Author's note:

So... This is me trying to get back to writing after years of well... not writing. 

I think I stopped writing way back during the start of the covid pandemic and lockdown. Although I wanted to write and finish all my WIP, it's just really stressful, and working closely with the medical field during that time had not been good for me, both physically and mentally. There had been a point where I hated writing and almost just want to delete my account here at Wattpad and Ao3. Thank god I came to my senses before that happened.

Then its a whirlwind of things on real life, but now I finally had the time to sit down and go back to writing. The inspiration to go back to writing was going back to reading all the fanfiction that I used to enjoy, really helped with the inspiration. 

Although I wanted to continue where I had left off from my previous WIP's, I think a new work would help me as I adjust back to writing. The idea for this one just came to me when I was listening to Katy Perry's song, Thinking of You. Imagining Liu Qingge literally busting through the door and taking Shen Qingqiu away. And I'm like....  Okay, lets do this. 

As for now I'll be posting this story here on wattpad first as I work on where this story will go. Then, once I have fixed it all, I'll also post it on my Ao3 account. Because, Ao3 is kind of intimidating to post stories at, even if it means more views and comments. 

Hope you guys enjoy my work!!

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/

Pain

It was the only thing registered in Shen Jiu's mind as he woke up in Qiu Manor's prison once more, chained and bounded like a dog. The metallic tang of blood filled Shen Jiu's mouth, a sickening counterpoint to the rhythmic sting of the lash he received earlier. Each crack of the whip, now a fading memory, felt like a white-hot poker searing across his back, stripping away flesh and leaving behind a burning canvas of agony.

Honestly, Shen Jiu had lost count of how many times he ended up in this prison under this state.

Qiu Jianlou. The name burned on his tongue, a molten curse. The sadistic monster. Shen Jiu used to believe there were limits to the young master's cruelty, but lately, those boundaries seemed to be dissolving like a snowflake in a furnace. Ever since they believed that Shen Jiu presented as an alpha, a coveted secondary gender in their alpha-centered society, the young master's sadism had taken on a new edge, a desperate, venomous quality.

It was laughable, truly. Qiu Jianlou, a beta born into a lineage of noble alphas, something that he consistently boasted about, now became a constant reminder of his own failings in the eyes of his family. And here was Shen Jiu, a mere slave, daring to exude even a hint of alpha pheromones. The very notion was an insult, a mockery of everything Qiu Jianlou wasn't. The whippings became more brutal, the punishments more inventive, each one a desperate attempt to erase the truth Qiu Jianlou refused to acknowledge – a slave could possess a power he, the young master, could never attain. The jealousy festered, a poisonous wound that turned Qiu Jianlou's cruelty from a bored amusement to a deliberate infliction of pain. It was a desperate bid to reclaim a dominance he never truly possessed.

Shen Jiu would have laughed himself into madness for this ridiculous situation if not for aggravating his wounds further. Truly nothing more than a sick and stupid bastard with no brain, he hadn't even realized that Shen Jiu was using the very same method that the young master used to mask his own truth.

Shen Jiu was never an alpha, but an omega. A presentation that he did not welcome. 

In the upper echelons of society, an omega is treasured for their high probability of giving birth to either an alpha heir or a precious omega. In the cultivation world, omegas possess abundant spiritual powers, making them highly suitable as spiritual cultivators, a rarity in the immortal realm. Omegas are cherished and protected, and their well-being is meticulously maintained.

Presenting as an omega is a blessing. The rarest among the three secondary genders - symbolizes wealth and power. This is true for the privileged, but those born in the lowest rungs of society do not enjoy the privileges their more fortunate counterparts receive.

Thankfully, Shen Jiu had some knowledge when it came to making fake pheromone perfume, he was not the first one of the street urchins to present as omega, a gender easily exploited by others; predatory alphas lurked everywhere, and slave traders would pay a hefty price for a rare omega. 

Back on the unforgiving streets, when his little brother, A-Yuan presented way too early as an omega, a sweet, vulnerable scent that painted a target on his back. Fear had been a cold fist around Shen Jiu's heart. He knew what awaited his brother – life as a whore in a brothel, or worse, at the hands of a cruel master. They already had one of their older kids in their group taken by the slavers, Shen Jiu would never risk Shen Yuan to chances. 

