[{"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-41":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},2317321,4532,"Chapter 41: A Moment of Divine Haze","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-41",41,"\u003Cp>\"The methods of cultivation in this world can generally be divided into categories of heaven, earth, yin, yang, the four seasons, and the five elements; our Yishan temples all practice yin-yang methods, while the temples below the mountain mostly cultivate heaven-earth methods—these two are the most common.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wangji Zi spoke loudly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although we cultivate the yin-yang spiritual method, we must still explain the others to you. Though all are spiritual rhythms of the world, their relationships go far beyond mere analogy—many aspects are interconnected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The temples below the mountain draw in heaven-earth spiritual energy, also called heaven-earth mixed qi or mountain-river spiritual rhythm; their cultivation is simplest, moderate and harmonious, and after cultivation, all spells are executed with ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spirits and ghosts mostly absorb the essence of sun and moon, also called yin-yang spiritual rhythm. Some humans also cultivate yin-yang spiritual methods, which are harder—mainly due to the difficulty of balancing yin and yang. Yet yin-yang spiritual rhythm is inherently more mysterious, so those who reach high levels naturally extend their lifespan, and after cultivation, all spells are performed without obstruction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The five-element spiritual qi is hidden within all things of heaven and earth, even more elusive and intangible. Among mortals, even the wise may perceive one element, but those who perceive and harmonize with all five are exceedingly rare. Thus, temples cultivating five-element spiritual methods are very uncommon; instead, some hermits who dwell in simple huts practice five-element methods. After cultivation, they naturally understand the simplest five-element spells, and learning and performing other five-element spells becomes far easier and more powerful than for those who cultivate other spiritual methods.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many combat techniques in this world are rooted in the five elements; thus, those who cultivate five-element spiritual methods are usually skilled in combat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The four-season spiritual method is the most elusive and mysterious. Practitioners must perceive the differences of the four seasons and absorb the spiritual rhythm of each season, demanding extreme talent from the cultivator. I have only seen it mentioned in ancient texts—I have never heard of anyone practicing it, nor do I know its wonders.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, young Daoists asked questions, and the old Daoist patiently answered each.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps due to his age, his temper seemed milder now, not as harsh as at first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, young Daoists whispered to each other or turned to glance at Lin Jue and the junior nun sitting behind, casting a quick look before withdrawing their gaze, each with their own expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first line of the Yin-Yang Scripture says: 'Heaven has five qi, earth bears yin and yang.' Let us begin with this first line.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heaven has five qi; all things arise from them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But why only heaven? Humans also have five qi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Human five qi are likewise divided into metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, differing not only in strength but also in purity and turbidity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An ancient text says: When wood qi is pure, one is benevolent; when fire qi is pure, one is courteous; when metal qi is pure, one is righteous; when water qi is pure, one is wise; when earth qi is pure, one is sincere. When all five qi are pure, one possesses sage virtue. When wood qi is turbid, one becomes weak; when fire qi is turbid, one becomes lustful; when metal qi is turbid, one becomes violent; when water qi is turbid, one becomes greedy; when earth qi is turbid, one becomes stubborn. When all five qi are turbid, one is of low character.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior nun naturally did not understand; she felt it was like listening to her senior brothers recite the Yin-Yang Scripture each morning in the Mountain-Moving Hall, requiring their explanation—so she habitually stole a glance at her senior brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue, however, was lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly recalled the village shrine, where he first met that spirit—it had spoken of its own five qi, and he could vaguely sense it revealed one’s character. Was this the reason?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also sensed the junior nun’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since they were in another’s temple, he could not explain to her immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Wangji Zi provided an explanation after reciting:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It means heaven possesses five primal qi: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; all things arise from them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humans also possess these five primal qi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Human five qi are profoundly mysterious; no matter how high one’s cultivation, one cannot see them—only a few spirits and some ghosts can perceive them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If your wood qi is pure, you are kind and benevolent; if your fire qi is pure, you are gentle and courteous; if your metal qi is pure, you are righteous and strong; if your water qi is pure, you are wise and intelligent; if your earth qi is pure, you are honest and simple. When all five qi are pure, you possess sage virtue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If wood qi is turbid, you become weak; if fire qi is turbid, you become lustful and impulsive; if metal qi is turbid, you become violent and combative; if water qi is turbid, you become greedy and excessive; if earth qi is turbid, you become stubborn. When all five qi are turbid, your character is base.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, you brats, remember well: cultivation is not merely about refining your body or absorbing heaven-earth spiritual rhythm—it is also about nurturing your nature. Otherwise, you will inevitably fall into demonic ways.