Yu Daiyan

Yu Daiyan (simplified: 俞岱岩, traditional: 俞岱岩, pinyin: Yú Dàiyán, jyutping: jyu4 doi6 ngaam4) was the third of the Seven Xias of Wudang, a master of swordplay known for his Mysterious Void Swordplay (玄虚刀法) technique. He was paralysed for twenty years after being attacked by Asan (阿三), a monk from the Western Regions Shaolin Diamond Sect (西域少林金刚门) working for Prince Ruyang’s household, who used the Great Strength Vajra Finger (大力金刚指). He was eventually cured by Zhang Wuji using Black Jade Continuous Ointment (黑玉断续膏).

Biography

Early training under Zhang Sanfeng

Yu Daiyan was one of Zhang Sanfeng’s seven disciples, known collectively as the Seven Xias of Wudang. As the third disciple, he was renowned for his swordplay abilities, particularly his mastery of the Mysterious Void Swordplay technique, which earned him a reputation as a skilled practitioner in the jianghu.

Mission to Fujian

Early in the year, Yu Daiyan was sent by Zhang Sanfeng to Fujian Province to eliminate a bandit who had been harming innocent people and committing all manner of evil acts. The bandit, hearing of Yu Daiyan’s approach, immediately went into hiding. Yu Daiyan spent over two months searching for the bandit’s secret hideout before finally locating it.

When he confronted the bandit, Yu Daiyan used his master’s Mysterious Void Swordplay technique and defeated him in the eleventh move, eliminating the threat and completing his mission.

Investigating the Dragon-slaying Sabre

After completing his mission in Fujian, Yu Daiyan was assigned to investigate the whereabouts of the Dragon-slaying Sabre (屠龙刀), one of the two legendary weapons whose secrets were sought by many in the jianghu. This investigation would lead to a series of events that would change his life forever.

Encounter with Yin Susu and paralysis

During his investigation, Yu Daiyan encountered Yin Susu, a leader of the Heavenly Eagle Order, who was also seeking the Dragon-slaying Sabre. Yin Susu, using a mosquito whisk needle (蚊须针), struck Yu Daiyan and caused him to become paralysed and unable to move.

Yin Susu then entrusted the paralysed Yu Daiyan to the Longmen Escort Bureau (龙门镖局) to be transported back to Mount Wudang. However, as the escort party approached Mount Wudang, they were attacked at the foot of the mountain by Asan, a monk from the Western Regions Shaolin Diamond Sect who was working for Prince Ruyang’s household.

The attack by Asan

Asan used the Great Strength Vajra Finger, a powerful technique from the Western Regions Shaolin Diamond Sect, to attack Yu Daiyan. This attack shattered Yu Daiyan’s bones and left him completely paralysed, unable to move for the next twenty years.

The attack was part of the Yuan court’s efforts to weaken the Wudang Order and other martial arts factions. Asan and his fellow monks from the Western Regions Shaolin Diamond Sect were working under Prince Ruyang’s command to eliminate or disable key martial artists.

Twenty years of paralysis

Yu Daiyan spent the next twenty years completely paralysed, unable to move or practice martial arts. During this period, he was cared for by his fellow disciples and Zhang Sanfeng, who all felt deep sorrow over his condition.

The paralysis prevented Yu Daiyan from participating in the affairs of the Wudang Order and the jianghu. He could only watch as events unfolded, including the death of his younger brother Zhang Cuishan and the rise of Zhang Wuji.

Recovery through Zhang Wuji

Twenty years after his injury, when Zhang Wuji had grown up and mastered advanced medical techniques, he was able to cure Yu Daiyan using the Black Jade Continuous Ointment. This ointment was specifically designed to treat injuries caused by the Great Strength Vajra Finger, allowing broken bones to heal and paralysed limbs to regain function.

With Zhang Wuji’s treatment, Yu Daiyan was finally able to get out of bed and move again. His recovery was a testament to Zhang Wuji’s medical skills and his dedication to helping his uncle recover from the devastating injury.

Later life

After his recovery, Yu Daiyan was able to resume his role as one of the Wudang Seven Xias, though he had lost twenty years of his life to paralysis. His experience served as a reminder of the dangers faced by martial artists in the jianghu and the importance of being cautious when dealing with unknown opponents.

