Unintended Immortality-Chapter 539: So It Was Fate Back Then

“How do you know what I was thinking?”

“Every elder of your sect who has come here has asked the same question upon hearing my name.”

The Fire God turned his head to look at Song You.

This ancient deity appeared quite ordinary—thick eyebrows, large eyes, a square face, and a sturdy build. He had a full beard and long, unbound hair, dressed in a loose red robe that billowed like flames. His features leaned more toward those of the people of the Central Plains.

“I see,” Song You nodded, understanding that it was the weight of time at work.

The records in his sect’s texts were quite clear—Fiery Sun True Lord had originally been an ancient cultivator, a powerful figure who had already possessed great cultivation. His ascension to the Heavenly Palace and his transformation into a deity had been solely for the sake of achieving longevity.

He was one of the few great beings from ancient times who had successfully transitioned into the incense-based Divine Dao and endured to the present day.

The title True Lord was an old one. In those days, mortals did not distinguish so clearly between different divine ranks, nor did the deities concern themselves with such distinctions.

A figure like Fiery Sun True Lord, who had only borrowed the incense-based Divine Dao to extend his life, cared even less about his status or authority in the Heavenly Palace. In fact, many ancient cultivators who had turned to incense-based Divine Dao likely possessed other profound abilities and thus did not overly rely on incense worship.

If this Fire God was his brother, then he was not an inherent deity but rather a mortal-born cultivator likely from Great Yan.

However, in those ancient times, Great Yan had not yet existed.

The concept of China had already emerged, though at the time, it referred only to the central lands that now formed the heart of Great Yan. Over time, the idea expanded, and in the present day, the people of Great Yan widely believed their land to be the center of the world and the rightful Celestial Empire. As a result, all of Great Yan commonly referred to itself as China[1].

Looking at this Fire God, Song You could tell that he was undoubtedly a true ancient powerhouse, likely having taken the same path as his brother—leveraging the incense-based Divine Dao. But whereas one had ascended to the Heavenly Palace, the other had remained here, ruling as a mountain deity.

One drew faith from the people of the Central Plains, while the other had gathered followers from the Western Regions.

“If you and Fiery Sun True Lord were once brothers, why do you now dwell so far apart?” Song You asked, curiosity piqued.

“Must brothers always stay together?”

“That’s true,” Song You admitted.

“Hmph...” Flaming Sun True Lord let out a snort before cutting straight to the point.

“You’ve come seeking me... What is it that you want?”

“I heard that there is a Flame Mountain here, where the flames burn eternally. A mighty Fire God resides within, and I wished to see it with my own eyes. Since my journey is one of broadening my knowledge, I came to pay my respects.”

“I thought you had come because you heard the mortals below claiming that the great drought of these past two years was my doing, and that you were here to hold me accountable.” The Fire God spoke with blunt candor.

“In addition to traveling here to expand my understanding, I do have another purpose. I indeed wished to see whether the drought below had any connection to this place or to the Fire God himself. However, I have an even more pressing matter.”

Song You knew that his sect’s past generations of grandmasters had all interacted with this deity before, so he showed a bit more respect and courtesy. As the Fire God raised an eyebrow, Song You continued,

“I have also come in search of the Five-Directions Five-Elements Spiritual Resonance.”

“Five-Directions Five-Elements Spiritual Resonance?”

“Yes...”

“And what exactly is that?”

“It is the spiritual resonance of the five directions and five elements in the world. Each governs one element and manifests as earth. I have already found three, but I still lack two.”

“Is it a treasure?”

“Yes... and no.”

“What is it used for?”

“To establish the underworld.”

“The underworld?”

“Precisely.”

“Explain it to me, now!”

This Fire God was truly a straightforward one. Not only was he direct, but also somewhat impatient.

Song You didn’t mind at all. Instead, he simply sat down on a nearby stone slab and began explaining the matter of the underworld to him.

The Fire God showed no reservations, nor did he seem to consider Song You a stranger. He listened attentively and frequently interrupted with questions.

When he heard that the Five-Directions Five-Elements Soil was necessary for forming the underworld, he immediately asked how Song You knew this. When Song You mentioned that it was the former State Preceptor who had spoken of it, the Fire God pressed for further details.

When he learned that Song You intended to construct the underworld, he questioned why the Heavenly Palace had not sent any immortals to intervene. And when he heard that Song You had fought against divine beings, he immediately asked whether he had managed to kill any.

Every time Song You recounted a confrontation with the Heavenly Palace, the Fire God burst into hearty laughter. When he told of how he had slain the Great Star God, the Fire God clapped his hands in delight, his laughter shaking the entire cave hall.

It was clear that he did not have a favorable relationship with the Heavenly Palace either.

This Fire God was not one for scheming or subtle conversation. His words and mannerisms carried the straightforwardness of an ancient era. Yet, unlike Divine Lord Yuewang, who had an unrestrained and carefree nature, this deity’s disposition leaned more toward broad-mindedness.

Such broad-mindedness often belonged to extraordinary individuals—those who held supreme positions, possessed unparalleled wisdom, or wielded unmatched strength. People like that had few equals, and since no one could restrain them, they naturally did as they pleased.

However, compared to those who were merely powerful or highly placed, this ancient being was in a league of his own.

His openness also carried a hint of straightforward honesty.

But speaking so freely, laughing so recklessly—it was surprisingly satisfying. Even Song You found himself caught up in it, feeling the joy of their conversation.

The calico cat often stared at the Fire God.

Meanwhile, the swallow was repeatedly startled by his booming laughter.

“Now that you’ve explained what it is, I do know of it.” Flaming Sun True Lord straightened his posture.

“But it is not here. The flames of this mountain exist only because I once summoned them during my cultivation. If one does not consciously restrain their power while training, it is inevitable that it will affect the surrounding world.

“Later, I found the fire rather convenient. It kept mortals away, so they wouldn’t come every year with their noisy offerings and ceremonies to disturb my peace. So, I let it be, and it has burned ever since.”

He paused for a moment before turning to glare at Song You.

“But the flames of my Flame Mountain only burn this region. No matter how intense the heat, it cannot spread beyond ten li, much less across entire prefectures. The drought of these past two years is simply the result of the world's natural cycles. Two thousand years ago, this entire region was covered in lakes.

“Now, it has all turned to dry land. The affairs of the heavens and earth are like this—live long enough, and you will witness the transformation of oceans into farmfields. It is nothing surprising.”

Then, narrowing his eyes, he added, “However, there is indeed something responding to these celestial shifts and exacerbating the drought. And more than likely, it is exactly what you’re looking for.”

“There are indeed rumors outside claiming that the drought is the work of the Fire God. The tales are quite vivid, and such rumors could harm your reputation and incense offerings. Why not clarify the truth?”

“How would I clarify it? If I say a word or two, no one will believe me. Plus, I can't be bothered to waste the effort to give a lengthy explanation,” Flaming Sun True Lord scoffed. “Mere mortals only live for a few decades—let them talk. In the end, there are few in heaven or on earth who can do anything to me anyway.”

“...”

Song You couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

Now this was true broad-mindedness.

But perhaps this Fire God had been secluded for too long. He was too ancient, and his mindset was still stuck in the relatively simple and straightforward times of his own era.

The world today was vastly different. If a deity were to bring calamity upon the world due to their own whims, causing a drought spanning three thousand li, they would not only face widespread condemnation but also be recorded in history books as a villain, their infamy lasting for generations.

It was no longer as easy to be forgotten as in the past.

Song You did not press the matter further. Instead, he asked, “The thing you mentioned, where is it located?”

“Three hundred li west of here, deep underground,” the Fire God replied. “I went looking for it once myself. It's quite an unusual thing, not easy to move. Though it aligns with my path of cultivation, bringing it back would have required considerable effort. And, well... At this point, no amount of cultivation makes much difference for me. So after playing around with it for a few days, I left it where it was and returned.”

“I see.”

“If you want to retrieve it, you should set off soon!” the Fire God grinned. “I must say, speaking with you has been enjoyable, especially hearing about you slaying gods, heh. But I won’t keep you any longer.”

Then, baring his teeth in a wide grin, he added, “If in the future, you manage to slay another celestial deity from the Heavenly Palace, come back and tell me about it. That would be even better.”

