Lu Chen

Biodata

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. Following his dragon-related cultivation, his physique has been strengthened into the Dragon Emperor Bone Body and later Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bones 261 482.
• Facial Features: Handsome 36. His face can appear pale 18.
• Eyes: Deep 36. Can be bloodshot from fatigue but remain calm 16. His Godslayer Thunder Eyes can emit violet-gray radiance and perceive illusions, energy flows, weaknesses, and restrictions 358 536.
• Demeanor: Composed 40. Can appear nonchalant 37. After obtaining Godslayer Slash, his restrained aura became profoundly dangerous, like a blade itself rather than a blade concealed in its sheath 150.
• 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 formerly slung a Hundred Refinements Saber at his waist 37, but later carries Root Severer 654.
• Dragonification: At the late Longevity Realm, Lu Chen displays golden patterns across his body, vertical slit pupils, and a developing dragon tailbone as a consequence of his dragonification 680. His tail becomes stronger and increasingly responsive in battle 702. When activating Dragon Thunder True Form, his body radiates golden light, his pupils resemble golden suns, and his Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bones shine through his flesh 666.

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.

After entering the Armory's second floor, Lu Chen sought techniques that would compensate for the shortcomings in his foundation and acquired the Black Tortoise Breath Concealment Art. At Great Mastery, this art allowed him to merge so completely with his surroundings that he became almost indistinguishable from ordinary objects 70 72. He subsequently advanced through the Hidden Dragon Trial, where repeated life-and-death battles drove him from the Meridian Opening Realm toward the Xiantian Realm 93 119 143.

As champion of the Hidden Dragon Trial, Lu Chen received access to the Armory's third floor and pursued the inheritance connected to the ancient weapon Godslayer 146 147. He obtained the opening stance of Godslayer Slash at the cost of one thousand years of Demon Devil Lifespan, making it his foremost killing trump card 150. His rise drew him into the capital's factional struggles, where he worked in the Archives Bureau, uncovered clues tied to the Ghostface Organization, and established contact with the fallen Sixth Prince, Xiao Jingyan 157 164 165.

During the conflict surrounding Azure Ridge Ghost Domain and the Netherworld Path, Lu Chen stabilized his Early Xiantian Realm with dragon essence and greatly expanded his divine sense 194 195. He then became an Inspector, gathered disciples, fought hostile factions in Qingzhou and Jiangnan, and broke through to the Supernatural Power Realm 271 272 289. His subsequent victories against the Netherworld Path, the Ye Family, and Shadow Blade established him as a figure capable of influencing the balance of Great Xia 292 323 337.

Lu Chen was granted authority to establish the Evil-Quelling Guard after exposing the Undead Lord's ambitions and helping destroy a major node of the Myriad Soul Surveying Grand Array 323 367. In the Return to Ruins Secret Realm, he obtained dragon-related inheritances, formed the complete Dragon-Suppressing Key, seized a portion of the Life Creation Spring, and condensed the embryonic Dragon Thunder Baleful Prison Dharma Form 416 430 432. His growing strength earned him the title of Duke of Nation Stabilization and the post of First-Rank Commander of the Demon Suppression Division 436.

After founding the Demon Suppression Army at Dragon Soaring Old Camp, Lu Chen fought in the Northern Frontier against Sky Wolf Sect, the Undead Monarch's forces, and the Shadow Council 487 490 635. He eventually entered the Longevity Realm through the purified Dragon Vein Soul Essence and later reached its late stage through continued dragonification and cultivation 554 680. By this point, Lu Chen had become a Grand Tutor, a leading military and political force in Great Xia, and a central opponent of the Shadow Council and the Undead Monarch 697 702.

Power Progression

Abilities

System and Demon Devil Lifespan

Lu Chen possesses an ancient system panel that records his cultivation, remaining lifespan, Demon Devil Lifespan, techniques, and traits 4 49. The system enables him to convert Demon Devil Lifespan gained from demons and hostile cultivators into cultivation progress, temporary combat enhancement, recovery, and deductions of martial arts or supernatural techniques 35 150 219 617.

