Chapter Fifty-Seven: An Urgent Summons

Chu Youcai paid no heed to those around him, proceeding to fill the page with numerous words—his understanding of virtue, his distinctions between good and evil, and the divisions of morality, heavenly principles, and human conscience. Then, with a flourish of his brush, he concluded with a verse: “Wherever there are flowers and wine, spring abides; even without moon or lantern, the night shines bright.”

At this point, Chu Youcai felt an overwhelming fatigue, his headache growing ever more intense. He promptly submitted his paper and stepped outside the hall.

His exam script soon reached the hands of many celestial beings. Upon reading it, they paused, their eyes sharpened with thought, and after a long silence, they praised, “He aspires to goodness, even without reward. Clearly, he understands virtue and merit. Investigate if he has already entered the Dao.”

Before long, an official returned and reported, “Chu Youcai has not yet entered the Dao.”

“Excellent. Since he has not entered the Dao but comprehends its principles, his insight must be exceptional,” the God of Guan nodded. “His poetic talent is remarkable, and his heart is indeed good. Previously, only he aided the beggar. The position of City God in the Temple of the City Guardian belongs to him alone. Fetch his Record of Life and Death.”

The official had already brought forth the Record of Life and Death. The God of Guan and the other deities leafed through it, yet Chu Youcai’s name was nowhere to be found. They searched again, but still found no trace, which astonished them.

The God of Guan frowned, “Could this person have already transcended the Three Realms? Yet he is clearly mortal and still possesses a living body.”

The gods hesitated, “Could he be a spirit in disguise, now appearing in human form?”

The God of Guan replied, “He possesses virtue and poetic talent—how could he be a demon? Bring him here and ask him directly.”

The official summoned Chu Youcai into the grand hall.

The God of Guan addressed him, “Chu Youcai, if you become the City God, you will be granted a divine position and ten extra years of life, but you must relinquish your mortal body. Are you willing?”

Chu Youcai was startled. He had not expected the position to be so demanding; to live ten more years yet be separated from his loved ones, how could he agree? Without hesitation, he resolutely replied, “I am not willing.”

The God of Guan nodded, “Then, if you are recruited as City God after your death, would you be willing?”

Chu Youcai’s heart stirred. If death meant oblivion, then nothing would remain; but if he could attain a divine post after death while retaining consciousness, countless souls would covet such a fate. He answered, “I am willing.”

“However,” the God of Guan paused, his gaze sharp, “the City God must be a person of pure background. Yet your name is absent from the Record of Life and Death. Do you know why?”

Chu Youcai’s heart raced. He knew he was not truly Chu Youcai, so the record might show him as deceased, his name erased. But he could not reveal this, so he shook his head firmly, “I do not know. Please, God of Guan, investigate further.”

The gods noted Chu Youcai’s calm demeanor and dignified bearing, secretly admiring him.

The God of Guan nodded, “This is no trivial matter; it cannot be handled lightly. Wait three days. We will give you an answer within that time.”

Chu Youcai bowed respectfully, “I am deeply grateful for your guidance and await your reply.”

Just then, an official rushed in, his eyes full of panic. He whispered something in the God of Guan’s ear, who immediately changed expression.

The God of Guan’s gaze became cold. He instructed the official to escort Chu Youcai out.

Chu Youcai sensed something extraordinary had occurred. The God of Guan’s high status was evident, yet he was so alarmed; what could it be?

As Chu Youcai followed the official out the hall doors, he listened carefully. At the threshold, he heard the God of Guan say to the assembled deities, “The locust demon is rampant—who among you has a strategy?”

The gods remained silent.

Chu Youcai suddenly understood—it was a locust plague. Yet he was startled that even the immortals were disturbed; this disaster must be far from ordinary.

As Chu Youcai passed the exam hall, he noticed the candidates still writing.

One among them was furiously scribbling, but his form grew increasingly indistinct.

Within a few breaths, the candidate dissolved into mist and vanished from the world.

Chu Youcai was astonished and was about to ask the official beside him about it. The official spoke first, “Their souls are not strong enough. We guided their spirits out of their bodies, but they cannot sustain it, so their primordial soul returns to their body.”

Chu Youcai understood now; it explained why only a handful remained from the dozen scholars.

He then mounted his white horse, led by the official, in a daze, unsure how long he traveled.

Eventually, exhausted, he returned to his room, found his body still lying on the bed, and rejoined it.

His spirit blurred, his headache worsened, and he soon sank into deep sleep.

He slept as if the world had faded, and when he awoke, it was already early night—he had slept nearly an entire day.

A gentle moonlight fell on him by the window. Beside him, Yun Cui Immortal and Hongyu watched anxiously.

“My lord, you’re finally awake! How do you feel?” Yun Cui Immortal asked quickly.

“I am not seriously ill,” Chu Youcai replied, though he felt his body heavy and utterly weak, unable even to sit up. Still, he forced a smile.

Seeing his condition, Yun Cui Immortal and Hongyu exchanged worried glances.

“My lord, please eat something,” Yun Cui Immortal brought warm food. Leaning against the headboard, Chu Youcai ate a few bites and felt slightly better.

He then noticed, quite by chance, an invitation on the table addressed to “Third Young Master Chu.”

“Who sent me this invitation?” he asked.

“It’s from the Prefect. He heard that you composed a poem for Hero Yan and invites you to tonight’s Locust Literary Gathering,” Yun Cui Immortal replied.

Chu Youcai’s heart stirred. The Locust Literary Gathering concerned Yan Prefecture; he must attend.

But as he tried to rise, his body felt even heavier than last night, and dizziness overtook him. He collapsed onto the bed, the sounds around him fading, and soon he slipped back into sleep.

The moon shone faintly, and the hour crept toward midnight.

Suddenly, Chu Youcai felt a warm breath suffuse his body, and his consciousness drifted out once more.

Beside him, Yun Cui Immortal lay awake, watching him intently, utterly unaware that his soul had departed.

Almost at that moment, Chu Youcai saw yesterday’s official waiting with a horse. Seeing him awaken, the official said urgently, “God of Guan requests your presence at once, Master Chu!”