A Dai

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

A Dai was the second-in-command among Shen Zhou's group of four street beggars, alongside San Mazi and Xi Mei. He initially worried that Shen Zhou's challenge of Ma's Martial Hall would get him hurt, and later proved more knowledgeable than the others about martial-hall rankings and challenge rewards. 1 2

Although he trusted Shen Zhou, A Dai did not accept every explanation blindly. When Shen Zhou tried to attribute his sudden strength to a dream, A Dai immediately called out the implausible story. 2 He also questioned why Shen Zhou was so intent on acquiring a sword and regularly urged him to spend their limited funds carefully. 2 3

A Dai wanted to cultivate because he believed some goals were more meaningful when achieved through his own strength. Shen Zhou sensed that A Dai carried unresolved concerns tied to his past, though the nature of that background remained undisclosed. 5 He advocated seeking formal academy instruction, then chose the blade when the group began looking for martial training in Flying Bird City. 5 17

After Flying Bird Academy turned the group away, A Dai remained composed and encouraged Shen Zhou to continue cultivating elsewhere. At White Deer Academy, he became Ouyang Zhen's disciple and began blade training. 16 19 Ouyang's first lesson was iron forging: A Dai was expected to forge before learning to wield a blade. 24

In Mine Market Town, A Dai and San Mazi fought Wu Jiuyan's underlings to protect Xi Mei, but were severely beaten due to their limited training. Dongfang Hongyu used a Bloodburst Pill to save them, leaving himself critically injured. 26 27 A Dai later joined San Mazi and Dongfang Hongyu in provoking Wu Jiuyan into leaving his family's camp, allowing Shen Zhou to confront him and the group to take revenge. 29

During the Citywide Martial Hall Tournament, A Dai served on Flying Bird First Martial Hall's defense team with Tan Tong, Wang Xiaomao, and Xi Mei. By that point, he had reached the Blood Coagulation Third Realm and gained entry-level saber proficiency. 38

Personality

A Dai is cautious, practical, and notably mature for his age. He worries about consequences that Shen Zhou tends to dismiss, from provoking martial halls to spending too freely or antagonizing powerful families. 1 2 15

He values self-reliance and perseverance. After failing to enter Flying Bird Academy, he accepted the result without resentment and focused on continuing his cultivation elsewhere. 5 16 His resolve extends to protecting his companions: despite being outmatched, he fought to stop Wu Jiuyan's men from harming Xi Mei. 26

Abilities & Skills

Blade Cultivation

A Dai trains under White Deer Academy's blade cultivator, Ouyang Zhen. His foundational training centers on forging iron before formal blade work. 19 24

• Reached the Blood Coagulation Third Realm. 38
• Possesses entry-level saber technique. 38
• Continues daily iron-forging as part of Ouyang Zhen's training method. 24

Relationships

• Shen Zhou — His leader, addressed as “Zhou Boss” or “Zhou laoda.” A Dai is loyal to him but often acts as the group's practical voice. 1 2 15
• San Mazi — Fellow member of Shen Zhou's original group; the two fought together to defend Xi Mei and later helped lure Wu Jiuyan out for revenge. 26 29
• Xi Mei — Fellow group member whom A Dai protected from Wu Jiuyan's underlings. 26 28
• Ouyang Zhen — His blade-cultivation master at White Deer Academy. 19 24
• Dongfang Hongyu — Ally who endangered himself by taking a Bloodburst Pill to save A Dai and San Mazi; A Dai later joined him in retaliating against Wu Jiuyan. 27 29

Notable Quotes

“Because some things, in the end, are more meaningful if I do them myself.” 5