Zhang Chen

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Zhang Chen 3 12 26
Family	Zhang Family 1
Parents	Zhang Yunshan (father), Liu Yueru (mother) 3 120
Grandfather	Zhang Tianzheng (Old Ancestor) 3 12 107
Uncles	Zhang Yunhai (second uncle) 3 79
Spiritual Root	Mid Yellow Grade 1
Cultivation (initial)	Third Layer of Qi Refining (at 18 years old) 1
Cultivation (later)	Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment 34, Nascent Soul (under 35 years old) 159
Status	Young Master 1 12 83, Family Head (later) 126
Key Relationships	Su Xiaoxiao (disciple, later Third Madam) 64 70 78 83 89 95 114
Skills/Talents	Alchemy 78 83 86 93, Strategic thinking 66 78 93 95 126 139, Resourcefulness 66 86 95, Combat proficiency 88
Notable Achievements	Achieved Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment 34, Formed Nascent Soul under 35 years old 159, Developed "Purple Gold Armor Dissolving Powder" 93 95, Led Zhang Family to power 126

Background

Zhang Chen is a transmigrator who arrived in the Tianxuan Continent's East Mountain Islands and became a direct descendant of the Zhang Family 1. Despite his privileged background, he initially faced significant challenges, including a Mid Yellow Grade spiritual root, which resulted in slow cultivation progress, reaching only the Third Layer of Qi Refining by age eighteen 1. This made him an anomaly within his family, as even collateral branch disciples often surpassed his cultivation level 1.

His family, though influential and united, was in a precarious state 1. His father, Zhang Yunshan, the family head, had been stuck at the Mid Golden Core stage for over a hundred years, and other uncles were only at the Early Golden Core stage, indicating a generational gap in cultivation 1. The family's Nascent Soul Realm ancestor, Zhang Tianzheng, was nearing the end of his lifespan due to hidden injuries, with less than ten years remaining 1. This internal stagnation, coupled with external threats from Demonic Dao forces disrupting trade routes and attacking family assets, left the Zhang Family on the brink of decline 1. Zhang Chen feared that if the Old Ancestor passed away, the family would be vulnerable, and he, as a "waste young master," would suffer greatly 1.

A turning point occurred when a "Marry a Wife and Have Children System" awakened in his mind, promising cultivation advancement and high spirit root offspring through marriage and procreation 1 2. Recognizing the need for family support, Zhang Chen revealed this new "inheritance" to the Old Ancestor, Zhang Tianzheng, who, despite initial disappointment in Zhang Chen's spiritual root, became excited and hopeful for the family's prosperity 2. This led to Zhang Tianzheng issuing a high-level family summons to find a consort for Zhang Chen, prioritizing the continuation of the family bloodline 3. Zhang Yunshan, initially feeling guilty about his son's lack of progress, ultimately supported the decision, believing it would allow Zhang Chen to enjoy his youth and secure an heir for the family 3. Zhang Chen's status within the family dramatically shifted from a "waste young master" to the "chosen one," with his status becoming equal to the Family Head, granting him access to all family resources 12. He later achieved Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment and condensed a Ninth-grade Golden Core, further solidifying his position and power 33 118. Zhang Chen eventually became the leader of the Zhang Family, consolidating their power and expanding their influence across the East Mountain Islands 126. He has since announced his intention to form a Nascent Soul, a rare feat for someone his age 159. His wife, Lin Qingxue, is pregnant, and the system has indicated the child has "Unknown/Extremely High" potential 150.

