Editing Xiao Han

{{Era|Individuals|Assassins}}
{{Quote|Fellow brother of the Creed or not... there can be no mercy for anyone who stands in the way of our grand cause.|Xiao Han to Edward Kenway, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 49}}
{{Character Infobox
|name=Xiao Han
|image=ACFT Xiao Han render.png
|species=[[Human]]
|affiliates=[[Assassins]]
*[[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Brotherhood]]
}}
'''Xiao Han''' was the [[Mentor]] of the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Brotherhood]] of [[Assassins]] during the early 18th century. He was also the nephew of [[Sun (Hualien Trading Company)|Sun]], the head of the [[Hualien Trading Company]] in [[Macau]].

During his tenure as Mentor, the Chinese Brotherhood was nearly [[1720s Chinese Assassin purge|wiped out]] by the [[Qing dynasty|Qing Empire]], which was responsible for the persecution of countless {{Wiki|Han Chinese}} people. Seeking to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Brotherhood's former strength, Xiao Han led the search for a [[Southeast Asian Pieces of Eden|set]] of three [[Piece of Eden|Pieces of Eden]] which would allow him to succeed in his goal.

During their quest, Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins [[Liu Qing]] and [[Xue Yan]] allied with the affluential businesswoman [[Lee Huiyin]], who also desired the Pieces' power. However, their efforts were opposed by the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins|British Assassin]] [[Edward Kenway]], who disagreed with the group's plans. Consequently, the Chinese Assassins clashed with Edward and his organization, the [[Zhawang Corporation|Zhang Wei Union]], several times as they both searched for the Pieces across [[Southeast Asia]].

Xiao Han eventually succeeded in securing one of the artifacts—a [[crescent amulet]]—though in doing so he inadvertently killed Edward's companion [[Xialun Qing]], an innocent [[doctor]]. While feeling conflicted about his actions, the Mentor resolved to continue his quest for the other Pieces, being driven by a strong desire to avenge his slain kin, which made him increasingly ruthless.

==Biography==
===Early life===
[[File:ACFT - Young Xiao Han and Sun.png|thumb|200px|A young Xiao Han with his uncle]]
Not much is known about Xiao Han's background other than the fact that he used to be close to his uncle [[Sun (Hualien Trading Company)|Sun]] in his childhood. Unlike Sun, who believed their ancestors' pursuit of noble goals to be the cause of their family's downfall, Xiao Han fully embraced his [[Assassins|Assassin]] heritage,<ref name="FT 38">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 38|Episode 38]]</ref> and rose to become the [[Mentor]] of the [[Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins|Chinese Brotherhood]].<ref name="FT 39">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 39|Episode 39]]</ref> This eventually caused Xiao Han and his uncle to drift apart, as Sun chose to preoccupy himself with his goal of becoming [[Macau]]'s dominant merchant to restore their family's fortune.<ref name="FT 38" />

At one point, Xiao Han rescued an orphaned young girl named [[Xue Yan]], who was being harassed in the streets, and subsequently recruited her into the Brotherhood. Impressed by Xiao Han's bravery and kindness, Xue Yan quickly became one of his most devoted students.<ref name="FT 92">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 92|Episode 92]]</ref>

However, during Xiao Han's tenure as Mentor, the [[Qing dynasty|Qing Empire]] initiated a [[1720s Chinese Assassin purge|purge]] of the Chinese Brotherhood, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Assassins and the destruction of their headquarters. Xiao Han witnessed the attack first-hand and, blaming himself for being unable to prevent it, vowed revenge against the {{Wiki|Manchu people|Manchu}} regime.<ref name="FT 73">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 73|Episode 73]]</ref> He was subsequently aided in his endeavors by [[Liu Qing]] and Xue Yan, who were the only other Chinese Assassins to survive the purge.<ref name="FT 34">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 34|Episode 34]]</ref>

===Meeting with Sun===
{{Quote|How dare you call yourself a descendant of the great master Xiao Yun! You have not only disgraced your homeland... but you have also trampled upon the sacred Creed that has been passed down for generations. It is my duty to execute you in the name of the Assassin Brotherhood.|Xiao Han denouncing Sun, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 34}}
[[File:ACFT - Chinese Assassins being led to Sun.png|left|thumb|220px|Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins being led to Sun]]
In 1725, Xiao Han, accompanied by Liu Qing and Xue Yan, arrived at his uncle's [[Sun's floating gambling hall|floating gambling hall]] in Macau to discuss a [[Isu|Precursor]] [[Temple (Isu)|site]] believed to be located in [[Angkor]]. Sun had gained possession of a [[Hendrik's sea log|sea log]] given to him by the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Shimazu Saito]] which contained the location of the lost city, but the information was encrypted. Xiao Han was shown the log by his uncle and agreed to help decipher it. Soon after, Sun snatched the log and claimed that, by recovering the [[Piece of Eden|treasure]] in Angkor, he would gain them immense wealth.<ref name="FT 34"/>

