Chapter 658: Chapter 658

On one side lay the terraced fields and mountain village; on the other, the sea of clouds and sky.

They hadn’t walked far when a middle-aged man, accompanied by his attendants, came stumbling along the narrow path between the fields, rushing toward them.

The man was plump, dressed in splendid robes, with an ornamental longsword hanging at his waist. As he ran, he panted heavily, drenched in sweat, the sword swaying wildly with every step. Compared to a few years ago, there were now streaks of gray at his temples, and his face had grown more weathered.

“Up ahead! There he is!” one of the attendants shouted, pointing forward.

The middle-aged man had also spotted Song You and his party. But instead of slowing down, he ran even faster.

Only when he reached Song You did he finally stop. Unable to help himself, he bent forward, bracing his hands on his thighs and gasping for breath. Then he straightened up with effort and cupped his hands in a respectful salute.

No sooner had he spoken than he bent over again, hands on his thighs, still panting.

“Greetings, Mr. Liu,” The Daoist also stopped and returned the salute.

Compared to the merchant, who was gasping so hard he could barely stand straight, the Daoist stood calmly, as straight and composed as a pine tree.

“It’s been years. How have you been, sir?”

“Safe for the time being,” Song You replied with a smile. “Why the rush, Mr. Liu?”

The man surnamed Liu still couldn't catch his breath and spoke while wheezing, “I came up the mountain today to inspect the construction progress of Qinglong Temple. A craftsman mentioned that an old acquaintance of mine had arrived. The moment I heard his description, I knew it had to be you. I feared you might leave before I found you, so I rushed over at once.”

“If fate wills it, we’ll meet again eventually. This path is narrow, uneven, and runs beside a cliff. You should be more careful in your haste, Mr. Liu.”

“Yes, yes, I know!” Mr. Liu nodded repeatedly.

After catching his breath for a while and recovering somewhat, he straightened up again and gestured ahead, saying to the Daoist, “This isn’t a good place to talk. Please, sir, walk with me, we can talk as we go.”

“Very well...” The Daoist followed him forward.

“I heard you personally funded the construction of a Daoist temple here, before the sheer cliff, to honor the true dragon. Such a grand endeavor.”

“I had this idea for a while now... Eh, I think I even mentioned it to you once, Master, didn’t I?” Mr. Liu said to Song You as they walked. “In short, I've always yearned for the immortal path and the cultivation of the Dao. I even thought about retreating to the mountains to live in seclusion. But back then, I kept getting tangled up in business matters down in the city. These past few years, I’ve returned here every Spring to buy silkworm silk and wait for the true dragon to appear. I chatted often with the mountain recluses and Daoists, and eventually, I gritted my teeth and made the decision. No more hesitation.”

“Building a Daoist temple here lets us worship the true dragon as a deity, provides a place for those recluses and masters to cultivate in peace, and brings benefit to the local villagers. When I grow old, I can retire here too to meditate and nourish my spirit. A plan that serves many purposes.”

“You brought in craftsmen from the county and the prefecture, and hauled bricks and tiles up the mountain, it must’ve cost a fortune?”

“It certainly wasn’t cheap!” Mr. Liu said with a wry smile. “But I thought it over. The reason I was able to make my fortune was all thanks to the ‘Dragon Brocade.’ It earned me a name in Changjing and even caught the attention of the palace. And that Dragon Brocade? It all comes from the silkworms on this mountain, doesn’t that mean it's all thanks to the true dragon?”

As he spoke, Mr. Liu turned to glance at the sea of clouds below, deep and endless, encircling the mountains.

In his mind’s eye, he recalled the day the true dragon soared up the sheer cliffside, paused to meet the Daoist’s gaze, gifted a jewel, and then exhaled a breath that brought spring back to the thousand peaks and renewed life across the land.

He had witnessed the true dragon three times, sometimes from afar, sometimes up close. That day was the closest. Yet never before had he seen the dragon lower its head and look directly at someone, nor had he seen such a divine scene. The awe he felt that day surpassed all three of his previous encounters combined.

He paused, then added quietly, “And now the world below grows more and more chaotic. Yunzhou is full of restless natives, stirring with trouble. Even the mountain recluses say that Great Yan's peace won’t last more than a few years. Some plan to descend the mountain, others want to seal it off entirely… In troubled times, even vast wealth is hard to protect. Better to live up here, at least it's peaceful.”

