Chapter Text
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the Bai Zhan War God and the Qing Jing Peak Lord are the most cutthroat of rivals.
Fellow Peak Lords, when questioned, have differing accounts of how such rivalry began. Some insist it was during the Annual Spars during their head disciple days. Others also mention the incident below the mountain involving a brothel woman - and oh, how scandalous, to be martial brothers fighting over a lady!
None have yet to fetter out the truth. Peak Lord Liu, when questioned, had unsheathed Cheng Luan to beat the curious individual to pulp, while Peak Lord Shen had merely snapped open his fan and sent them flying with one swing.
The fact remains however, that it was close to impossible to get them to go on a mission together. Ever since they have ascended into their positions, the two have refused to work side by side.
Hence Cang Qiong Mountain Sect’s current dilemma.
“Maybe we could just bring one of them,” Qi Qingqi says, as she peers at the embossed letter, in the seal of the Heavenly Dragon Sect.
“You know that Shen-shixiong will never stand for the offence,” Wei Qingwei points out.
It’s true. If Shen Qingqiu learns that the famous sect has sent a personal invite to Cang Qiong Mountain composed of their most skilled cultivators, and they had purposely passed him over -
Yue Qingyuan clears his throat. “We must send a delegation to this meeting,” he says. “Qi-shimei, Wei-shidi, you will both be joining me. Shang-shidi…” he pauses. “You may stay and guard the Peaks,” he says magnanimously.
Shang Qinghua mutters something underneath his breath, but does not argue further.
“Mu-shidi will join as well,” Yue Qingyuan adds, “to ensure we have a healer at hand.” Such gatherings occasionally included tournaments, and cultivators could be so suspicious of who treated them.
The rest of their martial siblings are to remain at the mountain as well.
Yue Qingyuan looks at the letter again. The Heavenly Dragon Sect is a remote sect, tucked away in a secret island. They have little influence in the cultivation world, but are much respected for their knowledge. Their expansive library is a place that Shen Qingqiu will no doubt enjoy visiting.
Liu Qingge, as well, is their top fighter. If there would be a need to show off their martial prowess, he would be the best example.
He sighs, weighing heavily the repercussions of bringing both of his shidis along to such a meeting.
“What is this?” a voice says behind them icily, and the Peak Lords stiffen as one.
Shen Qingqiu marches into the hall, expression twisted in a frown. Behind him, Liu Qingge slinks behind, some bruises visible on his neck.
“Ah,” Yue Qingyuan says, in his most soothing tone. “Qingqiu-shidi, Liu-shidi, so nice of you to join us.”
You’re late, the other Peak Lords think. Both of you.
Clearly they have been fighting again.
“I was busy with stuff,” Shen Qingqiu says dismissively.
Again, Shang Qinghua mutters something underneath his breath, but Yue Qingyuan is too far to catch it. Straining his teeth, he attempts a smile. “We were only discussing some sect matters -”
“An invite from the Heavenly Dragon Sect!” Shen Qingqiu snatches it up, reading it quickly. “How timely. When do we leave?” he says imperiously.
“That is - tomorrow,” Yue Qingyuan says, faltering.
“Good,” Liu Qingge speaks up. “I can train my disciples before I go.” Having said his piece, the man turns to leave again.
“Qingqiu-shidi,” Yue Qingyuan says, with some desperation. “That is - as the Sect Master, I will be attending this gathering.” He clears his throat. “Perhaps Qingqiu-shidi would prefer to stay and take charge of the mountain - ”
At this, Liu Qingge grinds to a halt. “Shen Qingqiu won’t be joining us?” he says.
Shen Qingqiu’s eyes narrow. “Who else is going, Zhangmen-shixiong?”
No one speaks, clearly waiting for Yue Qingyuan to break the news.
Eventually, Yue Qingyuan shares his list of those he wishes to join.
“Am I to understand, Zhangmen-shixiong, that you wish me not to accompany the Sect in such a meeting?” Shen Qingqiu’s tone is so sharp that Yue Qingyuan would not be surprised if it were accompanied by killing intent.
