Xia Dong

Biodata

| Name | Xia Dong 5 |
| Alias | Gouchen Ke (pen name) 4 |
| Gender | Male 6 7 |
| Species | Human 65 |
| Affiliation | Gongsheng of Pingyang County 7; Evergreen Medical Clinic 16; Eagle-Wolf Guard Flag‑Bearer 24 40 |
| Status | Alive 65 |
| First Appearance | Not specified |

Physical Description

The provided context contains no explicit description of Xia Dong’s physical appearance, such as build, hair, eyes, or typical attire. Therefore, a section on "Physical Description" cannot be written based solely on the given information.

Background

Xia Dong's early life was marked by an aura of mystery that would define much of his future. His parents, a couple from the capital, had moved to Pingyang County and never returned, dying while he was still young 8. Nothing more was known of his father's specific origins, but the household registration file Xia Dong inherited bore a unique and powerful seal: "Daoist Registry," a vermilion stamp that most clerks could not even recognize 5. For years, Xia Dong understood little of this status; he simply carried it as a peculiar mark on his identity. He was raised on his own, a scholar from a humble background with no connections, yet he possessed an extraordinary breadth of knowledge. Drawing on past-life experiences, he could analyze legends and strange phenomena with precision, quoting classics and citing history with ease, a talent that quickly earned him a reputation in Pingyang County's scholarly circles 5. This erudition, combined with diligent study, allowed him to pass the imperial examinations and become a xiucai—an achievement that, as the daughter of the merchant Qin family later noted, was almost expected of a Dao Registry descendant 8.

The Qin family had an old connection to Xia Dong's father, and a marriage contract had been drawn between Xia Dong and the family's young lady, Qin Yining 8. However, after Qin Yining was discovered to possess spiritual roots and was accepted into the Qixia Immortal Sect, the engagement was broken. The Qin family acted with integrity, sending generous gifts and an apologetic letter, along with a spirit stone to aid his studies 2. Though Xia Dong felt no resentment—acknowledging that the immortal and mortal walk different paths—the broken engagement set in motion a series of events that would reshape his life 13. The Qin family, particularly Qin Yining (later known as Qin Wan), maintained contact, sending more spirit stones and eventually revealing the true significance of the Dao Registry 9.

After receiving the first spirit stone, Xia Dong discovered that by placing it under his pillow, he could break through the limits of his martial arts practice in his dreams. He had been diligently training in the Crane Stance, a foundational martial art, and with the spirit stone's aid, he mastered the Crane Shadow Step, a secret technique for legwork and lightness 3. In just a month of rigorous practice, his physical body transformed to the point where he could crush a blue brick with his fingers 2. Recognizing the immense value of martial artists to cultivators—and the potential dangers—Xia Dong resolved to keep his martial arts training secret 6. He began to hoard medicinal herbs and obtained the decoction formula for the "Five Animals Health Fist" before the Great You Dynasty Court's new law promoting martial arts could cause prices to skyrocket 7.

Xia Dong's scholarly achievements caught the attention of Lord He, a retired capital official and former Subordinate Fifth Rank Secretary of the Ministry of Rites, who had returned to his hometown 5. Lord He invited Xia Dong to lead the compilation of the "Volume of Strange Tales" for the Pingyang County Gazetteer, a position that provided government subsidies and access to the county's secret archives 5. Xia Dong quickly impressed the team of scholars with his profound insights and completed his section in less than half a month, leading Magistrate Yang to recommend him as the county's "Gongsheng" for the year—a prestigious title that carried significant privileges 7. During the compilation, Lord He accidentally discovered the Dao Registry seal on Xia Dong's household registration and was deeply shaken. He knew that the Dao Registry was an extremely rare category above the scholar-official registry, and that holders of this status with spiritual roots could receive special cultivation resources from the imperial family—resources that even immortal sect disciples envious 5 9. Intrigued, Lord He wrote secret letters to former colleagues in the capital to investigate Xia Dong's background, but every reply stated that among the thirty-six Dao Registry families since the founding of the Great You Dynasty, there was no family surnamed Xia 23. Despite this dead end, Lord He recognized Xia Dong's potential and began to deliberately cultivate a relationship, providing him with the most generous subsidies and introducing him to eminent scholars 5.

