Song You

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Song You 5 47
Courtesy Name	Menglai 47
Origin	Lingquan County, Yizhou 38 47
Affiliation	Hermit 47, Taoist priest 6 11
Companion	Three Flower Cat / Three Flower Lady (cat spirit) 5 6 7 8 9 11 14 16 17 21 22 25 26 29 31 37 39 40 50 70 432 598
Skills	Incense making (observational interest) 8, Drawing talismans 14, Spellcasting (extinguishing fire) 30, Cultivation 9 30, Dream arts 647 677, Wood-spirit art 560, Lightning arts 282 562
Notable Deeds	Eliminated Fog Ghost 3 14, Helped Constable Luo catch underground thief 17, Actions at Taian Temple and Jinyang Road admired by Prefect Yu 24, Pacified the Grain Plain Snowfield demons 252 259, restored Far Peace City and aided its ghost soldiers 270 272, defended Far Governance City against the northern frontier demons 282 290, summoned the Rain God to relieve a drought 527, recovered stolen treasures in the Western Regions 568
Personality	Respectful 8, Curious 8 11 21, Courageous 8, Humble 16, Independent 16, Patient 6 16 17, Kind 6 14 16 39, Enigmatic 24, Adaptable 11, Empathetic 50, Calm and carefree 39, Principled 77 79, Generous 475 569, Resolute 647 677

Physical Description

Song You is a young man with a determined and steady demeanor, often seen in simple, plain clothes, including a paper-lined fur coat for warmth in colder weather 1 25. He has a calm and carefree presence 39.

• Attire: He wears Taoist robes 11 39. His clothes are often thin, though he acquires a paper-lined fur coat for colder days 25. He prefers plain clothes 25.
• Companions: He is frequently accompanied by the Three Flower Cat, which later transforms into a little girl 8 9 11 25 26. The cat has amber eyes 5. He later also travels with Yan An, a swallow spirit, and a red date horse 60 266 475.
• Features: He has a smile that appears after waking 1.
• Actions: He is often seen observing his surroundings, meditating, or engaging in everyday activities like buying supplies or eating 1 8 9 11. He is capable of spellcasting, as evidenced by his ability to extinguish a mountain fire 30.

Character Background

Song You, a young man from Lingquan County, began his journey by leaving his Taoist temple home, bidding farewell to his master and the old mynah bird 1. He traveled light, embarking on a path along the ancient Cuiyun Corridor, a vital transportation artery connecting Yizhou and the Guanzhong Plain 1. Early in his travels, he encountered various people, including porters, caravans, and official couriers, and learned about the local economy, culture, and folklore 1 4. He demonstrated adaptability and resilience, taking shelter from a rainstorm and lighting a fire with a spell 1.

His journey led him through villages where he bought incense from an old woman and spent a night on Hand Crawl Rock to watch the sunset 8. He also stayed at a village temple haunted by the spirit of Wang Shangong, a local deity who showed deference to Song You 4. Song You later settled in Yidu for six months, where he lived a leisurely life, caring for a horse and observing the simple goodwill of the local people 37. During this time, he declined invitations for the New Year from various officials and priests, reflecting on his past 37. He also encountered Prefect Yu Jianbai, who admired Song You's actions at Taian Temple and Jinyang Road and sought his help in pursuing immortality, which Song You declined, stating he was also a mortal 24.

Song You later traveled to Qingcheng Demonuntain to visit an old friend of his master's, where he resolved the doubts of Taoist priests Chuyun and Yingfeng and extinguished a mountain fire with a spell 28 30 31. He realized that interacting with people was an unavoidable part of his journey, despite his initial desire to avoid entanglements 28. After leaving Yidu, Song You continued his eastward travels, delivering a letter to Long Commandery for an old man he met at a tea stall 39. He journeyed by boat along the Liujiang River, sharing meals and conversations with a scholar and a boatman 46. He also delivered a family letter to Chen Han in Lingbo County, where he encountered Wu Erzi, a martial artist from the Xishan Sect, for the third time 47. Song You also demonstrated his wisdom and compassion by persuading a fierce tiger to leave a village, impressing the locals and participating in a birthday celebration 42.

