Chen Ze

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Chen Ze (陈泽)
Alias(es)	Little Chen 1; Boss; Boss Chen 119 123
Gender	Male
Age	Nearly forty by Chapter 178 178
Affiliation	Golden Saber Squad; Golden Saber Small Shop, later expanded as the Golden Saber Shop 3 35 124
Occupation/Role	Soul hunting squad member; general-store manager and Qin Yuan's shop assistant; later the Golden Saber Shop's day-to-day manager, commission administrator, and organizer of fighter development and intelligence work 3 9 35 123 274 446
Martial Soul	Saber-type Martial Soul originally shared with Qin Yuan, before Qin Yuan's later Martial Soul evolutions 2 30
Cultivation	Soul King after absorbing an Immortal Herb and obtaining his Fifth Soul Ring; later approaches Spirit Saint, with his exact level and eventual breakthrough unconfirmed in the available accounts 35 202 274
First Appearance	Chapter 1 1

Background / History

Chen Ze grew up in the same village as Qin Yuan, and the two attended the same elementary Soul Master academy. Their shared background and Martial Soul made them as close as brothers. 2 3

Chen Ze's parents raised Qin Yuan, who had grown up an orphan. When the two left their village, Qin Yuan promised Chen Ze's parents that he would keep their son safe. This family connection remained an important reason for Qin Yuan's determination to protect him. 30

Academy Years and Allen's Betrayal

Allen, the principal of their Junior Soul Master Academy, initially helped both men by giving them work, assisting their cultivation, and helping them obtain Spirit Rings. After two years of working at the academy, Chen Ze and Qin Yuan became Soul Grandmasters. Their poor backgrounds prevented them from pursuing further education without assistance, despite still meeting the admission age requirements for an Advanced Soul Master Academy. 126

Allen promised to arrange academy placements for them, but instead secretly sold them to a nobleman as hired muscle while selling the recommendation places to children from wealthy families. Chen Ze and Qin Yuan escaped only after the nobleman died and his children fought over the inheritance. Qin Yuan subsequently confronted Allen with his saber, but Chen Ze repeatedly intervened to prevent a fight to the death. He retained some gratitude toward Allen because the principal had previously arranged work for his parents and helped his family through difficult times. Afterward, the two began traveling across the continent and eventually joined a Soul Hunting Squad. 126

Golden Saber Squad and the Original Shop

He served with Qin Yuan in the Golden Saber Squad. During Ning Rongrong's soul-hunting commission, he was assigned to guard the rear. When Zhao San incited the team to rob Ning Rongrong, Chen Ze openly sided with Qin Yuan and helped protect her. He finished the wounded Zhao San with a strike from behind. 2

After the squad effectively dispersed, Chen Ze proposed leaving the dangerous soul-hunting trade and opening a general store. Qin Yuan accepted, allowing Chen Ze to manage the shop while he continued taking commissions. 3

Chen Ze turned the sect-provided storefront into a profitable general store, buying goods cheaply from the outer city and selling them at a markup in Heaven Dou City without rent costs. He also kept Qin Yuan's commission sign displayed and recorded incoming requests while Qin Yuan was away. 9 10

Although he later offered to assist with Qin Yuan's missions, Qin Yuan refused because the work was confidential and Chen Ze had become insufficiently vigilant after two comfortable years running the shop. Qin Yuan instead entrusted him with expanding the business by recruiting reputable soul-hunting teams as affiliates. 13 14

Affiliation Business and the Thunder Canyon Crisis

Chen Ze screened applicants and recruited ten members to form a new squad. Shortly after it completed its initial coordination training, a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan disciple commissioned an escort into Thunder Canyon without openly invoking the clan's name. The commission became a trap: after helping the client obtain a Spirit Ring, six squad members were surrounded by clan experts, and only one escaped. The remaining five were detained, their payment withheld, and Qin Yuan was required to appear personally before they would be released. The incident also disrupted the shop's business. 29 30

When Qin Yuan returned, Chen Ze immediately reported the crisis. He felt responsible for placing his friend in danger and asked Dugu Bo how he could help resolve the situation. Qin Yuan reassured him that he had done nothing wrong, while advising greater care in the future. Chen Ze was astonished to learn that Qin Yuan had gained Poison Douluo's support and entered social circles far beyond those he had previously imagined. 30 31

After Qin Yuan and his allies forced the clan to settle the dispute, the detained squad members were released, treated, and the outstanding debt paid. Chen Ze promised to scrutinize clients' backgrounds more carefully and worked with Qin Yuan to assess the many squads seeking affiliation. Five squads were selected initially, with further recruitment postponed until the business stabilized. 33 34 35

