[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-book-of-strange-tales":3,"chapter-the-book-of-strange-tales-the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-104":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Book of Strange Tales",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2317384,4532,"Chapter 104: Return to Mount Hui (Requesting Monthly Votes)","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-104",104,"\u003Cp>The stony mountain path, worn deep by cart wheels, was dry and clear under the crisp autumn air, looking easy to walk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the roadside stood a large tree with a thick, straight trunk; beneath it sat three Daoists casually, along with three donkeys—two gray ones standing motionless, one black one grazing leisurely, casting sidelong glances at the two fake donkeys, while some movement stirred on the ground nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brother…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister turned, puzzled, toward the side: “Fuyao seems to love digging holes—wherever we go, he digs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no sign of the fox at all—only fresh soil being turned up from the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s so strange about that? Some people like building roads on mountains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister instantly turned her head to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox had already dug a hole large enough to fit itself; hearing the voice, it poked its head out, looking at them in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop digging—we’re leaving. You’re just wasting your effort.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three Daoists stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing they were truly leaving, the fox reluctantly crawled out of the hole, glanced back longingly at the hole it had just dug, shook its head, and trotted forward in small steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It broke into a quick run, leaped a few times, and overtook the three Daoists, heading straight for a large tree ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then it scrambled up the tree’s straight trunk, climbing the vertical surface as if it were flat ground, stopping only halfway up, all four paws planted firmly on the trunk, head raised to gaze down the path stretching into the distance—as if scouting ahead for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After scouting, it turned and came back down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It raced down the trunk, leapt lightly near the ground, crouched slightly, and landed gracefully, its fluffy tail swaying in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister stared, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third senior brother was also surprised, but he was always irreverent—he turned his head and grinned at Lin Jue: “Now you’ve got it—this fox of yours can climb to heaven and burrow into earth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I still don’t even know where it came from.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You learned Summoning Beasts and Birds from Fourth Senior Brother—just ask it yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third senior brother finished speaking, and Lin Jue gave him a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brother, you’re so clever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Oh!” The third senior brother slapped his forehead. “I forgot—you found it when it was just weaned. It probably doesn’t even know itself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But why care so much? Even if it was born of a demon, not all demons are evil. Even evil demons aren’t born evil—it’s up to you to shape how it turns out.” The third senior brother shook his head. “With Fuyao by your side, whether you wander the world after leaving the mountain or seek out temples and monasteries elsewhere, you’ll never be so lonely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Lin Jue and the junior sister turned to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where did our former senior uncles go after leaving the mountain?” Lin Jue asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It depends on themselves—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third senior brother said as he walked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our monastery has wide connections—we have so many senior uncles out there, and we usually try to help departing disciples find newly built, unoccupied Daoist temples or shrines. If those temples or shrines were funded by local officials or wealthy patrons, we have our ‘Golden Credential,’ and they’re happy to let us stay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But there are rarely seven of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you want to roam the martial world, roam it. If you crave fame and fortune, go to the capital—it’s all up to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both listened in silence, then exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three donkeys plodded slowly forward, crunching gravel underfoot, climbing over a small hill, while the three Daoists strolled lazily beside them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You won’t see each other again easily!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s why we tell you to cultivate hobbies on the mountain—when you scatter across the world, they’ll help pass the time during your cultivation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I envy Fourth Senior Brother most—he’ll have mountain friends to accompany him when he leaves. I’m lucky too—I’ve got so many good fellows to roam the world with. But other senior brothers and sisters will be lonely. I wonder if they feel the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third senior brother’s voice was carefree, yet tinged with loneliness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two junior disciples couldn’t help but fall into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the fox seemed utterly carefree, running back and forth along the path—whenever it looked back and saw Lin Jue, it lost all worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gradually, they reached the foot of Qiyun Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a famous Daoist mountain, Qiyun was far better known than Yishan, yet in sheer size and height, it was neither taller nor broader than Yishan—on a clear day, you could see the Xuantian Temple from the base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cross the Hengjiang River, ascend the Daoist mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain path was crowded with pilgrims, many pausing mid-path to rest and chat; seeing their Daoist robes, they would strike up conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At such moments, even the third senior brother would respond politely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they stood before the gate of Qiyun Mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, they saw five large characters: “Imperially Constructed Xuantian Temple.” On either side of the main gate were carved couplets:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marvelously born of nature, gathering the splendid scenery—mountains and rivers never age;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Insight gained, grasping the clear sky after clouds part—incense and offerings are the bond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a young Daoist stepped out from within—upon closer look, he seemed vaguely familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked like the young Daoist once guided by Daoist Qingxuan from Xiao Chuan Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist passed by, saw them, and immediately recognized them: “Aren’t you… aren’t you the Daoists from Fuqiu Peak? Please, come in quickly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who regularly host pilgrims were naturally sharper—if they had suddenly visited Fuqiu Temple, the junior sister might have stood frozen