Final prompt I will write as well as the day 14 prompt~~ I choose [Humiliation] and had fun using that as en excuse to put Yoojin in a maid dress ^^ Ship is both Han Yoojin X Sung Hyunjae and Han Yoojin X Han Yoohyun. Can be read on AO3.
Happy Halloween <3
Sung Hyunjae hums as he sips the tea. After taking a dignified taste, he lowers the cup to swirl the dark liquid around. He appears to be in deep thought for a moment before he turns towards Yoojin with his usual smile.
"Quite the blend you have found. I very much enjoy the blooming flavor, but I just can't place the aftertaste. What did you say it was again?"
Yoojin smiles sweetly, one eyebrow twitching with resentment as he decidedly doesn't say 'burnt tea leaves'.
"It was just some old stuff I dusted out of the kitchen, nothing worth all this praise, sir," he says instead, proud of himself for not puking at his words. Sung Hyunjae's smile never lessens as he takes another sip, putting the delicate porcelain cup down as if this truly is a lovely tea and wasn't sabotaged to hell by Yoojin.
"I see. You are welcome to leave the pot, I am certain the young master is impatiently waiting to be served as well. You are free to go," Sung Hyunjae dismisses him and Yoojin decides he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for not dumbing the entire pot over Sung Hyunjae's head. Instead, he places it nicely on the table.
"As you wish, sir," Yoojin bows and promptly leaves the room, his skirt fluttering around his legs.
When the door falls closed behind him, the obedient smile slips off Yoojin's face, a scowl showing his true feelings taking its place. He still has a silver platter held in his hands with a different tea pot and matching cup on it. The loud click and clack from his heels against the stone floor only serves to raise his temper as he is forced to act out his role in this ridiculous get-up.
He finds Yoohyun in the library and seeing his baby brother does soothe the anger that burns in his heart. His smile is much less forced now as he serves the tea for his brother.
To Yoohyun's credit, he does not take the same sick pleasure with their predicament as Sung Hyunjae does. Rather, his primary emotion since they entered the gate is worry. Worry for Yoojin and what he is forced to do.
There was no warning for what they were getting into as they entered the dungeon. It wasn't particularly high-rank and bringing two S-class hunters was definitely overkill. Yoojin had expected it to be a breeze.
He couldn't have been much more wrong.
First of all, the moment they entered they all lost consciousness. This seemed to be caused by the power of the dungeon and not some monster sneaking up on them, but still worrying none-the-less.
Second, Yoojin had woken up wearing the most embarrassing maid dress known to man. A big puffy shirt, an apron full of ruffles and laces, a cutesy headband on his head and shoes with heels (though not the leg-breaking kind). He got the entire fit.
The. Entire. Fit.
And the worst hadn't even yet to come back then. No, that was when a bell rang that Yoojin somehow knew meant he was being called. That was how he found Sung Hyunjae in a glamorous bedroom waiting for Yoojin to help him get dressed.
The goal of the dungeon was simple. After X amount of time had passed, it would complete and they would be released. Breaking rules added to the timer while following them decreased it. What are the rules?
Yoojin must serve Sung Hyunjae and Han Yoohyun as if he were actually their personal maid and they his masters.
Yoojin had almost considered taking the easy way out then and there. Just what perverted bastard designed this dungeon??
Refusing to help Sung Hyunjae and instead calling him a bastard to his face had made the timer go up. So in the end Yoojin had no choice but to do as asked and had helped Sung Hyunjae into a suit not very different from the ones he usually wore.
Afterwards it had been Yoohyun's turn and that hadn't been much better. Yoohyun, of course, hadn't wanted to take advantage of the situation and reassured Yoojin that he could get himself dressed. When the timer once again began to go up, they realised that Sung Hyunjae and Yoohyun treating Yoojin like their servant was just as important a rule as Yoojin having to obey them.
In the end, Yoojin had to help Yoohyun as well and from there their hell only continued.
Yoojin had to be on their every beck and call. He had to cook the food, clean the castle, groom the S-class hunters, serve their tea, fetch objects for them, wash their laundry, serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, prepare their beds, help them get dressed-
And he had to do more and more AND MORE-!
And Yoojin was going to fucking explode if he didn't soon get to leave this place!
The place they found themselves in was an old-fashioned castle with no seeming exit. There were no other creatures or the like around, though the pantry was always stocked and candles lit before even Yoojin woke up in the mornings.
Luckily, it seemed they were getting closer to finishing the timer. Always visible hanging in the air in any room they found themselves in, the numbers could be seen ticking down. Soon Yoojin's hell could end and he could forget this ever happening!
After finding a way to take revenge on Sung Hyunjae for enjoying this entire thing way too much!
"Is hyung doing okay?" Yoohyun asks as he takes a sip of his burnt-leaves-less tea, an appreciating hum as it tastes exactly as he prefers it.
"I'm doing just fine sir, thank you for asking," Yoojin answers diplomatically, but makes it clear with the smile on his face that he does mean it. Yoohyun has been trying his best to make it as easy for Yoojin as possible, even if he can't take on the tasks for him. The effort is enough for Yoojin to appreciate as he leaves the pot for Yoohyun to finish and starts on his other duties.
Dusting is always an easy task and it gives him an excuse to stay with Yoohyun as he begins to dust off the bookshelves. With Yoojin cleaning the place every day there isn't much dirt to be found, but every task he completes lessens the timer, so he doesn't allow himself to be lazy. Meanwhile Yoohyun sits on an overly fancy couch, reading and drinking tea, looking the spitting image of a rich young master.
Yoojin has always known his brother looks nice no matter what, so this doesn't surprise him. If only Yoojin were allowed to wear a normal suit instead of this horrible dress, then just maybe, this entire experience would have been slightly better.
Sadly, barely an hour passes with Yoojin and Yoohyun quietly enjoying each other's company before Sung Hyunjae decides to ruin the moment by entering the library as well. With his usual arrogant smile, he nods at Yoohyun who scoffs at his presence. He takes a seat by one of the desks in the room, slowly going over documents that he and Yoohyun are meant to be working on as part of their roles.
It doesn't take long for him to break the tranquil by calling Yoojin over.
"What is it, sir?" Yoojin asks, very much not rolling his eyes.
"I need one of our old accounting books, could you fetch it for me?"
Yoojin very much does not sneer. "Of course sir, just one moment."
He turns towards the bookshelves, pulling out a book at random. Without looking, he knows he has the right book, as this place always gives him what he needs to obey his orders. Politely placing it on the desk by Sung Hyunjae, Yoojin returns to his cleaning.
"Oh, one more thing, Han Yoojin-gun. I need a book on local flora, could you get me that?" Sung Hyunjae calls out.
"Of course Sir," Yoojin drily complies.
Yoojin gets the book and places it on top of the first one.
Barely five minutes passes.
"I need a map of the local area, please?" Sung Hyunjae asks sweetly.
"Of course Sir," Yoojin utters through clenched teeth.
By the time there are six books on the table, Yoojin has had enough.
"Are you sure there isn't any other material I can get you before I get back to work, sir?" Yoojin asks, barely able to keep his polite tone consistent. Obeying this bastard is bad enough, but constantly being interrupted during his work is just straight up frustrating! Even Yoohyun is annoyed. The only reason he is not saying anything is because they know it will add to the timer.
"I simply thought asking Han Yoojin-gun for a few favors would be an easy way to lessen our time in this place. With you being forced to serve us like this, easy stuff like this are quick ways for us to save some time," Sung Hyunjae easily explains, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed posture. He looks as if he expects Yoojin to shower him with gratitude at his generous actions.
Yoojin wonders how much time would be added to the timer if he strangled the man.
"While I appreciate your efforts, sir, I am sure there are better ways you can think of for me to serve you," Yoojin answers sweetly.
Sung Hyunjae raises one eyebrow before his smile widens. Looking Yoojin directly in the eyes, he gives an amused "Oh, absolutely," right before his hand reaches underneath Yoojin's skirt, groping his ass in a tight grip.
"YOU-!" Yoohyun shouts, immediately out of his seat as Yoojin screeches in shock.
"Oh. I didn't think you would be made to wear the uniform to your innermost layers, but I was wrong. Tell me Han Yoojin-gun, are you wearing a bra as well to match with your panties?"
Sung Hyunjae speaks as if they are discussing the weather. His hand never leaves Yoojin's ass cheek, instead fondling and caressing it with no shame. In seconds all the blood in Yoojin's body had gone to his head, his blush spreading across his face as he consider which sharp object is nearest and most painful to be stabbed with.
"Release Hyung at once! How dare you!" Yoojin continues to yell, ready to pull Yoojin away. Yoojin almost lets him until he notices the timer in the corner of his eyes.
And sees it ticking down at record speed.
Hands turn to fists. His jaw is locked. Before Yoohyun can take hold of Yoojin, the older brother raises a hand to signal for the younger to stop.
"Sir... I do not... think this is entirely appropriate behavior…" he manages to bite out, barely able to contain his temper. Sung Hyunjae behaves as if he has no sense of the room, posture as relaxed and comfortable as ever.
"It was my sweet maid himself who asked me how else he could serve. What, does Han Yoojin-gun not like this alternative?"
Asking so innocently, Sung Hyunjae could not be more of a bastard of a man. Neither Yoojin nor Yoohyun answer as they both risk exploding from anger if they open their mouths. Considering them for a moment, Sung Hyunjae comes up with an idea.
"Well, it wouldn't be fair if only I got to enjoy myself. The young master should also have fun. Aren't you as curious about Han Yoojin-gun’s upper state as I am?" Sung Hyunjae asks Yoohyun whose expression immediately changes from rage to shock to then contemplation. He looks Yoojin up and down as if he just had his entire world view changed within seconds.
Yoojin very much does not like the looks he is getting from neither Sung Hyunjae or Yoohyun. But when Yoohyun's face turns to wide begging eyes and with the lowering of the timer, Yoohyun harshly sighs.
"Fine! You can check, just don't- Eeeeek!" Yoojin starts before he is startled by Yoohyun's broad hands diving into his dress. His chest is caught in a grip that turns Yoojin's blush even deeper. Yoohyun's hands are warm as they immediately begin to massage Yoojin's pecs even more aggressively than Sung Hyunjae's groping of his ass.
"Hyung, it's really true! You are actually wearing -"
"Shut up!" Yoojin interrupts, the shame of having two men fondling him, making him wish the ground would swallow him whole. It is a fight just to control his voice.
Sung Hyunjae, the self-satisfied jerk, decides then that they haven't had enough fun. With no warning besides a shared glance between him and Yoohyun, his hand shifts until it is no longer molesting Yoojin's ass.
Instead he grasps his dick right through his panties, rubbing the member through the smooth silk, Yoojin releasing an involuntary moan.
"You-! What are you-!" Yoojin tries to step away, but is stopped by Yoohyun who is right at his back. As his dick hardens, so does his nipples and Yoohyun takes the chance to also twist and pull at them through the silk of the bra.
The feeling of the cloth sliding against his sensitive parts soon leaves Yoojin moaning and gasping. Unable to escape either of their holds, he can only lean on the table as they continue their ministrations.
"Hyung's tits are really the best," Yoohyun whispers into his ear and Yoojin almost cries from embarrassment.
"Really, our little maid looks delectable like this. I can feel him getting wet with every pull," Sung Hyunjae agrees, using his other hand to turn Yoojin's head towards him. Yoojin can only pant, not doing anything to fight it when Sung Hyunjae pulls him in for a kiss.
Slick and hot, Sung Hyunjae's tongue fills his mouth, Yoojin licking back, not afraid of using a bit of teeth. Yoohyun begins to mouth at his neck as well, his breath raising goosebumps along Yoojin's flesh, leaving him craving more. His knees are barely able to keep him standing, the pressure on his chest makes it clear Yoohyun is carrying most of his weight.
Like this, Sung Hyunjae and Yoohyun keep jerking him off, never touching him more directly than what they can do through fabric. His dick feels as if it is going to explode, control rapidly slipping from his fingers as Yoojin reaches a hand back to grasp Yoohyun's head, the other hands grasp on the table so tight, his knuckles are white.
Sung Hyunjae releases Yoojin's mouth for a moment, kissing his cheek and ear, before he orders in a deep voice: "Come."
Yoojin does. He releases directly into Sung Hyunjae's hand, moan swallowed by the other's mouth. Yoohyun's arms come around to embrace him through his release, holding him tight as he kisses his face wherever he can reach. Yoojin is still shaking as he is finally let go, still catching his breath, as both Sung Hyunjae and Yoohyun keep him balanced.
Still unable to speak, Yoojin dares a glance towards the timer and his eyes widens. It has really gone down that far?! It has taken hours of work to get rid of that much time before and now this much disappeared in barely 10 minutes?? Feeling excited, Yoojin is now this much closer to getting out of here!!
Mood raised, Yoojin is finally able to breath and walk normally. The mess in his panties is sticky and has already turned cold and uncomfortable. Once he is finally released from the others' hold, he excuses himself so he can go change. Each step he takes enough to make him wince.
"Wait a minute Han Yoojin-gun," Sung Hyunjae suddenly calls out.
Yoojin turns around with a distrustful face.
"Is there more you needed from me, sir?"
"Not much. I just think there is a lot of work to be done today. I sadly have to say, I don’t think there is time for personal conveniences. I am very sorry for the discomfort it must be causing."
Yoojin thought he had used up all his blushing for the day, but upon hearing Sung Hyunjae's words, he finds there is still much to be angry about. He is just about to say to hell with the timer and tell Sung Hyunjae what he really thinks when Yoohyun jumps in.
"That is not fair towards Hyung. It is way too uncomfortable having to walk around like that!" Yoohyun objects. His sweet baby brother steps in as the savior, patting Yoojin arm as he gives a reassuring smile that Yoojin knows he can trust! "He should at least be allowed to take off his panties, so he doesn't have to stay wet the rest of the day."
...
...
...
Nevermind. In the end this is Yoojin's fault for allowing the situation to come to this. He can live with sticky panties for one day. Whatever.
At least the amount of time that disappears at Yoojin obeying their order makes it almost worth it.
(Delayed) Day 5 of My S-Class Kinkfest 2025, having fun with the prompts [Mind Control] & [Dacryphilia]. Decided to play around with [Age Play], but with no sex this time. Ship is Han Yoojin X Han Yoohyun. Can be read on AO3. Please enjoy <3
In contrast to popular belief, Yoojin does have a sense of when he has fucked up.
People around him act like he loves nothing more but to throw himself into danger, but that couldn't be further from the truth! There is nothing he would like more than stay home and focus on his children. The rest of the world just won't let him!
Yes, he knows he was the one to insist on joining this mission, but his point still stands!
How was he to know there would be a hunter with mind control abilities?
Okay, to be fair, that makes the guy sound much more dangerous than he actually was. Really, his mind control kind of sucked.
First of all, what kind of mind control ability doesn't make the victim follow only his orders, but instead every person who decides to give a suggestion with extra intent? That makes it completely useless the moment allies arrive to say "Ehhh, please don't do that."
Not just allies! Whatever rando could ask you to step in front of a car and it would be all over. Since when did the system come up with such useless abilities?
Second of all, the mind control only lasted 24hours and had a week long cooldown. Really, the guy would have been better off just staying a civilian.
...
Which honestly made it a bit more embarrassing that Yoojin got caught up in the guys piss poor skill.
He was just going to check up on something really quick. How could he have known the guy was laying in wait, ready to jump him the moment he got a chance?
Luckily his skill sucked balls so it had all solved itself with minimal mishaps. Yoojin was saved by his big, strong S-class family and all were well and good. Just wait 24 hours and the effect would be gone.
It was decided that the best person to keep an eye on Yoojin in his vulnerable state was Yoohyun, of course. Like hell anyone trusted Sung Hyunjae with that kind of power! No, only his sweet baby brother could be trusted to not abuse the situation for his own amusement!
Besides, even if he tried to order Yoojin to stay safe and never get into trouble again, the effect would end after 24 hours. So no attic-brothering for Yoojin just yet!
Of course that didn't mean Yoohyun wasn't properly pissed off about Yoojin getting into danger again. It was so obvious with his usual, "No, I am not mad, I am just going to barely talk to you and keep giving you the cold shoulder, no reason for this at all."
Ugh. Yoojin knew he made a mistake, but could his brother act a bit less like a disappointed parent?
There was nothing for it. Yoojin just had to apologise!
Yoohyun was in the middle of preparing dinner while Yoojin sat at the table watching him. This is when Yoojin decided it would be the best time to talk. Yoohyun was cutting the vegetables a bit too aggressively, when Yoojin cleared his throat. The knife stilled for a second and that was sign enough that Yoohyun was listening.
"Yoohyun, I'm sorry about today. I had no idea what kind of hunters they had on their side and instead of behaving casually, I should have been more on guard. That was my mistake."
See? Proper apology! The regret and repentance practically bleeding from these words, able to move any heart! No way Yoohyun won't forgive him now!
The Yoohyun in question listens quietly at the short apology before he returns to his vegetable massacre.
"Hyung would have been safer if he hadn't gone in the first place."
'Ahhh,' Yoojin mentally sighs. Okay, so this was one of yoohyun’s bigger worry sessions. One measly apology wasn't going to make the cut.
Scratching his head, Yoojin tries to think of anything he hasn't already said many, many times before. It is like they get back to this topic every few months and Yoojin always has to come up with something new to reassure his brother.
"Listen, Yoohyun, I will admit today could properly have been a success without my involvement. But me being there meant we got it solved that much smoother and quick! With that many S-classes around, I wasn't nervous at all and neither do you have to be-"
"You got mind controlled!" Yoohyun suddenly shouts, abandoning his veggie murder weapon on the cutting board. He fully turns towards Yoojin, frustration and anger clear when he stomps over to the table, opposite of Yoojin.
"For just a minute! Yerim got me out of it super quickly and I was fine-"
"He made you hold a knife against your own throat! What if we hadn't found you that quickly? What if he had immediately taken you away? What if Yerim hadn't called for you to stop before-"
"Okay, lets calm down here, we know the guy wasn't going to make me do something too bad, it was just to scare me, which we know doesn't work-"
"Why does hyung refuse to stay home and safe and let us do our work without you having to be in danger-"
"Yoohyun, even if I am F-class, I can't just watch silently when my brother puts himself in danger, as the older one, I just want to-"
SLAM
Yoohyun smashes his hands onto the table so loudly Yoojin is surprised it doesn't break under the force. He goes entirely quiet, not having seen Yoohyun that mad in a long while. He stares at his brother with surprised eyes, Yoohyun not moving a muscle.
Then he looks up.
Yoojin feels a shiver go up his spine at the look in Yoohyun's eyes.
"As the elder one, you say?" Yoohyun finally speaks, voice dangerously controlled. "Just what does hyung mean?"
Yoojin doesn't answer. He knows a lose/lose situation when he sees one! If he takes his words back, Yoohyun will argue he is right and Yoojin should always be locked up! If he commits, then that will only make Yoohyun even more dangerous! Better to just keep quiet!
Yoohyun shakes his head, a dark chuckle escaping. Somehow Yoojin gets the feeling staying silent might have been just as bad a choice.
"If that is how it is, okay then," Yoohyun says. Then he shoots Yoojin with a glare that makes him realize now is the time to run away. He is barely out of his chair before Yoohyun deals the killing blow. "You must be confused. I have always been the older brother after all."
The words settle inside Yoojin's brain before he can stop them. And they become truth.
What is a bit special about this particular mind control skill is the way it can manipulate the victims mind to be against them. It doesn't just work by giving an order and having the other person follow. It can change their perception of reality as well.
Or mostly change their perception. Again, the guy's skill sucks. Yoojin is still somewhat aware.
How to best describe it would be if someone told Yoojin he is a chicken, a part of him will actually believe he is a chicken and start to act accordingly. But another part of him will know the chicken part is just stupid mind control and can act accordingly to that. So yes, he will behave like a chicken, but he can still flip you the bird while doing so. If you tell him to stop flipping you the bird, he can still glare. And if you tell him to stop glaring, he can still curse you out in his head.
Really, he is still fully there, it just feels like he has become mixed with another personality that really feels like acting like a chicken right now.
Or a younger brother.
Yoojin feels his brothers 'suggestion' setting in and something in his mind twists. Yes, he still, technically knows he is older than Yoohyun by five years. But now, at the same time, Yoohyun is the older one. His memories don't change, but now have a strange filter that slightly changes the way he sees brother.
Yoojin stands by the table with crossed arms and levels Yoohyun with an unimpressed stare.
"I am still an adult that can make my own decisions. I stand by my point that I am allowed to keep an eye on my brother, Yoohyun," he says, voice extra sweet when he emphasizes his brother's name.
Yoohyun stares at him, seeing his little temper tantrum didn't work out exactly how he wanted. He waits a couple of seconds before he asks: "How much older than you am I?"
"Five minutes," Yoojin answers easily, the mind control deciding on the number coming out of his mouth. He of course wanted to say he is five years older, but that won't be possible until Yoohyun permits or the 24 hours are up.
Yoohyun doesn't look happy with that answer, mulling it over. Then he looks back at Yoojin who realises he shouldn't have acted that cheeky when Yoohyun's first plan didn't work.
"Wait, Yoohyun, we can talk through this, there is no reason to-"
"But hasn't there always been a five year difference between us?" Yoohyun asks sweetly.
Reality swifts so quickly, Yoojin gets dizzy with it and has to sit back down. Two orders combining into one, meaning there is only one way for them to fit together. The filter on his memories grow thicker, the knowledge of how he has taken care of Yoohyun not gone, but now also covered with Yoohyun taking him in and caring for him as his-
"Hyung," Yoojin says without meaning to and his eyes widen with horror as he realises what he just said. The satisfaction that comes from Yoohyun at hearing that single word is too much and Yoojin has to cover his mouth.
This isn't the only change done to his mind, though. Yoohyun is now the older one and there is a five year difference in their age. Since Yoohyun is staying 20 that means Yoojin is the one who’s age is now 15 years old.
It is like he can feel his maturity, one grown through more than one timeline, seep out. He is back to being a teenager looking after his baby brother, except now he is the baby brother being looked after by his... his hyung...
Yoojin may have legendary fear resistance, but he still feels the horror of his own mind going against him. His body feels strange and a bit too big, though it is not too bad. His unimpression from earlier is completely gone as he now looks at his (older) brother in shock.
"Yoojin. I don't like it when you keep putting yourself at risk. I want you to stay here and focus on taking care of yourself instead of following me or anyone into danger. Do you understand?"
Yoojin grasps the table, keeping himself from immediately agreeing. He doesn't want to disappoint his brother and there is now an older sibling authority that makes him feel he can't just outright say no. It is strange, Yoohyun not just outright forcing Yoojin to agree, but instead using Yoojin's younger mindstate to get him to follow his words.
Yoojin refuses! And no matter how much his brain is telling him to listen to his hyung, there is one weapon in his arsenal he can still use!
"Hyung doesn't get to decide what I do. I am old enough to go out on my own!"
Thank god for teenage rebellion! Back when Yoojin was actually 15, he was a pretty chill teenager. So it is kind of exciting when he finally gets a change that up a bit. Even if it feels cringe to utter those words, throwing them into Yoohyun's face leaves Yoojin feeling smug.
Take that hyung! That's what you get for abusing your seniority!
Yoohyun does look shocked at hearing Yoojin speaking back at him like that. Yoojin entertains hope that this whole farce is about to end and he can go back to his usual age, when Yoohyun's eyes sharpen.
Oh uh... this is only going to get worse, isn't it?
"Sorry Yoojin, I think we counted wrong. It is actually 10 years between us, isn't it?"
He can't be serious! Internally suffering, Yoojin can feel the mind control setting in, the state of his mind taking shape after Yoohyun's words.
He knows his body stays the same, but that only makes it more surreal when 5 more years, one at a time, are chiseled off his age. Now his arms and legs feel too long and he is glad he is sitting, otherwise he is certain he would lose his balance.
The teenage rebellion is snuffed out, leaving a child that might still make trouble, but who generally listens to those who are older. Especially hyungs that have taken you in and are working hard to raise you as the child you are.
Yoojin is now not only going against a disappointed elder brother, but now also a disappointed parental adult. His memories are now more filter than real, filling Yoojin with feelings for Yoohyun that aren't really new, but molded differently.
It is not exactly gratitude, but rather the emotion when someone has dedicated their life to make you feel safe and loved. Something Yoojin usually tried to do for Yoohyun and now doesn't know what to do with when he finds himself on the other end.
Yoojin's inner conflict must be clear on his face and Yoohyun immediately uses that against him.
"I just want my little brother to stay safe. Is that really too much for me to ask?" Yoohyun asks all sad and miserable, the shame an instant K.O. against Yoojin.
He vaguely feels tears gather in his eyes and he has to fight not to let them drop. The thought of him disappointing his big brother is too much and Yoojin wants nothing more than to beg forgiveness.
He does an aborted motion with his arms, like he is reaching out for his hyung, but forces them back. He swings his legs with frustration, trying to somehow control the turbulence of emotions running through him. He is like a scolded child who isn't quite ready to apologise for the trouble they made, but who still feel the guilt of their actions.
Yoohyun waits patiently for Yoojin to break and that alone is enough for Yoojin to gather all his resolve and stubbornness.
"I just wanted to help, hyung. I didn't mean to worry you," Yoojin says in the tiniest voice.
Yoohyun sighs. Yoojin can't help but fiddle with his hands as he waits for his hyung’s reaction at his words.
"It seems like Yoojin still doesn't quite understand. Fine. You pushed me to do this."
"Hyung, please don't-!"
"Sometimes it is hard to believe there are 15 years between us, isn't it?"
This time the reaction is instant.
Yoojin breaks down crying.
"I'm sowwy, I'm sowwy! I won't do it again, I pwomise, please don't be mad, hyung-"
Yoohyun is instantly around the table. He pulls Yoojin from his seat, so he can instead sit down with his brother in his lab. Yoojin keeps wailing, throwing his arms around his hyung’s shoulders as he hides his face in his shirt. He can't stop sobbing as Yoohyun gently pats his back, shushing his now baby brother.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it? Don't worry, your hyung got you, it will all be alright."
Yoojin doesn't know for how long he cries. His hyung gently rocks him back and forth while keeping him in a tight embrace and slowly Yoojin calms down until he is just a sniveling mess.
His arms and legs now definitely feel wrong and too big and he is certain he doesn't dare try to walk on his own. He feels clumsy in a way he isn't used to and it is easier to just keep hugging hyung than try to get proper motor control over his fingers.
Hyung pushes him back enough to wipe the tears off his cheeks, a wet spot on the front of his shirt. The part of Yoojin still aware this is all mind control is cursing at Yoohyun for doing this to him, but for the most part, five year old Yoojin just wants to stay in his hyung’s lap, enjoying the cradle-like motion.
"Sowwy hyung. I pwomise to be good fwom now on," Yoojin says, even his voice feeling strange compared to his mental maturity. Yoohyun can't help but smile at the childish pronunciation, though he quickly hides his smile when he sees the grumpy face Yoojin makes.
"It's okay. Hyung isn't mad. As long as Yoojin promises to be safe, then I am glad."
The forgiveness is freely given and it makes Yoojin feel shy. He hides his face in his hyung’s shirt again, strong arms embracing him and holding him tight.
With only a few sniffs here and there, Yoojin doesn't feel too bad anymore. Of course, he is mad at Yoohyun for using the mind control against him like this, but really, what should he have expected? His baby brother just loves him too damn much, he really can't fault him for how he expresses it. While he would not want this to happen again, he might as well enjoy the feeling of love and protection he is getting from his hyung.
Yoojin shifts in his hyung’s hold, trying to find a more comfortable way to sit, when he feels something weird.
Something hard and pointy is poking at him from underneath.
Five year old Yoojin doesn't know what it is, but fully adult, older brother Yoojin recognizes the feeling instantly. Now is definitely not the time and he tries to make that clear when he looks up at his brother with a confused expression and wide eyes.
"Hyung?"
Yoohyun clears his throat.
"Don't worry about it, Yoojin. We will talk about this when you are older."
Ha! Yeah right! Like hell Yoohyun is letting him go back to normal before the 24 hours are up!
A bit too harshly, Yoojin wiggles in Yoohyun's lab, just enough for a pained expression to appear briefly on his brother's fave before it returns to neutral. Discreetly, he shifts them around until there is nothing poking at Yoojin anymore.
Serves his hyung right for throwing a temper thantrum like this!
Day 3 of My S-Class Kinkfest 2025! This time we got the prompts [Pet Play] and [Frottage]. Perfect opportunity to write [Cat Boy] Yoojin, I think B3c Ship is Han Yoojin/Sung Hyunjae with guest appearance of Han Yoohyun at the end. Please read on AO3 as I am having issues adding my fic when using mobile. Will add it properly once I am back home!
The stare that Yoojin levels the single teacup can only be described as intense. The cup is old-fashioned in nature, white porcelain decorated with delicate flowers. The style is more European in nature, which fits very well with the taste of its owner. Likely, this single piece would be worth more than months of rent from before Yoojin regressed.
Slowly Yoojin turns his head towards the kitchen. The sound of cooking can be heard, oil sizzling and vegetables being cut. The smell is already drifting into the living room, Yoojin's nose sniffing hungrily at the delicious scent.
His eyes return to the teacup. He slowly reaches out and gives it the slightest nudge with his finger.
It barely tips. Only a tiny clink audible when Yoojin removes his hand. His eyes immediately dart back to the kitchen.
No pause in the noise coming from there.
Yoojin looks at the cup. Then back to the kitchen. Then back to the cup.
Sung Hyunjae should be more careful with the things he leaves unsupervised.
With no sign of interference, Yoojin becomes more bold. Once again he extends his hand, giving the teacup a more proper push. It still doesn't fall over, but it does get closer to the edge of the table. With a wiggle of his butt and ears on high alert, he prepares to give it a final slap, excitement swelling at the prospect of-
"Han Yoojin-gun, I would advise you to reconsider what you are about to do. That is quite a rare set and I would hate to have to go through the trouble of having to replace a piece of it," Sung Hyunjae's voice suddenly cut in, making Yoojin jump in his seat. He didn't hear Sung Hyunjae leave the kitchen at all and stares at the older man in shock, who is drying his hands with a small towel.
Getting over his surprise quickly, Yoojin glares at Sung Hyunjae. Slowly he pushes the teacup safely back until there is no danger of it falling over. His ears are laid back and tail swaying unhappily at being caught in the act like this. Giving the cup a final stinkeye, Yoojin gets out of his seat while muttering to himself mockingly:
"I would advise YOU to reconsider. Hard to replace, my ass."
Sung Hyunjae doesn't react to the mocking, only hums in answer before returning to the kitchen. With nothing else to do, Yoojin follows.
Pots are boiling while pans are sizzling and the smell is even better once inside. Yoojin watches as Sung Hyunjae masterfully takes care of each dish, moving around the space with ease. With his back to Yoojin, the F-class allows himself to openly sniff the air and his tail wags with excitement. He can feel his impatience growing, not wanting to wait for everything to finish and when Sung Hyunjae puts some fried fish to the side to cool off, he sees his chance.
Under the pretense of just watching, Yoojin casually moves around the kitchen. He doesn't go directly towards the fish at first, instead acting as if he is evaluating each dish in the making. Sung Hyunjae seems relaxed, humming a content melody as he works, no extra attention paid to Yoojin.
His act barely lasts a minute, but it feels like a lifetime before the fried fish is within reach. Unable to take his eyes of the delicious meat and salvia gathering in his mouth, he prepares to pounce. Butt waggling, ears standing straight, he is just about to snatch it up!
And promptly feels a hand grasp his collar, keeping him from stealing his prize and running off.
Sung Hyunjae sighs, looking sorrowfully down at Yoojin. "With Han Yoojin-gun acting like this, I can't decide if he actually wants to be treated like a pet. Behaving like an animal is not the best way to convince me of your humanity."
Acting all sad and disturbed like this is Yoojin's fault! Growling in answer, Yoojin looks towards the fried fish that is not too far away. Sung Hyunjae's hold is loose, not actually keeping Yoojin in place. Just meant to serve as a warning. This gives Yoojin able opportunity to show that he is still human.
Faster than what can usually be expected from the F-class, Yoojin snatches up the fish with his very human hands. He immediately bites into the crispy skin, spices and savory meat spreading over his tastebuds. His tail curls in satisfaction, a hum of delight coming from his throat.
Sung Hyunjae can only sigh a second time before he has to forcefully pry the fish from the mouth of a hissing Yoojin.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
It all started when Song Taewon accidentally used his [Pervasive Looting] skill on Yoojin, effectively lowering his curse resistance.
How did this accident happen? Not important for the story. Yoojin only wants it on record that it was definitely Sung Hyunjae's fault!
Barely an hour from having his curse resistance lowered, Yoojin of course managed to - You guessed it! - get cursed. The effect of said curse immediately taking effect.
Han Yoojin had grown a pair of cat ears with a matching tail and anyone from rank A and below now fully believed he was a common housecat whenever they perceived him.
Just what kind of perverted mindset could come up with such a stupid curse??
Luckily, S-class hunters were only partially affected by the curse. They could still see Yoojin as a human, though Yerim had admitted to still feel a strong need to treat him like a cat. Less luckily, they also couldn't understand whenever Yoojin spoke, only hearing the meowing of a cat when he opened his mouth. This made communication a bit harder, though a lot could still get across using body language.
In the beginning Yoojin had also tried to use pen and paper, but the pencil had felt weird and strange in his hand and when he tried to write down anything, the words wouldn't form in his head. This might have worried him, except for the knowledge that his curse resistance would return in three days and then it would be over.
Then why was a cursed Han Yoojin staying at that bastard Sung Hyunjae's place? Simple. Because when Yoohyun almost leveled the city upon seeing his brother, he had promptly lost his "catboy hyung" rights, as per Yerim's command. Yoojin had been given to Sung Hyunjae to be kept safe while Yoohyon was held back by no less than three S-ranks. The rest had followed from there.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
No matter how much he hated it, Yoojin couldn't deny Sung Hyunjae's skills in the kitchen. Multiple dishes were put upon the table, the two hunters sitting across from each other.
After his failure with the pencil, Yoojin had worried about having to use utensils, but Sung Hyunjae had the thoughtfulness to take care of that. Soup had been poured for both of them into bowls that would be easy for Yoojin to pick up and drink directly from. The meats and vegetables had all been cut up into bite-sized pieces and even when Yoojin picked them up with his bare hands, they barely left any oils or grease for him to lick off.
Neither spoke much while eating, but dinner was not a silent affair as Yoojin couldn't help but mewl and groan with every other bite, instinct taking over as he ate his fill. He found a quick preference for the meats (Expecially the fried fish!), but the soup also tasted wonderful and was full of nutrients.
Sung Hyunjae ate more peacefully, though halfway through the meal he began to speak.
"Like this, Han Yoojin-gun feels much more honest. I am glad you are enjoying the meal I prepared for you. Having the opportunity to experience my partner like this, I am truly grateful."
At those disgusting words, Yoojin could only growl in answer, knowing his "Fuck you!" wouldn't be understood. If anything, Sung Hyunjae only found Yoojin's behavior cute. Though he did sigh wistfully, leaning his face against his hand.
"Now if only Han Yoojin-gun could also speak while in this form. I do miss hearing your clever remarks. It is a bit lonely to be the only one who can partake in the conversation."
Well, who would want to converse with you in the first place? If the food wasn't this good, Yoojin would surely lose his appetite from hearing such nonsense. In the end, he can only ignore the other man as he devours the rest of his fried fish.
After dinner they spend the evening watching TV while Yoojin makes certain there are at least two couch cushions between them. Just so Sung Hyunjae doesn't get any fun ideas about how pettable Yoojin's new ears are.
When it is time for bed, the guestroom has been prepared for Yoojin. Sung Hyunjae didn't even try to make any trouble or lure Yoojin to his own room. He had simply wished him a good night's sleep and let him be.
At first Yoojin had enjoyed the peace and quiet, pushing the pillows and duvet together into a nest-like structure he could lay in. But it didn't take long for him to start feeling cold even with the blankets. Tail swaying in discontent he eventually grabs the biggest pillow and softest blanket and sneakily makes it down the hall.
He hesitated once in front of Sung Hyunjae's room, but by now he had committed to the idea. As quietly as possible, he pushes the door open and hurriedly sneaks in. Careful not to accidentally wake the other man.
Sung Hyunjae appears to be deeply asleep, eyes closed and face restful as he lays in bed. For a moment, Yoojin stand frozen, afraid he might wake up. Holding his breath, he is ready to dart out the room at any moment.
But the S-class never opens his eyes. When Yoojin steps closer to the bed, he does move, but only to turn over in his sleep. Yoojin stares with wide eyes, but when nothing else happens, he finally dares to take the last step.
Carefully, he crawls onto the bed. Sung Hyunjae now has his back to him, the pyjamas he's wearing not doing much to hide his solid and broad back.
Putting down the pillow and blanket, Yoojin curls up on the soft mattress. Not close enough to actually touch Sung Hyunjae, but enough that he can feel the warmth coming off the other man.
With a satisfied mewl, Yoojin can finally fall asleep, unaware of the knowing smile on Sung Hyunjae's face.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
The next day, they come to find another effect of the curse.
Yoojin had woken up with Sung Hyunjae's arms around him and in proper reaction had promptly bit the man. Of course his weak teeth couldn't break S-class skin, but the act itself had been satisfying enough. Sung Hyunjae hadn't seemed to mind, simply pulling Yoojin closer while he gnawed on his hand.
Yoojin's legs had kicked weirdly in the air. Like a cat playing with a toy, his human body was only somewhat able to imitate the act. This had lasted until Yoojin's stomach began to growl and he pawed at Sung Hyunjae's face until he got up to make them breakfast.
Breakfast was mostly uneventful and they had just relaxed afterwards. It wasn't until lunch that they noticed the extra layer to the curse.
While Sung Hyunjae couldn't understand Yoojin speaking, Yoojin hadn't had any trouble understanding anyone else the day before. But slowly he began to notice that unless he was concentrating fully on Sung Hyunjae's words, then they didn't quite make sense in his head. This also made it harder for him to pay attention when they watched TV, which led to him finding out his inability to write had also become an inability to read.
It all became clear during lunch when without thinking Yoojin had tried to eat directly from his plate without even the use of his hands. He had only gotten a few bites before Sung Hyunjae stopped him. He had hissed at the prospect of his food being kept from him, but had begrudgingly accepted it when Sung Hyunjae began to feed him instead.
Of course, Sung Hyunjae had also noticed the change in Yoojin's behavior. He started making sure he had Yoojin's attention before speaking to him and turned off the TV when he noticed Yoojin wasn't paying attention anymore. Instead he found a couple of brain teaser puzzles he had laying around, sitting besides Yoojin as they played with them together.
Yoojin wasn't quite able to solve them, but with his newfound cat instincts, he had been happy enough being able to push the pieces around. It didn’t take long before he made a challenge out of sabotaging Sung Hyunjae as much as possible, as the other solved the puzzles.
Yoojin might have worried about the 'catification' that was happening to him if he didn't know it would all be over the day after tomorrow. Yes, losing basic skills such as reading and understanding human language was scary, but that is exactly what you have fear resistance for. With Sung Hyunjae around, there just wasn't much reason for worry.
Sung Hyunjae played with him until dinner, after which he brought a few cushions and blankets for Yoojin to lay in while he cooked. Yoojin drowsily watched the other man prepare food, once again being fed directly to him so he didn't embarrash himself eating like an animal.
The rest of the evening was spent on the couch with Sung Hyunjae reading while Yoojin rested on top of him.
Everything was nicely quiet, Yoojin's tail swaying with content. On occasion Sung Hyunjae would pet Yoojin's head, gently rubbing at his ears. Yoojin knew he should be pushing Sung Hyunjae's hand away, but it felt so nice that he could only nuzzle against the warm chest below him.
This was nice. Yoojin couldn't remember the last time he had been this relaxed. Just snuggling with Sung Hyunjae with not a single worry on his mind. If only Yoohyun could be here as well, it would truly be perfect.
Honestly, Yoojin had to admit, Sung Hyunjae had been quite the decent caretaker. Besides having to deal with his nonsense words, he hadn't tried anything else strange. Yoojin wasn't so petty as to claim he didn't appreciate the last two days. He would have thanked the other man, but knowing he wouldn't understand... Well, there are other ways to show how happy he is.
He felt too lazy to move, so he just aimed for what he could reach. With Sung Hyunjae deep in his book, he had no warning before Yoojin licked a long stripe along his collarbone.
The skin was salty against Yoojin's tongue and he absentmindedly wondered if his tongue had become scratchy like a cat's. Not really caring either way, he went to lick Sung Hyunjae again, but was stopped when Sung Hyunjae gently took hold of his chin.
The S-class hunter began to speak to him, but Yoojin didn't really care to listen. Can't a guy show off his appreciation? What are you stopping him for? Well, Yoojin won't let anyone get away with calling him ungrateful! Sung Hyunjae will just have to accept his appreciation, whether he wants to or not!
Face kept away from the collarbone with one hand, Yoojin did the simple solution and instead began to lick at Sung Hyunjae's fingers.
Sung Hyunjae's hands had always been broad and his fingers long. Nails neatly trimmed and manicured, Yoojin gladly slipped his tongue between the digits, nicely grooming the man. For a moment, Sung Hyunjae didn't move, which meant Yoojin was free to lick and nuzzle as much as he wanted, something relaxing about the routine of the movement.
He could have kept this up all night, but then he realized something hard pressing against him.
Looking down, he found a clear tent had formed in Sung Hyunjae's slacks.
Oh.
Hmm...
Sung Hyunjae's fingers had been so nice to lick. What would it be like if he instead licked something much hotter and bigger-
Before Yoojin could move, his tail was suddenly caught in a tight grasp.
Surprised by the sudden grip, Yoojin was distracted for long enough to growl as Sung Hyunjae. Before those growls turned into mewls when the other began to rub at the base of his tail.
A sensation unlike anything Yoojin had ever felt before zapped up his spine. With a moanish meow, Yoohin could only push his back against Sung Hyunjae's hold, urgently begging for more.
The hand obeyed, continuing to stroke and massage at the sensitive skin. In only a matter of seconds, Yoojin could feel himself harden, shamelessly rubbing his dick against Sung Hyunjae's.
Still, he wasn't fully lost in the pleasure. Remembering what had started all this, Yoojin was still determined to showcase his gratitude. With the situation having evolved like this, he boldly sucked in two of Sung Hyunjae's fingers, licking and teasefully biting the skin.
This only served to encourage Sung Hyunjae even more. His grasp on Yoojin's tail tightened and even though they were both still clothed, he began to thrust up, pressing their dicks against each other in a way that left Yoojin moaning into Sung Hyunjae's hand.
The friction between their clothed members was delicious, Yoojin's tail twitching in Sung Hyunjae's grip, unable to control the wiggle of his backside. He didn't care that even he could hear his mewling, simply enjoying the pleasure of the act.
Salvia sliding down Sung Hyunjae's hand and precome creating a moist patch in Yoojin's pants, they were making a mess on the couch. Neither cared as they kept thrusting against each other until Yoojin finally came with a yowl. Sung Hyunjae rubbed Yoojin's tail through his orgasm, essentially milking him until he had nothing left to give.
Sung Hyunjae kept the motion going until he also came with a low gasp, his entire body tensing until it also loosened up.
Catching his breath, Yoojin laid still, bliss and satisfaction too much to notice anything else. When he slowly came to, Sung Hyunjae had pulled his hand out of his mouth and was instead gently petting him between his ears. A strange rumble could be heard in the room that Yoojin couldn't quite make sense of until Sung Hyunjae spoke.
"I was wondering what it would take to hear Han Yoojin-gun's purr. I will make sure to memorize the sound for eternity, so I can always recall it when need be."
When would something like that ever be needed?! Better forget it now before Yoojin makes him! Trying to stop the purr deems impossible, Yoojin too relaxed and blissed out. He can only silently retaliate by gnawing at Sung Hyunjae, an act that only causes the other man to laugh.
Soon after, the stickiness of their situation becomes too uncomfortable for the both of them. That is simply solved by Sung Hyunjae carrying them to the bathroom so they can take a bath together. Afterwards, it is only natural for him to carry Yoojin to his bed, helping him add more pillows and blankets to the nest before they both go to sleep.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
The next morning the curse has become even stronger.
No matter how much Yoojin would try to listen, he could no longer understand what Sung Hyunjae was saying. Only a few words would still be understood, important words like his own name, "food" and "snacktime".
When cooking breakfast, Sung Hyunjae had to continuously fight off Yoojin's attempts to steal the food he was making, more forceful when afterwards feeding an impatient Yoojin.
The puzzle toys would be thrown around the room without a care, Yoojin pouncing after them, treating them like prey. Sung Hyunjae would be able to calm him for a couple of hours, Yoojin curling into a ball in his lap, happily purring whenever he was scratched between his ears.
Later in the day, Sung Hyunjae calls someone on his phone and Yoojin hears another important word: Yoohyun. But since he doesn't understand anything else in the conversation, he instead slinks out of the room while Sung Hyunjae is distracted.
He finds his way inside the kitchen and while the space has been cleared of any food, it is not enough to stop Yoojin from crawling inside the cupboards.
After playing around for a bit, he manages to get the fridge open. It is hard to see which delicaties are hidden from where he sits on the floor, so he does his best to climb the shelves to check. Sadly, he had forgotten his still mostly human shape, the shelves breaking apart under his weight, the contents falling all over him.
That is how Sung Hyunjae finds Yoojin, covered in eggs, milk and other substances. Yoojin's first instinct at being caught is to run away, but Sung Hyunjae easily catches the wild man, bringing a howling Yoojin back to the bath to get cleaned up.
When they are back out, Yoojin gets deposited on the couch while Sung Hyunjae goes to clean up the kitchen. Still mad about the forceful bath, Yoojin finds a nice hook to hide in, swiping at Sung Hyunjae when he comes over to check on him.
Gradually Yoojin forgets about the whole thing, slowly crawling back to Sung Hyunjae's side. He doesn't quite climb into his lab, but he lays down on his side, pressing his back against his knee. After a bit, Sung Hyunjae's hand come to caress his belly, Yoojin letting out a satisfied mewl at the petting.
The rest of the day continues without further accidents. Sung Hyunjae is back in the kitchen to cook dinner while Yoojin naps on the couch when the sound of knocking is heard.
Yoojin is immediately alert. Off the couch, he rushes to the door. As it opens, he does not wait and see who is behind it before he darts out.
He doesn't know where he is going or why he is leaving. The prospect of something new and exciting is the only thing on his mind, not even caring as he hears raised voices calling his name.
Yoojin's escape attempt is nearly a success. At least until a pair of strong arms catches him around his middle.
Yoojin hisses in anger, about to scratch at his capturer, when he realizes their scent is much different than expected, but still intimately recognizable.
Han Yoohyun!
Immediately all thoughts of escape leave Yoojin's mind. Turning in Yoohyun's hold, he meows with happiness, snuggling into his younger brother's hold.
Yoohyun easily carries Yoojin back, saying something that Yoojin doesn't understand. He doesn't really care, just happy to hear his brother's voice, his throat almost vibrating with his purr.
Back in Sung Hyunjae's living room, Yoojin realises Kang Soyoung is also there, looking very apologetic at her guild leader who, for once, doesn't look very satisfied.
The three of them speak for a bit during which Yoojin does his best to scent Yoohyun wherever he can reach. He didn't realize how much he had missed his brother before he saw him, but now that he is here, Yoojin never wants him to let him go. He doesn't care how thick S-class skin is, he will manage to draw blood if Sung Hyunjae tries to take him away!
Luckily it doesn't have to come to that. Kang Soyoung leaves soon after, but Yoohyun stays, moving to the couch to sit with Yoojin in his lap.
Sung Hyunjae joins them soon after, starting another conversation with Yoohyun that Yoojin doesn't understand. He doesn't really care, just happy being pet by his baby brother.
After a while, Yoojin does begin to worry when Yoohyun will have to leave. Last time they saw each other, his brother lost "catboy Hyung" privileges, so for how long has he been allowed to stay?
Yoojin can't ask and even if he could, he wouldn't understand the answer. Uncertain of how to show his wants, he realizes Sung Hyunjae is staring at him with his usual assured smile and he gets an idea.
Sitting up in Yoohyun's lap, his brother looks at him with questioning eyes. Never breaking eye contact with Sung Hyunjae, Yoojin tries to get his intent across when he licks Yoohyun's cheek.
His brother sputters in surprise while Sung Hyunjae chuckles at the act. Still not certain he was clear enough, Yoojin licks Yoohyun again and Sung Hyunjae speaks a few words to Yoohyun that calms him down. Looking at Yoojin with wide eyes, he doesn't move out of his way when he comes with a third lick, Yoojin already getting lost in the haze of being able to groom his baby kitten brother.
He thinks Sung Hyunjae understood. Yoohyun certainly seems much more satisfied, easily allowing Yoojin access wherever he wants to lick, not even complaining when his face and neck gets covered in spit.
He only stops him when a timer chimes to signal dinner is ready. They all go to eat together, Yoohyun quick to snatch the cutlery out of Sung Hyunjae's hands when he sees him feed Yoojin. Yoohyun is happy to take care of the responsibility himself, Yoojin just happy while eating delicious food.
Night falls upon them. Yoohyun carries Yoojin to the guestroom, the pillows and blankets having been brought back. Satisfied with a good end to a messy day, Yoojin snuggles close to his brother, hoping that if he lays on top of him then he won't go anywhere. Luckily, Yoohyun seems to be staying, pulling off his pants and making himself comfortable in the bed.
Yoojin wouldn't even complain if Sung Hyunjae were to join them, but the other man simply bids him goodnight with a final pet between his ears. Yoohyun growls something as he leaves, something Sung Hyunjae cheekily laughs at, before he closes the door behind him.
Whatever. Yoojin is perfectly satisfied with Yoohyun here. His baby brother right underneath him, with nowhere else to go. Purring in satisfaction, Yoojin greedily cuddles into the warm embrace of his brother.
With a final goodnight lick against Yoohyun's neck, Yoojin falls asleep.
₍^. .^₎⟆ ₊˚⊹♡₊ ⊹
Waking up on the third day, Yoojin is back to his usual self. No cat ears. No tail. Only a buttload of embarrassing memories, enough to last him two lifetimes.
Yoojin contemplates escaping through the nearest window, but when he sees how happy Yoohyun is during the morning, he decides this is something he can live with.
Sung Hyunjae on the other hand, Yoojin can't get away from fast enough. Preferable before the man can let out any of his usual nonsense.
But straight up leaving after what he put Sung Hyunjae through would be too rude, even for Yoojin. So he allows the man to persuade him to at least stay for breakfast. If Yoojin feels a warm heat in his heart at having a meal with his (two) favorite person(s), then he thinks he has shown enough affection during the last few days.
Day 3 of My S-Class Kinkfest 2025! This time we got the prompts [Pet Play] and [Frottage]. Perfect opportunity to write [Cat Boy] Yoojin, I think B3c Ship is Han Yoojin/Sung Hyunjae with guest appearance of Han Yoohyun at the end. Please read on AO3 as I am having issues adding my fic when using mobile. Will add it properly once I am back home!
Day 2 of My S-Class Kinkfest 2025 and I decided to go with the prompt [Bondage]. Added personal [Living Clothes] kink as well. No ship. Can be read on AO3. Please enjoy <3
Yoojin would very much like to start by saying he doesn't think this is in any way his fault.
It all started on an innocent day like any other. No gates to check out. No weirdo S-classes to harass him all day. Yerim in class and Yoohyun away on some guild leader business, Yoojin had most of the place to himself. Only Myeongwoo had needed him briefly in the morning, talking about a necklace he had been working on he would like to show Yoojin, but then suddenly having to leave for some urgent matter.
Even his dear children were more well-behaved than usual, taking the day to nap and relax. (Or at least they would until dinnertime. After that, it would be every beast for itself.)
What this meant for Yoojin was he found himself quite bored. He could only waste away on the couch for so long before he had to get up and do something. Anything.
Inspired by his earlier conversation with Myeongwoo, he decided to see if he could find that necklace and get a little preview of the item. Myeongwoo hadn't given a lot of details, but just how many necklaces could the guy have laying around?
Of course Yoojin couldn't go to Myeongwoo's furnace without the guy, but one of the rooms in the building had been made into a makeshift office for him. Mostly for Myeongwoo to put away gear and items he had made, but didn't require in the moment. While the room had been set up to help keep things organised, it hadn't taken long for it to be filled up with strange experiments and lowergrade items that could be repurposed.
Myeongwoo had never been shy about letting Yoojin look around his 'office', so he didn't feel bad about checking it out without its owner's presence.
When Yoojin entered, the place wasn't exactly messy, but clearly operated on a system only Myeongwoo knew. Weapons, armory and jewelry covered every surface, multiple shelves having been put up to provide extra space.
Yoojin had a slight idea of what he was looking for, especially as he could already recognize most of the necklaces around the room. It took a bit of digging, but by the end, he found a piece he definitely had never seen before.
It looked quite unique, half of it a simple silver chain while the other half was made of black cloth. The two halves were connected by a stone, the color of which Yoojin couldn't quite decide on. It was like it was slowly changing hue, the shade light and shiny.
This had to be it! A strange necklace like that must definitely have some cool ability! While it wasn't clear what it could do, Yoojin did not hesitate to reach out to check it out-
...
Huh?
Yoojin looked around Myeongwoo's office. What was he doing here? He was all on his own, Myeongwoo nowhere in sight, so for what reason could he have had to go down here?
Looking around revealed none of the mystery and so Yoojin could only shrug and be on his way. As he left, he didn't even notice the piece of jewelry he had been looking at was now gone.
The rest of Yoojin's day went without anything exciting happening. He visited the rooftop garden, enjoying the sun and greenery with a cup of tea. As expected, the children had woken up excitedly around dinnertime and Yoojin had to work hard to make sure no one got bullied and all were properly fed. Afterwards, he had watched a bit more TV until Yoohyun had called to let him know he had to finish up some stuff before he could head home.
It was a bit late, so Yoojin decided Yoohyun wouldn't mind if he changed into pajamas and prepared for bed. He would of course stay awake until Yoohyun got home, but throughout his day his clothes had begun to itch and scratch in certain places and he was looking forward to a change.
Absentmindedly, Yoojin scratched at his chest as he yawned. He closed the door to his room, having had too many surprise 'attacks' from his lovely children to trust them with free entrance. Stretching widely, he threw his phone onto his bed. He pulled off his shirt as he went to his closet, pulling out a soft pajamas to put on. It was right as he turned back around that he saw it.
Yoojin had intended to return to his bed. He just happened to be facing his mirror when he turned. So it wasn’t intentional, when he saw himself in the reflection of the glass.
Han Yoojin was wearing a bra.
Dark cloth snugly fit around his chest, a thin silver chain sewn into the edges and working as the straps that kept the thing together. The piece was simple and elegant and wouldn't have looked too strange if Yoojin wasn’t absolutely certain he hadn't put on a bra ever in his life.
Reaching up to touch the strange garment, he found the cloth as soft as silk. And right as he touched it, awareness hit him as he remembered the necklace he had found in Myeongwoo's office. It was also in the same moment that he could finally feel the cloth against his body and realised the bra was not alone.
Throwing off his pants and staring into the mirror he found a pair of panties that matched the bra perfectly.
Whatever had happened to the briefs he put on this morning!?
Now, as he finally could feel both pieces of undergarment, he felt his face flush. Just what kind of perverted item had Myeongwoo made!? And did it even really count as a necklace with the new shape it had taken?? Yoojin could not get these embarrassing pieces off of himself fast enough, ready to immediately forget the whole thing!
Except...
Except they wouldn't come off!
No matter how much Yoojin pulled at the fabric of either the bra or the panties, it refused to give. It was like it was sealed against his skin, refusing the slightest give. While the cloth appeared delicate and the chain fragile, no amount of force could rip it apart.
Fuck it! This might be the most embarrassing situation ever, but like hell Yoojin will keep this on. He will just have to call Myeongwoo and have him tell how he is meant to get this thing off. Looking around for where he put his phone, Yoojin just catches sight of where he threw it on his bed, when a strange sensation begins.
Is the bra... sucking his nipples??!
When he looks down there is no change in the texture of the fabric, but he can definitely feel something not at all innocent happen underneath the cloth.
His flush deepens as the bra continues to gently suck at his skin, the feeling of soft cloth rubbing his chest. The sensation is similar to a massage, except way too intimate, and Yoojin feels panic set in as he realises just how good it feels.
Forgetting his phone for a moment, he rushes to pull the bra off, using all his strength to stop the garment.
Nothing he does loosens the fabric. In fact, the more he tries, the harder the sucking becomes. The cloth itself shows no signs of the dirty happenings underneath it, but for some reason it easily extends to allow a clear view of Yoojin's stiff nipples. Having to fight not to moan from the feeling, Yoojin realizes there is nothing he himself can do to stop this.
His phone is his only salvation.
But as he steps closer to it a new and even more terrible sensation begins.
Something thin and wet slowly but surely begins to press against his entrance.
Horror takes over Yoojin as he realises just what is about to happen. The sensation is too strange and Yoojin can't help but clasp his backside as if he can stop the protrusion.
The tentacle-like thing does not care for his panic and keeps pressing on. Covered in a lube-like substance, there is nothing to defend his innocence as Yoojin is penetrated by his panties. This time he can't stop the moan from escaping.
The tentacle stays inside, but Yoojin has had enough of this. He tries to throw himself at the bed, but the slightest movement makes it press against him, getting dangerously close to a spot that will force Yoojin to his knees.
As he manages to somehow waddle to the bed, he is reaching for his phone when he sees something new that shocks him.
The cloth from the bra is slowly spreading, beginning to cover his arms.
Threads clings together, the fabric growing at a steady pace. In his distraction, it has already reached his elbows, carefully covering him up until he realises he can't bend his arms where the garment covers him. Yoojin's eyes widens as he realises he is suddenly on a timelimit.
He is luckily still able to get his phone, holding it out from himself as the jewelry/bra/panties keep his arms stiff and unmovable. Quickly he unlocks the screen, hurrying for his contact list as the expanding cloth begins to speed up. He hurriedly scrolls down until Myeongwoo's name appears and is just about to call it.
Just as his finger hits the screen, a message notification appears and he accidentally opens that instead.
With a shout of frustration, Yoojin can only watch as a text from Yoohyun appears telling him he is on his way home. Before Yoojin can tap out of the message app, the clothing reaches his hands, fully covering them. The phone falls from his grasp as the linings come together, becoming one smooth surface where he can't even spread his fingers.
Yoojin is just about to try to still tap at his phone when the clothing forcefully begins to pull his hands back. He looks down and sees the silver chain curl around his arms as they are forced behind his back. The movement presses his chest forward, the sucking on his nipples now feeling like tongues are licking at them.
Okay, arms may be useless now. He can't call for help. But he has multiple powerful beasts that certainly will be able to rip this piece of shit-
As if reading his thoughts, Yoojin can feel the panties begin to spread as well, growing down along his legs. Black swirls run down his thighs, pressing against his sensitive skin despite Yoojin's wiggles. He doesn't even get a chance to roll off the bed before his legs are fully caught as well, the fabric spreading them out, but otherwise not allowing them to bend or move.
As all of this happens, Yoojin can feel the protrusion currently resting inside of him slowly grow bigger. Bigger in both width and length. His walls expand to allow its size and soon it is pressing against a spot so sensitive that for a moment Yoojin can only see white.
He can only moan loudly as the clothing inside him clearly takes on the shape of a dick. And not a small one.
With no other way out, Yoojin opens his mouth to call for help.
And the chain curls up his neck, circling his mouth until it is forced to stay open. With teary eyes, Yoojin watches in the mirror as a light and shiny rock appears in the middle of his mouth, the color impossible to tell. His mouth full, he can only let out muffled cries, doing everything in his power to try to break free from the clothes now fully covering his body. Laying on his belly, arms caught on his back and legs stretched out, he has a full view of how lewd he looks. As if he is inviting anyone to come and make use of him like this.
Yoojin can only cry silently as he is stuck like this with no way to wiggle out. He is mostly angry at how mortifying it all is, having no idea how it could come to this. Why the fuck would Myeongwoo ever have an item like this laying around!? He expects a very detailed explanation for this once he gets free from this hell and gets his hands on the guy!
And as Yoojin thinks it can't become worse, the thing inside him begins to pull out before it thrusts in with a force that has Yoojin whimpering. With an obscene moan, there is no defence as the fabric begins to fuck him. Laying like this, he can only take it as it thrusts into him again and again, impossible to stay quiet with the stone keeping his mouth open. Having never let up on the pressure against his chest and now with the action in his back, it doesn't take long before Yoojin finds himself fully hard.
