AN: Due to popular demand, a double update for you all super frustrated by the previous chapter. I can't promise any relief but I can provide you with this~

*****

When Xuejie saw the carriage returning to the castle that evening, he was overjoyed. His bro returning meant that Liang Fei was with him and if that guy was around, Xieren would be in a much better mood.

The prayers of those who wanted the royal consorts' return was finally answered.

So imagine his surprise when he saw that rather than a sickening intimate performance occurring between the two, the tension was even worse.

Xieren looked close to killing someone as he dragged Liang Fei into the castle. The latter looked no more pleased, his brows furrowed as he followed behind their king with clear reluctance.

Stranger still was the small boy lingering close by, his little legs struggling to keep up with Xierens long strides.

Xuejie: "..."

What kind of weird parade is this?

***

The trio stormed through the halls, their path unimpeded as no one dared utter a word as they passed. When they had finally reached the king's bedchamber, Xieren turned to Suyan with a heavy glare.

"Are you planning on following us to our bedroom?" He growled, growing tired of this little nuisance.

Liang Fei was quick to correct him. "Your bedroom."

Xieren glared at the elder.

"Shizun-" He started, only to be interrupted by suyan, who fearlessly stared up at the two with crossed arms,

"I'm following uncle, not you." He stated, raising his chin. If one ignored the size difference, it could be seen as a challenge. An adorable challenge.

Xieren, however, was not amused.

"This is my castle." He growled, ignoring the child's subtle shiver. "You will go where I order."

Suyan opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Liang Fei, who had grown weary of all this drama.

He and Xieren had to talk.

"Xieren, stop it." He snapped, giving Xieren a warning look that the junior was wise to heed. If there was any bottom line Liang Fei had, Xieren knew well when not to touch it.

Liang Fei crouched down until he and Suyan were face to face.

"Xiao Yan, this uncle and I have things to discuss. Please go with those nice uncles over there." He said as he pointed to the few servants brave enough to stay close by. They might die for making a peep but they would surely die if they were needed but unavailable.

Suyan didn't even glance at them, his worried gaze riveted on Liang Fei.

"Will you be okay?"

"Of course." He assured without hesitation. "This is but a small matter."

Besides, he knew Xieren would never hurt him. He'd tire him out and embarrass him but never would his Xieren harm him.

This was something he wholeheartedly believed.

Suyan frowned, glancing between the two adults before hesitantly walking away. He wanted to intrude but Uncle had made it clear that this was something between them.

Liang Fei watched him go, waiting until the child was out of sight before entering their room. He did this so often, he'd long since stopped considering it Xieren's room.

That would have to stop, wouldn't it?

Just as they crossed the threshold, the door slammed shut. Now it was only the two of them.

"Small matter?" Xieren echoed, his heavy gaze burning holes into Liang Fei's back. "Our relationship is just a small matter to you now? How cruel of you, Shizun."

His words were harsh but his tone even. Had Liang Fei not known why they were at odds, he might have assumed Xieren didn't truly care.

"Our relationship was temporary." He pointed out, crossing his arms. His posture clearly showed he felt nervous as he kept track of Xieren as the junior circled around him.

Like a predator approaching his prey.

"Yes, but it was something you agreed to." He countered, his eyes narrowing. "You can't just end things so abruptly."

At this, Liang Fei frowned. "Why not?"

"Because you said you wouldn't leave me."

You promised. He thought, resisting the urge to shake the elder until he came to his senses. So he'd realize how much pain he was in.

Still, Xieren's expression remained neutral, even as his master spoke lie after lie.

"I won't." Liang Fei assured, though they both knew he was lying. "If you wish for me to attend your wedding, I shall but only as a guest."

"I told you, I don't plan on marrying anyone but yo-"

Liang Fei raised a hand, interrupting his words. "Don't say that!"

Xieren snorted, angered by his master's blatant rejection. Still, he couldn't help but be drawn to the man. Even now, his stoic expression appealed to him. He could just barely see the man's frustration gleaming in his eyes.

That he alone could bring that out was a comforting notion.

"Don't say what?" He asked, closing in on the elder man until his back hit the wall. Even then, Xieren leaned in close so they breathe each other's air. The heat of their bodies warmed the air, making it feel more humid.

A slight flush was seen on his master's face, exciting him. Xieren smiled, leaning in close to Shizun's ear.

"Shizun, do you dislike hearing me say that I want to marry you and you alone. That I want to make you mine in every way I can?"

Liang Fei huffed, looking away. "Again, with your empty words."

A hand slammed against the wall beside the elder's head, scaring him into gazing back at his student. Heterochromatic eyes glared down at him.

"They aren't empty!" He shouted, closing in. "Why won't you listen to me!?"

"You are being needlessly stubborn!"

"Me?" Xieren wanted to scream but held it in as he growled. "You still refuse to listen to my confession."

Xieren had tried to make his feelings clear all night but his master refused to hear a word of it. Shizun was a kind and mature man but he was also the most bullheaded at the worst of times.

If Xieren didn't love him as much as he did, he'd want to kill him.

(AN: a great comedian once said "You don't truly love someone unless you have contemplated their murder at least once.")

The two stared each other down, neither bending to the other's will. Despite everything, Xieren still found himself being the aggressor. Even after confessing, his master refused to take his words as true.

I paint the sky in his colors yet he still acts so distant and even dares to leave my side. He thought, clenching his fist. Truly, his master is very cruel. After all the injustice and pain he had endured, it was perhaps this that hurt the most. No blade could cut deeper than his words.

Part of him was tempted to tell the elder the truth about their arrangement. About his lie about being a virgin. It would make it hard for the stubborn man to dismiss his feelings as just the result of making love but...

Then Shizun would know he lied and manipulated him into a relationship. He was absolutely sure the elder would be furious with him over his deception.

Worse, he'd use it as an excuse to cut ties.

He absolutely refused to let that happen.

Liang Fei sighed, not knowing what to say to that. He heard Xieren's words but his mind refused to believe it.

People didn't fall in love with him.

