Su Yuan

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Su Yuan 1 7 20 37
Aliases	Green Ghost; Qing Gui; Ghost Venerable 37 44 62 112; Lecherous Carver (by peers) 14
Background	Originally from a family of timber merchants in Yan Province, Great Jing. After internal strife in Great Jing, the Liang People invaded, his family fled to Cloud Province, and eventually he ended up in Ji City two years ago, forced to work as a woodcarver. 1
Appearance	Described as tall and muscular; Su Yuan is approximately 175 cm tall, though Tie Niu is much taller. When disguised as the Green Ghost, he wears a ghost-face mask and presents himself as nearly two meters tall with a hulking physique. His face is noted as handsome enough to cause peers to nickname him "Lecherous Carver." 13 14 42 44 95
Age	Not explicitly stated in provided context. He is likely under twenty; Jiang Sui discusses Su Yuan potentially rebuilding his cultivation before age twenty. 112
Cultivation	Initially a non-martial artist with low-tier aptitude. He becomes a Blood-Condensation martial artist, reaches Savage Strength, advances through External Force, and subsequently becomes a Martial Master at the Vein Splitting realm. He has since cultivated three Horse Division techniques to Vein Splitting and has begun advancing through Internal Force. 25 37 48 66 81 86 100
Martial Arts	Golden Horse-Head Technique; Origin-Returning Finger; Flying Horse Leg; Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist; Golden Vajra Horse-Head Strength; Abyssal Sea Technique; Cloud-Veiling/Cloud-Covering Art; Cloud-Striding Palm; Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg; Horse Spear Technique; Leisurely Cloud Crane Hand; Dark-Piercing, Sight-Illuminating Eyes. 14 28 38 46 77 85 100 113
Traits	Skillful Ease 8; Ox-Subduing Stability 12; Shadow Concealment 34; Smoothing Edges 20; Origin-Returning Finger Condensation 43; Lip-Teeth Interdependence 62; Crane Imitation Form 81; Life Stealing 93; as well as earlier traits including Slippery Escape, Engraved in the Bones, and Split in Two. 1 2 4
Affiliation	Formerly associated with the Shan Estate and Chai Family; a secret Great Jing operative and Cloud-Striding Martial Hall disciple; a leading member of the Jiguang Society as Green Ghost. Following Ji City's recovery, he is publicly recognized as one of its heroes and is being recruited by the Cloud Mist Sect. 20 46 62 95 112 113
Relationships	Gao Mian: sworn elder sister, former Liang patron, and intimate partner; they later part because of their national loyalties. 20 86 87 Yun Xu: senior sister in the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall, cultivation partner, and romantic partner. 46 80 100 112 Tie Niu: childhood brother and fellow Cloud-Striding disciple. 5 46 114 Yun Yan: Yun Xu's father, whose life Su Yuan saves. 46 Ji Haoyang and Zhou Xing: fellow disciples who eventually acknowledge his strength. 46
Key Achievements	Passes the Martial Assessment 12; wins the Wolf God Festival hunt 37; kills Wei Han 43; wins the Ji City Martial Arts Tournament and defeats Shan Feng and numerous elite clan disciples 56 57; rescues Gao Mian from the Shan Family 68 80; defeats and executes late-stage Vein Splitting martial master Shan Ling 107; helps reclaim Ji City from Great Liang and drives its demonic-beast forces back to the Inner City. 107 112
Current Status	Following Ji City's liberation, Su Yuan is revered as Green Ghost/Ghost Venerable and serves as a major Jiguang Society elder. Great Liang has issued a one-hundred-thousand-tael bounty for him. He intends to relocate with the rebuilt Cloud-Striding Martial Hall near the Cloud Mist Sect, while considering whether to disperse his Liang-based cultivation and rebuild with orthodox Great Jing methods. 112 114

Physical Description

Su Yuan is a young Jing man of average height and lean, sinewy build, his physique shaped by years of carpentry and martial training. His facial features are clear and well-proportioned, with a calm, composed demeanor that makes him stand out even among the Liang nobility, who often comment on his good looks. Though his bone structure is classified as low-grade, this is not outwardly apparent; instead, he carries himself with a quiet confidence that belies his modest aptitude. His hands, hardened by constant carving and sawing, bear the marks of his craft, and his dark eyes are sharp and observant, reflecting a mind always calculating his next move.

As his cultivation advances, Su Yuan's body becomes increasingly powerful and resilient. By the time he reaches Martial Master status, he is capable of fighting Vein Splitting opponents and sustaining injuries that would incapacitate ordinary martial artists. He commonly conceals his true physique and cultivation under the Green Ghost disguise, exploiting the widespread belief that Green Ghost is a massive, unknown martial master. 44 66 86 95

• Jing ethnicity, originally from Yan Province in Great Jing 1.
• Approximately 175 cm tall; he is not short, but is dwarfed by Tie Niu after Tie Niu's rapid growth through cultivation. 13
• Clear, refined facial features; described as "good-looking" by Chai Yuanyuan and noted for his striking appearance in ritual robes 32.
• Lean, muscular build from physical labor and martial arts practice; Rong Yuzhi later openly praises his physique. 79
• Low-grade bone structure, though his comprehension, traits, medicinal resources, and subsequent cultivation produce progress comparable to elite geniuses. 8 36 57 86
• Calloused hands from years of wood carving, handling tools, martial training, and the frequent use of finger techniques.
• Wears Gao Mian's Ink Plum Lock, a black-jade plum-blossom pendant that detoxifies, clears the mind, stabilizes blood and qi, and gradually improves constitution and poison resistance. 86 91

Personality

Su Yuan's personality is a complex tapestry woven from cunning pragmatism, relentless determination, and a deep-seated, often unspoken sense of responsibility. Born into a once-prosperous family that was shattered by war, he has been forced to navigate a brutal, hierarchical world where survival depends on shrewdness and adaptability 1. He is a master of manipulation, using his skills in wood carving, painting, and even bribery to gain favor and resources from figures of power like Han Gui and the First Madam, often turning potentially hostile situations to his advantage 2 7 8. Simultaneously, he is fiercely disciplined and hardworking, grinding away at his martial arts practice and craftsmanship with a single-minded focus that belies his low-grade aptitude 6 9.

