Wu Jun, courtesy name Qing'an, achieved fame in his youth. Grand Tutor Ge, upon reading his writings, frequently offered praise and sent intermediaries to invite him for a discussion, using the occasion to observe him, and was greatly satisfied, saying: "The young master’s spirit soars to the heavens; by rights, he should not remain in poverty for long. I have a daughter who is not yet married. If the young master applies himself diligently to his studies and achieves success in the examinations one day, I will give my daughter to you."

Wu Jun had long heard that the Grand Tutor's daughter was of unparalleled beauty, and he was confident that passing the imperial exams would be as easy as turning his hand. Unexpectedly, after the provincial examination, he failed miserably. He dispatched someone to tell the Grand Tutor, "With my ability, achieving wealth and rank is only a matter of time. Please ask your daughter to wait three more years. If I still have not passed by then, she may remarry." From that moment on, he buried himself in books, studying with fierce dedication.

One night, the moon hung in the sky like a polished mirror. As Wu Jun studied at home, a scholar arrived, presenting with a pale face, short beard, slender waist, and long hands. Wu Jun inquired as to his origins, and the scholar introduced himself as Bai, courtesy name Yuyu. After some lively conversation, Bai Yuyu's discourse was refined and uplifting to the heart. Wu Jun was overjoyed and invited him to stay the night.

The next morning, Bai Yuyu bid farewell. Wu Jun was reluctant to see him go and earnestly implored him to return when free, expressing deep affection. Bai Yuyu was quite moved and said, "I am grateful for Brother Wu's sincere regard. If you do not mind, I shall move in and live with you." Wu Jun nodded repeatedly, and the two agreed upon a date.

When the moving day arrived, an old man first delivered cooking utensils. A short while later, Bai Yuyu arrived, riding a fine horse. Wu Jun cleared out an empty room for him to occupy, to which Bai Yuyu happily consented, handing his white horse to the old man to lead away before sending him back.

From then on, the two lived together day and night, content and at ease. Bai Yuyu loved to read, and the books he possessed were highly peculiar, entirely different from the Four Books and Five Classics. Wu Jun asked the reason for this with astonishment. Bai Yuyu laughed, "Everyone has their own aspirations; I am not one who covets fame and rank."

That evening, Bai Yuyu invited Wu Jun for a drink and presented him with a scroll. The book contained techniques for breathing and inner cultivation. Wu Jun could not fathom it at first glance, skimmed through it casually, and paid it no mind. A few days later, Bai Yuyu remarked, "That book I gave you is the essential doctrine of the Huang Ting, an unrevealed secret method for cultivating the Dao and attaining immortality." Wu Jun chuckled, "My ambition lies not there, and moreover, those who seek immortality must sever all earthly attachments and quiet every thought, which I cannot do." Bai Yuyu asked, "What is the reason for this?" Wu Jun replied, "I must ensure my lineage continues." Bai Yuyu inquired, "Why have you remained unmarried for so long?" Wu Jun laughed, "‘I, the solitary one, suffer from an illness; I am fond of beauty.’" Bai Yuyu also laughed, "‘The King should not be overly fond of minor pleasures.’ One who captures Brother Wu's eye must surely be an unparalleled beauty in the world. I wonder which young lady she is?" Wu Jun said, "The daughter of Grand Tutor Ge." Bai Yuyu asked, "Is she truly that beautiful?"

Wu Jun replied, "Her beauty is renowned near and far; everyone says so." Hearing this, Bai Yuyu smiled and said nothing.

The next morning, Bai Yuyu suddenly packed his belongings, preparing to depart. Wu Jun felt a lingering sorrow and exchanged lengthy farewells. Bai Yuyu instructed his attendant boy to carry his luggage ahead, gazing at Wu Jun with mutual affection. Suddenly, a green cicada flew in through the window and perched upon the wooden table. Bai Yuyu bade farewell, "The carriage has arrived; we part here. If you miss me, there is a bed in the room; sweep the couch and lie there, and we shall meet again."

Just as Wu Jun was about to ask more, Bai Yuyu’s body shifted, instantly shrinking to the size of a finger, and he gracefully mounted the cicada’s back. The green cicada flapped its wings high into the sky, pierced through the window, and vanished into the white clouds. Wu Jun suddenly realized, understanding at last that Bai Yuyu was no ordinary person. He stood stunned for a long time, feeling lost and wistful.

