Liu, a resident of Changshan, was a man of considerable girth who possessed a deep love for drink. Every time he imbibed alone, he was certain to finish an entire large jar. Liu owned three hundred mu of prime farmland, half of which was dedicated solely to cultivating millet for brewing his liquor; his family was exceedingly wealthy and could easily afford any quantity of spirits he desired.

One day, a certain monk happened upon Liu and remarked, "Sir, there is an ailment afflicting your body." Liu promptly countered, "I am perfectly well." The monk inquired, "It must be that you have never once become drunk from your drinking, correct?" "That is accurate," Liu admitted. "This is the work of the Wine Worm," stated the monk. Hearing this, Liu was startled and asked, "Can this affliction be cured?"

The monk nodded. "It is easily treated." Liu pressed, "What medicine is required?" The monk replied, "No medicine is necessary." He then instructed Liu to lie prone, head lowered, with his hands and feet securely bound. Next, at a distance of half a chi from his head, a jar of fine wine was placed. Before long, an intense thirst overcame Liu, and his craving for drink became unbearable; the aroma of the wine, once it reached him, only served to stir his gluttonous desire. Yet, bound as he was, he could not move an inch.

While fretting in frustration, he suddenly felt an itch in his nose, as if something were crawling out. With a distinct plop, something fell directly into the jar of wine. The monk promptly untied the ropes. Liu seized the jar and looked inside to see a fleshy worm, about three inches long, wriggling in the wine, moving with the agility of a swimming fish. The worm possessed a mouth and eyes, its form exquisitely detailed.

Liu was greatly alarmed and offered the monk gold and silver as a reward, but the monk refused. He said, "If the gentleman insists on showing gratitude, then present the worm to this humble monk." Liu asked, "What use is the worm?" The monk explained, "This creature is the very essence of wine. Should clear water encounter it, stirring it with your hand will instantly transform it into fine liquor." Liu procured a fresh jar of water and tested the claim; the clear water indeed turned into choice vintage.

From that day forward, Liu loathed alcohol as an enemy, renouncing all drinking. His body gradually grew thin, and his family’s fortunes declined, making it difficult to sustain even their basic diet.