Lu Youjiao (simplified: 鲁有脚, traditional: 魯有腳, Jyutping: lou5 jau5 goek3, pinyin: Lǔ Yǒujiǎo) was a senior pillar of the Beggars’ Guild during the Southern Song period. He served among the Four Great Elders as leader of the Dirty Clothes Faction, later succeeded Huang Rong as the twentieth guild leader, and stood alongside Guo Jing in the defence of Xiangyang.
Lu Youjiao had mediocre qualifications and average martial arts, was hot-tempered and reckless, but had a loyal and reliable personality, was capable in handling affairs, was trusted by Hong Qigong and Huang Rong above, and was beloved by Beggars’ Guild disciples below. He was ultimately killed by Huodu, who was plotting to usurp the position of guild leader.
Lu Youjiao was described as having a dark complexion, dull natural talent, but honest and righteous character. Despite his limitations, he became one of the main forces assisting in defending Xiangyang City.
Biography
Early life
Lu Youjiao rose through the ranks of the Beggars’ Guild during Hong Qigong’s tenure as guild leader to become one of the Four Great Elders, marking his ascent to one of the most prestigious positions within the martial arts world. He was the only member of the “Dirty Clothes Faction” among the four elders, representing the traditional values of the guild and maintaining the connection to the organisation’s humble origins. His loyalty and straightforward nature made him the elder most trusted by Hong Qigong.
If not for Lu Youjiao’s hot-tempered nature, which had caused problems on several occasions, Hong Qigong would have already designated him as the heir to the guild leadership position. This limitation showed how even the most loyal and capable individuals could be held back by personal flaws, while also highlighting Hong Qigong’s recognition of Lu Youjiao’s fundamental worth despite his shortcomings.
He was described as having a dark complexion, wearing tattered clothes, with a kind expression. Originally a nine-bag elder of the Beggars’ Guild, he was characterized by his simple and honest nature, loyalty and righteousness, and would absolutely not be greedy for life or fear death.
Training and development
After Guo Jing and Huang Rong rescued Cheng Yaojia, Li Sheng told Lu Youjiao about their heroic deeds, beginning a relationship that would prove crucial to the defence of Xiangyang in later years. Before the Yuezhou assembly, Lu Youjiao met Guo Jing and Huang Rong at Yueyang Tower, explaining the situation between the Clean Clothes and Dirty Clothes factions, demonstrating his role as a bridge between different groups within the guild. However, he left angrily when Huang Rong inadvertently offended the Dirty Clothes Faction, showing how his hot-tempered nature could sometimes interfere with important diplomatic situations.
At the assembly on Junshan Island in Yuezhou, when Guo Jing and Huang Rong were falsely accused by Yang Kang of being accomplices in harming Hong Qigong, Lu Youjiao strongly defended them against the majority opinion. When the Iron Palm Gang arrived and Qiu Qianren attempted to bribe the Beggars’ Guild with gold and silver to march south, Lu Youjiao again led the Dirty Clothes Faction disciples in strong opposition, showing his unwavering commitment to the guild’s principles and his resistance to corruption.
As a result of his opposition to Qiu Qianren’s bribery attempt, he was attacked by Qiu Qianren, who crushed the bones in both his hands. Guo Jing, having mastered the “Muscle and Bone Shrinking Method” from the Nine Yin Manual, broke free from his bonds and saved Lu Youjiao using the technique of transmitting force through objects, beginning a relationship of mutual respect and loyalty that would last for decades.
After Huang Rong exposed Yang Kang’s treacherous schemes and defeated Elders Liang and Jian in succession, Lu Youjiao and others sincerely accepted Huang Rong as the new guild leader. Huang Rong ordered Lu Youjiao to remain in Yuezhou to recover from his injuries and entrusted him with handling major guild affairs, demonstrating her trust in his abilities and character despite his intellectual limitations.
Major adventures/conflicts
During the Mongol western expedition against Khwarezmia, Lu Youjiao led over a thousand Beggars’ Guild disciples to help Guo Jing, providing counsel and strategies under Huang Rong’s secret guidance, showing his role as a trusted intermediary between the couple during their separation. When Ouyang Feng arrived at the Mongol camp, Guo Jing finally realized that Huang Rong was also among the Mongol forces and forced Lu Youjiao to devise a plan, finally enabling him to meet with Huang Rong. This situation demonstrated Lu Youjiao’s loyalty to both Guo Jing and Huang Rong, as well as his willingness to facilitate their reconciliation even when it required him to act as a go-between.
