MXTober Day 5 - Love

MXTober Day 5 - Love

Shen Qingqiu completely understood why all the girls loved Luo Binghe – just look at him! His not-so-little disciple was growing more and more handsome every day; his smiles, ever more beautiful. His roguish charm and clever wit, combined with his excelling in every skill he attempted, would surely cause every soul he met to fall for him!

Luo Binghe luxuriates in the love he feels for his Shizun, for the joy he feels every single day that he gets to accompany and assist the man he loves. He doesn't know what the future holds, but he'll hold onto this halcyon life for as long as he can. To make the food his Shizun eats, to wake just a room away and then go to wake his love when the time came, to savor the treasured intimacy of brushing his Shizun's hair… (As if they were already a real couple!!!)

Shen Jiu knew that only fools dared to love. To love was to invite pain and weakness into your life, to give another person power over you, the ability to destroy you. To love was to hurt, and Shen Jiu was the biggest fool of them all.

Yue Qingyuan knew that with love came pain, but it was a price well worth the cost. Even though the one he loved seemed to view it as a paltry offering, it was still something he wished to offer… If only he had the words to give.

Shang Qinghua surprised himself when he realized how much he loved this world – this world! That he wrote! He'd somehow found a life here, somehow found people who cared about him (though neither showed it well, tsunderes that they were) and people he cared about in turn! He was still overworked, yes, but – he'd found happiness, and comfort, and home.

Luo Binghe knew that love was real in this world, no matter how little he felt or was shown it nowadays. All he had to do was think back to his mother and remember the life they shared together – a life of poverty, but a life of love nonetheless. When he felt hopeless and small, tired and angry and lost, he thought of his lost pendant and those long-ago days, and felt warm.

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MXTober Day 3 - Blood

Shen Qingqiu's nightmares are full of blood – of other's, of his own, of Luo Binghe's. He can smell the iron tang in the air, can feel it dripping down his chin from his oddly hollow mouth as he watches Luo Binghe laugh and laugh, tears of blood running down his perfect face, as bodies of the people he now knows lie in dark puddles all around. When he wakes – please let him always be able to wake, please let this scene never be more than a dream – he can still taste the blood in his mouth. (Oh – he'd bitten his tongue to hold back his screams.)

Luo Binghe stared blankly down – Shizun was dead. There should be blood. His hands, his body, should be dyed an accusatory shade of red – marking him for all to see the sole reason for Shen Qingqiu's demise.

It took days for Shen Jiu to clean off the last of the blood from the Qiu household. It took only hours to get rid of the last traces of his master's latest victims. It would take an eternity to even begin to clear the red from his soul, as he stared at the shattered remnants of Yue Qi's sword.

There was so much blood on the cavern's floor, in his hair, in his eyes. Yue Qingyuan bowed down again and again, slamming his head into solid rock in obeisance as he begged for forgiveness, for the ability to leave and fulfil his promise. But the heavens had no mercy to spare, and the abandoned Shen Jiu, even less.

Shang Qinghua really wasn't all that fussed about the blood his king routinely spilled. As long as it wasn't anyone he knew or cared about (ha!), he wasn't that bothered by death. Now, it was a b//ch and a half to clean up, but that was a price well-worth paying in order to see his king covered in the blood of their enemies – so cool, so powerful and majestic!

Luo Binghe's life was a steady mixture of blood and sex: defeat the enemy, get the woman, then start all over again and again. The sex had come somewhat later in his life, but the blood had been with him since birth – the only question was whether that blood was his, or that of others. These days, he freely spilled the latter so that it would never again be the former.

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Some updated photos of the MXTX English translated novels being released by Seven Seas!

