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English
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Published:
2024-05-09
Completed:
2025-10-04
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3,472
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4/4
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Take me to your heart, for its there that I belong

Summary:

"When the song finally started to slow. The only thought in Liu Qingge's head was that he very much wanted to know what else the other man's fingers were capable of."

Alternatively- Liu Qingge falling in love With Shen Qingqiu through his Shixiong's rad Guqin playing

(Or: Shen Yaun is both a fraud and a musical genius)

Notes:

The worm brain wouldn't go away until I wrote this so... hopefully it's not complete garbage.
and a BIG thankyou to my Beta reader/editor @theboopersnooper

 

here's a list of all of the songs in order that I used as reference for this fic. (They are not named when you are reading because Liu Qingge doesn't know what the hell he's listening to)

https://youtu.be/6Yb0jJ5kiIQ?si=_jUB8Anq9sQIpPJh
https://youtu.be/l5v40JJ6TO4?si=0lis7DosUBDYBR4g
https://youtu.be/1Ptoxrr9XBA?si=qaQrIS_NxhtA_KZJ
https://youtu.be/znIkimYgWd0?si=0m_9LWbUtrsRerY9
https://youtu.be/ntIYLLlVGMc?si=wSi6hMdf_9_WkeF4

Chapter 1: To hear you play...

Chapter Text

Shen Yuan, is for a lack of a better word, stressed. It had only been a couple of months since the immortal alliance conference, and he hasn't once had a peaceful night's rest since. Not only because of the events that transpired, but because of everything that had followed.

From (understandably) angry parents, to mandatory peak lord meetings about Gods know what anymore, all while trying to teach, and take care of an entire peak of children.The word stressed doesn't even begin to cover it.

Gods, sometimes he really hated that stupid hack author for creating this world, but deep down he knows it's not really Shang Qinghua’s fault despite everything he says.

It was times like these, when the ever present ache in his bones seemed to only worsen, that he just needed to step away or else he was going to snap (or cry) and it wasn't going to be pretty.

Fortunately, he had rediscovered a hobby from his past life.

When he was a kid, before he was diagnosed and told he probably wouldn’t live to see his twenties. His parents had insisted he learn to play the guqin.

At first he had resented the whole idea. But when his illness started to weaken his body, it became one of the few hobbies outside of reading he could practice while not straining himself.

He grew to love it.

But as time went on, and he got older he played less and less until he stopped.

Lets just say it wasn't very practical to bring a guqin to a hospital.

When he had first woken up as Shen Qingqiu, it had been one of the few blessings he had been granted. Although most of the time he had to play for lecters, it had allowed him to pick the hobby back up.

Which is how he now found himself using it as an outlet for stress, much like how he had done in his past life.

Walking away from a very unproductive and highly frustrating meeting with his fellow peak lords; he finds himself in desperate need of some peace and quiet away from other disturbances. Heading to the bamboo grove outside his house, he misses the faint call of Liu Qingge trying to get his attention.

********************

Liu Qingge knows he doesn't understand emotions in any way that really counts, but even he can see that Shen Qingqiu has been having a tough time recently with everything that has been going on.

Especially when he calls Shen Qingqiu’s name and he doesn't respond.Typically this non-response wouldn't be all that abnormal, but around three years ago that changed. He doesn't know why the switch happened, only that the idea of going back to how things were back then scares Liu Qingge in a way that he didn't realize was possible.

So, he follows him.

He only really wanted to make sure he got back to his peak alright, but when Shen Qingqiu landed in front of his home and he didn't go inside after sheathing Xiu Ya, like Liu Qingge would have assumed. He let curiosity get the better of him.

Quietly after making sure he hasn't been spotted, he follows his Shixiong towards the back of his house.

He didn't know what he was expecting, but he probably should have seen this coming. There, in a more secluded part of the forest sits Shen Qingqiu, with a guqin on his lap. The man is ethereal as he sits, light catching on his long lashes as he looks down contemplating.

No words can begin to describe the allure the Qing Jing peak lord holds as he sits. Even his breathing appears elegant and refined.

His expression is openly focused in a way that Liu Qingge only really sees when the other man forgets the company he's in, and loses himself to whatever he’s thinking. whether that be a new and most undoubtedly terrifying beast, or what move to make next whilst engaged in a game of Go.

He’s beautiful as he sits there, the world seeming to still in anticipation. He starts to play.

Liu Qingge doesn't recognize the song but just like the man playing it, the song is divine. The piece starts slow, almost melancholy but then it picks up ever so slightly giving the impression of loss, then peace making him yearn to hear more with each note played.

Every pluck of his fingers is more bewitching than the last.

Although Liu Qingge doesn't really ever go out of his way to listen to music, he thinks he'd like to hear this song played again. If only to be able to experience the sort of peace the song grants him.

Frustrated with himself as he tries to suppress his blush, he lets his thoughts wonder. Why would Shen Qingqiu hide this talent from others?

Of course he had heard Shen Qingqiu play the guqin before, but never like this. Everything about the piece was enchanting and if Liu Qingge had to describe it he would probably tell you it sounded like the song had come from a different time altogether.

But as the song starts to close. He knows he must leave before he gets caught listening to what could only be described (in Liu Qingge’s opinion) as a masterpiece.

So he leaves.

It is only later when he is in the confinement of his own home, he realizes how fast his heart is beating, and that maybe the music isn't the only thing he was enraptured by.

 

***************

 

The next time it happens it's more of an accident really. He had stopped by to clear Shen Qingqiu’s meridians when he heard the faint, but inviting sound of the guqin being played by what could only be a master's hands.

Assuming the other man had forgotten what day it was, he started to walk towards the bamboo grove only stopping himself when he started to hear the piece more clearly.

It was another song he didn't recognize,(no surprise there) but this time the song wasn't a slow build into a relaxing melody, but rather a fast plucking of the strings that had Liu Qingge wondering why he hadn't heard the instrument played in such a way before.

Again, it was gorgeous, but then the melody picked up, and it was then Liu Qingge saw the other man's expression. He looked frustrated. About what, he could only guess, but the music oh, the music, even if Liu Qingge hadn't seen his face he would know just by how the other man was playing that he clearly had a lot on his mind, and that this instrument was his only release.

Truly captivating.

Faster and faster Shen Qingqiu plucked the strings, letting the melody take him away.

Although Shen Qingqiu’s frustration was evident,(the music and his expression were proof enough), He seemed to calm slightly with each chord produced by his long delicate fingers.

when the song finally started to slow. The only thought in Liu Qingges head was that he very much wanted to know what else the other man's fingers were capable of.

After the music eventually came to a halt, Liu Qingge suddenly remembered why he had come here in the first place.

Slowly, he approached the other man. “What was that?” nice, real eloquent. Shen Qingqiu, not expecting the intrusion, responds ”Excuse me?”

“The song, what was it?” Shen Qingqiu made a face looking to the side almost as if he couldn't, or didn't know how to answer the question.

“I…” taking a moment longer to respond he finally answers “it doesn't matter, Shidi wouldn't know it any way.”

Liu Qingge takes a moment to consider his response. It wasn't like he had asked a very unreasonable question, so he didn't quite understand why the inquiry seemed to make the other man uncomfortable.

It occurred to him then that perhaps the reason Shen Qingqiu didn't answer was because he couldn't… Or perhaps couldn't was the wrong word, but Shen Qingqiu certainly didn't want to answer, and if Liu Qingge was being honest with himself it was probably because his Shixiong was being modest. Because there was no way the other man hadn't written these scores.

That was another one of Shen Qingqiu’s new quirks, it was almost like he didn’t like the unnecessary attention despite clearly being a musical prodigy. It was weird, especially since Liu Qingge knows for a fact that the Shen Qingqiu of the past would have definitely gloated about every little thing to prove to anyone listening; that he was better.

Before he could think on it any more, the other peak lord interrupted his train of thought “This Master was wondering why Liu-shidi finds himself here today?”

Ah, so Shen Qingqiu really didn’t remember. “ It's time to clear your meridians. Remember?” Liu Qingge replies, realizing a faint blush, and an embarrassed grimace has started to appear on the other man's face. visible for only a moment before Shen Qingqiu flicks open his fan to hide his expression.

What a shame he really is beautiful when he blushes. Seemingly startled by his own thoughts, he shakes his head and continues “if you're busy I can come by again later.”

“No this Shixiong is ready now, we might as well get it over with.” Shen Qingqiu lowers his eyes and offers his wrist in acceptance.

Something in Liu Qingge stirs at the response, as he makes his way closer to what Liu Qingge would have liked to call his friend. “Might as well get it over with” he doesn’t know why, but the way Shen Qingqiu said that really bothers him.

Maybe it was because he had really grown to love these sessions between himself and the Qing Jing peak lord, but he certainly never wanted to just “get them over with” if anything the frequency of the visits only served to make him want to leave less and less.

