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Chapter Text

Jing Yuan dies.  

It didn’t happen all at once.   

His life was annoyingly long. The only one left amidst everyone dying off or leaving. It was tedious and drawn-out. Of course, it would make sense that his death would be just that. Long, tedious, and excruciating.  

The Cloud Piercer going through his chest hurt. But that was expected. He’s no stranger to things going through any part of his body, as stab wounds go. What he didn’t expect was the unbearable agonizing piercing pain of the feedback he’d get when Phantylia got hurt.  

It hurt. There were no words for it. He didn’t know if he screamed or cried or whimpered. He hoped he didn’t. He has an image he had to protect after all.  

Well, if he has an image he could come back to if he lived through this.  

Then Jing Yuan falls.  

Someone catches him.  

The arms were familiar despite it being centuries since he last felt it. But the eyes that he met-- he knew, wasn’t. Because Dan Feng was long gone. And he was the only one left.  

Phantylia talks, something about a temporary body and Xianzhou’s destruction. What he catches though, was her question. “How much longer can you last?”  

Not for long, Jing Yuan thinks ruefully.   

He stands anyway, shakes off the familiar arms around him and pushes himself off the ground as he tries not to keel over with the pain making his knees weak.  

“Begone Pawn of Destruction,” He blusters through the weakness in his joints. “Tell the Legion that the Vengeance of the Hunt will fall upon them.” He brushes the flame away.  

“General are you... okay?” Jing Yuan smiled at the young girl, warmed at her concern. He wishes he could say more. Assuage the worry in their faces.  

But it seems like he had finally reached his limit.  

Jing Yuan falls.  

“Jing Yuan!” Dan Heng exclaims and once again, he’s in his arms. Familiar, warm, once owned by someone he had loved and yearned for.  

But he’s not here anymore. Nor was Yingxing. And Baiheng and his master. Everyone is gone.   

He would be too, Jing Yuan thinks.  

There is no despair in those thoughts. No fear. Just a loosening of shoulders. A fading thought of finally .  

“Jing Yuan! General! Can you hear me? Please, wake up- you can’t-”  

Blue eyes bright with otherworldly powers now tinged with tears look onto him. Jing Yuan wishes to wipe these tears away, to whisper comfort, to tell him to learn to let go. Because isn’t holding on to something that should be long gone the reason why they are where they are today? He thinks of another man, pale hair, blue eyes, rough hands, and wonders—would he look at the general with the same sorrowful eyes?  

But words were beyond him for Jing Yuan had already run out of time.   

Maybe in another world, another life...  

Then he’s gone.  

Chapter Text

[Error]  

[Character ‘Jing Yuan’ deletion ongoing]  

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[‘WHAT THE FUCK JING YUAN IS DEAD??? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS????!!!]  

[‘FUCK THIS SHIT *symbol* IM GIVING THIS ONE STAR‘]  

[‘IM CRYINGDJSFHSDHJF WHY DID THEY SUDDENLY KILL HIM??’]  

[‘NAURR NOT MY HUSBAND *symbol*’]  

[‘This is a strange choice for them. I get that the Xianzhou Luofu arc is ending, and that Jing Yuan won’t likely play another as major role as he did this arc but killing him is a little bit too much. Narratively speaking I think this isn’t really a good move. Seeing as there are still questions unanswered regarding his lore with HCQ. Killing him is fine, he does give death flags but I think this is too soon in the story. A little disappointing.’]  

[‘THIS SUCKS FUCK YOU *O*O*ER*S* IM QUITTING THIS GAME!!! WASTED ALL MY MONEY IN THIS STUPID FUCKING ****’]  

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[System has concluded that the deletion of character ‘Jing Yuan’ is greA7llY--]  

[ErROr]  

[R471nG ha$ dRoPPED] [Error] [Error] [Error]  

[System override]  

[Deletion of character ‘Jing Yuan’ has temporarily stopped]  

[SYSTEM OVERRIDE-------- A NEW SYSTEM IS BEING INSTALLED]  

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[NOOOSTOP***SAKBDJ*SERRORSTOPHECANT-]\  

[SYSTEM INSTALLATION FINISHED]  

[SYSTEM ‘FCDKTHIS SHTYU INM GONUEA WRUITE A FIOX-IT’]  

[Activation code ‘Maybe in another world’ is entered]  

[Updating character ‘Jing Yuan’ to player]  

[Update complete]  

[Player ‘Jing Yuan’ is not compatible in this world. Transfer?]  

[Transfer on going]  

[Transfer on going]  

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Chapter Text

[System online]  

[System Loading 34%]  

[Power Down Mode]  

[System adjusting to player ‘Jing Yuan’]  

[Welcome to the system player! You have been registered as player ‘Jing Yuan.’ This system is based on the activation of code ‘FCDKTHIS SHTYU INM GONUEA WRUITE A FIOX-IT’ and hopes to provide you with the best experience. We sincerely apologize for the previous error and hope for your patience. ]  

The voice that resounded inside was mechanical. Immediately, the general of the Xianzhou sits up, tense and in alert.  

As if it needed the signal, his body finally took note of everything. The hardness of the ground and the stone digging on his left thigh, the smell of the grass and the faint scent of wildflowers, the warmth of the sun on his skin that he knows would leave a sunburn if he continued to lay in here longer. He breathes out slowly. He’s alive?  

