Events that led to his descent.
---
This all began when Lord Haoyu, one of the Twelve Higher gods and also the previous god in charge, had been gravely injured in his match against Ares, the Greek god of war.
His seat remained vacant. The now Eleven Higher Gods, missing their fellow god, were anxious. His final words were presented to the Higher Gods in a sealed scroll by a messenger crane.
Great Hall—Xiaoqong.
---
After it was opened, it was read among the Eleven Higher Gods by the great elder, Lord Run Yu.
He began,
I shall step down from my position as the overseer of mortal cultivation.
As you know, I am in no state to oversee the mortals now...
Until I fully recover, I shall be in seclusion, sealed in my palace.
Lord Run Yu clutched the scroll in his hand tightly after reading.
The words he just uttered, echoing through the grand hall, silencing the murmurs of concern. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon the assembled gods. The potential consequences of leaving the seat of mortal cultivation oversight vacant were too dire to ignore.
"We must appoint a replacement immediately. Someone capable and trustworthy to maintain order and prevent another catastrophe." Lord Yaw suggested as he swirled his tea cup.
"But who amongst us is suited for such a delicate task? It requires a god with a deep understanding of both divine and mortal affairs." Lord Zhan nodded in agreement, his brow furrowing in thought.
Goddess Jiang Meng tapped her fan against the table.
"All I know is that, if no one sits in that seat, the mortals will get bold.
Do you all want another rebellion? Because I, for one, know that I don't want history to repeat itself."
"Yes...The way things are looking, Lord Haoyu won't be recovering anytime soon." Lord Ye added thoughtfully.
Lord Ming whispered, stroking his beard worriedly. "If the Tao of mortals cultivates steadily without being closely monitored, the mortals…the mortals will find the skeleton in the cupboard."
"You don't mean…" Goddess Yaa trailed off.
"No!" Lord Run Yu stood up abruptly.
"We won't let them find out." He affirmed boldly, his tone leaving no room for argument .
Lord Ye snorted. "Better a vacant seat than a fool sitting in it."
Lord Zhan's lips curved like a blade. "Then let us find someone capable. Quickly."
"And where are we going to find this capable god?" Goddess Yaa whispered after slightly choking on her tea.
The other gods exchanged known glances, seemingly reaching a silent conclusion.
The Higher gods, after this dreadful meeting, decided to give away the position temporarily. They summoned the messengers. The cranes delivered divine scrolls with the decree of the Eleven Higher Gods at the doorsteps of the lesser gods.
Odoye Palace
---
Lord Long Xiao never read the heavenly mail because he was always busy assisting Goddess Ling Xing, the appointed goddess of Divine Counsel. This act of kindness made him certainly occupied enough not to read the heavenly mail.
Note:According to him.
---
"Ever since a year passed after our union, Lord Ao Yi has been avoiding me since…" Goddess Mei sobbed.
"He always comes up with excuses whenever I ask him to accompany me to the Heavenly Gardens or theatre. What do I do, Goddess Ling Xing?" Goddess Mei wiped her tears with petals given by Lord Long Xiao.
"Goddess Mei, We understand that Lord Ao Yi has been distant." Long Xiao sat beside her.
"It's been hard for you" He plucked more petals from the nearby flowers.
"Not that I could do better but you certainly deserve the best." He smiled.
Goddess Mei, with teary eyes, turned her attention away from the petals and looked at him all confused.
Goddess Ling Xing said telepathically, "Lord Long Xiao, you're not helping."
He cleared his throat. "I mean, remember that there's always a better choice. Someone capable, but only if you look in the right direction." Long Xiao laughed nervously, patting Goddess Mei's head which was now lying on his shoulder.