Lao Xu

Biodata

Power Progression

Appearance

• Height: Described as eight feet tall 5.
• Features: Thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a bright, alert gaze 1 4.
• Hands: Thickly callused from martial practice 14.
• Usual weapon: A sheathed saber carried at his waist, often with one hand resting on its hilt 1 5 14.

Personality

Lao Xu combines professional ambition with genuine respect for accomplished martial artists. He asks to accompany Zhou Muzhi to a renowned master partly because learning even a move or two would be better than continuing alone. Initially too conscious of propriety to enter Li Jingfei’s residence, he is delighted simply to gain permission to remain there 4 7 10.

His loyalty becomes increasingly personal as Zhou Muzhi rewards his service and supports his cultivation. Before receiving that help, he already agrees to risk killing on Zhou Muzhi’s behalf, remembering that his employer has treated him well. By the time Zhou Muzhi far surpasses him, his loyalty remains unwavering 14 17 20 57.

He is ruthless toward enemies but capable of compassion. During the confrontation with Brother Gui, he kills an assailant without hesitation, then asks permission to spare the abducted girl and cuts her bonds. He also takes his protective promises seriously, drawing his saber to shield Zhou Muzhi even when doing so earns him a reprimand 8 14.

Abilities & Skills

Body Condensation Method

Lao Xu possesses a complete Body Condensation Method and can recite its hundred-odd words from memory 2.

• Gives Zhou Muzhi his first exposure to martial training 1 2.
• Warns that Gate Knocking requires abundant qi and blood and that Zhou Muzhi’s weakened body cannot withstand practice 1 2.
• Has spent years accumulating strength before receiving the opportunity to attempt another breakthrough under expert guidance 17.

Saber Combat

Lao Xu uses swift, lethal cuts rather than an identified named saber technique 14 23.

• Cuts an assailant’s throat before the other men in the room can react, then frees the captive girl 14.
• After reaching Blood Gate, kills Hua Kai’s archers with heavy chops and slashes while moving through the burning courtyard 23.
• Dispatches the remaining Qian Family attackers with almost one kill per stroke after Zhou Muzhi eliminates their leaders 32.

Blood Gate Physique

His breakthrough gives him the physical resilience and combat strength of a Blood Gate martial artist 22 23.

• Flaming arrows strike his body with the sound of clashing metal during Hua Kai’s ambush 23.
• Can also kill barehanded, shattering a man’s skull with a palm strike 57.
• Recognizes that facing two apparent Blood Gate opponents at once is more than he can comfortably handle 32.
• Remains below the Five Qi level; his cultivation eventually prevents him from accompanying Zhou Muzhi on higher-level matters 57.

Guarding and Local Knowledge

• Knows Suming County’s martial families and identifies Li Jingfei and Zhao Chenfeng as its two renowned masters 3 4.
• Leads Zhou Muzhi to the county’s antique-shopping street and Half-Immortal Xu’s home 5 8.
• Notices the unnatural silence before the ambush on Zhou Buren and warns the escort to remain alert 32.
• Saves Zhou Buren from danger several times during the ensuing melee 33.

Equipment

• Saber / broadsaber — His principal weapon, carefully maintained and used for both combat and cutting a captive’s bonds 8 14.
• Three asura masks — Worn together while occupying Third Master’s residence, covering everything except the back of his head 23.

History

Service to Zhou Muzhi

Lao Xu enters the story when Uncle Chen summons him to the sick Zhou Muzhi. Reluctant to endanger the young master, he initially resists teaching him martial arts, then agrees to recite his Body Condensation Method on the condition that Zhou only study it rather than practice 1 2.

After Zhou Muzhi begins seeking a renowned teacher, Lao Xu volunteers to serve as his escort. He accompanies him on antique searches and visits to Half-Immortal Xu, then gains access to Li Jingfei’s residence. Although his attempts to linger near the training initially irritate Li, his practical assistance and willingness to stand beside Li’s timid grandson eventually earn the master’s approval 4 5 8 10 17.

Investigation and Breakthrough

Lao Xu helps Zhou Muzhi confront Brother Gui, rescues Old Man Wang’s granddaughter, and kills two of Gui’s men across the interrogation. Zhou Muzhi lets him keep the money recovered afterward. He subsequently restrains Sun Yao when the latter tries to flee questioning 14 15 18.

Recognizing his usefulness, Zhou Muzhi arranges support for another Gate Knocking attempt. Li Jingfei offers guidance, while Zhou Muzhi promises to cover any financial shortfall. With more than 230 taels gained from two outings, his own savings, and Zhou’s support, Lao Xu can prepare more thoroughly than before. He returns having reached Blood Gate 17 20 22.

Conflict with the Qian Family

At Zhou Muzhi’s direction, Lao Xu forces Third Master to summon Hua Kai. Hua Kai instead surrounds the residence and attacks with flaming arrows. Lao Xu breaks out and kills the archers, helping trap Hua Kai for questioning 22 23.

He is next sent to obtain the Covered Rain Gambling House key from Ma Jin. Although he encounters no meaningful resistance, the interrogation fails when Ma Jin bites off his tongue and dies. Lao Xu returns with the key and is reassigned to protect Zhou Buren 24 25.

That assignment becomes permanent as the Qian Family threat escalates. Lao Xu kills an assassin targeting Zhou Buren, then guards him day and night. During the later street ambush, Zhou Muzhi kills White Face and Nineteen while Lao Xu eliminates the remaining attackers and repeatedly protects Zhou Buren 28 29 32 33.

Later Service

Lao Xu accompanies the Zhou brothers to the Juwu Pavilion banquet and presents their sandalwood gift box to Deputy County Magistrate Cao Shuang 42 43.

By his latest documented appearance, Zhou Muzhi’s Five Qi cultivation has outgrown Lao Xu’s ability to assist in major confrontations. He nevertheless remains available for other duties, escorting Zhou to meet a mutilated former Hall of Outstanding Heroes subordinate and executing the informant on command after the questioning 57.

Relationships

• Zhou Muzhi — Employer, patron, and principal recipient of his loyalty. Zhou rewards his work, finances his breakthrough preparations, and secures access to Li Jingfei’s guidance 15 17 20 57.
• Zhou Buren — Assigned protectee. Lao Xu becomes his personal guard during the conflict with the Qian Family and saves him repeatedly during an ambush 25 28 33.
• Li Jingfei — Respected senior martial artist who offers to guide his Gate Knocking attempt after recognizing his helpful conduct around the residence 4 17.
• Li Jingfei’s grandson — Lao Xu spends time with him while seeking opportunities to learn at the Li Residence; Li appreciates having someone willing to stand up for the timid boy 10 17.