Hua Hegen

Hua Hegen

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Hua Hegen (simplified: 华赫艮, traditional: 华赫艮, pinyin: Huá Hègěn, jyutping: waa4 hak1 gan2), originally known as Agen (阿根 – Āgēn, was the Minister of Works of the Dali Kingdom and one of the Three Dukes of Dali. A former grave robber who became a high-ranking official, he was renowned for his exceptional tunneling and excavation skills.

Biography

Hua Hegen, originally named 阿根 (Āgēn), was born into poverty and initially worked as a grave robber, specializing in tunneling into the tombs of wealthy nobles and officials to steal their burial treasures. His exceptional skills in excavation and tunneling made him highly successful in this illegal profession.

During one of his grave-robbing expeditions, Hua Hegen discovered a martial arts manual that taught him powerful techniques. After learning these skills, he abandoned his criminal activities and joined the service of Duan Zhengchun’s father, helping to establish the kingdom. Through his loyalty and service, he eventually rose to become the Minister of Works (司徒) and one of the Three Dukes of Dali.

Rescue of Duan Yu

Hua Hegen played a crucial role in rescuing Duan Yu from captivity in Wanji Valley. Working with Fan Ye and Ba Tianshi, he used his tunneling expertise to dig a secret passage beneath the stone chamber where Duan Yu was imprisoned. Despite initially digging into the wrong room (encountering Zhong Ling instead), he successfully completed the rescue operation.

Discovery of Murong Bo’s deception

Hua Hegen’s tunneling skills proved invaluable again when he discovered that Murong Bo was not actually dead. By tunneling into Murong Bo’s supposed tomb, he uncovered the truth about the master’s deception, revealing important information about the ongoing conflicts in the jianghu.

Rescue of Xiao Feng

Later, Hua Hegen used his tunneling abilities to rescue Xiao Feng from imprisonment in the Liao Kingdom. Working with Duan Yu, Fan Ye, and Ba Tianshi, he spent over ten days digging a tunnel that reached directly beneath Xiao Feng’s iron cage, enabling the hero’s escape.

Personality and traits

Hua Hegen was known for his exceptional loyalty to the Dali royal family and his dedication to his duties as a high-ranking official. Despite his humble origins as a grave robber, he demonstrated integrity and commitment to serving the kingdom. His expertise in tunneling and excavation was matched by his strategic thinking and ability to work effectively with his colleagues.

Martial arts abilities

Hua Hegen was skilled in the Tiger Claw Technique (虎爪功), which he used effectively in his tunneling work. His martial arts abilities were sufficient to support his excavation activities, allowing him to dig through various types of terrain with remarkable efficiency. His primary weapon was an iron shovel, which he wielded with great skill.

His most notable martial arts feat was his ability to cut through wooden floorboards using only his fingers, demonstrating exceptional finger strength and precision. This skill was crucial in his rescue operations, allowing him to create precise openings without alerting enemies above.

Relationships

Hua Hegen worked closely with Fan Ye and Ba Tianshi as the Three Dukes of Dali, forming a close-knit team that served the royal family. He maintained strong relationships with Duan Yu and other members of the Dali royal family, earning their trust through his loyalty and effectiveness in various rescue operations.

Behind the scenes

Hua Hegen appears in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils as a supporting character who demonstrates how individuals from humble backgrounds could rise to positions of power through skill and loyalty. His unique expertise in tunneling and excavation provides crucial plot devices for several rescue operations throughout the novel.

See also

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