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  Airplane had really shitty writing. He had filled this entire world with plants and objects all geared towards getting the protagonist laid in increasingly far fetched excuses without any regard to how it affected literally anyone else on a daily basis. He was absolutely going to give the man an earful whenever this lovely experience wore off and he was able to get home properly. For now, Shen Qingqiu drew in a deep breath, and regarded the fork in the road before him.

  He vaguely remembered the wife plot this particular cursed object was associated with. A fascinating curse really, which only lasted a few days but which was powerful enough to affect even a Heavenly Demon, tied to lifting the lid of a finely engraved sweets box. Shen Qingqiu was fairly sure that the original Binghe had meant to fill it with his own sweet cakes to gift to a rather stubborn new wife he had been wooing. Instead, he found himself turned into a small child. Said wife had found him, coddled him, and in the process decided that she absolutely had to have a little Binghe of her own and of course, the fastest way to accomplish that was with the adult Luo Binghe.

  There was no stubborn girl anywhere on Shen Qingqiu’s radar he could go to for help. The treat box had been provided by Ning Yingying and quite frankly he cringed at the very thought of any of his own disciples seeing him in such a state. Even if the OOC features was unlocked… it was definitely going to lose him points somehow or someway. He was not asking for help from the other peak lords. Liu Qingge would never let him live it down and while Yun Qingyuan had the whole older brother vibe going on something deep in Shen Qingqiu’s core absolutely rebelled at that image. That left the road in front of him.

  Truth be told, Shen Qingqiu had been on a bit of a mission. Not anything vital or important. There had been some rumors of demonic energy leaking near the area and Shen Qingqiu as more or less the expert on demonic rifts had been requested to check it out. He had done so, and found it old and not truly impressive enough for anything large to have come through. Maybe a small demon… but if so there had been no word and most likely the Huan Hua patrols that skirted close to this area would easily deal with it. The Huan Hua patrols was why he was currently facing the fork.

  Shen Qingqiu was spoiled. As a peak lord he was entirely capable of providing himself with a carriage, or a horse, or an inn any time he so desired. If he went out alone, he could always just fly to the nearest village on his sword. If he was out with others, his disciples would set up the camp for him. Most probably assumed he knew how to do it if he cared to but quite honestly… he had no idea. It would have been Shen Jiu who set up camps as a disciple and Shen Yuan’s idea of camping still involved plumbing and a refrigerator. Thus, the idea of staying camped out in the wilderness until the curse passed was out.

  Qi still flowed through his body so he wasn’t defenseless but he also didn’t want to put strain on the small body. He seemed to recall the original Luo Binghe refusing to use his cultivation while in the tiny body although memory failed on if that was more out of caution and need or out of the desire to seem helpless to the woman caring for him. Mostly, it would serve to identify that he was indeed who he said he was since… Shen Qingqiu had apparently been a decidedly thin and somewhat small child, all gangly limbs and a far cry from the aloof cultivator he would become. At least the clothes he had bought off the system identified him as not a street urchin… mostly. His gaze dipped down to the plainest set he had managed to find in the offers. They fit him exactly save for how the pants were a touch too short, the sleeves showing the barest hints of wrist… surely they were plain enough that he wasn’t going to immediately be accused of stealing them right?

  Something else to add to his consideration on which path before him to choose. One led down to a sleepy village and then past it the sheltered place where they were growing their plant bodies which was the real reason Shen Qingqiu had come this way. The other led to an area he knew for a fact was regularly patrolled by the Huan Hua sect and which was filled with enough alarm arrays that he’d be able to summon cultivators within minutes. With luck they’d likely send their wonderful head disciple Gongyi Xiao if he was available. Now that was someone Shen Qingqiu trusted to be able to care for him while in this state. If they didn’t though… if it was someone else like the Little Palace Mistress…

  Shen Qingqiu looked to the path again. What were the odds of him finding someone in the village that would take him in? He could pretend to be a lost child right? They wouldn’t let him buy a room but there’d be some old granny who’d mistake him for one of her descendants right?

  A sharp whistle caught him a bit off guard, Shen Qingqiu spinning around to see what in the world…

  “Well well, what is a little kid like you doing out here alone?” Shen Qingqiu rather regretted putting away the fan, thinking that it looked a little ridiculous for a child to be holding what clearly belonged to an adult. He would have preferred  to hide his expression behind it as his eyes cast up and down the approaching man. He looked normal enough, standard npc that was maybe a little on the rough side. Something in the way he spoke though, the way he was sauntering closer make the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Run.

  “Got lost running an errand.” He sounded calm, like he had every right to be there. As the man took another step however, he stepped back. Nothing conscious, more and more of his willpower going to fighting his increasingly louder instinct. Run… or strike.

  “No need to be jumpy there kid. I’m on this road a lot.” The man crouched, watching him with an easy look. “How about you tell me where you’re headed and I’ll take you there. It's not safe for a kid to be out alone on this road.”

  Yeah, he knew. There was a reason Huan Hua patrolled nearby. He bowed as any brand new disciple was taught to bow. “Thanking mister for his kindness however… this one will be fine. He knows where he is now.” This decided it. He’d go to Huan Hua. Maybe he could just hide and keep setting off the alarms until they sent Gongyi Xiao. There was no way he could go randomly through the village if whatever this instinct was made him nearly sick with the urge to flee any given stranger that tried to talk to him. Well, he guessed that made sense. He had been told over and over again as a child ‘stranger danger’ and ‘don’t take candy’ and such.

  “Now kid, I just said this road wasn’t safe. I’ll take you wherever it is.” The man rose, dusting off his robes.

  Shen Qingqiu let his instincts win while the guy was distracted. He went off like a shot, feet as light and nimble as when he was an adult. Behind him the stranger cursed, and chased.

  Huh… the instincts were right. Well, that was fine for now. Shen Qingqiu was willing to see how long his legs could carry him. It felt like he was moving exceedingly fast for a child and his balance was good. If the adult started to catch up well… surely it wouldn’t cause too much of a problem if he just circulated his qi through his legs right?

  He flashed past the subtle marker on the trees that identified Huan Hua territory. Good, that meant that there should be a few trip wire arrays around right? Yes, there they were.

  It was a bit of a rushed plan, but it’d definitely work to let the guy crashing behind him set off the array. Then he could just let the dude get caught by Huan Hua and see who they sent from a nice safe distance.

  He used the lightest touch of qi to bound up and over the array, touching off the trunk of a tree. Behind him the guy was still shouting, and ran straight into it. He didn’t even seem to notice at all, though Shen Qingqiu felt the tremor in the air around them activate. Not entrapping, just signaling. For good measure he went ahead and led the guy through a few more though he was sparring with the qi he used, already feeling the strain on his untrained muscles after.

  Come on, come on. Where was Huan Hua? He had to have set off at least four arrays by now and the guy was catching up. Why was he so persistent anyway? Shouldn’t he have given up by now?

  He registered the flash of black and red, letting his instinct take over since it said to go ahead and stop before he hit whatever that was. Not that he actually succeeded, the colors resolving themselves into clothes before a hand snapped out to catch him. He didn’t even get the chance to fight before he met startled too familiar eyes, and he was promptly shoved behind the figure though that hand kept a bruising grip on his arm.

[ System Activation successful!

 Physical confirmation, universal key: Luo Binghe

Download and installation of update complete

Thank you for continued subscription! ]

  He was gonna die. Luo Binghe had caught him… was holding him in a grip that no child could break out of. He could maybe qi blast the hand off but it’d be a bit pointless. He hadn’t even seen or heard the man coming. If he wiggled his way out he’d just get caught again and it’d probably be even more unpleasant. Would Luo Binghe remove a foot so he couldn’t run? Surely he wouldn’t do that to a child right? Regardless of who Shen Qingqiu really was that image would definitely look bad.

  Maybe he should have let the guy so persistently chasing him catch him. Even if he was something like a slaver… Shen Qingqiu would be back to his powerful adult self in a few days. He might have even been able to add ‘took down a slave ring’ to his profile! As it was, the man was stumbling to a stop and waving his hand. “Thank you, sir, thank you.” He panted a few times before pulling himself up. “This one had been trying to catch that kid.”

  “Why?” Luo Binghe’s voice had deepened, Shen Qingqiu gaping a little at it… at Luo Binghe in general. He was half behind the guy, it’d be probably the only chance he’d get even if the angle was terrible. Was Luo Binghe actually that tall? Was it just because currently Shen Qingqiu only came up to maybe his waist… if he put some effort into being tall.

  “That little brat stole some of our things.”

  “Hm.” His hand tightened a bit, Shen Qingqiu hissing as he pushed at it. He supposed it was a good thing though, since it knocked him out of staring up at the rich cloth, the curly hair that would be just within his reach before Binghe turned to him. He met the dark eyes on him and immediately looked down at his feet. “Shidi, did you steal from this man?”

  Shen Qingqiu froze for a split second, eyes flicking up to meet Binghe’s gaze which looked… he knew that look. He knew it more from his sister in his past life, but the effect was the same. Binghe wanted him to roll with it? He’d do that… because something else had occurred to him. Luo Binghe hadn’t checked his meridians… and Shen Qingqiu hadn’t been using his qi… Did the protagonist have any idea who he was holding?

  Jutting up his chin, he cast a cold look at the man who had gone absolutely ashen. “No Shixiong. He’s a liar.”

  The man sputtered, “Well I… Look he did alright but… look, he can keep the trinket just compensate us for it alright?”

  Binghe had looked back at the man and now with the new idea of Luo Binghe having no idea who he was defending blooming in Shen Qingqiu’s mind, Shen Qingqiu could openly appreciate the decidedly cold look. He even went as far as to hold to Binghe’s belt, the painful grip changing to rest over his shoulders almost… comfortably. He definitely wouldn’t do that if he knew it was Shen Qingqiu. He’d never let his traitorous shizun out of his grip unless there were chains involved.

[ Protagonist Satisfaction Points +50 ]

  Oh… Well, that actually made sense didn’t it. Luo Binghe when he returned went to Huan Hua Sect and for a while not only hid his demonic heritage quite efficiently, he made a name for himself as an upstanding and righteous cultivator. Moreover… given Luo Binghe’s upbringing, he likely had some kind of soft spot for kids who were clearly being bullied. With those two things combined of course he would be thrilled at the prospect of saving some random kid! Now… how to act like a random kid being bullied?

  “Liar! This disciple took nothing. You were the creepy one!”

  Luo Binghe glanced at him. “Creepy how?”

  Shen Qingqiu huffed, leaning against his nice, strong, righteous ‘shixiong’. “This one got a little lost coming back from his errand. He found his way but this guy still wanted to guide him. He wouldn’t leave this one alone.”

  The guy huffed. “Of course I offered to help the kid. These roads aren’t safe for someone his age to be alone.”

  Binghe hummed. “This mister is right Shidi. In the future you should ask this one to accompany you on errands.”

  Shen Qingqiu hmphed. That seemed like something a kid pretty sure he was a big boy now and could handle it would do.

  Luo Binghe seemed a bit cautious in letting go of his shoulder, so Shen Qingqiu clung to his belt harder. Apparently satisfied, Luo Binghe bowed to the man. “Thank you for trying to assist this one’s shidi. Now that he is safely returned, Mister should go back to what he was interrupted from.”

  The man stood up straighter. “Now see here-”

“Leave.” Oh… that tone was scary. It was as cool and gentle as the smile that Binghe gave the man. Apparently even without knowledge of how directly Binghe’s soft appearance correlated with how viciously he was about to shred someone, the guy could read the threat. He made some sound close to ‘fine’ and then turned.

  Binghe’s hand came back to his shoulder, cautiously rubbing up and down in soothing motions until the sound of another person faded from even a cultivator’s impressive hearing. Only then did Binghe kneel to actually look at him. 

  Shen Qingqiu quickly stepped back, bowing like the kid he was pretending to be. “Thanking Immortal Mister.”

  “This one was happy to step in.” He risked a glance up, was met with a smile that was painfully reminiscent of his little white lamb. “What’s your name?”

  He… probably should have been thinking about that. He definitely couldn’t reveal himself as Shen Qingqiu. Oh gods… he had to figure out how to, as a child, get away from this man before the curse wore off. Then… then he had to figure out what the hell went wrong because… wasn’t this too early? Years too early! “Shen Yuan.” It was his name, once upon a time. He’d respond to it correctly.

  Binghe nodded. “This one is Luo Binghe. Shen Yuan did well, running into this area. You’re very light on your feet.”

  How to explain his actions? “This one knew that there were righteous immortal masters in this place.”

  “Is that why Shen Yuan made it a point to run through alarm arrays?”

  Was this really how you questioned a little kid? He couldn’t really pale on command, but he could pretend to be confused. “Ran through what?”

