Proving Ones Worth

When Ao Huli emerged from the council chamber, a small crowd immediately surrounded him, eager faces waiting to hear his assignment. His sister pushed to the front.

"Well?" Ao Qing demanded, her tail swishing with curiosity. "What did you get?"

Ao Huli merely inclined his head slightly. "I should secure my position first before discussing it."

"Oh, come on!" Ao Qing groaned. "You're so proper it hurts sometimes." But she knew that set of his jaw - he wouldn't budge. "Fine. My turn then!"

As she disappeared into the chamber, several young spirits approached Ao Huli. A water spirit batted their eyes at him. "You must have gotten something impressive," they cooed. "Someone as distinguished as you..."

"Your presence alone commands respect," another spirit added, this one male, moving closer than strictly necessary.

Ao Huli took a careful step back, maintaining perfect posture. "You honor me with your attention," he said formally, bowing just enough to be polite but not enough to encourage further advances. "However, I believe we should all focus on our divine duties."

"So well-mannered," the water spirit sighed to their friend. "Did you see how gracefully he turned us down?"

More admirers approached, but each received the same perfectly calibrated response - respectful yet distant, formal yet kind. His diplomatic rejections somehow only seemed to increase their admiration.

The council doors burst open, breaking the pattern of subtle flirtations. Ao Qing stormed out, sparks literally flying from her white hair.

"A wind diety!" she fumed. "One of hundreds! Just... pushing air around!"

Ao Huli watched his twin pace angrily. "All tasks serve their purpose-" he began diplomatically.

"Don't start," she snapped. "Just because you probably got something impressive-" She stopped, narrowing her red eyes at him. "Which you still haven't told me about."

"Later," he said quietly, but his sister was already ranting again about the indignity of her assignment.

The crowd of admirers had backed away slightly, wary of the angry sparks emanating from the God of Lightning's daughter. Ao Huli simply stood there, steady as always, letting his sister vent her frustration while carefully avoiding any mention of his own task.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The celestial market was bustling with spirits and deities, stalls selling everything from divine fruits to magical artifacts. Ao Qing trailed behind her brother, still sparking with irritation.

"Come on," she prodded, ducking around a group of cloud spirits. "Just tell me. Did you get something with the stars? Weather patterns? Don't tell me they put you in charge of seasons."

Ao Huli continued walking, his measured steps never faltering. A merchant selling celestial peaches bowed deeply as they passed, but even this usual formality seemed to irritate Ao Qing further.

"This is ridiculous," she continued, grabbing a handful of her white hair in frustration. "I got stuck with wind duty, and you're acting like your assignment is some big secret."

They passed a stall where young spirits were practicing their newly assigned tasks - one carefully helping a flower bloom, another creating small rain clouds. Ao Qing's tail lashed as she watched them.

"At least tell me if it's better than moving air around," she pressed, jogging to keep up with her brother's steady pace. "Though everything's better than moving air around..."

A group of minor deities noticed them and began whispering excitedly, but scattered when Ao Qing shot them a lightning-charged glare.

"Brother," she tried again, grabbing his sleeve. "Is it really so impressive that you can't even tell your own twin?"

Ao Huli finally paused, his red-tipped ears twitching slightly as he turned to her. "It's not about that," he said quietly. "I just... want to be certain of my position first."

"Since when are you uncertain about anything?" she scoffed, but there was genuine confusion beneath her frustration.

They continued through the market, Ao Qing alternating between cajoling, threatening, and pleading while Ao Huli maintained his diplomatic silence. By the time they reached the palace gates, she had worked herself into an even greater state of agitation.

They found both sets of parents in the grand hall - Ne Zha sprawled across his throne in his usual casual manner while Ao Lui sat beside him, bouncing their youngest on his knee. Ao Bing and Xiaohei were trying to prevent two of the triplets, Ao Jinyi and Ao Zedong, from turning their practice session into an impromptu lightning-versus-ice battle.

Ao Huli hesitated at the entrance, his magenta eyes watching his sister's still-bristling form. The weight of his own assignment sat heavy in his chest, but he held back, uncertain whether revealing it would only deepen his twin's frustration.

