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Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu was restless, pacing around his room while fanning himself frantically but no matter how hard he tried, the heat just wouldn’t let up. He kept muttering to himself, frustrated about how he forgot a little detail from the book series he got sucked into. Shen Qingqiu is so frustrated he feels like he could strangle that foolish author. How was he supposed to remember such a tiny detail? It was just a quick mention in the story, never to be brought up again, yet here he is, stuck dealing with the fallout.

He never really thought about his secondary gender, having always assumed he was just a beta and only now that he remembers it was very vaguely mentioned in the book. Wondering if the original Shen Qingqiu must’ve been taking suppressants and the thought lingers for a moment but he quickly brushes it aside. After all, he’s been in this world for years and hasn’t taken any but never experienced a heat. They must’ve been suppressed for some reason, maybe due to a medical or physiological issue.

This isn’t fair; He’s never dealt with anything like this before and isn’t mentally ready for something so overwhelming!

And why, of all times, did his body choose to react the moment he laid eyes on his disciple again?! Shen Qingqiu had only just discovered he was secretly an omega after seeing Luo Binghe reappear again and his instincts kicked in at the sight of the young alpha, something that hadn’t happened with any other alphas before. Before he had pushed his disciple into that hellish void, Shen Qingqiu’s body had remained unresponsive, even when Luo Binghe had first presented as an alpha and felt nothing, no instinctual pull or reaction, just a calm detachment. So why, all of a sudden, did his body choose this moment to awaken?

“Calm down, just calm down.” Shen Qingqiu mutters to himself, desperately trying to will the impending heat away as he paces back and forth in his room, fanning himself more vigorously. “Meditation, I-I should meditate.”

Shen Qingqiu shuts his fan with a snap, his hands trembling as he turns to sit down and meditate, hoping that a clear mind would help keep the symptoms at bay. Just as he settles into position, he hears a knock at the door, interrupting his thoughts.

“Liu-shidi? I’ve been waiting for you all night. Come in quickly!” Shen Qingqiu rises unsteadily to his feet, his legs quivering beneath him but before he can hurry over to greet him, the double doors swing open with a sudden force.

Luo Binghe looms in the entrance, hands clasped behind his back, a slight smirk on the corners of his lips yet his gaze is icy, causing a chill to tremble down Shen Qingqiu's spine.

Yet those eyes light up as he says. “Shizun, hello.”

Panic grips the recently revealed omega as the younger's scent envelops him, flooding his senses. In an instant, it feels as though his mind is igniting, a searing heat coursing through his body, overwhelming him with a wave of dread that leaves him breathless.

If he remains this close to Luo Binghe for even a moment longer, he knows he’ll be reduced to a defenseless state, leaving the younger free to do whatever he desires. The young alpha seems absolutely furious, his eyes glowing with a demonic aura as he steps further into the room, making Shen Qingqiu instinctively step back, aware that the air has shifted and danger looms closer.

It feels like he’s suddenly suffocating, each breath a struggle against an invisible weight pressing down on him.

Shen Qingqiu quickly grabs his fan and with a graceful flip, vaults out the window. He needs to get away before the other can sense his impending heat and take advantage of it. Luo Binghe has finally dropped the mask he wore all day, exposing his true intentions — to make his teacher pay.

Shen Qingqiu's escape was entirely a reflexive instinct and he touches down on the ground below, darting away like a bird taking to the skies. Luo Binghe's voice rings out, clear and piercing, slicing through the air with an eerie resonance, carrying a cold, mocking laughter.

“During the day, Shizun was tender and affectionate with Gongyi Xiao, and now, here you are, lighting a lantern and waiting for Liu-shishu late into the night. What sincere affection. Why, then, are you so distant when it comes to this disciple?”

Damn, it feels like he’s closing the gap with every word. What terrifying speed!

Shen Qingqiu takes a deep breath, realizing that no matter what happens, he needs to find some backup first. Even without the looming threat of heat hanging over him, he knows he wouldn’t stand a chance against him.

“Liu Qingge!” He shouts from the depths of his gut, his voice coming out in a desperate plea.

“Liu-shishu is caught up in a fight, so I'm afraid he doesn't have the time to come.” Luo Binghe’s voice is even closer, no longer as tender as it was before and instead comes with a chilling laugh. “Shizun, if you have orders, why not give them to me?”

I wouldn’t dare!

Shen Qingqiu comes to the realization that the alpha must’ve delayed Liu Qingge by some means so aid from that quarter couldn’t be relied on. He quickly pours his entire body’s spiritual energy downward, hoping to boost his speed.

But of course, given the situation and the heat closing in, he just had to forget that he was also experiencing a 'without a cure' flare-up. By the time he remembered, it was already too late. In an instant, it was like all the blood in Shen Qingqiu’s body had solidified and his entire body feels heavy.

In the next moment, a hand lunges forward to grip his throat and his head collides forcefully against a cold, unyielding wall. The pain resonates from his flesh into his spine, his head buzzing and spinning.

Luo Binghe was already within arm’s reach.

He had slammed Shen Qingqiu against the wall with one hand, causing the omega's head to reverberate as he struggles to regain his focus. In the luminous embrace of the moonlight, Luo Binghe looks even more breathtakingly beautiful, stirring a reaction deep within him. His instincts whisper for him to submit as his thoughts begin to blur, yet he struggles to retain his clarity.

“After so many years of separation, we meet amidst golden wind and jade dew, yet Shizun incessantly calls someone else’s name. That truly saddens this disciple a little.” He says he’s sad and heartbroken but there’s a smile on his lips and bloodlust in his eyes. He’s lying through his teeth!

Shen Qingqiu feels as if his neck is trapped in an iron vise, his throat constricting painfully as he struggles to breathe, let alone speak. He can still manage to form a sword seal with his fingers but his spiritual energy circulation is sluggish, rendering the effort pointless. No matter how perfect a seal he formed, he couldn’t move Xiu Ya.

And Luo Binghe is pressing harder and harder, his hand gradually tightening its grip. Suddenly, a flash catches Shen Qingqiu's attention as a massive dialogue box materializes before him. This box is strikingly different from the previous one; Instead of resembling a Windows XP error window, it exudes a subdued elegance and sophistication. But wait, the real focus should be on the content!

[[ Accept a System tip to resolve the small complication our valued customer is facing? ]]

Small complication?!

Shen Qingqiu mentally shouts himself hoarse, “All right! Is there still an easy mode?! Easy mode please!”

[[ Access privileges activated. Use key item to maintain state of living? ]]

Shen Qingqiu’s vision is about to go dark from the suffocation.

“There’s a key item?! How many b-points to buy it? Tell me!”

[[ Item is already in your inventory. Use item ‘fake jade guanyin’ to consume one hundred of Luo Binghe’s anger points? ]]

The only thing Luo Binghe’s adoptive mother left to him, the fake jade guanyin.

That’s right. Right after arriving in this world, he had obtained this life-saving item—a high-tier piece of equipment. How could he keep forgetting? That "get out of jail free" card is still tucked away safely in his bosom.

System, you finally gave a useful reminder!

Shen Qingqiu mentally shouts, ‘I will, I will, I will!’. His throat is about to be squeezed in two.

[[ Please note; This item is a single-use and can consume a maximum of five thousand of Luo Binghe’s anger points. ]]

At the last moment, Shen Qingqiu mentally screams, ‘Stop!’ This is Luo Binghe with only one hundred anger points?! Are you messing with me?! If he’s already this tall, dark and deadly at a hundred anger points, I don’t even dare imagine what a version he’d be a five thousand!

But the thing is, if Shen Qingqiu was going to use an item that could potentially negate five thousand points on a situation that was only worth one hundred—thus losing the chance to use it ever again—even if it was a matter of life and death, he needed some time to really agonize and struggle with that choice!

Then again, if things continued like this, he faced death either from suffocation or a crushed throat. Just as Shen Qingqiu resolved to grit his teeth and use his life-saving item, the grip around his throat suddenly loosened. There’s no way he can escape even if he attempts to run, so he stays still and tries to remain calm, even as the heat continues to spread through his body. Shen Qingqiu leans against the wall, barely managing to stand upright and not sink to his knees on the spot.

Just moments ago, Luo Binghe had nearly choked him to death, and now he’s all smiles, helping him up—just like in the past when he assisted him out of carriages or brought him snacks. Shen Qingqiu actually forgot to struggle but feels like this schizophrenic behavior is making his hair stand on end. He rubs his throat, panting and stares blankly for a moment, then notices that Luo Binghe is looking at him, seemingly with no intention of attacking again.

[[ Protagonist satisfaction points + 50. ]]

Luo Binghe steps closer and Shen Qingqiu instinctively retreats, pressing himself against the wall behind him. Then, the alpha seems to recognize his agitation, closes his eyes and takes a few controlled breaths before opening them again.

“…So that’s why Shizun was calling for Liu-shishu…” His eyes flash red as they flick up to his teacher, who’s trembling against the wall and glances over Shen Qingqiu’s flushed skin as if he’s just now aware of his increasing temperature. He inhales sharply just as Shen Qingqiu feels a dampness spreading in his robes. In a swift motion, he reaches out to grab him, prompting Shen Qingqiu to hastily draw Xiu Ya. “Shizun.” Luo Binghe slowly lifts his hand, revealing the violet-black demonic energy swirling in his palm. “Take a guess. If I grab Xiu Ya, how many strikes will it take before it’s corroded all the way through?”

Shen Qingqiu feels even more miserable as a whimper escapes from his throat. Luo Binghe takes another step closer and the omega raises his sword, mentally bracing for its destruction. But in the next moment, Luo Binghe abruptly withdraws the demonic energy and catches the sword's tip with his bare hand. He hadn’t thought he would actually cut the alpha, that was the second time!

In a moment of shock, Luo Binghe struck down on his wrist, compelling Shen Qingqiu to loosen his grip, causing the sword to drop and with a flick of the alpha’s finger, it was sent flying away. Then grasped Shen Qingqiu’s wrist with a single hand, blood soaking his sleeve, causing the omega to panic.

“Binghe-“

“You were infected?” While Shen Qingqiu is still engulfed in confusion and the haze of his heat, Luo Binghe flips his hand over. Small red patches dotted the back of Shen Qingqiu's hand, more than had appeared during the day. Luo Binghe's slender fingers brushed over his hand in a nearly imperceptible touch, causing the red patches to vanish beneath his fingertips. “This hand of Shizun’s is plagued with misfortunes.”

As the omega stares at his unblemished hand, confusion deepens regarding Luo Binghe's intentions and just as he begins to process the events, he’s abruptly thrust against the wall. Shen Qingqiu suspects that Luo Binghe is venting his anger over the emotional wounds inflicted on him three years ago by hurting his old master in a similar manner. However, a sudden sharp pain shoots through his scalp as Luo Binghe forces his neck to straighten, pressing his bleeding hand against his master's lips.

Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widen in realization before swatting away that hand and doubles over, heaving up mouthfuls of blood he had swallowed but Luo Binghe yanks him back up, relentlessly pouring more blood into his mouth.

“Shizun, don’t spit it out. Even though a heavenly demon’s blood is dirty. You won’t necessarily die from drinking it, right?” As Shen Qingqiu's panic involuntary starts to fade as the intense heat envelops him completely. His knees tremble and threaten to give out but instead of crumpling to the ground, he feels a strong arm encircle his waist, holding him steady while the warmth of a body presses against him, pinning him against the wall. His vision begins to blur but he catches a glimpse of an almost too giddy smile aimed at him as Luo Binghe leans in closer, inhaling his scent greedily. “Good omega.”

Any trace of resistance Shen Qingqiu had left vanishes in an instant and with a soft whine escaping his lips, he feels an instinctual urge to lean his head to the side as confusion washes over him; He’s never gone through a heat before, yet an overwhelming urge compels him to surrender to the primal instinct stirring up within him.

“…Alpha…” He murmurs against Luo Binghe’s hand, trying to lean away from the wall to draw closer to the younger man.

[[ Protagonist satisfaction points +100 ]]

“I thought Shizun had been claimed since he was waiting for Liu-Shishu earlier.” Luo Binghe pulls his hand away from his master's mouth, eager to examine the unmarked skin of his neck. With a gleeful expression, he buries his face against it, inhaling deeply, drawn in by Shen Qingqiu’s scent. “This lowly disciple didn’t realize Shizun was an omega. Were you ashamed, thinking I would think less of you?”

Shen Qingqiu is completely in the dark about why the original was keeping his omega status a secret or why he couldn’t experience heats but assumes it’s just another plot hole he’s meant to fix in this chaotic narrative he’s found himself in. But he couldn’t ponder about it right now, not with his mind scattered, overwhelmed by Luo Binghe’s intoxicating scent and the warmth of his sturdy body pressing against him.

Shen Qingqiu lifts his hands to clutch the front of his robes, arching his body against him, a soft whine escaping his lips for something he can't quite identify. The need pulses within him, a yearning that feels both foreign and familiar, leaving him in a state of delicious uncertainty.

“Alpha, please.”

[[ Protagonist satisfaction + 100 ]]

Luo Binghe lets out a deep groan, his teeth grazing the tender skin of Shen Qingqiu's neck as he presses him more firmly against the wall. Shen Qingqiu feels conflicting desires, wanting to either shove him away or pull him closer, his thoughts a jumbled mess that clouds his ability to think straight.

“Does Shizun want this disciple to take care of him?” Luo Binghe gasps against his neck, feeling the omega's frantic pull on the front of his robes. “Shizun was so eager to flee from me earlier.” A soft whine escapes the older man in response, prompting Luo Binghe to grip Shen Qingqiu's hips firmly, preventing him from grinding against him. “Shizun is giving this disciple mixed signals.”

Even as he teases, Luo Binghe understands that Shen Qingqiu's mind is clouded by his heat. With a reluctant sigh, he pulls back and sheds his outer robe, wrapping it around the clingy omega to provide him a sense of comfort and security. What he didn't anticipate was for Shen Qingqiu to reach up, grasp his face and lean up to steal a kiss while Luo Binghe's hands were occupied with wrapping the robe around him. Luo Binghe freezes, feeling as if all the bitter resentment has drained from his body in that instant, leaving him solely focused on the feeling of those lips against his.

[[ Congratulations, user! + 100 satisfaction points and - 100 anger points! ]]

Then he remembers that his Shizun isn't in the right state of mind and uses the mites in his blood to compel Shen Qingqiu to pull away, eliciting a disappointed whine from the older man. The omega attempts to lean in for another kiss but Luo Binghe seizes the moment to scoop the disoriented man into his arms, carrying him away to a safer place. He decides against taking Shen Qingqiu back to his room, not wanting to risk Liu Qingge discovering him in his heat since he doesn't trust the other alpha and instead, he resolves to bring him back to his own room.

Shen Qingqiu lies docile in his arms, clutching the front of his inner robe like an anchor and gazing up at him with hazy, dilated eyes. As Luo Binghe hurries back to his room, he feels the weight of curious stares from a few other disciples lingering in the hallway and with a single, piercing glance that deters them from approaching, radiating an unspoken warning that leaves no room for questions.

He sets Shen Qingqiu down on the bed as soon as he enters the room, then quickly gathers some of his robes and other belongings to bring to him, knowing the omega would appreciate having something to nest with. He catches sight of Shen Qingqiu sitting up, watching him with a dazed expression, swaying slightly as he clutches his outer robes tighter around himself.

“Binghe.” Shen Qingqiu reaches out for the young alpha as Luo Binghe sets more robes on the bed but Luo Binghe quickly stops him from grabbing him by taking hold of his wrist. “…Binghe…”

“Just rest; This disciple will keep watch over you.”

“…Isn’t Luo Binghe going to join me?” Shen Qingqiu asks as he adjusts the robes to his liking, glancing over at the younger man, only to find him shaking his head and creating some distance between them. The omega’s face drops and he lowers the robe in his hands. “…Why not?”

“Shizun wouldn’t want this disciple to taint him with these dirty hands.” Luo Binghe explains, casting a glance at his hands before turning his focus back to Shen Qingqiu, only to find the omega shaking his head frantically, a miserable frown settling on his face. “Shizun…aren’t you disgusted by the sight of me?”

“I’ve missed this beloved disciple deeply.” Shen Qingqiu's voice quivers as tears well up in his eyes and extends both hands toward him. “It’s Luo Binghe who should hate this master.”

“Never.” Luo Binghe almost growls as he strides across the room, taking his hands in his own and settles on the edge of the bed, raising his Shizun’s hands to brush his lips against his knuckles.

His eyes flick up when he hears Shen Qingqiu quietly sobbing and knowing that omegas can be more emotional during their heats, he leans in to place a tender kiss on his temple then kisses him properly as he reaches up to wipe away the tears. Shen Qingqiu’s lips quiver against his but the omega doesn’t pull away, kissing him back without hesitation. Taking advantage of the moment, Luo Binghe deftly presses the pressure point at the back of his neck, effortlessly knocking the older man unconscious.

He pulls Shen Qingqiu close, resting his head against his collarbone while rubbing his back. With his chin resting on top of Shen Qingqiu’s head, he takes a moment to reflect on a few things. His master insists he doesn’t hate him but if that’s true, then why push him into the abyss? Perhaps he acted impulsively back then and has regretted it ever since. Yet, that doesn’t explain why he froze upon seeing him, then choosing to ignore his experience before running away from him later.

Maybe he was just scared? Luo Binghe is aware of his own anger but it never reached a level where he intended to make his master think he would truly harm him…or did it? Shen Qingqiu had genuinely seemed to fear for his life or could it’ve been his heat that caused him to react so irrationally?

Luo Binghe is lost in thought as he buries his nose in his Shizun’s hair, inhaling the intoxicating scent that fills his senses, making his head spin from just the aroma alone. As much as he wants to indulge in his beloved master’s heat, he knows their first experience should be filled with mutual consent. With the way things are right now, he feels he has to wait for the next opportunity. Rushing into it would only make him feel like a demonic scum and he wants their first time to be special.

It still makes no sense to him how his master had managed to hide his omega status from him for all these years without suppressants. But after they reunited, he couldn’t ignore the sense that something was different; Shen Qingqiu had a different scent. Soon after, he picked up on the subtle signs of a heat but his own anger towards the older man caused him to brush it aside until their confrontation.

What changed? What brought on the heat? Because Shizun looked just as surprised as he did when it happened. More importantly, what was it that made them stop in the first place? Luo Binghe has some knowledge about omegas and their heat cycles from his upbringing with a few. Since it wasn’t medication that brought it to a halt, could it be stress? Had something in his past caused Shizun so much stress that it made that part of his body shut down completely?

The thought makes his upper lip twitch and he instinctively holds the unconscious man closer as a low growl escapes his chest. It would shed some light on Shizun’s earlier behavior, revealing why he had been so cruel and distant towards him in the beginning. And why he became kinder once he started to trust him…and he would do anything to earn that trust back again.

“Shizun…” Luo Binghe leans in, nuzzling his cheek against the man's hair as he pulls him into his lap to hold. “I’ve missed you so much.” He immediately feels a pang of regret for how he treated Shen Qingqiu earlier, coming to the realization that the man must have had his reasons for his behavior. “This disciple will make things right. I’ll do whatever it takes to earn your trust back.”

Luo Binghe lowers him back onto the bed and surrounds him with his robes before settling beside him, happily wrapping his arms around him as he presses his face against his neck. His primal instincts are content with the compromise, holding his beloved tightly and being the one ensuring the omega feels safe in this vulnerable moment. Though he finds pleasure in kissing his Shizun’s neck despite the subtle scent of rejection lingers in the omega’s aroma, stirring an irresistible urge within him to kiss it away.

He knows that Liu-shishu and the others will come searching for his Shizun, as heats typically last a few days, longer if the omega isn't engaging in intimacy. For now, he’ll instruct the Huan Hua Palace disciples to make them stay clear of his residence until it's over. Helping his Shizun through the heat that had been denied for so long during their reunion caught him off guard, but he’s resolute in not letting this precious chance to rebuild the man’s trust slip from his grasp.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Shen Qingqui drifts in and out of sleep, teetering on the edge of consciousness. He awakens just enough to sense the softness of the bedding and the warmth radiating from the figure beside him, yet his mind remains hazy, unable to fully grasp his surroundings. A sense of safety envelops him, even though he can't quite place where he is but the comforting heat lures him back into slumber and he instinctively burrows closer, pressing his face against the person next to him. He inhales deeply, reveling in the familiar, soothing scent that wraps around him like a warm blanket, urging him to surrender to the comforting embrace of sleep once more.

He raises his head in a daze, wanting to look at whoever is holding him but lacks the energy to open his eyes and feels a soft kiss on his forehead, the gesture leaves him feeling blissfully lightheaded before he sinks back into unconsciousness. He can’t recall why he’s here or where he’s meant to be; All that fills his mind is the desire to stay wrapped in his alpha’s arms and the comforting safety of his nest, especially in his feverish state.

The next time he stirs back to consciousness, it's because hunger and shifts slightly in bed, only to find himself alone. As he opens his eyes, a wave of confusion washes over him; the surroundings are entirely unfamiliar. The disoriented omega turns his head unsteadily, looking around the room for the alpha who had been with him earlier as a distressed whine escapes him and hears movement coming from a separate room.

“I’m right here, Shizun.” Luo Binghe rushes into the room, balancing a tray of food in his hands and smiles warmly as he places it beside the bed before sitting down next to him. “I only stepped away for a moment to prepare something for you to eat.” Shen Qingqiu senses a nagging feeling in the back of his mind, a warning of sorts but the soothing comfort filling him takes precedence as he leans his cheek against the alpha's warm hand, reassuring himself that it's a concern for his future self to handle. “Is Shizun hungry?”

Shen Qingqiu blinks hazily at him before his attention drifts to the food, his stomach growling at the comforting scent and offers a slight nod. Luo Binghe beams as he picks up the plate, offering to feed him while smiling warmly at Shen Qingqiu as he eats.

“Binghe.” After finishing his meal, Shen Qingqiu turns his head away from the offered chopsticks.

“Shizun is a good omega, behaving so well for this alpha.” Luo Binghe muses for a moment, setting the food aside as he reaches up to cradle Shen Qingqiu’s face, affectionately stroking his cheeks with his thumbs. “I understand what you want and this disciple ready to give it to you but only after your mind is clear and we ensure it’s truly what Shizun wants.” Before Shen Qingqiu can let out a pitiful whine, Luo Binghe kisses him, showering his face with sweet little kisses to lift his spirits and chase away his disappointment. “Don’t be upset; This disciple had already decided to make Shizun his long before he realized his master was an omega.”

Just as Luo Binghe is about to kiss the pout off his Shizun’s lips, a knock at the door interrupts him, causing him to growl under his breath as he glares at the source of the disturbance. He briefly considers ignoring the person at the door but upon hearing Master Lao Gongzhu calling for him, he curses his luck.

“Shizun.” Luo Binghe turns back to his dazed master, offering a smile as he caresses his face and leans in to press a soft kiss on his forehead. “I’ll be back soon, alright? Just lie down and rest until this disciple returns.”

He helps Shen Qingqiu settle down, draping a blanket and some of his robes over him before quickly making his way to the door. Luo Binghe feels his anger bubbling beneath the surface from the interruption but he grits his teeth, takes a deep breath and calms himself before opening the door to greet the sect master.

“Hello, Lao Gongzhu.” Luo Binghe notes the few disciples standing behind the older man and steps outside, closing the door softly behind him. “Are you needing something?”

“The Lord of Qing Jing Peak has been missing since last night and some of your fellow shidi mentioned seeing you with him.” Lao Gongzhu remarks, his nose flaring at the scent wafting from Luo Binghe and glances back at the door behind him, clearly aware that Shen Qingqiu is inside. “If Shen Qingqiu is in heat, then it’s not fitting for a disciple such as yourself to be responsible for his care-“

“I will care for Shizun.” Luo Binghe states firmly, blocking the doorway with an aura that makes it clear anyone attempting to pass him will face a harsh consequence. “He’s safe here with me.”

“Shen Qingqiu is no longer your Shizun-“

“Shizun is staying here with me.” Luo Binghe asserts, his eyes narrowing and fists clenched at his sides, causing the older man to take a cautious step back.

“Well, that may not be the case; Master Liu is also searching for him and a woman, making some serious accusations-“

“Shizun is staying right here.” Luo Binghe growls through gritted teeth, showing no concern for who this woman is or what her accusations entail.

“Luo Binghe…this man abandoned you and yet you still care so deeply for him?” Lao Gongzhu says, appearing somewhat apprehensive as he attempts to deescalate the young alpha's temperament. “Shouldn’t this disciple seek justice and bring humiliation upon this man?” His words elicit a deep, guttural growl from Luo Binghe,a final warning to back off from an extremely angry, territorial alpha and sensing the threat, Lao Gongzhu complies. “…We’ll leave him to you while the investigation is going on but if the Peak Lord is found guilty, then-“

“He’s not.” Luo Binghe is tempted to add ‘and get lost’ to his statement but manages to bite his tongue instead.

“You don’t even know what she’s accusing him of.”

“This disciple doesn’t care, she’s lying.”

“Luo Binghe!” Lao Gongzhu is taken aback by the bold statement but before he can respond, the young alpha storms back into his room and slams the door shut, effectively ending the conversation.

Luo Binghe moves anxiously back and forth across the room as Shen Qingqiu sits on the bed, his brow furrowed in confusion and concern.

“Alpha?” The sound of his Shizun's voice breaks through the angry haze, causing him to stop and turns to see the omega struggling to get out of bed and rushes over to him.

“Everything’s fine, nothing for Shizun to worry about.” He smiles, covering his face with soft kisses to comfort him, all while contemplating his next move. Luo Binghe knows he has the power to take over the palace if the old man makes a move to separate him from Shizun but doing so could jeopardize his chances of restoring his master's trust once his mind clears. “This disciple will never leave Shizun's side again.”

‘Make him yours and they will never have the power to tear him away from you.’

Luo Binghe shakes his head, trying to dispel the intrusive thought that pushes its way in and raises a hand to rub his eyes. His teeth ache with the desire to sink into the omega's neck, to claim him as his own but he knows he can't do that just yet, not while their relationship remains fragile.

Maybe he should take Shizun to his palace in the demon realm for safety; None of these pests would dare or even be capable to take him away from there.