  “Hmmm…” Binghe glanced to the side, gesturing towards one of the trees. “Does Shen Yuan notice anything unusual about that tree?”

  This time the confusion was real. Still, he dutifully looked. It… was a tree. Granted, there was a faint hint of spiritual power about it. Looking up he didn’t see any indication of a trap or nets so probably something on the ground. An anchorpoint for one of the arrays maybe? “It’s… a tree?”

  He really wasn’t expecting the head pat. “Alright.” Batting it away he went ahead and took another step from Binghe. “Is Shen Yuan hurt anywhere? It doesn’t look like he fell at all…”

  The head shake was quick, his arms pulling in. “No, this one is fine. Immortal Mister Luo was correct that this one is very good on his feet. He didn’t fall at all.”

  Thankfully, Luo Binghe seemed to buy it. “Shen Yuan isn’t from this area. This one would have recognized him. Is the rest of your traveling group nearby?”

  Shen Qingqiu opened his mouth, then closed it. This was definitely a chance to escape… but what excuse did he use to go ‘back to his group’ without Luo Binghe taking him there. Luo Binghe gave him an interesting look. “Does Shen Yuan maybe… not remember?”

  He folded his arms across his chest before he could even think about it. “This one remembers just fine.” At the slight smile he looked away. Come on protagonist, just give me a second to think about it!

  “How about Shen Yuan comes back with this one to Huan Hua Sect for a few. If Shen Yuan got lost once he might again… and that creepy man might still be on the road. Then the sect can send someone to Shen Yuan’s group.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “Is Luo Binghe going to be creepy too?”

  “Does this one seem creepy to you?” That oh so faint smile certainly was, though he recognized it was supposed to be comforting.

  “No.” Binghe entire expression softened a bit too much. “Immortal mister isn’t creepy, but he seems like he could be dangerous if he chose to be.” It had the effect he wanted, Binghe looked a touch more like he was putting thought into his expressions.

  “That’s true.” He gaped a little. Was that something you were supposed to admit to a child? “Why did Shen Yuan trust this one initially?”

  Did he have a choice? He was going to have bruises from the harsh grip. “Gut feeling.”

  “And now?”

  His lips thinned. “Luo Binghe is part of Huan Hua Sect?”

  He really wasn’t expecting the slight shake of the head. “Only a guest. This one is… was part of Cang Qiong Sect.”

  His eyes narrowed, doing a pretty good act of looking the man up and down. “Luo Binghe isn’t wearing either of their colors.” He was dressed in spectacular blacks and reds.

  His smile was soft, distant. “This Binghe is in a bit of a complicated situation. Huan Hua will definitely let you stay for a few though… maybe eat something?”

  Shen Qingqiu didn’t actually feel hunger anymore. Could he still practice inedia? He… hadn’t even considered that earlier. Luo Binghe seemed to zero in on his sudden unsure attitude. “Is Shen Yuan hungry? There would be congee at Huan Hua.”

  He openly wavered. He hoped it came off as the debate between food and trusting a stranger. Would he… would he actually get to once again eat Luo Binghe’s godly cooking? He thought such things would forever be lost to him. “Is Luo Binghe making it?”

  Binghe gave him a notably complicated look. “If Shen Yuan would like him to.”

  He folded his arms. “Alright. This one will trust Luo-shixiong for now.”

[ Satisfaction Points +50 ]

  Binghe gave him a brilliant smile, and rose. He held out a hand although Shen Qingqiu huffed, keeping his folded. He wasn’t five. He… didn’t think.

  Luo Binghe set a steady but relaxed pace, taking them straight through the maze arrays so he really was in Huan Hua’s trust. He also walked in silence for as long as Shen Qingqiu could withstand it. Besides, it wasn’t normal for a kid to walk behind completely silently was it?

  “Luo-shixiong said he was with Huan Hua sect now but Cang Qiong before?”

  He glanced back, shifting the pace so they were side by side. “This one is only a guest of Huan Hua. He… hopes to go back to Cang Qiong someday.”

  Shen Qingqiu very steadfastly didn’t trip at the declaration Binghe would indeed be seeking revenge. What would a kid say? What would a kid say? “Why’d he leave?” Wrong thing to say!

  The complicated look passed over Binghe’s face again. “There was a… fight… between this one and his Shizun and he was forced to leave. This unfaithful disciple had hidden things he was doing from Shizun and when Shizun found out he was understandably upset. This disciple hopes though… that he might be able to earn Shizun’s forgiveness.”

  This time Shen Qingqiu couldn’t quite stop himself from stumbling. Automatically, Binghe’s hand shot out, steadying him. Not that he got too much time to be thankful that the grip was gentle this time around before the hold changed. Shen Qingqiu sputtered and shoved at Binghe as he was hefted up. “I can walk!”

  “It will be faster this way. No doubt Shen Yuan ran for quite a while before this Binghe got to him and his legs are tired.” So what if they were! He huffed, unable to even cross his arms since he was being held in the crook of Binghe’s elbow and shoulder, over his hip. He settled for letting his leg be nice and loose, thumping against Luo Binghe with every step.

[ Satisfaction Points +50 ]

  Shen Qingqiu eyed the man who just continued on as if everything was perfectly normal. “This one will admit… he has some plans but he’s not actually sure he knows how to earn Shizun’s forgiveness.” His eyes drifted to the side. “Perhaps Shen Yuan has some ideas?”

  “Is Luo Binghe looking for forgiveness or revenge?” Ah… he really needed to think before saying things if this is what he kept blurting out.

  Binghe gave him a sharp look that lasted for far too long. It lasted for longer than Shen Yuan could maintain it, looking at the forest around them. They were close to Huan Hua Sect now. Finally though Binghe broke the tension, his voice… cautious? “This Binghe has only ever wanted to be by Shizun’s side. It hurt… a lot… to be cast out sure, and this disciple might still be a little angry, but above all else… he just wants to go home.”

  This time it was Shen Qingqiu giving the man a long look. Not that he noticed since they rounded a corner and the Huan Hua Palace wall was before them. Quite a few people greeted Luo Binghe as he approached, the man smiling easily at them. He even slowed to a near stop as they entered and some of the female disciples crowded around. Shen Qingqiu just turned, hiding his face against Luo Binghe’s shoulder rather than risk making sour faces at their cooing. He got it alright. Luo Binghe with a kid on his hip was a great image, promoting him as potentially an ideal father. They could leave him out of it.

  At least Binghe didn’t pass him around or pawn him off. Instead when the cooing started to even slightly lean in that direction he excused the two of them with some bullshit about Shen Yuan being clearly tired.