When Xiao Han asked his uncle what he intended to do with the treasure, Sun explained that he would present it to the [[Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen|Qing Emperor]], expecting to be greatly rewarded in return. He also stated that once the Emperor acknowledged Xiao Han's loyal service to the Qing Empire, he and his Brotherhood would be pardoned for their crimes.<ref name="FT 34"/>

Upon hearing this, Xiao Han used a [[rope dart]] and promptly snatched away the log in Sun's hand. He then angrily reprimanded his uncle for surrendering himself to the Manchu regime, stating he was a disgrace to his homeland for trampling on [[the Creed]] that had been passed down in their family for generations. As his fellow Assassins drew arms, Xiao Han activated his [[Hidden Blade]] and announced that he would kill Sun in the name of the Brotherhood.<ref name="FT 34"/>

===Conflict with Edward Kenway===
{{Dialogue|Edward|The relics of Those Who Came Before are no trinkets to use for your own ends. That goes against everything the Brotherhood believes in. What difference is there between you and the Templars?|Xiao Han|I seek to use the treasure for a noble cause. That's the difference. We have a stolen kingdom to reclaim from the foul grasp of barbaric invaders!|Xiao Han arguing with Edward, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 36}}
[[File:ACFT - Edward stopping Xiao Han from killing Sun.png|thumb|200px|Edward stopping Xiao Han from killing Sun]]
Sun denounced his nephew for betraying him, claiming that Xiao Han would be nothing without his patronage, and ordered his guards to kill him and his fellow Assassins. While Liu Qing and Xue Yan battled Sun's guards, including a number of Saito's [[ninja]] followers, Xiao Han chased after a fleeing Sun and eventually cornered him. However, before he could execute his uncle, he was stopped by the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins|British Assassin]] [[Edward Kenway]]. Unaware of Edward's identity or affiliations, a furious Xiao Han attacked him.<ref name="FT 35">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 35|Episode 35]]</ref>

Learning that Edward sought the sea log in his possession, Xiao Han refused to hand it over and the two Assassins began to duel with their [[sword]]s. After Xiao Han used a rope dart to disarm Edward, the latter lunged at him with his Hidden Blade, prompting Xiao Han to activate his own Hidden Blade and block his attack.<ref name="FT 36">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 36|Episode 36]]</ref>

As the two realized they were both members of the Brotherhood, they stopped fighting and questioned what the other intended to do with Angkor's treasure. Edward jokingly claimed that he only sought an adventure before slamming Xiao Han to the ground, causing him to drop the sea log, which landed near Sun.<ref name="FT 36"/>

[[File:ACFT - Edward and Xiao Han fighting.png|left|thumb|240px|Xiao Han fighting Edward]]
Annoyed by his fellow Assassin's interference with his plans, Xiao Han explained that he would use the Piece of Eden from Angkor to deliver a great boon to the Brotherhood by overthrowing the Qing dynasty. However, Edward remarked that using [[Isu]] technology for personal gain went against everything the Brotherhood stood for, and compared Xiao Han to the [[Templars]].<ref name="FT 36"/>

During Xiao Han and Edward's argument, Sun grabbed the sea log and began to make his escape. Upon seeing this, Xiao Han abandoned Edward and began to chase after his uncle, soon calling upon Liu Qing and Xue Yan to help him recover the log.<ref name="FT 36"/>

Sun ordered his remaining guards to slow down the Assassins, but Xiao Han and his companions easily dispatched them. As Edward caught up with them from behind, Liu Qing and Xue Yan engaged him in combat to buy their Mentor enough time to assassinate Sun and recover the sea log.<ref name="FT 38"/>

[[File:ACFT - Master Sun's death.png|thumb|250px|Xiao Han killing Sun]]
Using a rope dart to stop Sun dead in his tracks, Xiao Han confronted his uncle and began to choke him. Sun tried to plead for his life, but Xiao Han ignored and stabbed him with his Hidden Blade, ending his uncle's life to prevent him from bringing more dishonor upon their ancestors, or himself. He then took the sea log from his body, but it was promptly stolen by Edward.<ref name="FT 38"/>

Xiao Han once again tried to make his "brother from the west" sympathize with his cause, but as Edward refused to allow the Chinese Assassins to use Angkor's treasure for their own gain, the Mentor declared him to be their enemy. Xiao Han was then joined by Liu Qing and Xue Yan as they surrounded Edward, but before anything could happen, they all witnessed the gambling ship being bombarded with [[cannon]] fire by Admiral [[Zheng]].<ref name="FT 38"/> Xiao Han used this distraction to snatch away the sea log from Edward and, after warning him to stay out of their way, left alongside Liu Qing and Xue Yan.<ref name="FT 39"/>

