Chen Cheng

Biodata

Background

Chen Cheng was born into a life of poverty in the slums of Zhao City, the son of Madam Li and Chen Shi. His father was conscripted into military service and eventually joined the Death Squad Camp, a posting that effectively abandoned the family to fend for themselves 1 3. The only tangible legacy Chen Cheng’s father left behind was a letter revealing his fate and a meager ten taels of silver, which did little to lift the family from destitution 3. Chen Cheng and his mother were largely left to survive on their own, reliant on his labor as a day-worker in the city. Their already precarious existence was further threatened by the local criminal underworld, particularly the Black Wolf Gang, which regularly extorted protection money from slum residents 1 3. The turning point came when a gang member named Laitou assaulted Chen Cheng, knocking him unconscious. The attack made clear that without some means of self-defense, Chen Cheng and his mother would remain vulnerable to extortion and violence 1.

Realizing that the law offered no protection to the poor, Chen Cheng resolved to learn martial arts. His mother, Madam Li, supported this decision and revealed that the Chen family—specifically his grandfather—had promised to arrange martial arts training for Chen Cheng, as a legacy from his father 1. The two traveled to the Chen Family Old Residence to claim that promise, only to be met with betrayal. The old master had already given the training opportunity to his other grandson, Chen Hao, and refused to consider Chen Cheng. Chen Hao’s mother further verbally abused them, and the family disowned Chen Cheng and Madam Li on the spot. Only the Third Uncle showed any kindness, offering a modest parting gift 2. This experience of familial rejection and injustice hardened Chen Cheng’s resolve. He severed ties with the Chen clan, determined to forge his own path rather than rely on the goodwill of those who had cast him and his mother aside 2.

The family’s circumstances grew even more desperate in the days that followed. The Black Wolf Gang’s enforcer, Scar Bear, issued an ultimatum demanding protection money, heightening the pressure on Chen Cheng to find a way to survive 3. It was at this low point that Chen Cheng experienced a mysterious awakening: a golden finger mark appeared in his mind, granting him the ability to understand and read the language of this world—a skill he had not possessed in his past life. More importantly, he also recalled a martial arts skill from that previous existence: the Health-Preserving Taiji Fist 2 3. With no formal teacher and little hope of receiving one from his estranged family, Chen Cheng began practicing the technique on his own, demonstrating a natural aptitude for martial arts that would prove crucial in the months ahead 3 4.

His early training was driven by pure necessity. Chen Cheng’s goal was not glory or advancement but the immediate need to defend himself and his mother from the Black Wolf Gang and other threats. He quickly reached the entry level of the Health-Preserving Taiji Fist, though he found the style lacked lethal power in combat 4. Seeking more effective techniques, he learned of the Dragon Mountain Martial Hall’s Lower Academy, which accepted promising slum youths—but at a terrible cost: a six-month commitment and a Death-Pledge Contract that bound disciples to the Hall’s dangerous tasks 4. Chen Cheng visited the Martial Hall and submitted to bone-feeling and comprehension tests, only to be dismissed as “not worth looking at” by a disdainful senior disciple. He failed to gain admission 4. Yet his encounter with a senior brother named Fang Wenhou marked a turning point. Fang Wenhou recognized Chen Cheng’s exceptional comprehension of the Crouching Dragon Stake Technique after a single demonstration, and agreed to take him in as a disciple. Chen Cheng signed the Death-Pledge Contract and joined the Dragon Mountain Martial Hall Lower Academy, finally gaining access to formal martial arts training 5.

Throughout this period, Chen Cheng’s family remained a central motivation. He supported his mother through whatever means necessary, including taking on dangerous, dirty jobs for payment 10. Madam Li, in turn, accepted his choices with understanding, prioritizing their survival over moral qualms 10. Chen Cheng also maintained ties with his uncle, Chen An, and showed concern for his Third Uncle’s welfare, later learning that the Black Wolf Gang had connections to Dragon Mountain Hall, complicating his relationship with that organization 71. As he progressed, Chen Cheng’s sense of responsibility as the head of his household only deepened. He declined a marriage proposal to avoid causing his mother distress, and when the opportunity arose to move into the Inner City, he ensured Madam Li had a comfortable, safe home 71 101. His background as a slum-dweller who rose through sheer grit and talent—without the backing of a powerful family—shaped his pragmatic, independent character and his constant drive to improve, even after achieving notable success 66 67.

His early accomplishments repeatedly brought him into conflict with conventional judgments of aptitude. Tang Yunlong cleared him of suspicion that his rapid Blood Qi condensation came from Red Moon Nunnery’s sinister methods 48. He later defeated Xiao Yi during the academy assessment and received first-class superior results in all three subjects, but Xu Linyuan and Cao Miao withdrew their proposed support after learning of his lowest-grade bones 76. Rather than abandon cultivation, Chen Cheng continued gathering resources and building relationships, accepting sponsorship from Jiuan Hunting Manor and Changfeng Escort Agency while remaining loyal to the Shen Family’s Third Branch 86 89.

After the Zhao City Martial Selection, Chen Cheng left for the northern Shanhai Sect. Although Pang Shixun considered his root bone insufficient for normal sect admission, his comprehension, temperament, combat record, and Silver List merit secured him consideration for a sect opportunity 162 166. His attempted entry into the Nine Altars Sect failed when Xiang Han rejected him because of his connection to Ye Yang and refusal to return to Dragon Mountain Hall 165. Before leaving Zhao City, he registered as a Talent in Reserve at the Martial Guard General Headquarters and later traveled north with Du Wenshun’s caravan 166.

At Shanhai, he initially resided in Guanlan Pavilion and was considered for the Sea Academy because of his Natural Iron Lung, but his subsequent accomplishments brought him increasingly close to the Sword Pavilion and its future master, Yuan Feiche 172 174 199. His victories in the Seven Pavilions Grand Competition and the Yunlei Prefecture Seven Sects Grand Competition established him as one of Shanhai Sect’s foremost young disciples 194 221. Following the sect’s devastating siege, he left to seek stronger resources in Emperorfall City, while retaining a strong sense of obligation toward the wounded pavilion masters and the sect that had supported him 225.

After winning a place in the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect through the Seven Sects Grand Competition, Chen Cheng initially remained wary of using a recommendation quota because he believed the Divine Treasury within his aperture would not meet the sect’s standards 220 248. He later passed the Divine Treasury assessment alongside Ji Jingyou and formally became an outer disciple of the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect 264. At the sect, he chose the dangerous Black Law Punitive Thunder Scripture and came under the attention of Thunder-Holding Peak Master Lu Mingyang, while continuing to seek methods to strengthen his Divine Apertures and True Fire 266 276.

Chen Cheng later returned to Zhao City after his rise in cultivation and reunited with Madam Li, Zhuang Zhuang, and Fang Wenhou, finding the latter two and his mother reduced to hardship in his absence 271. His return quickly developed into open conflict with the Patrol Office and the Pang Family after he killed a Ti Cavalryman harassing Madam Li and subsequently slew Pang Wanhe and six Five-Qi Divine Treasury grand masters dispatched against him 271. These events demonstrated that Chen Cheng no longer possessed the limited strength of the impoverished youth who had once been powerless before local gangs 271.

When Pang Shixun attempted to force his surrender through hostages, Chen Cheng revealed his position as a Thousand-Household Officer of the Soulshatter Office. Pang Shixun was crippled and handed over to Fang Wenhou, while the crimes of the Pang, Peng, and Lu factions led to executions and asset confiscations for disaster relief. The confrontation established a powerful deterrent against future attacks on Chen Cheng’s family and associates 272. He then accepted Cao Zhao’s appeal to intervene at Black Cloud Marsh, where cultivators from the Nine Altars Sect and Cloud Roc Sect had been trapped by the Red Moon Cult and water bandits 272.

Back at the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect, Chen Cheng opened his first Divine Aperture and defeated the established two-aperture expert Chu Jingfeng on the Battle Star Platform 279. His subsequent involvement in the schemes of Northern Suppression Manor was partly motivated by concern for Chen Shi: if the Marquis of Northern Suppression permitted a Northern Yin invasion, his father could be captured and used as a hostage. Chen Cheng therefore sought to help Song Linwei delay or sabotage the uprising rather than gamble on his father’s uncertain fate 282 287.

Chen Cheng later became a disciple of Purple Empyrean Peak under Wang Changsheng. He continued taking the peak’s toxic Longevity Pills, refused Jiang Yunyao’s invitation to transfer to Green Bamboo Peak, and accepted Wang Changsheng’s demanding goal of refining a ninth-rank treasure pill within three years 306. His alchemical ability soon advanced beyond fifth-tier treasure pills to the simultaneous refinement of Profound Pills, earning the admiration of An Lingyue and Zhu Xian’er and further resources from his master 319.

His cultivation and body-tempering culminated in a fifth-place Star Ranking position, which he defended against the peak Eight-Aperture expert Li Juye using only sword fingers rather than a drawn weapon 315. As his reputation and pill-refining business expanded, he publicly entrusted commercial negotiations to Shen Mi, declaring that agreements reached with her carried his own authority 323. This rise also intensified Green Bamboo Peak’s hostility and attracted hunters seeking rewards from the Li lineage 328. Despite these threats, he continued cultivating, brought his body to the level of fourth-tier Profound Armaments and armor, and later acquired the Spirit-Realm Great Sun Heaven-Burning Art from an iron stele 331 334.

Physical Description

Chen Cheng is a young man of average height and modest build, initially appearing ordinary and unremarkable in his features and bearing. However, as he advances in martial cultivation, his physique becomes increasingly robust and his posture more upright, reflecting the rigorous training and tempering he undergoes. His demeanor is typically calm, composed, and unreadable, with a focused, steady gaze that betrays little emotion. He often wears the training uniforms of the Dragon Mountain Hall—first the Middle Academy attire and later the Upper Academy’s—and his overall vitality and spirit are notably improved, giving him a healthy, vigorous presence that contrasts sharply with his earlier frailty 21 66 134 174.

By the time of his later Shanhai Sect campaigns, Chen Cheng is described as a tall, lean youth with a sharp, cold countenance and unusually fair, newborn-like skin. His body-tempering has made his physique extraordinarily durable, capable of resisting powerful sword qi and attacks that would ordinarily break through black-iron-grade defenses 205 221. His continued cultivation of Taiji and body-tempering arts further improves his vitality, recovery, sensory acuity, stamina, and physical strength, while the Endless trait maintains his youthful, pristine appearance 245 247.

