《許太史真君圖傳》

The Illustrated Biography of Perfected Lord Xu, Scroll One · Section Nine

[First Celestial Edict]

On the first day of the eighth month in the second year of the Ningkang era (374 CE) during Emperor Xiaowu's reign of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, auspicious clouds and ceremonial banners descended from the heavens at dawn. Two immortals arrived in Xu Xun's (Perfected Lord Xu) courtyard in a magnificent chariot accompanied by an elaborate retinue. The Perfected Lord descended the steps to receive them respectfully. The immortals declared: "By the command of the Jade Emperor, we bring you an imperial decree." Kneeling with bowed head, Perfected Lord Xu listened as they proclaimed:

"Edict of the Jade Emperor: Xu Xun, Child of Cultivation, in kalpas past you mastered the supreme Dao through arduous practice, enduring countless trials to penetrate myriad methods. Your deeds of relieving suffering, vanquishing demons, and benefiting living beings have earned you a place among the immortals, revered by all. By special decree, you are hereby elevated to 'Grand Historiographer and Eminent Envoy of All Immortals of the Nine Provinces,' bestowed with a violet-feathered robe, jade banners, ritual implements of sacred craftsmanship, and one portion each of jade nectar and the Golden Elixir (Jindan). This edict takes immediate effect."

After kowtowing to receive the decree, Perfected Lord Xu was addressed by the immortals: "I am the Jade-Pure High Duke Cui Ziwen," said the first, while the second introduced himself as "the Primordial-Pure Grand Minister Xiaqiu Zhong." With a ceremonial bow, they informed him of his ascension date before departing in their cloud-borne chariot.

[Second Celestial Edict]

At noon on the fifteenth day of the same month, celestial music echoed through the skies as commoners gazed upon clouds of auspicious hues. Soon, another procession arrived at Perfected Lord Xu's courtyard—this time with feathered canopies, dragon-shaped carriages, and celestial soldiers as escorts, led by jade maidens and immortal youths amidst crimson clouds and violet qi. The two envoys reappeared, and as Xu descended the steps to greet them, they proclaimed a new decree:

"Edict of the Jade Emperor: Xu Xun, Child of Cultivation, your present-life merits—healing through talismanic waters (Fulu) and eradicating venomous evils—have absolved ancestral karma of bloodshed and neglected sacrifices. The Director of Fate from Mount Qian is commanded to deliver the Golden Elixir to the mortal realm, dissolving your karmic debts and purifying your form. Permission is granted for your entire household—kin and hearth—to ascend together. The Divine General of Celestial Warriors shall guard your left, the Marshal of Flowing Gold and Fiery Bells your right, with the Central Yellow (Zhonghuang) righteous qi clearing the path. No delay is permitted."

Concurrently, Xu's ancestors received posthumous honors: remote ancestor Xu You as Jade-Void Attendant, great-grandfather Xu Yan as Grand Marshal of the Taiwei Garrison, grandfather Xu Yu as Registrar of the Supreme Ultimate (Taiji), and father Xu Su as Immortal Official of the Central Peak.

(Note: "Jade nectar and Golden Elixir" refer to legendary Daoist elixirs; "Flowing Gold and Fiery Bells" are celestial weapons; "Central Yellow" denotes the righteous qi corresponding to the earthly phase of the center.)

This scripture records the life story of Xu Xun (Xu Zhenjun), the founding patriarch of the Jingming Daoist tradition:

Xu Xun was granted a celestial residence named "Immortal Ministry's Left Mansion," and the emperor decreed that his six local disciples would ascend together with him on dragon-drawn chariots. After uttering these words, Xu Zhenjun also ascended to heaven.

The [Sacred Edict of Xu Zhenjun] section details his divine status: He emanated from the Primordial Ancestor of Hunyuan (Chaos Origin), cultivated through multiple lifetimes, mastered myriad methods and countless approaches, delivered beings from suffering, subdued demons and evil spirits, accumulating immeasurable merit. He is venerated as "Grand Historian of All Immortals in the Nine Provinces, Eminent Envoy of Radiance," overseeing thunder deities and demon-subduing duties, serving as the Great Emperor of Celestial Healing and Patriarch of Salvation, with the honorific title "Heavenly Worthy of Universal Transformation through Pure Brightness."

Xu Xun, styled Jingzhi, traced his ancestry to Xuchang. His forebear Xu You was a renowned recluse. During the late Eastern Han, the family relocated to Nanchang in Yuzhang. His mother once dreamed of a golden phoenix dropping a pearl into her palm, which she swallowed before conceiving. Xu Xun was born on the 28th day of the first lunar month in 239 CE (the second year of Chiwu era in Eastern Wu).

