邓紫阳是唐朝初期的一位道士，他出生在江西南城县，最初隐居于麻姑山。邓紫阳性格刚毅，有着深厚的学问，他自认为自己有能力去改变世界，但他未能得到当时朝廷的重用，因此他选择遨游名山大川，生活在自然之中。他在南岳时拜访了许多著名的道观，如朱陵洞天、青玉坛和光天坛。在那里，他遇到了南岳的一个名叫邓真人的道士，并成为他的学生。通过学习和自己的努力，邓紫阳 eventually gained a deep understanding of the principles of Daoism。
After his studies, 邓紫阳 traveled to other sacred mountains and visited many famous Daoist sites. He then returned home for a visit before embarking on a journey back, during which he received a divine sword from heaven. The sword was said to have been given to him as reward for his devotion to the practice of "Heavenly Incantation". As he wandered through mountains and valleys or rested by riversides, he would often recite this incantation, which moved the gods in heaven.
In 713 CE, Emperor Xuanzong summoned 邵公 (as he was also known) to the capital city where he resided at Taiyin Monastery. The emperor dispatched him on a mission to inspect and promote Daoism throughout Jiangnan's thirty-six prefectures. After completing his inspection tour in 714 CE, 邵公 returned to the capital.
Emperor Xuanzong granted him the title "Purple Yang" (a name associated with balance and harmony) and bestowed upon him purple robes adorned with gold thread worth one hundred pieces of silk. The emperor also gifted him two important temples: Foftang Temple in eastern capital Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an), and Longxingsi Temple in his hometown.
Later on, around 740 CE, Emperor Xuanzong ordered Purple Yang Master Deng Zhiyuan once again into service for another period of spiritual exploration across various famous mountains such as Zhong Yue Mountain、Wang Yu Mountain、Hangu Pass、Zongsan Cave etc., after that year Purple Yang Master Deng Zhiyuan settled down at Taoyuanguan Temple.
The legend has it that when Purple Yang Master Deng Zhiyuan passed away at an age considered old even by today's standards - over 120 years - he ascended straight up into heaven without going through death like ordinary people do. People began calling him Tangtian Shifu () after this event.
Following Tangtian Shifu's passing away generations later came several prominent figures who continued spreading teachings based on what they had learned from their master including Tan Senyan (), Shi Xuandun (), Zhou Tongxun (), Qu Dongyu (), Li Rongji () among others; they all received support from successive emperors like Wu Zetian , Xuanzong , Dezong , Xinzong , Wuzong & Xizong . As these individuals carried forward Tangtian Shifu's legacy so did northern celestial authority spread far beyond China’s borders; additionally numerous shrines dedicated specifically to North Pole Heavenly Lord & Four Sages were built under royal patronage during this time frame while imperial gifts included copies written onto golden tablets inscribed with jade ink along with secret texts stored within pouches held by those deemed capable enough due diligence toward deciphering its content following completion of three sacred rituals—Three Secrets Rituals—later proving instrumental aiding them vanquish remnants Hu tribes threatening national security thereby ensuring peace reign supreme across entire realm under Tang rule finally securing eternal fame & reverence forever etched within history books alongside revered lineage descending directly from Imperial family themselves who had sought out wisdom shared through ancient traditions practiced since earliest times until present day!