While his actions can appear self-serving, he demonstrates a genuine, if cautious, compassion for those around him, such as Tie Niu, the orphaned children, Yun Xu, Gao Mian, and later the wounded resistance martial artists 4 15 99 107. He is strategic and cautious, preferring to avoid direct confrontation until he has the strength to win, and he is always weighing his options and potential consequences 6 29. As his strength and influence grow, he becomes more ruthless toward enemies who threaten those under his protection, employing disguise, psychological control, and lethal force without hesitation when he considers them necessary. 88 93 107

• Cunning and Manipulative: He consistently uses his skills and intellect to navigate a corrupt system. He bribes Han Gui with a wood carving to form an alliance 2, manipulates the First Madam's vanity to secure a Martial Registry and rewards 7, and performs an exaggerated act of loyalty to gain her protection 10.
• Determined and Disciplined: Su Yuan possesses a relentless work ethic. He maintains a rigorous daily routine of martial arts practice and skill development, grinding his abilities despite his low aptitude 6. His later training is so extreme that he deliberately accumulates injuries to advance his Strike Bearing skill and pushes his Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist to Vein Splitting in a remarkably short time. 62 65 66
• Pragmatic and Strategic: He prioritizes survival and long-term gain over pride or ideology. He signs a binding contract with the Shan Estate to access the Martial Registry 8, and later admits to Yun Xu that he originally saw no moral difference between Great Jing and Great Liang, staying only to grow stronger 20. He eventually commits himself to Great Jing and Ji City's restoration, but continues to conceal his full capabilities and plans. 80 95
• Cautious and Observant: He carefully assesses threats and avoids unnecessary risks. He chooses not to engage a resentful young martial artist visiting his shop, understanding he must grow stronger first 6. He also uses lip-reading, scent tracking, and concealment techniques to collect information without being overheard or seen. 2 77
• Resourceful and Adaptable: He creates new opportunities from his circumstances. After seeing the Liang Horse Division totem, he designs modular wooden building blocks to cater to the nobility's tastes 6. He later converts, conceals, and fuses different types of martial force to create an unpredictable three-force combat style. 48 56
• Compassionate and Responsible: Despite his pragmatism, he is loyal to those he considers his own. He decides to take Tie Niu when attempting to flee Ji City 4, provides for orphaned children 15, rescues Gao Mian from house arrest, treats Yun Yan's mortal injuries, and helps wounded Jiguang Society fighters after Ji City's decisive battle. 46 68 107
• Guilt-Ridden and Seeking Redemption: Su Yuan recognizes the harm caused by his earlier compromises under Liang rule. Though many Jing people still call him a traitor, he works as an undercover operative, accepts personal danger, and ultimately participates decisively in Ji City's liberation. 45 65 95 112
• Ruthless Toward Threats: When faced with enemies such as Rong Zheng and Shan Ling, Su Yuan is capable of cold, calculated violence. He uses Rong Zheng's obsession and ignorance to kill him, forcibly extracts intelligence from Shan Ling, then executes him once he has no further use. 88 107

Background

The story is set in Ji City, Cloud Province, during an era when the fallen Great Jing has been overrun by the iron cavalry of Great Liang. Su Yuan, originally from a family of timber merchants in Yan Province, lived in luxury before the conquest. Six years prior, internal strife in Great Jing left the people in misery, and the northern frontier of Great Liang seized the opportunity to march south, crushing Yan Province. The city where the Su family resided was slaughtered, and the family fled south to Cloud Province. "After years of displacement, those around him died or scattered, yet they still could not escape the iron hooves of Great Liang. Now, both Yan and Cloud Provinces had fallen completely, and the surviving Jing people could only eke out a living under the feet of the Liang people." 1

Su Yuan had fled to Ji City two years ago, forced to pick up his ancestral craft as a carpenter to make a living. He possesses a unique golden finger—a system that allows him to track the progress of his skills with golden text before his eyes. Through practice, he has advanced skills such as running and carving, and his resourcefulness is matched by an acute awareness of the dangers around him. The Liang people are naturally combative and physically larger than the Jing people; they find the delicate, fair-skinned Jing women novel and have plundered them in droves, even using them as a form of hard currency. Su Yuan reflects with relief, "It's a good thing I'm a man." 1

Su Yuan's primary desire is to practice martial arts. In Liang society, strength and martial prowess determine survival and status. However, without a Liang martial artist's recommendation, he cannot obtain a Martial Registry—the document required to purchase martial resources, which are strictly controlled by Great Liang. His chance comes when he is hired by Shan Xiongqing to carve a wooden sculpture of his newly acquired captive, Yun Xu, the young mistress of the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall. Su Yuan's efforts to survive within the Shan Estate draw him into Yun Xu's resistance network, while his carpentry, lip-reading, and ability to conceal his intentions make him a valuable but initially distrusted ally. 1 2 20

Over time, Su Yuan rises from a low-status carpenter to a Chai Family martial artist, a Wolf God Festival champion, a patrol officer, and the masked Green Ghost. His climb through Liang institutions is not merely personal ambition: he gradually becomes a secret agent for Great Jing, gathers intelligence for the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall, and uses his status to shield or rescue those connected to him. His eventual exposure and alliance with Yun Xu transform him from a covert informant into a recognized disciple of the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall and a core Jiguang Society figure. 37 46 62 95

After rescuing Gao Mian and later helping the Jiguang Society overthrow Great Liang's control of Ji City, Su Yuan becomes one of the city’s most important defenders. His abilities, including force fusion, meridian treatment, life stealing, and demonic-beast taming, make him an extraordinary figure among Ji City's resistance. Though the city is recovered, Great Liang now seeks him with a massive bounty, and his future path is tied to the reconstruction of Cloud-Striding Martial Hall and possible entry into the Cloud Mist Sect. 93 107 112 114

Plot Summary

Background and Beginning

Su Yuan was originally from a family of timber merchants in Yan Province, Great Jing. Six years ago, Great Liang invaded, slaughtering his city and forcing his family to flee south. After years of displacement, he ended up in Ji City, where he worked as a carpenter 1. He initially lived a precarious life, but his woodcarving skills caught the attention of Han Gui, the steward of the Shan Manor. Su Yuan bribed Han Gui with a carving to gain access to the martial registry, hoping to learn martial arts for survival 2 3. He also encountered Yun Xu, a captured Jing woman from the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall, and formed an uneasy alliance with her 2.

