Shen Jiu's consciousness wavered, slipping in and out of lucidity as his body wrestled with the dual torments of fever and exhaustion. Each fleeting moment of clarity came with the dull ache of his battered form, but through it all, Shen Yuan's presence stood as an anchor. His touch was careful, his voice steady, a rare balm against the chaos.

Muffled voices echoed faintly around him. He strained to piece together fragments of tense conversations, but the effort was like grasping at the mist. Despite the haze clouding his senses, one thing was clear: Shen Yuan's scent, tinged with bitter distress, persisted.

"..... deviation! Shixiong!"

" Have.... contract."

"-orders-"

"...hurry..... you need...."

"-a few more days..."

"....can't do..."

"Irresponsible.... return to the... immediately."

A dull throbbing pulsed behind his eyes, a persistent rhythm that dragged Shen Jiu back to consciousness. The world came into focus slowly—blurry shapes solidifying into the wooden interior of a carriage. Discomfort prickled at his skin, a dull ache radiating from his limbs. Memories flickered back—the Qiu household, the fight—and then... A-Yuan!

He tried to rise, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him back down onto the makeshift bed of furs. "Da-Ge?" The voice that calls his name is familiar and full of anxiety.

Perhaps it is the knowledge of the impossibility of hearing that voice that makes him turn his head to meet the concerned eyes—relief washed over Shen Jiu, a warm wave that momentarily eclipsed the throbbing pain.

"A-Yuan..." His voice rasped, a dry croak that caused him to wince. His brow furrowed, eyes struggling to focus on Shen Yuan.

"Don't try to talk," Shen Yuan soothed, gently pressing a bag filled with a cool liquid into his hands. "Here, drink this. It will help your throat."

Shen Jiu took a sip, the coolness a welcome sensation that eased the burning dryness in his throat. The liquid trickled down, providing much-needed relief. With renewed strength, he mustered a weak question, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"Where... where are we?"

"We're heading to the Cang Qiong Sect," Shen Yuan replied, his expression serious yet reassuring. "I wish we could stay until you're more fit to travel, but we need to go back quickly." Shen Yuan bit his lip, he looked worried and anxious about Shen Jiu's condition. "One of my shixiong there is much better equipped to handle your injuries than me."

Shen Jiu's eyes fluttered closed briefly as he absorbed the information. His gaze settled on Shen Yuan, who was busy changing his bandages, and a flicker of relief in his eyes despite the pain.  The malnourished boy from the streets, with haunted eyes and a frail frame, was gone. In his place was a young man of quiet grace and beauty - something he and Qi-ge had always imagined Shen Yuan to become if their life was better than being a street urchin. He looks better yet somehow it doesn't quite feel right. 

"So," he managed, his voice a bit stronger now, "my little brother has become quite the capable cultivator in such a short time."

"I'm not a capable cultivator," Shen Yuan retorted, his tone laced with a sardonic bite that made Shen Jiu's eyebrows raise. "If I were, I would have broken that Qui bastard's bones as much as the number of whip lashes you have endured."

Ah, there he was. The snarky little brother, was never one to mince words, even if those words were now sharper and more venomous than Shen Jiu remembered.

"Is it time to be smiling?" Shen Yuan huffed "Do you know the condition that you are in? It's good that I have good knowledge of medicine, or else who knows how long you would have to suffer in pain?"He paused, a frown tugging at his brows. 

"Yes, yes, you are so great," Shen Jiu drawled, a teasing lilt in his voice despite his weakened state. "The hero of the hour, the savior of the damsel in distress..." A sly grin spread across his face. "Though perhaps your talents lie more in nagging than in healing."

A faint blush tinged Shen Yuan's cheeks as he muttered, "You're as annoying as ever." But the sharpness in his eyes softened, replaced by a flicker of guilt.

"A-Yuan, you don't have to worry so much." Shen Jiu sighed. "I've endured worse than this."

"You shouldn't have to," Shen Yuan countered. "No one should." His voice dropped to a whisper, carrying the weight of years of regret. "Qi-ge and I... we still regret leaving you behind that night."