As his travels continued, Song You crossed the Snowfield and confronted its demon king, ultimately transforming the former frozen wasteland into the fertile Grain Plain 252 257. He subsequently aided the ghost soldiers of Turtle City and Far Peace City, restoring Far Peace City's vitality, sealing its yin energy, and helping establish a path by which the dead might protect the living and eventually attain the status of yin deities 266 270 272. His renown grew substantially after he defended Far Governance City from the northern frontier's demon forces 282 290 299.

Song You later journeyed through the Western Regions and overseas lands, where he encountered the peoples of Jade City, the Little People's Kingdom, Beard Kingdom, and other strange realms 420 432 433 558. He recovered the Eastern Soil, helped return stolen treasures to their rightful owners, and declined to treat treasures as substitutes for cultivation of the heart 433 568 569. After returning to Yi Capital, he revisited the Cloud Talk Shed and reflected on the passage of time through its resemblance to the place where he had once learned of the wider world 582.

In later years, Song You became involved in matters concerning Karma Mountain Ghost City, the Heavenly Palace, and the changing Heavenly Dao 371 373 647. He visited the developing ghost city, advised the Imperial Preceptor, and later protected suffering yin souls amid growing celestial conflict 371 384. When the Heavenly Palace prepared to oppose him, he resolved to continue toward Sky's End Mountain and sought instruction in dream arts from the Mirror Island Lake God in preparation for the coming struggle 647 653 677.

Personality Traits

• Humble and Mysterious: Song You maintains a humble demeanor, often declining to reveal his full capabilities or accept excessive praise 24 25. He is described as enigmatic and non-committal when others seek his help for extraordinary feats 24.
• Curious and Observant: He shows interest in various aspects of the world, from the old woman's incense-making process to the chants of an ancient ferry crossing 8 43. He observes people's reactions and intentions, such as the audience at a storytelling performance or the subtle dynamics between Taoist priests 24 29.
• Independent and Resilient: Song You embarks on journeys alone, demonstrating self-reliance and adaptability to challenging conditions like rainstorms 1. He is comfortable with solitude and makes his own decisions, even when warned of dangers 8 31.
• Appreciative of Craftsmanship and Beauty: He values fine craftsmanship, as seen in his appreciation for Ningxiang ink and Master Kong's wood carving skills 22 25. He also deeply appreciates natural beauty, such as sunsets, rosy clouds, and winter plum blossoms 8 36.
• Kind-hearted and Empathetic: Song You shows care and patience towards Three Flower Lady, teaching her and guiding her 7 25 27. He also displays empathy towards children and the less fortunate, offering help and understanding 45 50.
• Respectful: He shows respect for local deities, elders, and skilled individuals, often engaging in polite exchanges and acknowledging their roles or talents 4 8 22.
• Calm and Composed: Song You maintains a calm and carefree demeanor even when discussing long journeys or facing unexpected situations 36 39. He is not easily swayed by flattery or social pressures 15 29.
• Integrity and Humility: He declines monetary rewards and valuable gifts, demonstrating his genuine nature and lack of attachment to material possessions 25 43.
• Introspective: He often reflects on his past and future, especially during his travels, indicating a thoughtful and contemplative nature 1 36.
• Direct (when appropriate): While generally polite, Song You can be direct when he deems it necessary, especially when he senses insincere pleasantries or wishes to avoid certain connections 15 24.
• Compassionate toward all beings: Song You refuses to treat yao, ghosts, spirits, and monsters as inherently evil, judging them instead by their conduct and intelligence 77 79. He extends the same concern to ghost soldiers, imprisoned yin souls, refugees, and people suffering drought 270 384 539.
• Guided by experience rather than attainment: He regards travel, scenery, unfamiliar encounters, and personal interest as the proper way to make a brief life meaningful, rather than pursuing godhood or immortality as ends in themselves 70.
• Resolute under pressure: Although he prefers peace and avoids needless conflict, Song You does not retreat when responsibility requires him to confront powerful demons or the Heavenly Palace 234 647 677.

