Duan Zhengchun

Biodata

Power Progression

Background / History

Marriage and relationship with Li Qingluo

Duan Zhengchun married Dao Baifeng, the daughter of the Baiyi chieftain. He described the union to Li Qingluo as a political marriage forced by circumstances and promised to marry her once Dali became stable. Li Qingluo had already agreed to marry Wang Gang in anger after learning of his wedding to Dao Baifeng 2 16.

He gave Li Qingluo a Five Gauze Light Smoke Palm manual illustrated with her likeness. Wang Gang regarded its carefully varied depictions of her expressions as flirtation rather than straightforward martial instruction 1.

The wedding-night confrontation

In Wang Gang’s previous life, he discovered Duan Zhengchun and Li Qingluo embracing on his wedding night. Duan Zhengchun struck him with a finger technique after being confronted, leaving him fatally wounded. This memory shaped Wang Gang’s actions after returning to that night 2.

In the altered timeline, Duan Zhengchun entered the bridal chamber and tried to explain his visit as a belated congratulation. Wang Gang provoked him with insinuations about Dao Baifeng, causing him to attack with the Solitary Yang Finger. When Duan Zhengchun subsequently offered treatment, Wang Gang released the captured finger force into his qi sea and attacked him with a broken chair leg 3.

Li Qingluo prevented Wang Gang from killing him, and Chu Wanli extracted him with a fishing line. During the confrontation, Wang Gang accused him of depending on Dao Baifeng’s political support while betraying his marriage vows. Duan Zhengchun was also alarmed by Wang Gang’s knowledge of closely guarded Dali affairs 4.

After receiving treatment from Hu Santie, his cultivation dispersed. Qin Hongmian and Gan Baobao later confronted Wang Gang to avenge him, only to discover that he was married to Dao Baifeng 10 16.

Return to Waterside Cottage

Having recovered his internal power, Duan Zhengchun secretly visited Li Qingluo at Waterside Cottage. He urged her to leave with him, describing a future together among Dali’s camellias, Mount Cang, and Erhai Lake. When she challenged him about his wife, he asked for time to persuade Dao Baifeng 32.

Wang Gang interrupted the meeting. Duan Zhengchun declared that he would take Li Qingluo away and attempted to defeat Wang Gang without killing him. Despite his increased power, he was wounded by a Flame Blade, overwhelmed in sword combat, and struck in the back while trying to escape with Chu Wanli’s assistance 33.

Facing exposure to the Great Song authorities and disgrace for Dali’s imperial family, he attempted suicide. Zhu Danchen intercepted his blade. The ensuing battle left Duan Zhengchun and his guards badly injured, including an impact in which Zhu Danchen was blasted into him 33 34.

Duan Zhengchun offered silver and martial arts manuals to prevent their arrest. He eventually offered the clan’s secret Solitary Yang Finger, accepting personal responsibility for surrendering it, but could not provide the Six Meridian Divine Sword demanded by Wang Gang: he had never seen that art himself 35.

Escape and recovery in Wuxi

Fu Sigui carried Duan Zhengchun out through a window while Qin Hongmian and Gan Baobao delayed Wang Gang. Zhu Danchen and Gu Ducheng died during the escape; Chu Wanli survived but remained in Wang Gang’s hands 36 37.

When Wang Gang threatened the remaining guards, Duan Zhengchun ordered Fu Sigui to turn their boat back. Li Qingluo then shouted that all three guards were already dead. Believing her, Duan Zhengchun coughed blood in grief and escaped with Fu Sigui 37.

The pair sought medical treatment in Wuxi. Duan Zhengchun rejected Fu Sigui’s proposals to attack Wang Gang’s family or spread damaging rumors, refusing to involve innocents or ruin Li Qingluo’s reputation. He instead proposed seeking help from the Yellow-Browed Monk of Flower-Twirling Monastery, although he was unsure whether the monk would leave seclusion 45.

Appearance

• Handsome features: Wang Gang acknowledges his fine appearance at their first meeting 3.
• Scholarly refinement and rakish charm: His bearing combines cultivated manners with a romantic air 3.
• Heavily bandaged after his escape: While receiving treatment in Wuxi, gauze covers even his face 45.