Character Development

• Zhang Chen transforms from a "waste young master" with a Mid Yellow Grade spiritual root (18 years old, Third Layer of Qi Refining) to the "Chosen One" and second-in-command to the Family Head, with access to all family resources 1 12.
• He demonstrates courage and determination by accepting a life-and-death arena challenge to save his family's ancestral spiritual vein 26.
• Zhang Chen displays power and ruthlessness by killing a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage expert with a single strike, instilling fear in his enemies 47.
• He shows strategic thinking and resourcefulness by developing "Purple Gold Armor Dissolving Powder," which significantly impacts a war and earns him widespread recognition 95.
• Zhang Chen demonstrates determination and responsibility by joining a dangerous expedition to Dragon Locking Island, prioritizing the family's safety and well-being 79.
• He shows concern for others, scolding Su Xiaoxiao for putting herself in danger while acknowledging her importance 91.
• Zhang Chen grows in reputation and status, becoming a revered figure in the East Mountain Islands, though he feels guilt and responsibility for the hardships his family faces due to his actions 111.
• He exhibits unwavering determination and confidence in his abilities, resolving to become a Nascent Soul cultivator despite the risks and defying low historical success rates 121 159.
• Zhang Chen demonstrates maturity and strategic thinking by taking on more responsibilities and making crucial decisions for the family, including convincing his grandfather to break through to the Nascent Soul Late Stage 156.
• After ten years of seclusion, he returns with significant advancements in cultivation, surprising his family with his accomplishments and generosity, and shifting the power dynamics within the family 158 159.
• Zhang Yunshan, Zhang Chen's father, initially views him with guilt due to his low cultivation but later expresses immense pride in his son's achievements, such as achieving ninth-grade pills and bringing honor to the family 3 117. He also shows unwavering support and protective instincts for Zhang Chen 90 121.
• Zhang Tianzheng, the Old Ancestor, initially views Zhang Chen as having saved his life and the family's 21. He later recognizes Zhang Chen as the "chosen one" and grants him equal status to the Family Head 12. He shows unwavering support for Zhang Chen's ambition and decisions, even being amazed and slightly intimidated by his power 158 159.
• Lin Qingxue's perception of Zhang Chen changes from seeing him as a "waste young master" to an opportunity sent by heaven 12. She shows concern and love for him, despite her usual cold demeanor 111.
• Mu Wanqing shows loyalty and determination to serve Zhang Chen after the Wang Family's defeat 55. She becomes heavily pregnant and worried about Zhang Chen's safety, demonstrating her deep love for him 111.
• Liu Yueru, Zhang Chen's mother, remains a caring and worried mother, scolding him for putting himself in danger but also expressing immense relief and love upon his safe return 111.

Power Progression

Cultivation Level	Chapter	Details
Qi Refining (Third Layer)	1	Zhang Chen's initial cultivation level at eighteen years old, described as having a Mid Yellow Grade spiritual root 1.
Qi Refining (Great Perfection)	11	Zhang Chen achieves Qi Refining Great Perfection, which he reveals to Zhang Tianzheng 11.
Foundation Establishment	31, 33	Zhang Chen successfully completes Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment, enduring nine lightning tribulations and a Heart Demon Tribulation. This breakthrough causes a spiritual rain over the Zhang Family Courtyard and expands his Sea of Consciousness to sense the Outer Sea tens of miles away 33. Before his breakthrough, he was still in the Qi Refining Stage 31.
Golden Core	115, 117, 118	Zhang Chen enters closed-door cultivation to form his Golden Core 115. He successfully condenses a ninth-grade Heaven Dao Golden Core, the highest and rarest grade, with nine clear pill patterns. This event causes a celestial phenomenon, including nine thunderclaps and a golden pillar of light, and brings him new abilities and an increased lifespan 117. His achievement is recognized throughout the East Mountain Islands 118.
Nascent Soul	159	Zhang Chen announces his intention to form a Nascent Soul, surprising his family due to his young age. He enters seclusion on Dao Seeking Peak, utilizing the core of a top-grade Rank 5 spiritual vein and Enlightenment Tea leaves to aid his breakthrough. After three months, a massive tribulation cloud forms, signaling the start of his Nascent Soul tribulation 159. His Golden Core was already perfectly round and flawless, showing signs of shattering and transforming into a soul 159.

Abilities

Innate Talisman Body

This physique, initially mistaken for blocked meridians due to its slow early cultivation and sensitivity to spiritual energy, grants unparalleled talent in talisman crafting 64. Once a Talisman Grandmaster, the user can manifest myriad talismans with spiritual energy 64.

• Applications:
  • Allows for the creation of talismans with immense power 64.
  • Enables the crafting of Talisman Soldiers capable of melee combat, spellcasting, and simple movement techniques 151.
  • Facilitates the drawing of complex talismans like a simplified "Nine Heavens Demon Suppressing Talisman," which can make Golden Core Stage Demonic Cultivators tremble 135 156.
• Limitations:
  • Slow early cultivation 64.
  • Requires at least Golden Core stage cultivation and significant talent to draw a complete "Nine Heavens Demon Suppressing Talisman" 135.

Eye of Destiny

This ability allows Zhang Chen to perceive the destinies of others, appearing as a "colorful ocean of destiny" 64.

• Applications:
  • Identifies potential threats or assets 64.
  • Reveals hidden talents, such as Su Xiaoxiao's Innate Talisman Body 64.
  • Provides information on cultivation and physique, as demonstrated when observing Liu Mingyue 118.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Spirit Ascension Technique

This secret technique, gained through a bloodline awakening, can forcibly increase the grade of spiritual veins 11.

• Applications:
  • Enhances the spiritual energy concentration of an area, leading to cultivation breakthroughs for others 12.
  • Can upgrade the family's main spiritual vein 11.
• Limitations:
  • Requires consuming the family's fortune and the user's vital blood 11.

Art of Artifact Refining

Zhang Chen gained vast knowledge in artifact forging through a Tier 2 Top-Grade Skill Inheritance Card 37.

