The Legend of the Eight Immortals

 　　　　 The Legend of the Eight Immortals (Part 1)

　　　　 By Yang Yongchun

I remember when I was in elementary school, the idiom "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Each Displaying Their Unique Abilities" was told by my teacher and has stayed with me ever since. Later, I learned about the Penglai Immortal Mountain from my middle school textbooks, and I always longed to visit it someday and experience firsthand the place where the immortals lived. Six years ago, my wife and I visited my cousin in Weihai, Shandong, and made a special trip to Penglai Immortal Mountain. Unfortunately, we only saw the mountain but didn't encounter any immortals,

　　 leaving us unsatisfied with just hearing the legend. After returning, every Spring Festival when watching the folk performances, each troupe had an Eight Immortals dressed as flowers. I often asked the performers, but I could never figure out when the Eight Immortals originated, whether they were real immortals or just a folk tale. This question has always been a source of anxiety for me. Recently, after visiting several folk artists and researching relevant materials, I finally understood. I am writing this story now for everyone to know.

I. Myths and Legends According to legend

　　, in Taoism, the orthodox Upper Eight Immortals refer to the Three Pure Ones, the Four Emperors, and the Taiyi Golden Immortal, which are the eight highest-ranking deities in Taoism.

　　

　　 Immortals are divided into three categories: Celestial Immortals, Earthly Immortals, and Ghost Immortals. However, the Celestial, Earthly, and Ghost Immortals are not arranged according to rank; they are three types, not three levels.

　　For example, Zhenyuan Daxian is an Earthly Immortal, but his status among the gods is very high.　

II. Other Explanations

　　

　　 The Taoist immortals reside in grotto-heavens, which are divided into the Upper Eight Grottoes, the Middle Eight Grottoes, and the Lower Eight Grottoes. The Upper Eight Grottoes are for Celestial Immortals, the Middle Eight Grottoes for Divine Immortals, and the Lower Eight Grottoes for Earthly Immortals, collectively known as the "Eight Grotto Immortals."

　　

　　 Since the publication of Wu Yuantai's historical novel *Journey to the East* during the Ming Dynasty, Wu Yuantai established the "Eight Immortals of the Upper Cave" and ranked them in order: 1. Tieguai Li, 2. Zhongli Quan, 3. Lan Caihe, 4. Zhang Guolao, 5. He Xiangu, 6. Lü Dongbin, 7. Han Xiangzi, 8. Cao Guojiu. This composition and order of the Eight Immortals perfectly matched the popular folk version, indicating that most people accepted Wu's version. However,

in the mythological novel *The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea*, the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth from the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) are used, personified according to the five directions: west (metal), east (wood), north (water), south (fire), and center (earth).

　　Lü Dongbin belongs to the Qian (☰) metal element, located in the northwest. The Qian trigram is pure Yang, hence he is called the Pure Yang Ancestor, and his sword is also called the Pure Yang Sword.

　　 Tieguai Li belongs to the Dui (☱) metal element, located in the west. Using an iron crutch as a foot, iron belongs to metal, and the foot being below represents yin, signifying the image of soft metal, distinguishing it from the hard metal of qian (乾).

　　 He Xiangu belongs to the image of Kun earth, located in the southwest. She is the only female among the Eight Immortals, representing soft earth.

　　 Cao Guojiu belongs to the image of Gen earth, located in the east and west. The book says that his brother's spirit from the underworld possessed him and caused evil, imprisoning his own soul underground. The underworld is the position of earth, but it is hard earth, because he himself eventually defeated evil through a duel with the evil spirit, thus regaining his spirit, all of which are hard images.

　　 Zhang Guolao belongs to the image of Zhen wood, located in the due east. Because Zhang Guolao cut down the ferns in the moon palace, the tree is hard wood, distinguishing it from soft wood.

　　 Lan Caihe belongs to the image of Xun wood, located in the southeast. He holds orchids, and herbs are all soft wood.

　　 Han Xiangzi belongs to the image of Kan water, located in the due north. In the novel, there is a section where Han Xiangzi plays the flute to bring rain to the people during a severe drought.

　　 Zhongli Quan belongs to the Fire element. His direction is due south. Han Zhongli was fierce and powerful; his precious fan could unleash fire with a single flap, and the burning of the Dragon Palace was attributed to him.

　　Here's a brief introduction to the mutual generation and restraint of the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, and earth).

　　Since the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams interact in a generating and restraining relationship, let's start with generation, that is, mutual support. In the Five Elements, water generates wood. Water irrigates all plants, and wood refers to plants, so water is the source of life; water can generate wood. Wood generates fire. I think everyone can understand this; in ancient times, people didn't have fire, so they drilled wood to make it. Wood can make fire burn, so wood generates fire.

　　 Fire generates earth. When wood is burned, it turns to ash, and the ash on the ground becomes earth—this is fire generating earth. Then, earth generates metal. This may seem unbelievable, but accumulated earth over many years becomes stone, and stone becomes ore. Can't this ore be considered gold? Finally, metal generates water. Metal relies on water for its production. If metal is destroyed, it can turn into water—this is the so-called metal generating water. The Five Elements and Eight Trigrams: Mutual Generation and Restraint.

After discussing mutual generation and restraint, let's look at how the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams restrain each other. Metal restrains wood. Why does metal restrain wood? Because if there is too much metal underground, it will inevitably affect the growth of plants—this is naturally restraining wood. Wood overcomes Earth. Plants need soil to grow, and trees absorb nutrients from the soil, hence Wood overcomes Earth. Next, Earth overcomes Water. As the saying goes, "When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it," meaning earth can withstand water, so Earth overcomes Water. Water overcomes Fire, which needs no explanation; water can extinguish fire. Then, Fire overcomes Metal. Although there's a saying that true gold fears no fire, it can still melt at a certain melting point, so Fire overcomes Metal, which is easy to understand.

　　Using the Five Elements to arrange the Eight Immortals also metaphorically represents the balance of Yin and Yang, mutual generation and restraint, interdependence, and the principle that none can exist without the other.

　　 In folk legends, the Eight Immortals also represent male, female, old, young, rich, noble, poor, and lowly. Because the Eight Immortals were all mortals who cultivated themselves to attain enlightenment, their personalities are closer to those of ordinary people. In recent times, they have become very important deities in Taoism, and many places in China have temples dedicated to the Eight Immortals, who are also indispensable in welcoming the gods and participating in religious festivals. The eight items carried by the Eight Immortals—clappers, fan, flute, fish drum, sword, gourd, lotus flower, and flower basket—are commonly known as the "Eight Treasures," representing their qualities. In literary works, the stories of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea and offering longevity gifts are the most famous.

Third, the origin of their image:

　　Unlike many deities in Taoism, the Eight Immortals all originated from the human world and have colorful and varied mortal stories. They later attained enlightenment through cultivation. Their appearance is completely different from that of ordinary deities, who often appear dignified and aloof. Therefore, they are deeply loved by the people. Among them are generals, royalty, beggars, and Taoist priests, etc. They were not born immortals and all had some flaws.

　　 For example, Han Zhongli was depicted as having an exposed chest, Lü Dongbin as having a frivolous personality, and Tieguai Li as a drunkard. The Eight Immortals also represent men, women, children, the elderly, the rich, the poor, and the noble. Therefore, most Taoist temples have places to enshrine the Eight Immortals, or have separate Eight Immortals Palaces, and the Eight Immortals also appear at temple fairs. The Eight Immortals also frequently appear in New Year paintings, embroidery, porcelain, lanterns, dramas, and folk performances.

　　 Legend has it that the Eight Immortals regularly attend the Queen Mother of the West's Peach Banquet to offer birthday wishes, making "The Eight Immortals Celebrating Longevity" a common theme in folk art. Folk operas often feature performances of "The Drunken Eight Immortals" or "The Eight Immortals Celebrating Longevity," known as "Eight Immortals Plays."

　　 A poem testifies to this: Zhongli points at a stone and waves his fan, Guolao rides a donkey across Zhao Bridge, Dongbin carries a sword and is a guest of the clear breeze, the Imperial Uncle plays the jade flute at Yaochi, Caihe holds the cloud-shaped clapper, Mr. Tieguai (Iron-Crutch Li) attains high rank, the Fairy Maiden offers longevity wine, and Xiangzi presents peaches in a flower basket.

IV. Introduction to the Eight Immortals

(I) Tieguai Li

　　First, let's talk about Tieguai Li. In folk legends, Tieguai Li is the leader of the Eight Immortals. Some books say his surname is Li, his given name is Hongshui, and he was from Xia County during the Sui Dynasty. Lu Xun's *A Brief History of Chinese Fiction* says his surname is Li and his given name is Xuan. Zhao Yi's *Gaiyu Congkao* says his surname is Liu. Others say he lived during the Kaiyuan and Dali periods of Emperor Xuanzong and Emperor Daizong of the Tang Dynasty. He studied Taoism in Zhongnan Mountain, and once his primordial spirit left his body, but his physical body was eaten by a tiger, so he had no choice but to be reborn as a lame beggar. *A Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals Through the Ages*... One account states that he was originally a handsome man skilled in Taoist arts, capable of projecting his primordial spirit. He cultivated in a cave in Dangshan. Once, at the behest of his master Laozi, he performed the "soul astral projection" technique, traveling thousands of miles to Huashan. Returning several days later, he found his physical body mistakenly burned by his disciple. Suddenly seeing a starving corpse nearby, he had a flash of inspiration and said, "This will suffice." He entered the corpse through its forehead, and his soul returned to its body, transforming into an ugly man with disheveled hair, a curly beard, a black face, large eyes, and a limp right leg.

From this legend, he appears to be a Taoist immortal figure, a product of folk oral tradition and embellishment.

　　 Another legend says that Tieguai Li's surname was Li, his given name Xuan, and he was also known as Li Ningyang, Li Hongshui, and Li Kongmu. It is said that he was originally very tall and handsome, cultivating in a cave in Dangshan. Because he had agreed to attend Laozi's Mount Hua Immortal Gathering, Li Tieguai told his disciples before leaving that if his primordial spirit did not return within seven days, his physical body should be cremated. So he left the physical body behind while his primordial spirit wandered. Unexpectedly, on the sixth day, someone from the disciples' home brought news that his mother was critically ill, and the disciples had no choice but to cremate the physical body. After the disciples returned home, Li Tieguai's primordial spirit soon returned, but had nowhere to reside. Suddenly, he saw the corpse of a person who had starved to death in the forest, and entered through the person's forehead. After standing up, he realized something was wrong and hurriedly poured out the elixir given to him by Laozi from his gourd. The gourd suddenly flashed with golden light, revealing an ugly figure: a black face, disheveled hair, curly beard, huge eyes, and a lame right leg. Just as he was surprised, someone clapped behind him. Turning around, he saw it was Laozi. In desperation, he thought of jumping his primordial spirit out. Just then, Laozi stopped him, saying, "The path to enlightenment is not about outward appearance. With your appearance, as long as you cultivate diligently, you will become a true immortal." He then gave him a golden headband to restrain his unruly hair and a crutch to aid his limping leg. Li Tieguai also often carried a gourd, said to contain elixirs, which he used to cure illnesses and save lives when he descended to earth.

　　 The story of Tieguai Li illustrates that when people encounter difficulties, they should not complain, but rather accept their circumstances, remain steadfast despite physical limitations, and help others for a lifetime of peace.

(II) Zhongli Quan

　　 Among the Eight Immortals, Zhongli Quan is second only to Tieguai Li in fame. He holds a high position among the Eight Immortals, especially due to the praise of Taoists, which has greatly enhanced his reputation. During the Yuan Dynasty, the Quanzhen School revered him as "Master Zhengyang." The prototype of this figure appeared around the Five Dynasties and early Song Dynasty. His deeds are recorded in books such as the *Xuanhe Chronicle*, *Yijian Zhi*, and *Song History*, but later it was mistakenly attributed to Han Zhongli, thus placing him in the Han Dynasty. Books such as *A Comprehensive Mirror of Immortals Through the Ages* and *Continued Comprehensive Examination of Documents* state that Zhongli Quan, whose surname was Zhongli, courtesy name Jidao, and sobriquets Yunfangzi and Zhengyangzi, was a native of Xianyang during the Eastern Han Dynasty. His father, Zhongli Zhang, was a general of the Eastern Han, and his elder brother, Zhongli Jian, was a general of the Imperial Guard. Both of them later attained immortality. Indeed, there was a person named Zhongli Quan during the Tang Dynasty. *Complete Tang Poems* records three of his quatrains, along with a short biography: "A native of Xianyang, he met an old man who imparted to him the secrets of immortality. He also met the True Man of Huayang, the Immortal Wang Xuanfu, who transmitted the Dao to him and took him to Mount Kongtong. He called himself Master Yunfang, and later ascended to immortality." His surviving poem is titled "Three Quatrains Written at a Tavern in Chang'an to Avoid the Capital," which includes lines such as "I always carry a pot of wine, so that my eyes will not recognize the capital," and "It is not easy to meet a true immortal; when will I return to follow you?" These lines have a certain "immortal flavor," suggesting he was a Daoist devotee.

