Zhenwu Yi, Wansheng Pavilion, Taihe Palace

The Great Emperor Zhenwu is the main deity in the Taoist beliefs of Wudang. In all the palaces, temples and nunneries of Wudang Mountain, Zhenwu is mainly worshipped. The image of Zhenwu is generally tall and strong, with a kind face and loose hair 跣足; Or they might be clad in armor and brandishing swords, with turtles and snakes on their feet; Or they would wear a crown and sit solemnly. The image of the True Martial God is shaped based on the description in the True Martial Classic. According to Taoist legend, the Great Emperor Zhenwu was born with the primordial qi, a unique form of Taiji, and was conceived by Empress Shansheng of the Jingle Kingdom. At the age of fifteen, he bid farewell to his parents and entered Wudang Mountain to cultivate. After forty-two years of practice, he achieved great success. Five Dragons held the title of Sage, and he ascended to immortality in broad daylight. During the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties, Emperor Zhenwu was regarded as the guardian deity of the imperial family and was repeatedly given the title of holy.