A mask, three worlds, endless weirdness.
In the deep ancient villages in western Hunan, in the hidden ancestral halls in Bashu, and in the old stages in Ganpo... There is an ancient and mysterious ritual - Nuo opera. When the dancer puts on the Nuo mask, which may be ferocious, majestic, or compassionate, he is no longer a mortal. They shuttle between humans, ghosts and gods, communicate with the underworld, and exorcise evil spirits.
However, not all masks can sleep peacefully at the bottom of a camphor box. Some masks carry too much power of obsession, resentment and taboo that should not be awakened. Once put on, it is like opening Pandora's box, releasing a mysterious shadow that has lingered for thousands of years.
Each mask is an independent vortex of horror; each story digs deeply into the dark corners of belief, fear, desire and taboo in Nuo culture. They may originate from dusty history or arise from the distortion of the human heart, and together they weave into a strange and magnificent folk horror picture.
Opening this book, you will step into the shadow world behind Nuo noodles and experience the thrilling legends that arise between ancient rituals and modern life. Please remember: what is hidden under the mask may not be a god, but a resentful ghost that will never rest in peace, or the deepest dark side of human nature.
Are you ready to take off your first mask?
