Work Text:
Shen Qingqiu is going to end it all.
Everything was just.. too much.
The hatred his sect siblings harbored for him.
Qi-ge, who never came back nor explained why.
The brothel ladies banned him from going back inside the red pavilion, saying, ‘This is for your own good.’
He could not sleep after that. And hasn't in over a month.
The demons that he had smothered for the past decades all came to a head when Liu Qingge fought with him over nothing in the bamboo house ruining its gracefulness, and Yue Qingyuan avoided his question all in one day.
“ Why?! Why did you abandon me to die? “ Shen Qingqiu screamed, his figure trembling as his hand covered the wound left by Liu Qingge, blood seeped through and dripped onto the bamboo floors below, staining the tranquil structure.
“ Xiao Jiu I- “
“ YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CALL ME THAT. “
Shen Jiu kicked the table that was still standing, and ink and parchment scattered everywhere. Yue Qingyuan looked at him pitifully. Like he always does. That stupid man.
This stupid sect.
All he worked for, all for a stupid dream that can not be fulfilled, Such as the River Gatsby, a tale as old as time.
At least he could prove his self-worth through that last reference.
He clenched his head, the feeling of a piercing sword through his skull told him that he was nearing a Qi Deviation.
“ I can’t, I can’t, I can’t, I can’t,“ Shen Jiu muttered like a mantra under his breath as he pushed his hands against his head roughly, desperate to repel the pressure. A pair of hands touched him, and he jolted away, the feeling nearly drove him to vomit.
Did he hear someone call for him? Was it Qi-ge? Or was anyone talking at all? Even so, no words registered.
All Shen Jiu desired was to get away.
Get away from this sick world that was always out to get him.
What was the point of living anymore? What was the point if the only person he loved didn't want him anymore? Wasn’t that the only person who kept him alive?
But there was no more Qi-ge. Qi-ge is dead.
And he should be, too.
Shen Jiu fled.
Yue Qingyuan called after him, but as always, he was ignored. This was not the first time Shen Jiu had run away from the peak in front of him.
Though Shen Jiu knew this time would be different.
Embarrassingly, Yue Qingyuan thought that he would come back, like he always does. So he allowed him to leave, the door hanging open as he watched the retreating back.
His Xiao Jiu would never want him to follow anyway.
[ Little did he know, in Shen Qingqiu's mind, he was begging Qi-ge to follow, to scold him, to bring him back, to make him feel wanted. ]
Shen Qingqiu had a plan.
He would travel as far away from the sect as possible. He was to find an area that was in desperate need of spiritual Qi. That way, he can contribute to at least something in his useless life.
Days blurred together as he traveled to find the place. He just kept on flying and flying, to the point that Xiu ya groaned from the use, to the point he barely registered anything from the outside world.
Until finally, Shen Jiu found a place. He didn't even know where here is. Not like it matters.
He finds an area with the least amount of anything, it's a normal forest, but he can tell that within the vegetation, its spiritual creatures and plants were struggling to survive. Most likely because of mortals.
Now that it's happening, He.. He hesitates.
Why are you hesitating? Something in the back of his mind hisses. All it takes is one slice from Xiu ya to the throat, then all your suffering is gone.
Shen Jiu held up his sword. He tried to will it to his throat. But all his hand did was tremble.
Pathetic. The voice in his head spat. If you're this sad, you should practice on something else; maybe then you won’t be pathetic enough to do it.
It was mocking him. But at least he could move the blade to his arm. It was right, he should practice. What if he cut too hollow?
But still, he was not moving.
Now the Demons in his head were screaming one word.
Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic …
His eyesight went dark.
Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic Pathetic
Pathetic!
The next time he opened his eyes, blood was dripping down his arm and onto the vegetation below. A sigh of relief fell out of him. Suddenly, he was filled with glee. A sick satisfaction as his blood nurtures the plants below. It was clear by the way the flowers were immediately soaking it up.
This gives him the courage to send the blade to his throat.
To be frank, it would be easier if Shen Qingqiu Self-detonated or used a sword formation. But for this, he felt that it needed to be done by his own hands. By something he could control.
He wasn't hesitant anymore.
His will to live, gone.
The fire was there when he was living on the streets, being kicked over and over again.
The fire was there when his Qi-ge promised to come back.
The fire was bursting when Qiu Jianluo had his way with him or beat him.
His fire led him to fight for the title of peak lord.
But now it was finally snuffed out.
Reminding himself of the facts was all it took to flick his wrist.
—
Shen Yuan didn't know what to do.
Fuck this system thing and “ You can you up, no can no BB" “!! Why was he suddenly in front of a dying man after drifting in what he thought was fucking purgatory?
Not only was he a dying man, but he was a dying man willingly!! The wound on his neck was so painfully obvious that he had half the mind to leave him just like he wanted. But that stupid blue box told him he needed to keep him alive!!
But why??
He was told that he would be sent to his original world if he didn't.
So yeah, it was either the man lives or Shen Yuan dies again. Of course, he's going for the former.
But he didn't know what to do! He was simply a translucent blue thing similar to the system looming over the figure who lay on a bed of equally translucent blue flowers.
He fumbled with his hand to stop the bleeding. He knew it wouldn't work.
BECUASE HE WAS A FUCKING GHOST!!
The man was becoming paler by the minute, so he just prayed to Hatsune Miku that this would fucking work.
When he thought this would do nothing, his hands started to glow in Steven Universe fashion. It shone brighter, and brighter, almost to the point of blinding Shen Yuan more than he already was.
When the light dimmed, he pulled away and inspected the wound.
It was a pink scar, as if it were months old.
No way that fucking worked!!
[ Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations! Good things must be repeated 3 times! UV. 002 has successfully revived the character: Shen Qingqiu!. With the first Quest completed, UV 002 will now take on the special role of:
OC - Shen Yuan - flower Baby - Scum Villains Son
Your soul will now be transported into the flower essences child. Good luck on changing the story user (⋆ˆ ³ ˆ)♥~ ]
“ Wait wha- “
Then his ghostly body vanished.
—
Shen Qingqiu doesn't remember being aware of consciousness. He doesn't remember opening his eyes. All he remembers is soft hands touching his neck gently and spiritual energy pouring into him like a flood.
He also didn't know how long he lain before opening his eyes.
The moment he could form coherent thoughts, he questioned how he was still alive. The demons that lurked in the back of his head were gone, despite his will to live still being virtually gone. He could see that his spiritual energy seeping out of him was thoroughly nurturing the flowers around him, which were glowing a bright blue.
If his Qi is there, then why does he still feel so much of it within him?
He internally shook his head. Whatever, not like it matters now. He thought as he stared forward. The grass below him is soft and welcoming. If something hadn't interrupted him, he would have stayed there until the grass grew around him.
The said disruption was a flash of blue light. Shen Jiu wasn't curious until he heard a baby wail.
A baby wailing? There were no active villages nearby. All abandoned when the Spiritual energy finally died out.
So why the hell was there a baby?
Now that's what gets him moving; his muscles are stiff from disuse. Heaven knows how long it took to pull himself towards the noise. He finally reached where the wailing came from.
The crying didn't cease, and the thing clearly looked like a baby. It looks new. Straight from the womb. He knew this from the times he became a midwife to some of his brothel sisters.
The memory sent a painful pang to his chest. But he shoved it down to investigate the baby. With shaky hands, he picked it up.
It, no, he, immediately quieted when he rested in his arms. He looked comfortable and pure against his ruined robes.
It snuggled closer, and Shen Qing Qiu instinctively hugged the boy to his chest. Holding his head as he stared into the space in front of him. Unknowingly relishing in the touch.
When he finally looked down, he saw gray eyes widen with curiosity. He cooed before finally closing his eyes to sleep.
Once again, Shen Qingqiu didn't know when his breath started to become ragged, or when his arms started to tremble, or even when tears fell from his eyes, coating the sweet, unblemished skin of the baby in his arms.
Even though he didn't know where the baby came from, he knew it was his. He hugged the boy a little tighter, not enough to hurt him, but enough to satiate Shen Jius's desire to protect.
He leaned down to place quivering lips on the small forehead and uttered the words:
“ Welcome to the world, Shen Yuan. “
And finally, after so long,
His fire was relit.
—
The rumors about Shen Qingqiu when he came back to the sect were wildly different from rumor to rumor. However, one was the same: he came back with an 8-month-old child in his arms.
He was gone for a whole year before the arrival, and many thought he was either Qi-divinated or in seclusion.
But never did they think that he would appear with a child in his arms?! Especially during a peak lord meeting!
Did he time it? Or was he that good at predicting when to make a dramatic flare?
Nonetheless, mixed reactions were made by his sect siblings. Many were nervously congratulating him on the baby, while the others were ready to chew him out for being a leech. Yue Qingyuan was always the neutral party.
The whispers became more and more dramatic as it was passed around. But this is what truly happened:
“ You left the sect only to come back with a baby in your arms, Shen Qingqiu? “ Liu Qingge scowled and slammed his hand against the table, much to the An Ding lord's anguish.
An unnamed Peak leader moved ahead to call out: "What a perverse lecher! Who is the mother? It's one of the brothel ladies, isn't it? “
“ I am the mother. “ Shen Jiu snapped back, sitting down on his chair with his usual scowl. But the baby in his arms started to cry. And to all of his sect siblings' shock, his face softened as he muttered sweet nothings in order to calm the baby down.
The baby began giggling when Shen Qingqiu tickled his stomach. Something indescribable washed over everyone when they saw this.
But Shen Qingqiu looked up again, and his usual cold appearance was back.
“ Well? Are you going to continue the meeting, or did this one waste his time on making an appearance to announce his arrival? “
Everyone could tell it didn't have the same sharp teeth it usually had.
So…
The baby.. Tamed Shen Qingqiu?
The scandalous immortal who took any chance to fight anyone verbally and physically?
Well, they liked this new side of Shen Qingqiu.
All, besides a few peak lords, easily accepted the baby and continued on with the meeting, feeling a vigor they had never felt before. Of course, they don't immediately forget about the Shen Jiu before the year's absence, but instead of looking forward to a more toxic man, they see a softening one. And that was a good thing.
For the others, however, it will take months, maybe even years, to accept the fact that Shen Qingqiu of Qing Jing peak could even smile pleasantly. But alas, they still see it as a win.
A certain someone, who was desperate to look for his Xiao Jiu in his absence, now feels the itching need to confess, to confess to everything he has refused to tell his world, his everything.
Maybe it was the child's fault for that urge. Because every part of him wants to claim that he's the father, with that podium open and easily accessible for the taking. The possessiveness that gorges within him at the thought of holding a part of Xiao Jiu, and believing the other part is his. Because it could be.
He knew that the rumours were fake, and how it was obvious that Shen Jiu was waiting for the right one. But this baby.. this baby could be theirs.
Together.
—
Yue Qingyuan hesitated at the door, and before he could even knock, he heard the voice of Shen Jiu whispering to his child. A normal cultivator wouldn't have picked up anything, but Yue Qingyuan was no normal Immortal.
“ Oh, A-yuan, never once did I imagine I would be back here. “ His whisper, broken and feeble. “ This baba should apologize for every wrongdoing he has ever done to those here and out of the mountain. But I won't, “
“ Because they brought me to you. And you let me live. “
The last Statement was uttered with such sincerity that Yue Qingyuan lost himself.
He burst into the room, seeing Shen Qingqiu on the floor, tears falling down his cheeks, and an A-yuan cuddled in his arms. He didn't even have time to put up his cold facade when Yue Qingyuams lips were against his.
How was he so fast?! He didn't even see him approach!
Shen Qingqiu would have started kicking and screaming, maybe even biting, if it weren't for his baby in his arms.
Well he can bite something, and that was Yue Qingyuans lips, so he did. Apparently, that did not deter him one bit. How can Shen Jiu push him away with words but not physically?!
Somewhere in his confusion, Yue Qingyuan's hands went to his cheeks, and they finally separated.
“ WHAT WAS TH- “ He started to yell out, only to be interrupted - which has never happened before - by a louder sect leader.
“ I'm so sorry I never told you about why I didn't come back; it was not that I didn't try, or forgot about you, I did come back! “ Yue Qingyuan choked, forgetting the proper pronouns, tears falling uncharacteristically down his face. Any retort Shen Jiu had ready died out.
“I was late, my shizun had sealed me in the lingxi caves after a Qi-deviation for being too desperate to obtain a sword! One that rejected me! It’s no excuse, but please keep listening, “
He put his forehead to Shen Qingqiu’s, and when he didn't feel any push back, he risked a hug around both him and the child. Though the screaming should have frightened the baby, he made no noise, as if sensing the intensity of the conversation.
“ I tried to find you when you left, trying not to make the same mistake again, but I couldn't find you; it was as if you vanished off the face of the earth. If you had not come within a year, I would have given up and taken my life. Because life is nothing without Xiao Jiu, “ he panted heavily as he gently brushed back the tears on Shen Jiu's face. “ But you came back.“
Yue Qingyuan turned to cradle Shen Yuan's face gently, “ and with the most beautiful boy I've ever seen. He looks just like you. “
All Shen Qingqiu could do was gape at the older man. He swallowed thickly, trying to push his pride down to ask the questions that needed to be answered.
“ You... didn't forget about me? “
Yue Qingyuan shook his head.
“ You... care for me? “
Yue Qingyuan nodded.
“ You tried to find me when I left the sect?
“ Every single day. “
His questions are being answered. That's all he ever wanted from the man in front of him. For Qi-ge to explain why he never came back.
“ Was there any other reason why you didn't? “
Yue Qingyuan averted his eyes, but a mad humph from Shen Qingqiu made him drag his eyes back.
“ I didn’t know where.. Xiao- Shen Qingqiu could have possibly gone, but any place you took interest in, I searched to no avail. So even if I didn’t want to accept the fact that you might be dead, it lingered in the back of my mind. “
But now Shen Jiu was satisfied. The hatred that consumed him for the last years had no point in them anymore.
But with all that clear, he decided to play with Yue Qingyuan, as a last bit of revenge.
“ You're not mad that I had a baby with someone? “
Qi's eyes flashed with something that he couldn't quite place.
“ Is the father still in the picture? “
Shen Qingqiu shook his head, hiding his amused smirk.
“ Then I will be the father instead. “
He went to cradle A-Yuan and Shen Jiu, determined and.. Oh, that's a possessive look, isn't it?
Shen Jiu leaned forward near his ear and whispered.
“ There was no father to begin with; he's a little flower baby. You can claim to be his father, and it will be true. “
Yue Qingyuan looked stunned, but the glee that quickly formed after was more stunning than any smile he had ever made. Shen Jiu poked his cheek with a pout.
“ Don’t think I'm still not mad at you for never telling me any of that, nearly died without knowing you came back. “
“ Died? What do you mean by die? “ Concern etched into Qi-ge's face, but Shen Jiu looked away, mostly in shame. He knows that if he looks back, he will crumble and admit his faults.
“ It's nothing to worry about. “ He coughed out. “ Little A-yuan saved me, and that's all that matters. “
Yue Qingyuan can see that he doesn't want to talk about it. Sighing, he decided he was not going to push it, not after he just got his Xiao Jiu back.
He gently turned Shen Jius' face towards him again with a smile that showed no pity. Just understanding.
“ Well, this one won't push you to tell me, but at least tell Mu Qingfang, he needs to check up on you and our baby, especially because I don't know where you have been for a year. “
Shen Jiu looked like he was going to protest, but Qi-Ge interrupted him. His tone was harsh, also a first.
