Deng Bagong (simplified: 邓八公, traditional: 鄧八公, pinyin: Dèng Bāgōng, jyutping: dang6 baat3 gung1), known as “Divine Whip” (神鞭), was a member of the Songshan School’s “Thirteen Taibao of Songshan” (嵩山十三太保) and a junior brother of Zuo Lengchan. He was known for his mastery of the steel whip and his loyalty to Zuo Lengchan’s ambition to dominate the Five Mountains Sword Alliance.
Biography
Deng Bagong was one of Zuo Lengchan’s most trusted subordinates, serving as the fifth junior brother among the Thirteen Taibao. He was deeply involved in Zuo Lengchan’s schemes to merge the Five Mountains Sword Alliance under Songshan’s control.
Ambush at Xianxia Ridge
Deng Bagong participated in an ambush at Xianxia Ridge (仙霞岭), where he and other Songshan disciples disguised themselves as members of the Sun Moon Order to attack the North Hengshan School. They attempted to force Dingjing to agree to the merger of the Five Mountains sects, but she refused, leading to a fierce battle.
Attempt to steal the Evil-Warding Sword Manual
Deng Bagong, along with Gao Kexin and others, ambushed Yue Lingshan and Lin Pingzhi in an attempt to steal the Evil-Warding Sword Manual. However, Yue Lingshan used the “Year After Year Cold” (岁岁寒) sword technique she had learnt from the carvings on Siguo Cliff, which shattered Deng Bagong’s steel whip and severed his right arm.
Five Mountains Alliance merger
During the Five Mountains Alliance merger ceremony, Deng Bagong, as one of the Thirteen Taibao, publicly questioned Yue Buqun’s role in Zuo Lengchan’s death and opposed Yue Buqun becoming the Five Mountains Alliance leader. He insisted on avenging his master, leading to conflict with Yue Buqun and his disciples.
Personality & traits
Deng Bagong was portrayed as a ruthless and loyal enforcer of Zuo Lengchan’s will. He was willing to use any means necessary, including ambushes and disguises, to achieve Songshan’s goals. His loyalty to Zuo Lengchan was absolute, even after Zuo Lengchan’s death.
Martial arts abilities
Divine Whip
Deng Bagong’s signature weapon was the steel whip, which earned him his epithet “Divine Whip.” He was skilled in whip techniques, though his agility was noted to be somewhat lacking, making him vulnerable in combat.
Songshan Swordplay
He was also proficient in the Songshan Swordplay, the signature martial art of his school.
Relationships
- Zuo Lengchan: His senior brother and leader, to whom he was fiercely loyal.
- Gao Kexin: His fellow junior brother and partner in various schemes.
- Yue Buqun: His adversary, whom he opposed during the Five Mountains Alliance merger.
- Yue Lingshan: The opponent who severed his right arm.
Behind the scenes
Deng Bagong’s character represents the ruthless enforcers within the Songshan School who carried out Zuo Lengchan’s ambitious plans. His eventual defeat and injury at the hands of Yue Lingshan demonstrate that even skilled martial artists can be overcome by superior techniques and determination. His character highlights the themes of loyalty, ambition, and the brutal consequences of sectarian conflict.
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Zuo Lengchan – Deng Bagong’s leader
- Songshan School – Deng Bagong’s faction
- Gao Kexin – Deng Bagong’s fellow junior brother
External links
- Deng Bagong (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia