Qin Dongcheng

Biodata

Appearance

Qin Dongcheng's general appearance is not extensively detailed, but certain aspects of his attire and physical state are mentioned across various stages of his cultivation. Early in his time at the Five Elements Sect, he is noted to be an official disciple, which implies a certain standard of dress within the sect hierarchy 21. As he progresses in his cultivation, his physical capabilities significantly improve, including his strength, speed, and destructive power, which would naturally affect his physique 7 93 112. His manual labor abilities also improve, to the point where he becomes a master tailor, suggesting an understanding of clothing and its construction 50. Later, his maids, Zhihua and Xiaxia, tailor a set of Ice Silkworm Cloud Brocade clothes for him, which are noted to fit him perfectly 112.

Following his Flesh Phase breakthrough, Qin Dongcheng develops a well-proportioned and handsome physique with particularly impressive musculature 39 40. Several of his sisters consider him exceptionally handsome, calm, and refined in demeanor 68 71. After his Innate Reversal deepens, his body becomes clean and translucent like glazed crystal, and he develops a distinctive masculine fragrance that attracts women and lower-level living beings 193.

Specific details about Qin Dongcheng's appearance include:

• Ice Silkworm Cloud Brocade clothes 112
• Well-proportioned, handsome musculature 39 40
• A crystal-like, purified body after Innate Reversal 193
• A distinctive masculine fragrance resulting from the expulsion of acquired impurities 193
• His Exquisite Ruyi Strange Phenomenon allows him to alter his appearance completely when concealing his identity 128 195

Personality and Traits

Qin Dongcheng is characterized by a blend of diligence, strategic thinking, and a cautious yet kind nature. He exhibits an unwavering commitment to self-improvement, consistently dedicating himself to cultivation and skill refinement, which is often rewarded by the Heaven Rewards Diligence System 3 64 89 121. While driven by ambition for personal growth, he also demonstrates a strong sense of independence, preferring to operate discreetly and avoid unnecessary entanglements with factions or power struggles 62 110. His interactions with others reveal a respectful and helpful demeanor, particularly towards those of lower status, earning him loyalty and goodwill 9 11. Despite his growing power, he maintains a humble and reclusive persona, carefully managing perceptions to ensure his safety and continued progress 41.

• Diligence and Hard Work: Qin Dongcheng consistently applies himself to his tasks and cultivation, leading to rapid advancements in his martial arts, alchemy, and other skills 3 7 11 64 73 89 121. For instance, he quickly masters the Heaven Concealment Art to Major Achievement and advances the Calm Heart Technique to its first layer within an hour 64. His dedication to practicing the Volcano Bone Refining Fist brings him close to the late stage of the Bone Phase, and he diligently comprehends the Five Elements Viscera Refining Fist 64 73. This trait is a recurring theme, highlighting his commitment to personal development 64 121.

• Strategic and Cautious: He displays foresight and careful planning, particularly in managing his public image and avoiding risks. He declines offers from Advanced Alchemists to become their disciple, prioritizing his cultivation and safety over immediate recognition 62. He strategically plans to study formations to improve his safety and later obtain treasures, rather than immediately joining the Heavenly Flood Dragon Treasure hunt 110. He also infiltrates the Five Elements Library stealthily to acquire cultivation techniques, avoiding confrontations to minimize risks 128. When his ability to refine Sun Flame Liquid makes him a "hot commodity," he maintains a reclusive cultivator identity and declines faction offers 41.

• Independent: Qin Dongcheng prefers to operate autonomously, focusing on his own progress without relying heavily on others or joining established factions. He becomes self-sufficient in managing his sect tasks, no longer needing help from others like Dong Hongyan 47. His strategic thinking often involves acting independently to achieve his goals, such as planning to reap benefits from others' labor during the Heavenly Flood Dragon Treasure hunt 110. Even after accepting the role of Five Elements Hidden Ancestor, he treats his relationship with the Five Elements Sect as a mutually beneficial arrangement rather than surrendering his autonomy 163 170.

• Kindness and Generosity: He shows compassion and a willingness to help others, especially those in less fortunate positions. He guides Lu Gen in the Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist, helping him condense Blood Qi, and extends this guidance to other handymen like Wang Kun 9. He leaves the corpses of Ground Rats for villagers, demonstrating a helpful and friendly side 4. He also offers guidance to his maids, Zhihua and Xiaxia, in their cultivation 121. This kindness earns him respect and gratitude from those he assists 9 11. Later, he rescues those close to him during the snake-demon attack, gives Blood Source Pills to old friends, and provides Yang An with work and a reason to live after avenging Yang An's family 167 195 197.

• Resourceful: Qin Dongcheng effectively utilizes his abilities and available resources. He uses his Diligence Space to store items, a practice that sets him apart from others 3. He prepares extra herbs for exchange, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit 9. He also uses his alchemy skills to earn income and sect contribution points, such as refining Blood-Replenishing Pills and Sun Flame Liquid 7 11 41 47. As his influence grows, he uses the Hidden Tower to issue a large-scale bounty for treasures that improve talent and aptitude, mobilizing factions across several prefectures 193.

• Humble and Reclusive: Despite his rapid advancements and growing reputation, Qin Dongcheng maintains a low profile. He hides his true cultivation and strength using the Heaven Concealment Art to evade enemies 64. When his alchemy skills gain him recognition, he deliberately maintains a humble and reclusive persona, declining offers from various factions to avoid unwanted attention 41. Even after reaching the Innate Phase, he continues quietly refining pills, cultivating, and setting formations while concealing the full extent of his power from those around him 174.

• Assertive: While generally kind, he is not easily taken advantage of. He stands up for himself against Liu Yuan's attempt to 'borrow' his herbs without fair exchange, expecting respect for his labor 9. He later responds decisively to the Tang Family, Qin Family, Bai Family, Chen Family, Beast King Valley, Ghost Monster Forest, and Zhao Kingdom when they threaten him or those under his protection 102 105 114 161 170 171.

• Observant and Perceptive: His practice of the Calm Heart Technique enhances his mental power and perception 64 121. This improved perception contributes to his ability to assess situations and make strategic decisions. By the Late-Innate Stage, he possesses extraordinary comprehension, near-photographic memory, and enhanced understanding of combat skills, secret arts, and alchemy 193.

