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“Xianle.”
Xie Lian, or rather, Hua Xie doesn't exactly flinch at the address.
But it does tickle something ancient in him, and owlishly he blinks up from his helmet turned cooking pot.
His majesty Jun Wu just looks like any high ranking general in the Yong An army. Maybe a little too perfect, but his disguise is impeccable.
Gently, he places the pot on the ground, careful so it doesn't spill and stands up.
He folds his hands and bows deeply.
“It's good to see you, your Majesty.”
“Be at ease, Xianle,” Jun Wu says calmly and Xie Lian nods and sits down again.
In front of him, Jun Wu does the same.
Xie Lian, who was just about to pour his soup into a chipped bowl, does exactly that and holds it up to the heavenly emperor.
“Soup, your Majesty?” he asks, even though he knows the answer.
The heavenly emperor shakes his head with a good natured smile.
“You've been living a rough life,” he muses as he watches Xie Lian eat the greenish soup.
“It's not so bad,” the banished god deflects with a smile.
“But I'm sure your Majesty didn't come down to see this old banished god roll in the dirt,” Xie Lian points out after his third spoon.
Jun Wu inclines his head in agreement.
“We have a situation at hand. And I think you're the only one who can solve it.”
The the story was something like this:
A long time ago, when Mount Tonglu opened again, a new calamity was born.
This in itself was very unusual already, normally no ghost survived the slaughter around Mt. Tonglu and the following trial of fire inside the kiln.
But one ghost managed to get out.
And then started to wreck havoc.
First, he challenged 35 gods, of which 33 agreed.
None survived the encounter.
Then he built a city for ghosts and whenever gods or humans lost their way to the city, they didn't survive.
Not to speak of the terrible things he did in the mortal realm. Many noble people had lost their lives under his cruel hand!
“You see, Xianle, I can't simply leave the heavens and attack him. There's always the chance that this is what he wants. No other god is his equal.
But you have always been almost as strong as me. You are the only one who can do it.”
Xie Lian has finished his soup by now and doesn't know what to say.
“I would ask you to take this mission.
If you succeed, you'll be reinstated as a god and no one will ever talk bad about you ever again.”
Xie Lian frowns.
This is not why he wanted to be a god, ever. He doesn't care what people say.
But, if this Hua Cheng really is as bad as they say, something should be done.
So he agrees.
On their ascent to heaven he feels disconnected. It has been so long.
The heavenly realm looks clean and pristine like they always did.
The gardens are tended to perfection. Not one cloud dots the skies.
The only thing not being perfect is the scowling and frowning from the other gods.
No one dares to say a word though, being in the presence of their emperor and all that.
Involuntary, Xie Lian lets out a breath when they reach the gilded doors of the emperor's palace. His face is thick, but the stares of gods weigh heavier than that of any mortal.
He is led away by servants, being told to wash up and get dressed in robes befitting a god of his station.
Xie Lian thinks all of this really isn't necessary. What does it matter what clothes he's wearing?
The smooth fabric of the elaborate robes feels unfamiliar, the hairpiece on his tied back hair feels heavy.
When he returns to Jun Wu’s side, the emperor nods approvingly.
“Finery always suited you better than grime, Xianle,” he says and pats his shoulder, while they walk towards a food laden table.
Everything looks exquisite. Everything tastes perfectly tender and seasoned and yet Xie Lian misses his own food.
It's too tender.
It's too perfect.
There was once a time, where Xie Lian thought himself to be perfect.
A perfect, infallible prince and god.
Oh, how wrong he had been.
And now he's a fractured, old thing, sitting in a place too perfect.
He doesn't belong here.
They eat in silence, although Xie Lian can't stomach much more than one mantou and then they sit together to talk about his mission.
All it takes to break his shackles is one snap of a finger.
And then the sudden surge of spiritual energy takes Xie Lian's breath away.
“Your mission is quite simple.
He once challenged the gods and offered his ashes in case he'll lose. What's to say he won't do it again? Challenge him to a fight and defeat him.
Then bring me his ashes.”
It does sound simple.
Xie Lian has learned the hard way that things rarely are that simple.
But he complies and soon he's descending from the heavens again.
