The Dao Path and Demon Path were never as simple as good versus evil. In ancient times, the boundary between the two was far less rigid. Cultivators of that era often explored both traditions, and among the elites, dual-path cultivation of Daoist and Demonic arts was not considered taboo but rather a mark of mastery.
The so-called "orthodox" and "demonic" paths were merely two approaches to the same destination. The former cultivated spiritual energy, rooted in clarity and order. The latter refined demonic energy, often more forceful and unrestrained. While demonic techniques were more aggressive in nature, both systems pursued transcendence. Beyond ascension, such distinctions held little meaning.
That said, the two energies were not easily compatible. Spiritual energy and demonic energy functioned like opposing forces—light and shadow, yin and yang. For most Dao cultivators, allowing demonic energy to enter their body was like being poisoned. The same was true in reverse. Their opposing natures could wreak havoc on the meridians and spiritual foundation. Only in rare circumstances could this boundary be crossed.
Jian Dan was one such exception.
Born with five-element spiritual roots of such high purity that they bordered on primordial chaos, her foundation defied conventional classification. These "Chaos Spiritual Roots" allowed her to harmonize with both Daoist and Demonic forces. With the Primordial Chaos Art, a Daoist technique aligned with her nature, and the Heavenly Demon Art, a rare demonic manual that complemented it, she was able to balance both energies within her. In her case, what would poison others became fuel, and the duality that fractured others instead became her strength.
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On Naming Conventions and Taoist Names
In the world of cultivation, names carry significance beyond mere identity. Once a cultivator reaches a certain stage—typically the Nascent Soul realm—they often adopt a Taoist name. This name, usually a single meaningful character, symbolizes their path, aspirations, or core principles. It may be chosen by the cultivator themselves or bestowed by a respected elder. This Taoist name becomes part of their formal title as they ascend through higher realms.
1) Example: Dan Yang Zhēnzūn and Tian Hong Zhēnzūn
- "Dan" and "Tian" indicate sect affiliation:
- Dan Sect (Pill Sect)
- Tianjian Sect (Heavenly Sword Sect)
- "Yang" (阳) and "Hong" (鸿) are Taoist names:
- Yang (阳): sun, positive force, male principle, vitality
- Hong (鸿): grand, swan goose, message/letter
- "Zhēnzūn" (真尊) is a formal title used for Mahayana stage cultivators. It is a respectful, neutral honorific indicating their high status.
This structure—[Sect Name] + [Taoist Name] + [Formal Title]—is a standard naming convention among established cultivators, especially in formal or public contexts.
2) Unique Conventions in Heavenly Sword Sect
Some sects adopt personalized naming traditions that reflect their lineage. For example, the Heavenly Sword Sect seems to use the following progression:
- Nascent Soul to Unity Stage:
- [Jian] + [Taoist Name] + [Formal Title]
- "Jian" (剑) denotes the sword lineage of the sect.
- Mahayana Stage:
- [Tian] + [Taoist Name] + [Formal Title]
- "Tian" (天) reflects their status within the Heavenly Sword Sect's core legacy.
This system highlights both cultivation realm and sect identity. While the pattern of [Taoist Name + Title] is widespread and begins from the Nascent Soul realm, the use of sect-specific prefixes like "Jian" and "Tian" is a distinctive trait of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
3) Summary
- Cultivators adopt a Taoist name at or after the Nascent Soul stage.
- The Taoist name is meaningful, often a single character.
- The general format is: [Sect or Identifying Prefix] + [Taoist Name] + [Title]
- The Heavenly Sword Sect uses "Jian" and "Tian" as stage-dependent identifiers.
- Other sects may have their own naming traditions.
Formal Title in the Cultivation Hierarchy:
1 | Golden Core (金丹, Jīndān): "Real Person" (真人, Zhēnrén)
2 | Nascent Soul (元婴, Yuányīng): "True Monarch" (真君, Zhēnjūn)
3 | Divine Transformation (化神, Huàshén): "True Sage" (真圣, Zhēnshèng)
4 | Divine Soul (分神, Fēn shén): "Venerable" (尊者, Zūnzhě)
5 | Returning to Void (渡劫, Dùjié): "King" (之王, Zhīwáng) or "Sovereign" (之主, Zhīzhǔ)
6 | Unity (合体, Hétǐ): "Exalted One" (尊上, Zūnshàng)
7 | Mahayana (大乘, Dàchéng): "Great Ascendant" (大乘天尊, Dàchéng Tiānzūn) or "Supreme Ancestor" (太上祖师, Tàishàng Zǔshī) or "True Venerable" (真尊, Zhēnzūn)
Cultivation Stage in this novel:
~Nether realm- Cultivation Realm
Qi Refining—> Foundation Establishment —> Golden Core —> Nascent Soul → Divine Transformation —> Divine Soul—> Void Refinement—>Unity —>the pinnacle: Mahayana.