Su Lie

Biodata

Background / History

Su Lie is one of the Su Family Fort's elders and a sturdy, influential member of the clan. When Su Hao's Martial Academy quota becomes vulnerable due to the Flying Cloud Gang's hostility toward Su Hao's family, Su Lie attempts to acquire it for his own son, Su Yue. He initially offers one hundred taels of silver, invokes Su Hao's duty to remain home and care for his mother, and proposes that Su Hao and Su Yue fight for the quota. 2

After Su Hao demonstrates force capable of shredding a handkerchief with a punch, Su Lie recognizes that Su Hao is the better-qualified candidate. Nevertheless, he accepts Su Hao's later willingness to sell the quota and negotiates the price down from one thousand taels to five hundred, even intending to borrow the money for Su Yue's future. 3

Su Lie later helps maintain order among the younger generation when Su Hu repeatedly contests the academy placement. Although concerned that Su Hao's duel with Su Hu could create further resentment around the quota's transfer, he permits the match to proceed after Su Hao assures him of victory. 6

When the Flying Cloud Gang extorts the Su Family and an elder suggests handing Su Hao over to settle the matter, Su Lie rejects the idea. He argues that sacrificing Su Hao would not necessarily satisfy the gang and would undermine the unity on which the Su Family depends. 15

Appearance

Su Lie is a sturdy, imposing middle-aged man whose appearance reflects his status as a Su Family elder. 2 6

• Slightly graying hair. 2
• Sturdy build. 2
• Carries an imposing, dignified presence when addressing clan disciples. 6

Personality

Su Lie is ambitious and pragmatic, particularly where Su Yue's prospects are concerned. He pursues Su Hao's Martial Academy quota with calculated arguments about safety, filial duty, and compensation, then presses for a duel when Su Hao refuses his initial offer. 2

His ambition is tempered by paternal devotion. He considers five hundred taels—money he must borrow—a worthwhile price to give Su Yue access to the Martial Academy's teachers and opportunities. 3

Despite his personal interest in the quota, Su Lie takes clan order seriously. He publicly disciplines Su Hu for repeatedly causing trouble, worries over Su Hao's safety during the duel, and later opposes sacrificing Su Hao to the Flying Cloud Gang. 6 7 15

Relationships

• Su Yue — His son. Su Lie purchases Su Hao's Martial Academy quota for five hundred taels so Su Yue can attend the academy. 2 3
• Su Hao — Fellow Su Family member whose academy quota Su Lie initially seeks for Su Yue; later worries about his duel with Su Hu and supports protecting him from the Flying Cloud Gang. 2 6 15
• Su Hu — Younger clansman whom Su Lie reprimands for repeatedly challenging Su Hao over the Martial Academy placement. 6
• Su Yun — Su Family Clan Head who witnesses and remains neutral during Su Lie's initial negotiation with Su Hao; later agrees with Su Lie that the family should not surrender Su Hao. 2 15

Story Role / Major Arcs

Martial Academy Quota Dispute

Su Lie approaches Su Hao alongside Clan Head Su Yun to request that Su Hao surrender his Martial Academy quota to Su Yue. After Su Hao reveals his apparent Blood Force, Su Lie acknowledges his talent but ultimately secures the quota through a five-hundred-tael agreement when Su Hao chooses immediate cultivation resources over academy enrollment. 2 3

Su Hu's Challenge

As Su Hu agitates for a chance at the academy placement, Su Lie invokes his authority as an elder to stop the disturbances and promises that Su Hu will receive a future quota if one becomes available. He is apprehensive when Su Hao accepts Su Hu's challenge, fearing a loss would make the quota transfer appear improper, but witnesses Su Hao decisively win. 6 7 8

Flying Cloud Gang Crisis

During the Flying Cloud Gang's ransom demand against the Su Family, Su Lie opposes Elder Su Jiu's proposal to surrender Su Hao. He views the gang's actions as extortion rather than a grievance that could be resolved by offering up a single family member. 15