Soon he will come inside his silky cage and the garment will only allow him a short break before it picks up its depraved act once again. This will continue on repeat until Yoohyun finally gets home. As he finds his Hyung caught like this, he only watches on for a couple of seconds before the item is forever destroyed in rageous flames.
As Yoohyun helps Yoojin get up on shaky legs, eyes full of murder and destruction, Yoojin decides in that moment to stay quiet about Myeongwoo's 'involvement'. He will talk with the man in private about just what he can leave around for unsuspecting F-class people to pick up. For now, he just lets Yoohyun help him get cleaned up and dressed in proper clothes, glad the entire thing is over.
My writing of the prompts [Size Kink] and [Orgasm Control] for the My S-Class Kinkfest 2025. Ship is Han Yoojin/Sung Hyunjae. Can also be read on AO3. Please enjoy <3
Truly the world is not fair.
Back when Han Yoojin first met Sung Hyunjae he very correctly categorised his bastardness. It was all there plain to see. His arrogant attitude. His pretentious suits. The way he wore the title of number one S-class hunter. It was like everything about the man was put together to specifically piss Yoojin off.
He may be one of the most powerful hunters in the world, but that didn't mean he had to be so smug about it. During those early days, Yoojin liked to think it was all compensation. That that enormous ego was there to cover for something much smaller and shameful.
Sadly, as the two got closer and upgraded from strangers to acquaintances to item and owner to partners, Yoojin found that Sung Hyunjae had absolutely nothing to compensate for. On the contrary, just like with everything else, Sung Hyunjae was absurdly blessed even in that department.
Was it truly too much to ask for the bastard to at least have a small dick?
Everytime Yoojin would see it, it would make him so irrationally angry. Something of that size is truly inhuman. His only solace being the fact he is quite certain that at least Yoohyons is bigger, a totally rational and normal thought to have about your own brother.
To Sung Hyunjae's credit, at least the man knew how to properly service with his monstrosity. Yoojin had enjoyed many the orgasms thanks to proper use of the available tools and he could appreciate the benefits he got from such a partnership. If only its owner knew when to shut up, then it would truly have been perfect.
But alas, in order to enjoy the goods, Yoojin had to accept the presence of Sung Hyunjae.
That didn't mean he couldn't have his own fun with it.
Looking up at Sung Hyunjae with halflidded eyes, the older man is warmly flushed. Sitting on their large bed, he has a tight grasp on the edges. He meets Yoojin's gaze directly, his smile not soft, but neither is it sharp or mean. Rather, it has the edge of his usual arrogance, even as his breathing is heavier than usual. Every muscle is taut with tension as sweat glistens on his pale skin.
Meanwhile, Yoojin innocently looks up at the man, breath warm, as his lips, that are still shiny and wet, are just a few centimeters from Sung Hyunjae's huge cock.
The member stands proud and red, heat radiating from it in waves. Precome glistens at the tip, a slow drip along the veins, still moist from Yoojin's earlier ministrations.
Just before, the sheer size of the thing made it impossible for Yoojin to fit it all in his mouth, his throat fighting for breath as he sucked it as deep as he could manage. While Yoojin hadn't had much experience with others, he has found himself between Sung Hyunjae's legs enough times by now that he knows exactly what to do to rile up the other man.
He knows Sung Hyunjae's most vulnerable and sensitive spots. How to use his tongue in the right way. How much teeth he can allow. When to pepper it with kisses. Every move that slowly breaks down the pretentious facade until even Sung Hyunjae can't hide just how good he feels.
Yoojin is currently resting his cheek on Sung Hyunjae's thigh, close enough that he can feel the heat of the member against his lips. On the other thigh rests his hand, sweetly stroking the skin, never quite touching Sung Hyunjae's dick.
The game they are playing is not one that Yoojin often wins, but he enjoys it all the same. Pushing Sung Hyunjae's limits, seeing the other man actually having to exert will to control himself, it is a sight that Yoojin never gets tired of. He doesn't even try to hide the satisfied smile he is sporting.
Yoojin himself is only halfhard, having not touched himself at any point. By the creaking sound from the bed, he knows Sung Hyunjae would love to change that, but that would be an immediate loss. They are both playing with the intent to win.
"You know, I have heard it has been a stressful week for you. You should really just lay back and relax now that we have the time. Release some of that tension you have been building up the last couple of days."
Yoojin's voice is full of sugar, all of softness and understanding. He knows when he speaks, Sung Hyunjae can feel his voice on his dick and the other man's eyes do lower the slightest amount. One of his fingers taps the bed in thought, as if he is considering Yoojin's suggestion.
Sung Hyunjae's voice is deeper than usual when he answers:
"I would hate to be the only one who got to enjoy myself tonight. Laying with my dear partner so we both could find satisfaction would surely be more enjoyable for the both of us."
Yoojin's smile widens and finally he allows his hand to move the last couple of centimeters, grasping the member in a loose hold. Slowly, he moves his head closer as well, until he can leave a tiny kitten-kiss at the base. Followed by him licking the entire length.
The skin tastes salty against his tongue, the precome bitter. When he reaches the top, he does not put the entire thing in his mouth, only the tip, while his hand begins to slowly pump up and down. His tongue reaches out to tease at the slit, the pulsating heat of the dick enough for Yoojin's skin to flush even more.
At no point does Yoojin ever look away from Sung Hyunjae.
The other man's smile finally turns sharp, his eyes dark. He is not quite able to quieten his next inhale, a slight gasp interrupting it. More creaks come from the bed, and Yoojin stretches out his back, re-positions just enough so there is a better view of his backside.
He can feel the cock twitch in his grasp, the meaty flesh as hard as it can be and Yoojin is quick to pull it out of his mouth with a wet 'pop', aiming the member right at his face.
Sung Hyunjae breaks his next exhale and for a moment, Yoojin is certain he won.
But Sung Hyunjae doesn't come yet. The cock stays hard and warm in his hand.
Yoojin considers it for a bit. Then he aims it lower and opens his mouth in invitation.
In no time at all, he is seized by large hands that throw him into the bed. Yoojin lands with an "Oof!", regaining his bearings as a large shadow towers above him.
"Hey, that's against the rules, no touch-mmfh!" Yoojin complains before he is interrupted by Sung Hyunjae's lips pressing against his own, the other man immediately taking the opportunity to deepen the kiss and push his tongue inside.
Yoojin has no defence, forced to allow Sung Hyunjae free entrance, as he feels something hard and heavy slide up against his own neglected member. The differences in their sizes never fails to make Yoojin mad, hating how easily he gets distracted by the magnitude of Sung Hyunjae, how one touch from the superior length leaves Yoojin weak in the knees, spit gathering in his throat.
It truly isn't fair!
But to Sung Hyunjae's credit, after throwing Yoojin not so elegantly onto the bed, his hands do move to the side, creating a muscled wall that is impossible for Yoojin to escape.
The kiss between them is not gentle. It is hurried and sharp, with a bit of bite. Yoojin is barely allowed to breathe amidst the kissing, Sung Hyunjae almost succeeding in distracting him from their little game.
Almost.
Even with his mouth busily occupied, Yoojin prides himself in his multitasking skills. With no rules against him touching, he reaches out with both hands, pulling his and Sung Hyunjae's members together.
It is like fire, his skin bubbling with excitement, as he rubs them both together, barely able to reach around both dicks with his hands. The slick slide up and down leaves himself moaning into Sung Hyunjae's mouth who greedily sucks it up, like a dying man in the desert. While Sung Hyunjae isn't the loud moaning type, Yoojin can still feel in his labored breathing and slight pants that means the other man is close.
He himself is not far off and so it is a race against time as he pumps them even faster, losing himself in sensations and skin and heat.
Suddenly, finally, Sung Hyunjae stills and it is by barely a second that he comes right before Yoojin does. They both spill between them, Yoojin feeling the sticky come land on his stomach and chest, but he doesn't care as he is nothing but pleasure for that moment.
As Yoojin’s thundering heart calms, they both have to catch their breath.
Releasing Yoojin from his hungry mauling, Sung Hyunjae rests his head against Yoojin's neck. Soon after, he pulls a cloth from the bedside table, easily cleaning Yoojin and himself with steady hands.
Yoojin lays back letting Sung Hyunjae do all the work as his chest still rises and falls with each breath. Stupid S-classes who immediately are fine! Some of us normal people’s bodies can’t just move around right after!
Once everything is clean, Sung Hyunjae spends a bit of time moving them around. He isn’t satisfied until he rests on the bed with Yoojin half-way on top of him, a secure arm around his back. While Yoojin would never admit to doing so, he nuzzles into Sung Hyunjae's shoulder, enjoying the proximity much more than he should.
They will lay like this for a while, blissed out, until Yoojin will complain about being too warm for cuddling and move onto the cooler and nicer part of the bed. Sung Hyunjae will not be far behind, pulling and prodding at Yoojin's patience until he allows him to pull him into a spooning session they will both fall asleep to.
But before that will happen...
"I won this time," Yoojin declares with a satisfied smirk. Even if it were very close, he will take every victory that he can get.
"My darling Han Yoojin-gun certainly did. But who can fault me when I have such a tempting delicacy in my bed? Truly it was a struggle to not immediately dive down and have my fill." Sung Hyunjae easily agrees, Yoojin feeling nauseous at his words.
"Ugh, shut up, don't ruin this for me. It was my victory, so as my prize you aren't allowed to say any weird stuff for the rest of the night!"
"If that is what Han Yoojin-gun desires," Sung Hyunjae easily agrees before he goes quiet. Not much to say, when he can't sit out his usual crazy spiel.
Yeah, right. Let's see how long the bastard will last. Yoojin will just have to enjoy his win in peace while he still can.
pressing closer against Sung Hyunjae, and arm across his chest, Yoojin lets out a sigh of satisfaction. Limps relaxed and soft, mind blissfully blank, he allows himself to just enjoy the moment. Moving one leg into a more comfortable position, it hits against something that is now softer, but still of a size that rivals that of beasts. Yoojin lets out an irritated huff.
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 35 - Drying Out
This is one of the few rooms in the mansion that Shen Qingqiu admits have made him feel at ease. With the heat and light and lack of traps, the most uncomfortable thing to happen here is the moist clothes that would stick to his skin. Even the one hiding place here has quite the success rate. While he has died here once before, it is just that. Once. That is a much better number than most other places in the mansion.
Now it is like the feeling of safety has run dry like the bathtub. Even the light seems to have left the room, leaving it dim and gray. Shen Qingqiu is almost surprised his breath does not mist despite it being nowhere cold enough for that to happen. The impression of the room has simply completely changed since they last were here.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
A perfect circle. The size of a closed fist. A chain connected like that of a necklace. Sharp light focused right at Shen Qingqiu, giving the illusion of a pendant around his neck.
In surprise he steps to the side. The medallion slides off him, staying still against the mural. Pure coincidence that Shen Qingqiu was in the way of the light.
The Whistle of wires sound out together with sudden motion in the room. Interrupted by rushing water, Shen Qingqiu fears for a moment that the room is about to become flooded. But there is no sound of the water landing, no splashes around them. The floor stays dry.
In fact, when listening properly, the sound resembles more that of a light waterfall.
The light of the spotlight changes. The pendant breaks apart, becoming multiple shapes. It is like they become alive, eyes and limbs forming multiple creatures. Creatures that begin to ride the waves of the mural, their forms not quite standing still. As Shen Qingqiu watches engrossed, he realizes they could resemble that of... of horses...?
The movement of the shadows turns erratic. Twisting and turning around themself, shattered into pieces, like the very waves are crushing the galloping animals.
Before Shen Qingqiu can make sense of what is happening, the light changes again. It gathers together, now forming that of a pair of hands. Each is the size of Shen Qingqiu's head. They move to the center of the mural holding still briefly. Then they dip down to pick something up. A flame appears between the palms, held there for a moment for them all to see.
The spotlight turns off. The waterfall goes quiet. They stand in the darkness.
Humming. A hymn begins to rise.
At first it is one voice, almost lonely in its chant. but then more slowly joins. A harmony calling out like a prayer. Words unrecognizable, as low as that of a whisper. Like that of creepy fingers crawling up your spine. A whisper of movement and Shen Qingqiu can't help but rub at his body, pushing away that ghostly touch.
A slight gasp from Ning Yingying makes it clear he is not the only one disturbed by invisible caresses.
One by one, lights begin to turn on in the ceiling.
They are tiny. Little pinpoints in the dark. Like that of stars in a clear sky, no light that pollute their appearance. With each light the humming rises, becoming song, growing louder and louder. The hair stands on Shen Qingqiu's arms, a chill going down his spine. He wants to cover his ears, but a part of him, a senseless part, fears that will leave him open and vulnerable.
Open and vulnerable for what, he does not know.
The hymn flows through the room, a spirit of song with only ill intentions and just as Shen Qingqiu feels like he can’t take it anymore-
Everything goes quiet at once. Once again, they stand in the dark.
A few clicks ring out. The lantern in Luo Binghe's hand flashes a couple of times before it properly turns back on.
Shen Qingqiu has to cover his eyes at the sudden return of the light. Black dots blink in front of his eyes, it taking a minute before he can see again.
And right beside him, in the center of the mural, right where he stood when Ning Yingying activated the mechanism, the mural has opened up. A small cavity, a single object laid inside. Slowly reaching out, Shen Qingqiu takes what he realizes is a pick. The kind used to loosen stone.
Looking down at the strangely normal tool in his hand, Shen Qingqiu can only try to make sense of everything he just saw. The light show, the waterfall and the singing. There must be a point to it, something it is meant to tell. A hint of how to progress?
The pendant at the beginning... He vaguely recalls something like that, not from his time in this world, but from when playing the game. Is this some kind of guide for how to unlock it?
The horses with the waterfall... the gathered flame... the singing and the stars... Are they all part of one puzzle or multiple that needs to be completed? The mural itself, from the rough and sharp stones to the wave carvings... They remind Shen Qingqiu of steamy waters and soap that smell like lotus...
"Senior," Luo Binghe calls out.
Shen Qingqiu turns towards him. But Luo Binghe isn't looking his away. Instead he is looking up at the ceiling, holding up the lamp so its light reaches its surface.
The star-like small lights haven't gone out. But with the light from the lamp, lines are revealed, going in twists and turns around the lights, similar to that of a labyrinth. Long routes that each capture a star in its own little box. As Shen Qingqiu looks at the formation, he realizes it resembles something he has seen before.
"This is exactly like the map we found of the basement," Luo Binghe confirms. With each star belonging to one of the rooms down there. A guide of some kind revealing something important that must be found. With wide eyes, Shen Qingqiu begins to remember what it is.
He can't let Luo Binghe know yet. They are missing an important piece of information before this will make sense. He realizes this is a guide for the future. Hopefully a very near future, but the future none-the-less.
In an attempt to study the pattern more clearly, Luo Binghe raises the lantern even higher. The light wavers with the flame, making the stars flicker. "Does this mean we have to go down to the basement again?" Luo Binghe asks, turning towards Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu shakes his head. "I don't think so. We don't have access to it from here."
"But we do, Senior," Luo Binghe corrects. "That hidden hallway Liu Mingyan showed me. There was that staircase down. We didn't go down it last time because it was too dark, but that is where Liu Mingyan and I came from after escaping the library. With the lantern we should be able to get down there with no problem."
Luo Binghe is not wrong. The issue is that Shen Qingqiu knows it is still too early to enter the basement. That they have to complete the major puzzle here on the upper floors first. He intends to explain that to Luo Binghe, but-
"You two have really managed to do a lot while here! There is even a basement? And hidden hallways? Just what kind of place is this?" Ning Yingying exclaims, making her presence known once again.
With her here, Shen Qingqiu can't speak freely. Luo Binghe is somewhat aware of the gamey nature of the loops, but Ning Yingying just thinks they are caught in the house of a crazy murderer.
Shen Qingqiu could try to take the time to explain things to her like he did with Luo Binghe. Could hope that she would believe him and listen.
She is more likely to think he has lost his mind.
When not having experienced the loops for yourself, just how could you believe such an outlandish story? Shen Qingqiu knows enough about how this genre works to not even bother.
"I think the mural is hinting towards something else. Doesn't it seem similar to the one in the bathroom? You know, the one where you usually wash after…? Well, you know. I would like to check that out first," Shen Qingqiu says, looking directly at Luo Binghe. He gives a subtle nod towards Ning Yingying, hoping to get across that there are some things he isn't saying.
Whether Luo Binghe understands or not, he agrees with Shen Qingqiu's plan. Pulling Ning Yingying closer to his side, he leads them out of the room, back into the light of the hallway.
As they are on their way, Shen Qingqiu stays back, watching Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying from behind them. The height difference between them isn't small with how tall Luo Binghe is. While walking in the open, Ning Yingying’s head darts towards every corner, her fear of the Killer appearing clear. She never quite lets go of Luo Binghe's arm, staying close and occasionally whispering something to the man that Shen Qingqiu can't quite hear. Luo Binghe doesn't try to stay as quiet as her, making Shen Qingqiu think she is simply lowering her voice to not alert the Killer. Not because she is trying to hide something from Shen Qingqiu himself.
Still, the sight they make does make Shen Qingqiu feel like a third wheel. A bothersome Senior keeping the youth from truly expressing themselves. Like he is interrupting the lovers on their first date.
If wandering around a haunted mansion chased by a murderous Killer could count as a date, that is.
Even back in the room, the moment Ning Yingying was making trouble (Just why would she stick her arm into a random hole like that??) Luo Binghe was very quick to check up on her. When it is just the two of them, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe, Shen Qingqiu must admit he has gotten quite used to Luo Binghe watching over him.
His Junior is just so full of worry, doing his very best to keep his Senior whole and healthy. So attentive and mindful, everyone would bloom within his presence. And naturally, with one of his future wives here, that full attention would be exclusively directed towards her.
Sadly this isn't a romantic outing. This is a horror game. So Shen Qingqiu can't go away to give them some space. He has no choice but to stay here, undoubtedly ruining the romance brewing between the two. Luckily, Luo Binghe doesn't direct any dirty glares his way, not seeming to mind Shen Qingqiu's presence. Likely he understands the seriousness of their situation and that flirting is best saved for when they escape this place.
Just like on their way to the broomcloset, there is no sign of the Killer as they move along. Moving back and forth in the mansion like this would usually be a clear invitation for an attack. There are only so many places the Killer can be and patrolling the hallways is a very easy task. But there is not even a whisper from the spiritbox.
None of this makes Shen Qingqiu feel at ease. He can only continue to pray for their luck.
"Why do we need to look inside this bathroom, by the way? With the gate locked, I thought we were looking for a phone to call for help. I can't imagine we would find one there?" Ning Yingying suddenly asks, confusion clear in her voice. It makes Shen Qingqiu hesitate, unsure of how to best excuse their actions.
"Senior and I have already checked all the rooms for a phone without finding any. We did notice there are many weird mechanisms around the place like the one we just saw. Our hope is that maybe they can help us find a way out," Luo Binghe explains. While his words are vague, the confidence with which he says them makes them sound like an actual plan. Ning Yingying at least nods along as if it makes perfect sense.
"I hope we soon find a way out of here. And I hope Liu Mingyan is okay. You said she showed you some hidden room or something before? Was she hurt when you met her?"
"She was fine when we saw her, but we got split up soon after. It's hard to say what can have happened since then. We can only hope for the best," Luo Binghe seamlessly reassures Ning Yingying, lying with no hesitation. They have reached the bathroom and without waiting for her to answer, he opens the door, leading them all inside.
Well, 'bath'room might be more of a technical term at this point.
As they enter, they find that the entire bathtub is empty. Puddles of water are still left, but the waterfall is no longer running and most of the steam has dispersed. Without the water, the heat of the room is also seeping out. A creeping chill is here, unnaturally quick in its spread.
This is one of the few rooms in the mansion that Shen Qingqiu admits have made him feel at ease. With the heat and light and lack of traps, the most uncomfortable thing to happen here is the moist clothes that would stick to his skin. Even the one hiding place here has quite the success rate. While he has died here once before, it is just that. Once. That is a much better number than most other places in the mansion.
Now it is like the feeling of safety has run dry like the bathtub. Even the light seems to have left the room, leaving it dim and gray. Shen Qingqiu is almost surprised his breath does not mist despite it being nowhere cold enough for that to happen. The impression of the room has simply completely changed since they last were here.
"Is this really the bathroom you meant?" Ning Yingying asks, unconsciously wrapping her arms around herself as if to keep warm. "I didn't imagine it to be like this..."
"It didn't use to be like this," Shen Qingqiu mutters, stepping over to the tub. Why has this room suddenly changed like this? What would make all the water go dry just like that…?
The mosaic from the walls continues down the basin, glistening and cold. The tiles are mostly like the rest, simple, but in the very center a collection of red appears. From this viewpoint it isn't easy to see what exactly it is, though.
Shen Qingqiu goes down, ready to climb into the tub to find out, when he is stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He finds Luo Binghe behind him with tired eyes. Shen Qingqiu can only halfheartedly shrug. It is hard to remember, okay?
He lets Luo Binghe go down first. The man puts down the lantern by the door so as to not get it wet and then jumps down.
The tub isn't that deep, but it is still impressive that Luo Binghe doesn't slip when he lands. As he checks everything over for traps, Ning Yingying also comes over to stand behind Shen Qingqiu, both of them quietly watching Luo Binghe.
"What is he doing?" Ning Yingying eventually asks.
"Looking for traps and danger," Shen Qingqiu answers.
"Oh..." She hesitates. "You mentioned traps before. Is it really so dangerous?"
"It can be. You have to be careful with everything. Some can be very deadly."
"We know that from experience," Luo Binghe adds. "Senior almost got hurt before. That's why I am the one checking things over now."
Hey, what is with that tone?? Your Senior can hear you, you know, he knows what you are hinting at! How many times does he need to say he isn't trying to die! It is an accident every time!
But unable to really deny Luo Binghe's words, Shen Qingqiu's only choice is to quietly sulk until Luo Binghe has finished his check. Once certain that no traps are hiding at the bottom of the tub, Luo Binghe waves over them both. Shen Qingqiu easily crawls down, helping Ning Yingying down as well.
In the very middle of the tub, put down together with all the mosaic, is a big, red, flame-like piece.
"We need to get that free," Shen Qingqiu immediately says, kneeling down to see if it can be pulled loose. Luo Binghe is quick to copy his movement, pushing his hands away so he can try it himself.
Water seeps into their pants, getting their knees wet, as they try to loosen the piece of ceramic. Their fingers slip past the smooth edges, the piece put down too well. Shen Qingqiu would almost determine that it must be pure decoration if not for the shape being too perfect and needing the water to disappear to see it.
That is when he remembers the pick he picked up not too long ago. He pulls it out and this time remembers to hand it to Luo binghe who immediately gets to work withit.
Using the pointy edge to dig into the tub, it takes Luo Binghe almost no time as he finally pulls the mosaic free. In classic videogame fashion, the pick breaks apart at the very end, unusable for any future endeavors. But they got the flame. They are able to progress!
"What in the world could you need that for?" Ning Yingying complains occasionally during their work, their actions a mystery to any who watches. Luo Binghe simply shrugs in response, too preoccupied with the pick and mosaic, but Shen Qingqiu does feel that she at least deserves an answer.
"Do you remember we mentioned mechanisms and such? That they might help us find a way out? It might seem illogical right now, but there is a point to the madness. Just trust that we know what we are doing, okay?"
"Okay..." Ning Yingying hesitantly agrees. Had it just been Shen Qingqiu, she likely wouldn't have been satisfied with just that as an answer. But there is no one Ning Yingying trusts more than Luo Binghe. She doesn't demand more answers for now.
With the flame piece in hand Shen Qingqiu realises this is also the final piece to complete the major puzzle. With this, they know how to access all the instruments. That if he can just stay alive long enough, they will finally, at last, ultimately have solved the upper floor.
It is now more of a game of survival than it ever has been before.
Time is not on their side and it has been too long since the Killer last appeared. Shen Qingqiu feels the pressure in his chest, his heart and lungs constricting, as 'this is it!' takes over.
They need to move.
They need to hurry.
Luo binghe, the smart boy, is quick to pick up on Shen Qingqiu's restlessness. He quickly directs Ning Yingying back, helping both her and Shen Qingqiu crawl out of the tub again. Luckily, Ning Yingying doesn't seem to mind the hurry either, her general anxiety about the mansion keeping her going.
All of them slightly damp, they move to leave.
That is when they hear footsteps right before the door is slammed open.
They are faced with Liu Mingyan who looks at them with wide eyes. She gasps for breath behind the mask that always covers her face. Her grasp on the doorframe is tight as they all stare at each other. Before any of them can react, she speaks:
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 34 - Beating Darkness
Nostalgia hits him in the face with just as much force as Ning Yingying as she throws herself at him, pulling Shen Qingqiu into a tight hug.
"Senior Shen! I am so glad to see you! Terrible things have been happening constantly! I tried to leave, but got attacked and he is still chasing us around and Liu Mingyan-"
Ning Yingying doesn't even pause to breathe as she recounts all the horror she has gone through.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
The journey through this game so far has been long and convoluted. Shen Qingqiu lost count of his deaths long ago. The many traps he has been caught in, the multiple puzzles he has had to solve, his numerous meetings with the Killer. While the first level only covers a section of the mansion, there have still been many rooms to find, to explore, to search for hidden objects and key items. Even if his progress resets each time he wakes up, to balance it out, his knowledge has expanded.
Showing Luo Binghe around the mansion has really highlighted how Shen Qingqiu's recollections of the place is progress in itself. Shen Qingqiu doesn't waste time patting himself on the back often, but he will acknowledge that he has discovered much, if not most, of what this level contains.
Shen Qingqiu has always had an idea of what to do next. So it is unusual that after finding a key that he has absolutely no idea where to use it.
He and Luo Binghe are still hiding in the laboratory broom closet. They are both in a crouch as they stare at the key in Shen Qingqiu's hand. The feeling of victory that befell them inside the boiler room did not survive the long trek back through the tunnels. Not surprising that crawling through claustrophobia tunnelised, for who knows how long, is a bit of a mood killer.
Now as they are out and hopefully will never have to go inside of there again (Not likely with Shen Qingqiu's usual luck), there is one major question.
What to do with this key?
With all the effort it has taken to get it, whatever it unlocks can not be insignificant. It has to matter. It has to be worth it!
Luo Binghe isn't much help. Alternating between looking at the key and looking at Shen Qingqiu, there is the feeling that he expects something from his dependable senior. Expect Shen Qingqiu to have all the answers, maybe?
Shen Qingqiu will have all the answers once he remembers where this stupid key goes. He swears there must be something he is missing, something he is forgetting, maybe something from so early in the game that he stopped thinking about it altogether-
Shen Qingqiu snaps his fingers. He remembers now. He knows where the key goes!
Quickly back on his feet and unlocking the door, Luo Binghe is right behind him. Close like a shadow as they leave the laboratory.
"Where are we going, Senior?" He asks, fishing out the spirit box as they slowly move through the halls.
Back when they made the agreement that Shen Qingqiu should just get the needles and not bother to collect Luo Binghe by the entrance, it didn't need saying that Luo Binghe would be responsible for getting the spiritbox. He would be more in need of it during his needle collection and, differently from Shen Qingqiu, didn't have to worry about what might happen if Ning Yingying or Liu Mingyan found him during his search.
Once or twice Luo Binghe has mentioned checking the hint book just out of curiosity as well. Apparently found nothing useful in it. Not that Shen Qingqiu finds that surprising.
With the spiritbox turned on, they carefully navigate the hallways. Any sign of static and they will jump into the first available room, hoping to avoid any confrontation with the Killer. They move as carefully as they can, Shen Qingqiu answering Luo Binghe with a whisper:
"That broom closet was too small. I need to be somewhere larger to think."
Shen Qingqiu doesn't look behind to check what Luo Binghe's reaction is to his answer. Saying something weird and vague like that, Luo Binghe can only think him odd. He should be taking this more seriously, but he can't help it. Maybe the mood from the boiler room hadn't left him completely after all. At this moment, he just can't help being a bit of a tease. Just a little. Just enough to leave Binghe wondering what is going on inside his Seniors head.
Somewhere larger, a place with the space to think, an area that can contain his growing excitement, ground that can hold the massive step of progress they are about to achieve.
Say, a larger broom closet maybe?
Luckily they don't stumble upon the Killer on their way. Neither are they found by Ning Yingying or Liu Mingyan.
As they enter the broom closet Shen Qingqiu is hit with a strange sense of nostalgia. This arguable could be considered the first room he found once he began exploring the mansion. Getting to the entrance and seeing the safe room doesn't really count, he feels. They are required, part of the tutorial, but this? This was the first room he searched once he properly started the game.
Luo Binghe enters as if it is just like any other room in the mansion. Which makes sense. There isn't really anything that special about it. As a hiding place if the Killer is chasing, it even kind of sucks. Shen Qingqiu knows that from experience.
But it holds one thing that Shen Qingqiu is now very excited to hold up for Luo Binghe to see.
One big locked box. A box that gives a heavy thump thump sound when it gets shaken. A box that definitely must fit the key that they hold in their hands. Shen Qingqiu even remembers to let Luo Binghe open the box, while he steps back eagerly waiting to see what is inside.
The key fits perfectly. The top of the box springs open. And out of the box, Luo Binghe pulls up an old-fashioned oil lantern.
They have found the tool to make darkness no longer guaranteed death.
Shen Qingqiu is barely able to keep his dignified senior facade. What he most wants to do is take the lantern from Luo Binghe's hands to look it over himself. In his mind's ear he can hear the Significant-Item-Pick-Up melody once again and it is by pure will alone that he keeps himself from humming it like he would usually do.
Luo Binghe, unaware of the significance of the item in his hand, turns the lantern around, checking it over. He puts the box to the side, putting down the lantern as well. Turning the knob, he is able to check how much oil has been left in the lantern, which isn't a lot. Luckily, Shen Qingqiu is quick to collect a flask from one of the shelves so they can fill it up.
With a twist Luo Binghe turns the lantern on and a bright light spreads around the room.
"Senior, I remember you mentioning a room you hadn't explored yet because it was too dark. With this, that wouldn't be an issue anymore, right?"
"Binghe is right! This is a great find, as long as we have this, we will be able to search the rest of the leve- the mansion without worry." Or too much worry. There might still be traps hidden in the dark, but with the lantern, if they thread carefully, they should be able to see and avoid them.
