At the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, the realm descended into chaos as numerous warlords vied for control over the Central Plains. Amid the fracturing of the empire, regional lords carved out territories, engaging in continuous conflict. Heroes and strategists emerged one after another, each taking the stage in turn. This turbulent period gave rise to a remarkable number of brilliant military commanders and clever advisors who shone brightly like stars in the vast constellation of the Three Kingdoms era.
The number of generals during the Three Kingdoms period was truly vast. Among them, Lü Bu wielded the formidable halberd known as the Fangtian Huaji, riding the swift and legendary Red Hare horse, earning the title of the “greatest warrior” of the era. Guan Yu, famed for his calm execution of Hua Xiong with a single cup of wine, as well as slaying enemies like Wen Chou and Yan Liang, rose to become the foremost of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu Han. However, these well-known masters were only the tip of the iceberg. Many exceptional warriors lived in the shadows, and among them was a figure known as the “Spear God of the Three Kingdoms” — Tong Yuan.
Tong Yuan is a fictional character created within the Southern Suzhou storytelling tradition about the Three Kingdoms and does not appear in historical records or in the classical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. In his later years, Tong Yuan took Zhao Yun as his closest disciple, imparting all his life’s martial knowledge. Based on the “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix” spear technique, Zhao Yun went on to develop his own renowned style called the “Seven Probes Serpent Spear.” In a legendary duel at Changban Slope, Zhao Yun clashed with his senior fellow disciple Zhang Xiu for over three hundred rounds, eventually defeating Zhang Xiu’s spear technique and killing him. Remarkably, Tong Yuan had already mastered spear techniques beyond his father’s skill by the age of 14 and was recognized as the top expert in Hebei by 18.
The “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix” spear technique is said to have been created by the spear master Tong Yuan himself. Both Zhang Xiu and Zhang Ren were trained in this method. Tong Yuan passed on this technique to his two top disciples, Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu, both notable figures in the late Eastern Han period. Later, in his final years, Tong Yuan also took Zhao Yun as his disciple and taught him this unique spear style.
Zhao Yun was known for his exceptional martial aptitude. He mastered the “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix” spear technique and, surpassing his master, innovated the “Seven Probes Serpent Spear.” Zhao Yun single-handedly defeated enemies like Wen Chou, challenged Ju Yi with his spear, and protected Gongsun Zan, helping him reverse a dire battle situation. At the Battle of Changban, Zhao Yun famously charged through enemy lines seven times to rescue Liu Bei’s son, A Dou. His heroic feats spread far and wide, earning him legendary status across the land.
Zhang Xiu was the foremost disciple of the martial arts master Tong Yuan. During the Battle of Wan City, his follower Hu Che’er managed to steal Dian Wei’s twin halberds, enabling Zhang Xiu to challenge Dian Wei with his spear. His “Hundred Birds Facing the Phoenix” spear technique struck terror across the battlefield. Originating from Wuwei, Zhang Xiu was a cousin of the cavalry general Zhang Ji. In the first year of Jian’an, during conflict with Liu Biao, Zhang Ji was killed by an arrow. Zhang Xiu then inherited Zhang Ji’s troops, established control over Wan City, and became a regional warlord. Cao Cao grew deeply uneasy about Zhang Xiu’s power nearby. In Jian’an’s second year, Cao Cao led a campaign against him. Early in the war, realizing he could not win, Zhang Xiu heeded Jia Xu’s advice and surrendered to Cao Cao.
Zhang Ren hailed from Shu Commandery in Yizhou, born into a humble family but showing courage and ambition from a young age. Zhang Ren, along with other officials, warned Liu Zhang to beware of Liu Bei, but Liu Zhang ignored these cautions. During a banquet, Liu Bei’s strategist Pang Tong planned for the general Wei Yan to assassinate Liu Zhang under the guise of a sword dance. Zhang Ren, sensing the danger, intervened and saved Liu Zhang. When Liu Bei attacked Liu Zhang, Zhang Ren and other commanders resisted and successfully ambushed and killed Pang Tong at Luofeng Slope.
Zhao Yun is a well-known figure. Although his official rank was not prominent during his lifetime, he was appointed to lead one of the five armies only after Liu Shan ascended the throne. The military system of Shu Han was divided into five armies: front, rear, left, right, and center, with no formal commander for the central army initially. Most records suggest the central army command was established around the first year of Jianxing. If Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Ma Chao, Huang Zhong, and Zhao Yun each commanded one of these five armies, this fits historical interpretations well.
In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, during the Battle of Changban, Zhao Yun is celebrated for his “seven advances and seven retreats” — bravely fighting through Cao Cao’s massive army repeatedly to find Lady Mi and Liu Bei’s son A Dou. Successfully protecting the future emperor Liu Shan, he not only broke through the encirclement but also slew dozens of Cao Cao’s commanders. Liu Bei once praised Zhao Yun, saying, “Zilong is all courage. Such bravery and valor are rare throughout history and across the world.”
