Biodata
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Chen Yuan (辰元) |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Shushan Holy Land; Seven Stars Peak |
| Occupation / Role | Sect Master of Shushan Holy Land; disciple of Daoist Wuzhen; preparing Chen Changqing to succeed him while retaining the office's authority until his disciple is ready 982 |
| Cultivation | Tribulation Crossing Realm, Peak Stage 674 |
| Status | Active |
| First Appearance | Chapter 112 |
Power Progression
| Stage | Development |
|---|---|
| Tribulation Crossing Realm | Already an established Tribulation Crossing expert by the time Chen Changqing became his Gatekeeping Disciple, placing him on the same level as the Seven Great Peaks' Helmsmen and the Blood Moon World's Moon Rank experts 122 165. |
| Peak Tribulation Crossing | Explicitly identified as a Peak Tribulation Crossing cultivator when the Sword Intent released by Chen Changqing's acquisition of a divine sword made even him feel his heart tremble 674. |
| Longstanding Bottleneck | His cultivation remained stalled at the Tribulation Crossing Realm for years, though a trace of his released power later showed indications that the bottleneck was beginning to loosen 827. |
Background / History
Chen Yuan serves as the Sect Master of Shushan Holy Land, though the Seven Great Peaks retain substantial autonomy under their respective Helmsmen. When he sought to appoint Chen Changqing as the eleventh Sequence Holy Son, the decision drew the direct intervention of all seven Helmsmen, each a Tribulation Crossing expert comparable to Chen Yuan himself 122.
He accepted Chen Changqing as his Gatekeeping Disciple and elevated him into the Sect Master's lineage. Chen Yuan initially found Changqing's seemingly idle habits perplexing, only to witness him abruptly form nine Golden Cores after more than a year of apparent inactivity 119. He subsequently backed Changqing's bid for Sequence Holy Son and consistently treated him as an exceptional successor candidate.
After examining Changqing's inheritance token, Chen Yuan recalled seeing a similar token in the Qiankun Secret Realm a hundred years earlier. He arranged for Changqing to seek assistance from his old friend True Person Li Yuan, using his Daoist Sect connections to secure access to the realm 119 120 139 140.
When Chen Changqing failed to exit the Qiankun Secret Realm, Chen Yuan's aura erupted across Shushan after True Person Li Yuan came to report the incident. He immediately demanded an explanation from Li Yuan, whom he had entrusted with Changqing's protection 165. After Changqing's eventual return, Chen Yuan introduced him to Jian Zhenzi, his eldest surviving disciple and Shushan's first Sequence Holy Son 211.
During Changqing's absence, Chen Yuan learned from Mo Tianji that his youngest disciple had reached the top of the Azure Dragon Ranking. Despite his pride and astonishment, he remained anxious about Changqing's whereabouts and hoped for his safe return 202.
Chen Yuan later personally escorted Changqing to the Shushan Sword Tomb after granting him the Ten Forms of Sword Annihilation. Together with its guarding elders and the Seven Great Peaks' leaders, he witnessed the unprecedented acknowledgment of Changqing by the tomb's myriad swords and the emergence of the Thunderflame Sword 220 221 222.
When Changqing returned from the Hundred Dynasties War, Chen Yuan was astonished by his advancement to mid-Nascent Soul, his role in securing first place for the Maple Leaf Dynasty, and his appointment as the Jiuzhou Divine Dynasty's Imperial Son-in-Law. Learning of the Heavenly Thunder Twin Swords' reunion and Changqing's killing of imperial princes further reinforced his belief that his disciple possessed extraordinary fortune, though the new connection to the Human King also brought his own old romantic entanglements back to mind 320 321 322.
Concerned that Changqing's extraordinary advancement and repeated fortuitous encounters might indicate possession by an ancient remnant soul, Chen Yuan brought him before their master, Wuzhen Heavenly Monarch, for examination. Wuzhen confirmed that Changqing's body and soul were perfectly integrated, though his soul carried an anomaly even Wuzhen could not see through 464 465.
Chen Yuan later made clear that he was grooming Changqing to become Shushan's next Sect Master, placing great expectations on his performance in the Seven Peaks Grand Competition 551. He continued to defend Changqing after the latter captured imperial princes and demanded ransom, declaring that Shushan would protect him so long as he had reason on his side 884.
