The story of Lu Zhishen uprooting a willow tree is a false proposition; the explanation is as follows:
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A force analysis of Lu Zhishen pulling out the willow tree shows that in order to pull it out, there must be a pivot point that provides an upward force – a force that is sufficient to overcome the weight of the willow tree along with the soil surrounding its roots. At the same time, this pivot point cannot be located on the soil above the roots, because the roots are connected to the soil; it’s like trying to lift a barbell while standing on the barbell itself. Otherwise, where would Lu Zhishen stand? Lu Zhishen wanted to grasp the willow trunk with his hands; he couldn’t be too far away from it, as the roots of the tree were right beneath the trunk. To pull up the willow tree, Lu Zhishen must be able to hover, while also providing a force equal to or greater than the total weight of the soil that the willow and its roots are holding onto. What do you think?
Tree branches can break under stress; what happens to the tree if its roots break?
Lu Zhishen could pull up not many such large willow trees, but many people were able to pull up small saplings. According to your analysis, it should be impossible to pull out even small seedlings, but this isn’t true. No matter how reasonable the analysis may be, if it does not correspond to the facts, it is nonsense.
It’s still more believable that Wu Song fought the tiger; P