In the world of martial arts depicted in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” Kiều Phong is known as an undefeated warrior. However, according to the author Jin Yong, there are still other masters who could surpass him. Who are they?
The Hidden Master – Vô Danh Thần Tăng
In Jin Yong’s classic novel “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” Vô Danh Thần Tăng, despite his brief appearance, leaves a profound and indelible impression. This is evident from his ability to easily resolve the long-standing feud between two top masters, Tiêu Viễn Sơn and Mộ Dung Bác.
Vô Danh Thần Tăng killed Mộ Dung Bác and Tiêu Viễn Sơn with just one move. Before anyone could comprehend what had happened, he used his divine skills to save both masters. Having gone through the brink of life and death, Mộ Dung Bác and Tiêu Viễn Sơn were awakened, choosing to let go of their grudges and convert to Buddhism, becoming disciples of this elder monk, no longer caring about their past enmities.
This showcases Vô Danh Thần Tăng’s incredible defensive capabilities, coupled with his unparalleled palm technique. Even Kiều Phong’s renowned Hàng Long Thập Bát Chưởng, when unleashed to its fullest, could only break three of his ribs without causing significant injury. This injury further highlights Vô Danh Thần Tăng’s exceptional martial arts skills, making him appear as a towering “monument” of martial prowess.
Although Kiều Phong is known as a god of war, roaming the martial world without tasting defeat, his martial arts prowess cannot be underestimated. However, he did suffer defeat at the hands of Vô Danh Thần Tăng.
Some believe that Kiều Phong was able to injure Vô Danh Thần Tăng because the latter was distracted by Tiêu Viễn Sơn and couldn’t fully concentrate on defense. If Vô Danh Thần Tăng had been completely focused and well-prepared, it would have been difficult for Kiều Phong to achieve his goal. If this is true, Vô Danh Thần Tăng’s status in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils” is nearly invincible.
The Surprising Identity of a Master Comparable to Kiều Phong
Many readers believe that Đoàn Dự and Hư Trúc possess the strength to contend with Kiều Phong. However, according to Sohu, although Đoàn Dự and Hư Trúc experienced significant growth in inner strength and possessed superior martial arts skills later on, their lack of combat experience and proficiency in applying techniques means they have yet to surpass Kiều Phong.
Đoàn Dự’s Lục Mạch Thần Kiếm can be unpredictable, while Hư Trúc’s Thiên Sơn Lục Dương Chưởng and Bắc Minh Thần Công have yet to demonstrate absolute superiority. Furthermore, when facing the same opponent, Mộ Dung Phục, neither was able to display the overwhelming strength that Kiều Phong exhibited. Therefore, it is challenging to assert that their abilities exceed Kiều Phong’s in any aspect.
Among the masters in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” Tiêu Viễn Sơn’s martial arts are particularly difficult to gauge. Initially, his strength was on par with Mộ Dung Bác, but during the earth-shattering battle at Nhạn Môn Quan, the level of martial arts that Tiêu Viễn Sơn displayed caused Mộ Dung Bác to hesitate, even avoiding direct confrontation.
Before he was injured, Tiêu Viễn Sơn skillfully concealed himself to the point that even Kiều Phong’s master did not detect him. This further proves Tiêu Viễn Sơn’s exceptional martial arts. In the devastating battle at Tụ Hiền Trang, Tiêu Viễn Sơn, in the guise of a mysterious man in black, came to Kiều Phong’s aid. The exquisite martial arts he displayed left Kiều Phong in admiration.
The narrative states: “Despite being severely injured, Kiều Phong remained alert; the tall man saved him, and he observed every move with great appreciation, thinking to himself: ‘I could throw a rope as accurately, but using it as a weapon to repel dozens of people with that soft technique, I haven’t yet mastered that level.’
In another description: ‘Who is my enemy? Who is my benefactor? Both possess formidable martial arts, seemingly not inferior to mine; in the martial world, such skilled individuals are a rarity… This benefactor exchanged over twenty moves with me without revealing his sect, as each move, though seemingly normal, contained extraordinary martial arts, akin to my own use of Tai Chi at Tụ Hiền Trang, without disclosing any origins.’
Through Sohu’s analysis, Vô Danh Thần Tăng stands as the pinnacle of martial arts in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” unmatched by anyone. While Kiều Phong is powerful, he still falls short compared to Vô Danh Thần Tăng. Tiêu Viễn Sơn, before his injury, possessed profound and exquisite martial arts that even had the potential to surpass Kiều Phong, making him the second strongest master after Vô Danh Thần Tăng.
Compiled