Chen Xuanfeng (陈玄风 – Chén Xuánfēng), known as the “Copper Corpse” (铜尸 – tóng shī), was one of Huang Yaoshi’s six disciples and the husband of Mei Chaofeng. Together, they formed the notorious “Black Wind Twin Devils” (黑风双煞 – hēi fēng shuāng shà) and became feared throughout the jianghu.
Biography
Chen Xuanfeng was one of Huang Yaoshi’s six disciples on Peach Blossom Island. He had a distinctive appearance with a bronze-yellow complexion that resembled copper, earning him the nickname “Copper Corpse.” His face rarely showed any emotion, making him appear like a zombie, and his body was said to be as hard as copper and iron, impervious to weapons.
The forbidden love and betrayal
During their time on Peach Blossom Island, Chen Xuanfeng fell in love with his fellow disciple Mei Chaofeng. Fearing Huang Yaoshi’s punishment for their forbidden relationship, the couple decided to elope from the island. However, they knew their martial arts skills were not yet sufficient to establish themselves in the jianghu.
To compensate for their lack of martial prowess, Chen Xuanfeng stole the lower volume of the Nine Yin Manual, which Huang Yaoshi treasured above all else. This theft would have devastating consequences for their fellow disciples and set in motion a series of tragic events.
The theft and its consequences
Chen Xuanfeng’s theft of the Nine Yin Manual was a calculated decision born of desperation. He knew that with only basic martial arts training, he and Mei Chaofeng would be vulnerable in the dangerous jianghu. The manual represented their only chance to gain the power necessary for survival.
The theft had far-reaching consequences beyond just their own fate. Huang Yaoshi, in his anger and grief over losing his wife’s legacy, punished all his remaining disciples by breaking their legs and expelling them from Peach Blossom Island. This act of collective punishment devastated the once-thriving martial arts school and scattered its members across the martial world.
The Black Wind Twin Devils
After fleeing Peach Blossom Island, Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng became known as the “Black Wind Twin Devils” and were feared throughout the martial arts world. Despite their deep love for each other, they practiced increasingly evil martial arts techniques, driven by their desperate need for power and their lack of proper guidance.
Adaptation of the Nine Yin Manual
Chen Xuanfeng had the Nine Yin Manual text tattooed on his chest, allowing him to practice the techniques without carrying the physical book. This innovative approach demonstrated his cunning and determination to master the forbidden martial arts. However, his lack of understanding of the manual’s philosophical foundation led to the corruption of the techniques.
The corrupted techniques
Without the proper foundation from the upper volume of the manual, Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng were forced to interpret the techniques based on their limited understanding. This resulted in the creation of the infamous “Nine Yin White Bone Claw” (九阴白骨爪) and “Heart-crushing Palm” (摧心掌), which were far more brutal and dangerous than the original techniques intended.
Martial arts
Core techniques
Chen Xuanfeng was trained in several of Huang Yaoshi’s signature techniques, including the Azure Wave Palm Technique (碧波掌法) and various other palm techniques. However, his mastery of these techniques was incomplete due to his early departure from the island.
The corrupted Nine Yin techniques
The techniques that Chen Xuanfeng developed from the stolen manual were significantly different from the original. The “Nine Yin White Bone Claw” involved inserting fingers into an opponent’s skull, creating five holes in the head. The “Heart-crushing Palm” was designed to damage internal organs, particularly the heart.
Physical characteristics
Chen Xuanfeng’s appearance was distinctive and intimidating. His bronze-yellow complexion resembled copper, earning him the nickname “Copper Corpse.” His face rarely showed emotion, making him appear like a zombie, and his body was said to be as hard as copper and iron, impervious to weapons. However, he had a critical weakness - his navel was his pressure point, and any injury to this area would be fatal.
The tragic end
The battle with the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan
Chen Xuanfeng’s final battle occurred in a desolate mountain area where he and Mei Chaofeng encountered the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan. The battle was fierce and complex, involving multiple opponents and various martial arts techniques. Despite his formidable abilities, Chen Xuanfeng found himself facing skilled opponents who were determined to stop his reign of terror.
The fatal mistake
During the battle, Chen Xuanfeng captured the young Guo Jing, who was only six years old at the time. In his arrogance and overconfidence, Chen Xuanfeng failed to recognize the danger posed by this seemingly helpless child. Guo Jing, in a moment of desperation and fear, drew a dagger and stabbed Chen Xuanfeng in his navel - his fatal pressure point.
Death and legacy
Chen Xuanfeng’s death was both tragic and ironic. A master of martial arts who had terrorized the jianghu for years was ultimately killed by a child who knew nothing of martial arts. His death marked the end of the Black Wind Twin Devils’ reign of terror, though Mei Chaofeng would continue to cause problems in the martial world.
Character and personality
Love and devotion
Despite his brutal nature and evil deeds, Chen Xuanfeng’s love for Mei Chaofeng was genuine and deep. Throughout their time together, he remained devoted to her, and his final words were expressions of concern for her future well-being. This aspect of his character adds complexity to what would otherwise be a purely villainous figure.
Intelligence and cunning
Chen Xuanfeng demonstrated considerable intelligence in his approach to martial arts and survival. His decision to tattoo the manual on his chest, his strategic thinking in battles, and his ability to adapt techniques to his needs all showed a sharp mind that was unfortunately misdirected.
The corruption of power
Chen Xuanfeng’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing power without proper guidance and moral foundation. His transformation from a promising disciple to a feared villain demonstrates how the pursuit of martial arts mastery can corrupt when divorced from proper philosophical and ethical training.
Impact on the story
Catalyst for major events
Chen Xuanfeng’s theft of the Nine Yin Manual set in motion a series of events that would shape the entire story. His actions led to the destruction of Huang Yaoshi’s school, the scattering of his disciples, and ultimately to the involvement of many characters in the quest to recover or understand the manual.
Influence on other characters
The fear and hatred generated by Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng’s actions affected many characters throughout the story. The Seven Freaks of Jiangnan, particularly Zhang Asheng who died in the battle, were deeply affected by their encounter with the Black Wind Twin Devils. This created a lasting enmity that would influence future events.
Legacy in the martial world
Even after his death, Chen Xuanfeng’s legacy continued to influence the martial world. The techniques he helped develop, though corrupted, remained powerful and dangerous. His story became a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing forbidden knowledge and the importance of proper martial arts training.