Turning off the lantern again to save on the oil, Luo Binghe picks it back up. Holding it in one hand and the spiritbox in the other, he looks quite the dashing adventurer. Like he is prepared for anything they are about to meet. With a show-the-way gesture, he allows Shen Qingqiu to lead them towards the right room.
Spiritbox blissfully silent and with a new objective, Shen Qingqiu eagerly returns to the hallway. And almost has his heart jump out through his throat as he comes face to face with Ning Yingying.
Nostalgia hits him in the face with just as much force as Ning Yingying as she throws herself at him, pulling Shen Qingqiu into a tight hug.
"Senior Shen! I am so glad to see you! Terrible things have been happening constantly! I tried to leave, but got attacked and he is still chasing us around and Liu Mingyan-"
Ning Yingying doesn't even pause to breathe as she recounts all the horror she has gone through. Worried about them being heard by malicious ears, he is about to interrupt her, so he can pull her back inside the room. Before he can do so, a pair of hands grab the shoulders of Shen Qingqiu and Ning Yingying, pulling them both back.
In one swift move, Luo Binghe gets them inside, closes the door behind them and separates Shen Qingqiu and Ning Yingying. Ning Yingying, ruffled by the rough treatment, stands confused for a moment before she recognizes Luo Binghe. Then it is his turn to get an armful of Yingying.
"A-Luo! You are here too, I was so worried about you, I was afraid what could have happened to you and that you were all on your own, but Senior Shen is also here and I am so glad that nothing has-"
"Ning Yingying, we have to stay quiet. That man still might be out there and can hear us," Luo Binghe suddenly interrupts, a slight look of panic at being the next victim of Ning Yingying’s word vomit. The poor girl immediately quietens, freeing Luo Binghe to cover her own mouth, eyes wide with fright.
Shen Qingqiu isn't certain whether he should laugh or cry at the situation. It is a bit comedic to watch, but he also feels bad for Ning Yingying. She must have been on her own for a very long time and the girl must have been absolutely terrified.
This is when Shen Qingqiu would ask her if she is hurt, but there is no need to. Luckily, without Luo Binghe, Ning Yingying is still able to survive the first meeting with the Killer, but it is not without a price. This is not the first time Shen Qingqiu has seen her like this, bloody and bruised, covered in mud. His hand itches to fix her pigtail, to help her clean up herself a bit.
Of course, he would never dare to do so in the presence of Luo Binghe. Looking towards the other man, he would expect him to hurry forward to help Ning Yingying get herself back together.
Weirdly enough, at first it doesn't look like Luo Binghe has any intention of helping his future wife. But when he notices Shen Qingqiu's stare, it is like he suddenly remembers that he cares about this girl. With a sigh he steps forward, reaching out to untie Ning Yingying's loose pigtail before retying it again. Before he steps back he once again locks eyes with Shen Qingqiu and then proceeds to tie off his jacket to give to her.
Ning Yingying looks at him with gratitude and Shen Qingqiu looks at him with satisfaction and first then does Luo Binghe step aside.
A few rounds ago Shen Qingqiu kind of had to... remind Luo Binghe to treat Ning Yingying with care. After they had confirmed for certain there was no argument they could use to not make her leave the mansion, Luo Binghe had begun to treat her with apathy. It was like that since Ning Yingying wouldn't remember his behavior anyway, he saw no need to act sweetly with her.
Shen Qingqiu was quick to correct that. It wouldn't do to have the hero treat his future wife like she didn't matter! Even if she wouldn't remember, one should always treat their fellows with compassion. One could act strict, yes, but in the end, her missing memory isn’t her fault. She still deserves some respect.
After correcting Luo Binghe he returned to act nicely with Ning Yingying. And seeing how she reacts to seeing Luo Binghe again is only confirmation that he kept that up even after Shen Qingqiu stopped meeting them at the entrance.
"What happened?" Shen Qingqiu asks Ning Yingying, mostly to keep up the natural act.
"I- I found a gate, but it was locked... There was a- oh god- I didn't know what to do and then a huge man in a mask attacked me! I tried to run away and then suddenly Liu Mingyan was there, trying to distract him! I found a place to hide, but I don't know if she got away and I saw the man wander around the halls and I was just trying to find A-Luo..."
She sniffs, pulling Luo Binghe's jacket closer around herself, but she is already visible becoming more collected. What she tells Shen Qingqiu has heard before. Though when it comes to Liu Mingyan there tends to be a slight variety. Often she is there to distract the Killer, but not always. And on at least one occasion, Ning Yingying’s tale has been more grim, knowing more surely of Liu Mingyan’s fate.
What causes these variations, Shen Qingqiu does not know. It can easily be explained away with small differences with Luo Binghe's behavior. Little things can have huge effects, the butterfly's wings cause a tornado, all that stuff.
"You have found us now. We can only hope that Liu Mingyan got away and hopefully we will find her later. For now, we should focus on trying to find the way out from here."
Normally Shen Qingqiu would try to argue for Ning Yingying to stay put. Even after many, many sessions, he has learned that even if she promises to do so, she will not. But he at least tries each time. This time, though, Shen Qingqiu isn't worried about her tagging along. With Luo Binghe here, the deadliness of being with the girls is much less.
Ning Yingying of course doesn't dare reject an invitation to stay together, ready to glue herself to them. She walks closer to Luo Binghe, naturally steering towards her classmate.
"Senior and I were just on our way to explore another room. Stay close behind us and keep quiet so we don't alert the man chasing us," Luo Binghe gently directs. He picks up the lantern and spiritbox from where he must have put them down earlier and then they are on their way once more.
To Ning Yingying's credit, when she is allowed to follow along, she is good at following directions. So they all easily make it to the next room without any further accident.
Shen Qingqiu opens the door and then steps to the side to allow Luo Binghe entrance. The younger man turns on the lantern and immediately the bright light spreads out.
"Be careful of traps," Shen Qingqiu warns. Luo Binghe nods before stepping inside, letting the light guide his way.
As Luo Binghe explores, Shen Qingqiu and Ning Yingying can only hide out in the hallway. Shen Qingqiu doesn't like standing out in the open like this, visible from multiple corners. Ning Yingying also clearly feels unsafe, huddling closer to her senior. Luo Binghe did leave the spiritbox with them so they have a chance to hide somewhere if it starts making sound, but Shen Qingqiu still feels like a dove during shooting practice. Trying to get away only creates a target on your back.
They wait and Shen Qingqiu's eyes keep darting back and forth waiting for the Killer to round a corner any minute. On occasion he looks inside the room, but is not able to discern anything besides Luo Binghe's light. At least he can confirm that so far, Luo Binghe has not been caught in any of the room's traps. Which of course, wouldn't happen to him, but still. The reassurance calms his beating heart just a little.
After what feels like too long, Luo Binghe returns slightly puzzled. "Senior, I don't think you told me. What exactly are we looking for right now?"
This might be the first time Luo Binghe has asked him this. Usually they will automatically find something useful for the next puzzle, so there has been no need to define their objective. But hearing Luo Binghe's words, Shen Qingqiu suddenly becomes uncertain.
"Did Binghe not find anything of note in there?" he can only ask.
"I don't think so, though I am quite certain I found the mechanisms for the traps. You can come in and see as well, but stay close to me, okay?"
"Wait, what about me?" Ning Yingying suddenly interjects, as if the two men were just about to abandon her. Shen Qingqiu is quick to reassure her, though.
"Of course you come along, but stay close to Binghe okay? The traps in this room are very dangerous and can hurt all of us if they get triggered," Shen Qingqiu explains and immediately Ning Yingying clues herself to Luo Binghe's arm. Luo Binghe, strangely enough, doesn't appear as happy about this situation as he should, but he doesn't push Ning Yingying away. Instead he leads them inside, Shen Qingqiu staying close behind.
The room they find themselves in is quite strange. There is not really any furniture to hint towards what the room is for. No chairs or tables or beds or anything. Even the walls are mostly bare, with only a couple of strange holes in them of different sizes.
Luo Binghe is quick to point out the mechanism he saw, wires connected at different angles. With the lantern they are quite easy to see and avoid, but Shen Qingqiu can see how they are easy to get caught in if walking in blind. He already knows of the painful death they will cause if triggered, so he does his best to keep appropriate distance from them.
At the very back of the room they find one large mural covering the entire wall. It is hard to discern exactly what it is meant to depict with only the lantern light, protrusions casting strange shadows in the flicker of the flame. It almost resembles that of waves, an ocean rising above them, ready to drag them into its deep.
There is also something hanging from the ceiling, but even with the lantern, none of them can say what it is. Ning Yingying is almost about to step forward to touch them, but Luo Binghe is quick to keep her back. Wooden beams with strange square holes. No explanation of what their use could be.
Looking around the room, Shen Qingqiu understands what Luo Binghe means. There are neither items that stand out nor furniture they could be hidden in. The room is mostly bare except for the weird mural and the strange beams and Shen Qingqiu wonders what the point of it all is.
He steps closer to the mural trying to discern what it is meant to be. Without thinking he reaches forward to touch it. He gets the feeling of rough stone, similar to something he has felt before, though he doesn’t remember what. The edges are hard to discern in the dark and that is how he realizes how sharp they are.
With a hiss, Shen Qingqiu pulls his hand back.
"Senior!" Luo binghe exclaims, immediately at Shen Qingqiu’s side. He grasps his hand, pulling him away from the mural. Holding out the hand, the wound isn’t deep. Barely a scratch, just a single red line across Shen Qingqiu’s palm. "How many times must I remind you to not just touch everything?" Luo Binghe can't help but ask with frustration.
Shen Qingqiu does feel a bit stupid. He knows he has bad luck with every wound he collects. It was just hard to see in the dark… It would be really embarrassing if he got poisoned again like this…
Ning Yingying takes one look at Luo Binghe and Senior Shen and decides to leave them to it.
It was a surprise to see Shen Qingqiu also caught in the mansion, though she can’t help but feel reassured seeing him. While it is terrible for him to also have been caught, having a Senior around watching over her and Luo Binghe does make her feel more safe. She didn’t know that he and Luo Binghe were this close, though.
Giving them some space, she finds herself lured in by the strange holes in the walls. There are only a few visible in the lantern light. Most of them are very small, barely wide enough to fit a finger inside, all except for one. One hole she notices is just wide enough that she might be able to stick her hand inside.
She looks back towards Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe. Both of them stand in front of the mural, still distracted with each other. They won't see if she just quickly...
Ning Yingying sticks her hand inside the hole.
It goes deep. So deep she has to press her entire body against the wall as her entire arm goes in. At the very end she feels some kind of shape. Round and with carvings in it... She tightens her grasp around it. Try to pull it out with no give. So she pushes against it instead...
A loud click. She feels something slither inside the wall, pressing against her arm.
Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe turns around in shock. As they see the position Ning Yingying finds herself in, Luo Binghe is quick to move.
"Ning Yingying!" Luo Binghe exclaims, hurrying over and pulls her free.
But it is too late.
The mechanism has been activated. Before he reaches her, the lantern in his hand goes out. They are covered in darkness. A second afterwards a light in the room turns on.
A spotlight centered right on Shen Qingqiu's chest.
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 33 - Metal Beast
His resolve is rewarded at the end when he finally finds the pipe connecting to one of the handles. A simple pull mechanism that can go up and down. Currently it is pulled up. Shen Qingqiu reaches out to pull it down.
And is promptly stopped when his arm is grasped in a tight grip.
"What is Senior doing?" Luo Binghe asks. From his position, the single light in the room hangs behind him, casting deep shadows from behind, masking his current expression and making it impossible for Shen Qingqiu to read his face.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
"I think I made my point very clear that I am not just going to sit back and relax while you do all the work."
"I know, but please Senior, just this once. I know I failed in keeping you safe, but if you stay here, just until I-"
"Just until you what? We have to get that key and the only way to do that is by me pulling it free. Your arm was too big to reach inside then, so why would that have changed now?"
"There has to be another way than you getting your arm cut off and then drowned in boiling water! I will find another way to get the key and then be right back. You just keep the door locked and no one should be able to find you!"
Shen Qingqiu lets out a sigh, taking off his glasses so he can rub between his eyes. Luo Binghe stands straight and unmovable, refusing to let Shen Qingqiu enter the crate. They have already been discussing this for a while. The frustration at being treated like a damsel in distress comes nowhere close to the frustration at wasting time on discussions like this.
"We will find another way. There has to be a way to turn off the machinery so we can grab the key. We didn't check the room properly last, so we will do so this time. The both of us. Because I am not staying here."
"Senior, I really think you should reconsider. Those dusty tunnels aren’t good for your health and you could use a chance for a small break."
Luo Binghe stands strong, not willing to surrender just like that. There is no way Shen Qingqiu will be able to push past him and they both know that. Luckily for Shen Qingqiu, he already knows it won't need to come to that.
"Sure I could. And how will you stop me from crawling in after you after you have already gone in?"
Luo Binghe's mouth thins into a line. His eyes narrow. For a moment there is a glint in them. Something frantic. Like there are many ways he can think of to keep Shen Qingqiu from following him. Many ways, with some being nicer than others. While Shen Qingqiu has joked about Luo Binghe tying him up, at this moment, he suddenly thinks it might happen.
Then it disappears. With a frustrated sigh, Luo Binghe turns around to crawl into the crate without another word, not even looking back to see if Shen Qingqiu follows.
Of course Luo Binghe, the ever obedient junior, would never do something so extreme as to actually restrain Shen Qingqiu. He wouldn't even dare to try to lie about it, knowing Shen Qingqiu would call his bluff. The moment of doubt was just because if Luo Binghe really wanted to hide Shen Qingqiu away, Shen Qingqiu isn't certain he would be able to stop him.
Luckily it won't ever need to come to that.
Following Luo Binghe inside the crate, Shen Qingqiu does feel his face soften. He keeps some space between them as they crawl along, allowing Luo Binghe to sulk in peace.
He doesn't want to disregard Luo Binghe's worries. But there is no other way to get through that thick scull of his without standing his ground. Luo Binghe wasn't able to reach that key, no matter how hard he tried. Letting Shen Qingqiu try with his slimmer arms was the only reason he let him take his spot inside that oval chamber in the first place. Neither of them could have predicted the trap it would set off.
Shen Qingqiu has already agreed to a lot of limitations from Binghe. But in cases like this, they simply have no other choice.
After a few more sessions, Luo Binghe was the one to come up with the idea for them to split up. The long trek it took to get all the needles were risky and dangerous. Having to move back and forth constantly with the Killer around every corner was a recipe for disaster.
With the deal of letting Luo Binghe handle the more dangerous tasks, Shen Qingqiu had agreed to let him get the complicated needles on his own while Shen Qingqiu would safely lock himself away. Grabbing the few easily found ones on the way.
Sometimes while they were split up, Shen Qingqiu would be found by either Ning Yingying or Liu Mingyan or the both of them. As always, being with the girls without Luo Binghe to chaperone tended to end in disaster. After enough times of Luo Binghe coming to an empty laboratory... or not empty, but...
An agreement was made that they didn't have to meet by the entrance, but that Shen Qingqiu could just go straight for the needles and laboratory. The amount of failed loops strongly fell after that.
This might sound like a lot of sessions have passed since Shen Qingqiu agreed to let Luo Binghe lead more, but in truth it had only been around five or six. To Shen Qingqiu it all reminds him of when he was trying to solve the piano puzzle. That was also a lot of loops spent trying to achieve the exact same goal. Nothing Shen Qingqiu wasn't used to, really.
Luo Binghe doesn't take it as calmly as Shen Qingqiu does, but Shen Qingqiu just has to remind himself it is a matter of time. That Luo Binghe is still at the state of denial and there are three more stages to get through before he can reach acceptance.
Shen Qingqiu, of course, only means this in the symbolic sense. He does not expect Luo Binghe to go through stages of anger or depression for his Senior. Just that he understands that Luo Binghe is working through this at his own pace.
Speaking of pace, Shen Qingqiu wishes there was a way to get through the crate tunnels much faster. Such deep tunnels don't make for exciting travel, nor are they any less uncomfortable than last time. Luo Binghe is right that they can't be good for his health, because Shen Qingqiu still has to stop and cough every few paces.
Luckily there are no new surprises and they arrive at the machinery rooms without any trouble.
Loud clanging sounds out around them once again, water rushing though the pipes and the racket of rusty metal letting out their complaint. This time, the noise makes Shen Qingqiu more tense, his nerves taught as he remembers the horrible pains of getting poured by boiling water.
Luo Binghe hasn't forgotten either, visible by how he places himself between Shen Qingqiu and the metal door. Clearly not intending to let him anywhere near until they figure out this chamber.
That is fine. This is something Shen Qingqiu can work with. With the both of them looking around the room, surely they will find a way for him to not have to die horribly.
With all the handles and switches around the room, one of them must be able to do something about the oval room trap. The question is whether there is a way to find out which handle. Shen Qingqiu would very much prefer for there to be some logic to it than to just have to guess and die until they find the right one.
Both of them begin to investigate each switch and handle individually, looking for any indication of their function. Any sign of what they control, whether it be temperature, pressure, specific pipes or anything of the like. They are both hesitant to pull or turn any of them, afraid that one wrong move could activate a second trap in the room.
It quickly becomes clear just looking at them won't reveal anything. Nothing about them stands out, all almost identical in how they look. The pipes that connect to them twist in between each other, making it almost impossible to follow where they connect. With the sheer amount of pipes, they could spend hours trying to do so.
They spend way too long staring at rusty pipes before Shen Qingqiu sits back on his heels with a frustrated groan. He briefly takes off his glasses to rub at his face trying to think of what they are doing wrong.
They have been so focused on the handles and pipes, maybe there is something else in the room that can provide them with some hint?
Trying to think it through, Shen Qingqiu for a moment tries to ignore the unrealistic placement of these champers and consider what their practical use might have been.
"Binghe, what do you think they used these rooms for?" he asks. Might as well involve Luo Binghe in his musings. His junior is quick to join him in a crouch, taking a moment to consider the question.
"I can't say for certain, Senior. It seems to function as a form of boiler room? With the amount of pipes, one could imagine they reach the entire mansion, providing water and heat as necessary."
"Hmm, that makes sense," Shen Qingqiu murmurs. Okay, so, if they assume this is some strangely constructed boiler room, is there anything they are missing?
Countless pipes? Check. Seemingly controls for those pipes? Check. A big container/room to collect the water for use? Yeah, Shen Qingqiu got far too intimate with that room last session.
What else can be missing? It's not like Shen Qingqiu has ever spent any time in a boiler room before, not in this life nor the prior one. He doesn't know what one would usually expect. Especially with how grimy and rusty these champers are, it is hard to discern what it would have looked like back when it was pristine and new.
"It would be nice if there were any instructions for the handles," Luo Binghe wonders, looking around. "With this many around, it couldn't be expected that someone would be able to remember what all of them do. Don't you think so, Senior?"
Well yeah, but their tiresome search has not revealed any plates with directions connected to any of the switches and handles. So if there are any, they must be placed somewhere-
"Wait..." Logically, instructions would be placed directly with the related handle, but in a videogame world of puzzles...
They have been so focused on searching the switches, but what if they switch it around? Instead of a switch with instructions, what if they find instructions that lead to the right switch?
With this thought, Shen Qingqiu guides Luo Binghe to ignore the handles and switches for now, instead looking for literally anything else in the room that sticks out. Back on their feet, they begin to look in between the pipes, search going around machinery controls, looking for anything that might catch their eyes.
Shen Qingqiu is the first to find that.
In one corner of the room, close to the tunnels they came from, is a dented and dirty metal plate. Almost impossible to see in the low light of the room, it does stand out simply by its mostly flat shape and no pipes crossing over it. Using the inside of his sleeve to wipe off the plate, reveals two very simple instructions above one another.
On / Off
It doesn't get any clearer than that. Having seen nothing else similar in the room so far, Shen Qingqiu can only assume this is what they are looking for. Now the question is where to go from here.
There are seemingly no handles or switches anywhere near the plate. But when studying it just a bit closer, despite the intricate labyrinth of pipes around it, only one pipe actually appears to connect to it directly. And as Shen Qingqiu begins to follow the length of the pipe, he also quickly finds that differently from all the other pipes in the room, this one doesn't sneakily hide behind its brethren, impossible to tell where it comes and goes.
That doesn't mean that Shen Qingqiu doesn't have to use his full attention to find where the pipe leads. Identical with every other pipe in the room, it would be too easy to blink once and forget which is the right one. And as the pipe still moves around in the shape of a labyrinth, going in every which way, even snaking along the ceiling at some point, Shen Qingqiu is careful not to lose sight of it for a moment.
His resolve is rewarded at the end when he finally finds the pipe connecting to one of the handles. A simple pull mechanism that can go up and down. Currently it is pulled up. Shen Qingqiu reaches out to pull it down.
And is promptly stopped when his arm is grasped in a tight grip.
"What is Senior doing?" Luo Binghe asks. From his position, the single light in the room hangs behind him, casting deep shadows from behind, masking his current expression and making it impossible for Shen Qingqiu to read his face.
Shen Qingqiu tries to pull his arm back, but Luo Binghe doesn't give him an inch. The grip only tightens, almost to the point of hurting.
"I am just trying to pull the handle, no reason to- Binghe let go of me!" Shen Qingqiu commands and to Luo Binghe's credit, he does release Shen Qingqiu's arm.
"Why that handle in particular?" While Shen Qingqiu is free again, Luo Binghe stays where he is, keeping the light from revealing his face. His tone is light and easy, though there is something about his body language and how he looms over Shen Qingqiu that makes him slightly uncomfortable.
"I found a plate and it had a pipe that connected here. It had instructions, which we just talked about looking out for," Shen Qingqiu tries to remind him, though he feels off-kilter from Luo Binghe's sudden weird behavior.
"And why didn't Senior call this Junior over when he found that so-called plate?"
"I- what? I just wanted to check if it really connected, so I didn't-"
"Didn't we agree to let me do the risky behavior? So even if Senior found the right control, he should still be calling me over to do the-"
"Jeez, binghe, I just forgot! But fine, you can pull the handle, I wasn't trying to keep it from you or anything!"
Stepping back, Shen Qingqiu allows Luo Binghe the space to pull the handle. Luo Binghe doesn't move at first, face turned towards Shen Qingqiu as if he is expecting some trick from him. Shen Qingqiu just waves towards the handle as if saying to pull it already, which Luo Binghe then does.
The effect is immediate. From the moment he pulls the handle from up to down, from on to off, the entire chamber goes entirely silent.
It is like all the rushing of water and the rattle of old pipes freeze in time. There isn't even any shifting sound of the machinery closing off or droplets left to fall. One moment the entire room was alive with purpose. The next it is as quiet as the dead.
The sudden change leave a weird sensation in Shen Qingqiu's stomach. It feels unreal how everything can just be turned off like that, unnerving in the silence. For a game that heavily punishes murderous players, there is something unpleasant about feeling like they just killed a metal beast with one pull of a handle.
Luo Binghe Showcase a similar sense of alarm, looking around the room as if something might jump out at them from in between the pipes. Finally his face turns towards the light and for some reason Shen Qingqiu feels relief at seeing it completely normal, if weighed with concern.
Nothing attacks them from the corners of the room. Nothing of note happens and the silence persists.
When enough time passes to be certain a trap isn't immediate, Shen Qingqiu gets Luo Binghe to pull open the metal door once more. Like before, it just barely opens enough to press a body through. Luo Binghe gets another chance to check the room for any traps before he lets Shen Qingqiu enter.
In one side of the wall, in between the circling pipes, is a single, narrow opening. There is no light inside of it, impossible to tell what it might contain with a glance. In the prior session, Luo Binghe had tried to reach inside first and had been able to feel some object stuck in between the pipes. But with too broad arms, he hadn't been able to get a good grip of the thing and so Shen Qingqiu had suggested that he try instead.
Luo Binghe hadn't wanted to let him in at first. But unable to argue against any of Shen Qingqiu's great points, he had to let his Senior try. From there, Shen Qingqiu had been able to feel the key for what it was and once he had managed to free it, Luo Binghe's worries had been realised.
It is with apprehension that Shen Qingqiu reaches inside that opening once again. Knowing the consequences of doing something wrong does nothing to lighten the pain of punishment. While he is quite certain with his choice of handle, there is still a nagging worry of what will happen in case he is wrong.
Before he has fully reached inside, he hears rustling from behind. Looking over his shoulder, he is surprised to see Luo Binghe wedge himself in the slim opening of the door.
The oval room is quite small, so it is impossible for the both of them to stand inside it at the same time. Instead, Luo Binghe must make do with just one arm and one leg, followed by the top of his chest. Like this, he is able to watch Shen Qingqiu as he tries to pull the key free.
Shen Qingqiu hesitates. "What is Binghe doing?"
"This junior is trying to keep a failsafe. If we got it wrong, I will try to keep the door open for long enough for both of us to get out," is Luo Binghe's simple explanation.
Failsafe? As if positioning himself like that would do anything to keep the door open?! In the last session the door had closed so forcefully that even multiple Luo Binghe's wouldn't have been able to keep it open even if they used all their strength. Like this, if the handle is wrong and the same trap will trigger once again, the only thing that would happen would be Luo Binghe effectively being sliced into parts.
Well, it would if it was anyone else but Luo Binghe.
This should actually help to reassure Shen Qingqiu. With Luo Binghe placing himself in such a deadly position, surely the mansion would step in to keep its hero alive. So even if they got it wrong, the trap might not be as deadly. This is exactly how Luo Binghe's hero halo should be used to keep them safe.
Shen Qingqiu feels no relief. Rather, he finds himself much more anxious about pulling out the key than before. Logically, he knows Luo Binghe won't die, but a part of him can't help but think 'What if! What if!'
He knows he can't argue against Luo Binghe's suicidal behavior though. This is exactly what their agreement is about. Luo Binghe being the one to put himself in danger to try to keep Shen Qingqiu alive. A promise that Luo Binghe may have to keep reminding Shen Qingqiu about, but a promise he still has to keep.
His hand is clammy as it grasps at the key. Worms squirm around in his belly, ready to wriggle up his throat in case anything goes wrong. At his first attempt to pull free the key, his hand slips, too sweaty. He has to pull his arm out to wipe it dry before reaching back in. This time he keeps his grasp tighter, feeling the teeth of the key pressing into his skin. Shen Qingqiu's nerves only tighten further at hearing Luo Binghe's breath behind him, making him waver each time he is about to pull the key.
Gathering himself, he forces himself to count down from three. Once he reaches zero, he frees the key with one strong pull.
Immediately after his arm is free, he turns around. Fears that he is about to hear the sound of heavy metal slam closed and body parts falling to the ground.
But he is only faced with a wideeyed Luo binghe, one arm stretched out as if he was prepared to pull Shen Qingqiu with him in case of the worst happening.
For a moment, they both stare at each other like this. Luo Binghe's arm hanging awkwardly and Shen Qingqiu clutching the key to his chest.
Suddenly, for some reason, Shen Qingqiu splutters, trying to fight a sudden gurgle that fills his chest. He covers his mouth, but the force is too strong. His entire body shakes as he tries to keep the laughter in.
In reaction, a smile begins to spread across Luo binghe's face, a chuckle escaping him as well. His awkward arm grasps Shen Qingqiu's shoulder, firmly pulling him with him as he wriggles back out the door.
Shen Qingqiu can only follow, key held tightly with one hand while the other tries to keep his manic giggles in control. Once they are back in what feels like safer area, Shen Qingqiu forces himself to take deep breaths. Luo Binghe doesn't let go of him, but the hold is loose, comradely, the smile never leaving his face.
Once Shen Qingqiu can breathe again without his sanity leaving him, he too grabs Luo Binghe's shoulder. Giving it a friendly shake, he holds up the key like it is a trophy.
In the end, they are dirty and sweaty, sessions of hard work resulting in one measly key and the ridiculous stance in a dark and stale boiler room leave them with no choice but to laugh again. There is a lot more work ahead of them, but for this one moment, they allow the relief to sweep over them, laughing in the face of death.
Luo Binghe's hand reaches further, until it is fully around Shen Qingqiu's shoulders in almost a hug. Shen Qingqiu's in turn reaches behind to pat Luo Binghe's back.
When they finally catch their breath, Luo Binghe acts almost hesitant to release Shen Qingqiu. The mood is still light, but they also recognize it is time to move on.
"Lets get out of here," Luo Binghe says with a nod towards the tunnels. He kneels down, turning towards Shen Qingqiu to check that he follows.
Shen Qingqiu is about to, but then a thought hits him. Looking back at the still open door and the pulled handle, something nags at his mind. Like there is something he should be remembering, something at the tip of his tongue. Something important that needs to be done before they leave.
Shen Qingqiu can't remember what it is. But some kind of action feels more right than no action. So he goes to pull the handle back up again.
The reaction is instant. The groans of machinery return, the stream of water rushing once more. The heavy slam of a metal door closing before it is about to fill its chamber with boiling water. The beast returns to life once more, its limbs a grind of rusty pipes.
The sense of forgetting something leaves Shen Qingqiu immediately. Like this, with the metal beast alive once more, he follows Luo Binghe on the long trek back through the tunnels.
[My BingQiu piece for the BingYuan servers one year anniversary! Tags and summary can be found on AO3. Please enjoy <3]
The Old Palace Master was preparing for a celebration.
As one of the most powerful men of his time, the Old Palace Master was never shy with showing off his wealth. Countless parties had been held in his name, decorated with gold and jewels, packed with bountiful feasts, entertainment from only the most talented of performers and with guest lists reaching the thousands. Nothing was too pricey when the Old Palace Master wished to declare to the world just how powerful and generous a man he could be.
That's why this celebration was so strange. Yes, mouthwatering meals were still prepared. Yes, ornaments and ribbons were put up in his room. Yes, pets and toys were gathered to be played with. But not a single soul had been invited to delight in the celebration with him.
In his own words the occasion was called an anniversary.
An anniversary for what? No one could say.
By this point, Luo Binghe had been part of the Huan Hua palace for about three months. In those three months he had quickly climbed the ranks of the palace. Not quite taking the spot as head disciple from Gongyo Xiao, but still often called upon by the Old Palace Master to share his opinion in an important matter or to take on a task of the highest responsibility.
It took Luo Binghe almost four years to escape the Endless Abyss. After digging himself through hell, a swamp of blood and guts, filled to the brim with monsters as horrific as calamities and natural disasters constantly raining down, Luo Binghe found his way out. With Xin Mo in hand he carved a slice in space itself and found himself surrounded by the shade of greenery he had not seen for years, birds and critters peacefully stirring beside him.
