王文卿（公元1093-1153），北宋末至南宋初期的一位杰出的道士，神霄派的创始人，被誉为“冲虚妙道先生”。他出生于建昌南丰（今江西南丰）的一个普通家庭，自幼对道教有着浓厚的兴趣，并且擅长诗词和书法，有着深厚的文化底蕴。据传，他在年轻时遇到了一个异人，这个异人传授给他了一门高深莫测的炼丹术——风雷术。
随着时间的推移，王文卿的事迹 gradually spread throughout the land, and he became known for his extraordinary abilities. He was summoned to the capital by Emperor Song Huizong, who bestowed upon him numerous honors and titles, including "冲虚通妙真人" and "特授太素大夫". King Wenqin's reputation continued to grow, and he was eventually granted the title of "冲虚通妙灵惠真人".
Despite all these accolades, King Wenqin remained humble and unassuming. He continued to live a simple life in the mountains, devoting himself to his studies and spiritual practices. His teachings emphasized the importance of internal cultivation as a prerequisite for mastering the arcane arts.
King Wenqin's legacy extended beyond his own lifetime. Many students sought him out for instruction in the ways of magic and alchemy. Among them were notable figures such as Juzhi Qin, Xiong Shanren, Ping Jingzong, Yuan Tingzhi, Sasu Jianzheng (who met with him on Qingcheng Mountain), Shang Chenggao (who received instruction from him in Xin City), as well as Daxiang Fashi (his nephew). These individuals went on to become accomplished practitioners in their own right.
In addition to his many accomplishments as a practitioner of magic and alchemy,
King Wenqin also left behind a written legacy that included several important texts. One of these texts is called "The Household Words of Master Wang," which takes the form of questions answered by Master Wang himself. This work focuses exclusively on lightning magic (雷法) emphasizing that summoning lightning spirits requires not just external knowledge but also internal cultivation.
It is said that on August 23rd in 1153 AD,
during an eclipse when day turned into night,
Master Wang suddenly appeared before everyone
and announced:
"I am false; my body is like wood"
He then vanished instantly into thin air
leaving behind only one phrase:
"I am gone"
This enigmatic statement has been interpreted countless times over history
but its true meaning remains shrouded in mystery