Otaku Translation: The Unintentional Path to Immortality Chapter 36

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The little girl stood next to her, barely half her height. Her clothes were clean and tidy, her eyes darting around, taking in the humans, interesting objects, and places making noise on the ground. However, her face lacked the rich expressions of a normal person. Perhaps because she had only learned transformation recently, she had not yet learned the complex expressions of humans. When encountering something surprising, the most she could manage was widening her eyes slightly.

With a swish, the tent flap was lifted, and a group of Daoists walked out.

Daoist EmergingCloud couldn't help but observe everyone's expressions.

Leading the group was Dao Brother Song. His expression remained the same throughout, as if nothing could faze him, neither horror or disgust, nothing special.

It was the elders and fellow disciples behind him who seemed a bit different from before.

The elders wore a hint of embarrassment and awkwardness on their faces, while the fellow disciples had flushed cheeks, some muttering softly about things like "unsightly" or "should have asked before going in."

Both Daoists and the cat were full of curiosity.

Lady Calico leaned sideways, craning her neck, her eyes widening as she peeked through the lifted curtain.

Meanwhile, Daoist EmergingCloud walked up to WindResponse: "Senior Brother, what's inside this tent?"

WindResponse's face reddened a bit more. "N-nothing much..."

"Why such an expression?"

"Stop asking."

"What is it exactly? It's so strange. Your appearance makes me even more curious."

WindResponse stammered, still unable to answer.

Even though Dao practitioners were supposed to be carefree, how could they speak about such things in front of his junior sister?

Just then, Daoist EmergingCloud's master scolded: "What else could it be? It's all those unsightly things! Enough asking. What's there to even ask about?"

"Oh..." Daoist EmergingCloud couldn't help but shrink back.

Thinking of the things in the tent earlier, the stench of corpses, the grotesque and twisted human figures, she felt a bit nauseous.

But it was Song You who chuckled and said to Daoist EmergingCloud: "Dao follows nature, no need to dwell on appearances."

As he spoke, he caught sight of Lady Calico trying to sneak in.

"Swish!"

Song You grabbed the back of her clothes and pulled her back, then glanced at the others, gesturing: "Dao Friends, it's getting late."

"We should also return to the Temple of Azure Sky."

"Then let's bid farewell."

"Until we meet again."

Even Lady Calico mimicked Song You's words, saying a somewhat formal farewell. If it weren't for her back collar being held by Song You, it might have seemed more formal.

The two parties went their separate ways.

Daoist EmergingCloud withdrew her gaze, feeling a bit regretful, a bit reluctant: "Dao Brother Song's composure is truly remarkable."

The middle-aged Daoist was lost in thought, furrowing his brows.

After tonight's stroll, Dao Friend Song indeed seemed much more composed than them. Not only compared to the younger generation but also to those they had encountered before. What seemed insignificant before now revealed its profound meaning. That line "Dao follows nature, no need to dwell on appearances," seemed directed at EmergingCloud and the others, but it actually helped preserve the dignity of the elders.

After a long time, he relaxed his brows and let out a long sigh. "Sigh..."

"Why did you sigh, master? Is there something troubling you?"

"It's not trouble, it's enlightenment."

"What enlightenment?"

"I feel that we, who diligently study the scriptures and ponder Dao, are immersed in them all day, forgetting the simple truth of following nature. In the end, we have to rely on Dao Friend Song to enlighten us."

"What do you mean, master?"

"All things in this world contain Dao. If we look with discerning eyes, there is something to gain everywhere. If we limit our vision to the scriptures, pondering only their profound meanings, and neglect what lies beyond, merely skimming the surface when observing the world, isn't that falling short?"

The Daoists present were not dull-witted individuals; they had already grasped some insights earlier. Upon hearing this explanation, clarity washed over them, followed by a sense of deep embarrassment. Quickly, they bowed towards the direction where Song You was departing.

This piece of guidance could spare them from ten years of painstaking effort in pursuit of enlightenment.

"So, what exactly is inside?" When Daoist EmergingCloud straightened her back, she still couldn't help but ask.

…….

"It's just ordinary human desires."

"Desires?" Lady Calico didn't quite understand the term.

"It's like when Lady Calico is hungry, she wants to eat. When thirsty, she wants water. When bored or full of energy, she wants to run around. When she sees a mouse pass by or a bug flying by, it's hard to resist reaching out to catch them." Song You patiently explained, "Desires are similar to these, perfectly normal. If you can find ways to eliminate them, you'll be at ease. If not, you'll experience various discomforts, much like hunger or thirst. How you handle your desires is the true reflection of your cultivation."

"I don't understand."

"Then let it be."

"Is it fun inside?"

"Why such a question?"

"You seemed very happy when you came out."

"Lady Calico has keen eyes."

"Is it fun?"

"It's the joy of enlightenment."

"What joy?"

But Song You didn't answer, instead halting his steps.

After parting ways with the Daoists from the Temple of Blessed Clarity, he found himself back in the bustling heart of the temple fair. Beyond the daytime acrobatics, magic tricks, and scallion oil pancakes, there were now singers performing, stilt walkers, lion dancers, and even blacksmiths creating intricate iron flowers.

Molten iron, blazing at a scorching 1,600 degrees, was poured like liquid fire into sturdy molds. Then, burly men, their chests bared and muscles flexed, swung hammers with a resounding force.

With a resounding splash, it exploded into the sky, showering down in a cascade of sparks, like a swarm of fiery fragments dancing through the air.

