Seven Eccentrics of Jiangnan (江南七怪 – Jiāngnán Qī Guài), also known as the “Seven Freaks of Jiangnan”, were a group of seven martial artists who became Guo Jing’s most important teachers and played a crucial role in his development as a hero. Despite their modest martial arts abilities, they were instrumental in shaping Guo Jing’s character and values.
Members and composition
The Seven Eccentrics consisted of seven sworn siblings, each with their own unique skills and personalities:
Ke Zhen’e (柯镇恶) - “Flying Bat”
The eldest and leader of the group, approximately thirty years old when first introduced. Despite being blind, he possessed exceptional hearing and was the strongest martial artist among the seven. He used an iron staff and was particularly skilled with poisoned darts.
Zhu Cong (朱聪) - “Witty Scholar”
The second member, a poor scholar around thirty years old. He was the second strongest in the group and was known for his cunning, book knowledge, and pickpocketing skills. He used an iron fan as his weapon.
Han Baoju (韩宝驹) - “Horse King”
The third member, known for his exceptional horsemanship and whip techniques. He was short-tempered and impulsive, often being the first to engage in conflicts.
Nan Xiren (南希仁) - “Southern Mountain Woodcutter”
The fourth member, a woodcutter with a strong, silent nature. He rarely spoke but was highly respected among the group for his straightforward and honest character.
Zhang Asheng (张阿生) - “Laughing Buddha”
The fifth member, known for his jovial nature and great physical strength. He specialized in palm techniques and was deeply in love with Han Xiaoying.
Quan Jinfa (全金发) - “Market Street Hidden Hero”
The sixth member, a merchant who used a steel scale staff as both a weapon and a tool. He was shrewd and calculating, often using his business acumen to gain advantages.
Han Xiaoying (韩小莹) - “Yue Maiden”
The seventh and only female member, the youngest of the group. She was the cousin of Han Baoju and specialized in sword techniques. She was gentle and nurturing, providing a maternal influence to the group.
Origins and formation
The Seven Eccentrics originated from the Jiangnan region and were sworn siblings who had formed a close bond through their shared experiences and martial arts training. Each member brought unique skills and perspectives to the group, creating a well-rounded team despite their individual limitations.
Their first major appearance in the story occurred when they encountered Qiu Chuji at the Drunken Immortal Tavern. This meeting would set in motion a series of events that would change their lives forever and lead them to become Guo Jing’s teachers.
The bet with Qiu Chuji
The turning point in the Seven Eccentrics’ lives came when they made a bet with Qiu Chuji regarding the fate of Yang Kang’s unborn child. Qiu Chuji challenged them to find and train the child, while he would train Yang Kang. The stakes were high, and the Seven Eccentrics accepted the challenge.
This bet led them on an eighteen-year journey to Mongolia, where they would find and train Guo Jing, the son of Guo Xiaotian and Li Ping. Their commitment to this task demonstrated their strong sense of honor and responsibility.
Life in Mongolia
The Seven Eccentrics spent eighteen years in the harsh Mongolian desert, living among the nomadic people and training Guo Jing in their individual martial arts specialties. Each member contributed their unique skills to Guo Jing’s education:
- Ke Zhen’e taught him staff techniques and the importance of justice
- Zhu Cong taught him tactical thinking and adaptability
- Han Baoju taught him mounted combat and whip techniques
- Nan Xiren taught him powerful striking methods and the principles of chivalry
- Zhang Asheng taught him palm techniques and physical conditioning
- Quan Jinfa taught him spear techniques and strategic thinking
- Han Xiaoying taught him sword techniques and provided maternal guidance
Despite their modest martial arts abilities, they instilled in Guo Jing the core values of chivalry, righteousness, and loyalty that would define his character throughout his life.
The tragedy begins
The Seven Eccentrics’ peaceful life in Mongolia was shattered when they encountered the Twin Evils of Dark Wind, Chen Xuanfeng and Mei Chaofeng. During this fierce battle, Zhang Asheng was killed by Chen Xuanfeng while protecting Han Xiaoying, whom he loved deeply.
This was the first tragic loss among the Seven Eccentrics and marked the beginning of a series of devastating events that would eventually claim most of their lives.
Return to the Central Plains
After Guo Jing reached adulthood, the Seven Eccentrics returned to the Central Plains with their young disciple. They continued to guide and protect him as he navigated the complex world of martial arts and politics.
However, their return would ultimately lead to their greatest tragedy when they became involved in the events surrounding Peach Blossom Island and the Nine Yin Manual.
The final tragedy on Peach Blossom Island
The Seven Eccentrics’ story reached its tragic conclusion on Peach Blossom Island, where most of them would meet their deaths:
- Zhu Cong was killed by Ouyang Feng using the Toad Skill
- Nan Xiren was bitten by a snake from Ouyang Feng’s staff and died from poisoning
- Quan Jinfa was killed by Ouyang Feng, impaled through the chest with his own scale staff
- Han Baoju was killed by Yang Kang using the Nine Yin White Bone Claw
- Han Xiaoying committed suicide by cutting her own throat when she couldn’t defeat Ouyang Feng and Yang Kang
Only Ke Zhen’e survived the tragedy on Peach Blossom Island, becoming the sole survivor of the group that had shaped Guo Jing’s character and values.
Legacy and impact
Despite their modest martial arts abilities, the Seven Eccentrics had a profound impact on Guo Jing’s development. They taught him not only martial arts techniques but also the fundamental principles of chivalry, righteousness, and loyalty that would define his character throughout his life.
Their sacrifice and dedication demonstrated the true meaning of being a teacher and mentor. Even though they were not the most powerful martial artists in the jianghu, their influence on Guo Jing was immeasurable and helped shape him into the great hero he would become.
Ke Zhen’e’s continued role
Ke Zhen’e continued to play an important role in the story after the death of his sworn siblings. He appeared in The Return of the Condor Heroes and lived to be approximately 108 years old, spending his final years on Peach Blossom Island.
His continued presence served as a living connection to Guo Jing’s past and the values instilled in him by the Seven Eccentrics. He also played a crucial role in revealing Yang Guo’s true identity to Yang Kang’s son.
Cultural significance
The Seven Eccentrics represent the archetype of the dedicated teacher in wuxia literature—individuals who may not be the most powerful martial artists but whose influence on their students extends far beyond mere technique. Their story highlights themes of sacrifice, dedication, and the importance of character development over pure martial prowess.
Their tragic fate also serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of the martial arts world, where even the most well-intentioned individuals can fall victim to the schemes and conflicts of more powerful forces.