Ma Hongjun

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Ma Hongjun was a nine-year-old Soul Master when Dai Mubai began taking responsibility for his development. His Evil Fire Phoenix possessed exceptional talent and Innate Soul Power at Level 9, but the martial soul’s uncontrolled fire caused dangerous urges and threatened fatal backlash as his cultivation increased. Poor guidance had also led him toward unhealthy habits at a very young age 2 3.

Dai Mubai placed him under a strict regimen of gravity training, physical conditioning, meditation, medicinal baths, and repeated recovery through Oscar’s sausages. Ma Hongjun initially complained and feared the training, but eventually accepted Dai Mubai’s leadership. Over the following years, he lost much of his excess weight, gained self-control, and became a capable combatant 3 4 6.

His development also brought financial independence. By following Dai Mubai’s betting at the Great Soul Arena, he saved tens of thousands of Gold Soul Coins. His own arena performance earned him a Copper Soul Badge, and he approached the Silver Soul Badge threshold with 970 points 7 20.

His Evil Fire Phoenix naturally countered plant-type Martial Souls. This allowed him to defeat Tang San during their altered Rose Hotel encounter, although Ma Hongjun chose not to escalate the conflict after realizing they might become classmates 9.

Dai Mubai later guided Ma Hongjun toward Soul Rings containing Phoenix bloodline energy. Ma’s third Soul Ring came from a Blazing Sun Golden-Winged Bird, whose Solar True Fire greatly improved his offensive range and mobility 30 38. His most significant transformation came after consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, which purified his flames and eliminated the Evil Fire problem 54 56.

When Shrek’s students divided over Yu Xiaogang’s appointment, Ma Hongjun chose to continue training under Zhao Wuji alongside Dai Mubai, Oscar, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong. He disliked Yu Xiaogang’s manner and resisted the prospect of remaining under his authority, though his attachment to Flender made leaving Shrek difficult 41 52.

After Shrek Academy disbanded, Ma Hongjun followed Dai Mubai to the Star Luo Empire. He became part of Dai Mubai’s personal faction and later joined Star Luo Royal Academy’s Second Team. His aggressive Phoenix Flame made him one of the team’s strongest offensive members 52 53 74.

His cultivation continued at Star Luo Royal Academy, where he reached Level 39 after three months. During Dai Mubai’s subsequent absence on the Wolf Bandit campaign, he obtained his fourth Soul Ring and advanced to Level 43. On Dai Mubai’s return, he reported his new Soul Skill and joined the team in accepting a more demanding tournament-preparation regimen 77 90.

After eight more months of training, Ma Hongjun reached Level 47 and became part of the seven-member lineup assigned to handle the tournament’s preliminary and advancement rounds while Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong concealed their strength. The Second Team subsequently finished the promotion matches undefeated. Dai Tianxing rewarded Ma Hongjun, like the other team members, with 100,000 Gold Soul Coins and also granted him a Viscount title 91 138.

During the grand finals in Spirit City, Ma Hongjun helped overwhelm Plant Academy and later fought against Spirit Hall Academy in the championship match. After the tournament, Dai Mubai gave him the fire-attribute right arm Soul Bone among the championship prizes. Absorbing the Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone raised him from Level 48 to Level 49 and granted a new explosive flame attack 148 168 169 178 179 181.

Appearance

Ma Hongjun begins as a round, chubby child, but years of training transform him into a taller, leaner, and more vigorous young man. After consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, his body becomes more well-proportioned and a powerful phoenix phantom appears behind him 4 6 56.

• Originally known for his round belly and cheeks. 4
• Later develops broad shoulders, a leaner frame, and a fiercer appearance. 6
• His purified flames are golden-red and carry the oppressive aura of a phoenix. 56
• His Phoenix Wing Sky Soar manifests a pair of enormous wings formed from Solar True Fire. 38
• By the time he reaches Level 43, he has grown taller and broader-shouldered. Much of his youthful restlessness has given way to the fierce bearing of a Battle Soul Master. 90

Personality

Ma Hongjun is boastful, impulsive, and highly energetic. He enjoys teasing others and often complains about difficult training, but his complaints do not prevent him from completing the regimen. His breakthrough at Level 30 demonstrates that he has maintained genuine discipline despite his carefree exterior 4 27.

He is fiercely loyal to Dai Mubai and openly treats him as his leader. Ma Hongjun also possesses a strong temper and pride: he readily joins Dai Mubai in confronting Canghui Academy and later brutally retaliates when a supporter of the First Prince insults him as a “country bumpkin” 31 32 74.