"Well?" Ne Zha called out, noticing them first. "Don't keep us in suspense! What tasks did the council assign you?"

Ao Qing's tail lashed once before she stepped forward. "I'm to be a wind diety," she announced, trying and failing to keep the bitterness from her voice. "One of hundreds. Just... moving air around."

"That's a perfectly respectable task," Ao Bing said diplomatically, while managing to freeze one of the children's lightning bolts mid-air.

"What about you, Huli?" Xiaohei asked, his green eyes studying his son's carefully neutral expression.

Ao Huli opened his mouth, then closed it again, glancing at his sister. The movement was subtle, but Ao Bing caught it immediately, understanding dawning in his eyes. His grandson had inherited more than just his composure - he'd inherited his consideration for others' feelings as well.

"I..." Ao Huli started, but Ao Qing cut him off.

"Oh, just tell them," she sighed, some of her anger deflating. "We all know you probably got something amazing. Might as well get it over with."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ao Huli hesitated again, but Ne Zha leaned forward on his throne. "Come on, grandson. Out with it."

"I..." Ao Huli took a measured breath. "I've been assigned to the Department of Reincarnation. Under both Meng Po and Yan Wang."

The grand hall fell silent. Even the squabbling children stopped their lightning-ice battle. 

Ao Bing's eyes widened. "That's..."

"Of course," Ao Qing's voice cut through the silence, sharp with renewed anger. "Of course you got something like that. Perfect Huli, working directly under two major deities while the rest of us get stuck with menial tasks."

"Ao Qing," Xiaohei started, but she was already building up steam.

"This is just like you," she continued, sparks flying from her white hair. "Is this why you wouldn't tell me earlier? Wanted to wait for an audience? Needed everyone to see how much better you are than your twin?"

"That's not-" Ao Huli began, his composure cracking slightly.

"It's always like this!" Lightning crackled around her now. "You're always trying to overshadow me."

"I wanted to wait precisely to avoid-" Ao Huli tried again, but Ao Qing had already stormed out of the hall, leaving scorch marks on the floor in her wake.

The silence that followed was broken only by Ne Zha's quiet whistle. "Well," he said, "that could have gone better."

Ao Huli stood there, his usually perfect posture showing the slightest slump. For all his careful planning, all his consideration, he'd still managed to hurt his twin. His red-tipped ears drooped slightly, and for a moment, he looked less like the composed spirit who'd impressed the council and more like a brother who'd just disappointed his sister.

"Give her time," Ao Bing said gently, recognizing the look of quiet distress in his grandson's eyes. "She'll come around."​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The soul sanctuary existed in a space between spaces. As Ao Huli entered, his steps seemed to disappear into the darkness beneath his feet, though the surface felt solid. The walls, if they could be called that, were an endless expanse of deepest black that somehow managed to glisten, like the surface of a still pond at midnight.

A river cut through the sanctuary, its waters black as ink but somehow still transparent. Water lilies floated on its surface, each cradling a soul in its petals - some glowing brightly with virtue, others dimmed by regret. Their light cast shifting reflections off the countless scrolls and tomes scattered throughout the space.

An older woman sat by the riverbank, her silver-streaked hair adorned with forget-me-nots. Despite her age, her beauty had only deepened with time, like fine jade. Her robes seemed woven from mist and memory, and in her hands she cradled a bowl of soup that shifted colors like an opal.

"Welcome, young one," she said, her voice warm and melodious. "I am Meng Po. We've been expecting you."

"I am Ao Huli," he said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for accepting me into your service."

On the opposite bank, Yan Wang stood silent, studying Ao Huli with penetrating eyes. His tall, imposing figure was wrapped in robes of deepest black, embroidered with silver judgment scales. His sharp-featured face remained expressionless as he took in every detail of the prince - from his dual sets of red horns to his perfect posture.

After a long moment, Yan Wang's lips curved into something that wasn't quite a smile. "So this is Ne Zha's grandson." His voice was deep and resonant. "Let's get one thing straight- don't expect special treatment just because of who your parents are."

Yan Wang waved a dismissive hand, I don't need to cater to another little princeling who thinks the world will bow to him because of who his daddy is." He gestured at the chaos of texts around them. "If you want to be useful, start by organizing these records."

Ao Huli didn't so much as blink at Yan Wangs intense scrutiny, but instead dipped his head and bowed again. "Yes, honored one." He replied respectfully, already moving to his task. But as his hands carefully sorted through ancient texts, he found himself distracted, carefully observing the sacred process before him.

Yan Wang and Meng Po sat in perfect counterpoint to each other, their attention fixed on the steady flow of water lilies. Each flower cradled a pearl of light - a soul completing its journey through the mortal realm. As each lily drifted before Yan Wang, his eyes would grow distant, seeing the entirety of that life in an instant. Sometimes he would give a simple nod, and the lily would continue its journey unimpeded.

But sometimes - and Ao Huli noticed his shoulders would tense slightly before these moments - Yan Wang would shake his head. At these times, Meng Po would raise her hand with solemn grace. The light within the lily would flicker and fade, that soul's journey ending permanently. For the souls that would continue on, she would pour a measure of her opalescent soup into the lily before it drifted away.

The process was methodical, eternal. Neither deity spoke during their work, moving in perfect synchronization born of countless centuries together. Ao Huli worked silently around them, his movements careful not to disturb their rhythm, even as he committed every detail to memory.

He noticed how some souls burned brighter than others, how some lilies seemed to resist the current while others flowed peacefully. Each judgment was swift but, he sensed, carried the weight of absolute certainty. There was no hesitation in Yan Wang's decisions, no tremor in Meng Po's hand as she ended a soul's existence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Over the next few days, Ao Huli returned faithfully to the soul sanctuary. Each day was the same - organizing scrolls, sweeping the endless black floor, arranging texts that seemed to scatter themselves overnight. Never once did they invite him to observe their work more closely or explain the processes he watched so carefully.

He was gathering fallen petals from empty lilies when he heard Yan Wang speak.

"Meng Po, could you fetch the Records of Virtue from the eastern archives?"

Before Meng Po could rise, Ao Huli straightened. "I can retrieve them for you, honored one," he offered, his voice carefully neutral despite days of mounting frustration.

"No," Yan Wang said flatly, not even looking up from the soul he was judging. "Continue with your cleaning."

Something in Ao Huli finally broke. His perfect composure cracked, just slightly. "Why am I here?"

Both gods looked up at his question.

"If I'm not to learn from you, if I'm not to contribute in any meaningful way, what purpose does my presence serve?" His voice remained respectful, but there was an edge to it now.

Yan Wang's eyes narrowed. "You think yourself ready for such responsibility? To judge souls? To end existences?"

"I think myself ready to learn," Ao Huli responded. "But you haven't taught me anything except how to arrange scrolls."

"If the menial tasks we assign are beneath you, princeling," Yan Wang's voice carried a sharp bite, "you needn't return."

Ao Huli stood very still for a moment, his red-tipped ears the only part of him that moved, twitching slightly with suppressed emotion. Then, with deliberate care, he set down the broom he'd been holding.

He bowed, perfectly formal despite his frustration. "As you wish, honored one."

Without another word, he turned and walked out of the sanctuary, his measured steps never faltering even as the darkness swallowed him.

Behind him, Meng Po watched his departure with knowing eyes, while Yan Wang returned to his judgments, though his movements seemed slightly more forceful than before.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ao Huli's return to the celestial palace was marked by the immediate, joyful chaos of his younger siblings. As soon as he stepped into the family pavilion, they swarmed him, their excited chatter filling the air.

"Brother Huli is back!" one of the middle children, Ao Rong, exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.

"Did you bring us anything?" The chubby Ao Chih-Hao asked, tugging at his robes.

Ao Huli couldn't help but smile, his earlier frustrations melting slightly in the face of their unbridled enthusiasm. He scooped up one of the smaller children, two year old Ao Sheng and settled them on his hip as he made his way further into the palace.

In one of the grand halls, he spotted his father, Ao Lui, cradling their youngest sibling, Ao Qiu - a tiny bundle of energy that seemed to crackle with lightning even in sleep. Ao Lui was deep in conversation with a servant, but looked up as Ao Huli approached.

