Xia

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Xia is literally means "honorable" or "chivalrous". A martial art fighter or pugilist in Jiang Hu who follows the code of Xia is often referred to as a Xiake (俠客, lit: "follower of Xia") or Yóuxiá (游俠, "wandering Xia"). In some translated works of Wuxia, the pugilist is sometimes termed as a "swordsman" although he or she may not necessarily wield a sword. Other variety of translations of the word Xia include hero, adventurer, soldier of fortune, warrior, or knight-errant.

The hero or heroine keeps his or her honor by upholding justice and helping the poor. He or she typically has profound martial arts abilities that are used not just for personal gain, but exerted to achieve the greater good. They don't hesitate to use their martial art skills in the defense of their beliefs. Building up a reputation for remarkable deeds usually linked to a descriptive nickname for the hero or heroine. What set Xia apart from other hero or heroine with fighting skills had to do with their ideology and code of conduct.

The virtues in the code of Xia are composed of Yi (義), which means "righteousness", and Xin (信), which means "honor". The code also emphasizes the importance of repaying benefactors after having received deeds of grace (恩) or favor from others, as well as seeking vengeance (仇) to bring villains to justice. Unvarying adherence of the hero or heroine's words follow Xia tradition of antiquity, it's inviolable. His or her reputation is more important than life itself. The heroes and heroines have strong ties to friends, associates, and often reinforced by oaths of brotherhood.

8 common attributes of Xia:

  • Altruism
  • Justice
  • Individualism
  • Loyalty
  • Courage
  • Truthfulness
  • Disregard for wealth
  • Disregard desire for glory