Lu Chen

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Lu Chen (陆沉)
Alias(es)	Heartless Blade; Golden Swordsman; Blade Emperor (a title he rejects) 30 242 387
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Sky Sword Sect; Great Yu Dynasty's Pacification Bureau 103 143
Occupation/Role	Cultivator; disciple of Dugu Wudi; Chief Director of the Pacification Bureau 33 103 143
Status	Active 391
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
First Rank	6	Reaches First Rank after perfecting Galloping Horse Fist and Crimson Sand Palm through Merit Points.
Second Rank	10	Advances after improving multiple martial arts.
Third Rank	16	Enters Third Rank after fusing several perfected martial arts into the Four Absolute Skills.
Fifth Rank	31	Reaches Fifth Rank after perfecting Azure Wave Art and Grass Treading Flight.
Sixth Rank	40	Advances Nine Heavens Art with Merit Points.
Seventh Rank	40	Immediately makes a second breakthrough through the same cultivation art.
Eighth Rank	44	Raises Nine Heavens Art to the fifth level and unlocks the Imperial Sword Physique.
Ninth Rank	50	Recorded at Ninth Rank with Nine Heavens Art at its sixth level.
Physical Body Hidden Realm, Second Level	86	Revealed while slaughtering Ouyang Feiying's attackers.
Physical Body Hidden Realm, Third Level	88	Achieved through further refinement of the Profound Ice Hell Sutra.
Physical Body Hidden Realm, Sixth Level	92	Breaks through three minor levels in succession using 7,000 Merit Points.
True Qi Hidden Realm, First Level	116	Converts Internal Energy into True Qi and opens the first True Qi gate.
True Qi Hidden Realm, Second Level	127	Advances Mixed Origin Qi Art and opens the second stage.
True Qi Hidden Realm, Eighth Level	96	Absorbs energy in the Celestial Pool and rises five minor realms at once.
Spirit Hidden Realm, Second Level	148	Opens the second Spirit Hidden gate within a day.
Spirit Hidden Realm, Fourth Level	156	Kills Helian Tu with one strike after entering the Azure Void Ancient Land.
Spirit Hidden Realm, Sixth Level	161	Uses Merit Points to raise Myriad Swords Contemplate the World and open two further gates.
Spirit Hidden Realm, Ninth Level	169	Perfects spiritual power through Myriad Swords Contemplate the World.
Grandmaster	169	Merges the completed Physical Body, True Qi, and Spirit Hidden Realms.
Golden Body Realm, Second Level	195	Achieves a breakthrough during his clash with Zhao Jiuxiao.
Golden Body Realm, Third–Fifth Levels	102	Absorbs the three usable layers of the Star Tear in succession.
Golden Body Realm, Eighth Level	211	Breaks through under pressure before using the third form of Sword Draw Slay Heavens Art.
Dharma Aspect Realm, Third Level	260	Has reached the third level while preparing to confront the Demon Race.
Dharma Aspect Realm, Fifth Level	267	Advances two realms consecutively through Merit Points.
Dharma Aspect Realm, Seventh Level	279	Gains enlightenment while observing the Azure Dragon and Moon Clan Old Ancestor's battle.
Dharma Aspect Realm, Eighth Level	284	Comprehends the Sword Heart.
Dharma Aspect Realm, Ninth Level	295	Reaches the realm's ninth stage; his Tenfold Combat Power raises his combat ability to Demigod level.
True God, Fifth Level	320	Consumes five million Merit Points to advance his Divine Spark.
Ruler Realm, Third Layer	381	Escapes the Chaos World-Destroying Great Array while pursued by Chaos Kings.
Divine Emperor Realm, Ninth Level	391	Enters the Chaos Battlefield after reaching the ninth level.

Background / History

Lu Chen is a transmigrator who awakens in the abused body of a fifteen-year-old boy. His parents had died, leaving him under the control of his elder brother Lu Dahu and sister-in-law Wang Cuilian; after being beaten and abandoned in a pigsty, he kills Lu Dahu in self-defense. The Merit System activates immediately afterward, heals his injuries, grants the Might Makes Right talent, and allows him to improve martial arts with Merit Points 1.