• Neutral: He tends to avoid involvement in disputes that do not directly concern him, preferring to focus on his own development. This is evident when he remains neutral in a dispute between Five Elements Sect disciples and a non-sect individual at the black market 47. However, once a threat reaches Bamboo Forest Valley or targets people close to him, he is willing to intervene with overwhelming force 132 161 167.

• Principled but Pragmatic: Qin Dongcheng distinguishes between principal offenders and ordinary people. During his campaign against Zhao Kingdom, he kills the royal family and responsible high-ranking officials while sparing civilians, women, children, the elderly, and most lower-level Martial Artists 171. He also investigates the Blazing Fire Sect's past before accepting its submission and eliminates only Li Family members whose crimes are particularly severe 193 195.

• Self-Controlled: He consistently prioritizes cultivation over romantic or carnal pursuits. He maintains boundaries with Zhihua and Xiaxia and rejects Li Su's direct seduction because she is his patient and he considers her conduct improper 94 95 144.

Power Progression

Qin Dongcheng's cultivation journey is marked by rapid advancements, primarily facilitated by the Heaven Rewards Diligence System, which grants him critical hits during practice and other activities 4 7 13 73. These critical hits significantly accelerate his progress through various martial realms and techniques.

His progression is as follows:

• Initial-stage Body Phase (Chapter 2): While practicing the Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist, Qin Dongcheng triggers a sixfold critical hit and forms Blood Qi, entering the First Martial Realm 2.
• Mid-stage Body Phase (Chapter 3): Qin Dongcheng achieves this realm after triggering a thousand-fold critical hit while practicing the Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist. This advancement grants him over three hundred kilograms of strength with every movement 3.
• Mid-stage Body Phase (Stabilized) (Chapter 4): After consuming more than half of a Ginseng, his cultivation stabilizes at this stage, significantly improving his physical fitness and allowing him to easily lift several-hundred-kilogram boulders 4.
• Late-stage Body Phase (Chapter 7): Within half a month of starting cultivation, Qin Dongcheng reaches this stage. This breakthrough is supported by a hundredfold critical hit while performing the Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist, rapidly increasing his Blood Qi and physical fitness 7.
• Body Phase Perfection (Chapter 14): After several months of cultivation and daily pill refinement, Qin Dongcheng triggers a three-hundredfold critical hit while practicing the Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist, propelling him into the perfected realm 14.
• Skin Phase (Chapter 28): Qin Dongcheng advances to the Skin Phase, deepening his insights into body strengthening 28.
• Late Skin Phase (Chapter 30): His Blood Qi breaks through the bottleneck, granting him over 1,400 kilograms of force per movement, or over 2,800 kilograms when enhanced by Dragon Vigor Tiger Might 30.
• Flesh Phase (Chapter 39): Qin Dongcheng enters the Flesh Phase, further tempering his muscles and greatly improving his strength, speed, reactions, and physical constitution 39.
• Flesh Phase Perfection (Chapter 49): He breaks through to this realm, enhancing his defense, speed, and strength. At this stage, his strength surpasses that of a typical Martial Artist in the Bone Phase Realm, reaching the equivalent of the Fifth Martial Realm. This advancement is preceded by a 3000x critical strike while practicing Thousand Threads and Myriad Strands, rapidly advancing the technique to the major achievement level 49.
• Tendon Phase Realm (Chapter 50): Qin Dongcheng consumes Blood Flame Grass and formally enters the Tendon Phase, the Fourth Martial Realm 50.
• Mid-Tendon Phase Realm (Chapter 53): Qin Dongcheng reaches this realm after triggering a 2,000-fold critical hit during cultivation, which rapidly advances his Tide-Rising Muscle-Refining Fist. His Phantom Movement Technique also breaks through to the fifth level 53.
• Tendon Phase Perfection Realm (Chapter 56): He breaks through to this realm after triggering a 4,000-fold critical hit while practicing the Tide-Rising Muscle-Refining Fist. This advancement leads to rapid cultivation progress, increasing his strength to over 5,600 kilograms per movement and awakening the top-tier strange phenomenon Exquisite Ruyi 56. Despite still being in the Tendon Phase, his strength reaches the level of a Martial Master (Sixth Martial Realm) 56.
• Late Bone Phase (Chapter 71): Qin Dongcheng reaches the Late-Bone Phase and brings the Volcano Bone Refining Fist to Major Achievement, becoming a City-Breaking Expert 71.
• Mid-stage Organ Phase (Chapter 82): Qin Dongcheng breaks through to this stage after triggering a three-hundred-fold critical hit while practicing the Five Elements Organ Refining Fist. His Blood Qi surges, and his physical strength becomes astonishing, with every movement erupting with over twelve thousand kilograms of force, or twenty-four thousand kilograms with the enhancement of Dragon Vigor Tiger Might 82.
• Extreme Five Viscera Phase (approaching peak) (Chapter 91): Qin Dongcheng's cultivation realm advances significantly, approaching the peak of this phase, after triggering his first Ten Thousandfold Critical Hit while practicing the Five Elements Organ Refining Fist. He also consumes a Millennium Ginseng, which contributes to rapid cultivation and physical improvements, and awakens the top-tier strange phenomenon Immunity to All Poisons. This single critical hit allows him to break through two realms, a process that would typically take years or decades 91.
• Mid-stage Six Bowels Phase (Chapter 93): Qin Dongcheng successfully breaks through to this stage using a Three-Hundred-Year Blood Ginseng. His cultivation realm, strength, and digestive ability significantly improve, placing him at the level of a Great Grandmaster 93.
• Six Bowels Phase (Perfected Realm) (Chapter 117): He enters the Perfected Realm of the Six Bowels using the Five Elements Viscera Refining Fist and critical hits. This breakthrough is accompanied by the awakening of the top-tier strange phenomenon Heaven-Swallowing Earth-Devouring, which enhances his cultivation speed and talent 117.
• Marrow Phase (Chapter 117): After consolidating his Six Bowels Phase, Qin Dongcheng consumes a 350-year-old Blood Ginseng to assault the bottleneck barrier and successfully enters the Marrow Phase. His strength significantly increases, with a single punch carrying over 50,000 kilograms of force, and his defense becomes nearly impervious 117.
• Heavenly Being-level Combat Power (Chapter 130): After killing Bai Jingtian's Ghost Spirit, Qin Dongcheng triggers a third ten thousandfold critical hit. This event causes his combat power to soar, surpassing Marrow Phase Grandmasters and Blood Phase Grandmasters Supreme, reaching the level of a Heavenly Being 130.
• Late Marrow Phase (Chapter 139): Qin Dongcheng advances to the Late Marrow Phase. His Five Elements Marrow Cleansing Fist reaches the Perfected Realm, awakening the top-tier strange phenomenon Martial Dao Reaching Heaven 139.
• Mid-stage Blood Phase (Chapter 141): After cleansing his marrow and remolding his body, Qin Dongcheng uses the Water Source Fruit to reach the middle stage of the Blood Phase Realm 141.
• Blood Phase Perfection (Chapter 167): Qin Dongcheng uses mid-grade Strange Treasures to reach the perfected Blood Phase Realm. With all enhancements active, his strength rises to nearly 21.6 million kilograms 167.
• Completed Blood Phase Transformation (Chapter 172): Qin completes his blood replacement, marrow cleansing, and bodily transformation. His aptitude rises to the level of one in a thousand, removing his formerly mediocre talent as a major limitation 172.
• Early Innate Phase (Chapter 174): Qin Dongcheng consumes two high-grade Strange Treasures and successfully breaks into the Innate Phase, also known as the Heavenly Being Realm. His base strength reaches 300,000 kilograms, and his maximum destructive power reaches approximately 32.4 million kilograms with all enhancements 174.
• Late-Innate Stage (Chapter 192): With immense spiritual power and the Heaven Rewards Diligence System's assistance, Qin Dongcheng safely breaks through again. His base strength rises beyond 500,000 kilograms, and the top-tier strange phenomenon Towering Tree, Deep Roots grants him a tenfold foundation of essence, qi, and spirit 192.
• Late-Innate Stage (Consolidated) (Chapter 193): Qin Dongcheng consolidates his Late-Innate cultivation and undergoes deeper Innate Reversal. His body becomes increasingly purified, his aptitude improves again, and his effective cultivation speed becomes vastly greater than that of ordinary Martial Artists 193.

