Unintended Immortality

Upon the altar, the statue of Thunder God began to emit a radiant glow. The previously stiff and artificial-looking paintwork gradually softened, and the once harsh, rigid angles of the statue became more natural and refined.

The statue's eyes flickered with a gleam, resembling a flash of lightning in the night. It seemed as though the clay figure was slowly coming to life, its eyes fixed downward with a terrifying aura of authority.

“Who dares to summon me?” The voice boomed like thunder, reverberating throughout the temple, as though multiple claps of thunder were crashing together. The calico cat had already hidden behind the Daoist priest's legs, peeking out with only half its head and one eye, observing the scene with wide eyes.

The priest stood below, cupping his hands in respect towards the altar. “It is I who requests your presence.”

“A Daoist priest...” Thunder God's eyes narrowed slightly, as if offended. In a deep voice, he questioned, “What lineage do you hail from? Who is your master? How dare you be so disrespectful! To seek an audience with a god without even offering incense?”

“Thunder God, you misunderstand. I am traveling and did not bring incense with me. It was not my intention to be disrespectful. I am Song You, the thirtieth-generation heir of Hidden Dragon Temple on Yin-Yang Mountain, apprenticed under Daoist Duoxing,” Song You replied respectfully.

After a brief pause, he added, “However, my master is still alive. If you wish to inquire further, you may visit Yin-Yang Mountain in Lingquan County to seek her out.”

These thirty generations were counted from the lineage of Hidden Dragon Temple, not from the founding of the temple itself. Hidden Dragon Temple's lineage began long before the creation of Daoism.

It was only after someone established Daoism that a zealous ancestor decided to build the Hidden Dragon Temple on Yin-Yang Mountain. Many lazy ancestors later lived off it. In truth, the lineage of Hidden Dragon Temple predated not only the Heavenly Palace but also Daoism itself.

“Yin-Yang Mountain, Hidden Dragon Temple...” Thunder God's eyes gradually narrowed further, though he remained unafraid. “So, you are the heir of Hidden Dragon Temple. But even the heir of Hidden Dragon Temple should not be so disrespectful! Do you think I, a true god of thunder, would fear you?”

As he spoke, his gaze lowered, fixing right on the half-exposed head and single eye of the calico cat.

Swish! The calico cat quickly hid itself.

“Where did this little cat demon come from? It even carries a hint of incense—could it be from some unauthorized and nefarious temples in the mountains? Have you captured an illegitimate god from the mountains and brought it to me today?”

The calico cat huddled tightly in its hiding spot, refusing to show itself.

“Thunder God, there's no need to frighten a child.” The Daoist faced the Thunder God and continued, “Thunder God, are you aware of the Frog God by the lakeside? It's an illegitimate god, unrecognized by the Heavenly Court and without imperial decree.”

“So what if it's an illegitimate god?” Thunder God frowned as he stared at him. “Gods arise from the will of the people. As long as the frog hasn’t done anything wrong, why should I go out of my way to trouble it without cause?”

“Thunder God, you're quite lenient with illegitimate gods.”

“How many gods in the heavens were first worshiped with incense before receiving official decrees? Don’t you know this?”

“Is that so?” Song You smiled, realizing that this Thunder God's views differed from those of gods and Daoists who would immediately seek to punish unrecognized illegitimate gods and unauthorized and nefarious temples, eager to uphold the authority of the ordained gods.

This perspective aligned more with Song You's own beliefs. Resorting to harsh measures indiscriminately, except in cases of necessity, was nothing but lazy governance.

Song You paused before continuing, “Last year when I passed by, this Frog God was well-behaved. But this year, when I came by the lake again, I found that he had resorted to some other means. I wonder, Thunder God, are you aware of this?”

“So, you've come to hold me accountable.” Thunder God immediately understood Song You's purpose, though his expression remained calm, and his voice thundered, “Every generation of the Hidden Dragon Temple’s heir roam the world. Do you not know how vast it is? Do you expect me to be aware of every misdeed committed by every illegitimate god in the mountains?”

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“Then speak plainly.”

Song You said, “I know that divine powers are limited. First, I heard that the goddess of Mirror Island Lake reported to the heavens twice but received no attention. Second, the new temple built by the Frog God is just two li from your Thunder God Temple.

