Chapter 497: Unfinished Business

“You flatter me...”

“No need for formalities,” Song You said. “In fact, I was planning to visit you in a few days, City God. First, I wish to retrieve the two paintings I left in your care. This time, when I leave Changjing, I likely won’t return again. There will be no need to trouble you in the future.”

“Sir, I’m too undeserving...”

“Second, there are some serious matters I wish to discuss with you.”

“Serious matters?” The old City God was momentarily stunned.

His eyes flashed with thought, and he quickly started piecing things together. But before his mind could race too far, he pushed aside all speculation, stood up, and solemnly cupped his hands in respect.

“I owe everything I have today to two things: first, the guidance and fortune that you bestowed upon me in the past; and second, the incense offerings and faith of the people.

“Emotionally, I am deeply indebted to you, sir. It is only right that I serve you with unwavering loyalty. Logically, you’ve always stood on the side of the mortal world and its people, tirelessly protecting them. The faith that sustains me now comes precisely from that.”

“City God, you truly are not the same as before.”

“Sir, you flatter me...”

“I would hardly say I’ve worked tirelessly,” Song You said mildly. “But the world is changing. Chaos may soon engulf everything. And when turmoil comes, monsters and demons thrive, wreaking havoc upon humanity. I do have some plans that will require your assistance, City God.”

“I will give my all! Even if it costs me my life!”

The old City God remained standing as he spoke, bowing deeply.

Behind him, the two aides had long since tasted the sweet fruits of being revered as divine beings. Seeing their superior's reaction, they immediately followed suit, bowing in unison. “We will give our all! Even if it costs us our lives!”

Song You chuckled. “No need to be so tense. Please, have a seat. I’m not asking you to climb mountains of swords or walk through seas of fire, nor to wage war against the Heavenly Court or the imperial court.

“It is, however, a rather troublesome matter that will demand some of your effort and time. That said, in return, there will be great benefits for all of you.”

Hearing this, the City God and his two aides finally exhaled slightly, yet their curiosity only deepened.

“May we ask... what exactly this matter entails?”

“Nowadays, spirits and demons are running rampant across the land, disturbing and even endangering people's lives. Along the way, we have encountered many such creatures—some we have eliminated, yet it feels like a drop in the ocean,” Song You said. “I've heard that Changjing, under your governance, has seen very few disturbances of this kind.”

“It’s all thanks to the military officers who patrol the city night after night. We've captured quite a number of demons—some strange, some horrifying. It has been quite the eye-opening experience,” City God replied before turning his gaze to Song You.

“Sir, are you suggesting...?”

“When it comes to ensuring a city’s safety and protecting it from malevolent ghosts and demons, no one is better suited than the Land Gods. Among them, the City God offices are the most structured and official.

“However, out of Great Yan’s 1,800 counties, fewer than thirty percent even have a recognized Land God. Among those, most are minor deities such as Earth Gods, Road Gods, River Gods, and Mountain Gods. As for City Gods like yourself, I have encountered fewer than ten across all the cities I’ve visited.”

Song You paused briefly before speaking plainly, “Before chaos fully descends upon the world, I intend to establish City God Temples and City God offices throughout Great Yan—structured much like county magistrate offices. These will be connected to both the Ghost City of Fengzhou and the future underworld of the nether realm.

“If this comes to fruition, the Changjing City God office will become the central authority overseeing all 1,800 City God temples across the empire. City God, you’re not only the City God of Changjing but also the foremost among all City Gods in the realm. You naturally take on great effort and responsibility and are destined to lead all City Gods under heaven.”

“...” The City God and his two aides were utterly stunned.

This was no small matter.

A nationwide City God system? Connected to the Ghost City and underworld?

It sounded like an extraordinary beginning.

It was indeed a daunting task—one that would demand considerable effort. But it also promised immense benefits.

Even for subordinate officials under the Changjing City God, their status would rise dramatically.

They had already experienced the power of faith—thanks to Song You’s guidance, their divine authority had grown stronger than ever. They had gained the sincere worship of the people of Changjing, improving their divine powers and solidifying their spiritual positions beyond anything they had ever imagined.

It was already as good as it could possibly be—better than ever imagined before. Yet, who would have thought that with just a few words, this person would throw out an even more extraordinary opportunity?

Indeed, when the world was shifting, one must ride the right winds.

“This is a complex matter that requires thorough discussion. It will also take considerable time and effort. It is already late—why don’t we schedule a formal visit to the temple on another day, where we can discuss this matter in detail?”

“We will be awaiting your esteemed presence!”

“There is one other minor matter I’d like to ask you about.”

“Oh?”

“It concerns the former Grand Commander’s residence—specifically, the young master and steward of the Chang family. City God, are you familiar with them?”

“Ah...” The City God only needed a brief moment to think before he immediately nodded.

He already understood what Song You was asking.

“Of course, I know.”

“This matter was widely spread throughout Changjing, and even now, it remains a favorite topic among the people. If some unruly noble brat or street ruffian dares to act outrageously, the townsfolk will scold them, saying that the gods will punish them—leaving them deaf and mute.”

One of City God’s aides lowered his head slightly and added in a hushed voice, “Naturally, we remember it well too.”

“Do you know what became of that young master and the steward?”

“After the Grand Commander’s death, the Chang family fell into decline. However, they still remain in Changjing. After all, the Chang family is one of the five great families, with deep foundations. Even now, they are still considered wealthy and noble.”

The one who answered was the aide who likely managed the affairs of Changjing’s Eastern District.

“However, ever since that incident, the young master and his steward have kept themselves in check over the years. They have lived righteously, performing good deeds and often giving alms to those in need.

