Gu Zhao

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Gu Zhao (顾昭)
Alias(es)	Palace Lord / Sect Leader of Grand Luo Palace; Divine Firmament Five Qi Thunder Controlling Heavenly Lord 186 600
Species/Race	Human
Gender	Male
Origin	Yangcheng, Yue Province; modern Earth 228
Affiliation	Grand Luo Palace — Sect Leader 186 218
Occupation/Role	Daoist cultivator, talisman master, and leader of Grand Luo Palace
Age	23 at the time he became the subject of an investigation 228
First Appearance	Chapter 1: The Five Thunder Token

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Innate Qi and Mana awakened	2	The Five Thunder Token activates the Innate Qi he cultivated for ten years and fills his Dantian and meridians with growing Mana.
Mana stimulated through first major kill	4	After defeating the Golden Wind Sect's Divine Maiden with Palm Thunder, the Five Thunder Token absorbs her energy and stimulates his Mana.
Thunder Seed cultivation mechanism identified	6	Learns that the Token can slay monsters, absorb their gains, and advance his cultivation; the function of its orbiting Thunder Seed remains under investigation.
Significant cultivation increase	111	The Five Thunder Token and Thunder Seed absorb the White Wolf King's Malevolent Qi after his death.
Significant cultivation increase	174	Continued refinement of Malevolent Qi advances his cultivation as Grand Luo Palace is completed.
Thunder Seed condensed	199	Absorbs Deng Lingyun's Malevolent Qi after interrogating and killing him, condensing a Thunder Seed.
Strongest cultivator in Grand Luo Palace	218	Surpasses Daoist Yansong, previously the palace's highest-cultivated member.
Two Thunder Seeds	246	A distant surge of Malevolent Qi completes the progress for another seed; after previously granting one away, he again possesses two.
Seven Thunder Seeds	290	His expanding influence and accumulated victories raise his total to seven Thunder Seeds.
Five new Thunder Seeds; sixth begins forming	376	Absorbs the demonic Ink Dragon's Malevolent Qi, condensing five seeds while a sixth begins to form during the battle.
Eight additional Thunder Seeds	586	Returns to Earth after a month in the other world having gathered eight more Thunder Seeds.
Nearly 10,000 years of cultivation	600	The Demon Ancestor's Malevolent Qi causes 360 Thunder Seeds to condense around the Token, raising him from roughly 8,000 years to near his temporary limit.
Divine Firmament Five Qi Thunder Controlling Heavenly Lord	600	Puhua Heavenly Venerate bestows the Thunder Department Heavenly Lord Seal and grants him this title.

Background / History

Gu Zhao was raised in Yangcheng, Yue Province. His grandfather, an unorthodox folk Daoist, taught him martial arts, meditation, Qi practice, and Daoist methods from childhood. Though Gu Zhao's father abandoned cultivation for business, Gu Zhao continued practicing for roughly a decade and ran a short-video account about Daoist culture. After graduating, he struggled to find programming work because employers demanded postgraduate qualifications. 1 6 228

The Five Thunder Token transported him from his apartment to another world. It took residence in his Sea of Consciousness, awakened his Innate Qi, and gave him Mana. Gu Zhao quickly confirmed that the Daoist scriptures and arts taught by his grandfather functioned in the new world when he used the Palm Rising Thunder Incantation to destroy a Golden Wind Sect Divine Maiden. 2 4

Initially operating alone, Gu Zhao tested talismans, protected villagers, and began traveling between the two realms. He recruited modern Daoists with Internal Breath True Qi, granted selected practitioners Thunder Seeds, and founded Grand Luo Palace as a base for fighting demons, protecting civilians, and gathering Malevolent Qi for cultivation. The palace was fully repaired by the time it began receiving pilgrims from Baishi Prefecture and neighboring counties. 46 87 174

As Grand Luo Palace expanded, Gu Zhao became its recognized Sect Leader, organized its contribution system, recruited Daoists from multiple lineages, and directed campaigns against hostile sects, demons, ghosts, and demonic forces. His activities also drew attention on Earth, where authorities investigated his ties to missing-and-returned Daoist masters, protective bracelets, supernatural travel, and public displays of power. 186 220 228 229

Following the defeat of the Demon Ancestor, Gu Zhao invoked the Great Heavenly Thunder Duke Incantation, received the Thunder Department Heavenly Lord Seal, and was named the Divine Firmament Five Qi Thunder Controlling Heavenly Lord. 600

Appearance

Gu Zhao is described as tall, handsome, and possessing an imposing yet refined bearing. His cultivation gives him notably fair, tender skin, which Xiao Ya and Jiang Shishi compare to that of a child. 70 253

• Often wears elegant Daoist robes in the other world, including a blue-and-white robe. 253
• Dresses casually in modern life, sometimes appearing conspicuously unprepared beside tourists in hiking gear. 505
• His Mana greatly enhances his strength, speed, reactions, coordination, and physical conditioning. 71