Personality & traits

Dedicated and loyal

Yu Daiyan demonstrated dedication and loyalty to the Wudang Order and to Zhang Sanfeng. He carried out his missions faithfully and was willing to risk his life to eliminate threats and protect innocent people.

Skilled swordsman

Yu Daiyan was renowned for his swordplay abilities, particularly his mastery of the Mysterious Void Swordplay technique. His skills earned him respect in the jianghu and demonstrated the high level of martial arts training provided by Zhang Sanfeng.

Patient and resilient

Despite spending twenty years paralysed, Yu Daiyan demonstrated remarkable patience and resilience. He endured his condition without losing hope, and when the opportunity for recovery finally came, he was able to resume his role as one of the Seven Xias.

Martial arts abilities

Mysterious Void Swordplay

Yu Daiyan was a master of the Mysterious Void Swordplay (玄虚刀法), a swordplay technique passed down by Zhang Sanfeng. He demonstrated his mastery of this technique when he eliminated the bandit in Fujian Province, defeating him in the eleventh move. This technique was characterised by its subtle and unpredictable movements, making it difficult for opponents to defend against.

Wudang martial arts

As one of the Seven Xias of Wudang, Yu Daiyan had mastered the core martial arts of the Wudang Order, including Wudang Nine Yang Power (武当九阳功) for internal energy cultivation and Ladder Cloud Steps (梯云纵) for lightness skills. He was also skilled in various sword and sabre techniques, demonstrating the comprehensive martial arts training provided by the Wudang Order.

Overall martial arts level

Before his paralysis, Yu Daiyan was considered a skilled martial artist who could handle various threats in the jianghu. His ability to track down and eliminate a dangerous bandit demonstrated his practical skills and determination. However, his twenty years of paralysis prevented him from continuing to develop his martial arts, and he lost valuable time that his fellow disciples had used to improve their skills.

Relationships

Zhang Sanfeng

Yu Daiyan was deeply loyal to Zhang Sanfeng, his master and the founder of the Wudang Order. He carried out Zhang Sanfeng’s orders faithfully and respected his master’s teachings. Zhang Sanfeng, in turn, cared for Yu Daiyan during his paralysis and felt deep sorrow over his condition.

Fellow Seven Xias

Yu Daiyan had strong fraternal bonds with his fellow Seven Xias of Wudang. When he was paralysed, his brothers took care of him and supported him throughout his long period of disability. The Seven Xias were united in their concern for Yu Daiyan and their desire to see him recover.

Zhang Wuji

Yu Daiyan’s relationship with Zhang Wuji was one of gratitude and affection. Zhang Wuji’s successful treatment of Yu Daiyan’s paralysis using the Black Jade Continuous Ointment saved him from permanent disability, creating a deep bond of gratitude between uncle and nephew. This relationship demonstrated Zhang Wuji’s medical skills and his dedication to helping his family.

Yin Susu

Yu Daiyan’s relationship with Yin Susu was initially one of victim and attacker, as Yin Susu was the one who paralysed him with the mosquito whisk needle. However, when Yu Daiyan learned that Yin Susu had become Zhang Cuishan’s wife and the mother of Zhang Wuji, the relationship became more complex, as she was both the person who had injured him and the mother of the person who had saved him.

Behind the scenes

Yu Daiyan serves as an important supporting character whose injury and recovery are significant plot elements in the novel. His paralysis for twenty years demonstrates the consequences of conflicts in the jianghu and the importance of medical knowledge and techniques.

The character’s name “Daiyan” (岱岩) combines “Dai” (岱), referring to Mount Tai (泰山), and “yan” (岩), meaning “rock” or “cliff.” This name could symbolise strength and stability, reflecting his character’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Yu Daiyan’s story also highlights the theme of family bonds and the importance of helping one another. His recovery through Zhang Wuji’s treatment demonstrates how younger generations can help their elders and how medical knowledge can overcome even the most severe injuries.

Portrayals

Yu Daiyan has been portrayed in various adaptations of The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre:

The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre

1978 series — Zhang Yingcai
1984 series — Long Guanwu
1986 series — Liao Qizhi
1994 series — Kang Kai
2001 series — Li Guolin
2003 series — Liu Quan
2009 series — Zhang Hengping
2019 series — He Gang