Personality

Duan Zhengchun maintains polished manners under uncomfortable circumstances. Even after his secret visit is exposed, he initially greets Wang Gang with composure and congratulates the newlyweds. His restraint breaks when Wang Gang insults Dao Baifeng, provoking an impulsive attack 3.

His romantic assurances conflict with obligations he cannot easily resolve. He promises Li Qingluo marriage and a shared future, yet remains unable to settle the question of Dao Baifeng’s consent. Qin Hongmian also knows him initially as a wealthy young gentleman rather than a prince, while both she and Gan Baobao are unaware of his marriage 2 16 32 36.

He repeatedly tries to protect Li Qingluo and his retainers from the consequences of his actions. He asks Wang Gang to direct punishment at him, attempts suicide in exchange for a guard’s release, and tries to return to shore when his guards are threatened. After escaping, he accepts responsibility for the disaster and refuses retaliation against Wang Gang’s family 33 34 37 45.

Abilities & Skills

Solitary Yang Finger

A closely guarded martial art of the Dali Duan Clan, practiced by Duan Zhengchun since childhood 3 33.

• Projected finger force: Sends concentrated attacks through the air 3 33.
• Ten-finger use: Mastered its application through all ten fingers in his youth 33.
• Internal-injury treatment: Duan Zhengchun states that the technique is exceptionally effective at treating internal injuries 3.
• Precision interception: Deflects Wang Gang’s sword to save Zhu Danchen despite his own injuries 34.
• Limitations: Wang Gang’s spatial ability returns its force against him, while a shoulder wound hampers his use of the technique 3 33.

Swordsmanship

Duan Zhengchun carries a sword and uses it when forced into close combat 33.

• Exchanges several moves with Wang Gang but cannot match the speed and ferocity of his swordsmanship 33.
• His injured shoulder further compromises his defense during their second confrontation 33.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Sword — Used against Wang Gang and in an attempted suicide stopped by Zhu Danchen 33 34.
• Illustrated Five Gauze Light Smoke Palm manual — Given to Li Qingluo; depicts her demonstrating the technique with different expressions and poses 1.

Relationships

• Dao Baifeng — Wife and daughter of the Baiyi chieftain. Duan Zhengchun describes their marriage as political; Wang Gang challenges him over the vows he has broken 2 4 16.
• Li Qingluo — Long-standing lover whom he calls “A-Luo.” His attempts to resume their relationship after her marriage drive his conflict with Wang Gang 2 3 32.
• Wang Gang / Wang Yukun — Li Qingluo’s husband and his principal enemy. Their confrontations lead to Duan Zhengchun’s loss of cultivation, severe injuries, and flight from Gusu 3 10 33 45.
• Qin Hongmian — Romantically attached companion who initially does not know his marital status or princely identity. She helps obstruct Wang Gang during his escape 16 36.
• Gan Baobao — Close companion who calls him “Brother Chun.” She defends him, later questions his conduct toward Li Qingluo, but still helps him escape 16 36.
• Chu Wanli — Guard who rescues him twice with a fishing line. Duan Zhengchun pleads for his life after Wang Gang captures him 4 33.
• Zhu Danchen — Guard who prevents his suicide and dies delaying Wang Gang’s pursuit 34 36.
• Gu Ducheng — Guard who fights to protect him and is killed during the escape 34 36.
• Fu Sigui — Guard who carries him to safety and accompanies him to Wuxi. Duan Zhengchun rejects his proposed reprisals against the Wang household 36 37 45.
• Yellow-Browed Monk — Reclusive martial expert whom Duan Zhengchun hopes to recruit against Wang Gang; no successful recruitment is shown 45.

Notable Quotes

“Everything that happened today began with me. Whether you wish to beat me or kill me, Young Master Wang, direct it at me. Do not make things difficult for A-Luo!” 33

“The one we have a feud with is Wang Gang, so naturally we must seek revenge on him. If we vent our anger on others, wouldn't we make ourselves a laughingstock?” 45