Zhao Rui

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Zhao Rui 1 2 5
Age	18 at the beginning of the story 2 5
Height	182cm 1 2
Affiliation	Dongqi University (Accounting Department; formerly Martial Arts Team captain), Qingcheng Sword Sect 33 37 49 107 240
Family	Zhao Ke (younger brother), Zhao Jincheng (father), Xue Wenhui (mother), Zhao Jinze (third uncle) 2 6 10 29 33 34 41 116 258
Martial Arts Talent	Average (Meridian permeability 50%, Dantian expansion speed below average, Internal Energy viscosity 70%); compensates through the System's copying and advancement functions 43 228
Martial Arts Level	Sun God Emperor; possesses vast divine power after integrating divine techniques (current) 297
Known Martial Arts	Butterfly Catching Hand, Cloud Hand Plucks Stars, Netherworld Ghost Hand, Azure Cloud Palm, Taihang Thirteen Palms, Prajna Palm, Six Exquisite Charm Immortal Art, Ice Palm Force, Thunderclap Sword Art, Heavenly Demonic Illusory Sound Great Law, Twenty-Eight Dragon Subduing Palms, Xuanqiong True Self Appearance, and numerous copied arts 1 2 3 45 85 111 125 164 169 228
Skills	Traditional Chinese Medicine, a cappella performance, songwriting, martial-arts instruction, and System-based martial-art replication 37 41 97 136
Notable Relationships	Tian Yaru (tutoring student/adoptive sister figure), Bai Xuening (acquaintance/friend), Luo Min (former classmate), Youyou (acquaintance from past life), Liu Jie (university counselor), Cai Xinyue (class leader), Zhang Kui (senior team member), Coach Wang Zhanshan (Martial Arts Team instructor), Qin Rui, Miao Miaomiao, Mo Ling'er, and Elder Ge Changsheng 29 31 33 41 42 45 64 107 111 161 258

Physical Description

Zhao Rui is described as a graceful young master with a handsome appearance 20 29 31. He has a lean body with clearly visible muscles, suggesting a fit physique 19. He is also noted to have a "thick skin" 21.

• He is over 1.7 meters tall 20.
• He can appear with "greasy hair and powdered face" when dressed up 20.
• He has been seen wearing a simple ancient-style long gown, holding a folding fan 31.
• He has also worn high-end sportswear, including Nike 28.
• He is capable of effortlessly carrying a girl on his back 38.
• After reaching higher realms, he can manifest enormous Dharma Bodies and travel through the air or void under his own power 169 176 237.
• He later uses a fully enclosing suit of extraterrestrial armor capable of high-speed spaceflight and atmospheric protection 248.

Background

Zhao Rui comes from an ordinary family in Lincheng, with his father, Zhao Jincheng, working in finance, and his mother, Xue Wenhui, managing the household 2 258. While not wealthy, his parents have stable jobs and live comfortably 2. Zhao Rui also has a younger brother, Zhao Ke, who attends Lin City First Middle School with him 2.

The family dynamics are influenced by martial arts. Zhao Rui's parents have differing views on his martial arts training, with his father expressing concern that Zhao Rui is "too proud" and that martial arts talent cannot be forced 2. His mother, however, worries about Zhao Rui's efforts 2. Zhao Rui's relationship with his younger brother, Zhao Ke, is initially strained due to Zhao Ke's lack of martial arts talent and his resentment towards Zhao Rui's abilities 10 28. Zhao Ke often feels inferior and has been known to compare himself to Zhao Rui, leading to a psychological imbalance 28. This resentment is exacerbated by their cousin, a Level 5 Martial Artist, who often bullies Zhao Ke 33. Zhao Ke's desperation to acquire martial arts talent has led him to questionable means, such as buying Qi Guiding Pills 28.

Over time, Zhao Ke enters the Martial Way, improves academically, seeks Zhao Rui's guidance, and develops a relationship with Shao Qianwen 116 156 161. Zhao Rui later personally teaches Zhao Ke martial arts, including the Five Poisons Divine Palm, reflecting the brothers' substantially improved relationship 164.

