Zhang Meng

Biodata

Background / History

Zhang Meng worked in the Waste Hall for more than twenty years and lived there with his family. He was regarded by Steward He and the other workers as an easygoing, honest long-serving colleague. Two years before the fire, He Steward had recommended him for a supervisory post, but Zhang Meng declined it as too troublesome. 29 30

His eldest son, Zhang Xiao, became a disciple of Elder Yu De, and Zhang Meng moved his whole family to a residence in West Hill. He held a banquet for the Waste Hall disciples to celebrate both developments, displaying considerable pride in Zhang Xiao's future. 23 24 26

Personality

Zhang Meng maintained a modest, sociable exterior, celebrating with his fellow workers and accepting congratulations for his son's advancement. 23 26

Behind that facade, he was willing to endanger the entire Waste Hall. He attempted to poison Li Ping'an and later set fire around Li's dwelling, a blaze large enough to threaten every resident. 26 27

Once exposed, Zhang Meng became fearful and evasive. He lied about his movements, relied on his family to corroborate his story, and gave a false motive—claiming he wanted He Steward's position—rather than reveal the real mastermind. After Zhang Xiao's death and his family's punishment, he showed clear remorse and desperation. 28 29 30

Abilities & Skills

Body Tempering Cultivation

Zhang Meng possessed fourth-level Body Tempering cultivation.

• Could endure punishment that would severely injure ordinary mortals. 29
• Remained far weaker than Li Ping'an, who considered him no direct threat. 26

Arson and Deception

Zhang Meng acted as an assassin within the Waste Hall under the cover of a celebratory banquet.

• Offered Li Ping'an poisoned wine; the poison was detected by Li's Heaven-Tempering Hammer and proved ineffective. 26
• Moved combustible materials through the Waste Hall at midnight before igniting the blaze. 26
• Fled after starting the fire, making himself an immediate suspect in the Law Enforcement Hall investigation. 27 32

Relationships

• Li Ping'an — Intended victim. Zhang Meng offered him poisoned wine and set fire to his dwelling as part of a murder plot. 26 27
• Wang Steward — Handler of the plot; Wang arranged for Zhang Meng to poison Li Ping'an and start the fire. 31 32
• Senior Brother Zhang Lu — Senior figure whose scheme Wang Steward served. Zhang Lu killed Zhang Meng to prevent him from exposing the conspiracy. 32
• He Steward — Longtime Waste Hall colleague. Zhang Meng falsely claimed he had targeted He Steward to seize the steward position, despite having previously refused such a post. 29 30
• Zhang Xiao — Eldest son and Elder Yu De's disciple. He confronted Liu Jinhu during the investigation and was killed after attacking him. 29 30
• Zhang Meng's wife and younger son — Family members brought before the Law Enforcement Hall; his wife and other relatives were whipped for lying to protect him, while his younger son was spared. 29 30
• Liu Jinhu — Law Enforcement Hall investigator who exposed Zhang Meng's false alibi and pressed him for the mastermind's identity. 28 29 30

Story Role / Major Arcs

Celebration and Apparent Prosperity

Zhang Meng's son's acceptance under Elder Yu De and the family's move to West Hill establish his sudden rise in circumstances. He hosts a Waste Hall banquet and personally invites Li Ping'an. 23 24 26

Attempted Murder of Li Ping'an

At the banquet, Zhang Meng presents Li Ping'an with poisoned wine. Later that night, he prepares and ignites a fire intended to kill Li, while also placing the other Waste Hall residents in danger. 26 27

Law Enforcement Hall Investigation

After the fire, Zhang Meng is located and interrogated by Liu Jinhu. His shifting account collapses when Steward He denies granting him leave and his family confirms he returned home after midnight smelling of smoke. Zhang Meng confesses to arson. 28 29

Death

Zhang Meng falsely claims he started the fire to replace He Steward. When Liu Jinhu proves the explanation inconsistent with Zhang Meng's earlier refusal of the post, Zhang Meng prepares to reveal the truth. He is killed by a projectile through the throat before he can finish naming “Wang.” 30