Xie Jinghan

Biodata

Power Progression

Background

Xie Jinghan was once an ordinary man in modern society before an accident sent his soul into another world. Reborn into the Xie Household, he became the overlooked illegitimate son of its second branch, beneath the legitimate line in status and largely ignored by the clan. His memories of his former life fully awakened when he was fourteen. 2

At that time, he gained the Martial Arts Proficiency Panel, which allows martial techniques and true martial intent to accumulate proficiency and advance without the usual cultivation bottlenecks. Because his natural aptitude is ordinary and his position precarious, he hides his ability and spends three years cultivating in seclusion. 2

His mother obtains him access to the Scripture Repository, where he chooses the neglected Sword-Drawing Technique. Its simple, repeatable form suits the Panel perfectly; after practicing it thousands of times each day for three years, he brings it to ultimate completion and comprehends Sword Intent. 2

Although the Xie Household favors its legitimate descendants, it does not deliberately mistreat its illegitimate children. Xie Jinghan credits the household's care and protection with allowing him to cultivate peacefully, and his gratitude becomes an important reason for accepting responsibility for Xie Jinlin's rescue. 2 8

Appearance

Xie Jinghan is first depicted as a youth of sixteen or seventeen with a cold, aloof bearing. He favors restrained dress and carries a sword at his waist. 1

• Handsome, tranquil brows and eyes. 1
• Usually wears refined brocade or plain-colored robes. 1 19
• Maintains an indifferent expression, with his sharpness deliberately concealed. 1 7
• After entering the Innate Realm, he develops an ethereal, clear presence that inspires reverence. 7
• His posture is consistently straight, calm, and unhurried. 2 19
• When leaving the Xie Residence to travel, he wears plain clothing, carries the ancient Twelve Moonlit Nights sword case on his back, and keeps the Thunderclap Sword at his waist. 32
• While avoiding recognition in Dutian Prefecture, he wears ordinary cloth garments and a bamboo hat pulled low over his face. 79

Personality

Xie Jinghan is reserved, observant, and highly self-controlled. His experience from his former life helps him read people and handle social situations with tact, allowing him to remain composed even when other aristocratic youths look down on him for being illegitimate. 2

He values steady progress over reckless glory. Even after gaining Sword Intent, he initially prefers quiet cultivation to dangerous public challenges, and he carefully reflects on his shortcomings after every major battle. 2 17 20

Despite his desire to remain secluded, he places family responsibility above personal convenience. He accepts the mission to locate Xie Jinlin, protects the Xie Household when threatened, and later establishes the Sword Guards so the clan will not have to depend on him alone. 8 22 26

He is merciless toward enemies who harm innocents, such as the Blood Slaughter Sect members operating the Blood Pool, but shows compassion toward captives, allies, and those who sincerely seek his help. 12 14 15

His quieter life in Zhao Village reveals a warm and approachable side. He greets villagers cordially, tells Zhao Xin'er stories from his former life, and gently encourages her hopes of finding a master. Before her departure, he gives her a sword and personally teaches her the Sword-Drawing Technique. 40 41 56 63

He is willing to reassess his methods after encountering enemies who counter his strengths. The Ink Jiao's resistance to lightning makes him recognize the limitations of relying on lightning sword attacks alone, prompting him to study the Flame Manipulation Art and broaden his combat options. 49 64

His loyalty also extends beyond blood relations. He travels to Dutian Prefecture to see the condemned Miao Cunyi, treats his injuries, and subsequently agrees to join a dangerous rescue operation. 70 73 77 79

Abilities & Skills

Martial Arts Proficiency Panel

Xie Jinghan possesses a personal panel that records the proficiency of his cultivation methods, martial skills, and martial intent.

