Final answer:
Tian first appeared as a replacement for Shangdi in the Qin dynasty. Huangdi was the title adopted by the Qin emperor, King Zheng of Qin, to distinguish himself from other kings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tian first appeared as a replacement for Shangdi in the Qin dynasty. The Qin emperor, King Zheng of Qin, needed a new title to distinguish himself from other kings, and he adopted the title Huangdi, which means 'shining' or 'august, elevated.' The term 'di' originally referred to the Shang ancestors and a high god, sometimes equivalent to 'Heaven.'