Pictures of Qin Dynasty Priest Xu Fu (秦朝方士徐福)

Xu Fu (徐福), full name known as Xu Jun Pang (徐君旁), a Cultivated Person or Priest during the Qin Dynasty.

According to records, Xu Fu was born before BCE 220, exact date & hometown unknown.

After Emperor Qin aka Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇) conquered the other Six Kingdoms (六國統一) and beginning to believe in Immortality, Emperor Qin started to have thoughts of gaining Long Life-span and so, after searching and discussion, Xu Fu was being summoned into the Qin Palace to do explanation and research on where to get the Long-life Elixir (長生不老藥).

Upon summoning and enquiries made by Emperor Qin, Xu Fu replied that, in-order to get the Long-life Elixir, oneself will needed to travel to the various Immortal Islands that are far from China. According to the records of Spiritual Master Gui Gu (鬼谷先師), there are 3 Immortal Mountains, which are known as Peng Lai, Fang Zhan & Ying Zhou (蓬萊。方丈。瀛洲). On these 3 Mountains, there are plenty of Immortal Plants that are able to made into Elixir for consuming to gain Long-life.

After hearing what Xu Fu had replied, Emperor Qin ordered Xu Fu to plan for the traveled to the Immortal Mountains.

Around BCE 210, Xu Fu went for his journey to look for the Elixir.

Just before Xu Fu set-off for the searching, Xu Fu made a request to Emperor Qin that, in-order to have a better result on the searching, he will need a total number of 3000 boys and girls (三千童男童女). Upon knowing of the request, Emperor Qin summoned his assistants to capture 3000 boys and girls to accompany Xu Fu out into the Faraway Land.

Years went by and soon, Emperor Qin reached his Life-limitation but Xu Fu had yet to return to the Qin Empire. Upon disappointment, Emperor Qin passed away with hatred and regrets. Just before Emperor Qin passed-away, he advised his Family Members and the other Officers who made planning for his Funeral to direct his Tombstone to face the Direction of where Xu Fu set-off for the searching of Elixir – reason, hoping that one day Xu Fu will returned and he can get back to life after Xu Fu feed the Elixir into his dying mouth.

Many Years after Qin Empire fall, people spread rumours about Xu Fu had gained Enlightenment after he found the Elixir himself.

But according to some History Records, Xu Fu actually went to Japan (日本 maybe he lost his way on the Sea route, etc) with the 3000 boys and girls. After finding that Japan was not a bad place to stay, Xu Fu and the 3000 boys and girls settled down in the Island to become the first group of People to stay on the deserted Island. And after many years, People believed that they will the Ancestors of the Japanese today.

If you will to go to Japan, you are still able to find Temples & Shrines dedicated to Xu Fu.