八仙过海 — “The Eight Immortals cross the sea”

The "Eight Immortals" refer to eight deities from ancient Chinese mythology: Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, Tie Guaili, Han Xiangzi, Cao Guojiu, Lu Dongbin, Lan Caihe, and He Xiangu. Legend has it that each of the eight immortals possessed unique Taoist arts and boundless magical powers, using them to punish evil and promote good among people, performing many benevolent deeds.

It is said that one year, during the Queen Mother of the West's Peach Banquet, the Eight Immortals were also invited. Leaving their respective cultivation grounds, they prepared to ride clouds to the banquet. As they passed over the East Sea, they saw it stretching boundlessly, with surging waves and roaring breakers, a truly breathtaking sight.

Lu Dongbin had a flash of inspiration and said, "Riding clouds across the sea is no big deal for immortals. Why don't we each take out our magic treasures, cross the waves, and demonstrate our unique powers? What do you say?" All the immortals unanimously agreed, "Good idea!"

Tie Guaili was the first to act. He threw his crutch into the East Sea, and it floated gently on the surface like a small boat. Tie Guaili leaped onto it, landing steadily. The other immortals exclaimed in unison, "What great skill!"

At this moment, Han Zhongli clapped his resonant drum and said, "Watch me!" He then tossed his drum into the sea. He sat cross-legged on the drum, looking like an old monk.

Zhang Guolao said with a smile, "My trick is the cleverest." He took out a piece of paper, folded it into a donkey. After the paper donkey landed on all fours, it brayed towards the sky. Zhang Guolao rode it backwards, waved to the other immortals, and rode off over the waves.

Lu Dongbin unhurriedly drew his whisk from behind him, pointed it towards the sea, and immediately, brilliant rays of light shone. The sea parted into two halves, revealing a wide path. Lu Dongbin smiled faintly and leisurely walked towards the end of the path.

Seeing this, Han Xiangzi was not to be outdone. He pulled out a book from his sleeve, tossed it into the sea, then soared into the air and stood on it with one foot. He then took out his flute and began to play a melodious tune.

Cao Guojiu, at this moment, took out his jade tablet magic treasure and floated gracefully onto it.

Only He Xiangu and Lan Caihe had yet to make a move. Lan Caihe took out his flower basket and placed it into the sea. The basket instantly grew several times larger, emitting a fragrant scent. He turned and saw that He Xiangu had no magic treasure, so he asked, "Immortal Maiden, would you like to cross the sea with me?"

He Xiangu smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your kindness, sir. Please go ahead; I will follow shortly!" With that, she took a lotus flower from her hair and placed it in the water. The lotus instantly transformed into a lotus boat, carrying the immortal maiden gently across the sea.