Lu Ming

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Lu Ming 1
Alias	Heavenly Secret Pavilion scout/Outer Pavilion spy (former) 36 62
Species	Human 1 9
Gender	Male 1
Affiliation	Military Service Bureau; formerly an Outer Pavilion spy of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion (status revoked) 36 62
Status	Flesh Refining Great Completion realm 51
Talent Evaluation	Grade B overall talent; Grade C bone structure; has comprehended Blade Intent 63 74
Sect Prospects	Jointly recommended by four Directors for admission to a first-rate sect; directly admitted to the Dao Lineage Sect with other exceptional candidates 67 69
First Appearance	Chapter 1: Nine Palace Living Stakes 1

Appearance

Lu Ming is described as a handsome young man with a calm, steady demeanor and proper, courteous bearing. At the Military Service Bureau, he wears the white training uniform issued to disciples who have demonstrated sufficient cultivation. 3 22

Background

Lu Ming's origins were those of a commoner, entering the Military Service Bureau with no family backing or wealth. From the start, he faced the stark disparity between the rich and poor among the disciples, where the wealthy had access to medicine and resources that could accelerate their cultivation. His immediate goal was to rank within the top two hundred of the grand examination to secure his future as a martial artist, a modest aim that reflected his lack of advantages. He used knowledge from his past life to trade with the wealthy disciple Shen Jue, exchanging ideas for luxurious items in return for medicine to aid his training 1 2. Despite his humble status, Lu Ming demonstrated quick adaptation and a determined work ethic, pushing himself on the training stakes and seeking every opportunity to improve 2 4 6.

The motivation that drove Lu Ming stemmed from both the systemic inequality he witnessed and his own ambition to rise above it. He observed how wealth enabled disciples like Zhu Ming to achieve breakthroughs rapidly, while he had to rely on diligence and the unique divine ability he had evolved. The resentment among commoners toward the wealthy only steeled his resolve to succeed on his own merits 2. When offered the chance to marry into the Flying Dragon Martial Hall and gain access to powerful elixirs and future leadership, he declined, valuing his independence and his greater aspiration of becoming a sect disciple 22. This choice underscored a character who refused to compromise his principles for short-term gains, even when opportunities were scarce.

Lu Ming's growing talent soon made him a target of powerful enemies, further shaping his cautious yet ambitious path. His rapid progress drew the attention of figures like Shen Changfeng, who plotted to lure him out of the Military Service Bureau and eliminate him, and Chen Jinyang, who attempted to manipulate him for family gain 33 34. These threats forced Lu Ming to remain vigilant, only leaving the bureau when absolutely necessary 47. At the same time, he actively sought resources to accelerate his cultivation, obtaining Enlightenment Pills from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and mastering advanced techniques like the Eighteen Green Bamboo Forms 38 40. His motivation was not merely survival but a steady, strategic climb from commoner to a martial artist capable of standing on his own in a world defined by power and wealth.

After Qin Zhonghai was gravely injured while secretly protecting him, Lu Ming risked his life to search Black Mountain for him, reinforcing his conviction that loyalty must be repaid 58. He later intervened in Feng Qingzhu's forced marriage, openly opposing powerful local figures despite the danger 61 62. His display of Blade Intent established him as a genuine martial genius in Red Cloud County, changing how both allies and enemies assessed him 63. Although his measured talent evaluation in Qingning Prefecture City disappointed the local director, Lu Ming remained focused on reaching Tendon Refining and entering an Orthodox Great Sect. 74

Abilities

Heaven Leak

Heaven Leak is an Acupoint Divine Ability that allows the user to perceive the fundamental flaws—called "leaks" or "acupoints"—in all things. By striking these weak points, the user disrupts the target's momentum and draws that power into themselves, replenishing their own strength. When activated, the user's vision shifts: the wind appears as gray dashed lines, and black smoke-like spots mark the leaks on objects and structures. At its initial stage (Nascent/Initial Completion), this ability enables the user to see leaks only within immediate proximity. Upon promotion to Minor Success, the effective range expands dramatically to over three hundred meters, granting a form of x-ray-like sight that reveals leaks even at a distance. Additionally, advancing Heaven Leak from Initial Success to Minor Success causes the user's overall acupoint talent to skyrocket, more than doubling their aptitude for acupoint-based martial arts and techniques. 2 41 42 43

• Applications:
  • Identifies weak points on enemies, objects, and terrain.
  • Striking a leak increases the user's own momentum while diminishing the target's, allowing sustained peak combat performance.
  • At Minor Success, provides extended perception (over 300 meters) to detect ambushes or hidden flaws.
  • Allows Lu Ming to discern suspicious actions and concealed hostility, such as Chen Ping's betrayal of Zhao Zhiqiu. 43
• Evolution Stages:
  • Nascent (Initial Completion) – first stage, limited range.
  • Initial Success – intermediate stage (achieved before Minor Success).
  • Minor Success – range increases to 300+ meters; acupoint talent surges.

