Xiongqi Urban Legend

Under the silent canopy of night, beneath stars twinkling against a shy moon veiled by wandering clouds, a peasant descended into a dream both mystifying and mesmerizing. Gradually, the mist parted, revealing a serene assembly of pandas moving toward him with calm grace. These gentle beings, emblems of peace and serenity, carried an unvoiced prophecy, a whisper from beyond the veil.

As if emerging directly from the fog, Goddess He Xiangu materialized, her radiance cutting through the nocturnal haze. To encounter her was both a profound privilege and a cryptic riddle. Struck with awe, the peasant found himself enveloped in a wave of deep veneration.

Those who adapt with the changing times are blessed, intoned the goddess, her voice an ethereal harmony. Now is the moment for Xiangqi to stride into a new chapter—modernizing while honoring its rich heritage. A crucial innovation is required: a fifth major piece, the linchpin of this era's dawn.

Moved by the revelation, the peasant hesitantly sought clarity, his voice quivering with a blend of reverence and doubt. How could it be that he, so humble and mortal, was chosen for such a grand endeavor?

With a smile that seemed to illuminate across centuries, He Xiangu gently revealed her hand. Within its glow, a scene unfolded: a horse, bounding with the nimble elegance of a rabbit.

This spectacle transcended mere physical prowess or speed. It exuded an enchanting suppleness, a captivating adaptability—qualities essential for the harmonious interplay within the grand tapestry of existence. Emerging like a profound symbol from the depths of mystery, it signified not only swiftness but the sophisticated art of navigating through life's complexities with fairness and cohesion.

These principles, the foundation of a society where diverse voices unite in concord, echoed an ageless dream: the emergence of equitable, wise leadership founded on the pillars of mutual respect and collective insight.

Upon awakening, the peasant was engulfed in bewilderment as dawn's first light washed over him. The dream lingered, both distant and intensely present, a mystery shrouded in night's mist. Yet, from within surged a compelling energy, urging him toward action.

With divine inspiration as his guide, he embarked on his task with renewed purpose. Led by an unseen hand, he crafted the piece as shown by He Xiangu: a seamless blend of equine strength and leporine grace. This creation, born of celestial vision and mortal craft, heralded a new chapter for Xiangqi, a fusion of heritage and progress in a game destined to enchant future generations.

Thus was born Xiongqi, not merely as a game, but as the emblem of an evolution, inspired by ancestral wisdom and the courage of those who dare to dream.