@Kukuto
Yeap I dont think he ever won XL in a fight. In fact he was nearly killed at the point where the fox tail souvenir from kiddo XY popped out and WXL recognized who Xuan laoban really was. It took such great odds as you said, at the last battle to eventually kill our dear XL.. 100K Xuan Yuan soldiers against 1K Sheng Nong soldiers. I believe XL could have easily found a way to live if he was less stubborn about dying with his comrades, and maybe if XY did choose him.
In season 2, im gonna be so sad that CX is the cause of XL's death. Though I cannot say I blame him entirely, as he did give XL many chances to surrender. Our general is just so stubborn x 9heads. TJC said that XL is the kind where '十头牛都拉不回' - even 10 bulls cannot pull him back / cannot change his mind once he is set on something'
"I think Tan Jian Ci pulled it off because he believes in practice, practice, practice, and his dance background. One thing I love about his dancing is how he acts the story of the dance. And film fighting is basically dancing. "
Oh yes his strong dance background definitely helped I think. Plus his mentality of trying his best to portray the character to the best of his ability. Like many others, I admire TJC a lot for his work ethics and talent. This sets him apart from many other idols I used to like - they now pale in comparison to him teehee.
Edit to add the interview where TJC said XL is the type of person 十头牛都拉不回 =.=
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Nj411B7u6/