Zhu Zhuqing

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Zhu Zhuqing (朱竹清)
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Shrek Academy — student; passed the fourth-round entrance assessment with Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong; later relocated with Shrek to Heaven Dou Royal Academy 26 28 178 201
Occupation/Role	Agility-attack-system battle soul master 27
Martial Soul	Netherworld Spirit Cat, also rendered Hell Spirit Cat or Nether Civet 26 27 176 177
Soul Power	Rank 28 at Shrek's internal assessment; previously Rank 27 upon enrolling. No later rank is confirmed. 26 120
Discipleship Status	Candidate for Yang Xing's Secret Realm Inheritance; cleared its first strength trial with his guidance, then chose to repeat it independently before proceeding. She has not yet been confirmed as his disciple. 151 152 177 194
First Appearance	Chapter 26

Power Progression

Stage	Soul Power	Details
Shrek Academy entrance assessment	Rank 27	Introduced herself as a Rank 27 agility-attack-system battle soul master during the fourth-round assessment against Zhao Wuji. 26 27
Shrek special-training assessment	Rank 28	Reached Rank 28 by the academy's internal round-robin and group-combat assessment. 120
Secret Realm Inheritance trial qualification	Rank 28	Received Yang Xing's modified Secret Realm Inheritance Ring. Its evaluator rated her appearance as passing but judged her talent and godhood potential as failing; nevertheless, she qualified for a five-star, three-stage inheritance trial. 151 152
First strength trial, guided clear	Not stated	After repeated attempts against five similarly powerful Soul Beasts, defeated all five with Yang Xing's tactical guidance. Rather than proceed to the second trial on that result, she chose to repeat the first without assistance to master what she had learned. 176 177 178
Sparring after secret-realm training	Not stated	Displayed improved agility and battle instincts against Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu, although both defeated her even while suppressing their Soul Power to her level. 202

Appearance

Zhu Zhuqing is consistently described as carrying an icy aura and wearing a cold, restrained expression. Her catlike eyes are especially prominent, often betraying reactions she otherwise suppresses. 26 37 40

• Icy demeanor and expressionless face. 26 31
• Catlike pupils/eyes. 34 37
• Her agility-type instincts give her heightened danger perception. 37
• Her usually composed expression can crack under embarrassment or emotional surprise, such as when Xiao Wu celebrates their victory by hugging her. 120
• Her outwardly severe composure conceals considerable anxiety and vulnerability, particularly when discussing Yang Xing or her prospects of escaping the fate imposed by her family. 141 150 151
• Often wears fitted black clothing. During Martial Soul Possession, cat ears appear and her claws extend; her ears can betray her embarrassment even when she remains reserved. 142 176 177 202

Personality

Zhu Zhuqing is guarded, highly self-respecting, and reluctant to accept help or open up to others. Her brief, stiff replies and initial refusal to share food with Ning Rongrong reflect how she protects her personal space. 31 32

She is driven by an almost obsessive pursuit of strength. During Ning Rongrong's confrontation with Li Yusong, Zhuqing evaluates Wind Empress Qimen not merely with surprise, but as a possible means to improve her odds against her sister, Zhu Zhuyun. 36 42

Despite her reserve, Zhuqing acts when others are in danger. She joins Xiao Wu in seeking help for Ning Rongrong and later helps recount the incident to Shrek's teachers. 36 43 52

Zhuqing's determination is also rooted in insecurity over her perceived lack of talent. Although she trains harder than the other Shrek students, Ning Rongrong's rapid advancement beyond her leaves her deeply shaken and intensifies her need to alter the fate imposed by her family. 87

After witnessing Ning Rongrong's overwhelming growth under Yang Xing, Zhuqing ultimately acts on her long-held desire for greater strength and directly asks Yang Xing to accept her as his disciple. 120

Yang Xing's initial rejection forces Zhuqing to confront the fact that neither her current strength nor her family background gives her value in the eyes of a powerful Title Douluo. This humiliation nearly drives her to despair, but she ultimately recommits herself to becoming strong enough to survive rather than passively accepting death at the hands of Zhu Zhuyun and Dai Weisi. 121 141

Zhuqing can become desperate and self-sacrificing when pursuing a path to strength. In seeking another chance from Yang Xing, she initially mistakes surrendering her dignity as proof of sincerity, but accepts his demand that she earn discipleship through the Secret Realm Inheritance trial instead. 150 151

Her approach to the trial gradually becomes more independent. Although grateful when Yang Xing helps her defeat its first opponents, she refuses to treat a guided victory as sufficient mastery and elects to fight them again on her own. Later, Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu's rapid advancement motivates her to work harder rather than abandon hope. 177 180 194