As Xia Dong delved deeper into the county gazetteer materials, he discovered ancient records of longevity, immortal herbs, and accounts of spirits and monsters from before the Great You Dynasty's founding—knowledge that fed his growing ambition to understand the supernatural powers of this world 5. He also learned of the "Five Mortal Passes" and the "Rebirth" stages of martial arts cultivation, confirming his suspicion that the Martial Dao held hidden depths 6. Meanwhile, his relationship with the Qin family deepened. Qin Wan, now a personal disciple of True Person Lone Moon in the Qixia Immortal Sect, wrote to him confessing her family's secrets and explaining that the Dao Registry's value lay in the fact that a descendant with spiritual roots could directly obtain cultivation resources from the imperial court 9. She also warned him not to rush into marriage and having children, as his value as a Dao Registry holder would vanish if he produced an heir—unless that heir had spiritual roots 9. Grateful for her honesty, Xia Dong decided to keep his options open and focus on his own development.

Their bond deepened further when they met face-to-face at the Qixia Immortal Sect's marketplace. Over tea, Qin Wan offered to become Xia Dong's sworn sister, binding her immortal fortune to a mortal—a gesture of profound trust and kindness 13. Xia Dong accepted, and they formed a sibling pact 13. Over the following years, Xia Dong's martial arts cultivation skyrocketed to the peak of the Bone Forging Realm, while his cultivation in the immortal path advanced as well, eventually reaching the second level of Qi Refining with the help of Qi-Gathering Pills 34 36. He began secretly smuggling talismans and pills through Qin Wan, using his Dao Registry background—which had been verified by the Bureau of Profound Mysteries—as a cover 34.

Xia Dong's growing power and connections did not go unnoticed. Zhao Ting, the Hundred-Household of the Eagle-Wolf Guard in Pingyang County, investigated Xia Dong after hearing of his Dao Registry status. During their meeting, Xia Dong calmly revealed his ties to the Qixia Immortal Sect and his past with the Qin family 24. Zhao Ting, a shrewd and ambitious man, quickly recognized the value of cultivating a relationship with a Dao Registry holder—especially one who seemed to have the favor of True Person Lone Moon. He offered Xia Dong the position of Medical Officer in his flag, with a monthly stipend and access to a "Spirit Spring" that could improve his cultivation 24. Xia Dong accepted, and their alliance was cemented 24. When Zhao Ting's family later tried to investigate Xia Dong's file, they found it sealed by the Bureau of Profound Mysteries, a fact that only deepened the mystery surrounding him and led the Zhao family to give Zhao Ting free rein in handling the relationship 25.

After opening his kidney Divine Palace and becoming recognized by the Bronze Ancient Bell as a “Qi Refiner,” Xia Dong concentrated on the Divine Treasury chapter of the Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art. This granted him an exceptionally abundant reserve of innate Qi that rapidly restores his physical and spiritual exhaustion, allowing him to sustain far more cultivation, alchemy, and talisman work than an ordinary cultivator 46. He also developed the Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed at the Yin Spirit Mine and integrated it with a Breath-Concealing Talisman, gaining a powerful means to hide his aura and cultivation 68.

At the Yin Spirit Mine, Xia Dong protected Qin Wan from three mid-stage Qi Refining assassins, killing them through his martial strength, Wind-Riding Technique, and Profound Snake Inner Armor 65. In the aftermath, he and Qin Wan suspected Pei Hongling and the Unborn Cult of involvement, planning to use any renewed attack to expose and eliminate their enemies with higher-level support 68. Xia Dong subsequently allowed Zhao Ting to take public credit for the incident while he remained in the background, preserving his own low profile 68. His divine sense later broke through the fifth-layer bottleneck after he consumed a Yin Spirit Pill, reaching the sixth level of Qi Refining 74.

Thus, Xia Dong has established himself as a brilliant scholar, physician, Eagle-Wolf Guard officer, secret martial artist, alchemist, talisman master, and cultivator of both martial and immortal paths. Though his Dao Registry origins remain unknown even to the capital's informed nobles, his ancient “Qi Refiner” identity, Bronze Ancient Bell, and growing ties to Qin Wan and True Person Lone Moon make his future increasingly consequential 5 8 23 24 25 34 36 46 68 88.

Abilities

Crane Stance
A foundational martial arts stance focused on perfecting the physical body, the Crane Stance emphasizes balance, flexibility, and the circulation of blood energy. Xia Dong practices it under various conditions and after a month of rigorous training achieves remarkable physical transformation, demonstrating its effectiveness in strengthening the flesh and bones. The stance also integrates with other cultivation methods, such as the Evergreen Medical Classic and Dragon-Capturing Technique, creating an interconnected system of martial and medical cultivation 2 16.