Power Progression

Chapter	Ability/Skill	Description
1	Cultivation (General)	Song You embarks on a journey from his Taoist temple, indicating a path of cultivation that involves travel and experience rather than just meditation 1 4 7.
4	Understanding of Deities	Song You demonstrates an understanding of local deities and their roles, showing deference to Wang Shangong 4 5. He also understands that the popular image of deities may not align with their true nature or origin 5.
5	Assessing Spiritual Beings	Song You can assess the cultivation level of spiritual beings, noting the "clear foolishness" in the eyes of the newly formed Three Flower Lady 5.
7	Persuasion (Spiritual)	Song You successfully persuades Wang Shangong, a local deity, to spare the Three Flower Cat from imprisonment, demonstrating his persuasive skills and empathy 7.
9	Four Seasons Cycle Method	Song You's cultivation method is the Four Seasons Cycle Method, which is related to celestial times and solar terms. It prolongs life but is not strong in physical strengthening, and its spiritual energy has unique functions but lacks destructive power 9.
9	Spiritual Energy Manipulation	Song You can raise his hand and manifest a wisp of spiritual energy, described as a pale yellow with a hint of green, composed of a condensed inner strand and a wispy outer layer 9. He can also disperse this spiritual energy into the mountain air 9.
15	Knowledge of Earth-Escape Techniques	Song You demonstrates expertise in earth-escape techniques, suggesting a method to counter the Earth-Evasion Great Thief 15.
17	Identifying and Countering Spells	Song You can identify paper Yaksha as constructs and knows their fear of fire, using fire to destroy them 17. He understands that every spell has a counter 17.
24	Understanding of Transformation	Song You possesses knowledge about the process of Demon transforming into human form, including the need for cultivation, a catalyst, and the mysterious nature of its timing 24.
25	Teaching Transformation	Song You teaches Three Flower Lady to grind ink, which she observes and learns quickly, indicating his ability to guide and instruct 25.
26	Knowledge of Magical Techniques	Song You has vast knowledge of various magical techniques, their abilities, limitations, and counters 26. He emphasizes depth over breadth in learning spells 26.
26	Fire Element Technique	Song You possesses the Fire Element Technique, which can burn ghosts at its lowest level, Demon at its middle level, and gods and Demon at its highest level, with the potential to burn an entire city or country at its extreme 26. He learned this technique early in his magical studies 27.
30	Winter Cultivation	Song You practices winter cultivation, absorbing spiritual energy that condenses vital energy, stops progress, and induces hibernation 30 31.
30	Spellcasting (Fire)	Song You extinguishes a mountain fire with a spell, demonstrating his prowess in spellcasting 30.
31	Accelerated Cultivation	Song You notes that his cultivation progressed at an astonishing pace after descending the mountain, indicating that real-world experience enhances his spiritual growth 31.
40	Fire-Breathing Technique (Teaching)	Song You teaches Three Flower Lady a fire-breathing technique, emphasizing the need for absolute faith in its success 40. He demonstrates the technique by making firewood burst into flames instantly 40.
207	Lightning Strike	Song You unleashes a devastating lightning strike on the mountain outside Changjing, killing hundreds of martial wanderers and ending the conflict over the Cangshan Painting 207.
234	Flying Sand and Rolling Stones	Song You counters True Person Yongyang's bronze guardian statues and stone giants using a flying sand and rolling stones technique 234.
234	Stone-to-Gold Transformation	Song You transforms Yongyang's stone giants into goldstone giants, allowing them to defeat the bronze guardian statues 234.
252	Illusion Arts	Song You crosses illusory chasms and confronts the Snowfield Demon King's illusion-based attacks without losing his bearings 252.
252	Move the Stars, Shift the Dipper	Song You employs the extraordinary spell “Move the Stars, Shift the Dipper” during the Snowfield battle 252.
252	Turn Earth to Steel	Song You uses “Turn Earth to Steel” in combat against the Snowfield Demon King's forces 252.
252	Metal-and-Stone Giants	Song You summons metal-and-stone giants to battle demon soldiers and generals in the Snowfield 252.
266	Swallow Transformation	Song You transforms into a swallow to scout Turtle City and the Great Wall 266.
270	Earth Manipulation	Song You raises an earthen wall outside Turtle City with a casting gesture 270.
282	Spell-Breaking Incantation	Song You disperses the Right Wolf King's illusory wolf pack with the Spell-Breaking Incantation 282.
282	Earth Thunder Technique	Song You incapacitates the Right Wolf King with the Earth Thunder Technique 282.
527	Summoning the Rain God	Song You summons the Rain God and persuades him to adjust the local weather, ending a severe drought around Cliffside Temple 527.
560	Wood-Spirit Art	Song You grows grapes within Jade City's royal palace to demonstrate his abilities and sincerity 560.
568	Illusion and Substitute Arts	Song You uses an illusion and substitute to deceive a pot-bellied monk and exhaust the monk's cold energy 568.
568	Golden Awl	Song You uses the Golden Awl to return stolen magical treasures to their rightful owners 568.
598	Stone-to-Gold Art (Teaching)	Song You teaches Three Flower Lady the Stone-to-Gold Art, which can strengthen the stone soldiers she summons into powerful, durable goldstone forms 598.
647	Dream Manipulation	Song You hosts the Greenwood Immortal Elder in an ink-wash dreamscape, demonstrating advanced control over dream environments 647.
653	Earth-Vein Giants	Song You summons earth-vein giants to fight Spirit Officer Gold of the Heavenly Palace's Dipper Division 653.
677	Dream Arts (Study)	Song You enters the Mirror Island Lake God's dream world to study dream arts and methods of resisting Dream God's intrusion 677.

