A frail, sick man with a spellbinding way with words, Zhi Shilang is one of the Sui empire's most wanted criminals. He is the one Dao Ma must take to Chang'an.
Personality
Intelligent, calm and charismatic, Zhi Shilang persuades with words rather than force. He is driven by deep conviction and a political ideal that makes him risk everything.
Powers & abilities
He has no martial strength; his power lies in his visionary mind, his eloquence and his ability to rally others to his cause.
History
A former leader of a revolt against the Sui, he sees the journey to Chang'an as a chance to end Emperor Yang's tyranny. His relationship with Dao Ma, made of distrust and respect, carries the whole story.
Relationships
Dao Ma is his escort, with whom he forms a complex bond. He leads a secret society that shares his ideal.
Key moments
- His first meeting with Dao Ma.
- The speeches where he sets out his ideal.
- The ordeals of the journey to Chang'an.
In the adaptations
The donghua and manhua highlight his contrast with Dao Ma: words against the blade.
Did you know?
- Emperor Yang of Sui, whom he fights, is a real historical figure known for his great works and his wars.
- His duo with Dao Ma is often compared to the great pairings of adventure cinema.
Our take
Zhi Shilang is the brains of Blades of the Guardians. His face-off with Dao Ma gives the story its political depth.
— Spidermas, for Donghua Fan