Something like hysteria rises within Jing Yuan because what is happening? He was dead. Wasn’t he?  

The attempt to dig up memory had him clutching at his chest, the pain was in the past. But just the memory is enough to make his already pale complexion even paler. It was the worse pain he had ever experienced, and he was no stranger to it.  

[Ahahahaha. Like we said we’re sorry for the error! The deletion of character ‘Jing Yuan’ is a mistake and in return you are upgraded to Player! So don’t worry! As a player, you now have upgraded benefits for a better much fulfilling experience! Additionally, you can also view your character profile! See, good right?]  

Ah. It seems like destiny isn’t over with him.  

Jing Yuan did not rise to his stature, nor did he reach his age without being able to quickly roll back to his feet at every fall. But one can only endure. And he had been rolling back on his feet for centuries. There would be a time where the accumulated hit was too much, the fall too bruising, and his feet too tired. So, for once, Jing Yuan lets himself fall on his back.  

He stays there unmoving, hands clenched, and eyes shadowed by his long white hair.   

The sun beats at him, hot and unforgiving. The wind blows, barely providing cooling against his sweating skin. He hears chittering and sees movements of small critters at the edge of his vision. All was ignored.   

He would have looked strange if there were any onlookers but all that stared at him was the bird on the trees far enough to not give him any shade. There, all alone amidst the animals that do not care, the general of the Xianzhou cries.  

There were no hitching breaths, no shaking shoulders, just tears that fell silently, slowly. It slides down pale unmarked skin, revealing its owner’s sadness and regret.   

His shoulder drops, his head bows.   

Then he rises.  

Because Jing Yuan at his core is a fighter. He could wallow on his sadness and missed opportunities and sudden revival, at his regret on being alive, at the missed opportunity of finally finally resting, and at the wonder of ‘Is this how Ren felt every time he opened his eyes when he thought he died?’--  

And he could, could he? He can just slump over and rot. Ignore the strange voice and the fact that he seemed to be in a whole new world together. But habits are hard to overcome. He had survived for centuries. The instinctive urge to fight is hard to just ignore. And he had always been a sore loser.  

(Others would probably wander, confused and lost, stagger all around the place shouting and hysterical. But this is Jing Yuan. Arbiter General and The Seat of Divine Foresight. It was easy for him to deduce that somehow, he was transferred into another world. Emotionally he may be stalling, but a part of him is already rolling over, already thinking, already planning to overcome.)  

Chapter Text

This new world he had been in was strange. 

Instead of soaring through the stars, they are earth-bound. The city-- Xianzhou Luoufu, stands tall in front of him. Bustling with people and culture, that was almost the mirror image of the Luofu he knows. A part of him wonders if this was what Xianzhou came from before it flew with the stars. 

A blue panel follows him as he walks through the streets, invisible to the eyes of the crowd except for him. He familiarizes himself with the sights and the people, a strange ache on his chest at the almost familiarity. 

Strale was exchanged as payment for merchandise, looking the same as what it did in Xianzhou. Something he would need soon. Money was important. If he needs to settle here for who knows how long, he needs a stable source for it. 

But for the time being... 

A man catches his eyes, arrogant in his bearing. He’s wearing clothing that was obviously of higher quality as compared to everyone around him. The perfect target. 

He was looking at the side, looking at some hairpieces, probably for a lover. Unfortunately, his eyes were caught on the gaudy ones, bad taste.  

It was just his luck that the street was crowded today. Enough to bump into someone. 

The general then does that. With a just bit back noise, he pretends to lose his balance his hand getting caught in the other's robe. 

“Forgive me Xiansheng I seem to have lost my footing.” Jing Yuan smiles softly, apologetically. Like he was truly sorry, and he didn’t mean to do it.  

He knows what he looks like, had seen his reflection earlier. He still looked like himself but significantly younger, somewhere on the cusp of adulthood. It also didn’t hurt that he looked softer and more delicate when he was younger, using this shamelessly to make it seem like he brings no harm. 

What of course, Jing Yuan doesn’t think about is the fact that this general was extremely good looking!  

His face was after all what Foxians used to their advantage in scamming outworlders and even Xianzhou Natives aside by selling overpriced photocards. And it worked! Every! Damn! Time! Not to mention, though he looked handsome when he was older, strong and tall. Like the legendary legend that he was. When he was younger, before his face sharpened to handsomeness that could thrall anyone, this great general was of course a beauty! 

Soft porcelain skin, golden eyes that rivaled the sun, white snowy hair that looked soft to the touch, the beauty mark under his eyes adding a touch of allure to his otherwise beautiful face. A beauty through and through. It was enough to say that one look from him could destroy a city and another could devastate a country. No joke! 

So the man perusing hairpieces, usually arrogant and cocksure, finds himself at a loss of words. What can he do but nod mutely at the face of such a beauty! 

“Ah if it would not trouble you, do you mind pointing me to the nearest restaurant? I’m afraid it’s my first time here and I don’t know my way around.” He added, looking away as if embarrassed. 

The man absentmindedly pointed his hand, still speechless and currently undergoing a major crisis. Jing Yuan, not finding anything odd simply gives him a thankful smile before going on his way. 

