《洞天福地岳渎名山记》

After Heaven and Earth were opened up, the pure Qi (qi, vital energy) and the turbid Qi began to separate: the watery vapors gathered into rivers and streams, and coalesced into mountains and peaks. Some of these mountains correspond to constellations in the heavens, while others conceal grotto-heavens (dongtian, the dwellings of immortals in Daoist belief). These places are governed by Great Sages and Supreme Perfected Ones (shangzhen, deities of exalted rank), and so they contain numinous palaces and mansions, jade halls and golden terraces. Some were formed from condensed primordial Qi, others from clouds and mist. There are Jasper Pools and emerald ponds whose waters flow in all directions, and pearl trees and jade groves flourishing across the mountain lands. Divine phoenixes are born there, and spirit creatures such as heavenly scaled beasts and marsh horses make their homes there.

Some of these mountains are places the sun god's chariot passes through, and others are bound to the stars. They store up wind and rain and gather clouds and thunder; they are the gateways where Heaven and Earth meet, and the pivots of the transformations of Yin-Yang. Some appear upon the sea, others emerge and vanish at the edge of the sky; some are encircled by the Weak Water, others cut off by great waves. In some places not even sunlight reaches, and human footprints are rarer still. Records of these places are all preserved in the Daoist scriptures (Jing) and secret texts.

The Grand Historian said: "Within the Great Wilderness there are five thousand famous mountains, among which the Five Peaks guard the four directions, with ten more mountains serving as their supports." The Jade Scripture of Turtle Mountain (Guishan yujing) adds: "Within the Great Heaven there are thirty-six grotto-heavens, along with the sun, moon, and stars, and the palaces of numinous immortals, which oversee transgressions and blessings and record life and death. High Perfected Ones dwell there, and Immortal Kings govern." Beyond these, there are also the Five Peaks beyond the seas, the Three Islands, the Ten Continents, the thirty-six retreats (jinglu), the seventy-two Blessed Lands, the twenty-four Parishes (hua), and the mountains of the Four Garrisons.

I have now compiled these materials into a single volume to pass on to those who delight in this Way (Dao). As for the precise locations of the immortal cities, the names of those who attained the Dao, the masters of the grotto dwellings, and the ranks and offices of the immortal realm, the material is too vast to record in full; here I note only briefly the prefectures and counties to which they belong, and the approximate number of altars and temples.

Compiled on the fourth day of the eighth month, the guiwei day, of the xinyou year of the Tianfu reign, by Du Guangting, Feathered Man of Huading, at Yuju in Chengdu.

Compiled by Du Guangting (Master Guangcheng) of the Tang dynasty.

Sacred Mountains and Rivers

Mount Xuandu Yujing (Jade Capital) lies within the Daluo Heaven (the highest celestial realm in Daoism), above the Yuqing realm (Jade Pure realm). Mount Yuanjing and Mount Emei stand before Mount Yujing; Mount Guangxia is to its right; Mount Hongying and Mount Zikong are to its left; and Mount Wuwen stands above Yuqing. Another record says that Mount Wuwen lies behind Mount Yujing.

The mountains above lie above the Yuqing realm and beneath the Daluo Heaven. They encircle the Yujing Xuandu mountain, as though serving as its assistants and guardians.

Mount Sanxiu stands before Mount Yujing; Mount Jinhua, Mount Hantongling, and Mount Xiuhua are to its right; Mount Sanbao and Mount Feixia are at its rear; and Mount Fujuekong lies within the Taiqing realm (Great Pure realm, one of the Daoist celestial realms).

The mountains of these three realms are all formed from true qi (Qi, the primordial energy in Daoism). Upon them stand palaces, towers, and pavilions, where the great sages roam and dwell. These mountains also each have correspondences within the human body, connected to thirteen offices. For details, see the Dadong Jing (Scripture of the Great Cavern).

Mount Guangsang, the Eastern Peak, lies in the Eastern Sea and is the dwelling place of the Azure Emperor. Mount Changgao, the Southern Peak, lies in the Southern Sea and is the dwelling place of the Red Emperor.

Mount Guangsang, the Eastern Peak, lies in the midst of the Eastern Sea and is the dwelling of the Azure Emperor (Qingdi). Mount Changgao, the Southern Peak, lies in the midst of the Southern Sea and is the dwelling of the Red Emperor (Chidi). Mount Linong, the Western Peak, lies in the midst of the Western Sea and is the dwelling of the White Emperor (Baidi). Mount Guangye, the Northern Peak, lies in the midst of the Northern Sea and is the dwelling of the Black Emperor (Heidi). Mount Kunlun, the Central Peak, lies in the midst of the Nine Seas, and the Chenxing star stands at the center of Heaven and Earth.

Mount Fanghu lies in the midst of the Northern Sea, thirty hundred thousand li from the shore. Mount Fusang lies in the midst of the Eastern Sea, ten thousand li in circumference, and is the place where the sun rises. Mount Penglai lies in the midst of the Eastern Sea and rises one thousand li high. Mount Lianshi lies to the southeast, in the directions of Chen and Si. Mount Wojiao lies in the midst of the Eastern Sea; the waters of a hundred rivers pour into it, yet it can never be filled. Mount Fangzhang lies in the midst of the great sea and stands four hundred ninety-seven thousand zhang high. Mount Zhong lies in the midst of the Northern Sea, north of the Weak Water (Ruoshui), nineteen thousand li away. Mount Yuanjiao lies in the midst of the great sea, towering into the clouds as though it reached the sun and moon themselves. Mount Daiyu lies in the midst of the great sea. Mount Dengdu lies beneath the Nine Ramparts; another account holds that it lies in the Gui quarter, the place where ghosts and spirits administer their affairs.

