Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

IMPORTANT: If you are reading this in any site other than Wattpad and AO3, you are reading a stolen version. (Yeah, I mean teenfic.net) It's very upsetting not being given credit for your effort. Please, visit my official accounts to give your support!

.

.

“Dear goodness, Dianxia. You are so clever when solving mysteries at the Heavenly Court or investigating the dirty deeds people have been hiding for years and years. But when it comes to reading your own ‘San Lang’s’ intentions, you can be impressively slow.” Shi Qingxuan took a sip of the tea Xie Lian has just served and looked back at him with a pained expression, after burning his tongue.

At that moment Xie Lian finally understood Hua Cheng’s puzzling actions for the last couple of weeks. It had been a while since Xie Lian had this crooked feeling creeping in, something that he could not put his finger on exactly, but some clear signs that Hua Cheng was being naughty. Again. He just had not realized yet that it was THIS naughty, and was now uncertain whether he should laugh or cry.

Since Hua Cheng had returned, they were taking turns in staying at Puqi Shrine, the cottage at Mount Taicang, Paradise Manor and Qiandeng temple. Although they were never apart, duties did not cease to show up at the Ghost City or from the Heavenly Court. Nothing major, comparing to the previous issue with Jun Wu, but since they did not want to spend not even a minute apart, one would assist the other in performing the tasks so they would finish faster. This gave them little time to spend at the places they sort of considered like “home”.

They would go to Puqi shrine for answering a few prayers and talking to the villagers, just like meeting old friends. The village grew fond of Hua Cheng, since he helped them with farming and cleaning in the past, and Hua Cheng surely did not seem bothered being praised for his work. Since the shrine was renovated, Xie Lian did not need to go scrap collecting anymore, but insisted in keeping the place clean and tidy. It felt warm being welcomed when they came, even though it was far from a peace-and-quiet place. Devotees would show up all day to pay their respects to the Crown Prince statue at the altar and leave offerings.

The cottage at Mount Taicang was a perfect place for contemplating nature. Xie Lian appreciated to meditate sitting on a stone at the top of a close by hill, while Hua Cheng would sprawl on his side and pretend to meditate too, even though he was actually just watching Xie Lian instead. They could also watch the sunset or the sunrise and create particularly romantic evenings, but they had no time for it yet. Here, the prince was constantly scrap collecting for improving the place and Hua Cheng would help him fix and deal with what was collected. They installed a mail box, for instance, and managed to hang a few cute water bottles around. Just adding some sugar or honey would bring humming birds and squirrels to their front garden and Xie Lian was delighted. Still, the cottage was accessible to the Heavenly Officials and a few visitors could show up from time to time. Feng Xin and Mu Qing showed up to discuss matters of the Heavenly Court. General Pei Junior and Banyue came for tea and talked about their new business of selling snake antidotes. Quan Yizhen tried his luck bringing gold bars in person to the prince but was quickly chased away by Hua Cheng. Even the Lord Rain Master came to donate seeds to their vegetable garden, in case they decided to grow one. Only Shi Qingxuan had not showed up yet, what was not completely unexpected because of his circumstances.

Those were the humble places that still connected Xie Lian to a large part of his eight hundred years of life and he was not willing to let it go at first. However, every time they were at Paradise Manor, he would certainly enjoy himself with a little bit of luxury. He could not wait to go the Armory room and swing some of swords around. Hua Cheng would tell the story of each artifact, present its names and previous owners, and he would always say “Gege can have this sword if he fancies it”, to what Xie Lian would reply “Of course not”, but Hua Cheng would also add “Gege can have this entire room if he likes”. Xie Lian would then put the sword back in its place and make up some excuse to distract Hua Cheng from being so generous. Hua Cheng’s room at the manor was spacious and red, with a big, round bed, red sheets and very soft pillows, but a weird sheet straightened and fixed at the ceiling right on top of the bed. Xie Lian still had not had the courage to ask what that was and decided to pretend he did not notice it. In addition, there was a bathroom connected to the room with a big tub in it, like an ofuro. All very fancy, so it was nice for a change.

Yet, they had spent most of their time in Qiandeng Temple, and this was where, surprisingly enough, Shi Qiangxuan showed up for a visit a little earlier on the present day. He surprised Xie Lian in the middle of Hua Cheng’s morning calligraphy practice by bringing offerings to the god of that temple.

Xie Lian scratched behind his back and was embarrassed while saying “My friend, you didn’t need to come all the way here just for that. You know, Puqi shrine is just…” Right then, Shi Qingxuan interrupted him.

“Dianxia, it’s an honor for me coming all the way to pay my respects. But in fact, you are not the only reason that has brought me here. You see, some, hm… colleagues heard that daily items could be found very cheap in here, so they wanted to check it out. I thought it was best for me to accompany them and keep them out of trouble”, he commented with an overprotective expression.

Truth be told, Xie Lian was a little worried that something could also happen to Shi Qingxuan in the dark streets of the Ghost City, where all types of monsters came to party, but hearing he came accompanied made him relax a little.

Hua Cheng’s voice suddenly came from the side and said “Gege, I believe you two must have a lot to catch up and I need to solve a few things around, so I’ll give you some privacy.” Xie Lian suspected he took this opportunity to escape from practicing his writing, but it would be nice to chat for a while anyway.

He went to prepare some tea for them, while listening to Shi Qingxuan talk. While they were waiting for the infusion time, Xie Lian was looking for two cups and Shi Qingxuan asked “So, how does the married life suit you?”

Xie Lian almost fell while standing up and slowly turned around to face Shi Qingxuan. He tried to evade the question by saying “Well, it’s not like we are husband and wife, more like two people sharing good moments.”

“No, you’re definitely more than sharing good moments. He helps you with housework and duties, doesn’t he?” he asked and waited for Xie Lian to agree before continuing. “So, you are definitely husband and wife on this regard.”

Xie Lian smiled and invited him to the altar hall. He sighed, relieved to hear this was what his friend meant, but while he was transferring the teapot and the cups to the table, he almost dropped it. Hot liquid spilled on his hand and he felt his cheeks turning red, but not from the injury. He had just heard something that made him miss a step.

Shi Qingxuan laughed and asked the same question again, “What? Have you not been performing your bed-related wife duties?”

Xie Lian became nervous. “Hehehe, Shi Qingxuan, you’re so open and direct. I’m not sure what you are suggesting…”

“If you really don’t know, I must say, poor Hua Chengzhu”, Shi Qingxuan said as he reached for his cup and started blowing air over it to cool it down.

Xie Lian dried his hand and sat close to his friend before covering his face with both hands. “I feel awkward mentioning it, but I actually wanted to talk to someone about… something.”

Things were becoming spicier every night since Hua Cheng came back. He would bring Xie Lian close to him, stare him intently as if asking for permission and start massaging his arms, thighs, waist. Then his lips would kiss him softly, traveling from his lips to his earlobes and all the way to his neck. He would bite here and there while waiting to hear Xie Lian’s breathing increase. They had certainly kissed a lot by now and touched here and there, nothing improper, of course, although Hua Cheng was always more eager in exploring than him.

Hua Cheng was patient with him, never rushing things and waiting for Xie Lian to say he was ready for the next steps. Perhaps, because of this, Xie Lian was growing more dubious about what he should do next. He felt brave enough to admit to himself by now that he enjoyed their previous “exchange of spiritual power” pretense. Of course, his moral concerns were long put to the back of his mind, since he did recognize the infatuating effect Hua Cheng had over him. He enjoyed their time together and felt head over heels every time they started kissing like this.

However, for the last few nights at Qiandeng temple, the same routine would happen. They started kissing while sitting on the altar. Hua Cheng would pull Xie Lian tightly to his embrace and lay on top of him, massaging here and there and playing with his earlobes. Then he would loosen the outer robes of Xie Lian and just as his hand would reach for the prince’s chest, he would roll and place Xie Lian on top of him.

Last night when he did it, Xie Lian let out a soft moan before opening his eyes. He felt a big and hard volume beneath him and the blood flowed to his cheeks. Hua Cheng raised one brow, gently held Xie Lian’s hand and put it between his legs, right on top of the volume in his pants. Although Hua Cheng’s body was devoid of heat, that particular spot felt burning hot to the touch. He let go of Xie Lian’s hand and that was it.

Hua Cheng then put his arms beneath his own head and stared at Xie Lian with an unreadable expression. Xie Lian already had a rosy complexion a few moments before, but now he became crimson red. He quickly pulled his hand up and stared into that eye looking back at him, becoming aware of the situation and starting to feel awkward.

“Gege, we can stop here if you want”, Hua Cheng asked lifting one corner of his mouth to smile lightly.

Xie Lian did want more, but was not able to admit it. He actually was not sure what “more” meant. He felt really embarrassed and climbed down, sitting on the altar and coughing. “Sure, sure, here is fine”, he said and laid beside the Ghost King. “San Lang is always so caring and considerate”. He then caressed the top of Hua Cheng’s head and continued “Should we settle here for the evening? I’ll go get a mat for us to sleep in”. He stood up and, although the Ghost King did not need to breathe, he heard a long sigh.

Xie Lian was now talking to Shi Qingxuan and chose his words carefully, only to imply that he thought, maybe, the Ghost King was growing tired of him and after the happening of yesterday, he would perhaps not seek him for a while. It was then that Shi Qingxuan burnt his tongue and felt even sorrier for Hua Cheng.

“Crimson Rain Sought Flower sure is patient, but also cunning”, Shi Qingxuan said with tears pilling at the corners of his eyes.

“Why is he cunning? I worry he may become bored of me”, Xie Lian finally turned around to look at his friend, still feeling a bit embarrassed to be discussing this issue.

“Trust me, he is not bored”, Shi Qingxuan said, “he is actually teasing you. I thought women would be the masters of teasing, that’s one of their traits I used to particularly enjoy back then, but the Ghost King only wants you to… show more what you feel”.

Xie Lian put one hand to his chin while the other supported his elbow, analyzing the situation. “He wants me to continue without being told what to do?”

“Precisely”, Shi Qingxuan nodded. “But, Dianxia, do you know what to do?”

Chapter Text

Night came and Shi Qingxuan was long gone. Xie Lian was calculating what to do all day, thinking about the dubious interaction they had the night before and Shi Qinxuan’s comments about him being not so considerate of the Ghost King’s intentions. But he truly did not know what to do, he was almost panicking in silence when Hua Cheng came back. He brought a delicious meal for the two of them to share and after chatting about the day, they sat at the table for calligraphy practice once more.

