Chen Yue

Biodata

Name	Chen Yue
Alias	None
Gender	Male
Species	Human
Affiliation	Iron Mountain Hall (seventh personal disciple of Zhou Jingfeng) 32
Status	Alive; Flesh Refinement Realm 55 79
First Appearance	Chapter 19 19

Physical Description

Chen Yue is a young martial artist of modest origins whose appearance has been transformed by his rapid cultivation and rigorous training. Initially a lean pearl diver, his physique has become noticeably more refined and powerful after breaking through to the Flesh Refinement Realm, undergoing significant physical changes that mark his advancement 55. His movements are characterized by exceptional speed, agility, and inner force, which impressed onlookers during the County Examination and the Life-Death Arena 25. His demeanor is calm and composed, exuding a quiet confidence that draws the attention of experienced martial artists such as Gu Huaizhang, master of Nantong Martial Hall 44. Though details of his clothing or scars are not recorded, his overall bearing reflects the discipline and determination of a dedicated disciple of Iron Mountain Hall.

• After breaking through to the Flesh Refinement Realm, Chen Yue experiences significant physical changes, enhancing his physique and vitality 55.
• His exceptional speed and agility are noted by observers, and he demonstrates remarkable control over his body in combat 25 79.
• He appears composed and confident, impressing masters like Gu Huaizhang with his demeanor and presence 44.
• Dragon Roar Shirt cultivation makes his muscles denser and gives the skin a restrained luster; ordinary blunt attacks struggle to leave marks on him 60.
• No specific clothing, scars, or unique physical traits are described in the available records.

Background

Chen Yue was born into a Pearl Household in Hepu Pearl Village, Leizhou Prefecture—a hereditary class of pearl divers bound by law to harvest pearls for the government. The family's circumstances were dire: his father, Chen Baleful Intentn, had suffered a severe leg injury after striking a reef while diving half a month before the story begins, leaving the wound swollen and oozing blood 1 3. His mother, Wang, worked tirelessly to maintain their meager household, but the family's only assets were a patched-up boat passed down through two generations and a broken fishing net 1 2. The Pearl Tax loomed over every household; failure to deliver the required number of low-grade pearls could result in confiscation of boats, forced labor repairing seawalls, or worse 1. Chen Yue himself had nearly drowned in an icy undercurrent while trying to gather pearls to cover the previous month's arrears, an incident that claimed the original owner's life and brought the transmigrated Chen Yue into this world 1.

From childhood, Chen Yue witnessed the relentless oppression of the Sea Shark Gang, who controlled the village gate and extorted pearl divers. The gang members searched anyone leaving the village, confiscated valuable pearls on pretext of tax evasion, and beat those they suspected of hiding them 5 6. On one occasion, Chen Yue and his father witnessed a pearl diver being brutally beaten for allegedly concealing a medium-grade pearl; the man's desperate pleas and the gang's casual cruelty left a deep impression 5. The villagers, including Aunt Li—the widow of Chen Yue's uncle—lived in constant fear. When Li's daughter was threatened with being taken away because her family could not pay the tax, Chen Yue's family lent a low-grade pearl to help, despite their own poverty 3. These experiences fostered in Chen Yue a growing sense of powerlessness and a fierce determination to protect his loved ones.

The family's financial strain was compounded by Chen Baleful Intentn's inability to dive. Chen Yue took over pearl diving, initially using only the skills inherited from the original owner 1. However, a turning point came when he discovered a translucent panel that revealed his status and skills, and he began cultivating the Wave-Turning Breathing Technique 1. As he progressed to the fifth layer, his physical condition improved markedly, and his strength increased to the point where he could swing a fifty-pound iron anchor with one hand 2 5. Yet he realized that raw strength was not enough; when the Sea Shark Gang beat a pearl diver in front of him, he could do nothing to intervene because he lacked martial arts techniques 5. This crystallized his resolve: "I need to learn martial arts. I need real power to protect myself!" 5.

The immediate catalyst for seeking training was his father's deteriorating leg. The injury required medicine that low-grade pearls could not afford, and Chen Yue hoped to both purchase treatment and find a way to learn martial arts 5 6. Despite his parents' fears, he devised a plan to smuggle a medium-grade pearl past the Sea Shark Gang by swallowing it, using the Wave-Turning Breathing Technique to hold it in his stomach 6. He successfully entered the county town, sold the pearl for four taels and six mace of silver, and sought out Nantong Martial Hall 6. There, however, he was rejected outright upon revealing his identity as a pearl diver from Pearl Village 7. The instructor declared that the hall only accepted disciples with clear backgrounds, and a Pearl Household was automatically disqualified 7.

