Situ Heng (simplified: 司徒横, traditional: 司徒橫, pinyin: Sītú Héng, jyutping: si1 tou4 waang4) was the founding leader of the Changle Guild, known as the “Eight-Claw Golden Dragon” (八爪金龙). He was killed by Bei Haishi after refusing to accept the Reward Good Punish Evil token.
Biography
Founding the Changle Guild
Situ Heng established the Changle Guild and developed it into a powerful organization with an internal structure of three halls and five external halls. He was known for his mastery of the Golden Dragon Claw Technique, which earned him the epithet “Eight-Claw Golden Dragon.”
Refusal to accept the Reward Good Punish Evil token
Three years before the events of the novel, during a guild meeting, a hall master named He Xiangzhu mentioned the Reward Good Punish Evil token, which was approaching its ten-year cycle. Situ Heng became enraged, accusing He Xiangzhu of inciting unrest and plotting against the guild. He ordered He Xiangzhu arrested and secretly executed.
When Shi Potian (mistaken for Shi Zhongyu) questioned Situ Heng about this decision, Situ Heng became furious and declared that since he had created the Changle Guild, he could destroy it if he wished. He attempted to kill Shi Potian, but the two fought, and Situ Heng was defeated.
Death
After his defeat, Situ Heng left the guild headquarters and disappeared. However, Bei Haishi, who had been secretly plotting against him, poisoned Situ Heng and hid his body in a cave behind the guild headquarters. Bei Haishi then spread the story that Situ Heng had become disillusioned and retired to seclusion.
Discovery
Later, Zhan Fei, the Leopard Speed Hall master who was indebted to Situ Heng, suspected that Bei Haishi had killed him. When Zhan Fei confronted Bei Haishi, Bei Haishi revealed Situ Heng’s body in a hidden cave, then sealed Zhan Fei inside with him, ensuring that the truth would never be revealed.
Personality and characteristics
Authoritarian leadership
Situ Heng was a strict and authoritarian leader who would not tolerate dissent. His execution of He Xiangzhu for merely mentioning the Reward Good Punish Evil token demonstrated his unwillingness to face the threat posed by the Heroes Island envoys.
Pride and stubbornness
Situ Heng’s pride prevented him from accepting the Reward Good Punish Evil token, even though doing so would have been necessary to save the guild. His declaration that he would rather destroy the guild than accept the token showed his stubbornness and lack of foresight.
Martial arts abilities
Situ Heng was skilled in the Golden Dragon Claw Technique, which was renowned throughout the jianghu. His epithet “Eight-Claw Golden Dragon” reflected his mastery of this technique. However, he was ultimately defeated by Shi Potian, demonstrating that his martial arts, while formidable, were not invincible.
Behind the scenes
Situ Heng represents the theme of leadership and responsibility in Ode to Gallantry. His refusal to accept the Reward Good Punish Evil token and his authoritarian methods led to his downfall, demonstrating that leaders must be willing to make difficult decisions for the good of their followers.
The character’s name, “Situ Heng” (司徒橫), combines the surname “Situ” (司徒) with “Heng” (橫), meaning “horizontal” or “across,” suggesting a character who stands in opposition to the natural flow of events. His epithet “Eight-Claw Golden Dragon” reflects both his martial prowess and his fierce, uncompromising nature.