Release date for volume 1 is December 14th! Are you guys excited?

https://twitter.com/gomanga/status/1459284477524459529?s=21

Going back to the doctor in two weeks to renew my depression/anxiety medicine... I think I'm finally going to ask about the possibility of having ADHD as well. (I've only been wondering for...how long, now? Thinking about the likelihood, taking self-tests, identifying with others - for how long have I thought and wondered, but done nothing else?) Wish me luck so I don't back down and finally speak up, or talk me out of raising this issue when it's maybe probably not actually the case.

Common phrases said to you before you realise you have Adhd

MXTober Day 2 - Silk

Shen Qingqiu wasn't sure about many aspects of his new life as Shen Qingqiu, but he had to admit – the clothes felt nice on his skin, for as much as a pain they were to put on. Made of silk in whites, teals, and greens, he could almost feel like the Immortal he was now supposed to be. For all of his hidden venom and terrible life choices, he had to admit that the original goods otherwise had decent taste.

Luo Binghe hummed happily as he smoothed out his Shizun's silks, adjusting the robes so that they were neat and properly put away. He'd had to beg his Shizun for the privilege, but it was an honor to be the one to take care of his Shizun's robes, to clean the fabrics that would drape over that blessed body. To be the one who cared for his Shizun in all ways; big and small ways, ways both life-ending and life-changing, or ways unnoticeable and unmentionable; anything and everything his Shizun could ever possibly need or even dream of wanting.

 Shen Jiu always took care with his appearance, his image; his posture, his decorum, his accoutrements. He wrapped himself in fine silks and simple yet expensive finery, luxuriating in the splendor even as he felt the imposter. His younger self could barely even dream of such luxuries, and yet – even as he felt himself surrounded by them now, he missed the honesty of the streets and the happiness of having someone beside him. (Now his life was a lie, and he was alone.)

Yue Qingyuan felt awe and shame the first time he wore robes of fine silks. It was an honor, a reward, a privilege for working so hard and reaching this position. Yet even as he put on the finery, all he could see was Xiao-Jiu in rags.

Shang Qinghua was Peak Lord of An Ding Peak – the "janitor" peak, as he once heard it called; he should have no need for silks then, right? Yet have them he did, for official meetings, for negotiations, for socializing at parties – and for the Northern Palace??? It was too cold to wear them there, but his king would thrust robes of furs and silks into his arms, so – he couldn't not wear them, what if he upset his king???

Luo Bingge had a closet full of fine silks and fabrics, satins and jewels, but his favorite clothes were made of common cloths. He enjoyed standing before his subjects and wives and delighting in their awe, basking in their admiration… but he favored the simple clothes of adventure, more. He somehow felt more himself in the quiet of the woods, traveling along dusty roads, exploring the paths of the world – until, of course, something new demanded his particular brand of "attention".      

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Don’t You Know (That I’m Yours) - Read and React Chapter 4

Don’t You Know That I’m Yours By chaoticgoodlawyer @chaoticgoodlawyerwrites Read and React |<  << Chapter 4

AN: SY discovers that friendship is great but also terrible. Some minor Binghe gremlin tendencies here. He's testing the waters before going big.

Starting off strong with this author’s note - minor Gremlin tendencies? XD

After the roller coaster of the past few days, Shen Qingqiu desperately needed this meeting with Mobei-Jun to go smoothly.

With your luck?

The whole second paragraph is just - <333

but pretty much up all his time would be dedicated to getting Tianlang-Jun out of prison and other wildly treasonous activities with demons

…oh dear XD

Shang Qinghua had done him enough favors that he had earned a little trust when it came to his interpretation of his favorite character and maybe future husband.

…a little trust. maybe.

Yes, Shang Qinghua had argued that Mobei-Jun would find Luo Binghe’s existence more incredible than actual time travel. Go figure.

XD  XD  XD

SQH: he’s been staring at me for a while and I’m trying really hard not to vibrate out of my skin

Or to think about the possibility of your ideal man choosing to marry you? 😉

SQH: He didn’t have a love interest!! SQH: hell, I’m not convinced he has one now! SQQ: …feels like that’s something you would know? SQH: oh, like you’re one to talk

asdfasjdlf 🤣 🤣 🤣 

Shen Qingqiu had plenty of practice at not reacting to things externally

He’s really good at it! ...for better, or for worse ^^;;

“Who, me?” Shang Qinghua chirped, nearly wringing his hands. “No, of course not, why would you say that?”

