Chapter 531: History Is More Than Just Dynastic Changes

“Your Excellency, you have summoned me again. What is it this time?”

“It is still about the drought.”

“The drought again...”

Great Immortal Hu Mu let out a bitter chuckle at those words.

The officials of Shazhou stood at a distance, their eyes wide with astonishment.

At first, upon witnessing the deity truly descend and seeing how respectfully he treated the Daoist before them, they were struck with awe. The words in the letter from the prefect of Longzhou had not been exaggerated—this was indeed a man whom even the gods treated with reverence.

Hope surged in their hearts.

But that hope quickly faded when they saw the helpless expression on Great Immortal Hu Mu’s face as he spoke, “Your Excellency, you may not be aware, Shazhou’s situation is quite different from Longzhou’s.”

“In what way?”

“Allow me to explain.” Great Immortal Hu Mu stood in the courtyard of the

yamen

and said, “First, as you know, incense deities like myself only possess divine power where we are worshipped. Once we leave such places, our power quickly diminishes. Longzhou was still manageable, though fewer people have worshipped me in recent years, at least some still remain.

“But Shazhou...”

He paused before continuing, “Shazhou borders the Western Regions and has been deeply influenced by Buddhist missionary efforts. Over the years, the number of remaining temples and statues dedicated to me has dwindled to fewer than five. Even with this year's drought, only about ten more have been added. Both the officials and the people of Shazhou worship Buddhist statues, not me.”

As he spoke, his gaze involuntarily drifted toward Prefect Zhang.

“

Ahem...”

Prefect Zhang could no longer stand idly by. Stepping forward, he cupped his hands and said, “The officials and people of Shazhou have been ignorant and neglectful of the divine. We ask for your understanding and forgiveness. However, you must also know that the people have always worshipped whichever god is most effective. If you can bring rain to Shazhou, they will surely devote themselves to your worship.”

“It’s too late. Even if all of Shazhou were to start worshipping me today and incense offerings flourished, it would take at least one or two years for me to regain my divine power here,” Great Immortal Hu Mu said, maintaining his courtesy even as he addressed the prefect in Song You’s presence.

“It’s not too late! Not at all!” Prefect Zhang hurriedly responded.

“Shazhou’s officials and people have been negligent in their devotion, and that is indeed our fault. But if a mistake can be corrected, that is the greatest virtue of all. The best time to rectify this was two years ago, but since we failed to do so then, the next best time is now.”

His words were spoken with deep sincerity.

“I acknowledge your good intentions. But I am still powerless,” Great Immortal Hu Mu sighed. “And that is only one of the problems.”

“Oh?” Prefect Zhang was momentarily puzzled but dared not interrupt, only stealing a glance at them.’

“And what is the second problem?” Song You also asked, his tone calm, as if he already knew the answer.

“The second reason is that I can only control rainfall. I do not have the power to create rain from nothing. Shazhou's drought is far more severe than Longzhou's. Even if I wished to summon rain, there must be rain to summon in the first place.

“In Longzhou, the situation was different. Some areas suffered from drought while others still had some rain. Most of the time, it was dry, but occasionally, there was water. I was able to divert rain from uninhabited regions to populated areas, using what little rainfall there was to break long dry spells.

“But in Shazhou, both the places where rain falls and the times when it does are far fewer than in Longzhou. The atmosphere here lacks moisture—there is simply not enough for me to manipulate.”

The government officials paled at his words.

Song You, however, merely nodded before asking, “Are there any other problems?”

“This...”

“Is that all?”

“Buddhism came from the West... The Northwest has long revered Buddhism. Shazhou, being farther west than Longzhou, is even more deeply influenced by it...”

Great Immortal Hu Mu hesitated, reluctant to continue. He simply lifted his gaze to Song You.

“I see,” Song You responded, his expression still composed.

Prefect Zhang, however, was growing anxious. He quickly asked, “Then what should we do?”

“Prefect, you must understand. Everything changes with time, and the land is ever-changing. In the past, Shazhou was blessed with abundant water and grasslands, sustaining countless people.

“But from this moment forward, no matter how hard I try to adjust the rainfall, most of Shazhou’s lands are destined to become barren, no longer fit for human habitation. Just like the deserts and the Gobi, this is an inevitable transformation.”

As a deity governing wind and rain, Great Immortal Hu Mu understood climate patterns better than anyone. His answer was honest, but also merciless.

“If the people do not leave these lands of their own will, then nature will force them out by other means. It has always been this way since ancient times.”

“There is no way to stop it?”

“The forces of nature are unstoppable.”

Great Immortal Hu Mu paused, then stole another glance at Song You before adding, “However, while natural changes are inevitable, this shift has been far too abrupt.

“Normally, even if the Northwest were gradually transitioning from a warm and humid climate to a drier, rain-scarce one, the change would take place over years—each cycle bringing slight shifts. The celestial patterns and the earth’s transformations should align and reinforce one another. It is extremely rare for a shift to be this sudden.”

“You suspect that an external force is accelerating this change?” Song You asked.

“I cannot say for certain. But if that is the case, then finding the source of that interference and stopping it might slow the process.” The deity’s voice was unusually sincere. “It would, at the very least, give the people time to breathe... and a chance to seek a new path.”

“Thank you, Great Immortal.”

“I’ll take my leave.”

“Take care.”

The deity returned to the altar, the divine glow fading as the flames on the candles extinguished one by one.

Yet, Song You remained standing, lost in thought.

Truly, the world is ever-changing...

