Qin Clan Stronghold (simplified: 秦家寨, traditional: 秦家寨, pinyin: Qín Jiā Zhài) is a bandit organization in Yunzhou1 known for its unique Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique. Unlike other bandit organizations that accept members from various martial arts schools, the Qin Clan Stronghold only accepts disciples of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique.
History
Foundation by Qin Gongwang
The stronghold was founded by Qin Gongwang (秦公望 – Qín Gōngwàng), who created the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique. The organization was unique among bandit groups in that all its leaders were disciples of this specific martial art technique.
Succession to Yao Bodang
Qin Gongwang had a son named Qin Boqi, but due to his mediocre martial arts skills and abilities, the leadership was passed to his senior disciple Yao Bodang.
Qin Boqi’s death
Several months before Duan Yu’s arrival in Gusu, Qin Boqi (秦伯起 – Qín Bóqǐ) was killed in Shaanxi by someone using the “Wang Character Four Sabres”, which was the most powerful and fierce technique of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre. Everyone suspected that the Murong Clan of Gusu was responsible.
Revenge mission
Yao Bodang, grateful for his master’s teachings, led all the stronghold’s skilled fighters to Suzhou to avenge his junior brother. They encountered Duan Yu, Wang Yuyan, Azhu, Abi, and the Qingcheng School’s Sima Lin at the Fragrance Listening Pavilion.
Defeat and submission
The Qin Clan Stronghold members were defeated by Bao Butong. Under Bao Butong’s intimidation and Azhu’s persuasion, and with Wang Yuyan’s promise to teach them the deficiencies in both factions’ techniques, the Qin Clan Stronghold accepted the “Gusu Murong” flag and became subordinates of the Murong Clan.
Organisation
Leadership structure
The stronghold is currently led by Yao Bodang (姚伯当 – Yáo Bódāng), who serves as the leader. The organization follows a hierarchical structure with all leaders being disciples of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique.
Unique membership policy
Unlike other bandit organizations that accept members from various martial arts schools, the Qin Clan Stronghold only accepts disciples of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre technique. This creates a cohesive organization with shared martial arts traditions.
Notable members
Leadership:
- Yao Bodang (姚伯当 – Yáo Bódāng) - Current leader of the stronghold
Former members:
- Qin Gongwang (秦公望 – Qín Gōngwàng) - Founder and creator of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre
- Qin Boqi (秦伯起 – Qín Bóqǐ) - Qin Gongwang’s son, killed in Shaanxi
Martial arts
Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre
Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre (五虎断门刀 – Wǔhǔ Duànmén Dāo) is the stronghold’s signature martial art technique. The complete technique originally had sixty-four moves, but over generations, five moves were forgotten: “White Tiger Leaping Ravine,” “One Roar of Wind,” “Shear and Pounce Freely,” “Heroic Rule of Mountains,” and “Subduing Elephant Surpassing Lion.”
Technique deterioration
By the time of Yao Bodang’s master’s generation, two more moves were lost: “Carrying Child Across River” and “Heavy Section Guarding Righteousness.” Yao Bodang (姚伯当 – Yáo Bódāng) modified the “Carrying Child Across River” and “Heavy Section Guarding Righteousness” variations to make up the fifty-nine moves, but Wang Yuyan still identified the flaws when he used this technique against Sima Lin.
Wang Character Four Sabres
The “Wang Character Four Sabres” (王字四刀 – Wángzì Sì Dāo) is the most powerful and fierce technique of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre. This technique was used to kill Qin Boqi (秦伯起 – Qín Bóqǐ) in Shaanxi.
Relationships
Conflict with Murong Clan
The stronghold suspected the Murong Clan of Gusu of killing Qin Boqi and sought revenge. This led to their confrontation at the Fragrance Listening Pavilion.
Submission to Murong Clan
After being defeated by Bao Butong (包不同 – Bāo Bùtóng), the stronghold accepted the “Gusu Murong” flag and became subordinates of the Murong Clan. This marked a significant change in their status and allegiance.
Conflict with Qingcheng School
The stronghold had a confrontation with the Qingcheng School at the Fragrance Listening Pavilion, which was resolved when both factions submitted to the Murong Clan.
Locations
Yunzhou location
The stronghold is based in Yunzhou (云州 – Yúnzhōu), where it maintains its headquarters and operates as a bandit organization. This location provides the stronghold with strategic advantages for their activities.
Regional influence
As a bandit organization in Yunzhou, the Qin Clan Stronghold wields significant influence in the region. Their unique martial arts tradition and cohesive membership policy set them apart from other bandit groups.
See also
- Jin Yong factions
- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils factions
- Yao Bodang – Current leader of the stronghold
- Qin Gongwang – Founder and creator of the Five Tiger Gate-sealing Sabre