| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 戴宗, 戴宗, Dài Zōng |
| Nickname | 20 - Heavenly Speed Star - 天速星 (Tiānsù Xīng) - Thiên Tốc Tinh; Magic Traveler (神行太保, Shénxíng Tàibǎo, Thần Hành Thái Bảo) |
| Other name | Đới Tung |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Jiangzhou (江州; Giang Châu) |
| Death Reason | Lived as a Daoist priest in Tai'an Prefecture (泰安府, Tài'ān Fǔ, Thái An Phủ) and died peacefully in old age |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Rescue at Jiangzhou, Battle of Zhu Family Village, Campaign against Liao, Campaign against Tian Hu, Campaign against Wang Qing, Campaign against Fang La |
Biography & Historical Record of Dai Zong
Dai Zong, famously known by his moniker the “Magic Traveller”, is one of the most vital intelligence officers among the 108 Liangshan heroes in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. Ranked 20th among the stars of destiny as the “Celestial Speed Star”, he is celebrated not for standard martial combat, but for his miraculous ability to traverse immense distances within hours using ancient Daoist talismans.
By affixing enchanted parchment strips to his calves, he could cover between 500 and 800 li (roughly 400 kilometers) in a single day. Set amidst the turbulent landscape of the Northern Song Dynasty, this unique divine speed rendered him indispensable as chief scout and messenger, ensuring swift communications between frontline commanders and the mountain fortress.
Literary Feats and Spiritual Legacy
Originally the Chief Warden of the Jiangzhou penal colony, he forged a fateful bond with Song Jiang. When Song Jiang was sentenced to death for composing seditious poetry, Dai Zong risked his life by transporting forged documents to deceive the regional governor. Exposed by a shrewd magistrate, he faced execution alongside his brother until a ferocious raid by Liangshan outlaws freed them at the execution grounds.
Throughout subsequent imperial campaigns against Liao invaders and southern rebels, the swift officer served as the supreme eyes and ears of the army. He successfully tracked down the reclusive hermit Gongsun Sheng when dark magic threatened the Liangshan forces. Following their eventual triumph, he renounced all courtly honors, retiring to a mountain sanctuary to practice quiet meditation before passing away peacefully.
Dai Zong in Key Episodes
- Jiangzhou Alliance: Forms an unbreakable pact with Song Jiang after being introduced through master strategist Wu Yong.
- Guiding the Iron Ox: Acts as a stabilizing guardian over the volatile Li Kui, using speed spells to enforce discipline during critical travels.
- Locating Gongsun Sheng: Dashes across provinces to secure esoteric magical assistance during high-stakes sieges.
- Taoist Renunciation: Relinquishes military honors and imperial titles, ending his journey as a serene Taoist priest.
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