NovelPantheon

Cheng Jun

Powerful minister and cavalry commandermiddle Star CondensationGrand Court of Revision

Cheng Jun is a feared minister of the Tianhai Divine Empress, ranked directly beneath Zhou Tong among the officials popularly called the Eight Tigers. (Chapters 608 and 611)

Biography

The failed ambush

As leader of the redcoated cavalry, Cheng Jun drives the search for Chen Changsheng with methods so harsh that he considers the loss of a finger insufficient proof of commitment and would demand an arm from his own men. When Chen attacks Zhou Tong's courtyard, Cheng hides in the shadows and waits while the stronger combatants exhaust one another. The courtyard's destruction exposes him, and he prepares a magical artifact for a sneak attack after judging Chen nearly spent. Chen notices the intent and recalls thousands of sword glows, piercing Cheng through and killing him before the ambush can begin. (Chapters 617–622)

Appearance and personality

Cheng Jun has an inverted-triangle face, drooping nose, and thin lips, features the narration presents as loathsome. He is punitive toward subordinates and opportunistic in battle: he remains hidden through danger, panics when defenses fail, then attempts to strike a wounded victor. (Chapters 611 and 617–622)

Abilities and cultivation

Cheng Jun is a middle-level Star Condensation expert. He can conceal himself effectively in shadows, raise his cultivation suddenly, and hold his palms like metal shields while escaping. These defenses are inadequate against Chen's massed sword recall, which attacks from many directions and leaves him no time to deploy the artifact at his waist. (Chapters 618–622)

Relationships

  • Zhou Tong: Cheng serves beneath Zhou Tong within the machinery of political repression and witnesses Chen defeat him. (Chapters 617–622 and 718–719)
  • Chen Changsheng: Cheng tries to exploit Chen's exhaustion after the fight with Zhou Tong, but Chen kills him with the returning sword glows. (Chapter 622)
  • Tianhai Divine Empress: Cheng's power and reputation derive from being one of the ruthless ministers trusted by the Empress. (Chapters 608 and 611)

Items

  • Unidentified magical artifact: Cheng reaches toward an artifact at his waist for a sneak attack, but is killed before he can draw or activate it. (Chapter 622)