Hua Cheng started drawing a few characters and Xie Lian could see that he had a renewed spirit, perhaps from having the morning session interrupted, and now he was even biting and showing the tip of his tongue out.

“Is something the matter, Gege? You look a bit tense…” Hua Cheng asked without raising his look from the paper.

“No, no, nothing, I’m just surprised you seem to be determined to improving your writing today," Xie Lian tried to brush off his stress.

“En”, Hua Cheng answered and continued to stare intently at what he was writing.

Taking that he was so focused, Xie Lian felt particularly encouraged all of the sudden, and slipped his hand to Hua Cheng’s lap. The Ghost King smirked and before he could look away from the paper, Xie Lian went further and pressed in between his legs.

“Gege, what…” Hua Cheng was startled and dropped the pen on the table.

Xie Lian was so focused in performing this task that he did not consider what sort of reaction Hua Cheng would show, then quickly removed his hand and started apologizing. He meant to stand but Hua Cheng seized him by the wrist and laid on top of him.

“Gege, why are you apologizing? I don’t want you to stop. You can continue what you started”, he said whilst pressing his lips against Xie Lian’s neck and parting their hips slightly to guide Xie Lian’s hand.

Xie Lian felt the volume just became much more conspicuous than from a moment ago and sighed against Hua Cheng’s hair. “San Lang, is not that I don’t want to, but…”.

Hua Cheng raised his face to look him in the eye. “But… let me guess. Gege is not sure of what to do?”.

“En”, Xie Lian replied, embarrassed.

“Would Dianxia like me to show him the way?”, Hua Cheng asked, releasing the hands and pressing his hip strongly against Xie Lian.

“San Lang, maybe we should leave it for another time, I’m…”, Xie Lian meant to escape from his grip, but failed. The Ghost King was nailing him down like iron.

“Gege, I will ask you something and Gege must be sure to answer me honestly. Okay?”, Hua Cheng said while closing Xie Lian’s eyes with his hand. He then continued, “Does Gege like it when I touch him?”

Xie Lian felt the heat coming to his face and his heart started racing, but after a few seconds he said “En”.

Hua Cheng then asked, “Does Gege like being touched in some places more than others? Like… here?”. His hands held Xie Lian’s and they both smiled. “Or here?” Hua Cheng’s face then dove and he placed a peck on top of Xie Lian’s lips, and heard him sigh. “How about… here?” Hua Cheng straightened his back and loosened Xia Lian’s robes, lightly licking his nipple, causing a moan to escape Xie Lian, even with his lips closed.

Hua Cheng commented to himself “It seems like it”, before continuing his investigation. “Now, I wonder what Gege thinks if I touch him… here?”.

Hua Cheng sat on top of Xie Lian’s thighs and pressed his hand in between of Xie Lian’s groin. Xie Lian slightly opened his mouth when he was looking at Hua Cheng moving, and now he let out a deeper and louder moan, only to cover his mouth with the back of his hand and widen his eyes, surprised with himself.

Hua Cheng looked like he was satisfied with that reaction and moved closer to Xie Lian’s face, his tongue licking the lips and inviting the other tongue out. They licked and sucked at each other’s tongues for a while, until Hua Cheng’s body slipped to the side, mouths still touching.

With one hand gently supporting Xie Lian’s head, the other was slowly loosening his robes all the way until his groin. Xie Lian was breathing fast but suddenly stopped breathing at all.

At the same time, Hua Cheng said “Can I touch Gege like this too?”. His hand was firmly holding Xie Lian’s throbbing member in between his legs.

To this, Xie Lian opened his eyes only to see Hua Cheng bite his own lower lip while waiting for Xie Lian’s answer. He remembered the advice Shi Qinxuan gave him before leaving, which was trying to read more into the Ghost King’s intentions. He was also actually happy that the Ghost King still meant to seek him in between his current interrogation. He tried to relax his body and only answered “En”.

“Gege, we can stop if you want”, Hua Cheng now spoke seriously, unmoving and waiting for Xie Lian to be certain.

Xie Lian breathed in and let out a sigh, intertwining his fingers in between Hua Cheng’s hair. “San Lang, it won’t always be the case, but today, please, go ahead, don’t make me think too much”.

After this, Hua Cheng smiled from ear to ear and dove for Xie Lian’s neck, sucking the thin skin and causing it to shudder. At the same time, his grip started pumping up and down, while holding firmly and massaging the tip of the member in his hand.

Xie Lian could not contain himself and started moaning to the rhythm of Hua Cheng’s movements. He could feel something building up inside him and it felt better and better at every second going by. His fingers curled and pulled at the black hair in his hands. Now he was feeling a numbness coming from deep down his belly button.

“San Lang, I’m not sure what will happen, but I feel like I’m about to burst. Don’t… don’t stop what you’re doing”. He was speaking as if he was begging but was not sure why.

Hua Cheng only parted his lips from Xie Lian’s neck to say “If Gege doesn’t want me to stop, I won’t”.

Suddenly, Xie Lian felt a strong urge to scream and held tight onto Hua Cheng’s head. “Let it out, Gege, no one will hear us”.

It was indeed like an explosion coming out of him and he could not contain a languid, but also very sexy to Hua Cheng’s taste, scream, while his back was arching and holding Hua Cheng tight. He then collapsed back, panting.

Hua Cheng pulled his hand back and rose from his position to lick Xie Lian’s chest, before gently kissing his lips. “Thank you for being honest, Gege. In case you want to repeat this anytime soon, please, let me know”.

Xie Lian was completely worn out, feeling moist and relaxed, but he cupped Hua Cheng’s face and whispered “San Lang, I want to make you feel what I felt just now. I…”

“Gege, I’m more than fine with you wanting it, but why don’t you enjoy the feeling a little more while I fetch you a glass of water?”. Hua Cheng pecked on his lips and stood up.

Before he was back, Xie Lian had his eyes closed, his breathing heavy and calm, looking like the perfect portrait of a sleeping beauty. Hua Cheng watched him sleep for a long time, before feeling his eyelids heavy, and surrendered with a satisfied smile on his face.

On the next morning, Xie Lian woke up and was instantly struck with guilt.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian had just woken up but felt terrible. He was supposed to compensate Hua Cheng for his efforts in pleasing him last night, but he fell asleep instead. He sat and did not see the Ghost King anywhere inside the temple. He then stood up and saw his reflex on a silver tray close by. There was a faint purple stain in his neck, which Ruoye was quickly told to cover as he went out to look for Hua Cheng.

However, things did not usually go as planned for Xie Lian and the entire morning was spent in a flash. He was walking fast, thinking of how he would like to compensate Hua Cheng and blushing, when he heard several thuds. He looked around and discovered an old-Lady ghost had dropped a lot of weird-looking things from her bag. He came closer and helped her, but the ghost did not let him go anymore. She started telling stories of all her misfortunes in her previous life and called him “Granduncle-Daozhang”, so Xie Lian felt he should donate a bit of his time while sitting for a cup of tea (even though he did not dare touching his cup).

By lunchtime, Yin Yu came and told him the Ghost King was waiting for him at the Manor, so he took the opportunity to flee.

Inside the dining room at the Manor, Hua Cheng was sitting in front of a long table filled with all kinds of food, looking bored. When he saw Xie Lian entering, his eye flashed and he smiled. Xie Lian's heart skipped a beat as he felt that smile was made only for him. The strings of worries in his heart loosened up a bit.

“I heard Gege was taken hostage by an elder”, Hua Cheng remarked, “I just really hope Gege didn’t taste the tea she served you…”

Xie Lian smiled back and sat, “She was very kind to offer, but no, I didn’t.”

They talked over the food and headed for the Ghost King’s room to rest for a bit. While they were laying on the big bed, Hua Cheng was combing Xie Lian's hair with his fingers. It felt so natural, Xie Lian thought, as if he was always meant to do it.

"Dianxia, if I'm allowed to say, talking to Shi Qingxuan yesterday seemed to help you feel a little more confident."

"Is that right? Hahaha, I'm not sure I'm confident now... But, wait... Confident about what? How did you know...".

Of course Hua Cheng knew. How else would rumor spread to the ears of Shi Qingxuan's friends about cheap things sold at the Ghost City” and how could they have entered and remained unharmed?

Hua Cheng showed his teeth in a big smile and gripped him in a bear-hug. "I only meant to provide Gege with an opportunity to discuss matters with someone else other than me". He looked like a naughty boy and added between his teeth, “Since I made sure it would be in my favor”.

Xie Lian was stunned to be set up like this, but he also did feel guilty. He was still feeling low for lacking in reading Hua Cheng's desires and leaving him wanting. While remembering the feeling that burst through him last night, and being hugged so close by Hua Cheng, he felt an unprovoked reaction in between his legs and looked down.

More embarrassingly, Hua Chen also noticed it and peered down, returning to look at Xie Lian's face with an arched brow.

"San Lang, I want to ask you something", Xie Lian said with a grave tone, trying to distract the Ghost King.

"What is it, Gege? I'm all ears.", Hua Cheng replied, carelessly raising his leg and resting it on top of Xie Lian's hips, causing him to shudder.

Xie Lian made an effort to steady his voice, although he could feel his knees trembling, and continued, "Would it be appropriate... Well, not appropriate. Would you like me to retribute... Hm, it sounds like an obligation if I say it like this. Wait… Anyway, what is the best time to... Well, to... Perhaps, feel like last night again?"

"Every moment is a good moment for it, Gege. At least for me". Hua Cheng replied in a serious tone, but using his leg to press down over Xie Lian’s hardness.

Xie Lian then took a deep breath and placed Hua Cheng lying on the bed. He started unbuttoning Hua Cheng's robes, stealing a glance at his expression every now and then.

"San Lang, why are you looking at me like that? You're making me blush, why don't you close your eyes?".

"Please, I had to live many years without looking at Gege as I wished. Let me admire Gege's work while he is so focused", Hua Cheng cried in a begging tone, making Xie Lian worry that this would certainly turn him into an even more spoiled child.

He chased away those thoughts when Hua Cheng's robes were completely open. What a sight! It was like a piece of art; his abdomen was bafflingly well defined. Xie Lian put both hands to his chest for support and lowered his head. He started planting soft kisses on Hua Cheng's clavicle, then surrounding his nipples and finally, very shyly, put his tongue out to rub it.

Hua Cheng contorted and could not help himself but to wrap over Xie Lian and invert their positions on the bed. Xie Lian was surprised and, when they faced each other, he widened his eyes. In Hua Cheng's eyes something wild was scintillating, as if he could eat Xie Lian with his stare, his body pressing down heavily on him.

Still, Xie Lian managed to find the strength to beg. "San Lang, I was trying to please you but now it looks like you're about to punish me. Let me continue what I was doing, if you could just...".

He was trying to release the grip while speaking but Hua Cheng only started kissing his jawline and answered in between kisses, "Gege, I know it, but my instincts are always to please you instead. Let me make you feel like yesterday again."

"No, San Lang. Stop it. I was putting a lot of effort here. Quit that, let me have a try". Xie Lian was released as Hua Cheng felt he was resolute in his desire, and inverted their positions again. Hua Cheng’s outer robes fell behind his back, his snow-white torso completely exposed.

Xie Lian faced Hua Cheng and felt his cheeks redden more for being so bold. He shook away the feeling and started unbuttoning the Ghost King's trousers.

Once freed, he looked at Hua Cheng's erection and tried to calm himself. He remembered yesterday and slowly wrapped his hands around it, starting to move up and down. He was paying too much attention to his own movements since he did not want to mess it up and decided to ask if he was doing correctly.

He was about to speak when he heard a deep sound and looked up. Hua Cheng had his eyes closed now and his hands were deeply clutching the sheets. That sound was coming from his throat, as his head rolled from one side to the other.

Xie Lian guessed it was a good sound and increased the speed of his hands. He was feeling a throb in between his fingers and Hua Cheng started to moan out loud, when he suddenly contorted and ripped the sheet he was pulling on. He let out a deeply pleased sound in a breath and added as if begging, “Slowly, Gege, move slowly now”, until he sighed and relaxed his body.

Xie Lian let go and stared intently at the substance now covering his hands. He stood up bearing a satisfied smile to himself, pecked on Hua Cheng's cheek and left for the bathroom. The Ghost King was sprawled on top bed, looking Xie Lian go with even more devotion, if that was possible.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng left Paradise Manor talking, it was almost the end of the afternoon now, when a monster approached.

"Lord Hua Chengzhu, there's a fight at the market! Some humans are involved, perhaps my Lord could tell'em to leave the city".

Xie Lian silently questioned if this was Shi Qinxuan's party and looked at Hua Cheng, who nodded, probably seeing on his right eye that Xie Lian could not see.

They went over to the place of the fight and found a commotion that quickly broke apart as they saw Hua Cheng had arrived. As the gap opened in the crowd, two figures were left clutching at each other's throats on the ground, and one of them was Shi Qinxuan.

"What’s going on? Didn't I say these humans were to be left unharmed?", Hua Cheng asked in a cold voice.

The monster quickly let go and kneeled in front of Hua Cheng. "Yes, my Lord. Please, punish this low servant as you wish, but this useless tr… human was trying to steal from my shop".

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian stared Shi Qinxuan from above, since he was still sitting on the ground. He showed them what he was holding and both looked at each other while pondering. It was a beautifully adorned fan, previously owned by Shi Qinxuan. He stuffed it in the monster's face and started walking away. Xie Lian ran after him, while Hua Cheng told the mob to scram and followed them from a distance.

"It's not like I care anymore, but it was an instinct. I’m not even mad! When I realized, I was already going for it. I'm sorry for causing trouble to Lord Hua Chengzhu and Dianxia", Shi Qinxuan apologized putting his hands together.

Xie Lian pitied him and explained it was no trouble, while trying to think of a subject to distract his friend from previous frustrations. "You know, your advice the other day, cough cough, it was actually really good". He thought he could manage talking about it, but quickly felt the embarrassment choking him.

"Oh, really? You waste no time, I must say, Dianxia. That explains the ease atmosphere the Ghost King is exhaling right now". Shi Qinxuan looked behind and noticed Hua Cheng staring at him. He waved a hand and the Lord briefly nodded before looking away.

Shi Qinxuan turned to Xie Lian and held his arm to pull him closer. "If I may, I would suggest Dianxia to make a move to surprise Hua Chengzhu, but I don't mean to intrude."

Xie Lian felt they were behaving like to maidens gossiping, but still went with the flow. "Well, tell me your advice and I can think about it. I'm sure it must be int..." Right then, he noticed a very small wraith butterfly sitting at Shi Qinxuan’s shoulder. What kind of butterfly was that? Was it for listening, or only following…?

Before he could do anything, Shi Qinxuan whispered in his ear, "Try using your mouth more! Licking, sucking, swallowing. Be creative, Dianxia", and then winked at him.

Xie Lian felt his cheeks redden and started coughing madly. Hua Cheng asked in his private communication array if Gege was upset by this presence, if he wanted San Lang to chase Shi Qinxuan away, but Xie Lian said it was fine.

Xie Lian stopped walking and let Hua Cheng catch up to them, thanking Shi Qinxuan for the pleasant talk and waving him goodbye.

"Did he say anything to offend Gege?", Hua Cheng asked curiously, while they were going back to Qiandeng temple.

Suddenly, Xie Lian felt the urge to cough again, but it would sound too obvious. Swallowing his urge, he replied as calmly as he could, "No, no, of course not. He was just being too creative, that's all".

The sun set at the temple. Some hours after, a funny prayer came from Puqi shrine. It mentioned a youth carrying a green flame around the village, what sounded too familiar for Xie Lian not wanting to go there himself. Of course, Hua Cheng did not hesitate to follow him and in a second, he threw a pair of dice in front of a side door at the temple and both left.

They emerged in silence and looked around. It was dark inside Puqi shrine, but a faint green light was casting a shadow over the altar. They saw a silhouette through the window and hurried outside. There was actually someone holding a lantern with a green light just out the window, and it seemed like this person was trying to enter the temple from the side.

Xie Lian suddenly faintly recognized that shape. "Is that... Guzi? Guzi, is that you?"

He went in pursuit of the shadow, since it sprinted away once it saw him. The person who seemed like Guzi tripped and fell a couple of minutes after, the lantern he was holding slipping from his hand and flowing in the air. A wave of wraith butterflies caught it before it could be smashed to the ground.

"Guzi, why are you running? What were you doing?". Xie Lian asked, helping the youth stand and looking at how his knees were now bruised.

"Daozhang, I'm not who you think I am. I… I’m not supposed to say anything. I wasn’t supposed to meet anyone here! I must flee”. He tried start running again, but was quickly enveloped by a soft but very though white band.

Hua Cheng stepped out of the shadows, causing that person to visibly shudder and start begging for mercy. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Someone told me to come like this and to bring his lantern. Someone said there would be no one around here and that I could just enter and place this wrapping on the altar”, he spat everything in a single breath.

Xie Lian understood. Someone had sent this youth disguised as Guzi and the green lantern was clearly intentional. Perhaps it would allude to the Green Ghost, but that would certainly make everyone notice him even more. Why drawing so much attention to this person?

“Who sent you? Do you know the name of that person?”, Xie Lian tried asking.

“I actually don’t… My Lord, he just promised to give me one of these golden bars and he said that if I dressed like this, no one would bother me. I could just do it quickly and leave. Please, my Lord, spare this lowly servant. I only did what was best for my family” Even though his knees were bleeding, he still fell to the floor to beg.

Xie Lian understood and eyed Hua Cheng, who was poking at the green lantern with an evil look, probably testing this “Green Ghost”. “Did this someone had curly hair and a serious complexion?”, Xie Lian almost could not contain his laughter from looking at that scene on the side. Seeing the youth falter, he told him he could keep this pack to himself if he just revealed what he knew.

The youth became quickly convinced. “Yes, yes! I take it my Lord knows who he is then?”.

Xie Lian scratched the back of his neck. “I have a good idea. Do you need to return this lantern to him? Otherwise, I’ll just free this spirit and you may go.”

“Thank you, my Lord. My Lord, your shrine looks very beautiful! When I can, I’ll make sure to bring my Lord some offerings. Thank you, my Lord”, he was so grateful he clutched at Xie Lian’s vests, but was suddenly stroke by a chilling intent from the side and fled in the next second.

Hua Cheng opened the lantern and conjured a wraith butterfly to lead the green light away. “I checked, he’s not related to the Green Ghost. He just so happened to be green”, he shrugged his shoulders while speaking.

Xie Lian was alarmed at how he could easily find everything Hua Cheng did cute. Both returned to Puqi shrine.

“Does Gege want to settle here for the night? We can do some cleaning in the morning”, Hua Cheng asked in a casual tone.

“En”, and so they started looking for a sleeping mat in the faint silver light cast by some wraith butterflies.

Xie Lian was looking around and could not lift a pile of papers to check beneath it. He was about to hold some in his mouth when the Ghost King took the papers from his hands. “Gege, you shouldn’t put things in your mouth like that”.

Xie Lian felt a cold sweat drain in his neck, not from working too much, but from thinking about what Shi Qinxuan said earlier.

He slowly started turning around when he heard Hua Cheng ask in a funny tone, “To put things in our mouth is a bold move after all”.

To that, Xie Lian was certain Hua Cheng had heard what Shi Qinxuan was talking about earlier, but decided not to play his game and replied without looking at the Ghost King. “What does San Lang mean by ‘a bold move’?”

Although he thought he was being so clever, once he said it out loud he instantly regretted it. He felt a pair of strong arms seizing him and taking him to the altar. Hua Cheng waved a hand and closed all windows and the main door, locking them both inside the shrine.

Xie Lian laughed nervously as he was laid down on the altar, his legs folded on the step. “San Lang, this is rather sudden. What do you…”

Hua Cheng gently sat on top of him and dove to whisper in his ear, “I’m just considering expanding Gege’s knowledge on how a mouth can be useful in a bold move”. He then licked Xie Lian’s neck and lips, inviting the other tongue out.

Chapter Text

Being attacked like that, Xie Lian was flustered at first, but started relaxing when he realized he could actually learn something from it. “San Lang is always so considerate”, he mumbled in between their hugging tongues.

Hua Cheng then smiled against his mouth and interrupted the kiss to look at him. “Gege, trust me, you won’t regret this.”

Xie Lian was left confused while Hua Cheng kneeled in front of him and started loosening Xie Lian’s pants. He then looked up at Xie Lian once more, licked his lips before closing his eye and brought his mouth to the inner part of Xie Lian’s groins.

“S-an L-aaang, don’t…” Xie Lian was so shocked he felt he should tell him to stop. At the same time, that mouth felt so soft, his tongue gently caressing his member and his lips massaging all the right spots. Hua Cheng took turns in swallowing Xie Lian’s volume and sucking his way when pulling it all out. Xie Lian could not contain a wave of moans in between his protests and he heard Hua Cheng moan softly in response as if acknowledging his concern.

