Is there really Zhang Sanfeng in history? How long did Zhang Sanfeng live?
In Jin Yong's novels, there is a very legendary character, his name is Zhang Sanfeng. He followed his master to practice the Nine Sun Magic Kung Fu, and then practiced hard in a cave for seven days and nights, and learned the secrets of martial arts. Later he founded the Wudang Sect and became a martial arts master. Later, when he was a hundred years old, he also created Tai Chi. So was there really Zhang Sanfeng in history?
Zhang Sanfeng is recorded in history books. "History of the Ming Dynasty" tells that Zhang Sanfeng, whose original name was Zhang Quanyi, was also called Zhang Junbao, and Zhang Sanfeng was his nickname. After Zhang Sanfeng got it, he began to travel. He saw three connected peaks in Baoji, so he named himself Sanfeng, which later became Sanfeng. Regarding his place of origin, "History of the Ming Dynasty" records that he was from Liaodong, and other places record that he was from Shaanxi or Shanxi. He is also named in many other records. Therefore, Zhang Sanfeng is a very mysterious figure.
Zhang Sanfeng does exist in history. "History of Ming Dynasty·Biography of Zhang Sanfeng" says that he was from Yizhou, Liaodong. No other details about his early years were mentioned, only Zhang Sanfeng's behavior after he became famous. Legend says that no matter whether it was cold or hot, Zhang Sanfeng only had a pair of shabby clothes to keep out the wind and cold, and an old raincoat to keep out the frost and rain. Zhang Sanfeng didn't pay much attention to appearance or hygiene. He often dressed sloppily. People often called him "the sloppy Taoist".
Historical records record Zhang Sanfeng's physical appearance: "Slender and majestic, with a turtle-shaped crane back, big ears and round eyes, and a beard like a halberd." This is consistent with the description in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" Pretty much the same. Zhang Sanfeng has a large appetite, and he can easily eat a liter or a bucket of rice at once, but sometimes he can go several days without eating a meal, or even go without eating for several months. Another of his hobbies is to travel around the world, often living in no fixed place. Some people say that he can travel a thousand miles in a day.
So how long did Zhang Sanfeng live?
According to the records of "History of the Ming Dynasty·Biography No. 187: Fang Ji" and "Ancient and Modern Tai Chi Manual and Origin Explanation", Zhang Sanfeng should have died around the second year of Tomorrow Shun, which is probably 1458. Zhang Sanfeng's lifespan should be around 212 years old. This is also a number that is currently generally recognized. Of course, there are also some records about Zhang Sanfeng, the latest being during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. But this is just a legend and has no actual evidence. Many people firmly believe that Zhang Sanfeng has always been alive in the world because he has transcended life and death.
Although there is no clear record in history of how old Zhang Sanfeng lived, it is certain that Zhang Sanfeng was definitely an old man over a hundred years old. Such an age may seem outrageous to us, but for Taoists who are pure-minded and good at maintaining health, it is not that unusual.