Work Text:
The entire cultivation world was on edge. As of late, demon sightings had been fluctuating heavily. Some days there were none; some days they appeared to be everywhere. However, on those days, there were never any stories of attacks. Just reports of strange behavior being recorded.
Trees being cut down and being dragged to who-knows-where.
Chickens going missing.
Purchases of books on matters like cooking by demons with such bad human disguises, it looked comical.
Even if all these actions appeared harmless, the fact that they were being done by demons was what was causing everyone to whisper in concern and turn to the cultivators for help.
But of course, the cultivation world was already paying attention. In fact, the four sects scheduled a meeting specifically on the topic of the recent incidents in Qing Jing.
“We should attack before they get a chance to.” The Old Palace Master declared, but the sect leader of Cang Qiong shook his head. “Without knowing what is going on, we would be heading into the situation blind. What if this is all a trap?”
The cultivators continued to go back and forth for some time until they started to hear noises from outside. Screams and sounds of confusion filled the area. The cultivators rushed outside to see that the sect was swarming with snakes. All of which were carrying…something in their mouth.
Wu Chen lifted his hand to strike down one of the snakes, but as he approached one of the snakes, it became clear that what was in the snake’s mouth was a letter. Hesitantly, he took the letter and opened it, and as he did so, coins fell to the ground.
“Merry Christmas! You are invited to my party for the holidays. Hope to see you there! - Tianlang-jun.”
“This has to be a trap.” One of the cultivators stated.
“What is a Christmas?” Another asked.
“Is he trying to bribe us with money?” The masters were talking back and forth, causing a ruckus on Qing Jing, the peak that literally meant quiet. Shen Jiu was already in quite a mood after having a snake come up to him randomly with a nonsense letter, and now, walking by the meeting hall and seeing the masters acting so silly bothered him. Was this what masters were like? People that just talked all day without doing anything. How annoying! But still, it posed an opportunity to the young man who wished to earn the title of succeeding disciple.
“If the masters wish for someone to investigate this letter, this disciple is more than willing.” Shen Jiu stood straight as he said this and ended his words with a deep bow.
Immediately the masters began to discuss frantically, but Shen Jiu just kept his head down, waiting until his shizun stepped in. “It is an interesting idea. Disciple Shen is not wrong, though it is dangerous to do alone; the least likely to be noticed would be someone traveling alone. And he has already proven himself as quite capable in missions.” His shizun puffed out in pride.
The other masters looked at the scrawny young man with doubt, but, in the end, If this disciple died, what business was it to them? At least it wouldn’t be their own disciples' heads on the line.
–
Shen Jiu headed into the demon realm some time before the requested time on the invitation. After all, he couldn’t let the enemy suspect that he was coming and if he found something amiss early he could divert anyone who was stupid enough to accept the invitation. As soon as he got to the southern demon realm, he was taken by complete surprise by what he saw.
Around the Southern Demon Palace were many demons running around. There were trees, bright lights, and statues everywhere. There was even some music from performers that seemed to be amateurs but were responding well to the “feedback” that was being yelled at them by their instructor with an object being thrown at a performer when they did a particularly poor job. It looked like nothing Shen Jiu had seen before. And the smells—
Whenever Shen Jiu had encountered demons in the past, there was a smell of rot and decay or some other unpleasant odor, but the air was full of the smell of something sweet.
As Shen Jiu sniffed, he was startled from his thoughts when a large man came up behind him. “Oh, I see that our first guest has already arrived.”
Shen Jiu jumped back at the noise, and instinctively, his hand went to his sword, but when he processed the scene before him, he froze.
The man before him was smiling, unbothered by the fact that someone had almost pulled a weapon on him. What was most horrifying, however, was that Shen Jiu was almost certain from the intel he had read that this was the demon lord Tianlang-jun. “We haven’t finished the preparations, but since you’re a human, maybe you can provide feedback on if everything looks right?”
Before Shen Jiu could ask questions, he found himself being dragged further into the lair of the enemy who was merrily waving at the decor that lined the halls. “I couldn’t find trees quite like in the pictures, so I went with the collection of armand pines for the decoration. For the little clay nativity sets, I figured, why not a big clay set? I’m having some of the demons stand as models for the time being while we gather the material for the actual statues.” Tianlang-jun pointed to one set where there were several demons that were surrounding a demon that looked like it was supposed to be a human baby. More because of the cradle and the small amount of space that they were taking up. Less so because the demon apparently had been tied up so that they could be small enough to fit in the cradle. “I also have some artifacts on hand to make the actors into clay statues temporarily if the material ones aren’t ready in time.”