Yeaah… not nervous at all…. *pat-pats anxious bean*

SQQ: take like 3 deep breaths bro you’re going to pass out.

Friends don’t let friends have panic attacks!

“Don’t mention it. Here, this is for you." Shen Qingqiu held out the bag of melon seeds and watched Shang Qinghua take them like they were all that was keeping him together.

Melon seeds for the adorable hamster :3 Also, disctraction tactic! Give him something to fiddle with and focus on, other than his anxiety!!!

 …understandably so as Shang Qinghua had made him his literal ideal man.

Whereas Binghe is your ideal man! …I assume. Hm… If asked before his husband vistited, what would Shen Qingqiu say his ideal man person would be? …and now? (Only one answer: Binghe)

 What was less attractive about him was how he looked over Shen Qingqiu then glanced away dismissively, only to resume staring at Shang Qinghua as if he was making a point.

lolol this man has his priorities, and that priority is Shang Qinghua. This other Peak Lord is only here on sufferance XD

Shen Qingqiu, being marginally familiar with the silent obsession of a high-level demon’s courtship after hearing about everything that happened in his husband’s timeline, didn’t take offense to it.

Only because of that timeline? Nothing in this timeline? In any case, prepare to become intimately familiar with the obsession of a high-level demon XD XD XD

“Greetings, great Mobei-Jun. This Shen Qingqiu is honored to meet such an esteemed lord and an important person to his friend, Shang Qinghua.”

awwwww! ^_^ Also, really nicely worded???? This sentence just sounds so good???

SQQ: the only way he listens to a word I’m about to say is to show up front that I’m important to you but not a threat to his position in your life, idiot SQQ: also yes, can confirm he thinks you’re his love interest

🤣 🤣 🤣 Absolutely fantastic

SQH: ??? how do you know?? You’ve been here two seconds

Those two seconds were more than enough to know XD XD XD

“This Mobei-Jun would find Peak Lord Shen’s greetings more amenable if he would refrain from speaking privately with this one’s subordinate for the duration of this conversation.”

Quiet does not equal unobservant or dumb!

“I don’t particularly care to interfere with your plans and hope we can agree to at the very least a stance of non-interference with each other.”

…what about Mobei-Jun’s plans for the Immortal Alliance Conference? I mean – it’s not a natural event, it’s MBJ taking revenge on humanity and HuanHua Palace (with SQH’s help). Is Shen Qingqiu really not planning on doing anything for that? He has to be – but then, wouldn’t that count as interfering with his plans?

Shen Qingqiu allowed his lips to curl into something not particularly friendly.

Oh, dear.

 “I am intimately aware that demons have the capacity to feel just as much as humans, if not more so.”

*Insert pic of Binghe teary-eyed here*

Mobei-Jun’s eyes glowed for a moment as he held Shen Qingqiu’s gaze and mild surprise broke the frosty indifference. “Intimate indeed.” Shen Qingqiu felt himself blanch but worked to keep his face neutral at the rather horrifying implication that Mobei-Jun could somehow– “Is your lover the one you wish to free?”

jsahfalsjdfkajsd jkhXD XD XD 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 

Shen Qingqiu wanted to start screaming. Binghe! He thought at his very much out of reach husband. You didn’t say anything about demons being able to tell about our relationship?!

XD XD - Very justified yelling at his husband, and Luo Binghe picking it up XD

 “A-Yuan? Did you say something?”

“No, Binghe. I’m fine.”

af;lj;asdjf;lj

 Shen Qingqiu cleared his throat and said to the demon lord, “No. My… husband is not in need of a jailbreak.”

asfdjj snrrrk

“Nine days ago, a man claiming to be my husband from the future appeared and proceeded to raise a great deal of chaos within the Sect.”

