Zhong Zhen (simplified: 钟镇, traditional: 鐘鎮, pinyin: Zhōng Zhèn, jyutping: zung1 zan3), known as the Nine-bend Sword (九曲剑), was a member of the Songshan School’s Thirteen Great Protectors and a junior of Zuo Lengchan. He was known for his cunning and hypocritical nature, appearing righteous on the surface but being despicable underneath.
Biography
Encounter with Dingjing
Zhong Zhen was sent by Zuo Lengchan to Fujian, where he encountered Dingjing of the North Hengshan School after she had been attacked by the Seven Stars Envoys of the Sun Moon Order. He pretended to help her, but his true purpose was to force her to agree to merge the Five Mountains Sword Schools.
Zhong Zhen used flattery and manipulation to try to convince Dingjing to agree to the merger, claiming that it would strengthen the Five Mountains Sword Schools. However, Dingjing saw through his schemes and refused to agree.
Attempt to force merger
Zhong Zhen attempted to use the North Hengshan School’s missing disciples as leverage to force Dingjing to agree to the merger. He claimed that he knew where the disciples were being held but would only help rescue them if Dingjing agreed to merge the schools.
However, Dingjing refused to be blackmailed, and Zhong Zhen’s scheme was ultimately foiled when Linghu Chong arrived and helped rescue the disciples.
Encounter with Linghu Chong
Zhong Zhen encountered Linghu Chong when he was disguised as a general, and the two engaged in a brief confrontation. Zhong Zhen was shocked when he realised that Linghu Chong was using the Star Sucking Great Skill, which he believed was a demonic technique.
He attempted to use this against Linghu Chong, claiming that he was a demonic cult member, but his arguments were undermined by Linghu Chong’s actions and the support of the North Hengshan School.
Personality & traits
Zhong Zhen was portrayed as cunning and hypocritical, appearing righteous on the surface but being despicable underneath. He was described as being skilled in manipulation and willing to use any means necessary to achieve Zuo Lengchan’s goals.
Martial arts abilities
Nine-bend Sword
Zhong Zhen’s signature technique was the Nine-bend Sword (九曲剑), which emphasised unpredictable sword movements. He was skilled in using his sword techniques to create complex and confusing attacks.
Songshan Swordplay
Zhong Zhen was skilled in Songshan Swordplay, which was described as being majestic and imposing, like a thousand troops charging forward with long spears and halberds across a thousand miles of yellow sand.
Relationships
Zhong Zhen’s relationship with Zuo Lengchan was one of loyalty and service. He followed Zuo Lengchan’s orders without question and was willing to use manipulation and blackmail to achieve his goals.
His relationship with Dingjing was one of manipulation. He pretended to help her but was actually trying to force her to agree to merge the Five Mountains Sword Schools.
Behind the scenes
Zhong Zhen represents the theme of hypocrisy and the ways in which seemingly righteous figures can be corrupt underneath. His character demonstrates that even members of orthodox factions can use underhanded tactics to achieve their goals.
Literary significance
Zhong Zhen’s character serves to highlight the corruption within the Songshan School and the ways in which Zuo Lengchan used manipulation and blackmail to achieve his goals. His defeat demonstrates that even cunning schemes can be foiled by those who refuse to be intimidated.
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Zuo Lengchan — Zhong Zhen’s leader
- Dingjing — Zhong Zhen’s victim
- Linghu Chong — Zhong Zhen’s opponent
- Songshan School — Zhong Zhen’s faction
- Thirteen Great Protectors — Zhong Zhen’s group
External links
- Zhong Zhen (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia