Lu Chen

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Lu Chen 1 3 6 11 18 19 22 27 28 30 35 36 37 40 41 43 45 46 50
Aliases	Little Banner Lu 37 43, Lucky General 19 30 37, Fortunate General 50
Affiliation	Demon Suppression Division 1 3 6 19 28 30 35 36 40 43 46
Occupation	Corpse Handler (formerly) 22 35, Imperial Guard Squad Leader 36, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard 46, Acting Steward of the Corpse Handling House 46
Rank	Imperial Guard Squad Leader 36, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard 46
Skills	Demon Suppressing Saber Technique 6 40, Body Evasion Steps 6, Shadow Demon Trace Steps 40, Talisman Crafting 18 41, Dual Cultivation of Talismans and Martial Arts 41
Abilities	Enhanced Senses 11, Special Bloodline (sees through illusions) 37 40 43, Physical Strength (lifts heavy oil barrels) 30, Control over Killing Intent 22 36, Eye of Delusion Breaking (trait) 40
Equipment	Demon Beast Hide Gloves 6, Dissection Knife 6, Hundred Refinements Saber 28 36 45
Personality	Observant 11, Strategic 11 46, Resourceful 19, Resilient 19, Persistent 18, Dedicated 18, Composed 37, Confident 37, Assertive 36, Generous 36, Determined 28, Ambitious 28, Courageous 45, Integrity 41

Physical Description

Lu Chen is a tall, composed young man with a handsome face 36 40. His deep eyes, set against his black attire, appear sharp and intimidating 36. He often appears pale, sometimes from lack of sleep or after being affected by Killing Intent 18. When he was a Corpse Handler, he was perceived as weak and subservient, but this was often a facade to conceal his true abilities 3 36.

• Build: Tall and straight 36. His body, tempered by years of swordsmanship, operates with greater efficiency than an ordinary person's 3.
• Facial Features: Handsome 36. His face can appear pale 18.
• Eyes: Deep 36. Can be bloodshot from fatigue but remain calm 16.
• Demeanor: Composed 40. Can appear nonchalant 37.
• Attire: Wears a black uniform with gold patterns as an Imperial Guard 36 37. The uniform material is exquisite, and the craftsmanship is excellent, with a ferocious Demon Suppression Division emblem embroidered in gold thread on the chest 36. He slings a Hundred Refinements Saber at his waist 37.

Background

Lu Chen began his journey as a Corpse Handler in the Demon Suppression Division of the Great Yan Dynasty, a position of low status and danger 1 4. Initially, he faced immediate threats, such as being forced by his superior, Foreman Wang, to process a dangerous Vengeful Fox corpse 1. Foreman Wang, a manipulative and abusive figure, frequently tested Lu Chen and assigned him high-risk tasks, hoping for his demise 3 23 30. Despite these challenges, Lu Chen demonstrated exceptional autopsy skills, impressing Foreman Wang and earning Qi and Blood Pills 8 9.

Lu Chen discovered an ancient system panel that allowed him to use "Demon Devil Lifespan" to enhance his own lifespan or infuse martial arts 4. He quickly mastered the Demon Suppressing Saber Technique and Body Evasion Steps, significantly improving his combat abilities 6. His skills were further honed when he deduced the Demon Suppressing Saber Technique to the Perfection realm, gaining the "Sha Breaking" characteristic 35.

His reputation within the Demon Suppression Division grew after surviving a mission to Black Wind Gully, where he was credited with killing a Ranked Demon, the Corpse Vine Demon Tree 27. This feat, though downplayed by Foreman Liu to protect him, earned him rewards from Captain Li, including access to the armory 27 28. Lu Chen's "luck" and perceived abilities led to him being assigned to investigate the mysterious death of the Anle Duke's heir, Zhao Yu, where his unique bloodline allowed him to break through illusions 43.

Ultimately, Lu Chen confronted and defeated Foreman Wang, who was possessed by demonic energy, using his Demon Suppressing Saber Technique 48. Following Wang's death, Lu Chen inherited his position as Deputy Commander and Steward of the Corpse Handling Room, though he faced resentment from his new colleagues 46 48.

Power Progression

Technique	Description	Progression Level	Years Spent
Demon Suppressing Saber Technique	A killing art focused on swift, decisive strikes.	Mastered	22 2
Turtle Breath Meditation Method	Cultivation method for internal energy, improves meridians and internal energy circulation.	Entry Level	6 5
Body Evasion Steps	A basic movement technique.	Proficient	8 5 18
Shadow Step	A Black-rank movement technique, significantly improves speed and agility.	Novice	1 21
Ten Thousand Year Black Tortoise Art	Fused from Turtle Breath Meditation Method and Bedrock Art; provides endless internal energy, astonishing defensive power, and nourishes lifespan.	Great Mastery	Not specified 29
Demon Suppressing Saber Technique	A killing art focused on swift, decisive strikes, with the 'Sha Breaking' characteristic.	Perfection	80 35
Shadow Demon Trace Steps	Fused from Body Evasion Steps and Shadow Step.	Minor Accomplishment	Not specified 34 49
Talisman Arts	The art of drawing talismans.	Novice	Not specified 42

Abilities

Autopsy and Corpse Handling

Lu Chen possesses exceptional skills in autopsy and handling high-risk corpses, demonstrating a profound understanding of anatomy and the effects of Sha energy 6 8. He utilizes specialized tools, such as knives, pliers, needles, and scissors, which are often treated with medicinal solutions to block Sha energy erosion 6.

• Applications:
  • Accurately determining causes of death, even from complex demonic attacks 8.
  • Extracting valuable components like Demon Cores perfectly, even from dangerous demons like the Wind Cutter Falcon, before demonic energy dissipates 4 22.
  • Processing Sha Corpses to gain Demon Devil Lifespan and increase resistance to malevolent energy 15.
  • Systematically separating demon parts (skin, bones, tendons, claws) while avoiding Killing Intent eruptions 19.
• Limitations:
  • Requires specialized tools and protective gear like thick leather gloves to handle high-risk corpses 6.
  • Can be affected by powerful mental Killing Intent, such as the Yin Illusion Sha Qi from a Three-tailed Cat Demon, if not properly protected 18 19.

Talisman Arts

Lu Chen has begun cultivating Talisman Arts, which he views as a powerful trump card 42. He understands that true talismans are drawn from the dao and principles of heaven and earth, not just symbols 41.

• Applications:
  • Can draw a line of light in the air with internal energy, a foundational step in talisman crafting 18.
  • Successfully etched a Calming Talisman onto paper using his fingertip and a faint wisp of Internal Energy to resist mental Killing Intent 19.
  • Used a Pure Yang talisman to severely injure a Ranked Demon, the Nether River Angler 45.
• Limitations:
  • Requires suitable tools and materials, such as a Golden Bristle Jade Brush and Earthfire Vermilion Inkstone, for successful crafting 18 41.
  • Currently at the "Novice" realm in Talisman Dao Skill 42.
  • Comprehension and fortune are crucial for understanding advanced talisman principles 41.

Martial Arts

Lu Chen has developed a range of martial arts, focusing on both offense and defense, and has the ability to deduce and fuse techniques using his System 27.

• Ten Thousand Year Black Tortoise Art (Great Accomplishment): This internal cultivation method provides a stable foundation, pure and thick Internal Energy, and natural restraint and defense against chilling and poisonous energies 29. It enhances physical and mental resilience 33.

  • Applications:
    • Withstands physical force and mental shockwaves from powerful demons 33.
    • Increases strength, endurance, and sensory perception 9 15.
    • Scours and strengthens meridians, making them wider and tougher 9 22.
    • Dispels bone-chilling cold and sharpens senses 24.
    • Activates the Turtle Breath Absorption Technique to refine domineering Killing Intent within meridians 22.
  • Limitations:
    • Has a slow cultivation speed compared to other top-grade Yellow tier methods 29.

• Demon Suppressing Saber Technique (Perfection): A killing art focused on swift, precise strikes 4. At Perfection, it gains the unique characteristic "Sha Breaking" 35.

  • Applications:
    • Slaying evil spirits and demons with a single, decisive strike 2 26.
    • Provides an ultimate understanding of structure, aiding in precise dissection 6.
    • The "Sha Breaking" characteristic imbues the saber with destructive power specifically targeting the origin of demonic Killing Intent, weakening protective energies and barriers 35 45.
    • Used to destroy a demon painting by creating a "vacuum" zone that clears surrounding spiritual energy and Yin Sha Qi 35 45.
  • Limitations:
    • Lacks movement techniques or evasive maneuvers 4.
    • Severely lacks stamina for prolonged combat 4.

• Shadow Demon Trace Steps (Minor Accomplishment): A Profound Rank movement technique that enhances agility and control 35.

  • Applications:
    • Provides lightness and control over the body, allowing for swift and silent movement 26 35.
    • Improves evasion and grants exquisite control over muscles and aura 22.
    • Allows the user to move like a cat, easily passing through tight spaces 6.
    • Can be fused with other techniques like Body Evasion Steps to create new techniques 34.
  • Limitations:
    • The initial technique was severely incomplete 21.

Traits

Lu Chen possesses several unique traits that grant him specific advantages.

• Eye of Delusion Breaking (Beginner): Allows Lu Chen to see through illusions 40 43.

  • Applications:
    • Breaks through illusions, such as those within a demon painting 43.
    • Perceived as being impervious to malevolent spirits 40.

• Water Sha Affinity (Beginner): Grants an affinity for Water Sha 49.

  • Applications:
    • Not explicitly detailed, but implies a connection or resistance to Water Sha.

• Soul Devour (Beginner): A trait comprehended from a Ranked demon's core Killing Intent 45.

  • Applications:
    • Attacks deal additional damage to spirit-type and soul-type enemies 45.
    • Has a very low chance to absorb partial residual soul fragments upon kill, obtaining scattered memories 45.

• Mimicry (Beginner): A trait listed on his system panel 49.

  • Applications:
    • Not explicitly detailed in the provided context.

Character Relationships

• Captain Li: Lu Chen's superior who recognizes his merit and protects him. He rewards Lu Chen for his accomplishments, promotes him, and shows political acumen by protecting his subordinates 28 43 46.
• Clerk Chen: An old, emaciated clerk at the storeroom. Initially indifferent, he later shows favor and respect for Lu Chen's skills, offering him valuable items and guidance 3 4 19 41.
• Deputy Commander Liu: Lu Chen's superior who advises him to be cautious about Foreman Wang and shows loyalty and protectiveness towards him 28 46.
• Eunuch Sun: A palace eunuch who displays arrogance and impatience, creating tension and dislike between him and Lu Chen 43.
• Foreman Fu An: The Anle Duke's mansion steward who shows grief but also malice towards Lu Chen. He betrays Lu Chen by trapping him with a demonic painting and is later killed by Lu Chen 43 44 46.
• Foreman Wang: Lu Chen's direct superior, initially manipulative and greedy, he attempts to probe Lu Chen's abilities and uses him for his own gain 3 4 9 10 11 14 18 22 27 30. His hatred and suspicion towards Lu Chen intensify as Lu Chen's power grows, eventually leading to fear and subservience 28 36 40. He is later exposed as a traitor and dies in a secret passage 46 48.
• Imperial Guards: Lu Chen's colleagues. Some initially view him with disdain and suspicion, but his actions and accomplishments eventually earn him awe and respect 11 12 37 40.
• Subordinates (Zhao Da Niu, Sun Monkey, and three newcomers): Lu Chen's team after his promotion. The veterans, like Zhao Da Niu and Sun Monkey, show loyalty and gratitude, while the newcomers initially show defiance but quickly submit to Lu Chen's authority 36 40.
• Wang Mazi: Foreman Wang's assistant, who fuels Foreman Wang's suspicions about Lu Chen 22.
• Zhang Mazi: A senior Corpse Handler who is jealous of Lu Chen's rewards and attempts to bully him 9 14 19.

