Yunxiao Niangniang
She leads a peaceful life, with her divine mount being the Qingluan bird, and possesses formidable treasures, including the Hunyuan Gold Gourd (混元金斗) and the Golden Dragon Scissors (金蛟剪).
Following her senior brother's death at the hands of Luya Daoren, she resolved to seek revenge and actively took part in the war, aiding the Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong.
They set up the Grand Nine-Curves Yellow River Formation[note 1] (九曲黄河阵), capturing Yang Jian, Jinzha, and Muzha.
[5] They also subdued the Twelve Golden Immortals and Luya Daoren, using the Grand Nine-Curves Yellow River Formation to weaken their cultivation, which had been accumulated over a thousand years.
Observing that no one within the Chan Sect could vanquish Sanxiao, both Yuanshi Tianzun and Laozi came down to help their disciples and successfully dismantled the Grand Nine-Curves Yellow River Formation.
They generously donated money to construct temples, build bridges and roads, provide clothing and meals for those in need, offer financial assistance for medical care, and reduce rents, among other acts of kindness.
[7] Over time, news of this extraordinary event spread, prompting many people, particularly those with questionable intentions and poor reputations, to turn to the Three Celestial Maidens, praying for children.
This led to the belief that the Three Celestial Maidens only assisted those who were genuinely benevolent, refusing to aid individuals with power and wealth who engaged in wicked deeds.
It is primarily devoted to the veneration of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and boasts approximately 26 temples, with eight major ones being particularly significant, ensuring a vibrant Buddhist presence.
[8] In autumn 1937, during the celebration of Monk Yankong's appointment as the Sanxiao Cave's abbot, a group of devoted followers gathered to donate and cast a large bronze bell.
Suddenly, a huge explosion engulfed the cave in darkness, and then a thick, yellow flame that resembled a fire dragon erupted from the depths, killing 76 people on the spot.
In the late 1980s, Yi Ruilong, renowned as the "First Chinese Paraglider", conducted several on-site investigations to uncover the truth behind the Sanxiao Cave incident.
They are believed to wield control over the Hunyuan Gold Gourd, which, as it rotates, is thought to shape the destinies of all beings, regardless of their social standing or wealth.
The Three Celestial Maidens occupy a significant and revered position in Chinese folk belief, resulting in the creation of numerous legends and tales about them.
