Unintended Immortality-Chapter 397: Divine Lord Yuewang

Lady Calico wore a solemn expression, her ears occasionally twitching slightly.

“May I ask what brings you to this place...?” The elderly deity glanced to his left and right before addressing Song You, his voice soft and benevolent.

“The State Preceptor harbored selfish ambitions and schemed against the natural order. The gods acted without virtue, descending to the mortal realm and causing chaos. This led to the destruction of Mount Ye’s Ghost City,” Song You replied in an even tone. “I am currently reconstructing it.”

“The method you are using to rebuild seems quite different from that of the former State Preceptor of Great Yan,” the Immortal Elder of Green Wood remarked, his eyes widening slightly as he carefully observed the spiritual resonance around him. “It is imbued with the balance of yin and yang, the cycle of the four seasons, and draws upon the Five Elements of heaven and earth...”

The Immortal Elder left the rest unsaid, simply cupping his hands and offering Song You a compliment, “Your Excellency possesses great divine powers and remarkable mastery of creation!”

“Immortal Elder, you have sharp eyes and profound insight,” Song You replied, sincerely returning the compliment.

“I’ve only lived long, that’s all,” the Immortal Elder said with a wave of his hand, then asked, “Is Your Excellency planning to remain here in this mortal world's Ghost City, serving as its guardian, rather than traveling the world?”

“Not at all,” Song You replied. “The world is vast, and I still have much to see.”

“The mortal world's Ghost City and the underworld have created numerous divine positions that the Heavenly Palace has been eyeing with interest for some time,” the Immortal Elder said with a chuckle. His words were straightforward, devoid of pretense or trickery—perhaps a reflection of the great divine powers Song You had just demonstrated.

He continued, “However, Your Excellency is not like the State Preceptor. They dare not come themselves to ask, so they had no choice but to send me to sound out Your Excellency’s intentions.”

It was exactly as Song You had expected.

“Immortal Elder, you’re a senior, a virtuous deity, and one who holds no formal duties. Since the Heavenly Palace has sent you, please cut to the chase,” Song You said.

“Very well,” the elder said cheerfully. He paid no mind to the two younger divine officials behind him and addressed Song You directly.

He said, “When the State Preceptor presided over the mortal world's Ghost City, he negotiated with the Heavenly Palace to have an Imperial Lord dispatched to oversee the underworld and ensure its peace and stability.

“The mortal emperor, whose merits spanned the ages, would become a Ghost Emperor upon death, standing as an equal to the Imperial Lord. Furthermore, a Bodhisattva from the Buddhist sects was to be stationed in the underworld, though they were not to hold any real authority.

“Now that the State Preceptor has passed and you’ve taken over to rebuild the Ghost City, what are your thoughts on this arrangement?”

Song You paused briefly before replying, “Since I will not be staying here as a guardian, a deity should indeed preside over this place. The underworld must have an Imperial Lord. Furthermore, as the formation of the underworld is tied to Buddhist teachings, it’s only fitting to reserve a position for the Buddhist sects as well. However...”

“What is it?” The Immortal Elder looked intently at Song You.

“However, both positions should be filled by deities of true virtue and merit,” Song You said calmly. frёeωebɳovel.com

He continued, “The State Preceptor has already established the framework for the Ghost City with its four palaces, complete with detailed laws and regulations.

“This is entirely sufficient to ensure the proper functioning of the mortal world's Ghost City and the underworld. In my view, gods and Buddhas need not meddle in the affairs of the underworld. They should simply fulfill their roles, enjoy the incense offerings, and leave underworld matters to the underworld itself.”

“Your Excellency means that the Imperial Lord would not oversee administrative matters?”

“Precisely,” Song You confirmed.

“I cannot make decisions on such matters, but from what I see, the Heavenly Palace likely wouldn't mind this arrangement. Who wouldn't enjoy incense offerings for doing nothing?” The Immortal Elder chuckled.

He paused briefly before continuing, “However, regarding the selection of candidates—whether it's the Imperial Lord from the Heavenly Palace or the Bodhisattva from the Buddhist sects—it will likely need to align with the will of our Majesty.”

“Heh...”

“And what does Your Excellency mean by this?”

“I have only one question for you, Immortal Elder.”

“What is it?”

“Are deities appointed by the Heavenly Palace, or by the people of the world?”

“...”

The Immortal Elder fell silent.

The Immortal Elder of Green Wood had once been a mortal cultivator in ancient times, with his own attainments in Daoism. When a great flood ravaged the land, he gave his life in the effort to combat the disaster. Moved by his sacrifice, the people revered him and raised him to the status of a deity.

Song You respected such deities and enjoyed interacting with them, much like he appreciated dealing with Duke of Thunder Zhou. Both were individuals whose virtue and contributions in life had led to their elevation as deities by the people who worshipped them. They remembered how they had ascended to divine status and knew the origins of the incense offerings and faith that sustained them.

Then, a voice came from the side, “Can Your Excellency claim to represent the people of the world?”

It was the curtain-drawer official who had spoken.

Though visibly fearful, the young divine official met Song You’s gaze.

“You’re quite courageous,” Song You said with a smile. “No wonder the Celestial Emperor has kept you by his side all this time.”

He added, “Naturally, I cannot claim to represent all of humanity. But at the very least, I am one of them.”

As Song You finished speaking, he paused, narrowed his eyes, and waved his hand. Instantly, the streams of light in the sky danced like stars, their colorful brilliance flickering and dazzling everyone.

“Besides, this Ghost City was built by humans. Now, it’s being rebuilt by me. What does it have to do with your Heavenly Palace?”

“This...”

The young divine official opened his mouth as if to retort, but the Immortal Elder of Green Wood cut him off with a cheerful laugh, “Fellow Daoist Song is rebuilding the mortal world's Ghost City to house the wandering spirits. His work is a great act of merit. It would be inappropriate to speak disrespectfully to him.”

The young divine official dared not say another word.

Though it was true that the divine forms of the gods were forged from the incense and faith of humanity, the Heavenly Palace had long since reversed the roles, becoming the ruling force that influenced the mortal world.

According to the usual procedures—or rather, the standard process for the Heavenly Palace appointing deities—if a new divine position or change to an existing one was decided, the Heavenly Palace would merely convey this decision through dreams to the Ministry of Rites’ Department of Sacrifices, which was a subordinate department of the Ministry of Rites responsible for overseeing rituals and religious affairs.

For minor matters, the officials of the department could handle them independently, notifying temples, shrines, and the people of the Heavenly Palace’s arrangements.

For major matters, the emperor would need to be informed.

Even then, mortal emperors rarely opposed such decisions. At most, they might suggest minor adjustments based on circumstances. Only exceptionally powerful emperors, extremely arrogant and defiant ones, or those whose names coincided with a deity’s title might demand that the deity step back temporarily.

This highlighted the overwhelming authority of the Heavenly Palace in the present era.

But today’s situation was unprecedented: a deity’s appointment was being completely removed from the Heavenly Palace’s control. It had been a long time since anything like this had happened.

The two divine officials couldn’t help but glance toward the Immortal Elder, hoping he might salvage some dignity for their Celestial Emperor.

The Immortal Elder merely chuckled and asked, “Does Your Excellency have any candidates in mind?”

“Not at the moment,” Song You replied calmly.

“The Heavenly Palace is never lacking in virtuous deities, and even those with virtue and extraordinary powers are in abundance,” the Immortal Elder of Green Wood said with a cheerful smile.

“The Ghost City is not yet complete. There is no rush,” Song You replied calmly.

“In that case, I will take my leave and report truthfully to the Celestial Emperor,” the Immortal Elder said, cupping his hands. After a brief pause, he added, “I imagine that before long, the Buddhist sects of the Western Paradise, upon hearing of this, will also come to pay Your Excellency a visit.”

“My stance will remain the same,” Song You said evenly.

“Farewell, then.”

“Take care, Immortal Elder.”

The Immortal Elder led the other divine officials back down the floating steps, descending slowly. As they walked past the many ghosts, their eyes met briefly before they continued toward the exit.

Song You watched them leave.

The notion of a mortal emperor ascending to become a Ghost Emperor was naturally out of the question. Song You intended to reserve the position for a great mortal cultivator. If no suitable candidate appeared, the role could be merged with that of the Imperial Lord overseeing the underworld. Having a single transcendent figure presiding over the underworld might not be a bad idea either.

As for the candidate...

“Great virtue, great powers, serene and untroubled...” Song You muttered softly to himself.

He did, in fact, know someone who fit the description.

“Yan An.”

“Flap, flap, flap...”

A swallow immediately flew over.

“What is it, sir?” it asked, perching nearby.

“Do you know of any temple or shrine nearby that has a statue or altar dedicated to Divine Lord Yuewang?” Song You asked.

“Divine Lord Yuewang...” The swallow thought for a moment before replying. “I've heard that his statues and temples are more common in Yizhou, but beyond Yizhou, they're quite rare. Though this deity is highly revered and possesses great divine power, he avoids contention. I doubt there are many temples or shrines dedicated to him here in Fengzhou. If you wish to know more, I can ask my ancestor.”

“I want to discuss something with him, but I cannot easily leave this place.”

“Sir, please give your instructions.”

“I’d like to trouble you to offer him three sticks of incense on my behalf,” Song You said after a brief pause, thinking carefully.

He said, “Tell him that I once witnessed his grace and demeanor in Yidu and have admired him ever since. Now, I have an important matter to discuss with him, but I cannot leave easily. At the third watch on the summer solstice, I will await him in my dreams. I hope he will come to meet me for a conversation... and to reminisce. Yes, reminisce.”

Song You emphasized the word “reminisce”, worried that this carefree deity might refuse to come otherwise.

The swallow, being both clever and courteous, and having divine ancestors, needed no reminders about proper etiquette.

“Understood...”

“I’ll have to trouble you to set aside your practice of the wood element spell for a few days,” Song You said with a smile. “Lady Calico has no wings, so you’re the only one who can help me with this.”

“I will deliver your message without fail.”

With that, the swallow leapt into the air, spread its wings, flapped twice, and then glided gracefully down from the high platform without another beat of its wings.

Its movements were elegant and light, as if riding the wind.

The cat then nudged against Song You’s side and tilted her head to stare at him. Only when he lowered his head to meet her gaze did she ask,

“What kind of deity is that?”

“I’m not entirely sure myself,” Song You admitted.

“You seem stronger than them.”

“Oh?” Song You chuckled, rubbing her head. “Do you no longer have ambitions of being the Cat God?”

“I haven’t been the Cat God for a long time,” she replied proudly.

“Lady Calico, if you cultivate diligently and become a great demon, you’ll surpass many deities in power, and you’ll also be far more carefree and unrestrained than they are,” Song You said, pausing to scratch her in her ticklish spots.

He added, “And if you do a lot of good deeds, you could earn the respect and admiration of many people and even be worshipped by them as a deity. The incense offerings you’d receive from them—whether you accept them or not—would be entirely up to you.”

“Respect and admiration!” The cat’s eyes lit up with determination.

“Just like the Snake Immortal.”

“Just like the Snake Immortal!”

“Exactly.”

“So, how long will it take for me to become a great demon?”

“Soon, very soon...”

“How soon is 'soon'?”

“It’s definitely close...”

Song You was rubbing her head when, suddenly, the cat pulled her head away. Before he realized what had happened, a streak of three-colored fur darted down the floating steps.

“I’m off to cultivate now!” she called out as she ran.

“...”

Song You shook his head and retracted his gaze.

He glanced into the distance—

The fox demon hadn’t played her qin for the divine officials earlier, but as soon as they left, she resumed her playing, focusing intently on the instrument. Meanwhile, her maid remained seated behind her, unmoving, gazing up at the high platform where Song You sat.

Song You withdrew his gaze once more and closed his eyes to think.

Divine Lord Yuewang was said to have been a virtuous man from ancient Yizhou who ascended to godhood through his exceptional virtue. He was quite extraordinary, belonging to the rank of Imperial Lords. However, he was naturally lazy, preferred comfort, and rarely involved himself in worldly affairs. As a result, his incense offerings were not as abundant as others.

Fortunately, for centuries, the people of Yizhou and the surrounding regions influenced by Yizhou culture had deeply revered him. In these areas, his prominence often surpassed that of the Great Emperor Chijin.

The steady flow of incense offerings from these people likely sustained his divine power and authority as a Celestial Emperor, ensuring he didn’t fall into obscurity like the Immortal Elder of Green Wood, who seemed to survive on meager and uncertain offerings.