Ding, ding, ding...
The stone carvings gradually covered the top of Yunding Mountain.
In the end, it seemed to Song You that the sculptor was not only carving but also talking to him—discussing time, the land, ancient people, and the future.
Eventually, the sculptor finished the last carving but did not turn around. Instead, he asked Song You when he had arrived. When Song You told him, he didn't understand the era Song You mentioned. The sculptor inquired whether the carvings were still there at that time. Song You simply mentioned that the wind at the mountaintop was too strong.
The sculptor seemed both regretful and relieved, telling Song You that he had stayed too long and should return soon. Song You then said his farewells.
It was as if he had engaged in a cross-temporal conversation with someone. But Song You knew it was merely an exchange of insights with the lingering spiritual resonance of the person who had left his mark on the mountain and the carvings years ago.
Who was there to talk and chat with him?
Who asked about a millennium later?
It was just that Song You had seen him and felt his spirit and thoughts while he was carving. It was merely Song You's own regrets and relief, and his own sense that it was time to return.
He did not know what kind of practice the Daoist followed or the depth of his Daoist skills. He only knew that the Daoist was at peace, with a deep sense of self and his own unique understanding of the world. His thoughts were transcendent and unique, and he lived a carefree and unrestrained life.
His cultivation might not be particularly high, and his methods might not be exceptional. There was nothing about him that showcased his cultivation skills or magical prowess. If you asked others whether he was an immortal, they might have different opinions.
Yet, at this moment, Song You was willing to honor him with the title of “immortal.” Interestingly, if one were to truly traverse time and meet him in person, they might not feel the same way.
He wondered when this mountain came here, but the west wind and setting sun remained silent. He wondered about when this immortal came here, but the morning dew and rising sun also offered no answers.
There was no need to worry about other things, no need to be concerned about who the immortal was or when he arrived or departed. Finding the immortal within oneself, finding one's own freedom and insight, was the true gain.
Song You opened his eyes.
“...” Only then did he realize something was amiss.
Turning his head, he saw Cui Nanxi sitting across from him, separated by seven or eight chi. The escort was standing by the cliff edge, holding a knife and scanning the surroundings.
A sun was rising from the east.
Looking down again, the cat stretched out its front paws, its little feet stretching wide, as it lazily yawned.
“Sir! Oh, no. Immortal Master, you're awake?”
“Forgive me...” Song You pressed his lips together and glanced around as he stood up. He bowed solemnly to them, saying, “I’m sorry for keeping you waiting so long.” �
“Not at all, not at all! How could we ever accept such a grand courtesy from an Immortal Master!”
“I’ve delayed you.”
“What are you saying, Immortal Master? Even though we ended up sleeping here in the mountains somehow, with your protection, we didn’t feel cold at night. It’s actually a good thing, otherwise we’d have had to find a place to spend the night on the mountain after crossing the iron chains at dusk. Even if it wasn’t the mountaintop, it would have been very cold!” Cui Nanxi said quickly, then paused.
He continued, “However, while you were meditating earlier, some... some visitors arrived. They were wild beasts and birds of prey from the mountain, just standing around here. We don’t know what they were doing, but they have all left now.”
“It’s nothing.”
Cui Nanxi glanced at Song You’s calm and composed demeanor, and seeing that he was untroubled and seemed used to such occurrences, he couldn’t help but breathe a little faster and asked, “May I ask, are you truly an immortal?”
“No.” Song You’s answer was bound to disappoint him. “I am just a mountaineer from Lingquan County in Yizhou, traveling the world and passing through here. Like you, I came here seeking immortals and Dao. I am neither a god nor an immortal.”
“Even if you are not an immortal, you are still a rare and transcendent master!” Cui Nanxi bowed deeply, “I’m truly lucky to have met you!”
“I am not worthy of such praise. Please, Mr. Cui, don’t mention it.”
“Immortal Master, we...”
“Just call me ‘sir.’”
“Sir, we...”
“Let’s go.”
Both parties then picked up their belongings.
