Chapter 97 Pingxin's Traditional Chinese Version of "The Return of the Child"
Upon waking up, Shen Qingqiu slowly turned over, but did not feel the arm that used to hold him tightly around his waist.
Morning light streamed in through the window, and he shielded his eyes with the sleeve of his undergarment. This single movement caused him to feel aches and pains in his back and arms. He felt a slight tearing sensation somewhere below, and the strange feeling of a sticky liquid drying.
He had a wild night last night, and woke up feeling terrible this morning. Shen Qingqiu was puzzled that Luo Binghe hadn't gotten up early to help him clean up and make breakfast. He asked in a hoarse voice, "...Binghe?"
No one answered. Shen Qingqiu became increasingly confused. He forced his eyes open, looked down, and saw a small head with soft, black hair.
"..."
This little head was delicate and adorable, with a natural blush on its fair cheeks, long, thick, and glossy black eyelashes, and its eyes were closed. Its lips were also a pale pink. It was curled up in a ball, nestled beside him like a cat, and resting its head on its arm.
Although the sizes are slightly different, although he looks to be only five or six years old at most, although...
He jolted awake, his voice changing: "Luo Binghe!"
Shen Qingqiu had initially wanted to pinch her arm to see if the pain would wake her up, but as soon as she sprang up, a wave of swelling and soreness shot through her lower body, and she stiffly lay back down. Luo Binghe, curled up in a small ball, trembled her eyelashes and slowly woke up.
Half of his face was marked with a red mark from his arm pressing against it. He squinted and saw Shen Qingqiu sleeping disheveled beside him, stretching out his arms in a gesture of 'asking for a hug,' saying, 'Shizun...'
The voice was so soft and sweet, so tender it seemed to drip with moisture, that he froze as soon as he opened his mouth.
They stared at each other, wide-eyed.
After a moment of relative confusion, the two finally figured out the current situation.
Luo Binghe was at a crucial juncture in his cultivation, and logically, he should have maintained a pure and virtuous lifestyle to avoid any mishaps. However, he couldn't control himself last night, indulging in reckless behavior all night, and finally! He suffered a cultivation deviation.
Shen Qingqiu found this unacceptable at all, because this plot point existed in the original novel, *The Arrogant Immortal Demon Path*. Of course, the author's purpose in writing this wasn't for cuteness or anything, but rather because a child like Luo Binghe could freely enter and leave places where adult men weren't allowed—you can imagine the specific places. Moreover, being small, he could more easily lower a girl's guard, allowing for intimate contact and then, unexpectedly, capturing her heart!
Because this part of the story was delayed, he thought it was over, but it turned out it just hadn't arrived on time.
Shen Qingqiu rubbed his forehead and asked, "...How much of your internal energy do you have left?"
Luo Binghe said, "Less than one-tenth."
His youthful face was filled with a murderous intent, which not only failed to convey the seriousness of the situation, but was also... quite funny.
So Shen Qingqiu, rather unkindly, laughed.
After laughing, he turned serious and said, "Ahem, only one-tenth left? Fine. The Demon Realm can't stay."
Luo Binghe had offended quite a few people, both in the city and in the demon realm. At this point, the farther away and the deeper into hiding, the better. Shen Qingqiu's first thought was to quickly pick up Luo Bingtuan and leave.
Having made up his mind, he was about to get dressed and get out of bed. But as soon as he straightened his back, his face started twitching again.
In the past, after they finished, Luo Binghe would take him to the hot spring to clean him up while he was asleep. But now, Luo Binghe could only hold onto one of his legs at most and couldn't move him at all. He just squatted there, looking on the verge of tears.
"..." Shen Qingqiu comforted him, "It's alright, I can do it myself." The natural geothermal spring that Luo Binghe dug in the underground palace was deep enough to reach Shen Qingqiu's chest. If he were to throw Luo Binghe in, he would be submerged in an instant. Shen Qingqiu had no choice but to carefully hold him and sit him on the round stone next to him, while also reminding Luo Binghe to sit firmly and not slip.
He was about to quickly clean himself up when he suddenly saw Luo Binghe reaching out towards the blue stone beside him, trying to reach the soapberry box on it, but he couldn't get it no matter what he did.
