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Chapter Text

There was a man's voice beside his ear lightly asking, "Shidi, Shidi? Can you hear me speaking?"

Wen Ruohan shuddered, and then blinked his eyes open. He didn't register the man's questions the moment he opened his eyes, or the strange phenomenon around him. His mind seemed to be blanking out, repeating that moment a thousand times. 

…His neck hurts. 

There was phantom pain from where it was stabbed through with that traitor's sword. 

His neck hurts. 

What.

Quickly, Wen Ruohan blinked out of his reverie to stare in shock at the roof of a canopy bed with a wide spread of white muslin and exquisite scented sachets hanging from the four corners. Wearing white inner robes. 

"Qingqiu?"

Wen Ruohan jolted up to a sitting position, holding back a wince from the sudden headache as he turned to the man sitting beside him. The man wore dark robes with hints of navy, gray and black. The top half of his hair except the bangs is pulled back into a tight bun, with the rest hanging loose down his back. And is that a sect leader crown?

Unbelievable. 

This man is staring at him in concern. As if he's not facing the Tyrant Wen who slaughtered countless sects to the ground and tortured hundreds of people. 

Wen Ruohan glared at him (which made the man wilt. Unbelievably pathetic), he was about to say something along the lines of "who are you" when something seemed to become strange. 

Everything around him became quiet, and frozen. The man seemed to not be moving, frozen in that noodle expression. Even the leaves outside an open window is staying there mid-air. 

[Activation code: "That Traitor"]

{Activation code: "I'll Kill Him"}

[Logging in…]

{Logging in…}

[Welcome to Shackle System, Host!]

{Welcome to Selfless System, Host!}

Two rectangular panels appeared in his vision. One navy blue and the other yellow. The white-colored words written in them seemed so organized and tidy, as if written by a master teacher. 

What. 

[We are the Shackle and Selfless Systems, Host. We hope to provide you with the best service available. It is our sincere hope to give you a second chance in life. As you can see, "Shen Qingqiu", the body you're possessing, is the Qing Jing Peak Lord, Xiu Ya Sword.}

As Wen Ruohan processed that buffoonery, he slowly turned to the man. That frozen thing stopped and the man blinked. 

The man prodded like one of Wen Ruohan's healers, "Qingqiu, can you talk? Tell me if there's something wrong."

He talked as if he didn't realize he was frozen just a moment ago. 

And that cursed window popped up beside the man, and he didn't look like he noticed it. 

[Pardon, Host. But only you can hear and see us.]

{Sect Leader Yue Qingyuan, Qiong Ding Peak Lord, Xuan Su Sword, Shen Qingqiu's Shixiong.}

Before the man— Yue Qingyuan could talk more, Wen Ruohan sent him a glare. 

"Zhangmen-Shixiong, please get out of my abode for now. This Shidi wants to have some rest," he said, trying to sound impassive as he doesn't know where the hell he is. 

"Oh. Then, if you're sure. You can call for me if something's wrong, Shidi."

Unsurprisingly from Yue Qingyuan's previous actions, the man is he melting? and stood up from his seat. He sent a brief nod towards Wen Ruohan (not without that apologetic face that makes him want to gag) before quietly exiting the house. 

Now Wen Ruohan is left with himself. 

He turned a glare towards the two panels that hung beside him, as if they'd been waiting for his attention. 

"Who are you and what do you want from me? What are you."

What are they? Wen Ruohan's never seen these kind of things before. That man, he could feel the dominating power emanating from him and yet, Yue Qingyuan did not notice one bit there are two creatures looming beside him in Wen Ruohan's vision. 

And only he could hear them. What is this? 

It's dangerous. 

[We are the Shackle and Selfless Systems, Host. We hope to provide you with the best service available. It is our sincere hope to give you a second chance in life.}

Repeating a statement. Lifeless beings, then. Or it could be that they're trying to hide their origins from him. 

"What's your motive? What do you want from me?"

[Host activated our code and we immediately searched for a soul to bond to and swap as it is our duty. Coincidentally, Host and Shen Qingqiu are similar in some aspects so we found the perfect match.}

"...Repeat that again." The words held a deep hostility and grudges. Yet these "Systems" didn't seem to be scared as the female voices indifferently repeated their statement. 

Swap. 

Wen Ruohan fell back to the bed, noting how his back ached at the shock of the impact and how his head felt like it's going to explode. 

"Explain. Now."

He feels like roaring and laughing. 

Basically, both him and this Shen Qingqiu have died in the hands of the traitors. Then, Shen Qingqiu is now possessing his body with the same Systems taking care of him. But that body, Wen Ruohan's body has came back into the past. So practically, Shen Qingqiu is probably currently dealing with that Waterborne Abyss from years ago. 

But it's not years ago, it's now. Not years ago, because Wen Ruohan's body has returned into the past. But with a different soul instead. 

Shen Qingqiu was supposedly dead, but he was thrust into the body of the infamous tyrant of Qishan. Wen Ruohan was also supposed to be dead. He experienced the same thing with the other's body. 

But it's too much of a coincidence for both of them to think 'That traitor. I'll kill him' at the same time in their moment of deaths. 

Wen Ruohan stared at this "Selfless System"'s window panel that's filled with explanations. And yes, he started snickering. 

That snicker turned into a full-blown manic laughter. 

So. Swap. 

***

Yue Qingyuan came back with a random man. Until it wasn't some random man. 

Facing another "genius healer" is admittedly strange, but intriguing. Wen Qing is the proudest doctor QishanWen ever had, his distant cousin's daughter, his niece. And being faced with a man with the same intelligence and diligence as Wen Qing gives Wen Ruohan a sense of slight familiarity, even without that fierceness she had. 

"Shixiong, may I examine your wrist?"

Unlike Wen Qing, Mu Qingfang is calm and gentle. Far contrasting the tyrant's distant cousin. He talks in that soft tone of his, much like that noodle. 

{Host does not need to worry. System can guarantee that no one will ever find out about the body swap.}

Wen Ruohan stared distrustfully at the man, but complied nonetheless. It'll be troublesome to randomly have a Qi Deviation when you're, say, having a fight with a saber brute or debating with pissy sect leaders. Because the ridiculous state of Shen Qingqiu's meridians and foundation are enough to make Wen Ruohan bulge his eyes wide. 

(If this man could become this powerful with broken meridians, how powerful would he be if he actually had the proper foundation? It was a miracle Shen Qingqiu hadn't keeled over and died. Yet.)

As Mu Qingfang examined his pulse, Wen Ruohan stared at the man's face. Which was laughable. He doesn't know what he's mentally laughing about, perhaps the eyebags under Mu Qingfang's eyes. 

Then, Mu Qingfang lets go of his wrist. What a wonder. Usually average healers would need some time to examine someone's pulse, but this man only took a few seconds before releasing him. Like Wen Qing. 

Then a sour feeling pricked in him. Wen Ruohan should stop thinking of that traitor or even his clan. She betrayed him. He should kill her if he managed to go back to his body. 

"Shen-Shixiong is getting better, but I suggest Shixiong to rest until tomorrow as he's still having headaches. However, there's no need to worry," the Qian Cao Peak Lord concluded. 

At that, Yue Qingyuan breathed a discrete sigh of relief. Wen Ruohan stayed silent even when Mu Qingfang stood up, said a few words to Yue Qingyuan, then the two left him alone with also a few instructions. 

Wen Ruohan's pride is pricked. What is he, a child? He knows how to take care of himself. If he's a sect leader, he would've easily barked the man to shut up and mind his business. But he's a mere Peak Lord (whose strength is actually at the same level as him. Huh.), and there's a sect leader who has a higher rank than him and certainly, stronger than him. 

It feels like swallowing an extremely bitter pill and Wen Ruohan almost forgot to keep his face impassive (though maybe it half-failed since the two looked at him as if this is an usual occurrence. What a wonder you have there, Shen Qingqiu.)

Suddenly, he feels like when he was just a mere young boy again. A mere heir who's not a sect leader yet, whose father was far stronger than him he could just behead Wen Ruohan by only lifting a finger. 

He hates this. He hates not being in power. He hates these creatures who wouldn't let him sleep in peace. He hates these creatures who forced him into this accursed, broken body. Who bonded him with someone he's completely unrelated to. 

Shen Qingqiu has nothing to do with him and Wen Ruohan has nothing to do with the man. Even if they're both cruel in different ways, it doesn't mean they have to be related in some way. 

However, those useless mere words in a moment of dying definitely caused them to be like this. For the first time, Wen Ruohan hates to admit that he feels a bit uneasy. About what? Perhaps the possibility of Shen Qingqiu being angry with him, and the man had the backing of a powerful, powerful sect leader whose power is twice bigger than Wen Ruohan's. 

Perhaps. 

Doing his habit (which consists of glaring, threatening, blackmail, torturing or anything similar) here should be contained until he knows what the hell is happening. Albeit his inner rage. 

{Selfless is glad Host is thinking for himself! ^-^}

The one with the ridiculous name popped up in front of his vision like the damn fly Wen Ruohan couldn't drive away when he was 7 years old. 

{It would do no good if Host dies earlier.}

He furrowed his brow, "What are you saying?"

{The duty of the Selfless System is to lead Host through this world's fate. Or more precisely, Shen Qingqiu's fate!}

What. 

{If Host fails to fulfil his mission, Host will face his punishment.}

A hand passed through the window panel at the speed of light. 

Wen Ruohan glared scathingly at his hand, then at the creature. He can't touch it and it makes him extremely powerless in front of it. It's not a ghost, it's not a spirit either. It's just a parasite living in his vision, slowly eating his mind until he succumbs to madness. 

"So what if I rebelled?" He sneered while grinning simultaneously, "Can you do anything to me besides living inside my eyes? No one can stop me. No one ever stops me."

The screen buzzed for a moment as if contemplating an answer. 

{True. In order to do that, Shackle System is here to stop Host from doing things that could lead to unnecessary storms in the future. In other words, Shackle System will keep Host in check and healthy for the continuation of our journey!}

That toneless declaration sounded so cheerful it gives Wen Ruohan the urge to either kill someone in sight or bang his head on the nearest wall. He resorted to doing nothing as he let his fists clench. 

[Host is going into a Qi Deviation. Shen Qingqiu's body was just in the process of healing, Host can't ruin it more!]

He doesn't care shit about this. All he knows is that he's gonna be forced into a show of catastrophe as a puppet. Who knows what Shen Qingqiu's so-called future fate will be. Well, he would know after he finishes destroying this simple-looking bamboo house. 

And then a sudden force went through him and Wen Ruohan couldn't feel anything more than the feeling of oppression. Like something invisible was blocking his— Shen Qingqiu's spiritual energy from going more astray. However, It's not spiritual energy and that confuses him. 

So now, Wen Ruohan was just a powerless tyrant who could only punch the air. 

Chapter Text

"Oh, the Sect Leader is waking up!"

"Quick, fetch the water."

"Where's Doctor Wen? Call for her!"

Those quiet whispers and footsteps that were fast-walking away reverberated through his ears. He wanted nothing more than to sleep, but this body is betraying him as he felt the urge to wake up. That's not right. 

Something's wrong. He's supposed to be alone in the prison cell. 

(Or maybe a group of rebels forced their way into the Beast's palace and saved him, a faint wisp of hope whispered. 

But he's no Sect Leader. It's a lie.)

It's the Beast's dreamscape. 

His eyes fluttered open, taking in the sight of the firm ceiling above him. His eyes, not eye. Of course. 

His ears registered the sounds of footsteps coming and he only waited, waiting for the Beast's show, that is. Surprisingly, the Beast is good at making up stories for his dearest prisoner's dreamscapes and that prisoner was almost fooled many times. Fortunately for the prisoner, he was a former strategist. 

He turned to the side slightly. A woman came into his sight. Her demeanor is fierce, and her face is pulled into a frown. Somehow, she reminds him of a certain Brute as she stated—

"Sect Leader, this Doctor greets you. Three days ago, you Qi Deviated out of nowhere while having dinner with your sons. You are currently in the process of healing, please stay calm for now."

Oh. Strange. This one doesn't remember being a Sect Leader, or having sons. This one doesn't remember Qi Deviating since his spiritual energy was sealed with immortal binding cables. This one doesn't remember having dinner. Those long-gone sessions where you can eat food at the evening. Real food and not plain porridge. Or blood parasite. 

He remembers thinking about that traitor, the Beast. Right after seeing the shards of Xuan Su. He remembers about another traitor, an Oathbreaker, who couldn't seem to catch his orders to go away and instead tried to save him like a stupid fool. 

[Logging in…]

{Logging in…}

[Welcome to Shackle System, Host!]

{Welcome to Selfless System, Host!}

His eyes quietly stare into the ceiling, or those things that suddenly appeared in his vision. What's the Beast up to now?

[We are the Shackle and Selfless Systems, Host. We hope to provide you with the best service available. It is our sincere hope to give you a second chance in life. As you can see, "Wen Ruohan", the body you're possessing, is the Wen Sect Leader, Hong Men Sword.}

Shen Qingqiu went blank. He wants to laugh at this moment. 

Then, he opted to ignore these things as he turned his head to the side again to look at the woman. That woman who reminds him so much of the Brute he wants to claw himself until he bleeds to death. 

"T-This one greets the Sect Leader." a boy no more than 14 beside her bowed, while holding a bowl of what looks like medicine. His presence was so terribly almost non-existent with that Bully Me attitude, that too-soft face, that noodle-like manner. Like the Beast in the sheep's clothing back when he was a disciple.

[Wen Ning, Wen Qing's brother.]

That boy who reminds him so much of that Oathbreaker. 

(Who's Wen Ning? Who's Wen Qing? Are they siblings? The siblings in front of him?)

[Wen Qing, the best doctor in QishanWen.]

The text appeared above her and she didn't appear fazed at all. As if it was nonexistent. 

(How funny. The Beast wants to spite him by showing random strangers who are similar to the two victims of his life.)

[Host, this is not a dream.]

Ignore it. He ignores it. As he should. 

Meanwhile, the woman, Wen Qing offered him the bowl of medicine and he silently accepted it. He stared at the bitter-looking liquid inside. 

Shen Qingqiu immediately swallowed them all, trying to ignore the pungent taste that poured down his throat. No worries. He's used to this kind of torture ever since he was the number Nine. 

But there's something wrong. 

He slowly lowered the bowl, then stared dead at an indifferent-looking Wen Qing. 

"I can taste it."

Wen Qing almost impressively hid her confusion, as she only raised a brow, "That is medicine, Sect Leader."

No, you don't understand. She doesn't understand. 

Shen Qingqiu didn't answer and instead he looked around, paying no attention to the two floating blue and yellow boxes in his vision. He narrowed his eyes, yes he can see the wall's texture clearly from a distance. Yes, he could feel the soft mattress of the bed beneath him. Smell the herbs and medicine fragrance in this unfamiliar infirmary. 

It shouldn't be surprising, considering the skills that Beast has in the Art of Dreamscapes. But no matter how much he mastered it, the Beast could never create the sense of taste when eating inside a dream. Never at all. 

That's not right. Something's not right. 

[Host, to confirm, you are neither in the Beast's dreamscape nor hallucinating! You are in the body of Wen Ruohan, the Clan Leader of QishanWen. For now, you're not Shen Qingqiu.]

He listened to that bunch of nonsense and felt revulsed. 

"Where am I." He turned to the two. 

This time the woman had a hint of confusion on her face, "You are in your palace, your chamber."

Shen Qingqiu stared at the wide bed that could contain at least three people in it. The soft fabric under his body. The bright room, too bright even if it's not filled with much gold. His- the body's inner robes that's reserved only for upper-classes. 

He was about to ask "Do you see that?" Regarding the squares-with-words in his vision until one yellow screen, wide and bright appeared right in front of him. 

{WARNING! No one shall ever know of the Twin Systems' existence except for involved parties!}

"...Get out." His mouth says. To who, he's not sure. 

The two looked at each other briefly before bowing and leaving the room, leaving him for himself and the two cursed twins. 

[Host may feel confused, so let this Shackle explain! To clarify, our duty is to bound people and swap them whenever they think of the same thing at the same time. Plus, they must be similar in some aspects, not contradict each other. It is a rare coincidence that Host and Wen Ruohan did so.]

He frowned, "And what is this 'same thing' you're talking about?"

["That Traitor, I'll Kill Him" is our activation code.}

Shen Qingqiu felt like his breath is getting heavier. 

"What happened to my body?"

[As this one had said, we swap them. Currently, Wen Ruohan is hosting your body. Originally, you two have died at the same time, simultaneously thinking of the code.]

Shen Qingqiu looked down at the proper body. The unblemished skin, smooth hair. At what point did it say "dead"?

[Host must be feeling confuse—]

{Congratulations! As you two are the first ones to activate us since our creation, we gave a bonus of "Time Travel" feature! Wen Ruohan's body has gone back in time where the Snake hadn't met him yet, and Shen Qingqiu's body where the Beast was just a little boy.}

[Warning! Interrupting another System is inherently forbidden in the Community.]

He stared in bafflement at the lifelessly petty argument before him, and decided, yes, he must've gone crazy. Two deities have swapped his soul with another from who-knows-where. 

***

He's dead. 

Shen Qingqiu is dead. 

Shen Qingqiu, the human stick, finally died right after seeing the shards of Xuan Su. It is an unknown phenomenon, as the Beast's blood was binding him to that world.

The kiss of death was supposedly the best mercy for him after months of being trapped in the Beast's jail-like claws. But these Twin Devastations ruined the chance for him, and instead put him back to square one only in a different body and place. 

He wants to die already, why is that difficult?

But, as always, he kept moving on like a stubborn Brute. A bit of a hypocrite in that patrt, but would he ever admit to it? No. He doesn't want to be compared to that man (nor does he want to be reminded of him.)

However, in the end, as always, he doesn't believe their words. Like how he doesn't believe a word everyone had ever said in his life. Ever since an Oath broke. 

He refuses this. 

This isn't true at all. 

This must be a dream. 

He feels lost. Let this be a dream, please let this be a hallucination.

He's in someone else's body. He's in an unfamiliar place. Probably unsafe (and insane.)

The (former) Qing Jing Peak Lord tried to distract himself by sneaking his hand into the underside of the pillows. Then, the hand pulled out an exquisite and sharp dagger. Huh, survival comes first. Convenient when an assassin sneaks on you in your sleep. Not surprising at all, considering that Shen Qingqiu hid three daggers in three hidden points of his room, including his bed. 

But there's no fan. 

His mood soured. 

Wen Ruohan must've had quite the poker face, perfectly containing all his emotions inside. While Shen Qingqiu couldn't, and could only hide behind a fan of all things (how incredibly pathetic of him.)

He threw the dagger to the pillow. He was about to get off the bed when his vision caught a glimpse of the mirror, a distance from the side of the bed. 

Shen Qingqiu turned, and stared at the reflection, at those red eyes. 

Crimson. 

Like the blood that spurts out from the Brute's chest after he stabbed himself.

Like the color of the Begonia's hatred and revenge. 

Like the Beast's eyes.

Shen Qingqiu stared at the red eyes in the mirror, grabbed the empty medicine bowl at the nightstand, and vomited. 

Chapter Text

Right after recovering, he exited the bamboo house to explore the Qing Jing Peak. 

Wen Ruohan stared at the greenery in front of him. The grass, trees, bamboos, everything that's green. And decided, this doesn't suit my taste. 

He's a true Wen, and so the color red gives him a sense of adrenaline and vigor. Something that pushes him forward, as if cheering him to not give up. It gives him energy. 

But green— green drains him. The cold colors such as blue or green. They make him feel faint, out of energy. It gives him that feeling of wanting to go back to the Qing Jing Peak Lord's bamboo house and collapse into the bed that was clearly not his. Then sleep for a whole year until he forgets his own name. 

Not only that, at the same time it also makes him feel iffy and itchy. Itchy to do something. 

'Burning down the peak would be amusing,' he thought and suddenly an alarm blared so loud in his ears Wen Ruohan swore they're bleeding. 

[OOC! OCC! Out of Character!! Shen Qingqiu would never try to burn down the Qing Jing Peak! If Host dared to try, a heavy punishment would befall him!]

He frowned dangerously. Again with this "punishment". How dare you threaten this Sect Leader. And what's with this 'Out of Character'?!

{Host knew exactly what it means. Although the two of you are similar in the Matters of Trust—}

Excuse me.

{—Shen Qingqiu would never burn down his own home.}

…Oh. That, makes sense, Wen Ruohan realized with empty feelings. Even he's not that crazy to burn down his own palaces. 

And then anger came back to him. 

But he's not Shen Qingqiu. He should be allowed to do anything he wants. If he couldn't be himself here, should he be Shen Qingqiu instead?

Unbelievable. Utterly ridiculous. 

Suddenly, Wen Ruohan missed his Fire Palace. He had this urge to let out his anger on someone. 

***

Xiu Ya is a beautiful sword. 

In the middle of the forest, there stood the (former?) Wen Sect Leader with a sword in hand. The unsheathed blade gleamed naturally under the sunlight. It's long and slender, lighter, shiny that his eyes sparkled. 

If someone ever dared to say Xiu Ya is prettier than his Hong Men, he would do the same thing to Shen Qingqiu's blade like what he did to the former Sect Leader Nie's saber years ago. Though he doubts anyone would ever say something like that, considering "Wen Ruohan doesn't exist in this world". 

Wen Ruohan tried to insert his spiritual energy into it. Xiu Ya responded to his call, albeit confused that something about its master is different than usual. Whatever, swords can't talk. They couldn't reveal his secrets. 

