Chapter Text
Blood was rushing in his ears. His eyes burned. Was it from the smoke swirling around them, choking his breath, or the tears clogging his lashes? He trembled in rage and fear, staring at his Shizun – the Xiu Ya blade. Green eyes were cold, flashing with murderous intent.
He wasn’t sure why he was surprised. It had never been a secret that his Shizun hated him… though he couldn’t say why. He TRIED. He tried so hard to be good and obedient, he worked hard to please him, only to be met with nothing but dark glares, dismissive sneers, and beatings. The tip of Xia Ya pressed into him. Blood soaked his robes, forcing him back to the edge.
Rage overwhelmed the fear. What had he ever done wrong to be treated so unfairly?! Fine! Fine! If his Shizun wanted him to go, to die, then fine .
But he wouldn’t go alone.
He swayed as though falling, then lurched to the side. Shizun’s sword cut him chest to shoulder, blood blossoming like a flower. He grabbed his Shizun’s wrist tight as could be, and wrapped his other arm around his back. Shizun struggled against him, cursing and trying to throw him off. He grabbed him by the back of his neck, squeezing his acupoints till the older man seized up. He hooked one leg around his Shizun’s, locking them oh so intimately together.
Then he toppled backward, into the abyss.
Still cursing, Shizun tried to shake him off, to save himself. Binghe just squeezed tighter, pressing closer, murmuring under his breath. “I won’t be alone again.”
Nearly as soon as they both came to after their fall, trying to pull themselves together from the bone shaking landing, battered and bruised, they were laid upon by demons. Luo Binghe’s sword had shattered on the cliff; he could only fight barehanded. Shen Qingqiu had his sword, but was in such a state that – for the first time since he’d gotten it – Xia Ya felt heavy .
By some miracle, they both came out of the fray only a little worse than they went in.
Which is to say, horrible.
Shen Qingqiu was on his knees, whole body trembling from his efforts, watching the demon that dragged him down here from the corner of his eye. The young demon was staring off into nothing, his eyes trained down at a corpse he’d ripped a limb off of, eyes wild, body splattered in blood. Shen Qingqiu’s eyes widened as he watched every wound on the Beast’s body stitch itself back together, every bruise fade to nothing in the blink of an eye. Luo Binghe’s head cocked to the side as though he was listening for something. Then those eyes, suddenly deadly calm, turned to him.
Luo Binghe marched right for his Shizun, huddled there on the ground, robes tattered, blood seeping through, staining them a mottled brown and red. When their eyes met, Shizun’s pupils contracted as he swung his sword at him. Oh, he truly was battered if that was the best he could do. Binghe caught it by the blade, squeezing slightly till he cut into him. Never stopping in his march, he caught his Shizun by the arm as he tried to scramble away and shoved his bleeding hand to his mouth, tilting his head back to force him to swallow. The older man tried to wrest himself free, but he was tired and battered. Binghe simply held him tighter, plugging his nose so he had no choice but to open his mouth and take it.
Shen Qingqiu choked down the coppery blood, glaring up into flashing crimson eyes. The moment he was freed he leaned forward and tried to throw it up. Binghe sighed, dutifully holding his hair back for him. “Shizun,” his tone was nearly teasing, “this one would just feed you more.”
His skin crawled. He watched as the scrapes on his hand vanished. The pain of one shoulder faded. In spite of his revulsion, his stomach calmed.
With pain out of the way, he took stock of the situation. Heavenly Demon Blood… there was no purging it now. He knew it could both heal and cause horrific damage, so… why was he being healed? He had tried to kill the boy.
“Shizun, didn’t this disciple do a good thing healing you?” His voice was singsong. “Shizun should say thank you.”
He ground his teeth and shoved the boy away. “Foul Beast!” he hissed as he climbed to his feet. Before he was even up, he was crumpling to the ground again. He felt as though his stomach was tying itself in knots.
“Where is Shizun going? We should stay together in this dangerous place.”
The pain subsided, but Shen Qingqiu dared not move. He was tethered to the Beast now… how had he ended up being the one collared?
They came upon the first clear water spring they had seen while in the abyss. Every other water source so far had to be filtered and boiled. Binghe set to work filling their water skins, and suggested setting up camp here since he couldn’t sense anything around. It was rare to get an opportunity to actually rest ; which had only happened a few times in the – estimated – three months they had been here.
Shizun readily agreed.
As Binghe gathered water to make a meager soup, he stared down into his reflection in the spring. An idea came to him… He rather needed a bath, and it would be great to have one. If he asked about taking a bath, he knew Shizun would want one, too. Oh, oh, he could also suggest laundry! He eagerly thought about how he could trap his bare Shizun. If Shizun didn’t take the bait, Binghe would still get his bath. Maybe he could get Shizun to admire him . He had grown quite a bit since the fall.
