AN: Someone asked me whether or not XR would ever get the D himself and I feel I should respond. Simple answer, yes. Of my male leads, XR is actually the only one willing to switch and LF would comply as he likes being in control.

*****

Speed and agility were a cultivator's go-to tactic to avoid danger. It allowed them to slip past their foes' attacks and overcome the most harrowing of obstacles.

It also apparently worked when a troublesome person suddenly burst into the room at a moment of intimacy that was best not seen by others.

Before Xuejie could take notice of the occupants, Xieren had placed his lover onto the floor and slid in front of the man, shielding him from view. The intruder, still unaware of what had been happening, turned and spotted his friend.

He knew not what he was about to unleash.

"Bro, there you are!" He called out, stepping forward. The hot air rushed out of the room, dotting his skin with sweat. "What are you doing here so late in the day? It was such a hassle to find you."

"Xuejie." He warningly growled. 

Still unaware of the danger he was in, the man continued walking, his smile unshaken.

"Hm? Yeah, bro?"

"If you don't leave right this second, I will break your arms and kill you."

"Whoa, there's no need to get that scary, bro!" He stammered, taking a step back. "I know I was supposed to stay at the castle but-"

Dark eyes blinked, having spotted a figure standing behind Xieren. Liang Fei had been doing his best to compose himself, feeling mortified at having almost been caught.

This was all Xieren's fault! No one could break down the door, he said. Yet here they were!

His only reprieve was that this person didn't seem to notice him ye-

"Who is that behind you, bro?"

Damn it! Liang Fei cursed in his heart, suppressing the desire to scream. His hands clenched, digging into Xieren's arm in silent warning.

If you don't get rid of this guy right now... The unspoken words were clear and evident to Xieren. Knowing his master, he would very well punish him and not in the fun way.

But he echoed his opinion, not wanting anyone to see his master like this.

"You really want to die today, don't you?" He snarled stepping forward and releasing a malicious aura. Those nearby felt the sudden chill and fled. Those were the smart people.

Xuejie was not smart.

Instead, he chuckled, feeling happiness in his heart. He'd been a bit concerned after having heard what Yao Da had reported. Something about his bro being weirdly fixated on some guy, dropping everything to chase him rather than enjoying the company of beauties.

There was no way, right? No way his awesome stallion protagonist would be fixated on a guy. And from the slight peek he'd gotten before being hidden away, the one in Xieren embrace was quite the beauty.

There was no way Yao Da was saying anything true.

If anything, the way Xieren held this girl made even Xuejie feel a bit envious. Ah, to have caught sight of such a pose was way more embarrassing than reading it from the pages.

"Whoa, my bro is getting way too kinky for me, making me have to watch such displays." He snickered, slyly looking away. "Don't you feel any pity for the single dogs out there?"

"Xuejie..." Xieren flexed his hands, claws springing forth from the ends as his voice got deeper. Only then did his subordinate became wary.

"Ah, don't be mad, bro." He tried, tossing them a robe. "I didn't know you were getting it on with a beauty."

Xieren turned to Liang Fei, covering his body quickly with the warm clothing. Xuejie perked up, curious to see which little sister had gained the privilege to be so cared for. He'd turned away enough former lovers to know his bro wasn't a double dipper so this person had to be special.

As a proper brother, he should welcome his sister-in-law properly.

"Mind if I get a little peek, though?" He asked, trying to get closer. "I've never gotten a chance to even spot one of your love-"

"Shut up!" Xieren shouted, kicking the man across the room. His heart raced as he watched the man crash through the wall.

What if Shizun had heard him?! If he knew just how many women he'd touched before, he'd break things off in a heartbeat. He'd take that secret to his grave!

Liang Fei jumped at the sound, fearful his student had just killed a man.

"X-Xieren, I didn't ask you to kill him!" He snapped, moving to check on the person but stopped short after seeing the man effortlessly step from the rumble.

"Ouch! Bro, why are you being so mean to me?" He whined, pouting as he brushed off the wood chips stuck to him. If not for his high cultivation, he was sure he'd be dead just now. "Is it because I peeked just a bit? But since when do you care about stuff like that? Every other girl you slept wit-"

"Quiet!" Xieren left Liang Fei, spending the next few minutes beating the absolute shit out of his so-called friend. It was quite a sight, seeing just how much damage one cultivator could do to another. If not for the fact that it happened to be his student doing the damage, Liang Fei might have been entertained by the spectacle.

"Just who does he think will have to explain all the damage?" The elder sighed, already coming up with excuses so they wouldn't be banned for life.

Meanwhile, Xieren was standing over the bruised but not broken Xuejie. With a foot placed on his back, Xuejie was effectively pinned to the ground. He'd tried to defend himself against the onslaught but how could little old him compete against the demon king?

"Bro, why are you being so cruel?!" He cried, feeling so wronged. What had he done to deserve this?! "I thought we were friends!"

"We are friends." He confirmed, pressing down a little harder just to watch him squirm. "That's why you're still alive right now."

"You call this alive? If this is alive, why bother killing anyone?!"

"Those who talk too much deserve at least this much." He huffed, his annoyance having faded just a bit. "Now Scram before I-"

"Xieren!" The junior jumped at the sound, immediately turning to face his master as he stormed over. "What are you doing?"

Eh? Had he done something wrong? 

"This guy is peeking at us." He tried, pointing at the downed Xuejie like a child trying to deflect blame. "Surely, you wish for me to-"

"What I wish isn't this! Who do you think will have to deal with the aftermath?"

"I can pay-"

"I don't care if you can buy the whole city, you are still troubling not only those who own the business but for me, who will have to talk to them." Liang Fei did not want to be Xieren's babysitter. Lover? That was nothing but he refused to allow Xieeren to cause a ruckus and have to clean up after him. 

"Sorry."

"Sorry isn't going to fix these walls." The elder grumbled, deciding then and there he was going to have to educate his student on proper manners. Just because he was a protagonist did not mean he could make trouble for others. 

Xieren wilted, his dangerous aura gone as if it never existed. Seeing him now, the only image one could see was that of a scolded puppy.

This puppy look, crafted to melt the heart of this stoic man, wore down at the man's annoyance, leaving him a little less angry. 

Works every time. Xieren thought slyly, watching those furrowed brows relaxed.

"I wish that you behave yourself when addressing others." Liang Fei let out a defeated sigh. He was still weak to cute things. How could he not think his student was cute? All of his students were. Yet this one was being way too violent. "Beating this man is no way for an adult to act."

Especially when you aren't the one who has to explain the damage done! He mentally finished, still annoyed but showing no outward indication. Yet Xieren could sense his master's annoyance and started pleading.

"You say that but this is different!" He whined, tugging on the man's sleeve. "Shouldn't I handle things like this when he sees us naked?"

"We're all men so there's nothing to be embarrassed about." While he was still mortified about being caught, he trusted Xieren enough to understand his boundaries and protect his dignity. He doubted this man had seen their compromising position so there was no excuse.

Truly, the only reason he allowed Xieren to go this far was that his mind had been on the spectacle of watching a live fight. How could he interrupt something that cool?

"Shizun..." Xieren pouted, not sure how to coax his master back into his arms. They'd just gotten close and now he was upset with him.

The reason for that chose that moment to speak up, having stopped to watch this strange show in front of him. Though his contribution amounted to only a grunt and groan in pain as he attempted to lift his wounded body and bruised pride.