This breathtaking spectacle rivaled even the most magnificent of future fireworks displays.

Song You stood there, mesmerized, as the iron flowers bloomed one after another. It was only after a while that he lowered his head, reaching out to pat the head of Lady Calico, who stood beside him with eyes wide open, equally enchanted, and said to her: "It's like witnessing these iron flowers falling at night; there's a sense of fulfillment in my heart, naturally bringing joy."

"Like stars falling," she replied softly.

"Yes."

"Will this happen again tomorrow?"

"I don't know."

"Lady Calico will come to see it again!"

"Very well."

"And she'll watch the monkey performance!"

"Sure."

"Could you buy me some rat poison?"

"Why?"

"I'll use it to kill all the rats, then eat them. That way, I won't have to catch them myself."

"Let's discuss that later."

The two, one tall and one small, gradually walked away.

Back in the courtyard, another delight awaited them—the yellow plum blossoms were in full bloom.

As Song You pushed the door open and stepped into the courtyard, he was greeted by nothing but the faint fragrance of the night, gently seeping into his senses. A phantom figure moved gracefully under the trees, singing softly, her voice echoing like the clear chill of winter plum blossoms. The two scenes complemented each other, evoking a momentary glimpse of a transcendent beauty rarely encountered in the earthly realm.

"These flowers have bloomed." Lady Calico's voice was delicate.

Song You kept his eyes forward and murmured in a low voice: "Yes."

"They're yellow."

"Yes."

"But you painted them red."

"You remember."

"I'm very clever."

"Indeed."

"Why did you paint them red?"

"Just a random stroke."

As the conversation reached this point, suddenly, the ghostly figure vanished into thin air. Song You could only shake his head in regret. Beauty in this world was always short-lived. Without delay, he went to fetch an oil lamp, intending to hold it and admire the flowers by lamplight during the night.

These yellow plums were reminiscent of the wax plums from his past life. Originally named "Yellow Plums," some attributed the renaming to the two famous Chinese poets, Su Dongpo and Huang Shangu, who, captivated by their petals resembling honey wax, dubbed them "Wax Plums." Alternatively, it was suggested that Huang Tingjian, known by his courtesy name Huang Shangu, observed the petals' resemblance to wax twisted by a woman's hand, prompting the change in name. Regardless of the origin, their translucent petals bore an uncanny resemblance to wax, hence earning them this moniker.

Due to their blooming in the twelfth lunar month, they were often referred to as "Lamei" (Plum Blossom of the twelfth month).

Wax plums and regular plum blossoms were distinct. Wax plums bloomed in the cold winter months, usually yellow, while plum blossoms appeared in spring, mostly red. In modern classification, one belonged to the Eriobotrya family, the other to the Rosaceae family. It was difficult for later generations to discern whether the plum mentioned in ancient poetry referred to the regular plum blossom or the wax plum. Which one represented the plum blossom and which one signified the wax plum remained unclear. Song You, too, had not yet encountered poets. If he had met a poet, he would have at least gained insight into this matter through their poetry.

In fact, in Song You's past life, he rarely encountered plum blossoms, but he often came across wax plums and frequently caught the scent of their fragrance.

The aroma of wax plums held deep memories for the people of his hometown:

In spring, there were fragrant gardenias; in summer, the scent of Osmanthus fragrans; in autumn, the aroma of osmanthus; and in winter, the fragrance of wax plums. These were the scents that could be smelled year after year. Even in the city, there was no need to worry. As long as it was the season, many elderly people, either carrying baskets or pushing carts, would come to the streets to sell the fragrant flowers.

The most delightful fragrance was that of wax plums.

It was sweet yet cold, sweeter than osmanthus but not as cloying, refreshing and pleasant, a fragrance from distant memories, the fragrance of home.

Song You was truly delighted, reluctant to enter the house.

Unable to resist, he plucked a blossom and delicately pinned it to Lady Calico's head. Without hesitation, he picked another, bringing it to his nose to savour its scent. Compelled by the beauty, he stood beneath the plum tree, holding up the oil lamp to admire it closely. If only transportation and postage were more convenient in this era, he would have sent a branch to the old Daoist at the temple, expressing his longing. But alas, it was not feasible, so he reluctantly left it on the branch, unable to bring himself to pluck anymore of it.

The oil lamp illuminated the wax flowers, creating a unique sense of beauty.

As the night deepened, the courtyard grew colder, yet the wax flowers bloomed one by one, becoming even more exquisite in the chilly air.

Song You's heart was at peace, unwilling to leave for a moment.

If someone were to pass by outside, they too could enjoy the fragrance in the courtyard. If they were willing to stop and listen, they could even hear the faint conversations within the courtyard.

"Getting colder, Daoist."

"Yes."

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

"I can't bear to."

"Pick a branch to take back to the house.”

"Still can't bear to."

"..."

"Why aren't you speaking?"

"Lady Calico isn't either."

"Lady Calico is watching you."

"I'm watching the flowers."

"What are you thinking?"

"About some old acquaintances."

"Missing your master?"

"How does Lady Calico know?"

"Lady Calico is very clever."

"Naturally."

At this moment, what Song You thought about was more than just his master.

The fragrance of these flowers came from deep memories, naturally evoking other things from the past. Ancient tradition involved sending plum blossoms to express longing. But even if Song You plucked a blossom, he didn't know where to send it.

Thankfully, having Lady Calico as company alleviated much of the loneliness.

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