Zhang Xiu

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Zhang Xiu (张休)
Species/Race	Skydeep; became a Denizen of Abundance after receiving Yaoshi’s blessing 2 25.
Gender	Male 1.
Age	Nineteen before transmigration; his new body was twenty-two when he arrived 1.
Height	1.8 meters 20.
Affiliation	Astral Express; the Nameless; Skydeep 4 25.
Occupation/Role	Former Medicine Seeker; interstellar traveler and aspiring hero 1 4 11.
Spouse	Yaoshi, also called Yaoshi, the Aeon of Abundance; travels with her humanlike double 1 25.
Paths	Abundance through Yaoshi’s blessing; Preservation as a Pathstrider recognized by Qlipoth 2 20 39.
Status	Alive; assisting the Astral Express crew during the Xianzhou Luofu crisis 50.
First Appearance	Chapter 1, “Be my wife, Yaoshi” 1.

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Short-lived Medicine Seeker	1	Transmigrates into a twenty-two-year-old body belonging to a species whose natural lifespan is at most thirty years.
Blessed Denizen of Abundance	1 2	Yaoshi heals his people and greatly extends their lifespans. His enhanced physique and rapid regeneration are demonstrated at Herta Space Station; Yaoshi later identifies his personal blessing as specially bestowed by her 28.
Temporary Abundance amplification	6	Tea containing Yaoshi’s leaves releases additional Abundance power inside him, causing branches to sprout from his head before he overwhelms Gepard.
Pathstrider of Preservation	20 21	Draws Qlipoth’s gaze while trying to save Stelle. A flame kindles within his blessed heart; releasing it produces black flames that further strengthen his body.
Growth through Ebon Deer antlers	46	Consumes the deer’s antlers, slightly increasing his Abundance power. Their regeneration supplies further material to eat.
Further growth through consuming the Ebon Deer	47	Repeatedly consumes its regenerating body until the Ambrosial Arbor stops sustaining it. Excess Abundance power covers him in black branches and shoots, which later retract.

Background / History

Before transmigrating, Zhang Xiu was a nineteen-year-old high school student with no relationship experience. He entered the body of a Medicine Seeker who had died from a virus and joined that body’s people in searching for Yaoshi. After months of travel, the prospect of dying before finding the Aeon nearly persuaded him to abandon the search 1.

When Yaoshi finally appeared, Zhang Xiu asked the Aeon to marry him. Yaoshi accepted the unprecedented plea, then created a humanlike double from a leaf and lotus flower so the original could continue helping suffering beings throughout the universe. The double possessed the same appearance, memories, and personality as the original 1.

Zhang Xiu admitted that his proposal had not come from romantic love, but promised to fulfill his responsibilities as a husband. His people regarded the marriage as blasphemy, and their patriarch urged secrecy to avoid retaliation from other Denizens of Abundance. Zhang Xiu nevertheless departed with Yaoshi for Herta Space Station, seeking adventure rather than a quiet life 1.

Appearance

• Black hair: Initially black-haired; Yaoshi later lengthens his hair to his waist and styles it herself 2 36 37.
• Tall build: Stands 1.8 meters tall 20.
• Wooden mask: Wears a mask on the Luofu to avoid recognition by his own people; he is also described wearing black clothing 28 32.
• Black laurel wreath: Placed on his head by Yaoshi during their shopping trip 37.
• Plantlike growths: Black shoots, branches, and leaves emerge during emotional upheaval or an excess of Abundance power 6 11 47.
• Black flames: His Preservation power can envelop his body in pitch-black fire 21.

Personality

Zhang Xiu is audacious, irreverent, and eager for excitement. He proposes to an Aeon, proudly announces their marriage to strangers, and habitually teases companions and authority figures. As his journeys continue, he develops an explicit enjoyment of fighting and often prefers brute force to tedious procedures 1 4 34 41.

His desire to become a hero is rooted in protecting others rather than receiving recognition. He shields Himeko, attempts to save Stelle, and immediately abandons private time with Yaoshi to rescue a child. Even after helping save Belobog, he does not consider his dream fulfilled 3 20 22 47.

His compassion can become uncontrolled anger. After rescuing abused captives in the Great Mine, he kills their captors without remorse and attacks an alleged accomplice whose eventual fate remains unresolved. His subsequent rage at Svarog frightens his companions and requires Yaoshi’s intervention; afterward, he worries about apologizing and acknowledges that he might have done something terrible 10 11.

Despite his impulsiveness, Zhang Xiu recognizes that strength alone cannot resolve every problem. He avoids immediately overthrowing Cocolia because of the possible consequences for Belobog, encourages limits on indiscriminate blessings, and postpones parenthood until he can offer a child a safe upbringing with both parents 6 8 26 31.

Abilities & Skills

Enhanced Strength and Speed

Yaoshi’s blessing greatly amplifies Zhang Xiu’s already powerful racial physique. After gaining Preservation power, she considers him among the strongest Skydeep 2 28.