His personality becomes more focused after his Evil Fire is purified. He remains comic and enthusiastic, but his cultivation, combat judgment, and loyalty make him a reliable member of Dai Mubai’s faction 52 53.

His loyalty to Flender remains strong even when he disagrees with Shrek’s direction. He seeks his teacher’s permission before leaving and tearfully promises not to disgrace him. His enthusiasm for rare cultivation opportunities is equally pronounced: he eagerly accepts the painful purification required by the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower 52 53 54.

By Dai Mubai’s return from the Wolf Bandit campaign, Ma Hongjun displays a more mature bearing while retaining his familiar humor. When praised for continuing to train diligently, he responds that he would not dare slack off and glances toward Bai Chenxiang 90.

His teasing extends to his companions’ romantic interests. He recognizes Dai Lingling’s protectiveness toward Oscar and jokes that Oscar belongs to her, prompting her embarrassed retaliation. Later, he joins the others in greeting Shui Bing’er and Shui Yue’er as their “sisters-in-law” during a shared dinner 76 143.

He is also eager to take part in dangerous missions alongside Dai Mubai. When he learns of the Wolf Bandit campaign, he immediately volunteers and boasts that his flames could reduce the enemies to ash, but Dai Mubai orders him and the others to remain behind and strengthen their foundations 83.

Abilities & Skills

Evil Fire Phoenix

Ma Hongjun possesses the top-tier Evil Fire Phoenix Beast Martial Soul. Its flames have exceptional power and naturally counter plant-type Martial Souls, but its impure bloodline originally produced dangerous Evil Fire 2 9 30.

• Strong natural advantage against plant-type Martial Souls. 9
• High innate talent and unusually powerful fire-based attacks. 2
• The Evil Fire initially caused repeated outbreaks and threatened his life if left uncontrolled. 3 4
• Phoenix-bloodline Soul Rings were used to improve the martial soul’s purity. 4 30
• Its scorching, domineering aura can suppress ordinary Beast Martial Souls, as demonstrated against Canghui Academy’s students. 32
• The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower purified the flames into true Phoenix Flame and removed the Evil Fire problem. 54 56
• His four-ring configuration is yellow, yellow, purple, purple. 147

Phoenix Nirvana

His second Soul Skill, Phoenix Nirvana, strengthens his flame power. After obtaining the Blazing Firebird Soul Ring, its enhancement increased from 50% to 100% 4.

• Provides a greatly improved flame-power boost after the second Soul Ring.
• Its effectiveness increased because of the Phoenix bloodline in the Blazing Firebird Soul Ring. 4
• When used alongside Phoenix Wing Sky Soar, his enhancement Soul Skills provide a combined 250% increase in flame power. 168

Phoenix Wing Sky Soar

His third Soul Skill, Phoenix Wing Sky Soar, was obtained from the Blazing Sun Golden-Winged Bird 38.

• Grants Ma Hongjun the ability to fly.
• Increases flame power by 150%.
• Doubles his attack range.
• Manifests large wings formed from Solar True Fire. 38
• Allows him to remain airborne through his own Soul Skill rather than depending entirely on Oscar’s flight support. During the championship match, he flies above Demon Charm’s red mist while Oscar supplies flight to the other teammates. 167

Phoenix Flame

After consuming the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower, Ma Hongjun’s Evil Fire evolved into pure Phoenix Flame 54 56.

• Greatly increases the purity and strength of his fire.
• Removes the recurring Evil Fire outbreaks.
• Possesses a powerful, oppressive aura associated with the king of birds.
• Makes Ma Hongjun a much more dangerous assault-type Soul Master. 56 74
• Dai Mubai describes the purified flame as supremely yang, supremely pure, and impervious to evil. 56
• Burns through Plant Academy’s thorn defenses, including its captain’s Crimson Flame Thorns, and rapidly reduces the other members’ plant Martial Souls to ash. 148
• Overwhelms Yan’s magma despite the latter’s top-tier fire-and-earth Martial Soul, and burns through Li Kai’s protective horny layer. 168
• Remains largely ineffective against Dai Mubai. In training, its shock wave only briefly delays the Hell White Tiger, and Dai Mubai later notes that even Ma Hongjun’s purified flame can barely hurt him. 91 170

Phoenix Roaring Sky Strike

His fourth Soul Skill, Phoenix Roaring Sky Strike, was obtained from an 8,000-year Crimson Flame Golden Eagle 90.

