Like the ancient wu, modern-day Daoist priests may also perform exorcisms, and rituals for clients to attain happiness, and to achieve long life or immortality.
In ancient times, in 142 CE, the spirit of Laozi (the founder of Daoism) supposedly came to a charismatic man named Zhang Daoling and appointed him to purify the world and establish a utopian (ideal) state.
He and his followers became known as the Celestial Masters. They believed that “qi” (divine energy force) was the essential power in the universe, and channeling qi enabled them to do their healing work.
Their descendants are still serving as Celestial Masters today; they are now working in Taiwan.