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[Names] (Pronounced "bei xi". The writing "xi bi" in *Zazu* is incorrect). Its skin is called "Gui Tong" (Turtle Shell Tube/Plate).
Li Shizhen states: It is named so because its cry resembles that of the "zi yi" (a type of bird/insect). "KT" is the phonetic rendering used by southerners for turtle skin. "You li mao" describes its powerful appearance, which is now imitated in the shape of stele pedestals. Some say large...

[Collected Explanations] Tao Hongjing says: Sea turtles are produced in Guangzhou.
Su Gong says: They are the same as the turtles from Qin region.
Zang Qi says: Sea turtles inhabit coastal areas. Their shells have patterns and can be used for ornamentation. They are not mountain turtles.
Bao Sheng says: Su Gong's statement is not a comprehensive theory. According to Guo Pu's commentary on *Erya*: Sea turtles emerge from Fu... Their shell patterns resemble those of hawksbill sea turtle (*Dai Mao*), and they can vocalize. Their shells can also be used for divination; this is what is commonly known as the "Spirit Turtle".
Su Song says: Sea turtles are a large variety of mountain turtles, distinct from Qin turtles. *Lingbiao Luyi* states: ...they can carry things on their backs. Locals harvest their shells, valuing those obtained from living turtles intact. Initially, wood is used to extract the meat. The turtle is subjected to... valleys. The ancient term "living turtle shedding its shell tube" refers to this process. Artisans use the translucent yellow shells, boiling and pounding them into vessels resembling hawksbill tortoise shell ware, termed "Gui Tong". For medicinal use, naturally shed shells from live turtles are preferred.
*Ri Hua Ben Cao* states: Sea turtle... is the skin. It can be treasured for decorating objects.
Li Shizhen says: Various accounts differ. According to *Shan Hai Jing*: ...resembles hawksbill but is thinner. Ying Shao's commentary on *Han Shu* states: ...classical texts. Synthesizing various views, the sea turtle is the larger form of..., belonging to the hawksbill category. Unlike mountain turtles, they can enter water. Thus, their efficacy is specific to... *Records* state: Sea turtles resemble hawksbill, size like a hat, seven to eight inches wide, two to three feet long. People pass them off as genuine hawksbill. The meat tastes like softshell turtle (*Yuan*) and is edible.
*Youyang Zazu* states: "Xi Bi" resembles a turtle, born in the South China Sea. Hunters must perform sacrifices before catching... meat.

[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Dispels wind-heat, promotes intestinal and stomach function (Li Shizhen).

[Flavor and Nature] Salty, neutral, slightly toxic.
[Indications] Treats venomous arrow wounds inflicted by southern minorities (Tao Hongjing). For those fainting or suffocating due to knife or arrow wounds, puncturing and drinking the blood brings relief (*Ri Hua Ben Cao*). Zang Qi notes: Southerners use copper and snake venom toxins, often breeding these turtles for such purposes.

Gui Tong (Turtle Shell Plate)
[Names] Sea turtle skin.
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, salty, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Treats blood disorders and poisoning from knife or arrows; decocted and drunk (Meng Shen). Resolves drug toxicity and gu poison (Li Shizhen).

[Appendix] (Pronounced "mi ma"), (Pronounced "chao"). Li Shizhen states: According to *Linhai Shuitu Ji*: ...resembles..., but with a thinner shell, body size like a turtle, extremely delicious taste, one specimen yielding three hu of fat. There is also..., similar to..., in the sand near the abdomen.