[{"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-567":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},2317847,4532,"Chapter 567","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-567",567,"\u003Cp>It’s amusing, really—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they were leaving, several other Dragon Elders chose to follow them—not as lingering spirits, but as the living.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lin Jue had no soil suitable for the Dragon Elders to survive in; even if mist could help them hide, their daily consumption was more than even a mountain could bear, so he politely declined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A five-colored auspicious cloud slowly lifted them into the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fuyao, it’s up to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ying!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox transformed once more into a massive seven-tailed white fox, then split into seven copies, leaping gracefully through the wind in different directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the island, it opened its mouth and exhaled:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huuu…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick mist surged forth, scattered by the wind, merging into one, gradually veiling the entire island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue stood on distant clouds, watching this scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Farther out, over the sea, faint clouds and mist naturally rose and gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Presumably, these were the mists the third master had mentioned—the original mists that had once shrouded the Dragon Elder’s realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by this, it would take several years for them to slowly recover and fully conceal the island again, and Fuyao’s mist would last about as long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue suddenly felt puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The natural mist carried a spiritual resonance that felt strangely familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like something a Celestial Old Man had done…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Likely the same Celestial Old Man he had met before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the seven giant white foxes, their bushy tails trailing, leapt gracefully back through the air, merging into one, shrinking in size, then kicking Lin Jue’s side before landing on the colorful cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five-colored auspicious cloud drifted slowly back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Younger brother, I’ve thought it over—I won’t return, nor will I go to your Fengshan. I’ll stay in my own world of rivers and lakes. It suits me better,” said the third master. “But don’t worry—I’ll be more diligent than before, and I’ll keep your Chen Niu talisman safe. When you need me, send your little ghost to find me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really?” Lin Jue said from the cloud. “Brother, think carefully—Fengshan has me and Younger Sister, and besides Elder Brother, there’s Sixth Brother. In two years, maybe Second Brother will return too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll just go see them once in a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about your Longsheng wood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After wandering the world for so long, I’ve acquired a treasure that can store things—I’ll just retrieve it from Younger Sister’s Hongye Pavilion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was going to offer you my flying sword to carve your bean soldiers if you came to my place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll carve slowly—it’s cultivation too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Very well…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue didn’t press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had come only to ensure the third master wasn’t harmed, to encourage him to be more diligent, and to help him gather a few more lingering spirits of the Dragon Elders—already more than he’d hoped for. Nothing more was needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he turned to Younger Sister:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Me?” Younger Sister was surprised. “Aren’t I always at Fengshan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I mean—you’ve already achieved True Immortality, your disciples have trained for years, and you’re long ready to take on students and transmit your teachings. Are you planning to stay at Hongye Pavilion forever?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was indeed a problem—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Younger Sister had already taken disciples; Zi Yun would likely take them too. Hongye Pavilion would pass on its lineage. If this continued generation after generation, even as the ancestral elder, Younger Sister would be wiser to build a new cottage or temple in the back mountain and retire there. But if she wished to remain comfortably in Hongye Pavilion, she’d have to stop Zi Yun from passing on the lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Zi Yun might never achieve True Immortality. If Zi Yun took no disciples and Younger Sister took none either, Hongye Pavilion’s lineage would die out, becoming merely her solitary residence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let nature take its course,” Younger Sister thought a moment. “If Zi Yun takes disciples, I’ll leave Hongye Pavilion and go cultivate with Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what about you, Brother? What if Xu Yi and the others take disciples?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My secluded cave dwelling isn’t meant for many. When that time comes, I’ll tell them to go out and establish their own temples and schools.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group stood or sat on the cloud, watching the sea below churn with waves, fish leaping from the water, white clouds shifting with the wind, and unknown seabirds flying in formation overhead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a pavilion deep within Fengshan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third master had come—and had already left again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had returned once to Yishan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Lin Jue held a tiny flying sword before a segment of Longsheng Immortal Wood. After all these years, its spiritual aura remained undiminished—worthy of its name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flying sword swept across, scraping off a thin layer of wood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sshhh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to his earlier carving, Lin Jue’s cultivation, skill, and the sword’s sharpness had far surpassed his past self. What once resisted his blade now yielded easily—Dong Wangmu’s body, once nearly indestructible, now shed a layer of bark with a single pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wooden pillar slowly took shape into the outline of a giant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Xu Yi arrived to report: “Master, Zhenren Xuanming has arrived with two Immortals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Quickly invite them in.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue immediately halted his sword and looked out the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old Immortal, clad in ancient white robes, with white hair and beard, rode a fat Immortal crane, accompanied by a child holding a box, floating on a cloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slightly higher behind him, two Zhenren walked on white clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were none other than Bai Luan Daochang and Mo Yu Zhenren—the same two who had watched with Lin Jue the battle between Fuchi Shenjun and several Zhenjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fat Immortal crane landed outside the pavilion; the two white clouds lowered slightly. Lin Jue stepped onto the balcony. Though high above the cliff, their gazes met, and they bowed to each other:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Honors’ arrival has been long awaited.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Between us, such formalities?” Xuanming Zhenren chuckled, then studied the pavilion half-embedded in the cliff and half-protruding into the air. “But if I recall correctly, we’ve known each other for decades and met several times—this is the first time you’ve invited me to your abode?