Cao Yunqi (simplified: 曹云奇, traditional: 曹雲奇, pinyin: Cáo Yúnqí, jyutping: cou4 wan4 kei4), also known as the Tenglong Sword (腾龙剑), was the leader of the Northern Branch of the Tianlong School in Jin Yong’s Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain. He was known for his narrow-mindedness, impulsiveness, and emotional instability.
Biography
Early life and training
Cao Yunqi was a disciple of Tian Guinong, the previous leader of the Northern Branch of the Tianlong School. After Tian Guinong’s death, Cao Yunqi succeeded him as the leader, inheriting the epithet “Tenglong Sword” (腾龙剑, Soaring Dragon Sword).
Relationship with Tian Qingwen
Cao Yunqi was in love with Tian Qingwen, Tian Guinong’s daughter and his martial sister. However, Tian Qingwen was engaged to Tao Zian, the son of Tao Baishui. This created a love triangle that caused Cao Yunqi great emotional distress.
Cao Yunqi and Tian Qingwen had an affair that resulted in her becoming pregnant. To cover up the scandal, Tian Qingwen killed the infant and buried the body in the garden. This incident was witnessed by Zhou Yunyang, another member of the Northern Branch.
The treasure hunt
When Tao Baishui and his son discovered the treasure chest containing Li Zicheng’s saber, Cao Yunqi and other members of the Tianlong School became involved in the struggle. Cao Yunqi participated in the conflict between the Northern and Southern Branches of the Tianlong School over the treasure.
Humiliation and downfall
Cao Yunqi’s impulsiveness and lack of skill were demonstrated when he attempted to take a sword from two young servants. Instead of succeeding, he was repeatedly knocked down by the children using tree branches, making him a laughingstock among the assembled martial artists.
When Tao Zian publicly revealed the truth about Tian Qingwen’s murdered child, Cao Yunqi tried to stop him but only succeeded in making himself look more foolish. His emotional instability and lack of self-control were on full display.
Final fate
Cao Yunqi joined the other greedy martial artists in searching for Li Zicheng’s treasure. However, Hu Fei trapped them all in the treasure cave, where they presumably died, unable to escape. Cao Yunqi’s greed and lack of judgment led to his ultimate downfall.
Personality
Cao Yunqi is portrayed as narrow-minded, impulsive, and emotionally unstable. He is easily angered and lacks self-control, often making poor decisions based on his emotions rather than reason. His jealousy over Tian Qingwen’s engagement to Tao Zian drives much of his behavior, leading him to act rashly and without consideration for the consequences.
Despite being a martial arts master and leader of the Northern Branch, Cao Yunqi’s skills are mediocre at best. His humiliation at the hands of two children demonstrates his lack of true martial arts ability, despite his position.
Relationships
- Tian Guinong (Master): Cao Yunqi was Tian Guinong’s disciple and succeeded him as leader of the Northern Branch.
- Tian Qingwen (Martial Sister/Lover): Cao Yunqi was in love with Tian Qingwen and had an affair with her, resulting in her pregnancy.
- Tao Zian (Rival): Cao Yunqi was jealous of Tao Zian, who was engaged to Tian Qingwen.
- Ruan Shizhong (Martial Brother): Cao Yunqi worked alongside Ruan Shizhong as a member of the Northern Branch.
- Zhou Yunyang (Martial Brother): Zhou Yunyang witnessed Tian Qingwen’s murder of her child.
Martial Arts
Cao Yunqi was known as the “Tenglong Sword” (腾龙剑) and practiced the Tianlong Swordplay of the Northern Branch. However, his skills were mediocre, as demonstrated by his humiliation at the hands of two children.
Legacy
Cao Yunqi is often cited as one of Jin Yong’s “ten most foolish characters” due to his lack of judgment, emotional instability, and poor decision-making. His character serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of letting emotions override reason and the consequences of greed and jealousy. His ultimate fate—trapped in the treasure cave—represents the result of unchecked avarice and poor judgment.