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The ache in his back from sitting upright is starting to get to him. Qingming mentally sighs, wanting to be away. He does not want to be here anymore. Yin-Yang Sect lost its glimmer the moment he stepped in. Shifu was the only good thing he had, the only one he could be safe with. But now? Nothing left but Shibo and taking Shifu's position. Granted, it means he does not have to frequent the temple since he holds an important role.
“WenChao-Daren, sending outer disciples will not be beneficial.” Qingming smiles. In his heart, he is cursing his balding Elder. “They are not equipped with the skill sets, and we could endanger their lives.”
“And how will they learn?” WenChao-Daren’s voice grates against his ears. Qingming, for a moment, wondered why he was a part fox. “If we do not put them in situations, they will not be able to get the necessary skill sets and become stronger!”
“The only thing to making them stronger is food and training.” Qingming narrows his eyes, and the urge to kill arises. “Not throwing them into a life-and-death situation! They are going to have issues in the future because of it.”
“Qingming-Daren, they are not as weak as you!” WenChao-Daren sneers, “Unlike you, they can-”
“Enough.”
The Sect leader’s voice is cold and sharp. For a moment, it felt as though it sliced through the air. Qingming cannot sense it, but he knows. The Sect Leader has wielded his spiritual presence against the Elders. WenChao grimaces and buckles over. His expression pales, and he starts to sweat. Every Elder in the room had their head bowed. The sour scent of fear invades Qingming’s keen senses. He looks to the Sect leader.
The Sect Leader rarely shows emotions, and yet his face shows a severe look. His mouth is in a thin line whilst his eyebrows are pinching together. His expression is one akin to anger. The cold blue eyes slithered to Qingming. Anger softened, lips tilted up subtly. The Sect Leader looks upon him with kindness. Shifu was the Sect Leader’s student, making the Sect Leader Qingming’s Shibo. The Sect Leader adored Shifu. The adoration extended to Qingming too.
“WenChao, you will go to the cold springs and receive punishment.” The Sect Leader sets the scroll he holds down. “Disrespect to someone else is against the principle of this sect. It is in rule 456, and an Elder of all people should know the rules well.”
“Yes, ZuShiYie.” WenChao bows and a look of displeasure is evident. Qingming cannot help the joy that bubbles to the surface at such a sight.
“Everyone, leave.” The Sect leader waves his hand. He looks to Qingming and pats the floor beside him, “Come, ShiZhi.”
Qingming bows his head in response. He stands and makes his way to the Sect Leader. Qingming settles at the short side of the table, kneeling. He turns and looks at the other Elders leaving. He sniffs the air, only for a sleeve to cover his nose. Qingming blinks, and he turns and sees that the Sect Leader has his lips downturned. Qingming coughs, embarrassed. The Sect leader sighs before moving his head away. Qingming observes as the Sect Leader recites a spell.
The sweet scent of incense wafts through the air. Qingming relaxes his posture, the sense of discomfort leaving. The gentle aroma is overpowering yet subtle, akin to a mist. He can’t help but feel a sense of guilt. The Sect Leader is always accommodating to Qingming’s fox side needs. The Sect Leader covers Qingming’s nose and often performs aroma therapy for Qingming. He even covers Qingming’s ears whenever there is a loud noise nearby.
The Sect Leader is patient and kind. Only towards Shifu and Qingming, the soft side hardened towards anyone else. Many in the Sect felt Qingming got the Sect Leader’s favour through Shifu. Either that or Qingming used his fox genes to charm the Sect Leader. Rumours slip through even the tiniest crack despite Shifu’s efforts. It is only a matter of time. It does not matter. Qingming frowns and wonders if the rumours hold a sliver of truth. Are they not born from something truthful?
“Your brain is working overtime.” The Sect Leader’s hand raps against Qingming’s forehead. “I can hear it from all the way here.”
“ZuShiYie.” Qingming bows his head.
