Chapter Text
Shen Yuan's consciousness slowly came back.
【 Welcome to the System. This System operates in line with the design concept "YOU CAN YOU UP, NO CAN NO BB"; we hope to provide you with the best possible experience. It is our sincere wish that during your time, you can fulfill your desires and, in accordance with your wish, transform a stupid work into a magnificent, high-quality, first-rate classic. We hope you enjoy. 】
"is Shixiong awake?" A man's voice lightly asked beside him.
Shen Yuan forced himself to open his eyes, his vision blurred and unfocused.
His head spun, a dizziness overcoming him. He chose to focus his eyes on the decor of the room he was in.
It was an average room to could say the least, it looked fit for a hospital. The bed he was lying on was stiff and rock solid, definitely giving him a negative experience to rate on Google Maps.
He sat up, finally conscious with a frontal lobe.
Soon, he finally faced the voice, his eyes finding a handsome, elegant young man dressed in xuanduan formal robes in front of him.
"Shen-shixiong finally woke up," The man in warm yellow robes spoke. "Do you feel any discomfort?"
After having read thousands of novels with the transmigration plot, he had known what to do right away if he ever finds himself in these impossible situations.
Shen Yuan shook his head, "Where am I?"
"Your head disciple had brought you to Qian Cao." Qian Cao? The name seems familiar, Shen Yuan thought.
"Why?" He questioned, "Shixiong had Qi-deviated."
Qi-deviation... A xianxia-wuxia setting. Makes sense for the clothes and hair.
"How long was I out for?" He inquired more, he has his suspicions on where he is but he needs more information.
"Shen-shixiong was out for three days." The man folded his arms.
Shen Yuan took that information quite well, currently thinking in his head. Another person stepped into the room, his robes blue and grey.
The man in warm yellow robes turned to face the new-intimidatingly-handsome-character to talk.
Shen Yuan paid no mind to their discussion and didn't notice when their conversation had ended. The new character walked towards his direction, "Is Qingzi-shidi all well?" The tall man asked.
Shen Yuan put all his strength to turn his head, staring at the man.
Shen-shixiong and Qingzi-shidi? Shen Yuan pieced together the name; Shen Qingzi.
But who is Shen Qingzi? There was no character in PIDW named that whatsoever.
The closest character to that name was Shen Qingqiu, only similarity is the name and character 'Shen.'
【 The System was successfully activated! Bound Role: NPC Peak Lord, Cang Qiong Mountain Sect's Peak Lord of Ling You Peak, "Shen Qingzi." Birth name: Shen Yuan. Weapon: Zhenxi Di yi. Starting B-Points: 100. 】
Oh what the fuck.
Cool, so he really was transmigrated.
—in the novel of Proud Immortal Demon Way out of everything.
Also, what a great coincidence right? Having an NPC Peak Lord with the same name as him to transmigrate into? Fuck this dumb logic and fuck your dumb novel, Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky.
【 You have triggered the System's execution command and have been bound to the Shen Qingzi account. As the plot progresses. various point types will gradually become available. Please ensure that no score falls below zero, or the System will automatically mete out punishment. 】
Punishment? What happens if the scores fall to zero?
【 You will automatically be deported back to your original world. 】
Original world? But in Shen Yuan's original world, his body had already died due to him choking on a mantou. In other words, if he lost all his B-whatever-points, he dies.
How the fuck do you expect him to improve this story if he's a nothingburger NPC?
"Shidi?" Shen Yuan snapped out of his trance,
【 Cang Qiong Mountain's Sect Leader, Yue Qingyuan 】
Shen Qingzi coughed, "This one is fine, Zhangmen-shixiong." He said quietly.
Yue Qingyuan smiled softly, "I'm glad Shidi is fine. Zhou Feng informed us about your sudden Qi-deviation, do you happen to know why you did?" He asked,
【 Head Disciple of Ling You, Zhou Feng 】
Is he that predictable with his questions? Shen Qingzi sighed internally and questioned the System for more answers about his, or well, this world's Shen Yuan's condition—
【 Character: Shen Qingzi had Qi-deviated due to mental distress about information he shouldn't have known. 】
Well, he can't just say that to Yue Qingyuan, can he? And what information?
【 Exactly. 】
Why are you trying to play smart here?
Shen Qingzi shook his head, "This one is afraid that he does not know. Apologies, Shixiong." He replied with a sadness to his voice, earning sympathy from Yue Qingyuan.
