Cao Guanmiao

Cao Guanmiao, whose given name was Shide and whose pseudonym was Guanmiao. Xian Shan (also known as Xian Dao Shan, now in the south of Xiangfan City, Hubei Province) was from. A Taoist priest of Wudang in the early Southern Song Dynasty (1127 AD). The "Taihe Mountain Annals" records that Cao Guanmiao was exceptionally intelligent. He became a monk on Wudang Mountain at a young age. Due to his profound comprehension, he delved deeply into the arts of Yin and Yang and Daoist methods, grasping their profound mysteries. Moreover, calligraphy has formed its own unique style and is renowned far and wide. Fellow practitioners from all directions come to seek his teachings out of admiration. Residing in the Five Dragons Palace, he inherited the Five Dragons Sect (known as the Shangqing Sect). Later, he was recommended by fellow Taoists to take the position of leading the mountain and be in charge of the Wudang Temple gate. Later, he was sent by imperial decree to take up the position of leading the mountain in Maoshan, Jiangsu Province, and resided at Chongxi Temple. In his later years, he returned to Wudang Mountain. Although he was advanced in age at this time, the gentle breeze was still pure, and thus the Taoists held him in even greater respect. It is recorded that Cao Guanmiao encountered a strange event in his later years. One night, in a dream, the local mountain god said, "Tomorrow when the Three MAO True Lords arrive here, you should welcome them from afar." The next day, Cao Guanmiao led his disciples to welcome them to Huixian Peak. Who would have thought that after waiting for a whole day, there was no sign of anyone. At sunset, when he was about to lead his disciples back, he suddenly saw three farmers in straw rain capes approaching. Cao Guanmiao then asked them to help carry the sacrificial items on the load. Back at the Five Dragons Palace, the three farmers unloaded their carrying poles and then bowed to Cao Guanmiao. Just as Cao Guanmiao was about to send the silver, the three farmers suddenly disappeared. Only a strange fragrance remained in the hall. Cao Guanmiao suddenly woke up as if from a dream, realizing that it was the True Lord of Sanmao who had arrived. Of course, I am filled with remorse. Then he said to his disciples, "This place has always been a place where immortals and commoners coexist. Throughout history, it has never been worshipped by both Taoists and laypeople." Now that I have accepted it, I am filled with remorse and regret. From now on, we must strictly refrain from it." Then he said again, "If I am worshipped by the True Lord Sanmao, I will surely be punished by heaven." In the future, he will suffer the calamity of having his body torn apart by the sword. By the end of the tenth month of the third year of the Duanping era (1236 AD), the military disaster had spread to the Five Dragons Palace, and Cao Guanmiao was indeed killed by the chaotic soldiers and swords. However, the soldiers who attempted to assassinate him found that not a single drop of blood had flowed from him after his death. Looking at his body, it was all as smooth as jade. Knowing it was an extraordinary person, he knelt before the corpse to pray and then threw away his weapons and left. The disciple buried him in Taoyuan Cave. He was about 120 years old at the time of his death.