Chapter Text
Early in the morning Peak lord Shen was kicking out two heavenly demons from his abode as they wanted to overstay their welcome or more like be more in the presence of a certain peak lord. After much assurance that Shen Jiu will meet them as soon as possible in a nearby town. The two finally left after making sure to suffocate A'Jiu with their hugs and went out using Zhuzhi Lang's secrete pathways.
Shen Jiu packed the necessary items like his fans and a few books he will need along the way.
Shen Qingqiu left his peak and went to the boy's courtyard and headed straight to a single room a bit further away from the others. He knocked three times, waited for five seconds before the doors opened and there stood his head disciple, Ming Fan.
"Shizun." Ming Fan sloppily bowed as he greeted his master not registering what is happening at the moment as he had just woken up.
Stepping inside Shen Qingqiu saw the room has already been lit. Ming Fan quickly closed the doors and looked at his Shizun even though he was confused on why his Shizun was visiting him early in the morning.
"This Shizun will not be present in the Peak for some time. In the meantime, I'll ask disciple Ming to look after the Peak when I'm gone. I will inform Zhangmen-shixiong."
Shen Qingqiu handed him the Peak lord jade token to show that whilst he will be away Ming Fan will act on behalf of Shen Qingqiu.
Ming Fan accepted the token with a bow body moving due to muscle memory without really taking in what was happening at that moment. When Shen Qingqiu leaves, he immediately went back to bed and doze off.
Hours later Ming Fan will awaken after a strange and realistic dream of his Shizun. When he saw the jade token on his desk, he will realize that he was not dreaming what had transpired and when he will want to meet Shizun he will realize that it has been hours since Shizun had come to him.
Shen Qingqiu went to Yue Qingyuan's house that was closed off from his peak. He didn't announce his presence knowing that Yue Qingyuan was already awake doing paperwork and will always be willing to make time for him (privileges).
"Shidi, I didn't know that you'll be visiting." Yue Qingyuan said scrambling up to tidy the papers on the table.
"No need, this Shidi won't be long." Shen Qingqiu stopped Yue Qingyuan knowing he was going to get up and prepare some tea for him.
"Is there anything troubling Shidi?" It was definitely odd for Shen Qingqiu to be seeking out Yue Qingyuan, especially at this time of the day.
"I'm leaving on a private mission and the time of my return is unknown. Ming Fan will temporarily be in charge of Qing Jing." Shen Qingqiu said whilst lightly fanning himself out of habit. (it's literally morning, the sun isn't even out yet)
"Can this Shixiong ask where Shidi is going?" Yue Qingyuan was feeling apprehensive. They knew that Tianlang-Jun was out of the seal, and he might try to contact Shen Qingqiu.
"It's a private mission." Shen Qingqiu said through gritted teeth.
Yue Qingyuan had the audacity to look like a kicked puppy.
"I'm just following a lead of a rare artifact", Shen Jiu
"Then this Shixiong understands."
"This Shidi will be off then." Shen Qingqui said as he bowed at Zhangmen-shixiong and left the place without looking back.
Ruang Town was filled with stall owners setting up as it was still early in the morning. Shen Qingqiu walked leisurely as the sellers looked at him. They weren't used to seeing people that early let alone a prestigious cultivator. The people at this small city rarely saw any cultivators at all let alone one that is as handsome as Shen Qingqiu.
At the far end of the street, Shen Qingqiu entered a teahouse that was secluded and already open to receive customers. Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi Lang were the only patrons.
"A'Jiu! A'Jiu! We're over here." Tianlang-Jun's volume border lined a shout as he frantically waved him over. Shen Jiu couldn't help but roll his eyes at Huanan Li's antics.
"Junshang, we're the only ones here." Zhuzhi Lang told his uncle with a sigh as he poured tea into a third cup placed at an unoccupied space.
"I might as well look around and pretend not to see you." Shen Jiu said as he took his tea and gave a smile and curt nod towards Zhuzhi Lang.
"A'Jiu, don't be so mean to me." Tianlang-Jun whined as he looked towards Shen Jiu.
"Of course I wouldn't do that, I don't want to embarrass A'Lang." The demon emperor deflated at that comment.
Zhuzhi Lang smirked as he drank his tea. They ordered food and made small talk in between. By the time other patrons flooded the place, they were paying for their food and left.
They browsed through the market as it started to bustle. Most people were locals and a few passerbyers. The Ruang Town was closer to one of the many demon pathway points, and because of that many had left the place, and some didn't even want to come there, but many locals stayed as they haven't been attacked by demons. Most of the outsiders were rouge cultivators looking to make a name for themselves by slaying a demon or two. As a result of this the local people greatly flourished because of the business many of these people brought in.
Naturally Huanan Li and Zhuzhi Lang bought Shen Jiu almost all the sweet treats that they saw, even the ones that Shen Jiu just momentarily glanced at. What the demon emperor and nephew duo saw was that Shen Jiu rarely enjoyed sweet treats.
In the realm of darkness, where shadows danced to the tune of malevolence, Emperor Huanan Li reigned supreme.
Zhuzhi Lang, the emperor's nephew, possessed a heart torn between loyalty to his kin and compassion for the oppressed. By his side stood Shen Jiu, a human whose courage knew no bounds, his friendship a beacon of hope in the desolate land.
When Shen Jiu proposed a journey to the demon realm the demon emperor was against the request. After witnessing his death Huanan Li had made a pact with himself to never deny Shen Jiu anything (He will never admit this to Shen Jiu as he would use this to his advantage, ut he had the suspicion that he already knew). With reluctance, Huanan Li had agreed to the request thos time around.
Shen Jiu saw the beauty of the place.
There were hidden groves of enchanted flora and ancient ruins showing tales of their forgotten glory. Shen Jiu, with his boundless curiosity, marveled at the wonders around him
In the end, they stood facing the palace.