In our traditional culture, the image of the underworld has always been intimidating, especially the black and white impermanence that is responsible for attracting souls, and is portrayed as a terrifying character. But if you dig deeper into their origins, you'll find that there's a moving story behind them. What kind of existence did these two mysterious characters have during their lifetimes, and what kind of deep friendship do they have? Let's uncover the dust of history and explore the true face of these two "terrifying" characters. Will their stories make your impression of them change 180 degrees?
During the Western Jin Dynasty, there were two close friends named Xie Bi'an and Fan Wusu in Fuzhou, Fujian, whose friendship was deep and could be described as a typical "heart-to-heart treatment". Growing up together, they are always inseparable whether they walk or stay. Xie Bi'an and Fan Wuxu, one known for their integrity and the other for their loyalty, their lives are full of harmony and joy.
The good times didn't last long, and a sudden disaster changed their peaceful lives. Remembering that it was a sunny day, Xie Bi'an proposed to go to the mountains in the suburbs, and Fan Wusu readily agreed. As soon as they arrived in the mountains, the sky was covered with dark clouds, followed by a violent rainstorm.
In this case, the two decide to find an abandoned house to shelter from the rain. The rain was pouring down, and it looked like it was going to last all night. For the safety of the two, Xie Bi'an decided to brave the rain to find help or at least find an umbrella, while Fan Wuxuan stayed where he was and waited. This wait has become a farewell.
When Xie Bi'an went out to look for rain gear, the road was muddy, and he stumbled along the way, but he never got his wish. The water level around the abandoned hut rose sharply due to its low-lying terrain. Fan Wusu could have chosen to leave, but he thought of Xie Bi'an's advice and decided to stay where he was and wait.
The rain became heavier and heavier, and the water level around the hut became higher and higher, until it submerged Fan Wuxu's body. In the end, because he kept his promise, he chose to wait loyally, and unfortunately drowned. When Xie Bi'an returned from the mud, it was already sunny the next day, and he found that Fan Wusu was no longer alive.
This man, who has always made integrity and loyalty his life creed, could not accept such a fact. In deep self-reproach and sorrow, he chose to go with his brother, and he hanged himself from the beam of that hut, hoping to reunite with Fan Wusu in the underworld.
Touched by their loyalty and sacrifice, Hades decided to give them an important role in the Netherworld - to become black and white, to guide the souls of the dead, and to maintain the balance between the yin and yang worlds. This is not only an appreciation for their affection during their lifetime, but also a reward for their loyalty.
The legendary black and white impermanence, although terrifying in appearance, is not actually a demon or evil spirit. On the contrary, it is precisely because of their kindness and honesty in life that they are entrusted with such an important responsibility. They draw souls in the yang world, not to intimidate or hurt people, but to ensure that everyone can make a smooth transition to the underworld on time and maintain the natural order of the world.
The story of Xie Bi'an and Fan Wusu also reflects the great importance that ancient people attached to loyalty and sacrifice. In their worldview, this sacrifice is to be honored and commemorated. Their stories have been passed down to future generations, and more people no longer feel just fear when mentioning the impermanence of black and white, but have more understanding and respect for the stories behind them.
This legend is also a reminder that in real life, everyone can inadvertently play a role. Perhaps, the evil ghost in our eyes is actually just a hero who has not been understood from another perspective. In this story, black and white impermanence is no longer a simple ghost image, but incarnates as a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice.
Their story is not only a legend about life and death, but also a profound exploration and reflection on human nature. In our fast-paced modern lives, perhaps we can learn from the stories of these two ancients about loyalty, sacrifice and human relationships.
Black and white, these mysterious characters with intimidating-sounding names are in fact far richer and more touching than we know. They are not only the mythical messengers of life, but also the embodiment of loyalty and friendship. By revisiting their stories, we can not only change our perception of them, but also learn something deeper about humanity – true courage and selflessness. When we mention them in the future, we may no longer feel afraid, but with a sense of respect and understanding, knowing the real story behind them.