I have found the true 'Martial God' of Kim Yong... and the result is surprising

Welcome back to Battlecry Wuxia Chronicles. These are the 10 most legendary protagonists in Jin Yong's works, each a martial arts prodigy. Wielding unmatched techniques, they possess the power to dominate the realm. From Linghu Chong's Duga Nine Swords to Yongguo Solstering Palm, Duanyu's Six Meridian Divine Sword, and Xiao Feng's Eighteen Dragons Subduing Palms, Xu Zhi with his minor formless skill, and Zhang Wuji with the Nine Yang Manual, not to mention the sheer power of Sher Potion's Tai Xin Jing. In part 1, we will explore the first 5 masters on our list. Di Yun, The Lonely Traveler, A Deadly Secret. Di Yun is the protagonist of A Deadly Secret. He was a simple, honest man, utterly naive to the world's cruelty. His love for the beautiful Qi Fang made him a target for Wan Gui. Wan Gui framed him to steal Qi Fang away. Di Yun was falsely accused of rape and theft. Suffered the loss of five fingers, pierced shoulders, and imprisonment. Here, Di Yun meets Ding Dian. Ding Dian is a top-tier martial artist of his time. Holding the secret to the Lianqing Manual, both a martial arts guide and treasure mount. Ding Dian has mastered the legendary Xinjiao Sutra, an exceptionally powerful internal skill. He also possesses the indestructible golden silk armor. Moved by his story, Ding Dian befriends Di Yun as a sworn brother. Secretly passing down the Xinjiao Sutra to him. They escape prison only to be hunted by the entire Wulin. While fleeing, Ding Dian dies from a poisonous trap. Leading Di Yun to face further false accusations. He is wrongly branded a pervert and relentlessly hunted. Chased all the way to the Snowy Mountains. At Death's Door, he masters the Sutra and defeats the Bloodsword Ancestor. Cornered by an avalanche, he is trapped with the beautiful Xue Xing. Trapped by snow in a hidden valley near Tibet for an entire winter. When the snow melted in spring, Di Yun and Xue Xing finally escaped. By then, Di Yun had mastered invincible skills and began his quest for revenge. Returning home, he was heartbroken to find Qi Feng married to Wang Kui. Yet, for his junior sister's happiness, he could not bring himself to kill his foe. Knowing the truth, Qi Feng still could not abandon her husband despite loving Di Yun. She died trying to save Wang Kui from a treacherous killer. Di Yun slew Wang Kui, then laid Ding Dian and Ling Shuanghua to rest. He then sought the treasure to benefit the world, fulfilling Ding Dian's dying wish. There, he was nearly killed by his childhood master, Qi Changfa, father of Qi Feng. A man he once respected, who stabbed him to claim the treasure for himself. Disillusioned by human nature, he saw his love die and his master betrayed him for gold. A wanderer at heart, his path eventually led him back to the hidden valley. Where he found peace from the world to spend his life with Xue Xing. Di Yun, Power Rating 9.0 Internal Power, 7.0 Speed, 9.0 Skill Mastery, 9.0 Combat Prowess, 9.0 Overall, 8.6 Ultimate Technique, Xinjiao Sutra Supreme Internal Strength, capable of reviving the dead. The Xinjiao Sutra originated from Mei Mianxing, Di Yun's Grandmaster. Yuan Xingzhi, Sword of Bloody Shield. Son of General Yuan Chonghuan. After his father's death, he trained under Master Mu Renqing at Mount Hua, mastering the peerless Qing Gong, Hunter Change Phantom. By chance, he discovered the Golden Snake Sword and Manual, Legacies of Xia Xue, and mastered its formidable techniques. With his prowess, Yuan Xingzhi subdued the masses and was named leader of the Seven Provinces. To aid the rebellion, he worked with the Jianghu heroes to destroy Qing artillery used against the people. He later infiltrated the Manchu capital to assassinate Huang Taiji but failed. Despite his father's death by the Emperor, Yuan Xingzhi saved him from palace betrayal. Li Zicheng, after seizing Beijing, failed to honor his promise to rescue the people from suffering and poverty. Instead, he allowed his troops to loot and terrorize the populace. Li Zicheng