Duan Zhixing (pinyin: Duàn Zhìxīng, jyutping: Dyun6 Zi3 Hing1, simplified: 段智兴, traditional: 段智興) was the former ruler of the Dali Kingdom1 and one of the Five Greats, the most powerful martial artists of his generation. He first appeared in Chapter 32 of The Legend of the Condor Heroes and was the grandson of Duan Yu, the protagonist from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.
With the Dali Duan family’s One Yang Finger technique, he established his own martial arts school and achieved the pinnacle of martial cultivation, earning the title “Southern Emperor” as one of the “Five Greats Under Heaven.” In the past, Wang Chongyang came to Dali in the year following the first Mount Hua Summit to prevent Ouyang Feng from being unstoppable after his death. Wang exchanged his Innate Skill for Duan Zhixing’s One Yang Finger to counter Ouyang Feng’s Toad Skill.
However, Zhou Botong, who came with Wang Chongyang, had an affair with Duan Zhixing’s beloved concubine Liu Ying and fathered a child. Later, Qiu Qianren severely injured Liu Ying’s illegitimate child to force Duan Zhixing to exhaust his martial power in healing, but Duan Zhixing refused to save the child, leading to its death. Consumed by guilt and despair, Duan Zhixing abdicated and became a monk with the Buddhist name “Yideng” (One Lamp).
His character arc represents one of the most profound transformations in the martial world, from an obsessive ruler consumed by martial arts to a compassionate monk dedicated to healing and redemption. Among the “Eastern Heretic, Western Venom, Southern Emperor, Northern Beggar,” the “Southern Emperor” possessed the highest moral level, transcending the painful bonds of personal emotions.
Biography
Early life and reign
Born into the Duan royal family of Dali Kingdom, Duan Zhixing inherited the throne during a turbulent period marked by power struggles within the influential Gao family, whose authority had long eclipsed that of the ruling Duan dynasty. Throughout his reign from 1172 to 1200, he faced constant challenges to his authority from various Gao faction leaders who effectively controlled much of the kingdom’s administration.
Despite these political challenges, Duan Zhixing devoted himself obsessively to martial arts cultivation. His dedication to mastering the Duan family’s ancestral techniques, particularly the One Yang Finger, eventually earned him recognition as one of the Five Greats alongside Wang Chongyang, Huang Yaoshi, Ouyang Feng, and Hong Qigong. His title of Southern Emperor reflected both his royal status and the geographical location of his kingdom in southern China.
First Mount Hua Summit
Duan Zhixing participated in the legendary first Huashan Sword Summit at Mount Hua that determined the Five Greats. During this competition, he demonstrated the formidable power of his One Yang Finger technique, which could project streams of concentrated internal energy with devastating accuracy. His performance earned him a place among the five supreme masters of the martial arts world.
During this period, he also formed an important exchange relationship with Wang Chongyang, founder of the Quanzhen Order. Wang taught him the Innate Skill, a profound internal energy cultivation method, in exchange for learning the One Yang Finger. This exchange proved crucial, as Wang believed Duan’s technique would be essential for countering Ouyang Feng’s Toad Skill should the need arise.
Tragedy and transformation
Despite his martial arts achievements, Duan Zhixing’s obsession with cultivation led to personal tragedy. He neglected his beloved concubine Liu Ying. When Wang Chongyang visited Dali Palace to exchange martial arts with Duan Zhixing, he brought his sworn brother Zhou Botong along. Zhou Botong happened to see Concubine Liu practicing martial arts and offered to guide her. Lonely and feeling abandoned by the Emperor, Liu Ying was swayed by this attention and they began a secret affair.
When Concubine Liu bore Zhou Botong’s child, the Dali Emperor showed great magnanimity in caring for the infant as his own. However, the infant became the target of Qiu Qianren, chief of the Iron Palm Keep. One day, the Iron Palm Gang leader Qiu Qianren, known as “Iron Palm Water-Walker,” infiltrated the palace and attacked Yinggu’s son. Qiu Qianren was one of the formidable martial artists who vied for the title of Champion Under Heaven in the next Huashan Sword Summit, and he sought to force Duan Zhixing to exhaust his martial power in healing.
