Martial Emperor

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Martial Emperor; Wu Zhao 512 1886
Alias(es)	His Majesty the Martial Emperor; Martial Emperor (武皇陛下)
Species/Race	Extraordinary Species 509
Gender	Female
Birthplace	Xia City 2347
Affiliation	Founder and leader of the Youlan Agency; associated with Xia City’s Extraordinary-level leadership 341 1596 1632
Occupation/Role	Extraordinary combatant; developer and lecturer of mental-side techniques; political strategist; investor and mentor
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 372, “Dripping Water Sword (Part 1)”

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Extraordinary Species	509	Her achievement of the Extraordinary realm had been publicly announced two months earlier; she subsequently reappeared in Xia City and overwhelmed “Iron Hoop” Jin Tong. 509

Background / History

Before attaining worldwide prominence, the Martial Emperor established herself through political maneuvering in Xia City. After initially drawing upon President Ouyang’s influence, she founded the Youlan Agency, recruited capable non-combat personnel, and steadily expanded her position by winning over or removing rivals without openly crossing institutional boundaries. 341

Together with Ouyang Chen and Old You, she formed part of Xia City’s former “Iron Triangle,” a leadership structure that stabilized the local Ability User Association. Her subsequent advancement to Extraordinary Species significantly strengthened Xia City’s influence. 259

The Martial Emperor built her early worldwide reputation by releasing Martial Emperor’s Secret Technique: Universal Martial Arts, also known as Pacify the World with Martial Prowess, a sophisticated technique especially suited to Awakened Ability Users. Its public release prompted widespread cultivation and research among Awakened, Architects, and even Extraordinary Species. To develop further techniques, she collected soul-power data from Ability Users worldwide, eventually obtaining more than 40,000 valid samples over two years. 372

Her teaching materials became highly valued. In Xia City, her personally delivered Dripping Water Sword lecture notes and demonstrations were confidential branch privileges, while the Architect-level demonstration was considered beyond ordinary practitioners’ understanding. 372

She has stated that her official personal data, including her Xia City birth, is true. At the same time, she revealed that she arrived in Earth’s star territory before Li Wei, suffered an accident during her journey, and spent a long period in deep-sleep recuperation using special means. 1363 2347

Ronan suspects that her history involves reincarnation through the Gate of Rebirth, but her former identity and rank remain unconfirmed. He has also questioned why, if she was reborn through that gate, she was born in Xia City rather than nearer to its known sites. 1907 2111 2348

Her hobbies are travel, archaeology, and treasure hunting. She has shown particular interest in potential ruins and historical mysteries, including the Mist Labyrinth and the history surrounding the Dream Divine Abomination. 891 2178

Appearance

The Martial Emperor is a tall, striking woman whose imposing presence remains evident even through virtual avatars. Her clothing and hairstyle vary greatly by setting, from practical wilderness wear to casual dresses and deliberate Outer Earth disguises. 374 1359 1886 2168

• Usually described as exceptionally beautiful, with a radiant face and an expressive smile. 374
• Has a well-proportioned build and notably long legs. 374
• In her Dripping Water Sword instructional simulation, she wore a dark-red fitted hunting suit and brown long boots. 374
• In the same simulation, she had side-swept bangs and a fluffy low ponytail, giving her an elegant appearance that softened her otherwise overwhelming presence. 375
• Her voice is low, measured, clearly articulated, and lively enough to make listeners suspect hidden meanings. 375
• Often carries a book or scroll, including during formal meetings and private discussions. 512 1359
• During one visit to the Thunder Pool Experiment Field, she wore linen clothing and soft slippers yet remained entirely untouched by the surrounding dust and mud. 1381
• At a meeting with Ronan and An Dongsheng, she wore a light-blue vintage dress with a broad belt and large curled hair, presenting a gentle and intellectual image. 1886
• Can alter her presentation for Outer Earth; at one airport arrival, she passed as an ordinary traveler under the identity of a descendant of the “Rebellious Executive Officer.” 2168 2169
• After a nuclear explosion at sea scorched her long hair, she cut it into a short, androgynous style. 2182

Personality

The Martial Emperor is calm, composed, and difficult to unsettle. In combat, her actions are precise and economical; in conversation, she moves between patient explanation, teasing, and deliberate evasiveness. 511 1362 2123

