In 142, Daoist hermit Zhang Daoling had announced that Laozi had appeared to him and commanded him to rid the world of decadence and establish a new state consisting only of the ‘chosen people.’ Zhang, becoming the first Celestial Master, gad begun to spread his newly founded movement throughout the province of Sichuan.

The movement had initially been called the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice, because each person wishing to join was required to donate five pecks of rice.

The movement had spread rapidly, particularly under his son Zhang Heng and grandson Zhang Lu.

Their rebellion against the Han dynasty is known as the Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion.

After the success of the rebellion in 184, they establish the theocratic state of Zhang Han in the Hanzhong Valley of Sichuan, enjoying full independence.

In 215, Zhang Lu submits to Cao Cao, the ruler of the Wei Kingdom, surrendering his state in exchange for gaining state religion status for Tianshi Daoism.

Zhang is given a title and land, as are several other family members and generals.

His daughter is married to Cao Cao’s son, Cao Yu.