A wry smile touched Shen Jiu's lips. "We both knew the situation – it was either the two of you escaping or none of us at all." Of course, he's still angry at Yue Qi's rashness and impulsiveness for landing him in that hellhole.  A part of him is still bitter that his brothers had so easily believed his lie about his legs being broken and left him in that place alone to suffer.

"And if Yue Qi is so guilty why didn't he come with you?" Shen Jiu asked, unable to keep the bitterness from his tone. "Unless the idiot kicked the bucket somewhere along the way to the Cangqiong Mountain Sect, considering how I can still smell his scent on you, I'll assume that he's doing fine."

Shen Yuan stiffened, his grip tightening around the bandage. "It's not that Qi-ge didn't want to come," he said quietly, guilt and frustration lacing his voice. "He wanted to more than anything, but his Shizun forced him into secluded cultivation after his breakthrough. I only managed to leave the sect because Qi-ge begged the sect leader on my behalf, he even argued with his Shizun to let me go find you and bring you back for proper care. In the end, I had to agree to... certain conditions for my temporary leave."

Shen Jiu watched his brother closely, noting the emotions flickering across Shen Yuan's face. It was clear something significant had happened, and Yue Qi had gotten caught up in it. It was always like that—Yue Qi had a talent for finding trouble. That idiot.

Taking a deep breath, Shen Jiu spoke, "You came back... like you promised." Right now, that was what mattered most. His brothers hadn't forgotten him; he wasn't abandoned to die. The warmth of knowing they had fought to return for him brought a comfort he hadn't felt in years.

At least Yue Qi hadn't forgotten his promise. For that alone, Shen Jiu was willing to overlook Qi-ge not coming with Shen Yuan to retrieve him. But when he saw him, Yue Qi would certainly get an earful for everything else. Hmph!

Shen Yuan visibly relaxed at Shen Jiu's words, the tension in his shoulders easing as relief washed over him.

Shen Jiu couldn't help but stare, disbelief still lingering in his chest. If not for the throbbing pain of his injuries, he might have convinced himself this was all a dream. The reality of his freedom, his brother's return, felt too surreal.

"You know," Shen Jiu began, his voice barely a whisper, "when things got unbearable, I told myself it was a blessing you weren't here. If you'd stayed, you would've suffered worse than I did." He shuddered at the memory of Qiu Jianluo's predatory gleam, how the man had leered at his sister. He could easily imagine what horrors Shen Yuan, as an omega, would have endured if captured—especially with Qiu Jianluo's obsession with alphas and omegas.

A pang of guilt hit Shen Jiu as he thought of Qiu Haitang. She had always been a victim, trapped under her brother's control. In the end, Shen Jiu had been selfish. His own survival had always been his priority, even if it meant abandoning others.

A heavy silence fell over the carriage, broken only by the steady clopping of hooves on the dirt road.

"I could say the same to you, Jiu-ge," Shen Yuan finally spoke. "Your scent... you're presenting as an omega."

Ah, of course, A-Yuan would notice. It was the same fake pheromone Shen Jiu had learned to create—one Shen Yuan had once used to avoid attention when they lived on the streets.

"When did you start presenting?" Shen Yuan asked.

"Two months ago," Shen Jiu replied, his voice low. "The timing... wasn't ideal." His eyes closed as he tried to block out the painful memories—the violence, the humiliation at the Qiu household. His vulnerability to Qiu Jianluo still haunted him. "I suspected I was an omega when you presented. I had the same signs you did back then."

"I see," Shen Yuan said, releasing a soothing wave of his own omega scent—bamboo sap and wild orchids, calming and protective. It was a silent offering of comfort, a balm for the unspoken anxieties.

Shen Jiu took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent calm him. It was safe, wrapping around him like a protective embrace, slowly steadying his trembling.

"Did you have your first heat?" Shen Yuan asked gently.

"No," Shen Jiu admitted. "I haven't gone into heat since presenting. I've been worried, but after a month passed, I thought maybe I was like you." He remembered Shen Yuan hadn't experienced a heat either when he first presented, possibly due to his young age at the time.