Flick-Finger

Flick-Finger is the third Acupoint Divine Ability. It enables the user to project force from a distance by simply flicking their finger, using their own aura to seal an enemy's acupoints without needing physical contact or a projectile. This ability can be coordinated with the Point-Kill Divine Ability to deliver a killing blow from afar once momentum surpasses the opponent's. Accuracy improves through practice with precision-based finger techniques such as Cloud-Piercing Finger. 41

• Applications:
  • Ranged acupoint sealing and injury without direct physical contact.
  • Can be paired with Point-Kill for instantaneous long-range kills.
  • Practice with Cloud-Piercing Finger enhances accuracy.
  • Used to unseal Feng Qingzhu's acupoints before the assembled powers of Red Cloud County. 62
• Evolution Stages:
  • Nascent (Initial) – basic ranged flicking capability.

Grass Gliding

Grass Gliding is the first Leg Dao Divine Ability, evolved from practicing the Grass Gliding lightness skill. It enhances the user's movement speed and agility, forming the foundation for more advanced leg-based abilities. The ability is initially acquired at a basic mastery level and serves as a prerequisite for evolving further Leg Dao Divine Abilities. 8 9

• Applications:
  • Increases running speed and overall nimbleness.
  • Enables efficient ground-based movement and evasion.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Initial stage (Nascent) – first Leg Dao ability acquired.

Godly Movement

Godly Movement is a Leg Dao Divine Ability that allows the user to maintain—and even increase—their speed after coming to a stop. By harnessing and redirecting inertial force, the user can break through normal momentum limits, gaining a critical advantage in combat or while fleeing. If the accumulated inertial force exceeds the body's capacity, however, it can become dangerous. This ability is particularly effective when used to change direction rapidly or to preserve velocity after a sudden halt. 13

• Applications:
  • Retains and amplifies speed after stopping.
  • Provides tactical mobility in close-quarters combat.
  • Can be used to evade pursuit or launch surprise attacks.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Nascent (initial) – first Leg Dao ability after mastering Cloud-Stepping.
  • Minor Accomplishment – reached by the time Lu Ming returned from Black Mountain. 61

Earth-Splitting

Earth-Splitting is the second Leg Dao Divine Ability. It grants the user control over a localized area of ground—initially within three zhang (roughly nine meters)—allowing them to split the earth with a single stomp, creating a man-made tremor. The effective radius and destructive force scale with the user's cultivation level; at higher realms, the area of control expands proportionally. This ability can destabilize opponents, break terrain, and alter battlefield conditions. 19

• Applications:
  • Creates ground fissures and tremors to disorient or trap enemies.
  • Area control scales with cultivation (e.g., three zhang at Skin Refining).
  • Can be used to destroy foundations or interrupt enemy footing.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Nascent (initial) – base three-zhang range.

Void-Stepping

Void-Stepping is Lu Ming's third Leg Dao Divine Ability. It allows him to tread upon the void and ride the wind, greatly expanding his aerial mobility beyond conventional ground-based lightness skills. 68

• Applications:
  • Enables movement through the air by stepping on the void.
  • Allows the user to ride the wind and maneuver beyond normal terrain restrictions.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Initial stage – acquired after Lu Ming's continued cultivation of multiple lightness skills through the Formless Divine Art. 68

Mountain-Pushing

Mountain-Pushing is a Palm Path Divine Ability that embodies the principle of moving even a mountain. The user gains the power to exert force that can push large objects—or, metaphorically, obstacles—aside. At the Skin Refining Great Completion level, the ability can shift a mountain up to five zhang high, matching the same numerical range as Earth-Splitting’s ground control. Notably, the user can apply this force subtly, pushing an object to the very brink of movement without actually displacing it, allowing for deceptive training or combat applications (e.g., making iron stakes ring without fully moving them). 28 29

• Applications:
  • Pushes heavy objects or terrain features (scales with cultivation).
  • Can exercise fine control to nearly move an object without full displacement.
  • Useful for overcoming barriers, triggering traps, or feinting in combat.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Nascent (initial) – able to push a five-zhang mountain at Skin Refining Great Completion.

