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When Luo Binghe was younger, not too long after he got into the Sect and he ended up receiving a good part of his instructions from his older martial siblings that took pity on him -because, of course, Shizun wasn't going to tell them about THAT-, he already imagined he would present as an alpha or an omega when he grew up. He could already discern the scents of others, the ones that gave him comfort, the ones that gave him anxiety, the ones that gave him anger, and later, the ones that made him feel the weird feeling in his lower stomach.
He also knew that his master, even though one's secondary gender, especially someone with a higher rank, wasn't something to be openly discussed, was a beta. The man didn't smell like anything at all besides the oils he used on his hair, the incense he used in his bedroom, or his sweat after a training match. He didn't like it very much, used to the fact that someone's scent could tell him so much about them. Shizun's intentions towards him were a mystery in his first years. And later, not so much. His disdain was well known. Even though, he'd rather have been able to tell apart Shen Qingqiu's scent when they first met. He wouldn't have dared have that much hope as a pup. Even now, it was hard not to, his brain always trying to come up with justifications for the man's actions, as if deep down he must have some unknown reason for his ways.
Regardless, being a beta must have its ups and downs, he thinks.
Not being overwhelmed by others' emotions everywhere you go. Do not experience the painful needs of heat and ruts. Not be controlled by instincts. He has to admire Shen Qinqgiu's cold demeanor sometimes. How he uses it to keep control even when for some reason he is fighting the War God of Bai Zhan. How he hides his face with his fan and mocks the alpha, who only gets angrier and angrier until a distraction costs him victory. Or when the Sect Leader uses his alpha voice to tone done whatever conflict in Sect reunions and Shen Qinqgiu only looks at him like he is looking at a sassy child, completely unaffected. Shen Qinqgiu is what he imagined an immortal would be when he was a child, unbothered by mortal matters, the same thing that made Luo Binghe itchy and uncomfortable and feral.
On the other hand, he also thought that maybe being a beta was what made his Shizun so mean sometimes, not being able to experience what others around him were experiencing as if being left out of a big internal joke. How some things came more naturally to other secondary genders, like how alphas were naturally stronger and had an easier time achieving higher cultivation and taking everything they wanted with power or how omegas were naturally alluring and well-liked, always having someone willing to hand them what they wanted for free and protect them. It was hard to compete. He had to work twice as harder to stand up against most of his fellow Peak Lords. Maybe that's why, as people said, he liked to spend so much time in brothels. It must be hard to find a good omega with so many powerful alphas nearby. Maybe that's why he pampered his omega students more. Maybe if Luo Binghe finally presented and he miraculously was an omega, Shizun would like him better.
Neither he nor Shizun thought that was actually what was going to happen, unfortunately.
Omega scents were sweet and gentle. His was not. He had started to become taller recently and more muscly, nothing like the delicate curves and soft skin omegas had. This could not be hidden and, unfortunately, even what could be hidden, was already too big to look omega-like. Unless demons were built differently -something he didn't want Shizun to find out!- he was pretty much sure he was going to present as an alpha, and soon. There goes any hope he had to make his master finally give him any kind of acceptance.
Worse, his master seemed to also acknowledge that and had started to be even more annoyed by his existence, especially by his scent, that, according to him, was getting everywhere and started to make the omega disciples uncomfortable. Which must be true. After all, Shen Qingqiu wouldn't be able to smell him himself and it would have been necessary for someone to tell on him for this matter to come to his attention. He got more beatings for that until he learned to control it better.
Until, finally, it happened.
He didn't feel any different at first. He was in the open, carrying wood and chatting with YingYing and was starting to feel too warm. But, he didn't think about it since the sun was high in the sky. His teeth were itching, he felt nauseated and everyone's scent was starting to feel just too much. He should lay down a little on the shadow for a while.
"A-Luo." The girl called him, her pupils were huge. In fact, everyone nearby who wasn't a beta seemed to have stopped to look at him, some in awe, some in disgust. Someone called Shizun.
"Irresponsible beast."
But Binghe didn't hear anything. His head was spinning, overwhelmed. Someone grabbed his hand. The pain of something whipping the scent gland at his wrist brought him back to reality. He instinctively pulled back, looking at his master with betrayal and fear. Shizun's emerald green eyes on him were ones of loathing. What was happening? He didn't even do anything!