Zhao Rui's extended family includes his paternal side, with his father having two brothers. The eldest is a successful businessman with assets in the tens of millions, running a shoe and hat factory and a wood processing plant 33. The third brother, Zhao Jinze, is a Level 7 Martial Artist, a member of the County Martial Arts Association, and a shareholder in multiple companies 33. Zhao Jinze's son, Zhao Rui's cousin, is a Level 5 Martial Artist at 16, the same age as Zhao Ke 33. Zhao Rui's maternal side consists of ordinary people without martial arts talent, mostly working as office employees, and they have more frequent and closer gatherings 34. Zhao Rui notes that his maternal relatives are generally more familiar and closer to him and his brother, with less social climbing or reliance on others 34.

As Zhao Rui's power and public reputation rise, his family becomes a concern for powerful factions and is eventually offered protection at Qingcheng Mountain or in Great Shang. Zhao Rui is also recognized as a prince of Great Shang 239 258.

Personality

Zhao Rui is characterized by his maturity, calmness, and strategic thinking, often remaining composed in tempting situations and planning to maximize his skill progression 20 33. He demonstrates independence by renting his own apartment and diligently cultivating his internal energy 36. He is focused on his studies and martial arts training, showing restraint and self-control, such as when he declines sparring with Cui Jian to avoid potential misunderstandings 3. Zhao Rui is pragmatic and content with his work, whether as a tutor or a sparring partner, and approaches earning money with dedication 30. He is also adaptable and ambitious, eager to meet influential figures and acknowledging his own desires for fame and fortune 10.

In his relationships, Zhao Rui shows understanding towards his brother, Zhao Ke, despite Zhao Ke's resentment and jealousy of his martial arts abilities 2 10 33. He maintains a friendly relationship with Bai Xuening, who often arranges meetings with influential martial artists 9 10 24. He is courteous and respectful towards others, including a swordswoman he encounters 20, and shows kindness towards classmates like He Wanqing 49. While he is generally welcoming to those who wish to befriend him, he is not bothered by the opinions of others, recognizing that everyone has their own path 49. He is also noted for his humor and engaging conversation, especially with younger women 49. Zhao Rui is not easily swayed by beauty, finding "peerless beauties" like Luo Min not to be his type 11 15.

Despite becoming exceptionally powerful, Zhao Rui continues to value independence and refuses arrangements that would bind him, including Elder Ge's initial offer to guard Mingchan Courtyard in exchange for divine arts 110. He is cautious of arrogance and recognizes that the apparent freedom provided by immense martial strength can become a Martial Way hindrance 176. In crises, he is decisive and willing to fight personally to protect others, whether covering a military retreat or drawing the Viper King Venerate away from a populated coast 151 237.

