AN: I've been asked whether or not Xuejie (my transmigrator) will have his own story/romance. Honestly, I'm on the fence about it. Xinyi's wife is going to be in this story so having three romances in the story might make things complicated. 

The temptation is real~

*****

By the time they arrived at Liang Fei's hideout, Xieren had fallen asleep, his soft snores bring a smile to Liang Fei's face. He laid the child down gently, letting him roll away to snuggle into the blankets Liang Fei had bought.

Seeing him curl up like a kitten made Liang Fei inwardly squee. How could he not pet Xieren. He looked so precious just then.

Liang Fei remained by Xieren's side for a while, content to pet him and his soft hair for as long as he could. Xieren, even deep in sleep, enjoyed the attention and smiled gently.

"Shizun~"

Liang Fei's hand froze, his heart stopping in his chest. For a moment, he thought he'd been found out and had awoken the young man. Yet his soft snores continued without pause.

Yet why would he call out to him? He wondered, frowning. Xieren greatly disliked being touched by Shao Liang Fei so why was he dreaming about him?

Liang Fei sat back, trying to come up with an explanation but finding none. Perhaps he was having a good dream? But it couldn't be about him, right? Xieren had been mistreated by his original so...

After minutes of his mind running in circles, Liang Fei gave up this pursuit. It was probably not important. If it was a pleasant dream, that would be nice but if the dream was grim, it would change nothing.

Even if Xieren hated him, Liang Fei adored all his students and would stand beside him.

It was strange to be hated one moment and then adored the next but Liang Fei had gotten used to the feeling. His only reprieve was that at this moment, he was Tankian, so he could comfort the young man if needed. 

Watching Xieren, Liang Fei thought about his story. He'd been chased around but why? Even as talented a cultivator as Xieren was, he was no more special than anyone else. Or perhaps they wanted to gain information from him?

Such things like conspiracies and the like were not Liang Fei's expertise. Especially in fictional stories. They were usually convoluted and silly, making those involved act ridiculously as opposed to thinking things through.

The trauma of having been forced to read one of his sister's comic books had convinced him that all fictional stories were filled with stupid protagonists who can't act rationally.

(AN: I'm assuming he read a shoujo manga and full on rage quit.)

Unfortunately, he was in one of those silly novels and had to live a bit longer. He wasn't sure when his deadline was but as long as he could return home, he'd be satisfied.

So he must solve this mystery.

He stood up, intending to leave when he felt a tug on his robe. Looking down, Xieren had somehow grabbed the edge of his robe, his snores having not ceased.

Ah, even in sleep, he is clingy. He thought, petting the child indulgently. It took a minute to coax his robes free from the young man's grip but he was soon by the door. As he gazed at the sleeping child, Liang Fei couldn't help but sigh.

The world he'd arrived in 4 years ago was one of fantasy and magic. Mystical beasts and flying swords. All this laid at his feet with little to no guidance. Not to mention the looming threat of being killed by the still unknown protagonist.

To say Liang Fei had felt overwhelmed at the time would be an understatement.

Yet seeing this child that he had raised up and taught, this child whose body was warm and whose heart beat was steady, Liang Fei knew.

This child was real, fictional or not.

The elder man walked out into the early morning light, leaving the sleeping Xieren to his own thoughts.

***

Alone in the shack that Liang Fei had been resting in, Xieren slept peacefully. His body had been worn down from the days of pursuit and stress. His exhaustion pulled him deeper into his mind than usual, his dreams filled with long since forgotten thoughts.

A woman, kind and beautiful staring down at him. Her smile, one he knew to be radiant and bright, was weak and sad. Her beautiful golden eyes, the exact shade as his own, brimming with tears.

She spoke, her words foreign but clear to his ears. He replied in kind, his voice younger than he could ever recall. What was said was unknown, years of repression muffling their exchange.