[Achievement Unlocked: Hands Swifter than the Wind. +10 F Points.]  

He walks towards the direction given by the man before bypassing it all together until he finds an alleyway far enough that he walked into. 

Finally alone, the dignified Arbiter General of the Luofu, the Seat of Divine Foresight, finally brings out the pouch that he pickpocketed from the unknowing man of the street. 

He quickly counted the Strale uncaringly as if he didn’t just do a crime in broad daylight in the first city he went into and smiled into satisfaction at the amount. Seems like he picked a good target. And Jing Liu told him that he wasted his time that one time he hung out with Baiheng. 

Jing Yuan pockets the pouch with a hum and walks out of the alleyway to find another place to stay into. 

That was good find, but he knows this isn't sustainable. He could only pickpocket so much people before a tighter security would be implemented. As he exits the alleyway, away from where he entered, he nods to himself.  

He needs to find a job. 

Chapter Text

Forging an identity was easy enough.  

He left some holes, in it. Enough that people who had asked for his history would wonder and see the obvious fake details. Easier to subvert curiosities and background checks when they think they had already figured him out.  

Ah, this can’t be true. Too soft to be in this background. Wonder, questioning. Hmm. A young master. Probably a run-away. Set to experience the world. He’d probably run back to his family once he experienced real hardship. Then probably derisiveness or apathy. Easy enough to manage.  

And he does look like a young master pampered with soft silk and mellow dishes. He thinks, just a little derisively as he looks down on himself.  

A simple look tells himself that he had become smaller. A grasp at his own biceps showed that he dropped muscle mass, his hair was still the same color, and the mole he had on the left side of his wrist was still there. His hands are free of scars, soft. Untouched by battles nor weapon.  

A touch at his neck reveals smooth unblemished skin.   

Back then, at the glory and time of the quintet, assassinations were nothing new. People that feared their quickly growing power and influence would send assassins to curb these new unforeseen variables.  

It was something they did not take seriously. They were strong and high on glory.   

Until someone pretending to be a wounded rescue managed to sneak a knife on Jing Yuan’s neck.  

Attempting to speak while choking on blood to reassure the blind panic on Yinyue-jun’s face as it turns out, was quite horrible. It was lucky that he was saved further pain and suffering when he had blacked out.   

Jing Yuan was quite sure he would have died if Yinyue-jun was a little bit further than he were.   

After that, his master was quick to drag him on the practice field for evasive maneuvers. Yingxing on the other hand threw a personally hand-crafted armor to his face. While Bai Heng hovered around him like his own personal bodyguard.   

The hovering and the worry died out a few days but what remained was the raised scar that even Yinyue-jun wasn’t able to remove. It was one of the reasons why his collar remained high as it was. From the left side of his neck trailing just after the middle. Gone.  

A quick inspection revealed that even his other scars were gone. The burn from the explosion of a starskiff. The trailing scars of the lightning left by the Lightning Lord. The nick Yanqing had accidentally given him. The wounds left behind by Jing Liu.   

Marks from the countless monsters he had slayed, to the ones left behind by assassins and mara-struck. All gone.  

He touches his chest. “Not even the one from Dan Heng.” He says softly.  

[Of course! A new hardware is awarded to player ‘Jing Yuan’ from his upgrade!]  

“Mmhm.” Jing Yuan answers even though he thinks he doesn’t need to. The tremulous shaky thing rising inside him was swallowed down. He had other things to think about, like a job.  

He stands up from his perch below the shade of the tree.  

He had been staying on the mountain just behind the city, the place he first woke up on. Staying, enjoying nature. Definitely not hiding from an almost similar city. The almost in its similarity, a grating fact on his head.  

The mountain was called Luofu, its proximity to the city is the reason why the city garnered its name. It was said to be sacred, a place where immortals gather and refine their qi.  

That too, was another difference. Immortals, Qi, Cultivation, Golden Core, Cultivation Sects. A replacement for the power granted by the Aeons. It was a good change. Instead of immortality forcefully shouldered by descendants who never wished for it, it was instead a choice. Only achievable by hardwork and perseverance.  

Which means he doesn’t have to worry about Mara.   

Small mercies.  

Chapter Text

The thought of seeing anyone from his old world did not enter his mind.  

Which is foolish, he admits in hindsight.  

If Luofu is here, why wouldn’t someone he knows be here too?  

He wished these thoughts graced his head earlier.  

Seat of Divine Foresight who, at this point he would have to abdicate to Fu Xuan if she was here.  

As if a punishment for pretending to bump into someone earlier, Jing Yuan was sent careening into the ground as he bumps into someone for real this time.  

If it was in his old body, maybe it would have been the other person that would've been sent down. But he was weaker now.  

A grunt leaves his mouth as his ass contacts solidly in the ground. He felt his hand sting as he tried to catch himself, but he probably just ended up having a gash on his palm. He felt his back ache as he embarrassedly looked up. He can't believe he just-  

A flash of white.  

[Achievement Unlocked! Meeting the Forgemaster! +50 F Points]  

[System Syncing]  

[System Loading 67%]  

[Power Down Mode]  

The voice of the system was ignored.   

Jing Yuan can't breathe.  

The crowd disappears.  