Martial Arts Skills

Martial Art	Level	Description
Cloud Hand Plucks Stars	Proficient	A well-known martial art in Lin City, Zhao Rui has fundamentally mastered it, allowing his movements to flow freely and spontaneously 6 13. He copied this martial art from his senior brother, Luo Ranfeng 5.
Wing Chun Inquiry	80/100 (replication progress)	Zhao Rui is in the process of replicating this martial art 9. It is not inferior to Taiyi Light Splitting Sword 20.
Taihang Thirteen Palms	Mastered	Zhao Rui copied this martial art from Cui Jian 4 9. It is a palm technique with an imposing aura, allowing for relentless forward charging 9.
Azure Cloud Palm	Mastered	Zhao Rui's primary martial art, a palm technique that cultivates both internal and external aspects 3 9.
Netherworld Ghost Claw	(Copied)	Zhao Rui copied this martial art from a mysterious woman 2.
Taiyi Light Splitting Sword	(Advanced)	An advanced martial art, superior to Taihang Thirteen Palms and comparable to Wing Chun Inquiry 18 20.
Wrathful Fiend Skill	(Low progress)	A combat-focused skill 20.
Bagua Palm	Proficient	Zhao Rui replicated this martial art from a young martial artist 28.
Chasing Wind Leg	Proficient	A leg technique 28.
Prajna Palm	Minor success (Proficient)	A high-level martial art that Zhao Rui learned from the Martial Arts Team. He uses it for sparring and has achieved minor success in its cultivation 44 48 50.
Great Vajra Leg	(Replication progress)	Zhao Rui began replicating this martial art from Cao Guannan 50.
Primordial Chaos Palm	(Replicated)	Zhao Rui replicated this martial art from Li Xinran 50.
Flower Plucking Finger	(Replicated)	Zhao Rui replicated this martial art from Qin Rui 50.
Mantis Fist	(Replicated)	Zhao Rui replicated this martial art from a male student 50.
Mimic Form Fist	(Learned)	An exclusive martial art of the Sparring Partner Group, which Zhao Rui learned 50.
Six Exquisite Charm Immortal Art	Mastered	A powerful charm technique copied from Miao Miaomiao. It drastically improves Zhao Rui's combat capability and can be used to counter formidable martial arts 85 104.
Profound Yin Sword Finger	Replicated	Cai Zhengyang's signature finger technique, which Zhao Rui completed copying through two days of sparring 72.
Great Compassion Hand	Replication initiated	A Buddhist-style palm art Zhao Rui discovered while sparring with Luo Yongxiang 103.
Seven Star Divine Art	Partial replication	A powerful martial art used by Sun Hao; Zhao Rui reached 50% replication progress and faced its Seven Star Palm chain attack 104.
Ice Palm Force	Learned	An advanced Yin-cold palm art taught to Zhao Rui by Elder Ge Changsheng 111.
Nine Li Steps the Big Dipper	Learned	A powerful movement technique taught by Elder Ge 111.
Thunderclap Sword Art	Mastered	A Qingcheng sword art Zhao Rui copied and completed while sparring with Zhang Zheng 125.
Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Art	Mastered	A cultivation art Zhao Rui copied and completed from Zhang Zheng 125.
Heavenly Demonic Illusory Sound Great Law	Mastered	A Demonic Way art used to influence, control, and place Heavenly Demon marks upon targets; it can also disrupt enemies' minds 169 228 245.
Twenty-Eight Dragon Subduing Palms	Advanced	A peerless palm art whose force can manifest dragon-shaped attacks and combine ice and fire attributes 164 169.
Xuanqiong True Self Appearance	Advanced	Zhao Rui's Dharma Appearance cultivation method, capable of manifesting the Shenxiao Yuque Body and developing toward the Zifu Yuanzun Dharma Body 169.
Spring Wind and Rain Technique	Learned	A concealment and perception technique Zhao Rui learned while evading the Yun Mansion; at full use, it extends his spiritual awareness over a vast area 186 228.
Viper Transformation Dragon Art	Replicated	A technique copied from the Viper King Venerate during their battle at sea 238.
Blazing Flame Finger	Replicated	A finger art copied from an armored extraterrestrial warrior 245.
Primordial Filth Earth Art	Replicated	An earth-element martial art copied from a giant bat-like Exotic Beast on a desert continent 298.

