winepouring | Overflow Post

Continued...

[ He still hiding back there as he watches this hotheaded man fall on ass into the spring.

But- accusing him of sneaking!!

Shi Qingxuan stands up and puts his hand on his hip. If they weren't both men, this would be at least mildly embarrassing. Since they are, though, Shi Qingxuan, honestly, does not really feel that embarrassed. Clearly the way to show he's not sneaking is to just...more or less come out? ]

Who's sneaking? Isn't it normal to want some privacy when you're undressing? There isn't a changing area here, so this spot has to do!

[ Shameless!

Liu Qingge feels, however, if he looks away that he's losing ... something? He is able to stare at the naked man for a time before he drops his gaze. His jaw bunches as he feels the tips of his ears turn red.

Just think ... a few years ago, he was able to fight against dozens of naked succubi and now he is not able to look at one naked man. But let's be fair... he was really mad when he fought the women so he didn't care about their state of undress. ]

Didn't you realize that the waters were occupied? Are you thinking of joining me?

[ Yeah, that's one thing to call him, but even he feels a little awkward being stared at--ah, he's going to hurried bend down and grab his hair ribbon. Grab his hair ribbon and pretend he wasn't being stared at...

He starts tending to his hair as he replies, taking his hair ribbon and using it to pull his his hair into a high ponytail. ]

Is that a problem? Aren't public springs like this meant for multiple people?

[ He glances back over at him as he finishes with his hair. ]

We all had an awful time getting here, so we should all at least enjoy the springs. I'll sit at the opposite end, though.

[ Well ... that is a good point.

He frowns a little. Is he being unreasonable? He turns back around -- carefully this time; it wouldn't do to fall back down!! -- and tosses his hair over his shoulder. In a dignified manner!! ]

Fine. Come join me and stop standing around. [ The tips of his ears are bright, bright red and he can only hope that it isn't noticed. ]

[ He definitely notices, but there are some things you just don't talk about!!

In the end, this all worked out! No need to consider why anyone may or may not be blushing. Shi Qingxuan gives a small laugh and something of a grateful gesture in return. ]

Thank you!

[ And with that, he carefully makes his way out of the bushes, about equally unwilling to copy that earlier move and fall on his face.

As he slides into the water, he goes ahead and keeps talking. If he acts normal, this is not an awkward situation. ]

Is this your first time coming to something like this?

[ He breathes out a sigh through his nose. ]

You're welcome. [ Even if it was sarcastic, Liu Qingge wouldn't have been able to tell easily if it was. ]

It is. [ His pride isn't so grand that he can't admit something of that sort. Still, he crosses his arms and pushes out his chest. ] Normally, no one would think to share any waters with me.

[ He said he would go to the other side, but since they're talking now, at whatever questionable level of friendliness this is, Shi Qingxuan has more so settled a few feet away from him. This is fine!! The heat of the springs make the longevity lock still around his neck particularly warm against his skin, but it's nothing that bothers him.

...This man is so prideful, Shi Qingxuan thinks. Everything about him is proud. Even naked, he really has the air of a young lord, doesn't he? Nevermind that his words just reinforce that. ]

There's a first time for everything, isn't there? Most people here have no issue sharing waters like this regardless of who they are and who they're with. It might seem a little strange at first, but soaking together can actually be very fun!

[ He pulls his knees up to rest his head on them. ]

Ah, by the way, my name is Shi Qingxuan. Wind Master Qingxuan. May I ask your name?

That's getting a little too familiar.

[ The tips of his ears are still bright, bright red. He turns his head quickly the other way so that his long black hair can cover his ears without making it too obvious -- it is still probably very obvious due to how honest a person Liu Qingge is in everything he does. ]

Sharing waters with anyone... that could lead a person to become quite shameless. [ He decides to make a point of saying, because that's what's too familiar, not giving names. Names are fine!