Dejected but not defeated, Chen Yue was approached by Yu Kan, who had overheard his exchange at Nantong Martial Hall. Yu Kan led him to Iron Mountain Martial Hall—rumored to be closed—where Chen Yue was allowed to observe its foundational techniques in exchange for payment 7 9. This marked the beginning of his formal martial arts training. Through repeated practice and the panel's aid, Chen Yue quickly mastered the hall's three basic techniques to the Break Limit state, demonstrating exceptional talent 12. He then decided to take the Martial Examination, a perilous arena competition that could allow him to shed his Pearl Dweller status permanently and protect his family from the Sea Shark Gang's tyranny 12. His parents initially objected, fearing the dangers of the examination and the gang's retaliation, but ultimately supported his ambition 12 18.

After protecting his parents from the Sea Shark Gang and defeating He Chong, Chen Yue was brought to Iron Mountain Hall for protection. Zhou Jingfeng accepted him as his seventh personal disciple, granting him a legitimate martial affiliation and access to more advanced teachings and resources 31 32. His subsequent victory over Xiong Wu in the Life-Death Arena earned him recognition throughout Hepu County and enabled him to move his family into a courtyard beside Iron Mountain Hall 50 54.

The background of poverty, systemic oppression, and a father's crippling injury thus drove Chen Yue from a helpless pearl diver to a determined martial artist. Each step—from smuggling pearls, to facing discrimination, to seizing the opportunity at Iron Mountain Hall—was shaped by the harsh realities of Pearl Village and his unwavering commitment to change his family's fate.

Personality

• Determined and Resolute: Chen Yue is unwavering in his goals, whether it is protecting his family, advancing in martial arts, or standing up to oppressors. He secludes himself for three days to break through to the Flesh Refinement Realm 55, risks pearl diving in dangerous seas to pay taxes and support his family 2, and immediately sets out to rescue his master when he learns of the ambush 60. His determination is a driving force behind his rapid progress.
• Responsible and Protective: He takes charge of his family's well-being, showing deep concern for his parents' safety and health. He decides to buy medicine for his father's leg 5 and prioritizes his family's security above all else, even in the face of direct threats from the Sea Shark Gang 29. His actions are consistently motivated by a desire to shield his loved ones from harm.
• Self-Controlled and Disciplined: Chen Yue exhibits remarkable restraint, particularly when provoked. He ignores Zhou Qi's taunts and threats during the County Examination, refusing to be drawn into a conflict before the match 24. He also chooses to concede a weapons match to avoid revealing his techniques and risking injury, demonstrating strategic discipline 25. This self-control extends to his rigorous training regimen, where he practices even during daily tasks like cooking 60.
• Strategic and Cautious: He thinks ahead and avoids unnecessary risks. In the County Examination, he withholds his blade skills by conceding rather than winning potentially 25. When scouting at Sea Tooth Rock, he uses archery to reveal hidden enemies before advancing 62. During the later bandit battle, he disrupts an enemy shield charge by shooting the leaders' legs and knees from concealment 71.
• Diligent and Hardworking: Chen Yue dedicates himself completely to martial arts training, often practicing multiple techniques simultaneously 11 42. He integrates cultivation into his daily life, simplifying movements like the “Walk” and “Stir Noodles” to train continuously 11 60. His progress is frequently noted as rapid due to this relentless effort 42 59.
• Respectful and Humble: Despite his growing strength and talent, Chen Yue shows respect toward his elders and masters. He formally bows to Zhou Jingfeng as a disciple 32, listens to his father's concerns 2 5, and appreciates the help of senior disciples like Yu Kan 59. He does not boast about his abilities and is willing to learn from others.
• Bold and Willing to Take Risks: When necessary, Chen Yue is not afraid to take calculated risks. He decides to go into town alone to sell pearls and find martial training despite the dangers 5. He accepts the Life-Death Arena challenge against Xiong Wu to settle matters, showing courage in the face of a feared opponent 43. Later, he continues harassing the Sea Tooth Rock bandits alone after Yu Kan and Ma Jun are wounded 72.
• Perceptive and Observant: Chen Yue pays close attention to his surroundings and the people he interacts with. He notices the dynamic between Yu Kan, Ma Jun, and their master Zhou Jingfeng 24. He studies other examinees' techniques to learn 23 and quickly deduces that a trap might be laid at Sea Tooth Rock 62. Even while fighting, he assesses his master's injuries and the changing battlefield before deciding how to help 79.
• Family-Oriented and Grateful: His family is his primary motivation. He feels immense gratitude for his improved circumstances and cherishes moments of harmony with them 55. His father's disbelief at their changed life touches Chen Yue 55, and he works tirelessly to ensure their happiness and stability. This loyalty extends to his martial family, as he rushes to rescue his master without hesitation 60.
• Ruthless in Combat: Though calm outside battle, Chen Yue does not show misplaced mercy to dangerous enemies. His experiences in the Life-Death Arena teach him that a severely wounded enemy remains a threat, and he decisively finishes opponents when necessary 50 66 79.