The Carpenter's Gambit

Su Yuan focused on improving his martial arts through grinding skills like carving and sawing. He developed modular building blocks inspired by Great Liang's Horse Division totem and sold them through the Xiangfu Chamber of Commerce 6. He received a Treasure Fish from the First Madam of the Shan Estate, which helped him unlock the 'Skillful Ease' trait and accelerate his martial progress 8. He also learned that his friend Tie Niu had been taken in by the Chai Family 8. Han Gui provided Su Yuan with the Martial Registry but also a contract binding his craftsmanship to the Shan Estate. Su Yuan signed it after breaking Wang Er's finger, then began buying Blood Qi Powder and Treasure Fish for training 8 9. His reputation suffered when he made Yun Xu statues, earning him the nickname "Lecherous Carver" 9. He later infiltrated the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall's hideout to investigate 15.

Martial Assessment

The Martial Assessment involved a chaotic brawl in a horse paddock. Su Yuan demonstrated exceptional horsemanship and subdued a black ox, earning the trait 'Ox-Subduing Stability' 12. He survived attempts on his life by Wang Er and others, and the Xu brothers allied with him 11 12. After the brawl, Shan Xiongqing decided to transfer Su Yuan to the Chai Family Martial Academy, much to Gao Mian's displeasure 12 13. Su Yuan was sold to the Chai family, where he learned both Great Jing and Great Liang martial arts, despite skepticism from his peers 13. He focused on the Golden Horse-Head Technique and Origin-Returning Finger, while also maintaining contact with the Shan Estate through the First Madam 14.

Breakthrough and the Wolf God Festival

Su Yuan continued training at the Chai Family Martial Academy. He broke through to become a martial artist using the Flying Horse Leg technique, then challenged and defeated Meng Qi in three moves, establishing himself as the third martial artist in their batch. He was rewarded with three Blood Origin Pills and gained second-class citizen status 25. He visited Gao Mian, who expressed concern about his rushed cultivation and advised him to aim for the Savage Strength realm at the upcoming Wolf God Festival 26. To clear his mind, Su Yuan painted a scroll contrasting the prosperous Inner City with the desolate West City 26.

At the Wolf God Festival, Su Yuan participated in the competition and won first place. During the event, he killed Du Hengfeng, accusing him of being a traitor to Great Jing, which angered Shan Xiongqing but was supported by the Chai Family 35. After the festival, Su Yuan participated in a grand parade through Ji City as the champion. He then visited the Chai Family estate, where Chai Hong offered him rewards: a secret manual, a medicine bottle, and a marriage contract with Chai Yuanyuan. Su Yuan accepted the first two but declined the marriage contract. He also learned that Gao Mian had been imprisoned by the Shan Family, prompting him to take a Break Strength Pill and successfully reach the Savage Strength realm 37.

Later Conflicts and Trap

After becoming famous, Su Yuan was assigned to a patrol squad, where he maintained a distant yet authoritative relationship with his men. He confronted his squad over extortion and ordered the stolen silver returned to the treasury 41. Wei Che grew resentful of Su Yuan's focus on cultivation over military duties. The Eighth Patrol Squad suffered casualties during an escort mission and blamed Su Yuan for the ambush 41. Meanwhile, the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall made moves, setting fires in West City 26. Su Yuan discovered that he had been lured into a trap by the Shan Family and the military. He accepted punishment from the military, including a fine and an order to hunt down remnants of the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall 42.

Wei Xian visited the Chai Family estate to discuss a martial arts competition between the two nations 42. Su Yuan discovered that Yun Xu and her group were hiding in his house. He infiltrated the Eighth Patrol Squad's quarters, knocked out Wei Che and his men, and set the Patrol Office on fire. Wei Han recognized Su Yuan's palm technique as the Cloud-Striding Palm and called for backup 42. Su Yuan subsequently kills Wei Han as Green Ghost, gains Origin-Returning Finger Condensation, and becomes increasingly entangled with the Jiguang Society and Cloud-Striding Martial Hall. 43

Cloud-Striding Disciple and Tournament Champion

After revealing enough of his strength to defeat Ji Haoyang and Zhou Xing with one blow each, Su Yuan saves Yun Yan by treating his severe injuries with Origin-Returning Finger Condensation. Yun Xu responds by teaching him the advanced Cloud-Striding Palm and formally accepting him into the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall as her junior brother; Ji Haoyang and Zhou Xing become his fellow disciples. 46

Su Yuan cultivates Cloud-Striding Strength, Flying Star Strength, and Vajra Strength simultaneously. He learns to use Cloud-Striding Strength as a cover while fusing all three forces into a layered, soft-and-hard power that is difficult to guard against. He reaches mid-stage Savage Strength, receives access to the third level of the Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist, and enters the martial arts tournament. 48 50

During the tournament, Su Yuan defeats Chai You in defense of Chai Nian's honor, kills Shan Feng with his new three-force fusion, and proceeds to defeat the remaining elite martial artists of the Shan, Rong, and other families despite many possessing superior root bones. He wins the tournament championship and exchanges his merit for the Heart-Condensing Lotus and other cultivation resources. 56 57

Rescue of Gao Mian and Break with the Chai Family

Following an ambush on the Chai Family procession, Su Yuan prepares to leave the Chai Family if necessary, recognizing that his strength and access to the Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist have reduced his need for their protection. He continues to conceal his cultivation while training with Yun Xu and strengthening his role as Green Ghost. 57 62

Su Yuan later infiltrates the Shan Family and rescues Gao Mian from her imprisonment. Although Gao Mian initially hopes to flee Ji City with him through the Treasure Horse Chamber of Commerce, Su Yuan remains committed to Ji City's resistance and his connection with Yun Xu. 68 73 80 He later admits to Yun Xu that he rescued Gao Mian and helped cause chaos in the Shan Family; Yun Xu confesses her feelings, and the two share their first kiss, though Yun Xu becomes jealous of Gao Mian. 80