　　 Folk tales and legends say his surname was Zhongli, his given name was Quan, his courtesy name was Yunfang, and his sobriquet was Zhengyangzi. Zhongli was born in Xianyang, Jingzhao (present-day Shaanxi Province), supposedly during the Eastern Han Dynasty. His birth story is quite vivid: one day, a giant strode into his mother's inner chamber and loudly proclaimed to her, who had been trying to conceive for several days, "I am the ancient Yellow God, entrusted with this child." Instantly, a brilliant light, several feet long like a blazing fire, appeared, and then Zhongli was born. He was born the size of a three-year-old child, with a naturally auspicious appearance: a round head and broad forehead, thick ears and long eyebrows, a square mouth and large cheeks, lips as red as cinnabar, round breasts, and long arms. Even more strangely, he remained silent day and night, neither crying nor eating. On the seventh day, he suddenly uttered the words, "My body travels to the Purple Palace, my name is inscribed in the Jade Capital." These words astonished his parents. Because the Purple Palace and Jade Capital were the palaces of the Jade Emperor in heaven, they believed him to be a divine reincarnation. His parents hoped he would grow up to hold great power, hence the name "Quan" (meaning "power"). It is said that after growing up, Zhongli served as an advisor to the court, and later, summoned to fight against the Tubo (Tibetan) Empire, he was defeated and went into seclusion in the Zhongnan Mountains. He met Donghua Dijun Wang Xuanfu and obtained the secret of longevity, the golden elixir fire control, and the Azure Dragon Sword Technique. Later, he met Huayang Zhenren, who taught him Taiyi Jiugui, the fire talisman golden elixir, and the profound Dao. Finally, he obtained the secret of the jade box at the Four Sages Peak of the Forbidden City on Mount Kongtong and became an immortal. Legend has it that he became one of the Five Northern Patriarchs of Taoism in the Tang Dynasty because he converted Lü Dongbin. His image is often that

　　 of a man with a bare chest, holding a palm fan, with big eyes, a red face, and two buns on his head, looking calm and composed. He is a carefree man. The story of Zhongli Quan is a metaphor that one's career depends on one's own efforts, and one should not become rich and powerful and bully others.

(III) Zhang Guolao

　　Legend has it that Zhang Guolao is the oldest immortal among the Eight Immortals, named "Zhang Guo". Because he is the oldest among the Eight Immortals, people respectfully call him "Zhang Guolao".

Zhang Guo was a real historical figure. The *Record of Zhang Guo, Conferred the Title of Immortal by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang*, from the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty, states that he was "a native of Guangzong in Xingzhou" (present-day Zhangguzhai Village, Guangzong County, Hebei Province). He is mentioned in both the *New Book of Tang* and the *Old Book of Tang*. During the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, he lived in seclusion in the Zhongtiao Mountains. People at the time believed he possessed the secrets of immortality, and he claimed to be several hundred years old. Empress Wu Zetian once sent an envoy to summon him, but Zhang Guo feigned death and refused to go. In the twenty-first year of the Kaiyuan era of Emperor Xuanzong, Wei Ji, the prefect of Hengzhou, reported his extraordinary deeds to the emperor. Xuanzong summoned him, but Zhang Guo again feigned death, remaining unconscious for a long time before reviving. The envoy dared not approach him. Upon learning this, Xuanzong again sent Xu Qiao to invite him. Zhang Guo had no choice but to come to the capital. It is said that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang was suspicious of the rumors surrounding Zhang Guolao and once ordered Xing Hepu, a fortune teller skilled in predicting lifespan and morality, to tell Zhang's fortune. However, Xing was completely unaware of Zhang's birth year and time. There was also a Taoist priest named "Yeguang" who was skilled at seeing ghosts. Xuanzong ordered him to look for Zhang Guolao, but he asked, "Where is Zhang Guolao?" He couldn't see him even though he was right in front of him. The *Taiping Guangji* also records that Zhang Guolao claimed to be a person from the time of Emperor Yao. Emperor Xuanzong asked the sorcerer "Ye Fashan" about Zhang's origins. Ye Fashan said, "I dare not say, for I will die immediately." Under repeated questioning from Emperor Xuanzong, Ye Fashan had no choice but to say, "Zhang Guolao was a white bat spirit at the beginning of chaos." After saying this, he fell to the ground and died. Only after Xuanzong pleaded for him was Zhang Guolao revived.

　　 According to historical records, this person was a real person, originally a Taoist priest of the Tang Dynasty. He was skilled in magic and often lived in seclusion in the Zhongtiao Mountains of Hengzhou, traveling between Fen and Jin. Chinese folklore says he lived for hundreds of years, hence the respectful title Zhang Guolao. It is said that Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong of Tang, upon learning of his existence, sent envoys to summon him to the palace, but he refused to go. During the reign of Empress Wu Zetian, he was forced to comply with the summons, but feigned death halfway there and did not go. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Xuanzong finally sent an envoy to invite him to the palace, bestowing upon him the title of "Silver-Green Grand Master of the Palace" and the honorific "Master of Profound Understanding." Later, Xuanzong intended to marry his daughter to him, but he sang: "A fair daughter-in-law, born on level ground to the gentry, is pleasing to others, but terrifying to me." Ultimately, he did not agree to the marriage, earnestly declined, and returned to the mountains. Halfway there, he died in Puwu County, Hengshan. His disciples said he had ascended to immortality, and Emperor Xuanzong ordered the construction of the Qixia Temple in the area to commemorate him.

　　 Chinese folklore says he often carried a Daoist chanting tube, rode a white donkey backwards, and traveled far and wide, chanting Daoist songs and persuading people to enlightenment. It seems that, if we trace the origins of Daoist chanting in folk traditions today, Zhang Guolao is the true founder of Daoist chanting. The popular saying "riding a donkey while reading a script" originated from this. The white donkey he rode could travel ten thousand miles a day, and at night it would fold up like paper and be placed in a box. When riding it during the day, he would spray water in his mouth, and it would return to being a donkey. Later generations wrote a poem: "How many people in the world are like this old man? He doesn't ride the donkey backwards, but looks back on everything."

Zhang Guolao's story teaches us that in doing anything, we should try to consider all aspects, think before and after, and forge ahead bravely, instead of just looking back and forth.

(IV) Lü Dongbin

　　 Among the Eight Immortals, Lü Dongbin has the most stories. In Taoism, the Quanzhen School reveres him as "Pure Yang Patriarch," also known as "Lü Zu." Lü Dongbin was from Hezhong Prefecture, Puzhou (now Yongle Town, Ruicheng, Shanxi). His original name was Lü Yan ("Yan" or "Yan"), his courtesy name was Dongbin, he was known by his courtesy name, his Taoist name was Chunyangzi, and his nickname was Huidaoren.

　　 Lü Dongbin is the patriarch of the Quanzhen School, a major branch of Taoism, and a famous immortal in Chinese legend, one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism. He holds an extremely important position in both Taoism and folk beliefs. His poems are included in the *Complete Tang Poems* and *Collection of Ci Poems*. He is also mentioned in Song Dynasty books such as Luo Dajing's *Crane Forest Jade Dew*, Hong Mai's *Record of Strange Things*, and *Collection of Immortals*. He passed the imperial examination during the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty and served as a county magistrate twice.

　　 Another account states that he was from Jiujiang, originally a member of the Tang imperial family surnamed Li, who changed his surname to Lü to avoid persecution by Empress Wu Zetian. His original name was Shaoguang. After failing the imperial examinations for over twenty years, he gave up and traveled the world, eventually being enlightened by Zhongli Quan and attaining Taoism. He is the most humane of the Eight Immortals, known for his elegance, humor, and dedication to protecting the people, vanquishing demons, and his fondness for wine and women. The legend of "Lü Dongbin's Three Teasing with the White Peony" is widely circulated. His legends are numerous and varied, but they reveal that he was originally a scholar in the Tang Dynasty who admired Taoism, later deified into an immortal. To this day, the Yuanjiashan Lüzu Temple, built by Yuan Keli, the Minister

　　 of War during the Ming Dynasty, to commemorate Lü Dongbin, still stands in Suixian County, Henan Province. Folk tales say that Lü Dongbin was once appointed a county magistrate after passing the imperial examination. When his mother was about to give birth to him, the room was filled with a strange fragrance, celestial music filled the air, and a white crane descended from the sky, flew into his mother's tent, and disappeared. As expected, Lü Dongbin possessed extraordinary bearing from birth. He was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, able to write ten thousand words a day, memorize what he read, and speak eloquently. As an adult, he was described as "eight feet two inches tall, wearing a Huayang turban, a yellow yurt, and a black sash, resembling Zhang Liang, and unmarried at twenty." When he was still an infant, Mazu saw him and said, "This child has extraordinary features; he will live a life of worldly affairs. He will reside with Lu when he meets Lu, and knock on Zhong's door when he sees Zhong; remember this well." Later, Lü Dongbin traveled to Mount Lu and met the Fire Dragon Immortal, who taught him the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique. At the age of sixty-four, he traveled to Chang'an and met a Taoist priest in a tavern, dressed in blue and white robes, writing poems on the wall. Lü Dongbin, seeing his unusual appearance and the elegant style of his poetry, asked his name. The Taoist priest said, "I am Master Yunfang. I live in Heling of Zhongnan Mountain. Would you like to come with me?" Lü Dongbin, still attached to worldly desires, did not agree. This Master Yunfang was none other than Zhongli Quan. That night, Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin stayed overnight at a tavern. Master Yunfang cooked for him alone. Lü Dongbin fell asleep and dreamt that he had achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations, enjoyed great success in his official career, had many children and grandchildren, and lived a life of extreme wealth and honor. Suddenly, he was convicted of a serious crime, his property was confiscated, his wife and children left him, and in his old age, he was left alone, impoverished and destitute, shivering in the wind and snow. Just as he was about to sigh, he suddenly awoke. Zhongli Quan's rice was not yet cooked, so Zhongli Quan wrote a poem: "The millet is not yet cooked, a dream of Huaxu." Lü Dongbin exclaimed, "Did you know my dream, Master?" Zhongli Quan said, "Your dream just now depicted the myriad aspects of life, the countless ups and downs, fifty years passing in a flash! What you gain is not worth rejoicing over, what you lose is not worth grieving over; life is like a dream." Therefore, Lü Dongbin resolved to learn the Dao from Zhongli Quan and underwent ten trials. Zhongli Quan then taught him the Daoist arts. With Daoist magic and the Heavenly Escape Sword Technique, Lü Dongbin slew demons and eliminated evil, bringing blessings to the people. Lü Dongbin is revered by the Quanzhen School as one of the Five Patriarchs of the North (Wang Xuanfu, Zhongli Quan, Lü Dongbin, Liu Cao, and Wang Chongyang), and is commonly known as Lü Zu or Chunyang Patriarch.

　　 Legend has it that one year, Lü Dongbin and several other immortals went to celebrate the birthday of the Queen Mother of the West. Having drunk too much, they wanted to find a place to rest. The Eight Immortals rode clouds to Zongjiagou, east of Qinghai Lake, and saw auspicious clouds swirling around the enchanting scenery. They descended to earth and stayed in Zongjiagou for several days. The No. 2 cave north of the Zongjiagou glass walkway is where Lü Dongbin once lived, now called Lü Zu Cave.

　　 The story of Lü Dongbin teaches us that life is like a dream, unpredictable, with gains and losses. We must be prepared for all eventualities to avoid chaos.

(V) He Xiangu

　　 He Xiangu is the only female among the Eight Immortals, and there are differing accounts of her origins. One account says she was from the Tang Dynasty. The *Taiping Guangji*, a collection of early Song dynasty texts, quotes the *Guangyi Ji* as saying of a woman named "He Erniang," a peasant woman who made her living by weaving shoes. Finding her home life too dull, she traveled to Mount Luofu and stayed at a temple there, frequently gathering mountain fruits to feed the monks. One day, monks from a mountain temple in Xunzhou, four hundred li away, came to Mount Luofu and claimed that a fairy had visited their mountain to pick bayberries. Upon investigation, it was confirmed that this was the day Erniang had picked the fruit. Since no one knew where Erniang had gathered so many fruits, they concluded that Erniang was the fairy from Xunzhou who had picked the fruit. From then on, Erniang became famous far and wide, and she no longer needed to stay at the mountain temple.

