Liu Ruyan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Liu Ruyan (柳如烟)
Alias(es)	Ninth Imperial Daughter; Ninth Princess; Empress of the Maple Leaf Dynasty; Senior Sister Liu; Mistress of Changqing Peak
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Shushan Holy Land; Cloud Perch Peak; Maple Leaf Dynasty
Occupation/Role	Former Shushan Outer and Inner Disciple; Ninth Imperial Daughter and later Empress of the Maple Leaf Dynasty
Status	Alive
First Appearance	11

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Half-step Foundation Establishment	18 33	A Seventh Courtyard prodigy; Willow Wood notes that she is the only Half-step Foundation Establishment cultivator among the scoreboard’s top twenty.
Late Golden Core Stage	261	Her cultivation during the Hundred Dynasties War; she is overwhelmed by Liu Qing’s Nascent Soul subordinate.
Violet Mansion Realm	274	Chen Changqing uses a fragment of Shushan Power to heal her critical injuries; its residual power shatters her Golden Core and condenses a Violet Mansion.
Spirit Transmutation Realm	471	Reaches this realm after the Maple Leaf Dynasty’s victory enables her to receive a Divine Dynasty baptism and inherit the Empress’s legacy.
Early Tribulation Crossing Realm	832	Refines the Maple Leaf Dynasty’s dragon vein and returns to Shushan with imperial Dragon Qi and overwhelming pressure.

Background

Liu Ruyan entered Shushan as an Outer Disciple of the Seventh Courtyard despite being the ninth daughter of Empress Liu Ye of the Maple Leaf Dynasty. She later realizes that Liu Ye deliberately arranged this path so that she would gain experience in the point-based trials resembling the Hundred Dynasties War. 227 241

During the Outer Sect Competition, Chen Changqing helps her acquire enough points in the Void Realm to enter the Inner Sect. Although she is only at Half-step Foundation Establishment, Cloud Perch Peak directly accepts her after her advancement to the Inner Sect, marking her as an unusually favored disciple. 40 43

Her royal identity is initially concealed from most Shushan disciples. She reveals her royal background to Chen Changqing when requesting his assistance in the Hundred Dynasties War, later explaining that she is the Ninth Princess of the Maple Leaf Dynasty and that the contest will choose the next Empress. 214 227 233

Liu Ye favors her youngest daughter partly because Liu Ruyan closely resembles her in appearance and shares her stubborn, independent disposition. Liu Ye herself previously cultivated at Shushan before returning to win the Maple Leaf Dynasty’s succession contest, providing a precedent for Liu Ruyan’s path. 237 240

Appearance

Liu Ruyan is repeatedly described as having an ethereal, celestial bearing. Her beauty and composed presence draw attention even among Shushan’s disciples. 11 18

• Snow-white skin, an icy expression, and a striking figure in her early appearances. 18
• Often wears flowing white robes and travels on a white jade flying sword. 11
• Carries an elegant ancient sword on her back. 65
• Possesses a mature, composed allure, contrasted with Hua Yao’s youthful charm. 214
• Later appears in a fiery red gown embroidered with a Nine Nether Golden Phoenix, befitting her status as Empress. 832
• Her long black hair falls to her slender waist. 832
• Possesses phoenix-like eyes and an imperial aura enhanced by Dragon Qi. 832 835
• While awaiting Chen Changqing’s return to Changqing Peak, she wears a white gown and a jade hairpin. 883

Personality

Initially, Liu Ruyan is reserved and discerning. Chen Changqing’s conduct at Qingxi Village—along with Elder Willow Wood’s unusual regard for him—causes her to reassess a junior disciple she had previously overlooked. 16

She is ambitious without being reckless. Her decision to enter the Hundred Dynasties War stems from a genuine desire to contend for the Maple Leaf throne, despite its life-or-death stakes. 227 233

Liu Ruyan is protective of those she values. She refuses repeated attempts by her sisters to recruit Chen Changqing away from her faction, remains confident in him when the court mocks his apparent realm, and becomes increasingly protective after seeing officials shift their attitudes toward him. 238 243 302

Her gratitude includes a strong concern that Chen Changqing receive proper credit. After the Maple Leaf Dynasty wins the Hundred Dynasties War, she is displeased that officials celebrate the dynasty’s fortune without thanking the man whose efforts secured its victory. She also recognizes that the Shushan Power used to save her may have been one of his own precious life-saving measures. 274 296

Her affection for Chen Changqing grows from admiration and gratitude into open initiative. Encouraged by Liu Ye to seize opportunities, she confesses her feelings, remains accepting of his engagement to Xuanyuan Xiaoyu, and publicly asserts herself as the mistress of Changqing Peak. 303 471 887

Her acceptance is not immediate: she initially becomes dejected when Chen Changqing agrees to become the Divine Dynasty’s Imperial Son-in-Law. After discussing the matter with her mother, she accepts that she cannot monopolize someone as exceptional as him. This acceptance does not eliminate jealousy, as shown by her cold reaction when Xuanyuan Xiaoyu later arrives at Shushan. 308 309 885 886

Despite her pride as an Empress, Liu Ruyan recognizes that Chen Changqing’s path cannot be controlled or obstructed. She refuses to become a burden to him and believes affection must be earned through mutual willingness rather than possessiveness. 833 889

She also shows a playful, teasing side around Chen Changqing, joking about his rapid cultivation and the other women around him. Her confidence in him extends to reassuring Xuanyuan Xiaoyu before the grand tournament, even while recognizing that his actions are likely to cause an uproar. 832 833 903 916

Abilities & Skills

Cultivation and Imperial Dragon Qi

As Empress, Liu Ruyan refines the Maple Leaf Dynasty’s dragon vein, gaining imperial Dragon Qi and reaching the Tribulation Crossing Realm. 832

• Her imperial pressure overwhelms Changqing Peak disciples and even proves difficult for a True Lord cultivator to resist. 832
• She repels wolf demon guards with the pressure of her early Tribulation Crossing cultivation. 835
• She has used crimson-gold flame through her fingertips, though Chen Changqing stops her before she can kill the attacking wolf demon centurion. 835
• Can channel a gentle stream of spiritual power to steady Wangcai’s mind during the auction of a Heavenly Demon Clan girl. 840

Sword Cultivation

Liu Ruyan is a sword cultivator from Shushan and carries an ancient sword. 26 65

• Defends herself with a hovering long sword during the Outer Sect Competition’s Void Realm trial. 26
• Her earlier cultivation is insufficient against established Foundation Establishment opponents, but she refuses to surrender her points. 26 33
• Can travel by flying sword, accompanying Elder Willow Wood’s mission group in this manner. 11 12
• Can summon a longsword wreathed in crimson-gold flame, whose Sword Qi distorts the surrounding space with heat. 836

Political Acumen

Liu Ruyan learns to use reputation, alliances, and court dynamics to protect her interests.

• Reveals Chen Changqing’s Azure Dragon Ranking status to overturn the court’s disdain for her choice of helper. 239
• Uses Chen Changqing’s supposed seclusion as a pretext to deny her sisters access to him. 243
• Repeatedly drives back the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty’s attempts to test the Maple Leaf Dynasty’s border. 869
• Entrusts two trusted disciples with imprisoning Chu Xiong and Yue Xuan on Changqing Peak after Chen Changqing orders that the captive princes be preserved for ransom. 883
• Handles her confrontation with Xuanyuan Xiaoyu through calm assertion rather than direct hostility, claiming the role of Changqing Peak’s mistress. 887 888
• Counsels Xuanyuan Xiaoyu that Chen Changqing cannot be kept through controlling him, but only by becoming someone with whom he willingly remains. 889

Concealment and Treasure Knowledge

• Conceals her aura effectively enough that several groups of cultivators pass her hiding place in the Hundred Dynasties War without discovering her. 260
• Identifies Myriad Spirit Wood and explains that it contains primal wood power and can serve as material for refining Immortal Artifacts. 251
• Recognizes the significance of Rujie’s Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance during his Buddhist contest. 860
• Embroiders thirty-six sword patterns into an outer robe to conceal the spiritual-power fluctuations of Chen Changqing’s Silver Firmament Battle Armor. 892

Equipment / Items

• White jade flying sword — Used for sword flight in her early Shushan appearances. 11
• Ancient sword — An elegant sword carried on her back while she is an Inner Sect disciple. 65
• Golden Core Condensing Pill — A valuable treasure pill she gives Chen Changqing as an investment in his future. It can increase a Core Formation cultivator’s chance of advancing to Golden Core by fifty percent. 66
• Maple Splendor Boat — Flying vessel used to depart Shushan with Chen Changqing for the Maple Leaf Dynasty. 227
• Soul jade slip — Given to her by Chen Changqing before their separation in the Hundred Dynasties War; its associated aura allows him to search for her. 260
• Hundred Dynasties War points token — Receives points from defeated competitors’ tokens and ultimately Chen Changqing’s accumulated points, securing her first-place ranking. 250 263 278
• Thirty-Six Sword Pattern Outer Robe — A white robe she gives Chen Changqing; its sword patterns conceal the spiritual fluctuations of his Silver Firmament Battle Armor. 892

Relationships

• Chen Changqing — Junior brother, ally in the Hundred Dynasties War, and romantic partner. He saves her repeatedly, secures her victory in the war, and later stands with her against Xuanyuan Xiaoyu. After her confession and initial disappointment over his engagement, he reciprocates her feelings and she accepts being with him despite his relationship with Xuanyuan Xiaoyu. He later explicitly recognizes her as the mistress of Changqing Peak. 40 262 296 303 311 886 887
• Liu Ye / Empress Willow Leaf — Mother and former Empress of the Maple Leaf Dynasty. Liu Ye favors Liu Ruyan, arranges her Shushan experience, advises her to pursue Chen Changqing, and later transfers rule of the dynasty to her. She also comforts Liu Ruyan over Chen Changqing’s engagement and encourages her to maintain their bond for both her own sake and the dynasty’s future. 238 241 303 308 309 471
• Liu Tian — Father. He warmly welcomes her return to the Maple Leaf Dynasty and recognizes Chen Changqing’s importance to her success. 233 302
• Liu Qing — Eighth Imperial Daughter and rival sister. Liu Qing attempts to murder and humiliate Liu Ruyan during the Hundred Dynasties War; after Chen Changqing rescues Liu Ruyan, Liu Ruyan refuses to spare her and Chen Changqing executes her. 261 262 263
• Liu Shi — Eldest Imperial Daughter and political rival. Liu Shi attempts to recruit Chen Changqing and later accepts defeat after his aid secures Liu Ruyan’s overwhelming lead. 246 278
• Liu Xin and the other Imperial Daughters — Rival sisters competing for the throne. Liu Xin, Liu Qi, Liu Wei, Liu Lin, and other sisters visit Liu Ruyan’s residence to recruit Chen Changqing, but Liu Ruyan repeatedly turns them away. 243
• Wang Junmo — Imperial City Guard General. Initially dismisses Chen Changqing due to his Violet Mansion cultivation, but later witnesses Liu Ruyan’s affection for him. 233 471
• Granny Ye — Elderly attendant with Golden Core cultivation. Reports on Chen Changqing’s movements to Liu Ruyan and later discusses his unusually prolonged Golden Core breakthrough with her. 56 117
• Elder Willow Wood — Shushan elder who comforts Liu Ruyan after her defeat and recognizes her after she returns to Shushan as Empress. 33 833
• Xuanyuan Xiaoyu — Chen Changqing’s betrothed and Liu Ruyan’s romantic rival. Their rivalry is restrained but explicit, particularly over Liu Ruyan’s claim to Changqing Peak. Liu Ruyan nevertheless advises her on respecting Chen Changqing’s independence and later reassures her about his preparations for the tournament. 886 887 888 889 903
• Hua Yao — Another of Chen Changqing’s betrothed partners. Liu Ruyan and Xuanyuan Xiaoyu temporarily set aside their conflict to receive her upon her arrival at Shushan. The three later offer Chen Changqing protective items before his upcoming confrontations. 309 890 892
• Wangcai — Chen Changqing’s companion. Liu Ruyan supports Wangcai during the Ten Thousand Demon City conflict and steadies its mind when the Heavenly Demon Clan girl it is concerned for is presented at auction. 835 840
• Rujie — Chen Changqing’s monk friend. Liu Ruyan accompanies Chen Changqing to Tianyin Temple after learning that Rujie is under pressure in a Buddhist debate, and observes his Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance. 858 860
• Yue Xuan / Yin Yue Holy Dynasty — Yue Xuan is the dynasty’s Ninth Prince. The Yin Yue Holy Dynasty previously supported Mo Ye’s attempt to seize an opportunity within the Maple Leaf Dynasty and later tested its border, creating a longstanding grudge. Liu Ruyan subsequently helps arrange Yue Xuan’s imprisonment on Changqing Peak for ransom. 869 883

Story Role / Major Arcs

Shushan Outer Sect

Liu Ruyan begins as one of the Seventh Courtyard’s foremost disciples. She joins the Qingxi Village mission, becomes curious about Chen Changqing’s hidden strength, and gradually seeks a connection with him. 16

