บท 135: An Educational Book

Qinghe and Wei Xiang were lying down side by side on the bed, fresh out of a bath after a bout of strenuous bed activities.

The sheets were neat and clean now, though a vague smell of sweat and sex still lingered in the room. Soon, Wei Xiang would head off to work with Feng Huixin while Qinghe, on the other hand, had just secured a day off today from accompanying his mother to the heavenly armies. And so, the couple had taken this time in between to play and romp around between the sheets.

As the thin lines of morning light piercing through the gap between the curtains lit the room softly, the pair of lovers comfortably snuggled in the bed, eyes wide open.

In the hushed quiet, Wei Xiang spoke in a low, husky voice, "Qinghe, did you like what we did today?"

A faint pink blush suffused Qinghe's cheeks. "Y-Yes… Of course I did. Couldn't you tell it by the way I kept asking you to touch me more like that?"

Wei Xiang chuckled. Ah, how bold his beloved had grown.

He thought back to a certain night long ago and wondered at how far his little lover had come from that uncertain and shy young man of their first time together.

Qinghe had now become so much more assertive and confident while also learning how to give pleasure back even as he unabashedly asked for more. There was still some bashfulness when he was faced with something for the first time, but he would still fully embrace it, learning even new sexual techniques diligently. For Wei Xiang, seeing this gradual transformation as Qinghe grew more comfortable with expressing himself sexually had been a very satisfying and interesting experience.

Now, Wei Xiang couldn't help but think, was it time to take this a bit further? But he was afraid that if he suggested exploring new levels, his beloved might agree to do it just because it was what Wei Xiang wanted and not because it was something Qinghe himself was interested in. After all, Wei Xiang knew that his Qinghe had the tendency to hold back his own dissatisfaction or discomfort if it meant that his loved ones could be happy. So rather than him suggesting doing something particular…

Wei Xiang sighed. "If it were anyone else, I'd ask them what fantasies they have and work from there, but…I suppose I can't apply that to you since you wouldn't have any fantasies of that sort, would you?"

Though Wei Xiang had only been muttering to himself, Qinghe still heard him and puffed up his cheeks in reaction. "Xiang, why would you say that? I have plenty of fantasies too!"

Wei Xiang focused his attention on the warm and lovable person in his arms and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Like what?"

Qinghe snuggled in deeper and answered, "Like…one time when I was little, I fantasized about how nice it would be if I had an entire room made with different types of sweets all to myself. I bet I could finish all that tasty furniture in under a week."

Looking at his little lover's blissful expression as he imagined that, Wei Xiang slumped over laughing.

Qinghe looked at his amused lover with puzzlement as he poked his shaking shoulder. "Xiang?"

Wei Xiang shook his head as he tried to get his chuckles under control, then tried to ask again, "Love, by fantasies, I mean sexual fantasies in particular."

Qinghe tilted his head confusedly. Since a room made of sweets wouldn't come under a sexual fantasy…

"Then…a room full of sex?" he replied in an uncertain voice.

Wei Xiang's barely-suppressed laughter burst out again.

Qinghe pouted, but seeing the wide smile on his beloved soon melted away his dissatisfaction. Ah well, even he had to admit that despite all these years, his knowledge about the things one could do during sex was limited. Maybe he should try to find out more. Then he could form sexual fantasies of his own and tell his Xiang about them!

Qinghe smiled to himself happily.

After he was done laughing to his heart's content, Wei Xiang let out a breath and finally got up. Qinghe sighed regretfully and also sat up. He really wanted to spend more time with his lover right now, but he supposed that he could wait a few more hours until Wei Xiang returned.

Since they'd already bathed, Wei Xiang simply took out a set of his new uniform for the Offices of Judgment to start dressing. This set of robes was less ornate than his Sentinel garb, but still more decorated than Feng Huixin's usual plain robe.

As Wei Xiang was in the process of wearing his inner clothes, Qinghe suddenly interrupted him. "Wait, Xiang, let me put it on for you."

Wei Xiang looked at him askance, so Qinghe explained, "I'm trying to pamper you for once, so be good and let me help you with it."

His eyes gleaming with affectionate amusement, Wei Xiang easily agreed, "Alright then, I'll try to be good."

And so, as Wei Xiang obediently cooperated, Qinghe carefully began the long and arduous process of fastening, buckling, strapping, and slotting in the various layers of robes, light armor, weapons, talismans and devices that were both hidden and easily accessible, along with all sorts of assorted ammunition. The entire set of clothes and equipment was likely to be as heavy as a huge boulder, but Wei Xiang moved light and limber even under all that weight. Once Wei Xiang was dressed, Qinghe diligently combed his lover's hair and arranged it in its usual hairdo.

As Qinghe finally helped his beloved with putting on his shoes, he looked up and asked, "Does everything fit alright? Is it uncomfortable anywhere?"

Wei Xiang bent down to place a small kiss on Qinghe's lips. "It's fine. Thank you for helping me."

Qinghe reached up and wrapped his arms around his beloved's shoulders and pulled him down to deepen the kiss. Wei Xiang's hands rested on his little lover's waist as he pulled Qinghe up to sit on his lap. Since Qinghe hadn't yet dressed, Wei Xiang's palms were able to directly touch and slide all over his beloved's bare body.

As Wei Xiang's naughty fingers slowly drifted downward and began teasing his slowly rising member, Qinghe moaned softly, but still leaned back, pushing away his eager lover. "…X-Xiang…enough for now… You won't be able to leave on time if this goes on."

Wei Xiang stopped despite the urgency burning inside him. Letting out a heavy breath, he nodded. "Alright, I'll head off now. I'll be back by this afternoon or evening."

Qinghe leaned in for one last peck on his beloved's cheek before standing up and taking a short step back to control himself. "I'm planning on heading down to the mortal realm today, so I'll probably be in my room in the sect when you return."

His gaze still fixed on his little lover's flushed face, Wei Xiang extended a hand and ran his fingertips over Qinghe's stomach decorated with a scattering of telltale pinks marks from before. Qinghe shuddered at the delicate sensation, but didn't stop his beloved.

Wei Xiang withdrew his hand and said in a husky voice, "I'll come visit you in the sect after I'm done, and then we can continue where we left off now."

Qinghe's lips were parted and his eyes dark as he shakily nodded.

