Xiong Yuanxian (simplified: 熊元献, traditional: 熊元獻, pinyin: Xióng Yuánxiàn, jyutping: hung4 jyun4 hin3) was the master of the Pingtong Armed Escort in Beijing. He appears in Flying Fox of the Snowy Mountain as one of the martial artists drawn to the treasure chest discovered by Tao Baishui and his son Tao Zian.
Biography
Attempted seizure of the treasure
When Tao Baishui and Tao Zian discovered a treasure chest in the snowy mountains containing a precious saber connected to Li Zicheng’s rebellion, Xiong Yuanxian learned of this discovery and led his men to seize it. However, the treasure was intercepted by members of the Northern and Southern Branches of the Tianlong School, including Ruan Shizhong, Cao Yunqi, and Yin Ji.
This led to a fierce struggle over the treasure chest, with multiple factions competing for possession. The conflict eventually drew the attention of the mysterious monk Baoshu, who overpowered all parties and forced them to travel to Jade Brush Peak.
Demise
Driven by greed for Li Zicheng’s hidden treasure, Xiong Yuanxian joined other martial artists in their pursuit of the legendary wealth. He was eventually trapped by Hu Fei inside the treasure cave along with Tao Baishui, Cao Yunqi, Ruan Shizhong, Yin Ji, Baoshu, and others. He perished there, a victim of his own avarice and the treacherous environment.
Personality
Xiong Yuanxian is depicted as a greedy and opportunistic martial artist. As the master of an armed escort agency, he was naturally drawn to valuable treasures and was willing to use force to obtain them. His character represents the corrupting influence of greed in the martial world, and his demise serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of avarice.
Relationships
- Tao Baishui (Rival): The bandit leader who discovered the treasure chest, with whom he competed for possession.
- Tianlong School Members (Rivals): Members of both branches of the Tianlong School who intercepted the treasure.
- Hu Fei (Antagonist): The protagonist who ultimately trapped him in the treasure cave.
Legacy
Xiong Yuanxian serves as a minor character whose actions contribute to the initial conflict over the treasure chest. His participation in the struggle highlights the widespread greed and corruption that surrounded Li Zicheng’s legendary treasure, and his demise reinforces the novel’s moral message about the destructive nature of avarice.