When Liu Ying desperately brought the dying infant to Duan Zhixing for healing, Duan Zhixing originally intended to save the child, but when he opened the baby’s swaddling clothes, he saw a silk handkerchief embroidered with “Mandarin ducks weaving, desiring to fly as a pair” from the Four Woven Songs. Knowing that his imperial concubine’s heart still remembered Zhou Botong, he became greatly jealous. Combined with his upcoming participation in the Mount Hua Summit and concerns about his own martial power being damaged, he thus refused to save the child, indirectly causing the infant’s death.
The innocent child died as a result of this tragic convergence of Qiu’s ruthless ambition and Duan Zhixing’s jealous refusal to intervene. The infant’s death transformed Yinggu’s hair from black to white overnight from grief and created a cycle of vengeance that would haunt both men for decades to come.
After the infant died, Duan Zhixing regretted his past wrongs and abdicated the throne to his successor. He became a monk with the Buddhist name “Yideng.” His four ministers during his reign also followed him into religious life, becoming the four disciples under Great Master Yideng known as “Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer, and Scholar.”
Life as Great Master Yideng
After his abdication, Duan Zhixing retreated to a remote temple where he dedicated himself to Buddhist practice and the healing arts. His four most loyal ministers—Chu Dongshan, Zhang Shaoshou, Wu Santong, and Zhu Ziliu—followed him into religious life, disguising themselves as a fisherman, woodcutter, farmer, and scholar respectively while serving as his guardians and assistants.
During this period, Yideng transformed his martial arts focus from combat to healing. He developed his One Yang Finger technique into a powerful therapeutic tool, capable of purging poison from the body, clearing blocked meridians, and treating severe internal injuries. His Buddhist practice deepened his understanding of compassion and selflessness, fundamentally changing his character from the obsessive ruler he had once been.
Encounter with Guo Jing and Huang Rong
Yideng first met the couple when Guo Jing brought the critically wounded Huang Rong to seek his help. Later, Huang Rong suffered severe injuries and came to Yideng’s residence seeking treatment. Great Master Yideng healed Huang Rong’s injuries, but because he used the One Yang Finger containing Innate Skill, his vital energy was greatly damaged. Huang Rong had suffered severe internal injuries from Qiu Qianren’s Iron Palm technique, and conventional healing methods proved ineffective.
Despite knowing that Yinggu might seek revenge against him, Yideng agreed to help without hesitation. Using his advanced One Yang Finger technique and sacrificing much of his own internal energy, he successfully healed Huang Rong’s injuries. The healing process was so intensive that it left him temporarily weakened and vulnerable to attack.
Afterwards, Yinggu came here seeking revenge. After Guo Jing disguised himself as Yideng and blocked a blade strike, Yinggu felt regret. Later, Yideng appeared, and Yinggu left in shame. Through their intervention and Guo Jing’s sharing of knowledge from the Nine Yin Manual, he subsequently worked with his shidi to translate the Sanskrit portions of the general principles in the Nine Yin Manual, and also with the help of the healing methods recorded in the Nine Yin Manual, he finally quickly recovered his martial power.
Redemption of Qiu Qianren
During the Second Mount Hua Summit, Yideng demonstrated the depth of his transformation through his treatment of Qiu Qianren. When Qiu Qianren fell from a cliff during the contest, facing certain death, Yideng risked his own life to save his former enemy—the very man who had killed the infant and caused his personal tragedy.
This act of compassion so moved Qiu Qianren that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Overwhelmed with remorse for his past crimes and gratitude for Yideng’s mercy, he begged to become the monk’s disciple. Yideng accepted him, giving him the Buddhist name Ci’en, meaning “Compassionate Grace,” and guiding him onto the path of redemption.
Encounter with Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü
After the Mongols conquered Dali Kingdom, Yideng continued his Buddhist practice and healing work.
He appeared at Passionless Valley to assist Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü in their confrontation with Gongsun Zhi and Qiu Qianchi. His intervention proved crucial in resolving the conflict and ensuring the safety of the protagonists.
Later, Yideng participated in the defense of Xiangyang against Mongol invasion forces. Despite his advanced age and religious vows, he recognised the importance of protecting innocent lives and joined the resistance effort alongside other martial arts masters. His participation demonstrated that his commitment to compassion extended to protecting his homeland and its people.
At the Third Huashan Sword Summit held during this period, Yideng retained his position among the new Five Greats, though his title was changed from Southern Emperor to Southern Monk to reflect his religious transformation.