Several days later, a continuous fine drizzle fell. Wu Jun missed his old friend deeply. He entered Bai Yuyu’s bedroom and saw the bed covered with scratch marks from rats' claws. Grief filling his heart, he swept away the filth and laid down a mat to sleep. Not long after, he saw Bai’s attendant boy arrive to invite him out, and he gladly accepted the summons. The two arrived outside a window, where birds and sparrows gathered on a phoenix tree. The attendant boy casually caught one and said, "The road at night is difficult to travel; we can ride birds for transport." Wu Jun said, "The birds are so small, how can they carry people?" The attendant boy laughed, "Just try it." Wu Jun hesitated before mounting the bird's back; it turned out to be surprisingly spacious. The attendant boy sat behind him, and the bird still had ample room for both of them.

With a sudden cry, the bird soared into the air. Soon, they arrived at a vermilion gate. The attendant boy jumped to the ground, and Wu Jun followed. He asked, "Where is this?" The attendant boy replied, "This is the Heavenly Gate." A giant tiger crouched by the gate, and Wu Jun was struck with terror. The attendant boy laughed, "Do not be afraid," and escorted him inside the gate. The two strolled about, and everywhere they passed, the scenery was picturesque, utterly unlike the mortal world.

The attendant boy led him to the Guanghan Palace. The palace steps were made of crystal; walking upon them felt like moving within a mirror. Two osmanthus trees were planted in the hall, their trunks massive, requiring several people to encircle them. The fragrance of the flowers drifted with the wind, a sweet scent assailing the nostrils. Pavilions and structures were scattered about, all uniformly possessing red windows. Occasionally, beautiful women entered and exited, with skin like ice and bones of jade, unrivaled in splendor. The attendant boy remarked, "The beauties in the Queen Mother's palace are even lovelier."

Wu Jun worried that his host would be waiting long, preventing him from lingering. He traversed the palaces with the attendant boy until they reached a courtyard residence. Bai Yuyu was already waiting outside the door. The two shook hands and entered the residence. Outside the eaves, clear water and white sand flowed gently, the carved railings and jade steps magnificent and luxurious.

After being seated in the main hall, maidservants brought fragrant tea. Bai Yuyu commanded the maids to serve attentively. Four exquisite beauties curtsied and stood beside them. Just as Wu Jun noticed an itch on his back, one of the beauties reached out to scratch it for him. Her fingers were slender, massaging his skin, bringing a pleasure so profound it made his heart sway.

After a few cups of wine, Wu Jun felt slightly intoxicated, and his lust could not be restrained. He smiled at the beauties, flirting and teasing them. The beauties smiled and evaded him. Bai Yuyu commanded the maids to sing to accompany the wine. A maid in red poured fine wine for the host and guest, then began to dance, her clear song melodious. The other beauties played flutes and zithers in harmony. When the first song concluded, a maid in green lightly parted her red lips, pouring wine while singing. The remaining two maids, one in purple and one in white, giggled and pushed each other, unwilling to come forward. Bai Yuyu ordered one to pour wine and the other to sing. The maid in purple then approached to fill Wu Jun's cup, and Wu Jun took the opportunity to brush her palm. The purple-clad maid laughed sweetly, losing control, and the wine cup dropped to the ground, shattering into pieces. Bai Yuyu scolded, "How could you be so careless?" The purple-clad maid gathered the shards with a smiling submission, murmuring quietly, "Cold as a ghost's hand, yet forced to grasp a human arm."

Hearing this, Bai Yuyu laughed heartily, punishing the purple-clad maid to sing and dance alone. After her performance, the white-clad maid stepped forward to pour wine. Wu Jun shook his head, "I am drunk and cannot drink more." The white-clad maid looked displeased, but Wu Jun had no choice but to drink another cup.

Buoyed by the wine, Wu Jun surveyed the four women. All possessed graceful bearing, and every one was a peerless beauty. He smiled at his host and said, "Prodigies among mortals are hard to find, yet you gather a cluster of blossoms. Can they truly make my soul swoon?" Bai Yuyu laughed, "Do you not have someone in mind already? My maids are plain in appearance; how could they possibly catch your eye?"

