Chapter 1913: God Path

The Mortal Realm

"Thank you, Immortal Master, for saving our lives."

From a nearby willow tree, a faint, translucent figure emerged. It was a scholar, the very person Chief Yue Kaishan had seen in his dream. The scholar bowed deeply to Qin Sang, his words sincere.

Qin Sang replied, "First, I must thank you on behalf of these villagers for your protection. Besides, that locust spirit did not intend to kill."

The so-called "locust god" was not an individual locust that had achieved sentience. Qin Sang surmised it was a locust spirit born from the collective will of the swarm, perhaps due to some unique fortuitous encounter. The woman riding the donkey, as well as the willow spirit before him, were manifestations of divine will, not true transformations. This reminded Qin Sang of the mysterious spirit worm he had traded with in the Storm Realm, back when he first entered Middle State.

The scholar said, "Locusts forage by nature; she did not intentionally target humans."

"You are kind-hearted indeed, defending her." Qin Sang shook his head and glanced towards the village's Earth God Temple. The temple, built of stone, was exceedingly simple. There was no dedicated temple priest, and the villagers, unable to afford gold lacquer or colorful paintings, offered homage to a clay statue. In the mortal world, the image of the Earth God generally varied little. This Earth God statue also depicted a long-bearded, amiable old man, bearing no resemblance whatsoever to the scholar before him.

"Where has the Earth God of this place gone? Why did an unrelated willow spirit like you have to step forward to avert the disaster?" Residual spiritual fluctuations lingered on the clay statue, indicating that an Earth God had resided there previously.

The scholar's expression dimmed. "Three years ago, a tiger demon caused havoc in the mountains. The Earth God, in protecting the villagers, was killed by the tiger demon. Since I gained sentience, the Earth God often guided spiritual energy to nourish me, which is why I am here today. I dare not forget the kindness shown to me by the Earth God."

"So that's how it is." Qin Sang had already noticed the cracks on the clay statue and that both its arms had been broken and reattached with white mortar. "Since you have the heart to carry on the Earth God's legacy, the intention to protect the common people, and have performed this good deed, do you wish to inherit the divine position? If so, I shall instruct the villagers to reshape the clay statue for you, and thereafter you will be able to receive incense offerings and embark upon the divine path."

Upon hearing this, the scholar suddenly became agitated. "Can a lowly spirit like me also? But..." His reaction clearly showed willingness, but then a look of worry appeared on his face.

"What are your concerns?" Qin Sang asked.

"I have heard that, apart from mountain gods and earth gods born naturally in remote mountains, all gods in the mortal realm must receive official enfeoffment. Without official enfeoffment or inclusion in the sacrificial canon, they are not considered true gods but rather evil deities or illicit shrines, which will be suppressed and their temples destroyed by the City God. Furthermore, those enfeoffed as gods are always humans of virtuous character; a lowly spirit like me, I fear, due to my origin..." The scholar's face was filled with worry.

"It has been three years since the City God of Beikuo County dispatched a new Earth God to this area; that is his oversight. Your act of driving away the locust spirit and protecting this region effectively rectifies his neglect. If he clings to prejudice against other races, then he is unworthy of his position as City God," Qin Sang said calmly.

"Immortal Master, please be careful with your words!" The willow spirit was greatly alarmed, shocked by such rebellious words. However, remembering how Qin Sang had effortlessly restored his vitality, the willow spirit realized that the person before him was likely no ordinary being and must have significant backing to speak in such a manner.

The scholar hesitated, then bowed again. "Then, I trouble you, Immortal Master, to speak favorably for this lowly spirit to the City God and request an enfeoffment. If... if... the City God refuses, please do not press the matter..."

The locust spirit had already departed, and the villagers continued to kneel and prostrate themselves, oblivious to the conversation between Qin Sang and the scholar.

Qin Sang stepped forward and gave a light cough. Yue Kaishan was prostrate on the ground, muttering something under his breath. He looked up, saw Qin Sang, and was about to kowtow again.

"Thank you, Immortal Master..."

Qin Sang stopped Yue Kaishan. "Come here to speak." Leaving the crowd, Qin Sang walked to a willow tree, pointed at it, and told Yue Kaishan the truth. "...You may create a new statue in the temple, based on the image of the scholar you saw in your dream, and offer incense to it."

Yue Kaishan returned to the villagers, shouting excitedly. "It is the Willow God who protects us! The Willow God protects us!"

On the small path, Qin Sang led his horse back. Under a willow tree by the roadside, the scholar's ethereal figure bowed to them from a distance. On this journey, Qin Sang had not intervened, nor had there been any fierce battles. Vermilion Bird was drowsy, and Little Wu hadn't shown any particular reaction.

Qin Sang walked slowly, repeatedly pondering Little Wu's question. Having seen Little Wu spear fish, Qin Sang had a premonition, and this special trip finally confirmed his suspicions. He wondered if it was influenced by the slaughter in the desert, or if it was simply her innate nature. Little Wu, surprisingly, resembled someone cultivating the Path of Slaughter more than he did.

"Could the key to dispelling the demonic intent lie here?" Qin Sang did not answer Little Wu's question. He could easily come up with a dozen different answers, but he had to be extremely cautious when dealing with Little Wu.

"We can choose to kill, or we can choose to save. During our travels from now on, we will not kill; we will only save!" Qin Sang made a decision. It sounded as if, by doing this, he wouldn't be able to comprehend the Path of Slaughter. However, based on Qin Sang's understanding of the *Purple Star Sword Scripture*, it was highly probable that when Emperor Ziwei cultivated, there was a process of sheathing his sword, an attempt to suppress his murderous intent until he found his own path. But Qin Sang had never had the thought of sheathing his sword.

In the Great Dao of the world, where there is Yin, there must be Yang; when Yang reaches its extreme, Yin is born, and when Yin reaches its extreme, Yang is born. This applies to all things. Perhaps he could gain some enlightenment from this. Since this was a journey, experiencing various states of mind was also fitting. Qin Sang once again appreciated the benefits of the Void Refining stage: immense longevity and a Heavenly Tribulation only once every three millennia, providing a longer time to comprehend and seek the Dao.

Little Wu had always been obedient to Qin Sang, never hesitating, and simply nodded with a soft hum.

"What's the point of that!" Vermilion Bird grumbled discontentedly. "If we don't kill, how can we punish the wicked? What kind of 'acting on behalf of Heaven's will' is that!"

"Some may have gone astray, some may have made a temporary mistake; all can be saved. As for those incorrigibly wicked individuals, doesn't the City God Temple have a Department of Evil Punishment?" Qin Sang smiled, swung onto his horse, lightly shook the reins, and galloped off like a mortal Daoist priest.

Luo Hou's speed was only slightly faster than an ordinary horse, yet no obstacle could deter her as she galloped along the riverbank. Qin Sang had drawn a portrait of the Willow God for the villagers and had been persuaded to stay for a meal, so it was almost dusk when they set off. Before reaching Beikuo County City, darkness had already descended, and a crescent moon hung high. Moonlight spilled onto the river, and the tree shadows writhed like water ghosts.

Whoosh... whoosh... whoosh...

Suddenly, wind rose from the river. A chilling gust blew towards them, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the night. From the direction of the chilling wind, a faint mist spread along the riverbank, and within the mist, two indistinct figures could be vaguely discerned. The two figures flickered, their feet not touching the ground. However, judging by their attire, both wore neat black robes and tall hats, with swords hanging at their waists. Their faces were stern, and a faint, peculiar spiritual light emanated from their bodies, indicating they were certainly not lone wandering spirits. On the back of their robes, the character '北' (North) was written.

They flew swiftly on the wind. Hearing the rapid hoofbeats ahead, they ascended to a higher vantage point and looked, seeing a Daoist riding a horse by night. Although peculiar, they didn't find anything particularly unusual about the Daoist. They did not reveal themselves and continued forward. Just as they were about to pass by, the Daoist suddenly stopped, his eyes clearly fixed on them.

"He can see us?" The two instinctively tightened their grip on their sword hilts.

