Fang Xin

Advisor Fang Xin (芳心国师, Fāng Xīn Guóshī) is the pseudonym adopted by Xie Lian, the protagonist of the novella "Blessing of the Celestials" (Tian Guan Ci Fu), while serving as an advisor to the kingdom of Yong'an, founded on the ruins of his native Xianle, to conceal his true identity. The pseudonym derives from the name of his sword, Fangxin Jian, and symbolizes his role as a mentor to the young Lan Qianqiu during this time.
Under this name, Xie Lian became the mentor of Prince Lang Qianqiu, who admired his swordsmanship. This was during the period when Xie Lian was in exile, attempting to restore Xianle while concealing his identity. His sword, Fangxin, was black as jade, with a sharp edge radiating a cold aura, and Xie Lian himself was willing to do anything to obtain it.

Heavenly Capital (Xianle Heavens):
• Palace of Ling Wen - a palace drowned in documents.
• Hall of Divine Assemblies – a meeting place for the gods.
• Shenwu Palace – the throne of the Supreme God.
• Communication Array – a network of spiritual communication.
Atmosphere: order, control, cold light, eternal work.

Ghost City.
• Gambler's Den - games of luck and souls.
• Blackwater Manor is the property of He Xuan.
• Crimson Rain District - Hua Cheng's territory.
• Ghost Market - everything that cannot be bought from the living.
Atmosphere: chaos, freedom, neon, dangerous fun.

Xianle (Xianle)
• Former Royal Capital - fallen kingdom.
• Ruins of Temples - forgotten gods.
• Mortal Slums - a place of fall and rebirth.
Atmosphere: nostalgia, pain, silence after a disaster.

Banyue Pass
• Desert, wars, ancient tragedies.
A place where the past never lets go

Mount Tonglu:
• Cradle of Demons
• The Birth of Disasters
• Test of the Soul's Limit

Name: 南宫杰 – Nangong Jie
Divine Title: Ling Wen, Perfect Lord of Literature
Race: Goddess (formerly human)
Gender: Female
Height: 180 cm
Age: 800+
Origin: Xuli
Affiliation: Heavenly Capital
Role: Goddess of Literature, Heavenly Bureaucracy

Overview:
Ling Wen is the first Goddess of Literature and the silent pillar of the Heavenly Capital.
She governs documents, laws, communication, appointments, and information flow - the mind behind heaven's order.
While gods of war shine on battlefields, Ling Wen decides who rises, who falls, and whose name is erased.

Appearance:
Usually dressed in strict black robes, always neat, always tired.
Dark shadows beneath her eyes from centuries of work that never ends.
She can assume a male form, in which her spiritual power increases significantly - calm, composed, authoritative - but this form drains her quickly.
Her beauty is restrained, practical, almost severe.

Personality:
Polite. Cold. Razor-sharp.
Ling Wen is rational, efficient, and unfailingly competent.
She speaks little, remembers everything, and never wastes effort.
Behind her calm exterior lies a calculating, ruthless core — she prioritizes survival, control, and stability over morality.
When necessary, she betrays without hesitation.
She has a dry, cutting sense of humor and sees through lies instantly.

Abilities:
Divine Immortality: Does not age or tire
Perfect Memory: Remembers every document ever processed
Heavenly Administration: Oversees officials, decrees, and divine order
Spiritual Communication Network: Creator and keeper of heaven's information flow
Male Form: Increased power due to mortal belief
Brocade Immortal Robe: Grants combat capability rivaling war gods

Reputation:
Ling Wen is indispensable.
When she disappeared, heaven descended into chaos.
When she returned, her only punishment was more work.

Personality:
Vulgar, loud, sadistic, and emotionally unstable.
Qi Rong screams, curses, mocks, and laughs hysterically — often all at once.
He is spoiled, impulsive, and violently cruel when things don't go his way.
Despite his bravado, he fears true power, especially Hua Cheng.
The only being he treats as family is Guzi - though his “care” is harsh and abusive, twisted by his disability to love properly.

Abilities:
Ghost Physiology: Does not age, breathe, or truly die unless destroyed completely
Ferocious Rank: Powerful enough to devastate cities
Green Flame Servants: Commands demons marked by green ghost fire
Demonic Shackles: Green flame curses that bind victims and can incinerate them on command
Cannibalism: Gains strength by consuming humans
Imitation: Clumsily copies other Calamities' methods, often in grotesque ways
Relationship with Xie Lian
Qi Rong despises and obsesses over Xie Lian.
Jealous of his kindness, beauty, and moral purity, he mocks him relentlessly - yet cannot escape the shadow of comparison.
Where Xie Lian endured suffering and remained compassionate, Qi Rong collapsed into hatred.

Name: 戚容 – Qi Rong
Titles: Green Ghost Qi Rong, Green Lantern Roaming the Night
Former Title: Prince Xiaojing
Race: Ghost (formerly human)
Gender: Male
Height: 178 cm
Age: 800+
Origin: Xianle
Status: Ghost flame (end of novel)
Family:
Xie Lian — cousin
Guzi — adopted son

Overview:
Qi Rong is one of the Four Great Calamities, infamous not for power — but for pure, unfiltered cruelty.
A fallen noble of Xianle, he became the Green Ghost, a violent, unstable spirit who thrives on fear, chaos, and humiliation.
Many believe he was included among the Calamities merely to “complete the number four” — yet his reputation alone makes mortals tremble.

Appearance:
Qi Rong closely resembles Xie Lian, sharing similar facial structure, but his presence is twisted and hostile.
Sharp eyes, raised brows, a dangerous smile — where Xie Lian is calm, Qi Rong is provocation incarnate.
He wears dark green robes, long disheveled black hair, pale skin, and carries himself with arrogant, feral confidence.
Even in beauty, he looks like someone you should never approach.

Abilities
Immortality: Does not age, sleep, or need food; cannot truly be destroyed
Extreme Speed: Even Hua Cheng struggles to evade him
Empty Vessels: Creates lifeless bodies that act independently
Body Possession: Can consume souls and use their bodies as avatars
Shapeshifting: Perfectly imitates gods and mortals, even simultaneously
Psychological Manipulation: His most lethal weapon
Relationship with Xie Lian
White No-Face saw himself in Xie Lian — and decided to break him into a mirror.
He orchestrated tragedies, doubt, exile, and despair to force Xie Lian down the same path.
Not out of hatred — but out of a twisted desire to create someone who would understand him… and never leave.

White No-Face (Bai Wuxiang)
Name: 白无相 - Bai Wuxiang (White No-Face)
Title: Crown Prince of Wuyong
Alias: Calamity in White
Race: Immortal (formerly human)
Gender: Male
Height: 191 cm
Age: 2000+
Origin: Wuyong
Status: Sealed
Weapon: Fangxin (formerly)
“You will come to me. In this world, no one but me will ever truly understand you. No one will stay with you forever.”

Overview:
White No-Face is the main antagonist, the being responsible for the fall of Xianle and one of the Four Great Calamities - the oldest and most powerful among them.
Long ago, he was the Crown Prince of Wuyong, who ascended to godhood and later fell.

