Wen Xu

Biodata

Power Progression

Background

Mortal Realm

Wen Xu was born with severe face blindness: he sees clearly, but cannot retain or distinguish faces, including his own. After being separated from the imperial palace as an infant, he eventually drifted into a beggars’ den in Jade Isle Commandery. He survived as a nameless beggar before deliberately earning the attention of Old Scholar Wen, who adopted him and gave him his name. 1 399

A gifted reader with an exceptional memory for texts, Wen Xu advanced from child scholar to licentiate and became Jade Isle Commandery’s youngest provincial graduate at eighteen. He concealed his condition by identifying people through clothing, posture, voices, and verbal habits. 1 2

Old Scholar Wen originally adopted him for filial care and to fulfill his own unrealized examination ambitions, but came to care for him sincerely. Before dying, he released Wen Xu from the obligation to continue the imperial examinations. Wen Xu mourned at his adoptive father’s grave for three years before leaving for the capital. 1 2

Although Wen Xu initially believed that he had merely been abandoned, he later learns that he was born alongside Crown Prince Zhou Jia in the imperial palace. Palace forces attempted to murder him in infancy; Scholar Lu tried to send him away, but subsequent betrayal, abandonment, and another interrupted assassination ultimately left him in Jade Isle Commandery. The dynasty’s Dragon Vein secretly protected him with spiritual energy and later guided him toward cultivation with a “thread of spring breeze.” 399

Arrival in the Cultivation World

Soon after reaching the capital, Wen Xu was hunted by three men for seven days and nights because he had allegedly been “born with that face.” Badly wounded and cornered, he chose to leap from a cliff rather than be killed, falling into Yonglu Mountain’s Cloud-Breaking Secret Realm. 2

Bian Chunchou found him near death and saved him with two Blood-Recovery Pills. Wen Xu later discovered his opened Qi Sea, chose to present himself as blind to reduce suspicion, and resolved to gain enough strength to identify the mastermind behind the pursuit. 3 5 6

His sharp sense of smell led Bian to the Fragrant Elixir King Grass. When picking it isolated Wen Xu inside the realm, Bian honestly credited him for the discovery; Elder Zhan then rescued Wen Xu and brought him to Yonglu Mountain. 6 8

Imperial Origins and Reckoning

Cheng Wei’s examination of Wen Xu’s Destiny Pattern reveals a heavily suppressed Imperial Destiny, suggesting that Wen Xu’s supposed abandonment and repeated misfortunes were connected to royalty. Wen Xu consequently resolves to return to the Mortal Realm after becoming strong enough to uncover the truth. 31 33

After forming his Golden Core, Wen Xu returns to Jade Isle Commandery with Bian Chunchou and Chen Zui. He visits Old Scholar Wen’s grave, finds a memorial erected for himself beside it, and acknowledges the old scholar as the only father he recognizes. He then travels to Shengjing and deliberately uses his unchanged appearance as bait for his old enemies. 367

In Shengjing, Wen Xu confirms that he is Crown Prince Zhou Jia’s younger twin and confronts Empress Lu, National Preceptor Lan Qiao, and the emperor. He cripples Lan Qiao, exposes the emperor’s role in suppressing his destiny, arranging his abandonment, and repeatedly trying to kill him, and refuses to accept their attempts to evade responsibility. 390 391 396

Wen Xu ultimately transfers his Imperial Destiny to Zhou Jia rather than become emperor himself, freeing himself to continue cultivating. Zhou Jia ascends the throne, abolishes the State Preceptor institution, and helps dismantle the Star-Seizing Tower system. 396 397

The destroyed tower is revealed to have imprisoned and drained the dynasty’s Dragon Vein for True Person Yutan’s cultivation. Wen Xu and Zhou Jia enter the Dragon Vein’s Crimson Realm, restore its stolen power, and allow the Dragon Vein to imprison Yutan and the former emperor within an Immortality Illusion Realm. Lan Qiao dies permanently during the aftermath. 398 399

Afterward, Wen Xu returns to Old Scholar Wen’s grave and finally speaks openly of his origins, regret, gratitude, and life in Yonglu Mountain. By allowing himself to grieve, he achieves emotional closure and recognizes that his past no longer defines him. 402 403

Appearance

Wen Xu is a notably handsome young man whose calm bearing and covered eyes often make him seem remote or difficult to read. He frequently maintains the appearance of blindness despite having normal vision, though he has become less attached to the concealment after resolving the burdens tied to his past. 5 14 406

