In the Water Margin
Shi Jin is the twenty-third hero of Liangshan, born under the star Tianwei (天微星). He is the only son of old Squire Shi of Shi Family Village near Huayin, a boy who would rather fight than farm. His father paid a craftsman to tattoo nine blue dragons across his shoulders, chest and arms, and so he is known as Nine Dragons (九纹龙). He is the first hero the novel introduces after its prologue, and his story opens the long road to Liangshan.
His real training begins when Wang Jin, an imperial arms instructor fleeing the vengeful Gao Qiu with his old mother, stops for the night at the Shi manor. Wang Jin knocks the boastful young man flat with a staff, then stays half a year and teaches him the eighteen arms. Soon after, Shi Jin captures a bandit chief from nearby Mount Shaohua, is moved by the loyalty of the man's sworn brothers, and becomes their friend. When a hunter betrays the friendship to the county, Shi Jin burns his own manor and takes to the road. He fights beside Lu Zhishen, leads the Shaohua band, and finally brings it to Liangshan. In the war against Fang La he is shot down with arrows at Yuling Pass.
Key episodes
Wang Jin's lesson. Shi Jin scoffs at the travelling stranger's skill and challenges him in the courtyard. Wang Jin sidesteps, sweeps his staff and lays him on the ground at the first exchange. The proud heir kneels and asks to be taught.
The bandits who came bound. Chen Da of Mount Shaohua is captured trying to pass through the village. His brothers Zhu Wu and Yang Chun walk to the manor with their hands tied, weeping, and ask to die alongside him. Shi Jin cannot bring himself to hand any of them over.
Old friends at the ruined temple. Wandering after he leaves home, Shi Jin meets Lu Zhishen in a pine forest, first as a stranger to rob, then as an old friend from Weizhou. Together they kill the false monk and priest who have taken over the Waguan Monastery.
