Iron Crutch Li ranks first among the Eight Immortals. He was originally named Li Xuan and was also called Li Ningyang. It is said that he was from Baguo during the Zhou Dynasty. Iron Crutch Li had special features and a special disposition, and he was bright and wise. At the age of 20, he already understood the profundity of the universe. He roamed, visiting many places in search of Lao Zi, his ancestor and Supreme Old Lord, to fulfil his quest for enlightenment.
One day, Iron Crutch Li came to Mt. Hua, which was enveloped in the mist and had towering trees and flying geese, like a paradise in the mortal world. Supreme Old Lord was aware that Iron Crutch Li would eventually become an immortal. When he suddenly felt a fresh breeze blowing while debating the Tao with Wan Qiu, he knew Iron Crutch Li had arrived at Mt. Hua. He sent two young servants to welcome him, and he taught him Taoism.