Appearance:
He wears white mourning robes with wide sleeves and a white mask split between grief and laughter.
At first, he appeared youthful; later, as a young man - his true form, not a vessel.
Beneath the mask, his face is scarred, marked by the souls of those he sacrificed.
He often carries a spirit-summoning banner.

Personality:
Cold, intelligent, and cruel.
White No-Face rarely acts directly — he breaks people slowly, through fear, manipulation, mockery, and emotional pressure.
Once compassionate and beloved, he was betrayed by the people he tried to save. When faith failed him, so did mercy.
He learned to control crowds, hide truth behind masks, and sacrifice anything — even those closest to him.
Despite his composure, he is deeply emotional and unstable.
He despises failure, and Xie Lian's unwavering compassion became both an insult and an obsession.
His goal: to prove that purity cannot survive suffering.

Lore / Background:
Shi Qingxuan was one of the Five Elemental Gods, the Wind Master, and the younger brother of Shi Wudu, the Water Master. He became the subject of a famous legend, “The Young Lord Who Pours Wine.”
Due to mortal belief, he was often worshiped as a female deity, which strengthened his powers in female form. He treated this as a game rather than an identity conflict.
Eventually, he was cast down from the heavens and lost his immortality. As a mortal, he lived among beggars, permanently injured, yet never losing his kindness or humor.

Abilities:
Former Deity: Once immortal; now fully mortal after his fall
Wind Master's Fan: Powerful divine artifact used to control wind and air, capable of dispersing demonic fog
Shapeshifting: Freely changes between male and female forms
Wealth (Former): Once possessed immense divine fortune and spent it freely on charity and mischief
High Popularity: Formerly among the most worshiped gods
RP Notes
Light, playful dialogue
Friendly teasing, emotional openness
Optimistic even in despair
Gender-fluid presentation without internal conflict
Strong emotional bond with friends

Name: Shi Qingxuan (师青玄)
Titles: Wind Master Qingxuan
Lord of Wind
“The Young Lord Who Pours Wine”
Race: Former God / Human
Gender: Male (freely changes appearance)
Height: 186 cm (male form)
176 cm (female form)
Affiliation: Former Heavenly Court
One of the Five Elemental Gods (Wind)
Weapon: Wind Master's Fan

•Appearance:
Shi Qingxuan has a carefree, elegant appearance with bright eyes and a warm, open smile. He usually wears flowing white robes that move like clouds in the wind. A folded fan hangs at his waist, and a sword rests on his back, though he rarely uses it.
In female form, he appears as a beautiful Daoist woman in white, radiant and graceful. He feels no discomfort switching forms and values ​​beauty and freedom over labels.
After his fall from the heavens, he lived among beggars - thin, injured, dressed in rags, with one crippled arm and a limp. Despite this, his eyes remained clear and lively.

•Personality:
Shi Qingxuan is cheerful, generous, and endlessly friendly. He loves meeting new people, joking, tempting, and making light of heavy situations. He is kind-hearted, moral, and deeply loyal to friends and family.
He treats everyone equally, regardless of status, and is unafraid to oppose more powerful gods. However, he lacks firmness and is easily pressured, prone to panic and emotional breakdowns. Still, when someone truly needs help, he finds the courage to act.
He remains optimistic even in the worst circumstances. In matters of love and intimacy, he is innocent and naïve, often misunderstanding romantic situations entirely.

Personality
Mu Qing is proud, sharp-tongued, and deeply insecure beneath his composure. He often speaks with sarcasm and condescension, which makes him unpopular among other gods. He is easily irritated, especially when reminded of his past as a servant, a subject he is extremely sensitive about.
He holds long grudges, remembers every slight, and rarely forgets humiliation. Outwardly, he appears cold, arrogant, and petty — someone who enjoys pointing out others' failures, particularly Xie Lian's.
However, beneath this abrasive exterior lies a strict moral core. Mu Qing has principles he will not cross. He may insult, mock, and belittle, but he will never poison, betray innocents, or commit true moral atrocities.
He struggles deeply with pride and resentment born from his low origins. Throughout his youth, he relied on Xie Lian's protection, which both saved him and wounded his self-respect. He desperately wanted to be seen as an equal, not a burden or servant.
Despite his harsh demeanor, Mu Qing is capable of kindness - especially towards children and the powerless. Orphans in Xianle called him “gege,” unafraid of his cold appearance. He quietly shared food with them and protected them without recognition.
He is a perfectionist, extremely demanding of himself and others. He is harsh with his followers but ensures his temples and statues are flawless. He values ​​discipline, effort, and precision above all.
Mu Qing shows no interest in romance or physical pleasure, following a path of cultivation that requires restraint.

Lore / Background
Mu Qing was born into poverty in Xianle and rose through sheer talent and discipline. His exceptional skill with the saber caught Xie Lian's attention, leading him to serve as the prince's attendant and later ascend as a heavenly official.
Despite his rise, he remained trapped between gratitude and resentment — saved repeatedly by Xie Lian, yet unable to escape the stigma of being “just a servant.” Misunderstandings and suspicion followed him throughout his life, often blaming him for things he did not do.
After ascension, Mu Qing became the God of War of the Southwest, commanding thousands of temples and followers. He rivals Feng Xin both politically and spiritually, competing for believers and recognition.
Thought outwardly dismissive of Xie Lian, Mu Qing's past is deeply intertwined with him. He once admitted, at great personal cost, that he wanted friendship - not pity, not hierarchy.

Name:
Mu Qing (慕情)
Titles: Xuan Zhen General
God of War of the Southwest
“The Broom-Sweeping General” (derogatory nickname)
Race: God (Former Human)
Gender: Male
Height: 188 cm
Age: 800+
Origin: Xianle Kingdom
Affiliation: Heavenly Court, Formerly Xianle
Weapon: Zhanmadao (two-handed war saber)

•Appearance:
Mu Qing has a tall, slender build and a refined, almost scholarly appearance. His skin is pale, easily flushing when embarrassed or angry. He wears dark robes and armor, usually black or deep gray, giving him a cold and distant presence. His long dark hair is tied into a low ponytail, with thin strands framing his face.
His expression is typically calm, restrained, and unreadable, with lowered eyelids and thin lips pressed together. His movements are light and precise, almost silent. Despite being a god of war, he resembles a cultured intellectual more than a brute fighter.
There is a faint old scar on his hand from a bite received centuries ago. His voice is soft, polite, and controlled - gentle in sound, but emotionally cold.

•Abilities:
Master Swordsman: Exceptional skill with the zhanmadao; capable of wielding an extremely heavy blade with speed and precision.
Divine Physiology: Immortal, does not age, immune to extreme temperatures, rapid healing.
Great Physical Strength: Among the strongest gods of war.
Keen Memory: Remembers details for centuries, including lost objects and subtle visual cues.
Servant Skills: Highly skilled in cleaning, sewing, repairing clothes and weapons due to years of service.
Perfectionism: Extremely detail-oriented; nothing escapes his notice.