Wu Jun said, "Only today do I realize how shallow my vision was. How can heavenly beauties be compared to those of the mortal realm?" Bai Yuyu chuckled, "Very well. Whichever one you fancy, pick freely." Wu Jun gazed at the four beauties, each having their own merits, making it momentarily difficult to choose.

Bai Yuyu pointed to the purple-clad maid and said, "Purple has been touched by your hand; you should choose her." Wu Jun nodded in agreement and engaged in an intimate entanglement with the purple-clad woman, experiencing boundless delight. After the act, Wu Jun requested a gift. The woman removed her gold bracelet and gave it to him. Suddenly, the attendant boy entered from outside and announced, "The ways of immortals and mortals diverge; Young Master should leave now." Hearing this, the woman quickly vanished.

Wu Jun asked, "Where is Brother Bai?" The attendant boy replied, "He has gone to court. He instructed me to escort you home." Wu Jun complied with a feeling of dejection. The two retraced their steps to the Heavenly Gate. He looked back toward the attendant boy, who had vanished without a trace. The giant tiger at the gate roared and lunged. Wu Jun darted away in fright, only to find an endless abyss blocking his path. Before he could think, he fell into the chasm.

With a start, he awoke—it had all been a dream. Dawn was breaking outside the window. He threw on his clothes and rose. Something fell to the floor with a sound. He looked closely: it was the gold bracelet. He felt a surge of surprise.

From that day on, Wu Jun became disheartened, no longer coveting official rank. He often wished to study the Dao and visit the recluse Master Chisong, but he could never bring himself to abandon the duty of continuing his family line. After more than ten months, one day, while deep in his afternoon nap, he dreamed that the purple-clad woman arrived from outside, holding an infant. She said, "This child is of your flesh and blood. It is hard to keep such a thing in heaven; I bring him to you, Young Master, for nurturing." Upon seeing the beautiful woman, Wu Jun desired to unite with her carnally, and the woman did not object, saying, "Our pleasure the previous time was for the joining of marriage; this time is for eternal parting. Our century as husband and wife ends here. Should you pursue the Dao, perhaps there will be a time to meet again when you attain immortality." The two indulged in utmost intimacy, and after it was done, the purple-clad woman floated away. Wu Jun awoke with a start from the dream, discovering the infant sleeping soundly in the bedding. Joyfully, he carried the child to his mother’s bedroom. The mother was overjoyed, quickly hiring a wet nurse to feed the infant and naming him Mengxian (Dream Immortal).

With his heart's desire fulfilled, Wu Jun sent word to Grand Tutor Ge, saying that he intended to retire and asking him to find another worthy match for his daughter. The Grand Tutor refused. Wu Jun remained firm in his resolve, leaving the Grand Tutor with no choice but to consult his daughter. Miss Ge replied, "The common folk near and far all know that I was promised to Young Master Wu. To marry someone else now would be an act of faithlessness; I cannot do such a thing."

When Wu Jun learned of this, he sighed, "I not only have no intention of seeking official rank but also plan to sever all earthly passions between man and woman. The only reason I hesitated to enter the mountains was that my elderly mother still requires support." Miss Ge said, "In this life, I will marry no one but you. Your family is poor; I do not mind. Simple fare and plain meals I will accept with contentment. If you go to cultivate immortality, I will care for your mother in your stead." Hearing this, Wu Jun was deeply grateful and could not bear to refuse the Ge father and daughter any longer. He immediately agreed to the marriage.

On the wedding day, Grand Tutor Ge prepared the dowry and escorted his daughter home by carriage. Miss Ge was gentle and kind by nature, serving the elders with utmost obedience and deference. Husband and wife supported each other through thick and thin, treating each other with mutual respect, like honored guests. Two years later, Old Mrs. Wu passed away. Miss Ge spent her own silver to arrange the funeral, receiving and sending off guests with perfect propriety.

Wu Jun said, "Having such a wife, what more could a man desire? But my ambition lies in seeking immortality, and now I must depart. As the saying goes well: when one person attains the Dao, the entire household ascends. After I leave, I burden you with overseeing all household matters." Miss Ge faced reality calmly and did not try to keep her husband; she let him go his way.