After Wei Xiang gave his beloved a quick hug, he swiftly walked out of the room to find his master before he could become tempted to do certain interesting things that would have his Qinghe melting into his arms and moaning with pleasure.

In the room, after taking some time to get himself under control, Qinghe finally began getting ready for the day.

He still didn't forget his intention to learn more about sexual matters, so once he was dressed and prepared, he directly headed down to the Heavenly Peak Sect to ask someone he knew about it.

And later, after his Xiang came back, maybe they could both work on fulfilling his new fantasies.

...

The first closely familiar people Qinghe caught sight of were the twins.

In a solemn tone, Qinghe immediately said, "Jin-er, Yin-er, your senior brother needs your help. I want your advice on how to broaden my horizons regarding sexual matters."

At first, Fei Jin and Fei Yin didn't know how to respond. But once they snapped out of their startlement, they each held one of Qinghe's hands and suddenly began dragging him towards the library.

"Senior Brother, don't worry, we have just the thing to help you!" Fei Jin said while Fei Yin nodded in accord with his brother. "It already helped us once before."

Qinghe raised his eyebrows, but let the twins take him all the way up to where the Elder overseeing the library was seated inside behind a low table, slowly sipping a cup of steaming tea. This Elder was well-known for being a connoisseur of tea, and he often collected rare types with exquisite flavors and sat here in the library, with a pot of his special tea resting at the side as he slowly savored a cup every now and then.

As the twins and Qinghe skidded to a stop in front of him, the Elder barely raised an eyebrow. After leisurely swallowing another mouthful, he finally asked, his voice deep and dignified, "Which book do you seek today?"

No sooner had the words left his lips than he began taking another sip as if loathe to part from the cup.

Already used to this, Fei Jin didn't delay as he immediately stated, "Elder Ying, we want you to let Senior Brother borrow 'The Ways'."

Elder Ying promptly spurted out the tea in his mouth and began coughing. Did these brats just say that they wanted to show that sort of a thing to this famous disciple of their sect, Feng Qinghe of all people?!

Qinghe had on a worried frown as he asked, "Elder Ying, are you alright? What's wrong? And what are 'The Ways'?"

The twins showed mysterious smiles. "You'll see soon, Senior Brother."

Elder Ying looked up at Qinghe's confused face with pity. Ah, this innocence would soon be gone…

After regretfully wiping up the spill of his precious tea on the table, the Elder got up and straightened his clothes. "Very well, I will let Disciple Feng borrow that book. Follow me then."

And so, Qinghe and the twins walked behind Elder Ying as he led the way through the tall bookshelves to a small alcove that seemed hidden in the shadows, unable to be found unless someone already knew it was there.

Qinghe felt curious. Just what sort of a book was 'The Ways' and why was there a need for this much secrecy?

As they entered the alcove, Qinghe saw that one of the walls was carved into a stone bookshelf with various books stuffed into it. Qinghe's gaze wandered over the haphazardly arranged books as he read a few titles that were visible: The Art of Opening a Flower, To Perfectly Maintain a Sword in Old Age, The Technique of Ushering Spring to a Desert, How to Properly Sheathe and Unsheathe a Knife, The Process of Making a New Bud Bloom, The Many Methods of Satiating a Ravenous Sword by Hand…

Qinghe tilted his head, completely puzzled. Why did these all seem like strange books about gardening or maintaining blades? What did any of these have to do with what he wanted? And why were these books kept away here in a corner and not in their designated places in the main part of the library?

As Qinghe pondered, the Elder reached for a certain book in a higher shelf and carefully presented it to him. Qinghe came out of his musings and accepted it, looking over at its cover. With elegant brushstrokes, the title proudly proclaimed that the book was called 'The Profound Ways of the Sword and Chrysanthemum'.

Qinghe opened the book, then immediately raised his eyebrows in startlement at the unexpected content inside. So it turned out to be that sort of sword and chrysanthemum.

"I…see. This can certainly be…enlightening, I suppose. So I take it that all the other books in this shelf are also this type of…informational picture books?"

Fei Jin and Fei Yin smilingly nodded at their senior brother while Elder Ying snorted. "Just call them porn, because that's what it is for the most part. The library keeps the most vetted and trustworthy works of that sort here so that young ones exploring their sexuality for the first time won't be misled by false information or someone's unrealistic fantasies. In that aspect, the books here can even be called educational, I suppose. Of course, we wouldn't want little children to find these sorts of books before they're ready, so we have them hidden away here." Then in a stern voice, the Elder continued, "Putting that aside, since you're borrowing a book, I expect you to return it within the stipulated time, Disciple Feng."

Qinghe nodded with an elegant smile. "Of course, Elder Ying. I'll return it within a week. Thank you for your help."

After giving a bow to the Elder, Qinghe was just turning to leave the alcove when his eyes caught the shelf from where the Elder had retrieved this book. Up there, two more books that looked like the one in Qinghe's hand were lying slumped against each other.

Stopping, Qinghe looked at the Elder to ask, "Is this book so sought out that there are three copies of it here?" After all, even the most well-worn books in this shelf seemed to only have a maximum of two copies at the most.

With a slight smile, Elder Ying stroked his beard and answered, "Yes, it certainly seems popular. There is even an Elder who comes specifically for this book every week on this day."

Qinghe showed a wry expression. All this time in this sect and he had never known any of this… But now that he'd found out about the shelf with these books, Qinghe was planning to visit frequently until he'd absorbed all this new information.

Just thinking of learning new ways in which he and his Xiang could explore each other, Qinghe could hardly contain his excitement.

...

After coming out of the library, Qinghe thanked the twins before sending them away and started walking in the direction of his room to peruse the book in peace.

On his way, he came across Chen Xiande standing to the side and seriously advising a group of juniors who were all looking at him with rapt attention and respect. Seeing his junior brother, Chen Xiande said a few more words to the young juniors before making his way towards Qinghe.

"Junior Brother, when did you arrive back in the sect?" he asked while studiously trying not to think about the little version of Feng Qinghe feeding him candied fruit.

Qinghe quickly suppressed his own mixture of amusement and embarrassment at that memory and replied with a calm expression, "I only returned less than an hour ago. Was Senior Brother looking for me for something?"

Chen Xiande shook his head. "I just wanted to greet Junior Brother. If you're in a hurry, then I won't keep you any longer."