After a few intense in-and-out movements, Hua Cheng stopped and stared at Xie Lian. "Gege, do you want me to stop?", Hua Cheng asked. He looked at Xie Lain like a child playing with a new toy, spoiled to the point of being rotten.

Xie Lian was forced to admit how good it felt and was so taken aback because of the softness of Hua Cheng's mouth that he did not even had the strength to answer, only letting out a deep moan, like a purr that had escaped his throat.

"I'll take that as a yes. Gege, let me know if you want me to stop". Then, Hua Cheng swallowed that throbbing member completely in and sucked on it for a few seconds. Xie Lian gasped for air and could feel the numbness starting to form in his lower ab.

Hua Cheng then started a constant rhythm, where he would suck in and out, but stop to lick the whole length, while staring at Xie Lian's contorted face. One, two, three times. Xie Lian was seeing stars and trying to suppress the urge to scream, until he could no more.

"San Lang, don't stop, I beg, don't stop. San Lang, ah, keep going, ah...". Finally, warm waves of pleasure flooded Xie Lian while he bursted inside Hua Cheng's mouth.

He shuddered when Hua Cheng released him and licked him clean before standing up and putting his trousers back on. Xie Lian was collapsed on the altar and had no strength to stand, but the Ghost King carried him to the side chamber, where the mat was stretched.

"Is Gege convinced of a more noble use of a mouth now?", he asked curiously.

"San Lang, you’re always very convincing. But why do you enjoy torturing me so much?", Xie Lian was almost mad after realizing he's been played, but he felt a wave of exhaustion taking over him as he laid on the mat.

Hua Cheng smiled proudly and kissed his forehead, wishing him goodnight. As he turned to the side, not facing Xie Lian's betrayed expression, he felt a hand caressing his hair and closed his eyes.

Xie Lian woke up to the sound of voices, one voice actually. He quickly stood and went to the main door, seeing Hua Cheng blocking the entrance with his body. Hua Cheng’s voice was very low, as a whisper, but the other party was rather agitated.

“Where is Dianxia? Was it him who told that youth to keep the gold to himself? I must speak to him!” That voice was familiar and Xie Lian touched Hua Cheng’s shoulder, asking him to open the door.

“There you are, you managed to wake Dianxia up with your screaming,” Hua Cheng had a freezing cold expression facing the one in front of him, which was actually Quan Yizhen, inquiring about his donation from yesterday.

“Dianxia! I’m sorry to disturb you so early in the morning, but I realized my gift was stolen and did not reach Dianxia’s donation box! I feel so distressed.” Quan Yizhen had a wild look on his face, his hair curlier than ever and adding a touch of grace to his complexion.

Xie Lian was uncertain whether to laugh or to cry, since he had refused over ten times gold bars donations from Quan Yizhen. He politely explained once more that gold bars were not necessary, especially now that the shrine was renovated. Hua Cheng was leaning on the door with his arms folded, eyeing annoyed at Quan Yizhen the whole time. However, Xie Lian then realized that, if it really was a donation and was supposed to be a friendly gift, why did the whole delivery had to be so suspicious?

“Quan Yizhen, why did you send a person dressed as Guzi, even bringing a Green Lantern, to send your donation?”

Quan Yizhen was not guilty in the slightest and raised his shoulders while explaining, “I didn’t want anyone to intercept then and I thought that disguise would work for this purpose.” He sounded honest, after all, he was like an innocent child. His mind would probably not go as far as plotting a scheme to rob or anything. It was just very inconvenient pretending to have anything to do with the Green Ghost. But then, Quan Yizhen knew nothing of being inconvenient.

“Well, we’re agreed then, no more gifts from you, especially in disguise, and no secret night visits, especially when I’m not around. You may scare the villagers. Now, we still need to eat breakfast, would you like to join us?” Xie Lian tried to be friendly after a small lecture but really hoped the message did enter Qin Yazhen’s head this time.

Quan Yizhen sounded hesitant, as if remembering past experiences, and so felt the need to ask, “Is Dianxia cooking?”

“Yes, he is. I love his cooking,” Hua Cheng interfered, straightening his posture and looking intently at Quan Yizhen first, then winking at Xie Lian.

“I’m actually late for a meeting at the Heavenly Court, Dianxia. I already ate before coming, but thank you!” He quickly excused himself, drew an array and left.

“San Lang, were you trying to push him away on purpose?”, Xie Lian turned to face Hua Cheng, who smiled proudly, but then Xie Lian continued while raising a brow. “Were you implying that my cooking may be dangerous for him?”

If Hua Cheng had snow-white skin, now he was devoid of color. He widened his eye and started mumbling to explain himself. “Gege, it’s not that, it’s just he was being a nuisance showing up so early. I…”

Xie Lian turned his back with a hurt expression and started walking inside the shrine.

Hua Cheng reached him in large steps and hugged his back passionately, “Gege, I love your cooking! I wasn’t mocking you, I just…”. But then he stopped as he felt Xie Lian trembling in his arms.

When he turned Xie Lian to look at his face, he clutched his grip, completely locking the prince in his embrace. Xie Lian was trying very hard to contain his laughing but was now failing. He almost choked from laughing at first, and from being strangled by Hua Cheng’s arms afterwards.

“See, San Lang, this is what it feels like being played at. That was karma back at you”, Xie Lian was still laughing as Hua Cheng released him, but then had to run for his life as the Ghost King started pursuing him around the shrine.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng spent some nice couple of days playing a well-mannered couple, or “good companions” in Xie Lian’s view. Hua Cheng went to help the villagers to fix some roofs and clean weeds, while Xie Lian was lecturing and distributing protection charms during the afternoon. Xie Lian attempted cooking a broth at night, to which Hua Cheng helped himself three times and licked his bowl clean. They cleaned the place and slept early, exhausted from domestic duties.

On the next morning, Xie Lian woke to a ringing in his ear. He sat up and brought his two fingers to his temple, connecting to his private communication array.

“Dianxia, are you home? Well, good morning first. Are you at the cottage right now?” Waking up to “familiar yet unrecognizable at first” voices for the second time made Xie Lian ponder if he was becoming lazy for sleeping until late.

He then identified the speaker and replied after cleaning his throat, “General Pei, I am currently at Puqi Shrine. Are you at the cottage?”

“Oh dear, Dianxia. Did I wake you? I thought you followed a strict cultivation path and sincerely believed you would be up by now. My sincere apologies”, General Pei Ming responded in his array, sounding sorry but teasing at the same time. It was best that Xie Lian could not see his face.

“Hehehe, I guess I’m taking things a little lighter for a change. But General, I’m on my way to the cottage now. If you could just wait outside for a while, we’ll be right there, bye!”, Xie Lian replied and then sighed a little, embarrassed. He actually heard General Pei ask who were “we”, but ignored it and looked to his side.

Hua Cheng was still with his eyes closed and Xie Lian felt sorry for having to wake him up. He gently whispered that he should wake up, but got no answer. He then touched Hua Cheng’s face and came closer, insisting that Hua Cheng should wake up, but still, no answer. He then rubbed his lips against Hua Cheng’s and was startled as a pair of arms surrounded and captured him.

“Oh, so San Lang was in fact awake”, Xie Lian said against Hua Cheng’s face, although the ghost still kept his eyes closed.

“Gege, what are you saying, I’m sleeping here. I just thought you would be comfortable sleeping with me like this.”

That was it, now, of course, Xie Lian was certain: Hua Cheng had become completely spoiled at last.

“San Lang, I have an emergency and I’ll head to the cottage at Mount Taicang now. Do you want to accompany me? You can stay here sleeping if you prefer”

“Gege, General Pei’s arrival is hardly an emergency. Let him stand there alone. He can use his time for trying to be a better person or whatever. Keep lying here with me, Gege.” Hua Cheng dropped to the side and turned Xie Lian so he could cuddle him.

Xie Lian sighed and after long rounds of insisting and intense negotiation, they finally decided they would go to the cottage.

Once there, they went out the front door, having arrived inside by using the dice. Xie Lian opened the door gently and they were surprised to see General Pei indeed had his eyes closed, a serene face, while sitting with his legs crossed and leaning on a tree in front of the house. Xie Lian thought it weird that General Pei would actually meditate, he was rather impressed, but right at that moment he heard a loud snore. He looked back in time to see Hua Cheng slamming the front door in a loud thud. General Pei was suddenly on his feet and came closer to greet them.

“General, if you wanted to sleep, why bothering waking us up?” Hua Cheng said plainly while smiling to Pei Ming.  A fake smile, no doubt.

“Dear Lord Hua, my sincere apologies, it’s just that I had a serious matter to discuss with Dianxia”.

“I doubt your apology is sincere, but anyway…”, Hua Cheng said as he turned around and entered the cottage.

“That is fine, General Pei. If you would like to accompany me inside, we can discuss over a cup of tea that San Lang will prepare for us,” Xie Lian said the last part out loud hoping the Ghost King would hear it.

“Oh, don’t bother Hua Chengzhu with servings to this lowly General, please”, Pei Ming replied, perhaps sounding a little bit concerned to Xie Lian’s ears.

A few moments after they sat down, Hua Cheng placed a cup blowing steaming vapor in front of them and commented in a low voice before turning again “Low indeed.”

Xie Lian smiled a bit as if apologizing and encouraged Pei Ming to start talking. After being suspicious of the cup for a bit, General Pei decided to drink it in between his comments. He was actually concerned for Banyue and General Pei Junior, since they were spending too much time together and even talking about plans for the future.

“General, perhaps you should consider they are actually fond of each other and would like to settle with one another once their serve time is over” Xie Lian tried being sensible.

“But Dianxia, Pei Junior is nothing more than a kid! He has so many beauties still to know and so many beauties still to be introduced to. How can he settle for just one person, which is not even that much of a beauty?” To that, General Pei saw something floating in his tea and choked.

While waiting for him to cough for a long time, Xie Lian realized what was going on. General Pei was hoping Pei Junior would be his successor in every way, even in his wicked traits of personality. To think his appointed official would be loyal and faithful to a single woman was something unimaginable to General Pei, in addition to the fact he may be feeling abandoned.

After looking for whatever it is he saw in his tea for a while, General Pei continued, “Dianxia, perhaps you could talk to Banyue, she looks up to you a great deal, and instruct her that it would not be interesting creating such bonds now.”

