Zhang Tao

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Zhang Tao (张涛)
Alias(es)	Martial King; Warrior King; Human King; “Old Zhang”
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Huaxia; Ministry of Education
Occupation/Role	Minister of Education; Peak powerhouse; leader of humanity
Status	Active
First Appearance	32 (mentioned); 72 (in person)

Background / History

Zhang Tao took notice of Su Yi after reviewing the newly submitted Tempering Method. Though suspicious that someone might be investing in such an exceptional student, he judged Su Yi’s improvements effective and resolved that Su Yi’s secrets did not matter so long as he stood with humanity. He recognized that optimized cultivation methods could improve humanity’s overall chances of producing powerful martial artists. 32 67

When Su Yi completed the Internal Organs Chapter, Zhang Tao personally received and assessed it. He found the method sound, praised its projected 5–10% improvement to viscera and bowel tempering, and formally thanked Su Yi on behalf of Huaxia and humanity. He rewarded Su Yi with 100 billion in resource credits and promised an Eighth-Grade-or-higher divine weapon once Su Yi reached Grandmaster. 72

To protect—and observe—Su Yi, Zhang Tao gave him a Spiritual Power Split Body. He presented it as a costly life-saving measure, though he was also using it to monitor Su Yi and investigate the source of his unusual resources and rapid progress. 72 73 97

As Su Yi’s cultivation accelerated, Zhang Tao became one of his principal political supporters. He protected the secrecy of Su Yi’s skull tempering, arranged exchange visits to other Martial Universities, supported Su Yi’s plans concerning Kuo Cang Mountain, and supplied him with confidential Origin Arts. 98 167 168 169

Zhang Tao helped coordinate Huaxia’s response when Su Yi approached the Peak realm. Su Yi’s advance from the Origin Dao’s early stages to more than 900 meters in little over a month forced Zhang Tao to discard and rewrite his military plans. 198 204

After Su Yi entered the Peak realm, Zhang Tao remained a strategic partner in the conflict with the Underground Caves. He established the Dawn force with Su Yi, participated in Peak-level warfare, and continued seeking resources, intelligence, and a Spiritual Power Cultivation Method for humanity. 205 208 216 231

Personality

Zhang Tao is pragmatic, suspicious, and highly protective of humanity’s long-term interests. He investigates Su Yi’s mysteries without forcing disclosure, prioritizing Su Yi’s contributions and loyalty over a full explanation of his origins. 32 72 167

He is also a careful planner who treats Peak-level combat power as decisive. Su Yi’s abnormal cultivation speed repeatedly forces him to revise plans, yet he continues preparing safeguards and battlefield arrangements rather than restraining Su Yi’s growth. 198 199 204

Despite his position, Zhang Tao is mischievous and opportunistic in personal dealings. He wove dreams for Bai Ruoxi and Wu Duoduo to test Su Yi’s martial heart, repeatedly tried to obtain Su Yi’s resources, and accepted the title “Literary King” for Su Yi only after being pressured with Energy Stone IOUs. 126 158 169 222

Beneath his scheming manner, Zhang Tao accepts the burden of leadership willingly. He regards the New Martial Era’s ideal—allowing ordinary people to rise—as essential to humanity’s survival. 199 222

Abilities & Skills

Peak Realm Cultivation

Zhang Tao is a Rank Nine Peak martial artist, a realm also called the True God Realm. Peak powerhouses have crossed a boundary on the Origin Dao and can easily defeat even top Rank Nine martial artists. 72 167

• Reached the Seven-Forged Golden Body, an achievement matched in the New Martial Era only by Li Zhen. 153 169
• His strength control once reached approximately 90%; after rapid growth reduced it, he recovered it to roughly 80%. 168
• He has concealed aspects of his true power control and Blood Qi output when demonstrating his Origin Art. 169

Unity Path

Zhang Tao’s Origin Dao is the Unity Path, built around comprehending and integrating different Daos into his own. 131 197

• His path resembles Su Yi’s in its broad principles, allowing their discussions of newly comprehended paths to benefit both of them. 197 231
• He recognized the Origin-like artistic conception within Su Yi’s manifested Golden Characters. 131

Spiritual Power Split Body

Zhang Tao can sever a portion of his Spiritual Power and origin to create a split body stored in a Crystal Book. 72 73

• Functions as a life-saving clone capable of severely injuring weaker Rank Nine opponents. 73
• Its destruction can damage Zhang Tao’s Spiritual Power and briefly impair him; if captured, it could expose aspects of his Origin Dao. 72 73
• Zhang Tao used the Split Body given to Su Yi to observe him remotely. 97
• Su Yi returned the Split Body after reaching Rank Nine, when it was no longer sufficiently useful for his protection. 198

Spiritual Power Barriers

Zhang Tao can establish Spiritual Power Barriers to conceal sensitive conversations, cultivation breakthroughs, and demonstrations from outside observation. 72 168

• Used barriers while discussing Su Yi’s Internal Organs Chapter and gifting the Spiritual Power Split Body. 72
• Shrouded Su Yi’s Golden Body Fifth Tempering to prevent its immediate exposure. 168

Origin Art

Zhang Tao possesses a Rank Nine Origin Art, later studied by Su Yi as Zhang Tao’s Teachings. 168 187

• Contains 510,000 energy combination methods. 169 185
• He taught the art to Su Yi under the condition that it not be passed on. 168
• Su Yi later recorded and memorized it, using it to advance the Book of Knowledge’s restoration. 185 187

Equipment / Items

• Spiritual Power Split Body / Crystal Book — a protective split body Zhang Tao created and entrusted to Su Yi; later returned. 72 198
• Zhang Tao’s Teachings — his confidential Rank Nine Origin Art, lent to Su Yi for study. 169 187

Relationships

• Su Yi — Benefactor, protector, political supporter, and frequent strategic partner. Zhang Tao values Su Yi’s potential but remains wary of his secrets; their relationship develops into candid, mutually beneficial cooperation. 72 97 167 198 231
• Li Zhen — Fellow Peak powerhouse and longtime associate. The two coordinate Huaxia’s plans, argue over resources, and compete to recruit Su Yi. 73 126 169 199
• Zhang Beihao — Deputy Minister who delivers reports, resources, and messages on Zhang Tao’s behalf. 32 68 203
• Lyu Zhen — Researcher whose work with Su Yi brings Zhang Tao into contact with the Tempering Method and Internal Organs Chapter. Zhang Tao later seeks her access to a Spiritual Power Cultivation Method. 72 231 236
• Bai Ruoxi and Wu Duoduo — Zhang Tao wove dreams for both women, influencing them to confront their feelings for Su Yi. 126

Story Role / Major Arcs

Support for Su Yi’s Cultivation Research

Zhang Tao approves Su Yi’s optimized Tempering Method, provides research support, and personally accepts the Internal Organs Chapter for testing and distribution. 32 68 72

Protection and Surveillance

Following Su Yi’s rise to prominence, Zhang Tao increases his protection, gives him a Spiritual Power Split Body, keeps key breakthroughs confidential, and investigates the source of Su Yi’s extraordinary capabilities. 68 72 97 98

Kuo Cang Mountain Negotiations

After Su Yi reveals Gong Juanzi and Kuo Cang Mountain, Zhang Tao shares information about Peak experts and the True God Realm. He ultimately authorizes Su Yi to attempt to keep Kuo Cang Mountain neutral or align it with humanity. 167

The Literary King Incident

Zhang Tao publicly accepts “Literary King” as Su Yi’s title after Su Yi leverages Zhang Tao’s Energy Stone IOUs. Privately, Zhang Tao threatens to collect the stones and demands that Su Yi reach Rank Nine within five years with at least a Six-Tempered Golden Body. 158

Dawn and the Forbidden Underground Cave War

Zhang Tao proposes a new military force, which Su Yi names Dawn, and assigns Su Yi to familiarize himself with the Forbidden Underground Cave’s Demon Plants. He later coordinates the war surrounding Su Yi’s breakthrough to Peak. 205 208 216

Sea Guard Mountain Consultations

Years later, Zhang Tao repeatedly visits Su Yi at Sea Guard Mountain to exchange intelligence and Origin Dao insights, acquire rare food and drink, and ask after the long-awaited Spiritual Power Cultivation Method. 231 232 236

Notable Quotes

“Your Internal Organ Method is extremely important. I, Zhang Tao, Minister of Education, represent China, represent humanity, in thanking you for your contribution and effort!” 72

“The New Martial Era.” 199

“I’m willing!” 222

Trivia

• Zhang Tao’s personal title is Martial King, while Su Yi’s title became Literary King. 158
• He is known to use remote observation, leading Su Yi to suspect him of eavesdropping. 73 126
• He once broke through to the Peak realm after falling asleep following an exhausting battle, a fact Su Yi later silently mocks. 204
• Zhang Tao values discussions of the Origin Dao with Su Yi most highly, while Su Yi knows Zhang Tao’s primary interest is humanity’s Spiritual Power Cultivation Method. 231