Chen Han

Biodata

Feature	Detail
Name	Chen Han
Aliases	Chen Yan; Black-Faced Star of Calamity 88 114 115
Gender	Male
Family	Wife Shen Wan'er; sister Shen Yue; late father-in-law Shen Wuren 100 140
Affiliation	Formerly Chen Family – Qiuyu Branch; currently operates independently 36 96
Cultivation Level	First-layer Qi Refinement-equivalent cultivator; Body Refining cultivator 95 148
Martial Techniques	Thunderbolt Extreme; Taiji Health Cultivation Technique / Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique; Mountain Breaking Fist; Two Yang Finger; poison needles 95 101 108 128
Current Occupation	Hunter identity in the Imperial Capital; underground martial artist and cultivator 96 114
Primary Goal	Become strong enough to protect and settle his family, reclaim leadership of the Chen Family, and eventually enter the cultivation world 107 139 140
Notable Associates	Chen Lei; Chen Qiuyu; Li Gao; Zhuge Rushuang; Ding Fan; Li Muyun; Old Steward 30 96 121 127 140
Personality Traits	Reserved, cautious, ruthless toward enemies, self-reliant, calculating, and fiercely determined to gain strength 91 96 105 148
Current Location	Imperial Capital and its surrounding mountains 127 145

Background

Chen Han was a member of the Chen family, a prominent martial arts clan, though he lacked the standing to command respect among its senior members. He had previously rendered a significant service to Chen Qiuyu, a talented and arrogant young woman of the family—reportedly saving her life on an earlier occasion—yet this debt went unacknowledged 2. Seeking to secure continued access to the family’s martial arts cultivation resources, Chen Han attended a gathering hosted by Chen Qiuyu, bringing an expensive gift chosen to suit her preferences. During the event, Chen Qiuyu pointedly ignored him, refused to accept his gift, and ordered the attendants not to pour tea for him—a deliberate public snub that left Chen Han humiliated. He left the private room in anger, and within days, he was stripped of his access to the family’s cultivation resources 2.

Soon after, Chen Han was forced to leave the Chen family. The family arranged a "matrilocal marriage" for him, making him a live-in son-in-law, a position that was a blow to his pride but offered a pragmatic escape. As part of the arrangement, the family provided a betrothal gift of two taels of silver, and Chen Han’s friend Chen Lei secretly added another five taels in apology for the humiliating incident 2. The bride was a year younger than Chen Han, described as delicate and pretty, with watery eyes, from a humble background. The wedding ceremony was kept simple, with only a small number of attendees from the groom’s side—a steward and a few others—to maintain appearances 2. Thus, Chen Han entered the Shen household as a live-in son-in-law.

His new family consisted of his father-in-law, Shen Wuren, who had once practiced martial arts and served as a chief guard for a prominent household; his mother-in-law, who worked as a cook at a restaurant; and his younger sister-in-law, Shen Yue, who was still in school. The household was neither wealthy nor destitute, but it was vulnerable to the predations of local gangs. Chen Han understood that his position was precarious: he had been abandoned by his own clan and was not held in high regard by anyone 5. Nevertheless, he accepted the marriage and moved into the small courtyard, apparently destined for an obscure life.

To support himself and his new family, Chen Han found employment managing account books—essentially working as an accountant. He negotiated with his employer to accept lower pay in exchange for more free time, which he used to practice the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique, a martial art that did not require the full resources of a clan 2. This job allowed him a degree of independence and time to pursue his cultivation, even as he remained outwardly a crippled and powerless live-in son-in-law. The sting of Chen Qiuyu’s humiliation did not fade; Chen Han harbored a deep grudge, viewing her as ungrateful and treacherous—"a face like a peach blossom, a heart like a scorpion" 11.

Chen Han is a transmigrator from another world. Upon awakening in his crippled body, he possessed a transparent proficiency panel visible only to himself. The panel’s principle—“Heaven rewards the diligent; there will surely be success”—ensures that practice produces progress and prevents cultivation bottlenecks from permanently halting him 1. This ability enabled him to restore and strengthen his body through a technique dismissed by others as a mere health exercise, beginning his rise from a discarded son-in-law to a martial artist and cultivator.