“It would not be of interest to whom exactly?”, Hua Cheng was sweeping at the front, or just pretending to be busy, but could not contain himself no longer. “I believe no other than your interest alone”

“The floaty thing was my punishment for going against Lord Hua’s beliefs, I suppose”, General Pei nodded to his cup without looking around. “Surely Dianxia can see a different side to this matter…?”

Xie Lian looked at Hua Cheng leaning on the side of the door and then looked back at General Pei. “You see, General, I was alone for 800 years and then I found out what it’s like not needing to be alone, and it feels superb. If this is what Banyue wishes to herself, and if General Pei Junior is honest in his intentions, I won’t oppose to anything they decide.” He looked again to Hua Cheng in the corner of his vision and felt a slight warm on his cheeks since Hua Cheng was applauding him in silence.

“I see, Dianxia is indeed satisfied with his companion. I can’t imagine what it must feel like spending 800 years in celibate”, Pei Ming said as he was pulling his chair back, but, the second after, Hua Cheng was standing right next to him with a threatening look, his eye wide with anger.

“Dianxia has told you his opinion, I think you should go now and stop being a nuisance to other people’s lives”

“San Lang, that is okay. The purity of the body was one of the requirements for my method of cultivation and it was an important part of my life. But that’s true, General Pei, I said how I feel and I won’t change my mind. You’re welcome to come back if you need further clarification on the matter”, Xie Lian replied while also standing up.

“No, you’re not welcome”, Hua Cheng replied opening the front door to General Pei.

Pei Ming approached Xie Lian and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know you had to make sacrifices for a long time, but surely you have been benefiting from having a partner now” Then he inclined his head and whispered in Xie Lian’s ear. “And not only a partner in crime, I suppose”, he then smiled meaningfully and say goodbye.

Hua Cheng closed the door and turned to Xie Lian. “To the last part, I must agree, if Gege will allow me”.

Xie Lian rolled his eyes feeling like Mu Qing for once in his life and turned to clean the cups.

They spent the rest of the day doing small things, bumping into each other around the cottage and smiling. There were some vegetables to be picked at the garden sown with the seeds the Rain Master gave them. Xie Lian cooked something indiscernible and called it “For Making a Noble use of a Mouth”, what Hua Cheng thought formidable and ate until the pot was clean.

When Xie Lian was doing the dishes, Hua Cheng hugged his waist and leaned to kiss his cheek. “Gege, I don’t want to sound demanding, but I must require my payment now from our previous negotiation in the morning”

Xie Lian laughed a little and replied, “San Lang sure is keen on making people commit to their words”. He waved the water from his hands and turned to face Hua Cheng.

“Gege is a man of honor, I know he will be true to his offer” Hua Cheng bent and whispered in Xie Lian’s ears, making him shudder.

Before Xie Lian could answer, Ruoye unleashed himself from his arms. He let go of Hua Cheng, who turned to look at the side but was surprised by Xie Lian telling Ruoye to restrain the Ghost King wrists. Ruoye timidly extended out but then paused as if asking for permission and Hua Cheng raised a brow to it, then softly raised the corner of his mouth. Ruoye took the opportunity and surrounded Hua Cheng’s torso with a strangling grip.

"Gege, what are you..." Now Hua Cheng arched his two brows in surprise.

"San Lang asked for more bold moves, so I decided to have a try." But then he whispered to Ruoye, "I told you to go for his wrists, don't get too excited". Ruoye loosened his grip and slided through the Ghost King arms, binding only his hands together.

"But Gege doesn't need to force himself", Hua Cheng now had a mischievous expression and inclined his head a bit.

Xie Lian kissed his lips swiftly and pushed him to the bedroom and on the bed, unbuttoning his robe as soon as he fell.

"I'm not... sigh, San Lang, I'm not forcing myself. I'm just really embarrassed of admitting how much I enjoy being touched by you.” He stopped his hand, glanced at Hua Cheng and started moving faster than before. “Stop talking and relax"

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng raised his bounded wrists and used it to support his head. "Gege sure knows how to be bossy when he wants to." He sounded very satisfied with his current prisoner situation.

"San Lang, you wanted to test me, now deal with the consequences." Xie Lian was now sitting over his own knees, looking inside the Ghost King pants. He took a deep breath.

His hands started rubbing at Hua Cheng clumsily at first. There was no need for huge efforts in heating things up since Hua Cheng was already enjoying the situation enormously.

Then, Xie Lian bent his body and started kissing the inner groin, while his hands were caressing Hua Cheng's erection. He put his tongue out and gently licked the length until the tip, placing a soft kiss at the head. He heard a deep growl coming from above and looked up. Hua Cheng was watching him with a wild glow in his eyes.

Xie Lian opened his mouth and started sucking intently, watching as Hua Cheng closed his eye and arched his back, slightly opening his mouth.

"Hm, Gege's lips are soft as velvet." Hua Cheng said in between sighs with his eyes still closed.

Xie Lian became distracted scanning every part of Hua Cheng's body and rested a bit kissing and licking the head as if toying with a lollipop. Hua Cheng was like a porcelain doll, snow-white in every part of this body because of his ghost nature. He almost seemed like a moving marble statue. He was so handsome in an artistic way that Xie Lian could not help but be in awe.

"Does Gege like what he sees?", Hua Cheng asked, waking Xie Lian from this contemplation. He felt his cheeks were warm from all the action, but now from being watched too. He then went back to work, taking mouthfuls in and out. He suddenly realized that, although the Ghost King did not need to breath, he was venting air and decided to match the rhythm of those sighs.

The speed accelerated slightly, and then more, more, until Hua Cheng asked, "Gege, you should stop now or you'll dirty your mouth."

Xie Lian seemed unbothered by his concern and continued increasing the speed, making Hua Cheng protest once more against gritted teeth. "Gege, moan, Gege, it feels really good but I don't want to dirty you."

Xie Lian did not look up and continued his job until suddenly he felt a throb. The erection in his mouth contracted and something spread over his tongue. He actually was expecting the liquid to be warm, but it felt very refreshing.

At the same time, Hua Cheng arched his back and Ruoye released his wrists, flying past Xie Lian as if hiding. He then remembered what the Ghost King did to the sheets back at the Manor the last time he experienced this sensation. Hua Cheng sit up with a deep moan and stuck his fingers in between Xie Lian’s hairs, causing him to shudder. Xie Lian panicked a bit, not knowing what do to next and keeping everything in his mouth.

Hua Cheng said, “Gege, you don’t need to swallow, just spit it out.”

 Xie Lian then stood up and made a cup with his hands while going to the toilet. Hua Cheng watched him go with a look of utmost devotion and released his weight, laying back on the bed.

While washing his hands, Xie Lian reflected that he was getting more and more interested in Hua Cheng’s reaction everytime he was pushed until his pleasure limit. In fact, this game was becoming very curious.

On the next day, they managed to sleep as much as they wanted. It was close to lunch time when they decided to get up. They were eating fruits as a wraith butterfly appeared and landed at Hua Cheng's shoulder. It whispered something in his ear, then slowly flew in front of Xie Lian as if waiting for a praise. He smiled, extended his hand and was about to place a soft kiss on it when the Ghost King pushed the butterfly away.

"That's enough, go back to work." He looked at Xie Lian and explained, "If Gege opens a precedent by kissing one of them, remember there can be millions coming for you next", Hua Cheng said as the butterfly disappeared.

Xie Lian laughed and asked, "What did it whisper to you?"

"Nothing for Gege to be concerned. I may have to run an errand but I'm sure I'll be back in a couple of incense times", Hua Cheng tranquilized the prince.

"San Lang, you were sweeping my place for the last few days. Let me come along, I may be of help even if it's for you to threaten them with my cooking"

Hua Cheng looked down and pouted a bit, but Xie Lian laughed and stretched his arm to mess up his hair.

The case was that someone seemed to have sneaked in the Cave of 10,000 Gods and they would need to go there to check on it.

At the cave, they were walking past many galleries and looking at the statues. It was not Xie Lian's first time there, of course, but everytime he would see a different statue he had not noticed in the previous visit.

This time, it was a statue of the God-pleasing Crown Prince holding a child wrapped in bandages in his arms. Although the prince had a perfectly sculpted expression, the child was somewhat less conspicuous and disheveled, almost ugly.

"San Lang, you were a cute little thing, why did you make yourself like this?", Xie Lian approached and rubbed the cheek of the stone child.

"If one is told a thousand times one is a monster, one starts doubting whether that's not true", Hua Cheng said circling the statue and then wrapping his arms around Xie Lian's waist.

Xie Lian fell silent, just looking at the poor thing in the arms of the statue. Seeing his expression, Hua Cheng quickly added, "Gege, don't worry. That's been hundreds of years ago. What matters to me is that now I can carry you like this if I want."

With that he put his arms behind Xie Lian's shoulders and knees and raised him up like a princess in a fairy tale.

Xie Lian looked at his face and smiled, seeing his reflexion in the Ghost King's eye. He had some stirred emotions inside from the past few days and decided this was a good moment to start pouring it out.

"San Lang, I understand what you were trying to do lately."

"Oh, and what does Gege think it is?", Hua Cheng answered bringing him close and rubbing his nose in Xie Lian's cheek.

"This is serious, put me down, please" Xie Lian decided to speak but wanted to hide his face, otherwise he would be too embarrassed, so he started pacing without looking at Hua Cheng. "I've been doing my best to please San Lang..."

"Just by existing Gege is pleasing me", Hua Cheng interrupts with a funny tone.

"But in a romantic way, I hope you understand what I mean. I see you played a few tricks and that has helped me to become more confident indeed. So now I'm actually ready to... cough, cough, to go all the way, whatever this means." The last part he said in a really low voice.

Hua Cheng widened his eye and made sure Xie Lian was facing him before continuing the conversation. "Gege is so clever when reading other people but got the wrong idea this time."

Xie Lian looked at him with a puzzled expression, but Hua Cheng was serious and hugged him. "Gege, I never meant to push you into doing anything. Every moment we spend together is already amazing to me, it doesn't matter what we are doing. I guess you were so concerned with what to do, what you thought I was expecting you to do, that perhaps Gege hasn't really kept a track of where we were doing it."

He then released Xie Lian and looked him in the eye, raising a brow as if implying something.

Xie Lian started recalling it. "Well, for the last few days when I've been performing particularly better, if I'm allowed not to be humble now, and you were playing your tricks, we moved quite a bit. We were at Qiadeng temple first. Then at the Manor, went to Puqi shrine, now the Cottage... Oh dear! Did you actually want to sort of... 'debut' all of our home-like places?". Xie Lian covered his mouth after saying it.