His distaste at the wording must have been visible on his face, because in the next moment Shen Qingqiu seeming to have almost read his mind asks “Of course, if the Bai Zhan peak lord finds himself amiable he would of course be invited to tea afterward”

“I-, Fine if that's what you want” He grumbles.

His response manages to coax a small, but beautiful smile out of Shen Qingqiu that only serves to make Liu Qingge’s heart beat faster.

Embarrassed by his verbal fumbling, and NOT because he’s blushing, he looks away.

It is then Liu Qingge has the horrible realization that Shen Qingqiu will absolutely be the death of him.

 

*************

After that Liu Qingge did not once hear Shen Qingqiu play the guqin outside of lessons. At first, he assumes it's because his Shen-shixiong is simply busy. But it is only later he discovers that no, his Shixiong never stopped playing, he had just stopped playing during the day.

It had been weeks since he had last heard Shen Qingqiu play the guqin, and Liu Qingge, a man with very few wants, yearned to hear the almost Godly sound that only one man could produce.

So when Liu Qingge found himself walking towards the bamboo house in the middle of the night, after a bad dream that had him absolutely convinced Shen Qingqiu was either dead or dying, you could only imagine Liu Qingge’s absolute shock at hearing the very instrument that had eluded him for the past few weeks.

Letting out a sigh of relief at hearing his martial brother play his guqin, he relaxes at the confirmation that Shen Qingqiu was fine. He decides to stay and listen if only to calm his beating heart.

This time the music almost sounds like a dream slow, but confident in a way that suggests strength and perseverance. With every note. Liu Qingge finds himself relaxing, finally allowing his thoughts to quiet.

 

When he comes to, the music has stopped, and he realizes belatedly that he must have zoned out at one point while listening, because he can’t for the life of him remember how the song ended.

As Liu Qingge makes his way back to his peak, he resolves himself to ask Shen Qingqiu to play Something for him, lest he die of longing.

 

*****************

The next time Liu Qingge makes his Bi-monthly visit to Qing Jing, he gathers all of the courage he can muster (considering he’s the Bai Zhan peak lord you would think that would be alot, but alas here we are) and asks.

“Could you play me something?” Shen Qingqiu nearly chokes on his tea, but after regaining his composure he asks “Could Shidi please clarify what he means? I fear I may have misheard.” The response is nervous, as if Shen Qingqiu knows exactly what he means, but is scared he might be correct in his assessment.

Only further cementing the idea that Shen Qingqiu has been writing his own music, and doesn't want others to hear.

“I was wondering if you might be amiable to play me a song on the guqin?” Taking a more polite tone in hopes of gaining even the slightest bit of favor, Liu Qingge finds himself tense as he waits in anticipation for the answer to the very question that has plagued him ever since he made the decision to ask it.

Flicking open his fan to hide his nervousness, Shen Qingqiu hesitates only briefly before answering. “Of course, this one just wasn't expecting such a question. Did Shidi have a specific piece in mind?”

“No, I just want to hear you play.” Shen Qingqiu nods in assent then stands to go grab the instrument.

He walks back, guqin in hand then sits down pausing with his hands over the strings; as he prepares himself to play.

Slowly he begins. But there's something wrong. The piece his Shixiong has decided to play isn't one of the ones he wrote, but a piece Liu Qingge is sure he has heard at least a hundred times whilst on Qing jing peak

It's a beautiful piece, don't get him wrong but this isn’t what he had wanted to hear, and Liu Qingge doesnt hide his disappointment fast enough before the sharp eyes of his companion sees.

The music pauses and Shen Qingqiu looks up at him with questioning eyes. when he asks “is something wrong? was the piece not to your liking?’

“It’s not that, I just… I was just wondering if you could play something new for me, something of yours.” A confused look passes across his face before it clears, and he sends a look of understanding to the Bai Zhan peak lord.

“oh , of course. Just give me a moment to think of what to play.” he places both of his hands back on the guqin, and begins again.

This time, when he starts to play it's another piece Liu Qingge has never heard before, and Liu Qingge thinks he falls in love.

Because what else could he do when ShenQingqiu looks like that, his hands are making music worthy of the Gods themselves.

If after he asks to come back more often with a heavy blush on his cheeks… Neither of them mention it.

************

 

They start to visit each other more frequently just to drink what is probably very expensive tea and enjoy each other's company whilst occasionally indulging in Liu Qingge’s requests to hear the other man play.

Recently they had discovered (completely by accident) that Shen Qingqiu had been imbuing his qi into his music when he played, making those who heard it empathetic to whatever the QIng Jing peak lord was feeling.

This certainly helped explain why Liu Qingge had such strong reactions when he listened to his Shixiong play, or at least he thought it did, until they decided to run an experiment where Shen Qingqiu made a conscious effort not to cultivate with his guqin.

Although it worked, it didn't change how Liu QIngge felt about the music.

Besides, after their little experiment Shen Qingqiu had told him that he found the whole experience to be less relaxing than normal, And, who was Liu Qingge to stop him from playing how he wished?

(And if Liu Qingge finds the subtle presence of the other man comforting, you can't blame him for never wanting the Qing Jing peak lord to stop)

It was honestly impressive they hadn't figured it out sooner, because now that they had, it was incredibly hard to miss.

Which was how he found himself standing in front of the bamboo house, observing the qi around him. It was… melancholy, but with the subtle hint of yearning.

What was Shen Qingqiu playing that was making him sad? What was he thinking of? Why did it feel as if there was an unquenchable ache in his heart?

Slowly, as to not interrupt the other man. He opens the door to the bamboo house, and stops near the entrance so he can listen without interrupting him.

At first Liu Qingge doesn't know what to make of the piece, but then it hits him like a ton of bricks. The song is sad; there is such a deep sense of longing in every gentle vibration of the strings, that it almost makes Liu Qingge want to weep.

Especially now, standing behind Shen Qingqiu, with no walls in between them.

But the piece, with all its foreboding desire, is undoubtedly hopeful as if Shen Qingqiu were waiting for a lost lover.

The other man doesn't seem to realize the emotions he stirs in Liu Qingge, and all Liu Qingge can do is watch.

Watch, as the man in front of him plays his song with flushed cheeks, and a gentle smile that can only be described as serene.

Watch, as a piece of the other peak lord's hair falls forward framing his angelic face.

Watch, with a bated breath as he feels his own heart break because he is in love and it is clear that Shen Qingqius' heart, however guarded, clearly does not belong to him.

 

He feels like the world is crashing around him, heart plunged into an infinite pool of despair. Because he loves Shen Qingqiu, and all though he hadn't considered telling the other man the truth before, if only to save his own feelings. He realized now that this hurts so much worse than any verbal confirmation he could have been given.

At least then, he might have been prepared.

Instead he feels like every hope and dream has been shattered in an instant. Because Liu Qingge may be emotionally stupid, but the message this song was trying to convey was loud and clear.

He is startled back to the present when the music abruptly stops “Oh- Liu-shidi, i didn't see you there I- are you alright?”

Only then does Liu Qingge realize that he’s crying.

“Liu-shidi?” A look of concern is directed at him and Liu Qingge doesn't think he can take it.

So he flees like the absolute coward he is.

Chapter 2: Oops?

Summary:

I promise I can explain

Chapter Text

Hey, so, remember when I posted this fic? Remember how it was completed and people said that they liked it?

Yeah sooooooo I’m thinking of rewriting this fic.

I really liked the concept and was generally happy with the first chapter, BUT when I started writing the second chapter I couldn’t get it to sound good (in my opinion) and rushed it.

 

I REALLY don’t like how it turned out needless to say.

ANYWAY, on top of wanting to rewrite it, I was also thinking of making it longer and more fleshed out.

If anyone wants that PLEASE let me know.

Regardless, I’m kind of embarrassed and think I can do better, hence why the second chapter is conveniently missing.

Many thanks,
— Sexy_plant

Chapter 3: MAJOR UPDATE FOR REWRITE!

Summary:

Good news!

Chapter Text

ITS ALMOST DONE! Expect the rewrite to release sometime within the next 2 weeks (hopefully 😅) !!!

I am SO sorry it took this long but THANK YOU to everyone who commented and kudosed this fic to support it.

You all helped more than you know ❤️

If you are wondering why it took so long, just know that life’s kind of a bitch and school sucks. (*cough* the AO3 curse IS real *cough*)

REGARDLESS I will be posting another chapter on this fic announcing the new fic in case you didn’t want to subscribe to me specifically but still want to know when it will come out.

I’ll be releasing it as a one shot so when it’s out that’s it! No more waiting!

My writing is absolutely ABYSMAL so to all of you who stuck around, thank you again ❤️❤️❤️

(If the lack of punctuation in this message scares you I PROMISE I’m only like this in casual conversation. The rewrite is FULLY punctuated.)

Chapter 4: SURPRISE

Summary:

It’s done

Chapter Text

The rewrite is on my page now!