• Applications:
  • Forges high-quality magic tools, such as a Tier 2 Top-Grade Thunderclap Sword capable of piercing a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator's Body Protection Spiritual Light 38.
  • Creates sets of magic tools, like the Seven Stars Thunder Fire Armor and Mother Child Chain Blades, which can share spiritual energy, synchronize offense and defense, and unleash combined ultimate skills comparable to a Golden Core's strike 38 39.
  • Develops specialized items like the Purple Gold Armor Dissolving Powder, effective against tough demonic beast defenses 95.
• Limitations:
  • Requires strong Spiritual Sense, cultivated through techniques like the God Shaking Technique 37.
  • High-intensity refining and improvement can be physically straining 95.

God Shaking Technique

This technique allows Zhang Chen to condense his Spiritual Sense into needles, creating a domineering spiritual sense attack 47.

• Applications:
  • Used in combat to incapacitate opponents by striking their spiritual sense 47.
  • Strengthens and refines Spiritual Sense, reaching the level of a peak Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator 37.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Law Manifests as Heaven and Earth

This is a spiritual power acquired upon Zhang Chen's breakthrough to the Golden Core stage 117.

• Applications:
  • Grants immense power, described as being able to "crush mountains" 117.
  • Increases lifespan by five hundred years 117.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Heavenly Dao Golden Core

Zhang Chen condensed a ninth-grade Heaven Dao Golden Core, the highest and rarest grade, with nine naturally formed purple cloud patterns 117.

• Applications:
  • Represents the pinnacle of the Golden Core Stage 159.
  • Provides a profound foundation, allowing for a more aggressive approach to breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage 159.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Nine Revolutions Universe Art

This art is used by Zhang Chen to suppress and assimilate violent spiritual energies within his body 159.

• Applications:
  • Protects the physical body from damage during intense cultivation processes, such as shattering the Golden Core 159.
  • Rapidly assimilates and absorbs violent spiritual energies 159.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Heaven and Earth Thunder Fire

Zhang Chen possesses his own Heaven and Earth Thunder Fire, which he can fuse with Heavenly Tribulation Remnant Power 44.

• Applications:
  • Can be sealed within magic tools as a destructive force 44.
  • Utterly pure and yang, specifically effective against malevolent spirits and demonic cultivation protective barriers 44.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Resource Analysis Function

This function allows Zhang Chen to analyze and disable restrictions on treasures 66.

• Applications:
  • Enables easy retrieval of treasures from protected locations, such as the Nine Heavens Sword Tomb 66.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Safe Path

Provided by a Resource Finding Card, this ability allows Zhang Chen to bypass dangers in secret realms 66.

• Applications:
  • Facilitates infiltration of dangerous locations like the East Mountain Secret Realm 66.
• Limitations:
  • The context does not specify any limitations for this ability.

Relationships

• Zhang Tianzheng (Old Ancestor): Zhang Chen's great-grandfather and the family patriarch. He prioritizes the continuation of the Zhang family's bloodline, even calling a high-level family assembly to find a wife for Zhang Chen 3. He supports Zhang Chen's decisions and leadership 112 126.
• Zhang Yunshan (Father): Zhang Chen's father and the family head. He initially feels guilty about Zhang Chen's perceived lack of cultivation progress but ultimately supports his son's decisions, including his marriage and his strategic involvement in family affairs 3 26 78 79. He is concerned for Zhang Chen's safety but also proud of his achievements 24 34.
• Liu Yueru (Mother): Zhang Chen's mother. She shows business acumen and strategic thinking, suggesting considering "fallen geniuses" as potential wives for Zhang Chen 4. She also dotes on her grandson 120.
• Zhang Yunhai (Second Uncle): Zhang Chen's second uncle. He shows concern for Zhang Chen's pride and eagerness to secure powerful alliances for the family 4. He is loyal and supportive of Zhang Chen 79.
• Lin Qingxue (Main Wife): Zhang Chen's first wife. She is a former prodigy who initially accepts an arranged marriage with Zhang Chen under specific conditions to protect her mother 4 6. She later develops a strong bond with Zhang Chen, admiring his true strength and supporting his decisions 10 24 56 112. She manages family matters and is pregnant with Zhang Chen's child 17 150.
• Mu Wanqing (Concubine): Zhang Chen's concubine. She manages the medicinal garden meticulously and harbors deep affection for Zhang Chen 56 66. Lin Qingxue recognizes her feelings and suggests formalizing her position in the family 56. She becomes pregnant with Zhang Chen's child 61.
• Su Xiaoxiao (Concubine): Zhang Chen's concubine. She possesses an "Innate Spirit Talisman Body" and is initially a low-level disciple of the East Mountain Sect 78 83. Zhang Chen saves her in a secret realm and later goes to great lengths to protect her and bring her into the Zhang family, recognizing her potential 70 78 113 114 128. She is deeply devoted to Zhang Chen 114 128.
• Zhang Shan (Subordinate): Zhang Chen's subordinate. He provides information and shows loyalty and understanding of Zhang Chen's plans 78.

