Chapter 620: The Mirror Platform Is Quite Clever

“It’s Lady Calico’s turn.”

Whoosh

! A cat leapt up onto the Mirror Platform. The stone was smooth and hard, so much so that she almost slipped.

Fortunately, Lady Calico was highly skilled and quickly regained her balance. She looked down at the Mirror Platform, and the reflection of her feline self appeared. The cat in the reflection also looked back up at her.

The cat turned her head, and three sticks of incense floated over.

“

Whoosh

...”

The incense lit itself, releasing gentle curls of blue smoke, then they inserted themselves into the incense burner on their own.

The Daoist, watching from the side, couldn’t help but praise her, “Lady Calico, your telekinesis is getting better and better.”

The cat only gave him a quick glance, having no time to respond before her attention quickly returned to the Mirror Platform. Mimicking the Daoist’s tone, she asked, “Mirror Platform, O Mirror Platform, you say you know the past and future... Then tell me, how long will it take for me to become as powerful as the Daoist?”

“...”

The cat waited calmly on the spot, but nothing happened. Puzzled, she glanced up at the Daoist. Then she turned back, only to find that the incense had already gone out, and the smoke had faded.

“...” The cat was stunned for a moment.

What’s going on?

She spun around to face the incense burner, puffed out a breath, and reignited the incense. This time, as she asked again, she fixed her eyes firmly on the incense burner. “Mirror Platform, O Mirror Platform, you say you know the past and future... Then tell me, how long will it take for me to become as powerful as the Daoist priest?”

“...”

The incense went out again, and the smoke vanished. This time, she saw it clearly and unmistakably.

“...?”

The cat blinked, puzzled. She looked at the incense burner, then at the Mirror Platform, and finally at the Daoist.

Her usual stubborn determination, especially when dealing with the Daoist priest, kicked in again. She puffed another breath, relit the incense, and asked once more with her eyes locked on the mirror.

“Hmm? How long?”

“...”

The incense once again went out.

“...?” The cat turned her confused gaze toward the Daoist.

This Mirror Platform... doesn’t seem very smart.

“...”

The Daoist also fell silent for a moment. Just as she turned her head, preparing to light the incense again, he finally spoke, “Perhaps, Lady Calico, your question was too vague. The Mirror Platform might not know how to answer it.”

“Too

vwague

?”

“Although the Mirror Platform is quite extraordinary, as we can tell from how it knew of our arrival, comparable even to the Karma Mirror in the ghost city of the underworld, it's still an inanimate object. Your question was too broad and complex, and it may simply be beyond the Mirror Platform’s ability to respond.”

Song You pressed his lips together and continued, “For example, when you ask how long it will take to become 'as powerful as me', in what way are we comparing? In many areas, I think both you and I know that you’re already more powerful than I am. Not only have you surpassed me, but you may have been born that way. And in some areas, you might not be quite there yet. With such a vague question, how could the Mirror Platform know exactly what you mean, let alone how to answer?”

“Hmm...” The cat thought for a bit and nodded in agreement. “What you said makes sense.”

Then she nodded seriously, puffed out her cheeks, and lit the incense again.

“Mirror Platform, Mirror Platform, how long will it take for Lady Calico’s Daoist cultivation to reach the same level as the Daoist’s?”

“

Ahem

!” The Daoist coughed twice and gently corrected her, “Lady Calico, perhaps try asking: how long until you could be called a ‘great demon?’”

“

Meow

?” The cat turned her head and stared at him. “You suddenly spoke up, I thought the Mirror Platform was talking.”

“Just give it a try.”

“...Alright then.” Accepting his advice, she quickly asked before the incense went out, “Mirror Platform, Mirror Platform, tell me again, how long will it take for me to be worthy of being called a ‘great demon?’ And by then, will I be taller? What will I look like?”

Whoosh...

A breeze drifted in, and the incense burned down to ash.

Song You was a bit surprised. He had thought the question might still be too complex or narrowly defined for the Mirror Platform to respond. But now it seemed the Mirror Platform’s capabilities were greater than he had assumed.

On second thought, it made sense.

The kingdom that once ruled Yunzhou was no small realm. Its territory extended beyond Yunzhou into parts of nearby provinces including Yizhou, and even some areas now outside the borders of the Great Yan empire. That state had embraced Buddhism nationwide, and the resulting collective belief and willpower were immense.

If the Three Pagodas Monastery had truly gathered generations of high monks and the nation’s spiritual essence, and nourished the Mirror Platform over centuries, it could very well have developed astonishing powers.

And strange things often arise from ordinary places, born from the convergence of fate and chance. A relic born of generations of monks, yet surpassing all of them... That wasn’t impossible.

Meanwhile, the cat stood there, blinking in confusion. She looked left, then right, and she was still utterly baffled.

“...”