Personality and traits
Physical appearance
Duan Zhixing was described as having a dignified bearing befitting his royal heritage. As Emperor, he possessed the natural authority and presence of a ruler, with features that reflected both intelligence and determination.
After becoming Great Master Yideng, his appearance was described as wearing coarse cloth monk robes, with two long white eyebrows hanging down from the corners of his eyes, kind-hearted and benevolent, though his brow contained hidden sorrow, but with an air of graceful nobility. His appearance took on the serene and compassionate qualities of a dedicated Buddhist monk, with his hair shaved and wearing simple religious robes.
The distinctive long white eyebrows that drooped from the corners of his eyes became his most recognizable feature, symbolizing both his advanced age and the wisdom he had gained through suffering and spiritual cultivation. Despite his simple monk’s attire, he retained an unmistakable aura of nobility and refinement that spoke to his royal heritage and inner cultivation. The hidden sorrow in his brow reflected the weight of his past mistakes and the compassion he felt for all suffering beings.
Character transformation
Duan Zhixing’s character underwent one of the most profound transformations in Jin Yong’s novels. As Emperor, he was driven by an obsessive pursuit of martial arts mastery that blinded him to the needs of those around him. His refusal to save Liu Ying’s child represented the nadir of his humanity, showing how martial arts obsession could corrupt even a fundamentally good person.
The depth of his transformation was evident in his complete reversal of priorities and values. Where once he had placed martial arts supremacy above all else, he now dedicated himself to healing and compassion. His transformation into Great Master Yideng represented a complete reversal of these traits. Through Buddhist practice and genuine remorse, he developed deep compassion, selflessness, and a commitment to healing rather than harming. His willingness to save his greatest enemy, Qiu Qianren, demonstrated the sincerity and completeness of his spiritual transformation.
The psychological complexity of his character was revealed through his internal struggle between his royal pride and his growing spiritual awareness. His initial refusal to save the child stemmed from a combination of jealousy, martial arts obsession, and royal arrogance. However, the weight of his guilt and the recognition of his moral failure created the foundation for genuine spiritual growth and redemption.
Values and principles
As Great Master Yideng, he embodied the Buddhist principles of compassion, forgiveness, and selfless service to others. His approach to martial arts evolved from combat-focused to healing-centered, using his abilities to help rather than harm. His acceptance of Qiu Qianren as a disciple showed his belief in the possibility of redemption for all beings, regardless of their past actions.
The transformation of his values reflected a fundamental shift in his understanding of power and responsibility. Where once he had used his martial arts skills to maintain his position and pursue personal glory, he now employed them to heal the wounded and protect the innocent. His willingness to sacrifice his own internal energy to save others demonstrated his complete commitment to selfless service.
His approach to conflict resolution also underwent a radical change. Rather than seeking to dominate or eliminate his enemies, he now sought to understand their suffering and guide them toward redemption. This philosophy was most clearly demonstrated in his treatment of Qiu Qianren, where he chose compassion over vengeance and ultimately succeeded in transforming his former enemy into a devoted disciple.
Martial arts abilities
One Yang Finger
Duan Zhixing’s signature technique, the One Yang Finger (一阳指), represented one of the most versatile and powerful martial arts in the jianghu. This was described as the hereditary martial art of the Dali Duan family in Yunnan, ranking first under heaven in acupoint techniques. The technique allowed him to channel concentrated internal energy through his fingertips, creating effects ranging from devastating attacks to precise healing interventions.
After circulating internal energy, using the right hand index finger to strike acupoints, the finger can be slow or fast—when slow, it is graceful and elegant; when fast, it is swift as lightning, but wherever the finger touches, it is accurate to the smallest detail. During dangerous combat situations, this finger technique can be used to directly strike enemy acupoints at close range, or approach from a distance, strike once and withdraw, attack and retreat—truly the supreme technique for defeating enemies and preserving oneself.
In combat applications, the One Yang Finger could project streams of energy capable of penetrating armor and inflicting severe internal injuries. The technique’s precision allowed for strikes at specific acupuncture points, enabling the user to disable opponents without necessarily causing permanent harm. The energy projection could reach considerable distances, making it effective in both close combat and ranged engagement.
