[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-43":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"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},2262348,4415,"Chapter 43: Puppet Monkey, Soul-Shaking Drum","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-43",43,"\u003Cp>Temples and Daoist observatories across Shenzhou are carefully situated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Built atop sacred peaks or deep within great rivers, where few mortals tread, they typically signify a single-minded pursuit of the Dao, far removed from the mortal world…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Built halfway up a mountain, they signify half in the mortal world, half in the immortal…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Built at the mountain’s base, they signify cultivation within the mortal world, cultivating good fortune and connections…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If built within a city, they inevitably attract incense offerings and emphasize personal aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, temples within cities are usually surrounded by thriving commerce and bustling crowds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Xicheng, near the Empress Temple’s old street.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, shops line both sides of the street, but unlike the incense, candle, and funeral-wedding shops clustered near the City God Temple, this area is mostly filled with artisan workshops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leatherworkers, goldsmiths, carpenters, stonemasons—these are merely trades; from them sprang even more specialized shops: those making horse gear, crafting shadow puppets, building furniture, and fashioning musical instruments for performers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several men from the White Monkey Gang hurried along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Iron Knife Gang, Yuan Qu had grown up in brothels, accustomed to all manner of scenes, and prized grandeur above all—so his men wore uniform attire: black jackets, warrior boots, and leather belts as thick as a palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each was broad-shouldered and burly; together, they radiated ferocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passersby who saw them flinched with fear and quickly stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, they arrived before a secluded shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the shop hung many wooden puppets, all dressed in opera robes, faces painted with masks—Sheng, Dan, Jing, Mo, Chou—each lifelike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a workshop specializing in wooden puppet-making.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puppet theater, also called “Little Opera,” originated in the Han, flourished in the Tang, even inspiring the Tang Emperor to write: “Carved wood, silk threads—old man made real, wrinkled skin, white hair, indistinguishable from truth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is called “Little” because performances take place on small stages, with curtains below concealing the performers, who, through deft hands and vocal skill, enact joy, sorrow, separation, and reunion within a tiny space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puppet theater in Xianyang was equally renowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just two or three performers could travel to village temple fairs, so many took up this trade, and specialized puppet-making shops existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the aged shop, a middle-aged man was carving a puppet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore a white robe, black hair falling to his shoulders, narrow eyes, a cold expression, long, strong fingers that sent wood shavings flying as his chisel glided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, he seemed out of place amid the old shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even hearing footsteps, he remained utterly absorbed, as if no one else existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The White Monkey Gang men dared not enter, standing outside, bowing in unison with respectful hands:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Chen, our boss wishes you to lend your hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The white-robed man did not look up, still focused on carving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Where is what I asked for?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Chen, rest assured—we’re one short of the full set. The boss says daylight is too crowded; he’ll deliver them all to your home tonight…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later, the Yuan family mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Tie Dao Gang’s Zheng Heibei, Yuan Qu, once wealthy, adopted an entirely different demeanor: bought a grand mansion, built courtyards, exuding the air of a wealthy gentry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps from years of poverty, he now indulged in every luxury possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Master Zhou, please!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the gate, a man bowed respectfully to lead the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him walked a youth, tall and straight, with thick brows and large eyes, a square, dignified face, dressed in brocade robe and long coat, a jade thumb ring on his finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes gleamed with sharp vitality, radiating a tiger-like aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the mansion, Yuan Qu stepped forward with a smile: “Zhou Bai, you’re hard to summon—did you receive your master’s true transmission, and now look down on your Uncle Yuan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The visitor was none other than Zhou Bai, the prodigy of the Zhou family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle, you jest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth Zhou Bai clearly grew impatient, gave a slight bow, then glanced around and shook his head: “Uncle, your garden has grown even more beautiful. Uncle Zhou once said that if you didn’t get lost in these worldly trinkets, your martial skill would be far beyond this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu showed no anger, only laughed: “I’m old, can’t match your youthful vigor. When I hear your name echo through the Jianghu, I’ll be content.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai said nothing, “Why did you call me here, Uncle Yuan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ll find out inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu smiled mysteriously and led Zhou Bai into the main hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, a large monkey sat on a chair, a iron chain around its neck, clutching a live chicken, tearing at it, blood dripping from its mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked human-like, yet its eyes glowed with ferocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On another chair sat a white-robed middle-aged man, black hair falling to his shoulders, cold expression, quietly meditating as he turned prayer beads in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at them only briefly upon their arrival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu quickly introduced: “Zhou Bai, let me present Master Chen FaKui, a high adept of the Fa Mai of the Jiuyuan Sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Master Chen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai’s heart leapt—he bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Jianghu, the Jin Men leads, the Xuan Men stands above all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tai Xuan Zheng Jiao is the state religion, dealing mostly with high officials and nobles; for us Jianghu folk, the most we can reach are the regional Fa Mai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jiuyuan Sect originated from Lishan, an ancient sect said to descend from the craftsmen who built the First Emperor’s tomb, inheriting the arts of the alchemists of that era, wielding great influence across Guanzhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hallmark of the Fa Mai is that their true disciples’ names contain the character “Fa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Chen FaKui, without doubt, is a true Fa Mai sorcerer! Why bring me to meet a sorcerer?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai frowned, then turned to the large monkey: “Uncle Yuan, how did my uncle’s qin shou end up here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monkey fist styles are numerous; the Hong Quan system includes one branch, but deemed unrefined, it’s called “Zi Quan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Pan was a master of this art, studied Tong Bei Hou Quan, fused both, trained relentlessly, and reached Hua Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He captured two large macaques near Zhongnan Mountain; they were highly intelligent. Watching their movements, he taught them fist techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Pan cherished them, calling them qin shou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After becoming head of the Divine Fist Association, his fame spread, and many came to challenge him. Annoyed, he set a rule: defeat the macaques before you face him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was one source of his notorious reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, these two macaques always stayed by Zhou Pan’s side; their presence here naturally puzzled Zhou Bai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Naturally, I asked my master to send them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu smiled faintly: “The match is coming soon. You’ve mastered the monkey’s form, but lack its agility and ferocity. So I paid dearly to have Master Chen use secret methods to help you awaken it—my master himself has agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai felt a surge of displeasure, shook his head: “He’s just a country boy. Uncle Yuan, do you really lack faith in me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu laughed: “Of course I have faith in you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But you know Zhang Yuanshang—that old bastard—has always been at odds with Master. If that boy were weak, why would he bother organizing this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you don’t just need to win—you must win decisively!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you kill Li Hu’s son easily, Master might be pleased enough to let you leave, to roam the Jianghu and make your name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai’s eyes lit up instantly: “Really?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would I lie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu’s smile was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sorcerer Chen FaKui watched silently; once Zhou Bai agreed, he stepped forward, plucked a strand of hair from Zhou Bai and the monkey, wrapped them in yellow talismans, and alternately shoved them into the mouths of man and beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai watched, his heart tightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sorcerers’ harm is unpredictable; in the Jianghu, rumors warn: never give away your Bazi , fingernails, or hair to such people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Zhou Pan not approved, he would never have let the man near him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing Zhou Bai’s wariness, Chen FaKui paid no mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then pulled out a drum painted with the Eight Trigrams, shook it while stepping the Nine Stars, shook his head, black hair flying wildly, eyes slowly rolling white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered incantations, but so fast none could catch the words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the drumbeat sounded, Zhou Bai began to change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt the monkey’s aura fill the space around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That aura surged into his body, making him shudder and twitch, knees bending involuntarily, he scratched his head, twisted his face, mimicking the monkey’s movements exactly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, man and monkey began fighting Monkey Fist inside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each move sharp, each punch brutal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Bai’s eyes now held a wild, beastly ferocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>CRACK!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out—his claws tore deep grooves into a thick wooden beam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youth cheered, scampering on all fours like a monkey, baring his teeth at Yuan Qu, radiating raw savagery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excellent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Qu clapped in approval, yet his eyes brimmed with mockery…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…………\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unaware, night fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>DONG! DONG! DONG!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the alley near the City God Temple, the drumming still echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intermittent, each beat like thunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the green stone street, Wang Daoxuan walked with a lantern, stepped into the Wendaoguan, and saw Li Yan, wild-eyed in the courtyard, shaking his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei crouched on the steps, hugging a jar of old liquor, beside him an oiled paper packet spread open, filled with boiled peanuts and braised beef.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master, have a sip?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Daoxuan enter, he raised the jar and asked softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan shook his head in refusal. “No. At Hai Shi, all is still; drinking stirs the blood and qi, defying the hour. If I drink, I fear I won’t be able to cultivate later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the point of cultivating anymore…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei muttered, “With this drum beating, how can anyone sleep?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan was also helpless. “I’ve already spoken to the neighbors—they don’t mind. Why are you complaining?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I wouldn’t dare complain—I’m just worried.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sha Lifei quickly rebutted, shaking his head. “It’s been beating all day, and he hasn’t eaten or drunk a thing. He’s fighting the next day—aren’t you afraid something will go wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan looked at Li Yan, oblivious to all around him, and mused, “This is the state of self-forgetfulness. Li Yan already warned us—he knows what he’s doing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We just wait patiently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, the folk of the old street suffered dearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet what puzzled them was that the drumbeat, which had earlier been irritating, by the second half of the night had become strangely pleasant to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that night, they slept more peacefully than ever…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1790,"2026-06-19T18:28:32.159Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","7df341468f22f3b782e969c5114ab73d25a8ecab3ab30332523ee100efc55281","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-44","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-42",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]