Taoist Deity Liu Hai teasing the golden toad

Liu Hai is a Taoist deity.  According to one version of several legends regarding him, he was a minister during  the 5 Dynasties period.  On one occasion he met a Taoist priest who asked him for 10 coins and 10 eggs.  The priest told him that he could use the coins and eggs and stack them up in a straight line.  Seeing the shaky structure, Liu Hai commented that it looks risky and unstable.  The priest laughed and questioned  him whether the the career of a minister is any less dangerous.  Liu Hai was enlightened by the comment and gave up his post.  He became a wandering Taoist hermit and subsequently attained immortality.  He is usually depicted as a smiling young man with disheveled hairs,  teasing a 3 legged toad with a string with coins at the end.  The golden toad is said to possess the magical power to multiply indefinitely gold coins/ingots.  Liu Hai is therefore worshipped as a benevolent deity who would grant wealth. Till this day, it is still a popular belief among Chinese that displaying a statue of a toad with a coin in its mouth, to attract good luck and fortune.