Unintended Immortality

“Peaches!”

“Peaches!”

The old Daoist temple owner raised a trembling hand and pointed ahead, shouting aloud, his arm quivering with excitement.

There stood a peach tree, lush with branches and leaves, its trunk thicker than a person's thigh and darkening to an almost black hue. From the main trunk, large branches extended, and from these, numerous smaller ones branched out. Hanging densely on the tree were peaches, each larger than the rim of a bowl, their crimson hue so enchanting it was intoxicating.

The middle-aged Daoists around him were equally astounded.

To put it plainly, this was merely a small world within a painting, its boundaries perhaps less than a tenth of a county’s size. These Daoists were born and raised here, having lived within it all their lives. Although they practiced Daoist cultivation at the temple and often heard the old temple owner speak of the profound mysteries of Daoist scriptures and the wonders of magic, they had never witnessed it firsthand.

The old master’s explanations had not been particularly clear either, so they usually treated his stories as interesting tales. But now, they were witnessing real magic.

A Daoist from the outside world had picked up a brush, painted a tree on the white wall, breathed life into it, and the painted fruit tree became real. The peaches that grew on it were irresistibly tempting, and they could faintly smell the fragrant scent of ripe peaches in the air.

How could they not be astonished?

“Thank you for the meal. I have nothing to offer in return, but recently, I have gained some new insights and learned a few new techniques. So, I’ve used one here. Please, try the taste of peaches from the outside world again as a token of my gratitude for your hospitality. These peaches in the painting are from Peach Blossom Village outside Changjing City. I wonder if they compare to the sweet peaches of Jingzhou.”

“Can... Can we eat them?”

“Of course,” Song You replied, lifting his hand and gently plucking a peach from the tree.

With a soft rustle of leaves, the peach was easily pulled free.

Song You casually wiped the peach on his clothes and, holding it in both hands, handed it to the old temple owner.

The old temple owner reached out with his bony, trembling hands and carefully took the peach. Feeling its heavy yet soft texture, he brought it closer to examine it thoroughly.

The rich aroma of the peach reached him first as he took a bite.

Crunch!

The skin broke easily, revealing the soft, almost mushy flesh inside. Even with his old teeth, he bit through it without any effort, and at once, he was greeted by the rich juice and full fragrance of the peach.

After taking a bite, the string of peach fibers almost stretched into a thread, and juice dripped down his chin.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

He was speechless. The old temple owner half-closed his eyes, his gaze moist. As he chewed, he nodded repeatedly, looking at the young Daoist beside him.

His silence spoke louder than words. Everything was written on his deeply wrinkled face.

Seeing this, Song You smiled, then continued plucking peaches from the tree and handing them to the astonished Daoists one by one.

The Daoists quickly bowed, accepting the peaches with both hands and examining them closely. They had never seen such a fruit before. Yet the fragrance was so irresistibly tempting.

They exchanged glances, occasionally looking at their master, who seemed on the verge of tears. Finally, someone couldn’t resist, wiping the peach on his robe before taking a cautious bite.

Crunch!

“Mmm!” His eyes lit up as he nodded repeatedly.

Without a word, the others were quick to follow suit.

The Daoist smiled at them, watching for a while before finally speaking, “No need to rush, my fellow Daoists. There are exactly one hundred and eighty peaches on this tree. I doubt you could finish them all, even if you ate until you were full.”

The middle-aged Daoists paused and looked at him.

“I’ve been here for several days now. During this time, I haven’t spent a single wen. Yet I’ve stayed in the best rooms and eaten the finest meals, all thanks to the warm hospitality of the villagers and you, my fellow Daoists. I have little to offer in return,” the Daoist said, pausing briefly.

“Aside from the temple owner, a few days ago, some villagers from Jingzhou came seeking me out and invited me to their homes after they heard news of my arrival, where I was graciously hosted. During our conversations, they spoke with regret about the peaches of their homeland. There are also other villagers who, though not from Jingzhou, likely have never tasted a peach before.”

“Are you asking us to help distribute them to everyone?”