But anyway, if they're giving titles and all that... ]

Liu Qingge. Bai Zhan Peak's War God.

[ ...What a shy martial god. Did you also cultivate a path of purity?

Regardless, Shi Qingxuan can read the atmosphere enough that he turns to face forward, eyes traveling the horizon and not his companion's face. ]

It's an honor to meet you, Lord Liu. Rest assured, if anyone was truly shameless here, this Wind Master would take care of them. I've yet to meet such people here, though.

[ Because he wasn't that shameless!! He was a normal level of shameless!! Liu Qingge is definitely talking about another kind of person. ]

[ Hm.

The person ... isn't so bad.

Liu Qingge breathes out as he feels a little more at ease. The person is showing him respect but he can't let things go with what he's said. ]

If there are such shameless people here, you should leave it to my blade. [ Right, right? Didn't he say that he was Bai Zhan Peak's War God? If there is someone shameless, he will cut them down! ]

[ It seems regardless of what heavenly realm one belongs to, a martial god is still a martial god. To Shi Qingxuan's credit, he doesn't laugh at that fact, but his smile is evident in his lilting voice. ]

Is that so? Then I shall leave any such person to Lord Liu to handle!

[ Smiling smiling. The strange sense of familiarity is comforting. ]

I don't believe the two of us come from the same world, so I'm afraid I've never heard of your Bai Zhan Peak. Can you tell me about it?

[ He gives a curt nod. ]

That is what this sword is for.

[ Liu Qingge makes a gesture to the sword in question before he tosses the sword back up into the air. The blade glows bright white before it shudders and flies back to its sheath. He didn't do it to show off! Honest! It just seems like he shouldn't keep having a sword out while talking and taking a bath with someone... ]

You do not come from my world? [ He's surprised and yet not. There are many people that he's seen that do not look like they would fit in his world, after all. But he did not get that same impression from Shi Qingxuan. Still, he gives another curt nod and explains: ]

It is a peak for fighting.

[ Thank you for sheathing that sword, Lord War God. While he's still pointedly giving him his privacy, he does let himself watch the show with his sword. It is a nice sword, Shi Qingxuan thinks, and his control of it is very befitting of his title. Xie-xiong would definitely appreciate something like that... Ah, if this guy is nice, maybe he can introduce them later. Does Xie Lian not deserve more martial god friends? He absolutely does!

Though at that question, he glances over with his eyes. ]

If we came from the same world, I feel as though at least one of us would have heard of the other.

[ But he never heard of a martial god Liu Qingge or a Bai Zhan Peak, and Liu Qingge didn't seem to recognize his name or his title. And Shi Qingxuan is very popular! This Liu Qingge would have absolutely heard of him if they were both part of the same heavens!

He explains and yet...Shi Qingxuan does not feel as if he's learned anything at all. He rubs at his forehead. ]

It's for fighting...what?

That is a fair assumption.

[ Who in the cultivation world has not heard of him? Even if his name is mocked thanks to countless losses to Luo Binghe, it is still known. He glares at the surface of the water for a second. It isn't his pride that hurts -- not anymore. The first two years ruined his pride; no, he only thinks that it is unfortunate it took so long to bring Shen Qingqiu's body home.

Even if he knows the truth, it still is a sore spot in his heart. ]

Fighting what? [ He turns slightly back to Shi Qingxuan. His head tilts slightly -- could it be in other worlds, they do not fight demons?? ] We fight demons, spirits, and other creatures that threaten the mortal world.

Of course, ah. [ In hindsight, wasn't that an obvious answer? Though he had to wonder if he was "of Bai Zhan Peak" before or after ascending. If before- he really could have been fighting anything!! Aren't most martial gods former generals?!

Though now he has even more questions. ]

Though I must know, is that to say your Bai Zhan Peak is part of the heavenly realm?