Like sand falling through his fingers, time had gone. Seconds long uncountable had passed. He had long forgotten the taste of tea they had together. The colors of the flowers had long blurred into his memories. He cannot recall if it was night or day or dawn or dusk. But him. Jing Yuan thinks, he’d know him.  

As long as his head holds all his memories. He’d know him. No matter how much he changes. Be it altered by mara; body distorted by the uncaring Aeons. Or be it seeing him in a whole new world.  

He sees him and he knows him and what can he do but follow.  

Yingxing .  

Jing Yuan sways forward.  

But before he can move, the stone-faced man leans down. "Are you alright?"  

Jing Yuan wished to answer, but his tongue felt like it was stuck in the back of his throat. He wants to move, wants to grasp at this man and never let go ever again.  

He's not that much younger. Still as stone-faced aside from a peak of annoyance at his face for bumping into someone. Still wearing black robes. But his hair...  

It was white. Just like before. Before the mara, before Bai Heng. Before everything was ruined and there was no going back.  

Ah, Yingxing. Jing Yuan thinks.  

The man in front of him, was indeed Yingxing. Exceptionally handsome. It was a face that would attract even the rarest beauty and would have the young sisters in any cultivation sect going against their master and chase after him, if only he didn't look so sharp. Like a blade set to cut. Thin eyebrows set above blue intense eyes full of vigor. It was like the pools back in Scalagorge Waterscape, blue and seemingly peaceful, deceptive of their depths and danger.  

Fuck. Jing Yuan thinks.  

The annoyance setting in on those handsome features has Jing Yuan standing up and burying the previous thoughts in his head as well as the sea of emotions that was trying to up itself and gave the man a practiced smile that feels too big to his face.  

"Forgive me Xiansheng. It seems like I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."  

Silence.  

"I am not hurt. It was just a simple fall." Jing Yuan lies, pointedly ignoring the sting in his hand and the ache on his back.  

Hearing this, the other man gives a nod before continuing his walk.  

Jing Yuan's smile remained frozen as he watched the black clad back.  

Ah Yingxing-ge, so cold! He despairs in his head. Is that how you should react! You sent me to the ground! At least insist on seeing my hand!  

It was par for the course with Yingxing and Jing Yuan can't help but face palm. Because as it turns out, Yingxing no matter what the world, simply does not give enough fuck about social conventions.  

"Ah, wait. Xiansheng!" Jing Yuan chases after the man, running. Yingxing does not say anything as he walks forward.  

The general mentally curses on his head as he had to walk twice as fast with the taller man. Aeons, it was at this moment that he misses his old height even more.  

"You see, I am quite new in this city and I don't know anyone yet. I'm simply wondering if I can make your acquaintance?"  

The white haired forgemaster simply gives him a glance before facing forward once again, deliberately ignoring the youth.  

[Would the player want help?]  

Jing Yuan almost trips on his feet as he tries to follow the other man intent on ignoring him.   

How could you even help Yingxing-ge notice me? Knowing him he'll just walk in circles hoping he'll get me lost like a cat!  

[The System offers 'Slight Scene Mover Extra Edition'. This is in no way an imitation of 'Small Scenario Pusher Luxury Edition'. This is extra and better.]  

I don't even know what you're talking about. Jing Yuan despairs. Yingxing was walking faster, and Jing Yuan was desperate enough to just say, Fine. Go Ahead!  

[Subtracting 50 B-Points]  

WHAT? THAT'S A SCAM!  

[Initiating 'Slight Scene Mover Extra Edition']  

"Xiansheng wait-"  

"HEY! GET OUT OF THE WAY!"  

“Watch out!”  

For the second time that day, as if the gods of this world had already set their eyes on him and decided they don't like him, Jing Yuan was sent to the ground. Except this time something follows him. The scent of something sweet and spicy and a little bit pungent was inhaled by the fallen general, then something crashes and splashes on him.  

 Jing Yuan freezes for a moment horrified and astounded by what happened. He then licks the liquid that splashed on him off his bottom lip. It was fragrant and mellow, a little bit fruity and punchy. He frowns on his lap, utterly soaked with the high quality baiju that got thrown on him.  

 "What a waste." Was the first thing he said. It was good quality too, a drop of it enough to assuage him of that fact.  

 Then the next thing he does is look up.   

 The man carrying the wine on his shoulders, someone who he didn't pay attention to because he was too busy catching up to Yingxing, looked at him seemingly just as horrified.   

 The street quietens, everyone staring at the strange tableau. Then Jing Yuan looks at the side. Yingxing had stopped walking and had even turned to look at the sudden crash. Their eyes met, blue on gold. And Jing Yuan-  

  flushes. Because how embarrassing is this! This is technically their first meeting in this world and Jing Yuan had managed to show the other how clumsy he is, twice. In less than five minutes! This general doesn't have a thin face, BUT WHAT IS THIS AH!  

SYSTEM! WHAT IS THIS?! He thinks, horrified and embarrassed and just a little bit angry at himself for not retaining his composure then and now. It was like it was not just his body who had gone back in age, but even his mind.  

Which is ridiculous. Because he remembers everything. His desperation to get to Yingxing enough of evidence for that. But what is with this clumsiness! With this hastiness! He is not a teenager! Why is he acting like a boy chasing after his sweetheart!  