The Rong Family Conflict

Su Yuan exchanges the first three levels of the Cloud-Striding Palm for the first three levels of the Rong Family's Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg. He temporarily shelters with the Rong Family but remains wary of their efforts to manipulate or control him, especially Rong Yuzhi's schemes involving Mind-Confusing Incense. 76 77 87

While travelling with the Rong convoy, Su Yuan secretly acts as Green Ghost. He manipulates Rong Yuzhi and Rong Zheng with fragrant medicine, kills Rong Zheng, and launches a massacre against the Chai Family elements within the convoy. He spares the Rong sisters in part because their late-stage Vein Splitting grandfather remains nearby and can be used as a delaying factor. 88 During this period, Gao Mian discovers enough of Su Yuan's behavior and cultivation to suspect that he is a Great Jing spy, but ultimately gives him the Ink Plum Lock and continues supporting him. 86

Martial Master and Ji City's Liberation

Su Yuan rapidly advances to the Vein Splitting realm, while Yun Xu reaches Internal Force with his assistance. He cultivates all three Horse Division techniques to Vein Splitting, acquires the Crane Imitation Form trait, and becomes powerful enough to contend with mid-stage Vein Splitting martial masters. 66 81 100

During the crisis at Ji City's southern gate, Great Liang unleashes demonic beasts and martial masters against the Jiguang Society. Su Yuan gains the Life Stealing entry, appears as Green Ghost, kills Wei Zhong and Shi Guanlin, and uses Armor Stripping to steal Shan Ling's jade box despite taking heavy hits. 93 94 He later subdues and beheads Shan Ling, a late-stage Vein Splitting martial master, after forcibly extracting intelligence from him. 107

Su Yuan uses the Golden-Winged Condor's aura to scatter the demonic-beast horde and ultimately turns Great Liang's own demonic beasts against their handlers, forcing Liang forces back into the Inner City. Ji City is recovered at significant cost, and Su Yuan becomes publicly revered as Green Ghost/Ghost Venerable. 107 112

Reconstruction and Future Path

Following the victory, Su Yuan continues healing Yun Xu and other wounded martial artists while the Jiguang Society discusses reconstruction and the distribution of captured wealth. He publicly credits Yun Xu as an equal contributor to Ji City's recovery, helping restore her dignity after the Shan Estate's humiliation. 112

Jiang Sui attempts to recruit Su Yuan into the Cloud Mist Sect's Purple Cloud Academy and urges him to disperse his Liang cultivation before rebuilding with Great Jing orthodox techniques. He Liu also offers Su Yuan the continuation of the Leisurely Cloud Crane Hand. Su Yuan remains undecided, concealing that he can already convert his forces into Cloud-Striding Strength. 112 113

Great Liang subsequently places a one-hundred-thousand-tael bounty on Su Yuan. He plans to keep the rebuilt Cloud-Striding Martial Hall hidden near the Cloud Mist Sect until the danger of Liang pursuit has passed. 114

Abilities and Skills

Carpentry and Craftsmanship Skills

Su Yuan’s carpentry and craftsmanship skills form the bedrock of his abilities, allowing him to generate income, build connections, and grind skill progress toward powerful traits. These skills are governed by his Fate, which grants a trait upon reaching perfection in any skill 1.

• Carving: The skill he practices most intensively. Perfected as [Carving: 2000/2000], it unlocks the Engraved in the Bones trait. Carving is used for producing wood carvings, statues, hidden messages, and toys for children. 2 6 9 85
• Sawing: Perfected by carefully sawing the scales off a Treasure Fish, leading to the Skillful Ease trait. This skill is not limited to lumber; it applies to any cutting motion, such as processing food 8.
• Grinding: Practiced through repetitive motions like making building blocks and kneading muscles. It becomes crucial to Su Yuan's treatment of Yun Xu, Gao Mian, Yun Yan, and later other martial artists' meridians. 20 31 46 99
• Chopping / Cleaving: Practiced by chopping wood, improving the Cleaving entry. The trait Split in Two was obtained when he perfected this specific action. 3 9
• Painting: Developed to serve the First Madam and communicate covertly with Yun Xu. It enables him to capture likeness and spirit, curry favor with patrons, and pass messages under the guise of portraiture. 10 20 23 36
• Literacy: A foundational skill essential for deciphering martial arts manuals and documents. The Hidden Edge in Writing entry enhances his reading and writing capabilities. 5 9 38
• Modular Building Blocks: A commercially successful product inspired by Great Liang’s Horse Division totem. Su Yuan later continues using these skills to make building-block cars and toys for children. 6 85
• Medical and Meridian Applications: His fine finger control, Smoothing Edges, Origin-Returning Finger Condensation, and later Life Stealing enable him to treat damaged meridians, assist breakthroughs, and modify or steal properties of another martial artist's force. 43 99 100
• Skill Applications and Limitations:
  • Income and Status: Carpentry initially provides Su Yuan's primary income and grants access to the Shan and Chai families. 6 8 9
  • Spycraft: He carves hidden messages, paints coded portraits, uses lip-reading, and sends messages through flying leaves. 2 20 23
  • Healing: His manual skills evolve into a rare ability to soothe, repair, and open meridians. 31 46 99
  • Reputation Risk: His statues of Yun Xu earn him the "Lecherous Carver" nickname and damage his public reputation. 9 14

Martial Techniques

Su Yuan’s martial repertoire is a mix of foundational Liang techniques, advanced Jing techniques, stealth arts, and acquired movement and sensory arts. His cultivation speed is enhanced by Skillful Ease, his comprehension, medicinal resources, force fusion, and his traits' unusual synergies. 8 57 62