Power Progression

• Zhao Rui uses 'Cloud Hand Plucks Stars' to outmatch a mysterious woman and copies her 'Netherworld Ghost Claw' martial art 2.
• He learns about the distinction between Internal and External Techniques and uses an advancement point to increase his Internal Energy to six years, then practices the Taihang Thirteen Palms 9.
• Zhao Rui's 'Cloud Hand Plucks Stars' reaches the proficient level, signifying fundamental mastery 13.
• He becomes a sparring partner, earning money and making significant progress in his Taiyi Light Splitting Sword technique 18.
• Zhao Rui spars with Brother Hong Fei, demonstrating his potential and endurance 19.
• He decides to explore other martial arts and sparring partners to increase his skills' progress points 20.
• Zhao Rui spars with coaches and students, including a young martial artist whose Bagua Palm and Chasing Wind Leg he replicates to the Proficient level 23 28.
• He uses five advancement points to enhance his Internal Energy, bringing it to the level of a Martial Artist with fifteen years of practice 36.
• Zhao Rui, a Level 3 Martial Artist, wins against a Level 4 Martial Artist soldier in a martial arts competition 39.
• He joins the Martial Arts Team, aiming to learn advanced cultivation techniques 42.
• Zhao Rui starts practicing Prajna Palm, finding it challenging but effective 45.
• He acts as a sparring partner for sophomores, helping them practice Prajna Palm and raising his Prajna Palm replication progress to 50% 48.
• Zhao Rui adds an advancement point to his Yunmen acupoint, causing a warm current and a surge of True Qi 49.
• He achieves minor success in Prajna Palm, with his use of the technique becoming increasingly fluid and natural 50.
• Zhao Rui unlocks the replication of four new martial arts: Great Vajra Leg, Primordial Chaos Palm, Flower Plucking Finger, and Mantis Fist 50.
• He defeats Cai Zhengyang, later completes his replication of the Profound Yin Sword Finger, and gains a major increase in combat ability through the Six Exquisite Charm Immortal Art 72 85.
• Zhao Rui becomes the senior disciple brother of the Dongqi Martial Arts Team and opens twenty-eight acupoints, allowing him to wield Grandmaster-level True Qi before formally entering the realm 107.
• He advances to the Grandmaster realm and keeps the breakthrough secret while stabilizing his cultivation 108.
• Elder Ge teaches Zhao Rui Ice Palm Force and Nine Li Steps the Big Dipper; Zhao Rui subsequently severely injures Holy Cult elder Peng Yuanshan 111.
• Zhao Rui comprehends Sword Intent at Mount Emei and later copies the Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Art and Thunderclap Sword Art at Qingcheng Mountain 123 125.
• He reaches the True Essence Realm while using opened acupoints to exert Divine Void Realm combat power beyond his nominal realm 138.
• Zhao Rui becomes chief martial arts instructor in the military, trains soldiers in the Myriad Phenomena Thunder Art, and completes six months of military service 156 158.
• He returns to Dongqi University as a Divine Void Realm Grandmaster and retains his position as Martial Arts Team captain after challenges from Wang Dalong and Cai Zhengyang 159.
• Zhao Rui manifests the Xuanqiong True Self Appearance and Shenxiao Yuque Body, defeating Cangwu Zi's demonic Dharma Body 169.
• He enters the Dharma Appearance Realm, gaining the ability to project his divine soul, traverse the void, and travel immense distances through the air 176.
• Zhao Rui opens ninety-seven acupoints through accumulated advancement points, vastly enhancing his absorption and affinity for True Qi 228.
• He manifests the Zifu Yuanzun Dharma Body, defeats the Viper King Venerate at sea, and copies its Viper Transformation Dragon Art 237 238.
• Following the battle with the Viper King Venerate, he is publicly acclaimed as “Great Emperor Zhao” 238.
• Zhao Rui defeats armored extraterrestrial warriors, copies Blazing Flame Finger, and obtains armor capable of spaceflight and formidable defense 245 248.
• During his starry-sky cultivation, he accumulates fifty advancement points and opens eighty of his one hundred and eight acupoints 264.
• He integrates divine power techniques, gains boundless divine might, and is recognized as the Sun God Emperor 297.
• Zhao Rui copies the Primordial Filth Earth Art from a giant Exotic Beast after arriving on a desert continent through space travel 298.

