Yin Ji (simplified: 殷吉, traditional: 殷吉, pinyin: Yīn Jí, jyutping: jan1 gat1), known by the epithet “Weizhen Tiannan” (威震天南, meaning “Awe-inspiring in the South”), was the leader of the Southern Branch of the Tianlong School. He appears in Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain as one of the martial artists involved in the struggle over Li Zicheng’s treasure.
Biography
Role in the treasure struggle
When Tao Baishui and his son Tao Zian discovered a treasure chest in the snowy mountains containing a precious saber connected to Li Zicheng’s rebellion, Yin Ji, along with members of the Northern Branch of the Tianlong School (Ruan Shizhong and Cao Yunqi), intercepted the treasure from Xiong Yuanxian of the Pingtong Armed Escort.
This led to a fierce struggle over the treasure chest, with multiple factions competing for possession. The conflict eventually drew the attention of the mysterious monk Baoshu, who overpowered all parties and forced them to travel to Jade Brush Peak.
Relationship with the Northern Branch
The Tianlong School was divided into Northern and Southern Branches, with Tian Guinong leading the Northern Branch and Yin Ji leading the Southern Branch. Despite their shared school affiliation, the two branches had a long-standing rivalry, particularly regarding the ten-year cycle of passing the military saber (闯王军刀) between them. This rivalry was a source of tension throughout the novel.
Demise
Driven by greed for Li Zicheng’s hidden treasure, Yin Ji joined other martial artists in their pursuit of the legendary wealth. He was eventually trapped by Hu Fei inside the treasure cave along with Tao Baishui, Xiong Yuanxian, Cao Yunqi, Ruan Shizhong, Baoshu, and others. He perished there, a victim of his own avarice and the treacherous environment.
Personality
Yin Ji is depicted as a skilled martial artist, as evidenced by his epithet “Weizhen Tiannan” (Awe-inspiring in the South), which suggests considerable martial prowess and regional influence. However, like many other characters in the novel, he was ultimately driven by greed for the legendary treasure, which led to his downfall.
Relationships
- Tian Guinong (Rival): The leader of the Northern Branch of the Tianlong School, with whom he had a long-standing rivalry.
- Ruan Shizhong (Associate/Rival): A member of the Northern Branch with whom he competed for the treasure.
- Cao Yunqi (Associate/Rival): A member of the Northern Branch with whom he competed for the treasure.
- Hu Fei (Antagonist): The protagonist who ultimately trapped him in the treasure cave.
Martial Arts
Yin Ji’s epithet “Weizhen Tiannan” (威震天南) suggests that he possessed considerable martial arts skills, particularly in swordplay associated with the Tianlong School. While specific techniques are not detailed in the novel, his position as leader of the Southern Branch indicates significant martial prowess.
Legacy
Yin Ji serves as a representative of the Southern Branch of the Tianlong School and highlights the internal divisions within the martial arts world. His participation in the treasure hunt and eventual demise reinforce the novel’s themes about the corrupting influence of greed and the destructive nature of internal conflicts within martial arts schools.