　　 The *Xu Tongkao* states that He Xiangu was from Zengcheng County, Guangdong, during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang dynasty. She was born with six rays of light on her head, possessing innate "celestial" qualities. At the age of thirteen, she met a Taoist priest in the mountains, ate a peach from him, and from then on, she was neither hungry nor thirsty, felt as light as a feather, and could foresee the fortunes of people. Later, she was summoned to the capital but left en route. Another account claims she was from the Song Dynasty. Many Song Dynasty scholars' notes state she was from Yongzhou (Lingling) in the Northern Song Dynasty. Some say she encountered a strange person in her youth and ate a peach of immortality, becoming an immortal. Others say she was herding sheep in the countryside when a strange person gave her immortal dates, which she ate and became an immortal. Song Dynasty notes also record some of He Xiangu's divination and fortune-telling deeds, leading scholars and curious individuals to flock to her for divination.

　　Folk tales say He Xiangu is the only female immortal among the Eight Immortals, originally named He Xiugu, born during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. At her birth, purple clouds surrounded the room, and six rays of light shone from her head. From a young age, she was intelligent and quick-witted. At 15, she dreamt of a deity teaching her to eat mica powder, which made her light as a feather, allowing her to travel between mountain peaks. Every morning she would go out, and every evening she would gather mountain fruits to offer to her mother. Later, He Xiangu abstained from grains and spoke strangely. When Empress Wu Zetian heard of this, she sent an envoy to summon her, but the envoy lost his way. Some say that she flew to heaven on the eighth day of the eighth lunar month during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang. Another version of the story is that when He Xiangu was 13 years old, she went into the mountains and met the immortal Lü Dongbin. Lü gave her a peach, and after eating it, she felt neither hungry nor thirsty and could foresee good and bad fortune, which proved quite accurate

　　 . The villagers revered her as a deity and built a building specifically for her to live in. Later, Lü Dongbin helped her become an immortal. The story of He Xiangu teaches us that people must have good intentions, be filial to their parents and elders, and move heaven and earth to receive help from the Dao and achieve their true goal.

(VI) Lan Caihe

　　 Among the Eight Immortals is a cynical and seemingly mad beggar-like immortal named Lan Caihe. His deeds are recorded in books such as Shen Fen's "Continued Biographies of Immortals" from the Southern Tang Dynasty, "Taiping Guangji" from the early Song Dynasty, and Lu You's "History of the Southern Tang Dynasty". He lived from the late Tang Dynasty to the Five Dynasties period. His behavior was eccentric; he was fond of drinking and singing. He usually wore a tattered blue shirt, with one boot on one foot and the other barefoot. Even more unusual was that he wore cotton clothes in summer, yet lay in the snow in winter, emanating heat from his body (from *The Continued Biographies of Immortals*). He usually carried a large clapper over three feet long, striking it while singing as he walked along the streets begging. He sang many songs, mostly inspired by his surroundings, which not only seemed unfathomable to the world but also possessed a certain mystical quality. One of them went: "Singing and dancing, Lan Caihe, how long can this world last? Beauty fades like a spring tree, years pass like a shuttle thrown in the wind. The ancients are gone and never return, while more and more people come. In the morning, I ride a phoenix to the blue waves, and in the evening, I see mulberry fields turning into white waves. The bright light shines in the sky, and the golden and silver palaces stand tall and majestic." His behavior was erratic; when people gave him money, he mostly gave it to the poor. Lan Caihe had no fixed abode, making the world his home.

　　 According to folklore, Lan Caihe was originally a man, but in statues and operas, he is often depicted dressed as a woman, carrying a flower basket. It is said that he was the reincarnation of the Barefoot Immortal, a wandering Taoist priest who always wore tattered blue clothes, a wooden belt over three inches wide, and walked barefoot on one foot, wearing cotton clothes in summer and lying in the snow in winter, his breath steaming like vapor. He often carried a large clapper over three feet long, walking and singing through the city, seemingly drunk and mad, attracting men, women, and children to follow him. People would give him copper coins, which he would string together with a long rope and drag on the ground, not even looking back when they were lost. Sometimes, he would give coins to the poor. He traveled tirelessly throughout the world. Some people saw him in their childhood and old age, and his appearance remained unchanged. Later, while drunk at the Hao Liang tavern, he heard the sounds of clouds, cranes, and flutes, and suddenly rose lightly into the clouds, leaving behind his boots, clothes, belt, and clapper, and slowly disappeared. His most famous song is: Lan Caihe, how long can the world last? Beauty is like a spring tree, fleeting years are like a shuttle thrown in the wind. The ancients are gone and never return, but today more and more come. In the morning, I ride a phoenix to the blue sky, and in the evening, I see mulberry fields turning into white waves. The long view is bright and clear in the sky, and the golden and silver palaces are tall and majestic!

The story of Lan Caihe teaches us that people should do more good deeds, help the needy, and treat money with enough. They should not be greedy or take more than they need, so that they can always be safe and happy.

(VII) Han Xiangzi

　　 Han Xiangzi, courtesy name Qingfu, is one of the Eight Immortals in ancient Chinese folk legends. He was good at playing the xiao (vertical flute) and studied Taoism under Lü Dongbin. The Taoist music "Tianhua Yin" is said to have been composed by Han Xiangzi. Because Han Yu rejected Buddhism and Taoism and was willing to die, the Buddhist side fabricated the story of the Zen Master Da Dian converting Han Yu; while the Taoist side created the story of Han Xiangzi converting Han Yu to offset the influence brought by Han Yu.

　　 According to folklore, he was Han Xiang, the grand-nephew of Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty. He is depicted as a handsome young man holding a long flute. Han Xiangzi's original name was Han Xiang. Legend has it that the Han Dynasty Chancellor An Fu had a daughter named Lingling, who was both beautiful and talented. She was betrothed to Han Xiang. However, the Han Emperor wanted to marry her to his nephew, which An Fu firmly opposed. The Han Emperor was furious and dismissed Han Xiang from his post, exiling him. Lingling died of grief, and Han Xiang was reborn as a white crane. The crane, enlightened by Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin, was reborn as the son of Han Hui in Changli County, with the childhood name Xiangzi. He lost his father at a young age and was raised by his uncle, Han Yu. Later, he received teachings on cultivation from the two immortals, Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin. Han Yu strongly opposed this and reprimanded him. Han Xiangzi then became a monk, living in seclusion in Zhongnan Mountain to cultivate Taoism, achieving enlightenment and becoming one of the Eight Immortals. Later, Han Xiangzi repeatedly transformed himself to try and convert his uncle Han Yu, but Han Yu repeatedly failed to understand. Later, Han Yu was demoted to Chaoyang. Passing through Languan, he was trapped by snow and buried in it. Xiangzi came to his rescue and offered guidance. Han Yu eventually understood and became an immortal.