• Golden Horse-Head Technique: A foundational Liang Blood Refinement technique that establishes Su Yuan's martial foundation and later develops into Vajra Strength. By Chapter 62, it is at 811/2000 in its Third Layer. 5 14 38 62
• Origin-Returning Finger: A precise finger technique capable of attacking pressure points, channels, and martial foundations. Its later Condensation trait allows Su Yuan to use it in meridian treatment and to save Yun Yan. 14 43 46
• Flying Horse Leg: The technique Su Yuan uses to become a formal martial artist. It later reaches Consummation and serves as a foundation for more advanced Horse Division leg arts. 25 62
• Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist: A complementary Horse Division fist art built around explosive Flying Star Strength. Su Yuan brings it to Vein Splitting and uses it as one component of his three-force fusion. 38 56 62 66
• Golden Vajra Horse-Head Strength: A destructive extension of Golden Horse-Head Technique that produces rigid, powerful Vajra Strength. It is central to Su Yuan's defensive power and is often hidden beneath other force types. 38 47 56
• Abyssal Sea Technique: A five-layer Jing technique acquired from Duan Hongyan. Each layer forms a mansion within the body, with the completed art capable of nearly tripling blood energy. Su Yuan reaches the Second Layer by Chapter 62. 28 29 62
• Cloud-Veiling / Cloud-Covering Art: A concealment technique taught by Yun Xu. It suppresses aura and, when coordinated with Cloud-Striding Strength, can conceal fluctuations from Su Yuan's other forces. 20 47 50
• Cloud-Striding Palm: An advanced Jing palm technique taught by Yun Xu. Its soft, changing Cloud-Striding Strength can be used independently or as the leading force to conceal Su Yuan's Flying Star and Vajra Strength. Su Yuan reaches its Fourth Layer by Chapter 100. 46 48 100
• Three-Force Fusion: Su Yuan's signature combat method combines explosive Flying Star Strength, rigid Vajra Strength, and fluid Cloud-Striding Strength. Its force transforms repeatedly on impact, layering hardness, softness, explosive release, and follow-up pressure. It allows him to defeat stronger opponents such as Shan Feng. 48 56 57
• Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg: A Rong Family leg technique exchanged for the Cloud-Striding Palm. Su Yuan learns its first layer with exceptional speed and later advances it to Vein Splitting. 77 100
• Horse Spear Technique: A weapon technique at Great Success by Chapter 62. 62
• Leisurely Cloud Crane Hand: A Crane-style hand technique Su Yuan seeks from He Liu; he receives its continuation after Ji City's recovery. 80 113
• Dark-Piercing, Sight-Illuminating Eyes: A sensory technique taught by Hu Jiu, accompanied by cultivation medicine. It supplements Su Yuan's heightened observation and concealment work. 85
• Armor Stripping: A technique or application through which Su Yuan removes or steals objects from an opponent in combat; he uses it to seize Shan Ling's jade box. 94
• Force Conversion: By the aftermath of Ji City's liberation, Su Yuan can convert his force into Cloud-Striding Strength, allowing him to disguise the Liang origins of his cultivation. 112

Traits

Traits are special enhancements granted upon perfecting any skill, as per Su Yuan's Fate: "Persistence leads to success; when any skill reaches perfection, it can advance to the next level and receive a heaven-sent trait" 1. They grant permanent, passive bonuses that often compensate for his low-grade bone structure.

• Slippery Escape: "Powerful strides, swift evasion. Leg muscles and bones are strengthened; speed is increased when fleeing at full tilt, footsteps are silent, and endurance is long-lasting" 1.
  • Applications: Escaping dangerous situations and chasing opponents.
• Engraved in the Bones: Grants perception of skeletal structure and essence, exceptional memory, and enhanced finger flexibility. 2
  • Applications: Improves carving, observation, and finger-based martial techniques.
• Split in Two: Obtained from splitting wood perfectly. 4
  • Applications: Enhances cutting and splitting power.
• Skillful Ease: Improves upper-limb control, makes learning less strenuous, and increases skill accumulation speed by fifty percent. 8
  • Applications: Accelerates skill grinding and martial cultivation.
• Ox-Subduing Stability: Obtained from subduing a black ox during the Martial Assessment. 12
  • Applications: Grants exceptional stability and force against large targets.
• Smoothing Edges: Obtained from refining Yun Xu's turbulent energy channels. 20
  • Applications: Harmonizes blood energy, improves cultivation, and enables Su Yuan to improve others' constitution and bottlenecks through massage and meridian work. 31
• Ink-Dyed Floating Life: Acquired from a painting or calligraphy-related skill. 38
  • Applications: Enhances artistic and ink-related manipulation.
• Scent-Based Breath Tracking: Acquired from perfecting Scent Discrimination. 30 31
  • Applications: Lets Su Yuan track targets and identify pursuers through scent. 77
• Shadow Concealment: Allows Su Yuan to restrain and adjust his aura, merge into shadows, move quickly, and weaken his presence. 34
  • Applications: Supports infiltration, ambushes, and the Green Ghost identity.
• Hidden Edge in Writing: An entry obtained through literacy advancement. 38
  • Applications: Enhances reading, writing, and interpretation.
• Origin-Returning Finger Condensation: Obtained after continued Origin-Returning Finger practice. 43
  • Applications: Greatly enhances his control of penetrating finger force and allows him to treat severe meridian injuries, including Yun Yan's. 46
• Lip-Teeth Interdependence: A trait that produces resonance and cultivation feedback when Su Yuan practices in close contact with Yun Xu. 62
  • Applications: Accelerates their cultivation, improves force activation, and can combine with Shadow Concealment to suppress both of their auras. 62
• Crane Imitation Form: Acquired after reaching Internal Force in three martial arts. 81
  • Applications: Strengthens Su Yuan's imitation and adaptation of crane-like martial principles.
• Life Stealing: Allows Su Yuan to steal vitality from living beings. 93
  • Applications: Supports his meridian-opening methods and enables faster vitality theft when the target does not resist. 99
• Taming: An ability Su Yuan attempts to use to impose obedience and later applies successfully to demonic beasts and Shan Ling after breaking his will. 97 107
  • Applications: Enables control over demonic beasts and the subjugation of weakened or broken-willed targets. 107