Just as she was about to complain that the Mirror Platform was being uncooperative again and had grabbed another three incense sticks to persist with her line of questioning, she heard the Daoist speak. “Lady Calico, don’t waste more incense. The Mirror Platform has already given its answer. It’s just that since you haven’t received it now, you may have to wait until later, perhaps in a dream, to understand it.”

“How do you know?”

“That’s what Master Wuwei said earlier.”

“Oh, right...”

“You’re not very clever.”

“...!” The cat turned her head and stared intently at him. After a moment, she finally hopped down from the platform and landed lightly on the ground.

“Let’s go.” The Daoist turned and walked out.

The cat followed him with quick little steps.

“The vegetarian meal has been prepared. Honored guests, please proceed to the Hall of Five Observances. After the meal, why not rest here for the night? It would give our temple a proper chance to offer you some hospitality,” said Master Wuwei calmly, as if he hadn’t heard any of their conversation inside.

“Thank you for your kind offer, Master. But we only just left Xianning this morning, and we’ve only come a short way. There’s no need to stop and rest,” Song You paused, “We still have to continue circling the lake. After completing the loop, we’ll likely pass through here again. If it’s convenient then, we’d be grateful to stay and trouble your temple again.”

“A room will be kept for you, Daoist Master.”

“Much appreciated.”

Song You followed the monk to enjoy the vegetarian meal.

Three Pagodas Monastery was naturally much wealthier than the secluded Jingzhao Nunnery on Mount Cang. Although the meal was vegetarian, it was still quite lavish. Even in the depths of autumn, they served wild mushrooms. One wondered whether the emperors of centuries past, who once became monks here, dined on such fare. But as for Song You, he had certainly never had better.

After the meal, the afternoon sun was warm and golden. Song You bid farewell to the monks, readied his horse, and set off.

Following the lakeside path westward, they came to a small town known for its freshly grilled brown sugar sticky rice patty. They were large, and just one or two was enough to fill a person. When the Daoist passed through, he bought a few to take along as travel rations.

Circling the lake was a journey of over two hundred li, mostly along flat paths, with the occasional small mountain to cross. From those hills, one could overlook the lake and the fishing villages along its shores. There were also a few small towns around the lake, each with its own unique character.

Lady Calico couldn’t stop thinking about her question. Her mind was preoccupied the entire way as she frequently looked back toward the Three Pagodas Monastery, afraid that if she got too far away, the Mirror Platform wouldn’t be able to give her its answer. She was extremely curious about it.

Perhaps they really had gone too far. That night, they stayed on the opposite end of the lake. Since the lake was long and narrow, this was likely the farthest point from the Three Pagodas Monastery. So far, in fact, that the towering trio of pagodas could no longer be seen. Lady Calico went to sleep filled with anticipation, only to wake up the next morning having dreamed absolutely nothing.

At breakfast, she bombarded Song You with questions.

Then came confusion and doubt, wondering if maybe the Mirror Platform was broken, or maybe she had to spend the night there for it to work, or maybe it was because she was a cat, different from humans... or perhaps it was because she was a demon, and the Mirror Platform didn’t want to, or couldn’t, answer her question. It was a whirlwind of chaotic thoughts.

Fortunately, Lady Calico was still young. After eating breakfast and continuing on their journey, her doubts and confusion gradually faded into the background, until dusk the next day.

By then, they had reached the opposite side of the lake, and were only about twenty li in a straight line from the Three Pagodas Monastery. From there, they had a clear view across the water of the towering trio of pagodas, consisting of one large pagoda and two smaller pagodas.

The Daoist climbed a small hill and sat down to rest. He gazed into the distance, filled with awe.

This was the eastern side of the lake, and the sun was setting behind Mount Cang across from them. The moisture in the lake air often produced clouds at dusk, which the sunset would tint rosy pink. From this vantage point, the blue sky, the colorful clouds, the towering mountains, and the pagodas were all reflected in the water below.

Beneath them, in the lake, there was a small island, which was barely big enough to hold a single house or temple. A temple had indeed been built there, its white walls and dark tiles mirrored perfectly in the jade-green water.

Flocks of seabirds flew overhead, drawing Lady Calico’s gaze.

“Where are we going to sleep tonight?” Once the seabirds passed, Lady Calico finally looked away and stretched her neck, scanning the village below, trying to follow the Daoist’s habit of finding shelter. “There seem to be some villages over there... and a temple.”

“It’s been a long time since we camped outside. Let’s sleep here tonight, no need to trouble others,” said Song You. “Besides, the scenery is beautiful here.”

“But it’s cold now!”

“It was cold earlier, too.”

“Alright then...”

Lady Calico shook her head. She’d just have to gather extra firewood tonight and keep a fire burning for him through the night.

Soon, the group divided up the tasks and began to work together.

The Daoist took out felt blankets from his pack and found a flat, wind-sheltered spot to lay them down. Lady Calico and the swallow both transformed into their human forms.

