A scruffy man with his wild hair pulled back in a loose topknot, wearing simple peasant garb but with a saber and double-stick in his belt and a crossbow slung across his back. The brand of a criminal is on his cheek, but his beard partially obscures it.

Zhao Xiu has been given the martial arts name Spitting Tiger for his disdain for authorities and willingness to stand up to abusive guards, inspectors, or magistrates. He values honesty and integrity, at least towards the commoners. Towards the bureaucracy, anything goes.