Yin Zhiping serves as a disciple of Qiu Chuji within the Quanzhen Sect. His initial appearance occurs in *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, where he delivers a message from his master to the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan concerning their wager over Guo Jing and Yang Kang. During this mission in Mongolia, he engages Guo Jing in a martial assessment. Later, aided by Cheng Yaojia and Lu Guanying, he overcomes the antagonist Hou Tonghai.

In *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, Yin Zhiping's role escalates in consequence and controversy. He develops an infatuation with Xiao Longnu. In a critical incident, he takes advantage of her immobilization caused by Ouyang Feng's acupoint sealing. He covers her eyes with a sleeve and assaults her, leading Xiao Longnu to mistakenly identify Yang Guo as her assailant. This event triggers profound narrative consequences: Xiao Longnu's misunderstanding causes her separation from Yang Guo, prompting his desperate search. Her subsequent encounter with Gongsun Zhi in the Passionless Valley and Yang Guo’s loss of his right arm to Guo Fu stem indirectly from this incident.

Yin Zhiping faces retribution. Xiao Longnu inflicts grave injuries upon him in a later confrontation. He ultimately perishes at the hands of Jinlun Guoshi (Golden Wheel Monk) during an attack on Chongyang Palace. Within the narrative, his actions function as a catalyst exploring themes of betrayal and moral ambiguity, fueling the central conflict between Xiao Longnu and Yang Guo.