At the foot of the eastern slope of Cuiji Mountain, there lies a stone path leading to Meiyu Pond. This path, now wider and more ‘luxurious’ than its rudimentary ancient counterpart, was improved upon by modern people. The origins of this stone path are tied to a legend involving the Eight Immortals. Once, the Upper Eight Immortals were frolicking in the East Sea. Suddenly, Lan Caihe, with his sharp eyes, pointed towards Xianyan and said to the other immortals, ‘Look, there are many lion mountains over there, with lush greenery and beautiful waters. Why don’t we go and play there?’ ‘A great idea!’ The Eight Immortals immediately rushed towards Xianyan Mountain. It happened to be the yellow plum rain season, and after the rain, Xianyan Mountain appeared particularly verdant and fresh. However, the mountain ridges and rock faces were very slippery. As the Eight Immortals hurried along the foot of Cuiji Mountain towards the mountain, Iron-Crutch Li, due to his unsteady legs, slipped on the central rock face. He fell heavily, creating a large hole in the Sangu Pond below. He Xiangu hurried over to help him, but in her haste, she pulled too hard and lost her grip. With a slip, she too lost her balance, fell backward with an ‘Oh dear’ cry, and landed heavily on the rock face. Due to inertia, the back of her head also struck the rock. Consequently, the imprints of He Xiangu’s buttocks and the back of her head left deep marks on the rock. These imprints, made by Iron-Crutch Li and He Xiangu slipping and falling on the rock surface, one above and one below, one small and one large, are known by later generations as ‘The Immortals’ Slippery Fall’.
The Legend of Immortals’ Slippery Fall
At the foot of the eastern slope of Cuiji Mountain, there lies a stone path leading to Meiyu Pond. T[...]
