~Xiangwei Village~

A somewhat slow afternoon, the sun still bright yet slowly descending.

The warm sunlight hit Shen Qingqiu's face, illuminating his enchanting beauty. Yuanling couldn't help but become dazed and worship such a fairy-like person. It was as if he was an immortal. She regained her composure whilst continuing to stutter her newfound gossip after being elbowed by her friends.

The laughter of children, warmth of tranquil and harmonious people - Shen Qingqiu felt saved. Though a temporary shelter, he felt reluctant to leave. Everyone brought a smile to his face, allowing him to forget everything.

Shen Qingqiu was joyful....... No, could he say he is truly happy when in reality, always carried an underlying fear? Fear of being found, worried and stressed from overthinking the consequences - at this point, the presence of "Luo Binghe" brought him nightmares. Whenever he tried to sleep, the memories of being chased assaulted his senses. His loud gasps for air, despair, hopelessness, heavy and numb limbs, desperate will to escape - all drowned by the slow and eerie footsteps behind him.

"Shizun~" The deep tone of his voice, borderline to madness. The wallowing trees, endlessly dark pathway, those red pupils signalling the end of his freedom - they all haunted him, chased him, and urged for his downfall.

It was as if these peaceful days were merely an imagination. A fantasy.

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Luo Binghe opened his eyes. Before him stood a lush forest, sunshine beaming through the leaves. Blinking, he recalled his situation. Was he not on a hill just now? How was he in a forest? Whipping his head, he caught sight of the large tree behind. It's tall trunk looked as if it would reach the heavens. Unlike what he saw before, this tree held carved markings, most likely from a small dagger. It was a carving of a red spider lily. There was dried blood flowing inside the carvings. Flowing? No, it seemed like the blood was alive, yet dead.

A thought hit his head- perhaps, just perhaps, did he manage to enter the word which that b*stard took his Shizun to?

With a determined gaze, he marched onwards, into the unknown.

Walking steadily, Luo Binghe passed through an endless scene of trees and vegetation. The only concern was the silence. The silence, as if signalling an unwelcome guest, appealed to its audience. Even though the forest was lush, not a single life was seen. Never letting his guard down, Luo Binghe constantly hovered his hand above his sword, ready to battle whenever.

From within a soundless space, Luo Binghe drew his blade. Three sharp daggers screeched against Xin Mo, an echoing clang disturbing the silence. The miasma flowing out of his sword alerted the three shadows.

'Lord?'

Failing to recognise their master's presence, and even attacking him was worthy of death. The trio fearfully let go of their weapons.

However, they, who have always been beside their lord, felt doubt as to why they couldn't recognise their master.

The three shadows stopped in their movements, falling to one knee and upon asking for forgiveness, they questioned,

"My lord, for what reason have you come here yourself?"

The lack of response invoked doubt from the other two shadows. When realisation hit them, it was already too late.

One moment of hesitation led to a one sided massacre. Blood trickled down Xin Mo, as if enticing its owner for more bloodshed. Three mutilated corpses painted the lush green into scarlet.

Luo Binghe smirked. This was, indeed, the world which that b*stard was. Exhilaration, happiness, overwhelming excitement. Xin Mo shook in response to its wielder's emotions. The pain and exhaustion of his body began to feel nonexistent. Luo Binghe continued to hold Xin Mo without realising the lack of backlash from using it.

Following the Heavenly Demonic Blood within Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe shortened the distance in no time. Even if he had to face that b*stard's entire army, Luo Binghe would not admit defeat.

Never.

He swore to take back Shizun.

Shizun was his, and not for some dirty, arrogant, perverted sh*thead to even touch.

Crossing countless fields and trees, a river eventually revealed itself before Luo Binghe. Landing before it, Luo Binghe expressionlessly focused on the location. He realised that Shizun's location was fuzzy. He had been circling around a few kilometres of where the blood informed of Shizun's whereabouts, yet ultimately being unable to pinpoint exactly where he was. Frustration had almost overwhelmed him until - fluttering white clothes caught the corner of his eyes.

Shizun?

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Shen Qingqiu had excused himself and followed the stream of the river in which he was found. Indeed, it was such a long river that the waterfall that he fell into from jumping off the cliff was not even in sight. It was a mind battle - constantly battling with himself. The him who never gave up, and the him who wanted to give up. It wasn't until this eyes swept across to the other side of the river in which his panic settled in.

"Luo Binghe"? What was he doing here? How did he find me so quickly? Shen Qingqiu knew he had to run, however his legs froze. They felt weak. Despair washed over his whole being.

"— Shizun!" This voice reminded him of his nightmares. Panic clouded his senses.

Closing his eyes, Shen Qingqiu exclaimed,

"Don't come near me! You... you bastard!" Shen Qingqiu's fear resonated through his voice. The fear, alongside rejection, caused Luo Binghe to both question what happened to Shizun, and why his Shizun reacted so intensely.

"Shizun... its me, your disciple, its me!" Luo Binghe stood where he was, however still obeyed Shen Qingqiu's request and didn't move forward.

A sliver of doubt passed through Shen Qingqiu. What games was "Luo Binghe" playing at? Pretending to be his disciple, just as he did when deceiving him.

Silence filled the room.

1 minute....

2 minutes...

3 minutes...

The river stream severed the two of them. It was as if there was an entire universe between them. Luo Binghe was unable to step forward, yet unable to look away. Those eyes, those eyes which used to be filled with affection and indulgence, look at him with fear, doubt, confusion and reluctance.

Jumping across, Luo Binghe tried to hug his Shizun.

This alarmed Shen Qingqiu and panic took ahold of him.

Luo Binghe's hands were hit and flung across the air, whilst Shen Qingqiu took swift steps back.

Shen Qingqiu frantically searched for his system. Regardless of its uselessness, it was his best option right now, especially with his wounds that had yet to heal. Distrust, frustration, fright, dread- everything reflected his pupils, betraying his poised and elegant figure.

Blinking, Luo Binghe stared at his slapped hand.

The proud and aloof, yet always kindhearted and calm Shizun... what happened? Why...? A red hue emerged from beneath Luo Binghe's eyes, holding back tears and questioning.

Minutes passed.

The stillness and tense air answered his questions.

Shizun....

Shizun.... Couldn't see the differences between and anymore.

Their fated meeting, separated by rejection, carved a wounded heart, a new fear, and most of all, a small crack between relationships.

**********

I think this fanfic is taking its steps into some tragic dog blood :D

And i wont stop abusing them :)

...

Sorry.

Thanks for reading!

❤️❤️