• Usually wears an eye-covering ribbon; Cheng Wei strengthened it so that his false blindness withstands spiritual scrutiny. 31
• His original crescent-white ribbon became a pure white, subtly fish-scale-textured gift from Cheng Wei. 32
• Has no meaningful concept of his own appearance because he cannot remember his face. 1 50
• Can alter his complexion and features with spiritual power; while investigating Langyuan City, he posed as a worn-down wandering physician. 50
• Cultivation halted his visible aging, leaving him outwardly almost unchanged from his appearance at twenty-three even after nine years away from the Mortal Realm. 367
• He looks nearly identical to his twin brother Zhou Jia, though their bearing and life experiences make them readily distinguishable when standing together. 380
• His face blindness remains even after he stops relying as heavily on his blindness disguise: he can perceive faces but cannot retain their details. 406

Personality

Wen Xu is composed, observant, and deeply accustomed to planning before acting. His face blindness forced him to read voices, movement, habits, and context rather than expressions, making him cautious in unfamiliar social situations. 2

Though outwardly courteous and restrained, he is intensely persistent. He holds a lasting grudge against those who pursued him, regards cultivation as his route to revenge and self-determination, and refuses to surrender a goal merely because it seems difficult. 3 11

He is guarded with personal information, yet responds strongly to sincere kindness. Bian’s rescue and honesty earn Wen Xu’s loyalty; he quietly resolves to support Bian within Yonglu Mountain if necessary. 7 25 As he gains the protection of a sect and master, he becomes more willing to confront people directly rather than merely avoid conflict. 38

Wen Xu habitually suppresses his emotions and has difficulty recognizing his own grief, attachment, and desires. His childhood as a beggar taught him to use expressions strategically, while his face blindness prevented him from easily reading his own emotions through expression. 257

Cheng Wei’s concern, Yan Wuchuan’s final gift, and Wen Xu’s eventual return to Old Scholar Wen’s grave help him understand that emotional restraint is not the same as having no feelings. He gradually accepts friendship, grief, filial affection, and belonging without treating them as weaknesses. 258 402 403

Although he appears mild and rational, Wen Xu possesses a fierce desire for control, power, and survival. Under life-or-death pressure, his sword intent reveals a bold and ruthless temperament that he had long concealed even from himself. 19 603 605

Abilities & Skills

Face-Blindness and Compensatory Perception

Wen Xu’s condition is both a serious social limitation and the source of several unusual strengths.

• Cannot recognize or remember faces despite normal eyesight. 1
• Identifies familiar people through voice, posture, clothing, speech patterns, and other non-facial details. 2
• His inability to rely on faces lets him expose false versions of Bian Chunchou and Chen Zui in the Heart-Questioning Realm. 22 23
• Pretends to be blind because cultivators can function through spiritual perception, and because apparent blindness makes others less guarded. 5 12
• Can notice discrepancies in aura, behavior, disguises, and bewitching arts that others might overlook. His face blindness makes externally imposed charm arts feel unnaturally stiff to him. 175 635
• Sees through Mist Mountain God Venerable’s disguise after noticing a change in his aura. 175

Mutated Wind Spiritual Root

Wen Xu possesses a rare Mutated Wind-type Single Spiritual Root, the only mutated root among Yonglu Mountain’s thirty-five new disciples. 24 25

• Carries the advantageous attributes of its Wood-Earth origin while granting exceptional comprehension of wind. 28
• Can instinctively evade Wind Blades and synchronize with wind currents. 17 19
• Is naturally comfortable riding a flying sword and traveling through the air. 29
• His affinity with wind helped him identify the Fragrant Elixir King Grass and claim the folding-fan artifact during the Mountain Examination. 19 24
• Learns Sword Flight quickly and trains under Springless Peak’s harsh wind and snow until he can control it precisely. 196
• Receives the Heaven-Shattering Spiritual Radiance beneath the Shatter-Heaven Sword, confirming an exceptional affinity for sword cultivation as well as wind. 147
• Develops a personal understanding of wind based on conquering and integrating it rather than merely submitting to it or exercising absolute domination over it. 541

Dao Heart and Imperial Destiny

Wen Xu’s Dao Heart is rooted in control rather than detachment. Though others consider him naturally suited to the Emotionless Dao because of his suppressed Imperial Destiny and emotional restraint, he consciously rejects that path. 257 339 603

