幽明錄

A collection of tales written during the Southern Dynasties period. This work explores the interconnectedness of the supernatural and the mundane, unfolding stories of strange occurrences, ghostly encounters, and rich mythological elements that reflect cultural beliefs and historical narratives. It captures a wide range of characters, from emperors and commoners to spirits and divine beings, traversing various realms of existence. The opening of the book introduces a tapestry of vivid and fantastical locations, anchoring the reader in a world where the boundary between the living and the dead blurs. It describes scenes such as a mystical island with a golden platform guarded by deities, a transformative encounter with spirits, and peculiar occurrences linked to ancient burial sites. Through these early narratives, the text hints at the themes of fate, morality, and the consequences of human actions, setting the stage for deeper explorations into the complexities of life and death.