“ This is not an option. If you're afraid he will expose what you confide in him, I tell you he will not. I can count the many peak lords who hate you, and he's not one of them. “
Shen Jiu squirmed slightly under the determined look. He also found this side of Yue Qingyuan kinda.. Hot. So he has no choice but to submit to this authoritative father.
“ Fine. But if he does, I will kill you. “
Yue Qingyuan laughed gently, then took out Xuan Su and laid it next to him.
“ You have my word. “
—
Mu Qingfang inspected Shen Yuan from head to toe, inside and out. Shen Jin looked very nervous about letting someone, besides him and Qi-ge, near his baby. Like a feral mother cat, ready to snatch her baby away if those hands show any sign of threat.
But in order to see if his baby is alright, this needs to happen. That's what he keeps telling himself to soothe his fight or flight response.
Mu Qingfang sensed his tension and quickly finished his inspection and handed him Shen Yuan. He jotted down one more thing before looking back at Shen Jiu.
“ Your baby is healthy, extremely healthy at that. “ Shen jiu sighed in relief. But Mu Qingfang furrowed his brow. “ However, the odd thing is that he has a formed core and an abundance of spiritual energy coursing through meridians. “
If he didn't know better, he would have thought Shen Qingqiu squirmed. But now he needed to ask the tough questions that might get him throttled.
“ How did the birth of this child occur? “
The man didn't speak for a while, looking more and more defensive. Mu Qingfang sighed. This peak lord was the third hardest to take care of. Followed by Liu Qingge and then on top, Yue Qingyuan.
“ Look, this Shidi won't judge, nor tell anyone anything you do not want me to tell. This doctor only wants the best for Shixiong and his baby. “
Shen Jiu looked like he was considering this.
“ From a Flower. It was fed this one's blood, and he was nurtured for an unknown period of time. “
“There are flowers that I can think of that are able to do such a thing; however, it requires a core for his energy to be of this abundance.“
Mu Qingfang didn't wait for an answer and reached to check Shen Qingqiu's Meridians. To his surprise, he still felt spiritual energy strongly pulsing through his veins. Confused, he asked:
“ Do you happen to have the flower that produced this child? “
Mu qingfang didn't understand how this was possible. No herb like this could have the ‘ mother ‘ keep its Qi, having used it as a form of food for itself. Shen Qingqiu reached into his sleeve and pulled out a qiankun pouch that, when opened, had a preserve of translucent flowers. Shen Qingqiu looked down as he spoke again.
“ This one found that when a petal is consumed, I obtain the ability to feed my child when needed. “
Mu Qingfang nodded, sparing his martial brother some face by not asking to elaborate. He investigated the flower,
“ This is the Blue perseverance flower. If nurtured in one's blood, it is a contract from the roots and to oneself, allowing a baby to be born. However, it usually requires a death for it to be born, but for an immortal, nearly all their blood. Though it also takes half a core, an immortal is able to cultivate it back, but it takes a large period of time. “
Mu Qingfang looked back at Shen Jiu, “May this doctor ask where you had cut to obtain the amount necessary? “
Shen Qingqiu squirmed clearly before holding out a wrist. There was a scar that was deep but not deep enough. Then, shakily, Shen Jiu lifted his hand to pull the top of his robes down, revealing an even larger scar.
Mu Qingfang's eyes widened a fraction, a feat for a very impassive doctor. A cut like that was intentional. And fatal.
This cut was enough to nurture the flower to produce a child and kill the mother.
So how..?
He decided to put it in his mental box of private patient files to deal with later. He didn't want to frighten Shen Qingqiu into not coming back for another checkup because he pointed out the obvious intent, which was obviously not to bear a child.
Still, the issue non-issue is that Shen Jiu's spiritual veins were healthy, even surpassing his last visit, the permanent damage from the demonic Qi from his past seemingly gone.
“ This Shidi will research more on the plant and only needs one for experimentation. I also suggest you plant the rest in your garden and feed it Qi for more to grow, so you can sustain feed for your baby until he’s old enough for solid foods. “
Shen Qingqiu handed the one and put the pouch back in his sleeve. He glanced at his baby, who fell asleep in his arms.
“ I also suggest you set up Bi-monthly appointments to ensure the continuation of Shen Yuan's good health. “
Mu Qingfang figured there was going to be some pushback, but to his surprise, Shen Qingqiu nodded and stood up. Mu Qingfang did as well and saw Shen Jiu out.
For his next visit he'll definitely need to provide certain pills for his Shixiong.
—
Now that Shen Yuan was able to waddle around when he was one and a half, a betting pool was created between the peak lords' uncles and aunties with their disciples on who was his favorite.
During the year he had arrived at Cang Qiong Mountain, everyone wanted to be in Shen Yuan's favor. Shen Jiu was unamused by their behavior but just let it be.
At least his sect siblings were not gunning for his throat and were thoroughly spoiling his child like he rightfully deserved.
To everyone's surprise, the one who won was a tie between Lu Qingshou, the beast peak lord, and Liu Qingge. The little boy adored beasts, monsters, and weapons, which both humbly provided. If it weren't for Shen Jius' refusal to let Shen Yuan near the peak, Lu Qingshou would have taken first place all by himself.