• Applications:
  • Restores or repairs his own lifespan and bodily condition 4.
  • Deduces martial arts through simulated cultivation, including the Perfection-stage Demon Suppressing Saber Technique 35.
  • Enhances true qi for a limited duration to gain specialized effects such as armor-piercing and evil-slaying 219.
  • Plunders Demon Devil Lifespan from defeated enemies, including high-level Shadow Council and Undead Monarch agents 432 540.
  • Temporarily forces breakthroughs or amplifies combat power in desperate situations 617.
• Limitations:
  • Large-scale deductions and emergency enhancements consume immense quantities of Demon Devil Lifespan 150 287 617.
  • Lifespan expenditure can leave Lu Chen with dangerously limited reserves and compel him to seek further battles or resources 195 660.

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. His talisman arts later developed into the Wind Thunder Spell-Breaking Talisman, a perfected technique that is especially effective against defensive barriers and sinister arts 197 261.

• 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.
  • Developed the Wind Thunder Spell-Breaking Talisman, which gained powerful defense-breaking and evil-suppressing properties after reaching perfection 50 197.
  • Uses Heavenly Thunder Evil-Breaking Talismans to counter high-level enemy assaults and formations 345.
• Limitations:
  • Requires suitable tools and materials, such as a Golden Bristle Jade Brush and Earthfire Vermilion Inkstone, for successful crafting 18 41.
  • Comprehension and fortune are crucial for understanding advanced talisman principles 41.
  • High-grade talismans can be depleted during intense battles 119.

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 (Perfection): This internal cultivation method provides a stable foundation, pure and thick Internal Energy, and natural restraint and defense against chilling and poisonous energies 29. At perfection, it supports a formidable body, resilient meridians, and a soul as steady as an ancient boulder 105 197.

  • 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.
    • Greatly reduces damage from poisoned claws and similar close-range attacks 197.
  • 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 (Perfection): A Profound Rank movement technique that enhances agility and control 35 93.

  • 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.
    • Allows shadow-merging, rapid movement through enemy formations, and the Shadow Escape technique 35 190 261.
    • Can combine with Triple Ghost Shadow to strike several targets in less than three breaths 245.
  • Limitations:
    • The initial technique was severely incomplete 21.

• Black Tortoise Breath Concealment Art (Perfection): A concealment method that suppresses Lu Chen's aura to the point of apparent nonexistence 72 119.

  • Applications:
    • Enables Lu Chen to merge with the environment like a stone, a wisp of air, or an ordinary object 72.
    • Prevents enemies from reading the depth of his cultivation or intentions 101.
    • Supports stealth, reconnaissance, ambushes, and escape from pursuit 196.
  • Limitations:
    • Exceptional detection techniques, formations, or specialized scouting methods can still threaten concealment 245.

• Mystic Dragon Sea-Suppressing Art: A dragon-based cultivation art that forms the core of Lu Chen's later physical strength, defensive power, and Dragon Emperor characteristics 261 287.

  • Applications:
    • Grants Mystic Dragon Body and Mystic Dragon Sea Suppression 261.
    • Enables Lu Chen to condense Heaven-Suppressing Dragon Seals and resist enemies above his realm 234 264.
    • Develops the Mystic Dragon True Form, increasing all attributes by two hundred percent 287.
    • Supports his Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bones, Dragon Emperor Domain, and later Dragon Thunder True Form 345 482 666.

• Nine Heavens Thunder Command Art: A lightning cultivation art whose perfected state grants the innate supernatural power Thunder God Descent 357.

  • Applications:
    • Calls down heavenly thunder and supports Lightning Flash Escape 261.
    • Tempers Lu Chen's body through heavenly tribulation 260.
    • Temporarily raises his combat power to the middle Supernatural Power Realm through Thunder God Descent 308.
    • Works in concert with dragon force to form Dragon Thunder Baleful Force and related combat techniques 430 432.

• Godslayer Art and Godslayer Slash: An ancient inheritance centered on annihilative saber intent and attacks that target the soul and fundamental origin of enemies 150 261.

