Fifth Master

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Fifth Master
Alias(es)	Little Wu 12
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Baiyun County Yamen; later serves Chen Zhuo's circle as a steward and organizer 153 160
Occupation/Role	Yamen Runner; logistics handler and financial manager for Chen Zhuo 153
Status	Alive 160
First Appearance	Chapter 11

Background

Fifth Master was an experienced yamen runner who initially navigated the yamen through flattery, caution, and an instinct for hierarchy. He praised Dianshi Sun and Young Master Sun before Sun Fei, then quickly concealed his apparent familiarity with the captured Long River Gang figure Huang Sanyou. Huang addressed him as “Little Wu,” but Fifth Master denied knowing him and hurried Huang to the interrogation room. 11 12

Chen Zhuo's return from the Long River Gang ambush changed Fifth Master's assessment of him. Alarmed by Chen's willingness to strike Huang Sanyou unconscious and by his growing martial ability, Fifth Master began treating him with wary deference. 12 He later delivered Sun Fei's letter concerning the Autumn Hunt and the Northern Suppressing Faction. 27

As Chen Zhuo's status rose, Fifth Master actively attached himself to him. He asked Chen to guide his nephew, Qi Afu, in martial arts; arranged repairs for Chen's damaged Horse-Chopping Saber; and declared his readiness to carry out any future orders after receiving payment and six Demon Pills from Chen. 39 71

Appearance

Fifth Master is a thin, older yamen runner with a small mustache. 59 156

• Often carries himself with an ingratiating smile when dealing with superiors or dangerous figures. 11 59
• His physical condition improved noticeably after the Old Blind Man healed him, leaving his skin tighter and his muscles and bones more resilient. 65

Personality

Fifth Master is shrewd, pragmatic, and highly alert to danger. He repeatedly warns Qi Afu that careless talk can bring disaster, gathers intelligence before entering dangerous territory, and understands that he and his nephew cannot match figures such as Chen Zhuo. 63 65 91

He is deeply protective of Qi Afu. When Lu Xiaodao's men injured them, Fifth Master ignored his own wounds to crawl to his nephew's side; after Alan's Tiger Demon killed Qi, his grief became a driving source of hatred and a desire for revenge. 63 92 96

Although initially timid before authority, he becomes increasingly bold after committing himself to Chen Zhuo. He later blocks newly appointed officials from entering the yamen without documents, using a Northern Suppressing Faction command token to enforce the order despite being terrified afterward. 156 157

Skills & Competencies

Yamen Knowledge and Logistics

Fifth Master is familiar with Baiyun County's factions, yamen procedures, craftsmen, and local channels.

• Used his connections to have Chen Zhuo's heavy Horse-Chopping Saber reforged by an old blacksmith. 71
• Secretly obtained a Coiling Dragon Lock for Chen Zhuo before the Autumn Hunt. 72
• Prepared Spirit Turtle shell powder to preserve Demon Blood from slain beasts. 110
• Managed the collection of Demon Blood from first-, second-, and third-tier demon beasts. 160

Martial Ability

Fifth Master possesses some martial training and fights with a blade, but he recognizes his limited aptitude and lack of a Blood Exchange breakthrough. 107 153

• Cut down several yamen runners during the assault on Chen Zhuo's cave, though he was ultimately overwhelmed by nearly two hundred attackers. 107
• His strength improved after the Old Blind Man treated his injuries. 65 107
• Is vastly outmatched by stronger martial artists and demon beasts, as shown when Alan's Tiger Demon easily pinned him down. 92

Stewardship

After acknowledging that his cultivation could not keep pace with Chen Zhuo's enemies, Fifth Master chose to contribute through administration and resource management. 153

• Received authority to buy all available Demon Blood and precious medicines for Chen Zhuo's cultivation. 153
• Led more than twenty Liansheng Sect disciples while transporting funds and purchasing resources. 153
• Handled gold and silver recovered from local factions and arranged their conversion into silver notes. 124

Equipment & Items

• Coiling Dragon Lock — secretly procured for Chen Zhuo as a demon-capturing tool during the Autumn Hunt. 72
• Spirit Turtle shell powder — used to prevent Demon Blood from draining from severed demon-beast carcasses. 110 111
• Northern Suppressing Faction command token — displayed at the yamen gate to reject Li Yunfeng's entry without appointment documents. 156
• Demon Pills — received six First-Tier Demon Pills from Chen Zhuo and later received additional pills for use as needed. 71 103

Relationships

• Chen Zhuo — Benefactor, master-like patron, and later employer. Fifth Master becomes one of Chen's most reliable supporters, handling funds, supplies, intelligence, and yamen affairs. 60 71 153 160
• Qi Afu — Nephew. Fifth Master trained and protected him, sought martial guidance for him from Chen Zhuo, and was devastated when Alan's Tiger Demon killed him. 39 63 92
• Zong Jiujiu — Saved Fifth Master from Alan's Tiger Demon; he later led her through Dangyun Mountain to search for Chen Zhuo. 92 93 95
• Old Blind Man / Hu Renfeng — Healed Fifth Master and Qi Afu after Lu Xiaodao's assault, later protected Fifth Master during the cave attack and entrusted him with city-defense arrangements. 65 107 129
• Sun Fei — Fifth Master initially followed Sun Fei's lead within the yamen and later acted as an intermediary by delivering Sun Fei's letter to Chen Zhuo. 12 27
• Huang Sanyou — A past acquaintance who recognized Fifth Master as “Little Wu”; Fifth Master denied knowing him after Huang's capture. 12

Story Role / Major Arcs

Alignment with Chen Zhuo

Fifth Master shifts from a cautious yamen functionary to Chen Zhuo's supporter after witnessing Chen's ruthless potential. He delivers messages, facilitates repairs and supplies, and helps Chen navigate the Autumn Hunt's political dangers. 12 27 60 72

Autumn Hunt and Qi Afu's Death

During the hunt, Fifth Master keeps Qi Afu close and avoids unnecessary danger. Their attempt to fish near Dangyun Mountain's Cold Pool leads to Alan's appearance; Qi Afu is killed, while Fifth Master is spared only because Zong Jiujiu intervenes. 91 92 93

Search for Chen Zhuo

After surviving, Fifth Master guides Zong Jiujiu through the mountain in search of Chen Zhuo. His persistence helps reunite them with Chen after he reaches the Spirit-Nurturing realm. 93 95

Support During the Dangyun Mountain Conflict

Fifth Master fights to defend Chen Zhuo's cave, gathers demon-beast remains and Demon Blood after Chen's battles, and retrieves Chen's lost Horse-Chopping Saber. 107 109 110 111

Yamen Stewardship

Following the Dangyun Mountain events, Fifth Master becomes Chen Zhuo's designated handler for external affairs. He manages wealth, purchases cultivation resources, oversees subordinates, and helps maintain control of Baiyun County Yamen. 124 153 156 160