Ma Tianshou

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Ma Tianshou (麻天寿)
Alias(es)	Old Master; Commander
Gender	Male 49
Affiliation	Qu Hui Division; Jiaozhi Southern Bureau 49 293
Occupation/Role	Deputy Commander of the Jiaozhi Southern Bureau; later Commander of the Jiaozhi Southern Bureau 49 293
Status	Active 525
First Appearance	Chapter 49: Grandpa Shen

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Fifth Stream Literary Cultivator	515	A prior confrontation with Song Weiming occurred when Ma was still Fifth Stream. 515
Fourth Stream Literary Cultivator	507	His promotion is confirmed when he arrives in Shunhua City; Xu Yuan congratulates him on reaching Fourth Stream. 507

Background

Ma Tianshou first appears in Shanhe County as the Qu Hui Division's Deputy Commander for the Jiaozhi Southern Bureau. He travels in secret while investigating Chen Liangxuan's network, meets Grandpa Shen in River Worker Alley, and immediately identifies Xu Yuan as a promising candidate suited to the Qu Hui Division. 49

Working closely with Old Yan and Fu Jingyu, Ma investigates the Silken Thread Method attack and discovers a hidden contract inside Qiao Zi'ang's brush. The contract bears a seal linked to a major figure in Beidu, convincing him that the case reaches far beyond Shanhe County. 59 60

During Chen Liangxuan's assault on the county yamen, Ma leads the defense against the three-year-old child and the ten-zhang evil entity. He expends his calligraphy, official seal, and the concealed Dog Head Guillotine to prevent the county's destruction. 67 68 69

He later becomes Commander of the Jiaozhi Southern Bureau. In this position, he supplies Xu Yuan with reinforcements, secures patronage for Xu Yuan's Method Item, and promotes him within the division. 293 322

Appearance

Ma Tianshou is an elderly man with white hair, white eyebrows, a beard, and a composed official bearing. Despite his age, he remains physically capable in battle. 60 68

• White eyebrows and white hair that whip in the wind while he wields the Dog Head Guillotine. 68
• Usually addressed as “Old Master” or “Elder” by subordinates and allies. 49 68
• His right arm trembles uncontrollably after writing a powerful Thunder calligraphy sheet. 67

Personality

Ma is cautious, calculating, and highly protective of those under his command. He conceals vital resources until the decisive moment, refuses to underestimate opponents, and favors thorough preparation over reckless action. 68 293

Though politically experienced, he is not indifferent to merit or loyalty. He promises to report Xu Yuan's accomplishments truthfully, seeks a pardon for River Worker Alley's inherited criminal status, and personally supports Xu Yuan's advancement. 60 79 322

He can also be openly fiery when the Qu Hui Division is threatened. When Bai Huahun plots against Xu Yuan, Ma is prepared to confront Old Mr. Lin directly and insists that the division will not be bullied. 423

Abilities & Skills

Literary Cultivation and Calligraphy

Ma is a Literary Cultivator whose calligraphy scrolls and written characters carry powerful effects in combat and official affairs.

• His Thunder calligraphy possesses roughly seventy percent of the true Lightning Law's power; it destroyed the three-year-old child and the mutated mouths within the county yamen. 67
• He uses Hidden calligraphy to conceal the Dog Head Guillotine from observers. 68
• He writes eighteen Strength talismans to reinforce himself while wielding the Dog Head Guillotine. 69
• His Blazing Sun calligraphy burns away Turbid Realm corruption from his body. 441
• Powerful calligraphy severely taxes him: after using Thunder, his arm shook, and he had exhausted his prepared sheets and Artisan creations. 67

Seal and Artifact Authority

As a senior Qu Hui Division official, Ma possesses and deploys state-sanctioned talismans and artifacts.

• Official Seal — A talisman bestowed through Huangming officialdom and Ma's last resort after his other battle resources were exhausted. 67
• Dog Head Guillotine — The Jiaozhi Southern Bureau's National Artifact, secretly carried by Ma to suppress and execute powerful evil entities. 68 69
• City God golden seal — Opens a passage between the underworld and the Yang World through the Turbid Realm; Ma uses it to confront the great evil spirits of Luocheng. 441

Strategic Command

Ma combines official authority, intelligence, and personnel management to lead investigations and major operations.

• Identifies Chen Liangxuan as the likely mastermind behind the Shanhe County conspiracy. 49 63
• Directs the Qu Hui Division's secret citywide search for the Princess Consort and coordinates Xu Yuan, Li Yichuan, and Wu Chenxin during the operation. 298
• Brings Fifth Stream reinforcements Wu Chenxin and Li Yichuan into the Rogue Bandit case. 293
• Personally travels to Lucheng to ensure Chen Tong complies with Xu Yuan during an urgent operation. 491

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Official Seal — Official talisman used as an emergency measure. 67
• Dog Head Guillotine — National Artifact of the Jiaozhi Southern Bureau. 68
• City God golden seal — Seal capable of opening an underworld passage. 441
• Calligraphy scrolls — Includes Thunder, Hidden, Strength, and Blazing Sun. 67 68 69 441
• Dragon Aspect Technique — A Martial Cultivator fighting manual gifted to Xu Yuan to complement the latter's Dragon Transformation Method. 322

Relationships

• Xu Yuan — Favored recruit, subordinate, and eventual protégé. Ma recognizes Xu Yuan's potential early, considers accepting him as a disciple, protects him from hostile factions, and supports his cultivation and promotion. 49 77 322 436
• Fu Jingyu — Student and Qu Hui Division subordinate. Fu addresses Ma as “Teacher” and follows his orders closely. 49 79
• Old Yan — Trusted adviser and investigative partner. Old Yan provides Algorithm-based calculations while Ma directs their operations. 49 59 68
• Grandpa Shen — Wary acquaintance from River Worker Alley. Their first conversation is a cautious exchange of information and veiled intentions. 49
• Chen Liangxuan — Principal adversary in the Shanhe County case. Ma identifies him as the conspiracy's central figure and opposes his assault on the county yamen. 49 63 67
• Xiang Qinghuai — Ally within the Qu Hui Division who supports Ma's protection of Xu Yuan and shares his confidence in Xu Yuan's judgment. 423

Notable Quotes

“The unknown is the most terrifying. As long as Chen Liangxuan reveals his final move, we will know how to respond.” 68

“If there's a next time, I will not be lenient. I will definitely invite Yin Soldiers to cross over and cleanse the Luocheng Turbid Realm!” 441