That is where he was found by disciples from Huan Hua palace. They brought him back to their home, nursed him back to health and soon after took him in as their own.
This was the perfect opportunity. By establishing his place within Huan Hua he would prove to his Shizun that he could become a respectable cultivator. With the aim of one day taking over the sect, he would show Shen Qingqiu his error in judgement and what Luo Binghe was capable of despite the sins of his blood.
He would prove himself an equal of his master, leaving Shizun no choice but take him back to his side.
Or he would, if Shen Qingqiu hadn't disappeared without a trace nine months before Luo Binghe slithered out of the Abyss.
During his months at Huan Hua Palace, it did not take Luo Binghe long to be caught up on what had happened in his absence. And most noticeable of all, at least to him, was the entire debacle of what had happened in Jin Lan City about a year ago.
A terrible plague had befell the city. After multiple attempts from Zhao Hua Monastery to solve it themselves, they had reached out to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect for help.
Shen Qingqiu, together with Liu Qingge and Mu Qingfang, had gone to the city to investigate the case. After being told about the plague, they had soon discovered it to actually be the cause of demons. More precisely, Sower demons. One would think the solution would be easily reached after that. But for whatever reason, everything had turned horribly wrong thereafter.
First accusations of colliding with the demons followed by the woman Qiu Haitang claiming Shen Qingqiu had slaughtered her entire family. With so many charges piling up, a trial had been demanded and Shen Qingqiu became locked away in the Huan Hua Palace water prison.
Once again, the story should have been simple. Shen Qingqiu would have gone to trial, be declared guilty or innocent and repercussions would have followed.
But who could have known that not even past the two week mark, Shen Qingqiu would disappear without a trace?
From one day to another Shen Qingqiu were nowhere to be found within the water prison. No clue left behind of how he got out. Not a single soul having witnessed his disappearance. It was almost like Shen Qingqiu had never been in the prison to begin with.
Shen Qingqiu's vanishing act almost started a war between Cang Qiong Mountain Sect and Huan Hua Palace. Huan Hua accused the peak lords of breaking Shen Qingqiu out of the water prison and hiding him away on their mountain. Meanwhile, Cang Qiong Mountain Sect accused the Old Palace Master of taking Shen Qingqiu away before his trial. The accusations had been so serious that the other sects had to step in and do a thorough investigation of both places for any sign of Shen Qingqiu.
The investigations lead to absolutely nothing. Shen Qingqiu was nowhere to be found and the two sects could only silently keep the peace.
Among the people, the most popular theory was that Shen Qingqiu had simply escaped on his own. Unable to accept his guilt, Shen Qingqiu had found a way out and then ran as far away as possible to avoid the consequences of his actions. Really, to many, Shen Qingqiu disappearing as he did was basically seen as his admission of guilt.
Luo Binghe certainly knew that his Shizun had the ability to not be found if he didn't want to be. If anyone could break out of the water prison, it would certainly be him. What his master likely didn't account for, though, was Luo Binghe himself.
Wherever it was his Shizun had run off to, wherever he had hidden, Luo Binghe would find him. No matter the size of the hole his Shizun had crawled into, Luo Binghe would locate it. No matter how much Shen Qingqiu would run away or fight him, Luo Binghe would drag him out, bring him back and force him to witness his rise as a righteous cultivator.
After first hearing about Shen Qingqiu's disappearance, Luo Binghe had immediately started his search for the man. The world may be wide, but not enough to stay hidden from a heavenly demon.
Luo Binghe had been quick to build a network of eyes and ears to catch any sign of Shen Qingqiu's presence. Every time he left Huan Hua Palace, with every mission that required interaction with the people, his spiderweb of information would broaden, each silken thread waiting for the Qing Jing Peak Lord to step into it.
So far, it had led to absolutely nothing. Shen Qingqiu was nowhere to be found and Luo Binghe could only silently wait with patience.
Time continued to pass in Huan Hua Palace. The day for the Old Palace Master's mysterious private anniversary came upon them. Luo Binghe, as well as every other inhabitant of the palace, had nothing special on this day and so there was otherwise nothing unusual going on.
That's why, even Luo Binghe was surprised when Gongyi Xiao personally came to tell him that the Old Palace Master had asked for him to join him during dinner.
Luo Binghe had no reason to reject the invitation. So after taking care of his responsibilities for the day, he went back to his room to prepare himself for the evening.
Putting on some of his finer robes and taking great care to groom his hair, Luo Binghe is the ideal example of an honorable cultivator. His red and black clothes are as elegant as they are intimidating, his long and curly hair soft as silk, falling like waves against his back.
With the short warning, Luo Binghe didn't have much time to prepare a congratulations gift (Not made easier by not knowing what is being congratulated), but being ever crafty, he found some rare artifacts gained from a mission that are appropriate to gift to the huan Hua Palace master.
With no other invited to the celebration there is no one to lead Luo Binghe to the Old Palace Masters private quarters. Of course it is no issue for Luo Binghe to find the way on his own and he walks at a smooth pace until he reaches the gilded doors. Pushing them open himself, he is met with a room decorated to lavish proportions.
Like everywhere else in the palace, gold is the main color of the room. Every piece of furniture, decorations hanging from the walls, the plates, cups and cutlery, everywhere one looks, a shine of wealth looks back. When entering the room, Luo Binghe is instantly met with a choir of a hundred birds hanging from golden cages in the ceiling. Not two of the same bird can be seen above and still, they must have been chosen with care, as not a single note is out of tune in their harmonious song.
The Old Palace Master stands at the end of the long table, dressed as finely as if this was a public celebration for the gods. Without fanfare, he invites Luo Binghe to sit at his side to the right. The food and drink have already been put forward so they can enjoy the meal without disturbance.
There is enough food to feed multiple villages for weeks and each dish has been prepared with the utmost expertise. Meats that melt on the tongue, vegetables and fruits so fresh as if they were just harvested, sauces heavy and full of taste, rice perfectly fluffy and white. Multiple pastries have been made for dessert, each with elaborate decorations, while wine for every taste stands ready to be poured into their cups.
The Old Palace Master does not wait to pour as they take their seats. They both fill their plates from the vast selection. After waiting for the Old Palace Master to start their meal, Luo Binghe takes his first bite.
It is absolutely exquisite.
Nowhere as good as Luo Binghe's own cooking, though.
Throughout the meal, The Old Palace Master gives no hint towards what they are meant to be celebrating. For conversation he asks into Luo Binghe's wellbeing and compliments his successes with every mission and task he has been given. He speaks of the state of Huan Hua Palace, discusses recent politics of the great sects and once in a while hints towards giving Luo Binghe the position as head disciple once he has had more time to adjust. Even when offered Luo binghe's gift, he simply accepts it with a smile, commenting on the fine artistry and quality of the artifact.
All the while he makes certain neither of their cups hold their refreshing liquid for long and that afterwards they are quickly filled up again.
As the evening progresses, there is a subtle, but noticeable effect on the Old Palace Master as the alcohol does it work. His tone becomes more smooth and the words he speaks more direct and crude when it is about the other sects.
Luo Binghe himself is not immune to the effect of the wine. But he has found that if he so wishes, he can use his blood mites to turn himself from drunk to sober at a moment's notice. For this, he allows himself to become slightly intoxicated, just enough to let it affect his voice and imbalance his movement. He does not allow it to affect him any further.
It pays off. As they reach the dessert, the Old Palace Master having just plated two petite pastries on his plate, he begins a conversation subject that Luo Binghe always has interest in.
"Luo Binghe, I believe this is the third month you have spent here in my humble palace. I will not ask you how you have settled in because I can see with my own eyes that you fit in as if you were always raised within these walls."
Luo Binghe simply nods at his words. He himself has selected a single pastry, delicately topped with sweet green powder and tenderly painted leaves. He has yet to take a bite, waiting to see what the Old Palace Master is trying to get at.
"Yet, as well as you have settled into your role here at Huan Hua Palace, it has not slipped my notice how you have been asking around for your old master. It must have been a while since you two last met and still, you have set many wheels in motion trying to trace that Shizun of yours. Am I wrong?"
"Zhangman is not wrong in what he says. I simply wish to speak to my Shizun and reminisce about the past after a long time apart," Luo Binghe easily agrees. He sees no reason to deny the words as he knows he hasn't been discreet in his search.
"I see," The Old Palace Master hums, nodding along. There is a strange look in his eyes, one clearly telling just what kind of reminiscence he assumes Luo Binghe means. Luo Binghe feels no need to correct him.
The conversations go quiet for a moment as they eat their pastries. While wiping the sugar of his hands with a gold laced handkerchief, the Old Palace Master speaks again.
"And in this search of yours, have you found any sign of where your Shizun could be quelling?" He asks, not even bothering to look at Luo Binghe. As if he is only asking for politeness sake.
Luo Binghe's mouth thins into a line. He does not wish to admit to any kind of defeat in front of this man. His visage as a cultivator of the greatest skill and talent can't be muddied in any way, lest he loses the Old Palace Masters favoritism. But he knows lies in this case would be easily disproven and would have heavier repercussions.
Luo Binghe picks up his glass of wine, looking into the murky liquid without taking a sip. His own face of unhappiness stares back at him from the cup.
"Sadly I have not managed to find a single trace of my Shizun. But I know it is only a matter of time. As long as he is out there in the world, there will be someone who will take note of him."
The Old Palace Master hums, having picked up his own golden glass. Swirling the liquid around, he speaks almost lazily as he says his next words:
"What would you then say if this old master told you that I am the reason for your Shizun's disappearance?"
Luo Binghe stills. The expression of shock mirrored in his glass lasts for less than a second. He looks up, his mouth not quite ready to form words before the Old Palace Master continues.
"What would you say if I told you that today is the one year anniversary since I got rid of the Qing Jing Peak Master himself?"
Total silence takes over the room. It is as if the birds themselves have felt the tension in the air, all having gone quiet. The Old Palace Master and Luo Binghe have their eyes locked, neither blinking or looking away for even a second. For a moment, no one speaks, no one moves. They both mirror each other, holding their cups of wine, as thousands of thoughts rush through Luo Binghe's head.
Slowly, calmly, Luo Binghe turns his face back towards the table. Perfectly sober, he puts down his cup. Wipes his fingers. Adjust his chopsticks so they are perfectly aligned. Then he turns towards the Old Palace Master with an expression of pure innocence and confusion.
"Just what does Zhangman mean?" He asks.
The Old Palace Master smiles. He pushes his chair back, stepping away from the table.
"Come with me. I will show you where your Shizun has been all this time."
Luo Binghe follows as he is let deeper into The Old Palace Master's private quarters. Even with the older man having his back to him, Luo Binghe does not risk letting his true expression show. What he is about to see will have major consequences for the future of Huan Hua Palace.
They pass what Luo Binghe knows to be The Old Palace Master's bedroom, his private bath, his weaponry and many more rooms still. Deeper and deeper they go until they reach the part of the quarters that even Luo Binghe hasn't dared to disturb, too enchanted by spells and charms to enter unnoticeable.
That is when The Old Palace Master leads Luo Binghe into a room full of such rare relics and artifacts that Luo Binghe finds himself astonished.
Most he does not know, but can simply feel the overwhelming energy coming from them. A few he recognizes from his Shizuns teaching such as The Mirror of Seven Hells and The Blood Pearl of the Ocean Sky. But out of all the items in the room, powerful and wondrous, The Old Palace Master leads Luo Binghe to a simple object with not a speck of qi coming from it.
It appears as a mix between a crystal incense burner and a porcelain teapot. Thin grooves are carved at the top too thin for the incense to drift out, while the spout protrudes awkwardly and crooked, making it unusable for either use. It is about the size of a hand, but does look as if it would be heavy to hold.
The Old Palace Master has a serene smile on his face as he looks at the artifact. Allowing Luo Binghe a moment to admire it, he soon turns towards the younger man.
"Have you ever heard of The Prison of Revolt before?" He asks, though his tone reveals that he already suspects what the answer is. He is right, as Luo Binghe can only shake his head.
"No, I have never heard that name. I have never even seen anything like this," Luo Binghe admits. The Old Palace Master laughs, though not cruelly, at Luo Binghe's ignorance.
"That makes me glad to hear. This artifact has been in Huan Hua possession for generations, its existence a secret only known by the masters of this sect. Not a single soul besides me, and now you, knows of it. If you have never heard of it, I assume you also do not know its story?"
Once again Luo Binghe shakes his head and The Old Palace Master takes that opening as his invitation to tell the artifacts history.
"In ages past, long before any of the great sects we know today were established, there was a terrible war between a cultivator and demon, whose names have long been lost to time. As would be expected, the cultivator fought to protect the people against the corrupting forces of demons, his power and abilities no match for the mongrels that fill the demon realm.
But during this great war there was one demon above the masses who could oppose the cultivator. After a particular terrible loss, the demon swore revenge, promising to make the cultivator regret his actions. The cultivator didn't take the demon's warning seriously and dismissed his promise. But during a time when the burden of protecting the human realm was most heavy, the demon saw its chance.
One day when the cultivator had the rare opportunity to return to his home, he found his entire village ransacked. His wife and children had been split open, their rotting corpses staked at the entrance to the village. The parents of his and his wife had been hung by their grandchildren's entrails while their servants all had their hands and feet chopped off. Every inhabitant in the village had been killed, each death more brutal than the last. Even people who were almost strangers to the cultivator, people who he had only ever shared a polite word with, became victims of the demon's wrath.
The entire village had been torn apart. The only unbroken object the cultivator was able to find was an old ceramic pot that had been made by his very own grandfather.
Just like the demon had after its loss in the war, the cultivator swore revenge. He disappeared for many years, gone to a place where no one could find him. Many thought he had gone crazy with grief and ran away. For those years the demons freely terrorized the human realm. After fifty years of demonic terror, the cultivator finally returned. The only thing brought with him, this very artifact."
The Old Palace Master signals towards the amalgamation of incense burner and teapot.
"For fifty years the cultivator had enchanted The Prison of Revolt with spells and cantrips of illusion. For fifty years he carved his very anger and rage and wrath into this very object until it was a relic of such dark sorcery that no power could dispel it. And it was with this object that he captured the very demon who had taken the life of his family and everyone he held dear."
As the Old Palace Master prattles on about ages past, Luo Binghe's patience thins. He could not care much less for what he is being told. Whatever power the master describes this artifact having, none of it can be felt as Luo Binghe stands before it. This could be any old device found in the back of some trink store, nothing about it worthy of notice except its bad handcraft. Still, Luo Binghe listens intently to what The Old Palace Master says, waiting for any hint of his Shizun's whereabouts to become revealed.
"One hour. The cultivator only kept the demon captured in this artifact for one hour. Then he let it out. And do you know what was the demon's first course of action after gaining his freedom?" The Old Palace Master asks, but, in his eagerness, does not wait for Luo Binghe to answer. "He killed himself. He grabbed the nearest sword and slit his own throat. And with that, the war between the cultivators and the demons ended with us celebrating victory once again."
A manic glint has entered The Old Palace Masters face as he looks towards the artifact. Having told its story to fullness, it is like he can not take his eyes off the object. That out of every treasure that this room contains, this one holds a power none of the others could ever compare to. With a single hand, he reaches out to caress the crystal and porcelain, like a pair of lovers would caress each other after a night spent together.
"You see, what the cultivator created was a prison. A prison that does no harm towards its captive, but punishes those caught inside of it with other means. Some would call it torture. Others retribution. But what it does is create a world of pure agony and suffering. A hellish world of misery that could not even be rivalled with that of The Heavenly Abyss. The only drawback being the fact it can only hold one prisoner at a time. And do you know what its most magnificent trick is?"
Here he pauses, though not with a silence that awaits an answer. The Old Palace Master has made it clear the story is for him to tell and for Luo Binghe to listen. The horror of the tale does not seem to lessen his excitement as he describes the terrible power of this artifact.
"To the inhabitant of this very artifact, a simple hour in our world feels like that of a year to those inside."
Slowly, as The Old Palace Master finishes his speech, a buzzing has been filling Luo Binghe's head. With each word, Luo Binghe is able to put more and more of the story together. Understanding what is truly being said between old stories and magical artifacts.
Like this, the horror that has begun to strangle Luo Binghe's heart tightens its grip, until his entire chest is crushed by its hand. When The Old Palace Master says his final words, his final terrible, horrible words, Luo Binghe is doing everything in his power not to reveal his ancestry right here and now.
"Today marks the exact date for the one year anniversary of when I went down to the Water Prisons to capture Shen Qingqiu inside this very artifact."
With a pop, the buzzing stops all at once. Luo Binghe is able to hear again with perfect clarity. Thanks to The Old Palace Masters focus on The Prison of Revolt, he does not see the red that has bled into Luo binghe's eyes. His claws dig into his skin, droplets of blood dripping from his fists. Just barely, Luo Binghe manages to control his voice, so he still sound perfectly steady when he speaks:
"So you are saying that Shizun is still inside of it?"
"Of course he is! It is impossible for him to have escaped unless someone were to let him out! Since I have had no reason to do so, that is where he has been kept all this time."
The Old Palace Master laugh as he speaks. It speaks to Luo Binghe's selfcontrol that he does not sense the dark intent growing at his back, attention still fully on the artifact. No matter how much death and destruction and murder Luo Binghe wants to commit this very moment, he has to reel it in. Just long enough to gain all the information he needs.
"And would it be possible to... say... visit him inside the artifact?"
The Old Palace Master turns at Luo Binghe's question. Staring at him in silence for a moment, a lazy smirk spreads across his face. He waves towards The Prison of Revolt with his sleeves in a go-ahead gesture.
"Sure, it is possible for you to give him a visit. Though I don't know how much you will gain from it. After seeing him a couple of times the first few days of his capture, I have not visited him once. I would be quite surprised if there were any resemblance left of the Qing Jing Peak Lord in the man after all these years."
From underneath the incense teapot, The Old Palace Master digs up what looks like a shard of pottery on a string. He hands it to Luo Binghe.
"As long as you wear this, nothing inside of that world can hurt you. You will simply be like that of a spectator of the happenings inside. Though you can still interact with your Shizun however you wish. Just don't be surprised if he doesn't recognize you after all these years."
With these words, The Old Palace Master makes to leave. Leaving a single incense stick to slowly burn down, he is about to let Luo Binghe be alone with The Prison of Revolt. Right before he steps out of the room, he turns back with one final remark.
"Do be careful about letting him touch you. As long as you wear that, he could use you to escape. So remember to keep your distance."
And with that, The Old Palace Master has left.
In a room full of priceless artifacts, Luo Binghe stands in the middle. He silently observes The Prison of Revolt. The handcraft isn't pretty or particularly skillful. The mix of porcelain and crystal doesn't fit together, overlapping in awkward ways. Had an apprentice dared to show such a work to their master, they would surely have been thrown out and the artifact discarded. A waste of materials and time and craftsmanship.
Part of Luo Binghe doesn't truly believe The Old Palace Masters words. He wonders if this is some kind of test, a way to prove his loyalty. That one wrong move would ruin all the work he has put in to assimilate with Huan Hua Palace, keeping them none the wiser of what his true intentions are.
Part of him simply can't believe his Shizun would ever get caught in such a way.
The incense stick trickles down. Luo Binghe reaches out his hand. Once he feels the cool touch of the artifact against his skin, he carefully pushes the slightest of qi into it.
In an instant the world around him changes.
One moment Luo Binghe is deep in the quarters of The Old Palace Masters treasury.
The next he finds his feet hitting soft sands as he finds himself in an empty desert that stretches on for miles.
Luo Binghe looks around. There is an unruly wind, a cloud of sand thick enough that it is limited how far Luo Binghe can see. The land before him is flat, not a single rock or hill to mark where he is. The sun beats down on him from above, but while he can feel the heat, it is not to an unbearable degree.
He looks down at the ceramic piece around his neck. It feels cool to his touch. He remembers The Old Palace Master's words of how nothing in this world can hurt him as long as he wears this piece. He wonders if that also counts for protecting him against the burning rays of the sun.
Luo Binghe has no choice but to go forward. With no landmarks to guide him, he can only hope to stumble upon any hint of where to go. The sand whistles around him, blowing back his hair, but at no point does the grains irritate his eyes or scratch at his skin. It is like he is caught in a mild storm going out of its way to do no harm.
The Old Palace Master said that time in this world flows differently, but to Luo Binghe it feels the same. He keeps walking in this empty desert, nothing around him changing. No sign of anything living in this place.
Again his thoughts of The Old Palace Master testing him return. The Master said The Prison of Revolt were capable of creating a world of endless torture and torment, but Luo Binghe sees nothing of the like. He said even the Endless Abyss couldn't measure with the suffering this world could cause, but Luo Binghe sees nothing that compares to that hell.
In the four years since Luo Binghe's Shizun pushed him down the Abyss, Luo Binghe has truly learned what agony is. The pain of fighting for your life every moment combined with the misery of betrayal... A silent desert like this is a relaxed stroll comparably.
With each step Luo Binghe takes he becomes more and more certain The Old Palace Master has tricked him. That Luo Binghe has failed whatever test this is meant to be. He begins to think of justifications, ways to explain his actions and salvage whatever verdict The Old Palace Master will put upon him. He does not panic or the like, having full confidence in his ability to charm and talk himself out of any trouble. The Old Palace Master has doted on him since his arrival at Huan Hua Palace and while Luo Binghe doesn't know the reason for his favor, he can use it to-
A disturbed mound of sand.
In front of Luo Binghe is a mound of sand, undoubtedly turned over by human hands.
It is the first thing Luo Binghe has stumbled upon in this place that is any different. The sand has clearly been dug up and then pushed back together, darkened grains laying on the top. There are no identifying items around the mound, no sign or tools to hint at what it can be. There is no need to.
The mound is the perfect size for a grave.
Luo Binghe stares with unblinking eyes. In his mind multiple calculations happen, the comparison of memories from 4 years past, changes that could have happened in that time and the dimensions of what he is looking at.
This is not proof. Luo Binghe makes the wilful decision that this is not proof. There are thousands of explanations that could exist for the existence of this simple mound. There is no reason to rush to some premature assumption based on next to nothing evidence.
The grains are soft in Luo Binghe's hand as he begins to dig away the sand. The sun is warm against his neck, the ground sinking slightly underneath his knees, as he removes the sand one handful at a time. With how easy it is to dig through, he would assume the mound was recently made, the sand having yet to fully settle.
As he digs, throwing the sand to the side, he wonders again if this is a test from The Old Palace Master. Luo Binghe feels ashamed with how quickly he let the old man get into his head. He knows he is not to be trusted, every word filled with wellhidden ill intent. Even if the poison has never been directed towards Luo Binghe, he is still smart enough to keep an eye on any beverages offered.
Shizun's disappearance might have just been a tool for the Huan Hua Palace master to test Luo Binghe's dedication. Test where his loyalties truly lie. Luo Binghe will have to be careful with how he acts, not seeming overly desperate to find Shen Qingqiu. Keeping control of himself is a skill he mastered years ago and he is confident in his ability to act indifferent when needed and-
There is a cloth in the mound. As he has been digging, his hand is suddenly caught, fabric wrapping around it. He lifts the scrappy piece up until he can see it in full.
With piercing realization, he feels his heart stop in his chest.
The cloth is almost transparent with age. It is only thanks to the mound protecting it from the sun that any color is left, a faded green hue. On the edge of the cloth, thin embroidery of bamboo stalks are still visible.
For a moment, Luo Binghe is no longer in this abandoned desert. Instead he finds himself years back, back before pain and misery and betrayal took over his every waking thought, back when he was still a disciple, happy, in his Shizun's care. When he was living in the bamboo house, able to watch out his master with affection, doing his best to take care of his every need.
He remembers one such day, when he would bring his Shizun's laundry to personally wash, keeping it clean with careful attention so as to not ruin its high quality.
It was on one such day that he would be washing Shizun's robes, taking notice of the delicate bamboo embroidery decorating one of them.
It may have been over 4 years. But if there is one thing Luo Binghe trusts not to fail him, then it is his own memory.
His breath is caught in his chest as his hands dig into the grave below him. The handfuls of sand he would remove before are nothing compared to the piles he now throws to the side. He never lets go of the cloth, his grasp tight as looks for its owner.
His body is filled with terror as he can only imagine in what state he will find his Shizun in. How late is he? Will it be a fresh and recognizable corpse that he can bring with him back? Will it be a rotting carcass, flesh and meat falling off, misshapen and decayed? Or will only the bones be left to be dug up, unrecognizable in who they belonged to if not for a single piece of fabric to hint of their owner?
The Old Palace Master said an hour in their world was like that of a year in here. And his Shizun has been captured in this place for one full year.
Is there even anything left of Shen Qingqiu for Luo Binghe to find?
Luo Binghe doesn't know for how long he continues to dig out this grave. Time stopped to matter once he found his Shizun's robe. He digs for long enough that his fingers would splinter with the effort and his neck would burn from the sun. Sand should scratch against his skin and blind his eyes. It is either thanks to his heavenly demon blood or the piece of ceramic around his neck that no damage is done to his body.
Time doesn't matter and Luo Binghe continues to dig. In the end it is not for lack of physical energy that makes him stop. It is his mind that has lost its strength.
By now, the grave is deep enough to reach his head. He sits at the bottom, in cover from the wind, though the sunrays fall upon him from straight above. Here he sits helplessly, his robes and hands covered in dark sand as there are no remains to be found.
For all that Luo Binghe knows he is covered by Shen Qingqiu himself, his shizun's bones having turned to dust long ago. That this is the closest to a last embrace Luo Binghe will ever get from Shen Qingqiu.
Four years ago, Shen Qingqiu pushed Luo Binghe down into the Endless Abyss. Luo Binghe survived the fall, but doing so meant he had to face the knowledge that his Shizun had abandoned him. Betrayed him. That day he had cried tears of anguish until his wails had attracted nearby monsters. That day began his fight for survival that lasted almost four years before he escaped. And in all that time, he did not allow himself to shed a single tear before he returned to his Shizun.
Now, it is just like that day. Tears spill forth from his eyes, rolling down his cheeks in heavy streams, soiling his robes. His breath is weak, barely able to get past the ice cold block in his throat. He wonders if he should simply stay here, lay down in the grave and wait for time to push the sand upon him until he is properly buried.
He won't. Not yet. There are people he will have to avenge in his Shizun's name. People who will have to pay the price for the loss of the most significant man that Luo Binghe has ever known.
The Old Palace Master for doing this. The entire Huan Hua Palace for hosting the man who did this. Cang Qiong Sect for being unable to protect those they claim as their own. The other great sects in their failure in finding out the truth. The rest of the world for allowing this injustice to take place.
Luo Binghe for failing to escape the Endless Abyss sooner and keep this misfortune from happening.
Yes, Luo Binghe does not have the time to die just yet. He has plans to make, actions to take, people to kill in slow, astonishing ways. He does not deserve the honor of grieving his Shizun when he wasn't even there for him when he was taken. He will only allow himself to take his revenge on the world before he finishes with his own punishment.
He needs to find The Old Palace Master. He likely isn't far. He wonders how long he can drag it out before the man begs for his death. He wonders how much longer until he gives up on the begging. In the Endless Abyss Luo Binghe learned how merciless the world can be and he is certain that the mercilessness he can inflict upon The Old Palace Master is tenfold of what he-
"Hmm... hmm... hmm..."
Luo Binghe stills. In the silence, he picks up the weakest of voices, barely audible to even heavenly demon ears. With the neverending wind it is a wonder he is even able to pick up anything at all, the sound easily drowned out by the smallest noise.
It somewhat sounds like someone is humming.
His mind is blank. There is not a single thought. There is nothing going on in his head as he climbs out of the grave and begins to follow the sound.
It is hard to track the voice, the rustle of his robes enough to drown out the sound. Every time the wind picks up he has to stop, heart filled with fear that the sound will be gone once the wind calms down again. It breaks up in strange patterns, no coherency or logic, but the humming continues in broken tones.
As Luo Binghe continues forward, the sound grows louder. With each step, the strange hum becomes stronger, clearer, easier to follow. Like a guiding siren it leads Luo Binghe towards its source, something dangerously close to hope keeping a chokehold around his heart.
Finally, Luo Binghe sees a shape in the distance.
He barely remembers to breathe as he takes a shaky, hesitant step forward. It could be a pile of rocks or a strange boulder, but as he gets closer, he swears he sees it move.
Luo Binghe stops. In front of him sits a person.
They have their back to him. Sitting cross legged on the sand, they gently sway back and forth, a strange beat to their humming. Their long black hair falls along their back, visible not having been combed for years. Their robes are completely colorless, the sun and weather having worn out the fabric for a very long time.
Slowly Luo Binghe moves around the figure until he is facing them.
Growing up, Luo Binghe's Shizun was always very hard to read. Often he would hide his facial expressions behind a fan, keeping a facade of an elegant and stoic cultivator. As the Qing Jing Peak Lord he had his duties to keep, not allowing many to see past his lofty walls.
It is only thanks to Luo Binghe moving into the bamboo house that he was able to peek past those high walls. The smallest gestures such as the raise of an eyebrow or flush of skin. With the years, Luo Binghe learned his Shizun actually has a very thin face and is surprisingly easy to understand. One just has to know what to look for.
The kind of blank face his Shizun makes to hide his inner thoughts is in no way similar to his blank face now. Eyes empty as they stare forward, not a shred of awareness or even recognition when Luo Binghe stands in front of him.
Shen Qingqiu looks wretched. Starvation is clear in his halfsunken cheeks and thin wrists. His eyes are halflidded, no glow of the intelligence or humor that Luo Binghe would usually see. The way he wears his robes is nothing like the proud cultivator Luo binghe remembers, instead falling loose around his shoulders in a way not even the laziest of disciples would wear. Even the hum is broken, no sense or rhyme in the melody, going up and down in tone as if Luo Binghe's Shizun has even forgotten how to sing.
With a broken sob, Luo Binghe falls to his knees.
Here he is. Luo Binghe's Shizun. He has finally found him.
Luo Binghe remembers Shen Qingqiu as a very strong and willful man. But even he is not immune to thousands of years of torture and suffering.
Back in the grave Luo Binghe did not allow himself to cry out loud, keeping his tears silent in his grief. He thought his Shizun dead, with not even a body to recover. The thought that he had been too late to save Shen Qingqiu had broken Luo Binghe inside.
