Langxian

The langxian was a branched, multi-tipped spear with thorns attached to the branches. The blades could be dipped in poison. The langxian was a weapon well suited for defense. It would be difficult for the opponent to get near the person holding the nangseon without getting touched by the thorns.

Map of Langxian, Nyingchi, Tibet, China

It was probably an invention of the Chinese general Qi Jiguang of the Ming Dynasty, who described it in his manual titled Jixiao Xinshu. The manual describes that the langxian acted as backup for the rattan shield bearers in a "mandarin duck formation". In Korea, the weapon, known as nangseon, was mentioned as early as the 16th century martial arts manual Muyejebo, which was based on the Jixiao Xinshu.