===Alliance with Madam Lee===
{{Dialogue|Lee|Now that Master Sun is gone, all of Macau is in my hands. Why should I let you join our treasure hunt?|Xiao Han|Don't you wish to set the world right again? I know why you forsook your name, Huiyin Li. [''sic'']|Xiao Han trying to convince Lee to ally with him, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 40}}
The following morning, Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan approached Zheng as the admiral and her crew were investigating the wreckage of Sun's gambling ship to confirm his death. Zheng initially aimed her [[Flintlock Pistol|pistol]] at the Assassins, but after Xiao Han revealed that he had acquired the sea log sought by Zheng's patron [[Lee Huiyin]], the admiral agreed to grant them an audience with her.<ref name="FT 39"/>

[[File:ACFT - Xiao Han allies with Lee.png|left|thumb|230px|Xiao Han forming an alliance with Lee]]
Meeting with Lee at the [[Mandarin's House]], Xiao Han proposed an alliance to recover Angkor's treasure, believing that joining forces would allow them to find the artifact much quicker. However, Lee was reluctant to work with another Assassin after how her partnership with Edward had ended.<ref name="FT 40">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 40|Episode 40]]</ref>

Xiao Han explained that, although Edward was an Assassin, he did not understand the Chinese Brotherhood's mission. However, he believed that Lee would be able to sympathize with their cause much easier given her past, as she too had been persecuted by the Qing regime.<ref name="FT 40"/>

As Xiao Han revealed his knowledge of Lee's true name and background, Zheng pointed her pistol at him, but Lee was interested to hear what the Mentor had to say and allowed him to continue speaking. After Xiao Han explained his goal to overthrow the Qing dynasty and end the persecution of the {{Wiki|Han Chinese}} people, Lee agreed to the partnership, but only because she believed it would allow her to gain more power and influence.<ref name="FT 40"/>

===Pursuing the ''Fenghuang''===
{{Quote|Do not be so hard on yourselves. These were no adversaries we faced. It seems our brother from the west is no pushover in terms of skill. But with our sights set on the same destination, our paths are bound to cross eventually. This will not happen again next time.|Xiao Han to his fellow Assassins after their fight with Edward's crew, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 49}}
After learning that Edward and the members of his [[Zhawang Corporation|Zhang Wei Union]] had left Macau to pursue a possible lead to Angkor's location, Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins joined Zheng and her fleet as the admiral pursued the Union's ship, the ''[[Fenghuang]]'', to the [[Philippines]].<ref name="FT 47">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 47|Episode 47]]</ref> After the ''Fenghuang'' sank most of Zheng's fleet, the admiral sailed Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan close to the ship, allowing them to board it using their gliders. They then used their [[Greek fire]] bombs to set the deck on fire and killed many of the ship's crew in the resulting commotion.<ref name="FT 48">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 48|Episode 48]]</ref>

[[File:ACFT - Edward fighting Xiao Han.png|thumb|220px|Xiao Han fighting Edward aboard the ''Fenghuang'']]
During the chaos, the Union's engineer [[Yun Pyeong-Gyu]] realized that water only made the Greek fire burn more fiercely and instructed the crew to use sand to extinguish the flames. Upon spotting Yun, Xiao Hun attempted to kill him as the engineer became frozen in place due to his fear. However, he was stopped by Edward, who engaged the Chinese Mentor in a duel.<ref name="FT 48"/>

After Xiao Han and Edward reached a stalemate, the latter was joined by several crew members who held the Mentor at [[Firearm|gunpoint]]. Upon seeing Xue Yan be defeated by Shimazu Saito and noticing that a storm was approaching, Xiao Han declared that there was no point in continuing the fight and ordered his Assassins to retreat. They all used [[parachute]]s to glide back to Zheng's ship, where Xiao Han asked the admiral if she could resume her pursuit of the ''Fenghuang''.<ref name="FT 49">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 49|Episode 49]]</ref>

Zheng revealed that Edward's crew had sailed into the storm, forcing her to call off the pursuit as she did not want to risk losing her fleet. However, she assured the Assassin that they would eventually catch up to Edward and make him pay for betraying Madam Lee. Liu Qing and Xue Yan then apologized to Xiao Han for their defeat, but the Mentor told them that it was not their fault, as their opponents were stronger than they had anticipated, and that, given their pursuit of the same prize, their paths were bound to cross again.<ref name="FT 49"/>

