Chapter Text
Ever since his unannounced visit to Bai Zhan, word of Shen Yuan’s prowess against Liu Julong has spread across the peak. So far in fact, that it even reached the Peak Lord's ears. Happy that Liu Julong wouldn't have to embarrass anymore senior disciples, (they were starting to get particularly feisty) she invited Shen Yuan back to duel with the man any time he wanted.
She had actually approached him in person, saying something along the lines of “Bai Zhan always welcomes strong fighters, the little ones could learn a lot from a different fighting style. Not to mention many of us were getting tired of easy fights.”
She hadn’t stayed much longer than that, but all Shen Yuan could think of was the fact that she, the current strongest martial artist in Cang Qiong, had called a little scholar such as himself strong. That must be some of the highest form of praise he would ever receive. He definitely rode the high of those words for over a week.
And so, with his granted permission, Shen Yuan soon made it a habit to practice his sword forms at Bai Zhan alongside Liu Julong. It was an extremely comfortable companionship, both of them practising in pleasant silence. (Whenever he practised with Shen Jiu, his brother would repeatedly correct him or nag him on practising more)
But not only was the company great, each training session would end with a short spar between the two. Although Shen Yuan had indeed enjoyed their first fight on Bai Zhan, he wasn’t exactly happy to spar every single time. Hey! He isn’t the protagonist here! He doesn't have plot armour to defend against actual swords!
However, his attempts to worm out of duals backfired the moment Liu Julong started saying two words after each match. “My win.”
Now, Shen Yuan wouldn't really consider himself a competitive person, but something about the beautiful smirk, and the smooth confidence he used to utter the words lit a fire in Shen Yuan's heart. Although things didn't exactly work out as planned, as even with the competitive flame burning inside him, Shen Yuan, after what must be tens of fights, had yet to win.
That changes today.
For the past month on end, he had been preparing a fool proof strategy to win against Liu Julong. With this plan, there was no way he could lose.
The sound of Liu Julong whipping Cheng Luan around echoed through the air as Shen Yuan approached him, quiet as a fox. The training grounds were usually deserted except for the two of them, everyone else in the mess hall at this time to eat dinner.
At first, the two had sparred during the normal training hours, but the crowd they always seemed to gather had become quite annoying, so the pair had decided to change the time they met up to a few hours later.
Shen Yuan initially had no clue that Liu Julong was missing his dinner for their training sessions, and when he had found out, Shen Yuan nearly attacked the poor man in a worried fury. How are you supposed to grow those exceedingly attractive muscles without meat hmm??
Liu Julong had only managed to calm him down after the two went and talked to the chefs themselves, who promised to leave out leftovers for the two of them. (They usually had a lot, seen as they are forced to overcook in order to satiate the crazy appetite of physical cultivators)
His footsteps quick and light against the ground, Shen Yuan approached Liu Julong from behind. With his cultivation level, it was near impossible to hear the sound of his footsteps as he approached, but Liu Julong always seemed to know where he was, so Shen Yuan was unsurprised by the way the man's shoulders tensed, and then relaxed at his approach.
Normally, Shen Yuan would slip in beside him, tie up his own hair, and start his own sword formations without a word, but not today. Starting now, it was time to execute the “time to fucking finally win against my stupidly attractive boyfriend” plan.
So, Shen Yuan continued to walk towards Liu Julong's broad shoulders, until he could feel the heat radiating off of him. Close enough. Stage one is a go!
Carefully tucking his hair behind one ear, Shen Yuan leaned over Liu Julong’s right shoulder, until his lips were ghosting the shell of the man's ear, and in a whispered breath, he lets out a coy, “ Shiiiidiiiiii~”
Immediately, Liu Julong's perfect sword form is lost as he practically doubles over in surprise, face beat red as he turns around to face Shen Yuan in surprise. The Bai Zhan disciple fumbles for words, mouth opening and closing as he stares up at Shen Yuan, before finally saying, “What the hell Shen Yuan?”
Shen Yuan gives himself a moment to look down at his sputtering figure in satisfaction, - perhaps he really is like his scum villain brother, leaving his poor shidi an embarrassed mess in front of him - before saying, “Are you ready for our spar today?”
