In cultivation worlds, once a cultivator reaches a significant milestone—often at the Nascent Soul stage—they adopt a Taoist (Dao) name. Unlike their birth name, this name usually consists of a single, carefully chosen character that holds deep meaning. It reflects their path, guiding principles, personal aspirations, or the core essence of their cultivation journey.
Sometimes cultivators select their Taoist names themselves, meditating on their true nature or the Dao they seek to embody. Other times, the name is bestowed upon them by a respected elder, master, or sect leader, carrying with it authority and expectations.
This Taoist name becomes a crucial part of their identity. As cultivators rise to higher stages and realms, this name is often incorporated into their formal titles and is recognized by peers and disciples alike. It marks not just their power but also their spiritual legacy and the unique imprint they leave on the cultivation world.
1) Example: Dan Yang Zhēnzūn and Tian Hong Zhēnzūn (from True Heir of Chaos: From Villainess to Empress)
- "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 that highlights both cultivation realm and sect identity, 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.