Shen Qingqiu's cultivation is just the same level as Wen Ruohan. And that's with broken and tangled meridians. So that means Wen Ruohan doesn't have to test his strength in this world since he already knows how it is. How laughable. He might be prone to Qi Deviations, though. Annoying. He'd have to beat up Shen Qingqiu for having such a broken body when they ever meet. 

He sighed, resheathing the sword. Just a beat later, sounds of footsteps echoed through the clearing, going down his way. And Wen Ruohan is, admittedly, not ready to face anyone yet, afraid of people asking him what he didn't know but Shen Qingqiu should know of. He's had enough of Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang's proddings, no more. 

So he retreated into the shadows of the trees, climbing into the branches. The verdant leaves covered him perfectly, the green robes helped more. This is the first time he thought of the convenience of Shen Qingqiu's robes in camouflage. 

Two brats, a boy and a girl. Probably Qing Jing disciples judging by their robes. 

The girl's hair is bound with orange ties. Her face including her eyes are round, still with some of baby fat that makes her adorable. 

The boy's wavy hair is tied up to a ponytail. And oh look, another Yue Qingyuan with that sheepish expression of his. He definitely looks like a potential damsel in distress, if Wen Ruohan squints enough. And perhaps it's a trick of the light or is he seeing sun rays shining through the little brat's face?

[Ning Yingying, Shen Qingqiu's female disciple.]

{Luo Binghe, Shen Qingqiu's disciple.}

Huh.

The two conversed some more before the boy named Luo Binghe went to cut down a few trees. The rusty axe hit the trunk repeatedly, as Ning Yingying sat on a nearby cut-down trunk. She was bored enough to exclaim, "A-Luo, A-Luo, come play with me!"

"It won't do. Shixiong instructed me to chop for firewood. Then I'll have to cultivate some more," replied Luo Binghe, face full of sweat yet filled with determination. 

"The seniors are sure bad! They made you do this and that. From the way I see it, they're purposely bullying you!" Ning Yingying crossed her arms and looked away, yet Luo Binghe only smiled feebly. Disappointed that she didn't get an answer, the girl continued. 

"If so, then our Shizun's gonna hear about this! Guaranteed that he will not let them bully you again."

"Please no!" In an instant, the axe dropped and Luo Binghe held up his hands in the form of strong refusal. "I don't want Shizun to be troubled over these small things. The seniors don’t mean to be malicious and just see that my age is small. They’re just giving me more opportunities to practice hard."

Before Ning Yingying could answer, the chaotic sounds of footsteps drew closer to their direction. 

Ming Fan and his group came, the former with a green jade pendant to gift Ning Yingying. Apparently, the girl threw it back to the stupefied boy, all the while comparing it to "A-Luo's pendant". 

Long story short, it devolved into a mess in just a few minutes right after Ming Fan threw Luo Binghe's "fake" jade pendant away to who-knows-where into the forest. 

"Aiyah, Shixiong! Please stop that!" Ning Yingying exclaimed in horror. "If you don't stop, then I'll.. I'll never pay attention to you anymore!"

Baffled, Ming Fan could only bark at his underlings to stop their assault on Luo Binghe. And then he got punched by said boy. 

"You—!!"

And so, the assault continued, with Ming Fan joining in. Somehow, it looked like geese squabbling and quacking at each other as they brutally pecked at each other with their beaks, what with their lack of grace. Qing Jing Disciples. 

"You did this upon yourself!" One of the boys exclaimed in that tone people use for "heroic speeches". 

"That jade was fake, anyway. You could've bought a new one, what's the matter with you? What, are you gonna cry to your mom?" The teenager mimicked in a dramatic tone as the others continued to beat up the curled-up Luo Binghe, "'Mom, help! My Shixiongs are advising me to buy a better pendant instead of that cheap stone! Not only that, they gave me basic chores a human should know about instead of giving me missions to save damsels in distress!"

A calm voice beside his ears spoke, "That was a nice speech."

He smirked, "Well, thank- hiiikk! S-Sh-Shizun!!"

The boy practically jumped away across the clearing when he realized who had just spoken. The others immediately halted, looking in a certain man's direction. 

Wen Ruohan had his hands behind his back, smiling gently at the little brats whose voices made his ears scream. Brats. Ugh. A so-called "Clear Calm" Peak. 

{OOC WARNING! OOC WARNING! Incoming punishment!}

'Shut up, you demon from hell.' answered the demon from hell. 

Wen Ruohan sighed wistfully as if he's dealing with cats and not brats, "Must you be so loud in the afternoon? This Shizun was just enjoying the view of Qing Jing Peak's forest—"

His face darkened. 

"—until you little brats ruined my day."

"Begging Shizun's forgiveness!" Immediately, Ming Fan fell to his knees, followed by the others including Luo Binghe (and excluding a sobbing Ning Yingying.)

Of course they're all scared. Why wouldn't they be? No wind, no sound and Shizun suddenly popped up beside them! Who wouldn't jump in shock? One moment, Shizun was smiling like Zhangmen-Shibo and the next he was beyond furious like the War God on a killing spree. Why wouldn't they be scared?!

"Yingying, recount the event that just happened here." Wen Ruohan turned to Ning Yingying, face completely blank so suddenly. 

Wiping her tears away, she ignored her Shizun's unusual changes of mood as she nodded and explained from the start while her Shizun listened silently with his arms behind his back. The others stayed silent, as they should. 

That's not supposed to be right. Shizun should be having a fan, not hiding his hands.

At last, Wen Ruohan nodded.

No, he never cared for propriety. 

So a rush of glee went through him. Because finally, he gets to give these little monkeys a gift. It includes whips, something called immortal binding cable here, or slicings—

[OOC WARNING! It is terribly OOC for Shen Qingqiu to torture his disciples severely! He would whip them, but not to the point of torturing! He would mainly make them run laps around the peak or copy notes!]

{If Host doesn't stay more in-character, his punishment will be heavier!}

Again with this nonsense!!

The Disciples completely misinterpreted the man's gradually horrifying frown as him being mad at them. They bowed their heads in fear, especially Ming Fan. Even Luo Binghe was the one with his head almost on the ground, completely covered in bruises and wounds. 

Before they could breathe more, Wen Ruohan gritted out, barely containing his annoyance. 

"Ming Fan, you're the Head Disciple. You know what this means. Next time you do it again and I'll—" he almost said 'cut your head off', "—strip you of your position along with ten whippings. You're punished by running ten laps around the peak everyday for a week. After that, you'll be copying Ways of Restrain fifty times. All these under my supervision." Because he doesn't trust the brat wouldn't pack his bags and escape from said punishment. 

Just a few days in and if Wen Ruohan already lost Shen Qingqiu's Head Disciple, how funny that would be, at least to anyone but the both of them. They'll see him as completely incompetent. 

"Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying, stay. Others, run ten laps around the peak. Now."

At that, everyone cleared away from his wrath, leaving the poor boy and girl to their demise. 

Wen Ruohan looked down on the brat's disheveled appearance. 

[Luo Binghe. Nickname: (Little) Beast, by Shen Qingqiu.]

So the man has some taste after all. Wen Ruohan supposed the boy looks a little bit like an animal with that messy hair. Good nickname. He could use that. Should he start using nicknames more?

"Beast," he said blandly yet the nickname rolled out smoothly from his mouth, "raise your head."

The Beast, slowly raised his head and Wen Ruohan was suddenly stupefied. 

***

[Shackle has taken over Host's punishment; Solitary Confinement (6 hours).]

[During this time, Host won't be able to contact anyone but the Shackle System until he gets out. When the time ends, Host will automatically return to an empty space near the place he was previously before.]

[But since Host was already alone. It's safe to say he will return back to the same spot since there was no one to see him, unless there's an intruder.]

[Please have fun, Host.]

Wen Ruohan opened his eyes, and then rose his head. He realized he's sitting on a plain wooden chair, while his head has been resting on a same plain-looking table. On the table was a lone piece of mooncake and tea, both seemed… unfresh. As if they've been left here for a whole day. 

'Disgusting,' thought Wen Ruohan as he slowly pushed the small plate and cup away. 

Have fun your ass. Have fun what? Oh, planning about committing arson, probably. Or torturing someone. He wants to relieve his anger. Ho ho. 

Pursing his lips, Wen Ruohan immediately took off the green outer robe as if it was burning his body and hung it on the chair's backrest, leaving himself in only white inner robes. Then sat back down, resting his head on his palm with a deep frown. 

Let's think of what happened back there. 

Back then, when Ming Fan threw the Beast's pendant away, it coincidentally went towards Wen Ruohan who caught it. Oh, true it was, a false goods made from some stone painted green. Horribly, even.

[It was the pendant Luo Binghe's late-mother bought for him before she died.]

No wonder. It's funny the Beast would treasure something so puny and insignificant. 

Wen Ruohan wasn't a fan of emotions, but he understood them to some extent and used it to his advantage. So in the boy's eyes, it was like a heavenly artifact that fell from the Heavenly Realm. 

And then Wen Ruohan conversed to the Selfless System about Shen Qingqiu's past after Shackle Bastard System denied him entry to the information. And this is Selfless System's answer. 

{This information is closed tightly, unless Host reaches a certain keypoint or Shen Qingqiu allows it to be opened.}

A vague answer. 

Look, Wen Ruohan is incapable of waiting. He didn't know whether to laugh or shout, so he just silently let that itchy feeling rumble like a thunder in his stomach. 

In the meanwhile, he also watched the swordless fight, feeling bored and irritated. That's not how you kick someone, kick their groins. See, this is why you don't expect enemies to be courteous to you in a fight. Oh, you should've kicked his face, now you missed the chance. Look- and congratulations, you now have a bruise on your noble face. 

Finally letting irritation win over him, Wen Ruohan strode over like a ghost and gave them a heart attack interrupted then Then—

{OOC Warning! Shen Qingqiu would allow Ming Fan and his group bully Luo Binghe! Because it is "part of the training", Host isn't allowed to interfere!}

{Host will be awaiting punishment after he's finished with this!}

{Punishment: PTSD Episode (3 hours). Host will relive his most painful and traumtic moment.}

What does that mean??

[Please start with the Solitary Confinement first.]

{Access denied.}

[It will be complicated if the Host's mind is not at peace at the start, because the Fate Journey will derail.]

What. Were they arguing? Right in front of him??

{Loading…}

{Access accepted. But it is also important for the Host to realize his place.)

Ha- what?!

And a minute later, when the Beast raised his head, Wen Ruohan was stupefied. 

By those eyes. 

The Wen Sect Leader is good at detecting talents, and he sees determination and potentials in the Beast's eyes. He had the potential to be the best warrior to ever exist in history. He might dominate the most untamed sword in existence. He held the mighty strength of a beast. The Beast that would conquer the world and—

Ever since his first death, Wen Ruohan has been trying to keep the greed in his eyes hidden. He doesn't want the Beast to be good at reading someone's emotions like the Snake (though he doubts that, but just to be sure), so it's best to stay low as possible. At least for now. 

In the end, he gave the same punishment to the Beast as Ming Fan's martial siblings since he was... admittedly, in a bit of a daze, and dismissed the girl. He almost blew her away at her annoying insistence had it not been for the Beast interrupting and talking it out with her. 

Meanwhile, at the table, Wen Ruohan's free hand moved and shook in place, as if he's writing an invisible text. But really, that's just his habit when he's thinking about something, feeling like he'll be noting something down.

Come to think of it, both Systems would hold him back from doing something "out of Shen Qingqiu's character". But sometimes, it'll be Shackle System that would surface when Wen Ruohan wants to do something considered "extremely dangerous", such as arson or torture. 

While the Selfless is being annoying, as if him breathing is enough to provoke it. 

Then, it's the Selfless System whose punishment method that's harsher, when all Wen Ruohan did was interrupt a disturbing squabble. 

Suddenly, he's reminded back to the time where he was still a Sect Leader, scooped up in his office. The headache Wen Ruohan's feeling right now is just the same to those he had whenever he was scribbling his letters down. This is annoying him!

He tried to focus back. Anyways, and it also seemed like the Selfless System is trying hard to make Wen Ruohan reach Shen Qingqiu's fate. Not his own fate. Well, his own fate was to be killed by that Snake. 

"Shackle.. System." Four syllables that sound so wrong in his ears. 

[Yes?]

"What's Shen Qingqiu's fate?" It's the question he's been itching to ask for days. 

[Human stick, Host.]

"....."

Wen Ruohan growled, "Stop fooling around or I'll burn the Qing Jing Peak."

[This Shackle is not joking around, Host. In the future, Shen Qingqiu will be turned into a human stick, along with losing his eye and tongue. He will be under that torture for months until he finally dies.]

If that's true, that's even worse!

He takes it back. He'd rather be beheaded by Meng Bastard Yao than be.. than lose his dignity and be reduced down to a human stick..!!!

The chair dropped to the floor as Wen Ruohan stood up, yelling, "Get me out of this body!"

[The key of this swap is the Selfless System as it was the first one created before Shackle System. You must ask it to swap you back first. Though, it is 100% impossible for now, as nor you or Shen Qingqiu has reached the bare minimum limit of the journey. Both of you were just at the start.]

"You—!" Useless! Selfish! Petty! Unbelievable! Wen Ruohan is rendered speechless as he tried to punch the screen. 

His hand went through. Shit!

At that, he could only punch the table out of anger.

…And get his hand hurt. 

He groaned angrily while gripping his hurt palm, glaring venomously at the untouchable demon. 

[Another information, in Solitary Confinement, Host's strength is reduced to that of a normal human's.]

So that's why he couldn't feel his spiritual energy!

In his rage, Wen Ruohan kicked the chair away, ignoring everything surrounding him including the pain in his leg as he started to pace around the room, muttering incomprehensibly. Probably planning world domination. 

Chapter Text

Red, red, red, red all around. 

At this point, Shen Qingqiu'd rather wake up on Bai Zhan Peak of silver, or even Qiong Ding Peak's dark grays. As long as there's no red, crimson, scarlet, the color of blood. Anything!

He felt ants crawling all over his body like how Ming Fan felt as he put on the Sect Leader robes of Wen Ruohan, with the crown at last. Just looking at those eyes in the mirror's reflection stiffens him, so he only stared down at the robes while trying to put them on. 

But tying the hair and putting on the crown is a hassle. It became more difficult to ignore the ruby orbs. Shen Qingqiu trembled. Nevertheless, not because of the eyes, he's more than used to it after being under that fiery gaze several times. But because of him being unused to the feeling of limbs. Being a human stick for months has jumbled his muscle memory slightly. 

Shen Qingqiu tried to convince himself of the little differences between Wen Ruohan and that Beast. 

Firstly, the red color of Wen Ruohan's eyes is colder and darker than the Beast's. While the Beast's eyes glow more in the dark, Wen Ruohan's stays dim. Lukewarm as though Coldness, huh?

Then his hair is more kept and straighter than the Beast's wavy hair. 

Lastly, there's no sword or anything that messes with his mind. Since it was already insane in the first place. 

(He ignores the fact that the two have more similarities than differences, such as how they are the rulers of their own respective worlds.)

At least the robes are not black and red, but white and red. The sun robes of the Qishan Wen Clan have red flame motifs along the hem, with the rest being white. 

At least the jewel hanging above Shen Qingqiu's forehead is a real jewel, moreover colored golden. Not red, not a glowing red that appears every time the Beast is mad. Still, the golden color is nauseating. Damn Huan Hua bastards. 

…And at least Wen Ruohan is not a manwhore. According to the Shackle System, the man only slept with his wife, the one and only and that's to create his first son, Wen Xu. While Wen Chao was… abandoned by Wen Ruohan's cousin, leaving him bearing the burdens of an unruly second son. 

That Shen Qingqiu can appreciate. He grinned, then the smile disappeared after seeing the manic atmosphere to it. 

…This feels so wrong in so many ways. 

He guessed he'd have to wait until the Beast gets tired of his dreamscape. All Shen Qingqiu had to do is to frustrate the Beast by not breaking down, like how he did every time he's trapped in the dreamscapes' spider nets. 

His hand searched for his sleeves, and Shen Qingqiu remembered the sleeves on Wen Ruohan's robes… has a tight opening. 

Whatever. He could get used to that. What matters is something to cover his face. 

He searched around, yet there's no fan in sight. No fan hanging on the wall as a decoy, or anything. A fan. He needs one, even if it's round-shaped. 

[Host, Wen Ruohan always makes sure to show his intents clearly. Furthermore, he hides his hands behind his back as a comfort gesture, like how you would use fans.]

Shen Qingqiu turned to the mirror, seeing the vulnerability in himself that's shown clearly. And decided, yes, he'd have to buy a temporary fan at the first shop he sees. 

So that's how it is. The Beast is trying to irritate him by not giving him a fan. How ridiculous.

***

Originally, Shen Qingqiu wanted to pass Qinghe Nie Sect's Discussion Conference. One of the Five Great Clans, equivalent to his world's Four Great Sects. He's not ready to bear the stares of people who could see him… trying to get used to the limbs. Sure, by now, it was only a slight tremble only those near him could see. Still, his dignity would still perish. 

But after Wen Qing entered the room and gave Shen Qingqiu a confused yet calculating look after seeing the vomit-filled bowl on the nightstand… Shen Qingqiu just wanted to escape out of embarrassment and humiliation. 

How amazing that she looked so similar to the Qian Cao Healer when faced with not-everyday patients. That calculating gaze under the eyes that could see through you, it makes you uncomfortable. The reason why Shen Qingqiu always tried his best to escape from the Healer. 

Although the Healer's dead now, slaughtered by the Beast in the Sect's Massacre. In one of his torture sessions, the Beast explicitly explained how he beheaded the Healer along with the female Head Disciple after said disciple refused to surrender. Who knows what happened to their corpses. Probably piped up and got swallowed by the fire. 

It's sickening. 

It's sickening how the Beast tried to torture Shen Qingqiu by showing him these similar look-alikes in the dreamscape. If ever Wen Qing truly exists and is real, she doesn't deserve to be associated with either of them at all. 

If she ever truly exists, that is. 

(But slowly, Shen Qingqiu's doubts are crumbling when he thought about the working taste buds that were not supposed to be there in the Beast's dreamscape. A sign that this is reality. No.)

It was only a day when he had to set off for the Conference, so Shen Qingqiu still felt the slight ache under his Wen Ruohan's muscles. 

Hong Men Sword is slightly different to Xiu Ya (how he misses it already). The only difference between them is the width and the weight. It's wider and heavier to some degree, but he supposes he could.. adapt to it until the Beast's dreamscape ends. 

The first time he imbued his Qi into it to fly, the sword sent a confused signal, likely because its master felt unusual. But swords can't talk. It still performed like how it should be. 

At the field, Shen Qingqiu wanted to call the System for a map. Really. He needs it. But how was he supposed to do that when he's not alone?

{No worries, Host. You can speak to us by telepathy!]

'...Selfless System?'

{Yes?}

Oh how relieved he was. 

'Do you have a map for the Five Great Clans?' Because it's not like he could fly around by following the wind, right?

{Loading a map…}

Then, a window panel opened revealing lands drawn with a glowing golden ink (his eyes hurt from the amount of gold). There are small dots and rings here and there, and one white dot. 

{The white dot symbolizes your exact location, Host. The black dot is the equivalent of Endless Abyss, the Burial Mounds where thousands of dangerous walking corpses reside. The five bigger yellow dots are the Five Great Clans. QishanWen, QingheNie, LanlingJin, YunmengJiang, and GusuLan. The smaller yellow ones are the smaller clans and sects. While the small yellow rings are cities, towns, and villages.}

Very convenient. Shen Qingqiu has never explored this world before, so he wondered what wonders it has. 

[Although there's no demons or beasts, this world is filled with walking corpses here and there.]

…Oh. Good to know, perhaps. To know the Beast excludes his heritage from this dreamscape's world. Ha!

(Ridiculous. Has he gone out of his mind?)

[...Host. This is reality.]

He skillfully ignored the screen and distracted himself to insert his Qi into Hong Men and stepped on it. He set off, not giving attention to the only man who will be accompanying him to the Discussion Conference who followed after him. 

Like a quiet dog. 

The bright blue, morning sky greeted him. Filled with white, fluffy clouds, and the sun that burns into his- no, Wen Ruohan's eyes. His robes flowed in the wind. Meanwhile, Shen Qingqiu tried to imitate Wen Ruohan's one habit. 

He tried to put his hands behind his back. Maybe it's because the body's been used to it that it feels… normal. But Shen Qingqiu himself, and his own mind felt unused. His mind interprets it as showing himself bare in front of the wind. 

That's not right. Shen Qingqiu is not Wen Ruohan. He shouldn't be doing this. So his arms immediately fell and instead folded in front of his torso. He's folding his arms, making "Wen Ruohan" look as if he's deep in thought. 

{Host, try to keep In-character as much as possible, or a punishment will befall on you.}

He narrowed his eyes. His most regretful memory? Is that a threat?

{Yes.}

Shen Qingqiu felt revulsed, so he tried to distract himself by looking at the man just slightly behind him from the corner of his periphery. He has the same QishanWen robes. A tall, broad-shouldered man with an expression of indifference and an air of coldness about him. He appears to be in his late twenties. 

[Wen Zhuliu, Core-Melting Hand, Wen Ruohan's most powerful underling.]

Core-melting hand. Core-melting hand. 

[Wen Zhuliu has the rare ability to melt cultivators' cores by just touching them. Added with his high cultivation, it's what made him feared by people including cultivators. He's immensely loyal to Wen Ruohan after being saved and even changed his surname to Wen. Wen Zhuliu doesn't question Wen Ruohan's orders and always did as he was told.]

Shen Qingqiu's face darkened. 

