Refers to vast and dramatic changes that occur over time, signifying the immense transformations of the world or circumstances; great changes have taken place.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
A long time ago, there were two immortals named Wang Yuan and Magu. One day, they agreed to meet at Cai Jing's house for a drink. On the appointed day, Wang Yuan arrived in a carriage pulled by five dragons, accompanied by a retinue of musicians and attendants riding Qilins. He wore a traveling hat, colorful sashes, and a tiger-head quiver, appearing majestic and awe-inspiring.
After Wang Yuan and his entourage landed in Cai Jing's courtyard, his attendants vanished. Wang Yuan then exchanged greetings with Cai Jing's family members and sat alone, waiting for Magu's arrival.
Wang Yuan waited for a long time but Magu did not appear. He waved his hand in the air and instructed an envoy to invite her. Cai Jing's family had no idea which celestial maiden Magu was, so they looked forward to her arrival.
After a while, the envoy reported to Wang Yuan from the sky: "Magu asked me to extend her greetings to you first. She said it has been over five hundred years since she last saw you. At this moment, she is commanded to inspect the immortal island of Penglai and will meet you shortly." Wang Yuan nodded slightly, waiting patiently.
Before long, Magu descended from the sky. Her retinue was only half the size of Wang Yuan's. Cai Jing's family then saw that Magu appeared to be a beautiful maiden of eighteen or nineteen years old. She had long, flowing hair that reached her waist, and her clothes, made of an unknown material, were embroidered with exquisite patterns, shining brilliantly.
After Magu and Wang Yuan exchanged greetings, Wang Yuan ordered the banquet to begin. The utensils were all made of gold and jade, precious and exquisite; the dishes served were mostly exotic flowers and fruits, filling the air with fragrance. All these were things Cai Jing's family had never seen before.
During the feast, Magu said to Wang Yuan, "Since I attained enlightenment and received my celestial mandate, I have personally witnessed the East Sea turn into mulberry fields three times. Just now, when I visited Penglai, I saw that the sea water was half shallower than before. Is it going to become land again?" Wang Yuan sighed and said, "Indeed, the sages all say that the sea level is receding. Soon, dust will rise there again."
After the banquet, Wang Yuan and Magu each summoned their carriages and ascended to the heavens.