• Lets techniques accumulate proficiency through repeated practice. 2
• Allows him to break through after reaching a technique's completion, without conventional bottlenecks or barriers. 2
• Converts completed foundational techniques into more advanced versions, such as the Xie Household Basic Breathing Method becoming the Postnatal Breathing Method. 2
• Cannot easily record advanced techniques beyond his comprehension or aptitude threshold. 2
• His higher martial and Sword Dao foundations make ordinary Postnatal martial arts easier to comprehend; this does not mean his natural aptitude has changed. 16
• Records newly developed applications, including his later refinement of Sword-Edge Flowing Light. 63

Sword Intent Realm

He entered the Sword Intent Realm after completing the Sword-Drawing Technique, cultivating not merely sword forms but his swordheart and the source of his sword intent. 2 5

• His Sword Intent is described as solitary, razor-sharp, icy, and tyrannical. 19
• He can conceal his cultivation through the principle of “concealing the sword within himself,” making his strength difficult for peers to perceive. 7
• His sword intent advances especially quickly through high-level battles and life-and-death pressure. 16 20 25
• He later gains more rounded control, able to release and withdraw sword intent seamlessly. 23
• Observing the Thunderclap Sword's edge, listening to its cry, and nourishing its resonance with his thoughts help him progress toward Clear Swordheart. 6
• His duel with Chu Ning raises Sword-Drawing Technique Intent to 20,827/2,000,000, while the Gong Feiyu battle raises it to 305,218/2,000,000. 20 25
• Tiger Leaping Gorge's lightning spiritual qi aids his cultivation during recovery. His sword intent reaches approximately twenty percent there and later forty percent with the Fire Lotus Seed's assistance. 39 56
• His encounters with powerful beasts, Li Muyang, and cultivators traveling on flying swords intensify his desire to advance rather than wait for slow progress through seclusion alone. 55

Sword-Drawing Technique

His primary sword art is a seemingly basic technique consisting only of drawing and sheathing the sword. He cultivates it to ultimate completion through a million repetitions. 2

• Edge Flowing Light — A sword draw that darkens the surrounding space before releasing a blinding, lightning-wreathed edge. 19
• Heart-Severing — The second layer of Edge Flowing Light; its light seals an opponent’s mind in a blinding white expanse unless they possess sufficient mental will. 25
• One Hundred Thousand Volts — A lightning-based killing move used against Gong Feiyu. 24
• Its power allows him to defeat opponents with significantly higher cultivation. 24 28
• Million Volts — A stronger lightning sword draw used during the battle against Wei Dong and A Qing. Controlling its lightning places substantial strain on his body and meridians. 38 39
• One Million Two Hundred Thousand Volts — An all-out attack aimed at the Ink Jiao's vital point three inches below its head; releasing it leaves him nearly depleted. 50
• Refined Sword-Edge Flowing Light — A later, more powerful development of the original move. During his demonstration to Zhao Xin'er, she experiences a vast white space containing a single overwhelming ray of sword light. 63
• Heart-Severing is not guaranteed to incapacitate every enemy. Wei Dong claims that his Seventh Stage Innate cultivation and firmly tempered state of mind make the technique ineffective against him. 35
• The lightning component can be countered by lightning-resistant opponents. The Ink Jiao absorbs his lightning attack, motivating him to seek additional forms of offense. 49 64

Breathing Methods and Innate True Qi

Xie Jinghan cultivates through the Xie Household’s foundational breathing method and its subsequent Postnatal and Innate forms. 2 6

• Reaching the Innate Realm cleanses impurities from his body and makes his flesh, sinews, and bones tougher than refined steel. 6 7
• His widened meridians support an unending circulation of Innate True Qi. 6
• His enhanced senses can probe the surrounding terrain and detect approaching footsteps or hidden presences. 7 10
• At Black Tiger Stronghold, his Innate six senses extend across several miles, although deliberate concealment prevents him from immediately locating the missing assassins. 10
• The Earthfire Lotus Seed's Fire Dao Origin tempers his True Qi and meridians. After consuming it, he detects flame traces alongside lightning traces left by earlier tempering. 55
• He can channel fire-aspected True Qi into a sword, coating its blade in crimson flame and releasing Flame Sword Energy. 65

Tracking Arts

He uses the Martial Arts Proficiency Panel to rapidly master tracking techniques during the search for Xie Jinlin. 10 16

• Wilderness Tracking Art — Detects subtle traces left around Black Tiger Stronghold. 10
• Ten-Thousand-Mile Tracking Art — An advanced tracking art derived from the Wilderness Tracking Art when the latter reaches perfection during the search. 10 16
• Uses tracking methods to find the hidden courtyard and underground route leading to the Blood Slaughter Sect’s base. 10
• Uses the Ten-Thousand-Mile Tracking Art to navigate the branching cave passages beneath Great Black Mountain and locate the route to the underground river. 45
• Its proficiency reaches 190,212/1,000,000 during his recovery at Tiger Leaping Gorge. 39