　　

　　 The story of Han Xiangzi teaches us not to harbor resentment because of past persecutions or attacks, but to be magnanimous and forgiving. When others encounter difficulties, we should lend a helping hand, even repeatedly, and eventually influence them, turning enemies into friends and sharing happiness.

(VIII) Cao Guojiu

　　Ranked last among the Eight Immortals, Cao Guojiu appeared last and has fewer legends surrounding him. His background is largely the same, all related to Empress Cao of Emperor Renzong of Song. The *History of Song* records that Cao Yi, courtesy name Gongbo, was the grandson of Cao Bin and the younger brother of Empress Cao. He was gentle, knowledgeable in music, and loved poetry. He was enfeoffed as the Prince of Jiyang, served several emperors smoothly, and died at the age of seventy-two. The *Shenxian Tongjian* states that Cao Guojiu was inherently kind and virtuous, disliking wealth and status, but yearning for the Daoist path. His younger brother, however, was arrogant, lawless, and abused his power. Cao Guojiu was deeply ashamed of his brother's evil deeds and thus entered the mountains to cultivate immortality. He met Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin, who took him as their disciples, and Cao Guojiu quickly attained immortality . The account of Cao Guojiu in *Dongyou Ji* is similar.

　　 Folk tales depict Cao Guojiu wearing a gauze hat and a red official robe, holding a yin-yang board (jade tablet), a style quite different from other immortals. Legend has it that he was the eldest brother of Empress Cao, wife of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, named Jingxiu. He was naturally kind and virtuous, aspiring to purity and tranquility, disliking vanity and wealth. Later, because his brother was arrogant, lawless, and murderous, he was deprived of his power. Cao Guojiu felt deeply ashamed, so he hid in the mountains, dressed in the clothes of a commoner, but devoted himself to contemplating profound and mysterious truths. He went without food for more than ten days. One day, he encountered two immortals, Zhongli Quan and Lü Dongbin. They asked, "We heard you are recuperating; what are you recuperating?" He replied, "The Dao." The immortals asked again, "Where is the Dao?" Cao Guojiu pointed to the sky. The two immortals asked again, "Where is the sky?" Cao Guojiu pointed to his heart. The two immortals smiled and said, "The heart is the sky, the sky is the Dao; you have already attained enlightenment of the true meaning of the Dao." They then taught him the secret arts of returning to the Dao and guided him into the immortals' ranks. Another version says that when he became a monk, the emperor bestowed upon him a gold medal. Later, when he couldn't afford the fare to cross the Yellow River, he used it as collateral, and happened to meet Lü Dongbin, with whom he traveled. Thus, he attained enlightenment and became one of the "Eight Immortals."

　　Cao Guojiu's story teaches us that people should not excessively envy vanity or covet wealth and status, but rather guard their hearts and uphold the Dao, understanding that there is gain in loss.

Fifth, the Hidden Eight Immortals

　　 . In summary, each of the Eight Immortals possesses one or two treasures or magical implements, generally referred to as the "Hidden Eight Immortals" or Eight Treasures. These often appear in embroidery and folk art, representing auspiciousness, and their symbolism varies depending on the scene. A more common version of the Hidden Eight Immortals is: Gourd (Tieguai Li), Banana Leaf Fan (Zhongli Quan), Fish Drum (Zhang Guolao), Lotus Flower (He Xiangu), Flower Basket (Lan Caihe), Sword (Lü Dongbin), Flute (Han Xiangzi), and Jade Tablet (Cao Guojiu).

　　 The order of the Eight Immortals was established in Wu Yuantai's *The Eight Immortals' Journey to the East* during the Ming Dynasty as: Tieguai Li, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu. This order has remained unchanged to this day.

　　 In fact, what we truly understand from the stories of the Eight Immortals is the principles of being a good person and the methods of dealing with people in the long river of life. Knowing how to be a person, how to face the joys and sorrows of life, and what mindset to use in work, life, and handling the complex relationships between people. Is it good? Is it evil? Is it greed? Or...?

Yang Yongchun: Online name: The person who cares about you. Currently a special writer for the public platforms of "Qilian Literature Magazine", "Modern Writers Literature", and "Writers' Frontline", a member of the "Kunlun Literature" micro-journal, and a novel editor of "Dangar Literature Garden".

　　 The Legend of the Eight Immortals (Part Two)

　　　　 By Yang Yongchun

　　 There are many stories about the Eight Immortals, and different versions exist in different places, but the most popular stories are as follows.

(I) The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea

　　The story of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea is one of the most popular stories about the Eight Immortals, and it first appeared in the zaju play "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea to Compete for the Jade Tablet". Legend has it that when the peonies were in full bloom on Penglai Island, the immortal Baiyun invited the Eight Immortals and the Five Sages to join him in a grand celebration. On the return journey, Tieguai Li (or Lü Dongbin) suggested that they not take a boat but instead

　　 find their own way across the sea, which is the origin of the idiom "Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displaying their unique abilities." The story goes that when the Eight Immortals crossed the sea, Tieguai Li threw down his other magical weapon, the iron crutch (or gourd), Han Zhongli threw away his banana leaf fan, Zhang Guolao put down his paper donkey, and the other immortals also threw their magical weapons into the water to cross the East Sea. The actions of the Eight Immortals alarmed the Dragon Palace, and the Dragon King of the East Sea led his shrimp soldiers and crab generals to confront them. A conflict ensued, and Lan Caihe was taken back to the Dragon Palace (or, according to another version, his magical weapon was stolen). Afterwards, the Eight Immortals went on a killing spree, beheading the dragon princes, while the Dragon King of the East Sea cooperated with the Dragon Kings of the North Sea, South Sea, and West Sea, causing a great upheaval. At this point, Cao Guojiu used his jade tablet to clear a path, pushing the giant waves aside and successfully crossing the sea. Finally, Guanyin Bodhisattva of the South Sea (or, according to legend, Buddha) intervened, demanding that the Dragon King of the East Sea release Lan Caihe, after which the two sides ceased hostilities.

　　 Besides the above, there are also some folk tales about the Eight Immortals, including a tragic version of the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" story.

　　 Legend has it that during the Jianlong era of the Northern Song Dynasty, Shamen Island (now Miaodao Island) was a place where the imperial court imprisoned criminals. Starting in the third year of Jianlong, all soldiers who broke the law were exiled to Shamen Island. Year after year, the number of prisoners on the island increased. However, the imperial court only allocated rations to three hundred people on the island each year, so food became increasingly scarce. Later, Li Qing, the head of the guards on Shamen Island, devised a cruel method: when the number of prisoners exceeded three hundred, he would bind some of them by the hands and feet and throw them into the sea to drown, thus keeping the number of prisoners on the island below three hundred. Within two years, over seven hundred prisoners were killed in this way. To survive, the prisoners frequently jumped into the sea to swim, but most were swallowed by the raging waves. Once, more than fifty prisoners received news of their impending execution. Taking advantage of a clear, moonlit night, they evaded the guards, grabbed gourds and pieces of wood, and jumped into the sea, swimming towards Penglai Mountain (present-day Penglai, Shandong). The distance from Shamen Island to Penglai was about thirty li. Along the way, most prisoners succumbed to exhaustion and drowned. Only eight skilled swimmers, possessing martial arts skills and robust physiques, managed to swim to shore and hide in the Lion Cave at the foot of Dan Cliff Mountain north of Penglai City. The next day, the fishermen discovered them. When they learned that the eight had swum across the sea from Shamen Island, they were all amazed and called them "divine beings." The story spread among the people and became increasingly fantastical. They were known as the "Eight Immortals," evolving into the story of "The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea."

　　 Because the Eight Immortals caused trouble at sea, people along the coast still generally have the taboo of "seven men and one woman not traveling together." The barber industry regards Lü Dongbin as their patriarch. It is said that on the so-called birthday of Lü Dongbin on the fourteenth day of the fourth lunar month, barber shops in various places usually hold a grand celebration. In folk birthday celebrations, people dress up as the Eight Immortals to offer wine, creating a joyful atmosphere.

(II) Su Dongpo Visits the Eight Immortals

　　 There is another version called Su Dongpo Visits the Eight Immortals.

Although Su Dongpo was a person from the Northern Song Dynasty, and the Eight Immortals were formed in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, when I traveled to Penglai, Shandong, the tour guide told me that, according to legend, when Su Dongpo was an official in Dengzhou, he wanted to visit the Eight Immortals but did not know where to find them. After asking around, he finally found an old man with white hair and beard who told him that every year on the third day of the third lunar month, the Eight Immortals would gather at Penglai Pavilion. As for whether he could see them, it depended on fate.

　　 So, early on the third day of the third lunar month, Su Dongpo went to Penglai Pavilion, wandering around but not seeing a trace of the Eight Immortals. Bored, he arrived at Xianling Gate and saw two old men playing chess, one with a red face and the other with a black face, both over eighty years old with completely white hair and beards. The red-faced old man beckoned Su Dongpo to be the referee. Su Dongpo, a man of great talent, was dumbfounded upon seeing the chessboard, completely bewildered by the moves. To avoid embarrassment, he made an excuse to decline. Seeing this, the red-faced old man said to Su Dongpo, "The person you're looking for will definitely come today; we're waiting for them here too. Since we're idle anyway, you don't need to be so polite." Su Dongpo was astonished, thinking: How did he know I was looking for someone? The old man is definitely not an ordinary person; he's right to trust him. So he calmed down and quietly observed the chess moves, slowly figuring out the strategy, and stopped thinking about it too much. After some time, an old beggar approached and called out to the old man playing chess from afar, "Old friend, it's my treat today! Come on, come on!" The red-faced old man pointed at Su Dongpo, "There's another one here." The old beggar glanced at Su Dongpo and said, "Then come along too." Su Dongpo looked at the old beggar; he was incredibly filthy, his clothes tattered and so dirty you couldn't tell his original color, his face covered in a thick layer of grease. He didn't want to go, but remembering his earlier suspicion of the old man playing chess, he went along anyway.

　　 When Su Dongpo arrived at Penglai Pavilion, he saw seven people already there, some tall, some short, some fat, some thin, including a woman. On the tall, square table were two small pots and a piece of rice cake. The old beggar said to the group, "We don't have much to offer today, just three simple dishes. Please make do!" Su Dongpo peeked over and saw a half-cooked dead dog, a grotesque, dead child, and a piece of moldy rice cake. None of the group hesitated; they grabbed the food and ate it with relish, praising it as "delicious." Su Dongpo felt disgusted, especially by the dead child, whose arms and legs were being torn apart and ripped apart, leaving him covered in blood—a horrifying sight. He had wanted to try the rice cake, but seeing the blood on it, he changed his mind. The two white-haired old men kept offering it to Su Dongpo, but he dared not eat it. He watched as they wolfed it down and left, leaving only the two old men playing chess.

　　One of the old men beckoned Su Dongpo to him and asked, "Guess who we are?" Su Dongpo shook his head. The red-faced old man said, “I am the Antarctic Immortal, and he is the North Star Lord. The eight people sitting here just now are the Eight Immortals you are looking for. I will also tell you about the three dishes on the table: that dead dog is a ten-thousand-year-old dog; that dead child is a thousand-year-old ginseng; and that moldy rice cake is a longevity cake. One bite will add a hundred years to your life, two bites will add two hundred years to your life… Tieguai Li went to a lot of trouble to get these three things!” After saying this, the two white-haired old men disappeared in an instant.

　　Su Dongpo was so anxious that he stamped his feet and beat his chest, and burst into tears.

(III) Jiuding Huixian Mountain

　　 There is a Weiyang Mountain more than thirty miles southwest of Penglai City. There are nine peaks on the mountain, each with a different shape and size. Folk legend has it that these nine peaks are also related to the Eight Immortals.

　　 It is said that on the third day of the third month of a certain year, the Eight Immortals went to Penglai Pavilion for a gathering. When they passed by Weiyang Mountain, they were attracted by the beautiful scenery and descended from the clouds to enjoy the scenery. Lu Dongbin, in high spirits, took off his Taoist robe and covered it with a large blue stone. He then used his magic to conjure a feast, and the immortals sat down on the ground, enjoying the mountain scenery while exchanging cups and drinking merrily. Before long, they were all quite drunk. Tieguai Li, leaning against his magic gourd, said with bleary eyes, "On this trip to visit friends across the sea, you all just need to lie on this magic gourd of mine, and you'll be there in no time..." Zhang Guolao, glaring with drunken eyes, retorted, "Who cares about your broken gourd? I'll ride my donkey backwards, slap its rump, and with a whoosh, I'll be there!" The others also boasted about their own abilities. Seeing that the argument was proving fruitless, Han Zhongli, with his large belly, said, "Today, as we cross the sea, let's all use our magical powers and invite Laozi to judge. Whose abilities are greater will be revealed then." So, Lü Dongbin removed his Taoist hat, sat respectfully cross-legged, closed his eyes slightly, and silently channeled his divine power. A wisp of green smoke rose slowly from his head, transforming into a golden light that soared into the sky. After

