Unintended Immortality

At dusk, on Mati Mountain.

A swallow hovered above the clouds, circling repeatedly, rehearsing in his mind how to speak and act in the upcoming meeting to ensure no mistakes. Then he finally descended through the clouds and flew into the pavilion.

The jianghu people on Swallow Immortal Terrace below had mostly dispersed long ago, leaving only a few individuals either sparring, discussing matters, or strolling around chatting.

Inside the pavilion, a young Daoist sat cross-legged on the floor with his eyes closed.

A calico cat was on the left side of the pavilion, stretching lazily with her torso low and her rear raised. After stretching, she shook her head so vigorously that her facial features became a blur.

The swallow landed on the far right of the pavilion and transformed into a youth.

The young Daoist also opened his eyes. “Greetings,” he said.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mister. I…” The words he had rehearsed vanished inexplicably from his mind.

The boy fell silent for a moment, then bowed and extended his hand, offering a small red pill on his palm. “Mister, please take this pill.”

Song You accepted it, took a brief look, and then said to the cat beside him, “Lady Calico, please stay here. I'll be away for a while. However, my body will remain here, so don't think I'm dead…”

The calico cat turned her head to look at him. “What?”

Song You shook his head and swallowed the pill.

The world shook violently, and his soul left his body.

The world was still the same world, the colors were still the same colors, but something was different, though it was hard to describe.

The calico cat looked back at the Song You sitting on the floor, then lifted her head to look at the standing Song You. Her eyes gradually widened and her mouth was slightly opened in surprise, revealing two small sharp canines. She seemed utterly astonished.

“Daoist priest, you have turned into a ghost!”

“It’s just astral travel.”

“What kind of travel is that?”

“I'll explain when I return,” Song You whispered. “Please look after my body for me, Lady Calico.”

“Oh…”

Song You then looked at the youth and nodded at him. “Please lead the way.”

“Okay…” The youth suddenly transformed back into a swallow.

Interestingly, Song You also transformed into a swallow together with him. As the eyes of swallows differed from those of humans, the way they perceived light and saw things was different. Thus, after transforming into a swallow, Song You's greatest realization was that the entire world looked different through his eyes.

The distances, heights, colors of everything in the world, and even the perception of motion and stillness were different.

Seeing Lady Calico even made him feel somewhat frightened.

It could only be described as wondrous.

“Let's go…” The youth who had transformed into a swallow, flapped his wings and flew away.

Naturally, Song You did not know how to fly as a swallow, but at that moment, he did not need to control himself. He totally flew like the swallow in front of him, automatically following the way he flew. ṘάℕȮＢЕṡ

His senses remained intact.

He felt the evening wind and flew into the clouds and mist. Suddenly, he had a panoramic view of ten thousand mountain peaks and forests, interlinked rivers, and the setting sun sinking into the earth, painting the landscape blood-red.

The swallows flew fast and urgently, often changing directions.

Sometimes, they would soar straight up, almost vertically, with not a trace of the earth visible in his entire field of vision, as if they were about to pierce through the blue dome of heaven. He would then crash into the depths of the clouds and mist, becoming completely drenched and chilled.

Breaking through the cloud layer, they were above a sea of clouds.

In the pure evening sky, the high-altitude sunset hadn't faded yet. The sea of clouds was dyed red, and a few stars began to twinkle overhead, gradually increasing in number.

In that moment, Song You felt infinite freedom in his heart, as if he could go anywhere in the vast world.

However, this feeling didn’t last long. The swallows suddenly folded their wings again, diving straight down through the sea of clouds like an arrow that had lost its energy.

When they emerged from the clouds again, the earth filled their view. From an observer’s perspective, they were just two swallows flying in the sky, unremarkable. Yet experiencing it personally, the wind whistled fiercely as he battled against the vast sky, and it was enough to scare a normal person into screaming.

As the ground grew larger before his eyes, individual plants on the ground became clearly distinguishable. Just when it seemed they would die crashing into the ground, the swallows finally spread their wings and abruptly changed direction, flying left.

Moving left and right, suddenly up and down in this way, the thrill was like viewing the beauty of mountains and rivers from high above, challenging the limits of his senses and inner self.

However, for swallows, this was merely normal.

As night fell, the mountains became shadows, and the river merely a ribbon reflecting the twilight glow.

The swallows flew far away from human habitation, just flying towards the dusk.

Unfortunately, all journeys had an end.

The swallows flew into a courtyard house deep in the mountains.

“Boom…” Both swallows transformed back into human form.

Under the eaves of the courtyard house were all swallow nests. There were many swallows flying both inside and outside the house, chirping noisily.

Colorful lanterns were hung high inside the courtyard house, yet few people were visible.

“Mister…” The youth stole a glance at Song You and gestured for him to enter.

Song You followed him inside.

They entered a large room, elegantly decorated, but with only one old man sitting at the seat of honor. The old man was tall and thin, with silver hair and a face full of wrinkles, seemingly frail enough to be toppled by the wind. Seeing the way he looked, Song You understood why a water demon could still cause havoc with the Swallow Immortal here.

Seeing him enter, the old man hurriedly stood up while leaning on his crutch, and greeted him with cupped hands. “Honored guest, forgive me for not welcoming you from afar…”

Song You didn’t dare to slight him, and hurriedly returned the greeting. “I am Song You, a hermit from Lingquan County, Yizhou. I have long heard of the Swallow Immortal’s reputation. It is an honor to meet you.”

“I’m not worthy, it’s just a title carelessly used by the people below the mountain,” the old man said in a very aged voice. He quickly pointed to a chair beside him, “Please, take a seat.”

“Thank you.” Song You sat without hesitation.

“According to the current customs of the people below the mountain, you may call me Mr. Swallow. I am unworthy of the title ‘Swallow Immortal’.”

“You are too polite.”

“Young as you are, your cultivation skills are remarkable, and you have helped the people eliminate a menace in Lingbo County. You are a man of great righteousness. I should have invited you personally, but being old and too frail to walk, I had to send my worthless descendant to invite you on my behalf,” the old man said, glancing at the respectful youth standing to the side and shaking his head inwardly, “This boy is timid and useless. I hope he did not offend you.”

“You are mistaken…” Song You glanced at the youth who hung his head.

He had just asked him about the scenery in the sky that morning, and by evening, he had invited him to experience a wonderful flying journey. Song You didn't think it was a coincidence, nor did he believe that the Swallow Immortal always invited guests in such a manner.

The little demon was not versed in worldly matters. He was naive and sincere. He had responded to kindness with kindness.

Song You couldn’t help but like him.

Moreover, that night's flying experience was priceless, and he still remembered it fondly in his heart even then.

Song You couldn't help but feel grateful.

So he smiled and said, “This young friend is pure and kind. Though our acquaintance was brief, we had two pleasant conversations. He is not as you described.”

“You do not know…” The old Swallow Immortal chuckled and said, “This child has been timid since childhood, not daring to speak to others. He is afraid of people. If he met his own kind, elders, or even siblings, he is unable to speak.”

“Then he must be very good at being alone.”

“Haha, let’s not talk about this…” The old Swallow Immortal waved his hand, “I have not yet offered you tea, which is really impolite.”

As soon as he finished speaking, two lidded teacups of tea appeared on the table.

The old Swallow Immortal picked up one of the cups first.

Song You then picked up the other.

Strangely, though he was astral traveling, he could still pick up the cup as usual, lift the lid, and sniff the tea fragrance as usual. He could skim the tea froth and took a sip, tasting it vividly.

“Excellent tea…” Song You complimented with a smile.

It was indeed intriguing.

“I am glad you like it,” the old Swallow Immortal paused, “I heard you say just now that you are from Lingquan County in Yizhou. May I ask if you are from Hidden Dragon Temple?”

“Yes, I am.” Song You actually wasn’t surprised.

Each generation of disciples from Hidden Dragon Temple would descend the mountain to travel at intervals of at least thirty to forty years. In an era when the average lifespan was just over thirty years, it might not be entirely accurate to say it spanned many lifetimes, but it certainly was a long time. Moreover, since many temple owners did not casually reveal their origins during their travels, it was normal for ordinary people to be unaware of them. However, given the age of this Swallow Immortal, it was almost impossible that he wouldn't know about Hidden Dragon Temple.

The old Swallow Immortal sighed again. “Another generation already...”

“Indeed.”

“Is Daoist Duoxing your master?”

“Yes.”

“I've met her before...” The old Swallow Immortal's eyes revealed nostalgia.