“I’m embarrassed. I should have delivered them myself, but if I were to go again, I fear I wouldn’t be able to return for several days,” Song You said helplessly. “So, I’d like to ask for your help in taking some peaches down to share with the people. After they’ve eaten the peaches, they can plant the peach pits in the mountains or fields. In the future, this place will have peaches.”

“Who should we give them to?”

“Chai Xueyi and his family of Xiaobei Village were the first to host me. If you visit the Chai household, you’ll learn who else in the village has been kind to me. The people of Niang'er Village are old acquaintances of the temple owner. Li Yongnian, who lives at the village entrance, was the first to invite me. I was hosted there for two or three days. Fellow Daoists, you can look for him.”

“Additionally, if any of you have relatives or friends in the nearby villages, feel free to share the peaches with them as well,” Song You said, bowing deeply. “This tree will remain here, bearing fruit every year as my gift of thanks.”

“Thank you, fellow Daoist, we will make sure to do as you say!”

“I should be the one thanking you, and especially the temple owner.”

Both sides exchanged polite courtesies and bowed to each other.

“I will take my leave.”

“Where are you headed, fellow Daoist?”

“I’m going for a walk up the mountain.”

“And after you come down?”

“I’ll return to where I came from. I hope we meet again in the future.”

“…” The middle-aged Daoists, each holding half-eaten peaches, stared blankly at him, unsure of what to say.

Song You, with the cat in tow, left the temple. His figure could be seen heading toward the mountain.

***

The cat, taking small steps, blinked its round eyes as it walked, occasionally stopping and turning back to glance at the peach tree in front of the temple. Only after the tree and the group of Daoists were completely out of sight did the cat raise its head and speak to Song You, “What was that?”

“A peach tree.”

“I know that it was a peach tree.”

“Aside from recognizing rats and lizards, it seems you can also identify peach trees. Truly, your knowledge and insight are vast.”

“You said it was a peach tree.”

“You not only understood it instantly but also remembered it. You must be a studious cat.”

“I’m very clever.”

“Naturally.”

“Where did the peach tree come from?”

“I painted it.”

“How did you paint it?”

“With a brush.”

“How was it painted?”

“With heart, and a bit of spiritual resonance and profound mystery.”

“Then why don’t you paint some money outside?” The cat tilted her head, thinking as she walked. “And paint some rats too!”

“I can’t do that.”

“Use a brush, with heart, and a bit of spiritual resonance and profound mystery,” Lady Calico mimicked his words exactly, even matching his tone perfectly. But with her soft, delicate voice, it sounded irresistibly cute and not serious at all.

“You don’t understand, Lady Calico.”

“You don’t understand, Lady Calico!”

“…”

The Daoist pondered how to explain it in a way she'd understand and then said, “I’ve recently been reflecting on this painting, grasping some of its spiritual resonance and profound mystery, and recalling the way Sir Dou comprehended the world through his art.

“Though I’ve made some progress, it’s only a small achievement, not much. Like Sir Dou at the foot of the mountain, what I paint can only come to life within the painting. Outside, it may have some spiritual energy but can’t become real.”

“It can only become real here?”

“You grasp things instantly, Lady Calico.”

“Why?”

“Because this place is a painting itself.”

Back in Yizhou, he learned a bit of this skill from Master Kong, which allowed him to paint a cat. With the help of a few of Lady Calico’s hairs, he gave the painting a touch of spirituality. Later, when he met Sir Dou, he gained a bit more insight after seeing the painting. After nearly a month of reflection, he improved further. Now that he was here, his understanding has deepened, and he was quite familiar with this technique.

Though he lacked Master Kong’s carving skill and Sir Dou’s artistic prowess to connect with the profound mysteries of the world, as a cultivator, he had his own way.

Thus, when painting a peach out of thin air, as long as he was deeply connected and put his heart into it, he didn’t need an actual peach or pit. He could still imbue it with a bit of spiritual resonance and profound mystery.

This spiritual resonance and profound mystery aligned with the world within the painting, borrowing some of its spirituality, which allowed it to become real within the painting.

This was something Sir Dou taught him.

Indeed, as the saying went, “There is something to learn from everyone.” Never underestimate these mortals—they were at the pinnacle of their craft. Their skills reached such heights that they could be considered divine in their fields. No matter how far a cultivator’s path might take them, there was always something to learn if they were willing to humble themselves.