Power Progression

Realm	Technique/Skill	Chapter Achieved	Description
Blood Condensation — First Blood (Martial Artist)	Flying Horse Leg (Breakthrough)	Ch. 25	Su Yuan successfully breaks through to become a martial artist on his first attempt, using the Flying Horse Leg technique. He then challenges and defeats Meng Qi in three moves, establishing himself as the third martial artist of their batch. 25
Blood Condensation — Second Blood	Golden Horse-Head Technique (Second Layer)	Ch. 21	Progress shown: Golden Horse-Head Technique reaches 197/1000 (Second Layer). This layer refines blood‑qi and strengthens the body. 21
Blood Condensation — Third Blood (Savage Strength)	Golden Horse-Head Technique (Third Layer) / Break Strength Pill	Ch. 37	Su Yuan consumes a Break Strength Pill, causing his blood essence to boil and pushing the Golden Horse-Head Technique to 1/2000 (Third Layer). He attains the Savage Strength realm, where power can be released at will to injure enemies. 37
Savage Strength — Mid-stage	Fusion of Cloud-Striding, Flying Star, and Vajra Strength	Ch. 48	Su Yuan refines a method of using Cloud-Striding Strength as the leading force while fusing his Flying Star and Vajra Strength. He reaches mid-stage Savage Strength and gains the foundation for his later three-force fusion combat style. 48
External Force — Late Stage	Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist	Ch. 62	The Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist reaches 1321/2000 in its Third Layer. Su Yuan is approaching the Vein Splitting breakthrough while his force fusion becomes increasingly stable. 62
Vein Splitting (Martial Master)	Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist	Ch. 66	Su Yuan breaks through to the Vein Splitting realm, becoming a Martial Master. He immediately hides part of his Internal Force to avoid exposing his abnormal rate of advancement. 66
Vein Splitting (Martial Master)	Three Horse Division Techniques	Ch. 100	Su Yuan advances the Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg to Vein Splitting, meaning his Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist, Flying Horse-derived leg arts, and Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg have all reached Vein Splitting. 100
Internal Force — Second Level	Multiple techniques	Ch. 87	Su Yuan reaches the second level of Internal Force after nearly a month of intensive training, though he continues cultivating multiple arts at once to strengthen himself rapidly. 87
— (technique)	Origin-Returning Finger (Minor Achievement)	Ch. 14	Su Yuan learns the Origin-Returning Finger technique at the Chai Family Martial Academy and reaches Minor Achievement (201/500). This finger technique focuses on striking vital points. 14
— (technique)	Origin-Returning Finger (Major Accomplishment)	Ch. 21	After continued practice, Origin-Returning Finger advances to 102/1000 (Major Accomplishment), significantly enhancing his precision and power. 21
— (technique)	Origin-Returning Finger (Consummation)	Ch. 41	Origin-Returning Finger reaches 1855/2000 (Consummation), nearing perfection. 41
— (technique)	Flying Horse Leg (Major Accomplishment)	Ch. 21	Flying Horse Leg progresses to 6/1000 (Major Accomplishment), improving its speed and destructive force. 21
— (technique)	Flying Horse Leg (Consummation)	Ch. 62	Flying Horse Leg reaches 1233/2000 at Consummation. 62
— (technique)	Cloud-Veiling Art (Learned)	Ch. 20	Yun Xu agrees to teach Su Yuan the Cloud-Veiling Art, a technique that can disguise blood energy and conceal one's aura. 20
— (technique)	Cloud-Covering Art (Perfected)	Ch. 50	Su Yuan perfects the Cloud-Covering Art, unlocking a powerful concealment-related trait and improving his ability to hide strength fluctuations. 50
— (technique)	Abyssal Sea Technique (First Layer)	Ch. 29	Su Yuan learns the Abyssal Sea Technique (1/500 First Layer), which is divided into five layers corresponding to five mansions. When perfected, blood energy can increase nearly threefold. 29
— (technique)	Abyssal Sea Technique (Second Layer)	Ch. 62	The Abyssal Sea Technique reaches 135/1000 in its Second Layer, increasing Su Yuan's foundation and blood-energy reserves. 62
— (technique)	Golden Vajra Horse-Head Strength (Cultivated)	Ch. 38	Su Yuan successfully cultivates the Golden Vajra Horse-Head Strength, a powerful technique that can shatter solid objects. It serves as the foundation for his Vajra Strength. 38
— (technique)	Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist (Third Layer – Savage Strength stage)	Ch. 41	Su Yuan’s Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist reaches the Savage Strength stage (13/2000, Third Layer). He merges Vajra Strength with Flying Star Strength, which complement each other for explosive lethality. 41
— (technique)	Cloud-Striding Palm (First Layer)	Ch. 41	Su Yuan begins practicing the Cloud-Striding Palm, reaching 342/500 (First Layer). This palm technique is part of his expanding martial arts repertoire. 41
— (technique)	Cloud-Striding Palm (Second Layer)	Ch. 46	After Yun Xu teaches him its advanced stages, Su Yuan begins the Second Layer of Cloud-Striding Palm at 1/1000. 46
— (technique)	Cloud-Striding Palm (Fourth Layer)	Ch. 100	Su Yuan's Cloud-Striding Palm advances to 415/2800 in its Fourth Layer, allowing deeper integration with his other forces. 100
— (technique)	Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg (Learned)	Ch. 77	Su Yuan obtains the Rong Family's leg technique through an exchange and masters its first level with extraordinary speed. 77
— (technique)	Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg (Vein Splitting)	Ch. 100	Su Yuan advances the Soaring Horse Wind-Chasing Leg to Vein Splitting, completing his advancement of three Horse Division arts to that realm. 100
— (trait)	Origin-Returning Finger Condensation	Ch. 43	After practicing the Origin-Returning Finger, Su Yuan obtains the trait 'Origin-Returning Finger Condensation', further enhancing his control and power with the technique. 43
— (trait)	Lip-Teeth Interdependence	Ch. 62	Su Yuan gains a resonance trait through training with Yun Xu; their close-contact practice feeds back into his internal energy and improves force activation. 62
— (trait)	Crane Imitation Form	Ch. 81	After bringing three martial arts to Internal Force, Su Yuan acquires the Crane Imitation Form trait. 81
— (trait)	Life Stealing	Ch. 93	Su Yuan gains Life Stealing, which enables the theft of vitality from living beings. 93

