingwei was taking care of the rare swords dutifully while talking with the spiritual swords. Someone at Wei Qingwei’s level could already speak with spiritual swords. Usually, the sword spirits would tell him interesting stories.

One of the rare high tier spiritual swords on the display suddenly floated in the air.

-Oohh, it smells so heavenly. It must be the virgin Qing Jing Peak head disciple. It is quite rare of him to visit us. Don’t mind me, Wei-shizhi. Just continue whatever you are doing.- A certain sword said to Wei Qingwei as it zoomed past him.

“Please wait, Elder Yan Zhen!”

Wei Qingwei immediately rushed after the eccentric spiritual sword. This troublesome sword, it always requested to accompany him to the peak lords meeting in his previous two lives just to get closer to Shen-shixiong. And every time, the sword always told him that Shen-shixiong remained untouched.

But then, what was Shen Qingqiu doing in the brothels? Wei Qingwei didn’t really participate in isolating Shen Qingqiu. He just kept everything professionally. But, sometimes Qi Qingqi and Liu Qingge went too far in antagonizing Shen Qingqiu. There were times when he just wanted to disclose that information, but a glare from Shen Qingqiu stopped him every single time. He should have done something during those time. As always, regret came later. He was also at fault for not doing anything, considering that he was third in seniority.

In the second life, when Hong Jing didn’t even react, it was the Yan Zhen sword who told him that the Shen Qingqiu after that fever was different.

Elder Yan Zhen said that the soul was replaced.

But, no matter which treasures they used, there was nothing they could do to eject the impostor from Shen Qingqiu’s body. He had to do some research on this. The problem was, Xu-shimei and Li-shidi didn’t have their memories of the previous two lives. And he needed their helps. As for the half heavenly demon brat, they needed to start planning to deal with him.  

***

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

When he arrived in Wan Jian Peak, he pursed his lips. The whole peak was always noisy, since it was basically the peak for blacksmithing. He immediately looked for any Wan Jian Peak disciples to ask the where-about of either the peak lord or Wei Qingwei.

Some disciples told him that the Wan Jian Peak Lord was in his office. Meanwhile, Wei Qingwei was on the other side of the peak, taking care of the rare spiritual swords. He shouldn’t bother his shidi then. So, he made his way to the Wan Jian Peak Lord’s office.

The disciples offered to accompany him but he refused. They seemed to be busy with their own tasks. He didn’t want to bother them. Anyway, he already knew the way. So, he was just walking briskly.

After some time, he couldn’t help but feel as if he was being watched. He met several disciples on his way to the peak lord’s office. They were talking in whispers when they spotted him. He saw they did a double take to somewhere behind him.

***

Shen Jiu turned around and indeed there was a floating spiritual sword behind him.

It was the sword which he had to prick his finger one time. The weird thing was his blood didn’t stain the sword. It continued to glow until the blood vanished. It was the Yan Zhen sword which was used to detect whether someone was virgin or not. Apparently, some herbs and treasures reacted differently if they were being used by people who were still pure or not.

Shen Jiu narrowed his eyes, but the sword seemed to be vibrating in excitement. Was it that excited to see him? But, he felt Xiu Ya was restless and agitated in the present of this particular sword. Around him, there were murmurs of the Wan Jian Peak disciples. He also spotted several disciples from other peaks. He gripped his fan tighter. There would be some new nasty rumours after this. Yes, definitely.

“Shen-shixiong!”

Shen Jiu turned his head to the side to see Wei Qingwei was rushing toward him.

“Wei-shidi, this shixiong is here for some errands. This shixiong is wondering why the sword is following this shixiong around.”

Wei Qingwei coughed awkwardly. “The sword seems to have a liking to Shen-shixiong.”

“It won’t suddenly try to stab this shixiong, right?” Shen Jiu asked with a hint of worry in his voice.

“No, it won’t. Is Shen-shixiong going to shifu’s office?” Wei Qingwei immediately replied.

“En.” Shen Jiu nodded.

“This shidi will accompany you, then.”

“If Wei-shidi is busy, this shixiong can go alone.”

“Ah, this shidi is also going to shifu’s office. Shifu told this shidi to come when the package from Qing Jing Peak arrives.”

“All right.”

Then, Wei Qingwei carefully grasped the floating sword. Together, they started their walk to the Wan Jian Peak Lord’s office.

***

When they reached the Wan Jian Peak Lord’s office, the man was doing some paperwork.

“Ah, Qingwei, Shen-shizhi. Come in.”

“Shifu.”

“Huang-shishu.”

They were told to wait behind the table in the middle of the office. Peak Lord Huang then joined them a few seconds later. He raised an eyebrow when he gazed at the sword in Wei Qingwei's arms.

“Huang-shishu, this shizhi is here to send a package from Shizun.” Shen Jiu said as he took out a qiankun pouch from his sleeves.

“Thank you, Shen-shizhi.”

***

After he returned from Wan Jian Peak, in the afternoon, Zhang Qingjiu, Xu Qingxiu and Li Qingyou arrived in Qing Jing Peak. They were here to visit him too.

“Shen-shixiong.” The three head disciples chorused a greeting.

“Li-shidi, Zhang-shidi, Xu-shimei.”

Zhang-shidi was bringing some spiritual food which he wanted him to try. Li-shidi had some new blend of tea while Xu-shimei found an interesting book from an auction. She said that the whole book was empty. It was supposed to be a journal from a fallen clan. No one could break the seal securing the book’s content. Li-shidi became interested too.

After awhile, Li-shidi furrowed his eyebrows.

“It is tied by bloodline.”

“Is that so? No wonder this shimei couldn’t do anything at all.” Xu Qingxiu tapped her chin while thinking.

“Will it be safe though?” Zhang Qingjiu asked from where he peered into the blank book in Li Qingyou’s arms.

“Yes, this shimei has checked it.”

***

In the end, Xu Qingxiu gave the book to him, so he could do some research on it.

***

Half a shichen later, Shen Jiu was just about to send the other three head disciples off when he heard Zhen Gui calling him.

-A-Jiu!- Shen Jiu turned his head toward where Zhen Gui was rushing excitedly. Zhen Gui jumped and Shen Jiu caught him in mid-air. Soon, he felt soft furs and a tongue licking his face.

-A-Jiu, I miss you so much!-

‘Welcome back, Zhen Gui. I also miss you.’ Shen Jiu said as he got a good look of the blackmoon wolf pup in his arms. He was happy that Zhen Gui finally arrived in Qing Jing Peak this afternoon.

Several squeals were heard in the background.

They forgot that they reunited in the middle of the courtyard where there were other Qing Jing Peak disciples.

The three other head disciples were smiling at them warmly.

“Hello, little one!” Xu Qingxiu greeted Zhen Gui. The other two followed suit.

Zhen Gui turned his body around and barked a greeting to them.

“He said hello.” Shen Jiu translated while holding Zhen Gui in his arms.

“He is still as adorable as ever, Shen-shixiong!” Xu Qingxiu exclaimed.

“En.”

***

In the evening, his Baba insisted that they reviewed the plants books.

-A-Jiu, now that Zhen Gui is also here, we can start reviewing the spiritual plants.-

-Ok!-

‘Alright.’

Then, the three of them sat around a book where his baba explained about which plants were safe for pups and which ones were not. So Shen Jiu could be aware of which plants to avoid while he was in his human form or pup form. Some plants were poisonous if he ate them while he was in his human form. But, it was fine for him to eat them in his pup form.

After one shichen, they were done for the day, they would continue again tomorrow night. Shen Jiu also felt happy that he had a parent figure who fussed over him. After their study session, Shen Jiu seemed to be contemplating something. Then, he took a message talisman and started writing.

***

At first, Shen Jiu wanted to confront Yue Qingyuan this morning when he came for a visit. Too bad that it was interrupted. In the end, he decided to send a message talisman to him an incense stick ago. He had to do this soon, since next week, there would be some preparation for an internal scholarly event in Qing Jing Peak. The event itself would be held the week after that. As the head disciple, he would be very busy.

A message talisman alerted him that Yue Qingyuan had replied to him. So fast. He agreed to come to his abode in two days as requested. Yue Qingyuan told him in his letter that he would also free up his schedule in that day and asked him if he wanted to come down the mountain together with him after their talk.

What gave him this much courage? What happened?

His Baba shared a look with Zhen Gui for two seconds when he asked their opinion about it. His Baba mumbled that it was 200 years too early for all of this. His pup was still too young. Shen Jiu didn’t know what he was talking about. Besides, it was just Yue Qi who was kind of a brother figure to him.

-If you decide to go, I will definitely come with you, A-Jiu! If he tries anything weird, I can protect you!- Zhen Gui said with a determined look.

‘Alright, you can come too. We can see the town together. It will be a good trip.’ Shen Jiu nodded to himself.

-Yay! Uncle what should I bring along for the trip?- Zhen Gui immediately turned to ask the adult wolf for advice.

-Hmm, let’s see.-

Shen Jiu then proceeded to write his reply and sent another message talisman to Yue Qingyuan.

***

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

Imagine his surprise when he received a message talisman from Xiao Jiu in the evening. His hands trembled upon reading it. Xiao Jiu said that he wanted to resolve some of his heart demons, and he admitted that they were connected to their past. Xiao Jiu directly asked his willingness to speak out. If he didn’t wish to open up, Xiao Jiu told him not to even bother coming anymore to visit him.

He hurriedly replied.

After he poured whatever was weighing his mind to the small pup that day, he realized that perhaps it would be better to just tell Xiao Jiu what happened. He already failed to be his hero, time and time again. Perhaps, he could also mend their broken relationship. He shouldn’t wait until it was too late. In his second life, he confessed to the wrong Shen Qingqiu. Which meant that in the previous two lives, Xiao Jiu never knew. His heart clenched at that thought. From his soul bound with Xuan Su, he could feel the sword was scoffing at him.

