Rujie

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Rujie (如戒)
Alias(es)	Master Rujie; Buddhist Son; Buddha Child
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Tianyin Temple, previously described as a subordinate sect of Great Thunderclap Temple 95
Occupation / Role	Buddhist cultivator; Tianyin Temple’s Buddhist Son; later Abbot of Tianyin Temple 858 867 868
Status	Active; acknowledged as Tianyin Temple’s new abbot by the Tianyin Buddha Bone and overseeing the temple following Great Thunderclap Temple’s retreat; later supports Chen Changqing during the Eastern Sea confrontations 867 868 940 956
First Appearance	95

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Late Core Formation	95	Investigated the demonic aura around a small town and recruited Chen Changqing—then using the alias “Li Feiyu”—to help kill the responsible ghost.
Great Perfection Core Formation	150 154	Entered the Buddhist light released by a restored Buddha statue and emerged with a Buddhist inheritance, advancing to one step short of Golden Core.
Late Golden Core	199	Debuted at tenth place on the Azure Dragon Ranking, marking him as a Tianyin Temple prodigy.
Nascent Soul	402 403	The earlier Buddhist inheritance was stated to have carried him into the Nascent Soul Realm; he sought merit against Yulan Village’s ghosts for his Holy Son selection.
God Transformation	681	Had reached God Transformation by the time he visited Chen Changqing after the Seven Peaks Grand Competition.
Mid Tribulation Crossing	751	Broke through in an ancient temple while cultivating beneath a manifested golden Buddhist wheel.
Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance revealed	860	Manifested an Arhat-like physique and dharma image, shattered the Demon-Suppressing Bowl’s six golden restraints, and resisted Wuchen’s attack; no new cultivation realm was specified.
Buddhist body cultivation demonstrated	956	Exchanged more than thirty blows with Chen Changqing in pure hand-to-hand combat. His physique was described as far exceeding others of his level, but he conceded after his fist guards shattered; no further realm advancement was specified.

Background / History

Rujie first met Chen Changqing at an inn while Chen was traveling under the name “Li Feiyu.” He had detected sinister energy around the town and intended to investigate, but sought Chen’s aid because killing the demon would earn Buddhist merit. Both were then Late Core Formation cultivators. 95

He led Chen Changqing and Wangcai to the mist-covered ghost territory, where he used Lotus Steps for travel. During the battle with Ghost Granny, Rujie restrained the Ghost General with the Great Sun Tathagata Curse, but exhausted himself; the Black Mountain Ghost King’s descending pressure later shattered his Buddhist-light chains. 96 100 After Ghost Granny’s defeat, Rujie questioned Chen’s decision to spare Xiaoqian, though he ultimately respected it. 102

Rujie reunited with Chen Changqing on the way to the Daoist Sect and entered the Qiankun Secret Realm with him. Outmatched by the cultivators inside, he directly asked Chen to accompany him in seeking Tianyin Temple’s ancestral inheritance. He recovered a golden Buddha head, restored a headless statue, and entered its Buddhist light, later emerging with the inheritance and Great Perfection Core Formation. 136 146 150 154

Early in that expedition, Rujie was pursued by more than a dozen demonic cultivators after being randomly transported into their vicinity. He fled toward Chen Changqing, but Yao Feng killed the pursuers before Chen intervened. After obtaining his inheritance, Rujie chose to leave the secret realm rather than continue pursuing treasures and invited Chen to visit Tianyin Temple. 144 145 154

After becoming a ranked prodigy, Rujie sought Chen Changqing’s help again for the Buddhist sect’s Holy Son selection. He needed merit from purifying powerful ghosts, particularly the Ghost Emperors of Yulan Village. Chen’s destruction of the four Ghost Emperors gave Rujie the battle records needed to strengthen his candidacy. 199 403 414 415

Rujie later invited Chen Changqing to explore an Immortal Secret Realm. Before their departure, he agreed to follow Chen’s commands, distribute treasures according to the companions’ needs, and retreat whenever Chen judged a danger beyond their ability to face. Their journey first took them through Medicine God Valley and Azure Cloud City, where they reunited with Si Youyou. 682 684 686 687 688

During the preceding exploration of the Heavenly Sovereign’s Fallen Land, Rujie helped guard Bai Wuya while the latter refined the Heavenly Sovereign Fruit. He remained with Si Youyou when Chen Changqing left to investigate the Moye Sword’s aura. After the companions separated, Rujie obtained a Buddha Bone Relic from an abandoned herb garden. Treasure-seekers attacked him for it, severely injuring him before Bai Wuya, Chen, and Si Youyou arrived to save him. 706 707 724 725 737

