The Seven Zis of Quanzhen (simplified: 全真七子, traditional: 全真七子, Jyutping: cyun4 zan1 cat1 zi2, pinyin: Quánzhēn Qīzǐ) were the seven direct disciples of Wang Chongyang, the Central Divine of the Five Greats and founder of the Quanzhen Order. These seven masters became the primary leaders of the Order after Wang Chongyang’s death, establishing it as one of the most influential martial arts organizations in China during the Southern Song Dynasty.1
The Seven Zis were: Ma Yu (Danyangzi), Tan Chuduan (Changzhenzi), Liu Chuxuan (Changshengzi), Qiu Chuji (Changchunzi), Wang Chuyi (Yuyangzi), Hao Datong (Guangningzi), and Sun Bu’er (Qingjing Sanren). Each brought unique strengths and specializations to the Order, creating a diverse leadership team that could effectively manage the organization’s expansion across vast territories while maintaining doctrinal consistency.
Their collective mastery of the Big Dipper Formation made them nearly invincible when fighting together, while their individual achievements in founding sub-sects and regional branches spread Quanzhen influence throughout northern China. The group’s combination of martial prowess, administrative wisdom, and spiritual depth established the Quanzhen Order as a dominant force in the jianghu for generations.
Formation and early history
Selection by Wang Chongyang
The Seven Zis were carefully selected by Wang Chongyang during his travels through Shandong Province in the 1160s. Rather than choosing disciples based solely on martial potential, Wang sought individuals who possessed complementary skills and temperaments that would enable them to lead a complex religious and martial organization.
The selection process reflected Wang’s strategic vision for the Quanzhen Order’s future. He recognized that effective leadership would require not only martial excellence but also diplomatic skills, scholarly depth, administrative capability, and the ability to adapt to diverse regional conditions. Each of the Seven Zis possessed these qualities in different combinations, creating a leadership team with comprehensive capabilities.
Wang’s decision to include Sun Bu’er as the only female member demonstrated his progressive understanding that the Order’s mission required appealing to both men and women. Her presence provided balance and ensured that the Order could effectively serve female practitioners, significantly expanding its potential membership and influence.
Training under Wang Chongyang
Under Wang Chongyang’s direct instruction, the Seven Zis mastered the profound Innate Skill that became the foundation of all Quanzhen martial arts. This internal energy cultivation method provided them with exceptional longevity, spiritual clarity, and the energetic foundation necessary for their various specializations.
Beyond technical martial arts training, Wang emphasized the development of leadership qualities and spiritual wisdom. He recognized that his disciples would eventually need to make independent decisions affecting thousands of practitioners across vast geographical areas. His teaching therefore focused on developing their judgment, character, and understanding of fundamental principles rather than rigid adherence to specific techniques.
The diversity of their subsequent achievements reflected the effectiveness of Wang’s educational approach. Each disciple developed distinctive specializations—from Ma Yu’s diplomatic leadership to Qiu Chuji’s militant activism, from Tan Chuduan’s theological innovation to Hao Datong’s regional adaptation—while maintaining unity in their core commitment to Quanzhen principles.
The Big Dipper Formation
Wang Chongyang’s most remarkable achievement in training the Seven Zis was developing the Big Dipper Formation, a group combat technique that allowed the seven masters to combine their individual martial skills into a nearly invincible collective defense. The formation drew on astronomical symbolism, with each master occupying a position corresponding to one of the seven stars of the Big Dipper constellation.
The formation’s effectiveness derived from the way it harmonized the masters’ different fighting styles and specializations into a unified tactical system. Ma Yu’s diplomatic temperament provided strategic coordination, while Qiu Chuji’s aggressive nature drove offensive actions. Wang Chuyi’s exceptional balance maintained formation stability, Hao Datong’s adaptability provided tactical flexibility, and Sun Bu’er’s focus on harmony kept the group’s energy unified.
The formation became legendary throughout the jianghu as a demonstration of how individual excellence could be enhanced rather than diminished through collective cooperation. Its success influenced martial arts development for generations, as other organizations attempted to develop similar group techniques.
Individual members and their contributions
Ma Yu (Danyangzi) - The Diplomatic Leader
Ma Yu, known by his Daoist name Danyangzi (丹阳子), served as the first leader of the Quanzhen Order after Wang Chongyang’s death. His diplomatic approach and scholarly temperament made him particularly effective at building relationships with government officials, other martial arts organizations, and community leaders throughout northern China.
His marriage to Sun Bu’er before their joint conversion to Daoism created a unique partnership that demonstrated how personal relationships could evolve through shared spiritual commitment. Their transformation from husband and wife to spiritual siblings provided a model for how traditional social roles could be transcended through authentic spiritual development.
