Duan Zhixing

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. Known by the title Southern Emperor² during his reign, he later abdicated and became a monk with the Buddhist name Yideng³ to atone for past mistakes. He was renowned for his mastery of the One Yang Finger⁴ technique and his profound Buddhist compassion.

A descendant of Duan Yu, he inherited both the Duan family’s martial arts legacy and the tradition of abdicating imperial power to pursue Buddhist enlightenment. His character arc represents one of the most profound transformations in Jin Yong’s novels, from an obsessive ruler consumed by martial arts to a compassionate monk dedicated to healing and redemption.

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,⁵ 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.

The First Huashan Summit

Duan Zhixing participated in the legendary martial arts contest at Huashan 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 School. Wang taught him the First Heaven Skill⁶, 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 Stance⁷ should the need arise.

Personal 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,⁸ known by her courtesy name Yinggu.⁹ Feeling abandoned and lonely, Liu Ying began a secret affair with Zhou Botong, the eccentric martial artist known as the Old Wild Child.

When Liu Ying bore Zhou Botong’s child, the infant became the target of Qiu Qianren,¹⁰ leader of the Iron Palm Gang, who severely wounded the baby during an attack. Liu Ying desperately pleaded with Duan Zhixing to use his advanced healing abilities to save their child’s life, but he coldly refused, consumed as he was with martial arts practice. The infant died from his injuries, and Liu Ying swore vengeance against both Duan Zhixing and her child’s killer.

Devastated by guilt and remorse over his failure as both a ruler and a human being, Duan Zhixing made the momentous decision to abdicate his throne. Following the Duan family tradition of renouncing worldly power to pursue Buddhist enlightenment, he became a monk and took the Buddhist name Yideng, meaning “One Lamp,” symbolising his desire to illuminate the path to redemption for himself and others.

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,¹¹ Zhang Shaoshou,¹² Wu Santong,¹³ and Zhu Ziliu¹⁴—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’s most significant appearance in The Legend of the Condor Heroes occurred when Guo Jing brought the critically wounded Huang Rong to seek his help. 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.

True to expectations, Yinggu appeared shortly after the healing, intent on taking her long-awaited revenge against the weakened monk. However, Guo Jing and the recovered Huang Rong intervened to protect their benefactor. Through their intervention and Guo Jing’s sharing of knowledge from the Nine Yin Manual,¹⁵ Yideng was able to recover his strength.

Redemption of Qiu Qianren

During the Second Huashan 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,¹⁶ 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 Valley¹⁷ 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 Xiangyang¹⁸ 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 Monk¹⁹ 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 took on the serene and compassionate qualities of a dedicated Buddhist monk, with his hair shaved and wearing simple religious robes.

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.

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.

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.

Martial arts abilities

One Yang Finger

Duan Zhixing’s signature technique, the One Yang Finger, represented one of the most versatile and powerful martial arts in the jianghu. This technique allowed him to channel concentrated internal energy through his fingertips, creating effects ranging from devastating attacks to precise healing interventions.

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.

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.

First Heaven Skill

The First Heaven Skill that Duan Zhixing learnt from Wang Chongyang provided him with advanced internal energy cultivation methods rooted in Taoist philosophy. This technique complemented his One Yang Finger by providing a deeper foundation for energy cultivation and storage.

The First Heaven 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

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.

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

This approach made him a unique figure among the Five Greats, as he represented the possibility of using supreme martial arts ability in service of spiritual and moral principles rather than personal gain.

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 honor these relationships and responsibilities, as shown by his participation in various martial arts world events.

Behind the scenes

Duan Zhixing represents one of Jin Yong’s most complex character studies, embodying themes of power, obsession, redemption, and spiritual transformation. His character arc serves multiple narrative functions within the Condor Trilogy, providing both a moral lesson about the dangers of martial arts obsession and a positive example of genuine spiritual growth.

Historical inspiration

The character was inspired by the historical Emperor Xuanzong of Dali (also named Duan Zhixing), who ruled the Dali Kingdom from 1172 to 1200. Like his fictional counterpart, the historical Duan Zhixing faced political challenges from powerful ministerial families and eventually died in 1200, shortly before the kingdom’s conquest by Mongol forces.

