The two Daoists walked through the bustling streets.

The cat trotted ahead with a cheerful step, seemingly having memorized the route back. She frequently stopped to glance back at Song You and then at the State Preceptor. She looked at Song You's clothes, then at the State Preceptor's, and checked their feet, as if pondering something. Only when they drew closer did she continue forward.

Behind them, the voices of the Daoists could be heard.

“How is Daoist Duoxing doing these days?”

“Still quite vigorous as of my descent from the mountain.”

“When I was young and followed my master, who is also my father, I had the fortune of meeting Daoist Duoxing. I still remember her demeanor clearly,” the State Preceptor said with a nostalgic expression. “I still recall the grace of Daoist Duoxing.”

“She is quite old now and generally stays in the temple, neither descending the mountain nor meeting guests,” Song You answered quietly. “Once I leave, she may hardly open the temple doors again.”

“Really?” The State Preceptor seemed surprised. “I heard that Daoist Duoxing was very fond of making friends in the past.”

“Perhaps she made all her friends when she was younger.”

“That makes sense…”

“With age, people do change.”

“Who in this world does not grow old?”

“Indeed…” Song You paused and then looked at him. “May I ask how you recognized me?”

“Although my skills are modest, I have been honored by the Emperor and appointed as the State Preceptor. In such a position, I must pay attention to worldly affairs,” the State Preceptor said with a smile. “Since I heard about the encounter between Cui Nanxi and the immortal on Yunding Mountain, I became curious. I reviewed the recent years’ rumors about immortals and found several with clear connections.”

He added, “There were rumors in Yizhou in the first year of Mingde, in Xuzhou in the second year, and in Pingzhou's Southern Art County in the early summer of the second year, Yunding Mountain in the late summer and early autumn of the third year, and finally rumors from Jingzhou and Angzhou this year.

“Until this year, I heard about the City God of Changjing and the demons and ghosts outside the city. Given this pattern, it seems that it’s about time for another heir of Hidden Dragon Temple to descend the mountain.”

Song You said, “That makes sense.”

“A night spent on the mountain equals a year off the mountain. Fellow Daoist, you truly are an immortal,” the State Preceptor said with a glance. “Cui Nanxi is truly blessed to travel with you.”

“It was merely a stroke of luck.” Song You shook his head. “Your deductions are indeed remarkable.”

“My skills are but a lesser Dao. The true greater Dao lies in Hidden Dragon Temple. Daoist Tiansuan was the true immortal whom I admired and revered back then,” the State Preceptor complimented in return. “However, which legacy in this world is not considered a lesser Dao when compared to the legacy of Hidden Dragon Temple?”

“You’re mistaken. All laws in the world, when perfected, can reach a divine level. There’s no such thing as greater and lesser Daos.” Song You paused. “I have heard that you’re adept in both governance and military strategy, possessing deep knowledge and abilities to aid in the prosperity and strength of the nation. This is truly admirable.”

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

“I am not worthy of such praise. If people do not criticize me, and no one says I led the country astray with sorcery after a thousand years, I would consider that a high honor,” the State Preceptor said, looking ashamed. “If I were truly capable, I wouldn't have been unable to deal with the demons and ghosts outside the city for so many years. It took your arrival in Changjing to resolve them.”

“Everyone has their strengths.”

“Indeed. It is still early. My Stargazing Tower is not far from here. I still have some tea leaves bestowed by His Majesty at home. If you would be so kind, please join me for tea so we can have a good chat.” ⱤÄ

“…”

After some thought, Song You nodded and said, “Then, thank you.”

The State Preceptor had a generally positive reputation among scholars and common people, although his deep involvement with power made him a less likely companion for someone like Song You, who preferred to avoid such entanglements.

Nevertheless, the meeting was a matter of fate. Since they were both Daoists and had a connection through his master, it was not inappropriate to engage in some casual conversation since he so enthusiastically invited Song You.

“This way, please…” The State Preceptor gestured toward the right at the end of the alley.

The cat, which had initially moved to the left, turned around when she heard the sound and ran back, this time deciding to walk behind them.

About fifteen minutes later, Song You and the cat stopped beneath the Stargazing Tower, both looking up.

This tower had been specifically constructed by the current Emperor for the State Preceptor to observe the stars at night. It was situated in a secluded area with a high elevation, making the tower itself very tall, nearly twenty zhang high. The base of the tower was over ten zhang wide, with five tiers of flying eaves and a glazed tile roof.

If it were to withstand natural and human-made disasters over the centuries, it could become a renowned building in the world, a place future visitors to Changjing would come to check off their bucket list. It might even be mentioned in poetry and literary works.

At present, however, it belonged solely to one person.