The man from earlier came back, a pouch in hand.
【 Qian Cao's Peak Lord, Mu Qingfang 】
"Are all Peak Lords this conventionally attractive?"
Yue Qingyuan looked at him with curiosity, while Mu Qingfang flushed at the sudden compliment. He coughed to change the topic,
【 ? 】
You wouldn't get it cause you're just AI.
【 Not exactly why I'm questioning you, does host not hear himself? 】
What did I do? Shen Qingzi genuinely questioned, frustration on his face.
【 I believe I deserve a better host. 】
Oh go fuck yourself. What shitty AI! I thought 2026 would introduce more advanced technology with better attitude, he groaned internally.
"All in all, Shixiong is in perfect condition somehow." The somehow went quietly, "His condition is better than before." He murmured, just enough for Shen Qingzi and Yue Qingyuan to hear.
How can one heal after a Qi-deviation due to mental distress?! This doesn't even make sense!
【 ┐(´ー｀)┌ 】
Don't shrug at me!? Shen Qingzi said internally, I thought I was supposed to fix the story of all its plot holes, how come there's more even after I transmigrated! He screamed in his mind.
【 Host only just woke up, don't rush to question immediately when user hasn't even done anything yet. 】
"But to be sure, This Shidi has brought you some medicine, although bitter— it can be mixed with tea to hide its taste." Mu Qingfang finished explaining, his Shen-shixiong nodded, “This one thanks Shidi.” He smiled.
The two men were puzzled,
Was he not supposed to smile? He questioned.
【 Smiling is OK for host since he is not role bound to any important character that causes change to the Protagonist. It is just the ‘Shen Qingzi’ host had transmigrated into, was cold and kept to himself. Rarely interacting with other peak lords and rarely even coming to peak lord meetings. 】
Shen Qingzi frowned at the new-found information.
So Shen Qingzi was just Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu mixed?
What a boring character, no wonder he wasn't mentioned.
【 Not too much on my GOAT. 】
Please don't use twenty-first century slang.
Mu Qingfang walked towards a small table with a tea set and grabbed a portion of the medicine, mixing it and giving it to Shen Qingzi. "Please drink this, Shixiong." Qian Cao's Peak Lord offered, and Shen Qingzi happily took it.
"Shidi should rest for a few more days before heading back." Yue Qingyuan said.
Shen Qingzi nodded, maybe he could explore Proud Immortal Demon Ways landscaping for a bit? All he really was interested in was its world building.
【 System is against the idea of Shen Qingzi going outside, as Ling You's Peak Lord rarely left his peak. 】
What? He's the Peak Lord for beast taming, he needs to go outside. What the hell is his purpose then? Shen Qingzi remarked, annoyed. Plus, do I really have to stay in character? He questioned.
【 Host doesn't have to but— 】
Why do you answer that and not the plot hole in front of you? Don't make decisions for me then.
The tea was sweet but with the mix of the bitter medicine, it tasted weird. Shen Qingzi had to force himself in order for his face not to cringe.
He drunk a sip and licked his lips while the two men were staring at him.
Why are you staring at me? Say you're busy and leave, Shen Qingzi shifted uncomfortably.
This continued on for a shichen with the observation contest and the ignoring-the-people-staring-at-me challenge.
Surely they have many more important matters than staring at their fellow Peak Lord drinking bittersweet tea, right? Shen Qingzi felt imaginary sweat beed down his neck.
To clear the silence, Shen Qingzi coughed, trying to think of a topic. The two men flinched upon hearing him—
"Shidi?" Yue Qingyuan asked with concern, eyebrows furrowed. "Shen-shixiong should calm down with the tea... It can't be that good." Mu Qingfang muttered the last part.
Shen Qingzi nodded, still thinking of a topic. Once he gets better, he leaves Qian Cao, but where would he go?
Oh
Holy shit where is Ling You Peak?
【 Buy Cang Qiong Mountain Sect Map for 75 B-points? 】
[YES] [NO]
WHAT THE FUCK !
seventy-five B-points!!? I'll be left with twenty-five! Shen Qingzi screamed in his head.
【 System congratulates host for knowing how to subtract. 】
Don't go all sarcastic on me! He cursed the System.
Shen Qingzi sighed internally, he has no choice, does he? All he can do is feign amnesia.
"Zhangmen-shixiong, Mu-shidi... If this one may ask, where is my peak located?"