However, Jin Yong’s fictional version diverges significantly from historical records, particularly in the areas of martial arts mastery and Buddhist transformation. The historical Duan Zhixing’s reign was marked by political turmoil rather than martial arts achievement, and there is no historical evidence for the personal tragedy and spiritual transformation that defines the fictional character.

Literary significance

Within the broader context of Jin Yong’s work, Duan Zhixing/Great Master Yideng serves several important functions:

• Moral exemplar: His transformation demonstrates the possibility of genuine redemption and spiritual growth
• Cultural bridge: His character connects martial arts tradition with Buddhist philosophy
• Generational link: As a descendant of Duan Yu from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he provides continuity between Jin Yong’s novels
• Thematic anchor: His story reinforces themes about the proper use of power and the importance of compassion

The character’s evolution from Southern Emperor to Southern Monk reflects broader themes in Chinese culture about the relationship between worldly power and spiritual achievement, echoing historical patterns of rulers who abdicated to pursue religious enlightenment.

Portrayals

Duan Zhixing/Great Master Yideng has been portrayed by numerous actors in film and television adaptations of Jin Yong’s novels:

The Legend of the Condor Heroes

• 1976 series – Liu Dan
• 1983 series – Lee Lung-kei
• 1988 series – Ma Jingwu
• 1994 series – Cheng Dongsheng
• 2003 series – Liu Bing
• 2008 series – Xiao Rongsheng
• 2017 series – Gong Hanlin

The Return of the Condor Heroes

• 1983 series – Lee Lung-kei
• 1995 series – Kwan Hoi-san
• 2006 series – Ji Chunhua

The character’s dual nature as both emperor and monk has provided actors with rich material for demonstrating character transformation, with many portrayals emphasizing the contrast between his earlier pride and later humility.

Lee Lung-kei (1983)	Liu Bing (2003)

External links

• Duan Zhixing on Wikipedia
• Duan Zhixing (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia

Footnotes

1. 大理 – Dàlǐ. A kingdom in what is now Yunnan Province, ruled by the Duan family. See Wikipedia. ↩

2. 南帝 – Nán Dì. Literally “Southern Emperor,” his title among the Five Greats. ↩

3. 一燈 – Yīdēng. Literally “One Lamp,” his Buddhist name meaning to illuminate others with wisdom. ↩

4. 一陽指 – Yīyáng Zhǐ. A powerful finger technique that channels internal energy through the fingertips. ↩

5. 高家 – Gāo Jiā. A powerful ministerial family in Dali who held significant political influence. ↩

6. 先天功 – Xiāntiān Gōng. An advanced internal energy cultivation technique from the Quanzhen School. ↩

7. 蛤蟆功 – Hámá Gōng. Ouyang Feng’s signature internal energy technique. ↩

8. 劉瑛 – Liú Yīng. Her given name, meaning “crystal” or “jade.” ↩

9. 瑛姑 – Yīng Gū. Her courtesy name, literally “Crystal Lady.” ↩

10. 裘千仞 – Qiú Qiānrèn. Leader of the Iron Palm Gang who later becomes Yideng’s disciple. ↩

11. 褚東山 – Chǔ Dōngshān. Former naval admiral of Dali, known as “Reclusive Fisherman of Diancang.” ↩

12. 張少守 – Zhāng Shàoshǒu. Former army general of Dali who disguised himself as a woodcutter. ↩

13. 武三通 – Wǔ Sāntōng. Former chief of the palace guard who disguised himself as a farmer. ↩

14. 朱子柳 – Zhū Zǐliǔ. Former premier of Dali who disguised himself as a scholar. ↩

15. 九阴真经 – Jiǔyīn Zhēnjīng. Nine Yin Manual. A legendary martial arts manual containing profound internal energy techniques. ↩

16. 慈恩 – Cí’ēn. Buddhist name meaning “Compassionate Grace” given to the reformed Qiu Qianren. ↩

17. 絕情谷 – Juéqíng Gǔ. A valley where Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü faced various adversaries. ↩

18. 襄陽 – Xiāngyáng. A strategic Song dynasty city that became the focal point of resistance against Mongol invasion. ↩

19. 南僧 – Nán Sēng. Literally “Southern Monk,” his new title among the later Five Greats. ↩