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Chapter Text

{System Update: Final Patch! Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!}

{Loading...loading...Initialization complete! Downloading added content...error...error...System rebooting...}

{…. silence ....}

For the record, Shen Qingqiu did not set out to collect a harem of ridiculously pretty men, okay? Blame Shang Qinghua for that. It's all his fault in the first place.

See, with the fading of the dreaded System Shen Qingqiu had gotten...complacent. Content with his bamboo house and his Luo Binghe, the bright future of exploring this new world with his husband to his heart's content was an exciting prospect. Shen Qingqiu loved going with Luo Binghe into hell and studying the creatures they ran across (and killed), updating his bestiaries, jotting down quick sketches and collecting bits and bobs from the corpses to take back to Cang Qiong Mountain for further exploration. Mu Qingfang had already made great strides with some of the blood and fauna Shen Qingqiu had brought back with him – though the strange face the man had made when Shen Qingqiu had presented said items was a little...odd.

Whatever. It was fine. It would be remiss of him not to give Mu Qingfang those items, right? They were useful! He was helping! It was fine .

(And, if perhaps Mu Qingfang ended up siting right next to Shen Qingqiu now when he did present said items...that was fine too, right? It was normal. Right?

Right ?

He still wasn't sure why Luo Binghe kept alternating between growling and looking so damn smug.)

Anyway. It wasn't like they were doing anything untoward. Peak Lords were supposed to go out and handle monsters and ghosts and all manner of other problems in the mortal realm (and apparently now hell, but who was counting?) And to top it all off, it was fun. Let it not be said that Shen Qingqiu did not enjoy a good fight, because oh, how he did.

Which was also how Liu Qingge ended up following him into hell. Somehow. Apparently.

“Liu-shishu should be more careful,” Luo Binghe is not helping matters with his constant needling of the other peak lord. “The Diamondback Quillfeet are quicker than he thinks. Next time this disciple might not intervene and save you.” The two have been at each other's throat practically the entire journey. If Shen Qingqiu had known that bringing back two of the carcasses of his most recent kills to show Liu Qingge would have triggered this sudden road trip, he would have left the damn things to rot in hell.

Literally.

“Shut up,” Liu Qingge was as terse as ever. Their rough camp in the wild consisted of a cave, a banked fire and the rations Mu Qingfang had pressed into Shen Qingqiu's hands with a serene smile. Which was odd, since there was only enough rations for one and not three...but he'd gone to Shang Qinghua for more and his bro had given him the oddest look, but had outfitted them all with the necessary items.

(The Very Odd Staring Contest between Luo Binghe and Mobei-Jun was also something Shen Qingqiu was Not Thinking About. At all. Nope.)

“Here, Liu-shidi, have some more dinner,” Shen Qingqiu took the bowl from Liu Qingge's hands and refilled it, his thumb catching a drop on the edge and wiping it away, licking his finger clean. He looked up to see Liu Qingge staring at him – and, okay, so what if that wasn't exactly the epitome of grace and beauty? Luo Binghe's cooking was delicious . There was no call to waste it by dropping some on the ground! He offered Liu Qingge the bowl and it took the man a second to jerk his gaze away and take it.

So strange.

“Shizun should rest for now,” Luo Binghe was a warm presence at his side. “This disciple even prepared a tent! It has all of Shizun's favorite things,” that was said into his ear, causing shivers to run down Shen Qingqiu's spine.

“Behave,” he tapped Luo Binghe on the head with his fan. “But it was kind of you to think of your Shizun and Shishu.”

“...The tent is for Shizun .”

“And yet we are three,” he tapped Luo Binghe's head a little harder. “Do not be so cruel to your shishu.”

“I'm fine out here.”

“But Liu-shidi!” Shen Qingqiu turned back to the man. “It gets very cold here at night. I would feel terrible to leave you out here.”

“...It's fine.”

“No, I insist. We'll share!” Shen Qingqiu did not see both Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe go still at his words.

“Does Shizun...really want that?”

“I do,” he patted Luo Binghe's knee. “It will be fine.”

“...As long as Shizun remembers it was this disciple who brought the tent. And it was this disciple who he has married.”

There was a strange ding ! sound in the back of his head. It was eerily similar to the sound of that damn System booting up again. But it was dormant. Wasn't it?

There was a second ding ! And then a third. And something that sounded maybe like {auth.LBH!4AR3M.exe file reformatting – changes accepted, initializing...initializing... }

And that...that was odd. He looked up at Luo Binghe, feeling his brows draw together. “Of course this master knows that. How could I forget?” He feels his face go warm. He doesn't dare look at Liu Qingge who...has been suspiciously silent the last few minutes. He pushes any thought of that damn System deep. It doesn't get to control his life anymore. No way!

Luo Binghe's smile goes from strained to sunny as he picked up Shen Qingqiu's hand and presses a kiss to his palm. “Does Shizun promise that this disciple will always be first in his heart and thoughts?”

Goodness it was getting warm in the cave. “ Binghe . Of course you know that – why are you – in front of –”

“Will Shizun swear it to the gods themselves?”

“Binghe!” What has gotten into his husband?

“Will you?” Dark lashes sweep down over crimson eyes. Luo Binghe's demon mark is glowing faintly. “Will you promise that no matter what else comes, I will always be first in heart and thought?”

“Of course you are. Why –”

“Good,” then Luo Binghe pulled him into a kiss that left him breathless. “This disciple knows that Shizun always keeps his promises. This disciple will go prepare the tent now. For all of us,” those crimson eyes go past Shen Qingqiu. That sunny smile turns sly as he presses one last kiss to Shen Qingqiu and then rises and heads to the back of the cave.

“You don't have to.”

Shen Qingqiu still has a hand to his lips when he turns to look at Liu Qingge. The Bai Zhan Peak Lord is looking into the fire, brows pinched and mouth a thin line. “I –”

“If I was wrong about the beasts, I was wrong. I won't force it.”

...Shen Qingqiu has absolutely no idea what is going on, but he really doesn't like that look on Liu Qingge's face. “Liu-shidi is always welcome. I am very glad to have you here.”

Some of the tension left the man's shoulders at that. Dark eyes glance at him and then away. “This is good,” he finished off the last of the food in his bowl.

“Luo Binghe is a gifted cook.”

Liu Qingge's mouth twisted, but the look he casts over his shoulder is...considering. “Yes. It's better than his sword work.”

“Hey!”

Shen Qingqiu has to duck his head to hide his smile. “Ah, Liu-shidi...”

“Who beat you in every fight we've ever had?” Luo Binghe calls from the back of the cave. “When you best me you can complain about my sword work and not until then.”

“You're sloppy .”

“You're just jealous.”

“Your form is for crap, too.”

“Oh, you haven't seen my form yet .”

“Luo Binghe did have problems while learning forms,” Shen Qingqiu feels compelled to point out.

“Shizun!”

“Did he, now?” Shen Qingqiu feels strangely pinned by Liu Qingge's intent look. “Mingyan has said some things to me about it.”

Which...what did that even mean? “Did...she?”

Liu Qingge collected their bowls and stood. “I'll wash up.” Then he strode out of the cave, ponytail swinging.

“If you...say so?” Shen Qingqiu felt a little like the world had tilted under him and he wasn't quite sure which way was up yet. He was almost sure they were having two different conversations, but what that second conversation was, was anyone's guess.

“Is Shizun ready for bed?” A warm breath at his ear makes him jump.

“Binghe,” he scolds, but doesn't really mean it. “You should have let me help with something .”

“But you did, Shizun,” hands guided him up and towards the tent snuggled into the back of the cave. The temperature outside was already dropping. Shen Qingqiu could feel the chill settle against his skin.

“No I –”

“This disciple knew he couldn't keep Shizun to himself forever. He's just happy that Shizun has promised that this Luo Binghe will always be First, no matter what.”

What was going on – but that thought was swiftly derailed when Luo Binghe kissed him again, big hands framing his face and oh so warm. He was backed into the tent and pressed down onto soft furs, moaning a little as Luo Binghe settled on top of him. This wasn't – Liu Qingge was right outside, what is going on – what – what –

Hands parted his robes, even as Shen Qingqiu tried to stop Luo Binghe's wandering hands. “When Shizun gave Mu-shishu those flowers, I knew this was coming,” Luo Binghe whispered into his ear. “Mu-shishu is doing things the proper way, though, so this disciple let it be. Liu-shishu is too bold, though, too impatient. This disciple needs to make sure he knows his place. That he will always be Second to me.”

“Wha-what...” Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but moan as a gentle hand curled around his cock and began to stroke. This was mortifying. He shouldn't be hard! He shouldn't be allowing this! But it was like – it was like something in his head had just...switched on at Luo Binghe's words, like some piece of the puzzle had slid into place and made everything make sense. Of course this was happening. Hadn't he brought Mu-shidi those herbs and flowers? Hadn't he displayed them, so that all could see? Hadn't he accepted Mu-shidi's gift right back?

He'd given Liu Qingge the gift of the carcasses of dangerous beasts, slain by his own hand. Of course it made sense. He had finally accepted all the overtures from the Bai Zhan Peak Lord from all those years ago.

Like the ghost of unwanted Christmases past that damn System's voice popped up in the back of his head, showering his sight with glitter and confetti.

{... Initializing ... Initializing ...Download complete!}

{Congratulations! You have unlocked Harem Mode! Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! May this user enjoy the new unlocked and downloaded content! Hardcopy complete! Enjoy the rest of your experience!}

...What the fuck.

But then he didn't have time to think – he was too busy trying to keep up with Luo Binghe, trying to catch his breath and his composure as those warm hands stripped him bare and laid him out on the soft furs, oiled fingers slid deep inside, riding the thrashing of Shen Qingqiu's body with ease.

“That's right, Shizun. You're going to come for me until you can't anymore,” a warm mouth was marking every sliver of skin it could reach as Luo Binghe teased him to tears. “You're going to let Liu-shishu know just how much this disciple knows about your body. How he will be First for you, now and always.”

Scattered bits of the downloaded information flashed through his mind at the words. Yes, of course this was going to happen. Luo Binghe never did form his harem from the original plot line, so the System had to do something, now didn't it? And if Luo Binghe didn't want a harem...then Luo Binghe would be placed in a harem of the man of his choosing. As his First Wife. Husband.

Whatever.

What it meant was that Luo Binghe would be the one all the other...spouses needed to acknowledge. Needed to prove themselves to. Needed to earn their place through his acceptance into Shen Qingqiu's harem.

Oh, god. He was going to get a harem. That Luo Binghe chooses. He was going to die.

Shen Qingqiu let out a sob as his legs were pulled over Luo Binghe's thighs and his husband pushed inside, filling him to the brim. He clung to the furs as Luo Binghe started with gentle thrusts, bending forward to kiss Shen Qingqiu, lacing their fingers together. It was so good – it was so good. Luo Binghe was over him, in him, all around him. He was all Shen Qingqiu could see and smell and hear and feel – it was perfect. Perfect.

“This husband is happy Shizun has finally decided to start accepting others,” Luo Binghe murmured into his ear after a hard thrust had Shen Qingqiu letting out a loud moan and shuddering in his arms. “Mu-shishu is very considerate. He will help this disciple take care of Shizun so well. Mu-shishu promised.” Shen Qingqiu clawed at his back, breathless as the thrusts started to pick up pace. “Shizun will need so much taking care of. Liu-shishu will protect Shizun well, but his hands are too rough. Liu-shishu wants to claim Shizun. Wants to mark him up and get him dirty, just like this disciple.” A rough laugh in his ear. “This disciple will love watching Liu-shishu do it, too.”

Luo Binghe needed to stop talking. Shen Qingqiu clung to him, orgasm pushing him even higher as Luo Binghe just kept going, the slick sounds of their bodies filling the tent. The ache and burn of over stimulation faded into building warmth again and again as Luo Binghe kept thrusting into his body.

“Yue-shibo watches this disciple's husband all the time,” Luo Binghe breathed into his ear. “Does Husband want Yue-shibo to join this husband's harem? Husband is so hard to read when it comes to Yue-shibo. Sometimes he seems sad. Sometimes,” a particularly hard thrust caused Shen Qingqiu to cry out, “sometimes this disciple thinks Husband wants Yue-shibo to push him down and own him.”

Annnnd that was it. Shen Qingqiu shouted, coming undone without a touch, the world going dark at the edges. He barely felt Luo Binghe finishing inside of him, nor the way his husband was so gentle at wiping them up and tucking them under the furs.

Shen Qingqiu was asleep when Luo Binghe cupped a hand around Liu Qingge's neck and tugged him into a chaste kiss. Liu Qingge's expression was a twisted mess, but he allowed the touch, allowed the kiss, allowed Luo Binghe to pull him down into the mess of furs that reeked of sex so that Liu Qingge could pull Shen Qingqiu into his arms and feel the weight of the man against his skin.

Luo Binghe's eyes glowed in the shadows of the tent. “This disciple brought the wine, Liu-shishu. This disciple just needed you to understand your place, first.” He brushed a lock of hair from Shen Qingqiu's face. “You're going to wreck him,” he crooned. “And I get to put him back together. This is a good match. Shizun needs such protections. He does not understand how he is coveted. He never has.” He bent down and pressed a kiss to Shen Qingqiu's cheek, his hand drifting up to trace over the fine lines of Liu Qingge's scowl. “Help me keep him warm, Liu-shishu. You'll get your turn after the wine tomorrow.”

“Shut up.”

Luo Binghe's smile grew wider. “I even brought your favorite desserts to go with the tea. Then we'll slaughter that hive of Highfair Vipers and you can show Shizun just what kind of husband he is marrying. Only then will you get to touch him, Liu-shishu. Those are my terms.”

“You –!”

“Do you accept?” Crimson light glowed from his eyes and demon mark. “Don't you want to show Shizun just how capable you are? Instead of presenting dead animals at his feet?”

The fierce look shifted. Dark eyes met crimson and Liu Qingge pulled Shen Qingqiu tighter to his chest, feeling the warm skin under his hands, the curve of that slim waist, the bird-like bones of his wrists that looked so delicate but could control so much power with such finesse. He looked up at Luo Binghe, at the power the half-demon radiated...and nodded.

Luo Binghe ducked his head and kissed Liu Qingge again, harder this time, a brief press of teeth to his lips as well. “Good, good. We're going to get along just fine, then.”

Chapter Text

When Shen Qingqiu wakes he is warm and clean and not at as sore as he thought he'd be. He rubbed his face against the firm chest he was resting on and – and –

Wait a goddamn second here.

A quick glance up and Shen Qingqiu finds himself lost as he meets Liu Qingge's gaze and doesn't look away. The Bai Zhan Peak Lord is as soft as Shen Qingqiu has ever seen him, hair down and naked, relaxed in bed with him.

Wait. Naked?

A shift of his legs and yep, Shen Qingqiu can say that Liu Qingge is Very Much Naked, that the man is rather interested in the situation and that he has one large hand planted on Shen Qingqiu's ass.

It's far more hot than it has any right to be.

“Is Shizun awake?” Luo Binghe's voice from behind him makes Shen Qingqiu's heart catch in his throat. He can feel the shift of the furs and then Luo Binghe is pressed against his back, one arm sliding around his waist, face nuzzled into his neck.

Liu Qingge's hand has not moved.

“Did Shizun sleep well? This disciple made quite a mess last night. Does anything hurt?”

Shen Qingqiu can feel his face start to heat. Liu Qingge doesn't drop his gaze. The hand on his ass shifts, the thumb starting a slow slide against his skin. “I,” he has to stop and clear his throat. “I am fine.”

He does not squeak when Luo Binghe's hand covers his other cheek. There is some residual slickness still, but Shen Qingqiu feels no sharp aches or deep pulses of pain that have come from...other times in the past when he and Luo Binghe had gotten a little too rough in their nightly play. He hears Luo Binghe make a throaty sound and then those long fingers slide into the cleft of his ass, gentle as they touch his rim. “Is Shizun sure?”

“ Binghe .” His breath catches again as Liu Qingge's brows twitch – and then the man is sliding his hand down to, almost – almost – almost like he was holding hands with Luo Binghe as they both touched him. He is sure it is Luo Binghe who takes Liu Qingge's fingers and presses them to Shen Qingqiu's hole, dipping them inside. It's too much. Shen Qingqiu hid his face against Liu Qingge's chest and – and –

“Relax, Shizun. Let us take care of you,” Binghe's voice is a deep purr. He hears something click and then the fingers dipping into him are wetter, slicker. “Like this, Liu-shishu. Shizun needs to be opened up for us, today. We have such plans .”

Oh this...this isn't good. This is terrible . This is – this is – this is possibly the hottest thing that has happened to Shen Qingqiu ever . He feels Luo Binghe take his leg and push it forward, rolling Shen Qingqiu until he is half on top of Liu Qingge, open and exposed for the fingers sliding in and out of him. The questing touch goes deeper and Shen Qingqiu has to moan, face hot as he slides against Liu Qingge's prominent arousal.

“That's right, Shizun. Relax for us. We have a surprise for you. You'll like it.”

“I – I – this is – what are you –”

“This is Liu Qingge's present for being so good,” Shen Qingqiu can feel Luo Binghe's smile against his back. Liu Qingge's fingers thrust in a touch harder, causing Shen Qingqiu to gasp. Then the fingers stop , held deep by what has to be Luo Binghe's hand. “Now, now, Liu-shishu. We have an agreement.”

Shen Qingqiu can feel a displeased rumble come from the man under him – and then his face is tilted up, a gentle hand on his chin as Liu Qingge bends down and presses their lips together. Shen Qingqiu leans into it, the sweetness a sharp contrast to the way those fingers are still moving in his ass. The hand on his chin leaves to slide into his hair, holding him in place so Liu Qingge can kiss him deeper, their tongues sliding against each other as Luo Binghe peppers kisses against his shoulders and the nape of his neck.

Shen Qingqiu is panting when Liu Qingge lets him go, a pleased tiger's smile on the man's face as he watches Shen Qingqiu tremble.

“Now, that's enough of that,” Luo Binghe says and – and – and pulls Liu Qingge's fingers out . How dare he! That was just getting good! “Easy, Shizun. I have your present right here.” There was something nudging at his opening, something hard and – and – thick and – he had to shut his eyes against the slide of it going in, nestling deep inside until the base of the plug is flush to his opening.

“You're doing so well for us, Shizun. We have such plans. We need you open and wet, you see. Oh, Shizun. You're going to love this.” There was nothing he could do then to fight the hands helping him up, the gentle way Liu Qingge's hands ran down his skin, ignoring Shen Qingqiu's cock as both men got him dressed and then dressed each other. He was shaking as he was sat at the fire, body thrumming as the plug inside him shifted with every movement. He couldn't seem to stop blushing, either. From the pleased expression on Liu Qingge's face, the man didn't mind it one bit.

He was sat opposite of Liu Qingge. There was a tea set Shen Qingqiu had never seen before set between them, plus a dish of sweets that he knew were Liu Qingge's favorites. Luo Binghe poured two cups and presented them, first to Shen Qingqiu and then to Liu Qingge. Bits of information zipped through his head – the tea for ceremony, desserts for a sweet life and the wine – but where was the wine –

He bowed to Liu Qingge, hands careful with the cup, trying not to shake out of his skin as the movement jostled his lower half. Together they drank. Liu Qingge fed him a sweet, his thumb sweeping against Shen Qingqiu's lower lip as he ate. Then it was his turn and he fed Liu Qingge, the man nipping at his fingers as he took the sweet, then grasping Shen Qingqiu's hand and kissing the pads of his fingers, there and gone as Luo Binghe watched them both with a small smile on his face.

“Come, Shizun. It's time for the second part of this ceremony.”

What second part – but his thoughts were hard to corral as Luo Binghe helped him up and they followed Liu Qingge outside. Bai Zhan's war god was in fine form, robes immaculate, hair swinging as he strode out onto the plain, Cheng Luan clenched in his fist. He was drawn to Luo Binghe's chest as Liu Qingge stepped forward, a hush sweeping over the tall sickly yellow grasses. There was a hive of Highfair Vipers under those dying stalks; the demonic snakes leeched all the nutrients from the ground, roving place to place like locusts, only they were ten to twenty feet long and as thick as a man in some adults.

“Watch your new husband, Shizun. He has such a dance planned for you.”

Liu Qingge stood straight and still, head cocked to one side as if listening. There was a soft hiss and then he sprang into the air, twisting as he went, Cheng Luan flashing with light. Highfair Vipers exploded from the grasses, their mottled green and yellow scales a perfect camouflage against the plain, mouths snapping at the air, their venom glittering as it fell and caused small fires to ignite. Liu Qingge danced between them, sword a brilliant light as he flipped and twisted, slicing heads off and splitting one viper in half.

The problem with Highfair Vipers was that if you killed one, you had to kill them all, since any spilled blood of one of the hive would summon them all and ignite them into a frenzy. The scouts were deadly, but it was the adults that were the ones that were the most vicious and hardest to kill. From the way the grasses were stirring, looking like a fierce wind was whipping the stalks, the whole hive had been roused.

Shen Qingqiu felt his breath catch as the ground rumbled and then chunks of earth were flying into the air. Vipers as thick as two men were shooting towards the sky, where Liu Qingge met each challenge with a wild grin and deadly grace. The war god twisted and spun, blade blood red as he struck true each time, slaughtering the monsters as they reached for him again and again, a peerless beauty full of wrath and ruin dancing in the sky.

Shen Qingqiu didn't realize he was moaning until Luo Binghe pulled his head back and kissed him, one hand sliding down Shen Qingqiu's side and then around his waist, fingers dipping down to press the base of the plug inside him briefly. Then he was turned and together they watched Liu Qingge rain carnage down onto the smoking plain, Shen Qingqiu's back to Luo Binghe's chest, held in place so all he could do was take it in, wrists caught in Luo Binghe's hands.

It was glorious.

There was a thundering roar as the ground beneath them bucked. A massive glittering black body shot from the hole, the spaces between the scales gleaming with a lurid yellow glow. The gaping maw of the viper's mouth stretched open, fangs as long as a man's arm slick with poison poised to strike. Liu Qingge was a silver flare in the sky as he streaked down and met the Highfair Viper matriarch head on, Cheng Luan slicing the length of that massive body, cleaving the head in two.

Silence fell on the plain, broken only by the faint hiss of smoldering flames and Shen Qingqiu's panting breaths. Liu Qingge landed in front of him, hair and eyes wild, robes torn and bloody in places and a fine splatter of ash on his cheek. Shen Qingqiu did not feel Luo Binghe step away. All he could see was Liu Qingge crouched in front of him, pinning him in place with his gaze.

“Shizun,” Luo Binghe's deep voice made him turn, taking the cup out of instinct. Luo Binghe tilted his head to the side, crimson eyes watching as Liu Qingge rose, sword still unsheathed and gleaming slick with blood, his other hand taking the second cup of wine Luo Binghe held out.

Liu Qingge stepped forward once, twice, until he and Shen Qingqiu were almost chest to chest. Those dark eyes held Shen Qingqiu's gaze as they linked arms on that smoking plain, surrounded by blood soaked earth and the bodies of Liu Qingge's kills, Luo Binghe watching on as they drank their cups dry.

Liu Qingge let out a dark, hungry sound and the cups were abandoned, his sword clattering to the ground as he framed Shen Qingqiu's face with his hands and kissed him, pulling him close until there was no more space between them. Shen Qingqiu grasped at Liu Qingge's robes, fists going tight as he kissed back, desperate for the man in front of him. His head spun as Liu Qingge's hands moved down, grabbing him at the hips and hauling him up so that Shen Qingqiu had to wrap his legs around that trim waist or risk falling.

He threw his head back with a loud moan, the movement of their bodies jostling the plug inside him. A hot mouth attacked his neck, the hands on his ass kneading, one finger reaching out and tapping the base of the plug, causing more noises to escape his throat. His head was dizzy with lust, shivering as he tilted his face back to Liu Qingge and put his hands on that beautiful body, tilting his chin up so they could kiss and kiss and kiss again.

How they got back into the cave, Shen Qingqiu had no idea. All he knew is that one minute they were surrounded by smoke and smoldering flame and the next he was pressed up against a wall, robes torn open and teeth at his throat. He had his hands in Liu Qingge's hair, silver crown abandoned somewhere, the slick inky strands woven between his fingers and he pulled Liu Qingge closer, arching into the sharp bites pressed into his skin. A hand reached down and he wailed as the plug was slid from his body – only to stop and press back in, again and again until Shen Qingqiu was on the edge of tears.

“S-Stop – ah, ah, ah, please...”

“Yes,” Liu Qingge growled. “Mine. Mine, now. Say it,” the plug thrust in deep and Shen Qingqiu cried out, shuddering through his orgasm. “Say it.”

“Yours, ah – ah – ah – yours – !” The words were silenced by a fierce kiss and the plug was finally, finally taken out. It was all Shen Qingqiu could do to hang on, pulling at Liu Qingge's torn robes as the man pressed closer, hiking Shen Qingqiu's knees over his elbows and thrusting in deep, pinning him to the wall.

He wasn't given a moment to catch his breath. Teeth nipped at his lips, bringing the taste of coppery blood as they breathed each other's air, Liu Qingge thrusting hard and deep with every gasp. The choked, broken sounds between them had to be coming from Shen Qingqiu's throat but he could barely pay attention to them, concentrating more on the feel of Liu Qingge hot and hard and thick inside him, rutting up into him again and again. He could feel himself hardening, pressed up against Liu Qingge's fabulous abs, the friction just enough of a tease to keep him on the edge as Liu Qingge hiked him higher onto the wall and latched onto his chest, lips and teeth darkening the marks already on his skin.

He had no idea what nonsense his mouth was spewing but Liu Qingge seemed to really like it, since the man gave up whatever last bits of control he had and started to fuck Shen Qingqiu, snarls falling from his throat as they wound each other higher and higher until Shen Qingqiu's voice broke and he came just from the punishing pleasure of Liu Qingge moving inside of him. Liu Qingge latched onto his throat and bit, breaking skin as he thrust in deep and stayed, body shaking through his own orgasm, pressing his release as deep as it would go.

Shen Qingqiu was a shuddering mess as he wound his arms around Liu Qingge's neck, feeling the man swipe his tongue over the bite mark and letting Shen Qingqiu bury his face into the crook of Liu Qingge's neck as he was pulled from the wall. A whimper left his throat as he was hauled up into those strong arms and before he knew it the world was tipping, his back hitting the tent's soft furs as he was laid out before Liu Qingge's hot gaze. He leaned up as Liu Qingge bent down for a kiss, a soft, easy press of lips as Liu Qingge brushed the hair from his face and settled over him, body warm and solid and –

And then Liu Qingge thrust inside him, causing his breath to hitch. He found his wrists held down by Liu Qingge, trapped over his head as Bai Zhan's war god nosed along the line of his chin, never stopping his movement inside Shen Qingqiu, pressing a kiss here and there, even as Shen Qingqiu gasped and begged for mercy. He released between them at some point, an ache that was almost bone deep, but even then Liu Qingge didn't stop. All he did was pull out to turn Shen Qingqiu onto his stomach, legs spread wide as Liu Qingge slid back in, teeth at the nape his neck, hands held down as the man fucked deeper and deeper into him.

The world was going dark at the edges of his vision when Liu Qingge's teeth bit deep into his skin, the bright points of their contact sizzling through Shen Qingqiu's dazed mind, feeling pinned like a butterfly against the man's teeth and hands and cock. Liu Qingge released inside of him and Shen Qingqiu could do nothing but come dry, shuddering through the aftershocks as Liu Qingge rocked to his completion, a warm heavy weight on his back. A kiss was pressed against the nape of his neck and that was the last he knew before darkness took him.

When he woke again he was clean and warm, as he had woken the day before. His hand was linked with Liu Qingge's; the man had him tucked under his chin, a firm arm around his back, keeping them pressed close together. Shen Qingqiu blinked open his eyes to see Luo Binghe on the other side of Liu Qingge, his head propped up by his arm, lounging naked on top of the furs as he watched them both sleep. His eyes were glowing faintly, as was his demon mark, but when Shen Qingqiu met his gaze Luo Binghe smiled, warm and soft and strangely proud as he leaned forward and pressed small kisses to Shen Qingqiu's mouth.

“Shizun is so beautiful like this,” Luo Binghe murmured, even as Shen Qingqiu shivered at the heat in his voice. “Liu Qingge took such good care of Husband. He did so, so well.” Luo Binghe pressed a kiss to Shen Qingqiu's forehead and then leaned back, gaze sliding up to Liu Qingge's face.

Who was awake and watching them, a strange small smile on his face as he cupped the back of Shen Qingqiu's head and pulled him up for his own kiss. “Husband,” he said between kisses. “Husband. Husband. Husband.”

Shen Qingqiu moaned into his mouth as Luo Binghe bent over them, hands sweeping down Shen Qingqiu's skin, his mouth set to Liu Qingge's chest, pressing closer and closer until Liu Qingge pulled Shen Qingqiu up and over him, trapping him between the two men, right where he wanted Shen Qingqiu to be.

It was a long, long time before any of them left the cave that day.

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu carries a box full of Highfair Viper scales and several vials of both blood and venom to present to Mu Qingfang at the next Peak Lord meeting when he is waylaid at his seat by Liu Qingge. They have yet to assemble, most talking and catching up at the snack table in the room but Shen Qingqiu had taken his seat so he didn't have to pack the box around and try to nibble on the goodies that Shang Qinghua procures for them every month. He was about to get up and get a plate for himself when one appears in front of him, full of his favorite treats.

Shen Qingqiu can feel everyone's eyes on them as he looks up at Liu Qingge, at the curl of his mouth, at the dark eyes that watch him now without hiding. He can feel his face go hot and under his clothes the places where Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe had marked up tingle, just a little. Then Liu Qingge's smile grows, just a fraction and before he knows it Shen Qingqiu is getting Very Firmly Kissed by Liu Qingge in front of every Peak Lord on Cang Qiong Mountain.