Relationships

Song You and Three-Flower Lady (Cat)

Song You and the Three-Flower Lady (a cat spirit) share a deepening bond as they travel together. Song You acts as a guide and mentor, helping the Three-Flower Lady navigate the human world and understand her spiritual nature 7. He shows patience and understanding towards her curiosity and questions, while she, in turn, trusts him and follows him on their journey 7. Their relationship is characterized by mutual care, with Song You showing consideration for her comfort and the Three-Flower Lady displaying affection and a growing attachment to him 18 37 40. Song You even offers her fish as a "betrothal gift," symbolizing their bond 9.

Their companionship endures as both become more capable. Song You teaches her a growing range of spells, including fire-breathing and Stone-to-Gold Art, while continuing to encourage her confidence and restraint 40 598. Three Flower Lady protects and worries for him, travels with him through ghost cities and foreign lands, and even carries him up a mountain in the Little People's Kingdom after enlarging herself 371 432. Their ordinary, playful exchanges remain central even amid increasingly dangerous matters 475 653.

Song You and Wang Shangong

Song You and Wang Shangong, a local deity, have a respectful and polite relationship 5 7. Wang Shangong initially seeks Song You's help to investigate a temple, showing deference to Song You's status or powers 4 5. Song You, in turn, successfully persuades Wang Shangong to spare the Three-Flower Lady from punishment, demonstrating his persuasive skills and empathy 7.

Song You and Prefect Yu Jianbai

Prefect Yu Jianbai admires Song You, having heard of his actions at Taian Temple and Jinyang Road, and wishes to befriend him 24. He is persistent in seeking Song You's counsel regarding immortality but accepts Song You's refusal to help gracefully 24. Song You, while appreciating Prefect Yu's admiration, maintains a mysterious and non-committal demeanor, declining to form a deeper connection 24.

Song You and Constable Luo

Song You and Constable Luo share a relationship built on mutual respect and a sense of obligation 20 28. Constable Luo is loyal and eager to help Song You, often bringing him practical items as a gesture of gratitude 20. Song You, in turn, sometimes accepts these gestures to maintain a good relationship, while at other times he refuses to avoid excessive entanglement 20.

Song You and Guanghua Zi

Song You and Guanghua Zi, the Palace Master of Fuqing Palace, share a warm and friendly relationship, reflecting a long-standing friendship and alliance between their respective temples 29. Guanghua Zi welcomes Song You warmly and expresses respect and affection for him 29.

Song You and Wu Erzi (Xishan Sect Disciple)

Song You and Wu Erzi, a martial artist from the Xishan Sect, have a friendly and open interaction, marked by curiosity and camaraderie 47 48. They meet by chance multiple times, which Wu Erzi attributes to fate 47. She is curious about Song You's actions and finds him interesting, while Song You also finds her interesting 47 48.

Song You and Yingfeng/Chuyun

Yingfeng and Chuyun, two young Daoist priests from Fuqing Palace, are eager to build a connection with Song You, likely to enhance their competitiveness for the abbot position 29. Song You understands their intentions but does not wish to form this kind of connection, preferring to remain neutral 29 31.

Song You and Yan An

Yan An is a swallow spirit who comes to regard Song You as a teacher and companion. Song You shares his knowledge of the wider world with Yan An, teaches him lightning arts, and entrusts him with significant errands involving General Chen Ziyi and the ghost soldiers of Far Peace City 60 475 562. Yan An is diligent, curious, and loyal, while Song You treats him with patience and gratitude 70 562.