Desperate to protect him, Shen Jiu had come up with two methods to conceal Shen Yuan's scent. One involved being bound to an alpha and the other method involved learning how to create fake alpha pheromone perfumes. Begging, bribing, and deceiving anyone who could teach him the art of crafting pheromone perfumes, he had concocted a scent that mimicked alpha pheromones, effectively concealing Shen Yuan's true nature.

Now, that same knowledge served as Shen Jiu's own shield. The alpha pheromone perfume had fooled Qiu Jianlou, stoking the young master's insecurities to the point of obsession. Shen Jiu's "alpha" presentation had become both his protection and his punishment.

But no amount of cunning could shield him from despair.

Shen Jiu stared at the dilapidated door of his cell, his vision swimming from hunger and pain. He replayed a familiar memory in his mind, a lifeline against the crushing weight of hopelessness.

"Don't worry, Xiao Jiu," Yue Qi's voice echoed, strong and reassuring. "We'll come back for you, no matter what. I promise."

How many times had he clung to that promise? How many times had he imagined Yue Qi and Shen Yuan bursting through those doors, swords blazing, to take him away from this nightmare? But as days turned into months and months into years, the hope began to wither, replaced by a gnawing dread. What if they were dead? What if they had never even made it to a sect?

"No," Shen Jiu whispered hoarsely, shaking his head despite the pain. Qi-ge would never break his word.  A-Yuan would never abandon him. Yet doubt coiled around his heart like a serpent, tightening its grip with each passing day.

His only ally in the manor, Qiu Haitang, could do little to shield him from her brother's wrath. There was no salvation to be found within these walls. Shen Jiu's world was chains and silence and pain.

Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the corridor, followed by a loud thud with startled screams of the servants. A jolt of adrenaline shot through Shen Jiu's weary body. What was happening? The rhythmic clang of his chains seemed muted by the commotion outside. He strained his ears, desperate to know what was happening outside from the muffled shouts and curses filtering through the thick wooden door.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Qiu Jianlou's furious voice rang out, high-pitched and trembling. It was a tone Shen Jiu had never heard before: fear.

A fragile ember of hope flared in Shen Jiu's chest. Could it be? Had his brothers come for him at last?

The sounds of battle grew closer. He caught fragments of shouting, the clash of blades, the shattering of stone. His battered body trembled with anticipation, every fiber of his being yearning for this to be the rescue he had dreamed of for so long.

The door to his cell burst open with a deafening crash, the force rattling the walls. Shen Jiu flinched, instinctively curling in on himself. Dust swirled in the sunlight streaming through the open doorway, framing the silhouette of a stranger.

Shen Jiu squinted against the harsh light, his heart sinking. The figure was not Yue Qi. Not Shen Yuan. Just a young cultivator, dressed in white and grey robes, his expression stern and impatient.

Disappointment stabbed through Shen Jiu, sharp and bitter. Another false hope. Another stranger who would leave him to rot.

But then the boy spoke, his voice cutting through the haze of despair like a blade. "Are you Shen Jiu?"

Shen Jiu stared, his voice failing him. He could only nod weakly, confusion and fear swirling in his mind. How did this boy know his name?

The stranger's gaze narrowed, as if confirming something. Then, with a confidence that brooked no argument, he declared, "I'm here to take you away."

That was it? No explanation for where and why they were taking him. Shen Jiu grew suspicious Years of hardship had taught him not to trust easily, and this boy, with his arrogant demeanor, offered little to assuage his doubts.

"Hold still," The young cultivator ordered, before reaching for the chains that bound Shen Jiu. With a few expert movements, the shackles fell away, clattering to the floor. Even his movements felt dismissive, a further erosion of any form of trust.

"We're leaving," he declared, grabbing Shen Jiu's arm without waiting for consent. The older boy winced at the harsh grip, his battered body protesting every step as he was dragged toward the gate of the Qiu manor. Around them, servants scurried like frightened rabbits, none daring to cross the young cultivator's path for fear of his wrath.

Just as they approached the gate, a voice rang out. "A-Jiu!"

Shen Jiu froze mid-step, his head snapping toward the sound. Qiu Haitang stood in the distance, peering at him from behind her lady-in-waiting. Her trembling form reminded him of someone else—another figure, fragile yet determined, who had once called out to him in desperation. The memory sharpened his resolve.

Shen Jiu planted his feet, yanking back against the boy's grip. "I won't go with you!" he snarled, his voice stronger than he felt.

The young cultivator halted, irritation flickering across his face. "What now?"

Summoning the last vestiges of his qi, Shen Jiu twisted free from the boy's hold, shoving him back with surprising force. The cultivator staggered, his eyes widening in disbelief as Shen Jiu glared at him with fierce defiance.

"I don't even know you," Shen Jiu growled, standing as tall as his battered body would allow. "Why are you taking me? And to where? If this young master's doing this out of pity, then spare me your charity." His voice carried a brittle edge, one that spoke of wounds far deeper than those visible on his body.

The boy's eyes narrowed. "Then you'd rather stay here?" His words were laced with incredulity, as if the very idea was incomprehensible.

Of course, Shen Jiu didn't want to stay. The manor was a prison, every corner steeped in cruelty. He had dreamed of escape countless times, slipping away in the bustle of a market trip or under the cover of night. But he hadn't dared—not without his brothers. The promises they'd made to each other still bound him, stronger than any chain.

"I can't leave," Shen Jiu bit out, his voice thick with anger and pain. "Not without my brothers."

A new voice interrupted the tense standoff. "Where do you think you're going?"

Qiu Jianlou stormed toward them, his face twisted in rage. His usual smugness was gone, replaced by fury and something colder—fear.

"I came for Shen Jiu," the young cultivator said calmly, not even sparing Jianlou a glance. "Now that I've found him, I'm leaving."

Jianlou bristled, his voice rising in a shrill crescendo. "You expect to leave after wreaking havoc in my home? Taking my property?" His eyes darted to Shen Jiu, his words dripping with venom.

The boy turned to face Jianlou fully, his expression cold and unyielding. "I was ordered to retrieve him. If you have grievances, take them up with my Shidi later."

Jianlou's bravado faltered, but his pride refused to let him back down. He drew his blade with a flourish, pointing it at the cultivator. "Do you know who I am? What power I wield?"

The young cultivator sighed, summoning his sword with a flick of his wrist. "I don't have time for this."

With a furious cry, Jianlou lunged, his blade gleaming. But the cultivator moved like water, sidestepping the attack and countering with a precise strike that left Jianlou staggering. Shock replaced fury in his eyes as he clutched his weapon, retreating.

The commotion drew the attention of the manor's guards. At Jianlou's command, they surged forward, weapons raised.

The young cultivator barely glanced at them. With Shen Jiu now slung over his shoulder like a sack of rice, he danced through the chaos, his sword a blur of controlled efficiency. Each strike disarmed or incapacitated without leaving lasting harm, a testament to both his skill and his restraint.

Shen Jiu squirmed furiously, his face flushed with indignation. "Put me down, you brute! I can walk on my own!"

"If you keep wriggling, I just might," the boy snapped, his voice tinged with exasperation.

"Do it, then!" Shen Jiu hissed, his pride stinging more than his injuries. Being carried like this, in full view of the manor's remaining servants and the crowd gathering beyond the gates, was a humiliation he couldn't bear.

Ignoring his protests, the cultivator pushed forward, leaving the groaning guards and Jianlou's impotent fury behind. As they passed the gates, Shen Jiu's struggles only grew more frantic.

"This is absurd!" Shen Jiu growled, his voice a mix of anger and embarrassment. "You're shorter than me! Do you have any idea how ridiculous this looks?"

"Keep talking," the boy muttered, his tone flat. "Maybe you'll distract yourself from how ridiculous you sound."

The crowd parted as they approached, wary of the boy's commanding presence. Shen Jiu could only fume as they disappeared into the distance, his protests drowned out by the din of the fleeing servants and the fading cries of the defeated guards.

"Liu-Shixiong! What is going on in here!?" A new voice cut through the chaos as a figure pushed his way through the gathering crowd. The speaker's youthful face held a mix of relief and horror, his robes—distinct in color but marked with the same insignia as the boy who freed Shen Jiu—identifying him as a disciple of the same sect.

"Liu-Shixiong! Explain this!" he demanded, his gaze darting over the damage and wreckage.

The young boy in question turned, visibly relieved. "Shen-shidi! Finally!" he exclaimed, gesturing at the situation around him. "I was just rescuing the person you told me to rescue!"

Shen-shidi's face fell into his hands as he sighed. "Little Shixiong, what did you do?"

"Exactly what you said to!" the young cultivator huffed, his tone defensive. "You said we needed to free him, so I freed him!"

"I meant we'd negotiate with the family holding him, not demolish their home!" Shen-shidi exclaimed, gesturing to the wreckage.

The younger boy scowled, setting Shen Jiu down unceremoniously as he crossed his arms. "Next time, you can handle missions like these yourself!"

"There shouldn't be a next time!" Shen-shidi groaned, rushing over to check on Shen Jiu. Concern flickered across his face as he helped him to his feet. "Jiu-ge, are you all right?"

Shen Jiu's breath hitched. That voice... that concern... Could it be? His gaze flickered to the young man before him. His features were different from the child Shen Jiu remembered—the gentle, emaciated boy who had once scraped meals together with him. And yet, that familiar scent—a blend of bamboo sap, wild orchids, green tea, and sandalwood—stirred something deep within him.

A-Yuan?

A wave of emotion threatened to overwhelm Shen Jiu. After years of suffering, could this truly be his reunion with the brother he thought lost forever? But as much as he wanted to embrace Shen Yuan, the slight shake of his brother's head and the firm, grounding squeeze on his arm told him to stay calm.

Shen Jiu forced himself to stand silently, biting back his tears. He understood the unspoken message: this wasn't the time for vulnerability. He had to trust Shen Yuan's plan.

Shen Yuan turned toward the looming figure of Qiu Jianlou, who was still being helped to his feet by a servant. Shen Yuan's tone was calm, respectful yet firm. "Lord Qiu, we apologize for the disruption. We are disciples of the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, here on official orders to retrieve this man."

Unfazed by Qiu Jianlou's silence, Shen Yuan continued, "Liu-shixiong may have been... a bit direct in his approach," he admitted with a touch of helplessness, "but our intentions are peaceful."

"Peaceful!? You barge into my home, damage my property, and expect to walk away with one of my slaves?" His voice, though blustering, held a tremor of uncertainty.

The boy, clearly impatient, huffed in frustration. "Enough talk, Shidi. Can't we just knock them out and leave?"

"Liu-Shixiong, please that's not how negotiation works." Shen Yuan pleaded, holding up a placating hand. "While violence can be really cool and awesome, and sometimes quite necessary, let us attempt diplomacy first. Perhaps we can come to an agreement that satisfies both parties." 

Turning back to Qiu Jianlou after ensuring his little shixiong understood that he couldn't beat up anyone anymore, Shen Yuan continued, "We acknowledge your anger at the intrusion and the damage caused. We are prepared to compensate you for any... inconveniences my little shixiong may have caused, as well as the contract for Shen Jiu."

Qiu Jianlou's eyes narrowed as he considered the offer. The prospect of compensation from a prestigious sect intrigued him. He puffed out his chest, a hint of his old arrogance returning.

"Compensation, you say? The audacity! The damage you've caused cannot be easily rectified. Perhaps a hefty sum of spirit stones, along with a formal apology from your sect leader, would be a suitable starting point for negotiations."

Shen Yuan frowned. "Negotiation is certainly an option, Lord Qiu. We are willing to discuss a fair sum to cover the damages. However," Shen Yuan's voice grew cold, "A formal apology from our sect leader is entirely out of the question. A letter from our esteemed leader is typically reserved for matters of far greater consequence. There are more pressing issues that demand his attention than a minor conflict caused by a disciple with a local dignitary."

"You!" Qiu Jianlou's face reddened at the implication. Demanding a public apology was his way of salvaging some dignity. To back down now would be a loss of face to these mere children. "Out of the question?" he sputtered, his voice strained. "Do you have any idea what your disciples have done, shouldn't your sect be responsible for not being able to reign in its disciples?"

