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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Adowa Peak rose jagged above the valley, its cliffs carved by centuries of wind and quiet storms. Pines clung to the mountainside in stubborn clusters, their dark silhouettes swaying gently in the night breeze. The air up here was thin, crisp, tinged with the scent of cold stone.
Below, the river wound along the base of the peak like a silver ribbon, its surface trembling in reflection of the moonlight. Night fell on Adowa Peak.
Long Xiao stood on the riverbanks, his gaze distant.
"The mortals need guidance. Their paths are flawed. They struggle and suffer, all for the elusive promise of immortality. I definitely cannot stand idly by and watch their futile endeavors."
His face was solemn, a lone tear tracing down his cheek.
"And who of all gods is worthy to guide them if not me, Lord Long Xiao, the current presiding god of mortal cultivation?" He said humbly.
"Master, mortals are quite capable. They don't need your… fervent guidance." Lei, Long Xiao's divine mount, came swerving down, pausing just above the river surface.
Lei's words stung, drawing Long Xiao's annoyed gaze, his halo flickering for a moment before returning to the river.
The moonlight danced on its gentle waves, a few glowing fishes swimming below.
Lei snorted, his celestial aura flickering in amusement. "Master, do you really think descending to their realm will change anything? You know very well that mortals do not require divine intervention. Well… occasionally, but you get my point."
This caught Long Xiao off guard.
"Hmm!" He cleared his throat. As he was about to resume his glorious speech, his storage ring slipped from his grasp, was caught by the Velvet Winds, and fell into the river.
"Lei, would you be a dear and retrieve the fallen ring?" Long Xiao 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 flying metres away.
"How does a ring even come off one's finger? I think Master's trying to get me wet on purpose." A trail of celestial energy followed behind Lei.
Long Xiao's halo flickered temporarily, causing the river to chill. The winds howled, causing the rocks to crack faintly
"Lord Long Xiao, is this storage ring yours?" A soft voice spoke.
Water swirled around the ring, rising higher and higher, until it was right in front of Long Xiao.
"It is." Long Xiao replied with a smile, extending his hand.
The ring fell from the water, caught by the Velvet Winds. It became dry, falling into Lord Long Xiao's palm.
"This must be the river spirit." Long Xiao thought.
"Thank you, kind spirit." Long Xiao put the ring back on.
"It's my honour, Lord Long Xiao." The river spirit, Densu, poked its head out gently.
"Are you going to the mortal realm?" Densu's eyes were wide as he looked at Long Xiao expectantly.
"And what makes you ask something so outrageous?" Long Xiao feigned innocence.
"Well, I pretty much heard everything you said earlier, Lord Long Xiao." The river spirit chuckled, swimming sideways.
"I promise I won't tell anyone if Lord Long Xiao brings me fish friends from the mortal realm." Densu stopped in front of him, eyes pleading.
"Fish?" Long Xiao thought. "Just fish…? I could do that."
"It appears that we have an agreement." Long Xiao nodded.
"Yay! Thank you, Lord Long Xiao. I wish you a happy journey and a safe return." The river spirit bowed its head down before disappearing into the river.