Red Flame Army

Biodata

Background / History

Founded during the establishment of the Great Yu Dynasty, the Red Flame Army has existed for more than a thousand years and is described as one of the dynasty’s most powerful instruments of violence. Its authority places it above local gang organizations such as the Canal Gang. 7

The army recruits approximately 6,000 soldiers annually in Clear Distance City. By custom, the ten strongest recruits can rise directly to centurion positions, making the recruitment period a major opportunity for martial artists seeking status and resources. 7

Recruitment & Centurion Selection

• Applicants register during a five-day window, then must hold a black boulder weighing roughly 1,000 jin overhead for three breaths to qualify. Successful applicants receive an identity token and soldier’s handbook. 9
• Military ranks are determined through arena bouts held after recruitment; ten centurion positions are awarded through the selection process. 9
• In Lu Yun’s intake, each victory in the preliminary selection awarded one point, and the top twenty contestants entered the final round. 22
• The army’s senior officers advanced Lu Yun and Xiao Longcheng directly to the finals due to their overwhelming strength. 23
• The annual centurion selection is Clear Distance City’s largest event, drawing spectators from the three great families, the Black Tiger Gang, the Canal Gang, and the City Lord’s Mansion. 22

Organization & Benefits

Centurions are Principal Eighth Rank officers of the Great Yu Dynasty. Even a Principal Seventh Rank county magistrate is expected to treat them with respect. 26

Facilities & Resources

• Barracks — New recruits are housed in sparse eight-man stone dormitories. 9
• Private officer residences — Mid-ranking officers and above may receive guarded courtyards in the eastern part of Clear Distance City; Lu Yun receives one as an exception for becoming First Centurion. 26
• God of War Tower — A golden structure modeled after an imperial spiritual artifact; clearing stages grants Origin Stone rewards. 26
• Heaven-Piercing Bridge — Another golden structure modeled after an imperial spiritual artifact, also offering Origin Stone rewards for successful stages. 26

Notable Personnel

• Qin Jue — Senior Red Flame Army officer who sponsors Lu Yun, promises 1,000 Origin Stones for winning the centurion selection, and assigns him his soldiers after his victory. 18 26
• Mu Zijun — Senior officer associated with Xiao Longcheng during the centurion selection. 15 22
• Lu Yun — Joins as a recruit, wins the centurion selection, and becomes First Centurion under Qin Jue’s command. 9 25 26
• Xiao Longcheng — Elite recruit and Lu Yun’s principal rival for the First Centurion position. 12 25
• Ye Quan — Recruit assigned to Lu Yun’s dormitory and later placed among the 200 soldiers under Lu Yun’s command. 9 26

Story Role / Major Arcs

Lu Yun’s Enlistment

Lu Yun chooses to enlist in the Red Flame Army because its power and protection would allow him to investigate the Canal Gang’s connection to Chen Qing’er’s disappearance. He passes the physical entry test in Clear Distance City and formally becomes a soldier. 7 9

Centurion Selection

The army’s selection brings together more than 6,000 recruits. Lu Yun establishes himself as a leading contender, defeats Zhuo Feifan in the finals, and then overcomes Xiao Longcheng to claim the title of First Centurion. 9 23 25

First Centurion Appointment

Following his victory, Lu Yun receives 1,000 Origin Stones, a blood-red gilded spear, golden tiger-head armor, and a private pavilion. Qin Jue assigns him 200 red-armored soldiers, including Ye Quan and Lu Yun’s former dormmates. 26

Move Against the Canal Gang

With official authority and troops under his command, Lu Yun leads his 200 soldiers toward the Canal Gang’s Combat Hall to investigate its activities and pursue information on Chen Qing’er. 26