“It’s Shibo.” The Sect Leader sighs whilst Qingming looks up and giggles. “I swear to the heavens, I have said those three words more times than I have said any other.”
Shibo’s cultivation surpasses Qingming’s. Not even a nine-tailed fox could seduce him, so how could Qingming, a half-fox, do such a thing? Qingming disregards the rumour and smiles. It is stupid to think he even considered the second rumour.
“Shibo.” Qingming smiles, it wavers. “WenChao-Daren-”
“Deserved the punishment.” Shibo’s expression hardened. Qingming does not flinch, he knows that it is not directed at him. “Shizhi, I know you think it’s fine for them to speak as they wish. WenChao bringing your core difference to win an argument... is dirty and beneath the rules of the Yin Yang Sect.”
“Shibo…” Qingming sighs
“Shizhi, allow me this privilege.” Shibo’s lips lift into a mirthless smile, “I know I cannot stop what they say, but allow me to at least defend you.”
“I will be a burden to you.” Qingming points out, he leans forward, “As long as I am here, they will not stop. I do not wish for Shibo to waste his years defending this useless disciple.”
Shibo raps his head again. Qingming rubbed his head, and he could only sigh. At the rate, Shibo raps his head— Qingming has no more brain cells dancing in his mind. At least it isn’t a fan. Shifu knocked at least half his brain cells out. Qingming would like to keep the remaining brain cells, thank you very much. Qingming considers if he can sulk later in Shibo’s garden out of spite. Scratch a few trees here and there.
“Stop it, or I will knock your head again” Shibo sighs, Qingming giggles at Shibo’s expression. Shibo smiled as he shook his head with fondness at Qingming’s antics. “Sulk in your garden, I swear the apples in my garden will be gone by the next meeting.”
“No promises Shibo.” Qingming smiles, mischief dances in his eyes. Shibo's exasperated yet fond look never gets old. It brings Qingming a semblance of joy.
To be able to joke with Shibo is a privilege. Qingming is guilty of feeling smug about having Shibo’s affection. Many in the sect had speculated that Shibo would kick him out after Shifu passed. After all, why would he take care of the half-breed? Shibo heard of the speculation and dispelled it, giving Qingming Shifu’s position. Qingming felt smug at the fallen looks on their faces. And if Qingming nested because Shibo does care for Qingming on his own. No one but Shibo knows.
Shibo is what Qingming would imagine a grandfather would be. Old, kind and patient. Qingming's heart aches for a moment, he wishes that Shifu was still here. Shibo’s smile right now feels bittersweet. Qingming knows deep down that Shibo is grieving too. Qingming presses his shoulder to Shibo’s side. Shibo huffs in amusement before tilting his head down to press against the top of Qingming’s head. A small moment of intimacy. It makes his instincts wriggle. Different from the love that Qingming experiences towards Boya.
Qingming wonders for a moment if he should bring them up. He pushes that thought away, picks up a scroll and begins to read it. Shibo laughs as Qingming begins to read the summary report in a silly way. If Qingming can provide a fraction of the happiness Shifu brings by doing this, he will do it for the rest of his life. This is why he is still in the sect, for Shibo. Shibo, his only connection left in this forsaken sect. Two of his shishens are Shifu’s family. Qingming does not know them well, he has only interacted with them during the snake attack.
He could reach out. But it would be a little dangerous, he does not know if they blame him for Shifu’s death. Qingming does not condemn himself for Shifu’s death. At times, he does, but only when he is at his lowest. It is all thanks to Shibo after all. Shibo drilled it into his head that Shifu’s death is not his fault. Shifu made the decision himself, Shifu’s death was inevitable. Qingming lets his ears and tail out. Shibo pets his ears, content. Shibo loves him as Shifu does. Like a father would love a son.
Qingming loves with all his heart. He is glad Shibo and Shifu handle his heart with care and love. The afternoon proceeds as Shibo laughs at the jokes Qingming makes.
When the bell tolls, Qingming tidies Shibo’s scrolls. Shibo pats his head and greets him goodbye. Qingming bows and waves a little. He exits the meeting hall and opens a portal to Jingyun temple. He hides his fox features away and skips to Boya’s designated area. Heart beating fast, cheeks heating up; Qingming tries to calm himself. This reaction is unbecoming of him. It is Boya, why is his heart misbehaving?
Qingming shakes his head and reaches the path nearing Boya’s abode. He stops in his track as a foreign scent hits his nose. It’s sweet and flowery compared to the smokey, wood smell that most Jingyun sect members often carry. It’s odd, Boya rarely has visitors. Heavens knows Boya rarely socialise, nor does he invite others anywhere. Much less his own home. Qingming lightens his steps and peeks behind a tree nearby.
At that moment, his heart felt as though it tore apart. Why does it hurt? Qingming’s hand clutches at his chest. He feels tears start to well as he watches Boya embrace the pretty lady dressed in pastels. Why? Boya is hugging someone who could be his lover. So why does it feel as though he is being killed? A horrifying thought crashes down upon him. Could he be in love?
Shifu once described love to him. Love makes you feel airy and sweet. But once the person wanders off to another, your heart seizes and your soul shatters apart. Shifu had chuckled when Qingming gasped in horror. He corrected himself and said it felt that way. Qingming feels as though Shifu may have lied about that. His heart and soul feel a deep pain. But how could he have missed it? Or did he push it aside because he was too afraid to confront it?
Qingming looks away and rests his back against the tree. He loves Boya, how could he not? From the moment Boya descended the sky with Zhuque, Qingming had fallen. Denial blinded him because it means two things. Qingming can never be with Boya and he betrayed the Yin Yang Sect. It’s against the rules to fall in love with someone, one must be pure to pursue the cultivation path of the Yin and Yang. Only now, Qingming chuckles with bitterness, he realised he loves Boya.
You only realise you love someone when their presence is about to fade away.
Qingming wipes his tears away and takes a deep breath in. He walks out and walks towards Boya and the lady. Boya looks up and his eyes light up when he sees Qingming. The lady turns and greets Qingming with a soft smile. The urge to act perfect and better than the lady is overwhelming. Qingming can’t muster up a smile, much less a sincere one. He tilts his head to greet the lady.
“You must be the Qingming I have been hearing about from Boya!” The lady’s melodious soft voice grates his ears. He feels bitter to the core, he is breaking rules by being rude. But there is nothing that can dampen the jealousy, he can only grit his teeth and tolerate this woman.
“Yes.” His answer is curt, and cold towards the lady. Boya seems taken aback by his cold demeanour. The Lady looked confused, a look of what seemed to be understanding flickers on her face.
"Ah, you misunderstand Qingming-Daren." The Lady smiles with kind eyes. Qingming feels confused but he does not allow it to show in case the lady uses it as Qingming's weak point "I am interested in women only. Boya and I are childhood friends."
Qingming feels the crushing weight of embarrassment. Rule number 57, do not make assumptions. He averts his eyes to the ground and feels his cheeks burn. He hears the lady giggling and whispering to Boya something. Qingming fidgets and looks up to peek at Boya. Boya is smiling with fondness, eyes crinkling at the edge as he looks at Qingming. The lady bows and introduces herself as Sha Huamei. A daughter of one of the kingdom’s officials, hence why she knew Boya.
She excuses herself, winking to Boya. Boya’s cheeks flush a little, he huffs and rolls his eyes. Qingming can’t help the small giggle escaping his lips. Exasperated Boya is Qingming’s favourite. Qingming watches as the lady leaves. He peeks at Boya and finds the archer smiling at him. Qingming flushes, he shouldn't break the rules. To fall in love with Boya… To court the Jingyun temple’s favoured archer... Qingming laughs as he feels bitter, who does he think he is? Qingming watches as the warm eyes crinkle in worry. He watches as Boya looks at him.