Shen Qingzi was met with silence. He turned to stare at them, and they stared back, mouth agape, as if he had massacred the entire Cang Qiong Mountain Sect instead of Luo Binghe.
"Uh—" He began, before he was cut off. "Shidi... does not remember?" If Yue Qingyuan was concerned over a measly cough earlier, he was surely terrified for Shen Qingzi now.
"Memory loss due to a Qi-deviation can happen at times. They may forget what happened the day before or a week," Mu Qingfang explained. "But... Did Shixiong really forget the location of his peak?” His voice laced with worry.
"Sorry." Was all Shen Qingzi could say in response to their distress.
Apparently, it was the wrong move to do as they were even more unsettled.
"Shixiong does not need to apologize!" Mu Qingfang said, loudly. "Please continue resting and drinking the tea." He stood up, frowning a bit for Shen Qingzi's situation. "Regrettably , I cannot be here with you for longer as I have to document and sign paperwork. I trust Zhangmen-shixiong or a designated disciple can lead Shixiong to where his peak is located?" Mu Qingfang's smile was bittersweet.
Before leaving, the Qian Cao Peak Lord called the Mountain Sect Leader to speak for one last time. Unfortunately, Shen Qingzi could not be there to eavesdrop as they spoke outside the room.
It took a while till Yue Qingyuan had entered his chambers once more. Sitting beside the sickly man and smiling at him, Shen Qingzi could only force himself to return the sentiment.
Silence fell between them, like a couple of friends with a history between them only to end up as strangers once more.
Wow what a specific description, amirite?
"Does Shidi feel well?" Yue Qingyuan broke the silence, his question having been asked for over ten times.
Well, not really ten times, but it feels like it.
Shen Qingzi nodded, Yue Qingyuan forced a short smile. "Did anything happen while this one was unconscious?" He asked, the taller man shook his head. Shen Qingzi sighed in relief,
The transmigrator continued to sip his tea, eyeing the floor very intently. He could feel Yue Qingyuan's gaze piercing his neck.
"A-Yuan," Yue Qingyuan began, Shen Qingzi spit out the tea he was drinking, coughing. "A-Yuan!" Yue Qingyuan said, concern written all over his face while he patted Shen Qingzi's back as he continued to cough.
He coughed into his hands, the noise slowly fading away. He turned his head towards Yue Qingyuan, his eyes laced with fear.
【 Did host forget that Shen Qingzi's birth name is Shen Yuan? 】
No! He totally didn't! That's such an important detail that he even dogged on earlier! He tried to convince himself.
What gave Yue Qingyuan the right to call Shen Qingzi by his birth name, anyway? He questioned.
He found little strength within him to ask, "What is it, Zhangmen-shixiong?"
"Could... Could you try calling me A-Qi? Or Yue Qi if Shidi doesn't want to." He said, eyes pleading with a sadness of unresolved affection.
Where's the choice of me not wanting to call you either? This is... way too intimate if Shen Qingzi had to say.
"...A-Qi?" He said, confusion within his voice. Yue Qingyuan smiled sadly. "Thank you."
【 +150 Yue Qingyuan Affections Points! 】
Now what the fuck are Affection Points? What is this? A dating sim?
【 The higher the Affection Points, the higher the trust host has with the other characters! 】
And this is important because...?
【 Yue Qingyuan: 150/800
Character Locked
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Mu Qingfang: 0/800
Character Locked
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Character Locked 】
This doesn't answer my question. How is this important? Also way too cruel, Mu Qingfang! Can't even trust me after being so harmless! Shen Qingzi pouted at the screen.
【 Mu Qingfang trusts original Shen Qingzi a lot, just not you. 】
You genuinely need to die. He thought, annoyed.
It unfortunately took him a full week before he could leave Qian Cao Peak. Thankfully, today is the day he can now freely go wherever he pleases.
A Qian Cao Disciple had brought him his robes, alongside a head piece with a white ribbon, sent by his Head Disciple, Zhou Feng.
The colors suited him quite well, he supposed. A nice teal robe with white and grey undertones.
Although, he has a problem.
He was struggling to wear the hanfu properly, and was hoping he could figure it out before Mu Qingfang came to check on him.
He had asked the System for instructions but it was dead.
Like hell it is! It's probably just ignoring him for whatever reason! He sighed out loud, as no one can hear him anyway.
The gods didn't seem to be on his side today as a knock came on his door while he looked like a mess.
