Side-Swept Bangs

Biodata

Power Progression

Appearance

Side-Swept Bangs has a delicate appearance that contrasts with the confidence displayed after learning to speak 1 19.

• Build: Slender and long-limbed, with a tapered face 1.
• Coat: Short black-and-white fur 1.
• Distinctive marking: Facial patches resemble side-parted, side-swept bangs, giving the impression of a little girl with neatly arranged hair 1.
• Texture: Described by a young visitor as slender and soft to the touch 40.

Personality

Side-Swept Bangs is affectionate toward Chen Du but retains ordinary feline distractions. The cat climbs onto his back while he washes and grooms in near-perfect synchronization with him. Bugs, cardboard boxes, and comfortable sleeping places remain compelling even after cultivation begins 16 22 27.

After acquiring speech, Side-Swept Bangs becomes openly self-assured, repeatedly announcing being “smart,” “clever,” or “amazing.” The cat objects immediately when Chen Du questions that intelligence. During Yunzhi’s lessons, Side-Swept Bangs hides an insect as a prospective apprenticeship gift, fearing Chen Du will confiscate it 19 20 31.

The cat wants to protect Chen Du and can take assigned duties seriously, but is not consistently reliable. While supposed to keep watch during his cultivation, Side-Swept Bangs settles into a bird’s nest instead. By contrast, when ordered to monitor a guest, the cat follows her throughout the day and reports back—while complaining about her persistent attempts to pet it 20 21 22 40.

Abilities & Skills

Human Speech and Comprehension

Side-Swept Bangs understands instructions before developing human speech 3 19.

• Initially communicates by looking between Chen Du and objects or people of interest 1.
• Begins speaking in clipped, emphatic phrases, often referring to itself by name 19.
• Can recount witnessed events, although the account may be fragmented and mixed with details about finding food 31.
• Watches the news with Yunzhi at Chen Du’s instruction to improve speech 27.

Qi Cultivation

Yunzhi teaches Side-Swept Bangs a method based on a yaoguai’s innate ability to absorb spiritual energy 20 22.

• Practices drawing in the essence of the sun and moon while sitting on the temple roof 21.
• Must develop a breathing approach suited to a cat rather than reproduce Yunzhi’s method unchanged 40.
• The method is unsuitable for Chen Du to use directly because it depends on a monster’s innate instincts 22.

Night Tour of the Palace

Side-Swept Bangs learns Yunzhi’s nighttime movement technique 40.

• Progresses quickly because cats are naturally adept at moving about at night 40.
• No independent use or completed mastery is documented in the supplied chapters.

Agility and Observation

The cat’s mobility makes it useful for scouting and investigating confined or elevated spaces 31 36.

• Dodges and harasses a large snake, but tires without inflicting meaningful damage; at that point, the cat has neither cultivated nor learned spells 11.
• Reaches a rooftop to observe events after being unable to enter a building during Yunzhi’s investigation 31.
• Notices something unusual near a bookshelf shortly before Shu Yidu emerges 36.
• Watches a temple guest without revealing the assignment; she interprets the attention as evidence that cats naturally like her 40.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Early Temple Life

As spiritual qi returns, Chen Du notices signs that his pet is becoming a spirit. Side-Swept Bangs nevertheless continues familiar habits, including interfering with his writing. When Yunzhi arrives during a storm, Chen Du sends the cat to guide her to the guest room, promising an egg yolk as a reward 1 3.

The cat later confronts a large snake frightening two hikers on the mountain path. Yunzhi lets Side-Swept Bangs gain some experience before intervening and persuading the snake to leave. A visitor subsequently posts footage of the temple cat chasing the snake 10 11 26.

Cultivation and the Trip Down the Mountain

Following the spirit-fruit harvest, Side-Swept Bangs begins studying with Yunzhi. Chen Du joins the lessons, using the opportunity to learn about cultivation himself 18 19 20.

When Yunzhi investigates Linji Temple, Chen Du considers sending the cat as an observer but decides the danger is too great. Side-Swept Bangs goes down the mountain independently anyway, visits places offering meat, and witnesses part of the incident. The cat’s later account helps Chen Du understand Yunzhi’s abilities and the monster she confronted, though he reprimands the unauthorized excursion 28 31.

Temple Lookout and Guardian

Side-Swept Bangs accompanies Chen Du into the study when he suspects a hidden spirit. After Shu Yidu appears, Chen Du orders the cat to keep its distance unless the tiny spirit attempts to flee, in which case it is to catch him 35 36.

The cat later monitors a young guest interested in the treasure tree. When Chen Du, Yunzhi, and Door God investigate a loosening mountain seal, Side-Swept Bangs remains behind to guard the temple. Concern for the cat is among Chen Du’s reasons for returning after the escaped demon proves dangerous 40 43 45.

Relationships

• Chen Du — Owner, caretaker, and trusted companion. Encourages the cat’s cultivation so it can help protect him, but worries about exposing it to danger and forbids unsupervised excursions 27 28 31.
• Yunzhi — Cultivation teacher. Respectfully calls the cat “Senior Xie” and “Little Immortal Master,” envies its access to Chen Du’s care and spirit fruits, and receives insects from it as snacks or gifts 18 19 24 40.
• Shu Yidu — The tiny book spirit fears being eaten by the cat. Chen Du uses that fear to discourage escape during their first confrontation 36.
• The young temple guest — Subject of the cat’s surveillance. Delighted by its continued presence, she repeatedly tries to pet it, much to its annoyance 40 42.

Notable Quotes

“Side-Swept Bangs! Smart!” 19 20 40

“He can open cans!”
— Explaining Chen Du’s abilities to Yunzhi 32