Zhang Guolao- Chinese GodDeity"Elder Zhang"

The Oldest Immortal

Zhang Guolao lived as a hermit on Zhongtiao Mountain in Heng Prefecture, where he survived on almost no food and spent his days in Daoist breathing exercises. When asked his age, he told visitors he had been born during the reign of the legendary Emperor Yao and had served as a Grand Minister in that era, placing his birth nearly three thousand years before the other immortals.

His white donkey could travel a thousand miles in a single day. When Zhang Guolao had no need of it, he folded the animal like paper and tucked it into his pocket. When he wished to ride again, he sprinkled water on the fold, and the donkey expanded back into its living form. He rode it backwards, facing where he had been rather than where he was going. Asked why, he said it was a matter of politeness: riding forward, he would have his back to everyone he passed.

The Imperial Summons

Zhang Guolao's reputation reached the Tang court, and several emperors sent for him. His response was evasion. When Empress Wu Zetian dispatched messengers, Zhang Guolao lay down and stopped breathing. His body began to decay and fill with worms. The messengers reported him dead and departed. Zhang Guolao rose and resumed his wandering.

During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, he finally consented to appear at court. The emperor tested his powers: Zhang Guolao drank poison without effect and consumed quantities of wine that would have killed any mortal. Xuanzong was impressed enough to offer him the hand of Princess Yuzhen in marriage. Zhang Guolao laughed and recited a verse about a man so old his head was white at the wedding. Despite every inducement, he returned to Zhongtiao Mountain.

The White Bat

Emperor Xuanzong asked the Daoist master Ye Fashan to reveal Zhang Guolao's true identity. Ye Fashan warned that speaking the truth would kill him. The emperor promised to beg Zhang Guolao's forgiveness.

Ye Fashan spoke: Zhang Guolao was a white spiritual bat that had emerged from primeval chaos at the very beginning of existence. The moment the words left his mouth, Ye Fashan collapsed dead.

Xuanzong kept his promise. He found Zhang Guolao and begged him to restore the Daoist master. Zhang Guolao sprinkled water on Ye Fashan's body, and the man revived. But Zhang Guolao was displeased. He left the court and did not return.