And had a great deal of joy doing so XD

Mobei-Jun stared at him. “And Peak Lord Shen believed this man.”

…Well, when you don’t know the details, it does sound ridiculous… buuut I think “Ridiculous” is just a (large) part of any BingQiu relationship XD

“My husband was once again… my disciple.”

*cringes*

“I had known he was a demon but had sought to protect him. His identity remains a secret from everyone else in the Sect until I can ensure that his birth family can shelter and protect him better than I can.”

Hopefully earning respect points from Mobei-Jun here! Would any other so-called righteous cultivator protect a demon so? …how protective are demonic families? Do they tend to shelter their young, or expect their offspring to prove themselves? Are they careless with each other?

 “My disciple and I know that nothing can happen between us while he is not yet an adult or while I am his teacher.”

…There is a lot going on in that “nothing” XD

Shen Qingqiu had trained to remain unflappable under pressure and waited for the other man to respond.

This man has earned a very high lvl in poker face XD

Shang Qinghua, however, did not have the temperament to let the tense silence remain.

lolol my favorite little anxiety hamster <3

“I was also thinking that maybe we could… work together?”

Can I play with my new friend? Pretty please???

Shen Qingqiu had already responded once too many to his silent order to talk. He just looked blandly at him until his mouth twitched in some expression that was too fleeting to decipher

I just – SQQ, you project/narrate such an attitude of being laid-back, constantly trying to deride yourself – but you’re actually really cool!!! You’re actually really a bamf!!!

“[…] Huan Hua Palace Master” –Mobei-Jun’s lip curled in such instinctual hatred

SAME

SQH: Bro, what? That’s a different tone than yesterday! SQH: Something to share, hmm?

Hmmmm?

“I assure Mobei-Jun, it’s very, very possible.”

It’s Luo Binghe – Mobei-Jun best start believing in the impossible :3

 “Luo Binghe, when he is grown, will be one of the most formidable beings in the world and a very good ally to have.”

SQQ – LBH’s biggest cheerleader <3

Shen Qingqiu said this with the absolute conviction of knowing he was right

<333

...of having felt that power tempered into something touchable in his arms.

<33333333333

Shen Qingqiu smiled and it wasn’t a friendly one.

SQH: scary!

hot! I’m sure Binghe would agree that SQQ’s smiles are all very appealing – especially when they’re smiles like this

“No, Mobei-Jun, because he was the emperor outright.”

Mobei-Jun wanted to meet Binghe.

😁😁😁

---

Luo Binghe did not know what exactly was to come during this meeting, but he knew for a fact he and Shen Yuan had different goals going in.

Ohhhhhh boy. *braces self*

 His goal, at the end of everything, was to be happily married to Shen Yuan.

Everything, anything else is just set dressing

 He saw Shang Qinghua as a little foolish but far from a fool, and only a fool would not admire Shen Yuan the longer they knew him.

<333 I love him both acknowledging Shen Yuan (of course) and Shang Qinghua!

 His solution: make sure Shang Qinghua was married off as soon as possible.

XD XD XD

 [SQQ] had neglected to tell him explicitly anything about Shang Qinghua and Mobei-Jun’s relationship in this timeline and Luo Binghe was going to exploit that oversight for all that he was worth.

You can take the “Beast” out of the boy, but not the gremlin tendencies XD

 When his A-Yuan called him in, Luo Binghe couldn’t help first finding the man with his eyes, taking in the careful but calm presence he was projecting. His fan wasn’t hiding his expression, so Luo Binghe had the privilege of watching both his eyes and mouth soften as he entered.

asdfas awwwwwwwwww

 Luo Binghe’s attention shifted then, rather belatedly, to the biggest physical threat in the room.

lolol Just like Mobei-Jun, Luo Binghe also has his priorities in order XD

“This Luo Binghe greets Mobei-Jun, demon king of the northern territories. It is an honor to meet the husband of this one’s Shang-shishu.”