Wen Ruohan is the phoenix of his world. He has the mightiest ability, at least here. He's feared by people and everyone had to be careful when talking about him as if he'd appear any second. His underling is really loyal, obeying to his every order without question and doubt. To go with the flow. 

Shen Qingqiu held back a laugh. Wen Ruohan, ah Wen Ruohan.

So lucky. So immensely lucky, it just reminds him more of that Beast's luck. In Shen Qingqiu's mind, their faces are blurring against each other. 

Sure, Shen Qingqiu was lucky. Was, his own most powerful backing Sect including the Oathbreaker left him to his demise. His martial siblings didn't even care about him. His home was burned to the grounds. And now, some parasite (possible maniac) is making his body home. 

Sensing his mood, the Twin Systems stayed silent. Until he "asked" another question. 

'Tell me his personality.'

[Wen Zhuliu is a stoic, mild-mannered person who rarely initiated combat. He dislikes arrogant, cruel personalities and shows respect towards powerful cultivators even if they are his opponents, but his loyalty towards Wen Ruohan is greater than his own principles.]

Shen Qingqiu remembered Shackle's explanation about Wen Ruohan's personality, and also remembered almost vomiting again after hearing about them. Fire Palace, he must burn it to the grounds after coming back from the Discussion Conference. 

But how could Wen Zhuliu be so loyal to that man when he dislikes cruel and arrogant personalities? 

And unfortunately, catching his Lord's glance, Wen Zhuliu asked, "My Lord?"

"What." He snapped, harsher than it was supposed to sound. Whatever, his position is higher than Wen Zhuliu's (Still, he should put a bit more distance. He doesn't want his core melted, after it was once ripped out. Wen Zhuliu could always betray him anytime especially when Shen Qingqiu's at his weakest.)

"Is there something wrong?" Wen Zhuliu carefully asked.

His Lord gazed forward, so it's difficult for him to see the man's expression. Seeing him folding his arms too, something must be wrong. His Lord is not relaxed, otherwise he should've been putting his hands behind his back. 

Finally, His Lord stated, "When we arrive, don't do anything rash that taints our reputation. Do you hear me?"

"Of course, my Lord." Wen Zhuliu nodded. Of course he would always be careful around his Lord. The man would never point it out since he also knew Wen Zhuliu wouldn't be that stupid. 

However, His Lord just said something like that and Wen Zhuliu couldn't help but feel that the man knows something bad would happen. 

***

"My Lord?"

Wen Zhuliu's confusion reached its peak when Shen Qingqiu randomly landed at the first town they see. They landed at some alleyway to stay away from civilians' surprise, a dark alleyway. The man thought his Lord wanted to commit another crime when he voiced. 

"Come on."

Shen Qingqiu didn't just randomly land. He landed precisely next to a shop that sells accessories. Just when he entered the street, he immediately stepped into the building, followed by his ever-present shadow called Core-Melting Hand. As a result, the nearby people only saw a flash of white and red robes before they disappeared into the building. They could only pray to the people inside who would be facing the Wens. 

The former Qing Jing Peak Lord's sight is greeted by a room full of intricates and accessories, hanging on the wall or placed on the display tables. The faintest light sparkled on the red eyes when they landed on the fans hanging by the wall. 

"W-Welcome, honorable cultivators!"

Wen Zhuliu cleverly stayed silent in the back as Shen Qingqiu nodded in response. 

"Does the honorable cultivator have an interest in any of these fans?" Asked the shopkeeper when Shen Qingqiu strodded over to the rows of folding fan. 

Shen Qingqiu stared at them. They vary in motifs and appearance. The paintings of bamboo, cranes, leaves. Green, yellow, red. 

He wants a green one. But it wouldn't suit his new robes that's filled with red and whites. He should choose something that's in the color palette. Red for the sun, yellow for the little jewels on his crown, white for the robes.

There's a red fan with white-colored stripes. It looks decent enough, the red suits Wen Ruohan's eyes. But it's the color Shen Qingqiu hates the most, so that's a no-go. 

The yellow fans would make him look flashy. He heard that the LanlingJin Sect is the Huan Hua Palace equivalent and he wouldn't like to be fully associated with them. No. 

A plain white? No, there's another white fan with red swirls…

It kind of suits him. Yes, he still hates red. But that fan looks—

"That one." Shen Qingqiu pointed to the fan, and the shopkeeper immediately handed it to him.

Shen Qingqiu was once lost in thoughts again after he received the fan, examining it. Should he buy another one? It might be inconvenient if he doesn't have a spare fan.

Shen Qingqiu looked around again, then his hed stopped at a particular direction.

Oh, that one looks… devilish. He likes it. Perhaps he could piss off people with it to unleash his stress...?

Wen Zhuliu quietly listened as his Lord pointed at another fan. He paid a mere glance to it, saw the black folding fan with the character "death" in white written on it, looked away, then snapped his head back towards it. 

His Lordship's gone mad, hasn't he? (But His Lord has always been mad. Always.)

***

"Jiang Sect of Yunmeng, please enter this way!"

As soon as Shen Qingqiu arrived at the gates (without Wen Zhuliu, who's left to wait in some hiding soot in case something happens) when the sun is setting, the announcer sputtered. 

"W-Wen Sect of Qishan! Please enter this way!!"

He was so surprised his terrified voice rose so much that it attracted everyone's attention. Shen Qingqiu's face soured. He glared at the Nie announcer, making the man almost piss his pants upon receiving the ire of the infamous Wen Ruohan. 

Nevertheless, Shen Qingqiu snapped open his fan and started walking into the building where the banquet before the Discussion Conference will be held. 

There was a momentary silence when Shen Qingqiu entered the banquet hall, all eyes were on him. Him, him and him alone. When he was a Qing Jing Peak Lord, the eyes were mostly directed at the Oathbreaker or the Brute. But now, they're directed towards him and he doesn't like that at all. 

So, he hid the lower half of his fan behind the white fan he bought earlier and glared at them. Luckily, everyone conceded and looked away. Oh, so this is what it feels like to be the most powerful and dominant. He likes it, even if it's temporary. 

Shen Qingqiu went to the table designated for him. There's four tables lined up, each two facing each other. Then there's another table, probably for the Sect Leader Nie. The man's table position isn't any higher than the other four, as if he doesn't assume himself any higher than them, as if he assumed himself equal to them. 

Come to think of it, Wen Ruohan is the chief cultivator, isn't he? So his position should be, at least a bit higher than the others. But Nie Mingjue made his table equal. 

So this could be called an insult, at least to Wen Ruohan. 

Shen Qingqiu felt mildly impressed at the bravery, and also offended. Nonetheless, he wasn't Wen Ruohan. So no need to be angry over this. Let the man himself feel offended. 

The banquet hall is just like any other. Filled with hypocrites and wastes of breath. Stinky mouths and double-edged tongues talking and talking and talking shit.

Right when he sat down, a servant came and poured wine to the prepared cup on his table. While Shen Qingqiu was calmly drinking the wine (ah, wine. Great time to forget about everything), the Shackle System interrupted. 

[Host.]

'What.' His eyes narrowed, as if someone just disturbed his peaceful sleep. 

[Jin Guangshan, Sect Leader of LanlingJin.]

"..."

Shen Qingqiu silently put down the half-empty cup with a clack, then slowly turned to look at a man who's approaching him. 

'Quick explanation about him,' he immediately thought. 

{Jin Guangshan is a womanizer whose many extramarital affairs reach the point of obscenity. He has a low view of women, declaring that art and reading are wasted on women, who should focus on their appearance first and foremost. Nevertheless, he is also frightened of his hot-tempered wife.}

The hand batting his fan halted. 

{He is also ambitious, greedy for power. To cement his power, he is willing to shelter mass murderers, assassinate fellow clan leaders, annihilate clans, and risk everything for political gain—}

"Greetings, Sect Leader Wen." Jin Guangshan's scummy face practically went through the window panel it scared the living shit out of Shen Qingqiu who masterfully did not flinch. 

What in the world?! Asshole!

"My, how good to see you, Sect Leader. How are you doing today? What do you think about the banquet hosted by Sect Leader Nie?" Jin Guangshan smiled with sharp teeth and Shen Qingqiu swallowed the urge to punch the man's face until he had no tooth left. 

"Fine," he answered shortly, focusing on Jin Guangshan's face that terribly reminded him of… of practically every bastard he met. Qiu Jianluo's demeanor and smile, Wu Yanzi's eye shape, and the fan. 

Suddenly, he wants to vomit. 

And apparently, unfortunately Jin Guangshan sits beside Shen Qingqiu. The latter's life-long bullshit luck is acting up again and he does not feel happy about this. 

Jin Guangshan's eyes seemed like they're looking at him up and down. Even so, Shen Qingqiu doesn't break eye contact. He stares with Wen Ruohan's beastly eyes. It helps as there's the faintest hint of uneasiness in the scum's face. 

Then, the scum spoke, "Oh, how interesting. Is Sect Leader Wen getting intrigued in folding fans? If you'd like, you can see my fan collections. I have many of them back in my palace."

Shen Qingqiu now really wants to puke as he realized the many similarities between them. The rumors surrounding them (though Shen Qingqiu went to brothels to truly sleep with the women, not with the women), and their interest in fans. 

Oh how much he hates that realization. 

[Host, you're not similar to Jin Guangshan at all. You never had children, and even if you do, they're only disciples who have no blood relations to you at all. While the rumors of you going to the brothel are true, you never—]

[Loading…]

{...}

[—slept with the women like how Jin Guangshan did. You don't make your way to any woman you see, and you respect them. You're not greedy for power.]

No matter. From outside, people see him like how they see Jin Guangshan. Painful. Oh so very painful to be reduced to that scum's level and he felt the urge to claw his nails at something. 

{Congratulations for self-realization, Host! Host has always been uncaring about the rumors surrounding him. So this is a first-time Host became more self-aware!}

[This Shackle System encourages Host to fix his reputation if he doesn't want to be "reduced to that scum's level"!]

That's not helping at all, Shen Qingqiu mused in dread. 

{Loading…}

{Denied. Wen Ruohan would not do that. OOC warning! Please try to stay in-character as much as possible!}

And here they are, arguing again. 

Shen Qingqiu scoffed, "Why should this one visit your collections? This Master doesn't deserve Sect Leader Jin's honorable invitations."

In other words, Why would I waste my time by seeing your ugly and flashy collections?

{OOC! OOC! Wen Ruohan would mock Jin Guangshan by chuckling ominously, not scoffing or sneering!}

{If Host doesn't comply, he will have to face Punishment by the end of the day.}

Is it saying he had to be.. creepy?

(Well, being creepy to a creep is certainly something.)

Damn Selfless System. Also damn Beast. What kind of ridiculous dreamscape is this? Funny how the Beast showed the Old Palace Master in the form of this Jin Guangshan. Though the old man only has his eyes on a woman named Su Xiyan to the point of having Gongyi Xiao as his Head Disciple just because they look a bit similar.

Meanwhile, Jin Guangshan didn't look taken aback by Shen Qingqiu's reply. Instead, he smiled, leisurely batting his fan. He looks half-ethereal thanks to his good looks and golden robes that Shen Qingqiu wants to vomit and project those half-digested food into the man's face. See if he can smile again. 

"Nonsense! Sect Leader Wen is the Chief Cultivator, of course you're more than deserving of the invitation." Jin Guangshan tilted his head, looking scummy instead of cute even with that attractive face. 

That fact made it possibly easy for Shen Qingqiu to chuckle (from derision), "Oh? Then I shall think about it."

That's it. If Shen Qingqiu keeps talking with this man any longer, this banquet will just end with a bloody nose. 

So he closed the conversation by looking away. 

While Jin Guangshan is secretly beaming, Shen Qingqiu is thinking of a thousand plans about how to ruin this man's career. 

The Qing Jing Peak Lord drank the wine, and his body stiffened once more. 

It's, not like it's tasty or anything. But he could taste the liquid. That's not good. The Beast must've reached an impossible level by adding the sense of taste to his dreamscapes. Yes, that's it. This is only a dreamscape that would end later, or soon if Shen Qingqiu became impatient and stab himself. 

He noticed the way how everyone were so loud before his arrival, and how they became quieter after. Even though they're talking, none of them were talking as loudly as before. It's like they're whispering and hushing around. 

He felt too self-conscious. Shen Qingqiu sighed. He likes peace, but not this kind of peace where people are aware of him. 

And this isn't right. 

His- Wen Ruohan's ears could still catch what people were saying. Negotiations, business, small talks like "how's your son? I heard he eloped with a demonic cultivator" (what the hell?)

The dreamscape should've made the voices blurry, that's another thing. Another reason why this isn't a dreamscape. 

[Host… This is reality.]

No.

Shen Qingqiu internally groaned, so he tried to distract himself by looking at a man in purple robes who had just arrived. 

"Sect Leader Jiang."

People nodded to him as the man passed by. He gave them a genial smile, something felt wrong in Shen Qingqiu's eyes. (How wrong. People were too afraid to greet him, when Wen Ruohan is the Chief Cultivator).

When he passed by Shen Qingqiu, his smile faltered (ha.) for one milisecond. Then. The man nodded towards him. 

"Sect Leader Wen. It's nice to meet you."

{Jiang Fengmian, YunmengJiang Sect Leader.}

'Describe him shortly.'

[Yue Qingyuan.]

What.

{Please do not interrupt others' explanation.}

{Jiang Fengmian had a gentle and polite character, though he often conceded to pressure from influential clans like the MeishanYu Clan, and people with aggressive personalities, like his wife, Yu Ziyuan}

Oho. Another noodle, more noodle than the Oathbreaker himself (of course, the latter doesn't easily concede to other sects' influence). The Beast wanted to show him the Oathbreaker in someone else's skin. What an amusing little animal. 

The Qing Jing Peak Lord nodded back, not giving a reply as he let Jiang Fengmian walk away to his table. Apparently his table is placed across his. Oh fuck here we go. 

Chapter Text

Bang!

The wall banged once again. 

If Shackle was human, it would sigh tiredly. Alas, it's only a mere creature that could control souls. 

It silently watched as Wen Ruohan recoiled from the hard collision from the wooden wall and stepped back only to plop back into the chair. 

Face dark, Wen Ruohan looked Shackle dead in the eye. 

[This Shackle has explained everything about this world to Host in the span of less than six hours. Does Host need anything more?]

"How much time?" He asked to the point. Yet the question was so vague it left too much room for interpretation. But it's the nth time the former tyrant had asked this, so Shackle understood what he meant. 

[There's roughly 2 minutes left. Please be patient.]

"Are you being serious?" His fists clenched. If he had his cultivation and was gripping a rock, the rock would be crushed into dust. 

"I've been waiting for hours. Six hours and let me go!" He's going crazy from this! The last time he experienced this was when Fuqin was alive and never again. Never shall anyone do him like this. This is blasphemy.

Wen Ruohan's ears were so red they're smoking. And it's Shen Qingqiu's too, and his breath was heavy, as if he's on the verge of breakdown. 

[Host, please calm down.]

"Calm down?! As if!"

Shackle had explained to him about the important figures in this cultivation society. Then about Cang Qiong, the Peak Lords, and Qing Jing. Disciples, landmarks, buildings, everything there is to know about this place. Except the so-called "fate-journey" part. 

All that he knows is that he must follow everything the Selfless System says. And act like "Shen Qingqiu". 

And he doesn't like it. The prideful tyrant doesn't want to follow orders from annoying parasites!

What will happen now? Every decision he makes will be judged. Everything should be up to the Systems. One different move and he'll be punished. This is unfair. This is supposedly unfair. 

(But isn't that what he did to the lesser clans he conquered?)

"I am impatient. I cannot wait to go out. It's only a few minutes left. Why not just set me out early?" He complained to the floating dark blue panel. His red eyes seemed to burn with the flames of hell. 

[Because the time isn't up.]

"You-!" Wen Ruohan raised a fist, then sighed in tiredness. He'll wait for the time where this bastard of a creature gains a physical body, then crush it into bloody pieces with Hong Men. Ah, he missed Hong Men already. 

And then he simply gave up. Or precisely, temporarily retreated. 

As he rested his head on a hand that's supported by the table, he silently contemplated. 

Honestly, he half-hoped Shen Qingqiu suddenly appears here. And then what? Perhaps have a talk with him. 

Or choke him. 

When Wen Ruohan blinked, he's already sitting at Shen Qingqiu's desk in the man's bamboo house. 

Great.

{Did you enjoy your time, Host?}

Wen Ruohan looked murderous. Is it just him or is it mocking him? 

"Of course I do," he answered with spite. 

{Great! In the meantime, this Selfless System had created a new program for Host.}

A what. 

Wen Ruohan narrowed his eyes. 

{In order to stabilize Host more, this new program creates missions for Host! If Host does not complete the missions tasked to him, he will be forced to accept punishments.}

{If Host succeeded, he will gain rewards every end of the mission. Isn't that cool?}

It paused, then added—

{And Host should use the fans more.}

***

"Qingqiu-Shidi."

"What." Wen Ruohan snapped in a bitter mood the next day. The soothing tea he's currently drinking felt like it was only helping him half-heartedly, as if being drank by the great Tyrant of Qishan is a disgrace. It doesn't help with the fact that he faintly feels like he's heading into a Qi Deviation. Curse this damn body. 

And there he is, the oh-so-great Sect Leader Yue, visiting him at this lovely afternoon in his bamboo house to have a tea time. With the aloof immortal, Not-Shen Qingqiu. As their demeanors contradict each other like the yin and yang. 

A romantic date. Hang-out. Whatever it is. 

Blergh.

Wen Ruohan kept his face desperately cold, else he'd throw this warm tea to the man's face. It took him all his willpower to tone down the little murders in his mind.

Yue Qingyuan kept his face admirably gentle like the older brother type he was. 

"I wanted to ask. How are you recovering these days?"

Aside from encountering a group of monkeys having a pissing contest in the backyard, I am fiiine, Zhangmen-Shixiong. Thank you, Zhangmen-Shixiong. 

…And how would Shen Qingqiu answer to this?

[Reminder; Shen Qingqiu is sometimes sarcastic, especially when asked with questions he deemed "stupid".]

"This Shidi has been doing nothing out of the sorts lately," except for conversing with creatures only he could see, "or does Zhangmen-Shixiong suspect me of being unable to take care of myself?"

"No, not at all." Yue Qingyuan raised a hand to placate the situation. "I just wanted to ask if you've been doing well lately. And if so, then that's good news."

This pattern seemed suspiciously familiar. 

Wen Ruohan looked at Yue Qingyuan with narrowed eyes. "Does Zhangmen-Shixiong need something of this Shidi?"

A bit embarrassed at being caught, Yue Qingyuan coughed into his fist. Then, he smiled apologetically Wen Ruohan swore he's feeling like coughing blood. Since when did he become like that foolish Lan Qiren?

"Shidi is right. This Shixiong thinks Qingqiu-Shidi is ready to go down the mountain. Is there anything you need?"

"Down the mountain?" Wen Ruohan raised a brow. 

Down the mountain, huh. A good opportunity to learn more about this world (so he could start his conquest). 

"Did Qingqiu-shidi’s fever this time make you forget? You had told me earlier that you would deal with the problem at Shuang Hu City and use it as an opportunity for your disciples to gain experience."

"......"

What. 

Absolutely, what. 

{A new mission had emerged! Go to Shuang Hu City and resolve the problem occurring there!}

'And what do I get??!!'

{It's a mystery, Host. But this System promises it's good.}

Wen Ruohan's mind calculated the possibles and impossibles. He's on the verge of coughing blood, but he still wants to go out. Staying at this greenery makes him itch. It's so fresh, it's itchy. His boredom is shouting in the back of his mind. 

"Then this Master shall accept." He pulled up his lips into a small smile, as that noodlehead Jiang Fengmian did.

Yue Qingyuan twitched, but Wen Ruohan didn't register it. All he cared about was the prospect of going out.

And after Yue Qingyuan left, Wen Ruohan crushed the teacup into fine pieces. 

"It's not a solo mission!" He yelled at the floating yellow screen, ears red, in anger. 

{It is not.}

"And I must deal with a bunch of brats!"

{For Host to experience more about being a Shizun, since he'll be one for years!}

[Host.]

"WHAT?!" With a bang! Wen Ruohan slammed down the table, almost breaking it to splinters. He stood up and stepped back, as if the lone yellow panel was a piece of filth unworthy to this world. 

{Why is Host surprised? He should've expected this when he learned about his Fate Journey.}

"And is there a way for me to— be free of this OOC thing?! Is there any mission for me to not hear the Out of Character warnings again??!!"

{No.}

[Host, please calm down.]

"Of COURSE!!" He unsheathed Xiu Ya. 

He's a puppet. To them, he's a damn puppet. The undeniable missions, the role, the surroundings, it's all unfamiliar and they're forced upon him. This is UNACCEPTABLE!

With a roar, Wen Ruohan raised the blade brimming with turbulent Qi—

[Initiating the Stabilizer!]

And it felt like a mountain fell on him. 

Wen Ruohan's arm suddenly felt heavy and he lowered down Xiu Ya. He panted, out of breath, sweating. His hand felt loose, so he dropped the blade to the ground with a clang!

His knees buckled, and he does not want to let his legs give out so soon. And how is his Qi going slower? It was erratic before. Did Shackle manipulate the Qi? How? The Stabilizer? Was it that? How does that even work?

This is humiliating. Utterly humiliating. Wen Ruohan faintly remembered the aggressive walking corpse he witnessed being subdued with binding nets by the Wen Disciples when he came to supervise. It felt just like that. 

[Turning off the Stabilizer.]