The technique’s versatility made it particularly effective against different types of opponents. Against heavily armored enemies, the concentrated energy streams could bypass external protection and strike directly at internal organs. Against agile opponents, the technique’s precision allowed for strikes at pressure points that could immobilize or disable without causing lasting damage. The combination of power and precision made it one of the most respected martial arts in the jianghu.
After his transformation into Great Master Yideng, he refined the technique’s healing applications. By carefully modulating the energy flow and targeting specific meridian points, he could:
- Clear blocked energy channels and restore proper qi circulation
- Purge toxins and poisons from the body
- Stimulate natural healing processes for severe internal injuries
- Transfer his own life force to critically injured patients
The healing applications required exceptional control and often came at significant personal cost, as demonstrated when he healed Huang Rong by sacrificing much of his own internal energy. The technique’s healing applications represented a complete reversal of its original combat purpose, transforming a weapon of destruction into a tool of salvation.
The precision required for healing applications was even greater than that needed for combat, as the practitioner had to navigate the delicate balance between providing sufficient energy to promote healing while avoiding the creation of new injuries. This required not only exceptional martial arts skill but also deep understanding of human physiology and the principles of internal energy circulation.
Innate Skill
The Innate Skill (先天功) that Duan Zhixing learnt from Wang Chongyang was described as Daoist breathing and internal cultivation methods, with innate true qi circulating endlessly, generating infinite potential, dispelling all diseases, regulating deficiencies and excesses, and also capable of treating severe internal injuries. This technique complemented his One Yang Finger by providing a deeper foundation for energy cultivation and storage.
The Innate Skill emphasized:
- Natural energy flow in harmony with universal principles
- Increased energy storage capacity and endurance
- Enhanced sensitivity to opponent’s energy patterns
- Integration of breathing, meditation, and movement practices
- Powerful healing capabilities for severe internal injuries
The technique’s foundation in Daoist principles made it particularly effective for long-term cultivation and sustainable energy management. Unlike many martial arts that focused on explosive power, the Innate Skill emphasized steady, continuous development that built upon itself over time. This approach made it ideal for practitioners who sought to maintain their abilities well into advanced age.
Wang Chongyang had specifically chosen to teach this technique to Duan Zhixing because he believed it would enable the Dali ruler to effectively counter Ouyang Feng’s Toad Stance should the need arise. The complementary nature of these techniques made Duan one of the most formidable opponents for Ouyang Feng among the Five Greats. The Innate Skill’s emphasis on natural energy flow provided the perfect counterbalance to Ouyang Feng’s more aggressive and artificial cultivation methods.
Nine Yin Manual
During his time as Great Master Yideng, he gained access to portions of the Nine Yin Manual (九阴真经). The manual was described as originating from Daoist principles of following nature’s way, driving out demons and evil to preserve life and nourish vitality, divided into upper and lower volumes, with the upper volume containing internal cultivation foundations and the lower volume containing martial techniques—all containing the most secret and profound martial arts. He inadvertently learned portions of it while translating the Sanskrit general principles.
Thousand-Li Voice Transmission
He also mastered the Thousand-Li Voice Transmission (千里传音) technique, described as speech that seems near but is actually far, requiring superior internal energy to transmit sound for several li—the deeper the internal cultivation, the softer the transmitted voice. This technique allowed him to communicate across vast distances and was particularly useful for his role as a spiritual guide.
Buddhist martial arts integration
After becoming Great Master Yideng, Duan Zhixing developed a unique approach to martial arts that integrated Buddhist principles with combat techniques. This integration manifested in several ways:
- Compassionate application: Using martial skills primarily for healing and protection rather than aggression
- Mental cultivation: Developing equanimity and emotional control through meditation practices
- Karmic awareness: Understanding the long-term consequences of actions and choosing responses that minimized harm
- Selfless service: Prioritizing others’ welfare over personal advancement or glory
Relationships
Liu Ying (Yinggu)
Duan Zhixing’s relationship with Liu Ying represented both his greatest failure and the catalyst for his redemption. As his beloved concubine, she had looked to him for love and attention, but his obsession with martial arts led him to neglect her emotional needs. When she sought comfort elsewhere and bore Zhou Botong’s child, Duan’s refusal to save the infant revealed the depth of his selfishness and pride.
The tragic death of the child created a permanent rift between them, with Liu Ying swearing vengeance and living in exile while plotting revenge. Their relationship symbolized how martial arts obsession could destroy personal bonds and create lasting suffering. Even after his transformation into Great Master Yideng, their relationship remained strained, though his act of saving Huang Rong despite knowing Liu Ying might attack him showed his genuine remorse.
Zhou Botong
Duan Zhixing’s relationship with Zhou Botong was complicated by both martial arts connections and personal tragedy. Zhou’s affair with Liu Ying occurred during a visit to teach martial arts exchanges between the masters. While Duan Zhixing was initially angry about the affair, his later transformation as Great Master Yideng led him to understand the role his own neglect had played in the situation.
The relationship demonstrated the complex interconnections among the Five Greats and how personal conflicts could arise even among respected masters. Zhou Botong’s guilt over the affair and its consequences also influenced his later behavior and relationships.
The Four Disciples
The loyalty of Chu Dongshan, Zhang Shaoshou, Wu Santong, and Zhu Ziliu represented one of the most remarkable aspects of Duan Zhixing’s story. These four high-ranking officials of the Dali Kingdom willingly abandoned their positions and worldly status to follow their emperor into religious life.
Their decision to serve as his protectors while disguising themselves as common tradesmen showed both their personal loyalty and their recognition of his spiritual transformation. Each brought their specialized skills to their new roles:
- Chu Dongshan (the Fisherman): Former naval admiral who used his knowledge of waterways and boat handling
- Zhang Shaoshou (the Woodcutter): Former army general who utilized his survival and tracking skills
- Wu Santong (the Farmer): Former palace guard chief who applied his protective instincts to agricultural disguise
- Zhu Ziliu (the Scholar): Former premier who maintained his intellectual pursuits while serving his master
Their collective dedication created a protective environment that allowed Yideng to pursue his Buddhist practice while remaining accessible to those who needed his healing abilities.
Qiu Qianren
The transformation of Duan Zhixing’s relationship with Qiu Qianren from bitter enmity to master-disciple bond represented the ultimate test and proof of his spiritual development. Qiu Qianren had committed the act that destroyed Duan’s family life and triggered his spiritual crisis by killing Liu Ying’s infant.
Despite having every reason for hatred and revenge, Yideng’s decision to save Qiu Qianren’s life demonstrated the completeness of his transformation. His acceptance of Qiu as a disciple, renaming him Ci’en, showed his belief in universal redemption and the possibility of spiritual transformation even for the most hardened criminals.
This relationship became a model for Buddhist compassion and forgiveness, showing how love could triumph over hatred and how mercy could transform both giver and receiver.
Wang Chongyang and the Five Greats
As one of the Five Greats, Duan Zhixing maintained important relationships with his peers, particularly Wang Chongyang. Their martial arts exchange—the First Heaven Skill for the One Yang Finger—represented mutual respect between masters and strategic preparation for future challenges.
Wang Chongyang’s specific intention that Duan should be able to counter Ouyang Feng showed the level of trust and responsibility shared among the Five Greats. Even after Wang’s death, Duan continued to honour these relationships and responsibilities, as shown by his participation in various martial arts world events.
Portrayals
Duan Zhixing has been portrayed by numerous distinguished actors across various adaptations:
The Legend of the Condor Heroes
- 1976 series – Zhong Zhiqiang
- 1977 film – Ti Lung
- 1983 series – Liu Zhaoming
- 1988 series – Fan Rixing
- 1993 series – Ekin Cheng
- 1994 series – Lai Hon Chi
- 1994 film – Tony Leung Ka-fai
- 2003 series – Wang Weiguo
- 2008 series – Xiao Rongsheng
- 2017 series – Ray Lui
- 2023 series – Jerry Yan
- 2025 film – Wu Hsing-kuo
The Return of the Condor Heroes
- 1976 series – Zhong Zhiqiang
- 1983 series – Liu Zhaoming
- 1995 series – Lai Hon Chi
- 2006 series – Wang Weiguo
- 2015 series – Ji Chen
- 2019 series – Kent Tong
- 2025 film – Kent Tong
See also
- The Legend of the Condor Heroes characters
- The Return of the Condor Heroes characters
- Yinggu – His concubine
- Zhou Botong – His rival and friend
- Qiu Qianren – His disciple
- Wang Chongyang – His peer
- Five Greats – His ranking
- Dali Kingdom – His former kingdom
External links
- Duan Zhixing on Wikipedia
- Duan Zhixing (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia