Cihang Daoren is one of the Twelve Immortals of the Chan tradition in Investiture of the Gods and resides at Luojia Cave on Mount Putuo. The novel first presents Cihang as an independent Chan immortal who participates in the Western Zhou campaigns. The character's actions, treasures, and manifestations belong to the Investiture narrative in their own right.
Cihang Daoren's clearest combination of treasure and deed is the use of the Qingjing Liuli Vase to break the Wind Roar Array. The character is also associated with the Wind-Calming Pearl, the Three-Treasure Jade Ruyi, and a sword. A powdered-white face and a three-headed, six-armed manifestation appear in a specific combat context and should be understood as a transformation rather than an everyday fixed appearance.
In later campaigns Cihang Daoren helps break the Four Symbols Array and subdues Jinguang Xian during the Myriad Immortals Array episodes. The Golden-Haired Hou then becomes an important mount associated with the character's later narrative image.
The novel and later traditions also connect Cihang Daoren with the development of Guanyin identity. This foundation notes that correspondence without merging the two records. Cihang Daoren remains the independent Investiture person described here, rather than being reduced to an explanation of an 'early Guanyin.'