"Stupid alphas, think they own the world..." His hand went down for another strike, but, on instinct again, Luo Binghe caught it in the air.
" Wait! Stop !" He said. His voice sounded deep and distorted even for his own ears, as if it wasn't himself speaking. But Shizun did stop, looking startled.
Luo Binghe expects more yelling and a rougher beating for his disrespect, maybe worse, but Shizun doesn't move. He stays there, hand in the air for a while. His mouth opens and closes as if he wants to say something but doesn't. Eventually, his hand retreats, shaking. His eyes water.
It startles all of them.
"Luo Binghe! What did you do?" Someone demands.
"Shizun, please don't be angry!"
"You broke him! You broke Shizun!"
"Shizun, A-Luo didn't mean to use his alpha voice on you! He didn't know!" YingYing defends him.
Was that his alpha voice? He is alpha, his first rut is kicking in, his brain informs him. Or maybe it's senior Mo? He should go somewhere instead of being in the middle of people, it's inappropriate. He used his alpha voice on his own master! But this kind of thing doesn't work on betas. Was it because he was a demon? Was Shizun going to find out about his heritage?
Suddenly, Shizun shook out of it and looked at Luo Binghe with more hate than he has ever before.
"Oooooooooh! The brat is in trouble." Someone said.
It took a mere dismissive gesture from Shen Qinqiu to make the disciples scatter, worried that there would be a backslash. Luo Binghe gulped. His master walked away in silence and the newly presented alpha promptly followed, already thinking of a million forms to apologize.
Shizun took him to the bamboo grove that surrounded his house, deep enough that hardly any sound would be heard from outside and little would be seen, even with much effort. What kind of punishment would befall him this time? Luo Binghe would take anything as long as Shizun didn't kick him out of the Peak for his misbehavior.
Suddenly the man turned and squinted his eyes at him.
"How did you know? Did someone tell you? Have you been spying on me?"
"Shizun, this disciple is deeply sorry. " He pleaded, trying to touch his master's sleeve to beg him. "Please allow me..."
"Don't touch me!" The man seemed distressed, pacing around him in distrust. Luo Binghe just wanted him to calm down. "How did you do it?"
Luo Binghe had no words because he had no idea what had he done.
"I have never slipped before... What have you done? Did you touch my things? I should have known..."
"Shizun, please, I really don't understand."
The man moving around him was making him anxious, as if he was being stalked by a wild animal. His instincts didn't like it, enhanced by his awakening rut. His body felt too warm and uncomfortable. He should really go back to his wooden shed. He could end up doing something that he would come to regret.
"Don't you dare lie to me, Beast."
"I am not lying!" He whined. This was the wrong answer as he watched his master's eyes glow with his spiritual power for a moment and his hand high in the air again, starting to come down to his face.
He doesn't know what compelled him, but once again, he raised his own hand to stop his master's. " Shizun ." He pleaded, with a voice that wasn't his own.
Shen Qingqiu was visibly startled. He gave an instinctive step back and tripped onto his own robes. His fall, as graceless as it was, didn't seem to bother the master, who even crawled a little bit further away from him like a feral cat, his eyes glued to his disciple's face as if Luo Binghe had physically hurt him somehow. Involuntarily, he growled, his inner alpha feeling some -honestly alarming- satisfaction at the sight.
But, being a respectful disciple, Luo Binghe takes a deep breath, calms himself and ignores the pain inside his pants to understand the situation.
Shizun looks disheveled and is panting heavily. Luo Binghe feels it's improper to look at his master while he is like that. Instead, he lowers down to pick up the pouch that the man has dropped. A few things have rolled out.
"Don't touch it, brat!"
He hears, but ignores it. Shizun has many reasons to punish him already and bigger or smaller mistakes never mattered too much on the degree of the punishments, so he just wants to get over with it already. His mind feels cloudy and he can vaguely hear Elder Mo telling him to leave already before the rut takes the best out of his judgment.
