Old Jack

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Old Jack (老杰克)
Alias(es)	Village Chief of Holy Soul Village
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Holy Soul Village
Occupation/Role	Village chief; Yang Ming’s adoptive grandfather, guardian, and early mentor
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background

Old Jack took in Yang Ming as an infant and raised him as his own grandson, though they are not biologically related. He kept Yang Ming’s origins private, consistently avoiding questions about the boy’s parents 1 37.

As chief of Holy Soul Village, Old Jack hoped the village could once again produce a great Spirit Master after its long decline. He therefore imposed a strict basic training routine on Yang Ming from childhood, maintained his simple lifestyle, and secretly supplemented his meals with red fruits that greatly increased his strength 1 4 5 22.

Yang Ming’s awakening of the Mysterious Sword Martial Soul and Innate Full Soul Power fulfilled Old Jack’s hopes for both his grandson and the village. He celebrated lavishly, began arranging an additional academy placement for Yang Ming and Tang San, and escorted them toward Notting City himself 12 13 14.

Appearance

Old Jack is an elderly yet vigorous man, initially described as being in his sixties. He is tall and thin, keeps his clothes clean and neat, and meticulously combs his hair. Later scenes emphasize his white hair, cloudy eyes, and aged appearance 3 10 12.

• Usually presents himself with a stern expression toward Yang Ming.
• Has a well-kept appearance that contrasts sharply with Yang Ming’s often dirty, sweat-covered state 3 14.
• Possesses callused hands from a life of work 10.
• His age and injuries do not stop him from traveling, fishing, cooking, or personally accompanying the boys to the city 14 18.

Personality

Old Jack is demanding but deeply affectionate. He gives Yang Ming strict training, plain clothes, and a disciplined upbringing specifically to prevent him from becoming spoiled, yet he also ensures that Yang Ming receives nourishing meals and carefully watches over his health 1 3 10.

He understands the harsh hierarchy of the Spirit Master world better than Yang Ming initially does. When Yang Ming clashes with Cao Mengyun, Old Jack urges caution and considers apologizing—not because he believes Yang Ming was wrong, but because he fears a Great Spirit Master’s power could harm both Yang Ming and Holy Soul Village 10.

His pride in Yang Ming never outweighs his willingness to protect him. He is prepared to endure humiliation, spend his savings, and plead with stronger people if doing so might keep Yang Ming safe 15 22.

Abilities & Skills

Village Leadership and Worldly Knowledge

Old Jack serves as Holy Soul Village’s chief and has enough experience beyond the village to advise Yang Ming and Tang San on city life, Spirit Master education, and the social advantages granted by academy attendance 14 18.

• Explained the progression from Junior to Intermediate and Advanced Soul Master Academies 14 18.
• Warned the boys not to grow complacent despite their talent 18.
• Sought an additional Notting Junior Academy enrollment place when Yang Ming and Tang San both qualified 13.

Training and Caregiving

Old Jack established the physical foundation that allowed Yang Ming to train intensely before awakening his Martial Soul 1 5.

• Created Yang Ming’s strict daily exercise regimen 1 5.
• Provided red fruits that visibly enhanced Yang Ming’s physical strength 4 5.
• Prepared nutritious meals and personally attended to Yang Ming’s everyday needs 3 10 14.
• Taught Yang Ming and Tang San practical information while escorting them to Notting City 14 18.

Relationships

• Yang Ming — Adoptive grandfather and primary guardian. Old Jack raises Yang Ming as family, trains him strictly, celebrates his achievements, and repeatedly risks humiliation or danger to protect him 1 12 15 22.
• Tang San — Fellow village child entrusted with helping Yang Ming at Notting Junior Soul Master Academy; Old Jack also escorts and educates him alongside Yang Ming 13 14 18.
• Cao Mengyun — Antagonistic relationship formed through Cao’s mistreatment of Holy Soul Village and Yang Ming. Cao injures Old Jack after he pleads for mercy on Yang Ming’s behalf 10 22.
• Holy Soul Village villagers — Old Jack is their village chief and places great hope in Yang Ming becoming a figure who restores the village’s reputation 12 22.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Raising Yang Ming

Old Jack raises Yang Ming under strict discipline while treating him as his own grandson. His training, meals, and quiet support help establish Yang Ming’s unusually strong physical foundation before his Martial Soul awakening 1 3 5.

Martial Soul Awakening

He anxiously attends the awakening ceremony, fears Cao Mengyun may retaliate against Yang Ming, and becomes overwhelmed with pride when Yang Ming awakens Innate Full Soul Power 10 12. Old Jack then celebrates at home and begins planning Yang Ming’s academy future 13.

Journey to Notting City

Old Jack personally brings Yang Ming and Tang San to Notting City. When bandits stop their carriage and threaten to sell the boys, he offers them money and is prepared to sacrifice his dignity to save them 15. He witnesses Yang Ming slaughter the bandits, leaving him shocked by the extent of his grandson’s strength 16.

Spirit Hall Conflict

After Cao Mengyun corrupts Yang Ming’s certificate and prevents his academy enrollment, Old Jack accompanies Yang Ming to Spirit Hall. He pleads with Cao for mercy and suffers a lower-back injury when Cao throws him aside 20 22. During Cao’s later battle with Yang Ming, Cao attempts to take Old Jack hostage, prompting Tang San and Yang Ming to protect him 25.

Academy Enrollment

Following Yang Ming’s victory over Cao Mengyun, Old Jack receives medical treatment for his injury and is able to return home with funds Yang Ming leaves for his care and living expenses 26 27.

Notable Quotes

“Yang Ming, you did well!” 26

“Beyond every mountain lies another mountain, and beyond every person is another person.” 18