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Wuyazi

Wuyazi

Wuyazi (simplified: 无崖子, traditional: 無崖子, pinyin: Wú Yázǐ) is the second leader of the Xiaoyao Order and a master of profound martial arts in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, known for his tragic betrayal and the passing of his legacy to Xuzhu.

Biography

Early life and sect leadership

Wuyazi was the second disciple of Xiaoyaozi (逍遥子), the founder of the Xiaoyao Order, and succeeded his master as the order’s second leader. His name, meaning “Without Cliff,” reflects his philosophical approach to martial arts and life.

Life at Langhuan Blessed Land

Wuyazi lived with his junior sister Li Qiushui at the Langhuan Blessed Land (琅嬛福地) in Dali’s Mount Wuliang. During this time, he collected martial arts manuals from various sects, including techniques like One Yang Finger, Spirit Blades of Six Meridians, and Eighteen Palms of Dragon-subduing.

Tragic betrayal by Ding Chunqiu

Wuyazi’s downfall came when his disciple Ding Chunqiu, who had been seduced by Li Qiushui, betrayed him. The two conspired to push Wuyazi off a cliff, leaving him severely injured and paralyzed. Despite surviving the fall, Wuyazi was left in a helpless state.

Setting the Zhenlong chess game

Unable to seek revenge himself, Wuyazi set up the “Zhenlong” (珍珑) chess game, hoping to find someone with great wisdom who could inherit his martial arts and help him clean up the sect. This chess game became a test for potential successors.

Legacy passed to Xuzhu

Through a series of coincidences, the young Shaolin monk Xuzhu solved the chess game. Although Xuzhu didn’t meet Wuyazi’s usual standards for disciples, the desperate master chose to pass on his 70+ years of internal energy and sect leadership to him.

Personality and traits

  • Wise and learned: Master of various arts including music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, and martial arts
  • Philosophical: His name reflects his approach to transcending limitations
  • Determined: Despite his paralysis, he continued to seek a worthy successor
  • Cultured: Appreciated the finer aspects of life beyond just martial arts
  • Tragic: His story represents the consequences of betrayal and the passing of knowledge

Martial arts and abilities

Northern Darkness Divine Skill (北冥神功)

This is the Xiaoyao Order’s most profound neigong. It allows the practitioner to absorb others’ internal energy and convert it for their own use, rapidly increasing their power. The technique is based on the principle of “negative attracting positive” and requires careful practice to avoid dangerous consequences.

Minor Formless Skill (小无相功)

A Taoist martial art that emphasizes formlessness and the ability to control various ultimate techniques. This skill allows Wuyazi to master and utilize techniques from different martial arts schools, making him a versatile and formidable opponent.

Comprehensive knowledge

Wuyazi was exceptionally intelligent and knowledgeable, mastering not only martial arts but also music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, and various other arts. His disciple Su Xinghe once said that what he learned was only one ten-thousandth of his master’s knowledge.

Relationships

  • Xiaoyaozi: His master and the founder of the Xiaoyao Order
  • Tianshan Child Granny: His senior sister and fellow sect member
  • Li Qiushui: His junior sister with whom he had a complex relationship
  • Su Xinghe: His loyal disciple known as the “Smart Debater”
  • Ding Chunqiu: His treacherous disciple who betrayed him
  • Xuzhu: His final disciple and successor as sect leader
  • Li Qingluo: His daughter, who later became Wang Yuyan’s mother

Key events

  • Order leadership: Succeeded Xiaoyaozi as leader of the Xiaoyao Order
  • Life at Langhuan Blessed Land: Collected and studied various martial arts techniques
  • Betrayal: Was pushed off a cliff by Ding Chunqiu and Li Qiushui
  • Survival: Managed to survive but became paralyzed
  • Chess game: Set up the Zhenlong chess game to find a successor
  • Succession: Passed his legacy to Xuzhu before dying

Behind the scenes

Wuyazi’s character embodies several themes central to Jin Yong’s narrative: the transmission of martial arts knowledge, the consequences of betrayal, and the cyclical nature of power and knowledge. His story serves as a bridge between the older generation of martial artists and the new protagonists, particularly Xuzhu.

The name “Wuyazi” (无崖子) has philosophical significance, derived from Zhuangzi’s writings about transcending limitations and boundaries. This reflects his approach to martial arts and his ability to master techniques from various schools.

Wuyazi’s tragic end represents the dangers of the martial world, where even the most powerful and knowledgeable masters can fall victim to betrayal and treachery. However, his legacy lives on through Xuzhu, demonstrating the enduring nature of true martial arts knowledge.

See also