Changshan Liu Hongxun, known as Minister Liu, was dispatched to Joseon (Korea) along with military officials. Upon hearing of a nearby island called Anqi, inhabited by immortals, he wished to sail there to pay his respects. The King replied, "Not for now; we must wait for Xiao Zhang to return." It turned out that Anqi Island had no traffic with the mortal realm; only the disciple, Xiao Zhang, was permitted to visit once or twice a year. Anyone wishing to ascend the island had to secure Xiao Zhang’s approval; otherwise, attempting the voyage alone would invariably result in a typhoon, sinking the vessel and drowning the crew.

A day or two passed before the King summoned him. Liu Hongxun attended the court audience and noticed a man in his early thirties, wearing a bamboo hat and a long sword at his waist. His countenance was handsome and refined. Upon inquiry, he learned this man was none other than Xiao Zhang. Liu Hongxun presented his desire to visit the island, and Xiao Zhang agreed, stating, "The Minister may go, but the Deputy Envoy cannot accompany you. Though you have many servants, only two qualify for the ascent. Follow me."

The party arrived at the shore and boarded a narrow skiff. The boat moved with astonishing speed, as if gliding through clouds and mist, and before long, they reached Anqi Island. It was the height of deep winter, the air bitingly cold, yet the island was warm as spring, its valleys blossoming with vibrant flowers. Xiao Zhang led him into a cave dwelling where three elders sat. The one in the center rose to greet the guest, bowed deeply, and invited Minister Liu to be seated. The two elders on either side remained silent, eyes closed, unmoved.

The welcoming elder clapped his hands lightly, and a young attendant entered the cave. "Our esteemed guest has arrived; why are you not serving tea?" the elder commanded. The attendant bowed and left, carrying a teacup. He proceeded to the stone wall outside the cave entrance, where an iron spike was embedded. The attendant reached out, pulled the spike free, and water immediately gushed from the rock face, filling the teacup. In a short time, the cup overflowed. The attendant then reinserted the iron spike and returned to the cave, presenting the tea to Minister Liu.

Minister Liu accepted the tea. It was an emerald green; he took a shallow sip, and the chill pierced to his very bones, making his teeth chatter. He shook his head, daring not drink more. The elder smiled faintly and instructed the attendant, "The guest is chilled; bring a different cup." The attendant nodded, drained the remaining contents of the cup in one gulp, and turned to leave. He went back to the stone wall, pulled the iron spike once more, refilled the cup with tea, and returned to the interior.

This second bowl of tea was richly fragrant, steam rising thickly, clearly freshly brewed. Liu Hongxun was delighted, finishing it in a few quick swallows. He then asked the elder about the fate of his destiny. The elder laughed, "I am merely a recluse from beyond the world, unable to even track the passage of time, how could I possibly know of destinies?" Liu Hongxun then inquired about the path to eternal life. The elder replied, "You are a minister of wealth and high position; the art of longevity is not something you are meant to comprehend."

Having twice met with polite rebuffs, Liu Hongxun’s spirits flagged. He took his leave immediately. Xiao Zhang stood to escort him, seeing him safely back to Joseon. Upon his return, he recounted the experience to the King, who sighed, "It is a pity you did not drink that cup of cold tea; that was the Primordial Jade Elixir. To drink it could have added a hundred years to one's life."

Not long after, Liu Hongxun departed for home. The King presented him with a gift, heavily wrapped in cloth, cautioning him, "This object must not be opened by the seashore." Liu Hongxun offered a casual assent, paying it little mind. Once ashore, he impatiently unwrapped the parcel to inspect its contents. The cloth layers were dense, numbering over a hundred. With great effort, he finally unfolded them to reveal a bronze mirror nestled within. As he gazed intently, the mirror displayed an extraordinary scene: dragon palaces and aquatic creatures were vividly visible. While he was still staring, the sea suddenly churned violently, and a hundred-foot wave roared toward him. Liu Hongxun cried out in alarm and fled. The wave pursued him relentlessly, fast as a sudden squall. Seeing his end fast approaching, Liu Hongxun, gripped by terror, quickly flung the bronze mirror into the ocean. Immediately, the tidal surge receded.

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