"My case is a bit unusual," Shen Yuan mused. "I think you haven't fully completed your presentation yet."

Shen Jiu frowned. "What do you mean?"

Before Shen Yuan could respond, a voice interrupted from outside the carriage, "Shen-shixiong, we're here."

Shen Yuan quickly moved to assist Shen Jiu as the carriage came to a halt. With careful hands, he supported his brother, mindful of his injured body. "Careful," Shen Yuan murmured, his arm firmly wrapped around Shen Jiu's waist to steady him. Shen Jiu winced slightly as he shifted, his body still weak from his injuries, but he leaned into Shen Yuan's support without protest.

As they stepped out of the carriage, Shen Yuan briefly glanced at the disciple who had been driving. "Thank you, shidi," he said with a nod of gratitude, before turning his attention fully back to Shen Jiu, making sure his brother could stand.

Shen Jiu blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by their surroundings. They were perched on top of a mountain, the air crisp and cool. He hadn't noticed the steady incline while inside the carriage, too absorbed in their conversation.

Ahead of them loomed the grand gates, a large plaque hanging above the entrance, inscribed with the name "Qian... Cao Peak?" he muttered, uncertain if he had read it correctly. The characters seemed familiar, but his mind was sluggish, making it difficult to piece them together.

"Yes, Qian Cao Peak," Shen Yuan confirmed. "It's one of the twelve peaks of the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, and this is where you'll get the proper care you need, Jiu-ge," he continued, "I'm also a disciple of Qian Cao Peak, so I'll make sure you receive the best treatment."

Shen Jiu blinked and gave a slow nod, deciding to ask Shen Yuan and learn more about the sect later. 

Shen Yuan guided him into a room filled with the rich scent of herbs and medicine. Inside, a disciple was grinding herbs in a stone mortar, the rhythmic sound adding to the calming atmosphere.

"Mu-shixiong, I'm back," Shen Yuan announced.

The disciple looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Welcome back, Shen-shidi." Then he turned his gaze to Shen Jiu. "And who is this?"

"This is my brother, Shen Jiu. Jiu-ge, this is Mu Qingfang, the head disciple of Qian Cao Peak," Shen Yuan introduced.

"He needs care for his injuries," Shen Yuan added, his voice a quiet plea for the healer to act quickly.

Mu Qingfang nodded, his expression shifting to one of concern as he took in Shen Jiu's condition. "Let's get you comfortable, Shen Jiu." He gestured to a low bench near the window. "Sit here while I gather what we need."

As Shen Jiu took a seat, his unease flared. He felt skittish with the healer—a stranger, despite his calm demeanor. The unease he carried from his past experiences made it difficult to relax, to trust. He tried to reassure himself, glancing over at Shen Yuan, who remained close by. With a long breath, Shen Jiu settled onto the bench, though the tension in his muscles remained.

Mu Qingfang moved quickly, collecting the herbs and tools he needed. The sound of jars clicking together, the soft rustle of cloth—each noise further unsettled Shen Jiu, though he forced himself to focus on the present, grounding himself in the reality that Shen Yuan was there.

"Alright," Mu Qingfang said after a brief pause, sitting across from him. "Could you extend your wrist? I need to take your pulse."

Shen Jiu hesitated, his instincts urging him to pull back. The idea of anyone touching him so intimately, even for a medical reason, made his heart race. After a long moment, he reluctantly offered his wrist. Just as Mu Qingfang's fingers were about to make contact, Shen Jiu flinched, the movement sharp and abrupt.

Mu Qingfang paused, surprise flashing in his eyes before he quickly masked it with a gentle, reassuring smile. "It's alright," he murmured. "Take your time."

Shen Jiu swallowed hard, trying to suppress the rush of anxiety building inside him. He forced himself to extend his wrist again, this time with less resistance but still with lingering hesitation. Mu Qingfang's touch was light, almost tentative, and Shen Jiu focused on the soothing presence of his brother beside him to stave off the uncomfortable feelings that swelled in his chest.

After a moment of concentration, Mu Qingfang gently withdrew his hand. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Now, may I ask how you received these injuries?"