-Reckless brat. Just man up already and fix your problem.-

Yue Qingyuan whimpered. If only it was as easy as it could be.

-Just talk with him. Why is it so difficult? What are you waiting for?-

Yue Qingyuan sighed upon listening to the Elder Xuan Su’s scolding. It was kind weird actually. After the pup’s visit, suddenly, he could hear Elder Xuan Su talking to him and nagging at him. Before, it was just a constant buzz in his mind. Elder Xuan Su acted more like an exasperated grandpa to him.

In the end, in his message talisman, he also asked if Xiao Jiu wanted to go down the mountain with him after their talk.

-Good. Now you need to prepare a homemade offering for your precious shidi.-

He would clear his schedule for that day and requested his shifu's permission. His shifu was always understanding. Then, he needed to gather ingredients to prepare Xiao Jiu’s favorite sweet.

***

Yue Qingyuan went to his shifu’s office the next day to ask him to be allowed to go down the mountain. Fortunately for him, the Qing Jing Peak Lord was also there. So, he asked her permission to take Xiao Jiu along.

“It is a good idea. This master can arrange it. Shen-shizhi has been cooped up in the sect for months. Going down the mountain once would be good for him. But,” Song Anli’s eyes were searching him.

“But?” The sect leader raised an eyebrow.

“You need to promise this master that he will be safe the entire time. If something happens to him, forget even stepping a single foot on my peak.” Song Anli looked at Yue Qingyuan in the eyes, threatening him.

Yue Qingyuan gulped. He was always aware of how overprotective Xiao Jiu’s shifu was.

“Song-shigu could count on this shizhi.” Yue Qingyuan said determinedly.

“Good.” Song Anli said while peering down at him from behind her opened fan.

Yue Qingyuan sighed inwardly. It was always nerve-wrecking to speak with Song-shigu. She was scarier than the Sect Leader.

-That woman was as scary as the previous Qing Jing Peak Lord four generations back. Forget that, all of them were scary.- Elder Xuan Su commented.

/Shen Jiu's POV/

Two days later

When Shen Jiu opened his door in the morning, there was a blue horned rabbit’s corpse on his doorstep.

He pursed his lips.

-What’s wrong, A-Jiu?- Zhen Gui who was trotting behind him asked.

“A prank.” Shen Jiu mumbled.

-Prank?- Zhen Gui nudged the door to open wider and slid past him.

Shen Jiu just nodded while seething in anger.

-Ooh, this rabbit meat is tasty, A-Jiu. We should cook it! I heard from my baba that it is difficult to capture this rabbit.-  Zhen Gui said as he gazed at the corpse.

‘But, the blood is seeping through my doorstep. Either it is a prank, or someone was bragging about their hunting skill. Everyone knows that I couldn’t go outside of the sect for the past few months.I wont get jealous about this.’ Shen Jiu scowled.

-Hmm. But, baba didn’t sense any malicious intent the whole night, A-Jiu.-

Shen Jiu looked around the surrounding of his small abode. Should he report this to his shizun?

***

/Liu Qingge's POV/

A few trees away from them, Liu Qingge was hiding. He was making sure that Shen Jiu received his gift. Seeing the scowl on his shixiong’s face, he pursed his lips.  

Did he not like it? Was it not good enough? Sometimes, if it would be too complicated to cook, he would give it to Zhang Qingjiu so he could cook it for Shen Jiu. Maybe he shouldn’t give it directly to him yet.

When Shen Jiu was having his monthly treatment, Liu Qingge used the time to hunt some beasts for him to accelerate his recovery. He had pestered Shang Qinghua and Mu Qingfang about the lists of useful plants and beasts. He would hunt down something else next time. Shen Jiu needed to be strong enough so that qi-deviation induced fever wouldn’t happen again. 

Chapter Text

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

He was a bit nervous when it was about time to go to Qing Jing Peak. But, he had to do this. He was checking once again if his robes were smooth, without any wrinkles. He hoped that he was presentable to face Xiao Jiu. More importantly, he made sure that the qiankun pouch containing the sweets was there too. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself.

-Let’s go, brat. This old man can’t wait to meet Xiu Ya soon.- Elder Xuan Su hurried him. 

‘En.’

As he was rounding a corner he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. There was a new rumour about his Xiao Jiu after his latest visit to Wan Jian Peak. Apparently, according to some Wan Jian Peak disciples, one of the high tier swords seemed to be fond of him. 

-Of course. Who wouldn’t?.- Elder Xuan Su scoffed.

Yue Qingyuan agreed wholeheartedly with this statement. 

But Elder Xuan Su didn’t say anything else. Without wasting any more time, he took one of his spare spiritual swords out, and flew to Qing Jing Peak. 

***

/Qiong Ding Peak disciples POV/

The Qiong Ding Peak disciples took a single glance at their head disciple who looked immaculate as if he was about to go on a date or an outing with an important person. Well, they were quite aware of who his important person was. 

Their Da-shixiong was wearing his best attires, they could tell. His hair was neatly combed and secured in his hair crown. He was fiddling with a qiankun pouch which they suspected was a gift from Shen Jiu, the Qing Jing Peak head disciple, their Da-shixiong’s most important person.

There was a rumour circulating within the female disciples of Qiong Ding Peak that those two were childhood sweethearts. But, the male disciples could only see that Yue Qingyuan adored Shen Jiu like his own little brother. No one could replace Shen Jiu’s place in that regard. 

They wanted to support their Da-shixiong, because after all, Shen Jiu was the head disciple of the second peak in seniority. The future sect leader should have a good relation with the future tactician of the sect. They didn’t see anyone else from Qing Jing Peak coming close to replace Shen Jiu from his position, despite their backhanded tactics to sabotage him. At least those pretentious assholes got found out and expelled from the peak. Now, Qing Jing Peak seemed calmer than before.

Then, they watched as their Da-shixiong flew to Qing Jing Peak, as expected.  

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

Meanwhile in Qing Jing Peak, 

-Do you want us to be there as some type of emotional support?- His Baba who kept glancing toward Qiong Ding Peak’s direction, asked in concern. Yue Qingyuan was supposed to arrive anytime soon. They eventually spotted him heading toward Qing Jing Peak. 

‘No. don’t worry about it, Baba. I can handle it.’ Shen Jiu shook his head.

-Are you sure, A-Jiu?- Zhen Gui blinked next to him.

‘Mhmm. I am not the helpless small pup as in my other form.’

-You will always be my precious baby, in whichever form you are. Baba will always be there to support you.- His Baba nuzzled his head affectionately.

-Don’t leave me out either! A-Jiu can count on me! But A-Jiu, you are also adorable in your pup form! I like both of your forms!- Zhen Gui jumped on the spot several times.

Shen Jiu was speechless when he heard these reassuring words. Sometimes he forgot that he wasn’t alone anymore. Then, he opened his mouth. His heart felt warm. Shen Jiu was amazed by the fact that everything changed for the better after that rainy day he transformed into a small pup. In his previous lives, he was all alone and bitter. Now though, he had his Baba and Zhen Gui who stayed with him and accepted him as he was, with all his weaknesses. 

‘I will let you guys know if I don't think I can handle it anymore.’ He muttered softly. He could feel his cheeks burning, so he raised his fan a bit higher to hide it from their views. 

(He didn't know that his Baba and Zhen Gui could still see the tips of his ears getting red.)

His Baba and Zhen Gui sent him fond looks. 

Shen Jiu closed his fan and crouched to cuddle with Zhen Gui for a few seconds. 

-Alright, we respect your decision. But, we will always be there to help you out, right Zhen Gui?- 

-Yes! We will be in the backyard, A-Jiu! Let’s go, Uncle!- Zhen Gui exclaimed happily.

With that, the two wolves left the room to give him time to prepare. He sighed before he gripped his fan tighter.

***

Shen Jiu took a deep breath. As much as he was angry and hurt by what happened in the past two lives, he could do nothing about them. Everything had already happened. Whatever happened to him, including all those years of traumatic tortures inflicted on him by that deranged half demon disciple of his, had shaped and changed him. 

He didn’t think he could forgive those people (especially his ex-disciple who went too far) but forgetting what they did to him was difficult too. After all, he was the one who got the shortest end of the stick in both lifetimes. He was the one whom fate ruined for someone else she favoured. But still, it didn’t excuse his actions against Luo Binghe either. He was aware that he had been a shitty teacher. He deserved a good beating or two. But, still, he didn’t expect to be tortured to death for decades, either. Luo Binghe went too far. 

Luo Binghe had this kind of disgustingly strange view of the world when he came to the peak. With that kind of thinking, he wouldn’t survive the harsh world as soon as he left the peak. Shen Jiu’s way of teaching was to strengthen his brats to face the cruel world. The world was not kind. They would be dead if he didn’t teach them harshly. (But they still died in the end. All his efforts went in vain.)

His style of teaching definitely didn’t work on the brat. 

Encountering the younger Luo Binghe also didn’t make it any easier. It incited his trauma. He kept remembering the vengeful demon lord Luo Binghe would become in the future. He wondered what happened to him now. He should be happy that his cruel master had died early.

So, instead of feeling uncontrollable rages and bitterness, he just felt nothing like that now. Perhaps, he just didn’t care anymore? He was aware that he wasn’t forcing himself to stay in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect this time (even when the other head disciples were less hostile against him now). Was it the reason? Anyway, the more logical part of him thought that it would be better to leave the sect on a good term.

A knock snapped him out of his mind. He opened the door to see Yue Qingyuan smiling warmly at him. It seemed that he had arrived already. He wanted to smack that adoring look plastered on Yue Qingyuan’s face with his fan. How embarrassing. But, he stopped himself.

