Xia Zhou

Xia Zhou (simplified: 夏胄, traditional: 夏胄, pinyin: Xià Zhòu, jyutping: haa6 zau6) was an independent martial artist from Shandong who appeared at the Slaying Lion Heroes Assembly. His brother had been killed by Xie Xun, and he came to the assembly seeking revenge. However, he was killed by Jingjia of the Emei Order using Thunderbolt Fire Bullets (霹雳雷火弹) while protesting the killing of his friend Situ Qianzhong.

Biography

Family tragedy

Xia Zhou’s brother had been killed by Xie Xun during Xie Xun’s killing spree in the jianghu. Xie Xun had murdered numerous innocent people in an attempt to draw out his master Cheng Kun, leaving behind messages claiming “The killer is the Primordial Chaos Thunderbolt Hand Cheng Kun.” Xia Zhou’s brother was one of these innocent victims.

The Slaying Lion Heroes Assembly

Xia Zhou attended the Slaying Lion Heroes Assembly (屠狮英雄会) with the intention of seeking revenge against Xie Xun for his brother’s death. He was described as having a voice like a bell, demonstrating his strong character and determination.

At the assembly, he publicly declared his intent to kill Xie Xun, saying: “That Xie Xun and I have a feud—he killed my brother. I am a man of honour—one man’s actions, one man’s responsibility. Please have the Shaolin high monks bring him out, and I will kill him with one strike. If the Ming Order’s demons come after me, let them come at me, Xia of Shandong.”

However, he was friends with Situ Qianzhong, who mocked Xia Zhou’s straightforward approach, suggesting that he was being used as a pawn in a larger game involving the Dragon-slaying Sabre.

Death of Situ Qianzhong

When Situ Qianzhong was killed by Jingjia using Thunderbolt Fire Bullets, Xia Zhou rushed forward to help his friend. He found Situ Qianzhong already dead, his body burned and his clothes on fire. Xia Zhou carried his friend’s body and addressed the crowd, saying: “Although this Brother Situ often said harsh and sometimes mean words, it was because he loved to fool around. His character was actually kind. He had never harmed anybody nor committed any dishonorable acts in his life. Today, the heroes from all over the world are gathered here—which one of you can say that he had done any evil conduct?”

Protest and death

Xia Zhou then protested the Emei Order’s actions, pointing at Jingjia and saying: “The Emei Order has always been known as an upright and chivalrous school. Who would have thought that they are capable of using such an evil and ruthless secret projectile? Even the strong in the jianghu will not overstep the bounds of propriety. May I know Shitai’s title?”

When Zhou Zhiruo, the Emei Order leader, failed to discipline Jingjia, Xia Zhou took two big strides forward and declared: “If the Emei Order leader will not clean up her own school, the Emei Order will be held in contempt by the world’s heroes from now on.”

At Zhou Zhiruo’s nod, Jingjia fired two more Thunderbolt Fire Bullets at Xia Zhou. Two large holes appeared in his chest and lower abdomen, and his clothes caught fire. Despite his fatal injuries, Xia Zhou remained standing, still holding Situ Qianzhong’s body in his arms, demonstrating his unyielding spirit even in death.

Aftermath

Xia Zhou’s death shocked the crowd, and hundreds of people raised their voices in condemnation of the Emei Order’s ruthlessness. Wei Yixiao and Shuobude of the Ming Order rushed forward and knelt before Xia Zhou’s body, saying: “Elder Hero Xia, the two of us did not know your chivalry and uprightness, and thus have offended you much. We are very ashamed of our conduct.”

They then slapped their own faces repeatedly until their cheeks were red and swollen, extinguished the fire on the two corpses, and carried the bodies into the Ming Order’s shelter, demonstrating their respect for Xia Zhou’s courage and principles.

Personality & traits

Courage and principle

Xia Zhou demonstrated exceptional courage and principle in his actions. He was willing to speak out against the Emei Order’s brutality, even when it meant risking his own life. His willingness to stand up for his friend and protest injustice demonstrated his commitment to righteousness.

Loyalty and friendship

Xia Zhou’s friendship with Situ Qianzhong was genuine and strong. He rushed to help his friend when he was attacked, and he was willing to die protesting the injustice of his friend’s death. His loyalty demonstrated the value of true friendship in the martial arts world.

Unyielding spirit

Even in death, Xia Zhou maintained his unyielding spirit, remaining standing while holding his friend’s body. This demonstrated his determination and refusal to surrender, even when faced with overwhelming force.

Honour and responsibility

Xia Zhou was described as a man of honour who believed in taking responsibility for his own actions. He wanted to face Xie Xun one-on-one to avenge his brother’s death, demonstrating his commitment to personal responsibility and honour.

Relationships

With Situ Qianzhong

Xia Zhou’s friendship with Situ Qianzhong was central to his character. Despite Situ Qianzhong’s sarcastic nature, Xia Zhou recognised his friend’s good character and was willing to die defending his memory and protesting the injustice of his death.

With his brother

Xia Zhou’s desire for revenge against Xie Xun was motivated by his love for his brother, who had been killed innocently. His attendance at the Slaying Lion Heroes Assembly was driven by this personal vendetta.

With the Ming Order

After Xia Zhou’s death, Wei Yixiao and Shuobude of the Ming Order demonstrated their respect for him by kneeling before his body and apologising for any past offenses. This showed that despite his desire for revenge against Xie Xun, Xia Zhou was recognised as a man of principle and honour.

Behind the scenes

Narrative significance

Xia Zhou’s death, along with Situ Qianzhong’s, serves to highlight the brutality of the Emei Order under Zhou Zhiruo’s leadership. Their deaths demonstrate how far the Order had fallen from its traditional values of compassion and righteousness, using extreme violence to silence critics and maintain power.

The incident shocked many at the assembly and demonstrated the dangers of extremism and the willingness to use violence to suppress dissent. Xia Zhou’s courage in speaking out, even at the cost of his life, represents the importance of standing up for principles and justice.

Symbolic meaning

Xia Zhou represents the voice of justice and honour in a world dominated by factionalism and violence. His willingness to sacrifice his own life to protest injustice demonstrates the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it means facing overwhelming force.

His death, along with Situ Qianzhong’s, serves as a warning about the consequences of extremism and the importance of maintaining principles of justice and mercy, even in times of conflict.