It was said that the State Preceptor usually resided in the Stargazing Tower and did not have a residence in Changjing.

“This way, please…” The State Preceptor led the way inside.

This prestigious building was obviously not comparable to the small street-side buildings that Song You was used to. Once inside, the ground floor was a vast space used for receiving guests. The second floor had many rooms for the State Preceptor's disciples to stay in, while the third floor was lined with bookshelves full of books and bamboo scrolls.

The fourth floor was where the State Preceptor lived, while the fifth floor had a room in the middle with a table, chairs, and a tea table, suggesting that the State Preceptor occasionally invited people up for tea and conversation. Surrounding the fifth floor was a corridor for stargazing.

The State Preceptor led Song You to the top floor, personally kindling a charcoal stove to heat water and prepare tea.

“I haven't introduced you yet. This is Lady Calico, whom I met after descending the mountain and have been traveling with.” Song You paused and then looked at the cat. “This is the State Preceptor.”

“Ah, so you’re Lady Calico, my apologies.”

“Ah, so you’re the State Preceptor, my apologies!”

The cat tried to mimic human speech but did so imperfectly, making the State Preceptor chuckle as he continued to pound the tea leaves and add charcoal to the small stove.

“Recently, the City God of Changjing has been increasingly diligent, which has brought much peace to Changjing. It’s all thanks to your efforts.”

“I’ve merely given him a push; it’s not really a great achievement.”

The City Preceptor said, “I know a bit about that City God. At that time, Empress Pei was well-versed in literature and principles, and her conduct was exemplary. She managed the imperial harem with great efficiency and order. To raise a daughter like that, he must not be an ordinary person.

“Firstly, lacking virtue and prestige, he did not dare to lightly wield divine authority. Secondly, he was timid and lacked the resolve, always shrinking back in fear of offending the powerful and being dismissed. Thirdly, he did not understand the people's devotion and incense offerings, only feeling that being the City God was a gift from His Majesty and that he could continue to exist even in his muddled state.

“By the time he realized that his divine status was in jeopardy, it was no longer as easy to make a firm decision as it had been initially.”

The tea leaves were crushed and then ground in the tea grinder. The sound of the grinding back and forth was very tranquil, accompanying the sound of his speech.

“I had considered helping him make a firm decision, but I only know divination and calculations. I neither have the power to frighten him nor the ability to exorcize demons. Fortunately, you arrived. Now it seems that after experiencing the true sincere heart of the people and incense offerings, the City God might not be able to back off again even if someone forces him to.”

“What I have done is actually quite minor.”

“But sometimes, it is precisely like this: a single thought can make a huge difference, whether taking a step to the left or to the right. Not everyone has the ability, like you, to make him take that small step to the left.”

“Everyone has their strengths.”

Before long, three cups of tea were placed before them.

“Go ahead!”

“…” Song You picked up a cup and took a small sip.

The high-quality tea leaves, the excellent water, and the superb tea-making skills combined to create an exquisite cup of tea.

The cat also lowered her head to take a sip, displaying a thoughtful expression.

“How is it?”

“It’s a good tea.”

“

Meow

!”

“That's good to hear.”

The State Preceptor smiled and then turned to Song You, saying with a gentle tone, “A cultivator is naturally carefree and casual, and this is even more true for the Hidden Dragon Temple. I won’t beat around the bush. Have you heard of the concept of the underworld and reincarnation?”

“I’ve heard quite a bit.”

“As the heir of the Hidden Dragon Temple, you naturally understand where the Heavenly Palace comes from and where all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens originate. Nowadays, people increasingly believe in the existence of the underworld, just as they once believed in gods existing three chi above their heads. They are also coming to believe in reincarnation after death. What are your thoughts on this?”

So, the reason he invited Song You here was to discuss this topic.

Song You took another sip of his tea.

It was unclear whether the rumor that the “State Preceptor was behind the spread of the idea of the underworld and reincarnation” was true or not, or if the State Preceptor was asking because he wasn’t sure whether these beliefs could actually shape the underworld into a reincarnation system.

Perhaps he wanted to know the opinion of the heir of the Hidden Dragon Temple, or maybe he had his own ideas and wanted to hear the Temple’s perspective, or he might need Song You’s help.

Song You set down his cup and said, “Just let things develop naturally.”

The State Preceptor, unperturbed, poured half a cup of tea for Song You. “The theory of the underworld and reincarnation does have some connections with Buddhism. Today, I visited the Tianhai Temple and discussed this with Abbot Zhenghui. Abbot Zhenghui is very accomplished and insightful, and I benefited greatly from our discussion.”

“What do you think?”