  • Applications:
    • Gives Lu Chen a decisive trump card against enemies at a higher realm 150.
    • Allows Godslayer: Soul Extinction, which instantly killed Li Tianfeng after his berserk transformation 347.
    • Developed into the fourth-level Godslaying force, a golden-purple, dark-green, and gray-white annihilative power 607.
  • Limitations:
    • Early use carries a long cooldown and places severe stress on Lu Chen's soul 261.
    • Repeated use of Godslaying agitates the mysterious mark on his shoulder 609.

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.

• Godslayer Thunder Eyes: An evolved eye technique that supplements and greatly surpasses the Eye of Delusion Breaking 345 358.

  • Applications:
    • Delusion-Breaking: Sees through some illusions, disguises, energy weak points, and hidden formations 358.
    • Gaze: Locks onto an enemy, slightly slowing their movements and amplifying the effects of other eye techniques 358.
    • Truth-Piercing: Perceives restriction nodes and energy flows, allowing Lu Chen to navigate the Ascending Dragon Path efficiently 536.
    • Purifies curse light and Corpse Puppets with lightning-based eye power 346.

• 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.
    • Allows Lu Chen to sift and extract critical intelligence from enemy memories, including Rebirth Hall's plans and Shadow Council secrets 100 107 432.

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

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

• Dragon Emperor Bone Body and Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bones: A dragon-based physique that provides overwhelming physical strength, regeneration, resilience, and draconic pressure 261 482.

  • Applications:
    • Raises strength by five hundred percent and power by three hundred percent at an early stage of development 261.
    • Allows Lu Chen to survive attacks that would heavily injure ordinary cultivators of the same realm 251 383.
    • Continues to develop through Dragon-Pattern Spirit Bone activity and dragonification 660 680.

• Dragon Emperor Domain: A domain that manipulates gravity, suppresses enemy movement and true qi circulation, and forms lightning prisons and killing-intent tides 261 345 432.

  • Applications:
    • Slows enemy attacks and disrupts coordinated assaults 346 347.
    • Restrains multiple fleeing enemies across a one-hundred-and-fifty-zhang radius 432.

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. He continues to offer Lu Chen practical support and warnings as Lu Chen rises within the Demon Suppression Division 143 146 150.
• 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. He later reveals extensive knowledge of Lu Chen's secrets, Godslayer, and the Armory's hidden paths, becoming an enigmatic mentor figure 147 150 160.
• 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.
• Xiao Jingyan: The Sixth Prince and Lu Chen's principal political ally. Lu Chen initially approaches him because both require leverage against hostile forces; their relationship develops into a partnership based on mutual respect, intelligence sharing, and practical support 164 165 267 312. Xiao Jingyan repeatedly provides resources, information, and political backing while respecting Lu Chen's demand to retain freedom of action 195 323 469 587.
• Yun Qingyue: A healer from Medicine King Valley and Lu Chen's closest companion. Initially detached and professional while treating his injuries, she gradually becomes a trusted partner in investigations, healing, and combat 207 209 220. Their bond deepens through mutual protection, shared secrets, and repeated concern for one another's safety 442 469 557 666.
• Mo Huaiyuan: A senior figure who guides Lu Chen through capital affairs and dangerous investigations. He acts as a mentor, values Lu Chen's potential, and remains concerned about the risks created by Lu Chen's rapid growth 194 195 208 209.
• Mo Qianqiu: Director of the Demon Suppression Division and a Longevity Realm expert. He recognizes Lu Chen's merit, promotes him, entrusts him with high-level missions, and later works alongside him in the Northern Frontier and imperial affairs 290 323 482 563.
• Emperor Xia: The emperor of Great Xia, who recognizes Lu Chen as a valuable pillar of the state. Their relationship is mutually beneficial but politically cautious: the emperor grants Lu Chen honors, resources, and authority while relying on him against domestic and supernatural threats 368 436 484 697.
• Zhao Tieying and Gu Mingxuan: Core subordinates and trusted leaders of Lu Chen's later forces. They assist him in building the Evil-Quelling Guard and Demon Suppression Army, repeatedly demonstrating loyalty and competence 314 362 469 490.
• Lei Hao, Shi Xiaoyan, and Lin Feng: Lu Chen's disciples, who travel with him on missions and admire him as their master 271 272 281.
• Xiao Qingyan: The Ninth Princess and Xiao Jingyan's younger sister. Lu Chen rescues her from being used as a Blood Demon Pill catalyst and promises to expose the conspiracy behind her abduction 179.
• Tuoba Shan: A formidable warrior who alternates between rival and ally before becoming a dependable battlefield companion. He respects Lu Chen's strength and repeatedly fights beside him in life-threatening situations 545 635 660.
• Ye Qingtian and the Ye Family: Major adversaries who repeatedly seek to eliminate Lu Chen due to his interference with their rituals, political ambitions, and dragon-related schemes 194 205 432. Ye Qingtian remains one of Lu Chen's most persistent personal enemies 613 614.
• Shadow Council: A secret organization pursuing dragon relics and the Azure Dragon's inheritor. After Lu Chen discovers its aims through soul search, it becomes one of his primary enemies 432 484 697.
• Undead Monarch: An ancient overarching enemy whose avatars, envoys, rituals, and schemes are tied to Great Xia's dragon veins, the Dragon Soul Mirror, and the Dragon Vein Soul Essence 323 545 557 666.