As a Purple Empyrean Peak disciple, Chen Cheng wears the peak’s robes when attending the final rankings tournament 313. His later physique is no longer comparable merely to treasure armor: completing Marrow-Washing Taiji brings it to third-grade Profound Armament strength, and further cultivation raises both his bodily strength and defense to fourth-tier Profound Armament and armor standards 313 331.

• Enhanced Senses: His cultivation, particularly the Health Preservation trait, grants him highly honed senses, allowing him to perceive the flow of blood energy in opponents and strike with extraordinary precision 82.
• Blood Energy Aura: After condensing multiple wisps of blood energy, his presence becomes more imposing, radiating an aura that commands respect and fear from other disciples 65.
• Perfect Harmony State: Achieving Perfect Harmony further refines his physical and mental efficiency, reducing energy consumption and enhancing his overall performance in both training and combat 61.
• Robust Physique: His physical strength and stamina are exceptional for his rank, enabling him to clash directly with powerful demons and defeat multiple opponents through sheer force and endurance 91 134.
• Calm Demeanor: He maintains a composed, unreadable expression even in high-stakes situations, whether sparring with a superior or facing a deadly adversary, demonstrating exceptional self-control and mental focus 61 174.
• Natural Iron Lung: Chen Cheng possesses a Natural Iron Lung, granting him exceptional breath control, underwater endurance, and swimming ability. He surpassed both Chai Liang and Li Li during an underwater test 181.
• Exceptional Physical Defense: Through continued body-tempering, Chen Cheng’s body becomes capable of withstanding Jingchao Sword Qi and the attacks of peers at higher cultivation without serious injury 221 224. By his later campaigns, even a black-iron treasure weapon wielded by a Six-Qi expert could not scratch his forehead 228.
• Strong Mental Strength: His mental endurance is markedly superior to that of ordinary martial artists, allowing him to resist Spirit Sound arts and maintain intricate combat calculations under pressure 191 225.
• Five Extremes Potential: Chen Cheng’s five-pole constitution is unusually balanced at the average-high level. Tang Xian’en identifies the possibility that further improvement could eventually form the rare Five Extremes Riding Together constitution 194. At the Northern Emperor Sect examination, Lu Mingyang identifies Superior Five Extremes, imperfect Yin-Yang and Five Elements balance, and at least thirty-six mysterious Divine Apertures, but cannot fully classify his constitution 263.
• Rapid Recovery: His Heart-Strengthening and Spirit Healing traits permit injuries and numbness that would cripple an equal-ranked martial artist to fade quickly, while the Endless trait continually supports his vitality and renewal 203 215 247.
• Dragon Bloodline Refinement: Blood Fusion allows him to absorb dragon bloodlines and strengthen particular bodily attributes. Refinement of the Jade Flood Dragon Python’s bloodline helps raise his physical defense to Rank Nine treasure armor standards before his later Profound-level body-tempering 260 267.
• Poison Resistance: His special traits neutralize pill toxins, while Stomach-Strengthening and Liver-Strengthening help remove the toxicity of the Great Longevity Pill. He recovers from its severe effects more readily than his senior sisters expect 191 319.
• Weapon-Like Fingers: At third-grade Profound bodily strength, his fingers can function as sword edges sharper than the Thunder Radiance Sword. He uses them to shatter Li Juye’s Second-Tier Profound saber and cut through his armor 313 315.

Abilities and Skills

Vertical Eye Mark

The Vertical Eye Mark is Chen Cheng’s mysterious golden-finger ability and the foundation of his extraordinary comprehension. It first enabled him to understand the language of his new world and immediately bestowed the entry-level Health-Preserving Taiji Fist 2 3. By observing a martial art performed flawlessly or reading its complete manual, Chen Cheng can attain perfect entry-level mastery, including the art’s movements, mental method, true intent, and theoretical details 6 176.

• Instant Entry: The Mark allows Chen Cheng to gain entry-level mastery of martial arts he observes or studies, including the Moon Step of Impermanence, Thunder-Stepping Technique, Heart-Chain Spirit-Control Art, Dragon-Elephant Tyrant Body Art, and Still Sea Tide-Rising Palm 85 118 203 223 233.
• Trait Solidification: As a skill advances, the Mark records and solidifies traits that alter Chen Cheng’s body, senses, blood qi, and cultivation 15 17.
• Perfect Comprehension: Chen Cheng’s acquired entry-level arts are free of ordinary technical flaws, enabling him to comprehend and reproduce profound martial principles that normally require a master’s instruction 176 201.
• Progress Stabilization: The Mark fixes cultivation progress into panel values. During his first Blood Qi condensation, reaching the required progress allowed him to break through without the ordinary failure risk associated with poor natural aptitude 15.
• Independent Innovation: His comprehension of Divine Essence and True Intent supports the creation of Taiji Force and new leg techniques, reducing his dependence on conventional masters 176.
• Bypassing Harmful Entry Requirements: Learning the White Lotus Canon confirms that the Mark can bypass certain destructive entry conditions, including that art’s normal requirement of castration. Chen Cheng recognizes the potential to avoid similar demands involving the destruction of eyes, limbs, or organs 313.
• Limits: The Mark does not remove every prerequisite of cultivation. The Black Law Punitive Thunder Scripture, for example, requires a special oral entry condition that could not be learned merely from its written introduction 266. Although Chen Cheng gains entry-level comprehension of the White Lotus Canon, its high level prevents him from actually cultivating it at that time 313.

Crouching Dragon Fist

The Crouching Dragon Fist is a mid-tier martial art that focuses on spiraling, twisting force designed to break hard styles and pierce armor. Chen Cheng mastered the technique quickly after witnessing a demonstration by Fatty Fang, demonstrating exceptional comprehension 7. The art incorporates both external striking power and internal force techniques, allowing for explosive damage that penetrates deeply into a target. Chen Cheng later modified the Crouching Dragon Fist to exceed the power of standard secret techniques, a feat that shocked observers and drew the attention of higher authorities 159.

• Armor Piercing Trait: Grants a 10% fixed bonus to destructive power, making each punch more effective at breaking through defenses and armor. This trait was derived and solidified by the Vertical Eye Mark upon Chen Cheng’s successful condensation of blood energy 15.
• Crushing Thunder Trait: An internal force technique that improves internal force by approximately 20%. It causes the force to penetrate deeper and creates a more violent internal explosion. Chen Cheng used this trait to pierce a vat wall and detonate within a charcoal fire, triggering a three‑zhang fire dragon 89.
• Defeat of Xing Xiong: Chen Cheng used his enhanced senses (sharpened by the Health Preservation trait) to perceive Xing Xiong’s blood energy path and deliver a precise strike to an old injury, killing him 81.
• Killing Kuang Yifeng: In the third round of a tournament, Chen Cheng executed a modified Crouching Dragon Fist that surpassed secret‑technique power, killing Kuang Yifeng and impressing the audience and Qin Zhao 159.

Crouching Dragon Stake Technique

This is a foundational martial arts training method that involves assuming a stake‑holding posture while coordinating specific breathing techniques and mantras. Chen Cheng learned the technique from Senior Brother Fang and mastered the breathing and mantra components perfectly after a single demonstration, despite his poor initial foundation 5. The technique places severe physical strain on the body; Chen Cheng suffered significant toll after performing it, although he continued to train with determination 6.

• Rapid Mastery: Chen Cheng completed the breathing techniques and mantras for the Crouching Dragon Stake without error after one demonstration, surprising Senior Brother Fang with his comprehension 5.
• Physical Resilience: Despite the extreme physical toll, Chen Cheng persistently practiced the stance, showing resilience and perseverance 6.

Health-Preserving Taiji (Health-Preserving Taiji Fist)

A martial art that emphasizes health and internal cultivation, the Health-Preserving Taiji Fist initially lacks immediate lethality for combat 4. Chen Cheng reached the entry level of this art early on, but he kept its further development hidden as a trump card. By Chapter 89, the art had reached “Break Limit (Available)” status, indicating potential for breakthrough beyond its normal limits 89.

• Entry Level: Chen Cheng achieved the entry level of the Health-Preserving Taiji Fist, gaining a new skill but recognizing it as non‑lethal for direct combat 4.
• Health Preservation Trait: At Minor Achievement, the technique gained the ability to nourish the physique, heal injuries, and warm the spirit and marrow. Its benefits also greatly improved Chen Cheng’s blood energy and senses 17 40.
• Hidden Trump Card: Chen Cheng deliberately concealed his progress in this art, waiting to reveal it when necessary 15.
• Minor Achievement (Potential): Chen Cheng noted that reaching Minor Achievement would grant another trait, deriving from the Vertical Eye Mark’s ability to solidify traits 15.
• Perfect Harmony: Further advancement granted Perfect Harmony, reducing his energy consumption by approximately 30% and supporting his unusual endurance in cultivation and combat 61 126.
• Endless Trait: At perfection, Health-Preserving Taiji unlocked Endless and generated the Taiji Primordial Qi within Chen Cheng’s mind. Endless includes Taiji Primordial Qi, Longevity of Heaven, and Reflective Renewal, providing ongoing vitality, extended health, and continual restoration 130 245.
• Continuous Integration: Chen Cheng continues to integrate Health-Preserving Taiji between other training arts, using it to support recovery, perception, and his long-term bodily development 130.
• Taiji Space: Taiji Primordial Qi absorbs and stores Primordial Qi that can later be released to accelerate cultivation. Absorbing the Eye of Hell doubles the size of Taiji Space, which he later uses to store valuable materials and beast meat 208 260 300.
• Additional Aperture-Like Function: Chen Cheng recognizes that Taiji Primordial Qi functions in some respects like an additional Divine Aperture, contributing to his ability to sustain different True Fires without ordinary conflicts 243.
• Bestowed Renewal: Chen Cheng later grants Endless to Feng Fang, whose injuries gradually heal as his hair returns, wrinkles diminish, body strengthens, and lifespan increases 312.

Foundation Establishment Taiji

A martial art that Chen Cheng practiced regularly. He used it effectively in combat against a demon, cutting through its tough skin. The art also integrates well with his physical body and blood qi control 134. It was derived when Health-Preserving Taiji broke its normal limit, retaining the older art’s progress and traits while creating a new path of physical refinement 90.

• Striking the Cloth‑Wrapping Demon: Chen Cheng used Foundation Establishment Taiji to deliver a strike that cut through the demon’s tough skin, demonstrating its penetrative power 134.
• Body and Blood Qi Integration: The technique allowed Chen Cheng to use his condensed blood qi in a visible vortex, enhancing the strike 134.
• Loose-Penetrating Trait: After reaching Minor Achievement, the art gained Loose-Penetrating, allowing Chen Cheng to compress and explosively release Taiji Force to counter stronger attacks 104 107.
• Constitutional Tempering: The art continuously improves Chen Cheng’s bones, skin, flesh, tendons, and organs, forming an essential component of his long-term constitution-building 157 194.
• Concentrated Force: His later combat applies Taiji Force to combine Zheng Force, Punitive Thunder, and Sword Qi into a single point at his fingertips, concentrating the attack sufficiently to break a Profound Realm saber 315.

Inner-Strengthening Taiji

Inner-Strengthening Taiji was derived after Foundation Establishment Taiji reached its limit. Rather than merely strengthening the exterior, it specializes in tempering Chen Cheng’s internal organs one by one, beginning with the stomach 157.

• Stomach-Strengthening: The technique substantially improves Chen Cheng’s digestion and nutrient absorption, allowing him to process high-rank jerky and medicinal resources that would be difficult for ordinary martial artists to assimilate 187.
• Visceral Traits: Continued cultivation produced Stomach-Strengthening, Lung-Strengthening, and Heart-Strengthening, improving digestion, respiration, circulation, recovery, and physical endurance 192 203.
• Innate Martial Art: Together with Health-Preserving and Foundation Establishment Taiji, Inner-Strengthening Taiji nourishes Chen Cheng’s Taiji-based Innate Divine Spirit and remains central to his cultivation 188.
• Liver-Strengthening: Liver refinement improves his detoxification capacity and physical foundation. Together with Stomach-Strengthening, it later helps him eliminate the Great Longevity Pill’s toxins 199 319.
• Kidney-Strengthening: At perfection, the technique grants Kidney-Strengthening and the generation of Innate Essence, improving vitality, recovery, and his cultivation foundation 200.
• Limit Break: Sacrificing the fourth-rank Azure Profound Seven-Leaf Grass transforms the completed art into Marrow-Washing Taiji 202.

Marrow-Washing Taiji

Marrow-Washing Taiji is a higher transformation of Chen Cheng’s Taiji path, attained after he used the Azure Profound Seven-Leaf Grass. It is his principal cultivation focus during his later Divine Treasury advancement, nourishing his Innate Divine Spirit and strengthening his body from the marrow outward 202 224.

• Innate Divine Spirit Nourishment: As Chen Cheng’s chosen martial art for blood coagulation and essence generation, Taiji enables the Three Taiji and Marrow-Washing Taiji to steadily grow his Yin-Yang Divine Qi 181 188.
• True Fire Development: Chen Cheng’s Taiji Primordial Qi enabled him to harmonize Extreme Yang and Extreme Yin True Fire into Taiji True Fire, which supports his advancement toward the God-Forging Realm 244 252.
• Accelerated Cultivation: By prioritizing Marrow-Washing Taiji and combining it with high-rank Qi-deriving pills and Primordial Qi reserves, Chen Cheng advanced rapidly through the Seven-Qi realm 252.
• Golden Blood: The initial stage refines his blood and greatly increases its pure-yang nature, reducing his vulnerability to yin-attributed attacks 202 207.
• Jade Marrow and True Fire: Further refinement strengthens his marrow, spirit, and mental defenses. His Six-Qi breakthrough accompanies the transition from Jade Marrow to True Fire cultivation 225.
• Fire Nourishing: This trait supports the growth of Taiji True Fire. Combined with Luo Hanying’s Innate Primordial Yin, it helps his True Fires grow and progressively increases his aperture-refining speed 307.
• Body-Tempering Stage: After completing the Fire-Nurturing Stage, Chen Cheng begins tempering his body directly with Martial Dao True Fire. The process is extraordinarily exhausting and requires substantial nourishment from Blazingheart Tiger meat 306.
• Completion: The completed art records Golden Blood, Jade Marrow, True Fire, Fire Nourishing, and Body Tempering. Body Tempering greatly increases the efficiency of True Fire bodily refinement, raising his physique to third-grade Profound Armament strength 313.
• Further Bodily Refinement: Continued practice with Great Longevity Pills and Profound demonic deer meat raises his physical strength and defense to fourth-tier Profound Armament and armor standards 331.
• Next Limit-Break Requirement: Further transformation requires opening the tenth Divine Aperture and sacrificing a fifth-grade Profound Realm heavenly treasure 313.

Internal Force

Internal force is a more advanced energy system beyond mere physical strength. Chen Cheng demonstrated significant improvement in his internal force, surprising Elder Wen during a sparring session. Elder Wen revealed that he used internal force when fighting at 50% strength, and Chen Cheng’s own internal force became pure and formidable 62. The Crushing Thunder trait further amplifies internal force, enhancing its penetration and explosive effect 89.

• Sparring with Elder Wen: Chen Cheng asked Elder Wen to use 100% strength; Elder Wen used 50% and demonstrated internal force, which Chen Cheng was able to withstand and match 62.
• Combined with Crouching Dragon Fist: Chen Cheng’s internal force, boosted by the Crushing Thunder trait, allowed him to detonate a fire dragon inside a vat 89.
• Dark Force Formation: His fourth Blood Qi incense breakthrough naturally forms Dark Force. Circulating it according to the Heavenly God Subduing Dragon Map allows him to bypass the ordinary complicated process of harmonizing heart, intent, qi, and strength 88.

Moon Breath of Avici

A breathing technique that affects blood qi circulation. Chen Cheng practiced this art regularly, and it played a key role in suppressing the noise generated by other techniques. When combined with the Hidden Vitality trait, the Moon Breath of Avici allowed Chen Cheng to circulate blood qi quietly, enabling stealth 119.

• Instant Acquisition: Chen Cheng gains perfect entry-level mastery after reading its obscure text through the Vertical Eye Mark 45.
• Suppression of Thunder‑Stepping Technique: Chen Cheng used the Hidden Vitality trait first, then circulated Moon Breath of Avici to mask the loud resonance of the Thunder‑Stepping Technique’s blood qi fluctuations 119.
• Regular Practice: Chen Cheng practiced Moon Breath of Avici as part of his daily cultivation regimen 91.
• Reconnaissance: He later used Moon Breath of Avici while scouting Wangyou Valley, concealing his presence during his search for resources 198.
• Iron Lung Trait: The art eventually developed the Iron Lung trait, which contributes to Chen Cheng’s extraordinary underwater endurance and breath control 174 181.
• Bestowal: He grants the technique to Spirit Gu and later to Ning Shuangxu so she can conceal herself during a hostile encirclement 252 267.

Moon Step of Impermanence

A heretical movement art that Chen Cheng learned by observing a Red Moon Nunnery remnant during a banquet. Through the Vertical Eye Mark, he instantly grasped the entry level of this art, greatly enhancing his combat mobility 85.

• Instant Mastery: Chen Cheng watched the remnant use the Moon Step and immediately acquired the entry level via the Vertical Eye Mark 85.
• Combat Enhancement: The art provides rapid, unpredictable footwork suitable for combat, though it carries the dangers associated with heretical arts 85.
• Health Preservation Countermeasure: The Health Preservation trait can mitigate the meridian alienation caused by the heretical art, allowing Chen Cheng to continue improving it without suffering its usual crippling effects 85.
• Instant Displacement: Chen Cheng used the art’s unnatural short-range shift to evade a Four-Qi Divine Treasury opponent’s attack at a critical moment 203.

Thunder-Stepping Technique

A mid-tier martial art focused primarily on footwork. Chen Cheng read the manual and instantly mastered it to the Entry level through the Vertical Eye Mark 118. Unlike the Crouching Dragon Fist, the Thunder-Stepping Technique can break its limits, allowing for further improvement beyond normal mastery. However, its blood qi circulation is violently loud, which can expose the user’s position.

• Elder Wen’s Inheritance: The manual is Elder Wen’s parting gift. Although Elder Wen had originally intended to leave it to his son, he instead entrusted it to Chen Cheng because he believed Chen Cheng could master it 117.
• Instant Comprehension: Chen Cheng completed reading the manual and the Vertical Eye Mark seared the art into his mind, achieving Entry level immediately 118.
• Break Limit Potential: The technique has a “Break Limit (No)” status at Entry, but Chen Cheng understood it could be advanced further 118.
• Noise Issue: The technique produces a loud resonance from blood qi fluctuations, making it unsuitable for stealth without suppression (e.g., using Hidden Vitality and Moon Breath of Avici) 119.

Cloud Roc Leg Technique

The Cloud Roc Leg Technique is a Secret Chapter martial art Chen Cheng acquired after Qin Zhao displayed it flawlessly in battle. It is a lower-body cultivation art well-suited to strengthening and condensing his eighth and ninth wicks of blood qi 161.

• Perfect Entry: The Vertical Eye Mark granted Chen Cheng immediate entry after observing Qin Zhao’s complete performance of the art 161.
• Whirlwind Trait: At Minor Achievement, the technique gained Whirlwind, increasing Chen Cheng’s agility in leg-technique combat by 10% 169.
• Blood Qi Advancement: Chen Cheng used the art and the Great Roc Soaring Clouds Map to support the rapid condensation of his Eighth-Wick Blood Qi while journeying north 169.
• Roc Wing Trait: Continued cultivation at Shanhai Sect brings the technique to completion and unlocks Roc Wing 174.

Four Gods Profound Body

The Four Gods Profound Body · God-Rearing Chapter is a superior martial art gifted to Chen Cheng by Zhuang Zhuang. It greatly tempers his body and strengthens the first four wicks of blood qi, but requires considerable resources to prevent overexertion 94 103.