Abilities and Techniques

Martial Arts

• Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist: Qin Dongcheng achieved a thousand-fold critical hit while practicing this technique, resulting in a massive improvement in his cultivation 3.
• Diamond Skin Refining Fist: Qin Dongcheng triggered a two-hundred-and-fifty-fold critical strike, advancing this technique to the mid-stage of the Skin Phase and significantly boosting his defensive power 24.
• Evergreen Muscle Refining Fist: After entering the Flesh Phase, Qin Dongcheng uses this technique to refine and strengthen his musculature 39.
• Phantom Movement Technique:
  • Qin Dongcheng mastered this technique, gaining a hundredfold reward, which enhanced his speed and evasion 24.
  • It advanced to the third level after he triggered critical hit rewards while practicing it 31.
  • The technique further broke through to the fifth level 53.
  • It reaches the ninth level and becomes one of Qin Dongcheng's foremost movement, evasion, and pursuit techniques 139 175.
• Tide-Rising Muscle-Refining Fist: Qin Dongcheng experienced a 2,000-fold critical hit during cultivation, rapidly advancing this technique and allowing him to reach the Mid-Tendon Phase Realm 53.
• Five Elements Viscera Refining Fist: Qin Dongcheng exchanged for the cultivation technique for the Seventh Martial Realm, the Five Elements Viscera Refining Fist 62. He triggered a thousandfold critical strike while practicing this technique, rapidly advancing his cultivation realm 89. He also focused on comprehending this technique to prepare for the next cultivation level, triggering numerous critical hits and earning substantial rewards 73.
• Volcano Bone Refining Fist: Qin Dongcheng focused on practicing this technique, nearing the late stage of the Bone Phase 64. He subsequently cultivates it to Major Achievement 71.
• Five Elements Marrow Cleansing Fist: Qin Dongcheng cultivates this advanced form to the Perfected Realm, awakening the Martial Dao Reaching Heaven Strange Phenomenon 139.
• Five Elements Blood Changing Fist: Qin Dongcheng successfully obtained a copy of this technique by infiltrating the Five Elements Library 128. A thousandfold critical hit later advances it from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement 144.
• Five Elements Fist Technique: Qin Dongcheng practices this hand-to-hand combat art extensively, including during his mountain-forest training against Demonic and Monster Beasts 121 149.
• Five Elements Fist Canon: By the time he enters the Innate Phase, Qin Dongcheng's principal cultivation technique has become the top-tier Five Elements Fist Canon, cultivated to its tenth layer 175.
• Nine Heaven-Breaking Swords: Qin Dongcheng receives a share of this top-tier sword manual from his sisters and recognizes its similarities to the Nine Swords of Dugu from his previous life 71. He uses it alongside the Clear Shadow Sword to destroy Zhao Kingdom's strongest defenders and later possesses it at Major Achievement 171 175.
• Thousand Threads and Myriad Strands: A top-tier combat skill acquired from a Shadow Sect disciple. Qin Dongcheng achieves a 3000x critical strike while practicing it and later brings it to the Perfected Realm 48 49 139.
• Wind Shadow Archery: Qin Dongcheng acquired this top-tier combat skill and quickly mastered it 89. A thousandfold critical hit advances it to the fourth level, allowing him to fire four arrows in rapid succession 126. It later reaches the ninth level 175.