Shen Jiu was whirring. What was the point of all this? What was this demon doing? And he kept talking, “I’m still working on how to light up the trees without causing a fire. Quite a few demons said that they don’t want any more second-degree burns. Actually, by chance, do you know of a good way to make sure that lit candles don’t set people on fire?”
“Don’t use them?” Shen Jiu offered dryly.
Tianlang-jun, however, pouted. “But I want this to be as accurate as possible.”
“To what, exactly?”
Tianlang-jun was now the one that looked confused. “Isn’t it obvious?”
Shen Jiu’s eyebrows twitched. Shen Jiu had read many books since entering Qing Jing. Studying many subjects and trying to earn the title of peak lord, how dare this man act as though he missed something obvious? And yet, even though Shen Jiu was highly tempted to stab the demon then and there for what he had said, he also wasn’t going to risk his life by doing so. “No, it isn’t obvious.” Shen Jiu managed to say without throwing something at the fool.
The demon was now looking distraught? What was even happening? “But this is what the book said Christmas was supposed to be like!”
What was a “Christmas”? Shen Jiu didn’t know. But he wasn’t going to tell the demon that. As it could risk putting him in more danger! “No, you are not doing it right.”
Tianlang-jun took Shen Jiu’s hand. “Come to the palace; maybe you can correct what is wrong with the book then so I can save Christmas!”
–
By all accounts, being dragged into the middle of the demon palace should have been dangerous for Shen Jiu. He should be scared, but it was hard to be when he was being dragged along by what appeared to be the most powerful man-child in the world. Someone that it sounds like took a made-up event and decided to make a big fuss about it.
Arriving at the library, Tianlang-jun quickly grabbed the book and handed it to Shen Jiu. “101 Christmas traditions.” Shen Jiu read the title even more confused reading the title. How are there 101 traditions for this thing he had never heard of? As he flipped through, his questions about what Christmas was only grew.
Why were people singing songs in the street? Why was a man breaking into people’s houses to leave gifts? Deer can’t fly?
Shen Jiu eventually closed the book and said with a deadpan expression to Tianlang-jun, “This holiday is either fake or it should be.”
Tianlang-jun blinked in surprise. “Wait, so you really aren’t familiar with Christmas at all?”
“No. And I would rather not be.” Shen Jiu put down the book and stated. “What is even the point of making this celebration real? It is a waste of time and resources.”
Just then, there was a knock on the door and an antelope demon entered “Sorry for the delay, I had difficulty finding the lord so the food is already cold.”
“What are those?” Shen Jiu couldn’t help but ask.
“Plätzchen or butter biscuits. Apparently they are called both?” Tianlang-jun said. He looked at the book he was holding in his hands, “But maybe that isn’t real? If this book isn’t real.”
“The biscuits are in front of us, so they do exist. Even if no one ever made the recipe before.”
Shen Jiu kept eyeing the plätzchen hungrily. The way that the icing was dripping down the biscuits, the smell—the—
“You are welcome to try one.” Shen Jiu woke from his hungry state and turned to Tianlang-jun, who motioned with his hand. “I cannot say if they are any good but the ingredients are ones that are edible for humans. I know that much.”
It did look edible. And delicious. And…
“You asked why I wanted to do the Christmas.” Tianlang-jun started as he went to the biscuits. “Two reasons. One, because I thought it would be fun.” Tianlang-jun took a bite from one of the biscuits he picked up. “And two, because I hoped to improve human and demon relations by showing to humans that demons can also enjoy holidays.” Tianlang-jun stretched out his arm offering his guest one of the biscuits.
Shen Jiu hesitated a moment before taking the offered treat. And as soon as the biscuits hit his mouth, he knew he made a mistake.
The plätzchen was delicious. Shen Jiu couldn’t just eat one! He needed more.
Shen Jiu pulled out his fan, hiding his expression from the curious Tianlang-jun. After a long, drawn out moment, as he fought against his desire for more and his dignity, Shen Jiu finally said. “For humans, offering only one biscuit is inappropriate. You do not want to be rude, do you?”
Tinalang-jun smiled and took another plätzchen from the plate and gave it as an offering. “Of course not. Take as many as you would like.”
Truly the most dangerous words Tianlang-jun had said the entire day.
–
After eating his fill of plätzchen, Shen Jiu couldn’t really find it in himself to leave the library. Instead, he stretched himself on the couch. He should report back soon to Cang Qiong or risk the sect thinking he was in danger. Still, first his body had to work through all the food that he had eaten. What was an extra incense stick or two in the demon realm, after all? However, not everything was perfect at the moment. Right now there was a stupid demon staring at Shen Jiu with an even stupider smile. “How about you go back to set up your party?”