"Shen-shixiong?" The voice asked, most likely from Mu Qingfang. "Ah, Mu-shidi. Please wait for a bit..." He pleaded, staring at the robes in his arms, not knowing if this layer goes first or if this one goes second.
It took five shichen till Mu Qingfang asked once more, "Is Shixiong alright?"
Shen Qingzi could embarrass himself and ask for help or embarrass himself and make Mu Qingfang wait till midnight.
He chose the former.
"Could... Mu-shidi assist me?" He asked, ashamed of himself. "Of course, Shixiong. With what?" The other questioned. "Please come inside." Shen Qingzi sighed. Mu Qingfang went inside the room to find Shen Qingzi looking...
【 +25 Mu Qingfang Affections Points! 】
Shen Qingzi wanted to scream at the System but he can do that later, for now he has to explain his situation to the Peak Lord before he gets weirded out.
"Could Shidi help me with my robes?" He said in a light voice, Mu Qingfang coughed and shook his head, snapping out of his trance. "Of course, Shixiong." He smiled, his face light red, fortunately for him, Shen Qingzi did not notice.
The two worked quietly as Mu Qingfang guided Shen Qingzi with his clothing.
It wasn't going that bad, it was mostly Shen Qingzi doing the work while Mu Qingfang told him where to put it, that or he helps his Shixiong whenever he couldn't get it done.
At last, it finally came to the head piece.
Now that required Mu Qingfang's help as Shen Qingzi did not know a thing on how to style long hair.
Shen Qingzi sat down in front of a vanity as Mu Qingfang brushed his hair, styling it to how original Shen Qingzi would.
Mu Qingfang placed the head piece and they were finally done with their little make-over session.
Shen Qingzi stared at himself, observing his face, clothes and hair.
Wow, he thought, I look like my original body.
【 That's because original Shen Qingzi had 85% of host's face! 】
You, you shut up!
【 (╥﹏╥) 】
It took a lot of staring before Shen Qingzi spoke, "Thank you, Mu-shidi." He smiled.
【 +50 Mu Qingfang Affection Points 】
Mu Qingfang smiled back, albeit nervously. His face was a light shade of red. Only this time, Shen Qingzi took notice. He had asked, voice with concern— "Shidi? Are you alright?"
He turned his body to look at Mu Qingfang, who was sweating like crazy. "Yes, this one is fine, Shixiong." The taller forced a smile, "We can't have our doctor getting sick now, can we?" Shen Qingzi's brows furrowed. "Are you sure, Shidi?" He frowned at the man.
"Of course, perhaps it is too hot in this room," Mu Qingfang excused, "Shall I walk you to Zhangmen-shixiong? He is waiting outside." The Qian Cao Peak Lord quickly changed the topic.
Shen Qingzi hummed in response, standing up. Mu Qingfang did not follow immediately, "Mu-shidi?" The man in teal robes questioned.
Mu Qingfang nodded, walking side by side with Shen Qingzi on the way to Yue Qingyuan.
Nearing Yue Qingyuan, Mu Qingfang bid farewell to the Ling You Peak Lord, Shen Qingzi could only do the same.
Yue Qingyuan was carrying a scroll, reading through it while waiting for the Ling You Peak Lord. "Zhangmen-shixiong?" Shen Qingzi's voice made the Sect Leader turn towards him. "Ah, Shidi." Yue Qingyuan smiled.
Shen Qingzi observed the man in front, Aiya, I pity you. You shall die by ten-thousand swords all for Shen Qingqiu, what a horrific death for a handsome face. He shook his head internally,
"This Shixiong will take you to your peak." Yue Qingyuan spoke, in response, Shen Qingzi merely nodded.
The walk was peaceful and quiet. Far too quiet for a large Sect. Where's all the ruckus?
【 All at Bai Zhan Peak. 】
Don't think you're getting off the hook just because I hadn't screamed at you yet.
【 (.◜ᯅ◝) 】
Shen Qingzi began to hum a song from the 21st century, Yue Qingyuan smiled at this action.
【 +15 Yue Qingyuan Affection Points! 】
The transmigrator wanted to question why, but he couldn't be bothered to ask.
"Shidi, what song are you humming?" Yue Qingyuan asked. "Ah, It's a song this one has learned a while back." He replied, the Sect Leader nodded.
System, does the original Shen Qingzi have a guqin?
【 Original Shen Qingzi had various types of instruments. 】
Okay, well—
【 —Including a guqin. 】
Could've said that beforehand, but... Whatever.
