Biodata
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Zheng Shan (郑山) |
| Alias(es) | Academy Master Zheng; Head Zheng; Martial Master Zheng 4 18; Xiaoshan, used by Elder Mu 324 |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Panshi Fist Academy (Master); formerly an Inner Disciple of the Kaoshan Sect 4 122 |
| Occupation/Role | Founder and master of Panshi Fist Academy; Hua Jin martial master and defender of Gaoye City; later organizer of the city's civilian evacuation 4 108 287 |
| Status | Alive; advanced to Mid-stage Hua Jin after recovering from chronic injuries; later reunited with Elder Mu at Wang Yuan's residence 278 324 325 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 4 4 |
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm / Level | Chapter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hua Jin Early Stage | 17 273 | Introduced as a Hua Jin martial master; his Early-stage cultivation is explicitly confirmed while he directs Gaoye City's defenses. Chronic injuries restrained his advancement for years. 278 |
| Hua Jin Early Stage → Mid-stage Hua Jin | 278 | A green-lotus medicine healed his accumulated injuries, restored his Vital Blood, and broke the bottleneck that had restrained him for years; he also touched the threshold of Late Hua Jin. |
Background / History
Twenty years before Wang Yuan's arrival, Zheng Shan left the Kaoshan Sect after an ideological conflict with Elder Li of the Punishment Hall. Refusing to compromise his martial principles, he departed in anger and established Panshi Fist Academy in Gaoye City. He retained the faint mountain-shaped mark of his former Inner Disciple identity. 122 123
Elder Mu later recalled admiring Zheng Shan's martial heart and temperament and wanting to take him under his wing. Elder Li Wanjun opposed the arrangement, arguing that Zheng Shan's ordinary background and supposedly unexceptional aptitude did not justify an Inner Disciple position. Zheng Shan was also remembered within the sect as a promising disciple who nearly became Elder Mu's final closed-door disciple. 269 324
During his eventual reunion with Elder Mu, Zheng Shan further explained that the sect's failure to protect his family had left him disheartened and contributed to his departure. He settled in the Northern Frontier and opened his academy intending to spend the rest of his life there. Accepting Wang Yuan and watching his progress restored Zheng Shan's hope and sense of purpose. 324
As master of Panshi Fist Academy, Zheng Shan became a figure whose words carried weight in both Gaoye City's Outer and Inner Cities. His authority, eagle-sharp gaze, and invisible pressure command silence even before he speaks. 4
During Wang Yuan's aptitude examination, Zheng Shan recognized his Supreme Grade Bone Structure and immediately understood the danger of exposing it. He publicly identified the aptitude as merely High Grade, accepted Wang Yuan without the usual assessment, and named him his fourth True Disciple. 6
Zheng Shan personally initiated Wang Yuan into Panshi Fist, teaching its forms, Vital Blood circulation, and the importance of a stable foundation. Though astonished that Wang Yuan nurtured Panshi Fist vitality in a single afternoon, he concealed the full extent of the achievement from the wider academy. 9 10 11
He repeatedly shielded Wang Yuan from threats beyond his disciple's level. Zheng Shan sent Shi Long to escort Wang Yuan home after his apprenticeship, supplied daily Monster Beast Meat through the academy, and personally killed an Incense God Cult pursuer who targeted Wang Yuan. 7 14 18
He subsequently prepared a medicinal bath containing precious herbs and the essence blood of a second-rank Crimson Flame Python to support Wang Yuan's First Blood Change. He also maintained the public account that Wang Yuan had taken seven days, rather than one afternoon, to enter Panshi Fist. 19
Wang Yuan's rapid advancement encouraged Zheng Shan to hope that Panshi Fist Academy might flourish and eventually gain a foothold in Prefecture City. At the martial gathering, he led the academy's team, handled rival masters' provocations, and openly defended Wang Yuan when Feng Qianlie sought redress for Feng Ming's crippling. 40 57 61
When Wang Yuan reached the Third Blood Change, Zheng Shan introduced him to the path of Force Entry and explained the prerequisites for cultivating Mountain Rock Force: perfected Panshi Fist, powerful Vital Blood, comprehension of the Fist Intent, and study of the Mountain Rock Diagram. 70 71