The Azure, Red, White, and Black Emperors are the divine powers corresponding respectively to the east, south, west, and north. Chen and Si are two of the Twelve Earthly Branches, and they indicate roughly the southeast. The original text contains repetitions and apparent errors: the entries for Mount Lianshi, Mount Wojiao, Mount Fangzhang, and Mount Zhong appear more than once; and phrases such as "the Chenxing star is the heart of Heaven and Earth," "North Sea" (written with a miswritten character), and "nineteen thousand li, a thousand li" may contain omissions or miscopied characters. These have been smoothed according to the sense of the passage.

Xuanzhou (Mysterious Isle) lies in the Northern Sea and measures seven thousand li in circumference. Yingzhou lies in the Eastern Sea and is also called Qingqiu (Azure Hill). Muzhou lies in the midst of the Eastern Sea and measures five hundred li across. Zuzhou, also in the Eastern Sea, measures ten thousand li across and is home to the herb of immortality. Yuanzhou lies in the midst of the great sea and measures three thousand li. Changzhou lies in the great sea and measures five thousand li. Liuzhou lies in the midst of the Western Sea and measures three thousand li. Fenglinzhou lies in the Western Sea and produces "string-mending glue" (a legendary adhesive said to rejoin a broken zither string). Jukuzhou lies in the Western Sea, measures ten thousand li across, and produces "soul-returning incense" (a legendary incense said to bring the dead back to life). Yanzhou lies in the midst of the Southern Sea and measures two thousand li. Shengzhou lies in the Western Sea and measures two thousand five hundred li.

Cang Sea Island (Canghai Dao) stands in the midst of the great sea and rises fifty thousand li high.

The Ten Continents, the Three Islands, and the mountains of the Five Peaks described above all lie in the vast oceans surrounding the four directions of Mount Kunlun. They are the dwelling places of immortals and the domains governed by the Five Emperors, and ordinary mortals of the human world cannot reach them.

The Five Peaks of China.

The mountain deity of Mount Tai (Taishan), the Eastern Peak, is the King Tianqi (Heavenly Equal), who commands ninety thousand immortal officials and Jade Maidens. Mount Tai extends two thousand li in circumference and lies in Fengfu County of Yanzhou. Mount Luofu and Mount Kuocang assist him in governing the mandate of Heaven, while Mount Meng and Mount Dong help with administrative affairs.

The mountain deity of Mount Heng, the Southern Peak, is the King Sitian (Overseer of Heaven), who commands thirty thousand immortal officials and Jade Maidens. Mount Heng extends two thousand li in circumference. Mount Huo and Mount Qian serve as its deputies (assistants to the principal deity), while Mount Tiantai and Mount Juqu help manifest its divine authority and guard the mountain.

The mountain deity of Mount Songgao, the Central Peak, is the King Zhongtian (Central Heaven), who commands one hundred and twenty thousand immortal officials and Jade Maidens and presides over the earth of the five directions. Mount Songgao extends one thousand li in circumference and lies in Gaocheng County of Luozhou. Mount Shaoshi and Mount Wudang of the Eastern Capital assist him in governing the mandate of Heaven, while Mount Taihe and Mount Luhun help with administrative affairs.

The mountain deity of Mount Hua, the Western Peak, is the King Jintian (Golden Heaven), who commands seventy thousand immortal officials and Jade Maidens. Mount Hua extends more than two thousand li in circumference and lies in Huayin County of Huazhou. Mount Difei and Mount Nüji assist him in governing the mandate of Heaven; Mount Xicheng, Mount Qingcheng, Mount Emei, Fanzhong, Mount Rong, and Mount Xixuanju help with administrative affairs.

The mountain deity of Mount Heng, the Northern Peak, is the King Antian (Pacifier of Heaven), who commands fifty thousand immortal officials and Jade Maidens. Mount Heng extends two thousand li in circumference and lies in Zhenzhou. Mount Hefeng and Mount Baodu assist him in governing the mandate of Heaven; Mount Xuanlong, Mount Kongtong, and Mount Yangluo help with administrative affairs.

The Ten Great Grotto-Heavens

First, Wangwu Cave (Wangwu Dong), named the Heaven of Lesser Sufficiency and Void Chanting (Xiaoyou Qingxu Tian), has a circumference of ten thousand li. It is governed by Wang Bao and is located in Wangwu County, Luozhou.

Second, Weiyu Cave, named the Heaven of Great Sufficiency and Luminous Void (Dayou Xuming Tian), has a circumference of ten thousand li. It is governed by Sima Jiyi Zhu and is located in Wuzhou.

Third, Xicheng Cave, named the Heaven of the Great Mystery and Unified Truth (Taixuan Zongyi Zhen Tian), has a circumference of three thousand li. It is governed by Wang Fangping and is located in Shuzhou.

Fourth, Xixuan Cave, named the Heaven of the Three Mysteries and Ultimate Truth (Sanxuan Jizhen Tian), measures two thousand li around. It is governed by Lord Pei and is located in Jinzhou.

Fifth, Qingcheng Cave, named the Heaven of the One Treasure, Immortals, and Nine Chambers (Yibao Xian Jiushi Tian), measures two thousand li around. It is governed by Lord Xiao, the Perfected (Xiao Zhenjun), and is located in Qingcheng County, Shuzhou.

