Dragon Guard

Biodata

Background

The Dragon Guard was founded by the Martial Emperor after he established the Great Shang Dynasty. Its members “serve Heaven,” answer only to the Emperor, fight for victory, and operate in the shadows. 1

Its headquarters are in Ghostly Night City, while its operational yamen stands south of the Imperial City in Chaoge. This location earned it the name “Southern Guard.” Alongside the Eastern Investigation Bureau, Western Investigation Bureau, and Imperial Guards, it is counted among the Great Shang’s foremost imperial security bodies. 1

Unlike ordinary court offices, the Dragon Guard is not subordinate to any court department. It may monitor officials, preserve public order, investigate and arrest criminals, interrogate and execute prisoners, and represent the court in matters concerning the martial arts world. 1

Organization

Command structure

Known units and departments

• Yu Camp, Divine Department — Handles investigation, arrests, interrogation, and casework. Qin Shuang, Jiang Xiaoyu, and their troop serve here. 1
• Yu Camp, Demon Division — Includes Guo Jing and Yang Kang; its members perform imperial-prison duty. 8
• Yu Camp, Ghost Division — Patrols Chaoge’s streets, maintains public security, and prevents crime. 9
• Xuan Camp — Oversees recruitment, assessments, and training. 1
• Xuan Camp, Lin Department — Trains children in Ghostly Night City before they undergo assessments and trials after turning sixteen. 1
• Flood Camp, Iron Department — Forges Dragon Guard weapons and armor, including its signature dual sabers. 12
• Cosmos Camp, Moon Division — Includes poison and medicine specialist Cheng Lingsu. 9
• Cosmos Camp, Star Department — Includes Qin Hongmian and Beitang Ao; it later receives Lei Bin. 43 44
• Desolation Camp, Qing Prefecture Division — Commanded by Ling Weifeng; deployed cavalry reinforcements during the battle for Ni Pusa. 24

Recruitment and Advancement

For hereditary members, two years of service permit an application for promotion to Squad Leader, while five years permit an application for Garrison General. Advancement beyond Garrison General requires ordinary assessments or special merit. 2

Uniforms and Equipment

Dragon Guard uniforms are made from black cloud brocade. Embroidered trim indicates rank, including orange for Squad Leaders, blue for Garrison Generals, and purple for Military Marquises. 1 37 43

Standard dual sabers

The organization’s signature weapons are paired sabers: a long saber and a short saber. Though members may wield other weapons or use outside martial arts, the Dragon Guard’s inherited art is the Dream Slaying Saber Technique. 2 12

Doctrine and Discipline

The Dragon Guard’s stated creed places family below country, country below the state, and the state below the common people. Its twin sabers are presented as instruments for stabilizing troubled times and preserving peace. 36

Its military discipline applies even during operations. During the assault on Peerless City, Qin Shuang executed Dragon Guard member Qu Xiu for rape under the organization’s military law. 17

The organization also distinguishes between enemies and Great Shang citizens acting under orders. After the Western Xia incident, Qin Shuang ordered the execution of Imperial Guards who had surrendered to Western Xia but released those who had held their ground. 21

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Early recruitment and formation of Qin Shuang’s squad — Qin Shuang recruits Dragon Guard members and candidates including Guo Jing, Yang Kang, Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, Heng Feijing, Huai Mie, and Cheng Lingsu for the Yu Camp’s Divine Department. 8 9 10 12
• Fire Monkey conflict — Qin Shuang leads more than thirty Dragon Guards in claiming the Fire Monkey, confronting the Five Happy Sons and other jianghu figures. 15
• Annihilation of Peerless City — Dragon Guard forces infiltrate Peerless City, assassinate Dugu Yifang, seize resources, and clash with Imperial Guards led by Wen Fangda and the Wen Family Five Elders. 17 18
• Western Xia intervention — Dragon Guard and Imperial Guard forces are incapacitated by Helian Tieshu’s Sorrowful Crisp Breeze; Qin Shuang later forces the antidote from Helian. 19 21
• Battle against the Twelve Zodiacs — Qin Shuang’s force holds against the Twelve Zodiacs and numerous underworld martial artists until Ling Weifeng arrives with the Qing Prefecture Division. 22 23 24
• Expansion under Qin Shuang — Following Qin Shuang’s promotion to Garrison General, his troop is organized into two squads and reinforced with recruits from hereditary families, other units, and the Five Rats of Trapped Sky Island. 26
• Yellow River Gang operation — Qin Shuang and Dragon Guard forces destroy the Yellow River Gang after he enters the Innate Realm. 30
• Black Stone conflict — Dragon Guard officers observe Qin Shuang’s clash with Black Stone assassins; later, Qin Shuang and Qin Hongmian join other Guards in killing the King of Samsara. 37 43 44
• Medicine King Sect campaign — Shen Hu Chan, a Yu Camp Divine Department Squad Leader, leads the operation against the Medicine King Sect. 38 48

Known Members

• Qin Shuang — Yu Camp Divine Department Garrison General; commands a growing troop and uses the Dream Slaying Saber Technique. 43
• Qin Hongmian — Cosmos Camp Star Department Garrison General; known as the Asura Blade. 1 43
• Yang Yuncong — Military Commander of the Yu Camp Divine Department; Qin Shuang’s mentor and superior. 1 2
• Ling Weifeng — Commander of the Desolation Camp’s Qing Prefecture Division; known as the Heavenly Mountain Divine Blade. 24
• Feng Xiniang — Dragon Guard Military Marquis who observes Qin Shuang’s battle with Black Stone assassins. 37
• Ding Ning — Qin Shuang’s first-squad Squad Leader after the troop’s formation. 26
• Shen Hu Chan — Yu Camp Divine Department Squad Leader and saber specialist; later leads the campaign against the Medicine King Sect. 18 48
• Cheng Lingsu — Cosmos Camp Moon Division specialist in medicine, herbs, poisons, and antidotes. 9
• Huai Mie — Former Flood Camp Iron Department member who joins Qin Shuang’s team. 12
• Heng Feijing — Yellow Camp saber master who joins Qin Shuang’s squad after their duel. 11 12

Trivia

• The Dragon Guard’s standard paired sabers are deliberately conspicuous enough to reveal a member’s identity, causing Qin Shuang to wrap his weapons when traveling undercover. 2
• Its hereditary families number two hundred and sixteen. 1 2
• Qin Shuang’s force gathered fifty-five young members, most at First-rate Warrior or Postnatal Peak level or above, with several already in the Innate Realm. 14