Gu Ducheng

Gu Ducheng (simplified: 古笃诚, traditional: 古篤誠, pinyin: Gǔ Dǔchéng) 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.

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.

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.

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.