They liked him for a little while before leaving him when they grew bored with him. Friends could tolerate his eccentricities but in a romantic relationship, it was a hindrance.

So he didn't believe Xieren truly loved him.

He was sure he'd lose interest soon enough and then...

"I know you, Xieren." He sighed, feeling tired from the long journey and his own thoughts. "Our time together has just confused you and-"

"Quiet!" He snapped, interrupting him. "Gods, this is the one thing I absolutely hate about you, Shizun. You always presume to think for me. I'm a damn child anymore!"

This was exactly why he hadn't confessed before. The man was too stubborn, thinking of him as some ignorant child who would be easily swayed by sex. Or dumb enough to mistake respect for love.

But seeing his master speak the words out loud was heart-wrenching. It meant he had failed to get his master's love.

Liang Fei, at that moment, froze, unsure how to respond.

Xieren obviously wasn't a child but... Liang Fei had a hard time coming to terms with that. To him, Xieren was his precious student and someone he cared deeply for. While he was sure he had come to love this man, he still couldn't help but think of him as that child who huddled in his arms to keep warm.

He was still the first person Liang Fei met when he was dumped into this new world.

When everything was confusing and new, Xieren's adorable face was the first comforting thing he found in this world. It was something, someone, he wished to protect.

He knew Xieren was an adult but knowing and being able to keep up were entirely separate things.

Xieren stared down at Liang Fei, waiting for a response but receiving none. He could tell by the man's expression (or lack thereof) that he was thinking about his words deeply.

He was glad something he'd said had gotten through the man's thick skull.

"Either way," Xieren continued, pulling away to rub his face. His head was pounding from stress and he really didn't want to show that side to Shizun. "You aren't allowed to leave my side just yet. Not until you give me a proper reason."

"Your wedding-" He tried, his words cut short.

"I want to marry you." Xieren declared flatly, though there was a strength to his words. They held feelings that could only be surmised but anyone hearing them could tell they were deep.

Liang Fei flinched, his heart clenching at Xieren's serious words. If not for the doubts eating at his thoughts, he might have said yes.

But he feared the day those words would be taken back.

Letting out a shaky breath, Liang Fei walked past Xieren, not saying a word. Xieren watched him, frowning.

"Where are you going?"

"I am going to take a bath." He stated, not bothering to look back. He couldn't. His mind and heart were in shambles and looking at the source of all his confusion would definitely not help him. "You can follow if you wish but I will be quite cross with you considering the circumstances."

He knew ending their relationship so abruptly was cruel, especially considering how Xieren claimed to feel. But he couldn't be around the junior just then. If he did, he was sure he'd throw himself into the man's arms once more and confess everything.

All his secrets and feelings. He'd give himself to Xieren with all his heart.

He'd done that before. Giving everything to a goal, heedless of the risks. He'd missed out on so much due to his dedication and what did it leave him with?

Nothing but a grave.

But that was entirely different from giving one's heart to another. The heart was such a fragile thing, so easy to give and even easier to break.

Liang Fei had never given his heart to anyone but he was sure if he gave to Xieren and the man grew bored of him like so many before, he would shatter.

It was terrifying, that uncertainty.

These were the thoughts the elder had as he soaked in the bath, alone save for the wind and humid air. The warmth of the water after days of bathing in the river eased his aching body and freeing him to think freely.

After an hour of contemplation, he came to a decision. He'd have to tell Xieren tomorrow.

Exiting the bath, Liang Fei felt more relaxed than he could recall feeling in hours. His mind had been going in circles, rationalizing and contemplating all kinds of things.

It turned out that the best way to deal with relationship problems was to distance oneself and think things through. With that thought in mind, wearing only a robe, Liang Fei went to exit the bedroom. He'd sleep in the guestroom, just so he could properly resolve things within himself.

Much to his dismay, the door to the hallway was locked.

Ah, right. Xieren's bed-chamber was secured with a spell to keep others from coming in or out freely. Liang Fei had had free entry into the room, so he'd forgotten about it.

Turns out his student really wasn't going to let him sleep anywhere else but here. He sighed, wanting to punch the wall but reining it in.

There were better ways to resolve stress than punching impenetrable walls.

***

Xieren had returned from his bath in a sour mood. He wanted to bathe with Shizun but the man was so needlessly stubborn about keeping his distance.

He'd even dared threaten to drown Xieren in the tub if he tried to follow him in.

Since when was his master so mean and-

The sight before him was one he'd never be able to describe with simple words. It was simply too special to share with anyone.

Liang Fei, naked save for a thin robe, was lying on their bed with a large stuffed animal that hadn't been there a few days ago.

With some help from Xuejie, Xieren commissioned his best seamstresses to create a giant 'teddy bear'. It was large enough to take up a good portion of the bed and could be used as a pillow. Xieren disliked it, as he feared it would distract Shizun from him but now, he felt so happy he'd gotten it made.

Shizun was sleeping in the bears 'arms' curled up comfortably as his soft even breaths showed he'd fallen asleep.

The sight was absolutely adorable.

While he was still upset with Shizun, seeing the man he loved enjoying his gift was enough to ease his heart just a little.

Slipping under the covers, Xieren pulled the snoozing man into his arms. Like normal, Shizun grumpily fought him off, not wanting to be held in place when there was a world of places to roll to. Yet Xieren held firm, trapping the man's arms in a loving hold until he finally gave in.

He wanted to tell Shizun that he was quite expressive when he slept, pouting so cutely at being foiled, Xieren often kissed those pursed lips. Like a grumpy pet, his master would be coddled and touched until he melted in his arms

The little snort Shizun made when he was sufficiently coaxed by him was adorable and filled him with such satisfaction. Shizun still seemed reluctant but conceded with an adorable snort.

As if he were saying 'fine, since you seem to be like holding me, I'll let you.'

This familiar feeling that he had missed had him thinking about everything that had happened since Shizun said those damn words. Only by running his hands through his master's soft hair did he calm himself down enough to come to a decision.

His master was an idiot at times, so he'd just have to make things crystal clear in the morning.

There would be no cutting ties. Now that he had finally held Shizun, and had loved him in every way one could, Xieren refused to let the man escape his grasp.

***

Liang Fei relaxed as was embraced by a big warm thing. He had missed this familiar warm thing, though his tired mind couldn't be bothered to identify it at the moment. It was too busy pulling up memories of the last few hours.

Of the aftermath of Liang Fei's declaration to Xieren.

***

When he had reigned in the courage to speak his mind, to break up with Xieren, his partner's response was... not what he expected.

"No."

"..."

N-no? No to what?

Liang Fei was very confused and it probably showed on his face as he spoke. "I don't understand."

Xieren, calmer than he'd ever seen the man, sighed as he scratched his head exasperatedly.

"I know you don't. Shizun is incredibly dense when it comes to these kinds of things so I have to be entirely blunt with you." Staring straight into the elder's eyes, he spoke slowly and clearly. "So my answer is no."

"N-no to my statement?" Was this how breakups usually worked? Liang Fei had been dumped many times and it was usually a pretty clear cut situation.

Could one respond with a simple no?

Question marks circled about the elder's head as he tried to understand what was happening just then. Amused, Xieren moved in closer, caging the man in his arms as he kissed his master's cheeks.

His lips paid tribute to his beloved, raining gentle loving kisses to each and every one of his masters exposed sweet spots. His ears, his neck and everything in between were lovingly worshiped as Xieren gently pressed the elder down.

Looming over him, Xieren continued on, kissing every inch of exposed skin as he stripped the man of his robes.

It took the elder a full minute to realize their positions had changed and he reacted as expected.

"Why are you-" Xieren's adventurous mouth had reached his chest, biting into the sensitive nub peeking from his robes. The elder cried out sensually though he forced himself to speak. "What are you doing?!"

Xieren had the gall to peek up at him from his chest, letting his warm breath hit his sensitive skin. "Taking your clothes off obviously."

As if nothing had been said, the man continued his journey, eliciting quiet moans from his lover. Liang Fei felt mortified, his eyes darting toward the bedroom some distance away. The door was shut but the walls were thin.

"Suyan is in the next room!" He chastised, grabbing hold of Xierens head to push him away.

Xieren showed little concern, nuzzling his masters palm as he pressed kisses onto his warm palms. His devious tongue joined in, earning a shudder from the elder. When he tried to retrieve his hand, Xieren took hold of it, pressing more kisses onto it.

Xieren, all the while, never looked away from Liang Fei, staring into his eyes so intensely the elder felt like he was being set ablaze. The flush on his master's face pleased Xieren, his voice deepening as he spoke.

"Then Shizun will have to do his best to stay quiet, won't he?"

To say Liang Fei was aroused by those words would be a gross understatement. Xieren, his adorable Xieren, was looking more sensual than he was used to. He felt like he was about to eaten alive.

He was very tempted to allow himself to be but...

This was not how he expected his evening to go!

"Why are you-"

"Because I love you." Xieren said, cutting his master off.

"What?"

Out of all the explanations, this was not one of them. Xieren... loved him? How could that be? They were men! They were student and teacher. Worse, wasn't Xieren supposed to be into women?!

That's what Xuejie had said but he'd also said that there were changes due to his presence.

Ah, how confusing~

Still, Liang Fei felt a kernel of joy at his words. Somewhere deep within him, he wanted Xieren to himself, to be the person he loved. Hearing Xieren was getting married had broken his heart in ways he wasn't used to.

He'd felt regret and sadness but when he heard Xieren was going to be taken from him...

Liang Fei felt true hatred for someone for the first time.

Yet as happy as he felt, his traitorous mind chose that moment to remind him of all the others who supposedly loved him. Who liked him for whatever reason yet soon grew weary of his tardiness or his lack of response to conversations.

All of it had ended with Liang Fei alone after having disappointed them.

Would Xieren be the same?

He hated the thought but he couldn't stop imagining it and looked away with a pained expression.

Xieren had said nothing, his face unseen by the elder as he held him close.

"I want to show you how much I love you, Shizun." He whispered, his voice infinitely gentle as if he could hear the doubts in the elder's head. "Let me do that for you."

Liang Fei said nothing, not willing to open his mouth lest he says something stupid. He didn't know what words would spill from his mouth but just then, he knew they would not be the right ones.

Yet Xieren was determined to get a sound out of him. Anything at all. The fact his confession was met with silence was clearly bothering him.

The silence between them was deafening.

Xieren clearly wished to continue, to show his master his love for him. Liang Fei felt nervous and his partner could only sigh as he embraced the elder.

"You don't believe me?" His quiet voice was melancholy, further scratching at the elder's chest.

"..."

"Of course you don't." Xieren snorted, smiling derisively as he tucked his head into Liang Fei's neck. "You're you after all."

At that, Liang Fei frowned, not understanding. But his words did make him realize something important. The divide between them.

"You don't know anything about me." He replied, thinking of all the things he hadn't told Xieren. All the lies he'd told since the day they met.

They were weighing heavy on his heart but he feared he'd lose so much more if he said much more.

"Then tell me!" Xieren pleaded, clenching his fist. He sat up so he loomed over Liang Fei once more. His expression was a stark contrast to his previous, a sad desperation radiating from him. "Let me see inside that head of yours. Just let me in."

"Why?"

"Because I love you!"

Again, the elder's heart wanted to believe his words but his own doubts kept nipping at the little happiness he felt at those words.

So his mouth spoke the words he'd been trying not to speak.

"Even if you learned I wasn't who I said I was?"

There was a moment of silence as his words sunk in, though Xieren only looked confused.

"What are you-"

"What would you do?" Liang Fei pressed, his lips moving regardless of his feelings. "If I wasn't the man you thought I was? Would you still feel the same way you do now?"

Xieren frowned, clearly confused by the direction of the conversation.

"You can't fool me, Shizun." He snorted, rolling his eyes. "I know who you are so don't try-"

"My question still stands."

Liang Fei stared up at Xieren, his expression cool and static, as usual.

This made Xieren nervous.

"...I know you're Shizun. Even in a new body, your scent is still the same."