Abilities and Techniques

Technique Simplification

Chen Yue's panel possesses a unique function that allows him to simplify any martial art he has recorded into a set of basic, easy-to-practice actions. For a cost of one tael of silver per technique, the panel reduces complex forms to their core essence, such as turning Iron Mountain Fist into the simple action “Punch,” Iron Mountain Saber into “Swing Saber,” and the footwork Roaming Mountains and Rivers into “Walk” 11. This process does not diminish the technique's effectiveness; instead, it strips away extraneous movements, enabling Chen Yue to practice multiple techniques simultaneously during everyday activities like walking or cooking 11 58. The simplification also applies to cultivation methods: the Dragon Roar Shirt was reduced to “Beat the Body,” where Chen Yue rhythmically beats his own body to stimulate qi and blood, and the hidden weapon techniques Gold Coin Dart and Pearl Star Chain became “Wave Hand” and “Stir Noodles,” the latter incorporated into meal preparation 58 60.

• Enables simultaneous cultivation of multiple techniques, as Chen Yue can perform simplified actions in tandem, such as walking while punching 11.
• Lowers the entry barrier for mastering complex martial arts, allowing even a beginner to rapidly improve proficiency 11 12.
• Can be applied to both combat techniques and internal cultivation methods, including breathing and qi circulation 13 58.
• Does not reduce the technique's power or depth; Chen Yue's simplified “Punch” still breaks limits and defeats opponents 12 30.
• Limited by the requirement that Chen Yue must have recorded the technique first and have sufficient silver 11.

Technique Fusion

Another ability of Chen Yue's panel is the fusion of two or more recorded techniques into a new, more powerful technique that integrates the strengths of its components. The fusion does not require separate training of the new technique; instead, it starts at a high proficiency level based on the original techniques' mastery 37. Chen Yue first used this to combine Iron Mountain Fist with the Wave-Turning Breathing Technique, creating Mountain-Climbing Art, which dramatically accelerated his Skin Refining cultivation 13. Later, he fused Mountain-Climbing Art with the Mountain Crushing Fist to produce Mountain-Crushing Art, which began at a high level of proficiency 37. He also fused the movement techniques Roaming Mountains and Rivers and Eight-Step Cicada Chase to create Treading Mountains and Rivers, a superior footwork that enhanced his agility and speed 41.

• Produces synergistic effects; Mountain-Climbing Art combined the physical strike of Iron Mountain Fist with the internal breathing of Wave-Turning Breathing Technique, boosting cultivation speed 13.
• The new technique inherits and amplifies the strengths of the original techniques; Mountain-Crushing Art was noted for its raw power and purity 37.
• Can be used on movement techniques, as shown with Treading Mountains and Rivers, which gave Chen Yue exceptional mobility in combat 41 61.
• The fusion process does not require additional resources or training time; it is instantaneous once Chen Yue decides to use the function 13.
• Appears to have no limit on the number of fusions; Chen Yue intends to continue combining techniques as he progresses 37. However, context does not mention any failures or limitations.