Ya'll having your soap opera as I lie here~ Xuejie felt very wronged, wanting to cry.

"Ah!" Liang Fei blinked, having forgotten they had an audience. He walked over, helping Xuejie up. "Excuse me, are you al-"

"Ah, thank you so much, Miss Beauty!" The man cried, glad to have finally found a nice person among these brutes. Everyone around him lately kept wanting to hurt him yet this pretty face showed concern. "Bro is such a jerk sometimes but he's never beaten me like this before."

"I'll be sure to scold him properly." The elder huffed, feeling relieved to see how much energy this man showed. Apparently being tossed through a couple of walls was nothing to worry about.

"Oh, Beauty is a brave one." He laughed, greatly impressed with this brave woman. Meeting Liang Fei eye to eye, he continued. "My heroin-... Eh?"

"Hm?"

"Are..." Xuejie frowned, sure he was mistaken. This person couldn't be... "Wait, you're not... Are you...?"

"Am I what?"

"You're... a guy?"

Perhaps it was the fact that he'd mistaken for a woman or just the fact that such words were said straight to his face but Liang Fei couldn't help but get snippy.

"Would you like some proof?" He asked, pulling at the edge of his robe. "If you are in doubt I can-"

"No!" Xuejie jumped back, truly frightened he might not be able to stop this... guy apparently! "No, I don't wanna see another man's junk but... What is happening right now?"

"Xieren and I are taking a bath."

"But..."

"No more questions from you, Xuejie." Perhaps Xieren was just annoyed at being scolded or maybe he was still upset about getting interrupted but the demon didn't want to let things end like this. Even with how bruised his friend was, he didn't feel satisfied. "Wait a moment."

"For?"

"Before you go, let me break your legs." It was the only way he'd feel this man had suffered enough.

"Then how would I leave?!"

"You can still crawl." He shrugged before considering the matter again. "If I don't break your arms first."

"Why are you so violent today?!" He sobbed, hiding behind Liang Fei. "What did I do?!"

"You-"

"Can we please do this someplace else?" Liang Fei sighed, apparently needing to be the adult in the room. "Preferably someplace where we are all clothed?"

"Right." Xieren relaxed, pulling the elder into his arms. "We still have things to do, right?"

"W-wait, bro!"

"What?" A growl rumbled from his chest, sending chills through the human behind him.

"I-"

"We can discuss whatever you need after we get dressed." Liang Fei cut in, getting tired of all this. It was cold and he was wet. He wanted to leave. Now. "Xieren, let me go so I can go and get dressed."

"But why can't I go with you?"

"Because if we go together, we won't be seeing this young man any time soon and I'm already tired from last night." He grumbled, walking past the two men. His mind was on other things, so he didn't think about what he'd said.

If he did, perhaps he might have noticed the looks he received from the two he'd left behind. Both were flushed but for entirely different reasons.

***

Xuejie watched the man leave, his mind reeling from what he'd heard just then. Rumors and implications were one thing but surely his precious stallion of a protagonist hadn't really-

"Yes, he is my lover and yes, I have made love to him on numerous occasions." Xieren cut in, ruthlessly dashing all of Xuejie's naive hopes. "In fact, I was planning on taking him back to our room and doing just that when you burst in and-"

"Ugh, why did you have to be so blunt about!?" Xuejie collapsed, his ears burning from the unwanted knowledge presented to him. He did not want to know~

Xieren pain no mind to Xuejie's dramatics. "You wanted to ask."

"That doesn't mean you just outright tell me!" He lamented, his mind filling in the blanks. "TMI, dude!TMI!!!"

Xieren shook his head, only mildly amused by Xuejie's antics. If it were anyone else, they'd be dead but Xuejie was his most trusted subordinate and friend, so he allowed the man to unload his grievances.

"Does it matter?" He continued some time, having waited out the human's complaints. 

Not wanting to stand around any longer, he walked out of the destroyed room, heading to an empty room to change. Xuejie followed after him, his complaints still flying off his tongue.

"Yes!" He grumbled, his mind still reeling. "Out of everyone in this world, you could screw -literal armies of beautiful women- you chose a guy! Some stranger, no less!"

"It's not screwing." He snapped, slamming a fist through a wall right next to Xuejie's head. "I would never belittle our lovemaking with such a vulgar term."

Despite this, Xuejie didn't look concerned about the threat. his mind was instead focused on Xieren's words.

"Ugh, now you're getting all doting and weird." He sighed, wanting to shed tears for all the ladies losing out on him. He had wanted to see what this guy was like when he was in love but did it have to be a dude? "Seriously, since when have you been into guys?"

"I'm not."

"That boner you've been sporting since your boyfriend left begs to differ." He pointed out, having not wanting to mention it but being forced to. It was awkward, to say the least.

Yet the demon showed no shame, and really why would he, as he stood out in the hall naked as the day he was born. It was only after the traumatized human had handed him a towel that he chose to hide that mighty dragon and let the rest of the male species go on with their naive delusion that they had something to talk about.

Being the protagonist had its perks.

"As I said, I'm not attracted to men." Xieren clarified. "I only love him."

"Love? How can you love someone you only met recently?" He couldn't help but ask. Sure, this was a fantastical world but love at first sight was still a bit of a hard sell for the human.

Yet, recalling the soft look Xieren had shown toward that guy and how happy he seemed when they spoke, Xuejie couldn't deny that Xieren was in love. It was weird to him but it was the first time in years he'd seen this guy even close to happy.

Regardless of his role in this world or his feelings on the matter, Xieren was still his friend and his happiness was a priority. 

"Have you always been like this?" He asked, less curious about the matter and more concerned about any other revelations coming up. "Liking dudes, I mean?"

"Before now, a few times."

Xuejie grimaced. "Not toward me, right?"

"Do you want to die?"

"You wouldn't kill your best friend, would you?" Xuejie cried, raising his arms up to defend himself. It wouldn't do much but it was something.

Xieren thought about it for a moment. Wouldn't Shizun be mad if he did that? 

"Depends."

"On?!"

Xieren considered the question for a moment. "My mood?"

"Don't treat killing your bro like you're deciding whether or not to get a burger!"

(AN: Xuejie is the master of Tsukkomi's)

Xieren felt his mood brighten up, almost laughing at the human's antics. Xuejie couldn't make him happy but he definitely made him less mad. At least when he was not peeking at their master. 

Perhaps it was moments like this that made Xieren reluctant to take his own life before this.

"Again, you say weird things." He huffed, amused as they waltzed into an empty room. At least, it became empty after Xieren gave the occupates the most baleful look that they'd ever seen. Xuejie barely batted an eye as the former occupants rushed out of the room.

Xieren was already going through their clothes when Xuejie followed him in. "Was that necessary?" 

"Should I have killed them?"

"Why that an option!?"

"You asked." He deadpanned, finding a nice robe he might gift to Shizun later.

"When did I say to kill anyone?" He snapped, clawing at his head as he tried to calm himself down. It was really only their long term friendship that allowed him to speak to the demon king this way but there were times this guy was just... stressful.

He now felt a bit of pity for his boyfriend if this is the kind of person he had to deal with.

Unaware of the stress he placed on the two men in his life, Xieren began to get dressed, ignoring Xuejie even as the human helped him. The robes were surprisingly nice and suited the man well. Then again, what didn't?

