Seems Like It

Ji Yuan knew the question he asked was foolish, but these were things that needed to be clarified sooner or later, and asking anyone was the same.

It was just that the Old City God had suddenly become inexplicably respectful again. It was a very subtle feeling, as if the Old City God's speech was no longer as casual as before.

The Old City God methodically recounted some of the history he knew in detail, interspersed with unofficial histories of various dynasties of this nation, as well as some local customs and landscapes, deliberately adding in some place name changes he was aware of.

Unlike the earlier confusion about immortal and strange matters, this narrative gave Ji Yuan a much clearer understanding of this world, at least making the mortal-level understanding much more intuitive.

The current nation was vast, comprising thirteen prefectures. The present dynasty, Great Zhen, had stood tall and unyielding for two hundred years, passing the throne to the eighth generation, Emperor Yuande. Before it came nine dynasties—Wu, Tong, Chu, Kuang, and others—and before that, it was part of the territory of some enormous dynasty.

The Old City God paused slightly here before speaking again.

"According to historical records, that great dynasty was called Great Zhou."

"Great Zhou?"

Ji Yuan perked up noticeably, but then just smiled and let it pass. This so-called Great Zhou was not the same as the one in his imagination—from geography to historical changes, everything was different.

The Old City God stroked his beard and nodded.

"Indeed, but that court and era are too distant. Even for earthbound deities like us, the changes of the world are hard to fully describe. The vastness of the world is beyond words, and as the saying goes, there's always someone better—no one can know everything!"

Ji Yuan nodded in agreement.

"Lord City God speaks truly!"

From the gaps in their conversation, Ji Yuan learned that the position of City God was the divine office most deeply entangled with the mortal world, and also the one that changed most frequently.

Taking Ning'an County as an example, the previous Ning'an County City God was a man named Li. Later, when this dynasty overthrew the old system, and Ning'an County produced a court official who brought glory to his ancestors, Song Shichang, after Lord Song's death the emperor posthumously appointed him as the Ning'an County City God, ordering local officials to build a temple and shrine.

As for the original Old City God, if his cultivation was deep enough, he could find another path; if his cultivation was insufficient, he would gradually lose Incense Power, his Daoist practice regressing instead of advancing, and he might even dissipate entirely.

This wasn't to say that the emperor of this world had the power of Words Become Law to confer such titles. Ultimately, it was all determined by the incense offerings and the people's will.

Of course, many City Gods remained unchanged through several dynasties. First, mortal emperors weren't that idle—this was just a way to honor meritorious officials. Second, mortal emperors simply didn't understand these matters of gods and spirits.

Even so, the City Gods and the dynasty they served rose and fell together. Though separated by the mortal and spirit realms, City Gods mostly tried their best to protect the people of their land and prevent evil entities from causing chaos.

After all, those appointed as City Gods—whether by imperial decree or public acclaim—were mostly people of reputation and virtue, and it also related to their own cultivation.

But just as official runners in the mortal realm couldn't oversee everything, City Gods couldn't fully detect hidden monsters and evil entities, let alone sometimes being unable to contend with them.

Interestingly, though City Gods had a close relationship with the dynasty, they weren't the emperor's subjects. Separated by the mortal and spirit realms, they simply didn't care.

In plain terms, even the nobles of the court were mostly just mortals. Their eyes couldn't see gods and spirits, their strength couldn't break the barrier between realms. Aside from reading strange tales, very few even knew of City Gods, immortals, or demons. To them, it was just clay statues in temples and stories in books.

Ji Yuan and the Old City God sat on the third floor of the Temple Outbuilding, drinking tea and chatting, enjoying the view outside. Time slipped away unnoticed as their conversation flowed, and soon it was noon.

Ji Yuan had gained a lot of key information, and the Old City God felt he had come to understand this Mister Ji somewhat. Their talk was about done.

The Old City God originally suggested Ji Yuan have lunch at the Temple Outbuilding, but after eating snacks and pastries until noon while chatting, neither felt any desire for a proper meal.

Naturally, the two left the Temple Outbuilding, ready to part ways.

"Lord City God, thank you for your hospitality today!"

"Mister Ji, you're too kind. Your stay here is a blessing for Ning'an County. The books you need will be sent to Ju'an Pavilion soon. Please rest assured!"

"Thank you, Lord City God!"

"Good, then we'll talk another day. For now, let's part ways here!"

As he spoke, the Old City God slightly cupped his hands toward Ji Yuan, who returned the gesture.

"We'll talk another day!"

After exchanging bows and nods, the Old City God walked freely toward the City God Temple. Ji Yuan watched him go halfway before turning with a smile to head home.

The City God Temple was a lively place, but the temple fairs were all at night. He didn't need to offer incense. Going home to brush his teeth and wait for the books to arrive was the sensible plan.

'I wonder if the books from the City God will be special. Can my nearly blind eyes read them directly? If not, I'll need someone to read them to me, or ask the City God to send a Yin Cha to help.'

At the mouth of a nearby alley, Yin Zhaoxian was about to lead Yin Qing out when Yin Qing suddenly grabbed his father's hand and refused to move.

Feeling his son tugging, Yin Zhaoxian frowned and turned to look at Yin Qing.

"What's wrong?"

"Daddy... over there, that Great Mister is over there!"

Great Mister?

Yin Zhaoxian looked toward the Temple Outbuilding where his son pointed. He didn't know who this "Great Mister" was, but his attention was immediately drawn to Ji Yuan and the Old City God—their bearing and presence stood out like cranes among chickens.

"Qing'er, which one is your Great Mister? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

"The one in the blue robe, the one bowing to that old gentleman! I saw it clearly—I couldn't be wrong!"

Yin Qing hid behind his father, peeking out toward the alley entrance, looking at both Ji Yuan and the old man.

Yin Zhaoxian looked again at the two outside the Temple Outbuilding. They had already parted—one heading toward the City God Temple, the other leaving by another road. Both seemed normal enough, but since his son was so afraid, as a father, he had to consider his son's feelings.

"Alright, they're gone. Let's go to the City God Temple!"

"Mm!"

Yin Zhaoxian sighed. Now he suddenly felt that his son might have just seen things earlier. The two were unfamiliar faces, but their bearing was extraordinary—they didn't look like shady characters at all.

"Who is this old man? I should know all the notable figures in Ning'an County. Could he be an outsider too?"

Holding Yin Qing's hand, they walked out of the alley toward the City God Temple. Ahead of the father and son, they could still see the Ink-Robed Elder who had clasped his hands in farewell to Ji Yuan.

Driven by some subtle unease, both father and son quickened their pace slightly, as if wanting to get closer to that Old Sir.

"Incense for sale! Fine sandalwood incense! Enter the temple to pay respects to the City God, offer three sticks of incense! Fine sandalwood incense for sale!"

At the temple gate, a vendor hawked sandalwood incense.

"Give me three sticks of incense."

"Coming right up! Here, careful not to break them!"

Yin Zhaoxian handed the vendor a single coin. From paying to receiving the incense, his eyes stayed fixed on the old man ahead. Taking the incense, he led Yin Qing into the temple.

"Hm? Gone? Qing'er, did you see where he went?"

"No, once we entered the temple, he was gone... Daddy, could he be a ghost..."

"Nonsense! This is the City God Temple!"

Yin Zhaoxian scolded Yin Qing sternly, then pulled him toward the main hall. This City God Temple was not large; the front hall housed the City God's various offices, while the main hall held the City God himself. Perhaps the old man had gone straight to the main hall.

But after passing through the front hall, they still didn't see that old man. The worshippers coming and going to burn incense and pay respects were neither few nor many—not enough to lose sight of someone. Glancing at the back door in a corner of the temple courtyard, the two wooden doors were shut, not looking like anyone had gone out that way. Besides, that area was the Temple Steward's residence, not open to just anyone.

'How strange...'

Even inside the City God Temple, Yin Zhaoxian felt a chill creep up his spine.

"Qing'er, let's pay respects to the City God!"

Shaking off his wild thoughts, Yin Zhaoxian led Yin Qing into the main hall. He took the incense and candles offered by the Temple Steward at the side and lit the sandalwood.

First, he inserted the sandalwood into the incense burner, then the father and son knelt on the cushions, praying devoutly.

After finishing their prayers to the City God, Yin Zhaoxian rose to leave, only to find Yin Qing still kneeling there, staring blankly at the clay statue of the City God.

"What's wrong, Qing'er?"

"Daddy... it looks just like him..."

Yin Qing said, very, very quietly.

Today's on the recommendation list, but the collection count is still dismal. Dear readers, if you've read this far, please add it to your collection and cast a vote!

Thank you all for voting and for the tips. Congratulations to reader Bai Baishou for becoming the first Hall Master!