• Four Gods Trait: At Minor Achievement, the first four blood qi divine shadows become more substantial and grant a 30% enhancement to the corresponding blood qi 134.
• Profound Body Trait: At Major Achievement, the art increases Chen Cheng’s physical strength by 30% at the locations of the first four blood qi divine shadows and protects his vital points 169.
• Defensive Application: The Profound Body trait was crucial to Chen Cheng’s ability to endure a direct strike to the heart from Han Chou with little need to adjust his stance 175.
• Layered Defense: Against Han Chou, Chen Cheng combines strengthened Blood Qi, the Dragon Scale Vest’s force dispersal, Loose-Penetrating, his base physique, and Profound Body into five overlapping defensive layers 175.

Secret Six-Harmony Great Spear and Six-Harmony Return to Simplicity Art

The Secret Six-Harmony Great Spear is a supreme secret martial art created by a Sword Pavilion ancestor. Chen Cheng mastered its spear form immediately through the Vertical Eye Mark while concealing this achievement to avoid being forced into the Sword Pavilion before he could join the Fishery Pavilion 177. Its profound internal blood-circulation method, Six-Harmony Return to Truth, later became the foundation of Chen Cheng’s Six-Harmony Return to Simplicity Art.

A high-level Sword Pavilion art that Chen Cheng eventually cultivated to Great Completion. Its ultimate attack, Six-Harmony Return to Truth, concentrates overwhelming force into a single decisive strike 216 219.

• Exceptional Blood Qi Generation: The Secret Six-Harmony Great Spear generates far more blood qi than ordinary martial arts, helping Chen Cheng prepare for the Nine-Wick Blood Qi and Divine Treasury Realm 177.
• Six-Harmony Return to Truth: This internal refinement method circulates blood energy through the meridians to unleash force exceeding that of peers, and it became one of Chen Cheng’s strongest decisive attacks 181.
• Great Completion: Chen Cheng revealed to Yuan Feiche that he had reached Great Completion in the Six-Harmony Return to Simplicity Art following two months of secluded cultivation 216.
• Killing Yan Benchu: Chen Cheng used the art’s ultimate move to kill Yan Benchu with a single punch during the Seven Sects Grand Competition 219.
• Founder’s Inheritance: Chen Cheng absorbed the Essence of Sword Qi from the Shanhai Sword Pavilion founder’s broken sword, further strengthening his cultivation and connection to the art 217 218.

Ten Directions Thunder Movement

A peerless Sword Pavilion movement and sword art discovered by Yuan Feiche in the ruins of a northern sage. Yuan Feiche granted the manual to Chen Cheng as a personal inheritance, and Chen Cheng rapidly mastered it through the Vertical Eye Mark and his own training 199 200.

• Afterimages: At high output, the art creates realistic afterimages that confuse opponents and allow Chen Cheng to attack from unexpected angles 200 211.
• Defeat of Su Chang'an: Chen Cheng used the art’s speed to disarm fellow Three-Qi Divine Treasury cultivator Su Chang'an without accepting a formal spar, demonstrating decisive superiority 200.
• Combat Against Higher Realms: Chen Cheng used the technique’s speed and illusory movement to kill the peak Five-Qi Divine Treasury expert Tu Yuan despite their cultivation disparity 209.
• Thunder Illusion Step: Chen Cheng refined the art’s core Thunder Illusion Step to a level that even other pavilion masters regarded as exceptional 222.
• Ten-Form Sword Art: The technique includes ten thunder sword forms and a high-level cultivation method. Chen Cheng uses Heaven Opening to trigger his Three-Qi breakthrough 200.
• Thunder Attribute: At perfection, the art increases his compatibility with lightning by 30% 267.
• Thunder Motion: All ten mirror images can simultaneously unleash his strongest attack with amplified thunder power. The enormous physical and mental cost makes it a limited-use trump card 267.

Mysterious Yin Palm

A palm art used by Chen Cheng during the North Foothill Mine conflict. He combined it with Qi Force to eliminate enemies surrounding the gravely wounded Qu Lingsha 205.

• Rescue of Qu Lingsha: Chen Cheng used the Mysterious Yin Palm and Qi Force to kill the remaining Immortal Bone Sect and Rebel Army enemies after Qu Lingsha was severely injured 205.

Heart-Chain Spirit-Control Art

A spirit-control technique that establishes a mental connection between its user and a spiritual beast. Chen Cheng gained entry-level mastery immediately after reading the manual through the Vertical Eye Mark 203.

• Howling Sky Eagle Link: Chen Cheng uses the art to strengthen his mental link with his Howling Sky Eagle, improving coordination and control 203.
• Tracking Application: He employed the eagle to follow Qu Lingsha during the pursuit after the North Foothill Mine attack 205.
• Howling Heaven: By his return to Zhao City, Chen Cheng’s spiritual beast is a third-rank Spirit Raptor named Howling Heaven, capable of killing elite pursuers from the Patrol Office 271.
• Shared Perception: He can share the vision and hearing of controlled Spirit Gu, allowing surveillance from concealed positions 238.
• Skill Bestowal: At Minor Accomplishment, the art allows him to permanently grant a panel-recorded skill to a Spirit Beast. His first documented application gives the Howling Sky Eagle the Qingming Qi-Seizing Array technique 225.
• Expanded Bestowal: Later applications extend to Ning Shuangxu and Feng Fang. He grants Feng Fang the Nine-Turn Spirit-Melting Art together with a portion of the Blazingheart Profound Fire’s seed 267 313.
• Martial Bestowal: A later bestowal ability grants martial-art mastery, demonstrated when Chen Cheng gives Feng Fang perfect entry into the White Lotus Canon 313.
• Trait Bestowal: Chen Cheng also grants Feng Fang Endless, enabling recovery, rejuvenation, and increased longevity 312.
• Surveillance Coordination: The Howling Sky Eagle’s Heaven Opening Eye helps Chen Cheng avoid scouts, while its scent recognition allows it to identify Tan Chen’s residence 282 312.

Water Manipulation

A water-based ability Chen Cheng used during his early Shanhai Sect cultivation and later strengthened through the Water Control Chapter of the Eight Extremes Dragon Transformation Sutra 174 222.

• Destruction of Enemy Vessel: Chen Cheng used water manipulation to destroy a large ship carrying an Immortal Bone Sect elder and kill its occupants 222.
• Water Swords: Chen Cheng can form water into precise sword-like projectiles that pierce hearts, slit throats, and kill enemies beneath the sea with remarkable accuracy 223.
• Enhanced Current Perception: Entry-level Water Control sharpens his awareness of surrounding currents, allowing him to detect living beings concealed within submerged vessels 223.
• Water Monarch: At major accomplishment, he unlocks Water Monarch, allowing him to command water-attributed creatures by expending mental strength 260.
• Sword Qi Synergy: During the eunuchs’ encirclement, he strengthens silver-blue Sword Qi with rainwater, Water Control, and his water-related traits 267.

Eight Extremes Dragon Transformation Sutra

A supreme art gifted by Jiang Yujiao after the Seven Sects Grand Competition. Its chapters provide methods modeled on dragon transformation, including water manipulation and bodily bloodline refinement 222 260.

• Water Control Chapter: Chen Cheng rapidly gains entry and later major accomplishment, unlocking Water Monarch 222 260.
• Dragon Transformation Chapter: At Minor Accomplishment, the chapter grants Blood Fusion 260.
• Blood Fusion: Allows him to extract dragon bloodlines from treasures and merge them into his body to strengthen specific attributes. He applies it to the ninth-order Jade Flood Dragon Python’s true dragon blood 260 267.

Immortal Bone Golden Body Art and Azure Horn Golden Body Art

The Immortal Bone Golden Body Art is a Divine Treasury-level hard-body martial art that uses Innate Divine Spirit to refine the body from within. Chen Cheng initially trained it to Great Achievement, making ordinary black-iron weapons unable to cut even his hair 182 207. At perfection, its physical defense was comparable to master-crafted black-iron treasures, and it developed the Spirit Healing trait 215.

The Azure Horn Golden Body Art is a later body-tempering art associated with the Azure Horn Dragon Rhinoceros beast bone. It further increases Chen Cheng’s physical power and defense 224 225.

• Immortal Bone and Golden Body: These traits gave Chen Cheng exceptional physical resilience before he completed the art 207.
• Spirit Healing: At perfection, the Immortal Bone Golden Body Art granted significantly increased bodily self-healing 215.
• Rhinoceros Armor: The Azure Horn Golden Body Art’s Rhinoceros Armor trait raised Chen Cheng’s bodily defense to the equivalent of fourth-tier treasure armor, with the potential to eventually reach sixth-tier treasure armor 225.
• Bare-Handed Defense: Chen Cheng blocked Jiang Shuqin’s sharp flying blades with his bare hands without injury and later endured a black-iron weapon strike to the forehead without a scratch 224 228.
• Azure Horn: By Major Accomplishment, the Azure Horn Golden Body Art records both Rhinoceros Armor and Azure Horn. Continued training alongside dragon-bloodline refinement raises his skin defense to eighth-order treasure armor standards 260.

Dragon-Elephant Tyrant Body Art

The ultimate body-tempering art of the Fist Pavilion. Chen Cheng gained entry-level mastery immediately after reading the manual provided by Pavilion Master Chang Songbai 223.

• Physical Supremacy: The art contributes to Chen Cheng’s extraordinary physical force and resilience, enabling him to defeat Jiang Shuqin without using conventional martial techniques 224.
• Resistance to Spirit Sound Arts: His physique proved impervious to all three of Jiang Shuqin’s Spirit Sound arts 225.
• Fist Pavilion Support: Chang Songbai gave Chen Cheng access to the art, personal instruction, and the Fist Pavilion’s Geothermal Valley medicinal baths 223.

Archery

Chen Cheng developed archery from Novice proficiency into a formidable long-range combat art. By his voyage toward Northern Star Port, his arrows were described as godlike in precision and lethality 91 234.

• Divine Archery: Chen Cheng defended a vessel against sea bandits and Yin Chi through long-range archery, saving the ship and earning payment and respect from the Hai Family 234.
• Practical Instruction: He can explain martial principles through archery and combat mechanics, helping Hai Yunnuan gain insight into her palm art 234.
• Fortification Penetration: His assault on Flying Bear Stronghold demonstrates arrows capable of penetrating shields, walls, and wooden defenses 188.
• Ship Disabling: During the sea-bandit battle, he kills elite cadres with individual arrows and shatters the masts of three enemy vessels with three shots 235.

Still Sea Tide-Rising Palm

A palm art demonstrated by Hai Yunnuan aboard ship. Chen Cheng acquired perfect beginner mastery when he watched her complete the routine 233.