From then on, Miss Ge managed the livelihood outside and instructed the orphan inside, maintaining perfect order. Mengxian gradually grew up, exceptionally intelligent. He passed the provincial examination at fourteen and entered the Hanlin Academy at fifteen. Every time the Emperor bestowed rewards, unaware of his birth mother’s identity, he honored only Miss Ge. In the autumn chill of that year, Mengxian inquired about his father’s whereabouts. Miss Ge told him the truth. Mengxian, upon hearing this, desired to abandon his official post to search for his birth father. Miss Ge said, "Your father took the monastic path fifteen years ago; perhaps he has already become immortal. Where can you find him?"

Later, Mengxian was ordered by the Emperor to pay respects at Mount Heng in the South. Midway, he was beset by bandits, trapped and without recourse. At that moment, a Daoist priest charged in with a sword, driving away the villains. Mengxian was profoundly grateful and offered gold in thanks. The Daoist priest refused it, instead taking a letter from his pouch and instructing, "I have an old acquaintance who is from the same village as Your Excellency. Please forward this letter to her." Mengxian asked, "What is her name?" The Daoist said, "Wang Lin." Wang Lin was formed by splitting the character Lín ().

Mengxian said, "I recall there is no one named Wang Lin in the village." The Daoist replied, "She is a humble villager of low status; perhaps Your Excellency does not recognize the name." As he turned to leave, he produced a gold bracelet, saying, "This is an item from a lady's boudoir; a Daoist has no use for it. Please pass it along to my old friend as well." Mengxian agreed, and as he looked at the intricately carved gold bracelet, he secretly admired it.

Mengxian returned home and showed the bracelet to his mother for her appraisal. Miss Ge was greatly delighted and commanded a skilled craftsman to forge a matching one based on the style. No matter how much effort was put into it, it could never match the exquisite craftsmanship of the original. They inquired throughout the village, but there was no one named Wang Lin. Mengxian secretly opened the letter and read: "Three years of conjugal bliss, now scattered across separate realms; caring for the buried mother and educating the son relies entirely upon your virtue. Unable to repay your kindness, I enclose one pill; cut it open and consume it, and you may attain immortality." The last line in small script read, "For Madam Linniang’s dressing table."

Mengxian pondered, "Who is Linniang?" He could not decipher it. He took the letter into the room to ask his mother. Miss Ge took the letter, wept, and said, "This is a letter written by your father’s own hand. Linniang is my maiden name." Mengxian suddenly understood, realizing that when father and son met, they did not recognize each other, and he was filled with regret. He then presented the gold bracelet to his mother. Miss Ge said, "This is a relic from your birth mother, Ziyi. When your father was here, he often took it out to play with."

Together, they looked at the pill, the size of a soybean. Mengxian rejoiced, "Father has attained immortality; consuming this pill will surely grant longevity." Miss Ge smiled and said nothing, carefully storing the pill away without immediately swallowing it.

Not long after, Grand Tutor Ge came to visit his grandson. Miss Ge showed him the letter and took the opportunity to present the pill as a birthday gift. Father and daughter cut the pill open and divided it, consuming it equally. Instantly, Grand Tutor Ge’s spirit was reinvigorated. Although Ge was over seventy and naturally decrepit, after taking the pill, his body felt light, his health robust, and he moved with the speed of flight.

A year later, a great fire broke out in the county seat, the flames burning day and night without ceasing. Mengxian’s entire family gathered in the courtyard, afraid to sleep at night. Suddenly, the flames spread, rapidly approaching the corner of the wall. The whole family panicked, having no solution. Just then, the gold bracelet on Miss Ge's arm flew out, rapidly expanding to cover an area of several mu, completely enveloping the residence, shaped like a halo around the moon. The opening of the bracelet faced southeast, clearly visible. Everyone present was greatly stunned by the sight.

A moment later, the flames approached from the west. As soon as they touched the bracelet, they automatically diverted, turning east, and rapidly moved further away. Miss Ge and her son worried that the bracelet might be scorched by the fire. Suddenly, they saw the red light retract, and the bracelet fell to the ground with a clear chime.

In the county seat, houses destroyed by the fire numbered in the thousands; the structures to the left, right, front, and back were all reduced to ashes. Only the Wu residence remained completely unharmed, save for a small pavilion in the southeast corner, which had vanished—that was the only spot the gold bracelet had not covered.

Time flew swiftly. In the blink of an eye, Miss Ge was over fifty, yet her face remained as tender and youthful as a young maiden's, never appearing older than twenty.