One way or another, it was a win-win.
“Shizun, the soup will take some time to simmer, may this one take a bath? This is the first clear water we’ve found, who knows when there would be another chance…”
Shen Qingqiu considered the Beast’s words for a moment. He was suddenly hyper-aware of the filth caked on his own body and clothes. The Beast was right… who knew when there would be another chance. “You may take one after this Master. You will clean my clothes and keep watch for me.” Perhaps a little too late, he realized he was being rather demanding to the man that could cripple him with a mere thought, but luckily the Beast did no such thing.
“Yes Shizun, this one will get the soup cooking.” He did his level best to keep the excitement out of his voice as Shizun started undressing. The master waited until Binghe had started cleaning before he fully disrobed and waded into the water with a sigh. He couldn’t even bring himself to care that the water was cold; at least it was clean.
His skin prickled. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw that the demon was staring at him. The brat met his eyes fearlessly. “This one will help Shizun with his hair.” Those crimson eyes shone.
What was he playing at?!
“No need.” He didn’t dare turn away. “Are my robes clean?”
A frown tugged at the corners of Binghe’s mouth. “They need to dry.”
His stomach lurched, glancing at the dripping clothes draped over a tree branch behind the Beast. He either had to leave the pond under Binghe’s gaze to put on soaked and uncomfortable robes, or remain within until they were dry.
He was trapped there under that gaze for some time, until Binghe finally got up to check his robes. “Still wet.” His tone was far more cheerful than Shen Qingqiu thought it should be.
The Beast turned to him with shimmering eyes. “This one’s robes are dry – though they are still dirty… Would Shizun like to use mine? This Binghe will take his bath.”
Was… was he being offered an out? “Yes, that will do fine.” He made his way over to the rocky edge of the river, pausing as he realized this still meant getting out of the water under Luo Binghe’s gaze. The Beast wasn’t currently paying him any mind, stripping down. Shen Qingqiu averted his eyes from his naked form, holding his hand out for the robes. He felt a few slip from his grasp, and before he could catch them, the Beast let out a soft curse, scrambling to catch them before they drifted down the river. When he looked back up at his Shizun, there was a mysterious glint in his eye.
“This one will just clean these now. At least Shizun still has something to cover up with.” Shen Qingqiu scowled down at the robes in his hand. Binghe didn’t wear as many layers as him in the first place, and now all he had was the inner and outer. The Beast had already wadded into the water and started washing what had fallen, so Shen Qingqiu finally got out of the water. Almost as soon as he did so, he felt eyes on him. He steadfastly ignored them as he finished dressing. He checked his robes, knowing there was no point, before settling on the rock where Binghe had been.
He listened to the Beast’s splashing and tried to ignore the staring as he resolutely watched the brush for any danger. That is, until the splashing got closer. The Beast laid his wet clothes on the rock beside Shen Qingqiu for drying. The older man tried to ignore how his skin prickled under his gaze. Why did he keep staring at him?!
Luo Binghe folded his arms on the rock and rested his head on it, staring unabashedly at his Shizun. This had all gone so much better than he’d imagined! How tempting he was, sitting half-dressed in Binghe’s clothes! Was it just him, or did they even seem a little big on him? When had he gotten bigger than Shizun?
He let his mind wander to the body hidden beneath, all tight, lean muscles, perfectly formed. The expanse of flawless pale skin that he was certain would be so soft to touch. He hadn’t seen all of what he wanted, his Shizun was too shy – and that too was cute, the pink on his cheeks. Someday… someday they would be out of danger, and he would figure out how to coax his shy Shizun into bed.
The land around them had been slowly opening up. They were finally, finally leaving the abyss and heading into the greater demon realm. The high walls had been widening for some time… Neither of them had any idea how long they’d been in this place. When they had first arrived neither bothered to keep track, and by the time it came up they had been there for so long, what was the point? They couldn’t even track by when they slept, since they often went days without because there was too much danger.
They were currently on one such stretch, with no idea how long it had gone on. They hadn’t even had time for a short rest for Binghe to throw together a meager meal.
Now here they were, stumbling upon a whole horde of demons. Luo Binghe tugged his Shizun behind a rock. “There’s an offshoot trail over here.” He whispered lowly, gesturing toward the scrub brush leading away from the horde.
Shen Qingqiu noted the way the young demon’s hand was trembling on his stolen sword, his eyes wild. What did he have to fear? He could heal himself! He hated to admit that the Beast had good instincts when it came to these things, though… it would be best to follow his lead here.