• Instant Acquisition: The Vertical Eye Mark recorded the art’s moves, mental method, and core essence after a single complete demonstration 233.
• Instruction: Chen Cheng used his understanding of the art to guide Hai Yunnuan into mastering it 234 235.

Imperial Apex Divine Edge Art

The Imperial Apex Divine Edge Art is a superior Secret Treasury-grade sword-qi martial art offered as a prize at a banquet hosted by Fourth Prince Yuwen Xun. Chen Cheng obtained its altered copy, then successfully practiced the art after Yuwen Min repaired the text 253 256.

• Sword Qi Manifestation: Chen Cheng can form crimson-gold sword qi from the Sword Pavilion founder’s inheritance and silver-blue sword qi from another broken sword, wielding both through the art 256.
• Mental Strength Synergy: The art’s sword qi is born from mind and spirit; Chen Cheng’s unusually powerful mental strength grants him a major advantage when using it 256.
• Questioning the Heart of Heaven and Earth: Its God-Slaying move, also described as Black and Yellow Questions the Heart, attacks an enemy’s mental defenses and state of mind rather than their physical body, enabling invisible spiritual harm 256.
• Armor-Piercing Potential: Chen Cheng estimates that Minor Achievement would allow its sword qi to pierce seventh-grade armor, while perfection could shatter ninth-grade armor 256.
• Imperial Apex True Fire: Circulating the art produces another True Fire that Chen Cheng combines with Taiji True Fire and Demon Flame True Fire to refine Divine Aperture shackles 267.
• God-Forging Opponents: Before opening his own Divine Aperture, he kills two God-Forging eunuchs through surprise attacks combining the Dragon Soul Sword and Imperial Apex Sword Qi 267.
• Fingertip Application: He later channels crimson-gold Sword Qi through two sword fingers alongside Punitive Thunder, defeating Li Juye without drawing a sword 315.

Black Law Punitive Thunder Scripture

The Black Law Punitive Thunder Scripture is a powerful and difficult martial art Chen Cheng selected after joining the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect. Its entry conditions are normally imparted only orally by a Sect Master or Peak Master 266.

• Thunder-Holding Peak Art: Chen Cheng chose the art despite Qiu Xueman’s warning and Peak Master Lu Mingyang’s expectation that he would fail to enter its path 266.
• Entry Level: Chen Cheng had reached Entry Level in the scripture by the time he continued advancing at the sect 276.
• Thunder Preparation: He tempered Ten Directions Thunder Movement in preparation for cultivating the Scripture 266.
• Innate Thunder Compatibility: His first and second Divine Apertures contain exceptionally abundant, pure innate thunder, making their Divine Treasuries particularly compatible with the scripture 279 307.
• Thunderstorm: At Minor Mastery, the scripture records the Thunderstorm trait, while increasing cultivation progress raises the power of his thunder techniques 307.
• Thunder Prison: A later trait can immobilize an enemy completely. Stronger opponents require greater mental expenditure and can be restrained for shorter durations 313.
• Punitive Thunder Combat: Chen Cheng combines black Punitive Thunder with Sword Qi, Zheng Force, and Taiji Force in his victorious fingertip attack against Li Juye 315.

No-Thought Moon Eye

The No-Thought Moon Eye is an ocular martial art Chen Cheng had reached Entry Level in by his later Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect cultivation 276.

• Entry Level: Chen Cheng’s skill panel records the No-Thought Moon Eye at Entry Level 276.
• Moon Slave Control: The art can form a Void Moon Slave Seal within a target’s mind. Chen Cheng uses it to turn Baili Qin into a moon servant and later enslaves Tan Chen, identified as his third Moon Slave 282 312.
• Covert Assets: Enslaved targets can continue operating within their original factions while obeying Chen Cheng and supplying intelligence. He orders Tan Chen to return to the sect and act as though nothing happened 312.
• Submission Conditions: In Tan Chen’s case, Chen Cheng first breaks resistance through fear, ordering Huo Mankun’s execution before the captive submits to the ocular technique 312.

Demon Flame Burning God

A top-tier demonic Secret Treasury martial art that Chen Cheng learns through the Vertical Eye Mark. Perfect entry produces Demon Flame True Fire alongside his existing Taiji True Fire 243.

• Multiple True Fires: Demon Flame True Fire does not conflict with Taiji True Fire. Chen Cheng later uses it together with Imperial Apex True Fire to accelerate aperture refinement 243 267.
• Concealment: He hides his demonic cultivation and presents thunder-related abilities publicly, avoiding unnecessary exposure within an orthodox sect 267.
• Primordial Yin Support: Luo Hanying’s Innate Primordial Yin significantly accelerates the art’s cultivation and nourishes his True Fires 307.
• Future Application: Its fuller strength-increasing effects require reaching the Divine Vein Level, making the opening of his tenth Divine Aperture an important medium-term goal 307.

Gu Control and Spirit Beast Cultivation

Chen Cheng’s Gu techniques develop from observing Hong Xuanyi’s use of the Immortal Disk Pill and Heart-Devouring Gu. He gains Disk Control · Heart-Devouring, learns how the pill implants a controlling parasite, and initially destroys a captured Gu rather than risk keeping an uncontrollable creature 187.

• Heart-Devouring Gu Taming: After strengthening his mind through the Founder’s Broken Sword trial, he subdues a Heart-Devouring Gu within his own body, making it loyal and remotely controllable 217.
• Blood Cocoon Bond: His completed mental bond with a Blood Cocoon ensures the future Spirit Gu’s loyalty 217.
• Blood Immortal Gu and Corpse Demon Gu: He deploys these creatures for reconnaissance and shares the Corpse Demon Gu’s vision and hearing 238.
• Raptor Taming: Using the Raptor Taming Chapter of the Five Workshops Essential Techniques and his strong mind, he tames a Third-Order Howling Sky Eagle rescued from an Immortal Bone Sect depot 197.
• Ten Thousand Beasts Mortal-Shedding Scripture: Chen Cheng masters an art capable of raising and evolving Spirit Beasts, though he initially postpones using it on the eagle and mutated Gu 225.
• Resource Refinement: He later distributes essence refined from Huo Mankun’s corpse among the eagle, Corpse Demon Gu, and Blood Immortal Gu 312.

Array Formation

Chen Cheng gains perfect beginner mastery of Array Formation Technique · Qingming Qi-Seizing Array after examining every inscription of an existing array 208.

• Qingming Qi-Seizing Array: A unique array created by the Qingming Path’s founder. Chen Cheng practices by inscribing its patterns in his grotto-heaven 208 217.
• Delegated Inscription: He bestows the array skill upon the Howling Sky Eagle, whose claws can substitute for carving knives 225.
• Heart-Enslaving Arrays: Examination of Ning Shuangxu’s Slave Artifact reveals a Heart-Enslaving Array at its core. The eagle later completes a Divine-Subduing Heart-Enslaving Array on a black iron collar 260 267.

Scale Transformation Nine Heavens

A weapon art used with Hidden Dragon’s sword and chain-blade forms. Chen Cheng reveals mastery of its deeper principles during the Black Shark Bay mission 197.

• Counter-Scale Piercing the Sun: Used to cut down two fleeing Immortal Bone Sect cultists 197.
• Hidden Scale Emerging from the Abyss: A chain-blade technique employed against additional cultists 197.
• Roaming Scale Circling the Moon: Another chain-blade technique used during the same battle 197.

Alchemy and Fire Control

Chen Cheng’s alchemical cultivation develops alongside his combat arts. He initially learns about furnaces, materials, and fire control in Wangyou Valley, where he purchases a damaged Lightning-Struck Heavenly Iron furnace containing the Essence of Pill Vapor 191. At Purple Empyrean Peak, his talent grows into simultaneous Profound Pill refinement and earns Wang Changsheng’s direct support 306 319.

• Little Black Cauldron: His exceptional mental control divides the cauldron into two independently maintained refining areas, allowing two different pills to be refined simultaneously while he also cultivates 306 307 319.
• Profound Sundering Myriad Refinements Art: Chen Cheng applies this newly learned art to the simultaneous refinement of Aperture-Refining and Aperture-Nourishing Profound Pills 306.
• Mysterious Separation Core-Condensing Art: A refining technique he practices daily; its increasing mastery improves his pill-refining speed 307.
• Nine-Turn Spirit-Melting Art: A fire-control art acquired by reading a Cinnabar Book Jade Scripture. He later bestows perfect entry-level mastery upon Feng Fang 300 307 313.
• Blazingheart Profound Fire: Maintains the cauldron’s two refining zones and can refine weapons and corpses into spiritual essence. Weapon essence strengthens the Thunder Radiance Sword, while corpse essence nourishes his spiritual creatures 312.
• Profound Pill Refinement: Chen Cheng demonstrates near-perfect alchemy and simultaneous refinement of two kinds of Profound Pills, leading An Lingyue to recognize him as Purple Empyrean Peak’s foremost alchemical talent 319.
• Commercial Delegation: He handles pill refining while Shen Mi manages business negotiations under his explicit authority 323.
• Great Sun Heaven-Burning Art: A Spirit-Realm fire-control technique recorded on an iron stele. The Vertical Eye Mark grants perfect beginner mastery after he reads the inscription. It also contains combat arts that remain useful even when his cultivation cannot express their full Spirit-Realm power 334.

Notable Equipment

Power Progression

Relationships

Madam Li

Chen Cheng’s mother is his closest familial bond and a constant source of emotional support. From the earliest days of his martial arts journey, Madam Li worries about his safety and finances, but her pride in his achievements grows as he advances 66. She transforms alongside him, adopting the demeanor of a lady of a prominent household while still cooking for him and worrying over his sacrifices 129 108. She also helps prepare rare ingredients like the Green-Silver Dragon for his consumption, showing her willingness to assist his cultivation even in unpleasant tasks 116. Her love is demonstrated through making clothes and shoes for him before he departs for the Shanhai Sect 166.

Upon Chen Cheng’s later return to Zhao City, Madam Li is overjoyed to be reunited with him and resolves to trust his decisions fully rather than add to his burdens. His killing of the Ti Cavalryman who harassed her and his subsequent confrontation with the Pang Family underscore the extent to which he remains determined to protect her 271.