She is highly secretive and controls the rhythm of information exchange. Although she repeatedly provides Ronan with valuable intelligence and guidance, she withholds sensitive details and openly regards secrets as a form of insurance. 1361 1888 2136

Her mentorship is practical rather than comforting. She critiques flawed methods directly, pushes Ronan to examine his motives and cultivation path, and frames knowledge as something dangerous when the recipient lacks the strength to bear it. 375 1362 2347

Her political style is characterized by firm objectives, calculated use of both hard and soft methods, and an ability to manage people and momentum without losing control of the larger situation. Bamboo Pole describes this as an “emperor’s path,” considering her title highly appropriate rather than merely ironic. 341

Despite her ruthless strategic methods, she can show restraint when it serves her judgment. After decisively defeating Jin Tong, she allowed him to retreat rather than killing him, a choice that Zhang Yingying openly criticized. 510

Abilities & Skills

Extraordinary Combat

The Martial Emperor is an Extraordinary Species whose combat control is regarded as nearly flawless.

• Defeated Jin Tong, one of the world’s strongest Wilderness hunters, in a brief confrontation of three rounds. 509 511
• Controlled Jin Tong’s fall from the 75th floor, then accelerated him into devastating impact. 509
• Her field control, timing, and strikes were described as exact, without excess movement or visible weaknesses. 511
• Can immobilize Ability Users through overwhelming mental pressure; during an art-gallery encounter, she froze both bodyguards and Ability Users before they could respond. 528
• Killed the Ox-Demon with a Water Condensation Ring; the Ship-Cutting Sword disappeared in the same incident. 992
• Used White Rainbow to cut down Wildfire’s vessel, preventing a possible opening for the Reclamation Corps. 2124 2290

Dripping Water Sword

A mental-side application technique personally demonstrated and taught by the Martial Emperor.

• Its core structure is the Water Condensation Ring, sculpted from soul power with precision and stability. 375
• Simple water droplets have no killing power without enhancement. 375
• Uses five possible enhancements: sharpening, range extension, acceleration, bursting, and guidance. 375
• The Water Condensation Ring is indispensable, while the other structures are adjusted to suit the situation. 375
• Requires sustained calmness and clarity in combat; the Martial Emperor considers this a personality-based limitation rather than a matter of talent. 375
• Demonstrated the technique by rupturing a Wrinkled Hide Wild Boar’s eye socket without making an obvious additional movement. 375
• Her instructional materials describe extensive environmental applications, structural variations, and lethal techniques targeting vulnerable areas such as the eyes, mouth, and nervous system. 377
• The technique’s precision requirements are exceptionally high; its basic structural circuits must be formed at approximately millimeter-level accuracy. 375

Mental-Side Technique Development

The Martial Emperor treats mental-side techniques as structural arts that use soul power to interfere with material reality.

• Collected global soul-power data to develop and refine techniques. 372
• Developed and popularized Universal Martial Arts, which established her global influence. 372
• Explains mental-side applications as functional soul-power structures that influence material components through interference. 375
• Her techniques are considered comparatively less demanding on the physical body and well suited to mental-side Ability Users. 372
• Her teaching emphasizes turning standardized structural frameworks into adaptable combat methods rather than treating techniques as fixed moves. 377 483

Spirit Roaming and Cultivation Knowledge

The Martial Emperor possesses detailed knowledge of the Spirit Roaming route, a cultivation path centered on the pure Self.

• Identifies Spirit Roaming as one of the five Overrun methods, alongside Bloodline, True Inheritance, Faith, and Nirvana. 2346
• Explains that Spirit Roaming can sever old traces, correct past distortions, and allow a cultivator to operate discreetly within another system’s rule environment. 2877 2878
• States that the route is an ultimate path of solitude and makes it difficult for practitioners to leave descendants or genetic inheritances. 2900
• Passed on or supported the development of the Heart Burning Blade, a technique associated with the Spirit Roaming route, through Madam Harold. 1598 1909
• Advised Ronan to use Mary’s Spirit Roaming method to sever the connection between Bat Master’s two bodies, while warning that the operation required careful preliminary stimulation and observation. 2250
• Recommended Raven, or Mary for less demanding work, when Ronan sought a means of acting as an inconspicuous spectator within another rule system. 2877

Strategic Guidance and Investment

The Martial Emperor uses resources, institutional influence, and information as tools of long-term strategy.

• Invested in Ronan’s Format Theory and urged him to develop it through teaching and practical application. 528
• Defined a true “Ten Thousand Enemies” as a knowledge system capable of mobilizing politics, military strategy, technology, and social resources on a massive scale. 528
• Helped Ronan activate a credit system and integrate Xia City Branch resources. 538
• Funded Ronan’s proposed projects involving Xiu Shenyu and the Xi City–Fan City region without demanding their full details in advance. 2130
• Advises Ronan on cultivation routes, identifying the five Overrun methods as Bloodline, True Inheritance, Spirit Travel, Faith, and Nirvana. 2346
• Evaluated Format Theory as an impressive but crude framework: a tool for displaying a function rather than a cultivation path centered on the Self. 2347
• Warned that Format Theory can turn practitioners into instruments devoid of selfhood if it disregards survival, future development, and individual cultivation. 2347
• Positioned Bai Xinyan within organizations associated with Li Wei, including Quantum Corporation and the Amaterasu Order, giving her a source of intelligence on those forces. 1595
• Used her Outer Earth identity for years without publicly showing her face, then arranged for Seventh District to release information about it shortly before her arrival with Ronan. 2169

Historical and Esoteric Knowledge

The Martial Emperor possesses extensive knowledge of the Central Star Region, the Sky Abyss Empire, Divine Script, and the Calamity Era.

• Explained the hierarchy of Heavenly Being, Great Lord, and Master, with an Overrun Master being unrestrained by the void. 1362
• Identified Ronan’s “I” rune as a concretization of one of the Nine Great Basic Meanings of Divine Script. 1362
• Warned that Divine Script carries weight and can bring disaster to those without sufficient strength. 1362
• Provided Ronan with information on the Sky Abyss Spirit Network, God Capes, the Dream Divine Abomination, and the Central Star Region. 1361 1364 2178
• Supplied a concise written outline of the Dream Divine Abomination’s history, reportedly learned from Liang Lu. 2178 2179
• Possesses detailed knowledge of the Adamantine King’s Corpse Pieces, including Wang Yu’s status as a reincarnated or parasitic fragment and Bai Xinyan’s related nature. 2125 2126
• Assessed the development of Transcendental Species, including the Covenant Lord, Bat Master, and the Death Witch, by distinguishing self-born realization from dependence upon external rule frameworks. 2839

Equipment / Items

• Portable Electromagnetic Rifle — Used one-handed against a Wrinkled Hide Wild Boar during the Dripping Water Sword demonstration. 375
• Books and scrolls — Frequently carried during meetings, instruction, and combat encounters. 512 1359
• Written Dream Divine Abomination outline — Two brief, precise pages given to Ronan; he suspected they used Ceremonial Ancient Script. 2178 2179