Just stick with him for now. Once we’re in open land, escape…
Binghe was only half paying attention to his Shizun. There was something in his mind calling to him, drowning out the old dream demon. It felt almost as though he was being yanked along the trail. Once they got to the end of the narrow, overgrown path, they were on the ledge overlooking the remaining expanse of the abyss. But they were not alone. There were far less here than the other horde they had seen, but they were more powerful. The qi wafting off of them was almost palpable.
Just beyond the demons, he could see what was calling him. A great sword, stuck into the ground at the edge of the cliff.
He glanced at his Shizun. The grim-faced man had already drawn his sword. Without word or signal, they charged forth. The fight was hard, both of them overwrought with lack of food and sleep. Binghe’s focus was split three ways: fight, heal, sword . He dove beneath an attack by the biggest demon and launched himself toward the blade. Tossing his stolen one aside, he clutched it in both hands and pulled. Surprisingly, it offered no resistance, coming free easily in his hands. His eyes widened, his senses seemed alight as the blade instantly bonded with him.
Xin-mo.
The name echoed in his mind.
He turned on his heel and cut down a large demon like it was nothing. In only a few breaths, there were bodies scattered around him. The sword in his hand sang. It wanted more blood…
Later, there is none left here.
But it was hungry, hungry, hungry. If not blood, it wanted something, something primal. Binghe looked up, eyes meeting his Shizun’s.
Shen Qingqiu stood over a dead demon, warily eyeing his disciple standing within a ring of corpses. His eyes were alight, as was his mark of sin; the symbol seemed to have grown a little across his forehead. The energy flowing off that sword was wild and manic, making the immortal master’s skin crawl.
Those crimson eyes met his. The mark receded, and while the glow dimmed, it still remained.
Shen Qingqiu’s every sense told him he was in danger.
But then the demon spoke so calmly, so lightly, making his mind swim in confusion. “Shizun must be so tired, there should be a place to camp nearby. I can’t sense any other demons. This one will make dinner for Shizun.”
Reluctantly, eyeing the new sword upon the Beast’s back, Shen Qingqiu followed him.
He could feel eyes on him from the other side of the fire. Along with the mark of sin on his forehead, they were also glowing, his expression blank as he stared. Was he staring at him or through him?
He felt a twitch in his belly. The blood mites?! Why?! He was just sitting here minding his own business!
It became stronger, he nearly doubled over, but not in pain. No – this was far different. A flush came up his body, his breath shortened. What the fuck?!
He looked in horror at the Beast across the fire, watching, unblinking. The demon stood, dusted himself off, and came around to Shen Qingqiu’s side.
No, no, no, no.
He crouched at his Shizun’s side, arms folded across his knees as he watched him. “Is Shizun feeling ill?” He asked lightly. “Perhaps he should lay down.” When he only got a glare in answer, Binghe sighed; a fresh wave of arousal swept over the older man. He bit his lip to hold in the moan bubbling up in his throat.
“Shizun should definitely lay down.” The Beast’s face was still impassive, but his tone brokered no argument. Shen Qingqiu had a feeling that if he didn’t obey, the mites would redouble their efforts, that perhaps pain would come in alongside the overwhelming pleasure.
“This one will let Shizun borrow his robe for a pillow.” Chipper, seemingly very pleased with himself, he shrugged it off and wadded it up.
Shen Qingqiu snatched it from him, shaking it out. “I’d rather a blanket.” He croaked out, laying down, back to the demon, draping the robe over himself to hide. He trembled and shook beneath it as the mites continued their work. He dared not look over his shoulder at Luo Binghe, he could still feel those burning eyes on him. The Beast’s scent surrounded him with the robe.
He tried to hold out, he truly did! He didn’t want to give Binghe the satisfaction of making him cum, but the mites were persistent. He curled in on himself, squeezing his eyes shut, biting his hand to hold in the sounds as he came.
As he lay there panting, disgusted with himself and the demon, the mites stilled. He could hear the Beast stand and go back over to his side of their little camp without a word.
He should have known, should have known that wouldn’t be the last time. The mites never caused him pain again; only pleasure washed over him when they were activated. Binghe never offered his robe again, either, he had nowhere to hide. It seemed he had learned to wait until his Shizun was already laying down to activate them at all.
The Beast would just sit beside him and watch as he shivered and shook. Every now and then, he would reach out and gently push a strand of hair from his Shizun’s sweat-soaked forehead. Other than that, he didn’t touch.
Sometimes Shen Qingqiu wished the Beast would do more, just to get it over with. Maybe if he satisfied his curiosity, he would find his Shizun was not actually all that entertaining and leave him be.
At least the damn Beast never stopped him from hiding his sounds, and never gave him orders again.