Shen Qingqiu was not at all happy that those two were his favorites.
“ I mean, Liu Qingge? That brute? Why must my child adore that man! “ Shen Jiu huffed at Yue Qingyuan, who was now his husband.
They promptly married to everyone’s surprise not surprise. If it weren’t for the need to keep up name sakes, Yue Qingyuan would have taken the Shen name.
“ Now, Xiao Jiu, A-yuan is already expressing interest in things that we should help teach. He’s quite intelligent to be already showing signs like this. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s able to turn certain objects into weapons just like his mother by the time he is three.“
He was awarded with a smack from Shen Qingqiu's fan. This was not the first time nor the 100th time he'd done this; Yue Qinyuan already deduced it was a form of love language, having his sect siblings now subjected to the same treatment.
The door of the bamboo house nearly broke from the impact of the knocking. Who else could abuse the door like that? He sent Yue Qingyuan to greet the unwanted Shidi as Shen Jiu sat with his baby on the floor and moved wooden blocks with spiritual energy, causing Shen Yuan to screech and giggle as he tried to reach for them with his grubby hands.
Liu Qingge walked into the scene so utterly confused at the sight of Shen Qingqiu's smile. Even if he's done it more often, the war god will never get used to such a baffling sight.
“ What are you doing here, brute? You'd better have brought gifts, or I'm kicking you out. “
Liu Qingge chuckled knowing he never followed through with threats now. He sat down with a huff opposite of Shen Jiu, and Yue Qingyuan sat next to both. The three adults created a triangle around Shen Yuan, who crawled to first his father - he got head pats - then to Liu Qingge, who gave him a sheathed Cheng Luan.
“ I brought a gift. Carved from the polar Unicorn horn. “
He reached into his sleeve and pulled out something that looked like a baby chew ring and handed it to Shen Qingqiu for inspection. It was cool to the touch but not so much that it would freeze if put inside a mouth; it was also a little squishy.
Good.
“ A-yuan. “ Shen Qingqiu murmured, which was immediately picked up by his little cultivator. The boy turned with a smile and made the effort to get up - and succeeded.
Liu Qingge raised an eyebrow.
“ He took his first steps just a few days ago. Mu Qingfang happened to be there and said he was on track for his milestones. “
He added the last part to make his martial brother huff in obvious jealousy. Shen Yuan tripped, and Yue Qingyuan caught him, only for the boy to give up on walking and crawl to his baba.
“ Here, would you like to try it? “ Shen Jiu cooed and handed him the chew ring. The hands reached for it. Instead of putting it in his mouth the moment he obtained it, he inspected it. Maybe for flaws or to see the texture, or whatever he does when approaching beast products.
“ A-yuan sure is smart, “ Yue Qingyuan commented, before bashfully adding, “ just like his mother. “
Shen Jiu rolled his eyes affectionately and thwacked him with his fan again. “ Don't say mushy stuff like that in the presence of others. “
Yue Qingyuan wilted, but was fully satisfied. Liu Qingge was glad that Shen Qingqiu did, for his lovesick ass can't handle the lovebirds who confessed their feelings. If only he could, but how can one confess to his own doctor? Pretty weird, even for him.
Back in Shen Yuan, he deemed the toy good enough and started to chew on it. He was still teething, perfect for the toy.
A comfortable silence fell as the three men watched the boy play. Then Liu Qingfang broke the silence.
“ Will Shen Yuan become a disciple of your peak Shen-Shixiong? “
Shen Jiu looked at him with a frown.
“ What, you think I would allow my son at your peak? Over my dead body, shidi. “
Liu Qingge scoffed but continued.
“ I wasn't thinking that, but ok. Since Shen Yuan expresses special interest in beasts, he could potentially choose the beast peak when he's of age. Or stay here as a young lord. “
Shen Qingqiu looked like he was deep in thought with a small furrow to his brow that Yue Qingyuan desperately wanted to lick off. Wait, who said that? Shen Jiu glanced at the man who stiffened as if he were guilty of something. It’s like Xiao Jiu can read his thoughts. But Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes and answered.
“ Though I want to keep him in my peak, we can already tell that he is smart, smarter than us when he comes of age, so this one most likely has no choice, lest he leaves me with bile in his mouth. “
A well devised response, accurate, but it punched Yue Qinyuan in the stomach by its obvious implications.
Both fathers didn’t want to see their baby leave just yet.
—
Shen Yuan was 3 and started forming sentences when he regained his memories and consciousness. To him, it was really just [supposedly] 3 days of waiting in the white abyss with only the system to accompany him, which was more pleasant than he expected because it acted as a phone as he prepared to have no internet.
He was automatically installed with the mannerisms of his toddler self, so he wasn’t in suspicion of possession. He didn't have many memories of his past baby self, but some stayed. Like his favorite peak lord/uncle, and his favorite toy. But the rest was gone, happily so, because he does not want to know what his parents did in their private lives, like he accidentally did with his modern world parents.
“ Mama, look, it's a Stingray beetle in the pond!! “ Shen Yua gasped as he pointed at the creature in the water. It was in a lake residing inside Qing Jing peak. He would have gone to catch it but NO, his mother just had to run and catch him like he was going to drown. Well, he might've because he didn't know how to swim in his past life, considering the diseases in the water that could affect his dying health.