[ He asks, because that's the part he doesn't get. Shouldn't a heavenly realm be above any mountains? Why just that one peak at that? Are there many war gods on that Bai Zhan Peak? He's very curious now, and he's this close to turning his head so he can talk to Liu Qingge properly, but he reins himself in. ]

Do you fight something else in your world?

[ Why does he sound kind of a little too interested about that? Don't worry about it. Really don't. He is someone who has fighting on the brain no matter what -- and if fighting whatever is in Shi Qingxuan's world would make him stronger to protect his people, he will do it. Before he did it just to enhance his skills, he now has another purpose for it. ]

Part of the heavenly realm? [ He frowns and crosses his arms in thought. Did he uncross and recross his arms? He might have. Liu Qingge doesn't believe that Shi Qingxuan means the heavenly realm, but rather if its skills could place it among such a realm. ]

Of course, it is.

[ ...Why is he so interested in what they fight--wait, Shi Qingxuan knows why: Martial God Brain. ]

Ah, no no, that's how it is in my world as well!

[ He shakes his head, waving a hand. Was that offensive? Aah!

Time to continue explaining: ]

Rather, I wasn't sure if you were currently residing at Bai Zhan Peak or if that was simply part of your domain. See, the heavenly realm of my world exists above the mortal realm; there are no mountains there. I thought that your Bai Zhan Peak was simply particularly important to you before you ascended.

I see?

[ Shi Qingxuan might get the impression of a question mark appearing over the top of Liu Qingge's head. Like he isn't certain why he is asked what his peak fights in the first place.

But that imaginary question mark slowly straightens and turns into an exclaimation point. ]

The heavenly realm? It also exists above the mortal realm of my world. [ Wait, what? An odd aside in the middle of their talk about his peak, but sure. ] Bai Zhan Peak is my Peak. I am its Peak Lord and I resign there. [ A beat. ] Sometimes.

[ His arms drop back down into the water, making a small splash. The red tinge on the tip of his ears has faded. ]

I go and fight trouble in the world. I am rarely there, but it is where I live. [ He really isn't someone that likes talking much and keeps his explanations brief and to the point. The quickest way from point A to point B is a straight line and Liu Qingge considers himself a knife!! ]

Ascended? [ Acquired the title of War God? Becoming a Peak Lord? Those things would not be possible without Bai Zhan Peak, so he can honestly say: ] It is important to me.

[ They can be equally confused. Shi Qingxuan feels as though they are on somewhat separate strains of thought, but...he supposes what he's saying makes enough sense. ]

I see, I see. So it's both your domain and your present residence.

[ He's a god who chooses to reside in the mortal realm! Shi Qingxuan can admire someone who chooses to stay in the mortal realm to better manage their believer's wishes and protect them.

So, he smiles. ]

I believe I understand now. You're quite strong and reliable, aren't you? Your Bai Zhan Peak must truly be well-liked in your own world.

[ The fact "peak lord" is also Shen Qingqiu's title notwithstanding. More than one world can have "peak lords"! ]

That's right.

[ He offers another curt nod.

The praise given to him is something that gives him pause. He isn't one that would cause his own peak to lose face by admitting that is not quite the case, but he also isn't one that likes to gain something without earning it. ]

I am their War God. So long a they stand behind me, I will fight for them. [ That much he can say with confidence. He doesn't think that he can win all fights -- not anymore, but he does believe something will come from the effort he puts in. ]

And you? You have been given the title "Wind Master."

[ Definitely a good and reliable god. Ah, he really likes that... If nothing else, the spirit of "As long as they stand behind me, I will fight for them," is something he really likes.

Then when the conversation turns to himself- ]

Yes, I'm the Wind Master!

[ ?? Does more need to be said? Well, Shi Qingxuan doesn't miss a beat in continuing to explain, just in case his own world doesn't have someone with such a title. ]

I'm one of the five elemental masters currently. I control the winds, so I'm the wind master!