“You speak true,” the Daoist replied with a gentle smile.

“Only...” Mr. Liu continued, glancing at Song You with some hesitation, “Since parting with you all those years ago, I’ve come back to the mountain each year to wait, but never again have I seen the true dragon. The villagers say that after it flew off that day, it never returned.”

His heart was uneasy, not because he feared hearing the Daoist say, “The dragon does not approve,” but because ever since that day, no one had seen the dragon return.

And only later did he recall, he had been nearly deafened by the dragon’s roar and the violent winds it stirred as it took off. The shock of the jewel and the breath it exhaled had left him dazed, his mind blank. Somewhere in the haze, he faintly remembered hearing the Daoist murmur to himself, “From now on, there are no more true dragons in this world...”

He wasn’t sure if he’d misheard.

Or if it had all been his imagination.

Now he looked at the Daoist Master, only to see him smile faintly and shake his head.

“As long as Mr. Liu and the people of the mountains are fond of it, that’s enough.” There was a trace of melancholy in that smile.

“And the true dragon...”

“The true dragon is no longer here.”

Mr. Liu froze for a moment, then fell silent.

The calls of workers, hammering, sawing, and scattered chatter floated back into his ears.

Up ahead, the edge of a palace building under construction came into view. As the group moved forward, their line of sight opened up to reveal the entire temple complex. There were courtyards and halls in various stages of completion, with many craftsmen hard at work.

But the sun had already climbed high into the sky.

Though the Bashu wasn’t too cold in winter nor too hot in summer, that was only in terms of temperature. Once the sun came out in full force at noon, few could bear its heat for long.

As a group of highland villagers approached from the other side, all carrying shoulder poles, a gong suddenly rang out. With that, all the craftsmen let out a collective cheer and left their workstations.

“I only just learned of your arrival, sir,” said Mr. Liu, glancing at Song You and then at the calico cat trotting along at his feet with the wooden ball in her mouth. “In my haste, I didn’t even have time to ask my old friends in the village to prepare a proper meal. If you would be so kind, please accompany me to the village for a simple lunch. Tonight, I’ll arrange a proper banquet so we can catch up properly.

“Later this afternoon, I’d also like to ask you to take a look at the construction of the temple and give your opinion.”

“What are they eating?” the Daoist asked, looking toward the craftsmen ahead.

Nothing builds an appetite like a full day of hard labor. As soon as the villagers arrived with the food, the craftsmen rushed forward, bowls in hand, jostling for a spot, faces beaming with smiles.

Those who got their food first either squatted on the ground, found a rock to sit on, or simply stood nearby and began wolfing down their meals without delay.

Even the scene itself whetted the appetite.

The Daoist could faintly smell the food wafting through the air.

“Have you ever tasted it?”

“Of course,” Mr. Liu replied. “Whenever I come to inspect the site, I eat the same meals as the craftsmen. But to treat you, sir, I could never serve something so simple.”

“There’s no need to trouble you or the villagers,” Song You said with a smile. “If you’re willing, let us share a meal with the craftsmen. Seeing how much they’re enjoying it, I’ve grown quite hungry myself.”

Mr. Liu was taken aback, then looked at the calico cat beside Song You. “The craftsmen’s food is plain. There’s some oil, but little meat. You might be able to stomach it, sir, but would Lady Calico enjoy such a meal?”

“No need to worry, Mr. Liu. Lady Calico can eat it too.”

At that moment, the calico cat lowered her head and gently set down the wooden ball, then looked up and gave a soft “meow” before picking it back up again.

“Then I’ll have to trouble you, Master.”

And with that, Mr. Liu led the way.

Unlike the conscripted laborers forced into service by the government, the craftsmen hired to build the temple had come willingly from the towns below. As hosts, it was only proper to treat them well. Mr. Liu was generous, and the mountain folk were simple and sincere. They prepared red rice, served dry, along with a bucket of mixed vegetables. Bits of fish could be seen floating inside, and the broth was tinged red, rich with the scent of soy sauce and vinegar. It was a humble but satisfying meal.

The Daoist filled a bowl and sat down at the temple gates to eat.

Mr. Liu did the same.