Iron Mountain Fist and Derived Techniques

Iron Mountain Fist is the foundational fist technique taught at Iron Mountain Martial Hall. It emphasizes direct, powerful strikes and is known for its straightforward brutal efficiency. Chen Yue learned it by watching a single demonstration from Senior Brother Ma Jun 9. Through the panel's simplification, he reduced it to the fundamental motion “Punch,” which he practiced relentlessly during daily walks 11. Chen Yue later fused Iron Mountain Fist with breathing techniques and other fist methods to create advanced derivatives. The first fusion, Mountain-Climbing Art, combined the fist's physical force with internal qi circulation, significantly speeding up his Skin Refining cultivation 13. This was further fused with Mountain Crushing Fist to create Mountain-Crushing Art, a technique that Zhou Jingfeng acknowledged as pure and complete 37. Chen Yue's mastery of Iron Mountain Fist also includes the close-combat application Iron Mountain Lean, a devastating body slam that crumpled his opponent Zhao Mang's sternum and internal organs in a life-death duel 68.

• Applications and Feats: Defeated He Chong, a Skin Refining expert, and five Sea Shark Gang members in a brief fight 30. Broke Zhao Mang's body with Iron Mountain Lean despite having a broken blade 68.
• Limitations: The basic form is relatively simple and may be less effective against opponents with superior technique or realm; Chen Yue's derived versions address this by adding internal power and more complex force application.
• Derivative Techniques: Mountain-Crushing Art reached “Break Limit” level alongside other techniques, showing its potential for high-end combat 60. Mountain-Climbing Art allowed Chen Yue to estimate reaching Flesh Refining Realm in forty days 13.

Treading Mountains and Rivers

Treading Mountains and Rivers is a movement technique created by fusing Roaming Mountains and Rivers footwork with Eight-Step Cicada Chase. Roaming Mountains and Rivers is a standard footwork of Iron Mountain Hall that emphasizes steady, terrain-adaptable movement, while Eight-Step Cicada Chase is a rapid, vertical-strike footwork from the Mountain Crushing Fist lineage 41. The fusion resulted in a technique that combined the stability and endurance of the former with the explosive speed and directional change of the latter. Zhou Jingfeng taught Chen Yue the full method and provided a medicinal bath to aid his cultivation, which Chen Yue absorbed with exceptional efficiency 41. Chen Yue later simplified Treading Mountains and Rivers using the panel, reducing it to the basic action “Walk” – though the term belies its combat effectiveness. He practiced it while carrying weighted bundles during Dragon Roar Shirt training, multitasking his cultivation 58.

• Applications and Feats: Enabled Chen Yue to dodge and counterattack against multiple opponents during the ambush at Five-Color Mountain; he used the footwork to close distance, evade arrows, and pursue fleeing bandits 61. In the County Examination unarmed match against Zhao Kui, Chen Yue's speed and agility allowed him to win decisively 25.
• Later Applications: Chen Yue used it to evade repeated volleys while infiltrating the bandit force and to rapidly close on archers before they could respond 76 79.
• Limitations: As a movement technique, it does not directly provide offensive power; it relies on Chen Yue's other techniques for attack. The high-level proficiency requires significant cultivation time and resources, such as medicinal baths 41.
• Notable Feats: Reached the Break Limit state alongside other techniques in Chapter 60, indicating mastery 60.

Gold Coin Dart, Pearl Star Chain, and Archery

Recognizing a gap in his long-range combat abilities in Chapter 59, Chen Yue sought hidden weapon techniques from the martial hall's library. He found Gold Coin Dart, a manual for throwing coins as darts with strong penetrating power, and Pearl Star Chain, a military archery technique for rapidly firing multiple arrows 59. Senior Brother Yu Kan helped him obtain the manuals and even went out of his way to find suitable physical copies 59. Chen Yue used the panel to simplify both techniques: Gold Coin Dart became “Wave Hand,” a simple wrist-flick motion, and Pearl Star Chain became “Stir Noodles,” a rhythmic stirring motion that mimics the rapid-fire string-pulling action of an archer 60. He practiced “Stir Noodles” while cooking, integrating cultivation into daily chores.

• Applications and Feats: In the Five-Color Mountain ambush, Chen Yue used Gold Coin Dart to great effect, killing at least six bandits with pinpoint throws, targeting the archer first to neutralize ranged threats 61. He also wounded two others before they fled.
• Archery Feats: Chen Yue kills two bandits with two arrows each before scouting Sea Tooth Rock 62. During the later battle, he uses a hunting bow to cripple the leaders of a shield charge, picks off archers, and scatters the bandits' second-line force 71 76.
• Limitations: The techniques require external projectiles, such as coins, throwing knives, or arrows, and thus have limited ammunition in prolonged engagements.
• Notable Feats: Combined with Treading Mountains and Rivers footwork, Chen Yue can evade attacks while firing arrows or throwing darts, demonstrating mobile ranged-combat capability 61 76.

