Emperor Huangdi travelled to the northern side of the Chishui River and climbed the Kunlun Mountains. On his way back he lost his black pearl. He sent Zhi (1) to find it but Zhi failed. Then he sent Lizhu, (2) who also failed. Finally he sent Xiangwang (4) and Xiangwang found it. "It is really strange," the emperor exclaimed, "that Xiangwang should have got it!"
(1) Zhi: a clever god.
(2) Lizhu: a god with sharp eyes.
(3) Chigou: a god good at debating.
(4) Xiangwang: a careless, absent minded god
From 100 Chinese Myths and Fantasies translated by Ding Wangdao
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