But he wasn't going to turn himself in- if he could escape then maybe he could get another year. Maybe!
He sure made a run for his money, but this was Sha Hualing AND Liu Mingyan-
he barely made it out.
He was slammed into the ground with Sha Hualing sitting on his back.
"That was fun, but my Lord requested for you so please make this easy for us." Liu Mingyan produced immortal binding cables and Shen Yuan knew...he was fucked.
He was dragged towards the Huan Hua palace that was also merged with Luo Binghe's demonic palace.
...With the gold of the Huan Palace and the black and red from the demonic realm combined it looked like an evil mcdonals kingdom.
Those reds and yellows made him hungry.
He ascended the steps with the two wives behind him and he felt his own fear begin to heighten.
Liu Mingyan noticed, "There's no need to fear. Lord Binghe wanted to talk to you."
That didn't make him feel better.
Once he was guided to the throne room, he saw men on their hands and knees tied up as they turned once they heard the doors open.
Shen Yuan was dumped unceremoniously on the floor he knew he was fucked.
Maybe he’ll have his arms ripped off, before he has his core crushed. It was said to be the most agonising thing to happen to a person. Maybe he would be tortured through his blood parasites.
“Boss!”
“Leader!”
“Wen Pantu!”
Ugh what type of name was that!? Was that what he was called?
“Gege?” He turned and saw a man who was strikingly similar to his own features.
Who was he?
“Where did you go? You left after the meeting- what…”
The others turned to look at him and Shen Yuan couldn't help but feel guilty.
This men, they looked up to him [god knows why] he wouldn’t have lost sleep if they died, they were cannon fodder and if he ignored the problem everything would be fine.
And yet, faced with them, they were mostly young while others looked older. There were even children here.
Immediately he looked for Tiangmo and his worries increased before he relaxed. He was fine. If he wasn’t here he was alive,
“Master- the plan didn’t work. That demon scum truly has no weakness,” Shen Yuan froze.
Then shook his head “It’s better if we remain silent or make things worse.”
“Now, now Shizun. I would like to hear what your men wanted to achieve by attacking this lords palace.”
Before he could look up, most of the wives forced the men into a bow, Shen Yuan followed suit but still felt the claws of one of the wives gripping his hair keeping him down.
"To attack my palace, do you take responsibilty for these men, sending them to do your dirty work then running away like a coward?"
Shen Yuan flinched, then scowled.
"Yes- Yes I do- so please don't hurt them, I encouraged them to act out they wouldn't have done anything- I take full responsibility! So please have mercy! Most are young boys who don't know what they're thinking!" He cried out his head looking up he opened his mouth to speak more.
T-Tiangmo Yingcang!?
Shen Yuan realised with dawning horror- the boy who acted pitiful, asking so many questions all while hiding who he was to trick Shen Yuan into revealing that he was plotting against the demon lord!
His face paled and he wobbled almost feinting.
He was with Lord Luo Binghe the whole time!?
"If you could talk to Lord Binghe what would you say?
"Do you know the rebels?"
"I planned on finding the rebels from the start."
"What would happen if Luo Binghe brought back cultivation."
The boy sat on the throne, one hand on his cheek with a smirk. His brides from what Shen Yuan could gather was around him. Ning Yingying, the Palace mistress, the sisters, Qui Haitang.
The young boy who was with him, all those months he was- was looking at him in bemusment.
Tiangmo Yingcang- no Luo Binghe was with him the whole time.
Shen Yuan realised with dawning horror- the boy who acted pitiful, asking so many questions all while hiding who he was to trick Shen Yuan into revealing that he was plotting against the demon lord!
His face paled and he wobbled almost feinting.
He was with Lord Luo Binghe the whole time!?
If Shen Yuan had anything in his stomach he would've thrown up. He watched how Luo Binghe approached his throne and began to sprawl in it, looking every bit like the cocky leader that he was.
He looked amused his eyes quirkced and Shen Yuan felt vile.
He was such an idiot.
Luo Binghe chuckled "You look terrible. Shen Yuan."
No shit- Shen Yuan was going to be executed!