“I believe that there are many wandering souls and restless ghosts in the world, with no place to find peace. There are also many wrongdoers who escape the laws of the human realm for various reasons, or the human laws cannot punish them.”

“Indeed.”

“If there were an underworld realm, it could house all these restless souls and ghosts, providing them with a place to reside and preventing them from causing chaos in the human realm. It could also establish an underworld law enforcement system to manage those malevolent spirits disturbing the human realm, thus contributing to peace and legal order.

“Moreover, if souls did not naturally disperse after death, the underworld could serve as the final destination for all. Those who have committed crimes in the human realm but escaped punishment, whether through deceit or high status, would face re-judgement here. The guilty in the human realm would be punished in the underworld, deterring evil.”

“…” Song You thought for a moment. He had some thoughts to share but wasn’t sure if he had thought them through or if the State Preceptor wanted to hear them. So, he abandoned his thoughts and just smiled as he said, “If what you say were to reach the ears of the palace nobles, I wonder how many would have trouble sleeping.”

“Of course, I wouldn’t dare to tell them, nor would I speak of it outside. The Hidden Dragon Temple is an isolated place, and throughout the generations, the temple owners have been true immortals. Amongst all the world, I only dare to speak of it to you,” said the State Preceptor, narrowing his eyes slightly.

He continued, “However, I don’t care if they can’t sleep. If they can’t sleep, it would be all the better. If an underworld could cause them sleepless nights, it would indeed be a good underworld.”

“There have long been rumors about such things among the common folk.”

“Do you mean…”

“The concept of the underworld and hell.”

“So, even if they are afraid, it should not be because of me. Whether I do anything or not, the common people think this way. They can make me refrain from speaking recklessly, but can they also prevent all the people from thinking this way?”

“It sounds like not an easy task.”

“What you say is quite true. However, given the current state of public sentiment and the convergence of collective beliefs, the formation of the underworld is almost inevitable. The only difference is when it will coalesce and what form it will take, and how this newly formed underworld will operate.” The State Preceptor shook his head. “If left unchecked, when the underworld first forms, it is likely to be a chaotic mess.”

“Much like the early days of the Heavenly Palace.”

“Exactly! The gods fought for positions, and people did the same, which led to a rise in demons and unrest among the people!”

“What do you propose?”

The State Preceptor said, “Prepare early. Align with the Heavenly Palace above, and express it to the court below, to plan and establish the Nether Council. At the beginning, the underworld will be rudimentary, so it should handle simple matters. As it gradually improves, it can handle more complex matters. Initially, the underworld only needs to have the Nether Council to capture demons and ghosts.

“As the underworld develops and more netherworld deities are created by the people's beliefs and offerings, with more divine powers granted to these gods, the underworld will acquire more responsibilities and naturally be able to do more. The most important thing is to proceed naturally and step by step, avoiding any disruptions…”

The State Preceptor and Song You had a lengthy discussion.

It seemed that these were things that, aside from the heir of the Hidden Dragon Temple, no one else could hear. Once he started speaking, he couldn’t stop. But since they were newly acquainted and not well-informed about each other, he still had some restraint.

They only discussed major issues and inevitable outcomes, without touching on minor details.

Song You didn’t ask about his own position in the underworld if it were to be established, or the position of the current Emperor who supported him. It was not appropriate to inquire. At the same time, Song You didn’t care much. Life was short, and the only thing he looked forward to was witnessing this remarkable event unfold with his own eyes; beyond that, he had no further thoughts or ambitions.

“Do you think it will succeed?”

“According to you, since the people are deeply convinced and some have even begun to worship gods of the underworld, the birth of the underworld is merely a matter of time.” Song You replied, “Establishing the underworld is simple, but evolving it into a reincarnation system may not be easy.”

“I share a similar view,” said the State Preceptor. “It’s just that since the formation of the underworld is a matter of time, it would be better to achieve it in this generation. The current Great Yan is prosperous, and the Emperor is a wise ruler. Although the heir is undecided and there is competition for power, they are not incapable. Though the world is not entirely peaceful, it is relatively stable, making it a good time.”

“The breadth of your concerns is truly admirable.”

“What do you think?”

“I am not well-informed and dare not speak much.” Song You glanced at the sky outside, cupped his hands, and said, “It’s getting late. I still need to go back and cook. I should take my leave.”

“There’s no need to rush off. Why not stay for dinner and stargazing tonight?”

“Next time, I’ll stay for sure.” Song You had already risen.

He had been eating elm samaras brought back from outside by a neighboring heroine. She provided the ingredients, and he was responsible for cooking. They teamed up to enjoy the seasonal delicacies. If he didn’t return, she would likely end up hungry.