The pain he feels now is nothing like that. His Shizun is in front of him, but his mind and soul are broken to pieces. Luo Binghe could have prevented this. If he had been less weak, less useless, he could have gotten out of the Abyss sooner. Just one year earlier and he would have been able to defend Shen Qingqiu against the terrible accusations that landed him in the water prison. He could have kept this from ever happening. Each day since what happened in Jin Lan City is Luo Binghe's responsibility. Each day he didn't escape the Endless Abyss is his failure. The Shen Qingqiu that faces him now is all Luo Binghe's fault and before today he didn't even know.
Luo Binghe wanted to prove to Shen Qingqiu that he had become a righteous cultivator. Yes, he was angry. Yes, he felt betrayed. But even in his darkest moments, when fury and rage took over his every thought, this was never what he wanted for his Shizun. He wanted Shen Qingqiu to regret pushing Luo Binghe into the Abyss. He didn't want him to suffer for it.
In the grave, Luo Binghe swore revenge. But can you avenge someone who isn't dead? If anything, this truly feels like it is all Luo Binghe's fault.
He failed his Shizun. And now... now Luo Binghe has no idea what to do.
In front of Shen Qingqiu's unseeing eyes, Luo Binghe can only weep. Weep with tears that do not dry out, his voice ugly with regret and despair. Luo Binghe once overheard one of the Huan Hua disciples wonder if Luo Binghe was a pretty crier. Here, in an empty and cold desert, there is nothing pretty about Luo Binghe as he breaks down, voice hoarse as he screams out his misery.
Shen Qingqiu does not react. As Luo Binghe breaks apart in front of him, he simply continues his uneven hum, his gentle sway back and forth.
The sun stays in the sky. The sand stays on the ground. The breeze of the wind sweeps back both of their hair.
Shen Qingqiu's eyes move.
It takes a moment before Luo Binghe realizes. His Shizun is so still besides the swaying and not even his head moves as he looks down. But Luo Binghe sees it. Shen Qingqiu is looking at something.
Following his gaze, Luo Binghe sees the piece of green robe he forgot he still held in his hand.
Compared to what Shen Qingqiu is wearing now, the faded green of the cloth almost appears colorful. It blows with the wind, almost resembling the movement of bamboo back on Qing Jing Peak during stormier weather. Though much more weak and pitiful than the strong stalks of the bamboo forest back home.
But it is enough to catch Shen Qingqiu's eyes. And not knowing what else to do, Luo Binghe carefully reaches forward with his hand until the cloth touches Shen Qingqiu's skin.
At first there is no reaction. But then clumsily and slow, as if he is no longer used to moving his body, Shen Qingqiu grasps it with weak fingers.
His humming has stopped. He is no longer swaying. But as Shen Qingqiu sluggishly rubs the robe with his thumb, Luo Binghe sees the first sign of life within his Shizun's eyes. There is wonder. There is curiosity.
There is Shen Qingqiu.
Like this, as Shen Qingqiu and Luo binghe are connected by a single piece of robe held in their hands, Luo Binghe makes a new promise. A promise that he will never give up on his Shizun. A promise, that no matter how long it takes, he will return Shen Qingqiu back to his former self. A promise of dedication and servitude and that he will stay by Shen Qingqiu's side even if it takes even more thousands of years before he is whole and healthy again.
As Shen Qingqiu experiences marvel at the simple touch of a cloth, Luo Binghe swears that he will not let any more suffering befall his Shizun ever again.
He swears it on his life.
[Timeskip with link to Gaya's artwork here]
The stick of incense has not moved a millimeter when Luo Binghe returns to The Old Palace Masters champers, Shen Qingqiu held gently in his arms. He has taken off his outer robe to wrap his Shizun in, to hide him, but also to keep his weak body warm.
Shen Qingqiu did not react to Luo Binghe's touch nor at being moved, but neither have he let go of the bamboo robe since Luo Binghe gave it to him. Still, just in case, Luo Binghe has gently pushed him into a dreamless sleep, not risking any distress for his Shizun as they make their escape.
Luo Binghe has decided that they must run away from Huan Hua Palace. He would go and kill The Old Palace Master as the first thing upon his return, but he dares not leave Shen Qingqiu alone and refuses to allow him within the presence of that man. Of course, The Old Palace Master will not react well once he finds out Luo Binghe has released Shen Qingqiu, so they have to disappear from this place.
Luo Binghe's mind runs a mile a minute as he considers all the options they have.
He refuses to return to the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect. They already failed to protect his Shizun when it truly mattered and they do not deserve a second chance. That does not leave many other places, but in truth, that is for the best.
Their best option is to just vanish. Vanish like Shen Qingqiu did a year ago, except now he will be safe with Luo Binghe. Luo Binghe will have to find a place away from everything, cultivation, the great sects, anyone and anything that could recognize Shen Qingqiu and try to take him away. He will have to find a place of nowhere, where he can settle down with his Shizun and spend the rest of their days nursing him back to health.
They have one advantage. While The Old Palace Master will know that Shen Qingqiu has been released, he can never let anyone else know. He said so himself that no one, besides him and Luo Binghe, knew of The Prison of Revolt. There is no way he can start a chase for Shen Qingqiu without revealing the crime he has committed. His only option is to target Luo Binghe himself.
Luo Binghe has great confidence in his abilities to avoid the Huan Hua Palace Master. He has no doubt that the loyalties he has gained greatly outweighs The Old Palace Master's resources. Even if someone is to notice, none of them will dare to open their mouths.
Of that, Luo Binghe is certain.
Carefully, doing his best not to justle Shen Qingqiu in his arms, he makes it back to his room. Luckily, the dinner with The Old Palace Master lasted until late evening, so only disciples doing patrols are still awake. They are easy to avoid as Luo Binghe has already memorised their patterns.
He quickly locks his door once in his room, gently putting Shen Qingqiu down on his bed. His Shizun sleeps on, breathing light and unburdened, until someone could almost forget the torture he has gone through. If not for his unruly hair and scrappy clothing, this could just be any other night in the bamboo house.
Luo Binghe allows himself to tuck a lock of hair away from his Shizun's face. And then he turns around, packing his things as fast as he can.
There is nothing here he keeps for sentimental value, but he will need all the resources he has for when they find a place to settle down. Until The Old Palace Master realizes Luo Binghe is missing, they will have the advantage. Time is of the essence.
Once he has everything they could need, he pulls out Xin Mo. With fluent movement, he cuts through the space of the room, opening up to a place far, far away from Huan Hua Palace. He is prepared. His Shizun will never have to cast his eyes upon this place ever again.
With Shen Qingqiu in his arms, he steps through the portal and they make their escape.
Ohhhh, I absolutely adore this, omg TT Love the scene, our poor SQQ! I know it is grim, but SQQ getting pancaked was a very fun thing to write and I hope you had a lot of fun visualising it!
I feel like the final image is very true to what happened, very much a great image of Binghe's no good, very bad day!
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 32 - Pulling String
The Killer towers above him. Unable to catch his breath and the world refusing to sit still, Shen Qingqiu isn't able to move out of the way. The axe falls, cutting into him, splits him open from his shoulder to his chest.
As metal tears through skin and meat, spraying the room with iron liquid, Shen Qingqiu is only able to feel regret that he won't be able to keep his promise to meet up with Luo Binghe.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
Out of all the rooms yet to be shown to Luo Binghe, the large living room is definitely the place where Shen Qingqiu expects them to be able to find another needle. The size of the room compared to how few puzzles it is connected to means there have to be some secrets that Shen Qingqiu has missed.
So that is where they go.
Once they find themselves inside, Luo Binghe immediately goes on the hunt. Like Shen Qingqiu has done so before, Luo Binghe studies each bookshelf, checks over each game table and even finds himself on his knees as he looks underneath every couch and chair.
Shen Qingqiu watches on, standing to the side to give Luo Binghe space to search. Mostly because he has already had his own chance to look around the room, so he wants to take the time to see Luo Binghe's methods. Not too different from his own, he observes.
That is, until Luo Binghe stops at a random spot in the room. Stepping on it a couple of times, he kneels down to look it over more closely.
Shen Qingqiu comes over to see what he has found and finds Luo Binghe stare intently at the carpet. From Shen Qingqiu’s point of view, it appears to be just the same as the rest. At least until he gets down on his knees and sees the slightest bump protruding from it.
"How would anyone be able to notice that besides tripping over it..." Shen Qingqiu mutters. He reaches out to see if he can pull at the carpet, when Luo Binghe promptly pushes his arm away.
Oh, that's right. The deal they got. He forgot about that. Instead of poking at the bump, Shen Qingqiu takes a step back, allowing Luo Binghe to check whether this is another trap.
Luo Binghe doesn't hesitate. Not wasting time trying to pull at the lump, he goes straight for just ripping the carpet off the floor. It must have been made with some fake material, otherwise there is no explanation for how Luo Binghe could just pull it apart like that.
As he throws the piece of carpet to the side, a hidden nook gets revealed underneath. In no time, Luo Binghe is able to pry it open, revealing a couple of playing cards. He stands back up, showing them to Shen Qingqiu.
There are four cards in total, one of each suit. Besides the suit in the corner of the cards, they are otherwise blank. Before Shen Qingqiu can reach out to look at them closer, Luo Binghe suddenly turns away, bringing the cards to one of the playing tables.
Staying right behind Luo Binghe, the other reveals that at the edge of the table there is a narrow cut, something else that Shen Qingqiu missed during his own search of the room.
"I found cuts like this in each table. Since there are four tables in total I was thinking…” Luo Binghe begins to explain. Holding out one of the cards, it fits perfectly when he tries to put it into the slit. “This must be intentional, don't you think so, Senior?"
Shen Qingqiu very much thinks so! Luo Binghe's big IQ brain, able to find not one, but two things that Shen Qingqiu has missed. A they just happen to be related to the same puzzle! No one truly can beat the eagle eye of the hero!
But then the question is how do they find out which table each card belongs to?
In the end, by working together, the puzzle is quite easily solved. With the context of the playing cards, Shen Qingqiu begins to notice vague patterns on some of the chairs. Patterns like linked flowers crisscrossing to form multiple diamonds, stamps in the chair that form a heart, wooden edges shaped like spades and finally three large prints on the back of a chair that form a suit of clubs when looking from certain angles.
By using the subtle patterns on the chairs, Luo Binghe then finds that the color of the chairs are each matched with an engraved line on the edges of the tables. So by sticking the cards into the narrow cuts on each table, using the matching suits and color of each chair, quickly they hear a click and something small falling down from above.
Luo Binghe is quick to walk over, picking up the item. It is with a big smile that he turns around, showing off the needle in his hand.
[Insert UI]
A burst of chairs and tables. Splinters flying out. A wreckage of furniture as the Killer swings his axe. He can only try to evade each swing and duck out of the way as wooden shards pierces his skin.
The playing tables stand no chance against the strength of the Killer. Their destruction means it will be impossible to get the needle Shen Qingqiu needs. Even if he manages to get away, this is now a doomed run, impossible to complete. At this moment, that does not matter. Shen Qingqiu's instinct for survival is too strong as he tries to live just that longer.
The room is large. Somehow the Killer still manages to corner Shen Qingqiu against the bookshelves. He avoids another swing, but is instead hit with a kick to his chest. The force as he hits the shelves is enough for multiple books to fall off, their sharp spines hitting his head and back.
The Killer towers above him. Unable to catch his breath and the world refusing to sit still, Shen Qingqiu isn't able to move out of the way. The axe falls, cutting into him, splits him open from his shoulder to his chest.
As metal tears through skin and meat, spraying the room with iron liquid, Shen Qingqiu is only able to feel regret that he won't be able to keep his promise to meet up with Luo Binghe.
[Insert UI]
Something simple but interesting that Shen Qingqiu has begun to notice since he woke up in this horrible game is the weird lack of clocks in the mansion.
There is the one broken clock found in the first bedroom, but fixing it doesn't actually give the time. Besides playing its melody to solve the piano puzzle, it doesn't really have any other practical use. And besides that one, Shen Qingqiu doesn't recall seeing a single other clock in this entire building.
When estimating the time he spends in each loop, he has solely had to rely on gut instinct. How long did it feel like it lasted before he died. With that kind of estimation being very unprecise it is impossible to tell exactly how long Shen Qingqiu has spent in this world.
It is also kind of strange there have not been any clocks in any of the rooms. Especially the bedrooms and offices where one would assume a clock somewhere would be a necessity. If they were able to install electricity in the mansion, you would think they could also afford to install time?
Even a simple wristwatch would have been nice and the lack thereof might be the only complaint Shen Qingqiu has about his new body. It is nice to always have soft and silky hair, the high quality of the uniform is surprisingly comfortable to move around in and even his eyesight is not really any worse than it was before he transmigrated. Really, it would just be nice for him to be able to check the time so he knows exactly how long he has spent waiting for Luo Binghe inside the laboratory broom closet.
He still doesn't expect him to be back soon. Having to repeat the collection of the key from the horrible bathroom, so the greenhouse can be unlocked, so the needle and tea set can be collected, so the tea puzzle can be solved, so the magnet in the other bathroom can be retrieved, only by then to be able to get the last needle from the extravagant bedroom... Clearly Shen Qingqiu got the easy version of the tasks.
Get one needle from the large living room and the other needle from the painting in the laboratory and then lock himself inside the broom closet to wait for Luo Binghe. No where near as many steps required.
If Luo Binghe had had it his way, the only thing Shen Qingqiu would be doing would be locking himself away. Sitting quietly by himself in the broom closet waiting while Luo Binghe did all the work. Of course, Shen Qingqiu's dignity would never allow that to happen. So the compromise they reached was that Shen Qingqiu would collect the easily retrievable needles after waking up each loop, while Luo Binghe would take care of the more complicated to get ones.
And to be fair, since Luo Binghe is the only one out of the two of them that can get the first key needed without throwing up, there is no reason to argue the distribution of tasks. Even if that still ends with Shen Qingqiu sitting quietly in the broom closet waiting for Luo Binghe to appear.
At least he didn't try to implement a secret code of knocks for being let in. Ever overprotective Binghe is sensible enough to know that if the Killer truly wanted inside the locked broom closet, the only knocking he would be doing would be with the sharp end of his axe. And in that case, there would be no doubt who is on the other side of the door.
While waiting, Shen Qingqiu has a lot of time to think. Especially about the changes that have happened since Luo Binghe began to remember the loops. Possibly the most noticeable change is the addition of Liu Mingyan who now also appears randomly around the mansion. Sometimes accompanying Ning Yingying, sometimes on her own. It is like after they caught her that one time in the basement, she has now become unlocked as a character.
The thing is, that is not how Shen Qingqiu remembers Liu Mingyan being unlocked in the original game. In that version, once you reached a certain milestone, the player would switch to Liu Mingyan's point of view. A short cutscene would then play before returning to Ning Yingying. From there on forward, if Ning Yingying got killed, instead of the loop immediately resetting, the player would begin to play as Liu Mingyan instead. And first when she died would the game start over again.
The milestone in question? Well, of course that is when you unlocked-
Knocking on the door. Broken out of his thoughts, Shen Qingqiu hurries to unlock it. Luo Binghe is quick to move inside, letting Shen Qingqiu lock them inside again. Once secure, he turns around towards Luo Binghe who gives him a shaky smile.
"I got the needles, Senior."
[Insert UI]
He isn't able to turn the key in time before the door gets twisted open, almost pulled from its hinges. An oversized hand grabs his shoulder, throwing him to the floor.
Shen Qingqiu hadn't fooled himself that he would be able to get away just by locking the door. He had tried to buy time. Time for Ning Yingying to get away. Time to come up with a plan for how to escape. Time for any sudden miracle to come and save him.
The Killer had been too fast.
The Killer steps over to where he threw Shen Qingqiu. His axe already stained by Liu Mingyan. Once Luo Binghe gets here it won't just be Shen Qingqiu's corpse staining the carpets. Shen Qingqiu can only hope that Ning Yingying will manage to find him first, prepare him for the horror he will find.
Axe in his face, axe in his chest, axe in his back, soon there won't be any new ways for the Killer to use his favorite tool on him. Shen Qingqiu is so tired of fearing this man, this Killer. So tired of always having to hide and avoid. He sneers up at the grinning mask, a grimace of teeth and resentment. His defiance won't matter. The axe falls all the same.
[Insert UI]
The crate pries open with a rusty screech once each needle has been placed correctly in their spots. Behind, they find a dusty metal tunnel stretching deep. It is covered in spiderwebs and dirt, seemingly having been abandoned for longer than the rest of the mansion. Still, the dim lights lining the wall manage to work.
They can't see where the tunnel ends, but after all this hard work just to gain access, neither Luo Binghe or Shen Qingqiu plan to stop now.
Shen Qingqiu gets down on his knees, ready to crawl inside, but Luo Binghe is quick to block the way. Shen Qingqiu very much does not sigh nor roll his eyes at his juniors behavior. Luo Binghe's insistence of keeping their deal has not lessened the slightest with each loop. Shen Qingqiu can almost imagine Luo Binghe trying to tie him up, safely put away in the safe room until the end of the game if he weren’t to listen. So he mostly lets Luo Binghe get his way.
Certain that his Senior isn't going to sneak past him into unknown dangers, Luo Binghe crawls inside the tunnel. Shen Qingqiu patiently waits for his permission before he gets down to follow.
The tunnel is narrow and constrictive. Both Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu constantly scrape their backs against the top of the metal, quickly turning them sore. Two grown men easily take up the entire space, blocking the light behind them, making it feel even darker and more claustrophobic. This tight, it is impossible to not pick up all the dirt and dust as they squirm along, their uniforms quickly becoming grimy.
The tunnel screech with their movement, complaining at the slightest weight upon it. The smell of rust and machine oil is thick and the air so stale that Shen Qingqiu has to pause to cough the stench away every few meters. Luo Binghe waits for him each time, though he is unable to even look over his shoulder to check on his senior in the small space.
At one point, the tunnel begins to tilt downwards, enough that they have to move even slower or risk sliding down. No matter how terrible these tunnels are, falling headfirst into whatever is at the end is not something either of them wants.
It feels as if they crawl on for ages, the tunnel going straight with no diverging tunnels connected to it. An irrational part of Shen Qingqiu begins to imagine what it would be like if both ends got sealed up. Him and Binghe stuck in this tiny space where they can't even turn around and are barely able to breathe. The thought of a slow, dragged out death, starvation, chills Shen Qingqiu much more than the hit of an axe. His back is drenched in sweat, his breath raspy and for each minute they spend down here, it gets only worse.
This can't just be a trap! There has to be something worthwhile at the end! No way they went through all that trouble of getting the needles just to die at the end! The game may be badly designed, but even the useless hacks calling themselves game developers wouldn't-
"Senior, I think I see the end!" Luo Binghe suddenly exclaims, the relief in his voice making it clear his thoughts were not too dissimilar from Shen Qingqiu's. While they are both weary from crawling in these tunnels for so long, Luo Binghe manages to gather extra strength, hurrying towards the end, like a worm crawling towards the sun.
Shen Qingqiu isn't able to find the same storage of energy, but he does his best not to fall behind. Looking forward to being able to stretch his own limbs.
Getting out of the tunnel, they find themselves in a small chamber. It is just big enough for them both to stand comfortable without being pressed against each other, a stark improvement compared to the tunnels. There is a single dim light in the room, just bright enough to cast their shadows against the walls, like hulking monsters towering behind them. The walls, floor and ceiling is covered by rusty pipes, metalwork and crates, not a single smooth spot to stand or lean against. Levers, switches and cranks pop up everywhere, impossible to tell what each one does.
Here the racket of metal is even louder, machinery and rushing water filling the room with constant noise. While it is not to a deafening degree, both Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu have to speak louder than usual to be heard.
There is one single heavy metal door in the room, just as rusty and degraded as the rest. A thick window has been put in, barely visible through the grime. Luo binghe uses his sleeve to wipe off the worst of it, revealing another oval chamber. Just as many pipes circling the walls, like coiling snakes climbing up a tree.
With Luo Binghe's strength they are just barely able to get the door open enough to squeeze inside. This room is much smaller than the prior, making it impossible for the both of them to be inside at the same time.
Luo Binghe doesn't even need to ask for Shen Qingqiu to allow him to make sure the room is safe first. He manages to push through the thin opening, giving Shen Qingqiu a final reassuring smile before he disappears inside.
[Insert UI]
A key pulled loose followed by the immediate slam of heavy metal. A muffled shout from Luo Binghe behind a sudden closed door interrupted by the shrill agony that takes over his entire arm.
Shen Qingqiu falls back as far as the oval room allows. He opens his mouth in a scream, but unable to hear himself through the consuming pain. Red splatters of blood paint the room, bursting forth from the stump of flesh left from his entire arm being cut off.
Hopeless desperation makes Shen Qingqiu try to cover the deadly wound, thick fluid spilling out with a wet squelch between his fingers. Around him, the deafening sound of machinery returns to life, pipes shaking as they are put to use once again.
Shen Qingqiu can't move, bloodloss already darkening the world around him. Luo Binghe might be banging at the door, trying to force it open once again, but Shen Qingqiu can only hear the rush of his own blood leaving his body.
The working machinery moves upwards, loud clanks and sharp screeches sounding out until they reach the top of the room. Shen Qingqiu, pale as the dead, sweat running down his face, looks up just in time for the ceiling to open up above him.
Shen Qingqiu feels the heat before it hits him. His cry of pain brief before the room becomes flooded with boiling water.
[Insert UI]
Shen Qingqiu sits by himself in the laboratory broom closet. Waiting for Luo Binghe to get the rest of the needles. Waiting for them to check the inside of the crate and the metallic champers it leads to.
As he waits, he has a lot of time to think. Think about the many steps they need to repeat to get here. Think about how Ning Yingying has changed and the appearance of Liu Mingyan. Think about the future, about survival, about finishing this level.
Since he made the deal with Luo Binghe he has died a handful of times. While each death manages to be horrible in their own way, there is a part of Shen Qingqiu that has gotten used to them. In the moment he fully experiences the fear and agony, he knows that they will end. That he will wake up unhurt and alive.
It is hard to tell how Luo Binghe is handling it. Luo Binghe’s behavior hasn’t really changed much, but somehow Shen Qingqiu finds him harder and harder to read with each loop. When they made their deal to let Luo Binghe lead, let Luo Binghe be the one to do the risky actions, there was a certain determination in his eyes. Like with this deal, he has found out how to cheat the system and keep Shen Qingqiu alive.
Now a couple of sessions later, Shen Qingqiu doesn’t know what Luo Binghe is thinking. If the same determination is still there or if doubt has entered Luo Binghe’s mind.
Shen Qingqiu knows it is hard. But he truly believes Luo Binghe will learn to accept Shen Qingqiu’s deaths. That once he gets used to it being an inevitable part of the world, he will take everything a bit easier. That while the deaths may seem horrible, they are really of no consequence.
Once Luo Binghe realises that is the case, surely he will also begin to relax about their deal. He will stop micromanaging Shen Qingqiu’s every move and they can go back to exploring as usual.
As long as it doesn’t keep them from actual progress, Shen Qingqiu will let Luo Binghe have his way. Even if his goal of keeping Shen Qingqiu alive hasn’t been much of a success so far, who is really keeping count?
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 31 - Taking Turns
To give credit to Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan - Despite what it looked like in the moment, neither tried to suggest leaving Shen Qingqiu behind. The fight between them and Binghe had been more panic than anger. In fear, they had pressed for a way out, a solution to being caught in a dead end with nowhere to hide and a dying man on their hands.
And Binghe... smart, Kind, protective and dependable Binghe...
He had been just as lost as them.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
Eyes opening wide, Shen Qingqiu hauls himself to the side of the bed. Prepared to throw up, his mouth opens with a gasp. He waits for the spit to gather in his throat. For his stomach to gnarl in warning. For the beginning of heaves as he empties himself. He waits and waits and waits, as his body gives no signals of doing so. His throat does not constrict, his insides don't fight to get out, there is not even a sign of cold sweat running down his back. In vain, he waits for the overwhelming nausea in his mind to have a physical release.
This is the first time Shen Qingqiu's mind has been under a form of influence as he died. Whatever kind of poison there was in those flowers, it very much reached his brain as well. It is like a sensation similar to solving a puzzle one has been stuck on for hours, except instead of an exhilarating epiphany, it leaves him sick.
During his last moments when the poison truly had set in, Shen Qingqiu had been out of it. It wasn't so much that his senses weren't taking in information as much as they just weren't able to process it. And now that he is healthy again, senses back to working properly, it all stands clear to him.
The disconnect of blurry recollection suddenly becoming clear splits him apart, a confusion in his mind that can only translate to the dizzy feeling of taking too many rides in a spinning roller coaster. Ergo, his state of feeling like throwing up despite not actually needing to throw up. Though, being able to discern what was happening during his poisoning does make him see things in a slightly new light.
The princess carry from Luo Binghe is just as embarrassing as during the moment it was happening. He fully agrees with his befuddled self that that couldn't have been legal. Hopefully, it was just a one time occurrence and if not, he will have a serious talk with Binghe about what acts he should save for those he wishes to romance. Not wasting them on random old seniors, especially not the scum villain kind.
Besides that, Shen Qingqiu is also able to confirm for certain that it was both Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan that he and Binghe stumbled upon. They are both a bit blurry in his mind, but that can easily be explained by his missing glasses. With Ning Yingying leading the way, Liu Mingyan had stayed close, keeping an eye on anyone coming from behind.
From there, they have only been led to their doom.
There had been no antidote to find. Why would there be? Shen Qingqiu had to pay the price of being careless enough to get caught in another trap. No mercy to find from the creators of this world.
Then they got cornered by the Killer.
To give credit to Ning Yingying and Liu Mingyan - Despite what it looked like in the moment, neither tried to suggest leaving Shen Qingqiu behind. The fight between them and Binghe had been more panic than anger. In fear, they had pressed for a way out, a solution to being caught in a dead end with nowhere to hide and a dying man on their hands.
And Binghe... smart, Kind, protective and dependable Binghe...
He had been just as lost as them.
To say it crudely, they had been fucked. And remembering what happened with newfound clarity, Shen Qingqiu could only confirm that he did the right thing when he let himself be one less burden for them to worry about.
Slowly pushing himself off the bed, he has accepted that he won't throw up. His body frustratingly stable just like every time he wakes up in a new loop, his mind is slowly calming down as well. Absentmindedly he scratches at his arm as he heads towards the entrance once again.
While Shen Qingqiu has found peace with how he ended the last session, he does not kid himself that Binghe will agree. The poor boy has not nearly as much experience as he himself has, so he still gets overly horrified each time something terrible happens.
Shen Qingqiu is already thinking of ways to reassure Binghe when he arrives to the sound of raised voices. Not just raised voices, but outright yelling. Suddenly afraid that something bad is happening, Shen Qingqiu hurries to open the door. He is shocked by the scene that greets him.
Luo Binghe is halfway up the stairs, hand balanced on the railing as he looks behind to yell at Ning Yingying. Similarly, Ning Yingying is angrily yelling back, though she stays rooted by the huge pair of doors that lead out. Shen Qingqiu does not get to hear in detail what they are fighting about, as they both slam their mouths shut the moment he comes through the door.
For a brief second, everyone stares at each other in confusion. Ning Yingying opens her mouth to speak, the beginning of "Sen-" uttered, before she is interrupted by a flurry of motion from Luo Binghe.
Going up the rest of the way, two steps at a time, Luo Binghe is at Shen Qingqiu's side before either of them can blink. Grasping his hand tightly, tight enough to hurt, he pulls Shen Qingqiu down the stairs and towards the saferoom.
Almost forgetting Ning Yingying, he stops at the last second. Barely turning around to face her and never releasing Shen Qingqiu, he speaks directly and tonelessly: "Senior and I have a lot to talk about. It will likely take a very long time and we definitely can't save it for later. I wouldn't waste time waiting for us."
Before Ning Yingying can do more than splutter in agitation, he drags a speechless Shen Qingqiu inside, the door closing behind them with a bang.
Inside the saferoom, Luo Binghe is quick to corner Shen Qingqiu against the door. He leans over him, his head bowed down such that the curls of his bangs hide his eyes. Despite the force he used to bring Shen Qingqiu inside, his actions stop here. There is nothing else he does.
He does not reach out to check Shen Qingqiu for injury like in previous sessions. In fact, his arms stay loose and hanging at his side, as if all the strength in them is spent. While he looms above Shen Qingqiu, he does not try to threaten or intimidate. Despite his words to Ning Yingying, he keeps silent, not a single sound escaping him.
Shen Qingqiu finds himself completely flabbergasted. Once he hears the doors from the entrance opening and then slamming shut, he manages to find his voice again.
"Just what was that?! How can you speak to Ning Yingying like that? That is no way to talk to anyone, nevermind your own classmate! I know you are better raised than that! You better apologise to her first thing when she gets back and explain why in the world you would think that was an appropriate way to talk to her?!" He scolds, appalled as seeing Binghe treating one of his future wives like this. Sometimes a mean approach can be necessary, but that should be reserved for the scum villain, never for Luo Binghe!
To Shen Qingqiu's irritation, Luo Binghe does not react to the scolding besides lowering his head even further. Giving a few more choice words of exactly how Binghe should be behaving, he does allow Luo Binghe a chance to defend his actions.
For a moment, Luo Binghe stays quiet and unmoving. Still not raising his head, he is like a statue, though not one of shame. Whatever is going on in his juniors head, Shen Qingqiu has no idea. When it continues to look like Luo Binghe does not intend to speak, he is just about to get ready to berate him even more.
"Senior, this junior has been thinking..." Luo Binghe suddenly says, just as Shen Qingqiu opens his mouth. He speaks slowly, as if he is thinking of each word as he says it. Shen Qingqiu hesitates, allowing Luo Binghe the time to speak.
"At one point, Senior called what is happening to us a game. Senior said there are certain rules we have to follow. Without saying it directly, Senior also made it clear going against the intended direction of this ‘game’ has consequences, even if you never specified which. Like there is some force making us do this or keeping an eye on us," Luo Binghe starts, confusing Shen Qingqiu at first as this so far has nothing to do with Ning Yingying. He almost interrupts, wants to get them back on track, but somehow finds himself unable to break Binghe's line of thought.
Binghe continues, never once raising his head, his words almost a mumble. "That's why I have been thinking... The first memory I have of this place, you and I went out looking for an exit while Ning Yingying stayed behind. While it required a bit of persuasion, it wasn't really hard to get her to agree. So why, if she was willing to stay in the mansion the first time, why has she refused to do so since? One time she was mad at us, that could be explained then. But what about afterwards? When there were no hard feelings and both you and I argued the case? Why would someone who is clearly so afraid of being on her own rather go out alone when it would be so much safer to stay together? Especially when she has been willing to do so before?"