• His Dao Heart withstands a Demon Seed’s attempted corruption and protects him from the black-red arc that threatens Xin Ci’s body. 185
• He transfers his Imperial Destiny to Zhou Jia, freeing himself from the obligation and danger of becoming emperor while continuing on the cultivation path. 396 397
• The Dragon Vein later gives him an unidentified golden gift that manifests beside Windfold within his Nascent Soul after his Nascent Soul breakthrough. 399 605
• His resolve to protect Yonglu Mountain, Cheng Wei, and his friends allows him to resist demonic temptation and destroy a Demon Seed rather than be consumed by resentment. 700

*Myriad Things Arise Art*

Cheng Wei’s personal cultivation art initially appeared unsuited to a Wind Spiritual Root. Wen Xu realized its central principle through the idea that wind awakens and affects all things. 34

• His first enlightenment came before formal meditation, demonstrating exceptional comprehension. 34
• Understanding the art’s first level increased the smoothness and strength of his spiritual power, driving his leap to the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining. 37
• The art requires mental stillness; Wen Xu’s naturally active mind initially hinders his progress. 43
• He later realizes that he himself belongs among the “myriad things,” allowing him to deepen the art beyond an intellectual interpretation. 700
• During the Four Cities crisis, he advances the art to its third level, Myriad Things Crisscross, strengthening the Buddhist power surrounding him and enabling him to destroy a Demon Seed with his bare hands. 700

Swordsmanship and Body Tempering

Because his cultivation advanced faster than his physical reactions, Wen Xu began strengthening his body through sword practice. 37

• Practices the Nine-Turn Sword Technique, a body-tempering art that is particularly useful for Wind Spiritual Root cultivators. 41
• Learns to draw surrounding wind into sword strokes and form cutting Wind Blades. 42
• Tested sabers, spears, staffs, axes, and hammers, but found the sword most natural to him. 42
• Uses wind either to conserve stamina while moving with his sword or to temper his body by resisting it. 42
• Initially favors layered formations and ranged combat, but begins committing seriously to swordsmanship after defeating Han Yu by transforming Windfold into a sword. 125 126
• Learns the Wind-Searing Sword Art from the Shatter-Heaven Sword’s sword display. The art teaches him to let the sword follow wind and natural forces rather than imposing rigid control. 148
• Develops a distinctive sword-light in which wind extends the sword’s reach and aggression into unusually long arcs. 222
• Combines the Nine-Turn Sword Technique and Wind-Searing Sword Art into a swift, ghostlike personal sword style. 541
• Can form a tangible Wind Sword in his hand, allowing him to fight even when preserving Windfold or lacking a conventional weapon. 541 603
• Completes Core Formation through total synchronization with Windfold and the wind, accepting himself as a swordsman rather than merely a cultivator using a sword. 362
• His self-forged swordsmanship remains decisive even in the Lotus Pond Illusion Realm, where cultivation and spiritual power are suppressed. 504
• Releases his full sword intent during the Nascent Soul Tribulation, revealing a fearless and almost reckless sword cultivator’s nature beneath his controlled exterior. 603 605

Formations and Wind Arts

Wen Xu initially builds his combat style around wind formations, using the Windfold Fan and sword movements to place formation nodes. 64 65

• Can adapt movements from the Nine-Turn Sword Technique into fan-based formation techniques, including the Raging Wind Formation. 64
• His early Wind-Stacking Formations are elaborate but vulnerable to opponents who can disrupt or outspend their layered structure. 65 125 541
• After Golden Core formation, he reexamines his formation philosophy and recognizes that wind can be concentrated, tangible, and wielded directly rather than treated only as invisible support. 541
• Studies Jun Zhaoying’s Wind-Riding Insights in detail, copying and expanding the work into three versions according to his own interpretation. 541

Scholarship and Medicine

Wen Xu’s mortal education remains central to his cultivation.

• Possesses extraordinary textual memory and passed the provincial examination at eighteen. 1 37
• Applies literary interpretation and Daoist learning to cultivation techniques, allowing him to teach Bian Chunchou and Chen Zui how to approach their own methods. 38
• Learned rudimentary bone-setting as a beggar and later uses acupuncture and spiritual power while operating a free clinic in Langyuan City’s western slums. 4 50
• His scholarly habit of copying and analyzing texts contributes to his unusually deep study of wind arts and sword manuals. 541
• His political understanding, sharpened by his former Imperial Destiny, allows him to recognize how institutions, national fortune, and public belief can be manipulated. 464 398