Abilities & Skills

Netherworld Spirit Cat

Zhu Zhuqing's beast martial soul makes her an agility-attack-system soul master focused on speed, flanking, and rapid strikes. 26 27

• Entered Zhao Wuji's assessment as the team's flank harasser. 27
• Possesses exceptionally impressive agility skills. 31 32
• Her combat instincts and danger perception are sharper than those of ordinary soul masters. 37
• Uses her speed to draw opponents out of position and strike from their flanks while fighting in coordination with allies. 120
• Can travel quietly across rooftops and walls while possessed by her martial soul. Repeated secret-realm challenges improved her reactions and familiarity with her opponents' attack patterns. 176 177
• Her agility and battle instincts improved through the inheritance trials, though they did not suffice to defeat Ning Rongrong or Xiao Wu in later sparring. 202

Netherworld Hundred Claws

A rapid claw-based attack used against Zhao Wuji during Shrek Academy's fourth-round assessment. 28

• Attacked Zhao Wuji's back while Tang San and Xiao Wu restrained him. 28
• Zhao Wuji's Immovable Wisdom King Body repelled the attack, dislocating both of Zhuqing's arms and knocking her unconscious. 28
• Later struck a Fire Lizard's vulnerable abdomen with repeated claws during the first inheritance trial. 177

Hell Stab

A high-speed claw attack Zhuqing employs from the flank during her and Xiao Wu's group challenge against Dai Mubai. 120

• Forced Dai Mubai to turn and defend, creating the opening for Xiao Wu to use Teleportation and Waist Bow against him. 120
• Cut deeply into an Iron Wolf's flank during her strength trial. 177

Secret Realm Inheritance Ring

A modified mithril ring provided by Yang Xing as Zhuqing's opportunity to earn discipleship rather than receive it outright. It contains an assessment mechanism and has initiated a five-star inheritance trial. 151 152

• The ring assessed her appearance as passing, while rating her talent and godhood potential as failing. 152
• Its three trial stages assess strength, character, and inheritance compatibility. 152
• Passing all stages is stated to potentially remedy her failed ratings, grant her status as Yang Xing's disciple, and bestow the Spirit Swallowing Technique. 152
• Initially prepared for the first strength assessment in seclusion. Its checkpoint pits her against two Iron Wolves, a Fire Lizard, a Jade-horned Rhinoceros, and a Shadow Leopard of roughly her own strength. 153 177
• Cleared the first checkpoint with Yang Xing's tactical instructions but chose to repeat it without help before moving on. Completion of that independent attempt and of the remaining stages has not been confirmed. 177 178 194

Potential Spirit Swallowing Technique

The Secret Realm Inheritance's final core reward is a modified cultivation technique Zhuqing may receive only after completing all three stages of her trial. 152

• It is described as consuming lingering Soul Beast remnants in Soul Rings and converting them into Soul Power without normal level restrictions, bottlenecks, or the risk of spiritual influence. 152
• The technique would offer Zhuqing a path beyond the cultivation ceiling imposed by her innate aptitude, but she has not yet been shown to acquire it. 152 194

Story Role / Major Arcs

Shrek Academy Entrance Assessment

Zhu Zhuqing arrives at Shrek Academy alongside Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong. As a Rank 27 Netherworld Spirit Cat soul master, she joins their team for the final test against Rank 76 Soul Sage Zhao Wuji. 26 27

She receives Ning Rongrong's strength and speed support, attacks Zhao Wuji from the flank with Netherworld Hundred Claws, and is severely injured when Zhao activates Immovable Wisdom King Body. The four nevertheless pass the trial. 27 28

Developing Friendship with Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu

Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu approach Zhuqing with food after noticing her solitary, guarded nature. Though Zhuqing initially refuses, she lets them into her room and gradually responds to their conversation. 31 32

Ning Rongrong recognizes Zhuqing's exceptional talent and considers her a potential candidate for Yang Xing's future discipleship, while Zhuqing privately becomes interested in Yang Xing's teachable abilities as a way to challenge Zhu Zhuyun. 31 32 36 42

Conflict at Shrek Academy

When Ning Rongrong challenges Dai Mubai, Zhuqing declines to intervene, calling the situation too complicated. Ning Rongrong later acknowledges that Zhuqing's ties to Dai made it difficult for her to take a side. 35 43

Zhuqing does, however, accompany Xiao Wu to seek help when Li Yusong attacks Ning Rongrong. She is shocked that Ning Rongrong, a Rank 26 support-type soul master, evades a Soul Emperor's attacks six times through spatial displacement. 36 43

Yang Xing's arrival and effortless defeat of Li Yusong and Zhao Wuji leave Zhuqing deeply wary of his strength. His healing of Ning Rongrong and the breadth of his teachable skills further intensify her interest in becoming stronger. 37 40 41 42 45