on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We came unannounced, intruding without invitation,” the third senior brother said first. “On our way back, we encountered something strange, and since we’re passing Qiyun Mountain, we came to inform your Daoist companions—has Daoist Qingxuan and Daoist Jiang returned from Mingchou Mountain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They returned—several days ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please inform them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please wait a moment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist hurried off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“See? They left later, yet arrived before us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was the official report that delayed us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was it the report? Or was it you rowing too slowly, Senior Brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three whispered among themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the main hall, several Daoists sat cross-legged on mats, earnestly chanting scriptures and offering prayers to the gods, not daring a single distraction—starkly contrasting their own casual demeanor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the young Daoist returned, followed by the unnaturally pale Daoist Jiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Jiang Ning held a fly-whisk, expression calm, her hair neatly combed without a cap, barefoot yet swift as wind, arriving before them to exchange formal bows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Daoist, may compassion be with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Daoist, may compassion be with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Lin Jue saw her, he thought of the letter delivered through snow by the constable—those delicate, floral-style characters on a single page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Daoist Qingxuan has gone down the mountain to perform rites—someone has already informed the abbot. Please follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three followed them forward; when they reached the inner courtyard, Abbot Lingqing Zhenren himself came to greet them, then invited them into the inner courtyard tea room, lit incense, brewed tea—treating them as honored guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third senior brother glanced at Lin Jue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue then recounted everything they had encountered on the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter shares several similarities with our Yixian case: money—specifically silver—demons, and death qi. When you think about it, it’s deeply unsettling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gravity of the matter made even Abbot Lingqing solemn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the entire Jiangnan region and its surroundings were the source of incense offerings to Yujian Emperor, his sacred seat lay precisely here. If a demon with influence spanning all of Huizhou lay hidden, it would be an extremely serious matter for Yujian Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mean this might be the same incident?” Daoist Jiang asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only suspicion—we lack the ability. But since this is Yujian Emperor’s sacred domain, we came to notify your Daoist companions, hoping you might inform the deity and investigate further.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Daoists, you are too modest. If we had gone there, we likely wouldn’t have seen through it—even if we had, we’d struggle to detect death qi on the demon.” Abbot Lingqing said, his tone gentle. “As for what follows, rest assured—we will inform the deity and thoroughly investigate all of Huizhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we are at ease.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If what you say is true, you’ve done the Emperor a great service—after cleansing the demons, there will surely be reward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue did not refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You three are honored guests from afar—stay the night here. I have a distinguished guest awaiting me, so I must take my leave. Jiang Ning is close to your age—let her accompany you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“May the abbot depart in peace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three rose to see him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abbot Lingqing pushed open the door and stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of distinguished guest could make Abbot Lingqing treat them so?” The third senior brother couldn’t help asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Department Magistrate Lin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Jiang Ning answered plainly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now only Daoist Jiang Ning remained to accompany them for tea and idle chat, leading them around the Xuantian Temple—but since they were unfamiliar, and Jiang Ning spoke little and showed no expression, she lacked Qingxuan’s warmth and chattiness; following her was quite dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stayed another night, then descended the mountain the next day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, they returned to Fuqiu Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the senior brothers looked drained—even Daoist Yunhe’s aura had dimmed considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior brothers, why so gloomy? Could it be you’ve missed me too much?” Third Senior Brother laughed, tossing a pouch of silver to the Senior Brother. “Here’s the remaining travel money.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you take so long to return? The Grand Rite should’ve ended long ago—you should’ve been back ten days ago. We were already preparing to go down the mountain to look for you.” Senior Brother glanced down at the pouch. “Why do you have so much more silver than when you left? Did you trade your pills and rare treasures for money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How could that be? Just some minor matters on the road—the silver was a gift.” Third Senior Brother paused, then smiled again. “I thought you missed me—turns out you were just worried.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one paid him any mind; all eyes turned to Lin Jue and the Youngest Sister, and the two gray donkeys beside them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These donkeys are…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We met Second Senior Uncle at the Grand Rite. He gave them to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second Senior Uncle…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoists nodded. Though surprised, their concern shifted quickly to the two junior disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you two tired?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not too much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not tired at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good,” said Seventh Senior Brother. “Rest first, then think about what to eat for dinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue returned to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox followed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he entered, the faint, cool scent of wood filled his nose—the familiar, unchanged arrangement instantly brought him a sense of calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Phew…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue exhaled, walked to the bed, and lay down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox headed straight for its cushion.\u003C\u002Fp>",1861,"2026-06-20T14:45:35.226Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c473a693793d50ea1a1bbd63318299087198448a705f43d6d50c6af31999deac","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-105","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-103",608,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-book-of-strange-tales-cover.jpg"]