Equipment

• Eye-covering ribbon — Cheng Wei’s reinforced ribbon conceals Wen Xu’s ability to see and prevents others weaker than Cheng Wei from detecting his gaze. 31 40
• Windfold Fan / Windfold Sword — Wind-aligned folding fan associated with Zheng Jin; it can transform into a spirit sword and serves as Wen Xu’s primary weapon. Zheng Jin later reforges it with heavenly treasures, making it heavier, sharper, able to store more wind, and durable through the Spirit Transformation Realm. 19 125 406
• Wind-Treasure Gourd — A sturdy gourd with limited offensive power; Wen Xu uses and later seals it during the Mountain Examination. 21 22
• Low-grade spirit sword — A beginner weapon whose weight changes with its wielder’s spiritual power; purchased from Zheng Jin for eighty spirit stones. 41
• Protective jade slip — A gift from Cheng Wei containing one of his strikes, capable of resisting attacks below the Tribulation Transcendence Realm. 34
• Storage ring — Cheng Wei’s entry gift; Wen Xu keeps his funds, supplies, and eye ribbon within it. 31 50
• Spirit stones — Possesses 103,056 spirit stones, including 100,000 from Cheng Wei, which he reserves for emergencies. 34
• Talismans — Receives several talismans from Bian Chunchou, including Wind-Riding Talismans used during the Mountain Examination. 18 34
• Small Jade Bottle Secret Realm — A portable secret realm connected to Wen Xu and inhabited at times by Her Majesty Zhaoxia, the spirit of the Radiant Dawn Tower. It can shelter people and preserve objects in dangerous circumstances. 301 326
• Dragon-carved jade pendant — Yan Wuchuan’s final gift and the only meaningful keepsake he received from Yan Xi. Wen Xu preserves it as proof that Yan Wuchuan existed. 258
• Landscape of Spring — A spiritual landscape painting Wen Xu creates from his memories of spring in the Mortal Realm and gives to Cheng Wei as an expression of filial affection. 88

Relationships

• Old Scholar Wen — Adoptive father and scholarly mentor. Their relationship began as an arrangement of education and filial duty, but his final words reveal genuine paternal care. Wen Xu eventually recognizes him as his only true father and achieves emotional closure at his grave. 1 257 367 402
• Bian Chunchou — First true friend and lifesaving benefactor. Bian saves Wen Xu in the secret realm, guides him into Yonglu Mountain, and remains his closest companion. Wen Xu trusts him completely, supports his ambitions, and later accepts that he no longer needs to face danger alone. 3 8 33 64 147 365
• Chen Zui — Close friend, fellow inner disciple, and Mountain Examination teammate. Chen provides close-range combat while Wen Xu supports from afar, and his directness helps Wen Xu understand the honest nature of sword and blade intent. 15 21 222 362
• Divine Venerable Cheng Wei — Master. A Body Integration Realm true dragon who recognizes Wen Xu’s unusual Destiny Pattern, protects his secret, and grants him the Myriad Things Arise Art. Their bond becomes openly affectionate, with Cheng Wei encouraging Wen Xu to face rather than suppress his emotions. 30 31 257 258 632
• Elder Zhan — Pill Peak elder who rescues Wen Xu from the Cloud-Breaking Secret Realm and advocates for his recruitment. 8 13
• Sect Master Gu Wufang — Yonglu Mountain’s sect master. He arranges Wen Xu’s meeting with Cheng Wei after other elders fear the consequences of accepting a Mutated Wind Spiritual Root disciple. 29 31
• Zheng Jin — Artifact Refining Peak cultivator who gives Wen Xu training guidance, the Windfold Fan, a practice sword, and the Nine-Turn Sword Technique. Their martial-sibling relationship becomes warm and teasing, and Zheng Jin repeatedly reforges Windfold to match Wen Xu’s rapid advancement. 40 41 406 620
• Jun Zhaoying — Cheng Wei’s old friend, the strongest cultivator below the Tribulation Transcendence Realm, and a fellow Mutated Wind Spiritual Root cultivator. Though her existence initially endangers Wen Xu’s place at Yonglu Mountain, she later accepts him as her junior and provides her handwritten Wind-Riding Insights. 29 339 353 541
• Zhou Jia — Wen Xu’s twin elder brother and the former crown prince. Wen Xu transfers his Imperial Destiny to Zhou Jia, enabling his accession to the throne; Zhou Jia later works to honor Wen Xu publicly and reform the dynasty’s corrupt institutions. 380 396 397 403
• Yan Wuchuan — A being created from Yan Xi’s remains to carry out her revenge. Though their time together is brief, Yan Wuchuan calls Wen Xu “very real,” considers him a friend, and entrusts him with Yan Xi’s jade pendant before dissipating. 256 258
• Her Majesty Zhaoxia — Spirit of the Radiant Dawn Tower and resident of Wen Xu’s Small Jade Bottle Secret Realm. She repeatedly tries to recruit Wen Xu into Buddhism, but also gives him aid and wishes to experience the Mortal Realm through him. 301 326
• The Dragon Vein — The sentient national fortune of Great Prosperity. It secretly protected Wen Xu in infancy, guided him toward cultivation, and later assists him and Zhou Jia in exposing Yutan’s exploitation of the dynasty. 399

