Lord Tensen, seven higher class Sennin.
Sennin (仙人, Pinyin: Xiānrén, Literally meaning: Hermit, Sage, or Immortal) is a title that is associated with the beings of Kotaku who have trained for centuries in the ways of Taoism, granting them longevity, which includes powers of regeneration, and the ability to manipulate Tao.
Overview[]
In Taoism, the term "Xiānrén" is a common word for 仙 (Xiān), which refers to an immortal, superhuman, or celestial being who possesses powers of sorcery. Taoists who devote themselves to the practices and teachings of Taoism are said to become xian. In Chinese Alchemy, xian are viewed as alchemists who devoted themselves to seek out the elixir of life and practice techniques meant to obtain longevity such as qigong.
The artificial life forms and modified humans on Kotaku follow the same concept as told in the legends. They have a lifetime devotion to practicing Taoism and are able to manipulate Tao as a result. The Sennin of higher power follow these teachings but also mainly focus on concocting an Elixir of Life.
Psychological Characteristics[]
Aside from their primary focus on practicing Taoism, Sennin possess a superiority complex, believing that they are above other living things, especially humans. This is due to the fact that they are capable of much more, due to their powers of healing and manipulation of Tao that humanity finds god-like. For Tensens, they are Sennin who have absolutely no sympathy towards humans whatsoever, merely viewing them as material to create Tan and for their own amusement. Despite this, they are not so arrogant to recognize a human with incredible capabilities.
Appearance[]
Sennin dress in traditional Chinese robes (hanfu, yuanlingpao, changshan), ornaments, trousers, Taoist hats, shoes or boots. For Tensens, some include a ribbon that floats around them, which adds on to their higher status.
Sennin[]
| Sennin | ||||
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| Tensen | ||||
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| Gui Fa | Ju Fa † | Mei | Mu Dan † | Ran † |
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| Rien † | Tao Fa † | Zhu Jin † | ||
| Dōshi | ||||
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| Aza Chōbei | Butterfly Dōshi † | Centipede Dōshi † | Lettuce Dōshi * | Tentacle Dōshi |
Ranks[]
The Sennin hierarchy.
There are five rankings as a Sennin: Dōshi, Chisen, Jōsen, Shinsen, and Tensen. A Sennin's ranking is determined by the level of prowess they have with the Five Training Methods of Immortality.
Low Class[]
Dōshi[]
- Further information: Dōshi
Dōshi (道士) are the first and lowest rank of Sennin. They are students, as well as servants, to the higher-ranking Tensens who train them to master the Five Training Methods of Immortality. The humans that were modified by Lord Tensen were mainly given this classification. In order to be officially instated as a Dōshi, a being must first undergo the Hermit Ascendance Ritual (成仙の儀, Seisen no Ki).
Middle Class[]
Jōsen[]
Jōsen (上仙) is the fourth rank as a Sennin. This title indicates that a Dōshi's level of skill in the Five Training Methods of Immortality has matured.
Chisen[]
Chisen (地仙, Pinyin: Dexiān, Literally meaning: Earth Immortal) is the third rank as a Sennin. This title suggests that a Jōsen's aptitude in their training has reached a higher level.
High Class[]
Shinsen[]
Shinsen (神仙, Pinyin: Zhēnxiān, Literal meaning: God Immortal) is the second highest ranking as a Sennin. From what can be said of this status is that they are a Sennin that is more powerful than the Chisen. Though they are below the rank of Tensen, a Shinsen can be considered more or less slightly equal to that of a Tensen since they both are placed on top of the hierarchy.
Tensen[]
- Further information: Tensen
Tensen (天仙, Pinyin: Tiānxiān, Literal meaning: Heavenly Immortal) is the highest ranking a Sennin can achieve. They are Sennin who have completely mastered the Five Training Methods of Immortality. They have authority over the Dōshi and teach them in the ways of Tao and the five training methods. They possess longevity, two chi's that they are able to manipulate, empowered transformations, and are true masters at wielding Tao due to their years of devotion to their training. Rien, along with seven lifeforms she created, were the only ones to be given this classification.
Trivia[]
A general depiction of a Sennin.
- In Chinese culture, Sennin are mainly depicted as being elderly men. While the Tensens present themselves as being youthful, due to their constant consumption of Tan, their weakened bodies after being drained of Tao may give reference to this depiction.
- In the omakes of Volume 9, Rien had the members of Lord Tensen introduce Chōbei to the Five Training Methods of Immortality in hoping that he could rise to the ranks of Tensen after the Hermit Ascendance Ritual.
- In the Viz translation of Chapter 117, Rien identified herself to Shugen as a "Shinsen" (真仙). Since the kanji is written with a different character, replacing "god" (神) in "Shinsen" (神仙) with "true" (真) instead, Rien was most likely referring to herself as a "true immortal" since she had achieved the higher rank of Tensen rather than the second rank of Shinsen.