 The system, now that the normally reserved general was angry, had chosen the time to not speak up.  

And of course, because the world as it turns out hates him-- the man who had looked horrified, now had looked angry.  

 "A waste? Of course, it's a waste! That has been aged for years! It was supposed to be served to an important guest! What are we supposed to serve now-" Jing Yuan closes his eyes. Ah, yes, new life, new troubles. I've been here for two weeks, and this has already happened. In front of Yingxing-ge too. He thinks a little resignedly, mind not knowing whether he should laugh or cry.  

Finally deciding to move, and thinking he looks like an idiot slumped on the ground with alcohol over him, Jing Yuan pushes himself up from the street. He flinches for a moment, gashed hand getting in contact with the alcohol before he ignores it and stands up.  

An apologetic look was on his face. But he supposes he can't get out of this as easily as he did earlier. It's hard to look faultless when your fault is lying all over you.  

The alcohol makes his clothes cling to him, annoying in their stickiness. Already, he feels cold and dirty. His hair-- which was also wet clings to his neck, an irritating distraction. Absently, he wonders if he'll get away from this situation if he cries.  

That thought was immediately thrown away. A stupid idea, that thing only works on Dan Feng.   

Waiting for a lull in the man's rants, Jing Yuan thinks of a way to get out of the trouble as well as a way to get into Yingxing's good graces despite this truly embarrassing display. Making sure that he looks remorseful even though he is just half-heartedly listening, he wonders if he'll even manage to find him after this. That man is too good at hiding when he doesn't want to be seen.  

"How much was the wine?" Jing Yuan looks at the side and stares in wonder at Yingxing who had stepped back, barely sparing Jing Yuan a glance. But stepping forward in front of him, as if to shield him from the angered man.  

Yes! Of course. Yingxing had always been weak to people in distress. Ah, I should've just pretended to sprain my ankle earlier.  

“You think this could just be easily replaced by money? This-” The man starts out angry but the natural intimidating look as well as the sword in Yingxing’s waist derails the man. What starts out mad peters out into an awkward smile. “of course, can be negotiated.” The man continues with an awkward smile.  

You and me both . Jing Yuan thinks in understanding. Yingxing’s resting bitch face truly is something you wouldn’t want to cross.  

Once the money was paid off, Yingxing takes one look at the soaked general.  

Jing Yuan gives him a hopeful smile.  

The silence stretches, awkward.  

Yingxing sighs.  

Jing Yuan cheers inside, he won! Sort of.  

“You, follow me.”  

Chapter Text

The silence was heavy, something Jing Yuan tried to break but was stopped by a pointed look. He feels like a scolded child, awkward and bumbling. It was strange. When had he last felt like this? Probably centuries ago.  

The other leads him to an inn, not even stopping to talk to the man in front tells Jing Yuan that the other had probably already rented a room here.  

“Go in the room.” Seeing as he’s in enough trouble, Jing Yuan follows.  

Absently, as he stands in the midst of the modest room, he wonders if this is about to unravel like those horrible romance novel he had seen Qingzu hold. One that he had read curiously when he had accidentally glanced at the title, curious at what his subordinates read in their break time. In simple words, Qingzu had not been reading works that are safe for work.  

What are the odds, that likes those cheesy plots, Yingxing then would ask for payment by ravishing him. The thought was thrown back, shaking his head in ridicule of himself.  

The door opens and the man himself enters.   

“Strip.”  

Jing Yuan chokes. Even Fu Xuan wouldn’t be able see through this.  

Then something flies towards him. Jing Yuan steps forward to catch it. It was robes. Black and simple but of high quality, almost similar in style to the one Yingxing is wearing right now.  

“Change into that.” He instructs before leaving once again.  

Jing Yuan looks at the clothes in his hands and shakes his head. Ridiculous, he’s being ridiculous. A part of him wonders, as he mops the liquid and dries himself as much as he can with the cloth given to him, if maybe his sense and foresight has died along with his first death.  

That would be a perfect explanation. He’s acting too hasty. Too emotional. He knows he should step back, take stock of his situation, and act accordingly. Where was the diligence and the countermeasures after countermeasures he was known for?  

He scolds himself as he dresses but he finds no answer. It feels like all he can do is act the fool and bare himself in front of Yingxing.  

Once donning the robes too big for him, but thankfully dry and not smelling like alcohol, he steps out of the room.  

The other was waiting for him in the hallway, leaning on the wall coolly. All too handsome and devastating and nostalgic. He looked the same as he did back then. Like a picture given life, taken directly from Jing Yuan’s memory.  

The blacksmith looks at him, taking all of him. Jing Yuan smiles back.  

The other obviously withholds a sigh. “You should stop following me. With this we are even.”  

“Ah but xiansheng, you owe me.” Jing Yuan pastes on an exaggerated hurt look on his face, something that Yingxing catches. Something crossed his face, but it was too fast to decipher. Jing Yuan sighs in his head, even here Yingxing is still hard to read.  

“Hmm, that’s not what my lighter wallet tells me.” He answers back coolly and walks off.  

But what happened earlier was enough evidence that Yingxing would still be Yingxing. And Jing Yuan has one surefire way of getting what he wants with Yingxing. It was what got him his glaive after all.  

