Su Ziyang

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Education and the Daoist Medicine Clinic

Su Ziyang grows up in a household influenced by his father’s enthusiasm for traditional culture. His father directs him toward a university of traditional Chinese medicine, and Su Ziyang develops a genuine love for the subject. He completes a five-year undergraduate course followed by three years of graduate study 1 51.

After spending much of graduate school in a hospital, he decides that he dislikes its working atmosphere. Hoping eventually to open his own clinic, he rejects a position at a fairly large hospital and accepts a Daoist friend’s introduction to the Daoist Medicine Clinic. At entry, he is unusual among its staff both for holding a master’s degree and for having no specific religious faith 1.

Apprenticeships and Early Setbacks

Su Ziyang asks Fairy Li to help arrange an apprenticeship with Mr. Mengfei. He repeatedly waits outside the temple before dawn until Mengfei begins questioning and instructing him about Qi. Cultivation soon becomes part of his daily routine 7 8 9 10.

Mengfei later sends him to Jiangxi to study acupoint striking with Jiang Kui. The training fulfills Su Ziyang’s childhood fascination with martial heroes, but his new abilities also expose him to danger. During a later confrontation, Daoist Jin condemns his acupoint methods as evil and nearly severs his tendons before Mengfei intervenes. Jin subsequently becomes his second master 20 28 40 41 51.

The Human-Face Sore case makes Su Ziyang recognize gaps in his knowledge and study harder. Lao Pang later formally accepts him as the inheritor of Bian Clan Bonesetting; after Lao Pang’s death, Mengfei introduces Su Ziyang to others as his successor 51 70 86.

Combat Training and Medical Growth

Daoist Jin subjects Su Ziyang to painful Iron Cloth Shirt conditioning, supported by medicinal preparations and baths. Su Ziyang later wins against Wu Yun by combining evasive footwork with acupoint strikes, although his injuries worsen after the match and Fairy Li stays to care for him 81 84 116.

Yang Tianzheng trains him in both acupuncture and practical fighting. Su Ziyang initially suffers repeated throws and baton strikes, but eventually becomes capable of defeating eight attackers. When Jin returns, their combined instruction further improves his reflexes and Swimming Dragon Palm 131 133 147 179.

Xuyang’s terminal illness and death leave a lasting impression on him. The memory of the emaciated patient becomes an important reason for his continued efforts to improve as a physician 101 113.

Later Studies and Responsibility

Under Master Luo, Su Ziyang enters the Zhuyou lineage and accepts lifelong dietary prohibitions. He subsequently learns from Zhang Rongyi and Zhenze, but does not inherit the deceased grandmaster-uncle’s Flying Sword 203 234 237.

Before leaving for mountain cultivation, Daoist Jin entrusts him with his courtyard papers, keys, and medicine list. Jin asks him to care for his patients and transmit his skills; Su Ziyang sees him off at the gate with three kowtows. Mengfei later describes a visit to Qi Chu as one final helping hand before Su Ziyang’s apprenticeship is complete 336 350.

Alongside his medical work, Su Ziyang prepares a new home with Fairy Li. They handle most engagement and wedding arrangements together rather than leaving them to their parents. Their families eventually meet, the couple becomes engaged, and a wedding date is confirmed 386 391.

Appearance

• Build: A little over 1.7 meters tall and weighing 130 jin; he considers himself comparatively light beside larger martial artists 282.
• Face: Described as handsome, with bright, large eyes 7 330.
• Skin and hands: Cultivation leaves him with fine, soft skin and hands showing almost no visible signs of martial training 10 55.
• Clothing: Often wears a black shirt, black trousers, and black shoes. He also wears a white coat at work and chooses a tracksuit for competition 114 135 330.

Personality

Su Ziyang is diligent, stubborn, and strongly motivated by practical improvement. He conscientiously records cases and predictions, practices cultivation daily, and responds to difficult cases by studying harder. His stubbornness can also make him push himself recklessly: when cultivation produces uncomfortable sensations, he increases his repetitions rather than stopping 2 10 51.

He is modest about his accomplishments and willing to admit limitations. He asks not to be called “Divine Doctor,” openly acknowledges his incomplete mastery of bonesetting, and treats difficult or irritating patients without deliberately reducing the quality of care. He regards patience with patients as a professional obligation 54 58 108 132.

His seriousness coexists with a mischievous, talkative streak and an enduring fascination with martial-arts fiction. He jokes with his masters, blurts out remarks that earn punishment, and eagerly seeks demonstrations of unusual abilities. Teaching Zhang Zhen gives him a new appreciation for how much patience his own teachers require 20 95 132 153 237.

Su Ziyang is affectionate toward his parents and deeply attached to his teachers. Though usually mature and independent, he can become visibly childish at the prospect of separation; repeated farewells make him increasingly reluctant to let people go 55 350 386.

Abilities & Skills

Traditional Chinese Medicine

His foundation combines university education, close reading of medical classics, clinical experience, and instruction from several masters 1 62.

• Syndrome differentiation: Emphasizes treating each patient’s particular presentation rather than prescribing one fixed formula for everyone with the same named disease 267.
• Diagnostic methods: Uses pulse-taking, tongue examination, detailed questioning, and supernatural perception of Illness Qi 24 36 95 164.
• Case documentation: Keeps conscientious records, including predictions about how symptoms will change 2 95 323.
• Affordable treatment: Chooses a simple motherwort prescription for Zhang Yan because she cannot afford a large formula 178.
• Clinical caution: Conducts particularly extensive consultations for conditions involving the mind 95.

Selected Clinical Cases

Midnight-Noon Heaven and Earth Art

Mr. Mengfei’s cultivation method develops Su Ziyang’s True Qi and underlies both his martial and unusual diagnostic abilities 9 24.

• Physical enhancement: Following Great Heavenly Circulation, he is several times stronger than an ordinary person and can readily break a frozen brick 55 70.
• Recovery: Cultivation restores his energy after exhausting training and has healed damage caused by acupoint strikes 87 148.
• Enhanced vision: Possesses excellent eyesight and can observe Qi surrounding objects 90 91.
• Diagnostic perception: Sees black Illness Qi and receives images during pulse-taking 24.
• Limit: Qi-gazing is not harmless against every target; golden light around Xue Zhen stings his eyes and forces him to look away 102.

Acupuncture and Tuina

Su Ziyang studies both disciplines as an undergraduate, with massage initially his strongest subject. Yang Tianzheng substantially expands his needling skills 1 133 234.

• Advanced needle manipulation: Studies Dragon-Tiger Battle, Burning Mountain Fire, Heaven-Penetrating Coolness, Yin Hidden Within Yang, and Yang Hidden Within Yin 132 133.
• Finger strength: Learns to transfer the strength developed through acupoint striking into the use of soft silver needles 133.
• Specialized methods: Uses the Thirteen Needles of the Ghost Gate and receives later instruction in specialized massage and pediatric tuina 234 251 295.
• Limit: Yang stresses that successful practice on paper is not equivalent to treating people; sensitivity to individual constitutions and the arrival of Qi still requires refinement 133.

Spiritual Pivot Acupoint Striking Method

Learned through the Jiang family, this method turns Su Ziyang’s anatomical knowledge and cultivated strength into disabling attacks 28 32.

• Crane-Pecking Acupoint-Striking Hand: Uses a crane-beak finger formation to strike an opponent’s acupoint 32.
• Plum Blossom Hand: Can target several chest acupoints in succession 40.
• Combat integration: Combines acupoint strikes with Baguazhang footwork to numb Wu Yun’s leg and win their match 116.
• Limit: The method does not automatically overcome superior conditioning or experience; his strikes fail against Daoist Jin, while Yang Tianzheng evades later attempts 40 179.

Eight Trigrams Swimming Dragon Palm

Daoist Jin teaches him this Baguazhang system, with particular emphasis on Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Steps 43 51 179.

• Evasion and positioning: Uses circular footwork to avoid attacks and create openings for acupoint strikes 115 116.
• Combat experience: Yang Tianzheng’s sparring develops his reactions and fighting judgment; Jin later refines the style itself 147 179.
• Other martial training: Learns Demon-Subduing Fist from Zhenze 237.
• Limit: Has not studied Yang’s Tai Chi Chuan as a second full system; Yang discourages spreading his efforts too thin 282.

Golden Bell Shield and Iron Cloth Shirt

His defensive conditioning combines Qi circulation, controlled impacts, medicinal preparations, and recovery baths 81 84 95.

• Impact resistance: Withstands a powerful kick from Wu Yun and can later take several stick blows without circulating his power 115 354.
• Foundation: Retains solid basic conditioning despite not continuing impact training to a deeper level 354.
• Limit: Does not consider himself capable of safely taking a direct knife thrust 354.

Bian Clan Bonesetting

As Lao Pang’s formal successor, Su Ziyang learns the lineage’s medicine preparation and bonesetting fundamentals 70 72 86.

• Proficiency: Can manage ordinary dislocations and clean fractures 72.
• Limit: Admits that he has not mastered even half of Lao Pang’s skills or fully grasped some essentials 108.
• Unlearned art: Explicitly states that he has not learned the lineage’s Thousand-Jin Art 101.

Zhuyou Technique and Visualization

Master Luo teaches him a lineage encompassing ritual healing, talismans, incantations, hand seals, and protective Visualization 203.