• Crushes a blue brick with his fingers after one month of focused practice 2.
• Reaches the Skin Grinding Realm through the Crane Stance, discarding the less effective Five Animals Health Fist 11.
• Perfection of the stance enables fusion with the Dragon-Capturing Technique and Evergreen Medical Classic (though full fusion requires more resources) 16 17.

Dragon-Capturing Hand (Dragon-Capturing Technique)
A martial skill obtained from the Bronze Ancient Bell, the Dragon-Capturing Hand is used to conceal Xia Dong’s powerful blood energy, helping him avoid unwanted attention from cultivators. The technique requires patience and perseverance to master, and its principles align with the Evergreen Medical Classic and Crane Stance. It represents a sophisticated application of internal martial arts to control and mask one’s vital presence 15 16.

• Successfully conceals his blood energy, drawing less attention at a cultivation bazaar 14 15.
• Integrates with the Evergreen Medical Classic, contributing to the perfection of Xia Dong’s medical skills 16.

Evergreen Medical Classic
An ancient medical book obtained as a bonus at a cultivation bazaar, the Evergreen Medical Classic is a comprehensive manual of medical knowledge that elevates Xia Dong’s healing abilities. Its teachings resonate with the Crane Stance and Dragon-Capturing Technique, allowing Xia Dong to merge cultivation methods and rapidly improve his skill. Upon reaching perfection, the classic becomes a cornerstone of his practice, enabling him to treat serious internal injuries and build a reputation as a skilled physician 14 16.

• Reaches perfection level, connecting with the Dragon-Capturing Technique and Crane Stance 16.
• Successfully treats constable Ding Jiu’s severe internal injuries, sparking a surge of patients with similar conditions 16.
• Supports the founding and success of the Evergreen Medical Clinic 16.

Profound Yin Scripture
A demonic cultivation technique discovered in a secret chamber, the Profound Yin Scripture allows mortals to control ghosts and strengthen their soul. Xia Dong consumes a Yin Evil Pill to begin practicing the Mysterious Yin Spirit Refining technique, which enhances his soul resilience and perception. Later, he deduces the Mysterious Yin Kidney-Refining Art from the scripture, integrating it with his organ strengthening cultivation. The scripture also provides qi-refining methods that strengthen his divine sense, reducing the burden on his physical body 11 26 39.

• Strengthens soul to perceive jade slip contents and enhance cultivation 11.
• Deduces the Mysterious Yin Kidney-Refining Art for organ strengthening in the Internal Strengthening Realm 39.
• Qi-refining methods from the scripture greatly strengthen divine sense 26.
• The Profound Yin Scripture’s techniques help Xia Dong consume the Purple Blood Organ-Nourishing Pill and advance to the Internal Strengthening Realm 39.

Talisman Arts
Xia Dong pursues talisman arts as a means to earn cultivation resources and temper his divine sense. He learns about legendary talisman master Zhang Ping and crafts Wind-Riding Talismans with a 90% success rate, then progresses to the more complex Breath-Concealing Talismans. He experiments with using his own blood to create talisman ink, demonstrating an innovative approach that may enhance his craft 27 31.

• Achieves 90% success rate in crafting Wind-Riding Talismans 31.
• Successfully crafts his first Breath-Concealing Talisman after numerous attempts 31.
• Discovers that talisman crafting tempers his divine sense, improving its quality 31.
• Experiments with human blood as talisman ink, exploring a unique method 31.
• Creates special talismans using snakeskin and his essence blood before returning to Pingyang County 78.

Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed
Xia Dong cultivates the Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed at the Yin Spirit Mine and integrates it with his Breath-Concealing Talisman. The Talisman Seed grants him rapid mastery and refinement of techniques and serves as the “Art” complementing the Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art’s foundational “Dao” 68 71.

• Integrates the Breath-Concealing Talisman into the Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed 68.
• Allows him to control his aura and conceal his cultivation level 68.
• Assists his attempt to study True Person Lone Moon’s Taiyin Divine Light 72.
• Greatly accelerates his mastery and refinement of various techniques 71.

Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Chapter
A custom martial art created by Xia Dong specifically for ordinary people to improve their physical condition. He designs the chapter for Xiao Hong, enabling her to digest the residual power of the Mysterious Yin Qi-Gathering Pill more efficiently and strengthen her body. This shows Xia Dong’s ability to innovate and adapt cultivation techniques for others’ needs 53.

• Xiao Hong practices the martial art and begins to refine the medicinal power of the Mysterious Yin Qi-Gathering Pill 53.
• Demonstrates Xia Dong’s care for his student and his versatility in martial arts creation 53.

