A New Farewell
A few days later, Wang Liulang came to bid farewell once more. This time, Xu suspected someone else had been chosen to replace him. But Wang said, “This isn’t about someone replacing me. My compassion last time did indeed reach the heavens, and now I have been appointed as the Earth Deity of Wu Town in Zhao Yuan County. I’ll be assuming my position in a few days. If you cherish our old friendship, you must come and visit me—don’t let the long journey deter you.”
Xu congratulated him, saying, “Your integrity has earned you this role as a deity, which is truly wonderful. But humans and gods belong to different realms. Even if I’m not afraid of a long journey, how could I possibly see you once I’m there?”
Wang reassured him, “Just come; don’t worry about it.” After giving Xu detailed instructions, Wang left.
A Visit to Wu Town
Xu returned home and began preparing for the trip to the east to visit Wu Town. His wife laughed, saying, “Wu Town in Zhao Yuan County is hundreds of miles away. Even if such a place exists, how could you possibly talk to a statue in a temple?”
Ignoring her doubts, Xu embarked on his journey. When he arrived in Zhao Yuan County and inquired with the locals, he discovered that Wu Town was real. Upon reaching the town, he stayed at an inn and asked the innkeeper about the location of the Earth Deity’s temple.
The innkeeper was startled and asked, “Sir, might your surname be Xu?”
Xu replied, “Yes, how did you know?”
The innkeeper continued, “And is your hometown in Zi Chuan County?”
Xu nodded, even more confused. Without answering further, the innkeeper hurried out, and soon, men carrying children and women crowding the door came to see Xu. The entire town turned out, surrounding him like a wall of people.
Overwhelmed, Xu asked what was happening. The townsfolk explained, “A few nights ago, we all dreamt of the Earth Deity, who told us, ‘A friend of mine named Xu from Zi Chuan County will arrive soon. Please prepare some travel money for him.’ We’ve been waiting for you ever since!”
Amazed, Xu went to the Earth Deity’s temple to offer his respects. Bowing before the altar, he prayed, “Ever since we parted, I have thought of you day and night. Now I’ve come a long way to honor our agreement. I’m deeply grateful for your guidance to the townsfolk to assist me. I feel ashamed to bring only this simple cup of wine. If you don’t mind, please enjoy it as you did by the river.” He poured the wine and burned some paper money as an offering.
Suddenly, a gust of wind rose from behind the altar, swirling for a long time before dissipating. That night, Xu dreamt of Wang Liulang, now dressed formally as a deity, looking entirely different from before. Wang tearfully thanked him, saying, “Your visit has deeply moved me. Though I am now in this small official post, I cannot meet with you freely. Even though we’re so close, it feels like mountains and rivers separate us, and it pains me. The townsfolk will send you some small gifts—please accept them as my token of friendship. When you decide to return home, I’ll see you off.”
A Farewell Send-Off
After a few days, Xu prepared to leave. The townsfolk warmly urged him to stay longer, inviting him for meals during the day and drinks in the evening. Finally, Xu insisted on leaving. The locals presented him with a list of gifts and packages, piling them up until they filled a sack.
As he left the village, even the elders and children came to bid him farewell. Just as he stepped outside the village, a sudden whirlwind rose from the ground, following him for over ten miles. Xu repeatedly bowed and said, “Liulang, take care of yourself. Don’t trouble yourself to see me off any further. Your kind heart will surely bring prosperity to the people here, and there’s nothing more for me to advise.”
The whirlwind swirled in place for a while before gradually dissipating. The townsfolk who accompanied Xu marveled at the sight as they returned to the village.
Xu’s Later Years
After returning home, Xu gradually became prosperous and gave up fishing. Later, when he encountered people from Zhao Yuan, he inquired about the Earth Deity. Everyone praised the deity’s responsiveness, saying that prayers were always answered. However, some claimed that Wang Liulang’s appointed location was in Shikeng Village, Zhangqiu County, not Zhao Yuan. It remained unclear who was correct.
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