Unintended Immortality

“Ah, right, sir...”

“What is it?”

“It’s already dark. If you're looking for an inn to stay a few days, exit this alley and head to the right, there’s one just across the way. It’s not fancy, but it's decent enough,” Butcher Gao said, his face flushed from drink.

He continued, “I happen to know the innkeeper. Just mention my name and you’ll get a bit of a discount. No need to go out of your way to praise me. Just tell them you were referred by Butcher Gao. I’ve got some friends in the jianghu who often lodge there, and the inn regularly gets their meat from me. When they hear that, they’ll understand.”

“That would be a great help.” Song You smiled slightly and cupped his hands in thanks before finally taking his leave.

That inn had been around for many years. If ownership hadn’t changed hands, it should still be the same one. Song You had already planned to stay there.

After taking a few steps forward, he walked into the darkness.

These days, Yidu’s nights seemed quieter than before. Perhaps it was because of the increased rumors about ghosts and demons; people naturally avoided going out alone after dark. Thus, the already quiet alleys became even more silent. The sound of hooves echoed clearly, as did the tap of the Daoist’s and the girl’s staffs against the ground, and the soft rhythm of their footsteps.

Then came the sound of conversation.

“I still remember that once you drew a picture of me when I was lying in the tree,” Lady Calico said.

“Yes. That painting was given to Prefect Yu. He still keeps it. He even took it with him to Changjing. I’d guess it’s now hanging in his residence.”

“You drew the plum blossoms red!”