Fang Ming

Biodata

Background / History

Fang Ming was one of the two established Commanders in Luoshui City’s West District when Shen Qing arrived as Acting Centurion. Unlike Ma Kui, who openly resented Shen Qing’s appointment, Fang Ming remained quiet and chose to assess the newcomer before acting. He considered serving Shen Qing if the new Centurion had genuine backing and prospects for advancement, viewing Ma Kui’s immediate confrontation as the worst possible response. 25

After Shen Qing took control of the Hundred Households Office, Fang Ming accepted his authority and became a regular source of local intelligence. He explained the ancient-tomb dispute at Bailu Marsh and cautioned that the Imperial Guards could not openly interfere in a matter internal to the martial world. 26

During the hunt for the rogue cultivator Sun Yun, Fang Ming coordinated reports delivered by carrier pigeon and relayed the movements of the Yellow Sand Gang and Black Water Gang to Shen Qing. 27 He later recognized Sun Yun from a wanted poster as the notorious “Cloud-Piercing Hand,” identifying the capture as a major contribution. 29

Fang Ming discovered the bodies of Black Water Gang experts Liu Siyu and Peng Chun after they infiltrated the Hundred Households Office. Though shaken by the presence of two headless Xiantian Realm cultivators, he immediately obeyed Shen Qing’s order to release the Silver Crows and prevent messages from leaving Luoshui City. 31

Ma Kui intended to ambush Fang Ming while he supposedly escorted Sun Yun, but Shen Qing replaced Fang Ming on the mission and used the situation to expose Ma Kui’s attempted murder. 33 34

Personality

Fang Ming is cautious, practical, and politically aware. Before meeting Shen Qing, he deliberately avoided provoking an unfamiliar superior and considered the possible benefits of supporting him, in direct contrast to Ma Kui’s impulsiveness. 25

He is attentive to information and recognizes opportunities for merit, as shown by his identification of Sun Yun and his enthusiasm over the associated reward. 29 Fang Ming remains visibly awed by Shen Qing’s strength, particularly after witnessing the deaths of Liu Siyu and Peng Chun and later seeing Shen Qing stand on a piece of tofu without crushing it. 31 49

Duties and Skills

Intelligence and local knowledge

Fang Ming provides Shen Qing with intelligence on Luoshui City’s martial world and criminal activity.

• Explained the circumstances surrounding the ancient tomb at Bailu Marsh and the rogue cultivator who escaped into Luoshui City with its most valuable treasure. 26
• Received and relayed surveillance reports on martial sect movements during the search for Sun Yun. 27
• Identified Sun Yun as the wanted thief known as the Cloud-Piercing Hand after recognizing him from a wanted poster. 29

Command and enforcement

Fang Ming directs Imperial Guard personnel in operations ordered by Shen Qing.

• Carried out the release of Silver Crows to block carrier pigeons after the Black Water Gang’s infiltration. 31
• Helped oversee the mass arrest operation against Japanese pirates and their collaborators, directing prisoners to be preserved for interrogation where possible. 41
• Was assigned to lead ten men under his command when Ding Yi temporarily became a Lieutenant Official. 40

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Saber — Fang Ming carries a saber while serving at the Hundred Households Office. 49
• Silver Crows — Released under Shen Qing’s order to intercept carrier pigeons attempting to leave Luoshui City. 31

Relationships

• Shen Qing — His superior after Shen Qing assumes control of the Luoshui City Hundred Households Office. Fang Ming provides intelligence, follows operational orders, and increasingly fears and admires Shen Qing’s strength. 25 26 31 49
• Ma Kui — Fellow Commander and contrasting counterpart. Fang Ming considers Ma Kui reckless for challenging Shen Qing without understanding his background; Ma Kui later plans to kill Fang Ming during Sun Yun’s escort. 25 33
• Scholar — Collaborates with him during the ancient-tomb affair: Fang Ming provides the initial information, while Scholar develops the plan to exploit the sect conflict. 26
• Sun Yun — Fang Ming identifies him as the wanted “Cloud-Piercing Hand” and treats his capture as a significant achievement for Shen Qing. 29
• Zhang Shan — Coordinates with him during the Japanese-pirate arrests and joins him in rushing to support Shen Qing at White Cherry Villa. 41
• Ding Yi — Oversees Ding Yi’s temporary assignment as a Lieutenant Official with ten men. 40

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Shen Qing’s arrival in Luoshui City — Chooses patience over Ma Kui’s open defiance and submits to Shen Qing’s leadership after the new Acting Centurion demonstrates overwhelming power. 25
• Ancient Tomb conflict — Supplies intelligence on Bailu Marsh and assists Shen Qing’s surveillance of the competing martial factions. 26 27
• Capture of Sun Yun — Recognizes the rogue cultivator’s true identity and helps establish the value of the arrest. 29
• Black Water Gang infiltration — Learns of Shen Qing’s silent execution of Liu Siyu and Peng Chun, then deploys Silver Crows to seal Luoshui City’s communications. 31
• Ma Kui’s rebellion — Is intended to be Ma Kui’s target during the prisoner escort, but Shen Qing takes his place and eliminates Ma Kui. 33 34
• Japanese pirate operation — Participates in Shen Qing’s citywide arrests and joins Zhang Shan in attempting to reinforce Shen Qing at White Cherry Villa. 40 41
• Jinwu Guard visit — Reports the arrival of two Jinwu Guards seeking Shen Qing. 49

Notable Quotes

“Fang Ming, sit down. I have something to say.” — Shen Qing, establishing Fang Ming’s place in the new command structure. 25

“Sir, sir, I finally found you. There’s new information.” 29