  Luo Binghe took him to the kitchen. There, Shen Yuan sat and watched with his cup of tea as the man made a meal for him. The silence was starting to drag however, Shen Qingqiu remembering a bit late that he was a little kid currently so no one would question him not sitting properly. Well, he might get scolded. Could he cry on command? Drawing a leg up he curled his arms around. “Has Luo-shixiong hunted a lot of monsters?” That seemed like a decently safe topic and quite honestly, what kid wouldn’t want to hear about cool beasts.

  “This one has. Does Shen-shidi want to hear about some of them?”

  “Mn.”

  Okay… maybe it wasn’t as safe of a topic as I thought. Luo Binghe was a pretty good storyteller really. In his reports he had always been particular about getting the important details right but in this he got to really let his talents shine. Shen Yuan had no doubt all of it was true as well, at least in large part even if certain details were omitted for the sake of young ears and not openly saying that these events had happened in the Endless Abyss. After all… most of the stories Luo Binghe told, the monsters he described, were the exact ones he had faced in Proud Immortal Demon Way. It… presented an interesting complication in that Shen Yuan had to listen extremely carefully to make sure he didn’t ask about a detail Luo Binghe hadn’t mentioned. He also had to pretend that he was hearing about these monsters for the first time and knew nothing about them… who knew how much he relied on his wise old teacher act to wave off him just kind of knowing things.

  Others came in and out of the kitchen, lingering as long as they could although they steered plenty clear of where Luo Binghe was working and even of Shen Qingqiu. That part was really nice even if several eyed him when Binghe’s back was turned.

  Rather quickly really, Binghe had two entire trays ready. Shen Qingqiu hopped off his seat at Binghe’s jerk of the chin, and followed closely behind through the maze of hallways. Eventually, they made it to the disciple rooms where Binghe had him open the door to a pretty decently sized room really. Huan Hua definitely lives up to their whole luxury schtick if this is what the disciple’s get. Granted, it could be done up for an honored guest but… even if Luo Binghe claimed he was only a guest Shen Qingqiu knew better. The Old Palace Master definitely wouldn’t consider Luo Binghe a guest if he could get away whatsoever with calling him a disciple. It had also been pretty clear that the other disciples considered Luo Binghe as one of their own, and gave way to his lead mostly even if he didn’t seem to quite have the head disciple spot yet. My condolences Gongyi Xiao.

  In the room, he set everything up and then gestured for Shen Yuan to help himself. Something he went ahead and did with the enthusiasm he usually held back on. A hungry child would be enthusiastic right? Luo Binghe settled across from him, leisurely eating his own meal and continuing the stories of monsters he had fought. He even continued past when the dishes were cleared, smiling softly at the questions, the requests for elaboration. At some point retrieved more tea, the system chirping with another notification of satisfaction points when he returned. Really though, how could Shen QIngqiu leave when Luo Binghe was recounting his adventures? To actually get the first hand, though edited accounts?

  Eventually lanterns were lit, Shen Yuan finding his eyes starting to get heavy. That was… probably fine. He could sleep for a while, let the body rest and relax and then in the dead of night when everyone else had gone to sleep he could sneak away.

  He protested, loudly and adamantly, when Binghe suggested that he could sleep in the bed within the room. How was he supposed to sneak away then? Binghe was nothing if not stubborn when he wanted to be though and eventually, they reached the compromise that Shen Yuan would nap there while Binghe found him a different room.

  He made sure to rearrange all of Binghe’s pillows and kick the comforter off in spite. He most certainly snapped awake the moment the door opened again, glowering at the light.

  Luo Binghe led him to a room only a hallway away, one that was thankfully clearly unoccupied. Or… at least he was pretty sure it was. It was at the very least an actual guest room, even if apparently Huan Hua provided sets of simple robes to their occupants. Shen Yuan eyed the bundles of fabric but ultimately… there were enough of them that it would probably fit a variety of sizes.

  Luo Binghe left fairly quickly at least, leaving Shen Yuan to debate on what he wanted to do. Ultimately, he still needed to wait. There was still a lot of people up and about, and he really was pretty tired.

***

  The dead of night in the Huan Hua palace was downright creepy. Granted, it didn’t help that he was sneaking around and avoiding even the barest hint of a person being awake. He also had to keep stopping to see if he had been caught in a trap array. He was pretty sure he hadn’t been… so why the hell couldn’t he figure out where he was? He had even been paying special attention to getting back out!

  Worse, he swore things kept moving. It wasn’t anything solid, just glimpses and shadows at the corners of his vision.

  The third time he swore he passed the guest room door… or was it Binghe’s door?... he stopped. Huffing, he crouched down behind some gaudy statue to check again that he wasn’t caught in a trap or maze array. There was still nothing! Worse, he caught the edge of something moving again. “Knock it off!”

  “Shen Yuan?” He snapped around, wincing at the sudden light. He hadn’t been that loud. Plus, how the hell had Binghe snuck up on him? The man had his outer robe pulled on over the sleeping robes, his hair simply tied back. His eyes were too clear though.

  Shen QIngqiu rapidly pulled on the guiltiest look he could manage. He had been caught red handed after all. “Luo-shixiong.”

  Luo Binghe’s look softened. “Where was Shen-shidi trying to sneak off to?”

  Anywhere else! He looked down, shuffling his feet. “Kitchen…”

  Luo Binghe raised an eyebrow, but gestured for Shen Qingqiu to follow. It was way too little time before the man opened the door to the darkened kitchen. “What would Shen-shidi like to eat?”

  He sat, pulling up his legs and replied in a nice meek voice. “Anything is fine.”

  Binghe hummed, placing a bowl in front of him. For some reason though… the soup was clear and still, Shen Qingqiu frowning at the surface that reflected… Shen Qingqiu. When he looked up, Luo Binghe was watching him with cold dark eyes, the demon mark on his forehead glowing.

  He bolted. It wasn’t elegant, or smooth, or at all worthy of a cultivator. In a single motion he was up and over the table and yanking the door open.

  Shen Qingqiu slammed into the ground, taking a moment to realize… his hands weren’t actually tied. Well… they were but weren’t. His personal hands weren’t tied, Shen Qingqiu scrambling up without a shred of his usual grace. His other childhood self remained on the ground, blood leaking from his mouth, bound hand and foot with a knot at his throat that led in the same direction half swollen eyes were glaring with a coldness that even gave Binghe a run for his money. Stepping out of that gaze, Shen Qingqiu turned to look at what would possibly cause that much hatred. A man stood on the other end of the rope, the light from the open doorway falling across him. His face was gone, nothing more than a blur that might resemble features cut by the sneer. “Damn brat.”

