Since ancient times, the Northeast had been full of strange tales, bizarre happenings, mountain spirits, and ghosts.
This was mainly due to its distinctive geography and climate. Its many mountains and vast forests naturally provided certain "things" with places and reasons to hide.
Places like these were rich in spiritual energy, so the animals there possessed more spiritual awareness than those elsewhere. Thus, when people spoke of animals becoming spirits, most of those stories took place in the Northeast.
But why was there a saying that "the Five Immortals never leave Shanhaiguan"?
Seventh Master told us the story behind it.
During the Qianlong era, Emperor Qianlong visited the Northeast and encountered Chuma Immortal spirits. Because he possessed true qi-the true dragon qi of the supreme ruler-they wanted to ask him to enlighten them so that they could cultivate more effectively.
Qianlong negotiated a condition with these Chuma Immortals. He could grant them an additional five hundred years, but they had to remain within Shanhaiguan and could not leave it.
As for why they could not leave, the first reason was that Shanhaiguan was an iron gate defending against foreign enemies. Qianlong had a deeper purpose in setting this rule: he hoped the Chuma Immortals would stand guard there.
The other reason was that, in ancient times, Han people were not allowed to enter the Northeast freely. Shamanic culture therefore flourished there but was not seen in the southern regions. Although the south also had Chuma disciples, their titles and ways of doing things were different, so the two could not be lumped together.
To receive the grant, the Chuma Immortal spirits of that time agreed to Emperor Qianlong's condition. This gave rise to the saying, "The Five Immortals never cross Shanhaiguan."
Among those who received the grant were Third Grandfather