Chongxu (simplified: 冲虚, traditional: 沖虛, pinyin: Chōngxū, jyutping: cung1 heoi1), also known as Chongxu Taoist (冲虚道长), was the respected leader of the Wudang Order and a close ally of Fangzheng, the abbot of the Shaolin Order. He was one of the most respected masters in the martial arts world, known for his wisdom and mastery of Wudang swordplay, particularly the Taiji Swordplay.
Biography
Supporting Linghu Chong
Chongxu worked closely with Fangzheng to support Linghu Chong in becoming the Hengshan School leader. Together, they personally attended Linghu Chong’s succession ceremony, demonstrating their recognition of Linghu Chong’s character and their desire to maintain balance in the martial arts world.
The three battles at Shaolin
During the three battles at Shaolin Temple, Chongxu demonstrated his strategic wisdom. When facing Linghu Chong in swordplay, he chose to admit defeat without drawing his sword, recognising that while he might be able to defeat Linghu Chong in sword technique, doing so would not serve the greater good. This demonstrated his understanding that true leadership involves seeing the bigger picture rather than simply winning individual battles.
Strategic wisdom
Like Fangzheng, Chongxu demonstrated exceptional political wisdom. He recognised that allowing Ren Woxing and the others to leave Shaolin Temple would create internal conflict within the Sun Moon Order, which would ultimately benefit the orthodox schools without requiring direct confrontation.
Chongxu also supported Fangzheng’s efforts to encourage Linghu Chong to compete for the position of Five Mountains Sword Schools Alliance Leader, recognising that Linghu Chong would be a better choice than Zuo Lengchan.
Personality & traits
Chongxu was portrayed as wise, respected, and strategically minded. He worked closely with Fangzheng to maintain balance in the martial arts world, demonstrating that true leadership comes from cooperation and understanding rather than force.
He was willing to admit defeat when it served a greater purpose, showing that he understood the difference between winning a battle and winning a war. His character demonstrates the Daoist principle of yielding to achieve victory.
Martial arts abilities
Taiji Swordplay
Chongxu was a master of Taiji Swordplay, which used defensive techniques as its core, specialising in using stillness to overcome movement and forming dense sword circles. His swordplay was so refined that even Linghu Chong, who had mastered the Nine Swords of Dugu, recognised Chongxu’s exceptional skill.
Wudang Swordplay
As the leader of the Wudang Order, Chongxu had mastered all of the school’s traditional sword techniques, demonstrating the depth and breadth of Wudang martial arts.
Relationships
Chongxu’s relationship with Fangzheng was one of close friendship and cooperation. The two worked together as partners to maintain balance in the martial arts world, with their schools serving as the two pillars of orthodox martial arts.
His relationship with Linghu Chong was one of mentor and supporter. Chongxu recognised Linghu Chong’s character and provided guidance and support when needed.
Behind the scenes
Chongxu represents the ideal of the wise leader who understands that sometimes yielding is the path to victory. His character demonstrates Daoist principles of non-action and strategic thinking.
Literary significance
Chongxu serves as a counterpart to Fangzheng, representing the partnership between Shaolin and Wudang as the two great orthodox schools. Together, they demonstrate that true power comes from wisdom, cooperation, and understanding rather than brute force.
Portrayals
Chongxu has been portrayed in various adaptations of Laughing in the Wind:
Laughing in the Wind
- 1996 series – Huang Zhaohui
- 2000 series – Wang Dezhi
- 2001 series – Wang Wenjun
- 2013 series – Wang Jinbao
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Fangzheng – Chongxu’s friend and ally
- Wudang Order – Chongxu’s faction
- Taiji Swordplay – Chongxu’s signature technique
External links
- Chongxu (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia