[{"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-597":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},2317877,4532,"Chapter 597: Invert Yin and Yang, Reverse Heaven and Return the Sun","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-597",597,"\u003Cp>Why has the True Lord Qingmiao left the formation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your Majesty, True Lord Qingmiao says his weapon was seized by that Daoist, and he can no longer fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What of the Green Mother Empress?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My lord, her most precious treasure was shattered, and she was wounded by that mortal True One—she is heartbroken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the golden halls of the Divine Palace, many immortals gathered before the Mirror of Heaven, watching the great battle below; among them were deities also revered as certain Di Jun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Great Defense Divine Lord grew larger, few peaks in the entire Yishan could rival his height—even facing the risen Lotus Peak, he held his ground. Their forces clashed, and at times the shockwaves reached the heavens, overwhelming even aged gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet due to True Lord Qingmiao’s departure and the Green Mother Empress’s inability to fight, despite aid from the Six Divine Departments, the True Lords and deities still failed to take Yishan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, another divine official arrived riding clouds:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty and all exalted immortals and gods, someone has seen the Bodhisattvas and Vajras of the Fomen, and the Eight Celestial Dragons!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where? What happened?” one deity spoke. “The Son of Heaven long ago ordered them to come—why have they not arrived yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They were sent by the Son of Heaven to reinforce us, but as soon as they left the Western Heaven, they were blocked by the Old Ancestor of Tianshan and several other deities. After barely driving them off, fearing they’d delay the Son of Heaven’s command, they rushed here—yet upon reaching the south, they were blocked again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who blocked them?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The divine lords under Jade Mirror Di Jun—apparently Yi Li Divine Lord and Yue Zhao Yuanjun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An aged immortal hurriedly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Purple Di Jun spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Turn the Mirror of Heaven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two spirit officials before the mirror, known as the Mirror-Observing Generals, who oversaw the Mirror of Heaven, immediately pointed a finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporting divine official stepped forward to explain the directions in detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Mirror of Heaven’s image shifted several times, and in a blink, it revealed a sky filled with Buddhist clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the Buddhist clouds, radiant light shone everywhere; two Bodhisattvas sat upon lotus thrones—one holding a pure vase, the other pinching a flower between his fingers; behind them stood countless Vajras and Arhats, each radiating Buddhist light and seated on lotus thrones; beyond them, higher in the Buddhist clouds, the Eight Celestial Dragons gathered—some resembling demons, some ghosts, some serpentine dragons—truly a chaos of monstrous spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Purple Di Jun’s gaze grew slightly cold, and he said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones blocking them were precisely Yi Li Divine Lord and Yue Zhao Yuanjun of the south; behind them stood the Thunder and Fire Twin Generals, dozens of lesser-known divine generals, and three thousand heavenly soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We obey the Son of Heaven’s command to reinforce Yishan. You two True Lords are Nine Heavens deities—why block us?” asked the Bodhisattva holding the pure vase—Pure Karma Vow Bodhisattva.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the incense land of Jade Mirror Di Jun. Western Heaven Bodhisattvas may not enter,” said Yue Zhao Yuanjun. “If you wish to visit, allow us to send word back to the Di Jun to prepare proper hospitality—then invite the Buddhist Bodhisattvas another day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Bodhisattvas exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other Bodhisattva, Light Sound Marvelous Awakening, spoke: “Does Jade Mirror Di Jun no longer revere the Son of Heaven?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He directed this question at Yi Li Divine Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, in his view, Yi Li Divine Lord—the foremost of the Three Southern Saints—held far greater status than Yue Zhao Yuanjun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Yi Li Divine Lord remained silent; only Yue Zhao Yuanjun spoke coldly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our Di Jun knows nothing of this—it is my brother’s and my own doing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you two disciples not revere the Son of Heaven?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We certainly revere the Son of Heaven—but we revere the True Dao more. The Son of Heaven now indiscriminately exterminates demons without distinguishing good from evil, falling into obsession. The Nine Heavens deities and earthly spirits all complain. Even you, Buddhist friends, dare come here only because you crave the southern incense, are too distant from the Central Plains, and the Son of Heaven has not yet turned his gaze upon your Eight Celestial Dragons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Jiang glanced at the Eight Celestial Dragons behind them:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please return. Last time Bodhisattva Ci Yun came south, we ignored it. This time, we will not allow you to proceed to Yishan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two Bodhisattvas exchanged glances again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To fight? Though Buddhist Bodhisattvas possessed great spiritual power, most were unskilled in combat. They had no confidence they could defeat Yi Li Divine Lord, the foremost of the Three Southern Saints. The Vajras and Arhats were somewhat better—those who came were chosen for combat prowess—but still unlikely to match the opposing divine generals. The Eight Celestial Dragons were fierce and skilled fighters, yet the heavenly soldiers’ armor, weapons, and battle formations were no joke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, they had just fought the Old Ancestor of Tianshan and western deities—suffering losses and exhaustion. In contrast, their opponents rested and waited, and behind them lay the southern deities’ incense lands, where incense never ceased and divine power flowed endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a time, both sides stood in stalemate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above, in the divine palace among the Nine Heavens’ immortal clouds, all the gods fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all realized one thing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jade Mirror Di Jun’s stance seemed to be shifting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, they had assumed that even if Jade Mirror Di Jun clashed with Purple Di Jun, he would wait until the end of this dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Lin the True One, who could bind Fuchi Divine Lord; Shan the True One, who could contend with the Nine Heavens deities; the discontent toward Purple Di Jun—whether half-hearted obedience or active aid—had given him an early opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?co\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Purple Di Jun ordered the Mirror-Observing Generals to turn the Mirror of Heaven back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment it turned, they saw a battlefield shrouded in darkness, where a Daoist resembling an old farmer held a silver mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiong jiong jiong…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silver light began to shoot from the mirror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in daylight, the silver beams were as blinding as lightning—nine at a time, striking different directions, unceasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the skies over Yishan were filled with silver light, weaving into a net, lashing toward the True Lords and deities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Lords could still block them; the higher immortals and gods could only hope their survival techniques would evade them—if they failed to evade, they could not withstand them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some silver beams even shot upward toward heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiong…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silver beam shot up from beneath the divine palace, instantly piercing heaven and earth. Fortunately, the palace roof had no ceiling, and the beam missed the Di Jun, causing no damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, several aged gods recoiled in terror; palace guards and martial gods rushed forward to shield the divine lords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why panic?” Purple Di Jun spoke. “Who still remembers what law Yishan cultivates?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, it is Yin-Yang Spirit Law.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph!” Purple Di Jun sneered again. “Dare those who cultivate Yin-Yang Spirit Law act so boldly before me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he waved his hand toward the mortal realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below, in the mortal realm, it was daytime, the sun blazing fiercely; the True Ones and True Lords fought fiercely, when suddenly the heavens changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides immediately ceased fighting and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun, moments ago directly overhead, began rapidly moving westward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only visible to the naked eye, but unmistakably clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a blink, it shifted westward; in a breath, it moved halfway westward; within two or three breaths, the blazing sun of the mortal realm neared Yishan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sunlight swiftly shifted from blazing white to pale gold, then pale orange, until it turned crimson as blood. The once-blinding sun now revealed its outline on the horizon—a round, carmine orb, casting a sky ablaze with colorful clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly like an ordinary sunset behind the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What terrified them was precisely this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In every way, it resembled the natural dusk, the sun setting behind the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No spatial ripples, no magical techniques, no illusionary traces, not even a sense of Daoic mystery—it seemed merely that the sun had moved faster, and simultaneously, the solar essence of heaven and earth gradually faded, as if true dusk had truly come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, the sun sank beneath the mountains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world darkened swiftly; night arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just Yishan, not just Yixian, not even just Huizhou—all of the mortal realm was like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun had set, yet no moon or stars rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven and earth were utterly dark, without a single source of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, no Yin-Yang spiritual essence remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no longer day, so solar essence had nearly vanished; yet it was no longer night, so lunar essence had not yet descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This darkness was truly despairing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Peng…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several clusters of flame rose into the sky, becoming artificial sun and moon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless fireflies flew out, becoming a sky full of stars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heavenly soldiers and divine generals emitted their divine light; True Lords’ eyes glowed like lanterns; their weapons radiated divine light; the giant mountain deity’s unbroken backside lit up with stone lanterns, illuminating the rock fissures and stone steps with grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiny sources of light illuminated this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And illuminated the stunned face of the Yishan Daoist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Worse! This is Purple Di Jun’s supreme technique—Inverting Yin and Yang!” said True Lord Xuanming. “The sun has set across the entire mortal realm! He has personally intervened to aid them—we must cease fighting!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All Yishan Daoists except the youngest sister cultivated Yin-Yang Spirit Law. Fuyao also cultivated Yin-Yang Spirit Law; Daoist Bai Luan and True Lord Moyu were demons, and nine out of ten demons cultivated Yin-Yang Spirit Law—only the youngest sister, True Lord Xuanming, and the Yishan Mountain Deity were unrelated to Yin-Yang spiritual essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, the opposing divine lords relied on incense divine power; the immortals cultivated Heaven-and-Earth Spirit Law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, their spiritual power could not be replenished; defeat was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above the Nine Heavens, another voice came:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Son of Heaven’s decree: Within three days, flatten Yishan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hearts of the Yishan people sank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Must they flee?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True Ones were not easily killed; they all had survival techniques and could escape—but they could leave; how could the Mountain Deity leave?