During the Immortal Secret Realm expedition itself, Rujie reached Mid Tribulation Crossing in an ancient temple and later took a golden finger bone from an abandoned Buddhist hall. Netherworld Sect cultivators captured him while demanding both the bone and Chen Changqing’s whereabouts. Si Youyou intervened, and Chen subsequently arrived to rescue them. Rujie then helped fight further Netherworld Sect pursuers and accompanied the group toward Creation Heavenly Palace. 751 759 760 761 762

Inside Creation Heavenly Palace, Rujie fought beside Chen Changqing against Ming Jiuyou’s Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation while Chen confronted True Lord Li. Despite being wounded, he used his bowl and Buddhist manifestation to disrupt the formation until Bai Wuya and Si Youyou arrived. He later anxiously watched Chen’s battle against Jian Chen and departed after Chen’s victory and acquisition of the Elixir of Immortality. 765 766 773 776 777

The Tianyin Buddha Bone ultimately recognized Rujie during Tianyin Temple’s crisis and designated him as the temple’s new abbot. He supported Master Huixin after Chen Changqing freed the elder from the Demon Buddha Nails, while the bone drew away Huixin’s remaining demonic aura. 867

Following Great Thunderclap Temple’s withdrawal, Rujie accepted the returning Northern Region branch temples without making matters difficult for them. He presided over Tianyin Temple with the Buddha Bone suspended before him and the Tiger-Taming Arhat dharma image manifesting behind him. 868

During the later Eastern Sea confrontation, Rujie supported Chen Changqing and Shushan against hostile factions. Chen publicly thanked him, Xuanyuan Hong, and Hua Xing before choosing to face the opposing elders himself. Rujie subsequently entered a battle platform to exchange hand-to-hand blows with Chen, conceding defeat after more than thirty exchanges. His appearance served as a public endorsement of Chen’s physical strength rather than an attempt to claim first place. 940 956

Appearance

Rujie is a bald, plump monk with a large belly and round face. Though usually dressed in monk’s robes or a kasaya, his clothing and habits contrast sharply with the image of a strict ascetic. 136 346 858

• Often wears a moon-white monk’s robe. 346
• Has a visibly oil-glistening face and a fondness for wine and meat. 346 685
• His body becomes heavily muscled when he activates the Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance. 860
• Bears an Arhat tattoo on his back that shines when the Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance activates; his transformation tore his kasaya apart during the contest with Wuchen. 860
• Carries Buddhist bone relics during the secret-realm expeditions; the Tianyin Buddha Bone later remains before his chest. 724 759 867
• The Tiger-Taming Arhat dharma image may appear behind him while he exercises his authority as Tianyin Temple’s abbot. 868
• Appeared on the Eastern Sea battle platform with a gleaming bald head, a warm smile, billowing monk’s robes, and a string of Buddhist beads, looking more like a monk seeking alms than a combatant. 956

Personality

Rujie is talkative, shamelessly opportunistic, and prone to treating powerful allies as potential protection. He openly sought Chen Changqing’s help in dangerous secret realms, tried to attach himself to Bai Wuya, and routinely eyes valuable treasures or convenient opportunities. 146 691 754

His lax behavior does not erase his convictions. He drinks, eats meat, flirts with women, and makes irreverent jokes, yet he sincerely opposes cruelty committed in Buddhism’s name. The revelation that Leiyin Temple monks massacred an entire town enraged him, and he thanked Chen Changqing for purging those responsible. 136 404

When danger becomes real, Rujie does not simply flee. He held his position against Ming Jiuyou despite admitting that retreat would be possible if necessary, fought beside Si Youyou while injured, and refused to yield Tianyin Temple’s standing to Great Thunderclap Temple. 760 764 859

His humor also persists under interrogation and injury. Rather than immediately reveal Chen Changqing’s location to the Netherworld Sect, he answered that Chen had gone “to your ancestors’ graves.” When wounded by Ming Jiuyou, he complained about the damage to his robe and the needlework needed to repair it. 759 766

Despite his reluctance to become abbot, Rujie accepted the responsibility imposed by the Tianyin Buddha Bone. He also chose not to punish branch temples that had considered abandoning Tianyin Temple during Great Thunderclap Temple’s pressure. 867 868

His loyalty to Chen Changqing extends to public support. On the Eastern Sea battle platform, he freely admitted that he could not defeat Chen in physical combat and praised his strength, using the exchange to reinforce Chen’s standing before the assembled cultivators. 956

Abilities & Skills

Buddhist Techniques

Rujie employs Buddhist light, seals, and chants to suppress ghosts, demons, formations, and hostile spiritual techniques.