From childhood, Xu Xun displayed exceptional intelligence and gentle temperament. In his youth during a hunting expedition, he shot a mother deer and witnessed it tenderly licking its fawn while dying. Profoundly moved, he abandoned martial pursuits for Daoist cultivation. He studied extensively, mastering astronomy, geography, music theory, and the Five Phases (Wuxing), with particular devotion to immortals' cultivation techniques.

Later, he became a disciple of Wu Shiyun in Xi'an (modern Ningbo), learning the Divine Methods of Ding Yi, the Secret Arts of Bao Jing, and the White Cloud Talismans (Baiyun Fu). Recognizing their karmic connection across lifetimes, Wu transmitted all esoteric methods to him, including the historically significant "Elixir of Perfect Accord" (Ruyi Dandan) formula.

(Note: The mentioned "Elixir of Perfect Accord" represents an important Daoist alchemical technique, "Divine Methods of Ding Yi" refers to medical arts transmitted since the Han dynasty, while "White Cloud Talismans" belong to a category of heaven-descended talismanic scripts [Fulu].)

Xu Xun (later known as the True Lord Xu) served as the magistrate of Xi'an County in the Wu Kingdom before settling in the area. The present-day Xiping Jingwu Immortal Temple, located sixty li west of the prefectural city, stands on the site of his former residence.

Xu Xun and Guo Pu once traveled together to seek out famous mountains in search of an ideal place for cultivation. When they arrived at the Jin family estate on Xiaoyao Mountain, they found the feng shui exceptionally favorable for spiritual practice. The two then visited the estate's owner, Master Jin. Guo Pu said to him, "Lord Xu wishes to acquire a residence here for his cultivation. That is why we have come to visit you." Master Jin replied, "If this is truly Lord Xu's intention, why not also acquire the surrounding farmland to cover daily expenses?" Xu Xun responded, "Though I deeply appreciate your generosity, one should not accept unearned gifts. Please name your price, and we shall proceed accordingly." Master Jin declared magnanimously, "When men of honor share the same aspirations, they would entrust each other with their very lives—how much more so with mere worldly possessions?" He then took a large coin, broke it in half, and gave one piece to Xu Xun as a token of their agreement.

After settling at the Jin estate, Xu Xun devoted himself entirely to spiritual practice, eschewing official honors. The villagers were deeply moved by his filial piety and benevolent character, while his friends admired his righteousness. He refused any gifts that did not align with the Dao (the Way). Once, someone sold him an iron lampstand, but when lit at night, the chipped paint revealed gold beneath. The next day, Xu Xun tracked down the original owner to return the gold.

As Xu Xun's reputation grew, the commandery recommended him for the "Filial and Incorrupt" selection system (a Han Dynasty talent recruitment program), but he declined. After repeated imperial summons, he could no longer refuse and finally accepted the position of magistrate of Jingyang County in Shu Commandery in the first year of the Tai Kang era (280 CE) of the Jin Dynasty, at the age of forty-two. Upon assuming office, he immediately admonished his subordinates to uphold integrity, abolished excessive taxes, released prisoners convicted of minor offenses, and guided the people through moral transformation. Both officials and commoners were won over, reforming themselves willingly. He taught the people to root themselves in loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, forbearance, prudence, and diligence, selecting virtuous elders to lead by example. As a result, disputes gradually diminished until the county achieved a state of "no litigation." Two clerks in his office, Hu and Zhan, assisted him in governance, and they too were later venerated as deities.

Before Xu Xun's arrival, the region had suffered famine, leaving many unable to pay taxes. The authorities resorted to harsh punishments, driving countless families to flee. Using his mystical arts, Xu Xun transformed tiles and rubble into gold, which he had secretly buried in the county office's rear garden. He then summoned the tax-defaulters, had the bailiffs reprimand them, and ordered them to labor in the garden. While digging, the people discovered the gold, which they used to pay their taxes, thus avoiding further displacement. When refugees from neighboring regions heard of his benevolence, they flocked to seek his protection.