He grabs a little flask between two fingers. There are more in the bag. Sizhun had appeared conveniently fast to the scene, as if he had just come back to the Peak. Was it what he went out for? It looked a lot like one of the suppressants Ning Yingying had shown him a while ago, but different from the ones provided by the Sect.
"Shizun? Are you feeling well?" He asks tentatively. He looks down again. Shen Qingqiu is looking at him angrily. A hand covers his nose and mouth as if protecting himself from a bad smell.
"Stay away from me." He hears, muffled.
"You can scent me, after all." He says, as a matter of fact. He smiles.
Inside his mind, something clicks.
Take. Overpower. Subdue. Conquer. His inner alpha provides him a river of random words.
He takes a step forward. Shen Qingiu crawls away even further.
Comfort. His alpha provides, wisely.
" Shizun. Stay." His master's eyes widen again for a moment, but he doesn't move when Luo Binghe approaches and kneels in front of him. "Calm down, okay?"
Luo Binghe sighs, opting to put away the strands of the man's hair that had fallen onto his face. His pupils are wide. He tries to move the Peak Lord's hand away from his face, but the man is too stubborn. When the half-demon retreats, he sees his teacher move forward slightly and grabs his hand and nuzzles against his wrists scent gland.
Luo Binghe grins, turning his hand around to cup his master's face. He stops trying to fight the war of pheromones trying to leave his body, letting himself relax and fall into his base instincts. He draws the contours of the man's lower lip with his thumb before forcing it open with just a little bit of pressure. " Oh, Shizun. I got it all wrong, didn't I?" Shen Qingqiu doesn't seem to be paying a lot of attention to his words now, his pupils blow wide. He obediently puts his tongue out for the half-demon to toy with and gladly sucks around his fingers when they press in. "You look good like this."
Calmer than he had ever been in his entire life in front of his master, he opens the front of his robes. if he has in full control of his senses, he would be mortified, but his alpha seemed to think it very appropriate.
His cock bobbed in the open air when he manages to free it out of his pants and Shen Qingqiu's eyes follow it. He can't help but smile again. "See something you like, Shizun?"
He doesn't wait for an answer, pulling his master close by the hair. The length easily covers his entire face and what a sight it makes. "Look how hard you got me Shizun. You are going to take responsibility, aren't you? Take care of your alpha."
He watches as the others man's face changes into something that actually looks like worry. He has never it do that, especially not to any of his disciples. It's like he cares. Luo Binghe likes it very much.
.
.
.
As it was his first rut, it was gone on the same day it arrived.
He went to Qian Cao Peak to get checked and was deemed healthy and ready to go back to his duties. Peak Lord Mu QingFang offered further instruction but he blushed and declined quickly and went back to his own Peak where some of his peers congratulated him and others asked what kind of punishment their master had given him this time.
The fact is that... Retribution never came. He actually didn't see Shizun for a couple of days and heard the man had to excuse himself to enter secluded cultivation for a while. And even when he finally came back, Luo Binghe received no punishment for his previous actions or for new mistakes. In truth, Shizun seemed to be avoiding him at all costs. He didn't look at him and avoided his gaze in his presence. Even when he and YingYing had gone to him to ask to attend a small festival another Peak would be celebrating, he didn't raise his head from his papers to allow it.
It made Luo Binghe's new alpha instincts feel a little hurt, but, considering his past experiences, it was a win! Who would say it took so little to have a more gentle Shizun! Binghe had been wrong all this time. Being an omega wouldn't make his beta Shizun like him better. His master was actually an omega in disguise all this time and repressing his inner instincts made him bitter and angry. Helping Shizun to relieve the pressure was all he needed to make things better for all of them and Binghe was more than happy to help!
For this reason, after a few weeks, when he noticed Shizun was particularly snappy again, he decided it was time to pay him a visit.
Shen Qingqiu looks at the snacks and tea he brought with suspicion. Luo Binghe smiles. "This disciple thought Shizun might be peckish."
Shen Qingqiu huffs. "Are those poison or heat inducers?"
Luo Binghe doesn't mind the suspicion, keeping his smile as he lowers the tray. "Don't be silly, Shizun. You know this disciple has no need for such things." This only makes Shen Qingqiu squint his eyes at him more.
