"Spiritual stones, gold, and taels—these are the mortal equivalents of heavenly merits." Long Xiao stood up, pacing the room.
He decided to audit the spiritual stones he'd obtained through an exchange with the God of Wealth, Qian Shen days before his descent.
But how had he obtained them?
Heaven's Fortune Palace--- In Fortune Garden
---
Shortly before his descent, Long Xiao had requested an audience with the God of Wealth. As an entity that exists independently to facilitate trade between both gods and mortals, Qian Shen was one of the most worshipped beings in existence. He never looked down on his followers, but he was certainly a shrewd businessman.
"Greetings, Lord Qian Shen," Long Xiao said, offering his most charming smile.
"Greetings, what brings Lord Long Xiao to my humble abode?" Qian Shen asked, his voice as smooth as polished jade as he fed his chirping striped birds.
"Humble?" Long Xiao nearly choked on his tea.
He looked around.
The Heavenly Golden Palace was anything but humble. It was a masterpiece of gold and rare minerals that some argued outshone the Jade Palace itself. It was grandiose.
"I would like to trade some merits for mortal currency," Long Xiao tapped his finger on the table.
Qian Shen paused, turning to face him.
"Mortal currency? Surely Lord Long Xiao isn't returning to the Mortal Realm, is he?" A knowing smile tugged at his lips.
"Perhaps Lord Long Xiao must have forgotten what ensued the last time he did."
Long Xiao's tapping ceased. He hated that Qian Shen could see right through his calm facade.
"But," the God of Wealth sighed, waving a hand dismissively, "who am I to pry into Lord Long Xiao's affairs?" He snapped his fingers.
A maiden instantly appeared, carrying a small, intricate chest embossed with dragon markings.
"Consider it a parting gift." His tone carried a note of finality, turning back to the birds.
Long Xiao bowed curtly, clutching the chest to his chest. "You have my deepest gratitude, Lord Qian Shen."
As Long Xiao exited the Fortune Garden, "I can still smell the arrogance on him." Long Xiao mumbled, wiping his nose.
"Lord Long Xiao, what are you up to?" Lord Qian Shen gazed at the clear sky, knowing that it would soon be gloomy.
---
Back in the present, Long Xiao smiled, reaching for his storage pouch to budget his funds. "It never hurts to be prepared for unwanted embarrassment."
He froze.
"Oh, my Heavens!"
Lei, who had been resting, stood up abruptly. "What is it, Master?"
"It is gone," Long Xiao whispered, his mouth agape as he stared at the wall.
"What is, Master?" The bird rushed to his side.
"My spiritual stones... my heavenly treasures..." Long Xiao collapsed back into his chair, physically shaken. He checked his robes again—not a single hole. "All of it. Gone without a trace."
"I can't believe it," Laughter escaped Lei's lips. "Master got robbed on his very first day.
Divine Rant Activated
---
Lei hadn't taken anything.
My storage pouch was tied to my robe.
I didn't even bump into anyone.
So how?
Was it…
No, it can't be.
That mortal girl...
She assisted me.
It couldn't be her... but doubt is clinging to me like mist in a spirit forest.
Xuchong Realm is terrifying!
I have to find her to clarify my doubts.
But where do I look?
Even if I did find her, leaving the inn without paying would be unrighteous.
Worse... I would lose my hard-earned heavenly merits.
What should I do?
Yes, I shall speak to the innkeeper.