With warmth and simple, delicate prose, this novel vividly tells the story of Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao, who studied their arts from childhood at Tongbai Palace on Mount Tiantai. They healed the sick and saved the dying, practiced medicine to help the world, and vanquished demons to protect their fellow villagers.
The novel recounts how Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao went to gather herbs on Mount Tiantai, fell into danger, and found a way out against all odds. There, they encountered two benefactors, the Immortal Fairies Bitao and Hongtao, and became their husbands. The story celebrates the truth, goodness, and beauty of humanity, and reveals how the three brothers, Liu Chen, Ruan Zhao, and Fu Liang, cared nothing for fame or fortune, willingly helped people overcome their troubles, and selflessly gave of themselves. It describes Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao venturing among the common folk to diagnose illnesses, give away medicine and tea, exorcise demons, learn about the people's hardships, and share their burdens. It expresses the belief that justice will surely triumph over evil and endure forever, conveys an uplifting spirit of kindness and beauty, and celebrates the protagonists' fearlessness in danger and steadfast commitment to righteousness.
The novel tells how the Immortal Fairies Bitao and Hongtao, seeking to rid the people of a plague, defied the laws of Heaven and scattered the medicinal herb wuyào throughout the human realm. They were transformed into two mountain peaks and have protected the land ever since. Their selfless dedication to bringing blessings to the common people is moving and worthy of praise, and their story will be passed down for generations, inspiring people and strengthening their faith in and hope for a better life.
