Welcome to Tianmu: Eyes of IllusionBy Jeffery Tong
Thank you for stepping into this world where nothing is quite what it seems.
This story blends urban mystery, modern fantasy, and Chinese spiritual traditions—an unusual cocktail of dreamwalking, illusion magic, and hidden truths carved into city streets. If you're into stories like The Untamed, Inception, or The Matrix, but wish they had more 八卦符,祖灵幻术和都市悬疑... you're in the right place.
"Illusions don't lie. People do."
This book follows Lucas Zhang, a Chinese-American illusionist who doesn't even know he's awakened—until mirrors start whispering and dream symbols burn into the real world. His journey takes him from nightmares to secret societies, from copper mirrors to urban ley lines, and eventually into a battle for the right to "see."
Add to LibraryLeave your thoughts & theories in the commentsNew chapters coming 3 times a week!
Let's uncover what the world's been hiding—together.
② What Is the Tianmu?
What is the "Tianmu" (天目)?The name literally means Sky Eye or Celestial Vision. In Daoist and esoteric Chinese traditions, the Tianmu refers to a hidden eye—the mind's eye—that allows one to perceive energies, illusions, and truths unseen by normal sight.
In this novel, the Tianmu is both:
A bloodline trait awakened through dreams, objects, or rituals;
A gateway to illusion arts—幻术—that manipulate visual perception, memory, and even shared dreamspace.
The Tianmu manifests in three progressive phases (详见后续"天目三式") and is tightly linked to:
Old talismans and mirror magic
Symbols drawn from 八卦 (Bagua), 风水 (geomancy), and 梦术 (dreamwalking)
Dangerous side effects like hallucinations, possession, or spiritual debt
Lucas isn't the only one with this eye. But those who have it... are either hunted or already missing.
③ Glossary of Symbols & Spells
Symbol & Spell Reference (Vol. 1)
"To see beyond illusion, one must know the language of lies."
Symbol / TermDescriptionEye in Triangle (三目阵)First symbol Lucas sees in his dream and mirror. Activates Tianmu sight.八卦阵 (Bagua Array)A traditional Daoist symbol, key to dream-world structure. Appears in nightmares.Copper Mirror (照魂铜镜)Grandfather's artifact; reveals hidden layers of reality when activated.Mind Pulse (心波扰术)Lucas's accidental burst of illusion in Chapter 6—disrupts enemy perception.Dream Gate (梦门)A doorway between sleep and spirit world. Opened unknowingly by Lucas.
More will be revealed as the story progresses...
④ Character Sheet
Character Overview (Vol. 1)
CharacterRoleTraitsLucas ZhangMain protagonistChinese-American, 22, translator, haunted by dreams and illusions.Grandfather ZhangMysterious ancestorSent the copper mirror; tied to Tianmu legacy. Possibly still watching..."The Watcher"Unknown enemyGlimpsed in dreams. Feeds on perception. Not human.Mask SocietySecret groupClaims to control illusionists. Hunters or protectors?Detective Anya WellsFuture ally?Haleford PD. Starting to see the unseeable.
More characters will be introduced soon—including fellow Tianmu wielders and those who want to silence them.
⑤ Update Schedule & Patreon
Update Schedule
Starting July 2025Posting 3 chapters per week: Monday / Wednesday / FridayEach arc builds the mystery deeper—urban fantasy meets inner awakening
Patreon Coming Soon
Want behind-the-scenes lore, bonus dream chapters, and Tianmu spellbooks?
✨ Follow "Jeffery Tong" on Patreon to unlock exclusive materials:
Secret spells and illusion techniques
Dreamscape maps
Discord server for readers and fans
Your name in the Acknowledgements
Stay tuned!