"That doesn't mean I am who I say I am." The elder retorted, looking away. "What if what I said was a lie? If our whole relationship was built on a fabrication?"

The words spilled from his lips freely, unable to be held back. He'd wanted to know this for a long time. While he adored his students and his role in their lives, he wasn't Shao Liang Fei.

He was Han Liang Fei, a man who had died so quietly that even he failed to notice.

If Xieren knew that he wasn't Shao Liang Fei, but a spirit who used to possess his body, what would he think of him? Would he be disliked? Rejected?

Anything was better than not knowing.

Xieren said nothing for a time, though it felt like hours to Liang Fei. His expression was blank, making it impossible to even guess the man's thoughts. Liang Fei was a bit bothered by this, having grown used to Xieren's open expressions.

Who knew what he would say next.

"Even so," Xieren continued, surprising Liang Fei with his even and cold tone. Like they were business partners in the middle of a meeting as opposed to two lovers lying atop one another. "I refuse to let you go. Whether you are truly Shizun or some fake, I won't allow you to leave my side unless you give me a good reason."

Liang Fei blinked in surprise. "Good reason?"

"Yes, you agreed to be with me as repentance for abandoning me, remember?"

"I died!" He couldn't help but cry out, feeling wronged for being blamed for dying.

"Yes, I know." Xieren nodded with understanding, sounding very reasonable. "But that changes nothing. You agreed to be with me in exchange for my forgiveness, right? But I'm not satisfied so unless you give me a good reason, I see no reason to release you from your obligation."

"I don't love you." He tried, though his words stung even as they left his mouth.

Xieren smiled bitterly.

"I know. If you loved me, you wouldn't be so eager to leave my side."

"..."

"Those are my conditions." He said, laying atop his master with his nose pressed up under Liang Fei's chin. The position was intimate though the tight grip on his wrist told him he wasn't going to be going anywhere. Xieren smiled, his teeth brushing against the elder's vulnerable neck. "Perhaps if you fulfill them, I'll consider your request. But not a moment before then."

"Xieren..."

"Ah, if you call me like that, you'll make me want to ravish you right here and now." He sighed, sounding disappointed. "Don't tempt a man in love so recklessly, Shizun."

Xieren's free hand reached up to stroke Liang Fei's cheek. It was a simple gesture but one that had the elder relaxing under his touch until his eyes grew heavy and his mind wandered.

Liang Fei fell asleep with Xieren whispering his love in his ears. It was a lovely lullaby but one his mind couldn't bear to accept.

***

Xieren, on the other hand, had felt like he was being driven insane. Despite his words, Shizun's words echoed in his mind like a death knell. The foreboding feeling of doubt was sketching at the edges of his mind, making him question the things he had assumed were true.

He recalled the strange dreams he'd had of when he'd first met Shizun as a child, wandering the streets before the elder found him and welcomed him into the sect.

He recalled the cruel acts he'd done to him, tossing him about despite being so gentle before. His harsh words shattering what little confidence he'd accumulated after being seen as something worthy in the eyes of someone.

Most of all, he recalled how that cruel man's forest-green eyes would look down on him as he spat word after vile word at him.

The memories of it made him want to roar with anger, with rage, at the injustice he'd suffered. He wanted to tear that man apart, make him scream for the mercy of death for daring to give him hope only to crush it just as easily.

He hated Shao Liang Fei.

He wanted to kill the man.

He had wanted to destroy the world that allowed him to suffer under the gazes of so many yet his pain be ignored so easily

But all that changed the day Shizun's eyes turned violet.

He didn't notice it at first, his mind still fixated on the wrongs that had been inflicted upon him. Even though his instincts told him something was off, his body reacted when he saw shizun reach out to him.

The day he slapped Shizun's hand away, he felt like the world had changed with the sound ringing through the warm spring air.

After that day, his memories of Shizun before his violet eyes grew dimmer, as if a layer of mist was overshadowing them. All of his thoughts were on this new Shizun. The one who's expression never changed but seemed paradoxically passionate about his disciples.

Everyone accepted this new change, as if things had always been this way. Even Xieren, who knew how Shizun truly was, forgot and had come to adore this expressionless man whose mind often wandered away.

Yet now, Shizun, after returning from the grave, had brought up those memories. Memories that had always been there but he paid no mind to for some reason. Even now, his mind felt like a heavy blanket.

If he let his guard down for a second, he felt like he'd lose his grip on his own thoughts. Yet those memories were his key to keeping Shizun by his side.

"Your Majesty?!"

Xieren's eyes snapped open, his gaze slightly misted over from his daydream.

Ah, that's right, he was in the middle of a meeting.

He sighed.

He was supposed to be working but had lost interest as his mind drifted back to that morning. He couldn't help but wonder what secrets Shizun kept from him. If it had anything to do with his own strange memories of the past.

He felt like shizun would definitely have the answer and the desire to see him grew within the Demon King's heart.

His voice deepened as he spoke the words, "Where is he?"

It wasn't really a question of who 'he' was. There was only one person their king had bothered to be interested in, much to the advisor's dismay. They had hoped a few days apart would cool the king's ardor but it seemed like he was even worse. While they were terrified of the king since the human's sudden disappearance, they could at least have meetings uninterrupted. Less than a few hours into his return, the human's existence acted as a distraction to their king.

Despite their matching thoughts, all those around held their tongues, knowing better than to touch their king's bottom line.

All except Leilian.

She had remained quiet, watching the king close his eyes and seemingly fall asleep. Such a moment of vulnerability was a rare sight and she had wanted to take advantage of the privilege. When the king was asked something, she had dared to speak for him.

When the man, clearly still awake, allowed this, she felt confident that she had made some progress. Perhaps he was finally starting to trust her. Finally seeing her worth.

Her only wish was to have a good life. A life that she felt had been denied to her a long time ago.

Yet her aspirations were dashed when she heard his words.

He was still fixated on that old man!