Later years
During Huang Rong’s years as guild leader, most Beggars’ Guild affairs were handled and distributed by Lu Youjiao, showing his practical competence in administration and his trusted position within the organisation. Eventually, Huang Rong decided to pass the guild leadership position to Lu Youjiao and taught him the Dog Beating Staff Technique as well.
At the Heroes’ Assembly at Dasheng Pass, Lu Youjiao used the Dog Beating Staff Technique to fight Huodu, but because he had only recently learned the technique, he was defeated when Huodu broke his leg bones. This defeat showed both Lu Youjiao’s limitations as a martial artist and his courage in facing superior opponents, while also foreshadowing the tragic end that awaited him.
During Guo Xiang’s childhood, she developed a deep friendship with Lu Youjiao, demonstrating his capacity for forming meaningful relationships across age and social boundaries. They would often meet and chat about martial arts stories and legends, showing how Lu Youjiao’s simple, honest nature made him an ideal companion for a young person seeking wisdom and guidance.
Before the Xiangyang Heroes’ Assembly, Lu Youjiao was ambushed by Huodu at the Yang Grand Tutor Temple outside Xiangyang City, where Huodu killed him and temporarily seized his Dog Beating Staff. Guo Xiang, missing him deeply, brought wine and meat to the small temple where they used to meet to pay her respects, showing the depth of their friendship and the impact that Lu Youjiao’s death had on those who knew him.
He was the most supportive elder of Guo Jing and Huang Rong among the Beggars’ Guild elders. He respected them as Hong Qigong’s beloved disciples and was grateful for their exposure of Yang Kang’s conspiracy with the Clean Clothes Faction to collude with the Jin state. Guo Jing and Huang Rong, in turn, trusted him completely throughout their lives.
When Guo Jing and Huang Rong had a disagreement and separated, Guo Jing was in the Mongol Genghis Khan’s army, while Huang Rong was unwilling to appear and meet with him, but was concerned about his inability to handle military affairs. She sent Lu Youjiao and Elder Jian to lead over a thousand guild members to assist him. Lu Youjiao served by Guo Jing’s side, and when Guo Jing encountered difficulties, he would go out secretly to tell Huang Rong, then present Huang Rong’s clever strategies as his own ideas, until Guo Jing finally realized that Huang Rong was secretly assisting him.
Later, in The Return of the Condor Heroes, Huang Rong announced her resignation because she needed to assist her husband Guo Jing in defending Xiangyang against the Mongol army invasion and could not divide her attention. Lu Youjiao was elected as the new guild leader through direct election by all guild members.
After Huang Rong had been guild leader for many years, she decided to pass the leadership position to him and taught him the Dog Beating Staff Technique. Lu Youjiao was already not very intelligent, and being older, he learned extremely slowly, requiring Huang Rong to explain it over and over again. As Jin Yong noted: “Huang Rong had been accustomed to dealing with people of slow intelligence since she was fifteen and met Guo Jing, so she was not annoyed by Lu Youjiao’s poor memory.” It turned out that Lu Youjiao was similar to Guo Jing in this regard.
Personality and traits
Physical appearance
Lu Youjiao had a distinctive appearance that reflected both his status as a senior member of the Beggars’ Guild and his humble origins, creating a visual representation of his character that was both dignified and unpretentious. He was described as having a dark complexion, which was typical of those who spent their lives outdoors and in difficult conditions, reflecting his connection to the Dirty Clothes Faction and his understanding of the hardships faced by ordinary people.
His physical appearance matched his straightforward, unpretentious character, and he carried himself with the dignity befitting his position as leader of the Dirty Clothes Faction, though without any airs or pretensions that might have separated him from the common members of the guild. This combination of dignity and humility made him an ideal representative of the Beggars’ Guild’s values, as he embodied both the respect due to his position and the humility that was essential to the organization’s identity.
His appearance served as a perfect reflection of his character - honest, straightforward, and without artifice. Unlike many martial arts leaders who cultivated impressive appearances to command respect, Lu Youjiao’s physical presence was entirely authentic, showing the wear and tear of a life spent in service to others rather than in pursuit of personal glory.
Character traits
Lu Youjiao was fundamentally characterized as honest and righteous, with an unwavering commitment to justice and his principles that made him a pillar of moral strength within the Beggars’ Guild. His loyalty and righteousness were not abstract concepts but practical virtues that guided his every action, from defending Guo Jing and Huang Rong against false accusations to resisting Qiu Qianren’s attempts to bribe the guild.
