Hua Xiong is a formidable general under Dong Zhuo in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. During the coalition campaign against Dong Zhuo, he defends Sishui Pass and quickly establishes himself as a dangerous opponent by defeating a succession of coalition officers.
As the allied lords struggle against the pass, Hua Xiong kills or drives back several challengers, leaving the coalition increasingly alarmed. At this moment Guan Yu, still relatively unknown among the assembled warlords, volunteers to face him.
Cao Cao pours Guan Yu a cup of warm wine, but Guan Yu says he will drink it after killing Hua Xiong. He rides out with his blade and soon returns carrying Hua Xiong’s head, while the wine is said to remain warm. The scene becomes the celebrated episode known as “Slaying Hua Xiong Before the Wine Cools.”
Hua Xiong’s importance lies partly in the reputation he establishes immediately before his death. By presenting him as a fearsome defender whom other warriors cannot overcome, the novel turns Guan Yu’s swift victory into one of the first great demonstrations of his martial power.
