Unintended Immortality

On a distant hillside stood a beacon tower. Beside the beacon tower, a Daoist sat cross-legged.

A jujube-red horse, loaded with traveling bags, grazed quietly, seemingly indifferent to the war raging below. Meanwhile, the calico cat sat upright beside the Daoist, as if imitating his posture, staring intently at the scene below.

The little cat couldn't suppress her curiosity. Turning around to look at the Daoist, she kept asking questions. “What are they doing?”

The Daoist remained calm and answered in a soft tone, his gaze fixed on the scene below.

“Fighting a war.”

“This is what fighting a war looks like?”

“Yes.”

“Why are there so many people?”

“Because there are many people.”

The cat seemed unable to comprehend the concept of war, its eyes filled with pure curiosity.

“Don’t cats fight too?”

“That’s true…“

“Right?”

“Why do you always summon the Mountain God?”

“Because it’s useful.”

“Doesn’t the Mountain God get tired?”

“I was casting the Boulder Legion spell.”

“The Boulder Legion spell!”

“It’s an earth element spell, a spell of the five elements. Back in Yidu, I told you about it—depending on one's cultivation depth, it can raise earth into walls, transform stone into soldiers, carve paths through mountains, or command mountains as deities.”

“I forgot…“

“It’s fine.”

“It sounds amazing.”

“Do you want to learn?”

“If I learn, will I be that powerful too?”

“Depends on your level of cultivation.”

“I possess vast divine powers and immense magical strength!”

“…“

Song You said nothing and quietly continued watching the scene below.

After a while, he turned to the calico cat sitting beside him. “I know many spells. Five years ago, back in Yidu, I told you about some of them. But at the time, you’d only recently taken human form and didn’t know much about cultivation or spells. And talking about them isn’t the same as seeing them in action.

“Now that your fire magic is progressing well, you could consider learning something new. Let me demonstrate a few techniques, and if any catch your eye, you can choose one to learn.”

“Why do you know so many?” the cat asked, her ears perking up.

“Because I’m exceptional,” he replied with a faint smile.

“Mastery lies in depth, not breadth!” she retorted, parroting something he’d told her once.

“...” The Daoist pulled his gaze away from the battlefield, looking contemplative. After a moment, he spoke, his voice calm but firm. “People aren’t all the same.”

“Meow...”

“And people are even more different from cats,” he added.

“Mm...” The cat seemed to only half-understand but didn’t ask any more questions. It simply followed his gaze downward, with only its tail swaying behind it, as if sweeping the ground.

The battle below continued for a while longer.

Several times, attackers managed to climb onto the walls.

However, the city was well-commanded. Whether they were startled or not was unclear, but at least it didn’t seem like they were in grave danger.

It appeared they didn’t fully understand what was going on with the stone giant, which made them somewhat cautious. The people of the northern frontier didn’t send out any more demons, and their morale seemed to have already dwindled.

As the sun sank toward the horizon, nearing dusk, the sound of gongs similar to those used by the Great Yan forces echoed below, signaling the people of the northern frontier to gradually withdraw their troops.

The battlefield below was littered with corpses.

Most prominent among them was undoubtedly the headless bear corpse.

Song You gazed into the distance again. On the western city wall, a lone figure appeared, standing tall and straight. From afar, their features were indiscernible, but their poised demeanor stood out. The figure seemed to be scanning the horizon, as if searching for something.

Before long, the figure's gaze found the silhouette of the Daoist atop the distant hill.

Their eyes met across the expanse of land.

“Let’s go.”

Song You stood up and began descending the hill.

The calico cat immediately followed, stretching lazily before padding after him. The jujube-red horse also moved forward, trailing behind its master.

The southern gate was the main entrance to Yuanzhi City, with secondary gates on each side featuring barbicans.

Coming from the west, Song You approached the western gate.

It was evident the western gate had recently been under attack. The city walls and gates bore the scars of battle: marks from blades, axes, and battering rams, as well as deep claw scratches from some enormous creature. Even arrows still jutted from some parts of the wall.

The Daoist, with a cat and horse in tow, calmly walked toward the city, his gaze examining the scarred fortress.

It was a testament to war—and to history.

“Boom...”

The west gate slowly opened.

Inside was a barbican, stained with the blood of countless fallen soldiers. The ground and walls were streaked with crimson. Within stood a formation of soldiers, led by a man in full heavy armor, draped in a crimson cape. Towering in stature, he locked eyes with the Daoist.

Behind him, rows of officers and soldiers stood fully armored, many with their faces obscured by helmets, revealing only their eyes.

The golden light of the setting sun streamed from behind Song You and his jujube-red horse, passing through the gradually opening gate to illuminate the soldiers within. Every sword mark, knife scar, and dent on the armor caught the light, casting mottled shadows that emphasized its authenticity and heft.

“Clang!”

General Chen stepped forward, cupping his fists in greeting. His voice was steady as he said, “Sir, it’s been a long time.”

The officers behind him also cupped their fists in unison. A resounding, synchronized sound echoed.

The Daoist stopped at the threshold of the barbican, leaning lightly on his staff as he met General Chen's gaze.

“It has been a long time.”

“This time, we are deeply grateful for your assistance!”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

“Sir, come on in!” General Chen turned and gestured invitingly.

“Alright.”

The Daoist strode forward with ease, following General Chen inside.

The officers and soldiers along the path turned around, stepping aside to clear the way, though many snuck curious glances at him.

The Daoist walked steadily, unfazed.

***

In the training hall, one side was occupied by generals fresh off the city walls, while the other held a group of strategists. General Chen and the Daoist stood at the center.

At the Daoist’s feet crouched a calico cat, her head tilted upward, intently watching these fierce and imposing figures.

“At last, you’ve arrived, sir,” General Chen greeted with a bow once more. “We implore your assistance.”

“There’s no need for haste, General. Speak your concerns slowly,” the Daoist replied calmly.

Maintaining his composed demeanor, General Chen began to explain, “You left Changjing last spring—I remember it well. Initially, I believed I’d remain in Changjing for a longer period. However, just as spring turned to summer, urgent missives arrived from the north: the northern frontier was once again mounting a large-scale invasion.

“Their momentum was overwhelming, and several strategic passes fell in quick succession. The north was in crisis, and both the court and country were thrown into alarm. Thus, I was ordered to return and defend the northern front.

“Upon returning, I discovered the truth behind the northern frontier’s audacity, despite their crushing defeat merely over a decade ago...

“It was the involvement of demons!

“If it were just a few scattered demons, they’d pose little threat. We generals, seasoned by years of warfare, have each slain our share of demons and ghosts. During regular marches and drills, mostly conducted in the wilderness, how many seasoned veterans haven’t encountered such things?

“Yet in the northern frontier’s ranks, demons aren’t just numerous—they possess significant skills and strange abilities...”

General Chen paused here, his eyes narrowing. Though his expression betrayed no fear, a hint of helplessness lingered.

“When it comes to battle, we of Great Yan have seasoned troops and valiant generals—we do not fear the northern frontier. However, subduing demons and monsters is not our forte. Their methods are strange and unpredictable, often catching us off guard.

“If all demons were like that bear demon today, it would merely be akin to dealing with a few fierce warriors. Yet in the northern army, the demons are not limited to such forms.

“While we have a few experts in demon subjugation within our ranks, even they are unable to fully counter these demons.

“I understand that you, sir, are merely journeying through the mortal realm after descending your mountain. I would not disturb your peace lightly, yet our circumstances leave me with no other choice but to implore your aid. If I have inconvenienced you, I apologize in advance.”

“No need for concern, General,” replied Song You. “Do you know from where these demons in the northern army originate?”

“Are you familiar with Zhaoye City?”

“I am.”

“Then you may know it was once occupied by demons?”

“On my journey here, I encountered a patrol from Zhaoye City who spoke of it. However, their accounts were rather unclear.”

“As for demons, I cannot claim deep understanding,” General Chen admitted. “In my campaigns, I have encountered such beings but have never studied them. Regarding Zhaoye City, however, I once sent people to investigate and later heard from Advisor Zhang, who speculated about the origins of its demons.

“That demon was known among the troops as the "Yellow Sand King." It was likely a deity originally worshiped by the people of the northern frontier near our borders, where they referred to it as "Yellow Sand Deity."

