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Chapter Text

In the silence of night when no one was around and all of heaven was sleeping a god ascended.

A face covered by a mask depicting a close eyes expression. His robes flowed gently in the breeze layers of white and black neatly folded over each other. His hair was up in a high ponytail a simple white jade hairpin through it. The moonlight caught it showing the engraved lotus.

There was no fanfare, no crowd surrounding him. No one here to even welcome him.

It made sense he was the scorn of the heavens if they even recognised him now. A boy once so beloved reduced to cruel rumours and hushed whispers. It was as if saying his name alone would create a disaster.

Well they're not too far wrong now. Once upon a time he was nothing like that. He worked hard to prove them wrong. He was benevolent and kind. He'd do anything to save you. Even at his own life. He broke rules constantly to help others. Why do you think he was banished in the first place? And he never gained any gratitude for his actions. Eventually leaving the war he was banished for to settle without his interference. He lost family friends countless people over and over. But now he can't bring himself to feel much over it. His past was blurry, he had a new title now. One he's much more comfortable with. His highness the crown prince was always to much for him.

Now he's decided it's no use to fight against what grants him power. There will always be those in life who wish for the downfall of others. There will always be misfortune and there will always be disaster. Tho it's not a positive subject there are many that pray to such a god. And his territory spans wherever humans do. His job crosses with many of the other.

In fact he's gained quite the following and now harbours many merits from offering. All things considered he's just as popular as he once was but now he feeds on fear and greed.

He's changed a lot since his first ascension. He became a calamity for a time. Perhaps he still is one but white no face seems to leave him alone now. Too busy for him no doubt.

Since no one is here to greet him he makes his own way to the palace built for him all those years ago. The streets are eerily empty but it's better this way. He likes to lerk in the shadows. Blend in when he has no need to strike.

His palace here was so bright even at night it shone like the son of god he once was. He had to take a moment to stand in front just staring at it. How anyone could happily live here is beyond him. So arrogant so naive... so stupid.

First things first was to rip down the plaque. This wasn't the palace of Xie Lian anymore. Now a days he goes by Bai Gui. The mortals seem to like the name it was a temple dedicated to him that gave him such a name. Steaming from his time as a calamity it seems. All dressed in white flowing around the mortal plain. White ghost is an inevitable name. He quite likes it. Simple, to the point and accurate.

It soon grew in popularity as more and more temples popped up around the central plains. Soon they expanded from there and he had all points covered. North, south, east, west. Where there is settlement there is a bai gui temple.

People were so desperate to rid disaster that they even preformed rituals to please him. Humans were so fickle. They pray to stop disaster in groups then offer to him with a prayer privately to have him curse their enemies.

He was no longer a prince. He was now a dull shell of a god who simply does his job.

He dulls down the outside of the place. Getting rid of the gold until it looked as plain as he. A small plaque at the gate read Bai Gui so others could find him if they had to.

The gardens too were overly extravagant. He makes a note to add more trees later.

By the time he'd finished on the aesthetics of the palace the sun was begging to rise. He heads in tackling the interior. So many of his old possessions were still here left behind, untouched. He had very little connection to his past self but something made him pack it all up and store it in one of the unused rooms instead of getting rid of it completely. He didn't want it yet couldn't rid himself of it.

Once finished he steps out into the garden lifting his mask slightly to wipe his brow before setting it firmly back in place. His mask was not to be removed especially up here. His face he was unable to change and there are a few gods who would recognise him so to prevent that he'll keep the mask firmly on. Not that he removed it much before ascending. He isn't a fan of his reflection anymore. The mask was more for him than anyone else. It serves many purposes and is very useful so why should he discard it.

He should really tend to his temples and check in with everything while it's still early. Who knows if he'll be summoned later and introduced to the masses.

Hopefully he won't be forced to engage in such pleasantries. But if he must he must. Might as well not make the whole of heaven hate him. Although rumours would only fuel his powers.

Unfortunately as the god of misfortune he has a tendency to be quite unlucky. So in asking to be saved from engaging with others. He of course brought it upon himself. As soon as he reaches his gate a god is there staring down at his refurbished palace. Xie Lian stares back unsure how to proceed.

"Can I help you?" He asks. Perhaps they're just curious. Xie Lian can't remember this face.  A new god?

The god, dressed in all black tilts his head. "Who are you?" They ask. "This is the palace of his highness Xie Lian."

