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Han Xiaoying

Han Xiaoying

Han Xiaoying (韩小莹 – Hán Xiǎoyíng) was the seventh master of the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan and one of Guo Jing’s teachers. Known as the “Yue Maiden” (越女剑 – yuè nǚ jiàn), she specialised in sword techniques and was the only female member of the group.

Biography

Han Xiaoying was born in Jiaxing and was the youngest member of the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan, ranked seventh among the sworn siblings. She was the cousin of Han Baoju, the third member of the group, and had been friends with her sworn brothers since the age of three or four.

At eighteen, Han Xiaoying participated in the initial confrontation with Qiu Chuji at the Drunken Immortal Tavern, which led to the Seven Eccentrics’ journey to Mongolia to find and train Guo Jing. During their eighteen years in the desert, she played a crucial role in Guo Jing’s martial arts education, teaching him the Yue Maiden Swordplay and providing a maternal influence that balanced the more masculine teaching styles of her brothers.

Tragically, Han Xiaoying met her end on Peach Blossom Island in the Feng family tomb when she was unable to defeat Ouyang Feng and Yang Kang working together. In despair, she chose to commit suicide by cutting her own throat, dying at approximately thirty-six years of age.

Personality

Han Xiaoying was characterised by her gentle, nurturing nature and strong maternal instincts. Despite being the youngest and only female member of the Seven Eccentrics, she provided a crucial emotional balance to the group. She was known for her patience and dedication to teaching, particularly with Guo Jing, whom she treated with the care and concern of a mother.

She was also deeply loyal and devoted, particularly to Zhang Asheng, whom she loved but never had the chance to marry. After his death protecting her during the battle with the Twin Evils of Dark Wind, she remained unmarried for the rest of her life, honouring his memory and sacrifice.

Martial arts

Yue Maiden Swordplay

Han Xiaoying’s signature martial art was the Yue Maiden Swordplay (越女剑法 – yuè nǚ jiàn fǎ), an ancient sword technique that originated from the Spring and Autumn period. This technique was refined during the Tang dynasty to add complex variations and was characterised by its elegant and graceful movements.

The swordplay emphasised agility and precision, with techniques that focused on swift, accurate strikes. Despite being considered a third-rate martial art in the broader jianghu, the Yue Maiden Swordplay had significant potential that Guo Jing later discovered and developed to great effect.

Tendon-splitting Bone-dislocation Hand

Han Xiaoying also mastered the Tendon-splitting Bone-dislocation Hand (分筋错骨手 – fēn jīn cuò gǔ shǒu), which provided joint manipulation methods. This technique complemented her sword skills and allowed her to handle opponents in close combat situations.

Lightness Skill

Han Xiaoying possessed considerable lightness skill (轻功 – qīng gōng), which she used effectively in combat to maintain her agility and mobility. Her graceful movements and ability to manoeuvre quickly made her a formidable opponent despite her relatively modest martial arts ranking.

Weapons

Han Xiaoying’s primary weapon was the Yue Maiden Sword (越女剑 – yuè nǚ jiàn), which was specifically designed for the swordplay technique that bore its name. This sword was perfectly suited to her fighting style, allowing for the swift, precise movements that characterised her combat approach.

Combat abilities

Han Xiaoying’s martial prowess was ranked at the bottom among the Seven Eccentrics, but she compensated for this through her technical skill and tactical thinking. Her sword techniques, while not the most powerful, were refined and effective when used correctly.

During the battle with the Twin Evils of Dark Wind, Han Xiaoying demonstrated her combat skills alongside her sworn brothers. Though she was not the strongest fighter in the group, her contributions were valuable and she fought bravely despite the danger.

Relationships

Martial lineage

As Guo Jing’s seventh shifu, Han Xiaoying played a crucial role in the young hero’s development. She taught Guo Jing the Yue Maiden Swordplay and provided a maternal influence that balanced the more masculine teaching styles of her brothers. Her patience and dedication were particularly important given Guo Jing’s slow learning pace.

Sworn siblings

Han Xiaoying was the seventh sister among the Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan, maintaining close bonds with all her sworn siblings. Her death on Peach Blossom Island had a profound impact on the group and became a turning point in their collective story.

Family

Han Xiaoying was the cousin of Han Baoju, the third member of the Seven Eccentrics. She was also the beloved of Zhang Asheng, whom she considered her husband after his death protecting her during the battle with the Twin Evils of Dark Wind.

Legacy

Han Xiaoying’s death significantly influenced Guo Jing’s development and the remaining Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan. Her teachings about the Yue Maiden Swordplay were passed down to Guo Jing, who later taught the technique to his daughters Guo Fu and Guo Xiang, ensuring that her martial arts legacy continued beyond her death.

Her maternal influence on Guo Jing was particularly significant, as she provided the emotional balance and nurturing care that helped shape his character and values. Her death on Peach Blossom Island led to major plot developments in the story and had a lasting impact on Guo Jing’s development as a martial artist and person.

See also

Portrayals

Han Xiaoying has been portrayed by various actresses in adaptations of The Legend of the Condor Heroes:

Television Series

Most adaptations emphasize Han Xiaoying’s gentle nature, her maternal influence on Guo Jing, and her tragic fate, while showcasing her martial arts skills and loyalty to her sworn siblings.