Themes

The narrative explores several central themes, including the critical importance of family and legacy, particularly through the Zhang family's efforts to ensure bloodline continuation and protect its members from external threats 3 20 22 133. This is exemplified by Zhang Chen's determination to secure his family's future and the Old Ancestor's focus on the family's survival 1 20 22. Another prominent theme is the struggle for power and resources, often depicted through intense rivalries between cultivation families, such as the Zhang and Wang families 26 58. This struggle highlights the impact of strength and the ruthlessness of competition in the cultivation world 47 66 115 126.

Deception and misdirection are recurring motifs, as characters like Zhang Chen and the Zhang family elders employ strategic cunning to mislead enemies and gain advantages 27 30 34. This is often contrasted with the theme of perception versus reality, where public opinion of the Zhang family's decline hides their true strength and hidden plans 27 30 34. The narrative also delves into the consequences of greed and corruption, particularly through the Wang family's illicit activities and their eventual downfall, which underscores themes of justice and retribution 50.

The story also emphasizes the significance of cultivation and spiritual roots, as Zhang Chen's initial slow progress due to his spiritual root highlights the importance of innate talent in this world 1 31 33. However, it also shows how strategic thinking, resource management, and recognizing potential can overcome such limitations 66 78. Finally, the narrative touches upon the temporary nature of power and the necessity of alliances and negotiations in a chaotic world, as the Zhang family navigates its rise to dominance while acknowledging potential future challenges 119 126 129 149.

Trivia

• Zhang Chen was initially considered to have poor cultivation progress, possessing a Mid Yellow Grade spiritual root and reaching only the Third Layer of Qi Refining at eighteen years old 1 3.
• The Zhang Family's Old Ancestor, Zhang Tianzheng, once convened a high-level family meeting by ringing the summons bell nine times, not for a crisis, but to find a consort for Zhang Chen to ensure the family's bloodline continuation 3.
• Zhang Chen once accepted a life-and-death arena challenge from the Wang Family on behalf of the Zhang Family, surprising many who considered him a "prodigal son" 26.
• Zhang Chen once attributed a sudden surge of spiritual energy in the family's spiritual medicine garden to the Old Ancestor's "ancient forbidden technique – Withered Wood Meets Spring," when it was actually his own doing 28 30.
• Zhang Chen achieved Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment, a rare feat, and kept it a secret, with the Zhang Family maintaining a mournful atmosphere to deceive their enemies 33 34.
• During a family celebration, Zhang Tianzheng publicly credited Zhang Chen as the primary reason for the family's recent victories, despite Zhang Chen sitting in a corner shelling peanuts 53.
• Zhang Chen used a "Myriad Resources Search Card" to generate a detailed 3D map of the East Mountain Secret Realm, marking valuable resources and inheritances 65.
• Zhang Chen once plundered the East Mountain Secret Realm, retrieving treasures like a Fifth-Stage Spiritual Medicine, a Supreme-grade Magic Treasure, and an Inheritance Jade Slip, leaving the East Mountain Sect disciples empty-handed 66.
• Zhang Chen decided to join the expedition to Dragon Locking Island not to fight, but to handle logistics and continuously produce supply pills, surprising his family 78 79.
• Zhang Chen once stated that Su Xiaoxiao, who possessed an "Innate Spirit Talisman Body," was more valuable than ten Golden Core elders 78.
• Zhang Chen developed "Purple Gold Armor Dissolving Powder" from a Tier 6 Demonic Beast fragment, which turned the tide of a battle against sea beasts and earned him widespread recognition as the "savior" of the war 95.
• Zhang Chen once claimed that the Zhang Family emptied three treasure mountains to refine Armor Piercing Poison Paste and lost numerous cultivators, while Zhang Tianzheng feigned illness, despite having stabilized his cultivation 112.
• Zhang Chen received a Tier-6 Talisman Arts inheritance, a Demon-Quelling Bell, and a "Heavenly Talisman Pavilion" as rewards 114.
• Zhang Chen successfully condensed a legendary Ninth-grade Golden Core, causing a stir in the East Mountain Islands and attracting prominent figures to his grand ceremony 116 118.
• Zhang Chen was described as being at the Foundation Establishment Realm before entering seclusion to form his Golden Core, yet was highly praised for his "heaven-defying methods" 116.
• Zhang Chen announced his intention to form a Nascent Soul before the age of thirty-five, a feat that would rewrite the history of the Southern Domain's Cultivation World 159.
• Zhang Chen entered seclusion in a forbidden area behind Dao Seeking Peak, using the core of a top-grade Rank 5 spiritual vein to aid his Nascent Soul breakthrough 159.