"Why do you make me like this?" Xuejie sighed from behind as he tied the strings on Xieren's robe. "Stressing me out when I just want what's best for you."

Hearing this, an idea came to Xieren. "If that's what you want, perhaps you can assist me with something."

"Oh?" The human perked up, fascinated by the idea. "Tell me more."

"I want to make him fall for me."

Xuejie didn't have to ask who 'he' was. What other he was there that this guy would show an interest in? Xieren was an open book when it came to that guy.

"Why ask me?"He asked, watching the demon materialize his sword to strap to his belt. The fact he only did so now showed just how much mercy this guy had shown toward Xuejie. Yet even that didn't curb his tongue. "I'm not into guys."

"But you are good with women."

"Bro, you should know that men are men and women are women. They are not the same. You fucked them both, so you definitely know."

"Wooing a lady can't be that different." He reasoned. 

"How should I know?!"

Did he look like one of those rotten girls you see on forums?

The two stared at one another, a pair of green eyes staring into Xieren's single gold eye. Xuejie wasn't expecting a response. Xieren was a demanding leader but what couldn't be done, just couldn't be. He wasn't the type to be unreasonable.

Yet Xieren was also notoriously stubborn.

Xieren let out a somewhat defeated sigh. "I don't know how to woo someone." He admitted, anticipating the mockery he would receive.

He didn't have to wait long.

"Oh? The all-powerful demon king can't figure out how to court someone." Xuejie snickered, suppressing a full-on belly laugh. This was hilarious but he liked having his organs remain inside him. "How cute."

Xieren was quick to snap back. "Women usually just throw themselves at me, so I never felt the need to learn."

Xuejie: ...

"God, you really know how to make a man resent you." The man wilted, no longer finding anything about this funny. He stared up at the ceiling, wondering what compelled him to challenge this man. "Saying all that... Fine, I'll help you. But you'll owe me."

"Deal."

***

After finally getting dried and changed, Liang Fei felt his previous annoyance fade. He'd expected to get an earful when he'd confronted the owner of the bathhouse but to his surprise, the man seemed perfectly fine with it.

He didn't pay any mind to the sweaty stammering man as he practically begged Liang Fei to let the matter go. The elder tried to press but after being refused, he could only accept the man's generosity.

Perhaps he was just stressed and had other matters to worry about.

So the elder walked away, unaware of the eye watching him and glaring hatefully at the sweating man. A certain demon was determined to coax his master back into his arms and the best start was to wipe away any of his concerns.

Whether it was with death threats or not, let that stay a matter between the two men.

Meanwhile, Liang Fei was wandering about, only now realizing he had no idea where he should go. He'd said the three of them would talk but where?

Should he just wander about until he finds them?

Just as he was thinking this, he heard a pair of voiced talking quite loudly, drawing his attention. Now, Liang Fei wasn't a nosy person but how could he not listen in when the voices speaking were ones he knew. Though why were they together? He wondered as he drew closer.

The first voice was soft and pleasant to the ears. Yet it's tone was drenched in insecurity. "Yao Da, about before, I wanted to ask-"

"There's nothing to talk about." The second voice interjected, low and sultry. This person however, sounded nervous. "J-just forget about it."

"But I-"

"Cub, please just... lets not talking about it anymore."

Silence fell between the two, giving Liang Fei the opportunity to cut in. He wasn't sure what was being spoken about but he definitely knew those voices.

"Yao Da?" He called out, stepping from around the corner. The two women jumped at the sight of him yet the elder paid no mind to that. "Xinyi! What are you both doing here?"

"Uncle!?" The demoness looked as nervous as she sounded, briefly wondering how much the man had heard.

Xinyi on the other hand was overjoyed.

"Lord Han?!" She cried, rushing over to hug him. Despite how much time had passed since they'd seen one another, Liang Fei felt happy to see this girl once more, embracing her affectionately.

"Lord Han, you're alright!" The young lady clung to his robes, her hands clenched in the fabric as she spoke. "I was so worried about you."

"I'm sorry for worrying you. I will try not to disappear like that again."

He'd already been taken hostage once and that was one too many for him. It was stressful and made him yearn for the strength he had in the past. If not for meeting Xieren at that time, who knew how much more trouble would have occurred?

Yao Da watched as the two embraced, feeling strangely calm seeing the two. She had felt furious when Xuejie had hugged Xinyi in just the same way yet she was fine with Uncle?

It was probably due to the heavy scent clinging to the elder. A demon had already marked and claimed this guy. Her instincts told her she had no reason to feel threatened.

Yet why should she feel threatened? Xinyi wasn't hers, despite her own scent clinging to the human's flesh.

She wasn't sure how she felt about Xinyi yet. That time in the bath was still fresh in her mind. The softness of her skin and her lovely sighs still echoed through her bones.

She couldn't breach the matter until she understood where her feelings laid. She could only deflect the human until her own heart was settled.

"Yao Da!" Liang Fei called out, a bit surprised to see both women together. "How nice to see you again."

"Likewise." She said with a smile. "Are you here with someone?" She really didn't have to ask. While the man had the heavy scent of soap on him, underneath it all she could smell a demon on him.

Someone was quite possessive, it seemed.

"Yes, I'm with my student."

Xinyi looked up at him from within his arms. "The one you were looking for?"

"En."

"That's great!" Xinyi pulled away, grinning with excitement. "I'm so happy for you, my lord. You must be having such a good time catching up."

He flinched. "Well, there is that I suppose." 

Thinking about it, he really didn't know much about the current Xieren. They hadn't had the time to talk yet. Their conversations were generalized, nothing personal or intimate so at this point, they might as well be strangers. 

Strangers that had sex.

Wasn't that like a one night stand?

No, they had sex regularly. They just didn't talk... Did that mean-?!

"Did I become his fuck buddy?" He mumbled his mind elsewhere.

Back in reality, only Yao Da heard those careless words and almost tripped over herself.

"Wait, what!?" She snapped, reeling from shock. To hear this seemingly pure man say such a thing was...

What is life anymore?

Xinyi was looking between the two, having not heard Liang Fei's revelation. The man was still in his own mind, mortified to realize he was leading his student astray. They were supposed to be fake dating yet he was treating his fake boyfriend like a piece of meat!

If Xieren takes these lessons to heart, he'll become a heartbreaker! He'll treat his wife horribly and then resent the elder for teaching him wrong. 

I must rectify this! Liang Fei thought, nodding with resolution. The two women gave one another a look before sighing. This man was off in his own world. The best they could do was to make sure he didn't run into a wall.

They managed to succeed in keeping the elder from walking into any walls, instead enjoying the man's company as they walked. No one spoke, as there was no one willing to. The air was tense between the two women but the one man there failed to notice, his mind on other matters.

Namely, how to be a better fake boyfriend.

"Don't be unreasonable!" A familiar voice called out, gaining the attention of the three. Some distance away, a familiar figure sat with Xuejie with his back to the trio. The human looked frustrated and close to shouting.

Yet he stayed his tongue, knowing his place. He was allowed to speak candidly due to their past but only to a certain point.

"Give me a good reason and I might consider it." Xieren replied, his voice colder than Liang Fei had ever heard him. He shivered, wondering if he might be mistaken about who was talking.

Yet he knew that voice well, having heard it for days. Yet the present tone and attitude of his words when compared to just hours before were like heaven and earth.

This wasn't his student, Xieren. No, this was demon king Xieren.