“Shizun…” Luo Binghe lifts the man into his arms, nuzzling his face against the side of his head with a soft smile. “This disciple is going to have to move you some place safer, alright?” Shen Qingqiu nods against his chest, his face still flushed from his heat and his eyes clouded as he grips the front of his robes; Luo Binghe happily smile over the sight and hugs him tightly. “Such an obedient omega for this disciple!”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

As soon as Luo Binghe steps into his palace in the demon realm with Shen Qingqiu, he makes it abundantly clear to his followers that they are to honor his Shizun just as they would honor him. Without delay, he whisks the omega away to the safety of his own room, where he quickly gets to work on creating another nest to the omega’s liking.

No alphas were allowed near the room, so only beta and other omega demons could bring food and supplies. This rule is in place to ensure Shen Qingqiu's safety and comfort while Luo Binghe cares for him. However, no other demon would dare approach their lord's cherished omega anyway, as doing so would put their lives at risk.

Once they settled in, the temporary move appeared to heighten Shen Qingqiu's heat again and Luo Binghe gets tugged into the nest by a desperate omega, only to feel let down as he's met with nothing but cuddles and kisses from the alpha. Luo Binghe amusedly kisses away the serious pout on his master's face, reassuring him once more that this situation is only temporary and eventually manages to calm the omega down.

His omega's affectionate neediness brings immense joy to Luo Binghe, especially given how drastically different Shen Qingqiu usually is but there’s still the concern of how the older man will react once his heat breaks and his head clears. Shen Qingqiu had clearly been trying to distance himself before entering his heat and although Luo Binghe now understands it stemmed from a misunderstanding, his master's mind will still be a bit clouded from the lingering effects.

He could still possibly feel threatened by his presence.

Luo Binghe frowns at that, brushing his thumb over Shen Qingqiu's wrist as he gazes down at the omega's peaceful expression before placing a soft kiss on his temple.

He’ll just have to change that.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Shen Qingqiu stirs from the haze of sleep, feeling groggily tired as he shifts beneath the blankets and his head feels heavy, weighed down by a fog that lingers in his mind but the warmth beneath his face is comforting, making it hard to resist back back to sleep.

Just as he begins to relax, a familiar scent wafts through the air, snapping him back to full awareness. His eyes fly open and he goes completely still, every muscle tensing as he processes the sudden realization of his surroundings.

“Shizun is awake…” He hears a soft rustle and grows even more rigid as he feels the person beneath him shift. Slowly lifting his head, he meets the gaze of Luo Binghe, who is staring up at him with an expression that holds a particular warmth to it. “Your heat must have finally broke-“ Before Luo Binghe can finish his sentence, Shen Qingqiu hurriedly scrambles off him and leaps to the other side of the expansive bed, his eyes widening with the terror that the young man had anticipated. “This disciple has no desire to harm his master. There’s no need to be afraid.” Shen Qingqiu glares at him while reaching up to touch his neck, where his scent gland is located. “This lowly disciple wouldn’t take advantage of his Shizun while he’s in a vulnerable state.”

“Why am I here?!” Shen Qingqiu demands, already aware of his surroundings without needing an explanation. He recognizes that he’s in Luo Binghe’s palace in the demon realm, recalling the vivid descriptions from the book.

“It was in Shizun’s best interest.” Luo Binghe explains, sitting up in bed, giving Shen Qingqiu a clear view of the young alpha’s chest through his loosely draped inner robe. The very chest his head had just been resting on. Shen Qingqiu feels his face turning red and forces himself to look away when he hears Luo Binghe chuckle, gritting his teeth at the shamelessness of it all. “Shizun was incredibly affectionate towards this disciple during his heat, so very needy-“

“Silence your tongue!” Shen Qingqiu blurts out, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at him but Luo Binghe effortlessly deflects it before reaching for his master’s ankle and yanking him back. Shen Qingqiu falls onto his back and attempts to sit up, only to find the black lotus disciple looming over him with an all-too-amused smirk on his face. “Unhand me!”

“But Shizun couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from me just a few hours ago~” Luo Binghe muses, grasping his wrists and pressing them against his chest as he leans down to breathe in his lingering scent. Shen Qingqiu becomes still and silent as the man playfully licks the spot on his neck, shivering beneath him. “Just say the word and I’ll ensure we’re never apart again.”

“…Huh?” Shen Qingqiu’s thoughts come to an abrupt stop at the implication, leaving him reeling from the realization.

“Shizun was so desperate for this lowly disciple to claim him during his heat that I barely couldn’t bring myself to say no.” This isn’t how it’s supposed to be; Luo Binghe should be seething with anger, his eyes blazing with fury directed at Shen Qingqiu. Instead, he has an unexpected calmness in his voice and proposing something so intimate, leaving him bewildered and questioning everything he thought he understood about this book yet again.

“Y-you!” Shen Qingqiu manages to free one hand, fully conscious that it’s only because Luo Binghe is letting him and then he smacks his shoulder. “How dare this disicple take advantage of his Shiz-“

His words are abruptly cut off by a kiss that leaves him breathless and writhes as the alpha settles between his thighs. He feels the urge to shove Luo Binghe away but a pleasurable sensation in his stomach holds him back and he whines as a tongue caresses his lips.

“Shizun is still sensitive.” Luo Binghe murmurs against his lips, slipping an arm beneath his head for support as he kisses along his jawline. “Does this master wish to be claimed now, when his heat flares up again or does he prefer to be chased a little longer? Hm?”

“Isn’t my heat already over?” Shen Qingqiu’s question elicits a laugh from the man above him as he watches Luo Binghe shake his head.

“It’s just the second day; Shizun’s heat will continue for a few more days.” Luo Binghe explains and it suddenly dawns on Shen Qingqiu that the younger man plans to keep him here during this time with the intention of claiming him as his mate. “It’s safe here and if Shizun wants to wait, this disciple wouldn’t mind just cuddling~!”

Shen Qingqiu squirms beneath him, feeling flustered as his face flushes and turns his attention away, looking across the room.

“Is Luo Binghe planning on claiming this master?” He mutters quietly and gasps as the alpha sucks on the skin of his neck. “Even after…my actions three years ago?”

“Shizun can make amends for it by returning this disciple’s feelings.”

What?! That sounds like he’s already made the choice for him!

Shen Qingqiu shuts his eyes, a shiver coursing through him as Luo Binghe’s lips glides over his neck, a whine rising in his throat from the teasing.

“Wait!” Shen Qingqiu tenses and Luo Binghe instantly withdraws, sensing that the omega is feeling overwhelmed. The idea of joining Luo Binghe’s harem is a much more promising fate than the original Shen Qingqiu’s but the suddenness of it all leaves him reeling and unsure how to respond to this unexpected turn of events. “I-I don’t know, just give this master a moment.”

Luo Binghe remains lost in thought for a moment before shifting off of him and lying down beside him.

“Shizun doesn’t need to rush into a decision he’s not prepared for; This disciple is more than willing to wait.” Instead of continuing any further, Luo Binghe places his arm around his waist and rests his forehead against his master’s shoulder. Nuzzling his nose against the heated skin made Shen Qingqiu shiver, heightened by the sensitivity of his skin. “Shizun deserves to feel comfortable in his long-awaited heat.”

Shen Qingqiu can’t quite discern his feelings; On one hand, he finds a strange comfort in the protective arm around him and the warm breath against his neck but on the other, the more rational part of his mind insists that this is entirely out of sync with the original plot. Luo Binghe shouldn’t have any interest in his master beyond the desire to tear him apart limb by limb. Wasn’t Luo Binghe still angry with him? Or was he simply under the influence of his heat? If he recalled correctly, in the original story, the villain never suddenly went into heat, (which led him to assume he was a beta), so the protagonist never had to react to it.

Would Luo Binghe still be out for blood after his heat ended? Anxiety grips Shen Qingqiu as he comes to this unsettling realization and holds his breath, desperately trying to figure out how to escape while the young alpha was still affected. But how could he do that? He’s in the demon realm and there was no safe place for him to run.

“Why is Shizun upset?” He suddenly hears a sound, snapping out of his thoughts to catch a glimpse of his once sweet and innocent disciple watching him from the corner of his eye.

“Is Luo Binghe only interested in his Shizun because of his heat?” Shen Qingqiu asks hesitantly, having forgot how alphas can sense omega behaviors through pheromones and right now, his body is probably giving off a lot of anxious and vulnerable scents. “Before this master’s heat began, you appeared quite angry and intent on causing me harm.”

“No!” Luo Binghe quickly sits up, catching the omega off guard as he hovers above him, looking down at Shen Qingqiu with a mortified expression in his eyes. “This disciple could never harm his master! Never!”

“But-“

“I planned on claiming Shizun long before I knew he was an omega!” Luo Binghe confesses, pressing his forehead against Shen Qingqiu's chest before tilting his head up to brush his nose against his throat. “Way before I climbed out of the abyss, I thought about all the different methods I could use to court this master and claim him as mine!”

Shen Qingqiu's eyes widen at the confession as he struggles to remember their interactions before his heat started, trying to piece together how his actions could have been seen as courting.

“You forced me to drink your blood-“

“Because Shizun kept running away.” Luo Binghe pouts, leaning his entire weight against him and rubbing his face against his skin, as if he's afraid Shen Qingqiu might try to flee from him again. “You wouldn’t even acknowledge this disciple’s existence!”

Luo Binghe continues to rub his face against him like he’s trying to mark him with his scent, a behavior typical of alphas comforting their mates but given the dampness he feels against his neck, it seems like it’s the alpha who’s in need of comfort. Shen Qingqiu pulls him close, his arms wrapping around the younger man as he caresses his back and tries to calm his distressed disciple.

None of this makes sense to him; Luo Binghe shouldn’t be acting this way toward him. He should be conquering women left and right yet somehow, Shen Qingqiu has become the focal point of the protagonist’s affections with no harem in sight. Before he could’ve never imagined that Luo Binghe and monogamy could coexist in the same sentence but now it feels like the entire plot has changed, a butterfly effect he must have caused at some point.

But why him? Since when did the main protagonist liked men?!

“This master is truly sorry for all the pain he’s caused.” Shen Qingqiu apologizes, his heart heavy with remorse because he never wanted to hurt Luo Binghe and had regretted his decision even before he shoved him into the abyss. “And for avoiding you because I was afraid…”

His words falter as his thoughts start to blur and attempts to continue but finds himself unable to form the words as he falls silent and feels Luo Binghe sit up to look down at him.

“Shizun’s heat is flaring up again.” Luo Binghe wipes away his tears, managing to give a faint smile before moving to cover him with his robes. “This disciple will faithfully tend to him and remain patient until he’s ready to be claimed.”

“Binghe…” Shen Qingqiu, clinging to his fading sanity, reaches out to grasp his sleeve just before the warm haze envelops him.

“Shizun doesn’t have to be afraid.” Luo Binghe reassures him, leaning down to kiss his temple and can tell that the heat has completely taken over when Shen Qingqiu leans up to seek for the affection. “This alpha will make sure he has nothing to worry about anymore.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Some time later as Luo Binghe cuddles the omega to keep him calm, a sudden knock at the door startles him and sits up, instinctively letting out a low growl of warning before the familiar scent reaches his nose and relaxes as Mobei-jun opens the door but doesn’t dare enter.

“What is it?” Luo Binghe asks, quickly covering the omega to shield him from the other alpha's gaze. “It better be important.”

“I thought you should know that Shang Qinghua has informed me the humans are searching for you and Shen Qingqiu.” Mobei-jun directs his full attention to the other alpha as Shang Qinghua peeks out from behind the icy demon where he’s been hiding. “They’ve come to the conclusion that your former master has abducted you and fled the palace-“

“He’s in heat, how could he have possibly abducted me?!” Luo Binghe asks as if he can’t believe what he’s hearing, getting up to carry on the conversation without disturbing the dozing omega. His attention turns to the shy omega next to his subordinate and Shang Qinghua quickly hides behind Mobei-jun before peering at him again.

“There’s…also a woman who claims to be his wife a-and she’s accusing him of murdering her brother.” The omega's words hit a nerve, his eyes flash with fury and without hesitation, Mobei-jun steps in front of his human follower, instinctively shielding him from the storm of rage that threatens to unleash.

“Shizun is unclaimed!” Luo Binghe snaps the skittish omega under his breath, seething as he grits his teeth, struggling to rein in his own anger as Shang Qinghua explains that the woman was a beta and couldn’t claim an omega, yet it’s the low, territorial growl from Mobei-jun that finally compels him to back off.

“Perhaps it's time to unveil your heritage and seize control of the palace?” Mobei-jun implies, his cool hand settling at the nape of Shang Qinghua’s neck. "With most of the Huan Hua Palace's disciples already under your command, I doubt it would be too difficult for you."

“Shizun is in heat and I really don’t want to be apart from him.”

“Huan Hua Palace is already planning to invade your Shizun’s sect in search for you.” Mobei-jun notices Luo Binghe's eyes widen in alarm, his jaw tightening in response. “They plan to bring in the rest of his disciples for questioning.” Luo Binghe looks back at the omega on the bed and can tell he’s reluctance to leave but if they don’t act now, not only will the man’s reputation be compromised but his home will be at risk as well; Mobei-jun shoves the man beside him forward. “Shang Qinghua is an omega and can keep an eye on him for you while we take care of it.”

Luo Binghe notices the omega cowering the moment he turns his attention to him and recalls that he and Shizun are friends. So, if the omega wakes up, there will at least be someone he knows nearby. He briefly weighs his options before letting out a defeated huff and giving Mobei-jun an affirmative nod then glances back at Shang Qinghua.

“Nobody enters or leaves this room, understand?” Luo Binghe speaks with a tone that allows no room for argument and Shang Qinghua nods vigorously as the alpha walks past him.

Shang Qinghua holds his breath until he’s alone in the room with Shen Qingqiu, then lets his shoulders drop and looks over to the other omega. He looks almost feverish with his rosy cheeks and he can't help but feel sympathetic for his friend, knowing he written this difficult situation for the character. With a soft sigh, Shang Qinghua settles on the edge of the bed, studying him more closely and feeling thankful that he’s resting.

Hesitating for a moment, he reaches out to touch the back of his hand to Shen Qingqiu’s forehead, only to suddenly remember that Mobei-jun had made a cooling, gel-like, blob thing, essentially a glorified ice pack, to help with his heats and quickly turns to search through his satchel for it. He pulls it out, still cool to the touch and carefully sets it on the other man's forehead.

At first, he thinks it’s working; Shen Qingqiu's brow softens and a sense of relief washes over him but then the flushed omega grimaces, shaking his head as if trying to knock it off. His nose crinkles, flaring as though he’s caught a whiff of something foul so Shang Qinghua removes it.

“You don’t like it? It usually helps me.” He glances down at the bluish blob in his hands but then he catches the scent himself and brings it up to his nose for a closer inspection; It’s infused with Mobei-jun’s scent. Oh. “Sorry, Cucumber-bro. I…didn’t know…”

Shang Qinghua stares at it, his expression one of utter confusion. When had the demon lord even do that? It was supposed to be just a way to ‘make him less annoying’ during his heats, so why add his scent to it? The thought causes a flutter in his stomach and his unmarked scent gland to ache, prompting him to quickly put it away as his own face starts to flush.

He does pulls some blankets off Shen Qingqiu so he can breathe easier, then takes out his notebook to preoccupy himself since he has nothing else to do but watch him.

Some time later, as Shang Qinghua is nearly finishing his second paragraph when he suddenly feels a jolt from the bed behind him and glances over his shoulder and sees his friend sitting upright, a startled expression on his face. He’s staring vacantly across the room, his eyes wide and disoriented, breathing heavily as if he’s just completed a marathon but what troubles him the most is the noticeable flush on his friend's cheeks.

“Cucumber bro-“ His voice makes Shen Qingqiu whip his head around like an animal startled by a twig snapping, catching Shang Qinghua off guard. “…You okay? You don’t look so good.”

“Where am I?” He asks, taking a moment to look around the room, trying to piece together his surroundings and the question leaves the other man confused; How is it possible that he doesn’t know where he is?

“Luo Binghe’s palace in the demon realm…you don’t remember?” Shang Qinghua sets his notebook aside, turning to face him with concern when he notices the utter confusion on the man’s face and reaches out to check his temperature but Shen Qingqiu recoils from his touch. “What’s wrong?”

“Why am I here?”

“…Because he brought you here?” Shang Qinghua watches as confusion deepens in Shen Qingqiu’s eyes, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face when their gazes finally meet. “Seriously. Are you okay?”

“Why are you lying to me?” Shen Qingqiu suddenly asks, leaving the other man baffled as he struggles to grasp why his friend would think he’s lying.

“I’m not lying.” Shang Qinghua attempts to comfort him but the other man’s expression is anything but reassured, looking at him as if he’s just struck him and it’s starting to really worry him. “Luo Binghe and Mobei-jun had to go do something so I’m watching over you until they return-hey!” Shen Qingqiu gets out of the bed and tries to rush over towards the door but Shang Qinghua manages to cut him off and block his escape. “You’re in absolutely no condition to be wandering around right now.”

“I want to go home.” Shen Qingqiu says to him, his body shaking uncontrollably and his breath coming in rapid gasps like hes on the verge of panicking. “Take me home now.”

“We’re in the demon realm, how am I supposed to do that?” Shang Qinghua asks, extending his hands and cautiously moving closer like he’s trying to calm a frightened animal. He notices the growing panic in Shen Qingqiu as he starts to wildly search the room, causing Shang Qinghua to freeze in place and it’s obvious that the man is delirious from his heat. “Cucumber-bro, I think you should lay back down; You’re not looking so well.” Shen Qingqiu shakes his head rapidly, attempting to push past him but Shang Qinghua blocks his path to the door, only causing him to panic more. “Luo Binghe said-“

“Stop lying to me! Binghe is still in the abyss!” Shen Qingqiu shouts at him hysterically, shaking his head and tugging at his hair in a desperate attempt to have some resemblance of control. “Shut up! Shut up!”

“…You’re really out of it, huh…” Shang Qinghua mutters, mostly to himself as the gravity of the situation dawns on him. His face is unnaturally flushed, a clear sign of a high fever that has left him a state of confusion and delirium. “Just lay back down and…”

The sight of Shen Qingqiu, usually so composed, now a picture of utter despair, is enough to cause his words to die on the tip of his tongue. Shen Qingqiu's hands are tangled in his own hair, tugging with a frantic desperation to understand as tears stream down his face.

“Why? Why did you make me do that?” Shen Qingqiu's voice is fragile, barely audible and sounding utterly miserable that Shang Qinghua's heart clenches. He knows, with sickening certainty, what he’s referring to and the weight of his own culpability settles like a stone in his stomach. “I-I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to…do that to him.”

“It was just...a plot point.” Shang Qinghua stammers, the words feeling hollow, even to his own ears. “I never thought...I never knew it would actually happen.”

“I want to go home.” A choked sob escapes Shen Qingqiu and he abandons his hair, his arm raising up to shield his eyes as tremors wrack his frame. “I want my disciple.”

Shang Qinghua is overwhelmed with guilt, desperate to reassure Shen Qingqiu that his disciple is back but the omega is really too distraught to believe him. His attention drifts to the robes strewn across the bed, still carrying Luo Binghe's faint scent and considers bringing one to Shen Qingqiu but that would mean leaving his post at the door and he can't risk it the man getting away in this condition.

Shang Qinghua fights the urge to spell it out for him. Can't Shen Qingqiu see where they are? This opulent ‘prison’ is Luo Binghe's palace and if they're here, doesn't that scream that his beloved disciple must be as well? But the man’s headspace is in such a fragile state that the dots simply aren't connecting in his mind.

“…Cucumber-bro.” He hesitates, then carefully steps closer and when Shen Qingqiu doesn't shy away, Shang Qinghua lightly grips his upper arms. He vaguely remembers a plot point from his novel, that an omega's scent can sometimes soothe another and desperately hopes it's true now.

One moment he's offering comfort, the next a sharp tug yanks at his waist and landing hard on his rear. Disoriented, he looks up to find the gleaming tip of his own sword inches from his face. Shen Qingqiu towers over him, face streaked with tears but the distrust gone, replaced by a raw, furious anger that burns in his eyes.

“This is all your fault.” Shen Qingqiu's sneer deepens as he raises the blade, forcing the other man to scramble back in a desperate retreat. “I'm stuck suffering through your terrible writing and now the one person I actually care about in this ridiculous book series hates me because of you.”

“H-he doesn’t! He doesn’t hate you!” Shang Qinghua shakes his head, trying to get through the fog of his feverish heat, gesturing frantically as the other man raises the sword and nearly pleading. “C-Cucumber bro, please! I swear, he doesn’t hate you! I promise! I promise!”

Shang Qinghua scrambles out of the way as the sword swings down, striking the ground where he was just moments before and desperately puts distance between them, relieved that the delirious man doesn't seem to have the energy to give chase. The force of the blow seems to have made Shen Qingqiu dizzy; He sways unsteadily, the sword slips from his grasp and clatters to the floor. A moment later, he collapses onto his hands and knees, his head hanging low.

Then, a quiet sob breaks the silence and Shang Qinghua sees Shen Qingqiu's shoulders shaking, looking so miserable and pathetic; He feels so bad for him.

Just then, the sound he'd been longing for reaches his ears and turns to see the door finally opening, revealing Luo Binghe and Mobei-jun's return. They had quite the sight to return to. Luo Binghe's steps falter at the sight of Shen Qingqiu on the floor, tears streaming down his face, while the other omega lays nearby, pale and wide-eyed.

“Why is Shizun out of his nest?” He questions, his eyes flicking to the sword lying on the floor as Shang Qinghua scrambles to his feet and rushes to Mobei-jun's side. “What’s going on here!?”

“The heat is affecting him; He's really disoriented and tried to attack me!” Gripping Mobei-jun's sleeve, he blurts out an explanation as Luo Binghe approaches his master, kneeling in front of him. “We need to lower his body temperature, the heat is messing with his head.”

Luo Binghe reaches out to check his master's temperature but Shen Qingqiu lashes out, trying to hit him, only for the alpha to catch his wrist. The disorientation in his eyes is overshadowed by a seething anger, catching Luo Binghe off guard but the anger begins to crumble as recognition dawns on his face. The spiritual energy fades from his hand and goes limp in Luo Binghe's grip, still shaking as he stares up at him in stunned silence.

“Shizun? Are you-“ Caught off guard, Luo Binghe stumbles back as Shen Qingqiu throws himself forward, arms wrapping tightly around his neck and nearly toppling them both over in the process.

Luo Binghe allows his Shizun to grip at his robes as he presses his face against his chest to scent him. After a moment, the omega pulls back, holding Luo Binghe's face like he’s unsure he's real as he pets his curly hair, kisses his forehead then embraces him tightly. Luo Binghe wraps his arms around Shen Qingqiu's waist, pulling him into his lap so he can indulge in his scent as Mobei-jun approaches cautiously.

“This is a side effect from his repressed heats.” Mobei-jun explains, already conjuring another cooling pack to offer them. “He'll be fine once he's cooled down a bit.” The icy demon glances at his own omega, sensing that something had happened that left him frazzled. “Gather your things, we’re leaving.”

“But-“

“Do as I say.” Mobei-jun demands and Shang Qinghua complies, rushing to gather his belongings. Meanwhile, Luo Binghe holds the cooling gel against Shen Qingqiu's flushed neck. “Claiming him as your mate already would help as well.”

“He’s not ready for that.” Luo Binghe tells him.

“Does it matter if his health is at risk?” Mobei-jun pointedly ignores Luo Binghe’s glare, crouching to examine the overheated man beside him. “He's delirious and behaving irrational.” He explains further. “And if his temperature doesn't come down soon, he risks brain damage, among other complications.”

“I’ll fill the bath!” Shang Qinghua says suddenly, dropping his satchel to go just that and gets a disapproving look from Mobei-jun.

“I told you we’re leaving.” He says but the omega has already slipped out of the room, causing him to huff in annoyance as he gets up to follow after him.

“Shizun…” Luo Binghe is conflicted, he wants to respect Shen Qingqiu's wishes but seeing him so unwell makes him want to act, torn between obedience and his protective instincts. “This disciple is going to help you into a cool bath.“ Shen Qingqiu seems only half-listening, more absorbed in nuzzling his neck and playing with a curl of his hair. “It might be a bit uncomfortable but I'll be with you, okay?”

Luo Binghe shifted slightly before scooping him up into his arms and heading towards the bath where Shang Qinghua briskly filling the tub as Mobei-jun stood off to the side, watching him with arms crossed.

“It’s filled enough.” He instructs the omega and without a second thought, Luo Binghe steps into the tub, robes and all, settling down with Shen Qingqiu in his arms. The cold water makes the feverish man jolt in his arms and Luo Binghe kisses his temple, hushing him as distressed sounds escape him. “It'll take a moment for you to adjust; just relax, Shizun.” Luo Binghe flicks his eyes towards Mobei-jun, who wastes no time in grabbing Shang Qinghua by the collar and dragging him out. With just the two of him, he focuses on the shiver omega in his lap and brushes his bangs out of his face. “Are you feeling better, Shizun?”

“Cold.” Head resting on his shoulder, Shen Qingqiu blinks, a slow, lazy blink that hints at a return to alertness as he mutters under his breath. “When…can we go home?”

“After your heat.” Luo Binghe begins to explain but pauses, catching the 'we’ and glances down, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Shizun wishes for me to return to Qing Jing Peak with him?”

“Yes.”

[[ S…atisf…action poi..nts 5… ]]

Shen Qingqiu's head pounds with a buzzing and instinctively buries his face in his shoulder, feeling like a full-blown headache. A cold hand rests against his face, a thumb brushing his cheek and he almost melts into the touch.

“Shizun’s body temperature has returned to normal.” Luo Binghe says, a subtle satisfaction flickering across his face as he notes the omega's subconscious, positive response to his touch. “Ready to get out?” With a nod, Shen Qingqiu tries to stand on his own but before he can even find his footing, the alpha lifts him into his arms, taking away any chance of independence. “Allow this disciple to take care of everything, Shizun; Your only concern should be resting.”

Luo Binghe gets out of the tub and sets the other man down so he can remove his soaked robes, drying him off while Shen Qingqiu watches him with a hazy stare.

“Am I not a good omega?” Luo Binghe pauses in drying his hair and lowers the towel, eyes focusing on Shen Qingqiu, noticing a subtle, easily missed miserable expression flicker across his face.