This scripture recounts several significant events during Xu Xun's (known as True Lord Xu) tenure as magistrate of Jingyang County in Shu region:

At that time, Jingyang had a large population but was struck by a devastating plague that claimed seventy to eighty percent of lives. True Lord Xu employed miraculous medicinal formulas he had obtained to heal the people. Wherever his talismanic incantations reached, the sick recovered immediately—even those gravely ill were completely cured. As news spread, thousands of patients from neighboring commanderies came daily seeking treatment. The True Lord planted bamboo talismans (Fulu) by a river ten li outside the city, and those who drank from its waters beneath the bamboo were healed. Elderly, weak, or bedridden patients who couldn't travel also recovered by drinking the water brought to them. The people of Shu composed folk songs praising him.

Foreseeing the coming chaos of the Jin dynasty, True Lord Xu resigned to return east. Grateful citizens established living shrines (shengci) along his route enshrining his portrait. Farewell crowds filled the fields—some followed for thousands of li before turning back, while others voluntarily stayed to serve him. These followers built dwellings on empty land east of Xu's residence, collectively adopting his surname and forming "Xu Family Camp."

Another account records: While resting in a cypress grove at Xinwu (modern place name), True Lord Xu was presented with divine swords by five maidens. Later, these maidens often performed sword dances for amusement at his home, revealing themselves as sword immortals. After Xu's ascension (feisheng), the five immortal maidens withdrew beneath cypress trees he had planted, hence called "Cypress Immortal Maidens."

Finally, the text describes True Lord Xu and True Lord Wu jointly visiting female Daoist adept Mother Chen at Huangtang Jing in Danyang County, Jinling. Mother Chen revealed that the Filial and Fraternal King of Shangqing lineage had left golden elixir (Jindan) scriptures with bronze talismans and iron covenants at Lan Gong's residence, prophesying Xu Xun as their inheritor. Following liturgical protocols (Keyi), Mother Chen ascended the altar to transmit these sacred treasures to True Lord Xu.

(Note: "Talismanic incantations" refer to Daoist healing rituals using cinnabar-drawn talismans and spoken spells; "living shrines" are temples established for meritorious living figures; "ascension" denotes a Daoist practitioner achieving immortality.)

Immortal Lord Xu Xun (a revered Daoist transcendent) learned from Mother Chen the "Zhengyi Demon-Slaying Method" (exorcism techniques of the Orthodox Unity tradition) and the "Three-Five Flying Steps Technique" (a Daoist ritual footwork practice), mastering the complete transmission.

When the two perfected lords prepared to depart after completing their studies, bowing in gratitude to Mother Chen, she sensed Xu Xun's intention to visit annually. Mother Chen said: "There's no need for return visits—I shall soon ascend to the celestial court." She then plucked a fragrant cogongrass stalk and cast it southward, declaring: "Where this grass lands, establish a shrine. Visiting once each autumn will suffice."

Returning home, the lords found the grassy spot forty li south of their dwelling. There they built the shrine, naming it "Yellow Hall" after Mother Chen's cultivation site—now called the "Huangtang Longdao Palace." Every year on the third day of the eighth lunar month, they performed rituals there.

While returning from Songyang, Lord Xu sought traces of Mother Chen's flying grass. Resting by a clear pond—now the site of Qizhen Jing Temple in Qingbei Village—he witnessed villagers hosting lavish spirit sacrifices. People warned: "Scanty offerings bring divine retribution." The lord exclaimed: "How dare these specters terrorize thus!" That night at an inn, he summoned storms and lightning to blast the sacrificial trees. Next morning he announced: "The demon shrine is purged—no more sacrifices needed." Only abandoned altars remain today.

Continuing his search, Lord Xu saw villagers laboriously carrying water from afar. Touching his staff to parched marshland, he summoned an eternal spring—now the stone well at Ziyang Jing Temple in Daze Village.

At Longcheng Mountain's summit, pointing to a fissured spring, he prophesied: "Demonic forces lurk here, destined to harm the people." Establishing an altar, he suppressed them ritually. Pilgrims now rest at this "Longcheng Temple" during annual visits to Mother Chen.

Crossing Little Shu River (modern Huanghukou), Lord Xu lodged at an inn kept by impoverished but hospitable Zhu. Drawing a pine tree on the wall, he departed. That day Zhu's business doubled. Later when floods destroyed the embankment, submerging the entire street, only Zhu's painted wall remained intact. The site, now called "Pine Lake Market," still hosts Zhu's Earth God shrine.

Xu Xun the True Lord (one of the Four Celestial Masters in Daoism) once refined elixirs by the deep pool of Huanglong Mountain in Aicheng. At that time, a flood dragon spirit lurked in the abyss, plotting to unleash torrents and destroy the alchemy chamber. The True Lord dispatched celestial soldiers to capture the creature, nailing it to the stone cliff—the rock that pinned the dragon can still be seen today.

