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Xiao Yuanshan

Xiao Yuanshan

Xiao Yuanshan (simplified: 萧远山, traditional: 蕭遠山, pinyin: Xiāo Yuǎnshān) is a formidable Khitan warrior whose past drives major revelations in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. He is the father of Xiao Feng and a central figure in the novel’s exploration of ethnic tensions and cycles of vengeance.

Biography

Early Life and Position

Xiao Yuanshan belongs to the Khitan royal family (契丹后族萧氏一脉) and serves as the Commander of the Liao Empress’s personal guard (辽国皇后属珊大帐亲军总教头). He learned martial arts from Han Chinese masters and developed extremely high combat skills, earning him a reputation as one of the most formidable warriors of his time.

The Yanmen Pass Tragedy

During a family trip to visit relatives, Xiao Yuanshan and his family were ambushed at Yanmen Pass by Central Plains martial artists who had been misled by false intelligence. In the ensuing battle, his wife was killed, and though he fought valiantly against the twenty-one martial artists, he was forced to flee with his infant son Xiao Feng. The tragedy marked the beginning of his transformation from a peaceful diplomat to a vengeful warrior.

Hidden Years at Shaolin

Believing his family dead, Xiao Yuanshan went into hiding at Shaolin Temple, where he spent over thirty years secretly studying the temple’s martial arts manuals. During this time, he discovered the identity of the “Leading Brother” who had orchestrated the ambush and uncovered various secrets about the Central Plains martial world.

Reunion and Revelation

Xiao Yuanshan eventually revealed his identity at Shaolin Temple during a gathering of martial artists, reuniting with his son Xiao Feng and exposing the truth about the Yanmen Pass incident. His reappearance brought to light the complex web of deception and ethnic prejudice that had shaped both their lives.

Personality and traits

  • Proud and unyielding: Hardened by loss and conflict, Xiao Yuanshan embodies the fierce spirit of the Khitan people.
  • Loyal and protective: His love for his family drives his actions, even when they lead to destructive consequences.
  • Determined and patient: His thirty-year quest for revenge demonstrates his extraordinary patience and determination.
  • Complex morality: While his actions are often brutal, they stem from deep personal loss and a desire for justice.

Martial arts abilities

  • Demon-subduing Staff Technique (伏魔杖法): A powerful staff technique that demonstrates his mastery of weapon-based combat.
  • Prajna Palm (般若掌): A palm technique that showcases his qi cultivation.
  • Kasaya Demon-subduing Skill (袈裟伏魔功): A unique skill that combines Buddhist principles with martial arts.
  • Maha Finger (摩诃指): A finger technique that represents the pinnacle of his martial arts training.
  • Exceptional combat ability: His skills were sufficient to fight against multiple Central Plains martial artists simultaneously.

Relationships

  • Xiao Feng: His son, whose life was shaped by the events at Yanmen Pass and who eventually reunites with him.
  • Liao Dynasty: His homeland and the source of his cultural identity and martial training.
  • Central Plains martial world: The target of his vengeance, representing the ethnic tensions that drive the novel’s plot.

Behind the scenes

  • Function: Xiao Yuanshan embodies the ethnic tensions and cycles of vengeance that are central themes in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.
  • Symbolism: His character represents the consequences of prejudice and the destructive nature of revenge.
  • Narrative role: His story provides crucial background for Xiao Feng’s character and drives many of the novel’s major plot developments.

See also