Sixth, Chicheng Cave, named the Heaven of Supreme Jade Purity and Unified Peace (Shang Yuqing Yiping Tian), measures eight hundred li around. It is governed by Lord Wang and is located in Tangxing County, Taizhou.

Seventh, Luofu Cave, named the Heaven of Vermilion Brightness and Radiant Truth (Zhuming Yaozhen Tian), measures one thousand li around. It is governed by Ge Hong and is located in Boluo County, which belongs to Xiuzhou.

Eighth, Gouqu Cave, named the Heaven of the Golden Altar and Huayang (Jintan Huayang Tian), measures one hundred and fifty li around. It is governed by Lord Mao and is located in Jurong County, Runzhou.

Ninth, Linwu Cave, named the Heaven of the Left Spirit and Secluded Ruins (Zuoshen Youxu Tian), measures four hundred li around. It is governed by the Elder of Longwei and is located in Wu County, Suzhou.

Tenth, Kuocang Cave, named the Heaven of Accomplished Virtue and Remembered Truth (Chengde Yizhen Tian), measures three hundred li around. It is governed by Ping Zhongjie and is located in Le'an County, Taizhou.

All ten of these Great Cave-Heavens are presided over by the exalted Perfected and supreme immortals of Daoism. They protect the world and oversee the multitude of deities.

Mount Qingcheng is overseen by the Elder of the Five Marchmounts, the Perfected Lord Xiyi, and is located in Shuzhou. Mount Tianzhu is overseen by the Perfected Lord Director of Destiny of the Nine Heavens, and is located in Shuzhou. Mount Lu is overseen by the Perfected Lord Envoy of the Nine Heavens, and is located in Jiangzhou.

These mountains that assist the mandate of Heaven, together with the three mountains of the superior offices, are all places that help the Five Marchmounts manage their affairs and guard them. The original text breaks off here at the words "in order to guard the five," and the remainder is missing.

Note: The original text contains repeated sentences and passages, as well as garbled text before the "Sixth" entry. This translation follows the surviving content and preserves proper names and place names in the original that could not be confirmed.

The Right Zuoming Mountain and the Three Upper Offices Mountains are all peaks that assist the Five Peaks in governing the four quarters. They serve to guard the five directions, and they are also the dwelling places of the Supreme Perfected and the high immortals.

The Five Garrison Mountains and the Seas and Rivers

The Eastern Garrison is Mount Yi, enfeoffed as King of Eastern Peace, located in Yizhou. The Southern Garrison is Mount Kuaiji, enfeoffed as Duke of Perpetual Prosperity, located in Yuezhou. The Central Garrison is Mount Huo, enfeoffed as Duke of Responsive Sagehood, located in Jinzhou. The Western Garrison is Mount Wu, enfeoffed as Duke of Accomplished Virtue (De), located in Longzhou. The Northern Garrison is Mount Yiwulü, enfeoffed as Duke of Broad Tranquility, located in Yingzhou.

The Eastern Sea is enfeoffed as King of Broad Virtue (De) and lies within Laizhou; the Southern Sea is enfeoffed as King of Broad Benefit and lies within Guangzhou; the Western Sea is enfeoffed as King of Broad Moisture and lies within Tongzhou; the Northern Sea is enfeoffed as King of Broad Grace and lies within Luozhou.

The Yangtze River is enfeoffed as King of the Broad Source and lies in Yizhou, with sacrifices offered at the Beginning of Spring. The Huai River is enfeoffed as King of the Long Source and lies in Tangzhou, with sacrifices offered at the Beginning of Summer. The Yellow River is enfeoffed as King of the Numinous Source and lies in Tongzhou, with sacrifices offered at the Beginning of Autumn. The Ji River is enfeoffed as King of the Clear Source and lies in Luozhou, with sacrifices offered at the Beginning of Winter. The Han River is enfeoffed as King of the Han Source and lies in Liangzhou. All of these titles for the spirits (Shen) of mountains and rivers were conferred in the tenth year of the Tianbao era (a reign era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, 751 CE).

The Thirty-Six Jinglu

The Mianzhu Lu lies on Mount Binglin in Mianzhu County, Hanzhou; the Zigai Lu lies in Dangyang County, Jingzhou; the Lushui Lu lies on Mount Anle in Luzhou; the Danling Lu lies at the residence of Master Zhong on the Western Mountain in Hongzhou; the Shouxuan Lu lies at the residence of Yin Xi on Mount Zhongnan; the Lingjing Lu... These are all among the locations of the Thirty-Six Jinglu.

"Jinglu" refers to quiet places where Daoists practice cultivation and dwell. In the original text, the words "Thirty-Six Jinglu" follow after "Lingjing Lu," which suggests that further text or a list of names was left unrecorded.