A soft smile graces Shen Yuan’s lips before its hidden behind his signature fan - honestly he might burst out laughing if he didn't bring it out, which would completely ruin his plan! - before reaching his hand out towards Liu Julong to help the man steady himself.
As expected, Liu Julong instantly shifts from embarrassed, to eager at the prospect of a fight, truly he was a simple man, returning Shen Yuan’s smile with one of his own, a sharp nod following.
“Hmmm, good!” Shen Yuan says, taking back his hand and snapping his fan shut with a little more flourish than normal. Mindful of the charm, Shen Yuan tucks it back away into the safety of his sleeve, before unsheathing Li Ye to begin practice.
When he had first arrived on Qing Jing, Shen Yuan had consistently forgotten fans in various places, losing his fair share of them as well. But with the addition of Liu Julongs charm, Shen Yuan no longer had the opportunity to misplace it. The fan had become a constant in his life, the charm a persistent reminder of his adorable shidi. Whether it be to hide his face, or simply twirling the charm around his fingers during classes, Shen Yuan never put it down.
That doesn't mean he didn't misplace other things of course. Liu Julong still managed to show up at his door with forgotten combs, brushes, and other various items. It would honestly be a concerning habit he would try to fix if it didn't bring him face to face with Liu Julong so often. When his homework piled up and he was forced to stow away on the peak, Liu Julong turning up at his doorstep to return items had ended up being his only way to see the man face to face.
Li Ye’s cold hilt felt familiar in his hand as Shen Yuan started to work his way through various sword formations, warming himself up alongside Liu Julong for the upcoming spar.
Starting is always a slow process, the time when his body protests the most, but soon just muscles relax, the movements become smoother, and only when the two of them have developed a sheen to their brow did Shen Yuan and Liu Julong face each other.
Although Shen Yuan loved to ramble off whatever came to mind, he often found that there was little need for words when it came to Liu Julong. Of course the other man would gladly listen if Shen Yuan were to start talking, but as of late, all they need is a simple glance at one another to understand what the other is thinking.
And so, when Liu Julong lowers himself, Cheng Luan poised at the ready, brow raised towards Shen Yuan, he doesn't pause to ask Liu Julong if he is ready, and instead launches himself forwards into his first attack.
Liu Julongs blows, even when short, always manage to make Shen Yuan reverberate head to toe with their intensity. Shen Yuan is aware he is currently sparring with a future peak lord, the future war-god, but damn, his hits are heavy.
Shen Yuan tries his best to redirect his opponents blows rather than take them head on, but sometimes it isn't possible. Thus, the two continue their now familiar dance back and forth, cold steel clashing in the air, breaths laboured with the effort.
A twist here, a slash there, the routine is welcome and familiar. At least until Liu Julong gets in a lucky blow, Shen Yuan just narrowly dodges as a lock of his hair is sliced in his evasion.
Shen Yuan’s brow twitches slightly at the action, Liu Julong too immersed in the fight to look guilty. But it's alright, even if he has some problems styling his hair tomorrow, everything is moving according to plan.
The plan was a simple one really, but though simple, Shen Yuan was confident in its proficiency. You see, over the course of getting to know the Bai Zhan disciple, Shen Yuan had managed to uncover a weakness. Perhaps his only one, and Shen Yuan was going to exploit it to the best of his abilities.
A small smile tugs on the corners of his mouth as Shen Yuan watches Liu Julong change his stance, readying his next attack. Finally, Shen Yuan had been waiting for this.
Liu Julongs most powerful blows come from when he wields his sword two handed, able to maximize his physical cultivation. However, its drawback was speed. The windup required to move his whole body slowed him down, and when faced with Shen Yuan's fast paced, precise attacks, he fell behind.
And so, Liu had a habit of changing to sword wielding with one hand if Shen Yuan ever managed to get an upper hand. The Bai Zhan peaks form for single hand sword wielding consisted of, of course, the sword in one hand, and condensed qi strike ready in the other. This allows for Bai Zhan warriors to increase their speed, while not compromising the safety of their non-dominant hand.
