Shen Xiang

Biodata

Background / History

Shen Xiang is a direct disciple of the Shushan Sword Sect, recognized as a once-in-a-century genius with a widespread reputation. He holds the twelfth position among the Pacification Commission’s Thirteen Guardians. When the thirteenth Guardian died in battle in the northwest six months before his meeting with Cao Jinxing, Shen became the group’s youngest surviving member 15 36 43.

After completing a mission, he took a posting at the Imperial Prison to rest. His responsibilities included control of the central mechanism hubs for its three upper levels. He attempted to hand the first two levels over to Cao Jinxing, but Cao declined 36 43.

Appearance

• Young and handsome: Introduced as a handsome young man when he emerges from behind Liu Zhenyuan’s screen 15.
• Silver-gray Flying Fish Uniform: Wears the official uniform of the Embroidered Uniform Guard 15.
• Sword rather than saber: Normally carries only a sword, using a saber only when circumstances require it 49.

Personality

Shen Xiang is sociable and accommodating. He dispenses with formalities when meeting Cao Jinxing, readily permits him to leave the prison for personal business, and offers to guide him through its defenses. His relaxed attitude extends to laughing at Cao’s confrontational treatment of Liu Sanjin and joking about Cao’s sudden increase in cultivation 15 36 43.

He nevertheless exercises caution in official judgments. Despite recognizing Cao’s extraordinary talent, he initially asks to observe him longer before considering him for the vacant Guardian position. After fighting alongside him, Shen openly praises his judgment, gives up his own share of the reward, and plans to recommend him to the deputy commander 15 48.

Abilities & Skills

Sword Control by Qi

Shen Xiang uses the Shushan Sword Sect’s signature technique to direct Condensed Light through sword-finger gestures without holding it 44 46.

• Long-range precision: Sends his sword more than fifty meters to slash Jiang Aqi’s shoulder blade, then recalls it immediately 44.
• Encircling attacks: Surrounds Tie Xiongshi with sword light, preventing him from breaking through until Cao’s unexpected use of the same technique briefly disrupts Shen’s concentration 46.
• Midair redirection: Changes Condensed Light’s course during the pursuit of Tie Xiongshi, delivering two rapid attacks that destabilize his aerial escape 47.
• Named attack — Flood Dragon Emerges from the Sea: Launches a powerful flying-sword attack to create an opening for Cao Jinxing 47.
• Limitations: Tie Xiongshi can knock the sword aside with a forceful staff blow. Soul-Seizing Zither Music also briefly interrupts Shen’s attacks 46.

Prison Command and Security

• Controls the mechanism hubs serving the Imperial Prison’s three upper levels 43.
• Explains the prison’s cold-iron cells, cultivation-suppressing restraints, and corridor traps to Cao Jinxing 43 44.
• Orders jailers to restrain Jiang Aqi and leaves Xu Quan guarding the mechanism chamber while investigating the disturbance 44.
• Provides Liu Zhenyuan with a detailed account of the failed prison break and raises the Zhao Family’s suspected involvement 48.

Gu, Mechanism, and Weapon Identification

• Suspects Soul-Bewitching Gu from Jiang Aqi’s blood-red eyes, confused mind, and fixation on Xiang Qianli’s cell; orders a Gu master brought from the second level 45.
• Identifies a sixth-grade Earth Gecko as a Mechanical Beast made from a modified exotic beast 45.
• Recognizes Red Dragon, one of Kuai Xiang’s Five Sacred Beasts, and correctly identifies its purpose: delaying the prison mechanisms 45.
• Identifies the Seven-Star Saber as a lower fifth-grade weapon and explains its recent theft from Tyrant Saber Manor 49.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Condensed Light Sword — Forged from the same piece of Kunlun ten-thousand-year cold iron, in the same furnace, as Cao Jinxing’s Snow Soul. Condensed Light inherited the material’s sharpness, while Snow Soul inherited its cold; Shen calls them “brother swords” 36.
• Silver-gray Flying Fish Uniform — His official attire 15.
• Recovered weapons, transferred to Cao Jinxing — Gives Cao the Ape King’s Coiling Dragon Golden Staff and the Seven-Star Saber, suggesting that they could be exchanged for cultivation pills 49.

Relationships

• Cao Jinxing — Colleague, combat partner, and eventual close friend. Shen initially evaluates him as a possible Guardian candidate, then supports his advancement after their successful defense of the Imperial Prison 15 36 47 48 49.
• Liu Zhenyuan — Senior colleague whom Shen addresses as “big brother.” They discuss Guardian recruitment, prison security, and action against the Zhao Family; the passages do not establish a biological relationship 15 48.
• Xu Quan — Respected third-level prison guardian. Shen introduces his swordsmanship to Cao and entrusts him with protecting the mechanism chamber 43 44.
• Tie Xiongshi — Enemy during the Bright Sect’s rescue operation. Shen contains him with flying-sword attacks and helps create the opening that ends his escape 46 47.
• Xiang Qianli — Imprisoned Bright Sect Left Envoy of Light. Shen exposes and challenges the plan to free him using poison and Mechanical Beasts 45.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Evaluating a Guardian Candidate

Shen first discusses Cao Jinxing with Liu Zhenyuan, who proposes him for the vacant thirteenth Guardian position. Cao’s rapid rise from Houtian to Xiantian and ability to learn sixth-rank arts astonish Shen, but he considers the available evidence too limited for an immediate decision. Later, he overhears Cao threatening Liu Sanjin and laughs in approval 15.

Imperial Prison Tour

Upon meeting Cao formally, Shen recognizes Snow Soul and explains its connection to Condensed Light. He welcomes Cao’s nominal prison assignment and shows him the facility’s defenses, guardians, and mechanism chamber. During the tour, he reveals that Li Shengtian is the prison’s sole successful escapee, having broken out from its ninth level 36 43 44.

Bright Sect Prison Break

The tour becomes a security crisis when Jiang Aqi attacks Xiang Qianli’s cell. Shen subdues him, but the investigation reveals Gu control, poisonous Mechanical Beasts, and Red Dragon’s attempt to jam the mechanisms. Shen then battles Tie Xiongshi while Cao prevents Xiang Qianli from escaping his cell 44 45 46.

During the pursuit, Shen coordinates with Cao rather than attempting to finish the battle alone. His redirected sword attacks unsettle Tie Xiongshi in midair, allowing Cao to pierce both fugitives with Heavenly Sword-Linked Finger and bring them down 47.

Advocacy and Aftermath

Shen reports the battle, credits Cao with preventing the poisonous miasma from killing the defenders, and links the incident to the Zhao Family. He relinquishes his reward in Cao’s favor and decides to submit a report to the deputy commander to support Cao’s prospects for the vacant Guardian position 48.

Back at the prison, he delivers the captured weapons to Cao and warns that selling a Bright Sect Dharma King’s weapon and Tyrant Saber Manor’s token could be dangerous. Cao’s decision to attend the Ghost Market in official uniform leaves him speechless 49.

Notable Quotes

“Making things easier for others makes things easier for yourself.” 36

“I’ll create an opening. You stop them.” 47