Zhao Tieying

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Zhao Tieying (赵铁鹰)
Alias(es)	“Shadowless Sword” 4 23
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Lin Family Fortress
Occupation/Role	Former Imperial Guard; Lin Family Fortress martial arts instructor, armament instructor, steward, and Lin Zhao’s guardian
Status	Alive; severely injured by Tie Shan but later recovered enough to resume managing fortress affairs 31 34 36
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Peak Martial Master	Ch. 2	After over twenty years cultivating the Lower Grade Eagle Soaring Hard Body Technique, he had reached the peak of Martial Master.
Peak Martial Master, strength declined	Ch. 18	Still capable of fighting, but no longer a match for Instructor Li at his peak.
Cultivation ruined	Ch. 33	Woke from a coma after Tie Shan’s attack and accepted that his cultivation had been ruined.
Ordinary Entering Martial Master	Ch. 36	Recovered part of his strength, though he could not return to his former peak Entering Martial Master condition.

Background / History

Zhao Tieying was an Imperial Guard and northern-frontier veteran. During his service, he killed Tatar cavalrymen with his Iron Shirt technique, while his swordsmanship earned him the moniker “Shadowless Sword.” In one night raid on a Tatar camp, he reportedly killed seven men with his Blue Steel Sword without staining his robes. 1 4

He served under Lin Yuanshan, the “Black Dragon General,” as a trusted subordinate and deputy general. Before his death, Lin Yuanshan entrusted Zhao with the Lin family’s manuals, cultivation notes, fortress, and young heir, Lin Zhao. 1 2 20 22

As Lin Zhao’s guardian, Zhao opened the Lin Family Fortress’s hidden manual chamber, provided the Mystic Dragon Breathing Technique notes, arranged medicinal and dietary support, and managed the estate’s resources so Lin could cultivate. 2 3

Appearance

Zhao Tieying is a graying veteran with a practical military bearing. At his earliest appearance, he was described as around forty, with gray streaks at his temples and a short beard. 1 2

• Faded indigo archery uniform in daily life 1
• Ring-hilted saber or Mystic Iron Saber carried at his waist 1 17
• Fine iron lamellar armor worn in battle 12
• Signature sword engraved with the name Shadowless and decorated with a northern wolf-tail tassel 5
• After Tie Shan’s attack, his hair became whiter, his body gaunt and hunched, and he required support to walk during recovery 33 34

Personality

Zhao Tieying is fiercely loyal to the Lin family and regards Lin Zhao’s safety as his foremost duty. He consistently places the young fortress lord’s life above money, equipment, or political ambitions, urging him to avoid unnecessary danger. 14 20 22

As a teacher, he is demanding but exceptionally patient. He repeatedly demonstrated the Three Talents Slash, corrected Lin Zhao’s stance and breathing in detail, and personally trained the fortress guards. 3 5 30 35

His loyalty also carries a strong sense of responsibility. When a Night Raven Tower spy was discovered among the recruits, Zhao immediately accepted blame for insufficient supervision and offered to accept punishment. 30

Abilities & Skills

Eagle Soaring Hard Body Technique

Zhao Tieying cultivates the Lower Grade Eagle Soaring Hard Body Technique. Though he practiced it for over twenty years and reached the peak Martial Master level, its potential limited his further progress. 2

• Formerly used Iron Shirt techniques to kill Tatar cavalry on the northern frontier. 1
• His Blood Essence declined with age, reducing his food intake and presumably his sustained physical capacity. 29
• His cultivation was severely damaged after Tie Shan inflicted a penetrating abdominal wound. 31 33

Shadowless Swordsmanship

His greatest talent is swordsmanship. Lin Yuanshan considered Zhao’s aptitude with the sword superior to his own, and his “Shadowless Sword” reputation once spread throughout the northern border army. 4

• Defeated Lin Zhao repeatedly in sparring even while suppressing much of his strength. 11
• Guarded Lin Zhao’s flank during the demonic-wolf attack, killing every wolf that tried to ambush him. 11
• Reacted swiftly to and held off the Mystic Ice-powered automaton armor. 13
• His full-power sword attacks could not touch Lin Zhao after Lin had developed the Mystic Wolf Breathing Technique’s movement ability. 24