The Mianzhu Lu (hermitage) is located on Binglin Mountain in Mianzhu County, Hanzhou. The Zigai Lu is in Dangyang County, Jingzhou. The Lushui Lu is on Anle Mountain in Luzhou. The Danling Lu is at the residence of Lord Zhong on Western Mountain in Hongzhou. The Shouxuan Lu is at the residence of Yin Xi on Zhongnan Mountain. The Lingjing Lu is at the Taiqing Palace in Bozhou. The Songxian Lu is at Kongsheng Temple on Mo Mountain in Yuezhou. The Qijing Lu is at the residence of Liezi in Putian, Zhengzhou. The Lingxu Lu is at the Central Palace of the Southern Marchmount. The Fenghuang Lu is on Fenglin Mountain in Xiangzhou. The Zizhen Lu is at the Altar of Mei Fu on Western Mountain in Hongzhou. The Xuanxing Lu is at the Altar of Lady Wei in Nancheng County, Fuzhou. The Qixuan Lu is at Haoping Temple in Yuanzhou. The Qiyuan Lu is at the ancient Taolin Pass, in the area of present-day Lingbao County, Shanzhou. The Chugu Lu is in Qingniu Valley on Mount Lu. The Junping Lu is at the residence of Junping in Mianzhu County, Hanzhou. The Doushan Lu is at the residence of Tang Gongfang in Chenggu County, Xingyuan. The Guangtian Lu is on the Southern Marchmount.

The Tengkong Lu is at Youwei Temple in Hongzhou. The Zhaode Lu is on Mount Lu. The Xunxuan Lu is at Haomeng Temple in Jiangxi. The Deyi Lu is at Luji Temple in Runzhou. The Qiling Lu is on Qiling Mountain in Qinzhou. The Zonghua Lu is at the residence of Lord Peng at Zonghua Temple in Hongzhou. The Chaozhen Lu is on Zhaoying Mountain in Huichang, Jingzhao. The Huangtang Lu is in Hongzhou, Jiangxi. The Yingzhen Lu is in Hongzhou. The Zhaoyin Lu is in Hongzhou, Jiangxi. The Zixu Lu is at the Altar of Lady Wei on the Southern Marchmount. The Qisheng Lu is at the Qiling Palace in Tianxing County, Qizhou, and was originally called the Tianzhu Lu. The Fengtai Lu is at the residence of Xiao Shi in Zhengwu County, Jingzhao. The Shuhua Lu is at Shuhua Temple in Longshan County, Quzhou. The Qixian Lu is at the residence of the Perfected Lord Huang in Hongzhou. The Yuanyang Lu is at the residence of Zhang Daoyu in Changshu County, Suzhou. The Shumeng Lu is on Meng Mountain in Xuzhou. The Zhenyang Lu is at the residence of the Perfected Lord Zeng in Hongzhou.

This passage lists the many Daoist sites and cultivation dwellings known as "Lu" across various regions, recording the mountains, temples and palaces, altars, and residences of related figures where each is found. In the original text, the Chugu Lu, Junping Lu, and Doushan Lu appear more than once, and the Guangtian Lu is additionally recorded as being at the ancient Taolin Pass, in present-day Lingbao County, Shanzhou. These details are retained as they appear in the original.

The "Thirty-Six Cave-Heavens" (三十六洞天) refers to the thirty-six celestial grottoes and blessed lands in which, according to Daoism, immortals dwell and cultivate. What follows is arranged according to the original text; the original contains repetitions, missing characters, and apparent errors, and the relevant place names and distances are retained as they stand in the source.

The Huolin Cave-Heaven of Mount Huotong measures three thousand li in circumference and lies in Changxi County, Fuzhou. The Pengxuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Tai measures one thousand li and lies in Qianfeng County, Yanzhou (written "Gunzhou" in the original). The Zhuling Cave-Heaven of Mount Heng measures seven hundred li and lies in Hengshan County, Hengzhou. The Zongzhen Cave-Heaven of Mount Hua measures three hundred li and lies at the Western Peak. The Zongxuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Chang measures one hundred li and lies at the Northern Peak. The Sizhen Cave-Heaven of Mount Song measures three thousand li and lies at the Central Peak.

The Xuling Taimiao Cave-Heaven of Mount Emei measures three hundred li and lies in Emei County, Jiazhou. The Dongxu Yongzhen Cave-Heaven of Mount Lu measures three hundred li and lies in Deyang County, Jiangzhou; it is said to be the dwelling place of the Envoys of the Nine Heavens. The Cinnabar Mountain and Red Water Cave-Heaven (Danshan Chishui) of Mount Siming measures one hundred and eighty li and lies in Yuyao County, Yuezhou; tradition holds that Liu and Fan attained the Dao (Way) here. The Jixuan Yangming Cave-Heaven of Mount Kuaiji measures three hundred li and lies in Kuaiji County, Yuezhou; tradition holds that Yu of the Xia dynasty once searched here for books.

The Dexuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Fangbai measures five hundred li and lies in Zhengwu County, Jingzhao; it is an altar site where Laojun, the Supreme Venerable Lord, once appeared. The Tianbao Jixuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Xi measures three hundred li and lies in Nanchang County, Hongzhou; it is where Master Hongya lived. The Haosheng Shangyuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Daweï measures three hundred li and lies in Liling County, Tanzhou, where a stone chamber and an immortals' altar are said to have been used by a Celestial Master (Tianshi). The Tianzhu Sixuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Qian measures one thousand three hundred li and lies in Tongcheng County, Shuzhou; it is the seat of the Director of Destinies of the Nine Heavens.

The Shengzhen Huaxuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Wuyi measures one hundred and twenty li and lies in Jianyang County, Jianzhou; tradition holds that Lord Wuyi of the Maozhu lineage dwelt here. The Guixuan Sizhen Cave-Heaven of Mount Guigu measures seventy li and lies in Guixi County, Xinzhou. The Rongcheng Taiyu Cave-Heaven of Mount Huagai measures four thousand li and lies in Yongjia County, Wenzhou. The Taixiu Fayue Cave-Heaven of Mount Yusun measures one hundred and twenty li and lies in Xingan County, Jizhou. The Changyao Baoguang Cave-Heaven of Mount Shengmin Zhu measures eighty li and lies in Huangyan County, Taizhou; it is where Lord Ge the Immortal lived.

The Taishang Baoxuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Dujiao measures eighty li and lies in Rongzhou. The Xiule Changzhen Cave-Heaven of Mount Baishi measures seventy li and lies at Beiyuan in Rongzhou. The Yuque Baogui Cave-Heaven of Mount Gulou measures thirty li and lies in Rongzhou; within the mountain are a stone chamber and an alchemical well used for refining elixirs.

The Xiangzhen Taixu Cave-Heaven of Mount Jiuyi measures thirty li and lies in Yantang County, Daozhou. The Dongyang Yinguan Cave-Heaven of Mount Dongyang measures one hundred and fifty li and lies in Changsha County, Tanzhou. The Xuanzhen Taiyuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Mufu measures two hundred li and lies in Tangjun County, Ezhou; tradition holds that it is where Hao Meng ascended as an immortal. The Dayou Huamiao Cave-Heaven of Mount Dayou measures one hundred li and lies within the territory of Chenzhou.

The Jinting Chongmiao Cave-Heaven of Mount Jinting measures three hundred li and lies in Ke County, Yuezhou; tradition holds that Chu Boyu and Shen Xiuwen once lived here. The Danxia Cave-Heaven of Mount Magu measures one hundred and fifty li and lies in Nancheng County, Fuzhou; tradition holds that Magu ascended as an immortal here. The Xiandu Qixian Cave-Heaven of Mount Xiandu measures three hundred li and lies in Jinyun County, Chuzhou; tradition holds that the Yellow Emperor ascended as an immortal here.

The Qingtian Dahe Cave-Heaven of Mount Qingtian measures forty li and lies in Qingtian County, Chuzhou; it is where Celestial Master Ye lived. The Dadi Xuangai Cave-Heaven of Mount Tianzhu measures one hundred li and lies at the Tianzhu Temple in Yuhang County, Hangzhou. The Zhuhu Taisheng Cave-Heaven of Mount Zhong measures one hundred li and lies in Shangyuan County, Runzhou. The Liangchang Fanghui Cave-Heaven of Mount Liangchang measures thirty li and lies northeast of Mount Mao; it is where the Middle Lord Mao lived.

The Baima Xuanguang Cave-Heaven of Mount Taoyuan measures seventy li and lies in Wuling County, Langzhou. The Jinhua Dongyuan Cave-Heaven of Mount Jinhua measures fifty li and lies in Jinhua County, Zizhou (as written in the original); it contains the Chisong Temple associated with Huang Chuping. The Zixuan Dongmeng Cave-Heaven of Mount Zigai is recorded in the original as measuring "eighty-ten li" (八十十里) and lies in Qujiang County, Shaozhou.

Difei Mountain is located in Mount Mao, where the Ziyang Temple (Ziyang Guan) stands, the former residence of Administrator Xu. Shikeyuan is in Jiaoling, Huangyan County, Taizhou. Shuxianyuan is at Baixi in Wenzhou. Nantian is in Qingtian, Chuzhou. Yumao Mountain lies in the sea off Wenzhou, and Qingyu Mountain at the mouth of the Eastern Sea. Kongtong Mountain is in Xiazhou, and tradition holds that the Yellow Emperor once visited it. Yumukeng is at the Yuliang Temple on Yusun Mountain in Jizhou, the former residence of Xiao Ziyun.

Wudang Mountain is in Junzhou and contains seventy-one cave-heavens. Jun Mountain lies in Qingcao Lake in Yuezhou. Guiyuan is on Baofu Mountain in Lianzhou, the dwelling of Master Liao. Lingxu is on Mount Tiantai in Taizhou, where the Celestial Master (Tianshi) Sima lived. Wozhou is in Ke County, Yuezhou. Tianmu Peak lies south of Mount Tiantai in Taizhou, where Liu Chen and Ruan Zhao are said to have lost their way. Ruoye Stream is on the Qiaofeng Path south of Yuezhou. Wu Mountain is at the Great Immortal Altar in Kuizhou. Qingyuan Mountain is on Shubai Mountain in Puyang County, Weizhou. An Mountain is in Jiaozhou, the dwelling of Master Anqi. Maling is in Bangzhou, said to be the place from which Su Dan ascended to immortality. Eyang Mountain is in Changsha County, where Lord Xu is said to have slain a shen-clam demon.

The Dongzhen Altar is in Changsha. Zhurong Peak of the Southern Marchmount is also counted among the Blessed Lands. Donggong lies north of Changsha, and the Yuqing Altar also lies north of Changsha. Dinglingyuan is on the upper peak of the Zhaoxian Temple on the Southern Marchmount in Hengzhou. Tao Mountain is in Angu County, Wenzhou, where Master Zhenbai refined his medicines. Lanke Mountain is in Xinxin County, Quzhou. Longhu Mountain (Dragon-Tiger Mountain) is in Guixi County, Xinzhou, the seat of the Celestial Master. Leixi is in Jianyang County, Jianzhou. Lingying Mountain lies north of Raozhou, the dwelling of the Perfected Shi. Baishuiyuan is in Longzhou. Jinjing Mountain is in Qianhua County, Qianzhou, where the female adept Zhang cultivated the Dao. Hezao Mountain is in Xingan County, Jizhou, where the Celestial Master practiced the Dao and taught.