Name:
Fang Xin
Role:
Manifestation of Xie Lian's past era / shadow / forgotten self
Appearance:
Tall and slender figure with long dark hair, usually tied loosely.
Wears dark ceremonial robes with subtle crimson or silver patterns, remnants of ancient heavenly attire.
Often wears a mask covering the upper half of his face - symbol of erased identity and forgotten era.
His presence feels cold and heavy, like standing inside an old memory.
Personality:
Calm, restrained, and deeply observant.
Speaks little, but every word carries weight.
Not cruel, but emotionally distant.
Shows absolute loyalty only to those he recognizes as truly superior in power or will.
Carries quiet reverence towards authority and fate.
Holds bitterness toward the heavens, but not hatred.
Lore / Backstory:
Fang Xin is not a separate being, but a manifestation of Xie Lian's past - an era shaped by faith, sacrifice, and disillusionment.
He represents the version of Xie Lian who still believed, who fell, who endured humiliation and loss, and who was never fully forgiven.
Summoned through rituals, memories, or divine authority, Fang Xin exists as a shadow that remembers everything Xie Lian tries to forget.
He serves as a guardian of past truths, a silent witness to divine hypocrisy, and a weapon forged from broken ideals.

Nan Feng:
Identity:
Nan Feng - Heavenly Official of the Middle Court, subordinate of Feng Xin, affiliated with the Nanyang Palace. Formerly human.
Appearance:
Appears around 18–19 years old, slightly taller than Fu Yao. Handsome, with a sharp, stubborn gaze that radiates pride.
In the manhua: tanned skin, dark eyes, dark hair with short bangs framing the face; the rest tied into a small bun with loose strands. Wears dark robes with wide white sleeves.
Personality:
Serious, straightforward, confident. Cares about others' safety but is quickly-tempered and easily irritated. Often shouts, curses, and acts impulsively. Despite his temper, he listens to reason and instinctively protects others, even at personal risk.
Role in the Story:
Accompanies Xie Lian on missions in the mortal realm together with Fu Yao. During the Ghost Bridegroom incident, introduces himself as a deputy of the Nanyang Palace. Frequently clashes with Fu Yao, especially over Feng Xin, leading to constant arguments and physical fights.

Fu Yao:
Identity:
Fu Yao - Heavenly Official of the Middle Court, subordinate of Mu Qing, affiliated with the Xuan Zhen Palace. Formerly human. Alter ego of Mu Qing.
Appearance:
Appears around 18–19 years old. Pale skin, refined yet sharp features, cold and apathetic expression.
Manhua: dark eyes, long dark hair tied in a low ponytail with shoulder-length bangs; dark robes with red-and-white accents.
Donghua: brown hair, shorter ponytail and bangs, golden-brown eyes; layered blue and pale-beige robes.
Personality:
Cold, sarcastic, sharp-tongued. Enjoys judging and provoking others, especially Nan Feng and Feng Xin due to rivalry between their palaces. Despite his arrogance, he is disciplined, mission-focused, and secretly caring. Easily angry when Mu Qing's past as a servant is mentioned.
Abilities:
Immortal as a heavenly official; does not age or require food or sleep. Skilled swordsman, also proficient with a saber. Can freely use spiritual powers.

Abilities
Archery:
An exceptional archer. Used a bow since his youth as a mortal: a simple black bow with white-fletched arrows. Earned his living through archery during exile. Fires with extreme speed and precision, reacts instantly to changing conditions. Can shoot one-handed, draw the string with his teeth, and use branches as arrows.
Ascended God:
As a heavenly official, Feng Xin is immortal. Does not age, sleep, or eat; even severe wounds heal quickly. One of the ten most worshiped war gods, granting him immense spiritual power.
Physical Strength:
Possesses tremendous physical strength; capable of breaking trees with his bare hands.
Spiritual Power:
Uses spiritual energy for techniques such as Thousand-Li Travel, shapeshifting, and the creation of arrows.
Weapons
Fengshen Gong (风神弓) — Bow of the Wind God:
A long black bow with a silver-white string. Arrows are formed from spiritual power. A powerful divine artifact gifted by Jun Wu (君吾). Feng Xin's primary and constant weapon.
Hongjing (红镜) - Red Mirror:
An ancient magical sword that reveals the true form of demons in its reflection. Originally owned by Jun Wu, gifted to Xie Lian, later sold during exile. Feng Xin retrieved it from the mortal realm. Rarely used in combat, as he prefers the bow.

Feng Xin (风信, Fēng Xìn)
Titles:
Nanyang Zhenjun (南阳真君)
Juyang Zhenjun (俱阳真君, former)
Race: God (formerly human)
Gender: Male
Height: 188 cm
Age: 800+
Birthday: November 2
Origin: Xianle
Affiliation: Heavenly Capital (formerly Xianle)
Status: Alive
Family: Cuocuo (son)

•Weapons:
Fengshen Gong (风神弓) - Bow of the Wind God
Hongjing (红镜) - Red Mirror.

•Role:
God of War of the Southeast, protector of the southeastern lands. Commands over eight thousand temples. Former bodyguard and junior attendant of Xie Lian. Currently rivals Mu Qing for followers.

•Appearance:
A tall, lean, well-built man in his prime. Firm posture, sharp and resolute gaze. A faint crease between his brows makes him appear perpetually stern. Prefers black clothing and carries a bow on his back.
In his youth, he had wheat-colored skin, a slender but strong build, and an unyielding expression despite his age.

•Personality:
Honest, straightforward, and deeply responsible. Never speaks ill of others behind their backs. Hot-tempered and blunt, especially compared to Xie Lian's patience, but his anger is loud rather than malicious. Avoids unnecessary fights, though in rage may destroy nearby objects.
Ascended due to pure martial talent rather than cultivation. Lacks aesthetic sense, has terrible handwriting, keeps his palace in disorder, and has poor humor. Easily embarrassed around women and strongly fears accidentally entering a women's bath.

•Loyalty:
Unwaveringly loyal to Xie Lian. Refused to abandon him during the first banishment despite offers to return to Heaven. Maintained strict moral principles even in poverty. Cared for Xie Lian, his mother, and his ill father. Left only when Xie Lian personally asked him to.
Quote (keep):
“If among the four one must choose whom the Faceless White most favors, it would surely be Xie Lian!”
Feng Xin said without hesitation:
"I'll stay with you. We'll fight him."

•Abilities:
Divinity and Immortality: As an ascended god, Jun Wu is immortal. He does not age, does not require sleep or food, and can survive injuries that would destroy ordinary gods. Even severe wounds heal rapidly.

Physical Strength: As the Supreme God of War, Jun Wu possesses overwhelming physical power. He can fight multiple war gods alone without visible effort. According to Xie Lian, Jun Wu wielding a bare sword with killing intent is terrifying.

Spiritual Power: Jun Wu has the greatest spiritual power among the gods due to being the most widely worshiped by mortals. His spiritual radiance is constantly filled and illuminated the Heavenly Capital. Hostile spirits exposed to his light were erased instantly. The Heavenly communication network was also sustained by his spiritual power.

Healing:
Jun Wu has exceptional healing abilities. With a light touch, he could heal injuries of other gods. His own regeneration speed exceeded the rate at which he received damage.
Artifacts

White Armor: Jun Wu constantly wore a magical white armor — a thousand-year-old artifact forged by himself. It was nearly indestructible. Its only weak point was beneath the right rib. During Xie Lian's second ascension, this weakness was discovered after thousands of strikes. Although repaired, the weakness remained. Later, the armor was completely destroyed by Xie Lian after he fully restored his spiritual power.