After killing Wang Cuilian, Lu Chen finds his childhood friend Zhao Shan mutilated and enslaved by beggars. He commits himself to avenging both Zhao Shan and himself against the people who exploited them, beginning a campaign of violent retribution that earns him Merit Points and notoriety 2 8.

He rapidly rises through the Qilin Rankings, first appearing in the top hundred after only four days of martial training. His reputation as the Heartless Blade is cemented through his attacks on the Blood Offering Sect, the Ye Family, the Evergreen Sect, and other forces that threaten him or his allies 30 58 102.

Breeze Swordmaster recognizes Lu Chen as his junior brother before formally introducing him to Dugu Wudi. Lu Chen then enters the Sky Sword Sect, becomes Dugu Wudi's disciple, and gains access to its cultivation sites, inheritance, and sword arts 80 103.

Appearance

Lu Chen is repeatedly depicted in black robes with black hair, a tall and straight frame, and a stern expression. When he reveals his full power, his eyes are described as abyss-like and his presence as oppressive enough to immobilize weaker cultivators 194 317.

• Carries a long saber and a sword, reflecting his dual blade-and-sword path 215.
• His Crimson Softsword has grown alongside his Sword Intent and is connected to him spiritually 103.
• High-level Sword Intent can make nearby metal essence converge toward his sword 185.
• His Golden Sword Qi is distinctive enough for Chaos Beasts and Three-Faced Beings to identify him as the “Golden Swordsman” 387.

Personality

Lu Chen is decisive, confrontational, and intensely self-assured. He refuses coercion, rejects the Han Clan's demand that he marry into their family, and rejects the Sect Leader's proposal when she cannot guarantee the safety of those connected to him 215 295.

He is ruthless toward enemies, especially those who harm innocents or target his allies. He treats hostile cultivators, Demonic Fiends, and human traitors alike as sources of Merit Points, but he also protects people such as Zhao Shan, Qing Lian, Qiqi, and the victims of outer-realm invaders 2 252 287 325.

His arrogance is backed by repeated displays of overwhelming strength. Though warned that blade and sword paths cannot both be taken to their peak, he insists that he can master both 80.

Abilities & Skills

Merit System

The Merit System rewards Lu Chen for punishing evildoers, protecting others, and resolving conflicts. It can heal him, record techniques after observation, improve cultivation, unlock talents, and refine martial arts with Merit Points 1 17 21.

• Perfected Galloping Horse Fist, Crimson Sand Palm, Tiger Claw Skill, and Swallow Chasing Wind Saber almost instantly through Merit Point expenditure 6 14.
• Learns martial arts after hearing them recited once, including the Layered Wave Saber Technique and Grass Treading Flight 18.
• Can force rapid realm breakthroughs, including the merger of all three Hidden Realms into Grandmaster 169.
• His later campaigns against outer-realm forces yield Merit Points on a massive scale; one campaign raises his total to fourteen million 296.

Blade and Sword Mastery

Lu Chen practices both saber and sword despite their being considered incompatible paths. He develops high-level Blade Intent and Sword Intent, later proving capable of defeating experts from both the Blade World and Sword World 103 230.

• Achieves Level Two Sword Intent after comprehending a Sword Tablet 63.
• Masters Level Two Blade Intent and formally enters the Sky Sword Sect with both paths established 103.
• Reaches Level Three Sword Intent after studying the Sword Heart Source Diagram 105.
• Displays Level Four Sword Intent after perfecting the first stage of Sword Draw Slay Heavens Art 40.
• Cultivates Level Five Sword Intent in the Sword World and Level Five Blade Intent in the real world 230 242.
• His Level Five Blade Intent can remain inside a target, continue damaging them, and guide him during pursuit 242.

Sword Draw Slay Heavens Art

A central sword technique capable of cutting tangible objects, destroying attacks, and overcoming powerful opponents.