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Scholar of the Mortal Realm — Rises from abandoned beggar to celebrated provincial graduate, loses Old Scholar Wen, and withdraws for three years of mourning. 1 2
• Cliff Fall and Secret Realm — Survives an unexplained assassination attempt, enters the cultivation world by accident, meets Bian Chunchou, and discovers the Fragrant Elixir King Grass. 2 3 8
• Yonglu Mountain Entrance Trials — Ranks first in the preliminary trial, forms a team with Bian and Chen Zui, claims a wind artifact, and clears the Heart-Questioning Realm. 13 19 23
• Spiritual Root and Apprenticeship — Is revealed as a Mutated Wind Spiritual Root genius, then becomes Cheng Wei’s disciple despite the political danger surrounding his talent. 24 30 31
• Inner Sect Training — Establishes a cave abode on Springless Peak, comprehends the Myriad Things Arise Art, reaches the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining, and begins sword-based body tempering. 33 34 37 42
• Sect Missions and Investigation — Joins Bian and Chen on external missions, then disguises himself as a wandering physician to investigate unusual illnesses in Langyuan City’s western slums. 44 50
• Sect Grand Competition — Reaches the top ranks despite his lower cultivation, defeats Han Yu by abandoning his usual formation-focused strategy, and begins treating swordsmanship as an indispensable part of his path. 123 125 126
• Wind and Sword Enlightenment — Receives the Wind-Searing Sword Art at the Heaven-Shattering Sword Sect, studies Jun Zhaoying’s wind teachings, and forms his Golden Core through unity with Windfold and the wind. 148 353 362
• Return to the Mortal Realm — Returns to Lushui County, mourns Old Scholar Wen, discovers his resemblance to Zhou Jia, and uses his past identity to draw out the forces responsible for his persecution. 367 373 380
• Imperial Reckoning — Defeats Lan Qiao, confronts the emperor and Empress Lu, transfers Imperial Destiny to Zhou Jia, and helps liberate the dynasty’s Dragon Vein from Yutan’s exploitation. 390 396 398 399
• Healing and Homecoming — Accepts his grief for Old Scholar Wen, recognizes the care of his friends and sect, and returns to Yonglu Mountain with a more open sense of belonging. 402 403 481
• Four Cities Crisis — Joins Bian, Chen Zui, and Zheng Jin in entering sealed Mingxuan City, confronts demonic schemes across the four cities, forms his Nascent Soul in battle, and becomes one of the cultivation world’s most renowned younger cultivators. 632 605 700
• Demon Seed Resolution — Rejects the Demon Seed’s attempt to exploit his resentment, advances the Myriad Things Arise Art to its third level, destroys the seed, and rises to the top of the Prodigies Ranking. 700

Notable Quotes

“Are magical artifacts not meant to be used?” 19

“Master, you might as well tell this disciple to die. That would be faster!” 31

“If justice is not given, then leave your life behind. Whoever wishes to kill me, I will kill them.” 381

“I would never allow anyone to defy my will—not even the Tribulation Lightning could hinder me in the slightest.” 605

Trivia

• Wen Xu is nearly twenty-two by nominal age when he enters Yonglu Mountain. 25
• Cheng Wei’s status technically makes Wen Xu Yonglu Mountain’s “Little Martial Granduncle,” a title Wen Xu finds uncomfortable. 33
• He considers Bian Chunchou his first true friend. 33
• Wen Xu is Zhou Jia’s younger twin, though his years as a beggar, scholar, and cultivator gave the two brothers completely different dispositions. 380 381
• Yonglu Mountain increasingly promotes Wen Xu as a symbol of the sect’s strength, making him famous enough that ordinary cultivators and shopkeepers recognize him on sight. 238
• After the Four Cities crisis, his fame and achievements place him first on the Prodigies Ranking. 700