Black Warrior of North called Xuán Wǔ in China which rules over Northern direction and represents Water element, Winter and the virtue faith. Since the word "tortoise" was a taboo in China warrior was used instead. Genbu symbolizes longevity and wisdom. It is said that its shell represents the vault of the universe. When the turtle becomes one thousand years old, it is able to speak the language of humans, and able to foretell the future. In China the tortoise had divine attributes, and was used for purposes of divination. After Taoism became popular Genbu was given human name Zhi Ming 執明.