"Xieren." Liang Fei stopped, admiring his student as he sat. Despite not moving, his presence was all-consuming, taking the attention of everyone in the room.

Liang Fei included.

Perhaps it was his bias, but Xieren looked very different just then as he and that other man spoke. There was none of the softness Liang Fei had gotten used to seeing from the younger man.

He was like a sharp blade placed on the table, shining and dangerous yet still. While it would always pose a danger to anyone, it was passive at the moment. 

A smart person would be keen to keep their eye on it.

Seeing Liang Fei stop, the two girls walked back to him, following his gaze.

Xinyi squinted, her vision not nearly as good as a demon's. "Is that-"

"Boss?" Yao Da gasped, not expecting to have bumped into the man so quickly. Sure, Uncle was there with them but she had hoped...

"Boss?" The elder echoed, having been drawn from his admiration of Xieren. "Is Xieren the one you were looking for?"

"Yes." 

Liang Fei felt a weird twinge in his chest as he continued. "Ah, the one you are in love with, right?"

The elder turned his gaze toward Xieren, a bit bothered by the strange tightness in his chest.

Yao Da was in love with Xieren.

It made sense. Xieren was strong and kind, so who wouldn't be in love with him? Yet that stubborn child chose to waste his time with an old man like him.

He reasoned the discomfort in his chest was guilt for having a relationship with someone his companion was infatuated with. Xuetian would call it 'going against the bro-code'.

"If you'll excuse me." He said, rushing over to Xieren so he wouldn't have to explain why they were there together. He was sure Yao Da would notice something if he didn't warn Xieren to keep quiet about their relationship.

He couldn't imagine how heartbroken Yao Da would be if she found out about their fling.

Meanwhile, Yao Da was scrambling to think of a proper response to Liang Fei's statement. She had forgotten that she had confessed her secret feelings to the elder. At the time, it was fine but now...

"In love with?" Xinyi said, her tone low and empty.  She turned away, leaving only her back visible. "Y-you love A-Ren?"

"Uh, I-" The demoness stammered, feeling suffocated. But why should she? She loved her master, had loved him for years now but...

Why did she feel the sudden desire to deny it?

Her eyes darted to Xinyi, who stared back at her with a hurt expression before looking away again. There were unspoken words in those blue eyes of hers.

"Xinyi, I-" She tried to explain herself but the human's head snapped up, a weak smile gracing her lovely face.

"T-that's great!" She said, her hand grasping the pouch on her hip. A pleasant and usually calming scent filled the air as she continued. "If there is anyone who I could approve of to be my sister-in-law, it would be you, Yao Da."

"Xinyi!" She called out, watching her walk past her. After a moment, Yao Da ran after her, grabbing her arm. "Just wait a second."

"I... I should go and leave you to-"

"Xinyi, it's not like that!" She tried to turn Xinyi to face her but the human refused to budge.

It was only at times like this that she showed how strong she was.

"You don't need to explain anything. I understand." She assured, her voice cracking. "All that before was just... nothing, I suppose."

But it didn't feel like nothing. She was sure it wasn't, just as she was sure Yao Da felt the same.

But perhaps it was just wishful thinking on her part.

Of course it was. How could she think such silly things? Her with Yao Da? The arrogance! Yao Da was beautiful, strong, and capable.

She was just a naive young woman scrambling after the two men that had left her behind. It was pathetic of her to cling to her like this. 

She pulled her hand away, walking away once more. Yao Da watched her, unsure of what to say. Was there anything she could say? Yet this couldn't be how they parted.

"Xinyi!" She called out, grabbing her arm again. The human fought against her, trying to escape. "Damn it, will you just listen to me? Cub, I-"

"Don't call me that!" She snapped, glaring up at the demoness.

"I-"

"If you want to be with A-Ren, you don't have to use me to get to him." Tears filled her eyes as she attempted to regain her dignity. "I'm not someone you can toy with."

"I'm not toying with you!"

"Then why haven't you looked me in the eye since that time?!" It had been hours since then yet she still couldn't get the demoness to look at her.

Yao Da said nothing, since her heart was still agitated and the words were not clear in her mind. 

"See?" A derisive smiled stretched across Xinyi's lips. "I keep thinking about it, wondering how things would have ended had you continued. I wanted..."

"You wanted?" A hope bloomed in Yao Da's heart, though she couldn't say what she was hoping for. The feeling was still unnamed. "You wanted what?"

"Does it matter? You don't care about me."

"I do!" Yao Da insisted. She stepped forward, watching Xinyi move away until her back hit the wall. "I care a lot about you. Not as a person precious to master but more than that! I just... I don't know what to do about all... this."

"You just pointed to all of me."

"Exactly! You are... you!" Yao Da ran her hands through her hair, frustrated with her confused feelings. "This is all very new to me and... I'm confused..."

Xinyi watched Yao Da, seeing her frustration. Perhaps she really wasn't avoiding her out of malice. Still, it hurt to be ignored.

"So am I," She sighed, feeling a bit tired now. "but that doesn't mean you should act like I'm not here."

"I... I know. It's wrong to do that." Yao Da took her hand and looked into her eyes earnestly. "Just... Could I have some time to... think about things?"

Xinyi, being new to this, wasn't sure how to feel. She could see there wasn't any intention to hurt her but... It still hurt. 

Yet this was probably the best solution.

"You do as you like." She conceded, pulling away. "Pursue A-Ren or whatever you think this thing between us is. It's up to you. I'll be spending time with my brothers in the meantime."

Xinyi walked away, her head held high even though she wanted to cry just then. Yao Da could only watch her leave.

I'm sorry." She mumbled, so quiet it could barely be heard. 

"I'm sure you are. I'm just sorry you feel the need to apologize."

***

While all that was going on, Liang Fei had finally reached the table where Xieren and Xuejie were talking. As he drew closer, their words became clear.

"I'm not leaving." Xieren said with an air of finality. He'd clearly made up his mind but Xuejie was not having it.

"B-bro, you have to!" The man pleaded, staring up at the demon.

"I don't have to do anything. If I wish to stay, then I will."

"Bro!"

"Don't test me, Xuejie." He snapped, slamming his hand on the table. A crack formed under his palm, silencing the other man's protest. "We might be friends but I am still your king."

"I-"

"Xuejie?" Liang Fei cut in, his shock overtaking his surprise. Instead, his focus was on the man in front of him. "You are Xuejie?"

The men blinked at him, having somehow not noticed his approach until now. Xuejie, while a capable cultivator, wasn't the most observant guy, so it wasn't a big deal. It could be chalked up to his focus being on Xieren above all things. But for Xieren, who was greatly attuned to his master's scent to only notice his presence now this was a shock.

None of this was noticed by Liang Fei, who stared at Xuejie, waiting for his response.

"Uh, yeah, that's me." He muttered his eyes darting to Xieren who was slowly getting scarier as he was ignored by his lover.

As if to make matters worse, the elder seemingly brightened up, moving to stand closer.

"Ah, how good to see you again, Xiao-Jie~" He sighed, feeling glad to see another one of his students. No wonder Xieren was so tolerant of this guy. It was Xuejie. "It's been so long."

To settle the restless feeling in his heart, Liang Fei petted the man, unable to resist. Xuejie had always been one of his favorite students, second to Xieren of course. He was very energetic and loud.

He reminded the elder of his friend in a former life, yet a lot less vulgar.

That and his hair was always so soft like a kitten. It was the best feeling ever! Xuejie wasn't cute but he was soft so it was a nice feeling.

He still wasn't sure what he could and couldn't do with Xieren. Yes, they had sex but head pats were a different thing. While he might not be mad at Liang Fei anymore, he didn't want to do anything Xieren might dislike so he didn't press him on it.

But Xuejie was fair game. He never seemed bothered by the head pats, only mildly confused by the gesture.

Even now, he showed that same mystified expression as Liang Fei pet him. Unseen by either man, Xieren had stalked over, grabbing Liang Fei's wrist and pulling him back into his arms. Back to chest, the air between them heated up as Xieren pressed his cheek to the elders.

Then, as if the steer the elder away from any more ideas, he took hold of the other wrist. Knowing him, he might try something.

Silence fell between them as everyone watched to two. After a minute, Liang Fei recovered from his surprise enough to speak.

"Xieren, why are you-"

"Shizun, are you acting appropriately?" He growled in his ear so only he could hear. The elder suppressed a shiver, not wanting to react to their proximity.

"I don't know what do you mean."

"Should you be ignoring your lover to touch another man like this?" The demon pressed, wrapping his arms around the elder while gripping his wrists. "I'm right here if you want to pet someone."

"But I haven't seen Xuejie in a while." Liang Fei didn't mean to whine but really, Xieren was being too unreasonable! Why couldn't he pet his other student?

Xieren saw the man's furrowed brows and sighed. Why did he have to fall for such a dense man? He couldn't even be mad since he knew Shizun wasn't pretending to be oblivious.

He just naturally was.

"Yes, but he is a grown man." Xieren Pointed out, looking over to Xuejie. "Do you want to insult him by treating him like a child?"

Didn't you just beg to be petted as well?! Said human thought, feeling embarrassed for having heard their talk. Was this his punishment? To have to endure these two acting like a couple while he remained single.

Ah, bro is too cruel.

"Bro, you mind introducing us?" He said, interjecting before they forgot he was there.

Liang Fei blinked, only then recalling that he wasn't in the body of Shao Liang Fei. Of course, Xuejie wouldn't recognize him.

"This might come as a surprise but I'm-"

"He's my lover." Xieren interjected, earning a scolding look from the man in his arms.

"Xieren!"

Xuejie rolled his eyes. "Yeah, you told me that already."

"He did!?" Liang Fei turned to Xieren, who stared back with a calm expression.

"Is that a problem?" He asked, spinning the man to face him. Despite the proximity, Liang Fei remained level headed.

He wasn't going to let this man's deep voice or cool demeanor distract him. No matter how attractive he looked.

(AN: Apparently, LF is a bit into bad-boys)

"I don't want others to misunderstand." He stated, crossing his arms.

"What's there to misunderstand?" He retorted, his fingers tapping a tune on the elder's spine. Liang Fei unconsciously moved closer. Xieren let out a purr. "We are lovers, aren't we?"

"Yes."

"So why can't I introduce you as such?"

The elder said nothing, unsure how to respond to that. 

"I... I suppose you can do so." He relented, resting his head on Xieren's chest. If his student was right, a good teacher could only concede and strive to better himself. 

Speaking of.

"We need to talk a bit more though." He continued. "I fear I might be leading you astray."

"Anywhere you lead me is where I wish to be." Xieren's words were low and could only be heard by Liang Fei. The elder didn't bother to look up at his student, feeling a bit embarrassed to hear such words.

You really shouldn't say things that people might misunderstand. He thought, trying to ignore the warm feeling welling up in his chest. To settle the feeling, Liang Fei pushed himself from Xieren's embrace. It was only due to the awkward cough that Xuejie made that he recalled where they were.

"I'm glad you trust me but please think about where you are." He chastised, moving from his embrace to sit down. Xieren followed after him.

Liang Fei turned to Xuejie, who could only sigh when he saw his bro put his arms over the man's shoulder. All this went completely unnoticed by said man. 

"Now, what were you two talking about?" 

Xuejie could only endure all this and continue on with his conversation.

"Well, I was trying to talk some sense into my boss here and-"

"Is that any way to talk to his majesty?" A second man interjected, turning two heads as he drew closer. Both men in question recognized the new face but only one spoke.

"Ah, He-Ge!" Xuejie beamed, finally feeling relaxed. Being pressured by the scary demon king and then forced to endure two guys being all lovey-dovey was too cruel a task for this small subordinate. "Thank goodness you're here! Bro has been making me endure so much indignity."

He Qing, however, was no more kind than Xieren. "Did you have anything new to report?"

"How could you be so cruel?!"

"The same way you can be so lazy. Weren't you supposed to be guarding me?"

"You don't need me."

"Yet here you are." The man turns to Xieren and Liang Fei. The elder was staring, trying to place the face while Xieren stared forward, not acknowledging the human in the least.

This was to be expected. Xieren rarely did pay any mind to others if they weren't being useful. To make matters worse, He Qing had gotten distracted and forgot to greet his king.

It was only Liang Fei's presence that saved He Qing from being punished right then and there.

"My king." He Qing bowed, his eyes falling on the hand around Liang Fei's shoulder. He bowed to the elder as well. "My lord."

"You are He Qing?" Liang Fei was a bit surprised to see his original's nephew alongside Xieren. They'd only met once before but those sour-looking eyes were ones that the elder couldn't forget. If his niece had sweet eyes, her brother was the opposite.

He briefly wondered if Xinyue was also allied with Xieren. Perhaps she was the one Xieren wished to court, hence the lessons. He did seem to like her before.

He Qing frowned. "Do I know you?"

Again, Liang Fei felt a bit sad to not be recognized. He definitely liked having his own body back but being asked such a thing by someone he knew was beginning to hurt.

"I suppose not." He sighed, unconsciously leaning against Xieren. The junior said nothing as the elder continued. "May I ask what you need from Xieren."

Back to business, He Qing knelt down, head bowed as he spoke to them.

"We need his majesty to return to the darklands immediately. There are pressing concerns than need his attention."

"And I told you already that I won't go back." Xieren snapped back, his tone a lot more threatening than before. "I put you in charge in my absence for a reason, He-Qing. If you can't handle this much..."

The sentence was left unfinished but the threat was clear. The pressure was weighing down on the human. He Qing shivered with fear but pressed forward.

"Your majesty, please understand my hesitance to follow that order." He tried, his voice wavering a bit. "This is a demon matter. A human can't-"

"I won't leave before I've accomplished what I need to."

"Your majesty."

Liang Fei, having heard enough, chose to interject.

"Xieren, why are you refusing? Is this not your job?"

"It is."

"Yet you leave the matter to your subordinate?"

"He is capable of-"

"He has his limits." He interrupted, unaware of the look of surprise he received from the other two humans at the table. He continued. "Humans are humans and demons are demons. As the demon King, you must show yourself to be someone people are willing to follow."

"They only follow me because I'm strong."

"Yet you show weakness by avoiding your duties and handing it off to others.

"I'm not weak!" He snapped, his fingers clenching. His claws dug through the wood of the table and already tense air thickened with a dangerous aura. 

To dare call the demon king, the man who nigh singlehandedly conquered half the land and took control of the more notoriously vicious race in existence, weak was a brave and stupid thing to do. Brave to be so daring but stupid in that their lives would be much shorter for saying such a thing. It wasn't like Liang Fei was unaware of this.

He just wasn't scared of speaking his mind, especially when the person was wrong.

"Then take responsibility and return home." He stated, pouring himself a cup of tea. He honestly has no idea why Xieren was being like this. He surely had taught this man better than this.

The silence that followed was deafening. Xuejie and He Qing weren't sure what the expect. Xuejie was sure Xieren liked this guy but to question his integrity and call him weak to his face.

Surely being killed was the least of this guy's worries. Perhaps he had gotten arrogant and assumed he could say anything.

Both men had already accepted Liang Fei's inevitable death and was just waiting for their king's claws to rend the man into pieces. Yet, to their surprise, their king seemed to calm down and let out a breath.

"...Will you be coming with me?" He asked, sounding wary. Wary of what, no one could be sure.

"Where else would I be?" The elder replied, genuinely confused. Had he not said he'd be living for Xieren? Why would he be anywhere else when Xieren was here?

Xieren chuckled, feeling the heavy stone in his heart fade. His main reason for wanting to stay was his fear that his master would remain there. The darklands were surely a place any human would want to steer clear of. It was a place that held the demons who were rumored to eat babies and raze villages to ashes.

No human would want to go there, hence his reluctance to leave. He could force the man and kidnap him but he wanted his master to love him so he couldn't.

He Qing watched the two, his mind taking in everything he was seeing. He has suspected something was going on between the two but to see it first hand was astounding.

Even Xuejie was shocked by it, having not seen his bro even smile in the years since they left the sect. The two humans shared a look of mutual surprise.

This was quite a rare event, the demon kings laughter having not been heard in a long time. Yet already, this elder had elicited that sought after sound many times in just a few days than anyone had in the last 10 years.

Truly, the one who brought this man's laughter and smiles could only be Liang Fei.

***

After convincing Xieren to return home, the demon left to pack their things with Xuejie in tow. this left the elder with He Ging, who kept on staring at Liang Fei like he was an exotic beast.

"I'm not going to dance." He abruptly said, confusing his companion.

"Eh?"

"Nor will I sing for you. I doubt we like the same genre of music." He doubted this person would like metal or rock music. It might be too abrasive for him.

He Qing stared at him like he was crazy which at this point, might very well be the case.

"What are you talking about?"

"You seem to be expecting something from me." He stated, turning to the younger man. "Why else would you be staring?"

"Wouldn't you stare if you just found out your king was in a relationship with a man?"

"Probably but staring is rude." 

"My apologies then." He Qing sighed, not really wanting to be around this guy anymore. Seeing how intimate he was with his king was... well it was weird and he really wanted to get out of there. "I must leave you now. If I don't answer the beast's call, we'll be late."

Liang Fei frowned. "Beast's call?"

"The beast we'll be riding on." He clarified, giving a small bow before moving past the elder. "If we try to go by land, it'll take too long so we'll be flying back."

Liang Fei grabbed He Qing's arm, his grip tight.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" 

The junior frowned, having not expected to be grabbed. "Repeat what?"

"You said something about flying?" He pressed, his hand tightening at the last word before relaxing. The elder didn't have a lot of strength so He Qing relaxed somewhat.

"Oh right. You're a mortal so you might not know this but demons use divine beasts to travel." He explained, pulling his arm free. He expected some response to that, since divine beasts were generally feared by mortals yet the man continued to stare, as waiting for more.

What a weird guy.

"We need to get back quickly," He continued. "so we'll be using one to fly straight there."

Liang Fei stepped forward, crowding He Qing until the junior was pressed against a nearby wall. Perhaps it was silly of him but he couldn't help but falter as those aloof eyes stared him down. With an expression that serious, how could he not react?

Yet his word were...

"So you mean to say that we will be in the air and won't touch the ground between our departure and our arrival to the dark lands?" 

"Uh... yes?" He gulped, feeling strangely intimidated by the intense stare he was receiving.

"I see." Liang Fei sighed, closing his eyes. "Then the situation is more dire than I thought."

Without another word, Liang Fei left, leaving He Qing to stare after him. His heart was racing and he felt like he'd just stared down a monster.

"What was that!?"

***

Liang Fei briskly walked back to the room he and Xieren shared, his heart racing. If what he said was true, he would need Xieren's help to get through this.

He didn't bother to knock, his mind on his mission. Xieren and Xuejie were busy packing their bags.

"Oh, bro-in-law is here too." Xuejie commented, seeing the elder briefly greet him before beelining to his partner. 

"Xieren."

Xieren pulled his master close, pressing a kiss to his temple.

"You're back, Fei-er." He sighed, feeling a bit sad when his master pulled away.

"Eh? I-is that me?" Liang Fei whispered. Xieren nodded, pleased with himself.

"Do you want him to know who you are?" He gestured toward Xuejie who was actively trying to pretend they weren't there.

A single dog could only take so much.

"I was going to anyway but you stopped me." The elder pointed out. He had truly wanted to, as well. It felt good to have the people he care for know he was alive. Had he been reborn into his old life in a new body, he'd have done the same.

Proving it would just be the issue. Xieren apparently felt the same as he replied.

"You'd have to explain your new body and I doubt Xuejie would believe it."

"Do you not believe I'm who I say I am?" He couldn't help but ask. Xieren had been surprisingly accepting of all the craziness of his situation. Part of him wondered if the man was just pretending to be convinced.

Either way it wouldn't matter. His goal and reason for being were still Xieren at the moment.

Xieren smiled, caressing the elder's cheek. "I believe everything Shizun tells me."

It was a simple statement but one that touched Liang Fei in ways he couldn't voice.

"Such a good boy." He whispered, mirroring Xieren's action.

The air between them thickened, as well as other things. Xieren moved in closer, purring in his ear.

"Don't say things like that or I might be tempted to show Shizun how much of a good boy I am."

Liang Fei's eyes darted toward Xuejie, whose back was still turned to them. The faint flush to his ears made certain that he knew what his student was implying. 

"Not in front of him!"

A single brow arched upward. "So later?"

"You!" He started but stopped when he remembered why he'd come here, to begin with. He needed Xieren. "Yes well... I do have need of your assistance."

The junior blinked, curious. "Anything."

"Good, because we might have to take a rain check on our conversation." He mumbled, his fingers pinching the edges of Xieren's robe. "Perhaps... when we arrive at the dark lands?

"Oh?" There was nothing that could be gleaned from that 'oh' but Liang Fei read it as understanding so he went forward with his plan.

"My apologies." He breathed, leaning forward to press a kiss to Xierens' lips. He'd had plenty of practice over the last few days but still felt a bit shy when initiating it. Xieren did nothing, enjoying the feeling as his master continued on.

Meanwhile, the other occupant in the room was left to stand there awkwardly. He had hoped Xieren would break it off so he could just finish the job given to him but no! The dick just stood there.

Xuejie had no choice but to speak. "Ah, so is this when I should-"

Xieren grabbed Liang Fei by the waist, pulling him into a deep kiss. No more questions had to be asked as Xuejie fled, not wanting to see any more of this.

After being left alone, Xieren lifted Liang Fei into his arms and carried him over to the bed. The elder was very familiar with this bed so he didn't react when he was tossed atop it and pinned by his lover.

The heavy scent of soap and Xieren filled Liang Fei's senses.

"Might I ask why my usually shy lover seems so eager?" Xieren asked as he stripped, revealing the bare skin and muscles that Liang Fei had grown well acquainted with. "We will be departing in the morning."

That was exactly why he was making himself be so assertive!

Truly, this was the only way he could get through the flight and not lose his mind. If he slept with Xieren, he'd be exhausted and sleep through the entire flight. Otherwise, he'd be clawing at whatever surface was within reach like an unruly cat.

Anything was better than being awake for the flight.

"I just need to be held right now." He stated, hoping Xieren would press the matter too much.

Yet, to his surprise, Xieren's response was, "Ah, I'm not being punished?"

"Did you wish to be?"

"A little." Xieren was a bit tempted. While he loved having his master submit to him, he loved when his master took the reins. It showed that the man wasn't just pretending to like it or just going along with his whims.

Every 'punishment' meant his master wanted to be held by him. That he liked being held.

So he let the man straddle him, stroking his soft hands over his chest and up his arms. Part of him was tempted to ask if his master liked that part of him, since he always felt him up whenever he could.

Liang Fei would go to his grave never admitting that he did indeed like Xieren's chest the most.

But Xieren's question was halted as he felt something tighten around his wrists.

"Eh?" His eyes darted up, finding his hands bound to the bed frame above his head. "W-what is this?"

"Restraints." The elder replied, leaning back to sit on Xeiren's stomach. He tapped a pretty reddened mark on his shoulder. "You keep leaving marks on me."

"Shizun likes them." And he liked marking him back. Yet he kept those words in his heart, feeling a strange excitement fill him as he tested the strength of his bonds. He could break free at any moment.

Was this a test? Would he be punished if he broke the bonds? Or was his master seeking his loss of control and wanted to rile him up.

Either way, he was getting more aroused by the anticipation than anything else. And he could tell his master felt the same, as his own erection was leaking onto Xieren's skin.

Yet despite all that, Liang Fei kept up appearances, even with his ears burning red.

"Whether I do or not is beside the point." He mumbled, knowing Xieren would be able to hear him anyway. "Since we'll be around others, I can't let others see the marks on me."

"You want to hide our relationship?" 

"Our relationship is our own business. There is no need to broadcast it to your people."

"There is every reason to!" He growled, his instincts begging him to mark this man once more. To make it impossible for him to deny their union.

Why hide it now?! Xuejie and He Qing already knew they were lovers so why waste time doing all this?

He wanted to shout it from the rooftops that he'd claimed his master as his, that there was no one sled who had made his master moan and shudder the way he did. That the marks decorated his succulent skin was made by no one else but Xieren.

Yet his master wanted to hide that. Clearly, he had work to do if he was going to make this dense man love him.

Meanwhile, Liang Fei considered the aftermath of their eventual breakup. it'd be awkward for his future wife if she knew her husband had dabbled with another man. He didn't want to cause that kind of trouble so it was best not to be noticed.

Unbeknownst to him, a certain human was broadcasting the status of their relationship far and wide out of pure shock and need to be validated. Surely it wasn't just him being taken by surprise by the sudden shift, right?

Back in the room, the two men stared each other down, neither budging an inch. Their words were unspoken but evident to the other.

Xieren wanted to be open about their relationship, seeing nothing to be ashamed of.

Liang Fei wanted to hide it, worried Xieren might have a hard time after they break up.

While Xieren was pissed off by his master's attitude, he knew the man was just trying to help him. Even if he was being a dick about it.

Arguing wouldn't help though. His master was just as stubborn as he was. The only way to change the man's mind was to follow through with his plan.

Make his master love him.

***

Like a light switch, Xieren's mood suddenly brightened, shocking the elder sitting atop him.

"Does Shizun like being on top?"

"Eh?"

"Do you like-" His mouth was covered.

"I heard you but what makes you think such a thing?" He asked, his brows furrowed.

Amused, Xieren smiled. He truly hadn't noticed.

"We always find ourselves positioned like this." He said, nibbling at his master's fingers. "I would assume you like it too."

"I... do." He really did. Having Xieren pliant and at his mercy like this was way more arousing than it should be. Perhaps it was his weakness in comparison to Xieren's but having this much control over the man was doing things to his mind he wasn't prepared to contemplate. "I also like it when you hold me down too."

"Shizun!" Xieren cried out, leaning forward to catch his master's lips. Yet the man pressed him back down.

"Behave!"

"I..." He tried, before biting his tongue. He was being punished then. "Yes, master."

Liang Fei pressed a chaste kiss onto Xieren's forehead, praising him for behaving. Xieren preened under the silent approval, even his body yearned to pin the man beneath him.

Liang Fei decided to get his punishment out of the way, as he was still mildly upset about being caught before. He couldn't let Xieren go with just being restrained.

The erection pressing against him was a good start.

"Ah, you look to be straining." He sighed, pressing his butt against the shaft. It twitched, apparently noticing his proximity. He peeked over his shoulder at Xieren. "Is it painful?"

"N-no, I just..." Xieren's eyes darted between his partner's face and his gyrations, his breath rushing from him. He was so close but he couldn't move. If shizun would just move a bit, then... "please!"

A brow cocked. "Please?"

"Master, please don't leave like this!"He begged, his body shaking from restraining himself.

"Leave you? When have I done that?" He cooed, pressing a kiss to Xieren's chest. He was poised over the demon, rubbing the tip of Xieren's shaft against his thighs. It shivered, wetting his skin as he continued to tease the man. "This thing will soon be buried deep inside me, right?"

He reached back to grab hold of the offending shaft, feeling the hot flesh shudder beneath his fingers. Yet his eyes remained on Xieren's face, loving the look on his face.

This was Xieren, the demon king and protagonist of the world, pleading with his eyes for him. the thrill was too much for Liang Fei to resist teasing.

"This will be stretching me open and making me cry out." He continued, stroking the shaft slowly, just to see his lover gasp and shiver beneath him. "Will you be the one begging for it or me this time? We can't be sure. Should I ask it?"

"Master!" He groaned, the wood frame creaking as his arms attempted to free himself.

"Don't break the bonds!" Liang Fei snapped, his lover's body shuddering as he obeyed.

"But-" Liang Fei leaned in close, grabbing Xieren's chin so they were practically breathing each other's air.

"Are you attempting to escape from me?"

"From you? Never." He shuddered, his hips gyrating behind the elder. Just one more touch and he'd be screaming his master's name. Begging to be edged even further. Anything this man wanted, he'd give. 

"Bind me to your side, chain me to your heart. I'll follow you anywhere."

Hearing that, Liang Fei felt once again that fuzzy warm feeling filled his chest and makes it hard to talk. 

Ah, this man is such a sweet talker. He thought, pressing a chaste kiss onto his lover's lips. Saying such things was way too much for this old man to handle~

But it was just pillow talk, sweet nothings said when the mood was right. He shouldn't pay it too much mind.

Save those kinds of words for your wife. He thought as he reached back to prepare himself. Usually Xieren was the one to do it but with his hands bound, Liang Fei was next in line.

Yet doing so only riled them up faster. Especially as Liang Fei chose to narrate everything he did. From the shock of the initial penetration of his fingers to the awe of how warm he was inside.

"Is this what you feel around that massive shaft every night?" He gasped as he pressed in deeper with his fingers. His breaths were scattered, hot air hitting Xierens chest as he pressed his cheek to those hard abs. A particularly curved finger managed to hit his sweet spot, making him moan wantonly, his back arching into Xieren. "No wonder you don't let up. It must feel amazing when I squeeze you like this. Or," The elder leaned in close to his ear. "do you like my mouth better?"

"Ngh!" Xieren gasped, shuddering beneath him as something wet hit the elder's thigh. Xieren shivered as he ejaculated all over his masters back. Any other time, he might have felt mortified but he was still trying to regain his senses.

His master made him cum with just words. His voice was sexy and now even his body reacted to each word like a caress. Would he be able to get through the day without getting aroused if all it took was a few words to-

Liang Fei pressed down onto Xieren's cock, sliding down its length as it filled him. Xieren was still trying to recover from his first orgasm and let out a strange sound. Like a whimper and a growl rolled into one.

"Was that too soon?" The elder teased, suppressing his own shiver as he felt his lover shiver deep inside him. If he pressed his abdomen, he could swear he felt the shaft beneath his skin. Still, he continued. "You were still hard so I assumed you were ready."

"I'm always ready for you, Shizun." He said between breaths, his eyes rolling back into his skull.

Ah, his master was the best~

After a moment, in which both men tried to regain their composure, Liang Fei moved first, rotating his hips. He didn't have the courage to do much else, the elder close to his own limits as well.

It took only a few rounds of this before Liang Fei climaxed, his voice echoing through the room and down a few halls. Yet none of this registered in his mind, his soul having left him for just that moment.

Xieren, who had obediently remained still, clenched his fists. Watching his master climax was the most beautiful thing he'd ever witnessed but there was only so much he could take. He rolled his hips, pressing deeper to extend his master's pleasure.

It was minutes later when the man had recovered enough to make his own feelings known, though his voice was a bit hoarse from shouting.

"Stay still!" The order was firm and before Xieren could voice a protest, his body stiffened, trained to follow this man's orders.

"S-shizun!" The words were torn from him as he obeyed the elder. "Please... Please let me fuck you."

"No. You are too rough." He retorted, his expression twitching just a bit as Xieren tested the limits of his control. The hard thrust up had brought forth a gasp of pleasure from his master that gave him a huge sense of satisfaction.

"But Shizun likes it rough right?" He growled, rotating his hip as he pushed up against Shizun's special spot. The older man moaning each time, his body reacting in ways his mind could not keep up with.

"Shizun likes it when I pin him down, holding you still as I thrust into you. You always cry out, calling me over and over, begging for more." He panted, watching his master collapsed onto his chest. Liang Fei moaned as his lover continued. "The marks on my neck and back prove that. Shizun wants me to be rough and wreak you. Please let this obedient disciple give that to you, Shizun~"

Xieren was rewarded by Liang Fei's nails scraping across his chest in warning. Xieren stopped his movement, partly because a nail had brushed his nipple and he was still trying to recover from that.

Was that how Shizun felt when he fondled his nipples? The shivering rush of pleasure was fogging up the younger man's mind, his mind filled with thoughts of his master treating his peaks the way Xieren did his. The thought of his master's teeth biting into the sensitive nubs as his beautiful violet eyes stared up at him had him shuddering.

"Eh? Why are you getting harder!?" Liang Fei was taken aback, not expecting such a reaction. "Did I not say be still? Since when did I have such a haughty student?"

"I'm sorry~" Xieren mumbled, his mind still filled with Liang Fei abusing his nipples and leaving marks all over him. His master claiming Xieren as his.

"If you are truly sorry, then follow my orders." He said, waiting for Xieren to nod. "I can't enjoy it properly."  

***

Elsewhere, quite a distance away, Xuejie sat on the rooftop of a nearby building. He'd originally intended to return to his own room but quickly found out that it was way too close to Xieren's.

The things he'd heard and seen as he passed by were... Surely, it was the stuff of nightmares.

He Qing soon found him, staring down at the usually boisterous man sitting alone and forlorn. Before a single word could be said, the man sat up, staring into the middle distance as if seeking some answer to an unknown question.

"Where did I go wrong?"

"Do you want the short or long answer?"

"Don't be like that, He-Ge. I've suffered so much in so little time."

"So you saw his majesty?"

As if reminded of some great tragedy, Xuejie cried out, covering his eyes. "Ack! I've gone blind!!" He clung to He Qing's legs, seeking comfort but getting none. "I've seen things, horrible things. Things no good brother should have to see in his lifetime."

"Horrible things?" Wasn't his majesty just packing their clothes for tomorrow?

Xuejie stared up at him, his eyes full of grievances.

"Yes, I've seen the unfairness of life and how the gods favor those who are to be revered." He collapsed, looking forlorn. "It's not fair~"

"What nonsense are you going on about?" He asked, sitting down beside the man. He'd never seen Xuejie this bothered before. It wasn't the first time his master had taken a lover. Sure it was a man but it wasn't like he was forced to watch.

He then recalled what he'd heard as he passed by his majesty's bedroom. The sounds that came from their shared room left nothing to the imagination. "Did... did you see his majesty naked just now?"

"Agh, don't remind me! I don't want to think about it!" He cried, curling up. "Knowing where my bro sticks it every night is one thing but seeing it first hand is... Ah, He-ge, save me from this nightmare. It's too unfair."

He truly hadn't meant to see anything. Just hearing it was enough to make him want to bury himself underground. Must they be so damn vocal?! He'd just been passing by the room and the door was open and...

Ah, why was life so cruel to him!?

Seeing the man near tears, He Qing just shook his head at the man. He'd seen their king in the middle of orgies but one too many dicks in a room and he was like this.

"Must you be this dramatic?"

"Wouldn't you be too if you saw another man naked?" He shot back. "All his bits just hanging out and..." Xuejie stopped, frowning. "Why is your nose bleeding? Are you okay?"

"Y-yes, I'm fine." Misted over eyes blinked back into focus, briefly falling on Xuejie before looking away. "It's just... a bit hot."

"It's winter thou-"

"Shut up! Let's get going."

Xuejie shrugged. "Kay~"

The guys in his life were weird anyway, why press the matter too hard, right? Xieren was just going one a strange path but surely it couldn't be that serious, right?

*****

AN: So this will be the last chapter featuring Xinyi and Yao Da's relationship. I've realized its too hard to make a story with two pairs of romances. As such, I'll be making a side story about them after I finish this story. There might be minor changes but for the most part, their story will stay about the same. Yao Da will probably be the MC but I haven't decided that for sure.

Extra: A snippet that got cut from the chapter cause I thought of it after writing. Just imagine it takes place between them making their deal and LF finding them.

XJ: Seriously, bro! A guy? Have I taught you nothing in all this time?

XR: Don't shame me by proclaiming yourself my teacher. If I learned anything from you, would I even have that 'army of beauties'? You can't even draw a woman let alone woo one.

XJ: Oi, it's not my fault my art skills are only so so. Hell, I draw better than you!

XR: I can tear flesh and parts seas. Why would I need to know how to draw?

XJ: Then you could woo your boyfriend by drawing him something he likes? I don't know! Maybe draw some of your own 'artwork' as a suggestion to the guy. 

XR: [considering] Artwork... Xuejie, you are good at drawing, right?

XJ: Yes, why- No! No, I am not drawing you guys!

XR: Are we not friends?

XJ: Friends don't ask friends to draw porn for them. Especially gay porn.

XR: [clicks tongue] Useless~