Scene: The Descent of Lord Long Xiao
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The winds had quieted. The river Densu flowed in silence, as if exhausted by the earlier theatrics. Long Xiao stood at its bank, robes drying in the breeze, his halo dimmed to avoid attracting divine attention. He glanced at Lei, who was circling lazily above, pretending not to notice him.
"Lei," he called, voice calm but clipped. "The Mortals need me."
Lei didn't respond. Rolling his eyes and forming a slow spiral in the sky, his tail feathers shimmering with passive aggression.
Long Xiao sighed. "Perfect."
He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a concealment talisman, one he'd borrowed from Goddess Ling Xing's "celestial retreat kit." It masked divine signatures for short periods, perfect for slipping past nosy immortals.
He activated it with a flick of his fingers. His aura dimmed, his halo flickered once, then vanished.
No trumpets. No celestial fanfare. Just silence.
He stepped onto a cloud fragment, one he'd shaped himself, small, sleek, and fast. It hovered just above the ground, waiting. The cloud responded to his mood, gliding slowly at first, then picking up speed as his thoughts grew louder. It dipped and swirled through the upper winds, avoiding celestial patrols and nosy immortals.
He sat cross-legged, arms folded, eyes half-lidded in contemplation. Behind him, Lei followed at a respectful distance, wings tucked, clearly annoyed but too proud to admit it.
"Adowa Peak," he whispered, "thank you for your hospitality. I shall descend now… for research."
The cloud lifted gently, gliding toward the edge of the divine realm. The skies parted slightly, revealing the shimmering veil between worlds. As he passed the Gate of Whispering Winds, he waved casually at the gatekeeper spirit, who was asleep with a scroll over his face.
"Perfect."
Lei, finally catching on, zipped down in a burst of feathers.
"Master, are you seriously leaving without telling anyone?"
"I told the river spirit," Long Xiao replied, adjusting his sleeve.
"That counts." He added, looking all smug.
"You're unbelievable." Lei scoffed.
"I think the word you're looking for is divine." He preened.
"Master, Densu called you kid. I'm surprised you didn't comment on that, dear Master." Lei flapped his wings gracefully, a smirk evident on his celestial face.
"No comment." Long Xiao gritted his teeth.
And with that, the cloud dipped beneath the veil, carrying Long Xiao into the mortal realm quietly, elegantly, and with just enough flair to make the stars blink twice and make Lei roll his eyes.
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Fenglan Realm
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The large bell rang twice, signaling that midnight had come. The northern winds hummed softly, putting the world to sleep. Gong Feng barged into the room, his strides preening.
"Are you guys ready to ride my priced possession?" He grinned, sitting down on the chair.
Li Ping who had dozed off by the window nearly fell off the chair, startled by Gong Feng's entry.
"Only with your permission, Senior Gong Feng." Johan answered, tucking away the map he was observing quickly.
"We appreciate your help, young master Gong." Li Ping's chair scraped the ground as she got up to bow.
"We leave now." Gong Feng wore a contented smile rising from the chair.
"Of course. After you, Senior Gong Feng." Johan stood up too, walking towards the door.
Li Ping adjusted her robes, glancing over the room before her gaze landed on the travelling bag. It contained everything she deemed necessary from dumplings to Johan's medicinal roots prescribed by the imperial physician. She picked it up, quickly following them out of the room. Gong Feng led them out of the secluded chamber.
The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of jasmine from the palace gardens. Li Ping shivered, pulling her robes tighter. In the courtyard, their ride wasn't present but the imperial guards were, as vigilant as ever.
"Young master Gong, what brings you here?" The tallest guard spoke, walking towards them.
His gaze swept over the three individuals with a critical eye. There was young master Gong Feng—a renowned troublemaker and a nuisance to the Mo Family and on the other hand, Li Ping—a palace attendant who had been working at the palace for about three years...and lastly, there was the golden-haired guest—the one who had saved the crown prince. The one whose origins were still a mystery.