Dragon Roar Shirt

The Dragon Roar Shirt is an advanced protective cultivation technique that Zhou Jingfeng described as exceedingly difficult, requiring abundant blood and qi, strong comprehension, and resilient meridians 58. It is a form of Iron Cloth Shirt that, when perfected, provides exceptional defensive power and is considered a stepping stone to the Xiantian realm 57. Zhou Jingfeng taught the first level's essence to Chen Yue, Yu Kan, and Ma Jun, providing a detailed transcript 58. Chen Yue used the panel to simplify it into “Beat the Body,” a cultivation method involving rhythmic self-percussion to stimulate qi and blood, strengthening the body's inherent defensive energy 58. To maximize efficiency, Chen Yue tied weighted bundles to his body, allowing him to simultaneously cultivate Dragon Roar Shirt, Treading Mountains and Rivers, and Mountain-Crushing Art during his walks 58. His rapid progress impressed Yu Kan and Zhou Jingfeng, and the technique reached the Break Limit state in Chapter 60 60.

• Applications and Feats: Provides a passive defensive layer that can withstand attacks. At the second level, Chen Yue can gather qi and blood beneath his skin into a thin protective membrane, making ordinary punches, kicks, and casually delivered blade attacks ineffective 59.
• Enhancement: After advancing into the third level, the technique further increases Chen Yue's strength by more than ten percent and hardens his body enough that ordinary blunt strikes struggle to leave a mark 60.
• Limitations: Extremely hard to cultivate normally; Chen Yue's simplified method requires consistent physical conditioning and the willingness to endure painful impacts.
• Notable Feats: Achieved Break Limit quickly, demonstrating synergy with other techniques and Chen Yue's exceptional diligence 60.

Instant Shadow Shift

Instant Shadow Shift is a high-speed movement method Chen Yue employs during the confrontation at Sea Tooth Rock. It allows him to explosively alter position and combine his approach with Mountain-Crushing Art, overwhelming opponents before they can effectively react 65.

• Applications and Feats: Chen Yue uses Instant Shadow Shift alongside Mountain-Crushing Art to sever He Chong's arm and cripple Qian Jun's right arm in rapid succession 65.
• Limitations: Its method of acquisition, training requirements, and panel status have not been disclosed.

Heaven Origin Seal

Heaven Origin Seal is a martial arts manual Chen Yue discovers hidden in Tie Hong's clothing after killing him at Sea Tooth Rock. Its worn condition and the care with which Tie Hong concealed it suggest that it is a valuable, nonstandard inheritance 72.

• Status: Acquired by Chen Yue but not yet shown being studied, recorded by the panel, simplified, or cultivated 72.
• Limitations: Its functions, rank, and techniques remain unknown.

Power Progression

Realm/Milestone	Chapter/Time	Details
Skin Refining Realm	Chapter 5	Chen Yue completed his breakthrough to the Skin Refining Realm after intensive cultivation of the Wave-Turning Breathing Technique, reaching a progress of 1/300 5. Cultivation progress was slow at roughly 3–4 points per day due to the high blood‑energy demands of the realm 5. Later, after mastering three techniques at the Break Limit level, he possessed skill comparable to a Flesh Refining martial artist, only lacking in foundational strength 12.
Flesh Refinement Realm	Chapter 55	After three days of seclusion, Chen Yue broke into the Flesh Refinement Realm, displayed on his panel as 1/1000 55. The breakthrough brought a comprehensive enhancement: stronger defense, faster speed, greater power, longer endurance, and quicker reactions—a qualitative leap over the Skin Refining Realm 55. In the following days, he used Blood‑Qi medicinal baths, each granting 10 points of progress toward the realm 56. By Chapter 57 his cultivation had reached 112/1000, steadily solidifying his foundation 57. He estimated that, with his rate of progress, he could reach the Bone Forging realm in less than a year 56.
Technique Breakthrough: Mountain‑Crushing Art	Chapters 13, 37	Chen Yue first fused Iron Mountain Fist and Wave‑Turning Breathing Technique to create the Mountain‑Climbing Art, which he quickly trained to Break Limit 13. Later, he fused Mountain‑Climbing Art with Mountain Crushing Fist to create Mountain‑Crushing Art, which started at a Perfected level 37. This technique became his primary offensive method, steadily improving through training and medicinal baths 57.
Technique Breakthrough: Treading Mountains and Rivers	Chapter 41, 42	By fusing the movement techniques Roaming Mountains and Rivers with Eight‑Step Cicada Chase, Chen Yue created Treading Mountains and Rivers. After simplifying it via his panel, he practiced it flawlessly in just a few rounds, gaining 30 proficiency points per session, to the astonishment of his master and senior brother 41 42. Its Perfected progress reached 16375/30000 by Chapter 57 57.
Technique Breakthrough: Dragon Roar Shirt (Iron Cloth Shirt)	Chapters 57, 58, 59, 60	After Master Zhou Jingfeng taught the first level of Dragon Roar Shirt, Chen Yue simplified it into the “Beat the Body” method 58. He innovatively trained while simultaneously practicing Treading Mountains and Rivers and Mountain‑Crushing Art by attaching weighted bundles 58. By Chapter 59 he had entered the second level, reaching 245/10000, and gained a substantial increase in physical strength and defense 59. In Chapter 60, he advanced into the third level at 11245/30000 and broke through limits in the technique 60.
Technique Breakthrough: Long‑Range Attacks (Gold Coin Dart & Pearl Star Chain)	Chapters 59, 60	Recognizing the need for a ranged option, Chen Yue obtained the Gold Coin Dart manual and learned of the “Pearl Star Chain” military archery technique. He simplified both methods into “Wave Hand” and “Stir Noodles” and incorporated them into his daily training 59. By Chapter 60 he had broken through limits in both techniques 60.
Literacy	Chapters 56, 57	Chen Yue hires an old scholar and uses his panel-assisted learning to rapidly acquire literacy. By copying unfamiliar characters from basic texts, he reaches Perfected literacy within a day, becoming capable of reading ordinary documents and basic martial manuals without difficulty 56 57.
Advanced Combat Capability at Flesh Refinement	Chapters 65–79	Although still in the Flesh Refinement Realm, Chen Yue's Dragon Roar Shirt, Mountain-Crushing Art, refined footwork, and ranged methods allow him to overwhelm several same-realm opponents. He cripples He Chong and Qian Jun, kills Tie Hong and Lu Shang, and clears large numbers of bandits while fighting alongside senior martial artists 65 71 72 75 79.

