Chen Changsheng asked, “Lord City God can appear in human form?”
The City God replied, “To be honest, honored sir, though this lowly deity’s worship is meager, taking true form is still possible.”
Hearing this, Chen Changsheng quickly waved his hand. “No, Lord City God misunderstands. I meant no such implication.”
Yet the City God seemed unconcerned. “That my worship is modest is plain truth, sir need not spare my feelings.” He seemed to believe Chen Changsheng ought to speak to him this way. How could a lofty Celestial Immortal care about such a minor deity?
Chen Changsheng sighed inwardly. Who could he even explain this to? Matters had progressed this far; he could only steel himself and keep pretending.
“I propose a toast to you, honored sir.” The City God poured wine for Chen Changsheng. Not daring to be rude, Chen Changsheng accepted. After they both drank, the City God urged, “Partake of the dishes, honored sir.”
Chen Changsheng nodded and tasted the food laid before him. Thirteen dishes in all: chicken, duck, fish, pork – varied and plentiful. Beyond this, fresh, sweet fruit sat alongside, meant to cleanse the palate after the meal. Such extravagance left Chen Changsheng stunned and humbled.
After tasting a dish, Chen Changsheng inquired, “How long has Lord City God held this office?”
Over three hundred years wasn’t long…? Chen Changsheng’s eye twitched slightly but calmed instantly. He then suggested, “What if I address you as Old City God?”
“This…” The Old City God thought it over and nodded. “That would be acceptable.”
“Good.” Chen Changsheng placed the gourd from his waist onto the table. “Old City God, you specially hosted this feast and waited three long years for me. I’m deeply honored, yet I brought only this gourd of wine. I hope you won’t find it too humble.”
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“How dare I? It’s fortune enough to share drink with you, honored sir.”
The Autumn Moon Brew was poured. The City God inhaled its aroma and took a sip. Recognition dawned. “This is Autumn Moon Brew from the West Bridge Tavern?”
Chen Changsheng explained, “Old Man Zhang, the brewer—we bonded over wine. Each time I visit, I fill this gourd.”
The Old City God remarked, “Truly approachable, sir. Mingling amidst the common folk—the very bearing of a great Immortal.”
Chen Changsheng shook his head. “I can’t yet be called a great Immortal.”
The Old City God didn’t dwell on it, raising his cup instead. “To sharing a drink with you, honored sir.”
Glasses clinked; drinks were passed. Wine flowed with the meal, loosening tongues.
The conversation turned to Flowing Cloud Temple. The Old City God said, “Two winters past, heavy snow fell. The Abbot of Flowing Cloud Temple took in five destitute children from the Civic District. A truly boundless act of Merit.”
Chen Changsheng pressed, “Do they fare well now?”
The Old City God shook his head. “Of five… One froze to death when the snow melted. The other four live safe now, in the temple.”
“A harsh fate.” Chen Changsheng shook his head, sighing again.
The Old City God agreed. “Life and death are normal. Some… Destinies are just that.”
“You believe in Destiny, Old City God?” Chen Changsheng asked.
The Old City God paused, interpreting this as a test. He considered carefully before answering. “I do and don’t. While Mortal Destinies follow set patterns, some rip free. Like you, honored sir—beyond Destiny’s reach. Mine? To await the day my Merit becomes complete, enter Reincarnation blessed, and perhaps gain one fortunate lifetime.”
Chen Changsheng reflected briefly, then shook his head. “You think you haven’t escaped Destiny yet?”
The Old City God nodded. “Even becoming a City God… did not free me. I won’t hide it. Guarding this land over three centuries, offered worship, forged a Merit Golden Body… yet I remain bound here. That’s why I spared no effort to invite you. I beg you, show me the path beyond this Destiny.” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novｅlfire.net
Chen Changsheng knew this trial would come today. Honestly? What did he know! Destiny? Immortality? Nonsense! He was just a Mortal. What could he understand? What to do? Panic threatened. He forced calm, thinking fast.
Seeing Chen Changsheng remain silent, the Old City God deferred cautiously. “Perhaps this lowly deity was abrupt, honored sir. Do not blame me.”
Chen Changsheng raised his head. “It’s not that.” He couldn’t refuse an answer—suspicion might arise. Besides, he needed something today too. He couldn’t waste this chance.
Then Chen Changsheng spoke. “Old City God… perhaps your view is mistaken.”
The Old City God’s eyes brightened instantly. He asked eagerly, “May I ask, honored sir, where did I err?”
“Destiny is Heaven-decreed. However…” Chen Changsheng guided him, “Do you truly believe becoming a City God was within your Destiny?”
The Old City God froze, expression stunned. “Your meaning is…”
Chen Changsheng continued. “Perhaps… not entirely.”
“Recall the Great Dao’s axiom: Fifty exist; Heaven unfolds forty-nine. Humanity grasps the one fleeting chance. Old City God, your mortal life’s accumulated goodness earned you that one fleeting chance to become a deity. Isn’t that leaping clear of Destiny itself? Birth and death come without warning. An Immortal? Someone plucking one fleeting chance from countless individuals. In essence, no difference exists. Cultivating Immortals refine Heavenly Qi within their organs for longevity. We Ghost Deities? We feed on worship, shield the common folk. Thus, Merit enters us, forging a Merit Golden Body—the path of endurance.”
The Old City God pondered Chen Changsheng’s words deeply. His brow furrowed in confusion.
Seeing this, Chen Changsheng elaborated. “Immortals cultivate by absorbing spiritual energy. Ghost Deities cultivating by absorbing worship… how is that not Cultivation?”
The Old City God was utterly shaken. He raised a hand. “Honored sir… you mean Ghost Deities too can achieve the Dao… become Immortals?”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “Your inability to leave is like a low-level Immortal lacking vision beyond their current stage. Advance your worship and Merit further? What mortal land could close its doors to you then?”
The Old City God drew a sharp breath. But then, another doubt arose. “All these years… my worship and Merit… never grew much. What then?”
Chen Changsheng responded, “Immortals possess a Dao Heart. Steadfast in purpose, they press onward. But yours? Not firm. Old City God, answer me this.”
“Cultivated Mortal Immortals are Immortals.”
“Then Ghost Immortals…”
“Aren’t they also Immortals?”
The Old City God stood perfectly still.
His lips parted soundlessly.