“This summer, when Prince Shun marched into the capital with his troops, he promised his soldiers three days of unrestricted plundering—though he set rules forbidding them from taking lives or dishonoring women. But soldiers, accustomed to violence, are not always so easily restrained once their blood runs hot.

“It was this very young master who ordered his estate’s gates to be opened, offering refuge to the impoverished people nearby, as well as sheltering their belongings.”

“I see.”

“Sir, do you have some past ties with them?”

“Yes.”

“Then perhaps... they have been waiting for you all this time.”

“It does not matter either way.”

Song You waved his hand dismissively, his expression calm. “Since the world is about to change and troubled times are near, doing good will only become more difficult. There is no need to be overly critical. Good deeds should be recognized as good, without scrutinizing the intent behind them.”

“A wise perspective.”

“Do you three have any other matters to attend to?”

Song You turned his gaze toward City God and his aides.

This time, the aides remained silent, leaving City God to reply, “Oh, we merely came to pay our respects to you and to ask whether you would like the two paintings returned. There is nothing else.”

“Then I won’t see you off.”

“Farewell.”

With that, City God and his two divine officers departed.

A gust of wind swept through the street, and their figures vanished without a trace.

The young girl clung to either side of the small door, leaning out and glancing left and right for a long while. Only after ensuring they were truly gone did she withdraw and shut the door.

Meanwhile, Song You began ascending the stairs again, his voice drifting down:

“Get some rest early. Tomorrow morning, we’ll take a stroll—We have some unfinished business to settle.”

“‘Unfiwished bwusiness’!”

With a sudden

poof

, the young girl transformed back into a cat and quickly followed after him.

The Daoist, on the other hand, simply flopped onto his bed and fell asleep immediately.

The cat, however, was full of energy.

Perhaps because she had returned to the place she had stayed the longest since beginning her travels across the world, she felt both at ease and delighted. She darted up and down the stairs several times, leaping from one spot to another. Then, she bounded onto the windowsill, chatting with the swallow outside about the Grand Commander’s residence from years past.

No one knew when she finally fell asleep.

By the time Song You drifted into dreams, she had only recounted about half the story.

***

The next morning, Song You woke up early.

After freshening up, he opened the door—only to find that the neighboring door was opening at the same time.

Both the Daoist and the cat instinctively turned their heads to look.

However, the person who stepped out was no longer a familiar old acquaintance but a young man, dressed like a musician.

Inside the room, a woman stood by the door, seeing him off.

“...”

Song You withdrew his gaze, lowering his eyes.

At his feet, Lady Calico also lifted her head to glance up at him. The man and cat exchanged a look—then turned and shut the door behind them.

Since they had already had porridge the previous night, they skipped it this morning.

Song You first headed to a lamb soup and flatbread shop he had visited before, ordering a bowl for himself and adding two extra portions of meat—one for Lady Calico and the swallow.

Only after that did he leisurely make his way toward the Eastern District, wandering along the way, observing morning in Changjing and comparing how it differed from the past.

Occasionally, if something caught his interest, he bought it.

He also struck up conversations with shopkeepers and street vendors, casually inquiring about the young master of the former Grand Commander’s residence and all the good deeds he had done—treating it as an amusing tale to listen to.

By the time he arrived at the Grand Commander’s residence, it was already midday.

Standing before the entrance, Song You lifted his gaze. What was once a bustling and prestigious estate was now quiet and sparse.

The two white marble guardian lions at the entrance were clean and polished, and the doorstep was free of fallen leaves—yet this only made the place feel even more desolate.

The once-proud plaque that read “Grand Commander’s Residence” had been replaced with a simpler one:

Chang Residence

.

It was a silent testament to the rise and fall of the Chang family.

But even in its prime, the Grand Commander’s residence had merely been a branch of the Chang family, one of the three great surnames and five noble families.

“

Knock, knock, knock

...”

Song You stepped forward and knocked on the door.

Footsteps quickly approached from inside.

“

Clang

...”

The heavy vermillion gate creaked open.

Standing behind it were three people—a young servant in the lead, staring directly at them, with two household attendants behind him, seemingly for added presence.

“Who are you looking for, sir?”

The young servant was polite, his tone mild. As he spoke, he carefully sized up Song You, his gaze lingering on the old Daoist robe he wore.

“Might you be facing hardships and here to ask for alms or rice?”

“My name is Song You. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” Song You smiled as he replied, “Would you kindly inform the patriarch that a Daoist and a calico cat have come to visit?”

“So you’re not here to beg? Then you must at least tell me whom you seek.”

“I wish to see the young master of this residence, as well as a steward by the surname Liu—though I’m unsure if he is still the steward.”

“We do have a steward named Liu, but as for the young master you mentioned...” The young servant hesitated and gave Song You a puzzled look. “My master is still young and has no heir—where would a young master come from?”

“Ah, I meant the young master of the Grand Commander’s residence from six or seven years ago. I assume by now, he has become the patriarch.”

“...”

Hearing this, the young servant realized Song You wasn’t making things up. It seemed likely that he was indeed an old acquaintance of the master and steward.

Thus, after a brief pause, he simply said, “Please wait a moment,” before turning and hurrying inside.

This left the two attendants standing just inside the gate, watching the entrance as well as Song You and the cat.

Occasionally, they stole glances at them, especially at the cat, who stared right back at them.

From within the residence, some older attendants passed by, as well as a few longtime retainers who had remained with the Chang family over the years.

Curious, they came to see who was visiting. But the moment they laid eyes on the Daoist and Lady Calico, their expressions froze, as if they had just seen a ghost or a god.