Chapter 500: The Plan to Perfect the Deity System

“The Palace Lord...”

“Currently, the Ghost City has only one Ghost Emperor overseeing it. He was invited by me. He’s Divine Lord Yuewang of Yizhou, a righteous but naturally indolent deity. Though titled as the Ghost Emperor, he does not concern himself with governance or wield any real power.

“Additionally, the Western Paradise Buddhist sect has also appointed a representative—a highly virtuous monk who is currently in Ghost City, guiding and redeeming evil ghosts. To prevent any unforeseen incidents, I have also invited a powerful demon to temporarily oversee the area. However, these two hold neither official rank nor authority,” Song You explained to him.

“At present, all matters in Ghost City are divided among three palaces, with the First Palace being the most prominent. The Palace Lord serves as the master of each respective hall.”

“I see.”

From this perspective, the Palace Lord was essentially the highest authority in the Ghost City.

For the City God of Changjing, who had once been confined to a single city, this meant a drastic transformation—from overseeing just one locality to becoming the leader of all City Gods in the land, second only to the Palace Lord of the First Palace within the underworld. It was an unprecedented opportunity.

“Who is the Palace Lord?”

“Immortal Elder He, Prime Minister He.”

“Prime Minister He!”

The old City God immediately straightened, his demeanor turning solemn.

In this era, the ascension of deities was still an ongoing process, and many divine figures had lived not too long ago. The old City God himself had once been the imperial father-in-law of the emperor from two reigns prior.

However, since the imperial succession remained uncertain and the crown prince had yet to formally ascend the throne in Changjing, it might be more accurate to say he was the father of the empress from three reigns ago. His lifetime had overlapped significantly with that of Prime Minister He.

That said, back in his mortal days, whether in terms of status, power, or reputation, he was nowhere near Prime Minister He’s level.

Prime Minister He had been the current prime minister, holding great power in his hands. He was also destined to be remembered as a virtuous minister and legendary statesman, his name to be honored for generations to come.

In contrast, he had been an empress' father—his claim to prominence was merely having a daughter who married well.

Now, to be second only to the Palace Lord of the First Palace within the underworld bureaucracy was a monumental promotion. That Prime Minister He, of all people, would be his direct superior was hardly something to complain about.

Of course, he was more than willing to accept it.

The discussion then shifted to practical matters.

𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

“But Great Yan has 1,800 counties, each with a City God. Naturally, only those with great virtue and merit should be appointed. A City God alone is not enough—each must have civil and military officials. This will not be an easy task,” the old City God said, frowning.

“Indeed, this is not something that can be accomplished overnight,” Song You agreed. “However, even the tallest tree begins as a tiny sprout, and even a thousand-li journey starts with a single step.

“While the empire may claim 1,800 counties, there are only a few dozen prefectures, each with only a handful of commanderies, and each commandery with only a few counties. We can start from the prefectural capitals and work our way downward.”

“That does make sense...” The City God nodded, pondering. “But finding so many individuals of great virtue and merit, spread across the land, will not be easy.”

He glanced at his two deputies.

“Civil officials are relatively easier to appoint, as they only require virtue, achievements, and competence; even newly departed ghosts without much cultivation can be appointed.

“However, military officials are another matter entirely. They must handle demons and malevolent ghosts, investigate cases, expel, capture, and even fight against supernatural threats.

“The military officers under my command were highly skilled in life. Even after being appointed as Land Gods, it took years of absorbing incense offerings before they gained the ability to contend with evil spirits. Such warriors—who also possess virtue and merit—will be difficult to find in a short time. Even if we find them, they may not be of much use for several years.”

“That is not something you need to worry about,” Song You assured him. “Before coming to Changjing, we had already visited the Ghost City of Fengzhou. There, we asked Palace Lord He to begin selecting virtuous and meritorious individuals from each commandery and prefecture. Once identified, they will be summoned to report to the City God Temple in Changjing.”

He paused before continuing, “As for the military officials, you are right—it is difficult. However, during our travels in the north, we came across a rather unique Turtle City in Yanzhou. The ghosts within the city are all fallen soldiers who perished defending the borders of the nation.

“They were warriors in life, and after death, they became steeped in the aura of bloodshed and battle, further tainted by the lingering energy of slaughter. Moreover, Turtle City itself is a rare place where yin energy is exceptionally dense, making it an ideal sanctuary for ghosts to thrive.”

Song You’s expression grew thoughtful as he added, “When I passed through, I pointed out a path for them to become Land Gods. Since then, they have been patrolling Yanzhou at night, slaying malevolent spirits and ghosts, ensuring local peace. The people there have even begun offering sacrifices to them, treating them as deities. It has been several years now.”

“

Gasp

...”

The old City God couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath.

He suddenly realized that this man had been preparing for this moment years in advance.

These ghostly soldiers were highly skilled, had meritorious service. They had already served as Land Gods, patrolling and exorcising evil spirits, making them well-versed in such duties. Was there any candidate more suitable for the role?

In truth, it wasn’t just him—even Song You himself couldn’t help but pause slightly upon reaching this point.

He had heard that after the ghostly soldiers occupied Yuan’an City, the State Preceptor had ordered the empire to abandon the Turtle City, leaving it to the ghosts for their cultivation.

At the time, what had the State Preceptor been thinking? Had he originally planned to use these ghostly soldiers for some other purpose? Or had he already been preparing them for this all along?

“How many of these soldiers are there?”