Speaking of health, he was so healthy in this body he was practically radiating. He found out through Mu Qingfang that it was due to him having a golden core. Which was weird because he didn't remember going through core formation, especially this young, which shouldn't even be allowed.
[ Because of the flower's essence, you were given Shen Jius' old core. With that, it revived him with a new and stronger one. Later on, once you accept the invitation to become a disciple, you are allowed to cultivate it past immortality with stats! ]
The presence of the system was horrifying at first, having accidentally talked to it in front of his parents multiple times.
But since he's a three-year-old, they brushed it off as an ‘ imaginary friend ‘ instead of whisking him off into a mental asylum like they rightfully should [hah take that system! ].
Well in all honesty, it's not a bad companion, especially when he had panic attacks due to homesickness, desperate for the comforts of his modern world.
For him to not actually be driven to insanity, the phone feature from the white void was permanently added in an update so he can play with it while crying with the overwhelmed feeling of dread. it didn’t want its user to die preemptively.
That was around when he was five.
Now, with the system phone and years on his belt, he began to feel comfortable in this world. PIDW wasn't so bad during the pre-storyline stage.
Well at least the Hack author did not touch these moments with a blood stained brush. So he can happily live with his mama and baba during these moments before disaster.
But that doesn't mean he doesnt piss them off.
“ XIAO YUAN DONT- “ Yue Qingyuan yelled as the 6 year old boy made a grab at the swamp beast that ran out of the lake that they were investigating.
This was the second time he was ever allowed out off Cang Qing mountain so he took full advantage of it, with the first featuring him acting proper in order to get a second chance outside without his mother being over protective.
This beast appeared once in the shitty novel so of course he remembers its weak point which he waited to use when it came in close proximity. The swamp beast flopped down onto the flower bed before his parents stabbed it, wagging its tail as he scratched the part that they loved.
He remembered this beast because luo binghe had gifted it as a pet to a beast passionate wife, who had described its weaknesses as foreplay.
Shen Jiu and Yue Qingyuan was left stunned as they saw their son giggling as he continued to play with the beast.
They had said over and over again that Shen Yuan was smart.
But they didn't think he would be this smart.
His fathers didn't even know it had a weak spot like that. Meaning there couldn't be any books on Qing Jing peak and Qiong ding peak about this specific animal.
After recovering from the shock, Shen Jiu picked up his son and hugged him protectively, as if he was afraid the beast would jump at them. Which wouldn't happen because Qi-ge had already tied it up.
Not killed because their precious Shen Yuan would cry if they did.
And they obviously can't have that can they?
“ A-yuan, where did you learn that? “ Shen Jiu asked, trying to coax an answer out of him when he picked him up. Shen Yuan looked like he was caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to, then smoothed his expression Shen Jiu style and said gleefully,
“ Uncle Qingshou taught me! “
Both his parents know full well that's not the truth. But not to point out that he was the one lying, Shen Jiu pinches his son's cheeks and declares,
“ Remember, son, men lie all the time; do not trust the words of a man. “
Shen Yuan looked back with a mischievous glint,
“ What about Baba? “
“ Especially Baba. “
Yue Qingyuan, in the back, stumbles with the usual sounds of “ I'm sorry, Xiao Jiu “ as mother and son leave him in the dust with cruel laughter.
At this point, Shen Yuan is pretty content with his life. He's just here until the story finally starts, and he's starting to forget his past life. In this body, he has no aches or illness, and with a fully formed core, he doesn't need to go through that painful process that the Xianxia novels always hypes up. Not only is he being doted on by his fathers, but with his uncles and aunts, and that is more than his last life.
Well, he still remembers everything from PIDW because he's literally still in the world and needs to watch out for sex pollen and beasts.
—
Shang Qinghua doesn't know what to do with the new menace that has been waddling around the Qing Jing peak for 7 years now.
This was not part of his story, especially the part where the scum villain is actually happy with his life and made up with Yue Qingyuan.
Everything was going as planned until that baby showed up.
And the fact that he hates Shang Qinghua! What did he do to deserve this treatment?!
When he first laid eyes on the baby and was handed him when Shen Jiu finally finally became comfortable enough to let him, which he had been waiting for since the baby came, he was met with a biting and hissing baby. Since when the fuck did a baby hiss?!
He had to take it because Shen Jiu was not getting his baby back and even cheering Shen Yuan on! The abuse!
And even when he was a toddler, he literally hated him.
He didn’t even get babysitting privileges!
Well… until now, when Shen Yuan had pointed at him for it.
“ Are you sure? “ Shen Qingqiu dared to ask. Let this hamster bathe in this moment! He needs to show his king the child!
Well, unless Shen Yuan had a knack for exposing people for fun. Actually, he wouldn't be surprised.
“ Yes, mama! I want him! “ he pointed his finger towards him and looked at him with the scariest eyes a toddler can procure. Yeah.. actually, Shang Qinghua doesn't want this job!
The other peak lords were whispering about how this would go down, and as he grabbed the child's hand, he could have sworn he heard them making a betting pool for this.
Dam you, martial siblings!! He has to take care of the devil reincarnated, and you're betting on his demise!?
