
In the early days of the Tang dynasty, a retired official’s wife lies ill when a flickering lantern flower awakens, revealing a sprightly old woman who offers a mysterious elixir. The cure works, but the benefactor soon becomes an unwanted guest, wielding strange powers that turn household peace into a battlefield of strange tricks and sudden violence. As the family grapples with this uncanny presence, whispers of a lurking monster begin to surface, hinting at a deeper, unseen menace.
Meanwhile, a lone maiden skilled in swordsmanship descends from the mountains, drawn by rumors of a restless demon that has taken the form of a clever white‑faced monkey. Their fateful encounter sparks a clash of mortal skill and otherworldly cunning, setting the stage for a quest to uncover hidden martial secrets. Listeners will be immersed in a vivid world where ancient courts, secret spells, and mischievous spirits intertwine, promising intrigue and wonder from the very first act.
Language
zh
Duration
~4 hours (237K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2018-05-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Best known as the traditional author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this classic Chinese writer helped shape one of the most influential stories in East Asian literature. Much about his life remains uncertain, which only adds to the legend around his work.
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1574–1646
A major late Ming writer and editor, he helped preserve and popularize Chinese vernacular storytelling. He is especially remembered for the lively story collections later known in English as the Three Words.
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