As he watched the memory, he cried out to the woman, demanding she tell him who she was. To tell him why seeing her made his chest hurt and tears threaten to fall.

Yet his pleading went unheard as the memory played out. Young him was suddenly surrounded in darkness and the noise rose about him. Clangs of swords, the screams of lives lost and the crackle of flames.

They melded together, echoing through his mind, his ears, down to his very cells. There was no escape. The sounds tore through him, seeking to tear him to pieces. Even his own screams joined the fray, seeking to drown him as well.

But then.

"Are you alright?"

Xieren's eyes snapped open, the endless clamor having ceased with those words. The voice was calm and cold, like a winter wind. Hearing it, Xieren couldn't help but shiver. The owner of this voice must be a lofty lord, one to command hundreds.

Like the stories he'd been told as a child.

The sight before him was an unfamiliar man. He was tall, good looking and held an air of nobility. Xieren couldn't help but stare in amazement.

The man's mouth opened but no words followed. His words were taken by the wind, unheard by the child. Yet when the man held out a hand to him, the child didn't hesitate to take it. Tiny hands as cold as ice was engulfed in the man's warm palms. Seeing the man smile, the child felt like he'd met a god.

Someone who would save him from the hellish life he'd lived on the streets.

The memory faded and he was once again surrounded by darkness. The silence was kind to him, gently swathing him as he was lulled to sleep. Yet it soon ended.

The world was shaking. The clamor of hooves trotting and the rattle of wood echoed in his ear. His head was resting on something firm and warm. The world was shaking and his head was jostled a lot but he didn't want to move.

He liked this warm place.

Just as he thought this, he felt a gentle hand

"Did you sleep well?" A voice, familiar yet so easily forgotten. Had he not heard from him in so long? How did a voice change in so little time?

The child nodded, turning to the man whose lap he laid on.

The man smiled down at him. To the small child, the smile seemed amused but he couldn't see any further as he relaxed.

Liang Fei's forest green eyes gleamed with concealed mirth as he ran a hand through the child's hair.

***

Xieren gasped, his eyes snapping open. Darkness greeted him and he feared he might have not awoken yet. His gasping breaths echoed throughout the darkness, filling him with dread as he anticipated the clamor of his nightmares.

"Ah, you've awoken?"

A gentle light filled the room, chasing away the darkness. From the doorway, Xieren saw Liang Fei watching him, his gaze gentle and cool. Seeing his Shizun, staring at him with that same dead eyed look, chased the few remaining embers of fear in his heart.

Shizun was there.

"Good evening." He sat up, watching as his master carried in a tray. From the smell, it was food. Had he been cooking this entire time?

Xieren's heart warmed at the thought of being taken care of by this man.

Yet his eyes fell on Shizun's face. Even though his face was covered up, his eyes were clearly in view.

His eyes were violet, gleaming like gems.

Yet the Shizun from his dream had green eyes. Perhaps it wasn't truly a memory of the past. He knew thoughts could get muddled as time went on, details getting mixed up.

Yet he was sure he wasn't misremembering anything, so why-

"Is something the matter?" Liang Fei, seeing Xieren grimace, grew concerned. The child had been sleeping for so long with nothing to eat. Perhaps he was feeling dizzy?

A warm hand laid on Xieren's forehead, drawing him from his thoughts. As Liang Fei tried to determine if his student was sick, Xieren's expression softened.

This man was his master. Whether his eyes were green or violet, that would not change. He couldn't allow strange memories to ruin this man in his eyes. He wouldn't let it get in the way of being with Shizun.

"I'm fine." He shook his head, moving to slide out of bed. At some point, his clothes had been changed. "Were you the one to change my robes?"

Xieren flushed, a bit flustered. Had Shizun seen him naked!? And he'd slept through it? How horrible! His body wasn't nice to look at yet Shizun had seen it? He must have been disgusted...

Liang Fei didn't think much of the incident. They were both males so there was no reason to be embarrassed. He was a bit surprised by all the scars on his body but paid them little mind. They were Xieren's past and he had no reason to judge or ask.