Qingming hates it. Boya stares at him with the look of someone who is watching their loved one in pain. Like how a husband would stare at his wife that tortured by his enemies. It hurts because Boya is staring as if he is the one who hurt Qingming. It hurts even more because there is concern and affection in Boya’s eyes. Boya likes him too, Qingming isn’t too sure if Boya loves him but he knows the archer has feelings for him. The scent of love has never felt sickening before. Qingming cannot burden Boya.
Scenes flicker past his thoughts like arrows whizzing by. To associate with Qingming, Boya would lose everything. His temple would turn away from him because he is courting a half-demon. When someone returns your feelings, you are to feel joy. Yet, Qingming stands here staring at Boya with a heartbroken expression. Boya is silent, not a word spoken. Qingming knows Boya is struggling to form words and to ask the question. He would be hurting Boya, but hurting Boya once is better than becoming a burden.
Qingming shut his eyes, he feels tears form at the edge of his eyes. He pulls Boya close and lets their lips press together. Like this, Qingming can feel the warmth Boya exudes. His lips are soft, and Qingming feels bittersweet as the fact sets in. He likes kissing Boya, he likes doing anything with Boya. Qingming would marry Boya even. It hurts, is this what Shifu felt? No wonder why Shifu placed all his love into a puppet for the princess. The urge to at least have a part of his soul stay by Boya's side is strong. The urge to have is strong, to make sure none could ever have Boya overwhelms him.
Qingming parts their lips with reluctance, “I love you”
Boya’s scent no longer feels comforting. It stabs Qingming in the chest, the sadness clings to Boya like a second skin. Qingming can’t do it, he can’t imagine someone else by Boya’s side. It’s selfish but Qingming wants it with desperation. If it means he loses the ability to love to leave a part behind with Boya then so be it.
“I will be with you, a part of me- Like He Shouyue” Qingming smiles, it lacks mirth and instead in its place is bitter love. “That way, I can love you-”
“I rather die.”
Oh, Qingming feels the tears become heavier. What happened? Why had it come to this point? His whole body is calling him to sleep. First, he came to visit Boya only to become jealous of a woman. Only to realise he has loved Boya for a long time. Second, he realises Boya returns his feelings. Only to realise they can never be together. Now, Boya is rejecting him. What was he thinking? Qingming lets out a chuckle through the heavy tears. Boya likes him, and Qingming loves him. But, it does not change Qingming’s decision. He will make a puppet as Shifu once had. He will put all of his love, and command the puppet to protect Boya for the rest of their life.
Even if the puppet has to stay out of sight.
Boya’s hand cups Qingming’s cheek, “Qingming I-”
“I understand Boya-Daren.” Qingming steps back, bowing. He turns and opens a portal to Shifu’s courtyard. “I love you. You like me. It’s okay, I understand.”
“Wai-!”
The wind silences Boya as Qingming passes his portal. The portal closes in a quick manner behind him. Qingming wipes his tears away. First thing, find the puppet spell. Xue Tianguo and Kuang Huashi should know where it is, he can ask. Qingming walks to the north of the courtyard, and if his senses are right… They should be at a table drinking too. As he rounds the corner he hears their chatter. Sha Shengshi and Michong seem to be there too. Qingming feels a faint flame of joy, he is happy his shishens are bonding with Shifu’s shishens.
Jin Lingzi is still recovering in the spirit realm. Once he comes back Qingming has no doubt he would fit in well. He approaches them, he watches as they greet him. Shifu’s shishens tilt their heads as a greeting. His shishens bow in greeting to him. He would correct them, saying they need not bow to him because they are equals. But he is too tired to deal with that. Tomorrow maybe, or once he finishes with the puppet. He nods in their direction, he turns his gaze to Shifu’s shishens.
“Where is the puppet spell used to create He Shouyue?”
Qingming watches as Xue Tianguo and Kuang Huashi share a look between themselves. Xue Tianguo stands, and a look of what seems to be anger takes its place on his face. His tone is low and his feathers ruffle as he addresses Qingming, “What is the meaning of this?”