She smiled serenely, though her words were spat out through gritted teeth. "Your Majesty, perhaps we should continue with the meeting and-"

"Fei-ge is in the dining room, I think." Xuejie cut in from the corner, unnoticed before that moment. A few heads turned toward the sound, shivering at the notion that the human had been so close but unnoticed. Xuejie, paid this no mind, his eyes on Leilian. "I'm sure our humble Minister knows her place and who calls the shots, right?"

The saint flinched, wanting to speak her mind but knowing she couldn't be reckless. While she might be mildly favored by the king, he felt little to no affection toward her. If she said too much, she'd lose whatever chance she has at fulfilling her goal.

"Of course." She said through gritted teeth, turning to the king. "Your Majesty?"

"The meeting is dismissed." His words were said with such finality that there was no one brave enough to question it. Silently, the members departed, leaving Xuejie, Xieren, and Leilian alone in the room.

Xieren had just stood up when Leilian spoke.

"Your Majesty, shouldn't we-" She started but was cut off by Xieren, who had yet to look at her.

"Are you questioning my decision?"

The woman flinched, shivering with fear. "I..."

"Perhaps it's best if you stop while you're ahead, Minister." Xuejie interjected, walking between them. While Xieren might not be looking at her, his attention was very clearly focused on the saintess. And it wasn't the good kind of attention. "Any more of that and we might think you think ill of our king's judgment."

"I would never-"

"Then you better get going, right?" He stated, staring her down.

There was a moment of silence as the two stood there. More than anything, Leilian didn't want to show weakness and turn tail. She had already done so with Xinyi and Xuejie had cut her at the knees. Her pride couldn't take it.

But her king's favor was what she desired and she couldn't procure it if she pressed any further. So with a clenched fist, she bowed to her king, leaving as everyone else had. This left Xieren and Xuejie alone, though the latter didn't take his eyes off of Leilian until she was out of sight.

Xuejie had long accepted that things were going much differently than what he had read from the original story. There was no sea of wives begging for Xieren's favor nor was there an army of loyal subordinates who were willing to die for him.

No, there were only a handful of loyal people around him and a whole mess of political posturing. Had he not known about Liang Fei's interference, he'd have wondered if he was in the right story or not. But he was and all the subtle changes had accumulated in such a way that made his job both a lot more interesting and a lot harder.

The thing that exemplified them both was their minister, Min Leilian. She was the one who deviated from the story the most despite how little her interaction with Liang Fei had been. She shouldn't have changed from a random background character with no lines to the Minister that stands by the protagonist's side.

How was that not strange?

He still had no clue why she was still around. Xuejie was sure she was supposed to have died with Shao Liang Fei yet here she was. At first, he couldn't fathom how she'd survived but after talking with Liang Fei, he came to the conclusion that she had somehow latched onto Xieren at some point.

His investigation was still young but he was finding a lot of things of interest. He'd have to report to Xieren soon and-

"Xuejie."

As soon as he heard his name, gone was the serious, calculative expression that warned those to steer clear. In its place, a jovial smile grew and spread across his face. Even if one was watching from start to finish, they might have trouble connecting the two faces with one another.

That's just how Xuejie was.

"You need me for something, Bro?" He called out, following his king's voice. He hadn't expected Xieren to still be around since he usually beelined to his lover whenever he had the chance. The fact he stayed to talk was strange.

But he was smart enough not to question it.

"You saw Shizun?"

"Yeah, I was following a lead and spotted him in the kitchen." He answered, shrugging his shoulders. "I assumed he was getting something to eat. He should still be there."

Xieren frowned, turning to Xuejie. "A lead? On what?"

Xuejie blinked, not expecting Xieren would even care enough to ask.

"It's nothing right now, just a suspicion. I will report what I've found when I have something concrete, your majesty."

There was a moment of silence before Xieren nodded. Despite their positions, Xieren did trust Xuejie as he had good instincts and knew what was important to know and what wasn't. If he said there was nothing found, then it was the truth.

Still, he didn't report everything to him, much to the king's annoyance. He glowered at the man, watching him straighten his back as the silence grew between them.

It would be a lie if Xuejie said he wasn't a bit nervous about being stared down at. Moments later, he learned why.

"I heard what you said to Shizun."

Xuejie blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

"How he..." Xieren looked away, glaring hatefully at the wall. "dislikes my eyes."

He hadn't meant to hear that, having just passed by while talking with a noble. Since Shizun's arrival, he'd chosen to listen out for his master so he could enjoy his time even when they were apart. Listening to his masters humming while he worked was relaxing whether they were sharing a room or he was several rooms down.

Yet when he had passed by the room where he and Xuejue were talking, he heard those words and felt his heart drop. Worse still, he had learned that his master had left hours later. While he was sure the elder truly was trying to help him, those words echoed in his head hatefully.

Now, on top of everything, Shizun was trying to get away from him for some reason. It was maddening to think about.

While Xieren was pondering this, Xuejie was trying to come to terms with the horrible luck he was having to endure. He facepalmed, wanting to cry out at the injustice of it all.

Of course, out of everything that was said that day, that was the one thing he heard!

"Okay, look, I really have tried my best to stay out of this." He sighed, pushing his hair back as he spoke, a testament to his annoyance at the situation. But he could no longer sit back and do nothing. "You and Fei-ge are probably the most frustrating couple I've ever had to deal with. It's obvious he just feels self-conscious about his feelings for you yet you are apparently denser than him."

Xieren cocked a brow at his words. "Feelings for me?"

Obviously, Xieren didn't believe him but Xuejie wasn't about to let something like that stop him.

"Look just... tell him how you feel already. Fei-ge is kind of an idiot and won't get it unless you are brutally clear and concise with him. Like, make it absolutely clear. Just tell him straight. I love you. I have loved you for god knows how long and want to be with you. Not with some chick or whatever but with you."

"Is that all?"

"Of course." Xuejie assured with a grin. "Honestly. You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble if you just opened with that and confined him until he fell for you."

Xieren considered that for a moment before shaking his head. "I doubt that would work."

He was sure Shizun would come to resent him if he did something like that.

"Please! I've read hundreds of manhuas with that exact plot." Xuejie stated, his smile confident and bright. "Clearly, it must work. Otherwise, why would authors use the trope so often?"