Water-Severing

Water-Severing is Lu Ming's first Blade Dao Divine Ability, evolved while he cultivated the Six Harmonies Blade Technique through the Formless Divine Art. 49

• Applications:
  • Blade-based divine ability derived from Lu Ming's cultivation of the Six Harmonies Blade Technique.
  • Grants a specialized cutting capability suited to the Blade Dao.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Initial stage – first Blade Dao Divine Ability acquired. 49

Gold-Inlaid

Gold-Inlaid is Lu Ming's second Blade Dao Divine Ability. It manifests his own aura through the blade in his hand, generating an intimidating blade momentum similar in principle to the oppressive aura of demons and monsters. Its pressure grows stronger alongside Lu Ming's own aura. 50

• Applications:
  • Projects the user's aura through a held blade.
  • Intimidates and suppresses opponents with blade momentum.
  • Scales with the strength of Lu Ming's personal aura.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Initial stage – acquired after Water-Severing. 50

Dragon-Capturing

Dragon-Capturing is Lu Ming's first Claw Dao Divine Ability, evolved from the Thirty-Six Path Grappling Hands. It possesses traits of suppression and sealing. 69

• Applications:
  • Suppresses targets through claw and grappling techniques.
  • Seals targets or restricts their movement.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Initial stage – first Claw Dao Divine Ability acquired. 69

Blade Intent

Blade Intent is Lu Ming's comprehension of the martial concept of the blade. Though he had practiced blade techniques only briefly in the eyes of outside observers, his revelation of Blade Intent shocked the experts of Red Cloud County and confirmed his status as a martial genius. 63

• Applications:
  • Demonstrates profound understanding of the Blade Dao.
  • Greatly enhances Lu Ming's standing among martial artists and sect recruiters.
  • Serves as evidence of exceptional martial talent.
• Evolution Stages:
  • Comprehended – revealed publicly during the confrontation at the Green Bamboo Gang. 63