He very desperately ignored the twins' cursed presences, adjusted his green robe to gather the little dignity he had left, and stormed out of the bamboo house. The door slammed shut.

…And the door opened again, revealing him coming back inside to snatch a random fan at the desk. Afterwards, the door closed once more as he stepped out. 

***

{New mission objective; Organize and prepare for the incoming Shuang Hu mission.}

The library of Qing Jing Peak is extensive. Wen Ruohan should admit it has many kinds of books. From cultivation manuals, information, history, it even has novels. Everything a library should have. But it's empty. The disciples are probably still learning with the hallmasters. 

And he spent his day there, reading whatever he could find. He swallowed up the knowledge available (so he could manipulate everything). His eyes moved leisurely as he read page to page, sitting beside the window.

Reading the manuals, Wen Ruohan realized that the sword style of Qing Jing is, how should he explain it, "flowy". They're almost similar to GusuLan's teaching. Elegant, yet contains the strength behind. 

Wen Ruohan chuckled. This is ironic. Luo Binghe and Ming Fan with his lackeys fought like street bandits. How was that elegant?

Besides that, Wen Ruohan had to drown in paperworks. As usual. This feeling is completely familiar to him. After all, a Sect Leader is always busy. Athough the world he's in is rather unfamiliar. 

Because beasts and monsters are very rare in his world, including sex pollen! What's this? Why's there so many sex pollen in this world? If this is it, then at least half of Cang Qiong population must've gone through that kind of situation, right?

[No, Host.]

'...Unbelievable,' he thought, as he continued doing another man's work. Grading works, reading reports. Literature. Painting. Poetry. 

If he's not wrong, then that's not how a human should look like. Failure. 

This brat's essay about the Endless Abyss' theory is insane. How could it close with oneself's sacrifice? Where did that come from? Did he even have experience in encountering it? Well, that's interesting. Half the minimum grade. Oh, minus one more.

What's this, why does this kid's poetry sound like Jin Guangshan's desperate attempt at flatteries? Failed. 

…What kind of chicken scratch writing is this? What's this essay about? How to create a goatee? A plant? Failure!

By the time he finished, he opened the mission summary scroll that Shen Qingqiu created a while before this kind of thing happened. It was an attempt to distract himself. With heavy and trembling breath, Wen Ruohan hoped the writing is at the very least readable. 

And opening the scroll, it felt like light shone upon his face. 

He hates to admit this, but the handwriting is beautiful, tidy and neat. He felt so relieved. After all that shit. 

Around 10 discples are leaving for the mission, including the golden child, Ning Yingying, and then Ming Fan. The rest are junior disciples. 

Why are they leaving with horses, not swords? Oh, right. They're still juniors. If that is so, Wen Ruohan would want to ride a carriage, because he doesn't want to smell those creatures for hours. He hates both. 

Being on a sword lessens the time by half. What a shame. 

{Host can do nothing about it.}

Wen Ruohan glared at it, and shook his hand in the yellow panel as if batting a fly. While his hand went through it, it succeeded in disappearing the creature. 

On the other hand, he read through the mission report. 

"....."

As his eyes swept through the words, Wen Ruohan's face that was showing mild annoyance slowly turned darker. Suddenly, he felt like going to the Fire Palace. But there's no Fire Palace here, which turned his mood more sour. 

So. A mission to obliterate a demon that's already skinner 9 people so far. With a bunch of deadweights. 

***

If Wen Ruohan couldn't render the Qiong Ding Disciples unconscious, barge to Yue Qingyuan's office, and complain of the stupidity of this mission because of the "Journey"'s restrictions, then he's going insane from stress. Oh wait, wasn't it Shen Qingqiu who asked for this mission? Stupid man. You'll only get your disciples killed. What was the man thinking?

…Or Shen Qingqiu did this on purpose? Was he a sadist to the brats?

Alas, no change on the "Jouuuurrrneyy" is allowed. So all Wen Ruohan could do was… sit in this goddamn carriage, a week later.

The group is currently at the foot of the mountain sect, preparing for their hellishly long trip to hell. 

Wen Ruohan lifted the curtain with a fan, staring at the brats, save for Ming Fan, who looked like they're gonna depart for a family vacation instead of a life-and-death battle as their first mission. Well guess what, Wen Ruohan would be happy to see their despaired faces the moment they see a skinned corpse. 

He'll be sure to bring them to see a skinned corpse for "experience". Duly noted. 

'One, two, three, the amount of horses is enough.' Filled with satisfaction, he closed the curtain. 

{The order is wrong. This is not right.}

'Hm? What's wrong?' Wen Ruohan replied leisurely. 

{Ming Fan should've been sabotaging the horses number, making Luo Binghe unable to ride a horse. But since Host interfered, Ming Fan has been scared to do anything to Luo Binghe anymore!}

"Oh." He grinned. If the Selfless System had eyes, it would've been glaring at him. 

Besides doing paperwork and reading in the library, Wen Ruohan had also spent the last few days supervising Ming Fan's punishment. Every dawn, he watched Ming Fan run around the peak ten times before his class started. Then swallowed knowledge while the boy copies Ways of Restrain fifty times in the library. 

That's a very light punishment. That brat's lucky he didn't get whipped, then locked up in his room for three days straight with barely any food.

And now, off we depart. 

***

'Shizun has changed,' thought Luo Binghe as he rode his horse, staring at the quiet Ming Fan at the front. 

It was when Shizun went into fever, more than a week ago. Maybe 10 days ago. Then he interrupted the incident. 

It felt like time had stopped and all Luo Binghe could feel was dumbfoundedness. Shizun appeared like a ghost! Where did he come from??

Aside from that, Ming Fan almost lost his Head Disciple position and received punishment (and threats). Now Ming Fan looks like he just escaped from a tiger's den only to enter the lion's den. Considering they're heading to deal with a skinner.

At first, Luo Binghe felt indignant that he's also getting punished! They're the ones who started it!

And he lost his jade pendant! His mother's gift! How dare!

Luo Binghe glared at Ming Fan's back. Unknown to him, the other boy suddenly felt chills on his back. 

If glares could stab, the Head Disciple would've had a hole in his back right now. A huge one. 

And then Ning-Shijie's voice came into Luo Binghe's mind. 

"Aiyah, A-Luo, it's okay. Look on the bright side! Because of Shizun's supervision, Ming-Shixiong hadn't been able to annoy you lately."

Huffing, the boy turned away and glared at the ground instead. 

***

Qingqiu has changed. 

Qingqiu changed. Yue Qingyuan knows. 

Ever since that fever, the man hasn't been using his fan much, judging from their interactions. Not that he always needed to fan himself while drinking tea. But it's— Yue Qingyuan doesn't know. But it feels like something changed within Qingqiu. 

It's like he barely remembered to use a fan. And when he does, he always frowned as if having an existential crisis before snatching a fan from nowhere. 

His gaze changed. 

Yue Qingyuan saw it. 

Usually, the man would look at others in order. He sees disciples as… kids. He sees adults as adults. The straight gaze that cuts through your soul. Whenever he sees authority, it will stare just enough to be respectful. 

Then after the fever, it changed. 

It turned into a powerful one. It looks down at people. Even Yue Qingyuan felt intimidated more than ever. The eyes of a King, a Saint, an Emperor, a predator. As if making the smallest mistake could lead someone in the vicinity to be beheaded. 

But there's a similarity in them both.

They held authority and power.

In his office, sitting at his desk, Yue Qingyuan sighed and slumped forward, looking very unbefitting of a great Sect Leader. 

Is it possible that Qingqiu's body is posse— NO! That's impossible. If there's a possession, the wards and barriers would've been activated. That's simply nonsense!

Besides, Yue Qingyuan sensed no demonic energy on the man. 

The open window in his room let the night breeze in, making Yue Qingyuan shiver. 

For now, he will just observe. 

Observe and watch closely. 

And if anything more happens, well… he'll just, bring that matter to the meeting. Without the man. It hurts him to leave his Shidi behind, but there's no choice. 

Pray that the impossible remains impossible, for Yue Qingyuan will not be sure to remain still shall anything bad happen to Qingqiu.

Chapter Text

"Sect Leader Nie has arrived!"

The entrance doors opened wide and a man stepped in. Shen Qingqiu's blood ran cold as he saw the way he walks. The way he frowns. 

[Nie Mingjue, Sect Leader of QingheNie.]

Hell no. Nie Mingjue practically reminds him more of that Brute. Shen Qingqiu wants to claw off everyone's face then his own. 

In front of everyone's eyes, who were sitting at their own respective tables, Nie Mingjue walked forward with heavy and firm steps. He sat down on the last empty table, and his voice boomed across the hall.

"Today, I've invited you all here for the annual Discussion Conference. This banquet is held to welcome all of you."

A strong, powerful leader. 

"With this, I toast—"

But still a brute. 

"—to a successful Discussion Conference!"

"To a successful Discussion Conference," everyone repeated, including Shen Qingqiu (albeit whispered it. Because, of course he wants a successful one instead of an unsuccessful conference where someone caught him.)

To go through this, Shen Qingqiu needs a bit more of wine. Just a bit. He slowly gulped down another cup. 

It has a taste. It tastes like- he couldn't be focused on the exact taste. But it tastes. 

"...." Shen Qingqiu slowly lowered down the cup and softly put it back down the table. 

A servant came to his view, bringing a tray of dinner. 

Just being looked at by Shen Qingqiu was enough to make the man tremble slightly. But he did a good job at not accidentally overthrowing the food to Shen Qingqiu's face. 

Food was in front of Shen Qingqiu. 

The longer he stared at it, the more he wanted to cry, or laugh. Laughing is the best option. 

"...." He couldn't laugh. He couldn't cry. 

Swallowing the meal is a hard obstacle. Everytime they enter his mouth, his sense of taste intensifies. Everytime he swallows down, he could feel them going down to his stomach. 

Oh, but little Shen Jiu has a habit of quickly devouring his food so that no one could ever steal them from him, unless they want to open up his stomach. No matter how disgusting or old they look, as long as it's still food, he would take the chance in order to not fall into starvation and die.

So he ate it, ignoring the chill creeping up his spine. He wanted to vomit, so he swallowed. 

And Jin Guangshan, the utter bastard, noticed his action and spoke. 

"Is the meal not to Sect Leader Wen's liking?"

Shen Qingqiu stiffened, food still in his mouth. Immediately, the hall's loudness reduced by half as many eyes turned on him. He swallowed down with difficulty. 

This damnable piece of shit. This must be on purpose, right?!

Catching his attention, Nie Mingjue interrupted from where he was previously talking with Lan Qiren. 

"Sect Leader Wen, with all due respect, not enjoying the food the host offered you is rude."

Nie Fucking Mingjue really found the perfect opportunity to corner Shen Qingqiu up, huh?

Ha. 

Wen Ruohan, ah Wen Ruohan. Is this what the Systems meant when they said both him and Shen Qingqiu are similar? Laughable!

Suddenly feeling the urge to laugh, Shen Qingqiu let a small grin break out into his face as he faced Nie Mingjue with brilliant red eyes. 

"How could this master dislike the meal the Nies had provided? The food is certainly flavorful. Whoever made it should receive praise."

In other words, a bit spicy, too much salt, what else? Oh, he hopes it's not poisoned. He'd feel bad (not) for damaging Wen Ruohan's body. 

His answer was spoken with a plain tone, but almost everyone, especially Nie Mingjue took it as a mockery of all things. But since this was supposed to be a happy occasion, the man could only grit his teeth. 

"If that is so," he responded with a glare. 

Shen Qingqiu glared back by only staring at the large man. 

The tense atmosphere grew between them as people silently watched with bated breaths. 

Until someone coughed. 

Both Shen Qingqiu and Nie Mingjue's heads snapped to one particular seat. A man in white-blue robes with a goatee on his face lowered down his fist from his mouth. 

"My apologies. But Sect Leader Wen, being disrespectful to your host is prohibited."

"Bold of you to make assumptions, Master Lan," Shen Qingqiu shot back, feeling irritation slowly brewing within him. "When I said the food is fine, then the food's fine. Or did Master Lan not hear what I said?"

Lan Qiren flinched, then his face darkened, while Jiang Fengmian looked more uncomfortable by the second. Shen Qingqiu mentally smiled. Ah, an opportunity. 

The latter swiftly added fuel to the fire, "Glaring at someone is forbidden, Master Lan."

The old man twitched at that. His face desperately struggled to soften in an attempt to calm himself down. "This is not the Cloud Recesses."

"Strange. Then why did you state that previous no-glaring rule to me? This is not the Cloud Recesses," Shen Qingqiu instantly answered, then slightly leaned back in pure satisfaction when Lan Qiren sputtered in shock. 

Meanwhile, Jin Guangshan hid a jaw-drop behind his white fan and Jiang Fengmian, who's been finding the tableware interesting the whole time, looked away. Anyway, where's his fan-

Bang!

"Enough!" Nie Mingjue shouted after slamming down the table. His voice echoed through the whole hall and Shen Qingqiu swore to make this man mute for life. 

"This is not a place to argue!!"

Nie Mingjue turned back towards Shen Qingqiu, "Sect Leader Wen, I understand if you feel wronged. But you must apologize to Master Lan for disrespecting his clan's rules like that."

At that, the other sect leaders gained courage to oppose Shen Qingqiu as if they hadn't been silent like cowards the whole time. 

"He's right, Sect Leader Wen!" One shouted.

"Chifeng-Zun's truly a brave man. I envy him and his bravery." One whispered.

When Shen Qingqiu accidentally met eyes with Jiang Fengmian, the man gave him a weak smile and said—

"Sect Leader Wen, there's nothing wrong with apologizing."

"Qingqiu-Shidi, please apologize to Liu-Shidi."

All those voices, he heard it clear. Clear as the river water. And it spurred indignation within him. Eventually, his fists clenched on his lap, hidden by the table.

But why should he? Shen Qingqiu almost wanted to scoff. Wasn't it Lan Qiren who just barged into the finished conversation and started the argument?! What are these people on about?

In that short amount of time, Shen Qingqiu thought. 

What would Wen Ruohan do?

{It is slightly unclear. Wen Ruohan wouldn't want to apologize. But the relationship between both clans are at stake..}

{Though, there's a rumor that Wen Ruohan had sabotaged the former Sect Leader Nie's saber and caused the man to die after being injured. But the murder wasn't confirmed. Thus, the relationship between the Nies and Wens remained, although hanging on by a single thread.}

Aha. His usual thing after being scolded by the Oathbreaker. Still, Shen Qingqiu is Shen Qingqiu. He's not the type to back down just like Wen Ruohan. 

"I sincerely," Shen Qingqiu gritted out, "Apologize, for having a different opinion and for getting mad over nothing."

"You—!" Nie Mingjue sputtered, face red. 

"Sect Leader Nie." Unsurprisingly or surprisingly, Lan Qiren raised a hand. Then, he turned back towards Shen Qingqiu. "Apology accepted."

—and he said that with a glare. Oh, looks like this old man could detect sarcasm. Well, good for him for not being stupid. 

Jin Guangshan also had probably enough of it that he tapped his fan on his palm. "Then that's settled! We're all supposed to enjoy this banquet. After all, no one wants the mood to be spoiled. Right, Sect Leader Nie?"

Everyone turned silent at that. Then, Nie Mingjue sighed heavily like he was dealing with a bunch of brats that burned his entire kitchen and finally nodded at Shen Qingqiu, albeit with a glint of resentment in his eyes. 

The five Sect Leaders ate the remaining meal, with Nie Mingjue and Lan Qiren continuing their conversation while Jin Guangshan and Jiang Fengmian with other Sect Leaders. So Shen Qingqiu is left alone in silence. Isolated. Everyone's probably against him, because of Wen Ruohan's sins. 

But it's fine. In the end, this is just a long dream. 

***

Shen Qingqiu stealthily left the banquet hall before midnight. 

He walked through the place as if he knew the layout of the Unclean Realm. Well, he does. 

{Loading the map of Unclean Realm…}

Alone, he walked along the cobblestone path, led only by the map and lanterns around. The guard disciples acted like they didn't see him and the passing ones bowed and hastily left. 

The moon hung far above his head like a majestic being that watched him quietly, like the Systems (and an Oathbreaker) that kept their silence whenever he's cornered, then scold him after that. 

The night breeze pierced his accused robes that held the crimson. The warm robes created from the blood of the peasants. 

For a moment, Shen Qingqiu was reminded of the time when he walked through Qing Jing Peak in flames. Everyone were covered in blood, lying lifelessly on the ground. He dislikes the hallmasters, but he had never wished death upon them. And there he was, almost tripping over a body after being in a dazed state. 

It was a reality.

[Host is in the Unclean Realm.]

Once?

Shen Qingqiu blinked, and suddenly, the view changed to the previous nightly one. 

With feet on auto-pilot, Shen Qingqiu moved forward while lifting his head. 

The moon hangs on the sky, surrounded by stars. He wondered how the big black ink could hold so many things that have been watching the world from the ancient times. 

"My Lord."

He stopped in his footsteps and looked down. He had already arrived at the huge guest quarters, and there stood Wen Zhuliu, who have been waiting for him. 

"Rest." Shen Qingqiu waved off while passing by the man to enter through the door. 

"Yes."

With Wen Zhuliu following behind, they're greeted by a long corridor as far as the eye could see. Leaving Wen Zhuliu in his own room, Shen Qingqiu continued his way to the end of the corridor, passing by doors and walls. He went up the stairs. 

And upon finally entering his slightly extravagant room at the top floor, Shen Qingqiu slowly made his way to the bed and silently sat on it. It felt soft yet hard under him. 

Behind him, the window beside the bed was open, letting the wind in. It felt cold as the Qing Jing Peak Lord took off the dark gloves from his hands. 

After putting them on the nightstand, Shen Qingqiu's gaze shifted towards Hong Men, laying peacefully on the bed. 

Sching!

It shines like the real master who's now replaced by a fake when the latter unsheathed it. 

Then, he slit his fingertip with it!

Clang!

In his shock, the sword dropped to the floor.

It hurts. It stings. Shen Qingqiu immediately healed the wound with Wen Ruohan's spiritual energy. Warmth spread towards his finger.

Horror realization struck him. Something he had once felt when he didn't feel the Brute's breath at the caves. 

He's not waking up. 

This was supposed to be a dream. Something that's not real, not real, not real—

[This is reality, Host.]

Reality.

The candles in the room dissipated due to the cold whispers of night through the window. 

Everything became dark, yet he stayed mute. The window behind his back revealed his frozen figure, creating an eerie black silhouette. His blank face gets even darker and the crimson eyes doesn't shine, just like Shen Jiu's slowly-dimming determination to live. 

{Host cannot deny this new world anymore. It's all true. From now on, you are Wen Ruohan}

[You are free from Luo Binghe.]

…Is he?

***

{Host had done a good job staying in-character earlier at the day. Please keep it up.}

There's Shen Qingqiu, laying motionlessly in his inner robes on the bed. The windows are now closed and only one candle is on, creating a faint light in the room. It's already midnight, but he's not asleep yet, still thinking about the insanity he had just experienced. 

'Is it implying that we are the same?'

Him and that sadist?

Ignoring his conflicting thoughts, the Selfless System voiced again. 

{Nonetheless, please refrain from using the fan from now on. Wen Ruohan never cared about fans as it means showing himself being 'weak' as to hide behind something.}

{It is fortunate that his body was not used to using them that Host 'forgot' to fan himself. He even put it into his robe midway through his argument with Lan Qiren. Congratulations.}

…No way. 

So that's why—

Shen Qingqiu took a deep breath, then calmly let it all out. 

Is this freedom?! Where he couldn't even use his comfort property?

Assholes. He didn't even get the chance to use that Death fan. 

{If Host doesn't comply, then this System will be forced to give punishment to him.}

Shen Qingqiu glared scathingly at the window panel. But before he could retort something back, Shackle suddenly voiced. 

[Host, would you like to know the details of this world?]

Then, the Qing Jing Peak Lord went silent. He stared at Shackle, glared back at Selfless, then turned back again at Shackle's message. 

He frowned. 

"This better be worth my time."

***

To Wen Qing, Wen Ruohan is the eye that lurks in the shadows.

Every move she makes will be known to the man. Yes, she knows Wen Ruohan trusts her, as she's his own niece, after all. However, it also felt like he didn't trust her. 

Because she's his favorite niece, it makes her feel watched. She knows those guards were for protection. But she knew they would report to Wen Ruohan about her doings. 

She often accompanies him in banquets, and it makes her feel like a personal bodyguard, or assistant, because her talent does not rely much on combat. 

She doesn't know what was on his mind, but as long as he doesn't cross the line like that bastard Jin Guangshan, then she would stay respectful of her uncle. 

Despite that, she's still proud of her position. 

Whenever she talks about others with Wen Ruohan, she always makes sure to speak well of them in order to keep her uncle's worst of the worst temper in check. Well, except a certain man in gold robes. 

Her words about him would always purposely contain warnings and doubts ever since she knew the Wens and Jins became close allies. She doesn't want the lecher to corrupt her uncle more. Because if that happens, it would fall on her. Just imagining Wen Ruohan touching her makes her feel— sick. 

Alas, the damned "advisors" of Wen Ruohan always found a way to keep the relationship between the two clans. As a result, her attempts had always been naught. 

…At least her uncle hasn't done anything bad to her yet. 

And there's this one day. 

At first, she was about to go to sleep in her own room.

But then a Wen Disciple barged to her house like he owned it!

Yet, when she heard about the news of Wen Ruohan Qi Deviating, her mind halted. Wen Ruohan, the great Chief Cultivator, suddenly Qi Deviated out of nowhere mid-dinner with his sons. 