Again, Xieren found himself not understanding a word his friend said and feeling a bit concerned. Was Xuejie crazy or just dumb?

Then it occurred to him that despite his strange manner of speaking, Shizun never had any trouble understanding his meaning. Even when he said words that Xieren didn't know, Shizun showed no confusion and responded easily. He also became very familiar with Shizun after meeting again.

There was something more going on.

"Xuejie."

"Yes?"

"What do you know about Shizun?"

"What do I know?" He echoed, frowning. "Well, he's pretty smart, though he loses track of time and daydreams a lot. He's also very dense, if he can't even notice your obvious feelings for-"

Xieren cut him off, stepping forward. "No, I want to know why Shizun feels so comfortable talking with you."

"Ah, bro please don't think of me as a third wheel." He cried, now wanting to be seen as a love rival. "Fei-ge and I-"

"I know all that. Shizun wouldn't be interested in someone like you."

"..."

Ack, what an acidic tongue. He thought, wanting to cry but having no tears to shed. Have some care for my fragile ego.

"I want to know why you and Shizun seem to talk in a similar fashion." Xieren continued, walking up to Xuejie until the latter was cornered. His nerves had him sweating, releasing the human own unique scent with that underlying mist scent.

The same one Shizun had after finding him.

Xieren's eyes narrowed. "Why you sometimes smell like the same place? And why you seemed unsurprised by Shizun's change in appearance?"

"Honestly, I was more surprised you were so cool about it." He replied, holding his hands up in surrender. "Most people would question it."

"Shizun told me he was reborn in a new body."

At that, Xuejue nodded with a bemused expression. "That isn't wrong, I guess."

Xieren frowned. "So you know the truth?"

"No, that is the truth but there's more to it than that." He retorted, waving off Xieren's concern. 
"It's just... It's not my secret to tell."

"It's a secret?"

Xuejie said nothing, as there was no need to. Both he and Liang Fei had secrets but Xieren's only concern was about his master. Xuejie had shown his loyalty many times, so Xieren was fine with him keeping personal matters to himself.

Shizun, on the other hand... his secrets were a wedge the elder was trying to use to keep them apart.

Perhaps Xuejie's idea to keep Shizun by his side by force was a good idea after all. The man was stubborn but if he truly did have feelings for Xieren, then perhaps he could get the man to give in to him.

Maybe he could even get the enigmatic man to open up to him again.

***

Liang Fei, meanwhile, was pacing the floor in frustration. He had tried to slip away but found that no one dared allowed him anywhere near the exit.

Xieren had clearly given the order to not allow him to leave the castle. Even if he could, he doubted he would be alone. Even when he tried to persuade the guards, they were stern. Though a few came off as a bit pleading, as if his leaving would leave them stranded somehow.

These guards had suffered a lot due to the elders' disappearance so even if the order hadn't come down from their king, they would still act as an impenetrable wall between this human and the outside world.

All of this, however, was unknown to all but those who stood guard, so Liang Fei was left to wander about the castle. When hunger finally set in, he decided to head to the kitchen.

Seeing everyone working hard, he felt a bit uncomfortable with the notion of just sitting back and waiting to be served. Sitting around was not going to help his mood.

Thus the mortal turned cultivator turned mortal in training to cultivate entered the kitchen, asking to be allowed to cook his own meal.

Liang Fei had been in the kitchen for only a little while and still hadn't decided what to make. The chefs who watched him had offered to make him something but he refused.

He had to do something lest he go insane from everything that had occurred over the last few hours.

Suyan's betrayal.

Xieren's confession

If not for Zhihao's presence blunting the blow, he might have actually hit someone.

Still, he'd heard that cooking and the like was a good stress reliever. He might as well try it so he could clear his head. Sure, he had no expertise outside of soup but how hard could it be?

The aftermath of this attempt was as expected.

The chefs could only watch in horror as they saw what was created. Whatever it was, it wasn't food. What was created that day was something that could never be spoken about lest it haunts their future descendants like a vengeful spirit.

Don't even ask about the taste. No one was brave enough to even try.

The servants who arrived later could only marvel at the state of the kitchen. How did one person manage to make such a mess in so little time?!

Liang Fei, while apologetic about the mess, was confident in his skills. Surely his cooking abilities had improved since his last attempt.

Violet eyes stared at the servants and chefs, silently asking for their opinion Even if he had the skill, there was no reason to think he'd be able to eat even half of what was made.

No one spoke, unable to think of a proper reason to refuse such a kind offer, but very much wanting to live.

Then, like a godsend, one servant got an idea.

"Perhaps His Majesty would like to try Lord Fei food instead."

"You think so?"

"Of course! Lord Fei made a lot. Surely it was for his Majesty, right?"

A lot of food had been made despite the elder's lack of skill. Even if he had the skill to make such a feast edible, the amount was way more than any of the servants had ever seen the mortal eat. So it had to be that he'd cooked all this for the demon king himself.

"That is... a good point." He muttered, feeling a bit embarrassed. He hadn't really been thinking of that but he ended up making food for the both of them.

Ah, what would Xieren say to that?? Probably something woefully sweet.

Liang Fei decided he must take this to his grave to protect his fragile heart.

"If it isn't an inconvenience, could you set the table?"

"Of course, my lord." The servants cried out, wanting to make an altar to the man who saved them from having to taste whatever this lord had created. Food made from the hands of a lover was an act of love but they already had wives at home. There was no reason for them to suffer for someone else's.

"Oh!" Liang Fei stopped one of the servants at the door. "If you could, please don't... say what you did to His Majesty."

At the man's blank stare, Liang Fei's gaze intensified. "About the food being made for him."

Eh? Was there any reason not to tell him?

The servant wanted to say those words but the scary look in the human's eyes stayed his tongue. He could only nod his head before being dismissed.

This left Liang Fei in the wasteland that had once been the kitchen. Looking around, Liang Fei was a bit put off by the mess. He wouldn't dare ask the servants to clean up the mess he'd made himself. It would be too selfish considering they had been so helpful. So, while the servants were in the dining room, he grabbed a broom to clean up.