The question hit a nerve. Shen Jiu's gaze darkened, and he felt a sudden rush of anger. The pity in Mu Qingfang's eyes was unmistakable, and he loathed the feeling that surged within him at the sight. It reminded him too much of the countless people who had looked at him with pity but never once offered help.

"It's none of your business," he shot back, his voice cold, though the words came out sharper than he intended.

Mu Qingfang's expression softened, his gaze unruffled by the bite in Shen Jiu's tone. "I did not mean to pry," he said calmly. "I simply wanted to understand the cause of your injuries. You don't need to share anything you're not ready to."

Shen Jiu fell silent, biting back the words he longed to say. It wasn't as though he owed Mu Qingfang anything, but the understanding in the healer's eyes gave him pause.

Mu Qingfang continued, shifting his focus. "I notice the whip marks on your back and several broken bones that haven't healed properly. It seems Shen Yuan has done his best with your wounds, but deeper treatment is needed to ensure full recovery. We'll need to set those bones and work to promote proper healing. It will take time, but you'll feel better once we start."

Shen Jiu's heart sank at the thought of enduring more treatment, but he knew it was necessary. He clenched his fists to steady his nerves.

"What concerns me more, however," Mu Qingfang said thoughtfully, "is that you're currently in the process of presenting as an omega. I can't proceed with treatment if you might go into heat at any moment, as it could lead to further injuries."

"What do you mean? Haven't I presented as an omega?" Shen Jiu frowned, his mind drifting back to Shen Yuan's earlier mention of his incomplete presentation. "If it's because I haven't gone into heat, isn't it normal for some omegas not to go into heat when they present?"

Mu Qingfang blinked in surprise before glancing at Shen Yuan, who simply shook his head, equally perplexed. Then an idea came to mind as he looked at the brothers. 

He understood that Shen Jiu might lack knowledge about omegas despite being one himself. Omegas were quite rare, and the foundation of his understanding came from Shen Yuan, whose case was certainly unique. "Shen-shidi is an unusual case; he presented early, and there's a circumstances that made it unnecessary for him to go through heat at that time."

Shen Jiu's expression shifted, curiosity sparking in his eyes as he silently urged for an explanation.

Mu Qingfang cleared his throat, a careful look crossing his face. He was unsure of the extent of Shen Jiu's knowledge about Shen Yuan's specific situation. While they were brothers, he couldn't simply reveal sensitive information, especially with Shen Yuan himself in the room. He chose his words with deliberate care.

"It seems there's a misunderstanding," Mu Qingfang began, choosing his words carefully. "Omegas don't always experience their first heat immediately after presenting. In fact, the process can take time, and your body is still adjusting. What you're sensing now—the change in your scent—is just the first stage. Your body is transitioning, but it's far from complete."

Shen Jiu's eyes widened, and he instinctively looked toward Shen Yuan for confirmation. He recalled the faint, sweet scent that had surrounded his brother when Shen Yuan had first presented. Back then, no one had understood the significance, dismissing his complaints as hunger pangs until Yue Qi had noticed the subtle shift in his brother's scent.

Mu Qingfang continued, "The scent starts off light, then gradually becomes stronger as the omega's body matures. This can take months. And during this time, omegas don't experience their first heat. It's only when their bodies are fully ready that the cycle begins."

Shen Jiu stared at Mu Qingfang, processing the revelation. "So, I'm still... transitioning?" he murmured, a mixture of disbelief and anxiety tightening his chest.

"Yes," Mu Qingfang affirmed. "You are in the process of it. And until you complete this transition, we need to focus on your recovery, especially your wounds. Then, we'll prepare for your first heat."

Shen Jiu nodded, his thoughts a jumble of new information and worries he hadn't considered. "What kind of treatment will I need?"

Mu Qingfang outlined the plan, speaking of herbal poultices and calming teas to help Shen Jiu adjust, as well as ointments for his wounds. He then hesitated, before asking, "Do you have a place to stay while you undergo this transition?"

