Zhao Xuanji

Biodata

Power Progression

Background and History

• Zhao leads the Four Symbols Sect and directs resources toward its younger disciples, increasing their Cangwu Spirit Liquid allotments and arranging spirit fruits before the Four Sects Grand Competition 56 107 110.
• After Ye An becomes Black Tortoise Hall’s chief disciple, Zhao investigates his background through Wei Changyin. Satisfied that Ye An repays kindness and values loyalty, he pledges the Sect’s protection as long as Ye An stands with it 99.
• Zhao initially warns Ye An that cultivating multiple inner arts could waste years of effort—or cause a failed transformation at the Gathered Origin breakthrough. After Ye An wins the Cangwu Grand Competition, Zhao supports his chosen path while urging him to conceal its full extent 106 142 145.
• Zhao’s Open Palace breakthrough prompts a sect-wide celebration. Great Yu’s Emperor awards him the title Marquis of Martial Suppression, an imperial golden seal, one hundred pieces of Spirit Origin Jade, and a fief of one thousand households 155 156 175 176.
• Following Shi Jian’s death, Zhao recognizes Ye An’s concealed Gathered Origin breakthrough, appoints him master of Black Tortoise Hall, and limits knowledge of his true cultivation to the Sect’s leaders 185 186 187.
• Zhao later proposes a Cangwu Martial Alliance to coordinate the region’s response to threats such as the Heaven Overturning Cult 205.

Appearance

Zhao normally wears dark teal robes. For the announcement of his Open Palace breakthrough, he wears a black robe patterned in silver, with Four Symbols emblems embroidered along the cuffs and hem 156.

• His newly strengthened aura is described as deep and imposing, and his steps make the air in the hall quiver 156.

Personality

Zhao maintains a reserved bearing in public, even when Ye An’s achievements surprise him. In private, he praises Ye An’s judgment and restraint, provides resources for his advancement, and takes steps to protect him from threats drawn by his unusual abilities 179 183 145 147.

Abilities and Skills

Open Palace Cultivation

• Can hover in the air and strike with Wind-Wood Origin Energy 151.
• Senses the faint Origin Energy fluctuations that other Gathered Origin martial artists miss beneath Ye An’s concealed aura 186.

Azure Dragon Sky-Rending

• An Azure Dragon fist divine ability. Zhao uses it to kill one Gathered Origin Heaven Overturning Cult fighter and knock down another during an attack on Ye An 151.

Martial Art Creation

• Creates the unfinished Azure Dragon Body Tempering Art and asks Ye An to test it so he can identify flaws 206 207.
• Envisions seven levels, beginning with Submerging in the Abyss and ending with Dragon Transformation. Only the first three levels have been created by Chapter 207 207.

Items and Resources

• Four Centennial Cangwu Fruits — obtains these for Ye An’s attempt to transform all four inner arts into Origin Energy 145 183.
• Aura-concealment secret art — gives Ye An a booklet intended to hide the attributes of his Origin Energy after his breakthrough 145.
• Imperial honors — receives a golden seal, one hundred pieces of Spirit Origin Jade, the title Marquis of Martial Suppression, and a fief of one thousand households 176.

Relationships

• Ye An — disciple and eventual Black Tortoise Hall Master. Zhao guides, tests, funds, and protects his unconventional martial path 99 145 183 186 207.
• Shi Jian — his senior martial brother and Black Tortoise Hall’s former master. Zhao is affected by his death and offers him a quiet farewell 185.
• Wei Changyin — his junior martial brother, who handles covert sect affairs and is assigned to protect Ye An from the shadows 99 147.
• Meng Xuanzhang — Hanging Sword Sect Master and a familiar verbal rival; their sects are bound by their founders’ injunction to help one another 132 144.
• Yin Luoheng — Jade Balance Sect Master and an old acquaintance. Zhao sends Ye An to deliver her invitation personally; the two exchange a restrained greeting at his celebration 156 175.
• Cangwu Tree — a speaking being Zhao addresses as “Senior” when requesting Centennial Cangwu Fruits 145.

Notable Quotes

“You must keep it hidden! … A martial foundation like that must be concealed!” 145

“When it’s time to be ruthless, be ruthless.” 183