Xie Shu

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Xie Shu (谢疏)
Alias(es)	Manager Xie; Shopkeeper Xie; Head Manager Xie
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Benevolent Heart Medicine Hall
Occupation/Role	Resident manager and head manager of the Benevolent Heart Medicine Hall 5 9
Cultivation	Skin-Refining Realm martial artist 35
First Appearance	Chapter 5

Appearance

Xie Shu is a middle-aged man with a slightly hunched frame, a fair and refined face, and sparse whiskers. He wears a square cap and a dark-blue robe with subtle patterns. 5 9

• Slightly stooped posture.
• Calm, gentle-looking features and a goatee. 5 9
• Usually carries himself with a composed, scholarly air.

Personality

Xie Shu is measured, diplomatic, and generally humane toward the Medicine Hall's lower-ranking workers. He initially recognizes Jiang Feng's composure during the investigation into Wu Han's attack and later gives him opportunities in the Alchemy Hall. 10 11

Though willing to help, Xie Shu is constrained by the Wu family's authority and the Medicine Hall's internal hierarchy. He cannot remove Jiang Feng from the herb-collection team once Wu Han has approved the list, and he later regrets not acting more decisively. 14 33

He values genuine talent and solid foundations. Once Jiang Feng proves his cultivation and alchemy ability, Xie Shu repeatedly protects him from Xue Zhao's schemes, encourages him to show confidence, and helps arrange his transfer out of the Guard Hall. 36 40 45 47

Abilities & Authority

Skin-Refining Realm Cultivation

Xie Shu is a genuine Skin-Refining Realm martial artist, placing him among the Medicine Hall's stronger figures. 35

• His released aura stops Xue Zhao's men from forcibly taking Jiang Feng away. 35
• He can accurately assess Jiang Feng's blood-qi manifestation and recognize the solidity of his martial foundation. 36 40
• His strength gives him enough authority to openly challenge Xue Zhao during the Guard Assessment. 39

Medicine Hall Administration

As resident manager, Xie Shu oversees internal operations, personnel matters, and the Medicine Hall's response to the Wu family's demands. 5 45 46

• Organizes the investigation following Wu Han's attack and takes charge of searching the Medicine Hall. 5 7
• Assigns personnel to the Alchemy Hall when Blood-Qi Pill production requires additional help. 9 10
• Handles pressure from the Wu family to increase Blood-Qi Pill production amid escalating evil-spirit attacks. 45 46
• Recognizes the Evil Spirit Mark and explains that it suppresses and feeds upon a victim's blood and qi. 40

History

During the investigation into Wu Han's assault, Xie Shu acts as the Medicine Hall's calm administrative presence. He announces the internal search, offers rewards for information, and agrees to oversee the broader investigation while Wu Tian investigates individual suspects. 5 7

When the Alchemy Hall needs an assistant, Xie Shu selects Jiang Feng despite his apprentice status. He personally brings Jiang to Song Huai, vouches for Jiang's herb knowledge and diligence, and persuades Song to give him a trial. 10 11

Xie Shu later attempts to keep Jiang from joining the herb-collection trip, but Wu Han's approval makes the list impossible for him to alter. After Song Huai repeatedly demands Jiang's return and the team goes missing, Xie Shu comes to regret his earlier inaction. 14 15 33

Jiang's return as the sole survivor of the expedition changes Xie Shu's view of him. He listens to Jiang's account of the Chang Ghost, recognizes the details as credible, prevents Xue Zhao from taking Jiang away, and accepts that Jiang killed the evil entity after witnessing his manifested blood and qi. 35 36

During the Guard Assessment, Xie Shu exposes the attempt to have Liu Mo cripple Jiang and ensures that Jiang's victory is recognized. He subsequently appoints Jiang as a Medicine Hall guard, advises him on balancing humility with confidence, and explains the nature of the Evil Spirit Mark. 39 40

After Jiang encounters extortion and isolation in the Guard Hall, Xie Shu agrees to seek a transfer for him. He ultimately brings Jiang back to Song Huai, who accepts him as his alchemy boy; Xie Shu also promises to resolve Jiang's remaining Guard Hall matters. 45 47

Relationships

• Jiang Feng — Manager, benefactor, and supporter. Xie Shu recruits him for the Alchemy Hall, protects him during Xue Zhao's interrogation, supports his Guard Assessment, and later facilitates his transfer to Song Huai as an alchemy boy. 10 35 39 47
• Song Huai — Old acquaintance and fellow senior figure within the Medicine Hall. Xie Shu mediates Song Huai's staffing needs, while Song repeatedly pressures him to return Jiang Feng to the Alchemy Hall. 11 15 46
• Xue Zhao — Subordinate and internal political adversary. Xie Shu rebukes Xue Zhao for trying to seize Jiang during the interrogation and for attempting to invalidate Jiang's Guard Assessment. 35 39
• Tie Rong — Guard Hall manager whose authority is separate from Xie Shu's. Xie Shu attends Jiang's assessment despite Tie Rong's hostility and later undertakes to handle Jiang's Guard Hall affairs. 37 39 47
• Wu Han — Member of the Wu family whose approval limits Xie Shu's ability to alter personnel assignments. 14
• Wu Tian — Wu Han's elder brother. Xie Shu coordinates with him during the investigation into the Medicine Hall attack. 5 7

Notable Quotes

“I can vouch for him. What Jiang Feng just said is highly likely to be true.” 35

“Knowing how to be humble is a good thing, but when it's time to show your edge, you must let it shine.” 40