Quanzhen Order (simplified: 全真教, traditional: 全真教, pinyin: Quánzhēn Jiào), literally the “Complete Truth Order,” was the most influential orthodox Daoist martial-monastic order in the jianghu.1 Founded by Wang Chongyang, the Order combined rigorous spiritual cultivation with advanced martial arts training, establishing itself as the foremost representative of orthodox Daoist tradition in the martial arts world.
Known for their philosophy of “embracing hardship to benefit others”, the Order emphasised moral cultivation alongside martial prowess. Their reputation extended far beyond their martial abilities, earning respect for their role in upholding justice and protecting the innocent throughout the realm.
History
Foundation
The Quanzhen Order was established during the Jin Dynasty2 when Wang Chongyang, a native of Xianyang, underwent a profound spiritual transformation. Born as Wang Zhe (王嚞), he originally pursued both scholarly and military careers, achieving success in both the imperial examinations and martial training. However, his decision to abandon worldly pursuits stemmed from a wager with his beloved Lin Chaoying, which ultimately led him to renounce secular life and establish the Quanzhen Order.
In 1160, Wang Chongyang began constructing what he called the “Living Dead’s Tomb” (活死人墓 – Huósǐrén Mù) at Zhongnan Mountains,3 where he engaged in intensive spiritual practice for several years. This dramatic gesture symbolised his death to worldly concerns and rebirth as a spiritual seeker. The tomb became a powerful symbol of the Order’s commitment to transcending ordinary human desires and attachments.
During the Song-Jin wars, Wang Chongyang led the Order’s Daoist priests in resisting the Jin invasion, continuing to uphold the sect’s principles of chivalrous conduct and helping the poor and suffering. This active resistance helped the Quanzhen Order establish itself firmly in the jianghu, with its reputation growing ever stronger and reaching considerable scale.
In 1167, following divine instruction received during his meditation, Wang Chongyang travelled east to Shandong Province to begin his teaching mission. This marked the formal beginning of the Quanzhen Order’s expansion and influence throughout northern China.
The Seven Zis era
The Order’s most significant period began when Wang Chongyang encountered and trained the Seven Zis of Quanzhen in Shandong. These seven disciples—Ma Yu, Tan Chuduan, Liu Chuxuan, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi, Hao Datong, and Sun Bu’er—would become the Order’s primary leaders and expand its influence across the martial arts world.
When Wang Chongyang died in 1170, Ma Yu assumed leadership of the Order. Under the guidance of the Seven Zis, the Quanzhen Order experienced unprecedented growth in both membership and influence. Their teachings spread throughout northern China, establishing numerous temples and training centers.
The leadership succession followed a careful pattern: after Ma Yu’s tenure, the position passed to Tan Chuduan, then to Liu Chuxuan who served only briefly for six months before transferring leadership to Qiu Chuji. Originally, Qiu Chuji designated Yin Zhiping as his successor, but following Yin Zhiping’s death, Li Zhichang assumed the leadership role.
The Order reached its zenith under Qiu Chuji’s leadership when he was summoned by Genghis Khan for consultation on governance and cultivation. This imperial recognition elevated the Order’s status and provided protection for its activities throughout the Mongol territories.
Throughout the jianghu, whether among the wulin or ordinary people, all who heard the name of the Quanzhen Order showed great respect.
Organisation
Leadership hierarchy
The Quanzhen Order maintained a structured hierarchy. At the apex stood the zhangmen,4 the supreme leader who held ultimate authority over all Order affairs.
Below the leader, the Seven Zis formed the core leadership council, each responsible for different aspects of Order operations and geographical regions. Each Zi typically established their own branch of the Order, creating sub-sects that maintained the core teachings whilst developing specialised approaches.
The hierarchy continued through various levels of ordained disciples, novices, and lay practitioners. Advancement required demonstration of both martial skills and spiritual understanding, with particular emphasis placed on moral character and dedication to the Order’s ideals.
Membership structure
The Order maintained a celibate monastic tradition for its core members, who were required to abandon family life and worldly attachments. This distinguished full disciples from lay practitioners who could study certain Quanzhen techniques whilst maintaining normal social relationships.
Regional branches operated with considerable autonomy whilst maintaining allegiance to the central authority at Zhongnan Mountains. Each branch developed distinctive characteristics based on local conditions and the particular strengths of its founding Master, creating a diverse yet unified organisation.
Martial arts
Quanzhen Swordplay
Quanzhen Swordplay (全真剑法 – Quánzhēn Jiànfǎ) formed the foundation of the Order’s martial arts system. This comprehensive sword art comprised seven basic sword forms with seven variations each, creating forty-nine fundamental techniques. Each technique incorporated not only swordwork but also finger techniques and grappling methods performed with the left hand, making the system effectively contain forty-nine sword techniques and forty-nine hand techniques simultaneously.
Innate Skill
Innate Skill (先天功 – Xiāntiān Gōng) formed the foundation of all Quanzhen internal cultivation. Wang Chongyang relied on this technique to dominate his contemporaries at the First Huashan Sword Summit, establishing himself as the supreme martial artist. The technique’s power was so formidable that Duan Zhixing was willing to exchange it with the One Yang Finger that was only transmitted within the Duan Clan.
Mutual Destruction Swordplay
Mutual Destruction Swordplay (同归剑法 – Tóngguī Jiànfǎ) was taught to practitioners who achieved sufficient advancement. This aggressive technique abandoned defence in favour of simultaneous attacks on vital points. This desperate method embodied a “perish together” philosophy, where practitioners would risk everything in life-or-death situations for the sake of attacking.
Primordial One into Three Purities
Primordial One into Three Purities (一气化三清 – Yīqì Huà Sānqīng) was an advanced sword technique where each thrust divided into three attacks. This technique demonstrated eighteen consecutive thrusts, with each sword thrust splitting into three during execution.
It is based on Daoist concept, where The One is the cosmic unity before creation, the Three Purities5 are the highest gods in Daoist pantheon—Yuanshi Tianzun (Lord of the Primordial Beginning) the Jade Purity6 Lingbao Tianzun (Lord of Spiritual Treasure) the Supreme Purity,7 and Daode Tianzun (Lord of the Way and Virtue) the Grand Purity.8
Frost-treading Ice-shattering Palm
The Frost-treading Ice-shattering Palmi (履霜破冰掌法 – Lǚ Shuāng Pò Bīng Zhǎng Fǎ) represented the Order’s most formidable palm technique, known for its precision and devastating power with deceptively gentle initial contact, with explosive force that shatters defences.
Big Dipper Formation
The Big Dipper Formation (天罡北斗阵 – Tiāngāng Běidǒu Zhèn) represented the pinnacle of Quanzhen group combat techniques. Seven practitioners positioned themselves according to the constellation pattern, with each member supporting the others through qi sharing and coordinated attacks.
When under attack, the practitioner facing the enemy did not need to exert effort in defence, whilst those beside them launched side attacks, creating the effect of one person wielding the power of multiple fighters.
Great Big Dipper Formation
For larger conflicts, the Order developed the Great Big Dipper Formation (北斗大阵 – Běidǒu Dàzhèn), deploying ninety-eight practitioners in fourteen separate seven-person Big Dipper Formations. These fourteen formations then arranged themselves into a greater constellation pattern, creating multiple layers of mutual support.
Solo Big Dipper Formation
Advanced practitioners such as Guo Jing could employ the Solo Big Dipper Formation, rapidly moving through all seven positions to create the illusion of fighting alongside six partners. This demanding technique required extraordinary qinggong9 skills and precise timing.
Seven Stars Converge
Later developments included the Seven Stars Converge (七星聚会 – Qīxīng Jùhuì), created specifically to counter the Jade Maiden Heart Manual techniques. This formation concentrated multiple practitioners’ qi into single attacks, compensating for individual technique limitations through combined force.
Twenty-four Secrets of Golden Gates and Jade Locks
The Twenty-four Secrets of Golden Gates and Jade Locks (金关玉锁二十四诀 – Jīnguān Yùsuǒ Èrshísì Jué) was a foundational Quanzhen qi cultivation technique involving precise control of energy gates and pathways within the body. It emphasises the distinction between the spiritual and physical aspects of existence. The text taught that “only the one spirit is true, the physical body’s four elements are false” (唯一灵是真，肉身四大是假), reflecting the Order’s core philosophy that true cultivation focused on spiritual rather than material concerns.
Golden Wild Goose Skill
The Golden Wild Goose Skill (金雁功 – Jīnyàn Gōng) was the Order’s foundation qinggong technique that enabled climbing vertical cliff faces and traversing difficult terrain.