*sputters* Binghe!!! asdfj;lasdf XD

“This lowly disciple apologizes sincerely.”

‘Sincerely’ my foot, you little brat XD

 “Binghe, come sit.”

“Yes, Shizun.” Luo Binghe straightened from his bow and quickly came to Shen Yuan’s side, a bit closer than he should be as a regular disciple to their master.

*invisible tail wagging madly the whole way*

 To his greatest pleasure, Shen Yuan leaned towards him as he settled, a small enough move to be unconscious but significant enough to be marked by those present all the same.  

<333 (All except the man doing the leaning XD)

 Once, not long ago, he would have balked at himself and the impulses, pushed them away as only a dangerous trait to control. But Shen Yuan had made it clear he accepted him for himself, accepted him at his worst and most demonic, and still wanted him.

Awwwwww!!!

 “Expecting the worst from a heavenly demon suddenly appearing?”

Shang Qinghua nodded rapidly. “Yes, exactly! Not every day one of those just strolls into your office, unannounced!”

Unless you’re SQQ XD

Wait a second; he knows about me?

Meng Mo is doing some rapid recalculating about this man XD …Those two interacting again would be interesting

 “No matter who teaches me now or later, Shizun is the only one I will call master.”

“Binghe…” Shen Yuan trailed off and Luo Binghe turned to see him looking off-balance.

“No one else could ever be worthy of the title,” Luo Binghe responded, voice lower than anticipated and, to his delight, flustered Shen Yuan.

MBJ: …Qinghua, did you bring these two before me just to serve me dog food???

The other man pulled up his fan and looked away, but not fast enough to hide his blush entirely if one knew where to look.

And Luo Binghe knew where to look.

And, oh, Binghe was looking

Shang Qinghua whimpered but Shen Yuan nodded serenely. “Thank you for taking the time to meet. Shang Qinghua, we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“But Cucum-“

“Tomorrow, Airplane. We’ll show ourselves out.”

Just abandon SQH to MBJs tender mercies…. I’m sure he’ll be fine XD

 “A-Yuan, I did not mean to cause his trouble…”

Uh-huh. Right.

 Sure, he hadn’t particularly cared if he did, but that wasn’t his intent going into the meeting.

…

 “This master will take any blame for the trouble that arises from this.”

That certainly wasn’t what Luo Binghe had wanted.

That’s the opposite of what he wants! He wants Shizun to focus on him! Not focus on covering for him!

 “I only… I wanted to make sure you stayed friends in the future, no matter what happens.”

but……….?

 Luo Binghe’s eyes shifted to just beyond Shen Yuan to catch a couple of An Ding Peak disciples looking at them strangely.

(oops - the outside world still exists XD  XD)

“I thought it… couldn’t hurt if that person was also married.”

asdjfahldsf That’s what I thought – I knew there was a ‘but-’ to that! XD XD

 Luo Binghe had grown increasingly nervous with his silence, but Shen Yuan pulled him into a hug the moment they had privacy.

ajsdhfa;jsf awwwwww <333333333

“Binghe, thank you for telling me the truth.”

This! Is why! Their relationship is actually going to work!!! <3333333333333

“I can’t reprimand you in part because I don’t know what I will do when I’m in your position.”

XD XD Binghe isn’t the only one that can chug vinegar!

 “And for the things I wish to say but cannot?” Luo Binghe asked before he could stop himself.