“Qingqiu-shidi can go, if he likes,” he says very rapidly. “I only supposed he would wish to stay here.”
Shen Qingqiu sneers. “When Liu-shidi can go?” His glare intensifies.
On his end, Liu Qingges’ expression is just as sour. “If Zhangmen-shixiong says you should stay, you should defer to his decisions.”
“How rich!” Shen Qingqiu hisses, turning on him. “And I suppose you would also have some weight on such choices as well?”
“Shen Qingqiu! Watch your mouth!”
The other Peak Lords watch with a mix of fascination and amusement at seeing the same old arguments pulled out. Indeed, Shang Qinghua seems to have pulled out a bag of melon seeds. Sure, they have seen the two fight dozens of times, but they always make it so entertaining. Compared to the Sect Master, whom Shen Qingqiu decidedly ignores, only sparing him five sentences at most, Shen Qingqiu seems to have no qualms openly quarrelling with the Bai Zhan Peak Lord.
“You only think I am weaker than you,” Shen Qingqiu is saying, and his eyes are red with fury.
Liu Qingge scoffs. “Our many fights have proved who has superior strength.” At that, Shen Qingqiu reaches for Xiu Ya’s hilt.
“There is no need for unnecessary arguments,” Yue Qingyuan says, intervening before the situation can worsen. “Of course Qingqiu-shidi can join us.”
And so they go, all five of them. Shen Qingqiu refuses to be in a carriage with either Liu Qingge or Yue Qingyuan, and Qi Qingqi does not want to sit with him, either, so Mu Qingfang has to accompany him. Yue Qingyuan feels rather cramped with three people in their carriage, but the ride is smooth until they arrive at the edge of the western seas.
The passageway to the Heavenly Dragon Sect is a highly kept secret. After they disembark, a ship arrives from a portal, and several female disciples in grey come to assist them without a single word.
The Heavenly Dragon Sect prefers solitude, only taking disciples once a decade, spiriting them away to their island. Even Yue Qingyuan has only been there once, back when he was a head disciple with his shizun.
Shen Qingqiu’s eyes are attentive as he surveys the whole place. The Heavenly Dragon Sect Master comes to greet them as the ship docks by the port, bowing deep.
“Yue-zhangmen,” he greets. Yue Qingyuan also bows in turn. The man is far older than him, almost two generations wiser, though he retains the body of a forty year old. “It is good to see the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect in good health.”
“We are honored,” Yue Qingyuan responds, “to be invited to the Heavenly Dragon Sect.”
The Heavenly Dragon Sect Master smiles, and then beckons them all to enter. The island is a lush, beautiful place, and his martial siblings, who have never been here before, all looked awed.
Yue Qingyuan inquires about his acquaintances from the same generation, whom he has met once in the Immortal Alliance Conference. “My shidi is in seclusion,” the sect master replies. “But we are joined by my shimei, and several of his disciples. I am sure you will find them of interest.”
There is a banquet for their arrival, with food and drink. Yue Qingyuan takes a seat at the head of the room, beside the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master. It is a small group; all things considered.
“Will you be expecting more guests?” he asks politely.
The Heavenly Dragon Sect Master shakes his head. “This is a special invite for Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.”
Yue Qingyuan smiles, and raises a toast. “How very kind of you.”
The evening is pleasant. Out of the corner of his eye, he can see his martial siblings mingling with the guests - except for two. Liu Qingge is sitting resolutely at his seat, his food barely touched, and just beside him is Shen Qingqiu, who seems disinclined to speak with anyone.
Later on, as the evening winds down, the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master gestures for the disciples to prepare the guests’ quarters.
“We hope the accommodations will be to your liking,” the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master says, smiling benevolently at the Cang Qiong Mountain delegation.
Yue Qingyuan turns to his martial siblings to break the troubling news, specifically to Shen Qingqiu.
