Eunuch Cao

Biodata

Name	Eunuch Cao (曹公公) 391
Alias(es)	Old Cao 488
Gender	Male; eunuch
Affiliation	Imperial City Security Department; connected to the imperial palace 385 403
Occupation/Role	Imperial City Security Department Inspector and imperial envoy 405 498
Status	Active 641
First Appearance	Chapter 385 385

Background

Eunuch Cao spent twenty-three years in the palace before being transferred to the Imperial City Security Department in Wushui Commandery. Though newly transferred, he was already rumored to possess palace backing and was able to select the Han Family Five Brothers for his Qinghe County mission. His foster father directed him to seek an “opportunity” in the north, which Cao eventually connected to Qinghe County and its Martial Artist Arena. 403 404 405

He was later revealed to have been exiled from the Capital City to Qinghe County. Despite his official title being an Inspector—nominally an honorary post without a fixed station—his palace background grants him wide practical influence throughout Wushui Commandery. 466 498

Appearance

Eunuch Cao is a pale, beardless man who appears to be around forty. His soft-featured face contrasts with his long, narrow, slightly upturned eyes, which are repeatedly compared to those of a venomous snake. 385

• Wears dark teal or dark-red Python Robes, including a four-clawed python pattern associated with high imperial status. 385 403
• Uses a bright yellow silk sash and maintains an immaculate appearance. 403 502
• Carries a handkerchief, often using it to shield himself from filth or wipe his hands. 403 410
• His shrill voice and languid mannerisms make him conspicuous even before local officials learn his identity. 385 390

Personality

Eunuch Cao is mercurial, vain, and difficult for subordinates to read. The Imperial City Security Department riders know that his outward kindness can conceal dangerous intentions, while his temper can turn without warning. He enjoys needling political opponents, especially Shen Qianshan, and frequently uses his authority with theatrical confidence. 386 505 535

Behind this affectation, he is a patient political operator. He deliberately delayed his journey to Qinghe County, manipulated the Seven-Day Pact around Fang Yuan’s resource allocation, and prefers winning through connections and timing rather than open confrontation. 386 524

His encounter with Qinghe County’s commoners visibly affects him. Although initially disgusted by the refugee conditions, he later promises to hear the people’s grievances and orders Liu Wenhe to resolve the unrest before it can recur. 390 405 407

Cao develops genuine regard for Fang Yuan’s independence and lack of prejudice toward him as a eunuch. His sharp tongue remains intact, but he repeatedly provides Fang Yuan with protection, instruction, resources, and career guidance. 403 410 497 550

Abilities & Skills

Martial Arts

Eunuch Cao is a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist. While Shen Qianshan is considered stronger in direct combat, Cao is notably skilled with concealed weapons. 554

• Uses silver needles with exceptional precision. 554
• Serves as a useful sparring partner against Fang Yuan’s Six Harmonies Defense Saber Manual, since concealed weapons are one of its intended counters. 554
• Is cautious around martial artists above his level; Huining of Formless Temple struck him before his guards could react, and Cao recognized that resisting would have been fatal. 411 412

Imperial Authority

As an Inspector from the palace, Cao’s formal rank is unclear, but his authority expands according to his personal background and influence. 498

• Commands Imperial City Security Department Captains and can order arrests in Qinghe County. 390 392
• Takes the central seat at official examinations as the palace’s representative, with local officials and martial artists deferring to him. 430
• Publicly determines the Qinghe Arena’s procedure and enforces its rules through imperial authority rather than martial strength. 430 445
• Uses his status to shield Fang Yuan and confront local powers such as the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. 445 460

Political Strategy

Cao routinely disguises his intentions behind capricious behavior or apparent indifference.

• Delayed the Qinghe mission by resting at every Post Station, extending a journey expected to take three days into five. 386
• Allowed Liu Wenhe to provide a detailed suspect list while quietly assessing the magistrate’s motives. 392 403
• Used the Seven-Day Pact as a smokescreen while securing Yin-Yang Force for Fang Yuan through palace connections. 524
• Announced Fang Yuan’s Fourth-Rank breakthrough only after the resource had already been used, depriving Shen Qianshan and Gu Changqing of any chance to contest it. 535

Cultivation Guidance and Patronage

Cao possesses extensive knowledge of cultivation methods, Imperial Court resources, and the County Martial Academy’s political purpose. 479 480

• Warned Fang Yuan that the Soft Bone Pulse-Nourishing Method was too low-grade for him. 479
• Identified advanced paths related to Fang Yuan’s saber arts, including the Breaking Wave Saber Art, Sanhe Breaking Blade Technique, and Chain Rapid Saber Art. 480
• Provided Fang Yuan with access to Superior Essence Condensing resources and information on their attributes and requirements. 497 498
• Took Fang Yuan to the Imperial City Security Department Armory and the Mysterious Zone. 498 505
• Secured and delivered an Elixir Pill of Yin-Yang Force for Fang Yuan’s Fourth-Rank breakthrough. 510 524 529

Equipment / Items

• Python Robe — A high-status imperial robe, usually dark red or dark teal, bearing four-clawed python motifs. 385 403
• Silver needles — Concealed weapons Cao uses with greater proficiency than he displays in direct combat. 554
• Handkerchief — Commonly carried and used when dealing with unpleasant surroundings or tending to his appearance. 403 410
• Four-horse carriage — A ceremonial vehicle indicating that his official standing is at least equivalent to a fourth-rank official. 480
• Yin-Yang Force Elixir Pill — A resource secured for Fang Yuan and delivered in a jade box. 524

Relationships

• Fang Yuan — Patron, mentor, and eventual superior-subordinate ally. Cao first attempts to recruit Fang Yuan as a foster son, later frees him, protects him publicly, and invests heavily in his cultivation and future. 410 411 461 497 550
• Han Bao — Trusted attendant and eldest of the Han Family Five Brothers. Han Bao carries out Cao’s orders, reports on investigations, and assists Fang Yuan after Cao recruits him. 403 480 497
• Han Hu — Subordinate of the Han Family Five Brothers. Cao frequently becomes frustrated by Han Hu’s lack of initiative, though Han Hu remains loyal and protective. 411 412
• Foster Father — Cao’s powerful palace patron and adoptive father. Cao seeks his help in obtaining resources for Fang Yuan and follows his instruction to find an opportunity in the north. 404 497 510
• Shen Qianshan — Chief Inspector and political rival. The two struggle for influence in Wushui Commandery, particularly over the allocation of Superior Essence Condensing resources. 488 493 535 543
• Gu Changqing — A talented swordsman Cao initially sought to recruit. After the Gu Family rejected Cao’s offer, Gu aligned with Shen Qianshan and became Fang Yuan’s rival by proxy. 488 495
• Liu Wenhe — Qinghe County Magistrate investigated under Cao’s authority. Cao initially entertains Liu’s explanations, but later orders him to resolve the county’s unrest. 390 392 407
• Huining — Formless Temple monk who assaulted Cao to demand the release of a lay disciple. Cao recognized Huining’s overwhelming strength and did not retaliate. 412
• Sù Nǚ Palace — Cao fears and respects the sect’s women, having been warned by his foster father never to provoke them. A veiled disciple later compels him to release a prisoner. 413

Story Role / Major Arcs

Qinghe County Investigation

Cao arrives in Qinghe County leading six Imperial City Security Department riders. Though officially sent to address the county’s instability, he deliberately delays the trip and approaches the situation on his own terms. He initially orders County Magistrate Liu Wenhe bound, then listens to Liu’s account and permits the local official to direct the investigation toward selected suspects. 386 390 392

After witnessing Qinghe’s commoners appeal for justice, Cao becomes more attentive to Liu Wenhe’s failures. He orders the magistrate to settle the unrest before the Qinghe Arena and warns that another public disturbance will not be tolerated. 405 407

Fang Yuan’s Release and Recruitment

Cao meets Fang Yuan in prison and offers to release him if Fang Yuan will call him “Foster Father.” Although Fang Yuan does not accept that condition, Cao ultimately frees him and begins considering taking him to the Capital City. Fang Yuan’s refusal to judge him for being a eunuch deepens Cao’s interest and goodwill. 410 411

Qinghe Arena

Cao presides over the Qinghe Arena examination, enforcing its hierarchy through imperial authority. When Chen Bo Zhao is killed after continuing to attack despite his opponent’s concession, Cao publicly rules that the Earl’s Mansion heir bears responsibility for his own death. 430 445

After Fang Yuan becomes champion, Cao announces his protection of Fang Yuan and his family, offers resources, and invites Fang Yuan to serve under him. Fang Yuan accepts, binding his future path to Cao’s faction. 461

Wushui Commandery and the Seven-Day Pact

Cao brings Fang Yuan to Wushui Commandery, offers him an honorary Imperial City Security Department position, and houses Fang Yuan’s family at Cao Mansion. He also guides Fang Yuan through the County Martial Academy, Scripture Depository, Armory, and Mysterious Zone. 466 477 479 498 505

When Shen Qianshan challenges Fang Yuan’s claim to Superior Essence Condensing resources, Cao accepts a Seven-Day Pact. His true plan is not to win the scheduled duel, but to obtain Yin-Yang Force through palace connections and have Fang Yuan break through before the contest begins. 495 524 535

Support for Fang Yuan’s Career

Cao initially opposes Fang Yuan’s decision to become an Investigative Captain because of the position’s danger. After recognizing Fang Yuan’s determination, he changes course and begins considering how Fang Yuan can earn merit and establish himself before eventually entering the Capital City. 541 550

Notable Quotes

“I came to save you. As long as you call me Foster Father, I'll fish you out of this rotten place.” 410

“I like people with backbone most of all.” 403

“Only by following this household can you receive the finest cultivation.” 459

“An explanation? I don't need to explain my actions to anyone. If you really can't accept it, then report it to the authorities!” 535