Gu Ducheng (simplified: 古笃诚, traditional: 古篤誠, pinyin: Gǔ Dǔchéng, jyutping: gu2 duk1 sing4) was one of Dali’s Four Great Guards disguised as a woodcutter among the elite protectors of the Duan Clan of Dali.
Biography
Four Great Guards of Dali
Gu Ducheng serves as one of the Four Great Guards the Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer, Scholar, each with their own specialized role in protecting the Dali royal family.
Position in royal hierarchy
The Four Great Guards maintain a sophisticated protection system for the Duan Clan of Dali. The guards include Chu Wanli (褚万里) as “The Fisherman” (渔) and leader of the guards, Gu Ducheng as “The Woodcutter” (樵), Fu Sigui (傅思归) as “The Farmer” (耕), and Zhu Danchen (朱丹臣) as “The Scholar” (读).
Service to royal family
As one of the Four Great Guards, Gu Ducheng was entrusted with protecting members of the Duan Clan of Dali, particularly Prince Duan Zhengchun and other important figures. His position required both martial excellence and unwavering loyalty.
The battle at Phoenix Ferry
One of Gu Ducheng’s most significant and tragic moments occurred during the battle at Phoenix Ferry (凤凰驿) by the Red Sand Beach (红沙滩). During this confrontation, Gu Ducheng faced Yue Laosan, one of the Four Evils, in combat. Despite his martial arts skills and dedication to protecting the royal family, Gu Ducheng was ultimately defeated by Yue Laosan and was knocked into the river, where he met his end.
This battle demonstrated the dangerous nature of the conflicts that the Four Great Guards faced in their duty to protect the Duan Clan of Dali. Gu Ducheng’s death in service to his kingdom exemplified the ultimate sacrifice that these elite guards were willing to make for their loyalty to the clan.
Personality and traits
Gu Ducheng’s personality and traits are not extensively detailed in the novel, though his role as one of the Four Great Guards suggests he possessed loyalty, martial skill, and dedication to protecting the Duan Clan of Dali.
Martial arts abilities
Dali Royal Guard Techniques
Gu Ducheng is skilled in specialized martial arts techniques designed for royal protection. These techniques emphasize both defensive capabilities and offensive effectiveness, ensuring the safety of the royal family members under his protection.
Combat coordination
As part of the Four Great Guards system, Gu Ducheng excels in coordinated combat with his fellow guards. Their ability to work together as a team creates a formidable defense that can handle multiple threats simultaneously.
Relationships
Gu Ducheng worked alongside the other three members of the Four Great Guards: Chu Wanli (The Fisherman), Fu Sigui (The Farmer), and Zhu Danchen (The Scholar). He was dedicated to protecting Prince Duan Zhengchun and other members of the Duan Clan of Dali.
Behind the scenes
Gu Ducheng appears in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils as one of the Four Great Guards of the Duan Clan of Dali, representing “The Woodcutter” among the elite protectors. His death at the hands of Yue Laosan during the battle at Phoenix Ferry becomes a significant plot point.
See also
- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils characters
- Duan Clan of Dali – His faction and employer
- Chu Wanli – Leader of the Four Great Guards
- Fu Sigui – Fellow guard, “The Farmer”
- Zhu Danchen – Fellow guard, “The Scholar”
- Four Great Guards – The protection system