• Releases a concentrated, phoenix-shaped blast of fire from his mouth.
• The ranged blast reaches thirty meters.
• Simultaneously releases a flame wave centered on his body, covering a thirty-meter radius and stunning enemies.
• Triples its power, combining offensive damage with area control.
• Its range and power are described as more than double those of the original version of the same skill. 90
• Covers half the arena with a golden-red flame shock wave during the battle against Plant Academy. 148
• Stuns both Zhang Ping and Li Kai during the championship match, creating an opening for a follow-up phoenix-shaped flame attack against Li Kai. 169

Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone

Dai Mubai gives Ma Hongjun the fire-attribute right arm Soul Bone won in the tournament, judging him the only suitable recipient among the companions being considered. Ma Hongjun later identifies it as the Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone 178 179 181.

• Raises his Soul Power from Level 48 to Level 49 upon absorption.
• Greatly increases the strength of his right hand.
• Grants Phoenix Explosive Strike, which instantly releases a flame attack with explosive properties.
• Its age is not specified in his report. 181

Physical Conditioning

Ma Hongjun’s physical strength was developed through Dai Mubai’s long-term training system.

• Trained under double and later triple-gravity conditions. 4
• Used weighted running, Military Boxing, meditation, medicinal baths, and repeated recovery cycles. 4 15
• Became capable of completing demanding training that had initially left him exhausted and unable to continue. 4
• His improved physique allowed him to withstand stronger and older Soul Rings than ordinary Soul Masters. 30 57
• Received Millennium Whale Rubber from Dai Mubai and was instructed to consume one piece daily to strengthen his physique and improve his tolerance for older Soul Rings. He and the others agreed to keep its effects secret. 57
• Continued gravity-field cultivation, practical sparring, team-coordination exercises, medicinal baths, and meditation after joining Star Luo Royal Academy. 75

Arena Combat Experience

Ma Hongjun accumulated substantial practical experience in Suotuo City’s Great Soul Arena before the newer students joined Shrek’s training 20.

His arena flames can deny agile opponents room to maneuver. In one individual match, he swept the platform with fire and forced a Level 27 agility-attack Soul Master out of the arena 20 22.

His later tournament fighting demonstrates coordinated aerial assault and battlefield control. Against Plant Academy, he receives Oscar’s all-attribute amplification and Ning Rongrong’s support before burning open the enemy formation for Yang Pojun and covering Zhu Zhuqing’s eliminations. Against Spirit Hall Academy, he combines area stunning with concentrated fire attacks while coordinating with Zhu Zhuqing 148 169.

Relationships

• Dai Mubai — Leader, mentor, and close companion. Dai Mubai designed Ma Hongjun’s training, helped control his Evil Fire, guided his Soul Ring choices, and later brought him into his Star Luo faction. He fulfilled his promise to cure the Evil Fire by giving Ma Hongjun the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower and subsequently shared Whale Rubber to support his physical development. After the tournament, he also gives Ma Hongjun the Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone. 2 3 4 38 52 53 54 56 57 179 181
• Flender — Teacher and direct disciple relationship. Flender recognized Ma Hongjun as his personal disciple and was visibly emotional when Ma left Shrek to follow Dai Mubai. Ma Hongjun sought his permission before leaving and promised not to bring him shame. During their later reunion in Spirit City, Flender sits beside him at dinner and feels both happiness and wistfulness at how well his former students are flourishing. 15 27 52 53 143
• Oscar — Teammate and close friend. Oscar’s Recovery and Flight Sausages supported Ma Hongjun’s training and Soul Ring hunts. His Rainbow Auspicious Cloud Sausage later amplifies Ma Hongjun during the grand finals. Ma Hongjun also teases him about Dai Lingling’s affection. 2 4 6 14 38 76 148
• Tang San — Former classmate and emerging rival. Ma Hongjun defeated Tang San during their altered Rose Hotel encounter, and his breakthrough to Level 30 renewed Tang San’s competitive drive. He later chose Zhao Wuji’s training group while Tang San remained with Yu Xiaogang. At the grand finals, Tang San is shocked that Ma Hongjun’s Soul Power has risen so far above his own. 9 27 41 148
• Zhu Zhuqing — Teammate and member of Dai Mubai’s faction. She expressed concern when Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai continued their dangerous Soul Ring search. They later coordinate their attacks against Plant Academy and work together to eliminate Li Kai and Zhang Ping during the championship match. 38 53 148 169
• Ning Rongrong — Teammate. She traveled with Ma Hongjun after the Shrek group joined Dai Mubai’s faction and later became part of the Star Luo Royal Academy Second Team. Her Nine-Treasure Glazed Pagoda amplifies his strength, speed, and Soul Power during the battle against Plant Academy. 52 53 74 148
• Bai Chenxiang — Later traveling companion and academy teammate. Ma Hongjun showed visible interest in her after she joined Dai Mubai’s group. His interest remains apparent when he glances toward her after being praised for his training progress. No confirmed romantic relationship is established in these encounters. 65 90 91
• Zhao Wuji — Long-term instructor. His Gravity Enhancement formed the foundation of Ma Hongjun’s physical training. Ma Hongjun chose to remain under his instruction during Shrek’s split and continued training with him in the Star Luo Empire. 3 4 41 63 75
• Yu Xiaogang — Disliked prospective instructor. Ma Hongjun supported Dai Mubai’s defense of their existing cultivation achievements and objected to the prospect of enduring Yu Xiaogang’s orders after Shrek’s merger. He and Oscar later taunt Yu Xiaogang after the Second Team defeats Plant Academy. 40 52 148
• Yang Pojun, Niu Zhen, Dai Lingling, and Chen Feng — Fellow members of Star Luo Royal Academy’s Second Team. They train and coordinate with Ma Hongjun in preparation for the Soul Master Tournament. Dai Lingling attacks him during training for teasing Oscar in their sparring match, leading Ma Hongjun to recognize and joke about her feelings for Oscar. 74 75 76 91
• Yan, Li Kai, and Zhang Ping — Spirit Hall Academy opponents in the championship match. His Phoenix Flame forces Yan back and severely burns Li Kai, while his fourth Soul Skill stuns Li Kai and Zhang Ping during his coordinated assault with Zhu Zhuqing. 168 169