During Gaoye City's Incense God Cult crisis, Zheng Shan reluctantly led the Outer City's martial forces against the cult despite suspecting manipulation by the Three Great Families. Huang Chengzong's betrayal left him poisoned and severely wounded, but he still prepared to burn his life essence rather than surrender. Wang Yuan intervened and took responsibility for protecting his master. 86 91 94 95
Before the suppression operation, the Three Great Families had used threats concerning the missing Wang Yuan to coerce Zheng Shan into cooperation. Zheng Shan nevertheless negotiated resources for his disciples, independent command of the academy's forces, and brief access to each family's Fundamental Diagram for himself and his True Disciples. 86 87
Following Wang Yuan's victory, Zheng Shan accepted his disciple's arrangements and temporarily coordinated Gaoye City's remaining martial forces. His duties included taking control of the Gao Family's surviving troops, imposing martial law, hunting Incense God Cult and Huang Family remnants, and organizing the search for the Ye Family treasury. 99 108
When Elder Danxia of the Bitao Sect confronted the academy, Zheng Shan refused to submit despite his lingering injuries. Danxia's Late Hua Jin pressure aggravated those wounds, and Wang Yuan intervened to block a Crimson Flame Palm aimed at Zheng Shan's chest. 115 116
After Wang Yuan's conflict with the Bitao Sect made retaliation inevitable, Zheng Shan set aside his old pride and sought Kaoshan Sect's protection for him. He wrote to Elder Mu, enclosed the Ink Jade Token entrusted to him years ago, and ordered Wang Yuan to travel to Prefecture City. 123 124
Zheng Shan also prepared the practical means of Wang Yuan's departure: two enduring horses, provisions, a route map, forged merchant-caravan identities, and travel funds. Shi Long delivered these supplies and instructed Wang Yuan to follow the concealed mountain route Zheng Shan had selected. The letter and token later secured Wang Yuan an audience with Elder Mu and helped obtain Kaoshan Sect protection against the Bitao Sect. 125 168
Years later, Zheng Shan again directed Gaoye City's defenses against Incense God Cult followers, refugees, and the Three Great Families' private armies. He and his wounded disciples held out through days of fighting, but the Barbarian Bear Martial Hall master's betrayal allowed attackers through the South City side gate. Trapped on the ramparts, Zheng Shan continued fighting until Wang Yuan returned with powerful allies and saved the city. 273 275 276
Wang Yuan later returned to Gaoye City at Bone Forging Mid Stage, reuniting with Zheng Shan after years apart. Zheng Shan's old injuries were subsequently healed by a green-lotus medicine, enabling his advance to Mid-stage Hua Jin. 277 278
The medicine was a leaf of a three-hundred-year-old, seventh-rank Nine-Leaf Green Lotus, given by Wang Yuan to Zheng Shan and each of his three senior fellow disciples. Zheng Shan initially apologized for failing to protect the city completely, but Wang Yuan reassured him and promised continued protection, medicinal pills, and martial arts manuals for the academy's survivors. 277
After recovering, Zheng Shan resumed responsibility for the city's defenses and academy affairs while Wang Yuan entered seclusion. When Shi Long allowed General Zhou Cheng's thousand-strong Imperial cavalry into Gaoye City, Zheng Shan initially feared renewed plundering. Shi Long's reassurance prompted him to recognize Wang Yuan's prearranged plan to lure the ambitious general into the city, restoring his confidence. 280 282
With an Imperial Court Grandmaster army approaching, Zheng Shan led the academy's disciples in calming the citizens and organizing those willing to evacuate. The inhabitants' experience of war and trust in Wang Yuan encouraged widespread participation in the southward migration. 287 317
Zheng Shan eventually met Elder Mu again at Wang Yuan's residence while the elder was arranging Situ Lie's return to the Kaoshan Sect for treatment. Their emotional reunion exposed the grief beneath Zheng Shan's proud exterior and reaffirmed their early mentor-disciple bond. They subsequently reminisced privately in a wing room before Elder Mu departed with Situ Lie the following morning. 324 325
Appearance
Zheng Shan is an elderly martial master with a weathered face, sharp eyes likened to an eagle's gaze, and a bearing described as steady and weighty as a mountain. During the Gaoye City crisis, additional white strands appeared at his temples. 4 86