  Ah…This must be a shard of Shen Jiu’s memory. He knew it couldn’t be anything good, although this was perhaps one of the worst memories Luo Binghe could have trapped him in. After all, it wasn’t actually his… the dream array would shatter the moment it was done. Shen Qingqiu’s gaze shifted as the light filtering into the room darkened.

  Luo Binghe leaned in the doorway, watching from red tinted eyes, his features highlighted by the glow of his demon mark. Shen Qingqiu just gazed back, ignoring when Shen Jiu spat blood at the man’s shoe. Luo Binghe looked away, his lip peeling back to show fangs.

***

   Shen Qingqiu flailed upward to find himself… alone. For a moment he just sat there, trying to regain his breath. Luo Binghe had been in his dreams… he had been prying into Shen Qingqiu’s mind… but… had he seen? It was a bit interesting really that the curse even extended to his dream self but maybe that was to his advantage. System, you’re awake now right? Did Binghe realize who I was? Is he coming after me?

[ Answering Host:

 Hibernation Mode has been suspended, full capabilities of System have returned

Protagonist Luo Binghe current location: En route to Old Palace Master’s meeting room

Access additional information on Protagonist’s current viewpoints for 50 b-points? ]

  Hack of a System, you’re going to charge me for it? Fine, fine, just tell me.

[ Thank Host for his transaction

Protagonist Luo Binghe has the same beliefs about the identity of ‘Shen Yuan’ as he has held since initially encountering Host in this state ]

Useless! No… wait… before he cussed the system out… If the beliefs were the same… that meant Luo Binghe hadn’t realized right? Shen Qingqiu let out a breath. The Old Palace Master must have summoned Binghe, waking the demon and ending the dream before Shen Qingqiu could break it. That meant… for now… he was safe. He just had to figure out how to get out of the palace and away before he dreamed again and Binghe realized the truth.

  One advantage of the smaller form, it was easy to sneak. Shen Qingqiu kept low and to the shadows, letting them completely cover him and on the occasion he did hear someone he pressed himself close to some statue or furniture piece. When he saw particularly good hiding spots he would make for them, letting them cover him while he sent delicate traces of qi out. So far he’d been able to skirt around the maze arrays, but it was slow going. It was made worse by his reluctance to use the paths Binghe had led him down. Surely that would be the second place the demon would look after Shen Qingqiu’s guest room.

  Unfortunately it meant that even avoiding the arrays, he still managed to get lost. There had to be multiple exits right? No one would build a building of this size that only had one in and out! Maybe it was hidden behind one of the doors? Surely he could just take a little bit of a peak. If it wasn’t right he’d sneak back away.

  The first door was… a bedroom. Another disciple dorm if he had to guess. Then another, and another, and another. At least he was able to confirm that not all of the disciple dorms were the size of Luo Binghe’s though all of them dripped with luxury. 

  He crouched, oh so lightly cracking the next one, only for it to be flung open. Shen Qingqiu yelped, starting to fling himself backwards. A hand closed on his wrist, and he was yanked.

  Shen Qingqiu lashed out, earning a surprised hiss of pain and then he was off. The young woman who had caught hold of him darted after. “Wait!”

  Nope, he absolutely wasn’t going to do that. Already the racket was causing lanterns to be lit and others to start emerging from their rooms. Shit, was I in the women’s dorms? That was definitely going to look bad. I swear I was just lost!

  At least most people seemed more confused than alarmed once the maiden chasing him called out ahead. “Shen Yuan! Wait!” She was calling out other things too, like how he wasn’t in trouble but like hell he’d believe that!

  It occurred to him near the end of the hallway that with so many doors open, he had access to quite a few of the rooms. It wasn’t his preferred method but he was already going to be labeled a pervert for sneaking around the women’s dorm rooms so really, what did he have to lose? He darted low around an exceedingly startled maiden who rocked back and only belatedly realized she should have caught him instead.

  Just as he had hoped, a window sat on the far side of the room. In moments he was up and through it to the tree beyond. The branch swayed dangerously under the sudden weight but he was already letting go, touching off two others before he dropped the final length and rolled. This body really does do well. Even without his usual strength he was nimble. Getting his feet under him he made for the harsher brush of the walled garden.

  Step one, complete. He was outside, could reorient himself on the moon and stars above. Now he just had to figure out how to get outside the palace walls and away from the mob chasing him before Luo Binghe showed up.

  He had been pretty sure he was even succeeding, lucking out into finding a drain that ran under one of the walkways he could follow for quite a while and therefore lose his pursuers. A check with the system confirmed that Luo Binghe himself hadn’t joined the fray yet, apparently sent out of the palace on a late night errand? Even luckier for him. He might just survive this little adventure.

  Emerging into yet another garden he made the dart to the wall once lanterns had passed overhead. Come on, come on. I just need another drain.

  Something moved overhead, Shen Yuan making a run for it. “There you are.” A hand plucked him up by the back of the collar, holding him out like a wet cat as he struggled. “You’re fine, you’re fine.”

  The laughter was a bit like out of tune bells. “No wonder Luo-shixiong was so worried to let you out of his sight.” The little palace mistress set him back on his feet, though she kept a hold on his shirt. “See, you’re just fine.”

  “Let go!”

  She shook her head slightly. “Sorry little one. We can’t have you running into anything dangerous out here.” Her other hand came up to sooth his shoulder. “Luo-shixiong specifically asked that I make sure you were alright while he was gone.”

  He sneered at her. Of course Luo Binghe would enlist the help of those close to him, and who better to take care of someone who was stuck as a kid than one of the leading members of his harem! Had he told her who she was holding? “Where’s Luo-shixiong?”

“After hearing what happened to you, the Old Palace Master sent our head disciple Gongyi Xiao out to make sure the creepy guy wasn’t chasing any other kids. He’s tracked him back to a shack where a lot of little boys were caught so Luo-shixiong went to help free them.”

  He relaxed a touch. So that was where Gongyi Xiao was. He had been wondering. “Will Luo-shixiong help them go home?”

  She smiled softly. “If they have a home to go to. Otherwise, we’ll see if they could become cultivators and bring them here.”