“Qingqiu-shidi,” Yue Qingyuan starts. “The sleeping arrangements are sparse, and they cannot spare separate rooms for all the guests.” He pauses. “There will be two in a room.”
Shen Qingqiu’s frown deepens.
“I am staying with Mu-shidi,” Wei Qingwei says with alacrity.
“I have made an acquaintance with one of the female masters here tonight,” Qi Qingqi also says.
Yue Qingyuan swallows. “Then, perhaps Qingqiu-shidi and I - ”
“Oh,” the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master says. “Yue-zhangmen, of course we have made special arrangements for your honorable self.”
Yue Qingyuan pales.
Surely they are not suggesting Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge share the same quarters!
“Zunzhu, this is much appreciated, however - ”
“Oh, don’t make a fuss, Zhangmen-shixiong,” Shen Qingqiu snaps. “A night with this brute won’t kill me.”
Liu Qingge grunts, and only heads off to follow the disciples to their assigned area.
Yue Qingyuan can only watch with futile resignation. It’s one thing for the two of them to butt heads at Cang Qiong Mountain, but an argument in front of another sect would imply worsening internal relations. Oh, why does Liu Qingge have to be the one person Shen Qingqiu can’t keep his calm demeanor around?
That night, Yue Qingyuan strains to hear any untoward noises. The guest villa he’s been put in is separated from the rest, but if he focuses well, he will be able to at least make out if there’s a commotion.
He can hear some muffled fighting, and even some cursing. He feels very concerned. He really should have not agreed to such sleeping arrangements!
The next morning, Shen Qingqiu’s expression is dark, and he takes his seat gingerly beside Yue Qingyuan. Oh dear. Had there been physical altercations last night?!
To Yue Qingyuan’s surprise, barely a minute later, Liu Qingge comes up and clatters a cup of tea on Shen Qingqiu’s tray.
Is this an attempt at reconciliation?
But whatever bid of goodwill is ruined when Shen Qingqiu sneers and says, “I don’t want this.”
Liu Qingge frowns. “Then what do you want? I’ll get for you.”
“I don’t want any of it,” Shen Qingqiu says next, clearly decided on being difficult. “Just like when I said I didn’t want to last night, but you were so insistent - ”
“Qingqiu-shidi,” Yue Qingyuan urges, “Perhaps it would be better if you acknowledge Liu-shidi’s apology.”
Shen Qingqiu turns to him then, furious. “Zhangmen-shixiong, please refrain from meddling in our affairs.”
Liu Qingge only says, “I’ll get you some healing ointment.”
So they had fought last night!
However, there is no time to take Liu Qingge aside and admonish him for his actions. True, Shen Qingqiu’s words can be provocative, but Liu-shidi should have restrained himself from starting a brawl.
Yue Qingyuan resolves to speak to him once they return to their own sect. In the meantime, the delegation is invited to the battle square, where the Heavenly Dragon Sect’s masters have assembled.
The Heavenly Dragon Sect Master bows. “Today, we are happy to enlighten each other’s sects with a friendly exchange. May I ask Cang Qiong Mountain Sect to nominate their strongest fighter?”
Yue Qingyuan names Liu Qingge immediately, though he glances to his right to watch Shen Qingqiu’s reaction. His shidi has unfurled his fan, eyes unblinking as Liu Qingge strides to the middle of the square.
His opponent is the Heavenly Dragon Sect’s Fourth Master, a woman with a beautiful figure. Her face is covered with a veil, though Yue Qingyuan has no doubt her looks are as stunning. Liu Qingge, however, does not spare her even a moment’s admiration. He only bows and unsheathes his sword.
“Looking forward to your advice, Immortal Master Liu,” she says, bowing.
The Heavenly Dragon Sect Master raises his hand. “Begin!”
The battle is a sight to see. The two fighters’ movements are quick and smooth, exchanging attacks in a split second. The Fourth Master is using a whip, but Liu Qingge remains unfazed by it; meeting each strike with Cheng Luan.
Suddenly, the Fourth Master darts forward, whip wrapping around Liu Qingge’s body. An eerie glow covers them. Liu Qingge shouts in outrage, and then the whip explodes, falling harmlessly to the ground in pieces.
“You - ” she gasps, looking shocked. “You are already - !”
Before Yue Qingyuan can react, Shen Qingqiu stands up, hands moving quickly to activate an array. He sends it towards the battle square, capturing the Fourth Master.
“Qingqiu-shidi!” Yue Qingyuan gasps. “What are you doing?”
Shen Qingqiu glares at him. “Fool!” he says. “She is a demon!”
Yue Qingyuan startles. The Heavenly Dragon Sect Master looks grave, but does not make a move. Beside him, a dozen Heaven Dragon Sect disciples step forward, hands outstretched.
Demons, it seems, have infiltrated the Heavenly Dragon Sect.
“Release her,” the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master says, “and no one will get hurt.”
Liu Qingge, who has picked up the Fourth Master, does not comply. “Why do you allow demons in your fold?”
The Fourth Master scoffs. “Allow demons? This is our territory to begin with!”
Her eyes seem to glow an eerie red. “We are only retaking what is ours.”
The disciples move their hands as one. Shen Qingqiu curses, and then shifts his array to something defensive as the demonic energy envelops the whole area.
“Liu Qingge!” he shouts.
Yue Qingyuan hesitates. He does not want to unleash Xuan Su unnecessarily, given that they do not fully understand the situation. He turns to the Heavenly Dragon Sect Master, only to find him gone. “Zunzhu?”
When the smoke has cleared, only the Cang Qiong Mountain delegation remains. Strange hedges have grown all over the island.
“What is this?” Qi Qingqi says, as they all scurry together.
“It’s a trap,” Shen Qingqiu snaps. “We need to escape and warn the other sects what has happened here today.” He glances at Liu Qingge.
“Are you hurt?”
Liu Qingge shakes his head, though he still looks perplexed. “I had her in my grasp,” he mutters. “How did she get away?”
“Never mind that,” Shen Qingqiu says. “Let’s focus on what’s more important.”
He glances around, reaching out to touch the hedge wall. “This must be some kind of maze.”
Liu Qingge frowns. “Why don’t we just destroy it?” Saying so, he makes a movement with Cheng Luan, sword glare directed at the walls.
But instead of destroying it, the walls only begin to grow thorns, secreting a strange demonic energy. Shen Qingqiu immediately raises his sleeves up to his nose, furious.
“You brute!” he shouts. “Why did you do such a thing!”
Liu Qingge folds his arms. “It was the easiest way!”
Shen Qingqiu grits his teeth. “You have only made this maze more difficult!”
Mu Qingfang has to admit he has a point. Liu Qingge’s solution has, in fact, become their new problem. He coughs behind his hand to stop the bickering. “Shen-shixiong, Liu-shixiong,” he entreats. “We must work together to properly escape this maze.”
Shen Qingqiu throws a disgusted look at Liu Qingge’s direction. “If he weren’t so impulsive, we’d be less troubled!”
The scent has a minor poison. Fortunately, Mu Qingfang has come well-equipped, and distributes antidotes to the rest.
“Do not make any hasty moves,” Shen Qingqiu says. “Now we stick together. All right?” The rest of Peak Lords have no choice but to nod and obey the Qing Jing Peak Lord.
They walk into the maze carefully. Several traps and demonic beasts come attacking, but they are able to fend off each one. Liu Qingge makes another unhelpful attempt of flying above the maze, which has the unfortunate result of the hedge walls growing ten feet above their head. After that, even Yue Qingyuan has no choice but to scold him as well.
They reach the end of the maze. There is a faintly glowing seal at the center of the wall.
“It’s a puzzle,” Shen Qingqiu murmurs. Carefully he inspects it, touching it with one hand. The ground beneath them glows as well, before several parts of it shoots upward. All the Peak Lords unsheathe their swords, wary, but Shen Qingqiu sweeps over it, muttering underneath his breath.
