Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 67

The posture of the Primal Unity Formation original: 混元陣 - Hunyuan Zhen; a formation named after the Daoist concept of the undivided universe is like the state of Primordial Chaos original: 混沌 - Hundun before it was divided; it is blended into a single mass, swirling together without scattering. It is like the celestial phenomena within the Sphere of the Heavens, where the inner and outer positions of the stars are not yet distinct; it circles and revolves like a whirlwind, taking on the appearance of a long, coiled snake.

When it does disperse, it does so without falling into disorder, much as when the Great Ultimate original: 太極 - Taiji; the supreme ultimate or the source of all existence has already divided into its parts. The Twenty-eight Lunar Mansions original: 二十八宿 - Ershiba Xiu; a system of constellations used in ancient Chinese astronomy to mark the moon's progress each belong to their own specific quarter: East, West, South, and North. Represented by the Dragon, Tiger, Bird, and Snake original: 龍虎鳥蛇 - Long Hu Niao She; refers to the Four Symbols or cardinal guardians: the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, and the Black Tortoise/Snake of the North, the soldiers return to their respective units without a single error. They advance like wind and rain, and they retreat like a mountain being moved. This formation is well-suited for being stationed in mountains and is advantageous for fighting in dangerous or difficult terrain.

It is essential to practice this formation during times of leisure. Soldiers must recognize the sentry signals, be thoroughly familiar with the commands, watch the flags and banners, keep an eye on the signal fires, know when to advance or retreat, and understand the subtle art of dividing and merging. To encounter the enemy and achieve victory, one must employ a "single mind" This implies total unity of purpose and concentration between the commander and the troops.

In the midst of battle, one must look in all four directions. When encountering danger, deploy "extraordinary" original: 奇 - Qi; a reference to Sun Tzu’s concept of "extraordinary" or unorthodox tactics maneuvers. When facing steep heights, set ambushes. In the open wilderness, use "deception" to sow doubt in the enemy. In all matters of attacking, besieging, battling, or defending, the transformations of the Primal Unity Formation are sufficient to prepare one for any aspect of war.