He can't help but melt into it, into the slide of Liu Qingge's hand in his hair, at the way the man tilts his face up and takes control of the kiss. He knows his face is quite red by the time Liu Qingge lets him go, a swing to his step as he moves to his own seat and settles in. There's an awkward pause to the conversations at the snack table, but Shen Qingqiu snaps his fan open and ignores it all.

Or at least tries to. He can see Shang Qinghua still gaping at him from further down the table.

“Shen-shixiong?” Mu Qingfang takes the seat next to him, two cups of steaming tea in hand. Shen Qingqiu takes one with a smile, meeting his gaze despite the way his cheeks heat again. Ever since that damn System had upgraded, little bits and pieces of downloaded information zip through his brain – how he and Mu Qingfang have been Very Proper about how they're going about this joining the harem thing (he has a harem , he is going to beat Shang Qinghua senseless for this! Probably! Maybe!) and how they are just about at the final stage of their careful dance. All Mu Qingfang needs to do is Formally Accept in front of witnesses.

“Mu-shidi,” he smiles and closes his fan, setting it aside. “For you,” he slides the box to the man. It is a lacquered black box with a painting of cranes in flight on the lid. From the corner of his eye Shen Qingqiu can see Yue Qingyuan staring, dark eyes narrow as he glances between him and Mu Qingfang and Liu Qingge. Again since the download, Shen Qingqiu knows that harems such as his are considered normal in this world (and it really boggles the mind how an entire world got glitched like the Matrix and suddenly harems are a Thing, now. Airplane-bro, get over here for your beating right now). Qi Qingqi herself had her own harem of beautiful ladies and Shen Qingqiu wasn't blind, okay? He knew she was eyeing Ning Yingying but that old cougar could keep her sticky paws off until his little Yingying decided what she wanted, thank you very much. Along with Qi Qingqi, two other of the Peak Lords of Cang Qiong Mountain also had harems – in fact the beast taming peak lord and the barrier peak lord shared a harem! Or something. No one was exactly sure how the particulars were worked out and quite honestly Shen Qingqiu didn't want to know.

They were called to order before Mu Qingfang could open the box. Yue Qingyuan was abnormally terse as they went through the points of the meeting, which thankfully didn't have any budget proposals or else Shen Qingqiu was pretty sure blood would have been drawn. By someone. Probably Yue Qingyuan, since the man was glaring daggers at Liu Qingge after the Bai Zhan's peak lord took every opportunity to refer to Shen Qingqiu as husband that he could.

It was a surprising amount. Shen Qingqiu has never heard Liu Qingge speak so much in a meeting before, ever.

Yue Qingyuan had just dismissed them when Mu Qingfang spoke up. “One last point of order,” the Cang Qiong's best healer gave them all a gentle smile as the gathered peak lords retook their seats. Then he turned to Shen Qingqiu. “I formally accept this gift from you, Shen Qingqiu, lord of Qing Jing Peak, with an open heart and open hands. May we find happiness together in this union.” Then he leaned forward and kissed Shen Qingqiu, a sweet, delicate press of lips that had Shen Qingqiu's face heating and his heart trembling in the most embarrassing of ways.

There was a whoop from the far end of the table and then applause from the other peak lords. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but smile into the kiss, leaning into Mu Qingfang a little as the noise washed over them. He pulled away to see Liu Qingge's pleased expression, the Bai Zhan's peak lord leaning his chin on his hand as he watched them. It sent a shiver down Shen Qingqiu's spine and under that heavy look Liu Qingge's smile widened, just a bit.

He heard Mu Qingfang make a soft sound and then his wrist was taken by a gentle grip. “Ah, Shen-shixiong, you're bruised here.” Shen Qingqiu looked down to see Mu Qingfang trace his fingers over the marks left by Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge on his skin.

“I'm fine. And you should call me Qingqiu now, Mu-shidi.”

He met Mu Qingfang's look from under dark lashes. “Qingfang to you, then. Qingqiu.” Shen Qingqiu felt his breath catch at the heat in those dark eyes. While not as pretty as Liu Qingge, or as striking as Luo Binghe with his protagonist halo, Mu Qingfang was a handsome man, with dark eyes that held flecks of gold in them. His gentle aura belied the wide breadth of his shoulders and hid the strength in his hands. Shen Qingqiu found himself being helped to his feet and then escorted out of the hall, hand tucked into Mu Qingfang's elbow, Liu Qingge on his other side, a warm hand at the small of his back, guiding him forward. From the noise the others were making a wedding feast was already being prepared (since when?! Luo Binghe use your words) and that they were all to gather at Qing Jing Peak for the celebration.

Apparently Luo Binghe was going to throw them a Proper Wedding. With everything that was included.

They were separated when they reached the bamboo house, Luo Binghe descending on him with a smile that had Shen Qingqiu going weak in the knees. He was soundly kissed by Luo Binghe and then brought inside where a veritable ocean of fabric had exploded over every piece of furniture in the front room. Liu Qingge had gone with Mu Qingfang, the two men watching each other in a way that made Shen Qingqiu's mouth go dry. He had already seen Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge touch and pleasure each other, after Shen Qingqiu had been forced to tap out due to exhaustion and the sheer inability to keep up with Luo Binghe's protagonist appetite. It had been scorching hot and Shen Qingqiu a very, very happy man during all of it.

He was stripped and washed and teased until it was all he could do to grab Luo Binghe and kiss him, feeling strong arms wrap around him and pull him close. “Husband is going to look so pretty,” Luo Binghe murmured into his ear as they stood together, close enough to feel each breath. “This Luo Binghe has chosen only the best for his Husband. Mu-shishu will be dazzled.”

“Binghe.”

“I think Mu-shishu will appreciate all the effort Liu-shishu and I put in for him,” Luo Binghe kissed his ear and then let him go. “You'll see, Husband. Now, let's get you dressed.”

Such finery was laid out in front of him. Soft inner robes of purest white silk slid over his skin. An inner robe of glittering gold, stitched with phoenixes in flight was next. A third robe, sleeveless and with wide slits up the side to be tied at the waist was next, made from ebony silk so covered in embroidery it was hard to tell its color. A fourth robe, gauzy and light, so long it fell past his fingers, looked like a golden halo come to life around him was next. A fifth robe, crimson silk embroidered with gold thread, settled over his shoulders, the wide sleeves hanging heavy from his arms. A belt of linked gold circled his waist. Luo Binghe knelt and slid silk socks up his calves – as well as getting a good grope in at the same time – before helping Shen Qingqiu into his shoes.

Next he had to sit and have Luo Binghe pull back his hair, his usual jade crown set aside for a gold and ruby crown, his hair pinned back with delicate combs and set just so.

Shen Qingqiu could hear the noise of people gathered on his peak through the windows. “It's time, Husband,” Luo Binghe offered him his arm, which Shen Qingqiu took. System information told him it was Luo Binghe's place as his First Husband to be the one to welcome each subsequent spouse into the marriage, that it was Luo Binghe's role to be both loving husband and territorial guard dog, the one to make sure the ceremonies were performed and all rituals properly observed. Thus Luo Binghe would be the one to guide Shen Qingqiu to Qing Jing's main hall, head held high as he settled Shen Qingqiu onto the dais and took his place behind the tea table.

There was a murmur of voices from the front of the hall. Shen Qingqiu turned to see Liu Qingge guiding in Mu Qingfang, the healer's hand tucked into the crook of his elbow. Mu Qingfang was in ebony silk, the heavy outer robes stitched with thread of gold and searing crimson embroidery. Red gauze flowed over his fingers, pairing well with Shen Qingqiu's, and they had matching crowns of gold and rubies tied up into his hair. His broad shoulders were well defined by the stretch of silk over them, the high collar buttoned up with twinkling gems at the hollow of his throat. A light flush dusted Mu Qingfang's cheeks as they met each other on the dais, bowing once to each other before taking their seats.

System information told him there was no need for fancy speeches. A hush fell over the room as Luo Binghe solemnly poured the tea, offering the first cup to Shen Qingqiu and the second to Mu Qingfang. Together they drank, Shen Qingqiu unable to look away from Mu Qingfang's dark gaze. He offered up a sweet for Mu Qingfang to eat, the other man's hand coming up to cup his own as they guided the morsel into his mouth. A kiss was pressed to his wrist before Mu Qingfang let go, glancing away with a sweep of lashes as he picked up a one of the desserts and held it to Shen Qingqiu's mouth. He took it in, licking at Mu Qingfang's finger as he went, watching those dark eyes get darker and that blush spread to his ears.

It was delightful.

A cheer went up from the crowd. Shen Qingqiu could see Luo Binghe beaming at them from the corner of his eye. Shen Qingqiu leaned forward and kissed Mu Qingfang, their hands tangling together as the healer met him in the middle. Then they were beset by well wishers, all coming up at once. Shen Qingqiu found his hand tucked into the crook of Mu Qingfang's elbow as they faced the oncoming horde of peak lords and disciples and – were those demons? Yes, those were demons mingling with cultivators, all of whom bowed low to Luo Binghe as he passed. Shen Qingqiu spotted Shang Qinghua in the melee, sitting on Mobei-Jun's knee with a brilliant blush on his face.

Perhaps he would beat Airplane-bro senseless some other time. After all, it was Shen Qingqiu's wedding day. There were other far more pleasant things to be done than focus on violence and bloodshed and a good beating with one of his lesser prized fans.

Anyway.

They sat side by side at the wedding feast, all of their friends and family spread out around them. Where and how Luo Binghe had gotten together such a spread was beyond him – Shen Qingqiu was starting to suspect that Luo Binghe and Mu Qingfang had planned all this, really – but the dishes were heavenly and Shen Qingqiu spent much of the time at the banquet being fed small morsels by Mu Qingfang, the man's thumb often brushing his lower lip, that heavy gaze getting darker each time it happened.

At sunset Luo Binghe poured the wine, handing the first cup to Shen Qingqiu and the second to Mu Qingfang. Bathed in golden light Shen Qingqiu hooked arms with Mu Qingfang and drank, eyes never leaving his new husband's, both of them finishing their glasses in one gulp. There was another cheer by their gathered friends before Qi Qingqi's disciples took up their instruments and began to play, the wedding feast over and the celebration begun.

Which meant it was time for Shen Qingqiu and Mu Qingfang to take their leave.

They bowed low to the gathered crowd, a fine blush on Shen Qingqiu's face as cheers and rowdy suggestions followed them out of the hall. He saw Luo Binghe leaning back on a divan, Liu Qingge next to him, not quite snuggled up together, but their legs had been pressed together knee to hip. Luo Binghe had some of Liu Qingge's hair wound between his fingers and from the way the two men were staring at each other, Shen Qingqiu wasn't the only one who was going to spend the night in someone's arms.

Shen Qingqiu was really starting to like this harem business. More the merrier! Spread the love! Spare his aching body! Perhaps! Maybe?

A quick glance at Mu Qingfang had him reassessing that idea.

They walked arm in arm to the bamboo house, the insides sparkling as if Luo Binghe's impersonation of a clothing-filled tornado hadn't just blown through it. Candles were lit, creating a cozy warmth. Mu Qingfang had a sweet smile on his face as he guided a blushing Shen Qingqiu into the bedchamber, that – yes, was decked out in red and gold.

Really, Luo Binghe had gone all out for this.

Together they slid from their finery, hands gentle as robes were peeled back, hair ornaments set aside, until they were bare to each other. Shen Qingqiu had to look up a little as he stepped close to Mu Qingfang, their mouths meeting as warm hands ran down his back and pulled him close. He was walked backwards to the bed and laid out, feeling a little like a feast being put on display.

He liked it.

“This Qingfang has something for his new husband,” Mu Qingfang said as he sat back between Shen Qingqiu's knees. He was all solid muscle, as defined as Liu Qingge but hidden with his healer's robes and gentle aura. It made the breath in Shen Qingqiu's throat stutter. His hand was lifted and Mu Qingfang kissed the marks on his skin, eyes dark and intent. “Will Husband accept it?”

“Yes,” Shen Qingqiu wasn't quite sure what he was saying yes to, but did it matter? The pleased expression on Mu Qingfang's face was all the answer he needed. The healer reached to the side table and opened a box Shen Qingqiu had missed. Inside lay vials of oil, glittering in the candlelight.

“Then lie back, husband of mine. Let this Qingfang touch you.”

At Mu Qingfang's urging, Shen Qingqiu laid back and relaxed as Mu Qingfang chose a light colored oil and slicked his hands. He was expecting Mu Qingfang to reach for his lower half, but instead his foot was lifted and that warm oil was spread against his skin. Shen Qingqiu couldn't bite back a whimper as strong thumbs dug into his muscles, Mu Qingfang's broad hands sweeping up the arch of his foot, delicate around the ankle and then worked the muscles of his calves.

Higher and higher he went until he came to Shen Qingqiu's thigh. Here and there the soft skin was dotted with marks, bruises still purple from Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge's hands. That was when Mu Qingfang bent his head and kissed the marks, a strange stirring of qi sweeping from his lips to Shen Qingqiu's skin, the healer's touch soothing each mark away. Shen Qingqiu moaned at the feeling, head thrown back and hands grasping the sheets. It felt like that circulation of qi went straight to his cock and his entire body flushed with heat. Mu Qingfang kissed higher, tongue darting out to lave at his skin – a brief press of teeth but no pressure – and then that stirring of qi again, causing shudders to work their way deep into Shen Qingqiu's core.

He could feel the tickle of Mu Qingfang's hair against his cock as the man kissed at the crease of his hip and thigh, spreading his legs open. A whimper left him as Mu Qingfang pulled back, a teasing smile on his face as he reached for Shen Qingqiu's other foot.

Shen Qingqiu was going to die. In a puddle of lust and panting want. It was perfect.

The same motions were repeated on his other leg, stoking that heat inside Shen Qingqiu with every touch. His cock was drooling but he kept his hands to the side, the one time he tried to touch himself Mu Qingfang had taken his hand and there was a brief touch of danger to the man's gaze.

“Do I need to hold this husband down tonight?”

“N-no – ah,” he gasped as Mu Qingfang pressed his wrist down at his side.

“Good,” Mu Qingfang had murmured and then leaned down, covering Shen Qingqiu with his warmth as he was kissed breathless. Then the healer sat back again and kept on with his careful touches, the oil slick on his palms as he sought out every mark on Shen Qingqiu's body and soothed them away with a touch and that stirring of qi.

His fingers were kissed one by one as Mu Qingfang started in on his arms. The marks around his wrists were given particular attention, this time a soft scrape of teeth as the healer made them all vanish with his touch. By the time Shen Qingqiu had his hands brought up and placed above his head he was a trembling mass of need and want and ready to come at the slightest touch.

“Easy, easy, husband of mine,” Mu Qingfang murmured into his ear as Shen Qingqiu let out moan after moan. “Turn over for me, now.”

Shen Qingqiu whined but turned over, the strength in Mu Qingfang's hands helping him move. He was settled on his front, trying not to rut into the sheets the second they touched his cock. That same sure touch started in on his back, thumbs pressing in, feeling out knots not even Shen Qingqiu knew were there. The arousal still burned but became a surging tide, a wave he could ride with every breath, sinking deeper and deeper into the feel of Mu Qingfang's hands on his body. That same press of lips and qi swept over him at every bruise, the distinct feel of the healer's qi settling over him, into him, right down to the bones.

Those lips trailed down and down until large hands were holding him open, Mu Qingfang kissing his rim, tongue sweeping out and into him. Shen Qingqiu moaned, hands flexing in the sheets as he spread his legs, wanting Mu Qingfang closer, deeper, anything. What he got was Mu Qingfang humming, that sweep of qi swirling into him, as if – as if Mu Qingfang's qi was fucking up and into his body with every thrust of Mu Qingfang's tongue. Shen Qingqiu sobbed, trembling, feeling the pleasure crest –

But he couldn't come.

That same qi had swept through him, curled around his cock and balls and held, pushing back his release. He moaned out his denials, even as he felt Mu Qingfang's smile against his skin, the healer bending back to his task, spreading Shen Qingqiu open and wet and ready to be taken. All Shen Qingqiu could do was shout as he was brought to the edge – and dragged back by Mu Qingfang again and again and again until that was all there was, dangling on the edge of the precipice, ready to fall.

At some point he had been turned over, legs curled around Mu Qingfang's waist as the man surged into him, pressing careful kisses to Shen Qingqiu's skin with every thrust. That dark gaze never left his face as Shen Qingqiu laid back and took it, shaking under him as he was denied his release every time. He wound his arms around Mu Qingfang's neck, needing him closer, needing the press of him against his skin, needing him – just needing him there, around him, in him, all over him.

“Please – please – pleasepleaseplease –”

He was hushed with a soft kiss. Mu Qingfang pressed them together, close enough for Shen Qingqiu to tuck his head into the crook of Mu Qingfang's neck, feeling tears slide down into his hair as he crested – and was pulled back yet again. All he could do was gasp as Mu Qingfang started to thrust harder – and at the same time that familiar qi started to surge into him, in as Mu Qingfang pulled out, a relentless assault that had him sobbing, shaking, the pleasure so pure it was pain.

“Come for me, Qingqiu. Come for this husband of yours.”

It felt like being shattered, the rush of his release punching through him, causing every muscle to seize up and and a strangled shout to leave his throat. He rode the crest of his release, longer and more intense than he'd ever felt it, hanging on for dear life as Mu Qingfang began to thrust, fucking into his wracked body until he was filled with wetness and heat. He couldn't do anything more than whimper as he was gathered up, strong hands lifting and turning him so that he could lay against Mu Qingfang's chest and continue to shudder, body still thrumming from the most powerful orgasm of his life.

He thought he felt the slide of another hand – of Luo Binghe's hand – before darkness took him and he knew nothing more.

Luo Binghe looked down at Mu Qingfang and smiled, reaching out to tuck a lock of hair behind Shizun's ear. “Did you like our present to you, Mu-shishu?”

The healer had his mouth pressed against Shizun's forehead, but Luo Binghe could see the smile in his eyes. “It was very kind of you.”

Luo Binghe made an agreeable sound in his throat as he bent forward and kissed Mu Qingfang, slotting his body in behind Shizun, keeping him warm. The scent of Liu Qingge was still on his skin – Bai Zhan's war god sure to follow at some point, once he was clean. They would need to get a bigger bed, since it would be a tight squeeze with just the four of them. Luo Binghe slid an arm around his husband's waist and settled in, pressing a kiss to Shizun's neck, feeling Mu Qingfang's touch on his back, hesitant at first, then firmer as Luo Binghe arched into it with a pleased rumble. Yes, they would need a bigger bed for sure. Luo Binghe was almost positive Shizun had not seen Yue Qingyuan during the wedding, nor during the feast. The demons Luo Binghe had brought in had been good at controlling the crowd, making sure all Shizun could see and focus on was the new husband in front of him.

No, Yue Qingyuan would have to wait his turn, that was Luo Binghe's thought. He knew full well what kind of darkness lay behind that man's eyes. He would have his chance at Shizun – Luo Binghe knew far too well that Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan were too intertwined for it not to happen...but it would happen as Luo Binghe dictated, as Luo Binghe allowed and nothing more. And Yue Qingyuan would have to accept that or step away, to never darken Shizun's thoughts again.

He knew Yue Qingyuan would accept. Their sect leader wasn't a fool. He would take the opportunity given to him by Luo Binghe and he would learn to live with it. That was the price he had to pay for touching Shizun, for having a piece of him Luo Binghe could never have.

Luo Binghe settled down into the bed, hearing the pad of Liu Qingge's feet in the outer room. Oh, he had such plans for the future. It was good that Shizun had him as his First Husband. Who knows what kind of trouble his Shizun would get into if he did not have them all, looking after him? That was the last thought Luo Binghe had as sleep claimed him.

Chapter Text

“Does Shizun want lunch here today?”

“No, Binghe, thank you,” Shen Qingqiu frowned down at the sheets of papers in his hands. They needed to be signed by Yue-shixiong before An Ding Peak would allow the funding for more instruments to go through. Why and how the papers had reached him without that signature was anyone's guess. Now he would need to go to Qiong Ding Peak himself for it, since the instrument makers would be here later in the week and Shen Qingqiu absolutely needed the funds to pay for them.

“Shizun looks upset,” a big hand pushed down the papers and tilted his face up. Shen Qingqiu leaned into Luo Binghe's kiss, letting himself get lost in it for a moment before pulling back with a sigh. “What is wrong, Shizun?”

“Paperwork,” he made a face as Luo Binghe laughed and kissed him again, here and gone in a flash. “Yue-shixiong needs to sign these and they somehow showed up without it. I'll need to head over there and get it sorted out.”

He did not see the way Luo Binghe went still for a long moment, his dark gaze considering. “Yue-shibo has been very cranky lately. It's not like him to let such a mistake through his fingers.”

Shen Qingqiu made an unhappy face, knowing all too well at just how cranky Yue Qingyuan had been lately. They had been sniping at each other for weeks, that placid smile on Yue Qingyuan's face getting tenser and tenser, even as Shen Qingqiu wracked his brain and tried to figure out how to fix this broken thing between them. It didn't help that a group of sects to the southwest had banned together, declaring Cang Qiong Mountain heretics and deranged madmen on all a path to destroy the heavenly cultivation world. Ever since Luo Binghe had established portals to his demonic palace tongues had been wagging everywhere, rumors thick and vicious about all of them. Shen Qingqiu personally found the portals useful, since it meant he could travel to and from hell with a mere step instead of a week long trip filled with the potential for monster encounters and bandit attacks. He much preferred to be able to see Luo Binghe every night as well.

(He was Very Firmly Ignoring the fact that Luo Binghe's palace in hell had the biggest bed he had ever seen. And that he could snuggle up with all his husbands there and not worry that someone was going to fall to the ground in the middle of the night.)

“If we're going to be able to put our best foot forward when we meet up with the alliance to the east then I need those funds for the new instruments. And new clothes for our disciples. And –”

“This disciple understands,” Luo Binghe is a warm blanket against his back in a sudden hug. “Perhaps this disciple should take the papers to Yue-shibo instead? Shizun has been...unhappy with Yue-shibo lately.”

“I...no, Binghe. I should go talk to him anyway. Best to do both things at once.”

Luo Binghe's hug tightened. Shen Qingqiu leaned back into him, trying to relax. It wasn't that he was mad at Yue-shixiong. It was just – Yue Qingyuan kept watching him, with a look Shen Qingqiu couldn't read. It felt almost angry – but what did the man have to be angry about? Shen Qingqiu had made his declaration to the man long ago. It wasn't his fault Yue Qingyuan had pretended it never happened. Really, you'd think the man was jealous –

Shen Qingqiu cut that thought off right at the root. While it wasn't technically his memories, the rejection of it still hurt – and honestly, that stupid Matrix glitch happened after his transmigration so how the hell was Shen Jiu's memories even affected and –

“Does Husband want to bring Yue-shibo another fan?”

Shen Qingqiu felt himself go horrifyingly hot. “ No .”

“Is Husband sure?”

It was on the tip of his tongue to deny it again, but...He raised a shaky hand to his face and sighed. “Yue-shixiong made his decision, Binghe. It's best to just...leave it alone.”

“But Husband is not happy.”

“I'm fine.”

“ Husband ,” rarely did Luo Binghe use that tone with him. Shen Qingqiu wanted to curl in on himself, but Luo Binghe's hold kept him still. “Perhaps Husband needs to make one last gesture. Just to be sure.”

“Binghe I don't –”

“Husband watches Yue-shibo. It hurts this disciple to see Shizun so sad, so wanting, even when he hides it. He knows Shizun and Yue-shibo have a past together.” Luo Binghe took in a deep breath, hands moving over Shen Qingqiu's chest. “One last gesture, Husband. If Yue-shibo turns aside, we will never speak of it again.”

“It doesn't – I don't even think he wants –”

“Oh, Husband. Yue-shibo wants .” There was a rough edge to that word that made a tingle slide down Shen Qingqiu's spine. “But it is up to Husband if he wants what Yue-shibo wants as well. What only Yue-shibo can give him.”

Well that wasn't ominous or anything. And, to be fair, there was a lot to think about. A lot to consider. Shen Qingqiu was not the man Yue Qingyuan knew, once upon a time. Shen Qingqiu is a man transmigrated into a plot hole filled world, that apparently gets System Upgrades at random times. Shen Qingqiu is a man who had downloaded the backstory...

And it was that exact download that made his heart hurt a little, every time he looked at Yue Qingyuan. That backstory – it wasn't his backstory – and yet...and yet...It now felt like his backstory. Just a little. In a very, very weird way.

Was this Stockholm Syndrome? Could you get Stockholm Syndrome in a place like this? Was it even possible?

By the gods Shen Qingqiu needed to beat Airplane-bro up so bad. Multiple fans would be sacrificed in this endeavor. He did not care.

He was planning that epic beat down as he made his way to Qiong Ding Peak. Twilight had settled on the mountain range, turning the world into shadows of blue and gray. The main sect halls were filled with light and the laughter of disciples talking and sitting down to dinner. Shen Qingqiu glided past them, headed for the stairs at the back of the compound that led up to the Sect Leader's private residence. He had already checked Yue-shixiong's office and had been told that the man had left an hour before and in a foul temper as well. No matter. Shen Qingqiu needed these papers signed and perhaps they would finally clear the air between them. Maybe. Perhaps?

(He was ignoring the black and silver fan tucked into his sash. Yes, it perhaps matched Yue-shixiong's robes. Yes, it perhaps had been bought on a whim when Shen Qingqiu's heart had beat hard at the sight of it, just thinking of...

It didn't matter. Nothing was going to happen, except for his papers getting signed. Probably. Maybe? Right.)

Right.

With his head held high, Shen Qingqiu stepped into the shadows on the stair, climbing up to the dark residence as the stars started to come out above him. He could see the faint glow of candlelight coming from the front room, two windows propped open to show Yue Qingyuan seated on a low couch, one hand covering his eyes. Shen Qingqiu paused at the door, one hand raised. Should he do this? Yue-shixiong looked tired. The last month had been quite stressful, with the rumors and the negotiating with the Yunmeng Jiang Sect over where their proposed meeting would take place, as well as a rampaging herd of Unling Bloodboars that had taken most of the beast taming peak to corral and – and –

Before he hand could touch the wood, before he could take a step back, the door in front of him opened.

Shen Qingqiu met Yue Qingyuan's dark gaze and didn't look away. There was an look to Yue Qingyuan's eyes that he could not place. Not even in the original good's memories did he remember such an expression ever crossing that man's face. It made Shen Qingqiu's heart stutter and prickles to run up and down his back.

“It is late, Quinqiu-shidi.”

Shen Qingqiu forced down a spike of unease and nodded. “This Qingqiu apologizes for disturbing you, but there's a bit of an emergency.”

Yue Qingyuan's brows knit as he glanced behind Shen Qingqiu (why would he do that?), but the man stepped back from the door and allowed him to enter. The Sect Leader's residence was much grander than Shen Qingqiu's bamboo house, but then Yue-shixiong was required to host dignitaries from other sects and such a residence had to reflect the grandeur of the Sect Leader's position. Still, the front room felt cold and impersonal, much too stiff and formal for Qi-ge –

Shen Qingqiu shoved that thought down, hard.

“What is the emergency?”

“There seems to have been a...mishap with the paperwork concerning the funds for the new instruments,” Shen Qingqiu followed Yue Qingyuan to the ornate ebony and bone desk in the next room. The office had more touches of personality, books and artwork Shen Qingqiu knew were Yue Qingyuan's favorites along the walls – which, now that he was looking, wasn't that painting one of his? It had been sold, if he remembered correctly, during an exhibition during one of the Immortal Alliance Conferences, during a blind auction.

What was it doing here?

“What mishap?”

“There are a few signatures missing, that's all,” Shen Qingqiu set the papers down on the desk. “From this stack.”

“Nonsense, I already approved the funds and sent the paperwork to An Ding Peak.”

“Well, it was sent to me instead for whatever reason and it's missing the needed signatures.”

“I'm not,” Yue Qingyuan bit off his next words and rubbed a hand over his forehead. “I distinctly remember signing such papers, Qingqiu-shidi. I –”

“Would you just look at the –”

“I really don't have time for this childish –”

“Childish? What do you even mean –”

“ - really have to see you, flaunting –”

“Flaunting? Flaunting what –”

“I only have so much patience, Xiao Jiu! And you are dearly testing the very limits of it!”

A hush fell after Yue Qingyuan's outburst. Shen Qingqiu could feel his heart thundering at the base of his throat. “I,” he said, drawing himself up straight, “am not testing anything. Whatever Zhangmen-shixiong perceives as – as disrespect or whatever it is you think I'm doing, I'm not. I have been professional –”

Yue Qingyuan scoffed and turned away. And really, that was it. Just. Right at the limit.

“What is wrong with you? Should I go get Mu-shidi to test you for qi deviation? For possession?”

“Oh, yes, go get your Mu-shidi and bring him here or won't –”

“Or what?”

A sharp hand sliced through the air. “Nothing. Leave your papers and I will sign them in the morning.” Yue Qingyuan stepped away.

Shen Qingqiu caught his arm and wrenched him back. “Oh, no you don't. We're going to have this out, here and now. What –”

“Don't.”

Shen Qingqiu snapped his mouth shut, eyes wide as he stared up into Yue Qingyuan's face. They were closer to each other than they had been in a very long time. Shen Qingqiu could feel the heat from the other man's body, the sheer presence of him filling the air around them.

“I have been lenient, Qingqiu-shidi. But I have had enough. This discussion ends now, because if we go any further I do not promise to hold my temper – or my tongue.”