Spirit Farming Art
Acquired from the Bronze Ancient Bell, the Spirit Farming Art is a specialized technique for cultivating spiritual fields. After discovering a spiritual pool and using fish waste to create fertilizer, Xia Dong reclaims a piece of land into a spiritual field. The art enhances his ability to nurture the field, which becomes rich in spiritual energy. It reflects his growing understanding of earth meridians and the connection between organic matter and spiritual cultivation 57.

• Transforms ordinary land into a thriving spiritual field with abundant spiritual energy 57.
• Deepens Xia Dong’s understanding of the world’s meridians and acupoints, aiding both farming and combat 57.

Qi and Mana Abilities
After three years of cultivating the Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art, Xia Dong condenses mana in his dantian and discovers his “qi” can disintegrate and melt away an opponent’s supernatural powers, though at a cost to his own qi. He learns that qi represents inward-facing cultivation and life’s origin, while mana is outward-facing and used for external attacks and spells. His progress in qi-refining from the Profound Yin Scripture also greatly strengthens his divine sense 26 44.

• Qi disintegrates supernatural powers from opponents 26.
• Condenses mana, allowing him to cast spells and operate magical artifacts 26.
• Divine sense strengthened to the perfection of the fifth layer of Qi Refining before later advancing further 44 74.
• Discovers his Void-attribute spirit root, enabling absorption of 20% of spiritual energy from surroundings 44.

Internal Strengthening & Organ Refining
Upon consuming the Purple Blood Organ-Nourishing Pill, Xia Dong enters the Internal Strengthening Realm, achieving Organ Strengthening. His kidneys refine his Qi, blood, and Mysterious Yin Mana through the deduced Mysterious Yin Kidney-Refining Art. His divine sense allows him to observe internal body transformations, a feat typically reserved for higher realms. This integration of martial and immortal cultivation techniques demonstrates his exceptional control and understanding 39.

• Kidneys refine Qi, blood, and Mysterious Yin Mana simultaneously 39.
• Uses divine sense to observe and guide internal body changes 39.
• Deduces a new secret technique from the Profound Yin Scripture, the Mysterious Yin Kidney-Refining Art 39.

Soul Cultivation & Divine Sense
Through the Profound Yin Scripture and the Yin Evil Pill, Xia Dong strengthens his soul, which enhances his perception, memory, and ability to master complex techniques. His divine sense becomes powerful enough to reduce the physical strain of cultivation and enables him to monitor internal processes. This soul refinement also aids in talisman crafting and medical practice 11 26 31.

• Soul strength increases significantly, allowing mastery of the Dragon-Capturing Hand and medical principles 15.
• Divine sense strengthened to perfection of the fifth Qi Refining layer, reducing burden on physical body 26.
• Talisman crafting tempers divine sense, improving its quality 31.
• Consumes a Yin Spirit Pill to break through the fifth-layer bottleneck and reach the sixth level of Qi Refining in divine sense 74.

Profound Snake Inner Armor
Crafted by Madam Xu from the skin of the Great Serpent, the Profound Snake Inner Armor is a defensive artifact activated by Xia Dong’s Mysterious Yin Mana. Its protection lets him withstand attacks that would otherwise be lethal, including attacks from Qi Refining assassins and the Ghost-Faced Spider 54 65 72.

• Possesses exceptional defensive power when activated with Mysterious Yin Mana 54.
• Protects Xia Dong during his battle against three mid-stage Qi Refining assassins 65.
• Saves him from the Ghost-Faced Spider’s attack in the abandoned mine 72.

Vajra Wisdom King Art
The first two layers of this martial cultivation art are awarded to Xia Dong by Zhao Ting as merit compensation for his contribution at the Yin Spirit Mine. The art represents a valuable new avenue for his martial development 88.

• Receives the first two layers as a merit reward from Zhao Ting 88.
• Zhao Ting encourages Xia Dong to cultivate it for future advancement 88.

