There are many records in the classics about the origin of Xuan Tian Shang Di. One theory state that Xuanwu was the original incarnation, a separate body from the Taiji. During the reigns of the first three emperors, he descended as the Taishi True Man; during the reigns of the second three emperors, he descended as the “Tai Yi Zhen Ren”. Finally, during the reign of Huangdi, he descended as Xuan Tian Shang Di.

Legend has it that the king and queen of the country of “Qing Le” had been married for many years but had no children. One day, the queen dreamt of swallowing the sun. After being pregnant for fourteen months, Xuan Tian Shang Di was finally born on the third day of the third lunar month at noon, in either the first year of Emperor Zi Yun of Huangdi (266 BC) or the first year of Emperor Wen of Sui (518 AD).

Xuan Tian Shang Di was born as a divine being, and at the age of seven, he was able to recite scriptures day and night. Three years later, he had memorized ancient books and had a thorough knowledge of astronomy and geography. At the age of fifteen, he devoted himself to cultivating virtue and did not want to be just a ruler of a country. He wanted to benefit the people of the whole world and vowed to save and protect all living beings. Therefore, he gave up his throne and entered a mountain cave to cultivate the true essence, which moved “Yu Qing Sheng Zu Zi Xu Yuan Jun”. The latter personally taught him the supreme Dao of Wu Ji, laying the foundation for Xuan Tian Shang Di’s cultivation.

“Zi Xu Yuan Jun” then instructed Xuan Tian Shang Di to cross the sea to the Central Yuan Territory, and search for a mountain peak in the Qian-Dui direction. Only by practicing there could he return to his roots and take his rightful place as a great saint of the Three Realms. Xuan Tian Shang Di followed the order and bid farewell to his parents, traveling to the “Zi Xiao” Peak of “Tai He” Mountain where he secluded himself to practice.

After forty years of seclusion and cultivation on the mountain, the aging father of Xuan Tian Shang Di began to miss him and sent five hundred strong soldiers to search for him on Mount “Tai He”. However, the mountain was treacherous, and the stream was flooded, making it difficult to proceed. Despite their efforts to cross, they were unsuccessful and had to return empty-handed. It was not until the ninth attempt that they finally reached Xuan Tian Shang Di on the mountain and delivered the decree for him to return and inherit the throne.

However, Xuan Tian Shang Di was focused on his spiritual cultivation and had no intention of returning to the throne. The five hundred soldiers were moved by his conviction and sincerity, and all of them were inspired to follow him and learn the ways of the Tao. They decided to stay on the mountain and wait for Xuan Tian Shang Di to achieve enlightenment, and all of them became immortal beings known as the Five Hundred “Ling Officials”.

After forty-two years of intense spiritual cultivation on Mount “Tai He”, Xuan Tian Shang Di finally achieved enlightenment and ascended to the heavens on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in the year of “Jiazi” (2606 BC in the Western calendar), during the reign of Yellow Emperor. Mount “Tai He” became known as Mount Wu Dang, which is its present-day name.

After completing his cultivation and achieving enlightenment, Xuan Tian Shang Di was entrusted by the Jade Emperor to guard the north and oversee the seven stars of the north, namely Dou, Se, Nu, Xu, Wei, Shi, and Bi. He was also in charge of the celestial armies and had the four mythical creatures, Qing Long, Bai Hu, Zhu Que, and Xuan Wu, under his command. He oversaw the empty space of a thousand miles and shone light upon the ten directions of the world. He was later honoured by Emperor Ming of the Ming Dynasty as Xuan Tian Shang Di.

Xuan Tian Shang Di, also known as Northern “Zhen Wu Xuan Tian Shang Di”, or “Bei Ji Xuan Tian Shang Di”, is often referred to as the “Bei Di”, “Zhen Wu Da Di”, or Xuan Tian Shang Di. He is also called “Xuan Wu Da Di”, “Bei Ji Da Di”, “Bei Ji You Sheng Zhen Jun”, “Kai Tian Da Di”, “Yuan Wu Shen”, and so on.

Xuan Tian Shang Di is a major deity in Taoism who presides over the northern direction and governs the seven stars. He is also known as the “Bei Di”, True Warrior Great Emperor, or Xuan Wu Da Di. He is often associated with the North Star and is considered the protector of the country and the god of war. In addition, he is believed to have the power to ward off disasters, control floods and fires, and grant blessings of longevity and prosperity. During the Ming dynasty, many temples were built in honour of Xuan Tian Shang Di, and he was widely revered as a guardian deity of the state.