A scholar journeying to Jinling for the imperial examinations passed through Suqian County, where he encountered three other scholars whose conversation was remarkably refined.

The scholar offered to buy wine and treat them, and they conversed animatedly.

The three introduced themselves: one was Jie Qiuhang, another was Chang Fenglin, and the third was Ma Xichi.

They drank and chatted until the evening sun began to set.

Jie said, "I have imposed upon your generous feast, yet I have failed to fulfill my duty as host, which is improper.

My humble residence is not far from here; please come inside for a further chat." Chang and Ma both immediately extended an invitation, and the scholar, feeling unable to refuse, proceeded with his servant to accept their hospitality.

Arriving at North Mountain, they saw lofty courtyards and a winding stream that curved gracefully before the gate.

Upon entering the main hall, they found the interior spotlessly clean, not a speck of dust to be seen.

Jie ordered the attendant boy to light the lamps and instructed him to settle the servants.

Ma said, "We have met through literature, but with the examinations fast approaching, we cannot waste such a fine night.

Let us each propose a topic, choose one, and compose an essay on the spot.

Whoever finishes first drinks first—how does that sound?" The others roared their approval.

Shortly after, the topics were set, and everyone took up their brushes to formulate their thoughts.

Around the second watch, they had all completed their essays and eagerly passed them around.

The visiting scholar perused the three masterful works, murmuring praise, meticulously copying and transcribing them to keep as treasures.

The host then presented fine wine, served in enormous cups, each draught easily holding half a jin.

After several large cups, the scholar became thoroughly inebriated.

The host escorted him to the guest bedroom to rest.

The scholar, heavy with drink, lacked the strength to remove his shoes and fell asleep fully clothed.

When he awoke the next day, the sun was already high.

He looked around and saw no buildings; he and his servant were sleeping in a valley, beside them a single cave, with the sound of a trickling stream nearby.

The scholar was filled with confusion.

He reached into his robes; the three essays were still there.

Upon inquiring with some nearby residents, he learned that this place was known as the "Three Immortals' Cave." Within the cave dwelled three divine beasts: a crab, a python, and a toad, all exceptionally spiritual and known to wander out occasionally.

Only those with true affinity would ever catch a glimpse of them.

Later, when the scholar entered the examination hall, the three essay prompts were precisely identical to those created by the divine beasts.

Because of this alignment, the scholar passed with flying colors, achieving the top rank of Jieyuan.