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. “Do tell me, oh great sect leader of Cang Qiong Mountain, what great and terrible thing I have done to bring down the wrath of Yue Qingyuan onto this Qingqiu's head? What disrespect have I shown you, as I continue my duties as lord of Qing Jing Peak? Tell me, what temper have I provoked in securing allies to the east and the west, as well as lords of the demonic realm who are working with us for once –”

“Do not mention that one's name to me here and now –”

“Tell me how in all the realms have I shown you nothing but obedience and respect –”

Somehow he is pinned to the wall, a hand around his throat and Yue Qingyuan pressed against his front. “You are many things to me, Xiao Jiu, but obedient is not one of them.” Shen Qingqiu tries to speak but the hand on his throat tightened, cutting off any chance at words. His body flushes hot at the touch, but he does not call for his qi or struggle against the grip. He cannot seem to look away from Yue Qingyuan's dark gaze. Then the man closed his eyes and pulled back, the hand on Shen Qingqiu's throat going gentle as he stepped away and the moment passed.

“Qingqiu-shidi should leave.”

Shen Qingqiu feels cold where the press of Yue Qingyuan's body had touched him. The man's broad back is all he can see, shoulders straight and sturdy, gaze turned to the side, looking at – looking at...

At Shen Qingqiu's painting. His mouth feels dry as he watches Yue Qingyuan, as bits and pieces of his memories and Shen Jiu's memories slot together. He is not the original goods – except for how he has become a strange hybrid of himself and Shen Jiu and...to be honest, Shen Qingqiu is no longer a hundred percent certain where Shen Yuan and Shen Jiu begin and end, anymore.

Does it even matter?

He took the fan from his belt and set it on the desk, unable to look at Yue Qingyuan for another second. Instead he stares at the ebony silk and shiny lacquer of the handle, hearing the click of the wood meeting the top of the desk loud in the room. “Once upon a time Qingqiu gave Yue-shixiong a fan. He had just risen to the position of Sect Leader. This one thought...many things then. And there were many things not yet said between us, that probably should have been. And when Yue-shixiong said nothing, did nothing, this one looked away and accepted that answer. Time moved on. This Qingqiu,” he drew in a shaky breath, gaze locked onto the fan. “This Qingqiu has experienced many things since then. Qi deviations, poisons, self destruction – many, many things that have changed and shaped him in ways that it seems has pulled him away from the memory who he was to Yue-shixiong. But this Qingqiu still remembers that fan.”

He swallowed and lifted his chin, looking again to Yue Qingyuan's back. The man had gone still, not even breathing. “This Qingqiu has had many changes recently. He has taken husbands and found happiness with them in ways he never thought possible. But there will always be a part of this Qingqiu – of this,” a harsh breath, “Of this Shen Jiu that will always belong to Qi-ge. Whether he likes it or not.” The last was said on a whisper.

“You do not know what you are saying.”

An unhappy smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I know exactly what I'm saying.”

“You,” a harsh sound came from Yue Qingyuan's throat as he turned. The man's expression was twisted with fury and grief. “No, you have no idea what you're saying. You would never say it. Never. Not when –”

“Not when what?”

They were pressed chest to chest again. Yue Qingyuan took his chin and lifted it, forcing him to meet that furious gaze. “If we do this, if we cross this line, there is no coming back. I will carve myself into you, into your flesh and bones and spirit. I will ruin you and make you mine. I will make you kneel to me, make you submit to me, make you beg for me. I will own you, Xiao Jiu. Do you want that?”

“Qi-ge,” he can feel himself trembling. His eyes itch.

“Yes or no, Xiao Jiu. Give me your answer, now.”

“Yes,” he said, feeling the slide of wetness trail down one cheek. “Yes, Qi-ge.”

Then he is being kissed, a broad hand in his hair keeping him in place as Yue Qingyuan forced his mouth open and stole all the breath from his lungs. Shen Qingqui – no Xiao Jiu – can do nothing more than take it, hands curled into fists in Yue Qingyuan's – in Qi-ge's – robes. Then there is a hand around his wrist and he is being dragged forward, stumbling after Qi-ge as he is led deeper into the residence where no candles are lit.

He is thrown forward into a dark room. “Strip,” Qi-ge snarls from behind him. Shen Qingqiu fumbles at his clothes, letting them drop where he stands as Qi-ge's qi swept through the room and lit several candles. It is his bedroom. A place Shen Qingqiu has never been before.

“Kneel,” Qi-ge is behind him. Shen Qingqiu kneels. He doesn't – this isn't – there is this great and terrible wanting inside him, some strange stirring that is rising higher and higher with each breath. He can hear Qi-ge moving behind him, but he does not turn to look – he has not been given permission and that thought makes his face flame with both humiliation and need. He has never felt like this before – but hasn't he? Every time he had looked at Yue Qingyuan in the past, both Before and After, there had been this fission of want, this need to look to Qi-ge, this need for Qi-ge to – to come to him – to tell him things were going to be alright – to – to – to tell Shen Qingqiu what he needed to do, how he needed to do it – he needed Qi-ge –

And that was the point, wasn't it?

He is snapped out of his thoughts when Qi-ge goes to one knee in front of him. Those dark eyes are lit with a wild light. “Your word is Huayue. If you say it, we will pause, we will speak but this line is already crossed Xiao Jiu. Do you understand?”

All Shen Qingqiu can do is nod.

“Yes or no, Xiao Jiu.”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what.”

“Yes, Qi-ge.”

There is a click and Shen Qingqiu looks down to see an ornate box in Qi-ge's hands. Inside is lined with soft velvet and in the center is a tooled black and silver leather collar. Shen Qingqiu can hear a strange rushing in his ears. He looks up to see Qi-ge watching him and goes still. He doesn't drop his gaze as Qi-ge takes out the collar and slides it around his neck, watching the mix of emotions on the man's face – grief and joy and something strangely like awe as the collar clicks into place. It fits snug to his skin, almost covering his entire neck, and soft on the inside. There is a weight to it, as if Qi-ge had infused his qi into it – perhaps he did? – but it settles something inside Shen Qingqiu, some last bit of fear that Qi-ge would turn away, would turn his back on him again and leave him cold and alone. Here he can feel Qi-ge's collar against his skin, trapping him, encircling him –

Owning him.

“Mine, now,” Qi-ge murmurs and leans in to kiss him, big hands framing his face. Shen Qingqiu trembled, leaning into it, into the warmth of the man in front of him, into the strength of him. Hands come up and rid him of his hair of ornaments, throwing them away to clatter against the wall. Shen Qingqiu is bare except for what Qi-ge has given him.

Then Qi-ge pulls back and slaps him across the face.

All thoughts vanish inside his head. There is the pain of his cheek and a ringing silence as he stares at the floor, eyes wide. Then there is a hand in his hair, wrenching his head back, forcing him to meet Qi-ge's gaze.

“You will not speak. You will do as I say and be a good boy or I will punish you. Do you understand?”

“Yes –”

Another slap and he falls to the floor, catching himself with his hands. A hand plants itself on the back of his neck, keeping him pinned there. “Do you understand?”

Shen Qingqiu – Xiao Jiu – nods, tasting copper in his mouth, mind still so blank and quiet.

A harsh breath from above him. “Good. Now, time for your punishment.”

That hand hooks into a loop at the back of his neck and hauls him up, not giving him a chance to get to his feet, forcing him to stumble and scramble at Qi-ge's side as he is brought to a low bench and pulled over Qi-ge's lap. That hand keeps his head pushed low, controlling his movement as the other hand lands on his ass with a loud smack. Shen Qingqiu – Xiao Jiu – he feels tears spring to his eyes as the hand comes down again and again, the fiery pain bursting across his skin.

“You can make noises, Xiao Jiu, but you cannot speak.” Smack. “You will do what I say and if you are a very good boy, you'll earn your first reward.” Smack. “Spread your legs, Xiao Jiu, be a good boy for me.” Smack. Again and again that hand comes down until it is the center of his world, breathing in time to it, feeling the lull and the height of the pain.

It is only when Qi-ge hushes him that he realizes he is crying, making soft animal noises as Qi-ge meets out his punishment for being bad. He doesn't want to be bad. Qi-ge keeps telling him to be a good boy and that – that's what he wants – he needs – he –

“On your knees now, Xiao Jiu. Right in front of me.”

He scrambles to obey, fresh tears leaving him as the movement highlights the hot flesh on his ass. He looks up at Qi-ge and waits, like a good boy. A gentle hand touches the hot side of his face, soothing away strands of hair clinging to wet skin. “You're doing well, Xiao Jiu. You took that so well. Your first punishment,” there a dark smile to Qi-ge's face as his fingers trail down to his chin, thumb brushing his mouth. “Show me your wrists now, Xiao Jiu.”

He puts his wrists on Qi-ge's thighs. The man takes one and kisses the thin inner skin and then there is a cuff sliding on, clicking closed with a small rush of qi. The process is repeated on the other wrist. The cuffs are snug, like the collar, the same black and silver leather, with hoops front and back. “Turn around and stay on your knees, Xiao Jiu.”

Once he is in place his hair is gathered and pushed over his shoulder. “Hands behind your back, Xiao Jiu.” The muscles in his shoulders bunch and release as he puts his hands at the small of his back. Then he feels something attach to the back of his collar, like a strap, and then one by one his wrists are secured to it, hands a little higher than they were, enough so he can feel a slight strain. Qi-ge's hands run over his skin, thumbs tracing the way his muscles are bunched before the man sits back. “Face front, Xiao Jiu. Good boy.”

He feels a rush of warmth at the praise. He tilts his face into the hand cupping his cheek, blinking slowly as Qi-ge's thumb brushes over his mouth again and again. Then he is drawn forward, that hand going to his hair as he is guided to Qi-ge's cock. “Get me wet, Xiao Jiu.” He licks at the head of Qi-ge's cock, slicking the hot skin with each pass, Qi-ge's hand in his hair guiding him to where he wants him to go. Then Qi-ge is sliding inside his mouth, starting shallow, then deeper and deeper. He can't do anything except take it, hands bound, the only balance he has is Qi-ge's hand in his hair, even as the man starts to fuck into his throat, cutting off his breath and forcing tears and drool to slide down his skin. The hold in his hair is brutally tight, but that just ramps up the rush of pleasure of being so good for Qi-ge, for taking it, for taking what Qi-ge wants to give him.

The rush of Qi-ge's release makes him choke, but then Qi-ge is pulling out, spilling the rest over his mouth and chin and cheeks. “Look at you, dirty boy. So dirty, just for me. Good boy,” Qi-ge's other hand spreads the slick, forcing his fingers into Xiao Jiu's mouth, cleaning him up. “Stay here.” The hands leave him and Xiao Jiu watches as Qi-ge gets up and leaves the bench, leaving him kneeling in place.

“Eyes on the floor, Xiao Jiu. I'll know if you look up.”

Gaze set, Xiao Jiu can hear Qi-ge moving through the residence, the soft pad of feet and the quiet shush of the windows closing, the scent of candles being blown out. He waits, the aches in his body sinking deeper, attention focused on the sound of Qi-ge coming back into the bedroom, the rustle of clothing as it is discarded. Then, “Come to me, Xiao Jiu. Stay on your knees.”

His face is hot as he shuffles over, his usual grace forgotten. Qi-ge is smiling, though, and tilts his chin up when he reaches Qi-ge's feet. “Good boy. Now get on the bed.”

Xiao Jiu blinks but gets up, head rushing a little as he faces the bed and tries to get on. A hand grips the strap on his back and pushes him forward, causing his knees to slide. Stinging slaps force his legs wider, pushing small sounds from his throat. He is pulled back by the strap against Qi-ge's warm chest, breath stuttering as he can feel Qi-ge's cock sliding between his open legs, Qi-ge's free hand running down his chest, flicking his nipples and then pinching them, one after the other. That hand travels further down to wrap around his hard cock, stroking him from root to tip.

“Xiao Jiu is doing so well, I'm so proud of you,” the hot words are murmured into his ear. Xiao Jiu whines in response. “I wonder how long Xiao Jiu can be a good boy for me. You can come any time,” the strokes on his cock are steady and sure, slick from some sort of oil Qi-ge had spread over his hand when he wasn't looking. “But the longer Xiao Jiu can hold off, the happier I will be. You want to make me happy, don't you Xiao Jiu? You want to be a good boy,” the strokes start to speed up. Xiao Jiu is trembling, he can hear the whines spilling from his throat but he won't – he won't – he will be good for Qi-ge – he – he wants to make Qi-ge happy – he wants – he wants –

“I can feel you shaking, Xiao Jiu. You feel so good in my arms. You're doing so well. You're being so obedient, look at you. Crying for me,” there is a press of lips on his face, tracing the tracks of his tears. “Does it hurt, Xiao Jiu? Do you like it?”

The urge to answer is at the tip of his tongue but he bites it back, barely in time, a high whimper leaving him instead. He hears Qi-ge's dark chuckle and then a kiss is pressed to the skin below his ear. “You remembered. Good, good boy. Come for me, Xiao Jiu. Right now.”

He comes, his release shuddering out of him, stripping the sheet below him. Qi-ge milks the last of it out of him before he is pulled back by the strap and then his head is forced forward, face landing in the cooling remains of his pleasure, streaking his skin. His breathing is still stuttering, mind a pleasant haze when he feels Qi-ge push his sore cheeks apart and those long fingers are pushing into him. He relaxes into it, the rough movements of Qi-ge's fingers as the man works him open with little care to Xiao Jiu's comfort. There is a hand still on the strap, keeping him in place as those fingers pull out and Qi-ge's cock spears him, sliding deep until they are flush, the stretch of Qi-ge burning through him.

The hand on the strap turns into a fist, yanking Xiao Jiu back as Qi-ge starts to move. The rough handling causes the collar to bite into his neck with every pull. It's all he can do to breathe with it, little gasps and moans as Qi-ge sets a punishing rhythm, using him, hips slapping against sore skin as Qi-ge chases his own pleasure, his free hand leaving bruises at his hip.

“That's right, Xiao Jiu. Look at you take my cock like a good boy. You're so tight, Xiao Jiu. Just for me.” A particularly hard thrust causes him to cry out. Qi-ge grinds into him in tight circles, causing him to whimper. “Look how deep I can get, Xiao Jiu. It's like you're sucking me in. You want it, don't you Xiao Jiu? You want your Qi-ge to come inside you, to get you wet and dirty? Don't you?” Thrusts punctuate each question. Xiao Jiu can feel himself crying out, shuddering, wanting – wanting – wanting – but Qi-ge said to be a good boy – he can't talk – he has to be a good boy –

“Yes, that's it, Xiao Jiu. My perfect Xiao Jiu. Mine.” Then he is filled with slickness and heat as Qi-ge comes, slamming their hips together, bruisingly hard.

Xiao Jiu sobs into the soiled sheets, so painfully hard the next touch could shatter him, but Qi-ge hasn't told him to come yet and he wants to be a good boy – he's being a good boy – so he has to – he has to wait –

Warmth covers his back as Qi-ge leans over him, bracketing his body. “Pretty boy, look at you, being so obedient. Being so good. You've earned a present, Xiao Jiu. Hold on, just a little longer. I'm so proud of you.”

Shuddering he waits, feeling Qi-ge pull away, leaving cooling streaks to trail down his thighs. He wasn't told to move so he keeps still, chest and shoulders bowed low, ass in the air as he hears Qi-ge move around behind him. Then there is a gentle touch to his ankle and he can feel soft leather click into place, first the left, then the right. Qi-ge's touch trails up to his gaping hole and there is a something hard nudging him open, gathering trails of release and pushing it back in as something long and thick is slid inside, plugging him up. He clenches around it, trembling, feeling one shift away from shattering when he feels a rush of qi sweep over him, jolting from cuff to cuff to collar to plug, spearing through him.

It is as if Qi-ge's qi scorched through him, branding him to the bone.

He can't – he can't think. All he can do is feel as Qi-ge guides him up the bed and across his lap, hands trailing over his skin, soothing down his flank and nudging his legs apart. The urge to come recedes, calming as Qi-ge touches him, sometimes tapping the plug, sometimes pinching, peppering bruises across his skin. He is drooling when Qi-ge's hand lands on his ass in a firm smack, not as hard as his punishment but still stinging, causing the already sore skin to tingle in its wake. He moans in time with the strikes, wanting to arch up into the pain, into the sensation of Qi-ge's hands on his skin, but he's being a good boy, he's being so good, he doesn't have to think, have to make decisions, all he has to do is lay there and take it, take everything Qi-ge gives him and just hold on.

“Come now, Xiao Jiu. Come for me,” it's the nails raking down sore skin that does it, that and Qi-ge's command, shattering all thought and comprehension until Xiao Jiu is nothing more than scattered silence and the drag of breath coming and going from his lungs. He feels his body being pulled up, that thick plug gently taken out and then he's lowered onto Qi-ge, head tucked into the crook of Qi-ge's neck as he is rocked onto that thick cock, feeling the low rumble of Qi-ge praising him, arms around him so tight, holding him safe and secure.

“A little more, Xiao Jiu. You can take it, can't you? Just for me. Just for your Qi-ge. I've got you. I won't let you go. You're mine now, mine. Just a little more, Xiao Jiu. Just a little more.” He turns his face into Qi-ge's skin, surrounded by the scent of him, the warmth of him, the sound of him. He is boneless in that hold, trusting Qi-ge to hold him up.

Xiao Jiu lets go.

He wakes to a warm cloth soothing over his skin. His head feels strange and fragile, a little like the smallest movement could crack him open. He feels his fingertips kissed, one by one, and smiles, breath catching as his hand is pressed against Qi-ge's face. He is on Qi-ge's lap, legs hanging over Qi-ge's thigh, resting against his chest. He blinks his eyes open, the blurry room coming into focus after a long minute. He turns his face into Qi-ge's neck, enjoying the press of skin on skin.

What he doesn't like is when Qi-ge goes to take off his cuffs. He burrows further into Qi-ge's chest, pulling back weakly against the strong hold on his wrist.

“Easy, Xiao Jiu. You're alright. Everything is fine,” Qi-ge presses kisses to his forehead. “Come back, Xiao Jiu. That's right. Open your eyes. We have to take these off, now.”

He makes a disagreeing noise. He can feel Qi-ge smile against his skin.

“These are just for us, Xiao Jiu. I won't take them away from you, it's okay. But right now you have to come back. You have done so very, very well. I'm so proud of you. You were perfect for me. I knew you would be. Come now, that's right. You're doing so well. There's one off, now the other. Good boy. Good, good boy.”

One by one he is stripped of his cuffs. It's when the collar comes off that Xiao – that Shen Qingqiu starts to come back, feeling the ache of the skin on his backside, the sore pull of muscles across his shoulders, the dull throb of bruises starting to bloom against his skin. He blinks and grumbles wordlessly under his breath, feeling strange and naked and exposed as his collar is taken and set inside the polished wood box.

He blinks and blinks again when he feels the bed dip. Qi – Yue Qingyuan is still holding him, arms warm and solid around him, so who...?

“Husband,” Luo Binghe breathes into his ear as a warm cup of tea is pressed into his hands. Shen Qingqiu tilts back to receive a kiss from his First Husband, head lolling against Yue Qingyuan's shoulder. A cup of tea is given to Yue Qingyuan as well and he is urged to drink with the man, tiny sips as he wets a parched throat he just now realizes he had. Tiny cakes are given to him, sharing bites between him and Yue Qingyuan, the man licking the sticky glaze from his skin. Then comes the wine, arms linked as they drink, the sweet burn of alcohol settling low into his stomach.

His neck still feels strange and bare when he touches it, held between Yue Qingyuan and Luo Binghe. He feels his hair being swept up and set aside, even as a glossy box is set in his lap.

“Will you wear this, Shen Qingqiu, for all the world to see?” Yue Qingyuan – Qi-ge – whispers into his ear. The box opens and inside is a platinum braided chain, each strand a different color. For some reason he feels Yue Qingyuan go stiff for a second, but then the man relaxes. Shen Qingqiu touches the thin collar, feeling a delicate mix of qi imbued into the metal, one for each of his husbands.

“Yes,” he says. “Yes.”

Together Yue Qingyuan and Luo Binghe fasten the chain around his neck. It lays snug against his skin, a simple clasp snuggled into the hollow of his throat. He presses his fingers to it and it is almost as though he can feel his husbands next to him, around him, in him. He can feel the prick of fresh tears threaten, so he turns into Yue Qingyuan's hold, wrapping one arm around the man's neck and linking his other hand with Luo Binghe, holding on tight.

Shen Qingqiu falls asleep that way, held safe in Yue Qingyuan's arms, Luo Binghe's warm hand running up and down his back.

Luo Binghe presses a kiss against Shizun's hair, hearing the man's breath even out into true, deep sleep. His Shizun is a mess, skin darkening with bruises and marks that Mu-shishu will enjoy, later, he is sure. He meets Yue-shibo's stare with a smile that holds teeth, his free hand tracing the chain he knew Yue-shibo had bought, but did not know Luo Binghe had altered.

“Did you think I did not know?” He keeps his voice low, so not to wake Shizun. He doubts very little would be able to wake the man now, but it was better not to chance it. “Ah, Yue-shibo, you can't be so selfish. We are all Shen Qingqiu's Husbands now. We should all be represented,” he leaned in and kissed the chain, pushing a little of his demonic qi into the metal, making it shine. Then he moved forward, his hand planted on the wall by Yue Qingyuan's head, his other arm curled around Shizun's body, hands still clasped together. Yue-shibo met his gaze, dark eyes glittering as the man's hold on Shizun tightened.

Luo Binghe smiled, watching the man below him, watching as Yue-shibo thought it through, as the defeat in those eyes was registered. That's when he leaned in and kissed him, enjoying the shock and surprise on Yue-shibo's face. “You and Shizun are so pretty together, Yue-shibo. I'm glad you finally worked yourselves out. We're so happy you've joined us. Do not worry so much, Yue-shibo. Everything will work out just fine,” he crooned, kissing the man again, watching as that guarded gaze turned wary. That was fine. Yue-shibo would see. They were all good at sharing. Yue-shibo would just have to learn, is all. And if Yue-shibo decided to let them watch, from time to time, well. That would be lovely too.

He was gentle as he helped Yue-shibo get settled, Shizun safe and secure between them on the big bed. He curled up against Shizun's back, breathing in the smell of his Husband, of the scent of Yue-shibo on his skin, and fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Chapter Text

“Here, Shizun, I made another tray of sweets for you.”

“I'm fine, Binghe.”

“But Shizun likes my snacks.” Annnd there was the pout and the threat of tears.

Shen Qingqiu snapped open his fan to hide his smile. “Binghe's snacks are always delicious.”

His husband beamed at him and slipped the stored snacks into his pocket. Thank Airplane-bro for his bullshit dimensional space bags and other gags he stole from other works or traveling for a week on the road to Yunmeng Jiang Sect's meeting would have been much, much less pleasant. He tilted his face up for a kiss and was rewarded with Luo Binghe sweeping him into his arms and dipping him low, causing Shen Qingqiu to laugh, even as Luo Binghe used that moment of weakness to deepen the kiss.

“It's not like we won't see each other in a few days,” Shen Qingqiu is still smiling when he's set back on his feet, tapping Luo Binghe on the head with his fan. “We're to meet up at HaiLing Pass, once you're done with your business in the demonic realm.”

Luo Binghe pulled a face but nodded. “I know. But this disciple worries about Shizun. Always.”

Shen Qingqiu didn't bother to hide the roll of his eyes. “This master is perfectly able to take care of himself.”

“Still.”

“Binghe.”

“So it's good that Liu-shishu is going with Shizun!”

A warm hand pressed against the small of his back. “Yes.”

Shen Qingqiu felt his face heat, but couldn't help pressing back into that hand. “We will be fine, Binghe. You should worry more about yourself.”

“It's a small ruckus, nothing more.” Still, Shen Qingqiu found it cute the way Luo Binghe took his hand and pressed a kiss to his palm. (And, okay, maybe it was a little hot). “This husband will be with you in no time.”

With a few more kisses (and a couple more gropes), Luo Binghe saw them off. Liu Qingge rode next to the fine ebony carriage Luo Binghe had sent from his palace in hell for Shen Qingqiu to ride in. The summer day was warm but not stifling, so Shen Qingqiu rode with the windows rolled up so that the breeze could whisper through the interior.

(And if, perhaps, he could also watch Liu Qingge at the same time? Well. No one was asking, now were they?)

When not enjoying the breeze (or the scenery), Shen Qingqiu sorted through a stack of papers taken out of his storage pouch. Cang Qiong Mountain had first come into contact with Yunmeng Jiang Sect during a night hunt that got...a little out of hand, just over a year ago. Something to do with a mutated farm animal and something about chicken feathers? The juniors who came back to report about it were still rather shifty about the whole ordeal. Even Yue-shixiong could not get them to elaborate. Still, they had sent a formal apology on behalf of their sect members – and Shen Qingqiu had been quite surprised at the terse reply that came back – but the answering apology seemed sincere. If a little. Short. And to the point.

Much like the author's calligraphy.

One of the few things the juniors had admitted to was the destruction of several expensive spiritual nets that the Yunmeng Jiang Sect seemed to favor. Again there had been something mumbled about chickens, a sticky substance and a few very red faces, but they had all agreed that they had been the ones to damage said nets and had put all their funds together in penance. That led Shen Qingqiu to write yet another letter, sending the funds along as well. Which got him another (not as terse) reply about idiot juniors using too many resources and how the Yunmeng Jiang Sect's juniors were learning to do without said nets in their next few night hunts.

The sheer exasperation coming from the letter had made Shen Qingqiu smile. He had penned a short note about his own disciples' penance of having to clear out Seven String Spiders for their silks – and how they had all come back dyed orange and a bit toasted – which in turn had gotten the reply of another note comparing monsters and well. The next letter Shen Qingqiu wrote wasn't as. Ah. Short?

(It might have been an enthusiastic essay on Seven String Spiders and their strengths and weaknesses, but come on! The monsters were cool!)

Luo Binghe seemed to like the sect leader, if the smile on his face when he read through the letters was any clue. Jiang Cheng was abrupt, to the point, scathing at times when it came to his disciples and rather hilarious when he spoke about his brother. Shen Qingqiu knew Liu Qingge was eager to meet the man as well. It was when Shen Qingqiu had mentioned his husbands (right after marrying Qi-ge and that night still sent shivers down his spine) that Jiang Cheng's letters had gotten...well, not quite formal? But a little stilted – especially after Shen Qingqiu mentioned Luo Binghe's designation as a Lord of Hell.

There had been a week of silence after that one. Shen Qingqiu had been anxious about it – but Qi-ge had taken him in hand and well. Their very long talk after their marriage night had been...informative. And embarrassing . But Shen Qingqiu knew that it was...needed. Especially with the type of play they indulged in. He rested his fingers against the necklace nestled against his skin and smiled. Qi-ge was very, very good at getting Shen Qingqiu out of his head. That week of silence had also been the week when Qi-ge had hooked his cuffs to the large cross of wood that had been hiding behind a curtain and. Well. Shen Qingqiu still wasn't sure how long they had gone at it. Long enough for a letter to be waiting for him on his desk when he surfaced from Qi-ge's hand and Mu-shidi's care.

(Their resident healer really, really liked it when Qi-ge got his hands on Shen Qingqiu. He was almost sure Qi-ge might have Mu-shidi join them at some point. He wasn't sure if he was looking forward to that or nervous. Perhaps both.)

The letter from his...friend? Yes, friend – from Jiang Cheng had been a little awkward. It seemed that the eastern sects had a dim view of demonic cultivation – but none of them had actual dealings with any lords of hell. Which was strange, since Luo Binghe had said that hell was as big as the world they lived in, so there really should have been territories and lords of various parts of hell that extended to where the Yunmeng Jiang Sect's lands were. From their letters it seemed that those eastern sects had many more ghosts and the risen dead to deal with, and not quite as many beasts as Cang Qiong Mountain. Which had been fascinating because zombies? Really? Shen Qingqiu could go hunt zombies?

Best. Vacation. Ever.

Well, not a vacation really, since Jiang Cheng had proposed an alliance with them when he heard of the southwestern sects alliance against Cang Qiong Mountain. His friend had asked Shen Qingqiu to come to Yunmeng Jiang Sect for a meeting between their allied sects and Cang Qiong Mountain. Yue Qingyuan had been very interested and had agreed – as long as Shen Qingqiu had at least two escorts with him at all times. Which was how he had Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe accompanying him for this trip.

(Well, he wouldn't really call it accompanying when it came to Luo Binghe. The demon lord's smile had challenged anyone to try and make him stay behind. If it hadn't been for a slew of deaths in his demonic lands that he had to settle, Luo Binghe would have been in the carriage with him the entire way.)

(And no Shen Qingqiu wasn't put out that he couldn't have one of his husbands in the carriage with him. Really. Really.)

Anyway.

Another reason why Luo Binghe had to come with the first delegation was because of the portals he had come up with. Much like Mobei-Jun's ability, Luo Binghe's portals were stable, able to be used with some minor energy crystals that could be recharged or replaced from time to time and could be used by anyone. The sects had agreed that the main portals would only lead to towns outside their sects, to pavilions built just for that use, so quick infiltration of sect grounds could be avoided. Not that Shen Qingqiu thought Jiang Cheng would do such a thing! But enemies would use what tools that were given to them, so the easy to use portals would go to places that held little security risk, and the more private portals all had to be keyed by blood to registered users.

Shang Qinghua had been very interested in the trade applications of the portals. Shen Qingqiu could see his friend's hands all but rubbing together in a maniacal way. Which was hilarious, since Shen Qingqiu was pretty sure that Airplane-bro was so focused on the trade routes and Cang Qiong Sect's ability to make a profit that he never saw Mobei-Jun circling closer and closer to him.

He wasn't about to spoil the ice demon's fun. And besides, Shang Qinghua deserved every last thing coming to him. And in him. And on him. And – Shen Qingqiu shook his head sharply. That was enough of that. Better not to think of it at all.

Anyway.