Qinghe chuckled and said, "I'm not in a hurry. I was just planning on spending my time reading a certain book from the library. It's nothing urgent."

Growing inquisitive, Chen Xiande asked, "Oh? What sort of book is it? Does it detail any new cultivation methods?"

Retrieving the book from his storage space, Qinghe held it up for his senior brother to see. Chen Xiande read the title of 'The Profound Ways of the Sword and Chrysanthemum' with an intrigued expression.

Meanwhile, Qinghe thought about how he could indeed use the knowledge gained from this book in dual cultivation and answered with a straight face, "Yes, the techniques from this book can certainly be used in certain, ehem, specific types of cultivation."

Then thinking about how useful it would be to have someone else beside him to explain the things in the book that he might not understand, Qinghe extended an invitation, "If Senior Brother has nothing pressing to do at the moment, then would you like to accompany me to learn from this book?"

Chen Xiande barely hesitated a moment before nodding. Before, he had been taught plenty of things by this junior brother of his, but Chen Xiande had never learnt anything together with him as fellow disciples, so he was very eager to experience that.

And so, Qinghe and Chen Xiande set off for Qinghe's room.

After they reached it and walked inside, removing their shoes by the door as usual, Qinghe directly headed for the bed and plopped down on it cross-legged. Patting the space beside him, he called, "Senior Brother, let's not stand on propriety. Why don't you come and sit here? It's far more comfortable than the hard wood of a chair."

Though Chen Xiande felt startled, he still hesitantly made his way forward and gingerly sat on the bed's edge while courteously keeping his feet down on the floor. He cherished this closeness with his junior brother, so he didn't want to risk doing something that might offend him.

Not minding his stiffness, Qinghe took out the book again as he said, "Since I've never read books like these before, I hope for Senior Brother's guidance if I don't understand anything."

Chen Xiande looked at him with surprise. Was there even anything his junior brother would lack understanding in more than him?! But pushing aside his incredulity, Chen Xiande still nodded. "As your senior brother, I will try to help you to the best of my abilities."

Qinghe smiled and was just about to open the book when he heard quiet footsteps sounding outside in the hallway, right before the door was opened to reveal a dazed Jing Shui.

The pair of martial brothers sitting on the bed looked up at Jing Shui with puzzlement.

Qinghe was the first to talk, his face regaining its calm as he smiled and said, "Hello, Brother Jing. After you leave your shoes by the door, why don't you come in and join us here?"

Jing Shui just looked at Qinghe blankly for a moment, then woodenly nodded his head. After closing the door behind him and removing his shoes, Jing Shui walked towards the other two and climbed up on the bed without thinking much about it.

Qinghe and Chen Xiande kept looking at Jing Shui, sensing that he maybe had something he wanted to say.

Suddenly Jing Shui broke out, "Wu Xiao and I are considering having a child!"

Qinghe and Chen Xiande's eyes immediately widened at this unexpected proclamation.

Then Qinghe quickly leaned sideways to hug his friend. "If you are sure that you're ready for it, then I'm very happy for you."

The Jing Shui who was unexpectedly hugged by the adult version of his friend for the first time felt both shocked and pleased. His face reddened and he coughed. "Yes, th-thank you."

Qinghe finally let go and leaned back with a happy smile on his face.

His eyes gleaming with a quiet joy, Chen Xiande spoke, "Brother Jing, that is indeed happy news. But are you and Sect Master Wu planning on marrying before or after having a child?"

His face already flushed with bashfulness and excitement at sharing the news, Jing Shui lowered his head and fiddled with his robe as he answered, "We might have a grand wedding sometime in the future to officialize our relationship, but for now, I'm content with things as they stand. And as for the child… I don't want to conceive one impulsively. So we first plan to gather as much information about it as we can and prepare ourselves to the maximum before beginning the process."

Qinghe nodded. "That's a good way to approach this. Brother Jing, no matter the timing or method you choose, remember that Senior Brother and I will always be here to support you. If you wish to know more about this, then would you like me to ask the help of the Deity of Health who also oversees births? He's a friend of my mother's, and he's surprisingly dependable despite the company he keeps."

Hearing this, both Jing Shui and Chen Xiande couldn't help but think—The way he just said it, didn't it mean that he was implying that his own mother and her other friends were undependable?!

But for the Qinghe who just recently fell into the mischief of both his mother and her friend Ai Li due to that tea that turned him into a child, he definitely meant exactly that!

Shaking his head with a smile, Jing Shui finally said, "Yes, that would be very helpful, Brother Feng." Then with his eyes gleaming with interest, he asked, "However, I am curious, when are Brother Feng and Brother Chen going to have their own marriages?"

Chen Xiande showed a wry smile. "NingYu and I have discussed this before, and neither of us really feels the need for a marriage or wedding. But that's just a personal preference for us. What about Junior Brother? I heard you saying once before that you wanted to marry after ascending and meeting your mother. So why haven't you?"

Qinghe shrugged. "We've all been busy with various things. Father is still working through the backlog of his work caused due to all the decades he spent away from the Offices of Judgment because of my fall. Mother is busy with dealing with Uncle Xie and finding a place for him in the ranks of her people and also making up for all the time lost when she had to stay apart from Father and me. Xiang is occupied with assimilating himself into the Offices of Judgment and getting to know Father's people while also evading the subtle political maneuvers from the True Dragon clan to get him into their fold. And I've been assisting them all from the side while also spending time helping at the sect. Though we do have free days in between all that, they seldom coincide, and even when they do, we're too busy catching each other up. We simply don't have the leisure to plan something as time-consuming as a wedding.

"Later, when things calm down, we're planning on having the Heavenly Emperor marry us in the heavenly realm, with all the deities attending. I would've liked to hold the wedding in this world, but it would be dangerous for the stability of the realm to have those many deities congregated in one place. If any two of them forget to control their powers… It's a disaster I'd rather not risk. So all of us discussed and decided that after the wedding in the heavenly realm, we'd hold another, smaller ceremony in the sect again so that the people close to us in this world can also attend. But for now, all of that is still some time away."

Chan Xiande smiled and commented, "Then it seems like I'll have at least two weddings to attend in the future, even if I don't have one of my own."

Jing Shui chuckled and nodded. "It does appear so."

As they'd kept chatting casually, the tension in both Jing Shui and Chen Xiande's bodies had also loosened as they sat more comfortably. This was the most open the three of them had ever been with each other, and it made them all feel even more closer than before.