He was described as having dull natural talent but this was paired with genuine honesty and straightforwardness that made him trustworthy, demonstrating that intellectual brilliance was not necessary for moral excellence or effective leadership. His simplicity of mind actually became one of his greatest strengths, as it prevented him from engaging in the complex scheming and manipulation that often characterized martial arts politics.
One of his defining characteristics was being hot-tempered and reckless, which sometimes led him into trouble but also reflected his passionate commitment to his beliefs and his unwillingness to compromise on matters of principle. This hot-tempered nature, while occasionally problematic, also made him a fierce defender of justice and a reliable ally when the cause was right.
Values and principles
Despite his limitations, he was capable in handling affairs and earned the trust of both his superiors and subordinates in the guild, demonstrating that practical competence could compensate for intellectual limitations. His ability to manage the complex affairs of the Beggars’ Guild showed that administrative skill was as valuable as martial arts prowess in maintaining an effective organisation.
As Hong Qigong once noted, “Lu Youjiao has feet but no brain” (洪七公曾经说鲁有脚有脚没脑子), highlighting his tendency to act on instinct rather than careful thought, but also suggesting that his instinctive responses were often morally correct even when they weren’t strategically optimal. This limitation actually made him more trustworthy, as he was incapable of the complex scheming that characterised many martial arts leaders.
He was described as someone who absolutely would not be greedy for life or fear death, showing his moral courage and dedication to his principles, demonstrating that true heroism came from character rather than martial arts ability. This willingness to sacrifice himself for his principles made him an ideal leader for an organization dedicated to justice and righteousness.
The meaning of his name
His name “Lu Youjiao” (鲁有脚) was particularly fitting for a Beggars’ Guild hero who often had to deal with vicious dogs, as noted in character analysis: vicious dogs have teeth, but fortunately the hero has feet. This name reflected both his practical skills in dealing with dangerous situations and his role as a protector of the weak and vulnerable.
The surname “Lu” (鲁) also suited him well, as this upright elder of the Dirty Clothes Faction was indeed very simple and straightforward. This naming showed how his character was reflected in his very identity, as he embodied the virtues of simplicity, honesty, and straightforwardness that were essential to the Beggars’ Guild’s mission.
Martial arts abilities
Internal energy cultivation
He cultivated the Beggars’ Guild Internal Energy, relying on sturdy, practical inner strength that supported extended combat and resilience.
External combat techniques
He was proficient in Beggars’ Guild Techniques, favouring direct, practical movement over ornate forms. His abilities were effective in real confrontations even if not visually dazzling.
Signature techniques
His hallmark art was the Dog Beating Staff Technique, which he learned from Huang Rong upon succession planning. The technique suited his practical nature and protector’s ethos.
Weapons mastery
He wielded the staff with assurance, including the dedicated Dog Beating Staff. His straightforward weapon work prioritised control and protection over flourish.
Notable achievements
He stood against superior opponents such as Huodu and repeatedly supported the defence of Xiangyang, relying on resilience and steadiness rather than brilliance.
Practical Combat Effectiveness
Despite his intellectual limitations, Lu Youjiao’s martial arts abilities were effective in practical situations, as demonstrated by his willingness to face superior opponents like Huodu even when he knew he might be defeated. His courage in combat, combined with his practical skills, made him a reliable ally in dangerous situations.
His martial arts abilities were characterized by their straightforward, practical nature rather than by complex techniques or theoretical sophistication. This practical approach to martial arts reflected his character - honest, direct, and focused on results rather than appearances.
Behind the scenes
Literary significance
Lu Youjiao represented the archetypal loyal servant whose value lay not in exceptional abilities but in unwavering dedication and moral character, demonstrating that leadership in the martial arts world could come from integrity and reliability rather than just martial prowess. His story showed how the most important qualities for leadership were not intellectual brilliance or technical mastery, but rather moral character, loyalty, and practical competence.
His intellectual limitations, while sometimes problematic, also made him trustworthy because he was incapable of complex scheming or betrayal, showing how limitations could actually become strengths in certain contexts. His straightforward nature meant that others could rely on his honesty and loyalty, making him an ideal leader for an organization that valued integrity above all else.
Despite his lack of intellectual brilliance, Lu Youjiao possessed practical wisdom in handling guild affairs, demonstrating that administrative competence was as valuable as martial arts skill in maintaining an effective organization. His ability to manage the day-to-day operations of the Beggars’ Guild showed that practical experience and moral character could compensate for intellectual limitations.
Relationships and themes
His bonds with Guo Jing, Huang Rong and Guo Xiang highlighted intergenerational trust. Analyses often compare him with Guo Jing as similarly steadfast men who offset dullness with moral strength.