Their planned trip took them from town to town along the biggest trade route to the eastern territories. The first town they stayed in was rather large, with a bustling marketplace and several very nice inns. Shen Qingqiu almost wanted to visit the red light district – just to see what kind of information he could scoop up! – but getting pinned to the door of their room by Liu Qingge rather changed those plans. It seemed as though the Bai Zhan peak lord had noticed Shen Qingqiu's...appreciation of his form during their ride. Who knew?

Not that he minded. Much. Getting railed against the wall while Liu Qingge told him how pretty he looked taking it...was always pleasant. And exhausting. And it made him even more grateful for the carriage the next day. In fact that carriage came quite in handy, since it seemed once Liu Qingge had him all to himself for a week, the Bai Zhan war god decided to. Well. Indulge.

A lot.

(Look, he was not going to complain about getting bent over a table and fucked until his legs turned to jelly and he couldn't stand, okay? Nor was he going to complain about being able to snuggle up to Liu Qingge's ridiculous chest, or how the man liked to keep finger fucking him until Shen Qingqiu passed out plastered against his side.)

Thankfully the carriage had very nice fluffy pillows. Lots of pillows. That helped. A lot.

Anyway.

They reached HaiLing Pass near twilight, stopping in a sleepy little town that had one inn and barely enough buildings to call it more than a way station. Luo Binghe wasn't there to greet them, but Shen Qingqiu knew there could be delays on his end. The nearest entrance to the demonic realm was quite far from the town and Luo Binghe had needed to travel to a corner of his realm that was still suffering after effects of the attempt to merge the worlds. They settled in, having a decent dinner and tea as full dark swept over the mountain pass. Shen Qingqiu brought out his guqin and played for Liu Qingge, enjoying the way the man was curled around him, head propped up on one hand, eyes closed as he listened. Liu-shidi was never much one for an excess of words and Shen Qingqiu had gotten better at reading him over the years. It was this quiet, soft intimacy that Shen Qingqiu thought the man liked the most – when he wasn't balls deep inside Shen Qingqiu and watching every second of it with dark, hungry eyes.

He played until the stars were out and gleaming in the night sky. Then he let Liu Qingge take him to bed. He shivered when Liu Qingge brought out the Immortal Binding Cable, letting the man tie his wrists together and secure him to the top of the bed. It wasn't long before Shen Qingqiu was writhing on the sheets, sweat slicking his body as Liu Qingge fucked him through four orgasms, only stopping when Shen Qingqiu had run dry, coming one last time with a breathless cry as he shuddered around Liu Qingge's cock, body trying to curl up from the force of it.

The marks left on his wrists were kissed in the morning. Shen Qingqiu was pretty sure Liu Qingge wasn't all that sorry for them, either. When Luo Binghe joined them a little before noon that day his First Husband very much enjoyed the marks. And then Liu Qingge. Shen Qingqiu had to fan himself as he watched Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge fight each other on the bed, Luo Binghe the victor as he pinned Liu Qingge down and slid inside the man with a single long thrust.

It didn't matter what position. Liu Qingge really was pretty in them all.

Luo Binghe had brought with him several retainers from the demonic realm, plus more items to help sweeten the idea of opening trade relations with what the eastern sects considered evil incarnate. Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun had joined the caravan as well, though his Airplane-bro was looking a little wild around the eyes. He found out why the next morning when they set out, Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua in the carriage as the rest of their party rode alongside.

“Bro,” Shang Qinghua latched onto him the minute the carriage doors closed. “I'm married.”

Shen Qingqiu blinked at the man, at his untidy hair and the hickey peeking out from the collar of his robes. “Congrats, bro.”

He was given a shake. “No, you don't understand! It just – he just –,” Shang Qinghua's flailing really shouldn't have been that funny, but really. Was he blind? Shen Qingqiu told him as much. “What do you mean am I blind? He just – he trapped me in my rooms and we drank the tea and ate the cakes – and yeah I thought we were just having a snack but the he brought out the wine and I was like uh my king? And he just pressed the glass into my hand and he smiled at me and holy shit let me check – okay yeah I put up those sound barriers – and fuck fuck fuck, I got married.”

Shen Qingqiu patted his friend on the shoulder. “You've only been pining after him for, what? Years? Good job. Have fun.”

“I did not pine!”

“You did too. You totally did.”

“I didn't – bro. Look. I'm married.”

“So you've said. Multiple times.”

“Mobei-Jun married me.”

And that – Shen Qingqiu had to take a moment. “You're not his Consort?”

That earned him another shake. “Mobei-Jun is my First Husband. What the absolute fuck?”

“...Did he say he was your First Husband, or just Husband?” Because there were subtleties in this new download. Harems were accepted, considered normal even, but not everyone chose to have such marriages. Monogamy was very much still a thing. And really, when Shen Qingqiu thought about Mobei-Jun, he did not think the ice demon was one to be able to share well.

“He said that Luo Binghe had the right idea and that in order to keep what he considers his most precious gift – what the fuck even – he needed to have a solid power base and protectors in place and that – that – that he would be as diligent as Luo Binghe in his choices since I'm squishy.”

“What. The fuck.”

“That's what I said.”

“Uh.”

“And then he did! You know!” There was more flailing while Shang Qinghua went very, very red. “That.”

“Bro, you wrote millions of words on porn. In more positions imaginable. But you can't say it?”

“It's different!”

“Not really.”

Shang Qinghua's grip on his shoulders was starting to get painful. “Bro, I couldn't sit down for an entire day.”

And. Well. It was mean, but these characters were Shang Qinghua's creations. “You should have paid more attention when you wrote them, don't you think?”

“Bro, this isn't funny!”

Shen Qingqiu sighed and peeled Shang Qinghua's hands off his shoulders. “Look, bro. Do you love him?”

Shang Qinghua gaped at him for a long moment before snapping his mouth shut and going very, very, very red. “That – that –”

“Yeah. Okay you do. Now aren't you glad he loves you too?”

“He – he never said – he didn't – he –”

“Sorry. Aren't you glad that you are his most precious gift?” Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes. Really. How dense was his friend?

“That – that is – not the same...thing....”

“Bro,” it was Shen Qingqiu's turn to put his hands on Shang Qinghua's shoulders. “Congrats on getting married. Be happy. Learn to love the chaos. Learn to say no when you need to. Safe words are a good thing to have. Everything will be fine.”

“But how –”

He was saved from more of Shang Qinghua's panic by a flash of green appearing in the corner of his eye. He yanked on Shang Qinghua, stuffing the other man behind him while pulling Xiu Ya.

The flash of green turned out to be a little snake. A rather familiar green snake. Which. How was that possible?

“Out,” he pointed his fan at the snake. “Right now.”

“What the fuck?”

“Shut up, bro,” he elbowed Shang Qinghua in the stomach. Then he spotted the silencing seals the An Ding Peak Lord had slapped up when he entered the carriage. Shen Qingqiu pulled them off and stuffed them into his sleeves before pulling up one of the windows.

To see a veritable wall of faces trying to peer in.

“Ah. Hello,” he blinked at his scowling husbands. “Is there a problem?”

“What did Shang-shishu do?” Luo Binghe was not pleased. Shen Qingqiu could feel Shang Qinghua cower behind him.

“Your Shang-shishu needed to speak to this master about a sensitive topic. Does Binghe have a problem with that?” A raised eyebrow and a faint quirk of his lips was enough to wipe most of the unhappiness from Luo Binghe's face. Liu Qingge wasn't as fooled, he could tell, but then the Bai Zhan Peak Lord had dealt with the two of them enough to know when best to leave their weirdness alone.

Thank the gods.

Also, one other thing. “Did Binghe forget to tell this master something important last night?”

Oh and that was one shifty look. “Shizun...”

“Binghe.”

“Hello again, Master Shen.”

The soft voice came from the left. At some point their caravan had stopped and Shen Qingqiu had no idea when. He pushed open the door and stepped through the gathered men. A young man was holding the horses' leads. He was not as Shen Qingqiu remembered him; half man, half snake and pretty much ground meat from trying to save his uncle. Instead Zhuzhi-Lang stood a little shorter than Shen Qingqiu, hair cut short at the shoulders and falling around his face, skin a honey gold and littered with traces of green scales, creating a pretty effect around his eyes. A red demon mark stood out on his forehead.

The same demon mark that adorned Luo Binghe's brow.

“Zhuzhi-Lang,” Shen Qingqiu gave the young man a nod. The snake demon ducked his head and shuffled his feet, endearingly cute but oh, he was not fooled in the least. “I thought you were dead.”

“I got better.”

“That's one way to put it. Luo Binghe,” he turned and pinned his husband with a look. “Do come into the carriage and explain this to me, won't you?”

“Shizun...”

“Now, Binghe,” he swept past his husband and reentered the carriage, pushing Shang Qinghua into Mobei-Jun's arms as he did. The pleased look on the ice demon's face made Shen Qingqiu want to both roll his eyes and hide a smile – really, his Airplane-bro could be so dense sometimes.

He settled his robes with a flick of his hands as people outside the carriage got sorted out. Then Luo Binghe joined him and they started off again, this time with the windows pulled up to allow a nice breeze to pass through. “Binghe?”

His husband made a face and slid to the floor of the carriage, throwing his arms around Shen Qingqiu's waist. There was the threat of tears in those eyes. Shen Qingqiu was not moved. At all. Nope. “I can explain.”

“Do so. Quickly.”

“I found him in a cave,” Luo Binghe wedged himself between Shen Qingqiu's knees, his soft curls spilling over Shen Qingqiu's lap. “I don't know how. I thought his remains were still with Tianlang-Jun.”

“So did I.”

Luo Binghe made some vague grumbling sounds as his arms tightened around Shen Qingqiu. “This disciple was going to leave him there. It's just...”

Shen Qingqiu sighed and glanced out the window. In his current form Zhuzhi-Lang looked like he could be Luo Binghe's brother. “What did you do?”

“He...he was dying,” Luo Binghe burrowed in closer. Shen Qingqiu started to stroke his head. “I could see it happening. It wasn't...quick. It wasn't going to be quick, unless some other demons came and finished him off. He said Tianlang-Jun sent him away, used all that was left of his power to banish him back into the demonic realm. He said that Tianlang-Jun wanted him to have a chance to live. Even though it was that man's power that was all that was keeping his spirit together.”

Shen Qingqiu sighed again. “I see.” Family would always be a sore point for his Binghe. “And you couldn't turn away from that.”

“...He was dying. And he called me cousin.”

“So you claimed him.”

“Yes. Is Shizun mad?”

“No, Binghe. I'm not mad. Startled, yes. But not mad.” Also, “And as long as Zhuzhi-Lang can keep his snakes to himself,” he shot the demon a look through the window. Zhuzhi-Lang's shoulders were up by his ears. “It should be just fine.”

“...Shizun, what did cousin do with his snakes for you to say such things?”

Shen Qingqiu petted Luo Binghe's head a bit harder. “Never you mind. It's over and in the past now. You've claimed him, you have to keep him. You will treat him well.”

“...Shizun.”

“Water under the bridge now, Binghe. Let it go.”

There was some more grumbling. Then Luo Binghe turned his face into Shen Qingqiu's lap and he had to tighten his hands in his husband's hair. The windows were rolled up! There was no time for that! Even – even if – oh – even if it felt good and – and – and even if his legs started to spread – it – he – this was too much!

“Binghe!”

Jiang Cheng was not nervous. No matter what Wei Wuxian said. So what if his – if Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu was coming in person for the alliance talks? So? Did it matter? No. It was all business. That's all. And interesting letters. From a – from a friend. He was going to break Wei Wuxian's legs. He was not pacing the docks like an infatuated youth!

(He was pacing the veranda that led to the docks, but Wei Wuxian could shut up right now.)

So what if Jiang Cheng enjoyed Shen Qingqiu's letters? So what? They were interesting. The man clearly knew his monsters and it was...it was fun to talk about the types of beasts and other predators that their sects hunted without some people making cow eyes at their significant others and then those significant others dragging said people off and –

Jiang Cheng has gone through so many sound barriers. So many. So. Many..

He had never thought much about the sects outside their sphere of influence in the east. With the great mountain ranges separating them, plus the wide rivers and other divides, it was easy enough to forget about them – about the wider world outside their areas, their sects. They seemed so large as it was. It was hard to imagine that the world was that much larger, that the sects to their west had sects to their west and south and north and –

It was a humbling thought, how big the world really was.

From what he had learned as a boy, both at home and at the Cloud Recesses, the sects outside their immediate area were...snobby. Haughty. Cold and aloof and unwilling to make contact. That was one of the reasons why his apology back to Peak Lord Shen had been so short, at first. He hadn't expected Qing Jing Peak to actually send them money to replace the nets! They weren't poor. But the tone of the letter, plus the image of penitent disciples doing this on their own recourse, because they felt it was the right thing to do...It was kind of them. Much kinder than Jiang Cheng had thought those western sects could be. So he had written back – and got another letter in turn and then that essay on those spiders!

Jiang Cheng really, really wanted to go hunt some of those spiders. They sounded like such a challenge!

Learning that Peak Lord Shen was married...with multiple husbands...had been a shock. He had pictured the far peak lord to be some lofty master, perhaps older, or...perhaps not so old. Perhaps Jiang Cheng had thought to travel there one day, after their letters had come and gone for a few months, to meet the Peak Lord and...have tea. With him. Maybe dinner. Or cakes. Or something. But. But to find out that Peak Lord Shen – that Shen Qingqiu was married and to multiple men...It had been a shock.

(His heart had skipped a beat. He would refuse to admit it to his dying day, but he had sat for hours with that letter telling him about Shen Qingqiu's Mu Qingfang's elixirs and how his other husband Liu Qingge had fought a Lava Blooddrinker Drake all on his own and had wished so fiercely that he had found Shen Qingqiu first...But no one needed to know that. Nor did anyone need to know how he had started to seriously consider traveling west, just to...make sure those husbands were worthy of Shen Qingqiu. Since the man obviously needed a keeper! How many times had Shen Qingqiu wrote to him about small disasters going on during their night hunts! How was Shen Qingqiu to be protected that way? He needed better husbands. Stronger husbands. Obviously.)

Anyway.

When he had learned about Shen Qingqiu's First Husband, though...oh, that had been a shock to the system. He had gone out to destroy the training field for hours after that. Shen Qingqiu was married to a demon. Not just a demonic cultivator, oh no. A demon. They were real. And that First Husband was a demon lord. Who had conquered lands in the demonic realm and had retainers and – and – and –

Yunmeng Jiang Sect was only so big. Yes, he had rebuilt after the Wen's destruction, after – well, after everything, but...a Lord he was not. He was a Sect Leader. He had territory under his control, but he had no lofty title. No overflowing treasuries. Just himself and his hard working disciples and Lotus Pier. Where he was happy, thank you very much! He didn't need a title to bolster his position! He didn't need lands or retainers to prop him up like some stuffy lord. He wasn't a weakling who hid behind his generals and sycophants and fancy court finery! He went out and earned his position! He'd rebuilt Lotus Pier with his own two hands, with a child in tow! What demon lord could compare to that? Huh? Huh? And for that matter, how had Shen Qingqiu gotten involved with such a creature? There had to be a longer story involved. Perhaps he had been kidnapped? Didn't demons do that? And it wasn't like Shen Qingqiu was a demonic cultivator either! Neither were the other husbands! It was just that pesky First Husband of his! A demon!

It boggled the mind. It made him want to gnash his teeth and destroy things. He had destroyed things. Wei Wuxian needed to shut up or he'd break that brat's legs! Demons. Who did they think they were, taking Shen Qingqiu? No, there had to be something much darker with that First Husband of his. Jiang Cheng had tried to ask, in the letters, but Shen Qingqiu would just talk and talk and talk about Lord Luo's cooking (chefs! Hah!), how Lord Luo took care of the house (hired maids! Hah!), and on and on about how Lord Luo was an honorable man (he was a demon! Honorable, hah!). Still, it did sound as though Lord Luo at least knew how lucky he was (for a demon) and seemed to treat Shen Qingqiu with all the honor and prestige such a learned cultivator deserved.

(Jiang Cheng had gone to no little length to prepare a...gift, for Shen Qingqiu's arrival. He was determined to present it. Maybe. No, he was. Obviously if that demon came through the with portals there was no reason why Jiang Cheng couldn't...have closer ties with Qing Jing Peak, if they were connected in such ways. And obviously someone needed to watch out for Shen Qingqiu. A demon husband. Ugh.)

Anyway.

Learning about the movements against Cang Qiong Mountain was the perfect opportunity to open up the idea of an alliance between their sects. Considering the state of Yunmeng Jiang Sect and their allies, it would...behoove them to make contact with other sects outside their sphere of influence as well. That Shen Qingqiu had agreed and agreed to come meet in person...well. That had just taken the need for Jiang Cheng to travel west out of his hands, now didn't it? The Cang Qiong Mountain delegation would arrive at Lotus Pier first and he would host them for a week before the other sect leaders would start arriving for the conference. There were even night hunts scheduled! He was going to get to go hunting with Shen Qingqiu. Now all he had to do was be calm, not trip over his feet while greeting his...friend and murder his brother, who was rolling on the floor laughing at him in one of the rooms off the veranda.

“Shut up! Do you want to die?” He shook a fist at Wei Wuxian. The brat just laughed harder. In his stupid new body it was easier to see him as the boy they used to be, carefree and not burdened with the horrors of the Wen's iron fist over their heads.

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't mind me!” Wei Wuxian's face was flushed pink. Lan Wangji, in his pristine robes and stupid forehead ribbon, sat next to the rolling idiot and couldn't take his eyes off him. Jiang Cheng wanted to vomit. They were so gross. “It's good to see Jiang Cheng looking forward to seeing someone! Should we start prepping for a wedding?”

“I am going to kill you!” He dove for Wei Wuxian but the brat was like an eel, always so quick to wiggle his way out of trouble. Lan Wangji was of no help, either, letting the stupid punk hide behind him. He pulled up short when a call came from the docks. The boats were in sight!

Quickly he tugged his robes back into place, aimed a kick at Wei Wuxian's head and marched out towards the arrival dock. Yes, they were all cultivators and could have ridden their swords in, but they had all agreed that certain formalities were to be observed. Plus that stupid demon lord had to set up his portals in the far pavilion, too. Three large boats were angled towards the dock, the lead the most extravagant (not that Jiang Cheng had anything to do with that, oh no). Jiang Cheng acquired a few more personnel as he paced towards the end of the dock; his steward and his second in command flanking him. There would be rooms that needed to be sorted out for the retainers and the banquet to be started among other things, but for right now all Jiang Cheng had to do was greet their guests and welcome them to Lotus Pier.

Right. He could do this. He could totally do this. He had done far more dangerous and perilous things in the past. This was nothing. Everything was fine.

The lead boat came to a gentle stop at the dock. The disciples manning the boat were a bit pale, which was worrisome, but whatever. Everything was fine. Then the ornate sliding doors of the cabin opened and – and...

Everything was not fine.

Jiang Cheng could feel a cold sweat break out on his back. The elegant man stepping across the deck of the boat was like something out of a legend. Clad in green and white, with his hair swept back in a fetching twist with a minimal crown, Shen Qingqiu's face was framed by dark looping bangs the color of spilled ink. His form was lean and trim, features serene and handsome. A fan hovered in front of his mouth, but from the tilt of those eyes it looked as though Shen Qingqiu was...smiling?

At him?

Oh no.

There were others stepping out from the cabin behind Shen Qingqiu, but Jiang Cheng couldn't take his eyes off of his...friend. Acquaintance. Pen pal. Oh no. This was. This was too much! Shen Qingqiu was supposed to be married to multiple men, yes, but no one said anything about – about this! What was he supposed to do! Shen Qingqiu's foot touched the dock and Jiang Cheng hauled his thoughts into some sort of order. He could just hear Wei Wuxian laughing at him, now. “Peak Lord Shen.” He cupped his hands and bowed, probably lower than he should have but, really. What else was he supposed to do? He needed a moment! “Welcome to Lotus Pier.”

“Sect Leader Jiang, it is so good to finally meet you,” Shen Qingqiu returned the bow, just as deep. Jiang Cheng could feel his face go hot. “Thank you for hosting us. You are too kind.”

Had the sun gotten hotter? His face felt like it was on fire. “Nonsense. I – we are happy to have our new friends – allies stay with us during this conference.” He cleared his throat with a sharp sound. The men behind Shen Qingqiu all looked amused by something. What, did they look down on Lotus Pier? Did they disapprove? Jiang Cheng would beat their skulls in!

“We thank Sect Leader Jiang for his hospitality. May I introduce my husband Liu Qingge? He is the lord of Bai Zhan Peak.” Shen Qingqiu's smile was fond as he turned to the man next to him. The second husband, if Jiang Cheng remembered correctly (he had stared at the letters for hours, memorizing them). Also called the war god of Bai Zhan Peak, the man was...pretty. Very pretty. It was hard to look at him for long without his face heating even more. Which was stupid. How were they all so pretty? “And this is Lord Luo Binghe, my first husband.” A shape emerged from the shadows, taller than Shen Qingqiu's form and broader too. The demon mark was the first thing that Jiang Cheng registered. Red and faintly glowing, it stood out on his brow better than any crown. Jiang Cheng felt his stomach sink.

This was no weakling lord content to hide behind sycophants and retainers. Oh. No. This demon radiated power just standing on a boat, a half smile on his face as he bowed deeply to Jiang Cheng, dark eyes flickering crimson as he took Shen Qingqiu's hand to step up onto the pier and into the light. Belatedly Jiang Cheng returned the bow, his chest a little tight as he watched the three of them stand together. This was. Well. Something. At least the dock didn't catch fire under the demon's boots. “Welcome to Lotus Pier, lords. May you find our hospitality to your liking.” He managed to say that with a straight face, at least. He straightened his back, pulling his pride around him like a cloak. They might not be some lofty peak in the west but Lotus Pier was one of their most beautiful sects! Their guests would find no fault with them!

(Or him.)

“Sect Leader Jiang is very kind,” Lord Luo's voice was deep. “Thank you for agreeing to have this one in your sect. We understand that ones such as I are...new, to your territories.”

“Not at all. We have had demonic cultivators before,” Jiang Cheng flicked his hand and stepped back as the second and third boats arrived. He did not tense as Shen Qingqiu came to his side with a smile, fan tucked into his belt as he stepped close.

“I remember you spoke of your brother...?” Shen Qingqiu was perhaps a touch shorter than him. Jiang Cheng could see the sweep of his eyelashes on pale cheeks. It was too much!

“Yes, he got himself killed by his stupidity though. As I told you.”

“But then he was returned to you.”

Jiang Cheng looked away for a moment, giving the other man a sharp nod. “I'll warn you now he's here.” He glanced past Shen Qingqiu. “If Lord Luo does not mind, I'm sure Wei Wuxian would very much appreciate talking to you. And probably talking your ear off, too,” he added, making a face. Wei Wuxian had already talked his ear off on the topic of Lord Luo and everything they could learn from him.

The smile Lord Luo turned on him was warm and strange and Jiang Cheng immediately ignored the way his stomach swooped. “You would be agreeable to such a thing?”

“It's not like I can stop him,” he rolled his eyes before he could stop himself. Then, “I have been told the world is far more complex than even we here knew it to be,” he shot a look at Shen Qingqiu. “It would be stupid not to face this reality head on. This is the world we live in. We must accept that. If that means expanding our knowledge of cultivation and how it can be used, in all its forms, then that is what we must do.”

Lord Luo tilted his head to one side, that smile on his face never leaving. “A refreshing viewpoint.”

“Well, expect some push back from Lan Qiren, I'll warn you now Lord Luo. He's a...” Jiang Cheng let out a breath. “He's a bit stuck in the past.” Like I was. He shook that thought off.

“I see,” Lord Luo's smile grew into a grin. “Please, call me Luo Binghe. We're to be allies, after all.”

Jiang Cheng gave him a short nod and refused to consider the idea. Really, he was a demon lord. He turned to see several others disembarking from the boats, several of whom were obviously demons.

Shen Qingqiu touched his elbow. He did not flush.“Sect Leader Jiang, may I introduce Luo Binghe's cousin Zhuzhi-Lang,” the strange demon with green scales around his eyes gave them a bow. “Next to him is Shang Qinghua, lord of An Ding Peak and the one most interested in the proposed trade routes.” The small man next to the green-scaled demon gave them a deeper bow, his bun a touch untidy and strands of hair coming down to frame his face. “Next is Mobei-Jun, lord of the northern clans, Lord Luo's retainer and Shang Qinghua's first husband.”

Jiang Cheng blinked a bit as the...ice? demon?...gave him a shallow bow and put a proprietary hand on the An Ding Peak Lord's waist. That was...something. He bowed back to all three. “Welcome to Lotus Pier.”

“This place is amazing!” Shang Qinghua's smile was bright and sunny, if you ignored the way his hand was twisted into his husband's robes. And the fresh hickey on his neck. Jiang Cheng had gotten all too accustomed to noticing such things. His brother was so gross. “I've never seen such a beautiful lake! The pavilion set up is perfect! Bro did you see –”

“Thank you, Shang Qinghua,” Shen Qingqiu coughed into a hand and cut the other man off. Jiang Cheng frowned a bit at the other man's strange words, but a glance at the others told him it must be...somewhat normal? Maybe?

Jiang Cheng caught the look Shen Qingqiu shot him. “I'll show you to your rooms.” He turned and gestured, not expecting Shen Qingqiu to take his arm. Which. What? The man had husbands! Multiple even! Both of which were watching them with no anger on their faces and – Jiang Cheng bit down on the panic trying to bubble up from deep inside and guided Shen Qingqiu forward. If his...friend wanted to take his arm as he escorted Shen Qingqiu to his rooms, then by the gods Jiang Cheng would...escort Shen Qingqiu to his rooms! It was a perfectly normal gesture! Friends did it all the time! Right? Right!

…Right?

Anyway.

“There is a banquet for you all scheduled later tonight,” Jiang Cheng said as they moved from the docks to the veranda. “After sunset. It's cooler then.”

“I am looking forward to seeing your Lotus Pier, Sect Leader Jiang.”

He couldn't help but place a hand over Shen Qingqiu's – just for a moment! – as he led them deeper into the sect. “Just Jiang Cheng, please. Are we not...friends?” Yes. They were friends. Who wrote a lot of letters back and forth. It was perfectly natural!

“Yes,” his heart skipped a beat as Shen Qingqiu smiled up at him. “We are friends, Jiang Cheng. I am so glad to have met you.”

Right. That was. He wasn't thinking about that. At all. Or at the way the veranda was weirdly quiet. He should have heard Wei Wuxian by now but he wasn't going to jinx himself. If the brat could be quiet for an afternoon, then good!

(No he was not noticing the open door where he had left the two lovebirds, or the way he could see two shapes inside watch him guide Shen Qingqiu along the veranda. He was Very Firmly Ignoring it. Wei Wuxian could just shut up.)

(He was also, above all else, Ignoring the way his back was tingling. It was the same feeling he got when on a particularly dangerous night hunt, when the predators they were hunting had turned the tables on them. It was nonsense. How was he being hunted in his own home? While escorting his guests to their rooms? It was just nerves at having real actual demons in his sect. That was all. Surely.

Surely that was all.)

(Jiang Cheng was rather good at lying to himself.)

Chapter Text

At sunset Jiang Cheng went to fetch his guests. He had not run away from them, thank you very much. He had delivered Shen Qingqiu to the suite of rooms set aside for them (also the one suite of rooms that had the – ah – biggest bed) and taken his leave, doing his best to smile politely at Shen Qingqiu's husbands and not try to kill the demon with his glare alone.

He...was successful? He thinks?

Anyway.

Dinner was served in the large open air pavilion on a dock over the water. Clouds had come in late, huddling along the horizon, diffusing the warmth of the setting sun into something mild. A light wind blew ripples across the water, blue and gray as the day shaded towards twilight. Torches lit the way. Jiang Cheng found himself again leading his...leading Shen Qingqiu arm in arm along the pathways, the rest of the party trailing behind them. He pointed out a few places of interest – the training yard for Lui Qingge when the man inquired about it, as well as the kitchen when Lord Luo asked about it. Though why Lord Luo would bother with such an area was beyond him. Maybe he intended to check for poisons in the food? As if Jiang Cheng would stoop so low as to poison guests in his own sect. What was he? Jin Guangyao? No. As if.

Anyway.

To his dismay Wei Wuxian was already there, along with his precious Lan Zhan. Jiang Cheng glared at him as he guided Shen Qingqiu to sit beside him. (His steward had done the seating arrangements since Yanli wasn't...) He shook that thought off and gave a distracted smile at Shen Qingqiu when his friend glanced his way. Since there wasn't a full gathering of sect heads and Jiang Cheng was terrible with them anyway, he didn't bother with a pre-dinner speech. A simple, “Please enjoy your meal,” was enough for him and if any fancy demon lords wanted more formality then Lord Luo could damn well do it himself.

As they settled in there were a few introductions he probably needed to make. “Peak Lord Shen, this is Wei Wuxian, my brother,” he shot the brat a look which the idiot ignored. As usual. “Next to him is Lan Wangji, the second young master of the Lan clan. His brother is Lan Xichen, who is the current master of the Gusu Lan Sect. Peak Lord Liu, Lord Luo, meet my brother and the idiot who married him.”

“Jiang Cheng!”

“Ignore them, if you can,” he gestured for the staff to bring out the food. He also ignored the way Wei Wuxian had puffed up like a kitten about to hiss at a dog.

“Jiang Cheng is so rude!” Wei Wuxian stuck his tongue out at him. Which, who was rude now? “I am also known as the Yiling Patriarch! Though, well. That was a while ago.”

“Before you died,” Jiang Cheng added.

“Yes. Before that. But I am so fascinated to learn that more demonic cultivators exist! And aren't hunted to death!”

Jiang Cheng wanted to kick the brat, but he was too far away. That stupid Lan Wangji just ate his food next to him, serene as ever.

