Duan Yu is a prominent character in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. He is portrayed as the son of Dao Baifeng, the wife of Duan Zhengchun, who held the title of Prince of Zhennan of Dali State during the Northern Song Dynasty. However, Duan Yu’s true father is revealed not to be Duan Zhengchun but his cousin, Duan Yanqing, who had a clandestine affair with Dao Baifeng. It wasn’t until Dao Baifeng’s tragic suicide that the secret of Duan Yu’s parentage was disclosed to him. Raised in a carefree manner since childhood, Duan Yu was well-educated, sophisticated, and devout in his beliefs, particularly in Buddhism. His character traits included being open-minded, cheerful, and compassionate. Initially hesitant to learn martial arts due to his deep aversion to violence, he even fled from home. However, a twist of fate led him to discover a hidden chamber beneath the lake near Mount Wuliang, where he came across a martial arts manual from the Xiaoyao School. Through diligent practice, he mastered the Divine Power of the North and the unique qinggong technique of Wave-like Subtle Steps. Utilizing the Divine Power of the North, he could absorb the internal strengths of different people. Additionally, he eventually acquired the supreme martial arts skill of the Duan family of Dali, known as the “Divine Sword of Six Meridians” – a technique involving the emission of invisible swords from the fingers infused with the internal strength of the wielder’s six meridians. This skill empowered him to overcome formidable opponents in times of peril, including triumphing over Murong Fu using the Divine Sword of Six Meridians. Venturing into the world of jianghu (the martial artists’ community), Duan Yu formed strong bonds, becoming sworn brothers with Qiao Feng (Xiao Feng), the leader of the Beggars’ Gang, and Xu Zhu, a Shaolin monk. Ultimately, he returned to Dali and claimed his rightful place on the throne.
This stage photo is from the 1997 TVB drama production, with Benny Chan Ho-man portraying Duan Yu. His captivating smile and elegant demeanour displayed in the character successfully attracted audiences, making him a widely acclaimed figure. Even today, many people still remember him fondly as Duan Yu of Dali.
Bonus: When Duan Yu fell into Mount Wuliang, he fell in love at first sight with the jade statue of the “Fairy Sister” in the cave. Later, exploring Mantuo Manor, he discovered the striking resemblance between Murong Fu’s cousin, Wang Yuyan (portrayed by Carman Lee Yeuk-tung in the 1997 version), and the “Fairy Sister”. Despite Duan Yu’s affection for Wang Yuyan, she remained devoted to her cousin Murong Fu. Later, in order to revive Dayan, Murong Fu sought to become the son-in-law of the emperor of Western Xia, at the cost of abandoning Wang Yuyan. Disheartened, Wang Yuyan attempted to end her life by jumping into a well. Encountering Duan Yu in the well, she reflected on all their shared ordeals and gradually reciprocated his deep affection. In the end, they pledged their love for each other in that very well.