Strange Phenomena

• Dragon Vigor Tiger Might: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon that greatly enhances Qin Dongcheng's strength and endurance, often doubling his raw physical force 30 71 174.
• Heaven-Reaching Rhino Roam: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon that enhances Qin Dongcheng's defense to an extraordinary degree 165 175.
• Eternal Evergreen: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon that extends Qin Dongcheng's lifespan to 1,000 years 175 176.
• Exquisite Ruyi: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon awakened at Tendon Phase Perfection that allows Qin Dongcheng to change his appearance and body with exceptional versatility 56 128 195.
• Wrath of the Fire God: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon that multiplies Qin Dongcheng's destructive power 73 174.
• Immunity to All Poisons: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon awakened after his first ten thousandfold critical hit, granting exceptional poison resistance 91.
• Heaven-Swallowing Earth-Devouring: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon awakened at Six Bowels Phase Perfection that increases Qin Dongcheng's cultivation speed and talent 117 196.
• Martial Dao Reaching Heaven: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon awakened when the Five Elements Marrow Cleansing Fist reaches the Perfected Realm 139.
• Chasing Wind and Lightning: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon that multiplies Qin Dongcheng's speed and combines exceptionally well with the Phantom Movement Technique and Azure Cloud Boots 165 174.
• Towering Tree, Deep Roots: A top-tier Strange Phenomenon that grants Qin Dongcheng a tenfold foundation of essence, qi, and spirit 192.

Alchemy

• Hundred Poisons Medical Canon:
  • Qin Dongcheng discovered the first volume of this canon, which focuses on poison refining and contains mid-level alchemy techniques 31.
  • He received the second half of this canon from Dong Hongyan, ensuring his progress in alchemy 64.
• Soul Bewildering Pill: Qin Dongcheng decided to refine this pill from the Hundred Poisons Medical Canon for self-defense 31.
• Golden Wound Pills: Qin Dongcheng was able to refine these pills and sell them, and also received a mandatory mission to refine ten of them, which he completed in half a month 15 24.
• Blood-Solidifying Pill: Qin Dongcheng used this pill to rapidly increase his cultivation realm by consuming Blood-Replenishing Pills without restraint 27.
• Heart-Melting Liquid: Qin Dongcheng started refining this intermediate poison pill, experiencing multiple failed attempts but gaining experience each time 51. He also planned to increase its success rate and attempt Advanced Alchemist-grade pills 53.
• Intermediate Alchemist: Qin Dongcheng successfully refined three Intermediate Alchemist-grade pills, breaking through to this level 53. He later passed the Intermediate Alchemist examination, becoming an Inner Sect Disciple 62. His alchemy skills continued to advance, nearing the level of an Advanced Alchemist 111.
• Blood Rectifying Pill: Qin Dongcheng started preparing to refine this advanced pill, failing multiple times but receiving critical strike rewards 89.
• White Jade Paste: Qin Dongcheng begins refining this advanced healing pill after his power reaches the level of a Heavenly Being's ordinary attack 112. He later succeeds in refining it 119.
• Blood Essence Pills and Blood Source Pills: Qin Dongcheng refines and distributes medicinal pills that support the cultivation of his sisters, friends, and maids 176 186 197.
• Medical Expertise: Qin Dongcheng successfully treats Ju Xiaojing's level-four Corpse Demon poison and later stabilizes Dong Hongyan after she is wounded and poisoned 78 90. He also diagnoses and cures Li Su's serious illness with several doses of medicine 144.

Formation Skills

• Hundred Chaos Formation: Qin Dongcheng triggered a 'Ten Thousandfold Critical Hit' while setting up a formation, rapidly advancing his formation skills. He successfully set up an intermediate-level Hundred Chaos Formation on his first attempt and used it to protect his residence 111.
• Intermediate Formation Master: Qin Dongcheng became an Intermediate Formation Master 111.
• Advanced Formation Master: Qin Dongcheng rapidly improved his attainment in formations, matching his proficiency in alchemy, and quickly advanced to an Advanced Formation Master 128.
• Chaotic Cloud Formation: An eight-hundredfold critical hit while practicing this formation brings Qin Dongcheng's formation attainments close to the top-tier level 151.
• Water Mist Formation: Qin Dongcheng sets up this top-tier mortal formation and triggers a triple critical hit, confirming his advancement to top-tier mortal formation attainment 191.

Equipment

• Clear Shadow Sword: A sword gifted by Qin Dongcheng's sisters that he uses with the Nine Heaven-Breaking Swords 71 171.
• Seven Star Bone-Piercing Needles: Intermediate-grade hidden weapons later upgraded by Advanced Artifact Refiner Tie Feng into advanced weapons with top-tier potential 48 98.
• Grey Jade Bow: A near-top-grade bow acquired for 50,000 taels of silver and a Millennium Ginseng, greatly enhancing Qin Dongcheng's long-range combat ability 104 172.
• Purple Lightning Sword: A top-grade sword that replaces the weaker Clear Shadow Sword 172.
• White Jade Armor: Armor made from white flood-dragon hide that can resist top-grade weapons 172.
• Azure Cloud Boots: Top-grade boots that triple Qin Dongcheng's speed and complement his movement techniques 172.

Other Abilities and Techniques

• Heaven Concealment Art:
  • Qin Dongcheng purchased this top-tier secret technique 15.
  • He triggered a thousand-fold critical hit while practicing it, advancing it to the minor success stage 27.
  • He triggered another thousand-fold critical hit while practicing it, advancing it to Major Achievement, which allows him to hide his cultivation and evade pursuit from enemies 64.
  • The art later reaches the Perfected Realm, allowing him to conceal his true cultivation and identity with exceptional effectiveness 139 175.
• Calm Heart Technique:
  • Qin Dongcheng retrieved this valuable cultivation technique from a ruined temple and decided to practice it to enhance his spiritual power and resist mental attacks 61.
  • He triggered an eight-hundred-fold critical hit while studying it, instantly mastering its first layer and starting his training. In over an hour, he practiced it to the first layer, enhancing his mental power and perception 64.
  • He later reaches the seventh layer, then the tenth layer with the aid of Moonlight Essence Power from the Moon Gathering Mirror 121 191.
• Hundred Illusions Secret Art: Qin Dongcheng comprehends this top-tier spiritual art to compensate for his former lack of mental attack and support methods 149. It reaches Minor Achievement after a five-hundredfold critical hit 188. He uses it to extract the locations of Li Xiu's hidden vaults before killing him 195.
• Diligence Space: Qin Dongcheng possesses a storage space granted through the Heaven Rewards Diligence System, enabling him to conceal and transport vast quantities of resources, weapons, and treasures 3 126 161.

Relationships

Lu Gen

Lu Gen is a handyman in the Herb Field who develops a deep bond of gratitude with Qin Dongcheng. Qin Dongcheng guides Lu Gen in the Mount Tai Body Strengthening Fist, helping him come close to condensing Blood Qi and allowing him to spend less time in the Herb Field, thus freeing up more time for cultivation and other tasks 9. This kindness leads to Lu Gen's gratitude and improved cultivation 9. Later, Lu Gen's leg is broken by Shi Yong, an Outer Sect Disciple of the Five Elements Sect. Qin Dongcheng visits Lu Gen, learns about the incident, and subsequently, Shi Yong dies from a mysterious cause, indicating Qin Dongcheng's protective stance towards Lu Gen 118. Lu Gen, in turn, shows loyalty and concern for Qin Dongcheng, not wanting to cause him trouble 118.

During the snake-demon attack on Bamboo Forest Valley, Qin Dongcheng secretly protects Lu Gen as the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor 167. Qin later gives him Blood Source Pills, allowing Lu Gen to reach the Flesh Phase and become an Official Disciple of the Five Elements Sect 197.

Wang Kun

Wang Kun is another handyman who, after noticing Qin Dongcheng's guidance to Lu Gen, seeks out Qin Dongcheng for his own guidance 9. This interaction leads to a mutualistic relationship where Wang Kun agrees to Qin Dongcheng's conditions and offers herbs as gifts in exchange for guidance 9.

Liu Yuan

Liu Yuan is characterized by ambition and greed, particularly for his son's benefit 9. He attempts to take advantage of Qin Dongcheng by trying to "borrow" his medicinal herbs, offering only vague promises of future benefits instead of fair exchange 9. This creates tension and potential conflict between them, as Qin Dongcheng stands up for himself against this attempted theft 9. Later, as Qin Dongcheng's status as an Alchemy Apprentice rises, Steward Liu apologizes and returns skimmed Sect contribution points, seeking to build a connection with Qin Dongcheng 10.

After Liu Xiao dies during a sect mission, Liu Yuan loses his position and his former ambition, eventually being replaced as Herb Field steward by Zhang Jing 21 27.

Tang Qu

Tang Qu is the head of the Tang Family in Maple Leaf City, characterized as greedy and cunning 100. He initially sees Qin Dongcheng's potential and schemes with Qin Yun, the Qin Family head, to marry Qin Dongcheng to his daughter, Tang Yaoyao, as a matrilocal son-in-law to strengthen his family's power and gain resources 100. Tang Qu and his group travel to the Five Elements Mountain Range to find Qin Dongcheng, believing him to be their future son-in-law based on documents from the Qin Family head 101. However, Qin Dongcheng, now an Intermediate Alchemist, is uninterested in their visit due to past grievances 101. Their interaction becomes tense and confrontational, with Qin Dongcheng showing no respect for Tang Qu's authority 101. Tang Qu and his group underestimate Qin Dongcheng's true power and intentions, leading to their incapacitation by a subtle poison 101. Upon Qin Dongcheng's return to Bamboo Forest Valley, he confronts the Tang Family, including Tang Qu, who realize Qin Dongcheng's new status and power 102. This confrontation results in Qin Dongcheng poisoning and crippling Tang Qu and other Tang Family members, expelling them from the Osmanthus Garden 102. The crippled Tang Family members, including Tang Qu, are subsequently attacked and killed by a flock of Crow Demon on their way back to Maple Leaf City 102.

Tang Yaoyao

Tang Yaoyao is Tang Qu's daughter, whom the Tang Family plans to marry to Qin Dongcheng to strengthen their family's power 100. She travels with her father and the clan elders to find Qin Dongcheng 101. However, Qin Dongcheng is repulsed by her advances and shows no interest in their supposed engagement 101. She, along with her father, underestimates Qin Dongcheng's power and intentions, leading to her incapacitation by poison 101. She later faces the consequences of her family's scheme, being crippled and expelled by Qin Dongcheng, and ultimately dies with her family members at the hands of Crow Demon 102.

Qin Yun

Qin Yun is the head of the Qin Family. Initially, he is uninterested in Qin Dongcheng, but changes his mind when he sees the potential benefits of marrying Qin Dongcheng off to the Tang Family 100. He agrees to the marriage alliance with Tang Qu, seeing it as a way to improve relations and gain resources, and unilaterally arranges for Qin Dongcheng to be married to Tang Yaoyao as a matrilocal son-in-law, receiving substantial betrothal gifts 100. This highlights Qin Yun's disregard for Qin Dongcheng's opinion and the power dynamic between them 100. Later, Qin Yun apologizes to the Tang Family and promises to punish Qin Dongcheng, indicating his continued attempts to control Qin Dongcheng 105.

Qin Dongcheng considers Qin Yun heartless and unworthy of filial gratitude, as Qin Dongcheng's mother once saved Qin Yun's life but was later treated with indifference by him 106.

Qin Zhan

Qin Zhan is a member of the Qin Family who, along with Qin Nian, leads a punitive force to Bamboo Forest Valley to bring Qin Dongcheng back to the family 105. He initially underestimates Qin Dongcheng's capabilities 105. However, during their confrontation, Qin Zhan realizes the significant change in Qin Dongcheng and experiences fear for the first time 105. Qin Dongcheng poisons and cripples Qin Zhan and other Qin Family members, demonstrating a shift in power dynamics 105. Qin Dongcheng's interactions with Qin Zhan reveal his resentment and determination to break free from the Qin Family's control 106. Qin Zhan is eventually crippled and expelled from the Osmanthus Garden 106.

Qin Nian

Qin Nian is another member of the Qin Family who, alongside Qin Zhan, leads a punitive force to retrieve Qin Dongcheng 105. Like Qin Zhan, Qin Nian underestimates Qin Dongcheng's capabilities and pays the price for this arrogance 105. Qin Dongcheng poisons and cripples Qin Nian and other Qin Family members 105. Qin Nian, representing the Qin Family's attitude, is initially aggressive but is later rendered speechless by Qin Dongcheng's truthful words during their confrontation 106. He is eventually crippled and expelled from the Osmanthus Garden 106.

Dong Hongyan

Dong Hongyan is Qin Dongcheng's master and demonstrates strong support for him 107. When the Qin Family attempts to manipulate Qin Dongcheng, Dong Hongyan burns down the Qin Family's residence, significantly reducing their power as a direct consequence of their treatment of Qin Dongcheng 107. She also admires Qin Dongcheng's self-control and still considers him a brother 95. Dong Hongyan, along with her sisters, grows stronger, reaching the Mid-Tendon Phase, and brings resources and treasures from her missions to Qin Dongcheng 116.

Dong Hongyan initially treats Qin Dongcheng as a younger brother in need of protection, but later realizes she and her sisters have severely underestimated his combat ability 162. As the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor, Qin protects her during the snake-demon attack and later gives her valuable resources from his victories 161 167. She continues to care about his safety and scolds him for taking perceived risks, unaware of his true level of cultivation 161 174.

Zhihua and Xiaxia

Zhihua and Xiaxia are Qin Dongcheng's maids. Qin Dongcheng demonstrates self-control and responsibility towards them, refusing to consummate their relationships until he is sure they are suitable for him 95. Later, their accidental dropping of a bottle of Blood-Replenishing Pill is witnessed by Shi Yong, indirectly leading to Shi Yong's interest in Qin Dongcheng's residence and subsequent theft 113.

The two become deeply grateful and loyal because Qin treats them with unusual kindness and does not abuse them despite their status as maids 111. They improve Qin Dongcheng's quality of life by learning cooking and tailoring, including producing his Ice Silkworm Cloud Brocade clothes 112. Qin guides their cultivation, helping them advance quickly; by the time he distributes Blood Source Pills, both reach the late Flesh Phase and approach the Tendon Phase 121 144 197. Qin's purified Innate body and distinctive fragrance further increase their attachment to him 193.

Shi Yong

Shi Yong is initially introduced as a master thief 113. He breaks into Qin Dongcheng's residence and steals formation materials and mechanisms, but finds no other valuable items 113. He is described as having a decadent lifestyle, squandering his ill-gotten gains on courtesans 116. Shi Yong continues to steal Qin Dongcheng's formation materials, unaware of the consequences 116. Later, it is revealed that Shi Yong, an Outer Sect Disciple of the Five Elements Sect, broke Lu Gen's leg 118. Although Qin Dongcheng and Shi Yong never interact directly, Shi Yong's actions against Lu Gen lead to his demise at Qin Dongcheng's hands, as Shi Yong dies from a mysterious cause the night after Qin Dongcheng learns of the incident 118.

Dong Hongyu

Dong Hongyu is one of Qin Dongcheng's sisters. She, along with her sisters, maintains a close relationship with Qin Dongcheng, insisting he take his share of spoils, such as the Clear Shadow sword and a share of the Nine Heaven-Breaking Swords 71. Dong Hongyu develops feelings for Qin Dongcheng after he cares for her, surpassing her initial indifference 71.

Ju Xiaojing

Ju Xiaojing is one of Qin Dongcheng's sisters and comes to recognize that he is far more capable than he publicly appears. After observing his physique, wealth, medical skills, and behavior, she suspects that his true cultivation is at least in the Flesh Phase or higher and that his alchemy far exceeds the ordinary Intermediate Alchemist level 79.

Qin Dongcheng treats her after she is severely injured and poisoned by a level-four Corpse Demon, stabilizing her condition and preventing the corpse venom from spreading 78. He later protects her as the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor during the snake-demon attack on Bamboo Forest Valley 167.

Tang Quan

Tang Quan is a True Transmission Elder in the Five Elements Sect, described as kind-faced, strong, and meticulous, with high hopes for advancement 126. He investigates the destruction of the Chen Family and reviews Qin Dongcheng's possible connection to the incident. Although he notes the earlier conflict involving Xiaxia, Tang Quan concludes that such a minor dispute cannot reasonably explain the Chen Family's destruction and finds no evidence linking Qin Dongcheng to it 126.

Lou Guangzhi

Lou Guangzhi is the Five Elements Bright Ancestor and a leading figure of the Five Elements Sect 163. After recognizing Qin Dongcheng's overwhelming strength as the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor, he shows proper respect and accepts responsibility for previous mistakes concerning Ghost Monster Forest 163. Qin establishes a mutually beneficial relationship with him, accepting the Hidden Ancestor position while expecting the sect to provide resources and resolve external matters 163.

Following Qin's destruction of Zhao Kingdom, Lou Guangzhi helps organize the Five Elements Sect's takeover of Heyuan Prefecture and accepts Qin's demand for half of the region's resources, treasures, and industries 171.

Yang An

Yang An is a victim of the Li Family who seeks Qin Dongcheng's aid in obtaining the Cloud Dragon Fluid 195. After Qin kills Li Xiu and the responsible Li Family members, Yang An receives confirmation that his revenge has been fulfilled but intends to return home and die after paying respects to his deceased family 195.

Qin Dongcheng prevents Yang An from abandoning his life by offering him work in the Five Elements Sect, where Yang An can use his family's expertise in medicinal-herb cultivation. Yang An accepts and pledges his loyalty to Qin 195.

Li Su

Li Su is the young widow who controls the Wang Residence and Wang Family 144. Qin Dongcheng treats her serious illness as an Intermediate Alchemist and determines that it can be cured with several doses of medicine 144. During the consultation, she openly flirts with him and physically touches his hand, but Qin finds her conduct inappropriate for a patient and leaves after writing her prescription 144.

Li Su later sends gifts as an apology and thanks Qin for curing her, but he continues to keep his distance 146.

Significant Events

• Qin Dongcheng Refuses Steward Liu and Becomes an Alchemy Apprentice In an early display of his independent nature, Qin Dongcheng refused to lend his Sect contribution points to Steward Liu. He then used his points to acquire the Diamond Skin Refining Fist, a high-level Skin Refining Technique. His status significantly rose after he began selling Blood-Replenishing Pills at the Bamboo Forest Black Market, revealing himself as an Alchemy Apprentice. This new status led Steward Liu to apologize and return previously skimmed points, seeking to establish a connection with Qin Dongcheng, whose newfound influence also attracted visits from other Official Disciples and stewards 10.

• Qin Dongcheng Acquires Valuable Items from Deceased Disciples Qin Dongcheng encountered two robbers from the Five Elements Sect who had attacked a True Inheritance Disciple of the Shadow Sect. When the Shadow Sect disciple, fearing Qin Dongcheng would report him, attacked with a poison needle, Qin Dongcheng swiftly defeated him using the Diamond Pestle Pounding technique. He then found valuable items on the Shadow Sect disciple, including intermediate-grade hidden weapons (Seven Star Bone-Piercing Needles) and a top-tier combat manual (Thousand Threads and Myriad Strands), along with over three thousand taels of silver and two low-grade weapons from the Five Elements Sect disciples 48.

• Qin Dongcheng Receives Clear Shadow Sword and Cultivates to Late-Bone Phase Qin Dongcheng's sisters gifted him the Clear Shadow sword and a share of the Nine Heaven-Breaking Swords. He recognized the Nine Heaven-Breaking Swords as similar to the Nine Swords of Dugu from a novel in his past life. Through dedicated cultivation, he reached the Late-Bone Phase and achieved the Major Achievement stage of the Volcano Bone Refining Fist, establishing himself as a City-Breaking Expert 71.

• Qin Dongcheng Eliminates Cui Liangliang and Gao Qian To prevent potential future threats, Qin Dongcheng decided to eliminate Cui Liangliang, an alchemist, and his wife, Gao Qian, who lived nearby. Although Cui Liangliang and Gao Qian had considered extorting Qin Dongcheng, they decided against it due to potential backlash from the Dong Family. Qin Dongcheng proceeded to assassinate them both undetected. Days later, he learned of their deaths from Li Mengyang, and subsequently, the Bai Family invited him to treat their third young lady, Bai Jie, who had previously sought Cui Liangliang's medical help 76.

• Qin Dongcheng Kills Bai Song During an auction, Qin Dongcheng chose not to bid further after being taunted by Bai Song, conserving his resources. Bai Song, aiming to establish dominance, secured several high-value items at lower prices due to the lack of competition. Qin Dongcheng left early, prompting Bai Song to send an assassin after him. The assassin failed, but Bai Song tracked Qin Dongcheng using a device. In a dense forest, Qin Dongcheng confronted Bai Song and his guards, easily defeating them. Bai Song, realizing his mistake, surrendered his valuables and begged for mercy, but Qin Dongcheng killed him 85.

• Qin Dongcheng Breaks Through to Mid-Stage Six Bowels Phase Using a Three-Hundred-Year Blood Ginseng, Qin Dongcheng successfully broke through to the mid-stage of the Six Bowels Phase. This advancement significantly improved his cultivation realm, strength, and digestive ability, elevating him to the level of a Great Grandmaster. With enhanced senses, he gained a sense of security within Luo Cloud Prefecture but remained aware of external threats. He then planned to attempt a breakthrough to the late-stage Six Bowels Phase using a Blood Rectifying Pill 93.

• Qin Dongcheng Poisons and Cripples the Tang Family As an Intermediate Alchemist, Qin Dongcheng returned to Bamboo Forest Valley and confronted the Tang Family, who had schemed to make him a live-in son-in-law. Tang Qu and Tang Yaoyao, realizing Qin Dongcheng's new status and power, faced a tense standoff. Qin Dongcheng poisoned and crippled the Tang Family members, then expelled them from the Osmathus Garden. On their journey back to Maple Leaf City, the crippled Tang Family members were attacked and killed by a flock of Crow Demon 102.

• Qin Dongcheng Acquires the Grey Jade Bow Qin Dongcheng purchased the Grey Jade Bow for 50,000 taels of silver and a Millennium Ginseng, which significantly enhanced his archery power. He tested the bow in a forest, demonstrating its capability by piercing multiple trees with a single arrow. Unbeknownst to him, in Maple Leaf City, the Tang Family, believing him responsible for the disappearance and likely deaths of their members, demanded an explanation from the Qin Family 104.

• Qin Dongcheng Poisons and Cripples the Qin Family Punitive Force The Qin Family decided to force Qin Dongcheng to return and refine pills exclusively for their direct descendants. Qin Yun apologized to the Tang Family and promised to punish Qin Dongcheng. Subsequently, Qin Zhan and Qin Nian led a Qin Family punitive force to Bamboo Forest Valley to retrieve him. Qin Dongcheng retaliated by poisoning and crippling the Qin Family members, including Qin Zhan and Qin Nian, demonstrating his growing confidence and ruthlessness 105.

• Five Elements Sect Disciples and Dong Hongyan Retaliate Against Qin Family The Qin Family attempted to manipulate Qin Dongcheng, underestimating his power as an Intermediate Alchemist. The Tang Family and disgruntled Qin Family elders spread rumors about Qin Dongcheng's ingratitude and disloyalty. In response, Five Elements Sect disciples, sympathetic to Qin Dongcheng, spread the truth and destroyed the Tang Family in Maple Leaf City. Additionally, Dong Hongyan, Qin Dongcheng's master, burned down the Qin Family's residence, significantly reducing their power 107.

• Bamboo Forest Black Market Sealed and Qin Dongcheng Targeted by Bai Family The Bai Family sealed the Bamboo Forest Black Market after discovering Bai Song's weapon there, suspecting his killer was hiding within. Qin Dongcheng learned of the sealing, realizing he narrowly avoided being trapped. The Bai Family suspected the Dong Family's involvement in Bai Song's murder and decided to investigate them, including Qin Dongcheng. Meanwhile, Qin Dongcheng's maids, Zhihua and Xiaxia, accidentally dropped a Blood-Replenishing Pill, which was witnessed by Shi Yong. Shi Yong, a master thief, later broke into Qin Dongcheng's residence, stealing formation materials and mechanisms 113.

• Qin Dongcheng Kills Bai Teng and Plans Retaliation Against Bai Family Bai Teng, a skilled investigator from the Bai Family, arrived at Qin Dongcheng's residence to search for stolen goods, finding it ransacked and formations dismantled, unaware that Shi Yong had already been there. Qin Dongcheng captured and interrogated Bai Teng, learning about the Bai Family's suspicions against the Dong Family. Assuming Bai Teng was responsible for the ransacking and theft of his formation materials, Qin Dongcheng killed him and decided to retaliate against the Bai Family 114.