Leaping Art

A movement technique intended for swift travel, climbing, and crossing difficult terrain. 10

• Treading the Void — Allows him to ride qi, float, briefly step through the air, and move at extreme speed. It unlocks after the basic Leaping Art reaches perfection. 16 19 24
• Used both in combat and in pursuit. 19 26
• He uses it to suspend himself in the air while drawing lightning into his sword against Wei Dong. 36
• His speed and movement skill are central to the planned execution-ground rescue in Dutian Prefecture. 79

Seven-Star Sword Art and Formation

Xie Jinghan receives the Seven-Star Sword Art manual from Miao Cunyi and recognizes its value as both a personal sword art and a group formation. 25 26

• A single practitioner can transform one sword into seven streams of star-glow sword qi. 26
• Seven practitioners can form the Seven-Star Sword Formation, combining their swords into one force. 26
• He unlocks the Seven-Star Big Dipper Sword Formation, producing visible Seven-Star Big Dipper Sword Qi. 31
• He personally teaches the art to the first eight Xie Household Sword Guards. 27
• He uses Innate True Qi and sword seals to lift swords from the Twelve Moonlit Nights case and position them according to the Big Dipper's stars. 31
• Formation Stance Seven: Seven Stars Gather at the Dipper — Fuses the stellar power of seven swords into a massive star-glow sword qi over twenty meters long, with a suppressive force covering the formation. 38
• He can divide his attention between directing the formation and executing a separate Sword-Drawing Technique attack. 38
• His sword array is shattered during the succession of dangerous battles at Great Black Mountain. 55

Single-Character Lightning Sword

Xie Jinghan comprehends the principles of the Single-Character Lightning Sword in less than an hour. Its lightning-like speed and dazzling sword light resemble aspects of his own Flowing Light, though its basic power is inferior. 15

• Thousand Flashes — An advanced form unlocked after he perfects the basic art. It later reaches completion at 100,000/100,000 proficiency. 16 25
• Thunder Induction, also invoked as Thunder Draw — Draws lightning from gathered clouds into his sword. 25 36 49
• Against Wei Dong, he draws six successive lightning bolts into the blade; against the Ink Jiao, he draws twelve. 36 49
• Channeling this lightning can damage his flesh and meridians, particularly when he is already depleted or injured. The Heavenly Silkworm Gloves greatly reduce this drawback. 38 39
• His rapid basic attacks are precise enough to target vital points repeatedly, but Wei Dong's Great Netherworld Palm and Heavenly Silkworm Gloves initially block them. 36

Flame Manipulation Art

After recognizing the limitations of lightning-based attacks, Xie Jinghan studies the Flame Manipulation Art using his fire-aspected True Qi. 64

• Can create nine fire threads and twist them into a tough, blazing rope capable of binding, lashing, or exploding. 64
• His fire techniques consume a limited reserve of fire-aspected True Qi in his dantian, requiring him to pause and replenish it. 64
• Creates explosive fireballs powerful enough to crack rock and scorch nearby vegetation. 65
• Can imbue a Moonlit Night Sword with flame and release crimson Flame Sword Energy. 65

Restrictions and Sealing

• Spirit-Sealing Origin-Locking Restriction — Keeps the Earthfire Lotus Seed sealed so that no scent or aura escapes before he consumes it. 55
• Origin-Sealing Spirit-Locking Restriction — Blocks sound and probing senses during his private conversation with Miao Cunyi in prison. 73
• He also seals off sound while interrogating the Shadow Tower assassin Duan Peng. 62