After escaping Eagle Falcon Mountain and surviving the pursuit of Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue, Chen Han entered the Imperial Capital under the alias of a scarred hunter. His severe burns and deliberately humble appearance allowed him to conceal himself from cultivators and the authorities while gathering resources, searching for high-grade martial arts, and developing a new public identity as the Black-Faced Star of Calamity 96 114. Although he generally avoids attachments as potential weaknesses, he remains indebted to the Shen family and the Old Steward, and intends to settle his family before departing alone for the cultivation world 129 140.

Personality

• Indifferent and Self-Interested: Chen Han usually prioritizes his own survival and advancement above outside affairs. When he saves the Chen Family from annihilation, he expresses no intention to rescue the clan as a whole, only wanting to take Shen Yue with him 55. He is dismissive of Zhuge Rushuang’s questions during their first encounter and ignores romantic advances from Chen Huaiyu, showing little interest in relationships that do not serve his ambitions 30 105.

• Strategic and Cunning: He uses deception and careful planning to achieve his objectives. He infiltrates the Imperial Palace with Ding Fan’s token 105, disguises himself as a hunter to evade cultivators 96, and cultivates the Black-Faced Star of Calamity identity to separate himself from the wanted Chen Yan 114. He also lays traps for Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue after secretly advancing his cultivation 148.

• Ruthless and Fearless: Chen Han kills without hesitation when threatened or betrayed. He murders Liu Xianxian after discovering that she concealed the Qi-Refining Technique 91, massacres twenty-four Black Mountain Gang members after being captured 52, and kills Wang Yue and Zhang Hao after they try to poison him 111. He later tracks down and kills the Zhao Family elder who collaborated with the Black Mountain Gang to destroy the Chen Family 121.

• Calm and Collected: He remains unfazed under provocation and generally refuses to spend effort on conflicts that do not benefit him. When six young clan members harass him, he remains composed and declines to indulge them 36. Even while dealing with the Imperial City’s gangs, the Nine Dragons Gang, and the Divine Catchers, he maintains an outwardly calm and controlled demeanor 112 115.

• Determined and Resilient: Chen Han relentlessly pursues strength through extreme danger. He rebuilt his crippled body, endured severe burns while escaping Lu Tianren’s fire, and later entered a lightning-filled pool after drawing sixteen bolts of heavenly lightning into it 24 93 127. He regards life itself as a high-stakes gamble and considers Thunderbolt Extreme a technique uniquely suited to him 107.

• Self-Reliant and Distrustful: He distrusts offers of protection, mentorship, and alliance, preferring to rely on himself. He rejects Old Man He’s proposal to take him as a disciple because he recognizes the ulterior motive behind it 77. He never trusted Liu Xianxian and refuses to be manipulated by Chen Canghai’s appeals to kinship 86 91.

• Confident and Assertive: He openly challenges established authorities once he possesses sufficient power. He negotiates with Chen Qiuyu for half a jin of exotic beast meat every month 31, demands the Emperor’s assistance in finding Chen Yan 107, and forces the Nine Dragons Gang’s Hundred Treasures Hall to surrender its lightning-struck materials 113 114.

• Capable of Gratitude: Though emotionally restrained, Chen Han remembers genuine kindness. He recognizes the Old Steward, Shen Wuren, Shen Wan'er, and Shen Yue as people to whom he owes an enduring debt 129 140. He also leaves Li Gao twenty taels of silver in repayment for teaching him how to survive as a hunter in the Imperial Capital 127.