This sight reminded him of Luo Binghe when he went to Mount Cangqiong to become a disciple, carrying a patched little cloth bag and squatting in the valley digging a hole. Shen Qingqiu stared at him for a while, then couldn't help but pull him down, drag him into his arms, and began to knead and flatten him expressionlessly.
Under his rough handling, Luo Binghe choked on a few mouthfuls of water. His skin, already flushed a pale red from the heat, turned completely pink after a few splashes. Overwhelmed with emotion, Luo Binghe instinctively grabbed Shen Qingqiu's wrist, habitually trying to pin him down on the bluestone.
Although Shen Qingqiu was very considerate and cooperated with him, lying down and letting him 'press' on top of her, Luo Binghe's pretty face instantly darkened.
This kind of body... even if I crush it thousands or tens of thousands of times, it won't make a difference!
I can't do anything!
Seeing Luo Bingtuan's face turn from red to white and then from white to black, Shen Qingqiu was so trying to suppress his laughter that he almost suffered internal injuries: "You were so reckless in tormenting your teacher last night, aren't you getting your comeuppance today?"
Luo Binghe said heartbrokenly, "Wasn't it all because you seduced me first, Master!"
Hearing this, Shen Qingqiu blushed, feeling ashamed. He straightened his expression and suddenly let go. Luo Binghe was caught off guard and slipped into the water, a string of bubbles rising to the surface.
As Shen Qingqiu wished, the first refuge he thought of was naturally Cangqiong Mountain. However, Luo Binghe absolutely refused to go back.
It's easy to imagine that with his current weakened state, he would definitely be surrounded by onlookers, and Liu Qingge would certainly be among them.
So Shen Qingqiu made a middle way and took him to the human realm.
The saying goes, "The truly wise live in seclusion amidst the city," so they chose an exceptionally bustling town. They would stay there while waiting for Luo Binghe to recover his powers, passing the time. Shen Qingqiu, feeling restless, casually secured a position at the town's largest academy.
Luo Binghe was naturally dissatisfied. Firstly, he disliked Shen Qingqiu taking on other disciples. Weren't the disciples on Qingjing Peak enough? Why take on more?!
Secondly, he disliked being treated as Shen Qingqiu's son. Especially at bedtime, he could be kissed and hugged as he pleased, but he couldn't do anything else and had to listen to Shen Qingqiu jokingly call him "darling" and "baby," which made him even more... disappointed in himself!
When Shen Qingqiu returned from the academy that day, he saw Luo Binghe sitting on a stool at the door, looking aloof and unpredictable, waiting for him.
If this were the adult version, it would naturally make people shrink back and tremble, but since the size is wrong, people can't help but reach out their claws to pinch his face hard. No matter how much he tries to keep his face at arm's length, the chattering sparrows around him won't stop, building one earthen fortress after another next to his bench, constantly urging him to join in.
These were all children from the neighborhood. From the very first day Shen Qingqiu and his family moved in, they were all captivated by the male lead's charm, clinging to him desperately and impossible to shoo away. Fortunately, they were all afraid of Shen Qingqiu; no child is unafraid of their teacher, so they scattered like birds and beasts as soon as they saw him return.
Shen Qingqiu then gracefully extended his devilish hand, preparing to pinch Luo Binghe's cheek as usual. At this moment, a series of loud "Mr. Shen!" suddenly rang out behind him, and several slender figures dressed in gold and silver stepped into the courtyard without permission.
Shen Qingqiu turned around and saw several ladies from the town who were usually very energetic. Before he could nod and greet them, the one in the lead took two steps forward, grabbed his arm, and dragged him outside: "Mr. Shen, we've been looking for you for ages! Come on, come on, come with me, the young lady is getting impatient!"
Luo Binghe shouted sternly, "Where are you going? What girl?!"
Shen Qingqiu was also confused. Madam A was startled by Luo Binghe's expression and shook her head, saying, "Oh dear, such a small person, yet his voice is so frightening. What's wrong with the young master? Mr. Shen, is he sulking with you?"
Madam B immediately came over: "Come, come, young master, come here quickly, let me give you some candy, don't bother your father."
Luo Binghe ignored them and said coldly, "Master... what have you reserved for today?"
Shen Qingqiu said, "I...I don't remember?"
