[{"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-586":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},2317866,4532,"Chapter 586: Disciples Descend the Mountain","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-586",586,"\u003Cp>After a long while, the three immortals finally staggered to their feet and prepared to take their leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue replied with a question:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where are you three going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Mo Yu Zhenren paused, then chuckled, “We came here to join you, to avoid being picked off one by one—but our caves hold some magical artifacts and cherished belongings. We must return first to gather them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What I mean is—do you still dare to leave?” Lin Jue shook his head. “The Purple Emperor long ago dispatched divine spirits to surveil this place. You came here and spoke with me. The Purple Emperor is tyrannical by nature; perhaps Ming Zhenren might still be spared, but Bai Luan and Mo Yu—you two are not even human. You’ve long been suspected and feared by the Purple Emperor. If you leave now, you’ll likely meet a divine lord halfway. Wait until you’re sober, then travel together to retrieve your things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Bai Luan, skeptical, immediately grew a white feather from his left arm, seized it with his right hand, exhaled sharply, and blew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoosh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another Daoist Bai Luan appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox, equally drunk, stared alternately at one Bai Luan, then the other, raised a paw to rub its eyes, confused, convinced it was hallucinating, then turned to find Lin Jue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go back and check! If all goes well, head to Ming Zhenren and Mo Yu and bring back everything from their caves!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The illusionary Daoist Bai Luan rode the clouds away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue pondered briefly, then shifted his form, producing three copies of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox rubbed its eyes, leaned close, stared again, then transformed into three drunken foxes, swaying unsteadily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s the case, the divine lord’s attention will be distracted. I’ll take this chance to retrieve your belongings for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three Lin Jues each carried one drunken fox, dissolving into gentle winds and vanishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>About half a day later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tattered white feather drifted back on the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist Bai Luan in the pavilion took it, then gasped in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Yu Zhenren and Ming Zhenren hurried over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fei Yi Shenjun is waiting outside. My clone had barely left when he intercepted it, demanded to know why I came here, and ordered me back to the Nine Heavens.” Daoist Bai Luan said. “My clone turned back immediately, but he ordered his divine generals to block me, then drew his bow and shot an arrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Yu and Ming Zhenren were horrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost simultaneously, a gentle breeze gathered in the air—three Lin Jues returned, each carrying one drunken fox, swaying and dancing as they walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three foxes truly seemed drunk, stumbling and reeling—until one suddenly opened its mouth and vomited:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Out poured countless golden and jade treasures, mixed with white feathers, Daoist robes, uprooted immortal fruit trees, rare artifacts, and two small Daoist acolytes whose bodies resembled golden jade sculptures, dazed and confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other two drunken foxes opened their mouths too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stop! There’s no room left! Go outside and vomit there!” Lin Jue shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both drunken foxes tilted their heads, glanced at him, then closed their mouths and dashed outside in a panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh—wah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two retching sounds, then the clatter of falling objects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three Daoists settled in there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, only Lin Jue, his junior sister, Fu Yao, and Xian Zhu remained in the pavilion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When will Brother be able to awaken his divine ability?” the junior sister asked, cheeks flushed, hugging her long sword to her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anytime.” Lin Jue replied. “I’m just being cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The junior sister nodded, saying nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A colorful fox emerged from her clothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Call your three senior brothers and sisters,” Lin Jue told Xian Zhu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xian Zhu departed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she returned, there were four of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Purple Emperor acts swiftly and decisively. I wonder how long your several senior uncles can delay him…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue looked at Xu Yi, Pu Mei, and Wang Ran and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially Xu Yi and Pu Mei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Purple Emperor’s third purge of demons and monsters is imminent. By now, all spirits and demons in the world have seen his methods—and instead of scattering, they’ve been forced to unite. The wicked will seize this chance to rise and wreak havoc, desecrating human offerings and hoarding blood offerings to resist the Purple Emperor. The good ones are often driven to evil. Even human villains and heretics will emerge to harm the world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I originally planned to send you out on pilgrimage at that time, seeking the path to enlightenment. If you ever feel inclined, you could aid me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Coincidentally, Xu Yi and Pu Mei’s lifespans are nearly at an end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But the Purple Emperor’s schemes are no ordinary matter—he denies us even this chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four listened in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Nine Heavens’ divine generals descend—or even Fu Chi Shenjun comes himself—you might be able to assist, but you’ll also be dragged into danger.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet when the Nine Heavens’ divine generals fight me, their attention will be occupied. The good spirits won’t necessarily rise, but the evil demons and monsters will surely band together and strike.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Purple Emperor is extreme and opposes me, but evil demons, wicked humans, and heretics must still be purged. This is your opportunity—and your duty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The disciples all opened their mouths to speak, but upon hearing the final words, they fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll secretly send you three away—to distant lands. Though you’re all human and the Purple Emperor may not trouble you, don’t reveal your identities or origins. When the world’s evil spirits and demons rise in chaos, and wicked humans emerge to do harm, that’s when you’ll be tasked with calming the realm. Whether you attain enlightenment is up to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four disciples exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Xu Yi stepped forward: “I understand Master’s intentions. I will obey your command and calm the realm!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah! You’re unusually respectful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue smiled at Xu Yi and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the few years by which Xu Yi was younger than Pu Mei were entirely forgotten—he was simply the wiser elder brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Pu Mei and Wang Ran, though each had slightly different thoughts, bowed together and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I will obey Master’s command!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go and prepare,” Lin Jue said, then turned to the fox, now walking vertically up a pillar, and added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once they’re ready, send one to the deserts of the far northwest, one to the southwestern mountains, and one to the frozen north.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fox turned its head and asked, “Aren’t you keeping them? Why not sell them for money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jue only smiled, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about me, Master?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third disciple, after long thought, finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xian Zhu, you’re a spirit. If you leave now, the divine lords might capture you to claim credit. Besides, your lifespan is longer—stay by my side for now. When this calamity passes, the world will fall into chaos again. That’s when you’ll leave to demonstrate your abilities and seek enlightenment.” Lin Jue looked at his third disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, my elder brothers and sisters are human and can slay wicked humans. I’m a spirit, but I can slay wicked spirits too—let the Nine Heavens know that not all spirits are sources of human chaos.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xian Zhu opened wide, bright red eyes, her lips delicately crimson, her expression serene:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My cultivation has surpassed my elder brothers and sisters. I’m only one step from enlightenment. In combat, I fear no one below a divine lord. Even if I meet a divine lord, I have the ability to sever and regenerate, and I’ve learned from my sister how to scatter and reassemble. With the Golden Cicada’s Shell technique, I can escape.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not advisable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s perfect!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you thought this through?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been thinking since just now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it’s settled.” Lin Jue said, raising his head toward the fox now walking upside-down along the rafters. “Send her to Jiangnan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the rabbit? That one can be sold for money!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four disciples bowed their farewells and went to prepare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the pavilion stretched a cliffside corridor—built by Xu Yi himself. All four paused, gazing into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green mountains layered in shadow, faint streams threading through them, mist drifting as if within reach, white egrets soaring, flowers blooming everywhere—quiet, exquisite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, their hearts ached with reluctance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Brother,” Pu Mei couldn’t help asking, “You said you understood Master’s thoughts—what did you mean?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elder Sister, you must know: though the Purple Emperor purges demons and monsters, his methods are extreme and indiscriminate, harming many and threatening Fu Yao and Xian Zhu. But for most humans, it’s still a good thing.” Xu Yi sighed. “Master opposes him not just for self-preservation, but for ideological conflict. Whoever wins, the world must be protected from demonic harm. If Master wins this calamity and plunges the world into chaos, people may believe he stands with the demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then looked to the side. “Third Sister thinks the same. That’s why she risks leaving—not only to attain enlightenment and aid Master, but to fight for his ideals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xian Zhu’s expression remained calm—she silently agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pu Mei nodded, thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Xian Zhu spoke again: “Little Brother, you’re from Huizhou, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then Jiangnan is almost your homeland.” Xian Zhu said. “You go to Jiangnan. I’ll go to the frigid northeast.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s the perfect chance for you to go home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But that won’t do! Master already made plans with Sister Fuyao!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master sent me to Jiangnan because Jiangnan is the place of incense worship for Jade Mirror Emperor, where the Purple Emperor’s influence is weak, and it’s deliberately far from the protection of Divine Lord and Moon Illumination Yuanjun—safer for me. But this might hinder my attainment of true enlightenment, so we’ll swap places.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry about Sister Fuyao—she won’t remember anything, and besides, she’s drunk. When she takes us away, we’ll tell her where to go, and she’ll go there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master can hear us. Since he hasn’t objected, he has no opinion. Xianzhu said, 'It’s decided.'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How would the junior brother dare defy his senior sister?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This senior sister may seem frail, and her true form is merely a wild rabbit from the mountains, yet she cultivates the Five Elements Spirit Art, specializes in Five Elements spells, and loves studying sword techniques—her combat power is terrifying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even Master in the pavilion could only shake his head with a wry smile.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A rabbit that knelt for three years to seek the Dao is indeed stubborn.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1770,"2026-06-20T14:45:37.804Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ee1bd0c49f9d7d70c2c85d8a682b0f96819e01907b5572fc7e4313ff03b73d0b","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-587","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-585",608,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-book-of-strange-tales-cover.jpg"]