Qin Yuan bought the original shop premises and neighboring stores to expand the business and arranged a base for its affiliated squads. He entrusted Chen Ze with most future commission management, but recognized that his comparatively low cultivation could weaken his authority over Soul Ancestors and Soul Kings. Qin Yuan therefore gave him an Immortal Herb, describing it only as a Heavenly Treasure. Chen Ze absorbed it, reached the Soul King stage, and obtained a suitable Fifth Soul Ring with Qin Yuan's assistance. The herb also improved his future cultivation prospects. 35

Headquarters Development and the Land Dispute

Chen Ze continued managing the enterprise while Qin Yuan spent several years in Spirit City, maintaining contact through letters. With imperial support, the shop expanded and opened branches in other cities. Its original premises remained in use as a storefront, including providing work for members disabled during missions, while the larger headquarters stood on rented land. Chen Ze also built a fully equipped courtyard behind the headquarters specifically for Qin Yuan. 99 119 128

The headquarters landlord later informed Chen Ze that a mysterious buyer had acquired the land and paid the contractually required triple-rent compensation. Unable to identify the purchaser, Chen Ze feared that the headquarters and its affiliated squads might lose their lodgings, potentially causing squads to leave the organization. He suspected interference from either the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Even after approaching the sect and informing the Imperial Family, he could not discover the buyer's identity. 119 123

When Qin Yuan returned, he revealed that the land was now his and handed Chen Ze the deeds, explaining the secrecy as a surprise. Chen Ze's anxiety turned to relief and delight. He then reported the shop's development over the preceding years and presented its collection of dangerous, long-standing commissions for review. 124

Allen's Return

During the land dispute, Allen visited with his grandson, seeking help obtaining the boy's Third Spirit Ring and admission to a prestigious Advanced Soul Master Academy. Chen Ze received his former principal politely but refused to disregard the earlier betrayal. He offered to grant one favor to settle his remaining debt of gratitude, explicitly telling Allen not to return afterward. 123

When Allen came back after Qin Yuan's return, Chen Ze tried to handle the meeting cautiously, fearing that Qin Yuan might revive their old conflict. He asked Qin Yuan to hear the visitors out before acting. Qin Yuan remained calm and ultimately offered academy admission to Allen's grandson, Ai Yan, rather than punishing him for his grandfather's actions. 125 126 127

Continuing Management and Cultivation Support

Chen Ze received Yao Zi when she arrived in Heaven Dou City seeking Qin Yuan's guidance. Following Qin Yuan's prior instructions, he supplied a recommendation letter and arranged her enrollment at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, where she joined the Heaven Dou Second Team. 160 161

As Qin Yuan's strength and reputation grew, Chen Ze became more formal in dealing with him. Qin Yuan urged him to reach Spirit Saint at a minimum and obtained cultivation resources for him through his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect exchange quota. Chen Ze's cultivation subsequently improved, bringing him closer to Spirit Saint. 178 181 202

During Qin Yuan's Blade Intent breakthrough, Chen Ze organized the affiliated Soul Hunting Squads to secure the shop's surroundings, protect pedestrians from the dangerous Blade Aura, and prevent interference with the secluded cultivation. Although increasingly conscious of the gap between them, he sincerely wished Qin Yuan success and resolved to train harder. 202

Qin Yuan later entrusted Chen Ze with full responsibility for selecting and nurturing the shop's own powerful fighters. He recommended the Golden Light Team as a disciplined, reputable candidate, but left its selection and that of other teams to Chen Ze. Moved by this trust, Chen Ze promised to work hard while rejecting the suggestion that his eventual success should lead to their village being renamed after him. 274

Intelligence Work and Later Duties

Chen Ze became an important intermediary for Qin Yuan's information gathering. He reported on the deadly wind surge in Hurricane Canyon and Feng Xiaotian's apparent training there, then received instructions to investigate Slaughter Town. 428

For intelligence work involving a Sea God Island party, Chen Ze assigned the loyal Hao Te Squad to surveillance because its members appeared kindhearted and unassuming. He later briefed Qin Yuan on Salas's attack against the party and the capture of other people Qin Yuan had instructed the shop to watch. He acknowledged that the shop's contacts in the Spirit Sacred Hall held no high-ranking positions and therefore had limited access to intelligence. 446 455

Chen Ze also followed Qin Yuan's arrangements concerning Flender and his associates without demanding an explanation, and arranged for Ma Hongjun to join the Hao Te Squad. When Killer Whale Douluo Su Ernan visited during Qin Yuan's absence, he offered hospitality and agreed to notify the visitor upon Qin Yuan's return. 455 462 463

After Qin Yuan returned from seclusion, Chen Ze provided a prioritized briefing on Emperor Xue Ye's worsening condition and the unsettled political situation. He also presented an invitation from the Lin Family in Barak City, identifying the shop's secret-correspondence symbol despite not personally knowing the family. Once Qin Yuan confirmed his connection with Lin Qing, Chen Ze promised to watch for further letters. 464