After a minute of cleaning, the elder's habit kicked in, his humming growing in volume in the comfort of his solitude. The dining room was quite a distance away and insulated from sound, so he felt no fear as he let himself go a bit. Usually, he was always conscious of the fact that someone was nearby and made himself quieter so as to not bother anyone.

Presently, however, he and Xieren were not on the best terms and the servants were wary of him under normal circumstances, so he didn't think anyone would bother him for a while.

For that reason alone, he let the music in his head move his body and loosen his lips. His foot tapped to the unheard beat as his lips sang the lyrics to some of his favorite songs.

Oh take me higher all the way to the sun

Down to the wire fighting's only begun

By the time he got to the second chorus, Liang Fei was in his own world, singing out loud like he was in his own room. Perhaps it was because he saw this castle as his home or just the fact he was alone for the first time in a while, but he felt too happy just to hold back. He even used the broomstick as a mic, holding it close so the imaginary audience could hear him better.

Are you really gonna take it like that?

Riding on the missile with the cowboy hat, and

Liang Fei sang his heart out, trying to release all the tension he felt from his evening. He wanted so much but couldn't bring himself to accept any of it. He liked Xieren, perhaps even loved him but would it always be that way? Xieren was young. Who has only one love in life? Could he part ways with him when that time came?

He couldn't if he spoke the words in his heart.

Panting, he finished the last verse, his expression softer as he felt his heart race. Liang Fei tried to catch his breath, a bit surprised by how into the song he got. From the echo, he might have been shouting the lyrics. How embarrassing.

Still, it was so much fun to belt out the lyrics to one of his favorite songs after all this time. There might not be any music but still.

He enjoyed himself, freely singing with the passion in his heart.

He turned around, a small smile on his face only to freeze at the sight before him.

Xieren, leaning in the doorway at the far corner, smiling back at him.

"..."

"...Shizun?" Xieren cocked his head to the side, a bit confused by his master's expression. He had looked so free and open just then and now he was back to his usual expression, if not a bit paler.

It was a bit disappointing.

Liang Fei, meanwhile, was ready to dig a deep hole to hide himself in as his face gradually went red.

"You... H-how long-!?" He cried, his hand clenching his broom/mic tightly.

"Oh, how long have I been listening?" Xieren stepped in further, scratching his cheek. "Since the beginning, I think. You looked to be enjoying yourself so I chose not to interfere."

Oh god, that was even worse!

"S-so you... heard that...."

Liang Fei, at that moment, wanted to die from embarrassment. Even his family had never heard him sing out loud yet now Xieren had heard him shouting out vulgar words at the top of his lungs.

It was mortifying!

(AN: The song he sang has curse words in it.)

Xieren, seeing this, was shocked into silence.

This was the first time he'd ever heard Shizun stammer like this. The man was usually deadly calm and serene, even when surprised. Yet just being heard singing out loud had him stuttering?

How cute.

"Shizun, I think that was an excellent performance." He cried to comfort the man but he looked even more upset. It was too cute. "I've never seen you that passionate outside of bed."

At that, the older man's face went completely red, looking like he wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and die.

"Y-you!"

Xieren blinked. "Me?"

"Aren't we... fighting right now?!" He tried, though it was just his attempt to get off the previous subject. They were clearly fighting this morning so how could he just say such things!?

As if sensing his master's intentions, Xieren smiled as he took hold of Liang Fei's chin so their eyes met. The elder's face was still red but his expression had calmed down just a bit, getting closer to his standard look.

The fact that he alone made his master's stone face crack pleased Xieren to no end. His smile felt easy as he spoke.

"I was, then I heard you sing and forgave you."

"Are you that easy to please?" The elder muttered, trying to look away only to be punished with a kiss. The kiss would have landed on his cheek, had the elder remained still but landed on his earlobe instead.

The shiver he got in response elicited a chuckle from the junior.

"When it's you, shizun," He whispered, nipping at the reddened tip. "I'm always willing."

"X-Xieren!" Liang Fei felt like his head was going to explode from embarrassment. Not from the kiss, as he had long grown used to such intimacy. No, his mind was still on what Xieren had seen.

No one had ever caught him singing like that. He was always careful, mindful of those around him. How did Xieren get past him?

Damn it, love was making him blind!

He tried to escape the situation, slipping from the junior's grasp but was grabbed from behind. Strong arms wrapped around him, trapping his arms as Xieren nuzzled close.

"Shizun, don't be upset." He pleaded, sounding both mischievous and remorseful. "I promise no one but I heard you sing."

"If anyone else heard me, I might have to cull your staff."

"If that's what you want, I'll grant it. No, I'll do it myself." He promised, pressing a chaste kiss on the elder's cheek. "I want everything Shizun hides from others for myself. All of you."

Liang Fei shivered, feeling his chest fill with warmth as Xieren leaned back to sit them both on the table. The posture was casual and intimate. It spoke volumes that he didn't fight Xieren despite his attempt to break up with him hours ago.

He was too far gone, wasn't he?

"Xieren?"

"Mn?" Xieren continued to nuzzle close, as if afraid the man in his arms would disappear from his sight if he stopped. Liang Fei had to resist the urge to pet his Xieren.

"About yesterday," He started, feeling Xieren's body tense around him. He was still on edge it seemed. "I just wanted... to apologize."

"..."

"I admit I sometimes forget that you aren't a child anymore." He continued, resting his head back against Xieren's shoulder. "The years we spent together and the time we spent apart... They don't feel real sometimes. Because of that, I ended up hurting you. You aren't so ignorant as to not know your own heart."

Xieren said nothing, which was to be expected. What was there to say?

So he continued.

"That's why... I will accept your feelings."

At this, Xieren's hands twitched. He turned Liang Fei on his lap so they were facing each other. Staring into his master's eyes, he could almost believe he had heard the words spoke and it wasn't an auditory illusion.

"You are... accepting me?" He couldn't help but ask.

Liang Fei nodded. "En"

Xieren felt even more suspicious.

