Events that led to his descent.
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All this began when Lord Haoyu, the former overseer of mortal cultivation, was gravely injured in his duel with Lord Ares, the Greek god of war.
The Gods' contest was still ongoing, but currently, it was paused. Lord Haoyu retreated to his mountain after the duel, leaving his seat among the Higher Gods vacant. The Eleven Higher Gods were anxious and held a meeting at the Great Hall.
Great Hall—Xiaoqong.
—
The Great Hall of Xiaoqong stretched vast and luminous. Its pillars rose like colossal spears of star‑iron. Each one was etched with the sigils of a Higher God, twelve sigils glowing faintly in shifting colors, as though breathing with divine will.
The ceiling arched impossibly high, shrouded in celestial haze. Wisps of astral mist drifted across, revealing constellations moving in slow, deliberate patterns. Sometimes, when the gods convened, the constellations aligned directly above their seats, forming a radiant crown over the hall.
The floor was a polished expanse of obsidian shot through with veins of gold, forming a great circular mandala. At its center lay the Divine Nexus, a swirling pool of light that pulsed like a heartbeat, rumored to be the fragment of the first star ever born. When the gods gathered, the heart of the Nexus brightened, casting long, shimmering reflections across the hall.
Twelve thrones stood in a perfect ring around the Nexus, each shaped according to its deity's domain, forming a harmony that felt both ancient and absolute.
This was where destinies were debated. Where realms were judged. Where gods spoke, and the universe listened.
Lord Haoyu's seat stood empty. His throne was unlike the others: carved from a single slab of midnight stone split clean down the center, as though cleaved by an invisible blade. A faint crack of pale light pulsed within the split, flickering like a dying heartbeat.
Where the other thrones radiated their domains in gentle waves, storm‑light, jade‑vines, flowing water- Lord Haoyu's throne emitted nothing. No aura. No warmth. No divine resonance. It was a void in the circle, a silent wound in the harmony of the Higher Gods.
A sealed scroll, delivered by a messenger crane from Lord Haoyu's mountain, was presented. The crane bowed, then departed after the head guard took the scroll. The head guard then presented it to the Great Elder, Lord Run Yu, leaving the hall.
The great elder unsealed the scroll with a snap of his fingers, clearing his throat.
He began:
To the Esteemed Members of the Higher Gods' Committee,
By the decree of my own hand, I, Lord Haoyu, hereby submit notice of temporary withdrawal from my duties as Overseer of Mortal Cultivation.
In light of recent circumstances, my current condition has rendered me unfit to supervise mortal affairs. Until my condition stabilizes, I shall enter a period of closed‑door seclusion to ensure full recovery.
In accordance with Heavenly protocol, it is both reasonable and necessary that a suitable god be appointed to act in my stead for the duration of my absence.
May order be maintained, and may the Heavenly Realm continue its guidance without disruption.
— Lord Haoyu
After reading, the Great Elder clutched the scroll tightly in his hand. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon the assembled gods. They exchanged worried glances, faint mumbles in the background. The consequences of leaving the seat vacant or appointing an unsuitable replacement were too grave to ignore.
"We must appoint a replacement immediately—someone capable and trustworthy to maintain order," Lord Yaw said, swirling his teacup.
"But who among us is suited for such a delicate task?" Lord Zhan nodded in agreement, his brow furrowing in thought.
"It requires a god with a deep understanding of both divine and mortal affairs." He added.
Goddess Jiang Meng tapped her fan lightly against the table, her gaze sharp
"All I know is this—if no one sits in that seat, the mortals will grow bold. Do you all want another rebellion? Because I, for one, sure don't."
"Yes. Given the current state, Lord Haoyu probably won't recover anytime soon," Lord Ye said thoughtfully.
Lord Ming whispered, stroking his beard worriedly.
"If mortal cultivation continues to advance without close supervision, the mortals... well, they'll uncover the skeletons in the cupboard.."
"You don't mean…?" Goddess Yaa trailed off.
"Nothing of the sort will happen, Goddess Yaa," said the Great Elder softly, his voice low.
"The seat has to be filled, Great Elder." Lord Yaw spoke again
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 how exactly are we supposed to find such a capable candidate?" Goddess Jiang Meng snorted, voice tinged with sarcasm
The other gods exchanged knowing glances, seemingly reaching a silent conclusion.