Ma Jun

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Ma Jun was already a disciple of Iron Mountain Martial Hall when Chen Yue approached the hall seeking to learn martial arts through a single demonstration. At Yu Kan's instruction, Ma Jun demonstrated and explained the Iron Mountain Fist, Roaming Mountains and Rivers footwork, and Iron Mountain Saber. He considered Chen Yue's proposal absurd and later mocked his ambition to take the Martial Examination. 9 10

During the County Examination, Ma Jun and Yu Kan were surprised to see Chen Yue display the very techniques Ma Jun had demonstrated less than a month earlier. His astonishment deepened when Zhou Jingfeng learned the circumstances under which Chen Yue had acquired Iron Mountain Hall's basic arts. 23 25 26

Zhou Jingfeng later ordered Ma Jun to investigate Chen Yue's background, family, conduct, and conflict with the Sea Shark Gang. Ma Jun completed the investigation before Chen Yue and his parents arrived at Iron Mountain Hall. 27 31

After Chen Yue became Zhou Jingfeng's seventh personal disciple, Ma Jun and Yu Kan apologized for teaching him despite their master's order to keep the hall closed. Ma Jun struggled with envy as Chen Yue received techniques and resources that Ma Jun himself had long sought, particularly Mountain Crushing Fist. 32 36

Despite this resentment, Ma Jun gradually became more supportive of Chen Yue and his family. He helped prepare Chen Yue's medicinal bath, invited Father Chen and Mother Chen to eat freely at the hall, and joined Yu Kan in visiting Chen Yue's family for their housewarming meal. 41 43 55

When Zhou Jingfeng was ambushed at Five-Color Mountain, Ma Jun immediately accompanied Yu Kan and Chen Yue on the rescue attempt. He was severely injured by He Chong and Qian Jun, but continued fighting and later supported Chen Yue against the Sea Tooth Rock bandits despite his chest wound. 60 63 64 71 72

Personality

Ma Jun is initially impatient, mocking, and prone to judging Chen Yue by his status as a Pearl Diver. He readily dismisses the possibility that someone could learn martial arts from a single viewing and is repeatedly stunned by Chen Yue's rapid growth. 9 10 25 26

He is sensitive to comparisons with Chen Yue. Ma Jun envies Chen Yue's talent, the resources Zhou Jingfeng provides him, and the master's willingness to teach him advanced techniques that Ma Jun had unsuccessfully requested. Zhou Jingfeng considers Ma Jun's talent limited and his temperament overly flighty, and frequently urges him to train harder. 32 36 42 53

In crises, however, Ma Jun shows loyalty and courage. Though frightened and badly wounded during the Sea Shark Gang ambush, he returns to stand beside Chen Yue rather than abandon him. He also refuses to withdraw from the rescue of Zhou Jingfeng despite being in poor condition. 64 65 69

Abilities & Skills

Iron Mountain Martial Arts

Ma Jun is trained in Iron Mountain Hall's foundational combat arts and served as Chen Yue's demonstrator.

• Demonstrated the Iron Mountain Fist, including its stance, forms, force generation, and key formulae. 9
• Demonstrated Roaming Mountains and Rivers on Plum Blossom Stakes, emphasizing balance, adaptability, and movement preceding action. 10
• Demonstrated the heavy, forceful Iron Mountain Saber, whose techniques prioritize breaking skill with strength. 10
• Maintains a solid martial foundation despite lagging behind Yu Kan and Chen Yue in cultivation. 10 61

Combat Resolve

• Held his own against a single bandit during the initial ambush, though he was the weakest of Chen Yue's group. 61
• Continued to resist after suffering severe injuries from He Chong and Qian Jun. 63 64
• Could manage bandits whose legs had been disabled by Chen Yue's arrows, even while his chest wound slowed his movements. 72
• Is vulnerable against established Skin Refining Realm opponents; He Chong and Qian Jun overwhelmed and severely injured him when attacking together. 63

Equipment

• Saber — Carried during the Five-Color Mountain rescue. 60
• Practice saber — Used to demonstrate the Iron Mountain Saber to Chen Yue. 10

Relationships

• Zhou Jingfeng — His master and the hall master of Iron Mountain Martial Hall. Zhou Jingfeng criticizes Ma Jun's slow cultivation and flighty temperament but still grants him one hundred taels for medicinal resources. 32 53
• Yu Kan — His senior apprentice brother. The two jointly taught Chen Yue, apologized to their master for doing so, and fought together during the rescue at Five-Color Mountain. 9 32 61
• Chen Yue — His junior apprentice brother. Ma Jun initially ridicules Chen Yue and resents Zhou Jingfeng's favor toward him, but later treats Chen Yue's parents hospitably, accompanies Chen Yue on the rescue mission, and comes to respect his extraordinary abilities. 9 36 43 62 72
• He Chong — A Sea Shark Gang member who seeks revenge against Ma Jun and helps severely injure him during the Five-Color Mountain ambush. 63 64
• Qian Jun — A Sea Shark Gang fighter who joins He Chong in attacking and injuring Ma Jun. 63