Well, not that he can't blame them, they would believe anything cute little innocent Shen Yuan would say.
Ugh. A child has this entire sect wrapped under its finger.
It took him years to achieve that, and he still doesn't get respect.
The child was quite obedient on the way to An Ding Peak and even interacted with his disciples. He took pity on some and tried to help with labor despite his tiny body. It was actually quite cute.
Before he was about to protest the fact that Shen Qingqiu would kill him before the story even started, surprisingly, the tiny boy was able to pick up the heavy load.
He stood agape with the others as Shen Yuan went all superhero mode on those boxes. All while looking quite pleased with himself.
When Shen Yuan skipped by his side and held his hand again, Shang Qinghua tried to discreetly check his meridians, which was unfortunately picked up and the child squeezed a vital point that made him whimper grunt in pain.
yup, this child was not normal.
And unfortunately, his Qi didn't go deep enough to fully evaluate the energy before he was shot down, but he did know that there was a core. He didn't write that a child could have one.
Probably.
Look, it's been decades since Airplane shooting towards the sky wrote a book! How was he supposed to remember all the little details from his 20 million-word book!?
When Shen Yuan let go, they were in his private quarters, which also doubled as his work office because he could never catch a fucking break.
When he closed the door, he tried to say,
“ Look, I got some uh, toys at the side so maybe you should- “
Something feral jumped on his head and started to pull his bun, fully intending on ripping it off. Shang QInghua screeched and tried to swat the kid away while scrambling around.
Shen jiu be damned! His modesty and little respect were at stake! He can't have short hair!!
“ Stupid CHILD, get off ME! “
But the boy isn't budging, and that's when he snarled,
“ I know you're a spy! You no good home-wrecking rat! This is for the Cang Qiong peak that you are setting to ruin! “
Shang Qinghua nearly stopped crying to pull off the cat, latching its claws into his bun, “ WHAT? How did you know- I mean.. You can't just throw false accusations at people! Especially to your humble uncle! “
But Shen Yuan still didn't budge.
“Yeah, right! Better to kill the single rat than deal with the future infestation! “
“ Why are you pulling big words on me?! You're a child, start acting like it! “
Shen Yuan said nothing but managed to pull off a chunk of his hair that had him nearly sobbing. He had half the mind to call his king, but 1) he might kill a kid and 2) that little shit will definitely tell on him.
“ WTF, why are you this strong- stop. Pulling! “
And the kid did just that. Actually, he just froze. Instead of sending relief, fear coursed through his veins. Why the fuck did the kid stop?
He tried to pull him off again, but failed again; it was as though his grip was made of steel.
“ WTF? “
Ah, shit, he fucked up.
“ Ah! Th-that's just slang from my hometown, yes! Don't mind it, it's nothing you should spout out to your fathers. Please don't. “
The damn kid finally latched off and was quickly caught by Shang Qinghua, because if he said he wasn't afraid of Shen Jiu, he lied, he lied, and he is indeed scared of what he will do to him if a single hair of his son gets hurt a tiny bit.
He sat down on the floor with a scowl, all tired out as he lay the boy in front of him. Man, was he getting heavy. Taking care of a child was so much work! He's glad he's not having one at all.
Shen Yuan looked like he was in a daze, which was weird because he never did that, well, he assumed. After he bit Shang Qinghua as a baby, he tried his best to avoid the little demon.
“ Proud immortal demon way? Luo binghe? “
Shang Qinghua snapped his head towards the kid in shock,
“ What..? “
Shen Yuan looked him dead in the eyes and said:
“ You transmigrated too, didn't you? “
“ Huh..? “
At this point, the kid was getting frustrated with his slow uptake and smacking him backside of the head very similarly to his father,
“ Answer me, you ingrate, or I will expose all your secrets! “
“ OW, ow, ok ok, fine. Yes, I am a transmigrator.. But you are, too? “
He was flabbergasted. Shen Yuan's eyes rolled scarily similar to Shen Qingqiu's as he pulled himself up. He brushed his hands and made no effort to help Shang Qinghua. This left the man to scramble up to follow the boy.
“ So what is your ID? I didn't think there was another transmigrator here, “ Shen Yuan's boyish excitement as he spoke now matched his body’s age, but Shang Qinghua wanted to tease him even more.
“ You first, I want to hear how you somehow ended up as an oc that wasn't supposed to exist. “
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow, “ Really? You want to play that game? “
Shang Qinghua deflated, already knowing what he meant. Without raising a finger, this child, or adult? He doesn't know; all he knows is that it can destroy everything he spent his entire [second] life working on.
“ ID was Airplane shooting towards the sky, the author of your lovely new home! “ He raised a hand out as a mock gesture to the western-style handshake. The kid's eyes widened, and his arms went slack.
“ The.. author? “
“Yes? What's so difficult to understand? “
Suddenly, Shen Yuan turned, mannerisms like an adult, and started to rummage through everything in the office.
“ What the fuck are you looking for? “
“Something I can murder you with. “
“ WAIT WHAT?! NO, YOUR MOTHER WOULD ACTUALLY LIKE THAT HOLD UP- “
—
After that day, Shang Qinghua became the favorite Peak lord of Shen Yuan, much to everyone's dismay.