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Thunderclap Sword — A supreme Treasure Weapon formerly wielded by Xie Zhonghua, the previous generation’s Xie Household sword grandmaster. Xie Xuanyuan and Xie Huaijin give it to Xie Jinghan after he saves the household. It gathers qi, nurtures sword intent, and resonates with his swordheart. 5
• Sword-Congealing Pill / Sword Condensation Pill — A pill that accelerates his Sword Intent Realm cultivation over three months. During this period, he takes one every ten days. He also uses one during his battle with Wei Dong. 21 36
• Seven-Star Sword Art manual — A sword-art and formation manual sent by Miao Cunyi as repayment for Xie Jinghan’s guidance. 25 26
• Twelve Moonlit Nights — A set of twelve high-quality swords forged with Star-Meteor Iron and stored in an ancient mechanical sword case in the Armory Pavilion. Xie Jinghan claims the set for his own use; the eight Sword Guards separately select Common Iron-grade weapons. He later uses its swords for his formation, combat, and illuminating a cave. One Moonlit Night Sword is shattered by the Ink Jiao, and he gives another to Zhao Xin'er before her departure. 30 31 35 45 49 63
• Heavenly Silkworm Gloves — High-Grade Treasure Weapons taken from Wei Dong after his death. Their silken patterns disperse impacts and neutralize more than half their force; they also block much of the harmful lightning transmitted through his sword. They remain thin and flexible enough not to interfere with sword drawing. 36 39
• Foundation-Stabilizing Pills — Used to support recovery during combat and to treat the gravely wounded Miao Cunyi in prison. 36 73
• Earthfire Lotus Seed — A seed of the Earthcore Fire Lotus containing Fire Dao Origin. He consumes it directly after recovering from the Great Black Mountain battles, advancing to the Third Heaven of the Innate Realm and gaining fire traces in his True Qi. 55
• Ink Jiao blood essence — He offers a bottle to the Azure Wolf in exchange for protecting Zhao Village. 68
• Spirit Stones — Receives three from the Azure Wolf after their agreement. He later trades one to Qian Sanqi to arrange a prison visit with Miao Cunyi rather than surrendering the Thunderclap Sword. 68 70
• Village formation jade token — Bound to his aura to permit passage through Zhao Village's Cloudmist Mystic Origin Mountain-Guarding Formation. Before leaving for Shu Province, he gives Xie Ku a jade token while explaining the village's protective arrangements. 62 68