During the mission, she prepares to attack approaching demon cultivators, but Chen Changqing intervenes and tells her to observe the Golden Core battle while he handles the attackers. His performance becomes one of the reasons she begins to take a greater interest in him. 14 16

During the Outer Sect Competition, she is injured while defending her points and later loses to Jiang An. Despite this, Chen Changqing’s gains in the Void Realm help her enter the Inner Sect. 26 33 40

She worries when Chen Changqing faces Cui Hao’s Seven Kill Sword Formation and is later astonished by his victory over Shi Tian. After her own loss, both Elder Willow Wood and Chen Changqing comfort her, helping her accept the result. 27 33 37

Cloud Perch Peak and Inner Sect

After reaching the Inner Sect, Liu Ruyan is directly selected by Cloud Perch Peak. She watches over Chen Changqing’s movements and gives him a Golden Core Condensing Pill before his challenge against Bai Hao, explicitly calling it an investment in his future. 43 56 66

Her attendant keeps her informed of Chen Changqing’s return to Qingxiao Valley. Liu Ruyan continues to follow his cultivation, admiring his use of Sword Intent and expressing concern to Granny Ye during his unusually prolonged Golden Core breakthrough. 56 109 117

Hundred Dynasties War

Liu Ruyan recruits Chen Changqing to help her contend for the Maple Leaf Dynasty’s throne. Court rivals initially ridicule her choice of a Violet Mansion helper, but she overturns their judgment by revealing his identity as the Azure Dragon Ranking’s first-place holder. 227 238 239

Her request invokes the promise connected to her earlier gift of the Golden Core Condensing Pill. Before their departure, she allows Chen Changqing time to arrange Changqing Peak’s affairs and report to his master. 66 214 226

Within the secret realm, Liu Qing nearly kills her. Chen Changqing returns in time to save her, and Liu Ruyan chooses not to forgive Liu Qing. 261 262

Before that confrontation, Liu Ruyan hides in a secluded valley after separating from Chen Changqing during the struggle over Myriad Spirit Wood. She conceals herself from passing cultivators and tries to deter Liu Qing by claiming that Chen Changqing is treasure hunting nearby and will soon return. 251 260

After she is critically wounded by Qiang Lan, Chen Changqing uses Shushan Power to heal her and propel her from Late Golden Core to Violet Mansion. He later transfers his accumulated points to her, placing her first on the leaderboard with more than 20,000 points. 274 278

Liu Ruyan guards Chen Changqing’s cave while he fuses the Heavenly Strike Sword and Thunderflame Sword. To avoid drawing attention, she moves her guard position from outside the cave into its entrance tunnel. She later witnesses his battle against Chu Tian, fears for him when the prince reveals the Blood Prison Mad Saber, and celebrates after Chen Changqing kills the Spirit Transmutation opponent. 278 280 289 290 292

The Maple Leaf Dynasty wins first place in the Hundred Dynasties War, and Liu Ye names Liu Ruyan the next Empress. Liu Ruyan openly recognizes that this victory was made possible by Chen Changqing. 296

Empress of the Maple Leaf Dynasty

Liu Ruyan becomes Empress after attaining the required Spirit Transmutation cultivation. She remains emotionally close to Chen Changqing, becoming notably more proactive in expressing affection despite his status as the Divine Dynasty’s Imperial Son-in-Law. 302 471

Before her accession, Liu Ye instructs her to remain in the Maple Leaf Dynasty after receiving her Divine Dynasty title and cultivate until she reaches Spirit Transmutation. The dynasty’s victory provides sufficient new resources to support this plan. Liu Ye’s advice about missed opportunities also prompts Liu Ruyan to confess to Chen Changqing and offer him a place as the dynasty’s master. 302 303

At the Divine Dynasty, Liu Ruyan initially leaves in disappointment after Chen Changqing accepts Xuanyuan Xiaoyu’s marriage arrangement. Her mother’s counsel helps her accept the situation, and when Chen Changqing subsequently visits the Maple Leaf Dynasty, he tells her that he wants to be with her as well. She accepts his feelings. 308 309 311

When Chen Changqing later stops at the Maple Leaf Dynasty on his way to answer Xuanyuan Xiaoyu’s summons, Liu Ruyan abandons her usual imperial reserve and runs into his arms. After he departs, she acknowledges that her duties as Empress prevent her from remaining constantly at his side. 469 470 471 472

