Work Text:
That boy would do anything for you!
Shen Qingqiu couldn't quite remember who told him that -- an off-hand comment following one of Binghe's more impressive-looking endeavors -- but as the Immortal Alliance Conference neared, the words wouldn't leave the back of his mind.
It was... true, certainly. There seemed to be no bounds to what his white lotus of a disciple would do on Shen Qingqiu's words, or even out of his own volition in order to try (and always succeed) to please him.
The dynamic they had was much different from the one Binghe had shared with the original flavour; Back then, anything Binghe did lead only to more punishments and humiliation. That master hadn't hesitated to push the boy into the Endless Abyss.
Shen Qingqiu feared he might not share that same strength.
He tried subtly checking Binghe's views on the matter once he returned from his latest mission, delicately enough as to not trigger the System.
And the answer-
"Binghe does not fear suffering and tribulations. I only wish to be strong enough to protect the people and things important to me!”
Well. That was clear enough.
Shen Qingqiu let the events unfold naturally over the course of the next three days. It felt as if he were following a cutscene more than living the life given to him; All through the trouble within the forest and up until the fucking Mobei Jun showed up in place of the Black Moon Rhinoceros-Python that Shen Qingqiu had expected.
At least the seal over Binghe's powers was now broken, even if the same fate had befell Zheng Yang. Mobei Jun had left shortly after that, his role as an NPC plot-pusher complete, and now-
【 Warning! The critical quest “The Endless Abyss and Endless Hatred, a Sky Filled with Crystal Frost and Tears of Blood” has officially begun! If it is not successfully completed, twenty thousand protagonist satisfaction points will be deducted! 】
Yes, yes, thanks for nothing you useless System. Shen Qingqiu knew it was time.
He approached the half-crazed Binghe, channelling the leftover scraps of his spiritual energy in order to help him recover.
Binghe, being an obedient disciple, came back to his senses soon enough.
"Are you awake, Binghe?" He asked carefully. "This master has a task for you."
The words were more effective than any smelling salts could have been, making Binghe perk up where he stood, focusing his eyes on Shen Qingqiu. He was clearly exhausted, in need of every basic necessity, but fulfilling his shizun's errands still took priority in his mind.
"This disciple won't disappoint, Shizun!"
What a good child!
"With Zheng Yang gone, you will need a new sword," he said, having decided on a way to word this request days ago. "This master knows of a sword which would serve you well. Xin Mo, a demonic sword capable of tearing through space. The only certain way of leaving the Endless Abyss once entered, residing somewhere within it..."
He continued sharing all the relevant information he could remember about Xin Mo, hoping it was enough to give Binghe an advantage needed for a foothold over the sword.
Binghe listened intently, eyes widening and glancing over at the Eternal Abyss over the course of the explanation.
"A demonic blade?" Binghe mumbled, as if to himself. "But..."
"This master knows Binghe had been practicing demonic cultivation. Likely with Meng Mo as a teacher-"
"I never called him my shifu!" Binghe instantly protested. "This disciple has only one Shizun!"
Shen Qingqiu was a bit touched. Still, there was a script to follow. "-so this master knows you're skilled enough to only benefit from the challenges of the Endless Abyss, allowing you to grow your powers."
Binghe only swallowed loudly, offering a nod. And then he turned, as if he wanted to step off the cliff right that second!
"Just a moment, Binghe," Shen Qingqiu grabbed at his wrist, the other hand removing a qiankun pouch he had stuffed full of items that he hoped would make the hellish landscape of the Endless Abyss a little more manageable.
He tied the pouch to Binghe's belt, making certain it would remain attached even during fights.
Then, he moved to untie Xiu Ya's scabbard from his own body, passing it over to his disciple.
Binghe accepted the sword into his arms if only so it didn't fall, starring at Shen Qingqiu in bafflement.
"Shizun!" He squeaked. "Your sword-?"
"It will join you on this task," Shen Qingqiu said placatingly, as if it was nothing special.
"I couldn't possibly take Shizun's sword-!" Each of his words grew higher and higher in pitch, unbecome of the protagonist.
Shen Qingqiu had already tried communicating with Xiu Ya to ensure it would work for Binghe, and was fairly certain the sword would cooperate. They bonded, after all, the sword being the closest match to his soul even after the transmigration, and Shen Qingqiu's soul wanted nothing more than to protect his precious white sheep.
"Think of it as merely on loan," he advised. "In turn, this master will oversee reforging of Zheng Yang and keep it safe until your return. But you mustn't go down there weaponless."
"I- This disciple will treat Xiu Ya with utmost care," Binghe said, pressing the blade against his chest and bowing at Shen Qingqiu. "He will return it to Shizun as soon as possible!"
As if Shen Qingqiu had expected anything less!
He approached to grab Binghe's arms, directing him to straighten up and brushing off his robes in a futile attempt at... He wasn't even certain of his own motives. Making the boy more presentable? Delaying the inevitable?
Giving into an impulse, he pressed a kiss against Binghe's forehead, right over the spot where his zuiyin would soon be.
"This master is certain of your success," he whispered.
"This disciple will not disappoint!" Binghe repeated his declaration, expresion determined. He carefully handled Xiu Ya, the sword allowing him to step onto the blade without an issue.
With one last look back, Binghe descended into the Endless Abyss, far better prepared for its horrors than he would have otherwise been.
Shen Qingqiu hoped it would be enough as he watched the rift slowly close. The system chimed in once it disappeared.
【 You have successfully completed the key quest, “The Legend Begins: Luo Binghe’s Fall and Rebirth.” Reward: Protagonist satisfaction points +10,000. 】**
It sounded dissatisfied, but it's not like it could punish Shen Qingqiu. He followed the letter of its task, after all!