Xie Lian grits his teeth under the mask. Even new gods new of him? How upsetting. "No it's my new residence. I'm Bai Gui I ascended last night." He greets gesturing to the new plaque with his name engraved on it.

"Bai gui? You're the white ghost? God of disaster and misfortune?" The other questions. They don't seem overly surprised or bothered which makes a change to the horrified looks he usually gets.

"Indeed. This is the place that held my name so I moved in." He states.

"How interesting... I'm the Earth master. Ming Yi. Pleasure." He introduced. "I'm quite fond of your work. I hope we can be acquaintances."

Xie Lian nods slightly taken aback. Who is found of his work? He destroys kingdoms and lives for a living... surely no one enjoys such a thing. "Right. Thank you. Pleased to meet you Earth master. Im sure we can become acquaintances. But for now I'm sorry to cut this short but I'm afraid I'm quite busy."

The earth master steps to the side. "Of course. Misfortune waits for no one as is the same with death. Don't let me keep you. Oh your mask. I meant to say, have I seen it before?"

Xie Lian pauses what an odd god. "My mask? The mortals gift me rituals to stave off misfortune the leader will often wear an imitation of my mask. Perhaps you've seen one there?"

The god nods slowly. "Perhaps I have."

Xie Lian bows as he leaves. "Please excuse me. Until next time."

He heads back to where he ascended. He wants to make sure no damage was caused. He can't start out in debt. He refuses.

He's relieved to see no damage other than a faint indent to the floor. With the surroundings checked. And all palaces standing. His palace reflecting his new state and an awkward encounter with a new god he heads down to the mortal realm to check in with his temples.

Chapter Text

The Earth master was a curious man. Xie Lian had not engaged with many gods for any length of time since ascending but Ming Yi always seems to be there. He's always around where Xie Lian is. At first perhaps it was a coincidence but now it seems purposeful.

Xie Lian is no fool. Too many times has he fallen for a trap. But too many times has he lied. He's in a precarious position now. Not giving away too much while not lying.

Ming Yi is digging for information. That much is clear. Why, Xie Lian isn't sure. But it's clearly not innocent curiosity. It doesn't seem to be because he suspects Bai Gui of being Xie Lian the crown prince. But regardless it's slightly unnerving.

"White ghost." Ming Yi greets. Xie Lian sighs behind his mask. "Yes hello earth master. What can I help you with today?" He asks opening his gate up.

"Are you human?"

Xie Lian pauses. Human? What makes a human? He has very little humanity left if that's what the other is asking. "Am I human?" He echos. "What a bizarre thing to ask."

The earth master seems confused before correcting himself. "Oh no I meant are you alive. Your name the white ghost..." he prompts.

Xie Lian humms understanding. "Oh I see. I suppose that is quite misleading isn't it?" He laughs. "How should I answer such a question? Perhaps-" He says taking a step closer to the other god. "I should ask you. Do you think I'm alive?"

Ming Yi seems taken aback. "Well... I suppose I believe you to be alive."

"You do? How interesting. Yes I suppose it's very rare for a ghost to ascend." Then looking the other in the eye. "Without a helping hand that is."

The earth master stiffens. "What do you mean?"

Xie Lian shrugs. "I heard a strange rumour once. That a ghost ascended to the heavens but found it truly revolting so jumped down."

"Perhaps the heavens didn't have what he was looking for?" The earth master questions.

"A ghost in search of something? I suppose that's what winds you up a ghost after death." Xie Lian laughs.

Ming Yi tilts his head. "Is that true? All ghosts are looking for something even the big 4?"

Xie Lian nods. "Indeed it is."

"Then what is Hua Cheng looking for?" The other asks.

"Crimson rain? Is it not obvious he's looking for someone."

The god pauses. "Looking for a person you say... then what about He Xuan? Qi Rong? The-"

"Black water." Xie Lian cuts off. "He's looking for revenge. Qi rong..." Xie Lian sighs. His damn cousin what is he not looking for. "I wish he'd look for his sanity."

The earth master snorts. "You seem to know these ghosts so well... you're not-"

"I am not Bai Wuxiang." Xie Lian says lowly. "Do not ask that again."

"... my apologies I heard he's not a nice man." Ming Yi says.

"Man?" Xie Lian scoffs. "There's an example of a demon. Once human but no longer. That thing will laugh in your face as he kills both you and all you love there is no humanity left nor is there any sanity. Stay away from him never interact. If one day he re appears I will use my power to strike him down. He must die once and for all."