The tides of history are not merely the rise and fall of dynasties, nor the ebb and flow of civilizations.

To witness it firsthand—perhaps this, too, was fate.

“Sir...” Prefect Zhang called out to him in a low voice, his face heavy with worry.

Great Immortal Hu Mu had pointed to a path for Shazhou—to relocate the majority of its people. This might be a way forward for the suffering populace, but it was hardly an ideal solution for an official like Zhang.

Especially when compared to the prefect of Longzhou, who had managed to summon rain and restore his province’s lands. If Shazhou’s prefect could do nothing but urge the people to leave, the contrast would be damning. Zhang Wangchuan could not help but feel deeply troubled.

“...”

Song You seemed to see through his concerns and sighed helplessly. “I am willing to assist you as much as I can, Prefect.”

“Please, sir, grant me your guidance.”

“At this point, there is no other course. Prefect, you must focus on preserving as many lives as possible.” Song You paused before continuing, “Right now, the northern region of Great Yan is in desperate need of people. The imperial court is actively relocating citizens to settle the northern territories. Conveniently, Shazhou and Longzhou are not far from the northern border.

“You should seize this opportunity. Have a reputable scholar draft a memorial and submit it to the court. Be sincere in your plea, and perhaps you will gain imperial approval.

“As for whether the court will see you as negligent or competent, that will depend on how well you manage the resettlement and how persuasively you present your case.”

“Resettling the people to the North...” Prefect Zhang muttered to himself, quickly weighing the options.

Perhaps he was not the most selfless official, willing to sacrifice everything for the people. However, he had governed for many years, and as the ruler of a province, he was certainly no fool.

It did not take long for him to make his decision.

“Regarding tonight’s events...”

“If you mention my name, you must report the truth exactly as it is. You may not alter the facts, nor may you use this matter for personal gain at the expense of the people. Until this matter is resolved, I will not allow my reputation to be tarnished.

“If you fail in this and ruin my name, Prefect, your troubles will not end with this lifetime alone.”

Song You turned to Zhang Wangchuan, his gaze steady.

Hearing this, Zhang Wangchuan straightened, his expression solemn. “Thank you, Immortal Master, for your guidance! I would never dare betray your trust!”

***

Later, at dinnertime...

Each person at the table had a bowl of

hezi

soup in front of them, including the transformed Lady Calico. In the center of the table sat several white wheat flatbreads, a plate of pickled vegetables, and a large dish of hand-grabbed lamb. The candlelight flickered, casting a warm glow over the meal. Though the variety of dishes was limited, the portions were generous, the food glistening with oil, making it feel abundant.

Even more so, each person had a cup of tea infused with longan and red dates, making it look exceptionally fragrant and refreshing.

Prefect Zhang was accompanied by several trusted officials, sitting beside him.

“In our haste, the meal may seem simple. Please, Immortal Master, Immortal Child and Immortal Sparrow, do not take offense,” Zhang Wangchuan said.

“There’s no need for such formality in a time of great disaster,” Song You responded with a helpless sigh.

“That’s a swallow!” the little girl corrected him.

“Sir, do not worry yourself. Though Shazhou is suffering from drought, it remains the jewel of the Northwest. Its prosperity endures. And besides, for the sake of hosting you, what is there to worry about?” Prefect Zhang paused before adding, “When time permits tomorrow, I would love for you to try some of Shazhou’s finest local delicacies.”

Song You glanced at the table full of food but instead said, “I am only staying the night at your residence. Tomorrow morning, I will set out for Terraflame Kingdom. If you wish to assist, please provide directions and prepare some portable water and rations for the journey.”

“Mm?” The little girl looked at him in confusion, as if surprised to see him decline food.

“Sir...”

Prefect Zhang wanted to persuade him otherwise, but after a brief hesitation, he merely sighed. “Sir, your heart truly lies with the people!”

With that, he urged everyone to begin eating.

The

hezi

soup was essentially a bowl of lamb broth, but it was packed with ingredients—thinly sliced lamb, meatballs, various bean-based additions, and a rich, full-bodied soup simmered with lamb bones. The addition of green onions and scallions enhanced the flavor, making it exceptionally fragrant.

The proper way to eat it was to take a piece of flatbread and alternate between bites of meat, sips of soup, and chewing on the bread. Some preferred to soak the bread in the broth, letting it absorb the rich flavors, turning the simple meal into something truly exquisite.

However, amidst such widespread famine, after witnessing the city filled with people suffering from hunger and thirst, Song You found it difficult to enjoy the meal. He had yet to accomplish anything, yet here he was, eating meat and drinking soup, with the finest white wheat bread. Even as someone who had always been able to maintain perspective, the food in his mouth felt tasteless.

Lady Calico, on the other hand, ate with great enthusiasm.

Once the meal was finished, they rinsed their mouths with tea.

That night, they stayed at the prefect’s residence. But early the next morning, Song You bid farewell to Prefect Zhang.

Prefect Zhang gave him detailed directions to Terraflame Kingdom and prepared him well for the journey—offering baked flatbreads favored by Western merchants for desert travel, several water pouches filled to the brim, and a few watermelons and honeydew melons.

Though reluctant to part, Prefect Zhang accompanied him to the city gates, waving as he watched him leave.

Song You did not look back. He walked forward, alone.

The horse and the cat quickly followed after him. Meanwhile, the swallow had already flown ahead to scout the path.

Before them stretched an endless sea of golden sand, rolling dunes rising and falling without end. Yet, the Daoist never once looked back.