Biao Ren or Hyoujin: Blades of the Guardians also known as Blades of the Guardians, is a Chinese manhua written and illustrated by Xianzhe Xu.
Xianzhe Xu draws profound inspiration from a blend of Hong Kong martial arts, Italian Westerns, and Japanese swordsman films. Additionally, he has a penchant for gangster martial arts movies. Driven by a desire to weave together Western and martial arts elements, he set out to craft a gripping tale set in the late Sui Dynasty, showcasing the art of combat during that era. To achieve this vision, he dedicated himself to extensive research on historical materials pertaining to the Sui Dynasty. Moreover, he sought counsel from experts to ensure the cultural accuracy of weapon architecture and other intricate details.

In the heart of the Western Regions, a skilled martial artist named Dao Ma roams the desert accompanied by his three-year-old son, Xiao Qi. Veiled in mystery, he treads a solitary path, constantly evading pursuers from all directions. Despite his formidable combat prowess, the reasons behind his solitary journey remain shrouded in secrecy.

Fate takes an unexpected turn when Dao Ma reluctantly accepts a merchant's commission to escort a man named Zhi Shi Lang to Chang'an. Little did he know that perilous challenges awaited him along this treacherous route.