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Yun Zhonghe

Yun Zhonghe

Yun Zhonghe (simplified: 云中鹤, traditional: 雲中鶴, Jyutping: wan4 zung1 hok6, pinyin: Yún Zhōnghè) the Extreme Evil was the Fourth of the Four Evils, also known as Yun the Fourth. As one of the Four Evils, he was known for his exceptional qinggong skills and his lecherous behaviour.

Biography

Early life and background

Yun Zhonghe’s early life remained shrouded in mystery, but he eventually rose to become the fourth member of the Four Evils. His background and training were unknown, though his position among this notorious group suggested he possessed formidable martial abilities and a willingness to use them for immoral purposes.

Physical appearance and reputation

Yun Zhonghe was described as “extremely tall yet extremely thin, like a bamboo pole, with a face that was frighteningly long.” Despite his fearsome appearance, he claimed to be “as handsome as Song Yu,” though this was clearly an exaggeration. He was known throughout the jianghu for his exceptional qinggong techniques and his lecherous behavior.

Encounter with Ba Tianshi

At Wanjie Valley, Yun Zhonghe competed in qinggong techniques with Ba Tianshi, one of the three ministers of Dali. This encounter showcased his remarkable light-footed abilities, with Ye Ernian praising him as having “never seen such remarkable qinggong techniques” and describing him as “flying like smoke, disappearing into the void.”

Battle at Apricot Grove

During the Western Xia First-rank Hall’s attack on the Beggars’ Guild at Apricot Grove, Yun Zhonghe fought against Song Changlao and Wu Changfeng of the guild’s four elders. However, he was injured when his signature “Crane Snake Eight Strikes” technique was countered by Wu Changfeng’s “Three Talents Knife.”

Heroes’ Gathering and death

At the Heroes’ Gathering at Juxian Manor, Yun Zhonghe attempted to rescue Tan Qing, a disciple of Duan Yanqing, but was struck down by Xiao Feng’s palm technique. He was ultimately killed by Hua Hegen, one of the three ministers of Dali, who took advantage of Yun Zhonghe being unconscious from the “Sad Fragrant Breeze” poison.

Personality and traits

Yun Zhonghe was extremely tall yet extremely thin, like a bamboo pole, with a face that was frighteningly long. He was known for his distinctive appearance and his claim to be as handsome as Song Yu, though this was clearly an exaggeration.

Famous quote

Yun Zhonghe was known for his infamous statement: “Excellent, excellent! I have long wanted to kill the husband and take the wife, seize the wealth and occupy the valley”, which perfectly encapsulated his immoral character and motivations.

Lecherous and immoral

Yun Zhonghe’s most defining characteristic was his lecherous behavior and his willingness to pursue his various desires without moral constraints. His behavior demonstrated how martial arts power could be used for various immoral purposes and how individuals could become corrupted by their various desires.

This lecherous behavior was not limited to simple attraction but extended to various forms of harassment and exploitation, showing how martial arts power could be used to victimize others and advance various personal agendas.

Willing to use any means

Beyond his martial abilities, Yun Zhonghe demonstrated a willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his various objectives. His approach to various situations showed his understanding that martial arts power could be used to overcome various obstacles and achieve various goals.

This willingness to use any means demonstrated the consequences of pursuing personal desires without moral constraints and showed how martial arts power could be used for various immoral purposes.

Martial arts abilities

Qinggong techniques

Yun Zhonghe was particularly skilled in qinggong techniques that allowed him to move quickly and quietly through various environments. his qinggong techniques were considered among the best in the jianghu, with Ye Erniang praising him as having “never seen such remarkable qinggong techniques” and describing him as “flying like smoke, disappearing into the void.”

His qinggong abilities reflected his preference for avoiding direct confrontation when possible and his understanding of how to use his strengths effectively in various situations. This approach to combat demonstrated his strategic thinking and his understanding of how to use his abilities to achieve his objectives.

Eight Strikes of Snake and Crane

Yun Zhonghe’s signature martial art was the Eight Strikes of Snake and Crane, a technique that combined the agility of a crane with the striking power of a snake. This technique was defeated by Wu Changfeng’s Three Talents Knife during the battle at Apricot Grove.

Relationships

Faction

  • Four Evils - The notorious group he belonged to as the fourth member

Fellow Four Evils

Enemies

  • Xiao Feng - Opponent who struck him down at Heroes’ Gathering
  • Hua Hegen - His killer at Heroes’ Gathering
  • Wu Changfeng - Opponent who defeated his signature technique
  • Ba Tianshi - Opponent in qinggong competition

Victims

  • Tan Qing - Duan Yanqing’s disciple whom he attempted to rescue

Behind the scenes

Yun Zhonghe serves as one of the Four Evils in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, representing the theme of corruption and moral decay in the martial arts world. His character embodies the destructive potential of martial arts power when wielded without moral constraints, particularly in his lecherous behavior and willingness to use any means necessary to achieve his goals.

His position as the fourth and final member of the Four Evils suggests his role as a supporting antagonist who contributes to the overall threat posed by this notorious group. His exceptional qinggong abilities make him a formidable opponent despite his immoral character, demonstrating that martial arts skill does not necessarily correlate with moral virtue.

Yun Zhonghe’s ultimate defeat and death serve as a form of poetic justice, as his immoral behavior and pursuit of personal desires lead to his downfall. His death at the hands of Hua Hegen during the Heroes’ Gathering represents the triumph of righteousness over evil, reinforcing the novel’s themes about the consequences of immoral behavior in the martial arts world.

See also