Story Role / Major Arcs

Shrek Training

Ma Hongjun is one of Shrek Academy’s original students and becomes the primary early beneficiary of Dai Mubai’s restructured training program. His physical transformation and improved self-control demonstrate the effectiveness of Dai Mubai’s methods 3 4.

His progress later becomes part of Dai Mubai’s argument against replacing Zhao Wuji with Yu Xiaogang: despite lacking Innate Full Soul Power, Ma Hongjun reaches Level 30 before the slightly older Tang San. Following the ensuing confrontation, he joins Zhao Wuji’s separate training group without hesitation 40 41.

Altered Rose Hotel Conflict

His encounter with Tang San and Xiao Wu at the Rose Hotel changes the expected sequence of events. Ma Hongjun’s Evil Fire Phoenix overwhelms Tang San’s Blue Silver Grass, creating the first major divergence from the original course of events 9.

Star Dou Great Forest

Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun separate from the group after the Titan Giant Ape appears, continuing their search for a suitable third Soul Ring. Together they defeat a Blazing Sun Golden-Winged Bird, allowing Ma Hongjun to obtain Phoenix Wing Sky Soar 38.

Before this successful hunt, Ma Hongjun and Oscar suffer serious internal injuries from the Titan Giant Ape’s roar. After the group regroups, Dai Mubai recommends sending the injured companions back to town while accompanying Ma Hongjun alone. Dai Mubai subdues the bird, Ma Hongjun delivers the killing blow, and the Soul Ring absorption takes two hours 35 38.

Purification of the Evil Fire

The Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower transforms Ma Hongjun’s flames and raises him to Level 38. The purification removes the condition that had shaped much of his early behavior and cultivation 54 56.

Dai Mubai instructs him to swallow the plant whole rather than chew it and warns that the process will feel like being burned alive. Ma Hongjun accepts the ordeal enthusiastically. During the transformation, his body expels gray-black impurities and manifests the oppressive aura of a true phoenix 54 56.

Departure from Shrek

When Shrek Academy disbands, Ma Hongjun initially struggles with leaving Flender, his teacher. He ultimately follows Dai Mubai after receiving Flender’s blessing and promises to continue improving without disgracing his teacher 52 53.

Recruitment of the Single-Attribute Clans

Ma Hongjun accompanies Dai Mubai during the effort to recruit the Breaking Clan. When Yang Wudi questions Dai Mubai’s qualifications, Ma Hongjun proudly announces that his leader is a Level 52 Soul King who has not yet turned sixteen 60.

During Dai Mubai’s wager with Yang Wudi, Ma Hongjun watches from the sidelines and announces when the incense burns out, marking the end of the allotted battle time. He subsequently remains with the group at the Breaking Clan residence, continuing Zhao Wuji’s gravity training and accompanying Dai Mubai to the clan gathering 61 63.

Star Luo Royal Academy Second Team

Ma Hongjun becomes one of the starting members of Dai Mubai’s Second Team. His Phoenix Flame defeats veteran members during selection, and Dai Mubai relies on him as the team’s primary fire-based assault fighter 74.

After registration and team formation, he resumes the established training system of gravity-field cultivation, afternoon sparring, and nighttime medicinal baths and meditation. Three months later, he reaches Level 39 72 75 77.