himself sank into indulgence and debauchery, listening to slander to execute the loyal Li Yan. Deeply disillusioned, Yuan Xingzhi decided to leave. The Manchu army, aided by Wu Sangui, breached Shanghai Pass, defeated Li Zicheng, and founded the Qing dynasty. Knowing China had fallen under Manchu control and realizing the situation was irreversible, he chose to leave with Qingqing and his Jianghu allies, sailing overseas to settle in Brunei. Yuan Xingzhi, Power 9.25, Internal Strength 8.0, Speed 9.5, Mastery 9.0. His Stats, Agility 9.0, Overall 8.95, Mastering the Golden Snake Sword. The Golden Snake Sword is the invincible manual of Xia Xuey, the Golden Snake King. It is a unique sword style tied to the Golden Snake Sword, treasure of the Miao tribe. When channeling Qi, the blade turns gold, flickering like a serpent's tongue. The Hundred Change Phantom is a miraculous footwork and Qing Gong technique. Created by Master Mu Renqing, leader of the Mount Hua sect. Yuan Xingzhi also mastered other arts, like the Hunyuan skill, and the jade-breaking fist of the Mount Hua sect. Ling Huchong, the free-spirited wanderer of the Wulin. Orphaned early, he was raised and trained by Yu Buqian and Ning Zhongzi. After breaking sect rules, he was sent to reflect on his sins at Jade Maiden Peak. There, destiny led him to meet Master Feng Qingyong. Who passed on the peerless sword art, the Dugu Nine Swords. Moreover, deep beneath West Lake, he mastered the star-sucking Great Skill. Left behind by Ren Wuxing. With two superior arts, Ling Huchong became a master in the Wulin. However, at Blackwood Cliff, he tested his skills. And failed miserably against Dongfang Bubi, had he not been distracted, all four would have died. This proves Ling Huchong had yet to master the true essence of Dugu Qiubai's techniques. Later, curing his wounds with the shell in Yujinjing, his internal power multiplied significantly. After many trials, he resolved numerous hidden mysteries of the Wulin. He fought the Songshan sect and was appointed by the leader of the Hengshan sect. To serve as the successor of the Hengshan sect. He met and befriended Ren Yingying, daughter of Ren Wuxing. The leader of the Sun Moon Holy Cult. He later helped Ren Wuxing defeat Dongfang Bubi. Ling Huchong and Ren Yingying became one of the most iconic couples. With a happy ending, wandering the Wulin together. Playing the smiling proud wanderer melody every day. With two peerless arts, he should have been the invincible protagonist. But why do Jinyong fans rate him so lowly? Especially compared to Yonghua, another Dugu disciple? His bravery is immense, unmatched by Chaofeng. His tenacity and resilience are unmatched by Yonghua. As for the weakest protagonists, Ling Huchong and Zhang Wuji come to mind. Ling Huchong is physically frail, plagued by conflicting internal energies early on. He was easily beaten by nobodies while protecting Lin Pingzhi. Later, learning the star-sucking skill backfired, harming both him and others. He suffered immensely before finding a way to control it. The beauty of Duga Nine Swords is its independence from internal energy. As Ling Huchong nearly defeated Feng Buping despite his injuries. A master with profound internal power from the sword sect. However, the truth remains that any sword technique requires internal energy to reach its true peak. That is why Ren Wuxing's mere roar could stun him instantly. He was instantly stunned, despite having fought on equal footing. After absorbing the internal power of He Baizhi and others, his own internal strength increased significantly. However, his progress remained uncertain. Recall when Suolongchuan, Lin Pingzhi, and Yu Buqiuan clashed with him. Their hands went numb, nearly losing their grip on their swords. Though he later practiced the I Jing Jing, his true potential remained limited. Among his three techniques, Duga Nine Swords is his most formidable. Throughout his journey, he frequently employed this sword style to defeat many strong rivals, including Master Chongxiu. Yet, there is one move within Duga Nine