Madam A scolded, "Mr. Shen, you're just asking a question you already know the answer to. Do you really want me to spell it out for you? Fine, fine. I have a niece who is a very presentable and respectable young lady. I thought you two were a good match, so I'm hosting a banquet at the West City Tower so you can meet and see who she is."
"And my husband too."
"My cousin. And my cousin!"
In lively places, news spreads quickly. Not long after Shen Qingqiu arrived, the residents of the city spread the word: a new gentleman has arrived. Not only is he well-read, talented, and virtuous, but he is also polite, gentle, and kind. He is also handsome, refined, and very pleasant to be around.
Of course, all of that is just fluff! The most important thing is that he's definitely rich, incredibly rich! He bought a magnificent mansion in one go—how could he do that if he wasn't wealthy? He also has a four- or five-year-old son, so adorable and charming, already a handsome young man, destined to grow up to be dashing and dashing. It's incredible! Anyone with a daughter of suitable age who isn't married yet, or anyone with a newborn daughter who hasn't been betrothed yet? Quickly snatch her up and reserve her! Whether you reserve the older one or the younger one, you won't lose money!
Luo Binghe's face turned green with anger, and he roared, "He doesn't need to go on blind dates!"
The real culprit isn't dead yet!
Madam Bing swayed gracefully as she walked up: "Young Master Shen, are you unhappy that your father is marrying a new wife? Wouldn't it be better to have a gentle and beautiful bride who dotes on you?"
Madam B chimed in, “That’s right, that’s right. Mr. Shen, you can’t spoil your son like this. I heard you take him to the academy with you, and he even wants to sit on your lap? I’m telling you, this kind of pampering won’t raise a good son. My son…”
Seeing that Luo Binghe seemed about to smash the entire courtyard with a single move, Shen Qingqiu quickly grabbed him and retreated, saying, "I appreciate the kindness of all the ladies. However, I have no intention of remarrying. There is no one else at home, and I need to take care of my young child, so I cannot accept your invitation."
Madam Jia, with a large red peony tucked behind her ear, said righteously, "Mr. Shen, what are you saying! Men should marry when they come of age and women should marry when they come of age. Your house is so big, how can it be managed without a lady of the house to keep it in order? With your character and demeanor, how can you be left alone with just a child? Not only will you be uncomfortable, but it will also look bad to others!"
She waved her fan and said without further ado, "It's settled then! Mr. Shen, you come with us now. The young master will stay at home; someone will keep him company."
Luo Binghe sneered, "I'd like to see who can leave!"
His cold and wicked charm didn't last long. For the sake of the town and the lives of the three ladies who had been so eager to set him up on blind dates, Shen Qingqiu flicked his wrist and sent out several talismans that knocked them unconscious. He then abandoned the house he had bought less than a month ago and fled in panic.
Naturally, they could only flee back to Cangqiong Mountain.
At the bottom of the long mountain steps, Shen Qingqiu held Luo Binghe's hand and walked up.
The elder brother who swept the mountain steps had been diligent and conscientious for over a decade. As Shen Qingqiu climbed the steps, his eyes met his, and he smiled slightly. Just as he was about to greet him, the elder brother looked at him, then at Luo Binghe whom he was holding hands with, and his face twitched.
Suddenly, he threw down the broom, which was as tall as a person, and, with his backside on fire, sprinted up the mountain steps. He leaped up hundreds of steps in one go, leaving Shen Qingqiu astonished but also filled with pride.
As expected of Cangqiong Mountain, even the person sweeping the mountain steps is keeping a low profile!
The mountain steps were long, and before they had even reached the halfway point, Luo Binghe began to yawn. He was currently lacking in strength and was prone to fatigue, so Shen Qingqiu picked him up and said, "Go to sleep."
A disciple's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea. Sometimes Luo Binghe is happy to be carried by him, but other times he will struggle to get down and walk on his own, his face turning red. Right now, he is probably really tired. He nestled in his arms, dozed off for a while, and fell asleep.
After climbing the Heavenly Ladder and stepping into the plaza, Shen Qingqiu sensed that the gazes around him were unusual, and there were whispers everywhere. The man sweeping the mountain steps was giving him a particularly strange look.
Carrying Luo Binghe, he walked up Qingjing Peak. At the entrance of the bamboo hut, the disciples rushed over excitedly.
