Huo Yuanlong

Huo Yuanlong (simplified: 霍元龙, traditional: 霍元龙, pinyin: Huò Yuánlóng, jyutping: fok3 jyun4 lung4), known as the Divine Sabre Shakes Guanxi (神刀震关西, Shéndāo Zhèn Guānxī), was the leader of the Three Heroes of Lüliang (吕梁三杰) and a bandit who participated in the killing of Li Wenxiu’s parents in White Horse Neighing in the West Wind.

Biography

Leader of the Three Heroes

Huo Yuanlong was the eldest of the Three Heroes of Lüliang, a group of three sworn brothers who established the Jinwei Armed Escort (晋威镖局) in Taigu County, Shanxi Province. He was known as the Divine Sabre Shakes Guanxi for his mastery of the Divine Sabre Style, a powerful sabre technique.

Along with his sworn brothers, Shi Zhongjun (the Plum Blossom Spear) and Chen Dahai (the Green Python Sword), Huo Yuanlong led a band of sixty bandits in pursuit of Li San the White Horse and Shangguan Hong the Three Lady of the Gold and Silver Swords.

Pursuit of Li San and Shangguan Hong

Huo Yuanlong led the pursuit of Li San and Shangguan Hong across vast distances, from the Gansu-Liangzhou road (甘凉道) all the way to the Western Regions (回疆). The bandits sought a map to the legendary Gaochang Maze that was in the couple’s possession.

During the final confrontation, Li San was killed. After Shangguan Hong killed Shi Zhongjun and then committed suicide, Huo Yuanlong and Chen Dahai searched their bodies but could not find the map. It was Chen Dahai who realised that the map must have been given to the couple’s young daughter, Li Wenxiu, who had fled on horseback.

Pursuit of Li Wenxiu

Huo Yuanlong led the pursuit of the young Li Wenxiu across the desert. However, a massive sandstorm interrupted the chase, and Li Wenxiu escaped, leaving Huo Yuanlong and his men unable to find her.

Later events

Years later, when Chen Dahai reappeared in Kazakh territory and discovered the map, Huo Yuanlong was no longer directly involved in the events. However, the legacy of his actions continued to affect Li Wenxiu, who sought revenge for her parents’ deaths.

Personality and traits

Ruthless leader

Huo Yuanlong demonstrated ruthless determination in his pursuit of the Gaochang Maze map, leading a large band of bandits across vast distances and showing no hesitation in killing Li San and Shangguan Hong.

Strategic and persistent

His leadership of the pursuit showed strategic thinking and persistence, as he coordinated the efforts of sixty bandits over a long period and across difficult terrain.

Martial arts abilities

Divine Sabre Style

Huo Yuanlong’s signature martial art was the Divine Sabre Style (神刀法), a powerful sabre technique that earned him the epithet “Divine Sabre Shakes Guanxi.” His mastery of this style made him a formidable opponent and a respected leader among the bandits.

Relationships

Sworn brothers

Shi Zhongjun — The second of the Three Heroes, known as the Plum Blossom Spear, who was killed by Shangguan Hong
Chen Dahai — The third of the Three Heroes, known as the Green Python Sword

Enemies

Li San — One of his victims, killed during the pursuit
Shangguan Hong — One of his victims, who committed suicide after killing Shi Zhongjun
Li Wenxiu — The daughter of his victims, who escaped and later sought revenge

Behind the scenes

Huo Yuanlong represents the destructive power of greed and the lengths people will go to pursue material gain. His role as the leader of the Three Heroes positions him as a central antagonist, whose actions set in motion the events that shape Li Wenxiu’s life.

His character also serves to illustrate the complex nature of the jianghu, where bandits could operate openly through armed escorts while simultaneously engaging in criminal activities.

Portrayals

Huo Yuanlong has been portrayed in various adaptations of White Horse Neighing in the West Wind.