Zhang Wuji
Mulingzi was dead for a long time when the events in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" take place, and Kongtong is led by the Five Elders. Kongtong joins five other orthodox sects in a campaign against the Ming Cult, leading to the battle at Bright Peak. Xie Xun of the Ming Cult stole the 'Seven Harms Fist' manual from Kongtong and mastered the skill. However, Zhang Wuji, the newly elected leader of the Ming Cult, saves it from destruction at the hands of the six sects. Zhang also heals one of Kongtong's elders, Zong Weixia, during a fight, and inadvertently improves the cult's relations with Kongtong. Zong and some Kongtong members later appear to help Zhang Wuji rescue Xie Xun from Shaolin Monastery, even though Xie is seen as an enemy of Kongtong.