===Search in the Philippines===
{{Quote|Out destination has not changed. We sail to Cebu. Although... perhaps we will not even need to make it all the way. If we track down the natives who took the artifact of Those Who Came Before... we may be able to secure the artifact before it even reaches Cebu.|Xiao Han explaining his plan to Lee, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 58}}
[[File:ACFT - Lee and Xiao Han in Manila.png|left|thumb|200px|Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins meeting with Lee in Manila]]
Sometime later, Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins accompanied Zheng and Madam Lee to [[Manila]], where a [[1725 Manila riot|riot]] had occurred recently. While Lee met with the Lieutenant {{Wiki|Governor-General of the Philippines|Governor-General}} to secure their passage to the Southern Seas, the Chinese Assassins investigated around the city to uncover details about the riot. They learned that a [[Mad monk|monk]] had used a Piece of Eden—a [[crescent amulet]]—to incite the riot, and that Edward had fought him, but ultimately lost the amulet to members of a native resistance against the [[Spain|Spanish]] colonists.<ref name="FT 58">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 58|Episode 58]]</ref>

Following this, Xiao Han and the others met with Lee and Zheng, where the Mentor informed them of their findings. When Lee questioned what their next move was, Xiao Han claimed that they would travel to [[Cebu]], where another lead to Angkor's location could be found.<ref name="FT 58"/>

However, the Mentor then pointed out that the journey may be unnecessary, as if they managed to intercept the native resistance fighters along the way, they could simply take the Piece of Eden they had stolen. As Lee praised Xiao Han for his cunningness and placed her hand on his shoulder, she told him that he had free reign to do as he pleased.<ref name="FT 58"/>

Thanks to [[Fuma Sukuna]]'s informants, the Chinese Assassins learned that the native resistance had a stronghold on [[Monkey Island]] and went to investigate it. Along the way, Xiao Han and the others watched as Sukuna and his ninja followers laid waste to entire villages, but did nothing to try and stop them. Eventually arriving at the resistance's [[fort]], the Assassins and Sukuna found it in ruins and concluded that the rebels had already left Monkey Island.<ref name="FT 65">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 65|Episode 65]]</ref>

[[File:ACFT - Monkey Island fort ruins.png|thumb|180px|Xiao Han and the others investigating the fort's ruins]]
Xiao Han then decided to follow the resistance to Cebu and left with Liu Qing and Xue Yan while Sukuna and his men stayed behind to take care of the remaining matters on the island. Before rejoining Zheng and her fleet, Xue Yan questioned Xiao Han about their mission's righteousness, as she was uncomfortable with having allowed Sukuna's ninja to slaughter innocent villagers. The Mentor claimed that he took no enjoyment in the trail of blood they had to leave behind, but that their "great cause" required certain sacrifices to be made.<ref name="FT 65"/>

Xue Yan tried to argue back, but was stopped by Liu Qing, who agreed with Xiao Han that they all had to make sacrifices for the greater good. The Assassins then met up with Zheng and boarded her ship, resuming their voyage to Cebu, where they hoped to find both the rebels and the next clue to Angkor's location.<ref name="FT 65"/>

===Confrontation in Cebu===
{{Dialogue|Edward|You might think you have your people's plight in your heart, but the freedom you take by force will only bring rot and ruin to everything you hold dear in the end!|Xiao Han|That is for my brethren and I alone to decide. Your part in our cause is to surrender the artifact and no more...!|Xiao Han and Edward arguing during their fight, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 72}}
As Zheng's fleet approached Cebu, Xiao Han instructed the admiral to wait for his signal to commence her attack. Zheng reassured him that she would do so, and Xiao Han and his fellow Chinese Assassins proceeded to infiltrate the city to look for the crescent amulet. Splitting up, the Mentor headed to [[Fort San Pedro]], where he found that Edward had claimed the amulet after defeating the resistance's leader, [[Rajah]].<ref name="EP 71">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 71|Episode 71]]</ref>

[[File:ACFT - Edward fighting Xiao Han in Cebu.png|left|thumb|190px|Xiao Han fighting Edward in Cebu]]
Promptly killing the defenseless Rajah with a rope dart, Xiao Han revealed himself and confronted Edward, demanding that he hand over the amulet.<ref name="EP 71"/> As Edward refused, the two Assassins fought each other, and Edward was quickly defeated when Xiao Han immobilized him with a rope dart. The Mentor then asked Edward how he could call himself an Assassin when he opposed the Chinese Brotherhood's cause, to which Edward proceeded to call out Xiao Han's own hypocrisy.<ref name="EP 72">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 72|Episode 72]]</ref>