Star Dou Great Forest

During the group's soul-ring hunt, Zhuqing is present while Tang San absorbs the Man Faced Demon Spider's soul ring. When Xiao Wu sees Dragon Duke Meng Shu, Zhuqing identifies him as the Soul Douluo Zhao Wuji had mentioned. 86 87

Ning Rongrong's advancement to Rank 30 particularly affects Zhuqing. Having trained relentlessly to overcome her family fate, Zhuqing is devastated to see Ning Rongrong—whom she had considered less talented—surpass her cultivation by at least three ranks. 87

Zhuqing and Dai Mubai later work together to hold back members of the Huangdou Team while Shrek competes at the Suotuo Great Soul Arena. 105

Shrek Internal Combat Assessment

During Shrek's individual-combat assessment, Tang San defeats Zhuqing in under two minutes by using Blue Silver Grass to predict and seal off her movements. Zhuqing concedes after her ankles and wrists are bound, unable to capitalize on the speed she values most. 117

Ning Rongrong subsequently defeats Zhuqing without using the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's support effects, relying on Wind Empress Qimen's speed, elemental defenses, and attacks. The one-sided loss leaves Zhuqing acutely aware of the widening gap between them. 117

Zhuqing later teams with Xiao Wu against Dai Mubai. After challenging Dai to prove he is worthy of pursuing her, she uses Hell Stab to distract him and enable Xiao Wu's decisive Waist Bow, securing their victory. 120

Request to Become Yang Xing's Disciple

After the assessment, Zhuqing watches Ning Rongrong fight multiple opponents and recognizes that Yang Xing's instruction transformed a support-system soul master into a combatant capable of overpowering stronger battle soul masters. 120

Unable to accept her present limits or the family fate awaiting her, Zhuqing finds Yang Xing watching from a rooftop and directly asks, “Can I become your disciple?” 120

Yang Xing refuses immediately and instead asks what benefit accepting her would provide him. Unable to answer, Zhuqing is left alone to confront her lack of individual value beyond her noble status, Rank 28 cultivation, and middling innate talent. 121

Renewed Determination

Zhuqing continues training intensely during Shrek's rest period, including running for two hours before dawn. Yet Ning Rongrong's accomplishments and Xiao Wu's acceptance as Yang Xing's disciple—along with Xiao Wu's rise from Rank 31 to Rank 40—leave Zhuqing feeling increasingly isolated and inferior. 141

While reflecting on the prospect of dying to Zhu Zhuyun and Dai Weisi, as well as Dai Mubai's unreliability, Zhuqing briefly considers surrendering to her fate. She ultimately rejects that despair and resolves to seek a future through her own efforts. 141

She later visits Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu at Yang Xing's residence, ostensibly to spend time with them. Although too ashamed to repeat her request for discipleship openly, she is warmly welcomed by both girls and begins becoming more comfortable within their friendship. 142 143 144

Secret Realm Inheritance Trial

Zhuqing waits outside Yang Xing's room late at night and finally admits that both her earlier visit and her nighttime approach were deliberate attempts to ask him again to become her master. 149 150

In her desperation, she attempts to offer herself as proof of sincerity. Yang Xing stops her, rejects the notion that her worth lies in such a sacrifice, and gives her a legitimate opportunity instead: a Secret Realm Inheritance Ring that will determine whether she qualifies as his disciple. 150 151

The ring's assessment deems her appearance sufficient but finds her talent and godhood potential lacking. Because she passes one category, however, Zhuqing receives a five-star, three-stage trial whose completion may improve those qualities, grant her Yang Xing's discipleship, and award the Spirit Swallowing Technique. 152

Zhuqing becomes wholly focused on preparing for the first strength trial. Her pursuit of the inheritance further distances her from Dai Mubai, whose attempts to question, reconcile with, and pressure her are ignored. 152 153

Yang Xing later secretly summons Zhuqing to Suotuo City at three in the morning, restoring her hope that her inheritance trial will soon progress. 172

By the time she answers the summons, Zhuqing has struggled with the first checkpoint and fears that Yang Xing has called her in because she failed. She offers to surrender the ring, but he reassures her that the five-star trial is unusually difficult and brings her into the secret realm to observe another attempt. Against five Soul Beasts of comparable strength, she defeats two before being overwhelmed; Yang Xing praises her improvement, heals her injuries, and gives her tactical guidance on her next attempt. With that guidance she defeats all five. 176 177

Although Yang Xing says she may proceed to the character trial, Zhuqing chooses to repeat the strength trial unaided so that she can master its lessons rather than depend on a guided clear. She resumes challenging the beasts after he leaves. No independent clear or advancement to a later stage is confirmed. 177 178 194