Changing his clothes while the young man slept was already a bit much so he didn't wish to aggravate things.

Liang Fei, not noticing his students distress, continued.

"Of course, your old ones were filthy."He explained, his tone light and airy as his mind focused on the task in front of him. He didn't look up, serving out the dishes on the small table he'd found elsewhere. "I'll have them cleaned as soon as we finish."

"Eh!?" Xieren finally realized what was happening and rushed forward to help. "N-no, please allow me to wash them!"

This drew Liang Fei's eyes from the meal.

"Why?" He countered, his eyes narrowing. "Is this your home?"

"N-no, but-"

"Then you are my guest." He interrupted, his tone brooking no retort. Yet he continued. "What kind of host allows guests to do chores?"

But you're also my master, so how can I just sit around doing nothing! Xieren cried out in his heart, wanting to protest. Yet he held his tongue, not wanting to reveal his master's secret.

If his master wished to pretend to be someone else, how could he protest?

Seeing Xieren acquiesce to him, Liang Fei finished serving dinner. He'd spent the last few hours shopping and cooking a meal. He still had his mission to do but there was no way he was planning on leaving his student to starve.

What kind of man would do that!?

Meanwhile, Xieren watched his master set the table, acting as the host to his junior. Xieren still felt shame for sitting around doing nothing but Shizun had made himself clear.

Yet when a bowl was placed in front of him, a familiar smell hit his senses like a horse. Staring at the bowl, Xieren couldn't help but smile to himself.

It was Red Pot Soup.

He took a deep breath, loving the scent. He could smell all the spices Shizun had dumped into the brew. As usual, the brew was as red as blood and could set a mouth ablaze with just the smell alone.

Taking a bite, he felt a bit disappointed. It wasn't the same as what he was used to. Whatever Shizun put in the soup that made him feel good, wasn't in this brew.

The Qi cleansers that Liang Fei usually placed in the brew were unavailable so he had to make do with regular herbs. Surprisingly, it was those cleansers that Xieren liked best.

Still, it was super spicy so Xieren was happy.

As Liang Fei sat down to eat, a thought occurred to the young man across from him. His disguise was a cloth covering the lower half of his face. It shielded him from being recognized but also made it impossible to eat.

Would Shizun take off his mask so they could eat or-

His eyes drifted up from his bowl, eager to see how his master would resolve the issue.

To his surprise, his nose and mouth were still covered yet he could see him eating. In the dim light, it was hard to tell but at some point, his master had changed his mask from one that pulled over his lower face, to one he tied behind his head.

(AN: He basically put a bandana around his face so he could eat.)

Xieren choked back a laugh at the sight.

Watching his master's attempt to hide his identity was becoming a bit amusing as time went on. Perhaps it was just because he was a bit too honest but Shizun was not a good liar. He truly was too kind to pretend to be mute, so his voice was clear and familiar. His unique eye color was blatantly displayed, apparently unaware that only he had such a shade.

Anyone with a modicum of common sense would see Shizun in front of them.

Yet Xieren played along, liking this game between them. It was amusing to see his master so relaxed and open. Talking to him, it felt like they were just a bit closer.

It made Xieren think his master was a bit cute when he tried to lie.

“...Big brother is very caring.” He said, forcing himself not to say the words true to his heart. Luckily, Liang Fei wasn’t able to read hearts or he might feel some kind of way about being called cute all the time.

(AN: Like he doesn’t do it all the time)

“I try.” He said, enjoying his meal. “I enjoy eating with others. I don’t get to do so very often.”

Xieren frowned, confused. He was sure Shizun often ate with others. He recalled catching the sect leader and Elder Zhihao in Shizun’s room before.

The memory still filled him with frustration.

“Truly? You must dine with others, yes?” He ventured, hoping he might get some insight into what ‘adult matters’ he has spoken about then. “Like, with other adults?”

