Chen Chong

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Chen Chong (陈冲)
Alias(es)	Senior Brother Chen; Master Chen
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Hidden Dragon Martial Hall
Occupation/Role	Inner-court disciple; instructor and supervisor of outer-court recruits; set aside instructor duties to concentrate on cultivation before his Minor Blood Transferring breakthrough 48
Latest Known Realm	Major Achievement in the Blood-Moving Realm 163
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Blood-Moving Realm	10	Already an established martial artist when he begins regularly sparring with Lu Chen and instructing him in practical combat.
Minor Blood Transferring	48	Breaks through after years of accumulated practice, overcoming the barrier that had delayed his advancement. Also described as Blood-Qi Minor Achievement; achieves it shortly before the New Year after setting aside instructor duties and concentrating on steady training.
Major Achievement in the Blood-Moving Realm	163	Has recently reached major mastery when Lu Chen returns to Scarlet Cloud County near the New Year. Proud of his progress, but astonished to learn that Lu Chen has already perfected the Sinew-Piercing Realm, also called the Meridian-Opening Realm.

Background / History

Chen Chong was an inner-court disciple of Hidden Dragon Martial Hall by age twenty-five, having trained there for many years. He was assigned to oversee newly recruited village youths in the outer court, where he demonstrated the Coiling Dragon Stance Art, maintained discipline, and introduced the recruits to the martial hall's layout and rules 1 2 4.

He recognized Shi Hao's exceptional talent when Shi Hao entered the Coiling Dragon Stance Art in three days. Though Shi Hao's potential could eventually surpass his own status, Chen Chong publicly supported the youth and brought the matter to Hall Master Qin Wuhe's attention 3 4.

Chen Chong also noticed Lu Chen's diligence early on. He repeatedly sparred with Lu Chen, teaching him the importance of balancing training methods with combat techniques. After seeing Lu Chen's rapid improvement, he introduced him to his father, Chen Yue, whose family began sponsoring Lu Chen's cultivation 6 10 13 14.

The initial sponsorship provided two taels of silver each month, allowing Lu Chen to regularly purchase Tiger-Bone Body-Strengthening Soup. During a sparring session, Chen Chong recognized the signs of Lu Chen's impending breakthrough, ordered nearby disciples to step back, and directed him to practice the Coiling Dragon Stance. After Lu Chen cultivated his first thread of blood qi, Chen Chong advised him to stabilize it rather than continue practicing punches that day 13 14.

After Lu Chen became a martial artist, Chen Chong encouraged him to accept Wang's Ginseng Shop's favorable offer rather than treating the Chen Family's prior support as a debt. The Chen Family continued providing Lu Chen with financial support, viewing him as both a martial brother and a long-term ally 17 29 49.

Chen Chong explained that the family's sponsorship was intended to establish goodwill rather than restrict Lu Chen's choices. He announced that their monthly support would increase from two to four taels and asked Wang Shouyi to formalize the shop's promised terms in writing. After Lu Chen reached Minor Achievement in Blood Moving, the Chen Family increased its monthly support again, to ten taels 17 49.

When Liu Xiaolou and other Mighty Far Hall disciples arrived to confront Lu Chen over his appointment at Wang's Ginseng Shop, Chen Chong investigated the disturbance and supported his junior brother. After Lu Chen won the duel, Chen Chong checked him for injuries, praised his defense of the martial hall's reputation, and cautioned him against unnecessary fighting. He also saw Lu Chen off to his new employment, advising him to speak less, observe more, and maintain his daily cultivation 18 19 20.

Chen Chong eventually advanced to Minor Blood Transferring after prolonged effort. He and Lu Chen celebrated together at Little Prosperity Tower, though Chen Chong was shocked to learn that Lu Chen had reached the same stage two months earlier 48.

His breakthrough came after he stopped rushing his advancement, set aside his work as an outer-court instructor, and devoted himself to daily stance and fist practice. Shortly before the New Year, his blood qi formed a stream and circulated freely through his body. Although initially stunned by Lu Chen's earlier breakthrough, Chen Chong understood why it had been concealed and sincerely celebrated their shared success 48.