Relationships

• Ronan — Investor, mentor, ally, and frequent source of pressure. She teaches him techniques, evaluates his projects and cultivation, and exchanges intelligence while maintaining a significant information advantage. Their relationship has gradually become more cooperative, though both continue to guard major secrets and recognize the possibility of future rivalry. 528 1361 1598 2345 2347
• Zhang Yingying — Close subordinate and follower. Zhang Yingying openly defends the Martial Emperor and seeks her approval; the Martial Emperor identifies Yingying as one of the few people under her with whom she is genuinely close. 528 868 1596
• Ouyang Chen — Associate in Extraordinary-level political affairs and former member of Xia City’s Iron Triangle alongside the Martial Emperor and Old You. They attended President Abner’s virtual council meeting together. 259 868
• Madam Harold — Investment partner and Spirit Roaming trainee. The Martial Emperor supported Harold’s development of the Heart Burning Blade and later acknowledged using her as an experiment, though she found the results insufficient for her larger objectives. 1598 1877 2900
• Li Wei — A fellow off-world figure connected to Earth and the Central Star Region. The Martial Emperor warns Ronan about Li Wei’s actions and competes with him over information, influence, and Earth’s future. 1363 1597 2345
• Luo Yuandao — Ronan’s grandfather and the former fulcrum associated with the Tattered God Cape. The Martial Emperor monitored him for many years and regarded Ronan as the most suitable successor support point after Luo Yuandao’s decline. 1364 1599 2074
• Tang Yi — A Youlan Agency associate with longstanding ties to the Martial Emperor. Tang Yi was involved in matters concerning Ronan’s father, Luo Zhongheng, and the Martial Emperor’s protection of Luo Yuandao’s fulcrum. 1596 2899 2901
• Bai Xinyan and Wang Yu — The Martial Emperor arranged their interaction in hopes of producing a mutation or further inheritance related to the Adamantine King. She later revealed that both were connected to Adamantine King Corpse Pieces and God Rule Shards. Bai Xinyan also held positions among Li Wei-aligned forces while remaining connected to the Martial Emperor. 1595 2124 2125 2126
• Snake Language — Worked alongside the Martial Emperor and Ronan during their Outer Earth operation; the Martial Emperor recognized her despite her “Madam Shan Chuan” identity. 2168 2169
• Lady Adelaide (“Tiny”) — The Justice Cult’s Chief Priest, whom the Martial Emperor addresses by a familiar nickname. She helped Ronan establish contact with Adelaide during his Outer Earth dealings. 2208 2839
• Meng Chong — A Blood Flame Order battle commander who later served as the Martial Emperor’s bodyguard. 1077
• An Dongsheng — Met with him and Ronan to discuss cooperation involving the Anxia Line; she distinguished a favorable attitude toward the proposal from any commitment to fund it. 1886

Story Role / Major Arcs

Universal Martial Arts and Dripping Water Sword

The Martial Emperor’s publicly released Universal Martial Arts establishes her as a global authority on extraordinary techniques. Her Dripping Water Sword instructional recording becomes Ronan’s first direct experience of her presence and teaching style. 372 374 375

Xia City Extraordinary Battle

After publicly reaching the Extraordinary realm, she returns to major combat by defeating Jin Tong in Xia City. The battle demonstrates both her overwhelming strength and her exacting control of combat rhythm. Although Zhang Yingying objected, the Martial Emperor allowed Jin Tong to retreat after the battle. 509 510 511

Format Theory Investment

The Martial Emperor becomes a major backer and instructor for Ronan’s Format Theory. She urges him to turn his knowledge into a scalable system, framing it as the foundation for becoming a “Ten Thousand Enemies.” 528 531 538

Earth, the God Cape, and Forbidden Knowledge

She reveals key information about the Sky Abyss Spirit Network, Divine Script, Earth’s concealed status, and Luo Yuandao’s connection to a God Cape. Her warning leads Ronan to reassess the danger surrounding his grandfather and Earth’s local space-time. 1361 1362 1364 1365

Outer Earth Expedition

The Martial Emperor meets Ronan in Outer Earth using a disguised identity, deliberately leaks her arrival, and provokes a response from local authorities. She guides Ronan through the region’s political environment while pursuing her own agenda against Fang Weixian. 2167 2168 2169 2170

She gives Ronan a brief outline of the Dream Divine Abomination’s history and uses examples from the Zhan family to challenge his assumptions about power, duty, and the prospects of saving Earth. During their Outer Earth dealings, she also says that restrictions on her may prevent her from leaving the void prison before the coming crisis. 2178 2179 2208

Adamantine King Investigation

During renewed communications with Ronan, the Martial Emperor reveals that Wang Yu and Bai Xinyan are connected to fragments of the Adamantine King’s rules. Her earlier arrangements involving them were part of a larger experiment concerning inheritance, parasitism, and the potential convergence of God Rule Shards. 2124 2125 2126

Cultivation and Dream Theater Guidance

She continues to advise Ronan on the Overrun paths, the Faith route, Spirit Roaming, Dream Theater construction, and the dangers of attempting to force others into his own model of evolution. She further recommends Spirit Roaming and Rebirth as methods for remaining a low-profile participant within a larger rule environment while reconstructing the Self. 2346 2347 2841 2877 2878 2900

Notable Quotes

“Knowledge has weight.” 1362

“Secrets are insurance.” 1888

“The true ‘Ten Thousand Enemies’ is the knowledge system people master during the process of social development.” 528