Training methodology
Quanzhen martial training integrated physical techniques with spiritual development, reflecting the Order’s belief that true martial mastery required both external skill and internal cultivation. Students began with basic sword forms and breathing exercises, gradually advancing to more complex techniques as their understanding deepened.
The Order emphasised patient, methodical development over rapid advancement. Students spent years perfecting basic techniques before moving to advanced methods, ensuring solid foundations that would support lifetime practice. This approach produced fewer prodigies than some schools but created more reliable and consistent martial artists.
Regular meditation, study of Daoist classics, and moral instruction accompanied physical training. The Order believed that martial arts without spiritual development led to mere violence, whilst spiritual cultivation without practical ability left practitioners vulnerable to worldly dangers.
Philosophy
Three Teachings Unity
The Quanzhen Order advocated the unity of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism (三教合一 – sānjiào héyī). Rather than viewing these traditions as contradictory, the Order identified their common emphasis on moral cultivation and the development of wisdom and compassion.
This syncretic approach enabled the Order to appeal to scholars familiar with Confucian ethics, practitioners attracted to Buddhist meditation, and those drawn to Daoist naturalism. The Order’s libraries contained texts from all three traditions, and their curriculum included study of the Dao De Jing, the Heart Sutra, and the Classic of Filial Piety.
Ascetic discipline
The Order practiced “embracing hardship to benefit others” (苦己利人 – kǔjǐ lìrén). This philosophy manifested in their celibate lifestyle and willingness to intervene in conflicts to protect the innocent.
Harmony with nature
Following Daoist principles, the Order emphasised living in accordance with natural patterns and cosmic rhythms. Their martial arts incorporated observations of animal movements, seasonal changes, and astronomical phenomena.
Practitioners studied the relationship between human energy circulation and natural cycles, timing their cultivation practices to harmonise with lunar phases and seasonal transitions. This approach produced more stable and sustainable development than forced advancement methods.
The Order’s locations were carefully chosen to take advantage of natural energy flows and peaceful environments conducive to both meditation and martial training.
Notable members
Wang Chongyang
Wang Chongyang, the Order’s founder, established both its philosophical foundations and its position as the foremost orthodox martial arts school. His victory at the First Huashan Sword Summit demonstrated the superiority of Quanzhen techniques and earned him the title of the world’s supreme martial artist.
Beyond his martial achievements, Wang Chongyang’s wisdom in anticipating future challenges and his careful preparation of countermeasures showed his profound understanding of both human nature and strategic thinking. His decision to exchange techniques with Duan Zhixing proved crucial in later conflicts with Ouyang Feng.
The Seven Zis
Each of the Seven Zis contributed distinctive elements to the Order’s development:
Ma Yu, the senior disciple, provided stable leadership during the Order’s formative years. His marriage to Sun Bu’er before their joint ordination created a unique partnership that strengthened the Order’s appeal to both men and women.
Qiu Chuji emerged as the most politically influential Master, his consultation with Genghis Khan securing imperial protection for the Order and enabling its expansion throughout the Mongol territories.
Tan Chuduan and Liu Chuxuan provided theological depth and administrative skill that maintained the Order’s spiritual integrity during periods of rapid growth.
Wang Chuyi, Hao Datong, and Sun Bu’er established regional branches that spread Quanzhen influence throughout northern China and adapted its teachings to local conditions.
Zhou Botong
Zhou Botong, Wang Chongyang’s sworn brother, occupied a unique position as the Order’s shishu.10 Though never formally ordained as a Daoist priest, his relationship to the founder made him a figure of respect and authority within the Order.
Zhou Botong’s eccentric personality and revolutionary martial innovations influenced the Order’s development in unexpected ways. His creation of Ambidextrous Self Combat and mastery of techniques from the Nine Yin Manual expanded the Order’s technical repertoire.
Relationships
Alliances
The Quanzhen Order maintained relationships with other orthodox martial arts schools. The Order’s relationship with the Duan family of Dali remained strong following Wang Chongyang’s exchange with Duan Zhixing. Relations with the Beggars’ Guild were generally positive.
Rivalries
The Order’s primary antagonist was Ouyang Feng and his White Camel Manor. This enmity began with Ouyang Feng’s attempt to steal the Nine Yin Manual.
Huang Yaoshi of Peach Blossom Island maintained a complex relationship with the Order, with periodic conflicts arising from his unorthodox methods despite underlying mutual respect.
The Order opposed various unorthodox schools that used martial arts for criminal purposes, viewing such groups as corruptions of authentic martial tradition that required correction or elimination.