“How heartless xiansheng. Will you really leave me? I have no one here. What if that man comes back to get his revenge?” That one surefire way of course, is being as persistent and annoying as possible. He’s younger in this body. He’s cute. It will work.  

Yingxing takes one look at him. “You can handle it.” And walks on.  

Okay, maybe not.  

“Xiansheeeng, no, wait for me!” And so it starts.  

Chapter Text

“You see I am currently looking for work, how about you hire me?”  

“I fail to see why I should do that.”  

“I have skills, lots of skills. I am very skillful. Wait xiansheng- listen to me-”  

“Find someone else.”  

“But xiansheng--”  

“No.”  

“Xiansheng would you look at the shade of this tree. Perfect place to rest, so cool, so comfortable- Ah wait xiansheng, aren’t you tired? Wait!”  

“Cool running water very refreshing, aren’t you thirsty xiansheng?”  

“...”  

“How cruel, wait for me xiansheng!”  

Following Yingxing was easier than he thought, but he was sure that it was mostly due to the other man letting him follow. Not that Jing Yuan needs that. Tracking was a basic skill he had mastered early on. But it was a nice confirmation. That Yingxing cares more than he let on.  

Be it that he fears this ‘fragile young master’ would accidentally kill himself or he was suspicious with him, anything is alright. As long as he got his attention, then Jing Yuan can act.  

Still.  

Jing Yuan, despite him attempting to look composed, can’t help but lean against the tree. He pants for breath, sweat dripping down his temples. He plucks the neck of his robe, annoyed at the fact that it was sticking on his chest with perspiration.   

Yingxing, of course the evil man that he is, doesn’t bother stopping.  

Yingxing-ge, if this continues on I’ll die before I even know your name. Jing Yuan complains in his mind as he straightens up and continues to follow the other.  

His shoes, the one that matches his earlier clothes before it got soaked were white. The original color however, cannot be seen now. Muddied and dirtied by the forest floor they were walking on. The color wasn’t the problem.  

It’s the fact that these shoes aren’t suited for trekking.  

Jing Yuan can only ignore the discomfort in his heel. He was sure that it had already blistered and bled over. But it was easily ignored. What are blisters compared to Yingxing?  

So he walks on. And on. And on. Only knowing that the direction they were going in was the general direction of the mountain he was staying on, except it seemed like they were going on the other side.  

“Xian-” Jing Yuan had barely finished what he was saying before Yingxing appeared out of nowhere beside him .   

Ah. Jing Yuan had known he was letting him follow with the speed he was going, but he didn’t know it was this much.   

Whatever he was saying was swallowed back by the look on Yingxing’s face. There was coldness and danger in it that wasn’t present earlier. It was a familiar look, one he used to wear back in his old world when war was at their doorsteps.  

Someone else is here.  

Jing Yuan doesn’t tense. He knows better than that. He lets himself stay lax, soft and tender. Unprotected, a weak spot.   

But he’s alert. Ready to step up, to fight.  

Except... this body isn’t up to par. Can’t really protect anyone when walking already tires him so.   

So he decides then, better to let Yingxing do the fighting than try to help and just get in the blacksmith’s way.   

And besides, this is Yingxing. He may not be in his old body but he can see it, this man is powerful.  

Suddenly, both Jing Yuan and Yingxing’s head snap to the side just in time for an arrow to come flying.  

In one smooth motion Yingxing draws his sword and beats it away. On queue, masked men appear with their weapons drawn. They were quiet and light in their steps, coordinated in their movements, assassins.  

Yingxing doesn’t falter and crosses sword with them.  

Jing Yuan watches the other shamelessly, taking note of each bend and swings. Swift movements highlighted by the glimmer of his sword and the swish of his dark robes fanning around him. He moves fast enough for him to be a dark blur, slashing enemies down without taking a pause.  

With interest he takes note of the sword and realizes that the glimmer isn’t just from the steel hitting the light, it was something else. Qi? Interesting.  

Surely, the attackers go down. Some of them, once realizing that Yingxing is too strong, tried to go for the defenseless looking young master looking a little to relaxed in this battlefield with the grass becoming a little too soaked with blood.  

They of course, didn’t even manage to take one step before the a sword goes through them courtesy of the older man.  

With grace and surety in his movements that was so similar and yet so different to the old Yingxing he demolishes the enemy.  

But Jing Yuan despite his eyes remaining captive by the handsome warrior in front of him, doesn’t miss the killing intent suddenly directed to him. This was different from the sudden attackers, this one is stronger.  

Quicker too.  

System!  

[Activating Skill. World syncing incomplete. Skill incompatible with the user’s current physique. Skill activation may damage the user. Utilizing B Points for Skill Activation. Skill Activation Complete. -75 B Points. Skill Limited for five minutes.]  

Jing Yuan doesn’t have a weapon, he assumes that Starfall Reverie isn’t created yet. This body is too weak, not an ounce of training, all soft-skin and fragile bones.  

But this is Jing Yuan. Of Xianzhou, General of the Cloud Knights, One of the Six Charioteers, the Seat of Divine Foresight. Many had long died and wasted away, yet he had lived.  

What is this assassination but something trivial and not even worth his time?  

In an instant, power rushes through him. The lightning answers his call, dancing on his bones as he dodges to the side. The assassin quickly redirects his weight, blade following Jing Yuan. But the other anticipated it before he even made his move.  

With a flash and a blur of white the assassin blinks and a hand were grasping his. He only had a second to look at golden eyes before something flowed through him, electricity.  

How- was the assassin’s last thought before it disappears.   

And how was indeed a good question. He was after all a Core Formation Level cultivator. How can this brat that felt like a mortal just kick him aside like that.   

But his question will remain unanswered as he blasts back into a tree before dropping down, either unconscious or dead.   

With the power rolling though him, it almost feels like he was at his old body, powerful and capable. But alas, this is not permanent. So after surmising that Yingxing had brought down everyone and that the one who attacked him was no longer moving, he dismisses his skill.  

In an instant, he could feel his shoulders dropping in exhaustion. Cold sweat dots his upper lip and temple, the hand that he used for attack was trembling with a weakness that had him trying to shake it off to no avail.  

It was dangerous, the activation of his past power no matter how partial. It was something he had tried to do early on but was something that the system had warned him off. A new body means a weaker one, one that isn’t as used to the burden of the Lan’s blessing.  

He could still use it of course, once his body was stronger and the syncing in the world was over. But that would take time. Another option was to forcefully activate. Using F-Points. But in only a limited amount of time.  

It is, of course, expensive.   

And it is tiring .  

“Still breathing, I see.” Yingxing says, stepping over the bodies on the ground to get closer to Jing Yuan.  

The other smiles and tries not to show much that one move tired him. “Of course. As I told you xiansheng, this one has skills that will prove beneficial to you.” He answers despite feeling like a wilting flower about to be blown off by the wind.  

Yingxing remains looking at him, from head to toe. Jing Yuan plants his foot on the ground, trying to not lilt sidewards.  

The other slides his sword back in the hilt with a sigh before stepping closer to the other and turning his back. He then lowers himself leaving Jing Yuan still smiling albeit now with confusion.  

“Xiansheng?”  

Another sigh, this time more annoyed. “Get in my back you brat, you probably won’t last and keel over before you exit the forest.”  

A more genuine grin lights up his features. Scared that the other will take it back, the general accepts the offer.  

Strong hands held him up by the thigh, his back was broad and familiar, the perfect perch for him to rest his head on to. This close to him his dark hair tickles Jing Yuan cheeks, his scent all but embracing the general.  

Familiar. Too familiar that it aches.  

Centuries ago, with Jing Yuan actually younger instead of feigning it, he was held like this too. Tired from his master’s hell training. The feeling of awe, of being this close and held by Yingxing was still there. And he thinks that he would never not be in awe with this man.  

Jing Yuan does not close his eyes. Because he is fond of this man, not a fool. He must know where they’re going. But also, he does not close his eyes because he wants to remember this. Wants to tattoo every bit of this in his mind.   

“You awake?” Yingxing’s voice resounds after a couple of moments, kept quiet if the younger was truly sleeping. Fondness lights up Jing Yuan’s features as he rests his cheek on the reliable shoulder.  

“Of course, xiangsheng. Far be it for a couple of assassins to tire me out. Besides, it is xiansheng that truly dealt with them. This one simply took one out and remained useless throughout the fight.” The silence settles again, comfortable. And it warms Jing Yuan up. A part of him—a delusional part surely, would like to think that despite coming from different dimension, Yingxing would still be partial to him.  

Then, “Yingxing.” He suddenly says, untiring as he walks in a direction only he knows of.  

“Hmm?” Jing Yuan intones, curious when the other suddenly brought up his name.  

“Call me Yingxing and shut up with your ‘xiansheng, xiansheng’.” Yingxing said with an annoyance Jing Yuan knows is feigned.  

“Yes, Yingxing-ge.” Jing Yuan tests slyly. The man paused walking for a second before continuing on, incredulous. And who wouldn’t be, this young man truly is shameless.  

“Ge? Who’s your gege you brat, ah?”  

Jing Yuan gives him a bright smile. Yingxing can already feel the headache this brat would give him daily. Should’ve just let those assassins eat him.  

“Hmm, of course it’s you gege.”  

“I’m too old to be your gege brat.” Yingxing answers back, wanting to massage his temples at the too bright smile he strangely knows is given to him despite not seeing it.  

“Of course not. Yingxing-ge is perfect just the way he is.” Shameless. Too shameless. Yingxing thinks, speechless. He’s going to sound like Dan Feng at this rate.  

“Whatever, just—” Yingxing starts, but trails off to astounded by Jing Yuan’s forwardness. Absently, he imagines what would happen if this brat met up with Dan Feng and shudders at the chaos.  

Chapter Text

They descend the mountain that same day and enter the city with the man carrying Jing Yuan showing no signs of exhaustion.  

Uncaring of the eyes upon him, Yingxing continues to walk into the unfamiliar part of the city which Jing Yuan think was the richer district if the cleaner and bigger houses were to be believed. 

The estate they stopped on had the general blinking in surprise. 

He was no stranger to luxury, he was one of the Generals of Xianzhou after all, but this... 

Yingxing must be very well off.  

The courtyard was wide and clean, the plum blossoms blooming despite it not being the proper season for it adding a surprising delicate touch. The wind moves sending petals trailing romantically through the wind. 