First, they carried the pot and water pouch down to the lakeside to fetch water, using Lady Calico’s Water-Splitting Blade, though every time they used it for water, she called it the

Water-Fetching Blade

. Then they went up the mountain to chop firewood, using the swallow’s Beheading Sword, which Lady Calico always called the Firewood-Chopping Sword during such moments.

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

After three months of practice, not only had Lady Calico’s Boulder and Boulder Transformation spells progressed rapidly, but their coordination had become seamless. The swallow had also fully tamed his Beheading Sword by now, and it was much more cooperative than before.

Previously, it had to be wielded by hand like a regular blade, though an absurdly sharp one that could cut through any trunk, no matter how thick or hard. But now, it could simply be released and directed, and it would fly and spin on its own, chopping wood midair. All they had to do was collect it afterward.

Even their telekinesis skills had advanced rapidly in playful competition. When alone in the wilderness, they didn’t even need to use their hands to gather firewood. The entire process had turned into a silent contest of magical finesse.

Meanwhile, the Daoist had finished digging a firepit. Only the horse remained leisurely, munching on grass.

By the time the campfire was lit, the sky had already darkened considerably. In the distance, the silhouettes of the mountains and the glow of the setting sun were still reflected in the lake. Strangely, though the wind had picked up, the surface of the water appeared even smoother, like a mirror. The three tall pagodas on the far shore could just barely be seen standing both on the land and in the water. They mirrored one another, standing in silent guard and perfectly echoing each other.

The Daoist sat cross-legged by the fire, roasting food and watching the dreamlike glow in the sky and on the water gradually fade. Stars began to emerge as he continued explaining cultivation and spell techniques to the two young demons.

The fire crackled and popped. The vast world around them was empty and peaceful.

Only when the night grew deep did the Daoist lie down. Facing the fire, he wrapped himself in his blanket and drifted off to sleep in its warmth.

Crackle...

The fire occasionally popped, sending a small spark flying. The Daoist’s face was lit warmly by the flickering flames.

Nearby lay a pile of large, dry pieces of firewood.

The cat curled up on the felt blanket as well, sleeping by the Daoist’s feet. From time to time, she opened her eyes to glance at the fire, then turned to look at the Daoist. Whenever the fire dimmed noticeably, she would stretch out a paw and use telekinesis to pick out a log and carefully, almost ceremoniously, place it onto the fire.

Tending a fire was both an art and a way of life.

In a hazy state between dreams and wakefulness, she drifted in and out of sleep several times, losing track of how many.

That was normal; cats were always like this. Lady Calico had long been used to it.

Soon came the fifth watch of the night, when the chill grew sharper. The sky still showed no signs of light, but the stars above had grown even more radiant and distinct, thickly clustered in the heavens and mirrored again in the still lake.

Lady Calico cultivated the Yin-Yang Method, practicing both yin and yang simultaneously. From the shift in spiritual energy across heaven and earth, she could sense that dawn was not far off.

It was the darkest and coldest time of night.

Lady Calico placed the last few thick logs into the fire. Based on her experience, she estimated they would burn until sunrise. Only then did she shift her body, adjusting to the most comfortable position, and drifted off to sleep in peace.

Somewhere in that sleep, she seemed to dream.

But the dream was extremely vague; not only was the content blurry, the dream itself was hazy to the point where she couldn’t tell if she had truly dreamed, or if it was merely a fleeting image born of the random thoughts she had before falling asleep.

There seemed to be a tall and slender person wearing strange clothes with something unusual on their head. With their hands tucked away somewhere, they walked and walked.

The buildings around them were very tall. It felt like a fleeting instant, yet also like they had been walking for a long time.

Everything was unclear.

When Lady Calico awoke, it was like any other morning. Groggy and dazed, she had the sense that she had known something, but also not known it. Something was rapidly slipping away from her mind, like a memory that didn’t belong to waking life. If she didn’t catch it right away, it would be gone with almost nothing remaining. She only knew that something had left, but she didn’t know what exactly had left and what kind of thing it was.

By now, the sky was already fully bright.

Only some charred black ashes remained in the firepit. A few glowing red embers still lingered at the center, with faint flames reluctant to fade.

The Daoist was already awake, sitting on a large stone ahead, meditating on the spiritual essence of the mountains and waters, absorbing the energy of heaven and earth. In front of him, the lake was tranquil as a mirror, a soft mist floating above the water like a scene from an immortal’s paradise. On the distant Mount Cang, mountain mist draped the peak like a cloak. And from within that accumulating fog, three tall towers rose, their forms piercing through the morning haze.

All of it was reflected in the lake below.

The cat stared in a daze, then slowly looked up. Clouds filled the sky, and for some unknown reason, under the morning light, they shimmered with seven-colored light.

It seemed ordinary... and yet, not quite.