Fire Ox

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Recruiting Wei Sheng

Fire Ox taught Savage Bull Fist to the Gaoliu Branch Hall’s members and tested their progress. During one assessment, he ordered Wei Sheng to fight Cao Defa, then personally attacked Wei Sheng to probe his ability. Although Fire Ox dominated through his stronger physique, Wei Sheng forced him back two steps with Savage Ox Horn Thrust. Recognizing Perfection-level mastery, Fire Ox recruited him as a personal guard, offering five taels of silver per month and instruction in skin refinement 4 5 6.

He subsequently trained Wei Sheng alongside Xiao Ran, Che Zhenzhong, and Niu Yong. His investment served a political purpose: a vacant Five Tiger Generals position offered the chance to place a trusted subordinate beside him, increasing his influence within Weiyuan Hall. He also advanced Wei Sheng five taels so that he could buy cultivation medicine 8 9.

Conflict with Violent Bear

Fire Ox sent Wei Sheng to suppress Zhang Yan’s Golden Goose Gang, initially believing Zhang Yan had not reached First Refinement. When Che Zhenzhong revealed otherwise, Fire Ox immediately dispatched him and Xiao Ran to rescue Wei Sheng 10.

Violent Bear then confronted Fire Ox and admitted that the disturbance targeted not only Wei Sheng but every promising candidate under Fire Ox’s command. Fire Ox attacked him in anger. Wei Sheng’s victory nevertheless ruined the scheme; afterward, Fire Ox rewarded the injured defenders with three hundred copper coins each and promoted Wei Sheng to resident master of the Gaoliu Branch Hall with double pay 11 14.

Five Tiger Generals Selection

Xiao Ran initially became Fire Ox’s chosen candidate after reaching Third Refinement, earning one-on-one instruction. That plan collapsed when the Hong Family Guard Team crippled Xiao Ran over a false murder accusation. Fire Ox fought through the guards, recovered him, and declared the dispute closed 19 29.

With Xiao Ran unable to compete, Fire Ox gave Wei Sheng an oxhorn pomfret to accelerate his cultivation. He later nominated Wei Sheng despite Violent Bear’s ridicule. Wei Sheng’s eventual appointment brought Fire Ox prestige and a Sinew Refinement Method; Fire Ox celebrated by giving him another oxhorn pomfret 29 32 35.

Supporting Wei Sheng as a Fellow General

Fire Ox defended Wei Sheng’s readiness to take responsibility for Changyou’s territory, but warned that East Prosperity Street was dangerous. He specifically cautioned him about Gu Diao and Chu Dongjiao and advised protecting his core holdings rather than provoking confrontation 37 38.

He also became Wei Sheng’s full-contact saber sparring partner. Later, when Black Tiger asked to see Wei Sheng’s progress, Fire Ox exchanged a matching Tiger-Howling Saber strike with him; both were driven back two steps. Wei Sheng’s growth left Fire Ox proud but increasingly anxious about remaining at Six Refinements 43 48.

During the battle against Azure Dragon Hall, Fire Ox fought beside Black Tiger and the other generals. After Black Tiger was injured and White Lotus Cult fighters attacked, Fire Ox carried him away. He reluctantly stopped when Black Tiger ordered him to leave with the other wounded fighters, shortly before Wei Sheng intervened 87.

Appearance

Fire Ox is a broad-faced, powerfully built man with an intimidating bearing 5.

• Build: Burly frame and bulging muscles 5.
• Clothing: A short blue outfit or jacket that leaves his arms exposed 5 7.
• Tattoos: Ox-horn designs on his arms 5.
• Scars: Numerous scars cross his heavily muscled arms 7.

Personality

Fire Ox combines political ambition with genuine investment in promising subordinates. He hopes to gain influence by sponsoring another Tiger General, but also provides practical support: instruction, medicine money, promotions, and valuable treasure fish. He takes open pride in Wei Sheng’s achievements even after Wei Sheng becomes his peer 9 14 35 37.

As an instructor, he is conscientious and thorough. His explanations of cultivation break down both principles and practical methods in detail. His judgment is not infallible, however: he dismisses Wei Sheng’s request for another Skin Refinement Method as impatience, failing to understand why Wei Sheng wants to combine methods 20 22.

He is quick-tempered when rivals threaten his followers, particularly Violent Bear. His confidence rests heavily on combat experience: after rescuing Xiao Ran, he scorns the Hong Family guards as fighters whose cultivation was built with resources rather than battle 11 29 31.

Abilities & Skills

Savage Bull Fist

Fire Ox teaches and uses Savage Bull Fist, demonstrating at least major mastery during his assessment of Wei Sheng 4 6.

• Uses charging attacks such as Rampaging Ox Charges Across the Wilderness 6.
• Overpowers the unrefined Wei Sheng through superior strength and physique despite Wei Sheng’s more polished technique 6.
• Recognizes Perfection-level mastery after Wei Sheng forces him back with Savage Ox Horn Thrust 6.

Ox Demon Skin Refinement Method

Fire Ox teaches the method through its stance work, Qi-Blood Method, and supporting secret medicine. He explains that Savage Bull Fist is a modified form of its foundational stance exercise 8.

• Demonstrates circulating qi and blood beneath the skin to temper it 8.
• Explains how existing refinement level affects the speed of qi-and-blood condensation 8.
• Possesses skin tough enough that Wei Sheng compares striking him to hitting thick oxhide 6.

Jin Force and Flesh Refinement

Fire Ox can use Jin Force and explains how flesh refinement transforms qi and blood into Bright Force 19 20 43.

• Teaches the compression and repeated tempering involved in producing Bright Force 20.
• Explains the subsequent categories of Dark Force and Transforming Force 20.
• Channels Jin Force through his saber strongly enough to jolt Wei Sheng backward and numb his weapon hand during sparring 43.

Tiger-Howling Saber Technique

Fire Ox knows Black Tiger’s signature saber art and teaches it to Xiao Ran. He later uses it to train and assess Wei Sheng 22 43 48.

• Uses Hungry Tiger Pounces on Its Prey in saber exchanges 43 48.
• Describes his technique as entry-level during an early sparring session 43.
• Is later stated to have reached minor accomplishment through years of daily practice 48.

Combat Experience

Fire Ox earned his Tiger General position through repeated fighting against rival gangs and lineages 29.

• Fights through the Hong Family Guard Team alone to recover Xiao Ran 29.
• Serves as a demanding full-contact sparring partner, leaving Wei Sheng exhausted and covered in wounds 43.
• Acknowledges that lightness arts are not his specialty and recommends White Crane Martial Arts Hall instead 14.

Relationships

• Wei Sheng — Former subordinate and student who becomes a fellow Tiger General. Fire Ox sponsors his early cultivation, and Wei Sheng regards his instruction and gifts as a substantial debt of gratitude 6 30 35.
• Black Tiger — Hall master and superior. Fire Ox obeys him, supports his appointments, and carries him away when he is wounded 9 37 87.
• Violent Bear — Rival Tiger General. Their feud involves territorial losses and attempts to eliminate Fire Ox’s prospective candidates 11 31.
• Xiao Ran — Student and original candidate for the vacant Tiger General position. Fire Ox personally trains him and rescues him after his crippling 19 29.
• Che Zhenzhong — Subordinate and cultivation student who warns Fire Ox about Zhang Yan’s concealed strength 8 10.
• Niu Yong — Subordinate and younger brother-in-law. Niu Yong’s elder sister is Fire Ox’s ninth concubine 8 9.
• Gaoliu Branch Hall members — His followers. He rewards those injured while defending the hall rather than overlooking their contribution 14.