Shifeng Mountain is in Fengcheng County, Hongzhou. Xiaoyao Mountain is at Lianxi Mountain in Hongzhou, where the Perfected Lord Xu cultivated the Dao. Shubaiyuan is in Xinwu County, Hongzhou, the dwelling of the Perfected Zhong. Bochi is in Chuzhou, where the Perfected Wang of the North cultivated the Dao. Lun Mountain is in Dantu County. The Altar of Lord Maogong lies in Lake Dongting in Suzhou. Baozhou Mountain has seventy-two altars, and is where Master Liu Gen cultivated the Dao. Jiuhua Mountain is in Qingyang County, Chizhou, said to be the place from which the Perfected Dou ascended.

Tongwu Mountain is in Tongwu County, Tangzhou, on the Huai River. Pingdu Doushan is in Dengdu County, Zhongzhou, said to be where Lord Yin ascended. Luluo Mountain lies north of Wuling in Changde. Zhangguan Mountain is in Liyang County, Lizhou. Baodu Mountain is in Shangdang, Tengzhou, where Zhuang Zhou once lived. Damian Mountain is on Mount Qingcheng in Shuzhou, the dwelling of the Perfected Luo. Huxi is in Anji County, Dizhou, where the Perfected Fang cultivated the Dao. Yuanchen Mountain is in Duchang County, Jiangzhou. Maji Mountain is in Shuzhou, where Master Wang practiced the Dongyuan method. De Mountain is in Wuling County, Langzhou, where Master Shan Juan once lived; it was anciently called Wang Mountain.

Jilong Mountain is in Liyang County, Hezhou. Wang Peak is in Lantian County. Shanggu is in Shangluo, Shangzhou, said to be where the Four Hoary Elders lived in seclusion. Changxian Mountain is in Yixing County, Changzhou, where the Zhang Gong Cave is found. Changbai Mountain is in Shuaizhou. Zhongtiao Mountain is in Yongle County, Hezhong, where the Perfected Hou is said to have ascended. Huoyou is in Shouzhou. Yun Mountain is in Wuling County, Langzhou. Siming Mountain is in Lizhou, said to be where Wei Daowei ascended. Houshi Mountain is in Luozhou. Weishi Linkou Mountain is in Linkou County, Kouzhou, where Bai Wei is said to have once appeared, and where Sima Xiangru also lived.

Shaoshi Mountain is in Gongzhou Prefecture, Henan, in the area of the Central Marchmount. Cuiwei Mountain is at the Taiguan on Zhongnan Mountain in Xi'an Prefecture. Dani Mountain is at the Tianbao Temple in Cixi County, Mingzhou. Bailu Mountain is in Hangzhou. Tianzhu Mountain is where the Celestial Master Hao lived in seclusion. Daruoyan is in Yongjia County, Wenzhou, where Master Zhenbai composed the Zhen'gao (Declarations of the Perfected) and cultivated his nature and nourished his life. Sang Mountain is on Laosang Mountain in Laizhou, said to be where the Immortal Lord met the Perfected. Xibai, one of the same name, is in Ke County, Yuezhou, said to be where Zhao Guangxin ascended. Tianyin Mountain is at the Dongxuan Temple in Shangyuan County, Shengzhou, where the Immortal Lord practiced the Dao and taught. Jincheng Mountain is in Yunzhong Commandery. The Well of the Three Sovereigns is on Xianyan Mountain in Wenzhou. Wortang is in Shuhai County, Haizhou, where the Two Shu cultivated the Dao.

The original text contains many repetitions and apparent textual corruptions. The above follows its general sense in sequence, and some place names and personal names may be miswritten.

Twenty-Four Transformation Sites (Ling Hua), Part Twenty-Four

Yangping Transformation Site belongs to Metal and corresponds to the solar term Cold Dew. Above, it answers to the Horn lunar mansion, and it governs people born in the years jiazi and jiayin. It lies within Jiulong County in Pengzhou, forty li from the Upper Transformation Site; the Lower Transformation Site is in Xindu County, four li from here. Zhai Transformation Site likewise belongs to Metal, corresponds to Cold Dew, answers above to the Horn lunar mansion, and governs those born in the years jiazi and jiayin. It lies within Jiulong County in Pengzhou, forty li from the Upper Transformation Site, while the Lower Transformation Site is in Xindu County, four li from here. Zhai Xianye and Zhang Hengbai attained the Dao (Way) here and ascended to heaven.

Luotang Transformation Site belongs to Wood and corresponds to the solar term Frost's Descent. Above, it answers to the Neck lunar mansion, and it governs people born in the years wuwu, yimao, and wushen. It stands twenty li northwest of Mianzhu County in Hanzhou. In the second year of the Yongshou era, Laojun (the Daoist honorific for Laozi) swore an oath here before the myriad spirits; it is also the dwelling place of the Tianshi Dangren.

Heming Transformation Site belongs to Metal and corresponds to the solar term Beginning of Winter. Above, it answers to the Root, Chamber, and Heart lunar mansions, and it governs people born in the years gengchen and renchen. It lies north of Xiyonghu in Dayi County, Qiongzhou, a little over three li from the county seat, and is the place where Laojun bestowed the Fulu (talismans and registers; Daoist credentials of office) upon the Celestial Master (Tianshi). Xu Xiaodao, He Danyang, and Ma Chengzi attained the Dao here and ascended to heaven.

