Chen Boyu

Chen Boyu (simplified: 陈伯煜, traditional: 陳伯煜, pinyin: Chén Bóyù, jyutping: can4 baak3 juk6), known as Chen Boyu the Iron Palm (铁掌陈伯煜 — Tiězhǎng Chén Bóyù), was a renowned martial artist from Henan Province who possessed the legendary twin dragon swords in Twin Blades of the Storm Dragon. His name meaning “Elder Radiance” or “Brilliant Elder,” Chen Boyu’s murder at the hands of Zhang Yanfeng set the novel’s tragic events in motion.

Biography

Life as a martial artist

Chen Boyu was a famous martial artist from Henan Province, known throughout the jianghu for his mastery of palm techniques, which earned him the epithet “the Iron Palm.” He was the possessor of two legendary swords that could cut through copper and iron: the Rain-Soaring Azure Dragon (苍龙腾雨 — Cānglóng Téng Yǔ) and the Wind-Singing White Dragon (白龙吟风 — Bái Lóng Yín Fēng).

Chen Boyu wielded the Azure Dragon sword himself, while his daughter Chen Xiuxia (陈秀侠) was trained in the White Dragon sword. The possession of these legendary weapons made Chen Boyu a target for those who coveted such treasures.

Encounter with Zhang Yanfeng

While returning home from visiting friends, Chen Boyu encountered a convoy leader named Zhang Yanfeng, also known as “Treasure Blade Zhang the Third” (宝刀张三 — Bǎodāo Zhāng Sān). Zhang Yanfeng was being pursued by Lu Yinsong (鲁荫松), known as “Iron Staff Lu” (铁棍鲁荫松 — Tiěgùn Lǔ Yìnsōng), for reasons not immediately clear.

Chen Boyu, demonstrating the chivalrous spirit of the jianghu, intervened to help Zhang Yanfeng, saving him from his pursuer. This act of kindness would prove to be his undoing.

Murder and betrayal

Despite Chen Boyu’s assistance, Zhang Yanfeng betrayed the man who had saved him. Coveting Chen Boyu’s legendary swords, Zhang Yanfeng murdered Chen Boyu to steal the treasures. This act of treachery set the novel’s tragic events in motion.

Chen Boyu’s death left his daughter Chen Xiuxia orphaned and set her on a path of vengeance, searching everywhere for Zhang San to avenge her father’s murder.

Personality and traits

Chivalry and honour

Chen Boyu demonstrated the chivalrous spirit of the jianghu by intervening to help Zhang Yanfeng when he was being pursued. His willingness to assist someone in need, even without fully understanding the circumstances, reflected the values of honour and righteousness that were supposed to guide martial artists.

Mastery of martial arts

Chen Boyu’s epithet “the Iron Palm” indicated his mastery of palm techniques, making him a respected figure in the jianghu. His possession of the legendary twin dragon swords further demonstrated his status as a skilled and accomplished martial artist.

Martial arts abilities

Iron Palm

Chen Boyu was renowned for his mastery of palm techniques, earning him the epithet “Chen Boyu the Iron Palm.” This skill made him a formidable martial artist and a respected figure in the jianghu.

Sword techniques

Chen Boyu wielded the Rain-Soaring Azure Dragon, one of the legendary twin dragon swords. His skill with this weapon, combined with his palm techniques, made him a powerful martial artist.

Relationships

Chen Xiuxia

Chen Boyu was the father of Chen Xiuxia, whom he trained in the White Dragon sword. His murder left her orphaned and set her on a quest for vengeance that would shape the rest of her life.

Zhang Yanfeng

Chen Boyu’s relationship with Zhang Yanfeng began with an act of chivalry, as Chen Boyu saved Zhang Yanfeng from his pursuer. However, this kindness was repaid with betrayal and murder, as Zhang Yanfeng killed Chen Boyu to steal his legendary swords.

Behind the scenes

Chen Boyu’s character serves as the catalyst for the events of Twin Blades of the Storm Dragon. His murder sets in motion the novel’s central conflict between his daughter’s quest for vengeance and her love for her enemy’s son.

His story illustrates the tragic consequences that can result from greed and betrayal in the jianghu, showing how even acts of chivalry can lead to tragedy when met with treachery. Chen Boyu’s death represents the loss of honour and righteousness in a world where such values are increasingly rare.