Book excerpt: Legends of Ji Gong first appeared as a literary work during the Song Dynasty. Funny and entertaining, the stories of Ji Gong had gone a long way in inculcating moral values in the common people. Numerous accounts had been written and published. Eventually, the original writer became obscure. Ji Gong was a peculiar and remarkable character. He was an immortal who made his appearance in the human world and mingled with ordinary folks. Depicted as a crazy and scruffy monk, he always carried a worn-out fan and a gourd of wine. Though a monk, he was fond of meat and wine. In this volume, you will find out how Ji Gong was born and how he became a monk. He did many good deeds--helping a goldsmith to find his long lost daughter, punishing an unscrupulous man, overpowering a boa spirit, exposing a fox spirit, reuniting a couple and rebuilding a tablet hall. You will be amused by the antics of this adorable monk.