Qin Sang dismounted, cupped his hands, and said, "Are you two the Yin Messengers of Beikuo County? My Daoist name is Qingfeng."

"Precisely! Greetings, Daoist Qingfeng," the two Yin Messengers replied, surmising that Qin Sang was a cultivator whose cultivation far surpassed their own, and they bowed in unison.

"Judging by your direction, you must be here to investigate the locust disaster, yes? Why have you arrived so late?" When the villagers from Xiwu Village entered the city seeking work, a competent City God would have immediately caught wind of it. It had been four days before Yin Messengers were dispatched. If not for the Willow God blocking the locust swarm, who knows how much farmland would have been devoured.

Accused face-to-face, the Yin Messenger suppressed his irritation. "There were other important matters in the city, and the Lords were stretched thin. We only learned of the locust disaster rumors today and were immediately dispatched to investigate. If it were an ordinary locust plague, it would be considered a natural course of events and not require interference. However, if evil demons were causing mischief, they must be eliminated!"

Qin Sang nodded. "Indeed, there were demonic locusts causing trouble, but they have been driven into the deep mountains and did not harm the populace."

The two Yin Messengers exchanged glances, their expressions softening. They cupped their hands and said, "Many thanks, Daoist, for taking action to repel the evil creatures. You have saved us a great deal of trouble."

"No, it was not this humble Daoist who acted." Qin Sang shook his head and explained the full story, including the willow spirit's request for enfeoffment.

"This..." The Yin Messenger hesitated. "Such an important enfeoffment is beyond our authority. We hope Daoist will accompany us to the county city to seek instructions from our superiors."

Qin Sang saw no objection and motioned for the Yin Messenger to lead the way. One Yin Messenger whispered a few words to his companion, transformed into a swirl of shadowy wind, and headed into the city to report ahead. The remaining Yin Messenger led Qin Sang at a leisurely pace. Their pace was not slow, and soon they saw a large shadow appear in the distance, the outline of a city.

It wasn't long after nightfall, and the city was brightly lit. One side of the city gate was adjacent to the dock. On both banks of the great river, houses stood neatly, and the bustling sounds of people had spontaneously formed a small town. Qin Sang saw a familiar boat. Chen Ya'er was at the bow, burning wood to cook. The rattle drum he had given was still in Little Wu's hand. At the same time, Qin Sang noticed a person standing before the city gate, dressed in splendid official robes, exuding an extraordinary aura. A line of Yin Messengers stood behind him. It wasn't yet curfew, and people came and went before the city gate, yet no one could see him.

"It's the City God!" The leading Yin Messenger gasped, not expecting the City God to personally come out to greet them.

The green horse leaped, crossed the river, and landed steadily before the city gate. The City God was a middle-aged man with a square face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes, exuding an air of righteousness. From afar, he had been silently observing Qin Sang, having already learned Qin Sang's Daoist name through the Yin Messengers.

"Gao Ruoxu, City God of Beikuo County, greets Daoist Qingfeng."

Qin Sang led Little Wu off the horse and slightly cupped his hands. "This humble Daoist is Qingfeng; I dare not trouble Your Excellency the City God to personally come out to greet me."

Gao Ruoxu laughed heartily and said to his attendants, "Present it." Immediately, a Yin Messenger presented a roll of golden silk with both hands. Gao Ruoxu took it and slowly unfurled it before Qin Sang; it was precisely an imperial decree enfeoffing the Willow God as an Earth God.

"The willow spirit repelled evil and protected the common people. Although it is of a different race, its intentions are commendable. As the City God of Beikuo County, I have the authority to enfeoff Earth Gods; I simply need to report it to the prefecture city afterwards. Daoist, please take a look, are there any omissions?"

Qin Sang hadn't expected the City God to be so straightforward. "This humble Daoist thanks Your Excellency the City God on behalf of the willow spirit."

Gao Ruoxu nodded and handed the golden silk to the two Yin Messengers. "Hurry to the Xiwu Village Earth God Temple!"

