A Xian is any manner of immortal, mythical being within the Taoist pantheon or Chinese folklore. Xian has often been translated into English as "immortal". Traditionally, Xian refers to mortal beings who have attained immortality and supernatural abilities, with a connection to the heavenly realms inaccessible to mortals. This is often achieved through spiritual self-cultivation, alchemy, or worship by others. Besides enlightened humans and fairy-like humanoid beings, Xiān can also refer to supernatural animals including foxes, fox spirits and Chinese dragons. Xian Dragons were thought to be the mounts of gods and goddesses or manifestations of the spirit of Taoists such as Laozi that existed in a mental realm sometimes called "the Heavens". AIart 2048 x 2048 px.