Personality

Gu Zhao adapts quickly under pressure. Although initially stunned by transmigration, he becomes focused on understanding the Five Thunder Token, testing his inherited methods, and securing a way to survive in an unfamiliar cultivation world. He credits his survival not only to the Token, but also to his decade of training, rationality in crises, and proficiency in demon-slaying techniques. 2 6

He is confident and occasionally self-congratulatory, but he is not reckless. After learning the Golden Wind Sect Master's distant sensing ability and the gap between their strength, Gu Zhao chooses patience over an immediate confrontation. 6 28

As a leader, Gu Zhao is practical and organized. He develops defensive formations, distributes treasures according to his companions' strengths, establishes contribution rewards, and actively recruits capable Daoists. He also shows compassion toward civilians, subordinates, and family, creating protective artifacts and using his power to address threats such as destructive sandstorms. 104 220 305 346

Abilities & Skills

Five Thunder Token and Thunder Seeds

The Five Thunder Token resides in Gu Zhao's Sea of Consciousness. It enables travel between worlds, awakened his Innate Qi, absorbs Malevolent Qi, and condenses Thunder Seeds that strengthen both Gu Zhao and selected allies. 2 6 600

• Transports Gu Zhao between modern Earth and the other world. 2
• Absorbs Malevolent Qi from defeated evil beings to advance his cultivation. 111 199
• Detects the presence or absence of Malevolent Qi, helping him expose concealed enemies. 199
• Can grant Thunder Seeds to others, activating their Innate Qi and allowing them to cultivate Mana. 259 318
• Allows telepathic communication among connected Grand Luo Palace members. 187 317

Thunder Magic

Gu Zhao specializes in Daoist Thunder Magic, combining incantations, hand seals, talismans, and later divine authority. His lightning is particularly effective against yin, evil, ghostly, and demonic entities. 4 29 600

• Palm Rising Thunder Incantation / Palm Thunder — His first confirmed offensive spell; later cast instantly without reciting the full incantation. 4 130
• Spear Tip Thunder — Channels Thunder Magic through his spear techniques for close-quarters combat. 109
• Five Directions Savage Thunder Incantation — Used after sealing the Six-Head Divine Lord zombie with the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation. 514
• Five Emperors Decree Spell — Used to counter the Demon Ancestor's Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire technique. 573
• Great Heavenly Thunder Duke Incantation — Summons the Thunder Department's gods and divine thunder from the Nine Heavens; it annihilates eighteen demon gods. 600
• Purple-gold heavenly lightning — Drawn through the Five Thunder Token to defeat the Demon Ancestor when Grand Luo Palace is nearly overwhelmed. 573

Talismans and Consecrated Artifacts

Gu Zhao is an exceptional talisman maker whose Mana can animate scriptural talismans into active spells. He is capable of drawing complex talismans that many modern Daoists cannot use or recognize. 9 98 123

• Five Thunder Talisman — A Thunder Magic talisman; one public demonstration is followed by lightning striking a challenger's car. 10
• Wind Thunder Talisman — Produces a spreading gust and accompanying lightning to expel evil. 11
• Mountain Thunder and Fire Thunder Talismans — Offensive talismans used against the White Wolf King. 111
• Supreme Pure Great Forbidden Dragon Binding Talisman — Creates spiritual chains that bind the Dantian and Sea of Consciousness, sealing Mana, divine sense, and muscle strength. 41 98
• Heavenly Dipper Talisman — Wards sinister energy, promotes health, and can be made into protective amulets. 70 123 220
• Vajra Profound Talisman — Provides defensive protection against physical harm. 123
• Golden Dipper Bracelet — Combines Heavenly Dipper and Vajra Profound Talismans to repel sinister energy, resist physical damage, and gather Spiritual Qi. 158

Formations

Gu Zhao develops and deploys formations for defense, containment, and coordinated combat. He collaborates with Zhuo Qingyan to combine his talismans and incantations with spirit-gathering methods for Grand Luo Palace's defenses. 104

• Five Thunder Dragon Imprisonment Formation — Established around Grand Luo Palace's Baishi Prefecture temple. 221
• Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation — Seals enemy escape routes and restrains powerful opponents; its flags can be damaged, so Gu Zhao carries replacements. 514 515
• Bagua Formation — Prepared and drilled with Grand Luo Palace elders before the assault on the Netherflame Cult's main altar. 305
• Uses formations alongside allies rather than relying solely on individual combat power. 305 573

Martial Arts and Weapon Skills

Gu Zhao trained in martial arts under his grandfather before gaining Mana. His enhanced physique and continued study allow him to combine physical combat with spellcasting. 1 52 71

• Possesses greatly enhanced strength, speed, endurance, reactions, and coordination. 3 71
• Studies and employs White Crane Fist, Tai Chi, Bagua, Xingyi, and related weapon arts. 71 229
• Uses Xingyi Liuhe Spear Techniques in battle against multiple enemies. 109
• Recognizes that effective Daoist combat requires both magical and physical disciplines. 52

