Lord Long Xiao, one of the Five Holy Gods and also the newly appointed god overseeing mortal cultivation, had descended to the realms for "research"... or so he claimed.
The real reason?
To avoid participating in the Gods' Contest, an annual divine competition where gods of various philosophies clashed to determine whose path reigned supreme.
Scene: Moments before his descent.
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Night fell on Adowa Peak. The winds whispered as they blew alongside the serene river. Long Xiao, standing at the bank of Densu murmured,
"The mortals need guidance. Their cultivation paths are flawed." Long Xiao murmured, his voice barely audible over the whispers of the wind.
"They struggle and suffer, all for the elusive promise of immortality. I cannot stand idly by and watch their futile endeavors." He said as a single tear escaped his left eye.
"And Mother Scarlet deems me worthy to provide them that." He added.
"Mortals don't even need you to hold a teacup, Master. They are really advanced creatures themselves. Don't flatter yourself." Lei, Long Xiao's divine mount said bluntly, hovering above Densu.
Lei's blunt words stung, causing Long Xiao's annoyed gaze to fall on him, his halo flickering for a moment before falling back on the river, the moonlight dancing on its gentle waves.
Lei snorted, his celestial aura flickering in amusement. "You think, you descending to their realm will change anything?
This question was sudden. Not knowing what to say,
"Hmm!" He cleared his throat. As he was about to resume his glorious speech, his storage pouch slipped and fell into the river caused by the Velvet Winds.
"Lei, would you be a dear and retrieve the fallen pouch?" He gave a hearty smile, but the mount was conveniently deaf at the moment.
"Wow! The Heavens are really loud today. Aren't they, Master?" Lei giggled, already metres away.
Long Xiao's halo flickered temporarily, making Densu grow cold. The winds blew fast as the rocks present cracked subtly. Without uttering another word, he dived into the river. Moments later, he crawled out all soaked with his storage pouch in his left hand,
"I shall descend..." Long Xiao sneezed.
"I shall descend to the realms to provide aid and gain enlightenment." He declared, voice noble, posture grand.
Then, with the elegance of a god definitely not dodging his responsibility, he plucked a glowing petal from a nearby flower and dabbed it against his nose.
At first, nothing happened.
Then…everything did.
A sudden heat surged across his skin, starting from his fingertips and racing up his arms like wildfire. His cheeks flushed, his forehead glistened, and his robes clung to him as if the air itself had turned to steam.
"Aaaah!" he shrieked, flailing dramatically as the petal dropped from his hand.
"I'm on fire! Literally! "
He dove into the river with zero hesitation, splashing like a mortal child in mid-summer panic. The water cooled him instantly. A nice icy relief against the scorching sensation. He sighed, floating for a moment, arms spread wide as if playing in snow.
But that peace was short-lived.