Relationships

Gao Mian

Gao Mian is Su Yuan’s most steadfast early ally and emotional anchor in Ji City. Their bond begins when she expresses interest in his potential 11 and deepens after she adopts him as her sworn younger brother, elevating his status within the Shan Estate 20. Gao Mian’s care is practical and affectionate: she massages his fingers to improve his technique, teaches him about internal energy, gifts him a sachet for protection, and later gives him the Ink Plum Lock. 20 29 86

Su Yuan’s massage techniques help loosen Gao Mian's cultivation bottleneck and improve her bone structure, making her increasingly reliant on him. 31 Their relationship becomes physically intimate after Su Yuan rescues her from the Shan Family, and Gao Mian eventually realizes that he may be a Great Jing spy. Despite her suspicions and affection, the two acknowledge that their national identities and future paths differ. Gao Mian ultimately enters Changlin City alone while Su Yuan prepares to return to Great Jing and join the Cloud Mist Sect. 86 87

• Gao Mian adopts Su Yuan as her sworn younger brother after he reveals the Shan Family ambush, raising his standing. 19 20
• She defends Su Yuan from Shan Xiongqing’s contempt, insisting that selling him was a mistake and valuing his talent. 13 21
• She protects the orphaned children after Han Gui's raid on Su Yuan's residence. 31
• Su Yuan rescues her from Shan Family imprisonment and temporarily shelters her through the Treasure Horse Chamber of Commerce. 68 70
• Gao Mian gives Su Yuan the Ink Plum Lock after learning that he has become a Martial Master and suspecting his Great Jing allegiance. 86
• Their parting at Changlin City reflects their conflicting loyalties: Gao Mian prioritizes her Gao Family and Great Liang, while Su Yuan chooses Great Jing and the Cloud Mist Sect. 87

Yun Xu

Yun Xu is Su Yuan’s contact within Great Jing’s underground network, martial instructor, senior sister, cultivation partner, and eventual romantic partner. Initially a Shan Family captive, she engages with Su Yuan through sculpting and lip-reading and coerces him into retrieving a hidden black box. 2 Their relationship develops from mutual distrust into operational cooperation, with Yun Xu teaching him the Cloud-Veiling Art and directing him to serve Great Jing's cause. 20

After Su Yuan saves Yun Yan and demonstrates his superiority over Ji Haoyang and Zhou Xing, Yun Xu formally accepts him into the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall. She teaches him the advanced Cloud-Striding Palm, works to restore his reputation among the remaining disciples, and increasingly relies on his meridian treatment and cultivation resonance. 46 62 Their relationship becomes openly romantic after Yun Xu confesses her feelings and kisses him at Hidden Cloud Stronghold. 80

• Su Yuan paints her portrait as a pretext for private conversations, and she teaches him the Cloud-Veiling Art. 20
• Yun Xu initially expresses disappointment when Su Yuan fails to complete a mission promptly. 20
• She defends Su Yuan against Ji Haoyang’s accusations and argues that he remains vital as an undercover asset. 37 46
• She formally accepts Su Yuan as a fellow disciple of the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall. 46
• Su Yuan saves Yun Yan's life with Origin-Returning Finger Condensation, earning deeper trust from Yun Xu and her father. 46
• Su Yuan and Yun Xu cultivate together through Lip-Teeth Interdependence; his help contributes to her Internal Force breakthrough. 62 66
• Yun Xu confesses her feelings, kisses Su Yuan, and becomes jealous of Gao Mian. 80 100
• After Ji City's recovery, Su Yuan publicly recognizes Yun Xu as an equal contributor to Green Ghost and Ji City's liberation. 112

Tie Niu

Tie Niu is Su Yuan’s childhood brother and closest confidant. Their bond is one of mutual loyalty and protection. Tie Niu’s top-grade bone structure allows him to become a martial artist quickly, and he worries about Su Yuan's safety, offering protection during the martial assessment melee. 11 Su Yuan, in turn, encourages Tie Niu’s growth, even when Tie Niu gains popularity and Su Yuan feels left behind. 16

Tie Niu remains loyal through Su Yuan’s conflict with the Shan and Chai families, supports him at the Wolf God Festival, and later becomes one of the talented disciples intended for the Cloud Mist Sect alongside Su Yuan and Ji Haoyang. 35 114

• Tie Niu was a street orphan whom Su Yuan persuaded his family to take in during childhood. 5
• Su Yuan gives Tie Niu a Blood Origin Pill and later helps him in the hunting competition. 18 35
• Tie Niu grows taller through martial cultivation, reaching over 1.9 meters shortly after entering the Chai Family academy. 13
• He publicly supports Su Yuan against Shan Xiongqing during the Wolf God Festival. 35
• Su Yuan treats Tie Niu's injuries after the battle for Ji City. 107
• Tie Niu is among the outstanding Cloud-Striding disciples expected to enter the Cloud Mist Sect. 114

Chai Nian

Chai Nian is Su Yuan’s patron and master, but their relationship is transactional and laced with calculation. Chai Nian initially views Su Yuan disdainfully due to his low-grade bone structure, only taking him into the Chai Family Martial Academy as a pawn to provoke Shan Xiongqing. 12 13 He uses Su Yuan to test the Blood Bone Pill and orders him to join the Fierce Horse Army. 39

Despite this, Chai Nian recognizes Su Yuan’s growth and increasingly supports him after his championship victories. He permits Su Yuan to study the third level of the Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist and defends him after Su Yuan overwhelms rival family disciples in the tournament. 48 57 Su Yuan ultimately outgrows the Chai Family's control and prepares to leave its orbit, having obtained much of the martial knowledge he needed. 57

• Chai Nian takes Su Yuan into the Chai Family as a bargaining chip against Shan Xiongqing. 12 13
• He offers Su Yuan a marriage contract with Chai Yuanyuan, which Su Yuan declines. 37
• He publicly supports Su Yuan after the Wolf God Festival and promises further cultivation resources. 36
• He permits Su Yuan access to the third level of Heavenly Horse Flying Star Fist after Su Yuan reaches Savage Strength. 48
• He is shocked but ultimately supportive after Su Yuan's dominance in the martial arts tournament. 57