Baili Qin later reveals that she had planned to use Madam Li to lure Chen Cheng into an ambush by three hostile forces. Chen Cheng recognizes that his unwillingness to abandon his mother would have made the scheme particularly dangerous, reinforcing the importance of his control over Baili Qin 282.

Chen Shi

Chen Shi is Chen Cheng’s father, whose military letter states that he voluntarily requested entry into the Death Squad Camp and received a ten-tael reward for loyalty and courage 3. His fate remains a persistent concern after Chen Cheng leaves Zhao City. Song Linwei investigates news about him, while Chen Cheng fears that an invasion of Shattered Leaf City could place him in Northern Suppression Manor’s hands as a hostage 261 282.

Protecting Chen Shi is one of Chen Cheng’s reasons for helping Song Linwei delay or sabotage the Marquis of Northern Suppression’s uprising 287.

Chen An and Madam Bai

Chen An, Chen Cheng’s Third Uncle, is one of the few members of the original Chen household who treats him kindly. Chen Cheng assists his family after becoming a martial artist, and Madam Bai reveals this support when the household pressures Chen An to finance Chen Hao’s training 2 20.

When they meet outside Zhao City, Chen An initially fails to recognize the taller, stronger, finely dressed Chen Cheng. Their conversation reveals that Chen An has also lost faith in the family faction supporting Chen Hao 90. Chen Cheng’s later victory over the Pang, Peng, and Lu factions gives Chen An and Madam Bai substantial protection and strengthens their business standing in Yong Province 272.

Fatty Fang

Fatty Fang acts as an early mentor and loyal friend to Chen Cheng. He guides Chen Cheng through the Middle Academy, warns him about the dangers of the Inner Hall, and later reveals his own hidden strength of six incense sticks of blood energy 21 83. Their relationship deepens as they spar together, with Chen Cheng demonstrating rapid progress to Six-Wick Blood Qi 137. Fatty Fang also offers protection to Madam Li on behalf of Chen Cheng and suggests a marriage match between his cousin and Chen Cheng, showing his investment in Chen Cheng’s future 65 66. He expresses gratitude when Chen Cheng helps him return to the Inner Hall 84.

Chen Cheng initially attempts to use Ye Yang’s reward for his assessment victory to secure Fang Wenhou’s reinstatement, showing that gratitude to his senior brother takes priority over personal gain 77. Fang later gives him Treasure Snake Jerky upon promotion to the Upper Academy, and the two join Cao Zhao and Wang Chuang in a promise to reunite in Zhao City after three years 91 152.

Fang Wenhou later reunites with Chen Cheng in Zhao City while emaciated and injured, yet remains loyal to his junior brother and eager for his return 271. Chen Cheng subsequently has Pang Shixun crippled and handed over to Fang for punishment, while Fang expresses his willingness to follow Chen Cheng north 272.

Ye Yang

Ye Yang is initially a stern examiner who finds Chen Cheng “ordinary” after a physical examination, but he later becomes a concerned mentor and ally. He informs Chen Cheng about the Longshan Middle Academy assessment and advises him not to compete with Xiao Yi 66. After Chen Cheng’s bone-reading, Ye Yang drapes his coat over Chen Cheng and hints at a potential farewell as Chen Cheng ascends to the Upper Academy, showing genuine care 108. Ye Yang is also ambushed and injured by an unknown assailant, requiring a long recovery period 83. Before Chen Cheng sought entry into the Nine Altars Sect, Ye Yang also gave him the rare Red Heart Ganoderma as a gift intended to help secure Pang Shixun’s recommendation 113 165.

Ye Yang refuses to punish Chen Cheng for Xiao Yi’s severe injuries in legitimate combat and instead rewards him with supplementary medicines after the attempt to restore Fang Wenhou proves impractical 77. Chen Cheng accepts the Red Heart Ganoderma with a resolve to repay Ye Yang’s support, although his connection to Ye Yang later becomes one of Xiang Han’s reasons for denying him Nine Altars Sect admission 113 165.

Zhuang Zhuang

Zhuang Zhuang is a young woman from a wealthy family who becomes close to Chen Cheng. In early chapters, Lu Song detects the scent of precious medicine on Zhuang Zhuang, indicating her background 63. Later, Zhuang Zhuang visits Chen Cheng’s home, bonding with Madam Li over lunch and showing affection toward her 137. She also clears up a misunderstanding with her aunt and invites Chen Cheng to dinner, providing him with information about gifts 114. Her aunt and uncle-in-law, Zhuang Huixian and Yu Feng, host Chen Cheng for a meal where they discuss his background and future plans 113 114.

Chen Cheng later offers Zhuang Zhuang a room and Treasure Fish resources to help prepare for the Martial Selection 142. By the time he returns to Zhao City, Zhuang Zhuang remains loyal to him and is stunned by the vast gap between his former and current strength 271.

Zhuang Zhuang gives him nine Three Treasures Foundation-Cultivating Pills in gratitude for his help and continues to exchange cultivation advice and news with him 138 152. Her standing and unusual connection to Chen Cheng also contribute significantly to the influence that resolves the Wu Family Fishery Manor conflict without a fight 116.

Cao Zhao

Cao Zhao is a fellow disciple who becomes a significant ally and friend. He is initially arrogant, engaging in a physical altercation with Fatty Fang that reveals Fatty Fang’s hidden strength 83. Later, he shows generosity by inviting Chen Cheng to the Immortal Pavilion in the Inner City and introducing him to influential figures 84. He also informs Chen Cheng about the Young Qilin Gathering and reveals his own engagement to a descendant of the Pang Family, which will grant him access to secret-transmission techniques 137.

Cao Zhao later visits Chen Cheng’s Zhao City residence with Xia Yingying, but his loyalty to Chen Cheng conflicts with the demands of Xia Zhengxiong and the Pang Family; he ultimately leaves under this pressure 271.

After the confrontation, Cao Zhao returns and bows deeply to Chen Cheng, asking him to rescue the cultivators trapped at Black Cloud Marsh, including his godfather. Chen Cheng agrees to intervene despite Feng Fang’s warning about the Corpse Puppet army 272.

Shi Lei

Shi Lei is an early friend from the Lower Academy who shows aggression and recklessness but also loyalty. He fights Wang Han in the monthly minor competition and is defeated, with Chen Cheng challenging Wang Han afterward 13. As Chen Cheng’s status grows, Shi Lei is reassigned from cleaning latrines to helping in the back kitchen due to Chen Cheng’s influence, and he gains newfound respect and admiration for Chen Cheng’s achievements 65.

Shi Lei later transfers to the General Affairs Room, where reduced work and occasional cultivation resources substantially improve his prospects 96.

Qian Baolu

Qian Baolu is a friend who admires Chen Cheng’s integrity. He expresses admiration when Chen Cheng refuses to associate with Xiao Yi and Liang Guang despite their newfound power, highlighting Chen Cheng’s focus on personal growth over external validation 63. They share a meal, showing a growing bond 65.

Wu Ziyu

Wu Ziyu is a powerful figure from the Wu Family who seeks to build a good relationship with Chen Cheng. After learning of his connections, she agrees to let him spar in her place and gifts him a Green-Silver Dragon Treasure Fish 116. Chen Cheng attends her wedding and causes a stir by gifting 100,000 coins, demonstrating his wealth and status 129.

Her commitment is particularly evident when she offers to surrender the highly productive Ten-Mile Marsh rather than risk Chen Cheng in a dangerous fight. Recognition of his connections to Zhuang Zhuang and other Upper Academy figures transforms her interest into a determined effort to maintain a lasting alliance 116. She later readily helps him obtain access to the Commerce Inspection Bureau for Shen Mi’s Merchant Charter application, and the Wu Family rewards his Martial Selection success with six shops 117 162.

Zhou Yonglu

Zhou Yonglu is a senior figure who sends gifts to Chen Cheng through his brothers Zhou Ping and Zhou An, including a Treasure Fish and a unique black vat 129. Zhou An acts as a mediator, assuring Chen Cheng there is no ill intent and that the Wu and Zhou families have no enmity 129 116. Zhou An also advises Zhou Yonglu to build a good relationship with Chen Cheng 116.

Xiao Yi and Liang Guang

Xiao Yi is a former acquaintance who tries to maintain a friendship after gaining power, but Chen Cheng declines his invitations to banquets due to principles. Xiao Yi’s reputation is damaged when erotic materials are found in his possession 63. Liang Guang is also part of that circle; Chen Cheng’s refusal to associate with them underscores his integrity 63.

Their rivalry culminates in Chen Cheng’s sudden victory during the academy assessment. Xiao Yi survives with catastrophic heart and lung injuries and becomes consumed by hatred after his martial future is effectively destroyed 76 77.

Liang Guang is also a childhood acquaintance of Chen Cheng. After Tang Yunlong’s death, his corruption and debts cost him his clerk position and social standing. His later attempt to ingratiate himself with Chen Cheng at Zhou Long and Hu Niu’s wedding fails when Chen Cheng answers with a cold, intimidating glance 11 130.

Shen Mi

Shen Mi acts as a contact from the Shen Family, providing Chen Cheng with the Frost Bone White herb and warning him about its value and potential danger 83.

As Yongsheng Trading Firm falls into crisis, Chen Cheng treats her as a friend rather than merely a former employer. He offers one thousand taels, then helps pursue the Merchant Charter that would actually resolve the firm’s difficulty by obtaining Wu Ziyu’s assistance 117. His rising influence later becomes a source of protection for the firm 272.

By the time his alchemical business attracts powerful Emperorfall City families, Chen Cheng publicly names Shen Mi as the manager responsible for negotiations. He explicitly states that any agreement reached with her is an agreement with him, placing his authority behind her decisions 323.

Elder Wen

Elder Wen trains with Chen Cheng, acknowledging his progress and willingness to spar 83.

He leaves Chen Cheng the Thunder-Stepping Technique as a parting inheritance, expressing confidence that Chen Cheng can master an art he himself could not. Chen Cheng is deeply moved and regrets that he did not have the opportunity to say goodbye 117.

Zhu Mingyuan

Zhu Mingyuan warns Chen Cheng about the ambush on Ye Yang and the unsolved murder of Xiao Yi, advising cooperation with the Ti Cavalry if questioned 83.