"No need," Shen Yuan interrupted, his tone light but firm. "Jiu-ge can stay at my house while he nests. It's safest for him there."

Mu Qingfang raised an eyebrow, a slight frown tugging at his lips. "Won't Yue-shixiong mind?"

Shen Yuan gave him a puzzled look. "Why would he mind? It's my house, and I'm sure he'd agree with me. The familiar scent of family will make it safer for Jiu-ge, and I won't be around much to help. I'll be going into seclusion soon, so it'll put my mind at ease."

Mu Qingfang paused, considering the logic before nodding. "If that's what you believe is best," he said, though his concern didn't completely dissipate. "I'll leave the rest in your hands, Shen Yuan."

Shen Yuan smiled, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders but still present with a sense of care. "Thank you, Mu-shixiong."

With that, Mu Qingfang gathered his supplies and left the room, leaving Shen Jiu to process everything he'd just learned.

Shen Jiu turned to Shen Yuan, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What do you mean by entering seclusion?" he asked, a hint of concern threading through his voice. "So, you're going to leave me here alone?"

Shen Yuan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm afraid so," he said softly. "The sect leader has set this condition. Since I took time away from the sect to help you, I need to go into seclusion to focus on my cultivation when I return. But I promise I'll make sure you're well taken care of before I leave."

Shen Jiu's heart sank at the thought of being alone again. The warmth and safety he had found in his brother's presence was something he hadn't experienced in years. The idea of being torn away from that comfort made his chest tighten.

Shen Yuan noticed the shift in Shen Jiu's expression and reached out, gently squeezing his hand. "Don't worry, Jiu-ge. It'll be fine. I'm simply joining Qi-ge in seclusion. We'll be back before you know it. And Mu-shixiong will be here to look after you."

Shen Jiu nodded, trying to mask the unease creeping into his heart. He had to trust that everything would be okay, even if the thought of being separated from his brother again filled him with dread. Still, he was in a safe place now, far from the dangers of the Qiu Household. At least, this time, he knew where his brothers were and didn't have to worry about whether they were alive or dead.

The brothers spent the remaining time Shen Yuan had before his seclusion glued to one another, sharing stories and memories to catch up with each others from the years they were apart, though it was mostly Shen Yuan who did the talking. Shen Yuan introduced Shen Jiu to the wonders of Qian Cao Peak, pointing out various landmarks, explaining the significance of the sect's practices, and letting him get acquainted with other disciples.

A disciple from Qiong Ding Peak arrived three days later, bringing a message for Shen Yuan. As he read the note, Shen Yuan's expression shifted from relaxed to pouting.

"It looks like it's time for me to go," he whined, his voice dripping with exaggerated disappointment.

Shen Jiu couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's antics, though a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach. "You should go, A-Yuan. It's important," he urged, trying to mask his own unease.

"I know, I know," Shen Yuan replied, his playful demeanor faltering for a moment. "But I was hoping for just a little more time with you."

"Three days is a lot, and you need to focus on your cultivation," Shen Jiu insisted, a mix of encouragement and reluctance in his tone. He senses that there is more to this secluded cultivation that Shen Yuan is not telling, but he can only let it go and ask him after he's out.

"I'll be fine here. You've prepared everything, and Mu Qingfang will look after me."

Shen Yuan sighed, "You're right. I'll get through this quickly and be back before you know it." hugged Shen Jiu before he left. 

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So,  Shen Jiu came across as a bit out of character here.

In my view, SJ had already managed to leave the Qiu Household before his hopes were completely crushed by QJL and he still hasn't encountered Wu Yanzi. Plus, with SY keeping his promise to return, SJ isn't as jaded as the original version, who was distrustful and always on edge. In this fanfiction, he's in a healthier state of mind, which allows him to retain a touch of naivety and a hint of childishness. 

He's only a bit clingy with SY (that's why SY needs to be in seclusion) and still rejects others. 

There are some parts that aren't fully fleshed out and can be confusing since this is mostly SJ's POV who still knew nothing what is going on in CQMS, I'll try to address it slowly as the story progress. 

Thank you so much for reading. Please wait for the next update.