Because of his great skill at magic, Li Tie guai was able to free his soul from his body and to aid others in the celestial realm. His attributes are a beggar’s crutch and gourd because once, while his spirit was gone from his body, a disciple decided that Li Tie guai was dead and burned his body. When Li Tie guai’s soul returned from its travels, he was forced to enter the body of a beggar.