“Indulge me, Liu-shidi,” he says, turning to the Bai Zhan Peak Lord, “and put those all together.”
Liu Qingge frowns, but does what he’s told. There are nine pieces in total in a scrambled mess. Shen Qingqiu looks over it again, before using his qi to slot them together. Qi Qingqi startles when she recognizes it - it’s the same as the seal!
Shen Qingqiu makes a pleased sound. He picks up the newly formed puzzle and presses it into the wall. The hedge walls split apart, revealing a new path.
“Amazing, Shen-shixiong,” Mu Qingfang says admiringly. Shen Qingqiu preens. Together, the Peak Lords resume traversing the maze.
However, after several more minutes of walking, they come across their next conundrum - a split road, with three options stretching before them.
Shen Qingqiu eyes it carefully. “We will need to separate into groups of two,” he announces. “I will take the left path. If you hit a dead end, return here. Surely one of these paths will lead to the exit.”
Yue Qingyuan pauses. “Then perhaps, this shixiong can join you - ” he starts hopefully.
But Liu Qingge is already walking down the path Shen Qingqiu has pointed out for himself. “Hurry up, Shen Qingqiu,” he says. “The faster we get out of here, the better.”
Shen Qingqiu glares at his back, but is quick to catch up to him.
“You wouldn’t want to be with either of them, Zhangmen-shixiong,” Mu Qingfang mutters. Shang Qinghua still has nightmares from the last time he had to accompany both of them. Of course, the man is terrified of everything, but it’s in Mu Qingfang’s best interest that all of his martial siblings are well physically and emotionally. He drags him away to the central path.
Meanwhile, Wei Qingwei and Qi Qingqi take the remaining path to them. So far the path is devoid of any demonic beasts, however they find a blockage at the end of it.
It’s the same puzzle-like structure they encountered earlier. Qi Qingqi activates it the same way Shen Qingqiu had, but when she finally has the pieces, she’s stuck putting it all together.
She lets out a sigh, frustrated.
How did Shen Qingqiu make it look so easy?!
“Still no good, Qi-shimei?” Wei Qingwei asks. The man had attempted to help as well, but very nearly broken a piece. Qi Qingqi worries what will happen if that occurs.
“No,” she says in disgust. “Stupid useless puzzle! Let’s hurry back, maybe someone else has found an exit.”
Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang don’t fare any better. After several turns and a demonic beast attack, they are faced with only a towering hedge wall. Sighing, they return to the fork in the road, where Qi Qingqi and Wei Qingwei emerge from the rightmost path.
“Ah, Qi-shimei, Wei-shdi,” Yue Qingyuan says. “Unfortunately we hit a dead end in our path. How was yours?”
“It was a dead end as well,” Qi Qingqi says flatly. Wei Qingwei coughs, but says nothing.
Yue Qingyuan only nods. “I see.” He glances at the path Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingqiu had taken. “Perhaps Qingqiu-shidi and Liu-shidi fare better.”
Together, the four of them set off, still alert for any more surprise attacks.
They can hear some muffled shouting in the distance. Immediately Yue Qingyuan is alarmed. Surely Shen Qingqiu is not in danger?
As they get closer, they can make out angry voices.
“Ah, Liu-shidi, you brute - ”
“They can’t be fighting now, of all times!” Mu Qingfang gasps, hurrying his steps.
They round the corner. There, pressed against the dead end of the wall, is -
Oh.
Yue Qingyuan’s ears grow hot.
They -
Qingqiu-shidi and Liu-shidi are -
“What are you two doing!?” Qi Qingqi squawks, voice pitched high.
Shen Qingqiu’s face is flushed red, but he says nothing. Liu Qingge still hasn’t released Shen Qingqiu from his grasp, and he’s now glaring at all of them.
“Are you done staring?” Shen Qingqiu snaps. “You can clearly see this road is blocked. Have you found nothing useful on your end?”
The combined killing intent from both Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge is overwhelming.
Faced with no other choice, the other Peak Lords flee.