"Of course, I am aware of what Liu-Shixiong had done." Shen Yuan continued, "Which is why we are currently having this conversation, are we not? " 

Qiu Jianlou's expression darkened. "This conversation is about more than just words. It's about taking responsibility!"

"Precisely," Shen Yuan agreed, a touch too quickly. "And that is exactly what I am doing. Taking responsibility means apologizing for the distress we have caused, addressing the damages, and negotiating compensation for the inconveniences." Shen Yuan paused, his gaze unwavering. "Did I miss anything in your definition of 'taking responsibility,' Lord Qiu? Or does your idea of 'taking responsibility' only involve grand gestures and theatrics with no real actions?"

Qiu Jianlou was left speechless. Shen Yuan's pointed words stung. A public apology seemed less important now. With more onlookers gathering due to the commotion, he couldn't risk his reputation as a shallow power-monger. Maybe a substantial sum of compensation would be more beneficial. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

"Fine," he grumbled, "a thousand taels of gold for all the damages caused. And perhaps... a rare medicinal herb as a token of goodwill."

"I'm glad that we can come to an agreement." Shen Yuan said with a smile, signaling one of the servants. Despite the excessive amount demanded, Shen Yuan made no attempt to haggle. He handed over a pouch of gold and a jade box containing the medicinal herb to the servant.

"That," Shen Yuan began explaining, "is the Azure Nightshade, a rare and powerful medicinal herb. It blooms only once every fifty years and possesses remarkable healing properties. It can cure a wide range of ailments, including severe internal injuries and chronic illnesses. I hope that Lord Qiu is satisfied with our sincerity." 

Judging from the way his eyes gleamed with greed as he weighed the pouch and inspected the content of the jade box, Qiu Jianlou seemed appeased.

"Since our business is settled, Liu-Shixiong and I will be taking our leave, along with this person." Shen Yuan gestured for them to depart.

Shen Jiu finally released a breath of relief as he was finally going to be free from this place with his brother, but before Shen Jiu could celebrate, Qiu Jianlou's voice cut through the moment.

"Wait!" he barked. "Although I agree with the compensation, I did not agree to give away my slave as well."

Qiu Jianlou's eyes narrowed. "The amount for the compensation alone is not enough," he declared, his eyes narrowing. "Shen Jiu is bound to me by a contract. He is my property, and I have no intention of letting him go without significant recompense. Although gold is always welcome, Shen Jiu's skills are not easily replaced. His value goes beyond mere coin."

Shen Yuan's expression darkened. "We are prepared to offer a substantial amount to settle this matter. Name your price, Lord Qiu, and we can reach an agreement for this transaction."

Qiu Jianlou's eyes glinted with a mix of greed and defiance. He doesn't know why they have come for that slave, but he is sure that it must be something important, and he couldn't miss this opportunity. "Gold is always welcome, but Shen Jiu's skills are not easily replaced. His value goes beyond mere coin."

Shen Jiu, listening to the exchange, felt irritated. Bargaining over him like some prized possession? But a part of him, the part hardened by years of abuse, understood the tactic. Appealing to Qiu Jianlou's greed might be the quickest way out of this situation. But judging from A-Yuan expression it might not be that easy. Even as a disciple of a renowned sect, there's no way Shen Yuan could have that much money, especially when he had just paid an exorbitant amount for the compensation earlier. 

"So if I pay up then this guy would belong to me right?" The boy suddenly interjected, his impatience grew more palpable as he listened to the pointless back and forth of words, then being stopped when they were supposed to leave was not helping in containing frustration. 

"Huh?" Shen Yuan blinked, taken aback by his words, there was something wrong with that statement but his little shixiong was right. Shen Yuan could only dumbly agree, ruining the bravado of the image of composure he had when he was negotiating with Qiu Jianlou earlier. "Yes, that's right, Liu-shixiong." 

Without further ado, the boy pulled out a token and threw it at Qiu Jianlou. "Show this token at any Liu family establishment and name your price."

Shen Jiu didn't recognize the token, but Qiu Jianlou's reaction made it clear it was of significant power. Just as Qiu Jianlou was about to respond, a frantic servant rushed in. "The magistrate has arrived!" he announced.