Power Progression

Stage	Description
Bone and Sinew Reshaped (Minor Achievement)	After three months of dedicated practice, Chen Han reached the Minor Achievement level of the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique, experiencing a significant physical improvement. This initial breakthrough reshaped his bones and sinews, laying the foundation for further martial progress. 3
Transformation Realm	Chen Han broke through to the Transformation Realm, demonstrating his prowess by defeating twelve Mingjin Martial Artists and bending an iron stake with a single punch. This stage elevated his physical strength and marked his return as a formidable martial artist within the Chen Family. The breakthrough occurred shortly before his confrontation with Chen Qiuyu and was later reaffirmed during a patrol assignment. 26 31 36
Martialist	Chen Han mastered the Mountain Breaking Fist after relentless training, becoming a Martialist. He demonstrated the power of this stage by shattering a massive tree with a single punch, signifying a major leap in combat capability. 71
Steel Sinew Iron Bone (Great Accomplishment)	Chen Han cultivated the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique to perfection, reaching the Steel Sinew Iron Bone stage. This great accomplishment granted him dramatic physical strength, enabling him to confidently face Martialists and Martial Masters. The breakthrough occurred while he was exploring a swampy area and enhancing his gu insects. 83
Qi-Refining Technique Comprehension	After killing Liu Xianxian, Chen Han obtained the next volume of the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique, renamed the Qi-Refining Technique. He decided to attempt its comprehension while surrounded by powerful enemies, choosing self-reliance over submission. This was not a breakthrough in realm but a crucial step toward understanding cultivation. 91
Body Refinement Cultivator (Martial Venerable-equivalent)	Using forty spirit stones and the Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique, Chen Han drew spiritual energy into his body and harmonized it over four days, becoming a Body Refining cultivator. This leap bypassed the Martial Master realm, elevating him beyond ordinary mortals and granting heightened senses, spiritual energy, and increased potential. 95 118
Skin Refining (Mingjin-equivalent)	Chen Han began practicing the Thunderbolt Extreme martial art in an electric pool. Within two hours, he broke through to the Skin Refining stage, equivalent to the Mingjin realm. After a full day of training, he reached the Minor Success stage of Thunderbolt Extreme, significantly increasing his speed. He required higher voltage to progress further. 108
Thunderbolt Extreme Great Accomplishment	After preparing a lightning-attracting pool and drawing sixteen bolts of heavenly lightning into it during a two-day storm, Chen Han cultivated Thunderbolt Extreme to Great Accomplishment. The advancement greatly increased his combat power and speed, allowing him to treat Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue as imminent targets rather than untouchable threats. 127 128
First-Layer Qi Refinement-equivalent	Chen Han secretly cultivated to a level equivalent to the first layer of Qi Refinement in less than four months. This advancement strengthened his spiritual energy and placed him firmly among cultivators, while preserving his exceptional body-refinement combat strength. 145 148

Abilities and Techniques

Taiji Health Cultivation Technique

The Taiji Health Cultivation Technique is the foundational cultivation method Chen Han relies on after being crippled. Originally dismissed by the Chen Family elders as a mere health exercise, it proves to be a peerless martial art capable of fundamentally reshaping the practitioner’s sinews, bones, and overall physique. By practicing the technique’s slow, flowing movements, Chen Han gradually repairs his broken bones and torn tendons, and eventually achieves a state of “Steel Sinew Iron Bone” — a level of bodily reinforcement normally only attained at the peak of the Martial Artist stage through harsh external tempering 1 46. The technique channels the potent qi, blood, and yang energy from substances like exotic beast meat into the body, transforming them into sustainable strength and resilience 9. As proficiency increases, Chen Han's physical control becomes extraordinary, granting him attributes such as greatly enhanced punching force, the ability to lift boulders weighing nearly nine hundred jin, and unprecedented speed and agility 17 46 86. The method also provides remarkable recuperative capabilities, allowing him to recover from crippling injuries and maintain peak condition 3.

• Applications:
  • Heals broken bones, reshapes tendons, and restores a crippled body to full function 1.
  • Grants “Steel Sinew Iron Bone” — bones likened to those of a beast and extreme physical toughness — enabling Chen Han to trade blows with Martial Masters a full realm above him 46 86.
  • Enhances punching force from 150 jin to over 400 jin, and later to 1,000 catties 17 48.
  • Allows extraordinary physical control, including the ability to restrain bodily functions for extended periods 33.
  • Forms the basis for the successor cultivation art, the Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique 91 95.
• Limitations:
  • Progress is inherently slow; Chen Han relies on a proficiency panel to incrementally increase skill points, and even then, gains are meager over hours of practice 69.
  • Requires a constant supply of high-quality nutrition, such as exotic beast meat or demon beast meat, to fuel reshaping and advancement 1 9 145.
  • The technique is considered practically useless to ordinary martial artists because of its slow pace and demanding resource requirements; only Chen Han's proficiency panel enables effective cultivation 17.

Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique

The Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique is the cultivation method Chen Han acquires as the continuation of the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique. It replaces the Taiji technique on his proficiency panel once he begins sensing and absorbing spiritual energy from spirit stones 95. By using forty spirit stones and cultivating for four days, Chen Han successfully draws qi into his body and becomes a Body Refining cultivator 95.