The man gives the food a considering look, before choosing one of the pastries to take a bite of, knowing that his disciple has too many ways to harm him now to justify poisoning him to his face. "I don't have the whole day, Beast. Speak. What do you want?"
"This disciple only notice that Shizun has been having a stressful day and came to help."
"What makes you think I need your help?" The man huffed. "If I needed anything there are many better disciples I could ask for."
That one stings a bit and displeases his inner alpha. He bows." This disciple was foolish to think Shizun would like to keep his status a secret between the two of us. I am glad Shizun recognized he can ask for assistance, even if not from this one."
Shen Qingqiu lowered his teacup to the lower table with force. "You dare to threaten this master."
"This disciple would never. I only think repressing your inner omega like that can't be healthy."
"The Beast finally grew some claws. I should have expected that." Shen Qingqiu gave him a dry laugh. "What is that to you? You are an alpha. You have no idea what it's like to be like me in this world."
"This disciple only thinks Shizun looked happier being his true self." And with his cock in his mouth.
"You don't know about my happiness."
"Maybe not. But I know about your rage. About your harsh words. About your violence. About your cruelty." Shen Qingqiu endured the weight of his stare. "I liked that new, softer version of Shizun better."
"Too bad. Just because you caught me off guard once, doesn't think it will happen again. Or that you got away with it." Shen Qingqiu spat. "What are you smiling at, brat?"
"I just think it's funny that Shizun thinks he has a choice when he himself never allowed me any." His smile widened.
His master huffed offended. "You scent-drugged me during a rut, good job. But your scent is back to normal again and I've been taking stronger suppressants. You are just a filthy little alpha just like all the others. What power do you think you hold over me?"
"Shizun offends me. Both of us know that I could make him obey me if I want. And Shizun enjoyed being obedient. But maybe he just forgot, as he was too busy moaning on my c..."
Before he knew, Xiu Ya was coming for his face. But, he had been expecting that, so he only dodged.
"Shizun. Why are you trying to upset your alpha?" He purred.
"You are not...!"
"Of course. How unthoughtful of me. We can change that. Undress. " He grins.
Shen Qinqgiu freezes for a moment. Xiu Ya falls to the floor with a loud clank as he reaches his sash, eyes glassy. Binghe knows it won't work forever and that his master can be pretty fast to come back to his senses, but only a moment is enough. He can remove the scent blocker and others talismans embroidered into his master's clothes with his own hands.
He hums contently, getting closer. "If Shizun didn't want to be my mate, why is he being such a good omega for me?" The mockery costs him a few precious seconds as his teacher breaks out of the spell again and turns to him, gritting his teeth. " Shizun wants to be good for his alpha, doesn't he? "
Shen Qingqiu's expression softens again into something like hope. Luo Binghe's heart melts. He is so glad for being patient. There is a soft, welcoming Shizun underneath his cold aura, just waiting to be freed.
He has been thinking about that for a couple of days now, considering that it could have been his rut-coated mind playing tricks on him, just his instincts making him want to claim any omega available in his vicinity. But his alpha had been right. Shizun's scent is amazing! He smells like his. Shen Qingqiu's instincts want him back. Why would it answer so well to hi otherwise? His omega knows how strong the puppies they could have together would be. He can smell it on him and see inside his eyes and Luo Binghe will not let the opportunity slide this time. Not when he could have everything. A kind master, a mate, a family. A warm wet hole to fuck.
He has spent the past few days doing his research. He is not sure yet what makes Shen Qingqiu particularly sensitive to his alpha voice, be it his hidden demonic abilities or the fact that partners with higher compatibility will respond better to it other, but, he knows that a claimed omega is even more susceptible to their alpha's influence and theirs alone. Shizun is not going to be looking for any others. Even when his seal eventually breaks, Shizun will need him and never going to be able to get rid of him without destroying himself in the process. Everything could be perfect.
He helps his master undress, standing very close to him in the process, rubbing his face against him at every opportunity to mark the man with his scent and make the man breathe into him with every air intake, so his scent will help cloud his mind in a delighted mist. He doesn't feel bad about it at all. Shen Qingqiu's natural body reactions to him are just
innate to him and now that Luo Binghe has presented as an alpha he was going to start to see it with other eyes sooner or later. He is just speeding up the process.