• Smashes Voidrangers apart with punches and cleaves them with his greatsword 2.
• Tears the head off a Doomsday Beast 3.
• Breaks Gepard’s iron case and gauntlet during their brief confrontation 6.
• Kills a Flame from Outer Space with one greatsword strike 13.
• Briefly catches and redirects the Engine of Creation’s hand, but is thrown aside by the machine’s immense bulk 20.
• Uses powerful leaps to cross terrain and reach enemies rapidly 3 34 43.

Regeneration and Durability

The Skydeep’s Abundance blessing is concentrated in their hearts, strengthening their bodies and granting regeneration beyond that of other Denizens of Abundance 21.

• Injuries from Voidranger attacks heal within a breath; his damaged clothing repairs alongside his body 2.
• Regenerates faster than the Doomsday Beast’s beam can destroy his flesh, emerging uninjured after shielding Himeko 3.
• Survives direct contact with Cocolia’s Genesis Finale, absorbing a substantial portion of its energy 21.
• Recovers from Kafka’s gunfire and the Ebon Deer’s wind blades and beam attacks 34 47.
• Can still be cut, burned, or physically displaced; regeneration does not prevent every injury or impact 20 34 47.

Abundance Manipulation

Zhang Xiu can channel Abundance power through his attacks, producing plant growth and interfering with an enemy’s body 3.

• Injects Abundance into the Doomsday Beast, causing shoots to grow across it and restrict its movement 3.
• This interference also disrupts the beast’s control, splitting its final beam and unexpectedly endangering Himeko 3.
• His own body sprouts growths under intense anger or excess energy 6 11 47.
• Yaoshi’s calming song stops his uncontrolled growth and puts him to sleep during his outburst at Svarog 11.

Preservation Flames

Qlipoth’s attention kindles a flame within Zhang Xiu’s heart. He can release it across his body or channel it along his weapon 21 34.

• Strengthens his body when unleashed 21.
• Coats his greatsword in flames that trigger violent explosions on contact 34.
• Manifests as a black flame in his hand 39.
• He cannot remember the encounter in the Pathway Rift that led to acquiring this power; Yaoshi cannot explain the missing memories either 39.

Growth Through Consumption

As a Denizen of Abundance, Zhang Xiu can strengthen himself by eating other creations of Abundance 46.

• Detects an Abomination of Abundance within the Artisanship Commission before seeking out the Ebon Deer 46.
• Eats its antlers and regenerating body to increase his own Abundance power 46 47.
• Gains only a small increase from the first antlers because his existing blessing is already exceptionally strong 46.
• Distinguishes consuming the Ebon Deer—which he considers nonsentient and emotionless—from indiscriminate predation 46.
• Excess absorbed power temporarily gives him a branch-covered, tree-like appearance 47.

Prior Knowledge and Tactical Planning

Zhang Xiu remembers the universe as a game setting and uses that knowledge to anticipate events, identify characters, and arrange encounters 2 3 7.

• Predicts Bronya’s pursuit and recruits Sampo to help capture her 7.
• Recognizes Phantylia beneath her Tingyun disguise and quietly warns Welt 26 40.
• Knows significant details of the High-Cloud Quintet’s tragic history 36.
• Falsely tells Sampo that his knowledge comes from glimpsing the future 7.
• Remembers only broad plot outlines and must discover details as events unfold; his interventions can also produce unforeseen deviations 3 32 39.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Black wooden greatsword — Personally crafted by Yaoshi. Has a metallic sheen and metal-like sharpness despite being made of wood; Zhang Xiu can summon it and channel Path power through it 2 3 34.
• Wooden masks — Conceal his identity on the Luofu; Yaoshi supplies replacement masks and reminds him to wear them 28 36 46.
• Astral Express ticket — Given to him by Himeko upon joining the crew; also used to obtain accommodation at the Dust-Cleansing Inn 4 31.
• Black laurel wreath — An accessory Yaoshi gives him while styling his hair 37.
• Phone — Used to coordinate with companions and contact Jing Yuan over a shopkeeper’s conduct 8 39 40.