By the time she returns to Shushan, she has refined the dynasty’s dragon vein and reached Early Tribulation Crossing. Her return confirms both her political authority and her standing as one of Chen Changqing’s closest companions. 832 833

Her imperial responsibilities include defending the Maple Leaf border against repeated probes from the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty, whose earlier support for Mo Ye has already created hostility between the two sides. 869

Ten Thousand Demon City

Liu Ruyan accompanies Chen Changqing into Demon Race territory. She responds forcefully to insults and threats against Wangcai, supports Chen Changqing during conflicts with demon clans, and remains at his side when the Golden-Winged Roc King and multiple Tribulation Crossing experts surround them. 834 835 847

She also attempts to defend Chen Changqing when Long Feiyu threatens him, drawing her flame-wreathed sword before Chen Changqing personally takes over the confrontation. 836

At the auction, she channels spiritual power into Wangcai to calm it when a surviving Heavenly Demon Clan girl is revealed as a sale item. 840

Tianyin Temple Visit

After overhearing monks discussing Rujie’s precarious position in a Buddhist debate, Chen Changqing decides to visit Tianyin Temple with Liu Ruyan. During the journey, she asks how the two men met and is amused by his description of Rujie’s unconventional habits and eagerness to kill demon cultivators. 858

Liu Ruyan observes Rujie’s contest with Wuchen and recognizes that his Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance is extraordinary. She witnesses Rujie use it to break the golden restraints imposed by Wuchen’s Demon-Suppressing Bowl. 860

Captive Princes and Ransom

Liu Ruyan encounters Yue Xuan, the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty’s Ninth Prince, against the backdrop of her dynasty’s longstanding hostility with his. His appearance recalls the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty’s support for Mo Ye and its unsuccessful attempts to pressure the Maple Leaf border. 869

After Chen Changqing returns with Chu Xiong and Yue Xuan as captives, he instructs Liu Ruyan to imprison them securely without allowing them to die, regarding them as valuable sources of ransom. She summons two trusted disciples to take the princes to Changqing Peak’s dungeon. 883

Changqing Peak Rivalry

When Xuanyuan Xiaoyu arrives at Shushan, Liu Ruyan faces her alongside Chen Changqing. She claims the position of Changqing Peak’s mistress, deliberately frames Xuanyuan Xiaoyu as a guest, and later counsels her that Chen Changqing cannot be kept through possessiveness. 886 887 888 889

Chen Changqing’s support makes her claim more than a unilateral declaration: he explicitly calls her the mistress of his peak and refuses to release her hand when Xuanyuan Xiaoyu demands that he approach alone. Liu Ruyan tightens her grip in return, and they walk toward the princess together. 887

When Hua Yao subsequently arrives, Liu Ruyan and Xuanyuan Xiaoyu form a temporary united front to welcome Chen Changqing’s first betrothed. 890

As the three women help Chen Changqing prepare for future confrontations, Liu Ruyan gives him a white outer robe whose thirty-six embroidered sword patterns conceal the fluctuations of his Silver Firmament Battle Armor. She also draws attention to Wu Juechen of the True Martial Immortal Sect having already reached True Lord cultivation. 892

Heavenly Void Grand Tournament

Before the tournament, Liu Ruyan helps ease Xuanyuan Xiaoyu’s concern over Chen Changqing’s intention to confront all his opponents rather than wait for individual challenges. She reassures the princess that he understands the information they have gathered and has never disappointed them. 903

While watching the tournament’s light screen, she is astonished by Chen Changqing’s strength and anticipates the uproar his achievements will cause once he leaves the Land of the Heavenly Void. Although she complains that he cannot keep the peace wherever he goes, her reaction also conveys pride and affection. 916

During the preparations for the Heavenly Void Grand Tournament’s arena stage, Liu Ruyan remains attentive to Chen Changqing’s condition and warns him that the Ji Clan, True Martial Immortal Sect, and Great Chu Dynasty may attempt to exhaust him through consecutive arena challenges. 950

Notable Quotes

“If accepting it makes you uneasy, then consider this pill an investment I'm making in you.” 66

“As long as you have a place for me in your heart, that's all that matters.” 471

“The road you have to walk is too far. I can't stop you, and I wouldn't be able to even if I tried.” 833

“If you want to touch him, first ask whether the sword in my hand agrees!” 836

“Greetings, younger sister. I am Liu Ruyan... The mistress of Changqing Peak.” 887

“If you want him to remain by your side, you cannot rely on chains. You must become a sky where he is willing to rest.” 889

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