Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 27

Formations, Part 16 (Continued)

Diagram of the Five Phases Clustered Formation original: 五形攢 (Wuxing Cuan). This formation arranges troops according to the Five Phases (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), "clustering" them to ensure that each unit supports the others based on their elemental relationships.

Diagram of the Five-Petal Camp Formation original: 五花營 (Wuhua Ying). Literally "Five Flower Camp," this formation arranges five sub-units around a central command post, resembling the petals of a flower to allow for 360-degree defense and flexible deployment.

Diagram of the Six Jia Formation Explanation original: 六甲 (Liujia). The "Six Jia" are sacred days in the Chinese sexagenary cycle. In military terms, this formation is often associated with Daoist cosmic alignments intended to secure celestial favor and strategic positioning.

Diagram of the Eight Gates Formation Explanation original: 八門 (Bamen). A famous formation based on the "Eight Gates" of Daoist cosmology (such as the Gates of Life, Death, and Wonder). It is designed to confuse the enemy by presenting different "openings" that lead into traps.

Diagram of the Eight Gates Formation with Unorthodox Variations Explanation original: 奇變 (Qibian). This variation focuses on "Qi" (surprising or unorthodox) tactics, using the traditional Eight Gates structure but adding deceptive movements to catch the enemy off guard.

Diagram of the Nine-Locked Interlocking Formation Explanation original: 九鎖連環 (Jiusuo Lianhuan). An intricate defensive layout where nine distinct units are linked together like a chain. If one unit is attacked, the "links" on either side automatically close in to surround the attacker.

Diagram of the Long Snake Formation Explanation original: 長蛇 (Changshe). A highly flexible linear formation. Like a snake, if the "head" (front) is attacked, the "tail" (rear) swings around to strike; if the "tail" is attacked, the "head" responds.

Diagram of the Great Charging Formation for Engagement Explanation original: 交鋒大衝 (Jiaofeng Dachong). A specialized formation intended for the exact moment of "crossing blades" or initial engagement, concentrating the army’s momentum into a powerful, wedge-like charge.

Diagram of the Chariot Wheel Formation Explanation original: 車輪 (Chelun). A circular formation designed for endurance. Like a rotating wheel, units cycle from the front line to the rear, allowing tired soldiers to rest while fresh troops continuously face the enemy.