If he still had his luck-binding shackle, he would've probably snagged a sleeve on a cloud and hurled far off his destination.
He doesn't snag on a cloud and lands on soft feet in front of an entrance to the ghost realm.
Getting in is even simpler, nothing holding him back from stepping into a whole different realm.
He doesn't walk long before a gigantic red moon gate stands before him.
No doors bar his way into Ghost City.
He doesn't restrain his heavenly aura either, the quicker he can find Hua Cheng, the quicker all of this can be over.
He's not fit to walk the heavenly floors and he doesn't plan on returning there.
He'll just take a look into this so-called Crimson Rain Sought Flower. Because while some things rang true about the emperor's words, a few others were flawed.
The emperor had said that Hua Cheng challenged 35 gods and 33 agreed. Then he killed 33. But what of the other two? If he really just went for bloody murder, wouldn't have he just gone after the other two, too? Something didn't sound right about that.
He also built a dangerous City for ghosts and demons alike. But no one had attacked him yet. They may be afraid of him, since he was very obviously a powerful god–
But he doesn't think so. Because ever since walking into the city a few moments ago, he spotted at least five humans, doing business without being attacked.
Whatever Jun Wu had told him, it hadn't been the full story.
It doesn't take long for the god to reach a set of grand stairs, reaching up towards an even grander building. Atop its entrance hung gigantic plates with calligraphy. Or– that's what Xie Lian thinks it might be, because he couldn't decipher them at all. Before he can walk up the stairs, a hush falls over the noisy crowd and a man in red robes and silver jewellery steps through the doors of the building in front of him.
With Xie Lian down the stairs and Hua Cheng up the stairs, Hua Cheng is forced to look down at him.
It doesn't feel derisive though, the ghost's eyes are blown wide, focussed on him with something Xie Lian doesn't dare to give a name.
Before Xie Lian can say something, the Lord of Ghost City speaks up.
“Your Highness, to what do I owe the honour of your visit?”
He likes his voice, Xie Lian decides. It's deep and smooth and he would like to listen to it for a little longer. Alas, he has a mission.
“I wish to challenge you to a duel,” Xie Lian says bluntly.
“If I win, you will hand over your ashes. If I lose, my life is yours to do with as you please.”
Hua Cheng's face is carefully blank after that, while the crowd around them starts to whisper aggressively.
It only takes a moment before Hua Cheng levels them with a dark glare and they fall silent again.
Then he looks back at Xie Lian with a gentle smile on his face.
“As your Highness wishes, but we should relocate for that.”
That's really for the best, Xie Lian thinks, because he doesn't want to accidentally hurt anyone or destroy someone's house.
He's led away and the crowd parts for them without saying anything. They walk only for a short while before Hua Cheng speaks up.
“Has your Highness been in Ghost City before?”
Xie Lian shakes his head.
“No, I've probably been around all of the continent– but I never stumbled into the ghost realm before.”
Hua Cheng inclines his head.
“Then, no matter how the duel ends, would your Highness want to see the city?”
Xie Lian falters a little in his step but catches up quickly again.
He–
He really would like that. Even if, by any chance, he won, he would really like to see Ghost City.
Such a vibrant and amazing place–
Xie Lian is sure that he could gather so many scraps!
Ahem.
“I would really like that,” he answers with a little smile and it's worth it for the smile Hua Cheng sends him back.
Ah, Hua Cheng is really too handsome!
He isn't the standardized picture of beauty, heaven likes to see and anyone follows.
Hua Cheng looks like someone who doesn't care what others think about his looks.
His hair is unbound and open, cascading down over his red robes on his back. Unlike normal mortals, his ears are pointy and when Xie Lian saw him smile, he saw sharp fangs.
They arrive at a grand manor, exquisite architecture having Xie Lian want to go and explore whatever he finds.
But he can't, he's on a schedule after all.
Hua Cheng leads them through numerous buildings and gardens, until they arrive at a big building, carved stone demons warding the doors.
Without a creak, they swing open and reveal–
Oh. An armory.
Xie Lian knows he should restrain his excitement, but the look on his face must be obvious, when Hua Cheng gives him a knowing grin.
“It's amazing,” he says with way more excitement than would be proper and Hua Cheng throws his arms wide.