"Huli," Ao Lui greeted warmly, his magenta eyes crinkling with a smile. "How goes your new assignment?"

Ao Huli shifted Ao Qiu in his arms, trying to maintain his composure even as the day's frustrations bubbled up again. "It's... challenging," he said carefully, not wanting to sound ungrateful. "I don't think Yan Wang and Meng Po are taking me seriously."

Ao Lui studied his son's face, seeing the subtle signs of distress that others might miss. He handed the infant to the servant with a gentle instruction before turning his full attention to Ao Huli.

"Tell me everything," he said, guiding his son to a nearby bench.

As they sat, Ao Huli found himself pouring out his concerns - the menial tasks, the lack of instruction, the dismissive attitude from Yan Wang in particular. Ao Lui listened patiently, nodding in understanding.

"It sounds like Yan Wang sees you as a 'blue blood'," Ao Lui said thoughtfully. "He probably thinks you're just another privileged prince who expects special treatment."

Ao Huli's ears drooped slightly. "But that's not what I want. I just want to learn, to do my job well."

Ao Lui placed a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "I know, Huli. And I think you need to show them that."

He leaned back, considering. "If you want Yan Wang to take you seriously, you need to demonstrate how serious you are. Show them that you're not just there because of your lineage, but because you genuinely care about the work."

Ao Huli nodded slowly, his magenta eyes brightening with determination. "I can do that. I'll work harder, show them my dedication."

Ao Lui smiled, pride shining in his gaze. "I know you will. But if that isn't enough..." He paused, "I should tell you that Yan Wang and Meng Po sent over something to help you in your task."

Ao Huli blinked, confusion furrowing his brow. "They... they did?"

Ao Lui winked. "A magical artifact, to aid in your duties. It just arrived this morning."

Ao Huli stared at his father, shock and disbelief warring on his features. After days of feeling ignored and dismissed, the idea that the two senior deities had sent him a gift was almost inconceivable.

"But... why would they..." he stammered, trying to make sense of this new information.

Ao Lui's smile turned mysterious. "Perhaps they see more potential in you than they let on," he suggested. "Or maybe it's a test, to see how you handle such a responsibility."

Ao Huli's mind raced with possibilities. Had he misjudged the situation? Were Yan Wang and Meng Po's actions not dismissal, but some form of challenging encouragement?

"Where is this artifact?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ao Lui gestured towards the private family quarters. "In your chambers. I had it placed there for you to examine when you returned."

Ao Huli stood abruptly, nearly dislodging Ao Sheng who was still perched on his hip. He quickly handed the little one to his father before bowing hastily.

"Thank you, Father," he said, his words rushing out in an uncharacteristic display of excitement. "I must see this at once."

With that, he hurried off, his usual measured steps giving way to a quicker pace that betrayed his eagerness. Ao Lui watched him go, a knowing smile playing at his lips.

The next day, as Yan Wang and Meng Po entered the soul sanctuary to begin their work, they were surprised to find Ao Huli already there, diligently organizing the scattered scrolls and tomes. The prince moved with quiet efficiency, his red-tipped ears twitching slightly as he concentrated on his task.

Yan Wang's eyes narrowed at the sight. "What are you doing here so early, princeling?" he demanded, his voice sharp with suspicion. "You shouldn't be here unsupervised. Who knows what sort of mess you might make without proper guidance?"

Ao Huli straightened, turning to face the senior deity. He bowed deeply, his expression carefully neutral despite the harsh words. "I apologize if my initiative has caused concern, honored one," he said, his voice respectful and even. "I merely wished to ensure that everything was in order for your arrival."

Yan Wang scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "Just get back to your duties," he growled, stalking past the prince to take his usual place by the river of souls.

Over the next few days, Ao Huli arrived punctually each morning, throwing himself into the menial tasks assigned to him with quiet dedication. He worked tirelessly, never complaining even as Yan Wang found fault with his every action.

"You call that organized?" Yan Wang would snap, gesturing to the neatly arranged scrolls. "I've seen mortal children with a better sense of order."

Or, "Is that the best you can do?" he would scoff as Ao Huli carefully swept the endless black floor. "I thought a prince of heaven would have higher standards."

Day after day, Ao Huli endured the scathing remarks and harsh criticisms, his stoic expression never wavering. He simply bowed in acknowledgment of each rebuke, then returned to his work with renewed determination.

One particularly trying day, after a litany of complaints and insults, Yan Wang finally snapped. "Enough!" he barked, his eyes flashing with annoyance. "I've had it with your incompetence. Go home, princeling. I'm sick of looking at you."

Ao Huli bowed deeply, his red-tipped ears drooping slightly at the dismissal. "As you wish, honored one," he said softly, setting aside his tools and making his way out of the sanctuary.

The next morning, Yan Wang and Meng Po arrived to find the sanctuary empty, no sign of the prince's usual early presence. Yan Wang snorted, a smug satisfaction settling over his features.

"Looks like the little princeling finally gave up," he remarked, settling into his place by the river. "I knew he couldn't handle a real challenge."

Meng Po shot him a sharp look, her usually serene face creased with disapproval. "You're unbelievable," she said, shaking her head. "That boy has been nothing but diligent and respectful, despite your constant belittling. He's done a good job, and you know it."

Yan Wang waved off her words, but a flicker of discomfort passed over his face. Meng Po wasn't finished, however.

"You just can't stand the idea of a 'blue blood' actually being competent, can you?" she continued, her melodic voice taking on an uncharacteristic edge. "You're so blinded by your prejudice against his family that you refuse to see his potential. And now, thanks to your harsh treatment, we've likely lost yet another assistant."

She turned away from him, her robes swishing softly as she took her place on the opposite bank. Yan Wang stared after her, a mix of guilt and frustration warring on his sharp features. As much as he hated to admit it, her words had struck a nerve.

They worked in tense silence for a while, the only sound the gentle lapping of the soul river. Yan Wang tried to focus on the task at hand, but his mind kept drifting back to Meng Po's accusations.

Just as he was about to break the silence, the doors to the sanctuary swung open. Both deities looked up in surprise as Ao Huli entered, his white hair slightly disheveled and his magenta eyes tinged with weariness.

The prince immediately dropped into a deep kowtow, his forehead nearly touching the black floor. "I humbly beg your forgiveness for my tardiness, honored ones," he said, his voice heavy with apology. "One of my younger siblings fell ill in the night, and I was needed at home."

Yan Wang stared at the prostrate figure, a mix of emotions playing across his face. Beside him, Meng Po's expression softened with understanding.

"It's alright, Ao Huli," she said gently, her voice warm with compassion. "Family must always come first. We're just glad you're here now."

As the day progressed in the soul sanctuary, Yan Wang found himself increasingly aware of the awkward silence that hung between him, Meng Po, and Ao Huli. The prince continued his work diligently, but the earlier tension remained palpable.

Finally, in an unexpected gesture, Yan Wang cleared his throat and spoke. "Ao Huli," he said, his voice gruff but lacking its usual edge. "Come sit by me. Watch what I do."

Ao Huli looked up, surprise flashing briefly in his magenta eyes before he quickly composed himself. He bowed respectfully and moved to sit beside the old god, his posture perfect and attentive.

Slowly, almost hesitantly at first, Yan Wang began to explain his process. He pointed out the different aspects of a soul's record, how to interpret the complex tapestry of a mortal life. Ao Huli listened intently, his red-tipped ears perked forward to catch every word.

As Yan Wang delved deeper into the intricacies of judgment, Ao Huli began to ask questions - careful, thoughtful inquiries that showed his genuine interest and desire to understand. Yan Wang found himself responding in more detail, surprised and somewhat pleased by the prince's keen intellect and quick grasp of the complex concepts.

Across the river, Meng Po watched the interaction with a small, approving smile. She could see the gradual shift in Yan Wang's demeanor, the way his explanations became more engaged and less grudging.

By the end of the day, Ao Huli felt a sense of accomplishment that went beyond his usual satisfaction in a job well done. For the first time, he felt truly acknowledged by his superiors, seen as more than just a royal cleaner.