She was called, and was brought to the palace with a transportation talisman after sending a quick goodbye to her brother.

Wen Ruohan was sleeping in his bed, but the after-effects of a Qi Deviation is clear. After sending a quick check in his meridians and instructing the maids and servants on what to do next, Wen Qing rushed to the palace's infirmary where one patient with critical injuries awaits her. 

Wen Xu. Her cousin.

"First Young Master Wen was terribly injured, because Second Young Master used him as a meatshield!" The idiot Wen that barged to her home earlier had whispered, and Wen Qing went numb at hearing it. 

Really? Wen Chao used his own brother as a meat shield?!

That brat. Wen Qing always knew he's dumb. But for him to be so cruel?!

Whatever. She focused on healing the barely-alive Wen Xu. By that, fixing his broken ribs, nose, and every possible bone that's broken with other doctors helping. It was a miracle he's still living while looking like a corpse!

And after the hours-long surgery did she hear the full story from a servant, who was delivering the meals at the time.

Long story short, the little family was just eating. Just like any other family, the meals must be filled with a tense atmosphere, either with silence or stern talkings. 

But then suddenly, Wen Ruohan looked like he's having trouble breathing. His face went red and veins bulged out. The next thing the servant knew, the man had gone crazy as he flipped the table with a roar, causing the foods and drinks to spill to the floor.

Wen Chao shrieked like an imperial concubine while Wen Xu drew his sword. Wen Ruohan went to attack the youngest son with a punch, but then Wen Chao pulled his brother in front of him, causing Wen Xu to get the hit instead!

And that's when Wen Zhuliu, who's been standing guard outside the room entered and immediately stopped the Chief Cultivator. While Wen Chao ran away, the servant, probably not in his right mind, threw a sheathed Hong Men that was lying on the floor out the window and sprinted out of the room.

To Wen Qing, it was a dangerous situation. Faced with the strongest cultivator in this world in a manic Qi Deviation could get Wen Zhuliu dead. But lo and behold, he managed to stop the Qi Deviation and render Wen Ruohan unconscious, albeit with more wounds and bruises. 

Wen Zhuliu was lucky Wen Ruohan was not using Hong Men, and instead resorting to punches and scratches (like a brute, she thought. It was contrasting to her uncle's noble and refined appearance). 

For 3 days, Wen Qing tried to study the cause for that sudden bout of Qi Deviation. But to no avail. There was no cause. Wen Chao the moron himself confirmed they were just talking about the siblings' progress in training. 

All of this frustrates her. She's dizzy now. Damn it. Her uncle will always be an enigma to her life.

……..

And then her uncle woke up after 3 days.

He was acting strange. 

"I can taste it," he said. Of course he could! It's medicine. Why would he spew out that kind of nonsense? Was his brain addled from the fever?

And then he looked around as if his own bedroom was a place for keeping hostages. He took a deep breath. And without moving her head, Wen Qing's eyes trailed down to where Wen Ruohan's hand slightly rubbed the bed sheets. 

Something's not right about Wen Ruohan. 

Then her uncle had the gal to ask "where am I."

After Wen Qing answered truthfully, he suddenly kicked her and A-Ning out!

What is wrong with him?? Wen Qing had the urge to open up the man's head and see just what was in his brain, but she couldn't refute the Chief Cultivator's order. So she and her brother walked out of the room. 

To distract herself, she brought A-Ning to where Wen Xu was treated in the infirmary. For experience purposes. 

When she came back to her uncle's room to check on him, she found the medicine bowl she gave to him earlier filled with vomit. Her uncle never vomits, at least not in one of her medicine bowls. 

No, that's just not it. 

After her uncle recovered enough, he just— locked himself in his room for around 5 days. Was it because of the humiliation? His niece found out he vomited so he locked himself?

Maybe he wants to go into seclusion? After all, he just had a Qi Deviation.

But seriously, he didn't even spare a chance to check on his heir at least once?

Fine. Wen Qing decided to just tell him about Wen Xu's condition when the heir's healed enough. Or when the man left seclusion. 

For now, observing seems like the best choice. If anything happens, she'll do something about it.

If only Wen Qing knew her uncle was struggling to get himself used to the new limbs, environment, and paperworks during those days. 

***

"Jie.."

In their house, A-Ning called as she was about to step out from their house. Wen Qing, wearing outside robes, looked back. 

It was the day for her to go to the main palace and go with Wen Ruohan to accompany him. After all, she has always been his companion in banquets and the one at this incoming Discussion Conference is not an exception. 

"What?"

"S-Sect Leader Wen," A-Ning hesitated before taking a deep breath, "He already departed. With Wen Zhuliu"

Wen Qing was silent for a long time, her brain processes that particular information until she opened her mouth. 

"WHAT?!"

Chapter Text

This is simply unacceptable. 

"Oh, esteemed cultivators!" Old Man Chen touched the white jade hands of his third beautiful concubine, crocodile tears running down his face. 

His cries caused the silence in the room full of Qing Jing delegation to be awkward. With the disciples standing behind him, Wen Ruohan sat at the guest seat, gracefully gulping down the tea in hopes for it to be soothing (it did not, it tastes like dirt).

He eyed the girl who's only a year older than Ning Yingying in the old man's arms and felt the need to groan. He doesn't understand why people seek carnal pleasure from kids. Doesn't the prospect of wealth, fame, and power sound better?

Old Master Chen mournfully sighed. "The Skinner has been targeting the beautiful girls in our city." No shit. "Including my Lin-er and Yan-er!"

Then he spoke like a storyteller telling a horror story, all with the hand gestures and "eerie" tone, "Each of them were skinned from head to toe. The crime scene was so bloody…! What did these young ladies do to deserve such a thing??"

"My lord..!" The third concubine sobbed on the old man's lap. 

"A-Luo, it sounds so scary," whispered Ning Yingying at the back, while Wen Ruohan slowly traced the rim of the teacup in an attempt to calm himself down lest he commits arson. 

Old Master Chen continued, "You cultivators must make the decision for us! I don't dare let my Die-er leave my side for fear that if she loses her way by even a single step, she will be killed by that unnatural creature the very same day."

"My Lord.." Die-er clutched her hand on the old man's chest, weeping.

"Die-er…"

"My Lord…"

"Die-er…!"

Wen Ruohan's jade green eyes looked up from the half-filled teacup, and coincidentally met eyes with Die-er, who was sneaking a glance at him.

As Die-er quickly looked away as if shy from the immortal master's gaze, Wen Ruohan let a small grin break through his face. 

{OOC, OOC. If host does that again, there will be another punishment.}

And the smile disappeared as quick as how his Fuqin died. 

Clack!

The teacup was put down on the table, gaining everyone's attention. 

Then, he pulled out his fan and batted it leisurely. 

"Do not worry, Lord Chen. The Qing Jing delegation will resolve this issue. Now, shall we get to the details?"

***

Some time later, near dusk, there was a knock on the door of Wen Ruohan's guest room. He looked up from the red-colored Immortal Binding Cables he had brought in his hands.

"Enter."

The girl, Ning Yingying, entered sweetly. "Shizun, Ying-er is going to go out for a turn in the market. Shizun, do you want to come with me?"

{Reminder; Shen Qingqiu does not like the crowd.}

Wen Ruohan hid a frown behind his fan. So what let this little girl think it's a good idea to go out at dusk when a serial killer is lurking around?

"And tell this Master why you think it's a good idea," he asked aloud.

Ning Yingying blinked, not expecting to be asked back. Nonetheless, she tried to answer, "Shizun, this disciple thinks it's a good idea to know this place better. Familiarizing ourselves to our mission's location could help with the mission more."

"....." Wen Ruohan is speechless. All this time, he thought the girl was as dense (stupid) as a rock, very naive to how the world works. But after hearing her response, maybe there's more to her than he knew?

{Ning Yingying is right, Host. After all, didn't Host do the same thing years ago, when he was just an heir?}

Wen Ruohan froze. 

Thump, and the cable was lightly slammed down a nearby table.

"...A good reason, Yingying." He stared at an uneasy-looking Ning Yingying with narrowed eyes. "But this Master doesn't think it's a good idea to parade around the market with a murderer lurking around."

{Host, it is OOC of Shen Qingqiu to be overprotective of Ning Yingying. You could just let her go with a few martial siblings.}

This must be part of the Journey. Selfless System must've wanted him to let the girl go. The rest is easy to guess. Given her nature, she'll get captured and probably die. And then Wen Ruohan will be on the blame! He's not easy to fool. 

"Shizun..?" The girl stared at him, confused. Seriously, what part is she confused about?!

{Host. There will be a punishment.}

No. This is in-character of him. As a tactician, Shen Qingqiu should be discussing plans with his disciples, no? So what I'm doing right now is completely in-character. 

{Loading…}

Feeling his patience running out, Wen Ruohan flicked his sleeve with a frown, "Do not fool around. Call for your martial siblings and tell them we're going out to inspect a corpse. I want them gathered outside the guest abode in an hour."

At that, Ning Yingying nodded with pouted lips, and walked out of his room with a slumped posture. Hmph, that Shen Qingqiu has been spoiling her to no degree. It is Wen Ruohan's job to teach her what it means to be a real cultivator and not some lazy noble kid.

After that, he looked at the red cables in his hand and spread them on the floor. Some time passed. And as Wen Ruohan crouched down, the cables in front of him were all already bent and turned here and there.

Falling to his knees, Wen Ruohan began tying them all up, knotting them up into an Immortal Binding Net.

Not without curses and loud sighs here and there during the process. 

***

Wen Ruohan sighed discreetly behind his fan, feeling the girl tremble behind him as she clutched his robes. 

"This is," Ming Fan carefully observed the talisman that's been turned black, "a demon's doing."

The group of Qing Jing brats are quiet as they hovered over the sorry sight of a skinless corpse. When they entered the inspection room containing one of the corpses, a few let out a gasps and the rest seemed faint. Ning Yingying looked like she's gonna faint while Ming Fan trembled slightly. Kids. 

The golden child filled with overwhelming talent only people like Wen Ruohan could see, Luo Binghe, only froze. The whole time, he was all tense.

Wen Ruohan then turned back to look at the corpse. Or more like a huge lump of rotting flesh?

The scent of faint rot filled the room. It's obvious the corpse is rotting. Soon, the smell will be unbearable. He should get this done quickly. 

"Can any of you guess what kind of demon it is?"

Ming Fan opened his mouth to answer, but someone beat him to it. 

Unexpectedly, Ning Yingying spoke up from the human shield of her master, slightly peeking out. 

"A skinner, maybe?" she answered quietly. 

Wen Ruohan raised a brow, but nodded nonetheless. 

"You're right. Nowadays, a skinner is extremely rare and difficult to find. But it doesn't mean they're complrtely extinct." Wen Ruohan pointed his fan at the corpse. "This, is the proof."

The disciples listened attentively to him. Wen Ruohan took a deep, deep breath, preparing to explain things to these deadweight novices without trying to choke one of them. 

"A skinner's weakness is when it is exposed to the air without having a skin to protect it. After killing someone, there will be a moment where the skinner had to switch skins. That's when it was the most vulnerable. Very, very vulnerable. When fighting it, we had to make the skinner exit its inhabiting skin without a casualty."

They talked a bit more, such as the characteristics of a skinner in it's non-human form (a figure covered in black wisps of energy), intelligence, weak points, strength, and so forth. 

Wen Ruohan was surprised to see the brats more knowledgeable than they looked. Did Shen Qingqiu punish them in the form of reading books under his supervision? Did Shen Qingqiu do sudden tests in classes? Or are they just.. smart and the man is good at filtering in new disciples?

Even Ning Yingying is participating, trying to insert her thoughts. Though her cowardice needs to be fixed. 

"And that concludes it." Wen Ruohan tapped his fan against his palm, glad that this shit finally ended. He hates being a teacher. 

{Host.}

Ignoring the bastard's warning, Wen Ruohan continued while opening up the fan, "For tonight, we'll go to sleep. The investigation is tomorrow."

The disciples looked at each other, raising their brows. Ming Fan then raised his hand. But before he could speak up, Wen Ruohan put a finger over his own lips. 

At that, Ming Fan closed his mouth, and the others who've been watching immediately froze. They were originally silent when the discussion continues, only talking when necessary—due to the eerie atmosphere by being near a corpse—yet, it seemed as if they're even more silent.

"......"

"......"

"......"

The brats held their breath, posture stiff and tense. Even this girl Ning Yingying clutched the green robes tighter. 

The longer the silence went on, the more the kids felt the chill creeping up their spines. Luo Binghe and Ming Fan looked around in case of an intruder, and accidentally made eye contact. They quickly looked away. 

Meanwhile, the other disciples waited in fear and awareness. They didn't dare to ask their Shizun a question. How could they, when Shizun had ordered them to quiet down? Judging from the focused look on his face, they knew it was no good. 

A whole minute had passed when Wen Ruohan finally voiced, "That's enough."

Hearing that, everyone else let out relieved sighs, to which Wen Ruohan silently scoffed. 

"Shizun," Ning Yingying was the first to start the conversation, "what was it?"

Instead of answering, Wen Ruohan was about to move away from her annoying grip when Shackle voiced.

[Host, she will vomit the moment you move away from her.]

Behind his fan, Wen Ruohan face soured. Stupid girl. Stupid Shen Qingqiu for coddling this little brat. When they get back to Qing Jing, he will teach her how to stay calm when looking at bloodies corpses starting from—

{OOC warning!}

'I knew it. This piece of shit.' Fine. He'll find other ways to teach her how to not parasitize off of her fucking master. 

[Host better not.]

Huffing out a breath, Wen Ruohan waved his hand. "Ming Fan, cover the corpse."

After Ming Fan covered the corpse with a white cloth, Wen Ruohan spoke up, with a hint of impatience underneath.

"All right. Let's start our real discussion for a plan right here, right now."

Ming Fan and the others briefly glanced at one another and decided that yes, they do not like this at all.

Throughout the whole discussion, the Qing Jing brats were tense and stiff as rocks. Wen Ruohan scoffed silently. They act as if they're going to war for the first time rather than facing a mere demon that could be blasted through tens of walls. 

And Wen Ruohan enacted a good plan. 

……

Everyone was dismissed at night. The group went back to their guest abode and rested at their own rooms. 

The plan is set. Wen Ruohan's ruthless sadistic self made the girl as bait. Well, in a way. The Selfless shit was stabbing his ears when Wen Ruohan finally explained himself. As the girl with the weakest cultivation in the group, Ning Yingying will be prone as a victim. 

They all knew the skinner would target her first (the girl deflated at that. Pathetic). So, an Immortal Binding Net will be hidden in her room, along with its array (she sleeps alone). When night comes, it'll be dark. And judging from a skinner's average intelligence, it will unknowingly activate the net array and be trapped (just by tripping over a thin string tied across the floor)

(Just like how that snake captured the tyrant.)

[Host, this Shackle doesn't think this is a good idea.]

"Oh, but it is," replied Wen Ruohan in a smug tone as he sat down on the bed, blowing out the candle that made the room dark. 

[Traumatizing a girl with near-death experience is not a good idea.]

"I didn't say that was the plan."

[Host did, in a way.]

{But it is for the sake of the Journey.}

[Loading…]

He should be feeling happy that someone, or something was agreeing with him. Instead, bile rose up Wen Ruohan's throat.

"Tonight, one of us might disappear. So be prepared. Perhaps sleep with your training swords under your bed."

But who was Wen Ruohan if not the seeker of fun when he's bored? Anyway, even if a brat died, it's their fault.

{Host.]

At the warning of both creatures, Wen Ruohan sighed and laid down.

Slowly, his eyes began to close. After that, his breathing became calmer. And eventually, he fell into slumber.

***

From outside, the moon hung high on its highest peak, worshipped by the thousands of stars. The night is dark, so they light it up to become the saviors of mortals lost in the shadows. 

For centuries, they had been watching, and watching, and watching. Silently, as the creatures on earth moved about. This time, it'll be no different, and tonight they will be watching a dramatic show.

In the dead of the night, faint, slow footsteps sounded in the corridor. A figure of a woman slowly crept towards the doors to the guest rooms. 

It stopped in front of the girl's room, and scratched the door with its nail. 

Originally, it wanted to prey on the little girl first. Her essence is delicious and her skin is pristine white. A heartful meal. She is the perfect prey for it. 

After her skin is taken, it will take the others. People from Qing Jing are so beautiful. It didn't expect that a whole gourmet would come to its doorsteps. 

But then it saw the master, and it hungered. 

Whatever! It will prey on the girl first. Then, everyone else from Qing Jing with the master last on the line. Save the best for the last. 

However, after hearing how foolish the master had been, it was amused. 

All in all, the master of Qing Jing is a stupid, lazy noble like this household's Lord. He chose to sleep first over the lives of these humans! They said he's an honorable cultivator, but it was all lies. 

So, it lowered its hand, and walked away towards another door. 

With a flick of its hand, the lock to the door broke. The door quietly opened, revealing a dark room. 

On the bed, there laid the man, its target, Shen Qingqiu. The Qing Jing Peak Lord, sleeping peacefully like a spoiled human noble, judging from his calm and relaxed breathing. 

From under his inner robes, it could see the lean muscles of the body. But most importantly, his smooth and pristine skin. Rich in spiritual energy, with a strong golden core. It drooled, seeing the uncovered, vulnerable neck. 

The clawed hand crept out, hovering over Shen Qingqiu's neck. 

Then, it slashed down!

Rip!

***

In the next room, five Qing Jing disciples "slept".

Waiting, actually, holding their breaths. Although their eyes were closed, none of them didn't dare to really sleep. 

Why would they, when they had barely heard the very light footsteps passing by their room just now? Hadn't it been for Ming Fan alerting, they wouldn't have heard it. 

What scared them was the fact that they didn't know if it's Shizun or the skinner. 

In his bed, Luo Binghe pursed his lips tightly. Under the blanket, he gripped his training sword tightly, determination sinking in. 

In another bed, Ming Fan's palms were already sweaty from holding his training sword for hours. 

***

All it ripped was the pillow. 

Instead, what greeted its sight was "Shen Qingqiu"s head tilting aside, green eyes wide open and glaring. 

And in the speed of light, the creature's wrist was grabbed with a sharp-nailed hand. 

"What?!" A broken feminine voice was heard from its figure. 

In a second, the skinner is already pressed on the ground, her back crushed by Wen Ruohan's knee. It shrieked in terror, thrashing around fiercely, but the man used his strength to squish her down the floor with Xiu Ya hovering above where her neck should be. 

A deep laugh rose from Wen Ruohan's throat. 

{OOC! Shen Qingqiu does not laugh in this kind of situation!}

Ignoring the bastard creature who made him this way, Wen Ruohan spoke, "Who knew you'd be so naive. Even a junior disciple could hear your footsteps from outside the room."

He grinned. "Die-er."

The skinner flinched harshly. "How do you know?!"

"It's obvious. But seeing as you're too stupid to understand, then this master might explain a bit. The recent victims are the concubines in this mansion, and they're all women. So there's only one possibility, the skinner is here." Wen Ruohan held back another laugh, "Die-er."

At that, the skinner demon screamed and roared brokenly, loud. A moment later, the skin it was inhabiting sunk and eventually, the one under Wen Ruohan's hold is just an empty shell of a skin. Gone was the demon behind the mask. 

From behind Wen Ruohan, a crash occurred, along with a high-pitched scream that suspiciously sounded like the voice of a male disciple from next room. 

And in that particular room—

"He-Shidi, shut up!" Exclaimed Ming Fan as he fought the skinner (now a cloud of black shadows) head-on with only a training sword. The disciple named He-Shidi promptly shut his mouth. 

Bits and pieces of the wood, both huge and small scattered on the floor. 

The boy tried to ignore the sudden stinging pain on his bare foot as he accidentally stepped on one. 

When the skinner suddenly barged into their room, creating a large hole in the wall, everyone was shocked to death. They didn't expect the skinner to actually go to their Shizun's room instead! With his experience as a Head Disciple, Ming Fan immediately unsheathed his training sword and jumped at the skinner. 

Everyone else retreated to the walls, not wanting to be pierced by the sword. Given the limited and small space, Ming Fan had a hard time fighting the skinner. It's also more difficult when the skinner shrieks and flails around wildly in quick speed. All the boy managed to hit was the empty air! 

His speed was too slow for the demon that killed 9 civilians.

Ming Fan shouted (shrieked), "Don't let it out the window or door!"

At that, the disciples near the window and door immediately pressed themselves against the frames. Gluing his back to the already-closed window, Luo Binghe watched the fight cautiously, slightly trembling. He wanted to join the fight, but he's afraid of inconveniencing Ming Fan instead and endangering others. 

Realizing that its other escape routes have been blocked, the floating black demonic blob let out a high-pitched shriek. Slowly, the faintest spiritual energy carried by the wind in the room is piercing its real skin. 

Impossible! How could they truly know it was coming?! Did they know it eavesdropped on them outside the inspection room?! Ridiculous!!

There's only one other exit—

The hole in the wall. 

"It's running away! Luo Binghe!!"

The skinner immediately turned back to run (fly) away from the fight, speeding towards the hole in the wall in desperation—

And found itself facing a man, wearing his outer green robes, standing indifferently while crossing his arms.

Whatever! It'll just attack him instead, then!

But before the skinner could reach it, someone suddenly bolted.

"Don't hurt Shizun!!" Luo Binghe screamed, feeling his feet almost slip on the floor after quickly braking, nearly losing his dignity in front of Shizun. 