Power Progression

Stage	Description	Method	Key Events
Skin Refining (Initial Breakthrough)	Lu Ming achieves the first major realm of martial arts by completing the "Three Breaths Nine Breaks" on the Wooden Tablet Nine Palace Stakes, unlocking the ability to manipulate Blood-Qi Power and evolving his first Leg Dao Divine Ability (Grass Gliding).	Intense training on the Wooden Tablet Nine Palace Stakes using finger techniques from the Bone-Unraveling Technique; also uses Qi-Nurturing Powder to accelerate progress. 2 9 12	Demonstrates Three Breaths Nine Breaks to Wei Jinlin, earns the right to live in the compound and train on the Stone Tablet Nine Palace Stakes. 9
Skin Refining Great Accomplishment	Lu Ming completes the Skin Refining realm by connecting his scalp with blood and qi, enhancing physical abilities and divine abilities (e.g., Godly Movement's inertia resistance increases, Earth-Splitting's control radius expands to five zhang).	Cultivates Cloud-Piercing Finger (second-rate finger technique) to gain extra Acupoint Divine Ability experience; uses Sweet Dew Powder (cultivation medicine) for the breakthrough. 20	Breaks through within seven days as promised to Wei Jinlin; evolves Leg Dao Divine Ability to Earth-Splitting earlier. 19 20
Flesh Refining Stage	Lu Ming reaches the Flesh Refining stage, gaining increased strength and the ability to evolve his third Acupoint Divine Ability.	Masters the Eighteen Green Bamboo Forms (6 experience points per session); takes an Enlightenment Pill to double experience gain; trains Cloud-Piercing Finger to Minor Success. 40 43	Evolves third Acupoint Divine Ability (Flick Finger); Cloud-Piercing Finger reaches Minor Accomplishment target. 41 43 47
Flesh Refining Great Completion	Lu Ming completes the Flesh Refining realm, increasing the effective range and power of his Divine Abilities.	Diligently practices the Formless Divine Art while consuming Demon Meat and cultivation resources. 51 67	Breaks through on the sixth day of focused cultivation; later reveals Blade Intent while defending Feng Qingzhu. 51 63
Acupoint Divine Ability: Heaven Leak (First)	Ability to see acupoints (flaws) on objects and strike them to increase momentum; allows reaching Integrated Force level.	Evolved from initial training on Wooden Tablet Nine Palace Stakes; later upgraded to Minor Mastery after testing Flick Finger. 2 41	First divine ability evolution; enables Lu Ming to enter Integrated Force level. 2
Acupoint Divine Ability: Point Kill (Second)	Ability to kill with a precise acupoint strike; enhances momentum against wooden stakes.	Continuous training on Nine Palace Stakes; reached 1,000 experience points. 9	Allows Three Breaths Nine Breaks achievement; momentum surpasses lifeless wooden stakes. 9
Acupoint Divine Ability: Flick Finger (Third)	Seals enemy acupoints and injures from a distance; can break stone tablets.	Evolved after reaching 10,000 Acupoint Divine Ability experience; used Enlightenment Pill to speed progress. 40 41	Tested on stone tablets with destructive power; Flick Finger becomes a key ranged attack. 41
Leg Dao Divine Ability: Grass Gliding (First)	Enhances movement speed and agility.	Cultivated Grass Gliding lightness skill (2 experience points per session); used Qi-Nurturing Powder. 9	Evolved after 100 Leg Dao experience; first leg dao ability. 9
Leg Dao Divine Ability: Godly Movement (Second)	Maintains and even increases speed after stopping, providing combat/mobility advantage.	Trained Cloud-Stepping Technique after witnessing Wei Jinlin's display. 13	Evolved before Li Family Bank arena matches. 13
Leg Dao Divine Ability: Earth-Splitting (Third)	Controls earth over a five-zhang radius (after Skin Refining Great Accomplishment).	Evolved after reaching 1,000 Leg Dao experience; Wei Jinlin agreed to teach more martial arts if Lu Ming reached Skin Refining Great Perfection in seven days. 19 20	Achieved Skin Refining Great Accomplishment, expanding Earth-Splitting's range. 20
Palm Dao Divine Ability: Mountain-Pushing (First)	Allows pushing objects to the brink of movement; practiced on iron stakes to avoid revealing divine ability.	Learned Nine Palaces Palm (10 Palm Dao experience per hour); used in Iron Stake Area. 21 27 28 29	Evolved after 100 Palm Dao experience; enables pushing puppet stakes. 28
Formless Divine Art	Supreme martial art allowing execution of any martial art under heaven and the simultaneous cultivation of multiple martial arts.	Taught by Wei Jinlin after Lu Ming demonstrated potential; Lu Ming successfully cultivated it and used it to combine the training of lightness, blade, and grappling arts. 48 49 69	Wei Jinlin respects and trusts Lu Ming; Qin Zhonghai offers ten Enlightenment Pills in support. 48
Blade Dao Divine Ability: Water-Severing (First)	Blade Dao Divine Ability evolved through Lu Ming's cultivation of the Six Harmonies Blade Technique with the Formless Divine Art.	Cultivates the Six Harmonies Blade Technique alongside Cloud-Stepping and Snow-Treading Trace through the Formless Divine Art. 49	Evolves simultaneously with a Leg Dao Divine Ability after only two hours of cultivation. 49
Blade Dao Divine Ability: Gold-Inlaid (Second)	Projects Lu Ming's aura through his blade to generate oppressive blade momentum.	Continued cultivation of blade techniques through the Formless Divine Art. 50	Gains the capacity to intimidate opponents with blade momentum analogous to demonic aura pressure. 50
Leg Dao Divine Ability: Void-Stepping	Allows Lu Ming to step upon the void and ride the wind.	Continued cultivation of lightness skills, including Snow-Treading Trace, with the Formless Divine Art. 61 68	Acquired after the Red Cloud County conflict; Shen Family representative Chen Mo visits to apologize afterward. 68
Claw Dao Divine Ability: Dragon-Capturing (First)	A claw-based Divine Ability possessing suppression and sealing traits.	Practices the Thirty-Six Path Grappling Hands alongside the Six Harmonies Blade Technique through the Formless Divine Art. 69	First Claw Dao Divine Ability; acquired shortly before departure for Qingning Prefecture City. 69
Blade Intent	Lu Ming comprehends the intent of the blade, proving his status as an exceptional martial genius.	Rapid blade cultivation through the Formless Divine Art and practical use of his Blade Dao abilities. 49 63	Revealed while confronting the factions pressuring Feng Qingzhu into marriage; earns Wei Jinlin's open admiration and changes the local powers' assessment of Lu Ming. 63