Liu Mingyan spoke "We were watching him for a while, he went from town to town in a daze. Most Mortals thought he was a ghoul, or demon."
...He resented that.
"The moron was also robbed, twice." Sha Hualing snickered, there was a sound as she showed something.
"We recovered everything we could. But he didn't look like he cared. He even had no money for food then gave it away, he even slept outside occasionaly."
Luo Binghe only looked amused, "Is that so?" He leaned forward one resting on his leg.
Luo Binghe gazed down at Shen Yuan, watching how this rebels leaders eyes were red and tear streaks down his face and he looked pale and guant. A cultivator couldn't get sick but Shen Yuan looked like he was wasting away.
Did he care for those rebels so much?
Or, Luo Binghe hoped, he felt sad for him. Worrying Luo Binghe fell to the heavenly demon lord.
Luo Binghe couldn't begin to hope. He wanted to believe Shen Yuan and knew those months with this rogue cultivator showed an honest side to him.
But he could never trust it, especially someone who knew Luo Binghe so well. Shen Yuan was a threat.
So he decided to humour him, Shen Yuan should be lucky as Luo Binghe killed for less...well none were as intersting as his Shizun.
“Tell your leader what you hoped to achieve.”
The man on his right, who he was guessing was his sibling spoke.
“We invaded the Huan Hua Palace’s library and sect records.”
Now Shen Yuan blinked- what?
“We weren’t able to find any of the information needed to do with our mission but we got caught.”
Luo Binghe eased on his throne, looking every bit as an arrogant emperor.
“And what were you hoping to look for?”
“The history of Cang Qiong Mountain, their arrays and talismans, along with the Huan Hua Palace talismans.”
Shen Yuan stared, why were you telling him-
Oh yeah the protagonist.
But talismans? What was the goal, what were they trying to achieve with that?
“And what did you plan on doing with those talismans and research?”
“Our master told us nothing, he said the less we knew the better.” Here his sibling looked at him. They all did.
Crap- he had no idea what this plot even was!?
Think!
What did Cang Qiong Mountain and Huan Hua palace have in common-
Wait no. The better question would be how would the sects information cripple Luo Binghe?
Or better yet, a heavenly demon.
“Tianglang-Jun.”
“Hmm?” Luo Binghe raised an eyebrow and Shen Yuan swallowed “Tianglang-Jun is a heavenly demon trapped underneath a mountain. He was sealed there by all the powerful cultivators of that generation including Yue Qingqyuan.”
There were murmurs, even Luo Binghe’s eyes narrowed.
“So you thought a ton of rebel cultivators could seal me away?” He could see the amusement in it. If the immortal masters of old were here then he would be worried.
But this? This was just pathetic and yet Shen Yuan had to give his former host a pat on the back. That was ingenious and would’ve been a good story for Luo Bonghe to tackle.
[that’s not the case, Shen Yuan may have jumped the gun and gave airplane too much credit]
Luo Binghe’s eyes narrowed “To commit treason you, ‘Wen Pantu, will be punished along with your men and made an example off.”
Luo Binghe made to stand but Shen Yuan called out.
“Wait!”
Luo Binghe paused, mostly humouring him at this point.
“We Cultivators may have acted rashly-“ good god he was begging, how pathetic.
“My men has made a fatal error and that was this masters fault and his alone. I beat full responsibility.” Shen Yuan spoke.
Luo Binghe shook his head.
“I’m afraid your request is denied, master Wen.” Ugh that wasn’t his name!
“I can’t let cultivators go once they’ve attacked my palace what would my people think of me? They’d call me soft.”
“Better than a heartless tyrant.”
Shen Yuan snapped. And saw the warm smile Luo Binghe had on his face, tighten.
“Hmm? What was that?” He took a step forward “I didn’t quite hear you.”
Shen yuan scowled “You heard me very well your majesty. And you’ll hear this also- you saw what you’re people were going through, facing countless beasts with no defense. Punishing those using cultivation to survive and now made to set an example of begging men who can’t live like this. Maybe others will not see us as an example to discourage but to provoke that you, Luo Binghe don’t care about your people. We are dying- barely surviving by a thread!” Shen Yuans fists tightened and saw the faces of the wives scowling at him.
