Li Zhong, nicknamed the “Tiger-Slaying General,” is a Liangshan hero in Water Margin. In his earlier life he earns a living through public martial performances and teaching weapon skills, and he is acquainted with Shi Jin before later encountering Lu Zhishen during his travels.
Li Zhong eventually occupies Peach Blossom Mountain together with Zhou Tong. When Lu Zhishen passes through Peach Blossom Village and intervenes after Zhou Tong attempts to force a local woman into marriage, he unexpectedly encounters Li Zhong again. The conflict is ultimately settled through their existing connections.
As Liangshan expands, the men of Peach Blossom Mountain are eventually drawn into the larger brotherhood. Li Zhong joins Liangshan with Zhou Tong and becomes one of the 108 heroes, participating in the military operations that follow.
After the imperial amnesty, Li Zhong accompanies the armies into further campaigns and is eventually killed during the war against Fang La. He is not among Liangshan’s greatest fighters, but his connections with Shi Jin, Lu Zhishen, and Peach Blossom Mountain place him firmly within the early wandering world from which the brotherhood grows.