“I am technically a half-demon,” Lord Luo said and well wasn't that interesting. “I was – am still – a disciple at Qing Jing Peak,” the man – demon? – threw a truly besotted look at Shen Qingqiu at that declaration. “I am interested in your definition of demonic cultivation, though. From your brother's letters it seems as though it is a difficult and dangerous path for human cultivators to walk in these parts, and yet you managed to do so.”

“Jiang Cheng...spoke of me in his letters?”

Jiang Cheng ignored the idiot and turned to Shen Qingqiu. “I understand you all have been on the road for some days. I know we spoke of partaking in a friendly night hunt together, but perhaps a day or two of rest would be best before we head out?”

Shen Qingqiu's smile was quite sweet as he nodded, wiping his mouth with a napkin and thankfully ignoring Wei Wuxian's sputters and questions in the background. The idiot was quickly brought back into a discussion with Lord Luo (perhaps the demon was good for something after all) but Jiang Cheng could feel the looks shot his way from the little brat all throughout dinner. It was...nice to be able to speak with Shen Qingqiu. It wasn't awkward at all. In fact it felt just like one of their longer letters to each other – only now Jiang Cheng could ask questions about the monsters as they came up and not wait days for a reply.

It was...nice. Lovely, really. He ignored the way their hands kept brushing when they spoke about particularly tricky creatures or the way Jiang Cheng had a servant bring over paper and ink as they sketched out the monsters they were talking about and how some of them were probably the same species, just with different names!

(He really should have paid more attention to the other guests but then Shen Qingqiu threw out a fascinating fact about Seven Headed Lizards – which really sounded so interesting who could blame him for being distracted?)

Dinner wound down as the stars came out, bright against a clear sky. The clouds on the horizon had been swept away by the evening winds, which was nice since Jiang Cheng did not want it to rain on his guests while they enjoyed their rest at Lotus Pier. He even noted that some of his disciples were engaging the demons and other retainers that had come with Shen Qingqiu. He also noted that the one demon with the strange green scales on his face already had a bit of a following with some of the younger disciples of his sect.

It was almost cute. If the creature wasn't, well. A demon. Even if said demon was quick to blush and scuff his foot against the ground and smile hesitantly at the young ones crowded around him.

Dessert was a simple pastry and berries with cream (so what if once upon a time it was Wei Wuxian's favorite? Jiang Cheng liked it too). He led their guests back to their rooms, alert to the slight fatigue in Shen Qingqiu's responses. Why Lord Luo looked so pleased at him was anyone's guess. The creepy demon. He bid them all a pleasant night and expected that to be it.

Of course Wei Wuxian had to ruin it.

“Jiang Cheng!”

“No,” he slapped a hand to the brat's face and pushed him away. “I'm going to bed.”

“But it's so early!”

“Says the night owl. Go to bed.”

“Oh, but if we go to bed now, we won't be –”

Jiang Cheng felt no remorse over throwing Wei Wuxian off the pathway and into the water. Even if he did have to avoid a quick swipe from Lan Wangji over it all. They were so gross. So gross. He did not need any more information about what that pair got up to at night. The entire sect had a good enough guess as it was.

(He never did see Luo Binghe or Liu Qingge watching them from the shadows of their doorway.)

Dawn brought a heavy mist to the training grounds. Jiang Cheng rolled his shoulders and stretched out his arms, waking the blood in his veins. He bent down, touching his palms to the ground, working the muscles in his back and legs. There was a prickle to the back of his neck when he stood back up, but a quick glance around showed nothing. The sect disciples had been given the week off to be at the beck and call of their seniors and Jiang Cheng was well aware of young teenagers not wanting to get up with the dawn to work on forms. He had to hear those complaints almost every other day when he was out supervising them.

(And really, he didn't see what all the complaining was about. It wasn't like he was running after them, snapping Zidian in the air or at their heels at first light. The hour after dawn was always set aside for stretching and calming one's qi, of quiet mediation and stretching. Idiot teenagers never did understand how important that second part was.)

The late summer morning was a bit chilly. Jiang Cheng pulled his hair up into a basic tail high on his head and unsheathed Sandu with a ringing chime. With the grounds to himself it was easy to fall into a beginner's stance, sword parallel to the ground, taking deep breaths from his center. Slow and steady he worked his way through the early forms of his sect, feeling the stretch and pull of muscles long used to such work wake up as he moved. He had never appreciated them, when he was young, thinking it a waste of time to go over things he already knew.

He knew better, now.

By the time he reached the final forms he was moving fast, feet quick across the ground as he jumped and slashed at imaginary enemies, always present enough in his mind to try his best to keep the form as crisp and clean as possible, to perfect it even more, to make no mistakes at all. He landed in the final stance, a wild grin on his face as he watched a wave of qi ripple out across the ground from the final slash of Sandu. It was his best one yet.

“You're very good.”

Jiang Cheng shoved down the urge to twitch at the unexpected voice. He turned to see Liu Qingge standing at the edge of the practice grounds, arms folded over his chest and sword belted to his waist. “Thank you,” he flicked his sword to the side and sheathed it, watching the man who was watching him right back. Perhaps he had been the source of that strange prickle on the back of his neck earlier? But that was stupid – why would a martial peak lord like Liu Qingge come out to watch him at dawn? It made no sense.

“Your forms are unusual. Would you be interested in a spar?”

Jiang Cheng paused in the middle of gulping down a ladle full of water. He ducked his head and splashed it across the back of his neck, ignoring the way it plastered his robes against his back and chest. The sun was up above the horizon, the mist long gone now, leaving the humidity to start rising. “Sure,” he flicked his hair back and turned back to the man, not noticing the way Liu Qingge's gaze rested on his chest a moment too long. “To yield or first blood?”

Liu Qingge's eyebrows rose. “You would go to first blood with me?”

Jiang Cheng shrugged, feeling something stir in the pit of his stomach. “Sure. Why not?” He gestured for the other man to join him on the practice grounds. “All weapons and qi are fair to use, yes?”

“I will agree to it.”

“Good,” Jiang Cheng couldn't bite back his smile as he turned and faced the other man. It was rare others would come out and spar with him to first blood. The last sect leader he could provoke to such spars was Nie Mingjue. Since the man's death he had little chance aside from night hunts to go full out with anyone in such a manner.

This was going to be fun.

He did not notice the way Liu Qingge went still for a moment at his smile. Nor did he notice the two other shadows watching from an open doorway near the practice field. All Jiang Cheng could see was the way Liu Qingge's form went from relaxed to eager as they faced each other across the sand, bodies tense as they studied each other for one long moment before they both sprung into action.

A blast of qi swept towards his feet, causing Jiang Cheng to jump into the air. He met Liu Qingge's blade with his own, their faces inches apart as they clashed, sparks jumping from the edges of their swords. He twisted, rolling into Liu Qingge's space and slammed an elbow into the man's stomach as he used the man's thigh as a springboard to get higher into the air. A curl and another twist and he had Zidian flicking out at Liu Qingge, hearing a bark of bright laughter from the man as the Bai Zhan Peak Lord spun away from the lash.

Together they ducked and slashed at each other, blasts of qi tearing up the training grounds and causing deep furrows to dig into the ground. Jiang Cheng found himself laughing like he hadn't done so in years as Liu Qingge's attacks forced him back to the water's edge – but he got the drop on the peak lord as he splashed water along the grounds and slammed a surge of Zidian's lightning charge into the puddles. Liu Qingge's outraged “Hey!” was delightful. Jiang Cheng couldn't help but cackle and then run as Liu Qingge's attacks increased in power, chasing him across the practice field towards the water bucket. Then the peak lord pulled up, now wise to his tricks with water and lightning, but oh, Jiang Cheng was going to surprise him yet. A quick roll and a pull of qi had several experimental spirit nets forming around his opponent, trapping him in place.

“Tricky,” Liu Qingge's smile was almost blinding. “I like it!” The man met his qi formed spirit nets with a blast of power that almost knocked Jiang Cheng off his feet. He dove out of the way from a swipe of the man's sword – a sword that was not being wielded by said man! Instead Jiang Cheng turned and found himself face to face with Liu Qingge, Sandu knocked from his grip as he was tackled to the ground in a wrestler's hold. Together they tussled on the ground, hands sliding against rucked up robes, fingers glancing off Jiang Cheng's ribs in a way that made him bite out a yelp and twist away. He tried to turn and summon Sandu to his hand but Liu Qingge got there first, throwing them both along the ground until Jiang Cheng didn't know which way was up.

When the world stopped spinning he found Liu Qingge pressing down on him, his blade against Jiang Cheng's neck, the both of them sweaty and filthy with dirt and mud and dust. A thin trickle of blood slid across his skin.

“Do you yield?”

Jiang Cheng just laughed, head falling back against the ground. “I do,” he couldn't stop smiling. His chest was heaving with trying to draw in enough breath to calm a pounding heart. There was a stitch in his side. Liu Qingge's smile was small and fierce, the man as dirty as he was and his hair was falling out of its high tail, listing to one side. Jiang Cheng snorted, still panting as he raised a hand and plucked a leaf from the fall of hair. “Here,” he flicked it away and still couldn't contain the last of his laughter. “Thanks for the spar.”

Liu Qingge tilted his head to one side, a smile still tucked into the corners of his mouth, but he said nothing as he stared down at him. Jiang Cheng became acutely aware of how the man had him pinned, hips wedged between Jiang Cheng's thighs. He could feel his ears go warm. This wasn't – this was a spar, of course they had to get physical. They were wrestling! It was perfectly normal!

But. Why wasn't Liu Qingge moving?

“That was a wonderful spar to watch!” Shen Qingqiu's voice made Jiang Cheng twitch. He tilted his head back to see the man approaching them upside down, sweeping green and white robes pristine in the morning light. A half step behind him came Lord Luo. He heard Liu Qingge take a deep breath above him (why? He was just arched back to look at Shen Qingqiu?) and then the man was pulling back, sword falling away from Jiang Cheng's neck.

Oh, that was probably why. Jiang Cheng had all but arched up into that blade, hadn't he? What a rookie mistake. His ears were burning with it. He looked back at Liu Qingge but the man still had that strange half smile on his face as he sat back and held out a hand for Jiang Cheng. Why was he doing that? Jiang Cheng could get up on his own just fine.

...Still, it was nice of Liu Qingge. The man's broad hand felt good in his own. Which he wasn't going to think about, thank you very much. It was just nice to find someone as focused on the martial aspect of their training as he was. So few did these days. Hopefully he had pounded that lesson into Jin Ling's head hard enough.

“It's nice to see Liu-shishu find someone as passionate about training as he is,” Lord Luo's smile was a strange thing. Jiang Cheng didn't like it at all. It made his shoulders prickle. He took his hand from Liu Qingge's (why had he held on so long? Strange.) and summoned Sandu with a thought. He used the last clean edge of his robe to wipe the blade off and sheathe it. Zidian formed around his finger with another thought, the whip long forgotten in the dust after Liu Qingge's tackle.

Really, he needed to work on his hand to hand more if a mere tussle on the ground was enough to disarm him. That was almost embarrassing. “Yunmeng Jiang Sect is not well known for our martial prowess but we do still try to do our best.”

“You have an interesting fighting style,” Liu Qingge's praise didn't seem forced. “Your whip...?”

“Zidian,” Jiang Cheng hesitated for a moment before flicking it out again. “A family heirloom. It has...several properties.” The purple lightning arched off it, creating pretty patterns on the ground. He touched the hilt of his sword. “And Sandu.”

“Cheng Luan,” Liu Qingge stepped in front of him and flipped the blade, showing Jiang Cheng the hilt. That was...surprising. He brushed his fingers over the pommel and for some reason wanted to blush. What was going on? It was just a sword!

...A cultivator's sword. That was bonded to him through his soul. That Liu Qingge was allowing Jiang Cheng to touch. Really, what was this world coming to? He snatched his hand back with a guilty glance up at the man, but Liu Qingge didn't seem to notice. In fact, when had the three of them gotten so close to Jiang Cheng? He was sure Shen Qingqiu had been to his left, so why was Lord Luo standing almost at his back?

Was it getting hot out here? Surely it wasn't that late in the morning. The sun was barely over the horizon, so the heat shouldn't have started to effect him yet. Right? Right?

Maybe he needed to jump into the lake. It might just let him clear his head.

“Sandu Shengshou! Sandu Shengshou!”

His steward's shouts were enough to break the strange train of thought. He tilted his head to one side, looking around Liu Qingge's shoulder. “What?”

“There's an urgent notice from Qinghe Nie sect leader in your office!”

“Oh for the love of...,” he pinched the bridge of his nose. “What did Nie Huaisang screw up now?” He sighed and glanced at Shen Qingqiu, then at the others. “Forgive me. I must go.”

“Of course, of course,” Shen Qingqiu's smile was hidden behind his fan, but Jiang Cheng could see the way his eyes curved. It was just something he had noticed! At dinner! It wasn't creepy!

Was it?

He murmured one last apology and walked off, snaking Zidian around his finger once more as he left. His clothes were a mess, his hair falling out of its high tail and he desperately needed a bath. Whatever mess Nie Huaisang had gotten himself into had better be worth the delay. Otherwise he would ring that scrawny brat's neck!

Wei Wuxian folded his arms over his chest and stared out over the practice grounds with a frown. At first Jiang Cheng's crush on that western peak lord had been pretty funny. Anything revolving around Jiang Cheng and his nonexistent love life was funny. His brother was just so dense! A complete idiot! Oblivious to everything! How could he not see the obvious when it was all but smacking him in the face? It was so frustrating. But funny. Since Peak Lord Shen was so far away and a distant idea rather than a reality.

But now the reality was in Lotus Pier and pinning his brother to the ground. While Peak Lord Shen watched on and that demon lord husband of his smiled at Jiang Cheng and Liu Qingge rolling around in the dirt together.

This was obviously a lot more serious than he had thought.

“Wei Ying.”

“I'm not doing anything.”

He heard Lan Zhan sigh. Too bad. He really wasn't doing anything. He was just watching. Watching Shen Qingqiu and Lord Luo watch his brother. Watching as Shen Qingqiu and Lord Luo and Liu Qingge surrounded his brother like he was some sort of – of – prey. This was far more than some sort of unrequited crush on Jiang Cheng's part. Wei Wuxian knew about that little gift Jiang Cheng had prepared. It wasn't even a little gift either, if you knew the circumstances around it. And what it meant to both Jiang Cheng and that Peak Lord Shen. A peak lord that had four other husbands. Jiang Cheng would be husband number five! Five! His brother was clearly First Husband material. Why couldn't anyone see that?

Of course, the way Jiang Cheng looked at Shen Qingqiu like he was the center of his world was another matter entirely.

“Wei Ying.”

“I'm just going to talk to them.” Wei Wuxian dodged the hand that tried to grab the back of his robe and stalked out towards the practice grounds. It was Lan Zhan's fault he was up so early anyway. If Lan Zhan hadn't pulled them into their rooms so early – well, he could probably blame Jiang Cheng for it too, but that just felt all sorts of weird – then Wei Wuxian wouldn't have gone to sleep so early and then he wouldn't have woken up at dawn like some teenage disciple and followed the sounds of fighting to the practice grounds to see his brother get groped by some stranger from the west.

Wei Wuxian needed to have words with these men. Someone had to.

“Ah, Wei-xiansheng, good morning!” Shen Qingqiu was the first to bow. Wei Wuxian grudgingly offered a salute back, eyeing the demon lord and Liu Qingge in turn. “Are you here to train?”

“No.” He planted his hands on his hips and Did Not Care that he probably looked like an irate fishwife. Which would be hilarious if he could get Lan Zhan on a boat to go fishing with him. They would make terrible fish...husbands? Was there a word for that?

Wait, he was getting distracted.

“What are your intentions towards my brother?” He thought he might have heard Lan Zhan sigh again but so what? It was best if people spoke openly about what was going on. What need was there to use fake words and whatever to hide their meanings?

Shen Qingqiu blinked a few times, the surprise sliding away to show...was that approval? Approval of what, exactly? “Wei-”

“Just call me Wei Wuxian.”

“Wei Wuxian,” Shen Qingqiu nodded. “I value your brother highly.”

“Value him, how.”

A fan spread in front of Shen Qingqiu's face. “Your brother and I have been friends for quite some time –”

“Oh, I know about your letters.” Wei Wuxian narrowed his eyes at the man. “So. Your intentions? Because that,” he pointed at Liu Qingge. “That looked a lot more like flirting than sparring. But I'll tell you right now my brother won't see it that way. So if you're here to get an alliance with us through his emotions...”

“No, no!”

“Then what are your intentions?”

He watched as the three men in front of him exchanged looks he couldn't read. Then Shen Qingqiu looked back at him. “I value Jiang Cheng's friendship very much. I...value Jiang Cheng, very much.” There was a light dusting of pink across Shen Qingqiu's nose. Good. “If Jiang Cheng was ever...interested in this master, I would...I would be very honored. And pleased.”

“And you?” Wei Wuxian looked at Lord Luo. The half-demon tilted his head to one side, a small smile on his face.

“Jiang Cheng is an honorable man who enjoys the same things Shizun does.”

“And?” Because that was nice and all, but what did Lord Luo think Wei Wuxian was? An idiot? No. Harems always had complications and drama. Lord Luo was the First Husband. Jiang Cheng's happiness had a lot to do with the man in front of him.

Lord Luo's smile faded. Crimson eyes stared back at him, serious for once. “I value Jiang Cheng as well. I find him very proper and I think he would treasure Shizun as he should be treated.”

“Binghe!”

“But more,” Lord Luo caught his husband's hand and kissed his palm. “I...am appreciative of Jiang Cheng. I hope to know him better, in the future. And I hope that Jiang Cheng would come to value us, as well, in all our different ways.”

Well, that had potential. Wei Wuxian looked at Liu Qingge. “And you?”

“He fights well.”

Wei Wuxian waited, but no, that seemed to be the end of that discussion. “And your other husbands? Do you think Jiang Cheng could find happiness in your harem, Peak Lord Shen?”

“I – yes. I would think so. I would hope so,” Peak Lord Shen was going steadily pinker. Then he straightened his shoulders and met Wei Wuxian's gaze. “I value all the people in my life equally, Wei Wuxian. If Jiang Cheng would – would enter into this master's life, then I would treasure him, with all my heart.”

“And you would swear to this?”

“To the gods themselves.”

Wei Wuxian tapped his fingers against his hips and stared at the men in front of him. Their answers were truthful. They seemed to be earnest in their regards. “If you hurt him in any way, no one will find your bodies.” That was just something he had to make clear. Demon lords or no demon lords, Wei Wuxian's brother was going to be happy, whether he liked it or not.

For some reason that made Lord Luo throw back his head and laugh. “You are a very protective brother.”

“He's the only one I have left,” Wei Wuxian turned away at the expressions on their faces. “Remember what I've said. I might not be the Yiling Patriarch anymore, but that won't stop me. I don't care if you have armies on your sides,” he glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “I have the dead. And they always outnumber the living.” Then he turned back around and took Lan Zhan's hand. “See you at breakfast!” He tossed a wave over his shoulder and started to drag his husband away.

“Wei Ying...”

“Hush, Lan Zhan. It's for Jiang Cheng's own good. Come on, let's have something to eat and then a nap. Or more than a nap,” he leaned into his husband's side. “Come on, come on, I'll race you there!” He leaned up to kiss Lan Zhan and then danced away, grinning. A nap sounded wonderful. Well, something more and then a nap, definitely. Lan Zhan owed him for getting him up so early!

And besides. He needed his rest. All the better to keep an eye on those men who had come to Lotus Pier and how they interacted with Jiang Cheng. He would need lots of rest, if he needed to empty every graveyard between here and Cang Qiong Mountain, after all!

Then he set aside those thoughts as Lan Zhan's arms came around his middle and they promptly forgot about breakfast altogether.

Chapter Text

Despite what his brother said, Jiang Cheng heavily doubted Nie Huaisang actually had a brain in his body. If Nie Huaisang was some sort of epic mastermind, then how in every hell did the idiot not know how to run his own sect? Or balance his budget? Or do anything other than paint those damn fans and look pretty?

It was a wonder how the man had ever risen to become sect leader. Maybe that was what had persuaded Wei Wuxian into thinking the man was some sort of genius shadow puppeteer. Surely there were competent people in Qinghe Nie Sect. Surely there were. There had to be, right?

Right?

After dealing with the useless missive (no , Nie Huaisang did not need to bring gifts to the envoys from Cang Qiong Mountain. This was a preliminary meeting before formal alliances were made. No, Nie Huaisang did not need to bring his entire upper tier of disciples and advisors and the gods only knew what else. Yes, if he was interested in the trade routes, then by all means bring his steward.) How was this an emergency? How was Nie Huaisang bothering with this at the last minute? He could just wring that idiot's neck.

A bath and a meal later, his temper had calmed down enough to enjoy tea with his guests. He met them in the Blue Pavilion wearing his second best set of robes, since he was supposed to be a proper host this week. ( That was all. Really .) The tea might have been the best they had, and the cakes were also (maybe) an old beloved recipe, but they were putting their best foot forward. For as much as Cang Qiong Mountain needed an alliance with other sects due to the pressure they were under, Jiang Cheng was no fool. Cang Qiong Mountain was bigger than all the eastern sects put together and probably wealthier too. No, this alliance was all about numbers and prestige. And having friends in convenient places.

Which brought up the topic. “The night hunt we have planned takes us to the newly opened border between this realm and the...demonic realm,” he nodded to Lord Luo. “As a lord of that realm, do you foresee any problems with this plan? We can still change our destination.”

“To be honest I do not know the demons who have claimed these lands and I very much doubt they would bow to my authority,” Lord Luo said with a shake of his head. He had praised the cakes earlier, like he had been bestowing some great honor. Jiang Cheng had wanted to hit him in the mouth.

“We have done preliminary scouting of the area. There appear to be no villages close to the border, nor any homesteads we would disrupt with such a hunt,” Jiang Cheng ignored the approving nod sent his way by Lord Luo. It was Shen Qingqiu's soft smile and the way the man laid a hand on Jiang Cheng's arm that made his ears go hot.

“Scouting?” Liu Qingge's question brought Jiang Cheng's gaze away from that gentle hand.

“Yes. The rift was discovered by some of my disciples, so I went to observe and scout the area, first.”

“You went? Personally?”

Jiang Cheng drew himself up, biting back the fierce words that he wanted to spit out at the demon lord's question. “Of course I did.”

“You are very protective of your sect and the disciples here,” Shen Qingqiu said before Jiang Cheng could insult his husband. Oh gods. Jiang Cheng was about to insult Shen Qingqiu's husband. He needed – well. He needed a lot of things, but mostly he wanted a way out of this conversation without screwing it up. Or screwing his friendship with Shen Qingqiu up.

If only Shen Qingqiu wasn't married to that demon lord!

“I have seen my sect fall once. I will not risk their safety if I can do something about it.”

“Your sect...fell?”

Jiang Cheng couldn't place the look on Lord Luo's face. He didn't like it, anyway. “Yes.” The hand on his arm tightened and he looked down to see Shen Qingqiu's face much closer to his.

Very close. Very, very close.

“Um.”

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian's call had him snapping back in his seat, face hot and unable to look his guests in the eye.

“Excuse me, I should –”

“Jiang Cheng, wait, please –”

“Jiang Cheng!” Wei Wuxian was a miniature tornado as he burst into the pavilion, ponytail askew and a smudge of dirt along his chin. “I found where you hid my old things!”

“I am gonna throw you into the kennels!”

“Jiang Cheng!”

“Where is your sense of dignity? Of propriety? I know you were dead for a while, but I'm sure your precious Lan Wangji can beat it into that head of yours! I'm with our guests!”

“Oh, Lan Zhan beats a lot of things into –”

“No! Shut up! Do you want to die?!”

“ Sandu Shengshou!”

Jiang Cheng wanted to set people on fire. “What?”

“Sir, you have four messages from Gusu Lan and Sect Leader Nie. They are all marked as urgent.”

“Not. Again.” He breathed in through his nose, closing his eyes for a long moment. That was when he realized that at some point Shen Qingqiu had linked their hands together. He was holding hands with Shen Qingqiu. Some closed off part of his mind started to gibber with panic. What was he supposed to do? Does he close his hand, linking their fingers together even more? Does he pull away? But he doesn't want to pull away! He wants – he wants – he wants –

“Sandu Shengshou?”

“Right. I. Um.” He looked at Shen Qingqiu and all words deserted him. Then his friend smiled, a special small expression that caused Jiang Cheng's chest to hurt and bloom with warmth at the same time.

“Will you join us after?”

“Yes. There. Uh. Dinner. Dinner! We'll be. Over the water, you know. Again.” Jiang Cheng wanted to run head first into a pole. Anything to stop the nonsense falling from his mouth. “Please excuse me.” He was gentle as he slid his hand from Shen Qingqiu's, face hot enough to fry an egg on. It got even worse when Shen Qingqiu gave his fingers a tiny squeeze before letting go. Then Jiang Cheng – well, he fled, for the lack of a better word – and headed towards his office with all the polite haste he could muster.

He never saw Wei Wuxian's smug smile at his guests. Nor did he see the long looks passed between Shen Qingqiu and his husbands.

~*~

“That's...a massive rift.”

“Yes,” Jiang Cheng reined in his horse at the base of the small hill. Above them was the rift. It reminded him of a massive geode being broken upon the ground. The space beyond the odd black edges that were hard to look at was dark, the sky a strange shade between gray and blood red. Strange dull blue moss was creeping from the entrance, eating the dying green and yellow grasses in front of it. The opening was wide enough that four large carriages could pass through, side by side. Jiang Cheng nodded to his senior disciples and they fanned out, checking the area. The carriage containing Shen Qingqiu and the peak lord Shang Qinghua rolled to a stop next to him. Both men were peering out from the windows, eyes wide as they looked up at the hill.

“This is unlike any border opening I have ever seen,” Shen Qingqiu's head tilted to one side. “This is the only one you've found?”

“Of this type, yes. Lord Luo's descriptions of other type of openings to the demonic realm have been very...informative. Looking back, our sects may have very well been crossing over such borders without ever knowing it.”

“It would explain a lot about the Burial Mounds now,” Wei Wuxian had somehow talked his way into this trip and Jiang Cheng would really, really like to figure out how. As it was, he had enough on his plate to not bother with arguing with the idiot. “It always did feel like a whole different world once you walked into the caves.”

“Well, if you had cleaned up after yourself once and a while...”

“Jiang Cheng!”

Jiang Cheng snorted and let the topic drop. “Once we check the area, we can continue,” he told Shen Qingqiu. “There does seem to be a sort of...road on the other side of the rift. It leads to a town about sixty li from the entrance.”

“Have you been there?”

“Once,” he glanced over at Lord Luo's question. “It is a small community. They seemed aware of the rift and its closeness to our sect. They were very...hospitable.”

“Jiang Cheng means they came out and bowed to him and he was embarrassed – hey! Jiang Cheng stop trying to kick me!”

“The leader of the community is a...he called himself Li Che. He looks to be a bull...demon? Of some sort?” Jiang Cheng loosened the reins of his horse as Wei Wuxian's antics caused them all to crowd closer to the carriages. “He was very respectful and I was pleased to make his acquaintance.”

“Oh, sure, pleased to –”

“Wei Wuxian, shut up!”

“Li Che had ribbons,” Wei Wuxian leaned forward over his horse, looking to the men in the carriage. “He kept trying to tie them onto Jiang Cheng. He didn't say why though.”

“It was a welcoming rite,” Jiang Cheng ignored Wei Wuxian's cackles. “Of some sort.”

“A...welcoming rite?” Shen Qingqiu had a strange expression on his face that Jiang Cheng could not parse. It wasn't happy, but nor was it mocking. Maybe a touch angry? But that would make no sense.

“I see,” said Lord Luo. The half demon also had a strange furrow between his brows. “Will we be meeting this Li Che?”

“...If you would like,” Jiang Cheng couldn't help but frown at the man. “Although I do not know if he will acknowledge your dominion over his lands.”

“That's fine.”

Jiang Cheng peered at the man for a moment more, but Lord Luo said nothing else. Then he was distracted by his senior disciple giving the all-clear. It was time to move out.

Going from the bright afternoon sunshine to strange red-tinged gray skies was an eerie feeling. Jiang Cheng shook off a shiver that wanted to trail down his spine. A quick glance around showed him an empty field – in fact the only thing paying attention to him was Lord Luo, although why the demon lord was watching him was anyone's guess. Jiang Cheng gestured for his disciples to form a loose guard around them as they rode further into the demonic realm. As far as Jiang Cheng, as well as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji could tell, the portal behind them was stable, despite how it had just appeared one day. Even so, Jiang Cheng had worked with Lord Luo that morning to make sure everyone had a personal token that could open a portal to the temporary pavilion set up outside Lotus Pier. Lord Luo had been the one to make Jiang Cheng's – again why he did not know, but what he did know was that he had gone rather...red when Lord Luo had slid the pendant over his neck.

There was no reason to feel so flustered around the half-demon. Yes, Lord Luo was Shen Qingqiu's...First Husband, but that did not mean anything! So what if Jiang Cheng had – had thoughts about Shen Qingqiu? It's not like they could know. Anyway, it didn't matter, because Shen Qingqiu had four husbands and who in their right mind would take a fifth when Shen Qingqiu had Peak Lords and a Sect Master and a demon lord in his harem? No one, that's who.

(Jiang Cheng pushed down the thought of the gift he had prepared in his rooms back in Lotus Pier. A bestiary done up in gold and silver, with illustrations on every page, cataloging every type of monster and demonic creature Jiang Cheng had ever seen or read about in their lands. He had been forced to ask Wei Wuxian for help when his repeated requests to Lan Qiren to use the Cloud Recesses library for more resources had been denied. Thankfully the idiot had said little about his request and had gone with Lan Wangji to get the scrolls Jiang Cheng had needed.)

