Hou Renying (simplified: 侯人英, traditional: 侯人英, pinyin: Hóu Rényīng, jyutping: hau4 jan4 jing1) was one of the “Four Heroes” (青城四秀) of the Qingcheng School and the first disciple of Yu Canghai. He participated in the massacre of the Lin family at the Fuzhou Armed escort.
Biography
Hou Renying was Yu Canghai’s first disciple and one of his four main disciples, collectively known as the “Four Heroes” (青城四秀), whose names formed the phrase “Heroes and Outstanding Men” (英雄豪杰): Hou Renying (侯人英), Hong Renxiong (洪人雄), Yu Renhao (于人豪), and Luo Renjie (罗人杰).
Massacre of the Lin family
Hou Renying participated in the attack on the Fuzhou Armed escort, where he and his fellow disciples brutally murdered Lin Zhennan’s family and employees in pursuit of the Evil-Warding Sword Manual (辟邪剑谱). This massacre was orchestrated by Yu Canghai and marked the beginning of Lin Pingzhi’s tragic journey.
Later events
Hou Renying continued to serve Yu Canghai and participated in various activities related to the pursuit of the Evil-Warding Sword Manual. He was eventually killed by Lin Pingzhi, who had mastered the Evil-Warding Swordplay and sought revenge for his family’s massacre.
Personality & traits
Hou Renying was portrayed as ruthless, cruel, and obedient to Yu Canghai’s commands. He participated in the massacre without apparent hesitation, demonstrating a lack of moral restraint and a willingness to commit atrocities for his master’s goals.
Martial arts abilities
Hou Renying was trained in the Qingcheng Swordplay, the signature martial art of his school. As the first disciple, he was presumably among the most skilled of Yu Canghai’s students. However, his skills were ultimately inferior to Lin Pingzhi after Lin Pingzhi mastered the Evil-Warding Swordplay.
Relationships
- Yu Canghai: His master and leader.
- Hong Renxiong, Yu Renhao, Luo Renjie: His fellow disciples in the “Four Heroes.”
- Lin Pingzhi: His victim’s son, who eventually killed him in revenge.
Behind the scenes
Hou Renying’s character represents the cruelty and ruthlessness of the Qingcheng School under Yu Canghai’s leadership. His participation in the massacre of the Lin family highlights the brutal nature of the jianghu and the devastating consequences of pursuing martial arts secrets. His eventual death at the hands of Lin Pingzhi serves as a form of poetic justice, demonstrating that those who commit atrocities will eventually face retribution.
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Yu Canghai – Hou Renying’s master
- Qingcheng School – Hou Renying’s faction
- Lin Pingzhi – Hou Renying’s killer
External links
- Hou Renying (Chinese) on Baidu Baike