Zhang Asheng

Zhang Asheng (张阿生 – Zhāng Āshēng) was the fifth master of the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan and one of Guo Jing’s teachers. Known as the “Laughing Buddha” (笑弥陀 – xiào mítuó), he specialised in powerful palm techniques and was renowned for his great physical strength.

Biography

Zhang Asheng was one of the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan, ranked fifth among the sworn siblings. He originated from Jiangnan and was known for his jovial nature and hearty appetite for both food and combat.

Zhang Asheng participated in the initial confrontation with Qiu Chuji at the Drunken Immortal Tavern, which led to the Seven Eccentrics’ journey to Mongolia to find and train Guo Jing. During their eighteen years in the desert, he played a crucial role in Guo Jing’s martial arts education, particularly in palm techniques and physical conditioning.

Tragically, Zhang Asheng met his end in Mongolia during a fierce battle against the Twin Evils of Dark Wind. He was killed by Chen Xuanfeng while protecting Han Xiaoying, whom he loved deeply. His death marked the first tragic loss among the Seven Eccentrics and had a profound impact on the group.

Personality

Zhang Asheng was characterised by his jovial and cheerful nature, earning him the nickname “Laughing Buddha.” Despite his lighthearted personality, he possessed great physical strength and was a formidable warrior. His hearty appetite for both food and combat reflected his robust and energetic character.

Zhang Asheng was deeply loyal to his sworn siblings and particularly devoted to Han Xiaoying. His protective nature was evident when he sacrificed his life to save her during the battle with the Twin Evils of Dark Wind.

Martial arts

Mountain-cleaving Palm Technique

Zhang Asheng’s signature martial art was the Mountain-cleaving Palm Technique (开山掌法 – kāi shān zhǎng fǎ). This technique emphasised powerful striking methods and was designed for practical combat situations. The palm technique focused on delivering devastating blows to opponents through sheer physical strength and precise technique.

The technique was characterised by its straightforward and powerful approach, reflecting Zhang Asheng’s personality and fighting style. It emphasised using the practitioner’s natural strength to overcome opponents rather than relying on complex techniques or deception.

Weapons

Zhang Asheng primarily fought with his bare hands, relying on his exceptional physical strength and palm techniques. His fighting style emphasised direct confrontation and powerful strikes rather than weapon-based combat.

Relationships

Martial lineage

As Guo Jing’s fifth shifu, Zhang Asheng played a crucial role in the young hero’s development. He taught Guo Jing palm techniques and physical conditioning, building upon the boy’s natural strength developed during his time in Mongolia.

Sworn siblings

Zhang Asheng was the fifth brother among the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan, maintaining close bonds with all his sworn siblings. His death in Mongolia had a profound impact on the group and became a turning point in their collective story.

Romantic relationship

Zhang Asheng was deeply in love with Han Xiaoying, the seventh member of the Seven Eccentrics. Their relationship was characterised by mutual affection and devotion. Zhang Asheng’s death protecting Han Xiaoying during the battle with the Twin Evils of Dark Wind demonstrated the depth of his feelings for her.

Legacy

Zhang Asheng’s death significantly influenced Guo Jing’s development and the remaining Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan. His palm techniques and physical conditioning methods were passed down to his disciples, and his death in Mongolia led to major plot developments in the story.

Zhang Asheng’s sacrifice to protect Han Xiaoying became a symbol of loyalty and devotion within the Seven Eccentrics. His jovial personality and great strength were remembered fondly by his surviving sworn siblings, who continued to honour his memory in their actions and teachings.

Portrayals

Zhang Asheng has been portrayed by various actors in adaptations of The Legend of the Condor Heroes:

Television Series

1983 series – Chan Wai-man as Zhang Asheng
1988 series – Liu Dan as Zhang Asheng
1994 series – Wang Weiguo as Zhang Asheng
2003 series – Bao Tianming as Zhang Asheng
2008 series – Wang Gang as Zhang Asheng
2017 series – Li Hongtao as Zhang Asheng
2021 series – Liu Zhihao as Zhang Asheng

Most adaptations emphasize Zhang Asheng’s jovial personality, his great physical strength, and his tragic sacrifice to protect Han Xiaoying, while showcasing his palm techniques and loyalty to the Seven Eccentrics.