Present
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As the latest twelfth member of the Twelve Higher Gods'Committee, appointed to preside over mortal cultivators, Long Xiao decided to descend to the Twelve Realms to observe their way of life.
Although, he wasn't technically under Mother Scarlet's decree.
The Higher gods desperately wanted an eye to be kept on the mortals, especially those cultivating immortality. So he, Long Xiao naturally, volunteered to descend although no one asked. Out of curiosity, of course.
In The Clouds
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"Which realm should we explore first, Lei?" Long Xiao asked his annoying mount, who was flying behind him.
"Wherever there are beautiful goddesses and good food, Master." Lei smirked.
"Unbelievable Bird! That's outrageous." He glared, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone.
"Don't blame me for quoting your exact words, Master." Lei scoffed.
The skies stretched endlessly, and Lei's wings beat with graceful laziness.
After a long flight, Long Xiao noticed that Lei was getting tired, watching as he collapsed dramatically onto a nearby mountain peak like he had carried an entire realm.
"My mount adores himself too much." Long Xiao sighed, descending his cloud.
As Lei rested, Long Xiao sat cross-legged. He lay the information he had on the realms before him. He opened the map of the Twelve Realms. As it stretched before him, he threw a divine dice to choose his destination. It rested on the Xuchong Realm.
Meanwhile on Ling Mountain, Lord Zhao smiled in triumph as his prediction of Long Xiao throwing a dice had come true.
His next destination: Xuchong Realm, the Realm of Void Surge and Cursed Temples.
Famous for its unpredictable Qi storms. It was said that only those who practiced the Art of Insanity or have been Scarlet-blessed dare live in or enter. Also divine beasts, plants and beings could also live there because of their aptitude.
And since Long Xiao had neither qualification, well besides being a god—a divine being, he decided that that would be the perfect place to begin his journey.
"The Art of Insanity sounds really divine and since I'm a curious god, I'm definitely going to visit. I can already smell the brewing mortal drama."
He chuckled as he lay on the ground, staring at the night sky.
"Tomorrow, we fly to Xuchong."
"Where in Xuchong, Master? Its region is huge" Lei groaned, covering his face with his feathers after glancing at the map.
"Specifically to Xundu City. Have a good night's rest, Lei. You'll need it." Long Xiao chuckled, a wicked grin on his face.
Lei sighed, tugging his wings for comfort.
And somewhere above, the stars above flickered like they were listening.
Xuchong Realm
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The sun rose up and so did they. They were all set for their journey. Long Xiao gathered the information he had laid down with a snap of his fingers, all disappearing into his storage pouch. Lei had already woken up. He was excited to go and explore the realms but not excited enough to have Long Xiao on his back for the entire journey.
Long Xiao sat cross-legged on Lei's back, robes billowing in the wind, hair flowing like a divine waterfall.
Lei, in his celestial form, soared through the sky with the grace of a spirit beast and the attitude of a disgruntled chauffeur.
"Master, must you sit like that?" Lei grumbled, wings flapping with extra effort.
"Yes," Long Xiao replied, sipping tea from a floating cup he conjured mid-flight. "It's called being divine."
"Tch!" Lei snorted, resisting the urge to flame his Master.
They passed over countless jade forests, shimmering lakes, and floating islands tethered by chains of light. Mortal cultivators below paused mid-training to stare at the majestic duo streaking across the sky like a divine comet.
"Xundu City ahead," Lei muttered.
"Remember, we're to gain enlightenment," Long Xiao instructed. "I certainly don't want the mortals to know a god has arrived."
Lei sighed, banking toward the city with theatrical flair.