“Shizun is a very good omega. What makes you think otherwise?” Luo Binghe watches Shen Qingqiu subtly touch his unmarked neck, avoiding the alpha's gaze, though he says nothing. Instinct screams at him to claim him right then and there but the more logical part of his brain prevents him, tightening his jaw as he kneels between Shen Qingqiu’s knees to look up at him. “This omega wanted me to wait, remember?” Frustration etches lines into Shen Qingqiu's face, his trembling lips betraying his inner turmoil so Luo Binghe, heart aching, leans up to kiss his pout away. “There's no need for that face. My heart has already decided it wants you.”

Though he feels his self-control eroding and desperate hopes that Shen Qingqiu will submit to him soon before he's consumed by the need to dominate. A little voice whispers inside him urging him to claim the omega, insisting the omega already belongs to him and is begging to be claimed, tempting him to take what he wants without hesitation.

Claim. Claim. Claim.

Luo Binghe abruptly recoils, startled to find himself drawn so close to Shen Qingqiu's vulnerable neck and quickly finishes drying him then hurries to fetch a light robe for him to wear. He needed to create some space to get his head on straight before he could trust himself to carry his omega back to bed.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

The haze of his heat was finally lifting but Shen Qingqiu woke with a splitting headache as its parting gift. He stirs in the bed, trying to find a position that offered some relief but a strange sense of unease settled over him. The hair on the back of his neck prickled, a silent warning that something was not right.

With a groan, Shen Qingqiu's eyes grudgingly opened to see the room is dark and eerily silent. As his vision cleared, he noticed it; A faint, unnatural glow, a disturbing shade of red, bleeding into the edges of his vision. It wasn't a comforting light but what forced him awake completely was that it seemed to be coming from behind him.

Shen Qingqiu turns around, his heart hammering against his ribs and looming over him were two eyes, pools of crimson that burned in the darkness. The pupils, unnaturally dilated, pulsed rhythmically, expanding and contracting as they seemed to struggle to focus on him before narrowing into sharp, predatory pinpoints. Frozen in terror, the omega stares back at Luo Binghe as the alpha tilts his head, an unnatural smile twisting his lips.

“…Shizun…” That's when he smells it and there’s no mistaking it; The musk of an alpha in rut. He holds his breath, trying to block out the overwhelming pheromones as Luo Binghe shifts, leaning in closer from where he sat beside him on the bed.

A shiver crawls down his spine as the realization dawns on him that there’s no telling how long he has been there, silently watching him sleep.

“Binghe-“ A strangled yelp slips from Shen Qingqiu's lips as he's abruptly pressed against the mattress and before he can even register what's happening, a possessive weight settles over him, pinning him in place. Then feels the unsettling warmth of a nose sinking into the delicate curve of his neck, hot breath brushing against his skin like a fevered caress. “Stop!” Shen Qingqiu's panic escalates and he tries to push him away but it's like trying to shift the weight of a mountain with bare hands. “Binghe, wait! Please!”

A distressed whimper tears from him as sharpened teeth graze his scent gland, finally snapping the alpha out of it and the weight that been holding him down is suddenly gone as Luo Binghe scrambling away from him with a look of utter horror.

“S-Shizun, I-I…this disciple is sorry, I…” Luo Binghe holds out his trembling hands as the omega scoots himself further the back to put some distance between them. He hadn’t meant to lose control but the sight of the omega sleeping so peacefully beside him had frayed his restraint. “…Shizun…” Shen Qingqiu focuses on calming his breathing as he noticing the alpha struggling to keep his distance, conflicted with wanting to comfort him but didn't want to make things worse. “Shizun-“

“Calm yourself.” Shen Qingqiu murmurs, the words barely audible, unsure if they were meant for the alpha or himself. “…Come here, Binghe.”

Luo Binghe crawls across the silken sheets, his flickering crimson before returning to their usual dark depths, a visible struggle for dominance and settles in front of Shen Qingqiu in a display of forced obedience.

Shen Qingqiu finds it difficult to fault the young man for what just happened; It's only natural for an alpha to fall into a rut after being exposed to a heat after a while, that and Luo Binghe's demonic appearance upon waking had startled him.

“I’m sorry…”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.” Shen Qingqiu assures him, his hand rising to wipe away the lingering tears and feels Luo Binghe instinctively lean into the touch, a subtle seeking of reassurance, all while the young man's body remains tense as he's desperately trying to maintain control over himself. Shen Qingqiu is certain that Luo Binghe has been doing everything in his power to care for him during this heat, respecting every boundary and waiting patiently. Even now, he can still see the guilt lingering in the alpha’s eyes for that brief moment of slipping, of trying to claim him before he was ready. “Binghe is a good, caring alpha…”

“But I-“ Shen Qingqiu cradles his cheek, his eyes softening with affection and leans in, pressing a feather-light kiss to Luo Binghe's forehead.

“He took such good care of this omega.” Shen Qingqiu then kisses the tip of Luo Binghe's nose as he sees tears welling up, trickling down his disciple's face again.

Just as he leans in for a proper kiss, Luo Binghe takes the initiative, his arms wrapping around Shen Qingqiu's waist as he kisses him eagerly, panting against his lips. The haze of his heat lingered, a tempting edge threatening to consume him as Luo Binghe's pheromones invaded his senses but he has to cling to his sanity, long enough to assure the younger man that his decision was made.

“Shizun.” Luo Binghe sighs against his lips, his sharpened nails catching on the back of his robes as he pulls away to nip along Shen Qingqiu's jawline. “Please.”

“This is omega is yours to claim.” Shen Qingqiu manages to say, earning an unnatural growl from the alpha but before he can react, he's on his back, met with those eerie, red eyes staring down at him.

Even with Luo Binghe's demonic features on full display, a sense of calm washes over Shen Qingqiu and knows, deep down, that the alpha wouldn't hurt him. Any fear is overshadowed by trust as he arches his neck, offering himself in a gesture of complete submission. The instant the opportunity present itself, Luo Binghe strikes, teeth sinking deep into the side of the omega’s neck as a primal growl vibrates in his chest, causing Shen Qingqiu to scream as his fingers desperately clutch the sheets.

Gasping for air, he's left panting as the alpha releases him, a satisfied gleam in his eyes as he laps up the blood, sealing their bond. Shen Qingqiu's eyes glaze over as the bond washes the pain away, leaving only a dull ache and feels a slick dampness spreading in his robes as clawed hands tugs at the fabric.

“Shizun…Shizun, Shizun.” He hears and catches a glimpse of his blood staining his disciple's lips before his sanity completely fades, a soft whine escaping his throat.

After that, everything blurs from desperate kisses stealing his breath, the sensation of sharp nails tracing his skin and the feeling of being bent in half as the alpha finally takes him. He vaguely registers a flicker of pain but each time he whimpers, Luo Binghe is there to soothe it away with a kiss.

But for the first time since he’s woken up in this world, Shen Qingqiu finally feels truly safe as he kisses Luo Binghe with no remorse, wrapping his arms around him as alpha continues wretch moans out of him until he finally passes out hours later.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Waking slowly some time later, Shen Qingqiu becomes aware that he was lying on Luo Binghe, the knot still binding them and carefully shifts, lifting himself up to look down at the alpha that’s still fast asleep. He sits up, rubbing his freshly marked neck but in the process, he jostles the thing inside him, causing shiver to run up his back and gasps softly as the sensation hits him. It’s pressing right up against that spot and even the slightest movement stimulates it.

He bites down on his lip, stifling the sounds threatening to escape and glances down to see Luo Binghe still sound asleep. Overwhelmed by the peak of his heat, he couldn't fully enjoy what Luo Binghe was doing before but judging by the feeling of fullness now, it must have been incredibly good considering how messy they are.

Curiously, he rolls his hips and a shuddering breath escapes him as every nerve in his body flares to life. He repeats the motion and this time a soft moan slips from his lips, his hands finding purchase on Luo Binghe’s chest for support.

“Binghe…”

“Shizun has a greedy body.” Shen Qingqiu's eyes snap open as hands grab his hips and glances down to see Luo Binghe looking up at him with a pleased smile on his face. “Even after three times, it still craves more.” Shen Qingqiu feels a flush spread across his face as the alpha chuckles, feeling mortified, he fights the urge to crawl into a hole and hide out of shame. “Don’t mind this disicple, do with him as you see fit.”

“Don’t say such shameless things!” Shen Qingqiu snaps and smacks the man's chest, only to be met with a sudden thrust that nearly topples him over.

“Shizun seemed to enjoy my shameless words earlier~” A mischievous smile on Luo Binghe's lips as he tugs Shen Qingqiu closer by his hips, silently urging him to continue. Embarrassed, Shen Qingqiu tries to hide his flushed face, burying it in Luo Binghe's chest in a clumsy attempt to escape his disicple’s watchful eyes but the man beneath him forces him to lift his head by his chin. “There's no reason for Shizun to be shy around his alpha. Especially since this disicple’s knot is still buried inside him.”

Luo Binghe’s stare is too much so Shen Qingqiu squeezes his eyes shut and whines, pressing back against the knot involuntarily.

“Binghe…” With the worst of the heat over and with his mind much clearer, shame begins to creep in. “This master will take responsibility for what he’s-“

The moment he senses his omega’s growing stress, Luo Binghe gathers his Shizun into his arms, flipping them over with practiced ease and leans down to cover Shen Qingqiu's face with kisses.

“Shizun looks pretty when he’s flustered.” Luo Binghe dismisses the omega's unwarranted worries, instead nuzzling his cheek with a contented sigh. “Such a good omega for this alpha.”

“Is Binghe truly satisfied with only me?” Shen Qingqiu knows the protagonist was originally written to have a massive harem of omegas, betas and even alphas. So why give it all up just for him? “Surely this alpha could find someone better than this old master.”

“This alpha desires only this omega!” With a pout, Luo Binghe pulls back, his hand lingering on the claiming mark adorning Shen Qingqiu’s neck. “Besides, Shizun already belongs to this disciple.”

A bright smile melts away his pout and he dives down, showering Shen Qingqiu with kisses before rolling over so the omega was on top again. Shen Qingqiu braces himself against Luo Binghe’s chest, yelping at the sensation of the alpha's heavenly pillar stirring within him.

“C-careful!” Shen Qingqiu smacks his shoulder, earning a giddy chuckle as thick hands settle on his hips.

“This master should take responsibility for what he started.”

Chapter Text

Shang Qinghua is currently experiencing a rather undignified exit, courtesy of Mobei-Jun. Instead of walking, he's being unceremoniously DRAGGED out like a ragdoll. His heels leave twin trails in the dust as Mobei-Jun, radiating icy displeasure, hauls him out of Luo Binghe's chambers.

Shang Qinghua's attempts at protest are reduced to pathetic squeaks, lost in the wake of the alpha's silent fury and awkwardly knocking against the doorframe as they pass through. He claws weakly at Mobei-Jun's hand but it's like trying to move a mountain. Each tug sends a jolt through Shang Qinghua's body and he's pretty sure his robes are getting snagged on every conceivable object.

“I just wanted help-“ Shang Qinghua snaps his mouth shut the instant Mobei-Jun's icy gaze lands on him and fidgets nervously with his fingers until the next thing he knows, he's being hoisted to his feet.

“Next time I tell you to do something, you do it.” Mobei-Jun's command is sharp, edged with ice as he cups the back of his neck, a touch that simultaneously soothes and intimidates, and leads him away. Shang Qinghua, visibly on edge, complies instantly, his omega instincts screaming to obey. “Luo Binghe wants Shen Qingqiu as his mate, intending to claim him soon and we're were clearly intruding."

Shang Qinghua had always been observant, a necessary trait for survival in his new world and had noticed the subtle shifts in Luo Binghe's behavior towards Shen Qingqiu long before anyone else. Shang Qinghua had seen enough trashy novels to recognize the signs but when had the stallion protagonist suddenly become...gay?

Shang Qinghua knew that the plot had officially gone off the rails. Luo Binghe never failed to claim who he desired and now, all he could do was pray that Shen Qingqiu reciprocated his feelings. After all, who better to understand a protagonist gone astray than the very author who created him?

“…I thought Luo Binghe…hated Shen Qingqiu?” Shang Qinghua asks hesitantly, hoping to glean some insight, especially since the two demons were close friends and watches as the alpha raise a brow. “He seemed very angry with him when he returned-“

“He was but that didn't change his intentions of making him his mate.” Mobei-Jun replies, squeezing the back of his neck and causing goosebumps to spread down his back. “He'd already decided to claim him, even before the fall into the abyss.”

Luo Binghe decided that while he was still a child?!

“But back then, most people assumed Shen Qingqiu was a beta…” Shang Qinghua points out, trying to ignore the chilly feeling he had on his neck. “Why would he bother claiming someone who might not be able to give him heirs?”

“Luo Binghe already knew how to ensure that man could bear him children, even if he was a beta.”

“Huh?!” Shang Qinghua racks his brain, trying to recall if he included a way for male betas to reproduce but after writing so many chapters, he just can't remember.

“In the Ghost Realm, there are pills that allow males of any secondary gender, even alphas, to reproduce.”

Oh! He remembers now! Shang Qinghua had briefly considered the idea of writing a ghost realm but scrapped it because it wouldn't have added much to the main story. He must be referring to the childbearing pills.

“And…what if Shen Qingqiu doesn’t want to be his mate?” Shang Qinghua asks, genuinely concerned for his friend’s wellbeing and hears the icy demon huff amusedly beside him. “Will he force him?”

“Luo Binghe won’t force him; He stubbornly insists on waiting until he’s ready but that doesn’t mean he won’t coax the omega into it.”

“There are already plenty of women who would willingly become his mate.” Shang Qinghua's question isn’t out of malice but genuine curiosity. He wonders if the harem, once a given, was still in the cards or if Cucumber-bro changed things in the story so much that it was no longer a possibility. “So why bother with one man when he could have a harem?”

“You don’t seem to know Luo Binghe very well.” Mobei-Jun's comment left Shang Qinghua speechless, mouth agape. Him? Not know his own character? Huh?! “Enough for now, their courtship is none of our concern.”

Shang Qinghua glances back the way they came, still a little lightheaded from the lingering pheromones and unconsciously leans closer to the alpha beside him.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

The air in Mobei-Jun's palace bites with an icy chill but Shang Qinghua finds himself sweating as he kneels amidst his master's unpacked belongings. He sorts through silk robes and jade ornaments, a growing unease prickling beneath his skin. The cold should be a comfort but instead, a strange heat simmers within him, making his fingers clumsy as he folds a particularly ornate robe and pauses, pressing a hand to his forehead.

Desperate for relief, he digs into his satchel, unburying a small cooling gel ball and presses it against his neck, a sigh escaping his lips as the icy sensation spreads. It helps but only momentarily. He glances towards the towering ice throne, imagining Mobei-Jun's piercing gaze and grits his teeth, resumes his unpacking. The icy demon has been relentlessly tasking him lately, assigning duties far beyond his usual scope, leaving the poor omega utterly drained.

With one hand, he rolls the cooling pack against the back of his neck, while the other holding the folded robes. Just as he turns to place them in the wardrobe, his vision swims and the entire room seems to tilt. He stumbles, his feet tangling beneath him and the robes slip from his grasp. He falls, catching himself on his hands and knees just before he collapses completely.

Wait. Wait. Wait. Why is his heat coming on now? It wasn's supposed to start for another few weeks and hadn’t felt a single symptom!

Shang Qinghua struggles to stay upright, his limbs shaking uncontrollably and lets out a little whimper. Anxiety begins to spread as he realizes he's nowhere near his own room in the palace and therefore nowhere near his nest. Feeling exposed and vulnerable, he reaches for his only source of comfort and collapses onto his side, clutching the cooling ball against his chest.

The nearby palace guards cast brief glances his way, wrinkling their noses at his human scent as if he were a foul odor disrupting the pristine air of the palace. None approach, wary of the potential mess and disruption an unmated omega in heat could bring. However, one of the guards, a young soldier eager to prove his worth, breaks from the silent ranks and leaves to inform Mobei-Jun, knowing full well the implications of allowing unmated omega succumbing to the throes of heat, unguarded and unattended in the heart of the palace.

His head growing fuzzy, he loses track of how much time has passed since his heat began and clutches the icy gel-ball like an anchor until he hears rapid footsteps approaching. He barely opens his eyes before he's hoisted off the ground and slung over someone's shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Panic flares and he struggles against the strange person picking him up but then a familiar scent washes over him, instantly calming his racing heart and soothing his frayed nerves. He grows limp, all fight draining away as a few embarrassing sounds of an omega who's very pleased escape his lips. He melts against the solid form carrying him, relieved to be whisked away from prying eyes and the judging stares of the palace guards.

“Constantly making a fool of yourself.” Mobei-Jun mutters, though he knew full well the omega's heat would start sooner than expected and had deliberately kept Shang Qinghua busy with pointless tasks, almost as if he wanted to humiliate him. He knew very well that Shen Qingqiu's longed-repressed heat would trigger Shang Qinghua's but the fool wouldn't listen when he tried to pull him away. “Next time, try listening to me.”

“My lord…?”

“Good, you haven’t completely succumbed to your heat yet.” Mobei-Jun gave nothing away, his expression unreadable as they bypassed the turn for the omega's quarters and due to the oncoming heat, Shang Qinghua doesn’t notice either.

“This servant apologizes for…the scene he’s caused.”

“Whatever for? I already expected your heat would start today.” Mobei-Jun explains the situation but the omega only looks confused so the demon sighs, realizing he needed to clarify. “Unlike humans, demons have an acute sense of smell. I can typically anticipate your heats before you're even aware of them yourself.”

“Then why did you have me doing chores!?” Shang Qinghua snaps, an unusual reaction but the demon excuses it because of the unexpected heat. “What if I had been attacked?!”

“I ensured that only beta guards were stationed in your area. There were no alphas present.” When they approach the familiar, heavy doors of Mobei-Jun’s personal chambers, Shang Qinghua finally realizes the alpha hadn’t brought him to his own room. “Your nest is already in my chamber, I brought it earlier.”

“You moved my nest?” Shang Qinghua winces inwardly. This was either the start of something incredibly awkward or the most blatant declaration of intent he'd ever witnessed. And he wasn't sure he was ready for either. “Why?”

“After the incident with Shen Qingqiu, I don’t want a similar situation with you so I intend on keeping a close eye on you.” Is this a punishment? A game? Shang Qinghua can't tell. Mobei-Jun simply carries him across the threshold until he's unceremoniously dropped on the bed and upon closer inspection, he notices a few additions added to his nest. The softness of the animal pelts against his hot skin is nothing compared to the arousing scent of the demon lord clinging to them. Caught staring, the omega flinches but the harshness he expects doesn't come. Mobei-Jun's expression is surprisingly gentle, though a little indifferent as he chooses a pelt and drapes it around his shivering body, holding it closed at his neck in a gesture that feels almost protective. “I have some things I need to attend to but I’ll come back to make sure you’re fed.”

As the demon turns to leave and before he can stop it, a small, involuntary whine slips from Shang Qinghua's throat. He instantly clamps a hand over his mouth, mortified as alpha pauses, hearing the sound. Before the demon lord can fully turn around, Shang Qinghua frantically pulls a fur pelt over his head, burying himself in the nest to hide his reaction.

Mobei-Jun stares at the lump on the bed, a smirk slowly spreading across his face. The subtle scent marking he's been doing over the past few months is clearly having the desired effect and with a satisfied nod, he turns to continue on his way to handle his duties.

Peeking out from the blankets, Shang Qinghua finds the room empty and sits up slowly as humiliation settling in, after having embarrassed himself in front of Mobei-Jun, yet again.

He curses the day he ever thought introducing Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics was a good idea!

His embarrassment is short-lived, though as his heat begins to overwhelm him, blurring his senses and becomes acutely aware of the alpha's lingering scent on the pelt wrapped around him. The omega sighs contentedly, burying his face deeper into the soft fur; It’s intoxicating, soothing his frayed nerves as he lets the familiar aroma wash over him. It's a primal need, this desire to be surrounded by the alpha's presence, an unconscious need to be claimed and comforted. He closes his eyes, drifting into a blissful haze, completely surrendering to the addictive sensation.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Later that evening, Mobei-Jun's nostrils flared as he entered the room and knew instantly that whatever sanity Shang Qinghua had been clinging to was now completely gone. Closing the door calmly behind him, his eyes flicks towards the bed to see turfs of hair poking out from under the blankets.

He approaches the bed, carefully peeling back the furs just enough to reveal Shang Qinghua's peaceful face. A smile tugs at his lips as he brushes a cool thumb against the flushed cheek and the omega instinctively leans into the touch in his sleep.

Though Shang Qinghua hasn't consciously acknowledged it, he gravitates towards treating him as his alpha without realizing it. The next step is for Mobei-Jun to coax Shang Qinghua into coming to this conclusion on his own and actively seek him out to be claimed.

Mobei-Jun carefully readjusts the pelt around the sleeping omega then slips over to his desk and focuses on the documents he brought back with him. Unlike Luo Binghe, whose half-demon side made him fight his instincts, his pure demon blood gave him complete control. He didn't have to fear losing himself to a forced rut and can wait patiently for Shang Qinghua to come to him without worrying about his body betraying him.

It doesn’t take long for the omega to realize he’s returns because Mobei-Jun hears the subtle shift on the mattress before the soft taps of footsteps walking towards him. He briefly glances at Shang Qinghua, confirming he's still wrapped in the protective pelt, eyes unfocused and distant.

“What do you need?” He asks like he doesn’t already know what the omega wants and leans back, watching Shang Qinghua sway a little closer. “I can’t read thoughts so you’ll have to use your words.”

“Alpha.” Shang Qinghua halts where he is, visibly shaking as he fights the urge to get closer and Mobei-Jun is amused by his efforts; It’s quite the pitiful sight.

“What is it?” He continues to tease and Shang Qinghua finally reaches out, tugging on his sleeve, his need for attention now impossible to ignore. “Why don't you come sit on my lap while I finish reviewing these?” The omega appears pleased by the offer; Shang Qinghua, without a trace of embarrassment, sits on his lap and leans his head against his shoulder, something he would never attempt to do if his head was clear. “Now, be good and you can bring me to your nest afterwards.”

The amount of happy pheromones rolling off Shang Qinghua is almost too much for Mobei-Jun to handle, he didn't think he'd get this kind of response so fast but even though the alpha is thrilled by the strong reaction, he knows he needs to be patient. He needs to wait until Shang Qinghua’s heat subsides so he can have a proper conversation with the omega before taking things any further.

“You feel nice.” Shang Qinghua's muffled words against his shoulder distracts Mobei-Jun from his work and pauses, pen still in hand, momentarily confused by what the human is referring to. Then it occurs to him; His naturally low body temperature must feel incredibly appealing to a human omega in heat.

He feels Shang Qinghua's hand in his hair and turns to look at him. The casual touch, once a source of irritation, now had a suppressed yet pleasing shiver coursing through him. Scolding him would have been his first reaction before but now he finds himself unable to.

“You’re not behaving very well.” Mobei-tells him but doesn't remove the wandering hand and signs off on the final document before giving the man in his lap his full attention. “Are you intentionally trying to distract me? Hm?” Shang Qinghua exhales softly, inching closer to his neck and looks ready to drift off to sleep again. “Why don’t you show me your nest?”

At that, Shang Qinghua lifts his head then gets out of Mobei-Jun's lap and takes his hand, leading him toward the bed. Shang Qinghua's eagerness doesn't go unnoticed by Mobei-Jun as he tugs, already halfway into the nest, pulling him along. Amused by the cute display, Mobei-Jun follows willingly and settles on the edge of the nest, watching as Shang Qinghua shifts things around. Then, he allows himself to be drawn further in, letting the omega arrange him to his liking before finding robes being draped over him him like a blanket; The robes belong to Shang Qinghua.

Looks like someone's already trying to claim their territory.

Without moving, Mobei-Jun watches as Shang Qinghua gathers his animal pelts, cocooning himself in it before finally lying down next to him.

“Are you pleased with yourself now?”

“Mmhm.” Shang Qinghua snuggles closer and wraps an arm over his waist possessively; Mobei-Jun can’t resist teasing him further.

“I originally brought your nest in here to watch over you but it seems like you’re wanting to bed this alpha.” Mobei-Jun turns to see Shang Qinghua contently smiling, clearly enjoying their closeness. He's eager for the heat to break, wanting to see Shang Qinghua's reaction to the realization that he's practically dragged a demon lord into his nest. “Are you using your heat to take advantage of me?” Shang Qinghua doesn't respond with words, only a hum and the weight of his leg casually thrown over Mobei-Jun. The omega doesn’t seem as intimidated like this, possibly due to instincts recognizing a potential mate, fostering a sense of safety so Mobei-Jun moves his arm to wrap around him, pulling him fully against his side. “Good omega.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Stirring from sleep, Shang Qinghua gradually becomes aware that his cooling blob thing must’ve ended up under his head, explaining the nice coolness against his warm cheek. He shifts, pressing his forehead to the cooling charm, his head throbbing as if he's nursing a hangover. For a moment, he wonders if Mobei-Jun had enlarged the charm for him before the gears of his brain finally start to turn...

What he’s feeling against his skin doesn’t feel like gel…it feels like…skin? Shang Qinghua's brows furrow in hazy confusion and presses his face against the cool surface, inhaling a faint, musky scent. That’s when a hand finds the back of his neck, a cool thumb rubbing soothing circles against his sensitive skin.

The omega jolts awake, every muscle rigid, slowly lifting his head from the unexpectedly chilly shoulder and is met with the piercing stare of icy blue eyes. A stunned silence hangs between them as their eyes meet.

“…Mobe…m-my lord?”

“You’re awfully demanding in heat.” Mobei-Jun's calm words cause Shang Qinghua to sweat for an entirely different reason than the heat. “Has what I made for you lost its touch? Do you need to find relief from the source?” Shang Qinghua attempts to pull away, wanting to give the demon lord space and apologize until he's voiceless but the hand on his neck is like a vice, holding him firmly in place. “You know you can't make me do anything I don't want to so why are you running away?”

“I..I..” Shang Qinghua's flustered, caught between what he thinks he should do and what's happening. He's pretty sure the demon lord wouldn't want to be touched like this, yet the demon lord doesn't seem to mind but then again, the last time they shared a bed, the omega ended up kicked out the next morning. “I’m sorry! I wasn’t thinking clearly! I don’t even remember doing it!”

Mobei-Jun patiently listens to Shang Qinghua's rambling, his hand still gently caressing the back of his neck, waiting for him to calm down and piece things together. Though the omega seems to have a never-ending supply of air as he continues on and on so Mobei-Jun pulls him closer, inhaling his scent, hoping to give him a much-needed hint.

That’s enough to silence him.

