MoonHouse Pavillion
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The MoonHouse Pavilion sat at the edge of a quiet terrace overlooking the silver-lit clouds of the Heavenly Realm. Pale moon-timber and curved beams framed its open sides, while silk curtains drifted beneath the celestial lamps. Cushions surrounded a cloud-marble table where gods usually gathered for quiet conversation and tea.
Tonight, however, the pavilion was anything but quiet.
The MoonHouse Pavilion, usually a sanctuary of quiet reflection, had become the perfect nest for rumors.
The Lesser Gods, eager for a seat at the Higher Gods' table, saw this as a prime opportunity to submit their qualifications.
A group of lesser gods gathered around a table, whispering about the vacant seat and the rumors swirling through the realm.
"I believe the vacancy is just a mere rumor." One lesser god spoke, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"I don't think so. We all know the divine messengers always provide credible information." Another added, tapping his fan gracefully.
"Right. My qualifications were submitted by a divine messenger yesterday. They are always reliable." Another god said, pouring himself a cup.
"I can't believe there's an opportunity for one of us to become Higher Gods." Another lesser god smiled, raising his teacup.
"If I get chosen, I'll host a feast worthy of the gods." Another added confidently, also raising his cup high.
"Me too." They chorused eagerly.
Their teacups clinked in excitement.
The cranes moved swiftly, delivering the qualifications to the Higher Gods. After a month of sorting, a god was finally selected.
Day of the announcement—Adowa Peak
—
Golden messenger cranes scattered across the Heavenly Realm, each carrying the same sealed decree. Within moments, their voices rang through the divine territories.
At Adowa Peak, one male messenger crane swooped down to the announcement post, the golden scroll gleaming in the early morning light. The messenger crane was ordered to make a public announcement about who received the vacant position.
The crane landed gracefully before the assembled deities, unrolling a scroll sealed with gold thread and stamped with the insignia of the Twelve Higher Gods—a golden red phoenix head.
The announcement echoed across the Heavens:
"By decree of the Twelve Higher Gods, the god appointed to temporarily assume Lord Haoyu's duties shall be one of the Holy Gods, Lord Long Xiao." The messenger crane announced boldly, his voice echoing the entire realm.
And just like he landed, he left swiftly after the announcement.
No fanfare. No ceremony. Just sighs and murmurs of disappointment from those who coveted the position.
"Lord Long Xiao?" One lesser god repeated, nearly dropping his teacup.
"That troublemaker?" Another hissed behind his sleeve.
"His merits, troublemaker or not, surpass most of ours." An older goddess sighed.
"Merits? He nearly destroyed the Morta Realm!"
"And yet, he was chosen." Another countered.
"I spent three centuries preparing for this selection..." A younger god crushed his qualification scroll in his fist.
"Three centuries?" another scoffed. "Right. He probably forgot he even applied."
Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled faintly as if the heavens themselves were laughing.