Ma Yu’s leadership style emphasized consultation, consensus-building, and gradual expansion rather than aggressive conquest. This approach proved essential during the Order’s formative years, as it needed to establish legitimacy and build sustainable institutions rather than simply acquiring territory or members through force.
Tan Chuduan (Changzhenzi) - The Theological Innovator
Tan Chuduan, known as Changzhenzi (长真子), brought scholarly depth and theological innovation to the Seven Zis. His establishment of the Namo Sect demonstrated how traditional Daoist practices could be enriched through integration with Buddhist elements, particularly mantra chanting and vocal cultivation methods.
His brief tenure as the second leader of the Quanzhen Order was marked by administrative consolidation and efforts to maintain the quality of instruction during a period of rapid growth. His scholarly approach provided stability and ensured that expansion did not compromise the spiritual authenticity that Wang Chongyang had established.
His tragic death during the confrontation at Misty Rain Pavilion, killed by Ouyang Feng’s surprise attack, marked a significant loss for the Order and demonstrated the real dangers faced by orthodox martial artists in their conflicts with heterodox practitioners.
Liu Chuxuan (Changshengzi) - The Administrative Strategist
Liu Chuxuan, known as Changshengzi (长生子), served as the third leader of the Quanzhen Order and founder of the Suishan Sect. His scholarly temperament and administrative wisdom provided crucial continuity during the transition between Tan Chuduan’s death and Qiu Chuji’s more militant leadership.
His decision to serve only briefly as overall leader before transferring authority to Qiu Chuji demonstrated exceptional wisdom and selflessness. Rather than clinging to power, he recognized that the changing political circumstances required different leadership qualities than his naturally contemplative temperament provided.
His success in founding and leading the Suishan Sect showed how effective regional specialization could enhance rather than fragment the larger organization. His methods for balancing local adaptation with central coordination influenced organizational development throughout the Chinese martial arts world.
Qiu Chuji (Changchunzi) - The Militant Activist
Qiu Chuji, known as Changchunzi (长春子), became the most famous and politically influential of the Seven Zis. His militant temperament and patriotic fervor made him particularly effective during periods when the Quanzhen Order faced external threats or needed to engage with political authorities.
His legendary meeting with Genghis Khan elevated the Quanzhen Order to unprecedented political influence and provided protection that enabled its expansion throughout the Mongol territories. However, his political engagements also led the Order away from purely spiritual pursuits, creating tensions that would influence its development for generations.
His training of Yang Kang demonstrated both his martial teaching abilities and the limitations of his educational approach. While he successfully transmitted advanced techniques, his failure to provide consistent moral guidance resulted in Yang Kang’s corruption, illustrating the importance of comprehensive character development in martial arts education.
Wang Chuyi (Yuyangzi) - The Balanced Contemplative
Wang Chuyi, known as Yuyangzi (玉阳子), earned the nickname “Iron Foot Immortal” for his exceptional qinggong abilities, particularly his legendary demonstration of standing on one foot atop a precipice while performing the “Wind Sways Lotus Leaf” technique.
His contemplative nature and emphasis on balance made him particularly effective as a teacher and bridge-builder within the martial arts community. His friendship with Guo Jing demonstrated his ability to form genuine connections across generational and cultural boundaries, providing mentorship that complemented rather than competed with other influences in Guo Jing’s development.
His patient teaching approach and methodical instruction style proved particularly effective with students who required careful guidance rather than aggressive challenges. His success with Guo Jing validated approaches to martial arts education that emphasized understanding principles rather than simple technique memorization.
Hao Datong (Guangningzi) - The Regional Innovator
Hao Datong, known as Guangningzi (广宁子), distinguished himself through his founding of the Huashan Sect and his innovations in adapting martial arts techniques to mountain terrain. His practical approach to regional leadership provided a model for how large organizations could maintain unity while allowing for beneficial local variation.
His martial abilities were noted to be comparable to formidable opponents like Huo Dou and Darba, demonstrating that administrative leaders within the Order were also accomplished fighters. This combination of martial prowess and organizational skill made him particularly valuable during the Order’s expansion period.
His success in establishing regional branches that maintained doctrinal consistency while adapting to local conditions influenced organizational development throughout the Chinese martial arts world, providing practical models for managing complex, geographically dispersed institutions.
Sun Bu’er (Qingjing Sanren) - The Female Pioneer
Sun Bu’er, known as Qingjing Sanren (清净散人), broke gender barriers as the only female member of the Seven Zis. Her founding of the Tranquility Sect created specialized cultivation methods for female practitioners, significantly expanding the Quanzhen Order’s appeal and membership.
Her transformation from Ma Yu’s wife to his spiritual sister provided a powerful example of how authentic spiritual development could transcend conventional social categories. Their continued collaboration demonstrated that genuine spiritual relationships could evolve and deepen through shared commitment to growth.