The technique grants him spiritual energy and heightened perception, allowing him to use magical artifacts and progress beyond the limits of secular martial arts. Its Entry stage continues to improve the quality of his mana, with Chen Han expecting a major increase in artifact usability upon reaching Entry perfection 95 128.

• Applications:
  • Enables the sensing, absorption, and harmonization of spiritual energy from spirit stones 95.
  • Raises Chen Han from a mortal martial artist to a Body Refining cultivator 95 118.
  • Improves the quality of his mana and supports the use of magical artifacts 103 128.
  • Allows Chen Han to cultivate toward Qi Refinement with the assistance of demon beast spiritual energy 145 148.
• Limitations:
  • Requires spirit stones, demon beast meat, or other spiritual-energy resources for efficient advancement 95 145.
  • Chen Han’s spiritual cultivation remains comparatively early, and he remains wary of more established cultivators such as Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue 118 128.

Mountain Breaking Fist

The Mountain Breaking Fist is a third-rate martial art that serves as Chen Han's primary combat technique for much of his early journey. It operates on a gate system: Entry corresponds to Ming Jin (bright force), Minor Mastery to An Jin (dark force), and Proficient to Hua Jin (transforming force). Chen Han's mastery of the second gate, Dark Force, allows him to deliver a single, devastating punch that transfers internal energy through the striking surface, bypassing superficial defenses 6 27. The art emphasizes heavy, powerful moves rooted in a stable horse stance, and its offensive rhythm shifts between strong and weak strikes, blocks, and dodges 18. When used with Chen Han's superhuman physique, the Mountain Breaking Fist becomes so formidable that even other Dark Force martial artists feel powerless against it 31.

During his battle with former Chen Family patriarch Chen Canghai, Chen Han used the latter’s superior understanding as a means of comprehending the art’s Ultimate Intent. The exchange pushed Mountain Breaking Fist to Great Success and allowed Chen Han to rapidly improve through live combat 85 86 87.

• Applications:
  • Defeats opponents of higher apparent strength — Chen Han uses a Dark Force punch to kill the Black Mountain Gang's Master Bear, a much stronger martial artist 6.
  • With Steel Sinew Iron Bone reinforcement, Chen Han can fight evenly against full Martial Masters using this art 86.
  • Its entire set of techniques can be taught to disciples, such as Li Mubai, who learns the form in a single day 18.
  • Its Ultimate Intent can be honed through combat against a Martial Master-level practitioner 85 86.
• Limitations:
  • The art is only third-rate; it can carry a practitioner at most to the level of a Martialist; to become a Martial Master or higher, a different technique is necessary 96.
  • Using Dark Force causes severe backlash — Chen Han's arm is badly injured after his first successful use 6.
  • The moves are exhausting; Chen Han notes that his stamina and qi blood are insufficient for extended practice until his physique is fully reshaped 18.

Thunderbolt Extreme

Thunderbolt Extreme is a high-grade martial art that Chen Han begins cultivating after reaching the Body Refining stage. The technique harnesses electrical energy to refine the body. Chen Han practices it by immersing himself in an electric pool, allowing lightning to flow through his meridians and skin. In just two hours he breaks through to the Skin Refining stage, equivalent to Ming Jin, and after a full day he attains Minor Success, which dramatically increases his speed 108.

Chen Han later prepares a lightning-attracting pool in the mountains and uses a two-day thunderstorm to draw sixteen bolts of heavenly lightning into it. Entering the charged pool allows him to bring Thunderbolt Extreme to Great Accomplishment, sharply elevating his speed and physical combat strength 127 128.

• Applications:
  • Rapid breakthrough: from zero to Skin Refining in two hours and Minor Success in one day 108.
  • At Minor Success and beyond, Chen Han’s movement speed is dramatically enhanced 108 115.
  • At Great Accomplishment, it substantially increases his overall combat ability and confidence against cultivators 128.
  • Lightning-struck objects and thunderstorm energy can be used as cultivation materials 113 114 127.
• Limitations:
  • Requires an external source of electricity — heavenly lightning or an artificial electric pool — to practice; without sufficient voltage, progress stalls 107 108.
  • The cultivation process is extremely dangerous; Chen Han risks being instantly charred by heavenly lightning while preparing and entering the pool 107 127.