Lihang Transformation Site belongs to Earth and corresponds to the solar term Light Snow. Above, it answers to the Tail lunar mansion, and it governs people born in the years bingchen and wuchen. It lies seventy li northwest of Jiulong County in Pengzhou. Tradition holds that Laojun once conferred the teachings of the Dao upon the Realized One (Zhenren) Fan Li here, whereupon Fan Li ascended to heaven in broad daylight.

Gexu Transformation Site belongs to Fire and corresponds to the solar term Heavy Snow. Above, it answers to the Winnowing Basket lunar mansion, and it governs people born in the years jimao, dingmao, xinmao, and guimao. It lies west of Jiulong County in Pengzhou.

Gexu Transformation Site belongs to Fire and corresponds to the solar term Heavy Snow. Above, it answers to the Winnowing Basket lunar mansion, and it governs people born in the years jimao, dingmao, xinmao, and guimao. It lies sixty li northwest of Jiulong County in Pengzhou. This is where the Realized Ones of Shangqing (Highest Clarity) dwelt, and Yang Xianxian, Pu Gaoyuan, and Ge Yongfen attained the Dao here and ascended to heaven. Its original name was Shangqing Transformation Site.

Gengchu Transformation Site belongs to Water and corresponds to the Winter Solstice. Above, it answers to the Dipper lunar mansion, and it governs people born in the years bingyin, gengzi, and renxu. It lies thirty li east of Mianzhu County in Hanzhou, and corresponds to the Gengchu Mansion in the heavens. Zhang Lizi ascended to heaven in broad daylight here.

Here, the "Five Phases" (Wuxing), the "solar terms," and the "lunar mansions" respectively indicate each transformation site's Five Phases attribute, its corresponding solar term, and its celestial region; the "people governed" refers to the birth years that correspond to it. Several place names, personal names, and sentences in the original appear to contain scribal or transcription errors, so the translation follows the surviving text literally without presuming to emend it.

Qinzhong Hua (秦中化): It corresponds to Water among the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and its solar term is Minor Cold (Xiaohan). Above, it answers to the Ox lodge (a traditional star mansion). People born in the years wuyin, gengyin, and renyin are said to correspond to this place. It lies twenty li north of Deyang County in Hanzhou. Tradition holds that the Human Sovereign once transmitted the Celestial Golden Script here to Han Zhong, who then ascended to heaven.

Zhenduo Hua (真多化): It corresponds to Metal among the Five Phases, and its solar term is Major Cold (Dahan). Above, it answers to the Girl lodge, and people born in the years yichou and dingchou correspond to this place. It lies twenty-five li northwest of Jintang County in Hanzhou, and it is where Laojun (Lord Lao) met with the Celestial Master (Tianshi) tradition. Tradition holds that Wang Fangping and Li Zhenduo ascended to heaven here, and the place is also called "Shangzhen Hua" (Supreme Perfected Parish).

Changli Hua (昌利化): The original text records it as "corresponding to Earth among the Five Phases, with a Five Phases solar term of Metal, and the term Major Cold." Above, it answers to the Girl lodge, and people born in the years yichou and dingchou correspond to this place. It lies twenty-five li northwest of Jintang County in Hanzhou, and it is where Laojun met with the Celestial Master tradition. Tradition holds that Wang Fangping and Li Zhenduo ascended to heaven here, and the place is also called "Shangzhen Hua."

Changli Hua (昌利化): It corresponds to Earth among the Five Phases, and its solar term is the Beginning of Spring (Lichun). Above, it answers to the Void lodge, and the original text records people born in the years "yiyou and jichou" as corresponding to this place. It lies twenty li east of Jintang County in Hanzhou. Tradition holds that Li Babai twice came here to refine elixirs and traveled back and forth to this place; later, Li Babai ascended to heaven here.

Lishang Hua (隶上化): It corresponds to Water among the Five Phases, and its solar term is Rain Water (Yushui). Above, it answers to the Rooftop lodge, and people born in the years xinchou and guichou correspond to this place. It lies fifty li north of Deyang County in Hanzhou. Tradition holds that Li Ziyuan and Wei Shuqing ascended to heaven here.

Yongquan Hua (涌泉化): It corresponds to Wood among the Five Phases, and its solar term is the Awakening of Insects (Jingzhe). Above, it answers to the Chamber and Wall lodges (traditional star mansions), and people born in the years bingzi and guihai correspond to this place. It lies seventy li northwest of Deyang County in Hanzhou. Tradition holds that Laojun transmitted the Record of Mysterious Perfection (Xuanzhen lu) to Ma Mingsheng here, after which Ma ascended to heaven.

Chougeng Hua (稠梗化): It corresponds to Water among the Five Phases, and its solar term is the Spring Equinox (Chunfen). Above, it answers to the Astride lodge, and people born in the years renzi and renwu correspond to this place. It lies ten li south of Xinjin County in Shuzhou. Tradition holds that the Yellow Emperor once refined elixirs here. On the mountain are a Heavenly Pool, a stone stele, and traces of the "Red Ao" (Dan'ao).

Beiping Hua (北平化): It corresponds to Metal among the Five Phases, and its solar term is Clear and Bright (Qingming). Above, it answers to the Bond lodge. The original text records only "people of the wu (Horse) year" as corresponding to this place, without specifying the exact years. It lies ten li south of Xinjin County in Shuzhou. Tradition holds that the Yellow Emperor once refined elixirs here. On the mountain are a Heavenly Pool, a stone stele, and traces of the "Red Ao" (Dan'ao).