Relationships

• Yaoshi / Yaoshi — Wife and closest partner. Their marriage develops from mutual obligations into genuine affection and dependence. She steadies his emotions, while he encourages her to consider the consequences of her blessings and promises to help protect her life 1 11 26 39 50.
• Stelle — Fellow Nameless and frequent traveling companion. He meets her immediately after her Stellaron implantation, later tries to save her from Cocolia, and assists her investigation of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus 2 20 39.
• March 7th — Friendly companion and frequent target of teasing. She initially trusts him despite Dan Heng’s suspicions, but regularly objects to his recklessness and conspicuous affection toward Yaoshi 2 22 34.
• Dan Heng — Initially distrusts his Abundance aura. Becomes a cautious ally who responds to his escape signal, attempts to restrain his rage, and repeatedly discourages unnecessary confrontation 2 6 11 13.
• Welt — Welcomes his request to join the Express and later acts as a diplomatic counterweight to his impulsiveness. Trusts his warning that something is wrong with “Tingyun” 4 28 40.
• Himeko — Approves his admission to the Astral Express. Zhang Xiu protects her from the Doomsday Beast and later receives her remote support against the Engine of Creation 3 4 20.
• Clara — Rescues her from a Flame from Outer Space and apologizes for his earlier harsh words toward her and Svarog. Seeks her help while assuring her that she remains free to refuse 13 14.
• Shaya — One of the people he rescues from the Great Mine. Encourages her to prioritize recovery, later checks on her at Natasha’s clinic, and promises to visit again 11 22.
• Sampo — Reluctant guide and tactical accomplice. Zhang Xiu pressures him into assisting the group, misleads him about foreknowledge, and suspects that his harmless persona conceals greater strength 5 7 13.
• Chen Chang’an and Li Ge — Fellow Skydeep and Cloud Knights. Initially condemn his marriage to their deity, but later cooperate against the Disciples and volunteer to accompany him and Yaoshi out of gratitude 25 39 50.
• Kafka — Maintains a surprisingly relaxed rapport with him. They converse casually before staging a duel so their friendliness will not undermine the appearance of her pursuit 2 34.
• Fu Xuan — Military and administrative ally whom he alternately teases, assists, and praises. Discusses Skydeep integration and Abundance-related policy with her over tea 43 50.
• Bailu — Treats her to food after she slips out without money and wishes her happiness rather than a life defined by hardship 36 40.
• Phantylia — Concealed enemy whose Tingyun disguise he recognizes. Keeps his hostility outwardly restrained while alerting his companions 26 40.
• Qlipoth — Casts a gaze upon him in the Pathway Rift, leading to his Preservation power; the encounter subsequently disappears from Zhang Xiu’s memory 20 39.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Herta Space Station and Joining the Nameless

• Arrives with Yaoshi, whose Aeonic presence prompts Herta to restrict her access to the station 2.
• Enters during the Antimatter Legion attack, meets Kafka and Silver Wolf, and joins March, Dan Heng, and Stelle 2 3.
• Defeats a Doomsday Beast, then fights alongside the Express crew during the Platform attack and shields Himeko 3.
• Secures acceptance for himself and Yaoshi aboard the Astral Express, revealing her identity after boarding 4.

Jarilo-VI and Belobog

• Defeats Gepard, identifies Cocolia’s likely Stellaron corruption, and coordinates the crew’s escape from Qlipoth Fort rather than immediately attacking her 6.
• Uses Sampo’s knockout mist to capture Bronya and bring her into the Underworld, hoping to gain her trust 7.
• Rescues abused captives from the Great Mine and brings them to Natasha; the experience precipitates his emotional breakdown and declaration that he wants to become a hero 10 11.
• Works with Yaoshi to dismantle nearly half the Underworld’s illicit operations before leaving, including dealing with Fight Club owner Scott 18.
• Draws Qlipoth’s gaze while trying to save Stelle and unleashes his new Preservation flames against Cocolia 20 21.
• Checks on the rescued children after the crisis. Proposes holding a proper wedding with Yaoshi once he becomes a great hero 22.

Xianzhou Luofu

• Visits Aurum Alley with Yaoshi and learns that his people now officially call themselves Skydeep. Their integration into the Xianzhou follows his earlier urging, intended to keep their strength and rapid reproduction from becoming a wider threat 25.
• Encourages Yaoshi to reconsider unconditional generosity, while warning that forcing her away from her Path could have serious consequences 26.
• Pursues Kafka, assists the investigation of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, and helps clear enemies from the Divination Commission 34 39 43.
• Consumes the Ebon Deer to strengthen himself, then rescues Little Yu from hostile mechanical creations; Yaoshi restores her sight 46 47 48.
• Supports Yaoshi’s newly disclosed ideal and prioritizes finding a way to keep her alive. Continues with the crew as Jing Yuan’s unconventional force, accompanied by Chen Chang’an and Li Ge 50.

Notable Quotes

“Let's get married.” 1

“I want to be a hero.” 11

“Because I want to save them. It's that simple. Anything else?” 20

“But suffering is just suffering. It isn't something worth glorifying. If you have to grow to cope with this world, then however you look at it, isn't that the world's fault?” 40

Trivia

• His claimed Galaxy Ranger identity is fabricated. March later repeats it as fact, and he does not correct her 2 24.
• He enthusiastically “ships” Bronya and Seele, but says he will not push the pairing onto them unless they announce it themselves 17.
• The Stellaron Hunters regard him as someone who can change the future without derailing Elio’s overall script; one possible future identifies him as a “hero” 5.
• Gongshu Liang initially mistakes his post-feast, tree-like appearance for a threat to Yaoshi 47.