She was truly a beautiful woman, yet also quite reckless. She only cultivated the Five Elements Method and only studied Five Elements spells. When he met her, she was probably not even thirty years old. At that age, purely in terms of magic battles, it was likely that even the Chief Officer of the Thunder Division in the Heavenly Palace and the renowned Gold Spirit Official might not surpass her.

She was truly a prodigy.

However, such a prodigy was too easy-going while traveling the world, sometimes more than she ought to be.

Back then, he also had a promising descendant who immediately took a liking to Daoist Duoxing, admiring her greatly. However, the formation of this predestined relationship also hindered his cultivation greatly.

This time, he had learned a lesson…

Counting the years, he deduced that the one who eliminated the water demon in Lingbo County might be a disciple of Hidden Dragon Temple. Hence, he chose the descendant who was the most reticent to invite him, avoiding any further cultivation disruption.

The old Swallow Immortal glanced at the youth, who had lowered his head, lost in thought. Ignoring him, he continued. “Was Daoist Tiansuan your master’s master?”

“Indeed.”

“Speaking of it, I even owe him a great debt.”

“I'd like to hear the details.”

“Though it was nearly a century ago, I was already in my twilight years, seeking hard for the Divine Dao in vain,” the old Swallow Immortal shook his head and sighed. “I met Daoist Tiansuan from Hidden Dragon Temple by chance when he passed through this place during his travels. He predicted that a severe drought would strike Xuzhou in the future and advised me to prepare in advance. Later, Xuzhou indeed suffered a great drought. I was able to protect the local people here and establish myself in the Divine Dao through the incense and offerings.”

“I see.” Song You nodded thoughtfully.

That explained it…

Controlling the weather was now a Divine Dao skill. To rely solely on cultivation skills and magic to bring rain to an area during a severe drought was extremely difficult. When he first heard about it, he was surprised, thinking that this Swallow Immortal had extraordinary abilities. However, if a lot of preparation had been done over many years, it made more sense.

As for the Divine Dao…

Embarking on the Divine Dao was not difficult in itself. All one needed were some followers. However, the old Swallow Immortal, having lived for a millennium, naturally pursued different things from those rural illegitimate gods.

Firstly, the source of incense and offerings must be legitimate.

Secondly, he must avoid provoking eradication by the Heavenly Palace and the imperial court.

As for his master’s master, though Song You had never met him, he did know about him.

Each generation of Hidden Dragon Temple owners was extraordinary, though their skills varied. For example, his master excelled in magic battles, while his master’s master was an expert in astrological calculations.

They had chosen their own Daoist names.

His master had traveled thousands of miles and thus named herself “Daoist Duoxing”[1]. His master’s master took the name “Tiansuan”[2] because of the idiom saying that human calculation could not surpass heavenly calculation[3]. It was arrogant but he wanted to refer to himself as “Heavenly Calculation.” However, Song You had heard that his later years were unfortunate, and that he did not die peacefully.

“In short, I owe Hidden Dragon Temple a great favor. I have not repaid Daoist Tiansuan. I should repay it to the successor of Hidden Dragon Temple.”

“You’re joking.” Song You respectfully said, “Heaven has the virtue of cherishing life, and saving the common people from calamity was a virtuous act. You may feel that you have embarked upon the Divine Dao through my master’s master skill. However, from my master’s master’s perspective, wasn't it also his borrowing your skills to benefit the people, thereby accruing some merit and good fortune for himself? No matter what, such a deed that benefits all living beings should not be discussed in terms of favors and gratitude.”

As he spoke, he glanced at the old Swallow Immortal.

This old Swallow Immortal was nearing the end of his life. If he died like this, even if he could still become a deity by relying on the religious faith of Anqing County commoners, how much divine power can faith from just one place bestow?

When his physical body was gone, without his cultivation skills, and also without the imperial court's conferring a title or the Heavenly Palace's acknowledgment, he would become an illegitimate deity in the mountains. Could he still be so carefree?

Even if the Heavenly Palace and the imperial court ignored him, how much longer could he live?

The Great Emperor Chijin did not yet exist two hundred years ago. Two hundred years later, would the people here still remember a Swallow Immortal?

Song You suspected he had more to ask for.

1. “Duoxing” literally means to travel a lot. ☜

2. Name means “Heavenly Calculation.” ☜

3. Idiom meaning “Man proposes but Heaven disposes.” ☜

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