Power Progression

Stage	Level	Details
Qi and Blood Realm	First Pass of Martial Dao	Xia Dong achieved significant physical transformation after consuming medicinal herbs and meat, training with stances and boxing techniques 6.
Crane Shadow Step Mastery	Consummation Realm	He spent time perfecting the Crane Shadow Step technique to the highest mastery level 7.
Bone Forging Realm	Fourth Stage of Martial Dao	Reached Bone Forging Realm after a year of cultivation 20; displayed surging blood energy at perfected Bone Forging 28; peak Bone Forging before breakthrough to Internal Strengthening 34.
Internal Strengthening Realm	Fifth Stage of Martial Dao (Organ Strengthening)	Stepped into Internal Strengthening after consuming Purple Blood Organ-Nourishing Pill; achieved Organ Strengthening in kidneys 39; completed organ strengthening and opened kidney Divine Palace 44.
Kidney Divine Palace Opened	Organ Strengthening (Profound Yin Divine Water)	Using Mysterious Yin Kidney-Refining Art, he opened a divine palace within his kidneys and gestated Profound Yin Divine Water 39 44.
Qi Refining 2nd Level	Early Stage of Qi Refining	Broke through to the second level of Qi Refining using a Qi-Gathering Pill in less than a month 36.
Qi Refining 3rd Level	Early Stage of Qi Refining	Mana reached third level of Qi Refining, with steady progress in Profound Yin Scripture 43 44.
Qi Refining 4th Level	Mid-Stage of Qi Refining	After six months of secluded cultivation and resource accumulation, mana broke through to fourth level of Qi Refining 46; still at fourth level later 60.
Divine Sense Manifestation	Initial Awakening	Manifested divine sense for the first time, able to perceive spiritual energy and surroundings acutely 19.
Divine Sense 5th Level	Fifth Layer of Qi Refining (Divine Sense)	Reached fifth level of Qi Refining divine sense by refining Yin Evil Pills; breakthrough achieved with massive blood energy and Qi assistance 28.
Divine Sense Perfection of 5th Level	Peak of Fifth Layer	Through extreme pressure of talisman crafting and alchemy, divine sense reached perfection of fifth layer of Qi Refining 44; later stuck at this bottleneck due to lack of higher-quality Yin Evil Pills 60.
Divine Sense 6th Level	Sixth Layer of Qi Refining (Divine Sense)	Consumed a Yin Spirit Pill, smoothly shattering the fifth-layer bottleneck; the remaining medicinal power continued nourishing his soul, though he recognized the need to temper this newly gained strength 74.
Root Bone Transformation	Foundation Perfected; Void Spirit Root	Completed foundation chapter of Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art; primordial Qi permeated body granting "Qi-fication"; discovered Void-attribute spirit root allowing 20% absorption of spiritual energy 44.
Divine Treasury Chapter	Innate Qi Stored Within the Body	Over six months, opened the Divine Treasury chapter, creating a deep reserve of innate Qi that continuously restores his exhausted essence, meridians, and sea of consciousness 46.
Alchemy Mastery	90% Success Rate on Qi-Gathering Pills	After numerous failed attempts, achieved a 90% success rate in refining Qi-Gathering Pills and other basic talismans 41 42 44.
Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Chapter	Created Technique for Mortals	Deduced a new martial technique from Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art to forcibly push mortals with no talent to martial expertise; later refined with Qi-Gathering Pill 53.
Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed	Talisman Seed Cultivated	Cultivated the Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed at the Yin Spirit Mine and integrated the Breath-Concealing Talisman, giving him refined control over his aura and concealment 68.
Identity Change to "Qi Refiner"	New Cultivation Identity	Bronze Ancient Bell changed Xia Dong's cultivation identity to "Qi Refiner," a mysterious ancient title 46.

Relationships

• Zhao Ting: Xia Dong’s relationship with Zhao Ting is built on mutual benefit and growing trust. Initially, Zhao Ting—a captain in the Eagle-Wolf Guard—recognizes Xia Dong’s connection to the Qixia Immortal Sect and offers him the position of Medical Officer in his flag, along with access to a Spirit Spring 24. Over time, Zhao Ting relies on Xia Dong’s talisman‑crafting abilities to gain merit; in return, he recommends Xia Dong for a Flag‑Bearer position and provides a Purple Blood Organ‑Nourishing Pill to aid his cultivation 37 38. Zhao Ting also supplies spirit rice, herb seeds, and an auxiliary assignment to the Yin Spirit Mine, warning Xia Dong about the Unborn Cult’s infiltration 59. Their dealings become increasingly personal: Xia Dong asks Zhao Ting to find a reliable artifact refiner to craft inner armor from a demonic beast hide, and Zhao Ting eagerly agrees, demonstrating his respect for Xia Dong’s abilities 50. The relationship is characterized by reciprocal favors, with Xia Dong providing talismans and Zhao Ting advancing Xia Dong’s career and security. After the Yin Spirit Mine incident, Xia Dong deliberately lets Zhao Ting take public credit for the contribution, further protecting their shared interests 68. Zhao Ting later rewards Xia Dong with the first two layers of the Vajra Wisdom King Art and confides in him about the dangers surrounding the Unborn Cult 88.