Key Events

• Chen Yue passes the County Examination – Chen Yue lifts a Good-level stone lock with ease and defeats Zhao Kui in a single move during the unarmed match, securing his qualification as a martial arts novice. He concedes the weapons match to avoid revealing his blade techniques. 23 25
• Sea Shark Gang demands retribution – After Chen Yue injures gang members, Xiong Wu of the Sea Shark Gang arrives at Iron Mountain Hall demanding punishment. Chen Yue is given two choices: break his own arm and apologize, or settle the dispute on the Life-and-Death Platform. 38
• Chen Yue signs the Life-Death Contract – Chen Yue agrees to a Life-Death Arena match against Xiong Wu, and the contract is signed for ten days later. Zhou Jingfeng reluctantly consents. 39
• Intensive training for the Life-Death Arena – Over nine days, Chen Yue trains intensely, reaching the peak of the Skin Refining Realm and breaking through the perfection bottlenecks of his techniques. Zhou Jingfeng provides medicinal baths with Tendon-Strengthening and Bone-Forging Powder. 40 43 44
• Xiong Wu receives a Blood-Vitalizing Pill – Tang Qizheng gifts Xiong Wu a Blood-Vitalizing Pill to enhance his physique for the upcoming fight. 40
• The day of the Life-Death Arena – Chen Yue, his parents, Zhou Jingfeng, Yu Kan, and Ma Jun head to Nantong Martial Hall. The training grounds are crowded with spectators, including members of the Sea Shark Gang. Gu Huaizhang, master of Nantong Martial Hall, greets them and shows interest in Chen Yue. 44
• Chen Yue and Xiong Wu face off – Xiong Wu proposes a fistfight instead of weapons. Chen Yue counters with a wager of three hundred silver taels, staking his life and the money. 45
• Zhou Jingfeng accuses Sea Shark Gang of using forbidden drugs – During the match, Zhou Jingfeng accuses Tang Qizheng of giving Xiong Wu a prohibited drug, but Gu Huaizhang allows the match to continue due to lack of evidence. 49
• Chen Yue defeats and kills Xiong Wu – Using Treading Mountains and Rivers and Mountain-Crushing Art, Chen Yue evades Xiong Wu’s attacks, shatters his left shoulder, and then delivers a series of ruthless moves to kill him. 49 50
• Tang Qizheng admits defeat – The Sea Shark Gang leader publicly admits defeat and asks Zhou Jingfeng to end the matter, which Zhou agrees to, avoiding further conflict. 50
• Chen Yue gains fame and moves his family – After his victory, Chen Yue becomes renowned in Hepu County seat. He rents a courtyard next to Iron Mountain Hall and moves his family, including Auntie Li and Yaya, into their new home. 44 54
• Chen Yue enters the Flesh Refinement Realm – Following three days of secluded cultivation aided by qi-and-blood medicine, Chen Yue breaks through from Skin Refining to Flesh Refinement, surpassing Yu Kan in cultivation realm. 55
• Ambush on Five-Color Mountain – While setting out to rescue Zhou Jingfeng, Chen Yue, Yu Kan, and Ma Jun are ambushed by eight bandits. Chen Yue uses Gold Coin Darts and Treading Mountains and Rivers footwork to counterattack, killing six bandits and wounding two. 61
• Sea Tooth Rock reconnaissance – Chen Yue demonstrates his archery by killing bandits, recognizes that Sea Tooth Rock may contain a trap, and scouts ahead to expose hidden enemies. 62
• Chen Yue cripples He Chong and Qian Jun – Using Instant Shadow Shift and Mountain-Crushing Art, Chen Yue severs He Chong's arm and cripples Qian Jun's right arm, silencing Zhao Mang's contempt. 65
• Chen Yue kills Zhao Mang – In a later Life-Death Arena battle, Chen Yue’s blade breaks mid-fight. He deflects Zhao Mang’s strike, lands an Iron Mountain Lean, breaks his sternum, and finishes him by stomping on his head. Chen Yue also captures the wounded He Chong. 68
• Chen Yue kills Tie Hong and obtains Heaven Origin Seal – Chen Yue disrupts the bandits' shield formation with his bow, overpowers Tie Hong with Mountain-Crushing Art and Dragon Roar Shirt, and kills him. He subsequently discovers the Heaven Origin Seal manual on Tie Hong's body. 71 72
• Chen Yue defeats Lu Shang – When six Flesh Refinement bandit leaders surround Gu Huaizhang's group, Chen Yue swiftly defeats and decapitates the leader Lu Shang in one-on-one combat. 75
• Chen Yue devastates the bandit force – Chen Yue infiltrates the enemy formation alone, eliminates archers with arrows and throwing weapons, and scatters the second-line bandits before three Flesh Refinement leaders can close in. 76 77
• Chen Yue reunites with Zhou Jingfeng – Chen Yue reaches his injured master amid the battle, then continues clearing enemy bandits while assessing the danger posed by the three leaders surrounding Zhou Jingfeng. 77 79

Relationships

• Zhou Jingfeng (Master) – Chen Yue’s master and the head of Iron Mountain Martial Hall. Zhou Jingfeng recognizes Chen Yue’s talent and takes him as his seventh personal disciple, providing guidance, resources, and protection 31 32. He tests Chen Yue’s progress, praises his rapid mastery of techniques like Iron Mountain Fist and Treading Mountains and Rivers, and arranges medicinal baths to aid his cultivation 34 42 43. Zhou Jingfeng stands by Chen Yue during the Life-Death Arena battle and is proud of his growth 44 51. Chen Yue's loyalty is demonstrated when he immediately goes to rescue Zhou Jingfeng after learning that he has been surrounded at Five-Color Mountain 60 77.

• Yu Kan (Senior Brother) – The senior disciple of Zhou Jingfeng. Yu Kan first brings Chen Yue to the martial hall and later becomes a supportive presence, offering cultivation resources, advice, and companionship 7 31 32 43 55. He feels a mix of pride and bitterness at Chen Yue’s talent, but remains loyal and helps Chen Yue train 42 60. Yu Kan also joins Chen Yue in rescuing Zhou Jingfeng, later trusting Chen Yue to conduct guerrilla actions alone when his own injuries make him a liability 60 72.

