Huayang Rock Stele I

The "Record of Huayang Rock" stele was erected by Li Mingliang, a Taoist priest appointed by the Wulong Palace, in the fifth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty, that is, in 1339 AD. The inscription was written by Shao Minggeng. The inscription says that Wudang Mountain has a long history and is a sacred mountain for praying for blessings and warding off disasters. There are countless naturally formed rocks in the mountain that can be used as houses, and Huayang Rock is "the most beautiful among all the rocks". This place is "high and clear" and has been the residence of reclusive people throughout history. The inscription also states that Li Mingliang raised funds to build temples and pavilions on Huayang Rock, and his fellow villagers Guan Cunhao and Guan Chengwu contributed generously. Many alchemists and practitioners of martial arts once lived and practiced here. Li Mingliang has created excellent conditions for cultivators, which is worthy of being recorded in writing. Shao Minggeng and Li Mingliang were renowned Taoists on Wudang Mountain in the middle and late Yuan Dynasty, especially making significant contributions to the construction of the Wulong Palace. During the Yuan Dynasty, Jie Xisi, a grand secretary of the Hanlin Academy, gave full recognition and commendation. Jie Xisi was ordered to write two inscriptions for the Five Dragons Palace. One was the "Imperial Edict Bestows the Five Dragons of Wudang Mountain to Respond to the Wanshou Palace" stele, and the other was the "The Five Dragons of Wudang Mountain Respond to the Wanshou Palace's Auspicious Response Stele". Both records that Shao and Li were thrifty and planned their expenses, using the remaining money and the funds raised to build the Five Dragons Palace. When the Xuan Di Hall and the Jade Elephant Pavilion were completed, the emperor sent officials from the central and local governments to hold the Golden Seal Ceremony and witness the auspicious objects such as turtles and snakes.