• Qin Wan: Xia Dong’s bond with Qin Wan deepens from a practical arrangement into a close, trusted partnership. After Qin Wan secretly sends him spirit stones and a letter, her master Lone Moon permits the contact, recognizing its future value 9. Xia Dong reciprocates by promising a Foundation Establishment Pill for Qin Wan’s future descendant and requesting a martial‑arts technique to control his blood and energy 12. As their cooperation grows, Qin Wan helps Xia Dong sell illicit Wind‑Riding Talismans, seeing him as a potential savior for her family 33. They formally become sworn siblings, with Xia Dong sharing Qi‑Gathering Pills and spirit stones to support her cultivation 34. In later meetings, Qin Wan confides her troubles with Pei Hongling and others on Lone Moon Peak, and Xia Dong reveals his plans to secure the Flag‑Bearer position and pursue alchemy, asking for her help in obtaining an alchemy furnace and scripture 40. When Qin Wan is assigned to a remote post at an Yin Spirit Mine, she visits Xia Dong to inform him in person; he gifts her Qi‑Gathering Pills and protective talismans, expressing his intention to visit her at the mine 50 51. Their trust is cemented when Xia Dong kills three cultivator assassins to protect her, and she witnesses his martial prowess, coming to rely on him 65. They subsequently work together to remain vigilant at the mine and suspect Pei Hongling and the Unborn Cult of organizing the assassination attempt 68 71. Throughout, Qin Wan’s repeated assistance and Xia Dong’s generosity and protection demonstrate a relationship grounded in loyalty, mutual aid, and emotional support.

• Xiao Hong: Xiao Hong is sent by the Qin Family to serve as Xia Dong’s maid, initially nervous and eager to please him in hopes of securing a better future 6. Xia Dong questions her background and gives her instructions, then later helps her family by registering their land under his name, solidifying their bond 6 7. When Xia Dong returns to the city after a trip, Xiao Hong expresses joy and relief, vowing to serve him well 51. Their relationship develops beyond that of master and servant: Xia Dong personally creates and teaches her the Tendon-Changing and Bone-Forging Chapter to improve her health and refine the residual potency of the Mysterious Yin Qi-Gathering Pill 53. By this period, Xiao Hong is recognized as Xia Dong’s concubine, “Lady Hong,” and manages his Pingyang County industries and recruits on his behalf while continuing her martial cultivation 55. Xia Dong continues to provide her with cultivation resources and better talismans 78.

• Lord He: A retired official with extensive connections in Pingyang County, Lord He takes an interest in Xia Dong after discovering his “Daoist Registry” status. He invites Xia Dong to lead the compilation of the “Volume of Strange Tales” for the county gazetteer, provides generous subsidies, and introduces him to eminent scholars 5. Lord He actively cultivates the relationship as a mentor and benefactor, recognizing Xia Dong’s talent and potential, and Xia Dong gains respect and recognition through this association.

• Magistrate Yang: Impressed by Xia Dong’s efficient completion of the “Strange Tales” section of the Pingyang County Annals in less than half a month, Magistrate Yang recommends Xia Dong for the prestigious “Gongsheng” title, which carries significant privileges 7. This professional relationship is based on Xia Dong’s demonstrated skill and reliability, elevating his status in the county.

• Lone Moon (True Person): True Person Lone Moon initially acts as a distant benefactor. She allows Qin Wan to maintain contact with Xia Dong and send him spirit stones, recognizing that the bond could benefit her disciple’s future 9. Later, she sends Xia Dong a paper crane message and a token for the cultivation market, showing kindness and understanding toward a mortal without spiritual roots 12. Her actions facilitate Xia Dong’s connection to the cultivation world. Xia Dong later witnesses the aftermath of her Taiyin Divine Light sealing the Yin Cicada Insect nest, gaining a sharper appreciation of her Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivation 71 72. Lone Moon also regards Xia Dong’s Dao Registry and vigorous martial bloodline as potentially relevant to obtaining an imperial Ascension Order through a descendant with spiritual roots, though she does not intend to force the matter immediately 88.

• Master Qin (Qin Family head): Master Qin sends a maid, Xiao Hong, to attend to Xia Dong’s daily needs and urges him to marry and have children. He also offers Xia Dong a publishing deal with the official bookstore and a government position 6. However, Xia Dong is surprised and suspicious of the family’s excessive kindness, suspecting ulterior motives tied to his “Daoist Registry” status, and decides to keep his martial arts practice secret 6. The relationship remains transactional and guarded, with Xia Dong cautious about the Qin Family’s intentions.