Claiming that Rajah, whose life Xiao Han had just taken, had also fought for his people's freedom, Edward asked the Chinese Mentor if that was the kind of liberty he wanted, before pointing out that freedom taken by force would only end up destroying everything he held dear. However, Xiao Han was unmoved by his words and claimed that his course of action was for him and his brethren alone to decide and that Edward's only part in their cause was to surrender the amulet.<ref name="EP 72"/>

At that moment, Shimazu Saito arrived and loosed an [[arrow]] at the rope dart holding Edward in place, releasing him. As Liu Qing and Xue Yan also came to the fort and joined their Mentor, the Chinese Assassins engaged Edward and Saito in a duel.<ref name="EP 72"/> While Xue Yan fought Saito, Xiao Han and Liu Qing battled Edward, who struggled to keep them at bay.<ref name="FT 73"/>

After Saito was defeated, Edward reluctantly decided to unleash the amulet's powers against his opponents. Gazing into the artifact, Xiao Han found himself back at the Chinese Brotherhood's headquarters, with all of his apprentices still alive and delighted to see him. After the Mentor assumed that the Brotherhood's purge had been just a bad dream, one of the Assassins quickly corrected him and the vision turned into one of hundreds of Assassins lying dead in front of their burning base, much to Xiao Han's horror.<ref name="FT 73"/>

[[File:ACFT - Edward using the amulet.png|thumb|190px|Edward using the amulet against Xiao Han and Liu Qing]]
As the vision came to an end, Xiao Han found that he was unable to control his own body and all he could do was lie on the ground, defeated. Seeing this, Xue Yan rushed to his and Liu Qing's aid, allowing Edward and Saito to escape in a [[Celestial Chariot|strange flying contraption]].<ref name="FT 73"/>

After recovering from the amulet's effects, Xiao Han asked Xue Yan for Edward's whereabouts, to which she informed him of the British Assassin's escape. However, despite the loss of the amulet, their mission was not a complete failure, as Xue Yan had managed to steal a [[Hendrik's sea log|sea log]] from Saito during the fight, providing the Chinese Assassins with the locations of two other Pieces of Eden.<ref name="FT 73"/>

===Showdown in Sulu===
{{Quote|You have no qualms about using the artifact's power, I see! Your hypocrisy is despicable. All that empty talk of a power too great for any man to wield! Was that not the very reason you chose to stand in our way?! What gives you the right to deny us the artifact while taking it for yourself?!|Xiao Han to Edward during their fight, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 91}}
Sometime later, after Fuma Sukuna and his ninja were killed in an ambush by the Zhang Wei Union, Zheng was notified of the ninja's defeat by a note delivered by a [[raven]]. After the admiral informed Xiao Han, Liu Qing, and Xue Yan that the Union had suffered heavy casualties during the battle, the Mentor vowed to eliminate their enemies now when they were at their weakest point. Zheng then set sail for the [[Sultanate of Sulu]], where the Union had traveled to.<ref name="FT 86">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 86|Episode 86]]</ref>

[[File:ACFT - Edward fighting Xiao Han in Sulu.png|left|thumb|210px|Xiao Han dueling Edward]]
In Sulu, the Assassins were dropped off by Zheng near a warehouse where the crescent amulet was stored. Xiao Han ordered Xue Yan to recover the artifact while he and Liu Qing cleared her path by battling the Suluese guards. After Edward stopped Xue Yan, the Mentor intervened and engaged in a duel with the British Assassin, commenting that he was growing weary of their repeated encounters.<ref name="FT 89">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 89|Episode 89]]</ref>

At that moment, the warehouse was partially destroyed by Zheng's cannon fire, as the admiral had decided to hinder the Chinese Assassins' mission as payback for treating her unfairly. Undeterred, Xiao Han ordered Xue Yan to find another way into the building while he resumed his duel against Edward.<ref name="FT 89"/>

After the Zhang Wei Union's [[doctor]] [[Qing Xialun]] retrieved the chest holding the amulet from the warehouse, she was taken hostage by Xue Yan. Seeing this, the Chinese Assassins offered Edward a deal, promising to release Xialun if he allowed them to leave with the amulet. Although Xiao Han hoped to strike down Edward while he was distracted, he changed his mind after taking a look at Xue Yan, who was obviously uncomfortable with the Assassins' plan.<ref name="FT 90">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 90|Episode 90]]</ref>

[[File:ACFT - Edward defeating Xiao Han.png|thumb|180px|Xiao Han pinned down by Edward]]
The Mentor promised that no harm would befall Xialun if Edward gave his word that he would stop interfering with the Chinese Brotherhood's cause. At that moment, however, the beach was struck by cannon fire coming from Zheng's ship, interrupting the negotiations. During the confusion, Xue Yan released Xialun and dropped the amulet's chest, causing the artifact to fall out.<ref name="FT 90"/>

