A Daoist priest and skilled swindler who was originally from a small wealthy family. His parents died in war and his family business was destroyed. An old Daoist priest took him as a disciple but died (rode a crane westward) before teaching him much skill. Xu Xuantong became a valued guest of a powerful family in Changzhou but was suspected of seducing the mistress and had to flee. He encountered bandits, soldiers, and robbers along the road, ending up in the condition Li Hui found him. He attempted to swindle Li Hui by claiming to see a great calamity and offering to dissolve it, but Li Hui saw through the scheme and threatened him with a dagger.