Shang Qinghua is taken aback, his rapid chatter abruptly cut short and stares, speechless as the weight of the gesture sinks in, leaving him in a daze. The subtle scent marking, the nest relocation, the shared sleep and now this blatant scent inhalation...Is Mobei-Jun actually courting him right now?!

Shang Qinghua never wrote a romance for Mobei-Jun and doubted he'd want a human mate because what demon lord would want half-bred heirs; Mobei-Jun is too aloof and powerful for that. Shang Qinghua feels he might’ve be misinterpreting things but alpha's recent actions were making him question everything.

“So, you're trying to tell me that your earlier desire to make my lap your personal throne has mysteriously vanished?” Mobei-Jun asks, just to tease him a little further and watches Shang Qinghua’s eyes nearly bulge out of his head before pulling the human against him then looms over him. “It was very distracting when you play with my hair and nuzzle my neck while I'm trying to work.” The noise that escape Shang Qinghua could be described as a squeak. “But you were so eager to bring me to your nest afterwards~”

He’s flirting with him?!!!

Shang Qinghua was too baffled to move, lost in his thoughts until a cool kiss on his forehead brings him back to the present.

“M-my lord-“

“I intend to bed you then claim you.” Mobei-Jun states it directly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. “Tell me now if that isn't what you want.”

Holy shit, he’s being serious.

Shang Qinghua can seem to get his tongue to work since it seems to be stuck in his throat so instead, he leans up, pressing his forehead against the alpha’s lips again, clinging to the front of his robes.

His body and mind roared in unison; Yes! Yes! Yes!

“Be a good omega and use your words.”

“Yes! I want that!” Shang Qinghua says as pulls back, practically shaking from the excitement rushing through him. “But I’m human-“

Before Shang Qinghua can finish speaking, a tongue invades his mouth, stealing his breath and feels the alpha’s weight fully resting on him as a possessive claim. A hand yanks his hair free of its ties, scattering his strands and tugging him closer.

His omega instincts sing with approval as he returns Mobei-Jun's kiss without hesitation, arms twining around his neck.

This is really happening.

Shang Qinghua lets out a soft sigh against Mobei-Jun's lips as he pulls away to kisses along his neck and teasingly grazing his teeth against his scent gland. He knows Mobei-Jun wants to wait, to bed him before claiming him as his mate but his omega side is impatient, craving the claiming now while he's still aware enough to remember it.

A whimper laced with desperation escapes Shang Qinghua as he arches his neck, practically begging for the mark of Mobei-Jun's canines and pulls the alpha closer by his neck; All he gets for his efforts is a chuckle in his ear.

“What does this omega want?” Mobei-Jun asks, tracing his lips along the shell of his ear as he whines against, feeling the haze of his heat beginning to return.

“Claim this omega now, my lord.” Shang Qinghua doesn't mince words, keen on seizing the opportunity before it slips away. “While I’m still able to remember.”

What respected alpha could say no to a request like that?

Mobei-Jun traces the curve of his ear with his tongue, eliciting a shiver before pressing kisses along his neck to the sensitive scent gland and nips at the skin before sinking his teeth into it. The reaction is immediate; Shang Qinghua grows rigid with a gasp beneath him but Mobei-Jun holds him still as the bond between them clicks into place.

At first, it's painful but the sensation fades into a dull ache as his heat takes over and shaky gasps morph into pleased moans as the alpha licks the wound clean.

“Pleased now?” Mobei-Jun pulls back, searching omega's dazed expression but only proceeds after Shang Qinghua nods. Mobei-Jun dips down to kiss him, cradling the omega's head with both arms, pleased when the kiss is eagerly returned. Mobei-Jun had known for a long time that Shang Qinghua was a suitable omega for him, it just had taken him too long to admit it but now the thought of anyone else bearing his heirs was unthinkable.

He smiles between kisses, petting Shang Qinghua’s hair as he remembers the first time he woke up in that inn after the other man saved him.

Should have claimed the omega right then and there; The thought had definitely crossed his mind st the time but having been so overwhelmed by his scent after he just woken up, Mobei-Jun kicked him out of the bed instead.

Poor Omega. Despite Shang Qinghua’s all-night efforts to keep his body temperature down, he was still punished. What a fool the alpha was back then.

Now's his chance to reclaim all the time they’ve lost.

Chapter Text

Luo Bingge walks slowly through Qing Jing Peak, his senses absorbing every detail of the place that he once knew very well. It's still eerily intact, unlike the mess he made back in his own world. He’s a specter here, haunted by the duality of his past, forever caught between the innocent disciple and the monstrous tyrant.

A shadow of a smile flickers across his face as the bamboo house emerges through the misted quiet of the peak. It stands exactly as he remembers, unchanged, untouched, like something preserved. The aged wood feels familiar beneath his fingertips, the scent of his past filling his nostrils but he pauses at the door, an aroma both known and unknown tickling his senses.

The demon lord opens the door, sniffs the air and glances around the empty house. He catches a whiff of his old master's scent yet it's sweeter than he remembers but what unsettles him more is how saturated the air is with his own scent, like he'd marked his Shizun's home as his territory.

Luo Bingge steps inside, closing the door behind him and popping each knuckle as he surveys the room, inhaling deeply. It's clear that the version of himself from this world comes here often, which is strange enough but what's even weirder is that his scent is strongest on the peak lord's bed.

Then there's that sweetness lingering in Shen Qingqiu's scent...almost like he's-

“There you are.” Luo Bingge tenses at the voice, he hasn't heard it in a while since his own master is locked away but there's no way he could forget it. The alpha's hackles rise but then, an overwhelming sweet aroma smothers him and loosens his tense muscles. His head turns, an involuntary response to a primal pull, his gaze focus onto his former Shizun; He halts abruptly, his attention captured on the sight before him. “Can you help me with this?”

He’s an omega, a very pregnant one.

The bag appears to be causing Shen Qingqiu distress so Luo Binghe reacts instinctively without thinking, reaching out to take it from him.

“What is this?” He raises a brow, glancing into the bag then looks up at the older man as he reaches inside to pull out some sort of dessert.

“I found that peach pudding you mentioned yesterday.” Shen Qingqiu smiles, showing no animosity and the peak master's scent is calm, not the usual angry aroma he's used to. “I got a few of them, so try not to eat them all in one sitting.”

“You got these for…me?” Luo Binghe couldn't help the confused tone in his voice, completely thrown by the sudden personality shift.

This man is completely different than the one he knew, he kind and-thack! The alpha flinches, hand flying up to touch the spot where Shen Qingqiu's fan had just struck him on the head.

“Naturally, especially after enduring your whining all day yesterday.” Shen Qingqiu huffs, crossing his arms as he turns and walks away, oblivious to the heated glare Luo Binghe directs at his retreating back. “Your son has been relentlessly kicking me in the ribs all day so I’m going to go rest.”

The words struck him, instantly snuffing out the ball of fury that had been burning inside him. His baby? Luo Bingge's eyes dart down to the omega's neck, widening slightly as he notices the claiming mark. A momentary flicker of surprise crosses Luo Bingge's face, his lips parting slightly before curving into a dark and predatory smile.

“Poor Shizun, is our son bullying you?” While Shen Qingqiu was in the midst of letting down his hair, Luo Bingge quietly came up behind him, wrapping his arms around him possessively. He lowers his head, burying his nose in Shen Qingqiu's hair, inhaling deeply to savor the captivating scent as his hands settle on the swell of his belly.

Relaxing into the embrace, Shen Qingqiu rests his head against Luo Bingge's shoulder then turns his head to brush his neck before pulling back to look at him with a puzzled expression.

“Is that scent suppressant?” Shen Qingqiu asks, prompting Luo Binghe to nuzzle into his hair, a silent gesture to soothe his worries. After an other disciple’s comment on his slightly different scent, Luo Bingge had to get his hands on some scent suppressants from the infirmary. Knowing he’d be covered in the scent of his wives.

“Another disciple is about to present, so their sense of smell has become more sensitive.” Luo Bingge replies smoothly, now catching a stronger whiff of his own scent clinging to the omega now that he’s closer. “I was just trying to be considerate.”

“Wash it off.” Shen Qingqiu dips his head into Luo Bingge's neck again as if he’s trying to catch a faint scent through the medicinal gel. “And come lay down with me.”

“Does this omega need comfort after carrying our child all day?” Luo Binghe's voice is gentle as he reaches under Shen Qingqiu's belly, carefully lifting it to ease the strain on the omega and a soft whimper escapes him as he relaxes into the alpha’s touch. “That’s much better, hm?”

“Binghe.” With a sigh, Shen Qingqiu reaches to grasp Luo Bingge's arms, practically melting against him in relief. A smile tugs at the alpha's lips, having successfully diverted his attention from the suppressant because he’s well aware that this kind of affection has always soothed his wives.

“Let’s get this master off his feet.” Luo Bingge sweeps him off his feet, the sudden motion startling Shen Qingqiu, who instinctively wraps his arms around his neck as he's carried over to the bed. He carefully sets him down then kneels to remove his shoes, his eyes lingering on the sight of his swollen feet. “Did you overexert yourself today?”

Luo Bingge cradles his bare foot, rubbing his thumb along the ankle as he looks up at him.

“No, I mostly stayed in the carriage.” Shen Qingqiu reassures him, reaching out and Luo Bingge has to suppress the urge to flinch at the approaching hand. Instead of the expected slap, Shen Qingqiu rests his hand against hiss face, gently stroking his cheekbone with his thumb...and is that a purr?

Were it not for the contented omega purrs, the scent rolling off of him would’v been a dead giveaway.

Him? Those purrs were actually for him? It was a concept so foreign, so utterly absurd, that his brain reeled at the very notion. The idea that he could be the object of such pure, unadulterated joy was laughable. Years of hardship and betrayal had taught him to expect nothing, to brace for the inevitable sting of disappointment.

Luo Bingge nestles closer, fitting himself between the other world's Shen Qingqiu's knees, his arms wrapping around the omega, head resting against his belly as resentment washes over him. Why can't he have this? A master who shows even a fraction of this kindness? It feels unfair. Why does that imposter get to experience such warmth and affection while his own master harbors such deep-seated hatred for him?

Lost in his self-pity, he's completely unguarded when a light thud bumps his face and looks up, startled, finding himself staring at the omega's stomach. Shen Qingqiu erupts in laughter, his whole body shaking and leans forward, resting a hand on his stomach while the other finds its way into the alpha's hair, stroking it.

“He’s pretty energetic today.” Shen Qingqiu muses, taking Luo Bingge's hand and guides it to where the baby is enthusiastically kicking. “He's taking after your energetic side. I'm slightly terrified for when he starts exploring.”

It isn’t fair, Luo Bingge thinks to himself, a sudden, sharp jealousy nearly devours him as he feels those tiny kicks against his palm and glances up to meet Shen Qingqiu's tender smile. Why was this joy kept from him?

Why does this imposter get to have Shizun's affection, while his own Shizun greets him with cold silence in that forsaken cell? Luo Bingge quickly buries his face against his belly, hoping to hide his bitterness and feels the baby's kicks against his forehead as Shen Qingqiu strokes his hair.

“What’s the matter?” Shen Qingqiu coaxes him to lift his head, tenderly wiping away the angry tears he mistakes for something else entirely. “Second guessing yourself again?”

“Hm?” Luo Bingge raises a brow, unsure of what Shen Qingqiu is referring to as the older man presses a reassuring kiss against the mark on his forehead.

“The way you already love our child proves you'll be a great father.”

The statement isn’t for him; Luo Bingge barely acknowledges his harem's children, so he doubts it. He glances down at the omega’s stomach, runs his hand over it and senses the child has finally settled.

Luo Bingge looks up, leaning in, surprised when the other actually meets him halfway and they kiss. He kissing Shizun and the man is actually kissing him back is nearly enough to steal all the air from his lungs.

It's too much and yet barely enough for the alpha in him.

Luo Bingge rises without breaking the kiss, hands holding Shen Qingqiu’s face as he deepens it, needing more of that sweet taste. Shen Qingqiu submits without a fight, lips parting to welcome his tongue, a soft moan escaping as he leans back on his hands.

The alpha leans over him, mindful of his belly until the omega is on his back as his hands run over Shen Qingqiu’s chest, yearning to strip away those robes and feel the warmth of bare skin beneath his fingertips. He pulls away to kiss along his neck, the sweet scent growing stronger as he nears the scent gland and a bitter realization hits him as he recognizes the scent mingled with Shen Qingqiu’s isn't his own but the impostor's.

It isn’t fair.

“Binghe.” Shen Qingqiu sighs beneath him, fingers gliding along the alpha’s back as he willingly spreads his legs, needing him closer.

One perk of a harem, be they alphas or omegas, is that pregnancy heightens their sex drive and Luo Bingge can practically taste the desire radiating from Shen Qingqiu.

“Is this omega feeling needy?” He teases, leaning back to run his hands over the man’s inner thighs. “Need this alpha to help you relax?”

That needy whine almost shattered the last of Luo Bingge's control as his hands reached up, desperate to untie the man's sash but barely undoes the knot when a predatory growl emits from behind him. Shen Qingqiu tenses beneath him and Luo Bingge huffs, figuring it was only a matter of time before his lesser half shown up.

“Get away from him.” Luo Bingmei warns, a smirk tugging at the other alpha's lips as he watches Shen Qingqiu's eyes flick between them, the scent of uncertainty beginning to roll off him.

Shen Qingqiu's hand quickly reaches toward something on the bed but Luo Bingge is faster, grabbing the man by his throat. The omega freezes and Luo Bingge tsks, chiding him for his foolish attempt.

“I would behave yourself, Shizun; You’re in a very vulnerable position right now.” Luo Bingge mocks him, his thumb tracing a delicate caress over Shen Qingqiu's throat, earning a low growl from the other alpha in the room. “So just relax, you know stress isn’t good for the baby.”

“Stop touching him!” Luo Bingmei snarls, baring his canines at him.

“Stop your pathetic whining, I’m not going to hurt him.” Luo Bingge's temper flares as he snaps back, abruptly shoving himself off the omega and seizes the back of Shen Qingqiu's neck, yanking him into a sitting position. The omega stifles a whimper as the alpha begins to massage the back of his neck like he’s trying to offer comfort. “I'm just curious how this Shizun is an omega while mine is merely a beta.”

Luo Bingge settles onto the bed beside Shen Qingqiu, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. Before Shen Qingqiu can react, his arm snakes around his waist possessively and feels the sharp intake of Shen Qingqiu's breath as he tenses beside him.

Luo Bingmei curls his lip the moment he sees the other alpha’s arm around his mate’s waist. His eyes narrow, a low growl building in his throat as the man’s hand slides over the omega’s belly; Like he has any right to touch what isn’t his.

“He’s an omega.” With a subtle murmur, Shen Qingqiu redirects the alpha's attention, pulling his gaze away from his counterpart and onto himself. “He’s probably suffering with the same issue I had.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” Luo Bingge asks, his sharp glare instantly returning to his other half as he tries to approach and emphasizes his warning by pressing the tip of a sharpened nail against the vulnerable artery in the omega's neck; Luo Bingmei stops in his tracks.

“The trauma of his past had forced his body into a shutting down, suppressing his heats for years, until...” Shen Qingqiu's words fade as he looks at his mate, seeing his eagerness to get to him but hesitates, unwilling to jeopardize the pregnant omega's safety. “…Until Binghe returned from the abyss and his scent forced me into one.”

“Oh…and here I thought you were different.” Luo Binghe scoffs, leaning away from him like he’s disappointed and rolls his eyes. “You’re just as cruel as my Shizun.”

Shame burns as Shen Qingqiu stares at the floor, his mate's growl echoes again, a clear warning fueled by the sight of omega's distress.

“Shizun had his reasons and regrets what he’s done.”

“He still threw you into the abyss.” Luo Bingge’s voice is quiet, almost gentle but mocking. “You worshipped him. Trusted him. And what did he do? He cast you aside like you were nothing.”

“Shut up.” Luo Bingge sees the slight tremble of his lip, the hurt flicker in his eyes and his smile turns cold. “You don’t know my Shizun like I do.”

“And yet.” He continues, voice dipping lower. “You still wear his chains like they’re some kind of honor.” A beat passes then he leans closer to Shen Qingqiu again, voice barely above a whisper now. “You think it’s love but it’s not. It’s rot. And you’ve let it grow so deep inside you, you probably don’t even know who you are without it anymore.” Luo Bingge straightens, eyes glinting with cruel amusement. “You’re pathetic.”

“That’s enough.” Luo Bingmei's voice is dangerously low, laced with a possessive rage yet his counterpart is unfazed by the display, chuckling to himself until he notices the man beside him shaking; When he turns his attention back to Shen Qingqiu, he finally understands the reason behind the alpha's anger towards him.

Shen Qingqiu is crying, a sight he's never witnessed before, not when his home was reduced to ashes, not when his loved ones were mercilessly slain, not even during the depths of his torment. He stares, stunned as the omega turns away, using his sleeve to hide the tears, muttering words he never imagined he'd hear in a million years.

“I’m sorry.” The raw sincerity in the omega's words is so disarming, he unconsciously loosens his grip and takes the edge of his nail away from the delicate skin of the omega's neck, allowing him to turn away from him.

Luo Bingge dismisses it as nothing more than pregnancy hormones surging through the omega’s body, a convenient excuse to explain the unexpected wave of...whatever this feeling is. The alpha doesn't know what to call the feeling churning in his gut but it feels suspiciously like regret.

A rare flicker of consideration washes over him and he quietly slips his arm from around the omega. Rising to his feet without a word and decides it’s better this way, sparing the omega the strain of rising on swollen, aching feet. The moment there’s space between them, his mate hurries to his side, wrapping around him protectively, placing himself between him and Luo Bingge like a living shield.

Listening to his other self whisper words of comfort to Shen Qingqiu, a subtle but persistent unease coils in his chest. The confidence he once wore like armor feels out of reach, replaced by a disquieting sense of self guessing. It’s as if he’s watching a life he could’ve had but no longer belongs to.

He feels the anger rising, not aimed at either of them specifically but at the cruel imbalance of it all. Why does this version of him get a Shizun who loves him while his own recoils as if his very existence is a crime? Why doesn’t his Shizun love him? Why wasn’t he enough?

Luo Bingge clicks his tongue softly, summoning Xin Mo with a flick of his hand. He feels like he’s lingered here long enough and there’s something tugging at his attention back in his own realm, something he’s suddenly eager to see for himself.

The other alpha doesn’t look away until Luo Bingge disappears from view, only watches from the corner of his eye until the last trace of him fades then with a quiet breath, he shifts his focus entirely to the man in his arms.

Shen Qingqiu is trembling, shoulders tense and breath caught as though holding everything in. The alpha pulls him closer, guiding his head to his shoulder and one hand steady on his back while the other threads gently through his hair. He presses a kiss to his temple, slow and grounding. Shen Qingqiu doesn’t speak, just clings to him as silent tears sliding down his cheeks, soaking into the fabric between them.

“I’ve already forgiven you.” Luo Bingmei murmurs, over and over, voice low and calm for the other man’s sake. “I love you so much. Please don’t cry.” But even as he says it, he feels the weight in his mate’s body, the shakiness in every muscle and the way he refuses to meet his eyes; The words aren’t sinking in. Shen Qingqiu isn’t fighting him but he isn’t letting go either. Forgiveness has been given ages ago but it seems that the omega hasn’t forgiven himself. “Alright…Shizun can cry as much as he needs to. However long it takes, I’ll be right here.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

In the other realm, Luo Bingge walks the stone corridors with a hurried pace, his robes trailing behind him. The guards bow and move out of his without question but he barely acknowledges them, his attention focused on the path ahead; The way is etched into his memory so deeply he could walk it blind.

The demon lord comes to a halt before the cell door, eyes narrowing as he peers into the dim room where his gaze lands on the figure slumped in the corner, silent and still. He muses, almost idly, how well the man’s limbs have regenerated and without a word, he turns to the guard beside him and gives a subtle nod to open it.

With a wave, he dismisses the human and steps into the cell. His gaze watching his former mentor, catching the slight, involuntary flinch that betrays his tension as if even now, his presence alone is enough to unsettle him.

“…Shizun.” Luo Bingge calls out in a mocking, sing-song tone, the sound echoing off the stone walls, watching with a smirk as the man flinches and curls in on himself, shrinking further into the corner. Only then does he stop, just close enough to be a threat, just far enough to make him less nervous. “Why hide from me? I came all this way just to see you.” The older man’s wrists are bound with the Immortal Binding Cable, rendering him harmless but even without the restraints, Shen Jiu is far too weak to make a move against him. “Have you missed this disciple?”

Shen Jiu lifts his head, his face still partly hidden by a curtain of hair, offering no response though he can feel the sting of that venomous gaze burning against his skin. From where Luo Bingge is standing, he can barely make out the faint trace of the man’s scent, hidden beneath the layers of dirt and grime from the grimy cell.

He steps closer, catching a low growl rumbling from the older man like a wounded beast that’s backed into a corner.

“I had an interesting day…” Luo Bingge steps back, hands clasped behind his back with a calm smile on his face. “Do you want me to tell you about it?”

“I want you to stop assaulting my nose with that foul stench of yours.” Shen Jiu says in a raspy voice, wrinkling his nose in disgust. Luo Bingge’s expression barely reacts, just the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth but he says nothing, keeping a tight grip on his emotions.

From the moment Luo Bingge entered the room, he’d been slowly releasing his pheromones, just enough to see if Shen Jiu would react like the version of him from the other realm had.

Yingying had also made it very clear beforehand that repressed omegas need calm environment to feel safe and had warned him about controlling his temper. He didn’t know much about omegas beyond the basics, that they go into heat and can bear children so he’ll take her word for it. But he can’t tell if his old master is an omega unless he gets really close enough to catch the man’s scent.

And he doubts the once elegant master will let him get any closer without trying to bite, especially after Shen Jiu actually managed to sink his teeth into him the last time he visited.

“This venerable one met the other version of you again, the one I told you about.” Luo Bingge says, catching the subtle way the other man’s head lifts slightly, just enough to show a flicker of interest. “I learned all sorts of little secrets over there; Some about you, actually.”

“If this is going to be another recounting of your cruelty, you can spare me the details.” Shen Jiu’s patience is fraying and he’s too tired to entertain Luo Bingge’s antics. Still, when the alpha abruptly moves to sit on the floor opposite him, his head snaps around towards him nervously.

“I just thought you’d like to know; Your other self? Mated and quite visibly pregnant.” Shen Jiu’s brow furrows, confusion and a flicker of alarm crossing his eyes. Noticing this reaction, Luo Bingge’s lips curl into a smug smile as he leans in closer, his voice dropping to a low, teasing whisper. “Care to take a guess who the father might be?” At first, Shen Jiu stares at him blankly like he doesn’t quite grasp what was asked then disbelief flickers across his face, quickly giving way to disgust and turns his head away, facing the wall again. “Shizun~”

“I’m not your Shizun.” Shen Jiu snaps sharply, completely unaware of Luo Bingge coming closer until the press of his nose against his neck and flinches away as he bares his teeth at him. Luo Bingge grabs the back of his collar, yanking him close and holding him there as he breathes in hard against his scent gland. “Unhand me, half-breed!”

Shen Jiu jerks away the instant Luo Bingge releases him, hitting the ground hard on his side and glares up, his breath unsteady but the look is met only with an eerie smile. Luo Bingge looms above him, red eyes glinting in the dim light, not with rage but with something far worse; Excitement.

“You’re an omega.”

Chapter Text

The moment it’s confirmed Shen Jiu is an omega, he was dragged from his cell to be scrubbed clean and wrapped in fresh robes, his wounded eye wrapped in clean bandages, only to be locked away again. The new cage was prettier, made up to resemble his old home but it beneath the polished surface, it was still just another cage.

The bamboo house is almost empty of its usual decor and everything inside was carefully placed. There were no sharp edges or pointed objects, no heavy things that could be thrown or used to cause damage. Every surface was smooth and though the furniture was familiar, there wasn’t a single thing he could use to hurt himself or anyone else. It felt less like a home and more like a place built to keep him safe but also to keep him trapped.

Shen Jiu curls up on his side in bed with his fingers absently fidgeting with the Immortal Binding Cord around his neck; A collar designed not to restrain his movements but to seal away his spiritual energy. He isn’t a fool, he knows exactly what Luo Bingge wants, especially after everything he’s said about that other realm and the thought twists his stomach with unease.

He curls up tighter beneath the blanket, heart aching as his thoughts drift to his Shixiong and buries his face into the pillow, bitterness rising like bile.

Shen Jiu feels the alpha’s presence before the door opens and when it finally does, he doesn’t turn, just listens as the footsteps pause behind him, followed by a low, familiar tsk of annoyance.

“Shizun needs to eat.” Luo Bingge says as he eyes the untouched meal on the table then shifts his attention to the fresh one on the tray he’s holding. Shen Jiu stays silent, though a bitter part of him wants to snap that he’s not his Shizun. “Want this venerable one to feed you?” Shen Jiu’s lip twitches at the suggestion but he gives no response. He hears the quiet clink of the tray being set beside the untouched one on the table, followed by the soft sound of footsteps as the younger man approaches the bed. The omega senses a hand reaching toward him, only to retreat at the last moment then feels the mattress dip behind him. “Would you rather Yingying feed you?”

It’s a thoughtful gesture since Shen Jiu bears no ill will toward his former female disciple but he knows there’s an ulterior motive. Luo Bingge isn’t offering out of pure kindness; He’s doing it to win the omega’s favor. When he feels the alpha’s hand reaching for him again, Shen Jiu lets out a low, warning growl, fully expecting a slap in return but instead, he hears the quiet shift of movement as the hand is withdrawn and lowered into the alpha’s lap.

It’s clear the younger man is annoyed, Shen Jiu can smell it rolling off his scent and feels a little vindicated. For a moment, neither of them say a word but he can feel Luo Bingge’s eyes on him. Watching him and it raises the hairs at the nape of his neck. It’s no surprise; His scent is barely there, muted by past trauma, layered with new trauma so there’s nothing for the alpha to go off from. The only way he’d get a proper whiff would be to press his face against his scent gland…and Shen Jiu would tear into him before he got that close.

“If you don’t want to talk to me, fine but you’re going to eat.” Luo Bingge’s voice is firm, almost demanding and it grates on Shen Jiu’s nerves. He wants to scoff and roll his eye, now he cares whether he eats? That concern had been noticeably absent just days ago. “I’m not going anywhere until-“

“I refuse to eat food you made. Trying to slip me something to induce a heat?” Shen Jiu says with bitterness, struggling to hold his head up as he turns a weary glare in his direction. “What, so you can use me and toss me aside when you’re done?”