Two Yang Finger

Two Yang Finger is a derivative technique of the Chen Family’s Mountain Breaking Fist. Chen Han uses it as a precise killing art, concentrating force into his fingers to strike and kill opponents who are beneath the true martial-artist threshold 15. Shen Yue recognizes the technique while observing Chen Han in his hunter disguise, helping confirm that the scarred hunter is her brother-in-law 101.

• Applications:
  • Provides a compact, precise method of killing or incapacitating weaker enemies 15.
  • Serves as a recognizable derivative of the Chen Family’s Mountain Breaking Fist 101.
• Limitations:
  • Its association with the Chen Family creates a potential risk of exposing Chen Han’s identity 101.

Life-Severing Butterflies

Chen Han raises a group of Life-Severing Butterflies, which he observes growing and spinning cocoons 71. He later demonstrates the ability to control them for practical purposes. After killing several Strange Frogs, he projects his will to command the butterflies to lay their eggs inside the frogs' blood sacs. This creates a biological weapon: the resulting blood miasma from the eggs can be used as a poisonous mist that deters even cultivators 83.

Chen Han also uses a swarm of the butterflies as an improvised shield against Lu Tianren’s Fireball Technique while escaping the collapse of Eagle Falcon Mountain 93.

• Applications:
  • Produces a toxic blood miasma that can ward off Martialists, Martial Masters, and even cultivators, creating a defensive perimeter 83.
  • The butterflies are responsive to Chen Han's will, allowing for precise deployment 83.
  • Can be sacrificed or deployed as a temporary screen against a cultivator’s fire spell 93.
• Limitations:
  • Requires killing specific creatures, such as Strange Frogs, and setting up the egg-laying process in advance 83.
  • The poisonous mist is not entirely safe for Chen Han; excessive movement within it may expose him to the miasma 84.
  • The butterflies themselves are not primarily direct-combat creatures; their utility is largely strategic and situational.

Wind-Cloud Boots and Magical Artifacts

Chen Han possesses magical artifacts acquired from the inheritance and from Fairy Su’s storage bag. The Wind-Cloud Boots are the first artifact he successfully activates, granting him a valuable mobility tool 103. As his Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique advances, he expects to unlock more of the artifacts in his possession 128.

• Applications:
  • Wind-Cloud Boots enhance Chen Han’s mobility and ability to flee or reposition 103.
  • Storage bags allow him to transport spirit stones, pills, talismans, manuals, and cultivation supplies 103 104.
  • Fireball Talismans and other inherited items broaden his options beyond purely physical combat 104.
• Limitations:
  • Effective use depends on Chen Han’s mana quality and cultivation level 128.
  • Magical artifacts expose him to the dangers and conflicts of the cultivation world 103 104.

Proficiency Panel

Not a technique in the traditional sense, but a unique ability that governs all of Chen Han's cultivation. The panel displays skill names and numeric proficiency values, such as Mountain Breaking Fist (Minor Achievement) 20/100 or Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique (Entry) 1/50 1 95. Every action that successfully practices a skill increases the counter, and the panel guarantees that effort always yields returns — skill points never regress, and martial arts cannot be practiced incorrectly 69 17.

• Applications:
  • Provides a clear, measurable path to mastery for any technique Chen Han practices 69.
  • Ensures that even slow, incremental progress accumulates reliably, making impossible-seeming arts viable 17.
  • Allows Chen Han to gain insight through battle, as seen when fighting Chen Canghai to improve Mountain Breaking Fist and comprehend Ultimate Intent 86.
  • Changes the displayed technique when Chen Han begins cultivating a successor method, reflecting his transition from Taiji Health Cultivation Technique to Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique 95.
• Limitations:
  • The panel does not provide resources; Chen Han must still obtain exotic beast meat, spirit stones, demon beast meat, electricity, and other necessary materials 9 107 145.
  • It does not eliminate the immediate physical danger of cultivation, battle, or being targeted by stronger enemies 93 127.

Relationships

• Chen Huaiyu: A beautiful and talented member of the Chen Family’s Huai branch. She attempts to approach Chen Han but is ignored, highlighting his disinterest in romantic entanglements 30. Later, she shows concern for Shen Yue’s well-being and shares knowledge about exotic beasts, indicating a growing bond with Chen Han’s sister 49. Her great-uncle Chen Huaiyan plans to use her to gain Chen Han’s trust for recruitment 30.

