Yue Qingyuan's condition was unknown to all but his Shizun, Mu Qingfang and himself. So with his Shizun out of the picture and Yue Qingyuan himself uncaring, perhaps even wanting to get worse, it was upto Mu Qingfang to take care of him.
For years, the sect healer researched and tested his findings. The sect leader was patient. In a way that was more resigned and accepting than hopeful. Years into their back and forth, Mu Qingfang finally isolates a fix. It's not great but it's better than nothing.
They begin the process of untangling the sword and the soul, no less painful than the binding itself but at last they're able to separate some of it. It takes the form of a vicious spiteful cat. A feral one. One that hissed and spit and clawed. Mu Qingfang dared not speculate what part of his kind and soft hearted leader could be this... unruly.
Unsurprisingly, the cat immediately takes to Shen Qingqiu. Surprisingly, he is welcomed. Held and handfed, growing fat and content in his firey shixiong's lap at the sect meetings. And even following him back to his own peak.
Everytime, without fail, the cat followed Shen Shixiong's trail, Yue Qingyuan followed not too long after. Reminding Mu Qingfan of a unlikely alliance.
Then one day, Shen Qingqiu freezes mid pat, eyes trailing from his report to the cat's paw tugging at his sleeve to the sect leader, an understanding flashing through his eyes and he promptly orders everyone out of the meeting hall. A few people begin to protest but thw sect leader's beloved "pet" claws at the nearest person and sect leader officially dismisses everyone.
Mu Qingfang feels only relief at not having to witness whatever happens after..
