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Xianhe Tongzi, also known asBaihe Tongzi (Chinese:白鶴童子;lit. 'White Crane Immortal Boy'), is a Chinese deity who is worshipped in temples and shrines as a spiritual power for getting rid of negative forces, as well as a deity of bravery, determination, and intelligence.[1] He appears in the Ming dynasty mythological novelInvestiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi), as well as the Qing dynasty novelFengjian Chunqiu.[2]
Legend has it that the white snakeBai Suzhen, in a desperate attempt to save her belovedXu Xian from the brink of death, ventured alone to Kunlun Mountain to steal the mystical Lingzhi herb, a plant of immortality. As she descended the mountain, she was intercepted by White Crane Boy, who blocked her path. At that moment, Old Man of the South Pole arrived and questioned her about the theft of the sacred herb. Bai Suzhen explained her plight, pleading for the elder's compassion and assistance. Moved by her devotion and sorrow, the Old Man of the South Pole gifted her the Lingzhi herb, which ultimately revived Xu Xian. This poignant tale has been passed down through generations, and among the people, it is widely believed that the gift of longevity and immortality is, in fact, a blessing bestowed by White Crane Boy. As a result, in Taiwanese folk belief, White Crane Boy is revered as a deity who grants longevity and extended life, embodying the hope for health and eternal youth.[3]
According to theInvestiture of the Gods, Xianhe Tongzi is the disciple of the Chan Sect immortalOld Man of the South Pole (Nanji Xianweng). He practiced Taoist cultivation on the mythicalKunlun Mountain and serves as an attendant and third-generation to the supreme deityYuanshi Tianzun. Despite often appearing as a young boy, his true form is that of awhite crane. Though his seniority within the Chan sect is relatively low, White Crane Boy holds a uniquely revered and mysterious status. Even high-ranking immortals treat him with the same respect they would accord Yuanshi Tianzun himself. He acts as a messenger between Yuanshi Tianzun and theTwelve Golden Immortals, tasked with delivering critical secrets and orders. He also aidsKing Wu of Zhou in his campaign to overthrow the tyrannicalKing Zhou of Shang. During the Battle of Red Sand Formation, White Crane Boy strikes Zhang Tianjun down with ajade ruyi scepter and beheads him with a sword. Later, whenJiang Ziya seizes the strategic Sishui Pass, White Crane Boy is ordered by Yuanshi Tianzun to summon the Twelve Golden Immortals to confront the deadly Slaughter Immortal Formation.[2]
Xianhe Tongzi is enshrined in numerous temples across Taiwan. The White Crane Boy Temple inTaichung, considered his primary temple, has been under construction but was abandoned for eight years. Over time, the site has become a haven for criminals, including murderers. The local government has now initiated plans to rebuild and restore the temple.[4]