Relationships

Feng Qingzhu

Lu Ming’s relationship with Feng Qingzhu developed from a purely transactional arrangement into a growing personal connection. Initially, she agreed to spar with him only because of Li Youning’s request, and her aloof personality meant she did not extend the same help to other disciples 27. During their sparring sessions, Lu Ming recognized that her martial art, the Eighteen Green Bamboo Forms, contained hints of an Acupoint Divine Ability, deepening his respect for her skill 27. He later learned that she had created the forms herself and that she was poorly treated by her father in the Green Bamboo Gang, which gave him insight into her difficult circumstances 38. When he expressed a desire to learn the Eighteen Green Bamboo Forms, she asked him to tell her more stories instead of demanding the Red Token, indicating that she valued his company and experiences over material gain 38. Their bond was further demonstrated during the Grand Martial Arts Arena scramble, where she interrupted Chen Feng’s attack on Lu Ming, showing unexpected support 45. Lu Ming continued to tell her stories, building rapport and setting the stage for future interactions or trades 30.

Their relationship became one of mutual trust after Feng Qingzhu entrusted Lu Ming with Demon Meat for safekeeping when her father sought to force her into marriage with Shen Changfeng 50 51. Lu Ming offered to help with her predicament, and though she initially declined, he later rushed to the Green Bamboo Gang to intervene when the marriage alliance was being enforced 51 61. He unsealed her acupoints, while Feng Qingzhu publicly severed her relationship with Feng Buping rather than submit to the marriage 62. After the crisis, the two openly affirmed their friendship and agreed to continue their storytelling sessions at Lu Ming's courtyard. 67

Li Hu

Li Hu proved to be a loyal and concerned friend to Lu Ming from early on. When Lu Ming moved into his grand courtyard, Li Hu was the only one who visited to warn him about how the other disciples’ attitudes were influenced by Shen Jue, and he delivered a message about the Li Family Bank’s difficulties 10. Later, Li Hu discovered Chen Feng and Chen Jinyang discussing a plot against Lu Ming and immediately alerted him, showing continued vigilance and loyalty 34. Their friendship was cemented when Lu Ming decided to search for the injured Qin Zhonghai and took Li Hu with him; together they tracked Qin Zhonghai, showcasing their mutual respect and willingness to work together in dangerous situations 58.

Li Hu's background in herb gathering and talent for finding medicinal herbs proved essential after they located Qin Zhonghai. At Lu Ming's urging, he assisted Qin Zhonghai by searching for the herbs needed to treat his life-threatening injuries. 59

Li Youning

Li Youning was a key benefactor and early mentor to Lu Ming, consistently using her resources to improve his cultivation prospects. After the Li Family’s arena victory, she was acknowledged by her brother Li Yunping for her good judgment in winning Lu Ming over 17. When she was transferred to the Military Service Bureau in Qingning Prefecture City, she visited Lu Ming personally to give him the formula for Sweet Dew Powder and 200 taels of silver as a token of gratitude, and she arranged for him to visit the Flying Dragon Martial Hall, hinting at an important opportunity 21. Lu Ming expressed his gratitude and determination to make the most of her arrangements, and their bond strengthened as Li Youning showed genuine concern for his future 21. Earlier, Lu Ming had demonstrated his loyalty to her by asking to learn the Smooth Ascent to the Clouds lightness skill in order to help her family 12.

After failing her sect selection in Qingning Prefecture City, Li Youning sought to renew her alliance with Lu Ming through Golden Tripod Bank. Recognizing his rise as a Blade Intent-comprehending genius with first-rate sect prospects, she hoped that mutual cooperation could benefit both Lu Ming and her family's business. 74

Qin Zhonghai

Qin Zhonghai, the deputy pavilion master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, took a special interest in Lu Ming from their first encounter. During the arena competition, he traded a Water Gliding manual for Lu Ming’s Grass Gliding manual, impressed by Lu Ming’s talent in lightness skills 16. Later, when Shen Changfeng and Guo Zhengwei tried to kill Lu Ming, Qin Zhonghai intervened, revealing that Lu Ming was now an Outer Pavilion spy for the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and warning that anyone who targeted him would face severe punishment 36. He demonstrated his power by incapacitating Guo Zhengwei with a single strike, securing Lu Ming’s safety 36. Their relationship deepened when Lu Ming, at great personal risk, searched for Qin Zhonghai after the latter was gravely wounded. He found Qin Zhonghai hiding in a cave, and Qin Zhonghai revealed that he had been secretly protecting Lu Ming all along, expressing relief at seeing him and disappointment that Lei Wanchun had not searched for him 58. This act of loyalty cemented a master-disciple bond between them.