The calico cat squatted beside them, her own little bowl placed in front of her. It held the same red rice and broth-soaked greens. She lowered her head and ate with little smack smack sounds.

Yesterday, that same craftsman who had spoken with the Daoist came over again to chat, and a few other craftsmen also came by to greet Mr. Liu.

In this noisy, bustling place, there was naturally no such rule as “don’t speak while eating or sleeping.” Holding his bowl, Mr. Liu faced the drifting white clouds ahead, eating while describing to Song You his plans for the Daoist temple, whom he had invited from among the mountain’s reclusive masters to come oversee or cultivate there, who had agreed, who had declined, and whom he intended to appoint as the temple’s head. He wasn’t sure if the choice was right.

Song You chatted with him in kind.

The atmosphere was pleasant, and the scenery beautiful. Even such a simple communal meal was thoroughly enjoyable.

Before long, both men’s bowls were empty without them realizing it.

“The craftsmen eat like they’ve been starving. If you haven’t had your fill, sir, I’m afraid there’s no second helping.”

“Many thanks for the meal, Mr. Liu. I’ve had my fill.”

“The food was humble, my apologies for the lack of refinement.”

“No need for such words, Mr. Liu...” Fresh chapters posted on novel⸺fire.net

“Sir, you are a transcendent being. Since fate has brought you here once more, I wonder if I might boldly ask you to inscribe a name and calligraphy for the temple?” Mr. Liu added, following up his previous words.

“To inscribe a name and calligraphy?” Song You smiled at the request.

“Though my writing is not terrible, it’s certainly not good enough to deserve the honor, perhaps not even better than my own cat’s, to be honest. I truly don't have the face to accept such a task, to have my calligraphy hung above the temple gate. Should I return someday and see it hanging there, I’d surely feel ashamed. Besides, there are many reclusive masters in the mountains who are accomplished in calligraphy and painting. You might consider asking one of them, it would lend the temple an air of refinement and grace.”

He paused for a moment, then added sincerely, “Still, you’ve graciously hosted us, and the temple is newly built. It wouldn’t feel right to leave without offering something in return.”

Song You lowered his head and looked at the calico cat. Mr. Liu followed his gaze as well.

The calico cat had just finished her meal and was now grooming her fur, the wooden ball resting beside her, apparently she’d grown bored of it.

Noticing her Daoist’s gaze, she raised her head to meet his eyes. Her eyes sparkled for a moment, and she instantly understood what he meant. Stretching out a paw, she gently batted the wooden ball twice, nudging it from her side to the Daoist’s feet, before returning to licking the fur around her neck.

Mr. Liu blinked, baffled and unsure what was going on.

As for Song You’s earlier comment that his handwriting was no better than his own cat’s, Mr. Liu naturally took it as a joke.

“I once visited a Daoist temple in Jingzhou,” Song You said, turning his head to look over the new temple, “where there was an old tree in the courtyard, quite elegant. Many temples I’ve visited seem to plant trees in their courtyards, and they were refined and calming to the spirit.

Now that your temple is newly completed, and coincidentally, my Lady Calico picked up a rather unusual tree seed by the cliff, perhaps this is fate. Let us plant it here on your behalf, and may it grow tall and evergreen for years to come.”

Hearing this, Mr. Liu quickly cupped his hands and bowed in thanks. “Then I thank you deeply, sir.”

“There’s no need for such formality, Mr. Liu.”

With that, the Daoist bent down to pick up the seed, then called the calico cat over. Together, they picked a spot in the outer courtyard of the temple. With a formal gesture of respect, the Daoist asked the calico cat to help dig a hole in the ground, and there, they buried the tree seed.

They covered the seed with a thin layer of soil and poured a large bucket of water over it.

Then, the Daoist invited the swallow nesting under the eaves to lend their aid.

A swallow flew over and landed beside the seed. Though it made no visible movement, in the blink of an eye, the seed had already sprouted and broken through the surface of the soil.

In just a short while, the tender sprout became a young sapling. And in a few more moments, it grew to be as tall as a person.

At this point, the craftsmen in the temple finally realized something strange was happening. They all gathered around, curious and astonished, watching as if witnessing a magic trick at a temple fair.

While they were still marveling, the sapling had already become a full-grown tree.

Its crown stood tall and graceful, like an imperial canopy.

It cast a wide swath of shade across the unfinished temple courtyard.