 In legend, Gaozu once promised Han Xin that if he "faced Heaven and stood firm on Earth" (頂天立地於漢土; i.e.remained loyal) to the Han Dynasty, he would not have Han Xin killed by any weapon used by soldiers () .Hence, when Han Xin was executed, he was hung in midair within a great bell and was pierced to death with swords made from wood or bamboo.