Seeing Edward running towards the amulet, Xiao Han launched a rope dart at him in an attempt to stop him.<ref name="FT 90"/> However, this turned out to be just an illusion, as Edward had already retrieved the artifact and used it to create duplicates of himself. Xiao Han called out Edward's perceived hypocrisy for denying him the amulet's power while having no issue using it himself, and tried to fight the illusions. However, he was quickly overwhelmed and knocked down.<ref name="FT 91">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 91|Episode 91]]</ref>

Before Edward could finish off Xiao Han, he hesitated. Angered by the thought of his opponent showing him mercy, Xiao Han broke free from Edward's grasp and headbutted him, causing him to drop the amulet. Edward's friend [[John Young]] intervened and knocked Xiao Han aside, prompting the Mentor to grab his sword and lunge at him. However, Xialun sacrificed herself to save John and jumped in front of him, taking the blow instead.<ref name="FT 91"/>

This left Xiao Han stunned, but before he could fully process what had just happened, Liu Qing alerted him to the arrival of Suluese reinforcements. After using a rope dart to snatch the amulet, Xiao Han ordered Liu Qing and Xue Yan to retreat and they all fled back to Zheng's ship.<ref name="FT 91"/>

[[File:ACFT - Xue Yan reprimanding Xiao Han.png|left|thumb|190px|Xue Yan reprimanding Xiao Han for breaking the Creed]]
Aboard the vessel, Xiao Han placed the amulet inside a chest to prevent its power from corrupting him. While Zheng set a course out of Sulu to rendezvous with Madam Lee, Xue Yan lashed out at Xiao Han, reprimanding him for murdering Qing, an innocent doctor, in cold blood and questioning if this was the "righteous cause" he had spoken of so much. Furious, Xiao Han grabbed Xue Yan by her collar and told her that she could leave the Brotherhood if her faith in their cause was shaken so easily.<ref name="FT 92"/>

After Xue Yan reminded her Mentor of the day he had first met and rescued her and remarked that he was no longer that same kind man, an ashamed Xiao Han let her go. Liu Qing interjected, telling Xiao Han that, while both he and Xue Yan still believed in his cause, it was possible that their obsession with it had made them lose sight of what had brought them together in the first place. He then suggested discussing the matter on the voyage back home, not as apprentice and Mentor, but as friends.<ref name="FT 92"/>

===Voyage to Đại Việt===
{{Dialogue|Lee|For you... it's not too late. There's still time to turn back—|Xiao Han|I can no more turn back on the path I've taken than turn back time itself. Until all is returned to its rightful place in the natural order... I cannot and shall not rest.|Xiao Han to Madam Lee, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 107}}
Later, aboard Madam Lee's ship, Xiao Han met with the businesswoman in private and showed her the chest containing the crescent amulet. After Lee revealed that her spies had learned that the [[East India Company]] was also searching for the Pieces of Eden, turning their race for the artifacts into a three-way struggle, Xiao Han remarked that eliminating Edward's crew when they had the chance would have made their mission easier.<ref name="FT 96">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 96|Episode 96]]</ref>

[[File:ACFT - Madam Lee revealing her plan.png|thumb|170px|Lee telling Xiao Han about her plan to recover the remaining Pieces of Eden]]
In response, Lee told Xiao Han that he failed to see the bigger picture and that, thanks to his deciphering of [[Hendrik]]'s sea log, they knew the locations of the remaining two Pieces of Eden: [[Myanmar|Burma]] and Angkor. Suspecting that Edward and his companions were already on their way to Burma, Lee revealed her plan to wait for them to recover the [[Lantern (Piece of Eden)|artifact]] hidden there, and snatch it afterwards. Xiao Han then warned Lee that the Pieces were not mere trinkets to be toyed with, and the businesswoman promised to keep that in mind.<ref name="FT 96"/>

When the Mentor questioned what their next move was, Lee revealed that they would be heading to {{Wiki|Indochina}} to find Angkor and recover the [[Lotus disk|artifact]] housed there. With that, she ordered her fleet to sail to [[Vietnam|Đại Việt]] so they could commence their expedition.<ref name="FT 96"/>

During the voyage, Xiao Han and Lee, having grown fond of each other over the past months, began a romantic relationship, spending most of their time in the latter's cabin. One day, after an intimate encounter, Lee decided to ask Xiao Han about his true reason for seeking the Pieces of Eden, pointing out the redundancy of trying to revive the long-collapsed [[Ming dynasty|Ming Empire]].<ref name="FT 107">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 107|Episode 107]]</ref>

