Hong Zhen

Biodata

Background / History

Hong Zhen has spent years building and stationing the army at Ironwall City. He is protective of the old comrades and soldiers’ families under his care, and wants them to come through the imperial succession safely 57 72.

When First Prince Xue Qinghe visits the city, Hong Zhen receives him formally. His officers, however, favor Second Prince Xue Shan after an earlier visit. Hong warns them that guarding Ironwall City gives them no right to choose the next ruler and resolves to obey whoever becomes Crown Prince 57.

Rumors that Ironwall City’s residents consider Xue Shan the best heir alarm Hong: many residents are connected to his soldiers, so the emperor could read the rumors as evidence of military disloyalty. Hong questions his officers but cannot establish who started them 72. During a later inspection, Xue Qinghe offers to soften his report if Hong lets Tang Shan challenge the army’s one- and two-ring Soul Masters. Hong accepts, expecting repeated matches to wear Tang Shan down 73 74.

Tang Shan defeats the challengers, revealing a thousand-year first Soul Ring and earning the soldiers’ respect 77 78. Hong comes to recognize Xue Qinghe’s political skill. After the prince promises to limit the consequences for the Rampart Army, Hong thanks him and offers his help 78. Hong later sees the prince off as he leaves Ironwall City 83.

Appearance

Hong Zhen is a burly man who appears to be in his forties or fifties 57.

• Black hair threaded with a few silver strands 57.
• Stern face and an air of steady authority 57.
• An imposing presence described as sitting “like an iron tower” 72.

Personality

Hong is disciplined, politically cautious, and more comfortable commanding soldiers than navigating a succession contest. He sharply corrects officers who mistake their preference for Xue Shan for a mandate to support him, yet his main concern is protecting the people under his command 57 72 73.

His confidence in the army initially leads him to underestimate Tang Shan. Once the challenge ends, he acknowledges both Tang Shan’s strength and Xue Qinghe’s handling of the dispute 74 77 78.

Abilities & Skills

Soul Power

• Hong is a peak Level 79 Soul Saint; his Soul Ring configuration and Soul Skills are not specified 57.
• He can apply Soul Power gently at a distance, using it to support Xue Qinghe as the prince is about to bow 57.
• On learning that Tang Shan has a Body Martial Soul, Hong privately compares it to his own, though the nature of his Martial Soul is not described 75.

Military Command

• Commands the Rampart Army at Ironwall City and retains the soldiers’ respect: they look to him for confirmation before joining Tang Shan’s public challenge 57 74.
• Detects the danger that civilian succession rumors pose to the army’s standing with Emperor Xue Ye 72.

Relationships

• Xue Qinghe — Receives the First Prince as a guest, then clashes with him over the army’s apparent preference for Xue Shan. After Tang Shan’s challenge, Hong expresses gratitude for Qinghe’s protection of the Rampart Army and offers his assistance 57 73 78.
• Emperor Xue Ye — Hong considers himself and his army subjects of the emperor, whose suspicion he fears the Ironwall City rumors could provoke 57 72.
• Tang Shan — Initially doubts the young Soul Master can defeat his troops, then is stunned by his thousand-year first Soul Ring and victories 74 77 78.
• Chen Zhan — Was once intended to succeed Hong as general of the Rampart Army, but was expelled after an incident during his military service 79 80.

Notable Quotes

“Whoever becomes Crown Prince, I'll follow his orders.” 57

“If Your Highness ever needs anything within my power, I, Hong Zhen, will do it without hesitation.” 78