Lu Ming

Biodata

Background / History

Lu Ming grew up in Qingshan Village with his older brother Lu Chen and younger sister Lu Tang. His grandparents and another brother died in an epidemic when he was five, his father died when he was eight, and his mother died when he was twelve. Before her death, his mother taught him some written characters 1 7 9.

After Li Feng severely beat Lu Chen, Lu Ming and Lu Tang cared for him while fearing they would lose him too. The family had little food or money; Lu Ming cooked, tended the field and set a fish trap to help support them 1 2.

When the Green Bamboo Gang threatened the family over a fabricated debt, Lu Ming proposed killing the men to protect their home and sister. Lu Chen warned him about the consequences and urged him to keep training instead 5 7.

Lu Ming later attended Lu Chen’s village classes and began learning martial arts from him. When Lu Chen suspected a powerful watcher was observing him, he arranged for Second Grandfather Lu Wei to look after Lu Ming and Lu Tang before leaving the village 8 33 36.

Appearance

Lu Ming was described as small and skinny during the family’s period of poverty and malnutrition 6 15.

Personality

Lu Ming is protective of his siblings and eager to ease Lu Chen’s burden. He wanted to learn hunting skills so Lu Tang could eat better and Lu Chen would not have to work as hard 4 7.

Repeated family losses made him increasingly quiet. He trains stubbornly, sometimes concealing his fatigue or pain, and is willing to contemplate violence against those who threaten his family 4 7.

Abilities & Skills

Stone Throwing

Lu Chen taught Lu Ming to throw stones, initially emphasizing accuracy over force 4.

• He knocked over a wooden stake during practice, although he trained hard enough to make his arm sore 4.
• He later reported hitting his target five or six times out of ten and asked Lu Chen for further instruction 7.
• He carried stones while traveling and handed some to Lu Chen when Qian Gui confronted them 20.

Martial Arts Training

Lu Ming asked Lu Chen to teach him after watching him practice several cultivation methods 33.

• On Lu Chen’s advice, he began with Linked Pearl Archery and Eight-Direction Footwork, described as suitable for beginners.
• Lu Chen instructed him to take Lu Tang through the two methods as well 33.

Literacy

Lu Ming learned some characters from his mother before joining Lu Chen’s village classes. Lu Chen later had him lead the class in reading aloud 9 34.

Equipment / Items

• Dagger — A gift from Lu Chen, who warned him to handle it carefully 16.
• Stones — Carried for throwing practice and available to Lu Chen during their encounter with Qian Gui 20.
• Study supplies — Brushes, ink, paper and inkstones bought by Lu Chen for him and Lu Tang 16.

Relationships

• Lu Chen — Older brother and teacher. Lu Ming cares deeply about him, trains under him and wants to become strong enough to help protect the family 1 4 7 33.
• Lu Tang — Younger sister. Lu Ming works to provide for her and tries to lead her away from danger when Qian Gui’s men confront them 2 4 20.
• Lu Hai — Father and former hunter. His example inspired Lu Ming’s interest in hunting; he died in a mountain accident when Lu Ming was eight 1 4 7.
• Luo Qingyi — Mother, who taught Lu Ming some written characters before dying from illness after overworking to support the family 1 9.
• Lu Wei — Second Grandfather, who brought the siblings food and offered the family help 6.