• Great Sun Tathagata Curse — Bound Ghost Granny in chains of Buddhist light, though Rujie struggled to sustain the technique and the Black Mountain Ghost King’s pressure shattered it. 100
• Great Sun Tathagata Seal — Broke the black threads restraining him in the Immortal Secret Realm and struck at the Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation’s flags. 760 764
• His Buddhist methods can be suppressed by enemies with overwhelming cultivation or specialized soul-sealing formations. 100 764
• Buddha manifestation — Used defensively against the Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation, then redirected into an offensive role on Chen Changqing’s advice. It tore at two formation flags, injured their wielders, and cracked the formation. 765 766

Lotus Steps

A movement technique that lets Rujie travel with unexpected agility despite his stout build. 96

• Used to travel alongside Chen Changqing outside the haunted town. 96

Vajra Body

A defensive Buddhist technique that forms a golden protective body around Rujie. 725

• Allowed him to withstand the combined attacks of one Tribulation Crossing cultivator and two Late God Transformation cultivators. 725
• The defense shattered under that assault, leaving him severely injured and unable to continue fighting. 725

Tiger-Taming Arhat Inheritance

A hidden inheritance revealed during Rujie’s Dharma debate against Wuchen. It substantially amplifies his physical power and Buddhist presence. 860

• Activated through his blood-stained prayer beads when he was pressed by the Demon-Suppressing Bowl. 859 860
• Transforms his normally soft appearance into a muscular Arhat-like form. 860
• Its manifestation includes a golden Arhat and the phantom of a colossal tiger, whose roar shook the Demon-Suppressing Bowl. 860
• Enabled Rujie to force apart and shatter the bowl’s six golden restraints with his arms. 860
• Manifests as the Tiger-Taming Arhat dharma image, which later bowed to the Tianyin Buddha Bone. 867 868

Tianyin Buddha Bone

A Buddhist relic and inheritance tied to Tianyin Temple’s leadership. Its acknowledgment of Rujie established him as the temple’s new abbot. 867

• It can draw residual demonic aura away from others, as shown after Master Huixin’s rescue. 867
• It absorbed the remaining demonic aura in the ancient cave after Chen Changqing destroyed the Demon Buddha Kongwu’s demonic soul. 867
• While Rujie governs Tianyin Temple, it remains suspended before his chest and resonates with the Tiger-Taming Arhat dharma image. 868
• Liu Ruyan regarded its backing as a deterrent against further interference by Great Thunderclap Temple. 867
• Rujie had earlier obtained a Buddha Bone Relic in the Heavenly Sovereign’s Fallen Land, described as capable of assisting cultivation breakthroughs and strengthening its bearer’s physical body; he later collected a golden finger bone during the Immortal Secret Realm expedition. 724 725 737 759

Physical Combat

Rujie’s Buddhist body techniques are known for their fierce power, and his physique exceeds that of others at his cultivation level. He can fight at close range using coordinated punches and sustained pressure. 956

• Exchanged more than thirty blows with Chen Changqing using fists and close-quarters attacks, without employing Immortal Artifacts or bombarding him with divine abilities. 956
• Each punch was described as carrying the force of a thousand jun. 956
• His fist guards shattered during the exchange, while Chen’s hands remained unmarked. Rujie conceded when his hands became numb and praised Chen’s physical resilience. 956

Equipment / Items

• Prayer beads — Reacted to Rujie’s blood and awakened the Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance. He continued to carry Buddhist beads during his later appearance on the Eastern Sea battle platform. 859 860 956
• Buddha Bone Relic — Found in an abandoned herb garden in the Heavenly Sovereign’s Fallen Land. Its value prompted three cultivators to attack Rujie. 724 725 737
• Golden finger bone — Taken from an abandoned Buddhist hall during the Immortal Secret Realm expedition; Netherworld Sect cultivators demanded it when they captured him. 759
• Tianyin Buddha Bone — The Buddhist bone that acknowledged Rujie and legitimized his succession as Tianyin Temple’s abbot. 867
• Broken bowl — Used to carry and conceal the Buddha Bone during the Immortal Secret Realm expedition. Also served as a combat implement against the Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation, trapping an enemy’s array flag beneath it. 759 760 765
• Fist guards — Worn during his hand-to-hand exchange with Chen Changqing; smashed apart after more than thirty blows. 956

