Chapters 1254-1255 Trials of Various Imperial Kingdoms
Initially, regarding the position of the Heavenly Gate's leader, according to Fire Virtue Star Lord and others, they wished Pei Xuanjing, the Emperor of the South Pole Eternal Life, to take up the role, but Pei Xuanjing had no interest in becoming the leader of the Heavenly Gate.
He used the excuse that the expansion plan was driven by the Heavenly Court, and as the master of the Heavenly Court in the Great Ming World, nominally the most revered Emperor of Heaven was the only one qualified for the position.
Therefore, even though the Jade Emperor had not yet descended, the position of the leader of the Heavenly Gate was still reserved for him. The other Star Lords merely took on the title of deputy leaders. Chosen explicitly by Pei Xuanjing, Wood Virtue Star Lord served as the first deputy leader, managing everything.