Key Relationships

• Zhao Ke: Zhao Rui's younger brother. Zhao Ke resents Zhao Rui's martial arts abilities and is often bullied by their cousin 10 33. He is embarrassed by Zhao Rui's martial arts prowess and keeps a distance from him at school 2. Zhao Ke is going through a rebellious phase and is interested in cultivating the Martial Way, even seeking out Qi Guiding Pills 6 29 33. He later enters the Martial Way, seeks Zhao Rui's advice, and dates Shao Qianwen 116 156 161.
• Li Cunxin: Zhao Rui's master and a martial arts mentor 12 34. He is stern and demanding, often expressing disappointment in Zhao Rui's progress, yet he is also interested in Zhao Rui's financial contributions to the apprenticeship 6 27.
• Bai Xuening: A girl who asks Zhao Rui to be her sparring partner 7. She has connections to famous martial artists like Sun Boran through her master 9 10. She is persistent in her requests to spar with Zhao Rui 7.
• Yang Fan: Zhao Rui's classmate and friend 2 7. He shows concern for Zhao Rui's future and financial situation 7 18. He gets accepted into college 29. Zhao Rui later rescues him from an actress's Soul Shackles technique 121.
• Tian Yaru: The daughter of Tian Muhao, whom Zhao Rui tutors 29 30. She is intelligent and mischievous, initially showing a competitive and slightly spoiled nature, especially towards Yi Yan 33. She later studies at university and learns self-defense martial arts from Zhao Rui 161.
• Tian Muhao: Tian Yaru's father, who acknowledges Zhao Rui as his daughter's tutor 30.
• Yi Yan: A Level 5 Martial Artist who tries to add Zhao Rui on WeChat, but Tian Yaru intervenes 33.
• Zhao Jinze: Zhao Rui's third uncle and a Martial Way practitioner. He spars with Zhao Rui and is impressed by his skills 33 34.
• Youyou: An old acquaintance from Zhao Rui's past life whom he encounters on the bus to Jizhou 35. She shows interest in Zhao Rui but is rebuffed 42. She later seeks his help with a hooligan 41.
• Liu Jie: Zhao Rui's counselor at Dongqi University. He shows interest in Zhao Rui's potential and helps him join the Martial Arts Team 41 42 45.
• He Wanqing: A classmate of Zhao Rui in the Accounting Department. She shows kindness towards Zhao Rui and has a pleasant demeanor 49.
• Qin Rui and Li Xinran: Senior sisters in the Martial Arts Team with whom Zhao Rui spars, deepening their bond and providing more sparring opportunities 49. Qin Rui's affection for Zhao Rui becomes increasingly explicit, and he helps remove a hidden True Qi from her body 107 159.
• Xu Shaojie: A prodigious young student at the martial arts hall who initially shows arrogance but later becomes humble and seeks Zhao Rui's guidance after losing to him in a spar 30.
• Sun Tiantian: A classmate of Zhao Rui who harbors a crush on him 25.
• Luo Min: A classmate of Zhao Rui who likely applied to Dongqi University 25. She is He Wanqing's friend 45. She later becomes unstable and hostile toward Qin Rui during Zhao Rui's disappearance 196.
• Classmates: Zhao Rui's classmates in the Accounting Department respect him, calling him "Brother Rui," though some are jealous or scoff at his martial arts pursuits 49. His dorm mates are initially reluctant for him to leave but also relieved 45.
• Zhang Kui: Zhao Rui's senior teammate and friend. Zhang Kui's disappearance after investigating Mount Tai deeply affects Zhao Rui and prompts the team to search for him 62 64.
• Wang Zhanshan: Zhao Rui's Martial Arts Team coach. He initially disciplines Zhao Rui for reckless actions but later treats him with increasing respect, even recognizing him as an equal after his extraordinary growth 96 111 161.
• Miao Miaomiao: A Martial Arts Team member and the original cultivator of the Six Exquisite Charm Immortal Art. Zhao Rui copies her ultimate art, helps correct flaws in her cultivation, and develops a close relationship with her 85 86 231.
• Mo Ling'er: A Great Shang princess and Witch Venerable who aids Zhao Rui against Savage Warriors. Their relationship develops through repeated encounters, conflict, and mutual assistance 183 186 240 258.
• Elder Ge Changsheng: Zhao Rui's powerful mentor at Mingchan Courtyard. He teaches Zhao Rui Ice Palm Force and Nine Li Steps the Big Dipper, and is later revealed to have connections to Zhao Rui's standing within Qingcheng 110 111 201.
• Cai Zhengyang: Initially arrogant toward Zhao Rui, he is defeated and becomes willing to spar with him, enabling Zhao Rui to copy the Profound Yin Sword Finger 72.
• Cangwu Zi: A Qingcheng cultivator who becomes demonized and manifests a powerful Dharma Body. Zhao Rui defeats him after manifesting his own True Self Appearance 169.
• Viper King Venerate: A high-level Exotic Beast defeated by Zhao Rui in a battle over the East Sea. Zhao Rui copies its Viper Transformation Dragon Art and earns worldwide acclaim afterward 237 238.

