This sounds a little bit similar to this part of a story from a famous Chinese martial arts novel that is quite popular. There was somebody who had become the top swordsman in the known world, and he had his journey to swordsmanship written on his tombstone.
"The “Sword Devil” Dugu Qiubai has become the invincible and unchallenged swordsman under Heaven, hence he buried his swords here. The heroes of the realm bow before me. Now, my Long Sword is of no use anymore. The agony!’
The first sword (present)
“My first sword was so sharp, strong and fierce that none could withstand it. With it in hand, I strive for mastery by challenging all the heroes of the Northern Plains in my teenage years.”
The second sword (not present, represented by a wooden tablet)
“My second sword was violet in hue and flexible in motion. I used it in my 20s. With it, I have mistakenly wounded righteous men. It turned out to be a weapon of doom that caused me to feel remorse endlessly. I cast it into a deep canyon.”
The third sword (present)
“My third sword was heavy and blunt. The uttermost cunning is based on simplicity. With it, I roamed all lands under Heaven unopposed in my 30s.”
The fourth sword (represented by a wooden sword)
“After the age of 40, I was no longer hampered by any weapon. Grass, trees, bamboos and rocks can all be my swords. Since then, I have developed my skills further, such that gradually I can win battles without reaching for weapons.”
