The Status of Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha's Master, in the Divine Realm

Investing China - In the classic Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi), the story largely revolves around the influence of one's family and master. When the younger generation finds themselves outmatched, they call upon their elders for help. And when even the elders are unable to prevail, they turn to their sect or master for assistance. Nezha, one of the most iconic figures in Investiture of the Gods, owes much of his fame and power to his exceptional master, Taiyi Zhenren. While his father, Li Jing, later became the Pagoda - Bearing Heavenly King after the events of the novel, he didn’t provide much help to Nezha in the early stages. So, what exactly is the status of Taiyi Zhenren in the divine hierarchy? Let’s dive into this fascinating topic.

According to the lore of Investiture of the Gods, the supreme ruler of the universe is Hongjun Laozu (the Primordial Ancestor). Hongjun Laozu had three beloved disciples: Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Elder Lord), Yuanshi Tianzun (the Primordial Lord of Heaven), and Tongtian Jiaozhu (the Master of Tongtian). These three great deities each founded their own sects: Taishang Laojun established Taoism, Yuanshi Tianzun founded the Chan Sect, and Tongtian Jiaozhu created the Jie Sect. While Taoism initially had few followers, the Chan Sect, led by Yuanshi Tianzun, became the most populous, boasting divine figures such as Randeng Daoren (the Burning Lamp Daoist), Nanji Xianweng (the Southern Pole Immortal), Yunzhongzi, and the Twelve Golden Immortals. Unlike the Jie Sect, which had a more complex composition, the Chan Sect also allowed mortals to join its ranks.

Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha’s master, was one of the Twelve Golden Immortals under Yuanshi Tianzun, ranking fifth among them. The Twelve Golden Immortals included figures like Guangchengzi, Chijingzi, Huanglong Zhenren, Juliusun, Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Dashi, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, Cihang Daoren, Yuding Zhenren, Daoxing Tianzun, and Qingxu Daode Zhenjun. Interestingly, many of these immortals later converted to Buddhism. For instance, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun became Manjusri Bodhisattva, Puxian Zhenren became Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Cihang Daoren transformed into Guanyin Bodhisattva. Even Randeng Daoren, the deputy leader of the Chan Sect, became the Ancient Buddha of Burning Lamp, a figure of higher status than Tathagata Buddha in Buddhism. Given that Taiyi Zhenren once stood shoulder - to - shoulder with these legendary figures, his status in the divine realm is undoubtedly extraordinary.

Of course, Taiyi Zhenren’s reputation isn’t solely based on the company he kept. He was also a formidable deity in his own right. Known for his immense magical power, profound wisdom, and exceptional spiritual roots, Taiyi Zhenren was a proactive and fiercely protective master. It was under his guidance and indulgence that Nezha became the fearless and rebellious figure we know today. Taiyi Zhenren was also the first among the Chan and Jie Sects to break the taboo against killing, setting a precedent by slaying disciples of the Jie Sect.

A master craftsman, he was skilled in forging magical artifacts and even creating life. Nezha’s lotus - root body and his three heads and six arms were both Taiyi Zhenren’s creations. Among the many powerful figures of the Jie Sect, Taiyi Zhenren only ever suffered a single defeat—at the hands of the Three Sky Maidens. After the Investiture of the Gods, Nezha ascended to become the Marshal of the Central Altar of the Seas, while Li Jing became the Pagoda - Bearing Heavenly King. Together, this father - son duo essentially commanded the celestial army of the Heavenly Court. As Nezha’s master, Taiyi Zhenren’s status naturally rose to an even more transcendent level. Later, he founded the Qingwei Sect, becoming its founding patriarch. Thus, Taiyi Zhenren stands as one of the most distinguished figures among the third generation of celestial beings in Chinese mythology.

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