The Intermediary Role
One of the most interesting aspects of Lu Youjiao’s character was his role as an intermediary between Guo Jing and Huang Rong during their separation, as he would “go out and secretly tell Huang Rong about Guo Jing’s difficulties, then present Huang Rong’s clever strategies as his own ideas” (他便出去暗中告诉黄蓉，再把黄蓉的妙计当是自己主意提出). This showed both his loyalty to both parties and his willingness to facilitate their reconciliation, even when it required him to act as a go-between.
His succession to guild leadership represented institutional continuity rather than revolutionary change, as he maintained the guild’s traditions and values while adapting to new circumstances. This continuity showed how effective leadership could preserve the best aspects of an organization while allowing it to evolve and adapt to changing conditions.
Tragic Heroism
Lu Youjiao’s death at the hands of Huodu represented the tragedy of good people falling victim to ambitious schemers, showing how corruption and ambition could destroy even the most virtuous individuals. His murder was particularly poignant because it came through treachery rather than honorable combat, demonstrating how evil could triumph over good through underhanded means.
His life exemplified service to others and dedication to principles over personal advancement, showing how true heroism came from character rather than martial arts ability or intellectual brilliance. Even as guild leader, he remained humble and focused on the organization’s welfare rather than personal glory, demonstrating the kind of selfless leadership that was essential for the guild’s mission.
Relationships
Family relationships
No family relationships are recorded.
Master-disciple relationships
Both Hong Qigong and Huang Rong trusted Lu Youjiao with significant responsibilities, recognizing that his loyalty and competence made up for his intellectual limitations, demonstrating how character could be more important than ability in earning the trust of great leaders. This trust showed how Lu Youjiao’s moral qualities compensated for his intellectual shortcomings, making him an ideal choice for positions of responsibility within the guild.
Guild members respected Lu Youjiao not for his martial arts prowess but for his fairness, honesty, and genuine care for their welfare, showing how effective leadership could come from character rather than technical ability. This respect demonstrated that the most important qualities for leadership were moral rather than martial, as Lu Youjiao’s integrity and concern for others made him a beloved leader despite his limitations.
Romantic relationships
No romantic relationships are recorded.
Friendships and rivalries
His relationship with Guo Jing and Huang Rong evolved from initial supporter to trusted ally and eventually to elder statesman who helped them in their defense of Xiangyang, showing how relationships could deepen and mature over time through shared experiences and mutual respect. This evolution demonstrated how loyalty and service could create lasting bonds between people of different generations and abilities.
His friendship with Guo Xiang represented one of the most touching relationships in the novels, showing how genuine affection could develop between people of very different backgrounds and abilities, creating relationships that enriched both parties. Their bond demonstrated that wisdom and companionship could transcend differences in intelligence and status, showing how character could create connections that intellectual ability alone could not achieve.
Behind the scenes
Lu Youjiao served as an important supporting character in The Legend of the Condor Heroes, representing the loyal and dedicated members of the Beggars’ Guild. His character demonstrated the values of loyalty and service that were important to the guild’s identity.
As one of the Four Great Elders, Lu Youjiao helped to maintain the guild’s organisational structure and played a role in various plot developments throughout the novel.
Portrayals
Lu Youjiao has been portrayed by numerous actors across different adaptations of The Legend of the Condor Heroes and The Return of the Condor Heroes:
The Legend of the Condor Heroes
- 1976 series – Luo Lelin
- 1978 sequel – Lu Feng
- 1983 series – Guan Jing
- 1988 series – Yu Taiping
- 1994 series – Chen Mianliang
- 1994 series – Li Jiaqiang
- 2003 series – Zhang Hengping
- 2008 series – Zhang Bojun
- 2017 series – Song Qing
- 2024 series – Wang Lu
- 2025 film – Sun Jiankui
The Return of the Condor Heroes
- 1976 series – Li Shufen
- 1995 series – Yu Tianwei
- 1998 series – Chen Guohua
- 1998 series – Wang Biao
- 2006 series – Zhang Hengping
- 2014 series – Wang Yuzheng
- 2018 series – Yuan Min
External links
- Lu Youjiao on Wikipedia
- Lu Youjiao (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia
- Lu Youjiao (Chinese) on Baidu Baike
- The Legend of the Condor Heroes on Wikipedia
- The Legend of the Condor Heroes characters
- Beggars’ Guild — Lu Youjiao’s organisation
- Dog Beating Staff Technique — Lu Youjiao’s signature martial art
- Four Great Elders — Lu Youjiao’s position in the guild