Shen Qingqiu

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Guardianship in Dong’an Base City

Shen Qingqiu was the closest friend of Jiang Lan’s mother, Qin Lan. Before her death during a mission outside the city, she entrusted her son to him. He became Jiang Lan’s guardian despite having no blood relationship with him, and Jiang Lan addressed him as “Auntie” 1 40.

Through his connections, Shen Qingqiu secured Jiang Lan a position in the Salvage Team. After a mutant beast critically injured Jiang Lan, he nursed him through his recovery and offered to support him for life rather than expose him to further danger 1 2.

As captain, he nevertheless allowed Jiang Lan to return to duty, assigning him to the First Squad under Zhao Gang’s watch. When Jiang Lan demonstrated extraordinary resilience, Shen Qingqiu tested him and concluded that he had awakened a rare defensive special talent. This explanation accounted for Jiang Lan’s apparent transformation without revealing his system 4 10.

Moving to Central Base City

Shen Qingqiu encouraged Jiang Lan to accept advanced study in Central Base City, although he privately dreaded their separation. He initially doubted that a middle Meridian Opening martial artist could find a worthwhile place there, but agreed to accompany him after Jiang Lan insisted 54 55 56.

Jiang Lan secured Su Wan’s promise to arrange work with pay and benefits at least equal to Shen Qingqiu’s existing position. After relocating, Shen Qingqiu inspected essence blood and beast materials in the Logistics Support Department 60 62 66.

His team leader, Wei Guodong, became a source of distress. Jiang Lan intervened, and Wei was subsequently taken away in an ambulance. After Wei’s team was disbanded, Shen Qingqiu transferred to Director Li’s team 74 76 82.

Independence and Romance

The move reversed their former roles: Shen Qingqiu had once protected and supported Jiang Lan, but now struggled to contribute while Jiang Lan grew far stronger. He explicitly admitted feeling useless and rejected the idea of simply being financially supported. Jiang Lan reassured him that his presence—not his strength or income—made their residence a home 82 91 106.

Their affection became increasingly open through embraces, hand-holding, and forehead kisses. Jiang Lan eventually confessed his feelings, and Shen Qingqiu admitted that he liked him too 113 119 138.

The Spirit Source Fruit gave Shen Qingqiu a way past his longstanding cultivation limits. He committed himself to training, sought practical combat experience, and accepted Jiang Lan’s coaching. His subsequent advancement reflected both the fruit’s effects and his own sustained effort 153 156 157 177.

Base Disputes and Beast-Tide Operations

Shen Qingqiu later accompanied Jiang Lan into base affairs and Beast Tide operations. He defeated a martial artist who challenged their acceptance at a training ground, ending the spectators’ objections after only a few exchanges 199 215.

He repeatedly questioned arrangements that might exploit Jiang Lan or leave their group carrying blame. During disputes with Qin Longtian and the elders, he demanded that they state their requests plainly rather than use indirect pressure. When his own cultivation stalled, he stayed behind and warned the Base Chief that cooperation with another base could have serious consequences 205 230 236.

At the Beast Tide’s source, Shen Qingqiu protected the group above ground while Jiang Lan fought a giant python underground. He ordered Qin Ling and the others to withdraw with their resources, then confronted the emerging Demon Beasts himself 243.

Appearance

• Face: Described with delicate brows, long eyelashes, and a beautiful face; he frequently blushes when Jiang Lan becomes affectionate 1 2 54 119.
• Hair: Long and wavy when loose; tied into a high ponytail for fieldwork 4 8.
• Combat clothing: A fitted black combat uniform, initially worn with a long saber on his back 4.
• Training clothing: A black short-sleeved compression shirt with matching trousers 157.
• Everyday clothing: Casual outfits include a white T-shirt and jeans; at home, he often wears an apron while cooking 2 8 78.
• Changes through cultivation: Regular training makes him appear more vibrant. After entering Blood Exchange, his eyes become brighter and his previously subdued bearing disappears 183 184.

Personality

Shen Qingqiu is protective and conscientious. He takes his promise to Jiang Lan’s parents seriously, checks Jiang Lan for injuries, and repeatedly warns him not to confuse strong defenses with invulnerability. As a captain, he also maintains discipline and confirms that everyone has returned before withdrawing 1 4 25 54 116.