“Do you understand?”

“I understood!”

“I can see that.”

“Then tell me—”

“Alright, I’ll tell you.”

“If you paint a pile of silver in here and then take it outside, would it become real?” Lady Calico asked, staring at him intently.

“Wow, you can even draw inferences from one example.”

“Draw inferences from one example!”

“I wish I were as smart as you, Lady Calico,” Song You said with a smile, but he didn’t answer.

“Where are we going now?”

“Up the mountain.”

“What for?”

“To enjoy the view.”

“Oh…”

The Daoist and the cat slowly made their way to the mountain peak.

This was the peak of the towering mountains that appeared like a sky-high wall when they were outside the painting or just as they entered it. It was also the edge of this world.

The mountain was tall, but not so much that it pierced the clouds. Looking back, the village at the foot of the mountain was laid out neatly, with fertile fields stretching endlessly. Most of the houses had white walls and black tiles, rather than thatched roofs.

The rural scenery was breathtakingly beautiful—not in a way that overwhelmed the senses, but it invited you to sit quietly and take it all in, filling your heart with peace and even a desire to live a secluded life here.

Behind the fields, a vast expanse of golden and white reeds stretched out, leading to a deep blue lake. On the other side of the lake, more mountains rise.

“What a beautiful sight…” The Daoist retracted his gaze and looked in the other direction.

This side wasn’t as scenic, with its endless rolling mountains stretching in all directions, with no clear boundary. Ahead, there was a wooden fence.

He approached the fence and pressed his hand forward. Though it seemed like he was pressing against the air, he had already touched an invisible wall.

Carefully sensing it, he found it quite fascinating. It even felt as if he could vaguely sense the world outside.

The air outside was damp and cool, with the yin qi dispersing as the yang qi rose.

It seemed to be morning. But where exactly, he couldn’t tell.

“Fascinating.”

This world was, after all, born from a painting that had touched the forces of heaven and earth. It was fragile. While this barrier could block ordinary people, it wouldn’t stop a Daoist. However, if he were to break through it recklessly, not only would he not know where he’d end up outside, but it was also unclear what would happen to the painting.

The Daoist quickly withdrew his hand.

“Daoist Master.”

“Hmm?” He looked down.

Lady Calico was standing on the ground, tiny as ever, craning her head up and staring at him with a puzzled expression. “What are you doing?”

“Something interesting.”

“What interesting thing?”

“Do you want to know?”

“Of course I want to.”

“Then step through the fence and take a few steps forward, and you’ll find out.”

“Hmm…” Lady Calico tilted her head, her eyes full of suspicion.

In the end, she decided to do as he said.

Lowering her head, she effortlessly slipped through the narrow gap in the fence using her fluid-like divine powers, walking forward.

“Thunk...” She bumped into something in the air.

The cat staggered back two steps, almost falling onto her bottom. Her eyes widened as she tried to see ahead, but there was nothing visible.

She took a couple more steps and bumped into it again, though this time much more gently.

It was only then that the cat realized something invisible was blocking her way. Curiosity filled her eyes as she cautiously approached, raising a paw to touch the invisible wall.

“Is it interesting?” he asked.

“What is this?”

“The edge of the world.”

“That makes no sense.”

“Come back, Lady Calico.”

“Okay...” Obediently, the cat turned and walked back.

The Daoist looked around, wandering through the mountain for a while longer, but he didn't encounter the divine immortal that the old temple owner had spoken of.

Perhaps the divine immortal did not wish to be seen. Perhaps it was not their time.

“...” The Daoist shook his head and did not push further.

If it was not meant to be, then he'd wait for the next time.

Regardless, this had already been a rare and wondrous journey. Not only had he gained several insights into his cultivation, but it was also an adventure filled with strange and marvelous sights. If that scholar by the Liujiang River had experienced this, he might say he'd die happy—or at the very least, be so excited he wouldn't sleep all night.

He was already very grateful and content.

With a gentle wave of his hand, ripples appeared in the air. Carrying the cat, Song You took a step forward and left the place.