Bei Renlong (Chinese: 贝人龙, pinyin: Bèi Rénlóng), known as the Jade Judge (玉判官), is a martial artist in the employ of the Shaanxi provincial governor. He specialises in twin hooks and is regarded as one of the more capable fighters in the governor’s retinue.
Role in the novel
Bei Renlong enters the story when Jiao Wenqi (焦文期), one of the Six Evil Ones of Guandong, seeks allies to take revenge on Lu Feiqing. Jiao had previously been defeated by Lu and bears a lasting grudge. Bei Renlong agrees to join the attack.
The trio — Jiao Wenqi, Bei Renlong, and a third accomplice — ambush Lu Feiqing at night. Lu, caught off guard and outnumbered, fights defensively. Despite being heavily pressured, Lu Feiqing manages to turn the tide, killing Bei Renlong and forcing Jiao Wenqi to flee.
Bei Renlong’s death establishes Lu Feiqing as a formidable fighter even when caught in a disadvantageous position, and it sets the stage for the broader conflict between the Red Flower Society and the Qing authorities.
Martial arts
Bei Renlong’s signature weapon is a pair of hooks (双钩), a relatively uncommon choice in wuxia that requires exceptional coordination and footwork. His skill level is solid but not extraordinary — he is competent enough to serve as a valued enforcer for the Shaanxi governor, but ultimately no match for Lu Feiqing’s superior technique.
See also
- Jiao Wenqi — Allied with Bei Renlong in the attack on Lu Feiqing
- Lu Feiqing — Killed Bei Renlong in the ambush