Hou, a humble veterinarian in Zouping County, set out one day to plow his fields, carrying a bowl of thin rice soup. Suddenly, a fierce whirlwind rushed towards him and circled insistently. Knowing he had encountered spirits, Hou immediately scattered the soup onto the ground as an offering to the deities. After several bowls of liquid had been poured out, the vortex finally dispersed.

On another day, Hou happened to be passing the Chenghuang Temple. While strolling beneath the corridor, he noticed the statue of "Liu Quan Offering the Melon" inside was soiled by bird droppings, completely obscuring its eyes. Hou exclaimed, "How can Brother Liu endure such defilement!" He extended his fingernail and carefully scraped away the filth.

Several years later, Hou fell gravely ill and was seized by two ghostly bailiffs. They dragged him to an official yamen where they relentlessly badgered him for bribes. Helpless and distressed, Hou worried about his fate. Suddenly, a man dressed in green emerged from the hall. Seeing Hou, he exclaimed in surprise, "Old Master Hou, how have you come to this place?" Hou explained the entire ordeal.

The green-clad man reprimanded the two bailiffs, stating, "This is your esteemed Master Hou, how dare you be so disrespectful!" The bailiffs meekly apologized, saying, "We were blind; we had no idea Master Hou was a friend of yours. We beg your pardon, we beg your pardon."

As they spoke, thunderous drums echoed from the main hall. The green-clad man announced, "The court is in session." He took Hou by the hand and led him into the yamen. Standing together below the steps, the man said, "Old Master Hou, wait here a moment; I will inquire about your situation for you." He stepped forward a few paces and beckoned to an official. The two whispered briefly, after which the official approached Hou, cupped his hands, and said, "Brother Hou has arrived! It’s nothing serious; a single horse has accused you of causing its death. You will confront it shortly and then you can return."

Presently, Hou’s name was called from the dais. Hou stepped forward and knelt. Aside from him, a horse was also kneeling below the steps. The King of Hell asked, "This horse accuses you of poisoning it to death. Is this true?" Hou replied, "It was suffering from a plague, and I was brewing medicine to treat it. But its condition was too severe; even with medicine, recovery was unlikely. It died the next day—what has that to do with me?" The horse spoke with a human voice, vehemently disagreeing. The man and the horse argued forcefully, neither conceding, each convinced of their own righteousness.

The King of Hell ordered the Recorder to check the Register of Life and Death. The book clearly noted the horse’s destined lifespan, its date of birth, and its precise date of death; the accounts matched perfectly, with no error. The King of Hell glared at the horse and chastised it, "Your span of life was already over; how dare you falsely accuse a good man? Be gone quickly!" He ordered his subordinates to drive the horse away. Then he addressed Hou, saying, "You intended only to save it and are blameless. You need not die; you may go." With a wave of his hand, the two bailiffs received their order and escorted Hou back to the living world. The man in green and the official also stood to see them off, instructing the bailiffs, "Treat Master Hou kindly on the way; do not be negligent."

Hou was overwhelmingly grateful and asked, "Today I am indebted to your protection; I do not know your names. Might you enlighten me?" The green-clad man replied, "Three years ago, returning from Mount Tai, I was unbearably parched. Passing through the fields, I was greatly aided by Old Master Hou offering me water, a kindness I have not forgotten to this day." The official then spoke: "I am Liu Quan. In days past, my eyes were blinded by bird droppings, and my chest felt tight and suffocated. Brother Hou generously cleaned away the filth for me; this favor, I will cherish forever. The food and wine in the underworld are cold and poor for entertaining guests, so I must take my leave now."

Hou suddenly understood. He returned home and prepared a feast to entertain the two bailiffs. However, as mortals and spirits are separate, earthly food was no match for that of the Underworld; the two spirits dared not touch the chopsticks and departed swiftly. Hou slowly awoke and inquired of his family, learning that he had actually been dead for two days.

From that time forward, Hou practiced benevolence and accumulated virtue. On every festival, he would surely prepare wine and food and proceed to the Chenghuang Temple to pay homage to Liu Quan. Hou lived past eighty, and his body remained robust; riding a horse and galloping was no longer a problem for him.

One day, Hou was traveling on an errand and encountered Liu Quan on the road. He saw Liu Quan riding a magnificent steed, apparently preparing for a long journey. Hou immediately clasped his hands in greeting, and they exchanged pleasantries. Liu Quan said, "Brother Hou, your life span is complete; the documents summoning your soul have already been issued from the Underworld. I pleaded with the bailiffs on your behalf, requesting a three-day extension. Brother, hurry back and prepare your affairs. I will come to fetch you in three days. I have already secured an official post for you in the Netherworld; you will not suffer once you arrive." With that, he departed.

Hou returned home, bid farewell to his wife, took leave of his relatives and friends, purchased a coffin and burial clothes, and quietly awaited death. On the dusk of the fourth day, Hou stated, "Brother Liu has come to take me." He voluntarily entered the coffin, closed his eyes, and passed away.

(The story of Liu Quan Offering the Melon is recorded in Journey to the West; those who recall it should remember.)