The Four Symbols

Taiji gives rise to the Two Forms, and the Two Forms give rise to the Four Symbols.

With the power of the Four Symbols, the immortal arts of the Five Elements unfold: Azure Dragon to the left, White Tiger to the right, Vermilion Bird ahead, Black Tortoise behind. My aura sweeps across the six directions, my sword commands the eight wastes, my feet tread on wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, and my hands pluck the sun, moon, and stars...

Most important of all is the insurmountable divide between humans and gods.

Mortals kneel before the heavens, while the gods look down upon the human world.

At the two far-flung ends, some are born sages, while others are born as mere dogs...