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Yue Laosan

Yue Laosan

Yue Laosan (simplified: 岳老三, traditional: 岳老三, Jyutping: ngok6 lou5 saam1, pinyin: Yuè Lǎosān), also known as “Nanhai E Shen” (南海鳄神, “South Sea Crocodile God”) and “Xiong Shen E Sha” (凶神恶煞, “Maleficent Evil”), was the third member of the Four Evils who appeared in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils as a supporting character. Despite his fearsome reputation, he was known for his childlike personality and strong sense of honor.

Biography

Early life and background

According to the Baidu Baike entry, Yue Laosan was originally from the South Sea region where he was revered as a patriarch and grandfather figure. He was described as having a straightforward personality, being extremely honest and keeping his word, but also having a simple mind that made him easily deceived.

Physical appearance and personality

Yue Laosan was described as having a large, imposing physique with tremendous natural strength. Despite his fearsome appearance and reputation, he possessed a childlike innocence and was known for his honesty. According to Ni Kuang’s analysis of Jin Yong’s novels, Yue Laosan was considered “the most honest person in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.”

Role as one of the Four Evils

As the third member of the Four Evils, Yue Laosan often claimed to be “Yue Lao Er” (岳老二, “Yue the Second”) and frequently argued with Ye Ernian about their ranking. He was extremely concerned with his reputation and seniority, taking great pride in his position within the group.

Encounter with Duan Yu

According to the source material, Yue Laosan first encountered Duan Yu at Mount Wuliang, where he was impressed by Duan Yu’s bone structure and exclaimed “You’re very much like me!” He immediately tried to force Duan Yu to become his disciple, but Duan Yu managed to evade this through clever wordplay.

Later, at the Dali palace, Duan Yu used his wit to trick Yue Laosan into becoming his disciple instead. This reversal of roles became a defining aspect of their relationship throughout the novel.

Tragic death

Yue Laosan’s most significant moment came during the battle at Mantuo Manor, where he attempted to rescue his “master” Duan Yu from Duan Yanqing. When Duan Yanqing saw that Yue Laosan was about to untie Duan Yu’s bonds, he realized that Duan Yu would be able to use his Six Meridians Divine Sword technique, which would be unstoppable.

Despite his reluctance, Duan Yanqing struck Yue Laosan from behind with his steel crutch, piercing through his chest. Yue Laosan died with his eyes wide open, unable to understand why his “elder brother” had killed him. His final words were about protecting his master, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and honor.

Personality and traits

Skilled and capable

Yue Laosan’s most defining characteristic was his various skills and capabilities, which had been developed through his comprehensive training with the Four Evils. His ability to handle various situations demonstrated the effectiveness of the evil faction’s training system in creating effective practitioners.

These skills were not limited to martial arts but extended to various other areas, showing how the evil faction valued well-rounded development and how such development could create individuals capable of handling various challenges.

Loyal to the evil faction

As a member of the Four Evils, Yue Laosan demonstrated loyalty to his organisation and dedication to his various responsibilities. His commitment to the evil faction’s objectives and his willingness to fulfill his various obligations demonstrated his character and his understanding of organisational responsibilities.

This loyalty was not limited to simple obedience but extended to active participation in various evil activities and a genuine concern for the evil faction’s well-being and effectiveness.

Martial arts abilities

Crocodile techniques

According to the source material, Yue Laosan specialized in crocodile-based martial arts techniques. His signature techniques included the “E Shen Jian” (鳄神剪, “Crocodile God Scissors”) and “Jian Jin Duan Shi” (剪金断石, “Cutting Gold and Breaking Stone”), which demonstrated his tremendous physical strength.

Weapons proficiency

Yue Laosan was skilled with his signature weapons: the “E Zui Jian” (鳄嘴剪, “Crocodile Mouth Scissors”) and “E Wei Bian” (鳄尾鞭, “Crocodile Tail Whip”). These weapons complemented his crocodile-based fighting style and allowed him to deliver devastating attacks.

Physical strength and combat effectiveness

Yue Laosan possessed tremendous natural strength and was described as having a large, imposing physique. His martial arts techniques emphasized raw power and direct confrontation, making him a formidable opponent in close combat situations.

Despite his fearsome appearance and combat abilities, Yue Laosan’s childlike personality and straightforward nature often made him vulnerable to deception and manipulation by more cunning opponents.

Relationships

Four Evils members

As a member of the Four Evils, Yue Laosan maintained various relationships within the evil community. His relationships with other members demonstrated the importance of cooperation in evil organisational life and showed how individual members could support and learn from each other.

These relationships were characterized by mutual respect and support, showing how the evil community could create an environment conducive to both individual and organisational development.

Other martial artists

Yue Laosan’s relationships with other martial artists were often characterized by hostility and conflict. His participation in various conflicts showed how the Four Evils could maintain negative relationships with other factions while also advancing their interests when necessary.

These relationships demonstrated the complex nature of relationships in the martial arts world, where respect and conflict could coexist in various situations.

Behind the scenes

Character significance

Yue Laosan represents one of Jin Yong’s most complex explorations of the relationship between evil development and martial arts effectiveness. His character demonstrates how evil organisations could create effective practitioners through comprehensive training and how individual members could contribute to organisational success.

The character serves as an example of how evil training could create versatile practitioners and how individual loyalty could contribute to organisational effectiveness.

Evil themes

Yue Laosan’s character serves as a vehicle for exploring various themes related to evil development and martial arts effectiveness, including the relationship between individual training and organisational effectiveness, the value of comprehensive development, and the importance of loyalty and cooperation in organisational success.

His organisational role demonstrates how powerful evil organisations could maintain their effectiveness through comprehensive training and individual commitment.

Literary function

Yue Laosan’s character serves multiple narrative functions within Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. He provides opportunities for exploring evil themes, demonstrates the effectiveness of comprehensive training, and contributes to the story’s exploration of how different organisations could approach various challenges.

His participation in various conflicts creates additional complexity and provides opportunities for exploring themes about the relationship between evil training and individual effectiveness.

See also