The Eight Immortals did not emerge as a group until the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368 CE). It is doubtful if they were indeed historical figures. Each of them has a personal mythology traceable to the Han (200 BCE- 220 CE) and Song (960-1279 BCE) dynasties. They are also associated with Eight Trigram directions in the Classic of Change or Yijing 易经. Han Zhongli 汉钟离, also known as Zhong Liquan 钟离权, this immortal is popular amongst those seeking immortality as he is believed have invented the pill for it.
