The Story of the Stone by Barry Hughart is the second book in the Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox series, blending Chinese mythology, fantasy, and mystery. Master Li, a wise but flawed scholar, and his strong, good-hearted assistant, Number Ten Ox, embark on a quest to solve the mystery of a jade stone that drives men to madness and death. Their journey takes them through a world of ancient legends, deceitful immortals, and hidden secrets, weaving humor, adventure, and philosophical insight into a richly imaginative tale. I