Upon seeing Luo Binghe in Shen Qingqiu's arms outside the circle, Ming Fan was struck dumb, taking several steps back. The others rushed to gather around to watch. Ning Yingying pushed aside the people blocking her way and stared at the sleeping Luo Binghe in Shen Qingqiu's arms: "...Looks like A-Luo, looks like A-Luo!"
Nonsense. Who else could he resemble if not Luo Binghe!
Ning Yingying excitedly grabbed Shen Qingqiu's sleeves and asked eagerly, "Master, does he have a name? Have you given him a name yet!"
Shen Qingqiu: "..."
Ning Yingying said, "If he doesn't have a name, can I... can I give him one?"
Luo Binghe shifted restlessly in his arms and muttered, "...noisy."
Shen Qingqiu held his folding fan threateningly in mid-air for a moment, then abruptly pulled it back, gesturing for silence. Unexpectedly, the bamboo hut's door collapsed with a crash, and Luo Binghe jolted awake, opening his eyes in shock.
Liu Qingge strode over, and Shen Qingqiu glared at the furtive Ming Fan. He then awkwardly pulled Luo Binghe behind him and said with a forced smile, "Junior Brother Liu, how have you been?"
Liu Qingge said sternly, "What are you hiding?"
Shen Qingqiu: "Hidden what? I didn't hide anything!"
Luo Binghe placed one hand on Shen Qingqiu's chest and said, "No need to hide, I'm not afraid of him!"
Liu Qingge stepped forward, staring down at Luo Binghe's small, defiant face. After a long while, she spoke haltingly to Shen Qingqiu, as if trying to suppress something: "When...when did you...when did you...go with Luo Binghe...with him..."
"With him?"
With him? With him what?
Liu Qingge seemed unable to speak, so Ming Fan wailed on his behalf, "She had such a grown son with him?!"
...Liu Juju!
"Hitting the Sky with a Plane" isn't a pornographic novel on Jinjiang Literature City!
After rudely shooing Liu Juju off Qingjing Peak, Shen Qingqiu was so shocked that he was completely disoriented: "How can a man give birth?"
Ning Yingying, having figured out the whole story, was greatly disappointed to learn that the child Shen Qingqiu had brought back was not their son. She felt that all her enthusiasm and the more than fifty names she had thought of were now useless. She pouted and said, "It was all because of the brother who swept the mountain ladder who spread the word everywhere, making people believe it. Who knew that A Luo would also have a time when he went mad with qi?"
"You're doing great, sweeping the mountain steps. Fast enough, and with a truly unique idea! Shen Qingqiu will remember that."
Mingfan also said awkwardly, "I think that if it were a demon race, it wouldn't be impossible for a man to give birth."
The crowd behind nodded vigorously. Shen Qingqiu felt utterly devastated and argued, "Even if she gave birth, it's impossible for her to grow this big in just a few months!"
Mingfan added, "Who knows? The disciples believe that if he is the son of that monster Luo Binghe, it's not impossible for him to be this big at birth."
"..."
The long-absent task of punishing people with copying at Qingjing Peak has returned to the world tonight.
Having finally managed to squeeze in a trip to Cangqiong Mountain, and with all twelve peaks gathered together, it was natural to have a meeting and a meal.
Shen Qingqiu hadn't sat in the second chair in the back hall of the domed palace to show off for a long time, and he missed that feeling very much.
He nodded and greeted each of the peak masters with a string of "Long time no see," "How have you been?" and "You're too kind," then unfolded his folding fan with a beaming smile.
When Yue Qingyuan saw him, he seemed to have a strange expression, but he didn't say much. He took his seat at the head of the table, smiled at him, and placed a stack of files on the table. Shang Qinghua quickly came up, took the files, and distributed them.
Shen Qingqiu accepted the order from Shang Qinghua and glanced at him casually at first. Shang Qinghua must have done something to anger Mo Beijun again; his lips were swollen, and he gave him a pitiful smile. Shen Qingqiu couldn't bear to look at him anymore and shifted his gaze to the file, where the key points of the discussion were highlighted in vermilion.
He only glanced at it, then spat out the tea he had just drunk.