Political connections
The Order’s involvement with imperial courts varied depending on the legitimacy and moral character of particular dynasties. They supported rulers who protected Chinese culture and opposed those who oppressed the people, regardless of ethnic background.
Their consultation relationship with Mongol leadership represented pragmatic engagement rather than endorsement. The Order viewed such connections as opportunities to moderate policy and protect Chinese interests whilst maintaining their spiritual independence.
Unlike many purely contemplative religious orders, the Quanzhen Order maintained active involvement in political affairs, particularly during periods of foreign invasion. The Order consistently supported Han Chinese resistance against foreign rule, viewing such action as part of their duty to protect Chinese culture and values.
During the conflicts between the Song Dynasty and northern invaders, the Order provided both spiritual guidance and practical assistance to resistance efforts. Their extensive network of temples and disciples served as crucial communication and supply lines for Chinese forces.
Locations
Zhongnan Mountains headquarters
The Order’s primary base at Zhongnan Mountains provided an ideal environment for cultivation and training. The mountain’s natural beauty, abundant springs, and isolation from worldly distractions created optimal conditions for spiritual development.
The main temple complex, known as Chongyang Palace, contained meditation halls, training grounds, libraries, and living quarters for hundreds of residents. The architecture followed Daoist principles, harmonising with natural features rather than dominating the landscape.
Underground chambers housed the Order’s most precious texts and treasures, including copies of classical works and records of advanced techniques. These archives preserved the accumulated wisdom of generations of practitioners.
Regional branches
Each of the Seven Zis established their own training centers, creating a network of Quanzhen institutions throughout northern China. These branches maintained the core teachings whilst developing specialised approaches suited to local conditions.
The Namo Sect founded by Tan Chuduan integrated Buddhist mantras with Daoist cultivation, reflecting the Order’s syncretic philosophy. The Tranquility Sect established by Sun Bu’er focused particularly on meditation and internal cultivation techniques suitable for female practitioners.
Other branches included the Huashan Sect founded by Hao Datong, which developed sword techniques adapted to mountain terrain, and various other regional centers that maintained the Order’s influence across a vast geographical area.
Behind the scenes
Historical foundation
The Quanzhen Order in Jin Yong’s novels was based on the actual historical Quanzhen school of Daoism founded by Wang Zhe, later known as Wang Chongyang, (1113-1170) during the Jin Dynasty. The historical Quanzhen school emphasized internal alchemy, celibacy, and the integration of Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist teachings.
However, Jin Yong’s fictional version significantly enhanced the martial arts aspects and political involvement of the Order. The historical Quanzhen school was primarily concerned with spiritual cultivation rather than martial combat, though they did face persecution and needed to defend themselves during various political upheavals.
Literary significance
In Jin Yong’s novels, the Quanzhen Order serves multiple narrative functions. It represents orthodox values and moral authority in the jianghu, providing a benchmark against which other factions and characters are measured.
The Seven Zis structure allows for diverse character development and provides mentorship opportunities for major protagonists like Guo Jing. Each Zi embodies different aspects of martial and spiritual excellence, enabling complex exploration of various approaches to cultivation and achievement.
Historical leadership
The Order’s leadership is well documented, with authors taking inspiration from the historical figures or at least the names for their characters.
- Wang Chongyang (1167-1170)
- Ma Yu (1170-1183)
- Tan Chuduan (1183-1185)
- Liu Chuxuan (1189-1203)
- Qiu Chuji (1209-1227)
- Yin Zhiping (1227-1238)
- Li Zhichang (1238-1256)
- Zhang Zhijing (1256-1271)
- Wang Zhitan (1271-1272)
- Qi Zhicheng (1272-1285)
- Zhang Zhixian (1285-1308)
- Miao Daoyi (1308-1311)
- Chang Zhiqing (1312-1313)
- Sun Deyu (1313-1320)
- Lan Daoyuan (1321-1323)
- Sun Lüdao (1323-1328)
- Miao Daoyi (1328-1335, second term)
- Wanyan Deming (1335-1362)
Appearance in other novels
Beyond Jin Yong’s novels, the Quanzhen Order appears in various other wuxia works, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a symbol of orthodox martial arts tradition:
Destiny of the Clouds and Jade Bow by Liang Yusheng’s – Lingxiaozi the seventh generation descendant of Qiu Chuji’s lineage appears as the foremost Quanzhen martial artists
Elite of the Wulin by Sima Ling – Lin Qingyuan is the zhangmen, with the Three Zis of Dragon Gate—Chongxuzi, Huayangzi, and Yizhenzi—and Lü Jinghong the Immortal of Rippling Waves
First Sword of Dongfang by Dongfang Yu – Zu Banxian of the Black Ox Palace on Mount Lao, Yicheng, Yifan, Chu Yuxiang who became Deputy Chief of the Donghai Armed Escort
Valley of Sunken Sands by Shangguan Ding – Qingmu Zhenren11 and Lu Jie the thirty-third generation top disciple
Sword of the Royal Path by Shangguan Ding – Miao Daoyi as the sixteenth zhangmen, Wanyan Deming the Chongxuanzi as the seventeenth zhangmen, and Elder Wanyan Xuanming the Invincible Wanyan “Wanyan Bubai”
These extended appearances reinforce the Quanzhen Order’s position as the archetypal orthodox martial arts school, setting the standard for righteousness and proper cultivation that other factions either aspire to or rebel against.