He watches as the master's eyes return bit by bit to focus, but he doesn't immediately attack him. His breath has also been starting to become more labored. He looks down at the now naked body in front of him and he sees how the omega closes his legs as if in an attempt to hide from his hungry gaze, but also rubs them together in an instinct. Luo Binghe wants to eat him whole. He sees this time it takes a much bigger effort for the man to shake away his influence from him, still, the frown on his face looks unsure.
"I..." He closes his eyes with force, and shakes his head. "I am warning you. If you try to touch me again... Being kicked out of the Sect is going to be the kinder of your punishments."
"Is it? Do it." He takes a step back and crosses his arms. "Go on. Call the Sect Leader here. I will have you in front of him. I will have you in front of all of the Peak Lords if you prefer and you know you are going to love it."
"You!...You can't...!"
"Present." The omega shivers in front of him again and turns around, lowering himself to support both of his hands on the table, ass up in the air. "I can't what, Shizun?" He grins. "Don't worry. Alpha is going to have such good care of you."
Despite the fight he is putting up, Luo Binghe knows it's just for show. Shizun's omega recognizes him as his alpha and the slick gushing out of his hole is the proof. He supports his master by the hips and shoves two fingers inside of him as best as he can. Shizun is tight and warm inside and he is glad he heard his elder martial siblings' advice for that. He really wants to, but he doubts he would be able to just shove his cock inside of him just as it is now, much less his knot. His rut-dazed self would never have this kind of patience and he is glad using Shizun's mouth alone was enough to get rid of it. He wants to savor this moment and be able to remember it fully.
But how can he when Shizun is making all these delicious little noises?
This has to do. Shizun is just going to have to forgive him later. Luo Binghe is sure he will, eventually when they get mated and his master finally learns to start acting like the omega he is.
Shen Qingqiu hisses at him. He taps his butt gently in apology. He is going to take his time and learn what the omega likes the next time, after his mark is healing on his mate's neck and Shen Qingqiu is not fantasizing about slitting his throat.
"Brute." He complains but doesn't try to fight him, which is probably a good sign.
He grabs the older man by the back of his neck and presses him down for a better angle. His alpha purrs in his chest satisfied, his cock being able to reach deeper. He growls. His Shizun whines.
"Good omega." He praises. And feels more slick gushing around his cock.
Shen Qingqiu is boneless under him and lets himself be manhandled at wish. The only thing that seen to be supporting him is Luo Binghe's hands around his waist. Shizun looks so good like this, taking his cock. He is going to look even better, made loose by his knot, his alpha's seed dripping from his hole, marking him as owned. He is going to look good too, when the seed takes.
He is holding on tighter than he should. Purplish prints of his hands started to bloom around Shen Qingqiu's waist. Good. It's not like anyone can see them under his robes. This vision is for his alpha's eyes only.
"I am going to bite you Shizun. I won't force you to reveal your second gender or to show it off if you are not ready, but I promise I am going to be a good alpha for you and take care of you if you let me." And show you your place if you don't. "But I want you to ask for it. Beg for me."
"Alpha." His Shizun shivers. Luo Binghe groans. "Alpha please..."
"Please what?"
"I need it. Please alpha...!" Luo Binghe hisses, grabs the omega by the neck and pulls him closer, licking a long stripe of his skin. He holds the omega's hips with more force to keep him in place. His knot is starting to swell. It's going to be a tight fit. Shizun is already impossibly stretched around his cock. Shen Qingqiu's body resists the intrusion. If he forces it, there is a good chance he is going to hurt the man, but he needs it. His mate's body will learn to accept him eventually. A good omega accepts what their alpha has to give to them. He wants to see it, Shen Qingqiu's hole open wide because of him, squeezing around nothing as it tries to keep the alpha's cum inside.
With another strong thrust of his hips, he forces it inside, locking them together. The omega lets out a pained cry. He doesn't let him react to it, biting the space where his shoulder meets his neck and Shen Qingqiu whines, losing his force underneath him.
Luo Binghe looks at a well-made work. Their pups are going to be adorable.