Relationships

• Xie Jinlin — Elder legitimate brother. Initially believed dead after Wu Hen presents his severed arm, but Xie Jinghan searches for and rescues him from the Blood Pool. 3 8 11 12 13
• Xie Huaijin — Father and Xie Household head. He entrusts Xie Jinghan with finding Xie Jinlin and supports his plan to train the household’s younger generation. 8 26
• Madam Yang — Birth mother. She secures his opportunity to choose a sword technique from the Scripture Repository and worries for his safety. 2 8
• Xie Xuanyuan — Grandfather and Xie Household patriarch. He calls on Xie Jinghan to represent the family at the birthday banquet and later gives him the Thunderclap Sword. 1 5
• Xie Jingming — Third younger brother. Included among the first Sword Guards at Xie Huaijin’s request. 27
• Xie Zhiwei — Youngest sister, six years old when his former-life background and family circumstances are introduced. She is cherished by the household and attends the family banquet at which he reveals his Innate cultivation. 2 7 8
• Madam Shen — Xie Household matriarch, addressed by him as his eldest aunt. She personally begs him to discover Xie Jinlin's fate. 8
• Xie Yue — Trusted Xie Household elder and traveling companion. He accompanies Xie Jinghan’s search for Xie Jinlin and is consistently concerned for his safety. 9 10 13
• Lai Fu — Attendant of Xie Jinghan’s courtyard. He delivers household messages and notices the change in Xie Jinghan after his Innate breakthrough. 2 7
• Wang Zhongze — Head of the Wang Household. He cooperates with Xie Jinghan in investigating Black Tiger Stronghold and respects his abilities. 9 10 13
• Ling Yun — Mystic Azure Sword Sect disciple rescued from the Blood Pool. He advises Xie Jinghan on paths of Sword Intent cultivation. 12 16 17
• Chu Ning — Ling Yun’s senior brother and a fellow Sword Intent Realm swordsman. Xie Jinghan defeats him in a single exchange at Wangjiang Terrace; both gain insight from the duel. 19 20
• Miao Cunyi — Young escort whom Xie Jinghan rescues and temporarily teaches. Miao later gifts him the Seven-Star Sword Art manual. Xie Jinghan subsequently visits him in Dutian Prefecture's prison, treats him with a Foundation-Stabilizing Pill, and joins a plan to rescue him from execution. 14 15 25 70 73 79
• Gong Feiyu — Blood Slaughter Sect Holy Son and enemy. He threatens the Xie Household through a life-or-death sword challenge, but Xie Jinghan defeats and severely injures him. Xie Jinghan later suspects him of commissioning a Shadow Tower assassination, although Duan Peng refuses to confirm the employer. 22 23 24 62
• Xie Ku, Xie Que, Xie Po, Xie Hai, Xie Bufan, Xie Baimei, Xie Qianhuan — Selected as the first Xie Household Sword Guards under Xie Jinghan’s instruction. He later leaves Xie Ku, Xie Po, and the others responsible for protecting Zhao Village during his journey to Shu Province. 27 68
• Wei Dong — Gong Feiyu's servant and a Seventh Stage Innate Realm enemy. He attacks Xie Jinghan in retaliation for Gong Feiyu's public defeat. Xie Jinghan kills him after a difficult battle and takes his Heavenly Silkworm Gloves. 35 36 39
• A Qing — Shadow Tower assassin who waits for Xie Jinghan to become depleted during the Wei Dong battle before attacking. Xie Jinghan anticipates the ambush; A Qing ultimately escapes, seriously wounded. 29 30 37 39
• Zhao Xin'er — A lively neighboring girl in Zhao Village who frequently visits him for stories. He becomes fond of her, gives her a Moonlit Night Sword, and teaches her the Sword-Drawing Technique before she leaves for Heaven Beyond Heaven. 40 41 56 63
• Zhao Feng — Zhao Village youth and Li Muyang's chosen successor. With Li Muyang's assistance, he defeats the Ink Jiao and saves Xie Jinghan. Xie Jinghan later witnesses his Foundation Establishment tribulation and bids him farewell when he leaves the village. 51 57 63
• Li Muyang — A remnant soul and Zhao Feng's master. He praises Xie Jinghan's courage, temperament, and combat ability; Xie Jinghan expresses lasting gratitude for his rescue. 51
• Zhao Wen, Black Boy, and their companion — Villagers whom he leads through the wolf pack and cave passages to the Earthcore Fire Lotus. 45
• Azure Wolf — Initially an opponent during the Great Black Mountain encounters, then an ally against the Ink Jiao. Xie Jinghan later secures its agreement to guard Zhao Village in return for Ink Jiao blood essence. 49 55 68
• White Tiger — A beast he fights during the Great Black Mountain encounters, but which later returns alongside the Azure Wolf to help him face the Ink Jiao. 49 55
• Gu Ping — Establishes Zhao Village's protective formation and asks Xie Jinghan to test its barrier. He also helps escort the village youths to Heaven Beyond Heaven. 62 63
• Duan Peng — Shadow Tower assassin whom Xie Jinghan interrogates and kills. Duan Peng refuses to disclose the mission's details despite torture. 62
• Qian Sanqi — A well-connected collector who arranges his prison visit in exchange for a Spirit Stone. His initial demand for the Thunderclap Sword is rejected in favor of this alternative payment. 70
• Yan Xiong — A powerful swordsman who escapes the Dutian Prefecture prison battle alongside him. The two respect each other's abilities and agree to cooperate in rescuing the condemned prisoners. 77 79
• Jiang Lingshan — A mechanisms and explosives specialist seeking to rescue her father, Jiang Shenzhi. She joins Xie Jinghan and Yan Xiong's execution-ground rescue plan, offering Heaven-Shaking Thunder bombs to create an opening. 79
• Yang Shijing — Dutian Prefecture's city lord. Miao Cunyi identifies him as the mastermind behind attacks on Xu Lingkong's lineage intended to seize the Seven-Star Sword Sect's secret techniques. His forces pursue Xie Jinghan after the prison battle. 73 77

Story Role / Major Arcs

Xie Household Birthday Banquet

When Xie Jinlin fails to return for Xie Xuanyuan’s sixtieth birthday banquet, Xie Jinghan is instructed to receive the visiting young talents. He initially conceals his cultivation, but reveals his Acquired Grade One strength when Black Tiger Stronghold attacks, killing Wu Hen with a single sword strike and saving the Xie Household. 1 2 3 4 5