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if you don’t fall into demonhood, when you walk the world and encounter spirits or deities—or even if you stay within Yishan and are seen by Yishan’s mountain god—you will be known for what you truly are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoists below listened dazedly, then suddenly startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can one’s character truly be seen?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do deities really know human good and evil?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was too mysterious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some, though not understanding the reason, accepted it easily and memorized it firmly. Others furrowed their brows, unable to stop thinking or doubting, even without knowing why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was hard to say which type would achieve greater success in cultivation, when someone finally asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this true?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master, I don’t understand. The five elements and five qi arise from heaven and earth; if humans have them too, fine—but why do they relate to human thoughts? Why does one’s character change because of them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes! Master, why is pure water qi wisdom and turbid water qi greed? Why is pure metal qi righteousness and turbid metal qi violence?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wangji Zi smiled but said nothing, scanning the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost all disciples were confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were already thoroughly frustrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wangji Zi observed their expressions—not testing for right or wrong, but seeking insight—but no one met his gaze with clarity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze finally settled at the back of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There sat the only two non-robed listeners: one scratching his head in deep thought, the other frowning as if pondering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are your names?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Master, Lin Jue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Master, Liu Qingyao…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were slightly surprised, then answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Fuxiu Temple is famed for selecting disciples well. I shall test you on behalf of your master.\" Wangji Zi looked at them. \"What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Disciple does not know…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior nun answered humbly, lowering her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you?\" Wangji Zi looked at him and smiled faintly. \"Hmph, Yunhe truly knows how to choose disciples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Replying to the Master, this humble one does not know the reason, but after listening, I have some thoughts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Merely scattered musings.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re all beginners—what’s there to be shy about? The five-element theory is inherently elusive; any insight counts as insight. Besides, even sages might not discern right from wrong in some claims.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoists all turned to look at Lin Jue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue organized his thoughts, then spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master just said heaven has five qi, yet also mentioned yin-yang spiritual rhythm. I couldn’t help but wonder: if five-element spiritual rhythm, mountain-river spiritual rhythm, and four-season spiritual rhythm all exist, then does heaven produce only 'five qi'? Or is it merely that humans have selected five qi and named them 'five elements,' while others received different names?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wangji Zi smiled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A few days ago, my master spoke of the relationship between humans, cultivation, and heaven and earth. Since heaven and earth have qi and spiritual rhythm, and humans are part of heaven and earth, shouldn’t humans have them too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humans perceive the Dao through heaven and earth’s changes, absorbing spiritual rhythm to refine themselves. Then it’s no surprise that human changes reflect in heaven and earth. The so-called five qi of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—I suspect they are merely human names for five kinds of qi within us, just as heaven and earth’s myriad spiritual rhythms are named by the five elements. These five qi are simply manifestations of human changes reflected in heaven and earth, just as cultivated individuals perceive heaven and earth’s changes. Perhaps humans possess more than these five qi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do not know what these five elements truly are, or whether they are right or wrong. But I once heard a local physician near my hometown say that 'heartache' isn’t in the heart, and 'kidney deficiency' isn’t in the kidney—they’re just names for convenience, to aid understanding. Knowing their function is enough; no need to overanalyze.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue paused, seeing no one speak, then added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master spoke of five qi before yin-yang, and spoke of human five qi before heaven-earth five qi. It seems you didn’t intend for us to know what human five qi truly are—only to urge us to cultivate our heart and nature before cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Like some stories in books below the mountain: some need not be judged true or false, clarified or dissected—if they help people, offer guidance, and inspire goodness, they are already good books.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wangji Zi’s eyes brightened halfway through; by the end, he finally withdrew his gaze, looking at Lin Jue with a mix of envy and regret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, he did not say whether Lin Jue was right or wrong, but said only:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yunhe has good eyesight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other young Daoists instantly understood: this man’s words had at least gained the Master’s approval. Though they still turned to glance at them and whispered, their expressions now held a touch of respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wangji Zi continued teaching the group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he truly spoke of heaven-earth five qi, and truly of yin-yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke for nearly a full day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue and the junior nun had brought dried rations, but Xianyuan Temple provided them lunch, so they saved theirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Needless to say, the food here, though plain, was far tastier than at Fuxiu Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they left the temple, the sun was deeply slanted westward; they hurried down the stone steps, seeing distant cliffs and ancient pines leaning askew, their shadows stretched long by the sunset—while their own shadows stretched down the cliffside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crow flew over, guiding them once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother, why do the young Daoists of Xianyuan Temple keep staring at us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call them Dao friends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dao friends!