Swords he never attempted. And it is unclear if he ever mastered it, the Break Chi Sword. The ultimate technique for facing masters of internal power, requiring perfect focus. In the original text, Jin Yong noted he lacked skill in hand-to-hand combat against Granny, whose rapid, bizarre, and lethal strikes overwhelmed him. He was forced into a constant retreat, unable to even draw his sword. Desperate and immobilized, he was toyed with like a child by a mere amateur. Linghu Chong, Power 9.75, Internal Power 8.5, Speed 9.0, Mastery 8.5, Combat 8.5, Overall 9.24. Duga Nine Swords is a supreme style, using formless moves to defeat tangible ones. Its power counters almost all martial arts, neutralizing weapons, palms, and internal energy. Even someone without internal power can wound top masters using these swordsmanship skills. The name Duga Nine Swords stems from its nine core attacking styles. These include General, Sword, Saber, Palm, Spear, Whip, Hook, Arrow, and Chi Break forms. True to its name, each form is the nemesis of specific weapons, strikes, or projectiles. Thanks to its dominance, the technique turned its wielders into invincible legends of the Wulin. Duga Choubei dominated the world, only to die regretting the lack of a worthy peer. After mastering it, Linghu Chong defeated numerous renowned masters across the land. Despite suffering from illness and losing all his internal power, the star-sucking great skill drains the internal energy of others for one's own use. Yang Guo, the peerless maverick and hero of the Divine Condor. Yang Guo is the son of Yang Kang and Mu Nianci. Raised by Guo Jing, Yang Guo was later sent to the Chuanjin sect to train. He possessed sharp eyes and extraordinary features, known for his clever, eccentric nature. Abused by his petty master Xiao Zhijing, he fled the sect and found the ancient tomb. Fate led him to meet the maiden Xiaolongnu. They fell in love, but the incident with Yin Xiping forced them apart. Later, Guo Fu severed his arm, and Xiaolongnu vanished into the Passionless Valley. In his deepest despair, he found the Divine Condor, who taught him martial arts. His internal power surged, and soon, he became a top master in the Wulin. He also mastered Dugu's sword techniques, wielding a massive, heavy blade. Yet, his swordsmanship remains distinct from Linghu Chong's style in the Wulin. This highlights just how divine and unpredictable his sword skills truly are. He studied Toad style, Jade Maiden Sutra, and the Chuanjin sword techniques. The Ninine Manual's techniques were inscribed by Wang Chongyang on the tomb walls, along with the Dog Beating Staff technique from Hong Qigong, and the Finger Flicking Skill and Jade Flute Swordplay from Huang Yaoshu. These are truly the pinnacle of martial arts in that era. Ouyang Feng's Toad style and Huang Yaoshu's Finger Flicking Skill made them two of the top five masters after the first Mount Hua contest. Yang Guo possessed many techniques but lacked true mastery. He was arguably weaker than Wude or Durba, often winning by luck. However, after losing his arm, his character and martial arts evolved. Within a month, the one-armed Yang Guo emerged as a supreme master. This rapid progress was triggered by his fateful encounter with the Divine Condor. Learning the ways of Dugu Choubai, his power grew exponentially. Reaching such heights required the catalyst of losing his arm. It wasn't through the Jade Maiden Sutra, Dog Beating Staff, or Toad style, but through martial arts he had previously overlooked. Guided by the Divine Condor, Yang Guo finally grasped Dugu's swordsmanship. His missing arm forced him to embrace simpler techniques, mastering the Heavy Iron Sword to become an invincible legend. Waiting 16 years for Xiaolongnu, Yang Guo created his signature Melancholic Palm, one of the most unique techniques in the Wuxia world. The power of the Melancholic Palm is immense. He once used it to defeat Jinlu and Fuwang and stall the Mongol army at Shengyang. This bizarre art thrives on heartbreak, sorrow, and utter despair. When his heart is at peace or filled with joy, the technique loses its power, leaving few successors. At the third Mount Hua contest, his mastery earned him the title Western Madman, one of the New Five Greats. Yang Guo, Strength 9.2, Qi 8.95, Speed 9.5, Mastery 9.25, Combat 9.25, Overall 9.3. His arsenal includes Dugu Nine Swords, with the matchless power previously noted for Linghu Chong. However, their swordsmanship styles differ significantly. One is cold and decisive with lethal strikes, while the other flows like falling snow, fluid and erratic. His Melancholic Palm is a strange art, triggered only by longing, agony, and despair. When he is happy, carefree, or at peace, the technique becomes entirely ineffective. Yet against standard palms, it unleashes extraordinary, overwhelming power. Ultimately, everything depends on his internal energy. It synthesizes many martial arts Yang Guo mastered, such as the Jade Maiden Sutra, Nine-Yin Manual, and Reverse Qi Flow. Toad Style, Dog Beating Staff, Jade Flute Sword, and more. Huang Yaoshu once remarked that this palm technique surpasses even his own Falling Paddles Palm. In raw power, only Guo Jing's 18 Dragons Subduing Palms can truly be compared to it. Huang Yaoshu's Flicking Finger skill is a worthy match. At Hundred Flower Valley, it held its own against Zhou Buotong's techniques. Guo Jing, Hero of the Eagle Shooting Era. Though slow and simple, he is kind, generous, and chivalrous. Favoring his character, Guo Jing won the heart of Huang Rong, daughter of Huang Yaoshu. A woman of exceptional beauty and brilliant wit. He also encountered Hong Qigong, who taught him the formidable 18 Dragons Subduing Palms. He later mastered Zhou Buotong's Ambidexterity, Empty Fist, and the Nine-Yin Manual. Learning these skills made Guo Jing's power a pillar of the martial arts world. He stood equal to the four great masters, Eastern Heretic, Western Venom, Southern Emperor, and Northern Beggar. During the Second Mount Hua Contest, Huang Yaoshu the Eastern Heretic and Hong Qigong the Northern Beggar praised him for holding his own for over a hundred moves against both of them despite his youth. Guo Jing once fought the entire Chuanjin Sect alone, holding his ground against an army of foes. In the realm of Wuxia novels, Guo Jing is a unique protagonist. This holds true not just for Jin Yong, but across all authors of that era. Usually, protagonists are gifted with high intelligence and talent, ensuring their path to mastery. Yet Guo Jing lacks such talent, appearing slower and duller than the average person. However, reading the Legend of the Condor Heroes reveals that wit does not always dictate success. Nor does simplicity imply inferiority, a testament to Jin Yong's brilliant storytelling. In terms of martial arts, Guo Jing is the only one to fully master the Nine-Yin Manual, while Zhou Badong had studied it for years, subconsciously mastering its techniques. He lacked the essential foundations of the original text. The Southern Emperor and Northern Beggar practiced the translated version for healing, but could go no further. Wang Chongyang himself didn't practice the manual, but he transcribed a counter to the Jade Maiden Sutra. The very passage Yong will later learned, thus, it remained just a fragmented portion. Mei Chaofeng and Xin Xianfeng practiced it incorrectly, so their efforts need not be mentioned. Thus, regarding the supreme martial arts of the era, Guo Jing mastered the Nine-Yin Manual most completely. Furthermore, his resolute and upright nature perfectly suited the 18 Dragons of Doing Palms. Guo Jing is also among the rare few to have truly mastered this palm technique. Added to Zhou Badong's empty fist and unique ambidexterity, Guo Jing's external skill was unmatched. Regarding his internal power, we cite the observations of Zhang Sanfeng. In an instant, Zhang Sanfeng felt a surging, powerful force flow from his palm into his body, while it lacked the absolute purity of his own internal energy. It was vast and continuous, as if it would never end or be exhausted. Stunned, he looked