Huang Zhen (simplified: 黄真, traditional: 黄真, pinyin: Huáng Zhēn, jyutping: wong4 zan1), also known as the Copper Brush and Iron Abacus (铜笔铁算盘 — Tóngbǐ Tiě Suànpán), was the first disciple of Mu Renqing and eventually succeeded him as the leader of the Huashan School. He was known for his humorous personality, business-minded approach, and formidable martial arts skills, demonstrated through his unique weapons: a copper brush and an iron abacus.
Biography
Early life and training
Huang Zhen came from a merchant background, which influenced both his personality and his fighting style. He became the first disciple of Mu Renqing, the leader of the Huashan School, and received extensive training in the school’s martial arts techniques.
Meeting Yuan Chengzhi
Huang Zhen first encountered Yuan Chengzhi, his shidi, when Yuan Chengzhi and Xia Qingqing were dealing with the Wen family over stolen gold. Huang Zhen, along with his disciple Cui Ximin and An Xiaohui, tracked the gold to the Wen family’s stronghold.
During this encounter, Huang Zhen demonstrated his unique fighting style and personality. He engaged in battle with the Wen family’s Five Elders, using his copper brush and iron abacus as weapons. Despite being trapped in their Five Elements Formation, he was able to hold his own, though he struggled to break through the formation’s defences. He was eventually rescued by Yuan Chengzhi, who had just arrived and demonstrated his superior skills.
Leadership of the Huashan School
After Mu Renqing’s retirement or death, Huang Zhen succeeded him as the leader of the Huashan School, continuing the school’s traditions and maintaining its reputation as one of the premier martial arts schools of the era.
Personality and character
Huang Zhen was characterised by his humorous and business-oriented personality. He was known for his habit of speaking in business terms during combat, using commercial metaphors and saying things like “Congratulations on making a fortune!” (恭喜发财 — Gōngxǐ fācái) even while fighting. This unique trait made him memorable despite being a serious martial artist.
Despite his humorous exterior, Huang Zhen was careful and prudent in his actions. He was known to be cautious and methodical, rarely falling into disadvantage in combat. His merchant background gave him a practical and business-minded approach to both martial arts and life.
Martial arts
Huang Zhen was a highly skilled martial artist, having been trained by Mu Renqing in the Huashan School’s techniques. His skills were sufficient to challenge the Wen family’s Five Elders, though he was unable to break through their Five Elements Formation on his own.
Unique weapons
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Copper Brush (铜笔 — Tóngbǐ) — Huang Zhen’s signature weapon, used in his right hand. The brush served as both a writing implement and a combat weapon, demonstrating his dual identity as a merchant and martial artist.
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Iron Abacus (铁算盘 — Tiě Suànpán) — Huang Zhen’s other signature weapon, used in his left hand. The abacus, typically a merchant’s tool for calculation, became a formidable weapon in Huang Zhen’s hands.
Huang Zhen’s use of these unconventional weapons reflected his merchant background and his ability to turn everyday objects into effective combat tools. The combination of brush and abacus allowed him to attack and defend simultaneously, creating a unique and effective fighting style.
Techniques
Huang Zhen was skilled in the Huashan School’s martial arts, including their sword techniques, palm techniques, and neili methods. His training under Mu Renqing gave him a solid foundation in the school’s orthodox techniques.
Relationships
Master
- Mu Renqing — Huang Zhen’s master and the leader of the Huashan School. Huang Zhen was his first disciple and eventually succeeded him as leader.
Shidi
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Gui Xinshu — Huang Zhen’s second shidi, Mu Renqing’s second disciple, known as “Invincible Divine Fists”.
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Yuan Chengzhi — Huang Zhen’s third shidi, Mu Renqing’s youngest disciple and the protagonist of Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Disciples
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Feng Nandi (冯难敌) — Also known as “Eight Faces Fierce” (八面威风), one of Huang Zhen’s disciples.
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Cui Ximin (崔希敏) — Also known as “Subduing Tiger Diamond” (伏虎金刚), one of Huang Zhen’s disciples who accompanied him to the Wen family stronghold.
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An Xiaohui (安小慧) — One of Huang Zhen’s disciples, the daughter of An Daniang, who also accompanied him to the Wen family stronghold.
Legacy
Huang Zhen represented a unique blend of martial arts prowess and merchant practicality. His use of business tools as weapons and his humorous, business-minded personality made him a memorable character, while his eventual succession to the leadership of the Huashan School demonstrated his competence and the trust placed in him by his master.
His character exemplified how martial artists could maintain their professional identities while excelling in the jianghu, and his merchant background added a distinctive flavour to the Huashan School’s leadership during his tenure.