The Soul-Falling Bell is one of the important treasures Guangchengzi gives to Yin Jiao in Investiture of the Gods. It looks like a bell, but its power lies not in volume. Its sound directly disrupts opponents, prevents them from remaining secure in the saddle, and can remove their ability to fight.
Yin Jiao’s Treasure
When Guangchengzi sends Yin Jiao down the mountain to aid Zhou, he gives him the Fantian Seal, Soul-Falling Bell, Male-and-Female Swords, and other equipment. After Yin Jiao changes allegiance, the treasures intended to help Xiqi become threats against it.
A Ring of the Bell, a Rider Falls
Its clearest feats occur when Yin Jiao fights the Xiqi commanders. Huang Tianhua meets him on the Jade Qilin. When Yin Jiao shakes the bell, Huang Tianhua immediately loses his seat, falls, and is captured.
Huang Feihu rides forward on the Five-Colored Divine Ox to save his son. Yin Jiao rings the bell again, and Huang Feihu likewise falls. The bell’s distinctive danger is therefore its power to break the stability between a warrior and mount.
Not an Ordinary Temple Bell
CG should not turn the Soul-Falling Bell into a huge temple bell. It is a portable treasure that can be carried and shaken. Its form may draw from ancient bronze bells, but its scale must suit a person’s hand or equipment.
CG Visual Language
The visual priorities are:
- a small or medium bronze bell
- aged bronze color
- portable and hand-held
- not as elaborate or massive as a ceremonial vessel
- sound as the true source of power
In battle, one shake should make a mounted opponent lose balance and tumble from the saddle. That is the bell’s most recognizable image.
