A video of Chinese Gen-Z creator "Fan Shisan" controlling a swarm of drone-swords through hand gestures has gone viral. In the footage, dozens of "flying swords" take off on command, perform precise formations and return in unison – bringing classic wuxia (martial arts) fantasies to life.

"Thousands of swords unite" – a spectacular move in Chinese martial arts fiction, sees heroes wield countless flying swords for attack or defense. According to Fan Shisan, his team spent three months designing and producing 50 drone-operated "flying swords," with 30 deployed synchronously during filming. Through programming, the swords hover, maneuver and maintain formation without physical tethers.