  His eyebrows rose. That was potentially a lot of brand new disciples to take in without any warning. Sure, Huan Hua was the richest of the sects so it wasn’t an issue of feeding them but did they really have enough rooms built or teachers to go around?

  The Little Palace Mistress gave him a light smile, her grip starting to loosen. “Doesn’t that sound nice? You’d make a pretty good cultivator you know… the girls told me how you evaded them all and even jumped out of the window!” Oh yeah… he was in trouble currently. Her grip tightened before he could run off. “It’s okay! You weren’t ever in trouble. You were just looking for Luo-shixiong and got a little lost right?”

  If that was the story she wanted to tell, sure. He gave the barest hint of a nod. He really wasn’t expecting to be pulled into the hug, wiggling until he managed to get free again. “You really are just too adorable. I was worried at first that he just brought you back because your surname was Shen and you kind of look like that man but… it’s not that at all is it? He just saw you as so talented and cute.”

  Shen Qingqiu felt the blood drain from his face. “What man?” Okay, so maybe using Shen Yuan had been a noticeably stupid move.

  “Oh… nothing for you to worry about. Just someone Luo-shixiong has a complicated history with.” The Little Palace Mistress stood, offering him her hand. “Why don’t I show you to the baths. You want to be nice and clean when Luo-shixiong gets back with your shidi’s don’t you? That way all of you can greet your teachers together.”

  He drew back slightly. “What?”

  “Well, you can’t meet them like that can you? Don’t worry, we have spare robes for you until the disciple robes can be fitted.”

  He stared, then shook his head. “This one isn’t joining Huan Hua Sect.”

  She blinked at him, then smiled in a way that had an edge to it. “What do you mean? Everything’s already arranged.”

  He shook his head harder, stepping back. “This one has a family, a place he belongs.”

  She frowned slightly. “Oh sweetheart…”

  Quick, quick, quick, how to get out of this. “Be-besides… this one can’t be a cultivator.”

  That did it. The Little Palace Mistress let a flash of uncertainty pass over her features. “What do you mean? Of course Shen Yuan can. He could train and soon he’ll be so light on his feet that no one will ever be able to catch him, or run away from him. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

  How to make her drop it? What did they tell people during Cang Qiong Sects preliminary testing? “Something is malformed in this one. When he was tested, they said he would never develop strong meridians.”

  The Little Palace Mistress turned, crouching in front of him. He flinched back from the hand she tried to put on his shoulder. “Now who told you something cruel like that?”

  Was he about to throw himself under the bus? Absolutely. Mentally he sent up a prayer for forgiveness to Yue Qingyuan for kinda throwing him under too. He’d understand. “Cang Qiong Mountain.”

  He wasn’t expected the chilly look, shrinking back from it. “They’re idiots.” This time it wasn’t in comfort that she reached out. She caught his arm as she stood. “Come on, we’ll have father retest you. He knows better than those uppity people.”

  That was the opposite of what he wanted. He thrashed a bit as she started dragging him. “Let go!”

  “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt at all.”

  “Let go, let go! I don’t wanna!” He didn’t want to use violence, but he might not have a lot of choice. At this point in the ruse he absolutely couldn’t have someone check his fully developed meridians. “This one has family!”

  She snorted. “Yeah, who’s your family? They couldn’t get you into the sect where one of the peak lords is Shen Qingqiu could they?”

  Well that was a bit insulting to his imaginary family. Plus, wouldn’t that absolutely be an abuse of power to give a slot to a family member who’d never develop far and deprive a talented youth? Not that there was really much of a limit but no one outside the Peak Lords knew that they could just kinda pick up whoever they wanted! Well… he could anyway.

  He didn’t fight being carried forward, seeming to surprise her as he lunged instead. Appropriately, she shouted when he bit her. The moment she let go he was off again. This time… the chase was noticeably harder. The Little Palace Mistress raised some kind of alarm that meant anyone who even caught a glimpse of him came charging after with the intent to capture. More than once they actually succeeded though for some reason no one wised up to the whole biting thing so he kept getting loose. For a bit of variety he added a few choice kicks and plenty of clawing as well. He was even able to loop someone’s hair ribbon on a statue.

  Unfortunately, it all proved for naught when he finally, finally, managed to get to the kitchen and from there fled through to what should have been the exit. Trust Huan Hua Palace to have a sealing barrier. Shen Qingqiu bounced off it, rolled, and shot off to the far side. That was just great. He had been counting on his ability to get out. Like this though… he couldn’t. He wasn’t even sure how possible it’d be if he had his full strength. He didn’t exactly have a moment to check the barrier’s strength. If he could break it once the curse wore off it’d probably be blatantly obvious he had done so.

  Could he get Gongyi Xiao to let him out? As head disciple he surely had the ability to call it off… surely he’d understand that Shen Qingqiu hadn’t meant for it to devolve to this point. But what if he didn’t? What if Luo Binghe overrode him? What if… Luo Binghe overrode them all?

  The System had said Luo Binghe still didn’t know right? He just had to not fall asleep and let the demon into his mind… surely he’d be able to do something like cry and wail until Luo Binghe gave in right? No one would argue with him… Even if they did Luo Binghe had the power to bring the barrier down any time he chose to pay attention to it. Now he just had to figure out how to stay out of everyone’s hands until Luo Binghe returned…

  Shen Qingqiu understood the irony that the safest place to hide… was Luo Binghe’s room. He hated it… but in the end it was the most effective. Even if someone thought to look there, no one would actually dare do so.

  Getting there had been a bit of an adventure that involved at least two more desperate chases through assorted doors and even up into the roof tiles but Shen Qingqiu had succeeded. He still crept into the sheltered space behind and slightly under the bed. Surely no one would come into the room but if they just dared a glance in he didn’t want to be seen.

  At least he wasn’t in danger of falling asleep. Even keeping himself curled up, small and still in the dark he was too keyed up. His ears kept straining, struggling to pick up on any faint sound to identify what it was.

  He had no idea how long it took. Too long. Eventually though, things started to grow quieter. Something drew everyone away, Shen Qingqiu praying that it was the return of Gongyi Xiao and Luo Binghe. He might even be correct, since things remained quiet until there was calm confident footsteps coming directly to the room.

  The door slid open, light washing in. Not that it reached where Shen Qingqiu was curled. After a moment to light other lanterns, the door slid shut. “Shen Yuan?” The call was soft, gentle. There was a rustle of cloth. “This one is the only one here. You can come out now.”

