Puxian Zhenren is one of the Chan immortals in Investiture of the Gods and is the master of Mu Zha. He occupies an important position within the supernatural network surrounding the Investiture war.
After Mu Zha descends from the mountains and joins the Xiqi cause, he becomes one of the notable younger warriors fighting for the Zhou side. As his master, Puxian Zhenren is directly connected with Mu Zha’s training, supernatural abilities, and place within the Chan tradition.
As the war between Shang and Zhou escalates, increasing numbers of Chan and Jie disciples enter the battlefield. Puxian Zhenren participates on the Chan side alongside other immortals confronting powerful opponents, formations, and magical treasures.
In later religious interpretation, Puxian Zhenren becomes associated with the Buddhist figure Samantabhadra, but within the narrative structure of Investiture of the Gods he first functions as an important member of the Chan immortal hierarchy.
Within Celestial Generals, he serves naturally as a Person Subject connecting Mu Zha, Yuanshi Tianzun, and the wider master-disciple network of the Chan tradition.