“They will be more like us, and they’ll see what happens and think twice on asking for an audience and pledge to return cultivation. If a demon challenged you, you would see their proposal through. And yet when humans challenge you, you set to make an example. Do you hate humans that much?”
Luo Bonghe rested his fist on his cheek looking bored.
“Then what is your request.” Shen Yuan took a breath “This master only wants peace, to return cultivation so humans can defend against beasts demons and humans alike.” The others watched horrified as Shen Yuan bowed placing his forehead onto the floor.
“You wanted peace? Yet your men attacked me unprovoked, Wen Pantu-“
“This one’s name is Shen Yuan.” He spoke if he was going to die at least he hoped they put the right name on his headstone!
“I detached myself from Wen Pantu when I realised how ludicrous making a campaign against you was, My Lord. This one came to this conclusion too late and ran away like a coward- the fault lies with me. This one should’ve stopped these men or deterred them to better more suitable options. They were acting in my will so this one will take the responsibility.” He felt a hand touch his head, then grasp his hair and yanked his head up.
“Master Shen, you have to find me more a fool to believe this ludacrous proposal. You overestimate my mercy. I cannot let your men go, knowing that it is to invite more rebellious attacks on this Lord and his brethren. How do you suppose we continue?”
Shen Yuan grimaced eyes wide. It was true, if Shen Yuan was punished alone he would become a martyr. Others would join the cause not caring about the consequences of a power vacuum.
“Then…this Master…will swear loyalty to you. Only to you and…” his voice was quiet as he spoke. He knew Luo Binghe could do it, he knew everything about his abilities but Shen Yuan was t supposed to know it.
“This one has heard many feats about the Lord Luo Binghe. Accomplished many things and one of them was the ability to manipulate minds, their memories so to say.”
Luo Binghe’s grip tightened.
“What is it, that Master Shen wants?”
“You can erase their memories. Of me, of defying you. Have them be your servants-“
The grip on his hair tightened “And you?”
“You can do anything you want to me.”
Hah! He may be cannon fodder but unlike these low IQ fictional characters he was a person! A user, so to say he won’t be a one dimensional character and that gives him an edge he can think his way out of this he just needed to survive first!
“Very well.”
Once his men were escorted out, Luo Binghe approached him with a smile, Shen Yuan could feel sweat beading down his neck. He was so screwed.
"Come Master Shen, I believe we could discuss matters over dinner." Luo Binghe smiled, and Shen Yuan stared he was still reeling that this was the cute kid who wanted to be his disciple.
Well Luo Binghe looked a little older than his alias-
Oh god, the past few months just felt embarrising.
"Master Shen, if you please." Lord Luo Binghe gestured and Shen Yuan stood up straight and followed after the Demon Lord.
He was led towards a courtyard and saw a table being served. Luo Binghe pulled out a chair and Shen Yuan sat "Thank you, Lord Luo Binghe." he spoke bowing his head.
"Now now Shizun, there's no need with formalities." Shen Yuan flushed. To think this cute kid was really the devious protagonist and he was lying under his nose the whole time!?
Shen Yuan could only swallow "I don't want to impose my lord." He also scowled down at the food. Then his eyes narrowed further.
Was this why the food tasted bland once Luo Binghe left him alone- he was tasting his cooking. That was a huge hint!
He was brought out of his musings, as he watched Luo Binghe pick up a plate and began to pick off Shen Yuans plate, Shen Yuan watched confused as Luo Binghe ate.
"Hmm, well I can say this isn't poisoned. Theres no need to fear."
Shen Yuan flushed, shaking his head as if Luo Binghe would even react to that- the food can still be poison Luo Binghe was immune!
Shen Yuan sighed "I'm sorry, I just realised something..." He began to eat and realised he was eating the food Binghe made for his wives.
He almost choked as he realised this- he's been eating his food for months. No, no he was just being silly.
"Hmm? And what was that?"
"Why the food suddenly tasted bad once you left..." He wasn't sure why he brought this up.