- Usually wears restrained martial clothing, including a fitted blue-gray outfit. 57
- Maintains a straight, pine-like posture despite his age and chronic injuries. 86
- His presence exerts a quiet but tangible pressure on those around him. 4
- Wields a refined iron spear in battle. 94 95
- At his reunion with Elder Mu, appears lean and aged, with white-streaked sideburns, a faded gray cloth robe, and a plain cloth sash. His white-knuckled grip on his sleeves betrays his nervousness. 324
Personality
Zheng Shan is stern, disciplined, and deeply committed to proper martial conduct. Upon accepting Wang Yuan, he instructs him to respect his teacher, cultivate diligently, never bully the weak, and never disgrace the academy. 7
He is politically cautious as well as perceptive. He concealed Wang Yuan's true aptitude, warned him not to pursue the Black Tiger Gang before gaining sufficient strength, and recognized when the Three Great Families were using the academy for their own ends. 6 9 86
Beneath his severe exterior, Zheng Shan is fiercely protective of his disciples. His relief upon Wang Yuan's return from disappearance is openly emotional, and he is willing to reopen old wounds with the Kaoshan Sect to secure Wang Yuan's future. 88 123
His attachment to Gaoye City and Panshi Fist Academy is profound. Wang Yuan recognizes that Zheng Shan has guarded the city for half his life and invested his life's efforts in the academy, making voluntary departure difficult to propose. Nevertheless, Zheng Shan later helps organize the citizens' evacuation when remaining becomes untenable. 280 287
Zheng Shan's courage persists under overwhelming pressure: he refuses to kneel to Elder Danxia and continues defending Gaoye City despite severe wounds, exhaustion, and betrayal. His concern for the civilian population also makes him initially oppose admitting Imperial troops into the recently pacified city. 116 275 282
His reunion with Elder Mu reveals unresolved grief and a strong need for reconciliation. Usually unwilling to show weakness, he becomes tearful and nearly kneels before his former mentor, acknowledging that teaching Wang Yuan brought his heart back to life after years of despair. 324
Abilities & Skills
Hua Jin Martial Arts
Zheng Shan is a Hua Jin martial master whose Force Power vastly exceeds ordinary Vital Blood martial artists.
- Killed an Incense God Cult Black Robe with a single palm strike that shattered every bone in the opponent's body. 18
- His Mountain Suppressing Style forced Third Blood Change Perfection Wang Yuan backward and cracked the courtyard's blue-stone floor. 88
- His advancement to Mid-stage Hua Jin restored his Vital Blood and substantially strengthened his foundation. 278
- Detected Wang Yuan's unusually powerful Vital Blood at close range despite his disguise and use of the Turtle Breathing Technique; subsequently recognized his disciple through familiar Panshi Fist Intent and Vajra Strength. 88
- Continued fighting during Gaoye City's later siege, killing several charging cultists with a single punch even while battered and surrounded. 275
Panshi Fist and Mountain Rock Force
As Panshi Fist Academy's master, Zheng Shan has mastered its mountain-like fighting philosophy and its Force Entry inheritance.
- Teaches that Panshi Fist values intent over form, centered on stability: “steady as a mountain, heavy as a boulder.” 9 70
- Uses Mountain Rock Force, which condenses power into a penetrating point rather than dispersing it across a target's surface. 70
- Demonstrated the ability to damage the interior of a blue stone without visibly breaking its surface. 70
- Guards the academy's Mountain Rock Diagram and entrusted Wang Yuan with access to its secret chamber for his Force Entry attempt. 89 92
Spear Technique
Zheng Shan is proficient with the sword, spear, and saber, though he prominently employs spear techniques in major battles. 31
- Taught Wang Yuan the three foundational forms of the Mountain Breaking Spear Technique: Cloud Break, Mountain Collapse, and Moon Lift. 31
- Used a refined iron spear and a Force-infused killing move while battling the Incense God Cult beneath the City God Temple. 94
- Combines spear-based Force Power with a defensive, mountain-like combat style. 94 95
Teaching and Leadership
Zheng Shan is an exacting instructor and an experienced leader of martial forces.
