Steward Chang

Biodata

Background / History

Early Life at Sea

In his youth, Chang worked as an ordinary guard escorting goods between islands. During one voyage, a horde led by a sixth-grade, green-backed demon beast destroyed a ship twice the size of those he later supervised. He survived only because a nearby Nascent Soul cultivator identifying himself as a Star Official scattered the horde and killed its leader 18.

By his introduction, Chang has thirty years of maritime experience. His position carries considerable prestige in the Guluan Islands, where cultivators are scarce enough for a middle Qi Refinement cultivator to hold important responsibilities 18 21.

Demon Beast Attack and Lu Shang’s Arrival

While Chang’s three ships prepare to return home, incessant bubbling in the surrounding sea alerts him to an approaching demon beast horde. He orders the fleet to accelerate and remain vigilant, but recognizes that its defenses cannot withstand hundreds of beasts led by one of at least fifth grade. When Old Wang collapses after hearing his warning, Chang has him carried back to his cabin 18.

A fifth-rank beast destroys one ship and nearly strikes Chang’s vessel before Lu Shang intervenes. Chang recovers from his despair sufficiently to rally the surviving guards while Lu Shang kills the beasts. Afterward, he introduces himself as Chang Hao, provides Lu Shang with a room, and explains the Guluan Islands—a remote Outer Star Sea archipelago with twenty-seven principal islands, far from nearby teleportation formations 19.

Sale Commission and Imprisonment

At the harbor, Chang follows Lu Shang’s warning not to disclose the source of the demon beast carcasses. Later, Lu Shang visits his residence and entrusts him with a storage bag containing the fifth-rank beast’s remains and core. Chang agrees to arrange a sale, expects it to take only a few days, and asks Lu Shang to return within ten days 20.

When Lu Shang returns, Chang is missing. Madam Chang recalls that he mentioned a market before leaving. Investigating the local beast trade, Lu Shang realizes that such valuable materials could make a Qi Refinement cultivator a target and traces the likely transaction to the central faction’s market 21.

Boss Po subsequently admits that a man surnamed Chang came to sell demon beasts and cores seven days earlier and was captured by the Po family. Lu Shang finds Chang imprisoned, gives him a medicinal pill, and destroys both his cell and shackles before departing without taking him along 23 24.

Appearance

• Build and age: Slightly plump and middle-aged 18.
• Facial hair: A small mustache 18.
• Clothing: Distinct from the other crew members’ attire, helping Lu Shang identify him as the steward 19.

Personality

Chang is dependable in ordinary business. Madam Chang states that he almost never misses an appointment and normally leaves instructions for his wife and daughter if something unexpected occurs. His unexplained absence therefore alarms both his family and Lu Shang 21.

He understands the limits of his strength. Faced with the beast horde, he trembles, despairs, and eventually slumps onto the deck, yet still attacks the water and resumes organizing the guards once Lu Shang intervenes. Toward the stronger cultivator, he is deferential and cautious: he kneels in respect, promptly answers requests, and conceals Lu Shang’s involvement when warned 18 19 20.

Abilities & Skills

Qi Refinement Cultivation

• Chang is the only cultivator aboard the original three-ship fleet 19.
• His attacks accomplish little against the demon beast horde 19.
• Lu Shang judges that swiftly subduing someone of his experience would require a Foundation Establishment cultivator or overwhelming numbers 22.

Maritime Experience and Fleet Management

• Recognizes the sea’s unusual bubbling as a sign of an approaching demon beast horde 18.
• Directs emergency sailing orders, crew vigilance, and surviving guards 18 19.
• Handles post-voyage duties, including reporting the attack and overseeing cargo delivery 20.

Trade Contacts and Local Knowledge

• Has years of business experience and connections capable of arranging the sale of fifth-rank demon beast materials 20.
• Is well known enough locally for Lu Shang to locate him by asking around the harbor 20.
• Explains the Guluan Islands and local seafaring practices to Lu Shang, including the crew’s memorized cultivation-world greeting 19.

Relationships

• Lu Shang — Rescuer and client. Saves Chang’s ship from demon beasts, commissions him to sell valuable remains, and later breaks his restraints after investigating his disappearance 19 20 21 24.
• Madam Chang — Wife. Her knowledge of his reliable habits helps establish that his absence is abnormal 21.
• Old Wang — Elderly maritime associate. Supports Chang when he begins trembling; Chang then arranges care for him after he collapses 18.
• Unnamed Star Official — Earlier rescuer. Saves Chang from a sixth-grade-led demon beast horde during his youth 18.
• Po family / Boss Po — Captors. Seize Chang after he brings demon beast materials to their market for sale 23 24.