First, a crackdown will be launched on copied versions of works such as "Spring Mountain Lament" and "Ice Autumn Chant," prohibiting their circulation in any form or setting, whether public or private. All copies must be surrendered within one month; otherwise, anyone found possessing or circulating such works will be severely punished. Illustrated copies will be subject to even more severe penalties.
Second, due to numerous complaints, the relevant personnel in charge of Baizhanfeng need to strengthen management and strictly prohibit cross-peak brawls.
Third, we have received a few complaints. Those practicing the piano at Qingjingfeng should pay attention to the time of day and avoid the afternoon break and nighttime hours.
Fourth, Xianshufeng requested that the fence be reinforced and heightened, and applied for mine clearance around the fence.
Fifth, the Ascetic Peak has gradually lost its network of visitors over the years and requests to expand its enrollment and apply for priority in selecting disciples when the mountain gates are reopened next time.
Sixth, the peak masters must strengthen the education of each peak, and their disciples must not openly fight with disciples of the Illusion Flower Palace in the name of Cangqiong Mountain disciples.
7. When encountering demons during a mission, do not act rashly. Find out their direct lineage and department before deciding whether to fight.
...
Spraying tea in public is a very inappropriate act, but he doesn't need to worry about being impolite, because after reading the first point, eight or nine of the twelve peak masters sprayed tea at the same time as him, so he didn't seem so out of place in such an environment.
An awkward silence fell over the council chamber, which Shen Qingqiu couldn't shake off no matter how vigorously he waved his fan.
What right does "Spring Mountain Lament" have to be ranked first? And what's with this other thing, "Ice Autumn Chant"?!
After the meeting, Shen Qingqiu walked towards Qingjing Peak with a feeling of resentment. After taking only a few steps, he noticed that many peak masters had followed him.
Shen Qingqiu said with a gentle smile, "Fellow junior brothers and sisters, it seems you are not heading back to the peak in this direction?"
Qi Qingqi said, "That's because we weren't originally going back to the peak."
Shen Qingqiu had long known that this calamity was inevitable, yet he still struggled to say, "Why did you suddenly decide to come to Qingjing Peak as a guest? The bamboo hut is simple, and I'm afraid I won't be able to provide adequate hospitality."
"Don't play dumb. Everyone knows your bamboo house is simple. Who would want to visit you? Of course, they'd want to visit your hidden apprentice."
This group of people were eager to see Luo Binghe as some kind of novelty, but Shen Qingqiu said helplessly, "He'll get angry."
"I'm not trying to be mean, Senior Brother Shen, but how dare his disciple get angry with you, his master? Have you not been disciplining him properly?"
"That won't do. No matter what your relationship is now, you still need to discipline them properly."
"Let him be angry, what's there to be afraid of? Anyway, Luo Binghe's power is less than 10% right now, if not now, when?"
The peak master of the Ascetic Peak, whose temper was already flared from years of ascetic life, became even more impatient when he failed to get the number of priority admission slots he wanted. He said, "Enough with the nonsense. Do you think I'll eat all your tea leaves? Let's go, let's go."
Shen Qingqiu knew he couldn't escape this ordeal, and was dragged and pulled towards Qingjing Peak, his face full of black lines.
How come you all know everything so clearly? It's like you know more than I do!
He could hold off one or two, but he couldn't stop several peak masters from swarming into the bamboo hut. Qi Qingqi's powers crumbled the moment she entered.
Luo Binghe was fast asleep in bed, the blankets tucked in tightly, just as he had left. Shen Qingqiu gestured, "He's asleep, don't disturb him."
Liu Qingge glanced inside and couldn't help but say, "Why does he look a little different from yesterday?"
Different? Shen Qingqiu turned her head and indeed noticed a difference. Luo Binghe seemed to have grown two years older, now appearing to be seven or eight years old. Wei Qingwei whispered, "Growing up well! Growing up well!"
Qi Qingqi examined it carefully for a while and said, "At this rate, he won't be able to wear these clothes for long, will he?"
Shen Qingqiu hadn't thought about this issue yet. After thinking about it carefully, she realized that Luo Binghe's clothes didn't fit him very well this morning; the wrists seemed a little too short. She quickly said, "Indeed, I was careless. I'll take him downstairs to buy a few sets tomorrow."
