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[Recorded in the *Bie Lu* as a Lower Grade herb]
In ancient times, feces were referred to as "yi" (relic/remainder). [Wulingzhi / Five-Spirit Fat] This substance tends to attach itself to power and follow the rising heat; temporarily borrowing the appearance of official caps and robes, it cannot help but boast of itself. After attaching to power for a short while, it is suddenly left cold and neglected. Such self-description is恰恰 like knowing how to judge the times and恰恰 like knowing when to stop. It consumes cypress seeds, which is so fragrant and pure. If its excrement can be consumed as medicine, how appropriate it is to fulfill its nature. These kinds of things also have a warm-hearted side, yet only true villains can play the role of hypocritical gentlemen.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats cold qi in the heart and abdomen, five types of infantile malnutrition diseases (wugang), wards off epidemic pathogenic factors, treats intestinal wind (hematochezia), unblocks and harmonizes the qi and blood vessels, and treats amenorrhea in women.

[Examination] It is said: Wulingzhi is the excrement of the Hanhao Chong (Cold-Crying Bird). It cries loudly during the harsh winter, hence the name Hanhao. The *Shuowen Jiezi* states: "Anything with legs is called chong"; this is a general term for creatures with bare skin, fur, feathers, scales, or shells, thus it is called "Wu Ling" (Five Spirits). "Zhi" (Fat) is named according to its shape. It lives in extremely cold northern regions, most abundantly in Mount Wutai. Its shape resembles a chick, with fleshy wings and four feet. In summer, its feathers are colorful, and it calls out, saying, "The Phoenix is not as good as me." In early winter, its feathers fall off, leaving it naked like a fledgling; it endures the cold and cries, calling at night, "Build a nest tomorrow morning," and at dawn, "Make do as you go, the sun comes up and it gets warm." The *Yueling* (Monthly Ordinances) states: "In mid-winter, the Hanhao does not cry, nor does it wail at night." Thus, the Hanhao cries when yin is peeling away, and when the crying stops, yang returns. It cries at night waiting for the sunrise to become day. It consumes cypress seeds, gathering them before winter, dwelling in caves facing south; after eating, it excretes, and after excreting, it eats again. Through this cycle of transformation, its form resembles congealed fat, and its odor is strongly fishy and foul. Processing: Select the black and moist center parts as superior; those mixed with sand and gravel or not fully transformed are unsuitable for medicinal use. Grind finely with wine, then use wine to wash away sand and soil, dry in the sun, and store for use. Regarding its therapeutic efficacy, predecessors have discussed it extensively; I will not repeat their arguments but record them below.

Predecessor Bo Yi stated: Yang moves outward, Yin moves inward; summer is for growth, winter is for storage. The feathers of the Hanhao resemble this process. Since it has no outer covering of feathers in winter, it retreats inward; being naked, it cannot fly. It uses its excrement as food, entering and exiting frequently, which is essentially its own fat and marrow. He further stated that whether it has feathers determines whether its call is humble or arrogant. Seeking light while dwelling in filth is something it does not understand. It is indeed a creature that follows the seasons, serving as a mirror to warn the world. He also stated: Being able to endure winter naked implies that there is no cold in its belly and heart. Gang disease (infantile malnutrition) is accumulated from food stagnation; epidemics are caused by climatic conditions. Wulingzhi enters and exits, transforming and guiding; its form contradicts the season, yet it knows only to promote free flow, never adhering to blockage.