Ding Busan (simplified: 丁不三, traditional: 丁不三, pinyin: Dīng Bùsān, jyutping: ding1 bat1 saam1) was a member of the Six Harmonies Ding Family, known as “One Day No More Than Three” (一日不过三) for his vow to kill no more than three people per day. He was Ding Dang’s grandfather and the creator of the Mysterious Ice Green Fire Wine.
Biography
Early life and vow
In his youth, Ding Busan had killed many people. Realizing the error of his ways, he “reformed” and made a solemn vow to kill no more than three people per day, earning him the epithet “One Day No More Than Three.” After making this vow, he often went days without killing anyone, and when he did kill, it was usually only one or two people.
In the revised edition, it was revealed that Ding Busan was the second of three brothers, and “Busan” (不三) meant “not third,” indicating his position among his siblings.
Encounter with Shi Potian
Ding Busan first appeared when he sought to punish Shi Potian after Ding Dang stole his precious Mysterious Ice Green Fire Wine to help the unconscious Shi Potian. However, when Ding Busan tested Shi Potian and discovered his profound internal energy, he was overjoyed.
Instead of punishing Shi Potian, Ding Busan offered him a choice between two treasures: Ding Dang or his own martial arts skills. Shi Potian chose Ding Dang, and Ding Busan performed their wedding ceremony.
Following Shi Potian
When Bai Wanjian and other Snowy Mountain School disciples mistakenly captured Shi Potian, thinking he was Shi Zhongyu, Ding Busan did not immediately intervene. He thought Shi Potian had intentionally allowed himself to be captured for some purpose, so he and Ding Dang followed behind to observe.
Rescuing Shi Potian
Ding Busan rescued Shi Potian from a mountain temple and took him to a small boat. When he saw Shi Potian’s messy swordplay during a fight with Min Rou, he became furious and wanted to kill his “idiot son-in-law.” However, Ding Dang refused to allow this.
Ding Busan then made a deal: Shi Potian had ten days to defeat Bai Wanjian, or Ding Busan would kill him. However, after eating Shi Potian’s delicious cooking, Ding Busan regretted making this deal.
On Purple Smoke Island
On the tenth day, Ding Dang pretended to kill Shi Potian but instead threw him onto another boat. Ding Busan and Ding Dang then went to Purple Smoke Island to search for Shi Potian, where they encountered Ding Busi fighting with Bai Wanjian.
The two brothers fought against the Snowy Mountain School disciples, quickly killing and injuring several. However, Shi Potian, unable to bear seeing Bai Wanjian killed, intervened and used the Golden Crow Blade Technique to help Bai Wanjian drive off the Ding brothers.
Final appearance
At Ding Busi’s request, Ding Busan accompanied him to Lingxiao City. Ding Busi intentionally tried to anger his old rival Bai Zizai, but was defeated and severely injured. Ding Busan helped his brother leave, and this was his last appearance in the novel.
Personality and characteristics
Contradictory nature
Ding Busan presented a contradictory appearance: he looked like a kindly old man with white hair and a cheerful expression, but when people met his gaze, they would involuntarily shiver. His eyes held an indescribable ferocity that made people feel cold to the bone.
The vow and its meaning
Ding Busan’s vow to kill no more than three people per day was both a form of self-restraint and a twisted form of “reform.” While it limited his killing, it did not prevent him from killing at all, demonstrating the complexity of his character.
Family loyalty
Despite his villainous nature, Ding Busan showed genuine care for his granddaughter Ding Dang and his brother Ding Busi. He was willing to help them when needed, showing that even villains have their own code of loyalty.
Martial arts abilities
Ding Busan was skilled in the Ding Family Capture Hand, an eighteen-move technique that included moves like “Dragon Soaring Claw,” “Phoenix Tail Hand,” “Crane Soaring Hand,” “Tiger Claw Hand,” and “Jade Maiden Pinching Needle.”
He was also skilled in the Black Evil Palm, a technique that used soft internal energy. Those struck by this palm would be left with black palm marks.
Behind the scenes
Ding Busan represents the theme of moral ambiguity in Ode to Gallantry. His character demonstrates how even those who claim to have “reformed” may still be dangerous, and how appearances can be deceiving.
The character’s name, “Ding Busan” (丁不三), combines the surname “Ding” (丁) with “Busan” (不三), meaning “not three,” which reflects both his vow and his position as the second of three brothers. His epithet “One Day No More Than Three” is both a limitation and a warning, suggesting that while he has reformed, he is still capable of killing.