Search for Xie Jinlin

After learning that Xie Jinlin may still be alive, Xie Jinghan accepts responsibility for finding him. He travels to Wusheng Pass, traces the assassins through Black Tiger Stronghold, infiltrates the Blood Slaughter Sect’s hidden base, rescues Xie Jinlin and other captives, and destroys the Blood Pool. 8 9 10 11 12 13

Sword Challenges at Wangjiang Terrace

Ling Yun introduces him to the Sword Challenge Register and the value of battle in cultivating Sword Intent. Xie Jinghan accepts Chu Ning’s challenge and wins their public duel at Wangjiang Terrace, gaining major insight into his own Sword Intent. 17 18 19 20

Blood Slaughter Sect spies observing the duel confirm that he destroyed their base and send his identity to the sect's headquarters, helping set the stage for the later confrontation with Gong Feiyu. 20

Battle Against Gong Feiyu

The Blood Slaughter Sect challenges Xie Jinghan to a duel that determines whether the Xie Household lives or dies. After months of cultivation aided by the Sword-Congealing Pill, he confronts Gong Feiyu at Wangjiang Terrace and defeats him with One Hundred Thousand Volts and the Heart-Severing effect of his Sword-Drawing Technique. 21 22 23 24 25

At the time of the duel, Xie Jinghan is only at the First Stage of the Innate Realm, while Gong Feiyu has advanced to the Fourth Stage and wields the Divine Weapon Blood Rain. His victory astonishes the assembled sect representatives and martial artists. 23 24

Establishment of the Sword Guards

Recognizing that the Xie Household cannot rely on one person forever, Xie Jinghan proposes a core force trained in the Seven-Star Sword Art. He selects eight youths through the Void Illusion Realm test, personally teaches them, and demonstrates the Seven-Star Big Dipper Sword Formation. 26 27 31

He schedules two hours of daily afternoon instruction, teaching the orthodox Postnatal Breath Circulation Art alongside the Seven-Star Sword Art. He corrects each student's mistakes while household resources support their training. 27 29

During a visit to the Armory Pavilion, he obtains Twelve Moonlit Nights and lets his students choose their own Common Iron weapons. He then uses the treasured sword set to practice independent formation control. 30 31

Wei Dong and the Shadow Tower Ambush

Xie Jinghan leaves the Xie Residence alone, followed by martial wanderers seeking challenges or opportunities to settle grudges. Wei Dong confronts him in retaliation for Gong Feiyu's defeat, pitting his Seventh Stage Innate cultivation, Great Netherworld Palm, and Heavenly Silkworm Gloves against Xie Jinghan's Second Stage cultivation. 32 35 36

After his initial sword attacks fail to penetrate Wei Dong's defenses, Xie Jinghan is wounded and draws six lightning bolts into his sword. A Qing attacks when his True Qi is depleted, but Xie Jinghan has anticipated the assassin's intervention. He divides his attention between a powerful lightning sword draw and the Seven-Star Big Dipper Sword Formation. 36 37 38

He eventually kills Wei Dong, while the badly wounded assassin escapes. The battle leaves his meridians injured and his True Qi severely depleted. He spends three months recovering and cultivating at Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the local lightning spiritual qi supports his progress. 39

Zhao Village and Great Black Mountain

While staying in Zhao Village, Xie Jinghan enjoys its quiet atmosphere and develops a close friendship with Zhao Xin'er, who visits him for stories from his former life. He rents a courtyard beside the stream for one hundred taels a month. 40 41

At Great Black Mountain, he leads villagers past a wolf pack and through a maze of cave passages, discovering an immature twelve-petaled Earthcore Fire Lotus growing amid magma near an underground river. 45

The ensuing battles push him beyond his limits. The Ink Jiao absorbs his lightning attack and shatters his Moonlit Night Sword; the White Tiger and Azure Wolf return to fight beside him, but all three suffer injuries. Xie Jinghan releases One Million Two Hundred Thousand Volts in an all-out strike before Zhao Feng, aided by Li Muyang, defeats the jiao and saves them. 49 50 51