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Must they abandon the Mountain Deity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the eldest brother spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True Lord Xuanming, True Lord Bai Luan, True Lord Moyu—if you can leave, go quickly. The Fuxiu Peak and Fuxiu Temple have been sheltered and cared for by the Mountain Deity; no one has ever repaid him. I come from Fuxiu Peak—I now vow to perish with Fuxiu and the Mountain Deity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk tsk, not easy, boss—you rarely speak so decisively,” said a Daoist. “Looks like you’re fit to be abbot after all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third brother is foolish—the eldest brother is no longer abbot,” said a female Daoist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I still have some pills that can replenish spiritual power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be so pessimistic—we’ve had our share of fun already. All we need to do is hold out; perhaps when Brother Jue returns, or when Lady Yao Hua arrives, things will change.” Seventh Senior Brother said, frowning as he couldn’t help but look up at the sky. “Why hasn’t Lady Yao Hua arrived yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking, everyone suddenly scattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A colossal Divine Flail had swung toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The True Lord’s divine spirit and the heavenly soldiers’ assault had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it lasted only an instant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant, everyone froze again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brilliant five-colored light suddenly burst forth in the heavens, nearly blocking the space between sky and earth—mortals could no longer see the Nine Heavens, nor could the Nine Heavens see mortals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment, the five-colored light vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The divine spirits of the Nine Heavens lowered their heads, staring intently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true immortals and yao xian of Yishan, the eight-tailed white fox, and countless other beings all looked up at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is this…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Bai Luan and Master Mo Yu both widened their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eight-tailed white fox wore a serious expression, tinged with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the few remaining ordinary beasts and birds in the mountain, fear still lingered in some eyes, while others showed only simple bewilderment; the ancient spirits hiding in the shadows were utterly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the True Lord’s divine spirit and the heavenly soldiers dared not move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman’s figure stepped through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman wore ancient robes, appearing as a breathtakingly beautiful matron. As she walked, she gazed at the ruins, at Master Bai Luan and Master Mo Yu, at the several true immortals who had scattered, and finally chose to lower her head, locking eyes with the eight-tailed white fox, who had raised his head, serious and puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the east revealed a pale gray dawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, the pale gray became a fiery morning glow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a ray of morning light pierced the darkness; the sun rose whole and round once more from the east, climbing higher and brighter, until it became too dazzling to look at, its outline indiscernible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sunlight shifted from red to yellow, then to a warm, golden hue; by the time it reached its zenith, it had turned blinding white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if reversing the previous sequence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Yao Hua…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Returning Heaven, Reversing the Sun…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Bai Luan and Master Mo Yu were utterly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within Yishan, countless spirits nearly knelt down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of the mountain’s demons were ancient; they had lived through Lady Yao Hua’s era. She had made Huizhou her cultivation ground—this very place. One could say they had once worshipped her as their divine sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among the Nine Heavens, many spirits were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lady Yao Hua has emerged again…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yao Hua dares to emerge again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does she intend to return?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do we do now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Did Master Lin foresee this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden halls of the divine palace buzzed with chaotic murmurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Golden Palace of the Divine Court was filled with loud, chaotic debate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, in another realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind howled across Modu Mountain—dry and harsh, carrying sand that blew into the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind from Mo Dushan howled noisily, already dry and harsh, now carrying sand that blew into the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist placed the final stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Divine Lord has lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist grinned, rising to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“According to our wager, I shall depart. But I won’t leave the Divine Lord lonely—I’ll leave a fragment here to keep you company. Hehe, my fragment technique is crude; the fragment is fragile. Don’t get angry and slash him to pieces with your halberd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fuchi Divine Lord tossed a black stone aside, eyeing him coldly: “You don’t trust me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Floating Pool Divine Lord tossed down a black stone and regarded him coldly: “Do you not trust me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist laughed heartily, bowing to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time flows too swiftly here—no room for delay. I must take my leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he split into two: one stepped forward and vanished; the other walked to the spot where his original body had stood and sat down again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having finished speaking, he split into two: one stepped forward and vanished, while the other walked to the spot where the original had stood and sat down again.\u003C\u002Fp>",2561,"2026-06-20T14:45:37.804Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f8c4b55e9506b46ffd37dd03503497d2c43185974474bd23f7df94eeaf2fed5a","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-598","the-book-of-strange-tales-chapter-596",608,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-book-of-strange-tales-cover.jpg"]