From the beginning, Shen Yuan and Liu Julong had agreed to purely physical brawls, without qi, so his form was slightly altered. Instead of a condensed qi blast, Shen Yuan would instead just be hit with an open fist. And as someone who can speak first hand, Shen Yuan knows that Liu Julong does not pull punches in a fight. Even one with his lover. (Liu Julong was forced to sulk alone for a week after he pulled that stunt. Shen Yuan was too embarrassed and angry at him to come back to spar again.)
So under normal circumstances, this slight variation wouldn’t make much of a difference, but today, it was a vital part in Shen Yuan's plan to achieve victory. With Cheng Luan now in his left hand, Liu Julogs right side was just ever so slightly more open.
Of course, this is not an invitation to attack, as Liu Julong's right side can be considered anything but weak, but it is indeed a vital step in his plan. Now onto stage two!
There was a little risk in this plan, as Shen Yuan would have to use broader movements than normal, but it was a necessary risk. This morning, when getting dressed to go to Bai Zhan, Shen Yuan may have- er- forgotten, to tighten his robes all the way. So when he made a particularly large arc with his sword, the robes shifted ever so slightly open, slipping to one side, exposing his collarbone on the other.
Liu Julong, ever easy to tease, clearly notices every small detail in a battle. So although his face doesn't change with the action, his sword as steady as ever, Shen Yuan doesn't miss the bright red tips of his ears. Success!
With the fruits of his labour, Shen Yuan determines that this is about as flustered as he can get the little war god without making his intentions obvious. So, as to not let the window of opportunity close, Shen Yuan bolts forwards, straight towards Liu Julong, who just as quickly adjusts himself to defend from Shen Yuan's blow.
However, with quick steps, Shen Yuan performs an artful feint towards his left, before twirling back to the right. Now for the most crucial part of his plan. Just like in the spiritual caves, Shen Yuan lowers his blade, and instead of moving to attack, he plants a firm kiss onto Liu Julong's cheek.
“You!” The other man immediately stutters, turning to face Shen Yuan. At the unexpected action, Liu Julong's hand had turned to hold Shen Yuan's waist in an effort to push him away, - or maybe bring him closer? - instead of a punch. (Shen Yuan had fully prepared himself to receive one as well in the name of victory.)
“Yes?” Shen Yuan replied with a near Cheshire grin wide across his face.
Not given Liu Julong the opportunity to collect himself, Shen Yuan changed the trajectory of his attack, and with Liu-shidi now completely turned towards him, Shen Yuan planted yet another kiss against the man's lips.
Immediately, all of Liu Juong's muscles tense, the man frozen in both confusion and surprise. Exactly as Shen Yuan expected him to react. Using the moment to his advantage, Shen Yuan deepens the kiss, only to snake his arm out, adjust his wrist, quickly and effectively disarming Liu Julong.
The action startled him, Liu Julong seyes blowing wide, but without giving him the chance to retaliate, Shen Yuan brought up his sword to the soft part of Liu Julong's side, applying a soft pressure with the flat of his blade.
Shen Yuan really can't hold back his expressions now, eyes and nose crinkled mischievously as a smile dances across his face. Before him stands the almighty Bai Zhan (future) peak lord, looking at him with a flustered blushing face, weaponless as he makes eye contact with his shixiong.
“You cheated.” Liu Julong says, brows furrowed as he clenched and unclenched the fist previously wrapped around Cheng Luan.
Shen Yuan could already feel his smile broaden as he replied, “Mmm. I don't recall there ever being a rule against it.”
Liu Julong seems to take a moment to let the words sink in, his cool grey eyes piercing through Shen Yuan’s own, before his head tilts slightly to the side, shoulders dropping as he exhales a pained, “I yield.”
“YESS!! AHHAAA!” Shen Yuan practically jumps in place, letting his own sword clatter onto the ground as he wraps his arms around Liu Julong’s neck. It's been a long time since he has felt this proud, heart overflowing with joy as his cheeks now burn with how wide his smile has grown.
“I HAVE CONQUERED THE ALMIGHTY LIU JULONG!” Shen Yuan announces with a laugh, which only causes Liu Julong’s blush to resurface in embarrassment, before returning Shen Yuan's embrace.
His hands wrap softly around the small of Shen Yuan’s waist, before slowly returning Shen Yuan’s broad smile with a small one of his own, whispering in a voice so quiet Shen Yuan barely catches it. “Mn. You have.”