Journey to Heaven Dou Royal Academy

Zhuqing travels with the Shrek group when it leaves Suotuo City for Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Dai Mubai offers her food and attention on the road, but she coldly dismisses him. 178 179

When Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu reveal that they have advanced to four-ring Soul Ancestors, Zhuqing supports their account of Yang Xing's guidance, drawing on her own experience of his inheritance. Their progress renews her determination to improve. At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, she remains distant when Dai Mubai tries to impress her with his account of a fight against academy students. 180 186

During the confrontation with Dugu Bo and the princes, Zhuqing briefly feels inferior upon learning the extent of Ning Rongrong's family influence. She steadies herself by remembering that completing the inheritance could let her become Yang Xing's disciple and stand alongside Rongrong. 194

Sparring and Bibi Dong's Visit

At Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Zhuqing shares a dormitory courtyard with Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu. She spars with each of them, showing growth from her secret-realm training but losing even when they suppress their Soul Power to her level. Both friends praise her progress afterward. 201 202

Bibi Dong secretly witnesses the sparring before descending into the courtyard to question Ning Rongrong's and Xiao Wu's unusual techniques. Zhuqing joins them in releasing her martial soul and forming a defensive position despite Bibi Dong's nine Soul Rings. She remains ready to fight as Ning Rongrong shields Xiao Wu and handles the confrontation. Bibi Dong ultimately withdraws without attacking. 202 203

Relationships

• Ning Rongrong — Shrek classmate and growing friend. Ning Rongrong persistently includes Zhuqing in meals and later praises her for helping Xiao Wu find assistance during the Li Yusong incident. 31 32 43 Ning Rongrong's explosive advancement and overwhelming victory over Zhuqing become a major source of Zhuqing's insecurity, but also reinforce her resolve to seek Yang Xing's instruction. 87 117 120 Despite Zhuqing's embarrassment over her hidden motive for visiting Yang Xing's residence, Ning Rongrong warmly includes her in time spent with Xiao Wu and continues treating her as a friend. 142 143 144 Zhuqing later defends Rongrong's extraordinary advancement, spars with her, and joins her defensive stance when Bibi Dong appears. 180 202 203
• Xiao Wu — Friend and fellow Shrek student. The two work together to seek help when Ning Rongrong is endangered. 36 43 Xiao Wu later encourages Zhuqing when she worries she will hold the team back, and the two cooperate to defeat Dai Mubai in the group challenge. 120 Xiao Wu also welcomes Zhuqing to Yang Xing's residence and helps draw her into a more relaxed friendship with herself and Ning Rongrong. 142 143 144 She praises Zhuqing's improvement after a later spar, while Zhuqing prepares to defend her during Bibi Dong's confrontation. 202 203
• Tang San — Teammate during the fourth-round assessment against Zhao Wuji; Zhuqing serves as the designated flank attacker in his battle plan. 27 28 During Shrek's internal assessment, Tang San defeats Zhuqing by restricting her movements with Blue Silver Grass. 117 He recognizes her dedication to training and advises her not to push herself too hard, though Zhuqing notes that he is similarly relentless in his own training. 141
• Dai Mubai — Has unspecified ties to him that make Zhuqing unwilling to intervene in his conflict with Ning Rongrong. 35 43 Dai openly pursues Zhuqing; she tells him that he must prove his strength by defeating both her and Xiao Wu before he can be given a chance. 120 Zhuqing increasingly doubts that he can be relied upon against their shared Star Luo fate, particularly after he accompanies Ma Hongjun into Suotuo City. 141 142 Following her overnight absence at Yang Xing's residence, Zhuqing avoids his attempts to question or reconcile with her and instead devotes herself to the inheritance trial. 152 153 She subsequently rejects his efforts to approach her during the journey to Heaven Dou Royal Academy and responds with indifference when he tries to impress her there. 178 179 186
• Zhu Zhuyun — Zhuqing's sister. Zhuqing seeks greater power in hopes of improving her chances when facing her. 36 42 Zhu Zhuyun's expected pursuit of Zhuqing alongside Dai Weisi remains a central source of Zhuqing's fear and determination to become stronger. 141
• Yang Xing — Ning Rongrong's master and a potential source of teachable skills. Zhuqing privately considers learning from him to gain strength, while Yang Xing regards her as a potential future disciple. 36 42 44 After witnessing the results of his instruction firsthand, Zhuqing directly asks to become his disciple. 120 Yang Xing initially rejects her and challenges her to consider what value she can offer him. 121 Moved by her continued determination and recognizing her future potential, he gives her the Secret Realm Inheritance Ring and makes successful completion of its assessment the condition for accepting her as a disciple. 151 152 He later reassures and heals her during the strength trial, helps her clear it through tactical instruction, and accepts her decision to repeat it independently. 176 177