In a cheerful voice, Jing Shui asked, "Then what about kids? Are you both planning on having them?"

Chen Xiande immediately shook his head. "Both NingYu and I are not very good at dealing with children, and neither of us has the patience for it either. The thought of having children and our family growing is satisfying, but the process and the responsibility are too much for us currently. We might change our minds later, but it won't be in the foreseeable future, at least."

Chuckling, Qinghe commented, "I have a difficult time imagining you and Sect Leader Hei with children as well. But it's fine as long as you're content with your decision."

Chen Xiande smiled. "And what about you, Junior Brother? You seem like you would enjoy having kids running around your house."

Qinghe grinned and replied, "I suppose I haven't told you both yet, but Xiang and I already adopted a few children. Well, they're not yet born, since they're still inside their eggs. They're actually Xiang's unhatched brothers and sisters that had remained all this time within that pocket dimension guarded by the tree guardian in the Spirit Bewildering Forest that we visited before."

Jing Shui and Chen Xiande just stared at him with complete shock, unable to process this information.

Finally, Jing Shui managed to open his mouth and get out, "What?! How did that―? How is that possible?! Didn't you and Sentinel Wei just go in there to kill that serpent beast that was on the verge of going demonic? Why would Sentinel Wei's unhatched siblings be inside?!"

Qinghe showed a wry expression. Back then, he hadn't wanted Wei Xiang's identity as a wyvern to be exposed, so he'd glossed over what had actually happened. Now that Wei Xiang's heritage was no longer a secret, Qinghe took the time to explain everything that had actually happened in full detail to his friends now, while also conveying the circumstances that had led him and Wei Xiang to decide on adopting the eggs.

Jing Shui and Chen Xiande's eyes got wider and wider as Qinghe spoke about Wei Xiang's past, about the dragon queen, and how Qinghe had dealt with the elders of the True Dragon clans by misleading them.

Once he was done relating everything, silence resounded.

A few moments later, when he was finally able to speak, Chen Xiande said simply, "As expected of Junior Brother. You really know how to manipulate misfortune to turn it into good fortune."

Jing Shui shook his head and smiled. "That was very well done, Brother Feng. It's good that you were able to remember the existence of those eggs and use it to maximum advantage against those scheming dragon elders."

Qinghe smiled happily at the compliments.

After a moment of hesitation, Jing Shui asked, "Brother Feng, even though you'll have the children of those twelve eggs to look forward to, do you ever plan to conceive yours and Sentinel Wei's child?"

Hearing this, Qinghe unconsciously drew in his shoulders and curled his body, hugging himself. But knowing that his friend was only being curious, Qinghe still forced himself to answer, "I don't… No. No, I really don't want to. I… That thought is very frightening to me. If I had to grow a child in my body, then I would have to be a lot more careful about what I do and take very good care of my health. I would have to limit my movements, and I would lose my combat effectiveness. I would be unable to protect myself or the people I care for, and that is unacceptable to me."

Jing Shui grew distressed at seeing his friend like this and how upset he seemed at that prospect.

Chen Xiande frowned with both worry and confusion. "But Junior Brother, you do not have to be ready for combat at all times. You should know by now that you have many people on your side―us, your friends, the entire Heavenly Peak Sect, your Sentinel lover, your parents, and other people from both the cultivation and mortal worlds―all of us will help you and protect you if you ever have the need."

Qinghe squeezed his eyes closed and shook his head, his pallor seeming somewhat pale. "I-I know that logically, but… the thought of not being able to protect myself, of being that vulnerable and dependant on someone else, just thinking how the new life growing in me would take away that much of my control over my own body… all of it is very, very horrifying. I don't want to be in that situation again. I don't want to give up control over myself, because sometimes, that's the only thing one can have. If I was to ever end up in that sort of situation again, then it's the only thing that can keep me sane. I can't…I can't give that away…"

Anxiousness and urgent desperation colored his voice as Qinghe seemed to shrink into himself.

Though he was able to look beyond what had happened to him in the orphanage, though he was able to spend his days more and more free from his past recently, it still did not erase what had already happened. He was just able to deal with it better due to his lover's, friends', and family's support. But some things were beyond his ability to cope with right now.

Someday in the future, after he had a lot more time to heal, these issues might stop plaguing him. He might even want to have a child of his own mixing and playing with his adopted ones, but that time was still far away. Bearing a child was still beyond what he could endure right now.

Understanding all this, Jing Shui and Chen Xiande showed expressions of heartbreak.

Chen Xiande leaned towards his hunched-over junior brother and slowly rubbed his back in silent comfort.

Jing Shui gentled his voice and spoke, "It's alright. Since you don't want to, you don't have to. No one will force you to bear children. If anyone tries, then you will have me and Wu Xiao to back you up and protect you against them. I will never let anyone force that onto you."

Chen Xiande immediately added, "And I will do everything I can too. I will make both our sect and NingYu's demonic faction help you. Even if it's a deity or some heavenly beast, we won't let anyone hurt you that way."

As he heard these firm reassurances spoken in such a confident tone, Qinghe felt as if something inside him that had been tightening in dread all this while was slowly loosening. He forced his body to relax and straighten as he focused on taking deep breaths. He opened his eyes to reveal their red rims. Letting out a heavy breath, Qinghe finally spoke in a slightly husky voice, "Thank you. I…will keep it in mind."

Chen Xiande nodded, his expression serious, while Jing Shui looked like he was debating something. Then with a hesitant expression, Jing Shui slowly leaned towards Qinghe and enveloped him in a hug. Quickly withdrawing before a startled Qinghe could reciprocate, Jing Shui spoke with awkwardness, "A-Anyway, let's not dwell on it for too long. Brother Feng, what was that book I saw you holding before?"

Qinghe blinked at how quickly Jing Shui changed the subject. He was just about to answer when Chen Xiande spoke out, "I've been told that that book has techniques that can help with cultivation. Maybe they are augmentative?"

Qinghe coughed and nodded. "That is true in a way, I suppose. Would Brother Jing like to take a look as well? Senior Brother and I were just about to start learning from it."

Jing Shui's eyes shone with curiosity and interest. "Yes, I'd like to, if you don't mind."

And so, Jing Shui and Chen Xiande crowded on either side of Qinghe, waiting for him to open the book so that they could see what was inside. It surely must be some great and new method of cultivation! Even the book's name, 'The Profound Ways of the Sword and Chrysanthemum', sounded so intriguing!

Not wanting to keep his eager friends waiting, Qinghe opened the book and flipped to the first page. But seeing what was on the page, both Jing Shui and Chen Xiande's eyes rounded as their mouths dropped open.

Depicted in lurid detail on the paper and drawn using plain black lines was a pair of naked male bodies. One of them was bent over while the other had spread open the bent man's buttocks, a single finger in the midst of pushing into the revealed entrance at a certain angle to demonstrate the proper way of using fingers for preparation. At the corners and sides, neat lines of tiny text explained which types of lubrication were safe and how to warm up the liquid before usage.

Looking it over once, Qinghe raised an eyebrow in appreciation. It seemed that Elder Ying was right, this book really was educational.

On the other hand, Jing Shui's face reddened as he quickly turned his face away while Chen Xiande began stuttering, "J-J-Junior Brother! I-I think y-you ended up picking the wrong book!"

Qinghe smiled and calmly replied, "No, this is indeed the right book, Senior Brother. Didn't I say that the techniques in here could help in certain methods of cultivation? I forgot to mention that I actually meant dual cultivation. You have to admit, knowing new bed techniques would certainly help in that area."

Even as they bemoaned in their hearts at how Qinghe had misled them, Chen Xiande and Jing Shui could certainly not refute this. And looking at how Qinghe's expression remained composed despite the pornographic image in front of him, they both felt their own embarrassment and shock receding a bit as well. And since they were curious too, they slowly pushed down their own shyness and started perusing the book long with an obviously interested Qinghe.

As Qinghe slowly turned the pages one by one, he started openly asking questions about certain things, slowly sparking an open discussion about the topic of sex as Chen Xiande and Jing Shui began explaining. Of the three, Chen Xiande had a good grasp of the basics while Jing Shui had the most knowledge about the more unusual side of it. Qinghe intently listened to both of them and absorbed everything he could.

"But why would people want to be tied up?" Qinghe asked another question, his tone puzzled.

By now, they had already flipped through one-third of the book. On the current page was a naked and spread-eagled young man, his wrists and ankles tied to the four posters of a bare wooden bed. From the state of his member, he obviously seemed to be enjoying it very much.

Hearing Qinghe's question, Chen Xiande looked at Jing Shui as if also waiting for an answer. Even though he vaguely had an idea, he was still curious to know more from this friend of his who strangely seemed adept in this aspect.

Jing Shui coughed, almost used to the constant heat of the embarrassed flush painting his cheeks by now. "Th-That is… I suppose you can say that it's a matter of trust. It's about giving up control to someone you have unquestionable faith in and believing that they…ehem, will give you pleasure. Being at the mercy of the person you love and trust is in and of itself arousing for many people."

Chen Xiande tilted his head and shrugged. "It sounds interesting enough, but personally, I'd prefer to have my hands free to touch my partner too."

Nodding, Jing Shui assured, "And that's fine as well. If something doesn't work for you, then you shouldn't feel ashamed for not using it. No matter what your partner might want, if it's not something you also enjoy, then you shouldn't be doing it. Of course, trying new things out is alright. But if you decide you want to stop in between, then no matter what your partner themselves want, you both should stop."

Carefully noting all this down in his mind, Qinghe pondered seriously. Would he actually like it if his Xiang tied him down? Remembering what Jing Shui just said about being at the mercy of the person he loved, Qinghe tried to imagine it.

With anyone else, being unable to move his limbs would be cause for distrust and panic, but with his Xiang… Qinghe felt that he would actually be able to relax. Even if he couldn't respond to external threats in that situation, he was confident that his lover would be capable of taking care of any danger.

Qinghe tried to visualize being tied down on their bed, his hands and feet chained to the sturdy posters. He imagined Wei Xiang's warm body straddling him, pressing him down. He would be unable to move his hands and touch that smooth honey-toned skin. But his Xiang would be able to do anything he wanted, and Qinghe knew that he wouldn't be able to resist. Though he wouldn't have resisted even without being restrained…Qinghe still felt the novel feeling of vulnerability and excitement intermingling within him at that image.

He trusted his Xiang, he trusted him enough to regularly give up control to him while they were both indulging in each other. But the thought of doing that while he was helpless made Qinghe feel like he was giving up more of himself to his beloved. If Wei Xiang were to be given full control over him, Qinghe knew without a doubt that his mischievous lover would tease him mercilessly until he was begging for more, but his beloved would also treat him with more care and devotion than Qinghe could ever muster for himself. The thought of letting himself be subjected to all that was both relaxing and titillating at the same time.

"Brother Feng?" Jing Shui called. "Aren't you going to turn the page?"

Qinghe blinked and got his thoughts back together. His cheeks felt slightly warm, and the inside of his nose stung as if with the threat of a nosebleed. Shaking his head to clear it, Qinghe steadied himself and turned the page as if nothing was wrong.

A few minutes later, the three of them were squinting at the drawing of a complex knot of people intertwined on the page.

In an uncertain voice, Chen Xiande began, "Is this a…"

"An orgy? Yes, it seems so," Jing Shui completed.

Qinghe shook his head. "How are we supposed to understand anything in this mess? I can hardly tell apart the shoulders and hips from ass cheeks in this artist's style."

Jing Shui burst out laughing while Chen Xiande chuckled and suggested, "That is true. Maybe we can focus on the dark hair or faces on the heads to figure out where the body of each person starts?"

Jing Shui looked conflicted as he agreed while Qinghe narrowed his eyes and nodded as if accepting a challenge. Soon, all three of them were pointing at various parts of the page and calling out when they found a head.

"Here, I think I found one in this corner, between that pair of dark legs," Chen Xiande's voice rang out.

"Brother Chen, are you sure that isn't the hair from that other person? Ah! I think I found the back of a head on this potbellied man's stomach!"

Qinghe suppressed his laughter and informed, "Brother Jing, I'm afraid that's the hair on someone's crotch…"

"…Oh," Jing Shui exhaled disappointedly.

And so they continued. Another fifteen minutes of fun later, they finally decided to stop the ridiculous game and continued with flipping the pages. And the further they got, the stranger things became, with various complex-looking implements and different scenarios also coming into play. It was completely up to Jing Shui to explain things now, but even he wasn't sure what some of those things were supposed to be, so they ended up having to play guessing games, coming up with improbably ridiculous explanations on purpose.

Once they were done analyzing yet another complex mix of positions and instruments, Qinghe flipped the page again. But seeing the next drawing, all three of their cheeks immediately flushed.

Jing Shui hid his face behind his hands as if unable to bear seeing it while Chen Xiande coughed in embarrassment. With pink cheeks, Qinghe commented, "Well…that is certainly interesting, in a way."

No one refuted, but neither did anyone call for Qinghe to turn the page.

Chen Xiande peered into the book along with Qinghe, both with strange expressions, while Jing Shui hesitantly shifted the fingers over his eyes to also get a peek. The three thus silently perused the page.

In a strangled voice, Qinghe finally focused on one aspect of the drawing and asked, "Is this…really possible? I mean, getting two arms in there…seems a bit too…"

Jing Shui replied in a muffled voice from behind his hands, "I think it is. I haven't tried anything like that yet, but…from what I've gleaned, it is possible. But the...ehem, receiver would need a lot of preparation, or else there's a possibility of their intestinal walls getting torn pretty badly."

Qinghe and Chen Xiande winced at that mental image. That would surely be horribly painful.

"I think we should turn the page," Chan Xiande finally spoke. Jing Shui also frantically nodded. These drawings seemed to be getting more and more unwatchable.

Qinghe nodded and turned to the next page.

Three pairs of eyes immediately widened in something akin to horror. Chen Xiande's jaw dropped open while Qinghe's eyebrows flew up. Jing Shui quickly closed the small gap between his fingers from where he was looking at the book, completely hiding his face while a constant, muffled stream of "No, no, no, no…"s came from behind his hands.

In a choked voice, Qinghe finally managed to get out, "Is something like this even humanly possible?"

Chen Xiande shook his head. Even he didn't know if he was trying to say that it was impossible or that he didn't know.

Jing Shui stopped his muttering of disconsolate "no"s as he suddenly began to plead, "Brother Feng, I can't keep looking at this book anymore. Can't we please take a break from that…that…utter debauchery?"

Qinghe decided to take pity on them all and nodded. "Very well, we'll stop here."

As soon as Jing Shui heard the sound of the book being closed, he immediately dropped his hands and let out a long breath in relief. All three of their faces still bore hints of a pink flush left over from before.

With a confused expression, Chen Xiande asked, "Junior Brother, I still don't understand. Why did you get such a book from the library in the first place?"

Qinghe shrugged and answered, "I wanted to figure out what types of things I liked so that I can tell Xiang about them. Then we could implement those things more in bed. Since my knowledge in that area is somewhat lacking, I decided to borrow help from the twins and they introduced me to this book."

Though Qinghe said it matter-of-factly and unashamedly, Jing Shui and Chen Xiande still felt embarrassed. But after reading that book together this long, they were all more or less desensitized to this feeling by now.

In a hesitant voice, Chen Xiande said, "Junior Brother, then…have you figured out what you like yet?"

Qinghe tilted his head. "I have a couple of ideas, but I'm still not all that sure. Senior Brother, do you have any guidance in that area? And Brother Jing, too. If you know something I might like, then I'd appreciate your help in telling me."

Chen Xiande nodded. Clearing his throat and pushing away his hesitation, he began, "Well, it's not depicted in this book, but there is something I think you might prefer, at least from what I've observed of your character and your interactions with Sentinel Wei so far. Junior Brother, I think you'd like it when your lover acts in a position of power over you, but only in very specific situations."

Qinghe looked thoughtful as he considered this. If Wei Xiang had tried to be overbearing with him when they first met, Qinghe was sure that he would have reacted with nothing but dislike and caution. The Sentinel Wei of that time would've been categorized as an annoying threat, and Qinghe would never let him get close enough to consider if there might be something more.

But now that they were fully familiarized with each other and trusted one another completely, Qinghe realized that the thought of his Xiang exercising power over him indeed appealed to him very much. And if he was tied up when Wei Xiang did that…then that could actually be even more enjoyable.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Qinghe finally spoke, "Senior Brother's assessment seems accurate. I will consider it."

Chen Xiande nodded, looking both awkward and pleased that he'd gotten it right.

Turning to Jing Shui, Qinghe raised an eyebrow. "Does Brother Jing have any advice to give?"

Jing Shui coughed and nodded with a red face. "Well, I think that Brother Feng may rather enjoy roleplaying with your lover. Of course, I could also be wrong."

Qinghe and Chen Xiande just looked at Jing Shui with puzzlement, not knowing what he meant.

Seeing this, Jing Shui paused for a moment. Then he took the book from Qinghe's hands and hurriedly flipped through the pages as if searching for something. After pausing at a page that was further ahead than where they had paused, Jing Shui showed the other two the drawing. "This is what I meant."

Depicted in the page were two men wearing different types of attire, one outfitted in the garb of a court minister while the other was dressed as an emperor. The 'minister' looked helpless yet willing as he was bent over an ornate desk, ink-stained papers pushed aside and fluttering down as he was passionately being taken from behind by the 'emperor' who had on an arrogant and authoritative expression, seeming to demand his due from his courtier.

Qinghe tilted his head, not understanding what new type of play this was supposed to be, while Chen Xiande had on an expression of confusion as well. As one, the pair of martial brothers looked at Jing Shui with expectation in their eyes, the phrase 'Teach us about this, Master!' seeming to be written on their faces.

Coughing, Jing Shui embarrassedly began to explain, "This… Roleplay in general means a person or people acting out their roles and going through a script, all of which is predetermined. In this specific context, the partners involved decide on a situation that excites them sexually and then play the roles that they choose for themselves.

"For example, in this page of the book, one of the participants is wearing the clothes and acting out the role of a minister in an imperial court, while the other person is pretending to be the emperor. According to what's written here, the scenario these two men are using is that the minister made a mistake, and in return for not punishing him with a whipping for his blunder, the emperor is demanding that the minister submit himself to the emperor and slake his lust instead.

"Of course, it sounds unrealistic, but the situation the couple chooses for their roleplay doesn't have to be realistic. It just has to be something they both consider fun and arousing. That also goes for the roles they decide on. In Brother Feng's case, considering what Brother Chen just proposed, I suppose you could choose the sort of scenario and roles in which your Sentinel Wei will be in a position of power over you."

Qinghe considered this with a frown. He really couldn't imagine his Xiang and himself playing that sort of a game, though it did sound fun when he thought about it.

"It might work, though I'm not sure yet," Qinghe finally said.

Jing Shui shrugged. "Maybe you'll know your preference if you ever try it out."

Qinghe nodded in agreement.

From the side, Chen Xiande suddenly piped up, "Junior Brother, if you're really unsure about whether you like roleplay or about how it works, then maybe you should try it out with Brother Jing right now, though it won't be sexual in any way, of course. I will stay here and direct you both in the meantime."

Qinghe's brows crept up in surprise while a red-faced Jing Shui began stuttering, "B-B-Brother Chen! I-I don't think it's appropria―"

"Why don't we just try it out for a bit, Brother Jing? It sounds like fun," Qinghe interrupted him with a small smile. "Compared to all the things we learned and discussed with each other today while reading that book, this is hardly as embarrassing."

Jing Sui opened his mouth to refute before slowly closing it. Then unexpectedly, he gave a short nod. "A-Alright, then. Let's think of it as an educational practice session."

Qinghe's smile broadened while anticipation gleamed in Chen Xiande's eyes.

In a cheerful tone, Chen Xiande said, "Good. Let's decide on the scenario and your roles then. How about…Brother Jing can be a disciple and Junior Brother can be his master. One day, the disciple musters up some courage to take the initiative to push down his master. Will something like this work, Brother Jing?"

Jing Shui nodded, his face burning. "Y-Yes, more or less."

And so, trying to act his role, Jing Shui fumblingly tackled his friend onto the bed. Qinghe very cooperatively fell down onto his back, his hair spreading around him as his smile turned amused. Lying down like this with an embarrassed Jing Shui above him, Qinghe thought about how playing in this way like little children was also fun.

Raising an eyebrow as he acted in full character, Qinghe looked at the Jing Shui uneasily straddling him and asked serenely, "What is it, wayward disciple mine? Do you want your master to take a rest from my work so badly that you're forcefully making me lie down on the bed?"

Chen Xiande burst into a chuckle and hurriedly covered his mouth.

"Uh…" Jing Shui looked down at Qinghe's smirking face for a few moments, not knowing how to reply. His cheeks turned redder and redder with a mixture of embarrassment and awkwardness. Jing Shui finally turned to Chen Xiande and said, "I'm not very good at this, so I don't really know what I'm supposed to be feeling in this situation…"

Qinghe lifted a hand to lightly pat his friend's cheek and said teasingly, "Since you already have a lover, it would be stranger if you actually felt anything while you're straddling me, Brother Jing."

Jing Shui rolled his eyes. "Brother Feng, can you cut down your snark and just continue to play your role?"

Qinghe smiled and immediately got into the character of a proper master again. "Disciple Jing, enough fooling around. Just because you don't want to work and like to snuggle with people doesn't mean that you can tackle your master in a hug like this when I myself am so busy with sect work. You should come by later in the night so that this master can indulge his needy disciple in the privacy of my room where there'll be no one to see you being so undignified."

Chen Xiande burst out laughing, unable to help himself, while Jing Shui didn't know if he should feel amused or get angry at how his friend seemed to be developing the story in such a strange direction.

Shaking his head, Jing Shui smiled helplessly and confessed, "I really don't know how to take this any further."

"Oh, then let me help," Qinghe said and suddenly flipped their positions. Not expecting this, Jing Shui got pressed under Qinghe with an uncomprehending expression still on his face.

Qinghe grinned at Jing Shui and began, "Is this how I taught you to be, Disciple Jing? You left so many openings for this master to take advantage of. How many times did I teach you that if you wanted to continue maintaining control over the situation after pinning someone down, you have to immobilize their arms and legs? Or better yet, you should just dislocate all the major joints in their limbs. Tsk, it seems that Disciple Jing doesn't pay attention to my lessons. This master is heartbroken."

Jing Shui's mouth twitched. His friend was really too ridiculous!

At the side, Chen Xiande could only cover his face and hide his chuckles. His junior brother took his role as a master so seriously that they had already ended up redirected so far away from the original purpose of this 'roleplay'.

Just when Chen Xiande was about to suggest that they bring this back on track, the door to the room suddenly opened as someone walked in. The three friends immediately turned their attentions to the newly arrived person.

Standing just inside the threshold was Wei Xiang, his eyebrow raised as his gaze landed on his beloved who seemed to be merrily straddling Jing Shui.

As soon as he saw his lover, Qinghe immediately rose up, a happy smile on his face. "Xiang, you returned!"

Faced with his little lover's obviously enthusiastic expression, Wei Xiang couldn't hold back his eyes from softening into warm pools. His smile turning wry, he said, "Yes, I'm back. I hope I didn't interrupt your orgy, love."

Qinghe chuckled. "Stop teasing me. Are you done with your work for today?"

Wei Xiang shrugged. "Yes, for the most part. I managed to capture that useless senior brother of mine and chained him to his desk to take over the rest of it. And I see that in the meantime you've been having fun with your friends."

The Jing Shui who was still lying on the bed felt like his face was burning at the embarrassment of being caught in such a position. Hurriedly getting up from the bed, he straightened himself and spoke with his head down, "G-Greetings, Sentinel Wei. Brother Feng, Brother Chen, I-I will be leaving now." Then without being able to meet an amused Wei Xiang in the eye, Jing Shui fled the room.

On the other hand, Chen Xiande just realized that his junior brother and his lover might want to discuss among themselves about the things Qinghe learned today. And so, after giving them both a short bow and bidding his farewells, Chen Xiande also left the room.

Alone, Qinghe and Wei Xiang looked at each other.

After a few moments of silence, Wei Xiang walked over to the bed and sat down beside his lover before asking curiously, "What were you three just doing before I entered the room?"

Qinghe already knew that Wei Xiang wasn't unreasonable enough to get angry and misunderstand just because he saw him in that position before, so he didn't feel alarmed or panicky as he would have a few years ago.

Leaning into his Xiang's side, Qinghe cheerfully explained, "We were supposed to be practicing something called roleplay, not in the sexual sense but more in the 'pretending and acting it out' sense. But it somehow ended up with us playing around instead. I even had a lot of fun making up the dialogues."

