Song Qingshu

Biodata

Appearance

Song Qingshu is a tall, handsome youth of seventeen or eighteen, nearing adulthood. His height makes him appear considerably older than Gu Shaoan, who is eleven. 43 48 49

• Often carries a sword. 49 50
• Has a confident, youthful bearing when entering the arena. 49
• His emotions are readily visible on his face, particularly displeasure, embarrassment, and shock. 44 48 50

Personality

Song Qingshu is impulsive, jealous, and overly concerned with Zhou Zhiruo. Upon Emei’s arrival at Wudang, he openly addresses her despite the presence of Miejue, then continues staring at her after being reprimanded by his father. 43

He reacts poorly to Gu Shaoan’s presence and accomplishments. His jealousy drives him to challenge the legitimacy of Gu Shaoan’s victory over Zhang Yuting and demand an additional match, despite Song Yuanqiao’s insistence that Wudang honor the prior wager. 44 48

His confidence turns into alarm when Gu Shaoan’s skill exceeds his expectations. He initially accepts the duel with Gu Shaoan confidently, but is forced onto the defensive after being overwhelmed by Gu Shaoan’s swordsmanship and movement technique. 49 50

Abilities & Skills

Wudang Martial Arts

Song Qingshu has cultivated at Wudang for five years since his meridians formed at age twelve. He is regarded as the strongest of Wudang’s third-generation disciples, though Miejue and Gu Shaoan consider his martial understanding mediocre. 44 49 50

• Possesses Internal Energy developed through years of Wudang training. 49
• Has physical strength beyond ordinary laborers. 49
• Uses the foundational Clear Wind Swordplay, but has not reached the Entering the Hall realm; his technique lacks the intended “clear wind” quality. 50
• Uses Two Forms Swordplay defensively, shifting from offense to a guarded, harmonious sword posture under pressure. 50
• Is unable to match Gu Shaoan’s perfected Willow Catkin Sword Technique and Entering the Hall Three Manifestations of the Divine Dragon during their duel. 50

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Sword — used in his challenge match against Gu Shaoan. 49 50

Relationships

• Song Yuanqiao — his father and Wudang’s acting Sect Leader; repeatedly reprimands Song Qingshu for his discourtesy and is disappointed by his conduct. 43 44 48 49
• Zhou Zhiruo — the object of Song Qingshu’s obvious interest; his persistent gaze toward her prompts Gu Shaoan and Miejue to intervene. 43 44 48 49
• Gu Shaoan — rival from Emei; Song Qingshu resents Gu Shaoan’s success and challenges him to a duel after Gu Shaoan wins the match involving the Heavenly Sword. 48 49 50
• Miejue — Emei Sect Leader; she strongly disapproves of Song Qingshu’s lack of decorum and accepts his proposed rematch on Gu Shaoan’s behalf. 44 48 49
• Zhang Songxi — senior Wudang figure present at the exchange; recognizes that Song Qingshu’s demand for another match stems from jealousy. 48

Story Role / Major Arcs

Emei’s Arrival at Wudang

Song Qingshu first appears when Emei arrives at Wudang Mountain. He immediately focuses on Zhou Zhiruo and addresses her improperly before Miejue, leading Song Yuanqiao to reprimand him and apologize on his behalf. 43

His continued fixation on Zhou Zhiruo and visible hostility toward Gu Shaoan cause Miejue to reconsider her previous favorable view of him as a potential young talent. 44

Challenge to Gu Shaoan

After Gu Shaoan defeats Zhang Yuting and secures the terms for the return of Emei’s Heavenly Sword, Song Qingshu objects to the outcome. He alleges that Miejue concealed Gu Shaoan’s ability and demands that Gu Shaoan win another match to prove himself. 48

Miejue turns his objection into a formal duel: if Gu Shaoan wins, Wudang must provide the Wudang Nine Yangs Technique; if Gu Shaoan loses, Emei offers its own Nine Yangs Technique. Song Qingshu accepts with confidence. 49

Duel with Gu Shaoan

Song Qingshu begins the duel expecting his age, experience, and strength to give him a decisive advantage. Gu Shaoan’s speed, power, perfected Willow Catkin Sword Technique, and Three Manifestations of the Divine Dragon instead force Song Qingshu into shock and defense. 49 50

Trivia

• Song Qingshu is close to eighteen, while Gu Shaoan is only eleven; the substantial age gap is a central point of dispute before their match. 43 49
• Miejue sarcastically compares Song Qingshu’s height and conduct unfavorably to Gu Shaoan’s during the Wudang exchange. 48 49