“Then, by all means, go and see for yourself, Your Highness.”
And so he does. He flits from weapon to weapon, fawning about exquisite craftsmanship and rare weapons that have been missing for nearly as long as he has been away from the heavens.
Only belatedly he stops and looks at Hua Cheng, baffled why the calamity would let him peruse his weapons of all things.
As if sensing the question, Hua Cheng's smile grows teasing.
“I thought your Highness wanted a duel. But you do not carry a weapon on you.”
…ah!
Xie Lian flushes hot. He had left his beaten down sword at the emperor's palace, when he told him to get clean.
“I may not look like it, but I'm quite proficient with my fists and legs,” he blurts through the hot feeling on his face.
“I don't doubt it,” Hua Cheng agrees, graciously.
“But I would like to fight with my favourite weapon and his Highness should also be able to fight with what he's best at.”
That is some sound logic, Xie Lian thinks and looks back to the weapons on the wall, to where his feet first brought him.
There's a sleek white sword. It's thin and amazingly balanced.
He wants it. He doesn't deserve it.
But Hua Cheng has asked him to fight with what he's best at.
And– without meaning to brag, Xie Lian is the best with a sword.
He takes it, gingerly. It feels amazing in his hand and then he walks to the middle of the room.
Especially made for sparring, there's a platform. Hua Cheng already stands there, silver scimitar in his hand.
With only a wave of his hand and a blatant obvious show of power, there's a protective barrier just in front of the weapon racks and walls.
“Good,” Xie Lian says with a smile.
“I would hate to see any damage to them.”
They take position in front of each other and after a beat of silence, they charge.
Very quickly Xie Lian notices one thing–
They are evenly matched. Hua Cheng isn't holding back at all, and while the strength behind his blows rattles him, Xie Lian can't feel anything besides unadulterated happiness.
It's so fun!
Just when another blow comes from the right, Xie Lian adjusts his legs to catch it with his sword and–
With a resounding crack, the floorboard under his foot breaks clean through and he loses his momentum for a moment.
He almost expects the blow to land, but it stops, a hairs breath from his throat.
“Ah…” Xie Lian chuckles slightly, while pulling his leg out of the hole.
“I lost.”
Hua Cheng pulls away the weapon from his throat and frowns.
“Let's try again,” he says, glaring at the hole on the floor.
Even though Jun Wu had broken his shackles, there seemed to still be some bad luck lingering.
“Are you sure?” Xie Lian asks with wide eyes.
Hua Cheng grins at him and with a wave of his hand, the floor knits itself together again.
“I apologize for my faulty carpentry. This shouldn't have happened.”
It seems that Hua Cheng is just having as much fun as Xie Lian is.
And then they clash again.
It's exhilarating.
Xie Lian never wants it to stop.
But all banquets need to come to an end. Even one with fierce laughter and wicked blades.
It ends with Hua Cheng pinned to the floor and Xie Lian straddling his hips, sword pointed at a deathly pale throat.
“I lost,” Hua Cheng admits softly and Xie Lian hurries to get off him.
“I lost first,” Xie Lian can't help but disagree with him.
“How about we say that we both lost?” Hua Cheng suggests, carefully.
He slowly gets up from the ground and swipes the dust from his robes.
Then he lifts both hands and unclasps a thin silvery chain from his neck.
Xie Lian is so surprised, he doesn't move when Hua Cheng steps close and carefully moves his hair out of the way to clasp the chain around his neck. On it dangles a shimmering diamond ring.
“As promised, my ashes,” he says quietly, not one ounce of fear in his eyes.
He doesn't need to be afraid, Xie Lian thinks almost hysterically.
Because he can't find the will to hand over the ashes to the emperor.
Xie Lian takes a breath.
“Then just as promised, my life is yours to do with as you please,” Xie Lian says boldly and Hua Cheng pulls back, a teasing grin on his face.
“Everything I want?” he asks and Xie Lian nods very seriously.
“You could put me to work, torture me, put me in a dungeon–”
Hua Cheng's face shows his clear distaste, before he simply scoops up Xie Lian in a bridal carry and grins when Xie Lian squeaks.
“Or–” he starts, grinning like a fox who just caught his prey.
“Or I could just marry you, after all, your life is mine.”