When Medicine God Valley sought protection over Hua Xing's refinement of the Longevity Immortal Pill, Chen Yuan recognized that the pill could attract Heavenly Monarch-level powers. He brought Changqing before Wuzhen to discuss the danger, securing his master's agreement to intervene if such an expert became involved 554 555.
During the Seven Peaks Grand Competition, Chen Yuan recognized Changqing's Ten Forms of Sword Annihilation and marveled that his disciple had brought it to Great Accomplishment. Changqing's subsequent use of an avatar and the Dragon Pattern Sky-Splitting Spear surprised him, as he had not known about either ability or treasure. He also identified the Heaven-Slaying Sword Drawing Technique when Changqing used it against Yue Qing, reacting with concern because of its origin in the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty 637 640 644.
Following Changqing's later acquisition of the Ganjiang Sword, Chen Yuan admitted that he did not know its origins and suggested consulting Wuzhen. He warned Changqing that possessing multiple Immortal Artifacts could invite disaster and repeated his advice not to reveal such treasures unnecessarily before Changqing's next journey 674 676 683.
After Wuzhen emerged reborn following his prolonged seclusion, Chen Yuan was overcome with emotion and congratulated his master, affirming that Wuzhen's return would once more serve as Shushan's stabilizing pillar 830. He later welcomed Changqing back to Shushan after his travels, shared Enlightenment Tea with him, and heard of his disciple's additional engagement to a true dragon princess of the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace 825 826.
Before the Ten Great Sect Competition, Chen Yuan warned Changqing that Great Chu and the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty might cooperate with other factions to retaliate against him. His concern ultimately gave way to pride in Changqing's strength and resolve. Wuzhen subsequently affirmed to Chen Yuan that Shushan would protect Changqing even against demands from all the Nine Provinces' holy lands 884.
Chen Yuan convened the meeting to select Shushan's Grand Tournament representatives. He challenged Daoist Wuxing over secretly allowing his disciple, another cultivator named Chen Yuan, to practice the forbidden Supreme Sword of Forgetting Emotion. During that disciple's duel with Changqing, the Sect Master was shocked to learn that Wuxing had also entrusted him with his natal Immortal Artifact, the Starfall Sword. Watching Changqing unveil his Sword Realm transformed Chen Yuan's anxiety into open joy and pride 897 899 900.
He formally approved Chen Changqing, Wuxing's disciple Chen Yuan, and Lu Tian as Shushan's representatives and ordered every peak and lineage to prioritize resources for their preparations 902.
During the Grand Tournament in the Land of the Heavenly Void, Chen Yuan reflected on Changqing's blunt and often lethal combat style. Although embarrassed by how readily his Gatekeeping Disciple fought, he concluded that Changqing had only killed those who provoked him or wicked Outer Dao cultivators and accepted such hot-bloodedness as natural for cultivators 917.
When the Shushan Nine Elders appeared, Chen Yuan recognized the title of the holy land's hidden supreme protectors. Later, True Lord Qingxiao praised his choice of disciple on the Nine Elders' behalf after treating Changqing's injuries. Chen Yuan responded with a wry smile, privately acknowledging the strain of repeatedly seeing his disciple become involved in enormous crises 946 969.
The Tianyuan Patriarch subsequently arranged for Chen Yuan to announce Changqing as Shushan's next Sect Leader in three days, with Chen Yuan continuing to exercise the office's authority until Changqing was ready. Chen Yuan and Wuzhen waited for Changqing outside the First Heavenly Palace and accompanied him back, stressing that preparations for the succession ceremony must proceed without mishap 982.
Before Changqing departed for the Nine Nether Ghost Domain in connection with Xiaoqian, Chen Yuan urged him not to force matters if the task proved impossible. Although he acknowledged Xiaoqian's importance, he reminded Changqing that he was Shushan's future, ultimately allowing him to leave with a final admonition to stay safe 989.
Appearance
Chen Yuan is an elderly Daoist with white hair and beard. He typically wears plain or green Daoist robes and carries himself with composed, restrained authority 112 883.
- His outwardly calm demeanor conceals immense pressure appropriate to a Tribulation Crossing cultivator.
- His Sword Intent is described as exceptionally pure and unfathomably deep 883.
- When enraged, the pressure he releases can make Shushan disciples tremble and force True Person Li Yuan backward 165.