Qin Zhonghai continued to sponsor Lu Ming's growth by exchanging Snow-Treading Trace for the Cloud-Stepping Technique and providing ten further Enlightenment Pills after Lu Ming declined the dangerous genius bait plan 48. Although Lei Wanchun later revoked Lu Ming's spy status, Lu Ming remained loyal to Qin Zhonghai and publicly implied that Qin Zhonghai had survived and escaped to Black Mountain. 62

Wei Jinlin

Wei Jinlin acted as Lu Ming’s primary instructor at the Military Service Bureau, teaching him martial arts and providing opportunities for advancement. He initially taught Lu Ming the Nine Palaces Palm as agreed, and later offered to teach the Smooth Ascent to the Clouds lightness skill when Lu Ming expressed a desire to help Li Youning 12 21. Lu Ming discovered that Wei Jinlin also served as the cook for the bureau, revealing a more humble aspect of his role 30. Wei Jinlin recognized Lu Ming’s talent and offered him a chance to learn a second-rate martial art for free if he could train the Cloud-Piercing Finger to the Minor Completion stage before the Grand Examination 33. He also showed favoritism toward Lu Ming and other Red Cloud County disciples by giving them an early advantage in the Red Token competition 44. Throughout their interactions, Wei Jinlin provided guidance and resources that were crucial to Lu Ming’s rapid cultivation progress.

Wei Jinlin's trust in Lu Ming reached a new level when he taught him the supreme Formless Divine Art, having recognized his aptitude for learning and combining multiple forms of martial arts 48. He later supported Lu Ming after the latter revealed Blade Intent during the Green Bamboo Gang confrontation, ensuring that Lu Ming gained the protection and recognition due to a true genius 63. Alongside the other three Directors, Wei Jinlin ultimately gave Lu Ming a joint recommendation guaranteeing his admission to a first-rate sect. 67

Chen Feng

Chen Feng was a primary rival to Lu Ming, driven by ambition and a desire to eliminate his competition. He attempted to block Lu Ming during the Grand Martial Arts Arena scramble for the Red Token, coordinating with Wu Yong and a silent genius from the Shen Family to obstruct him 44. When Lu Ming managed to evade them, Chen Feng tried to kill him, only to be interrupted by Feng Qingzhu and later punched by Yun Potian, causing him to fall behind 45. Earlier, Chen Jinyang had approached Chen Feng with information about Shen Changfeng’s plot to lure Lu Ming out, indicating that Chen Feng was involved in ongoing schemes against Lu Ming 33. Their rivalry was thus defined by direct confrontations and attempts to sabotage each other’s progress.

Chen Jinyang

Chen Jinyang, a member of the Chen family, operated as a manipulative figure who underestimated Lu Ming. He visited Lu Ming and offered him a position as a guest elder of the Chen family with daily Hundred Herb Pills for cultivation, in exchange for joining them at the Red Sun Pavilion—a move intended to gain merit for himself 34. Lu Ming accepted the offer calmly while secretly planning to counter the plot, revealing his own strategic mindset 34. Chen Jinyang believed Lu Ming would be an easy target for Shen Changfeng, demonstrating his arrogance and lack of true understanding of Lu Ming’s capabilities 34.

Chen Jinyang's schemes ended disastrously when Qin Zhonghai intervened against the attempt on Lu Ming's life. Lu Ming saw him lying in a pool of blood afterward and believed that, even if he survived, he would be crippled. 36

Liu Feilong

Liu Feilong, the master of the Flying Dragon Martial Hall, was asked by the Li Family to help Lu Ming. He offered Lu Ming a chance to become his son-in-law, which would grant access to powerful cultivation elixirs and potential future leadership of the hall, but Lu Ming declined, valuing his independence and the prospect of becoming a sect disciple 22. Despite the refusal, Liu Feilong gifted Lu Ming two bottles of Qi-Enhancing Pills as a parting gesture, showing his continued favor and respect for Lu Ming’s potential 22.