• Demonstrated applications: Immobilizes a snake and performs a fright-soothing ritual for a child 235 313.
• Learning enhancement: During the seven-day instructional period, can retain Luo’s spoken teachings after hearing them once 203.
• Visualization limit: Initially cannot maintain all five Qi images simultaneously; each new image displaces the previous one. Minor success requires sustaining all five 207.
• Prohibitions: Must abstain from fish and anything from an ox for life; cursing can break the art 203.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Huanghuali medical case — Particularly appeals to his interest in antiques and fine wood 45.
• 108 small-leaf red sandalwood prayer beads — Gift from Daoist Jin after his first Iron Cloth Shirt session 81.
• Chicken-blood vine bracelet — Obtained from Xuhui; Zhang Guozhou identifies it as made from vine more than a century old 87 90.
• Fourteen silver needles — Given by Yang Tianzheng for training; their softness initially causes Su Ziyang to bend them through improper handling 133.
• Nineteen gold needles with silver handles — Yang’s acknowledgment of his progress. Their handles bear coiling dragon designs, and Yang values them more as collectibles than everyday tools 133.
• Watch — Accepted reluctantly from Han Xixi as thanks for treating Han Wenxuan 132.
• Daoist Jin’s courtyard papers, keys, and medicine list — Entrusted to him before Jin leaves for mountain cultivation 336.
• Azure hollow — Receives the first piece Qi Chu locates during their mountain search 355.
• Asafoetida — Receives half of Qi Chu’s rare medicinal supply after witnessing its use to revive an old woman 365.

Relationships

Teachers and Mentors

• Mr. Mengfei — First master and teacher of the Midnight-Noon Heaven and Earth Art. Rescues him from Daoist Jin, guides his medical thinking, and arranges further opportunities to study 9 41 82 350 365.
• Daoist Jin — Initially a dangerous opponent, later his second master. Teaches Baguazhang, defensive conditioning, and pediatric tuina, then entrusts Su Ziyang with his courtyard and patients 40 43 51 81 295 336.
• Jiang Kui — Acupoint-striking instructor whose techniques become central to Su Ziyang’s fighting style 22 32 116.
• Lao Pang — Bonesetting master who formally makes Su Ziyang his successor before his death 70 86.
• Yang Tianzheng — Acupuncture teacher and demanding combat mentor. His genuine concern for Su Ziyang accompanies severe training 131 133 147.
• Master Luo — Zhuyou teacher who conducts his initiation and teaches him the lineage’s techniques and obligations 203 207.
• Zhang Rongyi — Teaches specialized massage and Grab Illness Qi 234 261.
• Zhenze — Martial uncle who teaches Demon-Subduing Fist and demonstrates Thunder Arts at Su Ziyang’s request 237.
• Qi Chu — Later instructor in the Five Movements and Six Qi; also shares rare medicinal material with him 365.

Family and Personal Ties

• Li Zijun / Fairy Li — Girlfriend, later fiancée, and the owner of his rented apartment. Helps arrange his early apprenticeship, cares for him after injury, accepts his confession, and prepares their future home with him 7 116 185 226 386 391.
• Father — A tailor whose love of traditional culture shapes Su Ziyang’s education. Father and son share a playful, close relationship; he encourages Su Ziyang’s career and relationship with Zijun 1 28 55 313.
• Mother — Protective and closely involved in his family life. Welcomes Fairy Li warmly and urges the couple to marry 55 308 313.
• Su Zang — Younger in age but genealogically his uncle, and a close childhood companion. Their relationship breaks down over medicinal wine, accusations of family gossip, and Su Zang’s drunken resentment; afterward, Su Zang stops seeking him out 51 310 311 312.
• Sixth Brother — Nickname of his first girlfriend 28.
• Bao Mingya — Senior schoolmate and patient who trusts his judgment after previous treatment fails; later brings him to examine her father 36 164.
• Jiang Tian — Friend and fellow acupoint practitioner who helps receive him in Jiangxi. Becomes jealous of Su Ziyang’s unusually rapid progress 20 22 28.
• Er Biao — Companion during visits to Old Madam Liu and a source of further massage instruction 147 148 251.
• Heizi — Family dog who welcomes him home 28 51.

Notable Quotes

“Oh, it's all right! Thank you for trusting me and taking my medicine!” 61

“Dad, let me tell you something. I studied hard during those eight years in school, but I didn't learn as much in those eight years as I have in this past year!” 62

“Hey! Please don't call me that. Just call me Doctor Su. Xiao Su is fine too!” 132

Trivia

• His father names him Ziyang because his birth coincides with the winter-solstice hour when the year’s first yang is said to arise 1.
• Likes antiques, jade, bead bracelets, and handling walnuts 45.
• Is a homebody who spends free weekends watching cartoons and cultivating 38.
• Prefers hard-seat train tickets regardless of journey length because lying down on trains makes him uncomfortable 75.
• Speaks with a slight northeastern accent 154.
• Has lived away from home since beginning boarding school in third grade 386.
• Keeps a small circle of sincere friendships; his wedding invitation list includes college roommates, two close high-school classmates, and two childhood friends 391.