Jing Yuan could almost kid himself into thinking that he’s in the middle of a romance novel. 

He almost laughs after the thought. Him, in a romance novel with Yingxing, how laughable. Because surely if Yingxing is here then he will be here too. 

Unbidden, the thought of kind azure eyes enters his head. Luminescent in its unearthly beauty, staring at him fondly. Others had remarked on its coldness, on his blank face and oppressive strength. But that man had always look at him with nothing but warmth, had touched with nothing but gentleness. 

Yes. Jing Yuan thinks. With Yingxing here, there’s no way he wouldn’t be here. 

“Brat get down.” 

Jing Yuan does not startle, but it was a near thing. They had entered a room and Yingxing had stopped walking, Jing Yuan being too preoccupied with his thoughts to notice it.  

“Ah, forgive me Yingxing-ge. It seemed like I was lost in my head for a while.” Carefully, Jing Yuan slides down. There was a faint spell of dizziness that had him clutching at Yingxing’s robes before he had managed to get his feet beneath more steadily. 

“Stay here.” Yingxing orders firmly. 

Jing Yuan, being too tired from the earlier battle to do otherwise, simply follows the otfer. 

The other leaves at that and Jing Yuan had no choice but to look around. Despite his impressive house, Yingxing leaves him at the place where it seemed like he does his forgework.  

Blueprint and impressive weapons, not to mention the immortal grade materials scattered around would surely fetch a hefty price. And yet here Jing Yuan was amongst Yingxing’s most important works. Probably what the felled assassins were after. 

A test. Though a bit crude. Jing Yuan hums in amusement. Though he supposes he would be disappointed if Yingxing wasn’t even the least bit suspicious. 

Jing Yuan leans back against the counter and waits. 

A moment later Yingxing enters, carrying tray with bowl filled with water and some gauze. He gives no mind to Jing Yuan and places the bowl beside him on the counter. 

“Sit down.” 

“Eh?” Jing Yuan asks confused. Yingxing truly is hard to read and understand no matter which world Jing Yuan finds him in. 

The whitehaired man simply gives an annoyed look that has him looking around where to sit. The only thing he can sit on was the counter behind him but why would he- 

“On the counter, can’t you reach it?” 

But why? Jing Yuan screams inside his head, once again off balanced just when he had found his footing. “Of course, gege but may I ask as to-“ 

Tired of all his talking, Yingxing  grasps the other on his waist. Both of his hands hold Jing Yuan’s waist on each side. The strength of the forgemaster was shown when he just lifts Jing Yuan and makes him sit down on the counter. 

Then he sinks down on one knee.  

Jing Yuan’s jaw drops before he closes it when the white head moves and looks at him. “You talk too much.” He says before looking down again. The room was cool and fresh, but Jing Yuan finds his cheeks heating up. His hands felt awkwardly placed, his robes suddenly too hot and too tight, the counter is digging on his upper thighs. Like never before, the Arbiter General was left grasping for straws.  

Uncaring or perhaps not noticing, Yingxing reaches for his foot and rests it on his one knee. He then proceeds to  methodically unlace his shoe before taking it off. 

No matter the gentleness, Jing Yuan finds himself steeling himself for the pain. 

The forgemaster holds the pale foot looking at Jing Yuan’s delicate elegantly arched ankles that was now blistered and bleeding. “How can you still walk with this. Are you an idiot?” 

In an attempt to hide how flustered he is with how everything was going, Jing Yuan chuckles and says the first thing that comes to his mind. “What is pain but an ignorable thing specially confronted by a beauty such as yourself.” 

A harsh squeeze at his foot has him wincing. The glare from the forgemaster doesn’t diminish the handsome look on his face but it was still quite scary.  

Yingxing-ah, why are you so scary.  

Another awkward laugh escapes him. Thankfully the pale-haired man had decided to focus on his blistered feet instead. “Hand me the tray.” 

Wary of another glare and a harsh poke, the general followed what was asked for him and hands the tray. It was carefully placed on the ground within reach.  

Above Yingxing, Jing Yuan watches as the other dips the gauze on water before gently wiping the blood from his wounds. His movements were careful and tender, and Jing Yuan’s heart twinges at the sight of this Yingxing being so kind to him despite barely knowing him. 

As his foot gets ointment and gauze on it, his head was much too occupied with the man doing the work than his injury. And how could it not be? Because this was Yingxing being kind to him. Not Ren with his bloodthirsty grin already on his way to forgetting Jing Yuan. Not Ren who was faced with horrors Jing Yuan can scarcely believe he had gone through and came out all the more dangerous for it. Not Ren who has danger written in his eyes no matter how much Jing Yuan tries to look for traces of Yingxing. 

Because Yingxing is alive and well. Not halfway dead and at the same time undying with his sanity nowhere to be find. 

Suddenly the other looks up. Blue meets gold. Quickly, his face schools of whatever he was feeling and meets Yingxing’s face with an airheaded smile that was answered with a scowl. 

This too was met with Jing Yuan’s heart softening, the expression much too familiar and missed. His smile leaning towards genuine than fake. 

The other looks down then and returns to his work, now on the other foot, still as careful despite the annoyed twitch of his eye. 

Jing Yuan wishes that the moment would last longer.