Appearance

Chen Ze is described as a slender young man. 1

By the time Qin Yuan urged him to pursue Spirit Saint cultivation, Chen Ze was nearly forty years old. 178

Personality

Chen Ze is fiercely loyal to Qin Yuan. He rejected Zhao San's mutiny rather than endanger Qin Yuan or Ning Rongrong, and he did not hesitate to join the fight against the traitors. 2

He is practical and business-minded, preferring the stability of a general store to the constant dangers of soul-hunting commissions. He manages the shop diligently and feels guilty that Qin Yuan continues risking his life on missions while he earns money from the storefront. 3 10 13

His early focus on commerce came at the expense of cultivation and field awareness. Qin Yuan noted that Chen Ze was not enthusiastic about training and had lost necessary vigilance through his comfortable life as a shopkeeper. Chen Ze later admitted that cultivation had originally been driven by the need to survive, and that financial comfort had weakened that motivation. 11 14 35

He nevertheless becomes more cautious and responsible as the business develops. After the Thunder Canyon crisis, he promises to investigate clients more thoroughly, and during Qin Yuan's later breakthrough he directs an organized protective response rather than allowing the shop's personnel to remain in confusion. 34 202

Chen Ze balances gratitude with firm boundaries. He remembers Allen's assistance to his family and twice tries to prevent violence against him, but does not treat that past kindness as a reason to excuse his betrayal or grant unlimited favors. 123 126

He is socially tactful and exceptionally low-key. When Qin Yuan introduces him to Ye Tianxin and Lei Zhen, he withdraws from the drinking table once the conversation turns to serious matters, pretending that he cannot drink more. Despite receiving invitations from numerous nobles, he declines them and has no interest in the hollow prestige of having his village renamed after him. 131 274

The widening difference in strength and status between him and Qin Yuan makes him increasingly conscious of propriety and fearful of becoming a burden. However, his feelings remain rooted in gratitude rather than resentment: he believes Qin Yuan has already repaid his family's kindness and resolves to cultivate diligently while sincerely supporting his friend's ambitions. 178 202

Power Progression

Stage / Development	Details	Citation
Soul Grandmaster	Became a Soul Grandmaster after two years of working and cultivating at the Junior Soul Master Academy. Allen helped him obtain Spirit Rings.	126
High-level Soul Ancestor	His confirmed cultivation before the shop's major expansion; insufficient to assist Qin Yuan with the unusually difficult hunt for his Sixth Soul Ring.	12
Immortal Herb and Soul King Advancement	Absorbed an Immortal Herb supplied by Qin Yuan, reached the Soul King stage, and improved his cultivation aptitude and future prospects. Qin Yuan helped him obtain a suitable Fifth Soul Ring.	35
Additional Cultivation Resources	Qin Yuan used his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect exchange quota to acquire resources intended to help Chen Ze advance toward Spirit Saint.	178 181
Approaching Spirit Saint	His strength improved after receiving the resources, bringing him closer to Spirit Saint. No exact Soul Power level or completed Spirit Saint breakthrough is stated.	202

Abilities & Skills

Soul Master Combat

Chen Ze possesses the same saber-type Martial Soul that Qin Yuan originally used. Initially a high-level Soul Ancestor, he later advanced to Soul King through an Immortal Herb and Qin Yuan's assistance in obtaining his Fifth Soul Ring. Subsequent cultivation resources brought him closer to Spirit Saint. 2 12 35 202

• Guarded the Golden Saber Squad's rear during Ning Rongrong's soul hunt. 2
• Assisted Qin Yuan against the mutineers and beheaded Zhao San after Qin Yuan injured him. 2
• Was considered unsuitable for Qin Yuan's confidential missions because of his reduced vigilance during the shop's early years. 14
• Had his cultivation aptitude improved by an Immortal Herb whose identity Qin Yuan concealed from him. 35 202
• Was urged to attain Spirit Saint as a minimum cultivation goal for his growing managerial responsibilities. 178

Shop Management

Chen Ze operates the Golden Saber Small Shop while Qin Yuan accepts outside commissions. As the enterprise expands, he becomes its principal day-to-day manager, known to its personnel as the “Boss,” while Qin Yuan is honored as the “Big Boss.” 3 10 123