After Xiao Han responded that some tasks must be fulfilled regardless of their futility, Lee revealed that she had been listening to him speak in his sleep and that she knew about his nightmares of his Brotherhood's purge. She then correctly deduced that Xiao Han was not driven by a sense of righteousness but by a desire to avenge his fallen comrades, even if it meant going against the Creed.<ref name="FT 107" />

[[File:ACFT - Xiao Han and Lee sleeping together.png|left|thumb|200px|Xiao Han and Lee sleeping together]]
When Xiao Han remained silent, Lee apologized for upsetting him and claimed that Assassins like him and Edward served a nobler purpose and did not pursue their own selfish ambitions, unlike herself. She then remarked that it was not too late for Xiao Han to turn back from his current path, only for the Mentor to suddenly pin Lee down and declare that he would not rest until the world was restored to its natural order.<ref name="FT 107" />

Seeing that she could not change Xiao Han's mind, Lee told him about her intentions to use him and his Brotherhood for her own gain, but promised that, in return, Xiao Han would be able to take anything he desired from her "wretched existence". With that, the two closed in for a kiss and prepared to share another romantic moment.<ref name="FT 107" />

Following their arrival in [[Huế|Phú Xuân]], Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins positioned themselves nearby while Lee met with an official of the [[Nguyễn clan]] at the {{Wiki|Imperial City of Huế|Imperial Palace}}. After Lee proposed an alliance to recover Angkor's Piece of Eden, asserting that its powers could be used to conquer all of Indochina, the official expressed skepticism towards her claims. At that moment, the Assassins made their presence known, leaping down from the palace and landing behind Lee. This intimidated the official and ultimately led him to accept Lee's proposal.<ref name="FT 107" />

==Personality and traits==
{{Quote|So this is the hand of a man who killed an innocent doctor... the same hand that once rescued a poor young girl from the miserable life of an outcast. Tell me, master... does this hand still belong to the same man?|Xue Yan to Xiao Han, on his change of character, 1725.|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple|Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 92}}
[[File:ACFT - Chinese Brotherhood purge.png|thumb|180px|Xiao Han witnessing the Chinese Brotherhood's purge]]
According to Xue Yan, Xiao Han was once a much kinder and gentler man, dedicating his life to fighting oppression and rescuing people who could not defend themselves.<ref name="FT 92"/> However, following the Qing Empire's purge of the Chinese Brotherhood, Xiao Han became more stoic and ruthless and made it his personal mission to overthrow the Qing and establish a new dynasty in China, under which the Brotherhood could thrive again. This was partially because the Mentor blamed himself for his failure to prevent the purge and was haunted by the deaths of his students,<ref name="FT 73"/> having recurring nightmares where he would recall the names of each slain Assassin.<ref name="FT 107" />

Xiao Han despised the Manchus for their treatment of the Han people like himself, referring to them as "barbaric invaders" on multiple occasions,<ref name="FT 34"/><ref name="FT 36"/> and believed that removing them from power would benefit not just the Assassins, but all of the Han people.<ref name="FT 40">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 40|Episode 40]]</ref> This led him to seek the power of the Pieces of Eden, a quest which brought him into conflict with Edward Kenway, who compared Xiao Han to the Templars due to their similar desire to exploit the artifacts rather than safeguard them.<ref name="FT 36"/>

Entirely focused on his mission, Xiao Han refused to allow anyone to prevent him from accomplishing it, be it his own uncle Sun, or his "brother from the west" Edward. He denounced Sun for surrendering himself to the Manchu regime and eventually killed him,<ref name="FT 38"/> believing that his uncle was a disgrace not just to their bloodline, but also to [[the Creed]].<ref name="FT 34"/> Similarly, after Edward interfered with his plans, Xiao Han branded him an enemy of the Chinese Brotherhood,<ref name="FT 38"/> and warned him to stay out of their way or else he would face the "wrath of their blades".<ref name="FT 39"/>

[[File:ACFT - Xiao Han attempting to kill Yun.png|left|thumb|200px|Xiao Han attempting to kill Yun Pyeong-Gyu]]
Xiao Han's determination to succeed in his goals went so far that he was willing to eliminate anyone he perceived as an obstacle. During his boarding of the ''Fenghuang'', he ruthlessly killed many of the ship's crew and almost executed Yun Pyeong-Gyu, who was unarmed and begging for mercy.<ref name="FT 48"/> He also took no issue with allowing others to slaughter innocents, believing that as long as it was not him who had committed the act, he was absolved of any guilt.<ref name="FT 65"/>

That being said, Xiao Han was not completely unreasonable, as when Liu Qing and Xue Yan apologized to him for their defeat by Edward's crew, the Mentor told them not to be so hard on themselves. He claimed that it was not their fault as their opponents were much stronger than they had anticipated, and that they would have their chance to exact retribution when their paths crossed again.<ref name="FT 49"/>