Shan Xiongqing

Shan Xiongqing is Su Yuan’s primary antagonist within the Liang power structure. From the start, he treats Su Yuan as a disposable servant, selling him to the Chai Family without a second thought. 12 13 He harbors a deep grudge after Su Yuan exposes the Shan Family’s treachery and disrupts his plans during the Wolf God Festival. 35

Their conflict expands from political hostility to open confrontation. Shan Xiongqing repeatedly seeks stronger Shan Family martial artists to challenge or kill Su Yuan, including Shan Feng and Shan Lie. Su Yuan eventually rescues Gao Mian from Shan Family imprisonment, conducts raids against the family, and becomes one of the greatest threats to its authority in Ji City. 42 50 56 68

• Shan Xiongqing orders Su Yuan's assassination after receiving Han Gui's report. 15
• He insults Su Yuan at the championship banquet, causing a scene that embarrasses his family. 36
• He imprisons Gao Mian after she becomes politically isolated in Ji City. 37
• He seeks Shan Lie's aid after Su Yuan reaches Savage Strength, but Shan Lie instead proposes Shan Feng as a challenger. 50
• Shan Feng dies at Su Yuan's hands during the martial arts tournament. 56

Other Key Relationships

• Yun Yan: Yun Xu's father and a Cloud-Striding Martial Hall elder. Su Yuan saves his life by treating his severe injuries, earning his gratitude and strengthening his standing within the hall. 43 46
• Ji Haoyang and Zhou Xing: Initially distrustful Cloud-Striding disciples. Su Yuan defeats each with a single blow, after which they accept his value and status as their Second Senior Brother. 46
• Rong Yuzhi: A flirtatious Rong Family woman who is attracted to Su Yuan and repeatedly tries to manipulate or tame him. Su Yuan later uses fragrant medicine to control her during the convoy conflict. 76 77 88
• Rong Yulian: Rong Yuzhi's more composed half-sister. She mediates Su Yuan's technique exchange with the Rong Family and is wary of the tensions surrounding him. 76 80
• Rong Zheng: A Vein Splitting Rong Family seed and admirer of Rong Yuzhi. He hates Su Yuan after losing to him in the tournament; Su Yuan later kills him while acting as Green Ghost. 81 88
• Jiang Sui: A Jiguang Society leader and Cloud Mist Sect disciple. He respects Su Yuan's contribution to Ji City's liberation but seeks explanations for his extraordinary powers and attempts to recruit him to Purple Cloud Academy. 94 112
• Yuan Siyue: A Jiguang Society elder whom Su Yuan helps break through to late-stage Internal Force. Before dying after the decisive battle, Yuan Siyue entrusts his daughter Yuan Yuxin to Su Yuan. 99 107
• Yuan Yuxin: Yuan Siyue's daughter, initially infatuated with Green Ghost before learning that he is Su Yuan. 63 98
• He Liu: A Jiguang Society elder who offers Su Yuan the continuation of the Leisurely Cloud Crane Hand after Ji City's recovery. 113
• Hu Jiu and Lin Ben: Jing bandits who initially suspect Green Ghost but become allies after Su Yuan retrieves his belongings and helps their camp. Hu Jiu gives him the Dark-Piercing, Sight-Illuminating Eyes technique. 85
• Wei Yan: Ji City's Liang City Lord. He recognizes Su Yuan's potential early on but ultimately becomes part of the defeated Liang power structure during Ji City's recovery. 36 107

Trivia

• Su Yuan, originally from a family of timber merchants in Yan Province, Great Jing, lived a life of luxury until internal strife and the invasion of Great Liang forced his family to flee. After years of displacement, he ended up in Ji City, where he took up his ancestral craft of wood carving to make a living. 1
• Su Yuan's nickname among his peers is "Lecherous Carver" due to rumors, which he finds unfair as he has never provoked anyone. 14
• Su Yuan's craftsmanship is highly regarded; he created modular wooden building blocks inspired by Great Liang's Horse Division totem. 6
• Su Yuan's shop gained a bad reputation due to his Yun Xu statues, leading him to decide to clear his name at the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall. 9
• Su Yuan once broke Wang Er's finger during a confrontation. 8
• Su Yuan's movement techniques were described as elusive and bizarre during the Wolf God Ritual hunt, leading to the acquisition of Shadow Concealment. 34
• Su Yuan successfully broke through to become a martial artist on his first attempt, using the Flying Horse Leg technique. 25
• Su Yuan defeated Meng Qi in three moves, establishing his ranking as the third martial artist in his batch. 25
• Su Yuan designed a rocking chair specifically for Gao Mian, tailored to her physique. 26
• Su Yuan used flying leaves to send messages from a distance to the Cloud-Striding Martial Hall members. 23
• Su Yuan was once mistaken for the one who administered torture to captured disciples; he clarified that he merely kept records while Du Hengfeng was the torturer. 29
• Su Yuan never initially approached Cloud-Striding Martial Hall members in his true form, fearing his identity would be leaked to the Liang. 23
• Su Yuan's palm technique was recognized as the Cloud-Striding Palm by Wei Han. 42
• The Green Ghost disguise initially leads observers to believe Su Yuan is a nearly two-meter-tall, hulking martial artist wearing a ghost-face mask. 44
• Su Yuan's three-force fusion combines Flying Star Strength, Vajra Strength, and Cloud-Striding Strength, with the resulting force capable of changing repeatedly after impact. 56
• Su Yuan's cultivation was so abnormal that Yun Xu speculated he might possess a mutated Heavenly Spirit Root. 62
• Su Yuan obtained the Dark-Piercing, Sight-Illuminating Eyes technique and cultivation medicine from Hu Jiu. 85
• Gao Mian gave Su Yuan the Ink Plum Lock, a black-jade plum pendant that detoxifies, clears the mind, stabilizes blood and qi, and improves poison resistance over time. 86 91
• Su Yuan becomes publicly known as Green Ghost after Ji City's liberation, while residents also call him Ghost Venerable. 112
• Su Yuan publicly states that Yun Xu is not merely Green Ghost's wife but an equal part of Green Ghost and a central contributor to Ji City's recovery. 112
• Great Liang places a bounty of one hundred thousand taels of silver on Su Yuan after news of Ji City's recovery reaches Liang territory. 114