Relationships

• Chen Changqing — Close friend and repeated benefactor. Chen helped him kill Ghost Granny, obtain Tianyin Temple’s inheritance, build merit for the Buddhist Holy Son selection, and survive several crises in the secret-realm expeditions. Rujie later publicly supported Chen against hostile factions and reinforced his reputation through their hand-to-hand exchange. 95 146 403 725 760 940 956
• Xiaoqian — Initially viewed by Rujie as a ghost who should be delivered from the mortal world; she remains wary of him because Chen Changqing had to intervene to spare her. They later cooperated at Yulan Village. 403 404 681
• Hua Yao — Traveling companion who disliked his intrusive flirting and rejected his offers to “look after” her. 136
• Bai Wuya — Temporary secret-realm companion and protector. Rujie helped guard Bai during his breakthrough and openly sought his protection after Bai saved him from cultivators pursuing the Buddha Bone Relic. 706 707 726
• Si Youyou — Fellow traveler and combat ally in the Immortal Secret Realm; she rescued him from the Netherworld Sect, though she regularly mocks his cowardice and boasting. 760 762
• Master Huixin — His martial uncle, whom Rujie supported after Chen Changqing freed him from the Demon Buddha Nails. 867
• Elder Huiming — Tianyin Temple elder who recognized the Buddha Bone’s acknowledgment and publicly announced Rujie’s appointment as abbot. 867 868
• Zen Master Bado — Rujie’s grand-disciple-master and Hua Xing’s younger brother. 346 686
• Wuchen — Great Thunderclap Temple monk who challenged Rujie’s status and Tianyin Temple’s right to retain Northern Region incense offerings. 858 860
• Yao Feng — Medicine God Valley prodigy whom Rujie initially admired for his tenth-place Azure Dragon Ranking position. Yao Feng gave him a third-grade pill and later killed the demonic cultivators pursuing him in the Qiankun Secret Realm. 138 145
• Liu Ruyan — Accompanied Chen Changqing during Tianyin Temple’s crisis and encouraged Rujie to view his appointment as abbot as a benefit to the temple’s protection. Rujie appreciated her reassurance in contrast to Chen’s teasing. 859 867
• Ming Jiuyou — Netherworld Sect opponent who attacked Rujie with the Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation, Netherworld Ghost Seal, and a black blade while seeking to kill Chen Changqing. Rujie resisted despite injuries and helped disrupt the formation. 765 766

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Ghost Granny incident — Recruits Chen Changqing to investigate a ghost-infested town for merit, beginning their long-standing friendship. 95 100 102
• Qiankun Secret Realm — Depends on Chen Changqing for protection while pursuing Tianyin Temple’s ancestral Buddhist inheritance, which advances his cultivation. 146 150 154
• Azure Dragon Ranking — Enters at tenth place while at Late Golden Core, earning recognition as Tianyin Temple’s rising prodigy. 199
• Buddhist Holy Son selection — Pursues merit through Yulan Village’s Ghost Emperors, using their defeat as evidence for his candidacy. 403 414 415
• Heavenly Sovereign’s Fallen Land — Helps guard Bai Wuya’s breakthrough, finds the Buddha Bone Relic, and survives an attempt by three cultivators to seize it. 706 707 724 725 737
• Immortal Secret Realm — Reaches Mid Tribulation Crossing, collects a golden finger bone, survives capture by the Netherworld Sect, and fights beside Chen Changqing and Si Youyou. 751 759 760 766
• Creation Heavenly Palace — Holds off Ming Jiuyou’s formation while Chen battles True Lord Li, helps crack the formation, and later watches Chen overcome Jian Chen before departing. 765 766 773 776 777
• Tianyin Temple crisis — Defends Tianyin Temple against Great Thunderclap Temple’s pressure, unveils the Tiger-Taming Arhat inheritance, and becomes abbot after the Tianyin Buddha Bone recognizes him. 859 860 867
• Tianyin Temple restoration — Oversees Tianyin Temple after Great Thunderclap Temple’s defeat, receiving returning branch temples and preserving the temple’s position in the Northern Region. 868
• Eastern Sea support for Shushan — Backs Chen Changqing during the confrontation with hostile factions, then publicly tests and acknowledges Chen’s physical strength in a hand-to-hand bout. 940 956

Notable Quotes

“Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart.” 403

“The more people tell this poor monk to scram, the more he wants to stand right where he is.” 764

“If this poor monk stuffs the Buddha Bone back in now, is it still in time?” 867

“All right, all right, I can't beat you.” 956

“Impressive. If we're comparing physical bodies alone, even someone in the True Monarch Realm probably couldn't gain an advantage over you now.” 956

Trivia

• After breaking through to Mid Tribulation Crossing, Rujie’s first concern was whether he had grown hair. 751
• He calls himself both “this humble monk” and “this Buddha,” often depending on whether he is joking, boasting, or frightened. 725 760
• Despite his Buddhist identity, he openly eats meat and drinks wine at formal gatherings. 685
• Although he initially tried to avoid the role, the Tianyin Buddha Bone’s recognition made him Tianyin Temple’s abbot. 867
• He outwardly treated his tenth-place Azure Dragon Ranking debut as unremarkable, but was privately delighted. Upon learning that Chen Changqing had taken first place, he swore in surprise and boasted to a novice monk that Chen was his good brother. 200
• He joked that immortal-jade floor tiles would make useful meditation cushions and justified taking them by claiming they were “fated” with him. 754
• After conceding his hand-to-hand bout with Chen Changqing, he returned to Tianyin Temple’s warship and resumed chanting as though nothing had happened. 956

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