“Between the two of you? Forgive my mistake. What is your relationship?”

“Oh” there was an immediate understanding when Tianlang-jun’s novels were mentioned and Zhuzhi-lang’s look of despair mirrored Liu Qingge’s.

“I am sure My Lord will love it…” and make me read it aloud to him… speculating all the time about the meaning behind sending him something salacious as this…

“Oh! I see, it is understandable that you would not recognize me. I was much uglier when we first met. But you spared me. As such I owe you.”

I owe Master Shen a debt of gratitude. If there was anything within my power to give to improve your mood, I would give it.

You are to be a representative of the sects. So you must be on your best behaviour… though I am sure everyone there would rather you make a scene and give them a reason to do another raid…

I assure you it will not be. The demon court is a place of rigidly enforced discipline and hierarchy. Junshang is… the way he is… because he is the only one who no one outranks.

[he sighed, and when the water boiled he poured tea for the lump laying in bed.]

We have a banquet to attend today.

[he set a kettle to boiling on the stove and began flipping through Gongyi Xiao’s closet to find appropriate robes for the demon court, throwing them at him.]

[He blushed]

Mistress Shen, you really must try to maintain your dignity more than this…

Oh? You’re awake?

I have some osthmanthus baijiu if you would like that…

@prlssccmbr.bsky.social

Xiao-hong reported that Master Shen spotted her in his cottage, fed her a piece of chicken, and treated her with gentleness… perhaps he is warming up to serpents? It is certainly a better reception than Lu’er got…

If it is not realgar wine again this subordinate may wish to join you.

Nothing anymore. We were cast out of the heavens eons ago but the origins give us some talent to be thankful for.

[a few snakes peeked out of Zhuzhi-lang’s clothing curiously.]

I fear I cannot say I dislike spending my time with snakes.

It is kind of you to view me as one of your kind.

Junshang is Tianlang-Jun, the last and most talented heavenly demon monarch.

That depends on if you come in friendship or in malice. Junshang is happy to grant asylum to those who need it if they agree to behave.

No you can get close. I do not need to be strong at the moment.

I do not mind very much which form. I am mildly stronger in this body, but that’s it.