Shen Jicheng

Biodata

Background and History

Shen inherited his yamen position from his father and became an authority on Luoyin County’s records. He spent more than forty years investigating the being beneath the Yellow River, assembling evidence from gazetteers, letters, strange tales, and inscriptions. He had hesitated to share his conclusions after Executioner Old Liu refused to hear them, but Xu Feng’s serious questions persuaded him to continue 161 172 173.

His research led him to Three Shu Monastery. By tracing Daoist Li Changle’s writings and following their clues into the mountains, Shen found the remote temple and learned breathing and cultivation exercises from its last resident Daoist. He later guided Xu Feng and Zhao Er there, performing protective rites along the route and helping them honor the monastery’s dead 180 181 184 186.

Shen became Xu Feng’s adviser and chronicler. He helped secure official attention for threats near Lost-Trace Forest, arranged opportunities for Xu to assist with executions, and sought a way for him to use the Five Thunder Token. His Luoyin Chronicle preserved Xu’s deeds, though its praise and attribution of credit were often embellished 192 201 205 206.

In his final years, Shen stayed close to Xu Feng and concentrated on writing. Before his death, he gave Xu the book containing his lifetime of research and asked to be buried in Luoyin’s Charity Cemetery, where Xu could watch over the graves 206.

Appearance

Shen is an older man with white hair and a white beard. Age makes the mountain climb increasingly difficult for him, and his eyesight fails in the dusk 173 181 199.

• Later in life: His hair is entirely gray; on his deathbed, he is gaunt but still clear-minded 206.

Personality

Shen is persistent and intensely curious about local history and supernatural accounts. Recognition matters to him: Xu Feng’s interest in his decades of research encourages him to share findings he had kept even from his family. He dislikes being excluded when others possess a piece of a mystery he does not 172 173 189.

He pairs that curiosity with practical caution. He refuses to enter the dangerous Charity Nunnery, plans the mountain party’s route around daylight, and worries about the consequences of Xu Feng’s attempt to interfere with life and death. His caution does not prevent him from supporting Xu when he believes the cause is worthwhile 182 183 200.

Abilities and Skills

Historical Investigation

• Reconstructs Luoyin’s supernatural history from county records, correspondence, poetry, inscriptions, and firsthand travel 173 181.
• Connects the Yellow River corpse, the Joyful Lord, and the division of a being’s body and soul; distinguishes that ancient corpse from later Corpse-Liberation Immortals 172 173.

Rites and Mountain Travel

• Learned breathing and guiding exercises from the last Daoist at Three Shu Monastery 180 181.
• Uses incense, hand seals, a talisman, and a seal in protective rites before entering the deep mountains 184.
• Knows the remote route to Three Shu Monastery and guides Xu Feng and Zhao Er through it, although his age limits his stamina 181 183 184.

Official Influence and Writing

• Explains how public complaints and intermediaries can bring a danger to the county magistrate’s attention 192.
• Arranges practical support for Xu Feng through his yamen knowledge and contacts 201 204 205.
• Writes accounts of strange events and Xu Feng’s life, deliberately embellishing them to strengthen Xu’s reputation 192 199 206.

Equipment and Writings

• Protective talisman, seal, and awl — carried or used during the journey into the mountains 184 185.
• Luoyin Chronicle — his account of his travels and Xu Feng’s deeds; he entrusts it to Xu before dying 205 206.

Relationships

• Xu Feng / Zhao San — research confidant, adviser, and close friend. Shen invites Xu to call him “Uncle Shen,” records his deeds, and leaves him his life’s work 187 201 206.
• Zhao Er — accompanies him and Xu to Three Shu Monastery; Shen treats him courteously despite their different positions 178 181.
• Old Liu / Old Owl — fellow investigator of the Yellow River’s history who refused to hear Shen’s findings; Shen retains a grievance against him 172 186.
• His son — Shen sends him away rather than let him inherit the yamen post, fearing that burial in Luoyin would leave him unable to rest peacefully 181.

Notable Quotes

“I can't stand being kept in the dark. When other people know something and I don't, it gnaws at me like a cat clawing at my heart.” 189

“I've read ten thousand books and traveled ten thousand miles. I've survived all these years on the road. Don't underestimate your uncle Shen!” 201