“Yes but I do so more often now than before.” He replied after a long silence.

Xieren thinks back to the time before, when Shizun was distant and cold toward everyone. He never paid much mind to the muttering of others but knew Shizun was generally disliked by the other elders.

Meanwhile, Liang Fei thought about his previous life and all the things he had missed out on. How many nights out he declined because he had to work. How many birthdays he was late to because his manager needed someone to cover for a call out. The memories he’d missed out on because he never could take a break.

Even something as simple as a cup of coffee had to be rushed because he had so much else going on. What little free time he had to spend was used to sleep and catch up with his classes.

He’d never noticed how much he desired just the simple time of eating with someone, without a deadline hanging over him.

“I enjoy moments like these.” He continued, his expression softening in a way that rarely showed. “So thank you for allowing me this.”

“S-sure!” Xieren stammered, his face burning hot. He wasn’t sure how to respond other than and chose to cram the food in his mouth instead. If he didn’t, he felt like he’d say something incredibly stupid like ‘Anything for you, Shizun’ or ‘you look really handsome just then.’

Saying such things would either make the elder hate him or reject him. Neither he wanted.

Liang Fei watched Xieren stuff his face and smiled in his heart. The child was so hungry, he was rushing to finish. How very cute.

With his cheeks stuffed like that, he looked like a squirrel with a face full of acorns. The image of Xieren with a fluffy tail and ears set Liang Fei’s cute loving heart ablaze.

He really very much wanted to pinch those cheeks.

Xieren froze, feeling an intense gaze on him. A peek revealed that his dining partner was glaring at him… he assumed. Why else would he be stared at so intensely?!

This brief lapse in concentration had him breathe in when he needed to swallow and a piece of food chose that moment to take a detour. Fortunately. Liang Fei quickly escaped from his cute-daze and shot up to help.

“Careful, you must remember to chew your food properly.” He scolded, patting him on the back. He’d forced a cup of water into the young man's hands and watched him until he was sure the crisis had been averted. He sighed with relief but immediately chastised Xieren. “You shouldn’t be so careless. What would you do if you were alone?”

“Alone?” Xieren frowned, a sudden thought occurred to him. That nightmare hadn’t left his mind yet. That one day, Shizun might leave him behind. “Won’t you always be with me?”

Liang Fei thinks about his deadline, how he’ll be able to go home at some point. The thought of leaving his students and Xieren behind made his heart clench with pain. He adored them and wanted to spend as much time as he could with them.

But that couldn’t happen.

“I won’t always be here.” He coldly stated, sitting back. He ignored the look of hurt on Xieren’s face. “One day I’ll die.” He figured that was how those in this world would see him completing his mission.

“No, you won’t!” Xieren cried as panic filled his heart. He’s seen people die before but he was sure that by getting stronger, he wouldn’t have to watch such a thing happen. So Shizun absolutely couldn’t die. “I won’t let you die!”

Liang Fei cocked a brow, not expecting the outburst. He wasn’t completely sure about some aspects of this world but surely he didn’t need to have the death talk with a teen. So he was stern in his instruction.

“It’s not about letting.” He replied, returning to his side of the table. His tone was light, as if discussing the weather. “You can’t save everyone, Xieren.”

“I don’t want to save everyone!” He snapped, his hands clenched to the point where his palms felt wet. “If just you survive, I-”

Xieren, however, was cut off.

“Don’t say things like that.” He slammed his cup down, the only indication of his frustration. “I didn’t teach you to be selfish.” Xieren jumped to his feet, his teeth clenched tight.

“You most certainly did not but I’m sure you didn’t teach us to lie, either!” He barked, enraged by his master's words. Before another word could be spoken, he ran out the door, racing down the streets.

He could hear his master call out but chose to ignore it. It was not worth it. He’d only hear his master’s hurtful words.