When Hidden Dragon Martial Hall sought closer ties with the Huang Family, Chen Chong acted as the intermediary who informed Lu Chen that Qin Wuhe wanted him to leave Wang Firm. He understood Lu Chen's loyalty conflict and tried to report his position fairly to their master, but could not prevent Lu Chen's subsequent expulsion from the martial hall 51.

Chen Chong personally delivered the news of the expulsion and apologized, blaming himself for not speaking with Qin Wuhe sooner. Lu Chen reassured him that the outcome was inevitable. Despite the severing of Lu Chen's ties with Hidden Dragon Martial Hall, Chen Chong promised that the Chen Family would continue its monthly support 52.

During the conflict over the Chen Family's Green Willow Alley property, Chen Chong was defeated by Shen Shijun and received no meaningful assistance from his seniors at Hidden Dragon Martial Hall. Despite feeling ashamed to ask Lu Chen for help after failing to aid him during his expulsion, Chen Chong sought him out. Lu Chen accepted immediately, defeated Shen Shijun, and recovered the Chen Family's ancestral property 59 61 62 63 64.

The property supported the Chen Family through warehouse storage, cargo-handling fees, and two small shops, making its seizure a threat to the family's livelihood. Shen Shijun drove Chen Chong back with a single palm strike. Song Tieshan and Liu Qingping declined to intervene because of the risk of a conflict between martial halls, while Shi Hao did not acknowledge his request. Before accepting Lu Chen's help, Chen Chong emphasized that he should not endanger his future cultivation merely to repay the Chen Family's kindness 59 61 62.

Near a later New Year, Chen Chong reunited with Lu Chen during the latter's return to Scarlet Cloud County. Chen Chong had recently reached Major Achievement in the Blood-Moving Realm, but was astonished to learn that Lu Chen had already perfected the Sinew-Piercing Realm. Even without Lu Chen deliberately projecting his aura, Chen Chong felt an oppressive, mountain-like weight when approaching him 163.

During the reunion, Chen Chong explained that the Chen Family had prospered through its connection with the Wang Firm. Lu Chen's success in the Martial Examination had helped the firm surpass the Huang Family and become the county's leading medicine shop, and Wang Shouyi had subsequently extended assistance to the Chen Family. Chen Chong credited Lu Chen's influence while distinguishing the importance of connections from his father's business ability 163.

Appearance

Chen Chong is a sturdily built martial artist who typically wears practical fitted training clothes.

• Tight short-sleeved training outfit with bound cuffs during instruction 3
• Steady gait and a strict presence that immediately disciplines the outer-court youths 3
• Black short martial outfit, cloth waist belt, and rolled sleeves exposing muscular forearms during sparring 10
• Twenty-five years old during Shi Hao's recruitment period; twenty-six by the time of his Minor Blood Transferring breakthrough 4 48

Personality

Chen Chong is stern and demanding as an instructor, frequently correcting or scolding outer-court trainees to prevent them from becoming complacent. He emphasizes the hardship of martial cultivation rather than allowing recruits to romanticize it 3 4 8.

Despite his strictness, he is attentive to potential and genuinely protective of promising juniors. He recognizes Lu Chen's diligence, provides combat guidance through sparring, and repeatedly offers practical advice about cultivation and employment 6 10 17 20.

Shi Hao's extraordinary talent initially leaves Chen Chong feeling overshadowed, but he restrains those feelings rather than publicly undermining him. His own delayed breakthrough also shows his persistence and ability to overcome self-doubt 4 48.

He openly admits that Lu Chen's rapid growth made him impatient about his own cultivation. Rather than allowing this pressure to undermine their friendship, he eventually adopts a calmer training routine and sincerely celebrates Lu Chen's success alongside his own 48.