  Thank you, protagonist. Such a golden disciple, saving his shizun even now. Still cautious, Shen Qingqiu peaked out. Luo Binghe was crouching roughly center in the room, looking exactly at where Shen Qingqiu was hiding. The moment their eyes met, he smiled warmly.

[ Satisfaction Points +50 ]

  “This one is here. You’re safe now.” One hand extended slightly. “Will A-yuan come out, so this Binghe can make sure he isn’t hurt?”

  He still had a part to play right? He couldn’t do anything that would reveal himself until after Luo Binghe had taken him out of Huan Hua. Plus, he didn’t know what story they had told his poor disciple about what all happened. Thus, he narrowed his eyes. “This one has a family waiting. He doesn’t want to be part of Huan Hua Sect.”

  The smile was a bit sad actually. “This one knows. He won’t let anything happen to A-yuan.”

  He crept out a touch. “This one won’t be grabbed? He won’t be dragged? No one will check if he’s compatible with training?”

  Luo Binghe nodded. “If A-yuan doesn’t want it, this Luo Binghe won’t allow it.”

  He didn’t care if it was a childish reaction. He was a child… currently. Shen Qingqiu flung himself into the man’s arms. Appropriately, Luo Binghe wrapped him into a hug. “This lowly one is sorry, A-yuan. He didn’t mean to leave him alone.”

  Shen Qingqiu was a bit horrified at how wet his voice sounded. Hey! Hey! He wasn’t that young, to be bawling the moment he got a hug! “This one doesn’t like this place. He doesn’t want to be here anymore.”

  Luo Binghe nodded, getting to his feet without ever letting go. “Okay.” For a moment there was shuffling, Shen Qingqiu clinging to Binghe’s neck as he freed one hand. “This may be a bit scary, but A-yuan is safe. Even if he doesn’t like it very much, no one will touch him or bother him alright?” He nodded.

  Xin Mo hummed softly as it was drawn, Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widening. He hadn’t even considered that Luo Binghe would use the sword ability to get them out. With a flick of his wrist, reality parted.

  Oh fuck… Beyond not realizing that Luo Binghe would just portal them somewhere, it had never, not once, crossed Shen Qingqiu’s mind that Luo Binghe would create a rift to the demon realm. Great… just… just great.

  The man stepped through easily even as he sheathed the cursed blade. Immediately there was servants who looked mostly human bowing to them.

  “The lord is back.”

  “Lord Luo is back.”

  “Welcome Lord!”

  He must have brought them directly to the palace. Shen Qingqiu didn’t think his grip had gotten noticeably tighter, but Binghe rubbed at his shoulder and back. “A-yuan is safe.” His head came up, the tone ringing around them. “No one is to touch this boy or get near him without his express permission. He is our guest and has my authority.”

  Those that were visible bowed, muttering their ascent even as Binghe began walking. Shen Qingqiu just clung to him. Isn’t this too far to go for some kid you don’t know? Surely it wasn’t something like guilt at what happened with Huan Hua. He could have just taken them out. Why go so far as to take him to the demon realm?

  Unless he knew it was Shen Qingqiu… but if he knew that… why was he carrying him so carefully? The ruse should have been up the moment the portal closed behind them.

‘ This disciple hopes though… that he might be able to earn Shizun’s forgiveness. ’

  Shen Qingqiu curled closer. Could that have been… true? Binghe carried him through hallways heavy with lanterns and tapestries and into a grand suite. There, he set Shen Qingqiu down. For his part, the boy just curled up as set his chin on his knees. No doubt it looked a bit pathetic but… he kind of wanted to look pathetic right? It gave him a better chance since he… might be dooming himself. After a moment, Luo Binghe sat at the edge of the bed. “Is there anything A-yuan wants? Anything that would make him feel more at ease?”

  He looked away from that soft expression. “Earlier… Luo Binghe said he and his master got into a fight because he hid something.”

  Binghe's eyes widened, but he nodded. “It’s… close enough to what happened.”

  “What he hid was him being a demon, right?”

  “Half demon… yes.”

  “If… if that master also lied to Luo Binghe… would he be angry?”

  He chanced a look at Binghe who was watching him closely out of dark eyes that looked so fragile. “It depends… but this disciple would give him a chance to explain.”

  “Even though he betrayed him?”

  “Mn.”

  He curled tighter. “This one lied to Luo Binghe. This one is under a curse that makes him appear very young…” He drew in a breath, debating on how to continue. He couldn’t just blurt out that he was Shen Qingqiu right?

[ Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!

Good things must be said three times!

Satisfaction Points +200! ]

  The touch was soft, Shen Qingqiu flinching back from it though Luo Binghe remained steady, rubbing up and down his shoulder. “Does Shizun know how to break the curse?”

  The man did not look surprised enough, at all. “So you did know.” That was… strangely relieving.

“This disciple knew from the moment he was able to see Shizun’s eyes. Though… he couldn’t quite figure out if Shizun remembered all of who he was, or if it came and went.”

  He tucked himself closer. “This master memory isn’t affected by the curse.”

  Luo Binghe gave a slight smile. “Then Shizun knows too that this disciple meant what he was saying.”

  “Mn,” He curled a bit tighter. “Binghe… has been very caring for this unworthy master.”

  “Shizun isn’t unworthy.”

  He snorted. “Binghe said he wanted forgiveness… but that isn’t what he should be seeking. It’s… this master who should be seeking Binghe’s forgiveness.”

  Binghe made an odd sound, and then he was being pulled out of his ball. He only fought tokenly before settling against Luo Binghe’s chest. “Then we can forgive each other.”

  He curled up a bit, tucking himself into the shelter of those arms. “Alright.” Even if Binghe needed no forgiveness for just being who he was born to be saying it might help sooth him.

[ Congratulations, congratulations, congratulations!

 Good things must be said three times!

Satisfaction Points +1,000

Keep up the good work! ]

  They couldn’t really hold that position for long even if it gave Shen Qingqiu the chance to reorder his world view now that he might not have to worry about dying or being tortured. Rather quickly really, Shen Qingqiu squirmed and Binghe released him. Gathering himself he debated a moment on if now that his identity was revealed or not if he should at least try to act like the aloof cultivator his adult self was. He quickly decided that would be a very good way to get Luo Binghe to laugh at him and settled instead on sitting more or less proper to how a disciple would. Binghe watched, and thankfully didn’t comment. “How did Shizun end up this way?”

  “Cursed candy box. It’s stored securely in this master’s usual robes.”

  Binghe nodded. “If Shizun will tell this Binghe where his usual robes are… this Binghe will fetch them.” 

