ReignWulin:QuanzhenSect

History

• Headquartered at Mount Zhongnan’s Chongyang Palace
• "For as long as Guo Jing had lived on Peach Blossom Island in seclusion, he hadn’t sent news to Ma Yu. He wasn’t familiar with the students of Quanzhen, and only knew that Quanzhen had become famous so that Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji, Wang Chu must have accepted many students. Their name in Wulin had become increasingly famous; they had done heroic deeds, solved troubles and disasters, done countless good deeds. Whenever someone hears the name Quanzhen in Wulin, they could only admire it."
• "The Quanzhen sect’s kung fu was based on calmness and tranquility, using softness to overcome hardness, letting anger control your actions is breaking one of the major rules of the sect."
• Founded by Wang Chong Yang after he lost a bet with Lin Chao Ying (林朝英), he accepted 7 disciples who became known as the 7 Masters of Quan Zhen. The 7 masters consist of Ma Yu (马钰), Qiu Chu Ji, Wang Chu Yi (王处一), Tan Chu Duan (谭处端), Liu Chu Xuan (刘处玄), Hao Da Tong (郝大通) and Sun Bu'er (孙不二).
• Years ago, Genghis Khan had invited Qiu Chuji to Western regions to see him, hoping he could learn the secrets of immortality. Qiu Chuji traveled thousands of li and took nineteen disciples with him. Yin Zhiping was his senior student so he of course was within the group.
• The Quanzhen sect has great influence and has followers everywhere
• In Northern Song, there originally was only one Taoist sect; Zheng Yi had originated in Sanxi’s Mountain of Dragons and Tigers, headed by Zhang Tianshi. After the invasion by the Jurchens, the Song moved south and in Hubei, three new Taoist sects emerged; Quanzhen, Dadao and Taiyi. The Quanzhen was the most successful and its members were heroic and came to the aid of the needy. During this time, the northern areas were in chaos, the citizens were suffering; they saw that there was no hope from the royal court and everyone saw the Quanzhen sect as their saviors. At that time, someone said, “The Central Plains are shifting, the Southern Song are weak. All the heroes of the world must join if they wish to defend the land. The Founder Chongyang, the Eternal Spring Elder Qiu, models to all, their unique sect’s conduct influences all men of promise, bringing peace to the nation. It is the way of the heavens to have leaders like these.” And so on. North of the great river during this time, the power of the Beggar Clan and the Quanzhen sect were sometimes greater than that of the authorities.
• They arrived at the Chongyang Palace at dusk. There were more than five hundred Taoists arranged in the main hall all the way to the entrance outside the palace. Drums, cymbals and bells were struck simultaneously. The several hundreds Taoists austerely bowed to welcome their Sect Leader.
• The rear of Chongyang Palace where Cave of the Jade Void was situated.
• The several hundred Taoists at Chongyang Palace were students of spiritual ways who let go their previous lives to become priests.
• The Sacred Scripture Chamber was the Quanzhen Sect’s sacred place as it stored the Taoist scriptures of the past dynasties and the work of Wang Chongyang and his seven disciples. There were several secret documents of the sect hidden there.

Disciplines

• “Guo’er, the internal energy of the Quanzhen sect is the most orthodox in the world, though progress is slow, you will not run into any trouble. You can learn other sect’s and school’s martial arts but when it comes to internal energy it would be advisable to practice Xuan Men martial arts."

Big Dipper Formation

The 'Big Dipper Formation' was the Quanzhen sect’s highest kung fu. At its most refined state, when seven people of extremely high martial arts combined together, it could be said that it has no match under heaven. Guo Jing knew the essence of the formation; only by assuming the 'Northern Star Position' was he able to drive the position, and control its movements, not allowing it freedom. However, because the seven of them weren’t fluent with the formation it allowed him to do this. If it was Ma Yu, Qiu Chui Ji who was controlling the formation, the enemy would not be allowed to so easily to assume the 'Northern Star Position'.

The strongest aspect of the 'Big Dipper Formation' is being able to respond from the left and right, mutually aiding each other.

• Cutting off the Door: "The two Taoists moved into position immediately after the palm moving left and right, wanting to attack together. Guo Jing was cut off in the middle. The two moves were called 'Cutting off the Door'."
• "Guo Jing looked on, the crowd was made up of groups of seven, and formed fourteen sets of the “Big Dipper Formation”. Each group of seven sets of the “Big Dipper Formation” formed one single large “Big Dipper Formation”. From the “Tian Shu” to the “Yao Guang”, the force of them was extraordinary. The two large “Big Dipper Formations” were different from each other, one normal, one odd, opposing each other, forming the angle of a wing. Guo Jing gasped, 'I have never heard of this type of “Big Dipper Formation” from elder Qiu, presumably this formation has been created within the last few years. Compared to the original one that ancestor Yang created, this is another level.'"
• "One thing the formation tries to do is to lure the enemy to attack the one leading the formation, each small formation will use this and come from the east and west, the south attacking the north, the enemy would then fall into their trap."
• Along with his palm technique, he was using Quanzhen’s “Big Dipper Formation”. He went to and fro as he fought and it was as if he had separated into seven.
• “Xuan Ji “Jade Pearl” formation followed by Yao Guang “Moving Light Strike!”

Breaking Ice Palms

• Wiping the Dust
• No Debts No Dues
• Tiger's Way Hand
• Purple Lightning Strikes Through Words: Zhao Zhijing’s left palm hung in the air, his right palm aimed to chop across Yang Guo’s left cheek; this stance of “Purple Lightning Striking through Words” was a refined stance of advanced martial arts. As the palm arrives halfway, the direction suddenly changes, originally aimed to the left cheek it now was aiming to chop down on his neck on the right side.
• He saw that his arm didn’t bend as he threw the plate, he was using his fingers alone; this was a technique of the Quanzhen.

Common Demise Swordplay

• Scour the Ocean to Slaughter the Dragon
• Starry Wind Sweeping Leaves: A low cut to the legs.
• Separating the Flower, Brushing Away the Willow
• One Sword Into Three Distinctions: Every stance had two intentions, when the sword comes out it was one stance, but within it was artifice, the sword stance separated into two. This was Quanzhen’s “One Sword into Three Distinctions” (yi jian hua san qing) technique; every stance can be made into three.
• Fixed Yang Needle: Yelu Qi’s left hand raised his sword, his left foot stepped forward, a stance of “Fixed Yang Needle”, the sword was thrust upwards, it was the orthodox sword skills of Quanzhen. This stance’s air and chi were absolute, the strength, power and movement all has its fine points. At first appearance it looks very ordinary, but to reach a state where there was no weakness is incredible.
• Green Dragon Exits The Sea
• That stance achieved two aims at once, attacking and defending at the same time, solving the crisis he was in. This stance was called “The Wild Goose Attacks from the Side”, a technique from Quanzhen swordplay.
• In the midst of danger, Yang Guo had used a stance of Quanzhen swordplay which was surprisingly effective, so he used another Quanzhen stance, “The White Rainbow Traveling Across the Sky”, the flat side of the sword struck the wheel. The sword was light, the wheel heavy, that attack originally had no chance, but the strike was just at the right place, fulfilling the martial art theory of ‘Four Liang Moving a Thousand Jin’, and the iron wheel changed directions, flying towards Jinlun Fawang’s head.
• The White Crane’s Bright Wing: a stance of Quanzhen swordplay.
• “Sweeping Across the Northern Desert”
• “The Horse Trampling on the Descending Flowers”
• His “Big River Heads East” move was one of Quanzhen’s most powerful and swiftest sword techniques.
• Hoary Wrist Bracelet

Treading Frost Palm

• Rapid Flowing Retreat
• Sweeping Wind Descends Leaves: a sweep
• The Mandarin Duck’s Looping Kick: a high kick
• After a number of moves, Zhen Zhibing then thrust out his sword, threw out a palm and his left leg swept out, it was Quanzhen’s “Three Circulations”.
• Flying Past Heaven's Mountains: The very first stance of Quanzhen kung fu.

Two Hands Technique

• Now he saw him using two hands to fight two people separately, it was as if he were divided into two.
• "Years ago I was trapped in a cave in Peach Blossom Island and had no one to accompany me. I was forced to fight with myself the whole time." Xiao Longnu asked dubiously: “Fight with oneself? Is there such a method?” Pleased, Zhou Botong immediately launched into a discussion of the Mutual Hands Combat method.
• Thereupon, he taught her how to attack with her left and defend with her right, strike with her right and block with her left.
• His left and right hands used different fist techniques, so that suddenly, Yang Guo was fighting against two Zhou Botongs.

Vacant Fist

• But Fan Yiweng felt as if his staff had struck water, soft as if nothing was there; he knew something was wrong and quickly pulled back.
• His left hand used the techniques of the “Vacant Light Fist”, throwing out soft fists. The wind created by the fists forced Fan Yiweng’s beard to the right and just at this time, Ma Guangzou had leaped up to make an attack, the beard brushed against his face.
• Zhou Botong then leapt up onto the beam and used the stance “Surging Sky Palm” to break a large hole in the ceiling.
• Yang Guo parried with a palm but felt there was something wrong with the power of the fist; it seemed as if it wasn’t there.
• ‘Concealed Deep as if Empty’
• ‘Skilled Hand in all Directions’
• One could not say it was comparable to the strength of dragons or elephants but it was impossible for mere flesh and bone to receive such a blow. But when he intercepted the fist of Zhou Botong, it felt empty and vacant like there was no strength in it at all.
• He used void to intercept solid and nothingness to block solidity. By doing so, he rendered the awesome power of Fawang useless; but it was also impossible for him to wound his adversary.

People

Han Daotong

• Hao Datong was an eminent Taoist of Quanzhen, he had learned martial arts, and he had reached a deep level in both areas.

Ma Yu

• Master Ma Yu was kind and honest; he would handle any matter quietly without much fanfare.

Qiu Chuji

• Fawang had also heard about Qiu Chuji before and knew that he was Quanzhen’s best fighter.
• Master Qiu Chuji was like a raging fire. He was loyal and patriotic.
• Priest Qiu and Priest Wang’s beards and hair were all white but the two had practiced martial arts for a long time; their faces had a red glow.

Sun Bu'er

• “That old Taoist priestess is Quanzhen’s sword heroine; her name is Sun Bu’Er.” “Ah, she’s the Sage of Tranquility, famous throughout the northern and southern sides of the Changjian River.”
• Though Sun Bu’Er was a woman, she was very stern, her juniors all feared her; when Zhao Zhijing heard her speak slowly he didn’t dare to make any more outbursts and said, “Yes, yes.” He returned to his seat.
• Sun Bu’Er was the weakest of the Quanzhen Seven Masters, before Wang Chongyang died, he gave her Quanzhen’s sharpest and most precious sword to help compensate for her weak kung fu.
• Even though she was a Taoist priestess, her mind was far less generous than Qiu Chuji, Wang Chuyi and others.
• She couldn’t help thinking back to the days when she was young and newly married to Ma Yu.

Yin Zhiping

• He had been in the tutelage of Qiu Chuji since he was young and he loved his teacher; he couldn’t let the reputation of the world renowned Quanzhen sect be tarnished by his hands.
• His method of approach to everyday problems surpassed Zhao Zhijing in everyway and it was because of this that Ma Yu, Qiu Chuji and the others wanted to pass on the sect’s leadership to him.
• They knew he was loyal and patriotic. They were sure he would not betray the country and die as a traitor.
• Yin Zhiping had made such careful arrangements in such a short time and he made sure there were trustworthy people guarding every strategic position. Everyone could support each other effectively. Even if a large body of troops attacked them, it would be hard for them to get through the defenses. Everyone saw that his eyes were keen and alert and his commands clear and forceful. His manner so imposing that none dared disobey him and all carried out the orders without question.

Zhou Botong

• It was an old man with white hair, a white beard and a smiling red face.
• They saw his martial arts were profound but his actions were rather mischievous and childish; indeed, the title ‘Old Urchin’ is not in vain.
• Zhou Botong had always been childlike and loved making acquaintances with young people; he was pleased when he saw that Yang Guo was young and he was even more pleased when he heard him say ‘you’ and not something like ‘Mr. Zhou’ or ‘old Senior’.
• Though he didn’t have any grudges with Qiu Chuji and the others, he felt that their rules were annoying, they were too prudent; there was some feeling of looking down on them. The person he respects most in his life, apart from his apprentice brother Wang Chongyang, is the carefree Nine Fingered Wondrous Beggar Hong Qigong. He didn’t think too much of Huang Yaoshi’s heretical nature and Huang Rong’s cleverness.
• He had no ill intent towards Hao Datong, it was just that he loved evil shows; when others are causing trouble and being mischievous; of course he had to join in.
• Zhou Botong had great lightness kung fu and he comes and goes without a trace.
• "This Wulin Senior does as he pleases in the world; his movements are mysterious. When he took my mask and scissors I didn’t notice it; when he put this package on me I felt nothing. My abilities are not even half as good as his.”
• Zhou Botong had always kept away from the Chongyang Palace and very rarely saw the Quanzhen Masters; because of this, Yin Zhiping and Zhao Zhijing did not recognize him. Though they have heard from the Masters that they have a Grand Martial Uncle who was a free wanderer, they had not heard from him for a long time and thought probably he must have passed away.
• Zhou Botong could never resist challenges and the harder it was, the greater the urge to do it.
• Grand Martial Uncle Zhou must be almost a ninety years old. Even if he practiced the Taoist doctrines, he still should not be able to avoid the slowing effects of old age. Yet, he is still as agile as a youth.
• However, Zhou Botong were not familiar with medicine.
• Zhou Botong had always been naughty and only wanted to play, not distinguishing between big, small or urgent matters, and this didn’t change with old age.
• He was by nature intelligent and tenacious.
• Yang Guo took a look and sensed that this person’s lightness skills were not less than those of Xiao Longnu and Ci’en.
• He had always made monkey faces at Huang Yaoshi but he respected Yideng and was perhaps even fearful of him. Yideng had become a monk many years ago but Zhou Botong still addressed him as ‘Duke Duan’.

Zhou Zhaijing

• Zhao Zhijing well knew that he was a reckless man and had never pleased the Quanzhen Masters. He did not get along with most of his apprentice brothers so even if Yin Zhiping’s name and reputation is tarnished, the title of sect leader would not fall to him. This is the reason why he had kept it to himself all this time.
• Originally he was only of a short-tempered and narrow-minded nature, not really a traitorous and wicked person. Only he was considered the first at Wu Gong in the third generation disciples, yet the Zhang Jiao (leader of the generation) position fell to Yin Zhiping.