Ruan Shizhong (simplified: 阮士中, traditional: 阮士中, pinyin: Ruǎn Shìzhōng, jyutping: jyun5 si6 zung1), also known as the Seven Star Hand (七星手), was a member of the Northern Branch of the Tianlong School in Jin Yong’s Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain. He participated in the conflict over Li Zicheng’s treasure and the events at Jade Brush Peak.
Biography
Early life and training
Ruan Shizhong was a disciple of Tian Guinong, the leader of the Northern Branch of the Tianlong School. He was known for his martial arts technique, which earned him the epithet “Seven Star Hand” (七星手), referring to his palm techniques that incorporated the seven stars pattern.
Conflict over the treasure
When Tao Baishui and his son discovered the treasure chest containing Li Zicheng’s saber in the snowy mountains, Ruan Shizhong and other members of the Northern Branch became involved in the struggle. The Northern Branch was in conflict with the Southern Branch of the Tianlong School, led by Yin Ji, over the treasure.
Ruan Shizhong participated in the initial skirmish over the treasure chest, which attracted various martial artists including Xiong Yuanxian of the Pingtong Armed Escort and members of both branches of the Tianlong School.
Journey to Jade Brush Peak
When the mysterious monk Baoshu overpowered all the martial artists and forced them to travel to Jade Brush Peak, Ruan Shizhong was among those compelled to go. At the manor, owned by Du Ximun, the assembled martial artists learned about the history behind the treasure and the feud between the four families.
Final fate
Ruan Shizhong joined the other greedy martial artists in searching for Li Zicheng’s treasure. However, Hu Fei trapped them all in the treasure cave, where they presumably died, unable to escape. Ruan Shizhong’s participation in the treasure hunt, driven by greed and sectarian loyalty, led to his ultimate downfall.
Personality
Ruan Shizhong is portrayed as a typical member of the martial arts world, driven by sectarian loyalty and personal gain. He represents the Northern Branch’s interests in the conflict with the Southern Branch, demonstrating the ongoing rivalry between the two branches of the Tianlong School.
His character is less developed than some of the other characters in the novel, serving primarily as a representative of the Northern Branch and a participant in the treasure hunt. His ultimate fate reflects the consequences of greed and sectarian conflict.
Relationships
- Tian Guinong (Master): Ruan Shizhong was Tian Guinong’s disciple and remained loyal to the Northern Branch after his master’s death.
- Cao Yunqi (Martial Brother): Ruan Shizhong worked alongside Cao Yunqi, who succeeded Tian Guinong as leader of the Northern Branch.
- Zhou Yunyang (Martial Brother): Ruan Shizhong was a fellow member of the Northern Branch.
- Yin Ji (Rival): Ruan Shizhong was in conflict with Yin Ji, the leader of the Southern Branch, over the treasure.
Martial Arts
Ruan Shizhong was known as the “Seven Star Hand” (七星手) for his palm techniques. He practiced the Tianlong Swordplay of the Northern Branch, though his specific techniques are not detailed in the novel.
Legacy
Ruan Shizhong’s character represents the sectarian conflicts within the martial arts world and the destructive nature of greed. His participation in the treasure hunt, driven by loyalty to his sect and personal gain, ultimately leads to his downfall. His fate serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and sectarian rivalry.