Xin Ran

Xin Ran (simplified: 辛然, traditional: 辛然, pinyin: Xīn Rán, jyutping: san1 jin4) was the leader of the Fire Banner Faction (烈火旗) of the Ming Order. He specialized in incendiary warfare, using petroleum sprayers and sulfur firebombs. He played a crucial role in assisting Wu Jingcao in reforging the Dragon-slaying Sabre during the Slaying Lion Heroes Assembly.

Biography

Xin Ran served as the leader of the Fire Banner Faction, one of the Ming Order’s Five Elements Factions. The Fire Banner Faction specialized in incendiary warfare and psychological warfare, using advanced fire attack techniques.

The Fire Banner Faction used a sophisticated fire attack system. Members were equipped with portable petroleum sprayers and carried iron containers filled with petroleum on their backs. The attack method involved first spraying viscous petroleum over the target area, then using sulfur firebombs for remote ignition.

Members wore red headbands as identification, and the faction used red banners as signals. This tactical system was particularly effective against cavalry units in open terrain, though it was limited by petroleum reserves and weather conditions.

Battle at Bright Peak

During the Six Major Factions’ attack on Bright Peak, Xin Ran led the Fire Banner Faction in defence of the Order’s headquarters. The faction coordinated with other banners in tactical withdrawal when the situation became unfavourable.

Assisting Wu Jingcao in reforging the Dragon-slaying Sabre

During the Slaying Lion Heroes Assembly at Shaolin Temple, when Zhou Zhiruo broke both the Heavenly Sword and the Dragon-slaying Sabre, Zhang Wuji asked if the weapons could be repaired. Wu Jingcao volunteered to attempt the repair, and required Xin Ran’s assistance, as fire was the most important ingredient in sword making.

Xin Ran readily agreed, saying, “Making fire is actually my expertise.” Together, they ordered their subordinates to build a blast furnace with an opening not more than one foot wide. The Fire Banner Faction had all kinds of fuel and flammable materials, and in an instant, the furnace was blazing hot with raging fire.

During the forging process, two Fire Banner members who were pumping the bellows fainted and fell to the floor. Xin Ran and the Fire Banner’s deputy leader quickly stepped in, pulling the fainted men aside and taking their place. Using their internal energy cultivation, they created a powerful blast of air that made the fire inside the furnace blaze high, reaching about a zhang (丈) above the smokestack, creating quite a spectacle.

After burning continuously for more than an hour, Xin Ran, Wu Jingcao, and the deputy leader showed signs of weariness from the intense heat. Zhang Zhong (the Iron Crowned Taoist) and Zhou Dian (the Lunatic) rushed forward to take their place in pumping the bellows, using their superior internal energy to create an even more intense white flame.

Through their collaboration, Wu Jingcao successfully reforged the Dragon-slaying Sabre, demonstrating the effectiveness of the coordination between different banners of the Ming Order.

Battle against Yuan forces

During the battle against Yuan forces at Shaolin Temple, Xin Ran’s Fire Banner Faction demonstrated its tactical capabilities. The faction’s fire attack techniques were effective against enemy cavalry and demonstrated the Order’s sophisticated military organization.

Personality & traits

Expertise in fire warfare

Xin Ran’s expertise in fire warfare was recognized throughout the Order. His ability to provide the necessary fire for the reforging process demonstrated his deep understanding of fire management and his technical skills in handling incendiary materials safely and effectively.

Cooperation and coordination

Xin Ran’s willingness to assist Wu Jingcao and his ability to work effectively with other banners demonstrated his commitment to cooperation and coordination within the Order. His understanding that “making fire is actually my expertise” showed his confidence in his abilities and his readiness to contribute his specialized knowledge when needed.

Dedication

Xin Ran’s dedication was evident when he and the deputy leader took over pumping the bellows from the fainted members, continuing the work despite the intense heat. His willingness to endure hardship to complete the task demonstrated his commitment to the Order’s objectives.

Relationships

With Wu Jingcao

Xin Ran’s relationship with Wu Jingcao was one of mutual respect and effective cooperation. Their collaboration in reforging the Dragon-slaying Sabre demonstrated how different banners with different specialties could work together to achieve common goals. Wu Jingcao’s recognition that he needed Xin Ran’s expertise, and Xin Ran’s ready agreement to assist, showed their mutual respect and understanding.

As the leader of the Fire Banner Faction, Xin Ran commanded a specialized unit with unique capabilities. His leadership enabled the faction to contribute effectively to the Order’s military operations and to support other banners when their specialized skills were needed.

With Zhang Wuji

Xin Ran served Zhang Wuji faithfully as the Order’s leader. His assistance in the reforging process demonstrated his loyalty and his willingness to use his faction’s resources to support the Order’s objectives.

Behind the scenes

Character significance

Xin Ran represents the specialized capabilities of the Five Elements Banners and demonstrates how different banners contribute unique skills to the Order’s overall effectiveness. His role in the reforging process highlights the importance of coordination and cooperation between different specialized units.

The Fire Banner Faction’s sophisticated fire attack techniques demonstrate the Ming Order’s advanced military organization and its ability to deploy specialized capabilities for different operational requirements.

Role in the narrative

Xin Ran’s assistance in reforging the Dragon-slaying Sabre is crucial to the narrative, as it enables the restoration of one of the novel’s most important weapons. His cooperation with Wu Jingcao demonstrates the effectiveness of the Five Elements Banners system and the Order’s organizational capabilities.

Xin Ran

Biography

Leadership of the Fire Banner Faction

Fire Banner tactics and equipment