Chapter 527: Incense Offerings Are Not Given for Free

“I understand that this is the natural course of the world, an inevitable shift of nature,” Song You remained respectful and courteous. “However, as the deity overseeing wind and rain in this region, you naturally possess the ability to regulate the weather. If you are willing to intervene, while you may not be able to defy the grand forces of nature, you could still alleviate the suffering of the people, sparing countless lives.”

“This...”

The Great Immortal Hu Mu did not dare to outright refuse, yet he was also reluctant to agree too easily. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said, “It is not that I am unwilling, but rather that I am old and feeble. It has been many years since I received an adequate supply of incense offerings, and my divine power has significantly diminished. The lands of Shazhou and Longzhou are vast, with a population exceeding ten million. Even if I wished to help, I lack the strength to do so...”

“Then over the past year, have you had your fill of incense offerings?”

“...”

On the high platform suspended halfway up the mountain, the night wind blew gently. The deity, bathed in divine radiance, met the Daoist’s gaze.

Both of them understood exactly what the other meant.

In the past, when the northwest enjoyed stable weather and abundant water sources, the people had largely neglected this deity who governed wind and rain. As a result, his divine power waned, and even his divine form became unstable—something that naturally left him displeased. But now that the northwest was suffering from a severe drought, people wanted to summon him again and ask for his aid. Naturally, he was not eager to comply so readily.

This was quite normal.

However, this also indirectly proved that during those years of good weather, despite his resentment, the deity had never deliberately used his powers to make things worse just to gather more incense offerings.

Otherwise, with his authority over rainfall, he could have easily made things difficult for the people—even in years of abundant rain. He could have diverted the rain away from populated areas or caused excessive downpours in concentrated regions, forcing the people to seek his help out of desperation. If he had done so, his incense offerings wouldn’t have dwindled for years.

Clearly, he was not a deity of great virtue, but at the very least, he had not actively harmed the livelihood of the people.

Because of this, Song You remained courteous toward him.

But now, he was giving the deity a reminder—autumn had already arrived. The drought had persisted for over half a year, and during that time, the deity had absorbed incense offerings continuously. Whether he had simply wanted to indulge in the offerings, make the people remember the terror of drought and his importance, or even vent his previous grievances, it was now more than enough.

“This...” Yet, the Great Immortal Hu Mu still hesitated.

“What’s wrong?” Song You fixed his gaze on him and asked with sincere concern, “Did the Heavenly Palace issue some other decree?”

“No, no!” The Great Immortal Hu Mu's eyes widened in alarm, and he waved his hands frantically. “Your Excellency, you mustn’t say such things!”

“Then... is it that the incense offerings are still not enough?” Song You continued to ask, his tone still filled with apparent concern.

“The land of Longzhou is vast, and my incense offerings have waned for many years. Now, there are not enough temples or statues dedicated to me,” the Great Immortal Hu Mu clasped his hands together and lowered his head. “My divine power is truly insufficient...”

“So it's still about the incense offerings, then.” As Song You spoke, he turned around and looked toward the people behind him.

Prefect Wei of Longzhou stood among them, listening to the conversation.

The moment Song You's gaze landed on him, he immediately understood—it was his turn to speak. More than that, it was time to negotiate terms.

Master Xuanhua, meanwhile, had already pressed his palms together and closed his eyes.

Clearly, he had expected this all along. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have made that earlier remark,

If the prefect still hasn’t left, once you summon the Rain God, it should be easier to discuss matters with him.

[1]

“Great Immortal Hu Mu, I’m Wei Wuqi, currently serving as the prefect of Longzhou. The northwest has been suffering from a severe drought. If you’re willing to exercise your divine power and bring relief to the people, I promise that in the future, your temples and incense offerings will spread across every corner of Longzhou, never to fade for generations.”

Prefect Wei stepped forward as he spoke. Though he was but a mortal addressing a deity, he still did his best to uphold the dignity of a Great Yan official.

However, he couldn’t help but glance toward Song You. He knew very well that the reason he could even speak at this moment—whether it was the opportunity, the qualification, or the confidence—was entirely due to this man.