Xie Lian is speechless, as he's carried out of the armory.
But all in all, it could've been worse.
Later:
“YOUR HIGHNESS–”
The voice comes unexpectedly and Xie Lian almost drops the scroll he's been reading.
Loud footsteps are nearing the library and quickly he lifts up the scroll and stuffs it into his sleeve. His cheeks are hot and he hopes it's not as obvious as he thinks it is.
The doors bang open and two men barge into the library.
“YOUR HIGHNESS!!” one of them yells again, while the other one just lifts an eyebrow.
“Feng Xin, Mu Qing,” Xie Lian says with a smile and sits down on the plush divan again.
“Long time no see.”
“What do you mean ‘Long time no see’, get up, we're here to save you–”
Mu Qing slaps Feng Xin harshly on his arm.
“Use your eyes, you idiot. He's not being held prisoner. He's a traitor.”
Feng Xin whips around and throws a punch at Mu Qing's face which is narrowly avoided.
“SHUT YOUR MOUTH, YOU ASSHOLE–”
“Ah…” Xie Lian is a little speechless.
They haven't changed at all.
A little disappointed, he lifts up his teacup and takes a sip.
He wonders if his old ways to break up their bickering still work…
Just when he's about to try, he feels a flash of spiritual energy next to the bookshelf he's sitting at and lights up.
“San Lang!” he chirps happily, his whole face lighting up.
“Gege,” Hua Cheng says softly, sitting down next to his husband, ignoring the intruders for now.
“I missed you,” he whines theatrically, burying his head in Xie Lian's neck.
The banished god pats Hua Cheng's hair softly.
“I missed you, too,” he echoes and that's the exact moment when the two intruding gods notice the new presence in the room.
“WHAT THE FUCK?!” Both of them shout in unison, and Xie Lian feels oddly proud for them to agree on something.
“I will have you know,” Hua Cheng says with a chilling voice, although his head is still leaning against Xie Lian's shoulder.
“His Highness did defeat me in a duel and obtained what he was asked to.”
“Then why haven't you returned to heaven?” Feng Xin asks incredulously and next to him, Mu Qing looks equally baffled.
“Because I have also lost the duel and now my very existence belongs to Hua Cheng,” Xie Lian answers with a sweet smile.
Both gods stand there for a moment before they start screaming again.
It is so loud, Xie Lian winces a little at the sound.
When they finally calmed down again, he added, ”That, and I also don't want to leave.”
Feng Xin looks at him like he doesn't understand, but Mu Qing sneers.
“So you really betrayed the heavens.”
Next to him, Xie Lian can feel Hua Cheng's anger radiating off him in waves.
After everything was said and done, Xie Lian understands his disdain for Mu Qing.
He places a gentle hand on the calamity's knee.
“Is it really betrayal if they never told me the whole truth about Hua Cheng?”
Mu Qing bristles.
“What do you mean? He killed gods, he even challenged us and we could be dead now! All the nobles who lost their lives because of that monster–”
Xie Lian lifts a hand and his former attendant snaps his mouth shut.
“He challenged them and the only reason he went so far was, because they didn't keep their end of the bargain. He didn't go after you, aside from some arson and minor attacks during the ghost festival.”
Mu Qing looks at him like he's lost his mind.
“The nobles at the mortal realms tried to rip Hua Cheng off. And several of them were involved in human trafficking too. If anything, he helped the mortals by disposing of them. Since gods can't get involved.”
Xie Lian smiles gently.
“I think a city just for ghosts and demons is a wonderful thing. If they are in the mortal realm, they will be hunted down and if weak, traded with. Here, they can be who they are and no one will hunt them.”
“He's brainwashed–” Feng Xin mock whispers at Mu Qing and Xie Lian withstands the urge to sigh.
“I'm not. I'm just happy here, so please leave.”
Very reluctantly, both gods leave and Xie Li
an sinks back against his husband.
“They will try something,” he mumbles, tiredly.
“Let them,” Hua Cheng says darkly, gently running a hand through Xie Lian's hair.
“If I remember correctly, there was never an end time for your stake, when we bet. If you want to stay, you can stay forever.”
Xie Lian smiles and leans back against his husband.
Forever sounds best.