After completing the Golden Elixir (Jindan), the True Lord performed sacrificial rites at the stone grotto on Mount Mufu where Ge Xuan (Immortal Lord Ge) once cultivated. Crossing the Xiu River, he admired its rushing currents and sturdy rocks, using riverside stones to sharpen his divine sword—the site now called Meishan Jingyang Temple. Ascending Xiufeng Peak, he erected an altar to conduct a Zhaijiao (purification ritual) in gratitude to the Celestial Emperor before ingesting the elixir. The present-day Wuxian Temple south of the stream marks the former residence of another True Lord, Wu Meng.

When visiting Wu's dwelling, the True Lord passed through Xi'an County (modern Ningzhou, Jiangxi), where the local earth deity (Shebo) came to pay respects. Questioned about harmful spirits in the territory, the deity concealed the truth. Later at a small shrine, five temple gods surnamed Mao (now honored at Xieyou Temple, 400 paces east of the city) volunteered information: a flood dragon had long plagued the people, fleeing to Ezhou (modern Wuchang) upon hearing of the True Lord's approach, but would surely return.

Following their guidance to Ezhou, the True Lord encountered three elders (actually deities from Puying Sanwang Temple) who revealed the dragon's hiding place beneath a bridge. Brandishing his sword at the bridge, the True Lord frightened the creature into Yangtze's depths. Celestial troops drove it upstream until slain. The subsequent Fulong Bridge commemorates this event, with its approaches still called "Dragon's Mouth."

The True Lord rebuked Xi'an's earth god for concealment, sealing his shrine and transferring worship to the five Mao brothers' temple. To this day, Ningzhou's City God Temple keeps its main gate perpetually closed—opening it invites disaster—while Xieyou Temple thrives with incense smoke.

Returning to the commandery capital, the True Lord mused: "With such waterways, roads, and teeming populace, surely this land holds immortal candidates?" He mixed elixir pellets among common herbs for sale, testing who might recognize their worth. When none discerned them, he sighed at the rarity of those destined for Daoist cultivation.

Xu Xun the True Lord (one of the Four Celestial Masters in Daoism) heard reports of a flood dragon wreaking havoc in Xinwu region, so he took his sacred sword to pursue it. When he chased the creature to what is now Xianyou Temple, the terrified dragon hid in a mountain stream cave—the very place now called Hidden Stream. The True Lord carved talismanic inscriptions (fulu) on a massive stone tablet with words to suppress the dragon, which remains preserved to this day at Yanzhen Temple, ten li west of Fengxin County.

Further upstream in Poyang Lake's Liao region, a giant serpent occupied a mountain cavern, spewing poisonous vapors that blanketed forty square li, regularly devouring both humans and livestock. Upon hearing this, the True Lord ascended North Peak (now called Immortal Gathering Summit) and indeed witnessed the toxic miasma covering the sky. As he assembled his disciples to eliminate the menace, nearly a thousand desperate villagers from near and far came weeping for deliverance. Moved with compassion, the True Lord declared: "When kalpic cycles bring such calamities, why must innocent people suffer? My very purpose here is to eradicate this scourge—I swear this serpent and I cannot coexist under heaven!"

When all disciples had gathered, the True Lord planted his sword in the earth and silently prayed to heaven. Soon a spring miraculously burst forth from the ground, followed by a crimson phoenix soaring overhead. "The moment is ripe," proclaimed the True Lord (the site later became Waiting Hour Temple, renamed Red Crow Longevity Temple, now called Broad Blessings Temple). Approaching the serpent's lair, he arranged his sword formation while summoning local earth deities (tudishen) with talismans to jointly drive out the monster. Where the talisman papers fluttered down, Great Harmony Temple was later built south of Nanchang's city walls.

As the colossal serpent emerged—raising its head dozens of zhang high while spewing venomous fog—the True Lord commanded wind and rain, directing celestial troops. He ordered disciple Wu Meng to leap midair and behead the serpent, while Shi Cen and Gan Zhan sliced open its belly. A smaller serpent several zhang long escaped from the carcass. When Gan Zhan moved to pursue it, the True Lord restrained him: "It hasn't yet committed evil—we mustn't kill indiscriminately." After fleeing seven li, the young serpent turned its head upon hearing shouts. Though disciples urged pursuit, the True Lord prophesied: "If in five hundred years this creature harms the people, I shall return to destroy it. Then witness whether the pines before my altar bend earthward as testimony." He added: "Within 1,240 years after my ascension, eight hundred terrestrial immortals (dixian) will emerge throughout Yuzhang (modern Jiangxi)."