“Do you bear a grudge against the Heavenly Palace?”

“It’s an old feud, nothing worth mentioning,” the Fire God waved dismissively. “No need to bring it up.”

“Understood.” Song You only smiled and refrained from asking further.

But there must have been some kind of deep-seated grievance.

Otherwise, how could it be that two brothers—both having attained incredible heights in their cultivation—ended up so differently?

One was venerated in the Heavenly Palace as the orthodox Fire God, worshiped by countless mortals, while the other was confined to this place. Not only was his domain small, but it wasn’t even within the Central Plains.

Great Yan truly was the center of the world—not just in terms of culture and economy, but even in matters of gods, ghosts, spiritual resonance, and cultivation. Even demons and ghosts rarely chose to leave Great Yan willingly. To be cast out was akin to exile.

“Before I leave, may I visit the mountain peak?”

“Of course you may.”

Before long, Song You and his companions, along with Flaming Sun True Lord, arrived at the peak of Flame Mountain.

Behind them, flames roared upward, piercing the sky. But when they turned their backs to the fire, they faced the vast and boundless Gobi Desert—an endless expanse of earthy yellow stretching beyond sight. It was as though the vastness of the landscape mirrored the boundlessness of their own hearts.

Flaming Sun True Lord spoke to them about how this place had looked two thousand years ago, pointing into the distance as if everything remained fresh in his memory, as vivid as if he had seen it just yesterday. As he spoke, he paused mid-sentence and let out a sigh.

The world changed. Seas would turn to farmfields, and vice versa. Through it all, he remained here, bearing witness to time itself.

Song You stood there for a long while before finally bidding farewell.

“I take my leave, Fire God. Forgive me for the disturbance. I only hope that in the future, should another heir of Hidden Dragon Temple come here, you will remember our meeting and invite them to see the same sights I have seen today.”

“Hahaha...” Flaming Sun True Lord burst into hearty laughter before turning to Song You.

“Do you really think I invited you here and treated you as a guest because of my old ties with your sect’s past elders?”

“Is that not the case?” Song You was slightly puzzled.

“Hahaha! The heirs of Hidden Dragon Temple change with every generation. At most, the newest one might have some connection to the previous generation, but if we go back two or three generations, you have never even met those who came before you. What ties could there possibly be?”

He continued, “The disciples of Hidden Dragon Temple who have come here all have their own personalities—some are polite, some are not. I’ve seen so many that I’ve grown used to it. Over time, I decided that no matter who came here, I would treat them as if I had never met their grandmasters. I wouldn’t consider them the descendants of old acquaintances.

“Whether the previous one who came here drank with me and chatted or fought me in battle, the next one is a completely new person. I treat them as though no past grievances or friendships exist.”

“You are broad-minded, Fire God.” Song You truly admired his words and offered a sincere compliment, but his curiosity only deepened. “Then... this time, why did you invite me here?”

“Though it is peaceful here, it is also terribly boring,” Flaming Sun True Lord admitted.

He added, “Many demons and spirits have come seeking refuge under my name. I don’t care much for having subordinates, but they do bring some amusement. There are also a few creatures born from the heaven and earth who come here. I keep them around, amusing myself by playing with them. Some are pure of heart, and I rather enjoy their company.”

He turned his gaze to Song You.

“A few months ago, one of those little creatures couldn't resist its nature and ran off. It made its way to Longzhou. I should be thanking you. If not for you, it likely would never have made it back.”

Song You was stunned.

A sudden realization dawned upon him.

Turning his head toward the distant mountains below, he caught sight of a figure leaping joyfully through the terrain.

The creature was slender, with long limbs. Its body was shaped like a goat’s, yet adorned with long, deer-like antlers. Its face resembled that of a fox, smooth and white like jade, as though it wore a mask. Each time it leaped, its movements were effortlessly light and graceful. It curled its legs in midair, unhurried and carefree, as if dancing upon the wind.

“...”

A small smile appeared on Song You’s lips. So, it was a little act of kindness repaid.

Fate was truly a wondrous thing.

1. 中国 China literally means “center nation.” ☜

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