Seeing Qinghe's smug and self-satisfied expression, Wei Xiang shook his head with a chuckle. Tapping his little lover on the nose, he remarked, "So rather than you three meeting up secretly to have an illicit affair together, you were actually romping around like playful kittens?"

Qinghe scrunched his nose and shrugged. "I suppose, yes. But we're definitely not kittens! We're three dignified senior disciples who were just looking through a certain book I got from the library today."

"Oh?" Wei Xiang looked interested. "What sort of book did you get? Is it some cultivation manual? Or is it some map of dangerous areas or an encyclopedia of mysterious herbs or beasts instead?"

Qinghe shook his head and revealed proudly, "It's a very informational picture book. Along with Brother Jing and Senior Brother, I was researching new sex things so that I can make my own sexual fantasies and tell you. Then we can have fun implementing them!"

Wei Xiang couldn't help but feel charmed at his little lover's unknowingly cute and innocent way of stating it. In a soft voice, he spoke, "Okay then, love. How about we both go through that book of yours together? Then we can play around with a few light ideas from in there that you like."

Qinghe's eyes brightened and he nodded. "Yes, then let me show you some things in the book that I think would be fun."

Qinghe quickly shifted on the bed so that he was sitting between Wei Xiang's thighs. Wei Xiang cooperatively parted his legs on the bed and wrapped his arms around his beloved from behind, his chin resting on Qinghe's shoulder so that he could peer down at the book in his little lover's hands. After wriggling to settle himself comfortably, Qinghe leaned back into his beloved's warmth and finally opened the book to the first page again.

Seeing the detailed drawing, a slow smile spread over Wei Xiang's face. "Oh, yes, this definitely seems like it'll be interesting."

And so, the couple leisurely perused 'The Profound Ways of the Sword and Chrysanthemum', laughing and discussing it together.

...

In the library, Elder Ying sat at the low table in his usual dignified posture, slowly sipping from a cup of tea with his eyes closed. He parsed though the various components making up the unique flavor of the tea in his mouth, the lines of his face easing into one of blissful peace.

"Excuse me, Elder, but I would like to borrow a certain book from your sect's library," came a sudden voice.

Elder Ying unhurriedly opened his eyes. Standing in front of him was a slightly uncomfortable looking Jing Shui.

Swallowing the tea, he spoke, "Disciple Jing, you certainly may borrow any book from our sect's library as long as you return it within a week. Now, which book would you like to take?"

As the Elder once again continued to sip his tea with grace, Jing Shui pushed down his nervousness and answered, "I-It's called 'The Profound Ways of the Sword and Chrysanthemum'…"

Elder Ying spit out the tea in his mouth and began sputtering in surprise. As he quickly regained his composure and began hurriedly wiping up the splatter of tea on the table, the Elder couldn't help but wonder at how boldly the head disciple of the prestigious Golden Sun Sect was asking for that kind of book of all things.

Feeling surreal, the Elder finished cleaning up the table and took Jing Shui to the hidden shelf as well. After giving him the second copy of the book, the Elder sent him off.

Sitting back down at the table, Elder Ying poured another cup for himself from the pot he kept at the side. As he began savoring it again, he tried to relax himself into a peaceful state just like before.

"Elder Ying, I would like to borrow a book," said Chen Xiande's familiar voice, interrupting the Elder's quest for finding equilibrium.

Inwardly sighing, Elder Ying opened his eyes again. "Which will it be this time, Disciple Chen? 'The Laws of Spirit Control', 'Permanence and Impermanence of the Earth', or 'Mastery over the Inner Sea'? Oh, and we also have a new book called 'Hidden Techniques of the Elemental Path' that I think might interest you."

The Elder went back to sipping his tea to wet his throat, waiting for Chen Xiande to give his answer.

Chen Xiande paused, then nodded. "Then I would like to have that new one as well, but that's not the book I meant. Elder Ying, may I also have the one named 'The Profound Ways of the Sword and Chrysanthemum'?"

The poor Elder Ying coughed out yet another mouthful of tea. Elder Ying couldn't help but feel startled at how even the head disciple and future sect master of their sect was asking to borrow such a book, and with such a casual tone at that.

As he began wiping down the table for the third time, the Elder decided that he really needed to get used to this book's popularity.

Soon, the last copy of the book was given to Chen Xiande and Elder Ying swore off drinking tea in the library from now on. After all, there was only so much of his rare and precious tea he could bear to see going to waste!

Holding the book in his hands, Chen Xiande exited the library and began his journey towards his room. But as he walked through one of the corridors, he came across a certain black-haired Elder heading the opposite way.

Chen Xiande thought back to how this Elder had once been most vocal about opposing him becoming the sect master. On one occasion, he had even scolded Qinghe when he wanted to go and save Chen Xiande from the Black Fang base before. But now, the Elder was starting to come around and slowly accept that Chen Xiande was indeed becoming competent enough to be worthy of the position of Sect Master.

As the Elder neared, Chen Xiande bowed respectfully and greeted, "Disciple Chen greets Elder Bin."

Elder Bin gave a curt nod of acknowledgment and continued on his way. Chen Xiande was glad that at least the Elder's expression had remained polite this time.

As he took one last look at Elder Bin's retreating back, Chen Xiande couldn't help but think that if that old-fashioned Elder knew about the type of book he was currently carrying, he would definitely feel offended enough that he'd go back to opposing him becoming the future sect master again.

Shaking his head, Chen Xiande hurried back to his room to begin reading the book. And maybe he would even show it to Hei NingYu later before suggesting using some of the positions illustrated inside.

Meanwhile, the black-haired Elder Bin arrived in the library with his usual aloof and stern demeanor. With a prim expression, he walked to the low table that had a pot of tea and an unfilled cup atop it and asked the other Elder seated there, "Elder Ying, may I request to borrow that book as usual."

Elder Ying looked at Elder Bin apologetically. "I'm afraid that all three copies of that book have been lent out, Elder Bin. They were all borrowed by disciples just today."

Elder Bin's expression darkened. Such bad luck! He wondered which brats had the audacity to do this! Hmph, at least he could be assured that it wouldn't be some upstanding disciple of their sect like that Feng Qinghe or, surprisingly, even that Chen Xiande. It definitely had to be those darned twins! He would make sure to repay them for this!

And thus, the unknowing twins ended up getting on Elder Bin's bad side, all because they recommended that book to their senior brother once.