Outside Long Xiao's Hut
---
A messenger crane approached Long Xiao's humble hut, its beak gently pecking at the door.
"Congratulations, Lord Long Xiao! You have been selected.' The crane cheerfully chirped from outside.
The divine messenger waited patiently, but its wings gave a soft, nervous flutter. It cocked its head, its dark eyes fixed on the humble hut.
"For what exactly? As far as I know, Master never competes for divine positions," Lei chuckled, peering out the window.
Long Xiao groaned, rising from his cloud bed. With a clap of his hands, the perfect illusion of a destitute god was restored. He cracked open the door, eyes still half-lidded.
"Lord Long Xiao," the messenger crane bowed.
"Today is surely an auspicious day." The crane raised its head.
"The Higher Gods, after a month of sorting, have appointed you, Lord Long Xiao, as the new Overseer of Mortal Cultivation."
"Overseer of Mortal Cultivation…" Long Xiao repeated, processing the title.
The entire foundation of his hut shook once from agitation.
"Hopefully, he doesn't destroy the hut today too." Lei sighed, covering his face partially with one wing.
The winds stilled. The weight of the divine messenger's words pressed down upon him like an invisible boulder.
"New overseer of mortal cultivation?" Lei repeated, also baffled.
"I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding. I cannot accept this position. You have the wrong god." Long Xiao closed the door on the divine messenger.
"Me? Appointed?" Long Xiao wondered, his back resting against the door.
"Master, maybe the Higher Gods want some divine chaos in the Mortal Realm," Lei said with a mischievous grin.
"Or maybe a divine miscalculation," Lei said, laughing at Long Xiao's annoyed face.
Long Xiao's crystal-eight-star halo flickered threateningly, a warning to any divine mistake.
"A divine miscalculation has indeed been made," He muttered under his breath.
Outside, the crane tilted its head, its confusion evident. "I assure you—there is no misunderstanding, Lord Long Xiao."
"The Higher Gods have selected you for your wisdom, compassion, divine merits, and extensive experience with mortal affairs." It affirmed.
Long Xiao's shoulders slumped as he leaned against the door.
"By the order of the great elder, please come to the Great Hall for further information soon." The crane added before flying away.
Long Xiao sighed, snapping his fingers. His cloud bed reformed beneath him, and he sank into it, staring at the ceiling as he contemplated the divine mix-up.
'Master, are you heading to the Great Hall now?' Lei asked, wings knocking over carved items as he hovered above Long Xiao."
Long Xiao ignored him, mumbling.
"My heap of gold—gone, all gone…" Long Xiao muttered bitterly."
Long Xiao's eyes narrowed as he thought about his wonderful dream, which had ended abruptly.
"There's more to this than meets the eye. They wouldn't pick me just like that."
Unbeknownst to him, his friends, the Four Holy Gods, had secretly submitted his qualifications on his behalf. Much to their amusement, he technically qualified for the position. Or so they thought.