This might be the most Shen Qingqiu has heard Luo Binghe speak, and still the other refuses to lift his head to meet his eyes. Luo Binghe's tone is almost tired, not at all sounding like someone questioning a mystery that Shen Qingqiu himself has wondered about. Each point laid out meticulously, but also something indifferent about it, as if the strange behavior of Ning Yingying is just a casual thought.
"What is Binghe getting at...?" Shen Qingqiu hesitantly asks, trying to understand what exactly Luo Binghe is trying to say. Luo Binghe explains.
"That first time, the two of us left the mansion together. Since then, we have both refused to leave. But if we consider that there are certain ways things have to be... If we ask the question of who will lure in that man with the axe if no one goes out to look for the exit…" Understanding hits Shen Qingqiu just as Luo Binghe continues to explain. "Whatever force is causing these loops to happen, why couldn’t it also make Ning Yingying leave the mansion so the game can start? That since you refuse to leave the mansion and I refuse to leave you, why shouldn’t it force her to do so in our stead? Ifthat is the case, then no matter what we say or what we do, we will never be able to get Ning Yingying to stay behind. She will always have to go. She will always be the lure, so that masked man knows where to go. She is the mansion's bait."
Luo Binghe finishes talking, silence falling between them. Shen Qingqiu continues to stare at Luo Binghe in astonishment, not sure what to say. Only three loops in and Luo Binghe is already putting things together like this? This is not something even Shen Qingqiu has an answer to.
Back when playing originally, during the first level, the tutorial section could never be skipped. Playing as Ning Yingying, one always left the mansion together with Luo Binghe, consequently meeting the Killer each time. The section didn't take long when knowing the controls and luckily the cutscene at the end could be skipped. But if there had been a way to skip the tutorial entirely so one didn't have to replay such a boring part again and again, players would quickly have found it.
What Luo Binghe is saying makes perfect logical sense. For the game to be a proper horror game, there has to be some kind of danger. If the Killer is never activated, just what thread is there in the mansion? One could argue the traps, but if anything, they are much more annoying than scary.
If Luo Binghe is correct, then they are truly just wasting time trying to get Ning Yingying to stay. If the game needs someone to bait the Killer and it can't force Shen Qingqiu or Luo Binghe, then she is the only one left to send out.
Hearing Luo Binghe’s explanation, Shen Qingqiu has a better understanding of why Luo Binghe acted as he just did. Not seeing a reason to spend time explaining to a person who won’t be able to control their own actions.
Still...
"I understand what Binghe is saying," Shen Qingqiu sighs, his tone softer compared to his earlier scolding. "But I still don't think you should speak to Ning Yingying like that. She is still a girl, so we should treat her nicely. It has only been a few loops as well, so while the theory is sound, we can't be certain of it yet. We should still try persuade her a couple more times, just to be certain she won't listen. We at least owe her that, don’t you think?"
Yeah, that is a good point if he dares say so himself. What Binghe is saying makes sense, but you can't just come up with the theory. You have to test it as well. You can't assume you got it right on the first try, you have to prove that it can't be disproven. Otherwise it is just fake science they are making up.
Arms crossed and nodding at himself, Shen Qingqiu feel like they have cleared the situation. But Binghe continues to act strange. Eyes still downcast and still not moving a muscle, Luo Binghe gives no sign that he is relieved with the agreement they have reached. Shen Qingqiu gets the distinct impression that Luo Binghe isn't done speaking and true enough, he opens his mouth once again after another moment of quiet.
"This junior was also thinking... if Ning Yingying has to leave the mansion to lure in that man... If there are certain things we can't stop no matter what... does that... Whenever Senior dies, is that because...?" Luo Binghe starts and this time Shen Qingqiu is quick to understand what he is trying to say.
A chill runs down his spine. Luo Binghe saying something that scary, that Shen Qingqiu has to die as part of the game... That is impossible! There was at least one ending where the original goods got to survive to the end, so he will definitely be able to survive until the end too!
Forcibly pushing such worries away, Shen Qingqiu reaches out with both of his hands, cradling Luo Binghe's face. Gently, he guides it up until their eyes can meet. Luo Binghe's are wet, tears yet to fall. Like this, even as he stands taller than Shen Qingqiu, he appears as nothing more than a lost child looking for his parents. Or a lost junior looking for guidance from his senior.
"Let me start by making one thing clear. It is not a requirement that I have to die. Okay, Binghe?" Shen Qingqiu begins, eyes softening when he sees Binghe trying to force his tears at bay with a wet sniff. "I have been very unlucky. And it didn't help that we were off track for a while during your first loop. It must have been terrible to witness. But every trap we find, every meeting with the Killer... that is a lesson. A lesson that leaves us smarter when the next loop begins. A lesson that will make us survive for longer."
At least, that is the premise of the game. It is a bit different when it becomes real life, characters and events get a little more unpredictable, but Shen Qingqiu's point stands. Luo Binghe nods, lifting an arm to wipe his nose, taking deep breaths to gather himself. With one hand, Shen Qingqiu moves from his cheek to his hair, brushing through it until he meets Luo Binghe's loose ponytail. It runs soft and silky between his fingers, a few locks escaping from the hair tie.
Once Binghe has calmed down a bit, Shen Qingqiu needs to harden himself. His lesson is not yet done.
"But this world we find ourselves in... It is a world of danger and death. Dying is part of the game. So I can't promise that I won't die again. I can't promise that you won't have to see it happen. While it is terrible to hear, our circumstances force us to accept this. Until we find the way out of this mansion, until we are free from the loops, this horror will continue. You can't fight it. You can't let it affect you this much. This is just how it is. You have to get used to it."
Bleak. Shen Qingqiu knows his words are somber and bleak. Luo Binghe doesn't look very reassured at hearing them and neither does Shen Qingqiu expect him to be.
He needs to understand their situation. Hopefully, that will make it easier with time. That at some point, the reality of their situation will settle in and then Binghe will understand that death has become an unremarkable part of their lives. That it is no longer a final end, but simply a reset of progress and a frustration at having to start over. That once Luo Binghe finds peace with that, he will find that each loop becomes a tiny bit easier.
But that won't be now. Shen Qingqiu at least has the comfort of knowing this is a terrible videogame. To Luo Binghe it is all real. So Shen Qingqiu will be patient and let him learn. Not that it is hard for him to find his patience for Binghe. Everything that is happening, it can't be easy for his young junior.
They have to move on though. So much progress happened during the last loop and they will need to gather their bearings, consider what the next course of action should be. If they should repeat the same steps or try something new. Turning around to leave the safe room, Shen Qingqiu is just about to open the door, when he is suddenly stopped by a small tug of his sleeve.
"Senior... if that truly is the case, that death has to happen... shouldn't we... can't we then split it between us?"
Slowly, Shen Qingqiu turns back around. The expression on his face must be dubious at best, because Luo Binghe hurries to explain before his idea can be rejected outright.
"I- I know that isn't something we can just decide, but there should be ways- it is not fair that Senior has to always be the one that gets hurt!"
Well, no, it isn't fair. Who ever said any of this had to be fair? The tears have dried up from Luo Binghe's cheek, energy visible returning in the movement of his hands as his idea puts itself together. An idea so out there Shen Qingqiu doesn't know what to do with it. What does binghe mean to split it between them? He thinks Shen Qingqiu wants to keep dying all the time?!
"I'm quite certain I have already said I am not trying to die," Shen Qingqiu says, speaking slowly as if this is a difficult concept for Luo Binghe to understand. Luo Binghe just shakes his head, trying to get his Senior to understand.
"I know, I am not saying you are, it is just- Senior is the one who has gotten hurt each time we wake up again and you must have gotten hurt many more times before I began to remember. So it would only be fair that you get a break and I can instead-" Again, something must show itself on Shen Qingqiu's face because suddenly Luo Binghe backpedals, not finishing his sentence. He takes a second to find new words, changing the angle of his argument. "I know we can't just stop when something dangerous happens and agree who should go in first. But can’t we switch around who does the more risky stuff? When we find something new, you let me look through it first. When something unexpected happens we stay close together, so no one get singled out. When the man with the axe appears, you let me be the distraction while you run away. Things Senior has already done for me, I will just do for Senior instead?"
As he spoke, it only became clearer with each word that Luo Binghe falls more and more in love with this idea of his. Shen Qingqiu on the other hand, very much does not want to agree with what he is saying. Not at all. Not one single bit. But no matter how much he hates it, he can't deny that Binghe has a point, though a different one than he thinks.
Luo Binghe facing the dangers more headon than Shen Qingqiu is, strategically, not a bad idea for the very simple reason that Luo Binghe can't die. Something already established many times before. Of course, this is not something Luo Binghe himself knows and is one of the top secrets Shen Qingqiu will never, ever, not for as long as he is alive, will ever reveal. Luo Binghe’s immortality is on the same list as everything being an actual videogame and Shen Qingqiu being a transmigrator. Truths where nothing good can ever come from them being revealed.
Luo Binghe may believe they can switch up who gets to die, but Shen Qingqiu knows the truth. And the truth is that if Binghe is the one falling into traps and meeting the Killer, it is a certainty that he won't die while it might just mean that Shen Qingqiu can survive for longer. Get more progress done.
Strategically it is an amazing idea and one Luo Binghe is even offering himself. Really, there shouldn’t be any real downsides to this!
Still, Shen Qingqiu can not find it in himself to just agree like that. What, is he supposed to just sit back and let Binghe do all the work? As if he could ever do that! As the player of this game, he has a responsibility to be the one to complete it. And really, there is no reason for Binghe to put himself in danger like that just because this old scum villain keeps-
"Senior is the one who said 'dying is part of the game'. So wouldn't it be fair that I should also get to play?" Luo Binghe suddenly adds, voice full of innocence. Shen Qingqiu scowls, not falling for Binghe's harmless act for a second, but the open eyes full of trust and easy worry for his Senior while making a point that goes against Shen Qingqiu's own thoughts-
"Fine! Okay! We will do it your way! I will let you take the lead and we can see what happens," Shen Qingqiu finally gives in, definitely not sulking over doing so.
A smile spreads across Binghe's features, like a sun spreading its light after the moon finally relents and returns its spot in the heavens. The way this boy will visibly brighten and darken depending on his mood is something Shen Qingqiu can't help but find endearing. It is hard to stay grumpy with such a sight. In the end, Shen Qingqiu can only sigh, let Binghe continue his imitation of a puppy wagging its tail after getting his way and finally lead them out of the saferoom.
Shen Qingqiu just has to remind himself that Binghe won't be in any real danger. He just hopes the boy won't become too disappointed once he notices his own lack of deaths. Essentially being immortal is so out there that even a genius like Binghe shouldn’t be able to realise that is the case.
As they walk up the stairs, Shen Qingqiu suddenly remembers:
"Did Binghe find anything useful in the bedroom after I... you know, became ill?" Shen Qingqiu asks, looking back at Luo Binghe.
Luo Binghe doesn't take long to answer. "I found another needle, like the ones before, Senior. That should make it four in total so far."
"Oh that is great! Can't be many more places for needles like that to hide then. Did Binghe find anything else?"
Luo Binghe shakes his head.
"No Senior. I didn't find anything else in the room."
Blood spills from Shen Qingqiu's mouth as the axe is wrenched out of his back. The terrified scream of Liu Mingyan fills his ears as he falls to the ground, more blood spilling forth, quickly drenching the carpet in the hallway.
The Killer is already on his way, chasing towards his next target. Not bothering to wait for Shen Qingqiu's final breath as that would risk other victims getting away. Liu Mingyan's frightful cries fades as she is forced to run away, until Shen Qingqiu can hear nothing but Luo Binghe's deep breaths.
It is his luck that he managed to fall so he is facing where Luo Binghe is leaning against the wall, eyes closed and a trickle of blood dripping down his cheek. His unconscious state the consequence of putting himself between Shen Qingqiu and the Killer. While the rise and fall of his chest is clear, even he can't last such a close encounter with the Killer unhurt.
Shen Qingqiu finds himself hoping that Binghe will stay unconscious, at least until the next loop. Like this, if he were to wake up now, he would see the mangled body of Shen Qingqiu first thing, see the failure of his sacrifice. Shen Qingqiu would move himself away, out of Binghe's sight, but the axe didn't just slash open his back for the world to see. The force of the swing itself must have also broken his spine or his back. He can’t even feel the tip of his fingers, nevermind able to move them an inch.
Really, this is Shen Qingqiu's fault. If he hadn't needed to look back at Binghe's slumped form, hadn't needed to confirm that Binghe was still breathing after getting struck with the handle of the axe, then he might have been able to escape. In that moment, as he heard the cry and thud behind him, he had lost all control of his body, not even conscious of his decision before it was too late.
Shen Qingqiu hopes Binghe won't blame himself. He hopes Binghe won't treat this like he failed. This was out of his control after all.
It is his luck that he managed to fall so he is facing Luo Binghe. Like this, as the world loses its edges and darkens around him, he can at least see Binghe's face as the last thing before he bleeds out. From his pale lips, to the trickle of blood, to the flutter of his eyes. As blood flows from his back and trickle from his mouth, the last thing Shen Qingqiu remembers is a dark, starless sky, only a lone pale moon looking down at him, perched so high above that not a hand dares to reach out to touch.
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 30 - Drift Away
He does find a note as well. Scanning it quickly, he does not care much for what is written on the page. With a quick look behind, he does not see Shen Qingqiu over his shoulder, so with swift hands he folds it together, hiding it away in his pocket. Finding nothing else of interest in the vanity dresser, he turns back towards Shen Qingqiu, ready to reunite with his Senior.
Except, as he turns around, Shen Qingqiu is nowhere to be seen.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
Considering the rooms they have encountered on this floor so far, none of them have been places where Shen Qingqiu would imagine the main occupants would frequent. With a mansion of this size, the owners would definitely live in extraordinary luxury. While the rooms have been quite fancy, they have also been more restrained. Comfortable, but clearly meant for guests and the like.
This bedroom is clearly of a very different quality while still being a couple of steps below the main bedroom. For starters, the size alone rivals even that of the living room on this floor.
The ceiling towers above them, supported by thick and sturdy golden beams. The flooring is made of a rich dark wood, polished to the point it almost feels soft underneath their shoes. Placed in the center of the room is a thick carpet, but unlike the same red rugs they have seen so far, this one is filled with delicate designs, a labyrinth of patterns.
The bed is lavish. High quality thick duvets and matching fluffy pillows made ready to lure any unsuspecting victim in for the nap of a lifetime. Cloth have been tied to the beams, easily released, turning the bed into its own private space. When looking closely, golden flowerheads have been stitched into the fabric, making the entire thing shine in the light coming from the chandelier above.
A wardrobe almost large enough to live in stands to one side with a vanity dresser right beside it. One can easily imagine some lady sitting in front of the mirror, heaps of jewelry and makeup surrounding her as she prepares for the day.
There are no other heavy pieces of furniture in the room, leaving most of it bare. Still, there is no feeling of emptiness as the walls are completely covered in gold-framed paintings from top to bottom.
Their depictions vary from naturalistic pictures of forests and hills to group portraits of people Shen Qingqiu does not recognize to pure images of the sea, ships like black dots in an ocean of blue. Combined together, they give such a sense of overwhelming extravagance, a whirlwind of worlds jumbled together until one can only feel insignificant in their presence.
There is no altan attached to this room, but a tall pair of windows stand to let the moonlight in. In front of them are a single thin chair paired up with a similar delicate table. Upon which rests a single golden harp. Twin pair of lotus flowers circle its edges, blooming in opposite directions, a slender connection holding strings as thin as spidersilk.
The handcraft is absolutely stunning. and a glossy glass wall keeps it well and safe away from any prying hands. Particularly, Shen Qingqiu's prying hands.
Another of the instruments so sought after.
Neither code nor key stand between Shen Qingqiu and the harp. Instead, a symbol like that of a flame is etched into the glass, an invitation to press something against it. No other features appear on the planes, the other sides completely smooth and flat.
It takes both Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu a moment to take in the room in full. From the assault of paintings to the little of it that is actually explorable. Once Shen Qingqiu's eyes catch onto the harp, they never quite leave, his body almost subconsciously moves towards it. Meanwhile, Binghe follows his usual instinct and goes over to investigate the wardrobe and vanity.
The room is so large that it almost feels like they are splitting up, distance stretching out between them.
Carefully, mindful of not triggering any traps, Shen Qingqiu presses his hands against the glass. It is cold against his palms, almost as if he is touching the windows through it. Around the harp there is not a speck of dust as if it was simply put to the side not long ago. While most of it is gold, the outlines of each lotus head has been painted, such that one appears lighter and the other darker.
Looking upon it, Shen Qingqiu can easily imagine some beautiful musician sitting on that lonely chair, harp playing sweet melodies to entertain the occupants of the room. Only the most elite guests would be offered a chance to rest in this luxury, likely only the kind such as family members or those in the highest standing of society. Compared to the other bedroom Shen Qingqiu has seen, the difference is to laugh at.
Even the placement can't be a coincidence. Ignoring the current state of the toilet, the pleasure of the bathroom with its huge bath and extra accessories are only a couple of steps away.
Shen Qingqiu can almost taste the end on the tip of his tongue. Once he knows how to access the harp he will be able to finish the biggest puzzle of this level. So little is left for them to further explore.
For now, there is nothing more he can do. Turning back towards Binghe, he sees him with his head inside the wardrobe.
It does not stand empty. Fancy suits and wide gowns hang inside, the fabric showing no sign of age or tear. It goes in deep, deep enough that one can fully crawl inside and still sit with legs stretched out. As a hiding place, one could almost not imagine anything better.
Binghe does in fact crawl inside as that is the only way to look it over in full. The light from the chandelier does not fully reach inside and the dresses and suits are like curtains. While not able to see much, Binghe is not hesitant to use his hands to feel out the space instead. Following the edges of the wood, he notices a suspicious amount of space between the boards. Continuing his search, his fingers catch something hard and cold. Pushing the clothing to the side, he gains enough light to see a tiny keyhole. Smaller than any other he has seen so far. There is no give from the shiny metal when Binghe tries to push the boards loose.
He has no other choice but to make a mental note for later. Then he moves on to the vanity.
Its mirror is quite large, able to catch much of the empty room on its surface. Its frame is wood like the rest of the furniture, but gold has been painted along its edges, edges carved to give it a more flowery and natural shape. Most would not find anything noticable about the handcraft, but Binghe's trained eye catches upon a particular 'flower', the middle of it protruding.
He does not hesitate to pull it out, revealing another needle like the others he has found so far. With now four needles in their collection, they must not be far off from the full amount.
Binghe is not finished yet, though. Pulling open the drawers doesn't reveal much more. He has noticed a pattern of supplies in the rooms they visit and this one does not differ. Bandages and oil are the most common. Here, he also finds a pair of pills he assumes to be the same kind of painkillers as the ones he found for Shen Qingqiu in the shed in an earlier loop.
He does find a note as well. Scanning it quickly, he does not care much for what is written on the page. With a quick look behind, he does not see Shen Qingqiu over his shoulder, so with swift hands he folds it together, hiding it away in his pocket. Finding nothing else of interest in the vanity dresser, he turns back towards Shen Qingqiu, ready to reunite with his Senior.
Except, as he turns around, Shen Qingqiu is nowhere to be seen. Or at least, nowhere to be seen at first.
Shen Qingqiu had planned to join Binghe while he searched the wardrobe and vanity. A room this large, but with so few pieces of furniture, has to hold something of use. While the harp is a major find, with it being locked away and the convoluted way to access the room, other puzzle related items must be hidden inside.
But as he was on his way to cross the room, once he stepped onto the carpet, his eyes got caught in its pattern.
Shen Qingqiu is not an expert in how carpets are made. So he has no idea how a pattern like this would be crafted. But looking down, it is as if he is caught in a labyrinth of fabric lines. None of them cross or intersect, giving the illusion there is a way out of the maze.
Almost as if his mind has been caught in a woven web, Shen Qingqiu finds himself unable to step out of the 'roads'. Head growing more sluggish, his eyes flutter back and forth, looking for any way out. Quickly he finds they all head in the same direction, confidently leading him towards the centerpiece of the room - the bed.
Standing right in front of it, it is as if the duvets are an ocean of waves, threatening to drown him in their deep. The pillows at the end makes him think of distant islands, seemingly paradise when watching from afar, but hiding their own deadly essence.
Invited into their depths, Shen Qingqiu finds one of his knees on the edge. Almost falling forward, he grasps one of the beds posters, loosening the hanging cloth so it falls behind him.
For some reason, the dark does not scare him. Instead, it gently pushes him to crawl forward. To part the ocean until he lays in its middle. Before the thought even enters his mind, his head finds itself on one of the pillows. Soft like fine sand on the beach, it shifts until it perfectly fits around his head.
Shen Qingqiu did not realize how heavy his eyes were. But with each second, their burden grows and he soons finds he does not have the strength to keep them open. Breathing deeply in and out, Shen Qingqiu slowly floats away, not a thought of worry in his mind.
...
...
...
He does not remember when he was last this peaceful.
...
...
...
"-or! Senior!!"
With a start, Shen Qingqiu opens his eyes. His entire face is pressed into the pillow, soft and cuddly. The bed is so, so comfortable, so it takes him a moment to realize the worry in Binghe's voice.
Usually after a nap, it takes Shen Qingqiu a proper moment to wake up. This is no different, his head like lead as he turns towards where Binghe is calling his name. The pillow oddly sticks to his face as he moves, as if it also doesn't want him free from the gentle hold it had on him.
As he finally turns fully, he is met with the worried face of Binghe. He must have called his name a couple of times and Shen Qingqiu finds himself feeling bad for falling asleep. When caught in a murder mansion full of traps and death, that seems like a kinda rude thing to do...
"Senior, what are you..." Binghe starts, eyes furrowed at first. They quickly change as he exclaims when he sees Shen Qingqiu in full. "You are bleeding!"
Suddenly Binghe is in the bed as well, pulling Shen Qingqiu up to sit, pressing his palm against his neck. Not quite understanding, Shen Qingqiu clumsily wipes at his face, trying to find what Binghe means. That is when his hand catches something wet and sticky.
Huh... When did his nose begin to bleed...?
palming first his neck, Binghe quickly moves on to Shen Qingqiu's forehead when he notices how glassy the others' eyes are.
"When did you get this fever?" Binghe whispers. Since it doesn't sound like he is speaking to Shen Qingqiu, he does not bother answering. He is still trying to understand where the nosebleed came from and when he looks to the side, he realises the pillow is covered with it. It is almost a wonder he didn't drown in his own blood.
Continuing to check Shen Qingqiu over, Binghe checks every spot he can think of until he reaches his hand. Holding it out, his eyes catch on the bandages wrapped around the arm. Unable to stay calm, he roughly unties the cloth, letting it fall onto the bed.
Maybe about twenty or thirty minutes ago, Shen Qingqiu hurt his arm. Back then, the scratches had been so thin, barely any blood had seeped from the wound.
Now, the scratches have swollen to twice their size, an infectious green covering them each. Once it has become released from the bandage, a clear liquid begins to gather, slowly dribbling down Shen Qingqiu's elbow.
Haltingly, Shen Qingqiu turns his head away from the ruined pillow until he sees his arm in Binghe's hold. At first, what he sees makes no sense to him. Such a horrific sight, he feels as if his entire arm should be burning with pain. But then he realises, he can't really feel his arm at all. Even where Binghe is holding his hand is only a muted sense of grip, something easily missed.
Shen Qingqiu thinks... that maybe... he should have been more careful with the flowers...
His thoughts are like molasses, barely oozing forward. So he can barely follow along when Binghe suddenly swings himself into motion.
He starts by leaving the bed, quickly pacing back and forth as he mutters under his breath. The words "Laboratory" and "antidote" pass through the cotton Shen Qingqiu's head has become, but he doesn't think that is a good idea. There are hundreds of flasks in that room and not every antidote label is to be trusted.
Binghe seems to come to the same conclusion as his face darkens further and his pace quickens. Curse words begin to mingle with his mutters and Shen Qingqiu has half a mind to correct his language. That is when the man suddenly stops mid-stride.
"The greenhouse! If the flowers are poisonous, then they must keep a cure there!"
Well, that is certainly a better idea. Okay, they should try that. Not like Shen Qingqiu wants to die a dying death from evil flowers.
Such rude evil flowers... poisoning him like that...
It very soon becomes clear that Shen Qingqiu won't be able to move himself to the greenhouse. Barely able to push himself off the bed, it is only thanks to Binghe's quick reflexes that he doesn't faceplant into the carpet. For a moment, the world turns in every direction at once during which Shen Qingqiu considers whether he should just empty his stomach now and save himself the trouble later.
When everything stills once again, there is an arm behind his back and another underneath his knees. It takes him a second too long to realize Binghe is actually to god carrying him in a princess carry.
Is that even legal!? Shen Qingqiu is not one of Binghe's wifes, so it definitely gotta be against some law to be princess carried by him! Even if he feels nicely warm against his own clammy and cold skin, even if the lotus scent is even stronger this close, even if listening to the beating of his heart makes Shen Qingqiu want to calmly go to sleep...
If Binghe has always been able to carry him like this, why did he never do so back when they were stuck in the basement... That is a nice thing he could have enjoyed earlier…
Shen Qingqiu kind of wants to drift off, but it is too hard to do so with the constant rustle as Binghe hurries forward with him in his arms. He also thinks he might be speaking to him, though it is hard to determine whether the constant reassurance is for Shen Qingqiu or Binghe himself.
He wants to say something, anything of comfort, when Binghe suddenly stops in his tracks. There is nothing to see at first and that is when Shen Qingqiu realises that is because he has his head pressed against Binghe's shoulder. A splotch of red is left behind and he realises his nosebleed has yet to stop, continuously dripping down his face. He feels sorry about ruining Binghe's shirt, but gets soon distracted as he finally turns his head fully and realizes why Binghe stopped moving.
Is that... Is that Ning Yingying?
Binghe must have taken off his glasses or he dropped them somewhere (Maybe he took them off when he went to lay in the bed?), but his sight is definitely much more blurry than his usual blindness. He can barely discern any detail of Ning Yingying and either the poison in his blood is making him see double as well or is that Liu Mingyan behind her? Actually it doesn't matter, because another wave of dizziness falls over him and he has to concentrate so he doesn’t ruin Binghe's shirt further.
They are definitely talking, raised voices speaking too quickly for Shen Qingqiu to follow. Then they are moving again, this time with Ning Yingying (and Liu Mingyan?) in front. They quickly reach the staircase, where she holds open the doors for Binghe until he is able to lay Shen Qingqiu down in the greenhouse.
The floor underneath him is nowhere as warm as Binghe and he already misses the arms around him. But he must have somehow made the other mad, because Binghe turns his back to him, rushing over to the shelves looking for... For something...
What were Binghe looking for again? Shen Qingqiu feels as if he should know... He doesn't have to wonder for long, though, because suddenly his entire vision is filled with Ning Yingying.
This close he is able to discern a bit more and what he sees worries him. Mud sticks to her hair and clothes, one pigtail almost falling loose. She is bleeding from a wound above her brow and bruises litter her face.
She must have been absolutely terrified because the expression she shows Shen Qingqiu is filled with fear and concern.
Shen Qingqiu tries to open his mouth to speak. He doesn't know what he wants to say. Maybe that she doesn't have to worry, this isn't Shen Qingqiu's first experience dying horrible like this. Maybe an apology for her having to witness Binghe princess carry cheating on her with a man. That must have been a very distressing sight. Or maybe he wants to ask her if it really is Liu Mingyan standing behind her or if Shen Qingqiu is truly just that out of it.
No words leaves him as he finds his mouth too filled with something wet and metallic. It drips out to slide along his cheek and neck and a shaky hand from Ning Yingying reaches out to wipe it away.
Is she crying?
A loud crash startles them both when Binghe throws the tools and supplies off the shelves with a loud curse. He is moving around frantically, his shouts of "There is nothing here!" loud enough to break through Shen Qingqiu's fog. He feels bad for him. If he told Shen Qingqiu what he is looking for, maybe he could help him find it? Before he-
Ning Yingying says something back, maybe trying to calm him down, but it doesn't appear to be working. It goes back and forth like this for a bit, Shen Qingqiu almost dozing off, when they both suddenly go quiet.
At first Shen Qingqiu doesn't understand why. Then he hears the first heavy thump of metal against the ground. And recognizes the buzzing in his ears as the static that it is.
Oh. This is not good.
Panic overtakes the room. Binghe looks in every direction, but there is no place for anyone to hide. At most, there are the thin curtains against the wall and maybe they could be lucky hiding behind there, but for Shen Qingqiu...
Ning Yingying (Or is it Liu Mingyan) tries to say something and Binghe explodes. He turns impossibly louder, gesturing towards Shen Qingqiu. Ning Yingying tries to interrupt, but Binghe doesn't let her. Soon they are both (all three?) yelling and Shen Qingqiu wants to tell them to shut up. That they have to be quiet. That the Killer can definitely hear them. That they have to run and hide and get away and working together will help them much further than whatever this is!
Thump. Thump. Thump. Coming closer and closer.
Shen Qingqiu's eyes are glued to the door, knowing it will open any second now. The voices in the room never quietens, impossible to reach agreement and suddenly the scent of lotus sourrend him once again as he is embraced.
There is so much warmth in the innermost part of his heart. The care and tenderness he feels as Binghe refuses to abandon him can not be described. The honor and determination of this man, even for a scum villain like him... Shen Qingqiu has no words...
The very last shreds of his strength gather into determination. There is only one thing he can do for them now. One way he can force this conflict to an end.
The door facing him soon disappears from sight as he exhaustily closes his eyes. Binghe is still speaking and he might be saying something to Shen Qingqiu, but he has no chance of knowing what. It almost sounds like it could be begging.
Shen Qingqiu releases a final sigh. Makes it easier for all of them. And lets himself drift away.
Binghe does appear to reach the same conclusion, following the dripping lines with his finger. Seeing they are not that deep, he loosens his hold on Shen Qingqiu, though he does not fully release him.
"We're lucky Senior. I just found some bandages among the shelves. They look clean, so let's cover this up."
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
Multiple patches of flowerbeds mark the center of the room, each in their own shade of colors. The blooming flower stands tall, their fragrant scent filling the space to an almost nauseating degree. The size of the patches vary, though combined they fill out the greenhouse beautifully. Smaller lightposts stand in each corner, lighting up the room.
