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Zhang Asheng

Zhang Asheng

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Zhang Asheng (simplified: 张阿生, traditional: 張阿生, pinyin: Zhāng Āshēng, jyutping: Zoeng1 Aa3 Sang1) the Laughing Buddha was the fifth master of the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan. He specialized 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. A burly Jiangnan butcher by trade, he was described as “oily, apron-clad, and clutching a slaughter knife,” earning him the fond nickname “Zhang Five Hero” among street folk.

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. Because the ambush on the Twin Evils of Dark Wind happened soon after the bet was made, he died before he could personally instruct Guo Jing; the other eccentrics later incorporated his drills into Guo Jing’s regimen to honour his wish.

Tragically, Zhang Asheng met his end in Mongolia when Chen Xuanfeng struck him twice with the Nine Yin White Bone Claws as he shielded Han Xiaoying. A final blow to the crown finished him. His confession of love with his dying breath marked the first tragic loss among the Seven Eccentrics and had a profound impact on the group.

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.

Personality and traits

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 abilities

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.

Iron Cloth Shirt

Zhang Asheng combined his palm work with a coarse yet reliable Iron Cloth Shirt internal training that let him absorb blows while closing distance. Although inferior to orthodox Shaolin iron-skin practices, his butcher-forged resilience once allowed him to block Chen Xuanfeng’s strike long enough for Han Xiaoying to escape.

Weapons

Zhang Asheng often fought with a heavy butcher knife short blade, wielding it like a cleaver to hook or hack opponents before switching back to bare-handed techniques. The weapon’s rustic origins matched his straightforward fighting philosophy.

Relationships

Guo Jing

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.

Han Xiaoying

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.

Behind the scenes

Portrayals

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

Television Series

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.

See also