(Not that he was grateful. Or anything.)

They were several li into the demonic realm when Jiang Cheng heard Lord Luo call his name. He looked back to see Lord Luo's horse canter up to his side and pace him. “This lord was wondering, if you were amiable, could we take this night hunt deeper into this realm? Perhaps stay a few days?”

Jiang Cheng tilted a glance at him, but thought it over. They had plenty of supplies and the portal tokens. There would be an easy egress if needed. “Any particular reason why?”

Lord Luo's smile made Jiang Cheng want to step away. “This lord is very interested in this area. It is unlike anything in my own territories. I would like to speak to some of the residents here, to see if any lord rules them all, or if they are more like the southern tribes in my own lands, who control areas based off ancient nomadic routes.”

“Your southern tribes are nomadic?”

“Oh, yes. Mostly because of the fire deserts.”

“Fire deserts?” Jiang Cheng perked up. “As in actual fire? How does that work?”

Lord Luo's smile grew. Jiang Cheng had no idea why. Still, the resulting conversation was the most at ease he had felt in the demon lord's presence. It was – okay, yes, it was fascinating to hear about the different climates and topology of Lord Luo's lands. So what if he guided his horse a little closer to Lord Luo during the conversation? They were talking! It was polite not to shout! Wei Wuxian could stop smirking any damn time now.

A quick consultation with Shen Qingqiu and the rest of his guests had them all agreeing to extend their stay. That said, Jiang Cheng led their party away from the area he had first planned to take them and instead turned towards the little town he and his sect had found. Li Che had said that Jiang Cheng and his disciples were welcome at any time. He was about to put that claim to the test.

According to Lord Luo's words, even the vegetation was different in these eastern lands. Animal stealing was a common concern with his people, since the lands under his control did not have this much grass and other fauna to feed herds. That got them talking about different cross strains of plants that Jiang Cheng had gathered and sent to Gusu for cataloging, and that conversation got them all the way to the village, just as night fell.

Jiang Cheng rode forward when he saw the outlines of the buildings. There was an inn, if you could call it such, right in the center of the small community. Jiang Cheng had stayed there before, when he and his sect had made primary contact with the town. It would be just big enough for them all.

Maybe. Perhaps.

Li Che met him at the edge of the town. Li Che was a massive slab of muscle and bone, standing a full head taller than Jiang Cheng, with twisting black horns sprouting from his forehead that ended in needle-fine tips. His black robes looked brand new as he hurried out to meet the party. Jiang Cheng slid from his horse, not wanting to be impolite. (Even if it meant he had to look up the entire time he spoke to Li Che.)

“My friend Jiang Cheng!” Li Che also had a...distinctive speech pattern. “I am so glad to see you again! My friend Jiang Cheng has brought more people from his sect to meet us? This is a good thing! A very good thing!”

“Hello again, Li Che,” was all he could get out before he was swept up into a bone crushing hug. The first time it had happened Jiang Cheng had almost pulled his sword, but the way Li Che had snuffled into his neck and then, well, bounced Jiang Cheng in his arms had cut that reaction off quick. So he suffered through the hug again, waiting to dodge those wickedly sharp horns when Li Che went in to smell his neck.

(And it wasn't just Li Che who did the weird neck sniff thing. Jiang Cheng had gotten it from the blacksmith in the town too, but only once and right after he had made contact with the community. Then there was also Grandma Wang, a lovely...woman of some demonic type that looked like a teenager but everyone referred to her as their honored grandmother. Again, no one told him why, but she had also gone in for the weird neck sniff thing when she had first met him.

Demons. So weird.)

This time, though, when Li Che began to duck his head, Jiang Cheng heard someone cough from behind him. Li Che's head came up and Jiang Cheng was not in the position to see his expression, but he was released from the hug and patted on the shoulder a few times. No neck sniff this time.

How odd.

“Li Che, may I introduce my guests? They are from the lands far to the west of us.” Jiang Cheng stepped back to see Lord Luo right behind him. Strange, it should have been his head disciple, but whatever. This was fine. He felt his muscles tense when a warm hand slid against the small of his back – and stayed there. “Li Che, this is Lord Luo of the western demonic lands.” The carriage had rolled to a stop and the occupants stepped out. Shen Qingqiu was a sight to behold – the greens and whites of his robes were a stark contrast to the grays and rusty reds of the surrounding environment. “And this is Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, along with Peak Lord Shang Qinghua, as well as Lord Mo. You know my brother, Wei Wuxian and his husband Lan Wangji.” Jiang Cheng twitched as that hand at the small of his back moved a touch lower. How was Lord Luo's skin so warm? Was it a demon thing?

Li Che's eyes were a touch wide as he bowed to the collected party. “This small one welcomes you to our settlement.” He rose, gaze lingering on Jiang Cheng – for what, though? Why? “My friend Jiang Cheng did not say he knew so many esteemed lords of our realm?”

“I didn't,” Jiang Cheng snorted. “The Peak Lords are from Cang Qiong Mountain in the west. They are here for alliance talks.”

“And so much more,” Lord Luo said, voice deep from Jiang Cheng's side. He twitched, but that warm hand stayed low on his back. “I have questions for you, Li Che, if you do not mind? The eastern demonic realm is much different than my lands in the west.”

“I-if you wish,” Li Che bowed again. His head stayed ducked as he gestured them forward. “This small one will take you to the inn. Does our guests wish for the inn to prepare a dinner for you?”

“We brought food –,” Jiang Cheng began.

“If you would allow this lord the imposition,” Lord Luo spoke over him. “I believe I would like to treat our Jiang Cheng to a meal from these hands.”

….What?

“A-as the lord wishes! This small one will show you the way!”

“What –,” Jiang Cheng got out, but then he was being guided forward by that same hand on his lower back, Lord Luo a warm presence at his side the entire way to the inn. At some point Shen Qingqiu had come up and taken his arm as well. Jiang Cheng didn't know what to do. A part of him wanted to move away, yet another part wanted to stay right there, between them both. Then Lord Luo was being led to the kitchens – and really, what the fuck – and before Jiang Cheng could do more than blink at Shen Qingqiu, Liu Qingge was at his side, taking the seat Lord Luo had vacated.

It was very – it was all very – Jiang Cheng didn't know what to make of it. At all. But then Shen Qingqiu asked him a question about his sect's spiritual nets and then Liu Qingge said something about the edge those tools gave them and Jiang Cheng forgot that he wanted to move at all. He even forgot about the fact that Lord Luo was cooking – since when did demon lords cook? – until steaming platters of food came flooding out of the kitchen. The scent of the dishes filled the entire dining room and made Jiang Cheng's mouth water. A steaming platter of sizzling meat was placed right in front of him. Lord Luo came out from the kitchens with a beaming smile on his face. Li Che was slower to arrive and was strangely pale when Jiang Cheng looked over at him.

How odd.

He didn't have much time to ponder on it, since Lord Luo was there to start urging people to eat and really, with how good everything smelled it was a wonder Jiang Cheng didn't elbow someone in his haste to get to that meat dish. Even Wei Wuxian couldn't complain since at least one dish was full of fiery red peppers and the burn of spice at the back of his throat. It was truly one of the best meals Jiang Cheng had had in a very, very long time – and he told Lord Luo as much.

“Thank you,” that warm smile was back. The half-demon had taken the seat on Shen Qingqiu's other side. The cheerful sounds of conversation were all around them. Jiang Cheng saw Peak Lord Shang Qinghua sneaking bits of food into Lord Mo's bowl (although Jiang Cheng was almost sure Lord Mo was Shang Qinghua's First Husband, so shouldn't that be the other way around?) and at some point someone had put food into Jiang Cheng's bowl, but who? He had been too distracted by Wei Wuxian's weird faces to see who did it. But it didn't matter, since the food added had been more of that sizzling meat dish and really, Jiang Cheng was pretty sure he could eat it every day and not be tired of it. Or too full.

It was definitely Wei Wuxian's fault when the wine came out and started to fill everyone's cups. Jiang Cheng tried to be sensible about it, he really did, but like his food bowl, every time he took his eyes off his cup for more than a moment it was topped off and someone else was raising a toast and everyone had to follow. By the time they called it a night Jiang Cheng was over the point of tipsy and heading into drunk. They were shown up to their rooms by the maids – he wasn't sure where Li Che went – and at some point that warm hand had returned to its spot on his back.

Jiang Cheng shivered and did not look back at the owner of said hand. He couldn't. He didn't understand. It wasn't – he wasn't – but then Shen Qingqiu was smiling at him again and Jiang Cheng was so close to him and then – and then – and then Wei Wuxian was there and Jiang Cheng was being tossed into a bed that had better not have his brother in it too and that was all Jiang Cheng remembered.

~*~

There were very few things Jiang Cheng hated more than hangovers and one of them was in his face the moment he opened his eyes. “Go away,” he slapped a hand over Wei Wuxian's face and pretended to be deaf to his fake cries of pain.

“But Jiang Cheng, breakfast will get cold!”

“What the fuck are you even doing awake at this hour?”

“What hour? You're the one sleeping in!”

That got Jiang Cheng to open his eyes. “What? Liar.”

“Look out the window if you don't believe me.”

Jiang Cheng took a peek – and swore, throwing the covers back. He never slept so long before. “Where are my pants – why the fuck am I in my inner robes? Who undressed me? Why are my boots on the chair like that? Don't answer that, I don't want to know.” He ignored the way Wei Wuxian was laughing at him as he hopped around on one foot, trying to get both his pants on and his boots. At least Lan Wangji was gone from the room, too, or else Jiang Cheng would have had to figure out a way to kill them both before breakfast.

“You're such a mess.” Wei Wuxian was one to talk! The little brat's hair was a tangled mess down his back and half his robe ties were undone. Oh, gross, he had been in the same room as these two. So. Gross. Thank the gods he had passed out.

Wait a second. “I passed out?”

“Jiang Cheng can't handle his alcohol anymore,” Wei Wuxian made a sad tsking noise at him. “You should practice more.”

“Says the drunkard,” Jiang Cheng found his brush and started to yank it through his hair. “Where is everyone? Am I the last up? Are – is...”

“Your Shen Qingqiu and his husbands are still asleep, or they were the last time I checked.”

“He's not my Shen Qingqiu!” Jiang Cheng chucked the brush at Wei Wuxian's head. “Don't say such things! He's not – I'm not – it's – it's –”

“Hey. Hey. Jiang Cheng, calm down.”

“You calm down!”

“Hey,” hands caught his shoulders and Jiang Cheng noted for the first time that he was shaking, just a bit. “You're not the last one up. Everything is fine. The maids said breakfast would be served in a little bit. You have time. Wash up.”

“Shut up,” he pulled away from Wei Wuxian and stalked over to the basin, splashing icy water against his burning face. The pain in his head was starting to dull as he cycled his qi through his system. He cracked his neck and ran a damp towel over his body, wiping away some of the travel dust and sweat from the day before. There was no word of a bathhouse in the village and if he remembered correctly Lord Luo had said something about exploring deeper into the area today. They would have to get moving before noon if they wanted to find another place to camp, or another inn further on. Li Che had said something about a bigger town some distance away that they traded with. It had sounded like a wonderful plan while drinking the night before.

“You really like him, don't you?”

Jiang Cheng ignored Wei Wuxian as he tidied up, hands steady as he combed his hair and set it up in his usual crown. He ignored the brat as he settled his robes and stamped his feet into his boots. A glance at the mirror showed him clean and relatively put together – a few wrinkles here and there, but what could he do? He hadn't thought to bring any nicer sets of clothes with him and what would be the point, anyway? They were here for night hunts, not – not anything else. Right?

Right.

“I'm going down,” he said and made for the door. A hand on his arm stopped him. He didn't look at Wei Wuxian.

“I think he likes you, too.”

“Shut up,” he shook the brat off...but maybe not as hard as he could have. He paused before opening the door, spine straight and head held high. “You think so?”

He heard Wei Wuxian sigh and then there was a hand on his shoulder. “Yeah. Yeah I do.”

Jiang Cheng did not blush. He opened the door instead and stalked out into the hall, ready to face whatever came his way. And if, perhaps, his steps were a touch lighter than they had been?

Well. Surely it was nothing. Surely. He was just...in a good mood. That was all.

Chapter Text

“Shizun,” the rough voice whispered into Shen Qingqiu's ear. “Shizun, it's time to wake up.”

Shen Qingqiu wrinkled his nose and tried to bury his face further into his pillow – except his pillow was smooth muscle and warm flesh that belonged to Liu Qingge. He felt more than heard Liu-shidi's chuckle, even as a warm hand ran down his back and groped at his ass. Shen Qingqiu made another noise and hitched his left leg up higher, giving that hand some room to roam. He had learned, over the last year and some, how much Liu Qingge liked to touch in the mornings. And from the way the man's fingers immediately dipped inside Shen Qingqiu's still-slick entrance, Liu Qingge was already hot and bothered by something.

Probably Luo Binghe.

“Shizun,” his sticky husband was crowding up against his back, adding his own hands to Liu Qingge's. Shen Qingqiu gasped as more fingers slid inside him, stretching him even more open. “Shizun, we should really get up and go have breakfast.”

Hah as if his husbands could get their hands off him long enough to do that. Even as Luo Binghe spoke, they were shifting Shen Qingqiu up and over Liu Qingge's body, positioning him over that thick cock and lowering him down.

For however much Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge had fought over his dead body years before, they made an excellent team together in bed.

Liu Qingge's smile was a touch smug as he lay beneath Shen Qingqiu, his hair spread out over the pillows, a few strands falling into his face. Shen Qingqiu bent forward and tucked those strands behind Liu Qingge's ear, loving the way the man's nose and ears went pink at the action. As if he wasn't already balls deep in Shen Qingqiu's body. Then he felt Luo Binghe settle in behind him, large hands warm on his hips as the half-demon began to move Shen Qingqiu at his own pace, the strength in that large frame controlling their movements on the bed.

Shen Qingqiu would never admit it out loud but he loved it when Luo Binghe took control of both of them in bed. How Luo Binghe would draw them both to the edge of orgasm and then back them both off, sometimes even lifting Shen Qingqiu off of Liu Qingge completely – before slamming them back together in a way that made Shen Qingqiu's back arch and punched a needy sound from Liu Qingge's throat. Shen Qingqiu linked his hands with Liu Qingge's, holding on to each other as Luo Binghe used their bodies as his own playthings.

“Does Shizun feel good?” Luo Binghe purred into his ear. Shen Qingqiu shook as Luo Binghe brought his hips down in a series of hard thrusts that made the bed knock against the wall. Oh, gods. People could hear that. People could – Jiang Cheng could –

“Do you think he can hear us?” Luo Binghe's voice went rough and deep as Shen Qingqiu threw his head back and moaned. “Oh, Shizun likes that idea, doesn't he? He is so sweet, our Jiang Cheng. Husband has the best taste. You've chosen so well .” Shen Qingqiu moaned again at the words, shaking his head. They shouldn't – oh they shouldn't be saying this, shouldn't be thinking this. Jiang Cheng was his friend – was his – oh yes he wanted Jiang Cheng, but only – only if Jiang Cheng wanted them back –

“This First Husband thinks Jiang Cheng would be a proper husband for Shizun. This Luo Binghe would love to watch as Shizun rides Jiang Cheng until he couldn't come anymore. Then this Luo Binghe would get to play with you both .”

Annnnnd that was it. Shen Qingqiu shook through his orgasm, even as Liu Qingge thrust up a handful of times and finished inside him. That was when Luo Binghe bent him forward, letting Liu Qingge take Shen Qingqiu into his arms as Luo Binghe pulled Shen Qingqiu's hips up and slid home.

By the time they were cleaned and dressed it was almost noon. Shen Qingqiu fought down a blush at the sight of Jiang Cheng in the common room of the inn, standing next to Li Che as they spoke about something to low for him to hear. But he had eyes , he could see the way the bull demon was standing near Jiang Cheng, almost crowding the man into the wall. Li Che was also fiddling with a red ribbon in his hands, twisting it between his fingers. Every once and a while one of his hands would come out to pat Jiang Cheng's arm – and that hand would have the ribbon wrapped around his wrist, the ends trailing over Jiang Cheng's skin.

Oh, hell no . Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan open and glided over to Jiang Cheng's side, taking the man's arm in a move he had practiced far too many times with Mu-shidi in the stages of their courting, and then glanced up at Li Che, holding his fan over his mouth. “Good morning, Jiang Cheng, Li Che. I am so sorry to have kept you waiting.” He could feel the way Jiang Cheng's arm went tense for a moment, and then relaxed at his touch. It made something almost predatory in Shen Qingqiu's chest want to purr.

Li Che's head came up and back at Shen Qingqiu's presence. And at the way he linked his arm with Jiang Cheng's. “This small one has no complaints. Did Master Shen find the inn pleasing? Did your husbands find it pleasing as well?”

Oh, so there was a little more than a cringing bootlicker behind those horns. How interesting. “We found the inn to be perfectly serviceable. How did you sleep, Jiang Cheng?” He turned a look up at the man.

“Fine,” Jiang Cheng's ears were going a lovely shade of red. Shen Qingqiu wanted to trace his fingers over them, to see if he could get Jiang Cheng's cheeks to match them. “But if we want to continue on, we should get going.”

“Yes, we should,” Shen Qingqiu pressed as close to Jiang Cheng as he dared. “Would you ride with me in the carriage? I wanted to continue our discussion about the Venomous Clappertails we had started last night.”

“I-if you would like...”

“I would very much like.” Shen Qingqiu let his fan drop just far enough so that Jiang Cheng could see his smile. A red tint had entered Jiang Cheng's cheeks.

“Then I will ride with you.”

“Wonderful!” Shen Qingqiu snapped his fan closed and turned back to Li Che. The bull demon had a tight smile on his face. The red ribbon in his hands had vanished. “Do you think the inn could provide us some food to go? I'm afraid we don't have much time to linger.”

“This small one will go see what the kitchen has to offer,” Li Che gave them a short bow and backed away.

“We do have food of our own,” Jiang Cheng said as the demon left.

“Yes, but the food here was rather good, wasn't it?” Shen Qingqiu turned them towards the door, ignoring everyone else in the common room. He knew Liu Qingge had probably gone out to check over their supplies and belongings, and if he was correct then Luo Binghe was probably in the kitchens already, taking over for the cooks.

Which meant Shen Qingqiu got Jiang Cheng all for himself.

“I am not faulting your travel rations, either,” Shen Qingqiu bit back a wince. He didn't mean to insult the man! “It's just that whenever we get to a kitchen that Luo Binghe can use, he will use it, to all of our delights.”

Jiang Cheng's laughter was pleasant to hear. “Travel rations are travel rations. I am in agreement,” the man covered Shen Qingqiu's hand where it lay on his arm. Shen Qingqiu was almost certain he didn't realize what he was doing. “Your Lord Luo is a wonderful cook.” There was something wistful in the man's tone.

“Yes, he is,” Shen Qingqiu agreed, studying Jiang Cheng from the corner of his eye. “He always has been, even when he was a young disciple at my peak.”

“You knew him when he was that young?”

Shen Qingqiu felt his smile tilt, but he held onto to his good cheer. “Yes. It is a...long story. Perhaps you would allow me to tell it?”

“I would be interested in anything you have to say.” Then Jiang Cheng's face went red. “I mean –”

“That's good. Because I have so many things to say!” Shen Qingqiu leaned into the man's side, cutting off the panicked look before it could take hold. “Now about those Venomous Clappertails...”

By the time they were settled in the carriage (with Shang Qinghua kicked out to go ride with his husband, hah ), Luo Binghe had swooped in with a plate of snacks and a smug look on his face. Li Che did not come out to see them leave. Shen Qingqiu was pleased to see the darting, confused looks Jiang Cheng sent Luo Binghe's way – much better than the barely hidden suspicion of the last few days. In an excuse to be able to share the snacks more easily, Shen Qingqiu took the seat next to Jiang Cheng and managed to press them together from shoulder to knee. It was daring – and not quite appropriate for the type of vague courting Shen Qingqiu was applying, but who could blame him when Jiang Cheng's cheeks went pink and he stuttered over his words? It was too perfect! He just couldn't help himself!

They spent the hours headed to the next town comparing monsters and the various mishaps their disciples could get up to. Jiang Cheng was in the middle of a rather hilarious story about himself and his brother when the carriage came up short, rocking them both into each other. Shen Qingqiu felt a warm hand at the small of his back – there and gone again – as Jiang Cheng moved forward to push back the curtain across the window.

“There is a ravine,” Luo Binghe said. The half demon rode forward on his Nightmare mount, taking several guards with him.

“That should not be there,” Jiang Cheng said. He moved to get out of the carriage, but Shen Qingqiu tugged him back. “My sect has scouted this before. This is something new. It could be a trap.”

“Binghe knows what he is doing.”

“Still...”

A sharp cry drew their attention. Jiang Cheng pushed the door open, his sword drawn with a ringing sound. Shen Qingqiu followed him out, Xiu Ya held tight in one hand. The sky was far darker than it should have been. A red tinge dusted the clouds. Shen Qingqiu turned to look at the far horizon, but a low mist had started to form over the ground. A moaning sound could be heard, echoing strangely through the air. He heard Jiang Cheng snapping orders to his sect disciples, even as Luo Binghe's voice was issuing other orders to the guards that had accompanied them.

His (potential) husbands were getting along so well! This was a good thing!

Liu Qingge stepped up to his side, completing their triangle. Shen Qingqiu wasn't sure if Jiang Cheng even realized that he was moving in sync with them. They moved away from the carriage, each scanning the darkening area. Low dunes rose up above the bumpy road, patched with swaying purple grass. The sickly sour scent of decay reached Shen Qingqiu's nose. He saw Jiang Cheng flick his wrist and his whip formed in his hand. Then there was a roar from in front of Shen Qingqiu as loping bodies crested the rise of the dunes. Rotting flesh dripped from their bones. Shreds of clothing flapped in the wind. Shen Qingqiu had enough time to bring his sword up to deflect a strike before the horde of undead were upon them.

Unlike the phone games of his much distant past, actually fighting zombies was a rather disgusting task. Somewhere above the din he could hear Shang Qinghua screaming, “Kill it with fire! Kill it with fire!” before the rush overtook his voice. Shen Qingqiu twirled out of the way of a grasping hand, whacking off the head of a zombie with a clean slice. He heard the crackle and snap of a whip above his shoulder as Jiang Cheng came slicing by. Shen Qingqiu felt his mouth tug up into a smile as he felt the man settle at his back. Then he snapped his fan open and moved. A precise cut here, a sweep of his fan there – together he and Jiang Cheng cut through the horde of undead like a hot knife through butter. They turned and moved as one, each breath and heartbeat in sync. It was glorious.

Shen Qingqiu knew he had a wide smile on his face as the last of their enemies fell before them. He turned to see Jiang Cheng's fierce expression, the passion and adrenaline of their fight making them both flushed. He stepped up into Jiang Cheng's space, heart beating hard at the base of his throat – and –

“Shizun!”

“Sect Leader Jiang!”

Shen Qingqiu caught the panicked look that flashed across the man's face before it was buried. Then the man stepped back and let the others swarm around them. Shen Qingqiu elbowed Luo Binghe in the gut, once, hard enough to know he meant business. Binghe's delighted laugh in his ear was enough to prove that the brat knew exactly what he was doing. But from the way Liu Qingge had cornered Jiang Cheng up against the carriage and was checking him over, both his first and second husbands were worried enough about them both to act like overbearing mother hens.

“You do realize I haven't married him, right?” Shen Qingqiu pinched Luo Binghe's waist.

“Not yet,” the half demon murmured into his ear. Together they looked towards the carriage. Jiang Cheng was staring at Liu Qingge, a deep furrow between his brows as he tried to evade the man's hands.

“Does Liu-shidi even know that much first aid?”

“Does it matter?” Luo Binghe laughed as they watched Jiang Cheng jump from Liu Qingge's hands inside his robes. “Either way he's letting Liu-shishu touch him. That is a good thing.”

Shen Qingqiu let out a hum of agreement, eyes narrowing. Yes, that was a good thing. Now all they had to do was to get Jiang Cheng to let Luo Binghe touch him and things would all fall into place. He cut a glance up at his First Husband, who only had eyes for the pair by the carriage. Shen Qingqiu bit back a smile and leaned back onto that broad chest. Things were coming along just fine.

~*~

Jiang Cheng felt like his cheeks were still hot from the phantom touches of Liu Qingge's hands under his robes. He was fine! Jiang Cheng had been on more night hunts than he could count! What was one horde of the undead? Nothing, that's what!

(Jiang Cheng Very Firmly Ignored the Moment he almost had with Shen Qingqiu. Really. It never happened. Never. Happened.)

He stared out over the newly made ravine, hands on his hips. The warmth of hand on his lower back made him jump. He glanced up and felt his cheeks threaten to go hot again. Lord Luo wasn't even looking at him. No, the demon lord was staring at the ravine – and his hand was on Jiang Cheng's back.

What. The hell.

“We will have to go around,” Lord Luo said.

“...Yes,” Jiang Cheng thought about taking a step away, but wouldn't that be too obvious? He didn't – it wasn't like he hated Lord Luo. Even if he was a demon. It was just. New. And strange. And different. If he – if he stepped away, that would be rude and he was their host, so he couldn't step away – he had to be polite. That's all. Really.

Really.

“This was not here the last time your sect came to scout the area?”

“No. I was here last and it definitely wasn't here then.”

The look in Lord Luo's eyes was hard to read when the half demon glanced over at him. “You take much onto yourself.”

Was that criticism? Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes, but that warm hand on his back slid to his waist and – and – what was Lord Luo doing? He was – it was – this was –

“Have we figured a way around the ravine yet?”

Jiang Cheng did not jump when Shen Qingqiu took his arm. Even as Shen Qingqiu's first husband had a hand! On Jiang Cheng's waist!

What. Was going. On.

“It will take a fair bit of rough riding, but I'm sure we can make it,” Lord Luo's smile was canted towards Jiang Cheng – but why was it – this didn't – “You should mount up with us, Shizun. The carriage ride will be far too unpleasant.”

“Do we have enough mounts?”

“Yes. But we can always double up, if need be.”

Why was he not saying anything? Jiang Cheng wanted to – to – to run, to say something, to do something, anything other than just stand there, face red as a pepper. He opened his mouth to say something – anything – when both Shen Qingqiu and Lord Luo moved and Jiang Cheng could feel them both press against his sides, easy as breathing, as if they both had meant to move as one, to keep Jiang Cheng between them even more.

Jiang Cheng's chest felt stuffy and strange as he felt Shen Qingqiu pull at his arm. He turned to look at his – at his friend, only to see Shen Qingqiu a finger's breadth away from him, their faces so close he could feel the wash of breath against his skin.

“Jiang Cheng,” Shen Qingqiu murmured, lashes swept low over green eyes. Jiang Cheng felt his breath catch in the back of his throat. He tilted his head – he was not trembling, he wasn't! – and – and –

“Jiang Cheng!”

He stumbled away from the pair, feeling their hands linger and brush against his body. He turned to see Wei Wuxian behind him, hands on his hips, his beady little eyes narrowed at the three of them. “What?”

“We need to get going.”

“I know that!” Jiang Cheng flicked a glance at Lord Luo and Shen Qingqiu before stalking towards his brother, cuffing the brat on the back of his head. “Go get on your horse, stupid. It'll be dark soon. We need all the light we can get.”

“Don't yell at me!”

Jiang Cheng pushed the brat away and stalked off towards his horse. He did not see Wei Wuxian's narrowed glare at Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe, nor the way the former Yiling Patriarch pointed at his eyes, then pointed at the pair that had been sandwiching Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng was too focused on gathering up his sect disciples, making sure the carriage was taken care of and making sure there was a horse for Shen Qingqiu to use. It was all Important Business. Really. That he had to take care of, himself.

Really.

No, really.

(Jiang Cheng also Did Not Notice the way he was flanked by Shen Qingqiu and Lord Luo all the way to the next town over. Nope. Not at all. Really.

Really.)

Chapter Text

The far eastern area of the demonic plane was quite different than the areas that Shang Qinghua was used to. There was a lot more plant life, for one. The temperature was neither icy tundra nor crippling heat, which was another bonus. There seemed to be actual towns as well! It was strange.

There were also a lot more of the risen dead. Most of them were shambling corpses easy enough to cut down, but some of them...some of them moved swift and sure, like a demon but without fear of death, since they were already dead. It was uncanny.

They had come to a town a full three nights away from the nearest border to the human realm. There was an inn! A rather nice inn, too, since Mobei-Jun was offered the second nicest room (since Cucumber-bro and his harem took up the best one) and well. Shang Qinghua was stationed on the bed and didn't leave it until the next morning. (And not without a little help.) Still, the noodles weren't half bad and the dumplings Mobei-Jun fed him had a flair with spices Shang Qinghua quite liked. All in all, there could have been much worse ways to spend an evening with his king.

(His husband. He had a husband. It still boggled the mind.)

Their guide had brought them out to a maze of valleys east of the town, renown for their plant life and the properties thereof. Shen Qingqiu had frolicked off with Jiang Cheng, filling the man's ears about what Mu-shidi could do with the samples. Shang Qinghua had seen the way Jiang Cheng's jaw went tight. Cucumber-bro was so dense. So dense. How even. Oh my god.

Shang Qinghua had meant to stay with the rest of the party, but there had been a pretty blue bush he thought he recognized from one of his vanished outlines, and then there was the bird with the red feather in its tail and he knew he wrote that scene with Luo Bingge and one of his new wives having to catch that bird because...wait, was it...no it wasn't the medicinal bird, the red feathered bird was...was...

Crap. He was lost.