After seven days of recovery, he consumes an Earthfire Lotus Seed rather than continue carrying the rare treasure. It advances him to the Third Heaven of the Innate Realm and supplies fire-aspected power. Continued cultivation brings his sword intent to forty percent, and he later studies flame techniques to reduce his dependence on lightning attacks. 55 56 64 65

Protection of Zhao Village and Farewell

Xie Jinghan interrogates the Shadow Tower assassin Duan Peng, suspects Gong Feiyu of ordering the attack, and kills the assassin after he refuses to reveal the mission's details. He then tests Gu Ping's Cloudmist Mystic Origin Mountain-Guarding Formation; the barrier absorbs his sword attack, and Gu Ping states that it can withstand a Golden Core Realm strike. A bound jade token allows Xie Jinghan to pass through it freely. 62

Before Zhao Xin'er leaves for Heaven Beyond Heaven, he gives her a Moonlit Night Sword, demonstrates his refined Sword-Edge Flowing Light, and spends two days teaching her the Sword-Drawing Technique. He watches from a hillside as the Ancient Jade Boat carries her, Zhao Feng, and the other youths away. 63

He subsequently arranges for the Azure Wolf to protect Zhao Village in exchange for Ink Jiao blood essence. After explaining the arrangement and leaving the village in the Sword Guards' care, he departs for Shu Province. 68

Dutian Prefecture Prison and Rescue Planning

Xie Jinghan seeks Qian Sanqi's assistance to visit Miao Cunyi before his execution, exchanging a Spirit Stone for access. In the heavily guarded prison, he finds Miao gravely wounded and learns that the visit is a trap. Miao reveals Yang Shijing's involvement in the destruction of Xu Lingkong's lineage, and Xie Jinghan gives him a Foundation-Stabilizing Pill. 70 73

Following the prison battle, Xie Jinghan escapes through the mountains with Yan Xiong. They introduce themselves, express mutual admiration, and agree to meet in three days to discuss rescuing the prisoners, including Chu Xunfang, whom Yan Xiong believes has been framed. 75 77

With Dutian Prefecture under martial law, Xie Jinghan hides at the Changping Inn before attending the meeting in disguise. Yan Xiong introduces Jiang Lingshan, who seeks to save her father from execution. They decide to strike the execution ground in nine days rather than attack the prison directly. Jiang Lingshan will prepare at least one hundred Heaven-Shaking Thunder bombs if supplied with sufficient materials, Yan Xiong will draw the guards' attacks and cover the retreat, and Xie Jinghan will use his speed and swordsmanship to rush the platform and free the prisoners. 79

Notable Quotes

“My elder brother is in danger. As a member of the Xie Household, it is my duty.” 8

“I trust only the sword in my hand.” 23

“I, Xie Jinghan, have never accepted threats!” 24

“No matter how strong I am alone, I am ultimately only one person.” 26

“But now... I have a sword to test the heroes of the world!” 22

“Thank you for saving me, Senior. I will forever remember your kindness.” 51

“All right. Leave it to me.” 79

Trivia

• Xie Jinghan deliberately chose the Sword-Drawing Technique because its simple form could reliably generate proficiency through repetition, unlike more advanced arts that exceeded his aptitude threshold. 2
• He initially intends to remain secluded in the Xie Household for years rather than seek danger in the martial world. 18
• His first step into the wider martial world is his journey to Black Tiger Mountain to search for Xie Jinlin. 16
• He uses a prophetic verse—“A golden scale is no creature of the pond”—when watching Xie Jinlin, Wang Tianfeng, and Ling Yun swear brotherhood. 13
• He tells Zhao Xin'er stories of Tang Sanzang and the monkey from his former-life memories, including the Women's Kingdom episode. 40
• Despite admiring Wei Dong's Great Netherworld Palm, he does not acquire its manual and regrets being unable to study it. 39
• He consumes the Earthfire Lotus Seed directly because he neither knows pill refinement nor has access to a master alchemist, even though refining it into a pill would provide greater benefit. 55
• When Qian Sanqi's gatekeeper asks where he has come from and where he is going, he answers, “I have come from whence I came” and “I am going where I must go,” only to be charged ten taels for entry. 70