"This one could play it for you on the guqin?" Shen Qingzi offered, Yue Qingyuan happily agreed.
They soon arrived at Ling You peak, a hoard of disciples waiting for their master's return.
They had immediately noticed the duo, shouting: "Shizun, Zhangmen-shibo!" Running towards them.
The disciples that ran towards them bowed respectfully, the two were pleased at the gesture.
A disciple asked, "Shizun, are you okay?" Soon, more questions followed. "Shizun, what happened?" or "Is Shizun hurt?" and other varying questions.
Shen Qingzi sighed, "This master is okay, focus on your training. I trust you were well with your Shixiong's guidance?" The Ling You Peak Lord turned his head to his side, finding a starry-eyed disciple.
【 Head Disciple of Ling You, Zhou Feng 】
Ah, so that's what he looks like. "Of course, Shizun!" Zhou Feng replied, earning a smile from Shen Qingzi.
"Zhou Feng, prepare your Shizun and Shibo tea," He tasked, the Head Disciple moved immediately— "Ah, and, bring me my guqin."
"Yes, Shifu!" Zhou Feng took action, "Focus on your training and studies, this master has to accompany your Shibo." Shen Qingzi turned to face the group of disciples, of which were all nodding and divided instantly to follow their master's orders.
Shen Qingzi and Yue Qingyuan continued further into the Ling You property, heading towards Shen Qingzi's chambers.
Zhou Feng was already waiting outside Shen Qingzi's room,
What an obedient disciple, no wonder he's the current head, Shen Qingzi thought, approvingly.
The duo went inside the Ling You Peak Lord's room, with the Head Disciple of Ling You following nearby.
Observing closely, it had tons of literature, volumes about beast taming, art, fans and a misplaced untitled book.
Zhou Feng poured them tea, after quickly doing so, he fetched for Shen Qingzi's guqin, the two sat down at a small table.
The tea was sweet and hot, earning the likes of Shen Qingzi.
The disciple came back, a guqin in his arms. "Please call this disciple if Shifu or Shibo need anything!" the young white lotus bowed, leaving the two men to their business.
Shen Qingzi took the guqin, it's been a while since he held one. He last played the guqin for a school play in tenth grade, if he remembered correctly.
He started by flicking some strings, testing the sound. He began playing the music from earlier, singing along, in sync with the melody.
"To tell you I should've chased you,"
"I should be who you're engaged to."
"Lost my fight with fate,"
Yue Qingyuan stared at him, a mixed bag of emotions concealed in his eyes.
"A tug-of-war of leave and stay,"
"I give in, I abdicate,"
"I lay my sword down anyway,"
The Sect Leader's eyes grew sadder. It seems like he will be leaving Ling You Peak with a person or two consuming his thoughts.
Shen Qingzi tried his best to ignore it, Yue Qingyuan, am I doing a bad job? Please stop looking at me like that.
【 +15 Yue Qingyuan Affection Points! 】
The Ling You Peak Lord ignored the system notification, his focus completely on the music.
The melody soon ended, Shen Qingzi took a sip of his now-cold-tea.
"Shidi, what is this song called?" Yue Qingyuan asked, a bittersweet tone. "Too little, too late." Shen Qingzi replied, having translated the English title into Ancient Chinese.
"Too little, too late..." Yue Qingyuan muttered under his breath. It seems to have hit him hard as he was quiet for a while.
"A good name. Did you make it?" He continued, Shen Qingzi did not know if he was talking about the title or the music itself. Before he could reply, "A-Yuan should teach me sometime." He gave a short smile.
It's scary that you use a nickname my family calls me, please don't say those words with a face like that. Shen Qingzi thought in fear.
"Of course, whenever Shixiong is free, he is free to go to Ling You." He wishes he could have a fan to cover his face.
Yue Qingyuan continued to stare at him as if he were somebody else.
Shen Qingzi coughed, "Shixiong must be busy," he set aside the guqin and stood up to lead Yue Qingyuan at the door. “Of course, this one thanks Shidi for reminding him.” Yue Qingyuan followed in pursuit,
Shen Qingzi led Yue Qingyuan from all the way to Ling You Peak, to the point they could be close enough to see the rainbow bridge, “I’ll see you then, Zhangmen-shixiong.”
“Yes, farewell X— A-Yuan.”
He was definitely going to say another nickname. X... Xiao. Xiao-Yuan, perhaps?
【 I'll let the host believe what he wants. 】
Go fuck yourself, you dumb System.