"Is he not already a ghost?"

Xie Lian looks away. "I have my theories." Then moving on adds. "I search for nothing. Does that make me a human? But it's true I'm awfully cruel. Perhaps I've lost my roots. I have very little humanity left. The man I was died long ago. I believe that you should leave the dead be not to disturb them unless you want to unleash hell to your doorstep."

"So you are alive? A mortal?" The god tries to clarify.

"Depends who you ask." Xie Lian replies. "I have no opinion on the matter. Whether people think me dead or alive my job is all the same."

Ming Yi huffs. "You're very cryptic Bai Gui."

"Thank you." Xie Lian bows slightly. "Long past are the days where I wear my heart on my sleeve."

"How old are you?"

"That's awfully rude to ask."

Ming Yi looks down. "I see. You just speak as if you've lived many years."

Xie Lian sighs deciding to throw the other a bone. "I've wandered Earth many years before ascending. I was classed a god by the mortals long before I ascended too. My oldest shrines..." Xie Lian sighs. "I'm very old." He admits.

Ming Yi nods. "I thought you were."

Xie Lian smiles but the mask doesn't show it. "If there's nothing else-"

"What would it take for you to tell me your past?" The earth master asks. "Truly with no cryptic words just plain and simple."

Xie Lian stops. "My past? What about my past? Why do you want to know?"

"How you became Bai Gui- the white ghost. What were you before? How did you find you were so... unlucky?" He questions. "I find myself truly captivated by your everything."

"As flattered as I am, I'm in no mood to flirt. Some things, like the dead, are best left to rest peacefully. Disturbing it could be devastating. My past is not to be taken lightly. The things I've done are not pretty."

"Most martial gods ascended during massacres or-"

"Martial gods wouldn't even begin to compare. Their comprehension of things outside their field makes them seem like children. All they can do is fight, but most times that's not good enough."

Ming Yi shivers. "How cold. You don't seem to like martial gods?"

"I don't appreciate their egos. They call me cruel but what of them? They bring misfortune. Why is it only I whose job it is to bring such misfortune who gets rumoured to be so heartless."

Xie Lian scoffs. "Pathetic."

Ming Yi nods. "I don't believe you're heartless. You're simply doing your job. The world can't be perfect and at peace all the time. It simply doesn't work like that right? There must be a balance. Good has evil. Luck has misfortune. Life has death. Yin must always have Yang."

"How poetic of you earth master. But my life has no balance. There is no luck no life there is no good." He says. "Listen to me now. I'm a god in name only. Gods are not bound to good. There are gods who are evil."

"You don't have to remind me." Ming Yi snarls.

Xie Lian is surprised at the tone. "So you're aware of such? Then you can understand. I have not once met a mortal who is not wary of me. My name is feared to bring misfortune by simply uttering it. They perform rituals to ward me off. I am not what they wanted but I am what must come. Even some gods fear me. But I am not white no face no matter how many similarities you may clutch at we are not the same. I am not nor will I ever be white no face. I am Bai Gui the white ghost of misfortune my past is broken my actions are cruel but I still have a level of empathy. It's not easy to bring constant destruction the guilt eats at me for every thing I've done and seen. White no face has no such guilt. He will kill and kill and burn your wold then smile happily and laugh with glee as he watches you writher around in unimaginable pain. I may be cruel but I will never be that devastatingly evil."

Ming Yi nods. "Your followers they don't call you cruel. They understand you only do what you must. If they can understand it why can't the gods who are supposed to be higher beings?"

Xie Lian walks forward Ming Yi trailing behind. "Because mortals are human. Gods loose much humanity to immortality. They have power, no consequences come of their actions. They call someone evil and that's that. They don't fear their words."

"You're very strong Bai Gui." The earth master admits. "If I were you I'd be taking revenge on all that harmed me."

"Half of heaven would fall to my hand if that were the case. Kingdoms would fall in the mortal realm. That's a path of destruction I refuse to take. Revenge gets me nothing in the end but an empty feeling that I've fallen to their level. I don't need revenge. Not that I've forgiven and forgotten. I will always have the weight of their wrongdoings. But in my own way I've got my own back."

"You did?"

"To those who hurt me most I unknowingly took revenge." Xie Lian admits. He basically killed their prince without realising it he'd done the one thing that would destroy them. He still remembers Feng Xin and Mu Qing sending wave after wave of people to try and find him. Once word got out that Xie Lian was dead? Well Xie Lian heard their destruction from the mortal realm.

