Meanwhile In Lord Feng Luo's Courtyard
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The Moonjade Courtyard stretched behind Feng Luo's chamber like a quiet showcase of wealth. Smooth tiles of pale jade paved the ground, each one polished enough to reflect the sky. A shallow stream wound through the courtyard, its water faintly glowing with celestial light—an enchantment Feng Luo added simply because he liked the look. Tall moon‑bamboo lined the edges, swaying softly in the morning breeze, their silver leaves rustling like whispered gossip.
In the center stood a round stone table carved from cloud‑marble, its surface etched with elegant patterns that shimmered whenever divine energy passed nearby. The Four Holy Gods gathered around it, secretly observing the interaction at Long Xiao's hut through a celestial visual orb. Lanterns of warm gold hung from thin threads overhead, glowing even in daylight because Feng Luo insisted "ambience is important."
"Who knew A-Xiao would actually be chosen?" Lord Bai chuckled.
Lord Zhao's mischievous grin was in place.
"If he finds out that we put him up to this, it surely won't end well."
Lord Feng smirked, "And that's exactly why he won't find out."
Lord Han sighed, "And if he does find out, be sure to tell him that it was your idea, Lord Feng."
"Lord Han, don't worry. He won't find out." Lord Feng said with a rare seriousness.
"Besides, you are involved in this whether you like it or not." He smirked.
"We did it for his own good." Lord Zhao added, watching Long Xiao from the celestial visual orb.
The Celestial Visual Orb hovered above the table, a perfect sphere of crystallized starlight. Its surface was smooth and translucent, swirling gently with layers of silver mist that shifted like living clouds. Threads of pale gold light spiraled inside it, assuming fleeting shapes such as mountains, rivers, and figures before dissolving again.
They saw Long Xiao in his hut, lying on his bed, all confused as Lei hovered above him teasingly. The visual orb showed only sight. Sound required the separate celestial audio orb. The Four Holy Gods had agreed not to install one in Long Xiao's hut.
Until activated, the Celestial Visual Orb was nothing more than a crystal sphere. Once activated, it became a divine eye.
It was small enough to fit in one hand, yet powerful enough to show any corner of the realms. It could enlarge itself with the spiritual energy from its user.
"He'll thank us. That is, if he ever finds out," Lord Bai chuckled, though a twinge of unease twisted in his gut.
They all laughed, clinking their teacups to celebrate the success.
Thus, Long Xiao was bestowed the title: Lord Long Xiao, Overseer of Mortal Cultivation.
The Gods' Contest had been temporarily suspended after Lord Haoyu's defeat and the absence of other godly contestants. With Long Xiao now holding his position, however, the rules required him to take Haoyu's place when the contest resumed. He definitely didn't want what happened to Lord Haoyu to happen to him. The looming contest became a thorn in his side as the days passed, making him more absent-minded even during casual hangouts.