Shang Qinghua did a slow circle, trying to pick out where he had come into the strange clearing he was in. There were at least four paths leading out of it he could see. A foul scent of rotting meat came from the northern path, so that was out. The western path had barren trees dripping with red Flesh Eating Moss, so he wasn't about to head over there . That left the eastern and southern paths. He thought they'd come from the...but no that wouldn't make sense...but, well, he had been wandering down that one valley with the blue bushes picking all the ripe fruit he could find, since those were really good at curing a vast number of poisons and it never hurt to stock up and then he saw some Fire Scent Grass and with the fact that he really couldn't start a fire to save his life, stuffing some into one of his space pouches was a good idea and then...and then...

Crap. East or south. Which way to go?

He had settled on the southern path when a child's cry pierced the air. Shang Qinghua whirled around, one hand going to his sword. That was close! That was really close! He heard a loud thump and then the crashing of movement through thick undergrowth. There was another shriek and Shang Qinghua found himself running towards it, damning himself even as he did so. There was a good chance the shriek was a false cry, a bait for predators to come chase, but that sounded like a kid and...

He just couldn't stand by.

Sword in sweaty palm, he cut through the brush and ducked under a fall of Flesh Eating Moss. He heard the sounds of a chase and what sounded like gasping sobs up ahead. The valley he was in was shadowed by tall craggy cliffs that showed nothing but a narrow strip of lighter gray above it. He heard a snarl and a choked off cry and then –

He was knocked off his feet by an armful of scared and crying child. A scared and crying child that was being chased by the most disgusting rotting wolf-like thing he had ever seen. Fuck. He knew what that was. A Corpse Wolf! Luo Bingge had fought off a pack of them to save one of his later harem members and had almost died at the hands of five of them. Shang Qinghua was so screwed!

“Dad!” The kid in his arms cried out, twisting in his hold. “Dad! They were gonna – he was fighting them off! We gotta go get my Dad!”

Oh. Fuck.

Shang Qinghua didn't have time to think. The Corpse Wolf lunged at them. He brought up his sword and scored a lucky strike against the gaping maw, gagging at the odor coming from the blackened mouth. He scrambled to his feet, pushing the kid behind him until they were up against the cliff wall. The Corpse Wolf snapped and dove at them, but practice with his king and Shen Qingqiu was enough to keep the monster back. He didn't have time to trigger his portal either, not that he would, since it would have meant leaving the poor kid behind.

One Corpse Wolf turned into two and Shang Qinghua felt his stomach sink. He was no Bai Zhan disciple. He wasn't a fighter at all! At best he was holding them off and – and okay, so that was a pretty nasty bite he just got on his arm, but that's okay, it wasn't the arm he normally used anyway, it was fine. This was fine. Everything was fine.

Fuck. Oh fuck he was gonna die. He was gonna...

“Dad,” the kid behind him whimpered. “Where's my Dad?”

Shang Qinghua drew in a sharp breath and felt his shoulders straighten. You know what? Fuck these wolves. Shang Qinghua wrote these little fuckers into existence, he was damn well gonna wipe them out of existence, okay? Okay. He could do this. He could totally do this. He was gonna do this. Just watch him go!

He stole a trick from Cucumber-bro and brought the plants around them to life. While the Flesh Eating Moss wouldn't kill the Corpse Wolves, it would at least hinder them enough to slow them down. The moss engulfed one of the monsters and Shang Qinghua was rewarded with a high pitched yelp from it as it rolled out of the clearing. That left him with the bigger of the two. Black and gray and matted with mud and what looked like fresh blood, the Corpse Wolf crouched low, crimson eyes glittering as it studied them. Shang Qinghua let go of his sword as it pounced, grabbing the kid and rolling, even as he guided his sword with a handseal, the slim metal easier to wield with his mind and qi than his actual arm. The Corpse Wolf made a punched out sound, the snarl cutting off as the sword drove home into its belly, slitting it apart from chest to hips.

Shang Qinghua crouched over the now-silent kid, one hand raised as he jerked his sword free and had it pierce the Corpse Wolf's head. Then he jerked around, hearing the bushes behind him rustle and –

“Dad!”

Shang Qinghua caught the kid before he could run to the ruin of a man emerging from the bushes. A little taller than Shang Qinghua, with messy black hair full of sticks and twigs, the man stomped up to them, green eyes blazing with demonic light.

“You get your hands off my fucking cheap kid you bastard or I'm gonna rip out your shitty tongue and stuff it down your throat!”

“Dad!” The kid started sobbing, arms reaching out. Shang Qinghua let him go. The man scooped the brat up without a hitch in his step, settling the kid on his hip with practiced ease. The kid threw his arms around the man's neck and sobbed. Shang Qinghua was slow to rise as he watched them, watched as the man put a hand on the kid's back, patting from time to time, but the man's gaze never left Shang Qinghua. The man had no obvious weapons but from the feel of him Shang Qinghua was betting he was some sort of demon. With a kid. A human kid?

“Who the fuck are you?”

“You're welcome,” Shang Qinghua retorted, pulling his sword back to him with a thought. The man's stance went defensive, prying the kid off his neck and shoving the still-wailing boy behind him. “What? I'm not going to – to do anything! I just saved your kid!”

“Fuck you,” the man's sneer looked more reflexive than actual ire. “What the fuck are you? You're not a god.”

Shang Qinghua had to blink at that a few times. “Uh. No?”

“You asking me or telling me, jackass?”

“Oh fuck you too.”

The man spat out a laugh. The kid was clinging to his leg now, peering at Shang Qinghua with large dark eyes. “Gu Zi, did this guy hurt you at all?”

“No, Dad! He saved me! Two of the stupid wolves tried to eat us!”

“Two? But there's just one –” There was a rustle from the bushes behind him.

“Get down!” Shang Qinghua shouted as he lunged at them, sword up and whistling through the air. He threw himself in front of the man and the kid as the Corpse Wolf with strands of Flesh Eating Moss still tangled around it sprang. He slapped down a godly fire talisman in front of the two and brought a burst of qi to the ready. His sword pierced the Corpse Wolf's head, but the giant bulk slammed into the shield of power hard enough to slam Shang Qinghua backwards – but the shield held, saving them from the remains of the Flesh Eating Moss and the poisonous gas that rose from a Corpse Wolf on its final death.

Shang Qinghua had the breath knocked out of him. It took him a long moment to realize he had an arm around his waist and the man pressed against his back, shoulders to knees. The kid – Gu Zi – was somewhere behind them, inside the shelter of the godly fire talisman. Shang Qinghua tried to move – but that arm around his waist tightened.

“Who the fuck are you?” The man's voice spoke directly into his ear. “Ain't no one done that for this venerable ancestor before. You're not a god. You're not like that stupid dog fucker are you? No,” the man leaned in and sniffed, nose buried behind Shang Qinghua's ear. It was supremely weird. “You smell good.”

And. Okay. That was it. Shang Qinghua out. He started to struggle but that arm around his waist was an iron band. “Let me go!”

“Nope, not gonna,” then the man licked him and Shang Qinghua was just. So Done. “You saved this venerable ancestor and his cheap kid. You're stuck with us now.”

“I – I – you –”

“What's your name, pretty boy? You're cute. I like cute. And round,” a finger poked at Shang Qinghua's cheek. Which. Fuck this guy. So what if he had round cheeks! “I like it.”

Shang Qinghua sputtered, prying at the arm around his waist. “Let go of me!”

“You're the nicest smelling thing I've found in this fucking weird ass place. I'm not letting you go now.”

“Stop being creepy!”

“Oh, you ain't seen creepy, pretty boy.”

“Don't call me that!”

“Then give me a name, pretty boy.”

“My name is Shang Qinghua! I am lord of An Ding Peak! Let go!”

“Oh, a lord ,” there was another lick, this time to Shang Qinghua's cheek. It was so weird. He started to thrash, jabbing with his elbows and kicking whatever he could reach. The world spun and he found himself on his back, a lean body jammed between his legs, wrists held down as the wild-haired man grinned down at him. “You may call this venerable ancestor Qi Rong. You're a fighter. I like that.”

Shang Qinghua was getting ready to scream. The green glow to the man's – demon's? – eyes grew brighter. He tried to jerk his head back as Qi Rong bent and sniffed at his neck, the demon's body going stiff against him.

“Ah, you already got a Claim on you, princess. Smells icy. Ain't met an ice demon before. I wonder if he's a good fighter.”

“Get off me!”

“Why? This venerable ancestor wants to Claim you. Ain't no one been able to say that before. Ain't no one been worthy of it. You though,” teeth bit down on his neck and Shang Qinghua cursed and tried to move away. It didn't work. “You protected this venerable one. And his kid. That makes you worthy.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Shang Qinghua tried to buck the body off of him, but Qi Rong let out a throaty laugh and ground down on him. Shang Qinghua realized that the man was hard. Oh god. He was gonna – this was gonna –

“You dare touch what you have no right to?”

Shang Qinghua wanted to go limp in relief. Mobei-Jun stood above him, sword out and pointed at Qi Rong's neck. The ground around them was spreading with frost. “My king, I –,” his words were cut off with a yelp as Qi Rong bit down on his neck again, hard enough to draw blood.

Shang Qinghua heard his king draw in a sharp breath. “You dare.”

“This venerable ancestor thinks stupid ice demons should make a better Claim than what I smell right here,” Qi Rong's laugh was wild as he licked up the blood on Shang Qinghua's neck. “I think this venerable ancestor is gonna challenge this weak ass ice demon for his mate.”

“I am Shang Qinghua's First Husband,” Mobei-Jun's words thundered through the clearing. “There is no Challenge you can make in the face of that! Get off him, right now!”

That got a reaction. Qi Rong sat up, knocking Mobei-Jun's sword away with a negligent arm, ignoring the deep cut it made. He stayed between Shang Qinghua's legs, though, one hand clamped on Shang Qinghua's waist to keep him in place. “This pretty lord's First Husband you say?” Qi Rong stared up at Mobei-Jun, green eyes narrowing. “Does this First Husband have the ability to take on a pack of Corpse Wolves with his bare hands and win?”

Mobei-Jun snarled at him. “This Mobei-Jun could take them with ease.”

“Hey, I killed two of them!” Shang Qinghua regretted the words as soon as he said them. That brought both demons attention back to him. And the way he was laid out on the ground.

“This lord did kill two of them,” Qi Rong said, thumb moving in circles at Shang Qinghua's waist. “This lord saved this venerable ancestor's kid from one of them, too.”

“Shang Qinghua?” For some reason that statement made Mobei-Jun's sword lower. “Is this true?”

“I...yes?” Shang Qinghua looked between them.

“Dad!” Gu Zi called from the protected circle. “Please don't hurt my Dad!”

A grin split Qi Rong's face. “Hey, kid. What do you think about getting a mom?”

“A mom?”

“Wait a damn second –,” Shang Qinghua sputtered.

“Really?” The kid sounded so happy. “A real mom? I haven't had a mom in – in –”

Something bitter twisted Qi Rong's face. “Yeah, a mom. This pretty one right here,” Qi Rong's hand traveled up to Shang Qinghua's chest. “He saved you. Now he can be your mom.”

Mobei-Jun knelt next to Shang Qinghua's head. He looked up at his king, but there was something strange about the ice demon's expression. “You killed two Corpse Wolves for this child, Shang Qinghua?”

“He killed one for my kid, and one for both my kid and this venerable ancestor,” Qi Rong's smile was all teeth as he stared at Mobei-Jun. “Whaddya say about that?”

Mobei-Jun snarled back at him, but Shang Qinghua felt his stomach sink at the considering look in the ice demon's eyes. He knew that look. “And you killed the others?”

“Four of 'em, all back there if you wanna check. With my own bare hands.”

Shang Qinghua flinched as Mobei-Jun's hand came out and grabbed Qi Rong's chin. The green eyed demon grabbed at Mobei-Jun's wrist, but didn't pull back from the hold. “You have age to you.”

“Fuck you.”

“We might get to that, at some point,” Shang Qinghua gaped at his king's words. Was he – he wasn't going to – oh no way – “I find you acceptable. There is rage to you, there is power. Will you guard this Shang Qinghua with your life?”

“This venerable ancestor owes him the life of his kid. There ain't no way princess is gonna get rid of this venerable ancestor now.”

“I see we are agreed.” Shang Qinghua couldn't believe his ears. This wasn't – there was no way – then Mobei-Jun leaned forward and kissed Qi Rong on the mouth and what the actual fuck was happening...

Shang Qinghua gulped as both demons turned to look at him. There was a deep blue glow to Mobei-Jun's eyes. Qi Rong's expression was manic, a wide wide grin spreading across his face. “I...”

“We welcome the venerable ancestor Qi Rong, to our family,” Mobei-Jun said and leaned down, taking Shang Qinghua's mouth in a deep kiss. They could stop this at any time. There was a kid right there. “Welcome Qi Rong, Shang Qinghua's second husband.”

Shang Qinghua had enough time to shoot a look at Mobei-Jun before Qi Rong was on him, mouth biting at his lips. Mobei-Jun's hand slid into his hair. Shang Qinghua opened his mouth to object but Qi Rong filled it with his tongue, turning the kiss dirty. Then he heard the patter of quick steps and a small body flung itself onto them, small arms going around their necks.

“Mom!” Gu Zi was crying again as they pulled apart. “I have a Mom again! Hi Mom! I love you!”

Oh no. Shang Qinghua felt his stomach sink to his feet, even as he wrapped a shaky arm around the kid. How was this – there was no way even – how the fuck...

“Hi, kid,” Shang Qinghua patted the crying kid on the back as Qi Rong pulled back, still sitting between his legs, expression pleased as he watched Shang Qinghua with his kid. “It's nice to meet you.”

~*~

It took a little while, between returning to the nearest inn, cleaning his wounds and getting their new...family settled, but once he got the chance, Shang Qinghua bolted for it. “Bro, bro, bro ,” Shang Qinghua didn't care that Luo Binge got a bug up his ass every time Shang Qinghua used his silencing seals. They could all just fucking deal. He slapped up two more on the door and window, just in case. “I need your help right now.”

Shen Qingqui blinked up at him, brush in one hand, hair down and spilling around his shoulders. Yes, it was late. Yes, Shang Qinghua knew it was against propriety for him to be in Shen Qingqiu's rooms, but Shang Qinghua needed his Cucumber-bro right the fuck now.

“What happened? And is that a bite on your neck?”

Shang Qinghua went to his knees in front of Shen Qingqiu. “I think I got demon married. Again.”

That caused Shen Qingqiu to frown. “What?”

“That guy we brought back! Qi Rong! I saved his kid and then him and then Mobei-Jun was there and I thought they were gonna fight and then my king realized I'd saved them and it got fucking weird and then my king said we welcome you into the family and what the actual fuck is going on?”

A fan smacked him on the head. “This is your shitty world! You should know!”

“I never wrote jack about demon culture, you know that!”

“I do. I really do. Asshole.”

“You're not the one with two demon husbands!”

The fan about to smack him lowered. “This is true.”

“What am I going to do?”

“Well...”

“Shut up! Not like that! I didn't – how did I – what if I didn't want to get married again!”

That made the amusement on Shen Qingqiu's face dry up. “Did you tell them that?”

“Yes! Multiple times!”

“And what did they say?”

Shang Qinghua threw his hands in the air. “My king just said that a debt was owed and that marriage to me would bring us both honor and stability. Qi Rong just made weird faces at me! And kissy noises!” That had been disturbing. “And the kid...the kid is calling me mom.”

Shen Qingqiu's mouth twitched. “Mom?”

“Don't. He's fucking attached already. He keeps telling me that he loves me.”

A hand patted his head. “You poor thing.”

“Don't,” Shang Qinghua didn't mean for his tone to turn that venomous. Shen Qingqiu yanked his hand back and stared down at him, brows coming together. Shang Qinghua had to look away. “Sorry.”

“Hey, Airplane-bro. Stop it. Get up. Come on.” Gentle hands guided him up and to one of the low couches in the room. There was probably a shit storm brewing outside Shen Qingqiu's rooms. Shang Qinghua should probably leave. This wasn't – was there such a thing as demon divorce? That wasn't. You know. Death? Oh god. He was hyperventilating. Sparkles burst into life at the corners of his vision. How the fuck did this happen?

“Breathe, bro. You can do this. Everything is fine. Come on. Just breathe for me.”

“I can't be a parent. I'd be a shitty parent. My dad – and I...What the fuck. Oh my god.”

“So it's the parent thing that's wigging you out more than the marriage thing?”

“I don't know!”

“Breathe, bro. Come on. Breathe.”

“I never thought I'd be married in the first place!” The words burst out of him. “It's Mobei-Jun. Who in their right minds would think that he would marry me? This isn't – this is – this is wrong . He's like – he's Mobei-Jun. And I'm me! Me!”

The hand on his back stopped its gentle circles. “You got some issues, bro.”

“Oh fuck off.”

“Look,” Shen Qingqiu sighed and the circles started up again. “Mobei-Jun loves your stupid, flailing self. I'm pretty sure my teeth are gonna rot each time he sends you that dopey look when you start babbling about bullshit. It's disgusting.”

“Hey!”

“You are also the only one of us married to a full demon. But you did write about some of the little sisters being full demons and how they acted in the harem. Does any of that ring a bell?”

“That...that...” Which, now that he was thinking about it. Okay. Yeah. That was fair. Of all the wives and concubines Luo Bingge had gathered, it was the demonic side that co-existed with much more ease than the human side. There was even...there was even... “Oh. Fuck.”

“Something jog loose?”

“What Mobei-Jun said. With Qi Rong.” Shang Qinghua blinked into the distance, trying to remember. “It's a demon thing. The Claiming. Holy fuck. Mobei-Jun Claimed me.”

“Didn't Luo Bingge never Claim any of his wives?”

“No, he didn't. It's like.” He waved a hand, throat going tight. “Epic romance, my ever loving heart, to the end of time bullshit. I was going to include it, but it didn't flow right with any of his wives and it felt kind of shitty for him to only Claim one wife and not any of the others, so I never had him do it.” He tilted a glance at Shen Qingqiu, who was studiously looking away from him. “Aw, fuck. He Claimed you, didn't he?”

“Well...”

“I want to go back in time and kick my own ass for losing those outlines. So, so, so much.”

A smile twitched the side of Shen Qingqiu's mouth. “I might just help you on that.”

“Oh, shut up.” Shang Qinghua dropped his head into his hands and sighed. “Fuck. Mobei-Jun Claimed me. And then approved of Qi Rong's Claim, too. There's no getting out of it.”

“Do you want to get out of it?”

“I...” He scrubbed his hands over his face. “I don't know the guy! He's fucking weird. He keeps smelling me! And licking me!”

“Well, he is a demon.”

“He bit my neck!”

“...In a Claim?”

“...Oh. Fuck.”

“Pretty sure that's next on his agenda.”

Shang Qinghua sputtered. “Shut up!”

“Look,” Shen Qingqiu sighed and patted his shoulder, taking his hand away. “If you don't want to have sex with Qi Rong, say it very, very clearly. You might be stuck with the Claim, but don't you let him or Mobei-Jun pull you into something you're not ready for. If you need time, you tell them you need time. And if they don't respect that,” Shen Qingqiu's smile turned vicious. “You come and tell me.”

“Bro.”

“I mean it.”

Shang Qinghua knocked his head against Shen Qingqiu's arm. “Thanks.”

“Now, get up, take those seals off before someone does something stupid and go talk to them.”

Shang Qinghua made a face, but stood and did as directed. Sure enough the second the seals came off the doors burst open and Luo Binghe was there, a thunderous scowl on his face, Mobei-Jun a half step behind him. What Shang Qinghua did not expect was a green streak to slip past them and for Qi Rong to wrap himself around Shang Qinghua, hauling him against his chest and turning a nasty glare at Shen Qingqiu. What. Even.

“Shizun, is everything alright?” Luo Binghe prowled into the room. Shang Qinghua shivered under the dark look sent his way. He felt more than heard the growl that burst out of Qi Rong's chest. Luo Binghe's startled blink and narrowed eyes made Shang Qinghua want to leave the room. Right now.

“Everything is fine, Binghe. Your shishu and I were having a much-needed conversation. Do you have a problem with that?”

Normally Shang Qinghua would find it hilarious the way everyone in the room went still at the quiet question. At the moment all Shang Qinghua wanted to do was find his bed and hide under the covers until the world made sense again.

“Are you well, Shang-shishu?” He didn't buy Luo Binghe's contrite look for a second.

“I'm fine. Just. Uh. Had a thing. Peak lord business!” He waved a weak hand. “We're all good. Just. Had to get it out of the way.”

“If you're sure...”

“I'm sure!” He did not let out a squeak. He tried to wiggle his way out of Qi Rong's hold but those arms around him were too strong.

“Mom!” A small body burst the tense bubble. Shang Qinghua let out an oof as Gu Zi's body collided with his. “We couldn't find you anywhere! I was scared you got burnt up!”

Which. What? “I'm fine,” he patted the kid on the head and tried to ignore the way Qi Rong's arms had gone tight around him. Well. Tighter. It was getting kind of hard to breathe. “I just had to talk with Shen-shixiong. That's all.”

“Who's that?” A tear-streaked face looked up at him. Shang Qinghua cursed in his head as he moved to wipe at the lingering wetness, using his sleeves as a tissue.

“He's my friend. Here,” he patted Qi Rong's arm and surprisingly the demon let him go. “Gu Zi, this is my friend Shen Qingqiu. He's the lord of Qing Jing Peak. Shen-shixiong, this is Gu Zi. My...uh. Kid.” He heard Qi Rong's sharp intake behind him, but ignored it.

Shen Qingqiu's smile was soft and kind and the very picture of a lofty immortal. “It's very nice to meet you, Gu Zi.”

“You're really pretty,” Gu Zi had his hands buried in Shang Qinghua's robes. “Almost as pretty as my Mom. Are you really friends?”

Shen Qingqiu let out a small cough, his fan snapping open to hide the lower half of his face. “We are.”

“Are you strong like Mom? He killed two Corpse Wolves for us!”

That earned Shang Qinghua a sharp look from over the fan. “Your...mother is very brave. He did not tell me that part.”

“It was amazing! He just appeared when the wolf was about to go snapsnapsnap and Gu Zi would have died! Again!” The child's voice wavered and he burrowed closer to Shang Qinghua. Which. Okay. But died. Again? “But then Mom was there and he scooped me up and protected me like Dad did with the bad man long ago! And then Mom killed the wolf and then Dad came and then Mom killed the second one and put up a fire and I thought Mom might be like the bad man with the fire but the fire didn't hurt me at all and it kept the bad things away and Mom is awesome! Almost as amazing as Dad! I love them both so much!”

Shang Qinghua met Shen Qingqiu's look and gave a tiny shrug. He had no idea either.

“Come on, kid,” Qi Rong, of all people, was the one to break the strange silence after Gu Zi's burst of words. He scooped the kid up and settled him on his hip. “Let's get you some food, how's that sound?”

“No people, Dad!”

“We don't eat people anymore, that's right. Do you remember how long it's been since we ate someone?”

“Ummm, a long time!”

“That's right, two hundred years. No people. All because my cute cheap little kid doesn't like it,” Qi Rong bounced the kid in his arms as he walked out of the room. Shang Qinghua wasn't sure if the demon even noticed the looks being cast his way. Eating people. What. Even. “You know what we should get? Buns.”

“Buns! I like buns!”

“Filled with pork and pickles on the side. How's that sound?” Gu Zi's cheers faded as the pair made their way down the hall.

“Shang-shishu...”

“We should go,” Shang Qinghua shook his head and looked at Shen Qingqiu. The man gave him a solemn nod. “My king?” He turned to Mobei-Jun, who...was looking at him with a distinctly soft expression on his face. Shang Qinghua felt his cheeks go hot.

“Yes, let us go. It is late.” Shang Qinghua took his king's arm and let the ice demon escort him out of the room. He spied Jiang Cheng loitering at the edges of the crowd, which was understandable since it was his sect leading this extended night hunt and they had invited a strange demon back to their inn with the excuse that he was Shang Qinghua's second husband and – fuck. Yeah. They really needed to talk.

Their rooms were empty when they got back. Shang Qinghua figured Qi Rong and Gu Zi were probably out terrorizing the kitchens. Which...he should probably find concerning but right now all he wanted was to climb onto Mobei-Jun's lap and hide.

So he did.

“Shang Qinghua?” Large hands slid over his hair and back as he burrowed into Mobei-Jun's hold.

“What. Is going on.”

“Are you upset?”

“I'm confused,” he spoke into the skin of Mobei-Jun's neck. He really didn't want eye contact for this. “Why did you do...that? A second husband?”

He felt Mobei-Jun sigh. “You did not want that?”

“I don't know! I –,” his breath caught as Mobei-Jun curled strong arms around him. “I don't know him.”

“Shang Qinghua is a Peak Lord from Cang Qiong Mountain. My Shang Qinghua is resourceful and smart, but this Mobei-Jun has many enemies. Strong enemies who are not smart or clever, but have power and numbers on their side. This Mobei-Jun has bound his Claim to Shang Qinghua for all of eternity. It would shame this Mobei-Jun to leave his husband so defenseless.”

“But why marry him?”

“What stronger way to protect one's mate? This Mobei-Jun would see Shang Qinghua with a pride of husbands, all stronger than the next, all to guard what is most precious to this Mobei-Jun.”

Shang Qinghua wasn't sure if he wanted to sputter or to tear up. That was possibly the most romantic thing his king had ever said to him. Also the most confusing. A pride of husbands? What. Even. “What if I don't want to marry them?”

“Then I would find a different way to bind them to us.”

Which. Okay. Weird.

“But a Claim means such bonds cannot be broken. That none could ever dare turn these allies against us.”

Shang Qinghua sighed and curled closer to his king. “You really want them to marry...me.”

“Yes.”

“That usually means sex at some point with them.”

He felt the low rumble from his king's chest. “Yes.”

“And you're not...angry? About that?”

“Why would I be angry? When they can only touch you with my permission?”

And that...that should not have been as hot as it was. Shang Qinghua couldn't help the shiver that worked its way down his spine. “What if I don't want you to touch them, in return?”

“Then I would not touch them.”

“Just like that?”

“Just like that. Is that what you want?”

“I...no. I was just. Asking.” Shang Qinghua drew in a slow, shaky breath. “And if I don't want to have sex with them, at first? If I wanted to wait? Even after you – after we married them?”

“Then the new husbands will have to wait.” A gentle hand tipped his chin up. Shang Qinghua could barely meet that steady blue gaze. “Is that what you fear, my husband?”

“I'm not – I don't – you are –,” he knew his face was going splotchy and red. He was no peerless beauty like Shen Qingqiu. He was just. Shang Qinghua. “This is new territory for me, okay? I barely – with you – and – and –”

A kiss silenced him. Shang Qinghua flailed, but felt his arms gathered in firm hold. “You did not tell me you were new to such things, when I took you on our wedding night.”

Shang Qinghua felt like he could cook an egg on his face. “Well, it's not something I was proud about, okay? No one was ever interested –”

“No one?” Mobei-Jun's stare turned sharp. “No one?”

“Uh. Yeah? I thought...that was...kind of obvious...”

“And yet you took me so well,” Mobei-Jun breathed the words out against his skin. “I am First, in all things and in all ways. Ah, Qinghua. You honor this Mobei-Jun.”

Shang Qinghua couldn't help the sound that came from his throat when he was kissed, pressed against Mobei-Jun's chest, the ice demon's hands in his hair. They had come a long way from their slow, gentle wedding night. Even then it had been almost too much for Shang Qinghua to take, but the ache and the sting had been perfect. Since then, Shang Qinghua had found himself in a variety of positions, some of which tested his flexibility in ways he had never expected. Each time, though, he trusted his king to hold him, to catch him should he need to stop and stretch or even to just catch his breath. His king had never disappointed him.

“Now that is a pretty picture for this venerable ancestor to see. I like it.”

Shang Qinghua twitched at the sound of Qi Rong's voice. It was much closer than he expected. He felt Mobei-Jun's hands slide across his back – and then there was a second set of hands touching him. Shang Qinghua had pretty much forced Mobei-Jun down onto the side of the bed when they had arrived in their rooms, so he could climb onto that wide lap. Now he could feel Qi Rong step between Mobei-Jun's legs to press against Shang Qinghua's back, hands sliding down his arms until Qi Rong could link their hands together.

“This venerable ancestor wants to touch his new husband. Does husband accept?”

“Oh, now you're asking?” Shang Qinghua couldn't help but quip back at him.

“Yes,” Qi Rong sighed into his ear. “This venerable ancestor has learned many things, these last few centuries. Asking is one of them. This venerable ancestor doesn't like it much,” there was a nip to his shoulder. “But this venerable ancestor's Claim has been accepted. This Qi Rong will listen.”

“Oh. Oh.” Shang Qinghua shuddered as hands slid under his robes. He was pretty sure they belonged to Mobei-Jun. “I...”

“Yes?”

“You...you can touch. Um. Me?” He squeaked as teeth sank into his skin. He could feel Qi Rong's smile. Caught between the two demons, he was stripped of his clothes. Mobei-Jun caught his mouth in a rough kiss, distracting him from the slide of silk from his body. He was gasping as he was resettled over Mobei-Jun's clothed lap, naked as the day he was reborn. He felt Qi Rong's moan as the demon sank down to his knees behind him, mouth moving over the skin of his back, tracing the bumps of his spine. That was...that was a little more than touching, but it felt so good Shang Qinghua couldn't protest. A cool hand curled around his cock, stroking him to full hardness. He shuddered, moaning into Mobei-Jun's mouth as Qi Rong's kisses went lower – and lower still, that sharp mouth biting bruises into the curve of his ass.

He let himself be moved as Mobei-Jun pulled them up the bed, legs spread wide across his first husband, melting into the firm hold in his hair. Hands parted his cheeks and a quick tongue licked him open, drawing sharp sounds from Shang Qinghua's throat. Slick fingers stretched him open, further and further until Shang Qinghua had to tear his mouth away from Mobei-Jun and shout.

