The Shijie process in Taoism reflects early medieval Chinese beliefs on immortality by symbolizing the transformation from a mortal to an immortal being. This process is often described using the analogy of a cicada molting its exoskeleton, which represents the shedding of the mortal body to reveal the immortal self. The concept of immortality in early medieval China was complex and multifaceted, with different perceptions such as xingjie and shijie.

Xian, or immortals, were entities who attained supernatural abilities and a connection to the heavenly realms. The shijie process is a ritual that signifies the transition to this state of immortality, embodying the belief that individuals could, through certain practices and rituals, achieve a state of transcendence beyond physical death.

Early medieval Chinese literature is replete with stories of self-cultivation and the pursuit of immortality, often involving encounters with shapeshifting animals or other supernatural beings. These narratives reflect the cultural fascination with the idea of transcending mortality and the quest for spiritual enlightenment.

In summary, the shijie process is a reflection of the early medieval Chinese beliefs in immortality, where the transformation from a mortal to an immortal being was not only a spiritual aspiration but also a tangible goal that could be achieved through dedicated practice and ritual. This belief system was deeply intertwined with the cultural, religious, and literary expressions of the time, as evidenced by the prevalence of such themes in early medieval Chinese literature and the rituals performed by Daoist masters.