“But spending time with you is so fun.” Tianlang-jun grinned even more, but Shen Jiu just continued to glare, so the demon added. “Also, since you weren’t familiar with this tradition, others won’t be either, so the party isn’t worth much now, no?”
Shen Jiu waved his fan, thinking. “No, even if your Christmas is a made-up celebration, humans like parties. Bring in some musicians and food, like the plätzchen, and people will have a good time if they can get past the whole ‘party being run by demons' aspect of it.”
“Were you able to look past your thoughts on demons because of the music and the Plätzchen? “Tianlang-jun asked.
Shen Jiu remained silent, but the red tips of his ears gave away the answer, which made Tianlang-jun chuckle. “Human, you really do make the cutest expressions. May I have your name?”
Shen Jiu’s eyebrow twitched. Only now this demon was asking his name. How annoying. “Shen Jiu.”
“A pleasure to meet you! My name is Tianlang-jun, but I suppose you knew that since you were sent to spy on me.”
Shen Jiu paused the waving of his fan only to let out a huff and continue. “So you’re not as much of an idiot as you act.”
“Well, I will admit that I didn’t know if Christmas was real. A man delivering presents through a chimney doesn’t sound particularly practical, but in this world, anything is possible. So if I am a fool for believing in such things, so be it!”
“How poetic.” Shen Jiu snorted.
“I do really like human poetry. Especially the kinds that are romantic.” The way Tianlang-jun’s voice became sultry at the last word was completely ignored by Shen Jiu, who instead stated. “I will head out soon. Can you promise to not scare the humans again by trying to play event planner?”
“”Music and food only; I will follow your orders.” Tianlang-jun saluted for whatever reason.
“Good!” Shen Jiu smiled. “Then I will be off.”
“Are you leaving already? But the party hasn’t started.” Tianlang-jun pouted.
“If I don’t go back, an army will come to challenge you since your recent behavior has been… questionable.” Shen Jiu scoffed. “Just remember. Only food and music, alright?”
Tianlang-jun nodded along.
‘But I will see you again, won’t I?”
“I intend to become a peak lord.” Shen Jiu responded. “So of course I will have to deal with you while in that position.”
“I look forward to it.” Tianlang-jun smiled. “And maybe together we can make humans and demons get along.”
“Hm.” Was the only response Shen Jiu gave before getting on his sword. “Until next time.”
“Until then.” And with that, Shen Jiu headed out. He couldn’t say that it was a peaceful ride back. Not with that smile having been etched in his mind and the taste of plätzchen lingering on his tongue. But it was true. He needed to head back to make sure that Tianlang-jun would not be attacked, and besides, now that Tianlang-jun had more instruction, he would be fine, wouldn't he?
–
Shen Jiue was praised for his bravery for having completed his mission when he got back to the sect. “But I am still concerned.” The Old Palace Master stated. “That the demon was only trying to fool us.”
The room was filled with a commotion at that, so Shen Jiu said. “Then let me go back, and I will keep an eye on the party.”
The masters began to argue amongst themselves, but his shizun interrupted. “Yes, it would be good for you to go. And if you build strong relations with that demon, it would also be helpful for future endeavors.”
Shen Jiu bowed and smiled a bit at how horrified the other cultivators looked. “Sounds like a good challenge.”
Shen Jiu left the meeting and returned to his quarters to gather his things before leaving again; oddly, the idea of going back didn’t annoy him or intimidate him. As he would have expected. He supposed that was since he would be able to eat more of those biscuits when he got there. It seemed like someone heard his thoughts as he heard screaming outside, but when he got out, all he saw was some snakes that had something in their mouths. Shen Jiu let out a sigh. What did Shen Jiu tell Tianlang-jun? Only food and music, so why were there snakes wandering around? But then the snake came closer, and Shen Jiu saw that the snake was holding a bag. Shen Jiu took the offered bag from the snake and opened it to find several biscuits.”
With a note saying, “I do not have a deer, but I can deliver presents by snakes. Merry Christmas or whatever is the closest similar biscuit-giving holiday.” –Tianlang-jun.
Shen Jiu let out a snort. And after determining that the snake was not venomous, he lifted the snake so he sat comfortably on his shoulders. Well, it looks like if nothing else, I still need to explain that just because food is allowed, that doesn’t mean that food snake delivery is fine to Tianlang-jun. Your master is a handful, isn’t he?”
The snake nodded. “Glad we agree. Now, let's go to his palace and tell him as such in person.” And with that, Shen Jiu left, heading back to the Christmas party. To Tianlang-jun.