“I wish to do what Shifu once had.” Qingming waves his hand dismissively, he walks away to his chambers. “I order you to bring the scroll to my room in the morning tomorrow. No questions.”
“Qi-”
Qingming opens a portal and climbs into his den-like bed. Stuffed with wool and cotton, it is soft and comfortable to lie in. The portal closes behind him. He was rude, he failed to follow rule 32 to be always kind. Qingming chants a cleansing spell as he undresses on his bed. He throws his clothes onto the floor carelessly. He will serve punishment later, he is too tired. He fluffs the pillow before lying his head on it. He lets out his fox features and pulls the blanket to cover his body. With a wave of his hand, the curtain at the entrance to his bed shuts.
His brain hurts, and everything hurts. Or at least, it feels like it. His eyelids slid shut, and he allow the darkness to embrace him. Tomorrow, he will deal with it.
A warm hand combs through his hair, Qingming whines as he moves further into the soft bedding. The light irritates him— Should it not be dark in his den? It— It should be dark in his den. Qingming shoots up and nearly falls out of the soft bedding. Someone catches him. Qingming waits as his vision adjusts to the light. He recognises the scents, he could never mistake them. Shibo’s signature lavender incense scent is present. Xue Tianguo’s oak and winter scent is unmistakable.
Qingming finally sees Shibo once his eyes adjusted the light. He is not in his room anymore, this is Shifu’s room. Qingming can tell because Shifu has a dedicated area for Qingming. When he was much younger, he had nightmares of his mother’s death. Shifu went out of his way and created a safe space for Qingming. At the corner of Shifu’s large room, there is an elevated platform where it's lined with a stream of water. On the platform are heaps of soft blankets and soft bedding. Crafted gold trees are stuck above it, with dangling flower chimes. Qingming hasn’t visited this place since Shifu’s death.
He has always visited even when he was too old.
So why was he back here? Qingming searches Shibo’s eyes for answers. The only thing he could gather was Shibo is very worried. Even though he is smiling, there is not a single trace of mirth. He peeks at Xue Tianguo and sees a similar expression except it lacks a smile. Qingming suddenly feels embarrassed and guilty. He isn’t sure what he has done wrong, and he squirms in place, could Shibo find out Qingming broke several rules? But even so, what difference does it make? Shibo never punishes Qingming, not even if he broke anything expensive.
Qingming finds the silence suffocating, should he say something? But what could he say? Should he ask what did he do wrong? Should he confess that he has broken many rules?
“Shizhi… Qingming.” Shibo’s tone is gentle, like a parent who is scolding yet comforting a child.
“S-Shibo.” Qingming’s ears flatten, his tail curls up into his lap and he hugs it. Shibo never calls him by his name unless it is something serious. Did he screw up?
“You are not in trouble.” Shibo shook his head, his smile is soft and sad. “But what I am about to say is serious and I want you to pay attention. Okay?”
Qingming nods reluctantly, his body still tense not believing a word Shibo says. Is this it? Is this where he is thrown out?
“Qingming, thank you.” Qingming feels confusion build as Shibo utters that sentence. Shibo chuckles and turns to look at Shifu’s desk. Shibo continues as he stares in melancholy at the Shifu’s living quarters. “Thank you for being by my side and helping me grieve over Zhongxing. Sometimes when I look at you, I see him. There are little things you have picked up from him that just make me realise that no matter what, you are his child. The child he picked up and cared as his own. Your heritage never made me love you any less. You are mine as you are Zhongxing’s.”
“I don’t mind when you learn from Zhongxing.” Shibo looks back at Qingming, his lips quivering as he cups Qingming’s cheeks. Tears drop from Shibo’s eyes like fragile snowflakes. Qingming could not help the whine that tears itself out of his throat. He does not understand why Shibo is crying. “But I cannot let you learn this Qingming. I cannot let you create the puppet.”
Qingming freezes in place. Xue Tianguo told Shibo? And why is Shibo reacting this way?