• Chen Huaiyan: Great-uncle of Chen Huaiyu and second-in-command of the Huai branch. He devises a strategy to recruit Chen Han by having his grand-niece approach him, revealing his ambition and strategic thinking 30.

• Chen Shanhe: A leading figure of the Shan branch and a First-Step Martial Artist. He attempts to recruit Chen Han with generous benefits before later betraying the Chen Family and cooperating with the Black Mountain Gang faction during the assault on the clan 30 55.

• Chen Lei: Chen Han’s former friend. In Chapter 2, he tries to help Chen Han attend a gathering hosted by Chen Qiuyu but fails, feeling guilty 2. Later, he asks Chen Han to join the Autumn Branch led by Chen Qiuyu, revealing that he is in serious trouble and needs Chen Han’s help 30. After the Black Mountain Gang slaughters their relatives, Chen Lei pledges loyalty to Blood Yin Child and becomes his disciple 56.

• Hou Chun: Former leader of the Black Mountain Gang in Black Lion City. He offers Chen Han fifty silver taels in exchange for his company but is refused, then threatens to sell Chen Han’s family members. Hou Chun becomes fixated on Chen Han’s appearance after the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique improves his looks 11. Chen Han later kills him after returning to the Chen Family 28.

• Old Steward: A benevolent elderly man who treats Chen Han like his own grandson. He helps Chen Han against the Black Mountain Gang by providing temporary deterrence 11 and warns him about strong opponents in the martial arts tournament, specifically Chen Huaizheng and Chen Shanzhen 35. Chen Han later sends him a disguised message asking him to protect Shen Yue and her family 49. Chen Han considers the Old Steward one of the people whose kindness he can never fully repay, and is deeply concerned about his later critical illness 129 142.

• Shen Yue: Chen Han’s younger sister by marriage. He is fiercely protective of her, comforting her when she is distressed and ensuring her safety 11 25. She reveals that Chen Qiuyu furnished the house and bought her new clothes 35. She breaks through to the Mingjin stage in martial arts, gaining confidence 49. When the Chen Family is attacked, Chen Han saves her and Chen Huaiyu, prioritizing her life over his other relatives 56. She initially does not recognize Chen Han under his hunter disguise, but identifies him through the Two Yang Finger technique 100 101. Lu Tianren later orders Ding Fan to target Shen Yue in an attempt to force Chen Han into the open, making her a central vulnerability in Chen Han’s plans 146.

• Shen Wan’er: Chen Han’s wife. He takes her and their mother to the Chen Family mansion for protection, fighting the guards who refuse entry 25. She fears being sold if Chen Han leaves 11. Like Shen Yue, she initially does not recognize Chen Han in disguise but is moved to realize it is him 100. Chen Han later acknowledges the support she and Shen Wuren gave him when he was at his lowest 129 140.

• Shen Wuren: Chen Han’s father-in-law and a former martial artist who supports Chen Han despite the latter’s disgraced status. He promises financial help if Chen Han lacks silver and believes the Chen Family was blind to abandon him 9. Chen Han promises that he will never abandon the Shen family as long as he has food to eat 10. By Chen Han’s later reflections, Shen Wuren has died, and Chen Han remembers him as one of his greatest benefactors 140.

• Li Muyun: Daughter of Squire Li. She invites Chen Han to meet her father after he saves her, expressing gratitude and admiration 16. She offers him lotus root soup and wants to learn martial arts for self-defense 16. She develops affection for Chen Han and defends him when her father suspects his intentions 19 22. Chen Han later rescues her after she is drugged and sold to Zhao Liuye, and eventually helps destroy her indenture contract 29 121.

• Li Mubai: Son of Squire Li. He eagerly asks Chen Han to be his master; Chen Han agrees to be his teacher instead. He trains hard, improving his Mountain Breaking Fist technique and nearing the Mingjin stage 16 19. He looks up to Chen Han as a role model 19.

• Squire Li: Hires Chen Han as a teacher for his son, showing gratitude 16. He later becomes upset about losing silver to Chen Han and suspects his intentions 22. He arranges a marriage alliance for Li Muyun against her will, prioritizing family legacy over her happiness 22. He is later revealed to have drugged and sold Li Muyun to Zhao Liuye 29.