• Great Serpent (Snake Brother): The Great Serpent is an exotic beast with strength comparable to a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator and serves as Xia Dong’s strongest concealed trump card 55. Xia Dong maintains the serpent through Mysterious Yin Qi-Gathering Pills, while the serpent shares its demonic core and guides him through moonlight cultivation 55. Their joint cultivation refines Xia Dong’s mana, and their half-month of daily sparring hones his combat instincts and practical martial ability 56. Its shed skin is also used to forge Xia Dong’s Profound Snake Inner Armor 54.

Notable Achievements

1. Recommended as Gongsheng: After completing the "Strange Tales" section of the Pingyang County Annals in less than half a month, Xia Dong was recommended as the county's "Gongsheng" (tribute student), a prestigious title carrying significant privileges. 7
2. Opened the Evergreen Medical Clinic: With support from Lord He and Magistrate Yang (who contributed a calligraphy plaque reading "Benevolent Heart, Benevolent Art"), Xia Dong opened the Evergreen Medical Clinic. He initially offered free consultations to build a reputation. 16
3. Successfully treated Constable Ding Jiu: Xia Dong healed Ding Jiu, a constable with severe internal injuries. This success triggered a surge of patients and allowed Xia Dong's Evergreen Medical Classic to reach perfection, merging with the Dragon-Capturing Technique and Crane Stance. 16
4. Mastered the Dragon-Capturing Hand: Xia Dong obtained and learned the advanced martial skill "Dragon-Capturing Hand" from the Bronze Ancient Bell, which granted attack power and the ability to seize objects from a distance. 15
5. Joined the Eagle-Wolf Guard as Medical Officer: Through Zhao Ting's recommendation, Xia Dong became a Medical Officer in the Pingyang County Eagle-Wolf Guard. The position provided a monthly stipend of two low-grade spirit stones and one Foundation Building Pill, plus access to the organization's internal archives. 24 25
6. Earned reputation as a miracle doctor: Over three years of service in the Eagle-Wolf Guard, Xia Dong's exceptional medical skills earned him the widespread reputation of a miracle doctor. 25
7. Expanded his medical hall and trained apprentices: Xia Dong expanded his residence into a three-courtyard mansion and moved the Changchun Medical Hall to a busy street. He recruited children from impoverished families as apprentices, teaching them everything he knew. He also improved the He Family's medicinal herb processing, raising their stock quality by a full grade. 28
8. Broke through to the fifth level of Qi Refining divine sense: During a refugee crisis, Xia Dong operated a free clinic outside the city walls while secretly refining weak ghosts into Yin Evil Pills. Using these pills, he successfully broke through to the fifth level of Qi Refining in divine sense. 28
9. Established a talisman business with Zhao Ting: After confirming the effects of the Qi-Gathering Pill, Xia Dong crafted a large batch of low-grade Wind-Riding Talismans and sold them to Zhao Ting. This initiated a mutually beneficial resource channel for both of them. 35
10. Reached the second level of Qi Refining: Using a Qi-Gathering Pill procured through his new resource channel, Xia Dong broke through to the second level of Qi Refining in less than a month, deepening his understanding of his three distinct powers (blood and Qi, Qi, and mana). 36
11. Promoted to Flag-Bearer: Zhao Ting promoted Xia Dong to Flag-Bearer (Subordinate Seventh Rank) in the Eagle-Wolf Guard. Xia Dong supported Zhao Ting by crafting 200 Disease-Dispelling Talismans within half a month to combat an epidemic and gain merit. 37 38
12. Received the Purple Blood Organ-Nourishing Pill: As part of his promotion, Zhao Ting provided Xia Dong with a Purple Blood Organ-Nourishing Pill, a valuable cultivation resource to advance his Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art. 38
13. Achieved high success rate in alchemy: Xia Dong began large-scale alchemy, producing Qi-Gathering Pills with a 90% success rate. Although the quality was mediocre, he entrusted "waste pills" to Zhao Ting, who sold them for profit. This intense practice pushed his divine sense cultivation to the peak of the fifth level of Qi Refining. 42
14. Experienced the Divine Treasury chapter: Over six months of practicing the Divine Treasury chapter of the Evergreen Qi-Circulation Art, Xia Dong realized the wonders of "the innate Qi returning to store itself within the body," marking significant progress in his cultivation. 46
15. Planned to fill his Flag-Bearer command with trusted recruits: As a Flag-Bearer, Xia Dong began selecting capable young people from his medical hall apprentices and tenant farmers' children to fill the vacancies under his command, leveraging his established goodwill. 51
16. Forged the Profound Snake Inner Armor: Through Zhao Ting’s connections, Xia Dong had Madam Xu refine the Great Serpent’s hide into powerful inner armor that can be activated with Mysterious Yin Mana. 54
17. Protected Qin Wan at the Yin Spirit Mine: Xia Dong killed three mid-stage Qi Refining assassins and led Qin Wan safely out of the abandoned mine, relying on martial strength, Wind-Riding Technique, and the Profound Snake Inner Armor. 65
18. Cultivated the Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed: Xia Dong successfully cultivated the Dark Hibernation Talisman Seed and integrated the Breath-Concealing Talisman, allowing him to suppress his aura and conceal his cultivation. 68
19. Broke through to sixth-level divine sense: By consuming a Yin Spirit Pill, Xia Dong broke through the long-standing fifth-layer divine-sense bottleneck and entered the sixth level of Qi Refining. 74
20. Received the Vajra Wisdom King Art: Zhao Ting awarded Xia Dong the first two layers of the Vajra Wisdom King Art as merit for his contribution at the Yin Spirit Mine. 88