“I intend on claiming you-“

“Already tired of your precious wives? Looking for a new plaything to keep you entertained?” Shen Jiu pushes himself upright with trembling arms and flinches the moment Luo Bingge reaches for him, mistaking the gesture for violence rather than support. “Don’t touch me!”

Luo Bingge grits his teeth but withdraws his hand, his eyes lingering on his former master’s frail form and briefly considers forcing him to eat.

“You’ve already had more patience from me than you deserve. Keep testing me and I won’t continue to be so generous.”

“Ah yes and your reward for your efforts is me, barefoot and pregnant. How generous of you.” Shen Jiu turns away and lies back down, seething quietly under the covers while Luo Bingge clenches his jaw, barely restraining a growl at the blatant disregard. It still baffles him, how this version of Shen Qingqiu could be so sharp-edged and cruel, when the other had looked at him like he mattered.

“There’s nothing in it. Either eat it yourself or I’ll feed you.” Luo Bingge warns, eyes narrowing but a flicker of doubt crosses his mind. Maybe Shen Jiu isn’t just being difficult. The way he struggled to even lift his head a moment ago suggests he might not have the strength to sit up, let alone eat. “…If you need help, I can-“

“I don’t want your help.” Shen Jiu yanks the blanket over his head, clearly done with the conversation but the alpha tugs the blanket away without hesitation, earning a sharp growl from the omega in response. “Piss off, half-breed!”

“Enough!” Without another word, Luo Bingge drags a claw across his palm, letting blood well up before shoving it against Shen Jiu’s mouth. The omega flinches, his eye wide with alarm but Luo Bingge doesn’t let go until he’s sure some of it’s gone down. Luo Bingge feels the sharp sting of teeth sinking into the flesh of his palm as the omega biting down hard in retaliation; Pain flashes through his nerves, sharp and immediate but he doesn’t flinch. If Shen Jiu wants to lash out, fine. Let him bite. As long as something gets in stomach before he leaves, he can do whatever he wants because Luo Bingge isn’t here to comfort him, he’s here to make sure the omega survives. “I don’t want to resort to force but if you keep this up, this pride of yours will be the death of you.” A furious glare burns in Shen Jiu’s stare as a growl slips out between his clenched jaws. “And as long as you refuse to eat, I’ll keep making sure you do. One way or another.”

Using the blood mites, he forces the omega to sit up then carefully spoons a small dumpling from the soup and holds it to his lips.

“Bastard.” Shen Jiu hisses in defiance but the alpha patiently waits for the older man to take the bite himself.

“It’s just food. I promise, there’s nothing harmful in it.” Luo Bingge urges him to eat, hoping he won’t have to resort to force his mouth open but the omega’s stubbornness is leaving him little choice.

He knows he’s hungry; The sound of Shen Jiu’s stomach gives it away, loud and insistent, a clear cry for the nourishment. The omega’s good eye fall to the spoon, his expression flickering with resistance then weariness as the hunger gnaws at him. Slowly and stiffly, he leans forward to take a bite like this small surrender tastes like defeat.

Luo Bingge feels himself relax and lets out a breath he hadn’t realized he been holding before giving a small relieved smile. Shen Jiu is still glaring at him, but Luo Bingge doesn’t mind, he expected nothing less and as long as the omega is eating, he can shoot daggers at him all he wants.

“I’ll keep the meals light for now until your stomach is strong enough for more.” Luo Bingge lifts another dumpling to him, satisfaction spreading across his face as Shen Jiu eats it without needing to be asked. “I still remember a few of your favorites, I…could make them for you if you’d like.” A flicker of confusion passes over Shen Jiu’s face as he chews, his brows twitching like he’s trying to make sense of his behavior but after a moment, he swallows and glances away. “I brought some tea as well.”

“Why are you doing all this?” Shen Jiu asks, his tone flat but blunt, tired of the vague answers and the slow buildup, wanting to get to the point already. “Because in another realm, you met a version of me who’s in love with you?” He huffs out a scoff and shakes his head, watching as Luo Bingge lowers the bowl without a word. “You admitted that the other you was nothing like you so what makes you think I’d be just like that version of me?”

“Shizun-“

“What makes you think I could ever love someone like you after everything you’ve done?!” Shen Jiu shouts, baring his teeth as he slaps the bowl from Luo Bingge’s hands and it drops to the floor, soup splattering everywhere. His hand shakes slightly but he glares like he’s daring the alpha to say something. “You killed the one person I ever cared about…and you used me to do it. And then-“ His words trail off as a quiet sob escapes his lips and lifts his sleeve to cover his face, his shoulders shaking as he struggles to stay angry. “They were all I had and you made me part of their death. You used me.”

Luo Bingge sits at the edge of the bed, still as stone, staring at the floor with the soft sound of crying behind him. He doesn’t turn around, his fingers twitching in his lap but he remains frozen. He doesn’t know what to say, how to fix it or if he even has the right. The soft sobs cut deeper than any scream could, dragging an ache through him like a slow, twisting blade. After a long moment, he stands abruptly, almost frantic and walks out without saying a word, the door closing behind him a little too fast.

Luo Bingge doesn’t understand the feeling crawling up inside him but he knows he hates it. It’s tight and ugly, pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. All he knows is that he needs to get away from the sound of crying, from the weight in the room and from the person making him feel this way. Luo Bingge knows he’s to blame for Yue Qingyuan’s death and tells himself it was justified, that it had to happen but hearing the omega continue to cry from inside the bamboo house, he can’t help but wonder if he was wrong.

No. The man allowed Shen Liu’s terrible behavior to continue unchecked by constantly shielding him from consequences and needed to be held accountable. Shen Jiu also needed to face the consequences and that’s why he hurt him, it was a punishment. He wanted to make him suffer and killing Yue Qingyuan was the most devastating way to do it.

But he wonders if there could have been another way, if he might have held him accountable without taking his life. Then a sharp pang of regret cuts through him as he recalls how he used the shattered pieces of the man’s sword, the only thing left of him to mock Shen Jiu. He forced the broken omega to crawl toward those jagged shards with his last trembling arm, all while laughing coldly at his pain. The memory stings but he pushes it down, telling himself it was necessary, even if a small part of him regrets it in silence.

Then out of nowhere, he remembers something he’d overlooked and almost forgotten because he didn’t really care at the time, Yue Qingyuan is still alive in that other realm. An impulsive thought flashes through his mind, what if he traveled back and seized the sect leader from that other world for him? Maybe then Shen Jiu would finally care, maybe even love him. At least he wouldn’t hate him anymore, right?

Right?

“Binghe.” A voice cuts through his spiraling thoughts, pulling him back to reality as he realizes he’s been wandering aimlessly through the palace. “My dear husband?” Ning Yingying approaches with their little girl in her arms, pulling him from his stupor as the child lets go of her mother’s hair to reach out for her father. “Did you have any luck with our Shizu-with Shen Qingqiu?”

“…No…” Luo Bingge shifts the young child onto his hip, avoiding his wife’s gaze as he focuses instead on their daughter. “I believe I’m only making things worse.” Ning Yingying frowns, he knows she was one of the few who still hoped for their former Shizun’s release, despite everything he’d done to her; She’s always been too kind like that. “I think I went too far…killing the Sect Master. It may have ruined whatever chances we…”

“Binghe…” Ning Yingying rests her hand on his shoulder, the warmth of her touch filled with all the words she doesn’t know how to say. “Allow this wife a word with him. Perhaps I can be of help.”

“I don’t…” Luo Bingge gives a hesitant glance toward where Shen Jiu is being held, unsure if now is the right time but knows Ning Yingying stands a better chance of calming him than he does. “Have a guard by your side and keep our daughter away. He’s in a fragile state at the moment.”

“I will then come to you directly afterwards.” She smiles warmly, easing the tension as she watches their daughter play with strands of her father’s hair. “Don’t forget, Bingge; He has to choose to come to you, you can’t force him.”

He swallows his frustration, nodding with a bitter taste in his mouth. She’s right, of course she is but after everything that just happened, it’ll likely be a long time before Shen Jiu even considers coming to him.

“Be careful, he’s not to be trusted yet.” Luo Bingge slips an arm around his wife, pressing a kiss to her forehead before carefully placing their daughter back in her arms.

“I will but…” Her voice trails off, uncertainty flickering in her eyes and looks like she wants to hold it back, afraid of how he’ll take it but she says it anyway. “You need to be prepared for the possibility that he may never come to you.”

Luo Bingge frowns as his wife offers him a sympathetic look then leans up to press a kiss to his lips, whispering that she’ll do her best before turning to go. He stands there in silence, watching her walk away, only pulled from his thoughts when he catches sight of his daughter waving at him from over her mother’s shoulder. A faint smile tugs at his lips as he lifts a hand in a small wave, silently deciding to make more time for his children, that they deserve more of him than just his presence.

Once they’re out of sight, Luo Bingge’s thoughts slip back to the dangerous idea of sneaking into the other realm to take their Yue Qingyuan and handing him over to his Shizun like some peace offering. That Shizun already has someone, he won’t fall apart if Yue Qingyuan’s gone but his Shizun…his needs him. So it’s not really wrong. Right?

Luo Bingge’s thoughts spiral into a suffocating labyrinth of jealousy and desperation; He craves Shen Jiu’s love, not shared, not divided but his alone. If Yue Qingyuan steps into their world, he knows Shen Jiu’s eyes will focus on that man instead of him. But…his Shizun misses his shixiong and hates him for taking him away from him. The line separating infatuation, sacrifice and possessiveness dissolves until they become indistinguishable in his mind; Obsession.

Yue Qingyuan could be useful and with a cold shrug, he convinces himself it doesn’t matter if another man joins his harem as long as it drags Shen Jiu back into his grasp.

With his decision made, he draws his sword and tears open a portal, stepping through into the other world without hesitation.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Ning Yingying fidgets with the basket in her hands as she steps into the quiet clearing where the replica of her Shizun’s bamboo house stands, having gone over the conversation scenarios in her head countless times but despite all her rehearsing, the sight of him still catches her off guard.

She watches as Shen Jiu leans against the side of the house for support, struggling to steady himself while taking in his unfamiliar surroundings. His slender frame seems even more fragile beneath his new clothes, his hair is tangled and messy against his hollow face. She feels sympathetic for him but that quickly turns into anger at her husband for letting their former mentor become so frail and looks down at the basket she packed with food.

“Shizun.” She calls out to him and he flinches, his body stiffening as he snaps his head toward her with a guarded scowl, one that slowly fades when he recognizes her. “You’re too weak to be standing yet, let me help you back to bed.”

As Ning Yingying comes closer, her attention catches the bandages over one of his eyes, wondering why Luo Bingge hasn’t addressed that wound yet.

“Let me guess, you’re here on his behalf to manipulate me?”

“My husband did ask me to speak with you.” Ning Yingying shifts the basket into one arm and offers the other to support Shen Jiu, helping him slowly back inside the house. “But I made it clear he shouldn’t expect anything to come of it.” As they step through the doorway, she notices the mess scattered across the floor, a broken bowl and the faint scent of cooling broth, assuming it’s what remains of the breakfast Luo Bingge must’ve brought earlier. With a quiet sigh, she sets the basket down and helps Shen Jiu ease back onto the bed, careful not to strain him further. “Are you comfortable, Shizun?”

“…” Shen Jiu turns his head away from her as she pulls the blanket over his legs. Ning Yingying gives him a soft, concerned look before quietly getting up to bring him a bowl of soup.

“Do you feel up to eating a little?” She sits on the edge of the bed, carefully ladling out a spoonful of soup and lifting it toward him. He neither speaks nor reaches for the spoon, watching her in silence, his expression unreadable, probing for her true intentions. She doesn’t blame him for being suspicious, after all, she is the wife of the man who made his life a living hell. “You don’t have to eat it all, just some-“

“I’d sooner die than let myself become one of his concubines.” Shen Jiu says bluntly, each word dripping with contempt as he turns his head away from her again, refusing to look her in the eyes.

“…That’s not my main concern right now.” Ning Yingying pulls back with a frown then leans in again, her voice softer as she pleads with him. “This isn’t about him or the harem. I just want you to get well again.” Shen Jiu glances at her again and for a moment, she sees a crack in his guarded expression, his eyes glancing briefly to the spoon in her hand. “Please…just a little, try to eat something.”

Without a word, Shen Jiu reaches out and takes the bowl and spoon from her, his pride refusing to let him be fed like a child. Ning Yingying relaxes just slightly, grateful he’s at least willing to eat on his own and turns to pour him some tea. While he eats, Ning Yingying quietly gathers his combs and oils, intending to help smooth out the tangled mess of his hair but notices there’s no pins or ribbons to work with.

“Don’t bother, I’m just going to lie down again soon.”

“At least let me brush your hair after you finish eating.” Ning Yingying takes a seat beside him, eyeing his hair again. It seems freshly washed but messy like no one bothered to take care of it afterward. “I can brush it again later if you need me to.”

Shen Jiu gives a small nod as he finishes the last of the soup then silently passes the bowl to her. She sets it aside before reaching for the comb, ready to begin working through his hair. As she begins parting his hair, her fingers slow for just a moment when she sees the sight of a pale scar peeking out from beneath the collar of his robe, resting at the base of his neck. The sight makes her chest tighten but she quickly looks away, pretending not to noticed. As she finishes smoothing his hair into place with her words are caught in her throat, he speaks first, cutting her off before she can ask if it feels better.

“You can leave now.” Shen Jiu says with a lack of emotion, his voice flat and distant, calculated like he’s purposely putting up a barrier between them and emotionally cutting her off.

“But-“

“I’m going to rest. You can leave now.” He looks at her with a deadpanned expression and though it stings, she swallows the ache.

Ning Yingying nods quietly, wishing him a well rest and gets up to collect her things. Her movements are slow, reluctant and despite herself, she keeps glancing back at him, hoping for even the smallest change in his expression but he just watches her, waiting for her to leave before he lays down.

Like he doesn’t trust her.

She pauses at the door, unable to help one last glance over her shoulder and the lack of warmth hurts more than anger ever could.

“Goodbye, Shizun.” Ning Yingying pulls the door shut behind her and the moment it clicks closed, the weight in her chest sinks deeper. Her eyes blur with tears she didn’t mean to shed and quickly lifts a hand to wipe them away but the heartache doesn’t go with them.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Yue Qingyuan calmly sips his tea, his gaze drifting over the training grounds. A quiet smile plays on his lips as he notices the fresh disciples fumbling through the exercises while their fellow peers patiently correcting their stance.

Earlier that morning, he had enjoyed breakfast with Shen Qingqiu and Luo Bingmei, his heart swelling with warmth as he thought about how well the omega’s pregnancy was progressing. Both Shen Qingqiu and the baby were healthy, growing stronger with each passing day and found himself eagerly looking forward to the moment he could finally hold their little one in his arms.

He exhales softly, setting his cup down but his mind drifts away and forces his smile to hold steady, forcing down the sting of his own selfish thoughts; Shen Qingqiu’s happiness means everything to him, seeing that light in his eyes again is all he’s ever truly wanted.

His smile wavers briefly before he lets out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes as he brushes out his sleeves in a quiet attempt to compose himself. No matter what, that’s all he can ask for.

When he opens his eyes, he realizes someone has quietly stepped in front of him, blocking his view of the training ground and looking up, he meets Luo Bingge’s smiling face staring down at him. For a moment, he feels confused, unsure why he’s here without his mate, especially when he knows the sect has banned him from entering the grounds without the peak lord with him and his gaze sweeps the surroundings, searching for Shen Qingqiu, only to find he’s on his own.

“Binghe?” Yue Qingyuan asks quietly, watching the young man’s smile stretch wider but his eyes never waver, focusing onto him with an unsettling, piercing stare. “Where’s Shen Qingqiu?”

“He’s at home waiting for me.” Luo Bingge leans forward slightly, hands clasped behind his back, wearing an expression of almost childish innocence. “He’s been a little emotional lately…it would mean a lot if his Shixiong came to see him.”

“Shen Qingqiu seemed fine this morning.” Yue Qingyuan asks, already getting up from his seat as the younger alpha steps back, still wearing that smile so whatever happened, it couldn’t have been too disastrous.

“Pregnancy hormones, I suppose.” Yue Qingyuan glances at him with a mildly raised brow, noticing the young man’s gaze lingering on him a little too intently. It’s not overtly alarming, just unusual enough to stir a faint sense of unease. “He didn’t say it out loud but it was written all over his face so I thought it wouldn’t hurt if I came to fetch you on his behalf.”

“Shen Qingqiu doesn’t require a reason for my presence.” Yue Qingyuan replies though he can’t help but also noticing the way the younger man’s eyes run over him, measured, assessing. “Did something happen after this morning that might have upset him?”

“The past still weighs on him sometimes and well, you know how much he needs reassurance from the ones he cares about.” Yue Qingyuan feels the faint, telltale flutter of his pulse quicken though he doesn’t allow the flicker of emotion to reach his face but inwardly, there’s a quiet warmth building. Despite everything, despite the years and the silence and the space that’s grown between them, his Shidi still needs him.

“You both know I’ll be there if you ever need anything, even if it’s just to look after the little one.” Yue Qingyuan sees the way Luo Binghe’s smile falters for just a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face, hesitation, perhaps or doubt but it vanishes as quickly as it came and the smile returns. “Is something on your mind?”

“Just being a nervous new parent, I guess.” He lets out a laugh, reaching up to rub the back of his head which is a familiar gesture that eases Yue Qingyuan’s own nerves.

“There’s nothing to be worried about.” The older man offers a reassuring word as they walk together and reaches up to pat the younger alpha’s shoulder, feeling the tension beneath his hand but assumes it’s just lingering nerves about impending fatherhood. “Most new parents feel the same way but with all the support you two have from the sect, you’ll be fine.”

“Yue Qingyuan.” He hears footsteps and both stop turning to glance over their shoulders. Liu Qingge approaches with his usual scowl aimed at Luo Bingge before shifting his focus to the sect leader. “Do you have a moment?”

“I have no pressing obligations at the moment but I was intending to visit Shen Qingqiu.”

“There was an issue with the supply delivery.” Liu Qingge says, casting a brief glance at Luo Bingge and noting how the young alpha is simply watching him in silence. “And I came to request a few spare disciples to help carry them up the mountain.”

“If you need the extra hands, that’s fine.” Yue Qingyuan motions toward a nearby group of disciples, who were lingering idly by a stream and chatting among themselves. “Some of the older boys should be available to help.”

“Thank you.” Liu Qingge gives Yue Qingyuan a respectful nod, then casts a glance at the young man standing beside him. Luo Binghe is unusually quiet, simply staring at him without the usual smugness or baiting remarks. Strange. Maybe something serious happened with Shen Qingqiu, serious enough to bring the sect leader down himself. “May I ask if everything’s alright with Shen-shidi?”

“Shizun is fine.” Luo Bingge says dismissively, crossing his arms and turning his head to look at Yue Qingyuan. “He wants to see Yue Qingyuan but he’s too tired to come over in person.” Liu Qingge listens carefully, eyes flicking between them. There’s nothing outright wrong but a gnawing feeling settles in his gut and his instincts are rarely wrong, and right now, they’re telling him something isn’t as it seems. “If there’s nothing else, I’d prefer not to keep Shizun waiting any longer.”

Liu Qingge nods and steps aside, allowing them to pass as his eyes linger just a moment longer than necessary. There’s something off about Luo Binghe today, he doesn’t seem as impulsive as usual but it’s hard to tell if that’s a good thing or something to worry about. Maybe the reality of fatherhood has finally set in and he’s making an effort to pull his act together.

Once the supply delivery is handled, he’ll stop by Shen Qingqiu’s home and ask him about it later.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Yue Qingyuan steps through the portal, Luo Bingge just behind him and slowly takes in the unfamiliar surroundings. This wasn’t Shen Qingqiu’s residence, at least, not the one he knew and with confusion in his eyes, he turns to the younger man, asking for an explanation.

“I had matters to attend to at my palace in the demon realm earlier.” Luo Bingge says as he walks past him, the portal closing behind them with a soft hum and gestures for Yue Qingyuan to come with him. The older man is a bit apprehensive since he’s never been in the demon realm before and the palace is bound to be crawling with demons. “My men won’t bother you if I’m with you.”

“…I know this is your territory and Shen Qingqiu is your mate but…” Yue Qingyuan’s voice fades mid-sentence and the younger alpha slows to a stop before turning back to him with a curious tilt of his head and a raised brow. “But I’m not sure it’s wise to leave him and your child with demons, especially when some may be waiting for the right moment to challenge your position.”

“I’ll keep that in consideration.” Luo Bingge offers a smile, waiting for him to follow before turning and leading the way into the hallway. There, Yue Qingyuan is met with the sight of countless demon guards stationed along the corridor, whispering among themselves at the sight of him. “Though, it’s not really a concern. They know better than to touch what’s mine.”

Yue Qingyuan glances at him, the possessiveness in Luo Bingge’s voice catching his attention, just a something hidden beneath the words triggers a quiet warning in the back of his mind.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Shizun is my mate, of course.” Yue Qingyuan’s attention lingers on him for a moment; That phrasing, so possessive, it doesn’t sit right with him since Luo Binghe has never spoken about Shen Qingqiu like that before.

Yue Qingyuan comes to a halt, causing the younger man to stop as well as Luo Bingge turns to face him with that same unsettling smile still playing on his lips.

The sect leader tells himself this is Luo Binghe, the spiritual energy is right, the scent unchanged and every small gesture resembles the man he knows. By all accounts, this is Luo Binghe and Yue Qingyuan’s senses confirm it without question but a restless feeling churns deep inside him, instinct pushing back against what his eyes see. This is Luo Binghe…and somehow, it’s not.

“…Binghe…” He’d been so focused on seeing Shen Qingqiu that the subtle signs slipped past him by unnoticed. “Did something happen to you?”

“Hm?” Luo Binghe arches an eyebrow in mild confusion, otherwise his features remain unfazed, giving nothing away. “What do you mean, Zhangmen-shibo?”

“Are you under the effects of something? Did you injure your head or-“ His questions draw a laugh from the demon lord, only deepening the knot of unease tightening in his chest. “Where’s Shen Qingqiu?”

“I’m taking you to him.” Luo Bingge says it as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world, unable to grasp why it wouldn’t be clear. He steps forward, causing the older man to instinctively take a step back, his gaze wary and cautious. “Why are you suddenly looking at me like I’m the enemy? That’s hurtful.” By now, Yue Qingyuan senses the guards’ gaze lingering on him and slowly slides his hand toward his sword, only to find it missing. “I was curious how long it would take you to notice. You left it at the training grounds, remember?”

That smile is the final nail in the coffin; Yue Qingyuan takes a cautious step back, his eyes flicking to a nearby guard who’s begun edging closer.

“Tell me what’s going on here.” He demands, making it clear he has no intention of playing along with this charade any longer. “Are you the real Luo Binghe?”

“I am.” Luo Bingge replies, thoroughly amused and takes a step closer with his hands clasped behind his back, completely unbothered as if the truth poses no threat to him at all. “Just not the one you know.”

Something suddenly blurs past Yue Qingyuan’s line of sight, drawing his attention in that direction but before he can focus, a flicker of simmering gold flashes by on the opposite side, moving too quickly for him to follow. The movement curves sharply around him, slicing through the air with such speed and precision that he’s forced to leap back. Yet, before he can fully process what’s happening or mount any kind of defense, he feels something snap tight around his neck. His heart skips as his hands shoot up, fumbling to grasp the sudden restraint. The band clamps down against his skin as dread surges through him and realizes, he’s ensnared by a collar.

“Luo Binghe!”

“Don’t like it? I refashioned it myself.“ Luo Bingge boasts as he struggles to wrench the collar off and senses others approaching and lets out a low, warning growl. “It’s made from the same material as the Immortal Binding Cord so trying to rip it off is pointless.” Yue Qingyuan looks up at him, eyes wide, struggling to make sense of what’s happening. This is Luo Binghe but not the one he knows. They had stepped through a portal to get here but now he isn’t sure where here even is. Is this truly the Demon Realm? Or somewhere else entirely? Are they even in the same realm anymore? “Why are you panicking? If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t have gone to such lengths just to bring you here in one piece.”

“Why are you doing this?!”

“Because my Shizun wants to see you.” If this is an entirely different realm then why go through the effort of crossing into their world for him? Why not simply bring this realm’s version of Yue Qingyuan unless…he’s dead? There’s no warning. Just a rush of movement and the sudden grip of hands dragging him back before he even registers the threat, forcing him on his knees. Luo Binghe walks toward him as he pulling out a dagger and runs the blade across his own hand. “I was hoping to put this off a bit longer but I should’ve known you’d catch on fast.”

Luo Binghe grabs a fistful of his hair and jerks his head back, forcing the sect leader to look up at him. Before he can react, the demon lord presses his bloodied palm firmly against his mouth and panic flares in Yue Qingyuan’s eyes.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Shen Jiu stirs, brow twitching faintly as the mattress dips beneath a new weight, someone settling at the head of the bed. He doesn’t open his eyes at first, his body slow to react, dulled by exhaustion and nausea but the feeling of fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from his face draws a subtle frown.

He remains still, unsure if it’s dream or memory, until a faint scent reaches his nose and his breath hitches. He stays still, heart beginning to pick up pace as something tugs at the edge of his senses. And then it hits him, the scent. Familiar. Intimate. Unwelcome.

He knows who it is. And suddenly, he regrets not waking up sooner. Shen Jiu jerks upright in bed, pulling away from the outstretched hand and snarls at the alpha sitting beside him. Luo Bingge lets out a low chuckle at the sharp reaction, unfazed as he withdraws his hand and reaches into his robe. He retrieves something small and tosses it onto Shen Jiu’s lap without a word, drawing the omega’s attention to it; A hair accessory?

“What is this?” Shen Jiu sneers as he picks it up, inspecting it before leveling unimpressed look at Luo Bingge. “Oh? Is this your new tactic now, bribery?”

“It’s a part of a gift. Go on, look again. I’m sure it’ll look familiar.” Shen Jiu gives him a doubtful look before glancing back at the hairpiece and turns it over in his hand slowly. Now that he’s looking more closely, something about it does seem familiar, the shape and the feel of it in his palm. He frowns, unsure why it bothers him so much.