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.
• Lu Chen entered the Armory's second floor and withstood its spiritual pressure and hostile martial wills 70.
• Lu Chen developed the Black Tortoise Breath Concealment Art into a near-perfect concealment method 72.
• Lu Chen broke through to the Early Meridian Opening Realm after seeking Qi of Earth Sha 93.
• Lu Chen reached the middle Meridian Opening Realm and gained soul power at that realm's peak after the Myriad Souls Cave conflict 117 119.
• Lu Chen obtained the opening stance of Godslayer Slash in exchange for one thousand years of Demon Devil Lifespan 150.
• Lu Chen entered the capital, worked in the Archives Bureau, and uncovered clues related to Godslayer and the Ghostface Organization 155 157 160.
• Lu Chen pledged to dismantle a Ghostface stronghold within ten days to defer judgment at Myriad Spirit Pavilion 162.
• Lu Chen rescued Xiao Qingyan, the Ninth Princess, from the hunting-ground conspiracy 179.
• Lu Chen stabilized his Early Xiantian Realm, refined dragon essence, and expanded his divine sense to four hundred and fifty meters 195.
• Lu Chen counter-killed Shadow Nine and obtained eighty-eight years of Demon Devil Lifespan 197.
• Lu Chen accepted the role of covert investigator for the Jiangnan mission and departed with Yun Qingyue 208 209.
• Lu Chen reached Xiantian Great Perfection and used Three Arts United: Heaven-Suppressing Seal against Ye Qingfeng's forces 234.
• Lu Chen survived four layers of heavenly tribulation, formed a prototype domain, and reached half-step Supernatural Power 260 261.
• Lu Chen was promoted to Fourth-Rank Inspector and accepted a Grade B mission in Qingzhou 271.
• Lu Chen defeated Sword Seven and learned that the Mystic Heaven Sect had marked him as an enemy 272.
• Lu Chen broke through to the Supernatural Power Realm and was promoted to Fourth-Rank Inspector 289 290.
• Lu Chen received authorization to establish the Evil-Quelling Guard after exposing the Undead Lord's ambitions and the Ye Family's collusion 323.
• Lu Chen refined the Mystic Tortoise Spirit Armor and obtained the Cloud-Piercing Shuttle 325.
• Lu Chen developed Godslayer Thunder Eyes to Minor Mastery, gaining Delusion-Breaking and Gaze 358.
• Lu Chen helped destroy Cold Crow Pool's major Undead Monarch stronghold and aided in sealing an ancient dragon corpse 362 367.
• Emperor Xia granted Lu Chen the title Duke of Loyal Valor and tasked him with retrieving the Life Creation Spring 368.
• Lu Chen entered the Return to Ruins Secret Realm, acquired dragon inheritances, and fought the Ye Family, Sky Wolf Sect, and Undead Monarch's agents 378 423.
• Lu Chen completed the Dragon-Suppressing Key, seized a portion of the Life Creation Spring, and entered the Threefold Sealing Gate 416.
• Lu Chen condensed the embryonic Dragon Thunder Baleful Prison Dharma Form, killed the black-robed Shadow Council leader and Soul Envoy, and trapped Ye Qingtian and Li Zhan Tian in his domain 432.
• Emperor Xia named Lu Chen Duke of Nation Stabilization and First-Rank Commander of the Demon Suppression Division after Lu Chen revealed his Dharma Form rudiment 436.
• Lu Chen formed the Demon Suppression Army at Dragon Soaring Old Camp and began reorganizing its soldiers 487 490.
• Lu Chen destroyed nodes of the Nine Nether Soul-Locking Array at Hundred Herbs Garden while fighting several powerful enemies 498.
• Lu Chen defeated the Mystic Heaven Sword Sect's Small Five Elements Sword Formation by identifying its weakest point 527.
• Lu Chen used the Dragon-Suppressing Key to suppress the Undead Monarch's avatar at Dragon Head Peak, though the key was severely weakened 545 546.
• Lu Chen purified Dragonblood Black Ginseng and broke through to the Longevity Realm 554.
• Lu Chen mastered the fourth level of Godslayer Art, Godslaying 607.
• Lu Chen temporarily enhanced himself to the threshold of the Reincarnation Realm in battle against the Third Councilor 617.
• Lu Chen activated Dragon Thunder True Form to seal two Undead Monarch avatars, then endured three days of weakness 666.
• Lu Chen broke through to the late Longevity Realm and completed the Dragon Thunder Nine Transformations' Fourth Transformation, Tail Growth 680 691.
• Lu Chen received the title of Grand Tutor and expanded authority for the Demon Suppression Army 697.
• Lu Chen improvised Palm Thunder against the Third Councilor while his dragonification intensified in combat 702.