This scripture recounts the story of Daoist immortal Xu Xun (True Lord Xu) subduing demons and vanquishing evil:

In the Yuzhang region (present-day Nanchang, Jiangxi), True Lord Xu had trained eight hundred terrestrial immortals (earthbound transcendents who had achieved cultivation). At that time, a sandbar emerged in the river, blocking the Shaijing estuary, where a small snake appeared that might harm the people. True Lord Xu declared: "If this serpent endangers the people, the eight hundred terrestrial immortals will naturally eliminate it; if it does no harm, there's no need to kill it." Later, the snake was able to swim into the harbor—the place is still called "Snakelet Harbor" in present-day Jianchang (modern Yongxiu, Jiangxi), while a Wu City Temple seven li away in Xinjian County relates to this event.

After slaying the giant serpent, True Lord Xu found the creature's demonic blood had tainted his sword. He therefore washed and sharpened the blade at the Grinding Sword Pool by Cold Water Terrace, testing its edge on the Trial Sword Stone. He warned his disciples: "Though the great serpent is destroyed, the jiao essence (shape-shifting flood dragon spirits) still remain. These intelligent creatures know we seek to eradicate evils and may take the opportunity to devastate the commandery." Accompanied by his two disciples Zhan and Cen, he proceeded to the commandery capital—this occurred in the sixth year of the Qiujia era (note: "Qiujia sixth year" refers to an ancient calendrical period whose exact date requires further research).

True Lord Xu's profound mastery of Daoist arts was renowned far and wide, attracting thousands seeking to become his disciples. To test them, he magically transformed charcoal into beautiful women, dispersing them at night to the disciples' quarters. By morning's inspection, only ten had resisted temptation—these were the ones who later ascended to immortality with him. Henceforth, these chosen disciples accompanied True Lord Xu on his journeys across rivers and lakes to eliminate demons, while those who failed the test departed in shame. The present-day "Charcoal Women Market" west of Jianchang Prefecture's Xijin district marks this event, with the Miaoming Temple standing at the original testing site.

The Illustrated Biography of True Lord Xu (Volume Two) - Modern Interpretation

When True Lord Xu returned to the commandery city with his disciples Gan and Shi, they encountered a strikingly handsome young man dressed in fine robes who came to pay his respects. He introduced himself with the surname Shen, behaving courteously yet speaking with unusual quickness before hastily departing. The True Lord then told his disciples, "That man was no human—he was an ancient flood dragon in disguise, here to test us. Though his form appeared human, he carried the stench of fish. I pretended not to notice, hoping to draw out his accomplices."

Tracking the dragon spirit, the True Lord found it had fled to the riverbank, transforming into a yellow ox lying on the sands (the place later called Yellow Ox Shoal). In response, the True Lord cut a piece of paper into the shape of a black ox and sent it to confront the creature, while secretly dispatching Disciple Shi, armed with a sword, to lie in ambush. As the two oxen locked horns, Shi suddenly struck, severing the dragon’s left leg. The wounded yellow ox fled into a well south of the city (later known as Dragon Well, located southeast of Shanglan Temple).

The True Lord then ordered divine officers to pursue the dragon to Changsha’s Jia Yi Well, where they discovered it had taken human form and infiltrated the household of a man named Jia Yu. Years earlier, the dragon had disguised itself as a scholar, married Jia’s daughter, and fathered two sons. Each spring and summer, it would depart by boat, returning in autumn laden with goods. This time, bleeding from its wound, it claimed to have been robbed. When Jia Yu summoned a physician—actually the True Lord in disguise—Xu stormed into the hall and thundered, "You flood demon, scourge of the people! After all this time hunting you, you won’t escape!" Forcing it to reveal its true form, he executed it. The two hybrid sons were also slain, while Jia’s daughter, nearly reverting to a draconic state, was spared only after her parents pleaded for mercy.

The True Lord warned Jia Yu: "Beneath this house lies a nest of floods—less than a foot below your foundations churns an abyss. Flee at once!" The family hastily relocated to Gao’an, and soon after, their former home collapsed into a bottomless pool (today’s Zhaotan in Changsha).

Upon returning to Yuzhang, the True Lord found the remaining dragon spirits—terrified of retribution—disguising themselves as humans and blending into the city... (To be continued)

Note: This account exemplifies classic Daoist narratives of immortals subduing demons. The "paper-cut ox" reflects the "Mountain" (山) technique of Daoist esoteric arts (山医命相卜), while "divine officers" (符吏) are summoned celestial enforcers. The flood dragon’s predation mirrors ancient interpretations of disasters as demonic acts.