His nurturing habits coexist with considerable pride and ambition. He is uncomfortable being unable to help Jiang Lan and does not want their relationship reduced to dependency. Once his cultivation prospects improve, he trains hard and asks Jiang Lan not to go easy on him during sparring 106 153 157 191.

He often conceals distress rather than immediately discussing it. With Jiang Lan, however, his reserve gradually gives way to affection, teasing, and emotional openness. In dealings with outsiders, he can be blunt—especially when he believes Jiang Lan’s kindness is being exploited 73 106 184 236 256.

Abilities & Skills

Saber Combat

• Kills an Ironback Wolf with a single decapitating slash and dispatches four wolves during the Northern Suburbs expedition 54.
• Uses linked slashes, thrusts, and a follow-up kick in sparring 157.
• Improves the continuity of his attacks under Jiang Lan’s instruction, learning to transmit force from waist to shoulder, elbow, and wrist 157.
• Initially leaves gaps between attacks; these openings become less frequent as practice continues 157.

Spiritual Qi Cultivation

• Gains improved qi affinity, broader meridians, and greater cultivation potential from the Spirit Source Fruit 153.
• Displays smoother spiritual qi use and stronger, more accurate saber strikes after reaching late Gang Condensation 157.
• Absorbs surrounding spiritual qi far more rapidly after taking the Marrow-Cleansing Pill 184.
• Records 36,400 kg of punching force after entering Blood Exchange, a result described as good among martial artists at the same level 189.

Leadership and Field Judgment

• Organizes salvage missions, assigns personnel, tallies spoils, and adjusts rest periods when the team is short-handed 4 8.
• Enforces discipline against teammates who mock Jiang Lan 4.
• Directs a retreat while personally engaging emerging Demon Beasts 243.
• Recognizes indirect political pressure and warns against poorly defined obligations to other bases 219 230 236.

Material Inspection and Cooking

• Can inspect ferocious beast essence blood and materials with confidence drawn from his salvage experience 66.
• Regularly prepares meals, including pork-rib soup and Sichuan pickled fish; Jiang Lan describes his cooking as tasting like home 52 64 78.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Long saber — Carried on his back while serving with the Salvage Team 4.
• Short saber — Used during his training-room sparring session with Jiang Lan 157.
• Life-bound weapon — Deployed against the Demon Beasts emerging above the underground battle; its name and type are not specified 243.
• Black combat uniform — Field attire worn with his hair tied up 4.
• Modified black off-road vehicle — Used to travel between home and the City Guard compound 4.
• Spirit Source Fruit — Jiang Lan’s gift that raises his cultivation from middle Meridian Opening to middle Gang Condensation 153.
• Marrow-Cleansing Pill — A later cultivation aid that enables his Blood Exchange breakthrough 183 184.

Relationships

• Jiang Lan — Initially his ward and dependent, later his romantic partner and combat instructor. They are not blood relatives; their mutual confession confirms the change in their relationship 1 138 157.
• Qin Lan — Jiang Lan’s mother and Shen Qingqiu’s closest friend. Her dying request establishes his responsibility for Jiang Lan 1 40.
• Zhao Gang — Subordinate and First Squad deputy leader, trusted to watch over Jiang Lan. The two previously escaped a Bloodfang Tiger together 4 54.
• Su Wan — Arranges employment that allows him to accompany Jiang Lan to Central Base City 60.
• Wei Guodong — Former team leader whose behavior distresses him; Jiang Lan intervenes before Shen Qingqiu transfers teams 74 76 82.
• Qin Longtian — Base leader whose arrangements Shen Qingqiu scrutinizes and whose indirect pressure he challenges 205 236.
• Qin Ling and her group — Fellow participants in Jiang Lan’s operations. Shen Qingqiu directs their withdrawal and protects them during the Demon Beast outbreak 215 243.

Notable Quotes

“Your aunt is a martial artist. I can support you for the rest of your life.” 2

“But I don't want to be supported.” 106

“I'll work hard.” 153

“You're just a little too kind. It makes everyone think all this is normal, and that you're easy to push around.” 256