• Converted the storefront into a general store selling assorted goods. 9
• Uses the shop's original rent-free, high-traffic location to earn substantial profits. 9
• Maintains records of commissions received during Qin Yuan's absence. 10
• Was tasked with seeking out reputable soul-hunting teams for future business affiliation. 14
• Screens applicants and clients, with greater attention to clients' backgrounds after the Thunder Canyon trap. 29 34
• Handles most matters concerning future commissions and reports major problems to Qin Yuan. 35 124
• Maintains contact with Qin Yuan through correspondence during long absences. 99
• Built Qin Yuan's private courtyard behind the headquarters. 128
• Arranged Yao Zi's academy enrollment using Qin Yuan's recommendation. 160 161
• Recognizes when visitors require Qin Yuan's personal involvement, as when the Wind, Water, and Fire Family heads arrived with a commission. 219
• Holds responsibility for choosing and nurturing the shop's own fighters, with Qin Yuan providing cultivation resources. 274

Organization and Intelligence

Chen Ze's duties extend beyond retail and commission administration to personnel deployment, protective measures, correspondence screening, and information gathering. 202 428 446 464

• Directed affiliated squads to secure the shop's surroundings, protect pedestrians, and guard Qin Yuan's cultivation against disturbance. 202
• Was entrusted with keeping Qin Yuan's Soul Douluo advancement secret. 125
• Reports significant regional events and accepts investigative assignments, including inquiries into Slaughter Town. 428
• Selects trustworthy personnel for surveillance work, including the Hao Te Squad. 446
• Uses contacts within the Spirit Sacred Hall while recognizing the limits imposed by their low-ranking positions. 455
• Recognizes the shop's secret-correspondence symbol and prioritizes invitations and letters for Qin Yuan's attention. 464

Relationships

• Qin Yuan — Childhood companion, fellow villager, and closest associate. Chen Ze follows him into danger, manages his shop, and regards him as his boss. Chen Ze's parents raised Qin Yuan, who promised to protect him when they left home. Qin Yuan continues to regard him as a brother, providing an Immortal Herb, cultivation resources, and increasing managerial authority. Their unequal strength and status make Chen Ze more formal, but do not erase his loyalty or Qin Yuan's trust. 2 3 10 30 35 178 202 274
• Chen Ze's Parents — Helped raise the orphaned Qin Yuan. Allen once arranged work for them and aided their family during hardship, contributing to Chen Ze's lasting sense of gratitude toward the principal. 30 126
• Ning Rongrong — A major customer of the Golden Saber Shop; Chen Ze informs her that Qin Yuan is away when she comes looking for him. 9
• Zhao San — Former squadmate and mutiny leader whom Chen Ze kills during the attempted robbery of Ning Rongrong. 2
• Allen — Former academy principal and early benefactor who later betrayed Chen Ze and Qin Yuan by selling them to a nobleman. Chen Ze prevented Qin Yuan's retaliation from becoming deadly and later offered Allen one final favor to settle his debt of gratitude, while refusing renewed dependence on their relationship. 123 126
• Ai Yan — Allen's grandson. Chen Ze receives him with Allen and later tries to protect both visitors from a potentially violent confrontation with Qin Yuan. 123 126
• Dugu Bo — Qin Yuan's powerful ally and sworn brother. Chen Ze seeks his advice during the Thunder Canyon crisis and is astonished by his willingness to help Qin Yuan. Dugu Bo later visits the expanded shop and takes an interest in its development. 31 124
• Yao Zi — Qin Yuan's student, whom Chen Ze receives at the shop and helps enroll at Heaven Dou Royal Academy according to Qin Yuan's arrangements. 160 161
• Golden Light Team — A squad recommended by Qin Yuan for development as part of the shop's own fighting strength. Chen Ze is given authority to decide whether it and other candidates receive that investment. 274
• Hao Te Squad — Trusted shop-affiliated personnel whom Chen Ze assigns to surveillance. He also arranges for Ma Hongjun to join the squad. 446 462
• Su Ernan — Killer Whale Douluo, who seeks Qin Yuan during his seclusion. Chen Ze receives him courteously, offers hospitality, and agrees to notify him when Qin Yuan returns. 463
• Lin Qing and the Lin Family — Qin Yuan's former traveling acquaintances. After receiving their invitation and confirming the connection, Chen Ze agrees to monitor their future correspondence. 464

Trivia

• Chen Ze kept Qin Yuan's “Accepting Commissions” sign outside the shop even while operating it as a general store. 9
• He earned several thousand Gold Soul Coins through the shop within its first two months of operation. 10
• He sent substantial amounts of his earnings back to his home village, which underwent a major transformation and was renamed Holy Soul Village after Qin Yuan advanced to Spirit Saint. 123
• The distinction between Chen Ze as “Boss” and Qin Yuan as “Big Boss” reflects Chen Ze's actual management of the business and Qin Yuan's foundational contributions and reputation. 123
• Qin Yuan's acquisition of the headquarters land initially caused Chen Ze considerable anxiety because he did not know that the mysterious new owner was his own closest associate. 119 123 124
• He declined invitations from numerous nobles and specifically asked Qin Yuan to abandon the suggestion of renaming their village after him. 274

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