Wan Zhenshan (simplified: 万震山, traditional: 万震山, pinyin: Wàn Zhènshān, jyutping: maan6 zan3 saan1), known as “Five Clouds Hand” (五云手), was Mei Niansheng’s first apprentice and one of the three disciples who betrayed their master to obtain the Liancheng Swordplay manual.
Biography
Apprenticeship under Mei Niansheng
Wan Zhenshan was the eldest of Mei Niansheng’s three apprentices, alongside Yan Daping (“Land Dragon”) and Qi Zhangfa (“Iron Chain Across the River”). Together, the three disciples conspired to kill their master and steal the Liancheng Swordplay manual.
Betrayal of Qi Zhangfa
After obtaining the manual, Wan Zhenshan plotted against his younger brother Qi Zhangfa, attempting to kill him and seal his body in a wall. However, Qi Zhangfa managed to escape by feigning death.
The Wan School
Wan Zhenshan established a martial arts school in Jingzhou and took eight disciples, all of whom had names containing the “earth” radical (土). His third disciple was his own son Wan Gui. The eight disciples were: Lu Kun, Zhou Yin, Wan Gui, Sun Jun, Bu Yuan, Wu Kan, Feng Tan, and Shen Cheng.
Framing Di Yun
When Di Yun and Qi Fang came to Jingzhou for Wan Zhenshan’s birthday celebration, Wan Zhenshan and his disciples conspired to frame Di Yun for raping Taohong, Wan Zhenshan’s concubine. This led to Di Yun’s imprisonment and allowed Wan Gui to marry Qi Fang.
Death
In the end, Wan Zhenshan was killed by Qi Zhangfa during their final confrontation over the treasure revealed by the Liancheng Swordplay.
Character
Wan Zhenshan was portrayed as hypocritical and ruthless, though less cunning than Yan Daping and less scheming than Qi Zhangfa. He was willing to kill his own daughter-in-law and granddaughter to protect his secrets and obtain the treasure.
Martial arts
Wan Zhenshan practiced the Tangshi Swordplay (唐诗剑法), which was actually the corrupted version of the Liancheng Swordplay (连城剑法) that he and his brothers had learned. His martial arts emphasized complex techniques but lacked internal power, making him vulnerable to opponents with superior internal strength.