Immortal Lord Xu Xun (one of Daoism's Four Celestial Masters/Tianshi) once had a disciple encounter a man who claimed to hail from Chang'an and boasted generations of virtuous deeds. The man inquired about the power of Xu's divine sword, to which the disciple replied: "My master's divine sword can split the heavens when pointed skyward, cleave the earth when aimed downward, disrupt celestial constellations when directed at stars, and reverse river currents when leveled at waters. No evil entity can withstand it." The man then asked if anything remained impervious to the sword, and the disciple answered: "Only winter melons and gourds."

Unbeknownst to the disciple, the questioner was a flood dragon spirit (aquatic demon). Taking the words at face value, the creature transformed itself and all its kin into winter melons and gourds, covering the river's surface to escape downstream. At dawn the next day, sensing demonic qi (vital energy), Immortal Lord Xu noticed the river's unnatural state. He entrusted his divine sword to disciple Shi Cen, instructing him to tread upon the waters and eradicate the demons. Every last flood dragon spirit was exterminated, staining the river crimson.

Addressing both disciples and local villagers, Immortal Lord Xu declared: "This is a flood dragon's lair that must be suppressed." He then commanded spirits to forge an iron pillar in the southern well of the government compound, securing the earth's veins with eight iron chains. The immortal pronounced this invocation: "Should the pillar tilt, demons shall rise again; should it stand upright, evil shall perish forever." From that day, water demons vanished completely. He also left a prophecy: "So long as this land's fengshui remains auspicious and its people virtuous, no wickedness shall emerge; even if troublemakers appear, they'll never gain momentum."

Fearing some flood dragons might have escaped to Poyang or Xunyang regions, the immortal patrolled lakes and rivers to eradicate them thoroughly. At Mount Tiaoyao's summit, he discovered three flood dragon lakes with caves connecting to the Yangtze River. After slaying the creatures, he established Daoist temples—Jade Sun Palace (Yuyang Fu), Enlightenment Sanctuary (Kaihua Jing), and Great City Temple (Taicheng Fu)—to suppress the area. He further cast iron talismans (fulu) to seal Poyang Lake's mouth, capped Luling's Mystic Pool with an iron lid, and left a spiritual sword guarding the site. These relics endure to this day, including Zhongshi River and Flying Talisman Ridge's Chongzhen Temple in Hukou County.

This passage recounts several miraculous stories about Daoist immortals Xu Xun (Xu Zhenjun) and Wu Meng (Wu Jun):

1. Predicting Wang Dun's Rebellion

Xu Zhenjun, Wu Jun, and Guo Pu went to meet General Wang Dun who was plotting a rebellion. Wang claimed he dreamed of "wood piercing through heaven." Xu Zhenjun said this was an ill omen, while Wu Meng interpreted it as the character "wei" (未, meaning "not yet," implying failure). After divining, Guo Pu bluntly stated Wang's rebellion would fail. Enraged, Wang asked how long Guo would live, to which Guo replied, "not past noon today"—and was indeed executed by midday. At this moment, Xu transformed his wine cup into a dove that flew away, and both immortals suddenly vanished.

2. Dragon-Drawn Boat

When traveling to Jinling to return to Yuzhang by boat, the boatman said no one could row. Xu Zhenjun instructed him to close his eyes and not peek, then summoned two dragons to pull the vessel. Passing Chiyang, he used his seal to subdue water monsters—the seal's imprint can still be seen on the cliffs today.

3. Legend of Iron Ship Peak

While their dragon boat flew over Mount Lu, the boatman peeked, causing the craft to crash onto a summit. Xu taught him to consume immortal herbs for longevity. Later, the ship and mast petrified, forming what is now Mount Lu's famous "Iron Ship Peak" landscape.

4. Reclusive Cultivation

Xu Zhenjun spent decades in seclusion devoted to Daoist practice, composing the "Drunken Immortal's Song" and "Eight Treasures Admonitions," which taught virtues like loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and tolerance. Though appearing ordinary, his abode was often graced by cranes and auspicious clouds.

(Note: Xu Xun was a renowned Jin Dynasty Daoist, revered as patriarch of the Jingming [Pure Brightness] tradition; Wu Meng was a famous immortal of the era; the "Eight Treasures" refer to ethical principles; Iron Ship Peak remains a celebrated scenic site at Mount Lu.)