at the young man, seeing no aggressive glare in his eyes. Only a calm, clear, and gentle expression. Evidently having reached a supreme realm of mastery. In his life, he had only met a few like Monk Jiuyuan and a great hero, Guo Jing. The great hero Yang Guo had reached this level. At that time, aside from the old monk, no equal could be found, per the records. At the Third Mount Hua Contest, Zhang Sanfeng met the era's legends, East, West, South, North, and Center. He encountered everyone, including Zhao Zhijing and Xiao Xiangzi. In his later years, reflecting on them, he ranked Guo Jing, Yang Guo, and Master Jiuyuan as having the strongest internal energy. Thus, Guo Jing's internal strength stands firmly at the peak. Though Guo Jing was not quick-witted, he eventually mastered the world's finest internal and external arts. He was a protagonist who mastered vast skills like wrestling, archery, military strategy, and more. Guo Jing, Power Rating, 9.5. Internal Energy Rating, 9.3. Speed Rating, 9.0. Technique Rating, 8.9. Combat Prowess, 9.2. Overall Rating, 9.35. Ultimate Technique, 18 Dragons Subduing Palms. The most powerful Yang-based art in the world. Dominating the martial world with sheer force. Renowned as peerless and invincible under heaven. Truly the world's number one palm technique. While the moves are quite simple. They possess unmatched power, relying on internal energy for explosive force. Overwhelming opponents with pure strength. Each strike can move mountains, with a low threshold for entry. Allowing even those with average talent to master the basics. However, the later techniques require immense internal energy. Needing a specific level of mastery to truly grasp and learn. Thus, in over a century, few have mastered all 18. Hong Qigong taught him the Dog Beating Staff and 18 Dragons Subduing Palms. At two Mount Hua contests, these two signature arts earned the beggar sect leader. The title of one of the five greats, guarding the north as the northern beggar. Having inherited these, the 18 Dragons Subduing Palms in Guo Jing's hands. Leveraged his immense internal strength to dominate all rivals. The Ninine Manual is the supreme martial arts text in Jin Yong's novels. It synthesizes almost every essence of martial arts in the world. And remains the most coveted treasure in the Wulin. The manual contains the most profound, mysterious, and miraculous martial arts. Including Swordsmanship, Fist, Palm, Claw, Qing Gong, and Internal Arts. Mastering one move makes you a top expert. Mastering all guarantees supremacy. Including techniques like Bone Altering and Ninine Divine Skill. Countless other moves exist, like Ninine Claw, White Python Whip, and more. These were the first five names on our list of strongest protagonists in Jin Yong's works. Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know. Stay tuned for the next part to see who else made the list. Welcome back to Chinese History Battlecry. Continuing from Part 1 with Ling Hu Chong, Yang Guo, and Guo Jing. In this second part, we explore the masters with the greatest internal energy and martial arts in Jin Yong's Wuxiao world. Battlecry invites you to admire three legendary novels. Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, and Ode to Gallantry to see who makes the list. Duan Yu from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. He is the son of the great prince, Duan Jingchen. Since childhood, Duan Yu loved books and was gentle, disliking killing and martial arts alike. Duan Yu possessed striking looks, ranking among the top heartthrobs in Jin Yong's novels. Consequently, many beauties pursued him. However, he eventually mastered two terrifying techniques, the Six Meridian Divine Sword and Northern Dark Divine Skill. Furthermore, this handsome master absorbed the internal energy of many, notably the Tibetan expert Kumrajiva. Thus, his strength surged, allowing him to defeat Murong Fu in an instant. Despite his immense power, his weakness lies in his lack of sophisticated combat techniques, leading to poor combat experience, preventing