　　about the time it takes to smoke a pipe, a lucky cloud drifted in from the southwest sky, and Laozi arrived riding his green ox. The Eight Immortals composed themselves, regaining their composure from their drunken stupor, and stood respectfully to welcome him. Laozi descended from the cloud and asked, "Dongbin, why did you hastily send forth golden light to invite me?" Lü Dongbin stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Grandmaster, we disciples have a matter we cannot decide, and we trouble Your Majesty to come." He then explained the matter of the magical contest. After listening, Laozi pondered for a moment and said, "The art of crossing water is but a trivial skill, nothing to boast about! How can you cultivators so easily harbor thoughts of competition and rivalry?" The immortals, upon hearing this, all looked ashamed. Laozi continued, "Doing good deeds according to one's lot and spreading blessings widely is the true path of cultivation. This place is beautiful; why don't you use your respective magic to bring blessings to the mortal world?" The immortals immediately understood and stepped forward to express their gratitude. Then, Lü Dongbin, with disheveled hair and a sword, treading the celestial and earthly steps, chanted incantations, pointed his sword, and shouted "Rise!" A steep mountain peak suddenly appeared. Zhang Guolao, roused, rode his donkey backwards in a circle, and a mountain peak with strangely shaped rocks appeared before them. Following him, Tieguai Li, Han Zhongli, Cao Guojiu, Han Xiangzi, He Xiangu, and Lan Caihe also successively used their supernatural powers to create their own mountains. Laozi, seeing this, was delighted and said, "You all stand aside while I build one, so that this trip will not have been in vain." With that, he waved his whisk, and a towering peak rose abruptly from the ground, majestic and vast, its beauty surpassing all the other peaks, leaving the immortals in awe. Before the Eight Immortals could recover, Laozi had already mounted his blue ox and headed towards the Tushita Palace.

This is the origin of the nine peaks of Weiyang Mountain.

(IV) The Eight Immortals Celebrating

Longevity The story of the Eight Immortals celebrating longevity often appears in folk crafts such as paintings, porcelain, and sculptures, as well as in folk operas, and is beloved by the public, an indispensable theme in folk birthday celebrations. With the Queen Mother of the West's birthday approaching, the Eight Immortals discussed how to celebrate her birthday. Zhang Guolao suggested asking Laozi for a calligraphy piece. The Eight Immortals then rode auspicious clouds to Laozi's house. Upon hearing the Eight Immortals' request, Laozi gladly took up his pen and composed a poem to the tune of "A Thousand Autumns": "The sun warms Kunlun, the scenery of Langyuan is beautiful. Intoxicated in the Jade Tower, the Mysterious Maiden applies rouge to her face, suddenly the dark clouds clear, adding to her delicate beauty; she is here, her glory and splendor surrounded by auspicious light from the South Pole. Her position is comparable to the Eastern King, enduring countless eons without decay, presiding over the Yin teachings on the Jade Pool Terrace. All the beings of the Heavenly Realm praise the enduring nature of Heaven and Earth; today, the sea crane adds to her life, let us not hesitate to empty the golden goblet." The Eight Immortals, after reading it, praised it endlessly, bid farewell to Laozi, and rode the clouds back to their palace. Using the Heavenly Grandson's silk as an axis, they wove stars into words, cut clouds into colors, and measured the dimensions of the Queen Mother's residence to create a birthday cloud scroll. On the Queen Mother's birthday, the Eight Immortals, carrying the birthday cloud scroll, rode auspicious clouds, dressed in their finest attire, to celebrate her birthday. All the Buddhas, the Jade Emperor, the gods, and the immortals of Heaven came to offer their congratulations, the courtyard was filled with guests, and a grand banquet was held. Suddenly, a celestial attendant announced, "The Eight Immortals of the Eight Caves have come to offer their birthday greetings!" The Queen Mother ordered the attendant to lead the Eight Immortals to their seats. After exchanging pleasantries, the Eight Immortals presented a birthday scroll. The Queen Mother ordered the scroll to be hung up, and there, the clouds shone brilliantly, filling the hall with radiant light, and the congratulatory words were elegant and timeless. Moreover, the size of the scroll perfectly suited the Queen Mother's courtyard. The Queen Mother was overjoyed and invited the immortals to tour the Jade Garden. There, they saw exotic flowers in full bloom, rare plants growing in abundance, precious birds flying and singing around the guests, mythical beasts dancing in welcome, peaches ripening red, and bluebirds singing. Everywhere, there was a fragrance of exotic flowers, and at every step, there was celestial music. The wonders were beyond description. They also saw winding and twisting palaces that reached nine stories high. Looking up at the boundless heavens and down at the four directions, they were overwhelmed by the sight. Just as the ancient poem says: "The heavenly palace is the abode of immortals, the home of a prime minister on earth; every field is planted with jade, and every inch of land is planted with flowers." The Queen Mother then held a banquet on the Jade Pool, drinking with the immortals. The banquet was laden with pears, jujubes, fine wine, sesame seeds, and purple fungus. Rare and delicious foods were plentiful. During the feast, Dong Shuangcheng played the Yunhe flute, Wang Zi played the Balang cymbal, Xu Feiqiong played the Taixu reed pipe, and An Faqi sang the Miaochu tune. The four of them sang in harmony, creating truly magnificent music that lingered in the air. The Eight Immortals were delighted and inspired. Lan Caihe, holding a cup, went to the Queen Mother to offer his birthday greetings. The Queen Mother said, "I have long heard of your skill in singing and dancing. Today is a perfect occasion for celebration; why not give me a try?" Caihe replied, "I fear my singing is not up to the standards of refined music." The Queen Mother said, "Each has their own style; there is no need for modesty." So Caihe went to the courtyard, began to dance gracefully, his movements fluid and graceful, holding a cloud-shaped clapper and leaping wildly. After the dance, Caihe sang with great strides: "The performance is over!" The immortals laughed heartily. The Queen Mother said, "Among my courtiers, none have performed like you." The immortals then recommended Xiangzi to sing a Daoist ballad. Xiangzi rose from his seat and played the xiao (a type of vertical flute) to add to the merriment; the xiao's sound was exquisite. The Queen Mother praised, "This music perfectly captures the celestial scene." She then ordered An Faqi to record the melody. A celestial boy brought peaches of immortality, which ripen only once every three thousand years, to the banquet. The Queen Mother ordered each immortal to eat two. After the birthday banquet, Zhang Guolao led the immortals to bid farewell to the Queen Mother and departed for the Dragon Flower Immortal Assembly.