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[Classified as Middle Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
Without a general, one cannot achieve victory surpassing that of the five weapons; yet even a general cannot merely be used to open up new lands. This not only highlights the merits of Realgar (Xionghuang), but also reveals the majesty of Rhubarb (Dahuang).

[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats chills and fever, scrofula (shulou), malignant sores, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and necrotic tissue (simi); kills spirits, evil ghosts, and pathogenic qi; counters venom from a hundred insects; its efficacy surpasses that of the five weapons. When refined and ingested, it lightens the body and leads to immortality.

[Evidence] It is said: Realgar (Xionghuang) originates from the valleys of Wudu and the southern slopes of Dunhuang Mountain. Wudu is inhabited by Di and Qiang tribes, which is known as Qiuchi Mountain. It is also produced in Dangchang, though the quality is smaller and inferior. Jiezhou borders the Western Rong and produces a type called "Water Cave Huang," which grows in mountain rocks where water exists. The stone is called Qingyan Shi (Green Smoke Stone) or Baixian Shi (White Fresh Stone). Realgar emerges from within it, possessing pores, with a deep red color slightly tinged with purple, an extremely light and porous texture, and superior medicinal efficacy. *Commentary on the Water Classic* states: Yellow River waters flow out northwest of Lingling County, connecting to streams in Wu Mountain, producing Realgar, which is quite miraculous. During winter sacrifices, stones were dug several zhang deep to extract it. Any Realgar that is purely yellow like female arsenic (Fuhuang) but lacks luster, or is greenish-black and hard, is called Xunhuang. Those with a foul odor are called Chouhuang; neither is suitable for consumption. Processing method: For every 3 liang of Realgar, use 5 liang each of Licorice Root (Gancao), Purple-Backed Tiankui, Digallus (Dichan), and Bilenghua. Finely chop them, place in a crucible with flowing water from the east, and boil for the duration of three Fu days (the hottest period of summer). Remove, pound into powder, process by water flotation (shuifei), clarify to remove black impurities, dry in the sun, and grind again for use. Among these may be found Tiejie Shi (Iron-Robbing Stone), also known as Fushi Shi, which can corrode iron and is not used medicinally.

[Interpretation] It is said: "Xiong" means great and martial, leading the masses; "Huang" is the central color, representing the beginning of male and female life. Being both vigorous and yellow, pure and healthy, it embodies this nature. *Qianjin Fang* states: When a woman feels pregnant, wearing it in a crimson pouch can change the birth of a girl to a boy; this is due to rotating Yang essence back into the earth. "Scrofula" refers to chills and fever diseases; malignant sores, carbuncles, and hemorrhoids are all named simi (dead flesh); the entire skeletal structure and organs belong to the element of Earth. When Yin凝 (coagulation) is solid and the central Yellow Qi is lost, how can circulation and regulation occur? The power of Realgar is expansive and brilliant, worthy of being called Dahuang (Great Rhubarb). Since Dahuang is bestowed the title of General, this fits perfectly. Thus, it can overcome the five weapons, kill spirits, evil ghosts, pathogenic qi, and harm from insect venoms. Refined and ingested, it lightens the body akin to an immortal, belonging to the category of Earth Immortals.