Trivia

• The Dao Registry is a top-secret household registration category sealed with vermilion, considered the "original shares" of the Great You Dynasty, held by the thirty-six founding families. 5 24 34
• Lord He, a retired capital official, discovered Xia Dong's Dao Registry status while reviewing household registration files for the gazetteer compilation, which changed his attitude from appreciation to deliberate cultivation of the relationship. 5
• Xia Dong's codename "Gouchen" from the Bronze Ancient Bell was used as a pseudonym when he wrote the fictional story Tale of Liu Yi, which originally impressed Lord He. 4 5
• The Bronze Ancient Bell in Xia Dong's sea of consciousness is incomplete and shattered, recovering symbiotically with his cultivation; it absorbed 90% of a Qi-Gathering Pill's spiritual power, causing a minute trace of gold to appear on its surface. 34 40
• Xia Dong's cultivation identity on the Bronze Ancient Bell changed to "Qi Refiner" after he opened the kidney Divine Palace and gave birth to Profound Yin Divine Water, a title more ancient and precious than "Dao Registry." 46
• The "Qi Refiner" identity uses the character "Qi" meaning innate Qi, not the "Qi" of acquired spiritual energy, distinguishing it from modern cultivator terminology. 46
• Xia Dong's parents came from the capital but never returned there; the Qin family knew nothing about their specific origins despite a long acquaintance. 8
• A Dao Registry holder with a spiritual root can receive special cultivation resources directly from the Great You imperial family—resources so valuable that even Immortal Sect disciples envy them. 9
• Zhao Ting's Zhao family is a major capital clan but has never ranked among the thirty-six Dao Registry families; he sees Xia Dong's status as an opportunity. 24
• The Duke Qi Mansion, despite being implicated in a treason case, still possesses a Golden Core ancestor, illustrating the enduring power of Dao Registry families. 24
• True Person Lone Moon, Qin Wan's master, tacitly approved and funded Qin Wan's relationship with Xia Dong, hinting at unseen potential benefits beyond the obvious. 9
• Qin Wan sent Xia Dong a letter and two spirit stones shortly after the broken engagement, believing in long-term returns from building goodwill. 8 9
• Xia Dong's talisman success rate and quality improved due to the "One Proof Eternal Proof" foundation from his martial arts, allowing him to consistently produce high-grade talismans. 40
• Xia Dong received a Storage Pouch from True Person Lone Moon's token. The detailed passage in Chapter 29 shows he retrieved a Storage Pouch containing 100 spirit stones and a dark green jade slip with the "Peaceful Yin Talisman Scripture." 29
• Xia Dong’s Divine Treasury chapter allows innate Qi to restore his exhausted body, meridians, and sea of consciousness after intensive alchemy or talisman crafting, giving him several times an ordinary cultivator’s effective cultivation time. 46
• Xiao Hong is no longer merely Xia Dong’s maid; by the time she oversees his affairs and martial recruits, outsiders address her as “Lady Hong,” recognizing her as his concubine. 55
• Xia Dong conceals his Mysterious Yin Mana with the Divine Treasury chapter so thoroughly that, according to his assessment, cultivators below late Foundation Establishment would be unable to see through his true strength. 50
• True Person Lone Moon considers Xia Dong’s Dao Registry and unusually vigorous martial blood and qi potentially useful for producing a spiritually rooted heir and obtaining an Ascension Order, but she has chosen not to press the matter for the time being. 88