Bai Wanjian (simplified: 白万剑, traditional: 白萬劍, pinyin: Bái Wànjiàn, jyutping: baak6 maan6 gim3), known as Cold Air of the Northwest (气寒西北), was the son of Bai Zizai and Shi Xiaocui, and the father of Bai Axiu. He was one of the two ‘Snowy Mountain Twin Heroes’ (雪山双杰), along with Feng Wanli, known as ‘Wind Fire Divine Dragon’. He led the Snowy Mountain School’s search for Shi Zhongyu after his daughter’s violation.
Biography
Early life and training
Bai Wanjian was the son of Bai Zizai, zhangmen of the Snowy Mountain School, and Shi Xiaocui. He was trained by his father and became one of the most skilled disciples of the school. His exceptional swordplay earned him the title ‘Cold Air of the Northwest’, and together with Feng Wanli, he was known as one of the ‘Snowy Mountain Twin Heroes’.
Family life
Bai Wanjian married and had a daughter, Bai Axiu, whom he deeply loved. The family lived at Lingxiao City (凌霄城), where Bai Axiu was treated like a princess by the school’s members.
The crisis with Shi Zhongyu
When Shi Zhongyu, a disciple of the Snowy Mountain School, attempted to rape Bai Axiu, the thirteen-year-old girl jumped from a cliff in shame. Although she was saved by Shi Xiaocui, the incident devastated Bai Wanjian and his family. His wife went mad from the shock, and his mother left Lingxiao City after a conflict with Bai Zizai.
Search for Shi Zhongyu
Bai Wanjian was tasked with leading a group of disciples to find Shi Zhongyu and bring him to justice. He burned down Xuansu Manor (玄素庄), the home of Shi Zhongyu’s parents, Shi Qing and Min Rou, in retaliation.
At the Changle Guild, Bai Wanjian encountered Shi Potian, who had been mistaken for Shi Zhongyu and made the guild’s leader. Bai Wanjian captured Shi Potian, believing him to be Shi Zhongyu, and prepared to take him back to Lingxiao City for punishment.
Encounter with Shi Qing and Min Rou
While transporting Shi Potian, Bai Wanjian encountered Shi Qing and Min Rou, who were searching for their son. The situation became complicated as Shi Potian, though innocent, was being treated as Shi Zhongyu.
Return to Lingxiao City
When Bai Wanjian returned to Lingxiao City with Shi Potian and Shi Qing and Min Rou, he discovered that the school was in turmoil. His father had gone mad, and the senior disciples had imprisoned him. Additionally, some of the senior disciples attempted to ambush Bai Wanjian, hoping to seize power.
Resolution
With the help of Shi Xiaocui, Bai Axiu, and Shi Potian, the school’s internal conflicts were resolved. Bai Zizai’s sanity was restored, and order was returned to the Snowy Mountain School.
Personality and characteristics
Skilled and capable
Bai Wanjian was one of the most skilled disciples of the Snowy Mountain School. His swordplay was exceptional, earning him recognition as one of the ‘Snowy Mountain Twin Heroes’. Unlike his father, he was more humble and disciplined, demonstrating the proper qualities of a martial arts master.
Protective father
Bai Wanjian was deeply protective of his daughter, Bai Axiu. When she was violated by Shi Zhongyu, he led the search for the perpetrator and was willing to take extreme measures, including burning down Xuansu Manor, to seek justice.
Loyal to the school
Despite the turmoil within the Snowy Mountain School, Bai Wanjian remained loyal to the school and his family. He worked to restore order and protect the school’s reputation, even when facing internal conflicts and his father’s madness.
Martial arts abilities
Snowy Mountain Swordplay
Bai Wanjian was a master of the Snowy Mountain Swordplay (雪山剑法), the signature technique of the Snowy Mountain School. His skill was so exceptional that he was recognised as one of the two best disciples, along with Feng Wanli.
Leadership
Bai Wanjian demonstrated leadership abilities in organising and leading the search for Shi Zhongyu. He was able to coordinate with other disciples and maintain discipline even in difficult circumstances.
Behind the scenes
Bai Wanjian represents a more balanced and disciplined approach to martial arts leadership compared to his father. While Bai Zizai’s arrogance led to madness, Bai Wanjian demonstrated humility, skill, and proper conduct. His character shows the importance of discipline and proper training in maintaining both personal integrity and school stability.
The character’s title, ‘Cold Air of the Northwest’ (气寒西北), comes from a poem by Gong Zizhen, reflecting the literary influences in Jin Yong’s work. Bai Wanjian’s role as a protective father and loyal disciple highlights the importance of family bonds and duty in the wulin.