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Between you and me, do we still need to say such things?” Master Xuanming chuckled, surveying the pavilion half embedded in the cliff face and half jutting into the void. “But if I recall correctly, we’ve known each other for decades and made plans to meet several times—this is still my first time visiting your residence, isn’t it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time has slipped by so effortlessly. Unnoticed, I’ve lived a few more years,” Xuanming Zhenren laughed. “But your cave-pavilion is well built.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I built it after visiting your cave during my last visit—I admired it so much, I copied the design.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your pavilion is more spacious and better designed than mine—more elegant and grand. Clearly, you put thought into it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A master craftsman from the mortal world designed it for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Which imperial artisan? His skill rivals that of Immortals and gods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He passed away decades ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was his surname Gu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! You’ve forgotten—I live on Nanshan, not far from Jingcheng. Though the mountains are quiet and time passes unseen, I still hear stories,” Xuanming Zhenren chuckled. “They say there was a mortal craftsman named Gu who once designed palaces for Immortals, received Immortal pills that extended his life by over a decade, and was later summoned by the new emperor to design his palace. After his death, countless artisans in Jingcheng revered him as a deity and ancestral master, and the emperor even deified him. Hahahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! Friend, you’ve forgotten—my cave dwelling is on Mount Nan, not far from the capital. Though the mountains are quiet and time passes unnoticed, I still hear stories from the mortal world. I’ve heard there’s a master craftsman surnamed Gu who once designed palaces for immortals and received from them…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few more words, Lin Jue hurriedly invited them inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood shavings still littered the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You have refined tastes, Zhenren—carving in your pavilion,” Xuanming Zhenren leaned close. “Your craftsmanship is exquisite—even this simple outline already carries a touch of divine spirit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Honors flatter me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Bai Luan Daochang instantly recognized it. “Isn’t this the Longsheng wood left behind by the Eastern Queen Mother of Qinzhou’s northeast?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since ancient times, has there been a second Longsheng wood that achieved True Immortality?” Mo Yu Zhenren said. “When Zhenjun Hu Sheng and Bao Sheng eradicated the Eastern Queen Mother, we avoided the scene to stay out of suspicion—but surely you’ve heard the tales circulating among mortals? One of the most widespread concerns your connection to the Eastern Queen Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, fragments of the Eastern Queen Mother’s remains,” Lin Jue answered honestly. “I found them by chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since ancient times, has there ever been a second immortal tree that achieved true transcendence?” Master Moyu said. “When the True Lords Hu Sheng and Bao Sheng crushed the Eastern Queen Mother, we stayed away to avoid suspicion—but surely you’ve heard the tales about Lin Daoist? One of the most widespread among them concerns his connection to the Eastern Queen Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had met these two “Zhenren” only once before—this was the second time. The first time, he had just achieved True Immortality, his cultivation shallow, and he hadn’t seen through them. But now, he clearly sensed they were not Daoists—they were genuine “demon Daoists,” Immortal demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their names hinted at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their excuse for avoiding the Eastern Queen Mother’s downfall—“to avoid suspicion”—likely meant precisely this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were contacts worth cultivating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, the child beside Xuanming Zhenren was a demon too—he had known that since his first visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why, when the second batch of Yuanqiu fruits ripened, Lin Jue sent Xu Yi personally to deliver a letter, inviting them under the pretext of their shared past and long separation, to taste the Yuanqiu fruits together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small Yuanqiu fruit gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, when the second batch of Yuanqiu fruits ripened, Lin Jue ordered Xu Yi to personally ride the clouds to deliver letters to them, inviting them over to share the fruits under the pretext of their past gathering and long separation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you entered the Yuanqiu Mountain Immortal Realm once ruled by the Ming Emperor Celestial Old Man, and brought out seeds of the Immortal Tree, growing Yuanqiu fruits. Hah! Though I no longer need longevity, I still crave one to satisfy my appetite—and perhaps one for this child of mine, to replenish his lifespan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuanming Zhenren paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I won’t take them for free. I know what you want—I’ve brought a thousand-year Fire Ginseng to trade for your Yuanqiu fruits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His child immediately stepped forward and offered the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But I don’t come empty-handed—I know what you desire, so I’ve brought a thousand-year fire ginseng to trade with you for your Yuanqiu fruits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the second purpose of inviting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not as generous as Xuanming Zhenren,” said Bai Luan Daochang. “But I dwell on Zhaoyao Mountain, where gold and jade abound. Knowing your skill and that you’ve taken disciples, I wondered if you needed spirit gold. Since it’s my first visit, I’ve selected some as a gift.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Luan Daochang reached into his sleeve and withdrew another box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am not as wealthy as Brother Xuanming, but I reside on Zhaoyao Mountain, where gold and jade are abundant. I know your abilities, and seeing that you have taken a disciple, I wondered if you might need spirit gold. Since this is my first visit, I’ve selected some as a gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Bai Luan reached into his sleeve and also took out a box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wood cannot conceal gold; even before the box was opened, the spiritual aura of the superior spiritual gold had already seeped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I dwell on Fajiu Mountain, where the land is barren and has no special products,” said Master Mo Yu. “But in my leisure time, I enjoy traveling far and wide. If you need anything, just tell me. After tasting your rare Yuanqiu fruit, I shall bring you some next time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You elders are too kind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue waved to Xu Yi beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Xu Yi was lazy, he understood propriety; seeing Master Xuanming arrive with a boy, he quietly stood beside his master, matching his posture and ready to serve at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, he stepped forward respectfully, accepted the box, and went to pick the Yuanqiu fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This reverence was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For he knew that whether it was superior spiritual gold or a thousand-year fire ginseng—whether used to forge magical weapons or to refine a Golden Core—it would all likely serve himself or his junior brothers and sisters.\u003C\u002Fp>",2118,"2026-06-20T14:45:37.804Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e03654ef65b3ccd8af61e0252fe3b93382079eaed89d66f50d2280b391421a8f","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-568","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-566",608,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-book-of-strange-tales-cover.jpg"]