Zheng Tonghe

Biodata

Background / History

Zheng first meets Qin Geng when Qin brings an apparent paper figure to Hundred Herb Hall. Zheng stops Qin from striking it and reveals that his junior martial brother, Lu Xingmin, is alive inside a Paper Effigy Skin. He directs Qin through its delicate removal, then sets Lu’s broken leg and treats his other injuries 11.

When Qin later seeks medicine for martial training, Zheng recommends ox-bone Bone-Strengthening Powder rather than the more expensive tiger-bone version, judging it sufficient for Qin’s condition. He also lets Qin brew it and train in the hall’s courtyard, partly because Qin helped save Lu 15. As Qin’s training advances, Zheng examines his pulse, approves stronger medicine, and begins supervising his practice of Xingyi Dragon and Tiger forms 36 37 38.

Appearance

Zheng is short and stout, with a seemingly kindly expression that can give way to a keen, assessing gaze 11 15.

• Distinctive bearing — He recognizes Qin despite Qin’s deliberately light footsteps and restrained breathing 15.

Abilities & Skills

Medicine and treatment

• Sets Lu Xingmin’s broken leg and treats his severe back injury; Lu is active again less than a month later 11 22.
• Assesses Qin’s training needs through observation and pulse examination, warning that medicine too strong for his foundation could harm him 15 36.
• Instructs Qin in preparing Bone-Strengthening Powder and timing Dragon-Tiger Decoction baths after strenuous practice 15 37 38.

Paper Effigy Skinning

• Identifies Lu’s apparent paper body as a life-preserving skin, not a ghost or demon, and performs the delicate procedure to remove it 11.
• Warns that tearing the skin or delaying treatment can cause the person inside to lose their remaining life force 11.

Martial instruction

• Demonstrates Bright Force by driving a palm print into a wooden cabinet without cracking the surrounding wood 37.
• Corrects Qin’s Coiling Dragon defense and Clawing Strike attack, emphasizing stored force, relaxed joints, and a penetrating strike 37 38.
• Warns Qin not to attempt the Dragon-Tiger Combined Strike before his body and control are ready 37.

Relationships

• Lu Xingmin — Zheng’s junior martial brother; Zheng treats him after his escape from Bell Mountain 11.
• Qin Geng — Helps Zheng save Lu, then becomes a regular customer and receives Zheng’s personal training guidance. Zheng does not formally take him as an apprentice 11 15 37 38 48.
• Ye Lanzen — Zheng’s martial-arts master, according to Master Zhu Xin 14.
• Master Zhu Xin — Recommends Zheng for his honest medicine and remembers Zheng’s efforts to treat his gravely ill wife 14.

Notable Quotes

“Medicine depends on the person and how far he's progressed.” 15

“If you want the moves worked into your marrow until they're as natural as eating and drinking, even a thousand times, ten thousand times would hardly be enough.” 37