While Dai Mubai is away on the Wolf Bandit campaign, Ma Hongjun advances into the Soul Ancestor realm and obtains Phoenix Roaring Sky Strike from a Crimson Flame Golden Eagle. He reaches Level 43 and demonstrates a more mature presence when the team reunites with Dai Mubai 90.

Tournament Preparation

As the tournament approaches, Ma Hongjun takes the central position in a seven-person training formation facing Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. Yang Pojun and Dai Lingling stand on either side of him, Bai Chenxiang and Chen Feng cover the flanks, and Niu Zhen protects Oscar. His Fire Phoenix anchors the formation’s central assault role within a balanced lineup of three power attackers, two agility attackers, one defender, and one support 91.

By this training match, Ma Hongjun has reached Level 47. He orders the group to spread out when Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing summon the evolved Hell White Tiger. His flame shock wave briefly delays the fusion beast, and he evades its first claw attack, but a sweep of its wings knocks him to the ground. The seven-person team ultimately loses the match 91.

Dai Mubai assigns these seven members to serve as the main lineup during the preliminary and advancement rounds, reserving himself, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong for the grand finals. His subsequent trip to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect with Ning Rongrong is expected to overlap with most of the preliminaries 91 93.

Promotion Matches and Imperial Rewards

The Second Team completes the promotion matches undefeated without Dai Mubai or Zhu Zhuqing entering the arena, finishing ahead of Wind Sword Academy and War Academy. Dai Tianxing awards every team member 100,000 Gold Soul Coins and grants Viscount titles to members other than Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Lingling, and Oscar, making Ma Hongjun one of the newly ennobled teammates 138.

He then travels with the Second Team to Spirit City for the grand finals under Huang Ding’s supervision and an imperial cavalry escort. By the journey, his Soul Power has advanced another level 138.

Grand Finals: Plant Academy

In the first round of the grand finals, Ma Hongjun joins Yang Pojun and Zhu Zhuqing as the principal attackers against Plant Academy. Oscar’s Rainbow Auspicious Cloud Sausage increases their attributes by 40%, while Ning Rongrong supplies additional strength, speed, and Soul Power amplification 147 148.

Ma Hongjun activates Phoenix Wing Sky Soar and attacks from the air. His Phoenix Flame consumes the captain’s Crimson Flame Thorn net, opening a path for Yang Pojun. He follows with Phoenix Roaring Sky Strike, covering half the arena and destroying the remaining plant defenses while Zhu Zhuqing eliminates exposed opponents. After the victory, he and Oscar taunt Yu Xiaogang as they leave the arena 148.

Championship Match Against Spirit Hall Academy

Ma Hongjun takes the field in the championship match against Spirit Hall Academy, whose lineup includes Qian Renxue, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan. When Hu Liena and Xie Yue unleash Demon Charm, Ma Hongjun flies above its red mist while Oscar’s Swift Flight Sausages allow five other teammates to join him in the air 167.

Once combat develops, Ma Hongjun combines his enhancement Soul Skills for a total 250% increase in flame power and presses into the fight. His Phoenix Flame devours Yan’s magma and burns Li Kai’s protective layer black and cracked, forcing both opponents onto the defensive 168.

After Zhu Zhuqing eliminates Xu Yu, Hu Liena, and Xie Yue, she coordinates with Ma Hongjun against Zhang Ping and Li Kai. Ma Hongjun catches both in the stunning wave of Phoenix Roaring Sky Strike and follows with a concentrated phoenix-shaped blast against Li Kai. Their coordinated assault eliminates the two opponents. Ma Hongjun subsequently withdraws with the other teammates when Dai Mubai agrees to fight Qian Renxue alone 169.

Tournament Soul Bone Reward

After the tournament, Dai Mubai gathers his companions to distribute the three championship Soul Bones. He selects Ma Hongjun for the Flame Right Arm Bone because its attribute suits him, and Ma Hongjun accepts it without ceremony 178 179.

After absorbing the Explosive Burning Flame Right Arm Bone, Ma Hongjun reports that his Soul Power has risen from Level 48 to Level 49 and that his right hand has become much stronger. Its Soul Bone Skill, Phoenix Explosive Strike, instantly releases an explosive flame attack 181.

Notable Quotes

“Boss Dai... are you... are you training me to death...?” 4

“Boss Dai! I’ve broken through level thirty!” 27

“Teacher, don’t worry! I definitely won’t bring you shame!” 53

“Boss Dai, if I, Ma Hongjun, so much as frown, then I don’t deserve to follow you!” 54

“I’m a real phoenix now!” 56

“Boss Dai, we’re not going easy on you this time!” 91

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