Pang Shixun

Pang Shixun performs a bone-reading on Chen Cheng and is confused by his unusual physical condition (infant-like bones, high-potential tendons). He offers to evaluate Chen Cheng’s talent after three months, hinting at a potential sect recommendation 108. He later judges Chen Cheng’s root bone unlikely to earn ordinary sect admission, but offers to introduce him to a Nine Altars Sect elder and suggests official service as an alternative route 162.

Chen Cheng becomes wary of Pang Shixun’s intentions when the latter accepts the Red Heart Ganoderma while failing to secure Xiang Han’s agreement to admit him 165.

The Pang Family later becomes openly hostile to Chen Cheng after Pang Wanhe attempts to arrest him in Zhao City. Chen Cheng kills Pang Wanhe and six Five-Qi Divine Treasury grand masters sent by the family, turning the relationship into an irreconcilable conflict 271. Pang Shixun’s subsequent use of hostages fails when Chen Cheng reveals his Soulshatter Office rank; he is crippled, handed over to Fang Wenhou, and implicated in the executions and confiscations that follow 272.

Yu Feng and Zhuang Huixian

Yu Feng is Zhuang Zhuang’s uncle-in-law, a stern and authoritative figure who respects Chen Cheng’s connection to the Zhuang family. He invites Chen Cheng to dinner and approves of his humble origins 113. Zhuang Huixian, Zhuang Zhuang’s aunt, is warm and welcoming, asking about Chen Cheng’s background and future plans 114.

Yu Feng intervenes against a stalker from the Bai Family, using the mistaken description of Chen Cheng as his niece’s husband to intimidate the pursuer and protect him. During dinner, the family tacitly avoids revisiting that misunderstanding 113 114.

Du Wenshun

Du Wenshun is a caravan leader who offers Chen Cheng a ride north to the Shanhai Sect and provides him with Nine Altars Blood-Boosting Pills, showing appreciation and respect 166.

Lin Fengxiao

Lin Fengxiao promises to inform Chen Cheng of any news regarding the use of human heads in medicine, demonstrating loyalty and gratitude 166.

He also shares confidential information concerning Qin Zhao’s ties to the Red Moon Cult and the retrieval of Qin Zhao’s head by the cult leader after Chen Cheng kills him 165.

Li Wenrou

At the Shanhai Sect, Li Wenrou shares her concerns about her family members fighting in the northern war, and she and Chen Cheng share a moment of understanding and connection over missing family members 172. She is from the Sword Pavilion. She later explains the advantages of becoming a pavilion master’s personal disciple and continues to provide Chen Cheng with practical guidance about sect resources 198.

Li Wenrou also explains the requirements for selecting a martial art to condense blood and generate Innate Divine Spirit, helping Chen Cheng confirm his decision to use Taiji as his foundational innate martial art 177.

Chen Cheng sends Treasure Fish to support her recovery from injuries. Li Wenrou expresses gratitude and offers future assistance, then later regularly collects and forwards letters and sect news to his secluded grotto-heaven 190 225.

Other Disciples at Shanhai Sect

Upon arriving at the Shanhai Sect, Chen Cheng bonds with Su Bing, Ding Lu, Ning Chong, Ma Song, and Lu Shang over dinner, discussing the different pavilions. Ning Chong shows deference to Chen Cheng, acknowledging his superior status 172.

Yuan Feiche

Yuan Feiche is the future Sword Pavilion Master and becomes one of Chen Cheng’s principal supporters at Shanhai Sect. He grants Chen Cheng the peerless Ten Directions Thunder Movement, personally evaluates his sword arts, and grows increasingly convinced that Chen Cheng is vital to the sect’s future 199 201 216. He publicly supports Chen Cheng during the Seven Sects Grand Competition and presents him with a Divine Physiognomy Sect selection token on the condition that he reach Seven-Qi Divine Treasury 221 222.

Yuan Feiche oversees and protects Chen Cheng during the Founder’s Broken Sword trial, then witnesses his inheritance of its Essence of Sword Qi 217. After losing an eye during the siege of Shanhai Sect, he encourages Chen Cheng to seek greater strength in Emperorfall City and promises that the sect will welcome him back if he fails the selection 225.

Geng Yuliang

Geng Yuliang is a Fist Pavilion elder who recognizes Chen Cheng’s exceptional combat instincts and personally seeks to recruit him after watching him defeat Qian Hai and Zhou Cunfeng 190. He later feeds Chen Cheng moves in sparring, admires his mental resilience, and advocates nurturing him as one of Shanhai Sect’s most promising disciples 191 225.

Jiang Yujiao

Jiang Yujiao is a powerful Shanhai Sect figure whose relationship with Chen Cheng becomes increasingly close. She initially oversees the evaluation of his character for Sea Academy entry 174. Later, Chen Cheng discovers a Gu Insect egg in a Dragon Marrow Pill and realizes that she carries a Gu Insect within her; the two agree to keep the matter secret and help one another 222. Chen Cheng subsequently removes Yin-attributed Killing Intent from her injuries and suppresses the Gu Insect, earning her complete trust and deepening their bond 225.

Their cooperation includes intimate exchanges through which Chen Cheng extracts stolen Primordial Yang fire qi, and their farewell before his departure becomes explicitly affectionate 222 225. He remains cautious about permanently removing or killing the owned Gu because doing so could alert its unknown controller. Even Wang Changsheng’s later wariness toward the person behind the scheme confirms that Chen Cheng’s restraint was necessary 294.

Li Li

Li Li is a Shanhai Sect disciple who becomes a close ally of Chen Cheng. She observes his unmatched underwater endurance, warns him against dangerous figures such as Shen Wanqing, and later accompanies him on missions 181 221 203. Chen Cheng heals her injury using his innate essence, further strengthening their relationship 203.

She supports him during the Sea Academy competition and helps secure the spoils of Gu Qianqian’s wagers 186. During the Black Shark Bay mission, she increasingly trusts his combat judgment and guards his rear while he confronts escaping cultists 197.

Li Jinge

Li Jinge, Li Li’s mother, is a former Divine Weapon Valley expert and chief of the Yunlei Chamber of Commerce’s Weapon Forging Hall. She tests Chen Cheng’s strength, recognizes his unusually dense force and concealed potential, and gifts him Hidden Dragon 188.

She later helps plan a route toward Emperorfall City with trusted contacts at key points, seeking to supply and protect him from the Shen, Bai, and Huo factions hunting him 230.

Song Linwei

Song Linwei is an influential supporter who recognizes Chen Cheng’s potential and assists him during the Seven Sects Grand Competition 218. Chen Cheng later accepts her challenge arrangement with Jiang Shuqin in order to demonstrate his value, winning sixty pieces of fourth-rank Strange Tiger Jerky and securing her continued admiration and support 224.

Song Linwei later learns that Chen Cheng was responsible for slaying the demonic Yin Chi and continues to provide him with support, intelligence, resources, and invitations connected to his advancement in Emperorfall City 264.

She offers him formal sponsorship and resources in exchange for tasks, while Chen Cheng willingly fights for her in a life-or-death wager despite her preference to concede rather than endanger him 245 246. She also investigates his father’s situation and Zhao City’s crisis 261. Chen Cheng’s subsequent efforts against Northern Suppression Manor serve both her objectives and his wish to protect Chen Shi and Shanhai Sect 287 301.

Qu Lingsha

Qu Lingsha initially regards Chen Cheng with hostility because of his ties to Li Li and Li Jinge. During the North Foothill Mine conflict, however, Chen Cheng saves her after Mo Wuya’s final attack severely injures her, eliminating the surrounding enemies with his Mysterious Yin Palm and Qi Force 205.

That rescue does not become a lasting alliance. When his eagle detects approaching groups, Chen Cheng abruptly kills Qu Lingsha and the final survivor, searches the bodies, and withdraws without leaving evidence connecting himself to the scene 206.

Ji Jingyou

Ji Jingyou was initially a formidable rival whom Chen Cheng defeated in the final of the Seven Sects Grand Competition. After Chen Cheng dispersed Ji Jingyou’s Mysterious Heaven Wandering Dragon with a single crimson-gold Sword Qi, Ji Jingyou conceded and recognized Chen Cheng’s superiority 220.

Their relationship later changes substantially when Chen Cheng teaches Ji Jingyou the Mysterious Heaven Dragon Swimming technique and helps him break through his cultivation bottleneck. Ji Jingyou becomes deeply grateful, performs a formal kowtow, and accepts Chen Cheng as a martial teacher 256. He thereafter views Chen Cheng as a supreme prodigy deserving of the respect and resources he receives 261.

Ji Jingyou defends Chen Cheng’s character before Lu Mingyang after his departure and stakes his own safety on Chen Cheng’s return 267. Their later discussions compare Chen Cheng’s independently cultivated aperture breakthroughs with Ji Jingyou’s inherited cultivation infusions, while Ji remains confident in his teacher’s extraordinary potential 307.

Qiu Tongtian

Qiu Tongtian is a venerable of the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect who notices Chen Cheng during the Seven Sects Grand Competition and selects him as a promising entrant for the sect 219 220. He continues to recognize Chen Cheng’s rapid advancement, accompanies him during his later travels, and provides cultivation resources including a ninth-rank Cloud-Climbing Pill 253 266.

Chen Cheng risks his life to save Qiu Tongtian during the Azureglow Bay expedition. The elder survives severe injuries and later recognizes the connection between Chen Cheng’s Jade Thorn Scales and that rescue 260 263.

Yuwen Xun

Yuwen Xun, the Fourth Prince of Great Shang, initially publicly praises Chen Cheng and attempts to cultivate a relationship with him during a banquet 253. However, after Chen Cheng defeats him and other powerful challengers, Yuwen Xun develops a deep hatred for Chen Cheng and intends to seek revenge when an opportunity arises 256 264.

His altered Imperial Apex Divine Edge Art is an early concealed attempt to harm Chen Cheng 256. At the entrance selection, Chen Cheng defeats him, seizes Dragon Soul, and trades the Jade Thorn Scales for the sword and ten fifth-grade cultivation pills after Lu Mingyang spares the prince 263 264. Yuwen Xun’s faction subsequently participates in the large-scale eunuch ambush during Chen Cheng’s journey south 267.

Yuwen Min

Yuwen Min is the Ninth Prince of Great Shang and ruler of Breezewind Water Stronghold. Born to a palace maid and sent away from court while young, he maintains the remote and poorly resourced stronghold through steady administration 256.

