Ma Lin is from Jiankang Prefecture. He is highly skilled in martial arts and is capable of fighting dozens of opponents at the same time while armed with his weapons – a pair of bronze sabers. However, he is better known for his talent in playing the flute, for which he earns the nickname "Iron Flute Deity". Ma Lin is one of the leaders of the Liangshan cavalry. During the campaign against the rebel leader Fang La, he is killed by Shi Bao.