The corners of Hua Cheng's mouth turned up in a wicked smile. "Although distracted by his own fears, once given a small push, Gege is sure fast in understanding the situation."

Xie Lian put a hand below his own chin and the other supporting his elbow, his typical detective pose, and continued thinking. "So, this means I must be alert in every place we go. San Lang, was this why we came here? Do you wish to try out these stone beds as well?"

Hua Cheng then pressed him against the wall. Xie Lian could feel the firm muscles under Hua Cheng's robes and started blushing instantly. When would this effect that Hua Cheng had over him lighten up a bit, so he could be in a position to deny one if any of Hua Cheng's advances? He couldn't tell. For now, even the scent of Hua Cheng’s breath was arousing him.

They were about to start kissing when two shadows appeared screaming a series of protests.

"No!!"

"Stop right this instant!!"

"Oh, my eyes!"

"And my ears!"

"Now I'll have nightmares for a week!!".

It was Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

Chapter Text

Feng Xin and Mu Qing must have been hiding at a dead-end small chamber right past this cave that Xie Lian and Hua Cheng had entered and probably heard the entire conversation.

Xie Lian was still flustered from all the touching with Hua Cheng, but he cleaned his throat and tried to sound intimidating, putting his hands on his hips.

"What on Earth are you two doing here?"

"I told Gege we had some unwelcome guests, I just didn't think they'd be so low as to spy on us", Hua Cheng said his compliments as well.

Mu Qing was angry and replied in an annoyed voice, "Why must you two be so clingy? Why can't you two just behave like adults and stop saying these unholy things all the time?"

"Well, as far and San Lang and I are concerned, this was a private space and you had no right to be here", Xie Lian said looking from one intruder to the other.

"I can explain, Dianxia. You see, last time we were here, I left behind something very important...", Feng Xin was trying to elaborate, but Mu Qing was too irritated to just let him have his go.

"That's so clearly a lie that you don't even need to bother finishing telling it!"

"For once, we agree on something", Hua Cheng said while sitting on the stone bed a few steps behind them.

"Well, go ahead them. Your turn! I think you're better at telling lies anyway" Feng Xin replied.

"What are you implying? If you haven't started out so badly and was not so bad at acting, I could probably have saved us now!", Mu Qing was raising his voice at each pronounced word.

"You wanted to be friends, but you're such a bad person inside, that I guess you'll never change!", Feng Xin was pushing the discussion the wrong way and Xie Lian started to worry.

"You two, stop arguing. Do we need to have a few rounds of idioms practicing to help calm down so you can finally tell me why are you really here?"

Both fell silent. Feng Xin was gesturing for Mu Qing to start talking. Mu Qing rolled his eyes and slapped his forehead, then looked at Hua Cheng.

"I can help you with slapping and punching, if you like", Hua Cheng replied.

Mu Qing sighed and decided there was no other way than just spit it out. "I... I wanted to see, and perhaps, just perhaps, destroy, that statue that came running into my garden some weeks ago".

Xie Lian had started unblushing, but when he thought of that night with the Land of the Tender statue running around, he blushed again.

"You don't get to decide what to do with other people's belongings", Hua Cheng stood up and started walking in Mu Qing's direction.

"I had a feeling that statue was profane. I was worried for Dianxia! Who knows what sort of perverted things you have been forcing him to do these days...", Mu Qing spat back.

Xie Lian was agitated and looked at Feng Xin as if asking for back up.

“Dianxia, Mu Qing is truly concerned this time, it’s not his nature, I know, but you had to see his face begging me to come with him. He even said ‘Back me up if we meet Lord Hua Chengzhu’.” Feng Xin imitated Mu Qing with a goofy tone, causing Hua Cheng to lift the corner of his mouth.

“You two seem more fun now than in my memories”, Hua Cheng acknowledged. “But if you’re done, I would appreciate it if could scram.”

“But that statue…” Mu Qing cried.

“It isn’t going anywhere, that was an accident and it was entirely my fault. See? I’m here now and nothing is happening. My powers have calmed down a bit. You will never see that statue again. Or for the first time” Xie Lian tried soothing Mu Qing’s concerns.

Feng Xin was still worried. “Dianxia, but isn’t it best to destroy evidences that may be used against you in the fut…”

“Neither of you will touch that statue, nor see it, nor anything. Just because I’m in a really good mood it doesn’t mean that I can’t turn sour the next instant.” Hua Cheng was growing impatient, he even unsheathed E’ming and was carelessly running his fingers through its blade.

E’ming, on its turn, was eyeing Xie Lian. When he retributed the glance, its lid closed in a semi-moon, as if smiling. Mu Qing and Feng Xin saw it and shuddered.

“I give up. If word spreads out, don’t say we didn’t warn you.” Mu Qing threw his hands in the air and headed for the corridor but was intercepted by E’ming’s blade at its neck.

Hua Cheng sneered, “If word spreads out, we’ll know it was you.”

“No one will comment anymore on this topic. The four of us have managed to keep secrets for at least 800 years! How come we can’t keep the statue incident to ourselves?” Xie Lian was trying to soothe the mood while pushing Feng Xin and Mu Qing out. “Bye, take care, the two of you. Don’t fight on your back. See ya!”

A few moments after they disappeared from sight, Xie Lian looked back at Hua Cheng. “I think we were discussing something important before being spied on.”

“We were discussing very important things AND being spied at the same time. Gege is very patient to those two, I would have locked them somewhere long ago.” Hua Cheng came closer to Xie Lian.

“They’re gods, I can’t just lock them up, although locking their mouth shuts could actually be of use sometimes.”

“Good idea, Gege. We could try it no…”

“Don’t! San Lang, there was something else I wanted to say.” Xie Lian changed the topic to prevent Hua Cheng from making experiments. “You see, we have done… ‘things’ in different places. But I feel guilty not retributing the feeling to you right away.” His heart was pounding so loud Hua Cheng probably could hear it. “I think next time, we should provide retributions to each other on the same day.”

Hua Cheng touched Xie Lian’s hair and smiled. It was a very naughty smile. Right then, a wraith butterfly entered and told Hua Cheng that Feng Xin and Mu Qing had indeed left. The next second, Hua Cheng pulled Xie Lian, raised him up over his shoulders like a princess being kidnapped and threw the dice.

They appeared inside his room at Paradise Manor and the next thing Xie Lian knew, he was thrown at the red bed with his legs spread open.

Hua Cheng climbed on top of him and held his arms with a deadly grip on top of his head. “Gege, where were we?”

Chapter Text

"Gege, I can't stop thinking about what you said, but please, don't push yourself. I'm fine either w..."

"San Lang, I want to know... " Xie Lian interrupted him but then bit his own lips, embarrassed. "Ah, I might as well just say it. I want you to do everything you want to me. Show me everything. Be creative." He blushed, but actually felt relieved now that he said it.

Hua Cheng bent over to reach Xie Lian's ears and licked it before whispering, "Gege, you saying this is waking up my wildest dreams of what to do with you. Are you sure you can handle?"

"Well, I can't be sure if I don't know what it is. So make me yours, San Lang." Xie Lian didn't even had the time to laugh at his own bold quote, because Hua Cheng started swallowing his mouth.

His tongue was fierce, pushing itself against Xie Lian's. Hua Cheng slightly bent to the side and dropped one hand to Xie Lian's groin.

Xie Lian gasped for air and moaned softly, before trying to speak against Hua Cheng's face, "San Lang, I meant it, I want us both to feel that really good feeling today".

Hua Cheng stopped kissing and looked at him with a grimace, saying "I was planning on both of us feeling it basically at the same time."

Xie Lian widened his eyes and was swallowed again.

Hua Cheng's hand was already inside Xie Lian's pants, gripping hard at his erection and pumping up and down. He decided to kiss his way until he saw nipples, but Xie Lian still had his upper robes on.

"Gege, show me your chest. I want to touch you more."

Xie Lian moved fast and got rid of his robe, but before letting Hua Cheng do it his way, he opened the ghost’s robes as well, contemplating Hua Cheng's sculpted abdomen.

While Hua Cheng was kissing and sucking at his nipples, Xie Lian was moving his hand all over Hua Cheng's torso. Then, he stretched and reached Hua Cheng's member and started caressing it.

"Gege, you taste so good. Now I need to taste you more." Hua Cheng moved on the bed and started sucking up on Xie Lian's hardness.

Xie Lian could not help but moan loudly, and since Hua Cheng was out of his reach now, he held the ghost's hair in a ponytail. After a few moments, he warned "San Lang, let me taste you too, moan, please stop otherwise I'll feel it too quickly."

Hua Cheng looked up from behind Xie Lian's erection and said "I want to swallow Gege whole first. Then we'll do as you want." He playfully sucked at the head for a bit and added, "Gege, I'll make you feel it again today, don't worry."

Xie Lian was contorting with pleasure and pulling at the sheets below him. A few more blows later he exploded in Hua Cheng's mouth with a low scream. Again, Hua Cheng licked and swallowed everything, then went to kiss Xie Lian’s lips and swapped places with him, going below the prince.

Xie Lian was still a bit dizzy, but he was moving down on Hua Cheng while he said, "San Lang, I... You showed me these feelings I didn't even think existed. I can't even describe what I feel."

Hua Cheng smiled widely and watched as Xie Lian exposed his erection. "Gege showed me these sensations too..." Perhaps he was going to add something else, but as soon as he felt Xie Lian's mouth on him, he stopped talking. A low growl started building inside his chest.

He seemed to be more resistant to the urge than Xie Lian. The prince sucked and licked for a decent time, concentrated in feeling the throbs and fluids along with Hua Cheng's scent.

Suddenly, Hua Cheng sat up, pulling Xie Lian's lollipop away, and said "Gege, let's try something. Come here." His look was wild as if he was going to eat Xie Lian alive. And indeed, he was going to.

He grabbed a small bottle of something and placed Xie Lian on all fours on the bed, instructing him to tell when it hurts. Then, he bent over the god and started masturbating him with one hand, while he slowly inserted an oily finger inside Xie Lian. He was calm and gentle, watching out for his lover every reaction.

He then took it out, oiled a second finger and stuck two fingers in this time, moving in and out in coordination with his grip at Xie Lian's erection. Xie Lian was moaning uncontrollably, he was completely subdued. His moans matched the movements taking hold of him, until suddenly his body dropped on the bed and Hua Cheng felt a throb. He asked, "Gege, are you ready to feel it again?"

Xie Lian couldn't speak, he was completely overtaken by pleasure and could only moan louder, like a kitten, in response.

