Chapter 111: Peeking at the Storm Beneath the Surface of Prosperity

“Gods are gods, and humans are humans. Though there are many connections between the two, there are also boundaries and distinctions. Some matters of the gods are not for humans to interfere with, and some matters of humans are not for the gods to meddle in,” the City God said.

Realizing that his words contained a negative tone and might be misinterpreted, he quickly added, “Of course, you are neither a god nor a human, Immortal Master. That is, um, not what I intended to imply.”

“...” Song You roughly understood his point. Gods had their own duties, and humans had theirs.

Ordinary people seldom dealt with divine matters, but it was also true that many humans could influence the gods. Wasn’t this City God appointed by the emperor? Throughout history, there had been numerous cases where gods were renamed or even discarded and abandoned by the human courts due to the taboo of using the emperor’s title or other reasons, and some gods were even slain by powerful mortals.

Naturally, gods were meant to oversee human affairs, one of the primary purposes of their existence. However, exceptions did exist. Some gods were known for their strict or irascible natures. Even if they failed in their duties, mortal authorities might be wary of challenging them. Conversely, some powerful individuals were too influential to be easily judged by the gods, even if they committed crimes.

In essence, it was a matter of protecting the powerful and shunning the weak, a form of mutual protection among officials.

Regarding the City God’s role, his duty was to protect the city, prevent demons and ghosts from causing chaos, and handle malevolent spirits. For matters between mortals, the

sanshi yamen

was responsible, and these were not within the City God’s jurisdiction.

Song You thought for a moment before asking, “Could it be that these troublesome demons and ghosts are actually humans in disguise?”

“Not exactly.”

“Are they the spells of cultivators?”

“They are indeed demons and ghosts...”

“Then isn’t it within your duties as the City God to manage them?”

“Well... But...” The City God hesitated for a long time and appeared troubled. “But if these demons and ghosts are being manipulated by influential and high-ranking humans, and the matter is of significant importance, how should it be handled?”

“Has the power struggle in Changjing reached the point where demons are used to harm people? That seems rare in history, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t know the specifics. That’s not something I should manage or dare to manage.”

“I see.” Song You couldn’t help shaking his head as he realized the situation.

Power struggles had existed throughout history, and they were beyond the reach of both Daoists and immortals. Even if one could control such struggles, the situation would quickly revert to its original state as soon as attention was diverted. This was an unchangeable aspect of human nature.

But people harming people was different from demons and ghosts harming people directly, wasn’t it?

Power struggles and the pursuit of one’s own interests were the rules of human society, and bloodshed was a common occurrence. Yet, for a high-ranking person in the human realm to use demons and otherworldly creatures to commit atrocities, what kind of trend was this?

Throughout history, even when palace conflicts led to the destruction of entire families, there were rules governing such disputes. There were very few instances of direct assassination, let alone the use of demons.

Song You shook his head repeatedly. Human affairs were complex and burdensome to think about.

The Daoist told the god in front of him, “Just focus on exterminating the demons.”

“Immortal Master!”

“What is it?”

“This matter is significant. If I act recklessly and cause dissatisfaction, wouldn’t that...”

“That’s a different matter.” The Daoist remained calm.

If it were other City Gods, who themselves possessed virtue and prestige, as well as capability and integrity, and were revered by the masses, they would not allow demons and ghosts to create chaos in the city merely because of the political struggles among humans. Nor would they worry about being dismissed by earthly authorities for taking such actions.

However, this particular City God was different. He should not have been in this position in the first place. To survive eternally, he must find other means.

This was understandable, but it should also be known that this was inherently wrong.

The City God’s gaze flickered, and he could only say, “These demons are not that simple to deal with. Without the assistance of the Heavenly Palace’s Martial Gods, relying only on the few Martial Gods in this temple might be...”

“I am willing to help.”

“I will do my best!”

“Thank you, City God.”

“Immortal Master...” The City God spoke cautiously, “Is there anything else?”

“Since you ask, City God,” Song You paused before he continued, “I did come across an interesting matter on my way here.”

“Please, Immortal Master, tell me!”

Song You said slowly, “I am just an ordinary mortal, not deserving of the title ‘Immortal Master.’ I only wish to share this with you. Previously, I sought out Duke of Thunder Zhou in Pingzhou. Duke of Thunder Zhou was displeased with me because of my disrespectful behavior toward him, so I have learned my lesson.

“On this trip, I specifically brought three high-quality incense sticks for you, with excellent ingredients...”

The City God glanced sideways and noticed the three incense sticks placed on the table, still unlit. Just then, a sudden chill ran through him.

“But when I reached the entrance, someone stopped me, saying that incense purchased outside lacked sincerity.” Song You smiled, “I’ve been cultivating for many years and have heard that incense made and brought by oneself is more sincere, but this is the first time I’ve heard the opposite.”

“I apologize for offending you, Immortal Master. It is my fault...”

“Isn’t it detrimental to your incense offerings to trouble the incense buyers?” Song You looked at him with confusion. “Why do you tolerate this?”

The City God appeared humble and troubled. “You do not understand... I truly haven't received any benefits from this temple, and what use is worldly wealth to a minor god like me? Making things difficult for worshippers only results in fewer incense offerings and less sincerity from the people, which in turn leads to fewer tributes for me.

“But since those people are connected to the Ministry of Rites, I am powerless and can't afford to offend them.”

“I see.” Song You couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. He felt both helpless and empathetic toward the pitiful City God.

Indeed, gods originated from humans. In ancient times, human emperors ruled over all things in the world. Even now, the reason why the Great Emperor Chijin was the Lord of the Heavenly Palace was because Great Yan had established its rule.

However, as the Divine Dao had evolved, they had become exalted in the eyes of the people. In the eyes of those in power, divine and human authorities mutually respected each other. Thus, it was rare to find a god of such high rank as the City God of the imperial capital who still must cautiously appease the influential court officials.

It was because of the same reason—unlike other City Gods, this one lacked the necessary standing to be here. He dared not offend the influential figures in the court, especially the officials of the Ministry of Rites, fearing that a single complaint could lead to his downfall.

Song You had gained insight from this experience. He sighed, lamenting the past rulers' incompetence. However, as he said, this was a different matter.

“What about the previous City God?”

“...” The City God shivered. “The previous City God was a prime minister of the Cheng Dynasty and is now the Divine Sun Lord of the Heavenly Palace, responsible for directing the Earth Gods.”

“Since you are the City God, you should understand the difference between gods, humans, and demons. To endure through the ages, you should not seek to please human authorities or protect yourself. Instead, you should act with integrity and fairness. The faith of the people and other living beings is the only true basis for a god's enduring existence.”

“Yes...” The City God trembled again.

“I reside on Willow Street in the Western District. There is a Daoist banner hanging at my door, with a sign offering services such as exorcizing demons and exterminating rodents. If you need help with eliminating demons or evil spirits, you may come to me in my home in a dream, and I may be able to offer some modest assistance,” Song You said, then bowed. “If there is nothing else, I will take my leave.”

“Immortal Master, please take care...”

“I will visit again and bring three incense sticks next time.”

“Thank you, Immortal Master...” The City God respectfully saw off Song You.

The cat also left.

Then, the City God showed a bitter smile. Although weak and incapable compared to his predecessor, he understood the Immortal Master’s implied message.

What was the difference between gods, humans, and demons?

Gods and demons were naturally different from humans, but the greatest difference was that while humans and demons were born from nature, gods existed based on human incense and faith, carrying the beliefs and expectations of people. Here, “humans” referred to all sentient beings.

In their positions, they must fulfill their roles.

Humans could sit around and do nothing, but officials could not. Demons might be able to just dilly-dally around, but gods could not. If gods failed to fulfill their roles, they had no meaning or value, and no reason to exist.

“Ah...” The City God could only let out a deep sigh.

Originally, he thought that since the Immortal Master’s demeanor was gentle during their interaction and different from the Immortal Master he had encountered at the Hidden Dragon Temple decades ago, he might be easier to deal with. However, it turned out he was even more difficult to fool.

He said he would bring incense again the next time he came... But wasn’t Song You just trying to monitor him?

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

***

Song You left the shrine.

A few scholars were walking by outside, most likely to pray for success in their exams. Seeing someone coming out, they were a bit puzzled but didn’t pay much attention. As they passed by, they only glanced briefly at the calico cat he was carrying, muttering complaints about the high price of incense sold at the foot of the mountain.

As Song You walked to the center of the courtyard, they had almost reached the shrine and could still be heard commenting in surprise about someone who had brought the big incense but hadn’t lit it.

Passing through the courtyard, he reached the mountain gate.

“Now you understand that a god’s statue is not defined by their dullness or brilliance, nor is bigger always better. Only those gods with outstanding virtue and who serve the people can earn the admiration of the masses.”

“I don’t understand.”

“There are too few gods like you in this world, Lady Calico.”

“Hmm...” Lady Calico looked up at him.

Although it didn’t fully understand his words, it could tell that he was praising it, so it nodded decisively. “Correct!”

Song You smiled. He then glanced back and saw the couplet written at the entrance, “Why rush to commit misdeeds, knowing this life may not last long? Since fate has already been set, why not live an honest life and be a good person?”

He shook his head, withdrawing his gaze and looking downward.

As the afternoon rest period passed, more people came to offer incense, all purchasing from the old man’s stall below.

He slightly raised his gaze, and saw that the mountain was low but still higher than most residential houses in Changjing.

Houses stretched densely, their countless tiled roofs merging into one. If it weren't for the good weather today, the end would hardly be visible. The roads crisscrossed straight like lines on a chessboard, bustling with traffic. While he couldn't see the scenes within the imperial palace, he could glimpse the tall walls of the imperial city, exuding an air of majesty.

The prosperity of Changjing was all within view. Yet beneath this prosperity, there lay almost as many demons and monsters, and hidden bloody struggles.

Although the emperor was still in good health, he was gradually aging, and no crown prince had yet been chosen. Some had already begun their open and covert struggles for power. Today, by chance, he had heard a bit of the bloody conflicts over the imperial throne in the capital.

“Aren't we going back?”

“We're leaving now.”

A man and a cat descended the mountain, passing by the crowd that came to offer incense. As soon as they entered the streets and alleys, they were back in the human realm.

The people in these streets and alleys couldn't just walk into the City God Temple and converse with the City God. Perhaps they were unaware of the struggles among the high officials and nobles, and the storms within the palace. Perhaps they knew, but didn’t care; or perhaps they cared, but it didn't stop them from living their trivial lives.

This made Song You feel much more at ease.

Every era had its own rules. The struggle for the position of the crown prince and the fight for imperial power were not his concerns.

The idea of equal punishment for both princes and commoners was a beautiful ideal, but if it were to be forced into reality, it might lead to chaos across the land and the deaths of even more commoners. However, it wasn't so difficult to make them restrain themselves a bit, allowing the people in the city to live slightly more peacefully.

The only one who wasn’t at peace was the old man selling incense.

Just now, a puff of smoke had come out of his money box. Not knowing what had happened, he hurriedly opened it and found nothing unusual until he looked closely and noticed an extra small stone among the many coins.