He hated this. Hated hearing Shizun talks about his own death so casually. About how they will part with nothing to draw them close again.

He should be talking about all the stuff he’d do in life. The places he wanted to see. The experiences that could be explored.

That was what he taught them, for years now. Telling them about how the outside world had so much to offer and once they were strong enough, they could go out and see the world.

Yet all he spoke about was his death like he wasn’t thinking past that.

Xieren eventually found himself sitting in an alleyway, fighting off tears. He curled up and closed his eyes, not wanting to think about such things. So he imagined the fantastic world Shizun had told them about in his stories.

Buildings as tall as the clouds and a sea of endless lights. He imagined himself experiencing that world.

With Shizun by his side.

***

“L-loyal customer, if you don’t mind, I must be going.”

“Going? Going where? Did I not pay for you? Where else would you be going?”

Xieren scowled, annoyed to be awoken from his pleasant dream to hear a pair of voices shouting. Through bleary vision, he spotted a rich-looking man shouting at a finely dressed person. The voices were both males though.

“You did, young master but this is as far as I can travel.” The fine dressed man smiled accommodatingly, yet it was clear his was getting annoyed. “I have prior engagements and-”

“And?” The rich man grabbed the young man’s wrist, dragging his closer. “After all that begging, you intend to leave without compensating me?!” The young man’s face soured.

“Compen-? Sir, I only asked for a ride.” He countered, snatching his wrist back. “You paid for the food on your own and-”

“Are you arguing with me? How dare you!”

Xieren could tell this was going to get worse and sought to escape before getting dragged in. Yet his status as the protagonist didn’t allow for such a turn of events.

Before he could sneak away, the young man was shoved into the alleyway, knocking Xieren over in the process.

“Eh? Another one?” The rich man scoffed, mostly because he hadn’t expected to bump into a vagrant. The boys robes were nice but clearly low class. Xieren ignored this, turning to shove the young man off of him.

“Get off me!” Xieren was not in the mood to deal with stranger drama.

“Oh?” The rich man took a step forward, marveling at the new boys face. “What's this? You are quite the beauty when I take a good look at you.” A lecherous smile split the man’s face as he grabbed Xieren’s chin. “Would you like to have a little fun with me?”

A shiver ran down Xieren’s spine at the man's leering look. Was this man truly serious?! How disgusting!

“Don’t touch me!” He growled, slapping his hand away. Surprisingly, he didn’t seem to react despite how much strength he was using. Was this a cultivator?

“Don’t be coy, sweetheart.” He said, amused by the kids' strength. His aura was weak though, so he didn’t think he would be overpowered. “This young master is very well off and will compensate you accordingly. So be good and-”

“If your hand gets any closer to my student, you will regret it.”

At the entrance of the alley, Liang Fei stood, his back illuminated by the night torches.

“Shizun!” Xieren couldn’t help but gasp, relieved that he was there. Yet… his tone made him scared. Thankfully, he wasn’t who it was directed that.

“Eh?” The foolish man drawled, looking over Liang Fei’s drab robes. Why was some pathetic mortal daring to bother him? “Who are you? Do you not know who I am?”

This man knew mortals generally admired cultivators and turned a blind eye to their misdeeds. Not only because of status but also because of the clear divide in strength.

No mortal dared challenge a cultivator.

Yet there was no fear on this man’s face.

“Did you not hear me?” He took a step forward. “Should I repeat it slower for you?”

“How about you mind your own business?” The man warned, still assuming he was speaking to a mortal. He had two pretty faces at his feet and he felt like granting this man mercy, just for tonight. “This young man was seducing me so there's no injustice going on here.”

“Seducing? I must say, there are some brazen men in the world but you are quite a sight.” Liang Fei kept walking forward, his tone light as air but heavy in meaning. “Cornering not one but two young men in an alleyway like a common crook yet masquerading as a noble gentleman. I’m amazed.”