This passage records the sacred scene of the renowned Daoist immortal Xu Xun (known as Xu the True Lord) attaining the Dao and ascending to heaven:

In the eighth month of the second year of the Ningkang era (374 CE) during the Eastern Jin dynasty, the 136-year-old Xu the True Lord reached his moment of celestial ascent. Two celestial officials descended from heaven—Jade Purity High Minister Cui Ziwen and Primordial Purity Grand Minister Xiaqiu Zhong—bearing an imperial decree from the Jade Emperor. They conferred upon Xu the exalted title "Grand Historian of All Immortals in the Nine Provinces and Eminent Ambassador," presenting him with immortal treasures including purple feathered robes and jade nectar Golden Elixir (Jindan).

On the eve of his ascension, Xu summoned his disciples and local villagers for a farewell banquet. He imparted essential cultivation principles of accumulating virtue (De) through good deeds, leaving behind works such as the Lingjianzi Scripture. For his eleven chief disciples, he composed ten five-character admonitory poems (which later evolved into the 120 spiritual lots still circulating today), and transmitted the "Wish-Fulfilling Elixir Formula" to those disciples who couldn't ascend with him.

On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, during a grand purification ritual (Zhaijiao), the celestial envoys Cui and Xia descended again to proclaim the Jade Emperor's decree: permission was granted for Xu to ascend with his entire household and disciples. Ultimately, Xu the True Lord ascended with forty-two family members and disciples (including six main followers like Chen Xun, Shi He, Zhou Guang, Huang Renlan, and Xu Lie), taking even his residence and domestic animals skyward in the famous "Ascension of the Entire Household" legend.

The mentioned "Yellow Center Purification" (Huangzhong Zhai) refers to an important Daoist ritual ceremony, while the "Flaming Golden Bells" (Liujin Huoling) represent an exorcism instrument. The entire ascension process was filled with miraculous phenomena—auspicious clouds, celestial music, dragon-drawn chariots, and feathered canopies—vividly manifesting the ultimate Daoist spiritual attainment of cultivation and realization of the Dao.

This passage recounts several miraculous events surrounding the Daoist immortal Xu Xun (known as Perfected Lord Xu) before and after his ascension to heaven:

When Perfected Lord Xu was about to ascend, the local people were reluctant to part with him. He intentionally left behind his meditation bell and stone case as mementos. His servant Xu Da wished to accompany him in ascension, but the Perfected Lord explained it was predestined that he couldn't take him. Later, Xu Da and his wife retreated to the Western Mountains, where the Perfected Lord taught them the arts of terrestrial immortality (dixian). The couple lived incognito near Fanchegang, and occasional sightings of them were reported.

During the ascension, celestial objects like a medicine mortar, cartwheel, and chicken coop fell from the sky, along with several mice that survived the fall (likely having stolen immortal elixirs). For hundreds of miles around, auspicious clouds lingered and an extraordinary fragrance persisted for months. The palace curtains Xu had earlier obtained from the Daoist immortal Chen Mu in exchange for Shu brocade suddenly came flying back, circling above his former residence.

Earlier in his travels with the famous geomancer Guo Pu, Xu had visited Yichun where they were hosted by Wang Shuo, son of Chief Clerk Wang. Recognizing the excellent feng shui of the location, Xu recommended building a Daoist retreat there and inscribed the character "Jing" (靖, denoting a Daoist meditation space) on the wall. During his ascension, he sent two blue-robed attendants to bid farewell to the Wang family. As their spiritual affinity was still maturing, he gifted them an immortal cogon grass (xianmao), explaining that prolonged consumption could confer longevity. The Wang family members all lived past a hundred years, and this sacred herb was preserved at the Linjiang Yuxu Temple.

The passage concludes with mention of another immortal, Wu Meng (Perfected Lord Wu), a renowned Jin dynasty Daoist famous for his filial piety and magical arts. He once parted the Yu River waters with a feather fan to cross, and on the fifteenth day of the tenth month in the second year of the Ningkang era, he ascended by celestial mandate.

[Note: "Terrestrial immortal" (dixian) refers to immortals who achieve longevity without ascending to heaven; "Jing" is a special Daoist term for meditation spaces; "immortal cogon grass" (xianmao) is a legendary herb believed to prolong life.]