He continued, “In fact, if it weren't for the houses and village trees blocking the view, it could be seen from your temple. This region of Pingzhou is where you were born, so don’t you think the Frog God is showing you a bit too much disrespect?”

“…“ Thunder God's expression darkened.

The statue, though made of clay and obstructed by the temple walls, had limited sight and divine power. How could it know of all the troubles caused by demons and illegitimate gods in the world?

However, if the Frog God was truly causing trouble and had even built his temple nearby, it was indeed shameful that a widely respected god of the Thunder Division like Thunder God hadn’t noticed it immediately. It was, without a doubt, a dereliction of duty and a loss of face.

The Daoist then asked, “What do you think, Thunder God?”

“I am a legitimate god of the Thunder Division. If the goddess of Mirror Island Lake reported the matter and was ignored, that’s because it’s not my problem and is beyond my control. However, the actions of this Frog God are indeed my responsibility.” Thunder God's voice softened slightly, though it still carried the rumble of thunder.

He continued, “But this is only your account. I must investigate the matter thoroughly and then punish the Frog God according to the heavenly laws.”

Song You said, “Thunder God, you’re indeed upright and unyielding.”

“May I ask where you are from?”

“Yizhou.”

“When did you come down from the mountain to travel? How many prefectures have you visited?”

“About two years ago. I have traveled through three prefectures.”

“You should consider visiting the northern border. The human realm there has just seen the end of a war, with desolation stretching for thousands of li and most houses empty. Demons are running amok, and great monsters are preying on people there. It might offer you a different perspective...” Thunder God paused for a moment.

He continued, “Perhaps you will understand why I, as the Thunder Division's god, cannot see the illegitimate gods in the nearby mountains.”

“Is that so...” If so, Song You might indeed have misunderstood him. Whether true or not, he decided to trust him for now. Since he made a mistake, he should admit it.

“Then I apologize for misunderstanding and offending you, Thunder God. Please forgive me,” Song You said with a smile as he respectfully cupped his hand. “Since it's a minor issue, I won’t delay you further. I can handle it on your behalf.”

“While in my position, I must fulfill my duties. I won’t trouble you,” Thunder God said as his form gradually reverted to a statue, leaving only his voice. “Just remember to offer a few incense sticks if you come to see me again.”

“Farewell...” Song You said.

Soon, only the clay statue remained before him. Song You stood in place, contemplating for a long while.

The calico cat then came to its senses, grabbing Song You's pant leg with its paws and looking up at him. “Is that the Thunder God?”

“Yes.”

“He’s so fierce!”

“If you haven't done anything wrong, there’s no need to fear him.”

“Well...” Which demon or ghost wasn’t afraid of the Thunder God?

“Let’s go.”

The man and the cat exited the temple.

Not long after they had walked away, a few muffled sounds were heard. Looking back, they saw a clear day suddenly turn stormy with massive lightning bolts striking the lakeside one after another, likely destroying all the Frog God's temples. The sight was so terrifying that the aquatic creatures in the lake and the wild beasts in the mountains were all greatly alarmed.

Song You seemed to see a god holding a toad, and the figure instantly disappeared.

The Duke of Thunder Zhou, originally named Zhou Kangbo, was born two hundred years ago in Pingzhou. He was originally a constable in Pingdu. During the late years of the dynasty's founder, the capital city, Changjing, was plagued by chaos and abuses of power.

The then-prime minister who had served as the governor of Pingzhou, Gu Shou, was displeased with the corruption and ineffectiveness of local law enforcement. Knowing that Zhou Kangbo from Pingdu was a man of integrity and righteousness, Gu Shou transferred him to Changjing as the chief constable. At that time, such transfers of minor officials were almost unheard of.

Zhou Kangbo, indeed, lived up to his reputation. Unafraid of power and strictly adhering to the law, he offended many. He punished numerous bullies and corrupt officials, and dismantled various underground criminal organizations. It was said that he even hunted down many demons and ghosts hiding in Changjing, executing those who had harmed people. His efforts eventually brought order to Changjing.

In the end, it was said that he was killed in revenge.

The people of Changjing admired his selflessness and his fair and just treatment of evil beings. They worshiped him as the Thunder God. Later, various stories and performances about him made his name well-known throughout the land. As his fame spread, so did his incense offerings, and his statues and temples now likely outnumber even those of the main gods of the Thunder Division.

Today’s encounter confirmed his reputation was well-deserved.

However, the situation was not as straightforward. The Thunder Division’s legitimate god was occupied with the chaotic northern regions and had temporarily overlooked this area, which was understandable. Yet, a minor toad demon occupying a Frog God’s temple did not necessarily require the Thunder Division’s legitimate god’s intervention.

The Mirror Island Lake goddess had reported the issue to the Heavenly Palace twice, but it had not been addressed, showing an inefficiency worse than that of the earthly court.

Could it be that all the gods capable of exorcising demons had gone north to deal with them?

Without enough understanding, Song You chose not to dwell too much on it.

Song You continued walking and thought again about the temple attendant of the Frog God and the topics of the underworld and reincarnation that were discussed.

It was rather intriguing. Perhaps in a few centuries, future generations would regard ancient myths as having a well-established system. But for now, the deity system was still gradually taking shape.

Daoism only emerged a thousand years ago. The Heavenly Palace was established only eight hundred years ago. Two hundred years ago, the ruler of the Heavenly Palace was not yet the Great Emperor Chijin, and there was no guarantee he would still be the ruler two hundred years from now.

The gods of the Heavenly Palace were also evolving and improving. To this day, there was neither underworld nor reincarnation. However, in recent decades, there had been folk tales about the underworld and reincarnation. This development was influenced by various factors, and Song You had heard about it many times.

The Frog God’s temple attendant, when consolidating the Frog God’s faith, specifically mentioned the underworld and reincarnation. If this were not an initiative taken voluntarily, it might indicate that someone in heaven or on earth was attempting to use popular belief to solidify the concept of the underworld.

As Song You pondered, he continued walking. He planned to stay by the lakeside that night.

The Mirror Island Lake goddess, who had caused such a stir, came to visit in the middle of the night. She greeted Song You and said, “Greetings, Daoist.”

“You’re too polite,” replied Song You.

“Thank you, Daoist,” said the Mirror Goddess. “I asked for your help last night, and today the Frog God has been dealt with by the Thunder God. I am here to express my gratitude.”

“That was the work of Duke of Thunder Zhou,” Song You said. “I was merely a reminder, not even an inspector. I wouldn’t dare claim credit for this achievement.”

“You should still be thanked. If not for your powerful magic and calling upon the Thunder God, how could this matter have been resolved so easily?”

“I have some doubts. May I ask if you can provide an answer?”

“Please, Daoist, go ahead.”

Song You said sincerely to the Mirror Goddess, “This kind of matter is indeed the responsibility of the Thunder Division’s gods.

“But when I spoke with Duke of Thunder Zhou earlier, he seemed completely unaware of the chaos caused by the Frog God here... Could it be that the Heavenly Palace has been preoccupied with other affairs recently, so the two reports made by you were not communicated to the Thunder Division?”

The Mirror Goddess said, “Perhaps the Heavenly Palace has its own difficulties.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I am merely a minor god and do not know the inner workings of the Heavenly Palace,” the Mirror Goddess said, casting a glance at Song You with a gentle smile. “But my experiences in life have taught me a principle.”

“Please, enlighten me.”

“People are people, and countries are countries. Even though a country is made up of people, the thoughts of a country and the thoughts of individuals can still be completely different.”

The Mirror Goddess paused before adding, “Good people are not necessarily good officials, and even a group of good officials may not necessarily form a good country. When there are many people, their thoughts can no longer be controlled by one or another.”

“I see…“

These words were indeed profound and worth pondering.

“Where will you go next, Daoist?”

“First to Changjing, then heading east and north.”

“It may be difficult for us to meet again in this life.”

“You have been a god here for so many years. Most people probably only get to meet you once.”

“After all, you’ve done me a favor, Daoist Master.”

“Then let’s see when fate will bring us together again.”

“Farewell.”

“Farewell.”

The goddess was lazy, and so was the man. After exchanging a few words and courtesies, they each went their separate ways. The Mirror Goddess returned to Mirror Island Lake, and Song You went back to his rest.

On the third day, he finally completed a full circle around Mirror Island Lake and spent another day returning to Changsheng County. By this time, it was the fifth day since descending the mountain.

Changsheng County was full of rumors about the gods and immortals of Yunding Mountain.