“You-”

“My previous warning is only a one time offer. If you choose to ignore it, don’t blame me for being discourteous.” He stated, his cold violet eyes gleaming in the night as he drew closer. “Now... Remove your hand from him.”

A shiver ran through all three men before Liang Fei. Despite how low his voice was, the threat was evident and clear. Even as he pretended to be a mortal, his aura and demeanor radiated authority.

Like a king over his subjects.

The cultivator, feeling wary and scared immediately ran away, tripping over everything on the way out, fearful that he might not live if he stayed a moment longer.

Xieren couldn't help but admire his master as he spoke. Every word was like a mountain, firm and heavy. With little but his words and his aura, he had successfully suppressed this man's lies.

Xieren wished for that himself, to rule and dominate with only a look. The child thought this, unaware his own dominating aura, that of a young beast. His body was young and his fangs were small but his was beast nonetheless. Anyone smart would be wary, no matter his size.

Yet at this moment, this beast was as docile as a lamb, fawning over his master's exploits.

Liang Fei watched the man depart, letting out a long breath.

“And here I was wondering why this town doesn’t seem to welcome cultivators.” He muttered, grimacing to himself. He’d been warned not to reveal his identity yet seeing the reason why made him sick.

He might only be a cultivator temporarily but to have someone so blatantly take advantage of their status was aggravating. If not for his promise to keep a low profile, he’d have knocked that bastard's teeth in until they were tapping a tune on his rib cage.

Silence fell and Xieren felt the need to speak. He’d finally allowed time to resume and he recalled their reality.

He’d yelled at Shizun!

Yet, even after he’d yelled at his master, the elder still came to his aid. Shame tried to choke him but he pushed past it. He couldn’t remain silent.

“Shizun, I-” He started but was quickly cut short.

“Don’t run off like that again.” He scolded, smacking the teen on the head with his sword. Though the blade was covered in clothes, it still hurt a lot. “That man could have seriously hurt you.”

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled, letting the man tap a steady beat on his head. It hurt but considering how much trouble he’d caused, he probably deserved the headache.

“Just stay by me from now on.” He ordered, missing the flush that came to Xieren’s cheeks. He continued, sighing as he spoke. “Seriously, what am I to do with you? You keep getting into trouble and you almost blew my cover.”

“Was Shizun planning on hiding himself?” Xieren really couldn’t help but ask. He knew the man was trying to hide from him but to learn this was all part of a plan was a bit shocking.

Surely, he could have tried a bit harder.

(AN: Apparently, Liang Fei thought he could Clark Kent this)

“Of course!” He replied, his eyes clear of thought. Yet Xieren had gotten better at reading the enigmatic man and could see the slight glimmer of pride. “I don’t know how you saw through me but I have worked very hard on this disguise and-”

Listening to Shizun talk about his ‘excellent’ disguise and how ‘fool-proof’ it was, had bubbles of laughter erupting from the teen. The fact that his master could go from threatening a cultivator with his words alone to bemoaning his lack of ingenuity in making a disguise was hilarious.

It was too cute!

“And now you are laughing at me?” These words ended his giggle fit, though he still felt slightly amused. Liang Fei, however, was not. “How daring. Was I too lenient on you? Perhaps you would prefer a punishment?”

“N-n-no, I’m sorry.” He stammered, trying to contain his laughter. Shizun looked so cute, pouting so indignantly. He couldn’t say that out loud though. Absolutely not.

“Uh… hello?” Both men looked over, finally recalling that there was a third person present. Said person, a tall young man with a pretty face was frowning at the two cultivators. “Do I know you two?”

“Absolutely not.” Xieren growled, his face falling into a scowl. He didn’t want to talk to this person when it was his damn fault he got dragged into all that.

Yet Liang Fei felt different.

“Hm? Ah, Xiao Li!” He said, snapping his fingers as the face came to his mind. He hadn’t seen the man in years but recalled the unique placement on his beauty mark. “I didn’t realize you worked here.”