—
Shen Yuan was 13 when Luo Binghe arrived at the sect, or when the Qiong Qing mountain arc started. By this time, he already integrated into his respective peaks when he was 10.
“ I want to be a Qing Jing disciple and Qi Shang, with the beasts! “
His two fathers looked at each other, considering their son's words.
Can he be on two peaks at once?
No.
Are they going to allow him to?
Duh, Yue Qingyuan was his father, obviously.
So Shen Yuan wears Qi shang robes that sport the Qing jing color scheme. He even had his own bed at the beast taming peak. Though he only used it if he needed to stay over for disciple reasons. Mostly because he loves the comfort of the bamboo house more.
And his mother would freak out if he wasn’t near him.
The only issue that would be brought up later was which peak he was to inherit, because Qing Jing was already to his name, whether he was head disciple or not. But the beast lord wanted him too, though discreetly.
For the acceptance ceremony, Shen jiu brought along Shen yuan and the two looked over the kids digging holes. Shen Yuan will never get over the absurdity of digging holes. What are they in, a detention center to secretly find riches? He smacked Airplane bro upside down a couple of times before leaving with his parents for the ceremony.
He was excited for this anyway, well, who wouldn't be? The protagonist was finally going to show his face to these NPCs!
He received his first real mission from the system, which had been pretty much lounging around as a phone for Shen Yuan, which he used less and less as the years went by. He thought it got lazy, especially for its lack of emoticons in its text.
“ A-yuan. Which kid would you like as a Shidi or a shijie?” he gestured widely at the kids down below. Shen Yuan froze,
Wasn't Ning Yingying supposed to do that? Ever since she was accepted during his peak choosing, she has been a great shimei to him and awfully nice! Unfortunately, the bubble-headed girl who always messes up was not present, and Shen Yuan felt sad on her behalf.
But that was the whole of her being here; her bubbly personality earned a place in Shen Qingqiu's cold heart and let her have the illusion of picking.
He groaned internally. Great, I have to endure a soon-to-be-wife plot as a first mission. He blinked up innocently at his mother, who gave him a questioning look behind his fan.
“ Are you sure that I should pick? What if this one didn't want another Shidi or Shimei? “
Shen jiu huffed and ruffled his child's hair,
“ Don't lie like that, your mother knows that you have been wanting another one, don't be so humble like your father. “
Who just so happened to be standing right next to him. In normal Qi-ge fashion, he said nothing. Damn paper clip, protect him father!!
He was not the only one admonishing him; the god damn system was, too! Shut the fuck up!! I have more important things to worry about!
Before he had to give in so he did not die for the second time, it was Liu Qingge who saved him by looking down into the ravine and to the kids digging stupid holes.
“That one is good, he digs well. “
He said as he stiffly pointed in the direction that was obviously Luo Binghe. Who else could he have pointed at if not him?! No one ever topped the protagonist!!
Shen Qingqiu raised his eyebrows,
“What then, brute? He may be strong, but he's obviously not one with a low IQ like you, so he won’t fit in your peak. “
If this were the original PIDW, the two would have been fighting by now.
Liu Qingge turned bright red. Shen Jiu laughed teasingly.
Yes, this was their relationship instead. Shen Yuan couldn't handle the thought.
Well, whatever, he has to choose Luo Binghe because of a stupid timer [ he hissed multiple times at the system, trying to threaten it like a cat. Every adult there was already used to his blatant weirdness ].
He turned to Yue Qingyuan,
“ Baba, I want that one! He seems adequate for Qing jing peak!. “
Liu Qingge looked at him suspiciously but grumbled and left, leaving him with a very displeased Shen Jiu and an equally surprised Yue Qinyuan.
“ O-oh, “ the peak leader stammered,” If that's who a-yuan wants, “
Shen jiu scoffs,” If you believe following that brute's suggestions would get you anywhere, A-yuan, stop believing. “
Shen Yuan frowned but knew how to deal with his father anyway,
“ He may be a brute, but he takes me to see all of my favorite beasts ~ “ He sang out and turned back to look at Luo Binghe adamantly digging the hole and brushing his sweat from his forehead, leaving a dusty streak behind. Aaa! That was so cute! He can't believe he gets to see white lotus in action!!
Shen Jiu rolled his eyes, and Shen Yuan knew he won.
“ Whatever, spoiled brat, get him if he interests you that much. “
Shen Yuan turned smug and then bowed to his fathers,
“Thanking A-niang for allowing this one to choose a Shidi. “
He narrowly avoided the fan that was thrown sharply at his head, and he cackled.
As he went down into the pit? Area? Whatever, the Minecraft tunnel that leads to wide taverns he doesn't fucking know, he didn’t listen to his father when he was telling him how this works. It was all the airplane's fault.
He spent no time looking for Lou Binghe as he was as obvious as those anime characters with bright, colorful hair in a crowd, except its curls.
Now that he thinks about it, isn't this the beginning of the book? Ning YingYing leads a very battered Luo Binghe out of the examination place?
Well, obviously, he remembers the beginning of that stupid book; why wouldn't he?
So now to begin this book, he approaches Luo Binghe...
“ Hi there! This one is Shen Yuan. I am glad to inform you that you are accepted into Qing Jing Peak as a disciple! Please follow me so I can lead you to your tea ceremony. “