• Qin Dongcheng Enters Marrow Phase and Shi Yong Dies Qin Dongcheng entered the Marrow Phase, significantly enhancing his physical abilities, senses, and overall strength. He learned that Lu Gen, a handyman from the Herb Field, had his leg broken by Shi Yong, an Outer Sect Disciple of the Five Elements Sect. After Qin Dongcheng visited Lu Gen, Shi Yong died from a mysterious cause later that night. It was later revealed that Shi Yong was the one who had stolen from Qin Dongcheng's residence 118.

• Qin Dongcheng Loots Chen Family Vaults and Advances Archery Qin Dongcheng looted the Chen Family's secret vaults, accumulating nearly ten million taels in resources and treasures, bringing his total net worth close to twenty million taels of silver. He also triggered a thousand-fold critical hit while practicing Wind Shadow Archery, advancing it to the fourth level. The Five Elements Sect investigated the Chen Family's destruction, but True Transmission Elder Tang Quan found no connection to Qin Dongcheng 126.

• Qin Dongcheng Kills Bai Jingtian's Ghost Spirit and Gains Vast Wealth Qin Dongcheng killed Bai Jingtian's Ghost Spirit, which triggered a third ten thousandfold critical hit. This event yielded ten thousand portions of Level Seven Ghost Dust, valued at over one hundred million taels of silver, along with significant combat experience, techniques, and insights. His combat power soared, reaching the level of a Heavenly Being. Meanwhile, with Qin Dongcheng's guidance, his maids, Zhihua and Xiaxia, advanced to the Skin Phase 130.

• Qin Dongcheng Punishes the Dong Family After members of the Dong Family behave arrogantly and abuse their position in Bamboo Forest Valley, Qin Dongcheng secretly teaches the responsible upper echelons a severe lesson. He injures them, marks their faces with a medicinal substance intended to remain for years, and confiscates resources and treasures as compensation for their conduct 137. The punishment curbs the Dong Family's arrogance and restores peace to Bamboo Forest Valley 139.

• Qin Dongcheng Reaches Late Marrow Phase and Obtains His Status Panel Qin Dongcheng advances to the Late Marrow Phase and brings the Five Elements Marrow Cleansing Fist to the Perfected Realm, awakening the Martial Dao Reaching Heaven Strange Phenomenon 139. He also discovers a detailed status panel within the Heaven Rewards Diligence System that records his cultivation, techniques, Strange Phenomena, combat arts, and sub-professions 139.

• Qin Dongcheng Defeats the Beast King Valley Master Acting as the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor, Qin Dongcheng kills the Level Nine Beast King Valley Master with a single punch and pursues the fleeing demons and ghosts, eliminating nearly one hundred Level Five-and-above threats 161. He takes the Beast King Valley Master's corpse and Heavenly Flood Dragon Token as spoils while quietly protecting Bamboo Forest Valley and those close to him 161.

• Qin Dongcheng Becomes the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor The Five Elements Sect constructs a Hidden Tower on Moonlight Slope and offers Qin Dongcheng ten high-grade and top-grade Strange Treasures 163. Qin accepts the identity of Five Elements Hidden Ancestor and establishes a temporary partnership with the sect, recognizing the advantages of having a powerful organization resolve external troubles in exchange for resources and protection 163.

• Qin Dongcheng Reaches Blood Phase Perfection and Destroys the Snake-Demon Attackers Qin Dongcheng uses Strange Treasures to reach the Perfected Blood Phase Realm and strengthens his enhanced force to nearly 21.6 million kilograms 167. As the Five Elements Hidden Ancestor, he then annihilates thousands of snake demons attacking Bamboo Forest Valley, deliberately protecting Lu Gen, Wang Shaohua, Dong Hongyan, Ju Xiaojing, and others without revealing his identity 167.

• Qin Dongcheng Destroys Beast King Valley and Ghost Monster Forest In retaliation for attacks on Bamboo Forest Valley, Qin rapidly destroys Beast King Valley and Ghost Monster Forest, killing or driving away their high-level Demons, Ghosts, and Anomalies 170. The Five Elements Sect subsequently occupies their territories and industries, while Qin retains claim to the most valuable resources as tribute for his role in their destruction 170.

• Qin Dongcheng Conquers Zhao Kingdom Qin attacks Zhao Kingdom for its role in supporting Beast King Valley's assault. He destroys Purple Zenith Palace's formation, kills the royal family, Marrow Phase Grandmasters, and other responsible high-ranking Martial Artists, but deliberately spares civilians and most weaker people 171. He discovers the third Heavenly Flood Dragon Token, equips three top-grade weapons, and grants the Five Elements Sect authority over Zhao Kingdom and Heyuan Prefecture while claiming half of their resources and industries 171.

• Qin Dongcheng Reaches the Innate Phase After completing the Blood Phase transformation and raising his aptitude to one in a thousand, Qin begins assaulting the Innate bottleneck 172. He consumes two high-grade Strange Treasures and successfully enters the early Innate Phase, gaining the strength, speed, defense, senses, and longevity of a Heavenly Being 174. The people of Heyuan and Luo Cloud Prefectures begin venerating the Hidden Ancestor as a savior for helping humanity reclaim demon-ravaged territory 174.

• Qin Dongcheng Expands His Influence Through the Hidden Tower As his Innate Reversal and aptitude improve, Qin issues a massive bounty for treasures capable of improving natural talent and aptitude 193. The Blazing Fire Sect offers Dragon Saliva Grass and submits to his authority; after investigating its conduct, Qin accepts it as a subordinate faction, grants it resources, and orders the Five Elements Sect to cease harassing it 193.

• Qin Dongcheng Destroys Li Xiu and Saves Yang An Qin uses the Hundred Illusions Secret Art to obtain the locations of Li Xiu's hidden vaults before killing Li Xiu, his concubine, and several severely criminal Li Family members 195. He loots resources worth tens of millions of taels, receives the Cloud Dragon Fluid from Yang An, and prevents the grief-stricken Yang An from ending his life by offering him a position cultivating medicinal herbs for the Five Elements Sect 195.

• Qin Dongcheng Improves His Aptitude With Cloud Dragon Fluid Qin consumes the Cloud Dragon Fluid, which continuously tempers his body and raises his innate talent another step closer to the one-in-ten-thousand level 196. With his Strange Phenomena, medicinal resources, and the Heaven Rewards Diligence System, his effective cultivation speed rises to at least two hundred times that of an ordinary person under favorable conditions 196.