“Qingming, listen to me,” Although Shibo’s voice is soft, it holds desperation in it. “You are allowed to love and court whomever you please. Forget this sect’s rule, this sect has done nothing for you. I cannot let you spiral and fade as Zhongxing once did. Love as you please and if the Elders speak against it, I will change the rules. Qingming, I don’t want you to do this. I cannot let my mistake repeat again. I will not let another fall apart just because of the age-long rules.”
“Shibo…” Qingming does not know how to describe how he is feeling. Shibo is saying he would change rules that have been set down by the first priest of this sect. Which is a big taboo to do so— to do that is…
“Little fox,” Xue Tianguo’s voice is firm, cold yet gentle. Qingming looks over and he feels fragile. The Tengu stares at him with a look of love. “I know, I and Kuang Huashi are not wanted. I apologise for interfering with this but I could not allow you to do this. I am sorry, we love you. We love you as Zhongxing do. We are yours as we are Zhongxing’s. We understand that our presence hurt you and we have avoided you to prevent that. We do not mind being denied your presence but we cannot lose you too. When Zhongxing did that spell, he fell into a deep abyss in his mind. It took a good few years for ZuShiYie to get him back on his knees. You will not survive doing this-”
“I am yours.” His voice cracks and tears begin to form rapidly. He thought they hated him because he survived instead of Shifu. “You— You love me?”
“More than the heavens could comprehend.” Xue Tianguo’s expression became pained as the realisation hits the Tengu. Qingming watches the Tengu approach. The cold slides and wraps Qingming in a secure embrace. And, Qingming feels it “I love you. Kuang Huashi loves you too.”
“I- I thought… I thought you hated me!” Qingming couldn’t help it, he couldn’t stop the wail that leaves his mouth. The words begin to fall like rain as his hands clutch at his chest. It hurts, it hurts so much to feel this much. “I thought, I thought that all of you have been tolerating me because I was all that Zhongxing left behind. I couldn’t— I sometimes feel as though the rumours are true. That the only reason why you ever kept me was that I was Zhongxing’s. I am nothing but a burden, why do you love me, why do you keep me?”
Qingming sobs and he cannot hide anymore. He knows why he is here, he has just been hiding away unable to face anything. He always intellectualized his feelings. Because if he understand he wouldn’t need to feel. Qingming’s instincts made him head to Zhongxing’s room because it was the only place where he could cry. The only place where he does not have to doubt that he is loved. That he is safe in the presence of Shifu’s presence. But after Shifu’s passing, he could not remember what it mean to feel love.
Qingming could not help his heart from believing the rumours. That the only reason why he is still here is that he is all that Zhongxing has left.
He feels Shibo hug him, he feels the cold watching over him. He is loved by these people more than anything in this world even if Zhongxing’s gone. For the whole day, the shishens and Shibo remind him of this. In warm embraces and soft words, Qingming is truthful to his feelings for today.
When the sun rises the next day, Shibo left with the shishens. Shibo explained that Qingming will need privacy. Shibo will check in after three days. Confusing as it is, Qingming returns to his room. He was arranging his nest when he hears soft knocks against his door. Qingming climbs out of his den and opens the door. Only to see the image of a shirtless Boya donned in Zhuque markings with his wings out. The look on Boya’s face is intimidating and Qingming can’t help but gulp. Boya’s eyes zero in on his adam’s apple, watching it bob up and down.
His eyes narrow, and Boya takes a step in. Qingming takes a step back. Boya unfurls his wings and they block the door out of the room. Not that Qingming can’t just portal out of here, but he rather not anger the beast that has seemed to awaken. Boya takes a menacing step forward, and Qingming retreats a step. They do this dance until Qingming backed into a wall. Boya places both hands beside Qingming’s shoulders against the wall. The heat coming off Boya is intense, but not too hot to make Qingming overheat. But it certainly isn’t comfortable.
