[{"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-40":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},2317320,4532,"Chapter 40: The Old Daoist of Xianyuan Observatory Delivers a Lecture","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-40",40,"\u003Cp>\"Senior brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A girl of about fourteen or fifteen was climbing the mountain, using her hands and feet due to the steep slope—she showed none of the demureness typical of girls her age down below, nor their frailty; as she called out, she scrambled upward swiftly, even quite quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the view opened up before her—she had reached the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl sat up straight, looking around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the peak of Fuxiu Peak wasn’t as narrow as some other precipitous peaks, it also wasn’t very large—she could see it all at a glance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around her were only scattered bushes and rocks, one unusually large and peculiar ancient pine, and nothing else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, there was one other thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fox cub, no bigger than a palm, sat on the ground. Such small cubs grow fast; in just a few days they change greatly. Now it sat quietly, tail swaying left and right, staring up at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t it supposed to be here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was puzzled. She was about to head down when she noticed the little fox cub sitting on the ground—and grew even more confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where’s senior brother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had she spoken than a man stepped out from within the ancient pine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the junior brother she had come to find.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl froze, looking from Lin Jue to the ancient pine—thicker than a man—then asked: \"Senior brother, how, how did you come out of the tree?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>oC〇\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Wood Passage technique.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue replied plainly to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he first arrived at this Daoist observatory, he might have avoided this girl or warned her not to tell their Master or senior brothers—but after a few days, he had come to understand the traditions of this observatory and the personalities of his Master and senior brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These Daoists didn’t care about such things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leisure and freedom, inner tranquility—that was what mattered most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Fuxiu Observatory had no rule forbidding its disciples from studying other techniques or learning from elsewhere; otherwise, Yunhe Daoist wouldn’t have let him learn techniques from the abbot of Xianyuan Observatory, nor would Fuxiu Observatory have any techniques beyond its original seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue could guess that after joining Fuxiu Observatory, he’d likely spend most of his time on the mountain, with few chances to encounter other techniques in the next few years—so this one technique was perfectly fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This technique still required practice and continued insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue had only just learned it; his control was unstable, his use still awkward—he needed to calm his mind to enter a tree. Perhaps due to the \"Earth-Wood Essence\" and the spiritual resonance in peach resin, Lin Jue could move freely between living and dead wood from the start. But his movement within trees was not smooth—he met resistance, it was exhausting—and if he hid inside a tree, the tree had to be wider than he was, or part of his body would stick out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that at high levels, one no longer needed to worry about the difference between the tree’s shape and one’s own—even a tree as thin as a bowl’s mouth, or a flat door panel, could conceal him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most important point: if Lin Jue hid inside a tree, he could not breathe inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he could not stay long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was deadly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Lin Jue now understood that this technique depended not only on talent but also on innate nature—not something effort alone could master. Even though he was careful when chopping wood and never harmed or uprooted plants without cause, he could at best reach a high level; reaching the legendary state where one could move through root systems and touching branches was nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are countless techniques in the world, countless people—each has their own strengths. Who could possibly excel in every direction? Besides, time and energy are limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue was already content.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he still needed to practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And such practice, over time, could not be hidden from the senior brothers or Yunhe Daoist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So why hide it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior sister, have you taken the 'Earth-Traveling Spiritual Resonance' I gave you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have. After taking it, I felt something strange—like I’d had many dreams. Master said when I begin studying 'Crushed Stone,' these insights will prove beneficial.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother, I came to tell you—Master just told me that the abbot of Xianyuan Observatory, Wangji Zi Daochang, is giving a lecture today to his new disciples, and he wants us to attend.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Great! When?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master said we don’t need to return—he’s already spoken with the abbot of Xianyuan Observatory,\" the junior sister hurriedly said. \"He sent a crow to guide us and told me to come get you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she patted her satchel:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve packed food for the journey—it’s quite far, we need to hurry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let’s go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue glanced back at the little fox, then followed his junior sister down the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, a crow perched on a lower branch. Seeing the two people and the fox descend, it immediately flapped its wings and flew along the path, leading them toward Xianyuan Observatory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yishan was vast, stretching dozens of li from east to west, nearly a hundred li from north to south, with over a hundred named peaks and many observatories. Xianyuan Observatory was relatively close, but the steep climbs and difficult paths made it very time-consuming and tiring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two people and the fox nearly ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was extremely lively and already familiar with her senior brother; even as they hurried, she kept talking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother, look—there’s a pine tree, one side green, the other red! Did you know? Yesterday Third Senior Brother told me it’s because the Mountain God’s messenger touched it—wherever the messenger touches, the wood turns red.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe he got drunk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh… right…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slope grew steeper, and soon they were panting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xianyuan Observatory now appeared before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a precipitous, breathtaking peak, as if a freehand painter had carelessly splashed ink onto a landscape scroll—but now, with the mist and rain just clearing, the mountain had stepped into reality. Whether this was usual or their good fortune, a halo of radiance still hung above the sun, making it seem like a celestial realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the mountain stood a cluster of buildings—not the courtyard-style observatory of Fuxiu, but palaces and pavilions scattered across the slopes, connected by stone stairways, grand and imposing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, incense smoke curled gently from the observatory, blending with the mist, indistinguishable from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So big.