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re from Xianyuan Temple; we’re from Fuxiu Temple. We didn’t know each other before. First meeting, curiosity, comparison, even a bit of exclusion—all normal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior nun answered obediently, then added: \"Wangji Zi Dao Grandfather is quite nice. At first I thought he was fierce, but he even gave us lunch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I think so too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother, look—this tree’s flowers look like tiny hanging bells, so small, smaller than my thumb. So cute.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is called Diaozhong Flower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Diaozhong Flower… Senior brother, did you understand?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understood a little.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t understand at all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t rush. It may be too abstract and elusive. Practice teaches best. Just remember—it will come to you gradually. I only learned the Yangqi Method before you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When can we begin cultivation? When can we learn Master’s spells?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t rush. It should be soon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue was not usually lazy or impatient. But since arriving at Fuxiu Temple, he clearly sensed from the old Daoists and senior brothers’ attitudes that they weren’t unwilling to teach them—they simply had a more complete transmission plan, one far more reasonable than what outsiders like him might imagine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior brother, you already know spells!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just a minor teleportation technique.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How amazing! If you went to the temple fair in town, everyone would think you’re a immortal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can this be called an immortal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then what is an immortal?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True immortals are free and unbound, living forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister fell into thought, then said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That too is an immortal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Lin Jue could respond, she looked up at the sky, saw it was growing late, and reached into her satchel, pulling out two small vials, handing one to Lin Jue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vials were no larger than a thumb, looking utterly charming; Lin Jue had once wondered where Second Brother had gotten such tiny bottles—seemingly made just for a single pill—but later learned they were crafted by Fifth Brother, who excelled in medicine; nearly all the bowls, plates, and ceramics in the monastery were his work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This morning when we left, Second Brother gave each of us a Divine Step Pill, saying if we stayed too late after the sutra lecture, we should take one to get home early for dinner, and not walk in the dark.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she lowered her head, tapping the small porcelain vial against her other palm repeatedly to shake the pill out—her pale, tender palm turned red from the tapping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wonder what it’ll feel like to swallow it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, excitement, yet also a hint of nervousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the pill fell out, she stared straight at Lin Jue; only when he swallowed it did she follow, placing the pill into her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulp…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pill entered his belly and instantly became spiritual energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue felt another strange sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he savored it, he felt the spiritual energy transform into a warm stream, flowing from his throat down to his chest and abdomen, then slowly spreading throughout his entire body—his feet, the farthest away, were the last to feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a light step forward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His feet felt warm, numb, and strangely heavy with strength; he didn’t know where the power came from, nor how his body had become so light—he barely pushed off and soared into the air, nearly flying, each step covering half a zhang; he almost crashed into the ancient pine ahead, or, had he pushed harder, might have brushed past the pine and plunged into the cliff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him came a cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh no…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure flew past him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue silently grabbed her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was pulled down, still shaken, but didn’t scream; instead, she immediately said seriously to him: “Brother, I haven’t told you yet—Second Brother said, after taking it, you should walk slowly first to adjust.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A short while later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The setting sun slanted across the strange peaks and ancient pines; crows led the way ahead, and the two moved swiftly through the mountains, light as swallows, feet stirring the wind; sometimes they darted between the pines, stepping on pine branches to cross treacherous paths, heart pounding like thunder, yet the mountain breeze brushing the treetops, scattering pine needles and petals, filled them with boundless freedom and ease—wondrous beyond words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one asked what freedom was, perhaps this was it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If one asked what an immortal was, anyone below the mountain who saw them would surely call them an immortal.\u003C\u002Fp>",2576,"2026-06-20T14:45:35.226Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2a0e9cb15b133a01365b390db254e462c4497f52dcc4ab163175d1bd4a44f6a0","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-42","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-40",608,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-book-of-strange-tales-cover.jpg"]