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. This determination later drives him to seek Godslayer, Dharma Form power, and the Longevity Realm despite the escalating risks 150 432 554.
• 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. Even after becoming prominent, he uses concealment arts, restrained killing intent, and an ordinary-clerk facade to manage threats 72 157 196.
• 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. The capital expands this theme through imperial factions, aristocratic clans, impeachments, and the conflict between the Sixth and Third Princes 160 435 554 697.
• 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. His later relationship with Xiao Jingyan, Yun Qingyue, Zhao Tieying, Gu Mingxuan, and the Demon Suppression Army emphasizes trust built through shared danger and reciprocal support 312 469 697.
• 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. His later progression to Inspector, Duke, First-Rank Commander, and Grand Tutor turns personal cultivation into a responsibility toward allies, soldiers, and Great Xia 271 436 697.
• 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. His use of Dragon-Suppressing Key, formations, divine sense, talismans, and lifespan deductions illustrates this adaptive approach at later stages 416 494 617.
• The Cost of Power: Lu Chen's advancement repeatedly requires the expenditure of Demon Devil Lifespan, physical injury, spiritual strain, or dangerous dragonification 35 150 195. Dragon Thunder True Form provides overwhelming force but inflicts severe weakness afterward, reinforcing that even his greatest abilities have consequences 657 666.
• Humanity Against Ancient Evil: Lu Chen's conflicts increasingly center on the Undead Monarch, the Shadow Council, corrupted dragon relics, and the decline of Great Xia's dragon veins 323 432 557. His rise frames personal strength as necessary for defending ordinary people, such as the sacrificed children he rescues and the soldiers he commands 225 251 635.
• Power and Responsibility: As Lu Chen gains status and strength, he becomes responsible for forming military forces, defending the Northern Frontier, and navigating the emperor's expectations 436 487 697. The narrative treats power not only as a means of survival, but as a burden requiring discipline, judgment, and accountability.