“Shen-shidi, good morning.” Yue Qingyuan’s polite greeting snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Yue-shixiong, please come in.” Shen Jiu greeted him back.

Shen Jiu busied himself by preparing the tea. While Yue Qingyuan was taking a box out of his qiankun pouch with so much care. As if he was afraid to break whatever it was inside the box. Then, Yue Qingyuan opened the box.

His eyes twitched upon seeing those mouth-watering sweets which Yue Qingyuan knew that he liked. He wondered how he found enough time to make them. Wasn’t he a busy future sect leader or something?

“This shixiong hopes the sweets are to your liking, Shen-shidi.” He sent him a blinding smile. He knew that Yue Qingyuan was a bit nervous. He was fiddling with his sleeves. Even after living for three lifetimes, some things never changed, huh?

***

For this third chance, he needed to change himself. There was no point in going the same path, doing the exact same thing and making the same mistakes. Otherwise, it would be called a repetition. Even a horse wouldn’t fall on the same spot two times. And repetition would lead into habits.

He could do this. In this third life, he deserved closure and it would start with Yue Qingyuan. It was better for him to be the one leaving, this time. He didn’t want to be the one being abandoned once again. He wouldn’t be able to take it. Then, he looked directly at Yue Qingyuan’s warm eyes. 

***

“Yue-shixiong.”

 “Shen-shidi.”

As soon as they sat around the table, each of them cradling their respective teacup, they spoke up at the same time. 

“You go first, Xi-Shen-shidi.” Yue Qingyuan said as he clutched his teacup with a fond and hopeful look. Shen Jiu sighed. He really wanted to smack him.

“This shidi just wants to resolve some of his inner heart demons. This shidi is hoping that Yue-shixiong would understand and could accommodate him with what he needs.”

Shen Jiu didn’t say that it was because he was so tired of being kept in the dark. Did he not even deserve the truth, like at all?! But, it was still too late to mend their already shattered- beyond saving- bond. If there was still any, at all.

“Ah.” Yue Qingyuan sighed. His expression seemed to be coated in guilt. As always. Shen Jiu couldn’t help but sneer. Yue Qingyuan visibly flinched.

Then, Shen Jiu took a deep breath. He should get this over with as soon as possible. 

“First of all, this shidi deserves closure, not constant apologies without any single explanation. How could this shidi forgive you if he doesn’t know what Yue-shixiong is apologising for. Moreover, isn’t this the third lifetime, Yue Qingyuan? How many more lifetimes should I wait for your damn explanation?” Shen Jiu said calmly while nursing his cup of tea. He sent a mean glare at him.

Well, he already knew that Yue Qingyuan came to the Qiu Household to rescue him. And Elder Xuan Su also told him some parts of his reason. But, he still wanted Yue Qingyuan to tell him directly while he was in his human form. He wanted Yue Qingyuan to explain the fact that he screwed up badly and was too guilty to admit it. He needed to make Yue Qingyuan talk this time. Even by force or some manipulation.

Yue Qingyuan visibly gulped. Was Yue Qingyuan unaware that he also retained his memories? 

“This whole time, I thought that you really left me to rot there in the Qiu Household after finding better things here.” Shen Jiu whispered.

Yue Qingyuan got alerted as he immediately opened his mouth. “Qi-Ge would never think like that. Xiao Jiu is precious to him.”

Shen Jiu scoffed. “Knowing what happened afterwards, I can hardly believe it. You never listen to my side of the story whenever everyone is against me. I just couldn’t accept how horrible I am in your eyes. What you said and what you did didn’t match at all.” 

Yue Qingyuan wilted and sported a sad look on his face but his mouth was still sealed shut. Damn it! 

“Yue Qingyuan, when will you tell me what happened?! I am tired of waiting! Have you ever thought that I deserve to know the truth?” Shen Jiu snapped as he stood up. Yue Qingyuan immediately rose from his seat. 

***

Yue Qingyuan took a deep breath and started speaking. “You are aware that Qi-Ge is reckless, aren’t you?” 

Shen Jiu just squinted his eyes at him. 

He then continued hesitantly. “I thought if I cultivated fast enough, I would be able to save you. But, disciples aren’t allowed to leave the sect until they receive their spiritual swords. To make the story short, I took a sword when I wasn’t ready yet to claim it.”

Shen Jiu gritted his teeth. Qi-Ge and his stupid hero complex. “Tell me more about it!”

“Because of that, I almost killed myself. And my shifu had to seal me in the Ling Xi Caves for a year in order to keep me alive. It was a grave mistake on my part. Since then, my soul is bound to Xuan Su. Every time i unsheathe it, it will decrease my lifespan. When I arrived at the Qiu Manor, what I saw was the result of the fire. I was so devastated that I thought you died in the fire. I was too late. Always too late.”

Shen Jiu closed his eyes and let out a ragged breath. He didn’t expect this harsh reality at all. Once Yue Qingyuan finished, Shen Jiu could feel something wet streaming down his face. How weak and pitiful of him to cry over this?! Shen Jiu threw his fan at Yue Qingyuan but the pitiful bastard caught it automatically.

“Why didn't you tell me that you still came in the end?! Why was it so difficult for you to say that?! Why did you wait for so long to tell me?!” his vision got blurry as tears were streaming down his face nonstop.

“It didn’t matter in the end. Qi-Ge still came too late to save you!”

“Stupid Qi-Ge! Was it that difficult to just tell me that you failed? I thought you left me to die there. As soon as you find your worth, you want to cast me aside like the heavy baggage that I am.” Shen Jiu said bitterly. His qi was erratic now.

“Qi-Ge would never think of you like that. You are always precious to him. Please calm down, Xiao Jiu. Your qi-urgh…” Yue Qingyuan toppled over after he was headbutted by Zhen Gui in the gut.

-How dare he make you cry! If I knew this would happen, I would have stayed with you! He deserved a good beating or two.-  He heard Zhen Gui who was bristling with rage. He was growling. He might have sensed the rolling tense qi coming in waves from inside the room.

Shen Jiu blinked his teary eyes as he gasped at the scene. Zhen Gui was standing protectively in front of him. Despite his small size, Shen Jiu somehow felt safe behind Zhen Gui. Shen Jiu took a few deep breaths. He could feel something licking his face. He turned his head to stare at his Baba who looked worried. 

-A-Jiu, is everything alright? Let Baba knows if you need anything.-

‘I am fine. I just got emotional.’ Shen Jiu said as he wiped his face with a handkerchief.

***

After a few seconds of tense silence, Shen Jiu uttered in a hoarse voice.

“You know, you could have sent someone to fetch me or something. If only you told me in the first place, I wouldn’t have become the monster that I was. That whole time, I thought I was abandoned, and you were allowing me to do anything because you felt guilty about it. I was bitter and in the end I got what I deserved and even more.” 

“I… Xiao Jiu, no one deserves that kind of tortures. When I received your severed legs, I didn’t think of anything else. I just grabbed Xuan Su and failed spectacularly on the supposed rescue mission. If it wasn’t for his traitorous head disciple, Wei-shidi wouldn’t have gotten killed by the northern demon lord. I was supposed to provide a distraction while he sneaked in to rescue you. He never made it, didn’t he?”

Shen Jiu was stunned before he shook his head. Wei Qingwei never reached his prison.

“He said he was so close to reach where they kept you. We almost succeeded. Almost. We could have succeeded if Qi-shimei joined us, but our sect was vulnerable at that time. She needed to stay to defend the sect.” 

So, they indeed had their memories and had some discussions about it.

-Tortures? Severed l-legs? What is he talking about, A-Jiu?!- His Baba seemed horrified as he nuzzled Shen Jiu in comfort.

To be honest, Shen Jiu wasn’t ready to tell his Baba yet. His Baba already had so many things in his mind. Shen Jiu didn't want to burden him even more.

-A-Jiu? What does he mean?- Zhen Gui was also distressed.

‘I-I will tell you both soon about it.’ Shen Jiu’s fingers were trembling.

-Tell Baba everything when you are ready. So that we can plan about what we should do next.- His Baba assured him.

‘Mnn. Thank you Baba for everything.’

-Take your time, A-Jiu.- Zhen Gui added in understanding.

Shen Jiu buried his face in the warm fur of his wolf baba’s neck. It felt calming. After a few seconds, he turned his head toward Yue Qingyuan again.

“You died with no remains left, Yue Qingyuan. I specifically told you not to come. Yet, you foolishly came into a visible trap, you even brought Wei-shidi along.” Shen Jiu grimaced. Well, Wei Qingwei was the third in seniority after all. It was understandable that he would join the dangerous mission. He didn't know what happened to Qi Qingqi after Yue Qingyuan’s failed rescue mission, but her own head disciple also chose Luo Binghe over the sect in the end. 

“When we were younger, I didn’t have the strength to save you. At that time, I thought, I could…”

“Listen, I would never ask you to sacrifice yourself nor risk your cultivation for me. I just wanted you to come back alive and well, whenever you were able to, of course. Even if you couldn’t even come at all for years, I would have understood as long as you explained to me about your situation. Instead what I got this whole time were guilty looks and useless apologies.” 

“It is indeed my cowardice to keep quiet about the whole thing. I don’t want to share the burden with you. In the end, I failed to keep my promise, time and time again.” Yue Qingyuan’s eyes were glassy.

“I am glad at least you didn’t blame me for leaving that cursed manor. Does it mean I was the one who broke the promise first?”

“No, you did the right thing by leaving. Qi-ge shouldn’t have told you to wait there. Qi-Ge should have taken you from that place, that night. It was Qi-Ge’s biggest mistake.”