Seeing the sword pointed at it, the skinner cursed loudly and turned around. Yet, Qing Jing Disciples have surrounded it in a circle, pointing their swords dangerously. 

"Just give it up, skinner." Wen Ruohan stated nonchalantly as if he's on a trip and not on a fighting scene. 

"NEVER!!"

With that, the skinner howled and lunged at a disciple's throat. 

Ming Fan, "He-Shidi!!"

Seeing the skinner leaping towards him, He-Shidi let out a high-pitched scream as he swung his sword. 

And the skinner joined him in screaming loudly as a hand— a lone hand, dropped to the floor. The skinner clutched its bloody wrist with its other hand, screeching in pain. 

"Capture it!" Ming Fan shouted. And at once, Luo Binghe lunged for it from behind. 

However, the skinner disappeared in the blink of an eye. And in turn, another hole in the wall appeared, with a trail of blood on the wooden floor. 

"That's.."

"NING-SHIJIE!" Luo Binghe screeched, and Ming Fan gripped his head with both hands, their expressions panicked. 

In another room, Ning Yingying trembled greatly.

When she heard the shouts from the next room, she knew the skinner had gone for them instead of her.

She felt guilty, so she wanted to help.

But then, she felt so scared. What if she disturbed them instead? If she gets injured, she'll trouble them more. 

...So the least she could do is to hide under the bed. 

And watch as the skinner's leg touches the string tied across the room, activating the Immortal Binding Net Array. 

"NOOOOO!!!!"

The binding net that was originally invisible on the floor glowed brightly, a bright crimson covered in wisps of gold. Something about the net made the skinner stuck in place. It struggled, screaming hoarsely as it felt its demonic energy disappearing. 

A moment later, wind scattered and the net has completely caged the demon, hanging off the ceiling. 

Chapter Text

Shen Qingqiu was only five back then. 

"Fuqin." His small, little hand knocked on the door. "Open the door, please. I won't repeat it again.

Then, he opened his eyes. 

He laid on the bed for a whole moment, mental gears slowly operating. After processing what he was dreaming of, he frowned. 

That was not his past. 

Groggily sitting up, Shen Qingqiu turned his head to stare at the line of faint sunlight just creeping into the room through the window crack. After sleeping, his hair was unkempt and slightly messy. 

"...I didn't wake up at midnight?"

[No, Host. In fact, Host didn't have any nightmare of the Beast.]

"I didn't?" Shen Qingqiu furrowed his brows. To hide his confusion, he grabbed a fan from under the pillow (right where he also hid a knife) and opened it. 

"This must be a joke."

[It isn't.]

"...It is."

[It isn't.]

"......." Shen Qingqiu was left opening and closing his mouth like a gaping fish. "Be serious."

[This Shackle is being serious. Host did not have the dreams, except for that one.]

Never had Shen Qingqiu imagined that he would be in this position—confused on why he didn't suddenly wake up at midnight after a nightmare, when he wasn't even sleeping at the brothel—. He literally slept amongst the other sect leaders. Men, in fact. 

He's been waiting— waiting to have a single nightmare about the Qius. Anything, but the past few nights he slept were just.. empty. It's neither peaceful or loud. Just silence and emptiness. And it's also the first time he's ever got a dream that doesn't involve pain, glares, nor venomous words.

To Shen Qingqiu, this was the first time since forever. 

This is too illogical! What is happening?

"Was it because I'm—" Wen Ruohan?

[Yes. Host is in the body of Wen Ruohan.]

That explains everything, yet nothing at the same time. 

"Fuqin, open the door, please. I won't repeat it again."

Yes. That explains nothing at all. Little Shen Jiu never lived in the palace as a child. 

{Apologies, Host. We do not control dreams, as it is the job of a specific type of System, and we are not one of those Systems. Was there anything in the dream Host wants to talk about?}

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. "You don't know what I dreamed about?"

{We do.}

Shen Qingqiu turned away, not wanting to look into the Systems' unbroken gaze any longer. They know. He gritted his teeth, glaring at the wall.

"...Nevermind."

Instead, he moved to get out of the bed. He's got more things to do, such as attending the meeting. To be honest, he doesn't want to, not anymore. Especially after that disaster of a banquet yesterday. 

Shen Qingqiu would like to go to a brothel and just sleep for a whole day, even if the bed has too much fragrance to his liking. But at least he doesn't have to worry about men. 

Yet, this is the body of Wen Ruohan and he just feels like he couldn't afford to— to…!

……..

***

"What the hell is this?" Shen Qingqiu had sputtered when he had his first bath after coming into this world. 

The servants had left him alone in his bathroom, so he was left with Wen Ruohan's body in his possession. 

Staring at the mirror over his shoulder, Shen Qingqiu truly couldn't believe what he was seeing. 

The supposedly-pristine white skin on the back is covered with a handful of welts and scars. Faint, red lines tracing above the skin. Due to his.. experience, he knew what those are. Whip marks. Although they look like they've been healed, they always leave marks. Traces of their existence. 

***

In the guest room, Shen Qingqiu shuddered. 

What could Wen Ruohan have done to receive those? He was supposed to be a Chief Cultivator—no one would hurt him. Was it before he became a Chief Cultivator? Still, who made his back like this? What was the reason?

…Was it the conquest he did to the smaller clans?

That couldn't be. The timing doesn't fit right. That was when the man had become a Chief Cultivator and he's (Shen Qingqiu hates to admit) the strongest in this place. Was it a past mistake from his teenage years?

Could it be involved with the dream?

Immediately, Shen Qingqiu glanced around the bathroom with glaring eyes, feeling a slight chill run up his spine.

No, he's feeling frustrated. He shouldn't think too much about this. What happened to Wen Ruohan doesn't affect Shen Qingqiu. 

…But the man deserves it. That man. That beast. One who couldn't get enough of it. One who wants more, more, more-

"Shizun."

{Host, it is OOC of Wen Ruohan to visit a brothel.}

Shen Qingqiu jolted and he reflexively stepped back. 

"Shut up!" He yelled with a voice that wasn't his, and it felt like being doused in cold water.

He accidentally looked at the adult-size mirror nearhy and saw a fucking lunatic. With full-blown manic eyes and pale skin, looking much like a ghost. Except it wasn't a ghost. It was a beast, a demon, with red irises that—

Crash!

Shen Qingqiu kicked the mirror into pieces. 

[Initializing the Stabilizer!]

Suddenly, what felt like a whole mountain crashed into him and Shen Qingqiu collapsed on his knees. 

Panic set into him as his body went numb. He couldn't move. He couldn't move! He needs to get out of here. He's being restrained. 

"Let go!" He croaked, voice hoarse. There's blood in his throat. This is humiliating. This is unacceptable! 

[Host, you are on the verge of Qi Deviation.]

[Please wait a moment.]

Slowly, Shen Qingqiu could make out the pace of the Qi inside this body. Was it originally about to burst? However, the Qi that was churning just a moment ago slowed down. Somehow. 

Did the Stabilizer manipulate the Qi? How did it do it? Was Shackle bound to his body? Planted inside? This doesn't make any sense. Only another cultivator could help calm another one's Qi down, and it was by contact. No one's touching him. How does the Stabilizer even work?

Somehow, the thought that the Stabilizer doesn't need skin contact sent a sense of… calmness. 

Shen Qingqiu frowned. 

"My Lord." There was a knock, and Wen Zhuliu's voice. 

[Turning off the Stabilizer.]

Shen Qingqiu snapped his head to look at the door, posture tense. 

What. What happened?!

[Host almost experienced a minor Qi Deviation and destroyed a mirror.]

...Was that what happened?

Standing up, the former Qing Jing Peak Lord headed to the door and opened it, warily staring at the infamous Core-Melting Hand standing at the corridor outside the room. 

"What."

"Breakfast will start soon." The man said passively, eyes looking straight. The latter discreetly mental-commanded Hong Men to fly into his arm that was hidden behind the door. It would do no good if suddenly the Core-Melting Hand went bonkers like a mad dog and attack Shen Qingqiu instead. 

"Mn." Shen Qingqiu nodded, closing the door. Frozenly standing there, he quietly listened to the Core-Melting Hand's footsteps faintly sounding through the wall, eventually disappearing as the man went away. 

After that, he released a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Then, Shen Qingqiu turned back to look at the shattered mirror pieces on the floor. The mirror that was supposed to belong to the Nies. 

"...Damn it."

***

"Ah, good morning, Sect Leader Wen." Jin Guangshan's voice blessed Shen Qingqiu's ears to the point that it almost bled in the morning. 

Eating his breakfast at his own table, Shen Qingqiu nodded as an answer. He decided to stuff his mouth a bit full so he didn't have to answer this piece of scum. 

Fate decided to be a bitch as Jin Guangshan sat beside him. Apparently, the table is large enough to hold multiple people. Shen Qingqiu almost cracked his chopsticks. 

He slowly gritted out, "Good morning, Sect Leader Jin."

'His voice sounded different.' It's possible the man must've snuck out at midnight to visit Qinghe's brothel. His complexion also looks different, almost fresher than yesterday. He really tried to cover up the smell of cheap perfumes with the rich and expensive fragrance of nobles, perhaps a peony?

No, scratch it. It's a fact. Jin Guangshan visited a brothel. 

Shen Qingqiu has met one too many people like this to be able to recognize them. This particular skill has been trained ever since he met nobles during missions and meetings as a Peak Lord. And oh, he doesn't like them. 

Jin Guangshan merely smiled, the squint of his eyes yelling out 'Scammer!'

Only the experience of being a scholar has helped Shen Qingqiu to be able to recognize that. 

"Say, Sect Leader." Jin Guangshan started. Shen Qingqiu twitches at the fact that the man could hide his face behind a fan. "I noticed that you're not bringing the renowned Doctress Wen as per usual. May I ask if something had happened?"

"She's merely too busy. After all, my son, Wen Xu, is currently under her care." He answered easily, forcing himself to make eye contact to not give a hint that he lied. Well, half-lied. Shizun's voice that was more than a decade ago resounded in his head. 

"Nooo, Shen Jiu. Make eye contact. Look at my eyes. That's right. Assert dominance. You're a Head Disciple, not some rat in the attics of Bai Zhan."

Hm. 

Jin Guangshan nodded. "Ah, I see."

Seeing the man batting his fan like that, Shen Qingqiu had the crippling urge to either snatch it for himself or throw it away to Nie Mingjue's face. The Nie brute is nearby, by the next table! Do it!

He didn't.

Instead, Shen Qingqiu looked away, somehow feeling very much dissatisfied. 

{Jin Guangshan is right, Host.}

Shen Qingqiu froze at the voice. The tea in hand that was about to head towards his mouth paused mid-air.

{Don't you prefer a female companion? Why bring Wen Zhuliu with you? If that's it, then this System will give out punishment at the end of the day.]

Slowly, Shen Qingqiu lowered his hand. 

'I know.' Of course he does. 

Of course he should've brought Wen Qing with him. He's not being himself, isn't he? After all, he dislikes the presence of men, especially when they are strangers. 

But there's one thing Shen Qingqiu learned after being Wen Ruohan. Tyrant of Qishan. The strongest cultivator in this different cultivation world. 

{Why.}

I have control over him. 

It was something Peak Lord Shen, a Shizun, would have. It was something Chief Cultivator, Sect Leader Wen, would have.

I have control over him.

{Loading…}

Ah, Selfless is silenced. Shen Qingqiu drank his tea in one gulp. 

(He knows Wen Zhuliu could just betray him anytime. But if the information Shackled gave about the man's loyalty is true, then—)

(Shen Qingqiu is being a bit reckless here. It must be Wen Ruohan's body's influence-)

"Also, Sect Leader Wen-"

"What." Shen Qingqiu snapped, glaring at Jin Guangshan who flinched in surprise. 

As Shen Qingqiu waited in boiling silence, the Jin Sect Leader coughed into his fist, "...Ah. I just want to give my condolences to your heir's bad luck. For him to protect his younger brother just to receive severe injuries—it was quite heroic of him."

Fortunately or unfortunately, Shen Qingqiu is the type of person to notice the details only a normal person would ignore. He frowned. "Is Sect Leader Jin implying my son being attacked by a Qi Deviating person as mere bad luck?"

At that, Jin Guangshan is actually speechless. Look at his face! Closing and opening his mouth like a smelly fish at the market. 

Noticing that Selfless isn't actually saying anything, Shen Qingqiu took the chance to get more words out of him, "It almost seems like you're calling Wen Xu an idiot." Might possibly be one. "But I appreciate your condolences, Sect Leader Jin. Just remember that my heir is not the weak type. He will wake up by the time I return to Qishan."

".....No." Jin Guangshan voiced. "I mean yes! I wasn't implying Young Master Wen to be incapable of protecting himself or that it was mere bad luck. I was implying that he was heroic for protecting his younger brother, a true cultivator! And I hope that he recovers well soon."

[That's enough, Host. You're one venomous statement away from breaking the relationship between Wen and Jin.]

'Jin Guangshan is desperate to suck up to Wen Ruohan. It's fine.'

[OOC warning! Wen Ruohan wouldn't say that many words.}

Shen Qingqiu almost twitched. So what, does it want him to just say "ohohohoho" while grinning like a lunatic and just be done with it?!

{Yes.}

Apparently, since Shen Qingqiu is in a certain mood today, he chose not to be so in-character and decided to ignore them. 

Seeing that Jin man look flabbergasted was satisfying, anyway. 

***

First meeting. 

The gong echoed throughout the whole building, signalling the start of the meeting. 

It went as well as one would expect. 

There were complaints, complaints, complaints. Words that were deeply buried in 'reports'. There were sugar-coated insults, just like the Peak Lords' meetings! Shen Qingqiu swore he almost yawned. 

Second meeting. 

The first problem to be solved was, of course, the major clans'. "Nobilities first!" in the air, unspoken. 

And of course, Shen Qingqiu, or should he say 'Wen Ruohan', gets the privilege of being the first. After all, he's the Chief Cultivator! Wen Ruohan, ah Wen Ruohan. 

The first problem was, unfortunately to Shen Qingqiu, a slave-trading case. 

"Recently, there's been illegal slave-tradings going on in Qishan. The cultivators have caught some of the traders. After some interrogation, the traders admitted to having a leader for their 'slave-trading organization.'"

Shen Qingqiu's tone was completely and eerily blank the whole time he repeated his report, just like yesterday. At the first meeting, everyone were much too focused to the contents and were shocked to the core. Slave-trading is illegal! And there's even a whole organization in Qishan?! Outrageous!!

Now, everyone noticed the apathetic tone the Chief Cultivator used. He didn't use the "strict, firm tone". But the blank one, as if he'd… rather be anywhere but here!

"Sect Leader Wen." Someone suddenly raised their hand.

Who dares. 

Everyone turned to the source of the voice, and the speaker was revealed to be a moustached and bearded man. 

The particular minor sect leader continued upon getting the attention, "Forgive my impudence. However, doesn't it seem like Sect Leader Wen was too relaxed when relaying the information?"

Almost everyone almost gaped. This man is so brave and at the same time stupid!

And Shen Qingqiu stared. 

The sect leader coughed into his fist after facing the silent red eyes that pierced his skull. But he didn't seem like to want to retract his statement. 

The whole meeting hall went silent, and the atmosphere was so thick that even a rusty knife could cut it. Meanwhile, Lan Qiren and Nie Mingjue discreetly glanced at each other, having an unspoken conversation about what in the world they had just heard.

There was no sound for a whole minute. 

At long last (to everyone's relief and horror), Shen Qingqiu retorted calmly. 

"What does Sect Leader Ouyang mean? It is not only me who's calm. Yesterday, wasn't Sect Leader Ouyang calm too when he was relaying his sect's case of human trading?"

Bullseye. 

"You—! That's different. In meetings, one should be calm-"

Everyone stared expectantly at the man as he went abruptly silent. If Shen Qingqiu had his fan, he would've flicked it open to cover a smile. To his annoyance, Jin Guangshan was the one to do that. 

"I- You—" Sect Leader Ouyang paled. Finally, he bowed his head and voiced, "I deeply apologize. I shouldn't have said that. That was rude of me."

At that, Shen Qingqiu turned away to roll his eyes (he made sure to close them before doing that). Damn old man, finding an opportunity to humiliate someone only to fail miserably. That somehow felt satisfying. 

Post-third meeting, dinner.

"I heard," Nie Mingjue spoke out of nowhere, "that there's been a rumor of Sect Leader Wen containing prisoners in his Fire Palace."

It was dinner, and everyone was there in the dining hall. As the moon shone down the windows, accompanied by the bright lanterns and lights in the room, the man's naturally loud voice was heard by everyone. 

Shen Qingqiu paused in his eating. That asshole. If it weren't for Selfless' "Wen Ruohan shouldn't be eating alone because that's OOC", he would've been eating in his room right now. 

"Of course." Shen Qingqiu's lips curled up. He had been practicing to smile (like a psychopath) ever since coming into the Unclean Realm, as per Selfless'. Damnable. Command. 

Everyone else was talking to each other, but even Shen Qingqiu knew they're listening. Damn Nie Mingjue. He must've wanted to put "Wen Ruohan" in the spotlight. But the one in the body is the Qing Jing Peak Lord, instead. What a shame, for both of them. The real culprit must be prancing around, razing Qing Jing to the ground by now. 

Shen Qingqiu added, "They're prisoners, after all. Prisoners must be imprisoned. That is the law."

"But nobody said that you mustn't torture them, right?"

By now, the others are just pretending to talk amongst themselves, while eavsdropping like fools. Let them be. Shen Qingqiu, or rather "Wen Ruohan", will give them a small show. 

[Wen Ruohan likes to torture his prisoners in the Fire Palace.]

Shen Qingqiu remembered that one statement Shackle had said. And of course, it put the image of Wen Ruohan in his mind to the worst. 

With a (forced) wider smile, he replied, "Is Sect Leader Nie implying that I, Wen Ruohan, torture my prisoners in the Fire Palace?"

Nie Mingjue didn't say anything. Instead, he kept up his narrowed stare at Shen Qingqiu. Like the Brute. Long ago. 

Meanwhile, the Peak Lord continued, "Sect Leader Nie, Be careful with your words. Nobody said that I torture them. And if you do hear about it, then hearsays are merely hearsays. After all, Talking behind other people's back is prohibited."

At another table, Lan Qiren almost choked on his rice. 

***

Nie Huaisang is bored. Bored!

There was nothing he could do. Painting? What should he paint? He doesn't know, yet. Reading a porn book? He's read all of them! A romance book? All of them were cheesy! 

And Da-Ge is so busy. He's in the meeting. The yearly meeting. 

Sauntering through the public garden in one part of the Unclean Realm, Nie Huaisang let his mind wander off onto his mind palace, letting his legs take over auto-pilot with his fan idly batting. 

There's been a rumor amongst the Nie disciples. Nie Huaisang first heard it through a conversation he eavesdropped when trying to skip Da-ge's training in the lunch hall. 

"Did you know?"

"No."

"Come on, say 'what is it'."

"What."

"Apparently, Wen Ruohan came alone, on sword."

"Say what now?"

"Really. Some said they saw him with Wen Zhuliu, but there's no guarantee. Why would Wen Zhuliu accompany him when it's usually Doctor Wen?"

"That's just a war declaration."

"I know, right? We both are special. We don't blindly believe in rumors. If Doctor Wen is too busy to accompany him, then Wen Ruohan would just bring another servant. Not the Core-Melting Hand."

"Uh.."

"So I'd say! Wen Ruohan's servants dumped him!"

"....Can't you pick a better joke?"

"Am I that bored?"

The point is, Wen Ruohan arrived alone into the conference. 

Some said that he's been nuts ever since his latest Qi Deviation. 

What an interesting rumor!

Nervously laughing, he continued on his stroll, praying that Wen Ruohan should never see him during the conference. 

Unfortunately for this poor young master, fate said "aw hell no you don't" and Nie Huaisang bumped into a sturdy, hard wall. 

Scratch that. That's not a sturdy, hard wall. 

It's someone's back. And that someone turned around. 

Nie Huaisang almost shrieked. The demon himself!!!

"S-Se-Sect Leader Wen!!" A shaky smile formed in the young man's face. "Greetings! I'm sorry!!"

Nie Huaisang's body bowed down lower than he should, practically almost kissing the ground. There's the man, all in his white-red robes of the sun, along with the crown!

The deep voice of the older man entered his ears. "Rise up."

Trembling, Nie Huaisang's body rose up on its own, the hand batting his wide fan had long been frozen, and it almost dropped out of his grip. 

Nie Huaisang didn't dare meet the tyrant's chilling stare. How can people have uniquely colored eyes? Red eyes? If it weren't for the fact that the elder generation cultivators have confirmed that Wen Ruohan wasn't a demon when he was born with those red eyes, he would've been eliminated by now. 

But no, the man himself must be the reincarnated demon king, due to his tyrannical behavior and cruel crimes. With Wen Ruohan's mere presence, even without him releasing his aura, Nie Huaisang could still feel the heavy pressure, it's like trying to lift a whole person. His legs are practically shaking!

What is Wen Ruohan doing here? In the garden? The tyrant, sightseeing pretty flowers? Even if QingheNie is a sect of brutes (no offense to Da-ge), the place still has a small garden whose regular visitor is Nie Huaisang himself. What. Is Wen Ruohan doing here?!

"QingheNie sure has a beautiful garden."

Nie Huaisang almost pissed himself. Of course, this is a public garden! Of course Wen Ruohan could easily enter!

With a forced smile, Nie Huaisang replied (still not looking at the man's eyes!), "Thank y-you for the praise, Your Excellency! We, uh, take good care of these flowers!"

"Like this begonia flower?"