…

---

SQH: I LIVE

How did the MoShang conversation go??? How does MBJ feel??? What sorts of things is he reconsidering, and newly considering? 😁 😁 😁

SQH: turns out he was courting me? Sort of? Didn’t seem super aware of it though so I take heart in not knowing it was happening either

lol nice

SQH: and he thought I was afraid of him because he was a demon not because of you know, the fact he used to hurt me before he realized I really didn’t like that SQQ: wtf

this is interesting!!! And I wonder if SQQ will ever follow up on that? Or if the fact that his new friend was getting abused by his future husband will slide by, because A) it’s stopped and B) everything else still going on

 SQH: DID have to tell him I was aware of a third timeline where LBH grew up evil and extremely violent SQH: kinda sorta implied that would happen if you stopped caring about him or somehow died

j;sfdjkjlsjk;lksa

SQQ: hold on, MBJ KILLING BINGHE WAS AN OPTION??

*Kill Bill sirens*

SQQ: Shang. Qing. Hua.

*Murderous intent simmering*

SQH: Anyway! You and my son. Are very painfully obviously a thing.

asjhfaksjdhf They really are!!!!! (and I love it)

 SQQ: He’s not your son SQH: I literally created him next point

…Point ceded Also, I really love thinking about how SQH created Luo Binghe??? And all sorts of thoughts and implications that can follow from that? I dunno, I just... really like thinking about Airplane-the-Author-of-this-world

SQQ: Binghe and I have an understanding but we’re not a “thing”

‘Understanding’, hmmm??? 👀 👀 👀

 SQH: and that understanding is most definitely a Thing SQH: you went from hardass Peak Lord to actual blushing maiden the second he said something to you

*cackles*

SQH: and LBH was WAY too comfortable looking at you like he wanted to eat you in front of other people for that not to be normal for him

*cackles even harder*

What they had now was the extent that they could be together, too close by a wide margin but not yet crossing The Line.

*Pulls out measuring tape and magnifying glass* Hmmm… The Line is indeed not quite crossed, yes. *looks back* The other lines, however…. *lines can be seen off in the far distance*

 SQH: Look I’m not saying that to freak you out, but from what you told me, you’re kinda treating him like a husband? And from what I saw today he’s kinda acting like one too.

<33333

 SQH: …afraid to ask but say more words. How are they different?

asdfhasljh XD

Shen Qingqiu was trying to avoid saying things too bluntly but it looked like Shang Qinghua wasn’t trying to let him be polite. He would try one last time.

XD Poor SQQ

Shen Qingqiu stared at the screen in shock but… was he wrong? He quite literally climbed into the man’s lap every chance he got and had co-initiated those rounds of sex that they had very enthusiastically.

AND IT WAS ADORABLE (and also really hot)

 SQH: just for you to understand what you’re stepping into here I guess SQH: if you fully understand and are still good to go, then congrats on your future marriage.

*offers thumbs up* congrats on your future marriage, indeed

SQH: have you considered what would happen if YOU changed your mind? SQH: you’re not the only one that can be hurt by your relationship you know

SQQ often just… forgets that LBH can be hurt by him, that what he does could ever hurt LBH.

SQH: never mind. Now that it’s confirmed he actually is interested I’m prepared mentally, just not physically.

pfffffff

SQQ: I am so sorry I asked

asdfhasjdkf XD XD

 SQH: you’re committed to this course of action? You better prepare now for the pressure bomb of pent-up frustration LBH’s going to be once he gets out of the abyss SQQ: I will NOT

asjhfal XD XD XD XD XD XD Oh dear

SQQ: Shang Qinghua. I still have to teach Binghe. I have to see him every day.

^^;;;

 SQQ: I hate you so much

They’re friends!!!!! 😄😄😄

SQQ: oh right, I can leave SQH: Bro!

<3 Their friendship is just- XD

 (Honestly there was a lot more in that convo I could have reacted to, but I’m trying not to grab every line XD)

 ---

MBJ, just meeting SQQ: I can respect this human maybe. MBJ, after seeing Bingqiu interact: never mind

asjafslhfaskjdhfaksjdhfkasjd

Wonderful chapter!!!! As always, I really liked all of the interactions!!! It’s interesting to see this new player, how he’s reacting, and all of Luo Binghe’s reactions-