Shen Jiu turns the hairpiece over one last time and then it clicks, recognition hits him like a punch to the chest. He sucks in a sharp breath, fingers tightening around the delicate piece as an anger begins to rise behind his eyes. His jaw tightens and a flicker of something dark passing over his face. When he finally lifts his eyes to the man beside him, the look he gives is calm, too calm.

“Oh? One of your trophies for this morning’s outburst? How thoughtful.” He says through clenched teeth, bitterness in every word as his hands shake around the hairpiece and clutches it tightly to his chest like he’s afraid the alpha might snatch it back, that this cruel token could be stolen from him too. “Whatever reaction you were hoping for…I don’t have the energy for it.”

“It’s not a trophy.” Luo Bingge reaches for him without thinking, only for the omega to flinch beneath his touch. “I already told you it was apart of a gift.”

“And what would that be?” Shen Jiu snaps, shooting him a look so scathing it’s clear he’s one word away from smacking the arrogance off his face. “Yue Qingyuan’s memorial plaque too?”

“Yue Qingyuan.” It takes the omega a second to understand what he’s saying and at first, a flicker of confusion crosses his face, followed by the faintest trace of something that might’ve been hope then quickly buried beneath a guarded, distant stare.

“You’re lying.” Shen Jiu turns his head away, refusing to believe it, afraid to latch onto hope because it would hurt too much and feel too much like losing him all over again.

“I went to that other world again.” Luo Bingge scoots closer to Shen Jiu, drawing a scowl in response for invading his space. “And I already told you about all the ways this world is different from ours…”

Shen Jiu stares at him hard and before the words are even said, he’s already putting the pieces together; His lips part slightly, stunned and his eyes clouded over with disbelief. Yue Qingyuan still exists in that other world and Luo Binghe must’ve crossed realms to bring him here. He wants to hate him for it, to scream at the brat until his voice breaks but the selfish ache in his chest won’t let him.

His Yue Qingyuan is gone, lost somewhere beyond his reach and despite knowing this, a deep part of him still longs to see this other version even if he comes from a different realm. One more glimpse, just one and he knows it’ll shatter whatever pieces of himself he’s barely holding together but even knowing that, he still wants it. Wants him.

“…He’s here?” His voice is barely a whisper, fragile like the frightened child he used to be, isolated and trembling, waiting for this to be just another cruel trick meant to break him. “Yue Qingyuan is actually here? He’s alive?”

“Yes.” Luo Bingge takes advantage of the omega’s stunned state, leaning in slowly and lifting a hand to brush his thumb along Shen Jiu’s cheek. “He’s yours, Shizun if you stop resisting me.” Shen Jiu’s breath catches in the back of his throat as glowing red eyes pin him in place and that cruel smile widens because the alpha knows he has an advantage over him. “Perhaps Shizun might consider showing a bit of appreciation for all the effort this venerable one has put in for him?”

Luo Bingge leans in, closing the distance slowly and when his lips brush against Shen Jiu’s, the omega stays perfectly still, unresponsive but not resisting. The alpha nips at his lower lip then pulls him closer by the nape of his neck, catching the soft breath Shen Jiu exhales through his nose.

At the moment Shen Jiu is about to push him away, Luo Bingge withdraws just enough, flicking his tongue over the fading taste left on his lips. Shen Jiu jerks his head to the side, his expression twisting in disgust and simmering anger but he swallows it down. If he resists, it might put this Yue Qingyuan’s life in danger.

“Where is he?”

“Don’t worry about that for now.” Luo Bingge gets up from the bed, pretty pleased with himself with the outcome. “He’s in his own room and unharmed, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

“Can I see him?” Shen Jiu asks as he throws off the blankets and attempts to get out of bed, even as his unsteady limbs threaten to give out beneath him.

“Patience, Shizun; He’s not going anywhere.” Luo Bingge reaches out to steady him once he’s on his feet, pretending not to notice the way the omega leans away from his touch. “You owe me at least a few minutes, don’t you think?”

“Binghe…” Shen Jiu doesn’t know how to make him understand that affection can’t be forced, not when it was never there to begin with. Not after everything that’s happened. Not after everything he’s put him through.

“Did you enjoy your time with Yingying?” With a slight smile, Luo Bingge places a hand on Shen Jiu’s lower back and guides him toward the table. With him seated, Luo Bingge carefully fills a cup with tea and moves it toward him, the gesture oddly gentle for someone with so much power in his hands. “She told me you had a little to eat earlier, I’m glad.”

“Only because I didn’t feel like listening to her sniffle and fuss the whole time.” Shen Jiu responds indifferently, taking a quiet sip from his cup while Luo Bingge sits down beside him, elbow on the table and his chin resting in the palm of his hand. “She wouldn’t stop hovering otherwise.”

“So all it takes is me breathing down your neck to get you to eat?” Luo Bingge’s tone is light, almost teasing but it dies quickly under the weight of Shen Jiu’s glare, an unspoken warning that makes him think better of pushing his luck. “Getting back to a healthy weight starts with eating, you know.”

“I didn’t get this way on my own so spare me the concern.”

“Shizun is being so mean.” Luo Bingge moves closer, wearing a pout that feels more like a performance than genuine feeling. He’s trying to earn some sympathy, emphasizing all he’s done for Shen Jiu recently while deliberately downplaying the weight of his past wrongs. “I’m doing everything I can to make things right for him yet he still won’t even glance in my direction.”

“You killed Yue Qingyuan.”

“I brought you another one.”

“You tore off my limbs!”

“And I healed them.”

“And what about my eye?!” Shen Jiu gestures towards the bandages wrapped around half of his face. “You still haven’t healed it.”

“I meant to but your recovery has to come before anything else.” Luo Bingge replies calmly, easing back to give the furious omega some space, not so much out of respect but to keep the fragile peace between them from breaking entirely. “Your health should be the top priority.”

“You only want me healthy so you can keep playing out whatever twisted fantasy you’ve built in your head.” Shen Jiu crosses his arms tightly, holding them close to keep himself from knocking the tea set off the table and avoids looking at Luo Bingge. “Without even considering that I might be monogamous.”

Luo Bingge lets out a scoff but when he sees Shen Jiu’s earnest expression, the amusement fades from his eyes, replaced by a cold, serious gaze.

“I have no intention of leaving my wives.”

“Then why aren’t they enough for you? Why do you want me?” Shen Jiu asks quietly, trying to make him see reason, that they just don’t fit, no matter how much he wants them to. “Do you even like me or just the idea of the relationship our alternate selves had?”

“All I ever wanted was your approval but instead, you despised me.” Luo Bingge’s features twitch briefly before he looks down at the table, the weight of the question lingering in his mind. “And even when I’m trying to make things right, you still lash out at me with your claws.”

“Isn’t there a way to make things right without forcing me into something I don’t want?” The alpha’s expression darkens, disappointment flashing through his eyes before he abruptly gets to his feet.

Luo Bingge’s scent changes subtly, a darker and angrier note weaving through it that sets Shen Jiu on edge. His movements are stiff as he storms to the other side of the room like if he doesn’t put distance between them, he might say or do something he’ll regret.

The alpha breathes sharply through his nose and mumbling under his breath, struggling to calm himself while the omega remains frozen at the table, afraid that one wrong word and he’ll have his limbs ripped off again.

Then Shen Jiu catches the scent first and Luo Bingge must have sensed it after because his shoulders suddenly tighten; It’s subtle but there’s no mistaking it, it’s the scent of a fearful omega. Luo Bingge turns his head to meets his eyes but Shen Jiu quickly looks away, biting his tongue to hold back the whimper rising in his throat.

“…Shizun…”

“Don’t.” Shen Jiu pulls the front of his robes tighter around himself, trying to hide the subtle traces of his scent and when he turns to glare at him, he nearly jumps out of his seat. Luo Bingge’s face is suddenly just inches away, close enough that Shen Jiu can feel the warmth of his breath.

“I can smell you, Shizun.” The alpha’s eyes shine with an eagerness that borders on manic, his smile stretched a little too wide like he’s barely holding his excitement back. “Your scent is returning-“ The omega quickly shakes his head and scrambles back, hands fumbling behind him as he pushes himself away. “Why are you backing away? You don’t think I’d just take you by force, do you?” His eyes stay focused on Luo Bingge, wary and tense like he’s expecting the alpha to lunge at him at any second. “The claiming bite won’t take if you don’t want it so that would be pointless.”

“I-I don’t want it!” Shen Jiu’s voice trembles with panic as he tries to keep it under control, eyes wide while the alpha circles the table and crouches down in front of him.

“It’s Yue Qingyuan you want instead, isn’t it?” Luo Bingge watches his face, his expression unreadable while the omega visibly shakes, the biting scent of bitterness thickens the space between them. “Want me to go fetch him so he can knot you?” Shen Jiu is too stunned to speak as the fear inside him gradually hardens into simmering anger. “Would that make you happy-“

Without a word, Shen Jiu’s hand lashes out suddenly, the sound of the slap ringing through the room. The impact silences Luo Bingge instantly, his smug expression wiped away as deep scratches from the omega’s nails trail across his cheek. The alpha’s head had been snapped to the side by the slap but his eyes gradually shift back to Shen Jiu. A slow, unsettling smile spreads across his face as the scratches on his cheek begin to fade and heal before his eyes.

“Just as fiery as I remember.” Luo Bingge lets out a low chuckle, eyes gleaming with unsettling calm and reaches up to touch the fading scratches, fingers brushing over the healing skin. “That just makes this venerable one even more eager to tame you.” A low growl escapes Shen Jiu as Luo Bingge stands and moves back to the table, carefully setting the tea cup upright. Taking advantage of the distraction, Shen Jiu scrambles toward the bed and slides his hand beneath the mattress and pulls out something he’s hidden there, all while keeping a wary eye on the alpha’s retreating form. “If you truly believe that little knife you swiped from Yingying’s basket can hurt me…by all means, entertain me.”

The alpha throws him a smug glance over his shoulder, only for that smugness to vanish the moment he realizes the knife isn’t aimed at him but held against the omega’s own throat.

“I’d rather die than serve you.” Shen Jiu says through clenched teeth as he presses the blade more firmly against his throat and dares the alpha to test him.

“Shizun-“

“I’m not your Shizun!” Shen Jiu growls, his eyes tracking the alpha’s every movement as he turns to face him again.

Luo Bingge’s expression shifts, growing serious and solemn, his eyes narrow with an eerie calmness, a quiet menace simmering just beneath the surface. Suddenly, Shen Jiu feels a strange, heavy numbness settle over his limbs, his body refusing to obey his desperate will to move. Panic flares in his chest as he struggles against the unseen force but no matter how hard he tries, his body remains rigid and unresponsive.

He suddenly remembers the blood Luo Bingge had forced him to drink.

“Your life, your pain and even your end, it’s all mine. So don’t ever think you get to leave without my permission.” A whimper escapes the omega’s throat before he can stop it and barely holds himself together as the alpha approaches, each step heavy with increasing menace. “And if you try again…I’ll make sure your next breath comes with my name burned into it.” Luo Bingge kneels in front of him, prying the knife from his trembling fingers, turning it to ash in his hand and leans in close, brushing his thumb near the cut on Shen Jiu’s neck like he wants to be seen as kind rather than cruel. Shen Jiu curses him, flinching under the demon’s touch as the thumb slowly wipes the blood from his neck and the wound begins to heal. “You’re scared because you think I’ll hurt you again but look how gentle and patient I’ve been…Doesn’t that prove I’m trying?”

“Spare me the act. This isn’t about me, it’s about what I am.” Shen Jiu tries to shove him away but with how weak he is, the younger man might as well be a wall. “If I didn’t have the status you wanted, I’d still be in chains!”

“Believe what you want but I made up my mind before I ever knew. You were coming with me, regardless.“

“Liar!”

“I’m not lying!” The mask finally cracks. Luo Bingge bares his teeth, fury blazing in his glowing eyes as he grabs a fistful of Shen Jiu’s robes but then he sees the fear on the omega’s face. The heat drains from his face as the moment catches up with him and he pulls back abruptly, horrified by his own reaction. “…I’m really not lying; I just wanted…”

The alpha doesn’t speak and just stands there for a moment, watching him for a moment like he’s thinking then turns away and begins moving through the home. He doesn’t tear the place apart, he doesn’t have to. Cabinets are opened and shut, drawers pulled halfway then pushed back in. Rugs are lifted, corners checked. He moves like he’s cataloging, even the floorboards get a second glance. Nothing escapes his notice.

Even with his back turned, the weight of his attention never leaves Shen Jiu. Every time the omega shifts or breathes too loud, the alpha’s head turns towards him just slightly, enough to remind him he’s still being watched and quiet in a way that makes it clear; If there’s anything else, he will find it. When he finds nothing else, he returns to Shen Jiu and without giving him the chance to argue, he lifts him off the floor.

The alpha carries him like there’s no alternative and settles him onto the bed, his hands linger at Shen Jiu’s waist, reluctant to let go so he doesn’t. Luo Bingge slips into the bed without a word, the mattress dipping under his weight as Shen Jiu stiffens immediately but before he can pull away, strong arms wrap around him from behind; Secure, possessive, inescapable.

He exhales sharply through his nose, clearly displeased but he doesn’t fight it. Maybe because he knows it’s useless and maybe because he’s too tired to bother.

Luo Bingge says nothing. Neither does he.

Shen Jiu lays rigid in the his hold, his eyes focusing on the sheets where the fabric bunches beneath his clenched hands. He focuses on the rise and fall of his own breathing, trying to ignore the scent coming off the other man and the heartbeat behind him as the exhaustion creeps in. His glare dulls, eyelids drooping no matter how hard he tries to keep them open. Something slipped into his hands by the younger man behind him and Shen Jiu blinks, the fog of exhaustion still clinging to him but looks down.

Resting in his palm is a familiar piece of jade and silver, delicate despite its age.

Yue Qingyuan’s hair piece.

His breath catches before he can stop it and stares down at the piece in his hand but the tension in his shoulders eases, just slightly. He closes his fingers around it protectively, just enough to feel that it’s real.

Eventually his grip loosens and his breathing evens out. He blinks. Once. Twice. And then despite everything, his eyes close though he knows the alpha is still awake. Watching him.

Shen Jiu falls asleep.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Shen Jiu wakes slowly, the haze of sleep still pulling at his mind and his body aches in dull places but the warmth around him is enough to coax him into unconsciousness again. He doesn’t want to wake up. Not yet.

Then he notices it and for a second, he forgets to breathe. It wraps around him like a half-remembered dream, threading through the blankets and his hair. The faint, clean trace of sandalwood and early spring, like sun-warmed robes and distant temples. It settles around him like a memory he’d long buried, something too kind, too impossible.

And just as his mind begins to drift toward it, drawn in and comforted when he hears it. Whispers. Sharp, hushed and fast, too sharp to be accidental, too quiet to be meant for him. His eye open, lashes fluttering against the dim light and doesn’t move, not yet. Just listens.

It doesn’t really sound like an argument but it’s not calm either. He turns his head towards the source without meaning to, the scent still clinging to him as the voices slip through the room like cracks in a sealed door and his eyes drawn to the narrow gap in the side door, left slightly ajar.

A sliver of light spills through, illuminating only a half of the figure within but it’s enough. That posture. That profile, that familiar way of standing, too careful, too tense.

He knows it.

He knows him.

For a moment, his mind refuses to accept it and his heart lurches in disbelief. The scent hadn’t lied, a face he’d only recently seen in memories, in dreams twisted by regret and never thought he’d see it again.

Yue Qingyuan. His Shixiong is here and still fighting for him, even now.

The name doesn’t make it past his lips and instead, he bites his tongue, hard, swallowing the whine building in his throat. He wants to get up, to cross the room and see him fully. His shixiong is just beyond that door; Alive. Speaking. Breathing the same air.

His legs twitch beneath the blanket, his fingers already tightening in the sheets as if preparing to push himself up until he hears it. Another voice, low and defensive, not Yue Qingyuan’s but Luo Bingge’s. The warmth from moments ago vanishes because suddenly, getting out of bed doesn’t feel like reaching out to something familiar.

Shen Jiu lies strains his ears toward the crack in the side door, the voices bleed through more clearly now, a bit muffled but more understandable. He catches the familiar tone of his Shixiong’s voice first; Calm but tense in a way that carries weight. Barely angry, not shouting but lecturing.

He listens harder. Then comes the other voice, Luo Bingge.

Low, defensive and barely restrained, his replies are shorter, more tense and filled with frustration but not denial. He doesn’t shout or doesn’t storm off, the younger alpha just deflects.

“This isn’t the kind of love he needs. You’ve made him afraid.” The other voice replies in a growl, too low for him to catch everything but he knows it too well. Shen Jiu waits, tense and unsure if he should be angry or…something else but he shoves it down. “You’re treating him like something you’ve won, not someone who still bleeds.”

There’s a pause then Bingge’s voice, low and tight, nearly bitten off; “He’s safe.”

“That’s not the same thing.” Yue Qingyuan snaps, the kind of quiet anger he’s rarely directed at anyone.

The voices in the next room continue, low and tense but Shen Jiu hears none of it anymore. He moves quietly as the bed shifts slightly and he eases out from beneath the covers, careful not to make a sound. One hand remains curled tightly around the hair piece, its familiar weight grounding him, anchoring him to something he doesn’t understand.

His feet touch the floor; Cold and real but his steps feel distant as though he’s not fully inside his own body. As though part of him hasn’t caught up yet and his eyes focus on the sliver of light spilling from the cracked door, on the silhouette standing just beyond it.

Alpha.

He walks toward the door like a thread is pulling him there, like gravity has shifted and nothing else exists but that familiar figure; The tilt of his shoulders, the line of his jaw. Older now, broader but undeniably him.

His hand tightens slightly around the ornament and doesn’t think, doesn’t question.

Yue Qingyuan’s words falter mid-sentence and his eyes shift toward the door, drawn by the smallest scent and his breath catches when he sees him standing there in a daze. Shen Jiu looks pale, fragile and in his hand is the familiar jade and silver hair ornament.

“Xiao-Jiu…” Yue Qingyuan breathes, voice barely above a whisper and for a moment, all tension in the room vanishes, swallowed by stunned silence.

Shen Jiu doesn’t respond and just stares, like he’s afraid any sound will wake him from this impossible dream. Then Luo Bingge shifts sharply, posture snapping upright and inhales as he turns his head, eyes narrowing.

“Shizun?” The younger alpha asks but Shen Jiu doesn’t acknowledge him as Yue Qingyuan takes a step towards the trembling omega.

The way Shen Jiu’s breath has changed, slightly quicker and the way his posture shifts, not tense, not fearful but receptive. And worst of all…the scent in the room. A faint sweetness in the air, delicate and involuntary, omega instincts stirred by familiarity but not his familiarity.

Luo Bingge’s expression hardens, his jaw tightens, muscles straining as he breathes in again just to be sure. There it is, buried beneath Shen Jiu’s natural scent, the beginning of a response. To Yue Qingyuan.

Something sharp coils in his chest, cold and furious and bitter all at once. His Shizun is reacting, instinctively, subconsciously to him; The man he’s looked up to, clung to, mourned.

“Go lie down.” Yue Qingyuan murmurs, soft but firm, watching as the omega keeps stepping closer like he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it all while Luo Bingge watches it play out in front of him. Shen Jiu doesn’t answer, almost drifting and each step carrying him forward like he’s not entirely aware of them, guided more by instinct than intent. His eyes are still focused on Yue Qingyuan like he’s caught in a dream he hasn’t fully woken from. “Xiao-Jiu…”

Yue Qingyuan’s hands slightly rise in caution but Shen Jiu just keeps walking toward him, one measured step after another like something inside him is being pulled forward whether he wants it or not. Yue Qingyuan steps back reflexively, trying not to startle him until the backs of his legs bump into the edge of a low table. And before he can gather the words to deescalate or redirect, Shen Jiu is there, close enough that their breath mingles in the space between them. The omega stands in front of him, silent, expression unreadable, eyes still wide and slightly unfocused. The younger alpha can feel the burn of it under his skin as the possessiveness rolls off him like heat.

“…Alpha…”

Then the haze shatters by a low growl and Shen Jiu flinches like it was thunder.

“Back away.” Luo Bingge says tightly, his voice like steam under pressure and Yue Qingyuan doesn’t move, doesn’t even look at him but Shen Jiu turns, slow and blinking as if only just now remembering where he is, who he’s with. That’s what makes Luo Bingge’s jaw tighten. Not the closeness, not the silence but the fact that his Shizun forgot him, even for a moment. “That’s far enough.” Luo Bingge says again, stepping forward now, every line of his body taut with restraint. “You’re not supposed to be up.”

The air is heavy with scent, alpha pheromones suddenly sharp and dominant, filling the room like a silent warning as Shen Jiu clenches tighter around the hair piece still in his hands.

Shen Jiu turns to the sound of Bingge’s voice, the jealousy in it slicing through the fog in his mind and his eyes meets the alpha’s, the look on his face is thunderous like a predator waiting for an excuse. Shen Jiu’s breath catches, heart thudding with something more complicated than fear then looks back to Yue Qingyuan and sees how close they are. How cornered his Shixiong is against the table, how closely Luo Bingge is one wrong movement away from lashing out and Shen Jiu’s stomach twists.

He hadn’t meant to, hadn’t even realized what he was doing. The haze, the scent, the warmth and he’d followed it blindly; And now…now he’s placed his Shixiong in danger. Without a word, he steps back, not out of guilt or shame but to put distance between the one man in this room who won’t defend himself and the one who doesn’t need a reason to strike if pushed too far.

The omega’s eyes drift towards the door then his gaze shifts to the other alpha in the room, Yue Qingyuan is still standing there. Still calm and unaware, perhaps, of just how tightly wound Luo Bingge is behind that quiet voice. If he leaves now, Yue Qingyuan will stay, alone and unprotected. The thought settles uneasily in his chest. He can’t leave if it means putting Yue Qingyuan at Luo Bingge’s mercy. Not again.

“I…” Shen Jiu tries to make an excuse for his behavior, to shape it into something harmless that won’t make things worse but there’s no other way to explain it. What happened, happened and they all saw it. His omega instincts finally stirred, pulling him towards the one alpha who’s ever made him feel safe and it wasn’t Luo Bingge. “…This master was hungry.”

At first, Luo Bingge doesn’t respond, just watches him but something in the alpha’s expression loosens then, slowly, he exhales…and smiles.

“If Shizun is hungry then it’s only right that I be the one to provide for him.” Luo Bingge moves toward him and Shen Jiu doesn’t step back, doesn’t flinch but his body goes too still, too rigid. He keeps his chin lifted, refusing to show weakness but his scent betrays him, thin, uneasy and bleeding into the space between them before he can reel it in. “I’m sorry for letting my temper get the better of me. I never meant to frighten you, especially not after I promised you could have him…”

Yue Qingyuan remains rigid against the table, still trying to process the words he’d been told earlier, that he was a gift and given to the omega as a peace offering. The idea alone is enough to make his head spin and he’s still reeling from how utterly different this world is from the one he came from. It’s obvious that this Shen Qingqiu wants nothing to do with Luo Binghe but the younger alpha remains insistent, pushing to bond with him regardless of the omega’s resistance.

It makes his blood boil with frustration, his protective instincts urging him to gather the man into his arms and escape with him but with no idea how to get home, they’re stuck here.

“…I could stay with him while you bring him something to eat.” Yue Qingyuan suggests, just wanting a moment alone with Shen Jiu to speak with him, to fill in the gaps of everything he still doesn’t understand but the request draws an immediate, possessive glare from the younger alpha like a burning assumption that Yue Qingyuan intends to take what he sees as his in his absence. “I just want to stay with him to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself again.”

Luo Bingge hesitates, eyes narrowing as he weighs the request and looks conflicted, his eyes flicking between them.

“Fine but don’t get any ideas.” Luo Bingge snaps his fingers and something shimmers faintly in the air around Shen Jiu as the light solidifies into iron, forming a thick collar that locks snugly around the base of his neck, covering his scent gland completely. “You both may be potential concubines but I won’t hesitate to remind you who he really belongs to.”

Shen Jiu lifts a hand to the collar, fingers brushing the cold iron as his jaw tightens. Across from him, Luo Bingge watches in silence, eyes lingering with dark satisfaction like he enjoys the way it looks on him. Then, without a word, he turns and walks away.

The moment they’re alone, Yue Qingyuan crosses the room in a rush, taking Shen Jiu’s face in his hands to look him over as his expression twists at the sight of the bandages, eyes full of worry and guilt. Without a word, he pulls him into a tight embrace that’s warm and so grounding that the omega leans into it without hesitation.

“Xiao-Jiu…” Yue Qingyuan holds him close, pressing Shen Jiu to his chest as he lowers his head, nuzzling into his hair. He feels the omega’s fingers clutch at the front of his robes, his grip tight and desperate just before the first sob breaks free, raw and trembling. Shen Jiu leans against Yue Qingyuan as the last threads of his composure snaps and buries his face in the warmth of his chest, his breath catching in shallow gasps as he tries to keep quiet but though he tries to hold it in, a quiet sob slips out then another. “I’m here, it’s alright.”

“I don’t want to be here.” Shen Jiu says under his breath, just loud enough for the other man to hear.
“I’d rather rot away in that cell.”

Yue Qingyuan stiffens at the mention of a cell; Surely he’s misheard. The Luo Bingge he knows, while dangerous, yes, is utterly devoted to Shen Qingqiu and would carve the world in half before locking his mate away. Yue Qingyuan’s hand rubs his back slowly and can feel it in the way Shen Jiu shakes against him that whatever this world has done to him, it’s left deep wounds.

“I’ll…figure something out.” Yue Qingyuan reassures him, though the words catch in his throat. If he finds a way to escape, he knows he won’t…no, he can’t leave Shen Jiu behind. Not like before when he walked away and never came back; He won’t make that mistake again. “Come, let’s have some tea. It’ll help settle your nerves.”

Yue Qingyuan walks him into the main room and helps him sit down before quietly pouring a cup of tea, pushing towards him to encourage him to drink it. Shen Jiu offers a soft word of thanks, raising the cup to his lips despite the slight tremble in his hands while Yue Qingyuan sits across from him, mindful to keep some space after the earlier incident. He can’t risk the omega reaching for him at the wrong moment, not with the threat of Luo Bingge walking in and seeing it. His temper could flare again and has no doubt how dangerous that could be.

They sit in silence, only broken by the faint sound of Shen Jiu sipping his tea while the omega’s eyes occasionally drifts to Yue Qingyuan, calm and at ease as if the alpha being close by is enough for him.