Movement and Utility Spells

Gu Zhao's later cultivation allows him to travel rapidly, conceal himself, manipulate weather-related forces, and perform large-scale feats of transport. 186 217 345

• Shrinking Ground to an Inch — A movement spell demonstrated to Bai Ke. 186
• Invisibility Spell — Used to depart Dragon Gate Mountain unnoticed. 217
• Can ride clouds and mist, summon wind and rain, and fly through Spiritual Qi. 229 490
• Manipulates wind to collect airborne sand and dust across a wide area. 345 346
• Carries and transports enormous masses, including more than 40,000 tons of lunar rock. 490

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Five Thunder Token — Congenital thunder treasure housed in his Sea of Consciousness; the foundation of his two-realm travel and Thunder Seed cultivation. 2 600
• Thunder Department Heavenly Lord Seal — Bestowed by Puhua Heavenly Venerate when Gu Zhao is named a Thunder Department Heavenly Lord. 600
• Flying sword — A three-inch flying sword he controls while resting at Grand Luo Palace. 265
• Formation flags — Used for the Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation; Gu Zhao keeps spare flags for sustained battles. 515
• Yangzhi Jade Pure Bottle — Used to collect vast quantities of sand and dust from northern sandstorms. 346
• Small gourd — Produces four plates of fresh fruit when activated as part of a spell demonstration. 295
• Soul Stabilizing Seal — Previously carried by Gu Zhao; he later considers it insufficient for his increasing cultivation. 153 300
• White Wolf Fan — Another earlier protective artifact that no longer keeps pace with his growth. 300

Relationships

• Gu Zhao's grandfather — His first teacher; passed down martial arts, Qi practice, and a folk Daoist lineage disconnected from orthodox sects. 1
• Gu Qi and Li Man — His parents. Gu Zhao protects them with Golden Dipper Bracelets and considers giving them Wenhuang Pills for health and longevity. 158 220
• Zhang Hang — Childhood friend and former classmate who jokes with Gu Zhao about jobs, family business, and “secluded cultivation.” 1 54
• Xiao Ya — One of Gu Zhao's girlfriends; she and Jiang Shishi openly accept a shared relationship with him. 158 228
• Jiang Shishi — One of Gu Zhao's girlfriends; lively and direct, she is the first to openly explain both women's feelings for him. 158 228
• Xiuniang — A devoted companion who wishes to serve as Gu Zhao's maid; he treats her gently and accepts her care. 12 29
• Bai Ke — A Celestial Fox descendant and Spirit Lord who warns Gu Zhao against confronting the Golden Wind Sect Master prematurely. 28
• Zhuo Qingyan — Collaborator in Grand Luo Palace's formation research; works with Gu Zhao to combine talismans, incantations, and spirit-gathering methods. 104
• Daoist Yansong — Early ally and senior Daoist companion who guides Gu Zhao's martial development and carries out missions for Grand Luo Palace. 52 186
• Daoist Master Yihong — A senior Daoist who recognizes Gu Zhao's talent, becomes one of his strongest allies, and respectfully addresses him as Sect Leader. 91 150
• Yun Yang — Fellow Daoist and close friend whose banter with Gu Zhao coexists with mutual trust in battle and recruitment efforts. 120 123
• Grand Luo Palace elders — Gu Zhao's senior Daoist subordinates and allies; they defer to his leadership while fighting demons and expanding the palace's influence. 218 305 573

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Two-Realm Transmigration — Receives the Five Thunder Token, awakens Mana, and defeats the Golden Wind Sect's Divine Maiden with Palm Thunder. 2 4
• Early Talisman Development — Visits Yuanfa Palace, publicly draws a Five Thunder Talisman, and develops the Wind Thunder Talisman through repeated practice. 8 10 11
• Grand Luo Palace Foundation — Recruits Daoists, grants Thunder Seeds, researches defensive formations, and builds Grand Luo Palace into a growing cultivation force. 46 104 174
• Expansion Through Demon Suppression — Leads Grand Luo Palace against regional enemies including the White Wolf King, the Netherflame Cult, and the Ink Dragon. 111 305 376
• Earthly Exposure and International Reach — His protective artifacts, supernatural movement, weather manipulation, and lunar-material transport attract official attention and demonstrate his influence on Earth. 228 346 490
• Demon Ancestor War — Helps defend Grand Luo Palace from the Demon Ancestor, then invokes the Great Heavenly Thunder Duke Incantation during the decisive battle and receives his Heavenly Lord title. 573 600

Notable Quotes

“Indeed, becoming the protagonist is all thanks to my own hard work!” 6

“I just graduated! And I have to manage such a large supernatural company. This is too difficult for me!” 220

Trivia

• Gu Zhao was initially an unemployed recent graduate seeking programming work. 1 228
• He ran a short-video account explaining Daoist culture before his transmigration. 228
• Despite his cultivation talent, he performs poorly at Go; two Daoists politely describe his play as steady but limited in talent. 505