• Chen Qiuyu: A senior member of the Chen Family who humiliated Chen Han earlier by ignoring him and not allowing him to be served tea 2. She later recruits Chen Han into her branch, offering benefits including exotic beast meat 31. She also furnishes his house and buys clothes for Shen Yue, forcing him to accept her favor 35. Although she becomes cautious around Chen Han after witnessing his Transformation Realm breakthrough, she continues to regard his strength as a major asset for her branch 31 36.

• Chen Qiuyang: Father of Chen Qiuyu. He is initially suspicious of how she recruited Chen Han but becomes excited and supportive upon learning of Chen Han’s breakthrough to the Transformation Realm, which strengthens their branch’s position 36.

• Chen Shanzhen: Grandson of Chen Shanhe and a Chen Family martial artist. He vows to defeat Chen Han in the family tournament and relies on the Kirin Vest, armor made from Kirin Ox hide that can disperse much of a practitioner’s striking force 35 37.

• Chen Huaizheng: Mentioned by the Old Steward as a strong opponent Chen Han should not underestimate in the tournament 35.

• Chen Canghai: The former patriarch of the Chen Family of Black Lion City and the clan’s sole Martial Master. Chen Han recognizes him in Eagle Falcon Mountain through his use of Mountain Breaking Fist, then uses their battle to comprehend Ultimate Intent and improve his own martial art 85 86. Chen Canghai attempts to claim kinship and recruit Chen Han after recognizing him, but Chen Han remains unmoved and ultimately kills him 86 87.

• Blood Yin Child: A ruthless assassin and Black Mountain Gang leader who seeks Chen Han because of the secret behind his extraordinary growth 46. He accepts Chen Lei as a disciple after the massacre of Chen Family members 56. Chen Han later investigates him through Zhuge Rushuang and seeks revenge because Blood Yin Child previously tried to take his life 121.

• Li Gao: The hunter who introduces Chen Han to the hunter trade in the Imperial Capital. He remains unaware of Chen Han’s true identity while Chen Han is disguised and is puzzled by his behavior 96 100. Chen Han later leaves him twenty taels of silver in gratitude for his earlier assistance 127.

• Ding Fan: A Three-Step Martialist of the Six Fan Gate who attempts to arrest Chen Han for killing Black Faction members. Chen Han defeats and imprisons him, then uses his token to infiltrate the Imperial Palace 102 105. Ding Fan later witnesses Chen Han’s lightning cultivation and eventually escapes, becoming involved in the schemes targeting Shen Yue 127 146.

• Zhuge Rushuang: A skilled investigator and Divine Catcher. She first discovers Chen Han searching the Hongwen Pavilion for martial arts manuals and is intrigued by his unreadable temperament 105. She later recognizes him as a dangerous figure and attempts to detain him, but Chen Han refuses to cooperate 115. The two eventually reach an agreement, after which she provides him with regularly updated Imperial City intelligence and assists his investigation into the Black Mountain Gang 118 121. Despite this cooperation, Chen Han considers her too weak to accompany him into the cultivation world 140.

• Wang Yue: An old acquaintance from the Black Market. Chen Han encounters him being beaten in the Imperial City’s underground market and saves him, though he disdains Wang Yue’s dishonest jade-gambling business 109. Wang Yue later joins Zhang Hao in attempting to poison Chen Han for the city-wide bounty and is killed by him 111.

• Zhang Hao / Zhang Ritian: An acquaintance from Black Lion City who later runs a shabby shop in the Imperial Capital’s underground market 110. He recognizes Chen Han as the target of a city-wide search and joins Wang Yue in trying to poison him, resulting in his death 111.

• Long Shang: Head manager of the Nine Dragons Gang’s Hundred Treasures Hall. He attempts to use the gathered underground martial artists against Chen Han after Meat Dragon’s defeat, but is forced to submit and surrender the shop’s lightning-struck materials 112 113 114.

• Meat Dragon: A Martialist and the Nine Dragons Gang’s enforcer at Hundred Treasures Hall. He confronts Chen Han over the latter’s demand for lightning-struck items but is decisively overpowered and has both arms broken 112 113.

• Long Gu: Second-in-command of the Nine Dragons Gang and a Three-Step Martial Master. He confronts Chen Han after the Hundred Treasures Hall incident but chooses not to fight after judging Chen Han’s speed and the danger of retaliation 114 115.