After witnessing Lu Ming's Blade Intent, Liu Feilong regretted having failed to secure such an extraordinary genius as a son-in-law. Nevertheless, he respected Lu Ming's decision to defend Feng Qingzhu despite the risks involved. 61 63

Lei Wanchun

Lei Wanchun is the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion and Qin Zhonghai's superior. He initially worked with Qin Zhonghai in supporting Lu Ming's development, but his failure to search for the gravely injured Qin Zhonghai exposed his lack of loyalty 58. When Lu Ming intervened in Feng Qingzhu's forced marriage, Lei Wanchun revoked Lu Ming's Outer Pavilion spy status on the stated grounds that Lu Ming had not completed his mission 62.

Lu Ming openly provoked Lei Wanchun by indicating that Qin Zhonghai was still alive, while Lei Wanchun later regretted expelling Lu Ming after witnessing his Blade Intent and recognizing his immense potential. 62 63

Zhou Zhen

Zhou Zhen, an abandoned disciple of the Lingyun Sect, became a major source of pressure on Red Cloud County and helped drive the forced marriage alliance involving Feng Qingzhu 20 63. After Lu Ming revealed Blade Intent, Zhou Zhen accused him of concealing his talent and of involvement in the ambush on Wei Jinlin, claiming Lu Ming must have been guided by a hidden expert 63.

Lu Ming countered by accusing Zhou Zhen of being the mole responsible for the events surrounding the Earth Dragon Beast, citing Zhou Zhen's injuries and suspicious timing. He challenged the assembled experts to test Zhou Zhen in combat, ultimately contributing to Zhou Zhen's downfall. 64 67

