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Fangzheng

Fangzheng

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Fangzheng (simplified: 方证, traditional: 方證, pinyin: Fāngzhèng, jyutping: fong1 zing3), also known as Master Fangzheng (方证大师), was the respected abbot of the Shaolin Order and one of the ten strongest masters among the so-called orthodox schools. He was known for his wisdom, compassion, and exceptional martial arts abilities, particularly his mastery of the Yijin Jing (易筋经). Ren Woxing publicly declared Fangzheng to be one of the three and a half people he most admired.

Biography

Saving Linghu Chong

When Linghu Chong was expelled from the Huashan School and suffering from internal injuries, only the Shaolin Order’s Yijin Jing could heal him. However, as the Yijin Jing could not be transmitted to outsiders, Fangzheng offered to accept Linghu Chong as a lay disciple. Linghu Chong, hoping to return to his master Yue Buqun, declined this offer.

Later, Fangzheng claimed that the Six Immortals of the Peach Valley had been sent by Feng Qingyang to inform him of a “Huashan Internal Energy Heart Method,” which he then transmitted to Linghu Chong. As Linghu Chong’s internal injuries gradually improved, he and Ren Yingying realised that what Fangzheng had transmitted was not Feng Qingyang’s so-called “Huashan Internal Energy Heart Method” but rather the Shaolin Order’s Yijin Jing.

The three battles at Shaolin

When Ren Woxing, Xiang Wentian, and Xiang Wentian came to Shaolin Temple to rescue Ren Yingying, Fangzheng participated in the three battles. He fought against Ren Woxing, and his Yijin Jing internal energy was so profound that Ren Woxing’s Star Absorbing Technique could not absorb it. If not for Ren Woxing’s use of strategy, Fangzheng would have won the battle.

Fangzheng demonstrated exceptional political wisdom during these events. Rather than engaging in a life-and-death struggle that would have caused heavy losses on both sides, he chose to engage in three battles to determine the outcome. More importantly, by allowing Ren Woxing and the others to leave, he ensured that the Sun Moon Order would be thrown into internal conflict, using the strategy of “letting tigers fight each other” rather than risking his own life.

Supporting Linghu Chong

Fangzheng recognised Linghu Chong’s character and supported him in becoming the Hengshan School leader. He and Chongxu Taoist personally attended Linghu Chong’s succession ceremony, an honour that even Zuo Lengchan envied.

Fangzheng also demonstrated political acumen by encouraging 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 and would help maintain balance in the martial arts world.

Personality & traits

Fangzheng was described as compassionate and wise, a universally recognised enlightened monk. He possessed exceptional political wisdom, able to see through situations and make strategic decisions that benefited the Shaolin Order and maintained balance in the martial arts world.

Despite his high position in the martial arts world, Fangzheng was able to understand Linghu Chong’s character deeply, showing no discrimination but instead sympathy. This was considered rare and valuable. He demonstrated that true leadership comes not from force but from wisdom, compassion, and strategic thinking.

Martial arts abilities

Yijin Jing

Fangzheng had mastered the Yijin Jing, one of the Shaolin Order’s most profound internal energy techniques. This technique circulated energy throughout the body’s meridians, connecting the five organs’ essence, circulating without dispersing, moving without breaking. After mastering this technique, the heart moves and strength is released naturally, like a tide rising or thunder erupting.

Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm

The Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm (千手如来掌) was a palm technique that appeared ordinary at first but, as it progressed, would subtly shake, transforming one palm into two, two into four, four into eight, eight into sixteen, and ultimately into thirty-two palms. The palm technique was unpredictable, with each palm strike changing into multiple directions mid-stroke.

Diamond Zen Lion’s Roar

The Diamond Zen Lion’s Roar (金刚禅狮子吼) was the Shaolin Order’s supreme internal energy technique. It released energy from the dantian through sound, with the roar like thunder spreading for miles, causing enemies to tremble with fear. Often, a single long roar could cause opponents to surrender without fighting.

Relationships

Fangzheng’s relationship with Chongxu Taoist was one of close friendship and cooperation. The two worked together to maintain balance in the martial arts world and support Linghu Chong.

His relationship with Linghu Chong was one of mentor and benefactor. Fangzheng recognised Linghu Chong’s pure character and provided him with the Yijin Jing to heal his injuries, demonstrating his wisdom and compassion.

Fangzheng’s relationship with Ren Woxing was one of mutual respect despite being on opposite sides. Ren Woxing regarded Fangzheng as one of the people he most admired, demonstrating Fangzheng’s exceptional character and abilities.

Behind the scenes

Fangzheng represents the ideal of the wise leader who uses strategy and compassion rather than brute force to achieve goals. His character demonstrates that true power comes from understanding, wisdom, and the ability to see the bigger picture.

Literary significance

Fangzheng is considered one of the most politically astute characters in the novel. His ability to manipulate events subtly while maintaining his reputation for wisdom and compassion demonstrates the complexity of leadership in the martial arts world. His support of Linghu Chong shows his ability to recognise true character and invest in the future of the jianghu.

Portrayals

Fangzheng has been portrayed in various adaptations of Laughing in the Wind:

Laughing in the Wind

See also

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