Her teaching of disciples like Cheng Yaojia showed how personal disappointments and emotional challenges could be transformed into spiritual motivation rather than simply suppressed. Her methods provided sustainable approaches to cultivation that worked with rather than against natural psychological processes.
Collective achievements and influence
Expansion of the Quanzhen Order
Under the leadership of the Seven Zis, the Quanzhen Order expanded from a small regional organization to one of the most influential martial arts and religious institutions in China. Their diverse specializations enabled the Order to appeal to different populations and adapt to varying local conditions while maintaining doctrinal unity.
The establishment of various sub-sects—the Namo Sect, Tranquility Sect, Huashan Sect, and Suishan Sect—demonstrated how innovation within traditional frameworks could enhance rather than fragment organizational effectiveness. Each sub-sect served specific populations or regional needs while remaining integrated with the larger Order.
Their success in training subsequent generations of leaders ensured the Order’s continued influence long after their own deaths. The quality of their disciples and the sustainability of their institutional innovations validated their approaches to education and organization.
Martial arts development
The Seven Zis’ collective contributions to martial arts development extended far beyond their individual techniques to include fundamental innovations in teaching methodology, organizational structure, and the integration of spiritual cultivation with practical combat skills.
The Big Dipper Formation became legendary as a demonstration of how individual excellence could be enhanced through collective cooperation. Its influence extended throughout the martial arts world, as other organizations attempted to develop similar group techniques that could harmonize diverse fighting styles.
Their various adaptations of basic Quanzhen techniques for different populations and conditions—from Sun Bu’er’s female cultivation methods to Hao Datong’s mountain techniques—showed how traditional martial arts could evolve while maintaining their essential character.
Political and social impact
The Seven Zis’ influence extended beyond the martial arts world to include significant political and social impacts during a crucial period in Chinese history. Their ability to maintain organizational effectiveness while adapting to changing political circumstances provided stability during times of war and dynastic transition.
Qiu Chuji’s meeting with Genghis Khan demonstrated how martial arts leaders could influence political decisions affecting millions of people. While controversial, this engagement showed the potential for martial arts organizations to serve broader social functions beyond simple combat training.
Their example of collaborative leadership provided alternatives to autocratic models that dominated many other organizations. The Seven Zis’ ability to work together effectively despite different personalities and specializations influenced organizational development throughout Chinese society.
Legacy and continued influence
Institutional impact
The organizational innovations developed by the Seven Zis influenced Chinese martial arts development for centuries. Their methods for balancing central coordination with regional autonomy provided practical models for managing large, geographically dispersed institutions while maintaining doctrinal consistency.
The sub-sects they founded continued to operate long after their deaths, demonstrating the sustainability of their approaches to institutional development. The continued success of these specialized branches validated their belief that diversity within unity could strengthen rather than weaken organizational effectiveness.
Their emphasis on comprehensive education that addressed both martial skills and character development influenced teaching methods throughout the orthodox martial arts community. Their example showed that authentic development required attention to psychological, moral, and spiritual factors as well as technical capabilities.
Cultural significance
The Seven Zis became cultural symbols representing the highest ideals of Chinese martial arts and spiritual cultivation. Their story demonstrated how individual excellence could serve collective goals and how diverse talents could be harmonized for greater effectiveness.
Their example of transforming personal relationships through shared spiritual commitment influenced social attitudes about the possibility of transcending conventional categories and roles. The transformation of Ma Yu and Sun Bu’er from husband and wife to spiritual siblings became particularly influential as a model for authentic spiritual development.
Their integration of martial arts with religious and philosophical study provided a model for comprehensive human development that influenced Chinese culture far beyond the martial arts world.
Behind the scenes
The Seven Zis of Quanzhen represent Jin Yong’s exploration of how effective leadership teams can balance diverse talents and perspectives while maintaining unity of purpose. Their collective story demonstrates themes of collaboration, specialization, and the transcendence of conventional social categories through shared spiritual commitment.
Historical foundation
The Seven Zis are based on authentic historical figures who were the actual disciples of the historical Wang Chongyang (Wang Chongyang) and became the leaders of the real Quanzhen Daoist Order during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. These seven masters established the foundation for what became one of the most influential periods in Chinese Daoist history.
The historical Seven Masters were:
Ma Danyang (1123-1183), originally named Cong Yi, later changed to Yu, was from a prominent local family in Ninghai, Shandong. In 1167, he abandoned his considerable wealth to follow Wang Chongyang and became the direct inheritor of Quanzhen teachings. He founded the Yushan School (遇仙派) and was posthumously honored as “Danyang Baoyi Wuwei Zhenren” (丹阳抱一无为真人).