• Lu Tianren: A cultivator who first encounters Chen Han at Falcon Mountain while seeking an inheritance. He repeatedly attempts to kill or exploit Chen Han and later pursues the alias Chen Yan throughout the Imperial City 73 93 145. Chen Han considers him one of his foremost enemies and prepares traps after advancing to first-layer Qi Refinement-equivalent cultivation 128 148.

• Su Zhenyue: A cultivator and rival of Lu Tianren. She initially competes with him over the Eagle Falcon Mountain inheritance, later works with him temporarily, and seeks Chen Han’s death after he deceives and endangers her group 73 88 91. Chen Han regards her as a major threat but later prepares to confront her directly after his cultivation advances 128 148.

Plot Summary

1. Humiliation, Marriage, and Recovery: After Chen Qiuyu publicly humiliates him and the Chen Family abandons him, Chen Han enters a matrilocal marriage with Shen Wan'er. Crippled and unable to resume his former martial path, he discovers that the Taiji Health Cultivation Technique and his unique proficiency panel can repair and strengthen his body. He works as an accountant while quietly cultivating and seeking exotic beast meat and medicinal resources 1 2 3 4.

2. Conflict with the Black Mountain Gang: Chen Han’s recovering strength draws him into conflict with the Black Mountain Gang, whose members threaten the Shen family and prey on the people of Black Lion City. He unlocks Dark Force, kills Master Bear and other gang members, protects Shen Yue and Shen Wan'er, and later returns to eliminate Hou Chun and Zhao Liuye 6 24 28.

3. Return to the Chen Family: Chen Han returns to the Chen Family, defeats twelve Mingjin guards, and shocks Patriarch Chen Feng by proving that his crippled body has recovered. His Transformation Realm breakthrough makes him the target of competing branch-recruitment efforts, and he ultimately joins Chen Qiuyu’s branch after negotiating for cultivation resources 26 30 31 36.

4. Chen Family Collapse and Flight from Black Lion City: The Black Mountain Gang, Blood Yin Child, and the traitorous Chen Shanhe faction launch an assault on the Chen Family. Chen Han intervenes primarily to rescue Shen Yue, revealing strength beyond ordinary Transformation Force practitioners. As Black Lion City descends into chaos, he escapes through the city gates and begins a journey toward Falcon Mountain 55 64.

5. Eagle Falcon Mountain Inheritance: At Falcon Mountain, Chen Han encounters cultivators Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue, learns of the gulf between martial artists and cultivators, and pursues an inheritance amid dangerous beasts, traps, and competing factions. He cultivates Steel Sinew Iron Bone to perfection, battles and kills former patriarch Chen Canghai while comprehending Mountain Breaking Fist’s Ultimate Intent, kills Liu Xianxian for concealing the Qi-Refining Technique, and escapes Lu Tianren’s pursuit through a collapsing mountain 73 85 86 91 93.

6. Becoming a Cultivator: Following the inheritance conflict, Chen Han uses spirit stones and the Soul-Swinging Heaven-Supporting Technique to draw qi into his body. He becomes a Body Refining cultivator, gains access to magical artifacts such as the Wind-Cloud Boots, and enters the Imperial Capital in the disguise of a scarred hunter to avoid Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue 95 96 103.

7. Imperial Capital Intrigues: In the Imperial Capital, Chen Han establishes influence among local gangs, reunites covertly with Shen Wan'er and Shen Yue, captures Ding Fan, and infiltrates the Imperial Palace with Ding Fan’s token in search of a first-rate martial art. His search brings him into contact with Zhuge Rushuang, while his pressure on the underground factions gives rise to the Black-Faced Star of Calamity identity 98 100 102 105 114.

8. Thunderbolt Cultivation and New Identity: Chen Han acquires the materials for Thunderbolt Extreme and forces Hundred Treasures Hall to surrender lightning-struck items. He then uses a two-day thunderstorm and sixteen bolts of heavenly lightning to refine Thunderbolt Extreme to Great Accomplishment, making his speed and combat power feared even by Martial Masters such as Long Gu 113 114 115 127 128.

9. Preparation for the Cultivation World: Chen Han cooperates cautiously with Zhuge Rushuang to investigate the Black Mountain Gang, kills a Zhao Family elder tied to the destruction of the Chen Family, and learns more about the secluded cultivation world. By consuming demon beast meat and cultivating in secret, he reaches a level equivalent to first-layer Qi Refinement in less than four months, then lays preparations to confront Lu Tianren and Su Zhenyue directly 121 139 145 148.