For months, he endured this torment nearly every night. He felt beaten down, weakened. He had no way to fight back. The mites couldn’t be purged or resisted, if he tried to hurt or even kill himself, the Beast would just heal him. And then he would probably just get it worse…
After having been in the abyss for something like a year – give or take a few weeks… or months – the land started opening outward, sprawling into the greater demon realm. So, the endless abyss did in fact have an end. Binghe declared they should get a good night’s rest and a meal before they decided which way to go in the morning, and started making camp.
He must have been serious about a good night’s sleep, because he didn’t torment his Shizun. Relief washed over Shen Qingqiu, and he caught a couple shí chén of sleep before forcing himself awake. He checked to make sure Binghe was still sound asleep before slipping away in a random direction with his qinggong. Maybe if he could get far enough away while Binghe slept, he could lose him. The mites had a limit, after all.
In his frantic, wild flight, he ran headlong into a batch of demons. Big ones, too. No, no, no, they were slowing him down!
He fought them in his tired state, still making quick work of several, before claws grazed his shoulder just enough to break the skin.
Luo Binghe’s eyes snapped open. He stood with a sigh, dusted himself off, grabbed his sword, and headed off to gather his Shizun.
When he arrived, he stood to the side and watched for a moment. His Shizun was always beautiful on the battlefield, but the blood trickling down his arm made Binghe scowl. This was much too dangerous. Shizun didn’t need to be doing things that could harm him!
A demon lunged at his Shizun from behind, and Binghe finally stepped in.
A wave of arousal hit Shen Qingqiu all at once, taking him to his knees. He curled in on himself, eyes wide as he tried to catch his breath. Those damn blood mites! Sounds of slaughter could be heard all around him as the Beast destroyed the rest of the demons. He was on the edge, unallowed to tip over it. Yet another game Luo Binghe liked to play.
His disciple pulled him roughly to his feet, keeping him upright with an arm around his waist. This was the most contact Luo Binghe had ever made when he was in this state, and it made him feel on fire .
“Shizun,” the Beast’s voice was light, a half-amused, half-scolding tone hidden beneath. “It’s dangerous out here alone.” He was pressed up against a rock wall, Luo Binghe’s hands planted to either side of him, boxing him in. They were so close that their noses were nearly brushing, the heat of the demon’s breath over his skin made him tremble. “Shizun knows he should stay with this one.” He cooed. “This Binghe can protect Shizun.”
A knee pressed between his legs, he ground down against it, desperate for friction. That… the blood mites weren’t making him do this…
Crimson eyes flickered over the writhing body. The feeling of his Shizun pressing against him made Binghe’s mind go blank for a moment. “Shizun is beautiful,” he breathed, getting a hiss in answer. He hiked his knee up higher, earning a gasp, delighting in how delicate lashes fluttered over green eyes, the perfect bow of his lips parting.
His eyes trained upon those lips.
“Even though Shizun can fight, he is a human; any demon will try to hunt you down. Shizun must stay with this Binghe for… safety.” He stirred his bloodmites and Shen Qingqiu ground down hard against his thigh, a broken moan escaping him. Binghe went wild – his Shizun normally hid all his noises. He swallowed hard, “Don’t worry Shizun, this Binghe won't leave you all alone.”
I won’t be alone again.
The assurance was said with a purr that – paired with the bloodmites – went straight to his cock. He came.
Before he could even attempt to catch his breath, there were lips on his. It was sloppy and hungry and inescapable. He moved to shove him off, but just as his hands came into contact with Binghe’s chest, the blood mites surged again. Instead of shoving, he clutched the Beast’s robes, grinding down hard against his thigh, lips parting in a startled gasp. Binghe pressed in, hands dancing along his sides.
His body sang .
His mind whirled, desperately trying to make sense of what the hell was happening.
“This one will keep Shizun safe forever,” the Demon breathed against his lips. “This Binghe is destined to become Emperor.” A growl was hidden beneath his voice; his eyes gone wild and manic. “Then who would dare harm what’s mine ?! I’ll protect Shizun!” A chill went up his spine, fighting with the heat, then arousal crept up alongside it and he was coming again.
Binghe, crimson eyes glowing, pressed close until their bodies were flush. The blood mites didn’t cease. “Shizun will never have to worry about anything again,” his tone was suddenly calm, nearly solemn. “Never dirty his hands with fighting, never have annoying little gnats swarming around him, never worry over a thing.”
A hand came up to cradle the back of his neck. He whimpered with oversensitivity as the mites continued, tears clogging his lashes. Luo Binghe kissed away those tears. “Shizun is so touched he’s crying.” He cooed sweetly, before locking him into another sloppy kiss.
And so it continued, Binghe whispering promises in his ear – voice sweet as honey – kissing his Shizun breathless as he made Shen Qingqiu cum again and again until his tired body slumped into the Beast’s arms.