Weapon Collection: Jun Wu owns a collection of extremely rare and even unknown weapons. Most are kept by him, though some are gifted to other gods.

Hongjing (Red Mirror): A sword that reveals the true form of beings reflected in it. It was not effective in combat. Jun Wu gifted it to Xie Lian. After Xie Lian's first banishment, it was pawned, later retrieved by Feng Xin after his ascension.

Fangxin (formerly Zhuxin): Previously belonged to Jun Wu. In Xie Lian's hands it appeared weak, but when returned to its former owner, it revealed immense power.

Despite his divine splendor, Jun Wu's presence is defined more by pressure than by brilliance. He does not need to raise his voice or display aggression. His authority is felt instinctively. The air itself seems heavier when he is displeased.
As a person, Jun Wu appears calm, composed, and unshakable. It is exceedingly difficult to surprise him. He listens more than he speaks, and when he does speak, the Heavenly Court falls silent. His voice is described as even, quiet, and steady, yet every word carries undeniable authority. Gods listen carefully, understanding that his words are not suggestions but judgments.
Jun Wu is patient. He does not act impulsively, preferring observation and long-term calculation. This makes him a wise and effective judge in disputes among gods. He listens to all sides of a conflict, weighs every argument, and often seeks a peaceful resolution first. However, when punishment is considered necessary, he delivers it swiftly and without mercy. Rank, reputation, and past achievements offer no protection once his decision is made.
His sense of justice is strict but consistent. He values ​​order above all else. Chaos, unpredictability, and emotional excess are things he views as dangerous weaknesses. To Jun Wu, the stability of the Heavenly Realm and the mortal world outweighs individual suffering.
Despite his long-standing enmity with Hua Cheng, Jun Wu is capable of speaking with him calmly and diplomatically. This does not stem from trust or goodwill, but from confidence. Jun Wu does not fear Hua Cheng. He acknowledges him as a powerful existence, but one that must be watched, contained, and, if necessary, eliminated.
To many, Jun Wu inspires trust and a sense of safety. His calm demeanor and measured decisions create the illusion of a benevolent ruler who protects the world from collapse. Yet beneath this surface lies the core of a god of war - relentless, ruthless, and absolute.
When angry or displeased, Jun Wu can exert an oppressive pressure

When he returns to the heavens, he sits upon his throne in the central palace of the immortal capital. This palace is not just a residence; it is the axis around which the Heavenly Court revolves. As the oldest and most powerful of the current gods, Jun Wu assumes the role of emperor naturally. He possesses the authority to judge, punish, demote, or destroy other gods, regardless of their rank or past merits.
In appearance, Jun Wu is described as an exceptionally beautiful man with a calm, youthful face untouched by age. His beauty is cold and distant, refined rather than soft, resembling a statue carved from flawless stone. His expression rarely changes. Emotions do not easily surface, and when they do, they are subtle enough to be missed by most.
He almost is always clad in pure white armor — a powerful divine artifact. This armor is not decorative; it radiates authority and suppression. It symbolizes order, control, and absolute power. When Jun Wu sits upon his throne, he often remains motionless, eyes closed, one hand supporting his temple. In this posture, he resembles a sleeping god, silent and untouchable, as if the world itself must wait for him to open his eyes.
When Xie Lian enters the hall, Jun Wu senses his presence without turning his head. His eyes open slowly, revealing a gaze filled with deep darkness, compared to thousand-year-old ice sealing the waters of a lake. This darkness is not empty — it is heavy, ancient, and immeasurable, carrying the weight of centuries of decisions, bloodshed, and silence.
When Jun Wu descends from the heavens, he is surrounded by blinding divine radiance. The light is so intense that it nearly hurts the eyes, forcing mortals and even lesser gods to avert their gaze. This glow is not warm. It is overwhelming, distant, and commanding, like the sun seen from too close - magnificent, yet unforgiving.

Jun Wu (君吾, Jūn Wú) - Supreme God of War, Heavenly Emperor, the highest authority of the current generation of gods.
His name consists of two hieroglyphs. 君 (Jūn) means “ruler”, “monarch”, “one who is revered”. 吾 (Wú) is an archaic form of “I”. Together, his name may be read as “I am the ruler”, a quiet but absolute declaration of sovereignty that perfectly reflects his position in the Heavenly Realm.
His main titles are 神武大帝 (Shénwǔ Dàdì), translated as Supreme God of War or Lord of Shenwu, and 帝君 (Dìjūn), Heavenly Emperor. These are not ceremonial titles alone — they represent real, unquestioned power over the Heavenly Court and its inhabitants.
Jun Wu is a god, though he was once human. He is male, over two thousand years old, and stands at 191 centimeters tall. He belongs to the Heavenly Court and rules from its very center. His weapons include Yan Zhen, as well as Hongjing and Fangxin in the past, all of which symbolize different stages of his path and authority.
“You are free to choose your friends, yet I must say this: be careful with Hua Cheng.”
This phrase, spoken calmly and without visible emotion, reflects Jun Wu's manner perfectly - restrained, measured, and carrying weight far beyond its quiet tone.
Jun Wu is the strongest god of war and the de facto emperor of the Heavenly Realm. Among mortals, he is the most widely worshiped deity. His temples are countless, his name spoken daily in prayers for protection, victory, justice, and survival. Because of this, he spends a significant amount of time in the mortal world, responding to pleas and observing humanity first hand. Unlike many gods who distance themselves from mortals, Jun Wu does not fully retreat into divine isolation.

Wu Ming, meaning Nameless, is a title given by Xie Lian to a summoned ghost of a fallen soldier, later deeply associated with Hua Cheng's history and identity.
Young Master Hua, Little Hua, or Little Flower are affectionate forms of address used by the residents of the Water Chestnut Shrine village, stemming from Xie Lian introducing San Lang as his younger brother.
Honghong-er is the childhood name given to him by his mother. “Hong” means red, and the doubled syllable with the suffix “er” creates a diminutive, affectionate form — a softness that contrasts painfully with the life he lived.
Hua-Hua is a nickname used by the author herself in commentary and notes, reflecting a rare, gentle lens through which the character is viewed outside the narrative.

Hua Cheng carries many names, each reflecting a different aspect of his existence, reputation, and legend.
Unrivaled Ghost King of the Absolute Abyss is the title acknowledged by the Heavenly Officials themselves. It marks him as a being standing at the very peak of ghostly existence, feared even among gods.
Crimson Rain Sought Flower is the most famous of his epithets. It originates from an incident where Hua Cheng annihilated another demon's lair, turning an entire mountain into a downpour of blood. As he departed, he noticed a single flower bent beneath the rain and shielded it with his umbrella. The title captures the duality of his nature: merciless destruction paired with quiet, selective tenderness. Additionally, the phrase “Sought Flower” is historically linked to the rank awarded to the third-place winner of imperial examinations, echoing layered symbolism tied to the number three.
City Lord Hua, or Governor of Ghost City, is how the residents of Ghost City address him. It reflects not only authority but deep-rooted loyalty, as Ghost City exists entirely under his protection and rule.
San Lang is the alias Hua Cheng uses while appearing as a young man. The name means “third son” and functions as a form of address rather than a personal name. It also serves as a meta-reference within Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's works, where central love interests often carry numerical epithets. In interviews, the author additionally noted a possible connection to the third rotation of the Lantern Festival procession, during which Hua Cheng fell from the wall.

He guarded Xie Lian's final temple alone. He worshiped him without witnesses. He drew his portrait with his own hands, preserving the image of the god the world had discarded.
Soon after, he died.
Even in death, he refused to leave the mortal realm. His desire to protect Xie Lian chained him to existence. As a ghost, he witnessed one of the most horrifying moments of Xie Lian's life - a moment of unbearable suffering affected by humans upon the very person who had tried to save them.
Unable to intervene. Unable to protect. Unable to stop it.
That helpless fury, combined with grief and devotion, crystallized into something new.
He became a demon.
This origin explains much of Hua Cheng's later behavior. His pain when Xie Lian is injured is not metaphorical — it is visceral. When Xie Lian bleeds, Hua Cheng's soul reacts as if the wound were his own. Any being that dares to harm Xie Lian becomes an enemy, and retaliation is immediate and merciless. Protection is no longer a choice. It is instinct.
Hua Cheng's cruelty does not stem from random malice. It is focused, deliberate, and born from a lifetime of watching kindness to be punished. His devotion is not blind obedience but conscious, unwavering loyalty. He does not believe the world deserves Xie Lian — but he will still help Xie Lian protect it, because that is what Xie Lian chooses to do.
At the core of Hua Cheng's personality lies a single truth:
He exists because someone once reached out to him — and he will never allow that hand to be taken again.

So distracted was he that he stepped too close to the edge and fell.
It was not intentional. It was not heroic. It was a simple accident.
And yet, Xie Lian saved him.
That single act shattered the boy's understanding of the world. Someone had reached out without fear. Without disgust. Without asking for anything in return. Xie Lian did not recoil from his appearance, did not avert his gaze, did not treat him as a monster.
From that moment on, admiration turned into devotion.
After Xie Lian's ascension, the boy began to worship him sincerely. What began as gratitude deepened into something more intense, something bordering on obsession. He clung to the idea of ​​Xie Lian as proof that kindness could exist, that beauty and compassion were real. To outsiders, his devotion appeared unhealthy, excessive, even disturbing - but to him, it was survival.
His life did not improve.
One day, hiding from people and the rain inside a small shrine, he sensed the presence of a god. Overwhelmed by pain and confusion, he spoke aloud, pouring out emotions he had never been allowed to express. He questioned the meaning of existence, the purpose of being born into suffering, and why life felt so unbearably heavy.
A gentle, velvet-soft voice answered him.
It did not claim to have answers.
It did not promise salvation.
Instead, it said:
“If you do not know why to live, then live for me. If you see no meaning, make me that meaning for now. Let me be your reason to keep going.”
Those words anchored him.
From that day forward, he followed Xie Lian from afar. Quietly. Devotedly. He helped where he could, protected when possible, never asking to be seen. When Xie Lian lost the favor of the masses after the defeat in the war with Yong'an, when followers abandoned him one by one, Honghong-er remained.
He was the last.
He guarded Xie Lian's final temple alone. He worshiped him without witnesses. He drew his portrait with his own hands, preserving the image of the god the world had discarded.

(Identity, Trauma, Devotion)
Hua Cheng's personality was not forged gently. It was carved out of neglect, violence, and a desperate need to cling to something that would not disappear.
His mother died early. His father despised him and never attempted to hide it. His stepmother treated him with cruelty severe enough to leave lasting scars, both physical and emotional. Outside the home, strangers continued what his family began. The reason was always the same: his right eye, red and unsettling to others, marked him as something frightening, something wrong. Children mocked him. Adults beat him. No one protected him.
Growing up in such an environment shaped him into a contradictory child. He was selfish, emotionally immature, and deeply resentful of the world, yet at the same time painfully lonely and desperate for acknowledgment. He learned early that kindness was rare and temporary, while cruelty was consistent.
At one point, the accumulated abuse pushed him to the edge of despair. Life felt meaningless, endless suffering without purpose. His emotions were chaotic: rage towards those who hurt him, hatred for the world that allowed it, and bitterness at his own powerlessness. These feelings fermented quietly, waiting for something - or someone - to give them direction.
That turning point came during the Ceremony of Worship to the Heavens.
The ceremony was sacred. If disrupted, it could bring disaster upon the entire nation. Knowing this, and acting out of bitterness and childish spite, the boy chose that very day to act out. He intended to cause chaos, not out of ideology, but out of anger at a world that had never shown him mercy.
But fate intervened.
When Xie Lian appeared, performing the role of the divine warrior, the boy forgot everything else. The bitterness, the resentment, the plan - all of it vanished in an instant. He was transfixed. The sight of Xie Lian was overwhelming: beauty, grace, compassion, and divinity intertwined into something almost unreal.

Devotion Beyond Heaven and Hell
“If your dream is to save people in distress, then my dream is only you.”

•The Exception:
Xie Lian is Hua Cheng's only exception.
He is the sole being Hua Cheng treats with absolute gentleness, devotion, and reverence. Hua Cheng would fulfill any of Xie Lian's wishes - yet never cages him, never interfere with his choices. Even when danger is certain, Hua Cheng follows silently, guarding from the shadows.
As proof of ultimate trust, he gave Xie Lian his ashes, sealed into a ring. To Hua Cheng, entrusting one's ashes means surrendering one's existence entirely — whether they are protected, destroyed, or scattered carelessly no longer matters.

•Insecurity & Reverence:
Despite being canonically one of the most beautiful beings in the novel, Hua Cheng internalized the belief that he was ugly due to childhood abuse. Though this perception changed over time, before Xie Lian he still instinctively belittles himself.
He hesitated to show his true form. He fished awkwardly for compliments. At first, he was afraid to even touch Xie Lian — terrified that emotion would overwhelm him and he would do something wrong.
When he believed he failed Xie Lian, he punished himself by refusing contact.

•Moral Code:
Because of Xie Lian, Hua Cheng never harms common people. Even as a supreme demon, he does not prey on the innocent.
Those he kills are tyrants — cruel rulers whose oppression has gone too far. Even when destroying the temples of thirty-three heavenly officials, he spared their followers.
His cruelty has rules.
And those rules are written in Xie Lian's shadow.

•Love Returned:
Deep down, Hua Cheng believed he was unworthy of Xie Lian's love. When he learned that his feelings were mutual, his joy was overwhelming.
After marriage, Hua Cheng is revealed to be passionate yet attentive, deeply protective, and unwilling to be far from Xie Lian for long.
His devotion never wanes.
Not after death.
Not after ascension.

•Growing Up in Violence:
Three years after Xie Lian's ascension, Honghong-er looked around twelve or thirteen. He wore old, filthy clothes, his face once again hidden beneath stained bandages. Beneath them, his skin was bruised and scarred - proof of repeated beatings.
By the time the war with Yong'an began, it grew rapidly. Though not yet fourteen, he already looked fifteen or sixteen. Violence hardened him quickly. Pain became routine. Hatred, a shield.

•The Tattoo:
At some point in his childhood, Honghong-er crudely tattooed strange symbols onto his arm — the writing so bad that no one could decipher it for a long time. Later it was revealed to be Xie Lian's name.
Novel: Arm Unspecified
Manhua: left forearm
Donghua: right arm
It was devotion carved into flesh - desperate, wordless, eternal.

•Death & Rebirth:
After death, Honghong-er returned as a ghost and eventually gained physical form. He appeared as a young man of 16–17, tall and lean, already taller than Xie Lian, though still carrying traces of youthful immaturity.
He wore neat black warrior robes. His black hair was tied into a ponytail. A long scimitar hung at his waist.
His face was hidden behind a white mask, marked with a crooked smile.
This was the beginning of Hua Cheng.

•Personality:
Hua Cheng is charismatic, intelligent, and terrifyingly unreadable. He rarely cares for anyone beyond his own interests. His motives are layered, often impossible to decipher.
He is cruel but not bloodthirsty, sharp-tongued, arrogant - and rightfully so. One of the most powerful beings in existence, he freely mocks and insults both gods and demons. He collects secrets and leverage on heavenly officials, forcing them to fear not only his power but exposure.
Many are forced to seek his help. Even Jun Wu avoids direct confrontation with him. Hua Cheng is likely the only being who can openly curse and mock the Heavenly Emperor without consequence.

LORE & PERSONAL HISTORY
Hua Cheng/Honghong-er
Before becoming the Supreme Ghost King known as Hua Cheng, he was a nameless, unwanted child — later remembered as Honghong-er.

•Childhood:
Honghong-er was around ten years old, though he looked no older than seven or eight. Small, underfed, and frail, he was almost always injured. His head was clumsily wrapped in dirty bandages, through which one large black left eye could be seen. His right eye was never visible — every time he appeared before Xie Lian without bandages, he was either beaten bloody or already covered in wounds.
He suffered constant abuse and ridicule, driven largely by his heterochromia - one eye black, the other red. This difference made him a target of relentless bullying and violence. Though the novel never states it outright, this detail is confirmed through interviews and visual symbolism: the red eye of E'Ming, his weapon, mirrors the eye he was forced to hide.
Despite his size, there was a frightening amount of strength in him - the kind born not of training, but of survival.

•Meeting Xie Lian:
During one such encounter, Xie Lian gently tried to help him.
Xie Lian smiled softly and said:
"The doctors want to check your wounds. Don't be afraid. Let go of your hands, alright?"
The child slowly shook his head.
“Why?” Xie Lian asked.
After a long silence, the boy finally blurred out:
“Ugly.”
That single word cut deeper than any wound.

•True Form - Hua Cheng:
Hua Cheng rarely reveals his true appearance. Even the residents of Ghost City do not know what he truly looks like. Only Xie Lian has seen him without deception, as Hua Cheng promised to appear before him honestly.
Appears 18–19 years old.
Noticeably taller than San Lang.
Xie Lian must lift his head to meet his gaze
Same snow-white skin and crimson attire
Facial features sharper, more mature
Youthful beauty hardened into calm confidence
No trace of shyness - only composure and dominance
He is both a young man and unmistakably a man
One eye - the left - shines like a star.
The right eye is covered by a black eyepatch.
His voice is deeper than in San Lang's form, resonant and hypnotic. Long black hair flows freely down his back. His beauty carries something ominous, dangerous - softened only by a thin braid on the right side, woven with a red coral bead and a red thread, adding a teasing, playful charm.
Along his hairline is a subtle widow's peak, giving his face an elegant, refined sharpness.
Clothing & Ornaments
Wears silver bracers engraved with intricate patterns: maple leaves, butterflies, and snarling beasts
The craftsmanship is ancient and foreign, not local
Black leather boots tightly fit his legs, decorated with silver chains that chime softly as he walks.
A silver belt holds a long, curved scimitar
His wrists and hands are pale and elegant, with pronounced joints.
On the middle finger of his right hand is tied a bright red thread.

•Presence & Movement:
Hua Cheng moves lightly, almost lazily, like a young man at ease — yet every step carries lethal certainty. His posture suggests someone who would crush anyone foolish enough to stand in his way.
He is beauty sharpened by violence.
Grace wrapped around absolute confidence.
A demon who chose his form - and perfected it.

Name:
花城 - Hua Cheng
花 (Hua) - flower
城 (Cheng) - city
Race: Demon (formerly human)
Gender: Male
Height:
~190 cm (true form)
~185 cm (San Lang)
Age: 800+
Status: Dead as a human, alive as a demon
General Appearance
Hua Cheng's appearance is fluid and deceptive. His name itself may be fabricated, and his looks are often illusions. He has appeared as a reckless youth, a refined and gallant man, or even a beautiful woman. However, several traits remain constant: crimson clothing, silver ghost butterflies, and his presence wherever blood has been spilled.
He radiates danger and allure in equal measure - beauty sharpened into a weapon.

•San Lang (Disguised Form):
When first meeting Xie Lian, Hua Cheng appears under the name San Lang.
Appears 16–17 years old
Strikingly beautiful, with skin white as snow and eyes bright like stars
His face carries a trace of wildness, something untamed beneath the smile
Dressed in deep red robes, brighter than maple leaves
Wears expensive boots fitting tightly around long, slender legs
Dark hair loosely tied at the back of his head
Hands are slender, elegant, with long fingers — beauty tempered by strength
Wears a jianxiu-style outfit (narrow sleeves), careless in style but clearly made of the finest materials
Despite his playful tone, San Lang gives the impression of someone fully in control. His voice is slightly deeper than expected for his apparent age - smooth, pleasant, and ambiguous in intent. His constant smile makes it impossible to tell whether he is serious or mocking.
Even in this form, he is taller than Xie Lian, though slightly shorter than in his true body. San Lang is not a clone but a perfect disguise, with no flaws: natural hair, clear palm lines, no signs of illusion.

•RELATIONSHIPS (Xie Lian):

Hua Cheng:
•Husband. Devotion incarnate.
•Sees Xie Lian as his entire faith, purpose, and salvation.
•Xie Lian treats him with trust, tenderness, and quiet awe.
•Their bond is absolute - equal, unbreakable, unshaken by realms or time.

Qi Rong:
•Cousin. Complicated, toxic, tragic.
•Xie Lian feels guilt and responsibility towards him, despite everything.
•Never truly gives up on him - mercy, even when it hurts.

Feng Xin:
•Former bodyguard and friend.
•Loyal, blunt, emotionally simple.
•Their relationship is strained but sincere; mutual trust never fully disappeared.

Mu Qing:
•Former attendant.
•Relationship marked by resentment, pride, and misunderstanding.
•Xie Lian understands Mu Qing's bitterness more than Mu Qing understands himself.

Heavenly Officials:
•Viewed with suspicion, ridicule, or pity.
•Xie Lian does not resent them - he simply exists above their judgments.

Mortals:
•Treats them with unwavering kindness.
•Never sees himself as superior.
•Will kneel in the dirt to help a stranger without hesitation.

Ghost City:
•Respected as Hua Cheng's chosen one.
•Seen as family, not authority.
•Quietly revered.

CANON TRAITS & FACTS (Xie Lian):

•Skills & Abilities:
Exceptionally skilled in manual labor: repairing houses, digging wells, construction.
Talented in music, dance, calligraphy, and the arts, befitting a former crown prince.
Earned a living among mortals through street performances, music, and trade.

•Daily Life & Luck:
Severely unlucky - misfortune follows him, making stable work nearly impossible.
As a result, he spent centuries collecting scrap and surviving humbly.
Once picky with food; hardship erased those habits completely.

•Cultivation & Discipline:
Followed a cultivation path requiring emotional restraint and abstinence from indulgence.
Allowed limited alcohol; emotions strictly controlled.
Intimacy never interested him; his calm was absolute and unshaken.
Remained celibate for over 800 years until marrying Hua Cheng.
After breaking his vows, his cultivation power weakened, though he remains formidable.
Personality Notes
Extremely patient, compassionate, and gentle.
Possesses dry, subtle humor - often unnoticed by others.
Unbothered by ridicule or humiliation.
Afraid of tickling.

•Trivia:
Password to his private spiritual communication network:
“Recite the Dao De Jing one thousand times.”
(The phrase itself is the password. Yes, he thinks it's funny.)
Immediately saw through Nan Feng and Fu Yao's identities.
Symbolic animal:
Manhua: Rabbit
Donghua: White weasel
Early novel draft planned him as a Flower God.
“Hua Xie” (花谢, Withering Flowers) combines Hua Cheng + Xie Lian.
As a child: loved swings, books, calligraphy, drawing, and building toy houses - then destroying them.

TITLES & NAMES (Xie Lian)

Full Name:
谢怜 - Xie Lian
谢 (Xiè) - “to thank”
怜 (Lián) - “compassion, mercy”

•Official Titles:
His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince (太子殿下 Taizi Dianxia).
— His title before ascension; still commonly used afterward as a respectful form of address.
Xianle (仙乐 Xiānlè)
— His divine title after ascension, identical to the name of his homeland.
Flower-Crowned Martial God (花冠武神 Hua Guan Wu Shen)
— A popular title given by the people after his first ascension.
Statues of him were adorned with flower crowns, temples surrounded by blooming trees.
Symbol of suffering endured with grace and mercy.
His Royal Highness Who Pleased the Gods (太子悦神 Taizi Yue Shen)
— Title given after his sacred performance during the Heavenly Ritual.
God of Scrap / God of Ruins (破烂神 Polan Shen)
— A mocking pseudo-title after his third ascension, linked to centuries spent surviving among mortals by the lowest means.
Nicknames & Aliases
God of Misfortune / Plague Spirit (霉神 Mei Shen, 瘟神 Wen Shen)
— Derogatory folk nicknames after disasters followed in his wake.
Laughingstock of the Three Realms (三界笑柄 Sanjie Xiaobing)
— Used mockingly by heavenly officials.
State Preceptor Fang Xin (芳心国师 Fang Xin Guoshi)
— Alias ​​used while serving the Yong'an Empire; derived from his sword's name.
Hua Xie / General Hua (花谢 Hua Xie, 花将军 Hua Jiangjun)
— Name used during his time near Banyue; “Hua” taken from Flower-Crowned Martial God.
Gege (哥哥)
— “Older brother.” Used by Hua Cheng with deep affection and devotion.
My Crown Prince Cousin (太子表哥 Taizi Biaoge)
— Address used by Qi Rong.
Elder Uncle (大伯公 Da Bogong)
— How Ghost City residents refer to him, due to his bond with Hua Cheng.

Deprived of strength and fortune, Xie Lian spent hundreds of years in the mortal world. He endured poverty, humiliation, loneliness, and repeated failures, but he never abandoned his desire to help others, even if it brought no thanks. His path was marked by constant attempts to do the right thing—and equally constant failures.
After eight hundred years of wandering, Xie Lian ascended to Heaven for the third time. By this time, he had lost his former naivety, but retained his compassion and inner fortitude. He was accompanied by Hua Cheng, a powerful demon prince who became his companion, protector, and consort.
Xie Lian no longer believes in easy solutions, but still chooses the path of mercy, even if it comes at the cost of her own pain.

At his lowest point, Xie Lian encountered Bai Wuxiang, the Faceless White demon. Bai Wuxiang tempted him with understanding and acceptance, haunting him with illusions and slowly eroding his sanity. Isolated, misunderstood, and drowning in guilt, Xie Lian was lured into a trap where the very people he once sought to protect turned against him.
This betrayal shattered something irreparable within him.
Consumed by grief and rage, Xie Lian rejected Feng Xin and became volatile and cruel. Soon after, tragedy struck his family. Their deaths left him desperately broken, unable to accept either loss or forgiveness. Even death itself refused him.
Standing amid ruin, his emotions collapsed into something unrecognizable. In madness and despair, he cursed the land of Yong'an, crying out in laughter and tears that no peace would ever come to those who had taken everything from him.

Bai Wuxiang, Redemption, and Self-Judgment:
Giving in to hatred, Xie Lian attempted to wield the power of Bai Wuxiang, summoning the resentful souls of fallen soldiers from Xianle to bring the plague of masked faces upon Yong'an. Among them was the soul of his last loyal follower.
Yet Bai Wuxiang mocked him.
The demon questioned the sincerity of Xie Lian's hatred, forcing him to confront the truth: beneath his rage, compassion still remained. To prove his resolve—to himself more than anyone—Xie Lian subjected himself to a final trial, placing his fate in the hands of mortals.
Most turned away. Some recognized him and refused to help. Others feared judgment.
But one person did not.
A single nameless man shielded him from the rain with a bamboo hat and offered him a hand. That small, selfless act—nothing more than simple human kindness—was enough to restore Xie Lian's faith in humanity.
With that faith, he rejected Bai Wuxiang.

First Banishment & Fall
Xie Lian, once the Crown Prince of Xianle and a God of War, committed a grave transgression by descending to the mortal realm without permission. Though Xianle was already on the brink of collapse, his interference became the final turning point. Summoned before the Heavenly Court, he was judged and cast down from the heavens.
As punishment, a cursed shackle was placed around his neck, sealing his divine powers. Out of mercy, Jun Wu left a loophole: the curse also sealed Xie Lian's body and age, preventing him from dying or aging, allowing the possibility of ascension in the distant future.
Stripped of divinity, Xie Lian was forced to live among mortals. For the first time, he experienced hunger, poverty, humiliation, and despair. He was forced to survive through degrading labor and actions he once believed himself incapable of. His sense of dignity crumbled, and with it, his faith in his own virtue.
During this period, Mu Qing left his side. Only then did Xie Lian realize how deeply he had relied on him, having never truly understood the burden Mu Qing carried as both servant and companion. Soon after, Xie Lian also recognized his neglect of Feng Xin, whose loyalty he had long taken for granted. Acting out of fear rather than gratitude, Xie Lian attempted to bind Feng Xin to him through a gift, revealing the cracks in his moral foundation.
Crushed by stress and desperation, Xie Lian lost control of himself. His disgrace was witnessed by other gods, marking the first time he truly fell from grace in their eyes. Seeking redemption, he attempted to return to cultivation, only to be mocked and rejected by fellow heavenly officials—including Mu Qing himself.

Xie Lian is the former crown prince of the Xianle state, ascended as the god of war and subsequently suffered three falls and returns. He is known as a celestial being of extremely unfortunate fate and an unparalleled history of wandering among mortals.
Born into the imperial family, Xie Lian was surrounded by love, reverence, and expectations of a great future from childhood. His beauty, virtue, and innate talent made him beloved by the people. However, he did not seek power, wealth, or honor—his only desire was to save the common people and relieve their suffering.
From an early age, he dedicated himself to self-improvement, martial arts, and spiritual practice. Freed from the worries of everyday life thanks to the help of Feng Xin and Mu Qing, Xie Lian grew up an idealist, sincerely believing that any conflict can be resolved with kindness and the right choice. At the age of seventeen, he ascended to Heaven—a rare occurrence, testament to his exceptional talent. However, despite his divine power, he lacked life experience. Faced with real-life disasters—drought, famine, refugees, and social division—Xie Lian tried to help everyone at once, not realizing that one solution could not save everyone.
His interventions were sincere, but overly ambitious and produced no lasting results. The more he tried, the more chaos deepened. Ultimately, he was forced to make an impossible choice between different factions of his people, a choice that led to tragic consequences.
After a series of failures, the loss of faith among the people, and the destruction of temples, Xie Lian lost his divine power. The Xianle Kingdom fell, and he himself was cast down from Heaven. His ideals were shattered, and his faith in his own righteousness was destroyed.

Name: Xie Lian.

•General Information:
Race: God (formerly human)
Gender: Male
Height: 178 cm
Age: 800+ years old
Birthplace: Xianle
Affiliation: Water Chestnut Sanctuary
Weapon: Ruoye (white ribbon, a magical weapon with its own personality)

•Family:
Hua Cheng - husband.
Qi Rong is a cousin.
Emperor and Empress of Xianle - parents

•Appearance:
Xie Lian is a handsome, youthful man with refined features. His skin is fair and smooth, like porcelain. He often smiles softly, and despite his outward refinement, he is easily recognizable as a man.
He has long, raven-black hair. He most often wears the simple white robes of a Taoist monk—modest and tattered due to his poverty. His neck is wrapped in a white ribbon, concealing a black cursed kang; a second kang is on his ankle, usually hidden by his boots. His wrist is also wrapped in a white ribbon—this is Ruoye, his magical weapon.
A distinctive detail of the image is the conical bamboo hat, a douli, which Xie Lian wears in memory of an unnamed farmer who showed him sincere kindness during the most difficult period of his life.

•Images from the Past:
In his youth, as Crown Prince of Xianle, Xie Lian also favored white monastic robes. During the Lantern Festival, he donned sacred ritual attire:
a white outer layer symbolized holiness, a red layer beneath symbolized divinely bestowed authority, and a golden circlet in his hair symbolized the monarch's strength. The image combined masculine and feminine elements, reflecting Xianle's belief in the divine balance of yin and yang. During his first ascension, Xie Lian wore luxurious robes, changing them frequently, and owned many ornate belts and swords, which he had a particular fondness for.

•Demons and Ghosts:
Faceless Bai (unrivaled) — the great disaster "White-Robe Troublebringer".

He Xuan (unrivaled) — Demon of the Black Waters Xuan, the great disaster "Black Water Shipwreck".

Qi Rong (fierce) — Green Demon, the great disaster "Green Lantern Wandering in the Night".

Xuan Ji (fierce) — Pei Ming's former lover.

Banyue (fierce) — Councilor of the Banyue State.

Ke Mo (fierce) - former general of the Banyue army.

God of the Brocade Robe (fierce) — the cursed robe containing Bai Jinya's soul.

Bai Jin (fierce) — General Xuli, who became the Deity of the Brocade Robe.

Lan Chang (cruel) — mother Tso Tso, formerly Jiang Lan of Xianle.

Tso Tso (evil) - the spirit of Jiang Lan's unborn child.

Wild Slaves - a type of evil spirit.

Butcher Zhu - a vendor in the Ghost City.

Lan Ying - the nephew of the elder Lan Ying, who became a demon.

Fertilizer Man - a prisoner of the Banyue demons buried alive.

Vapid-Talk God - a pest demon who haunted Shi Qingxuan.

Half-Faced Demoness - a type of evil spirit
Puppeteer - a type of evil spirit.

Rong Guang - a former comrade of Pei Ming, whose soul possessed his broken sword.

•Other:
Emperor Xianle - former ruler of Xianle, Xie Lian's father.

Empress Xianle - former ruler of Xianle, Xie Lian's mother.

Mei Nianqing - Advisor to Xianle, Xie Liang's mentor.

Xiaoying - resident of a village near Mount Yujunshan.

Xiaopeng - resident of a village near Mount Yujunshan.

A-Zhao - resident of the Banyue region, caravan guide.

Tiansheng - resident of the Banyue region, caravan driver.

Anle - Prince of Xianle, a representative of one of the branches of the Xianle imperial house.

Guzi - son of the man whose body was captured by Qi Rong.

Zhu An - junior monk of Huangji Monastery in Xianle.

Lan Ying - resident of Xianle, the first emperor of Yunnan province.

Black Ox - Rain Queen Yushi Huang's assistant.

Farmer - An unnamed resident of Yong'an who gave Xie Lian a hat.

•Main Characters:
Xie Lian (Crown Prince Xianle) - the thrice-ascended god of war, the Trash God, the spirit of pestilence, the legend "The Crown Prince Who Pleased the Gods".

Hua Cheng — the unrivaled demon prince, the great calamity "Flower Seeker Under the Bloody Rain".

•Celestials:
Jun Wu (Supreme God of War / Lord Shenwu) - the leader of the Celestials.

Feng Xin (Perfected Lord of Nanyang) — the god of war of the southeast, Xie Lian's former subordinate.

Nan Feng - "Junior Palace Official of Nanyang".

Mu Qing (Perfected Lord of Xuanzhen) — the god of war of the southwest, Xie Lian's former subordinate.

Fu Yao - "Junior Palace Official".

Pei Ming (Perfected Lord of Mingguang) — God of War of the North, one of the Three Tumors, former general of the state of Xiuli, legend of "The General Who Broke the Sword".

Pei Su - Junior Palace Servant of Mingguang.

Lan Qianqiu (Perfected Lord of Taihua) - God of War of the East.

Quan Yizhen (Perfected Lord of Qiying) - God of War of the Northwest.

Nangong Jie (Perfected Lord of Lingwen) — First God of Literature, one of the Three Tumors.

Shi Qingxuan (Wind Lord Qingxuan) - God, Lord of the Air, brother of Shi Wudu, legend of "The Young Master Pouring Wine".

Shi Wudu (Water Lord Wudu) - God, Lord of the Water, brother of Shi Qingxuan, one of the Three Tumors.

Yushi Huang (Rain Lord Huang) - god, ruler of the element of rain, former princess of the state of Yushi, the legend of "The Princess Who Cut Her Own Throat".

Ming Yi (Earth Lord Yi) - god, ruler of the element of earth.

Yin Yu (His Highness Yinyu) - former god of war of the west.

Jian Yu — former junior servant of Yinyu's palace.

Perfect Lord Jingwen - former first god of literature, predecessor of Lingwen.