“Ah, so it is Prefect Wei. My respects.” The Great Immortal Hu Mu let out a weary smile. “But I have heard these promises before from past officials, many years ago.”

Upon hearing this, Prefect Wei immediately understood that the deity wouldn’t be swayed by empty words. The offer needed to be more concrete.

“If you’re willing to help, I will issue an order upon my return—every county in Longzhou will construct at least ten new temples dedicated to you. Furthermore, the county magistrates will personally lead the people in offering incense and worship. We can offer some incense to you and strengthen your divine power.”

After a slight pause, he glanced at Song You again before continuing, “Of course, the people of Longzhou have indeed neglected you for many years, and your divine power is currently diminished. It would only be reasonable for you to first receive their incense offerings before adjusting the wind and rain, so as not to overexert yourself.”

“This...” The Great Immortal Hu Mu still appeared hesitant. He looked back and forth between Prefect Wei and Song You before speaking again.

“Longzhou is vast, and the drought is severe. If I am to regulate the wind and rain across all regions, I will need to travel frequently. Prefect, you may not be aware, but Daoist Song surely understands. Deities like myself find it easiest to move between locations through our statues. Without a sufficient number of statues, I would have to travel on foot, and at my age... I am terribly slow.”

As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward Song You.

Song You pressed his lips together, considering the matter. The young girl standing in front of him tilted her head up, staring at him intently with her clear, unwavering eyes.

The Great Immortal Hu Mu immediately averted his gaze and hastily added, “Of course, constructing temples requires resources. Each village only needs a small shrine half a man’s height and a simple clay statue, that should be sufficient.”

“Agreed!” Prefect Wei responded without hesitation. “As long as it makes it easier for you to regulate the wind and rain and saves more lives in Longzhou, I will issue an order to have a shrine built in every village.”

“Would that be too much of a burden for you, Prefect?”

“As long as it aids you in using your divine powers, it is worth it.” Prefect Wei cupped his hands respectfully. “I entrust this matter to you, Great Immortal.”

“With a prefect so devoted, and the people of Longzhou placing their faith in me, even if this old body is frail, I must do my utmost to adjust the wind and rain.” The Great Immortal Hu Mu declared.

He then quickly cast a glance at Song You before continuing, “However, let me make this clear before Daoist Song. The drought in Longzhou is a part of the grand natural cycle and will persist for many years. What I can do is merely shift some rain from the uninhabited lands to the villages and farmlands, and distribute clustered rainfall more evenly throughout extended dry spells to prevent as many deaths as possible.

“But the overall trend cannot be changed. The climate of Longzhou will inevitably shift over time. If you truly wish to save the people, you cannot rely solely on divine intervention—relocation of the populace must also be considered.”

“Naturally, naturally.”

“I am a god of my word. Once I make a promise, I will never go back on my words. Once the shrines are built, I will be able to move freely between locations and will certainly do my utmost to regulate the wind and rain for the people of Longzhou.”

“Thank you, Great Immortal.”

“Then let us face this disaster together, Prefect.”

With that, the Great Immortal Hu Mu turned to Song You. “May I ask if Your Excellency has any further instructions?”

“I have no other requests. This arrangement satisfies all parties.” Song You cupped his hands politely. “However, as a deity who ascended by receiving the incense offerings of the people, and one who still feeds on mortal incense while holding an important divine position that affects their livelihoods, I must ask you to bring greater blessings to the people.”

“Yes, yes, of course...”

If he were still a mortal, the Great Immortal Hu Mu would have broken out in a cold sweat by now.

He knew all too well that most of the disciples from Hidden Dragon Temple despised gods who sat in their positions yet failed to perform their duties. This very man had killed the former Chief Officer of the Thunder Division and the Great Star God of the War Division just a few years ago. It was clear that Song You’s words were a warning directed at him.

Mortal incense offerings were not given for free. And the incense offered to this man was certainly not free.

The Great Immortal Hu Mu had long heard rumors about the new Thunder Division Chief Officer, Duke of Thunder Zhou, the most renowned deity in all of Great Yan. For years, Duke of Thunder Zhou had hoped to receive even a single offering of incense from Song You—but due to various twists of fate, he had never succeeded.