Sun Bu’er (1119-1182), originally named Sun Fuchun, was Ma Danyang’s wife who was converted by Wang Chongyang in 1169. She practiced in solitude for seven years before traveling to spread Daoist teachings. She founded the Qingjing School (清静派) and was posthumously honored as “Qingjing Yuanzhen Shunde Zhenren” (清静渊真顺德真人).
Tan Chuduan (1123-1185), originally named Yu, was known for his mastery of classical texts and calligraphy. He founded the Namo School (南无派) and was posthumously honored as “Changzhen Yunshui Yunde Zhenren” (长真云水蕴德真人).
Hao Datong (1140-1212) was renowned for his studies of the I Ching and divination techniques. He famously sat in silent meditation under a bridge for six years and founded the Huashan School (华山派). He was posthumously honored as “Guangning Tongxuan Taiguzhenren” (广宁通玄太古真人).
Wang Chuyi (1142-1217) was known for his scholarship in classical texts and founded the Yushan School (嵛山派). The historical records confirm he was indeed known as “Iron Foot” (铁脚先生), validating Jin Yong’s portrayal of his exceptional qinggong abilities.
Liu Chuxuan (1147-1203) founded the Suishan School (随山派) and served as the fourth leader of Quanzhen. He was summoned by the Jin Emperor Zhangzong in 1197, demonstrating the historical political influence of Quanzhen masters.
Qiu Chuji (1148-1227) became the most politically influential, meeting with Genghis Khan in 1222. His Longmen School (龙门派) became the most widespread and influential branch of Quanzhen Daoism.
Doctrinal characteristics
According to historical sources, the Seven Masters shared certain doctrinal characteristics that Jin Yong incorporated into his fictional portrayal:
Heart Cultivation (修心): Emphasis on controlling desires and emotions while practicing compassion and helping others.
Purity and Tranquility (清净): Focus on mental clarity and spiritual purification as the foundation for all practice.
Internal Alchemy (内丹): Development of sophisticated internal energy cultivation methods, with different masters specializing in different approaches suited to various practitioners.
Three Teachings Unity (三教合一): Integration of Daoist internal cultivation with Confucian ethics and Buddhist meditation techniques.
Social and political impact
The historical Seven Masters transformed Quanzhen from a regional sect into a national religious movement. After Wang Chongyang’s death, they spread throughout northern China: Ma Yu established foundations in Shaanxi, Qiu Chuji achieved political prominence through his meeting with Genghis Khan, Tan Chuduan and Liu Chuxuan promoted the teachings in the Yi-Luo region, and Hao Datong developed the sect in Hebei.
Qiu Chuji’s meeting with Genghis Khan represented a pivotal moment that elevated Quanzhen’s status and enabled its rapid expansion throughout the Mongol territories. This historical event provided Jin Yong with the foundation for exploring themes about the intersection of martial arts, politics, and social responsibility.
Jin Yong’s adaptations
Jin Yong’s portrayal maintains the essential historical relationships and characteristics while adapting them for narrative purposes. The author noted that while the Seven Masters’ teacher was historically the supreme martial artist of his era, the disciples themselves did not achieve the pinnacle of martial arts—a characterization that Jin Yong maintained in his novels where none of the Seven Zis appear at the Huashan Sword Summits.
The historical Wang Chuyi’s reputation as “Iron Foot Immortal” is confirmed by Yuan dynasty records, validating Jin Yong’s emphasis on his exceptional qinggong abilities. This attention to historical detail demonstrates Jin Yong’s commitment to grounding his fiction in authentic historical and cultural foundations.
The diversity of schools founded by the historical Seven Masters provided Jin Yong with the basis for exploring how large organizations can maintain unity while allowing for beneficial specialization and regional adaptation.
Portrayals
The Seven Zis of Quanzhen have appeared collectively in various television and film adaptations of Jin Yong’s novels:
The Legend of the Condor Heroes
- 1983 series – Featured as a complete group in multiple episodes
- 1994 series – Appeared in their collective Big Dipper Formation
- 2003 series – Emphasized their role as Quanzhen leaders
- 2008 series – Featured their training relationships with main characters
- 2017 series – Portrayed their diverse personalities and specializations
The Return of the Condor Heroes
- 1983 series – Appeared in later episodes dealing with Quanzhen Order
- 1995 series – Featured in conflicts involving Yang Guo
- 2006 series – Emphasized their declining influence in the second generation
Most adaptations emphasize their collective martial prowess through the Big Dipper Formation while highlighting their individual personalities and the unique contributions each brought to the Quanzhen Order.
External links
- Seven Zis of Quanzhen on Wikipedia
- Northern Seven Zis (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia
- Seven Zis of Quanzhen on Baidu Baike
Footnotes
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江湖 – jiānghú. The world of martial arts. A sub-society involving all who are related to the martial arts scene. What is jianghu? ↩