The calico cat approached Song You, pawing at his pants and looking up at him. When he looked down at it, the cat lowered its head and gently nudged a small stone in front of it.
“But will future generations cherish such a book?”
“If it is a treasure, it will naturally be cherished.”
“What if the book were lost?”
“Even if the book is lost, the title and your name would still be remembered in history, though perhaps not as prominently.”
“Thank you, sir.” Cui Nanxi bowed deeply in gratitude.
The three people and one cat quickly reached the iron chain, and Cui Nanxi's heart began to beat anxiously again.
At this moment, the gentleman stopped, turned to them, and said, “We must part ways here.”
“This...” Cui Nanxi was undoubtedly reluctant.
If possible, he would prefer to deepen his friendship with such a reclusive master—inviting him to his home as a guest, playing the zither, drinking tea, discussing elegant matters, and talking about immortals.
Just as he was about to say something, he saw the gentleman suddenly extend his hand, holding two pills—one light green and the other light white.
“I have inadvertently delayed your time, and I feel very guilty. I offer these two pills as compensation. This light green one is called ‘Beginning of Spring,’ and it is for you, Mr. Cui. It is rich in vitality; though it cannot extend your life or make you youthful again, it can help maintain your health, energy, and protect you from illness and disaster.
This light white one was called “Rainwater[1],” which had the effect of nourishing all things. Mr. Xu, you’re a martial artist. Though it could not make you as agile as a swallow or enhance your skills, it could alleviate the hidden ailments you may have and help you recover faster from fatigue during training.”
In reality, neither of them were true pills. They were transformations of spiritual energy. And the effects of this spiritual energy were even better than described.
Beginning of Springrepresented the beginning of the year’s vitality. It indeed could not extend life, But in this age, few live to a natural old age; most died from illness. The vitality from ‘Beginning of Spring’ could help avoid most illnesses, allowing one to live a long life as long as no other calamities occur, which was nearly the same as prolonging life.
Rainwater nourished all things and was full of vitality. It might not make the martial artist a top expert, but its benefits in enhancing martial arts and recovery from fatigue went beyond merely curing hidden ailments and alleviating exhaustion.
Both were surprised and delighted.
Cui Nanxi had not felt that spending an extra night was a big issue, nor did he understand why the gentleman was giving such a generous gift. But with the pill being so extraordinary, almost like an elixir, how could an ordinary person refuse?
Xu Le was even more astonished. As just a bodyguard accompanying his master up and down the mountain, he hadn’t expected to receive such a substantial gift.
“Mr. Song, you’re too generous. I truly feel undeserving of this.”
“Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!”
Though their words were different, both accepted the pills.
“I do not dare to expect forgiveness from you; I only hope to make up for some of the time you lost.” Song You bowed to them again. “Please do not mention my name after you descend the mountain.”
“Of course, of course! Sir, you’re too polite; it is really a trivial matter...”
“I will not mention your name to anyone!”
“Thank you, and may we meet again by chance.”
Having said this, Song You stepped onto the iron chain.
The wind had stopped again, and the iron chain was still and unmoving.
The figure of the Daoist priest and the cat quickly disappeared into the mist, leaving the two people looking at each other in confusion, their brows furrowed with some puzzlement.
***
On the opposite side of the cliff, the mountains were still covered in a sea of red, the forests dyed in vibrant colors. The scenery seemed both the same and different.
The attendants and the donkey had long since vanished.
Only the jujube-red horse remained on the mountain, grazing contentedly. When it saw Song You, it paused for a moment before quickly trotting over. Its coat was smooth and shiny, and its saddle had been dragged to a nearby cave. Upon reaching Song You, the horse led him to the cave to retrieve it.
The saddle was now covered in a thick layer of dust.
“It’s rare that you’re still waiting for me. Thank you.” Song You patted the horse’s neck, feeling a mix of emotion. “You’ve grown a bit more...”
1. The traditional chinese calendar divides a year into 24 solar terms. Rainwater is the second solar term. ☜