School of the Immortals' Abode, The

A pugilistic school located in the Shandong Peninsula 山东半岛 in the north-east of China; lorded over the East China Sea 东海. Became embroiled in a deeply-rooted conflict that arose because of a martial arts discussion with the School of the Green City; took place more than 100 years earlier. Resulted in many tragic rounds of revenge and counter-revenge between the two insitutions. Unable to defeat the School of the Green City, yet could not be defeated by them either, because of the strengths in the martial arts techniques of the respective schools. Accepted disciples only from the eastern parts of Shandong Province, especially after the cover of its agent in the School of the Green City was blown (Chapter 13).

Members included (Chapter 13):

• The Taoist Dulingzi 都灵子 - literally, 'the man of refined spirit'. Sought to exploit the weaknesses of the School of the Green City after suffering greatly in its hands as a young man. Met the child Zhu Baokun during one of his visits to Sichuan; considered Zhu a good candidate for pugilistic studies because of his bone-structure. Arranged for a band of fake pirates to attack the Zhu's family so that he could earn their gratitude by chasing the pirates away and returning the stolen items. Had considerably high skills in martial arts; became Zhu's martial arts teacher shortly after. Not a wicked man by character; schemed only because of his enmity with the School of the Green City. Instructed Zhu's family to keep the matter a closely-guarded secret. Did not utter a single word while living with the Zhus; communicated through gestures and writing so that Zhu would not pick up the Shandong dialect during the 10 years under his tutelage. Told Zhu about his enmity with the School of the Green City but withheld information on the raid by the fake pirates; Zhu became his agent at the School of the Green City without hesitation. Instructed Zhu to return to the School of the Immortals' Abode 3-4 years ago. Had similar martial arts abilities as Sima Wei; would have had to use the Heart-Restoring Needle of the Lord of Heaven to kill him by stealth or the Array of the Iron Crutch to overcome him by numbers. Did not know how to use the 'Moon-Breaking Awl'.
• The Taoist Haifengzi 海风子 - literally, 'the man of the winds of the sea'. The 7th leader of the school; considered by Wang Yuyan to possess talent, abilities and pugilistic skills that were not beneath those of Zhu Baokun. Known as a man of outstanding calibre who analysed the strengths and weaknesses in the martial arts techniques of the School of the Green City as well as his own in order to gain an advantage over his enemy. Attempted to engineer the downfall of the School of the Green City 18 years earlier through the use of an undercover agent; failed because the agent was discovered and killed.
• Zhu Baokun 诸保昆 - see People.

Associated martial arts techniques included (Chapter 13):

• The Heart-Restoring Needle of the Lord of Heaven.
• The Array of the Iron Crutch (Tie3 Guai3 Zhen4 铁拐阵) - a battle formation for a large group of pugilists; no other information available.