• Its perfected first stage, See Mountain, Is Mountain, can “slash apart all tangible things” 40.
• The third form destroys a Demon King's claw and allows dozens of people to escape 211.
• Lu Chen uses it to erase combined killing techniques and forbidden artifacts wielded by multiple True God-level opponents 317.
• Higher forms require greater cultivation; the second style cannot be unlocked until the ninth level of Grandmaster 40.

Sword Dao Divine Abilities

Lu Chen acquires four ultimate Sword Dao techniques attributed to the Sword God 247.

• Heavenly Will Sword — the only one he can initially use; requires at least early Dharma Aspect cultivation 247.
• Returning Light Flowing Sword — reflects an opponent's attack; Lu Chen uses it against Chu Yunxiao's black moon wheel 302.
• Years Sword Song — requires Demigod-level cultivation to execute safely 247.
• Supreme Ruthlessness — annihilates emotion and desire to create a single, absolute sword strike; also used to block the Sword Marquis's Six Paths Reincarnation Slash 247 325.

Sword Heart

Lu Chen comprehends the Sword Heart after reaching the Dharma Aspect Realm 284.

• Enables him to understand martial arts through observation and generate sword techniques by analogy 284.
• Allows Sword Qi to act like a living entity within another person's body 284.
• Reaches Level Three Sword Heart after perfecting the Sword of Judgment and Sword of Vigilance Divine Abilities 350.

Tenfold Combat Power and Undying Overlord Body

Lu Chen possesses several body-strengthening and combat-amplification talents.

• Undying Overlord Body grants rapid healing and a temporary tenfold increase in strength 75.
• He can burn his body for extreme speed while simultaneously healing, allowing him to escape Chaos Kings 381.
• His Tenfold Combat Power raises his combat strength far beyond his actual cultivation; at Dharma Aspect ninth level, he considers himself capable of confronting Demigods 132 295.

Lord of the Netherworld

Unlocked after Lu Chen's reputation reaches the “Renowned Through the Ages” stage, this talent allows him to command souls 260.

• Powerhouses killed by Lu Chen can become his loyal servants 260.
• Yun Potian and the Sword Marquis pledge themselves to him as servants 22.
• Xie Beichen later serves him with unwavering obedience and teaches him the Star River Sword Art 321.

Karma and Soul Techniques

Lu Chen uses Karma-based methods to trace, sever, and conceal connections.

• Successfully erases his Karma from the Heaven's Secret Mirror, though the thread remains connected to him 195.
• Severs Yue Wuxia's Karma after killing her, preventing easy identification of her killer 222 231.
• Uses Mental Backlash to reflect a Dao Protector's mental attack 137.
• His Soul Rebound talent is awarded after he becomes “Famous Throughout The World” 127.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Crimson Softsword — Lu Chen's original sword; it grows stronger through exposure to his Sword Intent 103.
• Black Blade — used against Zhao Jiuxiao during Lu Chen's battle within Xuantian Gate 195.
• Hell Demon Sword — used to slaughter invading outer-realm enemies and the Heavenly Machine Divine Race 296.
• Space Ring — gifted by the Third Generation Ancestor; contains a skeletal Dharma Body 245.
• Skeletal Dharma Body — a refined body Lu Chen uses to act in spiritual environments 245.
• Star Tear — a three-use treasure that advances him from Golden Body's second level to its fifth 102.
• Red Orb — an artifact whose fragrance attracts vast numbers of demonic beasts in the Azure Void Ancient Land 161.
• Fountain of Life — used to restore his power and strengthen himself; he also gives some to Zhao Xuantian and Breeze Swordmaster 68 222 269.