Martial arts in other novels
These works introduce other techniques beyond the Jin Yong universe.
First Sword of Dongfang by Dongfang Yu:
- Seven Swords and Seven Styles – the fundamentals of Quanzhen Swordplay that incorporates fourty-nine finger techniques and grappling techniques, spontaneously adapting with the fourty-nine sword techniques
- Pure Yang Mystic Skill – Yang-based Quanzhen Swordplay, using sunrise meditation to absorb solar essence through yang meridians
- First Sword of Dongfang – Wang Chongyang’s distillation of thirty Quanzhen Swordplay forms into a single, infinitely adaptable technique emphasizing the principle of transformation and spontaneous response beyond the constraints sword forms
Elite of the Wulin by Sima Ling:
- Sun-Moon Unification Sword** – paired sword formation requiring perfect synchrony
Valley of Sunken Sands by Shangguan Ding:
- Ten Styles of Flying Dragon – aerial sword technique designed to counter the Myriad Manifestations Five Elephant Formation, incorporating Bamboo-Breaking Hundred-Joint principles
- Greater Seven Forms of Big Dipper – Daoist defensive art redirecting attacks with minimal force (“four ounces moves a thousand pounds”)
- Jade Mystic Return to Perfection – Quanzhen’s supreme Daoist internal art representing unity with the Dao
- Innate Qi Skill – unbreakable defense merging Quanzhen and Shaolin’s highest principles
Sword of the Royal Path by Shangguan Ding:
- Soul’s Return to the Dao – Wang Chongyang’s ultimate offensive sword technique, renowned as wulin’s most lethal thrust
- Quanzhen Swift Fist – 36-move combo targeting vital points without gaps for counterattacks
- Strike Second, Land First – counter system analyzing 81 attack patterns to strike qi gates, forcing opponents to abort moves
See also
- Jin Yong factions
- The Legend of the Condor Heroes factions
- Wang Chongyang – Order’s revered founder and greatest master
- Five Greats – Supreme martial artists of the era including Wang Chongyang
- Nine Yin Manual – Dangerous text that the order protects from misuse
- Seven Zis of Quanzhen – Order’s current leadership
- Peach Blossom Island – Unorthodox faction with unconventional methods
- Beggars’ Guild – Righteous allies in upholding justice in the jianghu
- Iron Palm Keep – Unscrupulous faction that violates martial arts ethics
External links
- Quanzhen School on Wikipedia
Footnotes
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江湖 – jiānghú. The world of martial arts practitioners, a sub-society parallel to but separate from conventional society. ↩
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金 – Jīn. A dynasty ruled by the Jurchen people under the Wanyan clan from 1115 to 1234. See Wikipedia. ↩
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终南山 – Zhōngnán Shān. Mountain range in Shaanxi Province, traditional retreat location for Daoist practitioners. See Wikipedia. ↩
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掌门 – zhǎngmén. Sect leader or head of a martial arts school. ↩
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轻功 – qīnggōng. Lightness skills that enable rapid movement and seemingly gravity-defying techniques. ↩
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师叔 – shīshū. Martial uncle; junior fellow disciple of one’s teacher. ↩
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真人 – Zhēnrén. Literally perfected person. Daoist honorific for masters who achieve unity with the Dao. Combines spiritual enlightenment with martial supremacy. See Wikipedia. ↩