Plot

• Lu Ming evolves his Acupoint Divine Ability into Heaven Leak, gaining the ability to see flaws in objects and strike them to increase his momentum. He trains to reach the whole-body force level. 2
• Qin Zhonghai, Vice Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, arrives at the arena. Lu Ming trades his Grass Gliding manual for Qin Zhonghai's Water Gliding manual, attracting the pavilion master's interest. 16
• Lu Ming improves his training time in the Iron Stake Area and evolves his Palm Path Divine Ability into Mountain-Pushing, which can push the Puppet Stakes. He considers obtaining a Red Token from the Iron-Scaled Python Demon for its potent demon meat. 28
• During the Grand Martial Arts Arena competition for Red Tokens, Lu Ming uses Godly Movement and Mountain-Pushing to advance rapidly. He intentionally chooses to take third place, overtaking Zhao Zhiqiu and Liu Yiyi. 31
• Lu Ming secures a Red Token for finishing third. He refuses offers to sell it, including a mediation attempt by Zhao Zhiqiu, drawing resentment from Liu Yiyi. 32
• Shen Changfeng and Guo Zhengwei attempt to kill Lu Ming, but Qin Zhonghai intervenes, reveals Lu Ming is now an Outer Pavilion spy for the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, and incapacitates Guo Zhengwei to demonstrate the pavilion's power. 36
• Lu Ming obtains ten Enlightenment Pills from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion. He witnesses Feng Qingzhu's strained relationship with her father and learns she created the Eighteen Green Bamboo Forms herself. Lu Ming expresses interest in learning the technique. 38
• Lu Ming masters the Eighteen Green Bamboo Forms, gaining double experience per practice session. By using an Enlightenment Pill, he evolves his third acupoint divine ability, Flick Finger, and reaches Flesh Refining. He is approached to shelter a fellow cultivator, Zhao Ming. 40
• The next day, Wei Jinlin announces a Red Token competition at the Grand Martial Arts Arena. Lu Ming reaches the twenty-fifth stake, but Chen Feng, Wu Yong, and a silent genius from the Shen Family block his path. 44
• During the competition, Lu Ming reveals hidden strength, defeating Wu Yong and evading an attack from the Shen Family genius. Chen Feng attempts to kill Lu Ming but is stopped by Feng Qingzhu and then punched by Yun Potian. Lu Ming and several others reach the Iron-Scaled Python Demon's corpse to fight for the Red Token. 45
• The Red Token competition concludes. Lu Ming secures three Red Tokens from the competition plus one from a quiz, monopolizing four tokens in total. Wei Jinlin announces the "genius bait plan" to lure and kill the Earth Dragon Beast, offering recommendations to first-rate sects as rewards. 46
• Lu Ming declines to participate in the genius bait plan, citing his average talent and the danger. Chen Feng volunteers, gaining Liu Yiyi's support and a share of her Demon Meat to help him break through. The final list of genius baits is announced, including Feng Qingzhu, Liu Yiyi, Chen Ping, Yun Potian, and others. Lu Ming receives four-tenths of the Demon Meat. 47
• Qin Zhonghai meets with Lei Wanchun, the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion, and gives him the Cloud-Stepping Technique manual obtained from Lu Ming. Lu Ming receives a mission from the Heavenly Secret Pavilion to investigate a Tendon Refining-level bandit in Black Mountain, arranged to keep him away from the Earth Dragon Beast. Lu Ming and Li Hu set out; Lu Ming senses a familiar formidable aura following them. 52
• A mysterious powerful expert attacks Qin Zhonghai while he is following Lu Ming. Qin Zhonghai flees and alerts Wei Jinlin and Lei Wanchun. The Earth Dragon Beast appears; Wei Jinlin and Lei Wanchun pursue it. The mysterious expert initially battles the Earth Dragon Beast but then suddenly attacks Wei Jinlin, while the Earth Dragon Beast also targets him. 54
• After the battle, Chen Ping breaks through to Tendon Refining. Wei Jinlin hints to Lu Ming that Lei Wanchun did not search for the missing Qin Zhonghai. Lu Ming decides to search for Qin Zhonghai with Li Hu, finding him gravely injured and hiding in a cave. 58
• Wei Jinlin teaches Lu Ming the Formless Divine Art. Qin Zhonghai exchanges Snow-Treading Trace for the Cloud-Stepping Technique and gives Lu Ming ten more Enlightenment Pills. 48
• Lu Ming uses the Formless Divine Art to cultivate multiple martial arts simultaneously, evolving the Blade Dao Divine Ability Water-Severing and later the Blade Dao Divine Ability Gold-Inlaid. 49 50
• Feng Qingzhu entrusts Demon Meat to Lu Ming because Feng Buping intends to force her into marriage with Shen Changfeng. Lu Ming offers to help, but she initially refuses his intervention. 50 51
• Lu Ming reaches Flesh Refining Great Completion after sustained cultivation of the Formless Divine Art, Demon Meat, and Enlightenment Pills. 51
• Lu Ming and Li Hu locate Qin Zhonghai in Black Mountain. Li Hu's herb-finding skill is enlisted to seek medicinal materials for the severely injured pavilion master. 58 59
• Lu Ming returns to Red Cloud County and learns Feng Qingzhu is in immediate danger. Invoking his Heavenly Secret Pavilion scout identity, he enters the Green Bamboo Gang headquarters to help her. 61
• Lu Ming unseals Feng Qingzhu's acupoints, enabling her to reject the forced marriage and publicly disown Feng Buping. Lei Wanchun revokes Lu Ming's spy status for failing to complete his mission. 62
• Lu Ming reveals Blade Intent, stunning the assembled experts and establishing himself as a true martial genius. Zhou Zhen responds by accusing Lu Ming of being connected to the ambush on Wei Jinlin. 63
• Lu Ming accuses Zhou Zhen of being the mole behind the Earth Dragon Beast incident and challenges the gathered experts to expose him through combat. 64
• Following Zhou Zhen's downfall, Lu Ming receives a joint recommendation from all four Directors for admission to a first-rate sect. He and Feng Qingzhu reaffirm their friendship and agree to continue their storytelling sessions. 67
• Lu Ming evolves Void-Stepping, allowing him to tread upon the void and ride the wind. Chen Mo of the Shen Family later apologizes on the family's behalf and offers compensation. 68
• Lu Ming is directly admitted to the Dao Lineage Sect alongside other exceptional candidates. He practices the Thirty-Six Path Grappling Hands and evolves the Claw Dao Divine Ability Dragon-Capturing. 69
• At the Qingning Prefecture City Military Service Bureau, Lu Ming conceals most of his Divine Abilities during a talent assessment while revealing Blade Intent. He learns of Guo Yuan's rapid advancement and the future entrance assessment of the Formless Dao Sect. 73
• Lu Ming receives a Grade B overall talent rating and Grade C bone structure rating. He resolves to reach Tendon Refining to improve his evaluation, while Li Youning seeks a renewed alliance with him through Golden Tripod Bank. 74