“I should have told you that I would try to escape on my own, instead of waiting and wasting away there. You had no idea whatever happened to me there. If I waited a bit longer, I would have died. Even if I survived, I would have been ruined more. But still, I want to punch you for being so reckless and taking so long to tell me, Qi-Ge. Can I?” Shen Jiu whispered as he stared at Yue Qingyuan.

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

Yue Qingyuan nodded while he was bracing for the punches to come. “Qi-Ge deserves it.”

***

Two incense sticks later

Yue Qingyuan winced as he nursed his aching body. Xiao Jiu was really stronger now, compared to the other two lives. The small pup was so close to electrocuting him while the adult one was hovering in the background. He was glad that Xiao Jiu had these protective wolves with him.

“Xi-.”

“Don’t. Young Master Qiu used to call me with that name when he was punishing and torturing me. It brought back horrible memories.” Shen Jiu admitted. They were back to sit across from each other again.

Yue Qingyuan’s lips trembled. “So, that’s why you always reacted strongly against it. This Qi-ge is terribly sorry.”

Shen Jiu just clutched his fan tightly as he nodded.

“Then, Jiu-di?” Yue Qingyuan asked hopefully.

Shen Jiu snapped at that before he gritted his teeth while huffing.

“I guess it is better than the other one, but don’t call me that either in public.” 

“So, Qi-Ge can call you Jiu-di in private? Just like now?” He asked hopefully again.

Shen Jiu sighed as he massaged his temple. “I guess so.” 

They calmed down and started tidying the room.

“So, do you have anything else to ask, Jiu-di?”

/Shen Jiu's POV/

Shen Jiu pursed his lips.

“I have another question. What happened after I died in our second life?”

“Umm. it is…” Yue Qingyuan seemed unsure what to say about that. 

“Just tell me. Did the world end or what?”

“It’s not that. It’s just. Something weird happened. Mu-shidi told us that you indeed died for 2 seconds but your heartbeats suddenly returned. Then, a few days later you woke up and acted completely different from your usual self.”

Shen Jiu was speechless. He definitely died there. Was it a weird case of possession?

“I remember I died from that fever, then I woke up in the Qiu Household again in this timeline. After that, I started planning for my escape.”

Yue Qingyuan shook his head. 

“Actually, ‘you’ indeed woke up and behaved differently.”

Shen Jiu scoffed and made a random guess. “How was it different? Suddenly, I started favoring Luo Binghe, for example?”

Yue Qingyuan nodded. He seemed to stop himself from saying more. 

“Impossible!” Shen Jiu snapped his fan shut while frowning.

“It is a severe case of possession. Not any single immortal treasure could pinpoint the case. Even Hong Jing didn’t react. Wait, Wei-shidi mentioned that Yan Zhen sword was the one who told him that the soul was replaced.”

“Yan Zhen sword?”

Yue Qingyuan hummed.

Meanwhile, his Baba and Zhen Gui were getting more restless in the background. 

-Replaced?! Baba will never allow someone to replace you, A-Jiu! We need to evacuate soon!-

-Yes, uncle! I don't want A-Jiu to be replaced too! What should we do?!- Zhen Gui was also panicking.

-I need to ask some help from the dragon elders. Perhaps, I could get in contact with the elusive fox clan. They would have some treasures for that.-

-Are we going for another trip?- Zhen Gui asked once again. He was always distracted about going on trips.

-A-Jiu can’t leave the mountain for now. You need to stay with him while I am gone.-

-I see. Then, Uncle can count on me!- Zhen Gui announced resolutely.

***

Shen Jiu focused his attention back on Yue Qingyuan.

“But, did the soul harm the sect or something? Who could be strong enough to do that? A heaven official?”

“No, in fact, he saved it many times. Qi-Ge also didn't know. But, Qi-Ge is more than glad that he can reunite with you here.”

Shen Jiu massaged his temple.

“So, how did you come to this timeline then? Did everyone die first?”

Yue Qingyuan shook his head. “No, something suddenly happened one day. There were some strange voices in the sky. I remembered the other you and the other Shang-shidi got paled upon hearing whatever the voice said to us. They immediately talked in a different language with the odd entity. They were both engulfed in bright lights which Luo Binghe and Mobei-jun immediately jumped forward without second thought. Then, they were all gone in an instant. The voice said something afterwards, and I got a terrible headache and I blacked out. I woke up once again in the Ling-Xi caves.”

Shen Jiu munched on the osmanthus cake from the box. Then, he muttered out loud.

“I really need a break after all of this information. To think that someone possessed my body after I died there. Unbelievable.”

“Then, do you still want to go down the mountain?” Yue Qingyuan asked hopefully.

Shen Jiu raised his eyebrow as he jabbed Yue Qingyuan’s bruised ribs with his fan. “But, you need to pay for everything.”

“Of course, Jiu-di.” 

Chapter Text

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

Shen Jiu and the wolves were waiting for Yue Qingyuan who was adjusting his robes behind the privacy screen. To pass the time, Shen Jiu was checking their emergency qiankun pouches. Zhen Gui was following him around as usual.

Hmm. Let’s see. Some sleeping bags, jars of medicines to treat wounds and poisons, spare robes, some ropes, handkerchiefs, small knives, daggers, qi restoration pills, Zhen Gui’s dried meat snacks, the spiritual rose, empty qiankun pouches to store their purchases…what else?

Oh, he almost forgot that he wanted to buy some new paints for his paintings. He ran out of them. If there were any interesting looking fans, he might also want to buy one or two. And he needed to buy more books too. Anyway, Qi-Ge would pay for everything. He needed to use this opportunity.

Yue Qingyuan told him that there would be an auction about cultivation supplies tonight. Maybe, he could get some useful things as well. Baba might be interested in some of them too.

-A-Jiu, Baba changes his mind. Maybe, Baba should also come along with you.- His Baba looked restless as he paced the room back and forth.

Shen Jiu blinked. It was kind of understandable that his Baba would be worried. But, he would be fine. After all, he was only going to the town below their mountain range. It was supposed to be safe there. The town was under the sect’s protection. And Yue Qingyuan was coming along with them. 

‘Don’t worry, Baba. I will be fine. And Zhen Gui is coming with me too.’ Shen Jiu tried to reassure his fretting Baba.

-Baba, can make himself smaller, so he can tag along too. What do you think?- Suddenly, there was a poof around his Baba and he turned much smaller than usual. 

‘Alright then.’ Shen Jiu relented.

-Great! So all three of us can go together!- Zhen Gui exclaimed happily . 

***

Shen Jiu blinked. Did it mean that if he practised, his usual pup form could be bigger?! He wouldn't be stuck in such a tiny pup form anymore.

‘Baba can you teach me how to make my pup form bigger next time?’ Shen Jiu inquired.

His Baba unfortunately shook his head.

-Unfortunately no. It is still dangerous for you to do that. You need to grow normally first.-

Shen Jiu visibly deflated. His lips were pouting.

‘But, I am so small in my pup form.’

-A-Jiu is still a young little pup. Of course, you would be small. And don’t compare your growth with Zhen Gui, their growth is much faster than ours.-

-Don’t worry A-Jiu. I can carry you on my back when you are in your pup form, whenever you get tired!- Zhen Gui’s tail was swishing so fast.

‘It’s not what I mean, Zhen Gui.’ Shen Jiu huffed.

-But, I like both of your forms, A-Jiu! You should be proud of them!-

‘...’

His Baba scooted closer to nuzzle him. Shen Jiu sighed as he buried his face in the fluffy fur.

-Don’t worry, A-Jiu. Just enjoy your time.-

***

After he was done checking his emergency supplies and sulking, Shen Jiu unconsciously took a tanghulu from the sweet box on the table. He didn't want to be wasteful, alright?! He didn’t eat much during his talk with Yue Qingyuan. Now after all of that talk and confrontation, he was a bit hungry. He couldn’t believe he ugly cried not too long ago. At least, it was only in front of Yue Qingyuan, not anyone else. Otherwise, his thin face wouldn’t be able to handle the aftermath. His cheeks burned with embarrassment. 

-Does it taste good, A-Jiu?- Zhen Gui’s voice snapped him out of his muse.

‘Mhmm.’ He would never admit it to Yue Qingyuan’s face though. He quickly chewed it and chose something else from the box. He took one mooncake.

After he finished a couple of mooncakes, Yue Qingyuan finally emerged from the privacy screen.

“Hmmph, took you long enough.” Shen Jiu snapped his fan.

“Sorry, Jiu-di.”

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

When he came out of the changing screen, he made sure that Shen Jiu already ate a few of the sweets which he brought along. Yue Qingyuan’s eyes softened.

Shen Jiu just huffed cutely while covering half of his face with his fan. He always did whenever he was embarrassed. Yue Qingyuan stared at his beloved brother with adoration. He would do anything to protect him now, in this life. If only he had explained things early in their first life, perhaps none of those tragedies would befall them. Shen Jiu would have been safe. He clenched his fist.

Yue Qingyuan was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t realise when Shen Jiu approached him. 

“You spent a long time there but your collar is still crooked. Aren’t you the future sect leader?”

Yue Qingyuan held his breath while his precious brother fixed his outer robe for him. He wanted to embrace him in his arms like how they used to huddle together when they were still little kids, but he stopped himself. 

“Now, you look better.” Shen Jiu said as he stepped back.

“Thank you, Jiu-di.” Yue Qingyuan sent him a doting smile.

“Hmmph.”

***

Yue Qingyuan immediately agreed when Shen Jiu told him that the wolves wanted to tag along. 

“He hasn’t come down the mountain yet to visit the town.” Shen Jiu said while looking at the excited small pup. At least the small pup wasn’t growling in agitation at him anymore.

“Of course they can come.” Yue Qingyuan nodded in agreement.

How could he deny his precious brother anything? The wolf pup looked elated already for the trip. How could he say no?

His eyes teared up when he saw the wolf pup jumping into Shen Jiu’s arms to nuzzle him. He was glad that his brother had such a genuine and affectionate companion. He noticed that Shen Jiu smiled at the wolf pup. He wished that he would be the one Shen Jiu smiled at.

Then, he recalled that there should be a white wolf pup as well. But, where was it hiding? He started looking around the room. Why did it hide from him, of all people? He started looking under the cabinets and the bed to see if there was any white fluffball. But, there was none so far. Where could it be?

“What are you looking for, Qi-Ge?”

“Jiu-di, if you don't mind me asking. Where is the white wolf pup?” Yue Qingyuan asked from his crouching position, he was looking up at Shen Jiu.

His precious brother stammered cutely before he huffed. “It is not here, right now. Let’s go.”

“That’s too bad. I also want him to come along.” Yue Qingyuan deflated. He missed the small and fluffy white wolf pup. Maybe it was on another adventure to visit a different peak. Such an adventurous and brave little one. The pup really took after Jiu-di. He wondered which peak it was visiting this time. He hoped that he could meet the little one again soon. 

***

Yue Qingyuan looked again at the jade hairpin which Shen Jiu was wearing now. It really matched his eyes. It was difficult to find gems with the same shade of colour as his eyes.

“It looks really good on you, Jiu-di.”

As they casted a glance around the room one last time, Yue Qingyuan noticed something in the corner.

“Jiu-di, what is that in the basket?” Yue Qingyuan saw some beast carcasses. It was a blue horned rabbit pelt. Did the adult wolf hunt it outside of the sect?

“Someone left it at the door as a prank this morning. The bloods dirtied the pathways.” Shen Jiu scowled irritably.

“Ah.” Yue Qingyuan frowned in concern.

‘Was it really a prank? Could it be that someone was threatening him? Is it a death threat? ’ Yue Qingyuan thought worriedly. 

“What are you going to do with that?” Yue Qingyuan then turned his head toward the scowling Shen Jiu and asked carefully.

“They are good for my cultivation. So, I am going to cook it. I had cut the meat and marinated it already.” Shen Jiu pursed his lips. 

Yue Qingyuan agreed on that decision. “Yes, you are right.” then he added. “Tell Qi-Ge if it happens again in the future.”

“I hope whoever it is, will stop pranking me. It is not funny at all. Then, let’s go.”

“En.” He hoped so too. Otherwise he would camp in Jiu-di’s backyard in order to catch the perpetrator. By looking at the carcass, he could see that the perpetrator was a skilled hunter. All the more reason to increase his guard up.

/Shen Jiu’s POV/ 

Eventually, they walked together toward the Qing Jing Peak main gate. They greeted a handful of Qing Jing Peak disciples who were suspiciously loitering outside. Shen Jiu noted that some of his shimeis eyes lit up upon seeing Yue Qingyuan. Of course. Now, he understood why. 

Hmmph. Qi-Ge was surely so popular. As expected of the future sect leader.

Shen Jiu turned his head to see that, instead, Yue Qingyuan was staring at him with a small relieved smile on his lips. He didn’t even pay attention to anyone else. Moreover, he looked happy. Ugh. Why did he have to act so embarrassingly? Why did he look glowing like that? 

“What’s wrong, Shen-shidi?” Yue Qingyuan’s eyes warmed even more when he locked eyes with him. 

“Nothing. Let’s go faster.”

Shen Jiu turned his head again to the path ahead of him. 

He quickened his pace and raised his fan higher to cover his face more. The wolves followed him closely.

“Of course.”

***

Once they were outside of the gate, Yue Qingyuan took a transportation talisman out. Shen Jiu clutched Yue Qingyuan’s sleeves before Yue Qingyuan activated the talisman.

In a blink of an eye, they had arrived at the forest near the town below Tian Gong Mountain range. From then on, they would start walking toward the town. They stopped once in a while when they found some useful herbs and plants along the way.

/Qing Jing Peak disciples/

“Did you see that?!” A female Qing Jing Peak disciple stage whispered. Everyone within the vicinity could hear her.

“Could it be that they are really going on a date?!” A younger Qing Jing Peak female disciple squealed in happiness.

Several scandalised gasps could be heard. 

“Should we tail after them? What if Yue-shixiong does something to our Da-shixiong?” One shidi uttered out loud. His voice was filled with clear worry. 

“But, the wolves are coming along with them.” One of the older female disciples tried to reassure him.

“What if they get ambushed? We need to save Da-shixiong!” The same shidi insisted.

The female disciples stared at each other.

“I think Yue-shixiong and the adult wolf are strong enough to protect him, then.” Someone added hopefully.

In the background, Song Anli only shook her head in disbelief. Her disciples really had one kind of imagination. 

Song Anli cleared her throat. Everyone immediately turned her/his head toward her.

“Shi-shifu!” They chorused in greetings.

“Just leave them be, for now. Yue-shizhi had asked this master for permission to take Shen-shizhi to visit the town.”

***

/Qi Qingqi’s POV/

Qi Qingqi was just returning from her mission. As she passed by Qing Jing Peak, she saw Shen Jiu, Yue Qingyuan and the wolves walking together toward Qing Jing Peak’s main gate. She squinted her eyes but she didn’t see a small white wolf pup with the group.

‘Are they going out? Is it even safe for Shen Jiu to go down the mountain? What if they get ambushed?’

Qi Qingqi decided to follow the small group.

/Wei Qingwei’s POV/

“Da-shixiong, where should this shidi put this box?”

“You can put it there, Bai-shidi.”

Wei Qingwei was currently accompanying his shidis to sell some of their swords and daggers which they made as practice. It was excellent for them to gain pocket money. The better quality ones were sent to the other peaks for sword practice. They also delivered to An Ding Peak if there were any other orders. Whatever their peak produced was also some source of income for their sect.

He looked around and spotted Shang Qinghua and his shidis who had just returned from doing a mission. It seemed that the mission didn’t go well. Most of them were injured. Wei Qingwei rushed toward the haggard looking disciples.

“Shang-shidi, you are back. What happened?” He asked worriedly.

“It was bad. We were ambushed by Wu Yanzi and his apprentice on the way back.” Shang Qinghua grumbled.

Wei Qingwei and his martial siblings gasped.

“The demonic cultivator?!” Bai-shidi choked out.

Shang Qinghua nodded gravely as he clenched his fists. “Indeed. But, we managed to subdue them. This shidi can’t spend too long here. We need to go to Qian Cao Peak as soon as possible. And this shidi had to file a report too, about the incident.”

“En. I am glad that you all have reached our territory safely.” Wei Qingwei nodded while sighing in relief. 

Then, a few of his juniors volunteered to help the An Ding Peak group. Wei Qingwei gave his approval. In no time, the group continued their journey.

*** 

Two incense sticks later, 

Wei Qingwei recalled that in the last 2 lifetimes, Wu Yanzi was killed during the last immortal alliance conference. But this time, the man was so slippery. Perhaps, it was because they didn’t encounter Yue Qingyuan in the event. And Shen Jiu wasn’t there as well.

“Da-shixiong, aren’t they?” Bai-shidi snapped him out of his thought.

Wei Qingwei looked toward where his shidi pointed at. He blinked as he spotted his two shixiongs and the wolves in the town.

“What happened to them? Where are they going?” Wei Qingwei was confused. 

This morning, he heard from his cousin from Qiong Ding Peak that Yue Qingyuan came over to Qing Jing Peak to ask Shen Jiu on a date. Impossible! It was too early for them. He could never expect how delusional his cousin could be.

There was no way. 

“Could it be that they are really on a date?” One of his shimeis gushed.

“Impossible.” Wei Qingwei widened his eyes.

***

“Wait! Isn’t that Qi-shimei?!” Wei Qingwei then looked around and spotted someone else.

Wei Qingwei then furrowed his eyebrows. Instead of focusing on the man next to him, Shen Jiu seemed to focus on the blackmoon wolf pup in his arms. Yue Qingyuan looked like he was just tagging along and carrying their purchases. He wondered what kind of date it was. 

Nevertheless, their future sect leader looked whipped. Finally, he acted like a real doting older brother to Shen Jiu. Shen Jiu should work him to the bone. But, Yue Qingyuan looked happy and there was a real smile on his face. He could never understand their relationship. Did they manage to solve some of their problems?

At Shen Jiu’s feet, there was also a black wolf with white coloured fur on its legs. The wolf was as tall as Shen Jiu’s hips. It was walking between Shen Jiu and Yue Qingyuan, like some type of barrier. All in all, it just looked like a family outing to him. He squinted again. Other people really had overactive imagination.

Hmm. Wasn’t it the adult wolf which visited their peak last time to pick its small pup? He was confused when he didn’t spot the white wolf pup among them. 

Shen Jiu carried the blackmoon wolf pup with one arm when Yue Qingyuan handed him a tanghulu stick. They could see the happy emotion in Shen Jiu’s eyes as he devoured the tanghulu in seconds. So, the rumours about him having a sweet tooth was true then. He could bring some sweets along when he came to Qing Jing Peak next time. 

They watched as Shen Jiu and Yue Qingyuan walked calmly and peacefully while chatting about something. Then, they stopped in front of the new tea house in the town. The both of them and the wolves then entered the building. Yue Qingyuan seemed to have already made a reservation in advance.

A flash of white and blue grey robes made his eyes twitch. 

He turned his head in that direction and stared at Liu-shidi. Liu-shidi then stomped toward their location.

“Wei-shixiong.” Liu Qingge greeted him.

“Liu-shidi. Are you tailing them?” He just asked him bluntly. He was a man of a few words after all.

Liu Qingge stammered. “Of course not! I am looking after them!”

Wei Qingwei gave him a deadpanned look and pointedly stared at Qi Qingqi who was walking toward them from the left. 

This would be a long day.

Chapter Text

/Wei Qingwei’s POV/

“Wei-shixiong, Liu-shidi.” Qi Qingqi greeted them.

“Qi-shimei.” Wei Qingwei gave her an exasperated look. She had better things to do than stalking their martial siblings, right? 

“Qi-shijie.” Liu Qingge gave her a curt nod.

“I met Shang-shixiong on the way here. He said they encountered Wu Yanzi.” Qi Qingqi said in a grave voice.

“Yes, they were ambushed. But, thankfully, they survived. They should have reached Qian Cao Peak by now.” 

“So, what is going on between Yue-shixiong and Shen-shixiong?” Liu Qingge demanded.

“Erm. This shixiong thinks maybe we should leave them alone.” Wei Qingwei trailed off. 

“But, what if they get ambushed?!” 

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

Once they arrived in the town, they walked around to see the landmarks. They stopped by in the market, buying some good quality silks and some trinkets. They stopped by to see some toys, in case Zhen Gui wanted any. But, he didn't want to buy one. Instead, the glutton was eyeing some food stalls.

-A-Jiu! I want that, can I? It looks tasty.-

‘Of course. Qi-Ge is paying for everything. We should use this opportunity.’

-Yess!-

Zhen Gui immediately darted toward the stall. 

‘Wait, A-Gui!’

***

‘Do you like it, Zhen Gui?’

-En!-

They took a break by sitting on a bench. Zhen Gui was sitting beside Shen Jiu, happily munching on some dried meat they just bought. So far, Zhen Gui enjoyed the outing. Shen Jiu was really glad that he took him along.

There was some news about Shang Qinghua and his group encountering Wu Yanzi and his accomplice. Shen Jiu and Yue Qingyuan shared a look.

“I hope they are going to be fine.” Yue Qingyuan’s voice was filled with worry.

“En.” Shen Jiu was glad that he didn’t encounter Wu Yanzi at all in this lifetime. 

“So, he still finds an accomplice in the end, right?”

“It seems so.”

-Who is that, A-Jiu?- Zhen Gui asked curiously.

-He is a notorious demonic cultivator.-

-Oh. So, he is a dangerous man, then.-

-Really dangerous.- Shen Jiu said as he wiped Zhen Gui’s face gently with a handkerchief.

After some time, they continued on their walk. Zhen Gui asked to be picked up. Shen Jiu complied. 

-A-Jiu gives the best hug!- Zhen Gui said as he snuggled into Shen Jiu’s chest. Shen Jiu automatically adjusted his hold.

‘...’

***

By not being Wu Yanzi’s accomplice, his Shizun treated him somewhat better this time. In his first life, he was tied to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect by Yue Qingyuan. The sect leader and his shizun took him in just because of Yue Qingyuan’s strong attachment to him. They had spent too much resources on Yue Qingyuan, who was a once in a million talent. Meanwhile, he was already crippled after being ruined by the Qius and Wu Yanzi. Moreover, he was a criminal as well as a former slave. But, they let those slide just because of Yue Qingyuan.

She kept bringing out his shameful background as a slave and the disciples he killed during the immortal alliance conference. Let’s not forget about the regular ambushes by the brutes from Bai Zhan Peak. He studied hard and practised day and night. But, all he got was accusations as a lazy young master. But, it was better than everyone finding out about his origin.

He got into a qi deviation after he received his Qing generation name. He hated that name with a passion. But, he still stayed in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect for Qi-Ge’s sake, even when everyone was against it. It was difficult. He had no one on his side, even until the end. Yet, he kept his promise to his shizun until his last breath. Above everything else, he hated people who broke their promises the most.

In this lifetime though, when he came to Qing Jing Peak, long after that supposed Immortal Alliance Conference, those same disciples still died by other means. They were either killed by Wu Yanzi or mauled by demonic beasts during the event, even without his interference. So, it was not his fault, this time.

Suddenly, a lick on his chin snapped him out of his thoughts.

-A-Jiu, what are you thinking about?- Zhen Gui was peering up at him cutely.

‘Mhmm. Nothing.’ Shen Jiu blinked as he realised his life was so much better now, with the presence of his Baba and Zhen Gui. This time, he would definitely leave the sect just like how everyone wished he did in his previous lives. Even though, everyone was somehow nicer to him.

-You always think too much, A-Jiu. Just enjoy the trip, for now.- 

‘Mhmm.’ Yes, he should. This was his second family outing plus Qi-Ge. He still couldn’t forgive Qi-Ge. Well, he didn’t say he forgave him either this morning. Honestly, it was difficult after everything which already happened. So, he would just let himself heal overtime. There was no point in agonising about their shared past. He wouldn’t let his feeling for Qi-Ge chained him down to the sect again. He was free now.

-See. There are some… shimei of your Qi-Ge? Hmm, are they spying on him?- Zhen Gui was obviously trying to distract him. Shen Jiu appreciated the gesture. 

‘ Just ignore them, A-Gui. They are probably worried about him.’ Shen Jiu recognized two shimei whom he met while he was in his pup form. They were gushing in excitement.

-Now they are eyeing me too.- Zhen Gui observed worriedly. His fluffy body shuddered.

‘They just want to cuddle with you, probably.’ Shen Jiu teased him with amusement. 

Zhen Gui just buried himself in Shen Jiu’s embrace. Shen Jiu adjusted his hold on Zhen Gui who kept moving in his arms.

-I just want to cuddle with you, A-Jiu. Don’t tease me!-

‘Mhmm. Then, what should I do?’ Shen Jiu almost let out a chuckle but his shoulders still shook.

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

Meanwhile, Yue Qingyuan gave a strained smile toward where his shimeis were hiding. 

“Eep!” The two shimei squeaked as their cover got blown away. Yue Qingyuan immediately led Shen Jiu further away from their view.

Yue Qingyuan blinked when he saw that Shen Jiu seemed to be having a fun conversation with the pup in his arms. Shen Jiu was even holding a laugh. He forgot when was the last time Shen Jiu even smiled. 

He was glad, but on the other hand, he felt as if he was being left out. His brother had already moved on while he was the one who kept reminiscing about their past together. Their horrible past which was full of misunderstanding. He could have just been truthful to Jiu-di. It would have changed a lot of things.

-Told you so. Hmmph.- Elder Xuan Su mocked him in his mind.

He widened his eyes as he realised that perhaps, he was already replaced by the affectionate blackmoon wolf pup. Yue Qingyuan sighed. He lost to a pup.

‘This time, I should let Jiu-di go, if it is what he wants. Jiu-di deserves to fly freely.’

-Yes. He deserves to be happy, even if it is not by your side. Remember that.- Elder Xuan Su advised.

‘En.’

But, for now, he would treasure their time together. He would cherish his didi as he should have done all this time.

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

Something to his right caught his eyes. He saw someone with a similar shade of carnelian robes as the dragon couples from that trip. He frowned. The feature was also kind of familiar. The young man had a small fluffy fox draping around his neck. The small fox was looking around the town with keen interest. It looked like a spiritual fox.

Then, they made eye contact. The small fox blinked and stared at something to his left where his Baba was. Shen Jiu turned his head toward his Baba who was walking beside him. 

‘Baba, do you know them?’

-Ah, yes.-

Shen Jiu recalled his conversation with his Baba last night.

***

///FLASHBACK///

‘Baba, I just received this book from Xu-shimei yesterday. Do you know any method on how to make it readable? Li-shidi said that it is tied by bloodline.’

Shen Jiu then showed the book to his Baba who stared at it thoughtfully.

After inspecting it for awhile, his Baba finally said,

-It belonged to the abandoned temple of Celestial Wind Dragon. The other dragon elders would be able to open it. They are related by blood.-

-Oh, that’s great! I wonder what the book says.- Zhen Gui commented. 

-I will take it with me when I go out in two days from now. We are going to access the secret realm in a forest southwest of Tian Gong Mountain range. A-Jiu must have heard about it, right?-

‘I thought it was a myth. No human nor demon could go there.’

-But we are not either of them. So, we can. It is also quite safe for us.-

‘Are you going alone?’ Shen Jiu asked worriedly.

-No, the eldest son of the Fire Dragon couple and his companion are going to join me. He hadn’t told me yet about who his companion is. But, Peak Lord Wu is also coming.-

‘Does it mean that Peak Lord Wu is not human too?’ Shen Jiu was surprised.

-Well, he isn’t.-

‘I could never tell.’

-That’s why we are safe in Ling You Peak. Peak Lord Wu is like us.- His Baba assured him.

‘I see.’

-Now, let’s open the plant book again. We need to review the second part. Come along, Zhen Gui.- 

-Ok, Uncle!-

‘Alright.’

///FLASHBACK ENDS///

***

‘So, they are here for you?’

-En. We agreed to go together to explore the secret realms. It is safer to travel in a group. We are really lucky that someone from the fox clan is coming with us.-

‘I thought they aren’t supposed to be in the Human realm. Isn’t it unsafe for them too?’

-It is indeed unsafe but we couldn’t access some secret realms without passing by the human realm. Ah, maybe the fox will stay with you instead while we are exploring the secret realm.-

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

“What’s wrong, Shen-shidi?” Yue Qingyuan followed Shen Jiu’s eyes and found that he was looking at a fluffy fox draping around someone’s neck. Then, he recalled the small white wolf pup once again. How it was so calm in his arms when he carried it around Qiong Ding Peak for a tour. The white wolf pup was a bit smaller than the fox kit though. It made him miss the white wolf pup even more. He sighed. Next time they met, he would cuddle it.

They gave a polite nod to the spiritual fox kit and the young man carrying it. The young man’s eyes lingered on Shen Jiu for a few seconds and he seemed to recognize Shen Jiu. but Yue Qingyuan did not sense any bad intentions coming from the young man. But still. 

He put himself a bit in front of Shen Jiu to protect him. The young man nodded and sent them a knowing smile. Then, the fox kit tapped the young man’s cheek with one of its tails and pointed to a toy peddler. They left at a relaxed pace.

Meanwhile, Yue Qingyuan, Shen Jiu and the wolves continued on their journey to explore the market area. 

They made a stop in front of a store which was selling art supplies. Jiu-di said that he needed to buy a new set of paints and inks. Without further ado, they entered the shop.

***

Because of the auction which would be held today, there was an influx of visitors to this town. He also spotted several of his Qiong Ding martial siblings who were loitering around the town, trailing after them. He would never understand what they would gain by spying on him and Jiu-di.

As long as they didn’t try to harm Jiu-di, then he would not bother. 

They stopped in front of a tanghulu peddler. Yue Qingyuan bought five sticks of tanghulu. Three of them were put inside a qiankun pouch. He offered one stick first for Shen Jiu. it was gone in seconds. Then, he offered the second stick.

His eyebrow twitched when he sensed Qi Qingqi and Liu Qingge tailing after them too. Was it that weird for him to just want to spoil his didi?

Eventually, they stopped in front of the tea house. 

“I heard we cannot enter without any booking in advance.” Shen Jiu muttered in warning as he clutched at his sleeves gently, as if stopping him.

“Shen-shidi doesn’t have to worry. This shixiong has made the reservation.”

“That’s good to hear. Then, let’s go inside.”

***

Once inside, they were led to a private area on the second floor. They were given a menu. It took awhile for them to decide which type of tea and dessert they wanted to try first.

/Shen Jiu’s POV/

Eventually, the sun went down. It meant that the auction would start soon. The group left the tea house.

Yue Qingyuan led them to the building. They took a seat at the back, which was closer to the exit. There were some nobles, rogue cultivators, the other head disciples, several hallmasters, some senior disciples from the other peaks etc.

Xu Qingxiu and her fellow martial siblings were there to oversee the auction process. They were assigned to make sure that the objects being auctioned were authentic and would be delivered to the bidders safely.

They watched as one by one several things were taken out. The less expensive ones were brought out first, like some 50 years old spiritual grasses. Some obvious rare healing plants were bought by Mu-shidi. They needed to get them after all. Their usual herb gathering place was caught in a forest fire last month.

A manual for ancient blacksmithing was bought by Wei Qingwei as expected. 

After that, several accessories were auctioned. Qi Qingqi and a few of her martial siblings got some. Qi Qingqi almost got into a fight with a stubborn disciple from Huan Hua Palace. 

It meant that she really wanted it.

“The next one was a set of books and scrolls belonging to a fallen clan. So far, no one could open any of them. It will start from 50 spiritual stones.”

Shen Jiu’s eyes lit up upon hearing the word books.

-A-Jiu, we need to get them. It shouldn’t fall to anyone from Huan Hua Palace.- His Baba said in desperation.

‘En.’

Shen Jiu blinked when he realised that Yue Qingyuan already raised his hand.

“75 spiritual stones.”  Someone else from Huan Hua spoke up.

“This shixiong will get them for you, Shen-shidi.” Yue Qingyuan said as he named the price. 

“100 spirit stones.”

“Tsk. 125 spirit stones.” the other shouted.

“200.” Yue Qingyuan sent a smile toward the auctioneer.

“230.”

“250.”

“300!”

“350.”

“375!”

“400.”

“450.”

It went on back and forth. Zhen Gui was busy looking at Yue Qingyuan and the other person as they tried to one up each other.

-A-Jiu, I got dizzy.- Zhen Gui whined as he buried his fluffy face into Shen Jiu’s embrace.

‘Then, don’t turn your head every single time.’ Shen Jiu said while massaging Zhen Gui’s fluffy fur affectionately.

“500.” Yue Qingyuan said while clenching his teeth.

Shen Jiu sent a mean glare toward their opponent. The other eventually wilted.

Finally, they got the books and the scrolls.

***

“Alright, the next object in auction is a set of precious scales belonging to a rare merpeople. It is mostly used for healing purposes… See this glow…there should be a combination of these specific colours.”

The audience oohed when the auctioneer demonstrated.

-Oooh, so shiny! But what are merpeople, Uncle?- Zhen Gui stared at the glowing scale in amazement.

-They are the dwellers of the sea. They lived in their own secret realm.- His Baba explained.

-Have you met one, Uncle?- Zhen Gui asked curiously. Shen Jiu noted that Zhen Gui would be a perfect Qing Jing Peak disciple. He actively seeked knowledge

-En. But it was a long time ago.-

‘It is surprising that someone could get a hold of such a precious scale.’ Shen Jiu mused.

 “It will start from 200 spiritual stones. Please raise your hand if you are interested!”

Three people raised their hands. Mu-shidi, the young man in carnelian robes and someone from a well-known cultivation clan, the Chu Clan.

Shen Jiu winced when the price soared up to almost 1000 spiritual stones between Mu-shidi and the young man in carnelian robes. The third one had already given up.

The young man with carnelian robes got the scales for 1000 spiritual stones.

***

‘Baba, are you interested in anything else?’

-Hmm. Not really. Baba just wants the books. We need to send our gratitude to your Qi-Ge.- His Baba replied in a relieved sigh. 

‘Mhmm. How about you, Zhen Gui?’

-No. I don’t want anything for now. -

‘I could get them for you, Zhen Gui. Don’t worry.’

-It’s ok, A-Jiu. Actually, I like it when I get it from my own adventure. It feels like some sort of accomplishments.- 

‘I understand that.’

Liu Qingge got himself a pearl of clarity. Considering his future qi deviation, he would need it. Meanwhile, the young man with carnelian robes bought at least two more extremely rare items.

The other succeeding disciples also got themselves at least one or two things.

***

Half a shichen later, it was their turn to get the books. The Huan Hua cultivator was throwing them nasty glares. Shen Jiu just ignored the fool. Yue Qingyuan inspected the books and the scrolls with the help of Xu Qingxiu. 

“They are authentic, Yue-shixiong.”

“Thank you, Xu-shimei.” Yue Qingyuan said in gratitude as they carefully put the books and scrolls into a qiankun pouch carefully. Then, Yue Qingyuan turned to face him and offered the qiankun pouch.

“Here, Shen-shidi.” Yue Qingyuan gave him a relieved smile.

Shen Jiu blinked as he immediately received it. “Thank you, Yue-shixiong.” 

“Anything for you, Shen-shidi.” Yue Qingyuan gave him a blinding smile. After that, they prepared to return to the sect. 

When they just came out of the building and were walking side by side in an empty pathway, someone cried out at them in desperation. The voice belonged to a female. They recognized her immediately. They turned around as Yue Qingyuan put himself in front of Shen Jiu and the wolves. They sensed that the other head disciples were also nearby.

“Shen Jiu! Wait! I know it’s you!” Qiu Haitang was rushing toward them. She was dishevelled. There was no trace of that naive young girl nor vicious woman, instead a haunted look was plastered on her face. So, it meant that she found out the truth. 

“Miss Haitang.” Shen Jiu greeted her curtly as he activated a muffling talisman. 

Yue Qingyuan was holding Xuan Su’s hilt. He was ready to unsheathe it any time. The wolves were on guard at his sides.

“Why? Why didn’t you tell me?” Qiu Haitang whispered. 

“About what?” Shen Jiu asked as he raised an eyebrow.

“About my brother! He was… he was…” 

“I thought that you wanted to reunite with him, more than anything else.”

“But, he was… a monster. I never knew.” Qiu Haitang choked out as she stared at the ground helplessly.

“Have you ever realised that you were one as well?” Shen Jiu asked while he pursed his lips.

Qiu Haitang snapped her head so fast when she heard that.

“I- I…”

“You are his sister, after all.”

“I- I am terribly sorry, A-Jiu.”

“I can’t forgive you after everything you have done.” Especially the ones in Water Prison. He didn’t want to remember those gruesome tortures. 

“I know. I don’t deserve it. But, I want to give you this.” Qiu Haitang said as she took a qiankun pouch out.

Shen Jiu was stunned as he received the pouch.

“From now on, you are free, A-Jiu. I- I won’t bother you anymore. It’s the least I can do.” Qiu Haitang sniffed and stared at him in guilt.

Shen Jiu clutched the pouch. “Thank you, Miss Haitang.”

“Then, I bid my farewell. But, if you ever need my assistance, I will be there to help you. I owe you so much.”

“En. Have a safe journey. But, you shouldn’t throw empty promises away.”

“It is only for A-Jiu.” Qiu Haitang bowed at them awkwardly and left. They watched until Qiu Haitang truly vanished from view.

Shen Jiu put the pouch in his sleeves as he stared at Yue Qingyuan.

“Jiu-di, could it be… ?” Yue Qingyuan trailed off.

“I will check it once we arrive at home.” Shen Jiu answered.

***

Yue Qingyuan accompanied Shen Jiu and the wolves again to Qing Jing Peak after their trip. Shen Jiu opened the door and they went inside. Then, Shen Jiu activated some muffling talismans.

As soon as they were seated again, Shen Jiu opened the qiankun pouch from Qiu Haitang. 

Inside there were some official scrolls, which legalised his status as a free person. He was no longer a slave. Shen Jiu blinked. Should he feel happy?

His Baba seemed to be restless upon seeing the scrolls.