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister couldn’t help saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she turned to her senior brother beside her and explained:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master said Xianyuan Observatory is the largest secluded Daoist observatory on Yishan, with many disciples—but they only cultivate; hardly any lay visitors come to burn incense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then let’s go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main gate of Xianyuan Observatory stood open; Daoists in robes came and went. Lin Jue and the junior sister still hadn’t received their robes and wore ordinary clothes. The Daoists saw them and looked puzzled—they didn’t think these were lay visitors come to burn incense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, Yishan was remote, and this was deep within it; these Daoists had built their observatory precisely to cultivate in peace. Not only were there no lay visitors, even lovers of mountains and rivers rarely reached here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you two…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kind Daoist,\" Lin Jue replied, seeing the Daoist was young, and bowed in return. \"We are newly admitted disciples of Fuxiu Observatory, on good terms with your observatory. We heard your abbot is giving a lecture to new disciples today, so our Master sent us to observe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, fellow Daoists from Fuxiu Observatory! The abbot’s lecture is this way—I’ll lead you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, senior Daoist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the man was courteous, Lin Jue changed his address.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, senior Daoist!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister nearly mimicked his tone exactly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the two followed the young Daoist for over ten zhang, then ascended a leftward stone staircase to a grand hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall’s door stood open; blue smoke curled within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, over a dozen cushions lay on the floor, occupied by over a dozen young Daoists, mostly around fifteen, with a few in their twenties—all wearing brand-new Daoist robes. Before them sat an old man, calmly answering questions from the young disciples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dao is mysterious, yet not mysterious—all natural principles of all things are the Dao. Since you were born, what you’ve seen and heard, everything around you, is the Dao—but to understand it is difficult.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist looked somewhat younger than Yunhe Daoist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Abbot, may we begin the lecture?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You brat! How can you be so impatient in cultivation? You must know this is the one thing in the world where haste leads to failure.\" The old man glanced outside at the three, \"I said others from different observatories hadn’t arrived yet—what’s the harm in waiting a moment? Besides, here they are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist who had led Lin Jue and the girl stood at the door, bowed, and said: \"Two Daoists from Fuxiu Observatory have come to visit, saying they wish to listen to the abbot’s lecture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue also stepped forward and bowed inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, Master Wangji Zi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greetings, Master Wangji Zi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist frowned and asked: \"Only the two of you came?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice carried clear displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only the two of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue answered from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph! In the past, when disciples from Fuxiu Observatory came to listen, their abbot would at least come along once, out of courtesy. Now that old Yunhe won’t even walk a few steps?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister lowered her head, sensing something was wrong. Standing at the door, unsure what to do, she quietly glanced toward her senior brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Master isn’t well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue himself wasn’t certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Since you’ve come, why stand at the door talking? Come in and sit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist waved his sleeve, stirring the blue smoke within the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dozen young Daoists all turned to look at the two visitors from another observatory—some curious, some annoyed, some puzzled they wore no robes, others, influenced by their abbot’s tone, showed clear hostility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue led the junior sister into the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two cushions were just then empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue knew the seats were meant for the two of them, so he and his junior sister walked over and sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did your monastery take on two disciples this time? Isn’t one the maximum you’re allowed?” Master Wangji continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know either—it must be fate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What kind of fate? Isn’t it just because one of you has good eyes? How’s your master’s health now? Can he really not even walk a few steps?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I won’t hide it from you, Master Daoist—since returning to the monastery, our master’s health has indeed grown steadily worse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue chose to speak truthfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps sincerity truly was the best response; Master Wangji’s voice had likely held some irritation before, but now, after hearing this, he only fell silent for a moment, then sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He brought this upon himself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In his youth, he cultivated too hastily, lost balance between yin and yang, and greedily pursued progress, refusing to spend time correcting himself. Naturally, old age left him with deep-rooted illness. I heard he visited an old friend a few months ago—he likely forced himself to summon spiritual energy. Now that he’s returned to the monastery, his vital energy has declined, and seeing that old friend has extinguished his will to live—he’s simply waiting to die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s also why he sent you two here to listen to my teachings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If he can’t even heal himself, how can he teach others?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wangji paused, then added, reminding the young Daoists below:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some among you also have impetuous temperaments—take this as a warning. Remember: never let yin and yang fall out of balance. Know this—imbalance is the path of demons and spirits. If humans follow it, they will surely suffer consequences.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chorus of agreement rose from below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue couldn’t help turning to glance at his junior sister; just then, she turned to look at him too. Her face was pale and delicate, her features refined, her eyes wide open—but she always seemed a little vacant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met. They now understood why their master’s health had failed, and they stored Master Wangji’s warning in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough idle talk. Today I’ll teach you about the Five Celestial Qi and the yin-yang spiritual resonance. You two from Fuxiu Monastery—listen carefully. How much you gain is up to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Wangji sat cross-legged and swept his sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoists below had been unable to stop glancing at Lin Jue and his junior sister; now, hearing his words, they instantly sat up straight, feigning full attention—but some still shifted their focus toward them, unsure whether they were watching Lin Jue or the pale, delicate junior sister.\u003C\u002Fp>",2164,"2026-06-20T14:45:35.226Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","5cfdf0a31c17eaa1e42e0a4caad1ffc2463ceb5a72c5afb23c6cff88cb2e4c63","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-41","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-39",608,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-book-of-strange-tales-cover.jpg"]