“However, after the people of the northern frontier invaded southward, occupying vast territories of Yanzhou and causing countless deaths, with piles of corpses outside Zhaoye City, something inexplicable happened to the Yellow Sand Deity—it transformed into an evil demon and devoured Zhaoye City whole.

“Subsequently, it declared itself king over the city. Neither we nor the people of the northern frontier dared to enter within a hundred-li radius of the city.

Even after Yanzhou was reclaimed, Zhaoye City remained a demonic kingdom within the territory of Great Yan. Countless demons from the northern grasslands were drawn to it, entering Zhaoye City to become soldiers and subordinates under the demon king's command.”

“A deity corrupted into a demon...” murmured Song You, his voice trailing off as he delved into thought.

“Later, it was said that immortals and deities often descended from the heavens to confront the demons of Zhaoye City,” General Chen continued. “In the fourth year of the Mingde era, during May, while both you and I were in Changjing, the demon king of Zhaoye City was subdued.

“The garrison commander of the closest military town received a dream from the Thunder God, notifying him of the event. Upon investigation, it proved true, and thus we were able to reclaim Zhaoye City.”

General Chen said, “Yet even though the demon king was vanquished, he managed to send out quite a number of his demon soldiers and generals, sparing their lives.”

As he spoke, General Chen couldn’t help but let out a chuckle and added, “That demon king was rather loyal, in his own way.”

“And why would they lend their aid to the northern frontier?” Song You asked.

“That, we do not know,” General Chen admitted.

“I see...” Song You's face betrayed deep contemplation.

Observing his silence, General Chen refrained from interrupting. Likewise, the gathered military commanders and advisors in the tent held their tongues, their eyes fixed respectfully on Song You.

Finally, when Song You broke from his thoughts and turned to General Chen, the latter immediately saluted once more.

“Sir,” General Chen addressed him.

“General, do not worry,” Song You said slowly, his voice completely clear. “Subduing demons is precisely what I excel at. The affairs of mankind should never involve the meddling of demons. Having journeyed through the north for over a year now, I will rest in your camp for some time. However, military strategies and battlefield tactics are not my expertise.”

“Sir, please rest assured!” General Chen quickly replied, cupping his hands. “If you can help us counter the demons, the rest—dealing with the northern armies—is the responsibility of us soldiers!”

“Call upon me whenever my help is needed.”

“Thank you, sir!”

The others in the tent all rose and saluted in unison.

Actually, not many people knew who Song You was, nor had anyone heard of any master's legacy being passed down in Lingquan County of Yizhou. At most, those with a deeper understanding of Daoism knew that outside Yidu City, there was a place called Qingcheng Mountain. It was renowned for either its Daoist masters or the jianghu sects that practiced swordsmanship and martial arts.

Not far from there was Mount Xi, where the Xishan Sect resided.

Most of those present had little knowledge of the rumors from Hezhou or the story of the demon king of He Plains being subdued. They simply saw that the commander of the army held this person in great esteem. With such authority and credibility, naturally, there was little room for doubt. Even if there were doubts, they did not diminish the respect.

After all, someone who had come specifically to lend their aid deserved no discourtesy.

Only a few strategists had heard the legends from Hezhou. Upon seeing the Daoist, they acted as if they were witnessing a divine being.

“By the way...” The Daoist's voice rang out once more.

The Daoist turned to General Chen and asked, “Does your camp include a man surnamed Xing, with the given name Xing Wu, a jianghu oddity?”

“Sir, you know Mr. Xing?”

“I encountered him when I first left Changjing. I heard he planned to join your army.”

“Mr. Xing is indeed with our forces now, assigned to the Special Talents Division. Thanks to him, communication of intelligence within the army has been significantly improved.”

“The Special Talents Division?”

“In Changjing, the State Preceptor has the Juxian Mansion. Similarly, our northern forces have the Special Talents Division. It is composed of exceptional individuals and peculiar talents from the jianghu, each possessing unique skills and all bound by loyalty and righteousness,” General Chen explained, pausing briefly.

He added, “I was just about to introduce these experts from the Special Talents Division to you, sir. If you have any need for their assistance, they would be at your disposal. Since you and Mr. Xing are old acquaintances, allow me to summon them here.”

With that, he waved his hand, and someone immediately left to carry out his order.

Song You also glanced toward the outside, silently waiting, curious to see which of the country’s remarkable talents resided within the army.