The Two Principles Formation is a subsidiary formation within the Ten Thousand Immortals Formation, defended by Lingya Xian.
It appears immediately after the Taiji Formation and continues the Jie tradition’s challenge to the Chan side.
Lingya Xian Defends the Formation
Lingya Xian charges out carrying twin swords. Yuanshi Tianzun sends Puxian Zhenren to break the formation.
The two meet first in direct armed combat. Lingya Xian then withdraws into the formation and activates the esoteric methods of Jie.
Thunder and the Changes of the Two Principles
The novel draws particular attention to thunder when the formation begins to operate. Lingya Xian tries to trap Puxian within it.
The “two principles” can be understood as the paired poles of yin and yang, but CG should not reduce the scene to a modern black-and-white taiji emblem. The visual emphasis belongs on two opposed forces that transform, close in, and block escape.
Puxian Breaks the Formation
Puxian Zhenren enters, reveals his dharma body, and suppresses the formation. He then captures Lingya Xian with the Long Rainbow Cord, breaking the Two Principles Formation.
Original Form as the White Elephant
After his capture, Lingya Xian is returned to his original form: a White Elephant. He is later given to Puxian Zhenren as a mount.
The formation therefore connects directly to Lingya Xian, Puxian Zhenren, and the White Elephant.
CG Visual Language
- a two-pole structure
- pressure from opposing directions
- thunder
- contrary forces transforming into one another
- a visual echo between the paired forces and Lingya Xian’s twin swords
This formation is especially suited to a visual language built around paired elements.