“…You’re from the realm where Binghe and I-the other version of me are bonded?” Shen Jiu asks, setting his cup down to give him his full attention. Yue Qingyuan presses his lips together, unsure how Shen Jiu found out but guessing that Luo Bingge must have told him. “Is your Luo Binghe similar to the one in this realm?”

“No, he would never hurt his mate intentionally.” Yue Qingyuan tells him, taking a sip of his own tea as he taking in the disheveled state the omega is in. He doesn’t comment but the concern in his eyes is hard to miss. “He gets jealous sometimes but he’s more prone to sulking than getting aggressive towards him.”

“Mm.” Shen Jiu arches a brow then lowers his attention to his cup, clearly unconvinced. Yue Qingyuan doesn’t blame him, after everything he’s seen of the Luo Binghe in this realm, skepticism is more than fair. “And the Shen Qingqiu from your realm…he loves him?”

“More than words can say. You rarely see one without the other.” Yue Qingyuan lets a small smile tug at his lips but when he glances up, it fades slightly at the sight of discomfort flickering across the omega’s face. “Being versions of the same person doesn’t mean you’re identical in every way.”

“I assumed; Luo Binghe described his other self as a poor copy, failing to capture the interest of any woman.”

“Our Binghe has no interest in women; Shen Qingqiu is his one and only mate.” Yue Qingyuan informs him, watching as the look of surprise crosses the other man’s face. “That’s what I’m getting at, you might look alike but you’re not the same person.”

“I see.” Shen Jiu traces the rim of his cup with a finger, clearly eager to hear more about this other world. “Is it true that your Shen Qingqiu is pregnant?”

“Yes, with a son.” Yue Qingyuan perks up at the topic, clearly happy for them both. “We’re all excited to meet him in the fall.”

“But…he’ll be part demon.” Shen Jiu points out, confused why anyone would be excited to meet the child of a demon. “That doesn’t bother you?”

“Not at all.” Yue Qingyuan shakes his head and leans forward, reaching across the table to rest his hand over Shen Jiu’s. “I understand your distrust for demons but it’s not like this in our realm.”

“Humans and demons coexist?” Shen Jiu asks with clear skepticism, having never met a demon that didn’t hate humans. In this realm, demons only tolerate Luo Bingge’s wives because they know better than to cross him.

“Not all of them but a few. I know Mobei-Jun and Shang Qinghua have even been thinking about having a child of their own-“ Yue Qingyuan is mid-sentence when a sudden burst of laughter interrupts him.

Both he and Shen Jiu jump in their seats, startled, their heads turn towards the front door. Luo Bingge stands just inside the doorway, a subtle smile on his face and a tray in hand, giving the distinct impression he’s heard more than enough.

“Mobei-Jun? With that loser? Ha.” Luo Bingge chuckles, stepping forward to place the tray beside Shen Jiu before casting a quick glance at the older alpha. “I had my subordinate kill that traitor ages ago.”

“…” Yue Qingyuan grits his teeth at the harshness of the comment, unable to believe the cold demon he knows would ever, especially given how much he cares for the omega.

“That realm’s Mobei-Jun doesn’t answer to you.” Shen Jiu says sternly, his hands curling into fists and his jaw tightening as the young alpha takes a seat beside him. “So don’t speak like he does.”

“Since when do you defend demons, Shizun? Mobei-Jun’s going to be so flattered.” Luo Bingge jokes with him, causing the omega to curl his lip in disdain before turning his head away. “Don’t hide, I’m just teasing.” Luo Bingge reaches out, gripping the omega’s jaw to turn his head back, a smile tugging at his lips. The snarl he receives only seems to amuse him more, unfazed and entertained by the reaction. Though the sharp scent of a protective alpha makes Luo Bingge wrinkle his nose and casts an indifferent glance towards Yue Qingyuan. “Remember your place, old mutt.”

“Watch your mouth.” Shen Jiu hisses, wanting to bite him again but the grip on his chin prevents him. Instead, he grabs Luo Bingge’s wrist in a tight hold, enough to hurt a human but it barely affects the demon.

“Don’t forget he’s only here because I allow it and I can make him disappear just as easily.” Luo Bingge says it with a playful tone but Shen Jiu doesn’t miss the threat beneath the words and bites back a whine. Then the demon released him and turns to place the food in front of him with unsettling calm. “I made some dumplings, boiled so they’ll be easier on your stomach.”

Shen Jiu’s stomach churns at the thought of eating anything Luo Bingge prepared but he had claimed to be hungry just to deflect the alpha’s anger from Yue Qingyuan. So, he picks up the chopsticks, intent on forcing the food down but his hands are trembling too badly and the dumpling slips from his grip, falling back onto the plate.

Luo Bingge takes the chopsticks from Shen Jiu’s unsteady hands and picks up the fallen dumpling, clearly intending to feed him, only deepening Shen Jiu’s humiliation. But when Shen Jiu glances up, he sees the faint red glow in Luo Bingge’s pupils, daunting and unblinking. There’s a warning beneath the surface, a quiet insistence that tells him not to refuse. Reluctantly, he leans forward, swallowing his pride along with the bite.

The menace smiles and props his head up with his free hand as he feeds the other man, fully aware of the unrelenting stare on him from across the table. He glances toward the other alpha from the corner of his eye, smug and unshaken by Yue Qingyuan’s anger.

“What kind of disciple treats their Shizun like this?” Yue Qingyuan asks, clearly baffled and angered by his behavior, his fists clenching in his lap as he struggles to keep his composure.

“The kind whose Shizun spent years abusing him mentally and physically then cast him into a hellish abyss without a second thought because of his heritage.” Luo Bingge replies with casual indifference, shifting his gaze back to the Shizun in question, just in time to catch the subtle way he squirms under the weight of it. “Despite his wounded heart, this disciple found it in himself to forgive him though apparently, he can’t even grant me the same courtesy.”

“You mutilated me!” Shen Jiu shouts, smacking the chop sticks out of his hands as he tries to stand but Luo Bingge quickly grabs his arm, holding him firmly in place. “Remove your hand. Now.”

“It’s clear you’re not compatible with each other.” Yue Qingyuan says, gaining the alpha’s attention again and watches as a sneer slowly spreads across his face in response. “You can’t force someone to bond with you-“

“Don’t tell me you actually believe you’re a better match for him.” Luo Bingge scoffs, raising a skeptical brow as he sizes the man up and lets the silence stretch then mutters under his breath, clearly unimpressed. “What kind of fool thinks they’re a better fit after abandoning him to his abuser?”

“Binghe!” Shen Jiu shouts, desperate for him to just shut up but his pleas go ignored as the demon lord carries on, unbothered and relentless.

“I watched it all unfold in his dreams; Every violation, every scream, over and over. And it happened because you didn’t come back. You left him to suffer alone. Shizun had no choice but to survive it on his own because the person he trusted above all else abandoned him when he needed you most.”

“Stop it!” The omega wrenches himself out of Luo Bingge’s grasp, chest heaving with rage and before the alpha can even fully turn to face him, a vicious slap lands hard across his face, snapping his head to the side.

The force is enough to make him stumble back, having to catch himself from fall over with a hand as the sharp sting blooming into a deeper throb but it’s nothing compared to the hatred in the omega’s eyes, staring at him like he’s something filthy. Like he’s unforgivable.

The whole room grows silent as former master and disciple stare at each other. Yue Qingyuan remains stiff and breathing shallow, fists tightening at his sides. His eyes don’t leave Luo Bingge for a second, ready to launch himself across the table if the alpha so much as twitches toward the omega.

Luo Bingge is still holding his cheek when he snaps out of his daze, sitting up straight again as he narrows his eyes at Shen Jiu.

“I’ve been very patient with you, swallowed every insult, every cold glance…” There’s no anger on his face, just a chilling stillness like he’s weighing something…or deciding what to do. “And still, you treat me like I’m nothing but the dirt under your heel. What more do you want from me?”

“Let us go. Me and Yue Qingyuan. Whatever hold you think you have, it ends now.” Shen Jiu demands and for a fleeting second, a flicker of genuine hurt crosses the demon’s face. He averts his gaze from his Shizun, glancing toward the other man in the room then his eyes snap back to Shen Jiu, now burning with anger.

“I don’t want to let you go.” He growls quietly but doesn’t move closer; Instead, he slowly stands and gestures for Yue Qingyuan to stand too, the silence around them thick with tension. He snaps his fingers and the front door swings open as two demons step inside. “Take Yue Qingyuan back to his room, I want a moment alone with Shizun-“

“No.” Yue Qingyuan snaps back, teeth clenched, ready to confront the younger man even though he knows he’s powerless to stop anything.

Luo Bingge gave him an uninterested look and waves the demons over to take him away. Without a word, he turns his back to focus his attention to the omega and watches Shen Jiu squirm under his gaze, unable to look him in the eye. Luo Bingge waits until Yue Qingyuan is dragged out of the house before lowering himself to his knees in front of Shen Jiu and reaches out but the omega instinctively raises his arms, shielding himself as if bracing for pain. Luo Bingge hesitates, his fingers trembling then slowly like the other man is a skittish animal, he reaches again, this time gently clasping Shen Jiu’s hands and easing them down from his face.

“Shizun. Look at me.” Luo Bingge encourages Shen Jiu to open his eye and look at him then lifts a hand to brush along his cheek with quiet reassurance, showing no trace of anger. “Let me take care of you. You’d never have to worry about anything again, not for the rest of your life.” Shen Jiu’s brows furrow and he starts to turn away but the demon lord guides his face back, refusing to let him look anywhere else. “If hitting me helps you feel better then go ahead, hit me as much as you want but I’m not letting you go.”

Shen Jiu closes his eye, overwhelmed and lets out a shaky breath before pressing his hand weakly against Luo Bingge’s chest in frustration. The touch lacks force, more a silent plea than a hit and doesn’t expect a response, certainly not the soft kiss that follows, placed against his forehead. The unexpected tenderness following his earlier outburst shatters something inside him and tears well up as he’s drawn into Luo Bingge’s arms.

“…Selfish brat...” Soft kisses follow one after another across his face while a quiet, calming scent drifts around him, coaxing his body to loosen and settle softly against him.

“I’m very selfish.” Luo Bingge murmurs softly into his temple then gently pulls back just enough to brush his fingers over the tears clinging to the omega’s lashes. “And I just want Shizun’s affection.”

“…Fine.” Shen Jiu frowns, looking away in defeat, his shoulders sagging under the weight of resignation as the alpha continues to caress his face. “But return Yue Qingyuan back to his realm.”

“But Shizun was so happy to see him.” Luo Bingge says, pleased that the omega has finally given himself to him. “Or are you afraid I’ll hurt him?” When the omega doesn’t respond, Luo Bingge takes his face in both hands and makes him look at him. “I wouldn’t do that, especially if it would upset Shizun.”

“He shouldn’t be caught up in this.” Shen Jiu expresses, aware that the man would do anything to protect him despite Luo Bingge’s unpredictable temper. “Take him home and I’ll submit myself to you.”

“Alright, Shizun.” Luo Bingge leans in, a smile brushing against Shen Jiu’s lips as he kisses him, wrapping his arms around the omega to draw him closer.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Yue Qingyuan slams his fist against the heavy door for what must be the tenth time, his voice raw from shouting.

“Let me out!” He snarls, banging again, the wood rattling under his hand. “Do you think locking me up will stop me?!” The demons standing guard outside say nothing, their shadows flickering under the doorframe and entirely unmoved. Yue Qingyuan grits his teeth, slamming the door again with both hands. “You think this will keep me from him?! If anything happens to him-“

The silence that follows is suffocating and Yue Qingyuan steps back, pacing the room. His thoughts are already spiraling with Shen Jiu alone in the hands of that monster, the helplessness gnaws at him. He glances around the room, eyes looking for anything, literally anything, he could use to help him escape but the window’s sealed and the walls are made of solid stone. No sword. No talismans.

He’s powerless to stop any of it and it feels like he’s failing the man all over again.

Yue Qingyuan runs his hands through his hair before slamming them against the sides of his head as a frustrated growl tearing from his throat. He spins on his heel and kicks the nearest side table, sending it clattering to the floor and books flying in every direction. The only thing that pulls him out of his manic rage is the sound of the door swinging open and whirls around, heart pounding, only to come face to face with the monster himself, stepping inside with someone else at his side.

He acts without thinking, spiritual energy be damned, he’s going to strike the bastard with every ounce of strength he has. A flicker of baffled surprise crosses the demon’s face as he narrowly dodges Yue Qingyuan’s wild swing, his voice sharp with confusion as he calls out his name and before either can move again, the person who entered with him quickly steps between them, hands raised in a desperate attempt to defuse the escalating tension.

“Sect Leader, calm down. It’s us!” Liu Qingge tells him then quickly reaches behind his back and draws his sword, holding it out in offering to prove that it’s really them. “We came to rescue you.”

It takes a moment for Yue Qingyuan’s mind to catch up, his breath ragged and fists still clenched, adrenaline rushing through his veins. Slowly, his attention shifts to Luo Bingmei, who’s just standing in place, not defensive or angry, just…confused. There’s an awkward stiffness in his posture like he’s still trying to piece together why Yue Qingyuan would lash out at him without warning.

“He’s not the one from here?” Yue Qingyuan asks, gesturing towards Luo Bingmei with a nod of his head, only for Liu Qingge to shake his head. “He’s ours?”

“Yes, he was the one who open the portal in order for us to get here…what happened?“

“The Luo Binghe from this world…he’s nothing short of a monster.” Yue Qingyuan stands up straight, adjusting his collar as his fingers briefly touch the immortal binding cord around his neck then turns his attention to Luo Bingmei. “Are you able to remove this? Only he can.”

“I can try.” Luo Bingmei shrugs, steps closer to examine it then loops his fingers around the strand and snaps it off Yue Qingyuan’s neck with ease.

“Now let’s go before we’re discovered.” Liu Qingge moves to open the door but Yue Qingyuan steps in front of him quickly, stopping him before he can reach it.

“We’re not leaving without Shen Qingqiu. He’s being held here against his will and we have to go back for him.”

“But Shizun is at home.” Luo Bingmei mutters, scratching the back of his head but Liu Qingge quickly catches on and elbows him in the side.

“He means the one from this realm, dimwit.” Liu Qingge mouths as the youngest of the three rubs his arm, feigning injury like the elbow had actually hurt. “Do you know where he’s being held?”

“Vaguely…but I don’t know if that other Luo Binghe is with him.”

“If he gets the way, I’ll handle him then we take Shizun by force.” Luo Bingmei says with confidence, rolling his shoulder as he stretches his arm and ready to fight if it comes down to it.

“We can’t just go rushing in, there’s demons everywhere-“ Liu Qingge argues, shaking his head in frustration as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “Can’t you just think ahead for once?”

“I did, that’s why I brought Mobei-Jun with us. He’s checking out the other side of the palace.” Luo Bingmei reminds him, giving him a look as if to say have a little faith in him then casually stretches his arms overhead. “I could have him create a distraction and draw my deranged double away.”

“How?”

“We swallowed each other’s blood so we can sense where the other is.” Luo Bingmei explains like it’s no big deal while his shidi stares at him in disbelief, nose wrinkling in clear disgust. “All I have to do is stir the blood mites in his veins and he’ll know what that means.”

“What-“

“Do it and let’s go.” Yue Qingyuan says, slipping his sword into his belt, eager to return to the omega and bring him home with him safely. “Because I’m not leaving without him.”

Luo Bingmei perks up with a nod, willing to help Shen Qingqiu without question, even if this isn’t the one he’s intimately familiar with. Liu Qingge also seems willing to go along with the plan, though he’s unsure about how they can get to him without being detected by the enemy.

“I’ll pretend to be my copycat and you two can act as my prisoners.” Luo Bingmei waves for them to follow and immediately slips into character as he steps into the hallway, one hand tucked behind his back. He stops a few steps ahead and turns to glance over his shoulder at them, looking visibly irritated as he quirks a brow. “Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Liu Qingge feels his lip twitch at the sheer audacity, tempted to snap at the brat then and there but Yue Qingyuan rests a hand on his shoulder, giving him a look before motioning for him to play along. Liu Qingge rolls his eyes but follows behind the older man, muttering under his breath. Luo Bingmei puts on an arrogant smirk, his eyes flicking briefly to the guards to make they haven’t noticed anything off. When they show no reaction, he turns quickly and begins walking away, confident in his performance, with the other two following close behind.

“Slow down.” Liu Qingge hisses under his breath as he hurries to catch up, reaching out to grab the back of his robes in a firm tug. “You don’t know where you’re going.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Shen Jiu eats slowly, picking at the rest of the food Luo Bingge prepared for him, occasionally stealing wary glances at the alpha from the corner of his eye. Luo Bingge watches him in silence, his head resting on one hand while the other idly toys with the hem of Shen Jiu’s robes. It might’ve looked tender, almost affectionate, if not for the fact that none of this was his choice.

“Shizun.” He hears and forces himself to keep his expression neutral as he slowly turns to meet the other’s eyes. “I was wondering if you’d like to meet some of my children later.”

“…Why?”

“You and Yue Qingyuan were talking about our alternate selves and their unborn child, so I just assumed…”

“Assumed I had baby fever?” Shen Jiu almost wants to laugh, he knows better than anyone that he’s never been particularly fond of children despite being an omega.

“I wouldn’t go that far, I just thought maybe your instincts were kicking in, that’s all…” Luo Bingge sits up, rubbing the back of his head before offering a small shrug. “I didn’t expect bringing Yue Qingyuan here would be what set it off.”

“You smelt my scent returning before you brought him in here.” Shen Jiu dismisses it quickly, not wanting to involve Yue Qingyuan any further or risk provoking the younger alpha’s jealousy.

“His scent was on me at the time.” Luo Bingge points out and the omega tenses as the possibility sinks in, the brat could actually be onto something. “You can be intimate with him if you want but only after I’ve claimed you first.”

Ignoring the omega’s past words as if monogamy was a foreign concept to him

“…How generous of you.” Shen Jiu mutters quietly to himself, shifting his attention back to the food and lightly prodding a dumpling with his chopsticks. “You already agreed to take him home.”

“Do you prefer him over me?” Luo Bingge asks, clearly aiming to provoke him but Shen Jiu stays silent, refusing to take the bait. “Kind of hard to believe otherwise when you woke up and immediately started baring your neck for him.”

“You think I wanted that to happen?” He barely remembers what happened and that only makes the embarrassment worse but what he does remember is the strange comfort of being near Yue Qingyuan. “I had no control over my body.”

It isn’t Shen Jiu’s fault he gravitated towards the one who makes him feel safe.

“So what is it, then? I’m not enough? I’m an alpha, what more do you want?”

“You can argue all you want but it doesn’t change the fact that I don’t feel safe with you.” Shen Jiu didn’t bother entertaining his self-pity and shuts it down without hesitation, unwilling to waste breath coddling a man who’d made his own bed. “I know it and my body does too.”

“I haven’t harmed you in any way since you set foot in the palace.” Luo Bingge argued stubbornly, failing to grasp that it didn’t matter whether he hadn’t harmed Shen Jiu recently; The damage had already been done and the mind doesn’t simply erase the past.

“That doesn’t matter-“

“Just tell me what it takes, what do I have to do to make you feel safe around me?”

“It’s not something I can explain. It’ll just…take time.” Shen Jiu knows, deep down, that no matter how hard he tries to convince himself otherwise, he would never truly trust Luo Bingge, not even if he pretends he’s a good alpha. “Trust isn’t something one can earn overnight.”

“How the hell am I supposed to earn your trust when I never had it in the first place?” Luo Bingge turns away, arms crossing tightly over his chest, frowning like a child sulking after being told no. “You hated me the moment you laid eyes on me.”

“You never gave me a reason to believe otherwise.” The omega doesn’t raise his voice, simply lifts his chin and speaks with an emotional detachment. “And continue to prove my instincts were right.”

Luo Bingge snaps his head around to glare at him, simmering at how the man still manages to look down on him, even now when he’s completely at his mercy but he reins it in, jaw tight, forcing himself to stay calm. Patience. He has to be patient.

“I’m not asking for forgiveness, I just want you to see that I’m trying. I want to be a better mate for you, Shizun.”

The damage Luo Bingge has done isn’t something that can be undone with sweet words or careful hands. It’s too deep, torn into him in ways that no apology could ever reach. And even if he could forgive, what would be the point? Luo Bingge has too many wives, too many people demanding pieces of him to focus on one person.

Shen Jiu swallows down the thought, biting back the words and says nothing, just stares at the table in front of him, expression neutral because if he lets anything slip, it won’t be calm.

Luo Bingge’s about to say something but before he can speak, the front doors open. Shen Jiu doesn’t flinch, doesn’t need to look to know it’s a guard; The heavy footsteps and the abrupt silence that follows are enough. The demon bows quickly before hurrying to Luo Bingge’s side, voice dropping low as he leans in to whisper.

Shen Jiu keeps his eye on them.

The omega doesn’t care what’s being said but he does watch Luo Bingge’s face, the way something shifts behind his eyes for barely a second and in that second, something slips through, too fast to name but not fast enough to miss. It’s subtle, most people wouldn’t notice but Shen Jiu isn’t most people and he’s spent too long surviving men like Luo Bingge not to pay attention when they go still like that.

“What’s wrong?” Shen Jiu asks, watching the lesser demon step away, his attention flicking to Luo Bingge just as the man begins to stand. “What’s going on?”

“It’s Mobei-Jun.” Luo Bingge responds, rolling his shoulders as he stretches then picks up his sword. “He must’ve gone into rut early because he’s tearing up the entire east wing of the palace.” He leans down, fingers brushing through the omega’s hair before placing a soft kiss on the top of his head. “I’ll go calm him down and will be right back, Shizun.”

“Mm.” Shen Jiu withdraws his hand as the guard steps in to clear the table, quietly gathering everything back onto the tray to ensure nothing is left behind.

“I’ll bring Yue Qingyuan back with me and afterward, the three of us go for a walk to help you regain some strength.”

“You promised to take him home.” Shen Jiu calls out after him just as Luo Bingge reaches the door, the alpha halts mid-step at the threshold then turns his head to glance back, his expression unreadable. “Binghe-“

“I already said I would and I will but his pheromones are helping your body recover, so now isn’t the time.”

“Binghe!” Shen Jiu screams after him, scrambling to his feet and rushing towards the door but the alpha shuts it with a flick of his hand, sealing it tight before the omega can reach him. “Open the door! Binghe!” He claws at the door in vain then starts pounding on it, his voice rising in raw and desperate cries for the alpha to come back. “You can’t keep him here! You promised!”

Shen Jiu takes a step back then slams his shoulder into the door before a painful throb radiates through his shoulder and he stumbles away with a wince. Shen Jiu turns away from the door, his hands covering his face as he lets out a frustrated scream. His chest feels tight and his whole body tense, like he might come apart if he doesn’t release it somehow. He stays there for a moment, breathing hard behind his hands and trying to calm himself.

When he finally lowers his hands, something catches his eye. On the table, still sitting where it had been left, is Yue Qingyuan’s hairpiece.

He stares at it for a long moment then slowly walks over, his fingers tremble slightly as he picks it up and cradling the hairpiece in his hands. Without thinking, he presses it against his chest, holding it close like it’s the only steady thing left in the room.

The thought is shameful and he hates himself for it but a small part of him wants Yue Qingyuan to stay; It’s selfish and he knows it but he can’t help it. He doesn’t want to be left alone again and when he’s here, it hurts less.

But it’s not fair.

Yue Qingyuan is kind. Good. He doesn’t belong in this world, surrounded by pain and things that don’t make sense. He should go back, back to where he’s happy, where people are waiting for him. So Shen Jiu just stands there, holding the hairpiece to his chest and tries to let him go.

“Shizun!” The door bursts open so suddenly that Shen Jiu startles, nearly dropping the hairpiece from his grasp and turns around to find the demon has already returned, Yue Qingyuan quietly following behind him. “Shizun, we got Zhang-“

A loud slap echoes through the room, freezing the young alpha in place and stands still, stunned before slowly raising his hand to touch the spot where Shen Jiu’s hand struck him.

“I told you to take him home! What part of that don’t you get?!” Shen Jiu snaps at him, stepping in close until they’re nearly nose to nose. His finger jabs hard against Luo Bingmei’s chest with each angry word while the alpha just stands there, dumbfounded, struggling to catch up with what’s happening. “I don’t want to hear any more of your excuses!”

“Xiao-Jiu.” Yue Qingyuan quickly steps in between them, urging the omega back as Luo Bingmei stands there, holding his cheek in stunned silence. “That one’s ours. Not the one you’re thinking of.” Shen Jiu gives him a confused look before looking at Luo Bingmei, watching the demon give a faint, uncertain smile and a small, almost sheepish wave. “He and Liu Qingge came to rescue me.”

“Liu…Qingge?” Shen Jiu’s eye glances around the room before settling on the man by the door, his shidi…or rather, the other Shen Qingqiu’s. He’s standing still but there’s a spark of amusement in his eyes, his mouth twitching as if he’s seconds away from bursting into laughter. The fact that he’s still alive surprises him but then again, he did come from that other realm. “Then why are you all here? Why haven’t you escaped yet?”

“We wanted to bring you with us!” Luo Bingmei replies, brightening when the omega looks his way but his smile fades quickly, this isn’t the familiar expression he knows from his own Shizun. Rather, his expression is cold, heavy with suspicion and doubt.

“He’s not going to hurt you.” Yue Qingyuan says softly to calm him, while the omega holds Luo Bingmei’s gaze a moment longer before reluctantly turning back to the older alpha. “Let’s move quickly while Mobei-Jun keeps the other one occupied.”

“I’m coming with you?” Shen Jiu asks, struggling to believe what he’s hearing and for the first time in ages, he feels hope.

“I told you everything would be oka-“ Yue Qingyuan begins to reassure him but the omega moves before he can finish, looping his arms around his neck and pressing his forehead to his shoulder like he’s finally letting himself fall into the warmth he’s been yearning for.

Liu Qingge lifts a brow at the sight, it’s strange seeing Shen Qingqiu, even if it’s not the one he knows, clinging to an alpha who isn’t Luo Binghe but when he glances at the younger alpha, there’s no sign of jealousy on his face. If anything, he looks more curious than upset.

“Do you want my help walking or should I carry you?” Yue Qingyuan asks as Shen Jiu slowly pulls away, his eyes dropping to the familiar hairpiece clutched in the omega’s hand.

