The Huang Zhiwei 黄知微

Huang Zhiwei (?–1126) was a native of Jiangzhou during the Northern Song Dynasty, with the courtesy name Mingdao. He was a Taoist registered at Taiping Xingguo Palace on Mount Lushan.

During the Yuanfeng era of Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty, he served as the "Zhidian" (an official in charge of temple affairs) and was responsible for offering incense (a ritual practice of worship) at the palace. He encountered Mr. Cui, known as "Qianshan Tidao Xiansheng" (Sage Who Embodies the Dao of Mount Qian), who imparted to him the Southern Sect Alchemy Method of Chen Niwan, the "Wanshen Daogui" (a Taoist alchemical technique involving vital essences), the "Gushen Zhi Dao" (the Dao of nurturing the spiritual essence, a core concept in Taoist cultivation), and the essentials of "Jinyelun Jing" (a Taoist alchemical theory related to refining golden fluid for spiritual transcendence). From then on, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the practice of alchemical methods, and people of his time called him "Huang Fengzi" (Madman Huang).

He had a fondness for drinking and composed the poem Huangdian Ge (Song of Madman Huang) himself.

In the final years of the Chongning era of Emperor Huizong (1106), Huang Zhiwei was over ninety years old, yet his appearance was as youthful as a young maiden, and his eccentric manner remained unchanged. In the seventh year of the Xuanhe era (1125), he was summoned to the imperial capital by imperial edict. Shortly after, Emperor Yuansheng (Emperor Qinzong of the Song Dynasty, posthumously titled Yuansheng) ascended the throne, and Huang Zhiwei was pardoned and allowed to return to his original palace (Taiping Xingguo Palace). He passed away soon after his return.

(Sources: You Song Lushan Yangzheng Xiansheng Huang Jun Xianyou Bei [Stele of the Immortal Journey of Mr. Huang, the Yangzheng Sage of Mount Lushan in the Song Dynasty]; Lishi Zhenxian Tidao Tongjian [Comprehensive Mirror of Real Immortals and Their Cultivation of the Dao], Volume 50)