- Personally instructs True Disciples in technique, Vital Blood circulation, advancement requirements, and Gaoye City's political hierarchy. 9 10
- Provides cultivation resources tailored to a disciple's potential, including Monster Beast Meat, breakthrough medicines, the Vajra Skill, and Vajra Powder for Wang Yuan. 14 42 45
- Led more than two hundred martial artists during the suppression of the Incense God Cult and established strict precautions against poison, illusions, ambushes, and hidden experts. 91
- Temporarily organized Gaoye City's defenses after the collapse of the Three Great Families' order, directing the purge of Incense God Cult and Huang Family remnants. 108
- Negotiated compensation and independent command for Panshi Fist Academy when the Three Great Families pressured it into military cooperation. 87
- Prepared concealed travel routes, forged identities, transport, and funds to help Wang Yuan reach Prefecture City safely. 125
- Directed the academy's prolonged defense of Gaoye City during a later siege and subsequently mobilized its disciples to reassure civilians and organize evacuation. 273 275 287
Equipment
- Refined iron spear — Zheng Shan's weapon during the City God Temple battle. 94 95
- Mountain Rock Diagram — Panshi Fist Academy's inherited diagram for comprehending and condensing Mountain Rock Force. 70 89
- Secret-chamber bronze key — Used to grant Wang Yuan access to the academy's hidden cultivation chamber and the Mountain Rock Diagram. 89
- Ink Jade Token — Elder Mu's personal token, preserved by Zheng Shan after leaving the Kaoshan Sect and later entrusted to Wang Yuan with a handwritten appeal for protection. Its front bears the character “Mu,” while its back carries a cloud pattern. 123 124 168
- Command token — Given to Shi Long and Zheng Ying when Zheng Shan ordered them to gather the academy's remaining personnel and coordinate Gaoye City's security. 108
Relationships
- Wang Yuan — Fourth True Disciple. Zheng Shan concealed Wang Yuan's Supreme Grade Bone Structure, taught him Panshi Fist, protected him from stronger enemies, and sought Kaoshan Sect backing for him despite old personal grievances. 6 18 89 123 Wang Yuan later repeatedly protected his injured master, saved Gaoye City, and supplied the Nine-Leaf Green Lotus leaf that healed Zheng Shan's chronic injuries and enabled his advancement. Zheng Shan credits teaching Wang Yuan with restoring his hope after leaving the sect in despair. 95 116 277 278 324
- Shi Long — Eldest True Disciple. Zheng Shan relies on him to escort and protect Wang Yuan, assist with academy affairs, and guard the academy during crises. 4 7 91 During Zhou Cheng's arrival, Shi Long's calm reassurance helps Zheng Shan recognize and trust Wang Yuan's plan rather than oppose the apparent surrender. 282
- Zheng Ying — Daughter and True Disciple. She assists Zheng Shan in welcoming, guiding, and providing resources to Wang Yuan, and helps guard the academy in his absence. 7 40 91 She later fights alongside the academy's other senior disciples during the defense of Gaoye City. 273 275
- Shang Yong — Third True Disciple and heir of the Wanguan Merchant Association. Zheng Shan remains the recipient of Shang Yong's filial gifts and merchant-family support. 21 Shang Yong later commands a defensive team during Gaoye City's siege and shares in the emotional reunion with Wang Yuan. 273 277
- Elder Mu — Former mentor and Kaoshan Sect supporter who held Zheng Shan in high regard and once intended to take him as his final closed-door disciple. Zheng Shan entrusted Wang Yuan to Elder Mu's protection through an urgent letter and the Ink Jade Token. 123 168 269 324 Their reunion after more than a decade apart is deeply emotional: Elder Mu addresses him as “Xiaoshan,” prevents him from kneeling, and praises the disciple he has raised. They later spend time privately recalling their shared past. 324 325
- Elder Li — Kaoshan Sect Punishment Hall elder whose conflict with Zheng Shan led to Zheng Shan's departure from the sect. 123 Identified as Li Wanjun, he also opposed Elder Mu's effort to take Zheng Shan under his wing on grounds of background and aptitude. 269
- Huang Chengzong — Former ally in Gaoye City's defense who betrayed Zheng Shan and the Outer City martial artists to the Incense God Cult and Black Wind Bandits. 94 95
- Yun Feiyang — Flowing Cloud Martial Hall master and fellow Hua Jin expert. Zheng Shan fought alongside him during the Incense God Cult operation and later helped arrange his treatment after the betrayal. 91 99
- Elder Danxia — Bitao Sect elder who aggravated Zheng Shan's injuries with Late Hua Jin pressure and attempted to kill him after he refused to submit. Wang Yuan intercepted the attack. 116
- Zhao Tieying and Feng Qianlie — Rival martial leaders who joined the Incense God Cult suppression force but betrayed the alliance. Zhao Tieying attacked Zheng Shan with a poisoned Iron Palm while Feng Qianlie targeted Yun Feiyang. 57 91 94
- Barbarian Bear Martial Hall master — Bribed by the Three Great Families, he opened Gaoye City's South City side gate during the later siege, undermining Zheng Shan's defense and allowing the attackers to flood into the city. 275
Notable Quotes
“My Panshi Fist Academy has no cowards who die on their knees!”
— Zheng Shan, while poisoned and surrounded by Huang Chengzong's allied forces 95
“The Force Power cultivated by our Panshi Fist lineage is called Mountain Rock Force. Its core lies in ‘condensation’ and ‘penetration.’”
— Zheng Shan explaining Force Entry to Wang Yuan 70
“We must first hold up the 'sky' over Gaoye City for him!”
— Zheng Shan, preparing to defend the city while Wang Yuan remains missing 87
“But later... later I took Yuan'er as a disciple, and watching him grow day by day, this disciple's heart came back to life.”
— Zheng Shan, explaining his renewed hope to Elder Mu 324