Hua Cheng stopped everything and turned Xie Lian on the bed, placing his back to the mattress. He also raised a hand and something fell off the ceiling: it was a sheet and it revealed a mirror. Now they were facing eye to eye but Xie Lian could also see their images moving.

"Gege, open your legs wide for me and relax. Think of the nice and warm sensation flowing through your body and let me know if it hurts. I'll be gentle."

Xie Lian was so intrigued by the mirror he barely paid attention to what he heard. He watched their reflexions as Hua Cheng started penetrating him very slowly. How could watching themselves make this feeling even better?

Xie Lian had tears forming in his eyes and his cheeks were red. He opened his mouth in silence as he was filled up completely by Hua Cheng and when he felt a sweet spot was reached, he let out a pleased, loud moan.

Hua Cheng adjusted his body so he could touch Xie Lian's erection and still move in and out of him. He was now using his two hands to elaborate all over Xie Lian, but moved his hip very gently, waiting for his own tension to climax.

Watching their images loving each other so passionately, Xie Lian's legs started shaking and he reached for a pillow.

Hua Cheng felt it coming, a nice numbness preceding a burst of joy, and then accelerated all his movements, watching Xie Lian's expression. His eyes were watching the ceiling intently and he was trying really hard to suppress his screams. Suddenly, he could not hold it any longer.

Xie Lian arched his back, screaming to the pillow in his hands. A warm liquid rolled over Hua Cheng’s hand and at this point he felt he could relief himself too.

He let go of Xie Lian and bent forward, thrusting harder and getting rid of the pillow to kiss Xie Lian's mouth.

Both had their eyes opened and watched every movement of the other, but Xie Lian could also see in the mirror Hua Cheng's back, his round butt and his hip thrusting.

Right after, Hua Cheng moaned loudly and exploded inside Xie Lian. A drop of sweat rolled at the side of his face and landed in Xie Lian's neck.

Hua Cheng relaxed his body on top of Xie Lian and they were panting for a while, their chests pressing against each other. Recovering his senses a short moment after, Hua Cheng slowly turned and laid beside Xie Lian, who moaned slightly as Hua Cheng exited his body. Both were sprawled on the bed very, very satisfied.

A few minutes after, Hua Cheng said "Gege, did you like it?"

"San Lang, I couldn't put into words first, now I'm completely speechless. How come you're such a... skilled lover?"

Sweat covered their bodies but even so, they entangled in a passionate cuddle, smiling helplessly.

"I'm not that skilled, I just really want to please you. Besides, I had 800 years to think about Gege, that's all." Hua Cheng kissed Xie Lian's forehead and they were silent again for a while.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian surely spent themselves out this time. They took a nap to recover and lost track of time. When both were awake, Xie Lian had an idea. “Could we premiere that ofuro of yours as well?”

“Gege, this way you’ll make me think I’m irresistible”, Hua Cheng hugged him close.

“Hehe, actually I gave you the wrong idea, San Lang. I need to rest, but I wanted to take a bath. Possibly together, that’s all” Xie Lian explained.

“That’s a pity, but Gege’s wish is an order”.

A short moment after, they were inside the tub and Xie Lian was playing with Hua Cheng’s hair, making a lot of foam. Hua Cheng could feel his own soul melting and blending with the water from being touched. Xie Lian thought it really funny and started messing with his hair by doing all sorts of crazy hairstyles.

They fooled around at the Manor and at the Armory until the next day dawned. Xie Lian received a message telling him to visit the Heavenly Court in a hurry and they said goodbye with a promise of being for a short while.

The Ghost King had this glowy aura of happiness surrounding him, even the monsters in the Gambler's Den noticed it and spread the word that it was a good day to bet. Inside the Den, Hua Cheng sat in his boss chair and was conceding all the requests he was asked, if it did not involve injustice, but even if the person lost the bet.

In the meantime, while walking around the Heavenly Main Avenue, Xie Lian was feeling light and pleased too, even though he would blush everytime he remembered what they did last night.

Once in the Heavens, Feng Xin warned via private communication array he should go straight to the Court. The building was restored and was glistening and opulent as before. However, there was no Emperor to run it now, and Xie Lian sighed relieved for that.

He was not surprised to be summoned to the Heavenly Court, but once he entered the building and saw Pei Junior and Banyue as defendants, he became suspicious. Ling Wen was taking notes furiously at the side, probably not to her own will.

What was also surprising was that the gods had decided they would work as a democratic system. Selected civil and martial gods were sitting in a circle surrounding the two defendants and looked at him when he appeared. There was an open space in between Feng Xin and Mu Qing. Pei Ming was also there, along with Lang Qianqiu and Quan Yizhen.

Xie Lian entered and surrounded the circle formation, walking in front of Ling Wen. She informed, "Dianxia, you were summoned here as a character testimony. I assumed you know well at least one of them?"

"Long time, no see, Ling Wen. Actually, I know both from a long time ago. I'm sure they changed a great deal since then, so maybe I’m not the best person." Xie Lian replied, looking around him. Banyue saw him and waved happily, Pei Junior just nodded.

"That's true. But your vote may still affect the final decision today, so if Dianxia would like to take a seat, we'll soon start." Ling Wen continued to have black circles around her eyes, but now they were deeper than usual.

"Thank you, Ling Wen, but can I ask why are they on trial? I thought they were atoning, serving and paying fines for their crimes already."

"Ah, no one told Dianxia? They were and both still have debts to pay for. But now they want to get married and the Court thought it should be discussed openly.”

Xie Lian thought it funny that it almost seemed like Ling Wen wanted to roll her eyes at that last part. He took a sit and the session began. Banyue was allowed to speak, Pei Junior as well. No one was really interested in General Pei Ming’s cause of “inconsequent youth love”. It was Lang Qianqiu that actually presented a decent suggestion. They agreed to let the happy couple get married, but they would have to purge and recover the destroyed oasis at Half-Moon Pass.

All the gods thought it fair considering the many lives lost to the place. Banyue and Pei Junior were satisfied too. Only General Pei Ming was impatient, but everyone knew it was not from the decision of the Court itself.

After the trial ended, Banyue approached Xie Lian. “General Hua, we thought about doing a small celebration at the Ming Guang Palace, if Pei Junior is successful in convincing Pei Ming. Would you and Lord Hua Chengzhu like to come too?”

Xie Lian did not know what was funnier to imagine: their celebration at General Pei’s expense or Hua Cheng showing up to a party of gods. Still, he was happy for Banyue and replied gently “That sounds like a pleasant evening. We’ll definitely be there.”

The following day, he came back unaccompanied to the Heavenly City. Hua Cheng was resolute in his despise for the other gods and promised to compensate Xie Lian later by doing anything (else) he wanted, but begged not to come. Xie Lian said it was fine, but he actually wanted to go, even if alone.

Ming Guan palace was sumptuous after a few renovations. Many known faces were there, chatting and eating from fancy and very small dishes. Banyue had a red bridal dress and Pei Junior could not restrain himself from gazing at her everytime he could. They looked truly happy together. Although they would have a hard task ahead, Xie Lian felt that being together like that would help each other and the Pass to heal.

He congratulated the bride and groom and grabbed something to eat. Feng Xin and Mu Qing came closer and told a very peculiar thing. Just the other day, when they left the cave of 10,000 Gods, their voices disappeared, and at the same time! Such an odd coincidence. They could not speak a word for a couple of hours, and just as it went, it came back. Xie Lian looked very surprised, although he knew exactly what or who caused it. They talked until an inevitable argument started from whatever irrelevant reason, making Xie Lian wish they would be muted again. Right then, Xie Lian saw the Lord Rain Master and walked away.

Lord Rain Master was nice as always and while they greeted each other, Xie Lian saw Quan Yizhen sitting alone at a table, antisocial as always. After telling the Rain Master about his vegetable garden, Xie Lian joined Quan Yizhen. A few moments later, Banyue called everyone’s attention.

She thanked all for their presence and the testimonies at the court. Before Jun Wu was gone, it may have been weird to imagine such a pair would be welcome at the Heavens after everything that happened. But things had changed, people came and went, and wrong and right were now mixed up together. The gods needed time to bring the system back on again. Also, they realized everyone had a glass ceiling and was subjected to being judged about something. So civil and martial gods were taking things easily while discussing justice affairs thoroughly.

Xie Lian was just thinking about this when he noticed the hall had become silent. He snapped out of his reflexion and focused on Banyue, who was staring at him with her hand inviting him to the front. Everyone was looking at him and he had no idea what she said.

“Dianxia is being asked to the front for an artistic performance.” Quan Yizhen was insightful for once in his life and explained to Xie Lian what just happened.

Xie Lian stood up and thanked him. He walked to stand alongside Banyue and thanked mentally for Hua Cheng not being here after all. Banyue said General Hua used to sing and dance with them back when they were young. Pei Junior then added that he helped them a lot back on those days and they looked for a way to thank him.

Xie Lian did not know why he was forced to embarrass himself in order to acknowledge their compliments, but was struck with shock when musicians showed up and started playing. This was a melody he recognized instantly, it was a song created for him once he first ascended, back in Xianle’s days of glory.

He could not help but to tear up a bit when hearing it. Banyue looked at him also tearing up and encouraged him to sing, if he remembered the lyrics. He was so touched, but so embarrassed at the same time. That was when the chorus started playing and a soft choir of voices accompanied the instruments.

He opened his mouth and, at first very timidly, started singing the lyrics to the song. He scanned the room and everyone was watching him. Feng Xin came closer and had his eyes opened in shock. Mu Qing had his hand over his mouth and could not look away. No crimson spot could be seen in between the guests, so Xie Lian allowed himself to be overtaken by emotion.

All of present gods and officials had forgotten that, although Xie Lian was indeed a martial God, he was once a royal prince, well-versed in all sorts of arts. Back in the day, when he was quite young, he knew how to draw, play instruments, write poems, and act. Now they were all mesmerized by his singing too. Suddenly, in a wave of inspiration, at the third and last part of the song, Xie Lian closed his eyes while singing and started moving graciously to the rhythm of the melody.

Such graciousness was only possible to a god, an ethereal being, but also someone that had complete control over his body and a softness that could not be learned. One could only be born with it. His white robes fluttered with each movement making the whole scene even more transcendental. He almost looked like a butterfly, swinging its wings and floating. He had his eyes closed and moved as his heart told him to, so he did not notice when someone else entered the room.

He felt a passion only an artist on the stage could feel and was reminded of how he used to appreciate these moments at the royal court. Although those memories felt warm, the feeling made more sense now that he had experienced love at its purest form. He saw San Lang smiling at him inside his closed lids and was so grateful for having him in his life.

