 He developed a disease of the feet which caused him to limp, quit his post, and went home to Xiangyang, collecting a local history gazette titled "Records of the Elders of Xiangyang" ().Xiangyang at this time was a flourishing centre of Buddhism, due in no small part to the activity of Shi Dao'an, whom Xi Zuochi greatly admired, advocated, and was friendly with.He introduced himself to Shi Dao'an via letter in 365, and the two met shortly thereafter.