[ He's essentially beaming proudly as he says that. He likes being the wind master; he's proud of it! ]

Actually, I ranked second among the elemental masters at the latest battle of the lanterns. The Palace of the Wind Master is also quite popular.

[ His eyebrows raise a little at hearing the repeated title. However, it seems like Shi Qingxuan is someone of merit in his own world -- someone who has become quite well-versed in commanding the elements to where they gave him a prominent title. ]

I see?

[ Battle of lanterns? The last part is one that he didn't know, but this person is someone who has some skill to them. It is when he takes a step forward to suggest that they spar does he feel the resistance of water around him --

-- and he remembers that the two of them are standing waist deep in water. He turns back around as he wishes the water was high enough to sink down in. ]

Does that mean you have many disciples? [ Yes, say that instead! ]

[ At the sound - and feel - of the water displacing with his movement, Shi Qingxuan finally turns his head to look at him properly.

...and then he just stops...there? And turns around?

????

Shi Qingxuan isn't bothered, just confused. He looks around them to see if anything has changed, but surely he wouldn't have made a move over a squirrel scurrying around a tree? ]

Disciples?

[ He echoes, blinking in confusion. Disciples...as in middle heaven officials that he's personally brought up? He supposes the relationship between patron official and middle heaven official can be a bit like that between master and disciple. Certainly better than simply master and servant (though that is precisely the relationship many share).

Though to ask this, Peak Lord Liu must consider his middle heaven officials to be his disciples. That explains a lot, honestly. ]

There are only a few in my palace personally, but I don't consider them my disciples exactly. I'm not suited to be anyone's shizun.

[ He waves a dismissive hand.. ]

How many do you have under your care as the lord of Bai Zhan Peak?

!!!!

[ Liu Qingge feels Shi Qingxuan looking in his direction and turns his face even more into his shoulder. He may have also somewhat forgot to keep moving his hands to clean himself and now just has his arms firmly crossed in front of his chest. ]

Disciples.

[ He repeats the word back -- almost forgetting what he had asked the Wind Master but thankfully, his mind had not turned to such jelly that he forgot something of that kind.

His arms loosen from how they are crossed in front of his chest and drops down slightly into the water at Shi Qingxuan admitting that he did not feel like he was suited to be anyone's shizun.

That isn't a sentiment that is foreign to Liu Qingge. The manner in which he taught his disciples couldn't really be called teaching them. He would show up once a month, beat them all senseless, and leave to find some new challenge in the world. He expected them to find thei rown path and their own answer to their cultivation with the most basic of basic manuals on how to form their own core.

But that is how Liu Qingge was taught and how he learned. Yet somehow ... seeing how Shen Qingqiu had come to care for his disciples, in how the Peak Lord would come to his peak to ask for his help in showing certain moves and skills, he realizes that his method of teaching may be a little shallow?

But that isn't the question that Shi Qingxuan is asking him, so he provides instead: ]

A few.

[ A beat. ]

And one day, one of them will kill me and become the next Peak Lord. [ Liu Qingge sounds proud of this fact. Because he is. It means that they've completed their training and their skills are at their highest to be able to fight and kill even a cultivation master.

Hm.

But would that be strong enough to handle every and all threats after that? He suddenly ... isn't sure. ]

They're good. [ He finishes. Like that sentence fits somewhere in what he just said. ]

...

[ He'll go ahead and politely turn away to give him his space again... He's never met a man who was so shy around other men. You're not bad-looking, so what's there to be shy about?

Anyway.

It's hard to really think much on how Liu Qingge is overly shy when he says things like one of them will kill me like that's a good thing!! ]

What?!

[ Those thirty seconds of turning away are over already because- he can't be serious!? He has to look at his face again!! How can he look so serious saying something like that?! ]

Liu- Peak Lord Liu, you can't be serious! Even if one of them ascends, isn't killing you to take your place a bit much? Haha... Surely descending would be enough? Though I don't see a reason there can only be you or your successor...

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