The song was almost at its end. Xie Lian steadied himself before opening his eyes, while prolonging the last note. When the room felt silent, he was abruptly removed from this state of trance. All were still staring at him with widened eyes and once they realized it was over, they started clapping. Xie Lian smiled and felt so embarrassed, almost regretting what he had just done.

His eyes were a bit foggy from the torpor of finally performing again but he bowed to thank when a red spot caught his eye.

He became alarmed and focused his vision. It was Hua Cheng, leaning against a pillar at the corner of the room since god knows when. At the moment Xie Lian saw him, Hua Cheng threw that custom-made smile, that belonged only to his Gege. Xie Lian also noticed a single shimmering tear rolling down the left eye of the Ghost King. He was watching Xie Lian with utmost admiration and sent a wave of pretty silver butterflies to surround him and bring him to his embrace.

Chapter Text

The butterflies surrounded both Hua Cheng and Xie Lian and they left the hall where the wedding was taking place. While they were moving, Xie Lian was holding Hua Cheng's robes and his face was stuffed in the red fabric.

Suddenly they stopped. Xie Lian looked up and saw Hua Cheng was facing him. His look was so pure and so tender, filled with devotion and love.

Xie Lian was recovering from the emotional wave of the performance yet, so his eyes were filled with tears, but he steadied his voice to say, "San Lang, did you hear the entire song?"

"En."

"But did you watch the whole scene too?"

Hua Cheng turned the corner of his mouth up and hugged Xie Lian. "Will Gege feel happy or sad if I was to say yes to that?"

Xie Lian pondered. "It doesn't matter actually. You're here now and I'm glad. That's what matters to me."

It truly was. Xie Lian thought that he was going to be filled with sorrow after the song ended and expected to miss those days when he was sitting in glory. But right then he saw San Lang and his heart was flooded with a reassuring feeling, that right now was greater than it has ever been.

His early days of glory were gratifying, but we're also filled with doubt and solitude. Now, he had San Lang, and that was much more comforting. He had San Lang only to himself and, after the past few days, he could now admit that every fiber in his body craved for San Lang.

"Gege, I stopped here because I felt your uneasiness. Is something wrong?" Hua Cheng interrupted his thoughts.

"I want you." Xie Lian spat back.

"Dianxia? You want me to do what?" Hua Cheng was a little puzzled.

"I want you... to see the new palace of Xianle I remade." Xie Lian changed his mind and completed the sentence differently.

"Oh, sure, Gege. Take me there, please."

They walked over the silent Heavenly Avenue and no gods or officials were to be seen. Xie Lian opened the doors to his palace. The structure was renovated and the place was completely emptied to prevent memories from his last visit to return.

Hua Cheng was a bit startled with his suggestion of visiting his palace. Honestly, he was a bit unsettled by it. "Is Dianxia considering visiting this place from time to time?" Then, he became afraid of hearing the answer to his question.

"I'm not quite sure yet." Xie Lian walked inside the main hall and waved his hands, bathing the room in a warm orange light from a simple chandelier atop of their heads. The doors closed behind them. This was not as spacious as the Ming Guan Palace and was devoid of furniture at the moment. It certainly did not feel like a home, in Hua Cheng's perspective.

"Gege is always welcome to stay with me anytime he wants." Hua Cheng was starting to transpire his worry and Xie Lian noticed. However, he continued to mess with the Ghost King a bit more.

"Wouldn't San Lang consider coming to stay with me in this palace?" Xie Lian was teasing. They were pacing around the hall.

"If Gege insisted, then sure. But it doesn't seem very comfortable at the moment." Hua Cheng did not want to say he just liked his place better.

"Oh, but Puqi shrine was so dilapidated when we first met and you still decided to spend the night there." It was getting harder for Xie Lian to hide his urge to laugh. He started conducing their walk to the corridor. Lights were progressively turning on as they moved.

Hua Cheng was caught, that was a good argument. He felt he had to let it out then. "Gege, it's just that I thought you were satisfied living together with me. And we already have four home-like places. But, of course, here is good. My only concern is that, if you keep coming here to arrange it, you..." His voice trailed off and he stopped walking.

"I would what, San Lang?" Xie Lian went back.

"You would spend more time away from me. And it pains me."

"Oh, I didn't realize San Lang was such a dependable Supreme Ghost King." Xie Lian said that watching for Hua Cheng's reaction very close.

Hua Cheng raised his brows in confusion but then Xie Lian had his fare of fun. Something more urgent was taking over him now. So he pulled Hua Cheng by the hands a couple more steps and stopped in front of a closed door.

"You know, San Lang. Perhaps you weren't trying to play a game with me these past few days, or perhaps you were. Either way, I certainly learned that it feels nice to play you too.”

Hua Cheng's face went blank for a second, and then the door opened. A beautiful white post-bed was prepared inside this room. Over the windows, white curtains floated and little golden and red details could be seen in the pillows spread over the bed.

"Dianxia, what is this?"

"It's just a little romantic surprise I planned for my San Lang." Xie Lian pulled him in and closed the door. The lights diminished and he put his arms around Hua Cheng's neck.

"Your San Lang, Gege?" He kissed Xie Lian briefly. "If you start talking like that, I may not be able to stop myself."

"Then don't stop yourself. Actually, I won't stop myself today either. I want you whole." Xie Lian smiled as he saw Hua Cheng's eye turn savage.

"Dianxia, I already knew it, but you will surely end up being the death of me by speaking like that."

They started kissing deeply and went straight to the bed.

Hua Cheng sit on top of Xie Lian and slowly opened the white robes while licking his own upper lip. Xie Lian was usually so embarrassed that he would not know what to do, but now he felt relaxed and watched Hua Cheng strip him.

Hua Cheng then bent over to kiss his chest, but Xie Lian interrupted. "Uh-uhn, why don't San Lang get rid of his robes too in the same way he got rid of mine?" He said and smiled innocently.

To that, Hua Cheng stood on the bed and started striping himself while watching Xie Lian intently with a not-in-the-least innocent smile.

When he opened his robe, he heard Xie Lian say "You're so handsome, San Lang."

He almost blushed, but one: he could not blush, two: he did not mind at all being paid compliments by his Gege, so he stripped all the way. He then sat on top of a naked Xie Lian and leaned to cover his body with his own.

They kissed gently first, feeling each other. However, the Ghost King started teasing and rubbing his hip against the prince. Xie Lian could feel a moisture leaving a trail against their skins. He wrapped his legs around Hua Cheng’s waist and whispered, “San Lang, can you be mine tonight?”

Hua Cheng straightened up to look him in the eye. “Gladly. Will Gege lead the way?”

“En.” With that, Xie Lian rolled to be on top of Hua Cheng and lowered his head in between Hua Cheng’s legs.

His mouth had just licked the wet tip of Hua Cheng’s erection when a voice said, “May I give a suggestion to Gege?”

Xie Lian looked up with his mouth full of Hua Cheng and sucked hard before raising his brows as if replying “yes”.

Hua Cheng groaned, but managed to add “Turn your body so I can taste you at the same time.”

Xie Lian refused to let go of him, his mouth still sucking, so Hua Cheng just dragged him, placed his hip on top of his own mouth and swallowed Xie Lian’s erection.

Xie Lian finally opened his mouth to let out a surprised moan, followed by a pleased sound. He licked two fingers and resumed sucking at Hua Cheng.

Their bodies were bent side by side, so he spread Hua Cheng’s legs a little and teased at his entrance. Hua Cheng moaned back, so he slowly started inserting a finger. After accommodating it, he went in and out for a bit and stopped sucking to look at Hua Cheng’s face.

Hua Cheng’s eye was closed and he was sucking Xie Lian with frowned brows. Missing Xie Lian’s mouth, he opened his eye to see what happened.

“Can I put in another one?”, Xie Lian asked, smiling.

“I prefer you put in something else”, Hua Cheng replied and moved to kiss his lover’s mouth.

“Wait, I don’t want to risk hurting you.”

“You won’t, I know you wouldn’t.” Hua Cheng bit Xie Lian’s neck and inhaled his Dianxia’s smell.

“Fine.” Xie Lian told him to bent over all fours and pulled him to the end of the bed. He then raised one knee and placed his own leg on the mattress to aim.

As Hua Cheng was being filled with Xie Lian, he started touching himself. Xie Lian thought that was incredibly appealing and wanted to take over, but he was also flustered with how good it felt penetrating the Ghost King.

“Gege, please start moving in and out. I’m going crazy.”

Xie Lian was still frozen with pleasure when he said, “I will, but stop touching yourself. Save it.”

“I’m not sure I can, it just feels so good.”

“You told me to lead the way, so stop it and I’ll compensate you in a bit.”

Hua Cheng groaned and spread his arms on the bed. Xie Lian started thrusting, slowly, then he reached for a post and grabbed the ghost’s hip, going faster and faster. Hua Cheng was moaning at speed the prince determined and started begging to be able to do something too.

Xie Lian was almost at his maximum when he took everything out, rolled Hua Cheng on the bed and jumped on top of him. He carefully held the erection below him, aimed inside himself and let his weight loose on top of Hua Cheng, being completely filled by his lover.

Hua Cheng gasped and reached for Xie Lian’s member. As the prince was moving his hip, Hua Cheng was blowing his hand up and down. Their synchrony was undeniable. Moans and sighs created a disconcerting symphony that was echoing low in the palace hall. Their rhythm was mesmerizing and they felt it coming at the same time.

Suddenly, Xie Lian sinked his fingers in the ghost’s thighs and Hua Cheng’s back arched up. Their bodies and soul blended into one as they exploded against each other.

Finally, exhausted, their bodies laid languidly beside one another.

Xie Lian was the first to break the silence, once he recovered his breathing. “San Lang, how can I live my life away from you, knowing you can to this sort of thing to me?” Hua Cheng smiled. “I won’t be moving here, you’re stuck with being followed around by me a bit longer.”

Hua Cheng pulled Xie Lian to his embrace. “Gege, I’m curious. I wasn’t coming to the wedding celebration. So why did you prepare this room?” He turned his head to look at Xie Lian.

“I was betting you would change your mind.” Xie Lian looked back and winked.

“In the end, Gege became a player too. Who knows whether I was or not playing a game in the first place? The important thing is both of us ended up winning, don't you agree?”

Xie Lian laughed against the Ghost King’s chest and said, “You couldn't be more right, San Lang.”

Chapter Text

Thanks for reading me <3 and if you commented or left a kudo, thank you even more! You made me very happy.