And yet, here Hu Mu was, having received one before him.

At this moment, he felt an immense pressure weighing down on him.

“I shall take my leave.”

“Take care, Great Immortal.”

The old deity and the young Daoist exchanged bows before the Great Immortal Hu Mu stepped toward the edge of the incense table. With a light leap, seemingly without exerting any force, he soared directly onto the table. As he moved, his form rapidly shrank, and by the time he landed, he was no more than two chi tall.

Seated on the table, his divine radiance gradually dimmed, and his body stiffened, turning rigid and lifeless.

When the final trace of divine light faded away, the deity had vanished entirely, leaving behind only a colorfully painted clay statue. In the darkness, the two candle flames flickered, and the last ember of the incense stick finally burned out.

“

Phew

...”

Only then did Prefect Wei exhale in relief.

Despite serving as a high-ranking provincial official for many years, this was the first time he had personally spoken with a deity.

In the past, he had never even come close—not only had he never conversed with a god directly, but even when Daoists or folk experts mediated divine messages, the deity never manifested. Communication was always indirect. Usually, a Daoist would converse privately with the immortals and then convey their will, or folk shamans and spirit mediums would invite deities to possess them, speaking in cryptic tones that made it hard to tell truth from falsehood.

Never had he experienced such a clear, tangible interaction.

Thinking back on the conversation, Prefect Wei couldn’t help but sigh, “So even deities have to negotiate terms.”

“Gods require incense offerings from the people, and the people need divine aid. Sometimes, giving and receiving must be mutual.” Song You replied calmly. “Of course, deities should be virtuous, but expecting them to act solely out of virtue and goodwill is unrealistic. If people want gods to truly exert themselves, they must also provide offerings in return.”

“You’re right...”

Prefect Wei had heard tales before of gods appearing in dreams to demand incense offerings. Thus, he wasn’t particularly surprised that a deity would be so transactional, bargaining with him like any worldly figure. What truly astonished him was Hu Mu’s demeanor toward him.

It was as if the figure before him was not the elusive Hu Mu Immortal who had refused to appear, but rather someone of completely equal standing to himself.

Prefect Wei understood the reason for this all too well—it was because this extraordinary figure stood beside him.

“On behalf of the people of Longzhou, I extend my deepest gratitude to you, Daoist Master.”

“I am unworthy of such thanks,” Song You returned the bow. “Besides, the Great Immortal Hu Mu spoke the truth—mitigating the disasters of a great drought cannot rely solely on divine powers and intervention. The efforts of local officials and sound governance are just as essential. Only by working together can the people's suffering be truly alleviated.”

“I will remember this well...” Prefect Wei responded respectfully. He glanced at Song You, then at the young girl standing beside him, staring up at him with wide, unblinking eyes. Quickly, he gestured forward, “The wind is strong out here. Please, let’s continue our discussion inside.”

“Very well.”

With that, the group made their way into a nearby hall.

This hall was slightly smaller than the previous one.

As the night deepened, darkness enveloped the world outside. Inside the hall, only a single oil lamp flickered, barely providing enough light to break the gloom. The dim glow did little to illuminate the faces of those present, and so, seated on their meditation cushions, they engaged in deep discussions—about the drought, the gods, and the role of officials in governance.

Their conversation drifted to Daoism, Buddhism, the Heavenly Palace, the Western Paradise, and even the study of magical cultivation. The monks in attendance found their understanding broadened, while the officials listened with great satisfaction, enthralled by the discourse.

At first, Lady Calico sat obediently beside the Daoist, trying her best to maintain the demeanor of a well-behaved and sensible Daoist attendant. But before long, boredom crept in. She started swaying her head from side to side, amusing herself.

Then, growing restless, she transformed back into a cat and began playing with her own tail in the dark. Eventually, she ran outside, catching a few mice and bringing them back, intending to share them with the monks.

Naturally, they politely declined.

The oil lamp was refilled several times throughout the night.

The conversation lasted until nearly dawn. Only when the sky began to brighten did Prefect Wei and Master Xuanhua reluctantly rise to their feet, escorting the Daoist back to his quarters before bidding him farewell.

1. This is referring to what he said in chapter 526. ☜