Lu Danian

Biodata

Background / History

Lu Danian supported his family as a hunter while his wife, Zheng Lan, earned supplemental income washing clothes. The family possessed only two mu of barren land after Old Master Lu favored Lu Danian's younger brother in the division of property, leaving Lu Danian to enter the mountains to feed his wife and son. A severe drought left the household close to starvation before winter. 1 2

He briefly believed a Snow Fox he caught could carry the family through winter and provide for Lu Chuan's future marriage. Old Master Lu and Lu Tao demanded the fox as a gift for Lu Tao's martial-arts instructor. Although years of fear and filial obedience initially left Lu Danian unable to resist, he finally surrendered the fox only after declaring that his branch would have no further ties to the old Lu household. The confrontation and loss left him physically and emotionally devastated; he collapsed shortly afterward. 2 3

Once recovered, Lu Danian sought a way to fund Lu Chuan's martial training. He revealed the location of a century-old Yellow Essence guarded by a venomous Black-Scaled Iron-Thread Snake, commissioned three Mysterious Iron-tipped arrowheads, and entered the mountains with his son to retrieve the treasure. Their haul sold for fifteen taels at Renhetang Pharmacy, securing Lu Chuan's tuition. 11 12 14

He continued to support Lu Chuan's path despite the household's poverty, giving him silver for meat and cultivation expenses. Lu Danian also hunted beside his son, tracked a five-hundred-jin Lone Boar, and helped bring the kill back to the village. 19 25 26

After Lu Chuan's rise drew the Black Tiger Gang's attention, Lu Danian was beaten by Lu San's gang for refusing to surrender Sika Deer meat. Following Wang Xiaochuan's death and the Black Tiger Gang's collapse, Lu Chuan moved both parents to a small courtyard in Qinghe County for safety. 51 55

Appearance

Lu Danian is a weather-beaten man past forty, with a scarred face, graying temples, and a back beginning to stoop from years of hardship and mountain work. 2 44

• Often carries or uses a hunting bow while entering the mountains. 1 23
• Smokes an old, polished pipe, which he once offered to Lu Chuan as a sign of paternal recognition. 6
• His physical condition is repeatedly strained by injury, cold, and overwork. 2 7 51

Personality

Lu Danian begins as deeply conditioned by Old Master Lu's favoritism and authority; even when the Snow Fox is being taken from his starving family, he initially cannot bring himself to object. However, his son's defiance pushes him to choose his own household over the old family's demands, permanently severing the relationship. 2

He is a practical, resilient provider. He views rare herbs, game, crafted weapons, and credit as means to keep his family alive and fund Lu Chuan's training. Even when money is scarce, he prioritizes his son's nutrition and martial progress. 11 12 19

Lu Danian is protective but increasingly trusts Lu Chuan's judgment. He worries over his son's safety, supports his decision to enter the Martial Arts Hall, and refrains from pressing him for explanations when Lu Chuan makes unusual choices. 6 9 14 25

Abilities & Skills

Hunting and Tracking

Lu Danian is an experienced lifelong hunter with extensive knowledge of Kaoshan Village's surrounding mountains.

• Caught a valuable Snow Fox during winter, despite scarce game. 2
• Recognizes the traces and habits of mountain beasts, including the Lone Boar he and Lu Chuan hunted. 23 26
• Identifies the Old Mountain Lord as a tiger more than twenty-four years old and understands the value of its Tiger Bone. 33
• Successfully hunted a large Sika Deer after waiting in ambush for three days. 44

Mountain Lore and Preparation

Lu Danian possesses practical knowledge of rare resources, Exotic Beasts, and hunting equipment.

• Located a century-old Yellow Essence and understood that its fragrance had attracted a dangerous Companion Beast. 11
• Knew the Black-Scaled Iron-Thread Snake remained active in winter and could expel poisonous mist. 11
• Commissioned three arrowheads containing Mysterious Iron for the hunt against the Great Serpent. 12
• Organized the father-son strategy against the serpent: one hunter would draw its attention while the other fired. 12

Equipment / Items

• Hunting bow — His primary tool as a hunter; an earlier Zhe Wood bow with an ox-sinew string was costly and difficult to replace. 12
• Mysterious Iron arrowheads — Three specially forged arrowheads prepared for hunting the Great Serpent; the arrowheads survived the later Lone Boar hunt intact. 12 26
• Old pipe — A personal pipe he shares with Lu Chuan after recognizing his son's ability as a provider. 6

Relationships

• Lu Chuan — Biological son. Lu Danian supports Lu Chuan's martial training, hunts with him, and comes to recognize him as a pillar of the household. 6 9 11 19
• Zheng Lan — Wife and Lu Chuan's mother. They endure poverty, family conflict, and later relocate together for safety. 1 55
• Old Master Lu — Father. Old Master Lu's favoritism and seizure of the Snow Fox drive Lu Danian to cut ties with the old Lu household. 2
• Lu Tao — Nephew. Lu Tao benefits from Old Master Lu's favoritism, including the stolen Snow Fox intended for his martial-arts instructor. 2
• Zhao Xuanhe — Renhetang's young master. Zhao helps arrange lodging and work for Lu Danian after the family moves to Qinghe County. 55
• Lu San — Black Tiger Gang subordinate who beat Lu Danian while extorting the family. 51