Chen Chong values friendship without coercion. He does not treat his family's sponsorship as ownership over Lu Chen's future, and he remains loyal after the martial hall expels him. Even when his own family faces a serious crisis, he is concerned that asking Lu Chen to fight an established expert might injure him and damage his martial prospects 17 52 61 62.

His later reunion with Lu Chen retains their familiar teasing and candid manner despite the growing difference in their cultivation and status. He is proud of his family's improved circumstances and readily acknowledges the role Lu Chen's success played in them 163.

Abilities & Skills

Martial Cultivation

Chen Chong is a martial artist who progressed from the Blood-Moving Realm to Minor Blood Transferring, and later to Major Achievement in the Blood-Moving Realm 10 48 163.

• Possesses blood qi sufficient to block Lu Chen's breakthrough-level attacks during sparring 14
• Was considered inferior to Shen Shijun, a Blood Transference Completion expert 59
• Achieved Minor Blood Transferring through years of accumulated practice 48
• At Minor Achievement, his blood qi formed a stream and circulated freely throughout his body 48
• Reached Major Achievement in the Blood-Moving Realm before his later reunion with Lu Chen 163

Combat Instruction

Chen Chong is an experienced sparring partner and instructor for junior disciples.

• Demonstrates the Coiling Dragon Stance Art to new recruits 1
• Explains the Blood-Moving Realm and the role of qi and blood in martial cultivation 4
• Provides Lu Chen with regular guidance in the Azure Dragon Through-the-Arms Fist 8
• Uses controlled but highly pressuring sparring to improve Lu Chen's practical combat awareness 10
• Identifies Lu Chen's attainment of Minor Accomplishment in the Azure Dragon Through-the-Arms Fist 14
• Recognizes the signs of an impending Blood-Moving breakthrough and instructs Lu Chen in stabilizing newly formed blood qi 14
• Warns Lu Chen that no fighter remains undefeated forever and advises him to avoid unnecessary challenges 20

Eye for Talent

Chen Chong quickly notices unusual martial potential.

• Identified Shi Hao's entry into the Coiling Dragon Stance Art and reported it to Qin Wuhe 3
• Praised Lu Chen and Ma Sanjin for their steady, focused training before either became martial artists 6
• Predicted that Lu Chen could become a recognized expert in Scarlet Cloud County 10 13
• Noticed a newly ruthless, murderous quality in Lu Chen's attacks and privately suspected that his return home had involved killing members of the mountain patrol 13

Relationships

• Lu Chen — Junior martial brother, sparring partner, and close friend. Chen Chong guided his early training, helped arrange Chen Family sponsorship, and later sought his help during the Green Willow Alley crisis 10 13 17 62. Their friendship continued after Lu Chen's expulsion and later rise as a Dragon-Tiger Guard; Chen Chong remained supportive, while Lu Chen continued addressing him as senior brother despite their widening difference in strength 52 62 163.
• Chen Yue — Father. They jointly recognized Lu Chen's potential and chose to sponsor his cultivation 13. During the Green Willow Alley crisis, they weighed the possibility of seeking Lu Chen's assistance against the risk of harming his future. The family's later prosperity improved Chen Yue's standing among local trading firms 61 163.
• Shi Hao — Junior disciple whose talent Chen Chong discovered and supported, despite Shi Hao's potential eventually eclipsing his own standing 3 4. Shi Hao later failed to acknowledge Chen Chong's appeal for help during the Green Willow Alley dispute 59.
• Qin Wuhe — Hall Master of Hidden Dragon Martial Hall. Chen Chong serves under him and carries out instructions concerning disciples, including briefing Lu Chen on inner-court rules 3 15 51. He attempted to clarify that Lu Chen had requested time to consider the Huang Family's offer rather than outright refusing, but Qin Wuhe proceeded with the expulsion 51 52.
• Song Tieshan — Senior martial brother at Hidden Dragon Martial Hall. Chen Chong sought his help in the Chen Family's dispute but received no intervention 59.
• Liu Qingping — Senior martial sister at Hidden Dragon Martial Hall. Like Song Tieshan, she declined to assist in the Green Willow Alley dispute because of the risks of confronting Thousand Crane Martial Hall's renowned expert 59.
• Wang Shouyi — Lu Chen's employer and patron at Wang Firm. Chen Chong supported Lu Chen's decision to accept Wang Shouyi's offer 17. Wang Shouyi later helped the Chen Family develop its business connections in recognition of its relationship with Lu Chen 163.
• Shen Shijun — Opponent who defeated Chen Chong during the dispute over Green Willow Alley 59.
• Xu Family — Rival family that forcibly occupied the Chen Family's ancestral property and employed Shen Shijun to defend its claim through a martial contest 59 62.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Outer-Court Instructor