Qi Qingqi said, "Why buy anything? Don't you know what to do with what you already have? Just go up to Fairy Peak and get a few sisters to make him some new clothes."
Upon hearing this, the peak masters chuckled unkindly. Just imagining a group of fragrant fairies surrounding a brooding, short-sleeved demon with a grudge-ridden expression was enough to amuse these idle peak masters. Seeing their gloating and taking advantage of his misfortune, Shen Qingqiu felt sorry for Luo Binghe, whose dignity had been utterly tarnished, and quickly said, "That's enough, that's enough. Let's go, go sit in the hall, don't stand around staring at him like this. Stop laughing, or you'll wake him up."
"They wouldn't let us see it before, and they still won't let us see it now? Senior Brother Shen is being really unfair."
Shen Qingqiu said, "Give me some face."
After finally managing to quickly get rid of a group of fellow disciples, Shen Qingqiu returned to the bamboo hut, feeling utterly overwhelmed.
Luo Binghe had woken up and was sitting at his original desk, his legs dangling in mid-air, not reaching the ground. Beside him, a pile of documents taller than himself stood. He held a vermilion pen, checking items and making marks as he went.
Shen Qingqiu watched for a while, then entered and asked, "What are you doing?"
Luo Binghe looked up and said, "Master has been away for a long time, and the classics have been neglected. This disciple would like to compile a new catalog for the archives."
Shen Qingqiu said, "You just need to focus on recuperating now; there's no need to worry about these things."
Luo Binghe said, "But Master is not here, and I have nothing else to do, so I might as well do it."
Shen Qingqiu sat down beside him, thought for a moment, and asked, "Were you unhappy about returning to Qingjing Peak?"
Luo Binghe smiled and said, "Master, what are you saying? How could this disciple be unhappy?"
Shen Qingqiu slowly got up and started to walk outside. Suddenly, he couldn't take another step.
Luo Binghe jumped off the desk, grabbed his leg, and gritted his teeth, saying, "...That's right, disciple...is unhappy!"
Shen Qingqiu said, "That's right. If you're unhappy, you should speak up. From now on, don't keep anything to yourself. If you really don't like Qingjing Peak, then we can leave after you return to your original form. In fact, your current condition makes it inconvenient for you to travel frequently. In case of any sudden changes, Cangqiong Mountain can at least protect you."
Luo Binghe said, "I like it! But the Qingjing Peak that I like is just Qingjing Peak, not Cangqiong Mountain. There is no one else there besides you and me, Master."
No. Shen Qingqiu thought to himself, this Qingjing Peak you like has never existed in reality, has it...?
Luo Binghe said sullenly, "Master, is it true that being with me means you have fewer opportunities to do your own things?"
Shen Qingqiu chuckled: "You were quite good at pretending to be asleep just now. And your ears are sharp too. How much of your martial arts have you recovered?"
Luo Binghe said, "Master... I don't want to come back, not because I don't like it here. It's because... you're too easily taken away here."
He said quietly, "If it were the old me, I would have been somewhat confident that I could win you back, no matter what method I used. But now... I really feel... I can't compete with others."
Shen Qingqiu tapped him on the head and said, "Why are you fighting for it? You don't need to fight for it; your master will follow you on his own."
The image of the person you're interacting with is truly crucial. If it were the adult version of Luo Binghe, even with a knife to his throat, Shen Qingqiu wouldn't say such explicit and cheesy things. But since it's a mini version that he can hold in his arms and who's willing to cling to his legs and beg for comfort, Shen Qingqiu feels no psychological pressure at all.
Luo Binghe looked up at him with deep affection.
The flowers are in full bloom, the moon is full, the weather is perfect, the fragrance wafts in the air, and the atmosphere is wonderful. I can't help but feel my heart flutter.
Luo Binghe's watery eyes burned brighter and brighter. Finally, unable to restrain himself any longer, he pushed Shen Qingqiu down onto the bamboo couch and pounced on her.
He lay on Shen Qingqiu's chest, the two staring at each other.
Shen Qingqiu: "Uh...you can...continue."
Even if he continues, he still can't do what he wants to do...
His expression was filled with undisguised sympathy.
After a long while, Luo Binghe's still immature voice finally let out a roar of unbearable frustration and hatred for the world.
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