In the original text, "Changli Hua" appears twice, and the two entries differ in their Five Phases, solar terms, star lodges, and locations; they are translated separately here as in the original. The term "Dan'ao" is likewise retained as in the original.

Beiping Transformation (Beiping hua, the name of a Daoist realm of immortals) corresponds to Metal among the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). It is associated with the solar term Qingming, the lunar lodge (a star constellation) Lou, and people born in the yihai and jihai years. It lies twenty-five li northwest of Pengshan County in Meizhou, and is also called "Caici Mountain." Sages and high immortals of successive ages have traveled here, and Wang Ziqiao also ascended as an immortal at this place.

Benzhu Transformation corresponds to Wood. It is associated with the solar term Grain Rain, the Wei lodge, and people born in the yisi, xinsi, and xinhai years. It lies twenty-five li northwest of Xinjin County in Shuzhou. The Yellow Emperor once traveled here, and Guo Shengzi ascended as an immortal on this spot. A kind of bamboo called "altar-sweeping bamboo" grows on the mountain, and the place takes its name from it.

Mengqin Transformation corresponds to Fire. It is associated with the solar term Start of Summer, the Xu lodge, and people born in the jiaxu and bingxu years. It lies fifteen li from Taideng County in Xuzhou. Yi Yin, Zhao Gui, Zhao Sheng, and Prince Zhao all ascended as immortals here.

Pinggai Transformation corresponds to Earth. It is associated with the solar term Grain Buds, the Bi lodge, and people born in the dingsi, jisi, and guisi years. It lies thirty li north of Xinjin County in Shuzhou. In the mountains lives a "Wang Ren" (Royal Man) thirteen chi tall, and it is said that when he appears, the world will be at peace. The immortal Cui Xiaotong ascended here.

Yuntai Transformation corresponds to Fire. It is associated with the solar term Grain in Ear, the Zi and Shen lodges, and people born in the bingwu, gengwu, and gengxu years. It lies thirty-five li southeast of Cangxi County in Banzhou. The Celestial Master (Tianshi) ascended as an immortal here on the ninth day of the ninth month in the second year of the Yongshou era.

Jinkou Transformation corresponds to Wood. It is associated with the solar term Summer Solstice, the Jing lodge, and people born in the yiyou and dingyou years. It lies five li from Xixian County in Xingyuan Prefecture. Chen Anshi and the Lady of the Bao clan both ascended as immortals here.

Houcheng Transformation corresponds to Earth. It is associated with the solar term Minor Heat, the Gui lodge, and people born in the xinyou and guiyou years. It lies sixty-five li northwest of Shifang County in Hanzhou. Here the Celestial Master (Tianshi) transmitted to Xia Ziran the "Way of Guarding the One" (a method of single-minded focus on body and mind, and of concentrating the spirit in cultivation), and Xia Ziran then ascended in broad daylight.

Gongmu Transformation (Gongmu Hua) belongs to Metal among the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and corresponds to the solar term Major Heat (Dashu). Above, it answers to the Willow lunar mansion (Liu Xiu, a star constellation). Those born in the years Jiashen, Renshen, and Gengshen belong to this transformation. It lies fifty li northwest of Zhuyu County in Hanzhou. Here the Celestial Master (Tianshi) once bestowed the Qiongwen Zizi (Jade Script in Purple Characters) upon Su Ziyu, who thereby ascended to heaven in broad daylight.

Pinggang Transformation (Pinggang Hua) belongs to Water among the Five Phases and corresponds to the solar term Beginning of Autumn (Liqiu). Above, it answers to a lunar mansion (the original does not specify which). Those born in the years Wuxu and Dinghai belong to this transformation. It lies four li southwest of Xinjin County in Shuzhou, and is also called the Lingquan (Spirit Spring) Transformation. Lord Li Adi ascended to heaven here.

Zhubu Transformation (Zhubu Hua) belongs to Metal among the Five Phases and corresponds to the solar term End of Heat (Chushu). Above, it answers to the Zhang lunar mansion (a star constellation). Those born in the years Yiwei, Jiwei, and Guiwei belong to this transformation. It lies thirty li northeast of Pujiang County in Kouzhou, and is also called the Qiuchang (Autumn Growth) Transformation. Tradition holds that the registrar Wang Xing and the female immortal Yang Zheng once ascended to heaven here.

Yuju Transformation (Yuju Hua) belongs to Water among the Five Phases and corresponds to the solar term White Dew (Bailu). Above, it answers to the Yi lunar mansion (a star constellation). Those born in the years Dingwei and Xinwei belong to this transformation. It lies one li south of Chengdu Prefecture, and is also called the Yunü (Jade Maiden) Transformation. Laojun (Lord Lao) descended to this place in the first year of the Yongshou era, and a jade bureau (yuju) welled up from the earth, which gave the site its name.

Beiyu Transformation (Beiyu Hua) belongs to Earth among the Five Phases and corresponds to the solar term Autumn Equinox (Qiufen). Above, it answers to the Song lunar mansion (a star constellation). Those born in the years Wuzi and Jiawu belong to this transformation. It lies north of the city of Shudu. Wuchengzi, Bohe, Prince Jin (Wang Zijin), Lü Gong, and Lü Wen once ascended to heaven here. In the second year of the Longshuo era, Laojun appeared at this site.