The Eight celestials crossing the sea = Ba xian guo hai

Description: ‘Eight Immortals Cross the Sea’ is a well-known story written by an unknown author in the Ming Dynasty. The legend is about the Immortals on a journey to attend the ‘Conference of the Magical Peach’, and on this journey they encounter an obstacle-the sea. Instead of going across by their clouds (the transportation of the immortals) their leader Lü Dongbin suggests that each of them should use their individual magical powers to get across. On their journey across the sea, Lan Cai He’s basket of flowers give off a glorious scent of youth and life; and soon, this irresistible scent reaches the Dragon Empress’s court in the sea. This particular day happens to be the Dragon empress’ birthday, so the court is in session to celebrate. She receives a special artefact, a mirror which has the ability to reveal all truths. Upon seeing her reflection, she laments on her aging face; declaring her sole desire to be youthful once again. The magnificent scent quickly overwhelms everyone, and they soon realise that it is coming from Lan Cai He’s famous basket. The flowers, known for its powers to restore youth and give life, prompts the empress devises a plan to steal the basket. A sea army is sent out, and after a heated struggle with the immortals, the basket is successfully obtained and presented before the Dragon Empress. Upon consuming a single petal, the empress’s white hair turns black; she is delighted by this change and is convinced of the petal’s power. But with the second bite, all traces of youth disappear, ugly boils appear on her cheeks and she feels as if she has been poisoned. Realising that the basket is controlled by a secret magic, the empress devises a plan to lure the immortals into revealing it. Back on the shore the immortals are in a furious frenzy over the treacherous act, each member devises a plan, based on their supreme wit and combating skills, to retrieve the basket. The rest of the narrative sees the clash between the immortals and the Dragon Empress.