Hong Shenghai (simplified: 洪胜海, traditional: 洪勝海, pinyin: Hóng Shènghǎi, jyutping: hung4 sing3 hoi2) was a member of the Bohai School (渤海派 — Bóhǎi Pài) from Shandong whose family was killed by Sun Zhongjun (孙仲君), the “Flying Demoness” (飞天魔女 — Fēitiān Mónǚ) of the Huashan School. After this tragedy, Hong Shenghai was forced to flee and eventually served the Later Jin (后金 — Hòujīn) under Dorgon (多尔衮) before being converted by Yuan Chengzhi to become a loyal ally in Sword Stained with Royal Blood.
Biography
Early life and family tragedy
Hong Shenghai was a member of the Bohai School (渤海派 — Bóhǎi Pài), a martial arts school from Shandong that was said to have originated from the eastern branch of the Shaolin Order. He lived with his family, which included five members.
However, Hong Shenghai’s family was tragically killed by Sun Zhongjun (孙仲君), a disciple of Gui Xinshu (归辛树) of the Huashan School. Sun Zhongjun was known as the “Flying Demoness” (飞天魔女 — Fēitiān Mónǚ) due to her violent and unpredictable behaviour, and she had a reputation for using excessive force and killing without restraint.
Hong Shenghai was the only survivor of this attack, managing to escape with his life. The loss of his entire family left him devastated and filled with hatred.
Service to the Later Jin
After losing his family and being pursued by Sun Zhongjun, Hong Shenghai found himself in a desperate situation. With nowhere else to turn and facing continued threats from the Huashan School, he made the difficult decision to flee to the Later Jin (后金 — Hòujīn), the Manchu state that was at war with the Ming dynasty.
In the Later Jin, Hong Shenghai entered the service of Dorgon (多尔衮), a prince of the Later Jin who would later become a key figure in the Manchu conquest of China. Hong Shenghai worked for Dorgon, serving as a traitor to the Han people in exchange for protection from his enemies.
This decision, while understandable given his circumstances, made Hong Shenghai a traitor in the eyes of many Han people, as he was helping a foreign power that was at war with his own people.
Encounter with Yuan Chengzhi
Hong Shenghai’s path changed when he encountered Yuan Chengzhi. During their meeting, Yuan Chengzhi, with the help of Priest Musang (木桑道长), managed to capture Hong Shenghai. When Hong Shenghai was captured, he initially refused to submit, claiming that he had been defeated through “evil techniques” (邪法 — xiéfǎ) and that he would not accept defeat unless he was beaten fairly.
Yuan Chengzhi, recognising Hong Shenghai’s martial arts abilities and understanding his tragic background, offered to fight him fairly. He proposed a unique challenge: while writing characters on paper, he would extend his left palm, and if Hong Shenghai could push him even slightly, causing the brush strokes to waver, he would be released. If Yuan Chengzhi finished writing a full page without being moved, Hong Shenghai would have to answer all questions truthfully.
Conversion to Yuan Chengzhi’s cause
During the challenge, Yuan Chengzhi demonstrated his superior martial arts skills, easily deflecting Hong Shenghai’s attacks while continuing to write. He also recognised Hong Shenghai’s techniques as belonging to the Bohai School’s “Slaying Dragon Fist” (斩蛟拳 — Zhǎnjiāo Quán), showing his knowledge of various martial arts schools.
After being defeated, Hong Shenghai was impressed by Yuan Chengzhi’s martial arts abilities and his sense of justice. Yuan Chengzhi, understanding Hong Shenghai’s tragic background and the circumstances that had led him to serve the Later Jin, showed compassion and offered him a chance to redeem himself.
Hong Shenghai, moved by Yuan Chengzhi’s character and abilities, decided to abandon his service to the Later Jin and join Yuan Chengzhi’s cause. He became one of Yuan Chengzhi’s most loyal allies, serving as his right-hand man (左膀右臂 — zuǒbǎng yòubì).
Service as Yuan Chengzhi’s ally
After converting to Yuan Chengzhi’s cause, Hong Shenghai became a dedicated and loyal ally. He accompanied Yuan Chengzhi on various adventures and operations, using his knowledge of the Later Jin and his martial arts skills to assist Yuan Chengzhi’s efforts.
Hong Shenghai’s conversion from a traitor serving the Later Jin to a loyal ally of Yuan Chengzhi demonstrated the power of compassion and understanding, showing that people could change and redeem themselves when given the opportunity.
Personality and character
Hong Shenghai was characterised by his tragic background and his eventual redemption. His decision to serve the Later Jin, while understandable given his circumstances, showed how desperation and loss could lead people to make choices they might not otherwise make.
However, his conversion to Yuan Chengzhi’s cause demonstrated his ability to recognise right from wrong and his willingness to change when presented with a better path. His loyalty to Yuan Chengzhi after his conversion showed his commitment to justice and his desire to make amends for his past actions.
Hong Shenghai’s story highlighted the complexity of morality in the jianghu, where people’s actions were often shaped by their circumstances, and where redemption was possible for those who were willing to change.
Martial arts
Hong Shenghai was a skilled martial artist from the Bohai School (渤海派 — Bóhǎi Pài), which was said to have originated from the eastern branch of the Shaolin Order. His techniques included:
Techniques
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Slaying Dragon Fist (斩蛟拳 — Zhǎnjiāo Quán) — Hong Shenghai’s primary martial arts technique, which was characteristic of the Bohai School. This technique included moves such as “Ascending to Heaven and Descending to Earth” (升天入地 — Shēngtiān Rùdì).
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Bohai School techniques — As a member of the Bohai School, Hong Shenghai would have been trained in the school’s various techniques, which combined power and agility.
Relationships
Family
- Family members — Hong Shenghai’s family, consisting of five members, were all killed by Sun Zhongjun of the Huashan School. This tragedy shaped the course of his life and led to his service with the Later Jin.
Allies
- Yuan Chengzhi — The protagonist of Sword Stained with Royal Blood, who converted Hong Shenghai from serving the Later Jin to becoming a loyal ally. Hong Shenghai became one of Yuan Chengzhi’s most trusted companions.
Former associates
- Dorgon — The Later Jin prince whom Hong Shenghai served before meeting Yuan Chengzhi. Hong Shenghai abandoned this service after being converted by Yuan Chengzhi.
Enemies
- Sun Zhongjun — The “Flying Demoness” of the Huashan School who killed Hong Shenghai’s family, creating the tragedy that shaped his life.
Legacy
Hong Shenghai’s story represented the themes of tragedy, redemption, and the possibility of change. His transformation from a traitor serving the Later Jin to a loyal ally of Yuan Chengzhi demonstrated that people could overcome their past mistakes and find a better path.
His character exemplified the complexity of morality in the jianghu, where people’s actions were often shaped by their circumstances, and where understanding and compassion could lead to redemption. Hong Shenghai’s story highlighted the importance of giving people second chances and recognising that everyone had the potential to change.
His loyalty to Yuan Chengzhi after his conversion showed the power of compassion and understanding, demonstrating that even those who had made serious mistakes could become valuable allies when given the opportunity to redeem themselves.
Hong Shenghai’s story also served as a critique of the violence and excesses of some martial artists, particularly Sun Zhongjun, whose actions had devastating consequences for innocent people. His tragedy highlighted the need for restraint and justice in the jianghu, showing how violence could create cycles of revenge and suffering.