In time, Xiao Han grew weary of Edward's continued opposition to his cause and sought to eliminate him and his allies.<ref name="FT 89"/> During their confrontation in Sulu, Xiao Han, in the heat of battle, unintentionally struck Edward's companion Qing Xialun, an innocent doctor.<ref name="FT 91"/> For this act, he was later reprimanded by Xue Yan, who finally saw that her Mentor was no longer the same kind man who had once rescued her from the life of an outcast. Although Xiao Han lashed out at her in response, deep inside he agreed with her words, as his murder of an innocent person left him obviously conflicted.<ref name="FT 92"/>

However, this event did little to diminish Xiao Han's determination to complete his mission, as the Mentor believed that it was his duty to avenge his slain kin and restore order to the world. Madam Lee took notice of this determination and used it to manipulate Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins into helping her further her own ambitions.<ref name="FT 107" />

===Skills and equipment===
[[File:ACFT - Xiao Han using the rope dart.png|thumb|170px|Xiao Han using the rope dart]]
Xiao Han was a skilled swordsman, easily dispatching a number of Sun's guards aboard his gambling ship and holding his own against Edward Kenway, a powerful warrior in his own right. He had also mastered the use of the [[rope dart]], which he wielded effectively in battle to disarm or impale his enemies,<ref name="FT 36"/> and outside of combat to snatch away items from a target's hand<ref name="FT 34"/><ref name="FT 39"/> or immobilize a fleeing target.<ref name="FT 38"/> Unlike most contemporary Assassins, Xiao Han utilized only one Hidden Blade, which he wore underneath his left arm.<ref name="FT 34"/>

During their journey to the Philippines, Xiao Han and his fellow Chinese Assassins sported gliders and [[parachute]]s which allowed them to fly for short distances. They also carried [[Greek fire]] bombs, which created a thick smoke upon detonation and flames that could not be extinguished with water.<ref name="FT 48"/>
{{-}}

==Behind the scenes==
Xiao Han is a character introduced in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'', a graphic novel originally written in Korean. His name in Korean is given as Sy-o Han (샤오 한), but it is translated as Xiao Han in the English edition published by Webtoons. In Episode 34, he implies that both he and his uncle Sun are descended from an Assassin named Sy-o Yun (샤오 윤), translated as Xiao Yun in the English publication. This ancestor is likely intended to be [[Shao Jun]], whose name in official East Asian translations of ''Assassin's Creed'' media is often rendered as Shao Yun because it was mispronounced in her debut in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]''. If so, this would also mean that, although Xiao (蕭) is also a real Chinese surname, it is a mistranslation of the name intended by Sy-o (샤오). This is reinforced by the Chinese edition published by Bilibili Comics, which translates Sy-o Han (샤오 한) to Shao Han (少寒). 少 is Shao Jun's surname and means 'little' or 'young', and Han (寒) means 'frigid'. 샤오 (Sy-o) itself is an erroneous Korean translation of both Shao and Xiao since the translingual nature of these names means that they have 1:1 conversions into Korean, as [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E5%B0%91#Korean So] and also [https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E8%95%AD#Korean So].

==Gallery==
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
ACFT - Xiao Han flashback.png|Xiao Han prior to the Chinese Brotherhood's purge
ACFT Xiao Han closeup.png|Close-up of Xiao Han's face
ACFT Xiao Han.png|Xiao Han with his fellow Assassins
ACFT - Xiao Han reading the sea log.png|Xiao Han reading Hendrik's sea log
ACFT - Edward facing Xiao Han.png|Xiao Han facing Edward
ACFT - Sun running away.png|Xiao Han chasing after Sun
ACFT - Monkey Island ablaze.png|Xiao Han and his fellow Assassins departing Monkey Island
ACFT - Xiao Han fighting illusions.png|Xiao Han fighting illusions of Edward
ACFT - Qing's sacrifice.png|Xiao Han inadvertently killing Xialun Qing
ACFT - Xiao Han holding the amulet.png|Xiao Han holding the crescent amulet
ACFT - Xiao Han Hidden Blade.png|Xiao Han's Hidden Blade
ACFT - Xiao Han in a robe.png|Xiao Han wearing a bathrobe
ACFT - Xiao Han and Lee getting intimate.png|Xiao Han and Madam Lee sharing an intimate moment
</gallery>

==Appearances==
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]''

==References==
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[[Category:Individuals]]
[[Category:Han Chinese]]
[[Category:Qing people]]
[[Category:Assassins]]
[[Category:Chinese Assassins]]
[[Category:Mentors]]
[[Category:Individuals who held Pieces of Eden]]