Three Talents Slash

Zhao learned the Three Talents Slash from a retired swordsman during his Imperial Guard service, then practiced it for more than twenty years. He named it after the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Man. 5

• Mastered Tremor Force after a single practice session. 6
• Reached Entangling Force, the technique’s advanced force application. 5 13
• Demonstrated Tremor Force by splitting a bowl-thick ironwood post into three smooth pieces. 5
• Could cut through two layers of a Martial Master’s cotton armor with full-strength Entangling Force, though he avoided doing so because it damaged his sword. 5
• Used the “Wind Chasing Style” to counter the Silver-Maned Wolf King’s agility. 12

Military Training and Fortress Management

Zhao Tieying handles much of Lin Family Fortress’s practical administration, procurement, security, and military training. 2 3 8

• Organized Lin Zhao’s cultivation supplies through merchant caravans. 2
• Investigated bandit activity and identified the Wild Jackal Gang’s interest in the kidnapped blacksmith Zhang Laochui. 4
• Delivered armor to Northern Garrison City, secured payment, and obtained Pangolin Dragon Essence. 19 22
• Trained fortress soldiers in swordsmanship and paid special attention to Wang Er’s talent for breathing exercises. 30
• Located a source of Crimson Wind Colts through his former subordinates. 31

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Shadowless Sword — His named sword, engraved with “Shadowless” and fitted with a wolf-tail tassel. 5
• Mystic Iron Saber — Carried while serving as Lin Family Fortress’s armament instructor. 17
• Fine Iron Lamellar Armor — Worn against the Silver-Maned Wolf King. 12
• Northern Garrison Scale Armor — Forged for him by Lin Zhao after his recovery. 36

Relationships

• Lin Zhao — His young master, ward, and martial disciple. Zhao was entrusted with Lin Zhao’s care by Lin Yuanshan and manages the fortress while teaching and protecting him. 1 2 3 22
• Lin Yuanshan — Former commander and trusted master. Zhao served under him and was entrusted with the Lin family’s legacy upon his death. 1 2 20
• Zhang Shan — Fortress soldier trained under Zhao’s instruction; eventually developed swordsmanship reminiscent of Zhao’s own manner. 11 35
• Wang Er — Squad Leader whose breathing-exercise talent earned Zhao’s focused instruction. 30
• Tie Shan — Night Raven Tower assassin who abducted and critically wounded Zhao during an attack on Lin Family Fortress. 31 32

Story Role / Major Arcs

Lin Zhao’s Early Mentor

Zhao confirms Lin Zhao’s exceptional archery, reveals the concealed Mystic Dragon Breathing Technique notes, and structures Lin’s early martial training, diet, equipment, and sword practice. 1 2 3 5

Defense of Lin Family Fortress

He investigates the Wild Jackal Gang, leads rescue preparations, and fights beside Lin Zhao against the demonic-wolf pack. He personally confronts the Silver-Maned Wolf King while ordering guards to protect Lin Zhao. 4 11 12

Advisor and External Agent

Zhao conducts armor deliveries and market inquiries in Northern Garrison City, identifies the Night Raven Tower from its Black Raven mask, warns Lin Zhao about Duke Wei’s strength, and uncovers Iron Mask’s likely identity as Wild Jackal Gang lieutenant Diao Kui. 19 22 23

Tie Shan’s Assault and Recovery

Tie Shan infiltrates the fortress disguised as a tenant farmer, subdues Zhao within several moves, and abducts him as a hostage. Zhao survives a penetrating abdominal wound, but his cultivation is ruined; costly medicine and prolonged recuperation eventually restore him to functional fighting condition. 31 32 33 34 36

Notable Quotes

“One practice session.” 6

“Young Master, the martial path requires a balance of tension and relaxation. Don't rush for speed and end up damaging your meridians and foundation.” 5