Themes

Zhao Rui's narrative explores several significant themes, including the pervasive influence of martial arts in society and its impact on individuals and relationships 1 2 32. The story highlights the constant struggle to acquire and maintain martial arts talent, often leading to desperation and impatience in the pursuit of power 28. It also delves into the complexities of family dynamics, showcasing competition, favoritism, and sibling rivalry, particularly between Zhao Rui and his brother, Zhao Ke, who struggles with his perceived lack of martial arts talent 10 16 28 33 34.

Another prominent theme is the coexistence of order and chaos in society, where martial force frequently determines one's status, and human lives can be cheap in dark corners influenced by money and power 23 27 32. The narrative also touches on the contrast between the purity and simplicity of student life and the temptations of the wider world, requiring self-control and strategic thinking 12 20 25. Zhao Rui's journey emphasizes personal growth and learning, as he actively seeks opportunities to improve his martial arts skills and navigate his dual memories 6 20 26. The importance of mentors and guidance in personal development is also a recurring motif 27 28. Finally, the narrative explores the idea that while martial arts can be a path to power, Zhao Rui, a "common man," also desires to enjoy life's simple pleasures, contrasting with the single-mindedness of some martial arts fanatics 10 30 49.

As the story progresses, the scope expands from personal cultivation to responsibility amid societal collapse, interworld conflict, and extraterrestrial threats 151 201 228. Zhao Rui's ascent raises questions about whether overwhelming individual power can coexist with public order, particularly after the public begins to call him Great Emperor Zhao 238. His repeated encounters with Demonic Way techniques also emphasize the need for self-knowledge and restraint, as martial strength can create arrogance, obsession, and the risk of falling into demonic paths 169 176 203.

Trivia

• Zhao Rui believes his aesthetic sense is not developed in the area of "peerless beauties," comparing his indifference to Luo Min to how he felt about Guan Xiaotong in his past life 11 15.
• He enjoys his student life, appreciating its purity and lack of worldliness 12 15.
• Zhao Rui is pragmatic about earning money and does not have the stubbornness of martial arts fanatics who are solely focused on the Martial Way 30.
• He once caused Bai Xuening pain by accidentally hitting her right breast during sparring and then innocently asked if it hurt much because there was "some cushioning" 4.
• Zhao Rui is described as acting reserved but being "quite lecherous" by Yang Fan 15.
• He has a habit of carrying a folding fan 30 31.
• Zhao Rui believes a young man's life is wasted if he's not a bit dashing and that he needs to show himself with confidence 39.
• He moved out of the university dormitory into a rented apartment, with his counselor Liu Jie readily agreeing due to his unique situation 45. He prefers not to sleep in a collective dormitory unless it's "filled with pretty girls" 45.
• Zhao Rui holds a grudge against Gongye Lingchen, one of the four great experts of the Martial Arts Team, after Gongye Lingchen struck him with a palm 47.
• He wrote theme and insert songs for a television drama, though he regards his entertainment-industry opportunities as secondary to martial cultivation 97 107.
• Despite his public title of Great Emperor Zhao, he initially conceals his identity from the Great Shang noble who asks whether he knows Zhao Rui 237.
• He playfully calls out “Jarvis! Transform!” when testing his acquired extraterrestrial armor in space 248.