“I would rather die,” Boya is full-on glaring at Qingming. And when Qingming’s face turns away, Boya uses one hand to hold Qingming’s chin to face him. An unspoken command to look, Qingming obeys as his knees feel weak. “I would rather die than be with a piece of you. I want every single bit of you, do you understand? I am utterly selfish and stubborn.”
“I-” Qingming gulps as he carefully chose his next words, “I am… sorry?”
“I know. Make it up to me.” Boya huffs, and the angry expression slips away. His eyes are sad, “I don’t like you, I love you.”
“I love you” Qingming whispers back, suddenly feeling shy in such close vicinity to Boya. He reaches up and cups Boya’s face. “I am so sorry”
“No, I am sorry.” Boya’s voice becomes soft, he closes his eyes and presses his forehead against Qingming’s. “I should have phrased my words better. You didn’t visit after two days, I almost didn’t come to look for you because I hurt you. Zhuque gave me a stern talking-to— So I flew all the way here. Told your sect leader that I could care less and I will marry with or without his blessing.”
“I am sorry I didn’t let you finish. I should have stayed and listened, and that was brave of you…” Qingming chuckles softly. Boya’s hands no longer stay on the wall, they are quickly onto Qingming. They wrapped around his waist as Boya hugs him close against the wall. “I didn’t want to pursue a relationship with you because well… I am a half-breed. I do not want you to lose your position at Jingyun temple.”
“Silly.” Boya huffs, Qingming blushes as he feels Boya’s soft lips press against his collarbones “Jingyun temple does not care. One of the ancestors married a demon. I was the only one in Jingyun temple in the past who did not like demons because I was an asshole.”
“You aren’t an asshole!” Qingming chastises Boya.
In response, Boya simply rolled his eyes and lift Qingming. Boya then sits at Qingming’s desk. not once letting go of Qingming. Qingming flicks his tail at Boya as he adjusts his position on Boya’s lap.
“Then do not degrade yourself.” Boya smiled, mischievous and triumphant. Qingming could not resist and immediately leaned in. The archer's rough hands gently held his cheeks as Qingming kisses Boya.
It was a soft sensual kiss.
“Did— Shibo…” Qingming parts from the kiss. He had to press a hand against Boya’s chest to prevent the archer from interrupting him. “Give his blessings?”
“Yes, and even he didn’t… I would steal you away like a thief. Now let me kiss you, it was cruel of you to give me a taste and then reject me.” Boya pouts, akin to a child sulking.
Qingming blushes and simply leans back and removes his outer robe. “Then, we have three days right?”
“Mhm” Boya hums, Qingming swears Zhuque’s markings glowed for a second.
“Then I can make it up to you.”
“And Zhuque.”
Qingming blinks
Boya blinks unapologetically.
“Uh, I suddenly remember…”
“Mmmn, nope.” Boya grins with mischief, the red markings glow brighter. “You have to make it up to us.”
“M…Mercy-!”
Yi LiJun sips his cup of tea, he hopes his Shizhi doesn’t sulk too much after the two. He isn’t against the idea of the best Jingyun Sect Archer and the mythical bird god being his Shizhi’s husbands. After all, his Shizhi deserves the best. Though…
He sighs as he looks upon the powerful magical relics. He slowly turns to look at the Jingyun sect leader is grinning at him. Zhuque’s half of the gifts are extravagant as is... But the Jingyun sect somehow remains on par too with valuable cultivation scrolls. As much as Yi Lijun appreciate that they have gifted these... he has to figure out how to store all 456 relics and scrolls somewhere.
“You don’t need to worry, Yi-Daren…” The Jingyun Sect leader rests his chin on one hand. “I am here to aid you after all.”
That’s the exact reason why! You would not be focusing on storing the scrolls! You will be busy teasing me instead! You only call me Yi-Daren when you are bullying me!
Yi Lijun sends a withering … at the Jingyun sect leader. “There is no need, Bai-Daren.”
Correct.
“I insist.” Bai HuaXie grinned, not even bothering to hide the mischief. “It’d be rude to reject my kind offer…”