Katara, Sokka, Aang, and Toph came upon the shopkeeper's store whilst visiting the village of Shu Jing. The group amused themselves by trying on and using the merchandise the shopkeeper sold. Sokka in particular enthusiastically tried out various weapons and injured himself several times attempting to use them, before spotting a gorgeous sword on display. At this point, the shopkeeper complimented Sokka on his taste and informed the group about Piandao, a local swordsmaster, and explained that he was willing to teach those whom he deemed worthy of the way of the sword.