"Bai Gui?" Ming Yi asks.

"Yes earth master?"

"You said revenge wasn't worth it. But you said He Xuan was looking for revenge... does that mean black water is living for nothing? That all his efforts will bring him no satisfaction at all?"

Xie Lian turns to the god. "You know something I will say is that heaven has eyes everywhere. I suggest that earth master be careful with his words. If you don't wish for speculation I would stop asking questions. No disrespect but how can one take revenge when they've accidentally spooked the enemy into hiding."

"You jest Bai Gui I'm not the one taking revenge. I'm far too lazy for such activities. And with the way you talk about it why would I waste energy on something that will bring me nothing." He grins.

Xie Lian shrugs. "Then make sure you intentions or lack of are impeccably clear. Being banished is common and although reascension is possible, it's incredibly hard to cultivate back up to that level." Then adding. "I wouldn't want to loose a friend due to a misunderstanding. I've only just arrived here without you I'd be alone."

"I'm flattered you consider me such a thing. I'll make sure to take your advice then." Ming Yi says seriously. "Although if you're to find a place where no one is around I do have some questions to ask."

Xie Lian shakes his head. This idiot. "No need I can answer it now. I'm the god of misfortune. Whether consciously or not if misfortune, downfall, disaster and misery is involved I'm quite aware of it. That's how I know of black waters intentions. That's how I know crimson rain is looking for someone. That's how I'm able to know everyone's inner thoughts they wish to keep private. Perhaps they pray unconsciously hoping I'll deal the blow they know they can't. It's always nice to see someone do your dirty work yes?"

Ming Yi takes a step back. The gods words ring in his ears. "I suppose that makes you a target. Many gods wouldn't take kindly to you knowing such things."

Xie Lian smiles behind the mask but somehow it's projected out. "Indeed but I warn all those who wish to get rid of me. I'm the god of misfortune, killing me is releasing all my chaos energy at once. The level of destruction that would cause... easily it could flatten heaven. Disaster would befall everywhere even the ghost realm would not be free from my grasp."

"I see." Then bowing the earth master says. "Please excuse me. I've kept you so long. I'll leave now."

Xie Lian nods. "Of course. Take care Earth master says I'm sure we'll see each other soon. You're welcome to visit my temples. I'm usually there."

"A kind offer perhaps one day. Thank you for the help. Until next time Bai Gui."

"Take care now." Xie Lian waves.

Chapter Text

"Bai Gui!" A voice calls out in a rural village.

Xie Lian had gone down to the mortal realm to visit his temples and shrine as he often does. There's always a lot to do at them and with no helpers he's left to face it alone.

"Hello?" Xie Lian calls back popping his head out of the small shrine. "Oh." It was the earth master.

"Earth master. Nice to see you." Xie Lian hadn't seen the other since their conversation in heaven. The earth master had gone quiet and although Xie Lian didn't miss the questions it was strangely quiet the past week.

"Bai Gui. Your shrine is it private?" The god asked.

Xie Lian tilts his head propping a broom against the wall. "Ah do you mean is it only for me or is it free from prying eyes?"

The god sighs. "You know what I mean."

Xie Lian mulls it over. "To the best of my ability I try to keep all my temples and shrines private. But I also am able to cast a silence ward. No one will hear what's spoken unless invited in. Would you perhaps like me to do so?"

Ming Yi nods. "Indeed do do now please."

"As you wish." Xie Lian nods picking up the broom and flipping it around. Using the wooden end he starts to draw an array into the dirt. Once finished he taps the broom against it infusing his power. The array lights up briefly before fading back out. "Make sure to stand within the markings." Xie Lian instructs. "Then you can speak freely."

Ming Yi steps into the array. "Are you sure this is private?"

Xie Lian sighs. "If your matters are so pressing and private should you really be discussing it with me?"

"You are the only one I can discuss such matters with as it's about something you told me."

Xie Lian turns away. "I see. I think I know what you are to say." Not that he really wants to have this conversation but that's not an option.

"Please speak your mind." He prompts the earth master.

"Very well. You said before no matter its intention you can hear what people think." He starts.

Xie Lian chuckles. "Not quite. If the desire is strong enough and involves misfortune directly then yes. I'm not a mind reader. But without realising a lot of people wish for the downfall of something and that wish is directed to me."

"I see..." the taller god says lowly. "So in heaven the other day. In fact ever since I first met you. You seem to say things that lead me to believe you know me."