"Do you really understand what you're saying, Shizun? You can't just say things and take them back later."

"If our relationship ends, it will be decided by you."

"That isn't happening!" He snarled. He had been coming to meet with Shizun for this exact reason. To tell him that even if he came up with a 'good reason', Xieren was not letting him go. Even if he had to chain Shizun to his bed, he would not allow the man to leave him.

If Shizun hated him for it... He would have to live with that but he couldn't live without Shizun in his life. The darkness he'd suffered through without him was nothing he wished to live through again.

Feeling Xieren's hands' grip his arms tightly, Liang Fei reached up to stroke his cheek.

"Then there is nothing to worry about."

"...Why?" He demanded, narrowing his eyes. "You were so stubborn before and-"

"I thought about it. As you said, there is no reason to break up with you." He explained, leaning on Xieren's chest. "I don't dislike our time together and while I'm reluctant to marry you at this point in time, I have no problem being your lover."

"So you'll be mine?" Xieren asked, his voice hoarse. Part of him couldn't believe this was truly happening but...

"Xieren, you are my first in many ways." Liang Fei huffed, peeking up at his young lover. "In that regard, I suppose I've always been yours."

Xieren was precious to him, as he was the man who welcomed him into this new world. Sure, it was hard to be disliked for so long but that golden gaze was the first to meet his own.

Xieren took him to his first festival. It had been a dream of his since childhood and Xieren fulfilled it so easily. He read books with him and never got bored with him.

He was the first person he felt willing to open up to. To share himself and his likes with. He could never imagine tying up any of his previous lovers but Xieren never flinched or judged him. Just that was enough to break him.

To be the first to steal his heart.

How could he not be his?

Xieren, hearing all this, couldn't hold in his joy. He'd truly wanted to break Shizun if he tried to cut ties with him. Yet... he finally admitted it! That he liked him!

"Shizun..." He cried, holding him tight as he beamed. "I love you! I love you so much."

His cheeks hurt from smiling but it was nothing compared to the excitement in his heart. Yet he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He didn't know what he was waiting for though, as the elder stroked his cheek lovingly.

He felt like there was something... missing.

Like there was a vacancy in his master's words. He was waiting for something that never came. Yet his mind was taken from those thoughts as soft lips pressed against his own. The salty-sweet taste he had missed flooded his senses, taking with it all thoughts.

All he wanted was to lay his claim on his beloved.

"Shizun, you can't tempt me like this." He pouted, pressing kissing anywhere he could reach as his hands grew adventurous. "I haven't had you in so long!"

"It's only been a few days."

"You riled me up last night." He retorted, biting his ear. The elder moaned, pleasing Xieren as he flipped the man underneath him. The table was cool but Xieren's heated gaze warmed him up in seconds. "If you wanted me to be gentle, you shouldn't have said all those silly things."

"So this is my fault?" Liang Fei asked absently, his eyes misting over as Xieren's hands began slipping under his robes.

Xieren grinned.

"Absolutely. But now that you are mine, I have to make sure you don't forget it any time soon."

"Ah, but I..." Liang Fei's eyes darted about the room before landing on the door. "There's lunch in the dinin-"

"I'd rather take a bite of you." Xieren cut in, his eyes deepening as he leaned in to whisper in the elder's ear. "I know how much you like that."

"I... will not deny it."

At this, Xieren laughed, his expression brightening like the sun.

"Ah, Shizun, you are too cute! I love you."

Liang Fei nodded. "Mn."

***

Those around the kitchen had no clue what was happening within. They had seen their king walk in and none dared get too close lest they see or hear something they can never unsee.

A few were happy to see their king find someone to love but they didn't want to see two men together as men themselves. There was only so much they could live with.

Just as they began to wonder if the lunch Lord Fei had made would be forgotten, the kitchen doors burst open. In the doorway, their king had Lord Fei in his arms as he carried him down the hall.

Everyone kept their heads down and did their best to ignore the flirtatious words that spilled from the powerful demon king's lips.

Short interludes might have occurred in the hall on the way there but no one was brave enough to venture close enough to check. Only one person was so brazen as to act like that in the demon king's own home.

That and the sounds that followed them were too sensuous for the servants to bear. It tempted them, making them want to go home to their own lovers and share in each other.

Alas, they were stuck having to warn away anyone who came too close.

When the two had finally reached the bedroom, the room was shut and all sounds ceased, as the room was soundproof. The mild thud against the door and the series of bangs that followed, however, painted a very clear picture no one dared think too deeply about.

The rumors of their king having lost interest in his consort died a very ruthless death as the servants made it very clear that his desire for the human was... still going strong. Only a blind man would miss the clues.

The servants who had spread that rumor quickly retreated, reporting their failure to their superior, who raged and spat hateful words at that.

***

The sun traveled well across the sky before Xieren let his master rest. He was still just a mortal, so he could never keep up with Xieren but his attempts always amused the junior.

His master laid beside him, sweating and panting as he tried to recover from his lovemaking. His neck and shoulders were littered with bites and red marks, tempting Xieren to take him once more.

But he refrained. Not because he didn't wish to but because he too was tired. He had been stressed throughout the morning and was prepared to do something that he knew he would be hated for. Hearing Shizun accept his love had lifted a heavy burden from him.

And the sex had released a lot of tension he'd felt since the day before.

So Xieren curled up next to Shizun, enjoying that his exhaustion made him much easier to hold. The elder's head rested against his chest, his smooth breaths tickling his chest as his eyes grew heavy.

He wanted this moment to last forever.

It was only as the last vestiges of consciousness were fading that Xieren realized what the emptiness he felt was.

Shizun hadn't replied to his confession.

*****

AN: I swear this chapter refused to work with me. I had a plan and it derailed but I couldn't stop...

Other things of note:

- The song LF sang was Divide by zero/Slim Pickens does the right thing and rides the bomb to hell by The Offspring. Just look for the thumbnail with the smiling hades lookalike. Also, it's two separate songs but LF sings them both.

- I just now realized that I might not have made this clear before but LF real last name is Han so he actually gave Xieren his last name before.