“I can walk.” Shen Jiu offers a faint, genuine smile for the first in what feels like ages before finally reaching out to take his hand. “But I might need help running.”

Yue Qingyuan returns the smile before glancing toward Luo Bingmei.

“Let Mobei-Jun know to come meet us so we can go.”

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Mobei-Jun quickly steps to the side, just missing one of Luo Bingge’s wild swings. The ground cracks where the attack lands but Mobei-Jun is already moving, staying light on his feet and throws a wave of ice across the floor, trying to trip the other alpha up.

Luo Bingge slips for a second, boots sliding on the frozen ground and Mobei-Jun uses that moment to put more space between them. He keeps his distance, dodging blow after blow, calm and focused. He doesn’t fight with strength, he just needs to keep him distracted, staying just out of reach. As Bingge charges again, Mobei-Jun sends sharp ice flying toward him, not to hurt him but to slow him down.

“What’s got you so moody today?” Luo Bingge smirks, flexing his claws slowly as his sword hangs forgotten at his side and watches the ice demon closely. “Rut’s got you desperate, huh? You know, Yue Qingyuan mentioned something interesting about that other realm earlier.” Luo Bingge attacks like he’s having fun, not taking things seriously. His claws swipe close to Mobei-Jun but don’t hit hard, like he’s just teasing him. He moves around easily, smiling like he’s playing a game. His eyes watch Mobei-Jun carefully, daring him to make a mistake while he stays one step ahead. “It’s crazy but the Mobei-Jun from there is mated to their Shang Qinghua.”

Mobei-Jun bites back a low growl at the mention of his mate, forcing himself to keep his expression calm and his scent neutral. Mobei-Jun lets out a low grunt, choosing to stay silent. Saying anything might slip too much and he’s not about to risk giving himself away.

Luo Bingge lunges without warning, a blur of motion and barely-contained power. Mobei-Jun quickly pushes off the ground, leaping back just in time to keep distance between them. He can’t risk letting the other get too close, if Luo Bingge catches his scent, he’ll smell the traces of his mate clinging to him.

“Why are you running? Using me to wear yourself out?” Luo Bingge taunts, lacing his fingers together and stretching his arms over his head with a lazy sigh, like he’s already losing interest. “Need to find you a mate so we can avoid this nonsense.”

In a blink, the teasing slips away and his grin lingers a moment too long, stretching unnaturally before falling flat. His nostrils flare suddenly and those burning red eyes refocus onto the ice demon like a predator who’s just caught the scent of blood.

“…You don’t belong here.” Is all he says and in the next breath, Mobei-Jun inhales sharply. Frost blooms beneath his feet, thin sheets of frost crackle over the ground, climbing up walls and pillars like creeping vines. His nails extend into gleaming claws, cold mist curling around his fingertips. “Now why would you be here? I seriously doubt you, of all people, would cross into another realm just to rescue some lowly human sect leader.” The walls begin to glaze over, the edges of nearby torches dimming as the cold eats into the flame. A slow, amused smile returns to Luo Bingge’s face as he lifts his head, crimson eyes flicking over Mobei-Jun with open curiosity, like he’s watching something mildly entertaining. “Is my copycat here with you?”

“What gave me away?” Mobei-Jun stand up without a hint of emotion as he lightly dusts off his sleeve.

“The whiff of a human on you and the little love bite peeking out from beneath your collar.” Luo Bingge muses, lazily tracing the curve of his neck with the tip of his claw. “Our Mobei-Jun doesn’t have a mate, especially not a human one.” He waves his hand dismissively, then places his hands on his hips, eyes roaming over him again. “So, how’s that little omega of yours?”

“He’s doing well.” Mobei-Jun answers bluntly, watching the other demon’s hand lingering on his sword and knows he can’t win this fight, so he to be ready to retreat the moment an opening appears.

“I hope you realize this little rescue attempt is a complete waste of time.” Luo Bingge taunts, letting out a low chuckle as he arches a smug brow and folds his arms across his chest. “I would’ve brought him back eventually.”

“My king doesn’t care much for waiting, I’m sure you can relate.” Mobei-Jun brushes his hair back over his shoulder, his expression unreadable but he does gives off the clear impression that he isn’t particularly concerned about Yue Qingyuan and is only here because his Luo Binghe asked him to be.

“I suppose I do.” Luo Bingge nods in agreement, noting that this Mobei-Jun isn’t all that different from the one he knows, except, of course, for the strange fact that he’s bonded with a human. “Well, I suppose this saves me the trouble of making another trip to your realm.”

“You won’t stop us from taking Yue Qingyuan?”

“I don’t plan to keep him but he was helping my Shizun’s condition get better so I wouldn’t have minded if he stayed a bit longer.”

“Shen Qingqiu?” Mobei-Jun asks, unsurprised to see that even here, those two remain inseparable. “Could his condition be Hormonal Inhibition Syndrome?”

“So it seems our Shizun really do share similar upbringings.” Luo Bingge isn’t surprised to learn that this Mobei-Jun already knows. That other Luo Binghe must’ve told him, just like how he’d confided in his own subordinate, hoping to find a way to help his Shizun cope with it. “The only difference is my Shizun doesn’t respond to my pheromones the way yours does.”

“Maybe the two of you just aren’t as compatible as my king and his mate.” Mobei-Jun answers with the same cold bluntness and it clearly gets under the other demon’s skin, his lip twitches in irritation. “I’ve crossed paths with several others marked by you already. Maybe that’s why your Shizun won’t respond.”

“So you’re blaming it on the fact that I have other mates?”

“That could very well be a contributing factor, yes.”

“Huh.” Luo Bingge gives him a once-over, silently comparing him to his own Mobei-Jun; The resemblance is striking and muses over how alike they really are. “My Mobei-Jun said something similar.”

“If your Shizun is reacting positively to Yue Qingyuan, then why not just go get your own instead?”

“Because the one from this realm is gone.” Luo Bingge replies without a second thought. “I defeated him long ago.”

“I see. Seems your Shizun is drawn to Yue Qingyuan instead of you so you’re just using him to trigger the omega’s heats then plan to return him after.” Mobei-Jun knows that, by human standards, this would be seen as deeply manipulative, cruel, even. To deliberately use someone the omega trusts, someone who makes him feel safe, just to jumpstart his suppressed heats…only to discard that person afterward? It’s not just wrong, it’s the kind of betrayal that leaves lasting trauma m. “Just because his heats come back doesn’t mean he’ll choose to bond with you.”

“Shizun promised he’d submit to me so long as Yue Qingyuan was sent back to his own world. And thanks to your group, that part’s already taken care of.”

“…” Mobei-Jun knows exactly how twisted the situation is but it isn’t his concern and his duty ends here. He has no interest in meddling further, not when his own mate is waiting for him back home. Let this other realm tear itself apart if it must. His priority is and always will be, the one he’s already claimed. “If we’re done here, I’d prefer to rejoin the others.”

“Be my guest, just don’t trip on your way out.” Luo Bingge waves him off without a care, clearly done with the interruption and eager to get back to his Shizun. “Just don’t meddle where you don’t belong.”

Mobei-Jun gives a silent nod before disappearing from sight, leaving Luo Bingge to sigh and rubs the bridge of his nose, already dreading the conversation he’ll have to have with his Shizun about the alpha being sent back home. He knows Shen Jiu wanted Yue Qingyuan to return home but he also saw how attached the omega had already become. Now he’s left to deal with the aftermath…and a crying omega.

If their Yue Qingyuan had even a shred of a body left, something more than ashes and scattered bone, Luo Bingge could’ve used his demonic cultivation to stitch him back together, drag him back from the brink like he’s done before but there’s nothing left. No anchor for the soul, no vessel to call home. So he lets the thought die with a shrug. Whatever.

Well, at the very least, it gives him the chance to be the one to comfort him and maybe, just maybe, earn a bit more of his favor in the process.

Just as Luo Bingge turns to head back, he stops cold, something prickling at the edge of his awareness. His eyes narrow, instincts snapping to attention as he hones in on the faint, nearly invisible thread of demonic energy he’d planted earlier, those blood mites buried deep in his Shizun’s body.

There’s movement.

Not in the bamboo house, where he was supposed to be resting.

No, the omega’s presence is moving, faint but steady, slipping through the other side of the palace grounds. And most importantly…not where Luo Bingge left him.

A low growl rumbles from his chest. There’s only one person who knew where the replica of the bamboo house was hidden; Yue Qingyuan. That bastard. The very alpha they came to rescue and he’s trying to steal his Shizun right out from under him. He’ll kill…Luo Bingge grits his teeth, anger surging through him but he holds it back, just barely. He can’t afford to lose control, not in front of Shen Jiu. One wrong move could shatter the fragile trust they’ve built and undo everything he’s worked for.

He needs to catch up with that Mobei-Jun before it’s too late. Once he reunite with the others, that portal will open and if that happens, Shen Jiu will be gone, taken from him for good. He can’t let that happen.

ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ

Shen Jiu walks close beside Yue Qingyuan as they make their way through the winding halls of the palace, heading toward the rendezvous point where Mobei-Jun awaits. So far, no one has stopped them, every demon they pass gives only a respectful nod or wary glance, assuming the Luo Binghe trailing them is their king. Each time they pass a guard, Shen Jiu instinctively leans a little closer to Yue Qingyuan, feeling the alpha give his hand a gentle squeeze.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be home at Qing Jing Peak soon.” Yue Qingyuan says, brushing his thumb over the back of Shen Jiu’s hand in a soothing motion that helps calm him. “I’ll introduce you to the others, maybe our Shen Qingqiu can help you feel more at home.”

“Isn’t it going to be weird…having two Shen Qingqius? What are the others going to think?”

“As far as they need to know, you’re just twin brothers.” Yue Qingyuan quickly fabricates a story, letting go of Shen Jiu’s hand to wrap his arm around him, letting his calming scent ease his worries. “You’re more than welcome to stay with me, if you want.” A sudden, soft purring sound escapes from the omega, making Shen Jiu flinch and quickly cover his mouth, cheeks burning with embarrassment as the alpha beside chuckles warmly. “I’ll take that as a yes, then.”

S̷̼̐h̶͎̊i̷̺͋z̶̜͝u̴̩̽n̷̙̈́

Shen Jiu’s smile fades as the voice echoes in his mind and glances over his shoulder, feeling anxiety tightening in his chest.

C̸͖̅o̴̲̓m̴̤̄e̵͔̐ ̷̛̲b̷̨̂a̵̪̋c̶̖̉k̶̮̕ ̷̳̿t̷̺͛o̸̺͌ ̵̹̃m̶̲̊e̵̘͆

Yue Qingyuan senses Shen Jiu pressing against him more firmly and looks down to find the omega glancing nervously over his shoulder. Seeing nothing there himself, he pulls Shen Jiu closer to get his attention.

“What’s the matter?” Yue Qingyuan asks softly, curious if there’s something he’s seeing that he’s missing.

“It’s-“

Ĺ̸̦̠̌̑ĕ̵̪a̴̢̛̦̩̐̆̓v̶̲̥̱̪̌̐̎e̷͙̮̠͒̄ ̸̤̹̥͜͝ẁ̶̼͗̀ĩ̶̛͔̏͑t̶̘̓̀̊͘ḩ̵̢͉̠̌ ̴̡̘͆̓t̸͖̮̉̈́h̵̲̞̱͂̓͜ę̸̊̿̿̊m̸͎͖̤̹̋̑̉ ̶̬̮̑̒͗a̷̭͉̰̱̋̇n̴͕̜͂̐̂d̶̢̡̎͝ͅ ̶͇̰̘̮̿̅̊Ĩ̷͕̜̌ͅ’̷͙̰̈́͛̾l̵͇̺̎l̶̨̻̺̟̇̌̊͝ ̴͙̖̝̾͊k̵̻̯̙͚̂͛į̵͓̯̻͊͆̈͝l̶̢̞̾͑͊̑l̶͖̼͇̖̂͌͛ ̶͖̹̱̏̐̒̚ͅh̸̦̹̉̋̈́̽ï̵̢̧͘͝m̶͕̜̭͍̈́̒.̵̭̻̙̊͛̽͐

Shen Jiu’s breath catches suddenly, the warmth he felt moments ago evaporating. He comes to an abrupt stop as panic takes hold and pulls away from Yue Qingyuan, his hands trembling slightly.

“Xiao-Jiu?” Yue Qingyuan stops beside him, turning to meet the omega’s gaze as the other two halt, responding to the unease in their sect leader’s voice. “What’s wrong?” Shen Jiu shakes with unease, caught between fleeing with Yue Qingyuan to escape the danger and staying behind alongside Luo Bingge to protect him from the demon lord’s wrath. “Xiao-Jiu?”

“That other Binghe must’ve made him drink his blood; He knows he’s left the Bamboo House.” Luo Bingmei points out as he rolls up his sleeve, approaching the trembling omega carefully, fully aware that this Shizun is afraid of him. He cuts his palm with a nail, letting blood gather before holding it out to him. “Here, drink this; It should help. He’ll have a harder time tracking us this way.”

Shen Jiu stares at the bloody hand with wide, uncertain eyes and slowly lifts his gaze to Bingmei, a flicker of disbelief and hesitation flashing across his face like the man had completely lost his mind. But then a hand settles on his shoulder and he flinches at first, only to find Yue Qingyuan beside him, giving him a small, reassuring nod.

“It’s alright. You can trust him.”

Luo Bingmei keeps his hand still between them, expression calm and makes no move to urge or persuade, simply waits in silence. Shen Jiu stares at the blood then glances up at him warily like he’s still not sure whether to trust him. After a long pause, his fingers move a little then slowly reach out to take the offered wrist and brings it to his mouth.

S̶͙̬͍͍̬̀h̵̼́͌̇̆͜i̸̺̟͗̄ͅz̸͉͈̦̈͒u̷̞̿͘n̴̮̺͇͉͛̚!̴̥̒̆̏!̷͚͇͗͐̑̊̚

The voices in his head begin to quiet as this Luo Bibgmei’s blood reaches his stomach and a moment later, a sense of calm starts to settle over him, likely because of the demon standing in front of him.

“Is that better?” Luo Bingmei asks, noting the way the omega’s breathing evens out and smiles to himself, unfazed even when Shen Jiu shoots him a heated look of pure disgust. “We should get going. Mobei-Jun is just up ahead.”

Yue Qingyuan’s hand moves from Shen Jiu’s shoulder to clasp his hand, nodding softly to signal him to follow and without hesitation, the omega falls into step beside him.

It doesn’t take long before they catch up to the icy demon, who’s leaning casually against a wall and only moves away when he notices them approaching. Mobei-Jun’s gaze focuses on the omega dressed in green, his eyes flicker briefly to the omega’s flat stomach, noting the absence of pregnancy. From this, he realizes this must be the omega from this realm, the one the other Luo Binghe mentioned to him earlier and feels a bit of relief to see he’s coming with them.

“Everything is settled?” His tone is cold then he glances toward his king for approval. Receiving a quiet nod in response, he raises his hand and a glowing portal unfolds before them. “Then let’s go. The less time we spend here, the better.”

Luo Bingmei gives his friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder before Liu Qingge steps through the portal, with Mobei-Jun following close behind. Yue Qingyuan turns to Shen Jiu and motions for him to step through first, urging him to get to safety before himself. Shen Jiu approaches the portal, fully expecting to walk through like the others but the moment he tries, something stops him like an invisible force pressing against his chest. He stumbles back a step, startled and confused. Brow furrowed, he reaches out again, only to feel the same resistance. It’s like hitting a solid wall, even though nothing’s there.

“It’s not letting you through?” Luo Bingmei, surprised and steps closer to the portal to check if something is wrong. He inspects it carefully but finds nothing unusual, nothing that should be keeping Shen Jiu from passing through and then out of the corner of his eyes, catches the faint glow around the omega’s neck. He turns his head and his eyes focus on the collar wrapped around Shen Jiu’s neck, taking in the sight with a deepening frown. “Can you remove the collar?”

“…No.”

“The other Binghe forced it on him to keep any other alpha from trying to claim him.” Yue Qingyuan explains as Luo Bingmei reaches out to take it off but Shen Jiu flinches back before he can touch it.

“I’m just trying to remove it, it’s what’s stopping you from getting through.” He explains and with some reluctance, the omega lowers his hackles and allows him to try to take it off. Luo Bingmei reaches for the collar, fingers brushing lightly against the band around the omega’s neck. He tries to undo the clasp but the moment he applies pressure, a sharp jolt of energy pulses from it, snapping against his hand and jerks back with a hiss, flexing his stung fingers as the collar hums faintly. “I won’t be able to get it off.”

“Is there a way to adjust the portal so he can get through?” Yue Qingyuan steps up behind the omega, placing his hands on his shoulders as he watches Shen Jiu struggle in vain to yank the collar off on his own; It won’t budge but it doesn’t zap him like the alpha.

“I can try.” Luo Bingmei turns away while Shen Jiu grows increasingly frustrated, his tugging growing more frantic with every failed attempt to remove it.

“Relax, we’re not going anywhere without you.” Yue Qingyuan squeezes Shen Jiu’s shoulders to calm him then slowly reaches up to try and take the collar off but the moment his fingers touch it, a sharp jolt of energy zaps him, making him pull back in pain.

Yue Qingyuan doesn’t give up after the first try and after shaking the sting out of his hand, he reaches for the collar again. This time, he grips the clasp firmly, ignoring the painful shock that surges through his fingers. His breath hitches, muscles tensing as he pulls, determined to get it off but after several seconds of pushing through the pain, he has to let go, hand trembling as he stumbles back with a quiet gasp.

“Just stop. If even a demon couldn’t get it off, there’s no way you can.” Shen Jiu says bitterly, lowering his hand to clutch at the cursed collar that’s nothing more than a shackle to keep him trapped here.

If they don’t find a way soon, Luo Bingge will find them and when he does, there won’t be anywhere left to run.

Yue Qingyuan. He’ll kill him, Luo Bingge will kill him. He can’t…he can’t watch that happen, not again. He can’t relive that. He can’t.

Shen Jiu’s breath catches in his throat as his gaze drops, unfocused, seeing not the ground beneath him but the shattered fragments of Xuan Su scattered at his feet. The sharp glint of each piece drags him backward, back to that moment when Luo Bingge scattered them in front of his broken body, his voice, broken and pleading, echoing in his ears like a curse.

Please…please don’t…

The sound overlaps with itself, louder and louder until it drowns everything else out. His chest tightens and he can’t breathe. Panic claws its way up his throat as his fingers tremble against the collar at his neck.

…̵̪̺̅̐̀S̶̺͙͎͐̑h̶̥̜̘̊i̷̗̅́̇z̴̰̑u̷̳̣̪̤̒͛̀͘n̸̛̺͖̦…̴̥̊̿̽͝

Shen Jiu hits the ground hard, knees slamming into the floor as a startled, frightened sound tears from his throat. He covers his ears, desperate to drown out the voice that won’t stop and his own crying out in fear. The pounding sound grows louder, sharper until it’s all he can hear. Someone is beside him speaking, he can feel the vibration of their voice but it’s distant, muffled like he’s underwater. His body shakes violently, breath shallow and uneven, and no matter how tightly he presses his hands over his ears, the past keeps bleeding through.

I̷͎͆̑ ̵̼͐͠w̷̖͒ȏ̶̧̬́n̴͍̈́́’̵͉͂͝ť̵̥̱ ̵̥̘͆̀ḷ̴̅͋e̷̝͊͜t̸̼̃̐ ̸̳̿̚y̶̥̺̋͘ȯ̶̪̃ṳ̵͇̐̈ ̸͕̎̓g̵̳͕͝ȏ̴͚͑.̶̘͉͒̈

Another pair of hands finds him as the pressure in his head refuses to ease. There’s screaming, loud and panicked, echoing all around him. Wait, someone’s screaming. Who’s? It takes a moment before the reality hits him like a sudden, sharp impact, leaving him stunned and breathless.

It’s him.

He’s the one screaming.

The realization snaps everything back into focus like breaking through the surface and suddenly he’s gasping for breath, chest heaving with each desperate inhale. Shen Jiu blinks through the haze, his one good eye settling on Yue Qingyuan. Just beyond him, he catches sight of Luo Bingmei quietly scooting away, putting space between them so he doesn’t trigger another panic attack.

“He’s…coming.” Shen Jiu says through panting breaths, allowing Yue Qingyuan to help him back up to his feet. “The both of you should just go; He’ll kill you-“

“I’m not leaving without you.” Yue Qingyuan argues, refusing to move even as the omega weakly tries to push him toward the portal.

“And I can’t go with you.” Shen Jiu murmurs but it’s Yue Qingyuan who grows panicked this time, his frustration surfacing as he grips the omega’s upper arms to putting an end to his shoving. “So just go.” Shen Jiu says quietly, his voice strained. “You have your own people to protect, don’t waste time on me.”

“You’re my people too.” Yue Qingyuan’s expression twists with pain as he grips Shen Jiu’s arms more firmly, voice low but fierce. He leans in slightly, eyes searching the omega’s face. “I’ve already left you once. I won’t do it again.”

Shen Jiu lowers his head, his throat tightening as he tries to slow his breathing. A part of him, an aching part wants to believe those words were for him but he knows better. This wasn’t his Yue Qingyuan. The man in front of him was still kind but he was looking at him with the wrong memories in his heart. He’s being mistaken for the other version of himself, the one this Yue Qingyuan must’ve loved dearly.

Still…hearing those words, that quiet insistence that he mattered, even if it was meant for someone else, made his chest ache in a different way. It wasn’t his but it was nice. So painfully nice since he never got the chance to hear his own Yue Qingyuan say it.

He wants to go with him; To stay with them, to walk those familiar paths on the peak again and pretend, even for a little while, that he belongs there. That he could be something more than a mistake. He wants to meet the child Yue Qingyuan was excitedly telling him about when it’s born, see the life his other self carved out, one that maybe didn’t end in fire and ruin.

But that kind of happiness was never meant for him. Not when he’d thrown away every kindness ever offered, not when all he’s ever done is destroy what could have been. He doesn’t deserve a second chance, not with them. Not with anyone.

He might not be able to change the past but this time, he can at least protect Yue Qingyuan.

Shen Jiu’s lip trembles as he leans into the alpha’s chest, hiding his face against his robes and using the closeness to lull him into a sense of ease. Yue Qingyuan’s hand rests on his back and his voice turns to ask Luo Bingmei about there being any other options, his attention fully off the man in his arms.

Shen Jiu wants to stay like this, tucked safely in Yue Qingyuan’s arms and surrounded by his scent. For a brief, fragile moment, he lets himself imagine what it would be like to remain there, to cling to this comfort and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist but he knows better. Knows this can’t last, not when danger is closing in, not when the only way to protect Yue Qingyuan is to betray him.

So he waits.

Waits until Yue Qingyuan’s voice softens, until his touch on Shen Jiu’s back becomes absentminded and distracted. And then he moves. With the last reserves of strength left in his trembling limbs, Shen Jiu shoves Yue Qingyuan hard in the chest.

It all happens in an instant.

The alpha stumbles back in shock, confusion flashing across his face and Luo Bingmei’s eyes go wide as he realizes too late what’s happening, arms reaching out to catch him but he doesn’t in time.

The portal swallows Yue Qingyuan whole in a burst of shimmering light and then he’s gone.

The space he once stood is empty now with the faint hum of the closing portal the only thing that remains. Shen Jiu sways on his feet, his chest heaving with uneven breaths and the ache of separation settles heavy in his gut but this was the only way.

At least now, Yue Qingyuan is safe.

“Shizun, why-“

“Get out of my sight, half-breed!” Shen Jiu snaps at Luo Bingmei, voice cracking despite the sharpness he forces into it. “Why are you still here?” He bites out, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’ve done your part, now go play the hero somewhere else.”

He points toward the portal with a sharp motion but his hand is shaking, no matter how hard he tries to hide it.

For a moment, Luo Bingmei looks taken aback, hurt crossing his face at Shen Jiu’s harsh tone and his mouth parts slightly like he’s about to argue but then he pauses. The anger drains from his features as the bitter reality clicks into place and his eyes soften with a quiet, pained understanding, the kind that says he recognizes a sacrifice when he sees one. Shen Jiu wasn’t lashing out of pure hatred, he was trying to make it easier to leave.

“We’ll come back for you.” Luo Bingmei’s promise falls on deaf ears because Shen Jiu doesn’t want to hear it, he’s exhausted from hoping, worn down from holding on to something that feels impossible to ever come true. “Just hold on and we’ll figure out a way.”

“Just go.” The omega’s voice trembles as he pleads, desperate to avoid making things worse.“Please let Qi-ge know I’m sorry.”

Luo Bingmei’s expression falters as he struggles to hold himself together and gives a slow, reluctant nod. Without uttering another word, he turns toward the portal and steps through. As the portal closes with a soft hum, the omega collapses to his knees, the fight draining from him. His body shakes with silent, wrenching sobs as his head lowers, his hair falling to hide his face and tears fall one by one onto the floor below.

The sound of footsteps stopping behind him makes Shen Jiu goes rigid, a flicker of panic flashing through his face and turns his head cautiously, heart in his throat. Luo Bingge is standing there with guards, silent, staring down at him and disturbingly calm. There’s no expression, just a silence that feels far more dangerous than rage. Unnerved, Shen Jiu quickly looks away, dropping his attention to his hands, refusing to meet that piercing stare.

“…Look at me.” He hears Luo Bingge demand but the omega only closes his eye and shakes his head.

His fingers tighten around the fabric of his robes, bracing himself for the punishment he knows will come. But nothing happens and when the demon says nothing else, he slowly opens his eye and tenses, heart pounding in his chest when he finds Luo Bingge suddenly crouched in front of him. The demon’s hand reaches up, fingers inching toward Shen Jiu’s cheek, intent on wiping away the tears but just as his fingertips get closer, Shen Jiu turns his head abruptly, avoiding his touch.

Shen Jiu is done; There’s no anger left and no fear, just an all-consuming exhaustion that settles deep in his bones. He just wants to sleep, long enough to forget everything and maybe long enough to stop waking up at all.

He feels Luo Bingge drape his robe over the his shoulders then he gathers him into his arms. Shen Jiu doesn’t resist, his spirit already worn thin that none of it matters to him anymore. His head is resting against the alpha’s shoulder, his stare dull and unfocused. Luo Bingge glances down at him and says something meant to reassuring but Shen Jiu doesn’t even bother to listen; He’s gone somewhere too far inside himself to hear.