Relationships

• Dugu Wudi — Master and Sky Sword Sect Leader; formally accepts Lu Chen as a disciple and grants him access to sect resources 103.
• Breeze Swordmaster — Senior brother; supports Lu Chen, protects him during his rise, and assists him against powerful enemies 80 149.
• Qing Lian — Junior sister; initially hostile and arrogant, but becomes fearful and obedient after Lu Chen repeatedly defeats her. Lu Chen later gives her Purple Dragon Grass and divine herbs 104 211 339.
• Zhao Shan — Childhood friend; Lu Chen vows vengeance after finding him tortured, blinded in one eye, and disabled 2.
• Su Yingxue — Senior sister from Azure Wave Martial Hall; teaches Lu Chen Azure Wave Art and several martial arts, and her abduction drives him to attack the Evergreen Sect 17 83.
• Cui Hu — Ally and protector who repeatedly worries for Lu Chen's safety while supporting his decisions 86 92.
• Huangfu Yun — Former opponent who becomes an ally and seeks to become Lu Chen's sworn brother 92 107.
• Zhao Xuantian — Great Yu royal ancestor and political ally; appoints Lu Chen to lead the Pacification Bureau 143.
• Miao Wu Fa — Space-Time Divine Clan member; cooperates with Lu Chen and helps open a Gate of Time and Space for his campaign against outer-realm enemies 267 295.
• Yun Potian — Loyal servant who pledges himself to Lu Chen alongside the Sword Marquis 22.
• Sword Marquis — Loyal servant; follows Lu Chen beyond the Star Chain and assists him in confronting Leng Wuji 22.
• Qiqi — Young True Dragon who follows Lu Chen and publicly recognizes him as her master 325.
• Han Qingyue — Ancient Clan prodigy whose hostile rivalry with Lu Chen shifts into persistent marriage proposals, all of which he rejects 102 215 239.
• Yue Wuxia — Moon Clan cultivator who takes an interest in Lu Chen; he ultimately kills her and severs her Karma 198 222.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Origin and the Merit System

Lu Chen awakens in a mistreated youth's body, kills his abusive brother and sister-in-law, and receives the Merit System. He begins by avenging Zhao Shan and targeting the beggars, corrupt officials, martial halls, and shopkeepers who preyed on the powerless 1 2 8.

Rise of the Heartless Blade

He gains the Heartless Blade title while climbing the Qilin Rankings, defeating established martial artists, destroying Blood Offering Sect outposts, and challenging the social power held by sects and reclusive families 30 34 52.

Sky Sword Sect Disciple

After defeating Ye Gubai and establishing mastery over both blade and sword intent, Lu Chen enters the Sky Sword Sect. His progress destabilizes the hierarchy within the sect, particularly his relationship with Qing Lian, while earning Dugu Wudi's full support 96 103 105.

Grandmaster and Ancient Clan Conflict

Lu Chen becomes the youngest recorded Grandmaster, reaches first place on the Qilin, Human, and Earth Rankings, and repeatedly clashes with the Ancient Clans. He destroys the Ye, Lin, Xu, and Sword Sect forces that oppose him, forcing formerly hostile families to seek reconciliation 169 190 194.

Demon Race and Outer-Realm Campaigns

As the Demon Race and outer-realm forces threaten the world, Lu Chen rejects compromise and chooses to hunt hostile beings for Merit Points. He kills Demon Kings, Venerable Xuanwu, the Azure Dragon, and large numbers of outer-realm invaders 252 277 287 296.

Chaos Battlefield

After advancing into higher realms, Lu Chen enters the Chaos Battlefield, where the Myriad Worlds fight Three-Faced Beings and Chaos Beasts. There, his Golden Sword Qi cuts through opponents considered nearly impossible to kill, marking him as a major threat to the enemy forces 381 387 391.

Notable Quotes

“I believe I can do it all.” 80

“The power of a Divine King, nothing more!” 325

“Whether human traitors or Demonic Fiends, I will turn you all into my Merit.” 252

Trivia

• Lu Chen's rise from an untrained boy to the Qilin Rankings occurred in only four days of martial training 30.
• He is described as reaching the Golden Body Realm in less than a year and Grandmaster before the age of eighteen 68 202.
• The Heaven's Secret Pavilion classifies him as an anomaly “not tolerated by the Heavenly Dao” 137.
• He does not value titles and explicitly rejects being called the Blade Emperor 242.