Zhao Xionglin

Zhao Xionglin is a powerful heavenly marquis whose public attacks on Bai Xiaochun's legitimacy as inspections commissioner lead to prolonged humiliation and retreat. (Chapters 772–848)

Biography

Opposition to the Inspections Commissioner

Zhao Xionglin confronts Bai Xiaochun as one of the strongest heavenly marquises, expecting rank and court consensus to let him berate the new inspections commissioner. Bai turns each insult into an implied attack on the Grand Heavenmaster and backs the rhetoric with corpse troopers Zhao cannot defeat. Forced to participate in Bai's staged declarations, Zhao publicly calls an ordinary soul a deva soul and accepts it while privately furious. He later hides in seclusion, but Bai visits the Zhao Clan daily and uses the dispute to keep pressure on him. Zhao briefly celebrates rumors of Bai's downfall, then abruptly forbids discussion and retreats again when the apparent threat returns. His last mention preserves fear rather than reconciliation. (Chapters 772–810 and 828–848)

Appearance and personality

Zhao is described indirectly as tough-looking and is known for a booming voice. He is proud, blunt, and slow to recognize rhetorical traps, but becomes highly cautious once Bai's political and military leverage is undeniable. The corpus does not give a more detailed appearance or private history. (Chapters 772–776 and 828–845)

Abilities and cultivation

Zhao ranks among the strongest heavenly marquises, yet judges that he cannot defeat one hundred corpse troopers, much less Bai's full thousand. No cultivation realm, named technique, weapon, or individual battle feat is supplied, so his exact combat mechanics remain unknown. (Chapters 772–776)

Relationships

• Bai Xiaochun: Political enemy who repeatedly turns Zhao's words and clan position against him.
• Grand Heavenmaster: Authority whose appointment of Bai makes Zhao's criticism dangerous.
• Chen Haosong: Heavenly duke who restrains the confrontation when Zhao's anger escalates.