Unintended Immortality

“How did your horse run so fast?”

The young man approached, leading his own horse, his eyes wide with surprise and confusion as he looked at the little girl and her horse.

“As I mentioned before,” Song You replied with a smile, “our horse may be small, but it excels in running. It seems we ended up taking the spotlight from you.”

“It’s alright,” the young man replied, grinning brightly. “I came in third anyway. Even without you, I wouldn’t have taken first place today. It’s only my first day here; there are still a few more days. I’ll try again tomorrow.”

“Then I wish you victory tomorrow,” Song You said.

“Where did you stay last night?”

“We spent the night up on that hill,” Song You replied, turning to point at the mountain where they had camped the previous night.

“That far?” The young man glanced back at the hill, then remarked, “Why didn’t you stay down here? It’s much livelier at night. If you stay up on the hill, you might run into trouble or wolves.”

“It’s quieter up there,” Song You replied.

“Tonight, I’m not sure yet.”

“My father said you guys are impressive. He’d like to invite you to have dinner with us tonight.”

“This...” Song You couldn’t help but smile.

Since arriving in Yanzhou, this sort of invitation had become quite common, especially during his travels across the grasslands. It seemed that the locals here were just like that—a casual chat was enough for them to extend an invitation to dine together in their tent.

For the people here, it seemed like a perfectly normal thing to do.

After a brief hesitation, Song You agreed. The young man, now delighted, led the way ahead.

As they walked and chatted, Song You learned that the young man’s name was Lin Le. His father had originally been a merchant from the eastern part of Yanzhou. During his business trips to the Duoda grasslands, he somehow ended up staying and became a son-in-law of the local tribe.

Entering the tent, they were greeted by Lin Le’s father. His mother and sisters were busy preparing the meal, while Lin Le’s younger brother sat inside the tent. The few people curiously struck up a conversation with the Daoist who had come from the south.

The name of Lin Le’s father was Lin Chang.

Upon learning that Song You had come from Hezhou, Lin Chang asked about the recent happenings there. Hearing that he was traveling the world, Lin Le and his younger brother eagerly asked if he had ever encountered any monsters or ghosts.

The conversation was filled with stories that sounded like they came straight from a zhiguai xiaoshuo[1].

By midday, it was time for the meal.

Given the simple conditions on the grasslands, the main staple was made from oat flour, accompanied by beef, lamb, and milk tea. While not a lavish feast, it was far from meager. ṙÅꞐó𝐁Ěȿ

The large chunks of boiled beef and mutton were stewed until tender and served on a plate, still steaming hot as they were brought to the table.

“Eat, eat!” Lin Chang warmly urged them, gesturing for everyone to dig in.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Song You expressed his gratitude as was customary. Then, he took out a small jar, smiling apologetically. “I can’t just eat your food without offering something in return. I brought a little treat from the south and would like to share it with you all. I hope it suits your taste.”

“What is it?” Lin Chang asked curiously.

Song You stood up.

Holding the small jar, he walked around to each member of the host’s family regardless of age or gender, and poured a small amount onto their plates. It was a homemade dipping sauce, mixed with spices and chili.

The sauce wasn’t particularly spicy but was full of fragrance.

The jar had only been half full to begin with, and after sharing it around, it was just enough to empty it completely.

“This is a type of spice mix, best used as a dip for meat,” Song You explained as he returned to his seat. Noticing the curious and slightly hesitant looks from everyone, he took the lead, slicing a piece of meat with his knife, dipping it into the sauce, and putting it into his mouth.

After chewing and swallowing, he reassured them, “There’s no need to worry. It’s nothing harmful, just a token of appreciation for your warm hospitality.”

The people of the grasslands were straightforward by nature and didn't bother with too many formalities.

In recent years, Yanzhou had seen its share of unrest, and many had heard stories of demons and ghosts using sorcery to harm people. Moreover, with Song You dressed in a Daoist robe, looking like someone who could wield magic, the mysterious powder he brought out made people hesitant to try it, even though he tasted it first.

But on second thought, they realized that they had welcomed him warmly and shown him hospitality; there was no reason for him to harm them. Besides, it was the Grassland Festival, with so many people outside. Even if he were truly a demon, he would have to restrain himself in such a setting.

The male head of the family sliced a piece of meat, dipped it into the spice mix, which had turned a reddish-yellow hue from the various ingredients, and put it in his mouth.

“Hmm?” His expression suddenly froze in surprise.

Seeing this, the rest of the family followed suit, slicing their meat, dipping it into the seasoning, and tasting it. Their eyes widened in astonishment.

The Daoist merely smiled faintly.@@novelbin@@

In this era, even in the relatively prosperous and culturally rich southern regions, culinary techniques were still quite basic. Even nobles from the south, upon tasting this secret recipe for the first time, would likely experience an unprecedented sensation on their taste buds. All the more so for the people living on the grasslands, where, apart from salt, they probably had little access to other seasonings.

From their expressions, Song You could see the same amazement he had witnessed when Shu Yifan first tasted it.

As for Song You himself, having eaten this many times, he had grown accustomed to the flavor. In fact, he felt that the grassland’s beef and mutton were of such high quality that they were delicious even without any seasoning.

That was the nature of taste—sometimes, novelty added a significant boost. So, he decided to let them enjoy this novelty.

It was evident that the family thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

After they finished eating, Lin Le's younger brother wanted to ask if there was any more seasoning left. However, his father, understanding how precious such spices were, quickly stopped him.

Song You indeed had no more to offer.

After the meal, they sat and chatted for a while longer. By the time afternoon rolled around, they agreed to go watch the horse lassoing competition together.

This event was a true test of both skill and strength.

Traveling with Lin Le's family proved to be very advantageous. They could serve as translators, and if there was anything Song You didn’t understand, he could ask them. This was much better than wandering alone and allowed him to gain a much deeper understanding.

As night fell, they lit up a bonfire.

Song You and Lady Calico were once again invited by Lin Le’s family to join the festivities. They left their belongings and the sheep in Lin Le’s tent, and then gathered around the bonfire to enjoy the grand celebration on the grassland.

Some people sang, some people danced.

There were also masters traveling with the officials who demonstrated their magic tricks: a single piece of dried meat was divided and shared among everyone present, and a single jug of wine was poured out for everyone to drink, all without charging a single penny.

Lin Le’s family, sitting next to Song You, eagerly held out plates to receive some of the dried meat and cups for the wine. After tasting it, they commented that the meat was good, and the wine was excellent.

The rest of the crowd tasted it and were full of praise as well.

Even Song You decided to ask for some to try, and after tasting it, he passed a piece of the dried meat to Lady Calico. He had to admit, it was indeed quite good.

However, it was just good—certainly not as scrumptious as the officials and the crowd were making it out to be. The exaggerated reactions were likely due to a psychological effect, amplified by the novelty of the magic.

“This is truly incredible,” Lin Chang remarked to Song You.

“Indeed.” Song You nodded in agreement.

Song You knew well that the dried meat and wine were likely hidden in a nearby tent, but he had to admit the performer’s magic was impressive. He didn’t hold back his praise.

“This person’s magic is truly remarkable!” Lin Chang exclaimed in awe. “If only someone like him were around during times of famine, how many people could be saved!”

“Perhaps,” Song You agreed, but he chose not to reveal the trick.

Just then, Lin Le’s younger brother blurted out, “If he’s so powerful, why doesn’t he go and get rid of all the ghosts in that city up north?”

Lin Chang’s expression immediately darkened. “Don’t speak nonsense!”

“Hmm?” Song You’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s this about ghosts in the north?”

“It’s just the nonsensical ramblings of a child,” Lin Chang dismissed hastily.

“But I am headed north,” Song You insisted gently.

“…”

Hearing this, Lin Chang hesitated.

He turned his head to glance at Song You, who was watching him with a curious expression. Beside him, the quiet little girl who had been sitting obediently also turned to look at him. After a moment of thought, he finally spoke, “It's not exactly a secret. In fact, I wanted to warn you when I heard you spent last night alone on the mountaintop.

“About thirty to forty li north from here, there’s an old earthen city. It used to be a military garrison, but it’s been abandoned for years. They say it’s full of ghosts now. Grass doesn’t even grow near it anymore. These ghosts aren’t known for harming people, but they often steal and eat cattle, sheep, and horses.

“Even if you know some magic, it’s better not to camp alone in the hills at night. It’s safer to stay with the group; the ghosts are less likely to show up when there are many people around. You wouldn’t want your horse or sheep to become ghost food.”

“There are many wolves and bears on the grassland, no? How do you know it’s ghosts that are taking the livestock?” Song You asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Many people have seen them,” Lin Chang explained. “Of course, we have wolves and bears here, but we also keep guard dogs. When something comes close to the herd, the dogs bark. There have been several instances where people went out after hearing the barking, only to see ghostly soldiers in armor, crouched over the cattle. By morning, the livestock would already be dead.”

“I see,” Song You nodded thoughtfully. “And how can you be sure these ghosts come from that city?”

He answered, “A long time ago, the grassland folk hired an exorcist to drive out the ghosts, and they tracked the source back to that city. You might not know this, but the city has been abandoned for years; everyone inside perished long ago.

“In recent years, the northern generals haven’t sent any new troops there, and at dusk and dawn, people often see ghostly figures coming and going, as if they’re still patrolling, just like when they were alive.”

“I see.” Song You nodded again, falling silent.

Seeing Song You avert his gaze, the little girl beside him also followed suit, turning her eyes back to the front. The Daoist reached out and gently patted her head.

At this moment, the performer who had demonstrated his magic trick earlier had finished distributing the dried meat and fine wine, returning to his seat. Song You’s eyes turned toward him.

Next to the performer sat a young official, who seemed equally amazed by the conjured meat and wine. Unable to contain his curiosity, the official asked, “Immortal, since you possess such remarkable abilities, why not use them to exorcize the evil ghosts in the northern Turtle City?”

The master looked surprised at the question. He paused for a moment, then furrowed his brow.

The young official, sensing he might have said the wrong thing, thought he might have offended the master with his question. But just then, he heard the master respond, “It's not that I can’t handle the fierce ghosts of Turtle City. It’s just that these ghosts are quite unique, and to fully eradicate them would not be an easy task.”

“Oh? In what way are they unique?” the official asked.

“Well, I assume you are aware that Turtle City was once a northern military fortress, garrisoned with elite troops. After it was massacred by the people of the northern frontier, many of its soldiers transformed into fierce ghosts,” the master explained. “Firstly, these ghostly soldiers and generals are exceptionally skilled.

“Secondly, they were all heroic souls who died for the country. To exorcize them completely would require extensive preparations and perhaps even the approval from higher authorities. Otherwise, I fear it could cost me dearly, even shortening my own lifespan.”

“Oh?” The officials sitting with him perked up immediately upon hearing that there might be a solution. They exchanged glances with renewed interest.

A moment later, an older official spoke up, “Even if the ghosts of Turtle City are the souls of fallen heroes, they have already transformed into ghosts. Now, they have been troubling the local populace for quite some time, not only harming livestock but also frightening people into sickness, and even causing deaths from the shock of seeing them.

“Immortal, if you truly have a way to deal with them, please let us know what resources you need, and we will do our best to provide them.”

The master’s eyes darted around shrewdly, and he lowered his voice, entering into a hushed negotiation with the officials.

It was difficult to make out the exact details from a distance.

Song You could only catch snippets of their conversation, but judging from the expressions on the officials’ faces, it seemed the master was tactfully requesting a substantial sum of money.

However, at this time, a sudden gust of yin qi swept in.

“Whoosh…”

The yin qi came from the distance, transforming into a yin gust that blew directly toward the master, who was seated at the main seat with the officials.

“Bang!”

It seemed that beyond his earlier telekinesis tricks, the master had little ability to deal with actual ghosts or engage in magical combat. Momentarily caught off guard, he was immediately knocked back by the blast of cold wind, rolling several times on the ground.

The officials were instantly alarmed. The master’s disciples were also taken aback.

By the time the performer managed to sit up, his face was already covered in blood.

1. Zhiguai xiaoshuo, translated as "tales of the miraculous", "tales of the strange", or "records of anomalies", is a type of Chinese literature which appeared in the Han dynasty and developed after the fall of the dynasty in 220 CE and in the Tang dynasty in 618 CE. They were among the first examples of Chinese fiction and deal with the existence of the supernatural, rebirth and reincarnation, gods, ghosts, and spirits. ☜