The Yin Messengers received their orders and departed. Qin Sang and Gao Ruoxu conversed as they walked into the city. Chen Ya'er's boat was not far away. He was blowing into the stove, and his ears seemed to catch the sound of a rattle drum. He quickly looked up. The night was dim; there was no figure as he had imagined, and his face showed disappointment.

In Beikuo County City, the City God Temple was even grander than the county yamen, and the market street in front of it was the most bustling area in the city. Qin Sang, leading Little Wu, walked side-by-side with Gao Ruoxu through the market. Luo Hou and the Yin Messengers discreetly stayed behind.

Even now, there was no sight of the City God's civil and military judges or the heads of various departments. A dignified City God was accompanied by only a few Yin Messengers, and there was no aura of other deities in the City God Temple. Combined with Gao Ruoxu's unexpected enthusiasm, Qin Sang knew something was unusual, but he feigned ignorance and chatted casually with Gao Ruoxu. When asked about his immortal abode or sect, Qin Sang simply said he cultivated alone and had come here on a journey down the mountain.

As they were speaking, two Yin Messengers suddenly left the group and disappeared into a dark alley. Qin Sang stopped and turned to look. Gao Ruoxu also stopped and said, "Old Mr. Sun from Jisheng Pharmacy is nearing the end of his lifespan."

"Are the two Yin Messengers going to escort Old Mr. Sun on his final journey?" Qin Sang asked. Based on his knowledge from the Storm Realm, when a mortal's lifespan ended, unless someone used a spell to seize their soul or there were other variables, their soul would disperse, and there was no concept of reincarnation.

Gao Ruoxu nodded. "Old Mr. Sun was a kind-hearted physician who aided the poor and cured countless people throughout his life. He was known as the 'Benevolent Healer' and was greatly beloved. He may be led into the divine path."

"Led into the divine path?" Qin Sang's gaze swept over the Yin Messengers. "Your Excellency and these Yin Messengers, were you all benevolent and righteous individuals in life, becoming gods after death?"

"To speak frankly, I, Gao, only did trivial things in my life." Gao Ruoxu, noticing Qin Sang's apparent lack of understanding about the divine path, proactively explained, "Humans have three souls. After a mortal dies, the Heavenly Soul returns to Heaven, the Earthly Soul returns to Earth, and the Human Soul lingers in obscurity, its destination unknown. Legends say it can be reincarnated, but the truth of this is uncertain. However, some individuals, for various reasons, have their souls remain after death. For example, if entangled by hatred or obsession, spirits may linger and not disperse, or even become malevolent ghosts causing havoc. Such spirits need to be suppressed or eliminated."

"If one performs good deeds in life and is praised by multitudes, their soul, imbued with spiritual light after death, will not immediately dissipate. They possess the potential for the divine path; perhaps this is the Heavenly Dao's recognition of virtuous conduct. Our duty as City Gods is to guide these individuals into the divine path, so that when our earthly lifespans end, there will still be deities to continue protecting the region."

Qin Sang, having always operated at a high level, had never had the time to thoroughly understand these matters. According to Gao Ruoxu's words, the true divine path, too, differed from mortal legends; there were no Ox-Head and Horse-Face guardians, no Underworld, and wicked individuals were not sent to the eighteen layers of hell. Even reincarnation was merely a legend to the City God. The divine path of the Great Thousand World was also different from that of the Dao Court; entering the divine path did not require the merging of True Form and Talisman. He wondered, which came first, the former or the latter? The Dao Court's divine path was clearly more complex and subjected to human control. Could it be that the Dao Court was the origin of the divine path, and after its decline, the divine path continued to evolve in the Great Thousand World until today? Otherwise, with similar incense offerings, why hadn't the Storm Realm spontaneously developed a divine path? Or was there another reason?

Qin Sang's gaze was profound. This was clearly another unique aspect of the Storm Realm! Before his eyes, two figures seemed to appear. Even after a millennium, their voices, appearances, and smiles remained so clear: Daoist Jixin, Mingyue. They traveled as wandering healers, dispensing countless medicines. The common people had once erected thousands of shrines in their honor. If they had been born in the Great Thousand World, they too would have been guided into the divine path, wouldn't they?

Alas...