Zhao Yuan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Zhao Yuan is the son of Zhao Gu, a member of Qingyang Duchy's Loyalty Faction who was stripped of meaningful military authority by Yuan Hao. Zhao Yuan enters the Junior Soul Master Academy as Huangfu Ji's roommate. Initially intimidated by the Grand Duke's status, he gradually becomes more comfortable around him and provides information on Yuan Ling's plans against Huangfu Ji. He openly pledges to follow Huangfu Ji, seeing him as the Loyalty Faction's hope of reclaiming Qingyang from the Yuan family 8 9 28.

When Yuan Ling attempts to force a confrontation with Huangfu Ji, Zhao Yuan arrives with more than twenty students, preventing the Yuan side from overwhelming them. He then cheers Huangfu Ji on during the duel and publicly mocks Yuan Ling after Huangfu Ji's victory 18 19.

Over the following five years, Zhao Yuan remains part of Huangfu Ji and Liu Erlong's close circle. He witnesses their creation of the Martial Soul Fusion Skill Dragon Descends to the Nine Heavens, accompanies them into a wild Soul Beast Forest for Huangfu Ji's third Soul Ring, and stays awake overnight to guard Huangfu Ji during the absorption process 25 31 33.

After Huangfu Ji leaves Qingyang for Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Zhao Yuan remains in Qingyang. He later delivers Huangfu Ji's letter to Liu Erlong and sends Huangfu Ji a letter informing him of Mother Liu's death 53 77.

Appearance

By age twelve, Zhao Yuan is notably heavier than he was as a child, with a chubby, harmless appearance that conceals a ruthless side 26.

• Usually wears a smile and sometimes narrows his eyes 26.
• His weight makes him an easy target for Liu Erlong's pinching and her nickname for him, “Zhao Xiaopang” 19 28.
• His Golden Armor Turtle Martial Soul Possession forms a golden turtle shell around his body 32.

Personality

Zhao Yuan is loyal, sociable, and quick to involve himself in Huangfu Ji's affairs. He warns Huangfu Ji about threats, rallies students in his support, guards him during dangerous Soul Ring absorption, and continues serving as a link between Huangfu Ji and Liu Erlong after they separate 9 18 33 53 77.

He is also excitable and sarcastic. He eagerly spreads news of Huangfu Ji's victory over Yuan Ling, ridicules Yuan Ling in front of the academy, and frequently teases Huangfu Ji about Liu Erlong. His attempts to act as a matchmaker are generally unwelcome, particularly from Liu Erlong 19 20 21 31.

Although he projects an honest, dependable image, his “Smiling Tiger” nickname reflects that he can be ruthless when he acts 26.

Abilities & Skills

Golden Armor Turtle

Zhao Yuan possesses the Golden Armor Turtle, a defensive Martial Soul 8.

• Grants him a golden turtle shell through Martial Soul Possession 32.
• His presence as a defensive Soul Master helps protect Huangfu Ji after the latter is secretly struck during the battle with the Spiked Earth Turtle 33.
• His defensive role contrasts with Huangfu Ji and Liu Erlong's more direct combat styles.

Support and Coordination

• Warns Huangfu Ji that Yuan Ling has followers within the academy and that the Yuan family may target him indirectly 9.
• Brings over twenty students to support Huangfu Ji during the confrontation with Yuan Ling 18.
• Assists with logistics, including gathering ice and a bath barrel for Huangfu Ji's Whale Rubber preparation 30.
• Helps set up camp, gather firewood, prepare food, and keep watch during the trio's Soul Beast Forest expedition 31 33.

Relationships

• Huangfu Ji — Roommate, friend, and loyal supporter. Zhao Yuan pledges to follow him, aids him against Yuan Ling, and remains concerned for his safety throughout their time in Qingyang 9 18 20 33.
• Liu Erlong — Friend and fellow member of Huangfu Ji's circle. Zhao Yuan initially resents her for taking over his intended role as Huangfu Ji's protector, but later supports her and regularly teases her about Huangfu Ji 10 21 31.
• Zhao Gu — Father and a member of Qingyang's Loyalty Faction. Yuan Hao has reduced Zhao Gu to an idle position without real authority 8 28.
• Yuan Ling — Opponent within the academy. Zhao Yuan intervenes against him, cheers for Huangfu Ji in their duel, and mocks him after his defeat 18 19.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Junior Soul Master Academy — Becomes Huangfu Ji's roommate, warns him of Yuan Ling's hostility, and pledges allegiance to him 8 9.
• Conflict with Yuan Ling — Helps balance the opposing student groups by arriving with reinforcements; later publicizes Yuan Ling's loss 18 20.
• Five-year cultivation period — Witnesses Huangfu Ji and Liu Erlong's Martial Soul Fusion Skill and reaches Level 23 himself 25 26.
• Third Soul Ring expedition — Accompanies Huangfu Ji and Liu Erlong into a wild Soul Beast Forest, assists in camp duties, and guards Huangfu Ji during the absorption of the 2,900-year Spiked Earth Turtle Soul Ring 31 33.
• Separation from Huangfu Ji — Remains in Qingyang after Huangfu Ji departs for Heaven Dou, delivering correspondence between Huangfu Ji and Liu Erlong and reporting Mother Liu's death 34 53 77.

Trivia

• Zhao Yuan’s attempt to skip classes by claiming he needed to protect Huangfu Ji is rejected by Dean Cheng Yao; Zhao Gu subsequently beats him for it 22.
• He mistakes Huangfu Ji’s request for Liu Erlong’s flames to soften Whale Rubber as an attempt to advance their relationship, earning a hit to the head from Huangfu Ji 29.
• He is frightened on his first expedition into a wild Soul Beast Forest, though Liu Erlong dismisses his concern 31.