Xie Lian turns back around. "Earth master." He starts. "Much misfortune has befallen you... both of you. I am not privy to the details or the reason. I only know what you have wished for and what the earth master wished for. Therefore I have information others don't. I'm not in the business of sharing such things. If it doesn't harm me I don't care. You do what you want, but I don't wish to be implicated by your sloppy ways."

"Ouch. I could kill you to silence you."

"You could. But do you dare to? The death of a god is no small matter. It would be investigated. You would be investigated. I wonder if you can afford that? Not to mention my death would flatten the heaven then your revenge would be for nothing. Perhaps the guilt of taking innocent mortals lives because of yet another death by your hand would be to much? All the innocent families, sisters... fiancés..."

"You said you didn't know the details- you know my name, that I'm a ghost, my revenge plots?!" the ghost growls stepping forwards.

Xie Lian stands taller showing no fear. "I don't. But you have prayed for the downfall of he who killed your sister. YOU have prayed for the death of him who killed your fiancé. I'm just the one who listened. You did pray to me."

The calamity clutches his head annoyed. "And you've know this whole time?!"

"I knew before I ascended. I didn't think we'd ever meet. But as soon as we did I knew it was you. I never wanted to ascend you know." Xie Lian said smiling sadly behind his mask. "Don't tell me you'll hold the job I never asked for against me. You're better than that. You should understand. Besides like I said. YOU prayed to ME. Intentionally or not you gave me this information. I didn't steal it or spy on you to get it and I've not held it against you or turned you in so really getting mad at me and threatening to kill me is more damming than the fact I know who you are He Xuan." He sighs. "They always self sabotage themselves." He mutters.

He Xuan pauses. "You spoke a lot of words."

Xie Lian stares at him. "If you kill me you'll be caught. You haven't been caught already therefore I've not told anyone. Don't kill me and I won't rain havoc on everything you've been working so hard for okay? And work on your manners threatening to kill somebody without knowing everything has you acting like a martial god. Disgusting." He spits.

The ghost sighs. "Alright I'm sorry." He apologised. "I should have talked to you but you're very suspicious in my defence. I just... I'm very confused. You've confused me white ghost."

Xie Lian nods. "Yes happens a lot. Just because I'm the god of misfortune doesn't mean I actively seek it out. I'd rather have a peaceful life but apparently heaven wasn't hiring a god of peace."

He Xuan scoffs. "Peace and heaven are two words that don't go together."

"Unfortunately you're right." Xie Lian sighs. "Any more question you wish to ask? If not I should get back to tending to my shrines."

"Do you not have deputies?"

Xie Lian shakes his head. "I don't. It's just me."

He Xuan thinks over something. "Then... could I help you?"

"Why are you asking me that. Do you want to help me? What's in it for you. You don't seem like the type to be selfless no offence."

"None taken I'm very lazy. But I just have so many questions to ask you. I'm drawn to you and I want to keep an eye on you. You know far too much. But if you know so much about me the. Perhaps you can share information on others?" He asks hopefully.

"It depends if it will harm them and if I can justify it. I've not spilled your information and I won't-" he adds sharply. "So why should I do the same for others? Besides I'm quite capable on my own I don't need a helper."

He Xuan pouts. "But Bai Gui I'm so hungry for rumours and stories and you're so old!"

"Rude!" Xie Lian snaps.

"But it's true! You have so much knowledge won't you share it with me? Please?" The ghost asks.

"What were you a scholar before?"

"Actually yes I was." He Xuan replies.

"Ah. Makes sense." Xie Lian nods. "How good are you at fixing and making things?"

The calamity grins. "I'm very good at mending and building. I built an entire mansion... Three times..."

Xie Lian squints but nods. "Well that's an area I lack skills in and a lot of my temples and shrines need work... there's only so much cleaning will do..."

"Perfect Gege can hire me to help fix things and in return tell me stories and answer questions!"

Xie Lian stutters. "Gege?! Where did that come from? You were threatening to kill me and now you call me Gege?"

He Xuan shrugs. "Bai Gui isn't your real name right? So I'll call you Gege you can call me... uhhh I can't really have you calling me my name but I'll think of something. For now just use Ming Yi no need for formalities!"

"Your mood is so much higher now you've gotten what you want. How frustrating..." Xie Lian sighs but his tone is light and joking.

"You get free labour gege you can't refuse."

"Surely I can't refuse."