Personality
Chen Yuan is fiercely protective of those he accepts as his own, particularly Chen Changqing. His anger at Li Yuan over Changqing's disappearance from the Qiankun Secret Realm and his willingness to confront Great Chu and the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty demonstrate that he does not tolerate threats against his disciple 165 884.
Despite this protectiveness, he is a thoughtful mentor. He worries about Changqing's safety, urges him to remain cautious around coveted Immortal Artifacts, and sought Wuzhen's judgment rather than ignoring his suspicions about Changqing's abnormal growth 464 676. His sternness is often tempered by visible pride in Changqing's accomplishments.
Although initially unsettled by Changqing's frequent killing and uncompromising methods, Chen Yuan judges people by cause rather than appearances. He accepts that Changqing targets those who provoke him or are guilty Outer Dao fiends, regarding a degree of youthful ferocity as compatible with the cultivation path 917.
His responsibilities as Sect Master also shape his advice: before Changqing's journey concerning Xiaoqian, he emphasized the need to preserve Shushan's future rather than undertake an impossible rescue at any cost. Nevertheless, his sternness softened into a sigh and concern for his disciple's safety 989.
He remains candid about the limits of his knowledge. Despite his position and experience, he admitted ignorance of the Ganjiang Sword's origin and repeatedly acknowledged that he could not explain Changqing's cultivation gains or the full extent of his resources 435 578 640 676.
Abilities & Authority
Tribulation Crossing Cultivation
Chen Yuan is a Peak Tribulation Crossing Realm expert and one of Shushan's foremost powers 674.
- His aura alone affected disciples throughout Shushan and drove True Person Li Yuan back during their confrontation 165.
- He was counted among the Tribulation Crossing-level powers against whom the Blood Moon World's Moon Rank experts were compared 165.
- His cultivation has been bottlenecked at the Tribulation Crossing Realm for years, though a trace of released power later showed signs of loosening that bottleneck 827.
Sword Intent
Chen Yuan possesses extremely pure Sword Intent.
- His Sword Intent surrounds him like a deep ancient well and is portrayed as capable of tearing open space with a single strand 883.
- His sword path and status as Shushan's Sect Master make him a central martial authority within the holy land.
- He can transmit summons through golden sword light that forms written characters imbued with Sword Intent; staring at these characters for too long causes the viewer's eyes to sting 883.
Shushan Power
Chen Yuan condensed and provided Chen Changqing with three strands of Shushan Power for the Hundred Dynasties War.
- One strand healed Liu Ruyan after she was severely injured and enabled her breakthrough to the Violet Mansion Realm 320.
- Chen Yuan dismissed the gift as insignificant for his Gatekeeping Disciple, reflecting both his resources and his investment in Changqing 320.
Mentorship and Sect Resources
Chen Yuan selectively grants high-level inheritances and treasures to disciples he deems worthy.
- He bestowed the Quasi-Immortal Artifact Silver Firmament Battle Armor upon Chen Changqing 165. He presented it as an apprenticeship gift and explained that he had obtained it years earlier from a battlefield in the Ruins 112.
- He passed down the Ten Forms of Sword Annihilation, a sword art he had not even taught Jian Zhenzi because of its demanding requirements 220.
- He sought Five Elements Origin Power treasures to support Chen Changqing's unusual cultivation path 212.
- He shared precious Enlightenment Tea with Chen Changqing upon the latter's return to Shushan, reflecting the esteem in which he holds his disciple 825.
- He used his personal connections with True Person Li Yuan to arrange Changqing's entry into the Daoist Sect's Qiankun Secret Realm 120 139 140.
- He authorized sect-wide support for Shushan's three Grand Tournament representatives, directing all peaks and lineages to make their preparations the highest priority 902.
- As Sect Master, he was qualified to know the secret of the Shushan Nine Elders, nine Tribulation Immortal-level protectors secluded deep within Ten-Thousand Swords Cliff in Shushan's ancestral land 946.
- Under the succession arrangement endorsed by the Tianyuan Patriarch, he would continue exercising the Sect Leader's authority until Chen Changqing was ready to assume it 982.
Relationships
- Chen Changqing — Gatekeeping Disciple and favored successor candidate. Chen Yuan supports his advancement, worries intensely for his safety, and intends to groom him as Shushan's next Sect Master 165 465 551. This intention developed into preparations for a formal succession announcement and ceremony, while Chen Yuan was to retain administrative authority until Changqing was ready 982.
