Cui Baiquan

Cui Baiquan (simplified: 崔百泉, traditional: 崔百泉, pinyin: Cuī Bǎiquán, jyutping: ceoi1 baak3 cyun4), known as the “Golden Abacus” (金算盘), was a member of the Funiu School and the junior brother of Ke Baisui, the school’s leader. He lived in seclusion in Dali Kingdom, disguising himself as “Mr. Huo” (霍先生) in the Prince of Zhennan’s mansion.

Biography

Early life and conflict with Gusu Murong

Cui Baiquan was a member of the Funiu School, a martial arts faction based in Nanyang, Henan. In his youth, he offended the Murong Clan of Gusu, which led him to flee to Dali Kingdom for refuge. This conflict with the Murong family would later prove significant when his master, Ke Baisui, was killed using the Funiu School’s own technique, suggesting the involvement of the Murong family’s “using others’ techniques against them” philosophy.

Life in seclusion in Dali

In Dali, Cui Baiquan disguised himself as “Mr. Huo” (霍先生), working as an assistant to the accountant in the Prince of Zhennan’s mansion. He maintained a low profile, spending his days in drunkenness and gambling, appearing to be a lazy and unremarkable servant. This disguise was so effective that even Duan Zhengchun, the Prince of Zhennan, was unaware of his true identity as the renowned “Golden Abacus” Cui Baiquan.

Despite his apparent idleness, Cui Baiquan became a frequent opponent for Duan Yu in weiqi games, demonstrating that he maintained some of his martial arts connections and awareness even while in hiding.

Discovery and reunion with Guo Yanzhi

Cui Baiquan’s true identity was revealed when Guo Yanzhi, his nephew and Ke Baisui’s apprentice, arrived in Dali seeking his help. Guo Yanzhi came wearing mourning clothes, having learnt of Ke Baisui’s death. When Gao Shengtai called out “Golden Abacus Cui, senior master” (金算盘崔老前辈), Duan Zhengchun was shocked to discover that the seemingly lazy “Mr. Huo” was actually the renowned martial artist.

Upon learning of his master’s death, Cui Baiquan’s expression immediately changed from his usual drunken, carefree demeanour to one of alertness and caution. He asked Guo Yanzhi about the identity of the killer, and when Guo Yanzhi suggested it might be someone from the Gusu Murong family, Cui Baiquan’s face showed a flash of fear before he calmly stated, “This matter must be carefully considered.”

Later actions

Cui Baiquan accompanied Guo Yanzhi to investigate his master’s death, eventually travelling to Yanziwu and other locations. He participated in the conflicts surrounding the investigation, demonstrating his loyalty to his master and his willingness to seek justice despite the risks involved.

Personality and traits

Cautious and strategic

Cui Baiquan demonstrated a cautious and strategic approach to life, choosing to live in seclusion rather than face the Murong family directly. His ability to maintain his disguise for many years showed his skill at blending in and avoiding attention.

Loyal to his master

Despite his apparent idleness, Cui Baiquan remained loyal to his master, Ke Baisui, and was willing to help investigate his death. His immediate change in demeanour upon learning of the tragedy showed his genuine concern and commitment to his martial arts family.

Martial arts abilities

As a member of the Funiu School and the junior brother of its leader, Cui Baiquan would have been skilled in the school’s whip techniques, particularly the Hundred Victories Divine Whip (百胜神鞭). His epithet “Golden Abacus” (金算盘) suggests he may have had particular skills in calculation or strategy, though the exact meaning of this nickname is not fully detailed in the source material.

Relationships

Junior brother to Ke Baisui

Cui Baiquan was the junior brother of Ke Baisui, the leader of the Funiu School. Their relationship was one of mutual respect and loyalty, with Cui Baiquan willing to investigate his master’s death despite the risks.

Uncle to Guo Yanzhi

Cui Baiquan was the uncle of Guo Yanzhi, who was Ke Baisui’s apprentice. This familial connection strengthened their bond and their shared commitment to seeking justice for Ke Baisui’s death.

Conflict with Murong family

Cui Baiquan’s early conflict with the Murong Clan of Gusu forced him into exile and shaped his later life. This conflict would prove relevant when investigating Ke Baisui’s death, as the killing method suggested Murong family involvement.

Behind the scenes

Cui Baiquan serves as a connecting character in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, linking the Funiu School’s tragedy with the broader plot involving the Murong family’s schemes. His character demonstrates how past conflicts can have lasting consequences and how martial artists might choose to live in seclusion to avoid further trouble.

His disguise as “Mr. Huo” and his ability to blend into Dali society show the practical strategies that martial artists might employ when seeking refuge, while his loyalty to his master demonstrates the importance of martial arts family bonds.

Portrayals

Cui Baiquan has been portrayed in various adaptations of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.