“There it is,” Qi Rong's voice had dipped to a gravelly register. The fingers inside of him kept thrusting, angled away from where he wanted them the most. Kisses were dropped against his back as Qi Rong settled against him, pressing him down against Mobei-Jun. “That's a pretty sound. Sing for me, princess. My princess.”

“Don't – why are you – I'm not a – a – ah!”

“This venerable ancestor was a prince, once upon a time,” there was a sharp bite on his ear. Shang Qinghua let out a cry. “And all good princes deserve a princess. So you're mine.”

Shang Qinghua moaned as the fingers slid out and something warmer took their place. He relaxed into Mobei-Jun's hands as he was breached, shuddering as Qi Rong filled him up, hands tight on his hips. There was a moment of stillness when Qi Rong was all the way inside, hips pressed against Shang Qinghua, the rough touch of his clothes against his naked skin. Shang Qinghua could only stare down at his king, at the pleased expression on his face, the hungry cast to his eyes. Mobei-Jun was enjoying this, watching as Shang Qinghua was taken by his – oh god by his second husband, while on top of his First Husband.

It was almost enough to make him come.

“I can feel you fluttering around me,” Qi Rong murmured into his ear, rewarding him with a gentle thrust. “This venerable ancestor thinks you fit me so well. Look at you, so pretty. My pretty. Ah,” a second, harder thrust caused Shang Qinghua to let out a moan. “Like that. Yeah just like that. I wanna hear you scream for me.”

Mobei-Jun's hands held him in place as Qi Rong pulled back, hands on Shang Qinghua's hips as he started a steady pace, fucking into Shang Qinghua quicker and harder as he relaxed for Qi Rong, feeling the slickness inside him spread. It wasn't long until the slap of skin on skin filled the room, making Shang Qinghua's face heat at the sound. Then Mobei-Jun brought him down and kissed him, kissed him even as he moaned louder and louder, the angle changing as Qi Rong lifted him and pressed in deep.

Shang Qinghua screamed for him.

“That's right. Ah, ah, that's right, scream for this Qi – Qi Rong – ah ,” Qi Rong's voice started to waver as the demon began to pound into him. “Fuck. Yes. This. Ah, that's right princess. I'm gonna – ah I'm gonna fill you – fill you up . I'm gonna – fuck yes yes yes – you're gonna take it and – fuck fuck keep squeezing like that – just like that – fuck you're perfect – I'm gonna – I'm gonna breed you –”

Shang Qinghua shuddered and came, clenching down on the cock in his ass as the babble of dirty praise continued until Qi Rong slammed in one last time and filled him with wet heat, grinding out his release in sharp circles, riding out the bucking of Shang Qinghua's body. Then he found himself pressed between Qi Rong and Mobei-Jun, feeling the stiff length of his king against his belly and – and – and wanting that, too.

Shang Qinghua was going to have problems walking in the morning. He did Not Care.

Sloppy kisses were pressed to his shoulder. “My pretty princess,” Qi Rong's words were a touch slurred as he nosed across Shang Qinghua's skin. “Mine,” was sighed out, even as Qi Rong slid from his body. The green eyed demon moved to the side, curled up against Mobei-Jun, staring up at the ice demon. Shang Qinghua could only watch as the pair regarded each other with expressions he couldn't read. Then, “You're better than that dog fucker could ever be,” and Qi Rong leaned up to kiss Mobei-Jun. Shang Qinghua couldn't help the small sound he made at the sight. Both of them were unfairly pretty. But that sound broke them apart, green and blue gazes settling on him. Shang Qinghua shivered, not sure if he should – if he should get up or – or what – but...

“I wanna suck your cock while you ride this husband of ours,” Qi Rong slid a hand into Shang Qinghua's hair and kissed him. Shang Qinghua thought it was unfair that both of the demons seemed to know that was his weak point. “Up up up. Fuck you're gonna be so pretty like this. Look at that cock. You're gonna take it so deep inside you, aren't you?”

“S-stop talking...” Shang Qinghua wanted to smack that mouth shut, but Qi Rong kept up the stream of dirty compliments until Shang Qinghua was sliding down Mobei-Jun's cock, back arched and breath stilled in his lungs from the sheer size of it, still a stretch with Qi Rong's prep and come slicking the way.

“Yes, look at that. Fuck I can see him moving in you.” A warm kiss was pressed against Shang Qinghua's abdomen. “Yeah, just like that. Ride him, ride him, ride him.”

“Shut up,” Shang Qinghua moaned as his king started to move him. He heard Qi Rong's wild laugh and then a mouth latched onto his half hard cock, sucking at the over stimulated flesh until he was hard again and all but crying at the sharp ache of it. Shang Qinghua had a fistful of hair in one hand, guiding Qi Rong's mouth on his cock as Mobei-Jun started to fuck up into him, legs bent and hips thrusting, making Shang Qinghua take everything he had to offer.

It didn't take long for Shang Qinghua to come, hunched over Qi Rong's head as he pushed the demon's head down until he was gagging on Shang Qinghua's cock. He thought he should feel bad about that but it was swept away as Mobei-Jun started to pound up into him, stealing his breath and all thought from his head. Then he was filled with his king's release, the wet rush of it always a surprise, causing one last ripple of pleasure to wash over him at the sensation. He slumped down against his king, Qi Rong stretched out along their sides. He was moved until he was pressed between both demons, back to Qi Rong's front, legs tangled and hands wandering, even as Shang Qinghua fell asleep.

~*~

“Mom! Dad!”

Shang Qinghua woke to a small body flinging itself onto him. He flailed for a moment until he realized he was clean and dressed in a sleeping robe. The ache in his body was enough that he didn't want to try and move – at least for a few hours.

“Dad, Dad, look what I made!” A paper figure was thrust into their faces. That's when Shang Qinghua realized that the chest he was cuddled up to was not his king's but rather Qi Rong. And that was Qi Rong's hand on his ass, underneath the covers.

“Who the fuck has been messin' with you?” Qi Rong had a rough morning voice. “That's one shitty dog.”

“It's not a dog, Dad! It's a crane!”

“The fuck it is.”

“But Dad!”

“It's just – ah. Bent?” Shang Qinghua took the poor battered bird and made a few quick adjustments. “There we go.”

Gu Zi's eyes were wide as he stared at him. “Mom knows how to make animals like this?”

“Ah. Yes?”

“You're the best Mom ever!” Arms threatened to choke him as Gu Zi tackled them both with a hug. “I gotta go show Uncle!”

“Who is...ah,” Shang Qinghua let out a breath as the kid gave them smacking kisses against their cheeks and then tore out of the room as abruptly as he'd entered it. “What time is it?”

“Too fucking early. Kid's an early riser. Always has been. Never could break the habit.”

“He. Um. You said.”

He felt Qi Rong sigh. “It's a long fuckin' story.”

Shang Qinghua didn't know whether to pull away or stay. Something told him to stay. He settled back against Qi Rong's shoulder. “Would you tell me?”
The body under his cheek was tense. Then Qi Rong started to speak. About a prince in a foreign land, a young man who was brash and stupid and who had loved a cousin who didn't love him back. At least not enough. About a country that was conquered, a family that was brought down, at a spirit that was so angry and hurt and wronged it drove him on and on and on. Qi Rong told him about taking the boy as a hostage and just...not being able to hurt him. Or eat him. How the stupid kid started to matter, when all else never had. Shang Qinghua listened as Qi Rong talked about a mad god and a fire that burned and burned and burned until he was nothing more than a ghost light that had been able to protect his son.

“And he was my son. My fuckin' son. That dog fucker couldn't deny that. None of them could. It took me a long while, to get back,” the body under him shifted. Mobei-Jun had joined them, pressed against Shang Qinghua's back as they listened to their new husband talk. Cups of tea were handed to them, cakes too. The sweetness lingered on Shang Qinghua's tongue. “Gu Zi grew up...strange. That fucking boss did a number on him. Gu Zi paid the price for it too. Stupid dog fucker said I couldn't go after the asshole and I wanted to! Fuck I wanted to. But Gu Zi needed me and that fucking Crimson Rain said I could stay in the Ghost City with Gu Zi and that it was all taken care of. Like I cared about that shit,” Qi Rong scoffed. “Gu Zi was weak, when he was human. Something about that fucked up fire shit that was done to him. Fucked his lungs up. It took a couple decades, but I held him while he died.” Old bitter grief twisted Qi Rong's face. “I had the stupid dog fucker put my ashes with Gu Zi when we...afterwards. Stupid fucker cried, like I fucking cared. Last fuckin' thing I expected as to wake up, here.” He shook his head and glanced around. “Crawled out of this fucking glowing cave and I was warm again. Found Gu Zi next to me. Strangest fuckin' thing.”

“You were...reborn?” Shang Qinghua felt Qi Rong's hands tighten on him.

“Near as I can figure. Gu Zi was still...not right, though, when I woke him up. Was in his kid form and wouldn't leave it. He hasn't aged in two hundred years. Probably won't at all. He's still my kid, though,” that pointed chin jerked up. “Best fuckin' kid ever. I'll fucking gut anyone who says different.”

“You love him very much.”

“Like I said, he's my fuckin' kid.” A smile slid across Qi Rong's face as he glanced at Shang Qinghua. “And now he's got a Mom, too.”

Shang Qinghua knew his face was going red. “I'm not – I'm a man.”

“Does it fuckin' matter? You're his mom now. My wife,” Qi Rong took the wine that was handed to him. Shang Qinghua felt Mobei-Jun press the cup into his hand. “My wife, my kid, my,” Qi Rong glanced at Mobei-Jun. “My other husband, too. It's a good thing.”

Shang Qinghua let it go. Demons. Their minds were strange, strange things. He hooked his arm with Qi Rong and they drank, feeling the burn of the alcohol settle into his stomach. A thumb swept across his lower lip and he was kissed, first by Qi Rong and then by Mobei-Jun.

“Yeah. I think I'm gonna like this fuckin' family thing a whole fuckin' lot.”

Chapter Text

By the time Jiang Cheng escorted the party back to Lotus Pier they had collected more samples of demonic flora and fauna than he had ever expected, killed more mutated creatures than he had ever seen before and, apparently, had one An Ding Peak Lord demon-married in the middle of it all.

Jiang Cheng is a little confused how it all happened, to be honest.

Well, he's confused over quite a few things and not just with the amount of random items they've brought back. (He's including Qi Rong in that list. Qi Rong is just so weird. And that demon-kid. What. The fuck.) On top of it all Jiang Cheng keeps getting these weird...these weird moments with Lord Luo that are honestly starting to creep him out a little. Never in his wildest nightmares did he ever expect to enjoy sitting down with Lord Luo and talking about the various demonic climates, both physical and political, as well as debating about the length and breadth of the demonic realm as a whole. Their lengthy jaunt had enlightened Jiang Cheng on a number of levels – both on the battle prowess of their new allies, as well as the sheer size and complexities of the demonic realm as a whole. The fact that demons had their own cultures (multiple!), as well as their own clan structures (much like some of the cultivation sects!), it was enough to make his head spin.

Selling these facts to the other righteous cultivation sects was going to be a pain and a half.

They had a little less than two days to settle back at Lotus Pier before the emissaries from the other sects arrived. Jiang Cheng had his hands full wrangling all the additional guests to his sect; finding rooms and quarters for them all, making sure the kitchens were fully stocked, plus making sure he had all the various little – ah, items – needed to...smooth things over, should he need it. It put quite a dent in his annual budget, much less trying to make sure his sect and his people were still up to par and not in the slightest wanting in the face of their...guests. Right. Guests.

Right.

The ever-punctual Gusu Lan Sect were the first to arrive. Jiang Cheng had told Jin Ling to show up before them but was he listened to? Oh, no. Of course not. Still, it did seem as though some members of the Gusu Lan Sect were missing as well – notably Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi.

Jiang Cheng met the Gusu Lan entourage at the pier. Lan Xichen was the first out, followed by Lan Qiren. Jiang Cheng bowed to them. “Zewu-Jun. Shifu.”

“Sandu Shengshou.” Lan Xichen smiled at him and returned the bow, as did the others behind him. “Jiang Cheng. It is good to see you again.”

“I hope the trip over the water went smoothly,” Jiang Cheng stepped back and gestured for them to follow. “Your brother meant to be here on the docks to meet you, but I'm afraid Wei Wuxian has delayed him. As always.” There was a disgruntled sound from Lan Qiren behind them.

There was a faint smile on Lan Xichen's face, though. “It is good to hear that Wangji is doing well and is happy.”

It was good to see Lan Xichen smiling for once. Ever since the death of Jin Guangyao, Lan Xichen had withdrawn into seclusion for months on end. It had worried everyone – especially Lan Wangji if Jiang Cheng was any judge on the matter. “Our guests from the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect are here, as you know. We've had a successful night hunt with them and have already established portals to the foot of their sect.” Jiang Cheng waited for Lan Xichen to fall into step with him. He heard Lan Qiren's loud hrumph from behind them. “They are very powerful cultivators and I believe they would be good allies.”

“What need have we of demon allies?” Lan Qiren's temper was already up. Wonderful.

“Lord Luo is technically a half demon,” Jiang Cheng held onto his temper as best he could. “Lord Luo has also been polite and well behaved during his entire stay so far. It is of course my hope that all our guests will behave and act accordingly during their stay.”

“Of course,” Lan Xichen said over Lan Qiren's sputtering. “Gusu Lan will uphold such expectations. It is only proper.”

Jiang Cheng exchanged another smile with the man and continued to lead them on to their rooms. Lan Qiren was still red faced and fuming when he stomped past Jiang Cheng without a word. Lan Xichen gave a little sigh as he followed his uncle but Jiang Cheng let it drop. Lan Qiren was a grumpy bastard but he would keep his word – and the word of Lan Xichen.

After that it was a steady stream of sects, both large and small, arriving at the docks. Jiang Cheng was kept busy for most of the day, escorting new arrivals, fixing small emergencies (how, how did Wei Wuxian get into the kitchens? He was sure they'd put up an array to keep him out!) and generally being on his feet for most of the day.

By the time Jin Ling arrived – with Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi, what was that about? – Jiang Cheng's feet were throbbing, he wanted a very large cup of wine and a quiet bedroom where he didn't have to deal with idiot no-longer-dead brothers, their penchant for disrupting the Lan contingent or Lan Wangji's weirdness. How the hell Jiang Cheng ever though Lan Wangji was a stuffy by-the-book Lan disciple he had no idea. Anyone who had ever spent a night next to his room – a room that also held Wei Wuxian – was fast to learn. It was the stuff of nightmares.

But moving on. He didn't want to think about – about that. No way.

Dinner also meant that the sects were all to formally meet the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect – and their demonic allies.

Most of their allied sects were gathered when Shen Qingqiu and Lord Luo appeared at the entrance. They made for a striking picture. Shen Qingqiu's hair was half up in a pure white jade crown. His robes were layered, with an intricately embroidered white robe under a gauzy green outer robe that was the color of new spring leaves. Lord Luo was in black, black on black silk, embroidery and a black crown twisted up into his hair. His demon mark glowed on his brow and his eyes were already crimson and stern as he looked around the hall, meeting everyone's gaze with a lifted chin and a proprietary hand on Shen Qingqiu's waist.

It shouldn't have hurt. Jiang Cheng knew Lord Luo was Shen Qingqiu's First Husband. He'd known it for ages. But there was still that sick little lurch in his stomach when he saw them together, tall and proud and so perfect for one another. And then Liu Qingge stepped forward, dressed in white and gray, hair up in a high tail, his sword polished and brilliant at his side. He was power and grace in movement, guarding Shen Qingqiu's back with sharp eyes and a stern demeanor.

How he managed to stumble through the introductions without making an idiot of himself, Jiang Cheng had no clue. But by the expressions on everyone's faces he hadn't made too much of a hash of it. In the end all of his guests were seated and the food was served without bloodshed. He was willing to take that as a win.

Jin Ling was at his left in the hall. Much to his annoyance Nie Huaisang was on his right. The ridiculous little head shaker was all smiles and still with those stupid fans – fluttering here, fluttering there, sometimes getting it right in Jiang Cheng's face. He should have punted the idiot into the water. No matter what Wei Wuxian said about Nie Huaisang, Jiang Cheng just couldn't see some supposed planning mastermind. Not when the idiot was whining about his soup and all but falling into Jiang Cheng's lap.

“Quit it,” he hissed during a busy moment in the meal. He wanted to scoot his chair away from the fool but then Jin Ling would notice and his nephew did not need any more examples of how not to act. “Just eat your food.”

“But Sandu Shengshou...” The idiot even had the audacity to lean in and coil around his arm!

“Get off,” he hissed at Nie Huaisang but leader of the Nie Sect just pouted up at him, all big eyes and trembling lower lip. Jiang Cheng wanted to plant a hand in his face and push him away but this was supposed to be a diplomatic dinner. He couldn't make a fuss, even if he wanted to. “Let go,” he shook his arm and forced a smile, trying not to draw too much attention. “Why are you like this?”

Nie Huaisang's trembling lip smoothed out as he gave Jiang Cheng a sly smile. “Ah, I see,” he said, which made no sense whatsoever. Then the idiot let go of his arm, that sly expression morphing into something sunny and bright. “But Jiang Wanyin is always so kind to me! It makes me feel very special.”

Jiang Cheng flexed his hands under the table and promised himself that he could kick Nie Huaisang around the training field the next time he caught the brat alone. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing, nothing,” Nie Huaisang just shook his head, the fancy dangling tassels from his crown clicking together. “I don't know anything, isn't that right?”

Jiang Cheng just gave the idiot a long stare and turned back to his soup. He was going to kill whoever put Nie Huaisang next to him.

~*~

“We may have a problem, Shizun.”

Shen Qingqiu looked up at Binghe, noting the impassive expression on his face. His husband was rarely so buttoned up, except in these types of situations where they all had to play certain roles. He followed Binghe's gaze and felt his grip go tight on his chopsticks. Jiang Cheng was seated next to the youth that he had introduced as his nephew – Jin Ling. An adorable boy. Shen Qingqiu kind of wanted to pinch his cheeks. But on the other side of Jiang Cheng sat a handsome young man with a complicated twist to his crown and a striking set of robes that highlighted his fair features. A finely painted fan accompanied him...and normally Shen Qingqiu would be very interested in talking fans with someone who was clearly a connoisseur of good taste – but not when said man was all but draping himself over Jiang Cheng and smirking in their direction.

Well then. So that was how things were going to be.

“Sect Leader of the Qinghe Nie Clan,” Binghe murmured to him. Shen Qingqiu could feel the press of Liu Qingge along his other side. There was a rustle as Zhuzhi-Lang stepped up to Binghe's side and handed him something. Most of the entourage was seated at the feast, but Zhuzhi-Lang had turned down the honor, wanting nothing more than to stand behind Binghe and serve as a guard for his cousin and lord.

It was kind of cute, except Shen Qingqiu doubted that was the only reason Zhuzhi-Lang wanted to fade away into the background. Binghe's cousin had spent far too much time with the former demonic emperor to want to just serve and observe. Oh no. Shen Qingqiu would bet his favorite fan that there were any number of little green snakes sneaking their way through the feast and picking up tidbits of news here and there.

Binghe glanced down and there was a small puff of smoke as whatever note Zhuzhi-Lang handed him was devoured in a burst of demonic qi. “He was a student with Jiang Cheng at the Cloud Recesses. They studied under the same masters and later were forced to become hostages under the Qishan Wen Sect until there was an uprising and the Qishan Wen were destroyed in the Sunshot Campaign.”

“I see,” Shen Qingqiu took a polite bite of food, sweeping his lashes down so he could observe the man hanging onto Jiang Cheng's side. Up went a fan, fluttering in Jiang Cheng's face. There went Sect Leader Nie's lashes, blinking up at Jiang Cheng's face. There went Sect Leader Nie pushing his body against Jiang Cheng, pouting up at him like a simpering concubine.

“Easy, Shizun,” Binghe murmured, taking his broken chopsticks from his hand and replacing them in one smooth movement. “Jiang Cheng does not seem to see what Sect Leader Nei is doing.”

“Sect Leader Nie had better back it right up,” Shen Qingqiu muttered but let his gaze drop to his bowl. There was no reason to be so angry. Jiang Cheng had been – had been very pleasant, cute even. But just because the man would blush and lean into their touches did not mean that Jiang Cheng would want to...would want to...

“Stop thinking so much,” Liu Qingge bumped into his shoulder and placed a delectable portion of glazed pork into his bowl. “Just propose to him.”

Shen Qingqiu kicked out at Liu Qingge but his Second Husband had the gall to smirk at him, avoid his kick and place yet another piece of meat into his bowl. The nerve! Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes at Liu Qingge – but ate the food his husband had placed in front of him. It was only polite.

And kind of sweet. Liu Qingge only did that when he knew Shen Qingqiu was truly upset. So he would let it pass. For now.

Still, dinner felt like it took forever to finish. They were to remove to a large hall for light discussion and drinks, both alcoholic and not. Shen Qingqiu went with tea, not wanting to embarrass himself or his husbands with his – ah – rather low alcohol tolerance. From the twinkling of Binghe's eyes, he knew it too. Shen Qingqiu lifted his chin and enjoyed his cup of tea anyway. There was no reason to bring up any of his past...lapses when it came to even the smallest cup of wine.

(There was one feast where Shen Qingqiu had a cup of wine and promptly tried to climb into Binghe's lap. He didn't remember how he went from half out of his seat, one hand sliding into Binghe's robes, to being on the bed in the bamboo house, back arched, legs spread and getting reamed by Binghe's heavenly pillar. He couldn't look anyone in the eye for a week.)

And wouldn't you know it but that same hussy who was hanging all over Jiang Cheng came scuttling up to them like the rat he was, the first chance he got. Well. Shen Qingqiu took a long sip of his tea and regarded the other man over the rim. Nie Huaisang wasn't a rat, exactly. There might, might, have been a little bit of snippy judgmental hyperbole in there, but still. What reason could this man, this – this...Shen Qingqiu ground his teeth together even as he forced himself to smile at Nie Huaisang...What possible reason could Sect Leader Nie have to come over to them so fast?

And then. And then. The little rat had the gall to smile up at Shen Qingqiu and say, “Our Jiang Cheng is so accommodating, don't you think?”

It was a wonder his tea cup didn't shatter and stain them both with the dregs left behind. “Sect Leader Jiang has been wonderful to us,” he matched Nei's smile with one of his own. “We are very pleased.”

Nie's smile deepened. Shen Qingqiu kind of wanted to snatch that fan out of his hand and smack him with it. “That's so good to hear! I have known Jiang Cheng for a very long time. I like seeing him happy.”

Shen Qingqiu bit down on the inside of his cheek to stop the first three responses that wanted to leave his throat. “I see. Happy is a good look for Jiang Cheng. We were blessed to see such expressions on our most recent night hunt together.”

“I heard about that adventure. It seems Peak Lord Shang was...married while he was there?”

“Yes,” Shen Qingqiu said. “He was. His Second Husband, Qi Rong, chose not to be present at the dinner tonight.” Thank the gods. Shen Qingqiu could only imagine what this eastern cultivation world would have thought of them with Qi Rong and his child at the tables with them.

“I see,” Nie Huaisang's fan fluttered in front of his mouth, his little beady eyes staring up at Shen Qingqiu. “How lucky for the Lord of An Ding Peak to be blessed with a Second Husband.” There that fan went again. “Some of us are still looking for our First Husbands. May we be so fortunate.”

Oh. Oh no. “Perhaps one day you shall be,” Shen Qingqiu managed to get out. “May I introduce you to my First Husband? Lord Luo of the demonic realm.” He stopped there and smiled at the other man.

“So I see!” That fan fluttered again. “And I heard Lord Liu is your Second Husband as well? I've heard rumors you have a Third and Fourth stashed away somewhere at home too.”

My, my, but the little rat had a bit of a brain, now didn't he? “You seem quite informed.”

“Oh no,” Nie Huaisang's eyes curved into creepy little crescents. “I don't know anything at all! Just ask anyone. I'm always the last to know.”

Shen Qingqiu would eat his best fan if that was true.

“It was quite a shock to everyone to learn that our Jiang Cheng had invited such eminent guests to Lotus Pier,” Nie Huaisang's fan fluttered in front of his mouth. “Many here were wondering how such an event came about.”

“Are they?” Shen Qingqiu sipped at his tea. “It was very simple. We wrote to one another. That is all.”

“You...wrote to each other?”

“Of course,” Shen Qingqiu smiled at him, perfect and poised and every inch a Proper Peak Lord. He was quite happy to note that he was half a head taller than the little rat, too. “Is that so surprising?”

Nie Huaisang's smile matched his. “Of course not! It is good to hear that Jiang Cheng is...settling down these days. He is in such a need of stable, supportive people in his life.”

There was a loud crash. A cry of “Wei Wuxian!” from a voice Shen Qingqiu did not recognize. He took another sip of his tea. “I find Jiang Cheng very capable of taking care of himself and his sect. He is a strong leader, decisive, fair and logical. It is refreshing to see.”

The little rat inched closer. Shen Qingqiu kind of wanted to smack him with a fan. Again. Then the rat had the gall to hang onto his sleeve. What. Even. That stupid fan of his fluttered between them, stirring their hair. Nie Huaisang's little smile turned...odd. Shen Qingqiu didn't know what his play was. “Jiang Cheng has been many things through the years,” Nie Huaisang said, so softly only Shen Qingqiu could hear. “He has suffered so very much. It would be a shame to see his heart shattered, now.”

Shen Qingqiu arched an eyebrow. Oh. So this was a shovel talk!

~*~

“You know, I didn't think Nie-xiong would be so friendly to Peak Lord Shen,” Wei Wuxian said from behind Jiang Cheng. He turned to see his brother staring at a corner of the room. Jiang Cheng turned and felt the blood drain from his face. There, right there, in front of everyone, was Nie Huaisang pressing up against Shen Qingqiu like some kind of – of – of low born hussy!

How dare he!

“You're glaring, Jiang Cheng.”

“Shut your mouth!”

“But I –”

“You've already upset Shifu, you brat, can you not just –”

“Oh, look at that. I think Nie-xiong likes Peak Lord Shen!”

Jiang Cheng whipped around to see the two of them pressed together like – like – No. Oh no. This wasn't – Shen Qingqiu liked...liked...

“I was wondering how we could cement this alliance between our sects,” Wei Wuxian just kept on talking. “Perhaps a wedding would be better than any piece of paper we could sign? It looks like Nie-xiong is quite interested and you know he doesn't have a spouse yet. He could be a perfect husband number five for Peak Lord Shen.”

And that. That was just. No. Absolutely not. If anyone was going to marry – to marry...

He left his stupid not!dead brother sputtering behind him. He found Jin Ling red faced and staring at one of the two Lan brats – he tried not to remember their names, really – and grabbed his arm, yanking them into the hall. “Go get the thing.”

“What?” Jin Ling had the gall to flail and sputter like the stupid idiot Wei Wuxian. He'd definitely left Jin Ling too long in the fool's company.

“I told you,” he towered over his nephew. “Go get the present.”

“Now?”

“Yes. Now. Go.”

Jin Ling went.

Time slowed to a crawl. Jiang Cheng wanted to check the room but really, he didn't want to upset his heart and spit out blood right before he went to – to...

“Here it is!”

“Do you need to yell!” He yanked the box from Jin Ling's arms. “Go inside and say nothing.”

“Are you – are you going to do this –”

“I said go you brat! Do you want me to break your legs?”

Jin Ling went, again, this time with a flick to his sleeves and headed straight for the Lan duo that Jiang Cheng could never keep straight.

The box was heavy in his hands. As it should be. Jiang Cheng brushed his sleeve over it, making sure all the gold was perfect and shiny as the day it was applied. It had started as a small thing, a book he had penned in the late hours of the night, after reading (and rereading and rereading...) Shen Qingqiu's letters, all of them describing the different animals and monsters in his part of the cultivation world. When their letters had become less...formal, Jiang Cheng had added to the book. A picture here. A detailed description there. And when...when he had learned of Shen Qingqiu's status and of his husbands...well. Perhaps – perhaps – he had spent most of his excess funds on the very best materials to create a book that held images of every animal, every monster, every odd or strange thing that had ever crossed his paths...or the paths of every sect in their section of the world.

And, perhaps, he had added...other things to the present. Ornate bindings. Spell arrays. It was all very...very...proper. He'd made sure of that.

Now all he had to do was deliver it. Before Nie Huaisang could screw it all up!

Right. He could do this. He could totally do this.

Jiang Cheng sucked in a breath and lifted his chin. Shen Qingqiu was all he could see through the gap in the door. Even that stupid Nie Huaisang was indistinct in his gaze. Shen Qingqiu was – he made Jiang Cheng happy. He listened when everyone else wanted to talk over him. Jiang Cheng...he liked Shen Qingqiu. He – he more than liked Shen Qingqiu. And he thought...he was pretty sure Shen Qingqiu....liked him too.

He didn't hear the hush that fell as he stepped into the room. He didn't hear the conversations stutter and die as he strode towards Shen Qingqiu, his head held high and the book held in both palms like the offering it was. All drew aside as he approached. His mouth felt like a desert. Shen Qingqiu met his gaze with piercing green eyes and a soft smile on his lips. Jiang Cheng stopped short of him and felt his heart hammering in his throat.

“Peak Lord Shen,” he began. “It has been my greatest honor to meet you, to speak with you, to call you my friend,” he desperately hoped his palms weren't sweating. “It is the greatest wish of my life to call you my husband, if you would agree.” He knelt and held out the book. The silence was suffocating around them.

Then – then – Shen Qingqiu stepped forward, taking his hands and pulling him to his feet, the book held between them. Those green eyes were shining and that beautiful mouth was curled with the happiest expression Jiang Cheng had ever seen on him.

“This master, Peak Lord Shen Qingqiu, would be honored to bind our lives together, for as long as we both shall live.”