Song You and the Imperial Preceptor

Song You and the Imperial Preceptor maintain a respectful relationship founded on their shared concern for Karma Mountain Ghost City and the future underworld 371 373. The Imperial Preceptor seeks Song You's judgment and advice, while Song You carefully studies the ghost city's structure, offers suggestions, and recognizes the necessity as well as the severity of its administration 372 373. Their discussions deepen Song You's understanding of ghosts, karmic judgment, and the Heavenly Dao 373.

Song You and General Chen Ziyi

Song You and General Chen Ziyi share a courteous relationship marked by mutual respect despite their differing paths 173. Song You declines General Chen's invitation to travel together and refuses to answer questions concerning divination and prophecy, but their frankness leads to mutual understanding 173. Song You later arranges for Yan An to deliver a life-prolonging pill to General Chen, honoring their connection 475.

Song You and the Mirror Island Lake God

The Mirror Island Lake God becomes Song You's instructor in dream arts as he prepares to face Dream God and the Heavenly Palace 676 677. Their relationship is based on mutual respect: she candidly explains the limits of his current skill and teaches defensive principles, while Song You remains determined to prepare rather than evade the approaching conflict 677.

Key Events

1. Song You leaves his Taoist temple home and begins a journey along the ancient Cuiyun Corridor 1.
2. Song You spends a night at a village temple haunted by the spirit of Wang Shangong 4.
3. Song You spends a night at Hand Crawl Rock to watch the sunset and rosy clouds 8.
4. Song You observes the leaves on the cliffside trees turn red overnight 9.
5. Song You moves into a courtyard in Yidu, which is rumored to be haunted 12.
6. Song You listens to an old storyteller recount the tale of General Chen Xin 13.
7. Song You receives a visit from Constable Luo, who seeks his help with the Earth-Evasion Great Thief 15.
8. Song You declines an invitation from the magistrate and later, an unknown creature attacks his courtyard 16.
9. Two paper Yaksha attack Song You and Three Flower Cat in their courtyard 17.
10. Song You meets Master Guanghong, who is unwell due to Song You's previous actions, and later Master Guanghong is found burning and confessing his sins 19.
11. Song You listens to music at Pine Hut and observes the weather turning colder 20.
12. Song You returns to Yidu and experiences the Autumn Equinox 23.
13. Song You encounters Prefect Yu Jianbai at the Cloud Talk Shed, who expresses admiration for Song You and seeks immortality 24.
14. Song You purchases a paper-lined fur coat as the weather grows colder 25.
15. Song You extinguishes a mountain fire with a spell while climbing Qingcheng Demonuntain with Taoist priests Chuyun and Yingfeng 30.
16. Song You and Three Flower Cat return to Yidu after leaving Fuqing Palace, and Constable Luo mentions the upcoming temple fair 31.
17. Song You spends New Year's Eve in Yidu, observing the winter plum blossoms and deciding to leave Yidu after spring 37.
18. Song You attends a storytelling performance at the Cloud Talk Shed on the first day of the New Year 38.
19. Song You leaves Yidu City and agrees to deliver a letter to Long Commandery for an old man at a tea stall on Jinyang Road 39.
20. Song You persuades a fierce tiger to leave a village and attends the village elder's seventieth birthday celebration 42.
21. Song You encounters a scholar who is interested in the Earth-Evasion Thief and Taian Temple monk cases 45.
22. Song You attends the Liujiang Grand Gathering in Lingbo County and listens to an elder tell stories 48.
23. Song You tells a story about a talking cat to children and meets a cowherd who tells him about a path to the riverbank 50.
24. Song You visits the Swallow Immortal and discusses crops, overseas cultures, and actions that could benefit Great Yan 60.
25. Song You returns the lost child Little Niu to his village after the child's soul wanders away 70.
26. Song You enters a mountain night market inhabited by yao, ghosts, spirits, and monsters, eventually earning the leopard-headed stall owner's respect 75.
27. Song You confronts the Snowfield Demon King and later witnesses the Snowfield's transformation into Grain Plain 252 257.
28. Song You helps the ghost soldiers of Far Peace City, restores the city's vitality, and seals its yin energy 270.
29. Song You entrusts local officials with a plan for Far Peace City's restless spirits to protect the grasslands and potentially become yin deities 271 272.
30. Song You defeats the Right Wolf King before Far Governance City using the Spell-Breaking Incantation and Earth Thunder Technique 282.
31. Song You defends Far Governance City from a large demon assault and gives Three Flower Lady the Water-Separating Blade afterward 290.
32. Song You visits Karma Mountain Ghost City and studies its emerging underworld institutions with the Imperial Preceptor 371 373.
33. Song You releases suffering yin souls from Fire Prison and prepares to confront the disturbance surrounding Karma Mountain 384.
34. Song You summons the Rain God to end the drought around Cliffside Temple 527.
35. Song You enters Jade City, assists in the investigation of its stolen silver pot, and demonstrates his wood-spirit art before its ruler 560.
36. Song You recovers treasures from Western Regions demons and returns stolen items to their owners with the Golden Awl 568.
37. Song You returns to Yi Capital and revisits the Cloud Talk Shed, where he hears a storyteller resembling the Old Mr. Zhang of his memories 582.
38. Song You encounters the last true dragon, receives a spiritual resonance pearl, and reflects on the onset of the age of dwindling Dharma 628.
39. Song You hosts the Greenwood Immortal Elder in a dreamscape and sets out for Venerable Mountain to confront the first Heavenly Elder 647.
40. Song You battles Spirit Officer Gold of the Heavenly Palace using earth-vein giants and Stone-to-Gold transformation 653.
41. Song You seeks instruction from the Mirror Island Lake God and remains in her dream world to prepare for Dream God's interference 677.

Themes

• Wandering and Exploration: Song You's journey is driven by a desire to see the world's wonders and find immortals, embracing the unknown without specific plans or timelines 39. This includes experiencing different sunrises and sunsets, meeting various people, yao, spirits, and monsters, and witnessing diverse customs and traditions 7. His master considers this form of travel a type of cultivation 7.
• Solitude and Introspection: Travel often leads to moments of solitude and deep thought for Song You, particularly when he is alone in nature or reflecting on his journey 1. Despite his initial desire to avoid entanglements, he finds that interacting with others is an unavoidable part of his journey 28.
• Nature and the Supernatural: The story highlights the allure of nature, such as the perilous beauty of Hand Crawl Rock and the dreamlike rosy clouds, often intertwined with supernatural elements like spirits, ghosts, and cultivation 8 4. The natural world, with its ancient trees and roads, also represents the passage of time and enduring existence 1.
• Human Connection and Relationships: Despite Song You's solitary nature, the narrative explores the importance of human relationships, from brief encounters with travelers to deeper bonds formed with companions like the Three Flower Cat 39 28. Acts of kindness and reciprocity are shown through interactions with various people who assist Song You on his travels 28.
• Integrity and Humility: Song You consistently demonstrates integrity and humility, such as declining monetary rewards and maintaining a humble demeanor even when recognized for his abilities 43 24.
• Cultivation and Guidance: The concept of cultivation is explored not only through Song You's own spiritual practices but also through his role in guiding and influencing the Three Flower Cat, helping it to grow and develop 7 30.
• Storytelling and Truth: Storytelling is a recurring theme, emphasizing its power to captivate audiences, influence perceptions, and convey truths, even when presented as fiction 24 50 38.
• Acceptance and Appreciation of the Present World: Song You evolves from an initial disdain for the world to an acceptance and appreciation of its unique beauty and excitement, finding wonder in both the mundane and the extraordinary 40 8.
• The Passage of Time: The narrative frequently touches upon the passage of time, evident in ancient roads and trees, the changing seasons, and Song You's reflections on his past and the duration of his travels 1 37.
• Respect across differences: Song You's meetings with yao, ghosts, foreign peoples, and the dead emphasize that morality and dignity are not determined by race, species, or origin 75 77 79 421.
• Power and responsibility: As Song You's abilities and reputation expand, he repeatedly uses power to protect others, relieve suffering, or restore order while resisting pride and attachment to fame 270 290 527 568.
• The changing order of Heaven and Earth: The creation of Ghost City, departure of the last true dragon, and Song You's conflict with the Heavenly Palace explore the transformation of the Heavenly Dao and the uncertain future of mortals, ghosts, gods, and cultivators 373 628 647 677.