The xian are transcendent beings who have attained immortality through alchemy, meditation and virtue. Legends describe them riding cranes and living on sacred mountains; the Eight Immortals are popular figures. In inner alchemy, immortality is the realization of the spirit.
Xian
Immortal: a Daoist adept who has transcended death, often pictured as dwelling in mountains or rising to heaven.
Also: hsien, immortal