"Spiritual stones, gold, and taels—these are the mortal equivalents of heavenly merits." Long Xiao stood up, pacing the room.
He had decided to exchange some of his merits for mortal currency thus, he paid the God of Wealth—Qian Shen- a visit days before his descent.
Heaven's Fortune Palace—Fortune Garden
---
Shortly before his descent, Long Xiao had requested an audience with the God of Wealth. As an entity that exists independently to facilitate trade between both gods and mortals, Qian Shen was one of the most worshipped beings in existence. He never looked down on his followers, but he was certainly a shrewd businessman.
"Greetings, Lord Qian Shen," Long Xiao said, offering his most charming smile.
"Greetings, what brings Lord Long Xiao to my humble abode?" Qian Shen asked, his voice as smooth as polished jade as he fed his chirping striped birds.
"Humble?" Long Xiao nearly choked on his tea.
He looked around.
The Heaven's Fortune Palace was anything but humble. It was a masterpiece of gold and rare minerals that some argued outshone the Jade Palace itself. It gleamed like a sunrise forged into architecture. The pillars and walls were built from layered gold‑stone, each slab infused with threads of celestial ore that shimmered whenever light touched them. Tall archways framed the entrance, their edges lined with drifting motes of fortune‑light, tiny sparks that rose and fell like lazy fireflies.
Inside the Fortune Garden, wealth took a softer form. Trees with coin‑shaped leaves rustled in the breeze, their metallic chime echoing gently through the courtyard. Streams of liquid gold flowed between polished stone paths, warm and bright, casting ripples of light across the pavilion where Qian Shen often sat to feed his striped birds.
Long Xiao tapped his finger on the table. "I would like to trade some merits for mortal currency."
Qian Shen paused and turned to face him. "Mortal currency? Surely Lord Long Xiao isn't returning to the Mortal Realm, is he?" A knowing smile tugged at his lips.
"Perhaps Lord Long Xiao must have forgotten what ensued the last time he did."
Long Xiao's tapping ceased. He hated that Qian Shen could see right through his calm facade.
"But," the God of Wealth sighed, waving a hand dismissively, "who am I to pry into Lord Long Xiao's affairs?" He snapped his fingers.
A maiden instantly appeared, carrying a small, intricate chest embossed with dragon markings.
" I shall take no merits in return. Consider this a parting gift." His tone carried finality as he turned back to the birds.
Long Xiao bowed curtly, clutching the chest to his chest. "You have my deepest gratitude for your genorisity, Lord Qian Shen."
As Long Xiao exited the Fortune Garden, he mumbled, wiping his nose. "I can still smell the arrogance on him."
Meanwhile, at Fortune Garden, Lord Qian Shen gazed at the clear sky, knowing that it would soon be gloomy.
"Lord Long Xiao, who knows what you're up to?" He shook his head slowly, turning his attention back to the birds.
---
Back in the present, Long Xiao smiled as he reached into his storage pouch, preparing to budget his funds. "It never hurts to be prepared for any kind of embarrassment."
The pouch held all his mortal currency, from taels to spiritual stones, while his main storage contained his divine artifacts and treasures.
He paused, eyes narrowing as he checked again. Then, with a sudden gasp—"Oh, my Heavens!"—Long Xiao exclaimed.
Lei, who had been resting nearby, sat upright instantly. "Master, what is it?"
Long Xiao's expression froze. He stared blankly at the wall, his mouth agape."It's gone," he whispered, voice trembling.
"What's gone, Master?" Lei hurried to his side.
Long Xiao checked his robes—no holes, no signs of forced entry. Yet, his divine treasures had vanished.
"All of it. Gone without a trace."
Lei burst into hearty laughter. "Master got robbed on his very first day—how fitting!"