斬鬼傳

The story opens with a witty meditation on the hidden world of spirits that permeates everyday life, then shifts to a striking portrait of a scholar named Zhong Kui. Though his face is likened to a terrifying beast, his mind shines with literary talent, and he sets out for the capital during the Tang dynasty’s grand examination. Along the dusty road he endures hunger and ridicule, yet his sharp wit and confident bearing earn him a modest room and a chance to present his work.

In the bustling city of Chang’an, Zhong Kui confronts the pomp of officials and the superficial judgments of a court obsessed with appearance. His flawless essays astonish the examiners, propelling him to the top of the rankings and catching the emperor’s eye. Rather than a conventional honor, he is granted a divine commission: to wield his sword against malevolent ghosts and to venture into the underworld, where he meets the stern judge of the dead. His new mission promises a blend of literary brilliance and supernatural adventure.