The announcement left Shen Jiu and Qiu Jianlou bewildered, while Shen Yuan sighed with relief. The tension shifted as the Qiu household gathered to greet the magistrate. To their surprise, the magistrate ignored everyone else and approached Shen Yuan, fretting over him as if he were an important guest.

"Young master Shen," the magistrate addressed Shen Yuan with a slight bow, "this humble one was so worried when you suddenly took off," he spoke exaggeratedly as he wiped off the sweat on his forehead.

Shen Yuan, ever polite, offered a reassuring smile. "My apologies, Magistrate Hu. When I learned that Liu-shixiong had gone ahead, I couldn't wait for news. I had to ensure my brother's safety myself."

Magistrate Hu chuckled, though the humor seemed out of place given the situation. "Your concern for your long-lost brother is commendable, Young Master Shen. However, given the... unconventional methods used by Young Master Liu," he glanced at the wreckage, "a more diplomatic approach might have been preferable."

"You are correct, Magistrate Hu. We have concluded negotiations with Lord Qiu regarding compensation and are now discussing the transaction for the person we came for." Shen Yuan inclined his head. "Perhaps the esteemed magistrate could assist us in resolving this matter more amicably."

"Of course, of course," Magistrate Hu bellowed, patting Shen Yuan's shoulder, clearly pleased with the request.

At this point, both Qiu Jianlou and the servants were confused. Even Shen Jiu was baffled. The magistrate's obsequious behavior and the address as "Young Master Shen" left him disoriented. When did Shen Yuan become so eloquent and influential?

Shen Jiu had no time to be in a daze as the boy growled, with a firm grip on Shen Jiu's arm to drag him, as he positioned himself squarely between the magistrate and Shen Yuan. 

'Oh' Shen Jiu looks at the young master Liu, really looking at him for the second time since he met the brutish boy. Although he had no scent, as he had yet to present his secondary gender his protectiveness towards a member of the same sect was a telltale sign of an alpha, the unspoken message was clear: Keep your distance!

The magistrate cleared his throat, tacitly taking a step back. "Apologise for overstepping, Young Master Liu."

Young master Liu worldlessly nodded in approval but remained standing there protectively. Meanwhile, Qiu Jianlou was standing there with an ugly expression on his face, likely just realizing that he had dealt so closely with an omega - one of the rare and treasured secondary genders within the upper echelons - and yet failed to recognize one. The shame and insecurity for remaining a plain beta were evident in his eyes. 

Meanwhile, the Magistrate's demeanor shifted to a more businesslike tone. "Lord Qiu," he began, "considering the circumstances, I believe an additional reward for your trouble is in order."

Shen Jiu could care less about the shift in dynamics and posturing happening around him. All he cared about at that moment was he was no closer to A-Yuan. "Yuan-er," he rasped, his voice hoarse with emotion as he struggled to contain the tears threatening to fall.

Shen Yuan turned to him immediately, his expression softening with reassurance as he held him close. "It's okay now, Jiu-ge," he said reassuringly, his voice a soothing balm to Shen Jiu's frayed nerves. "I'll settle this."

The relief that washed over Shen Jiu was like a tidal wave. The tension in his body, a constant companion for years, finally began to ease. He swayed slightly, his legs threatening to give way beneath him. Years of abuse and malnourishment, coupled with the raw emotions he'd been holding back, finally took their toll.

There were so many things he wanted to ask his brother.

How had he been through the years?

Was he doing okay?

Where was Qi-ge?

Why was he here with another person instead of Yue Qi?

Also why, despite his reassuring tone, Shen Yuan's scent was giving off a bitterness of distress since they reunited?

Before Shen Jiu could even form the words, the world spun around him, the voices fading into a distant hum. The last thing he registered was the feel of strong arms catching him before he hit the ground, and the familiar scent of sandalwood filling his senses – a comforting anchor in the sea of darkness that claimed him.

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Shen Yuan is just bulshitting his way through those negotiations, btw. 

This is mostly on Shen Jiu's POV so yes, it's going to be confusing for the next few chapters. 

I'm still fleshing out the entire idea for this work, so updates will be very spontaneous. Really, it might probably take a while.

If you guys have any ideas or suggestions please don't be shy and let me know. I need it! Also, please share your thoughts on this work in the comments. I think it would really help me work with this one. 

Notes: