In the fourth Year of the Tongguang Era, Emperor Zhuangzong's decree barring garrison troops from returning ho…
In the fourth Year of the Tongguang Era, Emperor Zhuangzong's decree barring garrison troops from returning home sparked rebellion in Qinghe. As mutineers ravaged the countryside, a youth prepared to depart despite warnings: "The roads are chaotic. Wait until order is restored." He boasted, "I excel with bow and arrow. Should bandits come, I'll strike them down." Ten li into his journey, at nightfall, rustling sounds emerged from the roadside grass. The youth shouted but received no reply. He shot several arrows, yet the sounds persisted. Terrified, he retreated to a tree, pressing his back against it while nocking another arrow. Suddenly, wind and thunder erupted. Lightning flashed, and objects rained down before him, revealed as branches and leaves. The youth, trembling, cast aside his bow and begged for mercy. The storm ceased. Turning, he saw the tree stripped bare. An old man materialized, holding the fired arrows. The youth, astonished, bowed deeply. The old man laughed: "Your archery is fine, but without swordsmanship, you remain vulnerable." When asked his name, the elder replied: "I have none, nor does my sword." When the youth pleaded to learn his art, the old man demonstrated two or three techniques, with wind and lightning surging anew. Mastering but one move, the youth became a swordsman of renown.