Xu Ziling is a fictional character in Wong Yi’s martial arts novel Story of the Twin Dragons of Great Tang. Kou Zhong and he were both orphans living in the streets, and the brothers were inseparable through thick and thin. Xu Ziling was a tall handsome man. He was loyal, sincere, affectionate and trustworthy, and he was also fearless. Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong accidentally found a powerful book on martial arts, Secret to Longevity, people in jianghu (martial artists’ community) as well as those in demonic schools kept chasing them since then. When the owner of Secret to Longevity caught them in person, he found that they were the best person to learn this kung fu with one in Yin physique while another in Yang physique. It is described in the novel that Xu Ziling had profound internal strength and also possessed the skills of sensing and eavesdropping through walls; besides, he was skilled in using his bare hands and two fists to confront enemies, but had no interest in competing for dominance of the world.
In Story of the Twin Dragons of Great Tang (2004) produced by TVB, Ron Ng Cheuk-hei played Xu Ziling, who eventually lived in seclusion in mountains and forests with the priestess Shi Feixuan of Cihang Jingzhai.
Bonus: The original ending of Story of the Twin Dragons of Great Tang is that Kou Zhong, persuaded by Xu Ziling, gave up his struggle for dominance of the world for the sake of the people and righteousness. Since then, the Twin Dragons (Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong) forwent fame and fortune and lived in seclusion from jianghu. While in the television drama, they were invited by Li Shimin to Xuanwu Gate. When there was only a slim chance of survival, they could use Secret to Longevity to keep one of them alive. Kou Zhong sacrificed himself to save the life of Xu Ziling. Two versions, one with a happy ending while the other one has a tragic and heart-wrenching ending, which do you like better?
