Modern construction worker Guo An died in a workplace accident and was reborn as the son of a wealthy merchant during the Chenghua era of the Ming dynasty. The original owner was a spoiled young man who lorded it over the locals and chased after beautiful women. After rescuing Jiang Liuming, the daughter of an official who had been framed, he was humiliated by a bully and came to his senses, resolving to master the martial arts and become stronger.
After three years of grueling training on Mount Wudang, he emerged as a young man skilled in both letters and arms. Just as the Ming dynasty was formalizing its military examinations for the first time, Guo An used his genuine talent to become the first top-ranked military candidate. From then on, he guarded the borders and defended the country against Mongol and Jurchen incursions. Though he achieved no earth-shattering feats, as a military examination graduate he forged a new path: “Master the arts of letters and arms, then offer your service to the emperor.” His example inspired countless martial artists in later generations to serve their country.