- Daoist Wuzhen — Master and Shushan's Grandmaster. Chen Yuan relies on Wuzhen's judgment in matters concerning Changqing and regards him as Shushan's stabilizing pillar 464 554 830. Wuzhen acknowledged Chen Yuan's efforts in governing Shushan and expressed confidence in leaving the sect in his hands 830.
- Jian Zhenzi — Eldest surviving disciple and Shushan's first Sequence Holy Son; Chen Yuan introduced him to Chen Changqing upon the latter's return from the Qiankun Secret Realm 211.
- True Person Li Yuan — Old friend from the Daoist Sect. Their friendship was strained when Changqing did not return from the Qiankun Secret Realm, as Chen Yuan had entrusted Li Yuan with his disciple's safety 140 165.
- Bai Wuya — Fellow Shushan senior of the same generation. Both were rivals in love with the Human King of the Jiuzhou Divine Dynasty 419. Bai Wuya addresses Chen Yuan as Senior Brother, and the two discuss Changqing's exceptional talent, fortunate encounters, and safety 432 435.
- Xuanyuan Yun — An old acquaintance from before Chen Yuan became Shushan's Sect Master; she asked after him through Chen Changqing 506 551. Chen Yuan had competed to marry her but lost to the Human King in the Xuanyuan family's marriage-seeking arena. Hearing her greetings from Changqing prompted him to reminisce about her as “Ayun” 506 551.
- Human King of the Jiuzhou Divine Dynasty — A former rival in love for Xuanyuan Yun. Their past competition eventually resulted in the Human King marrying Xuanyuan Yun, while Chen Yuan remained at Shushan 309 506.
- Empress Willow Leaf (Liu Ye) — Former fellow disciple from the Shushan lineage. Chen Yuan entrusted her with delivering three strands of Shushan Power to Chen Changqing during the Hundred Dynasties War 240 245 320.
- Mo Tianji — Attendant and senior aide who reports on sect affairs and discusses Changqing's progress and safety with Chen Yuan 202 211 578 674.
- Daoist Wuxing — Second Elder, addressed by Chen Yuan as Second Junior Brother. Chen Yuan questioned his concealment of a disciple practicing the forbidden Supreme Sword of Forgetting Emotion and was astonished by his decision to give that disciple the Starfall Sword 897 899.
- Shushan Nine Elders — Hidden supreme protectors whose existence is a secret entrusted to successive Sect Masters. True Lord Qingxiao conveyed their approval of Chen Yuan's choice of Changqing as a disciple 946 969.
- Tianyuan Patriarch — Senior Shushan patriarch who endorsed Changqing's succession and specified that Chen Yuan would retain the office's authority until his disciple was ready 982.
Notable Quotes
“Didn't I tell you to protect my disciple? What did you do?” 165
“If Great Chu and the Yin Yue Holy Dynasty dare come demanding people, tell them to bring money for the exchange. If they dare run wild in Shushan, this master's sword is no mere ornament.” 884
“Good! Good! Good! What a Sword Realm!” 900
“If it proves impossible, don't push yourself. Xiaoqian is certainly important, but you are Shushan's future. You must know which carries greater weight.” 989
Trivia
- Chen Yuan had taken four disciples before Chen Changqing; three had died, leaving Jian Zhenzi as his only surviving earlier disciple 141 211. The three deceased disciples perished on the Immortal-Demon Battlefield 240.
- Although he initially mistook Chen Changqing's leisure for idleness, he later recognized that his disciple's path and accumulation were far beyond ordinary standards 119 465.
- Chen Yuan's Sect Master position does not give him unrestricted control over Shushan: the Seven Great Peaks are effectively governed by their powerful Helmsmen 122.
- Daoist Wuxing's hidden disciple, a separate cultivator who also uses the name Chen Yuan, is the reincarnation of the Emotionless Sword Lord and cultivates the Supreme Sword of Forgetting Emotion 897 901.
- He knew the creator of the Ten Forms of Sword Annihilation, a previous-generation Shushan sword immortal, and recalled him with melancholy when passing down the technique 220.
- Despite his surprise at Changqing's accumulating romantic engagements, he acknowledged that marriage alliances benefited the sect 826.