This scripture recounts the story of Perfected Lord Xu Xun (one of the Four Celestial Masters in Daoism) ascending to immortality with his four disciples:

Peng Kang (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Qianhui), styled Wuyang, once served as Left Assistant of the Department of State Affairs during the Jin dynasty. He became Xu Xun's disciple to cultivate the Dao. In the second year of Yongchu era under Emperor Gaozu of Song (421 CE), on the 24th day of the eighth lunar month, he received the Heavenly Emperor's edict and ascended with all twenty-six members of his household. The present-day Huaguan Temple of the Longxing lineage stands at their former residence.

Shi He (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Hongshi), styled Daoyang, was a Daoist priest at Fengxian Temple in Shuyang County, Donghai. Following Xu Xun's cultivation methods, he gained the ability to command spirits and exorcise demons. On the day of Xu Xun's ascension, he and Chen Xun held the sacred documents aloft to lead the way, ascending in a dragon-drawn chariot.

Zhou Guang (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Yuantong), styled Huichang, hailed from Luling. Diligently practicing the methods taught by Xu Xun, he built a cultivation chamber west of his residence - now called "Xuanzhao Blessed Land's Taixu Temple." When Xu Xun ascended, he too rose to heaven in the dragon chariot.

Gan Zhan (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Jingxing), styled Bowu, was from Fengcheng. He followed Xu Xun in eliminating calamities for the people. On the seventh day of the first lunar month in the first year of the Chen Dynasty's Dajian era (569 CE), he received the Heavenly Emperor's edict and ascended in a qilin-drawn chariot. The present-day Qingdu Temple in Fuzhou marks his former alchemy site, also called Feihuang Temple.

Shi Cen (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Yongwu), styled Taiyu, from Jiujiang, possessed extraordinary martial skills. On the 28th day of the tenth lunar month in the second year of Ningkang era under the Jin dynasty (374 CE), he ascended by imperial decree. The Zhide Temple at Xiling stands where he once observed water dragons.

Zeng Heng (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Shenhui), styled Xingguo, was a learned scholar from Sishui. Xu Xun transmitted to him various Daoist methods, spiritual talismans (fulu), and secret formulas. He later ascended in the dragon chariot, leaving traces at Zhenyang Temple in Fuzhou.

Chen Xun (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Zhengte), styled Xiaoju, was an erudite scholar from Sichuan. When Xu Xun served as magistrate of Jingyang, he appointed Chen as his assistant, later accepting him as a direct disciple to manage scriptures and tend the alchemical furnace. During the ascension, Xu ordered him and Shi He to lead the procession.

Xu Lie (Daoist name: Perfected Lord Hejing), styled Daowei, showed exceptional filial piety to his mother after losing his father in childhood.

This passage recounts the stories of how Xu Xun (a renowned Daoist immortal and patriarch of the Jingming tradition) and his family members attained immortality:

Xu Xun's elder sister, originally a widow, later built a dwelling west of the Xu family residence where she and her son practiced Daoist cultivation together. Ultimately, they received the celestial summons and ascended with the True Lord (Xu Xun), accompanied by forty-two relatives in total.

Huang Renlan (Daoist name: Immortal Huang of the Flowing Dao), styled Ziting, was a native of Gao'an who served as an official in Qingzhou. When he rode alone to assume his post, Xu Xun gave him his daughter in marriage. Huang's father, Huang Fu (styled Wanshi), had been a Filial and Incorrupt candidate who served as Censor - both father and son became Xu Xun's disciples. Later, all thirty-two members of their household ascended to heaven in a dragon-drawn carriage with Xu Xun.

Zhongli Jia (Daoist name: Immortal Zhongli of Universal Grace), styled Gongyang, was the son of Xu Xun's second sister and orphaned in childhood. Xu Xun transmitted to him the supreme Daoist methods, and on the fifteenth day of the tenth month in the second year of the Ningkang era (374 CE), he ascended by celestial decree. The present-day Danling Temple at Xiangya Mountain in Xinjian County marks his former cultivation site.

Hu Huichao (Daoist name: Celestial Master Hu of Cavern Perfection), styled Basu, of unknown origin, dwelt at Hong Well on West Mountain in Yuzhang (modern Nanchang). Xu Xun taught him the longevity method of "extending life through refinement to transcend the Three Origins and Nine Cycles." He ascended on the fifteenth day of the second month in the third year of the Chang'an era (703 CE). The present-day Longxing Temple of Mysterious Wonder stands where he subdued the camphor tree spirit.

(Note: "Flowing ascent" refers to attaining immortality; "Three Origins and Nine Cycles" represents Daoist temporal cycles in cultivation; "subduing the camphor tree spirit" commemorates Hu Huichao's famous demon-quelling feat)