him from fully unleashing his incredible internal strength. His strength lies in vast internal power. With Northern Dark Divine Skill, he drained many Wulin masters. From Wulian Sword Disciples, to Duan Yanqing, the Four Evils, and the Five Duan Masters, he absorbed them all. Most notably, he absorbed the entire lifetime of energy from Kumrajiva. It is fair to say his internal energy equals at least 200 years of cultivation. He ranks among the absolute top tier in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. At the Xiaoshu Mountain Battle, Duan Yanqing and Kumrajiva both witnessed him firsthand, seeing him wield the Six Meridian Divine Sword, a peerless and extraordinary technique. They remarked that while his mastery was incomplete, with proper guidance, he would surely become the greatest fighter in the world. Meanwhile, Kumrajiva had previously fought against Xuzhou, so he understood the true strength of the Vulture Peak's successor. Yet, he maintained that if Duanyu were guided, he would be the top master. Proving that with a perfected Six Meridian Divine Sword, not even Xuzhou could match him. Furthermore, having absorbed Kumrajiva's lifelong power by the end, his internal strength soared, vastly increasing the power of his sword strikes. Thus, it can be said that Duanyu's martial arts rank among the elite. Beforehand, integrating all his ultimate techniques in combat could defeat many powerful foes. During the Shaolin Battle, as he overwhelmed Murong Fu, Shaofeng himself admitted that even he might not have bested Duanyu at that time. Jin Yong himself remarked, Duanyu is someone who leaves a path for others, devoid of schemes, always optimistic and reasonable. He lacks the cold, ruthless, and heartless nature of those born into royalty. Instead remaining devoted, gentle, a lover of beauty, and deeply cherishable. Consequently, despite his immense internal power, his combat skills suffer from his lack of killer instinct. Though his internal power is profound, it was absorbed from others via the Northern Dark Divine Skill. Duanyu lacked a foundation, acquiring these powerful skills solely through fated encounters. Thus, mastering the Six Meridian Divine Sword to the level of Duan Saiping takes him significant time. Even if guided by a master to perfect the Six Meridian Divine Sword, he would struggle against Sweeper Monk, the top master of the era, and his Wall of Qi. Duanyu is not the ultimate master. Power, 9.3, Internal Energy, 9.75, Speed, 10.0, Proficiency, 8.0, Combat, 7.5, Total, 9.35. Lingbo Weibu is a movement skill that uses technique to control Qi for incredible speed. The Six Meridian Divine Sword is a supreme art using invisible sword Qi to strike. Capable of forming a trap to surround foes while amplifying one's internal power. Plus it strikes at the fastest speeds, leaving opponents unable to react. This art is considered incredibly dominant and lethal. In terms of technique, it is the premier sword Qi, the pinnacle of the One-Finger Zen. Jin Yong describes the art as being cultivated through the flow of Qi, coursing through meridians and acupoints to manifest sword energy, wounding foes in an invisible and untraceable manner. To master the Six Meridian Divine Sword, one needs immense internal power. Many masters like Abbot Ku Rong and various monks of Tianlong Temple could not master this sword art. It is safe to say Duanyu is the second person to master this unique art. Northern Dark Divine Skill. This is a supreme internal cultivation method, originating from the Xiaoyao Sect, created by Xiaoyaozi. It is an internal skill that absorbs the power of others for one's own use. Its variants include the Star-Sucking Skill and Ding Chunqiu's Soul-Draining Art. Northern Dark Divine Skill also renders one immune to all poisons, as Xu Xu demonstrated. Characters in Jin Yong's novels often become masters through specific fortuitous encounters. Yang Gua met the Great Condor, and Linghu Chong learned from Feng Qingyang. Zhang Wuji discovered the Nine Yang Manual by chance. Yet, a cross-allusion