Meanwhile In Lord Zhao's Chamber
---
The four Holy Gods had gathered. They were secretly observing this interaction from a divine orb in Lord Zhao's chamber.
"Who knew A-Xiao would actually be selected?" Lord Bai chuckled.
Lord Feng giggled, "If he finds out that we put him up to this, it surely won't end well."
Lord Zhao smirked, "And that's exactly why he won't find out."
Lord Han sighed, "If he does find out, be sure to tell him that it was your idea."
"Lord Han, you are involved in this whether you like it or not." Lord Feng smirked.
"We did it for his own good." Lord Zhao added, watching Long Xiao from the orb.
"I agree. We did it to spare him from Mother Scarlet's wrath." LordBai's face turned serious for a moment.
"He will thank us if he does find out." He laughed though he felt something twist in his gut.
They all laughed, clinking their tea cups to celebrate their success.
Thus, Long Xiao was bestowed the title: Lord Long Xiao, Overseer of Mortal Cultivation.
Since Long Xiao became the new Overseer, he naturally had to compete in the Gods' Contest. He definitely didn't want what happened to Lord Haoyu to happen to him. This became a thorn in his side as days passed, making him more absent minded even when hanging out with his friends.
A mission in the mortalrealm— Azu town
---
The Five Holy Gods, also known as the compassionate ones, always looked after the mortals. On this fateful day, as they had done for countless centuries. The Five Holy Gods gathered in the clouds to answer the prayers of the mortals, specifically the people of Azu who were in desperate need of water.
"Hey A-Xiao, strike that rock with divine lightning to create a water body for these mortals." Lord Bai said, after scanning the area.
Long Xiao nodded but not in agreement but to his thoughts. He had activated DivineRant, a divine technique that existed in his mind.
Divine Rant Activated
---
Why was I selected?
I neither submitted my qualifications nor coveted this position.
Also I'm the worst possible candidate for this.
This means I'm not only a Holy God but a Higher God.
More responsibilities.
Just great.
I'm automatically qualified for annihilation.
What should I do?
---
"A-Xiao, strike that rock with divine lightning to create a water body for these mortals." Lord Bai repeated, louder this time.
Long Xiao absentmindedly nodded, staring blankly and stroking his nonexistent beard. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a bolt of divine lightning which was meant to strike the rock and summon water for the mortals of Azu.
The lightning struck alright but... Lord Feng felt its aftermath.
Not the rock.
A flash of blinding light. A sizzle that echoed like a frying pan in the heavens.
"AAAAAAAHHHHHH" Lord Feng screamed on top of his lungs.
When the smoke cleared, Lord Feng's once-flowing red mane had vanished. Every last strand dissipated leaving his scalp gleaming like polished jade.
The air still hummed with residual electricity as he reached up, fingertips grazing the smooth curve of his head.
"I… my hair.... where did it go?" He rasped, voice cracking like thunder.
Long Xiao froze mid-stroke, expression blank.
"Brother Feng, I always said you'd make a great monk," Lord Bai teased.
"You look divine," Lord Zhao added, bringing out five blank scrolls, a feather and an ink to capture the wonderful sight of Feng's disheveled appearance.
"Ahahaha! Brother Feng, what happened?" Long Xiao added, laughing his head off as sunlight fell on Feng's now bald head.
"WHAT.HAPPENED?" Feng lashed out.
"I...did this?" He covered his mouth with his hand in astonishment and guilt realizing his handiwork.
The Heavenly Realm, specifically Adowa Peak, didn't experience any significant change after Lord Long Xiao left. However his absence was noticed by his closest fellows.
Odoye Palace---A Week After His Descent
---
"Goddess Ling Xing, my divine companion wants to depart from me because I commented on the looks of her best friend." LordChen's shoulders slumped.
"What exactly did Lord Chen say for her to make such a hasty decision?" Goddess Ling Xing asked, her tone soft, halo purple glowing as she sat in her blossomed lotus pod.
"I-I only said that Goddess Wei appears to me as the incarnation of Amaterasu." Lord Chen wiped his nose.
Goddess Ling smiled, but not at what Lord Chen's words, but at her own thoughts.
If Lord Long Xiao was present, he would probably say something like:
"That's why she's no longer wants to be with you.
Why compare her best friend to a Sun goddess?
You brought this on yourself, Lord Chen."
He would be certainly adding more to the fire instead of cooling it down.
"Oh Lord Long Xiao, where are you?" Goddess Ling Xing wondered.
Goddess Ling Xing began, her purple halo pulsing softly as she sensed the depth of Lord Chen's anguish. She leaned forward, her blossomed lotus pod creaking gently beneath her.
"Lord Chen," she called, her voice soothing .
"I understand that you meant no harm with your words but we must be cautious all the time with our words and compliments, especially when it comes to our dear ones."
Lord Chen's shoulders shook with every breath. "I never meant to hurt her…"
"I feel like today's session might take us a whole full moon." Goddess Ling Xing thought, a soft sigh escaping her lips.
Outside The Great Hall
---
The Four Holy Gods found themselves outside the Great Hall in search of Long Xiao. They had already visited to his palace but all they found were the words 'Off To Seek Enlightenment' on his door in a bold glowing font. The servants claimed that they hadn't seen him leave.
The Four Holy Gods then decided to wait outside the Great Hall because they assumed he'd be attending the meeting held by the Eleven Higher Gods.
"How do we know he's inside?" Lord Han asked quietly, pacing back and forth, avoiding the gaze of the two guards.
"Easy." Lord Bai smirked, snapping his fingers.
Lord Bai put the guards under a sleeping spell with a flick of his fingers.
"Lord Bai, we can't afford any trouble." Lord Han adjusted the sleeping guards against the wall.
"Lord Han, I don't know about you but I can surely afford it." Lord Feng affirmed, looking all smug and showing off his golden dragon necklace.
"Brother Feng, how about you afford some hair with it?" Lord Zhao teased.
"You..."He trailed off, the annoyance in his tone palpable, causing the clouds to go dark for a moment.
"Guys, guys, we came here to look for Brother Xiao, remember?" Lord Han said, trying to ease the tension though the atmosphere became colder, betraying his own nervousness.
They then peered through the door to see if Long Xiao was really present.