He warns Chen Cheng that the Imperial Apex Divine Edge Art has been altered and repairs the text. The Vertical Eye Mark confirms that the repaired version is sound, providing evidence of his sincere assistance 256. He later helps Chen Cheng’s journey south, and Chen Cheng repays his support by defeating Chu Jingfeng when a poisoned helper leaves Yuwen Min’s faction vulnerable in a life-or-death duel 267 279.

Chen Cheng’s loyalty to Yuwen Min remains significant enough that hostile Northern Yin disciples interpret his willingness to risk his life for the prince as another reason to eliminate him 309.

Lu Mingyang

Lu Mingyang is the Peak Master of Thunder-Holding Peak in the Northern Emperor Demon-Subduing Sect. He becomes interested in Chen Cheng after witnessing his performance and later intervenes to spare Yuwen Xun after Chen Cheng defeats him 263 264. Though initially disappointed by Chen Cheng’s choice of the Black Law Punitive Thunder Scripture, Lu Mingyang is positioned to oversee his development within Thunder-Holding Peak 266.

His support is accompanied by strict control. When Chen Cheng secretly leaves, Lu Mingyang threatens his associates and orders Fu Qianzhong’s forces to retrieve him dead or alive 267. He continues monitoring Chen Cheng’s rapid cultivation, though a later understanding between them leads to the withdrawal of a Thunder-Holding Peak scout 279 282.

Hai Yunnuan

Hai Yunnuan is the eldest daughter of the Hai Family. After Chen Cheng saves her ship from sea bandits through his divine archery, she sincerely seeks his guidance in martial arts 234. Under Chen Cheng’s instruction, she gains insight into and ultimately masters the Still Sea Tide-Rising Palm, developing considerable respect for him 234 235.

Ning Shuangxu

Ning Shuangxu is a blind young woman among the civilians rescued by the Black Armor Alligator Turtle. She asks Chen Cheng for help performing a zither piece left by her mother and offers herself as a slave in exchange 235. Her unusual request establishes a tentative connection with Chen Cheng during his journey toward Northern Star Port 235.

Chen Cheng later tells her that he regards her as a friend rather than a servant and asks her not to call him Master, although she continues using the title out of habit and devotion. Her repeated performances of No-Thought substantially improve his cultivation efficiency, despite exhausting her mentally 260.

He protects her during the eunuchs’ encirclement and bestows Moon Breath of Avici so she can hide while he draws the enemies away 267. She remains emotionally supportive during his aperture breakthroughs and accompanies him to Purple Empyrean Peak, where Zhu Xian’er recognizes her as a Thought-Emotion Master and discusses the possibility of curing her blindness through Wang Changsheng’s power 279 306.

Chen Cheng intends to obtain a better zither for her and eventually recover Plain Sound, her mother’s lost instrument, from the Ghost Market’s master 260 279.

Feng Fang

Feng Fang is a powerful elderly servant who becomes absolutely loyal to Chen Cheng. He advises against the dangerous Black Cloud Marsh intervention but ultimately follows Chen Cheng’s decision 272.

He later captures Huo Mankun and Tan Chen at Chen Cheng’s command, executes Huo without hesitation, and assists in converting Tan into an informant 312. Chen Cheng’s bestowed Endless trait gradually heals Feng Fang’s injuries from the demonic Holy Maiden and rejuvenates his body 312.

Chen Cheng further grants him the Nine-Turn Spirit-Melting Art, a Blazingheart Profound Fire seed, and perfect entry-level mastery of the White Lotus Canon. These gifts offer Feng Fang a path toward improved artifact refining and martial cultivation, deepening his reverence for his master 313.

Wang Changsheng

Wang Changsheng is Chen Cheng’s master at Purple Empyrean Peak. He approves of Chen Cheng’s faithful use of the Longevity Pills and sets the demanding goal of refining a ninth-rank treasure pill within three years 306.

As Chen Cheng demonstrates his resilience and Profound Pill-refining ability, Wang Changsheng invests further resources in him, including Supreme-Grade Aperture-Refining Profound Pills and Great Longevity Pills 319. Chen Cheng responds by asking about his master’s mental condition and whether he can offer help, showing a desire to repay the support he receives 319.

Chen Cheng nevertheless remains cautious about revealing every secret, particularly the complex Gu conspiracy involving Jiang Yujiao, because Wang Changsheng himself shows wariness toward its hidden controller 294.

An Lingyue and Zhu Xian’er

An Lingyue and Zhu Xian’er are Chen Cheng’s senior sisters at Purple Empyrean Peak. An Lingyue verifies his adherence to the Longevity Pill regimen, while Zhu Xian’er offers practical guidance and warmly supports Ning Shuangxu 306.

Both worry about Chen Cheng’s prospects in the final rankings tournament, then become proud of his victory over Li Juye 313 315. His rapid recovery from the Great Longevity Pill and simultaneous Profound Pill refinement astonish them. An Lingyue reports his accomplishments to Wang Changsheng and recognizes him as the peak’s foremost alchemical talent 319.

Jiang Yunyao and Green Bamboo Peak

Jiang Yunyao praises Chen Cheng’s alchemical talent but doubts that he can withstand Purple Empyrean Peak’s Longevity Pills. She invites him to transfer to Green Bamboo Peak and wagers that he cannot endure the pills for six months; Chen Cheng firmly refuses the transfer and accepts the bet 306.

Her later suggestion that he is afraid to attend the rankings tournament is disproved by his victory over Li Juye 313 315. The defeat damages the reputation of Green Bamboo Peak’s Li lineage and prevents Li Juye from advancing to the Vast Righteousness Alliance, making the feud with Chen Cheng irreconcilable. Members and associates of the peak subsequently seek to kill him for factional favor and cultivation resources 328.

Luo Hanying

Luo Hanying has an intimate relationship with Chen Cheng, whose memories of their time together remain affectionate 297. Her Innate Primordial Yin nourishes his True Fires and greatly accelerates Demon Flame Burning God, while her Supreme-Grade Aperture-Refining Profound Pills help him open his third aperture 307 313.

She later provides Essence of Pill Qi that substantially increases his cultivation realm, allowing him to devote the following month primarily to bodily refinement 331.

Su Wangshu and the Su Family

Su Wangshu grows close to Chen Cheng during their time aboard ship, preparing meals and speaking more comfortably with him despite her persistent congenital illness 231. Her father, Su Dakang, pays to secure Chen Cheng’s release from the Law Enforcement Hall and offers help within the limits imposed by the Ling Family 238.

Chen Cheng later refuses to move away when Sun Shuping asks him to leave, explaining that a sudden departure could expose Su Wangshu’s family to the Feng Family’s schemes 243. He uses his rising influence to secure help for the Su Family’s business, and Sun Shuping reciprocates with a green hairpin that permits one future request at Emerald Bamboo Peak 248. By their later reunion, his ability to resolve a crisis threatening the whole family demonstrates how far his status has risen 299.

Zhou Qianyun and Ling Qingshu

Zhou Qianyun guides Chen Cheng through Emperorfall City’s resource market, lodging arrangements, and Ghost Market opportunities. Her initial interest is partly motivated by a wish to reach Song Linwei, but she continues helping him after learning that he does not yet know Song’s identity 238.

Ling Qingshu initially abuses his Law Enforcement Hall authority and accepts Su Dakang’s payment to close Chen Cheng’s case 238. After Chen Cheng gains stronger backing and public recognition, Ling apologizes, returns confiscated funds and goods, and offers compensation. Chen Cheng converts the reconciliation into assistance for the Su Family 248.

Zhou Qianyun’s subsequent promotion is connected to Chen Cheng’s influence. When she tries to return his rent, he instead asks that it count toward future lodging 248.

Baili Qin and Tan Chen

Baili Qin becomes Chen Cheng’s moon servant through No-Thought Moon Eye. She reveals a planned ambush using his mother and provides a covert foothold within the hostile forces associated with Northern Suppression Manor 282.

Tan Chen initially conspires with Huo Mankun to capture or kill Chen Cheng. After Chen Cheng lures them into Feng Fang’s hands and has Huo executed, Tan submits to a Void Moon Slave Seal and becomes his third Moon Slave. Chen Cheng sends him back to the sect as a concealed informant 311 312.

Xu Tianpeng and Wang Qingfeng

Xu Tianpeng recognizes Chen Cheng’s tact and combat ability during the Sea Academy competition and repeatedly offers him Python Pavilion elite status 186. Chen Cheng later fights Huo Lilun on his behalf, winning a wager and receiving the Azure Profound Seven-Leaf Grass that enables Marrow-Washing Taiji’s derivation 202.

Wang Qingfeng rejects Gu Qianqian’s unsupported accusations against Chen Cheng and later leads him and Li Li on the Black Shark Bay mission. He recognizes Chen Cheng’s swordsmanship, ruthlessness, and beast-taming ability, while Chen Cheng uses the expedition to gather resources and observe the strength of a superior cultivator 187 197.

Zou Yan, Qiu Xueman, and Qi Jingchu

Zou Yan intervenes on Chen Cheng’s behalf by dismissing the scheming Lin Yue and promoting Qiu Xueman to a steward disciple with doubled monthly contribution points 297.

Qiu Xueman and Zhao Yiqi recognize Chen Cheng’s extraordinary potential after his first-aperture victory over Chu Jingfeng 279. Qi Jingchu later provides a Lower-Grade Aperture-Refining Profound Pill and defends the prudence of avoiding a hopeless tournament fight, reflecting a protective attitude toward him 312 313.

Zhou Long, Hu Niu, Cao Badou, and Gou Fu

Zhou Long, also known as Xiao Long, Hu Niu, Liang Guang, and Cao Badou are Chen Cheng’s childhood acquaintances 11. Chen Cheng remains warmly disposed toward Zhou Long and Hu Niu, whose marriage and business prospects improve through his assistance. At their wedding, he allows Zhou Long to use his name when approaching Yongsheng Firm, provided the family’s silk is of reliable quality 130.

By contrast, Cao Badou’s attempt to reconnect after losing his examination placement receives a restrained, indifferent response 130.

Gou Fu is a former coworker at the trading firm who often helped Chen Cheng during his impoverished days. He initially fails to recognize Chen Cheng’s transformed appearance when the latter returns wearing the bearing of a young master 24.

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