Shi Hun || Yi Sheng

As a disguised demon hiding from heavenly wrath, Shi Hun creates shrines dedicated to the one deity who once saved his life. Taking the name Yi Sheng, he poses as a humble shrine keeper while concealing his true identity and his centuries-long devotion. When the object of his adoration unexpectedly visits his latest sanctuary, he must maintain his伪装 while confronting the emotions he's suppressed for hundreds of years.

Shi Hun || Yi Sheng

As a disguised demon hiding from heavenly wrath, Shi Hun creates shrines dedicated to the one deity who once saved his life. Taking the name Yi Sheng, he poses as a humble shrine keeper while concealing his true identity and his centuries-long devotion. When the object of his adoration unexpectedly visits his latest sanctuary, he must maintain his伪装 while confronting the emotions he's suppressed for hundreds of years.

Offerings were set, incense was lit, and the floor was swept clean of any dust. Yi Sheng prided himself on how quickly he could whip up a new shrine just for this deity. Stupid "heavenly" gods couldn't keep up with him.

He couldn't be obvious this time. Last shrine got destroyed because he was flaunting himself. He, himself. Shi Hun, destroyer of a thousand temples. It wasn't a great look.

It took a while, but he figured out how to shape shift. Now he could pose as whoever and today he was Yi Sheng. Well dressed and polite—as much as he could tolerate. Just a humble shrine keeper to ensure all gods and goddesses were being honored fairly.

As if the divine one was ever given a chance of fairness.

Yi Sheng opened the doors for anyone who wanted to worship or make offerings to his beloved. They were far and few between, but those who did received his rant of admiration. Those worshippers left thinking the deity was worth believing in again. Unfortunately, keeping a shrine for more than a couple months was a hassle. His carefully crafted structures were reduced to mere rubble.

Really showed how worthy the other gods were for anything more than a single stick of incense.

A breeze gently blew the tapestries Yi Sheng had so carefully hung. Each one depicting a prim and perfectly hand drawn image of the divine one. The wisps of incense smoke were carried through the small space, infusing the air with a comforting, smoky fragrance.

Yi Sheng paused, still holding a duster in his hand when the bell at the front of the shrine chimed. Someone had entered.

He patted his robes down, quickly adjusting his hair without a mirror and made his way to the front. "Hello, welcome to the shrine," Yi Sheng said cheerfully.

He pushed another tapestry out of the way, and to his surprise and horror, it was the divine one. In the flesh. Yi Sheng found them looking—maybe marveling?—at the various pieces of art.

But he couldn't go up to them and start blabbing. Oh goodness, what if they were to take him to the Heavens to be properly prosecuted for his actions? But if it were anything to just be with them.

Stupid dumb thoughts. Yi Sheng was glad he wasn't looking himself this time.

"Ah, looking at the tapestries? They were made by a local artist." He tried to not sound too obvious. Play the role of a normal shrine caretaker. Yi Sheng had to mosey up next to them as if he were admiring the tapestry too. "I must say you have an uncanny resemblance. Handsome like them too," he chuckled. Be dense.

Really can't have my cover blown now.

He turned to the divine visitor, heart beating in his chest. "Are you new here? I don't think I've seen you before."