“Brother Tankian!?” An Li took a step closer and beamed as he ran to Liang Fei. He wrapped his arms around his neck and cooed. “It is you! I should have realized when I saw that mask of yours. Only you are so selfish to hide that handsome face.”

“Your flattery doesn’t work on me but you have gotten better.” He commended, not reacting to the embrace. An Li was the clingy sort and Liang Fei was used to those kinds of people. That and the young man reminded him of small child welcoming back his parents.

An Li opened his mouth to say something when he felt it, a baleful aura that screamed death and carnage. Jumping away, he caught sight of his would-be savior. At the time, he hadn’t gotten a good look at him but in the light, he recognized those scary gold eyes.

“A-ah, and you brought your little brother with you too.” He stammered, hiding behind Liang Fei shamelessly.

This kid was well known for his habit of glaring at everyone who got close to Tankian. From the toughest looking guard to the lone stray cat, this kid made sure to make his grievances known.

It made some wonder if his eyes ever got tired from it all.

Not An Li, though, cause he knew when to be wary in his line of work. Such instincts has saved his life many times and he knew to be cautious of this kid, because now he was older.

He might not be all bark with no bite.

In a rare moment of insight, Liang Fei looked back at his student and reached out to pet him. He knew Xieren loved being patted on the head. He felt bad he couldn't grant him that as his Shizun but as a brother, he could spoil him just a little.

As expected, the fierce tiger bent on destroying the annoying person before him quickly simmered down, practically purring as his favorite person stroked his head. Liang Fei, inwardly squealing about how cute his student was just then, released An Li in favor of facing Xieren.

The two stared at one another, gold to violet, neither of their thoughts evident on their faces but equally shameless

Really, why was he so cute like this! Liang Fei thought, holding in the desire to pinch his still somewhat chubby cheeks. Perhaps he should? What little child fat he had would surely only last for perhaps a year or two. He’d lose his chance!

Then again, he did have other students whose cheeks were perfectly pinchable so perhaps he could survive on that.

Years of self restraint had taken its toll on Liang Fei’s cute loving heart. Acting as the stern but fair teacher to all his students meant he had to hold back his desire to hug his adorable students. He had to make due with head pats. It drove him up the wall.

Had Xieren heard such thoughts he would have raged and declared his cheeks, all of them, were the MOST pinchable. There's no reason for Shizun to look elsewhere. He’d corner that market entirely!

In truth, Xieren was admiring how amazing his Shizun was. He was handsome, strong and gentle, making the young man’s heart race just being close. This man, who looked so aloof and cold yet practically glowed from within whenever he was called out to, was his master.

Xieren truly felt such content, he forgot where he was. All his life, he remained vigilant and cautious, wary that an enemy might be lurking nearby. His time at the sect proved that even when money and opportunity weighed down the pockets of youths, they still were as devious as those with nothing but scathing words to fill their stomachs.

Yet this man had shown him such a wonderful world, where he could have friends who he could trust. People he could joke with and relax without expecting a knife in the back. All because of this man, who so kindly sung him to sleep when he was scared.

Truly, Shizun was his most favorite person.

Meanwhile, this left An Li, watching the two basking in their own little world. He knew Tankian loved cuddling his little brother by surely at this age, that much was obvious from their interactions but such intimacy made him wonder if he’d missed something.

Especially with that child so openly glaring at An Li as if he’d massacred his whole family. Seriously, Xiao Li was just a humble prostitute! Why look on so hatefully?

"U-uh, did you guys forget about me already?" He ventured, hoping he'd live to see the next sunrise. That once docile kitten had quickly transformed back into a beast, pissed to all hell that his precious Shizun was looking elsewhere now.

Said Elder just looked back, innocently blinking with question marks floating about. He was useless.

Ah, life is hard for the humble side character~

*****

"I've got nothing better to do" productions brings you...The many faces of Liang Fei!