The young master focused on Wen Ruohan's hand that lightly caressed one of the begonia flowers beside them. 

"It's certainly good for the feng shui flow and they can purify the air, giving the room a clean feeling."

Nie Huaisang nodded along, not sure what to say as the folding fan in his hand slowly moved up to cover half of his face. Da-ge, where are you?!

Okay, okay, go along with the flow! If he runs and screams, Wen Ruohan might be accused of something and it'll create a war between sects and Nie Huaisang doesn't know what will come out of it!!

"Good observation, Your Excellency," Nie Huaisang added. "Does Your Excellency know that begonias are also associated with the fire element?"

From the corner of his eyes, Nie Huaisang saw the man turn his head towards him and gazed deep into his soul. His body stiffened. 

"...Of course, you're right."

Begonias mean caution and consideration, right?

"Ha, ha-ha-ha, w-well, if that's it, Your Excellency, I might just go now. I'm sorry for the short time, but I really must go now for my training or Da-ge will be mad at me."

"...Do as you please." Came the eerily calm voice of Wen Ruohan.

Nie Huaisang didn't waste any more time to walk away quickly, running towards the direction of the training field. 

Once Nie Huaisang is far enough and out of the tyrant's range of sight, he begins to run faster than the wind, an amazing show of speed after not training his legs in forever. 

Begonias do mean caution and consideration! It's a warning for bumping into the man's back!! Do that again and Nie Huaisang will get his head decapitated!

Goodbye!! Goodbye!!!!

Chapter Text

How did it get to this?

Amidst the small crowd of the market, Wen Ruohan took a deep, deep breath. 

Just an hour ago, in front of the Chen household—

"Once again, thank you for your hard work, Immortal master." babbled the Old Man Chen while wiping his tears as Wen Ruohan accepted a heavy pouch full of gold coins. Upon the clinks and clanks entering his ears, Wen Ruohan held back a satisfied smile. 

Aha. He deserved this, Wen Ruohan praised himself. Who else is better than this Excellency? He's more refined, elegant, and most importantly, efficient at work. If he managed to get himself abducted and stripped down by the skinner with a random hormonal teenage brat watching, then the one in this body is not Wen Ruohan. Probably an incompetent fake copy of Shen Qingqiu. With that, Wen Ruohan wanted to puff his chest in superiority. 

Although it took him a small destruction in his host's home and little brats screaming like little girls. But all is fair in work and war. He even got his pay! That old man didn't even ask for compensation in turn for the Skinner being captured! (Wen Ruohan stated that he "didn't expect the Skinner to barge into the guest abode like a brute")

Then, he felt a tug on his robes. 

"Shizun, can we travel through the market, please?" Ning Yingying quietly muttered, looking up at him with those accursedly doe eyes. 

There was a twitch on Wen Ruohan's eye. 

He was about to say "no, go die" when that Selfless bastard blared. 

{It's recommended that you agree to her, Host. The disciples deserve a rest, after all. A journey to the market is a good choice!}

Somehow, Wen Ruohan couldn't shake off the feeling of the System's words hinting something underneath those words. For the nth time ever since he had come here, he involuntarily shivered. 

"...Fine."

Here he is.

When the Qing Jing delegation went to the market, Wen Ruohan ignored the awed stares of the civilians as he walked far behind the brats. Being the most infamous person in his cultivational world, he had been used to people looking at him in fear. Not this. Certainly not awe, or other strange expressions he hadn't managed to read yet. 

Yet, despite all that, he could still hear the whispers.

"Are those people from Qing Jing? I heard that a group from Cang Qiong mountain sect came just yesterday."

"It's true. Look at that man! He looks so handsome."

Wen Ruohan ignored the gazes, until someone spoke. 

"Beautiful? Ha. Don't you know of his reputation? I heard he visits the neighboring city's brothel several times! I guess rich people get it all off easily."

"I heard that too. I thought cultivators are above that thing?"

"Aiya, he's lecherous. By now, it's a public secret."

Slowly, Wen Ruohan turned his head to the middle-aged couple with a glare that promised eternal torture. He was being serious. 

That blasted old couple noticed his glare, and they quickly ran off! Not even an apology! Back in his world, no one even dared to blink at his presence. Yet, here they were, talking garbage about him as if they didn't know cultivators have enhanced hearing! The stupidity!

Had it not been for the restrains on him, Wen Ruohan would've beheaded them right here and then-

[Host.]

Crack!

The measly wooden fan broke into pieces. 

"Tsk." Nasty old, expired wooden sticks. Can't even stop their abnormally large noses from getting to where they don't belong.

Wen Ruohan glared at the rest of the people who were still giving glances at him like he's some porcelain doll. They also looked away and avoided him. He sighed in little relief when no one's looking at him anymore, throwing that destroyed fan to the ground. 

This has never happened in his life! Preposterous. His whole life, Wen Ruohan has never heard such... such outrageous whispers against him in public. He revelled in feeling the fear emanating from those measly commoners.

Now… How dare they!

[Host, you're in Shen Qingqiu's body.]

Am I supposed to break another one of your puzzles now? Speak clearly!

[Shen Qingqiu has Jin Guangshan's reputation.]

Wen Ruohan pointedly glared at the panel before whisking away, robes dramatically billowing. 

That's right. He'd almost forgot that he's in the wrong body. How much he'd love to hear them scream as he tortures them. Consider it revenge for being so disrespectful against him, Wen Ruohan. Or against— Shen Qingqiu, a bloody Peak Lord. 

But no can do. Oh, not now. He will wait until there's an opportunity. 

Speaking of, how hilarious that in summary, Shen Qingqiu has Jin Guangshan's reputation. Wen Ruohan made a mental note to visit the brothel the man's so used to visit, just to see how much illegitimate children he's sired. Perhaps he would take one of them and experiment with them. 

Continuing on his way, the brats went to one particular stall. It was a food stall selling cakes, candies, desserts, things that are sweet. 

As the brats talked with the seller, Wen Ruohan curled his lips in dissatisfaction behind his fan when he found no flies or things like mold lounging on the desserts. Great, now he couldn't critique the seller and have the satisfaction of publicly humiliating someone. The seller must have prepared for this, didn't he? What a cunning piece of-

"Thank you, kind sir!" answered Ning Yingying as she received multiple sticks of tanghulu. 

Wen Ruohan frowned. He was glad that the disciples paid with their own money instead of using his. They knew better, that's good. Or else he won't be sure if he could hold himself back. He's just here to watch, impatiently waiting for the brats to finish their waste of time. 

Anyway—

"Don't eat too much sugar, Yingying." Crossing his arms, Wen Ruohan voiced the moment the girl turned around. He suspected sugar would make this girl more brat-ish.

The girl had the audacity to blink innocently. 

Wen Ruohan was about to critique her more when she held out one of the tanghulu sticks. 

"Then, if I can't eat them all, I should give one to Shizun, right?"

Wen Ruohan froze.

"What?"

"Shizun, I'm giving you one."

Wen Ruohan nearly dropped his fan as he stared stiffly at the stick of tanghulu offered to him. 

But— why. How dare.

This is ridiculous. The girl misinterpreted his words, certainly. How could she be so stupid as to think her master wants one? If she knows better, she should either throw it away or give it to someone else except Wen Ruohan. What in the world is she on? Was the experience of hiding under the bed while the others are dealing with the skinner mess left her brain addled—

"Here!" Without any warning, Ning Yingying had lunged forward and pushed the tanghulu into Wen Ruohan's hand. Then, she left to join her martial siblings in watching the seller cook the remaining desserts, leaving the man standing there awkwardly while holding a stick of tanghulu. 

{Eat it, Host.}

'What? Does Shen Qingqiu likes sweets? Him?!'

{Loading….}

[Is Host any different?]

'I am different. I don't eat sweets that are made on the streets!'

[Loading…]

Wen Ruohan doesn't know what these creatures are on about, but he's sure Shackle is giving him the side eye. How dare. 

[Host, you can eat it.]

"......."

Wen Ruohan stared at the tanghulu stick as if it had just spat at him. 

He glanced around. The market is not as crowded as the one in Yunmeng. The skinner had only just been exterminated, the news probably haven't spread too far yet. And it's still early morning, so there's not much people to watch him, especially after he glared at them. 

Slowly, he brought the tanghulu stick close to his mouth after making sure no one was looking. 

When his teeth dug into the sugar-covered fruit, there was a satisfying crack. And then, sweetness overloaded his senses Wen Ruohan had to hold back a sour frown. 

He flicked open the fan to cover his face as he kept on eating until the last fruit on the stick. Strange, he's never been a fan of sweets. 

This must be because of Shen Qingqiu's body. This is the man's fault. Ha! Wen Ruohan could certainly use this against him. The untouchable Peak Lord, melting at the taste of desserts and candies? How hilarious. 

If one day, when they finally meet, when the man will be so kind as to pass Wen Ruohan the opportunity, the latter will gladly announce to the cultivation world that "The Qing Jing Peak Lord is a childish fan of sweets".

***

'It was good, never again,' thought Wen Ruohan bitterly as he rode the carriage back to Cang Qiong. 

He began fiddling and spinning the Qiankun Pouch in his grip. 

The skinner is now sealed within said pouch. Wen Ruohan had, admittedly offhandedly, offered to Old Man Chen if he wanted to keep the pouch with the demon inside. Old Man Chen was terrified at the prospect of having to keep a literal demon in his home. And Wen Ruohan had his ears bleeding because of Selfless' disturbing bullshittery about many things at that moment.

What a shame. Old Man Chen could've used it to hang the demon up in the middle of the city and have the civilians throw tomatoes (or rocks) at it. But, that'll be "risky"... What a shame, really. 

"You mustn't have expected that," Wen Ruohan started talking to the skinner inside the pouch. He needs to blow off some steam now. "I know what you're thinking. This Master must be stupid as to reveal his plans when someone is eavesdropping! Don't you think you're the stupid one here? Am I the best strategist of Cang Qiong for nothing?"

Normally, he would've vented his anger on someone else through violence and just be done with it. But he's not even allowed to do that! So all he could do was to resort to "ranting" instead. Look, he's blabbering to a bloody pouch like a lunatic. How long has it been since he's last done that?

The pouch vibrated after "hearing" his statement. At least it responded. 

"What. Are you mad? At me? Who told you to be so stupid? Is this the best intelligence demons have? No wonder you lost your emperor."

It vibrated again, as if the skinner inside was yelling curses. You know what, maybe it did. But it's not like he cares (he does and he wants his Fire Palace now).

{That's enough, Host. Shen Qingqiu doesn't rant that much. That's enough.}

Wen Ruohan frowned in response, and he threw the pouch to the wall of the carriage with brute force. It bounced against the wall and flew back to his palm. 

He smirked at the pouch. "Aren't I right?"

He didn't even bother to say anything to Selfless. 

{Loading…}

There was no vibration from the pouch this time. Hm, does the pouch being thrown makes the prisoner inside dizzy? Duly noted. 

"...Come to think of it."

Where's my prize?!

He turned to both panels with a narrowed gaze, feeling a surge of impatience. 

[Host, you only get your rewards once you completed the mission with its requirements fulfilled.]

[From the moment you stopped Ning Yingying from going out, you've failed the mission.]

Bang!

A part of the carriage wall was destroyed, left with a fist-shaped hole. 

'I'm suddenly filled with rage,' Wen Ruohan thought calmly. 'What were the rewards?'

[A 20% boost in chance of Host returning to your original body.]

Bang!

Another fist-shaped hole appeared into existence. 

{This is why Host should've listened.}

Listen?! Then tell me why you censored the rewards! What was the goddamned point of that?! You could've just told me and I could've finished the mission easily! Tell me what to do and—

[Worry not, Host. You'll get more chances in the future.]

If Wen Ruohan was still in his original body, this overwhelming sudden bout of rage wouldn't instantly drive him closer to Qi Deviation. However, this poor excuse of a body shakes at the slightest annoyance!

Wen Ruohan is trembling, yes he knows, his veins are popping. He's crushing the Qiankun Pouch in his grip. He wants to crush something. Destroy something. Burn something. Watch as he brings havoc on everything and everyone—

"Shizun, are you alright?!" The disciple-surnamed-He's face popped up behind one of the fist-shaped holes. 

"Scram!!"

***

It was windy. It was bright. The weather was good. It's a good day to conquer some small sect. It was a good day for Wen Ruohan to have his day ruined, once more. 

Just after he arrived at the gates of the sect, brimming with murderous aura, he spotted that man, Yue Qingyuan, waiting right behind the gates with Qiong Ding's senior disciples. Wen Ruohan was just starting to wonder what this man is doing just standing there until said man strotted to him and out of nowhere, audaciously took his wrist. 

"Shidi, Shidi, are you alright?"

Feeling an unfamiliar familiar Qi prodding his meridians is enough to make Wen Ruohan's ears go red in anger. He snatched his wrist back. The audacity of this man! Just because he's a Sect Leader of a top sect doesn't mean he could just do whatever he wants! (Wen Ruohan absolutely knows the hypocrisy of that).

Holding back his annoyance, the former tyrant replied with words that sounded like they had to be dragged out by a horde of horses, "I am fine, Zhangmen-shixiong."

This Yue Qingyuan looked disappointed, but not surprised at this anymore. Selfless isn't saying anything either. Oh wait, Shen Qingqiu is supposed to be rude to nearly everyone. This is great. 

"But… I think Shidi should meditate more. It seems like you'll.." Yue Qingyuan trailed off. Aha, it's obvious what he meant!

"I'm fine, Zhangmen-shixong," Wen Ruohan repeated, grumbling as he turned to face the brats that were just standing there awkwardly behind him the whole time. "Return to your peak now! This Master still has some business."

"Yes Shizun." After the chorus, the brats gave respectful bows to the Peak Lords and took off. Yue Qingyuan also sent off his own disciples. 

Sounding as if he wanted to crush the marble floor with each of his steps, the former tyrant started to stroll to who knows goddamn where. A place no one'll be able to eavesdrop, maybe. A place where he's not standing in the way of the gates like a fool. The sect leader quickly catched him up. 

"Zhangmen-shixiong, this Shidi will get to the point. Let me meditate in the Lingxi Caves in a week's time for three years."

The irritatingly taller man stopped in his tracks, visibly taken aback at the words. "Shidi, I apologize, I'm not doubting your capabilities. However, as of now, this Shixiong noticed that you're currently not in the best state to meditate alone…"

"Are you doubting this Shidi's ability to look after himself?" Wen Ruohan flicked open his fan. 

First hit. 

"Of course not, Shidi."

"It sounded as if Shixiong was doubting my capability to look after myself."

Second hit. 

"Why would I say that? This Shixiong was only.."

"Doubting my capabilities?"

Third hit. 

"No! I was just worrying about your health. Perhaps if Shidi would like to go check his meridians at Qian Cao Peak, this Shixiong will reconsider."

"We do not need to bother the Peak Lord of Qian Cao for such a simple matter."

Fourth hit. 

"Still, Shidi."

"I have the right to access the Lingxi Caves. I'm a Peak Lord. The simplest thing you could do is accept this insignificant request, Zhangmen-shixiong. Unless you're hiding something, perhaps in the caves?"

"......"

Fifth hit. 

A hint of smugness on Wen Ruohan's face was hidden by the folding fan, as he looked at Yue Qingyuan's slightly pale face. How did this noodle of a man simply become a whole sect leader with this kind of personality? It's a wonder how this sect survives… for a few more years. 

"...Right." After a long silence, Yue Qingyuan finally nodded with a dumbfounded expression. He coughed into his fist. "Well, then… this Shixiong supposes he can give Shidi permission to meditate in the Lingxi Caves."

Wen Ruohan nodded in satisfaction. 

"—on the condition that Shidi's health and Qi's stable enough before entering the caves."

"...." He glared, gripping his fan hard enough like he would do to someone's neck. How dare!

At that, Yue Qingyuan simply returned it back with a small, apologetically smug smile. "It's the main condition to enter there, afterall, Shidi."

Wen Ruohan sighed loudly, sounding like a bull that just saw red, then gritted out. "Fine. Give me a week, then."

He immediately went back to Qing Jing after giving a quick farewell, flying on Xiu Ya, Shen Qingqiu's sword. 

Any trace of anger was eventually brushed off by the harsh wind hitting his face, making his robes and hair billow dramatically. Flying is one of the best ways to vent his anger, even if it's not as gleeful as torturing someone. However, there's this certain feeling of freedom Wen Ruohan only experienced in flying. Not in torturing someone, not in conquering a small sect. 

He could practically hear the wind in his ears, hearing them whispering loudly. He fastens his pace. How curious it is that challenging death gives him peace. Is it because he's in Shen Qingqiu's body?

It's still a bit difficult to ride on it. He had to exert a tad bit more strength just to turn it in the air. As if it's still doubting if its master is really here right now, or not. To be fair, it's right. Perhaps because Wen Ruohan is currently occupying Shen Qingqiu's body, Xiu Ya could still sense the slightest oddity in its master's body. 

However, this is still Shen Qingqiu's body. No matter how, Xiu Ya should never throw off its master's body in the air. 

The map shown by Selfless, that bastard creature, is a bit of a help. As expected, there really are 12 peaks residing in the sect. Silhouettes of buildings peeked out in the greens of the misty peaks from far away, looking so small compared to the large mountains. 

As much of a monster he is, Wen Ruohan could appreciate the beauty of Cang Qiong. 

(But that won't stop him from burning it all down should this sect get in his way.)

He landed at the gates of Qing Jing, feeling his green robes billowing in the air. He'll not lie. It's stuffy. 

{Host will have to get used to it.}

"Shut up. Get on with it."

[Starting solitary confinement…]

A blinding light engulfed his vision. When he opened his eyes, a small room with only a chair and a table with snacks greeted his presence. 

Plopping his butt down on the uncomfortable chair, Wen Ruohan crossed his arms. A moment later, he started to close his eyes while furrowing his brows impatiently. 

And a while later, he began tapping his fingers on the table. 

"Tell me how much time is left."

[It hasn't even been one incense stick time, Host.]

Well no kidding. He can't access his spiritual energy here. Can't meditate. Can't even take a shit! At this point, he's just an ordinary human confined in a small room that's located in Heaven knows where. He's literally wasting three shichens in a damn week for nothing!

Wen Ruohan is not above sulking. As much as he wanted to punch the panel, he found himself unable to. Obviously because he literally could not touch the panel! His hand will just pass through, and it's been making him feel icky ever since. 

And even if he wanted to ignore Shackle and Selfless after that 'rewards thing', he still needed them. That realization made him slowly frown, glaring at the table An uncomfortable revelation. He still had to talk to them because he needs to return to his original body. 

Perhaps it was better to just let those brats get caught anyway. That girl still wouldn't die since there's her Master or the disciples going to save the day like some noble, self-righteous heroes. But Wen Ruohan wouldn't want to get his, even if it's a different body's, image tainted for "failing to guard (absurd!) and lead his disciples properly". 

…His tapping stopped. 

Why does he care about this at all now? He shouldn't have cared for an image that wasn't even his. Not that it's not ruined already. 

What is happening? Is it because he's influenced by the body's subconscious?

Ridiculous!

Shackle!

[It's a yes and no.]

"What are you implying?"

[Not only would Shen Qingqiu forbid Ning Yingying from going out to the market had he knew that she'll get caught, Host would also do the same. And Host did act on it.]

What. 

[There's a possibility that it's because Host is influenced by Shen Qingqiu's sense of pride, or other feelings.]

[But then again, Host and Shen Qingqiu are similar in different ways, in different aspects.]

"Shut it," the former tyrant hissed, glaring daggers at the System panel in both surprise and offense. 

That damned blue panel simply emptied its words, turning back to being that empty screen that's been haunting Wen Ruohan's vision for weeks. 

How could they be "similar"? They're the epitome of the sky and sea! Untouching. Opposites!

Shen Qingqiu is the sort of person who cares about his reputation and image. From what Wen Ruohan had observed, that man likes peace and calm. Shen Qingqiu also would've been disturbed if one of his disciples die. 

He's the exact opposite of Wen Ruohan, who causes chaos everywhere he goes. Any path he walks is conquered, at least not for the major sects. If not through diplomation, then through force which often includes arson. He wouldn't care if one of his subordinates or disciples died, even if it's because of him himself, so long as he gets his way. 

Shen Qingqiu is a scumbag whom people fear only because of his cultivation and title. Wen Ruohan is a tyrant who forced that fear deeper into people. There's a clear difference between them. 

[Not quite exactly. Shen Qingqiu is not prone to defending his reputation. Instead, he becomes withdrawn.]

[Half-similar to you, Host. You do not care about your bad reputation as The Tyrant. The difference was, you enjoy that reputation of yours and make advantage of it.]

"What kind of a man so high-ranking would let the nasty ants trash talk him behind his back and not bother with his crumpling reputation?!"

He remembered the old couple at Shuang Hu. How he wished to just shout nasty insults at them back, see how their expressions crumple in fear. 

[Someone like Shen Qingqiu.]

"Unbelievable," he replied incredulously, frowning. "What a ridiculous man."

That reminds him. Jin Guangshan's reputation, huh?

[Host is required to visit the brothel at least once a month.]

What-

[It is OOC of Shen Qingqiu to stop coming to the brothel, according to Selfless.]

…He's not even surprised anymore. 

***

Hours passed by. Painfully slowly. 

The first hour was spent with Wen Ruohan listening to Shackle explaining about Shen Qingqiu's personality. All in all, he supposed it's fairly easy to act like that man. He's allowed to jab back whenever someone talks harshly towards him, in a sarcastic way, of course. 

The only thing he shouldn't do is to randomly kill someone, burn something, or just cause disasters in general. 

He also had to finish missions precisely that involves this damnable "Journey", whatever it is. 

And… if he finishes the missions until the end, he'd increase the chance to go back to his original body. 

'This is a good opportunity.'

[The next mission involves someone's death and Shen Qingqiu's steady downfall. Does Host really want to proceed?]

"Does it seem like I have a choice?"

[Loading…]

Despite that, Wen Doesn't mind it all. As long as it's not his death. He's killed a lot of people before. One more death is just nothing compared to his kill counts. 

So long as he could return back to his original body. 

***

The rest of the remaining 5 hours were spent with Wen Ruohan staring into the empty space. He really had nothing to do other than ranting to the wall and Shackle or just getting lost in his thoughts. Not only that, he's bored. Waiting for hours without doing anything feels agonizingly slow compared to when he has something to do. 

Faintly, Wen Ruohan wondered how Selfless' punishment will feel like. A time where he'll get to relive his most painful moment. Will it be the time when he almost lost his left arm in a battle? Or when people were condemning him in a past meeting to the point where someone humiliated him? But the latter one is not painful, it's maddening. 

How long will it take? What will it show to him? At least, that one is better than this. He wouldn't be so bored to death like now. He's curious. Oh so curious. 

Should he risk it?

[10 seconds left, Host.]

Ah. Did he just skip the time by thinking nothing and everything at the same time? Wonderful. He would've destroyed this room if he had to wait for another second. 

The former tyrant sighed, slamming his palm to the table. 

However, just as he stood up from his chair, something appeared out of nowhere with blinding light right across the table.

It was neither a monster nor a demon. It was the figure of a human. The light engulfing them slowly retreated starting from their feet. Wen Ruohan could make out the white robes with red-embroidered hems. 

What-

Before he could see that person's face or even do anything, the same bright light blinded his vision to the point that everything's fully blank and white.

Was that-

When he snapped out of his stupor, he's already standing in the middle of a grassland, surrounded by tall bamboo trees that towered his height. The warm temperature of the room was immediately replaced by the coldness of the peak's misty air. No more roof, just the night sky. He had gotten out. 

Wen Ruohan just stood there, blank face pale in shock. 

Chapter Text

{Opening map!}

Just after he landed at the gates of the main palace, Shen Qingqiu quickly walked forward. Servants and maids immediately parted ways for him as he strolled into the building.

The interior is filled with bright walls of golds and reds, mocking him of the flames. He went through the busy corridor, wondering why it's a bit crowded as the others immediately halted and bowed down to him. He didn't ignored them, much to their relief.

Until an unknowing maid was in the way and they accidentally bumped against each other. With Wen Ruohan's balance, Shen Qingqiu didn't fall, but the maid did and her laundry basket fell, dropping the clothes to the floor. Horrified gasps surrounded them. 

"Yi'er!" One particular woman who's probably another maid whimpered, yet she still hadn't moved from her spot to help the launderer named Yi'er.

Shen Qingqiu stopped in his tracks. 

"This lowly one apologizes, Sect Leader!" The girl named Yi'er quickly knelt down, ignoring the mess she caused as the surrounding people watched them in silence. 

Silence. 

The corridor was filled with so much silence it suffocates. 

"...My Lord?" Wen Zhuliu, who's been following Shen Qingqiu around, finally voiced behind him. 

Shen Qingqiu shook his head.

"You, be mindful of your surroundings next time or I'll fire you," he dictated. Then, without wasting another second, he tread around her to continue his walk. 

Shen Qingqiu continued to talk amidst his steps, "Wen Zhuliu, go back to Wen Chao. Don't follow me anymore."

At that, Wen Zhuliu stopped in the middle of the corridor. He quietly stared at his Lord's back disappearing into the distance, then turned away without a word. 

As Wen Zhuliu passed by the girl named Yi'er who's being helped up by her friend without giving her a glance, Yi'er's friend whispered. 

"You're lucky Sect Leader Wen was in a good mood, or he'd threaten to burn you alive instead. Worse, drag you to his Fire Palace! You better pay attention when everyone suddenly bowed or knelt down, okay?"

Yi'er ruefully nodded while gathering up the clothes. She thought about her friend's words, and shuddered. No, she doesn't want to go to the Fire Palace at all!

***

{You have arrived at your destination; Fire Palace.}

"Shizun, do you like your new home? This Disciple lovingly made it just for you."

Shen Qingqiu trembled (he did not), and shook it away (there was never a tremble), scowling. That blasted demon is still disturbing his mind. 

He took a deep, silent breath in front of the large doors looming in front of him. The guard disciples beside the doors quickly unlocked the doors without a word, quickly recognizing their own Sect Leader. Shen Qingqiu could see their fearful eyes and pursed lips as their hands fumbled with the locks. 

He's becoming impatient. However, before he could scold them for being slow, the doors finally opened. Instead, he opted to glare at them as he stepped inside, with one final glance at the guards looking down with trembling arms. Cowards. 

The doors closed, leaving out the sunlight outside. 

A large corridor greeted his sight, blanketed with darkness that's only accompanied with torches on the stone walls. The menacing air gave Shen Qingqiu an idea on what he's about to witness beyond those doors at the end of the corridor. He could hear his own footsteps as he walked forward in steady rhythm, completely ignoring the chaos that's slowly brewing in his mind and stomach. 

One, two, three, four, five, six…

Stop.

Clack. 

The door creaked open, and the immediate stench of blood was the first thing that welcomed him into another corridor. Except, on his sides were cellars. It's darker in here, with only a few sources of light. The old musty smell, the rancid smell of blood, the unpleasant smell of sweat. They stung his nostrils. His ears caught distant howlings and whimpers of cruciating pain. 

Shen Qingqiu walked slowly, looking around, taking in everything in his sight. 

Almost every cellar is filled with prisoners, only accompanied with basic necessities such as a chamber pot and rock hard beds. At the third cellar he encountered, two residents were huddling around each other. He stopped, quietly watching them. It turns out they're trying to bandage another one of their inmates, talking in hushed voices as that particular injured inmate whimpered and cried out in pain. They didn't notice him, having their backs on him. Shen Qingqiu continued walking. 

There's a forked road, which leads to more corridors and more cellars. Shen Qingqiu faintly wondered how many prisoners are here. He chose the corridor to his right. 

There's a cellar with a single man, sitting on the floor while leaning against the edge of his bed. He lost one eye. He silently glared at Shen Qingqiu with the remaining one. Brave one.

There's a cellar with three people. They were talking amongst themselves. Shen Qingqiu caught them planning to break out. He immediately banged against the bars with the metal part of his right glove, causing a loud clang! Those three prisoners turned around only to pale in shock and fright at the sight of him. 

There's a cellar with a man, sleeping in his bed. Upon closer look, it appears he's terribly injured. His bare back has been whipped, bruises littered his skin, wounds haunted his arms. Shen Qingqiu carefully ignored that man and continued on his way. 

There's a cellar with another injured man. 

There's a cellar with two people, just sitting against the wall while talking. 

"Sect Leader Wen..!"

Shen Qingqiu came across a patrolling guard disciple midway. He only nodded once, and passed by him.

There's only a dead-end at the end of this corridor. Shen Qingqiu had to turn around and go back. 

The whole time he walked, emotions kept piling up in him. There's his own. Rage, frustration, horror, shock. There's that man's. Satisfaction. Ease. Those emotions mixed with one another, making his head jumbled up with mixed signals. He needs to get out of here. 

Slowly, his stomach churned uncomfortably. Nausea piled up within him and Shen Qingqiu could taste the bile in his throat.

He tried to hide the faint trembling in his arms. His legs are on the verge of giving up. If he was still in his original body, he would've been close to Qi Deviating right now. But that man's stronger core and foundations are what kept him upright until now. How ironic. 

Another guard was passing by. Shen Qingqiu cut them off at their surprised greeting.

"Give me the prisoners list, together with their crimes."

The guard looked a bit confused at that, but he quickly took out a book from his Qiankun Pouch, giving it to Shen Qingqiu as if offering an artifact to an immortal being. 

Shen Qingqiu snatched it and walked away, ignoring the flustered guard disciple. 

Once he was out of the Fire Palace, he approached a shrubby, making sure no one was around, and vomited out this morning's breakfast. 

***

"A week is still not enough for his recovery. That blow rendered him with huge internal bleeding, and he was in coma for five days. He has been awake for the last two days,” Wen Qing's quiet voice sounded outside the door.

"What were the symptoms, and how's he now?"

"Tenderness in the chest because of rib fractures. Severe pain on the abdomen when pressed. There's blood in his urine. During the week, he's been treated carefully. With the healers' help along with his golden core's, his internal bleeding has stopped. However, he still couldn't walk or move around too much without feeling pain in his stomach."

Ah, the wonders of a golden core.

"Sect Leader Wen."

"What."

"Have you eaten lunch? You look a bit pale. May I help you with something?"

"None of your business. I don't need your help."

"...Sect Leader Wen."

"What."

"May I confirm that the reason you didn't bring me to the conference was because of this? Ah, no need to answer it. It's certain, isn't it?"

"Mn. I had to bring Wen Zhuliu instead."

"Of course, Sect Leader. But may I present my opinion?"

"...Go on."

"Wen Zhuliu has the famed reputation of being the Core-Melting Hand."

"Thank you, Doctress. I am certainly enlightened by that revelation,” dead-panned Shen Qingqiu. 

"...I mean, wasn't it.. too much? People must've suspected that you were up to…"

"No good? Are you trying to imply that I'm a hormonal teenager, Doctress?"

"Of course not, Sect Leader. Forgive me, please."

“You should know that he's the only competent member of the clan available at the moment.” Shen Qingqiu paused. I want to visit my— heir."

"I will allow it this once, Sect Leader. I advise you to be cautious around Young Master Wen's stomach, as he's still in a fragile state."

A faint creak of a door. The Young Master's room is as grandeur as that of a spoiled prince's. Spacious, huge, detailed and expensive furniture, king-sized bed, shiny decorations. Even Shen Qingqiu's room back in Qing Jing Peak is smaller and humbler than this.

Shen Qingqiu approached the bed, taking in the sight of a young man sleeping peacefully under the comfortable blankets. How very lucky, indeed, this blasted family. Drowning in riches and blankets while people out there are busy killing each other. 

As if Shen Qingqiu's presence is too heavy to ignore, that young man immediately opens his bleary eyes. His eyes moved to look up at the man that's supposed to be his father, who's standing stiffly beside the bed. And then the eyes widened. 

"Fuqin—" he greeted with a slightly crooked voice, struggling to sit up. 

"Wen Xu." Shen Qingqiu made no move to stop him. 

They stayed in silence after that, just taking in each other's sights. It was an uncomfortable pause. There's only the fumblings of the blanket and Wen Xu's ragged breathing, no doubt holding back his abdominal ache. This is what happens when the father-son pair never interacts normally. 

Feeling impatient, Shen Qingqiu urged, "Your wellbeing. How is it?"

"My health's been improving, thanks to Doctress Wen. But I haven't been able to stand up properly. There's an occasional ache in my stomach. At the moment, I'm only allowed to eat porridge. The rest are fine."

"Hm."

"How has Fuqin been doing?"

"I went to the Discussion Conference at QingheNie. There's nothing else." Nothing else as in Nie Mingjue provoking me, Lan Qiren glaring at me with poorly-handled subtle attempts, and Jin Guangshan being annoying with his talks. 

"I'm glad. It must've turned out fine, then?"

"Mn." Red eyes looking up and down judgementally on the first heir. 

Another silence.

[Host, it's suggested that you say something else.]

He let out an inaudible sigh, and opened his mouth to say, "You shouldn't let yourself be a meatshield for your brother."

The young man's head turned. "Pardon?"

A spark of irritation. Shen Qingqiu scowled, wishing he could flick open his fan right now. Instead, he crossed his arms. "I was not informed that my heir is having hearing problems."

"No, Fuqin. I heard correctly. I apologize."

"How are your studies? Both in cultivation and academics." Because if you've been slacking off, I'll complete my fatherly duties and drag you to the Fire Palace. 

Wen Xu dutifully explained about his academic studies' progress like a disciple bringing in a report. But as it turns out, his reflexes have been abysmal. One wonders how this man managed to become a strong cultivator with a strong golden core (How's that even possible?). One day, he will probably get himself beheaded. Wen Xu implies that he's been making up for his slow reflexes with morning runs around the palaces. Hm, a passable excuse. 

"So why did you say that your reflex is still slow?"

"...I don't know, Fuqin."

"You don't know?" Shen Qingqiu raises a brow. 

As Wen Xu was trying to think up another answer that wouldn't get himself killed, the wind moved. By the time he realized it, two fingers were already pointed right in front of his eyes. He stiffens. 

"Dreadful," Shen Qingqiu muttered, pulling back his hand. "Even a junior disciple would quickly dodge it."

"....." Somehow, a feeling of shame blooms in Wen Xu. He quietly looked away, avoiding Shen Qingqiu's gaze. 

Then, Shen Qingqiu spoke, sounding as if he had to drag out the words from his mouth. 

"You will train with me."

"What?" The bed-ridden heir snapped his head in surprise. 

But, Shen Qingqiu has moved on to another topic, speaking quickly, "Has your brother visited you during your recovery?"

"No, Fuqin," Wen Xu answered in his flustered state. 

Ah, disappointing, Shen Qingqiu thought. 

"The first day of the next month, which will be in a week. After breakfast. The private training hall. Don't be late."

With that final 'farewell', Shen Qingqiu exited the room with large strides, billowing robes trailing behind his figure, leaving a certain heir that's still progressing his father's words in his brain. 

***

{Bad decision, Host.}

{Host shouldn't have offered Wen Xu a training from you.}

Too late. Should've told him that from the start.

{Loading…}

The yellow panel trembled slightly, as if holding back from shouting expletives. 

{No matter. We could still work on that.}

Somehow, Shen Qingqiu couldn't shake off a dreadful feeling of what's about to come, hinted behind those words. 

***

At the same day, Shen Qingqiu continued his mental tasks. 

[What is Host about to do?]

'Visiting my dear son.'

[If Host is heading to visit Wen Chao, we suggest you to not cause any derailment.]

'What derailment?'

[Host should know that Wen Chao is a lecherous and lazy young master. Unlike Wen Xu, he cares neither of cultivation nor academics, spending his days lazing around while commanding people.]

He stopped in the middle of the corridor. 

Well, isn't that just great. Shen Qingqiu has a perfect idea.

{Host, you'll be warned that you are not to cause any change towards Young Master Wen Chao. You should let him do as he pleases.}

'Do as he pleases? I'm supposed to be his father, at the moment.' 

{A good parent is one who lets their child determine their own goals. Eventually, Young Master Wen Chao will relive his own demise, Host should not worry about him.}

Shen Qingqiu stared at the message panel. After a long stare, he continued on his way. He feels—

Slightly excited. 

...?

He doesn't know if it came from himself or the body. 

Open the palace map.

{Host.}

Open!

{Opening map!}

***

Bang!

"Fuqin?!"

Heaven, give him strength. 

Shen Qingqiu stared down at the creature that was supposed to be 'his son'. 

There it is. When Shen Qingqiu entered the room, he was met with the sight of two people—one of them being his supposed ‘son’, the other can go to hell (perhaps along with the son) because he's not familiar with her—sprawled across the bed. 

“Fuqin!” The young boy—Wen Chao, Shen Qingqiu reminded himself—immediately sat up on his bed. The woman followed suit. She hastily covered up her apparently-naked body with the blanket. Thankfully, Shen Qingqiu did not get flashed with any sight of the young’uns’ genitals, for he was sure they just finished doing the deed. 

That thought alone managed to stew his rage, like a demonic cultivator stirring a large pot filled with abominations.

The emotion appeared on his voice. Dark lines on the forehead, sharpening eyes. It was more than enough to make these two on the bed look horrified. It's one thing to be caught sleeping with a random woman. It's another thing when your father is a psychopath who just so happened to be the strongest cultivator in the entire realm. 

But first— “What. Are you. Doing,” growled Shen Qingqiu. 

Such an indecent display. Both of them are having their hair down when they're possibly in an affair and not even married yet. Naked, in bed. A sickening brothel-esque scenery. 

“Fuqin, I can explain!”

Instead, Shen Qingqiu snapped his head towards the woman. She let out a pitiful whimper and crumpled in on herself, almost her whole body hid behind the protections of the fragrant blanket. 

[Wang Lingjiao, Wen Chao’s mistress.]

Aren't you such a helpful creature, Shen Qingqiu almost rolled his eyes.

Wang Lingjiao has a slim stature, long brows, large eyes, and lips of fiery red. She also has a mole above her upper lip. When their eyes met for a second, she looked very fearful. Of Wen Ruohan, obviously. 

He clicked his tongue and gazed back down on Wen Chao. His grip on the door eventually crushed the wood with a crack. 

“Explain,” the former Peak Lord dared. 

All colors were drained Wen Chao’s face, as he was half-expecting his father to just scold him, slap him. He gulped, seeing the man cross his arms and waited patiently. 

Wen Chao brought up his blanket with greatly trembling hands to cover up more of his body. “I was bewitched!”

Wang Lingjiao snapped up her head and stared at her apparent lover in shock, as he pointed his finger at her. 

“Fuqin, please believe me! She was originally my wife’s maid. She was jealous of our relationship and decided to violate me by sabotaging my drink, thus paralyzing my body. It began when she was bringing me water, when I didn't ask for it—”

“HE'S LYING!” Wang Lingjiao threw all her fear out the window and grabbed Wen Chao’s arm, all the while still pinning the blanket between her armpits. 

“NO!” Wen Chao easily shook her off, causing her to almost roll off the bed. “The water tasted weird and I suddenly lost control of my body. She forced herself on me! It wasn't my fault, it was hers!!”

“SECT LEADER WEN, DON'T BEL—”

Shen Qingqiu has had enough. “QUIET!”

The affair couple shut their mouths. 

Calmly, the former Peak Lord turned his head to Wang Lingjiao, who's still staring back at him with widened eyes. “I will count to ten, and the servant is out before that. One!”

Without further ado, the woman quickly got off the bed with the blanket still wrapped around her. Unfortunately, it left Wen Chao naked on the bed without any cloth to cover him up. 

“Two!”

Shen Qingqiu reflexively closed his eyes before he got flashed by a living fleshy twig. “Three!”

It's not even four yet and Wang Lingjiao had already ran past him, out of the room with nothing but a blanket rolled around her body. She didn't even pin up her hair. Her shadow eventually disappeared from the corridor. 

He opened his eyes to see Wen Chao, trembling with fright on the bed, trying to cover up his thing with thighs pressed together and a layer of his robe snatched off the floor. 

Faint footsteps echoed in the room, then a large shadow loomed over the very-boned Second Young Master. 

***

Even though Shen Qingqiu wanted to so badly punish this fool in public, he still has his pride. Even though he's not part of the Wen Clan, he's still reconsidering his choices. Having rumors about the Qi Deviation and Wen Xu’s ‘unfortunate experience’ were bad enough. 

Well. 

There's no telling if the Tyrant actually wants to punish this waste of seed. 

{Host, we advise you against it.]

But then again…

It's not like he's Shen Qingqiu at the moment. Currently, he will be a firm father who corrects his children after they made a mistake. 

The bell rang. All servants and maidservants at the palace are called into the large main hall, including the residents. Wen Qing stood at the front row of the crowd, her brother nowhere to be seen. It was probably for the best, remembering his meek mannerisms. She turned her head with a confused look towards the empty throne. 

Murmurs arose. Why not? When people are looking at the pathetic display of their Second Young Master, kneeling at the centre with his back turned to the throne, only wearing his pants. His hair was tied up to a bun. His complexion looks so pale, his breaths are coming out quietly and slowly, as if by being silent he'd somehow be invisible to the hundred eyes. 

“Is that Second Young Master Wen?”

“What did he do? Why is he being punished?”

“He was never punished before. This is a surprise.”

“What His Eminence thinking?”

“Enter, His Eminence, Wen Ruohan!” The announcer suddenly spoke. All voices quickly disappeared, replaced by the quiet breaths identical to Wen Chao. 

Shen Qingqiu walked into the room from the side of the hall beside the throne, looking forward with steady steps. 

Everyone stared in silence as he sat down without a word. 

Five seconds felt like five hours before his voice resounded in the great hall. 

“Begin.”

The announcer opened his scroll. “Today, the offender has been caught breaking the laws of Wen Clan—including forming an affair with the maid of his deceased wife, Wen Meifeng.”

Gasps rang like the melodies of GusuLan Instruments. 

The announcer went on, mentioning the date of the day the fool was caught along with the location. He didn't mention that it's the offender’s own father who caught him. That'd be embarrassing, for both parties. 

“His sentence will consist of three months of seclusion, suspended from command for six months, and thirteen lashes!”

The crowd glanced at each other. It was a surprisingly light punishment for a young master like him. He didn't even get his title snatched off and banished from the clan. However, Wen Chao trembled even more. Thirteen lashes. In his life, he's never gotten any of that. He proceeded to glance back at his father behind him in terror, but all he saw was a pair of cold red eyes gazing into space. 

The situation went into a stalemate. 

And slowly, Shen Qingqiuwaved his hand. 

“Let the punishment commence!” The announcer spoke. 

At that, the punisher—unsurprisingly, Wen Zhuliu, Wen Chao’s own protector, went forward with a whip in hand. 

Fuqi—”

SLASH!

Wen Chao’s loud scream entered everyone’s ears in the hall. And again. And again. And again.

By the fifth one, Shen Qingqiu left the hall, commanding Wen Zhuliu to keep going.