Jiao-Loong of Waves Yaoguai Chiefs
Description
Ancient texts record that the jiao is a divine creature of the waters, capable of commanding fish to fly. When in water, it retains its divine nature; when out of water, it loses its divinity.
In Village of Chen, there was a fisherman who, upon hearing Sun Wukong’s tale of dismantling the Linggan Temple, learned of a jiao that could command the fish in the river. Inspired, the fisherman wished to acquire the jiao’s skills, hoping to make the fish leap into his nets, thus saving everyone much labor.
One day, while out fishing, dark clouds gathered in the sky. Soon a fierce storm erupted, unleashing torrential rain and violent waves. His fishing boat was overturned by the waves, disappearing without a trace in the blink of an eye.
By a stroke of fate, as he sank to the riverbed, he encountered the jiao deity patrolling the river and was saved. The fisherman pleaded earnestly for the deity to teach him some skills. Moved by his compassion, the jiao deity taught him some practices of water beings.
Several days passed without the fisherman’s return; everyone assumed he had drowned in the storm. They prepared a simple coffin and planned to erect a cenotaph in his memory.
On the day of the funeral, a downpour ensued, and a large jiao emerged from the river. It sweeped its long tail, bringing many fish ashore. The villagers rushed to the riverbank and saw the jiao transform into the fisherman, walking out of the river. They were both astonished and overjoyed.
However, after returning home, the fisherman soon felt his spirit weary and only regained his vitality when he returned to the water. It was then that everyone realized he could no longer live on land.
Indeed, a few days later, the fisherman leaped into the waves and disappeared into the water, never to be seen again.
Poetry
Green claws like steel, a crimson maw,
Breath turns rain and wind with awe.
Leaping waves, white crests arise,
In the tides, life’s fate lies.
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