The Han Xiangzi 韩湘子 One of the Eight Immortals in Taoism

Han Xiangzi is one of the Eight Immortals in Taoism, with his magic weapon being a purple-gold flute. It is generally said that Han Xiangzi was the nephew (or great-nephew, according to some) of Han Yu, a renowned litterateur in the Tang Dynasty. He was by nature unrestrained and reckless, disliking studying but fond of drinking. At the age of 20, he went to Luoxia to visit relatives, and was so enchanted by the charm of mountains and rivers that he never returned, with no news for more than 20 years.

Later, Han Xiangzi suddenly returned to Chang'an, wearing tattered clothes and behaving strangely. Han Yu sent him to a school to study with other students, but Han Xiangzi said nothing during discussions. Instead, he liked to gamble with servants, and when drunk, he would sleep in the stable or on the street. Han Yu was very worried and asked him, "Everyone has their own strengths; even a peddler has a skill. You act so absurdly—what will you do in the future?" Han Xiangzi replied, "I also have a skill. It's just that you don't know about it." Han Yu asked, "Then what can you do?" It was early winter at that time, and Han Xiangzi made peonies bloom in several colors.

Later, Lü Dongbin, under the pseudonym "Guan Wushang", came to preach and enlighten Han Xiangzi, enabling him to join the ranks of immortals.