Xu Zhaoying

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xu Zhaoying (徐昭缨)
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Princess Xiyao's Estate 26
Occupation/Role	Cultivator and close retainer of Princess Xiyao; formerly a trial participant 5 22
First Appearance	Chapter 5

Background / History

Xu Zhaoying was a trial participant with a strong background who had consistently earned top assessment ratings, though her cultivation progress was considered slow. During the Yellow Court Initial Opening assessment, she explained the rumored fate of low-rated candidates: being sent to Princess Xiyao's Estate, allegedly to have their blood used to refine the Princess's cultivation. She also offered an insight into the realm's bone-hardening and flesh-aching symptoms. 5

Her reaction to Chen Xu's four-stage division of the Yellow Court realm showed her ability to recognize exceptional cultivation insight. When Chen Xu gained enlightenment from the water-aligned Map of a Hundred Rivers Returning to the Sea, she understood that he had grasped the meaning of the sea despite cultivating an earth-aligned mountain art. 6 7

The map had been acquired specifically for Zhaoying's cultivation of the Vast Scripture. Over the following year and a half, she repeatedly visited Chen Xu to discuss the Dao and openly shared portions of the scripture, allowing him to memorize key passages. 6 11 12

As Princess Xiyao's bloodline agitation worsened, Zhaoying sought a remedy at Xuan Du Mountain. She became increasingly frustrated with those who dismissed or delayed assistance, believing that discrimination against the Hundred Races' bloodlines hindered efforts to treat the Princess. 22

During the journey to Jade Capital, she fought beside Chen Xu against a third-realm ambusher. She used the Qingqiu Town Mountain Seal to suppress the enemy's Yin God, protected Chen Xu while he condensed his Natal Spirit Talisman, and helped coordinate their response to the wider conspiracy behind the attack. 23 24

Appearance

Xu Zhaoying is a beautiful, sharp-featured sword-bearing cultivator whose composed appearance contrasts with the forcefulness of her combat methods. 11 22

• Often carries the long sword Flowing Water. 22
• Has been seen in white robes, a lake-green dress, and a fitted snow-white traveling outfit. 11 22 27
• Her lake-green attire includes a jade belt. 22
• Her appearance has been described as “beautiful as a painting,” while retaining a distinct sharp aura. 11

Personality

Zhaoying is calm and perceptive under pressure. She quickly recognized the value of Chen Xu's cultivation theory, understood the implications of his cross-disciplinary enlightenment, and repeatedly gave him practical warnings about political and cultivation dangers. 6 7 12 24

She is direct with people she trusts. She teases Chen Xu for becoming overly polite, criticizes his reckless decision to challenge a third-realm cultivator, and plainly explains the enormous gap between major realms. 12 24 26

Her loyalty to Princess Xiyao is intense and personal. Zhaoying was angered by the refusal of Xuan Du Mountain cultivators to provide a complete remedy for the Princess's bloodline agitation, and she continued working to protect both the Princess and Chen Xu amid escalating threats. 22 25 27

Abilities & Skills

Vast Scripture

Xu Zhaoying cultivates the water-aligned Vast Scripture, a method centered on the vastness, inclusiveness, and changeability of the sea, clouds, and mist. 6 11

• Required the Map of a Hundred Rivers Returning to the Sea for her cultivation. 6
• Shared knowledge of the scripture during her Dao discussions with Chen Xu. 11 12
• Her understanding of water and sea intent allowed her to identify the unusual fusion of mountain and sea meanings in Chen Xu's breakthrough. 7

Sword Arts

Zhaoying is an accomplished sword user capable of rapidly deploying green sword light against hostile techniques. 22 24

• Used Flowing Water to disperse daylight ghost shadows created by a third-realm enemy. 24
• Guided Chen Xu by sword flight during their journey toward Jade Capital. 25
• Redirected three incoming green signals with precise sword control, identifying them as belonging to the Princess's side. 27

Qingqiu Town Mountain Seal

A green jade seal bestowed by Princess Xiyao, used to suppress an opponent's Yin God. 24

• Expanded into a ten-zhang seal that cast clear suppressive light over the battlefield. 24
• Weakened a Mysterious Unity cultivator's Yin God, reducing the threat posed by his spiritual techniques. 24
• Required substantial exertion; Zhaoying became pale while sustaining it and later used vital blood to reinforce it. 24
• Its suppression created the opening that allowed Chen Xu to repel the enemy. 24

Protective Talismans and Crisis Response

Zhaoying carries defensive and communication tools suited to the dangers surrounding Princess Xiyao's Estate. 24 27

• Raised a protective barrier and hung three jade talismans above Chen Xu while he condensed his Natal Spirit Talisman. 24
• Provided Chen Xu with a profound Jade Slip; although he could not fully comprehend its method, he used it to refine Star Power. 27
• Helped present the Princess's Estate token to the Yujing Guards after Li Xiao's ambush. 26

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Flowing Water — A specially made, high-grade azure sword with water patterns on its blade and nine fox-tail-like spiral patterns on its hilt; it can consume Spirit Marrow to enable sword flight. 22
• Qingqiu Town Mountain Seal — A Princess-bestowed jade seal that suppresses Yin Gods. 24
• Princess's Estate token — Used to establish her and Chen Xu's official status before the Yujing Guards. 26
• Jade Slip — A profound cultivation method given to Chen Xu; its starry-sky imagery enabled his initial refinement of Star Power. 27

Relationships

• Princess Xiyao — Her mistress and the focus of her loyalty; Zhaoying actively seeks treatment for the Princess's Qingqiu bloodline agitation and bears treasures bestowed by her. 22 24
• Chen Qing / Chen Xu — Cultivation companion and ally. She shared the Vast Scripture with him, warned him of court dangers, fought alongside him, and expressed trust in his loyalty. 11 12 24 25
• Lü Han — Elder who recognized the value of Chen Xu's insight and instructed Zhaoying to report his potential to Princess Xiyao. 6 7
• Granny Qing — Commander of Princess Xiyao's secret guards; Zhaoying identifies her respectfully as “Granny.” 27

Story Role / Major Arcs

Yellow Court Assessment

Zhaoying introduces Chen Xu to the rumors surrounding low-tier assessment results and contributes her own insight during the examination. She becomes one of the first people to recognize the significance of his cultivation comprehension. 5 6

Dao Discussions and the Princess's Summons

She facilitates Chen Xu's access to Princess Xiyao's Estate, regularly discusses cultivation with him, and prepares him for the Princess's evaluation. Her shared teachings become a key source of his understanding of the Vast Scripture. 11 12

Search for a Bloodline Remedy

Zhaoying travels with Chen Xu to Xuan Du Mountain to seek a solution for Princess Xiyao's bloodline agitation. The incomplete pill formula and hostile attitude of others toward Hundred Races bloodlines intensify her urgency. 22

Journey to Jade Capital

She assists Chen Xu against a third-realm ambusher, safeguards his Natal Spirit Talisman condensation, confronts Li Xiao's ambush, and investigates the increasingly dangerous situation in Yujing City. 23 24 25 26 27