Chen Chong introduces new village recruits to Hidden Dragon Martial Hall, demonstrates the Coiling Dragon Stance Art, and enforces the demanding training routine. He discovers Shi Hao's talent and serves as an early mentor to Lu Chen 1 2 3 4.

Lu Chen's Sponsor and Mentor

He develops a close martial-brother relationship with Lu Chen through frequent sparring, recognizes his rapid growth, and brings him to meet Chen Yue. The Chen Family's sponsorship materially supports Lu Chen's early breakthrough 10 13 14.

Chen Chong also directly assists Lu Chen during that breakthrough by clearing away spectators, guiding him into stance practice, and teaching him to stabilize his first thread of blood qi 14.

Loyal Friend During Lu Chen's Employment

Chen Chong helps Lu Chen navigate offers from Scarlet Cloud County's factions and explicitly supports his decision to join Wang's Ginseng Shop. He continues delivering the Chen Family's monthly support even after Lu Chen leaves the martial hall to work for Wang Firm 17 20 29.

His support includes investigating Liu Xiaolou's challenge, checking Lu Chen after the ensuing duel, and advising him to preserve both his safety and his daily cultivation. The family's allowance eventually rises to ten taels per month as Lu Chen advances 18 19 20 49.

Breakthrough and Martial Hall Conflict

After achieving Minor Blood Transferring, Chen Chong celebrates with Lu Chen. Later, he becomes caught between Qin Wuhe's order for Lu Chen to support the Huang Family and Lu Chen's loyalty to Wang Firm 48 51.

He delivers the expulsion notice with an apology, but refuses to let the martial hall's decision end his family's support for Lu Chen 52.

Green Willow Alley Crisis

Unable to defeat Shen Shijun or secure aid from his senior brothers, Chen Chong turns to Lu Chen for assistance. Lu Chen's victory restores the Chen Family's property and confirms the depth of their bond despite Lu Chen's expulsion from Hidden Dragon Martial Hall 59 62 63 64.

Chen Chong's reluctance to expose Lu Chen to danger underscores that the request is not a demand for repayment. After the crisis, he and Chen Yue also discuss Lu Chen's future ambitions with him, recognizing that his path may lead beyond Wang Firm and Scarlet Cloud County 61 62 64.

Reunion and Chen Family Prosperity

When Lu Chen returns home near the New Year, Chen Chong reunites with him and reveals his own recent advancement to Major Achievement in Blood Moving. Lu Chen's far greater progress astonishes him, but their familiar friendship remains intact 163.

Chen Chong's account of the Chen Family's growing prosperity shows the lasting benefits of its early sponsorship. Through Lu Chen's connection with Wang Firm, the family gains business opportunities and greater local standing 163.

Notable Quotes

“Helping you is one thing. Blocking your path to wealth is another.” 17

“We are fellow disciples and brothers. If you keep being so formal, I will get angry.” 17

“From now on, I can truly gain a firm foothold at Hidden Dragon Martial Hall.” 48

“My Chen Family will continue to support you each month.” 52

“You are still young, with an immeasurable future ahead of you. Our Chen Family does not want you to be injured over this matter and have it affect your martial path in the years to come.” 62

“So you still remember how to come home, you brat!” 163

“Connections are connections, and ability is ability.” 163

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