Daoism in the Five Dynasties: Rise of Internal Alchemy

During the Five Dynasties period, Taoism was maintained and developed amidst social turmoil. Although this period lasted only 53 years and saw five different dynasties with thirteen emperors, it provided a suitable environment for the growth of Taoism to some extent due to its unpredictable political climate. During this time, many local dynasties revered Taoism. They respected Taoist priests, built temples and observatories, collected lost Taoist scriptures, and ordered Taoists to preach Taoist scriptures, which played a certain role in promoting the maintenance and development of Taoism.

For example, Wang Jian and his son Wang Yan of the Former Shu Dynasty were devout Taoists who honored Du Guangting, directly calling him "Tianshi" (Heavenly Master); Meng Chang of the Later Shu Dynasty favored alchemy and the arts of the inner chambers; Li Bian of the Southern Tang Dynasty built the Xuan Zhen Temple for Wang Qixia, the 19th-generation master of Maoshan, bestowed him with seals and ribbons, and conferred upon him the title "Xuanbo Da Shi" (Master Xuanbo). At the end of the Tang Dynasty and during the Five Dynasties period, external alchemy began to decline while internal alchemy gradually rose and became increasingly developed, which had a significant impact on the later rise and development of Quanzhen Taoism. Notable Taoist figures during this period include Li Hao, Tan Qiao, Peng Xiao, and Tan Zixia. They devoted themselves to the research and construction of Taoist theory and techniques, allowing Taoism, which was in a low tide during the Five Dynasties period, to continue moving forward.