A few garden tools and such hang from shelves along the walls, dusty and rotting from lack of use. A couple of small elegant tables with matching chairs are placed around, sets where one can easily imagine couples sitting together, enjoying a cup of tea. An abandoned teapot and cup even lays on one of the tables, having fallen to the side.
The entire back wall as well as the roof above them is made entirely out of glass. While rain and wind hammer against the panels, they stand strong, not a single spot leaking. Large, but thin curtains have been put up to cover up the wall if needed.
All in all, the greenhouse isn't particularly big. The plants kept here also don't appear to have any use other than to be decorations. This was more built for the sake of guests having a spot to enjoy breakfast rather than something more practical.
Wood has been used to cover the floor, though it has no sign of rot when Shen Qingqiu and Binghe steps on it. Going opposite ways, they each circle the flowerbeds, taking in the room.
There is a door in the glass wall that leads outside, but when Shen Qingqiu pulls at the handle, there is no give. Part of him suspects it is just as fake as the majority of doors upstairs. A fleeting thought enters his mind, wondering if the glass would break were they to try to throw a chair through it. When it is just a game, that is of course not an option, but if they find themselves stuck here with the Killer, it is certainly worth testing.
Not worth risking now, though. He doesn't want to make any unnecessary noise. Instead he kneels down for a closer look at the flowers.
While he does so, Binghe looks through the shelves. Scissors, shovels and rakes. Thick gloves and long aprons. There is everything one can imagine might be needed to keep the plants healthy and strong. Even a flew flask of fertilizer takes up the space. Not much that they can use, though. Everything that could be considered as weapons are rusty and fragile, falling apart at the slightest touch.
Studying the colorful patches, Shen Qingqiu has noticed that in each flowerbed, there is a single flower that doesn't match the colors of the rest. In the yellow patch, there is a single blue flower, in the blue patch there is a single purple flower and so on and so forth. Unsure of what to think about these unique flowers, Shen Qingqiu also tries to see if anything has been hidden in the beds. Leaning forward, he carefully pushes the flowers to the side, looking for anything underneath. Even just a sign that the earth has been recently disturbed could be a clue.
Indeed, in a red field of plants similar to roses he finds the ground loose. With just his bare hands, he is able to dig out a single piece of paper. As he leans back, something suddenly catches onto his sleeve. With a jerk of his arm, he is free, though not painlessly.
"hss-" With a sharp inhale he pulls his arm away. His coat still tied around his waist after their visit to the bathroom means that three straight scratches stand clear as they paint his sleeve with red.
It doesn't look serious, but before he is able to check it further, Binghe is suddenly at his side. Taking hold of Shen Qingqiu's arm, he pulls back his sleeve, staring intently at his hurt arm.
Just how did he get here this quick...? Shen Qingqiu barely made a sound and Binghe was focused on the shelves. Most would love to have Binghe attend to them so closely, but Shen Qingqiu isn't some damsel in distress! It is just a few scratches, it is not like they would kill him!
Binghe does appear to reach the same conclusion, following the dripping lines with his finger. Seeing they are not that deep, he loosens his hold on Shen Qingqiu, though he does not fully release him.
"We're lucky Senior. I just found some bandages among the shelves. They look clean, so let's cover this up." True to his words, Binghe pulls out a bandage and begins to wrap it around Shen Qingqiu's arm. With a sigh, Shen Qingqiu can only let him do it.
"I won't fall apart from this little, you know." He can't help but comment, though.
"I know. But it is better to be careful. Senior himself said traps can be everywhere."
Well, he did say that. Letting Binghe finish up his work, Shen Qingqiu instead takes the time to study the page he found. Looking it over he realises it is a report of some kind. And not just any report - It is a confinement report, detailing the lockup of one of the residents.
Something that has yet to be revealed is that the mansion is placed in the middle of nowhere. The sleeping quarters for servants and guests alike are not just a sign of wealth, but also a necessity. With a car, the nearest village is a couple of hours away, which means most of the people that inhabit the mansion couldn't easily leave the place.
Because of this, if one were to observe a map of the area, a few extra constructions would be noticed. Its own auditorium, a ballroom capable of hosting a number of people that hit triple digits and even its very own monastery, though that part of the ground has a different owner.
And yes, even its very own jail.
Of course, there are no authorities here to actually punish those who break the law. In theory, the prison was built to hold law-breakers until the police could arrive. In practice, they had a much simpler use.
Most commonly, it would be used to host those who needed separation after a particularly bad fight or the odd gardening boy who got too deep into the liquor. On only the most rare occasions would the cells actually hold someone not already known by the estate.
Reports like the one in Shen Qingqiu's hand were simply documentation of who got thrown into a cell and for what reason. Written by the groundskeeper, they tended to be quite detailed. Shen Qingqiu remembers reading through multiple of such reports when originally playing the game, though most of them had little relevance. This one, he finds to be quite interesting, though.
It didn't just detail the reasoning for the lockup, but also when the culprit had been released. With theft as well as breaking and entering, his crimes did rank higher than most of the residents who got to spend their nights in the jail. But instead of the police collecting him, he was instead picked up by someone much stricter - His mother.
Shen Qingqiu recognizes the name easily. First on the family picture he found in the bedroom and also on the group photo of the workers from the basement. From the descriptions of the detainee, he must have been a young adult during this time. There is a blurred comment at the side noting he hadn't fought back when he was caught despite his impressive size.
While the year can't be read through the dirt and mud at the top of the page, the dates for how long the young man was detained are clear. 28th of September to the 5th of October. So for a week, he was stuck in the cells until his mother bothered to come get him.
Shen Qingqiu is quite certain he never saw this note when he played the game. The details match the other clues too well for him to have forgotten it. Something nags something in his brain as well, some detail that can't quite be right, but he just can't think of what it would be.
"What is it that Senior got?" Binghe suddenly asks, having patiently waited for Shen Qingqiu to finish reading the report. Shen Qingqiu hands it over to him and he takes a minute to read it as well, before he looks at Shen Qingqiu questionably.
"Information like this can help us understand our situation better, which means we can escape quicker. While I don't yet know the point of this one yet, collecting clues like this is quite important," Shen Qingqiu patiently explains. Binghe nods along before he suddenly appears, struck with thought.
"Is that why Senior were so dedicated to collecting the diary pages in the basement?"
Shen Qingqiu nods, though he feels a flicker of shame from all the times it almost killed him to do so. "Yes, I wanted to get the full story, that's why I didn't want to miss out on them."
Binghe mulls it over, face slowly morphing into a frown. Glaring at the page in his hand, it is as if it is the cause of some past hurt.
"I don't really like it, Senior. Since everything starts over in the end, can't you collect these things without risking your lives?"
Well sure, but who knows how long that would take? Shen Qingqiu simply shrugs and wisely changes the subject: "Did Binghe find anything interesting during his own search?"
Allowing the change of topic, Binghe moves to pull something out of his pocket. "I did, one just like what we found earlier."
In his hand he holds another needle with an insignia. It is exactly the same length and thickness, only the crest a slightly different pattern. Now three in total, they are closer to unlocking the hidden crate in the laboratory. With a smile, Shen Qingqiu reaches out to give Binghe a congratulatory pat on the head.
"Well done!"
Another pin and a clue. Not bad finds. Still, they check the rest of the space for anything of more interest. As Shen Qingqiu casually passes the table with the fallen tea set, curiosity hits him. Picking up the cup and teapot, he feels as if he has seen something like them somewhere.
On the side of the both of them they have a matching pattern of flowers. The decoration is quite realistic, looking exactly like the red plants Shen Qingqiu was just digging through. Staring at it for a bit, a lightbulb suddenly goes off in his head. Picking up the pot and cup, he does not quite manage to hide his excitement as he turns towards Binghe.
"I know what these are for. If we are finished here, I know where to go next!"
"Then Senior should show the way. I don't believe there is more for us to find," Binghe answers with an indulgent smile, letting Shen Qingqiu take the lead. He hurries to do so, a clear objective in his mind.
Despite his hurry, Shen Qingqiu is still careful enough to listen out for the spiritbox. It really wouldn't do if they got caught and had to restart the session now. Especially with the method needed to get to the greenhouse, Shen Qingqiu would prefer to save Binghe from having to do 'that' more than absolutely necessary.
As they reach the small kitchenette without incident, Shen Qingqiu feels as if his luck has completely turned. Somehow, they have managed to mostly match their movement to perfectly avoid the Killer, something which Shen Qingqiu can only appreciate. As long as it lasts, he does not plan to look a gift horse in the mouth. They need to take advantage of the peace while they still can.
Binghe takes his time to look around the room, but Shen Qingqiu goes straight to the shelf with all the other teapots. Like he thought, the pot from the greenhouse matches the others perfectly with its pattern. Having now seen the flowerbeds, he can recognize each type of flower painted upon each pot and cup. When not knowing of the missing tea set, there is nothing in the way they stand that makes one think something is amiss. But now that he has it in hand, he notices a perfect spot for it within their formation. Carefully putting the red set in its place, Shen Qingqiu steps back to await any reaction that may happen.
Nothing.
He is sure he is on the right track. Nothing else would explain why one of the tea sets would be missing. There must be something crucial to the puzzle he hasn’t thought of yet.
As Shen Qingqiu ponders what he is doing wrong, Binghe finishes up his own investigations of the room. Joining his Senior, he sees the intense stare he gives the tea sets. Quickly understanding the situation, Binghe also tries to make sense of what they need to do.
"Has Senior tried moving them around?"
This Senior has not. He has considered it. He would prefer not to do so.
The thing is, there is nothing to mark the positions of each teapot and teacup. So if he begins to shuffle them around and forgets their original position there is no way to get them back in place. Besides, when there is no hint towards where he is supposed to put them, he prefers not to make random guesses.
There must be some form of logic they can follow. Despite the incompetence of the game developers, all their puzzles had some sense behind them at least. If one can simply connect the dots...
Maybe if he just moves the pots around and lets the cups be... That way, he can use them as reminders for how they were originally placed... Something might reveal itself if they stand in a different pattern... Or it could be the other way around, with letting the pots stay on their spots while the cups-
Shen Qingqiu's eyes widens. Images of the flowerbeds in the greenhouse flashes before him. Single colored flowers mixed with the wrong crowd in each bed. Flowers that all perfectly match the pattern on the tea sets!
Getting dizzy with excitement, Shen Qingqiu immediately begins to move the teacups around. Remembering the colors as well as he can, he matches the pots and cups as if they each represent their own flowerbed and flower. A blue teacup beside the yellow teapot, purple cup beside the blue pot and so on and so forth.
Luckily, he knew to take note of any particularity. He is easily able to remember the right colors and soon has all the cups moved around. Taking a step back once again, he hopes he got it right this time.
Seconds tick by. And then the sound of wiring and bolts sound from inside the cabinet. With bated breath, Shen Qingqiu and Binghe watch on as the noise in the cabinet grows louder until it suddenly stops with a plop and something falls into the teapot in the middle.
Stepping forward, Shen Qingqiu carefully picks it out, not recognizing what it is at first. Binghe follows, looking from above Shen Qingqiu's shoulder onto the hard metal he is holding. Shaped like a horse shoe, it is heavy in his hand as he lifts it to allow Binghe to easily see.
"Senior, doesn't that look like a magnet of some kind?"
That is not a bad guess. Pulling out the needles Binghe gave him prior, he doesn't have to put them very close to the metal before they are pulled to it, getting stuck on its edges. Barely, Shen Qingqiu is able to pull them off again, putting the needles safely back in his pocket.
Strong magnet in hand, Shen Qingqiu already has an idea of where to use it. He almost wants to just start running there, this amount of progress so rare across the loops. Normally, the Killer or Ning Yingying would have stumbled upon him by now, putting an end to his session. Having to repeat everything once more when already knowing what to do with the items is frustratingly draining.
It is that thought in mind that keeps Shen Qingqiu in check as he moves to leave the room, giving the spiritbox ample time to warn them. Just to be certain, Shen Qingqiu peeks out the door, just to check that the coast is clear. There is not a sign of any danger. This one session, the alignment of the planets are just right, allowing Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe to go back down the hallway for the second time and into the bedroom.
Shen Qingqiu does not give Binghe much time to look around, though. With the thought the Killer could appear any moment, he puts in the code to the glass container. With a click it springs open, releasing the flute inside. Though Shen Qingqiu is less concerned with the instrument at the moment, more interested in the key it holds inside.
Key in one hand and magnet in the other, he returns to the hallway, Binghe never far behind. Unlocking the door to the bathroom, it is as unimpressive as always. Still vastly preferable to the other one, of course.
For a moment Shen Qingqiu considers the best way to access the item in the sink. Thinking about it, he asks for the leftover bandages Binghe has, ripping a thin stripe off. Tying it around the magnet, he is able to sink it down the drain.
He feels it immediately when something gets stuck on it. Quickly pulling it back out, a key hangs from the end. Quite similar to the key they used to unlock the greenhouse.
Will they truly be able to unlock one more room before this session comes to an end?
They have to! With all this work put into getting this far, it would truly be a shame having to repeat it all over! They have to hurry before they run out of time and luck!
The excitement must be getting to him, as Shen Qingqiu finds himself stumbling over his own legs as he hurries back to the hallway. It is only with a steady hand from Binghe that keeps him from embarrassing himself by faceplanting onto the floor. Able to regain his balance, Shen Qingqiu manages just barely to not throw caution to the wind and hope the Killer is nowhere near. But with the spiritbox staying quiet it becomes harder to remind himself why he has to stay this careful.
Patience is a virtue. This Shen Qingqiu repeats to himself as they move along the hallway at what feels like a snail's pace. It is likely quicker than that, but out in the open like this, Shen Qingqiu expects the Killer to turn a corner or crash through one of the doors at any moment.
Shen Qingqiu feels as if split into two parts. One of fear, growing larger the longer they continue with no danger and another of determination that says their luck has lasted this long, they just need a few more minutes!
They are all the way back to where they found the key to the greenhouse, standing before the door they tried before with no luck. If they truly are able to unlock it now, Shen Qingqiu will praise whichever gods has allowed them to do this much in this one session. While it might seem like nothing compared to how much he and Binghe did in the forest and basement, his solo runs have never gone this well. Going from one point to another like this, unlocking one thing after the other, Shen Qingqiu feels downright heated with it all. He could almost faint with the overwhelming amount of progress they are doing.
"Senior truly knows his way around," Binghe suddenly comments, his voice dazed from being dragged from one place in the mansion to the next.
Hesitating for a second, Shen Qingqiu realizes he is right. Not having to hide his knowledge, Shen Qingqiu had just acted as he would on his own. Always trying to save time, never allowing himself a break or a pause. No wonder he almost feels out of breath.
"Having had to repeat my actions this many times, this Senior can't help but be... enthusiastic about anything new. We have progressed so well this session, so I want to push and see what more we can get away with," Shen Qingqiu can't help but explain. He does feel slightly shamed at rushing Binghe around like this, but hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.
Binghe smiles at him with a patient smile. "This Junior understands. I am also glad with how well everything have been going. Let's hope it will continue to do so for much longer. Right, Senior?"
"Right." Putting the key in, Shen Qingqiu turns it, hundreds of thoughts blasting through his mind of what more they will be able to do. Getting closer and closer to the end, there is still so much for him to do, but also much that has been done. Maybe finally, the end of the level is in sight.
Honored Eternal Path of Demise CH. 28 - Bathroom Business
Binghe certainly appears to contemplate Shen Qingqiu's words quite seriously. Looking back at the door, his grip on the door handle loosens. He seems to understand that whatever is behind that door is nothing good and to not just enter it carelessly. With the matter settled, Shen Qingqiu is ready to get away from here, sticking to more familiar and less sickening sights.
Or he would be, if Binghe just now didn't take a deep breath and step inside.
First Chapter ~~ AO3 Link
Stepping out of the laboratory, Shen Qingqiu considers where they should start. Already, he has a few rooms in mind that he suspects haven’t been explored to completion.
There is the large living room, the size reason enough for him to have missed a couple of things. Then there is the bedroom, container of one of the key items they need. While Shen Qingqiu feels quite confident he found most of what is in there, it is an important room to show Binghe. The music room he doesn't think there will be more to find, but the secret room it leads to had such an overabundance of knick knacks, Binghe will definitely get something interesting out of there.
With all that said, Shen Qingqiu does in fact not bring Binghe to any of those rooms first. Though, that is not by choice. He leads them to the living room at first as that is closest. The spiritbox making itself known is an obvious warning when they try to walk down the hallway. Stepping back, it quiets down again. Until the Killer moves on, it means they are somewhat stuck at a deadend.
"Senior, why don't we go the other way? Is there really nothing there?" Luo Binghe suggests when it is clear that particular hallway is off limits for now.
Shen Qingqiu hesitates. Down the other way there really isn't much. One large bathroom, one locked door and one room he rather not think about.
The bathroom is not a bad idea to visit though... If they have to wait for the Killer to leave the area, spending some time there wouldn't be a waste. Thinking about it, Shen Qingqiu hasn't even solved any puzzles inside there yet, so it might actually be a good idea to visit that first!
Leading the way, Shen Qingqiu uses the time to consider what he should tell Binghe and what he should still keep quiet about. He is fine with revealing the puzzles he already knows and it is no secret he has explored most of the upper floor. Rather, it is a question of how many of the bigger goals he should share.
The ultimate puzzle in the secret room there isn't much need to hide. As they find the last two instruments, that will likely come up in conversation naturally. He hesitates a bit more when it comes to the Killers backstory, though. Yes, it is mostly a stereotypically boring mess, but knowing it is kind of needed to beat him in the end. Of course, Shen Qingqiu remembers all there is from when he was playing, but if he is to explain it to Binghe and the other characters later, then he needs proof so they don’t question how he has this knowledge.
How to beat this level is the hardest to bring up. There are some very specific actions they have to do and the closer they get to the end, the less sense they will end up making. As long as Shen Qingqiu continues to act as if he doesn't know much more than Binghe, then he has to find a way for conclusions to be reached naturally. No matter how random those conclusions may appear to be.
The more progress they gain, the more precarious Shen Qingqiu will have to be. Luckily, for as long as they are still solving the upper floor, there is time before he has to worry too much.
For now, he will just point out the locked room for Binghe in case that becomes relevant later, they will check out the bathroom where Binghe will hopefully find something of use and then they will be on their way back. A good direct plan, something Shen Qingqiu can always appreciate. If this session just can go a tiny bit smoother than his usual runs, then he will certainly consider it all a win-
"Senior, is something wrong?" Binghe suddenly asks out of nowhere.
"Eh?"
Shen Qingqiu doesn't know where that sudden question came from. They are just walking normally in the hallway and as he looks around, he doesn't see anything out of place.
"What does Binghe mean?" He can’t help but question.
"No, it is just, you were clearly walking further away from some of the doors, so I was wondering if there was some trap in the area you were worried about?"
Shen Qingqiu manages to keep in his second eh, still not certain what Binghe is getting at. He is quite certain he has been walking straight this entire time? "No, there aren't any traps here. I would say, besides the Killer cornering us, we don't have to be particularly cautious in this area."
"Then why is Senior avoiding those doors? Or is it only one of them you don't like?" Binghe continues, even going over to one of them to investigate. That is when Shen Qingqiu suddenly realizes what the issue is.
The toilet that should not be entered!
"Binghe, wait!" Shen Qingqiu hurries to halt him before Binghe can enter that terrible room with no warning.
As always, Binghe is obedient and waits upon Shen Qingqiu's command. With a hand on the door handle, he looks back with questioning eyes.
"Senior said there are no traps around here. Is there something else I should be mindful of?"
Shen Qingqiu hesitates. In there is the room he has never voluntarily entered more than once. The pure repulsiveness he feels at just the thought is an amazing repeller. Besides, he didn't find anything useful in there, so that is as good a reason to stay away as any.
"It is... quite horrific in there. Worse than anything you have seen so far-" Seeing the look in Binghe's eyes, Shen Qingqiu quickly interrupts before he can inject. "Even worse than what happened to me in the last session! There also isn't anything useful in there, so it is best for us to just stay away."
Honestly, Shen Qingqiu thinks his reasons for avoiding that sickening room are quite reasonable. Having explained it to Binghe, he is sure the other man will understand.
Binghe certainly appears to contemplate Shen Qingqiu's words quite seriously. Looking back at the door, his grip on the door handle loosens. He seems to understand that whatever is behind that door is nothing good and to not just enter it carelessly. With the matter settled, Shen Qingqiu is ready to get away from here, sticking to more familiar and less sickening sights.
Or he would be, if Binghe just now didn't take a deep breath and step inside.
"Binghe!" Shen Qingqiu exclaims, following his junior. Last second, he remembers to cover his mouth and nose, the stench of the room just as unbearable as the last time.
Binghe has also been quick to learn his lesson, using one hand to cover his face as well. While his mouth is hidden, the regret in his eyes is clear. Looking around at the gore fest that is this room, there is not one spot more bearable than any other. The squelch of flesh with any step, the unspeakable business covering the mirror, the rotting meat of some unknown stranger. Even for a horror game, this room is particularly vile.
Shen Qingqiu can't get out of here soon enough, which he tries to inform Binghe with his eyes. Clearly Binghe is not enjoying his stay either, so why is he just standing still?!
Well, he doesn’t stay still for long. Just, instead of leaving through the door, he steps closer to the mirror. Looking it over more closely, he noticeable keeps a distance so as to not touch it accidentally. Shen Qingqiu swears there are more clumps of hair in the sink than last time and he has to fight not to gag.
Of course not finding anything of use, Binghe moves on to the chopped flesh in the corner. Again, he makes no move to touch anything and he stays even less than before. Not many secrets to hide in a pile of rotting meat.
Finally, he moves to the toilet. Looking into murky green water in the bowl, there is no telling what the clumps floating around consist of. Nothing pleasant, that is for certain. Clearly, there is nothing useful here either.
Shen Qingqiu is nearing his limit. The only reason he hasn't left yet is that it feels wrong to leave Binghe behind in a room this disgusting. He moves his hands so his face is still covered, but so that he can speak more easily. His muffled voice can just barely be heard through the quiet of the room.
"I told you! Let's get out of here before we catch something-"
Binghe sticks his entire arm into the toilet bowl.
What more he does, Shen Qingqiu does not see. Because in the next second, he is out the room, so he doesn't risk contamination when he empties his stomach.
What the actual fuck!! What the fuck!! Okay, Binghe has lost his mind. The heavy stench must have infected his mind, making him act irrationally. That is the only logical explanation, because there is no other way he would-
Shen Qingqiu can't think further as he gags, just the mental image alone making him feel sick to his stomach. Bent over at the waist, he tries to take deep breaths to calm his unruly stomach. The door to the toilet keeps all the stench inside, which makes it more of a nasty surprise when stepping in, but which Shen Qingqiu appreciates here and now. The only thing that would make it better is if he got the chance to take a couple of deep breaths of fresh air from the outside.
Once Shen Qingqiu's stomach has mostly calmed down, he shakily pulls himself back, wiping away the sweat that has gathered on his face. Considering his options of either getting Binghe out of there or leaving the crazy bastard, he is just about to choose the latter, when the door opens once more.
Stepping out of the terrible room, Binghe keeps one hand outstretched, as far away from himself as possible. Something is held between his fingers, but it is hard to make out what it is between the clumps, hair and other unknown substances that cling to his arm. The door has not even properly closed behind him before Shen Qingqiu is back to his prior position, trying not to throw up again as the stench hits him full force.
"Senior, I found a-"
"Nope!" Shen Qingqiu manages between gags. Forcing himself to get back up, he takes a wobbly step, followed by another. Slowly he moves forward, refusing to look back at Binghe. "I am not hearing another word until we get that cleaned!"
"But Senior-" Binghe tries, but Shen Qingqiu only has to raise one threatening finger before he quietens again. In silence, Shen Qingqiu hurries them towards the bathroom.
Once they reach it, Shen Qingqiu practically throws his junior inside.
Luckily, from experience, Shen Qingqiu knows touching the water is not dangerous in itself. Digging into the small closet, he drags out all the oils and soap he can find, sniffing them briefly before throwing them at Binghes feet. Adding a few towels to the pile, Shen Qingqiu does his best to avoid looking at Binghe's arm during his preparations.
When everything is ready, he takes a seat behind the room divider while Binghe cleans himself.
The steam is heavy in the bathroom and it does not take a long time before Shen Qingqiu's clothes begin to stick to his skin. Finding himself becoming too hot, he takes off his jacket and ties it around his waist, similar to how Binghe usually wears his. Splashing of water can be heard, though Binghe does not stay quiet for long.
"I didn't know Senior was so... apprehensive with something like this," he mutters.
Shen Qingqiu refuses to let himself be shamed. "Well, what did Binghe expect?"
"I don't know... Senior has been so calm with everything else we have seen. I didn't imagine there could be anything that would bother you like that."
Well, that is quite fair, Shen Qingqiu will suppose. A memory of Binghe yelling at him for not acting affected enough comes to mind, though it feels as if that were ages ago. Since then, outside of traps and Killer chases, it is hard to say whether Shen Qingqiu has had the appropriate reaction to the horrors they have been facing. Between knowing this is just a game and trying to keep up the original goods indifferent behavior, Shen Qingqiu hasn't bothered acting more scared than he is.
"Even now, Senior seems more distressed about this than with what happened to you right before we woke up this time?"
Oh. Oh, now Shen Qingqiu understands even better. Letting out a sigh, he takes his time to think of an appropriate answer.
"I won't deny that I have grown used to some of the horrors we face. When having looped as much as I have, it all just doesn't hit you the same way," Shen Qingqiu starts out. It is true, especially when it comes to his own deaths. When you have gotten an axe to the face this many times, you might not get used to it, but you come to accept it as being inevitable. "But that doesn't mean I have experienced everything yet. I can still get shocked, you know. Besides, who wouldn’t be disgusted at everything in that room?"
Binghe goes quiet for a moment, the sound of a rustling as he unwraps the soap. When he speaks again, his voice has taken a lighter tone.
"Senior already knew about the room though. Why would he be shocked?"
"I may have been inside there before, but that is the first time I have seen someone doing something that crazy. What were you even thinking?"
"I was thinking that out of all places, that was the one I wanted to avoid the most. Which would make it a great place to hide something."
Just what kind of logic is that?? And then acting upon it! Shen Qingqiu would have to be truly desperate before doing something like that!
"I certainly hope it was worth it then!"
"It was. I have finished cleaning my arm if Senior dares to come and see."
Getting the distinct sense that he is being teased, Shen Qingqiu dares to peek past the room divider. Confirming that Binghe's arm is indeed clean again, he dares to leave his cover. When he steps over, Binghe triumphantly holds up a large key.
No way!
"You truly found that in there?" Shen Qingqiu can't help but ask.
"I did, though it took some searching. Do you have an idea where this would go?"
Shen Qingqiu has a few and there is no way to find out which besides trying them out one by one. In a game like this, keys are some of the most valuable items. Especially keys hidden away like that. They tend to lead towards the most important progress!
"That is quite amazing, Binghe! Let's go and try it out immediately!"
Smiling wider at the praise, Binghe is practically glowing. Pocketing the key, he leans back on his heels, mischief in his eyes as he speaks. "As long as Senior isn't afraid of being near me anymore. With all that soap Senior gave me, I bet this junior smells better than he ever has before!"
With a roll of his eyes, Shen Qingqiu tries to step past. He isn't fast enough, though, as Binghe steps right in front of him, blocking the door.
"Well? What does Senior think? Does this Junior smell appropriately again?"
Binghe may be Shen Qingqiu's junior, but everytime they stand closely like this, it is clear he is only so in name. While he is only a bit taller than Shen Qingqiu, he is more muscled, making it easy for him to take the role of wall if he doesn't want his Senior to pass.
Seeing no other choice, Shen Qingqiu lets out a loud sigh before he does the barest of sniffs. The sweet scent of lotus fills his nose, pleasant and fragrant. While it is a scent more common to find on the fairer sex, he can't help but think it fits Binghe. His own white lotus who helps him progress the game.
"Hmm. Passable," is Shen Qingqiu's final verdict, though from Binghe's grin, he appears to see right through him. Shen Qingqiu does not break his mask, keeping his dignity. Binghe does let him pass, as the time for joking has passed.
Of course they check the locked door right across the bathroom first. Sadly, while the key almost fits, it just won't turn. Shen Qingqiu isn't too bothered though, as there is another room he has been locked out of for a while. He has a good feeling about it, but briefly considers whether they should head straight there or if he should let Binghe explore more rooms first.
In the end, it is the risk of dying and having to get their hands on the key again that determines his choice. While it is practically on the other side of the mansion, Shen Qingqiu can't help but want to see what is hidden behind that door.
Checking that the spiritbox is still turned on, they carefully make their way through the hallways. The Killer being on the move means they have to be ready to act at the slightest scratch of static to avoid being caught in a bad situation.
Luck continues to be with them. Unlike before, when they were trying to go back the way they came, the spiritbox remains blissfully silent. At no point are there any sign of life as they reach the cross section, heading towards the larger bedroom.
The door in question is not one Shen Qingqiu has taken much note of. Originally, he missed it the first time he explored these parts and it was only when doing one of his rechecks of all the fake doors during a random loop that he found it. Sadly, since it was locked, it hadn't been much use to him then, but the gained knowledge at least means he and Binghe won't have to waste time looking for it now.
Excitement bubbling in his chest, he looks on as Binghe puts in the key. It fits. He turns it and with a low click, the door becomes unlocked.
Applause! All the applause for his little lotus! braving the disgust and terror of the horrific toilet for the sake of progress! What a hero!!
The door swings open and Binghe is first to go in. When Shen Qingqiu follows, he finds that it is not a new room they have entered - but a staircase that leads down.
Like in the shortcut, the hall of the staircase is claustrophobically narrow. The steps are slim, giving the impression that one wrong move is enough to fall down the entire thing. The walls and flooring is made of black brick, nothing to soften the blow if an accident were to happen.
At the same time, the light in here is brighter. From the ceiling hangs a couple of bare light bulbs, one hanging lower than the prior with every few steps. None of it is pretty, but it fills out the space with a stronger glow than in the shortcut.
At the end of the staircase stands another door and for a worrying moment, Shen Qingqiu fears it to be locked. To his relief, when Binghe pulls at the handle, it is easily pushed open. Flowery scents meet them as a room unlike anything Shen Qingqiu has seen so far is revealed.