"Did you miss me, Shizun?" Shen Yuan's eyes narrowed then shut tight as he placed down his chopsticks.
"You're teasing me."
"Not at all."
"I'm sorry my lord, but please humour this one. What do you want from me?"
Luo Binghe placed his chin in his hand. "I figured you would not trust me. But I never lied to you Shizun."
"You don't have to call me that- it was out of line."
Now Luo Binghe looked away, "I've never forgotten our discussions in those months I was hunting down the rebels. The strangest thing after finding those groups. Most of them were cursing you out. By a different name. Another was your brother." Shen Yuan tensed.
"Your brother spoke about you- after a vigorating speech you changed, your sudden drive turned into fear. He asked me if it was possible for me to posses those who dare to oppose me. Suddenly running away. And now taking responsibility." Luo Binghe looked at him.
"I admired you, Master Shen. You were talented and driven. But a coward? That soured my impression. I wanted to expose you, have you 'initiate' me into your rebel gang and then reveal myself. But you never did that, instead trying to pursuade me away- unless that was reverse psychology?"
Shen Yuan only picked at his food while Luo Binghe spoke. Feeling an oppresive weight rest on his shoulders.
It was fine, those men weren't real, just canon fodder. Just another point on how cool Luo Binghe was. But after seeing them it was different, he couldn't throw someone under the buss especially people this body was responsible for...
"I never left, after that first night." That snapped him out his thoughts as he looked at Luo Binghe.
His red eyes staring him down, right through his soul.
"I followed you to the inn, wondering if it was another trick. And I looked into your dreams." Luo Binghe's smirk grew predatory.
"Dreaming of Lord Luo Binghe slicing Tiangmo in two. But I have to ask, why did you picture me so differently, and why was that dream more better looking than me?"
Shen Yuan blinked, he knew Luo Binghe was a great actor and very sneaky...but right now he didn't know what he was asking.
"I gave up being a rebel, I never wanted others a part of that either. I just wanted to work on my beastiary. That was it, just live my life as a hermit."
"And what about those men, the ones who joined your cause. Will you see them? Show them what they're fighting for."
Shen Yuan sighed, "I didn't mean for this to happen. I already spoke about why taking you out of the throne will lead to nothing. I just realised that too late."
"..." Luo Binghe's fond smile vanished and Shen Yuan began to sweat waiting for the verdict.
"I would've listened if your group came to me peacfully and just asked."
Shen Yuan blinked, thinking back on the people who was killed by demons, familys in poverty, men cursing Luo Binghe as demons stole their family members and demonic cultivators using humans as cualdrons.
Are you saying not once, not one person came to ask.
Could they ask?
"...Would the Lord Luo Binghe even accept an audience?" Shen Yuan clenched his fists.
"How can mortals- humans who can barely afford food even make the trip to even get an aduadiance with his majesty! How could the survive without cultivation to not get attacked by demons or other monsters!?" Shen Yuan found his voice getting louder.
"When Cultivating is illegal- there were public executions in the streets! others having their cores burned out by your wives! I saw it!"
He remembered, it's what had him so fearful in the first place.
Luo Binghes eyes narrowed "Who did such a thing?"
"Don't play dumb, my Lord, it's beneith you. Your little Palace mistress. Any Cultivators were immedietly deemed as a threat, used as a weapon against your rule. So how? How could I come here with arms out stretched asking for help. Help in this world that was made by you by merging the realms just to make it easier for you and you expect us to fall in line. You may have lost respect for me, but you don't paint a pretty picture yourself your highness."
Fuck- his temper got the better of him.
Even Luo Binghe straightened. But he didn't look amused, his smile faded and Shen Yuan tensed.
"I- this one apologies-"
"No need." Luo Binghe smiled, and Shen Yuan knew, he royally fucked up...
Ok, so I just had a random thought, we’ve only seen 3 hero’s akumatized but they all have inverted color schemes for there costumes, ladybug was mainly black with red dots, queen bee was mainly black with yellow stripes, and chat blanc was white, but what would Mayura and Hawlkmoths costumes be?