Significant Events

• Lu Chen used his enhanced senses to detect subtle clues at a crime scene 11.
• Foreman Wang probed Lu Chen, who successfully concealed his true abilities 3.
• Lu Chen and Imperial Guards encountered a lively atmosphere outside the Demon Suppression Division 10.
• Lu Chen circulated the Turtle Breath Technique to resist malevolent energy at a crime scene 10.
• Lu Chen was poisoned during an investigation but found a way to suppress the poison 13.
• Zhang Mazi and two men confronted Lu Chen, demanding his Qi and Blood Pills 9.
• Lu Chen returned to the Demon Suppression Division after being poisoned 13.
• Lu Chen found a rusty iron piece in the ghost market and began to clean it 20.
• Lu Chen killed the Corpse Vine Demon Tree using his boning knife and inner qi 26.
• Lu Chen and the remaining team members returned from Black Wind Gully, and he was rewarded by Captain Li 27.
• Lu Chen was rewarded by Captain Li with Foundation Elixirs, a Hundred Refinements Saber, and an Armory Access token 28.
• Foreman Wang assigned Lu Chen a high-risk mission to Willow Creek Town 30.
• Lu Chen demonstrated extraordinary strength by lifting three heavy oil barrels single-handedly 30.
• Lu Chen deduced his Demon Suppressing Saber Technique to Perfection, gaining the 'Sha Breaking' characteristic 35.
• Lu Chen was promoted to Imperial Guard Squad Leader and asserted his authority over his new team 36.
• Lu Chen arrived at the Imperial Guard barracks, drawing attention from other guards 37.
• Lu Chen defeated the Stone-Skinned Soul-Peering Demon, causing Foreman Wang to become subservient 40.
• Lu Chen refused Foreman Wang's bribe, signaling an irreconcilable rift 41.
• Lu Chen was summoned to investigate the mysterious death of the Anle Duke's heir, Zhao Yu 43.
• Lu Chen entered the Anle Duke's Mansion study, which was sealed due to malevolent energy 43.
• Lu Chen used a Pure Yang talisman to severely injure the Nether River Angler and destroyed the scroll, freeing Zhao Yu's soul 45.
• Lu Chen confronted and killed Fu An, then reported the incident to Captain Li 46.
• Lu Chen discovered a secret passage in Wang Defa's room 46.
• Lu Chen navigated a secret passage filled with traps and found Foreman Wang attempting a ritual 47.
• Lu Chen achieved a breakthrough in his Talisman Arts, creating a powerful new Wind Thunder Spell-Breaking Talisman 50.
• The Demon Suppression Division's Warning Bell Tower rang nine times, signaling an imminent catastrophic disaster 50.
• A blood mist engulfed parts of Nanling Prefecture City, corrupting people into Blood Slaves 50.

Themes

Lu Chen's narrative explores several significant themes, including ambition and determination, the power of deception, and the dynamics of loyalty and betrayal within a corrupt system 28 30 46. His journey highlights the contrast between perception and reality, as he often appears weak while secretly possessing immense strength and strategic acumen 26 30. The story also delves into themes of growth and maturity, as Lu Chen navigates a dangerous world and develops his skills and authority 42.

• Ambition and Determination: Lu Chen consistently pursues power and self-improvement, evident in his eagerness to find cultivation techniques and his dedication to mastering talisman art, even at the cost of his Demon Devil Lifespan 28 42 50.
• Deception and Underestimation: Lu Chen frequently uses deception to conceal his true abilities, allowing others, particularly Foreman Wang, to underestimate him. This strategy protects him and enables him to gather information and gain advantages 3 11 26 30.
• Power Dynamics and Corruption: The Demon Suppression Division is depicted as a place rife with political intrigue, corruption, and favoritism. Lu Chen's interactions with figures like Foreman Wang, Eunuch Sun, and Steward Liu expose these dynamics, showcasing his struggle against a system that often seeks to exploit or eliminate him 4 10 14 30 43 46.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Loyalty is a recurring theme, particularly in Lu Chen's relationships with his subordinates and superiors. He rewards loyalty, as seen with the veterans from Willow Creek Town, and confronts betrayal, such as Foreman Wang's schemes and Fu An's collusion with demons 36 46.
• Growth and Maturity: Lu Chen's character develops significantly throughout the narrative. He evolves from a seemingly weak Corpse Handler to an Imperial Guard Squad Leader and eventually Deputy Commander, demonstrating increasing authority, strategic thinking, and emotional maturity 36 42 46.
• Survival and Resourcefulness: In a world overrun by demons, Lu Chen's struggle for survival is paramount. He demonstrates resourcefulness in using his unique system, adapting to dangerous situations, and employing various skills, from combat to talisman crafting, to overcome threats 4 6 15 23 31.