Unintended Immortality

The Daoist and the cat returned along the same route.

As they passed an empty alley, the cat looked up and asked quietly, “How much did that person give us?”

“Thirty wen.”

“Is that a lot?”

“Not a lot.”

“Is it a little?”

“Not a little.”

“What can we buy with that?”

“You can buy two bowls of lamb soup noodles.”

“But if it’s the small crucian carp that you usually eat, you can eat many days worth if you eat one each day.”

“That’s a lot!”

“…” The Daoist smiled and said nothing.

He knew that doing the work first and collecting payment later naturally did not favor bargaining, and he understood that the common folk each had their own thoughts—some perhaps more honest, while others might be more calculating.

But the money collected this time was only a small part of what was gained. Encountering all kinds of people and their various mindsets was, in its own way, a form of reward too. Understanding the world and human nature was part of cultivation.

Halfway through the alley, they smelled a fragrance. It was the scent of scallion pancakes.

He didn’t know why, but it was rare to come across something truly good these days. Perhaps that was why the aroma from a simple scallion pancake stall by the roadside seemed to waft through the entire street. Drawn by the enticing smell, the Daoist followed it to the source, and feeling the small string of copper coins he had just earned in his pocket, he couldn't resist buying one.

One was only two wen, wrapped in a large piece of bamboo leaf. He took a bite, and he could smell its rich aroma.

On the road, he encountered an old fisherman carrying fish into the city to sell. The Daoist bought two small crucian carp, which were just over two fingers wide. In Changjing, people didn’t consider fish as meat, so these two small crucian carp only cost him two wen.

Both the Daoist and the cat were content. Out of the thirty wen earned, twenty-six remained. All in all, quite good.

Song You's current goal in earning money, besides wanting to stay in Changjing City for a while, was simply to be able to afford the rent and not starve.

However, he had one more idea in mind—to save up enough money to treat Lady Calico and the neighboring heroine to a banquet at Yunchun Restaurant, so they could experience another one of Changjing's specialties.

There was no rush—he would save up gradually.

When he returned home, it was just noon. Having eaten the scallion pancake and the two fish, neither Song You nor the cat was hungry. They both sat by the window on the second floor, basking in the sun.

Song You gazed down thoughtfully, while the cat seemed to sense his thoughts and came over to him, saying, “Are you thinking about that demon that terrified the man?”

“…”

Song You was actually thinking about whether he might accidentally drop something from the second floor and hit someone. However, he had indeed thought about the demon, as the cat had mentioned, so he nodded and complimented her on being perceptive.

The cat stared at him with its amber eyes and asked, “Should we go find that demon?”

“We could, but it’s not our responsibility.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I heard that Changjing has a City God and also worships other gods, so we should first pay our respects.”

“When shall we go?”

“Do you also want to go?”

“Of course!”

“Let’s wait a bit.”

“Hmm…” The cat turned and retrieved a ball from the side.

***

In the mid-afternoon, the sun made people drowsy. Those who were busy remained occupied, while those with free time took their afternoon naps. Only a rare few, who either had a genuine reason to burn incense or chose not to nap, would visit the City God Temple at this hour.

The City God Temple was situated on a small slope. Song You, having learned from his previous experience with Duke of Thunder Zhou, was determined to get the etiquette right this time. He bought three incense sticks from outside, intending to present them to the City God to avoid any accusations of rudeness.

Just as he was about to go up, someone stopped him. “Young man!”

The one who stopped him was an old man, who looked like a temple attendant but also somewhat not. He was quite old and had set up a stall at the entrance of the City God Temple, where he sold incense. Everyone passing by had to buy incense from him.

“You can’t offer incense here if you bring your own; incense brought from outside is ineffective!”

Song You was taken aback when he heard this unusual claim. He turned around and bowed to the old man with a smile, asking, “May I ask why incense brought from outside is ineffective? Is there a special reason for this?”

“Because your heart is not sincere!”

“Why is the heart not sincere if the incense is brought from outside?”

“Our incense is better!”

“Ah, I see.” Song You understood what was going on. He smiled, and then looked at the incense he had bought. He said to the old man, “I’m only here for peace of mind, not for effectiveness.”

“No, I won’t allow it!” The old man grew agitated, his eyes widening and showing a hint of anger. “Incense brought from outside can only be burned outside. It should be placed on the roadside. If you want to burn it inside, you must buy incense from here. Bringing your own incense inside to burn is disrespectful to the City God. I cannot let you in!”

The old man made a motion as if he intended to pull him back.

“…” Song You looked at the old man, paused, and then smiled slightly. “In that case, I will buy three sticks of incense from you. However, as I am new to Changjing and not familiar with the City God, could you please give me an introduction so that I don’t inadvertently show disrespect?”

“Just lighting the incense is enough to pay respects!” Although the old man said this, seeing that Song You was holding money and still didn’t intend to buy, he spoke up while pointing to the side. “If you buy this kind of large incense, I will explain it to you.”

“How much for the large incense?”

“A hundred wen per stick.”

“That’s really expensive.”

“It’s effective!”

“Alright then…”

Song You thought for a moment, put away the copper coins. Then, he took out a small piece of silver from his sleeve worth roughly three or four qian, and he held it in his hand.

The old man explained, “Currently, the City God was once the father-in-law of a former emperor. However, he had poor health. On the day the empress was granted the title of empress, he was supposed to enjoy the rewards of his status, but he fainted from his excessive joy and never woke up. Thus, he passed away.

“The emperor was deeply saddened, so he was honored as the City God of Changjing and received the incense offerings from the people of Changjing.”

Song You nodded. “So that’s how it came to be…”

“If you don’t believe me, you can ask someone else!”

“Was there no City God in Changjing before?”

“Of course there was! There must have been one!”

“And the previous City God?”

“Probably promoted!”

“Thank you, old man.” Song You smiled and handed over the piece of silver, buying three large sticks of incense. “Can the cat come in with us?”

“The cat…”

“I didn’t ask you for my change.”

“Don’t let it jump onto the altar!”

“Of course…” With that, Song You climbed the stone steps.

Halfway up, Lady Calico quietly tugged at his pant leg and looked up at him with a worried expression.

This little cat…

Song You shook his head and said to her, “It’s fake money.”

He then continued walking forward.

As expected of someone who was once a father-in-law to an emperor, the City God Temple was very large, even bigger than many monasteries. It was resplendent with gold and jade and very impressive. Upon entering, one had to pass through a gateway, then into a courtyard. Beside the courtyard was a small shrine, about half a person’s height, dedicated to local gods such as the Land God.

The main hall ahead was adorned with red pillars, golden walls, and glazed tiles. The doors of the temple were wide open, with the central god being the City God, flanked by two deputy officers. To the left and right of the main hall were statues of six military officers.

Song You entered the hall.

Lady Calico, having seen the Thunder God before, was much bolder now. It followed him inside but did not venture further; it simply sat down after crossing the threshold, watching Song You and the glittering deity statue.

Indeed, there was no one else around.

The incense burned at noon had just finished, leaving behind numerous blackened bamboo sticks, still faintly smelling of incense. Meanwhile, the fire in the bright lamp continued burning, used for lighting offering incense.

Song You took out the three large sticks of incense but did not light them. Instead, he placed them casually aside.

“Please, City God, come forth and meet us!” HIs voice was not loud, yet it seemed to echo endlessly.

The statue of the City God on the altar already gleamed with a golden radiance, as if it were cast from pure gold, exuding an air of great majesty. At this moment, it shimmered even more brilliantly with clouds of mist rising around it, making it appear all the more divine.

Then, with a loud bang, the temple doors shut. The only light left in the temple was the faint glow of the lamp and a beam of daylight coming through the side window, illuminating the dust floating in the air.

The smoke swirled around, and the statue seemed to come alive, looking down with an imposing presence at the lone figure and cat below.

“Who is calling upon me?”

“I am Song You, a mountaineer from Yizhou of Lingquan County.” Song You bowed respectfully. “City God, greetings.”

“What is your purpose in summoning me? And why have you brought a cat demon?”

“This is Lady Calico. She has committed no wrongs.” Song You paused for a moment before getting straight to the point. “I am new to Changjing and have heard that there are rampant demons and ghosts here, causing harm not only to court officials but also to the common people. I am puzzled as to why, with the City God in place, such occurrences still happen. I have come to seek answers.”

“Are you questioning me?”

“I won’t consider it questioning.” Song You paused and added, “It is just that the City God is supposed to protect the city. If the protection is lacking, I simply wish to understand if there are difficulties you are facing.”

“From what lineage are you, to dare question me?”

“Hidden Dragon Temple of Yin-Yang Mountain.”

“…”

The City God’s imposing demeanor immediately softened, and the mist dissipated.

In the daze, the statue on the altar reverted to its original form. Next to it appeared an elderly figure, wearing an official robe and shorter than Song You.

“I did not realize Hidden Dragon Temple’s immortal had come to visit. Forgive me, forgive me.”

“You know of Hidden Dragon Temple, City God?” Song You was somewhat surprised.

At this moment, the City God was not related to the underworld but had transitioned from a natural god to a human god, and he was incorporated into the Daoist Heavenly Palace.

Although not every city had a City God, in those that did, the position was often held by a historical figure of great renown. They were usually someone known for their exceptional virtue, outstanding moral character, or extraordinary talent in either the literary or martial arts. As the guardian god of the city, the City God was of great importance.

It was normal for the City God of Changjing, the imperial capital of Great Yan, to have heard of Hidden Dragon Temple. However, given that this City God had been in position for a relatively short time and seemed different from other City Gods, they were shocked that he knew of Hidden Dragon Temple.

The City God cupped his hands in greeting and responded, “Hidden Dragon Temple is renowned, of course I know it.”

“Have you met my master?”

“I have had the honor of meeting him once…” The City God seemed almost to bow to the ground.

“Very well.”

Those who had benefited from the actions of their predecessors were in a better position to negotiate. This made the conversation easier. Song You gave a nod of approval to his own master, something he didn’t do often.

“The disturbances caused by demons and ghosts in Changjing, as you have mentioned, are indeed within my purview,” the City God revealed his difficulties, “but I too face challenges.”

“Do tell.”

The City God pretended to wipe sweat from his brow. “Firstly, these are not minor demons or ghosts that can be easily dealt with. Previously, officials from the Ministry of Rites and the magistrate of Changjing County had submitted petitions, requesting my assistance in bringing these demons and ghosts to justice.

“However, right now, due to the turmoil in the north from the ongoing war, all the gods of the Heavenly Palace's Thunder Department have been sent north…”

Song You nodded. “I have heard about that.”

Song You glanced at the six military officers, three on each side of the temple. “Is it that all the incense offerings in this City God Temple have been monopolized by you, starving and leaving these military officers as nothing but empty statues?”

“Well… Not exactly…” The City God looked around awkwardly, hesitated for a long while, and finally said, “This brings us to another issue.”