Han Tieshan

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Han Tieshan (韩铁山)
Alias(es)	Master Han
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Li Family Sword-Forging Courtyard (former); Red Lotus Sect
Occupation/Role	Blade forger; leader of a master-disciple clique; Red Lotus Sect cultist
Status	Deceased — beheaded by Shen Chu; his corpse dissolved after death 15 16
First Appearance	Chapter 4

Background and History

Han Tieshan was a senior blade forger in the Li Family's Sword-Forging Courtyard. Though Steward Li considered him the craftsman closest to becoming a low-grade weapon forger, Han had never actually forged a low-grade weapon. His seniority, craftsmanship, and numerous disciples gave him considerable influence within the courtyard. 4 6 10

When Steward Li asked Han to look after the newly promoted Shen Chu, Han instead declared that Shen Chu would become his disciple and ordered him to abandon martial-arts practice. Shen Chu politely refused after learning Han was not a graded-weapon forger, provoking Han into demanding Shen's demotion. 4 5

Steward Li refused to reverse Shen Chu's promotion and reprimanded Han for his behavior. Han responded by leading his disciples out of the Li Family, intending to exploit the impending Zhao Family order for 300 refined-iron longswords and force Steward Li to beg for his return. 6

His plan collapsed when Sun Ping forged a Low-Grade Short Blade, allowing the Li Family to meet the Zhao Family's demands without him. Li Jiwu, who had apparently supported Han's disruption of the courtyard, struck him and refused to arrange his return. 9 10

Unable to find suitable work, Han pleaded with Li Jiwu for aid. Li Jiwu gave him money but abandoned him; Han's disciples subsequently deserted him, while A-Fu and A-Lu stole all of his savings. When Han attempted to expose Li Jiwu's involvement outside the Li Residence, Li Jiwu's guards beat him and crippled his right hand. 11 12

Consumed by resentment toward the Li Family, Li Jiwu, his former disciples, Sun Ping, Steward Li, and Shen Chu, Han joined the Red Lotus Sect. A sect Flag Master recognized his hatred and taught him the Nether Ghost Control Technique. 12 13 15

Han later used a straw doll and the technique to curse Shen Chu. The attempt backfired, and Shen tracked the curse to Han's hideout. After severing both of Han's hands, Shen interrogated him, took the technique manual, and initially allowed him to leave. Shen then intercepted and beheaded Han when he encountered him again in the alley. 14 15

Appearance

Han Tieshan was a middle-aged man whose appearance deteriorated severely after his fall from the Li Family.

• Initially wore a gray robe and had a long, thick beard. 4
• After losing his livelihood and being abandoned, he became ragged, filthy, disheveled, and visibly aged. 12
• By the time Shen found him using the curse, he was gaunt, haggard, and nearly unrecognizable. 14

Personality

Han was arrogant, domineering, and highly sensitive to perceived disrespect. He presumed Shen Chu would accept him as a master, then reacted to a polite refusal with insults, threats, and an attempt to use his influence to have Shen demoted. 4 5

He relied on his clique of disciples and his importance to the courtyard to pressure Steward Li. His departure was calculated rather than impulsive: he expected the Zhao Family order to make the Li Family dependent on his return. 6

After Sun Ping's success invalidated that calculation, Han became desperate and increasingly vindictive. His losses, abandonment, and injury transformed his resentment into an obsession with revenge, ultimately making him receptive to the Red Lotus Sect. 10 12 13

Abilities & Skills

Blade Forging

A veteran and highly capable blade forger, Han was regarded as one of the Sword-Forging Courtyard's most important craftsmen despite never forging a low-grade weapon. 6 10

• Led several seasoned blade forgers whose departure threatened to halt roughly half of the courtyard's work. 7
• Was considered by Steward Li to be the craftsman nearest to reaching low-grade weapon-forger status. 6
• Never successfully forged a low-grade weapon. 10

Nether Ghost Control Technique

After joining the Red Lotus Sect, Han received the Nether Ghost Control Technique from a Flag Master. 15

• Used a straw doll and incantation to attempt to curse Shen Chu. 14
• His curse backfired before it could harm Shen. 14
• The Flag Master restored Han's previously crippled right hand, though the exact method is not specified. 15
• Han possessed only limited knowledge of the Red Lotus Sect's plans and leadership beyond the Flag Master. 15

Equipment / Items

• Straw doll — used as the focus of his attempted curse against Shen Chu. 14
• Nether Ghost Control Technique manual — given by the Red Lotus Sect's Flag Master; taken by Shen Chu during their confrontation. 15

Relationships

• Shen Chu — Former prospective disciple and principal enemy. Han attempted to force Shen into apprenticeship, later cursed him, and was killed by him. 4 5 14 15
• Steward Li — Former superior in the Sword-Forging Courtyard. Steward Li rejected Han's demand to demote Shen, prompting Han's departure. 6
• Sun Ping — Fellow blade forger and rival. Sun's breakthrough as a low-grade weapon forger destroyed Han's plan to force the Li Family into recalling him. 9 10
• Li Jiwu — Political backer who used Han to cause trouble for Li Chengwen, then discarded him after the scheme failed. 10 12
• A-Fu and A-Lu — His two most favored disciples; they feigned loyalty, stole his savings, and abandoned him. 11 12
• Red Lotus Sect Flag Master — Sect superior who recruited Han through his resentment, taught him the Nether Ghost Control Technique, and had use for him planned. 13 15

Story Role / Major Arcs

Conflict in the Sword-Forging Courtyard

Han serves as Shen Chu's first major antagonist within the Li Family. His failed effort to make Shen his disciple escalates into a workplace power struggle that ends with Han and his followers leaving the courtyard. 4 6

Failed Leverage Against the Li Family

Han expects the Zhao Family's urgent weapons order to expose the courtyard's dependence on him. Sun Ping's Low-Grade Short Blade instead preserves the Li Family's position and leaves Han publicly humiliated and unemployed. 6 8 10

Descent into Resentment

Li Jiwu's betrayal, his disciples' theft, and the crippling of his right hand strip Han of his status, money, and trade. The Red Lotus Sect recruits him at this low point by appealing to his hatred. 11 12 13

Curse and Death

Han's attempted supernatural revenge on Shen Chu leads Shen directly to his hideout. After revealing the existence of the Nether Ghost Control Technique, Han is executed, and his death provides the essence that helps Shen break through in the Stone-Shattering Fist. 14 15 16

Notable Quotes

“Shen Chu! You dog-born little bastard! Even if I become a ghost, I won't let you go!” 14

“Since Steward Li won't give me face, I have no reason to stay here and take this abuse.” 6