- Dongming Grass
Dongming Grass, mentioned in the “Dongming Ji,” is a plant that glows in the dark. You can break off its branches to use as torches. This magical grass is so enchanting that it can illuminate ghostly figures, and consuming it might make your body emit light as well. -
Immortal Grass
Immortal Grass, as its name implies, is a miraculous herb capable of reviving the dead. According to “Huainanzi • Zhuoxing Xun,” this grass grows in the south. Legend has it that when Yu the Great defeated the Fangfeng tribe, the deity of Fangfeng, furious, shot arrows at him. Fearing Yu’s prowess, the deity stabbed himself and died. Yu, feeling pity, buried him with immortal grass, bringing the deity back to life. Hence, this place became known as the Land of Pierced Chests. -
Chemazhi Mushroom
The “Taiping Yulan” records that Chemazhi Mushroom grows in famous mountains and is said to have been transformed from seven chariots and horses during Emperor Yao’s reign. Eating it allows one to ride on clouds, covered by a canopy, potentially leading to immortality. -
Dragon Hay
Dragon Hay, mentioned in the “Shu Yi Ji,” is an elixir plant. Horses that consume this hay can run a thousand miles in a single day. An old saying goes, “One stalk of Dragon Hay can turn into a dragon steed.” Emperor Mu of Zhou once used this hay to feed his eight magnificent horses. Alternatively, Dragon Hay is believed to be formed from dragon saliva, hence its other name, Dragon Drool Hay. -
Nine-Spike Grain
According to “Shi Yi Ji,” during Emperor Yan’s reign, a red bird brought nine spikes of grain. When these spikes fell to the ground, Emperor Yan planted them, and those who ate this grain could live forever without aging. -
Nourishing Spirit Mushroom
During Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s reign, a bird was said to carry a herb that could revive the dead when placed on their face. Emperor Qin sent this herb to Guiguzi for identification, who replied it was the Immortal Grass of Zuzhou, growing in the Field of Jade. Eating this grass could save a thousand lives. -
Jade-Red Grass
Jade-Red Grass is presumably a plant with a jade-red hue. Eating its fruit will reportedly keep you in a state of intoxication for three hundred years before waking up. -
Divine Rest Tree
The “Shan Hai Jing” describes a tree called the Divine Rest Tree growing on the Mountain of Shaoshi. Its leaves resemble those of a willow, and its branches have five forks. It blooms with yellow flowers and bears black fruits. Eating its fruits can prevent anger and alleviate worries. -
Earth Vein Purple Lingzhi
Earth Vein Purple Lingzhi is an exotic fruit produced in the “Earth-Protruding Spirit Spring” of the Great Snow Mountain. It has three stems and six leaves, colored deep green. At the center, surrounded by the stems, stands a solitary stalk extending a jade-like green stalk about a foot long, topped with a deep purple, slightly glowing, fragrant fruit as big as a dragon’s eye. -
Dream-Holding Grass
Dream-Holding Grass, mentioned in the “Dongming Ji,” resembles cattail in shape and is red in color. It retracts into the ground during the day and emerges at night. Holding its leaves while sleeping can reveal the outcome of your dreams, and the predictions are said to be instantly accurate. Legend has it that Emperor Wu of Han, missing Lady Li, received this grass from Dongfang Shuo, and indeed dreamed of her that night.