Taoism has a vast and unique belief system in immortals, which is an important component of it.
In the world of Taoist immortals, the "Three Purities" hold the supreme position, namely Yuanshi Tianzun, Lingbao Tianzun, and Daode Tianzun. Yuanshi Tianzun is regarded as having come into being before heaven and earth and is the fundamental source for creating all things. Lingbao Tianzun mainly assists Yuanshi Tianzun in managing the Three Realms and various heavens. Daode Tianzun, also known as Taishang Laojun who is widely known, is respected as the incarnation of Tao and has left many classics to enlighten the world.
Besides the "Three Purities", there are also the "Four Sovereigns". They assist the Jade Emperor in handling different affairs of heaven and earth and maintaining the order of the universe. For example, the Jade Emperor governs all the heavens and the Three Realms and dominates the operation of everything between heaven and earth. In addition, the stories of the Eight Immortals are known to every household. Tieguai Li, Zhongli Quan, Zhang Guolao and others each possess extraordinary abilities and rely on their magic weapons to help the world and save people, demonstrating the extraordinary abilities and compassionate hearts of Taoist immortals.
Taoist believers revere these immortals and express their respect through chanting scriptures, worshiping, and performing Taoist rituals such as fasts and sacrifices. They pray to the immortals for protection, to eliminate disasters and difficulties, and to bestow blessings and longevity. The belief in immortals not only embodies people's longing for a better life but also reflects the rich imagination and profound cultural heritage of Taoism. It carries the spiritual wishes passed down through thousands of years and influences the spiritual world of generations of Chinese people.