• Ma Jun (Senior Brother) – Another disciple of Zhou Jingfeng. Ma Jun initially demonstrates Iron Mountain Hall’s basic techniques to Chen Yue and later develops camaraderie with him 9 23 32 55. He shows awareness of Chen Yue’s exceptional progress and sometimes avoids direct comparison, but maintains a supportive role 42 43. During the Five-Color Mountain campaign, he fights beside Chen Yue and Yu Kan despite receiving injuries 60 72.

• Father Chen (Chen Yue’s Father) – Chen Yue’s father, a former pearl diver injured in his leg. He is protective of Chen Yue but gradually feels pride and contentment as his son’s martial achievements improve their lives 5 31 54 55. He shares heartfelt moments with Chen Yue, expressing disbelief at their improved circumstances 55.

• Mother Chen (Chen Yue’s Mother) – Chen Yue’s mother, who cares deeply for her family. She is emotional about their new home and finds joy in household chores, showing relief and happiness as their situation stabilizes 32 54 55. She supports Chen Yue’s decisions and worries for his safety 5.

• Auntie Li and Yaya – Relatives Chen Yue brings under his care. Auntie Li helps with cleaning and meals in the new home, finding purpose and ease 54 55. Yaya stays temporarily at Iron Mountain Hall for safety during the Life-Death Arena preparations 44. They reunite joyfully with Chen Yue after his victory 51.

• Zhou Qi (Antagonist) – A member of the Sea Shark Gang who bears a grudge against Chen Yue for his brother’s death. Zhou Qi threatens Chen Yue and his family, creates hostility at the County Examination, and later suffers humiliating defeat at Chen Yue’s hands 23 24 34. He reports to his leader Tang Qizheng, escalating the conflict 34.

• Tang Qizheng (Sea Shark Gang Leader) – The leader of the Sea Shark Gang, who feels disrespected by Chen Yue’s victories and seeks revenge. After Xiong Wu's death, he publicly concedes the Life-Death Arena dispute, temporarily ending the gang's open threats to Chen Yue and Iron Mountain Hall 34 50 51.

• Gu Huaizhang (Master of Nantong Martial Hall) – The master of Nantong Martial Hall. Gu Huaizhang shows interest in Chen Yue after witnessing his demeanor and later expresses regret for not accepting Chen Yue when he initially tried to join his hall 44 51. He shares a long-standing friendship and mutual respect with Zhou Jingfeng 51. During the Five-Color Mountain crisis, he witnesses Chen Yue's formidable battlefield performance and gains further respect for him 75 76.

• Guo Yan (Leader of Grain Transport Gang) – The leader of the Grain Transport Gang who attempts to curry favor with Iron Mountain Hall after Chen Yue’s victory, inviting them to a feast, which is politely declined 51. He demonstrates political ambition and a desire to align with Zhou Jingfeng against the Sea Shark Gang 51.

• He Chong (Sea Shark Gang Member) – A subordinate of Tang Qizheng who is initially defeated by Chen Yue and returns to report to the gang leader, highlighting the gang’s humiliation 30 34. During the Five-Color Mountain conflict, Chen Yue severs one of his arms, leaving him severely wounded and later captured 65 68.

• Zhao Kui (Examination Opponent) – A martial artist who faces Chen Yue in the County Examination and is defeated with a single move due to overconfidence 24.

• Zhao Mang (Opponent) – A Flesh Refinement martial artist who confronts Chen Yue during the Five-Color Mountain conflict. After consuming a hidden pill in desperation, he breaks Chen Yue's blade but is killed by Chen Yue's Iron Mountain Lean and finishing stomp 67 68.

• Tie Hong (Bandit Leader) – A Flesh Refinement bandit leader who attempts to lead a shield charge against Chen Yue. Chen Yue breaks his formation with archery, overwhelms him in a direct clash, and kills him, later finding the Heaven Origin Seal manual on his body 71 72.

• Lu Shang (Bandit Leader) – One of the six Flesh Refinement leaders encircling Gu Huaizhang's group. He underestimates Chen Yue and is swiftly defeated and decapitated in their one-on-one confrontation 75.

• Wang (Broker) – A broker who helps Chen Yue rent a courtyard next to Iron Mountain Hall. He is enthusiastic about the business deal, while Chen Yue remains calm 53 54.