He shook his head slightly. “No need. This master… has a few tricks up his sleeves even like this.” Tricks like shoving them into the out of this dimension storage space that was his System Inventory. “Binghe also shouldn’t touch the box. It’s a fairly powerful curse that this master thinks will even affect a Heavenly Demon though… it should wear off on it’s own in a few days' time.”

  For a long moment Binghe considered him. “Will Shizun be okay… waiting here those few days.”

  He shrugged. It wasn’t like he had much of a choice. “If… if Binghe is okay with it, this master would like to deliver a message to Cang Qiong that he got delayed during his mission.”

  Binghe nodded quickly. “It will be done.” His gaze softened slightly. “Shizun has been very busy today. Even if his adult body could easily handle such tasks… he should rest.”

  He was exceptionally tired and sore. Tension had been humming under his skin for hours now, and before that he’d been running and jumping and pushing his body as far as it would go to outmaneuver the Huan Hua Sect Disciples. “Thank you, Binghe. Forgiveness for disrupting Binghe’s relationship with Huan Hua.”

  The man shook his head. “It was only temporary anyway.” Then he seemed to pause, considering Shen Qingqiu. “If Shizun does forgive this Binghe for being half demon… then this Binghe can go back with Shizun correct?”

  He nodded slightly. “Yes…though… Binghe didn’t do anything wrong.” This was going to be an interesting report to Yue Qingyuan even if he already knew the Sect Leader would just allow him to do whatever he wanted. Hell, he wasn’t entirely sure that Yue Qingyuan would kick up a fuss even if Luo Binghe returned with demon mark shining on his forehead. “Luo Binghe’s room might need to be updated. It’s… still like before.”

  That seemed to shock Binghe a bit, though he seemed happy when he did smile even if it was a bit watery. “Of course, Shizun.”

  He rose easily, though after a moment he reached out to pull Shen Qingqiu into another hug. After, he left to his own chambers.

***

  There… was a bit of confusion in that apparently Luo Binghe had started making arrangements to give up being a demon lord, something Shen Qingqiu immediately protested and after hours of arguing managed to convince Binghe not to do. Adding in a lot of reassurances that he wasn’t disgusted by Binghe’s heritage, he didn’t mind that Binghe was half demon, he didn’t want Binghe to hide that part of him, that he wanted Binghe to be as strong as possible in both types of cultivation. Beyond that however, the days passed relatively easily. The other demons steered clear of Shen Qingqiu whenever they weren’t doing tasks directly related to him and Luo Binghe was… doting. He got to see plenty of the palace, and even got to extensively explore the equivalent of a broom closet.

  “Shizun?” Luo Binghe sounded exceedingly worried though Shen Qingqiu couldn’t exactly blame him. The demon lord had been in the middle of recounting a non censored version of one of his monster fights in the Endless Abyss when Shen Qingqiu had stopped mid-step, then darted sideways into the first available room.

  “This one is-” He hissed out a breath as every joint seemed to pop. “Ah- the curse is hmmmm… breaking.” It hadn’t hurt this much when it took effect!

  Clothes, clothes. He stripped out of the already tearing layers, shoving off the pants his flesh rippled. Rather than focus on that, he urgently called up the System. By the time his items had loaded in, the change was apparently done and he was kneeling, panting a bit on the floor. “Ha… Binghe?” His voice sounded a bit hoarse but otherwise… it was his normal adult voice.

  “This disciple is here, Shizun. May this disciple open the door a sliver?”

  He huffed slightly, letting the smile show. “Binghe… this master isn’t exactly… decent.”

  “This disciple won’t look.”

  He waved his hand slightly before realizing that wouldn’t do him any good. “Alright.”

  The door cracked, his gaze coming up to consider what Binghe might want that didn’t involve looking. Binghe’s outer robe was held through the opening, Shen Qingqiu staring at it for a moment. “Ah…”

  Gently, he took the offered cover and glanced back. After a moment, and stoutly ignoring the System giving lovely jingles of celebration for some reason, he reuploaded his own robes to his inventory. Drawing the black robes over his shoulders, he made use of the wider cut to ensure everything was covered. Not that it was strictly needed. Demonic standards of adequate coverage were… loose…

  Making sure he didn’t trip over the too long hem, he slid the door partially open. Luo Binghe was anxiously waiting on the other side. Even that half view had him pausing because… this was the protagonist that had gathered a harem of hundreds of women and could whoo anyone he so chose to by simply smiling at them and somehow he had… forgotten that? How could he have just… missed how impressively Luo Binghe had grown up and filled out until he looked like the really impressive fanart that Shen Qingqiu had looked up just for visual purposes. The beautiful smooth skin, the depth of his eyes, the way the sun caught on him just right. He’d excuse himself for missing the oh so perfect and touchable hair. He’d been three feet tall, it’s not like he could have seen it. At Binghe’s slight shuffle, Shen Qingqiu sighed and drew the door open fully, the system went off with a truly amazing amount of points and downright… concerning titles that had him considering the man in front of him.

  Well… the original did have a tendency of giving this robe to a lot of naked women he liked to cover up with… He briefly debated on if it had more to do with seeing somewhere wear his robe before glancing at a few of the titles. Fine… maybe even he couldn’t be that oblivious, especially not when he met the awestruck eyes of the demon lord. He… also somewhat realized that as an adult, his view of Luo Binghe had a slightly different tilt to it and not just because of the fact he didn’t have to lean backwards to look at the man’s face. Well that’s… fascinating. It probably didn’t help that because of the difference in demonic modesty standards, Luo Binghe had taken to wearing his under layers more lax, displaying the considerable muscle that had filled his frame. The lack of a bulky outer robe only highlighted that further.

  “Binghe… this master can’t exit if he continues standing there.”

  The man immediately scrambled back. “Of course Shizun. There are robes prepared. This Binghe will send for them.”

  He hummed his ascent, already starting on the way back to his room with head held high. If red was dusting his cheeks and burning in his ears… he wasn’t going to acknowledge it. After perhaps a dozen paces he managed to work up the courage to glance behind him dismissively. “Is Binghe not going to continue his story? If he suddenly found other duties that’s fine, this master understands…” His lips tipped slightly, his hand that wasn’t busy reassuring himself the robes were absolutely going to stay shut waved. “But he’s keeping the robe.”

  He kind of wished he had kept his fan out at the breathy “Shizun…” and the mad dash of feet. As it was, he covered the faint smile with his hand. “Shizun can have as many of this Binghe’s robes as he wants!”