“Originally, there were about 1,200. After the decisive battle in the north, where blood flowed like rivers, their numbers grew to 1,500. After I had Yan An send word to them, roughly 1,300 reported to the Ghost City.”

“Thirteen hundred? More than enough.” The old City God nodded repeatedly. “With 1,800 cities in the land gradually establishing City God temples and administrative offices, these heroic souls will be sufficient for a long time. There are still chivalrous individuals in the world, and over time, more can be recruited through both human and ghost recommendations. It’s more than enough—completely sufficient.”

It was clear that this City God was quite satisfied.

“It has been some time since we left the Ghost City of Fengzhou. Before long, ghosts will begin arriving here under the escort of the heroic souls,” Song You told him. “When that happens, At that time, I ask you to carefully judge their virtues and sins, review their merits and demerits, and assign them to various regions based on their character, achievements, abilities, and places of origin.”

“I will also inform the Ministry of Rites to establish City God temples in the relevant locations and officially register the City Gods and divine officers in government records.”

The old City God spoke with confidence, as though certain that the Ministry of Rites would comply without issue.

Compared to the hesitant City God of Changjing from a few years ago, who had to tread carefully around the officials of the ministry, the difference was staggering.

“The current prime minister is also an old acquaintance of mine,” Song You added. “I will explain the benefits and consequences to him to ensure the court cooperates as much as possible. We will all contribute our part.”

“Sir, you have already done most of the work.”

“The effort I needed to make is already more than halfway done. From here on, most of the burden falls on you,” Song You said.

He paused for a moment before continuing, “This return to Changjing will likely be our last. After this, whether we are traveling the world or returning to Fengzhou to consolidate the underworld, we will not pass through Changjing again. However, we have other matters to attend to, so we will remain here until next spring or summer.

“During this time, if you have anything to discuss or any trouble that requires assistance, do not hesitate to come to us—whether in person or through dreams.”

“I understand.”

“And our paintings and travel notes...?”

“I almost forgot! Please wait a moment!”

The old City God smacked his forehead, then personally went to retrieve them.

Before long, he returned, holding a stack of square packages wrapped in oil paper, with two paintings carefully placed on top.

“Sir, please inspect them.”

He placed them on a nearby desk.

Song You did not bother checking the oil-paper packages. Instead, he unrolled the two paintings and examined them.

The first painting depicted a rolling mountain range stretching into the distance, with reeds blanketing the ground like a carpet, swaying in unison with the wind. Along a narrow path, a Daoist, a calico cat, and a jujube-red horse walked together.

The second painting captured the blossoming apricot trees of Mount Chang, but only a small section of the scene was chosen—showing a long corridor where the Daoist and the cat sat side by side. The cat leaned slightly to the side, subtly resting against the Daoist.

As Song You unrolled them, Lady Calico stretched onto her tiptoes to look as well—though her angle made it rather difficult.

“Leaving them with you was indeed the right choice. Not a trace of fading. Had they been carried on my travels in the

jianghu

, they would have long been stained with the marks of time and hardship,” Song You sighed, then carefully rolled the paintings back up and stored them away. He then bowed respectfully to the City God. “Thank you, City God.”

“Thank you, City God!”

“It was my duty, my duty. As long as the paintings remain intact, all is well.”

“Then I shall take my leave. You have many official duties to attend to—no need to see me off.”

“Safe travels, sir,” the old City God, along with his two deputies, bid farewell in unison. “Safe travels, Lady Calico.”

“

Meow

...”

The man and cat returned to their original position.

The five minor deities were still there. Only one was writing, having finally heard a prayer worthy of recording. Another was staring off into space, one looked utterly speechless, while the remaining two curiously turned their gazes toward them.

Lady Calico couldn’t help but lock eyes with them.

Suddenly, ripples spread across her vision like waves in water.

By the time she regained her senses, she and the Daoist were once again standing in the main palace of the City God Temple. The five minor deities gradually faded away, replaced by the original altar.

At the center stood the City God of Changjing, flanked by his two usual deputies and two martial officers. The five kneeling cushions were still occupied by worshippers, sincerely offering incense and praying in silence. However, compared to earlier, the people had changed—those from before had already come and gone, replaced by a new group.

In the Daoist’s hands, there was now a package and two scrolls.

People continued to enter and leave the temple. As they walked past, many cast odd glances at them—some puzzled as to why a Daoist had brought a cat into the City God Temple, others wondering why they had been standing there for so long, and still others seeming annoyed that they were blocking the way.

“Let's go.”

The Daoist spoke softly and turned to leave with his belongings.

The cat frequently looked back, her curiosity burning like an itch she couldn’t scratch. But there was nothing she could do—the Daoist had already moved on. No matter how confused she was, she had no choice but to follow.

After walking a few steps, she suddenly leaped forward and clung to the Daoist’s leg, attempting to trip him.

The damage was negligible.

“Lady Calico, there is no need to envy them,” Song You said as he walked. “Back then, your career in the Divine Dao had only just begun before it was cut short. Had you continued, your future would have been just as promising. These abilities come naturally to deities, and one day, you too would have had minor deities of your own.”

He continued, “Now, though your career in the Divine Dao has ended, you have gained a freer, vaster world. Your future remains boundless.”

“

Meoww

...”

Upon exiting the temple gates, Song You suddenly stopped.

Using the elevated position of the City God Temple, he looked down upon the vast city of Changjing.

It was truly a magnificent city.