He rolled the scrolls again, slowly and carefully. It was an important document, after all. He put it back inside the qiankun pouch.

He shared a look with Yue Qingyuan.

/Yue Qingyuan’s POV/

He sighed in relief upon seeing the contents of the scrolls. 

“Jiu-di, can Qi-Ge hug you?” He choked out in embarrassment.

Shen Jiu raised his eyebrow. Then, he slowly nodded.

Yue Qingyuan wasted no time to envelope Shen Jiu in a hug. It was awkward at first but soon Shen Jiu circled his arms around his back as well. His shoulders shook in a huge relief. It was as if a heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders. Shen Jiu patted his back in comfort. 

He hoped that things would get better soon for them both.

He would do anything to protect this precious brother of his.

They stayed there in each other’s embrace for a few seconds before they released their hug.

“Qi-Ge is glad that you are here, Jiu-di.” Yue Qingyuan tenderly cradled Shen Jiu’s face as they looked at each other’s eyes. There was also a look of relief in Shen Jiu’s eyes.

“En.”

There was so much going on today. But, he was glad that things seemed to be getting better.

***

Two incense sticks later, Yue Qingyuan was ready to leave the small bamboo house. 

“Tell Qi-Ge if you need anything.” Yue Qingyuan said softly toward Shen Jiu.

“Alright.”

“Uh, and tell the white wolf pup that he is always welcome to visit Qi-Ge. Qi-Ge misses him a lot.”

Shen Jiu sighed before nodding. “Okay.”

***

After that, they walked toward the door and Yue Qingyuan flew back to Qiong Ding Peak. He suddenly felt as if he was close to a breakthrough.

/Shen Jiu's POV/

Shen Jiu closed the door as soon as he made sure Yue Qingyuan reached his peak. Shen Jiu turned his head toward his Baba and Zhen Gui. He motioned to them to head toward the middle of the room. 

‘I think I owe you guys some explanation.’ Shen Jiu said as soon as they were sitting on the floor.

-Maybe we should wait until you are ready, A-Jiu. Don’t worry.- His Baba licked his cheek.

-Yes, A-Jiu. The case seems grave and serious. You don’t have to force yourself.- Zhen Gui leaned on his knees. 

Shen Jiu shook his head. 

‘If I don’t do it now. I would never be ready.’

His Baba and Zhen Gui shared a look. -Very well. You don’t have to tell everything at once. Do at your own pace.-

Zhen Gui nodded along.

Shen Jiu took a deep breath and started talking.

***

Half A Shichen later

Zhen Gui was sitting on Shen Jiu’s lap, staring up at him with glistening eyes as they listened to his story. He nuzzled Shen Jiu’s cheeks.

-A-Jiu, you have been through so much. You are really strong. I wish I was there with you. What happened to me in those worlds?- Zhen Gui whimpered.

‘I don’t know. In the first life, I think you were killed at the end when the sect was razed to the ground, defending your home. We never met there. As for the second life, I am not sure, I think I was fully human there. I just felt different and a lot weaker.’ Shen Jiu’s voice trembled.

Shen Jiu then looked up toward his Baba who was silent. But, his body was trembling. There was a devastated look on his eyes.

-Oh, A-Jiu, my precious pup. Baba really regrets not being there with you. Any apology wouldn’t be enough for what you have been gone through.- His Baba choked out while nuzzling him. Shen Jiu hugged his fluffy neck tighter. 

‘It’s already in the past. At least, I have you both with me now. That’s what I am most grateful for.’

-Mhmm.- 

Shen Jiu could feel some tears slipping from his Baba’s eyes to his hair. He hugged him tighter.

‘Baba, I- I want to ask you something.’ Shen Jiu gulped. 

-Go on.- 

‘Am I really your son? What happened to us? To our family?’ It was too good to be true, after all. Suddenly, he got himself a caring parent. He just want to confirm that all of this were not dream.

-Of course, you are my son. At first, Baba wanted to wait until your condition is better without you risking a qi deviation to tell you the story. You might not remember it at all but when you were only two years old, to make it short, our household was besieged. That’s how we got separated from your mama. Baba was surprised when he found you in this cultivation sect, considering it was cultivators who burned our home and looted our belongings.-

‘it was done by cultivators?’

-En. But yeah, there are good ones and bad ones, even among righteous cultivators. At least Cang Qiong Mountain Sect are the better ones.-

‘But, why did it happen?’

-It was all because of misinformation. Do you remember what I told you about the Heavenly Celestial Beast?-

Shen Jiu nodded.

-Baba had told you about the story, our pups were hunted down by cultivators who wanted to get a shortcut in their cultivation to ascend. The information is false, of course. But, people still keep trying. So, when they found out what we were and the fact that we just had a baby, they immediately took actions.-

Shen Jiu was silent while he pondered about it.

‘But, what happened to you?’

-Huan Hua Palace was the one who led an extermination mission on us. Baba got cursed due to a failed containment array. One of the side effects makes my fur mostly black. I was lucky that I could escape in the nick of time. I was then saved by Peak Lord Wu.- 

‘Go on…’ Shen Jiu said with a frown on his face. Damn that old coot. So, that was the reason why he kept targeting him. It was after the Immortal Alliance Conference when he made a debut that the Huan Hua Palace Master had set his eyes on him. But, decades later, even when he was in the water prison, Luo Binghe never let the old coot enter. 

-I refused to come with him at first, since I wanted to search for you. But, I couldn’t track you down until years later. I stayed with a family of blackmoon wolves. They got killed when there was a swarm of demonic beasts coming out of Endless Abyss tear in the forest where we lived. Then, Baba came here with Peak Lord Wu.-

‘Then, how are we going to remove the curse? I take it that as long as the mark is still there, Baba will be stuck in his wolf form most of the time. Did they see both of your forms?’ Shen Jiu asked in worry.

-The dragon elders and I are looking for the ingredients to nullify the curse. That’s why I go out regularly. No, they only saw me in my human form.-

‘What can I do then?’

-Just get well soon and wait safely in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.-

‘En!’

-One more thing, after hearing your story. Baba is convinced that the prophecy was proven true. We will migrate the next time the portal opens whether you want to or not.-

‘I-I will come with Baba, of course. If Shizun wants to assign me as her successor, I will reject her.-

***

-A-Jiu, why do you think you are not Uncle’s son?- Zhen Gui tilted his head in confusion.

‘Uh, I thought I was adopted at first.’

-Silly A-Jiu. You don’t notice that you both look related? Even in your wolf form, you still look like Uncle’s pup. You are just his really small version.-

‘...’ Shen Jiu was embarrassed as he buried his face in his Baba’s fluffy neck. Zhen Gui didn’t have to emphasise his small frame. 

His baba just chuckled.

‘Baba, do I have any other siblings?’

-No, you are our only child, our precious baby. To be honest, it is quite difficult for our kind to conceive children. We have been waiting for so long to finally have you.-

‘What happened to my mother? Where is she?’

-She is safe. She is waiting for us in the other realm. Our servant managed to take her to escape to the other realm, a few seconds before it was closed at that time. I told her via our mind link to leave first since she was heavily injured after fighting for her life and protecting A-Jiu. It would be worse if you both got captured together. A-Jiu was taken away during the fights, but one of the servants managed to take you back and hide you somewhere.-

-What happened to the servant?-

-He was cornered and got killed by the enemies. I think he hid A-Jiu a few towns away from where he was confronted by them.-

‘So, that’s why Qi-Ge found me in a ditch.’ Shen Jiu came to a realisation.

-Mhmm. Baba thinks that your mama sealed you in your human form so you would be able to survive in the human realm.-

‘How does she look?’

-We can see from the scroll which your Qi-Ge got for you.-

Shen Jiu blinked. ‘The scrolls?’

His Baba nodded.

*** 

Shen Jiu took the qiankun pouch out and put it on the table. He inspected the content, one by one. From inside the pouch, he took some books and scrolls. He put the books aside and focused on the scrolls. The scrolls seemed to be paintings, judging from their size.

Next to him, Zhen Gui sat on his rear while his front paws were holding the edge of the table.

He felt a spark of qi from the scroll in his hand and then he unrolled it carefully. At first, it was only a blank piece. But after a few seconds, a painting was revealed from top to bottom slowly.

It was a painting of the lady in his dream. The one who resembled him. The lady was carrying a baby that looked like a younger version of him in her arms. The lady was looking at the baby version of him warmly. It was like how he saw many mothers stare at their children while he was begging for money on the street.

-Oh! Is that Auntie? She looks like you, A-Jiu! You got your eyes colour from her.- Zhen Gui commented excitedly.

‘Mhmm.’ 

-You are really cute when you are still a baby, A-Jiu! Look at the pout and your chubby cheeks!-

His fingers trembled as he saw the same bracelet she was wearing as the one his Baba gave him the other day. Then, he stared at his baba. His eyes were glassy.

***

As soon as he tried to roll them back, the painting vanished again. He needed to learn that particular qi technique. They unrolled another scroll. 

It was a painting of a man. He looked like a scholar.

‘Baba, is this you in your human form?’ Shen Jiu turned a particular scroll where a man was playing a dizi under a tree. His eyes were closed. His whole posture was calm. He could see some similar features which  they shared: their eyes shape, eyebrows, chin, and nose, to name a few.

The adult wolf blinked.

-Yes, it is me.- 

He traced the simple jade hair pin which the man in the painting wore. It was the same one he was wearing now.

‘So, you are really my Baba, aren’t you?’ Shen Jiu choked out.

-Of course, I am.- The adult wolf nuzzled Shen Jiu’s head lovingly.

Shen Jiu was glad that finally he found out that he wasn’t abandoned. His heart felt warm after he knew that his parents loved him. Shen Jiu hugged his wolf Baba tighter.